Page 5 of Vampire's Cupcake
Adjust.Was it a matter of adjusting?He looked at Tuur, Fala, Conal, and Raven."I don't think this is something that will affect us.If they starve to death, nothing will change for us."
Mabel all but snarled, but Thano ignored her and focused on Conal.He was usually the one who could predict the humans' behavior the best."What do you think?"
"I think you're right.It won't affect The Moonlight Ranch unless Eli starves to death.Then Ciar and Draven will be...displeased."
"No one will starve!It's to get more money to Last Hope.The board gets the money, and we'll invest it in...the sheriff's office or something.We still don't have a sheriff.It's been ten months, and we don't have anyone making sure the law is followed."Mabel's cheeks were flushed.Maybe Thano should help her get rid of some blood.He was hungry.
There was money in the budget for a sheriff already.Thano had hoped Emeric would take the position, and there was a glimmer of interest in his eyes every time he mentioned it, but he always declined.
"Talking about the sheriff."Theodore cleared his throat and looked around the table."I have a suggestion for the position."
Mabel visibly brightened."You do?"
"An acquaintance of mine, Jack Ambrose, is in town looking for a job.He worked law enforcement in New Town for many years."
Thano didn't want a human sheriff, but since no one had asked for the position, it might be a good idea to hire someone.They could always eat him if he misbehaved.
* * * *
Chapter 2
Eli was sorting through the potatoes, removing the ones who'd gone too soft and sprouted too much, when the shop door opened behind him.He straightened and turned toward the customer.
Alice's long dark hair fell down her shoulders, and she had a dreamy expression as she looked around.
"Alice."Eli smiled.She was an odd one.He had the feeling she lived more in her head than in the real world, but he believed her to be a clever woman.Educated, and not many were.Eli was fortunate.His mother had been a teacher.School only lasted for six years; that was the law.Six years of school to give everyone the chance to learn how to read, write, and do some math, then children were sent out to work.The reason given was that society needed the tax money their income brought, Eli was fairly certain it was because the ruling clique didn't want an educated population.
Sheep were more easily controlled than people who questioned things.
While he only had six years of education, his mother had taught him far more at home.It had given him enough confidence to open the shop.It had also taught him to see the bigger picture, or so he liked to believe at least.Protesting too much wasn't safe, but he didn't blindly follow the directives either.
He had the feeling Alice knew far more than the six years of basic education had taught her, but she too did her best to blend in.
"Eli."She dipped her head."I was wondering if you'd be willing to buy things from me."
Stunned, he stared at her."Things?"Were they talking about things or favors?She was an attractive woman, but he wasn't into women--which he had to keep a secret if he wanted to live--and she was Romeo's sister-in-law.He couldn't mess up their relationship.He'd never believed her to be someone who sold herself, but times were hard, and everyone had to do what they could to survive.
She put a wicker basket on the counter, and Eli hurried around it, so it was between them.When he didn't speak, she lifted the sand-colored kitchen towel she'd spread over the basket and showed off plants.Lettuce, Eli realized.
"Eh..."Greens would be welcome, but he couldn't buy from someone who wasn't a registered business.If the board sent someone to check his shop, he would lose his license or at least have to pay a hefty fine.There hadn't been any inspection in over ten months, which had him suspecting someone would be by soon.They never used to wait this long.
Alice grabbed one of the plants and showed the...pot.It wasn't a pot, it was a tree branch sawed off at about three inches.She'd drilled into it, or so he assumed.Without thinking he reached out and tipped it.There was a small hole in the bottom where roots were peeking out.Amazing.He'd put plants in every possible container he could spare, but he'd never thought to use branches like this.
"This is amazing, Alice, but I can't buy anything from you unless you're a registered business."
She frowned."A business?"
"Yes, you have to register at the bank and get a company number and a bank account for your business."
Shaking her head, she stared directly into his eyes.Normal people looked away, but she never did.It was as if she was one of the others, the social cues a little off, though she wasn't scary as the supes were.
"I need money.The rent is due, and Lorenzo didn't get enough hours this month.We don't have enough."
Fuck."I'd love to help you, but I can't.I can lose my license if I don't have a registered company number tied to every item I sell."
She looked down at the basket filled with lettuce."So I can't sell them to anyone?"
"Not without a company number, sorry."
