Raffi's shop was a lot like Raffi: unexpected.

From what his father had let on, Zeke had imagined a dusty electronics shop full of cheap wares, complete with an old man at the register, glaring at non-existent customers.

However, the building they breezed into was far from dusty, and definitely lacking in electronics. Large glass windows allowed light to stream in, creating an open feel. The shelves boasted sale signs for postage, printing, and shipping. A small counter near the front advertised coffee in all shapes and sizes.

The layout seemed to invite profits, only, the place was empty.

"Where's everyone?" Zeke drawled, dragging his leg along.

Raffi snorted. "When your dad had me trace your location, I closed up." They had reached the back office with an obsidian pad in place of a doorknob. "I couldn't exactly parade a murder suspect through here. Bad for business." She waved her phone over the pad, and the door clicked open.

Zeke raised a brow. "Who are you, Batman?"

"I'm way hotter than Batman." Raffi flashed a smile before strutting to her desk.

She still moved like a dude. At least, that's the only thing Zeke could think about. He was aware that his cousin's mouth was moving, but he couldn't hear the words. The world spun, and he Raffi's face twisted into something ugly.

"---okay?"

Sweat ran into his eyes, small rivers of acid on his burning skin.

"No." Zeke collapsed in a chair, or tried to, and missed, butt on the floor. "What---," He wiped his eyes to clear his vision, but it didn't help.

"Shit."

Raffi tilted his head back and poured water down his throat, with him dribbling some, and choking on the rest. As he coughed, she explained,

"The vamp salve induces rapid healing, but also has drawbacks, among them withdrawal." She frowned. "You're not on meds, are you?"

Despite his best efforts, drool ran down the side of his mouth. "On meds," he managed to slur.

"Then the salve is going to wreck ya good for approximately three hours."

Zeke's head lolled, but he'd never felt more awake, or less in control of his motor functions.

"Good news is, I think I know who really murdered those girls," Raffi said, typing away at the nearest computer.

Internally, Zeke was interested. Outwardly, he couldn't make his face convey any change other than a grimace, with more drool.

"My primary suspect, besides you," Raffi chuckled, "is Samantha Carter."

~*~