Click … the other line went dead.

Nicky dropped his head and allowed his chin to rest on the phone in his hands. His lips curved ever so slightly upward before it was replaced a stern frown. It was nice to hear from her again but he could still trace a hint of hurt during their conversation. He felt a pang of guilt come over him at that moment. Normally he respected her wishes and the boundaries that she had set up but he could really use some help in this case.

Maybe she could unload some of that aggression on Kath. Kundi was good at that sort of thing. She’d have this calm demeanor, but when she’d vent her rage – oh boy there’d be hell. Kath deserved no less. Most manananggals were content to drain blood from their victims. Some were wary or considerate enough just to leave mothers with an unfortunate miscarriage. This creature brutally murdered every one of her victims. But she seems to have learned a bit from when she was in the remote provinces. She had become stealthy and evasive as of late. A necessity when you’re in the city. Too many dangers…

Nicky looked at a familiar van parked beside the shelter. He waved casually at it knowing who was probably inside and mouthed the words “see you later”. He turned back to the stairway behind him. Maybe he’d watch a bit of Idol before he came to the midnight meet. He had grown to like both Davids and hoped they’d make it to the finals.