“Can you imagine the number of missing people if we did?” Cillian scoffed. “Being a vampire means being discreet, hence why we don’t drink to kill. Nor do we feed on people with any association to us, and most importantly, never bring your dinner home.”
“AKA don’t shit where you sleep,” I murmured.
“Crass, but accurate.”
The door shut and, despite Cillian not saying a word, a man suddenly appeared in an archway beyond which I saw a tile floor and cupboards.
“What is it, boss?” The square-jawed and very thick dude asked. I couldn’t help but be impressed he found a shirt that fit his ridiculously wide shoulders.
“There’s a body in the jalopy parked in the driveway. Please take care of it.” Cillian held out my keys.
“No problem, boss. I’ll send Gwen a poke to let her know she’s on duty.”
“Thank you, Randy.”
As the big man left, I asked, “Where’s he going to take it?”
“The river I imagine. It’s the best place to get rid of unwanted vehicles.”
“Wait, you’re trashing my car?” I squeaked.
“There was no other choice.”
“You can’t do that. I need it.”
Cillian fixed me with a stern gaze. “Did you know the person you killed?”
I nodded.
“Did you act in or around your domicile?”
“Yeah, but?—”
Cillian cut me off. “You foolishly fed on someone that could be traced to you. If the cops execute a warrant, they will find DNA evidence in your trunk and you will be arrested, which, in turn, will lead to people discovering your vampire secret, which would expose me.”
“Can’t we just bleach the trunk?”
“Getting rid of the vehicle is the only safe option.”
“I can’t afford to replace it, though. How will I get to work and buy groceries and stuff?”
“Seeing as you won’t be returning to your place of employment and you no longer have to purchase food, your argument is moot.”
“Excuse me, but not all of us are rich. I need a job to pay my bills,” I pointed out.
“And how will you work if you can only begin after dark?” he pointed out. “I will provide for you.”
“You’re going to pay my rent?” I meant to sound sarcastic but ended up lilting ore in surprise.
“No. You will vacate your apartment and live here.”
“With you?”
“It is my house,” his dry reply.
My lips pursed. “I don’t know if I like that idea. I’m used to having my own space.”
“I’d be surprised if your current abode is any bigger than the bedroom suite you’ve been assigned. You might not have noticed the last time you were here, but the blue suite has a comfortable sitting area with a television.”
