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What does he think?

Not sure. He knows something was off.

Give me a moment.

Freddie’s mind went quiet as his master’s consciousness departed. A few more leaps, and he was practically on top of Anthony, who was standing in front of the Whistle Stop, a historic-looking gay bar with 1950s-style signage. Anthony ducked inside as Freddie watched from the roof.

Freddie considered whether to follow him in. He could tuck himself into a dark corner without being seen, but he doubted the vampires he scared off today would be back. Anthony should drink in peace.

Plus, it was a gay bar. The thought of watching Anthony flirt with other men made his stomach burn. Which was ridiculous. Anthony didn’t owe him anything. But that didn’t tamp down the flames inside.

I spoke with Daniel. He isn’t sure how Anthony would react to finding out about you, and about his uncle and me. For a creative, he can be painfully literal-minded.

Freddie didn’t answer. An uncomfortable unease bubbled inside of him at the thought of Anthony discovering the truth of who he was. How would Anthony see him? Would he be disgusted?

Freddie?

Yes.

I can tell that something is wrong.

I’m doing my job.

You always are, Freddie. That doesn’t mean that you are an automaton.

I’m worried.

About?

He’ll see me as a monster.

Master Hughes paused. A wave of his master’s compassion washed over Freddie.

Your family was wrong, Freddie. They were wrong about you, and they should have treated you better.

Freddie’s chest tightened reflexively. He didn’t know what to say. He didn’t want to think about his family. The hurt was still too present, too deep, even after centuries. And they hadn’t been wrong. He was a monster. He’d done terrible things.

He could never see you as a monster, Freddie, as long as he knows you. The real you. If he trusts you, he’ll come around.

He doesn’t trust me. Freddie felt himself floundering. This was the whole reason Master Hughes had sent him on this assignment, for him to develop his ability to handle people. So far, he was a massive failure.

He will. I know you. You’ll do what needs to be done.

Freddie didn’t answer. Anthony would never come around now.

Regardless, standard operating procedure. Don’t tell him about us unless it’s impossible to hide, or necessary to save his life.

Yes, sir.

Reach out if you need me.

With that, Master Hughes was gone, and Freddie was alone, crouching in the shadows on the rooftops of San Francisco.