Page 56 of Fang Fatale

"You don't strike me as that kind of man."

A beat.

"I figured you'd skim a little off the top."

He smiles.

"Professional courtesy."

I don't answer.

"So here's some advice."

His eyes lock onto mine.

"You're already one move behind."

He stands.

Straightens his jacket.

Then pauses beside me.

"If you actually want to keep her alive..."

His voice drops another notch.

"Get her out of those woods."

"Leland's men won't cross the forest line."

A smile.

"I don't have that problem."

Then he walks away.

Slow.

Heavy.

Bear-like.

Like he already knows he'll never have to run.

Vlad wanders back over once Mason disappears into the sodium glow outside.

"Friendly fellow."

"Weir's working for Brooks."

Vlad sighs.

"You think he's hunting you?"

I swirl the blood wine.

Metal.