“And what do you seek in a male?”
“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “Chemistry, obviously. But I’ve dated a wide range of guys. Smart, dumb, athletic, lazy. My biggest problem is I get bored.” I didn’t mention the one guy who got bored of me first and cheated. Cillian didn’t need to know my shame.
“Do I bore you?” he asked.
“I don’t know yet. This is probably the longest we’ve spent together and talked.”
“Fair point. I’ll be sure to dedicate more time to you. Soon as Christmas is over, I won’t be as busy.”
“What are you doing that’s got you so preoccupied?” I asked.
“Like Santa Claus, I spread goodwill and cheer.”
I snickered. “Sure, you do.”
“You don’t think I’m capable.”
“You’re a vampire.”
“And?”
“Vampires are never the good guys.”
“Judging us all because of our diet.” He shook his head. “I guess you’re also saying you’re now one of the bad guys.”
“I have killed two people,” I reminded.
“Who deserved it,” he stated.
“Doesn’t make it right.”
“Is it right that criminals are allowed to proliferate and cause harm to innocents?”
“No, but it’s up to cops to arrest them and not for me to take matters into my own teeth.” Yeah, I punned. He didn’t laugh.
“Law enforcement has been handcuffed by progressive activism that claims those who commit atrocities are just misunderstood victims.”
“Which is bullshit,” I agreed. “We need to enforce the laws.”
“Agreed. But why does it have to be the men in blue doing it?”
I pursed my lips. “You’re talking about vigilantism.”
“Also known as taking out the trash, permanently, thus costing taxpayers nothing.”
“You speak as if you’ve been doing this.” At his enigmatic smile, I exclaimed. “Holy shit, you’re like a vampire Batman. VampMan!”
He winced. “I prefer to think of myself as a good Samaritan. One who acts for the good of others without seeking or wanting praise. For example, my gift to the city this Christmas was uncovering and dismantling a criminal ring that was hooking teens on drugs.”
“You turned them into cops?”
“I killed those in charge and confiscated their funds, which I donated to a rehab center for young adults battling addiction.”
“Well, damn. I can’t believe you fight crime.”
“Not sure why it’s so hard to believe. It’s actually how I came across you. I had just finished dealing with a mugger who’d knocked down an elderly woman for her purse when I overheard your altercation with Gavin.”
“And came to my rescue.” I glanced at my hands tucked in my lap. “I don’t know if I ever said thanks for that.”
