Kramer took his hand away.
See you later, he said. He went out to the hallway and shut the door.
Forty-five
After hanging up the kitchen phone, Larry went into the living room and found Hal in front of the bookshelves, looking at the collection of his works.
Youve got quite an output, Hal said.
Seventeen novels, so far.
Thats fantastic.
Well, things have been going okay. Im not as successful as Id like to be, but who is?
What are you working on now? Or is that a secret?
No big secret, I guess. Would you like a drink?
Oh, I dont want to impose. I just came by to check on Lane and...
You dont have to rush off. I was about to fix myself a vodka tonic. What can I get you?
Sounds good to me, Hal said, and followed him into the kitchen.
That was a friend who called, Larry said as he started to prepare the drinks. Another writer. Quite a coincidence. Hes putting together an anthology of vampire stories, and asked me to contribute.
Well, congratulations.
Thanks. Its nice to be at the point where theyre askingfor stories. I dont even write short stories anymore unless Im asked for one. Thats a big step from the old days when I used to send them out to magazines and collect rejection slips.
Must be very gratifying. You mentioned something about a coincidence?
Oh, yeah. Pretty weird. He wants a vampire story, and Ive been up to my neck in vampire stuff for the past few weeks.
So, youre working on a vampire novel?
Not exactly. He handed a cocktail to Hal, picked up his own and led the way back to the living room. He sank into his easy chair. Hal sat across from him at the end of the sofa. Heres how, he said.
They drank. Hal smiled and said, Hits the spot.
Im doing a book about vampires, but its not a novel. Nonfiction.
A study of some kind?
Actually, it deals with personal experiences.
Hal shook his head, smiling as if he thought Larry was putting him on. Youve had personal experiences with vampires?
Yep.
Id better quit talking about it, he thought. Then he thought, why? The guys certainly in no position to steal my story. And it might be worthwhile to get an outsiders reaction.
Everybody will know about it anyway, after tonight, when we turn Bonnie over to the police.
Want to hear about it? Larry asked.
Sure! He took a sip of his drink and leaned forward like a kid eager for a spooky tale.
Well, it all started a few weeks ago when Jean and I went out in the desert to explore a ghost town with some friends. Peter and Barbara. Theyll be coming over for dinner in a little while, so youll have a chance to meet them.
Great.
In fact, Larry said, how would you like to join us for dinner?
He hoped Jean wouldnt object. Probably not. She had a roast in the oven. There was undoubtedly more than enough to feed an extra guest.
Well get him to stay for the big event, if he wants. Have an objective observer.
I hate to impose, Hal said.
Wed be glad to have you. This is a rather special occasion. Youll see why, once youve heard the whole story.
Well, Id be delighted to stay. If its all right with Jean.
Shell be happy to have you.
Hal shrugged. If its okay with her...
Great. Okay. Larry took another drink. So, the four of us went to this ghost town about an hours drive from here. Its called Sagebrush Flat.
As he told the story, Hal watched him and drank. Sometimes the teacher shook his head as if he couldnt believe his ears. A few times he murmured his astonishment. After finishing the part about bringing the body home, Larry left the room briefly to refresh the drinks. Then he sat down again and resumed his tale. Carefully leaving out the details of his infatuation with Bonnie. Concentrating on the facts. He enjoyed Hals reactions. The man was clearly fascinated.
And so, he finished, tonights the night we finally pull out the stake. Right after dinner.
Holy shit, Hal muttered.
Youre welcome to stick around for it. You can play the role of the disinterested observer.
Get myself killed? He laughed. It sounded a trifle nervous.
I dont imagine itll come to that.
No, I dont, either. I may be superstitious, but I dont think Im ready to believe in the existence of vampires.
Grinning, Larry nodded. If she comes to life, I guess well all be in for a shock.
Id certainly hate to miss it, though.
No reason you should.
Excusing himself, Larry went down the hall to his bedroom. He found Jean putting on makeup. She wore her jumpsuit, boots, and scarf.
Are they here?
Not yet. But Hal Kramer is. He came by to see Lane and bring her some assignments.
Thats certainly above and beyond the call of duty.
I think he felt a little guilty. He was afraid her absence might have something to do with Saturday night.
He did keep her out awfully late.
Maybe he thought she got sick on the pizza. Anyway, it was nice of him. Ive asked him to stay for dinner.
Jean frowned in the mirror. Wont that kind of put a damper on things?
I told him all about it.
You told him about the vampire?
Sure. Why not? Its no big secret. Or it wont be, once weve called the police.
Still, you shouldnt have... Youre always blabbing, Larry. God.
Whats the big deal?
Im not saying its a big deal, just that I wish youd be more careful about what you say to people. Everybody doesnt need to know our business.
I just wanted to get his reactions.
Now hell probably think were all nut cases.
Hardly. He was blown away.
Jean sighed. She glanced at her wristwatch. Well, whats done is done. I just wish youd...
I know, I know.
Right, you know. Anyway, Pete and Barbara should be arriving any minute. Would you like to make sure Lanes about ready?
I shouldnt leave our guest abandoned...
Itll only a take a minute.
Wishing Jean wouldnt be so negative about everything, he left the room and went to Lanes door. He knocked.
Yeah? she called.
Are you decent?
Yeah.
He opened the door. Lane was still in bed, hidden under the covers except for the back of her head. She didnt look at him.
I thought youd be up and dressed by now.
I had a relapse.
Do you feel good enough to have dinner with us?
I dont know.
Concerned, he went to the bed. He sat down on its edge and stroked Lanes hair. She looked up at him with solemn eyes. Her face was slack and pale. Are you okay?
If I was okay, I wouldnt be lying here.
I mean, do you think it might be something serious? Maybe wed better get you to a doctor.
I dont need any doctor. Ill be fine.
I really hate to see you like this, honey.
Im sorry.
Look, if youre not up to having dinner with us, we could bring it in for you.
Are Pete and Barbara here yet?
Not yet. But Hals still here. Weve asked him to join us. For dinner and for the big event.
Closing her eyes, Lane muttered, Wonderful.
Whats the matter?
Nothing. I just feel awful, thats all.
He gently caressed her cheek, then stood up. Itd be nice if you can join us. Its up to you, though. Wouldnt want you barfing on the table.
Lane didnt crack a smile.
She issick, Larry thought.
Like I said, well bring you something.
Thanks.
He went out to the hallway and closed her door, feeling depressed. Its probably nothing serious, he told himself. But he thought, What if its spinal meningitis? Or bone cancer? Or... Knock it off!