Making demands

'I'm so sorry.'

'Thank you...'

'How is his recovery going? Physically, I mean.'

'He was discharged and sent home. So he's doing okay there...'

'Good...'

'He still won't really talk to anyone.'

'That doesn't surprise me, unfortunately. Jesus. What a fucking lunatic.'

'E-even for Miles, that's horrendous...'

'Some fucking people.'

'It's n-not the first time...'

*knock knock*

'Tate... What do you want?'

'I'll make it quick. I want Miles' address.'

'What? What makes you think I have it?'

'Oh, come on. I know you do. You have access to it through the school records. And I know you've been over there already.'

'H-how?'

'He's been sending me letters. In one of them, he said you'd "had more of an advantage over him than I ever had."'

'That could mean anything...'

'Don't bullshit me. I've overheard the kids talking as well. They know. Are you going to be useful or what?'

'Don't mind me, I arrived just a minute ago.'

'And?'

'...And what?'

'Are you going to say anything helpful or are you just going to waste my time?'

'I wasn't going to say anything until you looked over at me, so I thought I'd verify that I'm nobody for you to be concerned about, as it happens.'

'Don't talk to her like that. I can't tell you his address, it's an abuse of power-'

'And using it yourself to go beat him up wasn't?'

'I don't think rules particularly applied to Miles when he was attacking my son, do you? Stop being a wet blanket and just tell me the fucking address.'

'Are you... are you going to kill him?'

'It's hardly going to be a civil conversation, is it?'

'122 Poffald Place.'

'Thank you. Why you couldn't have just come out with it in the first place is beyond me. Or did you not want to admit what you did in front of your... girlfriend?'

'Just go.'

'I'm just astounded she'd even give you the time of day.'

'You don't know the first thing about me, nor my likes or dislikes. You've gotten what you wanted, so fuck off.'

'Gladly.'

'Arrogant bastard!'

'That's Tate.'

'No shit.'

'Sorry you had to witness that.'

'It's fine, don't worry about it.'

'Do...Do you think badly of me...?'

'No, I don't. I don't know why you attacked him, but frankly given what he's just done, I can't say I blame you, especially if he's done something similarly atrocious in the past.'

'Well... my face...'

'.........I'm...fuck, I'm so sorry.'

'And my throat, and my chest too...'

'...My entire body is covered in burn scars. Hence the ridiculously conservative wardrobe. So believe me, I understand.'

'Oh, Nalini...'

'...Thank you.'

'It's okay. And I shouldn't say this really, given my job, but I would've beaten the hell out of that bastard too.'

'I fed from him... nearly killed him. But... if I had, Tristan...'

'But on the other hand, that's a heavy thing to have on your conscience.'

'You're right.'

'...At least he's Tate's problem now?'

'Yes. And if we're really lucky, they'll kill each other...'