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

“You’re doing a fine job.”
    Marshall quickly finished with the assorted boxes of food, and then handed Erica her plate. He closed everything back up and restacked it all back into the paper bag in record time. Then, he pulled up another chair next to Kevin. “Joshua is sticking to Jennifer like glue for the time being, so Alec is in charge when I am not in the office. I have to admit, he is doing a great job. The decisions he made earlier this afternoon while I was down here were the exact same ones I would have made. We still have three members hunting for Shawn, and we haven’t interrogated our drug runners yet, but they aren’t going anywhere. Oh, and the one that was injured didn’t make it. Davidrick called me about an hour ago with the news.”
    Kevin cringed inwardly when he thought about the paperwork that would be waiting for him when he returned to the office. It was bad enough that there had been injuries, as both Jennifer’s and Erica’s would have to be reported. But add to that there was now a death, a mortal death on top of that. It didn’t matter that it hadn’t been a member of the VCTF who had shot the dude. One of the security guards had hit the guy. All that mattered to the judicial council was that there had been a civilian injury and a death, during a VCTF mission. That alone was going to make for a nightmare couple of days. All members would be required to fill out paperwork on all of the incidents, and then if there were any discrepancies, each member would be called in by the judicial panel for questioning.
    As if reading his mind, Marshall quietly stated, “I have started on the paperwork, at least with the shooting.”
    “Thanks, buddy. I’m a little surprised you didn’t bring it down here with you on a clipboard for me to start filling out,” Kevin stated with a lopsided grin on his face.
    “Well, the thought did cross my mind,” Marshall replied, in a chuckle. “But, I figured you already had enough to deal with. It can wait until you return to the office. Speaking of which, I should get back up there. Call me if you need anything, buddy,” Marshall finished, as he made his way to the door.
    “Thanks, Marshall, the food is delicious,” Erica called out.
    “Anytime, sweetie, you just concentrate on getting better so I can get Kevin back to the office. I’d rather stake myself than handle all the paperwork from today’s clusterf—catastrophe,” Marshall amended at the last second, and offered a wry smile on his way out the door.
    Glancing back over to Kevin, Erica stated in a small voice, “I guess I have caused you a major headache, haven’t I?”
    “No, sweetheart, you have done no such thing. If anything, I am the one who caused you one hell of a headache, in the most literal sense,” he quickly replied.
    Erica shook her head, refusing to allow him to take the blame for her injuries. “Kevin, you quite possibly saved my life. If Shawn had made it outside with me, I seriously doubt anyone would have been able to stop him.” A shiver ran up Erica’s spine. “I would probably be dead by now, or at least wish that I was.”
    Kevin rose out of his seat and sat next to Erica on the side of the bed. “I promise you, I am not going to let anything happen to you.” Erica, trembling lightly, wrapped her arms around Kevin for strength and support. When she refused to let go a moment later, he stretched out beside her, allowing her to curl her body to his, placing her head on his chest.
    “Are you getting sleepy?” he asked in a whisper, as he lightly stroked the top of her head, careful not to go near either side, staying away from her injuries.
    She nodded her head slowly, and Kevin could feel her melting into him as she cuddled his body. Her breathing evened out just a few short minutes later, and he knew she had fallen back asleep.
    Erica slept the remainder of the night, and Kevin stayed in the exact same spot she had fallen asleep on him. Dr. Carlson came in a little after midnight to check on her, but didn’t stay long. He whispered to Kevin that he didn’t want to risk waking her, and that he would return first thing in the morning.
    The next morning, Dr. Carlson released Erica as promised, giving her strict instructions that she was to take it easy for the next few days. As soon as he had walked out the door, another face filled the doorway.
    “Jennifer!” Erica exclaimed upon glancing up and spotting Kevin’s sister. “Are you okay? How is