AFTER I HANG UP, IT TAKES A MINUTE TO GALVA-NIZE myself into action. The resentment I feel, toward Frey for not simply telling me everything when I was at his house instead of giving me that damned book and toward Williams for letting me blunder off to meet Sandra without a warning, takes some swallowing. I want to call Williams, confront him because I will never believe he didn't know about the toxin. The question is why he wouldn't tell me about it. He's always looking for ways to draw me into the fold. Or to scare me.

I trudge upstairs and into the shower, head still spinning with possibilities.

There could be other reasons he might not tell me.

One terrible reason. Frey asked a very important question: if it is Avery, who else might he target to get back at me? He already went after David. Would my family be next? Might Williams let that happen? Might he see that as a way to sever the last links I have with humanity? Or might it be that Williams is sick of our sparring and wants to be rid of me once and for all? Let me tangle with the were, get bitten, and watch me die. Either way, his problem is solved. We began as enemies; maybe we've come full circle.

By the time the front doorbell rings, promptly at nine, I've showered, changed, but am far from ready. I'm sick with the implications of Williams' treachery and know I have to confront him. But right now, I open the door to find David talking on his cell, a stupid grin on his face. He rings off and slips the phone into his jacket.

"Tamara," he says, though I didn't ask. "We've moved our date up to four. Going back to the cabin. I'm going to cook her dinner."

"Four? That's pretty early. I do have things to do today, you know."

He looks down at me. "You said you'd stay with Gloria. You owe me this, remember?"

Shit. I grab my jacket and purse from the back of the couch. I do owe him. My timetable got moved up: Call Jason, see my dad, find that damned talisman without being attacked and bitten by a werewolf. Go after Williams. All in time to make sure Sandra and her crew are out of town before 4:00 p.m.

Bloody piece of cake.