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Before dusk descended the next night, Evra went around to the block of apartments to keep watch on the fat man I stayed home, in order to follow Mr Crepsley If the vampire headed for the apartments, I’d join Evra If he went anywhere else, we’d discuss the situation and decide whether Evra should desert his post or stay

The va h he still wouldn’t have appeared out of place in a funeral parlor

"Where is Evra?" he asked, diving into the ," I said

"By hiht he was suspicious, but he was just looking for the salt

"I think he’s buying Christht Evra was above such absurdities What is the date, anyway?"

"The twentieth of December," I answered

"And Christmas is the twenty-fifth?"

"Yes," I said

Mr Crepsley rubbed his scar thoughtfully "My business here may have come to an end by then," he said

"Oh?" I tried not to sound curious or excited

"I had planned to move on as soon as possible, but if you wish to remain here for Christ some kind of celebration?"

"Yes," I said

"You would like to attend?"

"Yes" I forced a s presents for each other We’re going to eat dinner with the rest of the guests and eat cookies and stuff ourselves with turkey You can come, too, if you want" I tried to make it sound like I wanted him there

He smiled and shook his head "Such follies do not appeal to me," he said

"Suit yourself," I replied

As soon as he left, I started after hihterhouse, which surprised me Maybe it wasn’t the fat- or somebody - else there that he had his eye on

I discussed it with Evra over the phone

"It’s weird," he agreed "Maybe he wants to catch hi work"

"Maybe," I said uncertainly So as I had expected him to

Evra stayed where he was, to follow the fat man I chose a safe spot to hide, next to a warhterhouse wasn’t as good as it had been last night, but I had a clear sight of Mr Crepsley, which hat mattered

The fat man arrived at the scheduled tie of the roof when I saw them, ready to leap down and intervene if Mr Crepsley made his move But the vaht Mr Crepsley sat on his ledge; Evra and hterhouse up and running At three in the ain Mr Crepsley followed, and once again we followed Mr Crepsley This ti, but that was the only change in the routine