Mr. Vampire Who Lives in My Neighbourhood

23

His hair, performing like a magic trick at her request, slowly grew longer and darker, much to her amazement. While most would be terrified, Florence's first instinct was to examine a strand closely, her scientific curiosity piqued.

"Your hair is essentially protein, made up of amino acids, and typically grows about a centimeter a month. Yet yours just sprouts instantly. You'd be the envy of every balding person if they knew," she remarked, half-jokingly.

As she held his hair, it felt exceptionally soft under her touch.

"Can I take a strand for study?"

"It disintegrates once it's not attached to me."

"Skeptical, she attempted to snip a piece, only to watch it turn to ash in mere seconds, leaving her utterly baffled.

"This defies every biological principle I know. Your physiology isn't just unique; it's otherworldly," she concluded, her mind racing with questions.

Their conversation meandered through his centuries of wanderings, the countries he'd visited, and the sights he'd seen. Despite his lighthearted tone, she sensed an underlying melancholy in his tales of eternal solitude.

Moved by his plight, Florence resolved to protect him from the fate others might deem appropriate for a vampire.

"Would you be my research subject?" she proposed, seizing on an idea.

"Research subject?" He was taken aback.

"Yes. It's a rare opportunity to study a vampire. I'm curious about your aversion to sunlight, your regenerative abilities, and why garlic affects you. Of course, I'll compensate you."

"Be a lab rat? Not interested," he declined.

Anticipating his response, Florence had a persuasive counteroffer. "What if I provide you with fresh, clean blood monthly as payment?"

His interest was visibly piqued at the mention of a steady blood supply.

"Deal. As long as I get to taste that exquisite blood of yours," he flirted, his demeanor shifting at the thought.

"Off-limits," she retorted, firmly setting boundaries. "I'm talking about blood from the blood bank, screened and safe. It's hassle-free for you."

Mulling it over, the prospect of easy access to clean blood and more time with Florence swayed him. "Alright, I agree."

"Excellent," she internally celebrated, her ruse to keep him safe under the guise of research set in motion.

With plans to enlist her most trusted colleagues, David and Toni, for help, Florence aimed to protect Farrell's secret while also searching for the real culprit, ensuring a safer existence for him.

In the forensic center, the task of concealing Farrell's true nature would require more than just her efforts. Trusting in her closest allies, Florence prepared to involve them in her plan, a decision made with the hope of ending Farrell's life on the run and bringing the real murderer to justice.