I quit eavesdropping and motioned for Dennis to follow me downstairs. Sean joined us along the way. Uncle Tom stopped talking and pointed toSean the second we arrived.
“You. You bound my daughter so you’re getting the same talk as… Dennis, right?”
Dennisnodded and sat on the larger couch. I hopped into Ari’s lap instead of following him. She grunted and shoved me to the floor, so I got comfortable on the soft carpet at her feet while Sean took a seat beside Dennis. Both were far from my uncle, who was seated and staring them down.
“Dad,stop. They’re both really nice.”
“We’ll see about that. I guessI’ll explain everything,”Uncle Tom started. I clapped and hopped up to sit onDennis’ other side.“Before I explain, how old are you two?”
“We’re both twenty-three,”Sean said.
“Actually?”
“Actually,” Sean confirmed, much to my uncle’s relief.
“Where do you live?”
“On the other side of town. About ten minutes away,”Dennis answered this time.“We live together with one other roommate.”
“Why don’t either of you live alone?”
“We like having roommates.”Sean shrugged.“We’re all close friends from college.”
“What is your degree in?”
“BusinessAdministration.”
“And yours?”Uncle Tom turned to Dennis.
“I have two. Psychologywith a specialization in Abnormal Psychology, and Forensic Science. Plus a minor in Criminology.”
“Hm.”Uncle Tom couldn’t hide the fact that he was impressed. “What do you plan to do with those?”
“I haven’t decided yet.”
“And you?” He looked at Sean.
“I plan to open my own bar one day.”
“Okay. I like it.” Uncle Tom was nodding in approval.“Tell me why you bound my daughter.”
“Weren’t you gonna tell us how you know aboutvampires?”I playedinnocent, but really I was saving Dennis and Sean right now. It was time to derail this interrogation.
“Yeah,”Ari joined in on my plan.“Tell us? We’re dying of suspense.”
“I guess it’s about time I come clean.”Uncle Tom sighed.“Thing is, I can’t.” He laughed his boisterous laugh. “I’ll tell you right now, I know about vampires. But I can’t tell you why or how.”
“No fair,” Ari said. “You’re interrogating everyone and you won’t tell usanything? Like nothing at all?”
He sighed and rubbed his temples. “Fine. I’ll tell you this much: we live here for a reason, these murders aren’t a coincidence, I’m relieved Emy’s a vampire, and no, I won’t say why or what I do. That’s all you get from me. I mean it.” He gave us a stern look. “Back to you two,” he changed focus to the guys, “why did you each decide to bind my niece and my daughter? You first.”Hewaited for Sean to answer.
“It’s hard to explain.”Sean’s eyes fell on Ari.“I didn’t do it until I had her full permission. Which she didn’t give until it was for her safety. So safety, I guess.”
Uncle Tom thought long and hard beforedeciding it was acceptable.“I know what’s been going on here lately. I think safety is a good reason. What about you?”He turned to Dennis right ashis phonebegan to ring. He glanced at the screen.“It’s your aunt,”hetold Ari. My stomach lurched.
“My mom?”I asked.
“No,” he said quickly.“Not Debbie, it’s Helen. I was talking to both of you.”He slid a finger across the screen.“Hello?”
