The Vampire's Apprentice

"An excellent analysis, Miss Kitty, well done," Clancy said, pleased. "They should be fine neighbors. If the one child should bother you too much, please let me know and I shall speak with the mother. If you are certain there is not much trouble to be had with the family as a whole, I should encourage you to remain social with them."
 
Clancy started to turn away then paused. "Although I do question one aspect. You said you believe the mother to be the addict because she is stressed and easily irritated? Someone addicted to marijuana is more likely to be laid back, but I could be mistaken." He glanced at the clock. "I need to get ready for this video call. Goodnight, Miss Kitty."
 
"I haven't dealt with the stuff." She shrugged. "An incorrect assumption on my part. Goodnight, Mr. McCleary."
 
Clancy smiled. "An incorrect assumption I am actually pleased to hear." He backed out and closed the door politely. To work! Tomorrow the house would be cleaned, and then he would return everything he had removed earlier. Perhaps even get a few new items.
 
Glad to hear? Perhaps since she'd never touched it? Kitty shrugged it off, cracked the door again, and went to bed.
 
Sam lay stretched out, snoring, the remains of his toy rope by his head. There wasn't much left, but he still carried it around like a security blanket.
 
It was as any other night. Kitty sat up in bed, cold sweat making her skin feel damp. She fell back onto her bed, pulled the covers to her chin, and made effort to go back to sleep.

During breakfast the next morning—a warm bowl of instant oatmeal—it became apparent that something Norville had said was still ringing in her ears, and she couldn't help but think about it.

"Awe, she's not so bad, just a bit lonely. And needs to be in charge to feel better about herself," was what he had told her. And maybe he was right. Kitty was guilty of being judgmental and she knew it, so today she thought she would go and talk to Mrs. Pugglesworth.

As much as she dreaded it....

Kitty let Sam back in after breakfast and washed her bowl and spoon, then used up the last of the brown sugar baking another batch of cookies—purposefully making too many this time, as some would be left for the twins if they came over later. Then it was off to simply visit the Mrs..

Whatever could have gotten into her head?
 
Sam did not want to stay behind. He barked at the door and tried to shove himself through the door. He wanted to go!

Mrs. Pugglesworth was out in the garden, visible straight back from the side of the house. She moved along on kneepads, her wide rump jiggling in the air, encased in white shorts and topped in a floral shirt.
 
Kitty shook her head and hoped not to be intruding. "Good morning!" She greeted, stepping back towards the garden.
 
Mrs. Pugglesworth looked around then slowly heaved herself to her feet. "Oh, hello, dear, what are you doing?" she asked. "I haven't seen you in a few days, and that dog barked a lot."
 
"I was... sick." Kitty used the same excuse Norville had brought to her. "And I'm sorry about Sam. He was inside for a few too many days. I brought some cookies in recompense." She offered them.
 
"Ah, thank you." Kitty's face tinged slightly pink. "You need any help with your garden or anything? I've got some time."
 
Mrs. Pugglesworth lit up like she'd suggested the greatest thing in the world. "Why, of course, dear! What is troubling you?"
 
She let out a nervous laugh at the reaction. "Nothing, really. It just seems you know more about gardening than I do. I wondered if you could help me find a flower that blooms in the evening."
 
"Oh, I see. Hmm..." She thought for a moment. "I can think of about twenty different flowers that bloom in the night or evening. There's the moonflower, of course, and the evening primrose, and a couple of water lillies..."
 
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