He sighs deeply, a sound full of responsibility and woe. Then he launches into his story. "There's a newborn vampire running around. He's got no self-control 'n he's killing people. But it's not his fault," he quickly adds. "He was turned against his will. Right now, he's a scared and confused kid. I've been trying to track him down with no luck. Then last night what I was afraid of finally happened."

Cooper's hands tighten around his coffee. "He attracted the attention of a hunter. I got her to back down just barely, but where there's one, more will follow. Next time, I might not be there 'n he'll end up with a stake in his heart. That'll be all on me."

He looks at Clara, eyes old and tired. "I don't know what to do." But talking it out felt like a step in the right direction.