Page 20 of Abiding Blood

Karl jumped at the sound of my voice. I hadn’t realized I’d slipped in so quietly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“No, sir. It’s all right. I hope this is okay,” Karl said. “I haven’t eaten since yesterday.” He gestured toward the food laid out before him.

“Of course. Please, I didn’t mean to interrupt your meal; I just wanted to apologize,” I said. I sat at the countertop across from Karl. “I’ve acted horribly toward you this past week, not to mention what I put you through in the last twenty-four hours. I don’t know what to say, except that I’m truly sorry and so very grateful.”

I paused, carefully choosing my next words. It had been an evening of firsts for me, giving me the courage to say what came next. “I imagine you have some questions, and I will answer them as best I can. I owe you that much.”

I spread my hands on the countertop and waited. This was not something I would normally do—or had ever offered to another human in all my long life—but this man deserved honesty and more. I needed to know how Karl felt about everything. I was fairly certain Karl would keep my secret. He had up to this point, but things might have changed. I sincerely hoped they hadn’t.

Karl stood blinking, the mayo-coated knife forgotten in his hand. The look on his face told me he wasn’t expecting an apology, let alone an explanation. Karl regained his composure and went back to assembling his meal.

“I think it’s probably better that I don’t know everything,” he said, his head bent over his task. “But I did want to ask about the young woman who was here earlier. Is she all right? I mean…” His voice trailed off.

“Oh, yes. She’s doing just fine,” I said quickly. “She left with Nathaniel. She’s a nurse,” I added, a little awkwardly.

“Ah, she helped you?”

“Yes, she did. Both she and Nathaniel.”

Karl let out a breath he’d been holding. “You looked so much better. I was just worried⁠—”

“She’s fine. I promise.” I tried to be as reassuring as possible. Karl knew enough to worry about the poor woman. The human likely had a pretty good idea of what Nathaniel and I were. If he needed me to spell it out, I would, just this once.

Karl nodded, looking satisfied. “Good, then no. I have no questions.”

Karl’s lack of curiosity surprised me. I would have expected a few questions. However, I needed to hear more to ensure my safety. I took a breath. I didn’t want to face this next hurdle, but I pushed on. “I don’t mean to offend you by bringing this up,” I said. “But I must ask you to keep what you’ve seen to yourself. I’ve always been able to rely on your discretion, and I need to know that I still can.”

I studied him closely as he prepared to answer. After all my time with humans, I was good at reading intentions and honesty, recent events notwithstanding. I prayed that Karl would be honest with me and that I would get the answer I wanted. I would hate to have to kill Karl. I’d grown so fond of the man and felt quite indebted.

Karl stopped what he was doing and set the knife down. He furrowed his brow but looked me directly in the eye. “Of course, sir. I have never, and would never, say anything about what goes on in this house to anyone. After twelve years here, I know you’re a good person, and that’s good enough for me.”

I sighed in relief; my faith in him was well placed.

“I feel I owe you an out,” I said. “I would understand if you’re no longer comfortable working here, but I promise that if you stay, I’ll do better in the future.”

“I enjoy my job, sir. I like working here, despite last night.”

I winced. “I’m not eager to repeat it either,” I said. We fell silent as Karl finished preparing his food.

“People are truly starting to worry about this virus, aren’t they?” I asked.

“Yeah, they are. Panic shopping has already started. People are stocking up just in case.” He leaned back against the opposite counter and took a bite of his sandwich.

“I got caught up a bit while you were asleep. Let me know if you need anything as this runs its course. I’ve seen a few of these pandemics, you know?” I said, giving Karl a knowing look. “They eventually burn out, and things go back to normal. They always do.”

“You’re probably right, sir. I’ll let you know.”

I pushed myself up from the chair. “Thanks again, Karl. I’m turning in. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

“Good night, sir. I’m glad you’re okay.”

I offered him a faint smile as I departed, then walked back to my rooms.

Once inside, I bolted the doors, settled onto the couch, and pulled out my cell phone. I’d glanced at most of the messages earlier but had only read a few. I had over a hundred texts from Nathaniel, plus messages from Jonathan, Mateo, and even a couple from Anna. Everyone was concerned, and I understood. I would sort it all out later. Nathaniel would be back the next evening, too. That thought made me pause. I’d always enjoyed seeing my friend, but this time I felt a chill at the thought of the conversation to come.

I awoke the next evening feeling much better. I checked my reflection carefully and still saw the shadows of my illness, though they were fading. I was thinner and paler than usual, but I could tell I was on the mend. I dressed as usual, my clothing still roomier than I liked, but it would do.

About an hour after sunset, Karl rang the intercom in my rooms to tell me that Nathaniel had returned. I opened the door to my inner chamber and welcomed him in.