"Perhaps it wasn't Jacob who told me about your father's collection of books on demonology, perhaps it was someone else." I hoped I sounded convincing but I suspect I came across like a flighty female. "The fact of the matter is, I have an interest in demons and I'm hoping you'll be kind enough to allow me to make use of your library to further my studies."
Culvert pushed his spectacles up his nose. "You're interested in demons?"
"Yes. It's a natural extension from my other activities, don't you think?"
His mouth twisted in thought. "I suppose so. Is there any demon in particular you want to study?"
"Shape-shifting demons."
He paused. "Well that's a coincidence."
"Why?"
"A book on shape-shifting demons was stolen from my library just last week."