Page 21

“Your promises don’t mean shit.”

“Where is your girl?”

“What girl? What are you talking about?”

“I’ve seen you come here with a pretty human girl.”

“That’s none of your concern.” I leaned forward to glare at him.

“I can help around here. I can help with anything you have going on.”

“The only problems I have are you and Teresa.”

“Brother, I am no problem to you. I promise.” He graveled.

It was exhausting talking in circles and listening to his apologies. “Seriously Harlan, what do you want from me? Do you need money?”

“I want a second chance.” He confessed.

“Okay, fine, you go right ahead and have your second chance, your third chance, and your five hundred and sixty-second chance.”

“I’m serious. I will not do you any harm. I promise.”

“Another empty promise.” I was tired of his never-ending stream of apologies.

“Brother, I don’t have anywhere to go.”

“Any place in the world is where you can go.”

“Can I please stay here in Chicago? Just for a trial period. You’ll see. I won’t do anything to embarrass you.” He pleaded.

“I told you I’m busy. I have a business to run, and I have a life that doesn’t involve all this vampire bullshit.”

“I understand. I can stay out of your way. Give me one week. Just one week to prove myself. I assure you things will be different this time. I’ve been going from shitty hotel to shittier hotel. Please give me a place I can stay?”

Seeing his pathetic face was making my resolve fall. “Harlen, I will give you one fucking week. If you fuck up, I will end you.”

“I won’t. I mean it.” He sat back in his chair, happy that I was giving him yet another chance.

“Cut your hair. You look ridiculous. You can stay at my apartment for now. I’m saying somewhere else.”

“Thank you, brother.” He clasped his hands together like he was praying and pulled his hands to his lips.

“Don’t get in my way. Don’t fuck with any of my people. Don’t feed on the locals. I have a blood supply.”

“You have a blood supply set up here in Chicago?”

I answered him with my eyes.

“You were always the smart and resourceful one. Your operation here is wonderful.”

“Harlen Corbin.” I was compelled to use his first and middle name. “You get zero fuck ups. Even if I don’t have the heart to kill you, I have people that will end you without hesitation. Don’t make me cross the line.”

“I won’t.”

“Thank you, brother. You won’t regret this.”

“You can’t stay in the apartment for free. If you plan to stay here, you better fit in. You will be assigned a job.”