The vampire's hands tightened imperceptibly on Hermes' jaw. "Did I give you leave you call me by my name? I'm still your Master, boy - no matter whether you eventually drink from me and become one of my own kind."
Carrick tensed as Hermes quickened his pace, moving away from him. With a burst of vampiric speed, he seemed almost to vanish from the spot where he stood and rematerialise in front of Hermes, blocking the path ahead.
"Then tell me," he said simply.
The vampire drew him into an alcove on the boardwalk where a wooden bench sat protected from the sea wind. As alone as they were on the waterfront, it was a private place. "I always assumed that you saw all my ruthless acts and chose to look away. Was I wrong?"
He took both of Hermes hands and held them in his own, the pressure light on the fingers that had so recently been broken. "What happened to you, Hermes?"