Hubris: 7

Title: Hubris

Author: Mhalachai


The lecture ended and people around him milled chaotically. Some went down to talk to Ms. Summers, others discussed her topic and her ideas. Zerbrowski sat, still lost in his memories.

"You got to wonder how someone so young became a federal marshal," Anita said into his ear. Zerbrowski jumped. He didn't know Anita would be here. His favourite dark-haired vampire executioner leaned over the back of the chair next to him, grinning lazily.

"But she's not nearly as pretty as you," Zerbrowski said, but his heart wasn't in it. Anita noticed.

"What's up with you? Didn't like the talk?"

Zerbrowski looked down at the live Slayer, almost as old as Anita. Ten years older than Enid had ever been. "Talk was fine."

The look Anita was giving him was almost frightening in its intensity. He wondered what she would do if he told her he had once led a child to face the vampires, and that she had died.

Zerbrowski attempted to smile. "I'm outta here." He stood up. "You and Micah still on for Saturday dinner?"

"Yes," Anita said. "Are you going to be okay?"

Zerbrowski didn't answer as he turned to walk away. Behind him he could hear the bubbling laugher as Buffy Summers talked and joked with her newest fans.

~*~

He went to a pub nearby, where he ordered a whisky straight. He stared at the drink for almost an hour before he threw some money on the bar and went home.

fin