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Sabastian stood on the porch and thought for a moment. He wasn't sure
when he was inside, but it was obvious now, having watched the car pull
away, that Mary's words were not necessarily her own. Mina had been
directing her.

Even after their interaction earlier in the evening Mina still wanted
to present herself as being friendly. Sabastian was certain that he
made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with Mina. Why was she
still trying to ingratiate herself? It worried him, as Susan, a child,
could easily be used as a pawn. He knew he couldn't protect her during
the day and a vampire as powerful as Mina was certain to have humans at
her disposal.

He would have to tell Claudia to be careful.

Sabastian was happy that he sensed Mina enough while talking to Mary to
come outside. He realized, however, that he was lucky this time. He
would have to be more vigilant in the future. Moreover, he could no
longer trust Mary. She would be harmless so long as her purpose was to
be Mina's embasador. How long that would last, though, was uncertain.

He stood outside for a few more minutes, noting that Sol was putting
Susan to bed. "Goodnight dear," he said out loud.

"Goodnight Sabastian," Susan said, bringing a smile to his face.

"Silly goose," Sol responded, "I'm not Sabastian."

"I know, I was saying goodnight to Sabastian. I'm not gonna say
goodnight to you until you read me a story."

"Oh, I see," Sol answered, and then asked her to pick a story, which he
then read her.

Sabastian listened to a few pages of the story and then went back
inside. In the living room Mary was sitting with her head in her hands.

"Are you O.K.?" he asked.

"Yes, my head just hurts, that's all."

"How long has this been going on?"

"It started to hurt just after you went outside."

"If I remember correctly, you woke up this evening not feeling quite
right, too."

"Yeah, bad night."

"Perhaps you should go to bed."

"I think you're right."

As she stood up to leave Sol came down and said, "Mary, you look like
hell."

"Thanks, see you tomorrow," she answered, as she walked past him.

"What's wrong with her?" Sol asked Sabastian.

"I am not certain. We can discuss it in a moment, for now, tell me
about your adventures."

"Not much to tell, really. I saw some old friends and spent the night
and day with Elizabeth."

"How is our sire?" Sabastian asked.

"Not very good I'm afraid."

"What do you mean by that?"

"She made me promise not to tell you, but I don't think anyone else can
help.

"Thomas is making life very difficult for her."

"I know that."

"Before I arrived he beat her and raped her in front of Night."

"Proving his dominance, I assume."

"Yes, but Elizabeth isn't taking it well. She's trying to put on a
facade of strength, but she is very fragile underneath.

"I can't do anything but listen. You could try to stop it."

"But she does not want me involved, you said as much before."

"I know, but if you don't get involved I'm afraid it'll get worse."

"I have one important thing in my life right now," Sabastian said.

"Susan," responded Sol.

"I cannot put her at risk by confronting Thomas any more than
necessary. Elizabeth is capable of handling her own problems."

"You still care for Elizabeth, as do I. I believe she needs help, but
I can't help her. Sabastian, please think about this."

"I will," he said. "But if it means putting Susan in harm's way, I
cannot do anything."

"I understand. Speaking of the child, she seemed awfully interested in
playing with me."

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