"The vampire factions in Blüdhaven are fighting among themselves. They've invited me to mediate, so I need to go in person. But if the negotiations go wrong, a mayor's badge alone won't protect me..."
Melinda looked troubled.
"You know those recent cases... what we said in the announcements was just to reassure the public. We both know what's really going on. The number of vampire-related cases is rising sharply. If we leave it unchecked, things will only get worse."
Melinda lowered her eyes. "Dick, I'm sorry to bother you. But we're dealing with vampires. If ordinary Blüdhaven police officers confront those creatures of the night, their guns and ammunition probably won't do much good. They might even be seen as a provocation."
"Understood." Dick had already changed into civilian clothes. "When and where?"
"Thank you, Dick."
"Isn't that what brothers are for?"
Dick stretched his arms and hung up. When he turned around, he found himself looking into a pair of sparkling eyes.
"Miaomiao? Did I wake you?" Dick walked over and patted the little merfolk's head. He had almost forgotten the little girl was still there. "It's all right. I need to go out for a bit. Go back to sleep."
"Dick, are you going to a vampire hideout with Melinda?" Miaomiao blinked. There wasn't a trace of sleepy confusion on her face; instead, she looked thoroughly excited. "I heard the voice on the phone."
Dick paused. Clearly, lying was no longer an option.
He gently lowered the hand resting on Miaomiao's head and said seriously, "That's right. I'm going with Melinda. The conflict between the city's vampire factions is getting worse, and we're meeting them to try to mediate as a third party. There's no real danger. You don't need to worry."
"I want to go too!" Miaomiao