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“Virgil has been with me for many years.” I explained as I watched the subtle interaction between them. It was that thing that Black people did when they met each other for the first time. “He oversees this facility and ensures our privacy.”

“Among other things.” Virgil added with a smile that was genuine as his loyalty to me. He turned back to me. “Everything is prepared for you.”

“Thank you.” I scanned the room, noting the cameras positioned discreetly in each corner. “We won’t need any documentation tonight.”

Virgil nodded with the understanding that my instruction was to disable the surveillance cameras.

“Of course.” He moved to a panel on the wall. He punched in a code that caused the small red lights on the cameras to blink off.

Chanel watched our exchange carefully without saying a word. I knew she was absorbing every detail. Her stillness was deceptive. I could almost hear her mind working, processing, analyzing everything that she was witnessing.

“Your package arrived a few hours ago.” Virgil said, his voice pitched low despite the privacy. “I kept a close eye. The serum appears to be working exactly as Ivanova described.”

“Good.” I felt Chanel’s questioning gaze but didn’t see the need to feel her in at this time.

Virgil checked his watch. “If there’s nothing else you need from me?”

“No, I think I can handle everything for now.”

“Good, my show starts in ten minutes.”

“The one with the doctors?” I asked, familiar with his routine.

“Yes sir. Tonight’s the season finale.” His enthusiasm seemed incongruous with the setting and circumstances, but I’ve learned that even immortals needed their distractions.

“Don’t let us keep you.” I said, moving toward the heavy steel door at the back of the room. It was reinforced with a keypad lock and what appeared to be a standard fire safety sign, but I knew what lied beyond was anything but standard.

“The door will lock automatically behind you.” Virgil reminded me. “Holla, if you need anything.” With that, he disappeared back through the door he came from. He left us alone in the reception area.

I turned to Chanel. I studied her face for any sign of hesitation or fear. I found only curiosity and determination.

“What is this place, really?” She asked.

I punched a code into the keypad, and the heavy door released with an inflated hiss. “It’s where I deal with problems that can’t be resolved any other way.” Yes, I was speaking in riddles, something I did from time to time.

“And what does that mean?”

“It’s better to show you.”

“Is that right?” She blew air from her mouth.

The door swung open, revealing a dimly lit staircase descending into darkness. Cold air rushed up to meet us, carrying the faint dusty scent of the basement below.

“And is that why we’re here tonight?” Chanel asked. “To deal with a problem?”

I took her hand, feeling the clamminess of her fingers against my palm. “Yes.”

Chanel’s eyes were curious. There was no shock, no horror, or an ounce of fear. I’d chosen well. Or did she choose me? The woman beside me was a potential vampire queen in the making. Vampire, no, she was human. Why did I think that?

“Follow me.” I said, taking the first step down into the darkness with Chanel one step behind me.

The staircase descended in a tight spiral. The temperature dropped, and it was for good reason. Chanel’s hand remained steady in mine, her grip neither tightening from fear nor slackening with doubt. I watched her profile in the dim light, searching for any hesitation, but found only curiosity.

“The cold helps preserve them.” I explained as we reached the bottom. “Vampires and humans alike.”

The basement stretched out before us. It was clinically lit with recessed fluorescent fixtures that cast no shadows. There were stainless steel tables, cabinets, and instruments arranged with surgical precision. Along one wall stood a row of refrigeration units, their contents hidden behind heavy doors. The opposite wall housed something that resembled an industrial oven, though its purpose was far more specific.

“It smells like a hospital down here.” Chanel observed.