Page 51 of The Vampire and the Barista

“Hey Dave,” he called as he got to the bottom of the stairs.

Dave looked up and smiled. “Good, you’re here, now you can tell me what’s going on. Max said a weirdo was stalking you.”

Jamie pulled out the chair next to him and sat down.

“Well, I’m not sure if he’s stalking me, Ivan or both of us. But let me tell you everything,” and he did.

Dave's mouth dropped open. “Seriously?”

Jamie nodded. “And tomorrow we’re off to the asylum to look around and see what we can find.”

“That sounds scary and fun, but why not just capture this Derrick chap and talk to him?”

“That sounds sensible, but I think they’re hoping to find some old patient records and see how mad this Derrick chap actually is, and how he is still alive.”

“I would say completely nuts to be honest, and Adrian’s going?”

Jamie nodded and grinned. “It was his idea. He looked excited at the prospect. Kevin and Ian, the wolves we met today, are coming along as well. I secretly think they just want a day not focusing on the organisation, and having fun in a mental asylum.”

Dave laughed. “That’s probably more like it. Those wolves never miss out on adventure time. What did you think of the school?”

“It looks good, and there are already a couple of human children there. The four of them can start after half term, so the week after next.”

“That’s one less thing to worry about then,” Dave said. “We have time before dinner, let’s have a look at the shelves and see if we can find anything on prolonging human lives, that doesn’t include mating, spells, curses or demons.”

“Yep,” Jamie said, jumping up. “Fingers crossed he’s not alive because of a weird scientist’s experiment.”

“With everything I’m learning about this world, nothing would surprise me.”

Seth walked into his office and, sitting behind his desk, called David. He answered on the first ring.

“Seth, how are things?”

“We're following up on leads and still searching properties. But that’s not why I called. You remember that lunatic from Ivan’s past? He’s still alive and stalking Ivan and Jamie.” He went on and told David everything. “So the wolves will join us tomorrow as they’ll have FOMO otherwise.”

“I’ll send Cairo and Troy back to help. I think we all need space from Troy.”

“He loves you too, bossman,” Seth teased.

David grumbled down the phone.

“What’s new on your end?”

“Still trawling through everything. A captain of the guards was involved in this as well. The General is not a happy man.”

“I can imagine.”

“Indeed. Be safe tomorrow and let me know how you get on.”

“Will do, chat tomorrow.” And with that, they hung up.

Seth checked his emails and, firing off instructions to others, decided he needed to check on Jack and Spencer. He still couldn’t believe he had a son, or indeed Gio, back in this life. He sent another prayer of thanks to whoever is listening.

He walked outside and had a look around until he saw the children kneeling beside Gio as he explained something to them. He hurried over to join them.

“Now, Karl, attach the red lead here,” Gio pointed out, and Seth saw Karl secure the lead where directed.

Seth watched as Gio pulled his phone out and tapped something. He felt his phone vibrate and pulled it out of his pocket to look, smiling when he read the message.