BILL: “Yes. She got Judith’s e-mail from my database and told her I was ill and needed her. She and Judith then spoke when Judith arrived. Judith was much relieved to know that Lorena had met her final death, and surprised it was at Sookie’s hands. She was most impressed.”

ERIC: “Sookie is most impressive. Bobby has just arrived with some paperwork for me. Felicia is with him, so I will pass along your thanks. Good night, Bill.”

BILL: “Good night, Eric.”

Phone: Bill calling Eric.

BILL: “Eric, we’ve just arrived home. What happened at Sookie’s tonight? All was quiet when we went out, but now there are strange scents through the woods.”

ERIC: “My maker has met his final death, Bill. His child as well.”

BILL: “This is not what you wanted?”

ERIC: “I don’t know. I feel strangely free.” Pause. “What is it like to live without your maker, Bill? How did you feel when Lorena died?”

BILL: “She had been torturing me, Eric. When she died, I felt relief. Afterward, I felt somewhat adrift. I imagine it is much like any child when a parent dies, even if the parent was a poor one.”

ERIC: “I cannot remember a time when I did not feel Ocella’s presence, but I did not hate him.”

BILL: “I believe I hated Lorena, as much as a vampire can hate their maker. Twice she took me from a woman I loved.” (Silence.)

BILL: “I take it Sookie is all right?”

ERIC: “Yes. I left her with her fairy cousin and uncle.”

BILL: “Her uncle? I thought he was dangerous.”

ERIC: “He was bespelled, and he was freed tonight as well. He killed a fairy who meant Sookie harm, a fairy who killed Ocella instead.” Pause. “Bobby and Felicia are also dead. Bobby died trying to protect me.”

BILL: “I’m sorry, Eric.”

ERIC: “So am I. Pam was injured but is recovering.”

BILL: “Eric, is there anything I can do?”

ERIC: “Perhaps you could look through Bobby’s computer, help Pam with what needs to be taken care of until I find another daytime employee.”

BILL: “Of course. Shall we come to Fangtasia tonight?”

ERIC: “Please. I need to rely on you and Pam while I am attending to Ocella’s final arrangements, Bill. I cannot afford to let anything slide. We cannot afford it. Victor remains a threat to us all.”

BILL: “I’ll see you tonight.”

Dead Reckoning

Dead Reckoning

Timeline