"That would be really helpful," Ed says quickly. "A cross-check, I mean. If there are any reports of werewolf activity in the city we'd like to know."
"Right," Bates swivels in his chair to face his computer and hammers on the mouse until the screens light up...
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Twenty minutes later the check is complete.
He doesn't find much. In fact, you're pretty sure the stuff he does find is worse than useless. Noise complaints about a dog that keeps barking, a few people reporting gangs of 'well-muscled youths' stalking the streets, and a paw print spray-painted onto a post box..
Bates at least seems to know he's handed you a whole crock of shit.
"Sorry. It is what it is. Like I said, werewolves aren't exactly common in the cities."
"That's fine," Ed says. "At least we tried." He smiles. Because of course he does. This guy would kill you if he knew what you were, but still, somehow Ed finds it in him to smile. "Thanks so much for your help."
"You still owe me fifty bucks," Bates reminds him.
"Sure," Ed pulls his wallet out and produces a single fifty dollar note.
Bates tests it between his fingers before shoving it deep into his pocket. "Okay. You two heading off then?"
"I think so. We have business elsewhere."
Aka, telling the Alpha that you found nothing. Not a fucking thing. The stray lived here alone, somehow. Or maybe she lied and she was as new to the city as you. Or maybe this hunter isn't worth shit. It doesn't matter.
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