Clara was wearing a comparatively simpler dress. As an old flapper she often went back to the styles and fashions of her era. Like Evelyn her dress was black, but looser to give her a boyish look, and had a white belt and bow tied at the back to make it pop.

Other than a cupid’s bow done in carmine red, Clara had no other makeup on. I didn’t have the time…

“One second,” Clara said.She walked into the kitchen and fetched a trolley. In addition to two bowls filled with fresh bread she bought from a boulangerie this morning, there were six dishes all prepared and ready to serve.

To further confuse the vampire, Clara went to one end of the table and pulled back the chair. Holding out her hand, Evelyn grabbed it and hopped onto her seat.

“Since when are these a formal affair?” Evelyn asked.

“Dressed as you are?” Clara confirmed. “I should have hired a staff to serve your every need.”

Evelyn giggled, but this time it was forced. In the shadows she heard her sire lurking about. The confusion and discomfort this situation dredged up in Evelyn must have given him a reason to investigate.

She ignored him, as Marc would certainly know if anyone else was here. Evelyn and Clara maintained a regular heartbeat, whereas his was silent since death… Makes it easy to know where we are at all times…

She was not surprised when Evelyn walked down the stairs to the main floor wearing a tight-fitting black dress, with the makeup and hair befitting a runway model. With every step her bare leg poked out of the slits in the dress.

Clara realised that her mouth was half-open and snapped it shut. The grin on Evelyn’s face made it clear that she very much noticed the slight… She lives for it…

Although the situation was soon on the other foot, once Evelyn realised there were seven chairs at the table. Clara was challenged to catch the slight as Evelyn’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second.

Curious, Clara turned around as a red sun set over the city. The big red ball was just hovering over the mountain, with the distinctive cross forming a silhouette against the sun… It won’t be long now…

The first time Clara came here she froze at the sight of Evelyn walking by an open window with the sun facing her. It turned out that the windows were an array of monitors. While those inside showed what the cameras picked up, those facing out created the impression these were regular hotel rooms.