He didn't want to do it, but Bunter rolled up his sleeves and plowed through the trash. He found a bill for Sim Science Magazine addressed to a "V Fitzpatrick" and a partially burned note with only the words "milk cans" legible. Odd. Where had he seen milk cans recently? ...He also dug out an empty perfume atomizer. He gave the sprayer a sniff. Sweet William. Expensive. Very nice.
Then Bunter remembered those milk cans sitting next door, but checking them out brought nothing. And he had no luck entering that building either. He needed a better plan.
Since the girls were more than likely interfering with his chances of meeting up with Wall, Bunter would try his luck with someone else. That meant a trip to the pub for a little socializing. And who better for gossip than the bartender?
But no amount of friendly questioning about the abandoned building by the dock or the big home next to it brought any answers. Except, Bunter did notice the bartender darting furtive glances in the direction of a twitchy science geek sitting nearby. And the geek himself seemed a little too interested in Bunter's conversation.
Making small talk with a lovely local (actually Bo's sister) started out nicely until Bunter mentioned the name Fitzpatrick. Then the lady frosted over like early spring. Again Bunter caught the nerd lurking nearby.
He talked to another lab dweller with a little more success.
Labbie: Fitzpatrick? Sure, he's around here somewhere. Just saw him. Quiet fellow. Loner. Bit of a mouse too, if you know what I mean.
Bunter: Mouse?
Labbie: Right. Jittery. Afraid of his own shadow. (laughs) Not that I blame him--living with Killian Wall and Chr...(coughs)...well, anyway...Oh, there's Fitzpatrick now!
The guy the labbie pointed out was none other than the hovering nerd he'd noticed earlier. Bunter headed straight for him.
The man was a Coward all right! But he wasn't giving up any information either. He scurried off faster than a rat flees the light. Bunter followed.
Fitz: ...You!!
Bunter: Hello again, Mr Fitzpatrick. You don't mind if I come in do you? Don't want to get--pushy--but I'm way past proper etiquette right now. I'd like some answers to a few questions--for the sake of a couple of friends of mine, you understand.
Fitz: Ok, ok! Just...no trouble. Please!! But better make it quick!
Bunter asked his questions--about Wall, the other nameless roommate, the abandoned building--but the nerd only stammered and sweated. Then, just as Bunter moved away to leave, a force of energy brushed past him. Turning back, he caught a glimpse of a woman making her way down the stairs. And not just any woman.
An undead she-vampire...Nosferatu Femme Fatale!
Bunter pursued. This must be the infamous HER. No wonder everyone avoided talking about Wall's other roommate.
Didn't take a genius to see this woman was trouble of the worst kind. A Rebellious Evil Kleptomaniac Vampire Temptress.
And from the looks of the basement, the lady was also a high level burglar! Ah, but--she DID smell of Sweet William petals. Damn! He'd better keep his wits about him. Vampires could beguile.
Bunter: So I take it this is your place, not Wall's.
Vampire: Of course it's mine! You think those two male drones could maintain this place? HA!
Bunter: You the Queen Bee, then? How does it work? Fitz up there grovels, performs whatever task he's assigned. And Wall? You send the Great Kisser out to round up ladies so you can-what? Feed? Use their skills to your advantage? Make them your worker bees?
Christine: What do you want here, demon!
Bunter: So, you recognize my kind, do you?
Vampire: I recognize YOU! ...Majid Bahador!
Bunter: Ah. But I'm afraid you have the better of me--you are?
Vampire: I go by Christine Meaney here.
Bunter: Quite fitting.
Christine: Yes, I thought so.
Bunter: What now, Miss Meaney? Do we dance? ...No, I suspect you'd rather spar. Shall we then? Just a little challenge this evening--to break the ice?
Christine: Delighted, demon!
The vampire queen whirled into another set of clothes, but did not don her SimFu colors. Bunter was unsure of her level of expertise. He watched her every move.
She was a fierce opponent, but Bunter had caught her off guard. The queen wasn't prepared for even this small contest.
Bunter could tell she was spent--too tired and weak. She'd never last.
But before he could claim a true victory, she ordered him out of the house, shouting for her drone.
Christine: Fitz! Fitz! Get down here! ...Show this intruder out!
Bunter (to Christine): Until next time, eh, Miss Meaney?
Christine: Get out!
Bunter (to Fitz): Don't bother with me, Fitz. I know the way. Better tend to Queenie back there.
Fitz: Christine! Has he hurt you? Do you need help?!
Christine: As if YOU could do anything about it! Why did you let that demon in my house! Are you mad!!
Fitz: Uh...
Christine: Oh, never mind! Just make sure he leaves!
Christine: I must revise my plans! I will not have all my hard work undermined by some Djinni spawn!
