The Protectors

Barbara sat next to Troy on a sofa in her living room with the notes on her lap.

“Sorry to have you come over,” she said. “But this is crucial if I’m going any further on this project. “

She tapped the notes.

“Why? Can’t you figure out what he was doing?”

“Oh, I know what he was trying to do all right. That’s why you’re here.”

“Okay. Let’s have it.”

“He was trying to manipulate the genetic structure of one kind of gene into another kind. What’s interesting is that he wasn’t working on guinea pigs or lab rats.”

“Really. What then?”

“It’s on subjects that seem to have both human and animal genes. He apparently  wanted to create a serum to eliminate the animal DNA and make it completely human.”

“Can you do that?”

“Yes, I can. But I won’t until I know what this is about.”

“What do you need to know?”

“I have to know the purpose, know how it’s going to be used.”

“Can’t you make an exception?”

Barbara shook her head. “Absolutely not. And you’re out of line in asking me to. I won’t do it unless I know how it’s applied. It’s dangerous and unethical.”

Troy stood and paced. He started to speak, then stopped. He looked at her. “Barb, this is very important.”

“Tell me why.”

Troy sat back down and took a deep breath. “All right. If that’s the only way. It’s going to be hard to believe. But you’ve got to.”

Barbara crossed her arms and stared at him.

“Have you heard about wolves protecting people?” Troy asked.

“Yes. But those were terrified people. They can hallucinate.”

“So, you don’t believe in werewolves.”

“In someone’s imagination maybe. But that’s about it.”

“No, Barb, they do exist, and I can prove it.”

“How?”

“I’m … I’m one of them. A werewolf.”

“What’s this about, Troy? Why are you doing this? Werewolf. Cut it out.”

“Barb, please listen. I’ll show you if you want.”

“Show me what? There’s no way …”

“Yes, there is. I’m going to transform. Now, control yourself. This is going to be scary. But don’t panic. I’d never hurt you.”

“There better be a punchline coming, Troy. This is getting out of hand. I’m a scientist, not a fool.”

“Then, you’ll have to believe your own eyes. You’ll see for yourself. Remember, stay calm.”

Barbara’s eyes bulge and she puts her hand over her mouth as Troy transformed. She gasped.

Troy approached her slowly, submissively.

Barbara sucked in her breath. “Oh my god!”

She jumped up and backed away from him. Troy stepped back, then slowly toward her again. Barbara stiffened and looked away. Troy brushed past her, then turned and licked her hand.

She screamed. “No! No, don’t … don’t touch me! Stay away.”

Barbara stared at him, eyes still protruding. She collapsed on the couch. Troy went to human form and stepped to her. He ran his fingers through her hair. Barbara’s eyes fluttered, then opened. She saw Troy and turned away. Troy caressed her face, but she pushed him away and Troy stood back.

“I’m sorry. Can I do anything?”

Barbara shook her head. “No. Just let me catch my breath and calm down.”

“Okay. Can I get you something? Water? Some wine or a brandy?”

She pushed herself up to sit. She took a deep breath and rubbed her temples.

“Do you want me to leave?”

“Maybe … I mean … no, no. I’ll be all right. Just give me a few minutes to relax.”

Barbara’s eyes fixed on Troy as if he were a cobra ready to strike. They sat silently for a few moments.

“I’m sorry. But I had to show you or you’d never have believed me.”

“Good lord. I’m still not sure I believe it. I don’t want to.”

“Try to calm yourself. You’re in no danger. You know that, don’t you?”

Barbara nodded. “Yes. Yes, I do.”

“Feeling any better?”

“A little. But I’m trembling.”

“You’re still stunned.”

Barbara lowered her head and rubbed the back of her neck, then looked up at Troy.

“How did it happen? Were you bitten by a werewolf?”

“Not that I know of. And I think I’d remember that. It just happened about eight years ago.”

“Are you …?”

“Yes. I’m one who helps people.”

“Why? What makes you do it?”

“Sit back and I’ll tell you all about it.”