Mr. Vampire Who Lives in My Neighbourhood

48

Looking out the window, they could see the building surrounded by police, their once-familiar colleagues now keeping watch, paired up, each wearing specially designed anti-hypnosis glasses.

"It's been almost two months, and they're still not giving up." Toni angrily pulled the curtains shut. Despite the lack of concrete evidence linking them to Farrell, Agent Wade's firsthand sighting of Farrell leaving their office, coupled with David's attempt to stop him from shooting, made their association hard to explain. The faint red spots on Florence's neck, seen by Wade, only fueled his suspicions.

"For the past two months, not only has he surrounded the building, but all entry and exit are strictly monitored. They even assign two officers to follow us everywhere, claiming it's for our protection, but they suspect we're in league with Farrell," David said gravely.

"It's infuriating. How much longer will they keep this up? They're watching us at work, during meals, while we sleep, even keeping surveillance on my residence all night."

"There's nothing we can do. Their leader is a high-profile figure in the bureau, your idol, no less."

Now, wherever they went, they were closely followed by a large number of police officers, especially Florence. After Agent Wade saw the faint red spots on her neck, he became convinced she was a target of the red-eyed man. Taking personal responsibility for her protection, he mandated that Florence report her whereabouts to him at all times.

Under such strict surveillance, Florence and Farrell hadn't seen each other for two months, a separation that must have been painful. They were relieved Farrell had managed to escape, but his subsequent disappearance, possibly due to being shot or for other reasons, worried David and Toni. The investigation bureau quickly discovered Farrell's identity, leading to the sealing of his residence and reinforcing Wade's belief that Florence was a target.

Trapped like birds in a cage, their greatest concern was for Florence. With Farrell's fate uncertain for the past two months, Florence had become unusually quiet, or rather, too quiet.

Toni whispered to David, "Is it going to be like this forever? Do you think Farrell might be... gone? Why else would there be no word from him for two months?" Even as a vampire, a bullet to the heart could be fatal.

David shook his head silently, unable to respond.

"He's alive," Florence said, her gaze moving from the window to their stunned faces. "He must be hiding to heal. Once he's recovered, he'll find a way to see me."

"Florence..."

She believed Farrell wouldn't abandon her; he just needed time to heal before he could come back to her. Night after night, she waited, watching the moon wax and wane, and tonight, it was full again.