A vampire. Tara realized as she stared at Bronwyn's fangs. New Orleans was a famous spot for vampire lore. Anne Rice had put this city on the map and often Tara had imagined magical danger lurking down all the dark alleys. But a real vampire? Tara reached out to touch Bronwyn's fangs when the bell on the door rang.<br/><br/>The young boy with the red ball cap edged into the lobby. His eyes were wide and his face was drained of color.<br/><br/>"I , uh, I didn't know what to do." he stammered. "My mom is gone. Danny came to get her and then I just heard on TV that Danny is dead. Was my mom with him?" Tears welled up in his eyes. "My mom never leaves me. She is kind of protective like that. I'm 12 but she won't even let me stay home alone after school."<br/><br/>Tara peered closely at him.<br/>"You and your mom stayed here the other night?" she asked.<br/><br/>He nodded, looking around.<br/><br/>"Why don't you stay with me until we can figure this out. I know your mom wouldn't want you to be alone. Okay?" Tara suggested, glancing at Bronwyn, who nodded.<br/><br/>"What's your name, kid," Bronwyn inquired.<br/><br/>"Devin," he answered.<br/><br/>"You hungry?" she asked.<br/><br/>He nodded.<br/><br/>"Can you fix your own food?" she asked.<br/><br/>He nodded.<br/><br/>"Kitchen is around back. Knock yourself out. It is stocked with breakfast foods and snacks." Tara said. "You can stay in the small bedroom here, just off the lobby. It is for employees."<br/><br/>"But I'm not an employee." he countered.<br/><br/>"What can you do?" Tara asked. "Can you sweep and water plants?"<br/><br/>He nodded.<br/><br/>"You're hired. Now go fix you something to eat."