Bless you for having good timing, Bob.

The cop holstered his weapon. He grabbed his radio as he peered at the busted back door. “I’ll call it in and we’ll look for the perp. Did you see his face?”

“No. He had his hat tugged low and it happened so fast. I was terrified.” She purposely tried to look confused and a little scared. “It’s a blur. I was just so freaked out.”

The fireman bent a little, frowning at the ground. “What is this?”

It was the gray, watery mess that had once been a Vampire. “Oh that. I saw it when I came out. I think someone must have burned some boxes or something. We get a lot of homeless who try to come back here to sleep. Sometimes they’ll burn stuff to keep warm or cook food. They climb the gates.”

The cop walked down the alley and the fireman returned inside. The fire alarm shut off. Bob approached her. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I can’t believe some thug tried to break into the bar.”

“I can. People are nuts.” Bob pulled her into a hug. “Where’s your sweater? You always say you’re cold with the air conditioning on inside.”

“I was hot outside so I took it off.” She wasn’t about to admit it was covered in Vampire dust and damp from her using it to wipe down items she’d used as weapons. “What a night. It’s a full moon.”

He kissed the top of her head. “Never confront a robber. Damn, you could have been hurt. A hose? You think water is a weapon?”

“It was all I could think of.”

The fireman returned. “It looks like the burglar broke the glass, trying to get the extinguisher or maybe the axe to use as a weapon in a robbery. The alarm going off probably scared the hell out of him. He didn’t steal anything.”

Bob loosened his hold but kept his arm around her. “I’ll call the boss and we’ll fix this door. The bar is closed for the night.” He gave her a squeeze. “Go home after we wrap this up.”

The cop returned. “I’m going to need a statement from you.”

She nodded. “Of course.”

Jadee glanced up, feeling a chill along her spine. Two men stood on a roof down the alleyway. They wore black clothing and were pale skinned. She dropped her gaze before they realized she’d seen them, terror hitting hard.

They had to be Vampires. Normal people didn’t hang out on rooftops, and her attacker had said he’d spotted her from one. Had they seen what she’d done?

Oh shit. She needed to get out of there before they came after her. The pervert with fangs had said he belonged to a nest. That had to mean there were more of them.

* * * * *

Jadee had a headache by the time the cops left and the owner had sent out a few guys to repair the back door and frame. She’d left the pick in the alley, not willing to go out there to retrieve it with Vampires hanging around on rooftops. She could say she must have dropped it in all the confusion, if they were able to figure out it was hers. She was also grateful no one had asked why the door had been locked when she’d supposedly taken out the trash, since the guy had supposedly bust in the door. They might think of it later but she had time to think up a lie.

Bob led everyone outside when they finished and locked the front door. The repair guys walked toward their truck at the curb, talking to each other. The fire truck had gone and so had the two cop cars.

“What a night.”

She looked up at Bob next to her. “You’re telling me.”

“At least it wasn’t a real fire. That’s an upside. I about shit when that alarm went off. I rushed into the bathrooms but nothing was smoking. Then I cleared the bar. One guy was so drunk I had to damn near carry him out. I’ll walk you to your car.”

“You did good.” She moved, Bob staying next to her.

He stopped at her car. “Are you okay to drive? I could drop you off at home. We’re working the same schedule tomorrow so we could ride to work together.” He looked hopeful. “You shouldn’t be alone.”

Jadee knew he was interested in her; he had asked her out a few times. “I’m fine but thanks.”

“Oh. Okay.”

She withdrew her keys and forced a smile. “I appreciate it though.”

“Anytime. I mean that. I’d do anything for you, Jadee.”

She felt bad. He was a nice guy but she wasn’t attracted to him. He’s no Lavos. She inwardly flinched at making the comparison. “Good night.”

She unlocked her car and climbed inside, starting the engine. Bob backed up and waved. She lifted her hand and waved back. She clipped her belt with her right hand and pressed down on the brake before shifting the gear into drive. One glance in the side mirror to check for traffic and then she pulled away from the curb.

The streetlight half a block down was red so she came to a stop. It was just after midnight and traffic was still heavy since it was a weekend. Another car pulled up next to her and she glanced over. It was a couple and they seemed deep in conversation. She smiled. It looked as if they were arguing. She faced forward, staring at the light and tapping the wheel as cars passed in front of her. She glanced toward the sidewalk…

And almost forgot how to breathe when she met the gaze of a man standing at the crosswalk. He was staring right at her.

It wasn’t the fact that she’d caught the attention of a stranger that had that effect on her. It was the fact he was pale and wore all black clothes.

He stepped off the curb, coming toward her car.

Jadee’s heart pounded and she darted a look at the light. It was still red. She glanced back at the man. He was definitely coming her way. He stepped out of the painted pedestrian lines to reach her passenger door. He leaned down and his eyes began to glow. He gripped the door handle and gave it a yank.

She’d never been so grateful for a feature on her car. The locks had auto-engaged when she’d put it in drive, so he wasn’t able to get inside. But she couldn’t look away from his eyes. They were getting brighter.

“Open the door,” he demanded.

He was attempting to control her mind. She glanced at the light, finally breaking eye contact with him. It turned green.

She stomped on the gas, taking off. Her tires protested but the car shot forward. Jadee trembled as she kept her foot pressed hard on the accelerator.

Those Vampires had to know what she’d done. She wasn’t sure if he’d been one of the two she’d seen on the roof. It was possible. One thing was certain though—they’d come after her.