Alternate Channels

Originally written Saturday, January 7, 2006 (cont.)

It seemed we’d have to find a way to disconnect Moshe from Patrick. It was far from ideal for either of them for Moshe to be dependent on Patrick for his presence of mind and for both of them to be living in a basement on that account. One thought gave me heart—that both Trudy and Patrick had witnessed Moshe drinking in moderation, while under the spell, no less. If we have the right theory about what the charm does, and if one does not act against one’s nature while affected by it… of course, I may be assuming that based on my own experience. I am exceptional for many reasons; perhaps this was another. But if it is true for others, then Moshe is not a killer. I thought of what Jeanine said about the woman at the Crypt overdosing. I’d need to work that into the conversation at some point, bring it up with Trudy. As for cutting the umbilical cord, so to speak, between the young men, I spoke out loud, “Patrick, I think you should try channeling energy through the charm after all.”

“Bullshit,” he said.

“Excuse me?”

Trudy picked up several cards in the middle of the table, revealing her four aces. Patrick groaned and collated the pile into his hand. They’d resumed their game while I was lost in thought. His invective had not been directed at me.

“Really? What—what do I need to do?” he inquired.

“We’ll wait until you’re done with the game.”

“Oh, I’m just about to lose anyway. Or Migraine Guy is about to win.”

“Heh. Now I’m not,” laughed Moshe bitterly. As cold as he was to me, he and Patrick seemed rather comfortable with each other. It occurred to me that they had not, to my knowledge, formally met until this week. Patrick’s brief visual contact with Moshe at the Crypt hardly counted as an introduction. “You just had to remind me of that. Now all I can think about is my headache.”

“Hey Moe,” I directed, “look at me.”

He gave me a brief sidelong glance and then rolled his eyes back to the game.

“No, I mean really look at me.” I took his chin in my hands and tried to turn his face toward mine.

He swatted my hands away. “Don’t fucking touch me!” he growled. I guess I’m less threatening without a stake nearby, and he’s extremely grumpy when I’m less threatening.

“Look at me. Patrick, tell him to look at you.” I quickly twisted my stone bangle around my wrist and looked authoritatively at my student. Patrick stammered a little, eyes darting between us, but he pressed his charm to his chest and quickly said Moshe’s name, and the vampire snapped to attention. Trudy was lazily straightening and rearranging the cards in her hand. Patrick appeared a little bit nervous, but there was some excitement building up under the surface, as well. He looked at the languid pair, seeming uncertain about what to do next.

The events of this day to be continued...