Mr. Vampire Who Lives in My Neighbourhood

29

Toni, buzzing with excitement, presented Farrell with a golden strand of hair, drawing the team's curious attention. "Can you tell me about this one?"

"A Caucasian male, about forty-two years old," Farrell informed her.

"What? But he said he was thirty-two!" Toni exclaimed, feeling duped.

David laughed heartily. "Guess he's been hitting the Botox a bit too hard to look that young!"

Toni shot David a glare but admitted, "Good thing I checked. I could've been completely fooled."

"You should just be glad it wasn't a wig from a drag queen," David teased, dodging Toni's playful swipe.

"I wish finding a decent guy was easier," Toni sighed, her recent breakup casting a shadow over her humor.

The team's laughter and jests filled the lab, a welcome change from the solitude Farrell often felt. Even in Florence's absence, he found companionship and laughter, a stark contrast to his usual nocturnal solitude.

However, as the night wore on, Farrell's concern for Florence grew. Her unusual absence weighed on him, making the lab feel emptier than usual.

"Where's Florence? It's getting late," he finally asked, unable to hide his concern.

"You didn't hear? Today's a tough day for her... it's the anniversary of her family's tragedy," David shared softly, the mood shifting palpably.

The room fell silent, the weight of Florence's past momentarily anchoring the light-hearted atmosphere in a somber reality. The team's respect for her deepened, understanding the driving force behind her tireless dedication.

But it was Farrell's reaction that caught everyone off guard. The temperature seemed to drop, his usual charm replaced by a chilling intensity. It was a stark reminder of the powerful being among them, his concern for Florence manifesting in a protective, almost primal, display.

The tension was palpable until Florence's return broke the spell, her presence instantly lifting the heavy air. "You're all still here?" she asked, surprised.

Farrell was the first to approach, his protective instinct evident. "You shouldn't be out so late, not with the city's crime rate," he chided gently.

"I wasn't alone; Detective Wade escorted me," Florence reassured, her casual mention of the detective sparking a hint of jealousy in Farrell.

"Wade White? Spent the whole day with you, huh?" Farrell probed, his tone a mix of concern and suspicion.

"Just a coincidence," Florence replied, brushing off his concern with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.