Annie and I sat at my computer, while my printer whirred busily under the desk. I couldn't print off the whole project- it was a good two thousand pages long –without pictures, so I was printing off the main section 'Local Undead Activity' which was still long, but what she seemed to be looking for. Annie watched as I navigated quickly, and soon we were sat on my sofa, leafing through sheets.

"So is RIP going to be published at any point?" She asked with interest, as I pulled out a pen and began writing suggestions on the top page.

"Who knows?" I laughed slightly, then looked up more seriously. "I could help more if I knew what you were looking for."

I could tell it was no mere 'spur-of-the-moment' whim, to learn about the Undead. Mr Chronos would never have told her about my research if it had been. You see, my work was not fiction. And I tried my best to be sure that nothing within it was fiction, unless stated. I had researched and found proof for every part of this project, and only when I was quoting myths, or telling a background story did I resort to the untrue. Annie seemed to tense, then, to my relief, she relaxed, although still a little paler than I would wish. At that moment, Adams tapped on the door, and set our refreshments out on a low table. We sipped coffee and nibbled for a moment, until Annie seemed to come to a decision.

"I think my brother was kidnapped by vampires."

I nearly spat out my coffee. She saw my reaction and withdrew into herself again, before I could reassure her.

"No, wait, I wasn't laughing. I swear. It's just- why would they kidnap him? I don't mean to be harsh, or cruel in any way, but they are a secretive people. Your brother must have done or known something particularly crucial to them to have been taken by them. Normally they just kill those who threaten them or the clan..."

I was intrigued, and she could see my earnestness, and so slowly told me more. She told me all she knew of Cirque du Freak, Darren, the spider, Madam Octa and Steve Leopard. The last I knew.

"Yes, I know Steve. He and I have shared notes a few times, but I stopped...He seemed to be developing a mania, which I wouldn't want to encourage. I also know the Cirque du Freak. I may have seen him there..."

I thought back, to my visit. I had gone alone, and to my surprise, been allowed inside. Mr Tall, the compere, had whispered to me as I had entered that I must 'use my knowledge wisely', and so far, I believed I had. Annie seemed to perk up at this news, and quizzed me for more, but I could only vaguely remember two young boys, only a little younger than myself, but I had begun my growth spurt, and was more easily mistaken for an adult.

Annie then told me of Darren's death. Here, I had to interrupt, to work out the truth. Was she merely in denial, or was there a thread of possibility in her story? I decided upon the latter, and returned to my database, whereupon I pulled off all the information I had on subjects relating to Steve, Spiders and Vampire assistants. Sitting with Annie once more, I began to explain.

"I believe your brother, if truly not dead, must be a Vampire's assistant. I also believe it may be possible to work out the Vampire's name. But," here I hesitated again, as I knew she wouldn't like what was coming, "your brother must have gone voluntarily. A vampire would not kidnap an assistant of Darren's age. It is against their laws."

Annie was shocked. Understandably. So I changed the subject, and continued with my explanation.

"At the moment, I am focussing on identifying vampires, and tracing their movements. For example, a certain 'Bjarn Decti' has been in Paris for the past three hundred years, and if you only join enough dots, you can see that he is originally from Germany, and has made many trips out of Paris over the years. I am trying to do this for the vampire reports and rumours in our town. But I think that here you have helped. You see, I also remember a performer with a spider, a Mr Larten Crepsley. Could this be the man whom Darren stole the spider from?"

She didn't know any more than I did, but it was a main lead, that I was determined to follow up. I was also sure that 'Larten Crepsley' was not the mans original name. Another mystery to be solved. I sighed at the thought of the sleep I would miss tonight.

"Yes, it could be. Mika, I know this is a lot to ask, but could I read all of RIP? I want to know as much as I can- I'm sure there are links we're missing."

Well, it was a lot to ask. I mean- it was my project, and nowhere near to completion. But I trusted her, and wanted to help her, so I nodded.

"Shall I email it to you?" I asked, and did so as she nodded, wearily, I noted.

"Annie- are you ok?" I asked softly. She didn't seem anywhere near ok to be honest. She nodded, but with such pathos that I felt protective.

"Are you sure? Because you can tell me if you're not, you know." I prodded softly. Apparently that was all that she needed, as she sniffed ever so quietly. I tried not to panic. Don't cry, I begged silently, then sighed, as she did exactly that.

"Annie, Annie, it's ok. It's ok." I comforted, putting an arm around her. As she snuggled into my chest, getting rid of all those pent up tears, I suddenly realised that this was not Eileesa. This was the girl I wanted to date.