[I wasn’t sure I could arrange an interview with Lilah, and I wasn’t sure I could go through with it when things came together. Thanks to my connections in the religious community, I was able to arrange for us to meet in a small church that I prefer not to name. Suffice it to say their lovely sanctuary is adorned with several ornate crosses and other religious symbols.]

DP: Thank you for your time. This shouldn’t take long.

L: I don’t suppose it will. You’re nervous, aren’t you? I can tell.

DP: What? No… Just…

L: <smirks> It’s all right. You don’t have to pretend; I know the signs. You set this meeting up at a nice neutral location so you wouldn’t have to invite me into your house. Plus, what’s that around your neck. A cross?

DP: …I mean…

L: Crosses don’t work on me. Or dharma wheels or stars of David or anything else, for that matter. We don’t all get our panties in a wad over the Powers that Be.

DP: <internally crestfallen> Uh… Good to know.

L: You can’t believe everything you see in the movies.

DP: I never do. I understand you’re leaving on a trip soon?

L: <nods> To Louisville. But it’s for business, not pleasure. Some unfinished business I need to handle.

DP: Have you been to Louisville before?

L: Once or twice. The baron and I have crossed paths.

DP: The barron?

L: “Baron” is wishful thinking, if you ask me. A pretentious little man trying to herd cats, and he calls himself a baron. <scoffs> Vampires. A guy reads one too many Sookie Stackhouse mysteries and he thinks he’s royalty.

DP: I take it that’s not the way it works?

L: I’ve got to admit, it’s not too far off. You can call yourself whatever you want. You just have to have the strength to back it up…and you’d better hope nobody stronger is waiting in the wings.

DP: I understand there are varieties of…of…

L: You can say it. Some of my people find the word offensive; I don’t.

DP: Varieties of vampires.

L: See, that didn’t hurt, did it?

DP: <takes a deep breath> Your…people, they originated in the classical world, didn’t they?

L: In our most recent incarnation. Before that, it was ancient Babylonia. There’s always a market for vengeful women, it seems. “Hell hath no fury” and all of that.

DP: Yes, I’ve read a little of your history. Do you mind if we talk about that?

L: Why should I mind?

DP: Well, you… That is to say…

L: My fiancée was sleeping with my best friend behind my back. Is that what you’re so carefully trying not to say?

DP: I know it’s…a delicate topic for you.

L: <eyes smouldering> It was. At first. I can’t let it get in the way of my purpose in life. Or unlife? It’s complicated.

DP: Your purpose in life?

L: I am a cautionary tale, Mr. Pursiful. A living, breathing cautionary tale. As old as Lilith. You know the story, I presume?

DP: Of course. The spurned woman who takes out her vengeance on the man who jilted here. As you say, it’s a common trope in mythology.

L: You’ll find that I am no myth, Mr. Pursiful. Whenever women cry out for vengeance, I’m there. I or one of my sisters. Do you know how many women endured the shame of infidelity, the indignities of oppression? Do you know how many have mourned their husbands’ and sons’ sham imprisonments? Lynchings? <smiles> Nothing changes. Rachel is still weeping for her children. And vengeance is a bull market.

DP: And you’re in it for…what? Money?

L: Sometimes. As it turns out, houses cost money. But I much prefer pro bono work. So fulfilling! It makes me feel all tingly inside.

DP: <shudders>

L: Are we through here? I’m supposed to clear a domestic abuse case later tonight.

DP: Yes, I think that’s all.  Uh, thanks again for your time.

L: Of course. <smiles, bats eyes> Sleep tight.

Lilah meets Rune in Dead of Night, and you’ll just have to see for yourself what happens next.

The night gets darker on July 1.