Free WereWoman by Piers Anthony Page B

had encountered Mena, and was plainly interested. Delle and Donald seemed curious where this was leading.
    â€œOh, my,” Donald said as I lost my penis and grew breasts.
    â€œA Succuba!” Delle said, alarmed. Obviously she understood the nature of Succubi, and wanted no part of it.
    â€œNot so,” Nonce said. “This is not sexual. That is, it’s a change of gender, sex being no necessary part of it.”
    I completed my Change. “I am a WereWoman,” I said. “I am Mena, who does interviews that Phil can’t manage. Will you do your magic now?”
    Delle’s mouth worked for half a sentence before she got it in gear. “I think I have to. Obviously you’re not looking lasciviously at me. But my magic doesn’t compare to that. I make Penny Curses.”
    Nonce laughed. “Those can be fun. But they cost more than a penny.”
    Delle brought out a penny. “They are cursed pennies, not curses sold for pennies. Give one to a person in Change and he will suffer minor bad luck until its limited power is expended. Drop one into a vending machine and it will likely jam. Put one in a shoe, and that shoe will trip over something. Put it in a hat, and the wearer will have uncomfortable thoughts for a while. It’s strictly minor magic. I’m not a high power Witch.”
    â€œMake one for me, please,” I said.
    Delle focused on the penny. It glowed, then faded. And I read her Name and essence. She was indeed innocent, in more than one sense; she was a virgin.
    â€œYou’re clear,” I said. I turned to Donald, mildly bemused to find him studying me with clinical rather than sexual interest. Had he not been gay, my phenomenal bare body would have stirred him. “Do you have an old-fashioned alibi for four nights ago, when Standish met his end?”
    He winced, remembering his lover. “I was home with Delle. I don’t know if that counts; of course she would cover for me.”
    â€œOf course,” I agreed. “But now I know she is pristine.” I turned back to Delle, who was coloring faintly, recognizing the allusion to her virginity. “Do you confirm that he was home with you?”
    â€œYes,” she said with complete sincerity.
    â€œAnd I believe you. I have read your mind and know you speak truly.”
    â€œSo we’re both clear,” Donald said, relieved.
    â€œYou are. We regret having to put you through this, but we have to run down the murderer.”
    â€œYes you do,” Donald agreed with feeling.
    â€œWe understand,” Delle said. Then: “In this form, Mena—do you ever—? ”
    â€œHave sex with a man? I did once, to make sure I really could do it. But I’m still a heterosexual man inside. I retched, after. There’s no art to it. What sensible woman would ever want to have sex with a man? They’re clumsy, sweaty, and disgusting, and the moment they get what they want, brupppt! They’re gone.”
    Nonce was stifling laughter, and Donald was also amused. But Delle was reassured. “I think I like you, Mena. Maybe we could be friends.”
    She was lonely; that was another thing I had read in her. But she was a nice person. Could Mena have friends that Phil didn’t? Why not. “Maybe after we nail the murderer,” I agreed.
    â€œThat would be nice. Here’s your penny.” She handed it to me. “But about sex with a man. I’ve never done it, but I would be glad to if I found the right man. I don’t see men as disgusting, and I wouldn’t care how he looked, as long as he truly cared for and appreciated me.”
    â€œDelle would date a Goblin if he were sincere,” Donald said. I realized that he wasn’t joking. He knew what a sincere and giving person she was.
    â€œI have done so,” Nonce said. “Goblins aren’t bad when you allow for their taciturn nature. They are also rich, and can be generous if