“You’re sure you didn’t leave? Didn’t try to explore Thunder Bay again, maybe go down to the park and, I don’t know, dismember some poor jogger?”

“I was trying to feel some kind of good-bye. I mean I’ve left schools and places I didn’t even know I was leaving them. I hate that. I don’t care if it’s a sad good-bye or a bad good-bye, but when I leave a place I like to know I’m leaving it. If you don’t you feel even worse.”

“I didn’t go to the water park because it was raining, and I didn’t want to get wet.”

“It’s going to be all right. You’re going to be all right. She’s going to leave. You don’t have to worry about her again. I won’t let any vampire hurt you. I can do this. I’ll stay big, and make sure no one hurts you again. It’ll be okay. I’ll make sure you’re safe.”

“Once they were inside the park Bay asked, “Isn’t there a store at the Rio Grande Village?”“What is it you need?”“Chocolate.”“It’s a hundred degrees in the shade,” he said. “Chocolate is going to melt.”“Well, actually, it isn’t chocolate I need. It’s something else. I didn’t want to embarrass you.”“What?”“Tampax.”He eyed her sideways. “Why didn’t you bring some from home? Or pick some up at the safeway?”She flushed. “I didn’t think of it. Not that it’s any of your business, but my periods aren’t regular.”He made a disgusted sound. “This is exactly why I didn’t want to bring you along.”

“I take it you didn’t get the permits...again. (Brian)What was your first clue? (Geary)Oh, I don’t know. That stomping stance as you walked down the street, clenching and unclenching your fists like you’re already choking someone, or maybe it’s that way you’re looking at me like you could claw out my eyes when I haven’t done anything to piss you off. (Brian)Yes, you have. (Geary)And that is? (Brian)You don’t have a gun. (Geary)”