Vampires Among Us [Vampires Among Us 1] (Siren Publishing Classic)

the project was running high. Most of the elderly currently living aboveground thought the idea was great and were just waiting for all apartments to be built to move in. They’d even had some elderly that were currently living underground that liked the idea of moving into a small village where they could all be together. The committee quickly made the decision to give priority to those who were living up above first. The elderly that were already living underground were not that far away from the center, so they could easily join in on the activities and socialization until all apartments were done.
    As the meeting continued, Erica spoke up with two questions that had come to mind. “Do we have anyone helping these elderly move their furniture and belongings when they are ready to move? Also, are there any type of stores or small shops down here so our elderly won’t have to travel far to pick up things they might need?”
    “We really don’t have any type of retail business down here, although it is something we should consider,” one of the committee members responded.
    “Really, there are no types of retail businesses down here at all?” Erica verified. “What does everyone do that works down here on a daily basis, or how about those who are already living here? Do they truly have nothing?” she asked in absolute shock. She would have assumed since the underground area was already developed, it would offer something in the line of retail shopping. “Are you telling me there are absolutely no types of shops or small businesses available down here?” She glanced around the room to find six heads shake their heads “no” at her, while frowning.
    The shopping center idea took on a discussion of its own, and it was quickly decided that even though they currently didn’t offer anything, the idea had merit. Each member of the committee felt that a small shopping center could be a benefit to the entire community. There were enough vampires working underground every day that could also use the shops as well, and there were more than enough willing vampires who would love to start their own business. Erica instructed her team to get word out that they would look over any business proposals that could be housed in small shops near the retirement village, and then forward them to the council for consideration.
    A huge map of the underground development hung on the back wall, and they were able to find a spot on the map that would be the ideal location for the shopping center. Erica reminded the other members that the whole idea would have to go to the council for consideration first. Without the council board’s approval, they could do nothing.
    With the upcoming wedding, and trying to finish the semester of school, Erica felt like she had more than enough to handle. Smiling sweetly, she looked over to one of the committee members. “George, would you be available to put together a proposal for the underground shopping center? It will need to be ready for presentation for the next council meeting.”
    “Sure, I can take care of that. I believe the next scheduled meeting is a week from tomorrow, but I will get confirmation on that,” George replied with a smile. Erica noticed he seemed to puff out his chest a little, like he was proud to be in charge of something important. Hum, she thought, wondering how many other members would be interested in taking on a task.
    Erica knew she would be speaking to Charles about the matter of a retail center within the next twenty-four hours. The least she could do was give him a heads up as to what was coming. She felt he would be all for it. It looked like the perfect way to help their community grow.
    Erica now reiterated her first question about having someone help these elderly vamps move. All the other members looked at her for a moment, a little reluctant to inform her that no, this matter had been overlooked also.
    By this time, she was becoming a little frustrated. “Come on, I know we are talking vampires here, but we are talking about the elderly, which have already started losing strength, not to mention they are very brittle and tend to break easy!” She stopped her little tirade and took a quick glance around the room. Several committee members were now grinning over her last comment. All of the other committee members were vampires, and all knew both Charles and Kevin very well. None of them would ever think anything less of Erica because she was a