Chapter Seventeen: Lauren and Fred:

“Hold out your arms,” Fred commanded.

“Why?” Lauren asked.

“I have to get your measurements,” he said. “You’re going to need some new clothes. Along with some other things, of course.”

“Do I have to?” she asked.

“Yes!” the store owner insisted. Lauren sighed and rolled her eyes.

“Fine,” she said. The vampire held out her arms. Fred got right to measuring her the span of her arms.

“How exactly are you able to walk around in the sunlight without being burned?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” Lauren said. “I was just kidnapped and drugged. When I woke up, I was chained up and the sun was out. I tried to cover myself, but I realized that I wasn’t burning to death.”

“How did you get away?”

Lauren paused a took a member to think. “I don’t really remember. All I know is that I saw red and got violently hungry. The next thing I knew I was outside.”

“I see.” Fred measured around Lauren’s chest. “Tell me more.” The female vampire gave him a strange look.

“Tell you more?”

“Yes! There’s more to this story. Doyle made you sound so fascinating.”

Lauren narrowed her eyes. “What else did he tell you about me?”

“Not much,” Fred said. “Just that you needed a few things because you were on the run. Am I right?” Lauren puffed up her cheeks.

“Ah,” he said. “So I am right. Tell me what happened after you escaped.” Fred to the tape measure around the vampire’s waist. Lauren tried to keep still.

“I wanted around on streets feeling sick and really hungry,” she said. “I had no choice but to feed on whoever I could get my hands on.”

“What was the pain like?” Fred asked.

“Like I wanted to die. Like I hadn’t fed in decades.”

“I actually saw a sketch of you on the news. You’ve left quite a bloody mess in your wake. Tell me, how many did you kill?”

“I don’t know…”

“How many do you think you killed? Come on, take a guess.”

“I don’t know… Fifty or sixty. I have no idea.”

“Did they all scream?”

“Why are you asking me all of this?”

Fred chuckled. “Do forgive me. I do have a taste for blood, murder, and people dying.” He moved down to her leg. Lauren made an odd face as she nervously laughed. Who the hell was this guy? Fred took down the notes of her measurements.

“Perfect,” he said. “I have it all set for you. Now, what’s your favorite color?”

“Uh... I don’t really have a favorite,” she said.

“Well, what color do you like?” the store owner said. “Other than black. Black is out for you. Get another color.” Lauren took a moment to think.

“Dark blue?” she asked. Part of her hoped that this murder-loving weirdo would accept her answer. To her surprise, he broke into a huge grin.

“Perfect,” he said. “Great choice. Let’s see, some new clothes, a weapon for the time being until you get your skills back, and you will need plenty of blood. Doyle will cover the cost, of course.”

“I don’t get it,” she said. Fred looked over his shoulder.

“Get what?” he asked.

“Why do you do all of this for him?” Lauren asked. He smiled to himself as he rubbed the back of his head.

“Oh my dear,” he said. “Let’s just say I owe him big time.”

“Did he save your life or something?” she asked.

“For another time, my dear. For another time.” Fred disappeared into the back. Lauren looked at his back with her head cocked.

“Who the hell…?” she began to ask.

“Oh, Doyle told me he would be here to pick you up by night fall,” the store owner added. “I think it would be safe for you to stay here. The vampires may come out at night, but I don’t think you have an alibi ready to explain to the police if they do match you up to the sketch drawing, do you?” Lauren frowned with her eyes narrowed. As much as she hated to admit it, Fred did have a point.

“So… What am I supposed to do until then?” Lauren asked. The store owner took a minute to take.

“Why do you make yourself useful and build up on your skills as a vampire?” he offered.

“And how am I supposed to do that?” she asked.

“I have plenty of books on vampires in my office,” Fred said. “You can start there.” He walked into his work room and began his latest project. Lauren stood there, uncertain whether to laugh or cry about how this mess devolved into this.