Suburban Vampire: Redemption, Book II: Leviathan

Chapter 39

Jeremiah wandered the cellblock hall, carrying a tray with sandwiches for the prisoners. He first stopped by Gaylord Weems' cell.

"I've been told I make a fair sandwich," Jeremiah said, "even though I do not eat them myself."

"That's quite all right," Gaylord responded. "I've learned to accept that which I've been given. It's more than I deserve."

"Why are you still here? I told you that you can go."

"I know."

"You have shown penitence by helping activate those weapons. Besides, Jill Jardine is no more. You made a mistake, and it has been rectified."

"Has it, Jeremiah? Has it really?"

"As far as the higher-ups are concerned, yes. They, and I, agree fully that you should be released."

"And what of my daughter?"

"Oh. Well, she shall abide by—"

"No. No, Jeremiah. I am here because of her. I am here because of all the crimes I've committed, the gravest were against her. Until she can bring herself to forgive me, here I shall remain. I thank you that you went to bat for me, but it is not your opinion, nor that of Ministry's, that means anything to me. It is hers. I hope you can understand that."

"I do. I respect that you feel that way, and will accommodate your desires. Does this mean you are in danger of becoming a good man?"

Gaylord snorted. "Not hardly."

After Gaylord took a sandwich, Jeremiah moved to the cell shared by Laura and Darla. "Good day," Jeremiah greeted them, "are you hungry? We were out of the pre-made sandwiches, so I made these."

Laura took one of the sandwiches and immediately bit into it. She found the taste odd, and somewhat repellant – it was obvious to her that someone who does not eat solid food should probably not make solid food. However, she was too polite to say otherwise. "Oh, raw horseradish, my favorite," she said as she attempted not to gag.

"Good. And you, Darla?"

"Hell no!" Darla growled. "I ain't eatin' nothin' made by no god damned blood sucker. You can shove that shit right up your perfectly shaped ass!"

"Very well. How are you doing, Laura?"

"Oh," Laura said, "I'm bored. Darla snores almost as bad as Scott did."

"The hell I do!" Darla snapped. "Complain about my snoring!"

"Anyway," Laura continued, "yeah. Bored."

"You know, Ministry has agreed to your release, as well," Jeremiah advised her.

"Yeah, but where am I going to go? Scott's right; I'm safer here."

"The hell you are!" Darla threatened. "Just you watch out, you traitorous bitch!"

"Can you at least move me to another cell?"

"Actually, Ministry has agreed to transport Darla and her two cohorts to a secure facility off-site. However, I have no idea when they will arrive, so I think relocating you would be a good idea."

"'Secure facility off-site'?" Darla asked. "What the hell does that mean? Is Ministry gonna Gitmo me? Move me to a black site where I'll disappear forever?"