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reassuring whisper. “He’ll get used to the idea, sooner or later.”
    Before too long, the limousine pulled up to the back entrance of the Imperial, the restaurant that Victor owned. Below, were the offices and the living quarters of the Cadre. We took the elevator down and entered into the meeting hall where the organization had stood in judgment of me, for the murder of Max Hunter. The room was dark now, we moved through it quickly and proceeded down a dimly lit hallway. Victor stopped in front of one of the closed doors, removed a key from his pocket and handed it to Mitch. While Mitch unlocked the door, Victor explained, “This was Max’s room. I hope you don’t mind, it was the only vacant one currently available. His personal effects have been removed, of course, and put in storage for your use at a later date. But we have tried to ensure your every comfort during your stay here.”
    We started into the room and Victor continued, looking somehow embarrassed. “I hope you understand that you both are considered honored guests of the Cadre, so no payment for any of this is necessary. However, should you choose at some point to make this one of your permanent residences, and I sincerely hope that you will, arrangements will be made at that time.”
    â€œThank you, Victor,” I started, “but . . .”
    â€œNo, no, you don’t need to decide anything now. You are most welcome here and your entrance into our community would be for the common good of us all. But we will not press you on the issue; you are free to stay or go. Make yourselves at home, please. And, if I don’t see you before dawn, have a pleasant day’s sleep.”
    He left us and I looked around the room that had been Max’s. It was pleasant enough, but dark and sparsely furnished. The furniture was mostly antique, the bed an enormous four poster covered in a red brocade spread. But what caught my eye first was the heavy brass stand, holding a familiar artifact. Victor had indeed tried to see to my every comfort, for he had procured the coffin that Max had bought for me. Mitch was standing over it, shaking his head. Then he looked at me and laughed. “Don’t I get one, too?”
    â€œYou can have that one, my love. You know I’ll never use it.” I smiled at him. Now that we were alone, I felt at ease again, as if my moments of fear and doubt had never occurred, as if his presence in my life was all I ever needed. The qualities of strength and integrity that I had admired in him had only intensified after his transformation. Victor was right; I had done well.
    â€œBut I want my own,” his eyes danced mischievously, “I wouldn’t want to break from the mysterious image of the vampire. We need to keep up with the others, you know, follow the crowd.”
    â€œYou are so far above the others, Mitch, I do not think you need to worry.” I walked over to him and put my arms around him.
    He hugged me tightly to him. “Still, I wonder that Victor didn’t take care of it, along with everything else.”
    â€œHe didn’t know about you, remember?”
    â€œOh, yeah. But it sure is nice to know he’s not as omniscient as he thinks.” He moved away from me, and sat down on the bed, testing the mattress. “I guess I was supposed to sleep in this big bed, all by myself, while you slept in your box.” He stretched out on the surface, sighed, then lifted his head. “Well, aren’t you going to get into that thing?”
    â€œI’m not tired.” I stared at him for a while and a slow smile grew on my lips. I unbuttoned my coat and tossed it on a chair next to me. Crossing to the bed, I straddled Mitch’s hips with my legs and kissed him on the nose. “Besides,” I said, my voice a hoarse whisper, “I want to try out the bed first.”
    His eyes shone with a familiar intensity. “Right here?” he asked,