“What do we have here…” Zachary said after going over the image. “Have a look.”

Clara did as asked. At this magnification level, the surface was a proverbial city made up of silicon bumps and cylinders, all linked with metallic pathways built atop a circuit board. Reminds me of the inside of that phone I smashed…

“Let me guess,” Clara said, “that’s not something you’d find in use a century ago?”

“Discounting the size?” Zachary asked. “You wouldn’t find something like this until the eighties. In this form factor? Nothing that’s commercially available today.”

Clara stared at the man, waiting for him to add to his statement, whereas Zachary was waiting for signs of shock to wash over her face.

“Huh…” Zachary finally said. “This doesn’t surprise you at all?”

“You’re right,” Zachary said. “It works.”

“Right,” Clara said.

“There are no AM stations left in range,” Zachary said. “But it’s picking this up just fine.”

“Right again,” Clara replied before smirking.

“That’s why you need me?”

“You’re on a roll.”

“Let’s see,” Zachary said. “This was sold in the fifties?”

“Twenties.”

“No way,” Zachary said. “Really?”

“I knew the owner,” Clara lied.

“Right…”

“I’m serious,” Clara countered. “Have a taste of the future in your home today,” Clara sang the age-old jingle.

“Okay… Well, vacuum tubes were pretty advanced technology for that era,” Zachary said. “Since two of them are burned out, this thing shouldn’t even power on.”

Clara ended up in a room filled with electronics, monitors, and input devices. Even a brief glimpse at all these displays left her feeling overwhelmed. How can anyone live surrounded by so much information?

In the dead centre of the room, there was a man sitting on a throne fashioned from server towers. He was lanky, pale skinned, and sported a five-o’clock shadow in the early morning. What caught her eyes were his glasses fitted with thick lenses. I wonder if he ever leaves this place?

“Are you okay?” Clara asked.

“Pardonnez-moi,” Evelyn replied. “I believe it’s time for my main course.”

“Okay…” Clara said. “No worries…”

“I won’t be long,” Evelyn said. “I have a willing donor nearby.”

“As long as she’s alive and well after,” Clara said bluntly.

Evelyn giggled before answering, “Since when are you worried about bodies? No need to worry, I know how to show a girl a good time without leaving them with a handful of coffin nails.”

“Not too good…I hope?” Clara asked. “I’m not ready to share…”

“You didn’t notice a family resemblance?” Clara asked before further indulging in the wine.

“You mean grey eyes, dark hair, and elfin ears?” Evelyn asked without waiting for a response. “That meeting happened fifty years after you died, and family traits carry on for generations. “Besides, unlike the genuine article, Ada was not interested in my advances. So, I focused on someone who was.”

“Hard to imagine how anyone could say no to you,” Clara teased.

“You’re too kind,” Evelyn said. “As a general rule, most vampires are immune to my charms. It works a bit like your faith, meaning that only those clinging to their humanity are afflicted.”

“Vegetable biryani with a side, and paneer tikka with neera rice,” the server said before placing the plates on Evelyn’s side.

Evelyn said it was a dish made with cheese, and it looked positively mouth watering. She could only hope her selection worked out in her favour. Otherwise, she would have to beg Evelyn to share. She’d enjoy having me beg…too much.

“At least whores make some good money during such transactions,” Silver said.

“Chicken vindaloo with garlic naan for the lady,” the server said as the plate was placed before her.

Clara smiled at the sight of the food. The scent of spices permeated the air she breathed. Meanwhile, the server remained until Evelyn nodded, as though granting him permission to leave. The behaviour was out of place and Clara suspected this arrangement had been going on for a while.