"Not as far as I could tell. They arrived after dark, they only came down to the casino after the sun set, and they spent all day locked into their hotel suites," said Mary. "They were whales, which is what we called the really big-time high rollers. So when they demanded to be left undisturbed while the sun was up and no crosses or garlic in the casino while they played, the resort accommodated their wishes. Though to be honest, in the Las Vegas party scene, it's not unusual for people to stay up all night and sleep all day."

"Tru Blood? I've never heard of it," said Mary. "Of course, I kind of swore off alcohol a few years ago, so I'm not up to speed with all the trendy drinks. But I remember one of the guys in the vampire group ordered a martini, and the olives that the bar used were stuffed with garlic. The whole group of vampires went back to their rooms and refused to play until my friend Sam apologized for the mistake."

"Bottled blood substitute? Wow," said Mary, picking up the bottle and reading the label. "But if it keeps me from getting bitten, then I think it's wonderful! I wonder if we should stock it in the hotel mini bars."