0207: The Vampire's Daughter

Mina continued to look at Susan for a few moments before turning to
Sin, who had snuggled up to Sol again, and said, "Sin, please leave us."

"But I'm having fun pestering the gay one," Sin said.

"Sin, I need you to go inventory the costumes."

"If you'll excuse me," Sin said, standing up and walking to the door,
"I have to go inventory the costumes."

Mina looked over at Susan, who was intently watching the vampire. It
was as if they were talking to each other without speaking, further
confusing Sol. He didn't understand why this powerful vampire had
taken such an interest in a little girl. Sure Susan was special, but
it seemed overdone.

"Is that what you did to Mary?" Sol asked.

Looking at him, Mina simply said, "Yes."

"Your skills are quite developed, I could sense you probing my mind
while you were still, um, occupied."

"I've had a great deal of time to hone my skills. And I am of the
four."

"So you are proof that the four exist," he replied with a chuckle.

"They most certainly do," Mina said, walking over to a chair across
from Sol and sitting. "I have to apologize for Sin. She is quite an
enjoyable companion because of her playfulness and spontaneity, but she
hasn't yet learned that there are times and places when you must
contain yourself."

"She didn't bother me. It was unfortunate, however, that she forced me
to watch you while you were, well, indisposed. That's not something I
could allow Susan to watch."

"I guess that explains why she's made herself comfortable at my desk."

"Yes, if you would allow me to turn the monitor off, she could come and
join me on the couch."

"I like sitting at the desk," Susan chimed in, "the chair spins. See."
She spun herself around for them.

"She's fine where she is," Mina said. "So what brings you here?"

"I wanted to meet you."

"So, here I am. You must know that Sabastian and I have come to an
agreement that I won't bother him and he won't bother me?"

"I'm generally aware of that agreement, yes."

"Although he excluded you and Mary from that, he explicitly included
the girl. I'm intrigued that you brought her."

"I wanted to come," Susan interrupted.

"Did you. Why?" Mina asked.

"To help Sol like I helped Sabastian."

"I see." Turning to Sol, Mina asked, "So, now that we've met, what do
we do?"

"We talk about Thomas," Sol said.

"I assume Sabatian explained why I am in the New World?"

"Yes, you are here to watch Thomas."

"So what did you want to discuss?"

"He betrayed my trust. Although I am of his blood, I want you to know
that I will do nothing to help him."

"It doesn't appear that Thomas is very good at fostering loyalty. If
you won't help him, will you help me?"

"I won't hinder you."

"I think that's acceptable," Mina said. Then turning to Susan, she
asked, "Are we done?"

"Yeah."

Sol was completely confused by the exchange and asked, "Why did you ask
her that?"

[The Vampire’s Daughter: An ongoing vampire story. Copyright Reuben
Gregg Brewer, 2005, 2006. All rights reserved.]