Why on earth is she here? How had the poppy dust lost its potency so quickly? “Widow Lucas, what a lovely surprise,” Violet said, sounding less than pleased. “I’m sure I’m speaking for us all when I say we do appreciate your concern. However, as I’m sure you can see…” She pointed at the sky. “…the moon is not full. It’s not Wolfstime.” “It’s full enough. The wolves are out, and the bunch of you are nothing but tasty little appetizers in their eyes. Especially you.” She briefly pointed her weapon at a pudgy boy named Gregory Oliver. “Being out here in the forest is downright foolish! Now, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll scoot on home and stay there until sunrise. And you’ll stay there every night all week, until Wolfstime has passed.” Having said her piece, Granny lowered her weapon just a hair. I exhaled in relief, hoping the worst was behind us. But the relief, however slight, was short-lived, because Florence stepped forward and said, “With all due respect, Widow Lucas, we have every right to be here.”
