“Yes.  Well, you see, your memory must be so clear that it becomes my memory.  I have to know it as if it had happened to me.  It will be important later.  I will explain everything to you as we proceed if you like.”

“Yes, I would like that.  I’m a bit of a control freak Tina.  I was then and I guess I am now.  Other than some freaky things I can do I’m really mostly like I was before.  At least that’s what I think.”

“Well, you’re right Bette you are the way you were for the most part.  Most vampires are.  You may have heightened senses and a few other handy tricks but what I have found is that what you are in life, you are in…well…the afterlife.  Bad people don’t turn good after they die and vice versa I’m afraid.”

“That’s why your ‘references’ were necessary I guess.”

“Yes, they are, for safety reasons.  You understand.”

“Yes, completely.  But let me ask you Tina, what if Kit were, for example, doing my bidding and just telling you nice things about me.  Wouldn’t that throw a wrench in the reference requirement?”

“Was she just doing your bidding Bette?”  Tina smiled as the vampire walked in front of her giving her a view her backside she had not yet enjoyed.

“No, she wasn’t.  My sister is the most sincere and honest person I have ever known.  I don’t know what she said to you, but good or bad you can take it to the bank.”

“It was all good I assure you but you disappoint me Ms. Porter.  Why would you think I would be satisfied to judge your character with one reference only?”

Bette was a little taken aback.  “Oh, well, you’re right.  I’m being presumptuous.  I’m sorry.”  Her curiosity was now peaked.  “Um, does that mean that you got other ‘references’?”

“Of, course.  Vampires are a dangerous undertaking Bette.  No offense but some vampires are down right nasty and look at these types of services as a form of…well…take out.  They call us in and have themselves a meal.”

“Right.  Well, I’m a little new to this.  Up to a few weeks ago I didn’t even now that this existed much less that it was a possibility for me.”