CHAPTER NINE – POLICE WORK

Laura's training took over. She dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the werewolf's slashing claws. As she scrambled to her feet, she grabbed the metal food tray from the bedside table, holding it in front of her like a shield. The werewolf snarled, circling her. Laura's mind raced, trying to find a way out of this impossible situation. The door was behind the creature, cutting off her escape route. She was trapped. "Help!" Laura shouted, hoping someone, anyone, would hear her. But the night shift was skeleton crew, and Mr. Foster's room was at the end of the hall. The werewolf lunged again, and this time, Laura wasn't quite fast enough. She felt a searing pain across her arm as one of its claws caught her. Warm blood trickled down her skin, and the creature's nostrils flared at the scent. Laura knew she couldn't keep this up much longer. Her eyes darted around the room, searching for anything she could use to defend herself. Her gaze landed on the IV stand next to the bed. In a de