Simon started with the first one on his mind. "When were you turned?"
"Three weeks ago."
Three weeks. Christ.
"Your maker?"
"Gone." Charlie's voice went flat. "He was drunk. Thought it would be funny, I guess. Bit me in an alley and left."
Simon felt his hands curl into fists. Whatever he thought of vampires, there were lines. You didn't just turn someone and abandon them. You taught them to hunt, to feed, to control their abilities. You didn't leave them drinking cherry syrup in a convenience store break room.
"You don't know anything," Simon observed.
"I know I need blood. I know sunlight hurts. I know I'm stronger and faster than before." Charlie's laugh had a hysterical edge. "I also know I can't use any of it properly and blood makes me pass out, so I'm basically the world's most useless vampire."
Simon rubbed his face. This was ridiculous. He was a hunter. The Organization's best. He had over a hundred kills. He did not feel bad for vampires.
He definitely didn't feel exasperated on their behalf.
"Someone reported you as Charlie Dracul," Simon said. "Multiple murders. Warehouse full of victims. Ring any bells?"
Charlie's eyes widened. "What? No! I've never… I work retail! The most violent thing I've done is argue with the slushie machine!"
Either Charlie was an incredible actor, or someone had played Simon.
In any case, Simon needed to get to the bottom of this.
"I can't let you roam free," he said finally. "You're coming with me."
Chapter
Nine
Before Charlie could process what Simon had said, he heard footsteps approaching in the hallway. Mr. Denton was returning.
A second later, he appeared in the doorway, grumbling. “I’ll just have to do everything by myself again. You good to get home?"
"I'm taking him," Simon said before Charlie had a chance to answer.
Mr. Denton looked between them. "Aren't you the guy who came 'round here asking about him earlier?"
"It was a prank. We're cousins."
The store manager eyed the hunter skeptically. "Cousins?" he repeated.
"Distant cousins," Simon said.
Charliehadto speak up. "I don't?—"
"He can barely stand," Simon cut in, gesturing at him. "I'll make sure he gets home safe."
Mr. Denton shrugged. "Fine by me. Make sure you get better, Charlie."
After that, Charlie followed Simon out because what else was he going to do? Argue with the hunter who'd already tracked him down twice? In front of his boss?
Outside, the parking lot was mostly empty except for a few cars and?—
"No," Charlie said, stopping dead at the sight of the motorcycle Simon was leading him to. "Absolutely not."
