Exton

Rath? Rath with ghouls?

I don't know much about ghouls, just what Sweeney and Mole told us. I know a bit more about vampires, seeing that my sister's living with one - but I never imagined that they'd be allies. And then another thought tears through my befuddled brain.

Laila! She has to be warned!

I flip open my cell phone and punch in my speed dial for Ramji. The big guy can be depended on to defend Laila to the death, if need be…. The phone rings for a week, then Ramji picks up.

"Hello?"

"Ramji, this is Erik. Don't talk, just listen. We've just learned that Rath is working with the ghouls who've been killing people all over town. You need to watch out for the bastard - he may come after Laila. And Laila should probably notify Lord Adrian of this… I imagine it'd only be polite, no matter how unwelcome the news… Got all that?"

"Yes. Don't worry, Erik. Rath will have Laila over my dead body."

"That's what worries me," I say and ring off.

I look to the girl. "Forgive me. Your name is Marjorie?" She nods. "Well, Marjorie, you've been very brave tonight. You’ve dealt with more horror than any one person should see in a lifetime. My people would say you have a warrior's spirit.

But now it's time for you to go back to your own life. Trust me when I say that we are going to put an end to this, and because of you, it'll end that much quicker." I catch Daniel's eye. "Check with Tori. If it's okay with her - and I'm sure it will be - maybe Marjorie can stay at the gallery tonight. If not, I'll pay for a room at the Tavern myself."