appeared alien, unlike Mia who looked human and female.

The male hadn’t spoken in three days. When anyone approached, he just fixed an icy blue stare and they’d back off in terror. A basin of water containing a plastic bag filled with blood sat in the sliding panel beside the door. Nausea gripped Joe momentarily, surprising him. He’d seen surgery performed on the brains of living people. Why did this bother him so much?

Joe cleared his throat. “Good evening, I’m Doctor Ansari. I’ve brought a letter from Mia. I’m not sure how you prefer to be addressed.”

The vampire’s eyes blinked once as he replied in a boyish voice, his English slightly accented, “You may call me Kurt.”

“Very well then… Kurt. How are you getting on?”

The vampire stared at him. Sudden tension flared between them. Kurt tugged at the left sleeve of his shirt then smoothed it down with his fingers. “Mia attacked a staff member. I heard screaming and shouting.”

“Yes, the psychiatrist.”

Kurt shook his head. “What have they done to her?”

“She was restrained and sedated until she calmed down.”

“You’re the neuroscientist. I’ve read your work.” Kurt smoothed his hand again over his shirtsleeve. “I suppose it’s pointless to ask when we’ll be re-united.”

“Dr. Loy assures me it should be soon. You read scientific journals?”

The vampire’s wary expression didn’t change, nor did he answer the question put to him. “You’re authorized to carry communication between us?”

“No, but I’m assigned to work with Mia until Dr. Rider is replaced.”

Kurt’s unearthly eyes ran over Joe again, searching. Joe was very uncomfortable.

“Aside from neurological studies, I’ve been assigned to begin a behavioral profile based on anecdotal data. So far she hasn’t cooperated. I’m hoping to gain her trust so she will.”

“To this end you’ve gone against your superior?”

Kurt tugged again at his shirt cuff. Interesting, Joe observed, a nervous gesture, hiding something yet calling attention to it at the same time.

Joe continued, “I don’t agree with Lydia. It stinks you’ve been separated without your consent. I’ll do all I can to help you both. I’ve been authorized to obtain anything you need… personal items.”

Kurt’s disturbing eyes lowered to his book again. “I arranged for the rental of a piano.”

This surprised Joe. “Piano?”

The vampire’s voice tensed. “Yes, a piano. Also, I require my notebook computer. It’s pointless to try to access anything. I made sure of that. I want it back.”

Well, he could be an arrogant little cuss.

“Give me a list. I’ll see to it personally.”

Kurt looked up again with his probing gaze and moistened his lower lip with his tongue as Joe pretended to make notes on his clipboard. “Come by tomorrow night for my reply. No one but Mia must see it. Understand? Look at me, Doctor, when I address you.”

Joe wasn’t about to cross either of them. He looked Kurt in the eye.

The vampire’s expression softened. “I’d like to arrange for flowers for Mia— a single red rose for each night we’re apart. Make sure it’s perfect and accompanies my letter.”

Was the monster a romantic?

Kurt took a small leather notebook and pen from his shirt pocket. He jotted down some items and tore the list out, handing it to Joe with the assurance of one used to giving orders. “These are the items I require. Please don’t deviate from the list.” He replaced the notebook in his pocket. His pale face suddenly clenched. “Go— I don’t wish to be disturbed.”

Joe didn’t waste any time exiting. Taking a last quick look as the observation door closed between them, he saw Kurt take up the basin containing the bag of blood in his hands and stare at it in disgust. Sensing Joe staring, he scowled before snapping off the lights.

THREE

* * * *

The next evening Joe reappeared at Kurt’s cell with two large shopping bags containing the clothing and other items they’d asked for. Joe noticed the notebook computer wasn’t on the desk as requested, however the vampire sat now on the bench of a sleek, concert grand with the name Steinway and Sons emblazoned above the keyboard, fingers resting on the keys as if about to play.

“You got your piano.”

Without any thanks the vampire replied, “You failed in obtaining my computer. The letter is on the table. Leave the parcels by the door. And the rose? Show me.”

Joe produced the rose, wrapped in tissue, surrounded by ferns. The vampire shook his head.

“What’s wrong? I specifically asked for the best.”

Kurt gestured at the wrappings. “Get rid of that trash.”

“Right.” Joe removed the ferns and paper,