His smile was gone, eyes like winter ice. “You wouldn't make it without me.”

“The question is, would you make it without me?”

“I'd make it.”

“So would I”

We stared at each other for a long space of moments. Neither of us was willing to look away, to blink first. Bert started to smile, still staring into my eyes. The edges of a smile began to tug at my mouth. We laughed together and that was that.

“All right, Anita, no more vampires.”

I stood. “Thank you.”

“Would you really quit?” His face was all laughing sincerity, a tasteful, pleasant mask.

“I don't believe in idle threats, Bert. You know that.”

“Yes,” he said, “I know that. I honestly didn't know this job would endanger your life.”

“Would it have made a difference?”

He thought about it for a minute, then laughed. “No, but I would have charged more.”

“You keep making money, Bert. That's what you're good at.”

“Amen.”

I left him so he could fondle the check in privacy. Maybe chuckle over it. It was blood money, no pun intended. Somehow, I didn't think that bothered Bert. It bothered me.