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Dewey shrugged, his paws facing the ceiling. “But the fact remains I’m a researcher.”

Paige crinkled her brow and leapt from her seat. She sidestepped to the plaque on the wall, poking a finger at it. “This doesn’t say researcher. It says Librarian!”

Dewey clasped his paws together in his lap. “Well, I can’t exactly waltz out of here, can I?”

Paige skulked back to her chair and collapsed into it. She sank her chin into her palm. “But…if you don’t, we can’t solve this.”

“Of course we can,” Dewey said, hopping from the chaise and launching himself into the air. “But we can’t without research.”

Paige leapt up behind him and followed. He circled around the tower as she descended the stairs.

“Yes, your research is vital and invaluable, especially for me since I’m brand new. Yesterday I didn’t know werewolves exist. I’m running to catch up here.”

Dewey nodded as they reached the floor. They traveled through the shelves toward the BookTron. “I’ll make sure to get as much done tonight as possible so you can get an early start tomorrow.”

“This will take you all night,” Paige said, gathering two more books into her arms as Dewey struggled to lift one.

Paige lifted it for him, handing a lighter book off to him, and they began their return trip.

“Likely, yes. Don’t worry. I have plenty of coffee and cookies.”

Paige mounted the stairs as Dewey flew up next to her. She shot him an unconvinced glance.

“I’m used to it. The former librarian preferred the notes be on his desk in the morning.”

Paige slid the two books she carried onto the stack. “I know you don’t need it, but my offer still stands. We could get a pizza and work on it together. I’m starving. We missed lunch and it’s already five.”

Dewey hovered as he slowly slid his book on top of the stack. He froze, his eyes still on the books below him.

He slid his gaze sideways to Paige. “Pizza?”

Paige winced and shoved her glasses up her face nervously. “Yeah, you know, dough with tomato sauce. They sprinkle cheese on top and whatever toppings you’d like, and–“

“Yes, I know what pizza is, Paige,” Dewey said with a roll of his eyes.

She flung her arms out. “Well, I didn’t know. You were acting like you didn’t know what a pizza was!”

“I was not,” he insisted. “I was just wondering if you were willing to order from Cheesy Does It. I really like their breadsticks.”

“You’ve had them?” Paige asked. “They’re the best! They’re addictive! I ate an entire order myself once!”

Dewey rubbed his chin before poking a finger at Paige. “Better order two breadsticks.”

“Deal,” Paige said with a nod. “What toppings do you like?”

“I’m not too picky,” Dewey answered as he flew across the room to retrieve a notebook and pen.

“Come on. You have to like something more than other things.”

“Well, I prefer mushrooms and green peppers. I don’t mind pepperoni, either.” He tossed his notepad onto the table near the chaise. “Please, no anchovies. And nothing odd like pineapple.”

Paige wagged a finger in the air. “People who eat pineapple on pizza should be jailed.”

Dewey chuckled. “Gosh, I haven’t had a pizza in such a long time. Ronnie ordered me one once for my birthday with the breadsticks. I’ve never forgotten the taste.”

Paige arched an eyebrow and placed her hands on her hips. “Well, get ready to remember the best birthday of your life. I’ll order it as soon as I get back. I’m just going to run home and feed Dickens.”

“Your cat?”