A family dinner at George's place

"Well, I think it's an opportunity for us to get along with the local people. Maybe we could learn something more from George." From the perspective of solving the mysteries, you believed that accepting the invitation would be a good idea, "How about we go have dinner with them?"

"Sure. I don't mind." Fran smiled gently.

You called George and told him that you had decided to come tonight. He sounded happy and told you that he was just about to start preparing the dinner, and you were most welcome. You appreciated his hospitality.

When the sun just set, the two of you arrived at the book shop. You opened the door, and when the bell above you rang, a young lady wearing a black dress appeared in front of you. She was an Asian, with slightly paler skin and soft dark hair. Her deep black eyes with a mole under the left one, her rosy lips and her elegant smile captivated you immediately. You were too shocked to speak, let alone react.

"Honey! They're here!" The Asian lady spoke aloud before she reached out her hand, "You must be Mr. Wilson and Miss Evans. I'm May, George's wife. Nice to meet you."

"Yeah... Oh, I'm sorry..." It took you several seconds to collect yourself. And when you did, you felt awkward and shook hands with her, "Nice to meet you, too. Please, just call me James." Her skin is so soft... Looks like she's in her 20s... You almost lost yourself when you touched her hand.

"Fran. It's my pleasure." Your companion seemed surprised, too, as her body slightly trembled before she grabbed May's hand.

"It's been a long time since the last time we had dinner with guests. Please, come inside." May stepped to the side and invited you in with a generous smile, "George is cooking upstairs. We could wait in the reading room."

"Can I help? I know a thing or two in kitchens." You looked at the stairs behind the counter and asked.

"Please, just take a seat. George would scold me if I let guests do the cooking work." May waved her hand gently, "You two must have wandered around the town all day. Just have a rest, the dinner will be ready soon."

"Alright..."

You took back your offer and followed May into the reading room at the back of the shop. The room was surrounded by bookshelves. There were several sets of tables and chairs, and even a sofa, in the room. Sunlight from the setting sun slanted through the large window. The faint scent of old paper mixed with the smell of baked bread drifting from upstairs, making the whole space warm and cozy. You pulled out a chair by the window and sat down, while the ladies enjoyed the sofa.

"Do you run this book shop with George?" Fran curiously asked.

"Not exactly. George makes almost all the decisions about the shop, except for the furnishings. I picked them personally, and I insisted on having a sofa here." May looked around the room and smiled proudly. "I want whoever reads books to feel comfortable, to feel at home." She added.

"It really does feel like home here. So welcoming." You nodded in agreement while resting your elbow on the table.

"That's exactly what we want. The town's people don't like reading real books these days, and those that do are usually outsiders who are passing through the town. We hope they can slow down a little, feel less like a stranger, and experience more of our hospitality. We even allow people to stay here for the night." May looked mostly at you as she spoke.

"That's really nice." Fran casually lounged on the sofa.

"So, George told me that you're interested in the local folklore, right? About the wolves and the founders?" May handed each of you a glass of water, and changed the subject.

"Yes. I'm curious about it." You took a sip of water and replied.

"Well, I didn't expect an foreigner would be interested in those old stories, especially a young and handsome man like yourself." May tilted her head and held her cheek with her hand, and gave you a gentle smile, "The two of you are from Raven Harbour, no? It's a long way from home."

"How do you know?" Fran looked surprised, while you just frowned and became more cautious.

"The detective here is more famous than he thinks." May stared at you and it made you a little bit uncomfortable. "But you just moved to Raven Harbour this year, didn't you? I heard about your agency before. Where was it? Owl City?"

Hearing that name again shocked both you and Fran. You did not expect the wife of a book shop owner in a remote town to have knowledge of your career. Who was she? The atmosphere became tense as neither you nor Fran answered her questions. May did not seem to care. She just looked at you and smiled.

"Hello, guys! Dinner is served!"

George entered the room happily with a large plate in his hands holding the delicious dishes. He placed the steaks and salads on the table, and showed you to the seats. His entrance eased the tension in the room a little, as you and Fran stood up and walked towards the chairs.

"Grace's not home tonight, so it'll just be the four of us." George smiled as all of you sat down around the table, "I hope I didn't interrupt your conversation?"

"Honey, you wouldn't believe it." May gently grabbed her husband's hand and said excitedly. "James and Fran are actually from Owl City!"

"Really? What a coincidence!" George seemed excited, too, as he looked at you with his eyes glistening, "Grace used to go to college in Owl City. She kept writing to her best friend after graduation. I can't remember her name... But Grace told me that she hasn't heard from her since last Christmas."

You remained silent for a moment. Most of the civilians of Owl City were turned into vampires, and either killed by the hunters or destroyed in the missile strike. Grace's friend was probably one of them. But how could you tell them about that?

"Maybe she just moved to somewhere else and couldn't receive the letters. I'm sure she's fine." Fran replied in a shaking tone. She understood the situation as well as you did, and she decided to cover it up with a white lie.

"Yeah, I hope so, too." George smiled in relief.

But all of this was just weird. Why is May so sure that you and Fran are from Owl City? Why would she deliberately bring this up? You looked across the table and noticed that she was staring at you all this time. Why? What is she up to?

With all the doubts in your mind, you cut off a small piece of the juicy steak and had a taste. It was actually good, but you didn't have the mood to enjoy the delicious food anymore.

Fran and George exchanged their experiences on all kinds of things afterwards, from mixing drinks to traveling, while you and May remained silent and looked at each other most of the time. You tried to figure out what she was thinking, but she was really good at hiding her emotions. What was she hiding, though?

Something felt wrong and you have decided to find out what it was.