Page 42 of Only Human in Strangeville

“Have a seat. I’ll bring you something. Anything you don’t eat? What do you want to drink? I can accommodate most anything.”

I sank down onto a comfortable couch and curled up into a ball. Nimbus hopped up next to me and laid his chin on my shoulder. Yeah, definitely growing.

“I eat most things. I’ll take some water. And maybe some whiskey if you have it. Nimbus could have some meat and water, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. Make yourself at home.”

With that, Bridger left me alone.

Trying to pull myself together, I took stock of my surroundings. The walls were concrete, painted different colors, but clearly concrete. This room was a soothing sky blue. I vaguely recalled some white walls and some greens. The floor had been carpeted in a plush brown that would hide dirt and be easy to care for. The furniture seemed like normal couches and recliners and end tables. Nothing that stood out, but all well made. I didn’t see any windows from the room I was in, which was probably some sort of living room. A large TV hung on one wall with a game system nearby and a computer sat over in one corner.

The air had a bit of a chill to it that basements often held. A blanket lay draped over the back of the couch, and I pulled it over my lap.

It wasn’t long before Bridger came back with a tray containing food, water, and a golden liquid that had to be whiskey.

Nimbus dug into the plate of meat Bridger had brought, and I gratefully ate the ham sandwich. He sat with us, munching on some chips and not talking while I ate.

Once I was done, he whisked away the food while I sipped on the whiskey.

“So what’s next?” I finally asked.

“You get some rest. I’ll check the cameras and stay up for a while and keep an eye on things. If nothing goes wrong, I’ll catch a nap. Tomorrow, I’ll give you a tour. And we’ll go from there. One day at a time, Hannah.”

I took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay. Thank you.”

“Sure. Besides, this gives me a chance to hang out with you more.” He winked. “Seriously though, I want you safe.”

Laughing, I shook my head and finished my whiskey.

I nearly dropped the glass when Bridger’s phone rang.

“How did you get my number?” Bridger answered.

I couldn’t hear the reply, but Bridger rolled his eyes. “Right, vampire things. So what’s up, Katsuro?”

“Yeah.” He glanced at me. “Okay if I put him on speaker?”

I nodded.

“Hannah, we have more information. I would like to come speak with you.” Katsuro’s soothing voice reached out through the speakers.

Bridger arched an eyebrow, and I shrugged. “It’s your house.”

“Can you guarantee you won’t be followed?”

“Yes,” Katsuro said. “Obviously, I’ll come after dark.”

“Come alone. Don’t get followed, and you can visit.”

“Agreed.”

“Do you need my address?” Bridger mouthed, please need my address.

“No, of course not.”

Fuck, Bridger mouthed.

I would have laughed if the situation weren’t dire.

---