* * *
After I got home, Elizabeth, Melanie and I joined the others to help with the reconstruction. We weren't the skilled labor Benjamin preferred, but we could work silently through the night since we could do things like push nails into the wood—no hammering. We worked on the house while Dad and the boys worked on the excavation.
The escape tunnel, like the one in the Georgia mansion, was Jason's idea and Benjaim agreed it was a desirable addition. We'd destroyed the half vampire, half human motorcycle gang, but there was still the vampire who created them to worry about.
"Dad, Jason said I could pick out his car, but he said it had to be a used one."
"We agreed on a new vehicle. I believe he said a Jeep."
"I know, but he feels like he hasn't earned it."
"Nonsense, in addition to his effort with the reconstruction, their is his brilliant plan that destroyed the biker gang, and unfortunately, his Jeep."
"I know, and I agree with you, but I really think he would feel bad if you bought a new one. He said used is still new to him."
"That's very gracious," Elizabeth said as she stepped to Benjamin's side.
"Indeed," Benjamin said.
"I already looked around, and I found something that I think suits him."
"Excellent. I'll provide you with the money and we can have it here for him tomorrow evening."
"Make it a surprise," Melanie added. "We should all be here to thank him."
"Tink?" I called. "If I pick it up early can you check it out?"
Tink looked over at the charred remains of his garage. "Sure, I'll take a look." He tried to hide a smile, but I saw it. He liked that I wanted his input.
"Then it's settled."
We took a break to evaluate our progress as across the valley, sunlight began to creep down the eastern mountain slopes. We had done very well, even better than Benjamin had expected. The escape tunnel was complete and more than half the first floor was framed. We decided to clear away the rubble where the garage had been. It would make it easier for Tink to look over Jason's new wheels. We were almost finished by mid morning when a truck from the electric company pulled into the driveway. We quickly gathered our things and retreated into the shadows of the woods. Benjamin stayed behind to observe from a distance to make sure the installation was done per plan.
The used car dealer was suspicious when I came alone and offered to pay in cash. By the looks of the lot, the summer business had been slow, so he was eager to close the deal. I arranged for Jason to come in later in the week and sign the paperwork so it would be in his name.
It was a fun vehicle, roomy, with lots of windows and four wheel drive like Jason wanted. To say I was excited was an understatement. Tink was impressed, but made the alterations I requested. He said it would be exactly like I wanted. I had no doubts.