Opening one eye, allowed her to see that the sun was setting.  She stretched and felt good.  Maybe just a slight hangover, but she'd recover quickly from that.  She and Jesse had done justice to the plum brandy, last night.  She smiled thinking of the 'justice' they'd done to each other, too.  She glanced down at the tops of her breasts and there were still remnants of their passion showing there.  She was grateful for her healing powers.  Grinning, she touched the fang marks and found them still a little tender.  She sat up and hung her legs over the side of the bed.  She'd miss him.  She'd really miss him, but she understood that none of them should stay here.  He'd finally asked her to leave and she'd agreed.  It did make sense.  Her apartment was being watched.  She wasn't sure why they'd not attacked, but if they did, she didn't want Toby to be endangered.  She hated to admit it, but Jesse was right.  It was time to move on.

The sound of the can being opened brought Toby running and meowing with excitement.  She grinned and thought how little it took to get him excited. She wished she was as easy to please.  

She looked at the city lights and felt a slight thrill of excitement, but mostly, she felt sad and very, very alone.  Toby was asleep on top of the computer.  The vista of her new home stretched before her and she had the feeling that she'd died and had not yet been reborn.  The trauma of separation was with her but joy and challenge of rebirth had not yet begun.  

The fact of having to leave everything behind, didn’t set well with her.  Understanding the need and accepting it were two different things.

Take for instance, Jimmy and Vicki, she had told them she was leaving.  They hadn’t taken it very well, but they’d accepted it.  She missed them already.  She hadn’t told them where she was going, since they were deep within the hunter organization.  Although they had helped her, she’d felt it was better if they hadn’t known where she was going or exactly when she’d left.

Laughing silently, Eliza wondered if the hunters had found the little surprise she’d left them.  She hoped that Jimmy and Vicki would understand and forgive her little deception, if they ever met again.  She couldn’t tell them what she’d planned, if only to keep them safe.  The less they knew the better.  Oh it had been fun planning it and seeing it through.  Looking at her hands, she thought the blisters had been worth it.  She just wished she could get the stink of the garlic out of her nose.  She really hated that nauseating smell!

Eliza knew she’d have to get used to this city.  She really didn’t know her way around it, not like before.  She hoped, too, that Christa would get the letter she’d sent.  At least she’d know she was still among the “living.”

She’d have to find her branch of the clan and make herself known to them.  It lacked respect of the clan not to do so.  They had helped her so much before, especially Codrin.  She was going to miss him.  Better not to dwell on those thoughts.  From all news reports, it wasn’t positive that Codrin was gone.  He may be gone from the city, but not dead gone.

Shaking her head, Eliza stood and made her way into the bedroom.  Looking around, she was still surprised at the roominess of this apartment.  It was a far cry from the basement one before.  Walking into the huge closet, she chuckled at the sight of her wardrobe.  Mostly leathers, it didn’t take up much room in this huge closet.

Dressing, she decided to take a look around her knew hunting grounds.  Making sure there was a park nearby, also some nightlife.  Hopefully the club scene would be up to her strict standards.  Laughing at herself, she knew she’d been spoiled, music wise, by Jerry and Jesse.  They were two of the hottest musicians she’d heard yet.  She hoped she’d hear more.

Riding down in the elevator, she nodded to the two other occupants of the car.  They seemed to be man and wife.  Laughing to herself, she caught the man stealing sideways glances at her and the woman getting more steamed by the minute.  

When they got to the lobby floor, the woman pushed her husband out the elevator door with barely a cold nod. 

“Sheesh, it’s not like I wanted his attention.  Of all my wardrobes, other than the ‘librarian duds’, this is the most conservative.  Boy, I’m off to a great start here,” she thought to herself. 

Leaving the lobby of the apartment building, she made her way out into the night air.  Lifting her head, she sniffed the air and headed off.  Following the scent of new spring grass and pine trees, she quickly found a nice sized park.

Strolling along nonchalantly, she made herself aware of every nuance of the park.  It was really nice to walk and not have to worry about hunters jumping out of every shadow.  There was no sense of danger at all.

She realized that she had missed these walks, vowing to take one every night.  Now that the warmer weather was approaching again, she knew that all manner of people would be frequently using the park.  Her choice of snack or meal wouldn’t be that hard to come by.  Thinking of snacks, Eliza realized she was feeling a touch hungry.  It was still not dark enough to indulge her need for a snack.  So, in the spirit of just an early evening walker, she kept on.  This was really a much nicer park than the one she’d left behind. There were many places for a tryst or maybe just a little snack.  Smiling, Eliza knew she had snacks on the brain.  

She realized though, there weren’t many in the park tonight.  Looking around, she noticed only two or three people beside herself.  Probably it was just too early in the year for many people to be walking about.  She knew that not as many people liked the colder weather as she did.  

Eliza got the feeling of being watched.  It wasn’t the danger feel, just the feeling of being watched.  Looking around her, she didn’t see anyone.  She was pretty much alone in this section of the park.  No odd looking shadows.  This was the same feeling she’d had back home, not dangerous, maybe.........not sure of exactly how to phrase it in her mind she let it go.  As long as she felt no danger she was happy being looked at, maybe admired even.  She needed admiration too, just like any woman.  Lately there hadn’t been much, everyone seemed to want her dead.  

Looking around one more time, she decided to head back to the apartment and see if Jesse had replied to her e-mail.  At least he’d know where she was.  Maybe he’d also know whom she should contact from the clan.  She felt the need to touch base with them.  She didn’t want to be considered a rogue like the one who’d embraced her.

Vampire or human, it was hard moving and starting all over again.  Exiting the park, she realized she wasn't ready to go home yet.  Feeling wild and crazy, she flagged a passing taxi and explained that she wanted to do a little clubbing but was new to the area.  The cabby had viewed her with a sharp eye and instantly focused on the leather outfit and her dark appearance.  He smiled and nodded. "I think I know just the place you're looking for," he said.  "It's got a touch of class but it's wide open as long as you don't make any trouble."  

Jesse had once told her that cabbies were some of the best guides to a city, so she decided to go with the cabby's suggestion.  She'd asked him to take a direct route but to go slowly so she could get a feel for the city.  He'd been more than happy to take it slowly.  It seemed to be a slow night and the ticking meter made him very happy.  

He pointed out various land marks and gave her a running commentary.  They entered a seedier section of town and Eliza felt a thrill.  She knew this was going to be a hunting ground for her.  "Snack bar!" she thought. The cabby confirmed her suspicions by telling her this was a good area to avoid or get through quickly.   She quickly agreed with him, thinking to herself how little he knew!  

The first sign that they were nearing their destination was a shop with the three golden balls.  Eliza like the looks of the area.  It was reasonably clean but sleazy enough to be appealing.  It looked like an area where she would feel comfortable - have a little fun and do a little hunting.  She handed the drive a bill in excess of the fare and waved him off when he started to return change.  "I think you've read my mind," she told him.  He thanked her and drove off whistling an off key tune.  

She straightened and adjusted her cape.  The row of buildings was nondescript, typical of that sort of thing.  All seemed to have a poster or advertisement showing a scantily clad woman and most seemed to bill live entertainment.  Different strains of music reached her ears and there was the faint sour odor of spilled alcohol and some undefinable smell that she associated with the bar scene.  "Desperation and lust," she mused.  "That's it.  That's that other smell."  She grimaced and considered her own life.  Taking a deep breath, she headed towards the club the cab driver had indicated.  

The bouncer, doorman, she corrected herself, eyed her approvingly as she went in but said nothing.  As she entered, she was greeted by a low buzz of conversation and the clink of glass on glass.  There was a small band area with instruments but otherwise empty.  "Must be on break," she thought.  Her eyes quickly adjusted to the dimness and she could clearly see.  In the back was an open booth that would be secluded and private.  She made her way to it, stopping to place an order for plum brandy, removed her cape, the room was quite warm, and settled in.  

She closed her eyes and listened.  She could make out several conversations.  She smiled and heard a lady agree to go with the man to his room.  She opened her eyes and saw a couple stand and make their way towards the door.  She hadn't heard any financial arrangements, but she just knew "working girl" was the name of that game!  Another conversation caught her attention and she focused intently.  A young couple were arguing in low whispers but the intensity of their emotions were clear to her sensitive ears.  She shook her head.  "He'd better hope they aren't going home together," she thought.  They'd be fighting all night if they did.

"Here you go, Hon," a tired voice said, and her drink was placed in front of her.  Eliza blinked, trying to focus on the moment.  "You mind?" said the voice and the tired looking lady sat heavily in the booth opposite her.  "My feet are killing me tonight," she offered.  "Hope you don't mind.  We usually use this booth to catch a short break.  We're out of sight and Walt doesn't mind as long as we don't over do it."  She leaned and looked out into the bar.  "Plum brandy, huh?  Never heard of that before.  Looks like blood."  She looked at Eliza and hesitated.  Eliza could see her eyes widen and could feel her emotions shift.

"Oh, of course I don't mind," Eliza quickly said to distract her from her speculations.  "I didn't realize this wasn't for customers," she said sweetly. "I'll be happy to move if you want.  Life's tough enough without having to stand all night long.  My name's Eliza."  She stuck out her hand.

"Oh no," I didn't mean for you to think that you have to move.  You're the customer."   She took Eliza's cool hand in her's.  "My name's Cindy.  On a good night they call me Sin, but I'm too damn tired to sin tonight," she laughed.  "This is a second job and my feet are hurting big time."

Holding her hand, Eliza looked into her eyes and tried to catch a sense of her.  Her first impression was fatigue but under that was ambition and there was that ever present desperation. Eliza lost herself in reverie.  

She wasn't sure how long she was like that but Cindy was saying, "Eliza, Eliza, are you ok?"  

Eliza shook her self, released Cindy's hand and smiled.  She took a healthy sip of the brandy and nodded.  "Yes, I'm ok.  Sorry, but it's been a long day for me too.  I just moved here and I don't know anyone and I'm feeling sort of strange."  

"Oh, I know how you feel," Cindy sighed.  "I've only been here a few months too.  I'm from the south and this cold weather is a killer!  I came here because it's the only, and I mean only place I could find a job working in a library, and the pay stinks!  I figure a year or two here, and I can find a better job somewhere else but I gotta live till then."

Eliza found herself wanting to laugh.  "You’re a librarian," she said, "working in a bar."  She leaned forward.  "You turning tricks?" she asked in a husky whisper.

Cindy's eyes got big.  "Shhh," she said waving her hands.  "Walt doesn't want us hooking.  He said he could lose his license.  If he found out, I'd be fired instantly."

"Oh," Eliza said quietly, "don't you worry.  I'm not saying a thing.  I used to be a librarian too and I just couldn't get over meeting you.  You are what I wish I had been, I guess."

"No!  You were a librarian?" Cindy gasped.

A tall heavy set man leaned on the table.  "You working tonight, Cindy, or taking a break.  A long break?"  

Eliza saw Cindy's eyes widen and could feel her fear. "Cindy just talked me into splitting a bottle of this good plum brandy with her," she improvised.  

The bartender looked at her.  "You know how much this stuff costs?"  

Eliza smiled and fumbled in her purse.  A moment passed and she handed him a bill.  He took it, looked at it and pursed his lips.  He turned and went back towards the bar.  "Oh damn!  Thank you, Eliza.  He's not a bad guy but he'll fire a girl for breathing wrong.  You just saved my job!"

Before Eliza could say anything, Walt returned with a small squat bottle of brandy.  He carefully placed two glasses on the table and  broke the wax seal on the bottle.  He poured for them and placed a bill on the table for her change.  "Enjoy," he said and withdrew.  

Cindy glanced at the bill and saw that it was a twenty.  "Wow, how much was that stuff?" she asked.

Eliza smiled and replied, "Enough to make Walt happy."  She handed Cindy a glass.  "It's paid for, let's enjoy it!"  

The evening wore on and the two lowered the level of brandy as time passed.  After the first couple of shots, they were chatting like long lost friends.  Eliza found Cindy to be intelligent and fun to talk to and she was the first to really laugh at Eliza's favorite joke.

"Did you hear about the music librarian who got a job with the Philharmonic fixing up the music library? " Eliza had asked with a straight face.

Cindy and wrinkled her brow trying to remember if she'd read anything about it, but finally admitted that she didn't.  

Eliza had said, "Her specialty was 'baroque' music. If it wasn't baroque, she didn't fix it."   

That had started the evening of silliness and giggles, amply assisted by the brandy, that both had throughly enjoyed.  As the bar closed, they left, carefully supporting each other.  Since Cindy had Saturday off, they'd agreed to meet and see what they could turn up together.

Eliza found herself humming a happy little tune as she fed Toby and prepared for bed.  Maybe this town wouldn't be too bad after all.