Page 10 of Fall of Dawn

“I was at the Black Cavern.” She sits in the armchair across from my table, her appraising eyes glancing around at the threadbare furniture and dusty tomes. “It’s not terribly far.”

Her appearance still stuns me; her beautiful dark hair loose and her lips a blood red. “And I rather like David.” She smiles. “He’s delicious.”

“Leave him alone. He’s a good kid.”

One of her perfect black eyebrows arches. “He’s older than you.”

“In human years, sure. But you know what I mean.”

“Do I?” she taunts.

“I don’t have time for your games.”

“If you didn’t want to play, why did you summon me?” she snaps.

“I need your help.”

“What a surprise.” She folds her hands in her lap, a bored look on her face.

“I need equipment. Lab supplies. Medical supplies. I need?—”

“Do I look like a nurse to you? A hospital administrator, maybe?”

“I know you don’t have these things,” I barrel ahead despite her venom. “But you probably know where to find them. There are still hospitals and universities out there. They can’t all be gone. I’ve made a list.” I grab a piece of paper and push it across the table toward her.

She doesn’t move to take it.

“Fatima.” I stare at her. “You can do this for me. I know you can.”

“Why should I?”

“Because I can try to fix this. I can?—”

“Fix what?” She inspects one of her blood red nails, the tip sharpened to a point.

“You’re a vampire. You need humans to survive no matter what Gregor says. You know that.”

“Of course.”

“If I can create a vaccine for the SierraVirus, it will ensure?—”

“Can you?” Her gaze cuts through me.

I feel like I’m clumsily playing poker, some of my cards turned to face Fatima. “Can I create a vaccine?”

“Yes. You never did in DC as far as I know. What makes you think you can do it now?”

I wrestled with whether I should tell her the truth, but I see now that it’s my only bargaining chip. “I can do it.”

She considers me, her feline eyes lacking every bit of warmth they used to have. “You’re certain?”

“Yes.” I hold her gaze.

“And what if I don’t care?”

“I know you do.”

“Is that so?” She smiles coldly. “What makes you think I care if the vast majority of you die? As long as there are enough cattle to keep me fed, the rest are none of my concern.”