CHAPTER 3
We move our notebooks over to the whiteboard so that we can brainstorm any ideas to solve the problem. But, what really is the problem?
Taking a deep breath I try to forget the first impression of a young and inexperienced girl that I provided Rick during our one-on-one meet-and-greet. I pretend to be the serious researcher that I am.
“So we know the criminal element within the vampire community is the problem,” I begin, “But what exactly is the nature of the problem, aside from committing crime? I mean, are we talking all forms of crime or is FOHVA focusing on something specific?”
“Well, from my early discussions with Mr. Caulfield, FOHVA is initially focusing on vampires who kill humans. Of course, any innovation that would deter all vampiric criminal behavior would be ideal, but stopping needless human deaths is the first priority.”
I cross my arms and try not to sound too offended, “Early discussions with Mr. Caulfield? Was this something that was done for all researchers and I just missed the memo?”
There’s that brief smile again. Is my ignorance so amusing?
Rick says, “Not at all. I was brought in early, like some of the other researchers, because of our first-hand knowledge of the subject in question.”
“I hope you mean vampires and not violent crime.”
Chuckling loudly, “Yes, vampires. FOHVA wanted some initial information from us regarding various issues surrounding vampire behavior. Mostly what you would call subcultural characterizations.”
Okay, something else that doesn’t make sense.
“Shouldn’t FOHVA already know all of that? I mean, vampires have been accepted for ten years. That’s enough time to gather data.”
He nods slowly, “Sure. But FOHVA itself has only been in existence for a little over four years. When vampires first came out, as it were, the first inclination was to treat them the same as humans. It took a few years for the U.S. government to acknowledge that there are some rather significant differences between humans and vampires. Enough differences to necessitate the creation of a federal office to deal with those differences.”
Okay. Although I would like nothing more than to ignore it, for the benefit of the project, I need to try to act like an adult and admit my ignorance. Ignoring your own ignorance is the currency for bravado.
“You were right,” I say.
“I beg your pardon,” Rick replies, a perplexed look on his face.
“Getting to know one another actually was the best idea because I realize that I am beginning a research project to solve a problem with a population that I know nothing about. I wouldn’t even know what questions to ask to begin our brainstorming.”
Rick smiles. “I’ll get more coffee. Let’s go back to the table.”
I pick up my notebook and slouch my way back to the table. Why is it that admitting that I don’t know everything feels like admitting defeat? What exactly am I fighting? That is the question, I guess. Hard to conquer your enemy when you don’t even know who your enemy is.
Sitting at the table, I open my notebook and stare at the blank pages. In a way it’s like looking at my life. Nothing much to say. But that’s going to change. I’m going to start taking note. Not only of what I learn in this research suite, but in life in general. At least figuratively, as far as my life is concerned.
Rick sets our cups on the table, “What do you want to know?”
“Everything,” I say, “Everything about being a vampire.”
He laughs, “That’s rather broad.”
I smile, “I don’t know where to start if I don’t know anything about it.”
“Touché. So you don’t have any vampire friends?”
I put on the best poker face that I can, “No, I do not. I have seen vampires and have had brief interactions with them, but talking to you has been the longest I have spoken to one.”
Rick nods, “Well, let’s start at the beginning then. Well, at least at my beginning.”