"There are two people in your life who are in reality one, and their deception goes deeper than you think."
I blinked. "What do you mean?"
She half shrugged. "What I see is not always clear. But I would suspect that a shape-shifter of some kind has entered your life."
"There is—he stole the first key. It's tracking the bastard that is proving the problem."
"Then perhaps you should start looking closer to home."
I frowned. "Are you saying it's a friend?"
She hesitated. "Acquaintance, perhaps. As I said, these things are not always clear."
Then I wished she hadn't mentioned it, because now I'd be looking at everyone suspiciously and suspecting the worse. But I forced a smile and said, "Thanks. I'll keep an eye out."
She nodded and, with one eloquent gesture, ushered me out of the building. But I was aware of her gaze as I ran down the steps, and it made my back itch. She knew more than what she'd said; of that much I was sure.
Azriel appeared near the bottom step. "You were successful?"
"Yes. Now we just need to plot our next move."
"Back to your apartment, then."
"No. I need to go see Aunt Riley. She's the expert in this sort of stuff. As much as I hate to do it, I think I need to bring her in rather than risk using only Tao and Carwyn."
"And once again, you do something thoroughly sensible. There is hope for you yet, I think."
I grinned. "Don't say that too loud. Wouldn't want the word getting around and spoiling my reputation."