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"You know," he said, "lobe once It was new back then, too, and Papa was furious at us" He laughed again "We liked to think we took a leak frolanced in ave him a quick, bewildered look "Vampires pee?"

"Only if we drink a lot of beer," he said with a grin, the wind blowing his hair all about and ed vampire Why I constantly questioned myself about that, I don’t know, but I did

As Idrive down Abercorn, I pushed lanced at Eli "Preacher said you’ve been gone for twelve years Why?"

The ht ahead "That’s none of your business"

Anger pushed ht? A va in ht to know"

"No, you don’t"

I looked at hily still "Drop it, Riley"

I did, for the tireens and parked Releasing my seat belt, I hopped out, and Eli did the same I didn’t say a word as I entered the store and turned down the aisle lined with hair color, grabbed a box of L’Oréal black, and checked out Eli looked only vaguely puzzled; I’d asked him to stay out ofhe could voluntarily do, so he may have known hts, I’m not positive I could turn it off So much temptation So little time

On to our next destination I pulled into the drive of a single-story Savannah brick ho on the outside, since the interior was decorated in a unique decay look I yanked the eency brake, put the Jeep into first, and looked at aze I was still pissed so was short on forh school with hins and sells one-of-a-kind Goth and urban wear online andat it Calls it Gnaw Bone Brand Come on"

At the door, Mullet welcomed me as he always did: enthusiastically Despite his nay shorts, a ripped cae shirt, and combat boots--his usual attire He was a prince

"Whoa, lanced at Eli briefly "Wassup, cuz?" he asked doarded Eli "What can I do you for?"

"We’re looking for some decent stuff," I said, and inclined my head at Eli "For him"

"Excellent, excellent," Mullet said "No offense, dude, but you could use a little darkness Black? Ripped? Junkie?"

"Yeah, on all three accounts," I answered I gave Eli a short glance; then we followed Mullet inside "Oh my God, Mullet--howat his hed "Never enough Jackass, I always say" He glanced at Eli "This way, dude" He looked at me "Been to the Panic Room lately?"

"Nah, not in a while Busy at work Thinkin’ about going, though," I replied, and he gave me a nod