Bad Blood

Merlotte's was almost empty. I sighed. Looked like it was going to be another slow night. Holly was leaning against the bar talking animatedly to Sam. My only table had just left, so I quickly cleared it and excused myself to the bathroom.

I was in the process of readjusting my ponytail, when a movement in the mirror caught my attention. I jumped, startled, and turned to make sure I wasn't just imagining it. I wasn't.

"Hi," Pam said, smirking at my shocked expression. Her briliant blond hair hung in a shimmering veil around her pale face. She was dressed in the black, very lacey outfit that she always wore when she worked.

"Gosh, Pam," I said, letting my heart begin to slow from its frantic pounding, "Don't get me wrong, it's good to see you. But, can't you just use the front door?"

"What, and miss catching you off gaurd?" She said.

"What do you want Pam?" I asked, positive that this wasn't a social visit. Pam and I weren't good enough friends for that.

"Oh, it's not me that wants anything. It's Eric."

"Of course it is," I muttered, knowing perfectly well that she could hear me. My temper was begining to flare a little. "Well, what does Eric want that he couldn't come talk to me about himself?"

"He fully intends to tell you himself," She said, smiling even wider at my tone. "You're coming with me."

"No, I'm not," I said, "Pam, I'm in the middle of work."

"Leave," She said, shrugging like it was as simple as that.

"I can't do that! I'm not about to leave Sam and Holly on their own."

"I could always glamor your boss into thinking he let you go."

"No!" I said, imideately. I couldn't even think about letting Pam do that.

"Then make up an excuse," She said, leaning against the sink, "Eric wants us back as soon as possible."

"Fine," I said, exasperated. I turned and walked away, leaving Pam alone in the bathroom.

I walked over to the bar, glancing around at the tables. They were still empty. Holly was staring at me, a concerned look in her eyes. "Are you okay, Sookie? You don't look so good."

"I'm fine," I said, automatically putting on my customary smile.

"No, she's right," Sam said, looking up at me from underneath his reddish-gold halo of hair. "You don't seem like yourself tonight."

Yeah, maybe because I was being forced away from my job by a psychotic Viking who was going to get an earful as soon as I saw him. I didn't say that, what I said was, "I am feeling a little under the weather."

I hated lying to Sam, but I really didn't want to bring him into vampire problems. He looked straight into my eyes, and I knew he didn't believe me. "Well, it looks like we're not going to get very buisy tonight. Why don't you go on home and get some rest."

'You need to go?' Sam's voice echoed in my head.

I nodded, "I think I'll do that. Thanks Sam."

"You just feel better," He said, still starring at me. I listened again as he thought'Be careful, Sookie.'

"See you tomorrow, Sam," I said, taking off my apron as I headed out the back door. Pam was standing beside my car, looking it over with a humours glint in her eyes. "Let me guess, you didn't drive."

"No, but I can drive your car. We'll get there faster."

"Thanks, Pam, but I'd actually like to follow the law tonight." I said, a little bitterly.