Suburban Vampire: Redemption, Book II: Leviathan

Chapter 32

Scott and Dawn entered the main chamber of Ministry later that evening. Jeremiah, Kitty, Bernie, and Tim O'Neill were there, as well. They had come to witness Gaylord Weems enchant the various magical weapons that were in their custody and to ensure he didn't do anything else. Kitty was prepared, of course, with her ionic disruptor; Bernie was prepared to "go apeshit" if the situation demanded it. As soon as Kitty saw Scott and Dawn heading down the stairs, she rushed to Scott and embraced him.

"Oh, Scott," she said, "I'm so sorry I missed your mom's memorial. I really wanted to be there."

"It's okay, Kitty," Scott said. "You had important things to do."

"I had to babysit my dad. That's hardly important."

"Still, don't feel bad about it. We did get the flowers and the candy. And the box that smelled rather dank."

"Dude," Bernie said, "the dank was my idea!"

"Of course it was, Bernie. Of course it was."

As Scott released Kitty, Jeremiah approached him. "How are you, Scott?" He asked.

"I'm fine. Really I am."

"And you're fine being here today?"

"Where else would I rather be? You guys are like family to Dawn and me. We're really grateful for all you've done for us. Besides, it was getting kind of boring. I mean, other than finding out your ex-wife is some super vampire slayer and wants to go Buffy on your ass. Other than that, boring. Speaking of which, she's in the cellblock, right?"

"Of course she is, Scott," Kitty said. "Hey, we need someone to bring dad – I mean, Gaylord Weems – out here. Why don't you do it? And, by all means, take your time."

"Is that okay, Dawn?"

"Yeah, of course it is," Dawn replied. "I know there are probably some things you need to discuss with your ex, but if I hear you screaming from in there..."

"Dawn, I'm a vampire. We don't scream." Scott noticed everyone in the room looking at him, some of them, Tim in particular, trying to stifle giggles. "Don't anyone say anything! Tim, I'll bite you. You know I will."

Tim cleared his throat. "Ah, yeah, okay, Nosferatu. Sure thing."

Scott then headed to the cellblock. He entered and stopped by Gaylord's cell. "Ah, Dr. Campbell!" Gaylord greeted. "Is today the big day?"

"Yes, it is. But before I take you out there, do you mind if I take a few minutes with the other prisoner?"

"Not at all. Take your time. I promise, I won't eavesdrop."

Scott nodded, then went to his ex-wife's cell. She was sitting on the cot, looking at the wall. "Hi, Laura," Scott said. "You can look at me, you know."

"I'm good, thanks," she quietly replied.

"Hey, I'm really sorry about the whole poison dart thing. Dawn kind of gets overzealous at times."

"She was protecting you. I get it. I can't blame her."

"And me?"

Laura stood and began slowly pacing. "I thought I had this thing all figured out. You were a monster. You were the bad guy. I was so right about everything. That night, when you, or evil you, killed Russ and almost killed me, I had a clarity I've never had in all my life. I had a purpose."