What Goes Bump In The Night

XIII: New Priorities

It wasn't long until we found the final lycan thanks to Pearce's excellent sense of smell. He said he was hoping to interrogate them if he knew who they were, but all five were completely new faces. Foolhardy maggots, all salivating at the opportunity for quick fame and power. After the rough go she had against the Nest Queen, Pearce and I let Tamara 'pacify' the lycan, as she calls it. Heading back to the Church, Tamara stops just before the large entrance doors.

"Well, I thank you for your assistance as well as notifying us of the threat. If you ever have any needs or worries, rest assured that I: Tamara of the Baetz family, will be ready to take action."

Pearce, unsure of how to respond, gives a confused bow.

"Thank you for the help, I appreciate you taking the time to do so."

Then, Tamara turns to me surprisingly.

"And I appreciate your help as well. To be blunt, I hadn't seen you to be the kind person you showed to be."

Shocked by what she said, I naturally spit out a confused:

"What?"

"Well, you looked out for me when I was hurt and made for good company. Despite your antics and lack of womanly demeanor, I would be willing to accept your aide on a case, anytime."

For a second I forgot about that pompous attitude of hers.

"Thanks."

I reply dryly, Pearce nudges me with a goofy grin.

"I think she likes you."

I wave him off and extend a hand for Tamara to shake. We do so and I watch as she then gleefully yet audaciously trots back into the Church. Alone, Pearce brushes a hand through his sweat-slicked hair.

"Guess this means you got bigger fish to fry."

Looking up at him, I tilt my head in confusion.

"I'm hungry, but I won't be eating fish."

He chuckles softly before shoving both hands in his pockets.

"It's an expression, means you have more important things to do."

"I have lots of important things to do."

We just stare at one another, eventually, he looks up at the sky overhead.

"You're an odd egg, you know that?"

"I'm not-"

"Nevermind. You're hungry, right? Care to go grab a bite to eat?"

I had planned on visiting the Church kitchen because I can sneak in the back and find some liver to satisfy my desire for blood. It wasn't much, but that muzzle trick has me wanting that metallic taste on my tongue again.

"If I can find a suitable meal, then I don't see why not."

I finally say, relenting to his idea. His eyes and face light up, seeming surprised by my answer.

"Sweet! You got anywhere you like to eat around here? I've never been to Kaiserheim, so I don't really know what's good."

"It's not often I leave the Church for reasons beyond work, so my range is limited."

Like feeling sorry for a stray dog, Pearce gives me that pitying expression.

"Oh, I'm sorry-"

"There's no need for that, I'm content."

"Yeah, but-"

Raising a hand to him, he stops for a moment. Then, he grabs it and squeezes gently.

"We can go wherever you want, you have the power of choice. Even if it's fancy, I should be fine as far as money goes."