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"I wouldn't sleep with a fat person under normal circumstances, but this wasn't a normal situation. In fact everything since the night Thomas killed my clan has been abnormal," Mary said to Sol, visibly upset.

"Yes. It must be hard on you. We're all adjusting," Sol replied. "I'm sorry I upset you. What's Mina's establishment like?"

"It's O.K., Sol, I'm just out of sorts today.

"Mina's got the place wired with cameras. Each room, Sin, one of her children, said there were ten rooms, has multiple cameras. There's a control room where two of our kind monitor everything that goes on. Mina has her own private office where she can monitor everything, too.

"It's really quite impressive, actually. Even Tobias didn't go to the extremes that Mina has, and my sire had major control issues."

"And all of her children live at the brothel?" Sol asked.

"It seems as if they do. There are rooms in the basement where they live."

"Interesting. She has always been standoffish. My dealings with her were minimal, but Thomas always accorded her a great deal of respect. When Elizabeth took over the clan and the Tribunal, Mina reduced contact even further.

"At important meetings, she was always represented, but never present herself. I understand her concern about us being here, but her interest in us is far greater than I'd have expected."

"There's nothing to be afraid of, Sol," Mary said. "She's really quite nice and wants to help. I think you're reading into things far too much."

"Perhaps," he answered, "but it's my nature. Do you plan on going back?"

"Yes, I was going to get myself together and head over."

"Be careful, none of us really knows enough about Mina yet to trust her."

"Sol, I do know enough. I trust her. Everything will be fine."

"Just be careful. For my part, I'm going to head back to the city and see what I can find out," Sol said.

"What about Sabastian?" Mary asked.

"I was waiting for him, but it seems that he wants to spend the night with Susan. Even if he did come back, I probably couldn't persuade him to join me. Besides, I don't feel like waiting anymore."

"Are you going to see anyone in particular?"

"No, just some acquaintances."

"You're very secretive," Mary said. "And yet you question Mina."

"Too many years in the Enforcers, I guess. Regardless, I'm really just going to see what I can find out. I'm not looking for anyone or anything specific. I guess I'm just worried about my sire."

"Still loyal, how quaint," Mary mocked.

"Yes, I'm certain you know the bond that one feels with their sire. No matter what they are like, they are always a part of you."


[Copyright Reuben Gregg Brewer, 2005, 2006. All rights reserved.]
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