Anita Blake Vampire Slayer Laurell K.

Hamilton
Anita Blake Vampire Slayer.................................................................................................................................................. 1 Laurell K. Hamilton................................................................................................................................................................ 1 Guilty Pleasures (1993)....................................................................................................................................................... 2 ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 2 !"apter #ne.................................................................................................................................................................... 2 !"apter $%o.................................................................................................................................................................... 22 !"apter $"ree ................................................................................................................................................................ 2& !"apter 'our .................................................................................................................................................................. 2( !"apter 'i)e ................................................................................................................................................................... 29 !"apter Si* ..................................................................................................................................................................... 32 !"apter Se)en................................................................................................................................................................. 3+ !"apter ,i-"t .................................................................................................................................................................. 3. !"apter /ine................................................................................................................................................................... & !"apter $en ................................................................................................................................................................... &2 !"apter ,le)en................................................................................................................................................................ &( !"apter $%el)e .............................................................................................................................................................. &0 !"apter $"irteen ............................................................................................................................................................. +2 !"apter 'ourteen ........................................................................................................................................................... +& !"apter 'i1teen ............................................................................................................................................................... +( !"apter Si*teen .............................................................................................................................................................. +9 !"apter Se)enteen ......................................................................................................................................................... (1 !"apter ,i-"teen ............................................................................................................................................................ (& !"apter /ineteen ........................................................................................................................................................... (. !"apter $%enty............................................................................................................................................................... (9 !"apter $%enty2one ....................................................................................................................................................... .2 !"apter $%enty2t%o ....................................................................................................................................................... .& !"apter $%enty2t"ree...................................................................................................................................................... .. !"apter $%enty21our ....................................................................................................................................................... 0 !"apter $%enty21i)e ....................................................................................................................................................... 02 !"apter $%enty2si* ......................................................................................................................................................... 0+ !"apter $%enty2se)en ................................................................................................................................................... 00 !"apter $%enty2ei-"t ..................................................................................................................................................... 91 !"apter $%enty2nine ...................................................................................................................................................... 9& !"apter $"irty ................................................................................................................................................................. 90 !"apter $"irty2one .......................................................................................................................................................... 99 !"apter $"irty2t%o ........................................................................................................................................................ 1 !"apter $"irty2t"ree ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 2 !"apter $"irty21our ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 + !"apter $"irty21i)e ........................................................................................................................................................ 1 0

!"apter $"irty2si* ......................................................................................................................................................... 111 !"apter $"irty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................... 112 !"apter $"irty2ei-"t ...................................................................................................................................................... 11+ !"apter $"irty2nine ....................................................................................................................................................... 110 !"apter 'orty ................................................................................................................................................................ 119 !"apter 'orty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ 12 !"apter 'orty2t%o ......................................................................................................................................................... 122 !"apter 'orty2t"ree ...................................................................................................................................................... 12+ !"apter 'orty21our ........................................................................................................................................................ 13 !"apter 'orty21i)e ......................................................................................................................................................... 133 !"apter 'orty2si* .......................................................................................................................................................... 13& !"apter 'orty2se)en ..................................................................................................................................................... 130 !"apter 'orty2ei-"t ....................................................................................................................................................... 1&2 $"e Lau-"in- !orpse (199&)............................................................................................................................................ 1&3 .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 1&3 !"apter #ne.................................................................................................................................................................. 1&3 !"apter $%o.................................................................................................................................................................. 1&. !"apter $"ree............................................................................................................................................................... 1+ !"apter 'our ................................................................................................................................................................ 1+( !"apter 'i)e ................................................................................................................................................................. 1+9 !"apter Si* ................................................................................................................................................................... 1(+ !"apter Se)en .............................................................................................................................................................. 1.2 !"apter ,i-"t ................................................................................................................................................................ 1.& !"apeter /ine............................................................................................................................................................... 1.( !"apter $en ................................................................................................................................................................. 1.9 !"apter ,le)en ............................................................................................................................................................. 10& !"apter $%el)e ............................................................................................................................................................ 10( !"apter $"irteen ........................................................................................................................................................... 192 !"apter 'ourteen ......................................................................................................................................................... 19+ !"apter 'i1teen ............................................................................................................................................................. 2 !"apter Si*teen ............................................................................................................................................................ 2 3 !"apter Se)enteen ....................................................................................................................................................... 2 ( !"apter ,i-"teen .......................................................................................................................................................... 2 9 !"apter /ineteen ......................................................................................................................................................... 213 !"apter $%enty............................................................................................................................................................. 21. !"apter $%enty2one ..................................................................................................................................................... 223 !"apter $%enty2t%o ..................................................................................................................................................... 22. !"apter $%enty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................... 220 !"apter $%enty21our ..................................................................................................................................................... 232 !"apter $%enty21i)e ..................................................................................................................................................... 233 !"apter $%enty2si* ....................................................................................................................................................... 239 !"apter $%enty2se)en ................................................................................................................................................. 239 !"apter $%enty2ei-"t ................................................................................................................................................... 2&3 !"apter $%enty2nine .................................................................................................................................................... 2&+ !"apter $"irty ............................................................................................................................................................... 2&0

!"apter $"irty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ 2&9 !"apter $"irty2t%o ........................................................................................................................................................ 2++ !"apter $"irty2t"ree ..................................................................................................................................................... 2+9 !"apter $"irty21our ....................................................................................................................................................... 2(1 !"apter $"irty21i)e ........................................................................................................................................................ 2(2 !"apter $"irty2si* ......................................................................................................................................................... 2(. !"apter $"irty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................... 2. !"apter $"irty2ei-"t ...................................................................................................................................................... 2.1 !"apter $"irty2nine ....................................................................................................................................................... 2.2 !"apter 'orty ................................................................................................................................................................ 2.. !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5 (199+)............................................................................................................................................ 2.0 .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 2.0 !"apter #ne.................................................................................................................................................................. 2.0 !"apter $%o.................................................................................................................................................................. 202 !"apter $"ree............................................................................................................................................................... 20+ !"apter 'our ................................................................................................................................................................ 200 !"apter 'i)e ................................................................................................................................................................. 29 !"apter Si* ................................................................................................................................................................... 292 !"apter Se)en .............................................................................................................................................................. 3 !"apter ,i-"t ................................................................................................................................................................ 3 & !"apter /ine ................................................................................................................................................................ 312 !"apter $en ................................................................................................................................................................. 31+ !"apter ,le)en ............................................................................................................................................................. 32 !"apter $%el)e ............................................................................................................................................................ 321 !"apter $"irteen ........................................................................................................................................................... 323 !"apter 'ourteen ......................................................................................................................................................... 32( !"apter 'i1teen ............................................................................................................................................................. 33 !"apter Si*teen ............................................................................................................................................................ 33 !"apter Se)enteen ....................................................................................................................................................... 332 !"apter ,i-"teen .......................................................................................................................................................... 33( !"apter /ineteen ......................................................................................................................................................... 330 !"apter $%enty............................................................................................................................................................. 3&1 !"apter $%enty2one ..................................................................................................................................................... 3&( !"apter $%enty2t%o ..................................................................................................................................................... 3&9 !"apter $%enty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................... 3+2 !"apter $%enty21our ..................................................................................................................................................... 3+3 !"apter $%enty21i)e ..................................................................................................................................................... 3++ !"apter $%enty2si* ....................................................................................................................................................... 3+0 !"apter $%enty2se)en ................................................................................................................................................. 3+9 !"apter $%enty2ei-"t ................................................................................................................................................... 3(1 !"apter $%enty2nine .................................................................................................................................................... 3(2 !"apter $"irty ............................................................................................................................................................... 3(. !"apter $"irty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ 3(. !"apter $"irty2t%o ........................................................................................................................................................ 3.1 !"apter $"irty2t"ree ..................................................................................................................................................... 3.2

!"apter $"irty21our ....................................................................................................................................................... 3.& !"apter $"irty21i)e ........................................................................................................................................................ 3.. !"apter $"irty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................... 301 !"apter $"irty2ei-"t ...................................................................................................................................................... 30& !"apter $"irty2nine ....................................................................................................................................................... 30( !"apter 'orty ................................................................................................................................................................ 391 !"apter 'orty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ 39& !"apter 'orty2t%o ......................................................................................................................................................... 39. !"apter 'orty2t"ree ...................................................................................................................................................... 399 !"apter 'orty21our ........................................................................................................................................................ & !"apter 'orty21i)e ......................................................................................................................................................... & 3 !"apter 'orty2si* .......................................................................................................................................................... & 0 !"apter 'orty2se)en ..................................................................................................................................................... &12 !"apter 'orty2ei-"t ....................................................................................................................................................... &1& $"e Lunati3 !a16 (199()................................................................................................................................................... &1+ .......................................................................................................................................................................................... &1+ !"apter #ne.................................................................................................................................................................. &1+ !"apter $%o.................................................................................................................................................................. &10 !"apter $"ree............................................................................................................................................................... &2 !"apter 'our ................................................................................................................................................................ &21 !"apter 'i)e ................................................................................................................................................................. &2& !"apter Si* ................................................................................................................................................................... &2+ !"apter Se)en .............................................................................................................................................................. &20 !"apter ,i-"t ................................................................................................................................................................ &3+ !"apter /ine ................................................................................................................................................................ && !"apter $en ................................................................................................................................................................. &&3 !"apter ,le)en ............................................................................................................................................................. &&9 !"apter $%el)e ............................................................................................................................................................ &+1 !"apter $"irteen ........................................................................................................................................................... &+. !"apter 'ourteen ......................................................................................................................................................... &+9 !"apter 'i1teen ............................................................................................................................................................. &(1 !"apter Si*teen ............................................................................................................................................................ &(& !"apter Se)enteen ....................................................................................................................................................... &(( !"apter ,i-"teen .......................................................................................................................................................... &.2 !"apter /ineteen ......................................................................................................................................................... &.. !"apter $%enty............................................................................................................................................................. &01 !"apter $%enty2one ..................................................................................................................................................... &0+ !"apter $%enty2t%o ..................................................................................................................................................... &0. !"apter $%enty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................... &93 !"apter $%enty21our ..................................................................................................................................................... &9( !"apter $%enty21i)e ..................................................................................................................................................... + 2 !"apter $%enty2si* ....................................................................................................................................................... + 3 !"apter $%enty2se)en ................................................................................................................................................. + . !"apter $%enty2ei-"t ................................................................................................................................................... +11 !"apter $%enty2nine .................................................................................................................................................... +1(

!"apter $"irty ............................................................................................................................................................... +23 !"apter $"irty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ +2. !"apter $"irty2t%o ........................................................................................................................................................ +3 !"apter $"irty2t"ree ..................................................................................................................................................... +33 !"apter $"irty21our ....................................................................................................................................................... +3& !"apter $"irty21i)e ........................................................................................................................................................ +30 !"apter $"irty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................... +&( !"apter $"irty2ei-"t ...................................................................................................................................................... +&0 !"apter $"irty2nine ....................................................................................................................................................... +&9 !"apter 'orty ................................................................................................................................................................ ++ !"apter 'orty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ +++ !"apter 'orty2t%o ......................................................................................................................................................... ++9 !"apter 'orty2t"ree ...................................................................................................................................................... +(2 Bloo5y Bones (199.)......................................................................................................................................................... +(3 .......................................................................................................................................................................................... +(3 !"apter #ne.................................................................................................................................................................. +(3 !"apter $%o.................................................................................................................................................................. +(. !"apter $"ree............................................................................................................................................................... +. !"apter 'our ................................................................................................................................................................ +.+ !"apter 'i)e ................................................................................................................................................................. +.. !"apter Si* ................................................................................................................................................................... +0 !"apter Se)en .............................................................................................................................................................. +02 !"apter ,i-"t ................................................................................................................................................................ +0. !"apter /ine ................................................................................................................................................................ +00 !"apter $en ................................................................................................................................................................. +9( !"apter ,le)en ............................................................................................................................................................. +90 !"apter $%el)e ............................................................................................................................................................ ( + !"apter $"irteen ........................................................................................................................................................... ( 0 !"apter 'ourteen ......................................................................................................................................................... (11 !"apter 'i1teen ............................................................................................................................................................. (1& !"apter Si*teen ............................................................................................................................................................ (19 !"apter Se)enteen ....................................................................................................................................................... (2. !"apter ,i-"teen .......................................................................................................................................................... (3+ !"apter /ineteen ......................................................................................................................................................... (&3 !"apter $%enty............................................................................................................................................................. (&0 !"apter $%enty2one ..................................................................................................................................................... (+ !"apter $%enty2t%o ..................................................................................................................................................... (++ !"apter $%enty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................... (+9 !"apter $%enty21our ..................................................................................................................................................... ((1 !"apter $%enty21i)e ..................................................................................................................................................... ((+ !"apter $%enty2si* ....................................................................................................................................................... (.3 !"apter $%enty2se)en ................................................................................................................................................. (0 !"apter $%enty2ei-"t ................................................................................................................................................... (0( !"apter $%enty2nine .................................................................................................................................................... (00 !"apter $"irty ............................................................................................................................................................... (93

!"apter $"irty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ (9+ !"apter $"irty2t%o ........................................................................................................................................................ (9. !"apter $"irty2t"ree ..................................................................................................................................................... . 1 !"apter $"irty21our ....................................................................................................................................................... . + !"apter $"irty21i)e ........................................................................................................................................................ .1 !"apter $"irty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................... .1( !"apter $"irty2ei-"t ...................................................................................................................................................... .10 !"apter $"irty2nine ....................................................................................................................................................... .2& !"apter 'orty ................................................................................................................................................................ .20 !"apter 'orty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ .31 $"e Killin- 4an3e (1990)................................................................................................................................................... .32 .......................................................................................................................................................................................... .32 !"apter #ne.................................................................................................................................................................. .33 !"apter $%o.................................................................................................................................................................. .30 !"apter $"ree............................................................................................................................................................... .&2 !"apter 'our ................................................................................................................................................................ .&. !"apter 'i)e ................................................................................................................................................................. .&9 !"apter Si* ................................................................................................................................................................... .+1 !"apter Se)en .............................................................................................................................................................. .++ !"apter ,i-"t ................................................................................................................................................................ .+9 !"apter /ine ................................................................................................................................................................ .(& !"apter $en ................................................................................................................................................................. .. !"apter ,le)en ............................................................................................................................................................. ..& !"apter $%el)e............................................................................................................................................................. .02 !"apter $"irteen............................................................................................................................................................ .0+ !"apter 'ourteen ......................................................................................................................................................... .09 !"apter 'i1teen ............................................................................................................................................................. .9+ !"apter Si*teen ............................................................................................................................................................ 0 !"apter Se)enteen ....................................................................................................................................................... 0 . !"apter ,i-"teen .......................................................................................................................................................... 012 !"apter /ineteen ......................................................................................................................................................... 01& !"apter $%enty............................................................................................................................................................. 023 !"apter $%enty2one ..................................................................................................................................................... 02( !"apter $%enty2t%o ..................................................................................................................................................... 031 !"apter $%enty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................... 03. !"apter $%enty21our ..................................................................................................................................................... 0&1 !"apter $%enty21i)e ..................................................................................................................................................... 0&& !"apter $%enty2si* ....................................................................................................................................................... 0&. !"apter $%enty2se)en ................................................................................................................................................. 0&0 !"apter $%enty2ei-"t ................................................................................................................................................... 0+ !"apter $%enty2nine .................................................................................................................................................... 0+3 !"apter $"irty ............................................................................................................................................................... 0++ !"apter $"irty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ 0+0 !"apter $"irty2t%o ........................................................................................................................................................ 0( !"apter $"irty2t"ree ..................................................................................................................................................... 0(+

!"apter $"irty21our ....................................................................................................................................................... 0(0 !"apter $"irty21i)e ........................................................................................................................................................ 0.1 !"apter $"irty2si* ......................................................................................................................................................... 0.3 !"apter $"irty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................... 0.+ !"apter $"irty2ei-"t ...................................................................................................................................................... 0.0 !"apter $"irty2nine ....................................................................................................................................................... 0.9 !"apter 'orty ................................................................................................................................................................ 00+ !"apter 'orty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ 00. !"apter 'orty2t%o ......................................................................................................................................................... 000 !"apter 'orty2t"ree ...................................................................................................................................................... 09& !"apter 'orty21our ........................................................................................................................................................ 09. !"apter 'orty21i)e ......................................................................................................................................................... 9 1 !"apter 'orty2si* .......................................................................................................................................................... 9 2 Burnt #11erin-s (1999)....................................................................................................................................................... 9 3 .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 3 !"apter #ne.................................................................................................................................................................. 9 3 !"apter $%o.................................................................................................................................................................. 9 ( !"apter $"ree............................................................................................................................................................... 9 9 !"apter 'our ................................................................................................................................................................ 911 !"apter 'i)e ................................................................................................................................................................. 912 !"apter Si* ................................................................................................................................................................... 910 !"apter Se)en .............................................................................................................................................................. 921 !"apter ,i-"t ................................................................................................................................................................ 92+ !"apter /ine ................................................................................................................................................................ 929 !"apter $en ................................................................................................................................................................. 932 !"apter ,le)en ............................................................................................................................................................. 93+ !"apter $%el)e ............................................................................................................................................................ 93. !"apter $"irteen ........................................................................................................................................................... 9&1 !"apter 'ourteen ......................................................................................................................................................... 9&3 !"apter 'i1teen ............................................................................................................................................................. 9&. !"apter Si*teen ............................................................................................................................................................ 9+1 !"apter Se)enteen ....................................................................................................................................................... 9+& !"apter ,i-"teen .......................................................................................................................................................... 9+. !"apter /ineteen ......................................................................................................................................................... 9+9 !"apter $%enty............................................................................................................................................................. 9(2 !"apter $%enty2one ..................................................................................................................................................... 9(+ !"apter $%enty2t%o ..................................................................................................................................................... 9(9 !"apter $%enty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................... 9.2 !"apter $%enty21our ..................................................................................................................................................... 9.3 !"apter $%enty21i)e ..................................................................................................................................................... 9.9 !"apter $%enty2si* ....................................................................................................................................................... 901 !"apter $%enty2se)en ................................................................................................................................................. 90& !"apter $%enty2ei-"t ................................................................................................................................................... 90( !"apter $%enty2nine .................................................................................................................................................... 900 !"apter $"irty ............................................................................................................................................................... 99&

!"apter $"irty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ 990 !"apter $"irty2t%o ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 !"apter $"irty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................... 1 !"apter $"irty21our ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 & + 0

!"apter $"irty21i)e ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 12 !"apter $"irty2si* ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 1& !"apter $"irty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................. 1 19 !"apter $"irty2ei-"t .................................................................................................................................................... 1 22 !"apter $"irty2nine ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 2& !"apter 'orty .............................................................................................................................................................. 1 2( !"apter 'orty2one ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 29 !"apter 'orty2t%o ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 33 !"apter 'orty2t"ree .................................................................................................................................................... 1 3( !"apter 'orty21our ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 30 !"apter 'orty21i)e ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 & !"apter 'orty2si* ........................................................................................................................................................ 1 && !"apter 'orty2se)en ................................................................................................................................................... 1 &. !"apter 'orty2ei-"t ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 + !"apter 'orty2nine ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 +2 !"apter 'i1ty ............................................................................................................................................................... 1 +. !"apter 'i1ty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ 1 (2 !"apter 'i1ty2t%o ........................................................................................................................................................ 1 (. !"apter 'i1ty2t"ree ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 . Blue 7oon (2 )............................................................................................................................................................ 1 .1 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 1 .1 !"apter #ne................................................................................................................................................................ 1 .1 !"apter $%o................................................................................................................................................................ 1 .3 !"apter $"ree............................................................................................................................................................. 1 0 !"apter 'our .............................................................................................................................................................. 1 03 !"apter 'i)e................................................................................................................................................................ 1 91 !"apter Si*.................................................................................................................................................................. 1 93 !"apter Se)en............................................................................................................................................................. 1 90 !"apter ,i-"t .............................................................................................................................................................. 11 3 !"apter /ine .............................................................................................................................................................. 11 + !"apter $en ................................................................................................................................................................ 1112 !"apter ,le)en ........................................................................................................................................................... 111( !"apter $%el)e .......................................................................................................................................................... 112 !"apter $"irteen ......................................................................................................................................................... 1120 !"apter 'ourteen ....................................................................................................................................................... 1129 !"apter 'i1teen ........................................................................................................................................................... 113& !"apter Si*teen .......................................................................................................................................................... 113+ !"apter Se)enteen ..................................................................................................................................................... 1130 !"apter ,i-"teen ........................................................................................................................................................ 11& !"apter /ineteen ....................................................................................................................................................... 11&+ !"apter $%enty........................................................................................................................................................... 11&(

!"apter $%enty2one.................................................................................................................................................... 11+1 !"apter $%enty2t%o ................................................................................................................................................... 11+& !"apter $%enty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................. 11++ !"apter $%enty21our ................................................................................................................................................... 11( !"apter $%enty21i)e ................................................................................................................................................... 11(+ !"apter $%enty2si* ..................................................................................................................................................... 11.3 !"apter $%enty2se)en ............................................................................................................................................... 1101 !"apter $%enty2ei-"t ................................................................................................................................................. 1109 !"apter $%enty2nine .................................................................................................................................................. 1193 !"apter $"irty ............................................................................................................................................................. 1190 !"apter $"irty2one ...................................................................................................................................................... 12 1 !"apter $"irty2t%o ...................................................................................................................................................... 12 + !"apter $"irty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................... 12 ( !"apter $"irty21our ..................................................................................................................................................... 1212 !"apter $"irty21i)e ...................................................................................................................................................... 121( !"apter $"irty2si* ....................................................................................................................................................... 1210 !"apter $"irty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................. 1221 !"apter $"irty2ei-"t .................................................................................................................................................... 122( !"apter $"irty2nine ..................................................................................................................................................... 1220 !"apter 'orty .............................................................................................................................................................. 1229 !"apter 'orty2one ...................................................................................................................................................... 123& !"apter 'orty2t%o ....................................................................................................................................................... 12& !"apter 'orty2t"ree .................................................................................................................................................... 12&+ !"apter 'orty21our ...................................................................................................................................................... 12&9 !"apter 'orty21i)e ....................................................................................................................................................... 12+ !"apter 'orty2si* ........................................................................................................................................................ 12++ #8si5ian Butter1ly (2 1)................................................................................................................................................ 12+. ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 12+. !"apter #ne................................................................................................................................................................ 12+. !"apter $%o................................................................................................................................................................ 12( !"apter $"ree............................................................................................................................................................. 12(( !"apter 'our .............................................................................................................................................................. 12. !"apter 'i)e ............................................................................................................................................................... 12.+ !"apter Si* ................................................................................................................................................................. 12.( !"apter Se)en ............................................................................................................................................................ 1201 !"apter ,i-"t .............................................................................................................................................................. 1203 !"apter /ine .............................................................................................................................................................. 120+ !"apter $en ................................................................................................................................................................ 120. !"apter ,le)en ........................................................................................................................................................... 1291 !"apter $%el)e .......................................................................................................................................................... 129& !"apter $"irteen ......................................................................................................................................................... 129( !"apter 'ourteen ....................................................................................................................................................... 1299 !"apter 'i1teen ........................................................................................................................................................... 13 1 !"apter Si*teen .......................................................................................................................................................... 13 3 !"apter Se)enteen ..................................................................................................................................................... 13 .

!"apter ,i-"teen ........................................................................................................................................................ 131 !"apter /ineteen ....................................................................................................................................................... 131& !"apter $%enty .......................................................................................................................................................... 131. !"apter $%enty2one ................................................................................................................................................... 1321 !"apter $%enty2t%o ................................................................................................................................................... 1320 !"apter $%enty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................. 133 !"apter $%enty21our ................................................................................................................................................... 13& !"apter $%enty21i)e ................................................................................................................................................... 13&3 !"apter $%enty2si* ..................................................................................................................................................... 13&. !"apter $%enty2se)en ............................................................................................................................................... 13+. !"apter $%enty2ei-"t ................................................................................................................................................. 13+9 !"apter $%enty2nine .................................................................................................................................................. 13(1 !"apter $"irty ............................................................................................................................................................. 13(& !"apter $"irty2one ...................................................................................................................................................... 13(. !"apter $"irty2t%o ...................................................................................................................................................... 13.2 !"apter $"irty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................... 13.+ !"apter $"irty21our ..................................................................................................................................................... 130 !"apter $"irty21i)e ...................................................................................................................................................... 130& !"apter $"irty2si* ....................................................................................................................................................... 1300 !"apter $"irty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................. 1391 !"apter $"irty2ei-"t .................................................................................................................................................... 139. !"apter $"irty2nine ..................................................................................................................................................... 1& 3 !"apter 'orty .............................................................................................................................................................. 1& ( !"apter 'orty2one ...................................................................................................................................................... 1& 0 !"apter 'orty2t%o ....................................................................................................................................................... 1& 0 !"apter 'orty2t"ree .................................................................................................................................................... 1&13 !"apter 'orty21our ...................................................................................................................................................... 1&1. !"apter 'orty21i)e ....................................................................................................................................................... 1&2 !"apter 'orty2si* ........................................................................................................................................................ 1&22 !"apter 'orty2se)en ................................................................................................................................................... 1&2& !"apter 'orty2ei-"t ..................................................................................................................................................... 1&31 !"apter 'orty2nine ...................................................................................................................................................... 1&3+ !"apter 'i1ty ............................................................................................................................................................... 1&& !"apter 'i1ty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ 1&&9 !"apter 'i1ty2t%o ........................................................................................................................................................ 1&+& !"apter 'i1ty2t"ree ...................................................................................................................................................... 1&+. !"apter 'i1ty21our ........................................................................................................................................................ 1&( !"apter 'i1ty21i)e ........................................................................................................................................................ 1&(2 !"apter 'i1ty2si* ......................................................................................................................................................... 1&. !"apter 'i1ty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................... 1&.3 !"apter 'i1ty2ei-"t ...................................................................................................................................................... 1&.( !"apter 'i1ty2nine ....................................................................................................................................................... 1&.. !"apter Si*ty .............................................................................................................................................................. 1&01 !"apter Si*ty2one ....................................................................................................................................................... 1&03 !"apter Si*ty2t%o ....................................................................................................................................................... 1&0+

!"apter Si*ty2t"ree ..................................................................................................................................................... 1&99 !"apter Si*ty21our ....................................................................................................................................................... 1+ 1 ,P9L#G:, ................................................................................................................................................................. 1+ & /ar3issus in !"ains (2 2)............................................................................................................................................. 1+ 0 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 1+ 0 !"apter #ne................................................................................................................................................................ 1+ 0 !"apter $%o................................................................................................................................................................ 1+12 !"apter $"ree ............................................................................................................................................................ 1+1& !"apter 'our .............................................................................................................................................................. 1+19 !"apter 'i)e ............................................................................................................................................................... 1+2( !"apter Si* ................................................................................................................................................................. 1+31 !"apter Se)en ............................................................................................................................................................ 1+&1 !"apter ,i-"t .............................................................................................................................................................. 1+&0 !"apter /ine .............................................................................................................................................................. 1+&9 !"apter $en ................................................................................................................................................................ 1++. !"apter ,le)en ........................................................................................................................................................... 1+(9 !"apter $%el)e .......................................................................................................................................................... 1+.2 !"apter $"irteen ......................................................................................................................................................... 1+.0 !"apter 'ourteen ....................................................................................................................................................... 1+02 !"apter 'i1teen ........................................................................................................................................................... 1+0+ !"apter Si*teen .......................................................................................................................................................... 1+09 !"apter Se)enteen ..................................................................................................................................................... 1+9( !"apter ,i-"teen ........................................................................................................................................................ 1+99 !"apter /ineteen ....................................................................................................................................................... 1( 1 !"apter $%enty........................................................................................................................................................... 1(1& !"apter $%enty2one ................................................................................................................................................... 1(2& !"apter $%enty2t%o ................................................................................................................................................... 1(33 !"apter $%enty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................. 1(3. !"apter $%enty21our ................................................................................................................................................... 1(&2 !"apter $%enty21i)e ................................................................................................................................................... 1(&& !"apter $%enty2si* ..................................................................................................................................................... 1(&0 !"apter $%enty2se)en ............................................................................................................................................... 1(+ !"apter $%enty2ei-"t ................................................................................................................................................. 1(++ !"apter $%enty2nine .................................................................................................................................................. 1(( !"apter $"irty ............................................................................................................................................................. 1((+ !"apter $"irty2one ...................................................................................................................................................... 1((( !"apter $"irty2t%o ...................................................................................................................................................... 1((0 !"apter $"irty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................... 1(. !"apter $"irty21our ..................................................................................................................................................... 1(.2 !"apter $"irty21i)e ...................................................................................................................................................... 1(.( !"apter $"irty2si* ....................................................................................................................................................... 1(0 !"apter $"irty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................. 1(0+ !"apter $"irty2ei-"t .................................................................................................................................................... 1(00 !"apter $"irty2nine ..................................................................................................................................................... 1(91 !"apter 'orty .............................................................................................................................................................. 1(93

!"apter 'orty2one ...................................................................................................................................................... 1(9. !"apter 'orty2t%o ....................................................................................................................................................... 1. 1 !"apter 'orty2t"ree .................................................................................................................................................... 1. 2 !"apter 'orty21our ...................................................................................................................................................... 1. 3 !"apter 'orty21i)e ....................................................................................................................................................... 1. . !"apter 'orty2si* ........................................................................................................................................................ 1. 0 !"apter 'orty2se)en ................................................................................................................................................... 1.11 !"apter 'orty2ei-"t ..................................................................................................................................................... 1.1& !"apter 'orty2nine ...................................................................................................................................................... 1.1+ !"apter 'i1ty ............................................................................................................................................................... 1.10 !"apter 'i1ty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ 1.19 !"apter 'i1ty2t%o ........................................................................................................................................................ 1.22 !"apter 'i1ty2t"ree ...................................................................................................................................................... 1.2& !"apter 'i1ty21our ........................................................................................................................................................ 1.2. !"apter 'i1ty21i)e ........................................................................................................................................................ 1.29 !"apter 'i1ty2si* ......................................................................................................................................................... 1.32 !"apter 'i1ty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................... 1.32 !"apter 'i1ty2ei-"t ...................................................................................................................................................... 1.3+ !"apter 'i1ty2nine ....................................................................................................................................................... 1.3+ !"apter Si*ty .............................................................................................................................................................. 1.30 !"apter Si*ty2one ....................................................................................................................................................... 1.&2 !"apter Si*ty2t%o ....................................................................................................................................................... 1.&3 !"apter Si*ty2t"ree ..................................................................................................................................................... 1.&+ !"apter Si*ty21our ....................................................................................................................................................... 1.+ !"apter Si*ty21i)e ....................................................................................................................................................... 1.+2 !erulean Sins (2 3)...................................................................................................................................................... 1.(1 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 1.(1 !"apter #ne................................................................................................................................................................ 1.(1 !"apter $%o................................................................................................................................................................ 1.(( !"apter $"ree ............................................................................................................................................................ 1.(9 !"apter 'our .............................................................................................................................................................. 1..2 !"apter 'i)e ............................................................................................................................................................... 1..( !"apter Si* ................................................................................................................................................................. 1.01 !"apter Se)en ............................................................................................................................................................ 1.03 !"apter ,i-"t .............................................................................................................................................................. 1.0( !"apter /ine .............................................................................................................................................................. 1.9 !"apter $en ................................................................................................................................................................ 1.9+ !"apter ,le)en ........................................................................................................................................................... 1.99 !"apter $%el)e .......................................................................................................................................................... 10 3 !"apter $"irteen ......................................................................................................................................................... 10 ( !"apter 'ourteen ....................................................................................................................................................... 10 . !"apter 'i1teen ........................................................................................................................................................... 101 !"apter Si*teen .......................................................................................................................................................... 101+ !"apter Se)enteen ..................................................................................................................................................... 101. !"apter ,i-"teen ........................................................................................................................................................ 1019

!"apter /ineteen ....................................................................................................................................................... 1022 !"apter $%enty........................................................................................................................................................... 102+ !"apter $%enty2one ................................................................................................................................................... 1020 !"apter $%enty2t%o ................................................................................................................................................... 103 !"apter $%enty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................. 1033 !"apter $%enty21our ................................................................................................................................................... 103+ !"apter $%enty21i)e ................................................................................................................................................... 10&3 !"apter $%enty2si* ..................................................................................................................................................... 10&& !"apter $%enty2se)en ............................................................................................................................................... 10&( !"apter $%enty2ei-"t ................................................................................................................................................. 10&. !"apter $%enty2nine .................................................................................................................................................. 10+3 !"apter $"irty ............................................................................................................................................................. 10+9 !"apter $"irty2one ...................................................................................................................................................... 10(3 !"apter $"irty2t%o ...................................................................................................................................................... 10(0 !"apter $"irty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................... 10.2 !"apter $"irty21our ..................................................................................................................................................... 10.2 !"apter $"irty21i)e ...................................................................................................................................................... 10.& !"apter $"irty2si* ....................................................................................................................................................... 10.0 !"apter $"irty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................. 100 !"apter $"irty2ei-"t .................................................................................................................................................... 1003 !"apter $"irty2nine ..................................................................................................................................................... 100& !"apter 'orty .............................................................................................................................................................. 1091 !"apter 'orty2one ...................................................................................................................................................... 1093 !"apter 'orty2t%o ....................................................................................................................................................... 109& !"apter 'orty2t"ree .................................................................................................................................................... 1099 !"apter 'orty21our ...................................................................................................................................................... 19 2 !"apter 'orty21i)e ....................................................................................................................................................... 19 0 !"apter 'orty2si* ........................................................................................................................................................ 1913 !"apter 'orty2se)en ................................................................................................................................................... 1910 !"apter 'orty2ei-"t ..................................................................................................................................................... 1922 !"apter 'orty2nine ...................................................................................................................................................... 192+ !"apter 'i1ty ............................................................................................................................................................... 1920 !"apter 'i1ty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ 193 !"apter 'i1ty2t%o ........................................................................................................................................................ 1932 !"apter 'i1ty2t"ree ...................................................................................................................................................... 193+ !"apter 'i1ty21our ........................................................................................................................................................ 1930 !"apter 'i1ty21i)e ........................................................................................................................................................ 19& !"apter 'i1ty2si* ......................................................................................................................................................... 19&3 !"apter 'i1ty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................... 19&+ !"apter 'i1ty2ei-"t ...................................................................................................................................................... 19&0 !"apter 'i1ty2nine ....................................................................................................................................................... 19+2 !"apter Si*ty .............................................................................................................................................................. 19+3 !"apter Si*ty2one ....................................................................................................................................................... 19+& !"apter Si*ty2t%o ....................................................................................................................................................... 19++ 9n3u8us 4reams (2 &)................................................................................................................................................... 19+(

........................................................................................................................................................................................ 19+( !"apter #ne................................................................................................................................................................ 19+( !"apter $%o................................................................................................................................................................ 19( !"apter $"ree............................................................................................................................................................. 19(1 !"apter 'our............................................................................................................................................................... 19(& !"apter 'i)e................................................................................................................................................................ 19(+ !"apter Si*.................................................................................................................................................................. 19(. !"apter Se)en............................................................................................................................................................. 19(9 !"apter ,i-"t............................................................................................................................................................... 19. !"apter /ine............................................................................................................................................................... 19.2 !"apter $en................................................................................................................................................................. 19.. !"apter ,le)en............................................................................................................................................................ 190+ !"apter $%el)e........................................................................................................................................................... 1991 !"apter $"irteen.......................................................................................................................................................... 199. !"apter 'ourteen........................................................................................................................................................ 1999 !"apter 'i1teen............................................................................................................................................................ 2 !"apter Si*teen........................................................................................................................................................... 2 !"apter Se)enteen...................................................................................................................................................... 2 !"apter ,i-"teen......................................................................................................................................................... 2 !"apter /ineteen........................................................................................................................................................ 2 1 !"apter $%enty........................................................................................................................................................... 2 12 !"apter $%enty2one.................................................................................................................................................... 2 1+ !"apter $%enty2t%o.................................................................................................................................................... 2 1. !"apter $%enty2t"ree.................................................................................................................................................. 2 19 !"apter $%enty21our.................................................................................................................................................... 2 2. !"apter $%enty21i)e.................................................................................................................................................... 2 3& !"apter $%enty2si*...................................................................................................................................................... 2 3( !"apter $%enty2se)en................................................................................................................................................ 2 39 !"apter $%enty2ei-"t.................................................................................................................................................. 2 +2 !"apter $%enty2nine................................................................................................................................................... 2 +( !"apter $"irty.............................................................................................................................................................. 2 (1 !"apter $"irty2one....................................................................................................................................................... 2 (( !"apter $"irty2t%o....................................................................................................................................................... 2 .1 !"apter $"irty2t"ree.................................................................................................................................................... 2 .+ !"apter $"irty21our...................................................................................................................................................... 2 .9 !"apter $"irty21i)e....................................................................................................................................................... 2 0 !"apter $"irty2se)en................................................................................................................................................... 2 09 !"apter $"irty2ei-"t..................................................................................................................................................... 2 9& !"apter $"irty2nine...................................................................................................................................................... 2 9. !"apter 'orty............................................................................................................................................................... 21 2 !"apter 'orty2one....................................................................................................................................................... 21 9 !"apter 'orty2t%o........................................................................................................................................................ 211. !"apter 'orty2t"ree..................................................................................................................................................... 2121 !"apter 'orty21our....................................................................................................................................................... 2120 !"apter 'orty21i)e........................................................................................................................................................ 2131 2 + .

!"apter 'orty2si*......................................................................................................................................................... 213+ !"apter 'orty2se)en.................................................................................................................................................... 21&1 !"apter 'orty2ei-"t...................................................................................................................................................... 21&& !"apter 'orty2nine....................................................................................................................................................... 21&( !"apter 'i1ty................................................................................................................................................................ 21+1 !"apter 'i1ty2one......................................................................................................................................................... 21+( !"apter 'i1ty2t%o......................................................................................................................................................... 21( !"apter 'i1ty2t"ree....................................................................................................................................................... 21(3 !"apter 'i1ty21our......................................................................................................................................................... 21(3 !"apter 'i1ty21i)e......................................................................................................................................................... 21(. !"apter 'i1ty2si*.......................................................................................................................................................... 21.( !"apter 'i1ty2se)en..................................................................................................................................................... 21.0 !"apter 'i1ty2ei-"t....................................................................................................................................................... 210( !"apter 'i1ty2nine........................................................................................................................................................ 2109 !"apter Si*ty............................................................................................................................................................... 2192 !"apter Si*ty2one........................................................................................................................................................ 219. !"apter Si*ty2t%o........................................................................................................................................................ 22 2 !"apter Si*ty2t"ree...................................................................................................................................................... 22 ( !"apter Si*ty21our........................................................................................................................................................ 22 9 !"apter Si*ty21i)e........................................................................................................................................................ 2212 !"apter Si*ty2si*......................................................................................................................................................... 221+ !"apter Si*ty2se)en.................................................................................................................................................... 221. !"apter Si*ty2ei-"t...................................................................................................................................................... 2219 !"apter Si*ty2nine....................................................................................................................................................... 222+ !"apter Se)enty.......................................................................................................................................................... 223 !"apter Se)enty2one................................................................................................................................................... 2232 !"apter Se)enty2t%o................................................................................................................................................... 223+ !"apter Se)enty2t"ree................................................................................................................................................ 22& !"apter Se)enty21our.................................................................................................................................................. 22&3 !"apter Se)enty21i)e................................................................................................................................................... 22&& !"apter Se)enty2si*.................................................................................................................................................... 22&. !"apter Se)enty2se)en............................................................................................................................................... 22&0 !"apter Se)enty2ei-"t................................................................................................................................................. 22+ !"apter Se)enty2nine.................................................................................................................................................. 22+3 !"apter ,i-"ty............................................................................................................................................................. 22++ !"apter ,i-"ty2one...................................................................................................................................................... 22( !"apter ,i-"ty2t%o...................................................................................................................................................... 22(3 79!AH............................................................................................................................................................................ 22(& ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 22(& !"apter #ne................................................................................................................................................................ 22(+ !"apter $%o................................................................................................................................................................ 22(0 !"apter $"ree............................................................................................................................................................. 22.1 !"apter 'our............................................................................................................................................................... 22.& !"apter 'i)e................................................................................................................................................................ 22.( !"apter Si*.................................................................................................................................................................. 2201

!"apter Se)en............................................................................................................................................................. 220. !"apter ,i-"t............................................................................................................................................................... 2200 !"apter /ine............................................................................................................................................................... 2291 !"apter $en................................................................................................................................................................. 229& !"apter ,le)en............................................................................................................................................................ 23 2 !"apter $%el)e........................................................................................................................................................... 23 + 4anse 7a3a8re............................................................................................................................................................... 23 9 !"apter #ne................................................................................................................................................................ 23 9 !"apter $%o................................................................................................................................................................ 231( !"apter $"ree............................................................................................................................................................. 232 !"apter 'our............................................................................................................................................................... 232& !"apter Si*.................................................................................................................................................................. 233 !"apter Se)en............................................................................................................................................................. 233& !"apter ,i-"t............................................................................................................................................................... 23&3 !"apter $en................................................................................................................................................................. 23+2 !"apter ,le)en............................................................................................................................................................ 23+( !"apter $%el)e........................................................................................................................................................... 23(2 !"apter $"irteen.......................................................................................................................................................... 23(& !"apter 'ourteen........................................................................................................................................................ 23(9 !"apter 'i1teen............................................................................................................................................................ 23.2 !"apter Si*teen........................................................................................................................................................... 23.& !"apter Se)enteen...................................................................................................................................................... 23.0 !"apter ,i-"teen......................................................................................................................................................... 2303 !"apter /ineteen........................................................................................................................................................ 230( !"apter $%enty........................................................................................................................................................... 239+ !"apter $%enty2one.................................................................................................................................................... 2& !"apter $%enty2t%o.................................................................................................................................................... 2& 3 !"apter $%enty2t"ree.................................................................................................................................................. 2& 9 !"apter $%enty21our.................................................................................................................................................... 2&13 !"apter $%enty21i)e ................................................................................................................................................... 2&1. !"apter $%enty2si*...................................................................................................................................................... 2&2( !"apter $%enty2se)en ............................................................................................................................................... 2&31 !"apter $%enty2ei-"t.................................................................................................................................................. 2&&( !"apter $%enty2nine................................................................................................................................................... 2&+ !"apter $"irty.............................................................................................................................................................. 2&+2 !"apter $"irty2one....................................................................................................................................................... 2&+( !"apter $"irty2t%o....................................................................................................................................................... 2&+. !"apter $"irty2t"ree.................................................................................................................................................... 2&+9 !"apter $"irty21our...................................................................................................................................................... 2&(+ !"apter $"irty21i)e ...................................................................................................................................................... 2&(9 !"apter $"irty2si*........................................................................................................................................................ 2&.1 !"apter $"irty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................. 2&.+ !"apter $"irty2ei-"t .................................................................................................................................................... 2&.0 !"apter $"irty2nine ..................................................................................................................................................... 2&0 !"apter 'orty .............................................................................................................................................................. 2&0+

!"apter 'orty2one ...................................................................................................................................................... 2&93 !"apter 'orty2t%o ....................................................................................................................................................... 2&9( !"apter 'orty2t"ree .................................................................................................................................................... 2&90 !"apter 'orty21our ...................................................................................................................................................... 2+ 3 !"apter 'orty21i)e ....................................................................................................................................................... 2+ + !"apter 'orty2si* ........................................................................................................................................................ 2+ 0 !"apter 'orty2se)en ................................................................................................................................................... 2+1 !"apter 'orty2ei-"t...................................................................................................................................................... 2+12 !"apter 'orty2nine ...................................................................................................................................................... 2+1( !"apter 'i1ty ............................................................................................................................................................... 2+19 !"apter 'i1ty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ 2+2 !"apter 'i1ty2t%o ........................................................................................................................................................ 2+23 !"apter 'i1ty2t"ree ...................................................................................................................................................... 2+2( !"apter 'i1ty21our ........................................................................................................................................................ 2+3. !"apter 'i1ty21i)e ........................................................................................................................................................ 2+& $"e Harle;uin................................................................................................................................................................. 2+&3 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 2+&3 !"apter $%o................................................................................................................................................................ 2+&9 !"apter $"ree............................................................................................................................................................. 2++& !"apter 'our............................................................................................................................................................... 2++( !"apter 'i)e................................................................................................................................................................ 2++9 !"apter Si*.................................................................................................................................................................. 2+(+ !"apter Se)en............................................................................................................................................................. 2+.1 !"apter ,i-"t............................................................................................................................................................... 2+.( !"apter /ine............................................................................................................................................................... 2+02 !"apter $en................................................................................................................................................................. 2+0& !"apter ,le)en............................................................................................................................................................ 2+91 !"apter $%el)e........................................................................................................................................................... 2+9( !"apter $"irteen.......................................................................................................................................................... 2+90 !"apter 'ourteen........................................................................................................................................................ 2( 2 !"apter 'i1teen............................................................................................................................................................ 2( + !"apter Si*teen........................................................................................................................................................... 2(11 !"apter Se)enteen...................................................................................................................................................... 2(1( !"apter ,i-"teen......................................................................................................................................................... 2(2 !"apter /ineteen........................................................................................................................................................ 2(22 !"apter $%enty........................................................................................................................................................... 2(2( !"apter $%enty2one.................................................................................................................................................... 2(39 !"apter $%enty2t%o.................................................................................................................................................... 2(&1 !"apter $%enty2t"ree.................................................................................................................................................. 2(&3 !"apter $%enty21our.................................................................................................................................................... 2(&( !"apter $%enty21i)e.................................................................................................................................................... 2(&. !"apter $%enty2si*...................................................................................................................................................... 2(+ !"apter $%enty2se)en................................................................................................................................................ 2(+3 !"apter $%enty2ei-"t.................................................................................................................................................. 2(+( !"apter $%enty2nine................................................................................................................................................... 2((2

!"apter $"irty.............................................................................................................................................................. 2((+ !"apter $"irty2one....................................................................................................................................................... 2((( !"apter $"irty2t%o....................................................................................................................................................... 2((0 !"apter $"irty2t"ree.................................................................................................................................................... 2(. !"apter $"irty21our...................................................................................................................................................... 2(.& !"apter $"irty21i)e....................................................................................................................................................... 2(.9 !"apter $"irty2si*........................................................................................................................................................ 2(09 !"apter $"irty2se)en................................................................................................................................................... 2(92 !"apter $"irty2ei-"t..................................................................................................................................................... 2(9& !"apter $"irty2nine...................................................................................................................................................... 2(99 !"apter 'orty............................................................................................................................................................... 2. 1 !"apter 'orty2one....................................................................................................................................................... 2.11 !"apter 'orty2t%o........................................................................................................................................................ 2.13 !"apter 'orty2t"ree..................................................................................................................................................... 2.1& !"apter 'orty21our....................................................................................................................................................... 2.19 !"apter 'orty21i)e........................................................................................................................................................ 2.21 !"apter 'orty2si*......................................................................................................................................................... 2.23 !"apter 'orty2se)en.................................................................................................................................................... 2.2. BL##4 /#9<................................................................................................................................................................. 2.33 !"apter #ne................................................................................................................................................................ 2.33 !"apter $%o................................................................................................................................................................ 2.39 !"apter $"ree ............................................................................................................................................................ 2.&1 !"apter 'our .............................................................................................................................................................. 2.&2 !"apter 'i)e ............................................................................................................................................................... 2.&& !"apter Si* ................................................................................................................................................................. 2.&. !"apter Se)en ............................................................................................................................................................ 2.&9 !"apter ,i-"t .............................................................................................................................................................. 2.+1 !"apter /ine............................................................................................................................................................... 2.+3 !"apter $en ................................................................................................................................................................ 2.+0 !"apter ,le)en............................................................................................................................................................ 2.+9 !"apter $%el)e .......................................................................................................................................................... 2.(2 !"apter $"irteen ......................................................................................................................................................... 2.(3 !"apter 'ourteen ....................................................................................................................................................... 2.(+ !"apter 'i1teen ........................................................................................................................................................... 2.(. !"apter Si*teen .......................................................................................................................................................... 2.(0 !"apter Se)enteen ..................................................................................................................................................... 2..1 !"apter ,i-"teen ........................................................................................................................................................ 2..& !"apter /ineteen ....................................................................................................................................................... 2... !"apter $%enty........................................................................................................................................................... 2..0 !"apter $%enty2one ................................................................................................................................................... 2.0& !"apter $%enty2t%o ................................................................................................................................................... 2.0+ !"apter $%enty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................. 2.09 !"apter $%enty21our ................................................................................................................................................... 2.91 !"apter $%enty21i)e ................................................................................................................................................... 2.9( !"apter $%enty2si* ..................................................................................................................................................... 2.9.

!"apter $%enty2se)en ............................................................................................................................................... 2.99 !"apter $%enty2ei-"t ................................................................................................................................................. 20 1 !"apter $%enty2nine .................................................................................................................................................. 20 3 !"apter $"irty ............................................................................................................................................................. 20 & !"apter $"irty2one ...................................................................................................................................................... 20 ( !"apter $"irty2t%o ...................................................................................................................................................... 20 . !"apter $"irty2t"ree ................................................................................................................................................... 20 9 !"apter $"irty21our ..................................................................................................................................................... 2011 !"apter $"irty21i)e ...................................................................................................................................................... 2012 !"apter $"irty2si* ....................................................................................................................................................... 201( !"apter $"irty2se)en .................................................................................................................................................. 2010 !"apter $"irty2ei-"t .................................................................................................................................................... 202 !"apter $"irty2nine ..................................................................................................................................................... 202& !"apter 'orty .............................................................................................................................................................. 202+ !"apter 'orty2one ...................................................................................................................................................... 2029 !"apter 'orty2t%o ....................................................................................................................................................... 2031 !"apter 'orty2t"ree .................................................................................................................................................... 2033 !"apter 'orty21our ...................................................................................................................................................... 203+ !"apter 'orty21i)e ....................................................................................................................................................... 203. !"apter 'orty2si* ........................................................................................................................................................ 20& !"apter 'orty2se)en ................................................................................................................................................... 20&& !"apter 'orty2ei-"t ..................................................................................................................................................... 20+ !"apter 'orty2nine ...................................................................................................................................................... 20+1 !"apter 'i1ty ............................................................................................................................................................... 20( !"apter 'i1ty2one ........................................................................................................................................................ 20(1 !"apter 'i1ty2t%o ........................................................................................................................................................ 20(& !"apter 'i1ty2t"ree ...................................................................................................................................................... 20(. !"apter 'i1ty21our ........................................................................................................................................................ 20. !"apter 'i1ty21i)e ........................................................................................................................................................ 20.& !"apter 'i1ty2si* ......................................................................................................................................................... 20..

Guilty Pleasures (1993)

Chapter One
=illie 73!oy "a5 8een a >erk 8e1ore "e 5ie5. His 8ein- 5ea5 5on?t 3"an-e t"at. He sat a3ross 1rom me@ %earin- a lou5 plai5 sport >a3ket. $"e polyester pants %ere primary !rayola -reen. His s"ort@ 8la3k "air %as sli3ke5 8a3k 1rom a t"in@ trian-ular 1a3e. He "a5 al%ays remin5e5 me o1 a 8it player in a -an-ster mo)ie. $"e kin5 t"at sells in1ormation@ runs erran5s@ an5 is e*pen5a8le. #1 3ourse no% t"at =illie %as a )ampire@ t"e e*pen5a8le part 5i5n?t 3ount anymore. But "e %as still sellin- in1ormation an5 runnin- erran5s. /o@ 5eat" "a5n?t 3"an-e5 "im mu3". But >ust in 3ase 9 a)oi5e5 lookin- 5ire3tly into "is eyes. 9t %as stan5ar5 poli3y 1or 5ealin- %it" )ampires. He %as a slime 8u3ket@ 8ut no% "e %as an un5ea5 slime 8u3ket. 9t %as a ne% 3ate-ory 1or me. =e sat in t"e ;uiet air23on5itione5 "us" o1 my o11i3e. $"e po%5er 8lue %alls@ %"i3" Bert@ my 8oss@ t"ou-"t %oul5 8e soot"in-@ ma5e t"e room 1eel 3ol5. A7in5 i1 9 smokeBC "e aske5. ADes@C 9 sai5@ A9 5o.C A4amn@ you aren?t -onna make t"is easy@ are youBC 9 looke5 5ire3tly at "im 1or a moment. His eyes %ere still 8ro%n. He 3au-"t me lookin-@ an5 9 looke5 5o%n at my 5esk. =illie lau-"e5@ a %"eeEin- sni3ker o1 a soun5. $"e lau-" "a5n?t 3"an-e5. AGeeE@ 9 lo)e it. Dou?re a1rai5 o1 me.C A/ot a1rai5@ >ust 3autious.C ADou 5on?t "a)e to a5mit it. 9 3an smell t"e 1ear on you@ almost like somet"in? tou3"in- my 1a3e@ my 8rain. Dou?re a1rai5 o1 me@ F3ause 9?m a )ampire.C 9 s"ru--e5G %"at 3oul5 9 sayB Ho% 5o you lie to someone %"o 3an smell your 1earB A="y are you "ere@ =illieBC AGeeE@ 9 %is" 9 "a5 a smoke.C $"e skin 8e-an to >ump at t"e 3orner o1 "is mout". A9 5i5n?t t"ink )ampires "a5 ner)ous t%it3"es.C His "an5 %ent up@ almost tou3"e5 it. He smile5@ 1las"in- 1an-s. ASome t"in-s 5on?t 3"an-e.C 9 %ante5 to ask "im@ %"at 5oes 3"an-eB Ho% 5oes it 1eel to 8e 5ea5B 9 kne% ot"er )ampires@ 8ut =illie %as t"e 1irst 9 "a5 kno%n 8e1ore an5 a1ter 5eat". 9t %as a pe3uliar 1eelin-. A="at 5o you %antBC AHey@ 9?m "ere to -i)e you money. $o 8e3ome a 3lient.C

9 -lan3e5 up at "im@ a)oi5in- "is eyes. His tie ta3k 3au-"t t"e o)er"ea5 li-"ts. <eal -ol5. =illie "a5 ne)er "a5 anyt"inlike t"at 8e1ore. He %as 5oin- all ri-"t 1or a 5ea5 man. A9 raise t"e 5ea5 1or a li)in-@ no pun inten5e5. ="y %oul5 a )ampire nee5 a Eom8ie raise5BC He s"ook "is "ea5@ t%o ;ui3k >erks to eit"er si5e. A/o@ no )oo5oo stu11. 9 %anna "ire you to in)esti-ate some mur5erers.C A9 am not a pri)ate in)esti-ator.C ABut you -ot one o1 Fem on retainer to your out1it.C 9 no55e5. ADou 3oul5 >ust "ire 7s. Sims 5ire3tly. Dou 5on?t "a)e to -o t"rou-" me 1or t"at.C A-ain t"at >erky "ea5 s"ake. ABut s"e 5on?t kno% a8out )ampires t"e %ay you 5o.C 9 si-"e5. A!an %e 3ut to t"e 3"ase "ere@ =illieB 9 "a)e to lea)eC29 -lan3e5 at t"e %all 3lo3k2Ain 1i1teen minutes. 9 5on?t like to lea)e a 3lient %aitin- alone in a 3emetery. $"ey ten5 to -et >umpy.C He lau-"e5. 9 1oun5 t"e sni3kery lau-" 3om1ortin-@ e)en %it" t"e 1an-s. Surely )ampires s"oul5 "a)e ri3"@ melo5ious lau-"s. A9?ll 8et t"ey 5o. 9?ll >ust 8et t"ey 5o.C His 1a3e so8ere5 su55enly@ as i1 a "an5 "a5 %ipe5 "is lau-"ter a%ay. 9 1elt 1ear like a >erk in t"e pit o1 my stoma3". Vampires 3oul5 3"an-e mo)ements like 3li3kin- a s%it3". 91 "e 3oul5 5o t"at@ %"at else 3oul5 "e 5oB ADou kno% a8out t"e )ampires t"at are -ettin- %aste5 o)er in t"e 4istri3tBC He ma5e it a ;uestion@ so 9 ans%ere5. A9?m 1amiliar %it" t"em.C 'our )ampires "a5 8een slau-"tere5 in t"e ne% )ampire 3lu8 5istri3t. $"eir "earts "a5 8een torn out@ t"eir "ea5s 3ut o11. ADou still %orkin- %it" t"e 3opsBC A9 am still on retainer %it" t"e ne% task 1or3e.C He lau-"e5 a-ain. ADea"@ t"e spook s;ua5. :n5er8u5-ete5 an5 un5ermanne5@ ri-"t.C ADou?)e 5es3ri8e5 most o1 t"e poli3e %ork in t"is to%n.C A7ay8e@ 8ut t"e 3ops 1eel like you 5o@ Anita. ="at?s one more 5ea5 )ampireB /e% la%s 5on?t 3"an-e t"at.C 9t "a5 only 8een t%o years sin3e A55ison ). !lark. $"e 3ourt 3ase -a)e us a re)ise5 )ersion o1 %"at li1e %as@ an5 %"at 5eat" %asn?t. Vampirism %as le-al in t"e -oo5 o1 :. S. o1 A. =e %ere one o1 t"e 1e% 3ountries to a3kno%le5-e t"em. $"e immi-ration people %ere "a)in- 1its tryin- to keep 1orei-n )ampires 1rom immi-ratin- in@ %ell@ 1lo3ks. All sorts o1 ;uestions %ere 8ein- 1ou-"t out in 3ourt. 4i5 "eirs "a)e to -i)e 8a3k t"eir in"eritan3eB =ere you %i5o%e5 i1 your spouse 8e3ame un5ea5B =as it mur5er to slay a )ampireB $"ere %as e)en a mo)ement to -i)e t"em t"e )ote. $imes %ere a23"an-in-. 9 stare5 at t"e )ampire in 1ront o1 me an5 s"ru--e5. 4i5 9 really 8elie)e %"at %as one more 5ea5 )ampireB 7ay8e. A91 you 8elie)e 9 1eel t"at %ay@ %"y 3ome to me at allBC ABe3ause you?re t"e 8est at %"at you 5o. =e nee5 t"e 8est.C 9t %as t"e 1irst time "e "a5 sai5 A%e.C A="o are you %orkin- 1or@ =illieBC He smile5 t"en@ a 3lose se3reti)e smile@ like "e kne% some t"in- 9 s"oul5 kno%. A/e)er you min5 t"at. 7oney?s real -oo5. = e %ant some8o5y %"o kno%s t"e ni-"t li1e to 8e lookininto t"ese mur5ers.C A9?)e seen t"e 8o5ies@ =illie. 9 -a)e my opinions to t"e poli3e.C A="at?5 you t"inkBC He leane5 1or%ar5 in t"e 3"air@ small "an5s 1lat on my 5esk. His 1in-ernails %ere pale@ almost %"ite@ 8loo5less. F 9 -a)e a 1ull report to t"e poli3e.C 9 stare5 up at "im@ almost lookin- "im in t"e eye. A=on?t e)en -i)e me t"at@ %ill yaBC A9 am not at li8erty to 5is3uss poli3e 8usiness %it" you.C A9 tol5 Fem you %oul5n?t -o 1or t"is.C AGo 1or %"atB Dou "a)en?t tol5 me a 5amn t"in-.C A=e %ant you to in)esti-ate t"e )ampire killin-s@ 1in5 out %"o?s@ or %"at?s@ 5oin- it. =e?ll pay you t"ree times your normal 1ee.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. $"at e*plaine5 %"y Bert@ t"e -ree5y son o1 a -un@ "a5 set up t"is meetin-. He kne% "o% 9 1elt a8out )ampires@ 8ut my 3ontra3t 1or3e5 me to at least meet %it" any 3lient t"at "a5 -i)en Bert a retainer. 7y 8oss %oul5 5o anyt"in- 1or money. Pro8lem %as "e t"ou-"t 9 s"oul5@ too. Bert an5 9 %oul5 8e "a)in- a AtalkC )ery soon. 1 stoo5. A$"e poli3e are lookin- into it. 9 am alrea5y -i)in- t"em all t"e "elp 9 3an. 9n a %ay 9 am alrea5y %orkin- on t"e 3ase. Sa)e your money.C He sat starin- up at me@ )ery still. 9t %as not t"at li1eless immo8ility o1 t"e lon- 5ea5@ 8ut it %as a s"a5o% o1 it.

1ear ran up in my spine an5 into my t"roat. 9 1ou-"t an ur-e to 5ra% my 3ru3i1i* out o1 my s"irt an5 5ri)e "im 1rom my o11i3e. Some"o% t"ro%in- a 3lient out usin- a "oly item seeme5 less t"an pro1essional. So 9 >ust stoo5 t"ere@ %aitin- 1or "im to mo)e. A="y %on?t you "elp usBC A9 "a)e 3lients to meet@ =illie. 9?m sorry t"at 9 3an?t "elp you.C A=on?t "elp@ you mean.C 9 no55e5. AHa)e it your %ay.C 9 %alke5 aroun5 t"e 5esk to s"o% "im to t"e 5oor. He mo)e5 %it" a li;ui5 ;ui3kness t"at =illie "a5 ne)er "a5@ 8ut 9 sa% "im mo)e an5 %as one step 8a3k 1rom "is rea3"in"an5. A9?m not >ust anot"er pretty 1a3e to 1all 1or min5 tri3ks.C ADou sa% me mo)e.C A9 "ear5 you mo)e. Dou?re t"e ne% 5ea5@ =illie. Vampire or not@ you?)e -ot a lot to learn.C He %as 1ro%nin- at me@ "an5 still "al12e*ten5e5 to%ar5s me. A7ay8e@ 8ut no "uman 3oul5 a steppe5 outta rea3" like t"at.C He steppe5 up 3lose to me@ plai5 >a3ket nearly 8rus"in- a-ainst me. Presse5 to-et"er like t"at@ %e %ere nearly t"e same "ei-"t@ s"ort. His eyes %ere on a per1e3t le)el %it" mine. 9 stare5 as "ar5 as 9 3oul5 at "is s"oul5er. 9t took e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 not to step 8a3k 1rom "im. But 5ammit@ un5ea5 or not@ "e %as =illie 73!oy. 9 %asn?t -oin- to -i)e "im t"e satis1a3tion. He sai5@ ADou ain?t "uman@ any more t"an 9 am.C 9 mo)e5 to open t"e 5oor. 9 "a5n?t steppe5 a%ay 1rom "im. 9 "a5 steppe5 a%ay to open t"e 5oor. 9 trie5 3on)in3in- t"e s%eat alon- my spine t"at t"ere %as a 5i11eren3e. $"e 3ol5 1eelin- in my stoma3" %asn?t 1oole5 eit"er. A9 really "a)e to 8e -oin- no%. $"ank you 1or t"inkin- o1 Animators@ 9n3.C 9 -a)e "im my 8est pro1essional smile@ empty o1 meanin- as a li-"t 8ul8@ 8ut 5aEElin-. He pause5 in t"e open 5oor%ay. A="y %on?t you %ork 1or usB 9 -otta tell Fem somet"in- %"en 9 -o 8a3k.C 9 %asn?t sure@ 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- like 1ear in "is )oi3e. =oul5 "e -et in trou8le 1or 1ailin-B 9 1elt sorry 1or "im an5 kne% it %as stupi5. He %as t"e un5ea5@ 1or "ea)en?s sake@ 8ut "e stoo5 lookin- at me@ an5 "e %as still =illie@ %it" "is 1unny 3oats an5 small ner)ous "an5s. A$ell t"em@ %"oe)er t"ey are@ t"at 9 5on?t %ork 1or )ampires.C AA 1irm ruleBC A-ain "e ma5e it soun5 like a ;uestion. A!on3rete.C $"ere %as a 1las" o1 somet"in- on "is 1a3e@ t"e ol5 =illie peekin- t"rou-". 9t %as almost pity. A9 %is" you "a5n?t sai5 t"at@ Anita. $"ese people 5on?t like any8o5y tellin- Fem no.C A9 t"ink you?)e o)erstaye5 your %el3ome. 9 5on?t like to 8e t"reatene5.C A9t ain?t a t"reat@ Anita. 9t?s t"e trut".C He strai-"tene5 "is tie@ 1on5lin- t"e ne% -ol5 tie ta3k@ s;uare5 "is t"in s"oul5ers an5 %alke5 out. 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im an5 leane5 a-ainst it. 7y knees 1elt %eak. But t"ere %asn?t time 1or me to sit "ere an5 s"ake. 7rs. Grun5i3k %as pro8a8ly alrea5y at t"e 3emetery. S"e %oul5 8e stan5in- t"ere %it" "er little 8la3k purse an5 "er -ro%n sons@ %aitin- 1or me to raise "er "us8an5 1rom t"e 5ea5. $"ere %as a mystery o1 t%o )ery 5i11erent %ills. 9t %as eit"er years o1 3ourt 3osts a5 ar-uments@ or raise Al8ert Grun5i3k 1rom t"e 5ea5 an5 ask. ,)eryt"in- 9 nee5e5 %as in my 3ar@ e)en t"e 3"i3kens. 9 5re% t"e sil)er 3ru3i1i* 1ree o1 my 8louse an5 let it "an- in 1ull )ie%. 9 "a)e se)eral -uns@ an5 9 kno% "o% to use t"em. 9 keep a 9 mm Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er in my 5esk. $"e -un %ei-"e5 a little o)er t%o poun5s@ sil)er2plate5 8ullets an5 all. Sil)er %on?t kill a )ampire@ 8ut it 3an 5is3oura-e t"em. 9t 1or3es t"em to "a)e to "eal t"e %oun5s@ almost "uman slo%. 9 %ipe5 my s%eaty palms on my skirt an5 %ent out. !rai- our ni-"t se3retary@ %as typin- 1uriously at t"e 3omputer key8oar5. His eyes %i5ene5 as 9 %alke5 o)er t"e t"i3k 3arpetin-. 7ay8e it %as t"e 3ross s%in-in- on its lon- 3"ain. 7ay8e it %as t"e s"oul5er ri- ti-"t a3ross my 8a3k@ an5 t"e -un out in plain si-"t. He 5i5n?t mention eit"er. Smart man. 9 put my ni3e little 3or5uroy >a3ket o)er it all. $"e >a3ket 5i5n?t lie 1lat o)er t"e -un@ 8ut t"at %as okay. 9 5ou8te5 t"e Grun5i3ks an5 t"eir la%yers %oul5 noti3e.

Chapter Two
9 "a5 -otten to see t"e sun rise as 9 5ro)e "ome t"at mornin-. 9 "ate sunrises. $"ey mean 9?)e o)ers3"e5ule5 mysel1 an5 %orke5 all 8loo5y ni-"t. St. Louis "as more trees e5-in- its "i-"%ays t"an any ot"er 3ity 9 "a)e 5ri)en t"rou-". 9 3oul5 almost a5mit t"e trees looke5 ni3e in t"e 1irst li-"t o1 5a%n@ almost. 7y apartment al%ays looks 5epressin-ly %"ite an5

3"eer1ul in mornin- sunli-"t. $"e %alls are t"e same )anilla i3e 3ream %"ite as e)ery apartment 9?)e e)er seen. $"e 3arpetin- is a ni3e s"a5e o1 -rey@ pre1era8le to t"at 5o- poop 8ro%n t"at is more 3ommon. $"e apartment is a roomy one28e5room. 9 am tol5 it "as a ni3e )ie% o1 t"e park ne*t 5oor. Dou 3oul5n?t pro)e it 8y me. 91 9 "a5 my 3"oi3e@ t"ere %oul5 8e no %in5o%s. 9 -et 8y %it" "ea)y 5rapes t"at turn t"e 8ri-"test 5ay to 3ool t%ili-"t. 9 s%it3"e5 t"e ra5io on lo% to 5ro%n t"e small noises o1 my 5ay2li)in- nei-"8ors. Sleep su3ke5 me un5er to t"e so1t musi3 o1 !"opin. A minute later t"e p"one ran-. 9 lay t"ere 1or a minute@ 3ursin- mysel1 1or 1or-ettin- to turn on t"e ans%erin- ma3"ine. 7ay8e i1 9 i-nore5 itB 'i)e rin-s later 9 -a)e in. AHello.C A#"@ 9?m sorry. 4i5 9 %ake youBC 9t %as a %oman 9 5i5n?t kno%. 91 it %as a salesperson 9 %as -oin- to 8e3ome )iolent. A="o is t"isBC 9 8linke5 at t"e 8e5si5e 3lo3k. 9t %as ei-"t. 9?5 "a5 nearly t%o "ours o1 sleep. Dippee. A9?m 7oni3a Vespu33i.C S"e sai5 it like it s"oul5 e*plain e)eryt"in-. 9t 5i5n?t. ADes.C 9 trie5 to soun5 "elp1ul@ en3oura-in-. 9 t"ink it 3ame out as a -ro%l. A#"@ my@ u". 9?m t"e 7oni3a t"at %orks %it" !at"erine 7aison.C 9 "u55le5 aroun5 t"e re3ei)er an5 trie5 to t"ink. 9 5on?t t"ink really %ell on t%o "ours o1 sleep. !at"erine %as a -oo5 1rien5@ a name 9 kne%. S"e "a5 pro8a8ly mentione5 t"is %oman to me@ 8ut 1or t"e li1e o1 me@ 9 3oul5n?t pla3e "er. ASure@ 7oni3a@ yes. ="at Ho you %antBC 9t soun5e5 ru5e@ e)en to me. A9?m sorry i1 9 5on?t soun5 too -oo5. 9 -ot o11 %ork at si*.C A7y -o5@ you mean you?)e only "a5 t%o "ours o1 sleep. 4o you %ant to s"oot me@ or %"atBC 9 5i5n?t ans%er t"e ;uestion. 9?m not t"at ru5e. A4i5 you %ant somet"in-@ 7oni3aBC ASure@ yes. 9?m t"ro%in- a surprise 8a3"elorette party 1or !at"erine. Dou kno% s"e -ets marrie5 ne*t mont".C 9 no55e5@ remem8ere5 s"e 3oul5n?t see me@ an5 mum8le5@ A9?m in t"e %e55in-.C A#"@ sure@ 9 kne% t"at. Pretty 5resses 1or t"e 8ri5esmai5s@ 5on?t you t"inkBC A3tually@ t"e last t"in- 9 %ante5 to spen5 a "un5re5 an5 t%enty 5ollars on %as a lon- pink 1ormal %it" pu11y slee)es@ 8ut it %as !at"erine?s %e55in-. A="at a8out t"e 8a3"elorette partyBC F#". 9?m ram8lin-@ aren?t 9B An5 you >ust 5esperate 1or sleep.C 9 %on5ere5 i1 s3reamin- at "er %oul5 make "er -o a%ay any "er. /a%@ s"e?5 pro8a8ly 3ry. A="at 5o you %ant@ please@ 7oni3aBC A=ell@ 9 kno% it?s s"ort noti3e@ 8ut e)eryt"in- >ust sort o1 slippe5 up on me. 9 meant to 3all you a %eek a-o@ 8ut 9 >ust ne)er -ot aroun5 to it.C $"is 9 8elie)e5 AGo on.C $i3 8a3"elorette party is toni-"t. !at"erine says you 5on?t 5rink so 9 %as %on5erin- i1 you 3oul5 8e 5esi-nate5 5ri)er.C 9 >ust lay t"ere 1or a minute@ %on5erin- "o% ma5 to -et@ an5 i1 it %oul5 5o me any -oo5. 7ay8e i1 9?5 8een more a%ake@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e sai5 %"at 9 %as t"inkin-. A4on?t you t"ink t"is is a%1ully s"ort noti3e@ sin3e you %ant me to 5ri)eBC A9 kno%. 9?m so sorry. 9?m >ust so s3attere5 lately. !at"erine -ol5 me you usually "a)e eit"er 'ri5ay or Satur5ay ni-"t o11. 9s 'ri5ay not your ni-"t o11 t"is %eekBC As a matter o1 1a3t it %as@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t really %ant to -i)e up my only ni-"t o11 to t"is air"ea5 on t"e ot"er en5 o1 t"e p"one. A9 5o "a)e t"e ni-"t o11.C AGreatI 9?ll -i)e you 5ire3tions@ an5 you 3an pi3k us up a1ter %ork. 9s t"at okayBC 9t %asn?t@ 8ut %"at else 3oul5 9 say. A$"at?s 1ine.C APen3il an5 paperBC ADou sai5 you %orke5 %it" !at"erine@ ri-"tBC 9 %as a3tually 8e-innin- to remem8er 7oni3a. A="y@ yes.C A9 kno% %"ere !at"erine %orks. 9 5on?t nee5 5ire3tions.C A#"@ "o% silly o1 me@ o1 3ourse. $"en %e?ll see you a8out 1i)e. 4ress up@ 8ut no "eels. =e may 8e 5an3in- toni-"t.C 9 "ate to 5an3e. ASure@ see you t"en.C ASee you toni-"t.C $"e p"one %ent 5ea5 in my ear. 9 turne5 on t"e ans%erin- ma3"ine an5 3u55le5 8a3k un5er t"e s"eets. 7oni3a %orke5 %it" !at"erine@ t"at ma5e "er a la%yer. $"at %as a 1ri-"tenin- t"ou-"t. 7ay8e s"e %as one o1 t"ose people %"o %as only or-aniEe5 at %ork. /a%.

9t o33urre5 to me t"en@ %"en it %as too late@ t"at 9 3oul5 >ust "a)e re1use5 t"e in)itation. 4amn. 9 %as ;ui3k to5ay. #"@ %ell@ "o% 8a5 3oul5 it 8eB =at3"in- stran-ers -et 8litEe5 out o1 t"eir min5s. 91 9 %as lu3ky@ may8e someone %oul5 t"ro% up in my 3ar. 9 "a5 t"e stran-est 5reams on3e 9 -ot 8a3k to sleep. All a8out t"is %oman 9 5i5n?t kno%@ a 3o3onut 3ream pie@ an5 =illie 73!oy?s 1uneral.

Chapter Three
7oni3a Vespu33i %as %earin- a 8utton t"at sai5@ AVampires are People@ too.C 9t %as not a promisin- 8e-innin- to t"e e)enin-. Her %"ite 8louse %as silk %it" a "i-"@ 1lare5 3ollar 1ramin- a 5ark@ "ealt"23lu8 tan. Her "air %as s"ort an5 e*pertly 3utG "er makeup per1e3t. $"e 8utton s"oul5 "a)e tippe5 me o11 to %"at kin5 o1 8a3"elorette party s"e?5 planne5. Some 5ays 9?m >ust slo% to 3at3" on. 9 %as %earin- 8la3k >eans@ knee2"i-" 8oots@ an5 a 3rimson 8louse. 7y "air %as ma5e to or5er 1or t"e out1it@ 8la3k 3urlin>ust o)er t"e s"oul5ers o1 t"e re5 8louse. $"e soli5@ nearly 8la3k28ro%n o1 my eyes mat3"es t"e "air. #nly t"e skin stan5s out@ too pale@ Germani3 a-ainst t"e Latin 5arkness. A )ery e*8oy1rien5 on3e 5es3ri8e5 me as a little 3"ina 5oll. He meant it as a 3ompliment. 9 5i5n?t take it t"at %ay. $"ere are reasons %"y 9 5on?t 5ate mu3". $"e 8louse %as lon-2slee)e5 to "i5e t"e kni1e s"eat" on my ri-"t %rist an5 t"e s3ars on my le1t arm. 9 "a5 le1t my -un lo3ke5 in t"e trunk o1 my 3ar. 9 5i5n?t t"ink t"e 8a3"elorette party %oul5 -et t"at out o1 "an5. A9?m so sorry t"at 9 put o11 plannin- t"is to t"e last minute@ !at"erine. $"at?s %"y t"ere?s only t"ree o1 us. ,)ery8o5y else "a5 plans@C 7oni3a sai5. A9ma-ine t"at@ people "a)in- plans 1or 'ri5ay ni-"t@C 9 sai5. 7oni3a stare5 at me as i1 tryin- to 5e3i5e %"et"er 9 %as >okin- or not. !at"erine -a)e me a %arnin- -lare. 9 -a)e t"em 8ot" my 8est an-eli3 smile. 7oni3a smile5 8a3k. !at"erine %asn?t 1oole5. 7oni3a 8e-an 5an3in- 5o%n t"e si5e%alk@ "appy as a 5runken 3lam. S"e "a5 "a5 only t%o 5rinks %it" 5inner. 9t %as a 8a5 si-n. ABe ni3e@C !at"erine %"ispere5. A="at 5i5 9 sayBC AAnita.C Her )oi3e soun5e5 like my 1at"er?s use5 to soun5 %"en 9?5 staye5 out too late. 9 si-"e5. ADou?re >ust no 1un toni-"t.C A9 plan to 8e a lot o1 1un toni-"t.C S"e stret3"e5 "er arms sky%ar5. S"e still %ore t"e 3rumple5 remains o1 "er 8usiness suit. $"e %in5 8le% "er lon-@ 3opper23olore5 "air. 9?)e ne)er 8een a8le to 5e3i5e i1 !at"erine %oul5 8e prettier i1 s"e 3ut "er "air@ so you?5 noti3e t"e 1a3e 1irst@ or i1 t"e "air %as %"at ma5e "er pretty. A91 9 "a)e to -i)e up one o1 my 1e% 1ree ni-"ts@ t"en 9 am -oin- to en>oy mysel12immensely@C s"e sai5. $"ere %as a kin5 o1 1ier3eness to t"e last %or5. 9 stare5 up at "er. ADou are not plannin- to -et 1allin-25o%n 5runk@ are youBC A7ay8e.C S"e looke5 smu-. !at"erine kne% 9 5i5n?t appro)e o1@ or rat"er@ 5i5n?t un5erstan5 5rinkin-. 9 5i5n?t like "a)in- my in"i8itions lo%ere5. 91 9 %as -oin- to 3ut loose@ 9 %ante5 to 8e in 3ontrol o1 >ust "o% loose 9 -ot. =e "a5 le1t my 3ar in a parkin- lot t%o 8lo3ks 8a3k. $"e one %it" t"e %rou-"t2iron 1en3e aroun5 it. $"ere %asn?t mu3" parkin- 5o%n 8y t"e ri)er. $"e narro% 8ri3k roa5s an5 an3ient si5e%alks "a5 8een 5esi-ne5 1or "orses@ not automo8iles. $"e streets "a5 8een 1res"2%as"e5 8y a summer t"un5erstorm t"at "a5 3ome an5 -one %"ile %e ate 5inner. $"e 1irst stars -littere5 o)er"ea5@ like 5iamon5s trappe5 in )el)et. 7oni3a yelle5@ AHurry up@ slo%pokes.C !at"erine looke5 at me an5 -rinne5. $"e ne*t t"in- 9 kne%@ s"e %as runnin- to%ar5s 7oni3a. A#"@ 1or "ea)en?s sake@C 9 muttere5. 7ay8e i1 9?5 "a5 5rinks %it" 5inner@ 9?5 "a)e run@ too@ 8ut 9 5ou8te5 it. A4on?t 8e an ol5 sti3k in t"e mu5@C !at"erine 3alle5 8a3k. Sti3k in t"e mu5B 9 3au-"t up to t"em %alkin-. 7oni3a %as -i--lin-. Some"o% 9 "a5 kno%n s"e %oul5 8e. !at"erine an5 s"e %ere leanin- a-ainst ea3" ot"er lau-"in-. 9 suspe3te5 t"ey mi-"t 8e lau-"in- at me. 7oni3a 3alme5 enou-" to 1ake an ominous sta-e %"isper. A4o you kno% %"at lies aroun5 t"is 3ornerBC

As a matter o1 1a3t@ 9 5i5. $"e last )ampire killin- "a5 8een only 1our 8lo3ks 1rom "ere. =e %ere in %"at t"e )ampires 3alle5 At"e 4istri3t.C Humans 3alle5 it t"e <i)er1ront@ or Bloo5 S;uare@ 5epen5in- on i1 t"ey %ere 8ein- ru5e or not. AGuilty Pleasures@C 9 sai5. A#"@ poo"@ you spoile5 t"e surprise.C A="at?s Guilty PleasuresBC !at"erine aske5. 7oni3a -i--le5. A#"@ -oo5ie@ t"e surprise isn?t spoile5 a1ter all.C S"e put "er arm t"rou-" !at"erine?s. ADou are -oin- to lo)e t"is@ 9 promise you.C 7ay8e !at"erine %oul5G 9 kne% 9 %oul5n?t@ 8ut 9 1ollo%e5 t"em aroun5 t"e 3orner any%ay. $"e si-n %as a %on5er1ul s%irlin- neon t"e 3olor o1 "eart 8loo5. $"e sym8olism %as not lost on me. =e %ent up t"ree 8roa5 steps@ an5 t"ere %as a )ampire stan5in- in 1ront o1 t"e proppe52open 5oor. He "a5 a 8la3k 3re% 3ut an5 small@ pale eyes. His massi)e s"oul5ers t"reatene5 to rip t"e ti-"t 8la3k t2s"irt "e %ore. =asn?t pumpin- iron re5un5ant a1ter you 5ie5B ,)en stan5in- on t"e t"res"ol5 9 3oul5 "ear t"e 8usy "um o1 )oi3es@ lau-"ter@ musi3. $"at ri3"@ murmurous soun5 o1 many people in a small spa3e@ 5etermine5 to "a)e a -oo5 time. $"e )ampire stoo5 8esi5e t"e 5oor@ )ery still. $"ere %as still a mo)ement to "im@ an ali)eness@ 1or la3k o1 a 8etter term. He 3oul5n?t "a)e 8een 5ea5 more t"an t%enty years@ i1 t"at. 9n t"e 5ark "e looke5 almost "uman@ e)en to me. He "a5 1e5 alrea5y toni-"t. His skin %as 1lus"e5 an5 "ealt"y. He looke5 5amn near rosy23"eeke5. A meal o1 1res" 8loo5 %ill 5o t"at to you. 7oni3a s;ueeEe5 "is arm. A#oo@ 1eel t"at mus3le.C He -rinne5@ 1las"in- 1an-s. !at"erine -aspe5. He -rinne5 %i5er. ABuEE "ere is an ol5 1rien5@ aren?t you@ BuEEBC BuEE t"e )ampireB Surely not. But "e no55e5. AGo on in@ 7oni3a. Dour ta8le is %aitin-.C $a8leB ="at kin5 o1 3lout 5i5 7oni3a "a)eB Guilty Pleasures %as one o1 t"e "ottest 3lu8s in t"e 4istri3t@ an5 t"ey 5i5 not take reser)ations. $"ere %as a lar-e si-n on t"e 5oor. A/o 3rosses@ 3ru3i1i*es@ or ot"er "oly items allo%e5 insi5e.C 9 rea5 t"e si-n an5 %alke5 past it 9 "a5 no intention o1 -ettin- ri5 o1 my 3ross. A ri3"@ melo5ious )oi3e 1loate5 aroun5 us. AAnita@ "o% -oo5 k o1 you to 3ome.C $"e )oi3e 8elon-e5 to Hean2!lau5e@ 3lu8 o%ner an5 master )ampire. He looke5 like a )ampire %as suppose5 to look. So1tly 9F 3urlin- "air tan-le5 %it" t"e "i-" %"ite la3e o1 an anti;ue s"irt. La3e spille5 o)er pale@ lon-21in-ere5 "an5s. $"e s"irt "un- open@ -i)in- a -limpse o1 lean 8are 3"est 1rame5 8y more 1rot"y la3e. 7ost men 3oul5n?t "a)e %orn a s"irt like t"at. $"e )ampire ma5e it seem utterly mas3uline. ADou t%o kno% ea3" ot"erBC 7oni3a soun5e5 surprise5. A#"@ yes@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A7s. Blake an5 9 "a)e met 8e1ore.C A9?)e 8een "elpin- t"e poli3e %ork 3ases on t"e <i)er1ront.C AS"e is t"eir )ampire e*pert.C He ma5e t"e last %or5 so1t an5 %arm an5 )a-uely o8s3ene. 7oni3a -i--le5. !at"erine %as starin- at Hean2!lau5e@ eyes %i5e an5 inno3ent. 9 tou3"e5 "er arm@ an5 s"e >erke5 as i1 %akin- 1rom a 5ream. 9 5i5n?t 8ot"er to %"isper 8e3ause 9 kne% "e %oul5 "a)e "ear5 me any%ay. A9mportant sa1ety tip2 ne)er look a )ampire in t"e eye.C S"e no55e5. $"e 1irst "int o1 1ear s"o%e5 in "er 1a3e. A9 %oul5 ne)er "arm su3" a lo)ely youn- %oman.C He took !at"erine?s "an5 an5 raise5 it to "is mout". A mere 8rus" o1 lips. !at"erine 8lus"e5. He kisse5 7oni3a?s "an5 as %ell. He looke5 at me an5 lau-"e5. A4o not %orry@ my little animator. 9 %ill not tou3" you. $"at %oul5 8e 3"eatin-.C He mo)e5 to stan5 ne*t to me. 9 stare5 1i*e5ly at "is 3"est. $"ere %as a 8urn s3ar almost "i55en in t"e la3e. $"e 8urn %as in t"e s"ape o1 a 3ross. Ho% many 5e3a5es a-o "a5 someone s"o)e5 a 3ross into "is 1les"B AHust as you "a)in- a 3ross %oul5 8e an un1air a5)anta-e.C ="at 3oul5 9 sayB 9n a %ay "e %as ri-"t. 9t %as a s"ame t"at it %asn?t merely t"e s"ape o1 a 3ross t"at "urt a )ampire. Hean2!lau5e %oul5 "a)e 8een in 5eep s"it. :n1ortunately@ t"e 3ross "a5 to 8e 8lesse5@ an5 8a3ke5 up 8y 1ait". An at"eist %a)in- a 3ross at a )ampire %as a truly piti1ul si-"t.

He 8reat"e5 my name like a %"isper a-ainst my skin. AAnita@ %"at are you t"inkin-BC $"e )oi3e %as so 5amn soot"in-. 9 %ante5 to look up an5 see %"at 1a3e %ent %it" su3" %or5s. Hean2!lau5e "a5 8een intri-ue5 8y my partial immunity to "im. $"at an5 t"e 3ross2s"ape5 8urn s3ar on my arm. He 1oun5 t"e s3ar amusin-. ,)ery time %e met@ "e 5i5 "is 8est to 8espell me@ an5 9 5i5 my 8est to i-nore "im. 9 "a5 %on up until no%. ADou ne)er o8>e3te5 to me 3arryin- a 3ross 8e1ore.C ADou %ere on poli3e 8usiness t"enG no% you are not.C 9 stare5 at "is 3"est an5 %on5ere5 i1 t"e la3e %as as so1t as it looke5G pro8a8ly not. AAre you so inse3ure in your o%n po%ers@ little animatorB 4o you 8elie)e t"at all your resistan3e to me resi5es in t"at pie3e o1 sil)er aroun5 your ne3kBC 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e t"at@ 8ut 9 kne% it "elpe5. Hean2!lau5e %as a sel12a5mitte5 t%o "un5re5 an5 1i)e years ol5. A )ampire -ains a lot o1 po%er in t%o 3enturies. He %as su--estin- 9 %as a 3o%ar5. 9 %as not. 9 rea3"e5 up to un1asten t"e 3"ain. He steppe5 a%ay 1rom me an5 turne5 "is 8a3k. $"e 3ross spille5 sil)er into my "an5s. A 8lon5e "uman %oman appeare5 8esi5e me. S"e "an5e5 me a 3"e3k stu8 an5 took t"e 3ross. /i3e@ a "oly item 3"e3k -irl. 9 1elt su55enly un5er5resse5 %it"out my 3ross. 9 slept an5 s"o%ere5 in it. Hean2!lau5e steppe5 3lose a-ain. ADou %ill not resist t"e s"o% toni-"t@ Anita. Someone %ill ent"rall you.C A/o@C 9 sai5. But it?s "ar5 to 8e tou-" %"en you?re starin- at someone?s 3"est. Dou really nee5 eye 3onta3t to play tou-"@ 8ut t"at %as a no2no. He lau-"e5. $"e soun5 seeme5 to ru8 o)er my skinG like t"e 8rus" o1 1ur. =arm an5 1eelin- e)er so sli-"tly o1 5eat". 7oni3a -ra88e5 my arm. ADou?re -oin- to lo)e t"is@ 9 promise you.C ADes@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9t %ill 8e a ni-"t you %ill ne)er 1or-et.C A9s t"at a t"reatBC He lau-"e5 a-ain@ t"at %arm a%1ul soun5. A$"is is a pla3e o1 pleasure@ Anita@ not )iolen3e.C 7oni3a %as pullin- at my arm. AHurry@ t"e entertainment?s a8out to 8e-in.C A,ntertainmentBC !at"erine aske5 9 "a5 to smile. A=el3ome to t"e %orl5?s only )ampire strip 3lu8@ !at"erine.C ADou are >okin-.C AS3out?s "onor. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e 5oorG 9 5on?t kno% %"y. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 utterly still@ no sense o1 anyt"in-@ as i1 "e %ere not t"ere at all. $"en "e mo)e5@ one pale "an5 raise5 to "is lips. He 8le% me a kiss a3ross t"e room. $"e ni-"t?s entertainment 5a5 8e-un.

Chapter Four
#ur ta8le %as nearly 8umpin- up a-ainst t"e sta-e. $"e room %as 1ull o1 li;uor an5 lau-"ter@ an5 a 1e% 1ake5 s3reams as t"e )ampire %aiters mo)e5 aroun5 t"e ta8les. $"ere %as an un5er3urrent o1 1ear. $"at pe3uliar terror t"at you -et on roller 3oasters an5 at "orror mo)ies. Sa1e terror. $"e li-"ts %ent out. S3reams e3"oe5 t"rou-" t"e room@ "i-" an5 s"rill. <eal 1ear 1or an instant. Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e 3ame out o1 t"e 5arkness. A=el3ome to Guilty Pleasures. =e are "ere to ser)e you. $o make your most e)il t"ou-"t 3ome true.C His )oi3e %as silken %"ispers in t"e small "ours o1 ni-"t. 4amn@ "e %as -oo5. AHa)e you e)er %on5ere5 %"at it %oul5 8e like to 1eel my 8reat" upon your skinB 7y lips alon- your ne3k. $"e "ar5 8rus" o1 teet". $"e s%eet@ s"arp pain o1 1an-s. Dour "eart 8eatin- 1ranti3ally a-ainst my 3"est. Dour 8loo5 1lo%in- into my )eins. S"arin- yoursel1. Gi)in- me li1e. Kno%in- t"at 9 truly 3oul5 not li)e %it"out you@ all o1 you.C Per"aps it %as t"e intima3y o1 5arknessG %"ate)er@ 9 1elt as i1 "is )oi3e %as speakin- >ust 1or me@ to me. 9 %as "is 3"osen@ "is spe3ial one. /o@ t"at %asn?t ri-"t. ,)ery %oman in t"e 3lu8 1elt t"e same. =e %ere all "is 3"osen. An5 per"aps t"ere %as more trut" in t"at t"an in anyt"in- else. A#ur 1irst -entleman toni-"t s"ares your 1antasy. He %ante5 to kno% "o% t"e s%eetest o1 kisses %oul5 1eel. He "as -one 8e1ore you to tell you t"at it is %on5rous.C He let silen3e 1ill t"e 5arkness@ until my o%n "eart8eat soun5e5 lou5. AP"illip is %it" us toni-"t.C 7oni3a %"ispere5@ AP"illipIC A 3olle3ti)e -asp ran t"rou-" t"e au5ien3e@ t"en a so1t 3"antin- 8e-an. AP"illip@ P"illip ... C $"e soun5 rose aroun5 us in t"e 5ark like a prayer.

$"e li-"ts 8e-an to 3ome up like at t"e en5 o1 a mo)ie. A 1i-ure stoo5 in t"e 3enter o1 t"e sta-e. A %"ite t2s"irt "u--e5 "is upper 8o5yG not a mus3leman@ 8ut %ell 8uilt. /ot too mu3" o1 a -oo5 t"in- A 8la3k leat"er >a3ket@ ti-"t >eans an5 8oots 3omplete5 t"e out1it He 3oul5 "a)e %alke5 o11 any street. His t"i3k@ 8ro%n "air %as lon- enou-" to s%eep "is s"oul5ers. 7usi3 5ri1te5 into t"e t%ilit silen3e. $"e man s%aye5 to t"e soun5s@ "ips rotatin- e)er so sli-"tly. He 8e-an to slip out o1 leat"er >a3ket@ mo)in- almost in slo% motion. $"e so1t musi3 seeme5 to "a)e a pulse. A pulse t"at "is 8o5y mo)e5 %it"@ s%ayin-. >a3ket sli5 to t"e sta-e. He stare5 out at t"e au5ien3e 1or a minute lettin- us see %"at t"ere %as to see. S3ars "u--e5 t"e Ben5 o1 ea3" arm@ until t"e skin "a5 1orme5 %"ite moun5s o1 tissue. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5. 9 %asn?t sure %"at %as a8out to "appen@ 8ut %as 8ettin- 9 %asn?t -oin- to like it. He s%ept 8a3k "is lon- "air 1rom "is 1a3e %it" 8ot" "an5s. He s%aye5 an5 strutte5 aroun5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e sta-e. He stoo5 near ta8le@ lookin- 5o%n at us. His ne3k looke5 like a >unkie?s 9 "a5 to look a%ay. All t"ose neat little 8ite marks@ neat little s3ars. 9 -lan3e5 up an5 1oun5 !at"erine starin- at "er lap. 7oni3a leanin- 1or%ar5 in "er 3"air@ lips "al12parte5. He -ra88e5 t"e t2s"irt %it" stron- "an5s an5 pulle5. 9t peele5 a%ay 1rom "is 3"est@ rippin-. S3reams 1rom t"e au5ien3e. A 1e% o1 t"em 3alle5 "is name. He smile5. $"e smile %as 5aEElin-@ 8rilliant melt2in2your2mout" se*y. $"ere %as s3ar tissue on "is smoot"@ 8are 3"estJ %"ite s3ars@ pinkis" s3ars@ ne% s3ars@ ol5 s3ars. 9 >ust sat starin- %it" my mout" open. !at"erine %"ispere5@ A4ear Go5IC AHe?s %on5er1ul@ isn?t "eBC 7oni3a aske5. 9 -lan3e5 at "er. Her 1lare5 3ollar "a5 slippe5@ e*posin- t%o neat pun3ture %oun5s@ 1airly ol5@ almost s3ars. S%eet Hesus. $"e musi3 8urst into a pulsin- )iolen3e. He 5an3e5@ s%ayin-@ -yratin-@ t"ro%in- t"e stren-t" o1 "is 8o5y into e)ery mo)e. $"ere a %"ite mass o1 s3ars o)er "is le1t 3ollar8one@ ra--e5 an5 )is3ious. 7y stoma3" ti-"tene5. A )ampire "a5 torn t"rou-" "is 3ollar8one rippe5 at "im like a 5o- %it" a pie3e o1 meat. 9 kne%@ 8e3ause 9 "a5 a similar s3ar. 9 "a5 a lot o1 similar s3ars. 4ollar 8ills appeare5 in "an5s like mus"rooms a1ter a rain. 7oni3a %as %a)in- "er money like a 1la-. 9 5i5n?t %ant P"illip at our ta8le. 9 "a5 to lean into 7oni3a to 8e "ear5 o)er t"e noise. A7oni3a@ please@ 5on?t 8rin- "im o)er "ere.C ,)en as s"e turne5 to look at me@ 9 kne% it %as too late. P"illip o1 t"e many s3ars %as stan5in- on t"e sta-e@ lookin5o%n at us. 9 stare5 up into "is )ery "uman eyes. 9 3oul5 see t"e pulse in 7oni3a?s t"roat. S"e li3ke5 "er lipsG "er eyes %ere enormous. S"e stu11e5 t"e money 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 "is pants. Her "an5s tra3e5 "is s3ars like ner)ous 8utter1lies. S"e leane5 "er 1a3e 3lose to "is stoma3" an5 8e-an kissin- "is s3ars@ lea)in- re5 lipsti3k prints 8e"in5. He knelt as s"e kisse5 "im@ 1or3in- "er mout" "i-"er an5 "i-"er up "is 3"est. He knelt@ an5 s"e presse5 lips to "is 1a3e. He 8rus"e5 "is "air 8a3k 1rom "is ne3k@ as i1 "e kne% %"at s"e %ante5. S"e li3ke5 t"e ne%est 8ite s3ar@ ton-ue small an5 pink@ like a 3at. 9 "ear5 "er 8reat" -o out in a trem8lin- si-". S"e 8it "im@ mout" lo3kin- o)er t"e %oun5. P"illip >erke5 %it" pain@ or >ust surprise. Her >a%s ti-"tene5@ "er t"roat %orke5. S"e %as su3kin- t"e %oun5. 9 looke5 a3ross t"e ta8le at !at"erine. S"e %as starin- at t"em@ 1a3e 8lank %it" astonis"ment. $"e 3ro%5 %as -oin- %il5@ s3reamin- an5 %a)in- money. P"illip pulle5 a%ay 1rom 7oni3a an5 mo)e5 on to anot"er ta8le. 7oni3a slumpe5 1or%ar5@ "ea5 3ollapsin- into "er lap@ arms limp at "er si5e. Ha5 s"e 1ainte5B 9 rea3"e5 out to tou3" "er s"oul5er an5 realiEe5 9 5i5n?t %ant to tou3" "er. 9 -rippe5 "er s"oul5er -ently. S"e mo)e5@ turnin- "er "ea5 to look at me. Her eyes "el5 t"at laEy 1ullness t"at se* -i)es. Her mout" looke5 pale %it" most o1 t"e lipsti3k %orn a%ay. S"e "a5n?t 1ainte5G s"e %as 8askin- in t"e a1ter-lo%. 9 5re% 8a3k 1rom "er@ ru88in- my "an5 a-ainst my >eans. 7y palms %ere s%eatin-. P"illip %as 8a3k on t"e sta-e. He "a5 stoppe5 5an3in-. He %as >ust stan5in- t"ere. 7oni3a "a5 le1t a small roun5 mark on "is ne3k. 9 1elt t"e 1irst stirrin-s o1 an ol5 min5@ 1lo%in- o)er t"e 3ro%5. !at"erine aske5@ A="at?s "appenin-BC A9t?s all ri-"t@C 7oni3a sai5. S"e %as sittin- upri-"t in "er 3"air@ eyes still "al123lose5. S"e li3ke5 "er lips an5 stret3"e5@ "an5s o)er "er "ea5. !at"erine turne5 to me. AAnna@ %"at is itBC AVampire.C 9 sai5.

'ear 1las"e5 on "er 1a3e@ 8ut it 5i5n?t last. 9 %at3"e5 t"e 1ear 1a5e un5er t"e %ei-"t o1 t"e )ampire?s min5. S"e turne5 slo%ly to stare at P"illip as "e %aite5 on t"e sta-e. !at"erine %as in no 5an-er. $"is mass "ypnosis %as not personal@ an5 not permanent. $"e )ampire %asn?t as ol5 as Hean2!lau5e.@ nor as -oo5. 9 sat t"ere 1eelin- t"e press an5 1lo% o1 o)er a "un5re5 years o1 po%er@ an5 it %asn?t enou-". 9 1elt "im mo)e up t"rou-" t"e ta8les. He "a5 -one to a lot o1 trou8le to make sure t"e poor "umans %oul5n?t see "im 3ome. He %oul5 simply appear in t"eir mi5st@ like ma-i3. Dou 5on?t -et to surprise )ampires o1ten. 9 turne5 to %at3" t"e )ampire %alk to%ar5s t"e sta-e. ,)ery "uman 1a3e 9 sa% %as enrapture5@ turne5 8lin5ly to t"e sta-e@ %aitin-. $"e )ampire %as tall %it" "i-" 3"eek8ones@ mo5el2per1e3t@ s3ulpte5. He %as too mas3uline to 8e 8eauti1ul@ an5 too per1e3t to 8e real. He stro5e t"rou-" t"e ta8les %earin- a pro)er8ial )ampire out1it@ 8la3k tu* an5 %"ite -lo)es. He stoppe5 one ta8le a%ay 1rom me@ to stare. He "el5 t"e au5ien3e in t"e palm o1 "is min5@ "elpless an5 %aitin-. But t"ere 9 sat starin- at "im@ t"ou-" not at "is eyes. His 8o5y sti11ene5@ surprise5. $"ere?s not"in- like ruinin- t"e 3alm o1 a "un5re52year2ol5 )ampire to 8oost a -irl?s morale. 9 looke5 past "im to see Hean2!lau5e. He %as starin- at me. 9 salute5 "im %it" my 5rink. He a3kno%le5-e5 it %it" a no5 o1 "is "ea5. $"e tall )ampire %as stan5in- 8esi5e P"illip. P"illip?s eyes %ere as 8lank as any "uman?s. $"e spell or %"ate)er 5ri1te5 a%ay. =it" a t"ou-"t "e a%oke t"e au5ien3e@ an5 t"ey -aspe5. 7a-i3. Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e 1ille5 t"e su55en silen3e. A$"is is <o8ert. =el3ome "im to our sta-e.C $"e 3ro%5 %ent %il5@ applau5in- an5 s3reamin-. !at"erine %as applau5in- alon- %it" e)eryone else. Apparently@ s"e %as impresse5. $"e musi3 3"an-e5 a-ain@ pulsin- an5 t"ro88in- in t"e air@ almost pain1ully lou5. <o8ert t"e )ampire 8e-an to 5an3e. He mo)e5 %it" a 3are1ul )iolen3e@ pumpin- to t"e musi3. He t"re% "is %"ite -lo)es into t"e au5ien3e. #ne lan5e5 at my 1eet. 9 le1t it t"ere. 7oni3a sai5@ APi3k it up.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. Anot"er %oman leane5 o)er 1rom anot"er ta8le. Her 8reat" smelle5 like %"iskey. ADou 5on?t %ant itBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. S"e -ot up@ 9 suppose to -et t"e -lo)e. 7oni3a 8eat "er to it. $"e %oman sat 5o%n@ lookin- un"appy. $"e )ampire "a5 strippe5@ s"o%in- a smoot" e*panse o1 3"est. He 5roppe5 to t"e sta-e an5 5i5 1in-ertip pus"2ups. $"e au5ien3e %ent %il5. 9 %asn?t impresse5. 9 kne% "e 3oul5 8en3" press a 3ar@ i1 "e %ante5 to. ="at?s a 1e% pus"ups 3ompare5 to t"atB He 8e-an to 5an3e aroun5 P"illip. P"illip turne5 to 1a3e "im@ arms outsprea5@ sli-"tly 3rou3"e5@ as i1 "e %ere rea5y 1or an atta3k. $"ey 8e-an 3ir3lin- ea3" ot"er. $"e musi3 so1tene5 until it %as only a so1t un5ers3orin- to t"e mo)ements on sta-e. $"e )ampire 8e-an to mo)e 3loser to P"illip. P"illip mo)e5 as i1 tryin- to run 1rom t"e sta-e. $"e )ampire %as su55enly t"ere@ 8lo3kin- "is es3ape. 9 "a5n?t seen "im mo)e. $"e )ampire "a5 >ust appeare5 in 1ront o1 t"e man. 9 "a5n?t seen "im mo)e. 'ear 5ro)e all t"e air 1rom my 8o5y in an i3y rus". 9 "a5n?t 1elt t"e min5 tri3k@ 8ut it "a5 "appene5. Hean2!lau5e %as stan5in- only t%o ta8les a%ay. He raise5 one pale "an5 in a salute to me. $"e 8astar5 "a5 8een in my min5@ an5 9 "a5n?t kno%n it. $"e au5ien3e -aspe5@ an5 9 looke5 8a3k to t"e sta-e. $"ey %ere 8ot" kneelin-G t"e )ampire "a5 one o1 P"illip?s arms pinne5 8e"in5 "is 8a3k. #ne "an5 -rippe5 P"illip?s lon"air@ pullin- "is ne3k 8a3k at a pain1ul an-le. P"illip?s eyes %ere %i5e an5 terri1ie5. $"e )ampire "a5n?t put "im un5er. He %asn?t un5erI He %as a%are an5 s3are5. 4ear Go5. He %as pantin-@ "is 3"est risin- an5 1allin- in s"ort -asps. $"e )ampire looke5 out at t"e au5ien3e an5 "isse5@ 1an-s 1las"in- in t"e li-"ts. $"e "iss turne5 t"e 8eauti1ul 1a3e to somet"in- 8estial. His "un-er ro5e out o)er t"e 3ro%5. His nee5 so intense@ it ma5e my stoma3" 3ramp. /o@ 9 %oul5 not 1eel t"is %it" "im. 9 5u- 1in-ernails into t"e palm o1 my "an5 an5 3on3entrate5. $"e 1eelin- 1a5e5. Pain "elpe5. 9 opene5 my s"akin- 1in-ers an5 1oun5 1our "al12moons t"at slo%ly 1ille5 %it" 8loo5. $"e "un-er 8eat aroun5 me@ 1illin- t"e 3ro%5@ 8ut not me@ not me. 9 presse5 a napkin to my "an5 an5 trie5 to look in3onspi3uous. $"e )ampire 5re% 8a3k "is "ea5. A/o@C 9 %"ispere5. $"e )ampire stru3k@ teet" sinkin- into 1les". P"illip s"rieke5@ an5 it e3"oe5 in t"e 3lu8. $"e musi3 5ie5 a8ruptly. /o one mo)e5. Dou 3oul5 "a)e 5roppe5 a pin.

So1t@ moist su3kin- soun5s 1ille5 t"e silen3e. P"illip 8e-an to moan@ "i-" in "is t"roat. #)er an5 o)er a-ain@ small "elpless soun5s. 9 looke5 out at t"e 3ro%5. $"ey %ere %it" t"e )ampire@ 1eelin- "is "un-er@ "is nee5@ 1eelin- "im 1ee5. 7ay8e s"arinP"illip?s terror@ 9 5i5n?t kno%. 9 %as apart 1rom it@ an5 -la5. $"e )ampire stoo5@ lettin- P"illip 1all to t"e sta-e@ limp@ unmo)in-. 9 stoo5 %it"out meanin- to. $"e man?s s3arre5 8a3k 3on)ulse5 in a 5eep@ s"atterin- 8reat"@ as i1 "e %ere 1i-"tin- 8a3k 1rom 5eat". An5 may8e "e %as. He %as ali)e. 9 sat 8a3k 5o%n. 7y knees 1elt %eak. S%eat 3o)ere5 my palms an5 stun- t"e 3uts on my "an5. He %as ali)e@ an5 "e en>oye5 it. 9 %oul5n?t "a)e 8elie)e5 it i1 someone "a5 tol5 me. 9 %oul5 "a)e 3alle5 t"em a liar. A )ampire >unkie. Surely to Go5@ 9?5 seen e)eryt"in- no%. Hean2!lau5e %"ispere5@ A="o %ants a kissBC /o one mo)e5 1or a "eart8eatG t"en "an5s@ "ol5in- money@ raise5 "ere an5 t"ere. /ot many@ 8ut a 1e%. 7ost people looke5 3on1use5@ as i1 t"ey "a5 %oken 1rom a 8a5 5ream. 7oni3a %as "ol5in- money up. P"illip lay %"ere "e "a5 8een 5roppe5@ 3"est risin- an5 1allin-. <o8ert t"e )ampire 3ame to 7oni3a. S"e tu3ke5 money 5o%n "is pants. He presse5 "is 8loo5y@ 1an-e5 mout" to "er lips. $"e kiss %as lon- an5 5eep@ 1ull o1 pro8in- ton-ues. $"ey %ere tastin- ea3" ot"er. $"e )ampire 5re% a%ay 1rom 7oni3a. Her "an5s at "is ne3k trie5 to 5ra% "im 8a3k@ 8ut "e pulle5 a%ay. He turne5 to me. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 s"o%e5 "im empty "an5s. /o money "ere@ 1olks. He -ra88e5 1or me@ snake2;ui3k. /o time to t"ink. 7y 3"air 3ras"e5 to t"e 1loor. 9 %as stan5in-@ >ust out o1 rea3". /o or5inary "uman 3oul5 "a)e seen "im 3omin-. $"e >i-@ as t"ey say@ %as up. A 8uEE o1 )oi3es raise5 t"rou-" t"e au5ien3e as t"ey trie5 to 1i-ure out %"at "a5 "appene5. Hust your 1rien5ly nei-"8or"oo5 animator@ 1olks@ not"in- to -et e*3ite5 a8out. $"e )ampire %as still starin- at me. Hean2!lau5e %as su55enly 8esi5e me@ an5 9 "a5n?t seen "im 3ome. AAre you all ri-"t@ AnitaBC His )oi3e "el5 t"in-s t"at t"e %or5s 5i5n?t e)en "int at. Promises %"ispere5 in 5arkene5 rooms@ un5er 3ool s"eets. He su3ke5 me un5er@ rolle5 my min5 like a %ino a1ter money@ an5 it 1elt -oo5. !ras"2S"rill2/oise t"un5ere5 t"rou-" my min5@ 3"ase5 t"e )ampire out@ "el5 "im at 8ay. 7y 8eeper "a5 -one o11. 9 8linke5 an5 sta--ere5 a-ainst our ta8le. He rea3"e5 out to stea5y me. A4on?t tou3" me@C 9 sai5. He smile5. A#1 3ourse.C 9 pus"e5 t"e 8utton on my 8eeper to silen3e it. $"ank you Go5@ t"at 9 "un- t"e 8eeper on my %aist8an5 instea5 o1 stu11init in a purse. 9 mi-"t ne)er "a)e "ear5 it ot"er%ise. 9 3alle5 1rom t"e p"one at t"e 8ar. $"e poli3e %ante5 my e*pertise at t"e Hill3rest !emetery. 9 "a5 to %ork on my ni-"t o11. Dippee@ an5 9 meant it. 9 o11ere5 to take !at"erine %it" me@ 8ut s"e %ante5 to stay. ="ate)er else you 3an say a8out )ampires@ t"ey are 1as3inatin-. 9t %ent %it" t"e >o8 5es3ription@ like 5rinkin- 8loo5 an5 %orkin- ni-"ts. 9t %as "er 3"oi3e. 9 promise5 to 3ome 8a3k in time to 5ri)e t"em "ome. $"en 9 pi3ke5 up my 3ross 1rom t"e "oly item 3"e3k -irl an5 slippe5 it insi5e my s"irt. Hean2!lau5e %as stan5in- 8y t"e 5oor. He sai5@ A9 almost "a5 you@ my little animator.C 9 -lan3e5 at "is 1a3e an5 ;ui3kly 5o%n. AAlmost 5oesn?t 3ount@ you 8loo52su3kin- 8astar5.C Hean2!lau5e t"re% 8a3k "is "ea5 an5 lau-"e5. His lau-"ter 1ollo%e5 me out into t"e ni-"t@ like )el)et ru88in- alon- my spine.

Chapter Five
$"e 3o11in lay on its si5e. A %"ite s3ar o1 3la% marks ran 5o%n t"e 5ark )arnis". $"e pale 8lue linin-@ imitation silk@ %as sli3e5 an5 -ou-e5. #ne 8loo5y "an5print s"o%e5 plainlyG it 3oul5 almost "a)e 8een "uman. All t"at %as le1t o1 t"e ol5er 3orpse %as a s"re55e5 8ro%n suit@ a 1in-er 8one -na%e5 3lean an5 a s3rap o1 s3alp. $"e man "a5 8een 8lon5. A se3on5 8o5y lay per"aps 1i)e 1eet a%ay. $"e man?s 3lot"es %ere s"re55e5. His 3"est "a5 8een rippe5 open@ ri8s 3ra3ke5 like e--s"ells. 7ost o1 "is internal or-ans %ere -one@ lea)in- "is 8o5y 3a)ity like a "ollo%e52out lo-. #nly "is 1a3e %as untou3"e5. Pale eyes stare5 impossi8ly %i5e up into t"e summer stars. 9 %as -la5 it %as 5ark. 7y ni-"t )ision is -oo5@ 8ut 5arkness steals 3olor. All t"e 8loo5 %as 8la3k. $"e man?s 8o5y %as lost in t"e s"a5o%s o1 t"e trees. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to see "im@ unless 9 %alke5 up to "im. 9 "a5 5one t"at. 9 "a5 measure5 t"e 8ite marks %it" my trusty tape measure. =it" my little plasti3 -lo)es 9 "a5 sear3"e5 t"e 3orpse o)er@ lookin- 1or 3lues. $"ere %eren?t any.

9 3oul5 5o anyt"in- 9 %ante5 to t"e s3ene o1 t"e 3rime. 9t "a5 alrea5y 8een )i5eotape5 an5 snappe5 1rom e)ery possi8le an-le. 9 %as al%ays t"e last Ae*pertC 3alle5 in. $"e am8ulan3e %as %aitin- to take t"e 8o5ies a%ay@ on3e 9 %as 1inis"e5. 9 %as a8out 1inis"e5. 9 kne% %"at "a5 kille5 t"e man. G"ouls. 9 "a5 narro%e5 t"e sear3" 5o%n to a parti3ular kin5 o1 un5ea5. Bully 1or me. $"e 3oroner 3oul5 "a)e tol5 t"em t"at. 9 %as 8e-innin- to s%eat insi5e t"e 3o)erall 9 "a5 put on to prote3t my 3lot"es. $"e 3o)erall %as ori-inally 1or )ampire stakin-s@ 8ut 9 "a5 starte5 usin- it at 3rime s3enes. $"ere %ere 8la3k stains at t"e knees an5 5o%n t"e le-s. $"ere "a5 8een so mu3" 8loo5 in t"e -rass. $"ank you@ 5ear Go5@ t"at 9 5i5n?t "a)e to see t"is in 8roa5 5ayli-"t. 9 5on?t kno% %"y seein- somet"in- like t"is in 5ayli-"t makes it %orse@ 8ut 9?m more likely to 5ream a8out a 5ayli-"t s3ene. $"e 8loo5 is al%ays so re5 an5 8ro%n an5 t"i3k. /i-"t so1tens it@ makes it less real. 9 appre3iate5 t"at. 9 unEippe5 t"e 1ront o1 my 3o)erall@ lettin- it -ape open aroun5 my 3lot"es. $"e %in5 8le% a-ainst me@ amaEin-ly 3ool. $"e air smelle5 o1 rain. Anot"er t"un5erstorm %as mo)in- t"is %ay. $"e yello% poli3e tape %as %rappe5 aroun5 tree trunks@ strun- t"rou-" 8us"es. #ne yello% loop %ent aroun5 t"e stone 1eet o1 an an-el. $"e tape 1lappe5 an5 3ra3ke5 in t"e -ro%in- %in5. Ser-eant <u5ol1 Storr li1te5 t"e tape an5 %alke5 to%ar5s me. He %as si*2ei-"t an5 8uilt like a %restler. He "a5 a 8risk@ stri5in- %alk. His 3lose23roppe5 8la3k "air le1t "is ears 8are. 4olp" %as t"e "ea5 o1 t"e ne%est task 1or3e@ t"e spook s;ua5. #11i3ially@ it %as t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam@ <2P292$@ pronoun3e5 rip it. 9t "an5le5 all supernatural2relate5 3rime. 9t %asn?t e*a3tly a step up 1or "is 3areer. =illie 73!oy "a5 8een ri-"tG t"e task 1or3e %as a "al12"earte5 e11ort to pla3ate t"e press an5 t"e li8erals. 4olp" "a5 pisse5 some8o5y o11@ or "e %oul5n?t "a)e 8een "ere. But 4olp"@ 8ein- 4olp"@ %as 5etermine5 to 5o t"e 8est >o8 "e 3oul5. He %as like a 1or3e o1 nature. He 5i5n?t yell@ "e %as >ust t"ere@ an5 t"in-s -ot 5one 8e3ause o1 it. A=ell@C "e sai5. $"at?s 4olp"@ a man o1 many %or5s. A9t %as a -"oul atta3k.C AAn5.C 9 s"ru--e5. AAn5 t"ere are no -"ouls in t"is 3emetery.C He stare5 5o%n at me@ 1a3e 3are1ully neutral. He %as -oo5 at t"at@ 5i5n?t like to in1luen3e "is people. ADou >ust sai5 it %as a -"oul atta3k.C ADes@ 8ut t"ey 3ame 1rom some%"ere outsi5e t"e 3emetery.C ASoBC A9 "a)e ne)er kno%n o1 any -"ouls to tra)el t"is 1ar outsi5e t"eir o%n 3emetery.C 9 stare5 at "im@ tryin- to see i1 "e un5erstoo5 %"at 9 %as sayin-. A$ell me a8out -"ouls@ Anita.C He "a5 "is trusty little note8ook out@ pen poise5 an5 rea5y. A$"is 3emetery is still "oly -roun5. !emeteries t"at "a)e -"oul in1estations are usually )ery ol5 or "a)e satani3 or 3ertain )oo5oo rites per1orme5 in t"em. $"e e)il sort o1 uses up t"e 8lessin-@ until t"e -roun5 8e3omes un"oly. #n3e t"at "appens@ -"ouls eit"er mo)e in or rise 1rom t"e -ra)es. /o one?s sure e*a3tly %"i3".C A=ait@ %"at 5o you mean@ t"at no one kno%sBC ABasi3ally.C He s"ook "is "ea5@ starin- at t"e notes "e?5 ma5e@ 1ro%nin-. F,*plain.C AVampires are ma5e 8y ot"er )ampires. Kom8ies are raise5 1rom t"e -ra)e 8y an animator or )oo5oo priest. G"ouls@ as 1ar as %e kno%@ >ust 3ra%l out o1 t"eir -ra)es on t"eir o%n. $"ere are t"eories t"at )ery e)il people 8e3ome -"ouls. 9 5on?t 8uy t"at. $"ere %as a t"eory 1or a %"ile t"at people 8itten 8y a supernatural 8ein-@ %ereanimal@ )ampire@ %"ate)er@ %oul5 8e3ome a -"oul. But 9?)e seen %"ole 3emeteries emptie5@ e)ery 3orpse a -"oul. /o %ay t"ey %ere all atta3ke5 8y supernatural 1or3es %"ile ali)e.C AAll ri-"t@ %e 5on?t kno% %"ere -"ouls 3ome 1rom. ="at 5o %e kno%BC AG"ouls 5on?t rot like Eom8ies. $"ey retain t"eir 1orm more like )ampires. $"ey are more t"an animal intelli-ent@ 8ut not 8y mu3". $"ey are 3o%ar5s an5 %on?t atta3k a person unless s"e is "urt or un3ons3ious.C A$"ey sure as "ell atta3ke5 t"e -roun5skeeper.C AHe 3oul5 "a)e 8een kno3ke5 un3ons3ious some"o%.C AHo%BC ASomeone %oul5 "a)e "a5 to kno3k "im out.C A9s t"at likelyBC

A/o@ -"ouls 5on?t %ork %it" "umans@ or any ot"er un5ea5. A Eom8ie %ill o8ey or5ers@ )ampires "a)e t"eir o%n t"ou-"ts. G"ouls are like pa3k animals@ %ol)es may8e@ 8ut a lot more 5an-erous. $"ey %oul5n?t 8e a8le to un5erstan5 %orkin- %it" someone. 91 you?re not a -"oul@ you?re eit"er meat or somet"in- to "i5e 1rom.C A$"en %"at "appene5 "ereBC A4olp"@ t"ese -"ouls tra)ele5 ;uite a 5istan3e to rea3" t"is 3emetery. $"ere isn?t anot"er one 1or miles. G"ouls 5on?t tra)el like t"at. So may8e@ >ust may8e@ t"ey atta3ke5 t"e 3aretaker %"en "e 3ame to s3are t"em o11. $"ey s"oul5 "a)e run 1rom "imG may8e t"ey 5i5n?t.C A!oul5 it 8e somet"in-@ or someone@ preten5in- to 8e -"oulsBC A7ay8e@ 8ut 9 5ou8t it. ="oe)er it %as@ t"ey ate t"at man. A "uman mi-"t 5o t"at@ 8ut a "uman 3oul5n?t tear t"e 8o5y apart like t"at. $"ey >ust 5on?t "a)e t"e stren-t".C AVampireBC AVampires 5on?t eat meat.C AKom8iesBC A7ay8e. $"ere are rare 3ases %"ere Eom8ies -o a little 3raEy an5 start atta3kin- people. $"ey seem to 3ra)e 1les". 91 t"ey 5on?t -et it@ t"ey?ll start to 5e3ay.C A9 t"ou-"t Eom8ies al%ays 5e3aye5.C A'les"2eatin- Eom8ies last a lot lon-er t"an normal. $"ere?s one 3ase o1 a %oman %"o is still "uman2lookin- a1ter t"ree years.C A$"ey let "er -o aroun5 eatin- peopleBC 9 smile5. A$"ey 1ee5 "er ra% meat. 9 8elie)e t"e arti3le sai5 lam8 %as pre1erre5.C AArti3leBC A,)ery 3areer "as its pro1essional >ournal@ 4olp".C A="at?s it 3alle5BC 9 s"ru--e5. A$"e Animator@ %"at elseBC He a3tually smile5. A#kay. Ho% likely is it t"at it?s Eom8iesBC A/ot )ery. Kom8ies 5on?t run in pa3ks unless t"ey?re or5ere5 to.C A,)enC2"e 3"e3ke5 "is notes2 A1les"2eatin- Eom8iesBC A$"ere "a)e only 8een t"ree 5o3umente5 3ases. All o1 t"em %ere solitary "unters.C ASo@ 1les"2eatin- Eom8ies@ or a ne% kin5 o1 -"oul. $"at sum it upBC 9 no55e5. ADea".C A#kay@ t"anks. Sorry to interrupt your ni-"t o11.C He 3lose5 "is note8ook an5 looke5 at me. He %as almost -rinnin-. AC$"e se3retary sai5 you %ere at a 8a3"elorette party.C He %i--le5 "is eye8ro%s. AHoo3"ie 3oo3"ie.C A4on?t -i)e me a "ar5 timeG 4olp".C A=oul5n?t 5ream o1 it.C A<iii-"t@C 9 sai5. A91 you 5on?t nee5 me anymore@ 9?ll 8e -ettin- 8a3k.C A=e?re 1inis"e5@ 1or no%. !all me i1 you t"ink o1 anyt"in- else.C A=ill 5o.C 9 %alke5 8a3k to my 3ar. $"e 8loo5y plasti3 -lo)es %ere s"o)e5 into a -ar8a-e sa3k in t"e trunk. 9 5e8ate5 on t"e 3o)eralls an5 1inally 1ol5e5 t"em on top o1 t"e -ar8a-e sa3k. 9 mi-"t 8e a8le to %ear t"em one more time. 4olp" 3alle5 out@ ADou 8e 3are1ul toni-"t@ Anita. =oul5n?t %ant you pi3kin- up anyt"in-.C 9 -lare5 8a3k at "im. $"e rest o1 t"e men %a)e5 at me an5 3alle5 in unison@ A=e loo)e you.C AGimme a 8reak.C #ne 3alle5@ A91 9?5 kno%n you like5 to see nake5 men@ %e 3oul5 "a)e %orke5 somet"in- out.C A$"e stu11 you -ot@ Ker8ro%ski@ 9 5on?t %ant to see.C Lau-"ter@ an5 someone -ra88e5 "im aroun5 t"e ne3k. AS"e -ot you@ man ... Gi)e it up@ s"e -ets you e)ery time.C 9 -ot into my 3ar to t"e soun5 o1 mas3uline lau-"ter@ an5 one o11er to 8e my Alu)C sla)e. 9t %as pro8a8ly Ker8ro%ski.

Chapter Six
9 arri)e5 8a3k at Guilty Pleasures a little a1ter mi5ni-"t. Hean !lau5e %as stan5in- at t"e 8ottom o1 t"e steps. He %as leanin- a-ainst t"e %all@ utterly still. 91 "e %as 8reat"in-@ 9 3oul5n?t see it. $"e %in5 8le% t"e la3e on "is s"irt. A lo3k o1 8la3k "air traile5 a3ross t"e smoot" paleness o1 "is 3"eek. ADou smell o1 ot"er people?s 8loo5@ ma petite.C 9 smile5 at "im@ s%eetly. A9t %as no one you kne%.C His )oi3e %"en it 3ame %as lo% an5 5ark@ 1ull o1 a ;uiet ra-e. 9t slit"ere5 a3ross my skin@ like a 3ol5 %in5. AHa)e you 8een killin- )ampires@ my little animatorBC A/o.C 9 %"ispere5 it@ my )oi3e su55enly "oarse. 9 "a5 ne)er "ear5 "is )oi3e like t"at. A$"ey 3all you $"e ,*e3utioner@ 5i5 you kno% t"atBC ADes.C He "a5 5one not"in- to t"reaten me@ yet not"in- at t"at moment %oul5 "a)e 1or3e5 me to pass "im. $"ey mi-"t as %ell "a)e 8arre5 t"e 5oor. AHo% many kills 5o you "a)e to your 3re5itBC 9 5i5n?t like t"is 3on)ersation. 9t %asn?t -oin- to en5 any%"ere 9 %ante5 to 8e. 9 kne% one master )ampire %"o 3oul5 smell lies. 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 Hean2!lau5e?s moo5@ 8ut 9 %asn?t a8out to lie to "im. A'ourteen.C AAn5 you 3all us mur5erers.C 9 >ust stare5 at "im@ not sure %"at "e %ante5 me to say. BuEE t"e )ampire 3ame 5o%n t"e steps. He stare5 1rom Hean !lau5e to me@ t"en took up "is post 8y t"e 5oor@ "u-e arms 3rosse5 o)er "is 3"est. Hean2!lau5e aske5@ A4i5 you "a)e a ni3e 8reakBC ADes@ t"ank you@ master.C $"e master )ampire smile5. A9?)e tol5 you 8e1ore@ BuEE@ 5on?t 3all me master.C ADes@ 727 ... Hean2!lau5e.C $"e )ampire -a)e "is %on5rous@ nearly tou3"a8le lau-". A!ome@ Anita@ let us -o insi5e %"ere it is %armer.C 9t %as o)er ei-"ty 5e-rees on t"e si5e%alk. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at in t"e %orl5 "e %as talkin- a8out. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at %e?5 8een talkin- a8out 1or t"e last 1e% minutes. Hean2!lau5e %alke5 up t"e steps. 9 %at3"e5 "im 5isappear insi5e. 9 stoo5 starin- at t"e 5oor@ not %antin- to -o insi5e. Somet"in- %as %ron-@ an5 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at. ADou -oin- insi5eBC BuEE aske5. A9 5on?t suppose you?5 -o insi5e@ an5 ask 7oni3a an5 t"e re5"aire5 %oman s"e?s %it" to 3ome outsi5eBC He smile5@ 1las"in- 1an-. 9t?s t"e mark o1 t"e ne% 5ea5 t"at t"ey 1las" t"eir 1an-s aroun5. $"ey like t"e s"o3k e11e3t. A!an?t lea)e my post. 9 >ust "a5 a 8reak.C A$"ou-"t you?5 say somet"in- like t"at.C He -rinne5 at me. 9 %ent into t"e t%ilit 5ark o1 t"e 3lu8. $"e "oly item 3"e3k -irl %as %aitin- 1or me at t"e 5oor. 9 -a)e "er my 3ross. S"e -a)e me a 3"e3k stu8. 9t %asn?t a 1air tra5e. Hean2!lau5e %as no%"ere in si-"t. !at"erine %as on t"e sta-e. S"e %as stan5in- motionless@ eyes %i5e. Her 1a3e "a5 t"at open@ 1ra-ile look t"at 1a3es -et %"en t"ey sleep@ like a 3"il5?s 1a3e. Her lon-@ 3opper23olore5 "air -listene5 in t"e li-"ts. 9 kne% a 5eep tran3e %"en 9 sa% it. A!at"erine.C 9 8reat"e5 "er name an5 ran to%ar5s "er. 7oni3a %as sittin- at our ta8le@ %at3"in- me 3ome. $"ere %as an a%1ul@ kno%in- smile on "er 1a3e. 9 %as almost to t"e sta-e %"en a )ampire appeare5 8e"in5 !at"erine. He 5i5n?t %alk out 1rom 8e"in5 t"e 3urtain@ "e >ust 8loo5y appeare5 8e"in5 "er. 'or t"e 1irst time 9 un5erstoo5 %"at "umans must see. 7a-i3. $"e )ampire stare5 at me. His "air %as -ol5en silk@ "is skin i)ory@ eyes like 5ro%nin- pools. 9 3lose5 my eyes an5 s"ook my "ea5. $"is 3oul5n?t 8e "appenin-. /o one %as t"at 8eauti1ul. His )oi3e %as almost or5inary a1ter t"e 1a3e@ 8ut it %as a 3omman5. A!all "er.C 9 opene5 my eyes to 1in5 t"e au5ien3e starin- at me. 9 -lan3e5 at !at"erine?s 8lank 1a3e an5 kne% %"at %oul5 "appen@ 8ut like any i-norant 3lient 9 "a5 to try. A!at"erine@ !at"erine@ 3an you "ear meBC

S"e ne)er mo)e5G only t"e 1aintest o1 mo)ements s"o%e5 "er 8reat"in-. S"e %as ali)e@ 8ut 1or "o% lon-B $"e )ampire "a5 -otten to "er@ 5eep tran3e. $"at meant "e 3oul5 3all "er anytime@ any%"ere@ an5 s"e %oul5 3ome. 'rom t"is moment on@ "er li1e 8elon-e5 to "im. ="ene)er "e %ante5 it. A!at"erine@ pleaseIC $"ere %as not"in- 9 3oul5 5o@ t"e 5ama-e %as 5one. 4ammit@ 9 s"oul5 ne)er "a)e le1t "er "ere@ ne)erI $"e )ampire tou3"e5 "er s"oul5er. S"e 8linke5 an5 stare5 aroun5@ surprise5@ s3are5. S"e -a)e a ner)ous lau-". A="at "appene5BC $"e )ampire raise5 "er "an5 to "is lips. ADou are no% un5er my po%er@ my lo)ely one.C S"e lau-"e5 a-ain@ not un5erstan5in- t"at "e "a5 tol5 "er t"e a8solute trut". He le5 "er to t"e e5-e o1 t"e sta-e@ an5 t%o %aiters "elpe5 "er 8a3k to "er seat. A9 1eel 1uEEy@C s"e sai5. 7oni3a patte5 "er "an5. ADou %ere -reat.C A="at 5i5 9 5oBC A9?ll tell you later. $"e s"o%?s not o)er yet.C S"e stare5 at me %"en s"e sai5 t"e last. 9 alrea5y kne% 9 %as in trou8le. $"e )ampire on t"e sta-e %as starin- at me. 9t %as like %ei-"t a-ainst my skin. His %ill@ 1or3e@ personality@ %"ate)er it %as@ 8eat a-ainst me. 9 3oul5 1eel it like a pulsin- %in5. $"e skin on my arms 3ra%le5 %it" it. A9 am Au8rey@C t"e )ampire sai5. AGi)e me your name.C 7y mout" %as su55enly 5ry@ 8ut my name %as not important. He 3oul5 "a)e t"at. AAnita.C AAnita. Ho% pretty.C 7y knees sort o1 8u3kle5 an5 spille5 me into a 3"air. 7oni3a %as starin- at me@ eyes enormous an5 ea-er. A!ome@ Anita@ >oin me on t"e sta-e.C His )oi3e %asn?t as -oo5 as Hean2!lau5e?s@ it >ust %asn?t. $"ere %as no te*ture to it@ 8ut t"e min5 8e"in5 t"e )oi3e %as like not"in- 9 "a5 e)er 1elt. 9t %as an3ient@ terri8ly an3ient. $"e 1or3e o1 "is min5 ma5e my 8ones a3"e. A!ome.C 9 kept s"akin- my "ea5@ o)er an5 o)er. 9t %as all 9 3oul5 5o. /o %or5s@ no real t"ou-"ts@ 8ut 9 kne% 9 3oul5 not -et out o1 t"is 3"air. 91 9 3ame to "im no%@ "e %oul5 "a)e po%er o)er me >ust as "e 5i5 !at"erine. S%eat soake5 t"rou-" t"e 8a3k o1 my 8louse. A!ome to me@ no%IC 9 %as stan5in-@ an5 9 5i5n?t remem8er 5oin- it. 4ear Go5@ "elp meI A/oIC 9 5u- my 1in-ernails into t"e palm o1 my "an5. 9 tore my o%n skin an5 %el3ome5 t"e pain. 9 3oul5 8reat"e a-ain. His min5 re3e5e5 like t"e o3ean pullin- 8a3k. 9 1elt li-"t"ea5e5@ empty. 9 slumpe5 a-ainst t"e ta8le. #ne o1 t"e )ampire %aiters %as at my si5e. A4on?t 1i-"t "im. He -ets an-ry i1 you 1i-"t "im.C 9 pus"e5 "im a%ay. A91 9 5on?t 1i-"t "im@ "e?ll o%n meIC $"e %aiter looke5 almost "uman@ one o1 t"e ne% 5ea5. $"ere %as a look on "is 1a3e. 9t %as 1ear. 9 3alle5 to t"e t"in- on t"e sta-e@ A9?ll 3ome to t"e sta-e i1 you 5on?t 1or3e me.C 7oni3a -aspe5. 9 i-nore5 "er. /ot"in- mattere5 8ut -ettin- t"rou-" t"e ne*t 1e% moments. A$"en 8y all means@ 3ome@C t"e )ampire sai5. 9 stoo5 a%ay 1rom t"e ta8le an5 1oun5 9 3oul5 stan5 %it"out 1allin-. Point 1or me. 9 3oul5 e)en %alk. $%o points 1or me. 9 stare5 at t"e "ar5@ polis"e5 1loor. 91 9 3on3entrate5 >ust on %alkin- 9 %oul5 8e all ri-"t. $"e 1irst step o1 t"e sta-e 3ame into )ie%. 9 -lan3e5 up. Au8rey %as stan5in- in t"e 3enter o1 t"e sta-e. He %asn?t tryin- to 3all me. He stoo5 per1e3tly still. 9t %as like "e %asn?t t"ere at allG "e %as a terri8le not"in-ness. 9 3oul5 1eel "is stillness like a pulse in my "ea5. 9 t"ink "e 3oul5 "a)e stoo5 in plain si-"t@ an5 unless "e %ante5 me to@ 9 %oul5 ne)er "a)e seen "im. A!ome.C /ot a )oi3e@ 8ut a soun5 insi5e my "ea5. A!ome to me. A 9 trie5 to mo)e 8a3k an5 3oul5n?t. 7y pulse t"un5ere5 into my t"roat. 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. 9 %as 3"okin-I 9 stoo5 %it" t"e 1or3e o1 "is min5 t%istin- a-ainst me. A4on?t 1i-"t meIC He s3reame5 in my "ea5. Someone %as s3reamin-@ %or5lessly@ an5 it %as me. 91 9 stoppe5 1i-"tin-@ it %oul5 8e so easy@ like 5ro%nin- a1ter you stop stru--lin-. A pea3e1ul %ay to 5ie. /o@ no. A/o.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 stran-e@ e)en to me. A="atBC "e aske5. His )oi3e "el5 surprise. A/o@C 9 sai5@ an5 9 looke5 up at "im. 9 met "is eyes %it" t"e %ei-"t o1 all t"ose 3enturies pulsin- 5o%n. ="ate)er it %as t"at ma5e me an animator@ t"at "elpe5 me raise t"e 5ea5@ it %as t"ere no%. 9 met "is eyes an5 stoo5 still.

He smile5 t"en@ a slo% sprea5in- o1 lips. A$"en 9 %ill 3ome to you.C APlease@ please@ 5on?t.C 9 3oul5 not step 8a3k. His min5 "el5 me like )el)et steel. 9t %as e)eryt"in- 9 3oul5 5o not to mo)e 1or%ar5. /ot to run to meet "im. He stoppe5@ %it" our 8o5ies almost tou3"in-. His eyes %ere a soli5@ per1e3t 8ro%n@ 8ottomless@ en5less. 9 looke5 a%ay 1rom "is 1a3e. S%eat tri3kle5 5o%n my 1ore"ea5. ADou smell o1 1ear@ Anita.C His 3ool "an5 tra3e5 t"e e5-e o1 my 3"eek. 9 starte5 to s"ake an5 3oul5n?t stop. His 1in-ers pulle5 -ently t"rou-" t"e %a)es o1 my "air. AHo% 3an you 1a3e me t"is %ayBC He 8reat"e5 alon- my 1a3e@ %arm as silk. His 8reat" sli5 to my ne3k@ %arm an5 3lose. He 5re% a 5eep@ s"u55erin8reat". His "un-er pulse5 a-ainst my skin. 7y stoma3" 3rampe5 %it" "is nee5. He "isse5 at t"e au5ien3e@ an5 t"ey s;ueale5 in terror. He %as -oin- to 5o it. $error 3ame in a 8lin5in- rus" o1 a5renaline. 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom "im. 9 1ell to t"e sta-e an5 s3ram8le5 a%ay on "an5s an5 knees. An arm -ra88e5 me aroun5 t"e %aist@ li1tin-. 9 s3reame5@ strikin- 8a3k%ar5s %it" my el8o%. 9t t"u55e5 "ome@ an5 9 "ear5 "im -asp@ 8ut t"e arm ti-"tene5. $i-"tene5 until it %as 3rus"in- me. 9 tore at my slee)e. !lot" rippe5. He t"re% me onto my 8a3k. He %as 3rou3"e5 o)er me@ 1a3e t%iste5 %it" "un-er. His lips 3urle5 8a3k 1rom "is teet"@ 1an-s -listenin-. Someone mo)e5 onto t"e sta-e@ one o1 t"e %aiters. $"e )ampire "isse5 at "im@ spittle runnin- 5o%n "is 3"in. $"ere %as not"in- "uman le1t. 9t 3ame 1or me in a 8lin5in- rus" o1 spee5 an5 "un-er. 9 presse5 t"e sil)er kni1e o)er "is "eart. A tri3kle o1 8loo5 -listene5 5o%n "is 3"est. He snarle5 at me@ 1an-s -nas"in- like a 5o- on t"e en5 o1 a 3"ain. 9 s3reame5. $error "a5 %as"e5 "is po%er a%ay. $"ere %as not"in- le1t 8ut 1ear. He lun-e5 1or me an5 5ro)e t"e point o1 t"e kni1e into "is skin. Bloo5 8e-an to 5rip o)er my "an5 an5 onto my 8louse. His 8loo5. Hean2!lau5e %as su55enly t"ere. AAu8rey@ let "er -o.C $"e )ampire -ro%le5 5eep an5 lo% in "is t"roat. 9t %as an animal soun5. 7y )oi3e %as "i-" an5 t"in %it" 1earG 9 soun5e5 like a little -irl. AGet "im o11 me@ or 9?ll kill "imIC $"e )ampire reare5 8a3k@ 1an-s slas"in- "is o%n lips. AGet "im o11 meIC Hean2!lau5e 8e-an to speak so1tly in 'ren3". ,)en %"en 9 3oul5n?t un5erstan5 t"e lan-ua-e "is )oi3e %as like )el)et@ soot"in-. Hean2!lau5e knelt 8y us@ speakin- so1tly. $"e )ampire -ro%le5 an5 las"e5 out@ -ra88in- Hean2!lau5e?s %rist. He -aspe5@ an5 it soun5e5 like pain. S"oul5 9 kill "imB !oul5 9 plun-e t"e kni1e "ome 8e1ore "e tore out my t"roatB Ho% 1ast %as "eB 7y min5 seeme5 to 8e %orkin- in3re5i8ly 1ast. $"ere %as an illusion t"at 9 "a5 all t"e time in t"e %orl5 to 5e3i5e an5 a3t. 9 1elt t"e )ampire?s %ei-"t "ea)ier a-ainst my le-s. His )oi3e soun5e5 "oarse@ 8ut 3alm. A7ay 9 -et up no%BC His 1a3e %as "uman a-ain@ pleasant@ "an5some@ 8ut t"e illusion 5i5n?t %ork anymore. 9 "a5 seen "im unmaske5@ an5 t"at ima-e %oul5 al%ays stay %it" me. AGet o11 me@ slo%ly.C He smile5 t"en@ a slo% 3on1i5ent sprea5 o1 lips. He mo)e5 o11 me@ "uman2slo%. Hean2!lau5e %a)e5 "im 8a3k until "e stoo5 near t"e 3urtain. AAre you all ri-"t@ ma petiteBC 9 stare5 at t"e 8loo5y sil)er kni1e an5 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t kno%.C A9 5i5 not mean 1or t"is to "appen.C He "elpe5 me sit up@ an5 9 let "im. $"e room "a5 1allen silent. $"e au5ien3e kne% somet"in- "a5 -one %ron-. $"ey "a5 seen t"e trut" 8e"in5 t"e 3"armin- mask. $"ere %ere a lot o1 pale@ 1ri-"tene5 1a3es out t"ere. 7y ri-"t slee)e "un- torn %"ere 9 rippe5 it to -et t"e kni1e. APlease@ put a%ay t"e kni1e@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 9 stare5 at "im@ an5 1or t"e 1irst time 9 looke5 "im in t"e eyes an5 1elt not"in-. /ot"in- 8ut emptiness. A7y %or5 o1 "onor t"at you %ill lea)e t"is pla3e in sa1ety. Put t"e kni1e a%ay.C 9t took me t"ree tries to sli5e t"e kni1e into its s"eat"@ my "an5s %ere trem8lin- so 8a5ly. Hean2!lau5e smile5 at me@ ti-"t2 lippe5. A/o%@ %e %ill -et o11 t"is sta-e.C He "elpe5 me stan5. 9 %oul5 "a)e 1allen i1 "is arm "a5n?t 3au-"t me. He kept a ti-"t -rip on my le1t "an5G t"e la3e on "is slee)e 8rus"e5 my skin. $"e la3e %asn?t so1t at all. Hean2!lau5e "el5 "is ot"er "an5 out to Au8rey. 9 trie5 to pull a%ay@ an5 "e %"ispere5@ A/o 1ear@ 9 %ill prote3t you@ 9 s%ear it.C

9 8elie)e5 "im@ 9 5on?t kno% %"y@ may8e 8e3ause 9 "a5 no one else to 8elie)e. He le5 Au8rey an5 me to t"e 1ront o1 t"e sta-e. His ri3" )oi3e 3aresse5 t"e 3ro%5. A=e "ope you en>oye5 our little melo5rama. 9t %as )ery realisti3@ %asn?t itBC $"e au5ien3e s"i1te5 un3om1orta8ly@ 1ear plain in t"eir 1a3es. He smile5 out at t"em an5 5roppe5 Au8rey?s "an5. He un8uttone5 my slee)e an5 pus"e5 it 8a3k@ e*posin- t"e 8urn s3ar. $"e 3ross %as 5ark a-ainst my skin. $"e au5ien3e %as silent@ still not un5erstan5in-. Hean2!lau5e pulle5 t"e la3e a%ay 1rom "is 3"est@ e*posin- "is o%n 3ross2s"ape5 8urn. $"ere %as a moment o1 stunne5 silen3e@ t"en applause t"un5ere5 aroun5 t"e room. S3reams an5 s"outs@ an5 %"istles roare5 aroun5 us. $"ey t"ou-"t 9 %as a )ampire@ an5 it "a5 all 8een an a3t. 9 stare5 at Hean2!lau5e?s smilin- 1a3e an5 t"e mat3"in- s3arsJ "is 3"est@ my arm. Hean2!lau5e?s "an5 pulle5 me 5o%n into a 8o%. As t"e applause 1inally 8e-an to 1a5e@ Hean2!lau5e %"ispere5@ A=e nee5 to talk@ Anita. Dour 1rien5 !at"erine?s li1e 5epen5s on your a3tions.C 9 met "is eyes an5 sai5@ A9 kille5 t"e t"in-s t"at -a)e me t"is s3ar.C He smile5 8roa5ly@ s"o%in- >ust a "int o1 1an-. A="at a lo)ely 3oin3i5en3e. So 5i5 9C

Chapter Seven
Hean2!lau5e le5 us t"rou-" t"e 3urtains at t"e 8a3k o1 t"e sta-e. Anot"er )ampire stripper %as %aitin- to -o on. He %as 5resse5 like a -la5iator@ 3omplete %it" metal 8reastplate an5 s"ort s%or5. A$alk a8out an a3t t"at?s "ar5 to 1ollo%. S"it.C He >erke5 t"e 3urtain open an5 stalke5 t"rou-". !at"erine 3ame t"rou-"@ "er 1a3e so pale "er 1re3kles stoo5 out like 8ro%n ink spots. 9 %on5ere5 i1 9 looke5 as paleB /a%. 9 5i5n?t "a)e t"e skin tone 1or it. A7y Go5@ are you all ri-"tBC s"e aske5. 9 steppe5 3are1ully o)er a line o1 3a8les t"at snake5 a3ross t"e 8a3ksta-e 1loor an5 leane5 a-ainst t"e %all. 9 8e-an to relearn "o% to 8reat"e. A9?m 1ine@C 9 lie5. AAnita@ %"at is -oin- onB ="at %as t"at stu11 on sta-eB Dou aren?t a )ampire any more t"an 9 am.C Au8rey ma5e a silent "iss 8e"in5 "er 8a3k@ 1an-s strainin-@ makin- "is lips 8lee5. His s"oul5ers s"ook %it" silent lau-"ter. !at"erine -rippe5 my arm. AAnitaBC 9 "u--e5 "er@ an5 s"e "u--e5 me 8a3k. 9 %oul5 not let "er 5ie like t"is. 9 %oul5 not let it "appen. S"e pulle5 a%ay 1rom me an5 stare5 into my 1a3e. A$alk to me.C AS"all %e talk in my o11i3eBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. A!at"erine 5oesn?t nee5 to 3ome.C Au8rey strolle5 3loser. He seeme5 to -limmer in t"e t%ili-"t 5ark@ like a >e%el. A9 t"ink s"e s"oul5 3ome. 9t 5oes 3on3ern "er intimately.C He li3ke5 "is 8loo5y lips@ ton-ue pink an5 ;ui3k as a 3at?s. A/o@ 9 %ant "er out o1 t"is@ any %ay 9 3an -et "er out o1 it.C A#ut o1 %"atB ="at are you talkin- a8outBC Hean2!lau5e aske5@ A9s s"e likely to -o to t"e poli3eBC AGo to t"e poli3e a8out %"atBC !at"erine aske5@ "er )oi3e -ettin- lou5er %it" ea3" ;uestion. A91 s"e 5i5BC AS"e %oul5 5ie@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A=ait >ust a minute@C !at"erine sai5. AAre you t"reatenin- meBC !at"erine?s 1a3e %as -ainin- a lot o1 3olor. An-er 5i5 t"at to "er. AS"e?ll -o to t"e poli3e@C 9 sai5. A9t is your 3"oi3e.C A9?m sorry@ !at"erine@ 8ut it %oul5 8e 8etter 1or us all i1 you 5i5n?t remem8er any o1 t"is.C A$"at?s itI =e are lea)in-@ no%.C S"e -ra88e5 my "an5@ an5 9 5i5n?t stop "er. Au8rey mo)e5 up 8e"in5 "er. ALook at me@ !at"erine.C S"e sti11ene5. Her 1in-ers 5u- into my "an5G in3re5i8le tension )i8rate5 5o%n "er mus3les. S"e %as 1i-"tin- it. Go5@ "elp "er. But s"e 5i5n?t "a)e any ma-i3@ or 3ru3i1i*es. Stren-t" o1 %ill %as not enou-"@ not a-ainst somet"in- like Au8rey.

Her "an5 1ell a%ay 1rom my arm@ 1in-ers -oin- limp all at on3e. Breat" %ent out o1 "er in a lon-@ s"u55erin- si-". S"e stare5 at somet"in- >ust a little o)er my "ea5@ somet"in- 9 3oul5n?t see. 9 %"ispere5@ A!at"erine@ 9?m sorry.C AAu8rey 3an %ipe "er memory o1 t"is ni-"t. S"e %ill t"ink s"e 5rank too mu3"@ 8ut t"at %ill not un5o t"e 5ama-e.C A9 kno%. $"e only t"in- t"at 3an 8reak Au8rey?s "ol5 on "er is "is 5eat".C AS"e %ill 8e 5ust in "er -ra)e 8e1ore t"at "appens.C 9 stare5 at "im@ at t"e 8loo5 stain on "is s"irt. 9 smile5 a )ery 3are1ul smile. A$"is little %oun5 %as lu3k an5 not"in- more. 4o not let it make you o)er3on1i5ent@C Au8rey sai5. #)er3on1i5entG no% t"at %as 1unny. 9 8arely mana-e5 not to lau-". A9 un5erstan5 t"e t"reat@ Hean2!lau5e. ,it"er 9 5o %"at you %ant or Au8rey 1inis"es %"at "e starte5 %it" !at"erine.C ADou "a)e -raspe5 t"e situation@ ma petite.C AStop 3allin- me t"at. ="at is it e*a3tly t"at you %ant 1rom meBC A9 8elie)e =illie 73!oy tol5 you %"at %e %ante5.C ADou %ant to "ire me to 3"e3k into t"e )ampire mur5ersBC A,*a3tly.C A$"is@C 9 motione5 to !at"erine?s 8lank 1a3e@ A%as "ar5ly ne3essary. Dou 3oul5 "a)e 8eaten me up@ t"reatene5 my li1e@ o11ere5 me more money. Dou 3oul5 "a)e 5one a lot o1 t"in-s 8e1ore you 5i5 t"is.C He smile5@ lips ti-"t. AAll t"at %oul5 "a)e taken time. An5 let us 8e trut"1ul. 9n t"e en5 you %oul5 still "a)e re1use5 us.C A7ay8e.C A$"is %ay@ you "a)e no 3"oi3e.C He "a5 a point. A#kay@ 9?m on t"e 3ase. Satis1ie5BC AVery@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ "is )oi3e )ery so1t. A="at o1 your 1rien5BC A9 %ant "er to -o "ome in a 3a8. An5 9 %ant some -uarantees t"at ol5 lon-21an- isn?t -oin- to kill "er any%ay.C Au8rey lau-"e5@ a ri3" soun5 t"at en5e5 in a "ysteri3al "issin-. He %as 8ent o)er@ s"akin- %it" lau-"ter. ALon-21an-@ 9 like t"at.C Hean2!lau5e -lan3e5 at t"e lau-"in- )ampire an5 sai5@ A9 %ill -i)e you my %or5 t"at s"e %ill not 8e "arme5 i1 you "elp us.C A/o o11ense@ 8ut t"at?s not enou-".C ADou 5ou8t my %or5.C His )oi3e -ro%le5 lo% an5 %arm@ an-ry. /o@ 8ut you 5on?t "ol5 Au8rey?s leas". :nless "e ans%ers to you you 3an?t -uarantee "is 8e"a)ior.C Au8rey?s lau-"ter "a5 so1tene5 to a 1e% 1aint -i--les. 9 "a5 ne)er "ear5 a )ampire -i--le 8e1ore. 9t %asn?t a pleasant soun5. $"e lau-"ter 5ie5 3ompletely@ an5 "e strai-"tene5. A/o one "ol5s my leas"@ -irl. 9 am my o%n master.C A#"@ -et real. 91 you %ere o)er 1i)e "un5re5 years ol5@ an5 a master )ampire@ you?5 "a)e 3leane5 up t"e sta-e %it" me. As it %asC29 1lattene5 my "an5s palms up2Ayou 5i5n?t@ %"i3" means you?re )ery ol5 8ut not your o%n master.C He -ro%le5 lo% in "is t"roat@ 1a3e 5arkenin- %it" an-er. AHo% 5are youBC A$"ink@ Au8rey@ s"e >u5-e5 your a-e %it"in 1i1ty years. Dou are not a master )ampire@ an5 s"e kne% t"at. =e nee5 "er.C AS"e nee5s to learn some "umility.C He stalke5 to%ar5s me@ 8o5y ri-i5 %it" an-er@ "an5s 3len3"in- an5 un3len3"in- in t"e air. Hean2!lau5e steppe5 8et%een us. A/ikolaos is e*pe3tin- us to 8rin- "er@ un"arme5.C Au8rey "esitate5. He snarle5G "is >a%s snappe5 on empty air. $"e sma3k o1 "is teet" 8itin- to-et"er %as a 5ull@ an-ry soun5. $"ey stare5 at ea3" ot"er. 9 3oul5 1eel t"eir %ills strainin- t"rou-" t"e air@ like a 5istant %in5. 9t ma5e t"e skin at t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k 3ra%l. 9t %as Au8rey %"o looke5 a%ay@ %it" an an-ry -ra3e1ul 8link. A9 %ill not an-er@ my master.C He emp"asiEe5 Amy@C makin- it 3lear t"at Hean2!lau5e %as not A"isC master. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5 t%i3e@ an5 it soun5e5 lou5. 91 t"ey %ante5 me s3are5@ t"ey %ere 5oin- a "ell o1 a >o8. A="o is /ikolaos?BC Hean2!lau5e turne5 to look at me@ "is 1a3e 3alm an5 8eauti1ul. A$"at ;uestion is not ours to ans%er.C A="at is t"at suppose5 to meanBC He smile5@ lips 3urlin- 3are1ully so no 1an- s"o%e5. ALet us put your 1rien5 in a 3a8@ out o1 "arm?s %ay.C

A="at o1 7oni3aC He -rinne5 t"en@ 1an-s s"o%in-G "e looke5 -enuinely amuse5. AAre you %orrie5 1or "er sa1etyBC 9t "it me t"en2t"e impromptu 8a3"elorette party@ t"ere only 8ein- t"e t"ree o1 us. AS"e %as t"e lure to -et !at"erine an5 me 5o%n "ere.C He no55e5@ on3e 5o%n@ on3e up. 9 %ante5 to -o 8a3k out an5 smas" 7oni3a?s 1a3e in. $"e more 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"e i5ea@ t"e 8etter it soun5e5. As i1 8y ma-i3@ s"e parte5 t"e 3urtains an5 3ame 8a3k. 9 smile5 at "er@ an5 it 1elt -oo5. S"e "esitate5@ -lan3in- 1rom me to Hean2!lau5e an5 8a3k. A9s e)eryt"in- -oin- a33or5in- to planBC 9 %alke5 to%ar5s "er. Hean2!lau5e -ra88e5 my arm. A4o not "arm "er@ Anita. S"e is un5er our prote3tion.C A9 s%ear to you t"at 9 %ill not lay a 1in-er on "er toni-"t. 9 >ust %ant to tell "er somet"in-.C He release5 my arm@ slo%ly@ like "e %asn?t sure it %as a -oo5 i5ea. 9 steppe5 ne*t to 7oni3a@ until our 8o5ies almost tou3"e5. 9 %"ispere5 into "er 1a3e@ A91 anyt"in- "appens to !at"erine@ 9 %ill see you 5ea5.C S"e smirke5 at me@ 3on1i5ent in "er prote3tors. A$"ey %ill 8rin- me 8a3k as one o1 t"em.C 9 1elt my "ea5 s"ake@ a little to t"e ri-"t@ a little to t"e le1t@ a slo% pre3ise mo)ement. A9 %ill 3ut out your "eart.C 9 %as still smilin-@ 9 3oul5n?t seem to stop. A$"en 9 %ill 8urn it an5 s3atter t"e as"es in t"e ri)er. 4o you un5erstan5 meBC S"e s%allo%e5 au5i8ly. Her "ealt"23lu8 tan looke5 a little -reen. S"e no55e5@ starin- at me like 9 %as t"e 8o-ey man. 9 t"ink s"e 8elie)e5 9?5 5o it. Pea3"y keen. 9 "ate to %aste a really -oo5 t"reat.

Chapter Eight
9 %at3"e5 !at"erine?s 3a8 )anis" aroun5 t"e 3orner. S"e ne)er turne5@ or %a)e5@ or spoke. S"e %oul5 %ake tomorro% %it" )a-ue memories. Hust a ni-"t out %it" t"e -irls. 9 %oul5 like to "a)e t"ou-"t s"e %as out o1 it@ sa1e@ 8ut 9 kne% 8etter. $"e air smelle5 t"i3kly o1 rain. $"e street li-"ts -listene5 o11 t"e si5e%alk. $"e air %as almost too t"i3k to 8reat"e. St. Louis in t"e summer. Pea3"y. AS"all %e -oBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. He stoo5@ %"ite s"irt -leamin- in t"e 5ark. 91 t"e "umi5ity 8ot"ere5 "im@ it 5i5n?t s"o%. Au8rey stoo5 in t"e s"a5o%s near t"e 5oor. $"e only li-"t on "im %as t"e 3rimson neon o1 t"e 3lu8 si-n. He -rinne5 at me@ 1a3e painte5 re5@ 8o5y lost in s"a5o%s. A9t?s a little too 3ontri)e5@ Au8rey@C 9 sai5. His -rin %a)ere5. A="at 5o you meanBC ADou look like a B2mo)ie 4ra3ula.C He 1lo%e5 5o%n t"e steps@ %it" t"at easy per1e3tion t"at only t"e really ol5 ones "a)e. $"e street li-"t s"o%e5 "is 1a3e ti-"t@ "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists. Hean2!lau5e steppe5 in 1ront o1 "im an5 spoke lo%@ )oi3e a soot"in- %"isper. Au8rey turne5 a%ay %it" a >erky s"ru- an5 8e-an to -li5e up t"e street. Hean2!lau5e turne5 to me. A91 you 3ontinue to taunt "im@ t"ere %ill 3ome a point 1rom %"i3" 9 3annot 8rin- "im 8a3k. An5 you %ill 5ie.C A9 t"ou-"t your >o8 %as to keep me ali)e 1or t"is /ikolaos.C He 1ro%ne5. A9t is@ 8ut 9 %ill not 5ie to 5e1en5 you. 4o you un5erstan5 t"atBC A9 5o no%.C AGoo5. S"all %e -oBC He -esture5 5o%n t"e si5e%alk@ in t"e 5ire3tion Au8rey "a5 -one. A=e?re -oin- to %alkBC A9t is not 1ar.C He "el5 "is "an5 out to me. 9 stare5 at it an5 s"ook my "ea5. A9t is ne3essary@ Anita. 9 %oul5 not ask it ot"er%ise.C AHo% is it ne3essaryBC A$"is ni-"t must remain se3ret 1rom t"e poli3e@ Anita. Hol5 my "an5@ play t"e 8esotte5 "uman %it" "er )ampire lo)er. 9t %ill e*plain t"e 8loo5 on your 8louse. 9t %ill e*plain %"ere %e are -oin-@ an5 %"y.C

His "an5 "un- t"ere@ pale an5 slen5er. $"ere %as no tremor to t"e 1in-ers@ no mo)ement@ as i1 "e 3oul5 stan5 t"ere o11erin- me "is "an5 1ore)er. An5 may8e "e 3oul5. 9 took "is "an5. His lon- 1in-ers 3ur)e5 o)er t"e 8a3k o1 my "an5. =e 8e-an %alkin-@ "is "an5 )ery still in mine. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e pulse in my "an5 a-ainst "is skin. His pulse 8e-an to spee5 up to mat3" mine. 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8loo5 1lo% like a se3on5 "eart. AHa)e you 1e5 toni-"tBC my )oi3e soun5e5 so1t. A!an you not tellBC A9 3an ne)er tell %it" you.C 9 sa% "im smile out o1 t"e 3orner o1 my eye. A9 am 1lattere5.C ADou ne)er ans%ere5 my ;uestion.C A/o@C "e sai5. A/o@ you "a)en?t ans%ere5 me@ or no@ you "a)en?t 1e5BC He turne5 "is "ea5 to me@ as %e %alke5. S%eat -leame5 on "is upper lip. A="at 5o you t"ink@ ma petiteBC His )oi3e %as t"e so1test o1 %"ispers. 9 >erke5 my "an5@ trie5 to -et a%ay@ e)en t"ou-" 9 kne% it %as silly@ an5 %oul5n?t %ork. His "an5 3on)ulse5 aroun5 mine@ s;ueeEe5 until 9 -aspe5. He %asn?t e)en tryin- "ar5. A4o not stru--le a-ainst me@ Anita.C His ton-ue sli5 a3ross "is upper lip. AStru--lin- is2e*3itin-.C A="y 5i5n?t you 1ee5 earlierBC A9 %as or5ere5 not to.C ..="yBC He 5i5n?t ans%er me. <ain 8e-an to patter 5o%n. Li-"t an5 3ool. A="yBC 9 repeate5. A9 5on?t kno%.C His )oi3e %as nearly lost in t"e so1t 1all o1 rain. 91 it "a5 8een anyone else 9 %oul5 "a)e sai5 "e %as a1rai5. $"e "otel %as tall an5 t"in@ an5 ma5e o1 real 8ri3k. $"e si-n out 1ront -lo%e5 8lue an5 sai5@ AVa3an3y.C $"ere %as no ot"er si-n. /ot"in- to tell you %"at t"e pla3e %as 3alle5@ or e)en %"at it %as. Hust )a3an3y. <ain -listene5 in Hean2!lau5e?s "air@ like 8la3k 5iamon5s. 7y top %as sti3kin- to my 8o5y. $"e 8loo5 "a5 8e-un to %as" a%ay. !ol5 %ater %as >ust t"e t"in- 1or a 1res" 8loo5 stain. A poli3e 3ar ease5 aroun5 t"e 3orner. 9 tense5. Hean2!lau5e >erke5 me a-ainst "im. 9 put my palm a-ainst "is 3"est to keep our 8o5ies 1rom tou3"in-. His "eart t"u55e5 un5er my "an5. $"e poli3e 3ar %as -oin- )ery slo%ly. A spotli-"t 8e-an to sear3" t"e s"a5o%s. $"ey s%ept t"e 4istri3t re-ularly. 9t %as 8a5 1or tourism i1 t"e tourists -ot %aste5 8y our 8i--est attra3tions. Hean2!lau5e -ra88e5 my 3"in an5 turne5 me to look at "im. 9 trie5 to pull a%ay@ 8ut "is 1in-ers 5u- into my 3"in. A4on?t 1i-"t meIC A9 %on?t look in your eyesIC A7y %or5 t"at 9 %ill not try to 8espell you. 'or t"is ni-"t you may look into my eyes %it" sa1ety. 9 s%ear it.C He -lan3e5 at t"e poli3e 3ar@ still mo)in- to%ar5s us. A91 t"e poli3e are 8rou-"t into t"is@ 9 3annot promise %"at %ill "appen to your 1rien5.C 9 1or3e5 mysel1 to rela* in "is arms@ lettin- my 8o5y ease a-ainst "is. 7y "eart8eat soun5e5 lou5@ as i1 9 "a5 8een runnin-. $"en 9 realiEe5 it %asn?t my "eart 9 %as "earin-. Hean2!lau5e?s pulse %as t"ro88in- t"rou-" my 8o5y. 9 3oul5 "ear it@ 1eel it@ almost s;ueeEe it in my "an5. 9 stare5 up at "is 1a3e. His eyes %ere t"e 5arkest 8lue 9 "a5 e)er seen@ per1e3t as a mi5ni-"t sky. $"ey %ere 5ark an5 ali)e@ 8ut t"ere %as no sense o1 5ro%nin-@ no pull. $"ey %ere >ust eyes. His 1a3e leane5 to%ar5s me. He %"ispere5@ A9 s%ear.C He %as -oin- to kiss me. 9 5i5n?t %ant "im to. But 9 5i5n?t %ant t"e poli3e to stop an5 ;uestion us. 9 5i5n?t %ant to e*plain t"e 8loo5 stains@ t"e torn 8louse. His lips "esitate5 o)er my mout". His "eart8eat %as lou5 in my "ea5@ "is pulse %as ra3in-@ an5 my 8reat"in- %as ra--e5 %it" "is nee5. His lips %ere silk@ "is ton-ue a ;ui3k %etness. 9 trie5 to pull 8a3k an5 1oun5 "is "an5 at t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k@ pressin- my mout" a-ainst "is. $"e poli3e spotli-"t s%ept o)er us. 9 rela*e5 a-ainst Hean2!lau5e@ lettin- "im kiss me. #ur mout"s presse5 to-et"er. 7y ton-ue 1oun5 t"e smoot" "ar5ness o1 1an-s. 9 pulle5 a%ay@ an5 "e let me. He presse5 my 1a3e a-ainst "is 3"est@ one arm like steel a-ainst my 8a3k@ pressin- me a-ainst "im. He %as trem8lin-@ an5 it %asn?t 1rom t"e rain. His 8reat"in- %as ra--e5@ "is "eart >umpin- un5er "is skin a-ainst my 3"eek. $"e sli3k rou-"ness o1 "is 8urn s3ar tou3"e5 my 1a3e.

His "un-er poure5 o)er me in a )iolent %a)e@ like "eat. He "a5 8een s"elterin- me 1rom it@ until no%. AHean2!lau5eIC 9 5i5n?t try to keep t"e 1ear out o1 my )oi3e. AHus".C A s"u55er ran t"rou-" "is 8o5y. His 8reat" es3ape5 in a lou5 si-". He release5 me so a8ruptly@ 9 stum8le5. He %alke5 a%ay 1rom me to lean a-ainst a parke5 3ar. He raise5 "is 1a3e up into t"e rain. 9 3oul5 still 1eel "is "eart8eat. 9 "a5 ne)er 8een so a%are o1 my o%n pulse@ t"e 8loo5 1lo%in- t"rou-" my )eins. 9 "u--e5 mysel1@ s"i)erin- in t"e "ot rain. $"e poli3e 3ar "a5 )anis"e5 into t"e streetli-"t 5arkness. A1ter per"aps 1i)e minutes Hean2!lau5e stoo5. 9 3oul5 no lon-er 1eel "is "eart8eat. 7y o%n pulse %as slo% an5 re-ular. ="ate)er "a5 "appene5 %as o)er. He %alke5 past me an5 3alle5 o)er "is s"oul5er. A!ome@ /ikolaos a%aits us insi5e.C 9 1ollo%e5 "im t"rou-" t"e 5oor. He 5i5 not try to take my "an5. 9n 1a3t "e staye5 out o1 rea3"@ an5 9 traile5 a1ter "im t"rou-" a small s;uare lo88y. A "uman man sat 8e"in5 t"e 1ront 5esk. He -lan3e5 up 1rom t"e ma-aEine "e. %as rea5in-. His eyes 1li3ke5 to Hean2!lau5e an5 8a3k to me. He leere5 at me. 9 -lare5 8a3k. He s"ru--e5 an5 turne5 8a3k to "is ma-aEine. Hean2!lau5e mo)e5 s%i1tly up t"e stairs@ not %aitin- 1or me. He 5i5n?t e)en look 8a3k. 7ay8e "e 3oul5 "ear me %alkin- 8e"in5 "im@ or may8e "e 5i5n?t 3are i1 9 1ollo%e5. 9 -uess %e %eren?t preten5in- to 8e lo)ers anymore. 'an3y t"at. 9 %oul5 almost "a)e sai5 t"e master )ampire 5i5n?t trust "imsel1 aroun5 me. $"ere %as a lon- "all%ay %it" 5oors on eit"er si5e. Hean2!lau5e %as "al1%ay t"rou-" one o1 t"ose 5oors. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s it. 9 re1use5 to "urry. $"ey 3oul5 5amn %ell %ait. $"e room "el5 a 8e5@ a ni-"tstan5 %it" a lamp@ an5 t"ree )ampiresJ Au8rey@ Hean2!lau5e@ an5 a stran-e 1emale )ampire. Au8rey %as stan5in- in t"e 1ar 3orner@ near t"e %in5o%. He %as smilin- at me. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 near t"e 5oor. $"e 1emale )ampire re3line5 on t"e 8e5. S"e looke5 like a )ampire s"oul5. Lon-@ strai-"t@ 8la3k "air 1ell aroun5 "er s"oul5ers. Her 5ress %as 1ull2skirte5 an5 8la3k. S"e %ore "i-" 8la3k 8oots %it" t"ree2in3" "eels. ALook into my eyes@C s"e sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at "er@ 8e1ore 9 3oul5 stop mysel1@ t"en stare5 5o%n at t"e 1loor. S"e lau-"e5@ an5 it "a5 t"e same ;uality o1 tou3" t"at Hean2!lau5e?s 5i5. A soun5 t"at you 3oul5 1eel %it" your "an5s. A!lose t"e 5oor@ Au8rey@C s"e sai5. Her r?s %ere t"i3k %it" some a33ent t"at 9 3oul5n?t pla3e. Au8rey 8rus"e5 past me as "e 3lose5 t"e 5oor. He staye5 in 8a3k o1 me@ %"ere 9 3oul5n?t see "im. 9 mo)e5 to stan5 %it" my 8a3k to t"e only empty %all@ so 9 3oul5 see all o1 t"em@ 1or %"at -oo5 it %oul5 5o me. AA1rai5BC Au8rey aske5. AStill 8lee5in-BC 9 aske5. He 3rosse5 "is arms o)er t"e 8loo5 stain on "is s"irt. A=e s"all see %"o is 8lee5in- 3ome 5a%n.C AAu8rey@ 5o not 8e 3"il5is".C $"e )ampire on t"e 8e5 stoo5. Her "eels 3li3ke5 a-ainst t"e 8are 1loor. S"e stalke5 aroun5 me@ an5 9 1ou-"t an ur-e to turn an5 keep "er in si-"t. S"e lau-"e5 a-ain@ as i1 s"e kne% it. ADou %is" me to -uarantee your 1rien5?s sa1etyBC s"e aske5. S"e "a5 -one 8a3k to sink -ra3e1ully onto t"e 8e5. $"e 8are@ 5in-y room seeme5 some"o% %orse %it" "er sittin- t"ere in "er t%o2"un5re525ollar leat"er 8oots. A/o@C 9 sai5. A$"at is %"at you aske5@ Anita@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9 sai5 t"at 9 %ante5 -uarantees 1rom Au8rey?s master.C ADou are speakin- %it" my master@ -irl.C A/o@ 9 am not.C $"e room %as su55enly )ery still. 9 3oul5 "ear somet"in- s3ram8lin- insi5e t"e %all. 9 "a5 to look up to make sure t"e )ampires %ere still in t"e room. $"ey %ere all utterly still@ like statues@ no sense o1 mo)ement or 8reat"in-@ or li1e. $"ey %ere all so 5amn ol5@ 8ut none o1 t"em %ere ol5 enou-" to 8e /ikolaos. A9 am /ikolaos@C t"e 1emale sai5@ "er )oi3e 3oa*in- an5 8reat"in- t"rou-" t"e2room. 9 %ante5 to 8elie)e "er@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. A/o@C 9 sai5. ADou are not Au8rey?s master.C 9 riske5 a -lan3e into "er eyes. $"ey %ere 8la3k an5 %i5ene5 in surprise %"en 9 looke5 at t"em. ADou are )ery ol5@ an5 )ery -oo5@ 8ut you are not ol5 enou-" or stron- enou-" to 8e Au8rey?s master.C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ A9 tol5 you s"e %oul5 see t"rou-" it.C ASilen3eIC A$"e -ame is o)er@ $"eresa. S"e kno%s.C A#nly 8e3ause you "a)e tol5 "er.C A$ell t"em "o% you kne%@ Anita.C

9 s"ru--e5. AS"e 1eels %ron-. S"e >ust isn?t ol5 enou-". $"ere is more o1 a sense o1 po%er 1rom Au8rey t"an 1rom "er. $"at isn?t ri-"t.C A4o you still insist on speakin- %it" our masterBC t"e %oman aske5. A9 still %ant -uarantees on my 1rien5?s sa1ety.C 9 -lan3e5 t"rou-" t"e room@ at ea3" o1 t"em. AAn5 9 am -ettin- tire5 o1 stupi5 little -ames.C Au8rey %as su55enly mo)in- to%ar5s me. $"e %orl5 slo%e5. $"ere %as no time 1or 1ear. 9 trie5 to 8a3k a%ay@ kno%int"ere %as no%"ere to -o. Hean2!lau5e rus"e5 "im@ "an5s rea3"in-. He %oul5n?t make it in time. Au8rey?s "an5 3ame out o1 no%"ere an5 3au-"t me in t"e s"oul5er. $"e 8lo% kno3ke5 all t"e air 1rom my 8o5y an5 sent me 1lyin- 8a3k%ar5s. 7y 8a3k slamme5 into t"e %all. 7y "ea5 "it a moment later@ "ar5. $"e %orl5 %ent -rey. 9 sli5 5o%n t"e %all. 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. $iny %"ite s"apes 5an3e5 o)er t"e -reyness. $"e %orl5 8e-an to -o 8la3k. 9 sli5 to t"e 1loor. 9t 5i5n?t "urtG not"in- "urt. 9 stru--le5 to 8reat"e until my 3"est 8urne5@ an5 5arkness took e)eryt"in- a%ay.

Chapter Nine
Voi3es 1loate5 t"rou-" t"e 5arkness. 4reams. A=e s"oul5n?t "a)e mo)e5 "er.C A4i5 you %ant to 5iso8ey /ikolaosBC A9 "elpe5 8rin- "er "ere@ 5i5 9 notBC 9t %as a man?s )oi3e. ADes@C a %oman sai5. 9 lay t"ere %it" my eyes 3lose5. 9 %asn?t 5reamin-. 9 remem8ere5 Au8rey?s "an5 3omin- 1rom no%"ere. 9t "a5 8een an open 8a3k"an5 slap. 91 "e "a5 3lose5 "is 1ist ... 8ut "e "a5n?t. 9 %as ali)e. AAnita@ are you a%akeBC 9 opene5 my eyes. Li-"t speare5 into my "ea5. 9 3lose5 my eyes a-ainst t"e li-"t an5 t"e pain@ 8ut t"e pain staye5. 9 turne5 my "ea5@ an5 t"at %as a mistake. $"e pain %as a nauseatin- a3"e. 9t 1elt like t"e 8ones in my "ea5 %ere tryin- to sli5e o11. 9 raise5 "an5s to 3o)er my eyes an5 -roane5. AAnita@ are you all ri-"tBC ="y 5o people al%ays ask you t"at %"en t"e ans%er is o8)iously noB 9 spoke in a %"isper@ not sure "o% it %oul5 1eel to talk. 9t 5i5n?t 1eel too 8a5. AHust pea3"y keen.C A="atBC $"is 1rom t"e %oman. A9 t"ink s"e is 8ein- sar3asti3@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. He soun5e5 relie)e5. AS"e 3an?t 8e "urt too 8a5ly i1 s"e is makin>okes.C 9 %asn?t sure a8out t"e "urt too 8a5ly part. /ausea 1lo%e5 in %a)es@ 1rom "ea5 to stoma3"@ instea5 o1 t"e ot"er %ay aroun5. 9 %as 8ettin- 9 "a5 a 3on3ussion. $"e ;uestion %as@ "o% 8a5B A!an you mo)e@ AnitaBC A/o@C 9 %"ispere5. ALet me rep"rase. 91 9 "elp you@ 3an you sit upBC 9 s%allo%e5@ tryin- to 8reat"e t"rou-" t"e pain an5 nausea. A7ay8e.@@ Han5s 3ur)e5 un5er my s"oul5ers. $"e 8ones in my "ea5 starte5 sli5in- 1or%ar5 as "e li1te5. 9 -aspe5 an5 s%allo%e5. A9?m -oin- to 8e si3k.C 9 rolle5 o)er on all 1ours. $"e mo)ement %as too rapi5. $"e pan %as a %"irl o1 li-"t an5 5arkness. 7y stoma3" "ea)e5. Vomit 8urne5 up my t"roat. 7y "ea5 %as e*plo5in-. Hean2!lau5e "el5 me aroun5 t"e %aist@ one 3ool "an5 on my 1ore"ea5@ "ol5in- t"e 8ones o1 my "ea5 in pla3e. His )oi3e "el5 me@ a soot"in- s"eet a-ainst my skin. He %as speakin- 'ren3"@ )ery so1tly. 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 a %or5 o1 it@ an5 5i5n?t nee5 to. His )oi3e "el5 me@ ro3ke5 me@ took some o1 t"e pain. He 3ra5le5 me a-ainst "is 3"est@ an5 9 %as too %eak to protest. $"e pain "a5 8een s3reamin- t"rou-" my "ea5G no% it %as 5istant@ a t"ro88in- a3"e. 9t still 1elt o8s3ene to turn my "ea5@ as i1 my "ea5 %ere sli5in- apart@ 8ut t"e pain %as 5i11erent@ 8eara8le. He %ipe5 my 1a3e an5 mout" %it" a 5amp 3lot". A4o you 1eel 8etter no%BC "e aske5. ADes.C 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 %"ere t"e pain "a5 -one. $"eresa sai5@ AHean2!lau5e@ %"at "a)e you 5oneBC A/ikolaos %is"es "er to 8e a%are an5 %ell 1or t"is )isit. Dou sa% "er. S"e nee5s a "ospital@ not more tormentin-.C

ASo you "elpe5 "er.C $"e )ampire?s )oi3e soun5e5 amuse5. A/ikolaos %ill not 8e please5.C 9 1elt "im s"ru-. A9 5i5 %"at %as ne3essary.C 9 3oul5 open my eyes %it"out s;uintin- or in3reasin- t"e pain. =e %ere in a 5un-eonG t"ere %as no ot"er %or5 1or it. $"i3k stone %alls en3lose5 a s;uare room@ per"aps t%enty 8y t%enty 1eet. Steps le5 up to a 8arre5@ %oo5en 5oor. $"ere %ere e)en 3"ains set in t"e %alls. $or3"es -uttere5 alon- t"e %alls. $"e only t"in- missin- %as a ra3k an5 a 8la3k2 "oo5e5 torturer@ one %it" 8i-@ 8ee1y arms@ an5 a tattoo t"at sai5 A9 lo)e 7om.C Dea"@ t"at %oul5 "a)e ma5e it per1e3t. 9 %as 1eelin- 8etter@ mu3" 8etter. 9 s"oul5n?t "a)e 8een re3o)erin- t"is ;ui3kly. 9 "a5 8een "urt 8e1ore@ 8a5ly. 9t 5i5n?t >ust 1a5e@ not like t"is. A!an you sit unai5e5BC Hean2!lau5e aske5. Surprisin-ly@ t"e ans%er %as yes. 9 sat %it" my 8a3k to t"e %all. $"e pain %as still t"ere@ 8ut it >ust 5i5n?t "urt as mu3". Hean2!lau5e -ot a 8u3ket 1rom near t"e stairs an5 %as"e5 it o)er t"e 1loor. $"ere %as a )ery mo5ern 5rain in t"e mi55le o1 t"e 1loor. $"eresa stoo5 starin- at me@ "an5s on "ips. ADou 3ertainly are re3o)erin- ;ui3kly.C Her )oi3e "el5 amusement@ an5 somet"in- else 9 3oul5n?t 5e1ine. A$"e pain@ t"e nausea@ it?s almost -one. Ho%BC S"e smirke5@ lips 3urlin-. ADou?ll "a)e to ask Hean2!lau5e t"at. 9t?s "is 5oin-@ not mine.C ABe3ause you 3oul5 not "a)e 5one it.C $"ere %as a %arm e5-e o1 an-er to "is )oi3e. Her 1a3e pale5. A9 %oul5 not "a)e@ re-ar5less.C A="at are you talkin- a8outBC 9 aske5. Hean2!lau5e looke5 at me@ 8eauti1ul 1a3e unrea5a8le. His 5ark eyes stare5 into mine. $"ey %ere still >ust eyes. AGo on@ master )ampire@ tell "er. See "o% -rate1ul s"e is.C Hean2!lau5e stare5 at me@ %at3"in- my 1a3e. ADou are 8a5ly "urt@ a 3on3ussion. But /ikolaos %ill not let us take you to a "ospital until t"is ... inter)ie% is o)er %it". 9 1eare5 you %oul5 5ie or 8e una8le to ... 1un3tion.C 9 "a5 ne)er "ear5 "is )oi3e so un3ertain. ASo 9 s"are5 my li1e21or3e %it" you.C 9 starte5 to s"ake my "ea5. Bi- mistake. 9 presse5 "an5s to my 1ore"ea5. A9 5on?t un5erstan5.C He sprea5 "is "an5s %i5e. A9 5o not "a)e t"e %or5s.C A#"@ allo% me@C $"eresa sai5. AHe "as taken t"e 1irst step to makin- you a "uman ser)ant.C A/o.C 9 %as still "a)in- trou8le t"inkin- 3learly@ 8ut 9 kne% t"at %asn?t ri-"t. AHe 5i5n?t try to tri3k me %it" "is min5@ or eyes. He 5i5n?t 8ite me.C A9 5on?t mean one o1 t"ose pat"eti3 "al123reatures t"at "a)e a 1e% 8ites an5 5o our 8i55in-. 9 mean a permanent "uman ser)ant@ one t"at %ill ne)er 8e 8itten@ ne)er 8e "urt. #ne t"at %ill a-e almost as slo%ly as %e 5o.C 9 still 5i5n?t un5erstan5. Per"aps it s"o%e5 in my 1a3e 8e3ause Hean2!lau5e sai5@ A9 took your pain an5 -a)e you some o1 my ... stamina.C AAre you e*perien3in- my pain@ t"enBC A/o@ t"e pain is -one. 9 "a)e ma5e you a little "ar5er to "urt.C 9 still %asn?t takin- it all in@ or may8e it %as >ust 8eyon5 me. A9 5on?t un5erstan5.C AListen@ %oman@ "e "as s"are5 %it" you %"at %e 3onsi5er a -reat -i1t to 8e -i)en only to people %"o "a)e pro)en t"emsel)es in)alua8le.C 9 stare5 at Hean2!lau5e. A4oes t"is mean 9 am in your po%er some"o%BC AHust t"e opposite@C $"eresa sai5@ Ayou are no% immune to "is -lan3e@ "is )oi3e@ "is min5. Dou %ill ser)e "im out o1 %illin-ness@ not"in- more. Dou see %"at "e "as 5one.C 9 stare5 into "er 8la3k eyes. $"ey %ere >ust eyes. S"e no55e5. A/o% you 8e-in to un5erstan5. As an animator you "a5 partial immunity to our -aEe. /o% you "a)e almost 3omplete immunity.C S"e -a)e an a8rupt 8arkin- lau-". A/ikolaos is -oin- to 5estroy you 8ot".C =it" t"at s"e stalke5 up t"e stairs@ t"e "eels o1 "er 8oots sma3kin- a-ainst t"e stone. S"e le1t t"e 5oor open 8e"in5 "er. Hean2!lau5e "a5 3ome to stan5 o)er me. His 1a3e %as unrea5a8le. A="yBC 9 aske5. He >ust stare5 5o%n at me. His "air "a5 5rie5 in unruly 3urls aroun5 "is 1a3e. He %as still 8eauti1ul@ 8ut t"e "air ma5e "im seem more real. A="yBC

He smile5 t"en@ an5 t"ere %ere tire5 lines near "is eyes. A91 you 5ie5@ our master %oul5 "a)e punis"e5 us. Au8rey is alrea5y su11erin- 1or "is ... in5is3retion.C He turne5 an5 %alke5 up t"e stairs. He mo)e5 up t"e steps like a 3at@ all 8oneless@ li;ui5 -ra3e. He pause5 at t"e 5oor an5 -lan3e5 8a3k at me. ASomeone %ill 3ome 1or you %"en /ikolaos 5e3i5es it is time.C He 3lose5 t"e 5oor@ an5 9 "ear5 it lat3" an5 lo3k. His )oi3e 1loate5 t"rou-" t"e 8ars@ ri3"@ almost 8u88lin- %it" lau-"ter@ AAn5 per"aps@ 8e3ause 9 like5 you.C His lau-"ter %as 8itter@ like 8roken -lass.

Chapter Ten
9 "a5 to 3"e3k t"e lo3ke5 5oor. <attle it@ poke at t"e lo3k@ as i1 9 kne% "o% to pi3k lo3ks. See i1 any 8ars %ere loose@ t"ou-" 9 3oul5 ne)er "a)e s;ueeEe5 t"rou-" t"e small %in5o% any%ay. 9 3"e3ke5 t"e 5oor 8e3ause 9 3oul5 not resist it. 9t %as t"e same ur-e t"at ma5e you rattle your trunk a1ter you lo3ke5 your keys insi5e. 9 "a)e 8een on t"e %ron- si5e o1 a lot o1 lo3ke5 5oors. /ot a one o1 t"em "a5 >ust opene5 1or me@ 8ut t"ere %as al%ays a 1irst time. Dea"@ 9 s"oul5 li)e so lon-. S3rat3" t"atG 8a5 p"rase. A soun5 8rou-"t me 8a3k to t"e 3ell an5 its seepin-@ 5amp %alls. A rat s3urrie5 a-ainst t"e 1ar %all. Anot"er peere5 aroun5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e steps@ %"iskers t%it3"in-. 9 -uess you 3an?t "a)e a 5un-eon %it"out rats@ 8ut 9 %oul5 "a)e 8een %illin- to -i)e it a try. Somet"in- else pattere5 aroun5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e stepsG in t"e tor3"li-"t 9 t"ou-"t it %as a 5o-. 9t %asn?t. A rat t"e siEe o1 a German s"ep"er5 sat up on its sleek 8la3k "aun3"es. 9t stare5 at me@ "u-e pa%s tu3ke5 3lose to its 1urry 3"est. 9t 3o3ke5 one lar-e@ 8la3k 8utton eye at me. Lips 5re% 8a3k 1rom yello%e5 teet". $"e in3isors %ere 1i)e in3"es lon-@ 8lunt2e5-e5 5a--ers. 9 yelle5@ AHean2!lau5eIC $"e air 1ille5 %it" "i-"2pit3"e5 s;ueals@ e3"oin-@ as i1 t"ey %ere runnin- up a tunnel. 9 steppe5 to t"e 1ar e5-e o1 t"e stairs. An5 9 sa% it. A tunnel 3ut into t"e %all@ almost man2"i-". <ats poure5 out o1 t"e tunnel in a t"i3k@ 1urry %a)e@ s;uealin- an5 8itin-. $"ey 1lo%e5 out an5 8e-an to 3o)er t"e 1loor. AHean2!lau5eIC 9 8eat on t"e 5oor@ >erke5 at t"e 8ars@ e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 5one 8e1ore. 9t %as useless. 9 %asn?t -ettin- out. 9 ki3ke5 t"e 5oor an5 s3reame5@ A4ammitIC $"e soun5 e3"oe5 a-ainst t"e stone %alls an5 almost 5ro%ne5 out t"e soun5 o1 t"ousan5s o1 s3ram8lin- 3la%s. A$"ey %ill not 3ome 1or you until %e are 1inis"e5.C 9 1roEe@ "an5s still on t"e 5oor. 9 turne5@ slo%ly. $"e )oi3e "a5 3ome 1rom insi5e t"e 3ell. $"e 1loor %rit"e5 an5 t%iste5 %it" 1urry little 8o5ies. Hi-"2pit3"e5 s;ueals@ t"e t"i3k 8rus" o1 1ur@ t"e 3latter o1 t"ousan5s o1 tiny 3la%s 1ille5 t"e room. $"ousan5s o1 t"em@ t"ousan5s. 'our -iant rats sat like mountains in t"e %rit"in- 1urry ti5e. #ne o1 t"em stare5 at me %it" 8la3k 8utton eyes. $"ere %as not"in- ratlike in t"e stare. 9 "a5 ne)er seen %ererats 8e1ore@ 8ut 9 %as 8ettin- t"at 9 %as seein- t"em no%. #ne 1i-ure stoo5@ le-s "al128ent. 9t %as man2siEe@ %it" a narro%@ ratlike 1a3e. A "u-e nake5 tail 3ur)e5 aroun5 its 8ent le-s like t"i3k 1les"y rope. 9t2no@ "e@ 5e1initely "e2e*ten5e5 a 3la%e5 "an5. A!ome 5o%n an5 >oin us@ "uman.C $"e )oi3e soun5e5 t"i3k@ almost 1urry@ %it" an e5-e o1 %"ine to it. ,a3" %or5 pre3ise an5 a little %ron-. <ats? lips are not ma5e 1or talkin-. 9 %as not 3omin- 5o%n t"e steps. /o %ay. 9 3oul5 taste my "eart in my t"roat. 9 kne% a man %"o sur)i)e5 a %ere%ol1 atta3k@ nearly 5ie5@ an5 5i5n?t 8e3ome a %ere%ol1. 9 kno% anot"er man %"o %as 8arely s3rat3"e5 an5 8e3ame a %ereti-er. #55s %ere@ i1 9 %as so mu3" as s3rat3"e5@ in a mont"?s time 9 %oul5 8e playin- 1ur21a3e@ 3omplete %it" 8la3k 8utton eyes an5 yello%is" 1an-s. 4ear Go5. A!ome 5o%n@ "uman. !ome 5o%n an5 play.C 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5. 9t 1elt like 9 %as tryin- to s%allo% my "eart. A9 5on?t t"ink so.C 9t -a)e a "issin- lau-". A=e 3oul5 3ome up an5 1et3" you.C He stro5e t"rou-" t"e lesser rats@ an5 t"ey parte5 1or "im 1ranti3ally@ leapin- on top o1 ea3" ot"er to a)oi5 "is tou3". He stoo5 at t"e e5-e o1 t"e steps@ lookin- up at me. His 1ur %as almost a "oney28ro%n 3olor@ streake5 %it" 8lon5. A91 %e 1or3e you o11 t"e steps@ you %on?t like it mu3".C 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5. 9 8elie)e5 "im. 9 %ent 1or my kni1e an5 1oun5 t"e s"eat" empty. #1 3ourse@ t"e )ampires "a5 taken it. 4ammit. A!ome 5o%n@ "uman@ 3ome 5o%n an5 play.C A91 you %ant me@ you?re -oin- to "a)e to 3ome -et me.C He 3urle5 "is tail t"rou-" "is "an5s@ strokin- it. #ne 3la%e5 "an5 ran t"rou-" t"e 1ur o1 "is 8elly@ an5 stroke5 lo%er. 9 stare5 )ery "ar5 at "is 1a3e@ an5 "e lau-"e5 at me. A'et3" "er.C

$%o o1 t"e 5o-2siEe rats mo)e5 to%ar5s t"e stairs. A small rat s;ueale5 an5 rolle5 un5er t"eir 1eet. 9t -a)e a "i-"@ piteous s"riek@ t"en not"in-. 9t t%it3"e5 until t"e ot"er rats 3o)ere5 it. $iny 8ones snappe5. /ot"in- %oul5 -o to %aste. 9 presse5 a-ainst t"e 5oor@ as i1 9 3oul5 sink t"rou-" it. $"e t%o rats 3rept up t"e steps@ sleek %ell21e5 animals. But t"ere %as no animal in t"e eyes. ="ate)er %as t"ere %as "uman@ intelli-ent. A=ait@ %ait.C $"e rats "esitate5. $"e ratman sai5@ ADesBC 9 s%allo%e5 au5i8ly. A="at 5o you %antBC A/ikolaos aske5 t"at %e entertain you %"ile you %ait.C A$"at 5oesn?t ans%er my ;uestion. ="at 5o you %ant me to 5oB ="at 5o you %antBC Lips 3urle5 8a3k 1rom yello%e5 teet". 9t looke5 like a snarl@ 8ut 9 t"ink it %as a smile. A!ome 5o%n to us@ "uman. $ou3" us@ let us tou3" you. Let us tea3" you t"e >oys o1 1ur an5 teet".C He ru88e5 3la%s t"rou-" t"e 1ur o1 "is t"i-"s. 9t 5re% my attention to "im@ 8et%een "is le-s. 9 looke5 a%ay@ an5 "eat rus"e5 up my skin. 9 %as 8lus"in-. 4ammitI 7y )oi3e 3ame out almost stea5y. A9s t"at suppose5 to 8e impressi)eBC 9 aske5. He 1roEe 1or an instant@ t"en snarle5@ AGet "er 5o%n "ereIC Great@ Anita@ anta-oniEe "im. 9mply t"at "is e;uipment is a little un5ersiEe5. His "issin- lau-" ran up my skin in 3ol5 %a)es. A=e are -oin- to "a)e 1un toni-"t. 9 3an tell.C $"e -iant rats 3ame up t"e steps@ mus3les %orkin- un5er 1ur@ %"iskers t"i3k as %ire@ %ri--lin- 1uriously. 9 presse5 my 8a3k a-ainst t"e 5oor an5 8e-an to sli5e 5o%n t"e %oo5. APlease@ please 5on?t.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 "i-" an5 1ri-"tene5@ an5 9 "ate5 it. A=e?)e 8roken you so soonG "o% )ery sa5@C t"e ratman sai5. $"e t%o -iant rats %ere almost on me. 9 8ra3e5 my 8a3k a-ainst t"e 5oor@ knees tu3ke5 up@ "eels plante5@ t"e rest o1 t"e 1oot sli-"tly raise5. A 3la% tou3"e5 my le-@ 9 1lin3"e5@ 8ut 9 %aite5. 9t "a5 to 8e ri-"t. Please@ Go5@ 5on?t let t"em 5ra% 8loo5. ="iskers s3rape5 alon- my 1a3e@ t"e %ei-"t o1 1ur on top o1 me. 9 ki3ke5 out@ 8ot" 1eet "ittin- soli5ly in t"e rat. 9t raise5 onto its "in5 le-s an5 topple5 8a3k%ar5s. 9t tittere5@ tail las"in-. 9 t"re% mysel1 1or%ar5 an5 smas"e5 it in t"e 3"est. $"e rat tum8le5 o)er t"e e5-e. $"e se3on5 rat 3rou3"e5@ makin- a soun5 lo% in its t"roat. 9 %at3"e5 its mus3les 8un3"@ an5 9 %ent 5o%n to one knee an5 8ra3e5. 91 it leape5 on me stan5in-@ 9?5 -o o)er t"e e5-e. 9 %as only in3"es 1rom t"e 5rop. 9t leape5. 9 5roppe5 1lat to t"e 1loor an5 rolle5. 9 s"o)e5 1eet an5 one "an5 into t"e %armt" o1 its 8o5y an5 "elpe5 it alon-. $"e rat plummete5 o)er me an5 out o1 si-"t. 9 "ear5 t"e 1ri-"tene5 s"rieks as it 1ell. $"e soun5 %as a t"i3k At"umpt".C Satis1yin-. 9 5ou8te5 eit"er o1 t"em %ere 5ea5. But it %as t"e 8est 9 3oul5 5o. 9 stoo5@ puttin- my 8a3k to t"e 5oor a-ain. $"e ratman %asn?t smilin- anymore. 9 smile5 at "im s%eetly@ my 8est an-eli3 smile. He 5i5n?t seem impresse5. He ma5e a motion like partin- air@ smoot". $"e lesser rats 1lo%e5 1or%ar5 %it" "is "an5. A 3reepin- 8ro%n ti5e o1 1urry little 8o5ies 8e-an to 8oil up t"e steps. 9 mi-"t 8e a8le to -et a 1e% o1 t"em@ 8ut not all o1 t"em. 91 "e %ante5 t"em to@ t"ey?5 eat me ali)e@ one tiny 3rimson 8ite at a time. <ats 1lo%e5 aroun5 my 1eet@ s3ram8lin- an5 ar-uin-. $iny 8o5ies 8umpe5 a-ainst my 8oots. #ne stret3"e5 itsel1 t"in@ rea3"in- up to -ra8 t"e e5-e o1 my 8oot. 9 ki3ke5 it o11. 9t 1ell s;uealin- o)er t"e e5-e. $"e -iant rats "a5 5ra--e5 one o1 t"eir in>ure5 1rien5s o11 to one si5e. $"e rat %asn?t mo)in-. $"e ot"er 9 "a5 t"ro%n o11 %as limpin-. A rat leape5 up%ar5@ 3la%s "ooke5 in my 8louse. 9t "un- t"ere@ 3la%s trappe5 in t"e 3lot". 9 3oul5 1eel its %ei-"t o)er my 8reast. 9 -ra88e5 it aroun5 its mi55le. $eet" sank into my "an5 until t"ey met@ -rin5in- skin@ missin- 8one. 9 s3reame5@ >erkin- t"e rat a%ay 1rom me. 9t 5an-le5 1rom my "an5 like an o8s3ene earrin-. Bloo5 ran 5o%n its 1ur. Anot"er rat leape5 on my 8louse. $"e ratman %as smilin-. A rat %as 3lim8in- 1or my 1a3e. 9 -ra88e5 it 8y t"e tail an5 pulle5 it a%ay. 9 yelle5@ AAre you a1rai5 to 3ome yoursel1B Are you a1rai5 o1 meBC 7y )oi3e %as t"in %it" pani3@ 8ut 9 sai5 it. ADour 1rien5s are in>ure5 5oin- somet"in- you?re a1rai5 to 5o. 9s t"at itB 9s itBC $"e -iant rats %ere starin- 1rom me to t"e ratman. He -lan3e5 at t"em. A9 am not a1rai5 o1 a "uman.C A$"en 3ome up@ take me yoursel1@ i1 you 3an.C $"e rat on my "an5 5roppe5 a%ay in a spout o1 8loo5. $"e skin 8et%een t"um8 an5 1ore1in-er %as rippe5 apart. $"e lesser rats "esitate5@ starin- %il5ly aroun5. #ne %as "al1%ay up my >eans. 9t 5roppe5 to t"e 1loor.

A9 am not a1rai5.C APro)e it.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 a little stea5ier@ may8e a8out nine years ol5 instea5 o1 1i)e. $"e -iant rats %ere starin- at "im@ intent@ >u5-in-@ %aitin-. He ma5e t"at same 3uttin-2air motion in re)erse. $"e rats s;ueake5 an5 stoo5 on "in5 le-s starin- aroun5@ as i1 t"ey 3oul5n?t 8elie)e it@ 8ut t"ey 8e-an to pour 5o%n t"e stairs t"e %ay t"ey "a5 3ome. 9 leane5 into t"e 5oor@ knees %eak@ 3ra5lin- t"e 8itten "an5 a-ainst my 3"est. $"e ratman 8e-an to 3reep up t"e stairs. He mo)e5 easily on t"e 8alls o1 "is elon-ate5 1eet@ stron- 3la%e5 toes 5i--in- into t"e stone. Ly3ant"ropes are stron-er an5 1aster t"an "umans. /o min5 tri3ks@ no slei-"t o1 "an5@ t"ey are >ust 8etter. 9 %oul5 not 8e a8le to surprise t"e %ererat@ as 9 "a5 t"e 1irst. 9 5ou8te5 "e %oul5 -ro% an-ry enou-" to 8e stupi5@ 8ut one 3oul5 al%ays "ope. 9 %as "urt@ unarme5@ an5 outmat3"e5. 91 9 3oul5n?t -et "im to make a mistake@ 9 %as in 5eep s"it. A lon-@ pink ton-ue 3ur)e5 o)er "is teet". A'res" 8loo5@C "e sai5. He 5re% in a lou5 8reat" o1 air. ADou stink o1 1ear@ "uman. Bloo5 an5 1ear@ smells like 5inner to me.C $"e ton-ue 1li3ke5 out an5 "e lau-"e5 at me. 9 sli5 my unin>ure5 "an5 8e"in5 my 8a3k@ as i1 rea3"in- 1or somet"in-. A!ome 3loser@ ratman@ an5 %e?ll see "o% you like sil)er.C $"e ratman "esitate5@ 1roEen@ "al123rou3"e5 on t"e top step. ADou "a)e no sil)er.C A=ant to 8et your li1e on itBC His 3la%e5 "an5s 3lut3"e5 ea3" ot"er. #ne o1 t"e lar-e rats s;ueake5 somet"in-. He snarle5 5o%n at it. A9 am not a1rai5IC 91 t"ey e--e5 "im on@ my 8lu11 %asn?t -oin- to %ork. ADou sa% %"at 9 5i5 to your 1rien5s. $"at %as %it"out a %eapon.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 lo% an5 sure o1 itsel1. Goo5 1or me. He eye5 me out o1 one lar-e patent2leat"er eye. His 1ur -listene5 in t"e tor3"li-"t as i1 1res"ly %as"e5. He -a)e a small >ump an5 %as on t"e lan5in-@ >ust out o1 rea3". A9?)e ne)er seen a 8lon5 rat 8e1ore@C 9 sai5. Anyt"in- to 1ill t"e silen3e@ anyt"in- to keep "im 1rom takin- t"at one last step. Surely Hean2!lau5e %oul5 3ome 8a3k 1or me soon. 9 lau-"e5 t"en@ a8rupt an5 "al123"oke5. $"e ratman 1roEe@ starin- at me. A="y are you lau-"in-BC His )oi3e "el5 >ust a "int o1 unease. Goo5. A9 %as "opin- t"at t"e )ampires %oul5 3ome 1or me soon an5 sa)e me. Dou?)e -ot to a5mit t"at?s 1unny.C He 5i5n?t seem to t"ink it %as 1unny. A lot o1 people 5on?t -et my >okes. 91 9 %as less se3ure@ 9?5 t"ink my >okes %eren?t 1unny. /a%. 9 mo)e5 my "an5 8e"in5 my 8a3k@ still preten5in- t"at t"ere %as a kni1e in it. #ne o1 t"e -iant rats s;ueale5@ an5 e)en to me it soun5e5 5erisi)e. He %oul5 ne)er li)e it 5o%n i1 9 8lu11e5 "im. 9 mi-"t not li)e it 5o%n i1 9 5i5n?t. 7ost people@ %"en 3on1ronte5 %it" a %ererat@ 1reeEe or pani3. 9?5 "a5 time to -et use5 to t"e i5ea. 9 %asn?t -oin- to 1a5e a%ay i1 "e tou3"e5 me. $"ere %as one possi8le solution %"ere 9 3oul5 sa)e mysel1. 91 9 %as %ron-@ "e %as -oin- to kill me. 7y stoma3" turne5 a s"arp 1lip21lop@ an5 9 "a5 to s%allo% "ar5. Better 5ea5 t"an 1urry. 91 "e atta3ke5 me@ 9?5 >ust as soon "e kille5 me. <ats %ere not my top 3"oi3e 1or 8ein- a ly3ant"rope. 91 your lu3k %as 8a5@ t"e smallest s3rat3" 3oul5 in1e3t you. 91 9 %as ;ui3k an5 lu3ky@ 9 3oul5 -o to a "ospital an5 8e treate5. Sort o1 like ra8ies. #1 3ourse sometimes t"e ino3ulations %orke5@ an5 sometimes t"ey -a)e you ly3ant"ropy. He %rappe5 "is lon-@ nake5 tail t"rou-" "is 3la%e5 "an5s. ADou e)er 8een "a5 8y a %ereBC 9 %asn?t sure i1 "e %as talkin- se* or as a meal. /eit"er soun5e5 pleasant. He %as -oin- to %ork up to it@ -et "imsel1 8ra)e@ t"en "e?5 3ome 1or me@ %"en "e %as rea5y. 9 %ante5 "im to 3ome %"en 9 %as rea5y. 9 3"ose se* an5 sai5@ ADou "a)en?t -ot %"at it takes@ ratman.C He sti11ene5@ "an5 sli5in- 5o%n "is 8o5y@ 3la%s 3om8in- 1ur. A=e?ll see %"o "as %"at@ "uman.C A9s t"is t"e only %ay you -et any se*@ 1or3in- yoursel1 on someoneB Are you as u-ly in "uman 1orm as you are ri-"t no%BC He "isse5 at me@ mout" %i5e@ teet" 8are5. A soun5 rose out o1 "is 8o5y@ 5eep an5 "i-"@ a %"inin- -ro%l. 9?5 ne)er "ear5 a soun5 like it 8e1ore. 9t rose up an5 5o%n an5 1ille5 t"e room %it" )iolent@ "issin- e3"oes. His s"oul5ers 3rou3"e5. 9 "el5 my 8reat". 9 "a5 pisse5 "im o11. /o% %e %oul5 see i1 my plan %orke5@ or i1 "e kille5 me. He leape5 1or%ar5. 9 5roppe5 to t"e 1loor@ 8ut "e %as rea5y 1or it. 9n3re5i8le spee5 an5 "e %as on me@ snarlin-@ 3la%s rea3"in-@ s3reamin- in my 1a3e. 9 8un3"e5 my le-s a-ainst my 3"est@ o1 "e %oul5 "a)e 8een on top o1 me. He put one 3la%2"an5 on my knees an5 8e-an to pus". 9 tu3ke5 arms o)er my knees@ 1i-"tin- "im. 9t %as like 1i-"tin- steel t"at mo)e5. He s3reame5 a-ain@ "i-" an5 "issin-@ spittle rainin- on me. He %ent up on "is knees to -et a 8etter an-le at 1or3in- my le-s 5o%n. 9 ki3ke5 out%ar5@ e)eryt"in- 9 "a5. He sa% it 3omin- an5 trie5 to mo)e 8a3k@ 8ut 8ot" 1eet "it "im s;uare 8et%een t"e le-s. $"e impa3t li1te5 "im o11 "is knees@ an5 "e 3ollapse5 to t"e lan5in-@ 3la%s s3ram8lin- on t"e stone. He %as makin- a "i-"@ %"inin-@ 8reat"y soun5. He 3oul5n?t seem to -et enou-" air.

A se3on5 ratman 3ame s3ram8lin- t"rou-" t"e tunnel@ an5 rats ran e)ery%"ere@ s;ueakin- an5 s;uealin-. 9 >ust sat t"ere on t"e lan5in- as 1ar a%ay 1rom t"e %rit"in- 8lon5 ratman as 9 3oul5 -et. 9 stare5 at t"e ne% ratman@ 1eelin- tire5 an5 an-ry. 4ammit@ it s"oul5 "a)e %orke5. $"e 8a5 -uys %eren?t allo%e5 rein1or3ements %"en 9 %as alrea5y outnum8ere5. $"is one?s 1ur %as 8la3k@ >et a8solute 8la3k. He %ore a pair o1 >ean 3uto11s o)er "is sli-"tly 8ent le-s. He motione5@ smoot" an5 out 1rom "is 8o5y. 9 s%allo%e5 my "eart@ pulse t"u55in-. 7y skin 3ra%le5 %it" t"e memory o1 small 8o5ies sli5in- o)er me. 7y "an5 t"ro88e5 %"ere t"e rat "a5 8itten me. $"ey?5 tear me apart. AHean2!lau5eIC $"e rats mo)e5@ a 1lo%in- 8ro%nis" ti5e@ a%ay 1rom t"e stairs. $"e rats ran s;ueakin- an5 s"rillin- into t"e tunnel. All 9 3oul5 5o %as stare. $"e -iant rats "isse5 at "im@ -esturin- %it" noses an5 pa%s at t"e 1allen -iant rat. AS"e %as 5e1en5in- "ersel1. ="at %ere you 5oin-BC $"e ratman?s )oi3e %as lo% an5 5eep@ slurre5 only aroun5 t"e e5-es. 91 9 "a5 3lose5 my eyes@ 9 mi-"t "a)e sai5 it %as "uman. 9 5i5n?t 3lose my eyes. $"e -iant rats le1t@ 3rou3"25ra--in- t"eir still un3ons3ious 1rien5. He %asn?t 5ea5@ 8ut "e %as "urt. #ne -iant rat -lan3e5 up at me as t"e ot"ers )anis"e5 into t"e tunnel. 9ts empty 8la3k eye -lare5 at me@ promise5 me pain1ul t"in-s i1 %e e)er met a-ain. $"e 8lon5 ratman "a5 stoppe5 %rit"in- an5 %as lyin- )ery still@ pantin-@ "an5s 3ra5lin- "imsel1. $"e ne% ratman sai5@ A9 tol5 you ne)er to 3ome "ere.C $"e 1irst ratman stru--le5 to sit up. $"e mo)ement seeme5 to "urt. A$"e master 3alle5 an5 9 o8eye5.C A9 am your kin-. Dou o8ey me.C $"e 8la3k21urre5 rat 8e-an to stri5e up t"e stairs@ tail las"in- an-rily@ almost 3atlike. 9 stoo5 an5 put t"e 3ell 5oor at my 8a3k 1or t"e umpteent" time t"at ni-"t. $"e "urt ratman sai5@ ADou are only our kin- until you 5ie. 91 you stan5 a-ainst t"e master@ t"at %ill 8e soon. S"e is po%er1ul@ more po%er1ul t"an you.C His )oi3e still soun5e5 %eak@ t"rea5y@ 8ut "e %as re3o)erin-. An-er %ill 5o t"at to you. $"e rat kin- leape5@ a 8la3k 8lur in motion. He >erke5 t"e ratman o11 "is 1eet@ "ol5in- "im %it" sli-"tly 8ent el8o%s@ 1eet 5an-lin- o11 t"e -roun5. He "el5 "im 3lose to "is 1a3e. A9 am your kin-@ an5 you %ill o8ey me or 9 %ill kill you.C !la%e5 "an5s 5u- into t"e 8lon5 ratman?s t"roat@ until "e s3ram8le5 1or air. $"e rat kin- tosse5 t"e ratman 5o%n t"e stairs. He 1ell tum8lin- an5 nearly 8oneless. He -lare5 up 1rom t"e 8ottom in a pain1ul@ -aspin- "eap. $"e "atre5 in "is eyes %oul5 "a)e lit a 8on1ire. AAre you all ri-"tBC t"e ne% ratman aske5. 9t took me a minute to realiEe "e %as speakin- to me. 9 no55e5. Apparently 9 %as 8ein- res3ue5@ not t"at 9 "a5 nee5 o1 it. #1 3ourse not. A$"ank you.C A9 5i5 not 3ome to sa)e you@C "e sai5. A9 "a)e 1or8i55en my people to "unt 1or t"e )ampire. $"at is %"y 9 3ame.C A=ell@ 9 kno% %"ere 9 rate@ some%"ere a8o)e a 1lea. $"ank you any%ay. ="ate)er your moti)es.C He no55e5. ADou are %el3ome.C 9 noti3e5 a 8urn s3ar on "is le1t 1orearm. 9t %as t"e s"ape o1 a 3ru5e 3ro%n. Someone "a5 8ran5e5 "im. A=oul5n?t it 8e easier >ust to 3arry aroun5 a 3ro%n an5 s3epterBC He -lan3e5 5o%n at "is arm@ t"en -a)e t"at rat smile@ teet" 8are. A$"is lea)es my "an5s 1ree.C 9 looke5 up into "is eyes to see i1 "e %as teasin- me@ an5 9 3oul5n?t tell. Dou try rea5in- rat 1a3es. A="at 5o t"e )ampires %ant %it" youBC "e aske5. A$"ey %ant me to %ork 1or t"em.C A4o it. $"ey?ll "urt you i1 you 5on?t.C ALike t"ey?ll "urt you i1 you keep t"e rats a%ayBC He s"ru--e5@ an a%k%ar5 motion. A/ikolaos t"inks s"e is ;ueen o1 t"e rats 8e3ause t"at is "er animal to 3all. =e are not merely rats@ 8ut men@ an5 %e "a)e a 3"oi3e. 9 "a)e a 3"oi3e.C A4o %"at s"e %ants@ an5 s"e %on?t "urt you@C 9 sai5. A-ain t"at smile. A9 -i)e -oo5 a5)i3e. 9 5o not al%ays take it.C A7e eit"er@C 9 sai5. He stare5 at me out o1 one 8la3k eye@ t"en turne5 to%ar5s t"e 5oor. A$"ey are 3omin-.C 9 kne% %"o At"eyC %ere. $"e party %as o)er. $"e )ampires %ere 3omin-. $"e rat kin- spran- 5o%n t"e stairs an5 s3oope5 up t"e 1allen ratman. He tosse5 "im o)er "is s"oul5er as i1 it %ere no e11ort@ t"en "e %as -one@ runnin- 1or t"e tunnel@ 1ast@ 1ast as a mouse surprise5 8y t"e kit3"en li-"t. A 5ark 8lur.

9 "ear5 "eels 3li3kin- 5o%n t"e "all%ay@ an5 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom t"e 5oor. 9t opene5@ an5 $"eresa stoo5 on t"e lan5in-. S"e stare5 5o%n at me an5 t"e empty room@ "an5s on "ips@ mout" s;ueeEe5 ti-"t. A="ere are t"eyBC 9 "el5 up my %oun5e5 "an5. A$"ey 5i5 t"eir part@ t"en t"ey le1t.C A$"ey %eren?t suppose5 to lea)e@C s"e sai5. $"eresa ma5e an e*asperate5 soun5 lo% in "er t"roat. A9t %as t"at rat kin- o1 t"eirs@ %asn?t itBC 9 s"ru--e5. A$"ey le1tG 9 5on?t kno% %"y.C ASo 3alm@ so una1rai5. 4i5n?t t"e rats 1ri-"ten youBC 9 s"ru--e5 a-ain. ="en somet"in- %orks@ stay %it" it. A$"ey %ere not suppose5 to 5ra% 8loo5.C S"e stare5 at me. AAre you -oin- to s"ape s"i1t ne*t 1ull moonBC Her )oi3e "el5 a "int o1 3uriosity. !uriosity kille5 t"e )ampire. #ne 3oul5 al%ays "ope. A/o@C 9 sai5@ an5 9 le1t it at t"at. /o e*planation. 91 s"e really %ante5 one@ s"e 3oul5 >ust 8eat me a-ainst t"e %all until 9 tol5 "er %"at s"e %ante5 to "ear. S"e %oul5n?t e)en 8reak a s%eat. #1 3ourse@ Au8rey %as 8ein- punis"e5 1or "urtin- me. Her eyes narro%e5 as s"e stu5ie5 me. A$"e rats %ere suppose5 to 1ri-"ten you@ animator. $"ey 5on?t seem to "a)e 5one t"eir A7ay8e 9 5on?t 1ri-"ten t"at easily.C 9 met "er eyes %it"out F any e11ort. $"ey %ere >ust eyes. $"eresa -rinne5 at me su55enly@ 1las"in- 1an-. A/ikolaos %ill 1in5 somet"in- t"at 1ri-"tens you@ animator. 'or 1ear is po%er.C S"e %"ispere5 t"e last as i1 a1rai5 to say it too lou5. ="at 5i5 )ampires 1earB 4i5 )isions o1 s"arpene5 stakes an5 -arli3 "aunt t"em@ or %ere t"ere %orse t"in-sB Ho% 5o you 1ri-"ten t"e 5ea5B A=alk in 1ront o1 me@ animator. Go meet your master.C A9sn?t /ikolaos your master as %ell@ $"eresaBC S"e stare5 at me@ 1a3e 8lank@ as i1 t"e lau-"ter "a5 8een an illusion. Her eyes %ere 3ol5 an5 5ark. $"e rats? eyes "a5 "el5 more personality. ABe1ore t"e ni-"t is out@ animator@ /ikolaos %ill 8e e)eryone?s master.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t t"ink so.C AHean2!lau5e?s po%er "as ma5e you 1oolis".C A/o@C 9 sai5@ Ait isn?t t"at.C A$"en %"at@ mortalBC A9 %oul5 rat"er 5ie t"an 8e a )ampire?s 1lunky.C $"eresa ne)er 8linke5@ only no55e5@ )ery slo%ly. ADou may -et your %is".C $"e "air at t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k 3ra%le5. 9 3oul5 meet "er -aEe@ 8ut e)il "as a 3ertain 1eel to it. A ne3k2ru11lin-@ t"roatti-"tenin- 1eelin- t"at ti-"tens your -ut. 9 "a)e 1elt it aroun5 "umans as %ell. Dou 5on?t "a)e to 8e un5ea5 to 8e e)il. But it "elps. 9 %alke5 in 1ront o1 "er. $"eresa?s 8oots 3li3ke5 s"arp e3"oes 1rom t"e "all%ay. 7ay8e it %as only my 1ear talkin-@ 8ut 9 1elt "er starin- at me@ like an i3e 3u8e sli5in- 5o%n my spine.

Chapter Eleven
$"e room %as "u-e@ like a %are"ouse@ 8ut t"e %alls %ere soli5@ massi)e stone. 9 kept %aitin- 1or Bela Lu-osi to s%eep aroun5 t"e 3omer in "is 3ape. ="at %as sittin- a-ainst one %all %as almost as -oo5. S"e "a5 8een a8out t%el)e or t"irteen %"en s"e 5ie5. Small@ "al121orme5 8reasts s"o%e5 un5er a lon- 1limsy 5ress. 9t %as pale 8lue an5 looke5 %arm a-ainst t"e total %"iteness o1 "er skin. S"e "a5 8een pale %"en ali)eG as a )ampire s"e %as -"ostly. Her "air %as t"at s"inin- %"ite28lon5e t"at some 3"il5ren "a)e 8e1ore t"eir "air 5arkens to 8ro%n. $"is "air %oul5 ne)er -ro% 5ark. /ikolaos sat in a 3ar)e5 %oo5en 3"air. Her 1eet 5i5 not ;uite tou3" t"e 1loor. A male )ampire mo)e5 to lean on t"e 3"air arm. His skin %as a stran-e s"a5e o1 8ro%nis" i)ory. He leane5 o)er an5 %"ispere5 in /ikolaos?s ear. S"e lau-"e5@ an5 it %as t"e soun5 o1 3"imes or 8ells. A lo)ely@ 3al3ulate5 soun5. $"eresa %ent to t"e -irl in t"e 3"air@ an5 stoo5 8e"in5 it@ "an5s trailin- in t"e lon- %"ite28lon5e "air. A "uman male 3ame to stan5 to t"e ri-"t o1 "er 3"air. Ba3k a-ainst t"e %all@ "an5s 3laspe5 at "is si5e. He stare5 strai-"t a"ea5@ 1a3e 8lank@ spine ri-i5. He %as nearly per1e3tly 8al5@ 1a3e narro%@ eyes 5ark. 7ost men 5on?t look -oo5 %it"out "air. $"is one 5i5. He %as "an5some 8ut "a5 t"e air o1 a man %"o 5i5n?t 3are mu3" a8out t"at. 9 %ante5 to 3all "im a sol5ier@ t"ou-" 9 5i5n?t kno% %"y.

Anot"er man 3ame to lean a-ainst $"eresa. His "air %as a san5y 8lon5@ 3ut s"ort. His 1a3e %as stran-e@ not -oo5 lookin-@ 8ut not u-ly@ a 1a3e you %oul5 remem8er. A 1a3e t"at mi-"t 8e3ome lo)ely i1 you looke5 at it lon- enou-". His eyes %ere a pale -reenis" 3olor. He %asn?t a )ampire@ 8ut 9 mi-"t "a)e 8een "asty 3allin- "im "uman. Hean2!lau5e 3ame last to stan5 to t"e le1t o1 t"e 3"air. He tou3"e5 no one@ an5 e)en stan5in- %it" t"em@ "e %as apart 1rom t"em. A=ell@C 9 sai5@ Aall %e nee5 is t"e t"eme 1rom 4ra3ula@ Prin3e o1 4arkness@ an5 %e?ll 8e all set.C Her )oi3e %as like "er lau-"@ "i-" an5 "armless. Planne5 inno3en3e. ADou t"ink you are 1unny@ 5on?t youBC 9 s"ru--e5. A9t 3omes an5 -oes.C S"e smile5 at me. /o 1an- s"o%e5. S"e looke5 so "uman@ eyes sparklin- %it" "umor@ 1a3e roun5e5 an5 pleasant. See "o% "armless 9 am@ >ust a pretty 3"il5. <i-"t. $"e 8la3k )ampire %"ispere5 in "er ear a-ain. S"e lau-"e5@ so "i-" an5 3lear you 3oul5 "a)e 8ottle5 it. A4o you pra3ti3e t"e lau-"@ or is it natural talentB /a%@ 9?m 8ettin- you pra3ti3e.C Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e t%iste5. 9 %asn?t sure i1 "e %as tryin- not to lau-"@ or not to 1ro%n. 7ay8e 8ot". 9 a11e3te5 some people t"at %ay. $"e lau-"ter seepe5 out o1 "er 1a3e@ )ery "uman@ until only "er eyes sparkle5. $"ere %as not"in- 1unny a8out t"e look in t"ose t%inklin- eyes. 9t %as t"e sort o1 look t"at 3ats -i)e small 8ir5s. Her )oi3e lilte5 at t"e en5 o1 ea3" %or5@ a S"irley $emple a11e3tation. ADou are eit"er )ery 8ra)e@ or )ery stupi5.C ADou really nee5 at least one 5imple to -o %it" t"e )oi3e.C Hean2!lau5e sai5 so1tly@ A9?m 8ettin- on stupi5.C 9 -lan3e5 at "im an5 t"en 8a3k at t"e -"oulie pa3k. A="at 9 am is tire5@ "urt@ an-ry@ an5 s3are5. 9 %oul5 )ery mu3" like to -et t"e s"o% o)er %it"@ an5 -et 5o%n to 8usiness.C A9 am 8e-innin- to see %"y Au8rey lost "is temper.C Her )oi3e %as 5ry@ "umorless. $"e liltin- sin-2son- %as 5rippina%ay like meltin- i3e. A4o you kno% "o% ol5 9 amBC 9 stare5 at "er an5 s"ook my "ea5. A9 t"ou-"t you sai5 s"e %as -oo5@ Hean2!lau5e.C S"e sai5 "is name like s"e %as an-ry %it" "im. AS"e is -oo5.C A$ell me "o% ol5 9 am.C Her )oi3e %as 3ol5@ an an-ry -ro%nup?s )oi3e. A9 3an?t. 9 5on?t kno% %"y@ 8ut 9 3an?t.C AHo% ol5 is $"eresaBC 9 stare5 at t"e 5ark2"aire5 )ampire@ remem8erin- t"e %ei-"t o1 "er in my min5. S"e %as lau-"in- at me. AA "un5re5@ may8e "un5re5 an5 1i1ty@ no more.C Her 1a3e %as unrea5a8le@ 3ar)e5 mar8le@ as s"e aske5@ A="y@ no moreBC A$"at?s "o% ol5 s"e 1eels.C A'eelsBC A9n my "ea5@ s"e 1eels a 3ertain ... 5e-ree o1 po%er.C 9 al%ays "ate5 to e*plain t"is part alou5. 9t al%ays soun5e5 mysti3al. 9t %asn?t. 9 kne% )ampires t"e %ay some people kne% "orses@ or 3ars. 9t %as a kna3k. 9t %as pra3ti3e. 9 5i5n?t t"ink /ikolaos %oul5 en>oy 8ein- 3ompare5 to a "orse@ or 3ar@ so 9 kept my mout" s"ut. See@ not stupi5 a1ter all. ALook at me@ "uman. Look into my eyes.C Her )oi3e %as still 8lan5@ %it" none o1 t"at 3omman5in- po%er t"at Hean2 !lau5e "a5. GeeE@ look into my eyes. Dou?5 t"ink t"e 3ity?s master )ampire 3oul5 8e more ori-inal. But 9 5i5n?t say it out lou5. Her eyes %ere 8lue@ or -rey@ or 8ot". Her -aEe %as like a %ei-"t pressin- a-ainst my skin. 91 9 put my "an5s up@ 9 almost e*pe3te5 to 8e a8le to pus" somet"in- a%ay. 9 "a5 ne)er 1elt any )ampire?s -aEe like t"at. But 9 3oul5 meet "er eyes. Some"o%@ 9 kne% t"at %asn?t suppose5 to "appen. $"e sol5ier stan5in- to "er ri-"t %as lookin- at me@ as i1 9?5 1inally 5one somet"in- interestin-. /ikolaos stoo5. S"e mo)e5 a little in 1ront o1 "er entoura-e. S"e %oul5 only 3ome to my 3ollar8one@ %"i3" ma5e "er s"ort. S"e stoo5 t"ere 1or a moment@ lookin- et"ereal an5 lo)ely like a paintin-. /o sense o1 li1e 8ut a t"in- o1 lo)ely lines an5 3are1ul 3olor.

S"e stoo5 t"ere %it"out mo)in- an5 opene5 "er min5 to me. 9t 1elt like s"e "a5 opene5 a 5oor t"at "a5 8een lo3ke5. Her min5 3ras"e5 a-ainst mine@ an5 9 sta--ere5. $"ou-"ts rippe5 into me like kni)es@ steel2e5-e5 5reams. 'leetin- 8its o1 "er min5 5an3e5 in my "ea5G %"ere t"ey tou3"e5 9 %as num8e5@ "urt. 9 %as on my knees@ an5 9 5i5n?t remem8er 1allin-. 9 %as 3ol5@ so 3ol5. $"ere %as not"in- 1or me. 9 %as an insi-ni1i3ant t"in-@ 8esi5e t"at min5. Ho% 3oul5 9 t"ink to 3all mysel1 an e;ualB Ho% 3oul5 9 5o anyt"in- 8ut 3ra%l to "er an5 8e- to 8e 1or-i)enB 7y insolen3e %as intolera8le. 9 8e-an to 3ra%l to "er@ on "an5s an5 knees. 9t seeme5 like t"e ri-"t t"in- to 5o. 9 "a5 to 8e- "er 1or-i)eness. 9 nee5e5 to 8e 1or-i)en. Ho% else 5i5 you approa3" a -o55ess 8ut on 8en5e5 kneeB /o. Somet"in- %as %ron-. But %"atB 9 s"oul5 ask t"e -o55ess to 1or-i)e me. 9 s"oul5 %ors"ip "er@ 5o anyt"in- s"e aske5. /o. /o. A/o.C 9 %"ispere5 it. A/o.C A!ome to me@ my 3"il5.C Her )oi3e %as like sprin- a1ter a lon- %inter. 9t opene5 me up insi5e. 9t ma5e me 1eel %arm an5 %el3ome. S"e "el5 out pale arms to me. $"e -o55ess %oul5 let me em8ra3e "er. =on5rous. ="y %as 9 3o%erin- on t"e 1loorB ="y 5i5n?t 9 run to "erB A/o.C 9 slamme5 my "an5s into t"e stone. 9t stun-@ 8ut not enou-". A/oIC 9 smas"e5 my 1ist into t"e 1loor. 7y %"ole arm tin-le5 an5 %ent num8. A/#IC 9 poun5e5 my 1ists into t"e ro3k o)er an5 o)er until t"ey 8le5. Pain %as s"arp@ real@ mine. 9 s3reame5@ AGet out o1 my min5I Dou 8it3"IC 9 3rou3"e5 on t"e 1loor@ pantin-@ 3ra5lin- my "an5s a-ainst my stoma3". 7y pulse %as >umpin- in my t"roat. 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e past it. An-er %as"e5 t"rou-" me@ 3lean an5 s"arp2e5-e5. 9t 3"ase5 t"e last s"a5o% o1 /ikolaos?s min5 a%ay. 9 -lare5 up at "er. An-er@ an5 8e"in5 t"at terror. /ikolaos "a5 %as"e5 o)er my min5 like t"e o3ean in a seas"ell@ 1ille5 me up an5 emptie5 me out. S"e mi-"t "a)e to 5ri)e me 3raEy to 8reak me@ 8ut s"e 3oul5 5o it i1 s"e %ante5 to. An5 t"ere %asn?t a 5amn t"in- 9 3oul5 5o to prote3t mysel1. S"e stare5 5o%n at me an5 lau-"e5@ t"at %on5rous %in5 3"ime o1 a lau-". A#"@ %e "a)e 1oun5 somet"in- t"e animator 1ears. Des@ %e "a)e.C Her )oi3e %as liltin- an5 pleasant. A 3"il5 8ri5e a-ain. /ikolaos knelt in 1ront o1 me@ s%eepin- t"e sky28lue 5ress un5er "er knees. La5ylike. S"e 8ent at t"e %aist so s"e 3oul5 look me in t"e eyes. AHo% ol5 am 9@ animatorBC 9 %as startin- to s"ake %it" rea3tion@ s"o3k. 7y teet" 3"attere5 like 9 %as 1reeEin- to 5eat"@ an5 may8e 9 %as. 7y )oi3e s;ueeEe5 out 8et%een my teet" an5 t"e ti-"t >erk o1 my >a%. AA t"ousan5@C 9 sai5. A7ay8e more.C ADou %ere ri-"t@ Hean2!lau5e. S"e is -oo5.C S"e presse5 "er 1a3e nearly into mine. 9 %ante5 to pus" "er a%ay@ 8ut more t"an anyt"in-@ 9 5i5n?t %ant "er to tou3" me. S"e lau-"e5 a-ain@ "i-" an5 %il5@ "eartren5in-ly pure. 91 9 "a5n?t 8een "urtin- so 8a5ly@ 9 mi-"t "a)e 3rie5@ or spit in "er 1a3e. AGoo5@ animator@ %e un5erstan5 ea3" ot"er. Dou 5o %"at %e %ant@ or 9 %ill peel your min5 a%ay like t"e layers o1 an onion.C S"e 8reat"e5 a-ainst my 1a3e@ )oi3e 5roppin- to a %"isper. A 3"il5?s %"isper %it" an e5-e o1 -i--lin- to it. ADou 5o 8elie)e 9 3an 5o t"at@ 5on?t youBC 9 8elie)e5.

Chapter Twelve
9 %ante5 to spit in t"at smoot"@ pale 1a3e@ 8ut 9 %as a1rai5 o1 %"at s"e %oul5 5o to me. A 5rop o1 s%eat ran slo%ly 5o%n my 1a3e. 9 %ante5 to promise "er anyt"in-@ anyt"in-@ i1 s"e %oul5 ne)er tou3" me a-ain. /ikolaos 5i5n?t "a)e to 8espell meG all s"e "a5 "a5 to 5o %as terri1y me. $"e 1ear %oul5 3ontrol me. 9t %as %"at s"e %as 3ountin- on. 9 3oul5 not let t"at "appen. AGet ... out ... o1 ... my ... 1a3e@C 9 sai5. S"e lau-"e5. Her 8reat" %as %arm an5 smelle5 like peppermint. Breat" mints. But un5erneat" t"e 3lean@ mo5ern smell@ )ery 1aint@ %as t"e s3ent o1 1res" 8loo5. #l5 5eat". <e3ent mur5er. 9 %asn?t s"i)erin- anymore. 9 sai5@ ADour 8reat" smells like 8loo5.C S"e >erke5 8a3k@ a "an5 -oin- to "er lips. 9t %as su3" a "uman -esture t"at 9 lau-"e5. Her 5ress 8rus"e5 my 1a3e as s"e stoo5. #ne small@ slippere5 1oot ki3ke5 me in t"e 3"est. $"e 1or3e tum8le5 me 8a3k%ar5s@ s"arp pain@ no air. 'or t"e se3on5 time t"at ni-"t@ 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. 9 lay 1lat on my stoma3"@ -aspin-@ s%allo%in- past t"e pain. 9 "a5n?t "ear5 anyt"in- 8reak. Somet"in- s"oul5 "a)e 8roken. $"e )oi3e t"u55e5 o)er me@ "ot enou-" to s3al5. AGet "er out o1 "ere 8e1ore 9 kill "er mysel1.C $"e pain 1a5e5 to a s"arp a3"e. Air 8urne5 -oin- 5o%n. 7y 3"est %as ti-"t@ like 9?5 s%allo%e5 lea5.

AStay %"ere you are@ Hean.C Hean2!lau5e %as stan5in- a%ay 1rom t"e %all@ "al1%ay to me. /ikolaos 3omman5e5 "im to stillness %it" one small@ pale "an5. A!an you "ear me@ animatorBC ADes.C 7y )oi3e %as stran-le5. 9 3oul5n?t -et enou-" air to talk. A4i5 9 8reak somet"in-BC Her )oi3e rose up%ar5 like a small 8ir5. 9 3ou-"e5@ tryin- to 3lear my t"roat@ 8ut it "urt. 9 "u55le5 aroun5 my 3"est %"ile t"e a3"e 1a5e5. A/o.C APity. But 9 suppose t"at %oul5 "a)e slo%e5 t"in-s 5o%n@ or ma5e you useless to us.C S"e seeme5 to t"ink a8out t"e last as i1 t"at "a5 "a5 possi8ilities. ="at %oul5 t"ey "a)e 5one to me i1 somet"in- "a5 8een 8rokenB 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. A$"e poli3e are a%are o1 only 1our )ampire mur5ers. $"ere "a)e 8een si* more.C 9 8reat"e5 in 3are1ully. A="y not tell t"e poli3eBC A7y 5ear animator@ t"ere are many amon- us %"o 5o not trust t"e "uman la%s. =e kno% "o% e;ual "uman >usti3e is 1or t"e un5ea5.C S"e smile5@ an5 a-ain t"ere s"oul5 "a)e 8een a 5imple. AHean2!lau5e %as t"e 1i1t" most po%er1ul )ampire in t"is 3ity. /o% "e is t"e t"ir5.C 9 stare5 up at "er@ %aitin- 1or "er to lau-"@ to say it %as a >oke. S"e 3ontinue5 to smile@ t"e same e*a3t smile@ like a pie3e o1 %a*. =ere t"ey playin- me 1or a 1oolB ASomet"in- "as kille5 t%o master )ampiresB Stron-er t"anC29 "a5 to s%allo% 8e1ore 3ontinuin-2AHean2!lau5eBC Her smile %i5ene5@ 1las"in- a 5istin3t -limpse o1 1an-. ADou 5o -rasp t"e situation ;ui3kly. 9 %ill -i)e you t"at. An5 per"aps t"at %ill make Hean2!lau5e?s punis"ment less2se)ere. He re3ommen5e5 you to us@ 5i5 you kno% t"atBC 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 -lan3e5 at "im. He "a5 not mo)e5@ not e)en to 8reat"e. #nly "is eyes looke5 at me. 4ark 8lue like mi5ni-"t skies@ almost 1e)er28ri-"t. He "a5n?t 1e5 yet. ="y %oul5n?t s"e let "im 1ee5B A="y is "e 8ein- punis"e5BC AAre you %orrie5 a8out "imBC Her )oi3e "el5 a mo3kery o1 surprise. A7y@ my@ my@ aren?t you an-ry t"at "e 8rou-"t you into t"isBC 9 stare5 at "im 1or a moment. 9 kne% t"en %"at 9 sa% in "is eyes. 9t %as 1ear. He %as a1rai5 o1 /ikolaos. An5 9 kne% i1 9 "a5 any ally in t"is room@ it %as "im. 'ear %ill 8in5 you 3loser t"an lo)e@ or "ate@ an5 it %orks a "ell o1 a lot ;ui3ker. A/o@C 9 sai5. A/o@ no.C S"e min3e5 t"e %or5@ 3ryin- it up an5 5o%n@ a 3"il5?s imitation. A'ine.C Her )oi3e %as su55enly lo%er@ -ro%nup@ s"immerin- %it" "eat@ an-ry. A=e %ill -i)e you a -i1t@ animator. =e "a)e a %itness to t"e se3on5 mur5er. He sa% Lu3as 5ie. He %ill tell you e)eryt"in- "e sa%@ %on?t "e@ Ka3"aryBC S"e smile5 at t"e san5y2"aire5 man. Ka3"ary no55e5. He steppe5 1rom aroun5 t"e 3"air an5 s%ept a lo% 8o% to%ar5s me. His lips %ere too t"in 1or "is 1a3e@ "is smile 3rooke5. Det@ t"e i3e2-reen eyes staye5 %it" me. 9 "a5 seen t"at 1a3e 8e1ore@ 8ut %"ereB He stro5e to a small 5oor. 9 "a5n?t seen it 8e1ore. 9t %as "i55en in t"e 1li3kerin- s"a5o%s o1 t"e tor3"es@ 8ut still 9 s"oul5 "a)e noti3e5. 9 -lan3e5 at /ikolaos@ an5 s"e no55e5 at me@ a smile 3ur)in- "er lips. S"e "a5 "i55en t"e 5oor 1rom me %it"out me kno%in- it. 9 trie5 to stan5@ pus"in- mysel1 up %it" my "an5s. 7istake. 9 -aspe5 an5 stoo5 as ;ui3kly as 9 5are5. $"e "an5s %ere alrea5y sti11 %it" 8ruises an5 s3rapes. 91 9 li)e5 until mornin-@ 9 %as -oin- to 8e one sore puppy. Ka3"ary opene5 t"e 5oor %it" a 1louris"@ like a ma-i3ian 5ra%in- a 3urtain. A man stoo5 in t"e 5oor. He %as 5resse5 in t"e remains o1 a 8usiness suit. A slen5er 1i-ure@ a little t"i3k aroun5 t"e mi55le@ too many 8eers@ too little e*er3ise. He %as may8e t"irty. A!ome@C Ka3"ary sai5. $"e man mo)e5 out into t"e room. His eyes %ere roun5 %it" 1ear. A pinkie rin- %inke5 in t"e 1ireli-"t. He stank o1 1ear an5 5eat". He %as still tanne5@ eyes still 1ull. He 3oul5 pass 1or "uman 8etter t"an any )ampire in t"e room@ 8ut "e %as more a 3orpse t"an any o1 t"em. 9t %as >ust a matter o1 time. 9 raise5 t"e 5ea5 1or a li)in-. 9 kne% a Eom8ie %"en 9 sa% one. A4o you remem8er /ikolaosBC Ka3"ary aske5. $"e Eom8ie?s "uman eyes -re% lar-e@ an5 t"e 3olor 5raine5 1rom "is 1a3e. 4amn@ "e looke5 "uman. ADes.C ADou %ill ans%er /ikolaos?s ;uestions@ 5o you un5erstan5 t"atBC A9 un5erstan5.C His 1ore"ea5 %rinkle5 as i1 "e %ere 3on3entratin- on somet"in-@ somet"in- "e 3oul5n?t ;uite remem8er. AHe %oul5 not ans%er our ;uestions 8e1ore. =oul5 youBC /ikolaos sai5. $"e Eom8ie s"ook its "ea5@ eyes starin- at "er %it" a sort o1 1ear1ul 1as3ination. Bir5s must look at snakes t"at %ay.

A=e torture5 "im@ 8ut "e %as most stu88orn. $"en 8e1ore %e 3oul5 3ontinue our %ork@ "e "un- "imsel1. =e really s"oul5 "a)e taken "is 8elt a%ay.C S"e soun5e5 %ist1ul@ pouty. $"e Eom8ie %as starin- at "er. A9 ... "un- mysel1. 9 5on?t un5erstan5. 9 ... C AHe 5oesn?t kno%BC 9 aske5. Ka3"ary smile5. A/o@ "e 5oesn?t. 9sn?t it 1a8ulousB Dou kno% "o% "ar5 it is to make one so "uman@ t"at "e 1or-ets "e "as 5ie5.C 9 kne%. 9t meant some8o5y "a5 a lot o1 po%er. Ka3"ary %as starin- at t"e 3on1use5 un5ea5 like "e %as a %ork o1 art. Pre3ious. ADou raise5 "imBC 9 aske5. /ikolaos sai5@ A4i5 you not re3o-niEe a 1ello% animatorBC S"e lau-"e5@ li-"tly@ a 8reeEe o1 1ar2o11 8ells. 9 -lan3e5 at Ka3"ary?s 1a3e. He %as starin- at me@ eyes F memoriEin- me. 'a3e 8lank@ %it" a t"rea5 o1 somet"in- makint"e skin un5er one eye >ump. An-er@ 1earB $"en "e smile5 at me@ 8rilliant@ e3"oin-. A-ain t"ere %as t"at s"o3k o1 re3o-nition. AAsk your ;uestion@ /ikolaos. He "as to ans%er no%.C A9s t"at trueBC s"e aske5 me. 9 "esitate5@ surprise5 t"at s"e "a5 turne5 to me. ADes.C A="o kille5 t"e )ampire@ Lu3asBC He stare5 at "er@ 1a3e 3rum8lin-. His 8reat"in- %as s"allo% an5 too 1ast. A="y 5oesn?t "e ans%er meBC A$"e ;uestion is too 3omple*@C Ka3"ary e*plaine5. AHe may not remem8er %"o Lu3as is.C A$"en you ask "im t"e ;uestions@ an5 9 e*pe3t "im to ans%er.C Her )oi3e %as %arm %it" t"reat. Ka3"ary turne5 %it" a 1louris"@ sprea5in- arms %i5e. ALa5ies .F an5 -entlemen@ 8e"ol5@ t"e un5ea5.C He -rinne5 at "is o%n >oke. /o one else e)en smile5. 9 5i5n?t -et it eit"er. A4i5 you see a )ampire mur5ere5BC $"e Eom8ie no55e5. ADes.C AHo% %as "e mur5ere5BC AHeart torn out@ "ea5 3ut o11.C His )oi3e %as paper2t"in %it" 1ear. A="o tore out "is "eartBC $"e Eom8ie starte5 to s"ake "is "ea5 o)er an5 o)er@ ;ui3k@ . >erky mo)ements. A4on?t kno%@ 5on?t kno%.C AAsk "im %"at kille5 t"e )ampire@C 9 sai5. Ka3"ary s"ot me a look. His eyes %ere -reen -lass. Bones stoo5 out in "is 1a3e. <a-e s3ulpte5 "im into a skeleton %it" 3an)as skin. A$"is is my Eom8ie@ my 8usinessIC AKa3"ary@C /ikolaos sai5. He turne5 to "er@ mo)ements sti11. A9t is a -oo5 ;uestion. A reasona8le ;uestion.C Her )oi3e %as lo%@ 3alm. /o one %as 1oole5. Hell must 8e 1ull o1 )oi3es like t"at. 4ea5ly@ 8ut o" so reasona8le. AAsk "er ;uestion@ Ka3"ary.C He turne5 8a3k to t"e Eom8ie@ "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists. 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 %"ere t"e an-er %as 3omin- 1rom. A="at kille5 t"e )ampireBC A4on?t un5erstan5.C $"e )oi3e "el5 a kni1e?s e5-e o1 pani3. A="at sort o1 3reature tore out t"e "eartB =as it a "umanBC A/o.C A=as it anot"er )ampireBC A/o.C $"is %as %"y Eom8ies still 5i5n?t 5o %ell in 3ourt. Dou "a5 to lea5 t"em 8y t"e "an5@ so to speak@ to -et ans%ers. La%yers a33use5 you o1 lea5in- t"e %itness. ="i3" %as true@ 8ut it 5i5n?t mean t"e Eom8ie %as lyin-. A$"en %"at kille5 t"e )ampireBC

A-ain t"at "ea5 s"akin-@ 8a3k an5 1ort"@ 8a3k an5 1ort". He opene5 "is mout"@ 8ut no soun5 3ame out. He seeme5 to 8e 3"okin- on t"e %or5s@ as i1 someone "a5 stu11e5 paper 5o%n "is t"roat. A!an?tIC A="at 5o you mean@ 3an?tBC Ka3"ary s3reame5 it at "im an5 slappe5 "im a3ross t"e 1a3e. $"e Eom8ie t"re% up its arms to 3o)er its "ea5. ADou ... %ill ... ans%er ... me.C ,a3" %or5 %as pun3tuate5 %it" a slap. $"e Eom8ie 1ell to its knees an5 starte5 to 3ry. A!an?tIC AAns%er me@ 5amn youIC He ki3ke5 t"e Eom8ie@ an5 it 3ollapse5 to t"e -roun5@ rollin- into a ti-"t 8all. AStop itC 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"em. AStop itIC He ki3ke5 t"e Eom8ie one last time an5 turne5 on me. A9t?s my Eom8ieI 9 3an 5o %"at 9 %ant %it" "im.C A$"at use5 to 8e a "uman 8ein-. 9t 5eser)es more respe3t t"an t"is.C 9 knelt 8y t"e 3ryin- Eom8ie. 9 1elt Ka3"ary loomino)er me. /i3kolaos sai5@ ALea)e "er alone@ 1or no%.C He stoo5 t"ere like an an-ry s"a5o% pressin- o)er my 8a3k. 9 tou3"e5 t"e Eom8ie?s arm. 9t 1lin3"e5. A9t?s all ri-"t. 9?m not -oin- to "urt you.C /ot -oin- to "urt you. He "a5 kille5 "imsel1 to es3ape. But not e)en t"e -ra)e %as san3tuary enou-". Be1ore toni-"t 9 %oul5 "a)e sai5 no animator %oul5 "a)e raise5 t"e 5ea5 1or su3" a purpose. Sometimes t"e %orl5 is a %orse pla3e t"an 9 %ant to kno% a8out. 9 "a5 to peel t"e Eom8ie?s "an5s 1rom "is 1a3e@ t"en turn t"e 1a3e up to stare at me. #ne look %as enou-". 4ark eyes %ere in3re5i8ly %i5e@ 1ear@ su3" 1ear. A t"in line o1 spittle ooEe5 1rom "is mout". 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 stoo5. ADou?)e 8roken "im.C A4amn ri-"t. /o 5amn Eom8ie is -oin- to make a 1ool o1 me. He?ll ans%er t"e ;uestions.C 9 %"irle5 to stare at t"e man?s an-ry eyes. A4on?t you un5erstan5B Dou?)e 8roken "is min5.C AKom8ies 5on?t "a)e min5s.C A$"at?s ri-"t@ t"ey 5on?t. All t"ey "a)e@ an5 1or a )ery s"ort time@ is t"e memory o1 %"at t"ey %ere. 91 you treat t"em %ell@ t"ey 3an retain t"eir personalities 1or may8e a %eek@ a little more@ 8ut t"is ... C 9 pointe5 at t"e Eom8ie@ t"en spoke to /ikolaos. A9ll treatment %ill spee5 t"e pro3ess. S"o3k %ill 5estroy it.C A="at are you sayin-@ animatorBC A$"is sa5istC29 >a88e5 a t"um8 at Ka3"ary2A"as 5estroye5 t"e Eom8ie?s min5. 9t %on?t 8e ans%erin- any more ;uestions. /ot 1or anyone@ not e)er.C /ikolaos turne5 like a pale storm. Her eyes %ere 8lue -lass. Her %or5s 1ille5 t"e room %it" a so1t 8urnin-. ADou arro-ant.. .C A tremor ran t"rou-" "er 8o5y@ 1rom small@ slippere5 1eet to lon- %"ite28lon5e "air. 9 %aite5 1or t"e %oo5en 3"air to 3at3" 1ire an5 8laEe 1rom t"e 1ine "eat o1 "er an-er. $"e an-er strippe5 a%ay t"e 3"il5 puppet. Bones stoo5 out a-ainst %"ite paper skin. Han5s -ra88e5 at t"e air@ 3la%e5 an5 strainin-. #ne "an5 5u- into t"e arm o1 "er 3"air. $"e %oo5 %"ine5@ t"en 3ra3ke5. $"e soun5 e3"oe5 a-ainst t"e stone %alls. Her )oi3e 8urne5 alon- our skin. AGet out o1 "ere 8e1ore 9 kill you. $ake t"e %oman an5 see "er sa1ely 8a3k to "er 3ar. 91 you 1ail me a-ain@ lar-e or small@ 9 %ill tear your t"roat out@ an5 my 3"il5ren %ill 8at"e in a s"o%er o1 your 8loo5.C /i3ely -rap"i3G a little melo5ramati3@ 8ut ni3ely -rap"i3. 9 5i5n?t say it out lou5. Hell@ 9 %asn?t e)en 8reat"in-. Any mo)ement mi-"t attra3t "er. All s"e nee5e5 %as an e*3use. Ka3"ary seeme5 to sense it as %ell. He 8o%e5@ eyes ne)er lea)in- "er 1a3e. $"en %it"out a %or5 "e turne5 an5 8e-an to %alk to%ar5s t"e small 5oor. His mo)ements %ere un"urrie5@ as i1 5eat" %asn?t starin- "oles in "is 8a3k. He pause5 at t"e open 5oor an5 ma5e a motion as i1 to es3ort me t"rou-" t"e 5oor. 9 -lan3e5 at Hean2!lau5e@ still stan5in- %"ere s"e "a5 le1t "im. 9 "a5 not aske5 a8out !at"erine?s sa1etyG t"ere "a5 8een no opportunity. $"in-s %ere "appenin- too 1ast. 9 opene5 my mout"G may8e Hean2!lau5e -uesse5. He silen3e5 me %it" a %a)e o1 a slen5er@ pale "an5. $"e "an5 seeme5 as %"ite as t"e la3e on "is s"irt. His eye so3kets %ere 1ille5 %it" 8lue 1lame. $"e lon-@ 8la3k "air 1loate5 aroun5 "is su55enly 5eat"2pale 1a3e. His "umanity %as 1ol5ina%ay. His po%er 1lare5 a3ross my skin@ raisin- t"e "airs on my arms. 9 "u--e5 mysel1@ starin- at t"e 3reature t"at "a5 8een Hean2!lau5e. A<unIC He s3reame5 it at me@ )oi3e slas"in- into me. 9 s"oul5 "a)e 8een 8lee5in- 1rom it. 9 "esitate5 an5 3au-"t si-"t o1 /ikolaos. S"e %as le)itatin-@ e)er so slo%ly@ up%ar5. 7ilk%ee5 "air 5an3e5 aroun5 "er skeleton "ea5. S"e raise5 a 3la%e5 "an5. Bones an5 )eins %ere 3au-"t in t"e am8er o1 "er skin. Hean2!lau5e %"irle5@ 3la%2"an5 slas"in- out at me. Somet"in- slamme5 me into t"e %all an5 "al1 out t"e 5oor. Ka3"ary 3au-"t my arm an5 pulle5 me t"rou-". 9 t%iste5 1ree o1 "im. $"e 5oor t"u55e5 3lose5 in my 1a3e. 9 %"ispere5@ AS%eet Hesus.C Ka3"ary %as at t"e 1oot o1 a narro% stair%ay@ lea5in- up. He "el5 "is "an5 out to me. His 1a3e %as sli3k %it" s%eat. APleaseIC He 1luttere5 "is "an5 at me like a trappe5 8ir5.

A smell ooEe5 1rom un5er t"e 5oor. 9t %as t"e smell o1 rottin- 3orpses. $"e smell o1 8loate5 8o5ies@ o1 skin 3ra3ke5 an5 ripenin- in t"e sun@ o1 8loo5 slo%e5 an5 rottin- in ;uiet )eins. 9 -a--e5 an5 8a3ke5 a%ay. A#"@ Go5@C Ka3"ary %"ispere5. He put one "an5 o)er "is mout" an5 nose@ t"e ot"er still "el5 out to me. 9 i-nore5 "is "an5 8ut stoo5 8esi5e "im on t"e stairs. He opene5 "is mout" to say somet"in-@ 8ut t"e 5oor 3reake5. $"e %oo5 s"ook an5 "ammere5@ like a -iant %in5 %as 8eatin- a-ainst it. =in5 %"oos"e5 1rom un5er t"e 5oor. 7y "air streame5 in a torna5o %in5. =e 8a3ke5 up a 1e% steps %"ile t"e "ea)y %oo5en 5oor 1luttere5 an5 ki3ke5 a-ainst a %in5 t"at 3oul5n?t 8e t"ere. A storm in5oorsB $"e si3k smell o1 rottin- 1les" 8le5 into t"e %in5. =e looke5 at ea3" ot"er. $"ere %as t"at moment o1 re3o-nition o1 us a-ainst t"em@ or it. =e turne5 an5 starte5 runnin- like %e %ere atta3"e5 8y %ires. $"ere 3oul5n?t 8e a storm 8e"in5 t"at 5oor. $"ere 3oul5n?t 8e a %in5 3"asin- us up t"e narro% stone stairs. $"ere %ere no rottin- 3orpses in t"at room. #r %ere t"ereB Go5@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. 9 5i5 not %ant to kno%.

Chapter Thirteen
An e*plosion rippe5 up t"e stairs. $"e %in5 smas"e5 us 5o%n like toys. $"e 5oor "a5 8lo%n. 9 s3ram8le5 on all 1ours tryin- to -et a%ay@ >ust -et a%ay. Ka3"ary -ot to "is 1eet@ 5ra--in- me up 8y one arm. =e ran. $"ere %as a "o%lin- 1rom 8e"in5 us@ out o1 si-"t. $"e %in5 roare5 up 8e"in5 us. 7y "air streame5 o)er my 1a3e@ 8lin5inme. Ka3"ary?s "an5 -ra88e5 mine an5 "el5 on. $"e %alls %ere smoot"@ t"e stairs sli3k stone@ t"ere %as not"in- to "ol5 on to. =e 1lattene5 oursel)es a-ainst t"e stairs an5 "un- onto ea3" ot"er. AAnita.C Hean2!lau5e?s )el)et )oi3e %"ispere5. AAnita.C 9 1ou-"t to look up into t"e %in5@ 8linkin- to see. $"ere %as not"int"ere. AAnita.C $"e %in5 %as 3allin- my name. AAnita.C Somet"in- -limmere5@ 8lue 1ire. $%o points o1 8lue 1lame@ "un- on t"e %in5. ,yes2%ere t"ose Hean2!lau5e?s eyesB =as "e 5ea5B $"e 8lue 1lames 8e-an to 1loat 5o%n%ar5. $"e %in5 5i5n?t tou3" t"em. 9 s3reame5@ AKa3"aryIC But t"e soun5 %as s%allo%e5 in t"e roar o1 t"e %in5. 4i5 "e see it@ too@ or %as 9 -oin- 3raEyB $"e 8lue 1lames 3ame lo%er an5 lo%er@ an5 su55enly 9 5i5n?t %ant it to tou3" me@ >ust as su55enly 9 kne% t"at %as %"at it %as -oin- to 5o. Somet"in- tol5 me t"at t"at %oul5 8e a )ery 8a5 t"in-. 9 tore loose 1rom Ka3"ary. He s3reame5 somet"in- at me@ 8ut t"e %in5 roare5 an5 s3ree3"e5 8et%een t"e narro% %alls like a roller 3oaster -one ma5. $"ere %as no ot"er soun5. 9 starte5 to 3ra%l up t"e stairs@ %in5 8eatin- a-ainst me@ tryinto 3rus" me 5o%n. $"ere %as one ot"er soun5@ Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e in my "ea5. A'or-i)e me.C $"e 8lue li-"ts %ere su55enly in 1ront o1 my 1a3e. 9 1lattene5 mysel1 a-ainst a %all@ "ittin- at t"e 1ire. 7y "an5s passe5 t"rou-" t"e 8urnin-. 9t %asn?t t"ere. 9 s3reame5@ ALea)e me aloneIC $"e 1ire melte5 t"rou-" my "an5s like t"ey %eren?t t"ere@ an5 into my eyes. $"e %orl5 %as 8lue -lass@ silent@ not"in-@ 8lue i3e. A %"isperJ A<un@ run.C 9 %as sittin- on t"e stairs a-ain@ 8linkin- into t"e %in5. Ka3"ary %as starin- at me. $"e %in5 stoppe5 like someone "a5 turne5 a s%it3". $"e silen3e %as 5ea1enin-. 7y 8reat" %as 3omin- in s"ort -asps. 9 "a5 no pulse. 9 3oul5n?t 1eel my "eart8eat. All 9 3oul5 "ear %as my 8reat"in-@ too lou5@ too s"allo%. 9 1inally kne% %"at t"ey meant 8y 8reat"less %it" 1ear. Ka3"ary?s )oi3e %as "oarse an5 too lou5 in t"e silen3e. 9 t"ink "e %as %"isperin-@ 8ut it 3ame out like a s"out. ADour eyes@ t"ey -lo%e5 8lueIC 9 %"ispere5@ AHus"@ s""".C 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 %"y@ 8ut someone must not "ear %"at "e "a5 >ust sai5@ must not kno% %"at "a5 "appene5. 7y li1e 5epen5e5 on it. $"ere %as no more %"isperin- in my "ea5@ 8ut t"e last 8it o1 a5)i3e "a5 8een -oo5. <un. <unnin- soun5e5 )ery -oo5. $"e silen3e %as 5an-erous. 9t meant t"e 1i-"t %as o)er@ an5 t"e %inner 3oul5 turn its attention to ot"er t"in-s. 9 5i5 not %ant to 8e one o1 t"ose t"in-s. 9 stoo5 an5 o11ere5 a "an5 to Ka3"ary. He looke5 puEEle5 8ut took it@ stan5in-. 9 pulle5 "im up t"e steps an5 starte5 runnin-. 9 "a5 to -et a%ay@ "a5 to@ or 9 %oul5 5ie in t"is pla3e@ toni-"t@ no%. 9 kne% t"at %it" a surety t"at le1t no room 1or ;uestions@ no time 1or "esitation. 9 %as runnin- 1or my li1e. 9 %oul5 5ie@ i1 /ikolaos sa% me no%. 9 %oul5 5ie. An5 9 %oul5 ne)er kno% %"y. ,it"er Ka3"ary 1elt t"e pani3 too@ or "e t"ou-"t 9 kne% somet"in- "e 5i5n?t@ 8e3ause "e ran %it" me. ="en one o1 us stum8le5@ t"e ot"er pulle5 "im@ or "er@ to t"eir 1eet@ an5 %e ran. =e ran until a3i5 8urne5 t"e mus3les in my le-s@ an5 my 3"est s;ueeEe5 into a "ar5 a3"e 1or la3k o1 air. $"is %as %"y 9 >o--e5@ so 9 3oul5 run like "ell %"en somet"in- %as 3"asin- me. $"inner t"i-"s %as not in3enti)e enou-". But t"is %as@ runnin- %"en you "a5 to@ runnin- 1or your li1e. $"e silen3e %as "ea)y@ almost tou3"a8le. 9t seeme5 to 1lo% up t"e stairs@ as i1 sear3"in- 1or somet"in-. $"e silen3e 3"ase5 us as surely as t"e %in5 "a5. $"e trou8le %it" runnin- up stairs@ i1 you?)e e)er "a5 a knee in>ury@ is t"at you 3an?t 5o it 1ore)er. Gi)e me a 1lat sur1a3e@ an5 9 3an run 1or "ours. Put me on an in3line@ an5 my knees -i)e me 1its. 9t starte5 as an a3"e@ 8ut it 5i5n?t take lon- to 8e3ome a s"arp@ -rin5in- pain. ,a3" step 8e-an to s3ream up my le-@ until t"e entire le- pulse5 %it" it.

$"e knee 8e-an to pop as it mo)e5@ an au5i8le soun5. $"at %as a 8a5 si-n. $"e knee %as t"reatenin- to -o out on me. 91 it poppe5 out o1 >oint@ 9?5 8e 3ripple5 "ere on t"e stairs %it" t"e silen3e 8reat"in- aroun5 me. /ikolaos %oul5 1in5 me an5 kill me. ="y %as 9 so sure o1 t"atB /o ans%er@ 8ut 9 kne% it@ kne% it %it" e)ery pull o1 air. 9 5i5n?t ar-ue %it" t"e 1eelin-. 9 slo%e5 an5 reste5 on t"e steps@ stret3"in- out t"e mus3les in my le-s. <e1usin- to -asp as t"e mus3les on my 8a5 let%it3"e5. 9 %oul5 stret3" it out an5 1eel 8etter. $"e pain %oul5n?t -o a%ay@ 9?5 a8use5 it too mu3" 1or t"at@ 8ut 9 %oul5 8e a8le to %alk %it"out t"e knee 8etrayin- me. Ka3"ary 3ollapse5 on t"e stairs@ o8)iously not a >o--er. His mus3les %oul5 ti-"ten up i1 "e 5i5n?t keep mo)in-. 7ay8e "e kne% t"at. 7ay8e "e 5i5n?t 3are. 9 stret3"e5 my arms a-ainst t"e %all until my s"oul5ers stret3"e5 out. Hust somet"in- 1amiliar to 5o %"ile 9 %aite5 1or t"e knee to 3alm 5o%n. Somet"in- to 5o@ %"ile 9 listene5 1or2%"atB Somet"in- "ea)y an5 sli5in-@ somet"in- an3ient@ lon5ea5. Soun5s 1rom a8o)e@ "i-"er up t"e stairs. 9 1roEe presse5 a-ainst t"e %all@ palms 1lat a-ainst t"e 3ool stone. ="at no%B ="at moreB Surely@ to Go5@ it %oul5 8e 5a%n soon. Ka3"ary stoo5 an5 turne5 to 1a3e up t"e stairs. 9 stoo5 %it" my 8a3k to t"e %all@ so 9 3oul5 see up as %ell as 5o%n. 9 5i5n?t %ant somet"in- sneakin- up on me 1rom 8elo% %"ile 9 %as lookin- upstairs. 9 %ante5 my -un. 9t %as lo3ke5 in my trunk@ %"ere it %as 5oin- me a "ell o1 a lot o1 -oo5. =e %ere stan5in- >ust 8elo% a lan5in-@ a turn in t"e stairs. $"ere "a)e 8een times %"en 9 %is"e5 9 3oul5 see aroun5 3orners. $"is %as one o1 t"em. $"e s3rape o1 3lot" a-ainst stone@ t"e ru8 o1 s"oes. $"e man %"o %alke5 aroun5 t"e 3orner %as "uman@ surprise@ surprise. His ne3k %as e)en unmarke5. !otton2%"ite "air %as s"a)e5 3lose to "is "ea5. $"e mus3les in "is ne3k 8ul-e5. His 8i3eps %ere 8i--er aroun5 t"an my %aist. 7y %aist is kin5a small@ 8ut "is arms %ere still@ a"@ impressi)e. He %as at least si*2t"ree@ an5 t"ere %asn?t enou-" 1at on "im to -rease a 3ake pan. His eyes %ere t"e 3rystalline paleness o1 Hanuary skies@ a 5istant@ i3y@ 8lue. He %as also t"e 1irst 8o5y8uil5er 9?5 e)er seen %"o 5i5n?t "a)e a tan. All t"at ripplin- mus3le %as 5one in %"ite@ like 7o8y 4i3k. A 8la3k mes" tank top s"o%e5 o11 e)ery in3" o1 "is massi)e 3"est. Bla3k >o--in- s"orts 1lare5 aroun5 t"e s%ell o1 "is le-s. He "a5 "a5 to 3ut t"em up t"e si5es to slip t"em o)er t"e ro3k 8ul-e o1 "is t"i-"s. 9 %"ispere5@ AHesus@ "o% mu3" 5o you 8en3" pressBC He smile5@ 3lose2lippe5. He spoke %it" t"e 8arest mo)ement o1 lips@ ne)er -i)in- a -limpse o1 "is in3isors. A'our "un5re5.C 9 -a)e a lo% %"istle. An5 sai5 %"at "e %ante5 me to sayJ A9mpressi)e.C He smile5@ 3are1ul not to s"o% teet". He %as tryin- to play t"e )ampire. Su3" a 3are1ul a3t 8ein- %aste5 on me. S"oul5 9 tell "im t"at "e s3reame5 "umanB /a%@ "e mi-"t 8reak me o)er "is t"i-" like kin5lin-. A$"is is =inter@C Ka3"ary sai5. $"e name %as too per1e3t to 8e real@ like a 19& s mo)ie star. A="at is "appenin-BC "e aske5. A#ur master an5 Hean2!lau5e are 1i-"tin-@C Ka3"ary sai5. He 5re% a 5eep@ si-"in- 8reat". His eyes %i5ene5 >ust a 8it. AHean2!lau5eBC He ma5e it soun5 like a ;uestion. Ka3"ary no55e5 an5 smile5. ADes@ "e?s 8een "ol5in- out.C A="o are youBC "e aske5. 9 "esitate5G Ka3"ary s"ru--e5. AAnita Blake.C He smile5 t"en@ 1las"in- ni3e normal teet" at last. ADou?re $"e ,*e3utionerBC ADes.C He lau-"e5. $"e soun5 e3"oe5 8et%een t"e stone %alls. $"e silen3e seeme5 to ti-"ten aroun5 us. $"e lau-"ter stoppe5 a8ruptly@ a 5e% o1 s%eat on "is lip. =inter 1elt it an5 1eare5 it. His )oi3e 3ame lo%@ almost a %"isper@ as i1 "e %as a1rai5 o1 8ein- o)er"ear5. ADou aren?t 8i- enou-" to 8e $"e ,*e3utioner.C 9 s"ru--e5. A9t 5isappoints me@ too@ sometimes.C He smile5@ almost lau-"e5 a-ain@ 8ut s%allo%e5 it. His eyes %ere s"iny. ALet?s all -et out o1 "ere@C Ka3"ary sai5. 9 %as %it" "im. A9 %as sent to 3"e3k on /ikolaos@C =inter sai5. $"e silen3e pulse5 %it" t"e name. A 8ea5 o1 s%eat 5rippe5 5o%n "is 1a3e. 9mportant sa1ety tipJ ne)er say t"e name o1 an an-ry master )ampire %"en t"ey are %it"in A"earin-C 5istan3e. AS"e 3an take 3are o1 "ersel1@C Ka3"ary %"ispere5@ 8ut t"e soun5 e3"oe5 any%ay.

A/ooo@C 9 sai5. Ka3"ary -lare5 at me an5 9 s"ru--e5. Sometimes 9 >ust 3an?t "elp mysel1. =inter stare5 at me@ 1a3e as impersonal as 3ar)e5 mar8leG only "is eyes trem8le5. 7r. 7a3"o. A!ome@C "e sai5. He turne5 %it"out %aitin- to see i1 %e %oul5 1ollo%. =e 1ollo%e5. 9 %oul5 "a)e 1ollo%e5 "im any%"ere as lon- as "e %ent upstairs. All 9 kne% %as t"at not"in-@ a8solutely not"in-@ 3oul5 -et me 8a3k 5o%n t"ose stairs. /ot %illin-ly. #1 3ourse@ t"ere are al%ays ot"er options. 9 -lan3e5 up at =inter?s 8roa5 8a3k. Dea"@ i1 you 5on?t %ant to 5o it %illin-ly@ t"ere are al%ays ot"er options.

Chapter Fourteen
$"e stairs opene5 into a s;uare 3"am8er. An ele3tri3 8ul8 5an-le5 1rom t"e 3eilin-. 9 "a5 ne)er t"ou-"t one 5im ele3tri3 li-"t 3oul5 8e 8eauti1ul@ 8ut it %as. A si-n t"at %e %ere lea)in- t"e un5er-roun5 3"am8er o1 "orrors 8e"in5 an5 approa3"in- t"e real %orl5. 9 %as rea5y to -o "ome. $"ere %ere t%o 5oors lea5in- out o1 t"e stone room@ one strai-"t a"ea5 an5 one to t"e ri-"t. 7usi3 1loate5 t"rou-" t"e one in 1ront o1 us. Hi-"@ 8ri-"t 3ir3us musi3. $"e 5oor opene5@ an5 t"e musi3 8oile5 aroun5 us. $"ere %as a -limpse o1 8ri-"t 3olors an5 "un5re5s o1 people millin- a8out. A si-n 1las"e5@ A'un "ouse.C A 3arni)al mi5%ay@ insi5e a 8uil5in-. 9 kne% %"ere 9 %as. !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5. $"e 3ity?s most po%er1ul )ampires slept un5er t"e !ir3us. 9t %as somet"in- to remem8er. $"e 5oor starte5 to s"ut@ 5immin- t"e musi3@ 3uttin- o11 t"e 8ri-"t si-ns. 9 looke5 into t"e eyes o1 a teena-e -irl@ %"o %as strainin- to see aroun5 t"e 5oor%ay. $"e 5oor 3li3ke5 s"ut. A man leane5 a-ainst t"e 5oor. He %as tall an5 slen5er@ 5resse5 like a ri)er8oat -am8ler. <oyal purple 3oat@ la3e at t"e ne3k an5 5o%n t"e 1ront@ strai-"t 8la3k pants an5 8oots. A strai-"t28rimme5 "at s"a5e5 "is 1a3e@ an5 a -ol5 mask 3o)ere5 e)eryt"in- 8ut "is mout" an5 3"in. 4ark eyes stare5 at me t"rou-" t"e -ol5 mask. His ton-ue 5an3e5 o)er "is lips an5 teet"J 1an-s@ a )ampire. ="y 5i5n?t t"at surprise meB A9 %as a1rai5 9 %oul5 miss you@ ,*e3utioner.C His )oi3e "a5 a Sout"ern t"i3kness. =inter mo)e5 to stan5 8et%een us. $"e )ampire lau-"e5@ a ri3" 8arkin- soun5. A$"e mus3le man "ere t"inks "e 3an prote3t you. S"all 9 tear "im to pie3es to pro)e "im %ron-BC A$"at %on?t 8e ne3essary@C 9 sai5. Ka3"ary mo)e5 up to stan5 8esi5e me. A4o you re3o-niEe my )oi3eBC t"e )ampire aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9t "as 8een t%o years. 9 5i5n?t kno% until t"is 8usiness 3ame up t"at you %ere $"e ,*e3utioner. 9 t"ou-"t you 5ie5.C A!an %e 3ut to t"e 3"ase "ereB ="o are you an5 %"at 5o you %antBC ASo ea-er@ so impatient@ so "uman.C He raise5 -lo)e5 "an5s an5 took o11 "is "at. S"ort@ au8urn "air 1rame5 t"e -ol5 mask. APlease 5on?t 5o t"is@C Ka3"ary sai5. A$"e master "as or5ere5 me to see t"e %oman sa1ely to "er 3ar.C A9 5on?t inten5 to "arm a "air on "er "ea52toni-"t.C $"e -lo)es li1te5 t"e mask a%ay. $"e le1t si5e o1 t"e 1a3e %as s3arre5@ pitte5@ melte5 a%ay. #nly "is 8ro%n eye %as still %"ole an5 ali)e@ rollin- in a 3ir3le o1 pinkis"2%"ite s3ar tissue. A3i5 8urns look like t"at. ,*3ept it "a5n?t 8een a3i5. 9t "a5 8een Holy =ater. 9 remem8ere5 "is 8o5y pinnin- me to t"e -roun5. His teet" tearin- at my arm %"ile 9 trie5 to keep "im o11 my t"roat. $"e 3lean s"arp snap o1 8one %"ere "e 8it t"rou-". 7y s3reams. His "an5 1or3in- my "ea5 8a3k. Him rearin- to strike. Helpless. He misse5 t"e ne3kG 9 ne)er kne% %"y. $eet" sank aroun5 my 3ollar8one@ snappe5 it. He lappe5 up my 8loo5 like a 3at %it" 3ream. 9 lay un5er "is %ei-"t listenin- to "im lap up my 8loo5. $"e 8roken 8ones 5i5n?t "urt yetG s"o3k. 9 %as 8e-innin- not to "urt@ not to 8e a1rai5. 9 %as 8e-innin- to 5ie. 7y ri-"t "an5 rea3"e5 out in t"e -rass an5 tou3"e5 somet"in- smoot"2-lass. A )ial o1 Holy =ater t"at "a5 8een t"ro%n out o1 my 8a-@ s3attere5 8y t"e "al12"uman ser)ants. $"e )ampire ne)er looke5 at me. His 1a3e %as presse5 o)er t"e %oun5. His ton-ue %as e*plorin- t"e "ole "e?5 ma5e. His teet" -rate5 alon- t"e nake5 8one@ an5 9 s3reame5. He lau-"e5 into my s"oul5er@ lau-"e5 %"ile "e kille5 me. 9 1li3ke5 t"e li5 open on t"e )ial an5 splas"e5 "is 1a3e. 'les" 8oile5. His skin poppe5 an5 8u88le5. He knelt o)er me@ 3lut3"in- "is 1a3e an5 s"riekin-. 9 t"ou-"t "e "a5 8een trappe5 in t"e "ouse %"en it 8urne5 5o%n. 9 "a5 %ante5 "im 5ea5@ %is"e5 "im 5ea5. 9 "a5 %is"e5 t"at memory a%ay@ pus"e5 it 8a3k. /o% "ere "e stoo5@ my 1a)orite ni-"tmare 3ome to li1e. A="at@ no s3ream o1 "orrorB /o -asp o1 1ri-"tB Dou 5isappoint me@ ,*e3utioner. 4on?t you a5mire your o%n "an5i%orkBC 7y )oi3e 3ame out stran-le5@ "us"e5. A9 t"ou-"t you 5ie5.C A/o% ya kno% 5i11erent. An5 no% 9 kno% you?re ali)e@ too. Ho% 3osy.C

He smile5@ an5 t"e mus3les on "is s3arre5 3"eek pulle5 t"e smile to one si5e@ makin- it a -rima3e. ,)en )ampires 3an?t "eal e)eryt"in-. A,ternity@ ,*e3utioner@ eternity like t"is.C He 3aresse5 t"e s3ars %it" a -lo)e5 "an5. A="at 5o you %antBC ABe 8ra)e@ little -irl@ 8e 8ra)e as you %ant to 8e. 9 3an 1eel your 1ear. 9 %ant to see t"e s3ars 9 -a)e you@ see t"at you remem8er me@ like 9 remem8er you.C A9 remem8er you.C AS3ars@ -irl@ s"o% me t"e s3ars.C A9 s"o% you t"e s3ars@ t"en %"atBC F$"en you -o "ome@ or %"ere)er you?re -oin-. $"e master "as -i)en stri3t or5ers you are not 8e "arme5 until a1ter you 5o your >o8 1or us.C A$"enBC He smile5@ a 8roa5 -listenin- e*panse o1 teet". A$"en@ 9 "unt you 5o%n@ an5 9 pay you 8a3k 1or t"is.C He tou3"e5 "is 1a3e. A!ome@ -irl@ 5on?t 8e s"y@ 9 seen it all 8e1ore. 9 taste5 your 8loo5. S"o% me t"e s3ars@ an5 t"e mus3le man %on?t "a)e to 5ie pro)in- "o% stron- "e is.C 9 -lan3e5 at =inter. 7assi)e 1ists %ere 3rosse5 o)er "is 3"est. His spine nearly )i8rate5 %it" rea5iness. $"e )ampire %as ri-"tG =inter %oul5 5ie tryin-. 9 pus"e5 t"e rippe5 slee)e a8o)e t"e el8o%. A moun5 o1 s3ar tissue 5e3orate5 t"e 8en5 in my armG s3ars 5ri88le5 5o%n 1rom it@ like li;ui5@ 3riss3rossin- an5 1lo%in- 5o%n t"e outer e5-e o1 my arm. $"e 3ross2 s"ape5 8urn took up t"e only 3lear spa3e on t"e insi5e o1 my 1orearm. A9 5i5n?t t"ink you?5 e)er use t"at arm a-ain@ a1ter t"e %ay 9 tore into it.C AP"ysi3al t"erapy is a %on5er1ul t"in-.C AAin?t no p"ysi3al t"erapy -onna "elp me.C A/o@C 9 sai5. $"e 1irst 8utton %as missin- on my 8louse. #ne more an5 9 sprea5 my s"irt 8a3k to e*pose t"e 3ollar8one. S3ars ri5-e5 it@ 3ra%le5 o)er it. 9t looke5 real attra3ti)e in a 8at"in- suit. AGoo5@C t"e )ampire sai5. ADou smell like 3ol5 s%eat %"en you t"ink o1 me@ little -irl. 9 %as "opin- 9 "aunte5 you t"e %ay you "aunte5 me.C A$"ere is a 5i11eren3e@ you kno%.C AAn5 %"at mi-"t t"at 8eBC ADou %ere tryin- to kill me. 9 %as 5e1en5in- mysel1.C AAn5 %"y "a5 you 3ome to our "ouseB $o put stakes t"rou-" our "earts. Dou 3ame to our "ouse to kill us. =e. 5i5n?t -o "untin- 1or you.C ABut you 5i5 -o "untin- 1or t%enty2t"ree ot"er people. $"at?s a lot o1 people. Dour -roup "a5 to 8e stoppe5.C A="o appointe5 you Go5B ="o ma5e you our e*e3utionerBC 9 took a 5eep 8reat". 9t %as stea5y@ 5i5n?t trem8le. Bro%nie point 1or me. A$"e poli3e.C ABa".C He spit on t"e 1loor. Very appealin-. ADou %ork real "ar5@ -irl. Dou 1in5 t"e mur5erer@ t"en %e?ll 1inis" up.C A7ay 9 -o no%BC ABy all means. Dou?re sa1e toni-"t@ 8e3ause t"e master says so@ 8ut t"at %ill 3"an-e.C Ka3"ary sai5@ A#ut t"e si5e 5oor.C He %alke5 nearly 8a3k%ar5s %at3"in- t"e )ampire as %e mo)e5 a%ay. =inter staye5 8e"in5@ -uar5in- our 8a3ks. 95iot. Ka3"ary opene5 t"e 5oor. $"e ni-"t %as "ot an5 sti3ky. Summer %in5 slappe5 a-ainst my 1a3e@ "umi5@ an5 3lose@ an5 8eauti1ul. $"e )ampire 3alle5@ A<emem8er t"e name Valentine@ F3ause you?ll 8e "earin- 1rom me.C Ka3"ary an5 9 %alke5 out t"e 5oor. 9t 3lan-e5 s"ut 8e"in5 us. $"ere %as no "an5le on t"e outsi5e@ no %ay to open it. A one %ay ti3ket@ out. #ut soun5e5 >ust 1ine. =e starte5 to %alk. ADou -ot a -un %it" sil)er 8ullets in itBC "e aske5. ADes.C A9?5 start 3arryin- it i1 9 %ere you.C ASil)er 8ullets %on?t kill "im.C ABut it?ll slo% "im 5o%n.C ADea".C =e %alke5 1or a 1e% minutes in silen3e. $"e %arm summer ni-"t seeme5 to sli5e aroun5 us@ "ol5 us in sti3ky@ 3urious "an5s.

A="at 9 nee5 is a s"ot-un.C He looke5 at me. ADou -oin- to 3ant? a s"ot-un %it" you 5ay a1ter 5ayBC ASa%e5 o11@ it %oul5 1it un5er a 3oat.C A9n t"e mi55le o1 a 7issouri summer@ you?5 melt. ="y not a ma3"ine -un@ or a 1lamet"ro%er@ %"ile you?re at itBC A7a3"ine -un "as too %i5e a sprea5 ran-e. Dou may "it inno3ent people. 'lamet"ro%er?s 8ulky. 7essy@ too.C He stoppe5 me %it" a "an5 on my s"oul5er. ADou?)e use5 a 1lamet"ro%er on )ampires 8e1oreBC A/o@ 8ut 9 sa% it use5.C A7y -o5.C He stare5 o11 into spa3e 1or a moment@ t"en aske5@ A4i5 it %orkBC ALike a 3"armG messy@ t"ou-". An5 it 8urne5 t"e "ouse 5o%n aroun5 us. 9 t"ou-"t it %as a little e*treme.C A9?ll 8et.C =e starte5 %alkin- a-ain. ADou must "ate )ampires.C A9 5on?t "ate t"em.C A$"en %"y 5o you kill t"emBC ABe3ause it?s my >o8@ an5 9?m -oo5 at it.C =e turne5 a 3orner@ an5 9 3oul5 see t"e parkin- lot %"ere 9 "a5 le1t my 3ar. 9t seeme5 like 9 "a5 parke5 my 3ar 5ays a-o. 7y %at3" sai5 "ours. 9t %as a little like >et la-@ 8ut instea5 o1 3rossin- time Eones@ you 3rosse5 e)ents. So many traumati3 e)ents an5 your time sense s3re%s up. $oo mu3" "appenin- in too s"ort a spa3e o1 time. A9?m your 5aytime 3onta3t. 91 you nee5 anyt"in-@ or %ant to 1 -i)e a messa-e@ "ere?s my num8er.C He s"o)e5 a mat3"8ook into my "an5. 9 -lan3e5 at t"e mat3"8ook. 9t rea5 A!ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5C 8lee5in- re5 onto a s"iny 8la3k 8a3k-roun5. 9 s"o)e5 it in my >eans po3ket. 7y -un %as lyin- t"ere in my trunk. 9 slippe5 into t"e s"oul5er ri-@ not 3arin- t"at 9 "a5 no >a3ket to 3o)er it. A -un out L plain si-"t attra3ts attention@ 8ut most people lea)e you alone. $"ey o1ten e)en start runnin-@ 3learin- a pat" 8e1ore you. 9t ma5e 3"ases )ery 3on)enient. Ka3"ary %aite5 until 9 %as sittin- in my 3ar. He leane5 into t"e open 5oor. A9t 3an?t >ust 8e a >o8@ Anita. $"ere?s -ot to 8e a 8etter reason t"an t"at.C 9 -lan3e5 5o%n at my lap an5 starte5 t"e 3ar. 9 looke5 up into "is pale eyes. A9?m a1rai5 o1 t"em. 9t is a )ery natural "uman trait to 5estroy t"at %"i3" 1ri-"tens us.C A7ost people spen5 t"eir li)es a)oi5in- t"in-s t"ey 1ear. Dou run a1ter t"em. $"at?s 3raEy.C He "a5 a point. 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor an5 le1t "im stan5in- in t"e "ot 5ark. 9 raise5 t"e 5ea5 an5 lai5 t"e un5ea5 to rest. 9t %as %"at 9 5i5. ="o 9 %as. 91 9 e)er starte5 ;uestionin- my moti)es@ 9 %oul5 stop killin- )ampires. Simple as t"at. 9 %asn?t ;uestionin- my moti)es toni-"t@ so 9 %as still a )ampire slayer@ still t"e name t"ey "a5 -i)en me. 9 %as $"e ,*e3utioner.

Chapter Fifteen
4a%n sli5 a3ross t"e sky like a 3urtain o1 li-"t. $"e mornin- star -littere5 like a 5iamon5 3"ip a-ainst t"e easy 1lo% o1 li-"t. 9 "a5 seen t%o sunrises in as many 5ays. 9 %as 8e-innin- to 1eel -rumpy. $"e tri3k %oul5 8e to 5e3i5e %"om to 8e -rumpy at@ an5 %"at to 5o a8out it. <i-"t no% all 9 %ante5 %as to sleep. $"e rest 3oul5 %ait@ %oul5 "a)e to %ait. 9 "a5 8een runnin- on 1ear@ a5renaline@ an5 stu88ornness 1or "ours. 9n t"e ;uiet "us" o1 t"e 3ar 9 3oul5 1eel my 8o5y. 9t %as not "appy. 9t "urt to -rip t"e %"eel@ "urt to turn it. $"e 8loo5y s3rapes on my "an5s looke5 a lot %orse t"an t"ey %ere@ 9 "ope5. 7y %"ole 8o5y 1elt sti11. ,)ery8o5y un5errates 8ruises. $"ey "urt. $"ey %oul5 "urt a lot more a1ter 9 slept on t"em. $"ere is not"in- like %akin- up t"e mornin- a1ter a -oo5 8eatin-. 9t?s like a "an-o)er t"at 3o)ers your entire 8o5y. $"e 3orri5or o1 my apartment 8uil5in- %as "us"e5. $"e %"ir o1 t"e air 3on5itioner 8reat"e5 in t"e silen3e. 9 3oul5 almost 1eel all t"e people asleep 8e"in5 t"e 5oors. 9 "a5 an ur-e to press my ear to one o1 t"e 5oors an5 see i1 9 3oul5 "ear my nei-"8ors 8reat"in-. So ;uiet. $"e "our a1ter 5a%n is t"e most pri)ate o1 all. 9t is a time to 8e alone an5 en>oy t"e silen3e. $"e only "our more "us"e5 is t"ree a.m. an5 9 am not a 1an o1 t"ree a.m. 9 "a5 my keys in my "an5@ "a5 almost tou3"e5 t"e 5oor@ %"en 9 realiEe5 it %as a>ar. A tiny 3ra3k@ almost 3lose5@ 8ut not. 9 mo)e5 to t"e ri-"t o1 t"e 5oor an5 presse5 my 8a3k a-ainst t"e %all. Ha5 t"ey "ear5 t"e keys >in-lin-B ="o %as insi5eB A5renaline %as 1lo%in- like 1ine 3"ampa-ne. 9 %as alert to e)ery s"a5o%@ t"e %ay t"e li-"t 1ell. 7y 8o5y %as in emer-en3y mo5e@ an5 9 "ope5 to Go5 9 5i5n?t nee5 it.

9 5re% my -un an5 leane5 a-ainst t"e %all. /o% %"atB $"ere %as no soun5 1rom insi5e t"e apartment@ not"in-. 9t 3oul5 8e more )ampires@ 8ut it %as nearly true 5a%n. 9t %oul5n?t 8e )ampires. ="o else %oul5 8reak into my apartmentB 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. 9 5i5n?t kno%. 4i5n?t "a)e t"e 1aintest i5ea. Dou?5 t"ink 9?5 -et use5 to not kno%in- %"at t"e "ell is -oin- on@ 8ut 9 ne)er 5o. 9t >ust makes me -rumpy@ an5 a little s3are5. 9 "a5 se)eral 3"oi3es. 9 3oul5 lea)e an5 3all t"e poli3e@ not a 8a5 3"oi3e. But %"at 3oul5 t"ey 5o t"at 9 3oul5n?t@ e*3ept %alk in an5 -et kille5 in my pla3eB $"at %as una33epta8le. 9 3oul5 %ait in t"e 3orri5or until %"oe)er it %as -ot 3urious. $"at 3oul5 take a %"ile@ an5 t"e apartment mi-"t 8e empty. 9?5 1eel pretty stupi5 stan5in- out "ere 1or "ours@ -un traine5 on an empty apartment. 9 %as tire5@ an5 9 %ante5 to -o to 8e5. 4ammitI 9 3oul5 al%ays >ust -o in@ -un 8laEin-. /a%. 9 3oul5 pus" t"e 5oor open an5 8e lyin- on t"e 1loor an5 s"oot anyone insi5e. 91 t"ey "a5 a -un. 91 t"ere %as anyone insi5e. $"e smart t"in- %oul5 8e to out%ait t"em@ 8ut 9 %as tire5. $"e a5renaline rus" %as 1a5in- un5er t"e 1rustration o1 too many 3"oi3es. $"ere 3omes a point %"en you >ust -et tire5. 9 5i5n?t t"ink 9 3oul5 stan5 out "ere in t"e air23on5itione5 silen3e an5 stay alert. 9 %oul5n?t 1all asleep stan5in- up@ 8ut it %as a t"ou-"t. An5 anot"er "our %oul5 see my nei-"8ors up an5 a8out@ may8e 3au-"t in t"e 3ross1ire. :na33epta8le. ="ate)er %as -oin- to "appen nee5e5 to "appen no%. 4e3ision ma5e. Goo5. /ot"in- like 1ear to %as" your min5 3lean. 9 mo)e5 as 1ar 1rom t"e 5oor as 9 3oul5 an5 3rosse5 o)er@ -un traine5 on t"e 5oor. 9 mo)e5 alon- t"e le1t2"an5 %all to%ar5s t"e "in-e si5e o1 t"e 5oor. 9t opene5 in. Hust -i)e it a pus" 1lat a-ainst t"e %allG simple. <i-"t. 9 3rou3"e5 5o%n on one knee@ my s"oul5ers "un3"e5 as i1 9 3oul5 5ra% my "ea5 5o%n like a turtle. 9 %as 8ettin- t"at any -un %oul5 "it a8o)e me@ 3"est2"i-". !rou3"e5 5o%n@ 9 %as a lot s"orter t"an 3"est2"i-". 9 s"o)e5 t"e 5oor open %it" my le1t "an5 an5 "u--e5 t"e 5oorsill. 9t %orke5 like a 3"arm. 7y -un %as pointin- at t"e 8a5 -uy?s 3"est. ,*3ept "is "an5s %ere alrea5y in t"e air@ an5 "e %as smilin- at me. A4on?t s"oot@C "e sai5. A9t?s ,5%ar5.C 9 knelt t"ere starin- at "imG an-er rose like a %arm ti5e. ADou 8astar5. Dou kne% 9 %as out "ere.C He steeple5 "is 1in-ers. A9 "ear5 t"e keys.C 9 stoo5@ eyes sear3"in- t"e room. ,5%ar5 "a5 mo)e5 my %"ite o)erstu11e5 3"air to 1a3e t"e 5oor. /ot"in- else seeme5 to 8e mo)e5. A9 assure you@ Anita@ 9 am ;uite alone.C A$"at 9 8elie)e. ="y 5i5n?t you 3all out to meBC A9 %ante5 to see i1 you %ere still -oo5. 9 3oul5 "a)e 8lo%n you a%ay %"en you "esitate5 in 1ront o1 t"e 5oor@ %it" your keys >in-lin- so ni3ely.C 9 s"ut t"e 5oor 8e"in5 me an5 lo3ke5 it@ t"ou-" trut"1ully %it" ,5%ar5 insi5e 9 mi-"t "a)e 8een sa1er lo3kin- mysel1 out rat"er t"an in. He %as not an imposin- man@ not 1ri-"tenin-@ i1 you 5i5n?t kno% "im. He %as 1i)e2ei-"t@ slen5er@ 8lon5@ 8lue2eye5@ 3"armin-. But i1 9 %as $"e ,*e3utioner@ "e %as 4eat" itsel1. He %as t"e person 9 "a5 seen use a 1lamet"ro%er. 9 "a5 %orke5 %it" "im 8e1ore@ an5 "ea)en kno%s you 1elt sa1e %it" "im. He 3arrie5 more 1irepo%er t"an <am8o@ 8ut "e %as a little too 3areless o1 inno3ent 8ystan5ers. He 8e-an li1e as a "it man. $"at mu3" t"e poli3e kne%. 9 t"ink "umans 8e3ame too easy so "e s%it3"e5 to )ampires an5 ly3ant"ropes. An5 9 kne% t"at i1 a time 3ame %"ere it %as more e*pe5ient to kill me t"an to 8e my A1rien5@C "e %oul5 5o it. ,5%ar5 "a5 no 3ons3ien3e. 9t ma5e "im t"e per1e3t killer. A9?)e 8een up all 8loo5y ni-"t@ ,5%ar5. 9?m not in t"e moo5 1or your -ames.C AHo% "urt are youBC 9 s"ru--e5 an5 %in3e5. A$"e "an5s are sore@ 8ruises mostly. 9?m all ri-"t.C ADour ni-"t se3retary sai5 you %ere out at a 8a3"elorette party.C He -rinne5 at me@ eyes sparklin-. A9t must "a)e 8een some party2A A9 ran into a )ampire you mi-"t kno%.C He raise5 "is yello% eye8ro%s an5 ma5e a silent A#"C %it" "is lips. A<emem8er t"e "ouse you nearly roaste5 5o%n aroun5 usBC AA8out t%o years a-o. =e kille5 si* )ampires@ an5 t%o "uman ser)ants.C 9 %alke5 past "im an5 1loppe5 onto t"e 3ou3". A=e misse5 one.C A/o@ %e 5i5n?t.C His )oi3e %as )ery pre3ise. ,5%ar5 at "is most 5an-erous. 9 looke5 at t"e 3are1ully 3ut 8a3k o1 "is "ea5. A$rust me on t"is one@ ,5%ar5. He 5amn near kille5 me toni-"t.C ="i3" %as a partial trut"@ also kno%n as a lie. 91 t"e )ampires 5i5n?t %ant me to tell t"e poli3e@ t"ey 3ertainly 5i5n?t %ant 4eat" to kno%. ,5%ar5 %as a %"ole lot more 5an-erous to t"em t"an t"e poli3e.

A="at oneBC A$"e one %"o nearly tore me to pie3es. He 3alls "imsel1 Valentine. He?s still %earin- t"e a3i5 s3ars 9 -a)e "im.C AHoly =aterBC ADea".C ,5%ar5 3ame to sit 8esi5e me on t"e 3ou3". He kept to one en5@ a 3are1ul 5istan3e. A$ell me.C His eyes %ere intense on my 1a3e. 9 looke5 a%ay. A$"ere isn?t mu3" le1t to tell.C ADou?re lyin-@ Anita. ="yBC 9 stare5 at "im@ an-er 3omin- in a rus". 9 "ate to 8e 3au-"t in a lie. A$"ere "a)e 8een some )ampires mur5ere5 5o%n alon- t"e ri)er. Ho% lon- "a)e you 8een in to%n@ ,5%ar5BC He smile5 t"en@ t"ou-" at %"at 9 %asn?t sure. A/ot lon-. 9 "ear5 a rumor t"at you -ot to meet t"e 3ity?s "ea5 )ampire toni-"t.C 9 3oul5n?t stop it. 7y mout" 1ell openG t"e surprise %as too mu3" to "i5e. AHo% t"e "ell 5o you kno% t"atBC He -a)e a -ra3e1ul s"ru-. A9 "a)e my sour3es.C A/o )ampire %oul5 talk to you@ not %illin-ly.C A-ain t"at s"ru- t"at sai5 e)eryt"in- an5 not"in- at all. A="at "a)e you 5one toni-"t@ ,5%ar5BC A="at "a)e you 5one toni-"t@ AnitaBC $ou3"y@ 7e*i3an stan5o11@ %"ate)er. A="y "a)e you 3ome to me t"enB ="at 5o you %antBC A9 %ant t"e lo3ation o1 t"e master )ampire. $"e 5aytime restin- pla3e.C 9 "a5 re3o)ere5 enou-" so t"at my 1a3e %as 8lan5@ no surprise "ere. AHo% %oul5 9 kno% t"atBC A4o you kno%BC A/o.C 9 stoo5 up. A9?m tire5@ an5 9 %ant to -o to 8e5. 91 t"ere?s not"in- elseBC He stoo5@ too@ still smilin-@ like "e kne% 9 "a5 lie5. A9?ll 8e in tou3". 91 you 5o "appen to run a3ross t"e in1ormation 9 nee5 ... C He let t"e senten3e trail o11 an5 starte5 1or t"e 5oor. A,5%ar5.C He "al12turne5 to me. A4o you "a)e a sa%e52o11 s"ot-unBC His eye8ro%s %ent up a-ain. A9 3oul5 -et one 1or you.C A9?5 pay.C A/o@ a -i1t.C A9 3an?t tell you.C ABut you 5o kno%BC A,5%ar5 ... C AHo% 5eep are you in@ AnitaBC A,ye le)el an5 sinkin- 1ast.C A9 3oul5 "elp you.C A9 kno%.C A=oul5 "elpin- you allo% me to kill more )ampiresBC A7ay8e.C@ He -rinne5 at me@ 8rilliant@ "eart2stoppin-. $"e -rin %as "is )ery 8est "armless -oo5 o1 8oy smile. 9 3oul5 ne)er 5e3i5e %"et"er t"e smile %as real or >ust anot"er mask. =oul5 t"e real ,5%ar5 please stan5 upB Pro8a8ly not. A9 en>oy "untin- )ampires. Let me in on it i1 you 3an.C A9 %ill.C He pause5 %it" a "an5 on t"e 5oorkno8. A9 "ope 9 "a)e more lu3k %it" my ot"er sour3es t"an 9 5i5 %it" you.C A="at "appens i1 you 3an?t 1in5 t"e lo3ation 1rom someone elseBC

A="y@ 9 3ome 8a3k.C AAn5BC AAn5 you %ill tell me %"at 9 %ant to kno%. =on?t youBC He %as still -rinnin- at me@ 3"armin-@ 8oyis". He %as also talkina8out torturin- me i1 "e "a5 to. 9 s%allo%e5@ "ar5. AGi)e me a 1e% 5ays@ ,5%ar5@ an5 9 mi-"t "a)e your in1ormation.C AGoo5. 9?ll 8rin- t"e s"ot-un later to5ay. 91 you?re not "ome@ 9?ll lea)e it on t"e kit3"en ta8le.C 9 5i5n?t ask "o% "e?5 -et insi5e i1 9 %asn?t "ome. He %oul5 only "a)e smile5 or lau-"e5. Lo3ks %eren?t mu3" o1 a 5eterrent to ,5%ar5. A$"ank you. 'or t"e s"ot-un@ 9 mean.C A7y pleasure@ Anita. :ntil tomorro%.C He steppe5 out t"e 5oor@ an5 it 3lose5 8e"in5 "im. Great. Vampires@ no% ,5%ar5. $"e 5ay %as a8out 1i1teen minutes ol5. /ot a )ery promisin- 8e-innin-. 9 lo3ke5 t"e 5oor@ 1or %"at -oo5 it %oul5 5o me@ an5 %ent to 8e5. $"e Bro%nin- HiPo%er %as in its se3on5 "ome@ a mo5i1ie5 "olster strappe5 to t"e "ea58oar5 o1 my 8e5. $"e 3ru3i1i* %as 3ool metal aroun5 my ne3k. 9 %as as sa1e as 9 %as -oin- to 8e an5 almost too tire5 to 3are. 9 took one more t"in- to 8e5 %it" me@ a stu11e5 toy pen-uin name5 Si-mun5. 9 5on?t sleep %it" "im o1ten@ >ust e)ery on3e in a %"ile a1ter someone tries to kill me. ,)eryone "as t"eir %eaknesses. Some people smoke. 9 3olle3t stu11e5 pen-uins. 91 you %on?t tell@ 9 %on?t.

Chapter Sixteen
9 stoo5 in t"e "u-e stone room %"ere /ikolaos "a5 sat. #nly t"e %oo5en 3"air remaine5@ empty@ alone. A 3o11in sat on t"e 1loor to one si5e. $or3"li-"t -leame5 o11 t"e polis"e5 %oo5. A 8reeEe ease5 t"rou-" t"e room. $"e tor3"es %a)ere5 an5 t"re% "u-e 8la3k s"a5o%s on t"e %alls. $"e s"a5o%s seeme5 to mo)e in5epen5ent o1 t"e li-"t. $"e lon-er 9 looke5 at t"em@ t"e more 9 %as sure t"e s"a5o%s %ere too 5ark@ too t"i3k. 9 3oul5 taste my "eart in my t"roat. 7y pulse %as "ammerin- in my "ea5. 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. $"en 9 realiEe5 9 %as "earina se3on5 "eart8eat@ like an e3"o. AHean2!lau5eBC $"e s"a5o%s 3rie5@ AHean2!lau5e@C in "i-" %"inin- )oi3es. 9 knelt 8y t"e 3o11in an5 -rippe5 t"e li5. 9t %as all one pie3e@ an5 raise5 on smoot" oile5 "in-es. Bloo5 poure5 5o%n t"e si5es o1 t"e 3o11in. $"e 8loo5 poure5 o)er my le-s@ splas"e5 on my arms. 9 s3reame5 an5 stoo5@ 3o)ere5 in 8loo5. 9t %as still %arm. AHean2!lau5eIC A pale "an5 raise5 out o1 t"e 8loo5@ spasme5@ an5 3ollapse5 a-ainst t"e si5e o1 t"e 3o11in. Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e 1loate5 to t"e top. 7y "an5 %as rea3"in- out. His "eart %as 1lutterin- in my "ea5@ 8ut "e %as 5ea5. He %as 5ea5I His "an5 %as i3y %a*. His eyes 1le% open. $"e 5ea5 "an5 -ra88e5 my %rist. A/oIC 9 trie5 to pull my "an5 1ree. 9 %ent 5o%n on my knees in t"e 3oolin- 8loo5 an5 s3reame5@ ALet me -oIC He sat up. He %as 3o)ere5 in 8loo5. $"e %"ite s"irt 5rippe5 %it" it@ like a 8loo5y ra-. A/o@C He pulle5 my arm 3loser to "im@ an5 pulle5 me %it" it. 9 8ra3e5 one "an5 on t"e 3o11in. 9 %oul5 not -o to "im. 9 %oul5 not -oI He 8ent o)er my arm@ mout" %i5e@ 1an-s rea3"in-. His "eart 8eat a-ainst t"e s"a5o%s like t"un5er. AHean2!lau5e@ noIC He looke5 up at me@ >ust 8e1ore "e stru3k. A9 "a5 no 3"oi3e.C Bloo5 8e-an to 5rip 5o%n "is 1a3e 1rom "is "air@ until "is 1a3e %as a 8loo5y mask. 'an-s sank into my arm. 9 s3reame5@ an5 %oke sittin- strai-"t up in 8e5. $"e 5oor8ell %as 8uEEin-. 9 s3ram8le5 out o1 8e5@ 1or-ettin-. 9 -aspe5. 9 "a5 mo)e5 too 1ast 1or t"e 8eatin- 9?5 "a5 last ni-"t. 9 a3"e5 all o)er in pla3es 9 3oul5n?t possi8ly 8e 8ruise5. 7y "an5s %ere sti11 %it" 5rie5 8loo5. $"ey 1elt art"riti3. $"e 5oor8ell %as 8uEEin- 3ontinuously as i1 someone %as leanin- a-ainst it. ="oe)er it %as@ %as -oin- to -et a "u- 1or %akin- me up. 9 %as sleepin- in an o)ersiEe5 s"irt. Pullin- last ni-"t?s >eans on %as my )ersion o1 a ro8e. 9 put Si-mun5 t"e stu11e5 pen-uin 8a3k %it" all t"e rest. $"e stu11e5 toys sat on a small lo)eseat a-ainst t"e 1ar %all@ un5er t"e %in5o%. Pen-uins line5 t"e 1loor aroun5 it like a plump 1uEEy ti5e. 9t "urt to mo)e. 9t e)en 1elt ti-"t %"en 9 8reat"e5. 9 yelle5@ A9?m 3omin-.C 9t o33urre5 to me@ "al1%ay to t"e 5oor@ t"at it mi-"t 8e someone un1rien5ly. 9 pa55e5 8a3k into t"e 8e5room an5 -ot my -un. 7y "an5 1elt sti11 an5 a%k%ar5 aroun5 it. 9 s"oul5 "a)e 3leane5 an5 8an5a-e5 t"e "an5s last ni-"t. #"@ %ell. 9 knelt 8e"in5 t"e 3"air ,5%ar5 "a5 mo)e5 in 1ront o1 t"e 5oor an5 3alle5@ A="o is itBC A9t?s <onnie@ Anita. =e?re suppose5 to %ork out t"is mornin-J F 9t %as Satur5ay. 9 "a5 1or-otten. 9t %as al%ays amaEin- "o% or5inary li1e %as@ e)en %"ile people %ere tryin- to "urt you. 9 1elt like <onnie s"oul5 kno% a8out last ni-"t. Somet"in- so e*traor5inary s"oul5 tou3" all my li1e@ 8ut it 5i5n?t %ork t"at %ay. ="en 9?5 8een in t"e "ospital %it" my arm in tra3tion an5 tu8es runnin- all t"rou-" me@ my stepmot"er "a5

3omplaine5 t"at 9 %asn?t marrie5 yet. S"e?s %orrie5 t"at 9 %ill 8e an ol5 mai5 at t"e ripe a-e o1 t%enty21our. Hu5it" is not %"at you %oul5 3all a li8erate5 %oman. 7y 1amily 5oes not 3ope %ell %it" %"at 9 5o@ t"e 3"an3es 9 take@ t"e in>uries. So t"ey i-nore it as 8est t"ey 3an. ,*3ept 1or my si*teen2year2ol5 step8rot"er. Hos" t"inks 9?m 3ool@ neat@ %"ate)er %or5 t"ey?re usin- no%. Veroni3a Sims is 5i11erent. S"e?s my 1rien5@ an5 s"e un5erstan5s. <onnie is a pri)ate 5ete3ti)e. =e take turns )isitinea3" ot"er in t"e "ospital. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 let "er in@ -un limp at my si5e. S"e took it all in an5 sai5@ AS"it@ you look a%1ul.C 9 smile5. A=ell@ at least 9 took like 9 1eel.C S"e 3ame in an5 5roppe5 "er -ym 8a- in 1ront o1 t"e 3"air. A!an you tell me %"at "appene5BC /ot a 5eman5@ a ;uestion. <onnie un5erstoo5 t"at not e)eryt"in- 3oul5 8e s"are5. ASony t"at 9 %on?t 8e a8le to %ork out to5ay.C ALooks like you "a5 all t"e %orkout you 3an "an5le. Go soak t"ose "an5s in t"e sink. 9?ll make 3o11ee. #kayBC 9 no55e5 an5 re-rette5 it. Aspirins@ aspirins soun5e5 real -oo5 ri-"t no%. 9 stoppe5 >ust 8e1ore 9 %ent into t"e 8at"room. A<onnieBC ADes.C S"e stoo5 t"ere in my small kit3"en@ a measurin- 3up o1 1res" 3o11ee 8eans in one "an5. S"e %as 1i)e2nine. Sometimes@ 9 1or-et "o% tall t"at is. 9t amaEes people t"at %e 3an run to-et"er. $"e tri3k is 9 set t"e pa3e@ an5 9 pus" mysel1. 9t?s a )ery -oo5 %orkout. A9 t"ink 9 "a)e some 8a-els in t"e 1ri5-e. !oul5 you pop t"em in t"e mi3ro%a)e %it" some 3"eeseBC 1 S"e stare5 at me. A9?)e kno%n you 1or t"ree years@ an5 t"is is t"e 1irst time 9?)e e)er "ear5 you ask 1or 1oo5 8e1ore ten o?3lo3k.C AListen@ i1 it?s too mu3" trou8le@ 1or-et it.C A9t isn?t t"at@ an5 you kno% it.C ASorry. 9?m >ust tire5.C AGo 5o3tor yoursel1@ t"en you 3an tell me a8out it. #kayC ADea".C Soakin- t"e "an5s 5i5 not make t"em 1eel 8etter. 9t 1elt like 9 %as peelin- t"e skin o11 my 1in-ers. 9 patte5 t"em 5ry an5 ru88e5 /eosporin ointment o)er t"e s3rapes. AA topi3al anti8a3terial@C t"e la8el rea5. By t"e time 9 1inis"e5 all t"e Ban52Ai5s@ 9 looke5 like a pinkis"2tan )ersion o1 t"e mummy?s "an5. 7y 8a3k %as a mass o1 5ark 8ruises. 7y ri8s %ere 5e3orate5 in putri5 purple. $"ere %asn?t mu3" 9 3oul5 5o a8out it@ e*3ept "ope t"e aspirin ki3ke5 in. =ell@ t"ere %as one t"in- 9 3oul5 5o2mo)e. Stret3"in- e*er3ises %oul5 lim8er t"e 8o5y an5 -i)e me mo)ement %it"out pain@ sort o1. $"e stret3"in- itsel1 %oul5 1eel like torture. 9?5 5o it later. 9 nee5e5 to eat 1irst. 9 %as star)in-. :sually@ t"e t"ou-"t o1 eatin- 8e1ore ten ma5e me nauseous. $"is mornin- 9 %ante5 1oo5@ nee5e5 1oo5. Very %eir5. 7ay8e it %as stress. $"e smell o1 8a-els an5 meltin- 3"eese ma5e my stoma3" ripple. $"e smell o1 1res" 8re%e5 3o11ee ma5e me %ant to 3"e% t"e 3ou3". 9 s3ar1e5 5o%n t%o 8a-els an5 t"ree 3ups o1 3o11ee %"ile <onnie sat a3ross 1rom me@ sippin- "er 1irst 3up. 9 looke5 up an5 1oun5 "er %at3"in- me. Her -rey eyes %ere starin- at me. 9?5 seen "er look at suspe3ts like t"at. A="atBC 9 aske5. S"e s"ru--e5. A/ot"in-. !an you 3at3" your 8reat" an5 tell me a8out last ni-"tBC 9 no55e5@ an5 it 5i5n?t "urt as mu3". Aspirin@ nature?s -i1t to mo5ern man. 9 tol5 "er@ 1rom 7oni3a?s 3all to my meetin- %it" Valentine. 9 5i5n?t tell "er t"at it all took pla3e at t"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5. $"at %as )ery 5an-erous in1ormation to "a)e ri-"t no%. An5 9 le1t out t"e 8lue li-"ts on t"e stairs@ t"e soun5 o1 Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e in my "ea5. Somet"in- tol5 me t"at %as 5an-erous in1ormation@ too. 9?)e learne5 to trust my instin3ts@ so 9 le1t it out. <onnie?s -oo5@ s"e looke5 at me@ an5 sai5@ A9s t"at e)eryt"in-BC ADes.C An easy lie@ simple@ one %or5. 9 5on?t t"ink <onnie 8ou-"t it. A#kay.C S"e took a sip o1 3o11ee. A="at 5o you %ant me to AAsk aroun5. Dou "a)e a33ess to t"e "ate -roups. Like Humans A-ainst Vampires@ $"e Lea-ue o1 Human Voters@ t"e usual. See i1 any o1 t"em mi-"t 8e in)ol)e5 %it" t"e mur5ers. 9 3an?t -o near t"em.C 9 smile5. AA1ter all@ animators are one o1 t"e -roups t"ey "ate.C ABut you 5o kill )ampires.C ADea"@ 8ut 9 also raise Eom8ies. $oo %eir5 1or t"e "ar53ore 8i-ot.C AAll ri-"t. 9?ll 3"e3k out HAV an5 t"e rest. Anyt"in- elseBC

9 t"ou-"t a8out it an5 s"ook my "ea5@ almost no pain at all. A/ot t"at 9 3an t"ink o1. Hust 8e )ery 3are1ul. 9 5on?t %ant to en5an-er you t"e %ay 9 5i5 !at"erine.C A$"at %asn?t your 1ault.C A<i-"t.C A9t isn?t your 1ault@ none o1 t"is is.C A$ell t"at to !at"erine an5 "er 1ian36 i1 t"in-s -o 8a5.C AAnita@ 5ammit@ t"ese 3reatures are usin- you. $"ey %ant you 5is3oura-e5 an5 1ri-"tene5@ so t"ey 3an 3ontrol you. 91 you let t"e -uilt mess %it" your "ea5@ you?re -oin- to -et kille5.C A=ell@ -ee@ <onnie@ >ust %"at 9 %ante5 to "ear. 91 t"is is your )ersion o1 a pep talk@ 9?ll skip t"e rally.C ADou 5on?t nee5 3"eerin- up. Dou nee5 a -oo5 s"akin-.C A$"anks@ 9 alrea5y "a5 one last ni-"t.C AAnita@ listen to me.C S"e %as starin- at me@ eyes intense@ "er 1a3e sear3"in- mine@ tryin- to see i1 9 %as really "earin"er. ADou?)e 5one all you 3an 1or !at"erine. 9 %ant you to 3on3entrate on keepin- yoursel1 ali)e. Dou?re ass 5eep in enemies. 4on?t -et si5etra3ke5.C S"e %as ri-"t. 4o %"at you 3an an5 mo)e on. !at"erine %as out o1 it@ 1or no%. 9t %as t"e 8est 9 3oul5 5o. AAss25eep in enemies@ 8ut ankle25eep in 1rien5s.C S"e -rinne5. A7ay8e it?ll e)en out.C 9 3ra5le5 t"e 3o11ee in my 8an5a-e5 "an5s. =armt" ra5iate5 t"rou-" t"e 3up. A9?m s3are5.C A="i3" pro)es you aren?t as stupi5 as you look.C AGee@ t"anks a lot.C ADou?re %el3ome.C S"e raise5 "er 3o11ee 3up in a salute. A$o Anita Blake@ animator@ )ampire slayer@ an5 -oo5 1rien5. =at3" your 8a3k.C 9 3linke5 my 3up a-ainst "ers. ADou %at3" yours@ too. Bein- my 1rien5 li-"t no% may not 8e t"e "ealt"iest o1 a)o3ations.C ASin3e %"en %as t"at a ne%s 8ulletinBC :n1ortunately@ s"e "a5 a point.

Chapter Seventeen
9 "a5 t%o 3"oi3es a1ter <onnie le1tJ 9 3oul5 -o 8a3k to sleep@ not a 8a5 i5eaG or 9 3oul5 start sol)in- t"e 3ase t"at e)eryone %as so ea-er 1or me to %ork on. 9 3oul5 -et 8y on 1our "ours sleep@ 1or a %"ile. 9 3oul5 not last nearly as lon- i1 Au8rey tore my t"roat out. Guess 9 %oul5 -o to %ork. 9t is "ar5 to %ear a -un in St. Louis in t"e summertime. S"oul5er or "ip "olster@ you "a)e t"e same pro8lem. 91 you %ear a >a3ket to 3o)er t"e -un@ you melt in t"e "eat. 91 you keep t"e -un in your purse@ you -et kille5@ 8e3ause no %oman 3an 1in5 anyt"in- in "er purse in un5er t%el)e minutes. 9t is a rule. /o one "a5 8een s"ootin- at me yetG 9 %as en3oura-e5 8y t"at. But 9 "a5 also 8een ki5nappe5 an5 nearly kille5. 9 5i5 not plan on it "appenin- a-ain %it"out a 1i-"t. 9 3oul5 8en3" press a "un5re5 poun5s@ not 8a5@ not 8a5 at all. But %"en you only %ei-" a "un5re5 an5 si*@ it puts you at a 5isa5)anta-e. 9 %oul5 8et on me a-ainst any "uman 8a5 -uy my siEe. $rou8le %as@ t"ere >ust %eren?t many 8a5 -uys my siEe. An5 )ampires@ %ell@ unless 9 3oul5 8en3" press tru3ks@ 9 %as out3lasse5. So a -un. 9 1inally settle5 on a less t"an pro1essional look. $"e t2s"irt %as o)ersiEe@ "ittin- me at mi52t"i-". 9t 8illo%e5 aroun5 me. $"e only t"in- t"at sa)e5 it %as t"e pi3ture on t"e 1ront@ pen-uins playin- 8ea3" )olley8all@ 3omplete %it" ki55ie pen-uins makin- san5 3astles to one si5e. 9 like pen-uins. 9 "a5 8ou-"t t"e s"irt to sleep in an5 ne)er planne5 to %ear it %"ere people 3oul5 see me. As lon- as t"e 1as"ion poli3e 5i5n?t see me@ 9 %as sa1e. 9 loope5 a 8elt t"rou-" a pair o1 8la3k s"orts 1or my insi5e2t"e2pant "olster. 9t %as an :n3le 7ike?s Si5eki3k an5 9 %as )ery 1on5 o1 it@ 8ut it %as not 1or t"e Bro%nin-. 9 "a5 a se3on5 -un 1or 3om1ort an5 3on3eala8ilityJ a 'irestar@ a 3ompa3t little 9mm %it" a se)en2s"ot ma-aEine. ="ite >o--in- so3ks@ %it" taste1ul 8lue stripes t"at mat3"e5 t"e 8lue leat"er pipin- on my %"ite /ikes@ 3omplete5 t"e out1it. 9t ma5e me look an5 1eel a8out si*teen@ an a%k%ar5 si*teen@ 8ut %"en 9 turne5 to t"e mirror t"ere %as no "int o1 t"e -un on my 8elt. $"e s"irt 1ell out an5 aroun5 it@ in)isi8le. 7y upper 8o5y is slen5er@ petite i1 you %ill@ mus3ular an5 not 8a5 to look at. :n1ortunately@ my le-s are a8out 1i)e in3"es too s"ort to e)er 8e Ameri3a?s i5eal le-s. 9 %ill ne)er "a)e skinny t"i-"s@ nor anyt"in- s"ort o1 mus3ular 3al)es. $"e out1it emp"asiEe5 my le-s an5 "i5 e)eryt"in- else@ 8ut 9 "a5 my -un an5 9 %oul5n?t melt in t"e "eat. !ompromise is an imper1e3t art.

7y 3ru3i1i* "un- insi5e my s"irt@ 8ut 9 a55e5 a small 3"arm 8ra3elet to my le1t %rist. $"ree small 3rosses 5an-le5 1rom t"e sil)er 3"ain. 7y s3ars also %ere in plain si-"t@ 8ut in t"e summer 9 try to preten5 t"ey aren?t t"ere. 9 3annot 1a3e t"e t"ou-"t o1 %earin- lon- slee)es in "un5re525e-ree %eat"er %it" "un5re52per3ent "umi5ity. 7y arms %oul5 1all o11. $"e s3ars really aren?t t"e 1irst t"in- you noti3e %it" my arms 8are. <eally. Animators@ 9n3.@ "a5 ne% o11i3es. =e?5 8een "ere only t"ree mont"s. $"ere %as a psy3"olo-ist?s o11i3e a3ross 1rom us@ not"in- less t"an a "un5re5 an "ourG a plasti3 sur-eon 5o%n t"e "allG t%o la%yersG one marria-e 3ounselor@ an5 a real estate 3ompany. 'our years a-o Animators@ 9n3.@ "a5 %orke5 out o1 a spare room a8o)e a -ara-e. Business %as -oo5. 7ost o1 t"at -oo5 lu3k %as 5ue to Bert Vau-"n@ our 8oss. He %as a 8usinessman@ a s"o%man@ a moneymaker@ a s3ala%a-@ an5 a 8or5erline 3"eat. /ot"in- ille-al@ not really@ 8ut ... 7ost people 3"oose to t"ink o1 t"emsel)es as %"ite "ats@ -oo5 -uys. A 1e% people %ear 8la3k "ats an5 en>oy it. Grey %as Bert?s 3olor. Sometimes 9 t"ink i1 you 3ut "im@ "e?5 8lee5 -reen@ 1res"2minte5 money. He "a5 turne5 %"at %as an unusual talent@ an em8arrassin- 3urse@ or a reli-ious e*perien3e@ raisin- t"e 5ea5@ into a pro1ita8le 8usiness. =e animators "a5 t"e talent@ 8ut Bert kne% "o% to make it pay. 9t %as "ar5 to ar-ue %it" t"at. But 9 %as -oin- to try. $"e re3eption room?s %allpaper is pale@ pale -reen %it" small oriental 5esi-ns 5one in -reens an5 8ro%ns. $"e 3arpet is t"i3k an5 so1t -reen@ too pale to 8e -rass@ 8ut it tries. Plants are e)ery%"ere. A 'i3us 8en>ium -ro%s to t"e ri-"t o1 t"e 5oor@ slen5er as a %illo% %it" small leat"er -reen lea)es. 9t nearly 3urls aroun5 t"e 3"air in 1ront o1 its pot. A se3on5 tree -ro%s in t"e 1ar 3orner@ tall an5 strai-"t %it" t"e sti11 spiky tops o1 palm trees2 4ra3aena mar-inta. #r t"at?s %"at it says on t"e ta-s tie5 to t"e spin5ly trunks. Bot" trees 8rus" t"e 3eilin-. 4oEens o1 smaller plants are pus"e5 an5 potte5 in e)ery spare 3orner o1 t"e so1t -reen room. Bert t"inks t"e pastel -reen is soot"in-@ an5 t"e plants -i)e it t"at "omey tou3". 9 t"ink it looks like an un"appy marria-e 8et%een a mortuary an5 a plant s"op. 7ary@ our 5ay se3retary@ is o)er 1i1ty. Ho% mu3" o)er is "er o%n 8usiness. Her "air is s"ort an5 5oes not mo)e in t"e %in5. A 3arton o1 "air spray sees to t"at. 7ary is not into t"e natural look. S"e "as t%o -ro%n sons an5 1our -ran53"il5ren. S"e -a)e me "er 8est pro1essional smile as 9 3ame t"rou-" t"e 5oor. A7ay 9 "elp ... #"@ Anita@ 9 5i5n?t t"ink you %ere 5ue in until 1i)e.C A9?m not@ 8ut 9 nee5 to speak to Bert an5 -et some t"in-s 1rom my o11i3e.C S"e 1ro%ne5 5o%n at "er appointment 8ook@ our appointment 8ook. A=ell@ Hamison is in your o11i3e ri-"t no% %it" a 3lient.C $"ere are only t"ree o11i3es in our little area. #ne 8elon-s to Bert@ an5 t"e ot"er t%o rotate 8et%een t"e rest o1 us. 7ost o1 our %ork is 5one in t"e 1iel5@ or rat"er t"e -ra)eyar5@ so %e ne)er really nee5 our o11i3es all at t"e same time. 9t %orke5 like time2s"arin- a 3on5o. AHo% lon- %ill t"e 3lient 8eBC 7ary -lan3e5 5o%n at "er notes. A9t?s a mot"er %"ose son is t"inkin- a8out >oinin- t"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e.C A9s Hamison tryin- to talk "im into it or out o1 itBC AAnitaIC 7ary s3ol5e5 me@ 8ut it %as t"e trut". $"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e %as t"e )ampire 3"ur3". $"e 1irst 3"ur3" in "istory t"at 3oul5 -uarantee you eternal li1e@ an5 pro)e it. /o %aitin- aroun5. /o mystery. Hust eternity on a sil)er platter. 7ost people 5on?t 8elie)e in t"eir immortal souls anymore. 9t isn?t popular to %orry a8out Hea)en an5 Hell@ an5 %"et"er you are an a8solutely -oo5 person. So t"e !"ur3" %as -ainin- 1ollo%ers all o)er t"e pla3e. 91 you 5i5n?t 8elie)e t"at it 5estroye5 your soul@ %"at 5i5 you "a)e to loseB 4ayli-"t. 'oo5. /ot mu3" to -i)e up. 9t %as t"e soul part t"at 8ot"ere5 me. 7y immortal soul is not 1or sale@ not e)en 1or eternity. Dou see@ 9 kne% )ampires 3oul5 5ie. 9 "a5 pro)e5 it. /o one seeme5 3urious as to %"at "appene5 to a )ampire?s soul %"en it 5ie5. !oul5 you 8e a -oo5 )ampire an5 -o to Hea)enB Some"o% t"at 5i5n?t ;uite %ork 1or me. A9s Bert %it" a 3lient@ tooBC S"e -lan3e5 on3e more at t"e appointment 8ook. A/o@ "e?s 1ree.C S"e looke5 up an5 smile5@ as i1 s"e %as please5 to 8e a8le to "elp me. 7ay8e s"e %as. 9t is true t"at Bert took t"e smallest o1 t"e t"ree o11i3es. $"e %alls are a so1t pastel 8lue@ t"e 3arpet t%o 3olors 5arker. Bert t"inks it soot"es t"e 3lients. 9 t"ink it?s like stan5in- insi5e a 8lue i3e 3u8e. Bert 5i5n?t mat3" t"e small 8lue o11i3e. $"ere is not"in- small a8out Bert. Si*21our@ 8roa5 s"oul5ers@ a 3olle-e at"lete?s 1i-ure -ettin- a little so1t aroun5 t"e mi55le. His %"ite "air is 3lose23ut o)er small ears. A 8oater?s tan 1or3es "is pale eyes an5 "air into s"arp 3ontrast. His eyes are a nearly 3olorless -rey@ like 5irty %in5o% -lass. Dou "a)e to %ork )ery "ar5 to make 5irty -rey eyes s"ine@ 8ut t"ey %ere s"inin- no%. Bert %as pra3ti3ally 8eamin- at me. 9t %as a 8a5 si-n. AAnita@ %"at a pleasant surprise. Ha)e a sit.C He %a)e5 a 8usiness en)elope at me. A=e -ot t"e 3"e3k to5ay.C A!"e3kBC 9 aske5. A'or lookin- into t"e )ampire mur5ers.C

9 "a5 1or-otten. 9 "a5 1or-otten t"at some%"ere in all t"is 9 "a5 8een promise5 money. 9t seeme5 ri5i3ulous@ o8s3ene@ t"at /ikolaos %oul5 make e)eryt"in- 8etter %it" money. 'rom t"e look on Bert?s 1a3e@ a lot o1 money. AHo% mu3"BC A$en t"ousan5 5ollars.C He stret3"e5 ea3" %or5 out@ makin- it last. A9t isn?t enou-".C He lau-"e5. AAnna@ -ettin- -ree5y in your ol5 a-e. 9 t"ou-"t t"at %as my >o8.C A9t isn?t enou-" 1or !at"erine?s li1e@ or mine.C His -rin %ilte5 sli-"tly. His eyes looke5 %ary@ as i1 9 %as a8out to tell "im t"ere %as no ,aster Bunny. 9 3oul5 almost "ear "im %on5erin- i1 "e %oul5 "a)e to return t"e 3"e3k. A="at are you talkin- a8out@ AnitaBC 9 tol5 "im@ %it" a 1e% minor re)isions. /o A!ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5.C /o 8lue 1ire. /o 1irst )ampire mark. ="en 9 -ot to t"e part a8out Au8rey smas"in- me into t"e %all@ "e sai5@ ADou are ki55in-.C A=ant to see t"e 8ruisesBC 9 1inis"e5 t"e story an5 %at3"e5 "is solemn@ s;uare 1a3e. His lar-e@ 8lunt21in-ere5 "an5s %ere 1ol5e5 on "is 5esk. $"e 3"e3k %as lyin- 8esi5e "im atop "is neat pile o1 manila 1ol5ers. His 1a3e %as attenti)e@ 3on3erne5. ,mpat"y ne)er %orke5 %ell on Bert?s 1a3e. 9 3oul5 al%ays see t"e %"eels mo)in-. $"e an-les 3al3ulatin-. A4on?t %orry@ Bert@ you 3an 3as" t"e 3"e3k.C A/o%@ Anita@ t"at %asn?t...C ASa)e it.C AAnita@ truly 9 %oul5 ne)er purpose1ully en5an-er you.C 9 lau-"e5. ABull.C AAnitaIC He looke5 s"o3ke5@ small eyes %i5enin-@ one "an5 tou3"in- "is 3"est. 7r. Sin3erity. A9?m not 8uyin-@ so sa)e t"e 8ulls"it 1or 3lients. 9 kno% you too %ell.C He smile5 t"en. 9t %as "is only -enuine smile. $"e real Bert Vau-"n please stan5 up. His eyes -leame5 8ut not %it" %armt"@ more %it" pleasure. $"ere is somet"in- measurin-@ o8s3enely kno%le5-ea8le@ a8out Bert?s smile. As i1 "e kne% t"e 5arkest t"in- you "a5 e)er 5one an5 %oul5 -la5ly keep silent21or a pri3e. $"ere %as somet"in- a little 1ri-"tenin- a8out a man %"o kne% "e %as not a ni3e person an5 5i5n?t -i)e a 5amn. 9t %ent a-ainst e)eryt"in- Ameri3a "ol5s 5ear. =e are tau-"t a8o)e all else to 8e ni3e@ to 8e like5@ to 8e popular. A person %"o "as set asi5e all t"at is a ma)eri3k an5 a potentially 5an-erous "uman 8ein-. A="at 3an Animators@ 9n3.@ 5o to "elpBC A9?)e alrea5y -ot <onnie %orkin- on some t"in-s. 9 t"ink t"e 1e%er people in)ol)e5@ t"e 1e%er people in 5an-er.C ADou al%ays %ere a "umanitarian.C A:nlike some people 9 3oul5 mention.C A9 "a5 no i5ea %"at t"ey %ante5.C A/o@ 8ut you kne% "o% 9 1elt a8out )ampires.C He -a)e me a smile t"at sai5@ A9 kno% your se3ret@ 9 kno% your 5arkest 5reams.C $"at %as Bert. Bu55in- 8la3kmailer. 9 smile5 8a3k at "im@ 1rien5ly. A91 you e)er sen5 me a )ampire 3lient a-ain %it"out runnin- it 8y me 1irst@ 9?ll ;uit.C AAn5 -o %"ereBC A9?ll take my 3lient list %it" me@ Bert. ="o is t"e one t"at 5oes t"e ra5io inter)ie%sB ="o 5i5 t"e arti3les 1o3us onB Dou ma5e sure it %as me@ Bert. Dou t"ou-"t 9 %as t"e most marketa8le o1 all o1 us. $"e most "armless2lookin-@ t"e most appealin-. Like a puppy at t"e poun5. ="en people 3all Animators@ 9n3.@ %"o 5o t"ey ask 1orBC His smile %as -one@ eyes like %inter i3e. ADou %oul5n?t make it %it"out me.C A$"e ;uestion is@ %oul5 you make it %it"out meBC A9?5 make it.C ASo %oul5 9C =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er 1or a lon- spa3e o1 moments. /eit"er o1 us %as %illin- to look a%ay@ to 8link 1irst. Bert starte5 to smile@ still starin- into my eyes. $"e e5-es o1 a smile 8e-an to tu- at my mout". =e lau-"e5 to-et"er an5 t"at %as t"at. AAll ri-"t@ Anita@ no more )ampires.C 9 stoo5. A$"ank you.C

A=oul5 you really ;uitBC His 1a3e %as all lau-"in- sin3erity@ a taste1ul@ pleasant mask. A9 5on?t 8elie)e in i5le t"reats@ Bert. Dou kno% t"at.C ADes@C "e sai5@ A9 kno% t"at. 9 "onestly 5i5n?t kno% t"is >o8 %oul5 en5an-er your li1e.C A=oul5 it "a)e ma5e a 5i11eren3eBC He t"ou-"t a8out it 1or a minute@ t"en lau-"e5. A/o@ 8ut 9 %oul5 "a)e 3"ar-e5 more.C ADou keep makin- money@ Bert. $"at?s %"at you?re -oo5 at.C AAmen.C 9 le1t "im so "e 3oul5 1on5le t"e 3"e3k in pri)a3y. 7ay8e 3"u3kle o)er it. 9t %as 8loo5 money@ no pun inten5e5. Some"o%@ 9 5i5n?t t"ink t"at 8ot"ere5 Bert. 9t 8ot"ere5 me.

Chapter Eighteen
$"e 5oor to t"e ot"er o11i3e opene5. A tall@ 8lon5e %oman steppe5 t"rou-". S"e %as some%"ere 8et%een 1orty an5 1i1ty. $ailore5 -ol5en pants en3ir3le5 a slen5er %aist. A slee)eless 8louse t"e 3olor o1 an e--s"ell e*pose5 tanne5 arms@ a -ol5 <ole* %at3"@ an5 a %e55in- 8an5 en3ir3le5 %it" 5iamon5s. $"e ro3k in t"e en-a-ement rin- must "a)e %ei-"e5 a poun5. 9 8et s"e "a5n?t e)en 8linke5 %"en Hamison talke5 pri3e. $"e 8oy t"at 1ollo%e5 "er %as also slen5er an5 8lon5. He looke5 a8out 1i1teen@ 8ut 9 kne% "e "a5 to 8e at least ei-"teen. Le-ally@ you 3annot >oin t"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e unless you are o1 a-e. He 3oul5n?t 5rink le-ally yet@ 8ut "e 3oul5 3"oose to 5ie an5 li)e 1ore)er. 'unny@ "o% t"at 5i5n?t make mu3" sense to me. Hamison 8rou-"t up t"e rear@ smilin-@ soli3itous. He %as talkin- so1tly to t"e 8oy as "e %alke5 t"em to%ar5s t"e 5oor. 9 -ot a 8usiness 3ar5 out o1 my purse. 9 "el5 it out to%ar5s t"e %oman. S"e looke5 at it@ t"en at me. Her -aEe sli5 o)er me 1rom top to 8ottom. S"e 5i5n?t seem impresse5G may8e it %as t"e s"irt. ADes@C s"e sai5. Bree5in-. 9t takes real 8ree5in- to make a person 1eel like s"it %it" one %or5. #1 3ourse@ it 5i5n?t 8ot"er me. /o@ t"e -reat -ol5en -o55ess 5i5 not make me 1eel small an5 -ru88y. <i-"t. A$"e num8er on t"is 3ar5 is 1or a man %"o spe3ialiEes in )ampire 3ults. He?s -oo5.C A9 5o not %ant my son 8rain%as"e5.C 9 mana-e5 a smile. <aymon5 'iel5s %as my )ampire 3ult e*pert@ an5 "e 5i5n?t 5o 8rain%as"in-. He 5i5 5o trut"@ no matter "o% unpleasant. A7r. 'iel5s %ill -i)e you t"e potential 5o%n si5e o1 )ampirism@C 9 sai5. A9 8elie)e 7r. !larke "as -i)en us all t"e in1ormation %e nee5.C 9 raise5 my arm near "er 1a3e. A9 5i5n?t -et t"ese s3ars playin- tou3" 1oot8all. Please@ take t"e 3ar5. !all "im@ or not. 9t?s up to you.C S"e %as a little pale un5er "er e*pert makeup. Her eyes %ere a little %i5e@ starin- at my arm. AVampires 5i5 t"isBC Her )oi3e %as small an5 8reat"y@ almost "uman. ADes@C 9 sai5. Hamison took "er el8o%. A7rs. 'ranks@ 9 see you?)e met our resi5ent )ampire slayer.C S"e looke5 at "im@ t"en 8a3k at me. Her 3are1ul 1a3e %as 8e-innin- to 3rum8le. S"e li3ke5 "er lips an5 turne5 8a3k to me. A<eally.C S"e %as re3o)erin- ;ui3klyG s"e soun5e5 superior a-ain. 9 s"ru--e5. ="at 3oul5 9 sayB 9 presse5 t"e 3ar5 into "er mani3ure5 "an5@ an5 Hamison ta3t1ully took it 1rom "er an5 po3kete5 it. But s"e "a5 let "im. ="at 3oul5 9 5oB /ot"in-. 9 "a5 trie5. Perio5. #)er. But 9 stare5 at "er son. His 1a3e %as in3re5i8ly youn-. 9 remem8ere5 %"en ei-"teen %as -ro%n2up. 9 "a5 t"ou-"t 9 kne% e)eryt"in-. 9 %as a8out t%enty2one %"en 9 1i-ure5 out 9 kne% 5ip2%a5. 9 still kne% not"in-@ 8ut 9 trie5 real "ar5. Sometimes@ t"at is t"e 8est you 3an 5o. 7ay8e t"e 8est anyone 3an 5o. Boy@ 7iss !yni3al in t"e mornin-. Hamison %as us"erin- t"em to%ar5s t"e 5oor. 9 3au-"t a 1e% senten3es. AS"e %as tryin- to kill t"em. $"ey merely 5e1en5e5 t"emsel)es.C Dea"@ t"at?s me@ "it person 1or t"e un5ea5. S3our-e o1 t"e -ra)eyar5. <i-"t. 9 le1t Hamison to "is "al12trut"s an5 %ent into t"e o11i3e. 9 still nee5e5 t"e 1iles. Li1e -oes on@ at least 1or me. 9 3oul5n?t stop seein- t"e 8oy?s 1a3e@ t"e %i5e eyes. His 1a3e "a5 8een all -ol5en tan@ 8a8y smoot". S"oul5n?t you at least "a)e to s"a)e 8e1ore you 3an kill yoursel1B 9 s"ook my "ea5 as i1 9 3oul5 s"ake t"e 8oy?s 1a3e a%ay. 9t almost %orke5. 9 %as kneelin- %it" t"e 1ol5ers in my "an5s %"en Hamison 3ame in t"e o11i3e. He s"ut t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im. 9 "a5 t"ou-"t "e mi-"t. His skin %as t"e 3olor o1 5ark "oney@ "is eyes pale -reenG lon-@ ti-"t 3urls 1rame5 "is 1a3e. $"e "air %as almost au8urn. Hamison %as t"e 1irst -reen2eye5@ re52"aire5 8la3k man 9 "a5 e)er met. He %as slen5er@ lean@ not t"e t"inness o1 e*er3ise 8ut o1 lu3ky -eneti3s. Hamison?s i5ea o1 a %orkout %as li1tin- s"ot -lasses at a -oo5 party.

A4on?t e)er. 5o t"at a-ain@C "e sai5. A4o %"atBC 9 stoo5 %it" t"e 1iles 3laspe5 to my 3"est. He s"ook "is "ea5 an5 almost smile5@ 8ut it %as an an-ry smile@ a 1las" o1 small %"ite teet". A4on?t 8e a smart ass.C ASorry@C 9 sai5. ABulls"it@ you?re not sorry.C AA8out tryin- to -i)e 'iel5s?s 3ar5 to t"e %oman@ no. 9?m not sorry. 9?5 5o it a-ain.C A9 5on?t like to 8e un5ermine5 in 1ront o1 my 3lients.C 9 s"ru--e5. A9 mean it@ Anita. 4on?t e)er 5o t"at a-ain.C 9 %ante5 to ask "im@ or %"at@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. ADou aren?t ;uali1ie5 to 3ounsel people a8out %"et"er or not t"ey 8e3ome t"e un5ea5.C ABert t"inks 9 am.C ABert %oul5 take money 1or a "it on t"e Pope i1 "e t"ou-"t "e 3oul5 -et a%ay %it" it.C Hamison smile5@ t"en 1ro%ne5 at me@ t"en 3oul5n?t "elp "imsel1 an5 smile5 a-ain. ADou 5o "a)e a %ay %it" %or5s.C A$"anks.C A4on?t un5ermine me %it" 3lients@ okayBC A9 promise ne)er to inter1ere %"en you are 5is3ussin- raisin- t"e 5ea5.C A$"at isn?t -oo5 enou-"@C "e sai5. A9t?s t"e 8est you?re -oin- to -et. Dou are not ;uali1ie5 to 3ounsel people. 9t?s %ron-.C ALittle 7iss Per1e3t. Dou mur5er people 1or money. Dou?re not"in- 8ut a 5amne5 assassin.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat"@ an5 let it out. 9 %oul5 not 1i-"t %it" "im to5ay. A9 e*e3ute 3riminals %it" t"e 1ull 8lessin- o1 t"e la%.@@ ADea"@ 8ut you en>oy it. Dou -et your >ollies 8y poun5in- in t"e stakes. Dou 3an?t -o a 1u3kin- %eek %it"out 8at"in- in someone?s 8loo5.C 9 >ust stare5 at "im. A4o you really 8elie)e t"atBC 9 aske5. He %oul5n?t look at me 8ut 1inally sai5@ A9 5on?t kno%.C APoor little )ampires@ poor misun5erstoo5 3reatures. <i-"tB $"e one %"o 8ran5e5 me slau-"tere5 t%enty2t"ree people 8e1ore t"e 3ourts %oul5 -i)e me t"e -o2a"ea5.C 9 yanke5 my s"irt 5o%n to e e*pose t"e 3ollar8one s3ar. A$"is )ampire "a5 kille5 ten people. He spe3ialiEe5 in little 8oys@ sai5 t"eir meat %as most ten5er. He?s not 5ea5@ Hamison. He -ot a%ay. But "e 1oun5 me last ni-"t an5 t"reatene5 my li1e.C ADou 5on?t un5erstan5 t"em.C A/oIC 9 s"o)e5 a 1in-er in "is 3"est. ADou 5on?t un5erstan5 t"em.C He -lare5 5o%n at me@ nostrils 1larin-@ 8reat" 3omin- in %arm -asps. 9 steppe5 8a3k. 9 s"oul5n?t "a)e tou3"e5 "imG t"at %as a-ainst t"e rules. Dou ne)er tou3" anyone in a 1i-"t unless you %ant )iolen3e. A9?m sorry@ Hamison.C 9 5on?t kno% i1 "e un5erstoo5 %"at 9 %as apolo-iEin- 1or. He 5i5n?t say anyt"in-. As 9 %alke5 past "im@ "e aske5@ A="at are t"e 1iles 1orBC 9 "esitate5@ 8ut "e kne% t"e 1iles as %ell as 9 5i5. He?5 kno% %"at %as missin-. A$"e )ampire mur5ers.C =e turne5 to%ar5s ea3" ot"er at t"e same moment. Starin-. ADou took t"e moneyBC "e aske5. $"at stoppe5 me. ADou kne% a8out itBC He no55e5. ABert trie5 to -et t"em to "ire me in your pla3e. $"ey %oul5n?t -o 1or it.C AAn5 a1ter all t"e -oo5 P< you?)e -i)en t"em.C A9 tol5 Bert you %oul5n?t 5o it. $"at you %oul5n?t %ork 1or )ampires.C His sli-"tly up2tilte5 eyes %ere stu5yin- my 1a3e@ sear3"in-@ tryin- to s;ueeEe some trut" out. 9 i-nore5 "im@ my 1a3e a pleasant 8lankness. A7oney talks@ Hamison@ e)en to me.C ADou 5on?t -i)e a 5amn a8out money.C AA%1ul s"ortsi-"te5 o1 me@ isn?t itBC 9 sai5. A9 al%ays t"ou-"t so. Dou 5i5n?t 5o it 1or money.C A statement. A="at %as itBC

9 5i5n?t %ant Hamison in on t"is. He t"ou-"t )ampires %ere 1an-e5 people. An5 t"ey %ere )ery 3are1ul to keep "im on t"e ni3e@ 3lean 1rin-es. He ne)er -ot "is "an5s 5irty@ so "e 3oul5 a11or5 to preten5 or i-nore@ or e)en lie to "imsel1. 9 "a5 -otten 5irty on3e too o1ten. Lyin- to yoursel1 %as a -oo5 %ay to 5ie. ALook@ Hamison@ %e 5on?t a-ree on )ampires@ 8ut anyt"in- t"at 3an kill )ampires 3oul5 make meat pies out o1 "uman 8ein-s. 9 %ant to 3at3" t"e mania3 8e1ore "e@ s"e@ or it@ 5oes >ust t"at.C 1t %asn?t a 8a5 lie@ as lies -o. 9t %as e)en plausi8le. He 8linke5 at me. ="et"er "e 8elie)e5 me or not %oul5 5epen5 on "o% mu3" "e nee5e5 to 8elie)e me. Ho% mu3" "e nee5e5 "is %orl5 to stay sa1e an5 3lean. He no55e5@ on3e@ )ery slo%ly. ADou t"ink you 3an 3at3" somet"in- t"e master )ampires 3an?t 3at3"BC A$"ey seem to t"ink so.C 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 "e 1ollo%e5 me out. 7ay8e "e %oul5 "a)e aske5 more ;uestions@ may8e not@ 8ut a )oi3e interrupte5. AAnita@ are you rea5y to -oBC =e 8ot" turne5@ an5 9 must "a)e looke5 as puEEle5 as Hamison. 9 %asn?t meetin- anyone. M $"ere %as a man sittin- in one o1 t"e lo88y 3"airs@ "al12lost in t"e >un-le plants. 9 5i5n?t re3o-niEe "im at 1irst. $"i3k 8ro%n "air@ 3ut s"ort@ stret3"e5 8a3k 1rom a )ery ni3e 1a3e. Bla3k sun-lasses "i5 t"e eyes. He turne5 "is "ea5 an5 spoile5 t"e illusion o1 s"ort "air. A t"i3k ponytail 3urle5 o)er "is 3ollar. )He %as %earin- a 8lue 5enim >a3ket %it" t"e 3ollar up. A 8loo52re5 tank top set o11 "is tan. He stoo5 slo%ly@ smile5@ an5 remo)e5 "is -lasses. 9t %as P"illip o1 t"e many s3ars. 9 "a5n?t re3o-niEe5 "im %it" "is 3lot"es on. $"ere %as a 8an5a-e on t"e si5e o1 "is ne3k@ mostly "i55en 8y t"e >a3ket 3ollar. A=e nee5 to talk@C "e sai5. 9 3lose5 my mout" an5 trie5 to look reasona8ly intelli-ent. AP"illip@ 9 5i5n?t e*pe3t to see you so soon.C Hamison %as lookin- 1rom one to t"e ot"er o1 us. He %as 1ro%nin-. Suspi3ious. 7ary %as sittin-@ 3"in leanin- on "er "an5s@ en>oyin- t"e s"o%. $"e silen3e %as 5amn a%k%ar5. P"illip put a "an5 out to Hamison. 9 mum8le5. AHamison !larke@ t"is is P"illip ... a 1rien5.C $"e moment 9 sai5 it@ 9 %ante5 to take it 8a3k. A'rien5C is %"at people 3all t"eir lo)ers. Beats t"e "e3k out o1 si-ni1i3ant ot"er. Hamison smile5 8roa5ly. ASo@ you?re Anita?s ... 1rien5.C He sai5 t"e last %or5 slo%ly@ rollin- it aroun5 on "is ton-ue. 7ary ma5e a "u88a2"u88a motion %it" one "an5. P"illip sa% it an5 1las"e5 "er a 5aEElin- melt2your2li8i5o smile. S"e 8lus"e5. A=ell@ %e "a)e to -o no%. !ome alon-@ P"illip.C 9 -ra88e5 "is arm an5 8e-an pullin- "im to%ar5s t"e 5oor. A/i3e to meet you@ P"illip@C Hamison sai5. A9?ll 8e sure to mention you to all t"e rest o1 t"e -uys %"o %ork "ere. 9?m sure t"ey?5 lo)e to meet you sometime.C Hamison %as really en>oyin- "imsel1. A=e?re )ery 8usy ri-"t no%@ Hamison. 7ay8e some ot"er time@C 9 sai5. ASure@ sure@C "e sai5. Hamison %alke5 us to t"e 5oor an5 "el5 it 1or us. He -rinne5 at us as %e %alke5 5o%n t"e "all%ay@ arm in arm. 'u5-e 8u3kets. 9 "a5 to let t"e smirkin- little 3reep t"ink 9 "a5 a lo)er. Goo5 -rie1. An5 "e %oul5 tell e)eryone. P"illip sli5 "is arm aroun5 my %aist@ an5 9 1ou-"t an ur-e to pus" "im a%ay. =e %ere preten5in-@ ri-"t@ ri-"t. 9 1elt "im "esitate as "is "an5 8rus"e5 t"e -un on my 8elt. =e met one o1 t"e real estate a-ents in t"e "all. S"e sai5 "ello to me 8ut stare5 at P"illip. He smile5 at "er. ="en %e passe5 "er an5 %ere %aitin- 1or t"e ele)ator@ 9 -lan3e5 8a3k. Sure enou-"@ s"e %as %at3"in- "is 8a3ksi5e as %e %alke5 a%ay. 9 "a5 to a5mit it %as a ni3e 8a3ksi5e. S"e 3au-"t me lookin- at "er an5 "urrie5ly turne5 a%ay. A4e1en5in- my "onor@C P"illip aske5. 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom "im an5 pun3"e5 t"e ele)ator 8utton. A="at are you 5oin- "ereBC AHean2!lau5e 5i5n?t 3ome 8a3k last ni-"t. 4o you kno% %"yBC A9 5i5n?t 5o a%ay %it" "im@ i1 t"at?s %"at you?re implyin-.C $"e 5oors opene5. P"illip leane5 a-ainst t"em@ "ol5in- t"em open %it" "is 8o5y an5 one arm. $"e smile "e 1las"e5 me %as 1ull o1 potential@ a little e)il@ a lot o1 se*. 4i5 9 really %ant to 8e alone in an ele)ator %it" "imB Pro8a8ly not@ 8ut 9 %as arme5. He@ as 1ar as 9 3oul5 tell@ %as not. 9 %alke5 un5er "is arm %it"out "a)in- to 5u3k. $"e 5oors "us"e5 8e"in5 us. =e %ere alone. He leane5 into one 3omer@ arms 3rosse5 o)er "is 3"est@ starin- at me 1rom 8e"in5 8la3k lenses. A4o you al%ays 5o t"atBC 9 aske5. A sli-"t smile. A4o %"atBC

APose.C He sti11ene5 >ust a little@ t"en rela*e5 a-ainst t"e %all. A/atural talent.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A:"2"u".C 9 stare5 at t"e 1li3kerin- 1loor num8ers. A9s Hean2!lau5e all ri-"tBC 9 -lan3e5 at "im an5 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. $"e ele)ator stoppe5. =e -ot out. ADou 5i5n?t ans%er me@C "e sai5 so1tly. 9 si-"e5. 9t %as too lon- a story. A9t?s almost noon. 9?ll tell you %"at 9 3an o)er lun3".C He -rinne5. A$ryin- to pi3k me up@ 7s. BlakeBC 9 smile5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 stop mysel1. ADou %is".C A7ay8e@C "e sai5. A'lirtatious little t"in-@ aren?t youBC A7ost %omen like it.C A9 %oul5 like it 8etter i1 9 5i5n?t t"ink you?5 1lirt %it" my ninety2year2ol5 -ran5mot"er t"e same %ay you?re 1lirtin- %it" me no%.C He 3ou-"e5 8a3k a lau-". ADou 5on?t "a)e a )ery "i-" opinion o1 me.C A9 am a )ery >u5-mental person. 9t?s one o1 my 1aults.C He lau-"e5 a-ain@ a ni3e soun5. A7ay8e 9 3an "ear a8out t"e rest o1 your 1aults a1ter you?)e tol5 me %"ere Hean2!lau5e is.C A9 5on?t t"ink so.C A="y notBC 9 stoppe5 >ust in 1ront o1 t"e -lass 5oors t"at le5 out into t"e street. ABe3ause 9 sa% you last ni-"t. 9 kno% %"at you are@ an5 9 kno% "o% you -et your ki3ks.C His "an5 rea3"e5 out an5 8rus"e5 my s"oul5er. A9 -et my ki3ks a lot o1 5i11erent %ays.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "is "an5@ an5 it mo)e5 a%ay. ASa)e it@ P"illip. 9?m not 8uyin-.C A7ay8e 8y t"e en5 o1 lun3" you %ill 8e.C 9 si-"e5. 9 "a5 met men like P"illip 8e1ore@ "an5some men %"o are a33ustome5 to %omen 5roolin- o)er t"em. He %asn?t tryin- to se5u3e meG "e >ust %ante5 me to a5mit t"at 9 1oun5 "im attra3ti)e. 91 9 5i5n?t a5mit it@ "e %oul5 keep pesterinme. A9 -i)e upG you %in.C A="at 5o 9 %inBC "e aske5. ADou?re %on5er1ul@ you?re -or-eous. Dou are one o1 t"e 8est lookin- men 9 "a)e e)er seen. 'rom t"e soles o1 your 8oots@ t"e len-t" o1 your skin2ti-"t >eans@ to t"e 1lat@ ripplin- plains o1 your stoma3"@ to t"e s3ulpte5 line o1 your >a%@ you are 8eauti1ul. /o% 3an %e -o to lun3" an5 3ut t"e nonsenseBC He lo%ere5 "is sun-lasses >ust enou-" to see o)er t"e top o1 t"em. He stare5 at me like t"at 1or se)eral minutes@ t"en raise5 t"e -lasses 8a3k in pla3e. ADou pi3k t"e restaurant.C He sai5 it 1lat@ no teasin-. 9 %on5ere5 i1 9 "a5 o11en5e5 "im. 9 %on5ere5 i1 9 3are5.

Chapter Nineteen
$"e "eat outsi5e t"e 5oors %as soli5@ a %all o1 5amp %armt" t"at mel5e5 to your skin like plasti3 %rap. ADou?re -oin- to melt %earin- t"at >a3ket@C 9 sai5. A7ost people o8>e3t to t"e s3ars.C 9 un1ol5e5 my arms 1rom aroun5 t"e 1ol5ers an5 e*ten5e5 my le1t arm. $"e s3ar -listene5 in t"e sunli-"t@ s"inier t"an t"e ot"er skin. A9 %on?t tell i1 you %on?t.C He slippe5 o11 "is sun-lasses an5 stare5 at me. 9 3oul5n?t rea5 "is 1a3e. All 9 kne% %as t"at somet"in- %as -oin- on 8e"in5 t"ose 8i- 8ro%n eyes. His )oi3e %as so1t. A9s t"at your only 8ite s3arBC A/o@C 9 sai5. His "an5s 3on)ulse5 into 1ists@ ne3k >erkin-@ as i1 "e?5 "a5 a >olt o1 ele3tri3ity. A tremor ran up "is arms into "is s"oul5ers@ alon- "is spine. He rotate5 "is ne3k@ as i1 to -et ri5 o1 it. He slippe5 t"e 8la3k lenses 8a3k on "is 1a3e@ "is eyes anonymous. $"e >a3ket 3ame o11. $"e s3ars at t"e 8en5 o1 "is arms %ere pale a-ainst "is tan. $"e 3ollar8one s3ar peeke5 1rom un5er t"e e5-es o1 t"e tank top. He "a5 a ni3e ne3k@ t"i3k 8ut not mus3le5@ a stret3" o1 smoot"@ tanne5 skin. 9 3ounte5 1our sets o1 8ites on t"at 1la%less skin. $"at %as >ust t"e ri-"t si5e. $"e le1t %as "i55en 8y a 8an5a-e.

A9 3an put t"e >a3ket 8a3k on@C "e sai5. 9 "a5 8een starin- at "im. A/o@ it?s >ust ... C A="atBC A9t?s none o1 my 8usiness.C AAsk any%ay.C A="y 5o you 5o %"at you 5oBC He smile5@ 8ut it %as t%iste5@ a %ry smile. A$"at is a )ery personal ;uestion.C ADou 5i5 say ask any%ay.C 9 -lan3e5 a3ross t"e street. A9 usually -o to 7a8el?s@ 8ut %e mi-"t 8e seen.C AAs"ame5 o1 meBC His )oi3e "el5 a "ars" e5-e to it@ like san5paper. His eyes %ere "i55en@ 8ut "is >a% mus3les %ere 3len3"e5. A9t isn?t t"at@C 9 sai5. ADou are t"e one %"o 3ame into t"e o11i3e@ preten5in- to 8e my F1rien5?. 91 %e -o some pla3e 9?m kno%n@ %e?ll "a)e to 3ontinue t"e 3"ara5e.C A$"ere are %omen %"o %oul5 pay to "a)e me es3ort t"em.C A9 kno%@ 9 sa% t"em last ni-"t at t"e 3lu8.C A$rue@ 8ut t"e point is still t"at you?re as"ame5 to 8e seen %it" me. Be3ause o1 t"is.C His "an5 tou3"e5 "is ne3k@ tentati)ely@ 5eli3ate as a 8ir5. 9 -ot t"e 5istin3t impression 9 "a5 "urt "is 1eelin-s. $"at 5i5n?t 8ot"er me@ not really. But 9 kne% %"at it %as like to 8e 5i11erent. 9 kne% %"at it %as like to 8e an em8arrassment to people %"o s"oul5 "a)e kno%n 8etter. 9 kne% 8etter. 9t %asn?t P"illip?s 1eelin-s 8ut t"e prin3iple o1 t"e t"in-. ALet?s -o.C A="ere toBC A$o 7a8el?s.C A$"ank you@C "e sai5. He re%ar5e5 me %it" one o1 t"ose 8rilliant smiles. 91 9 "a5 8een less pro1essional@ it mi-"t "a)e melte5 me into my so3ks. $"ere %as a tin-e o1 e)il to it@ a lot o1 se*@ 8ut un5er t"at %as a little 8oy peekin- out@ an un3ertain little 8oy. $"at %as it. $"at %as t"e attra3tion. /ot"in- is more appealin- t"an a "an5some man %"o is also un3ertain o1 "imsel1. 9t appeals not only to t"e %oman in us all@ 8ut t"e mot"er. A 5an-erous 3om8ination. Lu3kily@ 9 %as immune. Sure. Besi5es@ 9 "a5 seen P"illip?s i5ea o1 se*. He %as 5e1initely not my type. 7a8el?s is a 3a1eteria@ 8ut t"e 1oo5 is %on5er1ul an5 reasona8ly pri3e5. #n %eek5ays t"e pla3e is 1ille5 to t"e 8rim %it" suits an5 8usiness skirts@ t"in little 8rie13ases@ an5 manila 1ile 1ol5ers. #n Satur5ays it %as nearly 5eserte5. Beatri3e smile5 at me 1rom 8e"in5 t"e steamin- 1oo5. S"e %as tall an5 plump %it" 8ro%n "air an5 a tire5 1a3e. Her pink uni1orm 5i5n?t 1it %ell t"rou-" t"e s"oul5ers@ an5 t"e "airnet ma5e "er 1a3e look too lon-. But s"e al%ays smile5@ an5 %e al%ays spoke. AHi@ Beatri3e.C An5 %it"out %aitin- to 8e aske5@ A$"is is P"illip.C AHi@ P"illip@C s"e sai5. He -a)e "er a smile e)ery 8it as 5aEElin- as "e "a5 -i)en t"e real estate a-ent. S"e 1lus"e5@ a)erte5 "er eyes@ an5 -i--le5. 9 "a5n?t kno%n Beatri3e 3oul5 5o t"at. 4i5 s"e noti3e t"e s3arsB 4i5 it matter to "erB 9t %as too "ot 1or meat loa1@ 8ut 9 or5ere5 it any%ay. 9t %as al%ays moist an5 t"e 3atsup sau3e >ust tan-y enou-". 9 e)en -ot 5essert@ %"i3" 9 almost ne)er 5o. 9 %as star)in-. =e mana-e5 to pay an5 1in5 a ta8le %it"out P"illip 1lirtin- %it" anyone else. A ma>or a33omplis"ment. A="at "as "appene5 to Hean2!lau5eBC "e aske5. A#ne more minute.C 9 sai5 -ra3e o)er my 1oo5. He %as starin- at me %"en 9 looke5 up. =e ate@ an5 9 tol5 "im an e5ite5 )ersion o1 last ni-"t. 7ostly@ 9 tol5 "im a8out Hean2!lau5e an5 /ikolaos an5 t"e punis"ment. He "a5 stoppe5 eatin- 8y t"e time 9 1inis"e5. He %as starin- o)er my "ea5@ at not"in- t"at 9 3oul5 see. AP"illipBC 9 aske5. He s"ook "is "ea5 an5 looke5 at me. AS"e 3oul5 kill "im.C A9 -ot t"e impression s"e %as >ust -oin- to punis" "im. 4o you kno% %"at t"at %oul5 8eBC He no55e5@ )oi3e so1t@ sayin-@ AS"e traps t"em in 3o11ins an5 uses 3rosses to "ol5 t"em insi5e. Au8rey 5isappeare5 1or t"ree mont"s. ="en 9 sa% "im a-ain@ "e %as like "e is no%. !raEy.C 9 s"i)ere5. =oul5 Hean2!lau5e -o 3raEyB 9 pi3ke5 up my 1ork an5 1oun5 mysel1 "al1%ay t"rou-" a pie3e o1 8la3k8erry pie. 9 "ate 8la3k8erries. 4amn@ 9 treat mysel1 to pie an5 -et t"e %ron- kin5. ="at %as t"e matter %it" meB $"e taste %as still %arm an5 t"i3k in my mout". 9 took a 8i- s%i- o1 !oke to %as" it 5o%n. $"e !oke 5i5n?t "elp mu3". A="at are you -oin- to 5oBC "e aske5.

9 pus"e5 t"e "al12eaten pie a%ay an5 opene5 one o1 t"e 1ol5ers. $"e 1irst )i3tim@ one 7auri3e2no last name@ "a5 li)e5 %it" a %oman name5 <e8e33a 7iles. $"ey "a5 3o"a8ite5 1or 1i)e years. A!o"a8ite5C soun5e5 8etter t"an As"a3ke5 up.C A9?ll talk to 1rien5s an5 lo)ers o1 t"e 5ea5 )ampires.C A9 mi-"t kno% t"e names.C 9 stare5 at "im@ 5e8atin-. 9 5i5n?t %ant to s"are in1ormation %it" "im 8e3ause 9 kne% -oo5 o1 P"illip %as t"e 5aytime eyes an5 ears o1 t"e un5ea5. Det@ %"en 9 "a5 talke5 to <e8e33a 7iles in t"e 3ompany o1 t"e poli3e@ s"e "a5 tol5 us Eip. 9 5i5n?t "a)e time to %a5e t"rou-" 3rap. 9 nee5e5 in1ormation an5 1ast. /ikolaos %ante5 results. An5 %"at /ikolaos %ante5@ /ikolaos 5amn %ell 8etter -et. A<e8e33a 7iles@C 9 sai5. A9 kno% "er. S"e %as 7auri3e?s property.C He s"ru--e5 an apolo-y at t"e %or5@ 8ut "e let it stan5. An5 9 %on5ere5 %"at "e meant 8y it. A="ere 5o %e -o 1irstBC "e aske5. A/o%"ere. 9 5on?t %ant a 3i)ilian alon- %"ile 9 %ork.C A9 mi-"t 8e a8le to "elp.C A/o o11ense@ you look stron- an5 may8e e)en ;ui3k@ 8ut t"at isn?t enou-". 4o you kno% "o% to 1i-"tB 4o you 3arry a -unBC A/o -un@ 8ut 9 3an "an5le mysel1.C 9 5ou8te5 t"at. 7ost people 5on?t rea3t %ell to )iolen3e. 9t 1reeEes t"em. $"ere are a "an51ul o1 se3on5s %"ere t"e 8o5y "esitates@ t"e min5 5oesn?t un5erstan5. $"ose 1e% se3on5s 3an -et you kille5. $"e only %ay to kill t"e "esitation is pra3ti3e. Violen3e "as to 8e3ome a part o1 your t"inkin-. 9t makes you 3autious@ suspi3ious as "ell@ an5 len-t"ens your li1e e*pe3tan3y. P"illip %as 1amiliar %it" )iolen3e@ 8ut only as t"e )i3tim. 9 5i5n?t nee5 a pro1essional )i3tim ta--in- alon-. Det@ 9 nee5e5 in1ormation 1rom people %"o %oul5n?t %ant to talk to me. $"ey mi-"t talk to P"illip. 9 5i5n?t e*pe3t to run into a -un 8attle in 8roa5 5ayli-"t. /or 5i5 9 really e*pe3t anyone to >ump me@ at least not to5ay. 9?)e 8een %ron- 8e1ore 8ut ... 91 P"illip 3oul5 "elp me@ 9 sa% no "arm in it. As lon- as "e 5i5n?t 1las" t"at smile at t"e %rontime an5 -et moleste5 8y nuns@ %e %oul5 8e sa1e. A91 someone t"reatens me@ 3an you stay out o1 it an5 let me 5o my >o8@ or %oul5 you 3"ar-e in an5 try to sa)e meBC 9 aske5. A#"@C "e sai5. He stare5 5o%n at "is 5rink 1or a 1e% minutes. A9 5on?t kno%.C Bro%nie point 1or "im. 7ost people %oul5 "a)e lie5. A$"en 9?5 rat"er you 5i5n?t 3ome.C AHo% are you -oin- to 3on)in3e <e8e33a you %ork 1or t"e master )ampire o1 t"is 3ityB $"e ,*e3utioner %orkin- 1or )ampiresBC 9t soun5e5 ri5i3ulous e)en to me. A9 5on?t kno%.C He smile5. A$"en it?s settle5. 9?ll 3ome alon- an5 "elp 3alm t"e %aters.C A9 5i5n?t a-ree to t"at.C ADou 5i5n?t say no@ eit"er.C He "a5 a point. 9 sippe5 my !oke an5 looke5 at "is smu- 1a3e 1or per"aps a minute. He sai5 not"in-@ only stare5 8a3k. His 1a3e %as neutral@ no 3"allen-e to it. $"ere %as no 3ontest o1 e-os as %it" Bert. ALet?s -o@C 9 sai5. =e stoo5. 9 le1t a tip. =e %ent o11 in sear3" o1 3lues.

Chapter Twenty
<e8e33a 7iles li)e5 in Sout" !ity?s 4o-to%n. $"e streets %ere all name5 1or statesJ $e*as@ 7ississippi@ 9n5iana. $"e 8uil5in- %as 8lin5@ most o1 t"e %in5o%s 8oar5e5 up. $"e -rass %as tall as an elep"ant?s eye@ 8ut not "al1 so 8eauti1ul. A 8lo3k o)er %ere e*pensi)e re"a8s 1ull o1 yuppies an5 politi3ians. $"ere %ere no yuppies on <e8e33a?s 8lo3k. Her apartment %as on a lon-@ narro% 3orri5or. $"ere %as no air 3on5itionin- in t"e "all%ay@ an5 t"e "eat %as like 3"est2 "i-" 1ur@ t"i3k an5 %arm. #ne 5im li-"t 8ul8 -leame5 o)er t"e t"rea58are 3arpetin-. 9n pla3es t"e o112-reen %alls %ere pat3"e5 %it" %"ite plaster@ 8ut it %as 3lean. $"e smell o1 pine2s3ente5 Lysol %as t"i3k an5 almost nauseatin- in t"e small@ 5ark "all%ay. Dou 3oul5 pro8a8ly "a)e eaten o11 t"e 3arpetin- i1 you "a5 %ante5 to@ 8ut you %oul5 "a)e -otten 1uEEies in your mout". /o amount o1 Lysol %oul5 -et ri5 o1 3arpet 1uEEies. As %e "a5 5is3usse5 in t"e 3ar@ P"illip kno3ke5 on t"e 5oor. $"e i5ea %as t"at "e %oul5 3alm any mis-i)in-s s"e mi-"t "a)e a8out $"e ,*e3utioner 3omin- into "er "um8le a8o5e. 9t took 1i1teen minutes o1 kno3kin- an5 %aitin- 8e1ore %e "ear5 someone mo)in- aroun5 8e"in5 t"e 5oor.

$"e 5oor opene5 as 1ar as t"e 3"ain %oul5 allo%. 9 3oul5n?t see %"o ans%ere5 t"e 5oor. A %oman?s )oi3e@ t"i3k %it" sleep@ sai5@ AP"illip@ %"at are you 5oin- "ereBC A!an 9 3ome in 1or a 1e% minutesBC "e aske5. 9 3oul5n?t see "is 1a3e@ 8ut 9 %oul5 "a)e 8et e)eryt"in- 9 o%ne5 t"at "e %as 1las"in- "er one o1 "is in1amous smiles. ASureG sorry@ you %oke me up.C $"e 5oor 3lose5@ an5 t"e 3"ain rattle5. $"e 5oor reopene5@ %i5e. 9 still 3oul5n?t see aroun5 P"illip. So 9 -uess <e8e33a 5i5n?t see me eit"er. P"illip %alke5 in@ an5 9 1ollo%e5 8e"in5 "im 8e1ore t"e 5oor 3oul5 3lose. $"e apartment %as o)enlike@ a -aspin-@ stran5e521is" "eat. $"e 5arkness s"oul5 "a)e ma5e it 3ooler@ 8ut instea5 ma5e it 3laustrop"o8i3. S%eat tri3kle5 5o%n my 1a3e. <e8e33a 7iles stoo5 "ol5in- onto t"e 5oor. S"e %as t"in@ %it" li1eless 5ark "air 1allin- strai-"t to "er s"oul5ers. Hi-" 3"eek8ones 3lun- to t"e skin o1 "er 1a3e. S"e %as nearly o)er%"elme5 8y t"e %"ite ro8e s"e %ore. 4eli3ate %as t"e p"rase@ 1ra-ile. Small@ 5ark eyes 8linke5 at me. 9t %as 5im in t"e apartment@ t"i3k 5rapes 3uttin- out t"e li-"t. S"e "a5 only seen me on3e@ s"ortly a1ter 7auri3e?s 5eat". A4i5 you 8rin- a 1rien5BC s"e aske5. S"e s"ut t"e 5oor@ an5 %e %ere in near 5arkness. ADes@C P"illip sai5. A$"is is Anita Blake ... C Her )oi3e 3ame out small an5 3"oke5. A$"e ,*e3utionerBC ADes@ 8ut ... S"e opene5 "er small mout" an5 s"rieke5. S"e t"re% "ersel1 at me@ "an5s 3la%in- an5 slappin-. 9 8ra3e5 an5 3o)ere5 my 1a3e %it" my 1orearms. S"e 1ou-"t like a -irl@ all open2"an5e5 slaps@ s3rat3"es@ an5 1lailin- arms. 9 -ra88e5 "er %rist an5 use5 "er o%n momentum to pull "er past me. S"e stum8le5 to "er knees %it" a little "elp. 9 "a5 "er ri-"t arm in a >oint lo3k. 9t puts pressure on t"e el8o%@ it "urts@ an5 a little e*tra pus" %ill snap t"e arm. 7ost people 5on?t 1i-"t %ell a1ter you 8reak t"eir arm at t"e el8o%. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8reak t"e %oman?s arm. 9 5i5n?t %ant to "urt "er at all. $"ere %ere t%o 8loo5y s3rat3"es on my arm %"ere s"e "a5 -otten me. 9 -uess 9 %as lu3ky s"e "a5n?t "a5 a -un. S"e trie5 to mo)e@ an5 9 presse5 on t"e arm. 9 1elt "er trem8le. Her 8reat" %as 3omin- in "u-e -asps. ADou 3an?t kill "imI Dou 3an?tI Please@ please 5on?t.C S"e starte5 to 3ry@ t"in s"oul5ers s"akin- insi5e t"e too28i- ro8e. 9 stoo5 t"ere@ "ol5in"er arm@ 3ausin- "er pain. 9 release5 "er arm@ slo%ly@ an5 steppe5 8a3k out o1 rea3". 9 "ope5 s"e 5i5n?t atta3k a-ain. 9 5i5n?t %ant to "urt "er@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant "er to "urt me. $"e s3rat3"es %ere 8e-innin- to stin-. <e8e33a 7iles %asn?t -oin- to try a-ain. S"e "u55le5 a-ainst t"e 5oor@ t"in@ star)e5 "an5s lo3ke5 aroun5 "er knees. S"e so88e5@ -aspin- 1or air@ ADou ... 3an?t ... kill "im. PleaseIC S"e starte5 to ro3k 8a3k an5 1ort"@ "u--in- "ersel1 ti-"t as i1 s"e mi-"t s"atter@ like %eak -lass. Hesus@ some 5ays 9 "ate my >o8. A$alk to "er@ P"illip. $ell "er %e 5i5n?t 3ome "ere to "urt anyone.C P"illip knelt 8esi5e "er. He kept "is "an5s at "is si5es as "e talke5 to "er. 9 5i5n?t "ear %"at "e sai5. Her s"u55erin- so8s 1loate5 a1ter me t"rou-" a ri-"t2"an5 5oor%ay. 9t le5 into t"e 8e5room. A 3o11in sat 8esi5e t"e 8e5@ 5ark %oo5@ may8e 3"erry@ )arnis"e5 until it -leame5 in t"e t%ilit 5ark. S"e t"ou-"t 9 3ame to kill "er lo)er. Hesus. $"e 8at"room %as small an5 3luttere5. 9 "it t"e li-"t s%it3"@ an5 t"e "ars" yello% li-"t %as not kin5. Her makeup %as s3attere5 aroun5 t"e 3ra3ke5 sink like 3asualties. $"e tu8 %as nearly rotte5 %it" rust. 9 1oun5 %"at 9 "ope5 %as a 3lean %as"ra- an5 ran 3ol5 %ater o)er it. $"e %ater t"at tri3kle5 out %as t"e 3olor o1 %eak 3o11ee. $"e pipes s"u55ere5 an5 3lanke5 an5 %"ine5. $"e %ater 1inally ran 3lear. 9t 1elt -oo5 on my "an5s@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t splas" any on my ne3k or 1a3e. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een 3ool@ 8ut t"e 8at"room %as 5irty. 9 3oul5n?t use t"e %ater@ not i1 9 5i5n?t "a)e to. 9 looke5 up as 9 s;ueeEe5 t"e ra- out. $"e mirror %as s"attere5@ a spi5er%e8 o1 3ra3ks. 9t -a)e me my 1a3e 8a3k in 8roken pie3es. 9 5i5n?t look in t"e mirror a-ain. 9 %alke5 8a3k past t"e 3o11in an5 "esitate5. 9 "a5 an ur-e to kno3k on t"e smoot" %oo5. Any8o5y "omeB 9 5i5n?t 5o it. 'or all 9 kne%@ someone mi-"t "a)e kno3ke5 8a3k. P"illip "a5 t"e %oman on t"e 3ou3". S"e %as leanin- a-ainst "im@ 8oneless@ pantin-@ 8ut t"e 3ryin- "a5 almost stoppe5. S"e 1lin3"e5 %"en s"e sa% me. 9 trie5 not to look mena3in-@ somet"in- 9?m -oo5 at@ an5 "an5e5 t"e ra- to P"illip. A=ipe "er 1a3e an5 put it a-ainst t"e 8a3k o1 "er ne3kG it?ll "elp.C He 5i5 %"at 9 aske5@ an5 s"e sat t"ere %it" t"e 5amp ra- a-ainst "er ne3k@ starin- at me. Her eyes %ere %i5e@ a lot o1 %"ite s"o%in-. S"e s"i)ere5. 9 1oun5 t"e li-"t s%it3"@ an5 "ars" li-"t 1loo5e5 t"e room. #ne look at t"e room an5 9 %ante5 to turn t"e li-"t o11 a-ain@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 9 t"ou-"t <e8e33a mi-"t atta3k me a-ain i1 9 sat 8esi5e "er@ or may8e s"e?5 "a)e a 3omplete 8reak5o%n. =oul5n?t t"at 8e prettyB $"e only 3"air %as lopsi5e5 an5 "a5 yello%e5 stu11in- 8ul-in- out one si5e. 9 5e3i5e5 to stan5. P"illip looke5 up at me. His sun-lasses %ere "ooke5 o)er t"e 1ront o1 "is tank top. His eyes %ere %i5e an5 3are1ul@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t %ant me to kno% %"at "e %as t"inkin-. #ne tanne5 arm %as %rappe5 aroun5 "er s"oul5ers@ prote3ti)e. 9 1elt like a 8ully.

A9 tol5 "er %"y %e are "ere. 9 tol5 "er you %oul5n?t "urt Ha3k.C A$"e 3o11inBC 9 smile5. 9 3oul5n?t "elp it. He %as a A>a3k in $"e 8o*.C ADes@C P"illip sai5. He stare5 at me as i1 -rinnin- %ere not appropriate. 9t %asn?t@ so 9 stoppe5@ 8ut it %as somet"in- o1 an e11ort. 9 no55e5. 91 <e8e33a %ante5 to s"a3k up %it" )ampires@ t"at %as "er 8usiness. 9t 3ertainly %asn?t poli3e 8usiness. AGo on@ <e8e33a. S"e?s tryin- to "elp us@C P"illip sai5. A="yBC s"e aske5. 9t %as a -oo5 ;uestion. 9 "a5 s3are5 "er an5 ma5e "er 3ry. 9 ans%ere5 "er ;uestion. A$"e master o1 t"e 3ity ma5e me an o11er 9 3oul5n?t re1use.C S"e stare5 at me@ stu5yin- my 1a3e@ like s"e %as 3ommittin- me to memory. A9 5on?t 8elie)e you@C s"e sai5. 9 s"ru--e5. $"at?s %"at you -et 1or tellin- t"e trut". Someone 3alls you a liar. 7ost people %ill a33ept a likely lie to an unlikely trut". 9n 1a3t@ t"ey pre1er it. AHo% 3oul5 any )ampire t"reaten $"e ,*e3utionerBC s"e aske5. 9 si-"e5. A9?m not t"e 8o-eyman@ <e8e33a. Ha)e you e)er met $"e master o1 t"e 3ityBC A/o.C A$"en you?ll "a)e to trust me. 9 am s3are5 s"itless o1 t"e master. Any8o5y in t"eir ri-"t min5 %oul5 8e.C S"e still looke5 un3on)in3e5@ 8ut s"e starte5 talkin-. Her small@ li-"t )oi3e tol5 t"e same story s"e?5 tol5 t"e poli3e. Blan5 an5 useless as a ne%2minte5 penny. A<e8e33a@ 9 am tryin- to 3at3" t"e person@ or t"in-@ t"at kille5 lour 8oy1rien5. Please "elp me.C P"illip "u--e5 "er. A$ell "er %"at you tol5 me.C S"e -lan3e5 at "im@ t"en 8a3k at me. S"e su3ke5 "er lo%er "p in an5 s3rape5 it %it" "er upper teet"@ t"ou-"t1ul. S"e took a 5eep@ s"aky 8reat". A=e %ere at a 1reak party t"at ni-"t.C 9 8linke5@ t"en trie5 to soun5 reasona8ly intelli-ent. A9 kno% a 1reak is someone %"o likes )ampires. 9s a 1reak party %"at 9 t"ink it isBC P"illip %as t"e one %"o no55e5. A9 -o to t"em a lot.C He %oul5n?t look at me %"ile "e sai5 it. ADou 3an "a)e a )ampire most any %ay you %ant it. An5 t"ey 3an "a)e you.C He 5arte5 a -lan3e at my 1a3e@ t"en 5o%n a-ain. 7ay8e "e 5i5n?t like %"at "e sa%. 9 trie5 to keep my 1a3e 8lank@ 8ut 9 %asn?t "a)in- mu3" lu3k. A 1reak party@ 5ear Go5. But it %as some%"ere to start. A4i5 anyt"in- spe3ial "appen at t"e partyBC 9 aske5. S"e 8linke5 at me@ 1a3e 8lank@ as i1 s"e 5i5n?t un5erstan5. 9 trie5 a-ain. A4i5 anyt"in- out o1 t"e or5inary "appen at t"e 1reak partyBC ="en in 5ou8t@ 3"an-e your )o3a8ulary. S"e stare5 5o%n into "er lap an5 s"ook "er "ea5. Lon-@ 5ark "air traile5 o)er "er 1a3e like a t"in 3urtain. A4i5 7auri3e "a)e any enemies t"at you kno% o1BC <e8e33a s"ook "er "ea5 %it"out e)en lookin- up. 9 -limpse5 "er eyes t"rou-" "er "air like a 1ri-"tene5 ra88it starin- out 1rom 8e"in5 a 8us". 4i5 s"e "a)e more in1ormation@ or "a5 9 use5 "er upB 91 9 pus"e5 s"e?5 8reak@ s"atter@ an5 may8e a 3lue %oul5 3ome spillin- out@ t"en a-ain@ may8e not. Her "an5s %ere tan-le5 in "er lap@ %"ite2knu3kle5. $"ey trem8le5 e)er so sli-"tly. Ho% 8a5ly 5i5 9 %ant to kno%B /ot t"at 8a5ly. 9 let it -o. Anita Blake@ "umanitarian. P"illip tu3ke5 <e8e33a in 8e5@ %"ile 9 %aite5 in t"e li)in- room. 9 "al12e*pe3te5 to "ear -i--lin- or some soun5 t"at sai5 "e %as %orkin- "is 3"arm. $"ere %as not"in- 8ut t"e ;uiet murmur o1 )oi3es an5 t"e 3ool rustle o1 s"eets. ="en "e 3ame out o1 t"e 8e5room@ "is 1a3e %as serious@ solemn. He slippe5 "is -lasses 8a3k on an5 "it t"e li-"t s%it3". $"e room %as a t"i3k@ "ot 5arkness. 9 "ear5 "im mo)e in t"e o)enlike 8la3kness. A rustle o1 >eans@ a s3rape o1 8oot. 9 1um8le5 1or t"e 5oorkno8@ 1oun5 it@ 1lun- it open. Pale li-"t spille5 in. P"illip %as stan5in-@ starin- at me@ eyes "i55en. His 8o5y %as rela*e5@ easy@ 8ut some"o% 9 3oul5 1eel "is "ostility. =e %ere no lon-er playin- 1rien5s. 9 %asn?t sure i1 "e %as an-ry %it" me 1or some reason@ or "imsel1@ or 1ate. ="en you en5 up %it" a li1e like <e8e33a?s@ t"ere s"oul5 8e someone to 8lame. A$"at 3oul5 "a)e 8een me@C "e sai5. 9 looke5 at "im. ABut it %asn?t.C He sprea5 "is arms %i5e@ 1le*in-. ABut it 3oul5 8e.C 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say to t"at. ="at 3oul5 9 sayB $"ere 8ut 1or t"e -ra3e o1 Go5 -o youB 9 5ou8te5 Go5 "a5 mu3" to 5o %it" P"illip?s %orl5. P"illip ma5e sure t"e 5oor lo3ke5 8e"in5 us@ t"en sai5@ A9 kno% at least t%o ot"er mur5ere5 )ampires %ere re-ulars on t"e party 3ir3uit.C

7y stoma3" ti-"tene5@ a little 1lutter o1 e*3itement. A4o you t"ink t"e rest o1 t"e ... )i3tims 3oul5 8e 1reak a1i3iona5osBC He s"ru--e5. A9 3an 1in5 out.C His 1a3e %as still 3lose5 to me@ 8lank. Somet"in- "a5 turne5 o11 "is s%it3". 7ay8e it %as <e8e33a 7iles?s small@ star)e5 "an5s. 9 kno% it "a5n?t 5one a lot 1or me. !oul5 9 trust "im to 1in5 outB =oul5 "e tell me t"e trut"B =oul5 it en5an-er "imB /o ans%ers@ >ust more ;uestions@ 8ut at least t"e ;uestions %ere -ettin- 8etter. 'reak parties. A 3ommon t"rea5@ a real li)e 3lue. Hot 5o-.

Chapter Twenty-one
9nsi5e my 3ar 9 turne5 t"e air 3on5itionin- on 1ull 8last. S%eat 3"ille5 on my skin@ >ellin- in pla3e. 9 turne5 t"e air 5o%n 8e1ore 9 -ot a "ea5a3"e 1rom t"e temperature 3"an-e. P"illip sat as 1ar a%ay 1rom me as "e 3oul5 -et. His 8o5y %as "al12turne5@ as mu3" as t"e seat 8elt %oul5 allo%@ to%ar5s t"e %in5o%. His eyes 8e"in5 t"eir sun-lasses stare5 out an5 a%ay. P"illip 5i5n?t %ant to talk a8out %"at "a5 >ust "appene5. Ho% 5i5 9 kno% t"atB Anita t"e min5 rea5er. /o@ >ust Anita t"e not so stupi5. His %"ole 8o5y %as "un3"e5 in upon itsel1. 91 9 "a5n?t kno%n 8etter@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 "e %as in pain. !ome to t"ink o1 it@ may8e "e %as. 9 "a5 >ust 8ullie5 a )ery 1ra-ile "uman 8ein-. 9t "a5n?t 1elt )ery -oo5@ 8ut it 8eat t"e "e3k out o1 kno3kin- "er senseless. 9 "a5 not "urt "er p"ysi3ally. ="y 5i5n?t 9 8elie)e t"atB /o%@ 9 %as -oin- to ;uestion P"illip 8e3ause "e "a5 -i)en me a 3lue. $"e pro)er8ial lea5. 9 3oul5n?t let it -o. AP"illipBC 9 aske5. His s"oul5ers ti-"tene5@ 8ut "e 3ontinue5 to stare out t"e %in5o%. AP"illip@ 9 nee5 to kno% a8out t"e 1reak parties.C A4rop me at t"e 3lu8.C AGuilty PleasuresBC 9 aske5. Brilliant repartee@ t"at?s me. He no55e5@ still turne5 a%ay. A4on?t you nee5 to pi3k up your 3arBC A9 5on?t 5ri)e@C "e sai5. A7oni3a 5roppe5 me o11 at your o11i3e.C A4i5 s"e no%BC 9 1elt t"e an-er@ instantaneous an5 %arm. He turne5 t"en@ stare5 at me@ 1a3e 8lank@ eyes "i55en. A="y are you so an-ry at "erB S"e >ust -ot you to t"e 3lu8@ t"at?s all.C 9 s"ru--e5. A="yBC His )oi3e %as tire5@ "uman@ normal. 9 %oul5n?t "a)e ans%ere5 t"e teasin- 1lirt@ 8ut t"is person %as real. <eal people 5eser)e ans%ers. AS"e?s "uman@ an5 s"e 8etraye5 ot"er "umans to non"umans@C 9 sai5. AAn5 t"at?s a %orse 3rime t"an Hean2!lau5e 3"oosin- you to 8e our 3"ampionBC AHean2!lau5e is a )ampire. Dou e*pe3t trea3"ery 1rom )ampires.C ADou 5o. 9 5o not.C A<e8e33a 7iles looks like a person %"o?s 8een 8etraye5.C He 1lin3"e5. Great Anita@ >ust -reat@ let?s emotionally a8use e)eryone %e meet to5ay. But it %as true. He "a5 turne5 8a3k to t"e %in5o%@ an5 9 "a5 to 1ill t"e paine5 silen3e. AVampires are not "uman. $"eir loyalty@ 1irst an5 1oremost@ must 8e to t"eir o%n kin5. 9 un5erstan5 t"at. 7oni3a 8etraye5 "er o%n kin5. S"e also 8etraye5 a 1rien5. $"at is un1or-i)a8le.C He t%iste5 to look at me. 9 %is"e5 9 3oul5 see "is eyes. ASo i1 someone %as your 1rien5@ you %oul5 5o anyt"in- 1or t"emBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at as %e 5ro)e 5o%n . ,ast. Anyt"in-B $"at %as a tall or5er. Almost anyt"in-B Des. AAlmost anyt"in-@C 9 sai5. ASo loyalty an5 1rien5s"ip are )ery important to youBC ADes.@@ ABe3ause you 8elie)e 7oni3a 8etraye5 8ot" o1 t"ose t"in-s@ it makes it a %orse 3rime t"an anyt"in- t"e )ampires 5i5BC

9 s"i1te5 in t"e seat@ not "appy %it" t"e %ay t"e 3on)ersation %as -oin-. 9 am not a 8i- one 1or personal analysis. 9 kno% %"o 9 am an5 %"at 9 5o@ an5 t"at?s usually enou-". /ot al%ays@ 8ut most o1 t"e time. A/ot anyt"in-G 9 5on?t 8elie)e in many a8solutes. But@ i1 you %ant a s"ort )ersion@ yes@ t"at?s %"y 9?m an-ry at 7oni3a.C He no55e5@ as i1 t"at %ere t"e ans%er "e %ante5. AS"e?s a1rai5 o1 youG 5i5 you kno% t"atBC 9 smile5@ an5 it %asn?t a )ery ni3e smile. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e e5-es 3url up %it" a 5ark sort o1 satis1a3tion. A9 "ope t"e little 8it3" is s%eatin- it out@ 8i- time.C AS"e is@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as )ery ;uiet. 9 -lan3e5 at "im@ t"en ;ui3kly 8a3k to t"e roa5. 9 "a5 a 1eelin- "e 5i5n?t appro)e o1 my s3arin- 7oni3a. #1 3ourse@ t"at %as "is pro8lem. 9 %as ;uite please5 %it" t"e results. =e %ere -ettin- 3lose to t"e <i)er1ront turno11. He "a5 still not ans%ere5 my ;uestion. 9n 1a3t@ "e "a5 )ery ni3ely a)oi5e5 it. A$ell me a8out 1reak parties@ P"illip.C A4i5 you really t"reaten to 3ut out 7oni3a?s "eartBC ADes. Are you -oin- to tell me a8out t"e parties or notBC A=oul5 you really 5o itB !ut out "er "eart@ 9 meanBC ADou ans%er my ;uestion@ 9?ll ans%er yours.C 9 turne5 t"e 3ar onto t"e narro% 8ri3k roa5s o1 t"e <i)er1ront. $%o more 8lo3ks an5 %e %oul5 8e at Guilty Pleasures. A9 tol5 you %"at t"e parties are like. 9?)e stoppe5 -oin- t"e last 1e% mont"s.C 9 -lan3e5 at "im a-ain. 9 %ante5 to ask %"y. So 9 5i5. A="yBC A4amn@ you 5o ask personal ;uestions@ 5on?t youBC A9 5i5n?t mean it to 8e.C 9 t"ou-"t "e %asn?t -oin- to ans%er t"e ;uestion@ 8ut "e 5i5. A9 -ot tire5 o1 8ein- passe5 aroun5. 9 5i5n?t %ant to en5 up like <e8e33a@ or %orse.C 9 %ante5 to ask %"at %as %orse@ 8ut 9 let it -o. 9 try not to 8e 3ruel@ >ust persistent. $"ere are 5ays %"en t"e 5i11eren3e is pretty 5amn sli-"t. A91 you 1in5 out t"at all t"e )ampires %ent to 1reak parties@ 3all me.C A$"en %"atBC "e aske5. A9 nee5 to -o to a party.C 9 parke5 in 1ront o1 Guilty Pleasures. $"e neon %as ;uiet@ a 5im -"ost o1 its ni-"ttime sel1. $"e pla3e looke5 3lose5. ADou 5on?t %ant to -o to a party@ Anita.C A9?m tryin- to sol)e a 3rime@ P"illip. 91 9 5on?t@ my 1rien5 5ies. An5 9 "a)e no illusions a8out %"at t"e master %ill 5o to me i1 9 1ail. A ;ui3k 5eat" %oul5 8e t"e 8est 9 3oul5 "ope 1or.C He s"i)ere5. ADea"@ yea".C He un8u3kle5 t"e seat 8elt an5 ru88e5 "is "an5s alon- "is arms@ as i1 "e %ere 3ol5. ADou ne)er ans%ere5 my ;uestion a8out 7oni3a@C "e sai5. ADou ne)er really tol5 me a8out t"e parties.C He looke5 5o%n@ starin- at t"e tops o1 "is t"i-"s. A$"ere?s one toni-"t. 91 you "a)e to -o@ 9?ll take you.C He turne5 to me@ arms still "u--in- "is el8o%s. A$"e parties are al%ays at a 5i11erent lo3ation. ="en 9 1in5 out %"ere@ "o% 5o 9 -et in tou3" %it" youBC ALea)e a messa-e on my ans%erin- ma3"ine@ my "ome. num8er.C 9 -ot a 8usiness 3ar5 out o1 my purse an5 %rote my "ome p"one num8er on t"e 8a3k. He -ot "is >ean >a3ket out o1 t"e 8a3k seat an5 stu11e5 t"e 3ar5 into a po3ket. He opene5 t"e 5oor@ an5 t"e "eat %as"e5 into t"e 3"ill@ air23on5itione5 3ar like t"e 8reat" o1 a 5ra-on. He leane5 into t"e 3ar@ one arm on t"e roo1@ one on t"e 5oor. A/o%@ ans%er my ;uestion. =oul5 you really 3ut out 7oni3a?s "eart@ so s"e 3oul5n?t 3ome 8a3k as a )ampireBC 9 stare5 into t"e 8la3kness o1 "is sun-lasses an5 sai5@ ADes.C A<emin5 me ne)er to piss you o11.C He took a 5eep 8reat". ADou?ll nee5 to %ear somet"in- t"at s"o%s o11 your s3ars toni-"t. Buy somet"in- i1 you 5on?t "a)e it.C He "esitate5@ t"en aske5@ AAre you as -oo5 at 8ein- a 1rien5 as you are an enemyBC 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. ="at 3oul5 9 sayB ADou 5on?t %ant me 1or an enemy@ P"illip. 9 make a mu3" 8etter 1rien5.C ADea"@ 9?ll 8et you 5o.C He 3lose5 t"e 5oor an5 %alke5 up to t"e 3lu8 5oor. He kno3ke5@ an5 a 1e% moments later t"e 5oor opene5. 9 -ot a -limpse o1 a pale 1i-ure openin- t"e 5oor. 9t 3oul5n?t 8e a )ampire@ 3oul5 itB $"e 5oor 3lose5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 see mu3". Vampires 3oul5 not 3ome out in 5ayli-"t. $"at %as a rule. But until last ni-"t 9 "a5 kno%n )ampires 3oul5 not 1ly. So mu3" 1or %"at 9 kne%.

="oe)er it %as "a5 8een e*pe3tin- P"illip. 9 pulle5 a%ay 1rom t"e 3ur8. ="y "a5 t"ey sent "im at "is 1lirtatious 8estB Ha5 "e 8een sent to 3"arm meB #r %as "e t"e only "uman t"ey 3oul5 -et at s"ort noti3eB $"e only 5aytime mem8er o1 t"eir little 3lu8. ,*3ept 1or 7oni3a. An5 9 %asn?t real 1on5 o1 "er ri-"t no%. $"at %as >ust 5an5y %it" me. 9 5i5n?t t"ink P"illip %as lyin- a8out t"e 1reak parties@ 8ut %"at 5i5 9 kno% a8out P"illipB He strippe5 at Guilty Pleasures@ not e*a3tly a 3"ara3ter re1eren3e. He %as a )ampire >unkie@ 8etter an5 8etter. =as all t"at pain an a3tB =as "e lurin- me somepla3e@ >ust as 7oni3a "a5B 9 5i5n?t kno%. An5 9 nee5e5 to kno%. $"ere %as one pla3e 9 3oul5 -o t"at mi-"t "a)e t"e ans%ers. $"e only pla3e in t"e 4istri3t %"ere 9 %as truly %el3ome. 4ea5 4a)e?s@ a ni3e 8ar t"at ser)e5 a mean "am8ur-er. $"e proprietor %as an e*23op %"o "a5 8een ki3ke5 o11 t"e 1or3e 1or 8ein- 5ea5. Pi3ky@ pi3ky. 4a)e like5 to "elp out@ 8ut "e resente5 t"e pre>u5i3e o1 "is 1ormer 3omra5es. So "e talke5 to me. An5 9 talke5 to t"e poli3e. 9t %as a ni3e little arran-ement t"at let 4a)e 8e pisse5 o11 at t"e poli3e an5 still "elp t"em. 9t ma5e me nearly in)alua8le to t"e poli3e. Sin3e 9 %as on retainer@ t"at please5 Bert to no en5. 9t 8ein- 5aytime@ 4ea5 4a)e %as tu3ke5 in "is 3o11in@ 8ut Lut"er %oul5 8e t"ere. Lut"er %as t"e 5aytime mana-er an5 8arten5er. He %as one o1 t"e 1e% people in t"e 4istri3t %"o 5i5n?t "a)e mu3" to 5o %it" )ampires@ e*3ept 1or t"e 1a3t t"at "e %orke5 1or one. Li1e is ne)er per1e3t. 9 a3tually 1oun5 a parkin- pla3e not 1ar 1rom 4a)e?s. 4aytime parkin- is a lot more open in t"e 4istri3t. ="en t"e <i)er1ront use5 to 8e "uman2o%ne5 8usinesses@ t"ere %as ne)er any parkin- on a %eeken5@ 5ay or ni-"t. 9t %as one o1 t"e 1e% positi)es o1 t"e ne% )ampire la%s. $"at an5 t"e tourism. St. Louis %as a real "ot spot 1or )ampire %at3"ers. $"e only pla3e 8etter %as /e% Dork@ 8ut %e "a5 a lo%er 3rime rate. $"ere %as a -an- t"at "a5 -one all )ampire in /e% Dork. $"ey "a5 sprea5 to Los An-eles an5 trie5 to sprea5 "ere. $"e poli3e 1oun5 t"e 1irst re3ruits 3"oppe5 into 8ite2siEe pie3es. #ur )ampire 3ommunity pri5es itsel1 on 8ein- mainstream. A )ampire -an- %oul5 8e 8a5 pu8li3ity@ so t"ey took 3are o1 it. 9 a5mire5 t"e e11i3ien3y o1 it 8ut %is"e5 t"ey "a5 5one it 5i11erently. 9 "a5 "a5 ni-"tmares 1or %eeks a8out %alls t"at 8le5 an5 5ismem8ere5 arms t"at 3ra%le5 alon- t"e 1loor all 8y t"emsel)es. =e ne)er 5i5 1in5 t"e "ea5s.

Chapter Twenty-two
4ea5 4a)e?s is all 5ark -lass an5 -lo%in- 8eer si-ns. At ni-"t t"e 1ront %in5o%s look like some sort o1 mo5ern art@ 1eaturin- 8ran5 names. 9n t"e 5ayli-"t e)eryt"in- is mute5. Bars are sort o1 like )ampiresG t"ey are at t"eir 8est a1ter 5ark. $"ere is somet"in- tire5 an5 %ist1ul a8out a 5aytime 8ar. $"e air 3on5itionin- %as up 1ull 8last@ like t"e insi5e o1 a 1reeEer. 9t %as almost a p"ysi3al >olt a1ter t"e skin2meltin- "eat outsi5e. 9 stoo5 >ust insi5e t"e 5oor an5 %aite5 1or my eyes to a5>ust to t"e t%ili-"t interior. ="y are all 8ars so 5amn 5ark@ like 3a)es@ pla3es to "i5eB $"e air smelle5 o1 stale 3i-arettes no matter %"en you 3ame in@ as i1 years o1 smoke "a5 settle5 into t"e up"olstery@ like aromati3 -"osts. $%o -uys in 8usiness suits %ere settle5 at t"e 1art"est 8oot" 1rom t"e 5oor. $"ey %ere eatin- an5 "a5 manila 1ol5ers sprea5 a3ross t"e ta8le top. =orkin- on a Satur5ay. Hust like me@ %ell@ may8e not >ust like me. 9 %as 8ettin- t"at no one "a5 t"reatene5 to tear t"eir t"roats out. #1 3ourse@ 9 3oul5 8e %ron-@ 8ut 9 5ou8te5 it. 9 %as 8ettin- t"e %orst t"reat t"ey "a5 "a5 t"is %eek %as la3k o1 >o8 se3urity. Ali@ t"e -oo5 ol5 5ays. $"ere %as a man 3rou3"e5 on a 8ar stool@ nursin- a tall 5rink. His 1a3e %as alrea5y sla3k@ "is mo)ements )ery slo% an5 pre3ise@ as i1 "e %ere a1rai5 "e?5 spill somet"in-. 4runk at one2t"irty in t"e a1ternoonG not a -oo5 si-n 1or "im. But it %asn?t my 8usiness. Dou 3an?t sa)e e)ery8o5y. 9n 1a3t@ t"ere are 5ays %"en 9 t"ink you 3an?t sa)e anyone. ,a3" person "as to sa)e "imsel1 1irst@ t"en you 3an mo)e in an5 "elp. 9 "a)e 1oun5 t"is p"ilosop"y 5oes not %ork 5urin- a -un 8attle@ or a kni1e 1i-"t eit"er. #utsi5e o1 t"at it %orks >ust 1ine. Lut"er %as polis"in- -lasses %it" a )ery 3lean %"ite to%el. He looke5 up %"en 9 slippe5 up on t"e 8ar stool. He no55e5@ a 3i-arette 5an-lin- 1rom "is t"i3k lips. Lut"er is lar-e@ nay@ 1at. $"ere is no ot"er %or5 1or it@ 8ut it is "ar5 1at@ ro3k2soli5@ almost a kin5 o1 mus3le. His "an5s are "u-e2knu3kle5 an5 as 8i- as my 1a3e. #1 3ourse@ my 1a3e is small. He is a )ery 5ark 8la3k man@ nearly purplis" 8la3k@ like ma"o-any. $"e 3reamy 3"o3olate o1 "is eyes is yello%2e5-e5 1rom too mu3" 3i-arette smoke. 9 5on?t t"ink 9 "a)e e)er seen Lut"er %it"out a 3i- 3laspe5 8et%een "is lips. He is o)er%ei-"t@ 3"ain2 smokes@ an5 t"e -rey in "is "air marks "im as o)er 1i1ty@ yet "e?s ne)er si3k. Goo5 -eneti3s@ 9 -uess. A="at?ll it 8e@ AnitaBC His )oi3e mat3"e5 "is 8o5y@ 5eep an5 -ra)elly. A$"e usual.C He poure5 me a s"ort -lass o1 oran-e >ui3e. Vitamins. =e preten5e5 it %as a s3re%5ri)er@ so my pen3"ant 1or so8riety %oul5n?t -i)e t"e 8ar a 8a5 name. ="o %ants to -et 5runk %"en t"ere are teetotalers in t"e 3ro%5B An5 %"y in t"e %orl5 %oul5 9 keep 3omin- to a 8ar i1 9 5i5n?t 5rinkB 9 sippe5 my 1ake s3re%5ri)er an5 sai5@ A9 nee5 some in1o.C A'i-ure5 t"at. ="at3"a nee5BC A9 nee5 in1ormation on a man name5 P"illip@ 5an3es at Guilty Pleasures.C

#ne t"i3k eye8ro% raise5. AVampBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. AVampire >unkie.C He took a 8i- 5ra- on "is 3i-@ makin- t"e en5 -lo% like a li)e 3oal. He 8le% a "u-e pu11 o1 smoke politely a%ay 1rom me. A="at3"a %ant to kno% a8out "imBC A9s "e trust%ort"yBC He stare5 at me 1or a "eart8eat@ t"en "e -rinne5. A$rust%ort"yB Hell@ Anita@ "e?s a >unkie. 4on?t matter %"at "e?s strunout on@ 5ru-s@ li;uor@ se*@ )ampires@ no 5i11. /o >unkie is trust%ort"y@ you kno% t"at.C 9 no55e5. 9 5i5 kno% t"at@ 8ut %"at 3oul5 9 5oB A9 "a)e to trust "im@ Lut"er. He?s all 9 -ot.C A4amn@ -irl@ you are mo)in- in t"e %ron- 3ir3les.C 9 smile5. Lut"er %as t"e only person 9 let 3all me -irl. All %omen %ere A-irl@C all men A1ella.C A9 nee5 to kno% i1 you?)e "ear5 anyt"in- really 8a5 a8out "im@C 9 sai5. A="at are you up toBC "e aske5. A9 3an?t say. 9?5 s"are it i1 9 3oul5@ or i1 9 t"ou-"t it %oul5 5o any -oo5.C He stu5ie5 me 1or a moment@ 3i- 5ri88lin- as" onto t"e 3ountertop. lie %ipe5 up t"e as" a8sentmin5e5ly %it" "is 3lean %"ite to%el. A#kay@ Anita@ you?)e earne5 t"e ri-"t to say no@ t"is on3e@ 8ut ne*t time you 8etter "a)e somet"in- to s"are.C 9 smile5. A!ross my "eart.C He >ust s"ook "is "ea5 an5 pulle5 a 1res" 3i-arette out o1 t"e pa3k "e al%ays kept 8e"in5 t"e 8ar. He took one last 5rao1 t"e nearly 8urne5 3i-@ t"en 3laspe5 t"e 1res" one 8et%een "is lips. He put t"e -lo%in- oran-e en5 o1 t"e ol5 3i- a-ainst t"e 1res" %"ite tip an5 su3ke5 air. $"e paper an5 to8a33o 3au-"t@ 1lare5 oran-e2re5@ an5 "e stu88e5 out t"e ol5 3i- in t"e alrea5y 1ull as"tray "e 3arrie5 %it" "im 1rom pla3e to pla3e@ like a te55y 8ear. A9 kno% t"ey -ot a 5an3er 5o%n at t"e 3lu8 t"at is a 1reak. He 5oes t"e party 3ir3uit an5 is reeeal popular %it" a 3ertain sort o1 )amp.C Lut"er s"ru--e5@ a massi)e mo)ement like mountains "i33upin-. A4on?t "a)e no 5irt on "im@ F3ept "e?s a >unkie@ an5 "e 5oes t"e 3ir3uit. S"it@ Anita@ t"at?s 8a5 enou-". Soun5s like someone to stay a%ay 1rom.C A9 %oul5 i1 9 3oul5.C 9t %as my turn to s"ru-. ABut you "a)en?t "ear5 anyt"in- else a8out "imBC He t"ou-"t 1or a moment@ su3kin- on "is ne% 3i-arette. A/o@ not a %or5. He ain?t a 8i- player in t"e 5istri3t. He?s a pro1essional )i3tim. 7ost o1 t"e talk is a8out t"e pre5ators 5o%n "ere@ not t"e s"eep.C He 1ro%ne5. AHust a minute. 9 -ot somet"in-@ an i5ea.C He t"ou-"t )ery 3are1ully 1or a 1e% minutes@ t"en smile5 8roa5ly. ADea"@ -ot some ne%s on a pre5ator. Vamp 3alls "imsel1 Valentine@ %ears a mask. He 8een 8ra--in- t"at "e 5i5 o1 P"illip t"e 1irst time.C ASo@C 9 sai5. A/ot t"e 1irst time "e %as a >unkie@ -irl@ t"e 1irst time perio5. Valentine 3laims "e >umpe5 t"e 8oy %"en "e %as small@ 5i5 "im -oo5. !laims o1 P"illip like5 it so mu3" t"at?s %"y "e?s a >unkie.C A4ear Go5.C 9 remem8ere5 t"e ni-"tmares@ t"e reality@ o1 Valentine. ="at %oul5 it "a)e 8een like to "a)e 8een small %"en it "appene5B ="at %oul5 it "a)e 5one to meB ADou kno% ValentineBC Lut"er aske5. 9 no55e5. ADea". He e)er say "o% ol5 P"illip %as %"en t"e atta3k took pla3eBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ 8ut %or5 is anyt"in- o)er t%el)e is too ol5 1or Valentine@ Fless it?s re)en-e. He?s a real 8i- one 1or re)en-e. =or5 is i1 t"e master 5i5n?t keep "im in line@ "e?5 8e 5amn 5an-erous.C ADou 8et your s%eet ass "e?s 5an-erous.C ADou kno% "im.C 9t %asn?t a ;uestion. 9 looke5 up at Lut"er. A9 nee5 to kno% %"ere Valentine stays 5urin- t"e 5ay.C A$"at?s t%o 8its o1 in1ormation 1or nut"in?. 9 5on?t t"ink so.C AHe %ears a mask 8e3ause 9 5ouse5 "im %it" Holy =ater a8out t%o years a-o. :ntil last ni-"t 9 t"ou-"t "e %as 5ea5@ an5 "e t"ou-"t t"e same a8out me. He?s -oin- to kill me@ i1 "e 3an.C ADou a%1ul "ar5 to kill@ Anita.C A$"ere?s a 1irst time@ Lut"er@ an5 t"at?s all it takes.C A9 "ear t"at.C He starte5 polis"in- alrea5y 3lean -lasses. A9 5on?t kno%. =or5 -ets out %e -i)in- you 5aytime restinpla3es@ it 3oul5 -o 8a5 1or us. $"ey 3oul5 8urn t"is pla3e to t"e -roun5 %it" us insi5e.C ADou?re ri-"t. 9 5on?t "a)e a ri-"t to ask.C But 9 sat t"ere on t"e 8ar stool@ starin- at "im@ %illin- "im to -i)e me %"at 9 nee5e5. <isk your li1e 1or me ol5 8u55y o1 pal@ 9?5 5o t"e same 1or you. <iii-"t. A91 you 3oul5 s%ear you %oul5n?t use t"e in1o to kill "im@ 9 3oul5 tell you@C Lut"er sai5. A9t?5 8e a lie.C

ADou -ot a %arrant to kill "imBC "e aske5. A/ot a3ti)e@ 8ut 9 3oul5 -et one.C A=oul5 you %ait 1or itBC A9t?s ille-al to kill a )ampire %it"out a 3ourt or5er o1 e*e3ution@C 9 sai5. He stare5 at me. A$"at ain?t t"e ;uestion. =oul5 you >ump t"e -un to make sure o1 t"e killBC A7i-"t.C He s"ook "is "ea5. ADou -onna 8e up on 3"ar-es one o1 t"ese 5ays@ -irl. 7ur5er is a serious rap.C 9 s"ru--e5. ABeats -ettin- your t"roat torn out.C He 8linke5. A=ell@ no%.C He 5i5n?t seem to kno% %"at to say@ so "e polis"e5 a sparklin- -lass o)er an5 o)er in "is 8i"an5s. A9?ll "a)e to ask 4a)e. 91 "e says it?s okay@ you 3an "a)e it.C 9 1inis"e5 my oran-e >ui3e an5 pai5 up@ a little "ea)y on t"e tip to keep t"in-s a8o)e8oar5. 4a)e %oul5 ne)er a5mit "e "elpe5 me 8e3ause o1 my tie %it" t"e poli3e@ so money "a5 to e*3"an-e "an5s@ e)en i1 it %asn?t nearly %"at t"e in1ormation %as %ort". A$"anks@ Lut"er.C A=or5 on t"e street is t"at you met t"e master last ni-"t. $"at trueBC ADou kno% a8out t"at 8e1ore or a1ter t"e 1a3tBC 9 aske5. He looke5 paine5. AAnita@ %e %oul5a tol5 you i1 %e?5 kno%n@ -ratis.C 9 no55e5. ASorry@ Lut"er@ it?s 8een a rou-" 1e% ni-"ts.C A9?ll 8et. So t"e rumor?s trueBC ="at 3oul5 9 sayB 4eny itB A lot o1 people seeme5 to kno%. 9 -uess you 3an?t e)en trust t"e 5ea5 to keep a se3ret. A7ay8e.C 9 mi-"t as %ell "a)e sai5 yes@ 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t say no. Lut"er un5erstoo5 t"e -ame. He no55e5. A="at 5i5 t"ey %ant %it" youBC A!an?t say.C A7mm ... u". #kay@ Anita@ you 8e 5amn 3are1ul. Dou mi-"t %anta -et some "elp@ i1 t"ere?s any8o5y you 3an trust.C $rustB 9t %asn?t la3k o1 trust. A$"ere may 8e only t%o %ays out o1 t"is mess@ Lut"er. 4eat" %oul5 8e my 3"oi3e. A ;ui3k 5eat" %oul5 8e 8est@ 8ut 9 5ou8t 9?ll -et t"e 3"an3e i1 t"in-s -o 8a5. ="at 1rien5 am 9 suppose5 to 5ra- into t"atBC His roun5@ 5ark 1a3e stare5 at me. A9 5on?t "a)e no ans%ers@ -irl. 9 %is" 9 5i5.C ASo 5o 9.C $"e p"one ran-. Lut"er ans%ere5 it. He looke5 at me an5 3arrie5 t"e p"one 5o%n on its lon- 3or5. A'or you@C "e sai5. 9 3ra5le5 t"e p"one a-ainst my 3"eek. ADes.C A9t?s <onnie.C Her )oi3e %as suppresse5 e*3itement@ a ki5 on !"ristmas mornin-. 7y stoma3" ti-"tene5. ADou "a)e somet"in-BC A$"ere is a rumor -oin- aroun5 Humans A-ainst Vampires. A 5eat" s;ua5 5esi-ne5 to %ipe t"e )ampires o11 t"e 1a3e o1 t"e eart".C ADou "a)e proo1@ a %itnessBC A/ot yet.C 9 si-"e5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 stop mysel1. A!ome on@ Anita@ t"is is -oo5 ne%s.C 9 3uppe5 my "an5 o)er t"e p"one an5 %"ispere5@ A9 3an?t take a rumor a8out HAV to t"e master. $"e )ampires %oul5 slau-"ter t"em. A lot o1 inno3ent people %oul5 -et kille5@ an5 %e?re not e)en sure t"at HAV is really 8e"in5 t"e mur5ers.C AAll ri-"t@ all ri-"t@C <onnie sai5. A9?ll "a)e somet"in- more 3on3rete 8y tomorro%@ 9 promise. Bri8e or t"reat@ 9?ll -et t"e in1ormation.C A$"anks@ <onnie.C A="at are 1rien5s 1orB Besi5es@ Bert?s -oin- to "a)e to pay 1or o)ertime an5 8ri8es. 9 al%ays lo)e t"e look o1 pain %"en "e "as to part %it" money.C 9 -rinne5 into t"e p"one. A7e@ too.C A="at are you 5oin- toni-"tBC AGoin- to a party.C A="atBC

9 e*plaine5 as 8rie1ly as 9 3oul5. A1ter a lon- silen3e s"e sai5@ A$"at is )ery 1reaky.C 9 a-ree5 %it" "er. ADou keep %orkin- your en5@ 9?ll try 1rom t"is si5e. 7ay8e %e?ll meet in t"e mi55le.C A9t?5 8e ni3e to t"ink so.C Her )oi3e soun5e5 %arm@ almost an-ry. A="at?s %ron-BC ADou?re -oin- in %it"out 8a3kup@ aren?t youBC s"e aske5. ADou?re alone@C 9 sai5. ABut 9?m not surroun5e5 8y )ampires an5 1reakaEoi5s.C A91 you?re at HAV "ea5;uarters@ t"at last is 5e8ata8le.C A4on?t 8e 3ute. Dou kno% %"at 9 mean.C ADes@ <onnie@ 9 kno% %"at you mean. Dou are t"e only 1rien5 9 "a)e %"o 3an "an5le "ersel1.C 9 s"ru--e5@ realiEe5 s"e 3oul5n?t see it@ an5 sai5@ AAny8o5y else %oul5 8e like !at"erine@ s"eep amon- %ol)es@ an5 you kno% it.C A="at a8out anot"er animatorBC A="oB Hamison t"inks )ampires are ni1ty. Bert talks a -oo5 -ame@ 8ut "e 5oesn?t en5an-er "is lily %"ite ass. !"arles is a -oo5 enou-" 3orpse2raiser@ 8ut "e?s s;ueamis"@ an5 "e?s -ot a 1our2year2ol5 ki5. 7anny 5oesn?t "unt )ampires anymore. He spent 1our mont"s in t"e "ospital 8ein- put 8a3k to-et"er a1ter "is last "unt.C A91 9 remem8er 3orre3tly@ you %ere in t"e "ospital@ too@C s"e sai5. AA 8roken arm an5 a 8uste5 3ollar8one %ere my %orst in>uries@ <onnie. 7anny almost 5ie5. Besi5es@ "e?s -ot a %i1e an5 1our ki5s.C 7anny "a5 8een t"e animator %"o traine5 me. He tau-"t me "o% to raise t"e 5ea5@ an5 "o% to slay )ampires. $"ou-" a5mitte5ly 9 "a5 e*pan5e5 on 7anny?s tea3"in-s. He %as a tra5itionalist@ a stake2an52-arli3 man. He "a5 3arrie5 a -un@ 8ut as 8a3kup@ not as a primary tool. 91 mo5ern te3"nolo-y %ill allo% me to take out a )ampire 1rom a 5istan3e@ rat"er t"an stra55lin- its %aist an5 poun5in- a stake t"rou-" its "eart@ "e"@ %"y notB $%o years a-o@ <osita@ 7anny?s %i1e@ "a5 3ome to me an5 8e--e5 me not to en5an-er "er "us8an5 anymore. 'i1ty2t%o %as too ol5 to "unt )ampires@ s"e "a5 sai5. ="at %oul5 "appen to "er an5 t"e 3"il5renB Some"o% 9 "a5 -otten all t"e 8lame@ like a mot"er %"ose 1a)orite 3"il5 "a5 8een le5 astray 8y t"e nei-"8or"oo5 ru11ians. S"e "a5 ma5e me s%ear 8e1ore Go5 t"at 9 %oul5 ne)er a-ain ask 7anny to >oin me on a "unt. 91 s"e "a5n?t 3rie5@ 9 %oul5 "a)e "el5 out@ re1use5. !ryin- %as 5amne5 un1air in a 1i-"t. #n3e a person starte5 to 3ry@ you 3oul5n?t talk anymore. Dou su55enly >ust %ante5 t"em to stop 3ryin-@ stop "urtin-@ stop makin- you 1eel like t"e 8i--est s3um28u3ket in t"e %orl5. Anyt"in- to stop t"e tears. <onnie %as ;uiet on t"e ot"er en5 o1 t"e p"one. AAll ri-"t@ 8ut you 8e 3are1ul.C A!are1ul as a )ir-in on "er %e55in- ni-"t@ 9 promise.C S"e lau-"e5. ADou are in3orri-i8le.C A,)ery8o5y tells me t"at@C 9 sai5. A=at3" your 8a3k.C ADou 5o t"e same.C A9 %ill.C S"e "un- up. $"e p"one 8uEEe5 5ea5 in my "an5s. AGoo5 ne%sBC Lut"er aske5. ADea".C Humans A-ainst Vampires "a5 a 5eat" s;ua5. 7ay8e. But may8e %as 8etter t"an %"at 9?5 "a5 8e1ore. Look@ 1olks@ not"in- up my slee)es@ not"in- in my po3kets@ no i5ea in "ell %"at 9 %as 5oin-. Hust 8lun5erin- aroun5 tryin- to tra3k 5o%n a killer t"at "as taken out t%o master )ampires. 91 9 %as on t"e ri-"t tra3k@ 9?5 attra3t attention soon. ="i3" meant someone mi-"t try to kill me. =oul5n?t t"at 8e 1unB 9 %oul5 nee5 3lot"es t"at s"o%e5 o11 my )ampire s3ars an5 allo%e5 me to "i5e %eapons. 9t %oul5 not 8e an easy 3om8ination to 1in5. 9 %oul5 "a)e to spen5 t"e a1ternoon s"oppin-. 9 "ate to s"op. 9 3onsi5er it one o1 li1e?s ne3essary e)ils@ like 8russels sprouts an5 "i-"2"eele5 s"oes. #1 3ourse@ it 8eat t"e "e3k out o1 "a)in- my li1e t"reatene5 8y )ampires. But %aitG %e 3oul5 -o s"oppin- no% an5 8e t"reatene5 8y )ampires in t"e e)enin-. A per1e3t %ay to spen5 a Satur5ay ni-"t.

Chapter Twenty-three
9 trans1erre5 all t"e smaller 8a-s into one 8i- 8a-@ to lea)e one "an5 1ree 1or my -un. Dou?5 8e amaEe5 %"at a ni3e tar-et you make >u--lin- t%o armloa5s o1 s"oppin- 8a-s. 'irst 5rop t"e 8a-s@ t"at is i1 one o1 t"e "an5les isn?t tan-le5 o)er your

%rist2t"en rea3" 1or your -un@ pull@ aim@ 1ire. By t"e time you 5o all t"at t"e 8a5 -uy "as s"ot you t%i3e an5 is %alkina%ay "ummin- 4i*ie 8et%een "is teet". 9 "a5 8een 5o%nri-"t paranoi5 all a1ternoon@ a%are o1 e)eryone near me. =as 9 8ein- 1ollo%e5B Ha5 t"at man looke5 too lon- at meB =as t"at %oman %earin- a s3ar1 aroun5 "er ne3k 8e3ause s"e "a5 8ite marksB By t"e time 9 %ent 1or t"e 3ar@ my ne3k an5 s"oul5ers %ere knotte5 into one pain1ul a3"e. $"e most 1ri-"tenin- t"in- 9?5 seen all a1ternoon "a5 8een t"e pri3es on t"e 5esi-ner 3lot"in-. $"e %orl5 %as still 8ri-"t 8lue an5 "eat2soake5 %"en 9 %ent 1or my 3ar. 9t?s easy to 1or-et t"e passa-e o1 time in a mall. 9t is air 3on5itione5@ 3limate 3ontrolle5@ a pri)ate %orl5 %"ere not"in- real tou3"es you. 4isneylan5 1or s"opa"oli3s. 9 s"ut my pa3ka-es in t"e trunk an5 %at3"e5 t"e sky 5arken. 9 kne% %"at 1ear 1elt like@ a lea5en 8alloon in t"e pit o1 your -ut. A ni3e@ ;uiet 5rea5. 9 s"ru--e5 to loosen my s"oul5ers. <otate5 my ne3k until it poppe5. Better@ 8ut still ti-"t. 9 nee5e5 some aspirin. 9 "a5 eaten in t"e mall@ somet"in- 9 almost ne)er 5i5. $"e moment 9 smelle5 t"e 1oo5 stalls@ 9 "a5 -one 1or t"em@ star)e5. $"e piEEa "a5 taste5 like t"in 3ar58oar5 %it" imitation tomato paste sprea5 o)er it. $"e 3"eese "a5 8een ru88ery an5 tasteless. Dum@ yum@ mall 1oo5. $rut" is@ 9 lo)e !orn 4o- on a Sti3k an5 7rs. 'iel5?s !ookies. 9 -ot one pie3e o1 piEEa %it" >ust 3"eese@ t"e %ay 9 like it@ 8ut one pie3e %it" e)eryt"in-. 9 "ate mus"rooms an5 -reen peppers. Sausa-e 8elon-s on t"e 8reak1ast ta8le@ not on piEEa. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"i3" 8ot"ere5 me moreG t"at 9 or5ere5 it in t"e 1irst pla3e@ or t"at 9 "a5 eaten "al1 o1 it 8e1ore 9 realiEe5 %"at 9 %as 5oin-. 9 %as 3ra)in- 1oo5 t"at 9 normally "ate5. ="yB #ne more ;uestion %it"out an ans%er. ="y 5i5 t"is one s3are meB 7y nei-"8or@ 7rs. Prin-le@ %as %alkin- "er 5o- 8a3k an5 1ort" on t"e -rass in 1ront o1 our apartment 8uil5in-. 9 parke5 an5 unloa5e5 my one o)erstu11e5 8a- 1rom t"e trunk. 7rs. Prin-le is o)er si*ty@ nearly si* 1eet tall@ stret3"e5 too t"in %it" a-e. Her 1a5e5 8lue eyes are 8ri-"t an5 3urious 8e"in5 sil)er2rimme5 -lasses. Her 5o- !ustar5 is a Pomeranian. He looks like a -ol5en 5an5elion 1lu11 %it" 3at 1eet. 7rs. Prin-le %a)e5 at me@ an5 9 %as trappe5. 9 smile5 an5 %alke5 o)er to t"em. !ustar5 8e-an >umpin- up on me@ like "e "a5 sprin-s in "is tiny le-s. He looke5 like a %in52up toy. His yappin- %as 1re;uent an5 insistent@ >oyous. !ustar5 kno%s 9 5on?t like "im@ an5 in "is t%iste5 5o--y min5 "e is 5etermine5 to %in me o)er. #r may8e "e >ust kno%s it irritates me. ="ate)er. AAnita@ you nau-"ty -irl@ %"y 5i5n?t you tell me you "a5 a 8eauBC 7rs. Prin-le aske5. 9 1ro%ne5. AA 8eauBC AA 8oy1rien5@C s"e sai5. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at in t"e %orl5 s"e %as talkin- a8out. A="at 5o you meanBC ABe 3oy i1 you %is"@ 8ut %"en a youn- %oman -i)es "er apartment key to a man@ it means somet"in-.C $"at lea5 8alloon in my -ut 1loate5 up a 1e% in3"es. A4i5 you see someone -oin- in my apartment to5ayBC 9 %orke5 )ery "ar5 at keepin- my 1a3e an5 )oi3e 3asual. ADes@ your ni3e youn- man. Very "an5some.C 9 %ante5 to ask %"at "e looke5 like@ 8ut i1 "e %as my 8oy1rien5 %it" a key to my apartment@ 9 s"oul5 kno%. 9 3oul5n?t ask. Very "an5some23oul5 it 8e P"illipB But %"yB A="en 5i5 "e stop 8yBC A#"@ aroun5 t%o t"is a1ternoon. 9 %as >ust 3omin- out to %alk !ustar5 as "e %as -oin- in.C A4i5 you see "im lea)eBC S"e %as starin- at me a little too "ar5. A/o. Anita@ %as "e not suppose5 to 8e in your "omeB 4i5 9 let a 8ur-lar -et a%ayBC A/o.C 9 mana-e5 a smile an5 almost a %"ole lau-". A9 >ust 5i5n?t e*pe3t "im to5ay@ t"at?s all. 91 you see anyone -oin- into my apartment@ >ust let t"em. 9?ll "a)e 1rien5s -oin- in an5 out 1or a 1e% 5ays.C Her eyes "a5 narro%e5G "er 5eli3ate28one5 "an5s %ere )ery still. ,)en !ustar5 %as sittin- in t"e -rass@ pantin- up at me. AAnita Blake@C s"e sai5@ an5 9 %as remin5e5 t"at s"e %as a retire5 s3"ooltea3"er@ it %as t"at kin5 o1 )oi3e. A="at are you up toBC A/ot"in-@ really. 9?)e >ust ne)er -i)en my key to a man 8e1ore@ an5 9?m a little unsure a8out it. Hittery.C 9 -a)e "er my 8est %i5e2eye5 inno3ent look. 9 resiste5 t"e ur-e to 8at my eyes@ 8ut e)eryt"in- else %as %orkin-. S"e 3rosse5 "er arms o)er "er stoma3". 9 5on?t t"ink s"e 8elie)e5 me. A91 you are t"at ner)ous a8out t"is youn- man@ t"en "e is not t"e ri-"t one 1or you. 91 "e %as@ you %oul5n?t 8e >ittery.C 9 1elt li-"t %it" relie1. S"e 8elie)e5. ADou?re pro8a8ly ri-"t. $"ank you 1or t"e a5)i3e. 9 may e)en take it.C 9 1elt so -oo5@ 9 patte5 !ustar5 on top o1 "is 1urry little "ea5. 9 "ear5 7rs. Prin-le say as 9 %alke5 a%ay@ A/o%@ !ustar5@ 5o your 8usiness an5 let?s -o upstairs.C

'or t"e se3on5 time in t"e same 5ay 9 mi-"t "a)e an intru5er in my apartment. 9 %alke5 5o%n t"e "us"e5 3orri5or an5 5re% my -un. A 5oor opene5. A man an5 t%o 3"il5ren %alke5 out. 9 slippe5 my -un an5 my "an5 in t"e s"oppin- 8a-@ preten5in- to sear3" 1or somet"in-. 9 listene5 to t"eir 1ootsteps e3"o 5o%n t"e stairs. 9 3oul5n?t >ust sit out "ere %it" a -un. Someone %oul5 3all t"e poli3e. ,)ery8o5y %as "ome 1rom %ork@ eatin- 5inner@ rea5in- t"e paper@ playin- %it" t"e ki5s. Su8ur8an Ameri3a %as a%ake an5 alert. Dou 3oul5 not %alk t"rou-" it %it" a -un 5ra%n. 9 3arrie5 t"e s"oppin- 8a- in my le1t "an5 in 1ront o1 me@ -un an5 ri-"t "an5 still insi5e it. 91 %orse 3ame to %orse@ 9?5 s"oot t"rou-" t"e 8a-. 9 %alke5 t%o 5oors past my apartment an5 5u- my keys out o1 my purse. 9 sat t"e s"oppin- 8aa-ainst t"e %all an5 trans1erre5 t"e -un to my le1t "an5. 9 3oul5 s"oot le1t2"an5e5@ not as %ell@ 8ut it %oul5 "a)e to 5o. 9 "el5 t"e -un parallel to my t"i-" an5 "ope5 no8o5y %oul5 3ome t"e %ron- %ay 5o%n t"e "all an5 see it. 9 knelt 8y t"e 5oor@ keys 3uppe5 in my ri-"t "an5@ ;uiet@ not >in-lin- t"is time. 9 learn 1ast. 9 "el5 t"e -un in 1ront o1 my 3"est an5 inserte5 t"e keys. $"e lo3k 3li3ke5. 9 1lin3"e5 an5 %aite5 1or -uns"ots or noise@ or somet"in-. /ot"in-. 9 slippe5 t"e keys into my po3ket an5 s%it3"e5 t"e -un 8a3k to my ri-"t "an5. =it" >ust my %rist an5 part o1 my arm in 1ront o1 t"e 5oor@ 9 turne5 t"e kno8 an5 pus"e5 "ar5. $"e 5oor s%un- 8a3k an5 8an-e5 a-ainst t"e 1ar %all@ no8o5y t"ere. /o -uns"ots at t"e 5oor. Silen3e. 9 %as 3rou3"e5 8y t"e 5oor>am8@ -un strai-"t out@ s3annin- t"e room. $"ere %as no one to see. $"e 3"air@ still 1a3in- t"e 5oor@ %as empty t"is time. 9 %oul5 almost "a)e 8een relie)e5 to see ,5%ar5. 'ootsteps poun5e5 up t"e stairs at t"e en5 o1 t"e "all. 9 "a5 to make a 5e3ision. 9 rea3"e5 my le1t "an5 8a3k an5 -ot t"e s"oppin- 8a-@ ne)er takin- eyes or -un 1rom t"e apartment. 9 s3ram8le5 insi5e@ s"o)in- t"e 8a- a"ea5 o1 me. 9 s"o)e5 t"e 5oor 3lose5@ still 3rou3"e5 8y t"e 1loor. $"e a;uarium "eater 3li3ke5@ t"en %"irre5@ an5 9 >umpe5. S%eat %as ooEin- 5o%n my spine. $"e 8ra)e )ampire slayer. 91 t"ey 3oul5 only see me no%. $"e apartment 1elt empty. $"ere %as no one "ere 8ut me@ 8ut >ust in 3ase@ 9 sear3"e5 in 3losets@ un5er 8e5s. Playin- 4irty Harry as 9 slamme5 5oors an5 1lattene5 mysel1 a-ainst %alls. 9 1elt like a 1ool@ 8ut 9 %oul5 "a)e 8een a 8i--er 1ool to "a)e truste5 t"e apartment %as empty an5 8een %ron-. $"ere %as a s"ot-un on t"e kit3"en ta8le@ alon- %it" t%o 8o*es o1 ammo. A s"eet o1 %"ite typin- paper lay un5er it. 9n neat@ 8la3k letters@ it sai5@ AAnita@ you "a)e t%enty21our "ours.C 9 stare5 at t"e note@ rerea5 it. ,5%ar5 "a5 8een "ere. 9 5on?t t"ink 9 8reat"e5 1or a minute. 9 %as pi3turin- my nei-"8or 3"attin- %it" ,5%ar5. 91 7rs. Prin-le "a5 "esitate5 at "is lie@ s"o%e5 1ear@ %oul5 "e "a)e kille5 "erB 9 5i5n?t kno%. 9 >ust 5i5n?t kno%. 4ammitI 9 %as like a pla-ue. ,)eryone aroun5 me %as in 5an-er@ 8ut %"at 3oul5 9 5oB ="en in 5ou8t@ take a 5eep 8reat" an5 keep mo)in-. A p"ilosop"y 9 "a)e li)e5 8y 1or years. 9?)e "ear5 %orse@ really. $"e note meant 9 "a5 t%enty21our "ours 8e1ore ,5%ar5 3ame 1or t"e lo3ation o1 /ikolaos? 5aytime retreat. 91 9 5i5n?t -i)e it to "im@ 9 %oul5 "a)e to kill "im. 9 mi-"t not 8e a8le to 5o t"at. 9 tol5 <onnie %e %ere pro1essionals@ 8ut i1 ,5%ar5 %as a pro1essional@ t"en 9 %as an amateur. An5 so %as <onnie. Hea)y 5amn si-". 9 "a5 to -et 5resse5 1or t"e party. $"ere >ust %asn?t time to %orry a8out ,5%ar5. 9 "a5 ot"er pro8lems toni-"t. 7y ans%erin- ma3"ine %as 8linkin-@ an5 9 s%it3"e5 it on. <onnie?s )oi3e 1irst@ tellin- me %"at s"e "a5 alrea5y tol5 me a8out HAV. ,)i5ently@ s"e "a5 3alle5 "ere 1irst 8e1ore 3onta3tin- me at 4a)e?s 8ar. $"en@ AAnita@ t"is is P"illip. 9 kno% t"e lo3ation 1or t"e party. Pi3k me up in 1ront o1 Guilty Pleasures at si*2t"irty. Bye.C $"e ma3"ine 3li3ke5@ %"irre5@ an5 %as silent. 9 "a5 t%o "ours to 5ress an5 8e t"ere. Plenty o1 time. 7y a)era-e time 1or makeup is 1i1teen minutes. Hair takes less@ 8e3ause all 9 5o is run a 8rus" t"rou-" it. Presto@ 9?m presenta8le. 9 5on?t %ear makeup o1ten@ so %"en 9 5o@ 9 al%ays 1eel like it?s too 5ark@ too 1ake. But 9 al%ays -et 3ompliments on it@ like@ A="y 5on?t you %ear eye s"a5o% more o1tenB 9t really 8rin-s out your eyes@C or my 1a)orite@ ADou look so mu3" 8etter in makeup.C All t"e a8o)e implies t"at %it"out makeup@ you look like a 3an5i5ate 1or t"e spinster 1arm. #ne pie3e o1 makeup 9 5on?t use is 8ase. 9 3an?t ima-ine smearin- 3ake o)er my %"ole 1a3e. 9 o%n one 8ottle o1 3lear nail polis"@ 8ut it isn?t 1or my 1in-ers@ it?s 1or my panty "ose. 91 9 %ear a pair o1 "ose on3e %it"out sna--in- t"em@ 9 "a)e "a5 a )ery -oo5 5ay. 9 stoo5 in 1ront o1 t"e 1ull2len-t" mirror in t"e 8e5room. $"e top slippe5 o)er my "ea5 %it" one t"in strap. $"ere %as no 8a3kG it tie5 a3ross t"e small o1 my 8a3k in a 3ute little 8o%. 9 3oul5 "a)e 5one %it"out t"e 8o%@ 8ut ot"er%ise it %asn?t too 8a5. $"e top slippe5 into t"e 8la3k skirt@ 3omplete@ 5resslike %it"out a 8reak. $"e tan 8an5a-es on my "an5s 3las"e5 %it" t"e 5ress. #"@ %ell. $"e skirt %as 1ull an5 s%irle5 %"en 9 mo)e5. 9t "a5 po3kets. $"rou-" t"ose po3kets %ere t%o t"i-" s"eat"s 3omplete %it" sil)er kni)es. All 9 "a5 to 5o %as slip my "an5s in an5 3ome out %it" a %eapon. /eat. S%eat is an interestin- t"in- %"en you?re %earin- a t"i-" s"eat". 9 "a5 not 8een a8le to 1i-ure out "o% to "i5e a -un on me. 9 5on?t 3are "o% many times you?)e seen %omen 3arry -uns on a t"i-" "olster on tele)ision@ it is 5amn a%k%ar5. Dou %alk like a 5u3k %it" a %et 5iaper on. Hose an5 "i-"2"eele5 8la3k satin pumps 3omplete5 t"e out1it. 9 "a5 o%ne5 t"e s"oes an5 t"e %eaponsG e)eryt"in- else %as ne%.

#ne ot"er ne% item %as a 3ute 8la3k purse %it" a t"in strap t"at %oul5 "an- a3ross my s"oul5ers@ lea)in- my "an5s 1ree. 9 stu11e5 my smaller -un@ t"e 'irestar@ into it. 9 kno%@ 9 kno%@ 8y t"e time 9 5u- t"e -un 1rom t"e 5ept"s o1 t"e purse@ t"e 8a5 -uys %oul5 8e 1eastin- on my 1les"@ 8ut it %as 8etter t"an not "a)in- it at all. 9 slippe5 my 3ross on@ an5 t"e sil)er looke5 -oo5 a-ainst t"e 8la3k top. :n1ortunately@ 9 5ou8te5 t"e )ampires %oul5 let me into t"e party %earin- a 8lesse5 3ru3i1i*. #"@ %ell. 9?5 lea)e it in t"e 3ar@ alon- %it" t"e s"ot-un an5 ammo. ,5%ar5 "a5 kin5ly le1t a 8o* near t"e ta8le. ="at 9 assume5 "e "a5 8rou-"t t"e -un up in. ="at "a5 "e tol5 7rs. Prin-le@ t"at it %as a present 1or meB ,5%ar5 "a5 sai5 t%enty21our "ours@ 8ut t%enty21our "ours 1rom %"enB =oul5 "e 8e "ere at 5a%n@ 8ri-"t an5 early@ to torture t"e in1ormation out o1 meB /a%@ ,5%ar5 5i5n?t strike me as a mornin- person. 9 %as sa1e until at least a1ternoon. Pro8a8ly.

Chapter Twenty-four
9 sli5 into a no2parkin- Eone in 1ront o1 Guilty Pleasures. P"illip %as leanin- a-ainst t"e 8uil5in-@ arms loose at "is si5es. He %ore 8la3k leat"er pants. $"e t"ou-"t o1 leat"er in t"is "eat ma5e my knees 8reak out in "eat ras". His s"irt %as 8la3k 1is"net@ %"i3" s"o%e5 o11 8ot" s3ars an5 tan. 9 5on?t kno% i1 it %as t"e leat"er or t"e 1is"net@ 8ut t"e %or5 AsleaEyC 3ame to min5. He "a5 passe5 o)er some in)isi8le line@ 1rom 1lirt to "ustler. 9 trie5 to pi3ture "im at t%el)e. 9t 5i5n?t %ork. ="ate)er "a5 8een 5one to "im@ "e %as %"at "e %as@ an5 t"at %as %"at 9 "a5 to 5eal %it". 9 %asn?t a psy3"iatrist %"o 3oul5 a11or5 to 1eel sorry 1or t"e poor un1ortunate. Pity is an emotion t"at 3an -et you kille5. $"e only t"in- more 5an-erous is 8lin5 "ate@ an5 may8e lo)e. P"illip pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all an5 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 3ar. 9 unlo3ke5 "is 5oor@ an5 "e sli5 insi5e. He smelle5 o1 leat"er@ e*pensi)e 3olo-ne@ an5 1aintly o1 s%eat. 9 pulle5 a%ay 1rom t"e 3ur8. AA--ressi)e little out1it t"ere@ P"illip.C He turne5 to stare at me@ 1a3e immo8ile@ eyes "i55en 8e"in5 t"e same sun-lasses "e "a5 %orn earlier. He loun-e5 in t"e seat@ one le- 8ent an5 presse5 a-ainst t"e 5oor@ t"e ot"er sprea5 %i5e@ knee tu3ke5 up on t"e seat. A$ake Se)enty =est.C His )oi3e %as rou-"@ almost "oarse. $"ere is t"at moment %"en you are alone %it" a man an5 you 8ot" realiEe it. Alone to-et"er@ t"ere are al%ays possi8ilities in t"at. $"ere is a nearly pain1ul a%areness o1 ea3" ot"er. 9t 3an lea5 to a%k%ar5ness@ to se*@ or to 1ear@ 5epen5in- on t"e man an5 t"e situation. =ell@ %e %eren?t "a)in- se*@ you 3oul5 make 8ook on t"at. 9 -lan3e5 at P"illip@ an5 "e %as still turne5 to%ar5s me@ lips sli-"tly parte5. He?5 taken o11 t"e sun-lasses. His eyes %ere )ery 8ro%n an5 )ery 3lose. ="at t"e "ell %as -oin- onB =e %ere on t"e "i-"%ay an5 up to spee5. 9 3on3entrate5 on t"e 3ars aroun5 me@ on 5ri)in-@ an5 trie5 to i-nore "im. But 9 3oul5 1eel t"e %ei-"t o1 "is -aEe alon- my skin. 9t %as almost a %armt". He 8e-an to sli5e alon- t"e seat to%ar5s me. 9 %as su55enly )ery a%are o1 t"e soun5 o1 leat"er ru88in- alon- t"e up"olstery. A %arm@ animal soun5. His arm sli5 a3ross my s"oul5ers@ "is 3"est leanin- into me. A="at 5o you t"ink you?re 5oin-@ P"illipIC A="at?s %ron-BC He 8reat"e5 alon- my ne3k. A9sn?t t"is a--ressi)e enou-" 1or youBC 9 lau-"e5G 9 3oul5n?t "elp it. He sti11ene5 8esi5e me. A9 5i5n?t mean to insult you@ P"illip. 9 >ust 5i5n?t pi3ture 1is"net an5 leat"er 1or toni-"t.C He staye5 too 3lose to me@ pressin-@ %arm@ "is )oi3e still stran-e an5 rou-". A="at 5o you like t"enBC 9 -lan3e5 at "im@ 8ut "e %as too 3lose. 9 %as su55enly starin- into "is eyes 1rom t%o in3"es a%ay. His nearness ran t"rou-" me like an ele3tri3 s"o3k. 9 turne5 8a3k to t"e roa5. AGet on your si5e o1 t"e 3ar@ P"illip.C A="at turns you@C "e %"ispere5 in my ear@ AonBC 9?5 "a5 enou-". AHo% ol5 %ere you t"e 1irst time Valentine atta3ke5 youBC His %"ole 8o5y >erke5@ an5 "e s3oote5 a%ay 1rom me. A4amn youIC He soun5e5 like "e meant it. A9?ll make you a 5eal@ P"illip. Dou 5on?t "a)e to ans%er my ;uestion@ an5 9 %on?t ans%er yours.C His )oi3e 3ame out 3"oke5 an5 8reat"y. A="en 5i5 you see ValentineB 9s "e -oin- to 8e "ere toni-"tB $"ey promise5 me "e %oul5n?t 8e "ere toni-"t.C His )oi3e "el5 a t"i3k e5-e o1 pani3. 9 "a5 ne)er "ear5 su3" instant terror. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see P"illip a1rai5. 9 mi-"t start 1eelin- sorry 1or "im@ an5 9 3oul5n?t a11or5 t"at. Anita Blake@ "ar5 as nails@ sure o1 "ersel1@ una11e3te5 8y 3ryin- men. <iii-"t. A9 5i5 not talk to Valentine a8out you@ P"illip@ 9 s%ear.C A$"en "o% ... C He stoppe5@ an5 9 -lan3e5 at "im. He?5 sli5 t"e sun-lasses 8a3k in pla3e. His 1a3e looke5 )ery ti-"t an5 still 8e"in5 "is 5ark -lasses. 'ra-ile. Sort o1 ruine5 t"e ima-e. 9 3oul5n?t stan5 it. AHo% 5i5 9 1in5 out %"at "e 5i5 to youBC

He no55e5. A9 pai5 money to 1in5 out a8out your 8a3k-roun5. 9t 3ame up. 9 nee5e5 to kno% i1 9 3oul5 trust you.C A!an youBC A9 5on?t kno% yet@C 9 sai5. He took se)eral 5eep 8reat"s. $"e 1irst t%o trem8le5@ 8ut ea3" 8reat" %as a little more soli5@ until 1inally "e "a5 it un5er 3ontrol@ 1or no%. 9 t"ou-"t o1 <e8e33a 7iles an5 "er small@ star)e5 lookin- "an5s. ADou 3an trust me@ Anita. 9 %on?t 8etray you. 9 %on?t.C His )oi3e soun5e5 lost@ a little 8oy %it" all "is illusions strippe5 a%ay. 9 3oul5n?t stomp all o)er t"at lost 3"il5 )oi3e. But 9 kne% an5 "e kne% t"at "e %oul5 5o anyt"in- t"e )ampires %ante5@ anyt"in-@ in3lu5in- 8etrayin- me. A 8ri5-e %as risin- o)er t"e "i-"%ay@ a tall latti3e%ork o1 -rey metal. $rees "u--e5 t"e roa5 on eit"er si5e. $"e summer sky %as pale %atery 8lue@ %as"e5 out 8y t"e "eat an5 t"e 8ri-"t summer sun. $"e 3ar 8umpe5 up on t"e 8ri5-e@ an5 t"e 7issouri <i)er stret3"e5 a%ay on eit"er si5e. $"e air seeme5 open an5 5istant o)er t"e rollin- %ater. A pi-eon 1luttere5 onto t"e 8ri5-e@ settlin- 8esi5e may8e a 5oEen ot"ers@ all struttin- an5 8urrin- o)er t"e 8ri5-e. 9 "a5 a3tually seen sea-ulls on t"e ri)er 8e1ore@ 8ut you ne)er sa% one near t"e 8ri5-e@ >ust pi-eons. 7ay8e sea-ulls 5i5n?t like 3ars. A="ere are %e -oin-@ P"illipBC A="atBC 9 %ante5 to say@ ANuestion too "ar5 1or youBC 8ut 9 resiste5. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een like pi3kin- on "im. A=e?re a3ross t"e ri)er. ="at is our 5estinationBC A$ake t"e Kum8e"l e*it an5 turn ri-"t.C 9 5i5 %"at "e sai5. Kum8e"l )eers to t"e ri-"t an5 spills you automati3ally to a turn lane. 9 sat at t"e li-"t an5 turne5 on re5 %"en it %as 3lear. $"ere is a small -at"erin- o1 stores to t"e le1t@ t"en an apartment 3omple*@ t"en trees@ almost a %oo5s@ "ouses tu3ke5 8a3k in t"em. A nursin- "ome is ne*t an5 t"en a rat"er lar-e 3emetery. 9 al%ays %on5ere5 %"at t"e people in t"e nursin- "ome t"ou-"t o1 li)in- ne*t 5oor to a 3emetery. =as it a -"oulis" remin5er@ no pun inten5e5B A 3on)enien3e@ >ust in 3aseB $"e 3emetery "a5 8een t"ere a lot lon-er t"an t"e nursin- "ome. Some o1 t"e stones %ent 8a3k to t"e early 10 s. 9 al%ays t"ou-"t t"e 5e)eloper must "a)e 8een a 3loset sa5ist to put t"e %in5o%s starin- out o)er t"e rollin- tom8stone5 "ills. #l5 a-e is enou-" o1 a remin5er o1 %"at 3omes ne*t. /o )isual ai5s are nee5e5. Kum8e"l is line5 %it" ot"er t"in-s2)i5eo store@ ki5s 3lot"in- 8outi;ue@ a pla3e t"at sol5 staine5 -lass@ -as stations@ an5 a "u-e apartment 3omple* pro3laimin-@ ASun Valley Lake.C $"ere a3tually %as a lake lar-e enou-" to sail on i1 you %ere )ery 3are1ul. A 1e% more 8lo3ks an5 %e %ere in su8ur8ia. Houses %it" tiny yar5s stu11e5 %it" "u-e trees line5 t"e roa5. $"ere %as a "ill t"at slope5 5o%n%ar5. $"e spee5 limit %as t"irty. 9t %as impossi8le to keep t"e 3ar to t"irty -oin- 5o%n t"e "ill %it"out usin- 8rakes. =oul5 t"ere 8e a poli3eman at t"e 8ottom o1 t"e "illB 91 "e stoppe5 us %it" P"illip in "is little 1is"net s"irt@ all ni3ely s3arre5@ %oul5 "e 8e suspi3iousB ="ere are you -oinmissB 9?m sorry@ o11i3er@ %e "a)e t"is ille-al party to -o to@ an5 %e?re runnin- late. 9 use5 my 8rakes -oin- 5o%n t"e "ill. #1 3ourse@ t"ere %as no poli3eman. 91 9 "a5 8een spee5in-@ "e?5 "a)e 8een t"ere. 7urp"y?s la% is t"e only true 5epen5a8le in my li1e most o1 t"e time. A9t?s t"e 8i- "ouse on t"e le1t. Hust pull into t"e 5ri)e%ay@C P"illip sai5. $"e "ouse %as 5ark re5 8ri3k@ t%o@ may8e t"ree stories@ lots o1 %in5o%s@ at least t%o por3"es. Vi3torian Ameri3an 5oes still e*ist. $"e yar5 %as lar-e %it" a pri)ate 1orest o1 tall@ an3ient trees. $"e -rass %as too "i-"@ -i)in- t"e pla3e a 5eserte5 look. $"e 5ri)e %as -ra)el an5 %oun5 t"rou-" t"e trees to a mo5ern -ara-e t"at "a5 8een 5esi-ne5 to mat3" t"e "ouse an5 almost su33ee5e5. $"ere %ere only t%o ot"er 3ars "ere. 9 3oul5n?t see into t"e -ara-eG may8e t"ere %ere more insi5e. A4on?t lea)e t"e main room %it" anyone 8ut me. 91 you 5o@ 9 3an?t "elp you@C "e sai5. AHelp me "o%BC 9 aske5. A$"is is our 3o)er story. Dou are t"e reason 9 "a)e misse5 so many meetin-s. 9 le1t "ints t"at not only are %e lo)ers@ 8ut 9?)e 8een ... C He sprea5 "is "an5s %i5e as i1 sear3"in- 1or a %or5. F ... 3ulti)atin- you@ until 9 1elt you %ere rea5y 1or a party.C A!ulti)atin- meBC 9 turne5 o11 t"e 3ar@ an5 t"e silen3e settle5 8et%een us. He %as starin- at me. ,)en 8e"in5 t"e -lasses 9 1elt t"e %ei-"t o1 "is -aEe. $"e skin 8et%een my s"oul5ers 3ra%le5. ADou are a relu3tant sur)i)or o1 a real atta3k@ not a 1reak@ or a >unkie@ 8ut 9?)e talke5 you into a party. $"at?s t"e story.C AHa)e you e)er 5one t"is 1or realBC 9 aske5.

ADou mean -i)en t"em someoneBC ADes@C 9 sai5. He -a)e a rou-" snort. ADou 5on?t t"ink mu3" o1 me@ 5o youBC ="at %as 9 suppose5 to say@ noB A91 %e?re lo)ers@ t"at means %e "a)e to play lo)ers all e)enin-.C He smile5. $"is smile %as 5i11erent@ anti3ipatory. ADou 8astar5.C He s"ru--e5 an5 rotate5 "is ne3k as i1 "is s"oul5ers %ere ti-"t. A9?m not -oin- to t"ro% you 5o%n on t"e 1loor an5 ra)is" you@ i1 t"at?s %"at you?re %orrie5 a8out.C A9 kne% you %oul5n?t 8e 5oin- t"at toni-"t.C 9 %as -la5 "e 5i5n?t kno% 9 "a5 %eapons. 7ay8e 9 3oul5 surprise "im toni-"t. He 1ro%ne5 at me. A'ollo% my lea5. 91 anyt"in- 9 5o makes you un3om1orta8le@ %e?ll 5is3uss it.C He smile5@ 5aEElin-@ teet" %"ite an5 e)en a-ainst "is tan. A/o 5is3ussion. Dou?ll >ust stop.C He s"ru--e5. ADou mi-"t 8lo% our 3o)er an5 -et us kille5.C $"e 3ar %as 1illin- %it" "eat. A 8ea5 o1 s%eat 5rippe5 5o%n "is 1a3e. 9 opene5 my 5oor an5 -ot out. $"e "eat %as like a se3on5 skin. !i3a5as 5rone5@ a "i-"@ 8uEEin- son- 1ar up in t"e trees. !i3a5as an5 "eat@ a"@ summer. P"illip %alke5 aroun5 t"e 3ar@ "is 8oots 3run3"in- on t"e -ra)el. ADou mi-"t %ant to lea)e t"e 3ross in t"e 3ar@C "e sai5. 9 "a5 e*pe3te5 it@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t "a)e to like it. 9 put t"e 3ru3i1i* into t"e -lo)e 3ompartment@ 3ra%lin- o)er t"e seat to 5o so. ="en 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor@ my "an5 %ent to my ne3k. 9 %ore t"e 3"ain so mu3" it only 1elt o55 %"en 9 %asn?t %earin- it. P"illip "el5 out "is "an5@ an5 a1ter a moment 9 took it. $"e palm o1 "is "an5 %as 3uppe5 "eat@ sli-"tly moist in t"e 3enter. $"e 8a3k 5oor %as s"a5e5 8y a %"ite latti3e ar3". A 3lematis )ine -re% t"i3k on one si5e. 'lo%ers as 8i- as my "an5 sprea5 purple to t"e tree21iltere5 sun. A %oman %as stan5in- in t"e s"a5o% o1 t"e 5oor@ "i55en 1rom nei-"8ors an5 passin- 3ars. S"e %ore s"eer 8la3k sto3kin-s "el5 up 8y -arter 8elts. A 8ra an5 mat3"in- panties@ 8ot" royal purple@ le1t most o1 "er 8o5y pale an5 nake5. S"e %as %earin- 1i)e2in3" spikes t"at 1or3e5 "er le-s to look lon- an5 slen5er. A9?m o)er5resse5@C 9 %"ispere5 to P"illip. A7ay8e not 1or lon-@C "e 8reat"e5 into my "air. A4on?t 8et your li1e on it.C 9 stare5 up at "im as 9 sai5 it an5 %at3"e5 "is 1a3e 3rum8le into 3on1usion. 9t 5i5n?t last lon-. $"e smile 3ame@ a so1t 3url o1 lips. $"e serpent must "a)e smile5 at ,)e like t"at. 9 "a)e t"is ni3e@ s"iny apple 1or you. =ant some 3an5y@ little -irlB ="ate)er P"illip t"ou-"t "e %as sellin-@ 9 %asn?t 8uyin-. He "u--e5 me aroun5 t"e %aist@ one "an5 playin- alon- t"e s3ars on my arm@ 1in-ers 5i--in- into t"e s3ar tissue >ust a little. His 8reat" %ent out in a ;ui3k si-". Hesus@ %"at "a5 9 -otten mysel1 intoB $"e %oman %as smilin- at me@ 8ut "er lar-e 8ro%n eyes %ere 1i*e5 on P"illip?s "an5 %"ere it playe5 %it" my s3ar. Her ton-ue 5arte5 out to %et "er lips. 9 sa% "er 3"est rise an5 1all. A!ome into my parlor@ sai5 t"e spi5er to t"e 1ly.C A="at 5i5 you sayBC P"illip aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. He pro8a8ly 5i5n?t kno% t"e poem any%ay. 9 3oul5n?t remem8er "o% it en5e5. 9 3oul5n?t remem8er i1 t"e 1ly -ot a%ay. 7y stoma3" %as ti-"t. ="en P"illip?s "an5 8rus"e5 my nake5 8a3k@ 9 >umpe5. $"e %oman lau-"e5@ "i-" an5 may8e a little 5runk. 9 %"ispere5 t"e 1ly?s %or5s as 9 %ent up t"e steps@ A#"@ no@ no@ to ask me is in )ain 1or %"oe)er -oes up your %in5in- stairs 3an ne?er 3ome 5o%n a-ain.C /e?er 3ome 5o%n a-ain. 9t "a5 a 8a5 rin- to it.

Chapter Twenty-five
$"e %oman presse5 a-ainst t"e %all@ so %e 3oul5 pass@ an5 s"ut t"e 5oor 8e"in5 us. 9 kept %aitin- 1or "er to lo3k it so %e 3oul5n?t -et a%ay@ 8ut s"e 5i5n?t. 9 s"o)e5 P"illip?s "an5 o11 my s3ars@ an5 "e %rappe5 "imsel1 aroun5 my %aist an5 le5 me 5o%n a lon- narro% "all. $"e "ouse %as 3ool@ air 3on5itionin- purrin- a-ainst t"e "eat. A s;uare ar3"%ay opene5 into a room. 9t %as a li)in- room %it" all t"at implies2a 3ou3"@ lo)e seat@ t%o 3"airs@ plants "an-in- in 1ront o1 a 8ay %in5o%@ a1ternoon s"a5o%s snakin- a3ross t"e 3arpetin-. Homey. A man stoo5 in t"e 3enter o1 t"e room@ a 5rink in "is "an5. He looke5 like "e "a5 >ust 3ome 1rom Leat"er F<? :s. Leat"er 8an5s 3riss3rosse5 "is 3"est an5 arms@ like Holly%oo5?s i5ea o1 an o)erse*e5 -la5iator.

9 o%e5 P"illip an apolo-y. He?5 5resse5 5o%nri-"t 3onser)ati)ely. $"e "appy "omemaker 3ame up 8e"in5 us in "er royal purple lin-erie an5 lai5 a "an5 on P"illip?s arm. Her 1in-ernails %ere painte5 5ark purple@ almost 8la3k. $"e nails s3rat3"e5 alon- "is arm@ lea)in- 1aint re55is" tra3ks 8e"in5. P"illip s"i)ere5 8esi5e me@ "is arm ti-"tenin- aroun5 my %aist. =as t"is "is i5ea o1 1unB 9 "ope5 not. A tall@ 8la3k %oman rose 1rom t"e 3ou3". Her rat"er plenti1ul 8reasts t"reatene5 to s;ueeEe out o1 a 8la3k %ire 8ra. A 3rimson skirt %it" more "oles t"an 3lot" "un- 1rom t"e 8ra an5 mo)e5 as s"e %alke5@ -i)in- -limpses o1 5ark 1les". 9 %as 8ettin- s"e %as nake5 un5er t"e skirt. $"ere %ere pinkis" s3ars on one %rist an5 "er ne3k. A 8a8y >unkie@ ne%@ almost 1res". S"e stalke5 aroun5 us@ like %e %ere 1or sale an5 s"e %ante5 to -et a -oo5 look. Her "an5 8rus"e5 my 8a3k@ an5 9 stoo5 a%ay 1rom P"illip@ 1a3in- t"e %oman. A$"at s3ar on your 8a3kG %"at is itB 9t isn?t )ampire 8ites.C Her )oi3e %as lo% 1or a %oman@ an alto tenor may8e. AA s"arp pie3e o1 %oo5 %as slamme5 into my 8a3k 8y a "uman ser)ant.C 9 5i5n?t a55 t"at t"e s"arp pie3e o1 %oo5 "a5 8een one o1 t"e stakes 9 8rou-"t %it" me@ or t"at 9 "a5 kille5 t"e "uman ser)ant later t"at same ni-"t. A7y name?s <o3"elle@C s"e sai5. AAnita.C $"e "appy "omemaker steppe5 up ne*t to me@ "an5 strokin- o)er my arm. 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom "er@ "er 1in-ers sli5ino)er my skin. Her nails le1t little re5 lines on my arm. 9 resiste5 t"e ur-e to ru8 t"em. 9 %as a tou-"2as2nails )ampire slayerG s3rat3"es 5i5n?t 8ot"er me. $"e look in t"e %oman?s eyes 5i5. S"e looke5 like s"e %on5ere5 %"at 1la)or 9 %as an5 "o% lon- 9?5 last. 9 "a5 ne)er 8een looke5 at t"at %ay 8y anot"er %oman. 9 5i5n?t like it mu3". A9?m 7a5-e. $"at?s my "us8an5 Har)ey@C s"e sai5@ pointin- to 7r. Leat"er@ %"o "a5 mo)e5 to stan5 8esi5e <o3"elle. A=el3ome to our "ome. P"illip "as tol5 us so mu3" a8out you@ Anita.C Har)ey trie5 to 3ome up 8e"in5 me@ 8ut 9 steppe5 8a3k to%ar5s t"e 3ou3"@ so 9 3oul5 1a3e "im. $"ey %ere tryin- to 3ir3le like s"arks. P"illip %as starin- at me@ "ar5. <i-"tG 9 %as suppose5 to 8e en>oyin- mysel1@ not a3tin- like t"ey all "a5 3ommuni3a8le 5iseases. ="i3" %as t"e lesser e)ilB A si*ty21our2t"ousan525ollar ;uestion i1 e)er 9 "ear5 one. 7a5-e li3ke5 "er lips@ slo%ly@ su--esti)ely. Her eyes sai5 s"e %as t"inkin- nau-"ty t"in-s a8out me@ an5 "er. /o %ay. <o3"elle s%is"e5 "er skirt@ e*posin- 1ar too mu3" t"i-". 9 "a5 8een ri-"t. S"e %as nake5 un5er t"e skirt. 9?5 5ie 1irst. $"at le1t Har)ey. His small@ 8lunt21in-ere5 "an5s %ere playin- %it" t"e leat"er2an52metal stu55in- o1 t"e little kilt "e %ore. 'in-ers ru88in- o)er an5 o)er t"e leat"er. S"it. 9 1las"e5 "im my 8est pro1essional smile@ not se5u3ti)e@ 8ut it %as 8etter t"an a 1ro%n. His eyes %i5ene5 an5 "e took a step to%ar5s me@ "an5 rea3"in- out to%ar5s my le1t arm. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 "el5 it@ smile 1reeEin- in pla3e. His 1in-ers 8arely tra3e5 o)er t"e 8en5 o1 my arm@ ti3klin- 5o%n t"e skin@ until 9 s"i)ere5. Har)ey took t"e s"i)er 1or an in)itation an5 mo)e5 in 3loser@ 8o5ies almost tou3"in-. 9 put a "an5 on "is 3"est to keep "im 1rom 3omin- any 3loser. $"e "air on "is 3"est %as 3oarse an5 t"i3k@ 8la3k. 9?)e ne)er 8een a 1an o1 "airy 3"ests. Gi)e me smoot" any 5ay. His arm 8e-an to en3ir3le my 8a3k. 9 %asn?t sure %"at to 5o. 91 9 took a step 8a3k 9 %as -oin- to sit 5o%n on t"e 3ou3"@ not a -oo5 i5ea. 91 9 steppe5 1or%ar5 9?5 8e steppin- into "im@ presse5 a-ainst all t"at leat"er an5 skin. He smile5 at me. A9?)e 8een 5yin- to meet you.C He sai5 A5yin-C like it %as a 5irty %or5@ or an insi5e >oke. $"e ot"ers lau-"e5@ all e*3ept P"illip. He took my arm an5 pulle5 me a%ay 1rom Har)ey. 9 leane5 into P"illip@ e)en put my arms aroun5 "is %aist. 9 "a5 ne)er "u--e5 anyone in a 1is"net s"irt 8e1ore. 9t %as an interestin- sensation. P"illip sai5@ A<emem8er %"at 9 sai5.C ASure@ sure@C 7a5-e sai5. AS"e?s yours@ all yours@ no s"arin-@ no "al1sies.C S"e stalke5 o)er to "im@ s%ayin- in "er ti-"t la3e panties. =it" t"e "eels on s"e 3oul5 look "im in t"e eye. ADou 3an keep "er sa1e 1rom us 1or no%@ 8ut %"en t"e 8i8oys -et "ere@ you?ll s"are. $"ey?ll make you s"are.C He stare5 at "er until s"e looke5 a%ay. A9 8rou-"t "er "ere@ an5 9?ll take "er "ome@C "e sai5. 7a5-e raise5 an eye8ro%. ADou?re -oin- to 1i-"t t"emB P"illip@ my 8oy@ s"e must 8e a s%eet pie3e o1 tail@ 8ut no 8e5%armer is %ort" pissin- o11 t"e 8i- -uys.C 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom P"illip an5 put a "an5 1lat a-ainst "er stoma3" an5 pus"e5@ >ust enou-" to make "er 8a3k up. $"e "eels ma5e "er 8alan3e 8a5@ an5 s"e almost 1ell. ALet?s -et somet"in- strai-"t@C 9 sai5. A9 am not a pie3e o1 anyt"in-@ nor am 9 a 8e5%armer.C P"illip sai5@ AAnita ... C A7y@ my@ s"e?s -ot a temper. ="ere)er 5i5 you 1in5 "er@ P"illipBC 7a5-e aske5. 91 t"ere is anyt"in- 9 "ate@ it is 8ein- 1oun5 amusin- %"en 9?m an-ry. 9 steppe5 up 3lose to "er@ an5 s"e smile5 5o%n at me. A4i5 you kno%@C 9 sai5@ At"at %"en you smile@ you -et 5eep %rinkles on eit"er si5e o1 your mout"B Dou are o)er 1orty@ aren?t youBC

S"e 5re% a 5eep@ -aspin- 8reat" an5 steppe5 8a3k 1rom me. ADou little 8it3".C A4on?t e)er 3all me a pie3e o1 tail a-ain@ 7a5-e@ 5arlin-.C <o3"elle %as lau-"in- silently@ "er 3onsi5era8le 8osom s"akin- like 5ark 8ro%n >ello. Har)ey stoo5 strai-"t21a3e5. 91 "e "a5 so mu3" as smile5@ 9 t"ink 7a5-e %oul5 "a)e "urt "im. His eyes %ere )ery s"iny@ 8ut t"ere %as no "int o1 a smile. A 5oor opene5 an5 3lose5 5o%n t"e "all@ 1art"er into t"e "ouse. A %oman steppe5 into t"e room. S"e %as aroun5 1i1ty@ or may8e a "ar5 1orty. Very 8lon5e "air 1rame5 a plump 1a3e. ,)en money t"e 8lon5e 3ame out o1 a 8ottle. Plump little "an5s -littere5 %it" rin-s@ real stones. A lon-@ 8la3k ne-li-ee s%ept t"e 1loor@ 3omplete %it" an open la3e ro8e. $"e 1lat 8la3k o1 t"e ne-li-ee %as kin5 to "er 1i-ure@ 8ut not kin5 enou-". S"e %as o)er%ei-"t an5 t"ere %as no "i5in- it. S"e looke5 like a P$A mem8er@ a Girl S3out lea5er@ a 3ookie 8aker@ someone?s mot"er. An5 t"ere s"e stoo5 in t"e 5oor%ay@ starin- at P"illip. S"e let out a little s;ueal an5 3ame runnin- to%ar5s "im. 9 -ot out o1 t"e %ay 8e1ore 9 %as 3rus"e5 in t"e stampe5e. P"illip "a5 >ust enou-" time to 8ra3e "imsel1 8e1ore s"e 1lun- "er 3onsi5era8le %ei-"t into "is arms. 'or a minute 9 t"ou-"t "e %as -oin- to 1all 8a3k%ar5s into t"e 1loor %it" "er on top@ 8ut "is 8a3k strai-"tene5@ "is le-s tense5@ an5 "e ri-"te5 t"em 8ot". Stron- P"illip@ a8le to li1t o)er%ei-"t nymp"omania3s %it" 8ot" "an5s. Har)ey sai5@ A$"is is !rystal.C !rystal %as kissin- P"illip?s 3"est@ 3"u88y@ "omey little "an5s tryin- to pull "is s"irt out o1 "is pants so s"e 3oul5 tou3" "is 8are 1les". S"e %as like a 3"eer1ul little puppy in "eat. P"illip %as tryin- to 5is3oura-e "er %it"out mu3" su33ess. He -a)e me a lon- -lan3e. An5 9 remem8ere5 %"at "e "a5 sai5@ t"at "e "a5 stoppe5 3omin- to t"ese parties. =as t"is %"yB !rystal an5 "er likeB 7a5-e o1 t"e s"arp 1in-ernailsB 9 "a5 1or3e5 "im to 8rin- me@ 8ut in 5oin- so@ 9 "a5 1or3e5 "im to 8rin- "imsel1. 91 you t"ou-"t o1 it t"at %ay@ it %as my 1ault P"illip %as "ere. 4amn@ 9 o%e5 "im. 9 patte5 t"e %oman?s 3"eek@ so1tly. S"e 8linke5 at me@ an5 9 %on5ere5 i1 s"e %as nearsi-"te5. A!rystal@C 9 sai5. 9 smile5 my 8est an-eli3 smile. A!rystal@ 9 5on?t mean to 8e ru5e@ 8ut you?re pa%in- my 5ate.C Her mout" 1ell openG "er pale eyes 8u--e5 out. A4ate@C s"e s;ueake5. A/o one "as 5ates at a party.C A=ell@ 9?m ne% to t"e parties. 9 5on?t kno% t"e rules yet. But %"ere 9 3ome 1rom@ one %oman 5oes not -rope anot"er %oman?s 5ate. At least %ait until 9 turn my 8a3k@ okayBC !rystal?s lo%er lip trem8le5. Her eyes 8e-an to 1ill %it" tears. 9 "a5 8een -entle@ kin5 e)en@ an5 s"e %as still -oin- to 3ry. ="at 9 %as s"e 5oin- "ere %it" t"ese peopleB 7a5-e 3ame an5 put "er arm aroun5 !rystal an5 le5 t"e %oman a%ay. 7a5-e %as makin- soot"in- noises an5 pattin"er 8la3k silken arms. <o3"elle sai5@ AVery 3ol5.C S"e %alke5 a%ay 1rom me to%ar5s a li;uor 3a8inet t"at %as a-ainst one %all. Har)ey "a5 also le1t@ 1ollo%in- 7a5-e an5 !rystal %it"out so mu3" as a 8a3k%ar5s -lan3e. Dou?5 t"ink 9?5 ki3ke5 a puppy. P"illip let out a lon- 8reat" an5 set 5o%n on t"e 3ou3". He 3laspe5 "is "an5s in 1ront o1 "im@ 8et%een "is knees. 9 sat 5o%n ne*t to "im@ tu3kin- my skirt 5o%n o)er my le-s. A9 5on?t t"ink 9 3an 5o t"is@C "e %"ispere5. 9 tou3"e5 "is arm. He %as trem8lin-@ a 3onstant s"akin- t"at 9 5i5n?t like at all. 9 "a5n?t realiEe5 %"at it %oul5 3ost "im to 3ome toni-"t@ 8ut 9 %as 8e-innin- to 1in5 out. A=e 3an -o@C 9 sai5. He turne5 )ery slo%ly an5 stare5 at me. A="at 5o you meanBC A9 mean %e 3an -o.C ADou?5 lea)e no% %it"out 1in5in- out anyt"in- 8e3ause 9?m "a)in- pro8lemsBC "e aske5. ALet?s >ust say 9 like you 8etter as t"e o)er3on1i5ent 1lirt. Dou keep a3tin- like a real person@ an5 you?ll "a)e me all 3on1use5. =e 3an -o i1 you 3an?t "an5le it.C He took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out@ t"en s"ook "imsel1 like a 5o- 3omin- out o1 %ater. A9 3an 5o it. 91 9 "a)e a 3"oi3e@ 9 3an 5o it.C 9t %as my turn to stare. A="y 5i5n?t you "a)e a 3"oi3e 8e1oreBC He looke5 a%ay. A9 >ust 1elt like 9 "a5 to 8rin- you i1 you %ante5 to 3ome.C A/o@ 5ammit@ t"at %asn?t %"at you meant at all.C 9 tou3"e5 "is 1a3e an5 1or3e5 "im to look at me. ASomeone -a)e you or5ers to 3ome see me t"e ot"er 5ay@ 5i5n?t t"eyB 9t %asn?t >ust to 1in5 out a8out Hean2!lau5e@ %as itBC His eyes %ere %i5e@ an5 9 3oul5 1eel "is pulse un5er my 1in-ers. A="at are you a1rai5 o1@ P"illipB ="o?s -i)in- you or5ersBC

AAnita@ please@ 9 3an?t.C 7y "an5 5roppe5 to my lap. A="at are your or5ers@ P"illipBC He s%allo%e5@ an5 9 %at3"e5 "is t"roat %ork. A9?m to keep you sa1e "ere@ t"at?s all.C His pulse %as >umpin- un5er t"e 8ruise5 8ite in "is ne3k. He li3ke5 "is lips@ not se5u3ti)e@ ner)ous. He %as lyin- to me. $"e tri3k %as@ "o% mu3" o1 a lie an5 %"at a8outB 9 "ear5 7a5-e?s )oi3e 3omin- up t"e "all@ all 3"eer1ul se5u3tion. Su3" a -oo5 "ostess. S"e es3orte5 t%o people into t"e room. #ne %as a %oman %it" s"ort au8urn "air an5 too mu3" eye makeup@ like -reen 3"alk smeare5 a8o)e "er eyes. $"e se3on5 %as ,5%ar5@ smilin-@ at "is 3"armin- 8est@ %it" "is arm aroun5 7a5-e?s 8are %aist. S"e -a)e a ri3"@ t"roaty lau-" as "e %"ispere5 somet"in- to "er. 9 1roEe@ 1or a se3on5. 9t %as so une*pe3te5 t"at 9 >ust 1roEe. 91 "e "a5 pulle5 out a -un@ "e 3oul5 "a)e kille5 me %"ile 9 sat %it" my mout" "an-in- open. ="at t"e "ell %as "e 5oin- "ereB 7a5-e le5 "im an5 t"e %oman to%ar5s t"e 8ar. He -lan3e5 8a3k at me o)er "er s"oul5er an5 -a)e me a 5eli3ate smile t"at le1t "is 8lue eyes empty as a 5oll?s. 9 kne% my t%enty21our "ours %ere not up. 9 kne% t"at. ,5%ar5 "a5 5e3i5e5 to 3ome lookin- 1or /ikolaos. Ha5 "e 1ollo%e5 usB Ha5 "e listene5 to P"illip?s messa-e on my ma3"ineB A="at?s %ron-BC P"illip aske5. A="at?s %ron-BC 9 sai5. ADou are takin- or5ers 1rom some8o5y@ pro8a8ly a )ampire ... C 9 1inis"e5 t"e statement silently in my "ea5J An5 4eat" "as >ust %altEe5 in t"e 5oor to play 1reak %"ile "e sear3"es 1or /ikolaos. $"ere %as only one reason ,5%ar5 sear3"e5 1or a parti3ular )ampire. He meant to kill "er@ i1 "e 3oul5. $"e assassin mi-"t 1inally "a)e met "is mat3". 9 "a5 t"ou-"t 9 %ante5 to 8e aroun5 %"en ,5%ar5 1inally lost. 9 %ante5 to see %"at prey %as too lar-e 1or 4eat" to 3on;uer. 9 "a5 seen t"is prey@ up 3lose an5 personal. 91 ,5%ar5 an5 /ikolaos met an5 s"e e)en suspe3te5 t"at 9 "a5 a "an5 in it ... s"it. S"it@ s"it@ s"itI 9 s"oul5 turn ,5%ar5 in. He "a5 t"reatene5 me@ an5 "e %oul5 3arry it out. He %oul5 torture me to -et in1ormation. ="at 5i5 9 o%e "imB But 9 3oul5n?t 5o it@ %oul5n?t 5o it. A "uman 8ein- 5oes not turn anot"er "uman 8ein- o)er to t"e monsters. /ot 1or any reason. 7oni3a "a5 8roken t"at rule@ an5 9 5espise5 "er 1or it. 9 t"ink 9 %as t"e 3losest t"in- ,5%ar5 "a5 to a real 1rien5. A person %"o kno%s %"o an5 %"at you are an5 likes you any%ay. 9 5i5 like "im@ 5espite or 8e3ause o1 %"at "e %as. ,)en t"ou-" 9 kne% "e?5 kill me i1 it %orke5 out t"at %ayB Des@ e)en t"ou-". 9t 5i5n?t make mu3" sense %"en you looke5 at it t"at %ay. But 9 3oul5n?t %orry a8out ,5%ar5?s morality. $"e only person 9 "a5 to 1a3e in t"e mirror %as me. $"e only moral 5ilemma 9 3oul5 sol)e %as my o%n. 9 %at3"e5 ,5%ar5 play kissy21a3e %it" 7a5-e. He %as mu3" 8etter at role2playin- t"an 9 %as. He %as also a mu3" 8etter liar. 9 %oul5 not tell@ an5 ,5%ar5 "a5 kno%n 9 %oul5 not tell. 9n "is o%n %ay@ "e kne% me@ too. He "a5 8et "is li1e on my inte-rity@ an5 t"at pisse5 me o11. 9 "ate to 8e use5. 7y )irtue "a5 8e3ome its o%n punis"ment. But may8e@ 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% yet@ 9 3oul5 use ,5%ar5 t"e %ay "e %as usin- me. Per"aps 9 3oul5 use "is la3k o1 "onor as "e use5 my "onor no%. 9t "a5 possi8ilities.

Chapter Twenty-six
$"e au8urn2"aire5 %oman %it" ,5%ar5 3ame o)er to t"e 3ou3" an5 sli5 into P"illip?s lap. S"e -i--le5 an5 %rappe5 "er arms aroun5 "is ne3k %it" a little ki3k o1 "er 1eet. Her "an5s 5i5n?t %an5er lo%er@ an5 s"e 5i5n?t try to un5ress "im. $"e ni-"t %as lookin- up. ,5%ar5 1ollo%e5 8e"in5 t"e %oman like a 8lon5 s"a5o%. $"ere %as a 5rink in "is "an5 an5 a suita8ly "armless smile on "is 1a3e. 91 9 "a5n?t kno%n "im@ 9 %oul5 ne)er "a)e looke5 at "im an5 sai5@ t"ere@ t"ere is a 5an-erous man. ,5%ar5 t"e !"ameleon. He 8alan3e5 on t"e 3ou3" arm at t"e %oman?s 8a3k@ one "an5 ru88in- "er s"oul5er. AAnita@ t"is is 4arlene@C P"illip sai5. 9 no55e5. S"e -i--le5 an5 ki3ke5 "er little 1eet. A$"is is $e55y. 9sn?t "e s3rumptiousBC $e55yB S3rumptiousB 9 mana-e5 a smile@ an5 ,5%ar5 kisse5 t"e si5e o1 "er ne3k. S"e snu--le5 a-ainst "is 3"est@ mana-in- to %i--le in P"illip?s lap at t"e same time. !oor5ination. ALet me "a)e a taste.C 4arlene su3ke5 "er lo%er lip un5er "er teet" an5 5re% it out slo%ly. P"illip?s 8reat" trem8le5. He %"ispere5@ ADes.C 9 5i5n?t t"ink 9 %as -oin- to like t"is.

4arlene 3uppe5 "is arm ire "er "an5s ari5 raise5 it to "er mout". S"e 8esto%e5 a 5eli3ate kiss o)er one o1 "is s3ars@ t"en s"e sli5 "er le-s 5o%n 8et%een "is until s"e %as kneelin- at "is 1eet@ still "ol5in- "is arm. $"e 1ull skirt o1 "er 5ress %as 8un3"e5 up aroun5 "er %aist@ 3au-"t on "is le-s. S"e %as %earin- re5 la3e panties an5 mat3"in- -arters. !olor 3oor5ination. P"illip?s 1a3e "a5 -one sla3k. He %as starin- at "er as s"e 8rou-"t "is arm to%ar5s "er mout". A small pink ton-ue li3ke5 "is arm@ ;ui3k@ out@ %et@ -one. S"e -lan3e5 up at P"illip@ eyes 5ark an5 1ull. S"e must "a)e like5 %"at s"e sa% 8e3ause s"e 8e-an to li3k "is s3ars@ one 8y one@ 5eli3ate@ a 3at %it" 3ream. Her eyes ne)er le1t "is 1a3e. P"illip s"u55ere5G "is spine spasme5. He 3lose5 "is eyes an5 leane5 "is "ea5 8a3k a-ainst t"e 3ou3". Her "an5s %ent to "is stoma3". S"e -rippe5 t"e 1is"net an5 pulle5. 9t sli5 out o1 "is pants@ an5 "er "an5s stroke5 up 8are 3"est. He >erke5@ eyes %i5e@ an5 3au-"t "er arms. He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ no.C His )oi3e soun5e5 "oarse@ too 5eep. ADou %ant me to stopBC 4arlene aske5. Her eyes %ere nearly 3lose5@ 8reat" 5eep@ lips 1ull an5 %aitin-. He %as stru--lin- to talk an5 make sense at t"e same time. A91 %e 5o t"is ... t"at lea)es Anita alone. 'air -ame. Her 1irst ply.@ 4arlene looke5 at me@ may8e 1or t"e 1irst time. A=it" s3ars like t"atBC AS3ars are 1rom a real atta3k. 9 talke5 "er into t"e party.C He 8rou-"t "er "an5s out 1rom un5er "is s"irt. A9 3an?t 5esert "er.C His eyes seeme5 to 8e 1o3usin- a-ain. AS"e 5oesn?t kno% t"e rules.C 4arlene leane5 "er "ea5 on "is t"i-". AP"illip@ please@ 9?)e misse5 you.C ADou kno% %"at t"ey?5 5o to "er.C A$e55y %ill keep "er sa1e. He kno%s t"e rules.C 9 aske5@ ADou?)e 8een to ot"er partiesBC ADes@C ,5%ar5 sai5. He "el5 my -aEe 1or se)eral se3on5s %"ile 9 trie5 to pi3ture "im at ot"er parties. So t"is %as %"ere "e -ot "is in1ormation a8out t"e )ampire %orl5@ t"rou-" t"e 1reaks. A/o@C P"illip sai5. He stoo5@ 8rin-in- 4arlene to "er 1eet@ still "ol5in- "er 1orearms. A/o@C "e sai5 an5 "is )oi3e soun5e5 3ertain@ 3on1i5ent. He release5 "er an5 "el5 out "is "an5 to me. 9 took it. ="at else 3oul5 9 5oB His "an5 %as s%eatin- an5 %arm. He stro5e out o1 t"e room@ an5 9 %as 1or3e5 to "al12run in my "eels to 3at3" up %it" my "an5. He le5 me 5o%n t"e "all to t"e 8at"room an5 %e %ent in. He lo3ke5 t"e 5oor an5 leane5 a-ainst it@ s%eat 8ea5e5 on "is 1a3e@ eyes 3lose5. 9 took 8a3k my "an5@ an5 "e 5i5n?t 1i-"t me. 9 looke5 aroun5 at t"e a)aila8le seatin- an5 1inally 3"ose to sit on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8at"tu8. 9t %asn?t 3om1orta8le@ 8ut it seeme5 t"e lesser o1 t%o e)ils. P"illip 5re% in -reat -ulps o1 air an5 1inally turne5 to t"e sink. He ran %ater lou5 an5 splas"in-@ 5ippe5 "is "an5s in@ an5 3o)ere5 "is 1a3e a-ain an5 a-ain until "e stoo5@ %ater 5rippin- 5o%n "is 1a3e. 4roplets 3au-"t in "is eyelas"es an5 "air. He 8linke5 at "imsel1 in t"e mirror o)er t"e 8asin. He looke5 startle5@ %i5e2eye5. $"e %ater %as 5rippin- 5o%n "is ne3k an5 3"est. 9 stoo5 an5 "an5e5 "im a to%el 1rom t"e ra3k. He 5i5n?t respon5. 9 moppe5 up "is 3"est %it" t"e so1t@ 3lean2smellin- 1ol5s o1 t"e to%el. He 1inally took t"e to%el an5 1inis"e5 5ryin- o11. His "air %as 5ark an5 %et aroun5 "is 1a3e. $"ere %as no %ay to 5ry it out. A9 5i5 it@C "e sai5. ADes@C 9 sai5@ Ayou 5i5 it.C A9 almost let "er.C ABut you 5i5n?t@ P"illip. $"at?s %"at 3ounts.C He no55e5@ rapi5ly@ "ea5 8o88in-. A9 -uess so.C He still seeme5 out o1 8reat". A=e 8etter 8e -ettin- 8a3k to t"e party.C He no55e5. But "e staye5 %"ere "e %as@ 8reat"in- too 5eep@ like "e 3oul5n?t -et enou-" o*y-en. AP"illip@ are you all ri-"tBC 9t %as a stupi5 ;uestion@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t t"ink o1 %"at else to say.

He no55e5. 7r. !on)ersation. A4o you %ant to lea)eBC 9 aske5. He looke5 at me t"en. A$"at?s t"e se3on5 time you?)e o11ere5 t"at. ="yBC A="y %"atBC A="y %oul5 you o11er to let me out o1 my promiseBC 9 s"ru--e5 an5 ru88e5 my "an5s o)er my arms. ABe3ause ... 8e3ause you seem to 8e in some kin5 o1 pain. Be3ause you?re a >unkie tryin- to ki3k t"e "a8it@ sort o1@ an5 9 5on?t %ant to s3re% t"at up 1or you.C A$"at?s a )ery ... 5e3ent t"in- to o11er.C He sai5 5e3ent like "e %asn?t use5 to t"e %or5. A4o you %ant to lea)eBC ADes@C "e sai5@ A8ut %e 3an?t.C ADou sai5 t"at 8e1ore. ="y 3an?t %eBC A9 3an?t@ Anita@ 9 3an?t.C ADes@ you 3an. ="o are you takin- or5ers 1rom@ P"illipB $ell me. ="at is -oin- onBC 9 %as stan5in- nearly tou3"in- "im@ spittin- ea3" %or5 into "is 3"est@ lookin- up at "is 1a3e. 9t is al%ays "ar5 to 8e tou-" %"en you "a)e to look up to see someone?s eyes. But 9?)e 8een s"ort all my li1e@ an5 pra3ti3e makes per1e3t. His "an5 sli5 aroun5 my s"oul5ers. 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom "im@ an5 "is "an5s lo3ke5 8e"in5 my 8a3k. AP"illip@ stop it.C 9 "a5 my "an5s 1lat on "is 3"est to keep our 8o5ies 1rom pressin- to-et"er. His s"irt %as %et an5 3ol5. His "eart %as "ammerin- in "is 3"est. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5 an5 sai5@ ADour s"irt?s %et.C He release5 me so su55enly@ 9 stum8le5 8a3k 1rom "im. He 5re% t"e s"irt o)er "is "ea5 in one 1lui5 motion. #1 3ourse@ "e "a5 a lot o1 pra3ti3e in un5ressin- "imsel1. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een su3" a ni3e 3"est %it"out t"e s3ars. He took one step to%ar5s me. AStop@ ri-"t %"ere you are@C 9 sai5. A="at is t"is su55en 3"an-e o1 moo5BC A9 like youG isn?t t"at enou-"BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ it isn?t.C He 5roppe5 t"e s"irt to t"e 1loor. 9 %at3"e5 it 1all like it %as important. $%o steps an5 "e %as 8esi5e me. Bat"rooms are so small. 9 5i5 t"e only t"in- 9 3oul5 t"ink o129 steppe5 into t"e 8at"tu8. /ot )ery 5i-ni1ie5 in "i-" "eels@ 8ut 9 %asn?t presse5 up a-ainst P"illip?s 3"est. Anyt"in- %as an impro)ement. ASome8o5y is %at3"in- us@C "e sai5. 9 turne5@ slo%ly@ like a 8a5 "orror mo)ie. $%ili-"t "un- a-ainst t"e s"eer 5rapes@ an5 a 1a3e peere5 out o1 t"e 3omin5ark. 9t %as Har)ey@ 7r. Leat"er. $"e %in5o%s %ere too "i-" 1or "im to 8e stan5in- on t"e -roun5. =as "e stan5in- on a 8o*B #r may8e t"ey "a5 little plat1orms at all t"e %in5o%s@ so you 3oul5 %at3" t"e s"o%. 9 let P"illip "elp me out o1 t"e 8at"tu8. 9 %"ispere5@ A!oul5 "e "ear usBC P"illip s"ook "is "ea5. His arms sli5 aroun5 my 8a3k a-ain. A=e are suppose5 to 8e lo)ers. 4o you %ant Har)ey to stop 8elie)in- t"atBC A$"is is 8la3kmail.C He smile5@ 5aEElin-@ "ol5 it in your "an5 an5 stroke it@ se*y. 7y stoma3" ti-"tene5. He 8ent 5o%n@ an5 9 5i5n?t stop "im. $"e kiss %as e)eryt"in- a5)ertise5@ 1ull so1t lips@ a press o1 skin@ a "eate5 %ei-"t. His "an5s ti-"tene5 a3ross my 8are 8a3k@ 1in-ers knea5in- t"e mus3les alon- t"e spine until 9 rela*e5 a-ainst "im. He kisse5 t"e lo8e o1 my ear@ 8reat" %arm. $on-ue 1li3ke5 alon- t"e e5-e o1 my >a%. His mout" 1oun5 t"e pulse in my t"roat@ "is ton-ue sear3"in- 1or it@ as i1 "e %ere meltin- t"rou-" t"e skin. $eet" s3rape5 o)er t"e 8eatin- o1 my ne3k. $eet" 3lampe5 5o%n@ ti-"t@ "urtin-. 9 s"o)e5 "im 8a3k@ a%ay. AS"itI Dou 8it me.C His eyes %ere un1o3use5@ 5aEe5. A 3rimson 5rop staine5 "is lo%er lip. 9 tou3"e5 a "an5 to my ne3k an5 3ame a%ay %it" 8loo5. A4amn youIC

He li3ke5 my 8loo5 o11 "is mout". A9 t"ink Har)ey 8elie)es t"e per1orman3e. /o% you?re marke5. Dou?)e -ot t"e proo1 o1 %"at you are an5 %"y you 3ame.C He took a 5eep@ s"akin- 8reat". A9 %on?t "a)e to tou3" you a-ain toni-"t. 9?ll see t"at no one else 5oes eit"er. 9 s%ear.C 7y ne3k %as t"ro88in-G a 8ite@ a 1reakin- 8iteI A4o you kno% "o% many -erms are in t"e "uman mout"BC He smile5 at me@ still a little un1o3use5. A/o@C "e sai5. 9 s"o)e5 "im out o1 t"e %ay an5 5a88e5 %ater on t"e 3ut. 9t looke5 like %"at it %as@ "uman teet". 9t %asn?t a per1e3t set o1 8ite marks@ 8ut it %as 3lose. A4amn you.C A=e nee5 to -o out so you 3an "unt 1or 3lues.C He "a5 pi3ke5 "is s"irt up 1rom t"e 1loor an5 stoo5 t"ere@ "ol5in- it at "is si5e. Bare tanne5 3"est@ leat"er pants@ lips 1ull like "e?5 8een su3kin- on somet"in-. 7e. ADou look like an a5 1or <ent A Gi-olo@C 9 sai5. He s"ru--e5. A<ea5y to -o outBC 9 %as still tou3"in- t"e %oun5. 9 trie5 to 8e an-ry an5 3oul5n?t. 9 %as s3are5. S3are5 o1 P"illip an5 %"at "e %as@ or %asn?t. 9 "a5n?t e*pe3te5 it. =as "e ri-"tB =oul5 9 8e sa1e 1or t"e rest o1 t"e ni-"tB #r "a5 "e >ust %ante5 to see %"at 9 taste5 likeB He opene5 t"e 5oor an5 %aite5 1or me. 9 %ent out. As %e %alke5 8a3k to t"e li)in- room@ 9 realiEe5 P"illip "a5 5istra3te5 me 1rom my ;uestion. ="o %as "e %orkin- 1orB 9 still 5i5n?t kno%. 9t %as 5amn em8arrassin- t"at e)ery time "e took "is s"irt o11@ my 8rain %ent out to lun3". But no moreG 9 "a5 "a5 my 1irst an5 last kiss 1rom P"illip o1 t"e many s3ars. 'rom no% on 9 %oul5 remain t"e tou-"2as2nails )ampire slayer@ not to 8e 5istra3te5 8y ripplin- mus3les or ni3e eyes. 7y 1in-ers tou3"e5 t"e 8ite mark. 9t "urt. /o more 7s. /i3e Guy. 91 P"illip 3ame near me a-ain@ 9 %as -oin- to "urt "im. #1 3ourse@ kno%in- P"illip@ "e?5 pro8a8ly en>oy it.

Chapter Twenty-seven
7a5-e stoppe5 us in t"e "all. Her "an5 starte5 to -o up to my t"roat. 9 -ra88e5 "er %rist. A$ou3"y@ tou3"y@C s"e sai5. A4i5n?t you like itB 4on?t tell me you?)e 8een %it" P"illip a mont" an5 "e "asn?t taste5 you 8e1oreBC S"e pulle5 5o%n t"e silky 8ra to e*pose t"e upper moun5 o1 "er 8reast. $"ere %as a per1e3t set o1 8ite marks in t"e pale 1les". A9t?s P"illip?s tra5emark@ 5i5n?t you kno%BC A/o@C 9 sai5. 9 pus"e5 past "er an5 starte5 to turn into t"e li)in- room. A man 9 5i5 not kno% 1ell at my 1eet. !rystal %as on top o1 "im@ pinnin- "im to t"e 1loor. He looke5 youn- an5 a little 1ri-"tene5. His eyes looke5 up past !rystal@ to me. 9 t"ou-"t "e %as -oin- to ask 1or "elp@ 8ut s"e kisse5 "im@ sloppy an5 5eep@ like s"e %as 5rinkin- "im 1rom t"e mout" 5o%n. His "an5s 8e-an to li1t t"e silk 1ol5s o1 "er skirt. Her t"i-"s %ere in3re5i8ly %"ite@ like 8ea3"e5 %"ales. 9 turne5 a8ruptly an5 %ent 1or t"e 5oor. 7y "eels ma5e an important2soun5in- 3la3k on t"e "ar5%oo5 1loor. 91 9 "a5n?t kno%n 8etter@ 9 %oul5 "a)e sai5 it soun5e5 like 9 %as runnin-. 9 %as not runnin-. 9 %as >ust %alkin- )ery 1ast. P"illip 3au-"t up %it" me at t"e 5oor. His "an5 presse5 1lat a-ainst it to keep me 1rom openin- it. 9 took a 5eep@ stea5yin8reat". 9 %oul5 not lose my temper@ not yet. A9?m sorry@ Anita@ 8ut it?s 8etter t"is %ay. Dou?re sa1e no%@ 1rom t"e "umans.C 9 looke5 up at "im an5 s"ook my "ea5. ADou >ust 5on?t -et it. 9 nee5 some air@ P"illip. 9?m not lea)in- 1or t"e ni-"t@ i1 t"at?s %"at you?re a1rai5 o1.C A9?ll -o out %it" you.C A/o. $"at %oul5 5e1eat t"e purpose@ P"illip. Sin3e you are one o1 t"e t"in-s 9 %ant to -et a%ay 1rom.C He steppe5 8a3k t"en@ "an5 at "is si5e. His eyes s"ut 5o%n@ -uar5e5@ "i5in-. ="y "a5 t"at "urt "is 1eelin-sB 9 5i5n?t kno%@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor@ an5 t"e "eat 1ell aroun5 me like 1ur. A9t?s 5ark@C "e sai5. A$"ey?ll 8e "ere soon. 9 3an?t "elp you i1 9?m not %it" you.C 9 steppe5 3lose to "im an5 sai5 in a near %"isper@ ALet?s 8e "onest@ P"illip. 9?m a %"ole lot 8etter at prote3tin- mysel1 t"an you are. $"e 1irst )ampire t"at 3rooks its 1in-er %ill "a)e you 1or lun3".C His 1a3e starte5 to 3rum8le@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to see it. A4ammit@ P"illip@ pull yoursel1 to-et"er.C 9 %alke5 out onto t"e trellis23o)ere5 por3" an5 resiste5 an ur-e to slam t"e 5oor 8e"in5 me. $"at %oul5 "a)e 8een 3"il5is". 9 %as 1eelin- a little 3"il5is" a8out no%@ 8ut 9?5 sa)e it. Dou ne)er kno% %"en some 3"il5is" ra-e may 3ome in "an5y. $"e 3i3a5as an5 3ri3kets 1ille5 t"e ni-"t. $"ere %as a %in5 pullin- at t"e tops o1 t"e tall trees@ 8ut it ne)er tou3"e5 t"e -roun5. $"e air 5o%n "ere %as as stale an5 3lose as plasti3.

$"e "eat 1elt -oo5 a1ter t"e air23on5itione5 "ouse. 9t %as real an5 some"o% 3leansin-. 9 tou3"e5 t"e 8ite on my ne3k. 9 1elt 5irty@ use5@ a8use5@ an-ry@ pisse5 o11. 9 %asn?t -oin- to 1in5 anyt"in- out "ere. 91 someone or somet"in- %as killin- o11 )ampires %"o 5i5 t"e 1reak 3ir3uit@ it 5i5n?t seem to 8e su3" a 8a5 i5ea. #1 3ourse@ %"et"er 9 sympat"iEe5 %it" t"e mur5erer %as not t"e point. /ikolaos e*pe3te5 me to sol)e t"e 3rimes@ an5 9 5amn %ell 8etter 5o it. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" o1 t"e sti11 air an5 1elt t"e 1irst stirrin-s o1 ... po%er. 9t ooEe5 t"rou-" t"e trees like %in5@ 8ut t"e tou3" o1 it 5i5n?t 3ool t"e skin. $"e "air at t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k %as tryin- to 3ra%l 5o%n my spine. ="oe)er it %as@ t"ey %ere po%er1ul. An5 t"ey %ere tryin- to raise t"e 5ea5. 4espite t"e "eat@ %e?5 "a5 a lot o1 rain@ an5 my "eels sank into t"e -rass imme5iately. 9 en5e5 up %alkin- in a sort o1 tiptoe 3rou3"@ tryin- not to 1loun5er in t"e so1t eart". $"e -roun5 %as littere5 %it" a3orns. 9t %as like %alkin- on mar8les. 9 1ell a-ainst a tree trunk@ 3at3"in- mysel1 pain1ully a-ainst t"e s"oul5er Au8rey "a5 8ruise5 so ni3ely. A s"arp 8leatin-@ "i-" an5 pani32stri3ken@ soun5e5. 9t %as 3lose. =as it a tri3k o1 t"e still air or %as it really a -oat 8leatin-B $"e 3ry en5e5 in a %et -ur-le o1 soun5@ t"i3k an5 8u88lin-. $"e trees en5e5@ an5 t"e -roun5 %as 3lear an5 moon2sil)ere5. 9 slippe5 o11 one s"oe an5 trie5 t"e -roun5. 4amp@ 3ool@ 8ut not too 8a5. 9 slippe5 o11 t"e ot"er s"oe@ tu3ke5 t"em in one "an5@ an5 ran. $"e 8a3k yar5 %as "u-e@ stret3"in- out into t"e sil)ere5 5ark. 9t sprea5 empty@ e*3ept 1or a %all o1 o)er-ro%n "e5-es@ like small trees in t"e 5istan3e. 9 ran 1or t"e "e5-es. $"e -ra)e "a5 to 8e t"ereG t"ere %as no ot"er pla3e 1or it to "i5e. $"e a3tual ritual 1or raisin- t"e 5ea5 is a s"ort one@ as rituals -o. $"e po%er poure5 out into t"e ni-"t an5 into t"e -ra)e. 9t 8uilt in a slo%@ stea5y rise@ a %arm Ama-i3.C 9t tu--e5 at my stoma3" an5 8rou-"t me to t"e "e5-es. $"ey to%ere5 up@ 8la3k in t"e moonli-"t@ "opelessly o)er-ro%n. $"ere %as no %ay 9 %as s;ueeEin- t"rou-" t"em. A man 3rie5 out. $"en a %omanJ A="ere is itB ="ere is t"e Eom8ie you promise5 usBC A9t %as too ol5IC $"e man?s )oi3e %as t"in %it" 1ear. ADou sai5 3"i3kens %eren?t enou-"@ so %e -ot you a -oat to kill. But no Eom8ie. 9 t"ou-"t you %ere -oo5 at t"is.C 9 1oun5 a -ate in t"e opposite si5e o1 t"e "e5-es. 7etal@ ruste5@ an5 3rooke5 in its 1rame. 9t -roane5@ a metal s3ream@ as 9 pus"e5 it open. 7ore t"an a 5oEen pairs o1 eyes turne5 to me. Pale 1a3es@ t"e utter stillness o1 t"e un5ea5. Vampires. $"ey stoo5 amon- t"e an3ient -ra)e markers o1 t"e small 1amily 3emetery@ %aitin-. /ot"in- %aits as patiently as t"e 5ea5. #ne o1 t"e )ampires nearest me %as t"e 8la3k male 1rom /ikolaos?s lair. 7y pulse ;ui3kene5@ an5 9 5i5 a ;ui3k s3an o1 t"e 3ro%5. S"e %asn?t "ere@ $"ank you@ Go5. $"e )ampire smile5 an5 sai5@ A4i5 you 3ome to %at3" ... animatorBC Ha5 "e almost sai5@ A,*e3utionerCB =as it a se3retB ="ate)er@ "e motione5 t"e ot"ers 8a3k an5 let me see t"e s"o%. Ka3"ary lay on t"e -roun5. His s"irt %as 5amp %it" 8loo5. Dou 3an?t slit anyt"in-?s t"roat %it"out -ettin- a little messy. $"eresa %as stan5in- o)er "im@ "an5s on "ips. S"e %as 5resse5 in 8la3k. $"e only skin s"o%in- %as a strip o1 1les" 5o%n t"e mi55le@ pale an5 almost luminous in t"e starli-"t. $"eresa@ 7istress o1 t"e 4ark. Her eyes 1li3ke5 to me@ a moment@ t"en 8a3k to t"e man. A=ell@ Ka3"2a2ri@ %"ere is our Eom8ieBC He s%allo%e5 au5i8ly. A9t?s too ol5. $"ere isn?t enou-" le1t.C A#nly a "un5re5 years ol5@ animator. Are you so %eakBC He looke5 5o%n at t"e -roun5. His 1in-ers 5u- into t"e so1t eart". He -lan3e5 up at me@ t"en ;ui3kly 5o%n. 9 5i5n?t kno%. %"at "e %as tryin- to tell me %it" t"at one -lan3e. 'earB 'or me to runB A plea 1or "elpB ="atB A="at -oo5 is an animator %"o 3an?t raise t"e 5ea5BC $"eresa aske5. S"e 5roppe5 to "er knees@ su55enly 8esi5e "im@ "an5s tou3"in- "is s"oul5ers. Ka3"ary 1lin3"e5 8ut 5i5n?t try to -et a%ay. A ripple o1 almost2mo)ement ran t"rou-" t"e ot"er )ampires. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e %"ole 3ir3le at my 8a3k tense. $"ey %ere -oin- to kill "im. $"e 1a3t t"at "e 3oul5n?t raise t"e Eom8ie %as >ust an e*3use@ part o1 t"e -ame. $"eresa rippe5 "is s"irt 5o%n t"e 8a3k. 9t 1luttere5 aroun5 "is lo%er arms@ still tu3ke5 into "is %aist. A 3olle3ti)e si-" ran t"rou-" t"e )ampires. $"ere %as a %o)en rope 8an5 aroun5 "is ri-"t upper arm. Bea5s %ere %orke5 into it. 9t %as a -ris2-ris@ a )oo5oo 3"arm@ 8ut it %oul5n?t "elp "im no%. /o matter %"at it %as suppose5 to 5o@ it %oul5n?t 8e enou-". $"eresa 5i5 a sta-e %"isper. A7ay8e you?re >ust 1res" meatBC $"e )ampires 8e-an to mo)e in@ silent as %in5 in t"e -rass. 9 3oul5n?t >ust %at3". He %as a 1ello% animator an5 a "uman 8ein-. 9 3oul5n?t >ust let "im 5ie@ not like t"is@ not in 1ront o1 me. A=ait@C 9 sai5.

/o one seeme5 to "ear me. $"e )ampires mo)e5 in@ an5 9 %as losin- si-"t o1 Ka3"ary. 91 one 8it "im@ t"e 1ee5in- 1renEy %oul5 8e on. 9 "a5 seen t"at "appen on3e. 9 %oul5 ne)er -et ri5 o1 t"e ni-"tmares i1 9 sa% it a-ain. 9 raise5 my )oi3e an5 "ope5 t"ey listene5. A=aitI 4i5n?t "e 8elon- to /ikolaosB 4i5n?t "e 3all /ikolaos masterBC $"ey "esitate5@ t"en parte5 1or $"eresa to stri5e t"rou-" t"em until s"e 1a3e5 me. A$"is is not your 8usiness.C S"e stare5 at me@ an5 9 5i5n?t a)oi5 "er -aEe. #ne less t"in- to %orry a8out. A9?m makin- it my 8usiness@C 9 sai5. A4o you %is" to >oin "imBC $"e )ampires 8e-an to sprea5 out 1rom Ka3"ary to en3ir3le me as %ell. 9 let t"em. $"ere %asn?t mu3" 9 3oul5 5o a8out it any%ay. ,it"er 9?5 -et us 8ot" out ali)e or 9?5 5ie@ too@ may8e@ pro8a8ly. #"@ %ell. A9 %is" to speak %it" "im@ one pro1essional to anot"er@C 9 sai5. A="yBC s"e aske5. 9 steppe5 3lose to "er@ almost tou3"in-. Her an-er %as nearly palpa8le. 9 %as makin- "er look 8a5 in 1ront o1 t"e ot"ers@ an5 9 kne% it@ an5 s"e kne% 9 kne% it. 9 %"ispere5@ t"ou-" some o1 t"e ot"ers %oul5 "ear me@ A/ikolaos -a)e or5ers 1or t"e man to 5ie@ 8ut s"e %ants me ali)e@ $"eresa. ="at %oul5 s"e 5o to you i1 9 a33i5entally 5ie5 "ere toni-"tBC 9 8reat"e5 t"e last %or5s into "er 1a3e. A4o you %ant to spen5 eternity lo3ke5 in a 3ross2%rappe5 3o11inBC S"e snarle5 an5 >erke5 a%ay 1rom me as i1 9 "a5 s3al5e5 "er. A4amn you@ mortal@ 5amn you to "ellIC Her 8la3k "air 3ra3kle5 aroun5 "er 1a3e@ "er "an5s -rippe5 into 3la%s. A$alk to "im@ 1or %"at -oo5 it %ill 5o you. He must raise t"is Eom8ie@ t"is Eom8ie@ or "e is ours. So says /ikolaos.C A91 "e raises t"e Eom8ie@ t"en "e -oes 1ree@ un"arme5BC 9 aske5. ADes@ 8ut "e 3annot 5o itG "e isn?t stron- enou-".C A="i3" %as %"at /ikolaos %as 3ountin- on@C 9 sai5. $"eresa smile5@ a 1ier3e tu- o1 lips e*posin- 1an-s. ADesss.C S"e turne5 "er 8a3k on me an5 stro5e t"rou-" t"e ot"er )ampires. $"ey parte5 1or "er like 1ri-"tene5 pi-eons. An5 9 %as stan5in- up to "er. Sometimes 8ra)ery an5 stupi5ity are almost inter3"an-ea8le. 9 knelt 8y Ka3"ary. AAre you "urtBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 appre3iate t"e -esture@ 8ut t"ey?re -oin- to try to kill me toni-"t.C He looke5 up at me@ pale eyes sear3"in- my 1a3e. A$"ere isn?t anyt"in- you 3an 5o to stop t"em.C He -a)e a t"in smile. A,)en you "a)e your limits.C A=e 3an raise t"is Eom8ie i1 you?ll trust me.C He 1ro%ne5@ t"en stare5 at me. 9 3oul5n?t rea5 "is e*pressionJ puEElement an5 somet"in- else. A="yBC ="at 3oul5 9 say@ t"at 9 3oul5n?t >ust %at3" "im 5ieB He "a5 %at3"e5 a man 8e torture5 an5 "a5n?t li1te5 a "an5. 9 opte5 1or t"e s"ort reason. ABe3ause 9 3an?t let t"em "a)e you@ i1 9 3an stop it.C A9 5on?t un5erstan5 you@ Anita@ 9 5on?t un5erstan5 you at all.C A$"at makes t%o o1 us. !an you stan5BC He no55e5. A="at are you plannin-BC A=e?re -oin- to s"are our talent.C His eyes %i5ene5. AS"it@ you 3an a3t as a 1o3usBC A9?)e 5one it t%i3e 8e1ore.C $%i3e 8e1ore %it" t"e same person. $%i3e 8e1ore %it" someone %"o "a5 traine5 me as an animator. /e)er %it" a stran-er. His )oi3e 5roppe5 to a 8are %"isper. AAre you sure you %ant to 5o t"isBC ASa)e youBC 9 aske5. AS"are your po%er@C "e sai5. $"eresa stro5e o)er to us in a s%is" o1 3lot". A,nou-" o1 t"is@ animator. He 3an?t 5o it@ so "e pays t"e pri3e. ,it"er lea)e no%@ or >oin us at our ... 1east.C AAre you "a)in- rare ="o2roast28eastBC 9 aske5. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC A9t?s 1rom 4r. Seuss@ Ho% t"e Grin3" Stole !"ristmas. Dou kno% t"e part@ FAn5 t"ey?5 'eastI 'eastI 'eastI 'eastI $"ey %oul5 1east on ="o2pu55in-@ an5 rare ="o2roast28east.? A ADou are 3raEy.C ASo 9?)e 8een tol5.C A4o you %ant to 5ieBC s"e aske5.

9 stoo5 up@ )ery slo%ly@ an5 1elt somet"in- 8uil5 in me. A sureness@ an a8solute 3ertainty t"at s"e %as not a 5an-er to me. Stupi5@ 8ut it %as t"ere@ soli5 an5 real. ASomeone may kill me 8e1ore all t"is is o)er@ $"eresaC29 steppe5 into "er@ an5 s"e -a)e -roun5 8ut it %on?t 8e you.C 9 3oul5 almost taste "er pulse in my mout". =as s"e a1rai5 o1 meB =as 9 -oin- 3raEyB 9 "a5 >ust stoo5 up to a "un5re52 year2ol5 )ampire@ an5 s"e "a5 8a3ke5 5o%n. 9 1elt 5isoriente5@ almost 5iEEy@ as i1 reality "a5 mo)e5 an5 no one "a5 %arne5 me. $"eresa turne5 "er 8a3k on me@ "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists. A<aise t"e 5ea5@ animators@ or 8y all t"e 8loo5 e)er spille5@ 9?ll kill you 8ot".C 9 t"ink s"e meant it. 9 s"ook mysel1 like a 5o- 3omin- out o1 5eep %ater. 9 "a5 a 8aker?s 5oEen %ort" o1 )ampires to pa3i1y an5 a one2"un5re52year2ol5 3orpse to raise. 9 3oul5 only "an5le a Eillion pro8lems at a time. A Eillion an5 one %as 8eyon5 me. AGet up@ Ka3"ary@C 9 sai5. A$ime to -o to %ork.C He stoo5. A9?)e ne)er %orke5 %it" a 1o3us 8e1ore. Dou?ll "a)e to tell me %"at to 5o.C A/o pro8lem@C 9 sai5.

Chapter Twenty-eight
$"e -oat lay on its si5e. $"e 8are %"ite o1 its spine -limmere5 in t"e moonli-"t. Bloo5 still seepe5 into t"e -roun5 1rom t"e -apin- %oun5. ,yes %ere rolle5 an5 -laEe5@ ton-ue lollin- out o1 its mout". $"e ol5er t"e Eom8ie@ t"e 8i--er t"e 5eat" nee5e5. 9 kne% t"at@ an5 t"at %as %"y 9 a)oi5e5 ol5er Eom8ies %"en 9 3oul5. At a "un5re5 years t"e 3orpse %as >ust so mu3" 5ust. 7ay8e a 1e% 8one 1ra-ments i1 you %ere lu3ky. $"ey re1orme5 to rise 1rom t"e -ra)e. 91 you "a5 t"e po%er to 5o it. Pro8lem %as@ most animators 3oul5n?t raise t"e lon-25ea5@ a 3entury an5 o)er. 9 3oul5. 9 >ust 5i5n?t %ant to. Bert an5 9 "a5 "a5 lon- 5is3ussions a8out my pre1eren3es. $"e ol5er t"e Eom8ie@ t"e more %e 3an 3"ar-e. $"is %as at least a t%enty2 t"ousan525ollar >o8. 9 5ou8te5 9?5 -et pai5 toni-"t@ unless li)in- Ftil mornin- %as payment enou-". Dea"@ 9 -uess it %as. Here?s to seein- anot"er 5a%n. Ka3"ary 3ame to stan5 8esi5e me. He "a5 torn t"e remnants o1 "is s"irt o11. He stoo5 t"in an5 pale 8esi5e me. His 1a3e %as all s"a5o%s an5 %"ite 1les"@ "i-" 3"eek8ones almost 3a)ernous. A="at ne*tBC "e aske5. $"e -oat 3ar3ass %as insi5e t"e 8loo5 3ir3le "e "a5 tra3e5 earlierG -oo5. ABrin- e)eryt"in- %e nee5 into t"e 3ir3le.C He 8rou-"t a lon- "untin- kni1e an5 a pint >ar 1ull o1 pale 1aintly luminous ointment. 9 pre1erre5 a ma3"ete mysel1@ 8ut t"e kni1e %as "u-e@ %it" one >a--e5 e5-e an5 a -leamin- point. $"e kni1e %as 3lean an5 s"arp. He took -oo5 3are o1 "is tools. Bro%nie point 1or "im. A=e 3an?t kill t"e -oat t%i3e@C "e sai5. A="at are %e -oin- to useBC A:s@C 9 sai5. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC A=e?ll 3ut oursel)esG 1res"@ li)e 8loo5@ as mu3" as %e?re %illin- to -i)e.C A$"e 8loo5 loss %oul5 lea)e you too %eak to -o on.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A=e alrea5y "a)e a 8loo5 3ir3le@ Ka3"ary =e?re >ust -oin- to re%alk@ not re5ra% it.C A9 5on?t un5erstan5.C A9 5on?t "a)e time to e*plain metap"ysi3s to you. ,)ery in>ury is a small 5eat". =e?ll -i)e t"e 3ir3le a lesser 5eat"@ an5 rea3ti)ate it.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 still 5on?t -et it.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat"@ an5 t"en realiEe5 9 3oul5n?t e*plain it to "im. 9t %as like tryin- to e*plain t"e me3"ani3s o1 8reat"in-. Dou 3oul5 8reak it 5o%n into steps@ 8ut t"at 5i5n?t tell you %"at it 1elt like to 8reat"e. A9?ll s"o% you %"at 9 mean.C 91 "e 5i5n?t 1eel t"is part o1 t"e ritual@ un5erstan5 it %it"out %or5s@ t"e rest %oul5n?t %ork any%ay. 9 "el5 out my "an5 1or t"e kni1e. He "esitate5@ t"en "an5e5 it to me@ "ilt 1irst. $"e t"in- 1elt top2"ea)y@ 8ut t"en it %asn?t 5esi-ne5 1or t"ro%in-. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 presse5 t"e 8la5e e5-e a-ainst my le1t arm@ >ust 8elo% t"e 3ross 8urn. A ;ui3k 5o%n stroke@ an5 8loo5 %elle5 up@ 5ark an5 5rippin-. 9t stun-@ s"arp an5 imme5iate. 9 let out t"e 8reat" 9?5 8een "ol5in- an5 "an5e5 t"e kni1e to Ka3"ary. He %as starin- 1rom me to t"e kni1e. A4o it@ ri-"t arm@ so %e?ll mirror ea3" ot"er@C 9 sai5. He no55e5 an5 ma5e a ;ui3k slas" a3ross "is ri-"t upper arm. His 8reat" "isse5@ almost a -asp.

AKneel %it" me.C 9 knelt@ an5 "e 1ollo%e5 me 5o%n@ mirrorin- me as 9 aske5. A man %"o 3oul5 1ollo% 5ire3tionsG not 8a5. 9 8ent my le1t arm at t"e el8o% an5 raise5 it so t"e 1in-ertips %ere "ea52"i-"@ el8o% s"oul5er2"i-". He 5i5 t"e same. A=e 3lasp "an5s an5 press t"e 3uts to-et"er.C He "esitate5@ immo8ile. A="at?s t"e matterBC 9 aske5. He s"ook "is "ea5@ t%o ;ui3k s"akes@ an5 "is "an5 %rappe5 aroun5 mine. His arm %as lon-er t"an mine@ 8ut %e mana-e5. His skin 1elt un3om1orta8ly 3ool a-ainst mine. 9 -lan3e5 up at "is 1a3e@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t rea5 it. 9 "a5 no i5ea %"at "e %as t"inkin-. 9 took a 5eep@ 3leansin- 8reat" an5 8e-an. A=e -i)e our 8loo5 to t"e eart". Li1e 1or 5eat"@ 5eat" 1or li1e. <aise t"e 5ea5 to 5rink our 8loo5. Let us 1ee5 t"em as t"ey o8ey us.C His eyes 5i5 %i5en t"enG "e un5erstoo5. #ne "ur5le 5o%n. 9 stoo5 an5 5re% "im %it" me. 9 le5 "im alon- t"e 8loo5 3ir3le. 9 3oul5 1eel it@ like an ele3tri3 3urrent up my spine. 9 stare5 strai-"t into "is eyes. $"ey %ere almost sil)er in t"e moonli-"t. =e %alke5 t"e 3ir3le an5 en5e5 %"ere %e "a5 8e-un@ 8y t"e sa3ri1i3e. =e sat in t"e 8loo52soake5 -rass. 9 5a88e5 my ri-"t "an5 in t"e still2ooEin- 8loo5 o1 t"e -oat?s %oun5. 9 %as 1or3e5 to kneel to rea3" Ka3"ary?s 1a3e. 9 smeare5 8loo5 o)er "is 1ore"ea5@ 5o%n "is 3"eeks. Smoot" skin@ t"e ru8 o1 ne% 8ear5. 9 le1t a 5ark "an5print o)er "is "eart. $"e %o)en 8an5 %as like a rin- o1 5arkness on "is arm. 9 smeare5 8loo5 alon- t"e 8ea5s@ 1in-ertips 1in5in- t"e so1t 8rus" o1 1eat"ers %orke5 into t"e strin-. $"e -ris2-ris nee5e5 8loo5@ 9 3oul5 1eel t"at@ 8ut not -oat 8loo5. 9 s"ru--e5 it a%ay. $ime to %orry a8out Ka3"ary?s personal ma-i3 later. He smeare5 8loo5 on my 1a3e. 'in-ertips only@ as i1 a1rai5 to tou3" me. 9 3oul5 1eel "is "an5 s"ake as "e tra3e5 my 3"eek. $"e 8loo5 %as a 3ool %etness o)er my 8reast. Heart 8loo5. Ka3"ary uns3re%e5 t"e >ar o1 "omema5e ointment. 9t %as a pale o112%"ite 3olor %it" 1le3ks o1 -reenis" li-"t in it. $"e -lo%in- 1le3ks %ere -ra)eyar5 mol5. 9 ru88e5 ointment o)er t"e 8loo5 smears. $"e skin soake5 it up. He 8rus"e5 t"e 3ream on my 1a3e. 9t 1elt %a*y@ t"i3k. 9 3oul5 smell t"e pine s3ent o1 rosemary 1or memory@ 3innamon an5 3lo)es 1or preser)ation@ sa-e 1or %is5om@ an5 some s"arp "er8@ may8e t"yme@ to 8in5 it all to-et"er. $"ere %as too mu3" 3innamon in it. $"e ni-"t su55enly smelle5 like apple pie. =e %ent to-et"er to smear ointment an5 8loo5 on t"e tom8stone. $"e name %as only so1t -roo)es in t"e mar8le. 9 tra3e5 t"em %it" my 1in-ertips. ,stelle He%itt. Born 10 somet"in-@ 5ie5 10((. $"ere "a5 8een more %ritin- 8elo% t"e 5ate an5 name@ 8ut it %as -one@ 8eyon5 rea5in-. ="o "a5 s"e 8eenB 9 "a5 ne)er raise5 a Eom8ie t"at 9 kne% not"in- a8out. 9t %asn?t al%ays a -oo5 i5ea@ 8ut t"en t"is %"ole t"in- %asn?t a -oo5 i5ea. Ka3"ary stoo5 at t"e 1oot o1 t"e -ra)e. 9 staye5 8y t"e tom8stone. 9t 1elt like an in)isi8le 3or5 %as stret3"e5 8et%een Ka3"ary an5 me. =e starte5 t"e 3"ant to-et"er@ no ;uestions nee5e5. AHear us@ ,stelle He%itt. =e 3all you 1rom t"e -ra)e. By 8loo5@ ma-i3@ an5 steel@ %e 3all you. Arise@ ,stelle@ 3ome to us@ 3ome to us.C His eyes met mine@ an5 9 1elt a tu- alon- t"e in)isi8le line t"at 8oun5 us. He %as po%er1ul. ="y "a5n?t "e 8een a8le to 5o it aloneB A,stelle@ ,stelle@ 3ome to us. =aken@ ,stelle@ arise an5 3ome to us.C =e 3alle5 "er name in e)er2risin- )oi3es. $"e eart" s"u55ere5. $"e -oat sli5 to one si5e as t"e -roun5 erupte5@ an5 a "an5 3lut3"e5 1or air. A se3on5 "an5 -ra88e5 at not"in-@ an5 t"e eart" 8e-an to pour t"e 5ea5 %oman out. 9t %as t"en@ only t"en@ t"at 9 realiEe5 %"at %as %ron-@ %"y "e "a5n?t 8een a8le to raise "er on "is o%n. 9 no% kne% %"ere 9 "a5 seen "im 8e1ore. 9 "a5 8een at "is 1uneral. $"ere %ere so 1e% animators t"at i1 anyone 5ie5@ you %ent@ perio5. Pro1essional 3ourtesy. 9 "a5 -limpse5 t"at an-ular 1a3e@ rou-e5 an5 painte5. Some8o5y "a5 5one a 8a5 >o8 o1 makin"im up@ 9 remem8ere5 t"inkin- t"at at t"e time. $"e Eom8ie "a5 almost pulle5 itsel1 1rom t"e -ra)e. 9t sat pantin- le-s still trappe5 in t"e -roun5. Ka3"ary an5 9 stare5 at ea3" ot"er o)er t"e -ra)e. All 9 3oul5 5o %as stare at "im like an i5iot. He %as 5ea5@ 8ut not a Eom8ie@ not anyt"in- 9?5 e)er "ear5 o1. 9 %oul5 "a)e 8et my li1e "e %as "uman@ an5 9 may "a)e 5one >ust t"at. $"e %o)en 8an5 on "is arm. $"e spell t"at "a5n?t 8een satis1ie5 %it" -oat?s 8loo5. ="at %as "e 5oin- to stay Aali)eCB 9 "a5 "ear5 rumors o1 -ris2-ris t"at 3oul5 3"eat 5eat". <umors@ le-en5s@ 1airy tales. But t"en a-ain@ may8e not. ,stelle He%itt may "a)e 8een pretty on3e@ 8ut a "un5re5 years in t"e -ra)e takes a lot out o1 a person. Her skin %as an u-ly -reyis" %"ite@ %a*y@ nearly e*pressionless@ 1ake2lookin-. ="ite -lo)es "i5 t"e "an5s@ staine5 %it" -ra)e 5irt. $"e 5ress %as %"ite an5 la3e23o)ere5. 9 %as 8ettin- on %e55in- 1inery. 4ear Go5. Bla3k "air 3lun- to "er "ea5 in a 8un@ %isps o1 it tra3in- "er nearly skeletal 1a3e. All t"e 8ones s"o%e5@ as i1 t"e skin %ere 3lay mol5e5 o)er a 1rame%ork. Her eyes %ere %il5@ 5ark@ s"o%in- too mu3" %"ite. At least t"ey "a5n?t 5rie5 out like s"ri)ele5 -rapes. 9 "ate5 t"at.

,stelle sat 8y "er -ra)e an5 trie5 to -at"er "er t"ou-"ts. 9t %oul5 take a %"ile. ,)en t"e re3ently 5ea5 took a 1e% minutes to orient t"emsel)es. A "un5re5 years %as a 5amn lon- time to 8e 5ea5. 9 %alke5 aroun5 t"e -ra)e@ 3are1ul to stay %it"in t"e 3ir3le. Ka3"ary %at3"e5 me 3ome %it"out a %or5. He "a5n?t 8een a8le to raise t"e 3orpse 8e3ause "e %as a 3orpse. $"e re3ently 5ea5 "e 3oul5 still "an5le@ 8ut not lon-25ea5. $"e 5ea5 3allin- t"e 5ea5 1rom t"e -ra)eG t"ere %as somet"in- really %ron- %it" t"at. 9 stare5 up at "im@ %at3"in- "im -rip t"e kni1e. 9 kne% "is se3ret. 4i5 /ikolaosB 4i5 anyoneB Des@ %"oe)er "a5 ma5e t"e -ris2-ris kne%@ 8ut %"o elseB 9 s;ueeEe5 t"e skin aroun5 t"e 3ut on my arm. 9 rea3"e5 8loo5y 1in-ers to%ar5s t"e -ris2 -ris. He 3au-"t my %rist@ eyes %i5e. His 8reat"in- "a5 ;ui3kene5. A/ot you.C A$"en %"oBC APeople %"o %on?t 8e misse5.C $"e Eom8ie %e "a5 raise5 mo)e5 in a rustle o1 petti3oats an5 "oops. 9t 8e-an 3ra%lin- to%ar5s us. A9 s"oul5 "a)e let t"em kill you@C 9 sai5. He smile5 t"en. A!an you kill t"e 5ea5BC 9 >erke5 my %rist 1ree. A9 5o it all t"e time.C $"e Eom8ie %as s3ram8lin- at my le-s. 9t 1elt like sti3ks 5i--in- at me. A'ee5 it yoursel1@ you son o1 a 8it3"@C 9 sai5. He "el5 "is %rist 5o%n to it. $"e Eom8ie -ra88e5 1or it@ 3lumsy@ ea-er. 9t sni11e5 "is skin 8ut release5 "im untou3"e5. A9 5on?t t"ink 9 3an 1ee5 it@ Anita.C #1 3ourse notG 1res"@ li)e 8loo5 %as nee5e5 to 3lose t"e ritual. Ka3"ary %as 5ea5. He 5i5n?t ;uali1y anymore. But 9 5i5. A4amn you@ Ka3"ary@ 5amn you.C He >ust stare5 at me. $"e Eom8ie %as makin- a me%lin- soun5 lo% in "er t"roat. 4ear Go5. 9 o11ere5 "er my 8lee5in- le1t arm. Her sti3k"an5s 5u- into my skin. Her mout" 1astene5 o)er t"e %oun5@ su3kin-. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to >erk a%ay. 9 "a5 ma5e t"e 8ar-ain@ "a5 3"osen t"e ritual. 9 "a5 no 3"oi3e. 9 stare5 at Ka3"ary %"ile t"e t"in- 1e5 on my 8loo5. #ur Eom8ie@ a >oint )enture. 4ammit. AHo% many people "a)e you kille5 to keep yoursel1 ali)eBC 9 aske5. ADou 5on?t %ant to kno%.C AHo% manyIC A,nou-"@C "e sai5. 9 tense5@ raisin- my arm@ nearly li1tin- t"e Eom8ie to "er 1eet. S"e 3rie5@ a so1t soun5@ like a ne%8orn kitten. S"e release5 my arm so su55enly@ s"e 1ell 8a3k%ar5s. Bloo5 5rippe5 5o%n "er 8ony 3"in. Her teet" %ere staine5 %it" it. 9 3oul5n?t look at it@ any o1 it. Ka3"ary sai5@ A$"e 3ir3le is open. $"e Eom8ie is yours.C 'or a minute 9 t"ou-"t "e %as talkin- to meG t"en 9 remem8ere5 t"e )ampires. $"ey "a5 8een "u55le5 in t"e 5ark@ so still an5 unmo)in- 9 "a5 1or-otten t"em. 9 %as t"e only li)e t"in- in t"e %"ole 5amn pla3e. 9 "a5 to -et out o1 t"ere. 9 pi3ke5 up my s"oes an5 %alke5 out o1 t"e 3ir3le. $"e )ampires ma5e %ay 1or me. $"eresa stoppe5 me@ 8lo3kin- my pat". A="y 5i5 you let it su3k your 8loo5B Kom8ies 5on?t 5o t"at.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ="y 5i5 9 t"ink it %oul5 8e 1aster to e*plain t"an to 1i-"t a8out itB A$"e ritual "a5 alrea5y -one %ron-. =e 3oul5n?t start o)er %it"out anot"er sa3ri1i3e. So 9 o11ere5 mysel1 as t"e sa3ri1i3e.C S"e stare5. ADoursel1BC A9t %as t"e 8est 9 3oul5 5o@ $"eresa. /o% -et out o1 my %ay.C 9 %as tire5 an5 si3k. 9 "a5 to -et out o1 t"ere@ no%. 7ay8e s"e "ear5 it in my )oi3e. 7ay8e s"e %as too ea-er to -et to t"e Eom8ie to mess %it" me. 9 5on?t kno%@ 8ut s"e mo)e5 asi5e. S"e %as >ust -one@ like t"e %in5 "a5 s%ept "er a%ay. Let t"em play t"eir min5 -ames. 9 %as -oin- "ome. $"ere %as a small s3ream 1rom 8e"in5 me. A s"ort@ stran-le5 soun5@ as i1 t"e )oi3e %asn?t use5 to talkin-. 9 kept %alkin-. $"e Eom8ie s3reame5@ "uman memories still t"ere@ enou-" 1or 1ear. 9 "ear5 a ri3" lau-"@ a 1aint e3"o o1 Hean !lau5e?s. ="ere are you@ Hean2!lau5eB 9 -lan3e5 8a3k on3e. $"e )ampires %ere 3losin- in. $"e Eom8ie %as stum8lin- 1rom one si5e to t"e ot"er@ tryin- to run. But t"ere %as no%"ere to -o. 9 stum8le5 t"rou-" t"e 3rooke5 -ate. A %in5 "a5 1inally 3ome 5o%n out o1 t"e trees. Anot"er s3ream soun5e5 1rom 8e"in5 t"e "e5-es. 9 ran@ an5 9 5i5n?t look 8a3k.

Chapter Twenty-nine
9 slippe5 on t"e 5amp -rass. Hose are not ma5e 1or runnin- in. 9 sat t"ere@ 8reat"in-@ tryin- not to t"ink. 9 "a5 raise5 a Eom8ie to sa)e anot"er "uman 8ein-@ %"o %asn?t a "uman 8ein-. /o% t"e Eom8ie 9 "a5 raise5 %as 8ein- torture5 8y )ampires. S"it. $"e ni-"t %asn?t e)en "al12o)er. 9 %"ispere5@ A="at ne*tBC A )oi3e ans%ere5@ li-"t as musi3. AGreetin-s@ animator. Dou seem to 8e "a)in- a 1ull ni-"t.C /ikolaos %as stan5in- in t"e s"a5o%s o1 t"e trees. =illie 73!oy %as %it" "er@ a little to one si5e@ not ;uite 8esi5e "er@ like a 8o5y-uar5 or a ser)ant. 9 %as 8ettin- on ser)ant. ADou seem a-itate5. ="at e)er is t"e matterBC Her )oi3e rose in a liltin- sin-2son-. $"e 5an-erous little -irl "a5 returne5. AKa3"ary raise5 t"e Eom8ie. Dou 3an?t use t"at as an e*3use to kill "im.C 9 lau-"e5 t"en@ an5 it soun5e5 a8rupt an5 "ars" e)en to me. He %as alrea5y 5ea5. 9 5i5n?t t"ink s"e kne%. S"e 3oul5n?t rea5 min5s@ only 1or3e t"e trut" 1rom t"em. 9 8et /ikolaos "a5 ne)er t"ou-"t to ask@ AAre you ali)e@ Ka3"ary@ or a %alkin- 3orpseBC 9 lau-"e5 an5 3oul5n?t seem to stop. AAnita@ you all ri-"tBC =illie?s )oi3e %as like "is )oi3e "a5 al%ays 8een. 9 no55e5@ tryin- to 3at3" my 8reat". A9?m 1ine.C A9 5o not see t"e "umor in t"e situation@ animator.C $"e 3"il5 )oi3e %as slippin-@ like a mask sli5in- 5o%n. ADou "elpe5 Ka3"ary raise t"e Eom8ie.C S"e ma5e it soun5 like an a33usation. ADes.C 9 "ear5 mo)ement o)er t"e -rass. =illie?s 1ootsteps@ an5 not"in- else. 9 -lan3e5 up an5 sa% /ikolaos mo)in- to%ar5s me@ noiseless as a 3at. S"e %as smilin-@ a 3ute@ "armless@ mo5el@ 8eauti1ul 3"il5. /o. Her 1a3e %as a little lon-. $"e per1e3t 3"il5 8ri5e %asn?t per1e3t anymore. $"e 3loser s"e 3ame@ t"e more 1la%s 9 3oul5 pi3k out. =as 9 seein- "er t"e %ay s"e really looke5B =as 9B ADou are starin- at me@ animator.C S"e lau-"e5@ "i-" an5 %il5@ %in5 3"imes in a storm. AAs i1 you?5 seen a -"ost.C S"e knelt@ smoot"in- "er sla3ks o)er "er knees@ as i1 t"ey %ere a skirt. AHa)e you seen a -"ost@ animatorB Ha)e you seen somet"in- t"at 1ri-"tene5 youB #r is it somet"in- elseBC Her 1a3e %as only an arm?s len-t" a%ay. 9 %as "ol5in- my 8reat"@ 1in-ers 5i--in- into t"e -roun5. 'ear %as"e5 o)er me like a 3ool se3on5 skin. $"e 1a3e %as so pleasant@ smilin-@ en3oura-in-. S"e really nee5e5 a 5imple to -o %it" it all. 7y )oi3e %as "oarse@ an5 9 "a5 to 3ou-" to 3lear it. A9 raise5 t"e Eom8ie. 9 5on?t %ant it "urt.C ABut it is only a Eom8ie@ animator. $"ey "a)e no real min5s.C 9 >ust stare5 at t"at t"in@ pleasant 1a3e@ a1rai5 to look a%ay 1rom "er@ a1rai5 to look at "er. 7y 3"est %as ti-"t %it" t"e ur-e to run. A9t %as a "uman 8ein-. 9 5on?t %ant it torture5.C A$"ey %on?t "urt it mu3". 7y little )ampires %ill 8e 5isappointe5. $"e 5ea5 3annot 1ee5 o11 t"e 5ea5.C AG"ouls 3an. $"ey 1ee5 o11 t"e 5ea5.C ABut %"at is a -"oul@ animatorB 9s it truly 5ea5BC ADes.C AAm 9 5ea5BC s"e aske5. ADes.C AAre you sureBC S"e "a5 a small s3ar near "er upper lip. S"e must "a)e -otten it 8e1ore s"e 5ie5. A9?m sure@C 9 sai5. S"e lau-"e5 t"en@ a soun5 to 8rin- a smile to your 1a3e an5 a son- to your "eart. 7y stoma3" >erke5 at t"e noise. 9 mi-"t ne)er en>oy S"irley $emple mo)ies a-ain. A9 5on?t t"ink you are sure in t"e least.C S"e stoo5@ one smoot" motion. A t"ousan5 years o1 pra3ti3e makes per1e3t. A9 %ant t"e Eom8ie put 8a3k@ no%@ toni-"t@C 9 sai5. ADou are not in a position to %ant anyt"in-.C $"e )oi3e %as 3ol5@ )ery a5ult. !"il5ren 5i5n?t kno% "o% to strip skin %it" t"eir )oi3e. A9 raise5 it. 9 5on?t %ant it torture5.C A9sn?t t"at too 8a5BC ="at else 3oul5 9 sayB APlease.C S"e stare5 5o%n at me. A="y is it so important to youBC 9 5i5n?t t"ink 9 3oul5 e*plain it to "er. A9t >ust is.C AHo% importantBC s"e aske5.

A9 5on?t kno% %"at you mean.C A="at %oul5 you 8e %illin- to en5ure 1or your Eom8ieBC 'ear settle5 into a 3ol5 lump in t"e pit o1 my -ut. A9 5on?t kno% %"at you mean.C ADes@ you 5o@C s"e sai5. 9 stoo5 t"en@ not t"at it %oul5 "elp. 9 %as a3tually taller t"an s"e %as. S"e %as tiny@ a 5eli3ate 1airy o1 a 3"il5. <i-"t. A="at 5o you %antBC A4on?t 5o it@ Anita.C =illie %as stan5in- a%ay 1rom us@ as i1 a1rai5 to 3ome too 3lose. He %as smarter 5ea5 t"an "e "a5 8een ali)e. ANuiet@ =illie.C Her )oi3e %as 3on)ersational %"en s"e sai5 it@ no yellin-@ no t"reat. But =illie 1ell silent instantly@ like a %ell traine5 5o-. 7ay8e s"e 3au-"t my look. ="ate)er@ s"e sai5@ A9 "a5 =illie punis"e5 1or 1ailin- to "ire you t"at 1irst time.C APunis"e5BC ASurely@ P"illip "as tol5 you a8out our met"o5sBC 9 no55e5. AA 3ross2%rappe5 3o11in.C S"e smile5@ 8rilliant@ 3"eery. $"e s"a5o%s lee3"e5 it into a leer. A=illie %as )ery a1rai5 t"at 9 %oul5 lea)e "im in t"ere 1or mont"s@ or e)en years.C AVampires 3an?t star)e to 5eat". 9 un5erstan5 t"e prin3iple.C 9 a55e5 silently in my "ea5J Dou 8it3". 9 3an only 8e terri1ie5 so lon- 8e1ore 9 -et an-ry. An-er 1eels 8etter. ADou smell o1 1res" 8loo5. Let me taste you@ an5 9 %ill see your Eom8ie sa1e.C A4oes taste mean 8iteBC 9 aske5. S"e lau-"e5@ s%eet@ "eartren5in-. Bit3". ADes@ "uman@ it means 8ite.C S"e %as su55enly 8esi5e me. 9 >erke5 8a3k %it"out t"inkin-. S"e lau-"e5 a-ain. A9t seems P"illip "as 8eaten me to it.C 'or a minute 9 3oul5n?t t"ink %"at s"e meantG t"en my "an5 %ent to t"e 8ite mark on my ne3k. 9 1elt su55enly uneasy@ like s"e?5 3au-"t me nake5. $"e lau-" 1loate5 on t"e summer air. 9t %as really 8e-innin- to -et on my ner)es. A/o tastin-@C 9 sai5. A$"en let me enter your min5 a-ain. $"at?s a type o1 1ee5in-.C 9 s"ook my "ea5@ too rapi5@ too many times. 9?5 5ie 8e1ore 9?5 let "er in my min5 a-ain. 91 9 "a5 t"e 3"oi3e. A s3ream soun5e5 in t"e not so 1ar 5istan3e. ,stelle %as 1in5in- "er )oi3e. 9 %in3e5 like 9?5 8een slappe5. ALet me taste your 8loo5@ animator. /o teet".C S"e 1las"e5 1an- as s"e sai5 t"e last. ADou stan5 an5 make no mo)e to stop me. 9 %ill taste t"e 1res" %oun5 on your ne3k. 9 %on?t 1ee5 on you.C A9t?s not 8lee5in- anymore. 9t?s 3lotte5.C S"e smile5@ o" so s%eetly. A9?ll li3k it 3lean.C 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5. 9 5i5n?t kno% i1 9 3oul5 5o it. Anot"er s3ream soun5e5@ "i-" an5 lost. Go5. =illie sai5@ AAnita ... C ASilen3e@ or risk my an-er.C Her )oi3e -ro%le5 lo% an5 5ark. =illie seeme5 to s"rink in upon "imsel1. His 1a3e %as a %"ite trian-le un5er "is 8la3k "air. A9t?s all ri-"t@ =illie. 4on?t -et "urt on my a33ount@C 9 sai5. He stare5 at me a3ross t"e 5istan3e@ a 1e% yar5sG it mi-"t as %ell "a)e 8een miles. #nly t"e lost look on "is 1a3e "elpe5. Poor =illie. Poor me. A="at -oo5 is it -oin- to 5o you i1 you?re not 1ee5in- o11 meBC 9 aske5. A/o -oo5 at all.C S"e rea3"e5 a small@ pale "an5 to%ar5s me. A#1 3ourse@ 1ear is a kin5 o1 su8stan3e.C !ool 1in-ers sli5 aroun5 my %rist. 9 1lin3"e5 8ut 5i5n?t pull 8a3k. 9 %as -oin- to let "er 5o t"is@ %asn?t 9B A!all it s"a5o% 1ee5in-@ "uman. Bloo5 an5 1ear are al%ays pre3ious@ no matter "o% one o8tains t"em.C S"e steppe5 up to me. S"e e*"ale5 a-ainst my skin@ an5 9 8a3ke5 a%ay. #nly "er "an5 on my %rist kept me 3lose. A=ait. 9 %ant t"e Eom8ie 1ree5 no%@ 1irst.C S"e >ust stare5 at me@ t"en no55e5 slo%ly. AVery %ell.C S"e stare5 past me@ pale eyes seein- t"in-s t"at %eren?t t"ere or t"at 9 3oul5n?t see. 9 1elt a tension t"rou-" "er "an5@ almost a >erk o1 ele3tri3ity. A$"eresa %ill 3"ase t"em o11 an5 "a)e t"e animator lay t"e Eom8ie to rest.C

ADou 5i5 all t"at@ >ust t"enBC A$"eresa is mine to 3omman5G 5i5n?t you kno% t"atBC ADea"@ 9 -uesse5 t"at.C 9 "a5 not kno%n t"at any )ampire 3oul5 5o telepat"y. #1 3ourse@ 8e1ore last ni-"t 9 "a5n?t t"ou-"t t"ey 3oul5 1ly eit"er. #"@ 9 %as >ust learnin- all sorts o1 ne% t"in-s. AHo% 5o 9 kno% you?re not >ust tellin- me t"atBC 9 aske5. ADou %ill >ust "a)e to trust me.C /o% t"at %as almost 1unny. 91 s"e "a5 a sense o1 "umor@ may8e %e 3oul5 %ork somet"in- out. /a%. S"e pulle5 my %rist 3loser to "er 8o5y an5 me %it" it. Her "an5 %as like 1les"y steel. 9 3oul5n?t pry "er "an5 o11@ not %it" anyt"in- s"ort o1 a 8lo%tor3". An5 9 %as all out o1 8lo%tor3"es. $"e top o1 "er "ea5 1itte5 un5er my 3"in. S"e "a5 to rise on tiptoe to 8reat"e on my ne3k. 9t s"oul5 "a)e ruine5 t"e mena3e. 9t 5i5n?t. So1t lips tou3"e5 my ne3k. 9 >erke5. S"e lau-"e5 a-ainst my skin@ 1a3e presse5 a-ainst me. 9 s"i)ere5 an5 3oul5n?t stop. A9 promise to 8e -entle.C S"e lau-"e5 a-ain@ an5 9 1ou-"t an ur-e to s"o)e "er@ a%ay. 9 %oul5 "a)e -i)en almost anyt"into "it "er@ >ust on3e@ "ar5. But 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5ie toni-"t. Besi5es@ 9?5 ma5e a 5eal. APoor 5arlin-@ you?re s"akin-.C S"e lai5 a "an5 on my s"oul5er to stea5y "ersel1. S"e 8rus"e5 lips alon- t"e "ollo% o1 my ne3k. AAre you 3ol5BC A!ut t"e 3rap. Hust 5o itIC S"e sti11ene5 a-ainst me. A4on?t you %ant me to tou3" youBC A/o@C 9 sai5. =as s"e 3raEyB <"etori3al ;uestion. Her )oi3e %as )ery still. A="ere is t"e s3ar on my 1a3eBC 9 ans%ere5 %it"out t"inkin-. A/ear your mout".C AAn5 "o%@C s"e "isse5@ A5i5 you kno% t"atBC 7y "eart leape5 into my t"roat. #ops. 9 "a5 let "er kno% "er min5 tri3ks %eren?t %orkin-@ an5 t"ey s"oul5 "a)e 8een. Her "an5 5u- into my s"oul5er. 9 ma5e a small soun5@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t 3ry out. A="at "a)e you 8een 5oin-@ animatorBC 9 5i5n?t "a)e t"e 1aintest i5ea. Some"o%@ 9 5ou8te5 s"e?5 8elie)e t"at. ALea)e "er aloneIC P"illip 3ame "al12runnin- t"rou-" t"e trees. ADou promise5 me you %oul5n?t "urt "er toni-"t.C /ikolaos 5i5n?t e)en turn aroun5. A=illie.C Hust "is name@ 8ut like all -oo5 ser)ants "e kne% %"at %as %ante5. He steppe5 in 1ront o1 P"illip@ one arm strai-"t out 1rom "is 8o5y. He %as -oin- to sti112arm "im. P"illip si5esteppe5 t"e arm 8rus"in- past. =illie ne)er "a5 8een mu3" o1 a 1i-"ter. Stren-t" %asn?t enou-" i1 you "a5 s"it 1or 8alan3e. /ikolaos tou3"e5 my 3"in an5 turne5 my 1a3e 8a3k to "ers. A4o not 1or3e me to "ol5 your attention@ animator. Dou %oul5n?t like t"e met"o5s 9 %oul5 3"oose.C 9 s%allo%e5 au5i8ly. S"e %as pro8a8ly ri-"t. ADou "a)e my 1ull attention@ "onest.C 7y )oi3e 3ame out as a "oarse %"isper@ 1ear s;ueeEin- it 5o%n. 91 9 3ou-"e5 to 3lear it@ 9?5 3ou-" in "er 1a3e. /ot a -oo5 i5ea. 9 "ear5 t"e rus" o1 1eet s%is"in- t"rou-" t"e -rass. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to look up an5 a%ay 1rom t"e )ampire. /ikolaos spun 1rom me to 1a3e t"e 1ootsteps. 9 sa% "er mo)e@ 8ut it %as still 8lurrin- spee5. S"e %as >ust su55enly 1a3int"e ot"er %ay. P"illip %as stan5in- in 1ront o1 "er. =illie 3au-"t up to "im an5 -ra88e5 an arm@ 8ut 5i5n?t seem to kno% %"at to 5o %it" it. =oul5 it o33ur to =illie t"at "e 3oul5 >ust 3rus" t"e man?s armB 9 5ou8te5 it. 9t "a5 o33urre5 to /ikolaos. A<elease "im. 91 "e %ants to keep 3omin-@ let "im.C Her )oi3e promise5 a -reat 5eal o1 pain. =illie steppe5 8a3k. P"illip >ust stoo5 t"ere@ starin- past "er at me. AAre you all ri-"t@ AnitaBC AGo 8a3k insi5e@ P"illip. 9 appre3iate t"e 3on3ern@ 8ut 9 ma5e a 8ar-ain. S"e isn?t -oin- to 8ite me.C He s"ook "is "ea5. ADou promise5 s"e %oul5n?t 8e "arme5. ADou promise5.C He %as talkin- to /ikolaos a-ain@ 3are1ully not lookin- 5ire3tly at "er. AAn5 so s"e s"all not 8e "arme5. 9 keep my %or5@ P"illip@ most o1 t"e time.C A9?m all ri-"t@ P"illip. 4on?t -et "urt 8e3ause o1 me@C 9 sai5. His 1a3e 3rum8le5 %it" 3on1usion. He 5i5n?t seem to kno% %"at to 5o. His 3oura-e seeme5 to "a)e spille5 out on t"e -rass.

But "e 5i5n?t 8a3k o11. Bi- point 1or "im. 9 %oul5 "a)e 8a3ke5 o11@ may8e. Pro8a8ly. #"@ "ell@ P"illip %as 8ein- 8ra)e@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to see "im 5ie 8e3ause o1 it. AHust -o 8a3k@ P"illip@ pleaseIC A/o@C /ikolaos sai5. A91 t"e little man is 1eelin- 8ra)e@ let "im try.C P"illip?s "an5s 1le*e5@ as i1 tryin- to -ra8 on to somet"in-. /ikolaos %as su55enly 8esi5e "im. 9 "a5n?t seen "er mo)e. P"illip still "a5n?t. He %as starin- %"ere s"e "a5 8een. S"e ki3ke5 "is le-s out 1rom un5er "im. He 1ell to t"e -rass@ 8linkin- up at "er like s"e?5 >ust appeare5. A4on?t "urt "imIC 9 sai5. A pale little "an5 s"ot out@ t"e 8arest tou3". His %"ole 8o5y >erke5 8a3k%ar5s. He rolle5 on one si5e@ 8loo5 stainin- "is 1a3e. A/ikolaos@ pleaseIC 9 sai5. 9 "a5 a3tually taken t%o steps to%ar5s "er. Voluntarily. 9 3oul5 al%ays try 1or my -un. 9t %oul5n?t kill "er@ 8ut it mi-"t -i)e P"illip time to run a%ay. 91 "e %oul5 run. S3reams soun5e5 1rom t"e 5ire3tion o1 t"e "ouse. A man?s )oi3e yelle5@ APer)ertsIC A="at is itBC 9 aske5. /ikolaos ans%ere5@ A$"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e "as sent its 3on-re-ation.C S"e soun5e5 mil5ly amuse5. A9 must lea)e t"is little -et2to-et"er.C S"e %"irle5 to me@ lea)in- P"illip 5aEe5 on t"e -rass. AHo% 5i5 you see my s3arBC s"e aske5. A9 5on?t kno%.C ALittle liar. =e %ill 1inis" t"is later.C An5 s"e %as -one@ runnin- like a pale s"a5o% un5er t"e trees. At least s"e "a5n?t 1lo%n a%ay. 9 5i5n?t t"ink my %its 3oul5 "an5le t"at toni-"t. 9 knelt 8y P"illip. He %as 8lee5in- %"ere s"e "a5 "it "im. A!an you "ear meBC ADes.C He mana-e5 to sit up. A=e "a)e to -et out o1 "ere. $"e 3"ur3"-oers are al%ays arme5.C 9 "elpe5 "im to stan5. A4o t"ey in)a5e t"e 1reak parties o1tenBC A="ene)er t"ey 3an@C "e sai5. He seeme5 stea5y on "is 1eet. Goo5@ 9 3oul5 ne)er "a)e 3arrie5 "im 1ar. =illie sai5@ A9 kno% 9 5on?t "a)e a ri-"t to ask@ 8ut 9?ll "elp you -et to your 3ar.C He %ipe5 "is "an5s 5o%n "is pants. A!an 9 3at3" a ri5eBC 9 3oul5n?t "elp it. 9 lau-"e5. A!an?t you >ust 5isappear like t"e rest o1 t"emBC He s"ru--e5. A4on?t kno% "o% yet.C A#"@ =illie.C 9 si-"e5. A!ome on@ let?s -et out o1 "ere.C He -rinne5 at me. Bein- a8le to look "im in t"e eyes ma5e "im seem almost "uman. P"illip 5i5n?t o8>e3t to t"e )ampire >oinin- us. ="y "a5 9 t"ou-"t "e %oul5B $"ere %ere s3reams 1rom t"e "ouse. ASome8o5y?s -onna 3all t"e 3ops@C =illie sai5. He %as ri-"t. 9?5 ne)er 8e a8le to e*plain it. 9 -ra88e5 P"illip?s "an5 an5 stea5ie5 mysel1 %"ile 9 put t"e "i-" "eels 8a3k on. A91 9?5 kno%n %e?5 8e runnin- 1rom 3raEe5 1anati3s toni-"t@ 9?5 "a)e %orn lo%er "eels@C 9 sai5. 9 kept a -rip on P"illip?s arm to stea5y mysel1 t"rou-" t"e mine1iel5 o1 a3orns. $"is %as not t"e time to t%ist an ankle. =e %ere almost to t"e -ra)el 5ri)e %"en t"ree 1i-ures spille5 out o1 t"e "ouse. #ne "el5 a 3lu8. $"e ot"ers %ere )ampires. $"ey 5i5n?t nee5 a %eapon. 9 opene5 my purse an5 -ot my -un out@ "el5 5o%n at my si5e@ "i55en a-ainst my skirt. 9 -a)e P"illip t"e 3ar keys. AStart t"e 3arG 9?ll 3o)er our 8a3ks.C A9 5on?t kno% "o% to 5ri)e@C "e sai5. 9 "a5 1or-otten. AS"itIC A9?ll 5o it.C =illie took t"e keys@ an5 9 let "im. #ne o1 t"e )ampires rus"e5 us@ arms %i5e@ "issin-. 7ay8e "e meant to s3are usG may8e "e meant to 5o us "arm. 9?5 "a5 enou-" 1or one ni-"t. 9 3li3ke5 o11 t"e sa1ety@ 3"am8ere5 a roun5 an5 1ire5 into t"e -roun5 at "is 1eet. He "esitate5@ almost stum8le5. ABullets 3an?t "urt me@ "uman.C $"ere %as more mo)ement un5er t"e trees. 9 5i5n?t kno% i1 it %as 1rien5 or 1oe@ or i1 it ma5e a "ell o1 a lot o1 5i11eren3e. $"e )ampire kept 3omin-. 9t %as a resi5ential nei-"8or"oo5. Bullets 3an tra)el a -reat 5istan3e 8e1ore t"ey "it somet"in-. 9 3oul5n?t take t"e 3"an3e. 9 raise5 my arm@ aime5@ an5 1ire5. $"e 8ullet took "im in t"e stoma3". He >erke5 an5 sort o1 3rumple5 o)er t"e %oun5. His 1a3e "el5 astonis"ment. ASil)er2plate5 8ullets@ 1an-21a3e.C

=illie %ent 1or t"e 3ar. P"illip "esitate5 8et%een "elpin- me an5 -oin-. AGo@ P"illip@ no%.C $"e se3on5 )ampire %as tryin- to 3ir3le aroun5. AStop ri-"t %"ere you are@C 9 sai5. $"e )ampire 1roEe. AAny8o5y makes a t"reatenin- -esture@ 9?m -oin- to put a 8ullet in t"eir 8rain.C A9t %on?t kill us@C t"e se3on5 )ampire sai5. A/o@ 8ut it %on?t 5o you a "ell o1 a lot o1 -oo5@ eit"er.C $"e "uman %it" t"e 3lu8 in3"e5 1or%ar5. A4on?t@C 9 tol5 "im. $"e 3ar starte5. 9 5i5n?t 5are -lan3e 8a3k at it. 9 steppe5 8a3k%ar5s@ "opin- 9 %oul5n?t trip in t"e 5amn "i-" "eels. 91 9 1ell@ t"ey?5 rus" me. 91 t"ey rus"e5 me@ some8o5y %as -oin- to 5ie. A!ome on@ Anita@ -et in.C 9t %as P"illip@ leanin- out o1 t"e passen-er si5e 5oor. AS3oot o)er.C He 5i5@ an5 9 sli5 into t"e seat. $"e "uman rus"e5 us. A4ri)e@ no%IC =illie spun -ra)el@ an5 9 slamme5 t"e 5oor s"ut. 9 really 5i5n?t %ant to kill anyone toni-"t. $"e "uman %as s"iel5in- "is 1a3e 1rom t"e -ra)el as %e rus"e5 5o%n t"e 5ri)e%ay. $"e 3ar 8oun3e5 %il5ly@ nearly 3olli5in- %it" a tree. ASlo% 5o%nG %e?re sa1e@C 9 sai5. =illie ease5 8a3k on t"e -as. He -rinne5 at me. A=e ma5e it.C ADea".C 9 smile5 8a3k at "im@ 8ut 9 %asn?t so sure. Bloo5 %as 5rippin- 5o%n P"illip?s 1a3e in a ni3e stea5y 1lo%. He )oi3e5 my t"ou-"ts. ASa1e@ 8ut 1or "o% lon-BC He soun5e5 as tire5 as 9 1elt. 9 patte5 "is arm. A,)eryt"in- %ill 8e all ri-"t@ P"illip.C He looke5 at me. His 1a3e seeme5 ol5er t"an it "a5@ tire5. ADou 5on?t 8elie)e t"at any more t"an 9 5o.C ="at 3oul5 9 sayB He %as ri-"t.

Chapter Thirty
9 3li3ke5 on t"e sa1ety o1 my -un an5 stru--le5 into a seat 8elt. P"illip slumpe5 5o%n into t"e seat@ lon- le-s sprea5ea-le5 on eit"er si5e o1 t"e 1loor8oar5 "ump. His eyes %ere 3lose5. A="ere toBC =illie aske5. Goo5 ;uestion. 9 %ante5 to -o "ome an5 -o to sleep@ 8ut ... AP"illip?s 1a3e nee5s pat3"in- up.C ADou %anna take "im to a "ospitalBC A9?m all ri-"t@C P"illip sai5. His )oi3e %as lo% an5 stran-e. ADou aren?t all ri-"t@C 9 sai5. He opene5 "is eyes an5 turne5 to look at me. $"e 8loo5 "a5 run 5o%n "is ne3k@ a 5ark@ -listenin- stream t"at s"one in t"e 1las"es o1 t"e streetli-"ts. ADou %ere "urt a lot %orse last ni-"t@C "e sai5.@ 9 looke5 a%ay 1rom "im@ out t"e %in5o%. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. A9?m all ri-"t no%.C A9?ll 8e all ri-"t@ too.C 9 looke5 8a3k at "im. He %as starin- at me. 9 3oul5n?t rea52t"e e*pression on "is 1a3e@ an5 %ante5 to. A="at are you t"inkin-@ P"illipBC He turne5 "is "ea5 to stare strai-"t a"ea5. His 1a3e %as all sil"ouette an5 s"a5o%s. A$"at 9 stoo5 up to t"e master. 9 5i5 it. 9 5i5 itIC His )oi3e "el5 a 1ier3e %armt" %it" t"e last. 'ier3e pri5e. ADou %ere )ery 8ra)e@C 9 sai5. A9 %as@ %asn?t 9BC 9 smile5 an5 no55e5. ADes.C A9 "ate to interrupt you t%o@ 8ut 9 nee5 to kno% %"ere to 5ri)e t"is t"in-@C =illie sai5. A4rop me 8a3k at Guilty Pleasures@C P"illip sai5. ADou s"oul5 see a 5o3.C A$"ey?ll take 3are o1 me at t"e 3lu8.C ADa sureBC

He no55e5@ t"en %in3e5 an5 turne5 to me. ADou %ante5 to kno% %"o %as -i)in- me or5ers. 9t %as /ikolaos. Dou %ere ri-"t. $"at 1irst 5ay. S"e %ante5 me to se5u3e you.C He smile5. 9t 5i5n?t look ri-"t %it" t"e 8loo5. AGuess 9 %asn?t up to t"e >o8.C AP"illip ... C 9 sai5. A/o@ its all ri-"t. Dou %ere ri-"t a8out me. 9?m si3k. /o %on5er you 5i5n?t %ant me.C 9 -lan3e5 o)er at =illie. He %as 3on3entratin- on "is 5ri)in- as i1 "is li1e 5epen5e5 on it. 4amn@ "e %as smarter 5ea5 t"an ali)e. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 trie5 to 5e3i5e %"at to say. AP"illip ... $"e kiss 8e1ore you ... 8it me.C Go5@ "o% 5i5 9 say t"isB A9t %as ni3e.C He -lan3e5 at me@ ;ui3k@ t"en a%ay. ADou mean t"atBC ADes.C An a%k%ar5 silen3e stret3"e5 t"rou-" t"e 3ar. /o soun5 8ut t"e rus" o1 pa)ement un5er t"e %"eels. $"e ni-"t 1las"es o1 li-"ts@ an5 t"e isolatin- 5arkness. AStan5in- up to /ikolaos toni-"t %as one o1 t"e 8ra)est t"in-s 9?)e e)er seen any8o5y 5o. Also one o1 t"e stupi5est@C 9 sai5. He lau-"e5@ a8rupt an5 surprise5. A4on?t e)er 5o it a-ain. 9 5on?t %ant your 5eat" on my "an5s.C A9t %as my 3"oi3e@C "e sai5. A/o more "eroi3s@ okayBC He -lan3e5 at me. A=oul5 you 8e sorry i1 9 5ie5BC ADes.C A9 -uess t"at?s somet"in-.C ="at 5i5 "e %ant me to sayB $o 3on1ess un5yin- lo)e@ or somet"in- silly like t"atB Ho% a8out un5yin- lustB ,it"er one %oul5 8e a lie. ="at 5i5 "e %ant 1rom meB 9 almost aske5 "im@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 9 %asn?t t"at 8ra)e.

Chapter Thirty-one
9t %as nearly t"ree 8y t"e time 9 %alke5 up t"e stairs to my apartment. All t"e 8ruises %ere a3"in-. 7y knees@ 1eet@ an5 lo%er 8a3k %ere a nearly 8urnin- -rin5 o1 pain 1rom t"e "i-" "eels. 9 %ante5 a lon-@ "ot s"o%er an5 8e5. 7ay8e i1 9 %ere lu3ky 9 3oul5 a3tually -et ei-"t uninterrupte5 "ours o1 sleep. #1 3ourse@ 9 %oul5n?t 8et on it. 9 -ot my keys in one "an5 an5 -un in t"e ot"er. 9 "el5 t"e -un at my si5e@ >ust in 3ase a nei-"8or s"oul5 open "is or "er 5oor une*pe3te5ly. /ot"in- to 1ear@ 1olks@ >ust your 1rien5ly nei-"8or"oo5 animator. <i-"t. 'or t"e 1irst time in 1ar too lon- my 5oor %as >ust t"e %ay 9 le1t itJ lo3ke5. $"ank you@ Go5. 9 %as not in t"e moo5 to play 3ops an5 ro88ers t"is )ery early mornin-. 9 ki3ke5 o11 my s"oes >ust insi5e t"e 5oor@ t"en stum8le5 to t"e 8e5room. $"e messa-e li-"t %as 8linkin- on my ans%erin- ma3"ine. 9 lai5 my -un on t"e 8e5@ "it t"e play 8utton@ an5 starte5 un5ressin-. AHi@ Anita@ t"is is <onnie. 9 -ot a meetin- set up 1or tomorro% %it" t"e -uy 1rom HAV. 7y o11i3e@ ele)en o?3lo3k. 91 t"e time is 8a5@ lea)e a messa-e on my ma3"ine@ an5 9?ll -et 8a3k to you. Be 3are1ul.C !li3k@ %"irr@ an5 ,5%ar5?s )oi3e 3ame out o1 t"e ma3"ine. A$"e 3lo3k is ti3kin-@ Anita.C !li3k. 4amn. ADou like your little -ames@ 5on?t you@ you son o1 a 8it3"BC 9 %as -ettin- -rumpy@ an5 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at 9 %as -ointo 5o a8out ,5%ar5. #r /ikolaos@ or Ka3"ary@ or Valentine@ or Au8rey. 9 5i5 kno% 9 %ante5 a s"o%er. 9 3oul5 start t"ere. 7ay8e 9?5 "a)e a 8rilliant i5ea %"ile 9 %as s3ru88in- -oat 8loo5 o11 my skin. 9 lo3ke5 t"e 5oor to t"e 8at"room an5 lai5 my -un on t"e top o1 t"e toilet. 9 %as 8e-innin- to -et a little paranoi5. #r may8e realisti3 %as a 8etter %or5. 9 turne5 t"e %ater on until it steame5@ t"en steppe5 into it. 9 %as no 3loser to sol)in- t"e )ampire mur5ers no% t"an 9 "a5 8een t%enty21our "ours a-o. ,)en i1 9 sol)e5 t"e 3ase@ 9 still "a5 pro8lems. Au8rey an5 Valentine %ere -oin- to kill me on3e /ikolaos remo)e5 "er prote3tion 1rom me. Pea3"y. 9 %asn?t e)en sure t"at /ikolaos "ersel1 5i5n?t "a)e i5eas in t"at 5ire3tion. /o%@ Ka3"ary@ "e %as killin- people to 1ee5 "is )oo5oo 3"arm. 9 "a5 "ear5 o1 3"arms t"at 5eman5e5 "uman sa3ri1i3e. !"arms t"at -a)e you a %"ole lot less t"an immortality. =ealt"@ po%er@ se*2t"e a-e2ol5 %ants. 9t %as )ery spe3i1i3 8loo523"il5ren@ or )ir-ins@ or prea5oles3ent 8oys@ or little ol5 la5ies %it" 8lue "air an5 one %oo5en le-. All ri-"t@ not t"at spe3i1i3@ 8ut t"ere "a5 to 8e a pattern to it. A strin- o1 5isappearan3es %it" similar )i3tims. 91 Ka3"ary "a5 8een simply lea)in- t"e 8o5ies to 8e 1oun5@ t"e ne%spapers %oul5 "a)e pi3ke5 up on it 8y no%. 7ay8e.

He "a5 to 8e stoppe5. 91 9 "a5n?t inter1ere5 toni-"t@ "e %oul5 "a)e 8een stoppe5. /o -oo5 5ee5 -oes unpunis"e5. 9 leane5 palms a-ainst t"e 8at"room tile@ lettin- t"e %ater %as" 5o%n my 8a3k in nearly s3al5in- ri)ulets. #kay@ 9 "a5 to kill Valentine 8e1ore "e kille5 me. 9 "a5 a %arrant 1or "is 5eat". 9t "a5 ne)er 8een re)oke5. #1 3ourse@ 9 "a5 to 1in5 "im 1irst. Au8rey %as 5an-erous@ 8ut at least "e %as out o1 t"e %ay until /ikolaos let "im out o1 "is trappe5 3o11in. 9 3oul5 >ust turn Ka3"ary o)er to t"e poli3e. 4olp" %oul5 listen to me@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t "a)e a s"re5 o1 proo1. Hell@ t"e ma-i3 %as e)en somet"in- 9?5 ne)er "ear5 o1. 91 9 3oul5n?t un5erstan5 %"at Ka3"ary %as@ "o% %as 9 -oin- to e*plain it to t"e poli3eB /ikolaos. =oul5 s"e let me li)e i1 9 sol)e5 t"e 3aseB #r notB 9 5i5n?t kno%. ,5%ar5 %as 3omin- to -et me tomorro% e)enin-. 9 eit"er -a)e "im /ikolaos or "e took a pie3e o1 my "i5e. Kno%in,5%ar5@ it %oul5 8e a pain1ul pie3e to lose. 7ay8e 9 3oul5 >ust -i)e "im t"e )ampire. Hust tell "im %"at "e %ante5 to kno%. An5 "e 1ails to kill "er@ an5 s"e 3omes an5 -ets me. $"e one t"in- 9 %ante5 to a)oi5@ almost more t"an anyt"inelse@ %as /ikolaos 3omin- to -et me. 9 5rie5 o11@ ran a 8rus" t"rou-" my "air@ an5 "a5 to -et somet"in- to eat. 9 trie5 to tell mysel1 9 %as too tire5 to eat. 7y stoma3" 5i5n?t 8elie)e me. 9t %as 1our 8e1ore 9 1ell into 8e5. 7y 3ross %as sa1ely aroun5 my ne3k. $"e -un in its "olster 8e"in5 t"e "ea5 8oar5. An5@ >ust 1or pure pani3?s sake@ 9 slippe5 a kni1e 8et%een t"e mattress an5 8o* sprin-s. 9?5 ne)er -et to it in time to 5o any -oo5@ 8ut ... =ell@ you ne)er kno%. 9 5reame5 a8out Hean2!lau5e a-ain. He %as sittin- at a ta8le eatin- 8la3k8erries. AVampires 5on?t eat soli5 1oo5@C 9 sai5. A,*a3tly.C He smile5 an5 pus"e5 t"e 8o%l o1 1ruit to%ar5s me. A9 "ate 8la3k8erries@C 9 sai5. A$"ey %ere al%ays my 1a)orite. 9 "a5n?t taste5 t"em in 3enturies.C His 1a3e looke5 %ist1ul. 9 pi3ke5 up t"e 8o%l. 9t %as 3ool@ almost 3ol5. $"e 8la3k8erries %ere 1loatin- in 8loo5. $"e 8o%l 1ell 1rom my "an5s@ slo%@ spillin- 8loo5 on t"e ta8le@ more t"an it 3oul5 e)er "a)e "el5. Bloo5 5rippe5 5o%n t"e ta8letop@ onto t"e 1loor. Hean2!lau5e stare5 at me o)er t"e 8lee5in- ta8le. His %or5s 3ame like a %arm %in5. A/ikolaos %ill kill us 8ot". =e must strike 1irst@ ma petite.C A="at?s t"is F%e? 3rapBC He 3uppe5 pale "an5s in t"e 1lo%in- 8loo5 an5 "el5 t"em out to me@ like a 3up. Bloo5 5rippe5 out 1rom 8et%een "is 1in-ers. A4rink. 9t %ill make you stron-.C 9 %oke starin- up into t"e 5arkness. A4amn you@ Hean2!lau5e@C 9 %"ispere5. A="at "a)e you 5one to meBC $"ere %as no ans%er 1rom t"e 5ark@ empty room. $"ank -oo5ness 1or small 1a)ors. $"e 3lo3k rea5 si*2o"2t"ree a.m. 9 rolle5 o)er an5 snu--le5 8a3k into t"e 3o)ers. $"e %"ir o1 air 3on5itionin- 3oul5n?t "i5e t"e soun5s o1 one o1 my nei-"8ors runnin- %ater. 9 s%it3"e5 on t"e ra5io. 7oEart?s piano 3on3erto in , 1lat 1ille5 t"e 5arkene5 room. 9t %as really too li)ely to sleep to@ 8ut 9 %ante5 noise. 7y 3"oi3e o1 noise. 9 5on?t kno% i1 it %as 7oEart or 9 %as >ust too tire5G %"ate)er@ 9 %ent 8a3k to sleep. 91 9 5reame5@ 9 5i5n?t remem8er it.

Chapter Thirty-two
$"e alarm s"rieke5 t"rou-" my sleep. 9t soun5e5 like a 3ar alarm@ "i5eously lou5. 9 smas"e5 my palm on t"e 8uttons. 7er3i1ully@ it s"ut o11. 9 8linke5 at t"e 3lo3k t"rou-" "al12slit eyes. /ine a.m. 4amn. 9 "a5 1or-otten to unset t"e alarm. 9 "a5 time to -et 5resse5 an5 make 3"ur3". 9 5i5 not %ant to -et up. 9 5i5 not %ant to -o to 3"ur3". Surely@ Go5 %oul5 1or-i)e me >ust t"is on3e. #1 3ourse@ 9 5i5 nee5 all t"e "elp 9 3oul5 -et ri-"t no%. 7ay8e 9?5 e)en "a)e a re)elation@ an5 e)eryt"in- %oul5 1all into pla3e. 4on?t lau-"G it "a5 "appene5 8e1ore. 4i)ine ai5 is not somet"in- 9 rely on@ 8ut e)ery on3e in a %"ile 9 t"ink 8etter at 3"ur3". ="en t"e %orl5 is 1ull o1 )ampires an5 8a5 -uys@ an5 a 8lesse5 3ross may 8e all t"at stan5s 8et%een you an5 5eat"@ it puts 3"ur3" in a 5i11erent li-"t. So to speak. 9 3ra%le5 out o1 8e5@ -roanin-. $"e p"one ran-. 9 sat on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5@ %aitin- 1or t"e ans%erin- ma3"ine to pi3k up. 9t 5i5. AAnita@ t"is is Ser-eant Storr. =e -ot anot"er )ampire mur5er.C 9 pi3ke5 up t"e re3ei)er. AHi@ 4olp".C AGoo5. Gla5 9 3au-"t you 8e1ore 3"ur3".C

A9s it anot"er 5ea5 )ampireBC A7m"u".C AHust like t"e ot"ersBC 9 aske5. ASeems to 8e. /ee5 you to 3ome 5o%n an5 take a look.C 9 no55e5@ realiEe5 "e 3oul5n?t see it@ an5 sai5@ ASure@ %"enBC A<i-"t no%.C 9 si-"e5. So mu3" 1or 3"ur3". $"ey 3oul5n?t "ol5 t"e 8o5y until noon@ or a1ter@ >ust 1or little o1 me. AGi)e me t"e lo3ation. =ait@ let me -et a pen t"at %orks.C 9 kept a notepa5 8y t"e 8e5@ 8ut t"e pen "a5 5ie5 %it"out my kno%in- it. A#kay@ s"oot.C $"e lo3ation %as only a8out a 8lo3k 1rom !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5. A$"at?s on t"e 1rin-e o1 t"e 4istri3t. /one o1 t"e ot"er mur5ers "a)e 8een t"at 1ar a%ay 1rom t"e <i)er1ront. A A$rue@C "e sai5. A="at else is 5i11erent a8out t"is oneBC ADou?ll see it %"en you -et "ere.C 7r. 9n1ormation. A'ine@ 9?ll 8e t"ere in "al1 an "our.C ASee you t"en.C $"e p"one %ent 5ea5. A=ell@ -oo5 mornin- to you to@ 4olp"@C 9 sai5 to t"e re3ei)er. 7ay8e "e %asn?t a mornin- person eit"er. 7y "an5s %ere "ealin-. 9 "a5 taken t"e Ban52Ai5s o11 last ni-"t 8e3ause t"ey %ere 3o)ere5 %it" -oat 8loo5. $"e s3rapes %ere s3a88in- ni3ely@ so 9 5i5n?t 8ot"er %it" more Ban52Ai5s. #ne 1at 8an5a-e 3o)ere5 t"e kni1e %oun5 on my arm. 9 3oul5n?t "urt my le1t arm anymore. 9 "a5 run out o1 room. $"e 8ite mark on my ne3k %as 8e-innin- to 8ruise. 9t looke5 like t"e %orl5?s %orst "i3ky. 91 Ker8ro%ski sa% it@ 9 %oul5 ne)er li)e it 5o%n. 9 put a Ban52Ai5 on it. /o% it looke5 like 9 %as 3o)erin- a )ampire 8ite. 4amn. 9 le1t it. Let people %on5er. /one o1 t"eir 8usiness any%ay. 9 put a re5 polo s"irt on@ tu3ke5 into >eans. 7y /ikes@ an5 a s"oul5er "arness 1or my -un@ an5 9 %as all set. 7y s"oul5er ri- "as a little pou3" 1or e*tra ammo. 9 put 1res" 3lips in it. $%enty2si* 8ullets. =at3" out@ 8a5 -uys. $rut" %as@ most 1ire1i-"ts %ere 1inis"e5 8e1ore t"e 1irst ei-"t s"ots %ere -one. But t"ere %as al%ays a 1irst time. 9 3arrie5 a 8ri-"t yello% %in58reaker o)er my arm. 9?5 put it on >ust in 3ase t"e -un starte5 makin- people ner)ous. 9 %oul5 8e %orkin- %it" t"e poli3e. $"ey?5 "a)e t"eir -uns out in plain si-"t. ="y 3oul5n?t 9B Besi5es@ 9 %as tire5 o1 -ames. Let t"e 8astar5s kno% 9 %as arme5 an5 %illin-. $"ere are al%ays too many people at a mur5er s3ene. /ot t"e -a%kers@ t"e people %"o 3ome to %at3"G you e*pe3t t"at. $"ere is al%ays somet"in- 1as3inatin- a8out someone else?s 5eat". But t"e pla3e al%ays s%arms %it" poli3e@ mostly 5ete3ti)es %it" a sprinklin- o1 uni1orms. So many 3ops 1or one little mur5er. $"ere %as e)en a ne%s )an@ %it" a "u-e satellite antenna sti3kin- out o1 its 8a3k like a -iant ray -un 1rom some 19& s s3ien3e 1i3tion mo)ie. $"ere %oul5 8e more ne%s )ans@ 9 %as 8ettin- on t"at. 9 5on?t kno% "o% t"e poli3e kept it ;uiet t"is lon-. Vampire mur5ers@ -ee %"iE@ sensationalism at its 8est. Dou 5on?t e)en "a)e to a55 anyt"in- to make it 8iEarre. 9 kept t"e 3ro%5 8et%een mysel1 an5 t"e 3ameraman. A reporter %it" s"ort 8lon5 "air an5 a stylis" 8usiness suit %as s"o)in- a mi3rop"one in 4olp"?s 1a3e. As lon- as 9 staye5 near t"e -ruesome remains@ 9 %as sa1e. $"ey mi-"t -et me on 1ilm@ 8ut t"ey %oul5n?t 8e a8le to s"o% it on tele)ision. Goo5 taste an5 all@ you kno%. 9 "a5 a little plasti32en3lose5 3ar5@ 3omplete %it" pi3ture@ t"at -a)e me a33ess to poli3e areas. 9 al%ays 1elt like a >unior G2 man %"en 9 3lippe5 it to my 3ollar. 9 %as stoppe5 at t"e yello% poli3e 8anner 8y a )i-ilant uni1orm. He stare5 at my 9. 4. 1or se)eral se3on5s@ as i1 tryin- to 5e3i5e %"et"er 9 %as kos"er or not. =oul5 "e let me t"rou-" t"e line@ or %oul5 "e 3all a 5ete3ti)e o)er 1irstB 9 stoo5@ "an5s at my si5es@ tryin- to look "armless. 9?m a3tually )ery -oo5 at t"at. 9 3an look 5o%nri-"t 3ute. $"e uni1orm raise5 t"e tape an5 let me t"rou-". 9 resiste5 an ur-e to say@ AAtta 8oy.C 9 5i5 say@ A$"ank you.C $"e 8o5y lay near a lamp pole. Le-s %ere sprea5ea-le5. #ne arm t%iste5 un5er t"e 8o5y@ pro8a8ly 8roken. $"e 3enter o1 t"e 8a3k %as missin-@ as i1 someone "a5 s"o)e5 a "an5 t"rou-" t"e 8o5y an5 >ust s3oope5 out t"e 3enter. $"e "eart %oul5 8e -one@ >ust like all t"e ot"ers. 4ete3ti)e !li)e Perry %as stan5in- 8y t"e 8o5y. He %as a tall@ slen5er@ 8la3k man@ an5 most re3ent mem8er o1 t"e spook s;ua5. He al%ays seeme5 so so1t2spoken an5 pleasant. 9 3oul5 ne)er ima-ine Perry 5oin- anyt"in- ru5e enou-" to piss someone o11@ 8ut you 5i5n?t -et assi-ne5 to t"e s;ua5 %it"out a reason. He looke5 up 1rom "is note8ook. AHi@ 7s. Blake.C AHello@ 4ete3ti)e Perry.C

He smile5. ASer-eant Storr sai5 you?5 8e 3omin- 5o%n.C A9s e)eryone else 1inis"e5 %it" t"e 8o5yBC He no55e5. A9t?s all yours.C A 5ark 8ro%n pu55le o1 8loo5 sprea5 out 1rom un5er t"e 8o5y. 9 knelt 8esi5e it. $"e 8loo5 "a5 3on-eale5 to a ta3ky@ -luelike 3onsisten3y. <i-or mortis "a5 3ome an5 -one@ i1 t"ere "a5 8een ri-or mortis. Vampires 5i5n?t al%ays rea3t to A5eat"C t"e %ay a "uman 8o5y 5i5. 9t ma5e >u5-in- t"e time o1 5eat" "ar5er. But t"at %as t"e 3oroner?s >o8@ not mine. $"e 8ri-"t summer sun presse5 5o%n o)er t"e 8o5y. 'rom t"e s"ape an5 t"e 8la3k pants suit@ 9 %as 8ettin- it %as 1emale. 9t %as sort o1 "ar5 to tell@ lyin- on its stoma3"@ 3"est 3a)e5 in@ an5 t"e "ea5 missin-. $"e spine s"o%e5 %"ite an5 -listenin-. Bloo5 "a5 poure5 out o1 t"e ne3k like a 8roken 8ottle o1 re5 %ine. $"e skin %as torn@ t%iste5. 9t looke5 like some8o5y "a5 rippe5 t"e 1reakin- "ea5 o11. 9 s%allo%e5 )ery "ar5. 9 "a5n?t t"ro%n up on a mur5er )i3tim in mont"s. 9 stoo5 up an5 put a little 5istan3e 8et%een mysel1 an5 t"e 8o5y. !oul5 t"is "a)e 8een 5one 8y a "uman 8ein-B /oG may8e. Hell. 91 it %as a "uman 8ein-@ t"en t"ey %ere tryin- )ery "ar5 to make it look ot"er%ise. /o matter %"at a sur1a3e look re)eale5@ t"e 3oroner al%ays 1oun5 kni1e marks on t"e 8o5y. $"e ;uestion %as@ 5i5 t"e kni1e marks 3ome 8e1ore or a1ter 5eat"B =as it a "uman tryin- to look like a monster@ or a monster tryin- to look like a "umanB A="ere?s t"e "ea5BC 9 aske5. ADou sure you 1eel all ri-"tBC 9 looke5 up at "im. 4i5 9 look paleB A9?ll 8e 1ine.C 7e@ 8i-@ tou-" )ampire slayer@ no t"ro% up at t"e si-"t o1 5e3apitate5 "ea5s. <i-"t. Perry raise5 "is eye8ro%s 8ut %as too polite to pus" t"e issue. He le5 me a8out ei-"t 1eet 5o%n t"e si5e%alk. Someone "a5 t"ro%n a plasti3 3o)er o)er t"e "ea5. A se3on5 smaller pool o1 3on-ealin- 8loo5 ooEe5 out 1rom un5er t"e plasti3. Perry 8ent o)er an5 -raspe5 t"e plasti3. ADou rea5yBC 9 no55e5@ not trustin- my )oi3e. He li1te5 t"e plasti3@ like a 3urtain 8a3k5rop to %"at lay on t"e si5e%alk. Lon-@ 8la3k "air 1lo%e5 aroun5 a pale 1a3e. $"e "air %as matte5 an5 sti3ky %it" 8loo5. $"e 1a3e "a5 8een attra3ti)e 8ut no more. $"e 1eatures %ere sla3k@ almost 5oll2like in t"eir unreality. 7y eyes sa% it@ 8ut it took my 8rain a 1e% se3on5s to re-ister. AS"itIC A="at is itBC 9 stoo5 up@ 1ast@ an5 took t%o steps out into t"e street. Perry 3ame to stan5 8esi5e me. AAre you all ri-"tBC 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e plasti3 %it" its -risly little lump. =as 9 all ri-"tB Goo5 ;uestion. 9 3oul5 i5enti1y t"is 8o5y. 9t %as $"eresa.

Chapter Thirty-three
9 arri)e5 at <onnie?s o11i3e a 1e% minutes 8e1ore ele)en. 9 pause5 %it" my "an5 on t"e 5oorkno8. 9 3oul5n?t s"ake t"e ima-e o1 $"eresa?s "ea5 on t"e si5e%alk. S"e "a5 8een 3ruel an5 "a5 pro8a8ly kille5 "un5re5s o1 "umans. ="y 5i5 9 1eel pity 1or "erB Stupi5ity@ 9 suppose. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 pus"e5 t"e 5oor in%ar5. <onnie?s o11i3e is 1ull o1 %in5o%s. Li-"t -lares in 1rom t%o si5es@ sout" an5 %est. ="i3" means in t"e a1ternoon t"e room is like a solar "eater. /o amount o1 air 3on5itionin- is -oin- to o)er3ome t"at mu3" suns"ine. Dou 3an see t"e 4istri3t 1rom <onnie?s suns"iny %in5o%s. 91 you 3are to look. <onnie %a)e5 me t"rou-" t"e 5oor into t"e almost 8lin5in- -lare o1 "er o11i3e. A 5eli3ate2lookin- %oman %as sittin- in a 3"air a3ross 1rom t"e 5esk. S"e %as Asian %it" s"iny@ 8la3k "air style5 3are1ully 8a3k 1rom "er 1a3e. A royal purple >a3ket@ %"i3" mat3"e5 "er tailore5 skirt@ %as 1ol5e5 neatly on t"e 3"air arm. A s"iny@ la)en5er 8louse 8rou-"t attention to t"e up2tilte5 eyes an5 t"e 1aint la)en5er s"a5in- on t"e li5s an5 8ro%. Her ankles %ere 3rosse5@ "an5s 1ol5e5 in "er lap. S"e looke5 3ool in "er la)en5er 8louse@ e)en in t"e s%elterin- suns"ine. 9t 3au-"t me o11 -uar5 1or a minute@ seein- "er like t"at@ a1ter all t"ese years. 'inally@ 9 3lose5 my -apin- mout" an5 %alke5 1or%ar5@ "an5 e*ten5e5. ABe)erly@ it "as 8een a lon- time.C S"e stoo5 neatly an5 put a 3ool "an5 in mine. A$"ree years.C Pre3ise@ t"at %as Be)erly all o)er. ADou t%o kno% ea3" ot"erBC <onnie aske5. 9 turne5 8a3k to "er. ABe) 5i5n?t mention t"at s"e kne% meBC <onnie s"ook "er "ea5.

9 stare5 at t"e ne% %oman. A="y 5i5n?t you mention it to <onnieBC A9 5i5 not t"ink it ne3essary.C Be) "a5 to raise "er 3"in to look me in t"e eye. /ot many people "a)e to 5o t"at. 9t?s rare enou-" t"at 9 al%ays 1in5 it an o55 sensation@ as i1 9 s"oul5 stoop 5o%n so %e 3an 8e at eye le)el. A9s someone -oin- to tell me %"ere you t%o kno% ea3" ot"er 1romBC <onnie aske5. <onnie mo)e5 past us to sit 8e"in5 "er 5esk. S"e tilte5 t"e 3"air sli-"tly 8a3k on its s%i)el@ 3rosse5 "an5s o)er stoma3"@ an5 %aite5. Her pure -rey eyes@ so1t as kitten 1ur@ stare5 at me. A4o you min5 i1 9 tell "er@ Be)BC Be) "a5 sat 5o%n a-ain@ smoot" an5 la5ylike. S"e "a5 real 5i-nity an5 "a5 al%ays impresse5 me as 8ein- a la5y@ in t"e 8est sense o1 t"e %or5. A91 you 1eel it ne3essary@ 9 5o not o8>e3t@C s"e sai5. /ot e*a3tly a rousin- -o2a"ea5@ 8ut it %oul5 5o. 9 1loppe5 5o%n in t"e ot"er 3"air@ )ery a%are o1 my >eans an5 >o--ins"oes. Besi5e Be) 9 looke5 like an ill25resse5 3"il5. 'or >ust a moment 9 1elt itG t"en it %as -one. <emem8er@ no one 3an make you 1eel in1erior %it"out your 3onsent. ,leanor <oose)elt sai5 t"at. 9t is a ;uote 9 try to li)e 8y. 7ost o1 t"e time 9 su33ee5. ABe)?s 1amily %ere t"e )i3tims o1 a )ampire pa3k. #nly Be)erly sur)i)e5. 9 %as one o1 t"e people %"o "elpe5 5estroy t"e )ampires.C Brie1@ to t"e point@ a "ell o1 a lot le1t out. 7ostly t"e pain1ul parts. Be) spoke in t"at ;uiet@ pre3ise )oi3e o1 "ers. A="at Anita "as le1t out is t"at s"e sa)e5 my li1e at risk o1 "er o%n.C S"e -lan3e5 5o%n at "er "an5s %"ere t"ey lay in "er lap. 9 remem8ere5 my 1irst -limpse o1 Be)erly !"in. #ne pale le- t"ras"in- a-ainst t"e 1loor. $"e 1las" o1 1an-s as t"e )ampire reare5 to strike. A -limpse o1 pale@ s3reamin- 1a3e@ an5 5ark "air. $"e pure terror as s"e s3reame5. 7y "an5 t"ro%in- a sil)er28la5e5 kni1e an5 "ittin- t"e )ampire?s s"oul5er. /ot a killin- 8lo%G t"ere "a5 8een no time. $"e 3reature "a5 spranto its 1eet@ roarin- at me. 9 stoo5 1a3in- t"e t"in- %it" t"e last kni1e 9 "a5@ -un lon- sin3e emptie5@ alone. An5 9 remem8ere5 Be)erly !"in 8eatin- t"e )ampire?s "ea5 in %it" a sil)er 3an5lesti3k@ %"ile "e 3rou3"e5 o)er me@ 8reat" %arm on my ne3k. Her s"rieks e3"oe5 t"rou-" my 5reams 1or %eeks@ as s"e 8eat t"e t"in-?s "ea5 to pie3es until 8loo5 an5 8rain seepe5 out onto t"e 1loor. All t"at passe5 8et%een us %it"out %or5s. =e "a5 sa)e5 ea3" ot"er?s li)esG it is a 8on5 t"at sti3ks %it" you. 'rien5s"ips may 1a5e@ 8ut t"ere is al%ays t"at o8li-ation@ t"at kno%le5-e 1or-e5 o1 terror an5 8loo5 an5 s"are5 )iolen3e@ t"at ne)er really lea)es. 9t %as t"ere 8et%een us a1ter t"ree lon- years@ strainin- an5 tou3"a8le. <onnie is a smart la5y. S"e 3au-"t on to t"e a%k%ar5 silen3e. A=oul5 any8o5y like a 5rinkBC A/onal3o"oli3@C Be) an5 9 sai5 to-et"er. =e lau-"e5 at ea3" ot"er@ an5 t"e strain 1a5e5. =e %oul5 ne)er 8e true 1rien5s@ 8ut per"aps %e 3oul5 stop 8ein- -"osts to ea3" ot"er. <onnie 8rou-"t us t%o 5iet !okes. 9 ma5e a 1a3e 8ut took it any%ay. 9 kne% t"at %as all s"e "a5 in t"e o11i3e?s little 1ri5-e. =e "a5 "a5 5is3ussions a8out 5iet 5rinks@ 8ut s"e s%ore s"e like5 t"e taste. Like5 t"e taste@ -ar-I Be) took "ers -ra3iouslyG per"aps t"at %as %"at s"e 5rank at "ome. Gi)e me somet"in- 1attenin- %it" a little taste to it any 5ay. A<onnie mentione5 on t"e p"one t"at t"ere mi-"t 8e a 5eat" s;ua5 atta3"e5 to HAV. 9s t"at trueBC 9 sai5. Be) stare5 5o%n at t"e 3an@ %"i3" s"e "el5 %it" one "an5 3uppe5 un5erneat" so it %oul5n?t stain "er skirt. A9 5o not kno% positi)ely t"at it is true@ 8ut 9 8elie)e it to 8e.C A$ell me %"at you?)e "ear5BC 9 aske5. A$"ere %as talk 1or a %"ile o1 1ormin- a s;ua5 to "unt t"e )ampires. $o kill t"em as t"ey "a)e kille5 our ... 1amilies. $"e presi5ent o1 3ourse )etoe5 t"e i5ea. =e %ork %it"in t"e system. =e are not )i-ilantes.C S"e sai5 it almost as a ;uestion@ as i1 tryin- to 3on)in3e "ersel1 more t"an us. S"e %as s"aken 8y %"at mi-"t "a)e "appene5. Her neat little %orl5 3ollapsin- a-ain. ABut lately 9 "a)e "ear5 talk. People in our or-aniEation 8ra--in- o1 slayin- )ampires.C AHo% %ere t"ey suppose5ly kille5BC 9 aske5. S"e looke5 at me@ "esitate5. A9 5o not kno%.C A/o "intBC S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A9 8elie)e 9 3oul5 1in5 out 1or you. 9s it importantBC A$"e poli3e "a)e "i55en 3ertain 5etails 1rom t"e -eneral pu8li3. $"in-s only t"e mur5erer %oul5 kno%.C A9 see.C S"e -lan3e5 5o%n at t"e 3an in "er "an5s@ t"en up at me. A9 5o not 8elie)e it is mur5er e)en i1 my people "a)e 5one %"at t"e papers say. Killin- 5an-erous animals s"oul5 not 8e a 3rime.C 9n part 9 a-ree5 %it" "er. #n3e 9 "a5 a-ree5 %it" "er %"ole"earte5ly. A$"en %"y tell usBC 9 aske5. S"e looke5 5ire3tly at me@ 5ark@ nearly 8la3k eyes starin- into my 1a3e. A9 o%e you.C

ADou sa)e5 my li1e as %ell. Dou o%e me not"in-.C A$"ere %ill al%ays 8e a 5e8t 8et%een us@ al%ays.C 9 looke5 into "er 1a3e an5 un5erstoo5. Be) "a5 8e--e5 me not to tell anyone t"at s"e "a5 8eaten t"e )ampire?s "ea5 in. 9 t"ink it "orri1ie5 "er t"at s"e %as 3apa8le o1 su3" )iolen3e@ re-ar5less o1 moti)e. 9 "a5 tol5 t"e poli3e t"at s"e 5istra3te5 t"e )ampire so 9 3oul5 kill it. S"e "a5 8een 5isproportionately -rate1ul 1or t"at small %"ite lie. 7ay8e i1 no one else kne%@ s"e 3oul5 preten5 it "a5 ne)er "appene5. 7ay8e. S"e stoo5@ smoot"in- "er skirt 5o%n in 8a3k. S"e sat "er so5a 3an 3are1ully on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 5esk. A9 %ill lea)e a messa-e %it" 7s. Sims %"en 9 1in5 out more.C 9 no55e5. A9 appre3iate %"at you?re 5oin-.C S"e mi-"t 8e 8etrayin- "er 3ause 1or me. S"e lai5 "er purple >a3ket o)er "er arm@ small purse 3laspe5 in "er "an5s. AViolen3e is not t"e ans%er. =e must %ork %it"in t"e system. Humans A-ainst Vampires stan5s 1or la% an5 or5er@ not )i-ilantism.C 9t soun5e5 like a prere3or5e5 spee3". But 9 let it -o. ,)eryone nee5s somet"in- to 8elie)e in. S"e s"ook "an5s %it" 8ot" o1 us. Her "an5 %as 3ool an5 5ry. S"e le1t@ slen5er s"oul5ers )ery strai-"t. $"e 5oor 3lose5 1irmly 8ut ;uietly 8e"in5 "er. $o look at "er you %oul5 ne)er kno% t"at s"e "a5 8een tou3"e5 8y e*treme )iolen3e. 7ay8e t"at?s t"e %ay s"e %ante5 it. ="o %as 9 to ar-ueB <onnie sai5@ A#kay@ no% you 1ill me in. ="at "a)e you 1oun5 outBC AHo% 5o you kno% 9?)e 1oun5 out anyt"in-BC 9 aske5. ABe3ause you looke5 a little -reen aroun5 t"e -ills %"en you 3ame t"rou-" t"e 5oor.C AGreat. An5 9 t"ou-"t 9 %as "i5in- it.C S"e patte5 my arm. A4on?t %orry. 9 >ust kno% you too %ell@ t"at?s all.C 9 no55e5@ takin- t"e e*planation 1or %"at it %as@ 3om1ortin- 3rap. But 9 took it any%ay. 9 tol5 "er a8out $"eresa?s 5eat". 9 tol5 "er e)eryt"in-@ e*3ept t"e 5reams %it" Hean2!lau5e in t"em. $"at %as pri)ate. S"e let out a lo% %"istle. A4amn@ you "a)e 8een 8usy. 4o you t"ink a "uman 5eat" s;ua5 is 5oin- itBC ADou mean HAVBC S"e no55e5. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. A9 5on?t kno%. 91 it?s "umans@ 9 5on?t "a)e t"e 1aintest i5ea "o% t"ey?re 5oin- it. 9t %oul5 take super"uman stren-t" to rip a "ea5 o11.C AA )ery stron- "umanBC s"e aske5. $"e ima-e o1 =inter?s 8ul-in- arms 1las"e5 into my min5. A7ay8e@ 8ut t"at kin5 o1 stren-t" ... C A:n5er pressure@ little ol5 -rannies "a)e li1te5 entire 3ars.C S"e "a5 a point. AHo% %oul5 you like to )isit t"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1eBC 9 aske5. A$"inkin- a8out >oinin- upBC 9 1ro%ne5 at "er. S"e lau-"e5. A#kay@ okay@ stop -lo%erin- at me. ="y are %e -oin-BC ALast ni-"t t"ey rai5e5 t"e party %it" 3lu8s. 9?m not sayin- t"ey meant to kill anyone@ 8ut %"en you start 8eatin- on peopleC29 s"ru--e52Aa33i5ents "appen.C ADou t"ink t"e !"ur3" is 8e"in5 itBC A4on?t kno%@ 8ut i1 t"ey "ate t"e 1reaks enou-" to storm t"eir parties@ may8e t"ey "ate t"em enou-" to kill t"em.C A7ost o1 t"e !"ur3"?s mem8ers are )ampires@C s"e sai5. A,*a3tly. Super"uman stren-t" an5 t"e a8ility to -et 3lose to t"e )i3tims.C <onnie smile5. A/ot 8a5@ Blake@ not 8a5.C 9 8o%e5 my "ea5 mo5estly. A/o% all %e -ot to 5o is pro)e it.C Her eyes %ere still s"iny %it" "umor %"en s"e sai5@ A:nless o1 3ourse t"ey 5i5n?t 5o it.C A#"@ s"ut up. 9t?s a pla3e to start.C S"e sprea5 "er "an5s %i5e. AHey@ 9?m not 3omplainin-. 7y 1at"er al%ays tol5 me@ F/e)er 3riti3iEe@ unless you 3an 5o a 8etter >o8.? A ADou 5on?t kno% %"at?s -oin- on eit"er@ "u"BC 9 aske5. Her 1a3e so8ere5. A=is" 9 5i5.C

So 5i5 9.

Chapter Thirty-four
$"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e@ main 8uil5in-@ is >ust o11 Pa-e A)enue@ 1ar 1rom t"e 4istri3t. $"e !"ur3" 5oesn?t like to 8e asso3iate5 %it" t"e ri11ra11. Vampire strip 3lu8@ !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5@ tsk2tsk. Ho% s"o3kin-. /o@ t"ey t"ink o1 t"emsel)es as mainstream un5ea5. $"e 3"ur3" itsel1 is set in an e*panse o1 nake5 -roun5. Small trees stru--le5 to -ro% into 8i- trees an5 s"a5e t"e startlin%"ite o1 t"e 3"ur3". 9t seeme5 to -lo% in t"e "ot Huly suns"ine@ like a lan528oun5 moon. 9 pulle5 into t"e parkin- lot an5 parke5 on t"e s"iny ne% 8la3k asp"alt. #nly t"e -roun5 looke5 normal@ 8are re55is" eart" 3"urne5 to mu5. $"e -rass "a5 ne)er "a5 a 3"an3e. APretty@C <onnie sai5. S"e no55e5 in t"e 8uil5in-?s 5ire3tion. 9 s"ru--e5. A91 you say so. 'rankly@ 9 ne)er -et use5 to t"e -eneri3 e11e3t.C AGeneri3 e11e3tBC s"e aske5. A$"e staine5 -lass is all a8stra3t 3olor. /o s3enes o1 !"rist@ no saints@ no "oly sym8ols. !lean an5 pure as a %e55in-o%n 1res" out o1 plasti3.C S"e -ot out o1 t"e 3ar@ sun-lasses sli5in- into pla3e. S"e stare5 at t"e 3"ur3"@ arms 3rosse5 o)er "er stoma3". A9t looks like t"ey >ust un%rappe5 it an5 "a)en?t put t"e trimmin-s on yet.C ADea"@ a 3"ur3" %it"out Go5. ="at is %ron- %it" t"is pi3tureBC S"e 5i5n?t lau-". A=ill any8o5y 8e up t"is time o1 5ayBC A#"@ yes@ t"ey re3ruit 5urin- t"e 5ay.C A<e3ruitBC ADou kno%@ -o 5oor to 5oor@ like t"e 7ormons an5 t"e He"o)a"?s =itnesses.C S"e stare5 at me. ADou?)e -ot to 8e ki55in-BC A4o 9 look like 9?m ki55in-BC S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A4oor2to25oor )ampires. Ho%C2s"e %i--le5 "er "an5s 8a3k an5 1ort"2A3on)enient.C ADep@C 9 sai5. ALet?s -o see %"o?s min5in- t"e o11i3e.C Broa5 %"ite steps le5 up to "u-e 5ou8le 5oors. #ne o1 t"e 5oors %as openG t"e ot"er "a5 a si-n t"at rea5@ A,nter 'rien5 an5 8e at Pea3e.C 9 1ou-"t an ur-e to tear 5o%n t"e si-n an5 stomp on it. $"ey %ere preyin- on one o1 t"e most 8asi3 1ears o1 man@ 5eat". ,)eryone 1ears 5eat". People %"o 5on?t 8elie)e in Go5 "a)e a "ar5 time %it" 5eat" 8ein- it. 4ie an5 you 3ease to e*ist. Poo1. But at t"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e@ t"ey promise >ust %"at t"e name says. An5 t"ey 3an pro)e it. /o leap o1 1ait". /o %aitin- aroun5. /o ;uestions le1t unans%ere5. Ho% 5oes it 1eel to 8e 5ea5B Hust ask a 1ello% 3"ur3" mem8er. #"@ an5 you?ll ne)er -ro% ol5 eit"er. /o 1a3e2li1ts@ no tummy tu3ks@ >ust eternal yout". /ot a 8a5 5eal@ as lon- as you 5on?t 8elie)e in t"e soul. As lon- as you 5on?t 8elie)e t"e soul 8e3omes trappe5 in t"e )ampire?s 8o5y an5 3an ne)er rea3" Hea)en. #r %orse yet@ t"at )ampires are in"erently e)il an5 you are 3on5emne5 to Hell. $"e !at"oli3 !"ur3" sees )oluntary )ampirism as a kin5 o1 sui3i5e. 9 ten5 to a-ree. $"ou-" t"e Pope also e*3ommuni3ate5 all animators@ unless %e 3ease5 raisin- t"e 5ea5. 'ineG 9 8e3ame ,pis3opalian. Polis"e5 %oo5en pe%s ran in t%o %i5e ro%s up to%ar5s %"at %oul5 "a)e 8een an altar. $"ere %as a pulpit@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t 3all it an altar. 9t %as >ust a 8lank 8lue %all surroun5e5 8y more %"ite ups%eepin- %alls. $"e %in5o%s %ere re5 an5 8lue staine5 -lass. $"e sunli-"t sparkle5 t"rou-" t"em@ makin- 5eli3ate 3olore5 patterns on t"e %"ite 1loor. APea3e1ul@C <onnie sai5. ASo are -ra)eyar5s.C S"e smile5 at me. A9?5 t"ou-"t you?5 say t"at.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "er. A/o teasin-G %e?re "ere on 8usiness.C A="at e*a3tly 5o you %ant me to 5oBC AHust 8a3k me upG look mena3in- i1 you 3an mana-e it. Look 1or 3lues.C A!luesBC s"e aske5.

ADea"@ you kno%@ 3lues@ ti3ket stu8s@ "al128urne5 notes@ lea5s.C A#"@ t"ose.C ANuit -rinnin- at me@ <onnie.C S"e a5>uste5 "er sun-lasses an5 5i5 "er 8est A3ol5C look. S"e?s pretty -oo5 at it. $"u-s "a)e 8een kno%n to s"ri)el at t%enty pa3es. =e %oul5 see "o% it %orke5 on 3"ur3" mem8ers. $"ere %as a small 5oor to one si5e o1 t"e Aaltar.C 9t le5 into a 3arpete5 "all%ay. $"e air23on5itione5 "us" en)elope5 us. $"ere %ere 8at"rooms to t"e le1t@ an5 an open room to t"e ri-"t. Per"aps t"is is %"ere t"ey "a5 ... 3o11ee a1ter ser)i3es. /o@ pro8a8ly not 3o11ee. A rousin- sermon 1ollo%e5 8y a little 8loo5@ per"apsB $"e o11i3es %ere marke5 %it" a little si-n t"at sai5 A#11i3e.C Ho% 3le)er. $"ere %as an outer o11i3e@ t"e pro)er8ial se3retarial 5esk an5 et3 .... A youn- man sat 8e"in5 t"e 5esk. Slen5er@ s"ort 8ro%n "air 3are1ully 3ut. =ire21rame -lasses 5e3orate5 a pair o1 really lo)ely 8ro%n eyes. $"ere %as a "ealin- 8ite mark on "is t"roat. He rose an5 3ame aroun5 t"e 5esk@ "an5 e*ten5e5@ smilin- at us. AGreetin-s@ 1rien5s@ 9?m Bru3e. Ho% may 9 "elp you to5ayBC $"e "an5s"ake %as 1irm 8ut not too 1irm@ stron- 8ut not o)er8earin-@ a 1rien5ly lin-erin- tou3"@ 8ut not se*ual. <eally -oo5 3ar salesmen s"ake "an5s like t"at. <eal estate 8rokers@ too. 9 "a)e t"is ni3e little soul@ "ar5ly use5 at all. $"e pri3e is ri-"t. $rust me. 91 "is 8i- 8ro%n eyes "a5 looke5 any more sin3ere@ 9 %oul5 "a)e -i)en "im a 5o--ie 8is3uit an5 patte5 "is "ea5. A9 %oul5 like to set up an appointment to speak %it" 7al3olm@C 9 sai5. He 8linke5 on3e. AHa)e a seat.C 9 sat. <onnie leane5 a-ainst t"e %all@ to one si5e o1 t"e 5oor. Han5s 1ol5e5@ lookin- 3ool an5 8o5y-uar5is". Bru3e %ent 8a3k aroun5 "is 5esk@ a1ter o11erin- us 3o11ee@ an5 sat %it" 1ol5e5 "an5s. A/o%@ 7iss ... C A7s. Blake.C He 5i5n?t 1lin3"G "e "a5n?t "ear5 o1 me. Ho% 1leetin- 1ame. A7s. Blake@ %"y 5o you %is" to meet %it" t"e "ea5 o1 our 3"ur3"B =e "a)e many 3ompetent an5 un5erstan5in- 3ounselors t"at %ill "elp you make your 5e3ision.C 9 smile5 at "im. 9?ll >ust 8et you 5o@ you little pips;ueak. A9 t"ink 7al3olm %ill %ant to speak %it" me. 9 "a)e in1ormation a8out t"e )ampire mur5ers.C His smile slippe5. A91 you "a)e su3" in1ormation@ t"en -o to t"e poli3e.C A,)en i1 9 "a)e proo1 t"at 3ertain mem8ers o1 your 3"ur3" are 5oin- t"e mur5ersBC A small 8lu11@ ot"er%ise kno%n as a lie. He s%allo%e5@ 1in-ers pressin- t"e top o1 "is 5esk until t"e 1in-ertips turne5 %"ite. A9 5on?t un5erstan5. 9 mean ... C 9 smile5 at "im. ALet?s >ust 1a3e it@ Bru3e. Dou are not e;uippe5 to "an5le mur5er. 9t isn?t in your trainin-@ no% is itBC A=ell@ no@ 8ut ... C A$"en >ust -i)e me a time to 3ome 8a3k toni-"t an5 see 7al3olm.C A9 5on?t kno%. 9 ... C A4on?t %orry a8out it. 7al3olm is t"e "ea5 o1 t"e 3"ur3". He?ll take 3are o1 it.C He %as no55in-@ too rapi5ly. His eyes 1li3ke5 to <onnie@ t"en 8a3k to me. He 1lippe5 t"rou-" a leat"er8oun5 5ay planner on "is 5esk. A/ine@ toni-"t.C He pi3ke5 up a pen@ poise5 an5 rea5y. A91 you?ll -i)e me your 1ull name@ 9?ll pen3il you in.C 9 starte5 to point out t"at "e %asn?t usin- a pen3il@ 8ut 5e3i5e5 to let it sli5e. AAnita Blake.C He still 5i5n?t re3o-niEe t"e name. So mu3" 1or me 8ein- t"e terror o1 )ampirelan5. AAn5 t"is is pertainin- toBC He %as re-ainin- "is pro1essionalism. 9 stoo5 up. A7ur5er@ it?s pertainin- to mur5er.C A#"@ yes@ 9 ... C He s3ri88le5 somet"in- 5o%n. A/ine toni-"t@ Anita Blake@ mur5er.C He 1ro%ne5 5o%n at t"e note as i1 t"ere %ere somet"in- %ron- %it" it. 9 5e3i5e5 to "elp "im out. A4on?t 1ro%n so. Dou?)e -ot t"e messa-e ri-"t.C He stare5 up at me. He looke5 a little pale. A9?ll 8e 8a3k. 7ake sure "e -ets t"e messa-e.C Bru3e no55e5 a-ain@ too 1ast@ eyes lar-e 8e"in5 "is -lasses. <onnie opene5 t"e 5oor@ an5 9 pre3e5e5 "er out. S"e 8rou-"t up t"e rear like a 8a52mo)ie 8o5y-uar5. ="en %e %ere out into t"e main 3"ur3" a-ain@ s"e lau-"e5. A9 t"ink %e s3are5 "im.C ABru3e s3ares easy.C S"e no55e5@ eyes s"inin-.

$"e 8arest mention o1 )iolen3e@ mur5er@ an5 "e "a5 1allen apart. ="en "e A-re% up@C "e %as -oin- to 8e a )ampire. Sure. $"e suns"ine %as nearly 8lin5in- a1ter t"e 5imness o1 t"e 3"ur3". 9 s;uinte5@ puttin- a "an5 o)er my eyes. 9 3au-"t mo)ement 1rom t"e 3orner o1 my eye. <onnie s3reame5@ AAnitaIC ,)eryt"in- slo%e5 5o%n. 9 "a5 plenty o1 time to stare at t"e man an5 t"e -un in "is "an5s. <onnie smas"e5 into me@ 3arryinus 8ot" 5o%n an5 8a3k t"rou-" t"e 3"ur3" 5oor. Bullets t"unke5 into t"e 5oor %"ere 9?5 8een. <onnie s3ram8le5 8e"in5 me@ near t"e %all. 9 "a5 my -un out an5 lay on my si5e presse5 a-ainst t"e 5oor. 7y "eart %as t"un5erin- in my ears. Det 9 3oul5 "ear e)eryt"in-. $"e %rinkle o1 my %in58reaker %as like stati3. 9 "ear5 t"e man %alk up t"e steps. $"e son o1 a 8it3" %as -onna keep 3omin-. 9 in3"e5 1or%ar5. He %alke5 up t"e steps. His s"a5o% 1ell insi5e t"e 5oor. He %asn?t e)en tryin- to "i5e. 7ay8e "e t"ou-"t 9 %asn?t arme5. He %as a8out to learn 5i11erent. Bru3e 3alle5@ A="at?s -oin- on "ereBC <onnie yelle5@ AGet 8a3k insi5e.C 9 kept my eyes on t"e 5oor. 9 %oul5 not -et s"ot 8e3ause o1 Bru3e 5istra3te5 me. /ot"in- %as important 8ut t"at s"a5o% in t"e 5oor@ t"e "altin- 1ootsteps. /ot"in-. @ $"e man %alke5 ri-"t into it. Gun in "is "an5@ eyes sear3"in- t"e 3"ur3". Amateur. 9 3oul5 "a)e tou3"e5 "im %it" t"e 8arrel o1 my -un. A4on?t mo)e.C A'reeEeC al%ays soun5s so melo5ramati3. 4on?t mo)e@ s"ort@ to t"e point. A4on?t mo)e@C 9 sai5. He turne5 >ust "is "ea5@ slo%@ to%ar5s me. ADou?re $"e ,*e3utioner.C His )oi3e %as so1t@ "esitant. =as 9 suppose5 to 5eny itB 7ay8e. 91 "e "a5 3ome "ere to kill $"e ,*e3utioner@ 5e1initely. A/o@C 9 sai5. He starte5 to turn. A$"en it must 8e "er.C He %as turnin- to%ar5s <onnie. S"it. He raise5 "is arm an5 starte5 to point. A4on?tIC <onnie s3reame5. $oo late. 9 1ire5@ point28lank into "is 3"est. <onnie?s s"ot e3"oe5 mine. $"e impa3t raise5 "im o11 "is 1eet an5 sent "im sta--erin- 8a3k%ar5s. Bloo5 8lossome5 on "is s"irt. He slamme5 into t"e "al12opene5 5oor an5 1ell 1lat on "is 8a3k t"rou-" it. All 9 3oul5 see %ere "is le-s. 9 "esitate5@ listenin-. 9 3oul5n?t "ear any mo)ement. 9 ease5 aroun5 t"e 5oor. He %asn?t mo)in-@ 8ut t"e -un %as still 3lut3"e5 in "is "an5. 9 pointe5 my -un at "im an5 stalke5 to "im. 91 "e "a5 so mu3" as t%it3"e5@ 9 %oul5 "a)e "it "im a-ain. 9 ki3ke5 t"e -un out o1 "is "an5 an5 3"e3ke5 t"e pulse in "is ne3k. /a5a@ Eip. 4ea5. 9 use ammunition t"at 3an take out )ampires@ i1 9 -et a lu3ky s"ot@ an5 i1 t"ey?re not an3ient. $"e 8ullet "a5 ma5e a small "ole on t"e si5e it %ent in@ 8ut t"e ot"er si5e o1 "is 3"est %as -one. $"e 8ullet "a5 5one %"at it %as suppose5 to 5oG e*pan5@ an5 make a )ery 8i- e*it "ole. His ne3k lolle5 to one si5e. $%o 8ite marks 5e3orate5 "is ne3k. 4ammitI Bite marks or not@ "e %as 5ea5. $"ere %asn?t enou-" le1t o1 "is "eart to t"rea5 a nee5le. A lu3ky s"ot. A stupi5 amateur %it" a -un. <onnie %as leanin- in t"e 5oor%ay@ lookin- pale. Her -un %as pointe5 at t"e 5ea5 man. Her arms trem8le5 e)er so sli-"tly. S"e almost smile5. A9 5on?t usually 3arry a -un 5urin- t"e 5ay@ 8ut 9 kne% 9?5 8e %it" you.C A9s t"at an insultBC 9 aske5. A/o@C s"e sai5@ Areality.C 9 3oul5n?t ar-ue %it" t"at. 9 sat 5o%n on t"e 3ool stone stepsG my knees 1elt %eak. $"e a5renaline %as 5rainin- out o1 me@ like %ater 1rom a 8roken 3up. Bru3e %as in t"e 5oor%ay@ i3e pale. AHe ... "e trie5 to kill you.C His )oi3e 3ra3ke5 %it" 1ear. A4o you re3o-niEe "imBC 9 aske5. He s"ook "is "ea5 o)er an5 o)er a-ain@ rapi5 >erky mo)ements. AAre you sureBC A=e ... %e 5o not ... 3on5one )iolen3e.C He s%allo%e5 "ar5@ "is )oi3e a 3ra3kin- %"isper. A9 5on?t kno% "im.C $"e 1ear seeme5 -enuine. 7ay8e "e 5i5n?t kno% "im@ 8ut t"at 5i5n?t mean t"e 5ea5 man %asn?t a mem8er o1 t"e 3"ur3". A!all t"e poli3e@ Bru3e.C He >ust stoo5 t"ere@ starin- at t"e 3orpse.

A!all t"e 3ops@ okayBC He stare5 at me@ eyes -laEe5. 9 %asn?t sure i1 "e "ear5 me or not@ 8ut "e %ent 8a3k insi5e. <onnie sat 5o%n 8esi5e me@ starin- out at t"e parkin- lot. Bloo5 %as runnin- 5o%n t"e %"ite steps in tiny ri)ulets o1 s3arlet. AHesus@C s"e %"ispere5. ADea".C 9 still "el5 my -un loose2-rippe5 in my "an5. $"e 5an-er seeme5 to 8e o)er. Guess 9 3oul5 put a%ay t"e -un. A$"anks 1or pus"in- me out o1 t"e %ay@C 9 sai5. ADou?re %el3ome.C S"e took a 5eep@ s"aky 8reat". A$"anks 1or s"ootin- "im 8e1ore "e s"ot me.C A4on?t mention it. Besi5es@ you -ot a pie3e o1 "im@ too.C A4on?t remin5 me.C 9 stare5 at "er. ADou all ri-"tBC A/o@ 9?m %ell an5 truly s3are5.C ADea".C #1 3ourse@ all <onnie "a5 to 5o %as stay a%ay 1rom me. 9 seeme5 to 8e t"e 1ree21ire Eone. A %alkin-@ talkinmena3e to my 1rien5s an5 3o%orkers. <onnie 3oul5 "a)e 5ie5 to5ay@ an5 it %oul5 "a)e 8een my 1ault. S"e "a5 8een a 1e% se3on5s slo%er to s"oot t"an 9 %as. $"ose 1e% se3on5s 3oul5 "a)e 3ost "er "er li1e. #1 3ourse@ i1 s"e "a5n?t 8een "ere to5ay@ 9 mi-"t "a)e 5ie5. #ne 8ullet in t"e 3"est@ an5 my -un %oul5n?t "a)e 5one me a "ell o1 a lot o1 -oo5. 9 "ear5 t"e 5istant %"oop2%"oop o1 poli3e sirens. $"ey must "a)e 8een 5amn 3lose@ or may8e it %as anot"er killin-. Possi8le. =oul5 t"e poli3e 8elie)e "e %as >ust a 1anati3 tryin- to kill $"e ,*e3utionerB 7ay8e. 4olp" %oul5n?t 8uy it. $"e suns"ine presse5 5o%n aroun5 us like 8ri-"t yello% plasti3. /eit"er o1 us sai5 a %or5. 7ay8e t"ere %as not"in- le1t to say. $"ank you 1or sa)in- my li1e. Dou?re %el3ome. ="at else %as t"ereB 9 1elt li-"t an5 empty@ almost pea3e1ul. /um8. 9 must 8e -ettin- 3lose to t"e trut"@ %"ate)er t"at %as. People %ere tryinto kill me. 9t %as a -oo5 si-n. Sort o1. 9t meant 9 kne% somet"in- important. 9mportant enou-" to kill 1or. $"e trou8le %as@ 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at it %as 9 %as suppose5 to kno%.

Chapter Thirty-five
9 %as 8a3k at t"e 3"ur3" at 0J&+ t"at ni-"t. $"e sky %as a ri3" purple. Pink 3lou5s %ere stret3"e5 a3ross it like 3otton 3an5y pulle5 apart 8y ea-er ki5s an5 le1t to melt. $rue 5ark %as only minutes a%ay. G"ouls %oul5 alrea5y 8e out an5 a8out. But t"e )ampires "a5 a 1e% "eart8eats o1 %aitin- le1t. 9 stoo5 on t"e steps o1 t"e 3"ur3"@ a5mirin- t"e sunset. $"ere %as no 8loo5 le1t. $"e %"ite steps %ere as s"iny an5 ne% as i1 t"is a1ternoon "a5 ne)er "appene5. But 9 remem8ere5. 9 "a5 5e3i5e5 to s%eat in t"e Huly "eat so 9 3oul5 3arry an arsenal. $"e %in58reaker "i5 not only t"e s"oul5er ri- an5 9mm@ plus e*tra ammo@ 8ut a kni1e on ea3" 1orearm. $"e 'irestar %as snu- in t"e inner pant "olster@ set 1or a ri-"t2"an5 3ross 5ra%. $"ere %as e)en a kni1e strappe5 to my ankle. #1 3ourse@ not"in- 9 %as 3arryin- %oul5 stop 7al3olm. He %as one o1 t"e most po%er1ul master )ampires in t"e 3ity. A1ter seein- /ikolaos an5 Hean2!lau5e@ 9?5 say "e ranke5 t"ir5. 9n t"e 3ompany 9 %as >u5-in- "im a-ainst@ t"ir5 %asn?t 8a5. So %"y 3on1ront "imB Be3ause 9 3oul5n?t t"ink o1 %"at else to 5o. 9 "a5 le1t a letter 5etailin- my suspi3ions a8out t"e 3"ur3" an5 e)ery8o5y else in a sa1e 5eposit 8o*. 4oesn?t e)ery8o5y "a)e oneB <onnie kne% a8out it@ an5 t"ere %as a letter on t"e se3retary?s 5esk at Animators@ 9n3. 9t %oul5 -o out 7on5ay mornin- to 4olp"@ unless 9 3alle5 up to stop it. #ne attempt on my li1e an5 9 %as -ettin- all paranoi5. 'an3y t"at. $"e parkin- lot %as 1ull. People %ere 5ri1tin- insi5e t"e 3"ur3" in small -roups. A 1e% "a5 simply %alke5 up@ no 3ars. 9 stare5 "ar5 at t"em@ Vampires@ 8e1ore 1ull 5arkB But no@ >ust "umans. 9 Eippe5 t"e %in58reaker part%ay up. 4i5n?t %ant to 5istur8 ser)i3es 8y 1las"in- a -un. A youn- %oman@ 8ro%n "air style2-elle5 into an arti1i3ial %a)e o)er one eye@ %as "an5in- out pamp"lets >ust insi5e t"e 5oor. A -ui5e to t"e ser)i3e@ 9 suppose5. S"e smile5 an5 sai5@ A=el3ome. 9s t"is your 1irst timeBC 9 smile5 8a3k at "er@ pleasant@ as i1 9 %asn?t 3arryin- enou-" %eaponry to take out "al1 t"e 3on-re-ation. A9 "a)e an appointment to see 7al3olm.C Her smile 5i5n?t 3"an-e. 91 anyt"in- it 5eepene5@ 1las"in- a 5imple to one si5e o1 "er lipsti3ke5 mout". Some"o%@ 9 5i5n?t t"ink s"e kne% 9?5 kille5 someone to5ay. People 5on?t -enerally smile at me %"en t"ey kno% t"in-s like t"at. AHust a minuteG let me -et someone to "an5le t"e 5oor.C S"e %alke5 a%ay to tap a youn- man on t"e s"oul5er. S"e %"ispere5 a-ainst "is 3"eek an5 s"o)e5 t"e pamp"lets into "is "an5s. S"e 3ame 8a3k to me@ "an5s smoot"in- alon- t"e 8ur-un5y 5ress s"e %ore. A91 you?ll 1ollo% meBC

S"e ma5e it a ;uestion. ="at %oul5 s"e 5o i1 9 sai5 noB Pro8a8ly look puEEle5. $"e youn- man %as -reetin- a 3ouple t"at "a5 >ust entere5 t"e 3"ur3". $"e man %ore a suitG t"e %oman t"e pro)er8ial 5ress@ "ose@ an5 san5als. $"ey 3oul5 "a)e 8een 3omin- to my 3"ur3"@ any 3"ur3". As 9 1ollo%e5 t"e %oman 5o%n t"e si5e aisle to%ar5s t"e 5oor@ 9 -lan3e5 at a 3ouple 5resse5 in postmo5ern punk. #r %"ate)er p"rase is 3ommon no%. $"e -irl?s "air looke5 like 'rankenstein?s Bri5e 5one in pink an5 -reen. A se3on5 -lan3e an5 9 %asn?t sureG may8e t"e pink an5 -reen %as a -uy. 91 so@ "is -irl1rien5?s "air %as a 8uEE so 3lose to "er "ea5@ it looke5 like stu88le. $"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e attra3te5 a %i5e 1ollo%in-. 4i)ersity@ t"at?s t"e ti3ket. $"ey appeale5 to t"e a-nosti3@ t"e at"eist@ t"e 5isillusione5 mainstreamer@ an5 some %"o "a5 ne)er 5e3i5e5 %"at t"ey %ere. $"e 3"ur3" %as nearly 1ull@ an5 it %asn?t 5ark yet. $"e )ampires "a5 yet to s"o%. 9t "a5 8een a lon- time sin3e 9?5 seen a 3"ur3" t"is 1ull@ e*3ept at ,aster@ or !"ristmas. Holi5ay !"ristians. A 3"ill tiptoe5 alon- my spine. $"is %as t"e 1ullest 3"ur3" 9?5 8een to in years. $"e )ampire 3"ur3". 7ay8e t"e real 5an-er %asn?t t"e mur5erer. 7ay8e t"e real 5an-er %as ri-"t "ere in t"is 8uil5in-. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 1ollo%e5 my -ui5e t"rou-" t"e 5oor@ out o1 t"e 3"ur3"@ an5 past t"e 3o11ee klat3" area. $"ere really %as 3o11ee per3olatin- on a %"ite25rape5 ta8le. $"ere %as also a 8o%l o1 re55is" pun3" t"at looke5 a little too )is3ous to 8e pun3" at all. $"e %oman sai5@ A=oul5 you like some 3o11eeBC A/o@ t"ank you.C S"e smile5 pleasantly an5 opene5 t"e 5oor marke5 A#11i3eC 1or me. 9 %ent in. /o one %as t"ere. A7al3olm %ill 8e %it" you as soon as "e %akens. 91 you like@ 9 3an %ait %it" you.C S"e -lan3e5 at t"e 5oor as s"e sai5 it. A9 %oul5n?t %ant you to miss t"e ser)i3e. 9?ll 8e 1ine alone.C Her smile 1las"e5 into 5imple a-ain. A$"ank youG 9?m sure it %ill 8e a s"ort %ait.C =it" t"at s"e %as -one@ an5 9 %as alone. Alone %it" t"e se3retary?s 5esk an5 t"e leat"er8oun5 5ay planner 1or t"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e. Li1e %as -oo5. 9 opene5 t"e planner to t"e %eek 8e1ore t"e 1irst )ampire mur5er. Bru3e@ t"e se3retary@ "a5 )ery neat "an5%ritin-@ ea3" entry )ery pre3ise. $ime@ name@ an5 a one2senten3e 5es3ription o1 t"e meetin-. 1 J @ Hason 7a34onal5@ 7a-aEine inter)ie%. 9J @ 7eetin- %it" 7ayor@ Konin- pro8lems. /ormal stu11 1or t"e Billy Gra"am o1 Vampirism. $"en t%o 5ays 8e1ore t"e 1irst mur5er t"ere %as a notation t"at %as in a 5i11erent "an5%ritin-. Smaller@ no less neat. 3J @ /e5. $"at %as all@ no last name@ no reason 1or t"e meetin-. An5 Bru3e 5i5n?t make t"e appointment. 7et"inks %e "a)e a 3lue. Be still@ my "eart. /e5 %as a s"ort 1orm o1 ,5%ar5@ >ust like $e55y. Ha5 7al3olm "a5 a meetin- %it" t"e "it man o1 t"e un5ea5B 7ay8e. 7ay8e not. 9t 3oul5 8e a 3lan5estine meetin- %it" a 5i11erent /e5. #r may8e Bru3e "a5 8een a%ay 1rom t"e 5esk an5 someone else "a5 >ust 1ille5 inB 9 %ent t"rou-" t"e rest o1 t"e planner as ;ui3kly as 9 3oul5. /ot"in- else seeme5 out o1 t"e or5inary. ,)ery ot"er entry %as in Bru3e?s lar-e@ rollin- "an5. 7al3olm "a5 met %it" ,5%ar5@ i1 it "a5 8een ,5%ar5@ t%o 5ays 8e1ore t"e 1irst 5eat". 91 t"at %as true@ %"ere 5i5 t"at lea)e t"in-sB =it" ,5%ar5 a mur5erer an5 7al3olm payin- "im to 5o it. $"ere %as one pro8lem %it" t"at. 91 ,5%ar5 "a5 %ante5 me 5ea5@ "e?5 "a)e 5one it "imsel1. 7ay8e 7al3olm pani3ke5 an5 sent one o1 "is 1ollo%ers to 5o itB !oul5 8e. 9 %as sittin- in a 3"air a-ainst t"e %all@ lea1in- t"rou-" a ma-aEine@ %"en t"e 5oor opene5. 7al3olm %as tall an5 almost pain1ully t"in@ %it" lar-e@ 8ony "an5s t"at 8elon-e5 to a more mus3ular man. His s"ort@ 3urly "air %as t"e s"o3kin- yello% o1 -ol51in3" 1eat"ers. $"is %as %"at 8lon5 "air looke5 like a1ter nearly t"ree "un5re5 years in t"e 5ark. $"e last time 9 "a5 seen 7al3olm@ "e "a5 seeme5 8eauti1ul@ per1e3t. /o% "e %as almost or5inary@ like /ikolaos an5 "er s3ar. Ha5 Hean2!lau5e -i)en me t"e a8ility to see master )ampires? true 1ormsB 7al3olm?s presen3e 1ille5 t"e small room like in)isi8le %ater@ 3"illin- an5 pri3kin- alon- my skin@ knee25eep an5 risin-. Gi)e "im anot"er nine "un5re5 years@ an5 "e mi-"t ri)al /ikolaos. #1 3ourse@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e aroun5 to test my little t"eory. 9 stoo5@ an5 "e s%ept into t"e room. He %as 5resse5 mo5estly in a 5ark 8lue suit@ pale 8lue s"irt@ an5 8lue silk tie. $"e pale s"irt ma5e "is eyes look like ro8in?s e--s. He smile5@ an-ular 1a3e@ 8eamin- at me. He %asn?t tryin- to 3lou5 my min5. 7al3olm %as )ery -oo5 at resistin- t"e ur-e. His entire 3re5i8ility reste5 on t"e 1a3t t"at "e 5i5n?t 3"eat. A7iss Blake@ "o% -oo5 to see you.C He 5i5n?t o11er to s"ake "an5sG "e kne% 8etter. ABru3e le1t me a )ery 3on1use5 messa-e. Somet"in- a8out t"e )ampire mur5ersBC His )oi3e %as 5eep an5 soot"in-@ like t"e o3ean. A9 tol5 Bru3e 9 "a)e proo1 t"at your 3"ur3" is in)ol)e5 %it" t"e )ampire mur5ers.C AAn5 5o youBC ADes.C 9 8elie)e5 it. 91 "e "a5 met %it" ,5%ar5@ 9 "a5 my mur5erer. AHmmm@ you are tellin- t"e trut". Det@ 9 kno% t"at it is not true.C His )oi3e rolle5 aroun5 me@ %arm an5 t"i3k@ po%er1ul. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A!"eatin-@ 7al3olm@ usin- your po%ers to pro8e my min5. $sk@ tsk.C He s"ru--e5@ "an5s open at "is si5es. A9 3ontrol my 3"ur3"@ 7iss Blake. $"ey %oul5 not 5o %"at you "a)e a33use5 t"em o1.C A$"ey rai5e5 a 1reak party last ni-"t %it" 3lu8s. $"ey "urt people.C 9 %as -uessin- on t"at part.

He 1ro%ne5. A$"ere is a small 1a3tion o1 our 1ollo%ers %"o persist in )iolen3e. $"e 1reak party@ as you 3all it@ is an a8omination an5 must 8e stoppe5@ 8ut t"rou-" le-al 3"annels. 9 "a)e tol5 my 1ollo%ers t"is.C ABut 5o you punis" t"em %"en t"ey 5iso8ey youBC 9 aske5. A9 am not a poli3eman@ or a priest@ to mete out punis"ment. A$"ey are not 3"il5ren. $"ey "a)e t"eir o%n min5s.C A9?ll 8et t"ey 5o.C AAn5 %"at is t"at suppose5 to meanBC "e aske5. A9t means@ 7al3olm@ t"at you are a master )ampire. /one o1 t"em 3an stan5 a-ainst you. $"ey?ll 5o anyt"in- you %ant t"em to.C A9 5o not use min5 po%ers on my 3on-re-ation.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. His po%er ooEe5 o)er my arms like a 3ol5 %a)e. He %asn?t e)en tryin-. 9t %as >ust spillo)er. 4i5 "e realiEe %"at "e %as 5oin-B !oul5 it a3tually 8e an a33i5entB ADou "a5 a meetin- t%o 5ays 8e1ore t"e 1irst mur5er.C He smile5@ 3are1ul not to s"o% 1an-s. A9 "a)e many meetin-s.C A9 kno%@ you are reeal popular@ 8ut you?ll remem8er t"is meetin-. Dou "ire5 a "it man to kill )ampires.C 9 %at3"e5 "is 1a3e@ 8ut "e %as too -oo5. $"ere %as a 1li3ker in "is eyes@ unease may8eG t"en it %as -one@ repla3e5 8y t"at s"inin- 8lue2eye5 3on1i5en3e. A7iss Blake@ %"y are you lookin- me in t"e eyesBC 9 s"ru--e5. A91 you 5on?t try to 8espell me@ it?s sa1e.C A9 "a)e trie5 to 3on)in3e you o1 t"at on se)eral o33asions@ 8ut you al%ays playe5 it ... sa1e. /o% you are starin- at meG %"yBC He stro5e to%ar5s me@ ;ui3k@ nearly a 8lur o1 motion. 7y -un %as in my "an5@ no t"inkin- nee5e5. 9nstin3t. A7y@C "e sai5. 9 >ust stare5 at "im@ ;uite %illin- to put a 8ullet t"rou-" "is 3"est i1 "e 3ame one step 3loser. ADou 3arry at least t"e 1irst mark@ 7iss Blake. Some master )ampire "as tou3"e5 you. ="oBC 9 let out my 8reat" in one lon- si-". 9 "a5n?t e)en realiEe5 9?5 8een "ol5in- it. A9t?s a lon- story.C A9 8elie)e you.C He %as su55enly stan5in- near t"e 5oor a-ain@ as i1 "e "a5 ne)er mo)e5. 4amn@ "e %as -oo5. ADou "ire5 a man to slay t"e 1reak )ampires@C 9 sai5. A/o@C "e sai5@ A9 5i5 not.C 9t is al%ays unner)in- %"en a person looks so 5amn 8lase %"ile 9 point a -un at t"em. ADou 5i5 "ire an assassin.C He s"ru--e5. Smile5. ADou 5o not really e*pe3t me to 5o anyt"in- 8ut 5eny t"at@ 5o youBC AGuess not.C ="at t"e "e3k@ mi-"t as %ell ask. AAre you or your 3"ur3" 3onne3te5 in any %ay to t"e )ampire mur5ersBC He almost lau-"e5. 9 5i5n?t 8lame "im. /o one in t"eir ri-"t min5 %oul5 >ust say yes@ 8ut sometimes you 3an learn t"in-s 1rom t"e %ay a person 5enies somet"in-. $"e 3"oi3e o1 lies 3an 8e almost as "elp1ul as t"e trut". A/o@ 7iss Blake.C ADou 5i5 "ire an assassin.C 9 ma5e it a statement. $"e smile 5raine5 1rom "is 1a3e@ -oo1. He stare5 at me@ "is presen3e 3ra%lin- alon- my skin like inse3ts. A7iss Blake@ 9 8elie)e it is time 1or you to lea)e.C AA man trie5 to kill me to5ay.C A$"at is "ar5ly my 1ault.C AHe "a5 t%o )ampire 8ites in "is ne3k.C A-ain t"at 1li3ker in t"e eyes. :neaseB 7ay8e. AHe %as %aitin- 1or me outsi5e your 3"ur3". 9 %as 1or3e5 to kill "im on your steps.C A small lie@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant <onnie 1urt"er in)ol)e5. He %as 1ro%nin- no%@ a t"rea5 o1 an-er like "eat ooEin- t"rou-" t"e room. A9 am una%are o1 t"is@ 7iss Blake. 9 %ill look into it.C 9 lo%ere5 my -un 8ut 5i5n?t put it a%ay. Dou 3an only "ol5 a person at -unpoint so lon-. 91 t"ey aren?t a1rai5@ an5 t"ey aren?t -oin- to "urt you@ an5 you aren?t -oin- to s"oot t"em@ it -ets rat"er silly. A4on?t 8e too "ar5 on Bru3e. He 5oesn?t 5o %ell aroun5 )iolen3e.C 7al3olm strai-"tene5@ pullin- at "is suit >a3ket. A ner)ous -estureB #"@ 8oy. 9?5 "it a ner)e. A9 %ill look into it@ 7iss Blake. 91 "e %as a mem8er o1 our 3"ur3"@ %e o%e you an e*treme apolo-y.C

9 stare5 at "im 1or a minute. ="at 3oul5 9 say to t"atB $"ank youB 9t 5i5n?t seem appropriate. A9 kno% you "ire5 a "it man@ 7al3olm. /ot e*a3tly -oo5 press 1or your 3"ur3". 9 t"ink you are 8e"in5 t"e )ampire mur5ers. Dour "an5s may not "a)e spille5 t"e 8loo5@ 8ut it %as 5one %it" your appro)al.C APlease@ -o no%@ 7iss Blake.C He opene5 t"e 5oor as "e sai5 it. 9 %alke5 t"rou-"@ -un still in my "an5. ASure@ 9?ll -o@ 8ut 9 %on?t -o a%ay.C He stare5 5o%n at me@ eyes an-ry. A4o you kno% %"at it means to 8e marke5 8y a master )ampireBC 9 t"ou-"t a minute an5 %asn?t sure "o% to ans%er it. $rut". A/o.C He smile5@ an5 it %as 3ol5 enou-" to 1reeEe your "eart. ADou %ill learn@ 7iss Blake. 91 it 8e3omes too mu3" 1or you@ remem8er our 3"ur3" is "ere to "elp.C He 3lose5 t"e 5oor in my 1a3e. So1tly. 9 stare5 at t"e 5oor. AAn5 %"at is t"at suppose5 to meanBC 9 %"ispere5. /o one ans%ere5 me. 9 put a%ay my -un an5 spotte5 a small 5oor marke5 A,*it.C 9 took it. $"e 3"ur3" %as so1tly lit@ 3an5les may8e. Voi3es rose on t"e ni-"t air@ sin-in-. 9 5i5n?t re3o-niEe t"e %or5s. $"e tune %as Brin-in- in t"e S"ea)es. 9 3au-"t one p"raseJ A=e %ill li)e 1ore)er@ ne)er more to 5ie.C 9 "urrie5 to my 3ar an5 trie5 not to listen to t"e son-. $"ere %as somet"in- 1ri-"tenin- a8out all t"ose )oi3es raise5 sky 2 %ar5@ %ors"ippin- ... %"atB $"emsel)esB ,ternal yout"B Bloo5B ="atB Anot"er ;uestion t"at 9 5i5n?t "a)e an ans%er to. ,5%ar5 %as my mur5erer. $"e ;uestion %as@ 3oul5 9 turn "im o)er to /ikolaosB !oul5 9 turn o)er a "uman 8ein- to t"e monsters@ e)en to sa)e mysel1B Anot"er ;uestion t"at 9 5i5n?t "a)e an ans%er 1or. $%o 5ays a-o 9 %oul5 "a)e sai5 no. /o% 9 >ust 5i5n?t kno%.

Chapter Thirty-six
9 5i5n?t %ant to -o 8a3k to my apartment. ,5%ar5 %oul5 8e 3omin- toni-"t. $ell "im %"ere /ikolaos slept in 5ayli-"t or "e?5 1or3e t"e in1ormation 1rom me. !ompli3ate5 enou-". /o%@ 9 t"ou-"t "e %as my mur5erer. Very 3ompli3ate5. $"e 8est t"in- 9 3oul5 t"ink o1 %as to a)oi5 "im. $"at %oul5n?t %ork 1ore)er@ 8ut may8e 9?5 "a)e a 8rainstorm an5 1i-ure it all out. All ri-"t@ t"ere %asn?t mu3" 3"an3e o1 t"at@ 8ut one 3oul5 al%ays "ope. 7ay8e <onnie %oul5 "a)e a messa-e 1or me. Somet"in- "elp1ul. Go5 kno%s 9 nee5e5 all t"e "elp 9 3oul5 -et. 9 pulle5 t"e 3ar into a ser)i3e station t"at "a5 a pay p"one out 1ront. 9 "a5 one o1 t"ose "i-"2te3" ans%erin- ma3"ines t"at allo%e5 me to rea5 my messa-es %it"out "a)in- to -o "ome 1or t"em. 7ay8e 9 3oul5 a)oi5 ,5%ar5 all ni-"t@ i1 9 slept in a "otel. Si-". 91 9?5 "a5 any soli5 proo1 at all ri-"t t"at minute@ 9?5 "a)e 3alle5 t"e poli3e. 9 "ear5 t"e tape %"ir an5 3li3kG t"en@ AAnita@ it?s =illie@ t"ey -ot P"illip. $"e -uy you %as %it". $"ey?re "urtin? "im@ 8a5I Dou -otta 3ome2A $"e p"one %ent 5ea5@ a8ruptly. Like "e?5 8een 3ut o11. 7y stoma3" ti-"tene5. A se3on5 messa-e 3ame up. A$"is is you kno% %"o. Dou?)e "ear5 =illie?s messa-e. !ome an5 -et it@ animator. 9 5on?t really "a)e to t"reaten your pretty lo)er@ 5o 9BC /ikolaos?s lau-"ter 1ille5 t"e p"one@ s3rat3"y an5 5istant %it" tape. $"ere %as a lou5 3li3k an5 ,5%ar5?s )oi3e 3ame o)er t"e p"one. AAnita@ tell me %"ere you are. 9 3an "elp you.C A$"ey?ll kill P"illip@C 9 sai5. ABesi5es@ you aren?t on my si5e@ remem8er.C A9?m t"e 3losest t"in- you?)e -ot to an ally.C AGo5 "elp me@ t"en.C 9 "un- up on "im@ "ar5. P"illip "a5 trie5 to 5e1en5 me last ni-"t. /o% "e %as payin- 1or it. 9 yelle5@ A4ammitIC A man pumpin- -as stare5 at me. A="at are you lookin- atBC 9 nearly yelle5 t"at@ too. He 5roppe5 "is eyes an5 3on3entrate5 )ery "ar5 on 1illin- "is tank %it" -as. 9 -ot 8e"in5 t"e %"eel o1 my 3ar an5 sat t"ere 1or a 1e% minutes. 9 %as so an-ry@ 9 %as s"akin-. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e tension in my teet". 4ammit. 4ammitI 9 %as too an-ry to 5ri)e. 9t %oul5n?t "elp P"illip i1 9 -ot in a 3ar a33i5ent on t"e %ay. 9 trie5 8reat"in- 5eep -ulps o1 air. 9t 5i5n?t "elp. 9 turne5 t"e key in t"e i-nition. A/o spee5in-@ 3an?t a11or5 to -et stoppe5 8y t"e 3ops. ,asy 5oes it@ Anita@ easy 5oes it.C 9 talk to mysel1 e)ery on3e in a %"ile. Gi)e mysel1 )ery -oo5 a5)i3e. Sometimes 9 e)en take it. 9 put t"e 3ar in -ear an5 5ro)e out onto t"e roa523are1ully. An-er ro5e up my 8a3k an5 into my s"oul5ers an5 ne3k. 9 -rippe5 t"e steerin- %"eel too "ar5 an5 1oun5 t"at my "an5s %eren?t ;uite "eale5. S"arp little >a8s o1 pain@ 8ut not enou-". $"ere %asn?t enou-" pain in t"e %"ole %orl5 to -et ri5 o1 t"e an-er. P"illip %as 8ein- "urt 8e3ause o1 me. Hust like !at"erine an5 <onnie. /o more. /o 1reakin- more. 9 %as -oin- to -et P"illip@ sa)e "im any %ay 9 3oul5G t"en 9 %as turnin- t"e %"ole 8laste5 t"in- o)er to t"e poli3e. =it"out proo1@ yea"@ %it"out anyt"in- to 8a3k it up. 9 %as 8ailin- out 8e1ore more people -ot "urt.

$"e an-er %as almost enou-" to "i5e t"e 1ear 8e"in5 it. 91 /ikolaos %as tormentin- P"illip 1or last ni-"t@ s"e mi-"t not 8e too "appy %it" me eit"er. 9 %as -oin- 8a3k 5o%n t"ose stairs into t"e master?s lair@ at ni-"t. 4i5n?t seem real 8ri-"t %"en you put it t"at %ay. $"e an-er %as 1a5in- in a %as" o1 3ol5@ skin2s"i)erin- 1ear. A/oIC 9 %oul5 not -o in t"ere a1rai5. 9 "el5 onto my an-er %it" e)eryt"in- 9 "a5. $"is %as t"e 3losest 9?5 3ome to "ate in a lon- time. Hatre5G no% t"ere?s an emotion t"at?ll sprea5 %armt" t"rou-" your 8o5y. 7ost "atre5 is 8ase5 on 1ear@ one %ay or anot"er. Dea". 9 %rappe5 mysel1 in an-er@ %it" a 5as" o1 "ate@ an5 at t"e 8ottom o1 it all %as an i3y 3enter o1 pure terror.

Chapter Thirty-seven
$"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5 is "ouse5 in an ol5 %are"ouse. 9ts name is em8laEone5 a3ross t"e roo1 in 3olore5 li-"ts. Giant 3lo%n 1i-urines 5an3e aroun5 t"e %or5s in 1roEen pantomime. 91 you look )ery 3losely at t"e 3lo%ns@ you noti3e t"ey "a)e 1an-s. But only i1 you look )ery 3losely. $"e si5es o1 t"e 8uil5in- are strun- %it" "u-e plasti3 3lot" si-ns@ like an ol521as"ione5 si5es"o%. #ne 8anner s"o%e5 a man 8ein- "un-G A$"e 4eat" 4e1yin- !ount Al3ourt@C it sai5. Kom8ies 3ra%le5 1rom a -ra)eyar5 in one pi3tureG A=at3" t"e 4ea5 <ise 1rom t"e Gra)e.C A )ery 8a5 5ra%in- s"o%e5 a man "al1%ay 8et%een %ol1 an5 man s"apeG 'a8ian@ t"e =ere%ol1. $"ere %ere ot"er si-ns. #t"er attra3tions. /one o1 t"em looke5 )ery %"olesome. Guilty Pleasures trea5s a t"in line 8et%een entertainment an5 t"e sa5isti3. $"e !ir3us -oes o)er t"e e5-e an5 5o%n into t"e a8yss. An5 "ere 9 -o insi5e. #"@ >oy in t"e mornin-. /oise "its you at t"e 5oor. A 8last o1 3arni)al soun5@ t"e pus" an5 s"o)e o1 t"e 3ro%5@ t"e rustlin- o1 "un5re5s o1 people. $"e li-"ts spill an5 s3ream in a "un5re5 5i11erent 3olors@ all eye2searin-@ all -uarantee5 to attra3t attention@ or make you lose your lun3". #1 3ourse@ may8e t"at %as >ust my ner)es. $"e smell is 1orme5 o1 3otton 3an5y@ 3orn 5o-s@ t"e 3innamon smell o1 elep"ant ears@ sno% 3ones@ s%eat@ an5 un5er it all a ne3k2ru11lin- smell. Bloo5 smells like s%eet 3opper pennies@ an5 t"at smell min-les o)er e)eryt"in-. 7ost people 5on?t re3o-niEe it. But t"ere is anot"er s3ent on t"e air@ not >ust 8loo5@ 8ut )iolen3e. #1 3ourse@ )iolen3e "as no smell. Det@ al%ays "ere@ t"ere is2somet"in-. $"e 8arest "int o1 lon-23lose5 rooms an5 rottin- 3lot". 9 "a5 ne)er 3ome "ere 8e1ore@ e*3ept on poli3e 8usiness. ="at 9 %oul5n?t "a)e -i)en 1or a 1e% uni1orms ri-"t no%. $"e 3ro%5 parte5 like %ater in 1ront o1 a s"ip. =inter@ 7r. 7us3les@ mo)e5 t"rou-" t"e people@ an5 instin3ti)ely t"ey mo)e5 out o1 "is %ay. 9?5 "a)e mo)e5 out o1 "is %ay@ too@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t t"ink 9?5 -et t"e 3"an3e. =inter %as %earin- a pro)er8ial stron-man?s out1it. 9t "a5 1ake Ee8ra stripes on a %"ite 8a3k-roun5 an5 le1t most o1 "is upper 8o5y e*pose5. His le-s in t"e stripe5 leotar5 ripple5 an5 3or5e5@ like it %as a se3on5 skin. His 8i3ep@ un1le*e5@ %as 8i--er aroun5 t"an 8ot" my arms. He stoppe5 in 1ront o1 me@ to%erin- o)er me@ an5 kno%in- it. A9s your entire 1amily o8s3enely tall@ or is it >ust youBC 9 aske5. He 1ro%ne5@ eyes narro%in-. 9 5on?t t"ink "e -ot it. #"@ %ell. A'ollo% me@C "e sai5. =it" t"at "e turne5 an5 %alke5 8a3k t"rou-" t"e 3ro%5. 9 -uess 9 %as suppose5 to 1ollo% like a -oo5 little -irl. S"it. A lar-e 8lue tent took up one 3orner o1 t"e %are"ouse. People %ere linin- up@ s"o%in- ti3kets. A man %as 3allin- out in a 8oomin- )oi3e@ AAlmost s"o% time@ 1olks. Present your ti3kets an5 enter. See t"e "an-in- man. !ount Al3ourt %ill 8e e*e3ute5 8e1ore your )ery eyes.C 9 "a5 pause5 to listen. =inter %as not %aitin-. Lu3kily@ "is 8roa5@ %"ite 8a3k 5i5n?t 8len5 %it" t"e 3ro%5. 9 "a5 to trot to 3at3" up %it" "im. 9 "ate "a)in- to 5o t"at. 9t makes me 1eel like a 3"il5 runnin- a1ter an a5ult. 91 a little runnin- %as t"e %orst t"in- 9 e*perien3e5 toni-"t@ t"in-s %oul5 8e >ust "unky25ory. $"ere %as a 1ull2siEe 'erris %"eel@ its -lo%in- top nearly 8rus"in- t"e 3eilin-. A man "el5 a 8ase8all out to me. A$ry your lu3k@ little la5y.C 9 i-nore5 "im. 9 "ate 8ein- 3alle5 little la5y. 9 -lan3e5 at t"e priEes to 8e %on. 9t ran lon- on stu11e5 animals an5 u-ly 5olls. $"e stu11e5 toys %ere mostly pre5atorsJ so1t plus" pant"ers@ to55lersiEe 8ears@ spotte5 snakes@ an5 -iant 1uEEytoot"e5 8ats. $"ere %as a 8al5 man in %"ite 3lo%n makeup sellin- ti3kets to t"e mirror maEe. He stare5 at t"e 3"il5ren as t"ey %ent insi5e "is -lass "ouse. 9 3oul5 almost 1eel t"e %ei-"t o1 "is eyes on t"eir 8a3ks@ like "e %oul5 memoriEe e)ery line o1 t"eir small 8o5ies. /ot"in- %oul5 "a)e -otten me past "im into t"at sparklin- ri)er o1 -lass. $"e 'un"ouse %as ne*t@ more 3lo%ns an5 s3reams@ t"e s"ootin%"oos" o1 air. $"e metal si5e%alk lea5in- into its 5ept"s 8u3kle5 an5 t%iste5. A little 8oy nearly 1ell. His mot"er 5ra--e5 "im to "is 1eet. ="y %oul5 any parent 8rin- t"eir 3"il5 "ere@ to t"is 1ri-"tenin- pla3eB $"ere %as e)en a "aunte5 "ouseG it %as almost 1unny. Sort o1 re5un5ant@ i1 you ask me. $"e %"ole 1reakin- pla3e %as a "ouse o1 "orrors.

=inter "a5 pause5 8e1ore t"e little 5oor lea5in- into t"e 8a3k areas. He %as 1ro%nin- at me@ massi)e arms almost 3rosse5 o)er e;ually massi)e 3"est. $"e arms 5i5n?t ;uite 1ol5 ri-"t@ too mu3" mus3le 1or t"at@ 8ut "e %as tryin-. He opene5 t"e 5oor. 9 %ent insi5e. $"e tall@ 8al5 man %"o "a5 8een %it" /ikolaos t"at 1irst time %as stan5in- a-ainst t"e %all@ at attention. His "an5some@ narro% 1a3e@ t"e eyes )ery prominent 8e3ause t"ere %as no "air@ not"in- mu3" else to stare at@ looke5 at me t"e %ay elementary s3"ool tea3"ers look at trou8lemakin- 3"il5ren. Dou must 8e punis"e5@ younla5y. But %"at "a5 9 5one %ron-B $"e man?s )oi3e %as 5eep@ 1aintly Britis"@ 3ulture5@ 8ut "uman. ASear3" "er 1or %eapons 8e1ore %e -o 5o%n.C =inter no55e5. ="y talk %"en -estures %ill 5oB His 8i- "an5s li1te5 my >a3ket an5 took t"e -un. He s"o)e5 one s"oul5er so t"at 9 spun aroun5. He 1oun5 t"e se3on5 -un@ too. Ha5 9 really t"ou-"t t"ey?5 let me keep t"e %eaponsB Des@ 9 -uess 9 "a5. Stupi5 me. A!"e3k "er arms 1or kni)es.C 4amn. =inter -rippe5 my >a3ket slee)es like "e meant to tear t"em. A=ait@ please. 9?ll >ust take t"e >a3ket o11. Dou 3an sear3" it@ too@ i1 you like.C =inter took t"e kni)es on my arms. $"e 8al52"ea5e5 man sear3"e5 t"e yello% %in58reaker 1or 3on3eale5 %eapons. He 5i5n?t 1in5 any. =inter patte5 my le-s 5o%n@ 8ut not %ell. He misse5 t"e kni1e at my ankle. 9 "a5 one %eapon@ an5 t"ey 5i5n?t kno% it. Bully 1or me. 4o%n t"e lon- stairs an5 into t"e empty t"rone room. 7ay8e it s"o%e5 on my 1a3e 8e3ause t"e man sai5@ A$"e master %aits 1or us@ %it" your 1rien5.C $"e man le5 t"e %ay as "e "a5 5o%n t"e stairs. =inter 8rou-"t up t"e rear. Per"aps t"ey t"ou-"t 9 %oul5 make a 8reak 1or it. <i-"t. ="ere %oul5 9 -oB $"ey stoppe5 at t"e 5un-eon. Ho% "a5 9 kno%n t"ey %oul5F $"e 8al52"ea5e5 man kno3ke5 on t"e 5oor t%i3e@ not too "ar5 not too so1t. $"ere %as silen3eG t"en 8ri-"t@ "i-" lau-"ter 5ri1te5 1rom insi5e 7y skin 3ra%le5 %it" t"e soun5. 9 5i5 not %ant to see /ikolaos a-ain. 9 5i5 not %ant to 8e in a 3ell a-ain. 9 %ante5 to -o "ome. $"e 5oor opene5. Valentine ma5e a "an52s%eepin- motion. A!ome in@ 3ome in.C He %as %earin- a sil)er mask t"is time. A stran5 o1 "is au8urn "air %as stu3k to t"e 1ore"ea5 o1 t"e mask@ sti3ky %it" 8loo5. 7y "eart t"u55e5 into my t"roat. P"illip@ are you ali)eB 9t %as all 9 3oul5 5o not to yell out. Valentine steppe5 a-ainst t"e 5oor as i1 %aitin- 1or me to pass. 9 -lan3e5 at t"e nameless 8al5 man. His 1a3e %as unrea5a8le. He motione5 me a"ea5 o1 "im. ="at 3oul5 9 5oB 9 %ent. ="at 9 sa% stoppe5 me at t"e top o1 t"e steps. 9 3oul5n?t -o 1art"er. 9 3oul5n?t. Au8rey stoo5 a-ainst t"e 1ar %all@ -rinninat me. His "air %as still -ol5enG "is 1a3e@ 8estial. /ikolaos stoo5 in a 5ress o1 1lo%in- %"ite t"at ma5e "er skin look like 3"alk@ "er "air 3otton2%"ite. S"e %as sprinkle5 %it" 8loo5@ like someone "a5 taken a re5 ink pen an5 splattere5 "er. Her -rey28lue eyes stare5 up at me. S"e lau-"e5 a-ain@ ri3" an5 pure an5 %i3ke5. 9 "a5 no ot"er %or5 1or it. =i3ke5. S"e 3aresse5 a %"ite@ 8loo52spattere5 "an5 a-ainst P"illip?s 8are 3"est. S"e rolle5 "er 1in-ertip o)er "is nipple@ an5 lau-"e5. He %as 3"aine5 to t"e %all at %rist an5 ankle. His lon-@ 8ro%n "air "a5 1allen 1or%ar5@ "i5in- one eye. His mus3ular 8o5y %as 3o)ere5 in 8ites. Bloo5 raine5 5o%n "is tan skin in t"in 3rimson lines. He stare5 up at me 1rom t"at one 8ro%n eye@ t"e ot"er "i55en in "is "air. 4espair. He kne% "e "a5 8een 8rou-"t "ere to 5ie@ like t"is@ an5 t"ere %asn?t a 5amn t"in"e 3oul5 5o a8out it. But t"ere %as somet"in- 9 3oul5 5o. $"ere "a5 to 8e. Go5@ please let t"ere 8eI $"e man tou3"e5 my s"oul5er@ an5 9 >umpe5. $"e )ampires lau-"e5. $"e man 5i5 not. 9 %alke5 5o%n t"e steps to stan5 a 1e% 1eet in 1ront o1 P"illip. He %oul5n?t look at me. /ikolaos tou3"e5 "is nake5 t"i-" an5 ran "er 1in-ers up it. His 8o5y ti-"tene5@ "an5s 3len3"in- into 1ists. A#"@ %e "a)e 8een "a)in- a 1ine time %it" your lo)er "ere@C /ikolaos sai5. Her )oi3e %as s%eet as e)er. $"e 3"il5 8ri5e in3arnate. Bit3". AHe isn?t my lo)er.C S"e poute5 out "er lo%er lip. A/o%@ Anita@ no lyin-. $"at?s no 1un.C S"e stalke5 to%ar5s me@ slen5er "ips s%ayin- to some inner 5an3e. S"e rea3"e5 1or me@ an5 9 8a3ke5 up@ 8umpin- into =inter. AAnimator@ animator@C s"e sai5. A="en %ill you learn t"at you 3annot 1i-"t meBC 9 5on?t t"ink s"e %ante5 me to ar-ue@ so 9 5i5n?t. S"e rea3"e5 1or me a-ain@ %it" one 8loo5y@ 5ainty "an5. A=inter 3an "ol5 you@ i1 you like.C Stay still@ or %e "ol5 you 5o%n. Great 3"oi3es. 9 staye5 still. 9 %at3"e5 t"ose pale 1in-ers -li5e to%ar5s my 1a3e. 9 -roun5 my 1in-ernails into t"e palms o1 my "an5s. 9 %oul5 not mo)e a%ay 1rom "er. 9 %oul5 not mo)e. Her 1in-ers tou3"e5 my 1ore"ea5@ an5 9 1elt t"e 3ool %etness o1 8loo5. S"e 8rus"e5 it 5o%n my temple to my 3"eek an5 tra3e5 "er 1in-ers o)er my lo%er lip. 9 t"ink 9 stoppe5 8reat"in-.

ALi3k your lips@C s"e sai5. A/o@C 9 sai5. A#"@ you are a stu88orn one. Has Hean2!lau5e -i)en you t"is 3oura-eBC A="at t"e "ell are you talkin- a8outBC Her eyes 5arkene5@ 1a3e 3lou5in- o)er. A4on?t 8e 3oy@ Anita. 9t 5oes not 8e3ome you.C Her )oi3e %as su55enly a5ult@ "ot enou-" to s3al5. A9 kno% your little se3ret.C A9 5on?t kno% %"at you are talkin- a8out@C 9 sai5@ an5 9 meant it. 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 t"e an-er. A91 you like@ %e 3an play -ames 1or a little %"ile lon-er.C S"e %as su55enly stan5in- 8esi5e P"illip@ an5 9 "a5n?t seen "er mo)e. AFmi5 t"at surprise you@ AnitaB 9 am still master o1 t"is 3ity. 9 "a)e po%ers t"at you an5 your master "a)e ne)er e)en 5reame5 o1.C 7y masterB ="at t"e "ell %as s"e talkin- a8outB 9 5i5n?t "a)e a master. S"e ru88e5 "er "an5s alon- t"e si5e o1 "is 3"est@ o)er "is ri8 I 3a-e. Her "an5 %ipe5 a%ay t"e 8loo5 to s"o% t"e skin smoot" an5 untou3"e5. S"e stoo5 in 1ront o1 "im an5 5i5n?t 3ome to "is 3ollar8one. P"illip "a5 3lose5 "is eyes. Her "ea5 ar3"e5 8a3k%ar5s@ a -limpse o1 1an-s@ lips 5ra%n 8a3k in a snarl. A/o.C 9 steppe5 to%ar5s t"em. =inter?s "an5s 5es3en5e5 on my s"oul5ers. He s"ook "is "ea5@ slo% an5 3are1ul. 9 %as not to inter1ere S"e 5ro)e "er 1an-s into "is si5e. His %"ole 8o5y sti11ene5@ ne3k ar3"in-@ arms >erkin- at t"e 3"ains. ALea)e "im aloneIC 9 5ro)e an el8o% into =inter?s stoma3". He -runte5@ an5 "is 1in-ers 5u- into my s"oul5ers until 9 %ante5 to s3ream. His arms en)elope5 me@ ti-"t to "is 3"est@ no mo)ement allo%e5. S"e raise5 "er 1a3e 1rom P"illip?s skin. Bloo5 tri3kle5 5o%n "er 3"in. S"e li3ke5 "er lips %it" a tiny pink ton-ue. A9roni3@C s"e sai5 in a )oi3e years ol5er t"an t"e 8o5y %oul5 e)er 8e. A9 sent P"illip to se5u3e you. 9nstea5@ you se5u3e5 "im.C A=e are not lo)ers.C 9 1elt ri5i3ulous %it" =inter?s arms 3rus"in- me to "is 3"est. A4enial %ill not "elp eit"er o1 you@C s"e sai5. A="at %ill "elp usBC 9 aske5. S"e motione5@ an5 =inter release5 me. 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom "im@ out o1 rea3". 9t put me 3loser to /ikolaos@ per"aps not an impro)ement. Let us 5is3uss your 1uture@ Anita.C S"e 8e-an to %alk up t"e steps. AAn5 your lo)er?s 1uture.C 9 assume5 s"e meant P"illip@ an5 9 5i5n?t 3orre3t "er. $"e nameless man motione5 1or me to 1ollo% "er up t"e stairs. Au8rey %as mo)in- 3loser to P"illip. $"ey %oul5 8e alone to-et"er. :na33epta8le. A/ikolaos@ please.C 7ay8e it %as t"e Aplease.C S"e turne5. ADes@C s"e sai5. A7ay 9 ask t%o t"in-sBC S"e %as smilin- at me@ amuse5 %it" me. An a5ult?s amusement %it" a 3"il5 %"o "a5 use5 a ne% %or5. 9 5i5n?t 3are %"at s"e t"ou-"t o1 me as lon- as s"e 5i5 %"at 9 %ante5. ADou may ask@C s"e sai5. A$"at %"en %e -o@ all t"e )ampires lea)e t"is room.C S"e %as still starin- at me@ smilin-@ so 1ar so -oo5. AAn5 t"at 9 8e allo%e5 to speak %it" P"illip pri)ately.C S"e lau-"e5@ "i-" an5 %il5@ 3"imes in a storm %in5. ADou are 8ol5@ mortal. 9 -i)e you t"at. 9 8e-in to see %"at Hean 2 !lau5e sees in you.C 9 let t"e 3omment -o 8e3ause 9 1elt like 9 %as missin- part o1 t"e meanin-. A7ay 9 "a)e %"at 9 ask@ pleaseBC A!all me master@ an5 you %ill "a)e it.C 9 s%allo%e5 an5 it %as lou5 in t"e su55en stillness. APlease ... master.C See@ 9 5i5n?t 3"oke on t"e %or5 a1ter all. AVery -oo5@ animator@ )ery -oo5 in5ee5.C =it"out "er nee5into say anyt"in-@ Valentine an5 Au8rey %ent up t"e steps an5 out t"e 5oor. $"ey 5i5n?t e)en ar-ue. $"at %as 1ri-"teninall on its o%n. A9 %ill lea)e Bur3"ar5 at t"e top o1 t"e steps. He "as "uman "earin-. 91 you %"isper@ "e %on?t 8e a8le to "ear you at all.C ABur3"ar5BC 9 aske5. ADes@ animator@ Bur3"ar5@ my "uman ser)ant.C S"e stare5 at me as i1 t"at %as si-ni1i3ant. 7y e*pression 5i5n?t seem to please "er. S"e 1ro%ne5. $"en s"e turne5 a8ruptly in a s%in- o1 %"ite skirts. =inter 1ollo%e5 "er like an o8e5ient puppy on steroi5s.

Bur3"ar5@ t"e on3e nameless man@ took up a post in 1ront o1 t"e 3lose5 5oor. He stare5 strai-"t a"ea5@ not at us. Pri)a3y@ or as 3lose as %e %ere -ettin- to it. 9 %ent to P"illip an5 "e still %oul5n?t look at me. His t"i3k@ 8ro%n "air a3te5 like a kin5 o1 3urtain 8et%een us. AP"illip@ %"at "appene5BC His )oi3e %as an a8use5 %"isperG s3reamin- %ill 5o t"at to you. 9 "a5 to stan5 on tiptoe an5 nearly press my 8o5y a-ainst "is to "ear "im. AGuilty PleasuresG t"ey took me 1rom t"ere.C A4i5n?t <o8ert try to stop t"emBC 'or some reason t"at seeme5 important. 9 "a5 only met <o8ert on3e@ 8ut part o1 me %as an-ry t"at "e "a5 not prote3te5 P"illip. He %as in 3"ar-e o1 t"in-s %"ile Hean2!lau5e %as a%ay. P"illip %as one o1 t"ose t"in-s. A=asn?t stron- enou-".C 9 lost my 8alan3e an5 %as 1or3e5 to 3at3" mysel1@ "an5s 1lat a-ainst "is ruine5 3"est. 9 >erke5 8a3k@ "an5s "el5 out 1rom me@ 8loo5y. P"illip 3lose5 "is eyes an5 leane5 8a3k into t"e %all. His t"roat %orke5 "ar5 at s%allo%in-. $"ere %ere t%o 1res" 8ites on "is ne3k. $"ey %ere -oin- to 8lee5 "im to 5eat" i1 someone 5i5n?t -et 3arrie5 a%ay 1irst. He lo%ere5 "is "ea5 an5 trie5 to look at me@ 8ut "is "air "a5 spille5 into 8ot" eyes. 9 %ipe5 t"e 8loo5 on my >eans an5 %ent 8a3k to stan5 almost on tiptoe ne*t to "im. 9 8rus"e5 t"e "air 8a3k 1rom "is eyes@ 8ut it spille5 1or%ar5 a-ain. 9t %as 8e-innin- to 8u- me. 9 3om8e5 my 1in-ers t"rou-" "is "air until it staye5 out o1 "is 1a3e. His "air %as so1ter t"an it looke5@ t"i3k an5 %arm %it" t"e "eat o1 "is 8o5y. He almost smile5. His )oi3e 8reakin- as "e %"ispere5@ A'e% mont"s 8a3k@ 9?5 "a)e pai5 money 1or t"is.C 9 stare5 at "im@ t"en realiEe5 "e %as tryin- to make a >oke. Go5. 7y t"roat 1elt ti-"t. Bur3"ar5 sai5@ A9t is time to -o.C 9 stare5 into P"illip?s eyes@ per1e3t 8ro%n@ tor3"li-"t 5an3in- in t"em like 8la3k mirrors. A9 %on?t lea)e you "ere@ P"illip.C His eyes 1li3kere5 to t"e man on t"e stairs an5 8a3k to me. 'ear turne5 "is 1a3e youn-@ "elpless. ASee you later@C "e sai5. 9 steppe5 8a3k 1rom "im. ADou 3an 3ount on it.C A9t is not %ise to keep "er %aitin-@C Bur3"ar5 sai5. He %as pro8a8ly ri-"t. P"illip an5 9 stare5 at ea3" ot"er 1or a "an51ul o1 moments. $"e pulse in "is t"roat >umpe5 un5er "is skin like it %as tryin- to es3ape. 7y t"roat a3"e5G my 3"est %as ti-"t. $"e tor3"li-"t 1li3kere5 in my )ision 1or >ust a se3on5. 9 turne5 a%ay an5 %alke5 to t"e steps. =e tou-"2as2nails )ampire slayers 5on?t 3ry. At least@ ne)er in pu8li3. At least@ ne)er %"en %e 3an "elp it. Bur3"ar5 "el5 t"e 5oor open 1or me. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at P"illip an5 %a)e5@ like an i5iot. He %at3"es me -o@ "is eyes too lar-e 1or "is 1a3e su55enly@ like a 3"il5 %"o %at3"es its parent lea)e t"e room 8e1ore all t"e monsters are -one. 9 "a5 to lea)e "im like t"at2alone@ "elpless. Go5 "elp me.

Chapter Thirty-eight
/ikolaos sat in "er 3ar)e5 %oo5en 3"air@ tiny 1eet s%in-in- o11 t"e -roun5. !"armin-. Au8rey leane5 a-ainst t"e %all@ ton-ue runnin- o)er "is lips@ -ettin- t"e last 8it o1 8loo5 o11 t"em. Valentine stoo5 )ery still 8esi5e "im@ starin- at me. =inter stoo5 8esi5e me. $"e prison -uar5. Bur3"ar5 %ent to stan5 8y /ikolaos@ one "an5 on t"e 8a3k o1 "er 3"air. A="at@ animator@ no >okesBC /ikolaos aske5. Her )oi3e %as still t"e -ro%n2up )ersion. 9t %as like s"e "a5 t%o )oi3es an5 3oul5 3"an-e t"em %it" a pus" o1 a 8utton. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9 5i5n?t 1eel )ery 1unny. AHa)e %e 8roken your spiritB $aken t"e 1i-"t out o1 youBC 9 stare5 at "er. An-er 1lare5 t"rou-" me like a %a)e o1 "eat. A="at 5o you %ant@ /ikolaosBC A#"@ t"at?s mu3" 8etter.C Her )oi3e rose an5 1ell@ a little2-irl -i--le at t"e en5 o1 ea3" %or5. 9 mi-"t ne)er like 3"il5ren a-ain. AHean2!lau5e s"oul5 8e -ro%in- %eak insi5e "is 3o11in. Star)in-@ 8ut instea5 "e is stron- an5 %ell 1e5. Ho% 3an t"is 8eBC 9 5i5n?t "a)e t"e 1aintest i5ea@ so 9 kept ;uiet. 7ay8e it %as r"etori3alB 9t %asn?t. AAns%er me@ A2n2i2t2a.C S"e stret3"e5 my name out@ 8itin- o11 ea3" sylla8le. A9 5on?t kno%.C

A#"@ 8ut you 5o.C 9 5i5n?t@ 8ut s"e %asn?t -oin- to 8elie)e me. A="y are you "urtin- P"illipBC AHe nee5e5 to 8e tau-"t a lesson@ a1ter last ni-"t.C ABe3ause "e stoo5 up to youBC 9 aske5. ADes@C s"e sai5@ A8e3ause "e stoo5 up to me.C S"e s3oote5 out o1 t"e 3"air an5 pattere5 to%ar5s me. S"e 5i5 a little turn so t"e %"ite 5ress 8illo%e5 aroun5 "er. S"e 1reakin- skippe5 o)er to me@ smilin-. AAn5 8e3ause 9 %as an-ry %it" you. 9 torture your lo)er@ an5 may8e 9 %on?t torture you. An5 per"aps@ t"is 5emonstration %ill -i)e you 1res" in3enti)e to 1in5 t"e )ampire mur5erer.C Her pretty little 1a3e %as turne5 up to me@ pale eyes -leamin- %it" "umor. S"e %as -oo5. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5@ an5 9 aske5 t"e ;uestion 9 "a5 to ask@ A="y %ere you an-ry %it" meBC S"e 3o3ke5 "er "ea5 to one si5e. 91 s"e "a5n?t 8een 8loo5spattere5@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een 3ute. A!oul5 it 8e t"at you 5o not kno%BC S"e turne5 8a3k to Bur3"ar5. A="at t"ink you@ my 1rien5B 9s s"e i-norantBC He strai-"tene5 "is s"oul5ers an5 sai5@ A9 8elie)e t"at it is possi8le.C A#"@ Hean2!lau5e "as 8een a )ery nau-"ty 8oy. Gi)in- t"e se3on5 mark to an unsuspe3tin- mortal.C 9 stoo5 )ery still. 9 %as remem8erin- 8lue@ 1iery eyes on t"e stairs@ an5 Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e in my "ea5. All ri-"t@ 9 "a5 suspe3te5 it@ 8ut 9 still 5i5n?t un5erstan5 %"at it meant. A="at 5oes t"e se3on5 mark meanBC S"e li3ke5 "er lips@ so1t like a kitten. AS"all %e e*plain@ Bur3"ar5B S"all %e tell "er %"at %e kno%BC A91 s"e truly 5oes not kno%@ mistress@ %e must enli-"ten "er@C "e sai5. ADes@C s"e sai5 an5 -li5e5 8a3k to t"e 3"air. ABur3"ar5@ tell "er "o% ol5 you are.C A9 am si* "un5re5 an5 t"ree years o1 a-e.C 9 stare5 at "is smoot" 1a3e an5 s"ook my "ea5. ABut you?re "uman@ not a )ampire.C A9 "a)e 8een -i)en t"e 1ourt" mark an5 %ill li)e as lon- as my mistress nee5s me.C A/o@ Hean2!lau5e %oul5n?t 5o t"at to me@C 9 sai5. /ikolaos ma5e a small s"ru--in- motion %it" "er "an5s. A9 "a5 presse5 "im )ery "ar5. 9 kne% o1 t"e 1irst mark to "eal you. 9 suppose "e %as 5esperate to sa)e "imsel1.C 9 remem8ere5 t"e e3"o o1 "is )oi3e in my "ea5. A9?m sorry. 9 "a5 no 3"oi3e.C 4amn "im@ t"ere %ere al%ays 3"oi3es. AHe?s 8een in my 5reams e)ery ni-"t. ="at 5oes t"at meanBC AHe is 3ommuni3atin- %it" you@ animator. =it" t"e t"ir5 mark %ill 3ome more 5ire3t min5 3onta3t.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o.C A/o %"at@ animatorB /o t"ir5 mark@ or no you 5on?t 8elie)e usBC s"e aske5. A9 5on?t %ant to 8e anyone?s ser)ant.C AHa)e you 8een eatin- more t"an usualBC s"e aske5. $"e ;uestion %as so o55@ 9 >ust stare5 1or a minute@ t"en 9 remem8ere5. ADes. 9s t"at importantBC /ikolaos 1ro%ne5. AHe is sip"onin- ener-y 1rom you@ Anita. He is 1ee5in- t"rou-" your 8o5y. He s"oul5 8e -ro%in- %eak 8y no%@ 8ut you %ill keep "im stron-.C A9 5i5n?t mean to.C A9 8elie)e you@C s"e sai5. ALast ni-"t %"en 9 realiEe5 %"at "e "a5 5one@ 9 %as 8esi5e mysel1 %it" an-er. So 9 took your lo)er.C APlease 8elie)e me@ "e is not my lo)er.C A$"en %"y 5i5 "e risk my an-er to sa)e you last ni-"tB 'rien5s"ipB 4e3en3yB 9 t"ink not.C All ri-"t@ let "er 8elie)e it. Hust -et us out ali)e@ t"at %as t"e -oal. /ot"in- else mattere5. A="at 3an P"illip an5 9 5o to make amen5sBC A#"@ so polite@ 9 like t"at.C S"e put a "an5 on Bur3"ar5?s %aist@ a 3asual -esture like pettin- a 5o-. AS"all %e s"o% "er %"at s"e "as to look 1or%ar5 toBC His %"ole 8o5y tense5 as i1 an ele3tri3 3urrent "a5 run t"rou-" it. A91 my mistress %is"es.C A9 5o@C s"e sai5. Bur3"ar5 knelt in 1ront o1 "er@ 1a3e a8out 3"est le)el. /ikolaos looke5 o)er "is "ea5 at me. A$"is@C s"e sai5@ Ais t"e 1ourt" mark.C Her "an5s %ent to t"e small pearl 8uttons t"at 5e3orate5 t"e 1ront o1 t"e %"ite 5ress. S"e sprea5 t"e 3lot" %i5e@ 8arin- small 8reasts. $"ey %ere a 3"il5?s 8reasts@ small an5 "al121orme5. S"e 5re% a 1in-ernail 8esi5e "er le1t 8reast. $"e skin opene5 like eart" 8e"in5 a plo%@ spillin- 8loo5 in a re5 line 5o%n "er 3"est an5 stoma3".

9 3oul5 not see Bur3"ar5?s 1a3e as "e leane5 1or%ar5. His "an5s sli5 aroun5 "er %aist. His 1a3e 8urie5 8et%een "er 8reasts. S"e tense5@ 8a3k ar3"in-. So1t@ su3kin- soun5s 1ille5 t"e room?s stillness. 9 looke5 a%ay@ starin- at anyt"in- 8ut t"em@ as i1 9 "a5 1oun5 t"em "a)in- se* 8ut 3oul5n?t lea)e. Valentine %as starin- at me. 9 stare5 8a3k. He tippe5 an ima-inary "at at me an5 1las"e5 1an-s. 9 i-nore5 "im. Bur3"ar5 %as sittin- 8esi5e t"e 3"air@ "al12leanin- a-ainst it. His 1a3e %as sla3k an5 1lus"e5@ "is 3"est risin- an5 1allin- in 5eep -asps. He %ipe5 8loo5 1rom "is mout" %it" a s"akin- "an5. /ikolaos sat )ery still@ "ea5 8a3k@ eyes 3lose5. Per"aps se* %asn?t su3" a 8a5 analo-y a1ter all. /ikolaos spoke %it" "er eyes 3lose5@ "ea5 t"ro%n 8a3k@ )oi3e t"i3k. ADour 1rien5@ =illie@ is 8a3k in a 3o11in. He 1elt sorry 1or P"illip. =e %ill "a)e to 3ure "im o1 su3" instin3ts.C S"e raise5 "er "ea5 a8ruptly@ eyes 8ri-"t@ almost -litterin-@ as i1 t"ey "a5 a li-"t all t"eir o%n. A!an you see my s3ar to5ayBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. S"e %as t"e 8eauti1ul 3"il5@ 3omplete an5 %"ole. /o imper1e3tions. ADou look per1e3t a-ain@ %"yBC ABe3ause 9 am e*pen5in- ener-y to make it so. 9 am "a)in- to %ork at it.C Her )oi3e %as lo% an5 %arm@ a 8uil5in- "eat like t"un5erstorms in t"e 5istan3e. $"e "air at t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k 3ra%le5. Somet"in- 8a5 %as a8out to "appen. AHean2!lau5e "as "is 1ollo%ers@ Anita. 91 9 kill "im@ t"ey %ill make "im a martyr. But i1 9 pro)e "im %eak@ po%erless@ t"ey >ust 1all a%ay an5 1ollo% me@ or 1ollo% no one.C S"e stoo5@ 5ress 8uttone5 to "er ne3k on3e more. Her 3otton%"ite "air seeme5 to mo)e as i1 a %in5 stirre5 it@ 8ut t"ere %as no %in5. A9 %ill 5estroy somet"in- Hean2!lau5e "as -i)en "is prote3tion to.C Ho% 1ast 3oul5 9 -et to t"e kni1e on my le-B An5 %"at -oo5 %oul5 it 5o meB A9 %ill pro)e to all t"at Hean2!lau5e 3an prote3t not"in-. 9 am master o1 all.C ,-o3entri3 8it3". =inter -ra88e5 my arm 8e1ore 9 3oul5 5o anyt"in-. $oo 8usy %at3"in- t"e )ampires to noti3e t"e "umans. AGo@C s"e sai5. AKill "im.C Au8rey an5 Valentine stoo5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all an5 8o%e5. $"en t"ey %ere -one@ as i1 t"ey "a5 )anis"e5. 9 turne5 to /ikolaos. S"e smile5. ADes@ 9 3lou5e5 your min5@ an5 you 5i5 not see t"em -o.C A="ere are t"ey -oin-BC 7y stoma3" %as ti-"t. 9 t"ink 9 alrea5y kne% t"e ans%er. AHean2!lau5e "as -i)en P"illip "is prote3tionG t"us "e must 5ie.C A/o.C /ikolaos smile5. A#"@ 8ut yes.C A s3ream rippe5 t"rou-" t"e "all%ay. A man?s s3ream. P"illip?s s3ream. A/oIC 9 "al121ell to my kneesG only =inter?s "an5 kept me 1rom 1allin- to t"e 1loor. 9 preten5e5 to 1aint@ sa--in- in "is -rip. He release5 me. 9 -ra88e5 t"e kni1e 1rom its ankle s"eat". =inter an5 9 %ere 3lose to t"e "all%ay@ 1ar a%ay 1rom /ikolaos an5 "er "uman. 7ay8e 1ar enou-". =inter %as starin- at "er as i1 %aitin- 1or or5ers. 9 3ame up o11 t"e -roun5 an5 5ro)e t"e kni1e into "is -roin. $"e kni1e sank in@ an5 8loo5 poure5 out as 9 5re% t"e 8la5e 1ree an5 ra3e5 1or t"e "all%ay. 9 %as at t"e 5oor %"en t"e 1irst tri3kle o1 %in5 ooEe5 5o%n my 8a3k. 9 5i5n?t look 8a3k. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor. P"illip sa--e5 in t"e 3"ains. Bloo5 poure5 in a 8ri-"t re5 1loo5 5o%n "is 3"est. 9t splattere5 onto t"e 1loor@ like rain. $or3"li-"t -littere5 on t"e %et 8one o1 "is spine. Someone "a5 rippe5 "is t"roat out. 9 sta--ere5 a-ainst t"e %all as i1 someone "a5 "it me. 9 3oul5n?t -et enou-" air. Someone kept %"isperin-@ A#"@ Go5@ o"@ Go5@C o)er an5 o)er@ an5 it %as me. 9 %alke5 5o%n t"e steps %it" my 8a3k presse5 a-ainst t"e %all. 9 3oul5n?t take my eyes 1rom "im. !oul5n?t look a%ay. !oul5n?t 8reat"e. !oul5n?t 3ry. $"e tor3"li-"t re1le3te5 in "is eyes@ -i)in- t"e illusion o1 mo)ement. A s3ream 8uilt in my -ut an5 spille5 out my t"roat. AP"illipIC Au8rey steppe5 8et%een me an5 P"illip. He %as 3o)ere5 in 8loo5. A9 look 1or%ar5 to )isitin- your lo)ely 1rien5@ !at"erine.C 9 %ante5 to run at "im@ s3reamin-. 9nstea5@ 9 leane5 a-ainst t"e %all@ kni1e "el5 5o%n at my si5e@ unnoti3e5. $"e -oal %as no lon-er to -et out ali)e. $"e -oal %as to kill Au8rey. ADou son o1 a 8it3"@ you 1u3kin- son o1 a 8it3".C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 utterly 3alm@ no emotion %"atsoe)er. 9 %asn?t a1rai5. 9 5i5n?t 1eel anyt"in-. Au8rey?s 1a3e 1ro%ne5 at me t"rou-" a mask o1 P"illip?s 8loo5. A4o not say su3" t"in-s to me.C ADou u-ly@ stinkin-@ mot"er21u3kin- 8astar5.C

He -li5e5 to me@ >ust like 9 %ante5 "im to. He put a "an5 on my s"oul5er. 9 s3reame5 in "is 1a3e as lou5 as 9 3oul5. He "esitate5 1or >ust a "eart8eat. 9 s"o)e5 t"e kni1e 8la5e 8et%een "is ri8s. 9t %as s"arp an5 t"in@ an5 9 s"o)e5 it "ilt 5eep. His 8o5y sti11ene5@ leanin- into me. ,yes %i5e an5 surprise5. His mout" opene5 an5 3lose5@ 8ut no soun5 3ame out. He topple5 to t"e 1loor@ 1in-ers -ra88in- at air. Valentine %as instantly t"ere@ kneelin- 8y t"e 8o5y. A="at "a)e you 5oneBC He 3oul5n?t see t"e kni1e. 9t %as s"iel5e5 8y Au8rey?s 8o5y. A9 kille5 "im@ you son o1 a 8it3"@ >ust like 9?m -oin- to kill you.C Valentine >erke5 to "is 1eet@ starte5 to say somet"in-@ an5 all "ell 8roke loose. $"e 3ell 5oor 3ras"e5 in%ar5 an5 smas"e5 to 8its a-ainst t"e 1ar %all. A torna5o %in5 8laste5 into t"e room. Valentine 5roppe5 to "is knees@ "ea5 tou3"in- t"e 1loor. He %as 8o%in-. 9 1lattene5 mysel1 a-ainst t"e %all. $"e %in5 3la%e5 at my 1a3e@ tan-lin- my "air in 1ront o1 my eyes. $"e noise -re% less@ an5 9 s;uinte5 up at t"e 5oor. /ikolaos 1loate5 >ust a8o)e t"e top step. Her "air 3ra3kle5 aroun5 "er "ea5@ like spi5er silk. Her skin "a5 s"runken a-ainst "er 8ones@ until s"e %as skeletal. Her eyes -lo%e5@ pale 8lue 1ire. S"e starte5 1loatin- 5o%n t"e steps@ "an5s outstret3"e5. 9 3oul5 see "er )eins like 8lue li-"ts un5er "er skin. 9 ran. <an 1or t"e 1ar %all@ an5 t"e tunnel t"e ratmen "a5 use5. $"e %in5 t"re% me a-ainst t"e %all@ an5 9 s3ram8le5 on "an5s an5 1eet to%ar5s t"e tunnel. $"e "ole %as lar-e@ an5 8la3k@ 3ool air 8rus"e5 my 1a3e@ an5 somet"in- -ra88e5 my ankle. 9 s3reame5. $"e t"in- t"at %as /ikolaos 5ra--e5 me 8a3k. 9t slamme5 me a-ainst t"e %all an5 pinne5 my %rists in one 3la%e5 "an5. $"e 8o5y leane5 into my le-s@ 8one un5er 3lot". $"e lips "a5 re3e5e5@ e*posin- t"e 1an-s an5 teet". $"e skeletal "ea5 "isse5@ ADou %ill learn o8e5ien3e@ to meIC 9t s3reame5 in my 1a3e@ an5 9 s3reame5 8a3k. =or5lessly@ an animal s3reamin- in a trap. 7y "eart %as t"u55in- in my t"roat. 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. A/oooIC $"e t"in- s"rieke5@ ALook at meIC An5 9 5i5. 9 1ell into t"e 8lue 1ire t"at %as "er eyes. $"e 1ire 8urro%e5 into my 8rain@ pain. Her t"ou-"ts 3ut me up like kni)es@ sli3in- a%ay parts o1 me. Her ra-e s3al5e5 an5 8urne5 until 9 t"ou-"t t"e skin %as peelin- a%ay 1rom my 1a3e. !la%s s3rappe5 t"e insi5e o1 my skull@ -rin5in- 8one into 5ust. ="en 9 3oul5 see a-ain@ 9 %as "u55le5 8y t"e %all@ an5 s"e %as stan5in- o)er me@ not tou3"in-@ not nee5in- to. 9 %as s"akin-@ s"akin- so 8a5ly my teet" 3"attere5. 9 %as 3ol5@ so 3ol5. A,)entually@ animator@ you %ill 3all me master@ an5 you %ill mean it.C S"e %as su55enly kneelin- o)er me. S"e presse5 "er slen5er 8o5y o)er mine@ "an5s pinnin- my s"oul5ers to t"e 1loor. 9 3oul5n?t mo)e. $"e 8eauti1ul little -irl leane5 "er 1a3e a-ainst my 3"eek an5 %"ispere5@ A9 am -oin- to sink 1an-s into your ne3k@ an5 t"ere is not"in- you 3an 5o to stop me.C Her 5eli3ate s"ell o1 an ear %as 8rus"in- my lips. 9 sank teet" into it until 9 taste5 8loo5. S"e s"rieke5 an5 >erke5 a%ay@ 8loo5 runnin- 5o%n t"e si5e o1 "er ne3k. Bri-"t raEor 3la%s tore t"rou-" my 8rain. Her pain@ "er ra-e@ turnin- my 8rain into silly putty. 9 t"ink 9 %as s3reamina-ain@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t "ear it. A1ter a %"ile 9 3oul5n?t "ear anyt"in-. 4arkness 3ame. 9t s%allo%e5 up /ikolaos an5 le1t me alone@ 1loatin- in t"e 5ark.

Chapter Thirty-nine
9 %oke up@ %"i3" %as a pleasant surprise all on its o%n. 9 %as 8linkin- up into an ele3tri3 li-"t set in a 3eilin-. 9 %as ali)e@ an5 9 %asn?t in t"e 5un-eon. Goo5 t"in-s to kno%. ="y s"oul5 it surprise me t"at 9 %as ali)eB 7y 1in-ers 3aresse5 t"e rou-"@ kno88y 1a8ri3 o1 t"e 3ou3" 9 %as lyin- on. $"ere %as a pi3ture "an-in- o)er t"e 3ou3". A ri)er s3ene %it" 1lat8oats@ mules@ people. Someone 3ame to stan5 o)er me@ lon- yello% "air@ s;uare2>a%e5@ "an5some 1a3e. /ot as in"umanly 8eauti1ul as "e "a5 8een to me 8e1ore@ 8ut still "an5some. 9 -uess you "a5 to 8e "an5some to 8e a stripper. 7y )oi3e 3ame out in a "ars" 3roak. A<o8ert.C He knelt 8esi5e me. A9 %as a1rai5 you %oul5n?t %ake up 8e1ore 5a%n. Are you "urtBC A="ere ... C 9 3leare5 my t"roat an5 t"at "elpe5 a little. A="ere am 9BC AHean2!lau5e?s o11i3e at Guilty Pleasures.C AHo% 5i5 9 -et "ereBC A/ikolaos 8rou-"t you. S"e sai5@ FHere?s your master?s %"ore.? A 9 %at3"e5 "is t"roat %ork as "e s%allo%e5. 9t remin5e5 me o1 somet"in-@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t t"ink %"at.

ADou kno% %"at Hean2!lau5e "as 5oneBC 9 aske5. <o8ert no55e5. A7y master "as marke5 you t%i3e. ="en 9 speak to you@ 9 am speakin- to "im.C 4i5 "e mean t"at 1i-urati)ely or literallyB 9 really 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. AHo% 5o you 1eelBC "e aske5. $"ere %as somet"in- in t"e %ay "e aske5 it t"at meant 9 s"oul5n?t 1eel all ri-"t. 7y t"roat "urt. 9 raise5 a "an5 an5 tou3"e5 it. 4rie5 8loo5. #n my ne3k. 9 3lose5 my eyes@ 8ut t"at 5i5n?t "elp. A small soun5 es3ape5 my t"roat@ )ery like a %"imper. P"illip?s ima-e %as 8urne5 on my min5. $"e 8loo5 pourin- 1rom "is t"roat@ torn pink meat. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 trie5 to 8reat"e 5eep an5 slo%. 9t %as no -oo5. ABat"room@C 9 sai5. <o8ert s"o%e5 me %"ere it %as. 9 %ent insi5e@ knelt on t"e 3ool 1loor@ an5 t"re% up in t"e toilet@ until 9 %as empty an5 not"in- 8ut 8ile 3ame up. $"en 9 %alke5 to t"e sink an5 splas"e5 3ol5 %ater in my mout" an5 on my 1a3e. 9 stare5 at mysel1 in t"e mirror a8o)e t"e sink. 7y eyes looke5 8la3k@ not 8ro%n@ my skin si3kly. 9 looke5 like s"it an5 1elt %orse. An5 t"ere on t"e ri-"t si5e o1 my ne3k %as t"e real t"in-. /ot P"illip?s "ealin- 8ite marks@ 8ut 1an- marks. $iny@ 5iminuti)e@ 1an- marks. /ikolaos "a5 ... 3ontaminate5 me. $o pro)e s"e 3oul5 "arm Hean2!lau5e?s "uman ser)ant. S"e "a5 pro)e5 "o% tou-" s"e %as@ o"@ yea". <eal tou-". P"illip %as 5ea5. 4ea5. $ry t"e %or5 o)er in your min5@ 8ut 3oul5 9 say it out lou5B 9 5e3i5e5 to try. AP"illip is 5ea5@C 9 tol5 my re1le3tion. 9 3rum8le5 t"e 8ro%n paper to%el an5 stu11e5 it in t"e metal tras" 3an. 9t %asn?t enou-". 9 s3reame5@ AA"""IC 9 ki3ke5 t"e tras" 3an@ o)er an5 o)er until it topple5 to t"e 1loor@ spillin- its 3ontents. <o8ert 3ame t"rou-" t"e 5oor. AAre you all ri-"tBC A4oes it look like 9?m all ri-"tBC 9 yelle5. He "esitate5 in t"e 5oor%ay. A9s t"ere anyt"in- 9 3an 5o to "elpBC ADou 3oul5n?t e)en keep t"em 1rom takin- P"illipIC He %in3e5 as i1 9 "a5 "it "im. A9 5i5 my 8est.C A=ell@ it %asn?t -oo5 enou-"@ %as itBC 9 %as still s3reamin- like a ma5 person. 9 sank to my knees@ an5 all t"at ra-e 3"oke5 up my t"roat an5 spille5 out my eyes. AGet outIC He "esitate5. AAre you sureBC AGet out o1 "ereIC He 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im. An5 9 sat in t"e 1loor an5 ro3ke5 an5 3rie5 an5 s3reame5. ="en my "eart 1elt as empty as my stoma3"@ 9 1elt lea5en@ use5 up. /ikolaos "a5 kille5 P"illip an5 8itten me to pro)e "o% po%er1ul s"e %as. 9 8et s"e t"ou-"t 9?5 8e s3are5 a8solutely s"itless o1 "er. S"e %as ri-"t on t"at. But 9 spen5 most o1 my %akin- "ours 3on1rontin- an5 5estroyin- t"in-s t"at 9 1ear. A t"ousan52year2ol5 master )ampire %as a tall or5er@ 8ut a -irl?s -ot to "a)e a -oal.

Chapter Forty
$"e 3lu8 %as ;uiet an5 5ark. $"ere %as no one t"ere 8ut me. 9t must "a)e 8een a1ter 5a%n. $"e 3lu8 %as "us"e5 an5 1ull o1 t"at %aitin- silen3e t"at all 8uil5in-s -et a1ter t"e people -o "ome. As i1 on3e %e lea)e@ t"e 8uil5in- "as a li1e o1 its o%n@ i1 only %e %oul5 lea)e it in pea3e. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 trie5 to 3on3entrate. $o 1eel somet"in-. All 9 %ante5 %as to -o "ome an5 try to sleep. An5 pray 9 5i5n?t 5ream. $"ere %as a yello% Post2it note on t"e 5oor. 9t rea5@ ADour %eapons are 8e"in5 t"e 8ar. $"e master 8rou-"t t"ose@ too. <o8ert.C 9 put 8ot" -uns in pla3e an5 t"e kni)es. $"e one 9 "a5 use5 on =inter an5 Au8rey %as missin-. =as =inter 5ea5B 7ay8e. =as Au8rey 5ea5B Hope1ully. :sually it took a master )ampire to sur)i)e a 8lo% to t"e "eart@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er trie5 it on a 1i)e"un5re52year2ol5 %alkin- 3orpse. 91 t"ey took t"e kni1e out@ "e mi-"t 8e tou-" enou-" to sur)i)e it. 9 "a5 to 3all !at"erine. An5 tell "er %"atB Get out o1 to%n@ a )ampire is a1ter you. 4i5n?t soun5 like somet"in- s"e?5 8uy. S"it. 9 %alke5 out into t"e so1t %"ite li-"t o1 5a%n. $"e street %as empty an5 a%as" in t"at -entle mornin- air. $"e "eat "a5n?t "a5 time to 3reep in. 9t %as almost 3ool. ="ere %as my 3arB 9 "ear5 1ootsteps a se3on5 8e1ore t"e )oi3e sai5@ A4on?t mo)e. 9 "a)e a -un pointe5 at your 8a3k.C 9 3laspe5 my "an5s atop my "ea5 %it"out 8ein- aske5. AGoo5 mornin-@ ,5%ar5@C 9 sai5.

AGoo5 mornin-@ Anita@C "e sai5. AStan5 )ery still@ please.C He stoo5 >ust 8e"in5 me@ -un pressin- a-ainst my spine. He 1riske5 me 3ompletely@ top to 8ottom. /ot"in- "ap"aEar5 a8out ,5%ar5G t"at?s one o1 t"e reasons "e?s still ali)e. He steppe5 8a3k 1rom me@ an5 sai5@ ADou may turn aroun5 no%.C He "a5 my 'irestar tu3ke5 into "is 8elt@ t"e Bro%nin- loose in "is le1t "an5. 9 5on?t kno% %"at "e 5i5 %it" t"e kni)es. He smile5@ 8oyis" an5 3"armin-@ -un )ery stea5ily pointe5 at my 3"est. A/o more "i5in-. ="ere is t"is /ikolaosBC "e aske5. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. 9 t"ou-"t a8out a33usin- "im o1 8ein- t"e )ampire mur5erer@ 8ut no% 5i5n?t seem to 8e a -oo5 time. 7ay8e later@ %"en "e %asn?t pointin- a -un at me. A7ay 9 lo%er my armsBC 9 aske5. He -a)e a sli-"t no5. 9 lo%ere5 my arms slo%ly. A9 %ant one t"in- 3lear 8et%een us@ ,5%ar5. 9?ll -i)e you t"e in1ormation@ 8ut not 8e3ause 9?m a1rai5 o1 you. 9 %ant "er 5ea5. An5 9 %ant a pie3e o1 it.C His smile %i5ene5@ eyes -litterin- %it" pleasure. A="at "appene5 last ni-"tBC 9 -lan3e5 5o%n at t"e si5e%alk@ t"en up. 9 stare5 into "is 8lue eyes an5 sai5@ AS"e "a5 P"illip kille5.C He %as %at3"in- my 1a3e )ery 3losely. AGo on.C AS"e 8it me. 9 t"ink s"e plans on makin- me a personal ser)ant.C He put "is -un 8a3k in "is s"oul5er "olster an5 3ame to stan5 ne*t to me. He turne5 my "ea5 to one si5e to see t"e 8ite mark 8etter. ADou nee5 to 3lean t"is 8ite. 9t?s -oin- to "urt like "ell.C A9 kno%. =ill you "elp meBC ASure.C His smile so1tene5. AHere 9 %as -oin- to 3ause you pain to -et in1ormation. /o% you ask me to "elp you pour a3i5 on a %oun5.C AHoly =ater@C 9 sai5. A9t?s -oin- to 1eel t"e same@C "e sai5. :n1ortunately@ "e %as ri-"t.

Chapter Forty-one
9 sat %it" my 8a3k presse5 a-ainst t"e 3ool por3elain o1 t"e 8at"tu8. $"e 1ront an5 si5e o1 my s"irt %as 3lin-in- to me@ %ater2soake5. ,5%ar5 knelt 8esi5e me@ a "al12empty 8ottle o1 Holy =ater in one "an5. =e %ere on t"e t"ir5 8ottle. 9 "a5 t"ro%n up only on3e. Bully 1or me. =e "a5 starte5 %it" me sittin- on t"e e5-e o1 t"e sink. 9 "a5 not staye5 t"ere lon-. 9 "a5 >umpe5@ yelle5@ an5 %"impere5. 9 "a5 also 3alle5 ,5%ar5 a son o1 a 8it3". He 5i5n?t "ol5 it a-ainst me. AHo% 5o you 1eelBC "e aske5. His 1a3e %as utterly 8lank. 9 3oul5n?t tell i1 "e %as en>oyin- "imsel1 or "atin- it. 9 -lare5 up at "im. ALike someone?s 8een s"o)in- a re52"ot kni1e a-ainst my t"roat.C A9 mean@ 5o you %ant to stop an5 rest a%"ileBC 9 took a 5eep 8reat". A/o. 9 %ant it 3lean@ ,5%ar5. All t"e %ay.? He s"ook "is "ea5@ almost smile5. A9t is 3ustomary to 5o t"is o)er a matter o1 5ays@ you kno%.C ADes@C 9 sai5. ABut you %ant it all in one marat"on sessionBC His -aEe %as )ery stea5y@ as i1 t"e ;uestion %ere more important t"an it seeme5. 9 looke5 a%ay 1rom t"e intensity o1 "is eyes. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e stare5 at ri-"t no%. A9 5on?t "a)e a 1e% 5ays. 9 nee5 t"is %oun5 3lean 8e1ore ni-"t1all.C ABe3ause /ikolaos %ill 3ome )isit you a-ain@C "e sai5. ADes@C 9 sai5. AAn5 unless t"is 1irst %oun5 is puri1ie5@ s"e?ll "a)e a "ol5 on you.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 it trem8le5. ADes.C A,)en i1 %e 3lean t"e 8ite@ s"e may still 8e a8le to 3all you. 91 s"e?s as po%er1ul as you say s"e is.C AS"e?s t"at po%er1ul an5 more.C 9 ru88e5 my "an5s alon- my >eans. ADou t"ink /ikolaos 3an turn me a-ainst you@ e)en i1 %e 3lean t"e 8iteBC 9 looke5 up at "im t"en@ "opin- to 8e a8le to rea5 "is 1a3e. He stare5 5o%n at me. A=e )ampire slayers take our 3"an3es.C

A$"at %asn?t a no@C 9 sai5. He -a)e a 1las" o1 smile. A9t %asn?t a yes@ eit"er.C #"@ -oo5y@ ,5%ar5 5i5n?t kno% eit"er. APour some more on@ 8e1ore 9 lose my ner)e.C He 5i5 smile t"en@ eyes -leamin-. ADou %ill ne)er lose your ner)e. Dour li1e@ pro8a8ly@ 8ut ne)er your ner)e.C 9t %as a 3ompliment an5 meant as one. A$"ank you.C He put a "an5 on my s"oul5er@ an5 9 turne5 my 1a3e a%ay. 7y "eart %as t"u55in- in my t"roat until all 9 3oul5 "ear %as my 8loo5 pulsin- insi5e my "ea5. 9 %ante5 to run@ to las" out@ to s3ream@ 8ut 9 "a5 to sit t"ere an5 let "im "urt me. 9 "ate t"at. 9t "a5 al%ays taken at least t%o people to -i)e me in>e3tions %"en 9 %as a 3"il5. #ne person to man t"e nee5le an5 one to "ol5 me 5o%n. /o% 9 "el5 mysel1 5o%n. 91 /ikolaos 8it me t%i3e@ 9 %oul5 pro8a8ly 5o anyt"in- s"e %ante5 me to. ,)en kill. 9 "a5 seen it "appen 8e1ore@ an5 t"at )ampire "a5 8een 3"il5?s play 3ompare5 to t"e master. $"e %ater tri3kle5 5o%n my skin an5 "it t"e 8ite mark like molten -ol5@ s3al5in- t"rou-" my 8o5y. 9t %as eatin- t"rou-" my skin an5 8one. 4estroyin- me. Killin- me. 9 s"rieke5. 9 3oul5n?t "ol5 it. $oo mu3" pain. !oul5n?t run a%ay. Ha5 to s3ream. 9 %as lyin- on t"e 1loor@ my 3"eek presse5 a-ainst t"e 3oolness o1 it@ 8reat"in- in s"ort@ "un-ry -asps. ASlo% your 8reat"in-@ Anita. Dou?re "yper)entilatin-. Breat"e@ slo% an5 easy@ or you?re -oin- to pass out.C 9 opene5 my mout" an5 took in a 5eep 8reat"G it %"eeEe5 an5 s3reame5 5o%n my t"roat. 9 %as 3"okin- on air. 9 3ou-"e5 an5 1ou-"t to 8reat"e. 9 %as li-"t2"ea5e5 an5 a little si3k 8y t"e time 9 3oul5 take a 5eep 8reat"@ 8ut 9 "a5n?t passe5 out. A Eillion 8ro%nie points 1or me. ,5%ar5 almost "a5 to lie on t"e 1loor to put "is 1a3e near mine. A!an you "ear meBC 9 mana-e5@ ADes.C AGoo5. 9 %ant to try to put t"e 3ross a-ainst t"e 8ite. 4o you a-ree or 5o you t"ink it?s too soonBC 91 %e "a5n?t 3leanse5 t"e %oun5 %it" enou-" Holy =ater@ t"e 3ross %oul5 8um me@ an5 9?5 "a)e a 1res" s3ar. 9 "a5 8een 8ra)e a8o)e an5 8eyon5 t"e 3all o1 5uty. 9 5i5n?t %ant to play anymore. 9 opene5 my mout" to say@ A/o@C 8ut it %asn?t %"at 3ame out. A4o it@C 9 sai5. S"it. 9 %as -oin- to 8e 8ra)e. He 8rus"e5 my "air a%ay 1rom my ne3k. 9 lay on t"e 1loor an5 presse5 my "an5s into 1ists@ tryin- to prepare mysel1. $"ere is no real %ay to prepare yoursel1 1or some8o5y s"o)in- a 8ran5in- iron into your ne3k. $"e 3"ain rustle5 an5 slit"ere5 t"rou-" ,5%ar5?s "an5s. AAre you rea5yBC /o. AHust 5o it@ 5ammit.C He 5i5. $"e 3ross presse5 a-ainst my skin@ 3ool metal@ no 8urnin-@ no smoke@ no seare5 1les"@ no pain. 9 %as pure@ or as pure as 9 starte5 out. He 5an-le5 t"e 3ru3i1i* in 1ront o1 my 1a3e. 9 -ra88e5 it %it" one "an5 an5 s;ueeEe5 until my "an5 s"ook. 9t 5i5n?t take lon-. $ears seepe5 1rom t"e 3orners o1 my eyes. 9 %asn?t 3ryin-@ not really. 9 %as e*"auste5. A!an you sit upBC "e aske5. 9 no55e5 an5 1or3e5 mysel1 to sit@ leanin- a-ainst t"e 8at"tu8. A!an you stan5 upBC "e aske5. 9 t"ou-"t a8out it@ an5 5e3i5e5 no@ 9 5i5n?t t"ink 9 3oul5. 7y %"ole 8o5y %as %eak@ s"aky@ nauseous. A/ot %it"out "elp.C ,5%ar5 knelt 8esi5e me@ put an arm 8e"in5 my s"oul5ers an5 one un5er my knees@ an5 li1te5 me in "is arms. He stoo5 in one smoot" motion@ no strain. APut me 5o%n@C 9 sai5. He looke5 at me. A="atBC A9 am not a 3"il5. 9 5on?t %ant to 8e 3arrie5.C He 5re% a lou5 8reat"@ t"en sai5@ AAll ri-"t.C He lo%ere5 me to my 1eet an5 let -o. 9 sta--ere5 a-ainst t"e %all an5 sli5 to t"e 1loor. $"e tears %ere 8a3k@ 5ammit. 9 sat in t"e 1loor@ 3ryin-@ too %eak to %alk 1rom my 8at"room to my 8e5. Go5I ,5%ar5 >ust stoo5 t"ere@ lookin- 5o%n at me@ 1a3e neutral an5 unrea5a8le as a 3at. 7y )oi3e 3ame out almost normal@ no "int o1 3ryin-. A9 "ate 8ein- "elpless. 9 "ate itIC ADou are one o1 t"e least "elpless people 9 kno%@C ,5%ar5 sai5. He knelt 8esi5e me a-ain@ 5rape5 my ri-"t arm o)er "is s"oul5ers@ -ra88e5 my ri-"t %rist %it" "is "an5. His ot"er arm en3ir3le5 my %aist. $"e "ei-"t 5i11eren3e ma5e it a little a%k%ar5@ 8ut "e mana-e5 to -i)e me t"e illusion t"at 9 %alke5 to t"e 8e5.

$"e stu11e5 pen-uins sat a-ainst t"e %all. ,5%ar5 "a5n?t sai5 anyt"in- a8out t"em. 91 "e %oul5n?t mention it@ 9 %oul5n?t. ="o kno%s@ may8e 4eat" slept %it" a te55y 8earB /a%. $"e "ea)y 5rapes %ere still 3lose5@ lea)in- t"e room in permanent t%ili-"t. A<est. 9?ll stan5 -uar5 an5 see t"at none o1 t"e 8o-eys sneak up on you.C 9 8elie)e5 "im. ,5%ar5 8rou-"t t"e %"ite 3"air 1rom t"e li)in- room an5 sat it a-ainst t"e 8e5room %all@ near t"e 5oor. He slippe5 "is s"oul5er "olster 8a3k on@ -un rea5y at "an5. He "a5 8rou-"t a -ym 8a- up 1rom t"e 3ar %it" us. He unEippe5 it an5 5re% out %"at looke5 like a miniature ma3"ine -un. 9 5i5n?t kno% mu3" a8out ma3"ine -uns@ an5 all 9 3oul5 t"ink o1 %as an :Ei. A="at kin5 o1 -un is t"atBC 9 aske5. AA 7ini2:Ei.C ="at 5o you kno%B 9 "a5 8een ri-"t. He poppe5 t"e 3lip an5 s"o%e5 me "o% to loa5 it@ %"ere t"e sa1ety %as@ all t"e 1iner points@ like it %as a ne% 3ar. He sat 5o%n in t"e 3"air %it" t"e ma3"ine -un on "is knees. 7y eyes kept 1lutterin- s"ut@ 8ut 9 sai5@ A4on?t s"oot any o1 my nei-"8ors@ okayBC 9 t"ink "e smile5. A9?ll try not to.C 9 no55e5. AAre you t"e )ampire mur5ererBC He smile5 t"en@ 8ri-"t@ 3"armin-. AGo to sleep@ Anita.C 9 %as on t"e e5-e o1 sleep %"en "is )oi3e 3alle5 me 8a3k@ so1t an5 1ara%ay. A="ere is /ikolaos?s 5aytime retreatBC 9 opene5 my eyes an5 trie5 to 1o3us on "im. He %as still sittin- in t"e 3"air@ motionless. A9?m tire5@ ,5%ar5@ not stupi5.C His lau-"ter 8u88le5 up aroun5 me as 9 1ell asleep.

Chapter Forty-two
Hean2!lau5e sat in t"e 3ar)e5 t"rone. He smile5 at me an5 e*ten5e5 one lon-21in-ere5 "an5. A!ome@C "e sai5. 9 %as %earin- a lon-@ %"ite 5ress t"at "a5 la3e o1 its o%n. 9 "a5 ne)er 5reame5 o1 mysel1 in anyt"in- like it. 9 -lan3e5 up at Hean2!lau5e. 9t %as "is 3"oi3e@ not mine. 'ear ti-"tene5 my t"roat. A9t?s my 5ream@C 9 sai5. He "el5 out 8ot" "an5s an5 sai5@ A!ome.C An5 9 %ent to "im. $"e 5ress %"ispere5 an5 s3rape5 on t"e stones@ a 3ontinuous rustlin- noise. 9t -rate5 on my ner)es. 9 %as su55enly stan5in- in 1ront o1 "im. 9 raise5 my "an5s to%ar5s "is slo%ly. 9 s"oul5n?t 5o it. Ba5 i5ea@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t seem to stop mysel1. His "an5s %rappe5 aroun5 mine@ an5 9 knelt 8e1ore "im. He 5re% my "an5s to t"e la3e t"at spille5 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 "is s"irt@ 1or3e5 my 1in-ers to take t%o "an51uls o1 it. He 3uppe5 "is "an5s o)er mine@ "ol5in- t"em ti-"tG t"en "e rippe5 "is s"irt open usin- my "an5s. His 3"est %as smoot" an5 pale %it" 8la3k "air 3urlin- in a line 5o%n t"e mi55le. $"e "air t"i3kene5 o)er t"e 1latness o1 "is stoma3"@ in3re5i8ly 8la3k a-ainst t"e %"ite o1 "is 8elly. $"e 8urn s3ar %as 1irm an5 s"iny an5 out o1 pla3e a-ainst t"e per1e3tion o1 "is 8o5y. He -rippe5 my 3"in in one "an5@ raisin- my 1a3e to%ar5s "im. His ot"er "an5 tou3"e5 "is 3"est@ >ust 8elo% "is ri-"t nipple. He 5re% 8loo5 on "is pale skin. 9t tri3kle5 5o%n "is 3"est in a 8ri-"t@ 3rimson line. 9 trie5 to pull a%ay@ 8ut "is 1in-ers 5u- into my >a% like a )ise. 9 s"oute5@ A/oIC 9 "it at "im %it" my le1t "an5. He 3au-"t my %rist an5 "el5 it. 9 use5 my ri-"t "an5 to -rip t"e 1loor an5 s"o)e5 %it" my knees. He "el5 me at >a% an5 %rist like a 8utter1ly on a pin. Dou 3an mo)e@ 8ut you 3an?t -et a%ay. 9 5roppe5 to a sittin- position@ 1or3in- "im to stran-le me or lo%er me to t"e -roun5. He lo%ere5 me. 9 ki3ke5 out %it" e)eryt"in- 9 "a5. Bot" 1eet 3onne3te5 %it" "is knee. Vampires 3an 1eel pain. He 5roppe5 my >a% so su55enly@ 9 1ell 8a3k%ar5s. He -ra88e5 8ot" my %rists an5 >erke5 me to my knees@ 8o5y pinne5 on eit"er si5e 8y "is le-s. He sat in t"e 3"air@ knees 3ontrollin- my lo%er 8o5y@ "an5s like 3"ains on my %rists. A "i-"@ tinklin- lau-"ter 1ille5 t"e room. /ikolaos stoo5 to one si5e@ %at3"in- us. Her lau-"ter e3"oe5 t"rou-" t"e room@ -ro%in- lou5er an5 lou5er@ like musi3 -one ma5. Hean2!lau5e trans1erre5 8ot" my %rists to one "an5@ an5 9 3oul5 not stop "im. His 1ree "an5 stroke5 my 3"eek@ smoot"in- 5o%n t"e line o1 my ne3k. His 1in-ers ti-"tene5 at t"e 8ase o1 my skull an5 8e-an to pus". AHean2!lau5e@ please@ 5on?t 5o t"isIC He presse5 my 1a3e 3loser an5 3loser to t"e %oun5 on "is 3"est. 9 stru--le5@ 8ut "is 1in-ers %ere %el5e5 to my skull@ a part o1 me. A/#IC

/ikolaos?s lau-"ter 3"an-e5 to %or5s. AS3rat3" t"e sur1a3e@ an5 %e are all mu3" alike@ animator.C 9 s3reame5@ AHean2!lau5eIC His )oi3e 3ame like )el)et@ %arm an5 5ark@ sli5in- t"rou-" my min5. ABloo5 o1 my 8loo5@ 1les" o1 my 1les"@ t%o min5s %it" 8ut one 8o5y@ t%o souls %e55e5 as one.C 'or one 8ri-"t@ s"inin- moment@ 9 sa% it@ 1elt it. ,ternity %it" Hean !lau5e. His tou3" ... 1ore)er. His lips. His 8loo5. 9 8linke5 an5 1oun5 my lips almost tou3"in- t"e %oun5 in "is 3"est. 9 3oul5 "a)e rea3"e5 out an5 li3ke5 it. AHean !lau5e@ noI Hean2!lau5eIC 9 s3reame5 it. AGo5 "elp meIC 9 s3reame5 t"at@ too. 4arkness an5 someone -rippin- my s"oul5er. 9 5i5n?t e)en t"ink a8out it. 9nstin3t took o)er. $"e -un 1rom t"e "ea58oar5 r %as in my "an5 an5 turnin- to point. A "an5 trappe5 my arm un5er t"e pillo%@ pointin- t"e -un at t"e %all@ a 8o5y pressin- a-ainst mine. AAnita@ Anita@ it?s ,5%ar5. Look at meIC 9 8linke5 up at ,5%ar5@ %"o %as pinnin- my arms. His 8reat"in- %as 3omin- a little 1ast. 9 stare5 at t"e -un in my "an5 an5 8a3k at ,5%ar5. He %as still "ol5in- my arms. 9 -uess 9 5i5n?t 8lame "im. AAre you all ri-"tBC "e aske5. 9 no55e5. ASay somet"in-@ Anita.C A9 "a5 a ni-"tmare@C 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o s"it.C He release5 me slo%ly. 9 sli5 t"e -un 8a3k in its "olster. A="o?s Hean2!lau5eBC "e aske5. A="yBC ADou %ere 3allin- "is name.C 9 8rus"e5 a "an5 o)er my 1ore"ea5@ an5 it 3ame a%ay sli3k %it" s%eat. $"e 3lot"es 9?5 slept in an5 t"e s"eet %ere 5ren3"e5 %it" it. $"ese ni-"tmares %ere 8e-innin- to -et on my ner)es. A="at time is itBC $"e room looke5 too 5ark@ as i1 t"e sun "a5 -one 5o%n. 7y stoma3" ti-"tene5. 91 it %as near 5ark@ !at"erine %oul5n?t "a)e a 3"an3e. A4on?t pani3G it?s >ust 3lou5s. Dou?)e -ot a8out 1our "ours until 5usk.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 sta--ere5 into t"e 8at"room. 9 splas"e5 3ol5 %ater on my 1a3e an5 ne3k. 9 looke5 -"ost2pale in t"e mirror. Ha5 t"e 5ream 8een Hean2!lau5e?s 5oin- or /ikolaos?sB 91 it "a5 8een /ikolaos@ 5i5 s"e alrea5y 3ontrol meB /o ans%ers. /o ans%ers to anyt"in-. ,5%ar5 %as sittin- in t"e %"ite 3"air %"en 9 3ame 8a3k out. He %at3"e5 me like 9 %as an interestin- spe3ies o1 inse3t t"at "e "a5 ne)er seen 8e1ore. 9 i-nore5 "im an5 3alle5 !at"erine?s o11i3e. AHi@ Betty@ t"is is Anita Blake. 9s !at"erine inBC AHello@ 7s. Blake. 9 t"ou-"t you kne% t"at 7s. 7aison is -oin- to 8e out o1 to%n 1rom t"e t"irteent" until t"e t%entiet" on a 5eposition.C !at"erine "a5 tol5 me@ 8ut 9 1or-ot. 9 1inally lu3ke5 out. 9t %as a8out time. A9 1or-ot@ Betty. $"anks a lot. $"anks more t"an you?ll e)er kno%.C AGla5 to 8e o1 "elp. 7s. 7aison "as s3"e5ule5 t"e 1irst 1ittin- 1or t"e 8ri5esmai5 5resses on t"e t%enty2t"ir5.C S"e sai5 it like it s"oul5 make me 1eel 8etter. 9t 5i5n?t. A9 %on?t 1or-et. Bye.C AHa)e a ni3e 5ay.C 9 "un- up an5 p"one5 9r)in- Gris%ol5. He %as a reporter 1or t"e Saint Louis Post24ispat3". He %as also a %ere%ol1. 9r)in- t"e %ere%ol1. 9t 5i5n?t ;uite %ork@ 8ut t"en %"at 5i5B !"arles t"e %ere%ol1@ na%. Hustin@ #li)er@ =il8ur@ BrentB /ope. 9r)in- ans%ere5 on t"e t"ir5 rin-. A9t?s Anita Blake.C A=ell@ "i@ %"at?s upBC He soun5e5 suspi3ious@ as i1 9 ne)er 3alle5 "im unless 9 %ante5 somet"in-. A4o you kno% any %ereratsBC He %as ;uiet 1or almost too lon-G t"en@ A="y 5o you %ant to kno%BC A9 3an?t tell you.C ADou mean you %ant my "elp@ 8ut 9 5on?t -et a story out o1 it.C

9 si-"e5. A$"at?s a8out it.C A$"en %"y s"oul5 9 "elp youBC A4on?t -i)e me a "ar5 time@ 9r)in-. 9?)e -i)en you plenty o1 e*3lusi)es. 7y in1ormation is %"at -ot you your 1irst 1ront pa-e 8yline. So 5on?t -i)e me -rie1.C AA little -rou3"y to5ay@ aren?t youBC A4o you kno% a %ererat or 5on?t youBC A9 5o.C A9 nee5 to -et a messa-e to t"e <at Kin-.C He -a)e a lo% %"istle t"at %as pier3in- o)er t"e p"one. ADou 5on?t ask 1or mu3"@ 5o youB 9 mi-"t 8e a8le to -et you a meetin- %it" t"e %ererat 9 kno%@ 8ut not t"eir kin-.C AGi)e t"e <at Kin- t"is messa-eG -ot a pen3ilBC AAl%ays@C "e sai5. A$"e )ampires 5i5n?t -et me@ an5 9 5i5n?t 5o %"at t"ey %ante5.C 9r)in- rea5 it 8a3k to me. ="en 9 3on1irme5 it@ "e sai5@ ADou?re in)ol)e5 %it" )ampires an5 %ererats@ an5 9 5on?t -et an e*3lusi)e.C A/o one?s -oin- to -et t"is one@ 9r)in-. 9t?s -oin- to 8e too messy 1or t"at.C He %as silent a moment. A#kay. 9?ll try to set up a meetin-. 9 s"oul5 kno% sometime toni-"t.C A$"anks@ 9r)in-.C ADou 8e 3are1ul@ Blake. 9?5 "ate to lose my 8est sour3e o1 1ront pa-e 8ylines.C A7e@ too@C 9 sai5. 9 "a5 no sooner "un- up t"e p"one %"en it ran- a-ain. 9 pi3ke5 it up %it"out t"inkin-. A p"one rin-s@ you pi3k it up@ years o1 trainin-. 9 "a)en?t "a5 my ans%erin- ma3"ine lon- enou-" to s"ake it 3ompletely. AAnita@ t"is is Bert.C AHi@ Bert.C 9 si-"e5@ ;uietly. A9 kno% you are %orkin- on t"e )ampire 3ase@ 8ut 9 "a)e somet"in- you mi-"t 8e intereste5 in.C ABert@ 9 am %ay o)er my "ea5 alrea5y. Anyt"in- else an5 9 may ne)er see 5ayli-"t.C Dou?5 t"ink Bert %oul5 ask i1 9 %as all ri-"t. Ho% 9 %as 5oin-. But no@ not my 8oss. A$"omas Hensen 3alle5 to5ay.C 7y spine strai-"tene5. AHensen 3alle5BC A$"at?s ri-"t.C AHe?s -oin- to let us 5o itBC A/ot us@ you. He spe3i1i3ally aske5 1or you. 9 trie5 to -et "im to take someone else@ 8ut "e %oul5n?t 5o it. An5 it "as to 8e toni-"t. He?s a1rai5 "e?ll 3"i3ken out.C A4amn@C 9 sai5 so1tly. A4o 9 3all "im 8a3k an5 3an3el@ or 3an you -i)e me a time to "a)e "im meet youBC ="y 5i5 e)eryt"in- "a)e to 3ome at on3eB #ne o1 li1e?s r"etori3al ;uestions. AHa)e "im meet me at 1ull 5ark toni-"t.C A$"at?s my -irl. 9 kne% you %oul5n?t let me 5o%n.C A9?m not your -irl@ Bert. Ho% mu3" is "e payin- youBC A$"irty t"ousan5 5ollars. $"e 1i)e2t"ousan525ollar 5o%n payment "as alrea5y arri)e5 8y spe3ial messen-er.C ADou are an e)il man@ Bert.C ADes@C "e sai5@ Aan5 it pays )ery %ell@ t"ank you.C He "un- up %it"out sayin- -oo528ye. 7r. !"arm. ,5%ar5 %as starin- at me. A4i5 you >ust take a >o8 raisin- t"e 5ea5@ 1or toni-"tBC ALayin- t"e 5ea5 to rest a3tually@ 8ut yes.C A4oes raisin- t"e 5ea5 take it out o1 youBC A9tBC 9 aske5. He s"ru--e5. A,ner-y@ stamina@ stren-t".C ASometimes.C

AHo% a8out t"is >o8B 9s it an ener-y 5rainBC 9 smile5. ADes.C He s"ook "is "ea5. ADou 3an?t a11or5 to 8e use5 up@ Anita.C A9 %on?t 8e use5 up@C 9 sai5. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 trie5 to t"ink "o% to e*plain t"in-s to ,5%ar5. A$"omas Hensen lost "is 5au-"ter t%enty years a-o. Se)en years a-o "e "a5 "er raise5 as a Eom8ie.C ASoBC AS"e 3ommitte5 sui3i5e. /o one kne% %"y at t"e time. 9t %as later learne5 t"at 7r. Hensen "a5 se*ually a8use5 "is 5au-"ter an5 t"at %as %"y s"e "a5 kille5 "ersel1.C AAn5 "e raise5 "er 1rom t"e 5ea5.C ,5%ar5 -rima3e5. ADou 5on?t mean ... C 9 %a)e5 my "an5s as i1 9 3oul5 erase t"e su55en )i)i5 ima-e. A/o@ no@ not t"at. He 1elt remorse1ul an5 raise5 "er to say "e %as sorry.C AAn5BC AS"e %oul5n?t 1or-i)e "im.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5on?t un5erstan5.C AHe raise5 "er to make amen5s@ 8ut s"e "a5 5ie5 "atin- "im@ 1earin- "im. $"e Eom8ie %oul5n?t 1or-i)e "im@ so "e %oul5n?t put "er 8a3k. As "er min5 5eteriorate5 an5 "er 8o5y@ too@ "e kept "er %it" "im as a sort o1 punis"ment.C AHesus.C ADea"@C 9 sai5. 9 %alke5 to t"e 3loset an5 -ot out my -ym 8a-. ,5%ar5 3arrie5 -uns in "isG 9 3arrie5 my animator parap"ernalia in it. Sometimes@ 9 3arrie5 my )ampire2slayin- kit in it. $"e mat3"8ook Ka3"ary -a)e me %as in t"e 8ottom o1 t"e 8a-. 9 stu11e5 it in my pants po3ket. 9 5on?t t"ink ,5%ar5 sa% me. He 5oes 3at3" on i1 a 3lue sits up an5 8arks. AHensen 1inally a-ree5 to put "er in t"e -roun5 i1 9?ll 5o it. 9 3an?t say no. He?s sort o1 a le-en5 amon- animators. $"e 3losest %e 3ome to a -"ost story.C A="y toni-"tB 91 it?s %aite5 se)en years@ %"y not a 1e% more ni-"tsBC 9 kept puttin- t"in-s in t"e -ym 8a-. AHe insiste5. He?s a1rai5 "e?ll lose "is ner)e i1 "e "as to %ait. Besi5es@ 9 may not 8e ali)e a 1e% ni-"ts 1rom no%. He mi-"t not let any8o5y else 5o it.C A$"at is not your pro8lem. Dou 5i5n?t raise "is Eom8ie.C A/o@ 8ut 9 am an animator 1irst. Vampire slayin- is ... a si5eline. 9 am an animator. 9t isn?t >ust a >o8.C He %as still starin- at me. A9 5on?t un5erstan5 %"y@ 8ut 9 un5erstan5 you "a)e to 5o it.C A$"anks.C He smile5. ADour s"o%. 7in5 i1 9 3ome alon- to make sure no one o11s you %"ile you?re -oneBC 9 -lan3e5 at "im. A,)er see a Eom8ie raisin-BC A/o.C ADou?re not s;ueamis"@ are youBC 9 smile5 %"en 9 sai5 it. He stare5 at me@ 8lue eyes -one su55enly 3ol5. His %"ole 1a3e 8e3ame 5i11erent. $"ere %as not"in- t"ere@ no e*pression@ e*3ept t"at a%1ul 3ol5ness. ,mptiness. 9?5 "a5 a leopar5 look at me like t"at on3e@ t"rou-" t"e 3a-e 8ars@ no emotion 9 un5erstoo5@ t"ou-"ts so alien it mi-"t as %ell "a)e in"a8ite5 a 5i11erent planet. Somet"in- t"at 3oul5 kill me@ skill1ully@ e11i3iently@ 8e3ause t"at %as %"at it %as meant to 5o@ i1 it %as "un-ry@ or i1 9 annoye5 it. 9 5i5n?t 1aint 1rom 1ear or run s3reamin- 1rom t"e room@ 8ut it %as somet"in- o1 an e11ort. ADou?)e pro)e5 your point@ ,5%ar5. !an t"e per1e3t2killer routine@ an5 let?s -o.C His eyes 5i5n?t re)ert to normal instantly 8ut "a5 to %arm up@ like 5a%n easin- t"rou-" t"e sky. 9 "ope5 ,5%ar5 ne)er turne5 t"at look on me 1or real. 91 "e 5i5@ one o1 us %oul5 5ie. #55s are it %oul5 8e me.

Chapter Forty-three
$"e ni-"t %as almost per1e3tly 8la3k. $"i3k 3lou5s "i5 t"e sky. A %in5 rus"e5 alon- t"e -roun5 an5 smelle5 o1 rain. 9ris Hensen?s -ra)e marker %as smoot"@ %"ite mar8le. 9t %as a nearly li1e2siEe an-el@ %in-s outsprea5@ arms open@ %el3omin-. Dou 3oul5 still rea5 t"e letterin- 8y 1las"li-"tJ ABelo)e5 5au-"ter. Sa5ly misse5.C $"e same man %"o "a5 "a5 t"e an-el 3ar)e5@ %"o sa5ly misse5 "er@ "a5 8een molestin- "er. S"e "a5 kille5 "ersel1 to es3ape "im@ an5 "e "a5 8rou-"t "er 8a3k. $"at %as %"y 9 %as out "ere in t"e 5ark@ %aitin- 1or t"e Hensens@ not "im@ 8ut "er. ,)en t"ou-" 9 kne% "er min5 %as -one 8y no%@ 9 %ante5 9ris Hensen in t"e -roun5 an5 at pea3e.

9 3oul5n?t e*plain t"at to ,5%ar5@ so 9 "a5n?t trie5. A "u-e oak stoo5 sentinel o)er t"e empty -ra)e. $"e %in5 rus"e5 t"rou-" t"e lea)es an5 sent t"em skitterin- an5 %"isperin- o)er"ea5. 9t soun5e5 too 5ry@ like autumn lea)es instea5 o1 summer. $"e air 1elt 3ool an5 5amp@ rain almost upon us. 9t %asn?t un8eara8ly "ot 1or on3e. 9 "a5 pi3ke5 up a pair o1 3"i3kens. $"ey 3lu3ke5 so1tly 1rom insi5e t"eir 3rate %"ere t"ey sat near t"e -ra)e. ,5%ar5 leane5 a-ainst my 3ar@ ankles 3rosse5@ arms loose at "is si5es. $"e -ym 8a- %as open 8y me on t"e -roun5. $"e ma3"ete 9 use5 -leame5 1rom insi5e. A="ere is "eBC ,5%ar5 aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t kno%.C 9t "a5 8een almost an "our sin3e 1ull 5ark. $"e 3emetery -roun5s %ere mostly 8areG only a 1e% trees 5otte5 t"e so1t roll o1 "ills. =e s"oul5 "a)e 8een seein- 3ar li-"ts on t"e -ra)el roa5. ="ere %as HensenB Ha5 "e 3"i3kene5 outB ,5%ar5 steppe5 a%ay 1rom t"e 3ar an5 %alke5 to stan5 8esi5e me. A9 5on?t like it@ Anita.C 9 %asn?t too t"rille5 eit"er@ 8ut ... A=e?ll -i)e it anot"er 1i1teen minutes. 91 "e?s not "ere 8y t"en@ %e?ll lea)e.C ,5%ar5 -lan3e5 aroun5 t"e open -roun5. A/ot mu3" 3o)er aroun5 "ere.C A9 5on?t t"ink %e "a)e to %orry a8out snipers.C ADou sai5 someone s"ot at you@ ri-"tBC 9 no55e5. He "a5 a point. Goose8umps mar3"e5 up my arms. $"e %in5 8le% a "ole in t"e 3lou5s an5 moonli-"t streame5 5o%n. #11 in t"e 5istan3e a small 8uil5in- -leame5 sil)er2-rey in t"e li-"t. A="at?s t"atBC ,5%ar5 aske5. A$"e maintenan3e s"e5@C 9 sai5. ADou t"ink t"e -rass 3uts itsel1BC A/e)er t"ou-"t a8out it@C "e sai5. $"e 3lou5s rolle5 in a-ain an5 plun-e5 t"e 3emetery into 8la3kness. ,)eryt"in- 8e3ame so1t s"apesG t"e %"ite mar8le seeme5 to -lo% %it" its o%n li-"t. $"ere %as t"e soun5 o1 s3ra88lin- 3la%s on metal. 9 %"irle5. A -"oul sat on top o1 my 3ar. 9t %as nake5 an5 looke5 as i1 a "uman 8ein- "a5 8een strippe5 an5 5ippe5 into sil)er2-rey paint@ almost metalli3. But t"e teet" an5 3la%s on its "an5s an5 1eet %ere lon- an5 8la3k@ 3ur)e5 talons. $"e eyes -lo%e5 3rimson. ,5%ar5 mo)e5 up 8esi5e me@ -un in "is "an5. 9 "a5 my -un out@ too. Pra3ti3e@ pra3ti3e@ an5 you 5on?t "a)e to t"ink a8out it. A="at?s it 5oin- up t"ereBC "e aske5. A4on?t kno%.C 9 %a)e5 my 1ree "an5 at it an5 sai5@ AS3atIC 9t 3rou3"e5@ starin- at me. G"ouls are 3o%ar5sG t"ey 5on?t atta3k "ealt"y "uman 8ein-s. 9 took t%o steps@ %a)in- my -un at it. AGo a%ay@ s"ooIC Any s"o% o1 1or3e sen5s t"em s3uttlin- a%ay. $"is one >ust sat t"ere. 9 8a3ke5 a%ay. A,5%ar5@C 9 sai5@ so1tly. ADes.@@ F9 5i5n?t sense any -"ouls in t"is 3emetery.C ASoB Dou misse5 one.C A$"ere?s no su3" t"in- as >ust one -"oul. $"ey tra)el in pa3ks. An5 you 5on?t miss t"em. $"ey lea)e a sort o1 psy3"i3 sten3" 8e"in5. ,)il.C AAnita.C His )oi3e %as so1t@ normal@ 8ut not normal. 9 -lan3e5 %"ere "e %as lookin- an5 sa% t%o more -"ouls 3reepin- up 8e"in5 us. =e stoo5 almost 8a3k to 8a3k@ -uns pointin- out. A9 sa% a -"oul atta3k earlier t"is %eek. Healt"y man kille5@ a 3emetery %"ere t"ere %ere no -"ouls.C ASoun5s 1amiliar@C "e sai5. ADea". Bullets %on?t kill t"em.C A9 kno%. ="at are t"ey %aitin- 1orBC "e aske5. A!oura-e@ 9 t"ink.C A$"ey?re %aitin- 1or me@C a )oi3e sai5. Ka3"ary steppe5 aroun5 t"e trunk o1 t"e tree. He %as smilin-. 9 t"ink my mout" 5roppe5 to t"e -roun5. 7ay8e t"at %as %"at "e %as smilin- at. 9 kne% t"en. He %asn?t killin- "uman 8ein-s to 1ee5 "is -ris2-ris. He %as killin- )ampires. $"eresa "a5 tormente5 "im@ so s"e "a5 8een t"e ne*t )i3tim. $"ere %ere still some ;uestions t"ou-"@ 8i- ones.

,5%ar5 -lan3e5 at me@ t"en 8a3k at Ka3"ary. A="o is t"isBC "e aske5. A$"e )ampire mur5erer@ 9 presume@C 9 sai5. Ka3"ary -a)e a little 8o%. A -"oul leane5 a-ainst "is le-@ an5 "e stroke5 its nearly 8al5 "ea5. A="en 5i5 you -uessBC AHust no%. 9?m a little slo% t"is year.C He 1ro%ne5 t"en. A9 t"ou-"t you?5 1i-ure it out e)entually.C A$"at?s %"y you 5estroye5 t"e Eom8ie %itness?s min5. $o sa)e yoursel1.C A9t %as 1ortunate t"at /ikolaos le1t me in 3"ar-e o1 ;uestionin- t"e man.C He smile5 %"en "e sai5 it. A9?ll 8et@C 9 sai5. AHo% 5i5 you -et t"e t%o28iter to s"oot me at t"e 3"ur3"BC A$"at %as easy. 9 tol5 "im t"e or5ers 3ame 1rom /ikolaos.C #1 3ourse. AHo% are you -ettin- t"e -"ouls out o1 t"eir 3emeteryB Ho% 3ome t"ey o8ey your or5ersBC ADou kno% t"e t"eory t"at i1 you 8ury an animator in a 3emetery@ you -et -"ouls.C ADea".C A="en 9 3ame out o1 t"e -ra)e@ t"ey 3ame %it" me@ an5 t"ey %ere mine. 7ine.C 9 -lan3e5 at t"e 3reatures an5 1oun5 t"at t"ere %ere more o1 t"em. At least t%enty@ a 8i- pa3k. ASo you?re sayin- t"at?s %"ere -"ouls 3ome 1rom.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"ere aren?t enou-" animators in t"e %orl5 to a33ount 1or all t"e -"ouls.C A9?)e 8een t"inkin- a8out t"at@C "e sai5. A9 t"ink t"at t"e more Eom8ies you raise in a 3emetery@ t"e -reater your 3"an3es 1or -"ouls.C ADou mean like a 3umulati)e e11e3tBC A,*a3tly. 9?)e 8een %antin- to talk t"is o)er %it" anot"er animator@ 8ut you see t"e pro8lem.C ADes@C 9 sai5@ A9 5o. !an?t talk s"op %it"out a5mittin- %"at you are an5 %"at you?)e 5one.C ,5%ar5 1ire5 %it"out %arnin-. $"e 8ullet took Ka3"ary in t"e 3"est an5 t%iste5 "im aroun5. He lay 1a3e 5o%n@ t"e -"ouls 1roEenG t"en Ka3"ary raise5 "imsel1 up on "is el8o%s. He stoo5 %it" a little "elp 1rom an an*ious -"oul. ASti3ks an5 stones may 8reak my 8ones@ 8ut 8ullets %ill ne)er "urt me.C AGreat@ a 3ome5ian@C 9 sai5. ,5%ar5 1ire5 a-ain@ 8ut Ka3"ary 5arte5 8e"in5 t"e tree trunk. He 3alle5@ "i55en 1rom si-"t. A/o%@ no%@ no "ittin- t"e "ea5. 9?m not sure %"at %oul5 "appen i1 you put a 8ullet in my 8rain.C ALet?s 1in5 out@C ,5%ar5 sai5. AGoo528ye@ Anita. 9 %on?t stay aroun5 to %at3".C He %alke5 a%ay %it" a troop o1 -"ouls surroun5in- "im. He %as 3rou3"e5 in t"e mi55le o1 t"em@ "i5in- 9 suppose5 1rom a 8ullet in t"e 8rain@ 8ut 1or a minute 9 3oul5n?t pi3k "im out. $%o more -"ouls appeare5 aroun5 t"e 3ar@ 3rou3"e5 lo% on t"e -ra)el 5ri)e. #ne %as 1emale %it" t"e tatters o1 a 5ress still 3lin-in- to "er. ALet?s -i)e t"em somet"in- to 8e a1rai5 o1@C ,5%ar5 sai5. 9 1elt "im mo)e@ an5 "is -un 1ire5 t%i3e. A "i-"2pit3"e5 s;uealin1ille5 t"e ni-"t. $"e -"oul on my 3ar leape5 to t"e -roun5 an5 "i5. But t"ere %ere more o1 t"em mo)in- in 1rom all si5es. At least 1i1teen o1 t"em "a5 8een le1t 8e"in5 1or us to play %it". 9 1ire5 an5 "it one o1 t"em. 9t 1ell to its si5e an5 rolle5 in t"e -ra)el@ makin- t"at same "i-"2pit3"e5 noise@ like a %oun5e5 ra88it. Piteous an5 animal. A9s t"ere anypla3e %e 3an run toBC ,5%ar5 aske5. A$"e maintenan3e s"e5@C 9 sai5. A9s it %oo5BC ADes.C A9t %on?t stop t"em.C A/o@C 9 sai5@ A8ut it %ill -et us out o1 t"e open.C A#kay@ any a5)i3e 8e1ore %e start to mo)eBC A4on?t run until %e are )ery 3lose to t"e s"e5. 91 you run@ t"ey?ll 3"ase you. $"ey?ll t"ink you?re s3are5.C AAnyt"in- elseBC "e aske5. ADou 5on?t smoke@ 5o youBC A/o@ %"yBC

A$"ey?re a1rai5 o1 1ire.C AGreatG %e?re -oin- to 8e eaten ali)e 8e3ause neit"er one o1 us smokes.C 9 almost lau-"e5. He soun5e5 so t"orou-"ly 5is-uste5@ 8ut a -"oul %as 3rou3"in- to leap at me@ an5 9 "a5 to s"oot it 8et%een t"e eyes. /o time 1or lau-"ter. ALet?s -o@ slo% an5 easy@C 9 sai5. A9 %is" t"e ma3"ine -un %asn?t in t"e 3ar.C A7e@ too.C ,5%ar5 1ire5 t"ree s"ots@ an5 t"e ni-"t 1ille5 %it" s;ueals an5 animal s3reams. =e starte5 %alkin- to%ar5s t"e 5istant s"e5. 9?5 say may8e a ;uarter o1 a mile a%ay. 9t %as -oin- to 8e a lon- %alk. A -"oul 3"ar-e5 us. 9 5roppe5 it@ an5 it spille5 to t"e -rass@ 8ut it %as like s"ootin- tar-ets@ no 8loo5@ >ust empty "oles. 9t "urt@ 8ut not enou-". /ot nearly enou-". 9 %as %alkin- nearly 8a3k%ar5s@ one "an5 8a3k 1eelin- ,5%ar5?s 1or%ar5 mo)ement. $"ere %ere too many o1 t"em. =e %ere not -oin- to make it to t"e s"e5. /o %ay. #ne o1 t"e 3"i3kens ma5e a so1t@ ;uestionin- 3lu3k. 9 "a5 an i5ea. 9 s"ot one o1 t"e 3"i3kens. 9t 1loppe5@ an5 t"e ot"er 8ir5 pani3ke5@ 8eatin- its %in-s a-ainst t"e %oo5en 3rate. $"e -"ouls 1roEe@ t"en one put its 1a3e into t"e air an5 sni11e5. 'res" 8loo5@ 8oys@ 3ome an5 -et it. 'res" meat. $%o -"ouls %ere su55enly ra3in- 1or t"e 3"i3kens. $"e rest 1ollo%e5@ s3ram8lin- o)er ea3" ot"er to 3ra3k t"e %oo5 an5 -et to t"e >ui3y morsels insi5e. AKeep %alkin-@ ,5%ar5@ 5on?t run@ 8ut %alk a little 1aster. $"e 3"i3kens %on?t "ol5 t"em lon-.C =e %alke5 a little 1aster. $"e soun5s o1 s3ram8lin- 3la%s@ 3ra3kin- 8one@ t"e splatter o1 8loo5@ t"e s;ua88lin- "o%ls o1 t"e -"ouls2it %as an un%el3ome pre)ie%. Hal1%ay to t"e s"e5@ a "o%l %ent up t"rou-" t"e ni-"t@ lon- an5 "ostile. /o 5o- e)er soun5e5 like t"at. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k@ an5 t"e -"ouls %ere rus"in- o)er t"e -roun5 on all 1ours. A<unIC 9 sai5. =e ran. =e 3ras"e5 a-ainst t"e s"e5 5oor an5 1oun5 t"e 5amn t"in- pa5lo3ke5. ,5%ar5 s"ot t"e lo3k o11G no time to pi3k it. $"e -"ouls %ere 3lose@ "o%lin- as t"ey 3ame. =e s3ram8le5 insi5e@ 3losin- t"e 5oor@ 1or %"at -oo5 it %oul5 5o us. $"ere %as one small %in5o% "i-" up near t"e 3eilin-G moonli-"t su55enly spille5 t"rou-" it. $"ere %as a "er5 o1 la%nmo%ers a-ainst one %all@ some o1 t"em "an-in1rom "ooks. Gar5enin- s"ears@ "e5-e trimmers@ tro%els@ a 3url o1 -ar5en "ose. $"e %"ole s"e5 smelle5 o1 -asoline an5 oily ra-s. ,5%ar5 sai5@ A$"ere?s not"in- to put a-ainst t"e 5oor@ Anita.C He %as ri-"t. =e?5 8lo%n t"e lo3k o11. ="ere %as a "ea)y o8>e3t %"en you nee5e5 itB A<oll a la%nmo%er a-ainst it.C A$"at %on?t "ol5 t"em lon-.C A9t?s 8etter t"an not"in-@C 9 sai5. He 5i5n?t mo)e@ so 9 rolle5 a la%nmo%er a-ainst t"e 5oor. A9 %on?t 5ie@ eaten ali)e@C "e sai5. He put a 1res" 3lip in "is -un. A9?ll 5o you 1irst i1 you %ant@ or you 3an 5o it yoursel1.C 9 remem8ere5 t"en t"at 9 "a5 s"o)e5 t"e mat3"8ook Ka3"ary "a5 -i)en me in my po3ket. 7at3"es@ %e "a5 mat3"esI AAnita@ t"ey?re almost "ere. 4o you %ant to 5o it yoursel1BC 9 pulle5 t"e mat3"8ook out o1 my po3ket. $"ank you@ Go5. ASa)e your 8ullets@ ,5%ar5.C 9 li1te5 a 3an o1 -asoline in one "an5. A="at are you plannin-BC "e aske5. $"e "o%ls %ere 3ras"in- aroun5 usG t"ey %ere almost "ere. A9?m -oin- to set t"e s"e5 on 1ire.C 9 splas"e5 -asoline on t"e 5oor. $"e smell %as s"arp an5 tu--e5 at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. A=it" us insi5eBC "e aske5. ADes.C A9?5 rat"er s"oot mysel1@ i1 it?s all t"e same to you.C A9 5on?t plan to 5ie toni-"t@ ,5%ar5.C A 3la% smas"e5 t"rou-" t"e 5oor@ talons rakin- t"e %oo5@ tearin- it apart. 9 lit a mat3" an5 t"re% it on t"e -asoline2 soake5 5oor. 9t %ent up %it" a 8lue2%"ite %"oos" o1 1lame. $"e -"oul s3reame5@ 3o)ere5 in 1ire@ stum8lin- 8a3k 1rom t"e ruine5 5oor.

$"e sten3" o1 8urnin- 1les" min-le5 %it" -asoline. Burnt "air. 9 3ou-"e5@ puttin- a "an5 o)er my mout". $"e 1ire %as eatin- up t"e %oo5 o1 t"e s"e5@ sprea5in- to t"e roo1. =e 5i5n?t nee5 more -asolineG t"e 5amn t"in- %as a 1ire trap. =it" us insi5e. 9 "a5n?t t"ou-"t it %oul5 sprea5 t"is 1ast. ,5%ar5 %as stan5in- near t"e 8a3k %all@ "an5 o)er "is mout". His )oi3e 3ame mu11le5. ADou 5i5 "a)e a plan to -et us out@ ri-"tBC A "an5 3ras"e5 t"rou-" t"e %oo5@ 3la%in- at "im. He 8a3ke5 a%ay 1rom it. $"e -"oul 8e-an to tear t"rou-" t"e %oo5@ leerin- at us. ,5%ar5 s"ot it 8et%een t"e eyes@ an5 it 5isappeare5 1rom si-"t. 9 -ra88e5 a rake 1rom t"e 1ar %all. !in5ers %ere 8e-innin- to 1loat 5o%n on us. 91 t"e smoke 5i5n?t -et us 1irst@ t"e s"e5 %as -oin- to 3ollapse on top o1 us. A$ake o11 your s"irt@C 9 sai5. He 5i5n?t e)en ask %"y. Pra3ti3al to t"e en5. He strippe5 t"e s"oul5er ri- o11 an5 pulle5 "is s"irt o)er "is "ea5@ tosse5 it to me@ an5 slippe5 t"e -un o)er "is 8are 3"est. 9 %rappe5 t"e s"irt o)er t"e tines o1 t"e rake an5 soake5 it %it" -asoline. 9 set it on 1ire 1rom t"e %allsG no nee5 1or mat3"es. $"e 1ront o1 t"e s"e5 %as rainin- 1ire on us. $iny 8urnin- stin-s like %asps on my skin. ,5%ar5 "a5 3au-"t on. He 1oun5 an a*e an5 starte5 3"oppin- at t"e "ole t"e -"oul "a5 ma5e. 9 3arrie5 t"e impro)ise5 tor3" an5 a 3an o1 -asoline in my "an5s. $"e t"ou-"t o33urre5 to me t"at t"e "eat %as -oin- to set t"e -asoline o11. =e %eren?t -oin- to su11o3ate 1rom smokeG %e %ere -oin- to 8lo% up. AHurryIC 9 sai5. ,5%ar5 s;ueeEe5 t"rou-" t"e openin-@ an5 9 1ollo%e5@ nearly 8urnin- "im %it" t"e tor3". $"ere %asn?t a -"oul 1or a "un5re5 yar5s. $"ey %ere smarter t"an t"ey looke5. =e ran@ an5 t"e e*plosion slamme5 into my 8a3k like a "u-e %in5. 9 tum8le5 o)er into t"e -rass@ all t"e air kno3ke5 out o1 me. Bits o1 8urnin- %oo5 3lattere5 to t"e -roun5 on eit"er si5e o1 me. 9 3o)ere5 my "ea5 an5 praye5. 7y lu3k@ 9?5 -et 3au-"t 8y a 1lyin- nail. Silen3e@ or no more e*plosions. 9 raise5 my "ea5 3autiously. $"e s"e5 %as -one@ not"in- le1t. Bits o1 %oo5 8urne5 in t"e -rass aroun5 me. ,5%ar5 %as lyin- on t"e -roun5@ nearly tou3"in- 5istan3e 1rom me. He stare5 at me. 4i5 my 1a3e look as surprise5 as "is 5i5B Pro8a8ly. #ur impro)ise5 tor3" %as slo%ly settin- t"e -rass on 1ire. He knelt an5 raise5 it up. 9 1oun5 t"e -asoline 3an un"arme5 an5 -ot to my 1eet. ,5%ar5 1ollo%e5@ 3arryin- t"e tor3". $"e -"ouls seeme5 to "a)e 1le5@ smart -"ouls@ 8ut >ust in 3ase ... =e 5i5n?t e)en "a)e to 5is3uss it. Paranoia@ %e "a5 t"at in 3ommon. =e %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 3ar. $"e a5renaline %as -one@ an5 9 %as tire5er t"an 8e1ore. A person only "as so mu3" a5renalineG t"en you start runnin- on num8. $"e 3"i3ken 3rate %as "istoryG nameless 8its an5 pie3es %ere s3attere5 aroun5 t"e -ra)e. 9 5i5n?t look any 3loser. 9 stoppe5 to pi3k up my -ym 8a-. 9t %as untou3"e5@ >ust lyin- t"ere. ,5%ar5 mo)e5 a"ea5 o1 me an5 tosse5 t"e tor3" on t"e -ra)el 5ri)e%ay. $"e %in5 rustle5 t"rou-" t"e treesG t"en ,5%ar5 yelle5@ AAnitaIC 9 rolle5. ,5%ar5?s -un 1ire5@ an5 somet"in- 1ell s;uealin- on t"e -rass. 9 stare5 at t"e -"oul %"ile ,5%ar5 pumpe5 8ullets into it. ="en 9 s%allo%e5 my "eart 8a3k 5o%n into my 3"est@ 9 3ra%le5 to t"e -asoline 3an an5 uns3re%e5 it. $"e -"oul s3reame5. ,5%ar5 %as 5ri)in- t"e -"oul %it" t"e 8urnin- tor3". 9 splas"e5 -asoline on t"e 3rin-in- t"in-@ 5roppe5 to my knees@ an5 sai5@ ALi-"t it.C ,5%ar5 s"o)e5 t"e tor3" "ome. 'ire %"oos"e5 o)er t"e -"oul@ an5 it starte5 s3reamin-. $"e ni-"t stank o1 8urnin- meat an5 "air. An5 -asoline. 9t rolle5 o)er an5 o)er on t"e -roun5 tryin- to put out t"e 1ire@ 8ut it %oul5n?t -o out. 9 %"ispere5@ ADou?re ne*t@ Ka3"ary 8a8y. Dou are ne*t.C $"e s"irt "a5 8urne5 a%ay@ an5 ,5%ar5 tosse5 t"e rake to t"e -roun5. ALet?s -et out o1 "ere@C "e sai5. 9 a-ree5 %"ole"earte5ly. 9 unlo3ke5 t"e 3ar@ tosse5 my -ym 8a- in t"e 8a3k seat@ an5 starte5 t"e 3ar. $"e -"oul %as lyin- on t"e -rass@ not mo)in-@ 8urnin-. ,5%ar5 %as in t"e passen-er seat %it" t"e ma3"ine -un in "is lap. 'or t"e 1irst time sin3e 9?5 met "im@ ,5%ar5 looke5 s"aken. S3are5@ e)en. ADou -oin- to sleep %it" t"at ma3"ine -unBC 9 aske5. He -lan3e5 at me. ADou -oin- to sleep %it" your -unBC "e aske5. Point 1or ,5%ar5. 9 took t"e narro% -ra)el turns as ;ui3k as 9 5are5. 7y /o)a %asn?t 8uilt 1or spee5 maneu)erin-. Ha)ina %re3k "ere in t"e 3emetery 5i5n?t seem like a real -oo5 i5ea toni-"t. $"e "ea5li-"ts 8oun3e5 o)er t"e tom8stones@ 8ut not"in- mo)e5. /o -"ouls in si-"t. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. $"is %as t"e se3on5 attempt on my li1e in as many 5ays. 'rankly@ 9?5 rat"er 8e s"ot at.

Chapter Forty-four
=e 5ro)e in silen3e 1or a lon- time. 9t %as ,5%ar5 %"o 1inally spoke into t"e %"eel2rus"in- ;uiet. A9 5on?t t"ink %e s"oul5 -o 8a3k to your apartment@C "e sai5. AA-ree5.C A9?ll take you to my "otel. :nless you "a)e somepla3e else you?5 rat"er -oBC ="ere 3oul5 9 -oB <onnie?sB 9 5i5n?t %ant "er en5an-ere5 anymore. ="o else 3oul5 9 en5an-erB /o one. /o one 8ut ,5%ar5@ an5 "e 3oul5 "an5le it. 7ay8e 8etter t"an 9 3oul5. 7y 8eeper trem8le5 a-ainst my %aist@ sen5in- s"o3k %a)es all alon- my ri8 3a-e. 9 "ate5 puttin- t"e 8eeper on silent mo5e. $"e 5amn t"in- al%ays s3are5 me %"en it %ent o11. ,5%ar5 sai5@ A="at t"e "ell "appene5B Dou >umpe5 like somet"in- 8it you.C 9 "it t"e 8utton on t"e 8eeper@ to s"ut it o11 an5 see %"o "a5 3alle5. $"e num8er lit up 8rie1ly. A7y 8eeper %ent o11 on silent mo5e. /o noise@ >ust )i8ration.C He -lan3e5 at me. ADou are not -oin- to 3all %ork.C He ma5e it soun5 like a statement or an or5er. ALook@ ,5%ar5@ 9?m not 1eelin- so "ot@ so 5on?t ar-ue %it" me.C 9 "ear5 "is 8reat" ease out@ 8ut %"at 3oul5 "e sayB 9 %as 5ri)in-. S"ort o1 5ra%in- "is -un an5 "i>a3kin- me@ "e %as alon- 1or t"e ri5e. 9 took t"e ne*t e*it an5 lo3ate5 a pay p"one at a 3on)enien3e store. $"e store lot %as 1ully lit an5 ma5e me a %on5er1ul tar-et@ 8ut a1ter t"e -"ouls 9 %ante5 li-"t. ,5%ar5 %at3"e5 me -et out o1 t"e 3ar %it" my 8ill1ol5 -rippe5 in my "an5. He 5i5 not -et out to %at3" my 8a3k. 'ine@ 9 "a5 my -un. 91 "e %ante5 to pout@ let "im. 9 3alle5 %ork. !rai-@ our ni-"t se3retary@ ans%ere5. AAnimators@ 9n3. 7ay 9 "elp youBC AHi@ !rai-@ t"is is Anita. ="at?s upBC A9r)in- Gris%ol5 3alle5@ says to 3all "im 8a3k ASAP or t"e meetin-?s o11. He sai5 you?5 kno% %"at t"at meant. 4o youBC ADes. $"anks@ !rai-.C ADou soun5 a%1ul.C AGoo5 ni-"t@ !rai-.C 9 "un- up on "im. 9 1elt tire5 an5 slu--is"@ an5 my t"roat "urt. 9 %ante5 to 3url up some%"ere 5ark an5 ;uiet 1or a8out a %eek. 9nstea5@ 9 3alle5 9r)in-. A9t?s me@C 9 sai5. A=ell@ it?s a8out time. 4o you kno% t"e trou8le 9?)e -one t"rou-" to set t"is upB Dou almost misse5 it.C A91 you 5on?t ;uit talkin-@ 9 may still miss it. $ell me %"ere an5 %"en.C He 5i5. 91 %e "urrie5@ %e?5 make it. A="y is e)eryone so "ot to 5o e)eryt"in- toni-"tBC 9 sai5. AHey@ i1 you 5on?t %ant to meet@ t"at?s 1ine.C A9r)in-@ 9?)e "a5 a )ery@ )ery lon- ni-"t@ so stop 8it3"in- at me.C AAre you all ri-"tBC ="at a stupi5 ;uestion. A/ot really@ 8ut 9?ll li)e.C A91 you?re "urt@ 9?ll try to -et t"e meetin- postpone5@ 8ut 9 3an?t promise anyt"in-@ Anita. 9t %as your messa-e t"at -ot "im t"is 1ar.C 9 leane5 my 1ore"ea5 a-ainst t"e metal o1 t"e 8oot". A9?ll 8e t"ere@ 9r)in-.C A9 %on?t 8e.C He soun5e5 t"orou-"ly 5is-uste5. A#ne o1 t"e 3on5itions %as no reporters an5 no poli3e.C 9 "a5 to smile. Poor 9r)in-G "e %as -ettin- le1t out o1 e)eryt"in-. He "a5n?t 8een atta3ke5 8y -"ouls an5 almost 8lo%n up@ t"ou-". 7ay8e 9 s"oul5 sa)e my pity 1or mysel1. A$"anks@ 9r)in-@ 9 o%e you one.C ADou o%e me se)eral@C "e sai5. ABe 3are1ul. 9 5on?t kno% %"at you?re into t"is time@ 8ut it soun5s 8a5.C He %as 1is"in-@ an5 9 kne% it. AGoo5 ni-"t@ 9r)in-.C 9 "un- up 8e1ore "e 3oul5 ask any more ;uestions. 9 3alle5 4olp"?s "ome p"one num8er. 9 5on?t kno% %"y it 3oul5n?t %ait until mornin-@ 8ut 9 "a5 almost 5ie5 toni-"t. 91 9 5i5 5ie@ 9 %ante5 someone to "unt Ka3"ary 5o%n. 4olp" ans%ere5 on t"e si*t" rin-. His )oi3e soun5e5 -ru11 %it" sleep. ADes.C A$"is is Anita Blake@ 4olp".C A="at?s %ron-BC His )oi3e soun5e5 almost alert. A9 kno% %"o t"e mur5erer is.C

A$ell me.C 9 tol5 "im. He took notes an5 aske5 ;uestions. $"e 8i--est ;uestion 3ame at t"e en5. A!an you pro)e any o1 t"isBC A9 3an pro)e "e %ears a -ris2-ris. 9 3an testi1y t"at "e 3on1esse5 to me. He trie5 to kill meG t"at 9 %itnesse5 personally.C A9t?s -oin- to 8e a tou-" sell to a >ury or a >u5-e.C A9 kno%.C A9?ll see %"at 9 3an 1in5 out.C A=e?)e almost -ot a soli5 3ase on "im@ 4olp".C A$rue@ 8ut it all "in-es on you 8ein- ali)e to testi1y.C ADea"@ 9?ll 8e 3are1ul.C ADou 3ome 5o%n tomorro% an5 -et all t"is in1ormation re3or5e5 o11i3ially.C A9 %ill.C AGoo5 %ork.C A$"anks@C 9 sai5. AGoo5 ni-"t@ Anita.C AGoo5 ni-"t@ 4olp".C 9 ease5 8a3k into t"e 3ar. A=e "a)e a meetin- %it" t"e %ererats in 1orty21i)e minutes.C A="y is it so importantBC "e aske5. ABe3ause 9 t"ink t"ey 3an s"o% us a 8a3k %ay into /ikolaos?s lair. 91 %e 3ome in t"e 1ront 5oor@ %e?ll ne)er make it.C 9 starte5 t"e 3ar an5 pulle5 out into t"e roa5. A="o else 5i5 you 3allBC "e aske5. So "e "a5 8een payin- attention. A$"e poli3e.C A="atBC ,5%ar5 ne)er likes 5ealin- %it" t"e poli3e. 'an3y t"at. A91 Ka3"ary mana-es to kill me@ 9 %ant someone else to 8e lookininto it.C He %as silent 1or a little %"ile. $"en "e aske5@ A$ell me a8out /ikolaos.C 9 s"ru--e5. AS"e?s a sa5isti3 monster@ an5 s"e?s o)er a t"ousan5 years ol5.C A9 look 1or%ar5 to meetin- "er.C A4on?t@C 9 sai5. A=e?)e kille5 master )ampires 8e1ore@ Anita. S"e?s >ust one more.C A/o. /ikolaos is at least a t"ousan5 years ol5. 9 5on?t t"ink 9?)e e)er 8een so 1ri-"tene5 o1 anyt"in- in my li1e.C He %as silent@ 1a3e unrea5a8le. A="at are you t"inkin-BC 9 aske5. A$"at 9 lo)e a 3"allen-e.C $"en "e smile5@ a 8eauti1ul@ sprea5in- smile. S"it. 4eat" "a5 seen "is ultimate -oal. $"e 8i--est 3at3" o1 all. He %asn?t a1rai5 o1 "er@ an5 "e s"oul5 "a)e 8een. $"ere aren?t t"at many pla3es open at one2t"irty A.7.@ 8ut 4enny?s is. $"ere %as somet"in- %ron- %it" meetin- %ererats in 4enny?s o)er 3o11ee an5 5onuts. S"oul5n?t %e "a)e 8een meetin- in some 5ark alleyB 9 %asn?t 3omplainin-@ min5 you. 9t >ust stru3k me as ... 1unny. ,5%ar5 %ent in 1irst to make sure it %asn?t anot"er setup. 91 "e took a ta8le@ it %as sa1e. 91 "e 3ame 8a3k out@ it %asn?t sa1e. Simple. /o one kne% %"at "e looke5 like yet. As lon- as "e %asn?t %it" me@ "e 3oul5 -o any%"ere an5 no one %oul5 try to kill "im. AmaEin-. 9 %as 8e-innin- to 1eel like $yp"oi5 7ary. ,5%ar5 took a ta8le. Sa1e. 9 %alke5 into t"e 8ri-"t li-"ts an5 arti1i3ial 3om1ort o1 t"e restaurant. $"e %aitress "a5 5ark 3ir3les un5er "er eyes@ 3le)erly 5is-uise5 8y t"i3k 8ase@ %"i3" ma5e t"e 3ir3les look sort o1 pinkis". 9 looke5 past "er. A man %as motionin- to me. Han5 strai-"t up@ 1in-er 3rooke5 like "e %as 3allin- t"e %aitress@ or some ot"er su8ser)ient. A9 see my party@ no%. $"anks any%ay@C 9 sai5. $"e restaurant %as mostly empty in t"e %ee "ours o1 7on5ay@ or rat"er $ues5ay mornin-. $%o men sat at a ta8le in 1ront o1 t"e 1irst man. $"ey looke5 normal enou-"@ 8ut t"ere %as a sense o1 3ontaine5 ener-y t"at seeme5 to spark in t"e air aroun5 t"em. Ly3ant"ropes. 9 %oul5 "a)e 8et my li1e on it@ an5 may8e 9 %as. $"ere %as a 3ouple@ male an5 1emale@ sittin- 3atty23orner 1rom t"e 1irst t%o. 9 %oul5 "a)e 8et money t"ey %ere ly3ant"ropes@ too.

,5%ar5 "a5 taken a ta8le near t"em@ 8ut not too near. He "a5 "unte5 ly3ant"ropes 8e1oreG "e kne% %"at to look 1or as %ell. As 9 passe5 t"e ta8le@ one o1 t"e men looke5 up. Pure 8ro%n eyes@ so 5ark t"ey %ere almost 8la3k@ stare5 into mine. His 1a3e %as s;uare@ 8o5y slen5er@ small 8uil5@ mus3les %orke5 in "is arms as "e 1ol5e5 "is "an5s un5er "is 3"in an5 looke5 at me. 9 stare5 8a3kG t"en 9 %as past "im an5 to t"e 8oot" %"ere t"e <at Kin- sat. He %as tall@ at least si* 1eet@ 5ark 8ro%n skin@ %it" t"i3k@ s"ort3ut 8la3k "air@ 8ro%n eyes. His 1a3e %as t"in@ arro-ant@ lips almost too so1t 1or t"e "au-"ty e*pression "e -a)e me. He %as 5arkly "an5some@ stron-ly 7e*i3an@ an5 "is suspi3ion ro5e t"e air like li-"tnin-. 9 ease5 into t"e 8oot". 9 took a 5eep@ stea5yin- 8reat" an5 looke5 a3ross t"e 3ounter at "im. A9 -ot your messa-e. ="at 5o you %antBC His )oi3e %as so1t 8ut 5eep@ %it"out a tra3e o1 a33ent. A9 %ant you to lea5 mysel1 an5 at least one man into t"e tunnels 8eneat" t"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5.C His 1ro%n 5eepene5@ 1ormin- 1aint %rinkles 8et%een "is eyes. A="y s"oul5 9 5o t"is 1or youBC A4o you %ant your people 1ree o1 t"e master?s in1luen3eBC He no55e5. Still 1ro%nin-. 9 %as really %innin- "im o)er. AGui5e us in t"rou-" t"e 5un-eon entran3e@ an5 9?ll take 3are o1 itC He 3laspe5 "is "an5s to-et"er on t"e ta8le. AHo% 3an 9 trust youBC A9 am not a 8ounty "unter. 9 "a)e ne)er "arme5 a ly3ant"rope.C A=e 3annot 1i-"t 8esi5e you i1 you -o a-ainst "er. ,)en 9 3annot 1i-"t "er. S"e 3alls to me. 9 5on?t ans%er@ 8ut 9 1eel it. 9 3an keep t"e small rats an5 my people 1rom "elpin- "er a-ainst you@ 8ut t"at is all.C AHust -et us insi5e. =e?ll 5o t"e rest.C AAre you so 3on1i5entBC A9?m %illin- to 8et my li1e on it@C 9 sai5. He steeple5 "is 1in-ers a-ainst "is lips@ el8o%s on t"e ta8le. 3 $"e 8urn s3ar in "is 1orearm %as still t"ere e)en in "uman 1orm@ a rou-"@ 1our2pointe5 3ro%n. A9?ll -et you insi5e@C "e sai5. 9 smile5. A$"ank you.C He stare5 at me. A="en you 3ome 8a3k out ali)e@ t"en you 3an t"ank me.C A9t?s a 5eal.C 9 "el5 my "an5 out. A1ter a moment?s "esitation@ "e took it. =e s"ook on it. ADou %is" to %ait a 1e% 5aysBC "e aske5. A/o@C 9 sai5. A9 %ant to -o in tomorro%.C He 3o3ke5 "is "ea5 to one si5e. AAre you sureBC A="yB 9s t"at a pro8lemBC ADou are "urt. 9 t"ou-"t you mi-"t %is" to "eal.C 9 %as a little 8ruise5@ an5 my t"roat "urt@ 8ut ... AHo% 5i5 you kno%BC ADou smell like 5eat" "as 8rus"e5 you 3lose toni-"tC 9 stare5 at "im. 9r)in- ne)er 5oes t"is to me@ t"e supernatural po%ers 8it. 9?m not sayin- "e 3an?t@ 8ut "e %orks "ar5 at 8ein- "uman. $"is man 5i5 not. 9 took a 5eep 8reat". A$"at is my 8usiness.C He no55e5. A=e %ill 3all you an5 -i)e you t"e pla3e an5 time.C 9 stoo5 up. He remaine5 sittin-. $"ere 5i5n?t seem to 8e anyt"in- else to say@ so 9 le1t. A8out ten minutes later ,5%ar5 -ot into t"e 3ar %it" me. A="at no%BC "e aske5. ADou mentione5 your "otel room. 9?m -oin- to sleep %"ile 9 3an.C AAn5 tomorro%BC ADou take me out an5 s"o% me "o% t"e s"ot-un %orks.C A$"enBC "e aske5. A$"en %e -o a1ter /ikolaos@C 9 sai5.

He -a)e a s"aky 8reat"@ almost a lau-". A#"@ 8oy.C #"@ 8oyB AGla5 to see someone is en>oyin- all t"is.C He -rinne5 at me. A9 lo)e my %ork@C "e sai5. 9 "a5 to smile. $rut" %as@ 9 lo)e5 my %ork@ too.

Chapter Forty-five
4urin- t"e 5ay 9 learne5 "o% to use a s"ot-un. $"at ni-"t 9 %ent 3a)in- %it" %ererats. $"e 3a)e %as 5ark. 9 stoo5 in a8solute 8la3kness@ -rippin- my 1las"li-"t. 9 tou3"e5 my "an5 to my 1ore"ea5 an5 3oul5n?t see a 5amn t"in- 8ut t"e 1unny %"ite ima-es your eyes make %"en t"ere is no li-"t. 9 %as %earin- a "ar5 "at %it" a li-"t on it@ turne5 o11 at present. $"e %ererats "a5 insiste5 on it. All aroun5 me %ere soun5s. !ries@ moans@ t"e poppin- o1 8one@ a 3urious sli5in- soun5 like a kni1e 5ra%in- out o1 1les". $"e %ererats %ere 3"an-in- 1rom "uman to animal. 9t soun5e5 like it "urt2a lot. $"ey "a5 ma5e me s%ear not to turn on a li-"t until t"ey tol5 me to. 9 "a5 ne)er %ante5 to see so 8a5ly in my li1e. 9t 3oul5n?t 8e so "orri8le. !oul5 itB But a promise is a promise. 9 soun5e5 like Horton t"e ,lep"ant. AA person is a person no matter "o% small.C ="at t"e "ell %as 9 5oin- stan5in- in t"e mi55le o1 a 3a)e@ in t"e 5ark@ surroun5e5 8y %ererats@ ;uotin- 4r. Seuss@ an5 tryin- to kill a one2t"ousan52year2ol5 )ampireB 9t "a5 8een one o1 my stran-er %eeks. <a1ael@ t"e <at Kin-@ sai5@ ADou may turn on your li-"ts.C 9 5i5@ instantly. 7y eyes seeme5 to lee3" on t"e li-"t@ ea-er to see. $"e ratmen stoo5 in small -roups in t"e %i5e@ 1lat2 roo1e5 tunnel. $"ere %ere ten o1 t"em. 9 "a5 3ounte5 t"em in "uman 1orm. /o% t"e se)en males %ere 1ur23o)ere5 an5 %earin- >ean 3uto11s. $%o %ore loose t2s"irts. $"e t"ree %omen %ore loose 5resses@ like maternity 3lot"es. $"eir 8la3k 8utton eyes -littere5 in t"e li-"t. ,)ery8o5y %as 1urry. ,5%ar5 3ame to stan5 near me. He %as starin- at t"e %eres@ 1a3e 5istant@ unrea5a8le. 9 tou3"e5 "is arm. 9 "a5 tol5 <a1ael t"at 9 %as not a 8ounty "unter@ 8ut ,5%ar5 %as@ sometimes. 9 "ope5 9 "a5 not en5an-ere5 t"ese people. AAre you rea5yBC <a1ael aske5. He %as t"e same sleek 8la3k ratman 9 remem8ere5. ADes@C 9 sai5. ,5%ar5 no55e5. $"e %ererats s3attere5 to eit"er si5e o1 us@ s3ram8lin- o)er lo%@ %eat"ere5 1lo%stone. 9 sai5 to no one in parti3ular@ A9 t"ou-"t 3a)es %ere 5amp.C A smaller ratman in a t2s"irt sai5@ A!"erokee !a)erns is 5ea5 3a)e.C A9 5on?t un5erstan5.C ALi)e 3a)e "as %ater an5 -ro%in- 1ormations. A 5ry 3a)e %"ere none o1 t"e 1ormations are -ro%in- is 3alle5 5ea5 3a)e.C A#"@C 9 sai5. He 5re% lips 8a3k 1rom "u-e teet"@ a smile@ 9 t"ink. A7ore t"an you %ante5 to kno%@ "u"BC <a1ael "isse5 8a3k@ A=e are not "ere to -i)e -ui5e5 tours@ Louie. /o% 8e ;uiet@ 8ot" o1 you.C Louie s"ru--e5 an5 s3ram8le5 a"ea5 o1 me. He %as t"e same "uman t"at "a5 8een %it" <a1ael in t"e restaurant@ t"e one %it" t"e 5ark eyes. #ne o1 t"e 1emales %as nearly -rey21urre5. Her name %as Lillian@ an5 s"e %as a 5o3tor. S"e 3arrie5 a 8a3kpa3k 1ull o1 me5i3al supplies. $"ey seeme5 to 8e plannin- on us -ettin- "urt. At least t"at meant t"ey t"ou-"t %e %oul5 3ome out ali)e. 9 %as 8e-innin- to %on5er a8out t"at part mysel1. $%o "ours later t"e 3eilin- 5roppe5 to a point %"ere 9 3oul5n?t stan5 upri-"t. An5 9 learne5 %"at t"e "ar5 "ats t"ey "a5 -i)en ,5%ar5 an5 me %ere 1or. 9 s3rape5 my "ea5 on t"e ro3k at least a t"ousan5 times. 9?5 "a)e kno3ke5 mysel1 un3ons3ious lon- 8e1ore %e sa% /ikolaos. $"e rats seeme5 5esi-ne5 1or t"e tunnel@ sli5in- alon-@ 1lattenin- t"eir 8o5ies in a stran-e@ s3ram8lin- -ra3e. ,5%ar5 an5 9 3oul5 not mat3" it. /ot e)en 3lose. He 3urse5 so1tly 8e"in5 me. His 1i)e in3"es o1 e*tra "ei-"t %ere 3ausin- "im pain. 7y lo%er 8a3k %as an a3"in- 8urn. He "a5 to 8e in %orse s"ape. $"ere %ere po3kets %"ere t"e 3eilin- opene5 up an5 %e 3oul5 stan5. 9 starte5 lookin- )ery 1or%ar5 to t"em@ like air po3kets to a 5i)er. $"e ;uality o1 5arkness 3"an-e5. Li-"t2t"ere %as li-"t up a"ea5@ not mu3"@ 8ut it %as t"ere. 9t 1li3kere5 at t"e 1ar en5 o1 t"e tunnel like a mira-e. <a1ael 3rou3"e5 8esi5e us. ,5%ar5 sat 1lat on t"e 5ry ro3k. 9 >oine5 "im. A$"ere is your 5un-eon. =e %ill %ait "ere until near 5ark. 91 you "a)e not 3ome out@ %e %ill lea)e. A1ter /ikolaos is 5ea5@ i1 %e 3an@ %e %ill "elp you.C

9 no55e5G t"e li-"t on my "ar5 "at no55e5 %it" me. A$"ank you 1or "elpin- us.C He s"ook "is narro%@ ratty 1a3e. A9 "a)e 5eli)ere5 you to t"e 5e)il?s 5oor. 4o not t"ank me 1or t"at.C 9 -lan3e5 at ,5%ar5. His 1a3e %as still 5istant@ unrea5a8le. 91 "e %as intereste5 in %"at t"e ratman "a5 >ust sai5@ 9 3oul5n?t tell it. =e mi-"t as %ell "a)e 8een talkin- a8out a -ro3ery list. ,5%ar5 an5 9 knelt 8e1ore t"e openin- into t"e 5un-eon. $or3"li-"t 1li3kere5@ in3re5i8ly 8ri-"t a1ter t"e 5arkness. ,5%ar5 %as 3ra5lin- "is :Ei t"at "un- on a strap a3ross "is 3"est. 9 "a5 t"e s"ot-un. 9 %as also 3arryin- my t%o pistols@ t%o kni)es@ an5 a 5errin-er stu11e5 in t"e po3ket o1 my >a3ket. 9t %as a present 1rom ,5%ar5. He "a5 "an5e5 it to me %it" t"is a5)i3eJ A9t ki3ks like a sono1a8it3"@ 8ut press it un5er someone?s 3"in@ an5 it %ill 8lo% t"eir 1u3kin- "ea5 o11.C /i3e to kno%. 9t %as 5ayli-"t outsi5e. $"ere s"oul5n?t 8e a )ampire stirrin-@ 8ut Bur3"ar5 %oul5 8e t"ere. An5 i1 "e sa% us@ /ikolaos %oul5 kno%. Some"o%@ s"e?5 kno%. Goose8umps mar3"e5 up my arms. =e s3ram8le5 insi5e@ rea5y to kill an5 maim. $"e room %as empty. All t"at a5renaline sort o1 sat in my 8o5y@ makin- my 8reat"in- too ;ui3k an5 my "eart poun5 1or no reason. $"e spot %"ere P"illip "a5 8een 3"aine5 %as 3lean. Someone "a5 s3ru88e5 it 5o%n real -oo5. 9 1ou-"t an ur-e to tou3" t"e %all %"ere "e?5 8een. ,5%ar5 3alle5 so1tly@ AAnita.C He %as at t"e 5oor. 9 "urrie5 up to "im. A="at?s %ron-BC "e aske5. AS"e kille5 P"illip in "ere.C AKeep your min5 on 8usiness. 9 5on?t %ant to 5ie 8e3ause you?re 5ay5reamin-.C 9 starte5 to -et an-ry an5 s%allo%e5 it. He %as ri-"t. ,5%ar5 trie5 t"e 5oor@ an5 it opene5. /o prisoners@ no nee5 to lo3k it. 9 took t"e le1t si5e o1 t"e 5oor@ an5 "e took t"e ri-"t. $"e 3orri5or %as empty. 7y "an5s %ere s%eatin- on t"e s"ot-un. ,5%ar5 le5 o11 5o%n t"e ri-"t "an5 si5e o1 t"e 3orri5or. 9 1ollo%e5 "im into t"e 5ra-on?s lair. 9 5i5n?t 1eel mu3" like a kni-"t. 9 %as 1res" out o1 s"iny stee5s@ or %as t"at s"iny armorB ="ate)er. =e %ere "ere. $"is %as it. 9 3oul5 taste my "eart in my t"roat.

Chapter Forty-six
$"e 5ra-on 5i5n?t 3ome out an5 eat us ri-"t a%ay. 9n 1a3t@ t"e pla3e %as ;uiet. As t"e 3li3"e -oes@ too ;uiet. 9 steppe5 3lose to ,5%ar5 an5 %"ispere5@ A9 5on?t mean to 3omplain@ 8ut %"ere is e)ery8o5yBC He leane5 "is 8a3k a-ainst t"e %all an5 sai5@ A7ay8e you kille5 =inter. $"at >ust lea)es Bur3"ar5. 7ay8e "e?s on an erran5.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"is is too easy.C A4on?t %orry. Somet"in- %ill -o %ron- soon.C He 3ontinue5 5o%n t"e 3orri5or@ an5 9 1ollo%e5. 9t took me t"ree steps to realiEe ,5%ar5 "a5 ma5e a >oke. $"e 3orri5or opene5 into a "u-e room like /ikolaos?s t"rone room@ 8ut t"ere %as no 3"air "ere. $"ere %ere 3o11ins. 'i)e o1 t"em spa3e5 aroun5 t"e room on raise5 plat1orms@ so t"ey 5i5n?t "a)e to sit on t"e 1loor in t"e 5ra1t. $all@ iron 3an5ela8ra 8urne5 in t"e room@ one at t"e 1oot an5 "ea5 o1 ea3" 3o11in. 7ost )ampires ma5e some e11ort to "i5e t"eir 3o11ins@ 8ut not /ikolaos. AArro-ant@C ,5%ar5 %"ispere5. ADes@C 9 %"ispere5 8a3k. Dou al%ays %"ispere5 aroun5 t"e 3o11ins@ at 1irst@ as i1 it %ere a 1uneral an5 t"ey 3oul5 "ear you. $"ere %as a ne3k2ru11lin- smell to t"e room@ stale. 9t 3au-"t at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat an5 %as almost a taste@ 1aintly metalli3. 9t %as like t"e smell o1 snakes kept in 3a-es. Dou kne% t"ere %as not"in- %arm an5 1urry in t"is room >ust 8y smell. An5 t"at really 5oesn?t 5o it >usti3e. 9t %as t"e smell o1 )ampires. $"e 1irst 3o11in %as 5ark@ %ell2)arnis"e5 %oo5@ %it" -ol5en "an5les. 9t %as %i5er at t"e s"oul5er area an5 t"en narro%e5@ 1ollo%in- t"e 3ontour o1 t"e "uman 8o5y. #l5er 3o11ins 5i5 t"at sometimes. A=e start "ere@C 9 sai5. ,5%ar5 5i5n?t ar-ue. He let t"e ma3"ine -un "an- 8y its strap an5 5re% "is pistol. ADou?re 3o)ere5@C "e sai5. 9 lai5 t"e s"ot-un on t"e 1loor in 1ront o1 t"e 3o11in@ -rippe5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e li5@ sai5 a ;ui3k prayer@ an5 li1te5. Valentine lay in t"e 3o11in. His s3arre5 1a3e %as 8are. He %as still 5resse5 as a ri)er8oat -am8ler 8ut t"is time in 8la3k. His 1rilly s"irt

%as 3rimson. $"e 3olors 5i5n?t look -oo5 a-ainst "is au8urn "air. #ne "an5 %as "al123urle5 o)er "is t"i-"@ a 3areless sleeper?s -esture. A )ery "uman -esture. ,5%ar5 peere5 into t"e 3o11in@ -un pointe5 3eilin-%ar5. A$"is t"e one you t"re% Holy =ater onBC 9 no55e5. A4i5 a 8an-2up >o8@C ,5%ar5 sai5. Valentine ne)er mo)e5. 9 3oul5n?t e)en see "im 8reat"e. 9 %ipe5 my s%eatin- palms on my >eans an5 1elt 1or a pulse in "is %rist. /ot"in-. His skin %as 3ool to t"e tou3". He %as 5ea5. 9t %asn?t mur5er@ no matter %"at t"e ne% la%s sai5. Dou 3an?t kill a 3orpse. $"e %rist pulse5. 9 >erke5 8a3k like "e?5 8urne5 me. A="at?s %ron-BC ,5%ar5 aske5. A9 -ot a pulse.C A9t "appens sometimes.C 9 no55e5. Dea"@ it "appene5 sometimes. 91 you %aite5 lon- enou-"@ t"e "eart 5i5 8eat@ 8loo5 5i5 1lo%@ 8ut so .slo% t"at it %as pain1ul to %at3". 4ea5. 9 %as 8e-innin- to t"ink 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at t"at meant. 9 kne% one t"in-. 91 ni-"t 1ell %it" us "ere@ %e %oul5 5ie@ or %is" %e "a5. Valentine "a5 "elpe5 kill o)er t%enty people. He "a5 nearly kille5 me. ="en /ikolaos %it"5re% "er prote3tion@ "e?5 1inis" t"e >o8 i1 "e 3oul5. =e "a5 3ome to kill /ikolaos. 9 t"ink s"e %oul5 %it"5ra% "er prote3tion ASAP. As t"e ol5 sayin- -oes@ it %as "im or me. 9 pre1erre5 "im. 9 s"ook o11 t"e s"oul5er straps o1 t"e 8a3kpa3k. A="at are you lookin- 1orBC ,5%ar5 aske5. AStake an5 "ammer@C 9 sai5 %it"out lookin- up. A/ot -oin- to use t"e s"ot-unBC 9 -lan3e5 up at "im. A#"@ ri-"t. ="y not rent a mar3"in- 8an5 %"ile %e?re at itBC A91 you >ust %ant to 8e ;uiet@ t"ere is anot"er %ay.C He "a5 a sli-"t smile on "is 1a3e. 9 "a5 t"e s"arpene5 stake in my "an5@ 8ut 9 %as %illin- to listen. 9?)e stake5 most o1 t"e )ampires t"at 9?)e kille5@ 8ut it ne)er -ets easier. 9t is "ar5@ messy %ork@ t"ou-" 9 5on?t t"ro% up anymore. 9 am a pro1essional@ a1ter all. He took a small 3ase out o1 "is o%n 8a3kpa3k. 9t "el5 syrin-es. He 5re% out an ampule o1 some -reyis" li;ui5. ASil)er nitrate@C "e sai5. Sil)er. Bane o1 t"e un5ea5. S3our-e o1 t"e supernatural. An5 all ni3ely mo5erniEe5. A4oes it %orkBC 9 aske5. A9t %orks.C He 1ille5 one syrin-e an5 aske5@ AHo% ol5 is t"is oneBC AA little o)er a "un5re5@C 9 sai5. A$%o ou-"t to 5o it.C He s"o)e5 t"e nee5le into t"e 8i- )ein in Valentine?s ne3k. Be1ore "e "a5 1ille5 t"e syrin-e a se3on5 time@ t"e 8o5y s"i)ere5. He s"o)e5 t"e se3on5 5ose into t"e ne3k. Valentine?s 8o5y ar3"e5 a-ainst t"e %alls o1 t"e 3o11in. His mout" opene5 an5 3lose5. He -aspe5 1or air as i1 "e %ere 5ro%nin-. ,5%ar5 1ille5 up anot"er syrin-e an5 "an5e5 it to%ar5s me. 9 stare5 at it. A9t isn?t -oin- to 8ite@C "e sai5. 9 took it -in-erly 8et%een my t"um8 an5 t"e 1irst t%o 1in-ers on my ri-"t "an5. A="at?s t"e matter %it" youBC "e aske5. A9?m not a 8i- 1an o1 nee5les.C He -rinne5. ADou?re a1rai5 o1 nee5lesBC 9 s3o%le5 at "im. A/ot e*a3tly.C Valentine?s 8o5y s"ook an5 8u3ke5@ "an5s t"umpin- a-ainst t"e %oo5en %alls. 9t ma5e a small@ "elpless noise. His eyes ne)er opene5. He %as -oin- to sleep t"rou-" "is o%n 5eat". He -a)e one last s"u55erin- >ump@ t"en 3ollapse5 a-ainst t"e si5e o1 t"e 3o11in like a 8roken ra- 5oll. AHe 5oesn?t look )ery 5ea5@C 9 sai5. A$"ey ne)er 5o.C AStake t"eir "eart an5 3"op o11 t"eir "ea5s@ an5 you kno% t"ey?re 5ea5.C A$"is isn?t stakin-@C "e sai5. 9 5i5n?t like it. Valentine lay t"ere lookin- )ery %"ole an5 nearly "uman. 9 %ante5 to see some rottin- 1les" an5 8ones turnin- to 5ust. 9 %ante5 to kno% "e %as 5ea5.

A/o one "as e)er -otten up out o1 t"eir 3o11in a1ter a syrin-e 1ull o1 sil)er nitrate@ Anita.C 9 no55e5 8ut remaine5 un3on)in3e5. ADou 3"e3k t"e ot"er si5e. Go on.C 9 %ent@ 8ut 9 kept -lan3in- 8a3k at Valentine. He "a5 "aunte5 my ni-"tmares 1or years@ nearly kille5 me. He >ust 5i5n?t look 5ea5 enou-" 1or me. 9 opene5 t"e 1irst 3o11in on my si5e@ one2"an5e5@ "ol5in- t"e syrin-e 3are1ully. An in>e3tion o1 sil)er nitrate pro8a8ly %oul5n?t 5o me mu3" -oo5 eit"er. $"e 3o11in %as empty. $"e %"ite imitation silk linin- "a5 3on1orme5 to t"e 8o5y like a mattress@ 8ut t"e 8o5y %asn?t t"ere. 9 1lin3"e5 an5 stare5 aroun5 t"e room@ 8ut t"ere %as not"in- t"ere. 9 stare5 slo%ly up%ar5@ "opin- t"at t"ere %as not"in1loatin- a8o)e me. $"ere %asn?t. $"ank you@ Go5. 9 remem8ere5 to 8reat"e 1inally. 9t %as pro8a8ly $"eresa?s 3o11in. Dea"@ t"at %as it. 9 le1t it open an5 %ent to t"e ne*t one. 9t %as a ne%er mo5el@ pro8a8ly 1ake %oo5@ 8ut ni3e an5 polis"e5. $"e 8la3k male %as in it. 9 "a5 ne)er -otten "is name. /o% 9 ne)er %oul5. 9 kne% %"at it meant@ 3omin- in "ere. /ot >ust 5e1en5in- yoursel1 8ut takin- out t"e )ampires %"ile t"ey lay "elpless. As 1ar as 9 kne%@ t"is )ampire "a5 ne)er "urt anyone. 9 lau-"e5 t"enG "e %as /ikolaos?s prote-e. 4i5 9 really t"ink "e?5 ne)er taste5 "uman 8loo5B /o. 9 presse5 t"e nee5le a-ainst "is ne3k an5 s%allo%e5 "ar5. 9 "ate5 nee5les. /o parti3ular reason. 9 s"o)e5 it in an5 3lose5 my eyes %"ile 9 5epresse5 t"e plun-er. 9 3oul5 "a)e poun5e5 a stake t"rou-" "is "eart@ 8ut sti3kin- a nee5le in "im put 3ol5 3"ills 5o%n my spine. ,5%ar5 3alle5@ AAnitaIC 9 %"irle5 an5 1oun5 Au8rey sittin- up in "is 3o11in. He "a5 ,5%ar5 8y t"e t"roat an5 %as slo%ly li1tin- "im o11 "is 1eet. $"e s"ot-un %as still 8y Valentine?s 3o11in. 4amnI 9 5re% t"e 9mm an5 1ire5 at Au8rey?s 1ore"ea5. $"e 8ullet tosse5 "is "ea5 8a3k@ 8ut "e >ust smile5 an5 raise5 ,5%ar5 strai-"t2arme5@ le-s 5an-lin-. 9 ran 1or t"e s"ot-un. ,5%ar5 %as "a)in- to use 8ot" "an5s to keep "imsel1 1rom 8ein- stran-le5 8y "is o%n %ei-"t. He 5roppe5 one "an5@ 1um8lin- 1or t"e ma3"ine -un. Au8rey 3au-"t "is %rist. 9 pi3ke5 up t"e s"ot-un@ took t%o steps to%ar5s t"em an5 1ire5 1rom t"ree 1eet a%ay. Au8rey?s "ea5 e*plo5e5G 8loo5 an5 8rains spattere5 o)er t"e %all. $"e "an5s lo%ere5 ,5%ar5 to t"e 1loor 8ut 5i5n?t let -o. ,5%ar5 5re% a ra--e5 8reat". $"e ri-"t "an5 3on)ulse5 aroun5 "is t"roat@ 1in-ers 5i--in- 1or "is %in5pipe. 9 "a5 to step aroun5 ,5%ar5 to 1ire at t"e 3"est. $"e 8last took out t"e "eart an5 most o1 t"e le1t si5e o1 t"e 3"est. $"e le1t arm sort o1 "un- t"ere 8y stran5s o1 tissue an5 8one. $"e 3orpse 1loppe5 8a3k into its 3o11in. ,5%ar5 5roppe5 to "is knees@ 8reat" %"eeEin- an5 3"okin- t"rou-" "is t"roat. A/o5 i1 you 3an 8reat"e@ ,5%ar5@C 9 sai5. $"ou-" i1 Au8rey "a5 3rus"e5 "is %in5pipe 9 5on?t kno% %"at 9 3oul5 "a)e 5one. <un 8a3k an5 -otten Lillian t"e 5o3tor rat@ may8e. ,5%ar5 no55e5. His 1a3e %as a mottle5 re55is" purple@ 8ut "e %as 8reat"in-. 7y ears %ere rin-in- %it" t"e soun5 o1 t"e s"ot-un insi5e t"e stone %alls. So mu3" 1or surprise. So mu3" 1or sil)er nitrate. 9 pumpe5 anot"er roun5 into t"e -un an5 %ent to Valentine?s 3o11in. 9 8le% "im apart. /o%@ "e %as 5ea5. ,5%ar5 sta--ere5 to "is 1eet. He 3roake5@ AHo% ol5 %as t"at t"in-BC A#)er 1i)e "un5re5@C 9 sai5. He s%allo%e5@ an5 it looke5 like it "urt. AS"it.C A9 %oul5n?t try sti3kin- any nee5les into /ikolaos.C He mana-e5 to -lare at me@ still "al12leanin- a-ainst Au8rey?s 3o11in. 9 turne5 to t"e 1i1t" 3o11in. $"e one %e "a5 sa)e5 until last %it"out any talk 8et%een us. 9t %as set a-ainst t"e 1ar %all. A 5ainty %"ite 3o11in@ too small 1or an a5ult. !an5leli-"t -leame5 on t"e 3ar)in-s in t"e li5. 9 %as tempte5 to >ust 8lo% a "ole in t"e 3o11in@ 8ut 9 "a5 to see "er. 9 "a5 to see %"at 9 %as s"ootin- at. 7y "eart starte5 t"u55in- in my t"roatG my 3"est %as ti-"t. S"e %as a master )ampire. Killin- t"em@ e)en in 5ayli-"t@ is a 3"an3y t"in-. $"eir -aEe 3an trap you until ni-"t1all. $"eir min5s. $"eir )oi3es. So mu3" po%er. An5 /ikolaos %as t"e most po%er1ul 9?5 e)er seen. 9 "a5 my 8lesse5 3ross. 9 %oul5 8e all ri-"t. 9 "a5 "a5 too many 3rosses taken 1rom me to 1eel 3ompletely sa1e. #"@ %ell. 9 trie5 to raise t"e li5 one2"an5e5@ 8ut it %as "ea)y an5 not 8alan3e5 1or easy openin- like mo5em 3o11ins. A!an you 8a3k me on t"is@ ,5%ar5B #r are you still relearnin- "o% to 8reat"eBC ,5%ar5 3ame to stan5 8esi5e me. His 1a3e looke5 almost its normal 3olor. He took "ol5 o1 t"e li5 an5 9 rea5ie5 t"e s"ot-un.

He li1te5 an5 t"e %"ole li5 sli5 o11. 9t %asn?t "in-e5 on. 9 sai5@ AS"iiitIC $"e 3o11in %as empty. AAre you lookin- 1or meBC A "i-"@ musi3al )oi3e 3alle5 1rom t"e 5oor%ay. A'reeEeG 9 8elie)e t"at is t"e %or5. =e "a)e t"e 5rop on you.C A9 %oul5n?t a5)ise -oin- 1or your -un@C Bur3"ar5 sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at ,5%ar5 an5 1oun5 "is "an5s 3lose to t"e ma3"ine -un 8ut not 3lose enou-". His 1a3e %as unrea5a8le@ 3alm@ normal. Hust a Sun5ay 5ri)e. 9 %as so s3are5 9 3oul5 taste 8ile at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. =e looke5 at ea3" ot"er an5 raise5 our "an5s. A$urn aroun5 slo%ly@C Bur3"ar5 sai5. =e 5i5. He %as "ol5in- a semiautomati3 ri1le o1 some kin5. 9?m not t"e -un 1reak ,5%ar5 is@ so 9 5i5n?t kno% t"e make an5 mo5el@ 8ut 9 kne% it?5 make a 8i- "ole. $"ere %as also a s%or5 "ilt sti3kin- o)er "is 8a3k. A s%or5@ an "onest2to2-o5 s%or5. Ka3"ary %as stan5in- 8esi5e "im@ "ol5in- a pistol. He "el5 it t%o2"an5e5@ arms sti11. He 5i5n?t seem "appy. Bur3"ar5 "el5 t"e ri1le like "e %as 8orn %it" it. A4rop your %eapons@ please@ an5 la3e your 1in-ers on top o1 your "ea5s.C =e 5i5 %"at "e aske5. ,5%ar5 5roppe5 t"e ma3"ine -un@ an5 9 lost t"e s"ot-un. =e "a5 plenty more -uns. /ikolaos stoo5 to one si5e. Her 1a3e %as 3ol5@ an-ry. Her )oi3e@ %"en it 3ame@ e3"oe5 t"rou-" t"e room. A9 am ol5er t"en anyt"in- you "a)e e)er ima-ine5. 4i5 you t"ink 5ayli-"t "ol5s me prisonerB A1ter a t"ousan5 yearsBC S"e %alke5 out into t"e room@ 3are1ul not to 3ross in 1ront o1 Bur3"ar5 an5 Ka3"ary. S"e -lan3e5 at t"e remains in t"e 3o11ins. ADou %ill pay 1or t"is@ animator.C S"e smile5 t"en@ an5 9 "a5 ne)er seen anyt"in- more e)il. AStrip t"em o1 t"e rest o1 t"eir %eaponry@ Bur3"ar5G t"en %e %ill -i)e t"e animator a treat.C $"ey stoo5 in 1ront o1 us 8ut not too 3lose. A:p a-ainst t"e %all@ animator@C Bur3"ar5 sai5. A91 t"e man mo)es@ Ka3"ary@ s"oot "im.C Bur3"ar5 s"o)e5 me into t"e %all an5 1riske5 me )ery t"orou-"ly. He 5i5n?t 3"e3k my teet" or "a)e me 5rop my pants@ 8ut t"at %as a8out it. He 1oun5 e)eryt"in- 9 %as 3arryin-. ,)en t"e 5errin-er. He s"o)e5 my 3ross into "is po3ket. 7ay8e 9 3oul5 tattoo one on my armB Pro8a8ly %oul5n?t %ork. 9 %ent out to stan5 %it" Ka3"ary@ an5 ,5%ar5 -ot "is turn. 9 stare5 at Ka3"ary. A4oes s"e kno%BC 9 aske5. AS"ut up.C 9 smile5. AS"e 5oesn?t@ 5oes s"eBC AS"ut upIC ,5%ar5 3ame 8a3k@ an5 %e stoo5 t"ere %it" our "an5s on top o1 our "ea5s@ %eapons -one. 9t %as not a pretty si-"t. A5renaline %as 8u88lin- like 3"ampa-ne@ an5 my pulse %as t"reatenin- to >ump out o1 my t"roat. 9 %asn?t a1rai5 o1 t"e -uns@ not really. 9 %as a1rai5 o1 /ikolaos. ="at %oul5 s"e 5o to usB $o meB 91 9 "a5 a 3"oi3e@ 9?5 1or3e t"em to s"oot me. 9t "a5 to 8e 8etter t"an anyt"in- /ikolaos "a5 in "er e)il little min5. A$"ey are unarme5@ 7istress@C Bur3"ar5 sai5. AGoo5@C s"e sai5. A4o you kno% %"at %e %ere 5oin- %"ile you 5estroye5 my peopleBC 9 5i5n?t t"ink s"e %ante5 an ans%er@ so 9 5i5n?t -i)e "er one. A=e %ere preparin- a 1rien5 o1 yours@ animator.C 7y stoma3" >erke5. 9 "a5 a %il5 ima-e o1 !at"erine@ 8ut s"e %as out o1 to%n. 7y -o5@ <onnie. 4i5 t"ey "a)e <onnieB 9t must "a)e s"o%e5 on my 1a3e 8e3ause /ikolaos lau-"e5@ "i-" an5 %il5@ an e*3ite5 titterin-. A9 really "ate t"at lau-"@C 9 sai5. ASilen3e@C Bur3"ar5 sai5. A#"@ Anita@ you are so amusin-. 9 %ill en>oy makin- you one o1 my people.C Her )oi3e starte5 "i-" an5 3"il5like an5 en5e5 lo% enou-" to 3ra%l 5o%n my spine. S"e 3alle5 out in a 3lear )oi3e@ A,nter t"is room no%.C 9 "ear5 s"u11lin- 1ootstepsG t"en P"illip %alke5 into t"e room. $"e "orri8le %oun5 at "is t"roat %as t"i3k@ %"ite s3ar tissue. He stare5 aroun5 t"e room as i1 "e 5i5n?t really see it. 9 %"ispere5@ A4ear Go5.C $"ey "a5 raise5 "im 1rom t"e 5ea5.

Chapter Forty-seven
/ikolaos 5an3e5 aroun5 "im. $"e skirt o1 "er pastel pink 5ress s%irle5 aroun5 "er. $"e lar-e@ pink 8o% in "er "air 8o88e5 as s"e t%irle5@ arms outstret3"e5. Her slen5er le-s %ere 3o)ere5 in %"ite leotar5s. $"e s"oes %ere %"ite %it" pink 8o%s. S"e stoppe5@ lau-"in- an5 8reat"less. A "ealt"y pink 1lus" on "er 3"eeks@ eyes sparklin-. Ho% 5i5 s"e 5o t"atB AHe looks )ery ali)e@ 5oesn?t "eBC S"e stalke5 aroun5 "im@ "an5 8rus"in- "is arm. He 5re% a%ay 1rom "er@ eyes 1ollo%in"er e)ery mo)e@ a1rai5. He remem8ere5 "er. Go5 "elp us. He remem8ere5 "er. A4o you %ant to see "im put t"rou-" "is pa3esBC s"e aske5. 9 "ope5 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 "er. 9 1ou-"t to keep my 1a3e 8lank. 9 must "a)e su33ee5e5 8e3ause s"e stompe5 o)er to me@ "an5s on "ips. A=ell@C s"e sai5@ A5o you %ant to %at3" your lo)er per1ormBC 9 s%allo%e5 8ile@ "ar5. 7ay8e 9 s"oul5 >ust t"ro% up on "er. $"at %oul5 tea3" "er. A=it" youBC 9 aske5. S"e si5le5 up to me@ "an5s 3laspe5 8e"in5 "er 8a3k. A9t 3oul5 8e you. Dour 3"oi3e.C Her 1a3e %as almost tou3"in- mine. ,yes so 5amne5 %i5e an5 inno3ent t"at it seeme5 sa3rile-ious. A/eit"er soun5s )ery appealin-@C 9 sai5. APity.C S"e "al12skippe5 8a3k to P"illip. He %as nake5@ an5 "is tanne5 8o5y %as still "an5some. ="at %ere a 1e% more s3arsB ADou 5i5n?t kno% 9 %as -oin- to 8e "ere@ so %"y raise P"illip 1rom t"e 5ea5BC 9 aske5. S"e turne5 on t"e "eels o1 "er little s"oes. A=e raise5 "im so "e 3oul5 try to kill Au8rey. 7ur5ere5 Eom8ies 3an 8e so mu3" 1un@ %"ile t"ey try to kill t"eir mur5erers. =e t"ou-"t %e?5 -i)e "im a 3"an3e %"ile Au8rey %as asleep. Au8rey 3an mo)e i1 you 5istur8 "im.C S"e -lan3e5 at ,5%ar5. ABut t"en you kno% t"at.C ADou %ere -oin- to let Au8rey kill "im a-ain@C 9 sai5. S"e no55e5@ "ea5 8o88in-. A7mm2u".C ADou 8it3"@C 9 sai5. Bur3"ar5 s"o)e5 t"e ri1le 8utt into my stoma3"@ an5 9 5roppe5 to my knees. 9 pante5@ tryin- to 8reat"e. 9t 5i5n?t "elp mu3". ,5%ar5 %as starin- )ery 1i*e5ly at Ka3"ary@ %"o %as "ol5in- t"e pistol s;uare on "is 3"est. Dou 5i5n?t "a)e to 8e -oo5 at t"at ran-e or e)en lu3ky. Hust s;ueeEe t"e tri--er an5 kill someone. Poo1. A9 3an make you 5o %"ate)er 9 please@C /ikolaos sai5. A 1res" spurt o1 a5renaline rus"e5 t"rou-" me. 9t %as too mu3". 9 t"re% up in t"e 3orner. /er)es an5 8ein- "it )ery "ar5 in t"e stoma3" %it" a ri1le. /er)es 9?5 "a5 8e1oreG t"e ri1le 8utt %as a ne% e*perien3e. A$sk@ tsk@C /ikolaos sai5. A4o 9 1ri-"ten you t"at mu3"BC 9 mana-e5 to stan5 up at last. ADes@C 9 sai5. ="y 5eny itB S"e 3lappe5 "er "an5s to-et"er. A#"@ -oo5y.C Her 1a3e s"i1te5 -ears@ instant s%it3". $"e little -irl %as -one@ an5 no amount o1 pink@ 1rilly 5resses %oul5 8rin- "er 8a3k. /ikolaos?s 1a3e %as t"inner@ alien. $"e. eyes %ere -reat 5ro%ninpools. AHear me@ Anita. 'eel my po%er in your )eins.C 9 stoo5 t"ere@ starin- at t"e 1loor@ 1ear like a 3ol5 rus" on my skin. 9 %aite5 1or somet"in- to tu- at my soul. Her po%er to roll me un5er an5 a%ay. /ot"in- "appene5. /ikolaos 1ro%ne5. $"e little -irl %as 8a3k. A9 8it you@ animator. Dou s"oul5 3ra%l i1 9 ask it. ="at 5i5 you 5oBC 9 8reat"e5 a small@ "eart1elt prayer@ an5 ans%ere5 "er. AHoly =ater.C S"e snarle5. A$"is time %e %ill keep you %it" us until a1ter t"e t"ir5 8ite. Dou %ill take $"eresa?s pla3e. Per"aps t"en you %ill 8e more ea-er to 1in5 out %"o is mur5erin- )ampires.C 9 1ou-"t %it" e)eryt"in- in me not to -lan3e at Ka3"ary. /ot 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t %ant to -i)e "im a%ay@ 9 %oul5 5o t"at@ 8ut 9 %as %aitin- 1or t"e moment %"en it %oul5 "elp us. 9t mi-"t -et Ka3"ary kille5@ 8ut it %oul5n?t take out Bur3"ar5 or /ikolaos. Ka3"ary %as t"e least 5an-erous person in t"is %"ole room. A9 5on?t t"ink so@C 9 sai5. A#"@ 8ut 9 5o@ animator.C A9 %oul5 rat"er 5ie.C S"e sprea5 "er arms %i5e. ABut 9 %ant you to 5ie@ Anita@ 9 %ant you to 5ie.C A$"at makes us e)en@C 9 sai5.

S"e -i--le5. $"e soun5 ma5e my teet" "urt. 91 s"e really %ante5 to torture me@ all s"e "a5 to 5o %as lo3k me in a room an5 lau-" at me. /o% t"at %oul5 8e "ell. A!ome on@ 8oys an5 -irls@ let?s -o play in t"e 5un-eon.C /ikolaos le5 t"e %ay. Bur3"ar5 motione5 1or us to 1ollo%. =e 5i5. Ka3"ary an5 "e 8rou-"t up t"e rear@ -uns in "an5. P"illip stoo5 un3ertainly in t"e mi55le o1 t"e room@ %at3"in- us -o. /ikolaos 3alle5 8a3k@ AHa)e "im 1ollo% us@ Ka3"ary.C Ka3"ary 3alle5@ A!ome@ P"illip@ 1ollo% me.C He turne5 an5 %alke5 a1ter us@ "is eyes still un3ertain an5 not really 1o3use5. AGo on@C Bur3"ar5 sai5. He "al12raise5 t"e ri1le@ an5 9 %ent. /ikolaos 3alle5 8a3k@ AGaEin- at your lo)erG "o% ni3e.C 9t %asn?t a lon- enou-" %alk to t"e 5un-eon 5oor. 91 t"ey trie5 to 3"ain me to t"e %all@ 9?5 rus" t"em. 9?5 1or3e t"em to kill me. ="i3" meant 9?5 8etter rus" Ka3"ary. Bur3"ar5 mi-"t %oun5 me or kno3k me un3ons3ious@ an5 t"at %oul5 8e )ery@ )ery 8a5. /ikolaos le5 us 5o%n t"e steps an5 out into t"e 1loor. ="at a 5ay 1or a para5e. P"illip 1ollo%e5@ 8ut "e %as lookin- aroun5 no%@ really seein- t"in-s. He 1roEe@ starin- at t"e pla3e %"ere Au8rey "a5 kille5 "im. His "an5 rea3"e5 out to tou3" t"e %all. He 1le*e5 "is "an5@ ru88in- 1in-ers into "is palm as i1 "e %as 1eelin- somet"in-. A "an5 %ent to "is ne3k an5 1oun5 t"e s3ar. He s3reame5. 9t e3"oe5 a-ainst t"e %alls. AP"illip@C 9 sai5. Bur3"ar5 "el5 me 8a3k %it" t"e ri1le. P"illip 3rou3"e5 in t"e 3orner@ 1a3e "i55en@ arms lo3ke5 aroun5 "is knees. He %as makin- a "i-"@ keenin- noise. /ikolaos lau-"e5. AStop it@ stop itIC 9 %alke5 to%ar5s P"illip@ an5 Bur3"ar5 s"o)e5 t"e -un a-ainst my 3"est. 9 yelle5 into "is 1a3e@ AS"oot me@ s"oot me@ 5ammitI 9t?s -ot to 8e 8etter t"an t"is.C A,nou-"@C /ikolaos sai5. S"e stalke5 o)er to me@ an5 9 -a)e -roun5. S"e kept %alkin-@ 1or3in- me to 8a3k up until 9 8umpe5 a-ainst t"e %all. A9 5on?t %ant you s"ot@ Anita@ 8ut 9 %ant you "urt. Dou kille5 =inter %it" your little kni1e. Let?s see "o% -oo5 you really are.C S"e stro5e a%ay 1rom me. ABur3"ar5@ -i)e "er 8a3k "er kni)es.C He ne)er e)en "esitate5 or aske5 %"y. He >ust %alke5 o)er to me an5 "an5e5 t"em to me@ "ilt 1irst. 9 5i5n?t ;uestion it eit"er. 9 took t"em. /ikolaos %as su55enly 8esi5e ,5%ar5. He starte5 to mo)e a%ay. AKill "im i1 "e mo)es a-ain@ Ka3"ary.C Ka3"ary 3ame to stan5 3lose@ -un out. AKneel@ mortal@C s"e sai5. ,5%ar5 5i5n?t 5o it. He -lan3e5 at me. /ikolaos ki3ke5 "im in t"e 8en5 o1 t"e knee "ar5 enou-" to make "im -runt. He 5roppe5 to one knee@ an5 s"e -ra88e5 "is ri-"t arm an5 tu--e5 it 8e"in5 "is 8a3k. #ne slen5er "an5 -ra88e5 "is t"roat. A9?ll tear out your t"roat i1 you mo)e@ "uman. 9 3an 1eel your pulse like a 8utter1ly 8eatin- a-ainst my "an5.C S"e lau-"e5 an5 1ille5 t"e room %it" %arm@ >ostlin- "orror. A/o%@ Bur3"ar5@ s"o% "er %"at it means to use a kni1e.C Bur3"ar5 %ent to t"e 1ar %all@ %it" t"e 5oor a8o)e "im at t"e top o1 t"e steps. He lai5 t"e ri1le on t"e 1loor@ an5 un8u3kle5 "is s%or5 "arness@ an5 lai5 t"at 8esi5e t"e ri1le. $"en "e 5re% a lon- kni1e %it" a nearly trian-ular 8la5e. He 5i5 some ;ui3k stret3"es to lim8er "is mus3les@ an5 9 stoo5 starin- at "im. 9 kno% "o% to use a kni1e. 9 3an t"ro% %ellG 9 pra3ti3e t"at. 7ost people are a1rai5 o1 kni)es. 91 you s"o% yoursel1 %illin- to 3ar)e someone up@ t"ey ten5 to 8e a1rai5 o1 you. Bur3"ar5 %as not most people. He %ent 5o%n into a sli-"t 3rou3"@ kni1e "el5 loose 8ut 1irm in "is ri-"t "an5. A'i-"t Bur3"ar5@ animator@ or t"is one 5ies.C S"e pulle5 "is arm@ s"arp@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t 3ry out. S"e 3oul5 5islo3ate "is s"oul5er@ an5 ,5%ar5 %oul5n?t 3ry out. 9 put t"e kni1e 8a3k in its ri-"t %rist s"eat". 'i-"tin- %it" a kni1e in ea3" "an5 may look ni1ty@ 8ut 9?)e ne)er really mastere5 it. A lot o1 people 5on?t. Hey@ Bur3"ar5 5i5n?t "a)e t%o kni)es eit"er. A9s t"is to t"e 5eat"BC 9 aske5. ADou %ill not 8e a8le to kill Bur3"ar5@ Anita. So silly. Bur3"ar5 is only -oin- to 3ut you. Let you taste t"e 8la5e@ not"in- too serious. 9 5on?t %ant you to lose too mu3" 8loo5.C $"ere %as an un5er3urrent o1 lau-"ter in "er )oi3e@ t"en it %as -one. Her )oi3e 3ra%le5 t"rou-" t"e room like a 1ire2%in5. A9 %ant to see you 8lee5.C Great. Bur3"ar5 8e-an to 3ir3le me@ an5 9 kept t"e %all at my 8a3k. He rus"e5 me@ kni1e 1las"in-. 9 "el5 my -roun5@ 5o5-in- "is 8la5e@ an5 slas"in- at "im as "e 5arte5 in. 7y kni1e "it empty air. He %as stan5in- out o1 rea3"@ starin- at me. He "a5 "a5 si* "un5re5 years o1 pra3ti3e@ -i)e or take. 9 3oul5n?t top t"at. 9 3oul5n?t e)en 3ome 3lose. He smile5. 9 -a)e "im a sli-"t no5. He no55e5 8a3k. A si-n o1 respe3t 8et%een t%o %arriors@ may8e. ,it"er t"at@ or "e %as playin- %it" me. Guess %"i3" %ay 9 )ote5B

His kni1e %as su55enly t"ere@ sli3in- my arm open. 9 slas"e5 out%ar5 an5 3au-"t "im a3ross t"e stoma3". He 5arte5 into me@ not a%ay. 9 5o5-e5 t"e kni1e an5 stum8le5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all. He smile5. 4ammit@ "e?5 %ante5 to -et me out in t"e open. His rea3" %as t%i3e mine. $"e pain in my arm %as s"arp an5 imme5iate. But t"ere %as a t"in line o1 3rimson on "is 1lat stoma3". 9 smile5 at "im. His eyes 1lin3"e5@ >ust a little. =as t"e mi-"ty %arrior uneasyB 9 "ope5 so. 9 8a3ke5 a%ay 1rom "im. $"is %as ri5i3ulous. =e %ere -oin- to 5ie@ pie3e 8y pie3e@ 8ot" o1 us. ="at t"e "ell. 9 3"ar-e5 Bur3"ar5@ slas"in-. 9t 3au-"t "im 8y surprise@ an5 "e 8a3kpe5ale5. 9 mirrore5 "is 3rou3"@ an5 %e 8e-an to 3ir3le t"e 1loor. An5 9 sai5@ A9 kno% %"o t"e mur5erer is.C Bur3"ar5?s eye8ro%s raise5. /ikolaos sai5@ A="at 5i5 you sayBC A9 kno% %"o is killin- )ampires.C Bur3"ar5 %as su55enly insi5e my arm@ sli3in- my s"irt. 9t 5i5n?t "urt. He %as playin- %it" me. A="oBC /ikolaos sai5. A$ell me@ or 9 %ill kill t"is "uman.C ASure@C 9 sai5. Ka3"ary s3reame5@ A/oIC He turne5 to 1ire at me. $"e 8ullet %"ine5 o)er"ea5. Bur3"ar5 an5 9 8ot" sank to t"e 1loor. ,5%ar5 s3reame5. 9 "al12rose to run to "im. His arm %as t%iste5 at a 1unny an-le@ 8ut "e %as ali)e. Ka3"ary?s -un %ent o11 t%i3e@ an5 /ikolaos took it a%ay 1rom "im@ tossin- it to t"e 1loor. S"e -ra88e5 "im an5 1or3e5 "im a-ainst "er 8o5y@ 8en5in- "im at t"e %aist@ 3ra5lin- "im. Her "ea5 5arte5 5o%n%ar5. Ka3"ary s"rieke5. Bur3"ar5 %as on "is knees@ %at3"in- t"e s"o%. 9 sta88e5 my kni1e into "is 8a3k. 9t t"unke5 soli5 an5 "ilt25eep. His spine sti11ene5@ one "an5 tryin- to tear out t"e 8la5e. 9 5i5n?t %ait to see i1 "e 3oul5 5o it. 9 5re% my ot"er kni1e an5 plun-e5 it into t"e si5e o1 "is t"roat. Bloo5 poure5 5o%n my "an5 %"en 9 took t"e kni1e out. 9 sta88e5 "im a-ain@ an5 "e 1ell slo%ly 1or%ar5@ 1a3e 5o%n on t"e 1loor. /ikolaos let Ka3"ary 5rop to t"e 1loor an5 turne5@ 1a3e 8loo5staine5@ t"e 1ront o1 "er pink 5ress 3rimson. Bloo5 spattere5 on "er %"ite leotar5s. Ka3"ary?s t"roat %as torn out. He lay -aspin- on t"e 1loor 8ut still mo)in-@ ali)e. S"e stare5 at Bur3"ar5?s 8o5y@ t"en s3reame5@ a %il5 8ans"ee soun5 t"at %aile5 an5 e3"oe5. S"e rus"e5 me@ "an5s outstret3"e5. 9 t"re% t"e kni1e@ an5 s"e 8atte5 it a%ay. S"e "it me@ t"e 1or3e o1 "er 8o5y slammin- me into t"e 1loor@ "er s3ram8lin- on top o1 me. S"e %as still s3reamin-@ o)er an5 o)er. S"e "el5 my "ea5 to one si5e. /o min5 tri3ks@ 8rute stren-t". 9 s3reame5@ A/oooIC A -un 1ire5@ an5 /ikolaos >erke5@ on3e@ t%i3e. S"e rose o11 me@ an5 9 1elt t"e %in5. 9t %as 3reepin- t"rou-" t"e room like t"e 8e-innin-s o1 a storm. ,5%ar5 leane5 a-ainst t"e %all@ "ol5in- Ka3"ary?s 5roppe5 -un. /ikolaos %ent 1or "im@ an5 "e emptie5 t"e -un into "er 1rail 8o5y. S"e 5i5n?t e)en "esitate. 9 sat up an5 %at3"e5 "er stalk to%ar5s ,5%ar5. He t"re% t"e empty -un at "er. S"e %as su55enly on "im@ 1or3in- "im 8a3k into t"e 1loor. $"e s%or5 lay on t"e 1loor@ nearly as tall as 9 %as. 9 5re% it out o1 its s"eat". Hea)y@ a%k%ar5@ 5ra%in- my arm 5o%n. 9 raise5 it o)er my "ea5@ 1lat o1 t"e 8la5e "al1 restin- on my s"oul5er@ an5 ran 1or /ikolaos. S"e %as talkin- a-ain in a "i-"@ sin-2son- )oi3e. A9 %ill make you mine@ mortal. 7ineIC ,5%ar5 s3reame5. 9 3oul5n?t see %"y. 9 raise5 t"e s%or5@ an5 its %ei-"t 3arrie5 it 5o%n an5 a3ross@ like it %as meant to. 9t 8it into "er ne3k %it" a -reat %et t"unk. $"e s%or5 -rate5 on 8one@ an5 9 5re% it out. $"e tip 1ell to s3rape on t"e 1loor. /ikolaos turne5 to me an5 starte5 to stan5. 9 raise5 t"e s%or5@ an5 it 3ut out%ar5@ s%in-in- my 8o5y %it" it. Bone 3ra3ke5@ an5 9 1ell to t"e 1loor as /ikolaos tum8le5 to "er knees. Her "ea5 still "un- 8y strips o1 meat an5 skin. S"e 8linke5 at me an5 trie5 to stan5 up. 9 s3reame5 an5 5ro)e t"e 8la5e up%ar5 %it" e)eryt"in- 9 "a5. 9t took "er 8et%een t"e 8reasts@ an5 9 stoo5 runnin- %it" it@ s"o)in- it in. Bloo5 poure5. 9 pinne5 "er a-ainst t"e %all. $"e 8la5e s"o)e5 out "er 8a3k@ s3rapin- alon- t"e %all as s"e sli5 5o%n%ar5. 9 5roppe5 to my knees 8esi5e t"e 8o5y. Des@ t"e 8o5y. S"e %as 5ea5I 9 looke5 8a3k at ,5%ar5. $"ere %as 8loo5 on "is ne3k. AS"e 8it me@C "e sai5. 9 %as -aspin- 1or air@ "a)in- trou8le 8reat"in-@ 8ut it %as %on5er1ul. 9 %as ali)e an5 s"e %asn?t. S"e 1u3kin- %asn?t. A4on?t %orry@ ,5%ar5@ 9?ll "elp you. Plenty o1 Holy =ater le1t.C 9 smile5. He stare5 at me a minute@ t"en lau-"e5@ an5 9 lau-"e5 %it" "im. =e %ere still lau-"in- %"en t"e %ererats 3rept in 1rom t"e tunnel. <a1ael@ t"e <at Kin-@ stare5 at t"e 3arna-e %it" 8la3k28utton eyes. AS"e is 5ea5.C

A4in- 5on-@ t"e %it3" is 5ea5@C 9 sai5. ,5%ar5 pi3ke5 it up@ "al12sin-in-@ A$"e %i3ke5 ol5 %it3".C =e 3ollapse5 into lau-"ter a-ain@ an5 Lillian t"e 5o3tor@ all 3o)ere5 %it" 1ur@ ten5e5 our "urts@ ,5%ar5 1irst. Ka3"ary %as still lyin- on t"e -roun5. $"e %oun5 at "is t"roat %as 8e-innin- to 3lose up@ skin knittin- to-et"er. He %oul5 li)e@ i1 t"at %as t"e ri-"t %or5. 9 pi3ke5 my kni1e up o11 t"e 1loor an5 sta--ere5 to "im. $"e rats %at3"e5 me. /o one inter1ere5. 9 5roppe5 to my knees 8esi5e "im an5 rippe5 t"e slee)e o1 "is s"irt. 9 lai5 t"e -ris2-ris 8are. He still 3oul5n?t talk 8ut "is eyes %i5ene5. A<emem8er %"en 9 trie5 to tou3" t"is %it" my o%n 8loo5B Dou stoppe5 me. Dou seeme5 a1rai5@ an5 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 %"y.C 9 sat 8esi5e "im an5 %at3"e5 "im "eal. A,)ery -ris2-ris "as a t"in- you must 5o 1or it@ )ampire 8loo5 1or t"is one@ an5 one t"in- you must ne)er 5o@ or t"e ma-i3 stops. Poo1.C 9 "el5 up my arm@ 5rippin- 8loo5 ;uite ni3ely. AHuman 8loo5@ Ka3"aryG is t"at 8a5BC He mana-e5 a noise like@ A4on?t.C Bloo5 5rippe5 5o%n my el8o% an5 "un-@ t"i3k an5 trem8lin- o)er "is arm. He sort o1 s"ook "is "ea5@ no@ no. $"e 8loo5 5rippe5 5o%n an5 splatte5 on "is arm@ 8ut it 5i5n?t tou3" t"e -ris2-ris. His %"ole 8o5y rela*e5. A9?)e -ot no patien3e to5ay@ Ka3"ary.C 9 ru88e5 8loo5 alon- t"e %o)en 8an5. His eyes 1lare5@ s"o%in- %"ite. He ma5e a stran-lin- noise in "is t"roat. His "an5s s3ra88le5 at t"e 1loor. His 3"est >erke5 as i1 "e 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. A si-" ran out o1 "is 8o5y@ a lon- %"oos" o1 8reat"@ an5 "e %as ;uiet. 9 3"e3ke5 1or a pulseG not"in-. 9 3ut t"e -ris2-ris o11 %it" my kni1e@ 8alle5 it in my "an5@ an5 s"o)e5 it in my po3ket. ,)il pie3e o1 %ork. Lillian 3ame to 8in5 my arm up. A$"is is >ust temporary. Dou?ll@ nee5 stit3"es.C 9 no55e5 an5 -ot to my 1eet. ,5%ar5 3alle5@ A="ere are you -oin-BC A$o -et t"e rest o1 our -uns.C $o 1in5 Hean2!lau5e. 9 5i5n?t say t"at part out lou5. 9 5i5n?t t"ink ,5%ar5 %oul5 un5erstan5. $%o o1 t"e ratmen %ent %it" me. $"at %as 1ine. $"ey 3oul5 3ome as lon- as t"ey 5i5n?t inter1ere. P"illip %as still "u55le5 in@ t"e 3orner. 9 le1t "im t"ere. 9 5i5 -et t"e -uns. 9 strun- t"e ma3"ine -un o)er my s"oul5ers an5 kept t"e s"ot-un in my "an5s. Loa5e5 1or 8ear. 9 "a5 kille5 a one2t"ousan52year2ol5 )ampire. /a%@ not me. Surely not. $"e ratmen an5 9 1oun5 t"e punis"ment room. $"ere %ere si* 3o11ins in it. ,a3" "a5 a 8lesse5 3ross on its li5 an5 sil)er 3"ains to "ol5 t"e li5 5o%n. $"e t"ir5 3o11in "el5 =illie@ so 5eeply asleep t"at "e seeme5 like "e %oul5 ne)er %ake. 9 le1t "im like t"at@ to %ake %it" t"e ni-"t. $o -o on a8out "is 8usiness. =illie %asn?t a 8a5 person. An5 1or a )ampire "e %as e*3ellent. All t"e ot"er 3o11ins %ere empty@ only t"e last one still unopene5... 9 un5i5 t"e 3"ains an5 lai5 t"e 3ross on t"e -roun5. Hean2!lau5e stare5 up at me. His eyes %ere mi5ni-"t 1ire@ "is smile -entle. 9 1las"e5 on t"e 1irst 5ream an5 t"e 3o11in 1ille5 %it" 8loo5@ "im rea3"in- 1or me. 9 steppe5 8a3k@ an5 "e rose 1rom t"e 3o11in. $"e ratmen steppe5 8a3k@ "issin-. A9t?s all ri-"t@C 9 sai5. AHe?s sort o1 on our si5e.C He steppe5 1rom t"e 3o11in like "e?5 "a5 a -oo5 nap. He smile5 an5 e*ten5e5 a "an5. A9 kne% you %oul5 5o it@ ma petite.C ADou arro-ant son o1 a 8it3".C 9 smas"e5 t"e s"ot-un 8utt into "is stoma3". He 5ou8le5 o)er >ust enou-". 9 "it "im in t"e >a%. . He ro3ke5 8a3k. AGet out o1 my min5IC He ru88e5 "is 1a3e an5 3ame a%ay %it" 8loo5. A$"e marks are permanent@ Anita. 9 3annot take t"em 8a3k.C 9 -rippe5 t"e s"ot-un until my "an5s a3"e5. Bloo5 8e-an to tri3kle 5o%n my arm 1rom t"e %oun5. 9 t"ou-"t a8out it. 'or one moment@ 9 3onsi5ere5 8lo%in- "is per1e3t 1a3e a%ay. 9 5i5n?t 5o it. 9 %oul5 pro8a8ly re-ret it later. A!an you stay out o1 my 5reams@ at leastBC 9 aske5. A$"at@ 9 3an 5o. 9 am sorry@ ma petite.C AStop 3allin- me t"at.C He s"ru--e5. His 8la3k "air "a5 nearly 3rimson "i-"li-"ts in t"e tor3"li-"t. Breat"takin-. AStop playin- %it" my min5@ Hean2!lau5e.C A="ate)er 5o you meanBC "e aske5. A9 kno% t"at t"e ot"er%orl5ly 8eauty is a tri3k. So stop it.C A9 am not 5oin- it@C "e sai5.

A="at is t"at suppose5 to meanBC A="en you "a)e t"e ans%er@ Anita@ 3ome 8a3k to me@ an5 %e %ill talk.C 9 %as too tire5 1or ri55les. A="o 5o you t"ink you areB :sin- people like t"is.C A9 am t"e ne% master o1 t"e 3ity@C "e sai5. He %as su55enly ne*t to me@ 1in-ers tou3"in- my 3"eek. AAn5 you put me upon t"e t"rone.C 9 >erke5 a%ay 1rom "im. ADou stay a%ay 1rom me 1or a %"ile@ Hean2!lau5e@ or 9 s%ear ... C ADou?ll kill meBC "e sai5. He %as smilin-@ lau-"in- at me. 9 5i5n?t s"oot "im. An5 some people say 9 "a)e no sense o1 "umor. 9 1oun5 a room %it" a 5irt 1loor an5 se)eral s"allo% -ra)es. P"illip let me lea5 "im to t"e room. 9t %as only %"en %e stoo5 starin- 5o%n at t"e 1res"2turne5 eart" t"at "e turne5 to me. AAnitaBC AHus"@C 9 sai5. AAnita@ %"at?s "appenin-BC He %as 8e-innin- to remem8er. He %oul5 8e3ome more ali)e in a 1e% "ours@ up to a point. 9t %oul5 almost 8e t"e real P"illip 1or a 5ay@ or t%o. AAnitaBC His )oi3e %as "i-" an5 un3ertain. A little 8oy a1rai5 o1 t"e 5ark. He -ra88e5 my arm@ an5 "is "an5 1elt )ery real. His eyes %ere still t"at per1e3t 8ro%n. A="at?s -oin- onBC 9 stoo5 on tiptoe an5 kisse5 "is 3"eek. His skin %as %arm. ADou nee5 to rest@ P"illip. Dou?re tire5.C He no55e5. A$ire5@C "e sai5. 9 le5 "im to t"e so1t 5irt. He lay 5o%n on it@ t"en sat up@ eyes %il5@ -ra88in- 1or me. AAu8reyI He ... C AAu8rey?s 5ea5. He 3an?t "urt you anymore.C A4ea5BC He stare5 5o%n t"e len-t" o1 "is 8o5y as i1 >ust seein- it. AAu8rey kille5 me.C 9 no55e5. ADes@ P"illip.C A9?m s3are5.C 9 "el5 "im@ ru88in- "is 8a3k in smoot"@ useless 3ir3les. His arms "u--e5 me like "e %oul5 ne)er let -o. AAnitaIC AHus"@ "us". 9t?s all ri-"t. 9t?s all ri-"t.C ADou?re -oin- to put me 8a3k@ aren?t youBC He 5re% 8a3k so "e 3oul5 see my 1a3e. ADes@C 9 sai5. A9 5on?t %ant to 5ie.C ADou?re alrea5y 5ea5.C He stare5 5o%n at "is "an5s@ 1le*in- t"em. A4ea5BC "e %"ispere5. A4ea5BC He lay 5o%n on t"e 1res"2turne5 eart". APut me 8a3k@C "e sai5. An5 9 5i5. At t"e en5 "is eyes 3lose5 an5 "is 1a3e %ent sla3k@ 5ea5. He sank into t"e -ra)e an5 %as -one. 9 5roppe5 to my knees 8esi5e P"illip?s -ra)e@ an5 %ept.

Chapter Forty-eight
,5%ar5 "a5 a 5islo3ate5 s"oul5er an5 t%o 8roken 8ones in "is arm@ plus one )ampire 8ite. 9 "a5 1ourteen stit3"es. =e 8ot" "eale5. P"illip?s 8o5y %as mo)e5 to a lo3al 3emetery. ,)ery time 9 %ork in it@ 9 "a)e to -o 8y an5 say "ello. ,)en t"ou-" 9 kno% P"illip is 5ea5 an5 5oesn?t 3are. Gra)es are 1or t"e li)in-@ not t"e 5ea5. 9t -i)es us somet"in- to 3on3entrate on instea5 o1 t"e 1a3t t"at our lo)e5 one is rottin- un5er t"e -roun5. $"e 5ea5 5on?t 3are a8out pretty 1lo%ers an5 3ar)e5 mar8le statues. Hean2!lau5e sent me a 5oEen pure %"ite@ lon-2stemme5 roses. $"e 3ar5 rea5@ A91 you "a)e ans%ere5 t"e ;uestion trut"1ully@ 3ome 5an3in- %it" me.C 9 %rote A/oC on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 3ar5 an5 slippe5 it un5er t"e 5oor at Guilty Pleasures@ 5urin- 5ayli-"t "ours. 9 "a5 8een attra3te5 to Hean2!lau5e. 7ay8e 9 still %as. So %"atB He t"ou-"t it 3"an-e5 t"in-s. 9t 5i5n?t. All 9 "a5 to 5o %as )isit P"illip?s -ra)e to kno% t"at. #"@ "ell@ 9 5i5n?t e)en "a)e to -o t"at 1ar. 9 kno% %"o an5 %"at 9 am. 9 am $"e ,*e3utioner@ an5 9 5on?t 5ate )ampires. 9 kill t"em.

T e Lau! in! "orpse (199#)

Chapter One
Harol5 Gaynor?s "ouse sat in t"e mi55le o1 intense -reen la%n an5 t"e -ra3e1ul s%eep o1 trees. $"e "ouse -leame5 in t"e "ot Au-ust suns"ine. Bert Vau-"n@ my 8oss@ parke5 t"e 3ar on t"e 3rus"e5 -ra)el o1 t"e 5ri)e%ay. $"e -ra)el %as so %"ite@ it looke5 like "an5pi3ke5 ro3k salt. Some%"ere out o1 si-"t t"e so1t %"ir o1 sprinklers pattere5. $"e -rass %as a8solutely per1e3t in t"e mi55le o1 one o1 t"e %orst 5rou-"ts 7issouri "as "a5 in o)er t%enty years. #"@ %ell. 9 %asn?t "ere to talk %it" 7r. Gaynor a8out %ater mana-ement. 9 %as "ere to talk a8out raisin- t"e 5ea5. /ot resurre3tion. 9?m not t"at -oo5. 9 mean Eom8ies. $"e s"am8lin- 5ea5. <ottin- 3orpses. /i-"t o1 t"e li)in- 5ea5. $"at kin5 o1 Eom8ie. $"ou-" 3ertainly less 5ramati3 t"an Holly%oo5 %oul5 e)er put up on t"e s3reen. 9 am an animator. 9t?s a >o8@ t"at?s all@ like sellin-. Animatin- "a5 only 8een a li3ense5 8usiness 1or a8out 1i)e years. Be1ore t"at it "a5 >ust 8een an em8arrassin- 3urse@ a reli-ious e*perien3e@ or a tourist attra3tion. 9t still is in parts o1 /e% #rleans@ 8ut "ere in St. Louis it?s a 8usiness. A pro1ita8le one@ t"anks in lar-e part to my 8oss. He?s a ras3al@ a s3ala%a-@ a ro-ue@ 8ut 5amn i1 "e 5oesn?t kno% "o% to make money. 9t?s a -oo5 trait 1or a 8usiness mana-er. Bert %as si*2t"ree@ a 8roa52s"oul5ere5@ e*23olle-e 1oot8all player %it" t"e 8e-innin-s o1 a 8eer -ut. $"e 5ark 8lue suit "e %ore %as tailore5 so t"at t"e -ut 5i5n?t s"o%. 'or ei-"t "un5re5 5ollars t"e suit s"oul5 "a)e "i55en a "er5 o1 elep"ants. His %"ite28lon5 "air %as trimme5 in a 3re% 3ut@ 8a3k in style a1ter all t"ese years. A 8oater?s tan ma5e "is pale "air an5 eyes 5ramati3 %it" 3ontrast. Bert a5>uste5 "is 8lue an5 re5 stripe5 tie@ moppin- a 8ea5 o1 s%eat o11 "is tanne5 1ore"ea5. A9 "ear5 on t"e ne%s t"ere?s a mo)ement t"ere to use Eom8ies in pesti3i5e23ontaminate5 1iel5s. 9t %oul5 sa)e li)es.C AKom8ies rot@ Bert@ t"ere?s no %ay to pre)ent t"at@ an5 t"ey 5on?t stay smart enou-" lon- enou-" to 8e use5 as 1iel5 la8or.C A9t %as >ust a t"ou-"t. $"e 5ea5 "a)e no ri-"ts un5er la%@ Anita.C A/ot yet.C 9t %as %ron- to raise t"e 5ea5 so t"ey 3oul5 sla)e 1or us. 9t %as >ust %ron-@ 8ut no one listens to me. $"e -o)ernment 1inally "a5 to -et into t"e a3t. $"ere %as a nation%i5e 3ommittee 8ein- 1orme5 o1 animators an5 ot"er e*perts. =e %ere suppose5 to look into t"e %orkin- 3on5itions o1 lo3al Eom8ies. =orkin- 3on5itions. $"ey 5i5n?t un5erstan5. Dou 3an?t -i)e a 3orpse ni3e %orkin- 3on5itions. $"ey 5on?t appre3iate it any%ay. Kom8ies may %alk@ e)en talk@ 8ut t"ey are )ery@ )ery 5ea5. Bert smile5 in5ul-ently at me. 9 1ou-"t an ur-e to pop "im one ri-"t in "is smu- 1a3e@ A9 kno% you an5 !"arles are %orkinon t"at 3ommittee@C Bert sai5. AGoin- aroun5 to all t"e 8usinesses an5 3"e3kin- up on t"e Eom8ies. 9t makes -reat press 1or Animators@ 9n3.C

A9 5on?t 5o it 1or -oo5 press@C 9 sai5. A9 kno%. Dou 8elie)e in your little 3ause.C ADou?re a 3on5es3en5in- 8astar5@C 9 sai5@ smilin- s%eetly up at "im. He -rinne5 at me. A9 kno%.C 9 >ust s"ook my "ea5G %it" Bert you 3an?t really %in an insult mat3". He 5oesn?t -i)e a 5amn %"at 9 t"ink o1 "im@ as lon- as 9 %ork 1or "im. 7y na)y 8lue suit >a3ket %as suppose5 to 8e summer %ei-"t 8ut it %as a lie. S%eat tri3kle5 5o%n my spine as soon as 9 steppe5 out o1 t"e 3ar. Bert turne5 to me@ small eyes narro%in-. His eyes len5 t"emsel)es to suspi3ious s;uints. ADou?re still %earin- your -un@C "e sai5. A$"e >a3ket "i5es it@ Bert. 7r. Gaynor %ill ne)er kno%.C S%eat starte5 3olle3tin- un5er t"e straps o1 my s"oul5er "olster. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e silk 8louse 8e-innin- to melt. 9 try not to %ear silk an5 a s"oul5er ri- at t"e same time. $"e silk starts to look in5ente5@ %rinklin- %"ere t"e straps 3ross. $"e -un %as a Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er 9mm@ an5 9 like5 "a)in- it near at "an5. A!ome on@ Anita. 9 5on?t t"ink you?ll nee5 a -un in t"e mi55le o1 t"e a1ternoon@ %"ile )isitin- a 3lient.C Bert?s )oi3e "el5 t"at patroniEin- tone t"at people use on 3"il5ren. /o%@ little -irl@ you kno% t"is is 1or your o%n -oo5. Bert 5i5n?t 3are a8out my %ell28ein-. He >ust 5i5n?t %ant to spook Gaynor. $"e man "a5 alrea5y -i)en us a 3"e3k 1or 1i)e t"ousan5 5ollars. An5 t"at %as >ust to 5ri)e out an5 talk to "im. $"e impli3ation %as t"at t"ere %as more money i1 %e a-ree5 to take "is 3ase. A lot o1 money. Bert %as all e*3ite5 a8out t"at part. 9 %as skepti3al. A1ter all@ Bert 5i5n?t "a)e to raise t"e 3orpse. 9 5i5. $"e trou8le %as@ Bert %as pro8a8ly ri-"t. 9 %oul5n?t nee5 t"e -un in 8roa5 5ayli-"t. Pro8a8ly. AAll ri-"t@ open t"e trunk.C Bert opene5 t"e trunk o1 "is nearly 8ran52ne% Vol)o. 9 %as alrea5y takin- o11 t"e >a3ket. He stoo5 in 1ront o1 me@ "i5inme 1rom t"e "ouse. Go5 1or8i5 t"at t"ey s"oul5 see me "i5in- a -un in t"e trunk. ="at %oul5 t"ey 5o@ lo3k t"e 5oors an5 s3ream 1or "elpB 9 1ol5e5 t"e "olster straps aroun5 t"e -un an5 lai5 it in t"e 3lean trunk. 9t smelle5 like ne% 3ar@ plasti3 an5 1aintly unreal. Bert s"ut t"e trunk@ an5 9 stare5 at it as i1 9 3oul5 still see t"e -un. AAre you 3omin-BC "e aske5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. 9 5i5n?t like lea)in- my -un 8e"in5@ 1or any reason. =as t"at a 8a5 si-nB Bert motione5 1or me to 3ome on. 9 5i5@ %alkin- 3are1ully o)er t"e -ra)el in my "i-"2"eele5 8la3k pumps. =omen may -et to %ear lots o1 pretty 3olors@ 8ut men -et t"e 3om1orta8le s"oes. Bert %as starin- at t"e 5oor@ smile alrea5y set on "is 1a3e. 9t %as "is 8est pro1essional smile@ 5rippin- %it" sin3erity. His pale -rey eyes sparkle5 %it" -oo5 3"eer. 9t %as a mask. He 3oul5 put it on an5 o11 like a li-"t s%it3". He?5 %ear t"e same smile i1 you 3on1esse5 to killin- your o%n mot"er. As lon- as you %ante5 to pay to "a)e "er raise5 1rom t"e 5ea5. $"e 5oor opene5@ an5 9 kne% Bert "a5 8een %ron- a8out me not nee5in- a -un. $"e man %as may8e 1i)e2ei-"t@ 8ut t"e oran-e polo s"irt "e %ore straine5 o)er "is 3"est. $"e 8la3k sport >a3ket seeme5 too small@ as i1 %"en "e mo)e5 t"e seams %oul5 split@ like an inse3t?s skin t"at "a5 8een out-ro%n. Bla3k a3i52%as"e5 >eans s"o%e5 o11 a small %aist@ so "e looke5 like someone "a5 pin3"e5 "im in t"e mi55le %"ile t"e 3lay %as still %et. His "air %as )ery 8lon5. He looke5 at us silently. His eyes %ere empty@ 5ea5 as a 5oll?s. 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 s"oul5er "olster un5er t"e sport >a3ket an5 resiste5 an ur-e to ki3k Bert in t"e s"ins. ,it"er my 8oss 5i5n?t noti3e t"e -un or "e i-nore5 it. AHello@ 9?m Bert Vau-"n an5 t"is is my asso3iate@ Anita Blake. 9 8elie)e 7r. Gaynor is e*pe3tin- us.C Bert smile5 at "im 3"armin-ly. $"e 8o5y-uar5O%"at else 3oul5 "e 8eOmo)e5 a%ay 1rom t"e 5oor. Bert took t"at 1or an in)itation an5 %alke5 insi5e. 9 1ollo%e5@ not at all sure 9 %ante5 to. Harol5 Gaynor %as a )ery ri3" man. 7ay8e "e nee5e5 a 8o5y-uar5. 7ay8e people "a5 t"reatene5 "im. #r may8e "e %as one o1 t"ose men %"o "a)e enou-" money to keep "ire5 mus3le aroun5 %"et"er t"ey nee5 it or not. #r may8e somet"in- else %as -oin- on. Somet"in- t"at nee5e5 -uns an5 mus3le@ an5 men %it" 5ea5@ emotionless eyes. /ot a 3"eery t"ou-"t. $"e air23on5itionin- %as on too "i-" an5 t"e s%eat -elle5 instantly. =e 1ollo%e5 t"e 8o5y-uar5 5o%n a lon- 3entral "all t"at %as panele5 in 5ark@ e*pensi)e2lookin- %oo5. $"e "all runner looke5 oriental an5 %as pro8a8ly "an5ma5e. Hea)y %oo5en 5oors %ere set in t"e ri-"t2"an5 %all. $"e 8o5y-uar5 opene5 t"e 5oors an5 a-ain stoo5 to one si5e %"ile %e %alke5 t"rou-". $"e room %as a li8rary@ 8ut 9 %as 8ettin- no one e)er rea5 any o1 t"e 8ooks. $"e pla3e %as 3eilin- to 1loor in 5ark %oo5 8ook3ases. $"ere %as e)en a se3on5 le)el o1 8ooks an5 s"el)es rea3"e5 8y an ele-ant s%eep o1 narro% stair3ase. All t"e 8ooks %ere "ar53o)er@ all t"e same siEe@ 3olors mute5 an5 3olle3te5 to-et"er like a 3olla-e. $"e 1urniture %as@ o1 3ourse@ re5 leat"er %it" 8rass 8uttons %orke5 into it. A man sat near t"e 1ar %all. He smile5 %"en %e 3ame in. He %as a lar-e man %it" a pleasant roun5 1a3e@ 5ou8le2 3"inne5. He %as sittin- in an ele3tri3 %"eel3"air@ %it" a small plai5 8lanket o)er "is lap@ "i5in- "is le-s.

A7r. Vau-"n an5 7s. Blake@ "o% ni3e o1 you to 5ri)e out.C His )oi3e %ent %it" "is 1a3e@ pleasant@ 5amn near amia8le. A slen5er 8la3k man sat in one o1 t"e leat"er 3"airs. He %as o)er si* 1eet tall@ e*a3tly "o% mu3" o)er %as "ar5 to tell. He %as slumpe5 5o%n@ lon- le-s stret3"e5 out in 1ront o1 "im %it" t"e ankles 3rosse5. His le-s %ere taller t"an 9 %as. His 8ro%n eyes %at3"e5 me as i1 "e %ere tryin- to memoriEe me an5 %oul5 8e -ra5e5 later. $"e 8lon5 8o5y-uar5 %ent to lean a-ainst t"e 8ook3ases. He 3oul5n?t ;uite 3ross "is arms@ >a3ket too ti-"t@ mus3les too 8i-. Dou really s"oul5n?t lean a-ainst a %all an5 try to look tou-" unless you 3an 3ross your arms. <uins t"e e11e3t. 7r. Gaynor sai5@ ADou?)e met $ommy.C He motione5 to%ar5s t"e sittin- 8o5y-uar5. A$"at?s Bruno.C A9s t"at your real name or >ust a ni3knameBC 9 aske5@ lookin- strai-"t into Bruno?s eyes. He s"i1te5 >ust a little in "is 3"air. A<eal name.C 9 smile5. A="yBC "e aske5. A9?)e >ust ne)er met a 8o5y-uar5 %"o %as really name5 Bruno.C A9s t"at suppose5 to 8e 1unnyBC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. Bruno. He ne)er "a5 a 3"an3e. 9t %as like namin- a -irl Venus. All Brunos "a5 to 8e 8o5y-uar5s. 9t %as a rule. 7ay8e a 3opB /a%@ it %as a 8a5 -uy?s name. 9 smile5. Bruno sat up in "is 3"air@ one smoot"@ mus3ular motion. He %asn?t %earin- a -un t"at 9 3oul5 see@ 8ut t"ere %as a presen3e to "im. 4an-erous@ it sai5@ %at3" out. Guess 9 s"oul5n?t "a)e smile5. Bert interrupte5@ AAnita@ please. 9 5o apolo-iEe@ 7r. Gaynor ... 7r. Bruno. 7s. Blake "as a rat"er pe3uliar sense o1 "umor.C A4on?t apolo-iEe 1or me@ Bert. 9 5on?t like it.C 9 5on?t kno% %"at "e %as so sore a8out any%ay. 9 "a5n?t sai5 t"e really insultin- stu11 out lou5. A/o%@ no%@C 7r. Gaynor sai5. A/o "ar5 1eelin-s. <i-"t@ BrunoBC Bruno s"ook "is "ea5 an5 1ro%ne5 at me@ not an-ry@ sort o1 perple*e5. Bert 1las"e5 me an an-ry look@ t"en turne5 smilin- to t"e man in t"e %"eel3"air. A/o%@ 7r. Gaynor@ 9 kno% you must 8e a 8usy man. So@ e*a3tly "o% ol5 is t"e Eom8ie you %ant raise5BC AA man %"o -ets ri-"t 5o%n to 8usiness. 9 like t"at.C Gaynor "esitate5@ starin- at t"e 5oor. A %oman entere5. S"e %as tall@ le--y@ 8lon5@ %it" 3orn1lo%er28lue eyes. $"e 5ress@ i1 it %as a 5ress@ %as rose23olore5 an5 silky. 9t 3lun- to "er 8o5y t"e %ay it %as suppose5 to@ "i5in- %"at 5e3en3y 5eman5e5@ 8ut lea)in- )ery little to t"e ima-ination. Lon- pale le-s %ere stu11e5 into pink spike "eels@ no "ose. S"e stalke5 a3ross t"e 3arpet@ an5 e)ery man in t"e room %at3"e5 "er. An5 s"e kne% it. S"e t"re% 8a3k "er "ea5 an5 lau-"e5@ 8ut no soun5 3ame out. Her 1a3e 8ri-"tene5@ "er lips mo)e5@ eyes sparkle5@ 8ut in a8solute silen3e@ like someone "a5 turne5 t"e soun5 o11. S"e leane5 one "ip a-ainst Harol5 Gaynor@ one "an5 on "is s"oul5er. He en3ir3le5 "er %aist@ an5 t"e mo)ement raise5 t"e alrea5y s"ort 5ress anot"er in3". !oul5 s"e sit 5o%n in t"e 5ress %it"out 1las"in- t"e roomB /a%. A$"is is !i3ely@C "e sai5. S"e smile5 8rilliantly at Bert@ t"at little soun5less lau-" makin- "er eyes sparkle. S"e looke5 at me an5 "er eyes 1altere5@ t"e smile slippe5. 'or a se3on5 un3ertainty 1ille5 "er eyes. Gaynor patte5 "er "ip. $"e smile 1lame5 8a3k into pla3e. S"e no55e5 -ra3iously to 8ot" o1 us. A9 %ant you to raise a t%o2"un5re52an52ei-"ty2t"ree2year ol5 3orpse.C 9 >ust stare5 at "im an5 %on5ere5 i1 "e un5erstoo5 %"at "e %as askin-. A=ell@C Bert sai5@ At"at is nearly t"ree "un5re5 years ol5. Very ol5 to raise as a Eom8ie. 7ost animators 3oul5n?t 5o it at all.C A9 am a%are o1 t"at@C Gaynor sai5. A$"at is %"y 9 aske5 1or 7s. Blake. S"e 3an 5o it.C Bert -lan3e5 at me. 9 "a5 ne)er raise5 anyt"in- t"at ol5. AAnitaBC A9 3oul5 5o it@C 9 sai5. He smile5 8a3k at Gaynor@ please5. ABut 9 %on?t 5o it.C Bert turne5 slo%ly 8a3k to me@ smile -one. Gaynor %as still smilin-. $"e 8o5y-uar5s %ere immo8ile. !i3ely looke5 pleasantly at me@ eyes 8lank o1 any meanin-. AA million 5ollars@ 7s. Blake@C Gaynor sai5 in "is so1t pleasant )oi3e.

9 sa% Bert s%allo%. His "an5s 3on)ulse5 on t"e 3"air arms. Bert?s i5ea o1 se* %as money. He pro8a8ly "a5 t"e 8i--est "ar52on o1 "is li1e. A4o you un5erstan5 %"at you?re askin-@ 7r. GaynorBC 9 aske5. He no55e5. A9 %ill supply t"e %"ite -oat.C His )oi3e %as still pleasant as "e sai5 it@ still smilin-. #nly "is eyes "a5 -one 5arkG ea-er@ anti3ipatory. 9 stoo5 up. A!ome on@ Bert@ it?s time to lea)e.C Bert -ra88e5 my arm. AAnita@ sit 5o%n@ please.C 9 stare5 at "is "an5 until "e let -o o1 me. His 3"armin- mask slippe5@ s"o%in- me t"e an-er un5erneat"@ t"en "e %as all pleasant 8usiness a-ain. AAnita. 9t is a -enerous payment.C A$"e %"ite -oat is a eup"emism@ Bert. 9t means a "uman sa3ri1i3e.C 7y 8oss -lan3e5 at Gaynor@ t"en 8a3k to me. He kne% me %ell enou-" to 8elie)e me@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t %ant to. A9 5on?t un5erstan5@C "e sai5. A$"e ol5er t"e Eom8ie t"e 8i--er t"e 5eat" nee5e5 to raise it. A1ter a 1e% 3enturies t"e only 5eat" F8i- enou-"? is a "uman sa3ri1i3e@C 9 sai5. Gaynor %asn?t smilin- anymore. He %as %at3"in- me out o1 5ark eyes. !i3ely %as still lookin- pleasant@ almost smilin-. =as t"ere anyone "ome 8e"in5 t"ose so 8lue eyesB A4o you really %ant to talk a8out mur5er in 1ront o1 !i3elyBC 9 aske5. Gaynor 8eame5 at me@ al%ays a 8a5 si-n. AS"e 3an?t un5erstan5 a %or5 %e say. !i3ely?s 5ea1.C 9 stare5 at "im@ an5 "e no55e5. S"e looke5 at me %it" pleasant eyes. =e %ere talkin- o1 "uman sa3ri1i3e an5 s"e 5i5n?t e)en kno% it. 91 s"e 3oul5 rea5 lips@ s"e %as "i5in- it )ery %ell. 9 -uess e)en t"e "an5i3appe5@ um@ p"ysi3ally 3"allen-e5@ 3an 1all into 8a5 3ompany@ 8ut it seeme5 %ron-. A9 "ate a %oman %"o talks 3onstantly@C Gaynor sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. AAll t"e money in t"e %orl5 %oul5n?t 8e enou-" to -et me to %ork 1or you.C A!oul5n?t you >ust kill lots o1 animals@ instea5 o1 >ust oneBC Bert aske5. Bert is a )ery -oo5 8usiness mana-er. He kno%s s"it a8out raisin- t"e 5ea5. 9 stare5 5o%n at "im. A/o.C Bert sat )ery still in "is 3"air. $"e prospe3t o1 losin- a million 5ollars must "a)e 8een real p"ysi3al pain 1or "im@ 8ut "e "i5 it. 7r. !orporate /e-otiator. A$"ere "as to 8e a %ay to %ork t"is out@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as 3alm. A pro1essional smile 3urle5 "is lips. He %as still tryin- to 5o 8usiness. 7y 8oss 5i5 not un5erstan5 %"at %as "appenin-. A4o you kno% o1 anot"er animator t"at 3oul5 raise a Eom8ie t"is ol5BC Gaynor aske5. Bert -lan3e5 up at me@ t"en 5o%n at t"e 1loor@ t"en at Gaynor. $"e pro1essional smile "a5 1a5e5. He un5erstoo5 no% t"at it %as mur5er %e %ere talkin- a8out. =oul5 t"at make a 5i11eren3eB 9 "a5 al%ays %on5ere5 %"ere Bert 5re% t"e line. 9 %as a8out to 1in5 out. $"e 1a3t t"at 9 5i5n?t kno% %"et"er "e %oul5 re1use t"e 3ontra3t tol5 you a lot a8out my 8oss. A/o@C Bert sai5 so1tly@ Ano@ 9 -uess 9 3an?t "elp you eit"er@ 7r. Gaynor.C A91 it?s t"e money@ 7s. Blake@ 9 3an raise t"e o11er.C A tremor ran t"rou-" Bert?s s"oul5ers. Poor Bert@ 8ut "e "i5 it %ell. Bro%nie point 1or "im. A9?m not an assassin@ Gaynor@C 9 sai5. A$"at ain?t %"at 9 "ear5@C $ommy o1 t"e 8lon5 "air sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at "im. His eyes %ere still as empty as a 5oll?s. A9 5on?t kill people 1or money.C ADou kill )ampires 1or money@C "e sai5. ALe-al e*e3ution@ an5 9 5on?t 5o it 1or t"e money@C 9 sai5. $ommy s"ook "is "ea5 an5 mo)e5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all. A9 "ear you like stakin- )ampires. An5 you aren?t too 3are1ul a8out %"o you "a)e to kill to -et to Fem.C A7y in1ormants tell me you "a)e kille5 "umans 8e1ore@ 7s. Blake@C Gaynor sai5. A#nly in sel125e1ense@ Gaynor. 9 5on?t 5o mur5er.C Bert %as stan5in- no%. A9 t"ink it is time to lea)e.C Bruno stoo5 in one 1lui5 mo)ement@ 8i- 5ark "an5s loose an5 "al123uppe5 at "is si5es. 9 %as 8ettin- on some kin5 o1 martial arts. $ommy %as stan5in- a%ay 1rom t"e %all. His sport >a3ket %as pus"e5 8a3k to e*pose "is -un@ like an ol52time -un1i-"ter. 9t %as a .3+. 7a-num. 9t %oul5 make a )ery 8i- "ole. 9 >ust stoo5 t"ere@ starin- at t"em. ="at else 3oul5 9 5oB 9 mi-"t 8e a8le to 5o somet"in- %it" Bruno@ 8ut $ommy "a5 a -un. 9 5i5n?t. 9t sort o1 en5e5 t"e ar-ument.

$"ey %ere treatin- me like 9 %as a )ery 5an-erous person. At 1i)e2t"ree 9 am not imposin-. <aise t"e 5ea5@ kill a 1e% )ampires@ an5 people start 3onsi5erin- you one o1 t"e monsters. Sometimes it "urt. But no% ... it "a5 possi8ilities. A4o you really t"ink 9 3ame in "ere unarme5BC 9 aske5. 7y )oi3e soun5e5 )ery matter2o121a3t. Bruno looke5 at $ommy. He sort o1 s"ru--e5. A9 5i5n?t pat "er 5o%n.C Bruno snorte5. AS"e ain?t %earin- a -un@ t"ou-"@C $ommy sai5. A=ant to 8et your li1e on itBC 9 sai5. 9 smile5 %"en 9 sai5 it@ an5 sli5 my "an5@ )ery slo%ly@ to%ar5s my 8a3k. 7ake t"em t"ink 9 "a5 a "ip "olster at t"e small o1 my 8a3k. $ommy s"i1te5@ 1le*in- "is "an5 near "is -un. 91 "e %ent 1or it@ %e %ere -oin- to 5ie. 9 %as -oin- to 3ome 8a3k an5 "aunt Bert. Gaynor sai5@ A/o. /o nee5 1or anyone to 5ie "ere to5ay@ 7s. Blake.C A/o@C 9 sai5@ Ano nee5 at all.C 9 s%allo%e5 my pulse 8a3k into my t"roat an5 ease5 my "an5 a%ay 1rom my ima-inary -un. $ommy ease5 a%ay 1rom "is real one. Goo5y 1or us. Gaynor smile5 a-ain@ like a pleasant 8ear5less Santa. ADou o1 3ourse un5erstan5 t"at tellin- t"e poli3e %oul5 8e useless.C 9 no55e5. A=e "a)e no proo1. Dou 5i5n?t e)en tell us %"o you %ante5 raise5 1rom t"e 5ea5@ or %"y.C A9t %oul5 8e your %or5 a-ainst mine@C "e sai5. AAn5 9?m sure you "a)e 1rien5s in "i-" pla3es.C 9 smile5 %"en 9 sai5 it. His smile %i5ene5@ 5implin- "is 1at little 3"eeks. A#1 3ourse.C 9 turne5 my 8a3k on $ommy an5 "is -un. Bert 1ollo%e5. =e %alke5 outsi5e into t"e 8listerin- summer "eat. Bert looke5 a little s"aken. 9 1elt almost 1rien5ly to%ar5s "im. 9t %as ni3e to kno% t"at Bert "a5 limits@ somet"in- "e %oul5n?t 5o@ e)en 1or a million 5ollars. A=oul5 t"ey really "a)e s"ot usBC "e aske5. His )oi3e soun5e5 matter2o121a3t@ 1irmer t"an t"e sli-"tly -lassy look in "is eyes. $ou-" Bert. He unlo3ke5 t"e trunk %it"out 8ein- aske5. A=it" Harol5 Gaynor?s name in our appointment 8ook an5 in t"e 3omputerBC 9 -ot my -un out an5 slippe5 on t"e "olster ri-. A/ot kno%in- %"o %e?5 mentione5 t"is trip toBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$oo risky.C A$"en %"y 5i5 you preten5 to "a)e a -unBC He looke5 me strai-"t in t"e eyes as "e aske5@ an5 1or t"e 1irst time 9 sa% un3ertainty in "is 1a3e. #l? money 8a-s nee5e5 a 3om1ortin- %or5@ 8ut 9 %as 1res" out. ABe3ause@ Bert@ 9 3oul5 "a)e 8een %ron-.C

Chapter Two
$"e 8ri5al s"op %as >ust o11 . =est in St. Peters. 9t %as 3alle5 $"e 7ai5en Voya-e. !ute. $"ere %as a piEEa pla3e on one si5e o1 it an5 a 8eauty salon on t"e ot"er. 9t %as 3alle5 'ull 4ark Beauty Salon. $"e %in5o%s %ere 8la3ke5 out@ outline5 in 8loo5re5 neon. Dou 3oul5 -et your "air an5 nails 5one 8y a )ampire@ i1 you %ante5 to. Vampirism "a5 only 8een le-al 1or t%o years in t"e :nite5 States o1 Ameri3a. =e %ere still t"e only 3ountry in t"e %orl5 %"ere it %as le-al. 4on?t ask meG 9 5i5n?t )ote 1or it. $"ere %as e)en a mo)ement to -i)e t"e )amps t"e )ote. $a*ation %it"out representation an5 all t"at. $%o years a-o i1 a )ampire 8ot"ere5 someone 9 >ust %ent out an5 stake5 t"e son o1 a 8it3". /o% 9 "a5 to -et a 3ourt or5er o1 e*e3ution. =it"out it@ 9 %as up on mur5er 3"ar-es@ i1 9 %as 3au-"t. 9 lon-e5 1or t"e -oo5 o1 5ays. $"ere %as a 8lon5 manne;uin in t"e %e55in- s"op %in5o% %earin- enou-" %"ite la3e to 5ro%n in. 9 am not a 8i- 1an o1 la3e@ or see5 pearls@ or se;uins. ,spe3ially not se;uins. 9 "a5 -one out %it" !at"erine t%i3e to "elp "er look 1or a %e55in- -o%n. 9t 5i5n?t take lon- to realiEe 9 %as no "elp. 9 5i5n?t like any o1 t"em. !at"erine %as a )ery -oo5 1rien5 or 9 %oul5n?t "a)e 8een "ere at all. S"e tol5 me i1 9 e)er -ot marrie5 9?5 3"an-e my min5. Surely 8ein- in lo)e 5oesn?t 3ause you to lose your sense o1 -oo5 taste. 91 9 e)er 8uy a -o%n %it" se;uins on it@ someone >ust s"oot me. 9 also %oul5n?t "a)e 3"osen t"e 8ri5al 5resses !at"erine pi3ke5 out@ 8ut it %as my o%n 1ault t"at 9 "a5n?t 8een aroun5 %"en t"e )ote %as taken. 9 %orke5 too mu3" an5 9 "ate5 to s"op. So@ 9 en5e5 up plunkin- 5o%n P12 plus ta* on a pink ta11eta e)enin- -o%n. 9t looke5 like it "a5 run a%ay 1rom a >unior "i-" prom. 9 %alke5 into t"e air23on5itione5 "us" o1 t"e 8ri5al s"op@ "i-" "eels sinkin- into a 3arpet so pale -rey it %as nearly %"ite. 7rs. !assi5y@ t"e mana-er@ sa% me 3ome in. Her smile 1altere5 1or >ust a moment 8e1ore s"e -ot it un5er 3ontrol. S"e smile5 at me@ 8ra)e 7rs. !assi5y. 9 smile5 8a3k@ not lookin- 1or%ar5 to t"e ne*t "our.

7rs. !assi5y %as some%"ere 8et%een 1orty an5 1i1ty@ trim 1i-ure@ re5 "air so 5ark it %as almost 8ro%n. $"e "air %as tie5 in a 'ren3" knot like Gra3e Kelly use5 to %ear. S"e pus"e5 "er -ol5 %ire21rame5 -lasses more se3urely on "er nose an5 sai5@ A7s. Blake@ "ere 1or t"e 1inal 1ittin-@ 9 see.C A9 "ope it?s t"e 1inal 1ittin-@C 9 sai5. A=ell@ %e "a)e 8een %orkin- on t"e ... pro8lem. 9 t"ink %e?)e 3ome up %it" somet"in-.C $"ere %as a small room in 8a3k o1 t"e 5esk. 9t %as 1ille5 %it" ra3ks o1 plasti323o)ere5 5resses. 7rs. !assi5y pulle5 mine out 1rom 8et%een t%o i5enti3al pink 5resses. S"e le5 t"e %ay to t"e 5ressin- rooms %it" t"e 5ress 5rape5 o)er "er arms. Her spine %as )ery strai-"t. S"e %as -earin- 1or anot"er 8attle. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to -ear up@ 9 %as al%ays rea5y 1or 8attle. But ar-uin- %it" 7rs. !assi5y a8out alterations to a 1ormal 8eat t"e "e3k out o1 ar-uin- %it" $ommy an5 Bruno. 9t 3oul5 "a)e -one )ery 8a5ly@ 8ut it "a5n?t. Gaynor "a5 3alle5 t"em o11@ 1or to5ay@ "e "a5 sai5. ="at 5i5 t"at mean e*a3tlyB 9t %as pro8a8ly sel12e*planatory. 9 "a5 le1t Bert at t"e o11i3e still s"aken 1rom "is 3lose en3ounter. He 5i5n?t 5eal %it" t"e messy en5 o1 t"e 8usiness. $"e )iolent en5. /o@ 9 5i5 t"at@ or 7anny@ or Hamison@ or !"arles. =e@ t"e animators o1 Animators@ 9n3@ %e 5i5 t"e 5irty %ork. Bert staye5 in "is ni3e sa1e o11i3e an5 sent 3lients an5 trou8le our %ay. :ntil to5ay. 7rs. !assi5y "un- t"e 5ress on a "ook insi5e one o1 t"e 5ressin- stalls an5 %ent a%ay. Be1ore 9 3oul5 -o insi5e@ anot"er stall opene5@ an5 Kasey@ !at"erine?s 1lo%er -irl@ steppe5 out. S"e %as ei-"t@ an5 s"e %as -lo%erin-. Her mot"er 1ollo%e5 8e"in5 "er@ still in "er 8usiness suit. ,liEa8et" (3all me ,lsie) 7arko%itE %as tall@ slen5er@ 8la3k2"aire5@ oli)e skinne5@ an5 a la%yer. S"e %orke5 %it" !at"erine an5 %as also in t"e %e55in-. Kasey looke5 like a smaller@ so1ter )ersion o1 "er mot"er. $"e 3"il5 spotte5 me 1irst an5 sai5@ AHi@ Anita. 9sn?t t"is 5ress 5um82lookin-BC A/o%@ Kasey@C ,lsie sai5@ Ait?s a 8eauti1ul 5ress. All t"ose ni3e pink ru11les.C $"e 5ress looke5 like a petunia on steroi5s to me. 9 strippe5 o11 my >a3ket an5 starte5 mo)in- into my o%n 5ressin- room 8e1ore 9 "a5 to -i)e my opinion out lou5. A9s t"at a real -unBC Kasey aske5. 9 "a5 1or-otten 9 %as still %earin- it. ADes@C 9 sai5. AAre you a poli3e%omanBC A/o.C AKasey 7arko%itE@ you ask too many ;uestions.C Her mot"er "er5e5 "er past me %it" a "arrie5 smile. ASorry a8out t"at@ Anita.C A9 5on?t min5@C 9 sai5. Sometime later 9 %as stan5in- on a little raise5 plat1orm in 1ront o1 a nearly per1e3t 3ir3le o1 mirrors. =it" t"e mat3"in- pink "i-" "eels t"e 5ress %as t"e ri-"t len-t" at least. 9t also "a5 little pu11 slee)es an5 %as an o112t"e2 s"oul5er look. $"e 5ress s"o%e5 almost e)ery s3ar 9 "a5. $"e ne%est s3ar %as still pink an5 "ealin- on my ri-"t 1orearm. But it %as >ust a kni1e %oun5. $"ey?re neat@ 3lean t"in-s 3ompare5 to my ot"er s3ars. 7y 3ollar8one an5 le1t arm "a)e 8ot" 8een 8roken. A )ampire 8it t"rou-" t"em@ tore at me like a 5o- %it" a pie3e o1 meat. $"ere?s also t"e 3ross2s"ape5 8urn mark on my le1t 1orearm. Some in)enti)e "uman )ampire sla)es t"ou-"t it %as amusin-. 9 5i5n?t. 9 looke5 like 'rankenstein?s 8ri5e -oes to t"e prom. #kay@ may8e it %asn?t t"at 8a5@ 8ut 7rs. !assi5y t"ou-"t it %as. S"e t"ou-"t t"e s3ars %oul5 5istra3t people 1rom t"e 5ress@ t"e %e55in- party@ t"e 8ri5e. But !at"erine@ t"e 8ri5e "ersel1@ 5i5n?t a-ree. S"e t"ou-"t 9 5eser)e5 to 8e in t"e %e55in-@ 8e3ause %e %ere su3" -oo5 1rien5s. 9 %as payin- -oo5 money to 8e pu8li3ly "umiliate5. =e must 8e -oo5 1rien5s. 7rs. !assi5y "an5e5 me a pair o1 lon- pink satin -lo)es. 9 pulle5 t"em on@ %i--lin- my 1in-ers 5eep into t"e tiny "oles. 9?)e ne)er like5 -lo)es. $"ey make me 1eel like 9?m tou3"in- t"e %orl5 t"rou-" a 3urtain. But t"e 8ri-"t pink t"in-s 5i5 "i5e my arms. S3ars all -one. ="at a -oo5 -irl. <i-"t. $"e %oman 1lu11e5 out t"e satiny skirt@ -lan3in- into t"e mirror. A9t %ill 5o@ 9 t"ink.C S"e stoo5@ tappin- one lon-@ painte5 1in-ernail a-ainst "er lipsti3ke5 mout". A9 8elie)e 9 "a)e 3ome up %it" somet"in- to "i5e t"at@ u" ... %ell ... C S"e ma5e )a-ue "an5 motions to%ar5s me. A7y 3ollar8one s3arBC 9 sai5. ADes.C S"e soun5e5 relie)e5. 9t o33urre5 to me 1or t"e 1irst time t"at 7rs. !assi5y "a5 ne)er on3e sai5 t"e %or5 As3ar.C As i1 it %ere 5irty@ or ru5e. 9 smile5 at mysel1 in t"e rin- o1 mirrors. Lau-"ter 3au-"t at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. 7rs. !assi5y "el5 up somet"in- ma5e o1 pink ri88on an5 1ake oran-e 8lossoms. $"e lau-"ter 5ie5. A="at is t"atBC 9 aske5. A$"is@C s"e sai5@ steppin- to%ar5s me@ Ais t"e solution to our pro8lem.C AAll ri-"t@ 8ut %"at is itBC

A=ell@ it is a 3ollar@ a 5e3oration.C A9t -oes aroun5 my ne3kBC ADes.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t t"ink so.C A7s. Blake@ 9 "a)e trie5 e)eryt"in- to "i5e t"at@ t"at ... mark. Hats@ "air5os@ simple ri88ons@ 3orsa-es ... C S"e literally t"re% up "er "an5s. A9 am at my %it?s en5.C $"is 9 3oul5 8elie)e. 9 took a 5eep 8reat". A9 sympat"iEe %it" you@ 7rs. !assi5y@ really 9 5o. 9?)e 8een a royal pain in t"e ass.C A9 %oul5 ne)er say su3" a t"in-.C A9 kno%@ so 9 sai5 it 1or you. But t"at is t"e u-liest pie3e o1 1ru21ru 9?)e e)er lai5 eyes on.C A91 you@ 7s. Blake@ "a)e any 8etter su--estions@ t"en 9 am all ears.C S"e "al1 3rosse5 "er arms o)er "er 3"est. $"e o11en5in- pie3e o1 A5e3orationC traile5 nearly to "er %aist. A9t?s "u-e@C 9 proteste5. A9t %ill "i5e yourCOs"e set "er mout" ti-"tOAs3ar.C 9 1elt like applau5in-. S"e?5 sai5 t"e 5irty %or5. 4i5 9 "a)e any 8etter su--estionsB /o. 9 5i5 not. 9 si-"e5. APut it on me. $"e least 9 3an 5o is look at it.C S"e smile5. APlease li1t your "air.C 9 5i5 as 9 %as tol5. S"e 1astene5 it aroun5 my ne3k. $"e la3e it3"e5@ t"e ri88ons ti3kle5@ an5 9 5i5n?t e)en %ant to look in t"e mirror. 9 raise5 my eyes@ slo%ly@ an5 >ust stare5. A$"ank -oo5ness you "a)e lon- "air. 9?ll style it mysel1 t"e 5ay o1 t"e %e55in- so it "elps t"e 3amou1la-e.C $"e t"in- aroun5 my ne3k looke5 like a 3ross 8et%een a 5o- 3ollar an5 t"e %orl5?s 8i--est %rist 3orsa-e. 7y ne3k "a5 sproute5 pink ri88ons like mus"rooms a1ter a rain. 9t %as "i5eous@ an5 no amount o1 "airstylin- %as -oin- to 3"an-e t"at. But it "i5 t"e s3ar 3ompletely@ per1e3tly. $a25a. 9 >ust s"ook my "ea5. ="at 3oul5 9 sayB 7rs. !assi5y took my silen3e 1or assent. S"e s"oul5 "a)e kno%n 8etter. $"e p"one ran- an5 sa)e5 us 8ot". A9?ll 8e >ust a minute@ 7s. Blake.C S"e stalke5 o11@ "i-"2"eels silent on t"e t"i3k 3arpet. 9 >ust stare5 at mysel1 in t"e mirrors. 7y "air an5 eyes mat3"@ 8la3k "air@ eyes so 5ark 8ro%n t"ey look 8la3k. $"ey are my mot"er?s Latin 5arkness. But my skin is pale@ my 1at"er?s Germani3 8loo5. Put some makeup on me an5 9 look not unlike a 3"ina 5oll. Put me in a pu11y pink 5ress an5 9 look 5eli3ate@ 5ainty@ petite. 4ammit. $"e rest o1 t"e %omen in t"e %e55in- party %ere all 1i)e21i)e or a8o)e. 7ay8e some o1 t"em %oul5 a3tually look -oo5 in t"e 5ress. 9 5ou8te5 it. 9nsult to in>ury@ %e all "a5 to %ear "oop skirts un5erneat". 9 looke5 like a re>e3t 1rom Gone =it" t"e =in5. A$"ere@ 5on?t you look lo)ely.C 7rs. !assi5y "a5 returne5. S"e %as 8eamin- at me. A9 look like 9?)e 8een 5ippe5 in Pepto2Bismol@C 9 sai5. Her smile 1a5e5 aroun5 t"e e5-es. S"e s%allo%e5. ADou 5on?t like t"is last i5ea.C Her )oi3e %as )ery sti11. ,lsie 7arko%itE 3ame out o1 t"e 5ressin- rooms. Kasey %as trailin- 8e"in5@ s3o%lin-. 9 kne% "o% s"e 1elt. A#"@ Anita@C ,lsie sai5@ Ayou look a5ora8le.C Great. A5ora8le@ >ust %"at 9 %ante5 to "ear. A$"anks.C A9 espe3ially like t"e ri88ons at your t"roat. =e?ll all 8e %earin- t"em@ you kno%.C ASorry a8out t"at@C 9 sai5. S"e 1ro%ne5 at me. A9 t"ink t"ey >ust set o11 t"e 5ress.C 9t %as my turn to 1ro%n. ADou?re serious@ aren?t youBC ,lsie looke5 puEEle5. A=ell@ o1 3ourse 9 am. 4on?t you like t"e 5ressesBC 9 5e3i5e5 not to ans%er on t"e -roun5s t"at it mi-"t piss someone o11. 9 -uess@ %"at 3an you e*pe3t 1rom a %oman %"o "as a per1e3tly -oo5 name like ,liEa8et"@ 8ut pre1ers to 8e name5 a1ter a 3o%B A9s t"is t"e a8solutely last t"in- %e 3an use 1or 3amou1la-e@ 7rs. !assi5yBC 9 aske5. S"e no55e5@ on3e@ )ery 1irmly. 9 si-"e5@ an5 s"e smile5. Vi3tory %as "ers@ an5 s"e kne% it. 9 kne% 9 %as 8eaten t"e moment 9 sa% t"e 5ress@ 8ut i1 9?m -oin- to lose@ 9?m -oin- to make someone pay 1or it. AAll ri-"t. 9t?s 5one. $"is is it. 9?ll %ear it.C 7rs. !assi5y 8eame5 at me. ,lsie smile5. Kasey smirke5. 9 "ike5 t"e "oop skirt up to my knees an5 steppe5 o11 t"e plat1orm. $"e "oop s%un- like a 8ell %it"@ me as t"e 3lapper.

$"e p"one ran-. 7rs. !assi5y %ent to ans%er it@ a li1t in "er step@ a son- in "er "eart@ an5 me out o1 "er s"op. Hoy in t"e a1ternoon. 9 %as stru--lin- to -et t"e %i5e skirt t"rou-" t"e narro% little 5oor t"at le5 to t"e 3"an-in- rooms %"en s"e 3alle5@ A7s. Blake@ it?s 1or you. A 4ete3ti)e Ser-eant Storr.C ASee@ 7ommy@ 9 tol5 you s"e %as a poli3e%oman@C Kasey sai5. 9 5i5n?t e*plain 8e3ause ,lsie "a5 aske5 me not to@ %eeks a-o. S"e t"ou-"t Kasey %as too youn- to kno% a8out animators an5 Eom8ies an5 )ampire slayin-s. /ot t"at any 3"il5 o1 ei-"t 3oul5 not kno% %"at a )ampire %as. $"ey %ere pretty mu3" t"e me5ia e)ent o1 t"e 5e3a5e. 9 trie5 to put t"e p"one to my le1t ear@ 8ut t"e 5amne5 1lo%ers -ot in t"e %ay. Pressin- t"e re3ei)er in t"e 8en5 o1 my ne3k an5 s"oul5er@ 9 rea3"e5 8a3k to un5o t"e 3ollar. AHi@ 4olp"@ %"at?s upBC A7ur5er s3ene.C His )oi3e %as pleasant@ like "e s"oul5 sin- tenor. A="at kin5 o1 mur5er s3eneBC A7essy.C 9 1inally pulle5 t"e 3ollar 1ree an5 5roppe5 t"e p"one. AAnita@ you t"ereBC ADea"@ "a)in- some %ar5ro8e trou8le.C A="atBC A9t?s not important. ="y 5o you %ant me to 3ome 5o%n to t"e s3eneBC A="ate)er 5i5 t"is %asn?t "uman.C AVampireBC ADou?re t"e un5ea5 e*pert. $"at?s %"y 9 %ant you to 3ome take a look.C A#kay@ -i)e me t"e a55ress@ an5 9?ll 8e ri-"t t"ere.C $"ere %as a notepa5 o1 pale pink paper %it" little "earts on it. $"e pen "a5 a plasti3 3upi5 on t"e en5 o1 it. ASt. !"arles@ 9?m not more t"an 1i1teen minutes 1rom you.C AGoo5.C He "un- up. AGoo528ye to you@ too@ 4olp".C 9 sai5 it to empty air >ust to 1eel superior. 9 %ent 8a3k into t"e little room to 3"an-e. 9 "a5 8een o11ere5 a million 5ollars to5ay@ >ust to kill someone an5 raise a Eom8ie. $"en o11 to t"e 8ri5al s"op 1or a 1inal 1ittin-. /o% a mur5er s3ene. 7essy@ 4olp" "a5 sai5. 9t %as turnin- out to 8e a )ery 8usy a1ternoon.

Chapter Three
7essy@ 4olp" "a5 3alle5 it. A master o1 un5erstatement. Bloo5 %as e)ery%"ere@ splattere5 o)er t"e %"ite %alls like someone "a5 taken a 3an o1 paint an5 t"ro%n it. $"ere %as an o112%"ite 3ou3" %it" 8ro%n an5 -ol5 patterne5 1lo%ers on it. 7ost o1 t"e 3ou3" %as "i55en un5er a s"eet. $"e s"eet %as 3rimson. A 8ri-"t s;uare o1 a1ternoon sunli-"t 3ame t"rou-" t"e 3lean@ sparklin- %in5o%s. $"e sunli-"t ma5e t"e 8loo5 3"erry2re5@ s"iny. 'res" 8loo5 is really 8ri-"ter t"an you see it on tele)ision an5 t"e mo)ies. 9n lar-e ;uantities. <eal 8loo5 is s3reamin1ire2en-ine re5@ in lar-e ;uantities@ 8ut 5arker re5 s"o%s up on t"e s3reen 8etter. So mu3" 1or realism. #nly 1res" 8loo5 is re5@ true re5. $"is 8loo5 %as ol5 an5 s"oul5 "a)e 1a5e5@ 8ut some tri3k o1 t"e summer suns"ine kept it s"iny an5 ne%. 9 s%allo%e5 )ery "ar5 an5 took a 5eep 8reat". ADou look a little -reen@ Blake@C a )oi3e sai5 almost at my el8o%. 9 >umpe5@ an5 Ker8ro%ski lau-"e5. A4i5 9 s3are yaBC A/o@C 9 lie5. 4ete3ti)e Ker8ro%ski %as a8out 1i)e2se)en@ 3urly 8la3k "air -oin- -rey@ 5ark2rimme5 -lasses 1rame5 8ro%n eyes. His 8ro%n suit %as rumple5G "is yello% an5 maroon tie "a5 a smu5-e on it@ pro8a8ly 1rom lun3". He %as -rinnin- at me. He %as al%ays -rinnin- at me. A9 -ot3"a@ Blake@ a5mit it. 9s our 1ier3e )ampire slayer -onna up3"u3k on t"e )i3timsBC APuttin- on a little %ei-"t t"ere@ aren?t you@ Ker8ro%skiBC A#o"@ 9?m "urt@C "e sai5. He 3lut3"e5 "an5s to "is 3"est@ s%ayin- a little. A4on?t tell me you 5on?t %ant my 8o5y@ t"e %ay 9 %ant yours.C ALay o11@ Ker8ro%ski. ="ere?s 4olp"BC

A9n t"e master 8e5room.C Ker8ro%ski -aEe5 up at t"e )aulte5 3eilin- %it" its skyli-"t. A=is" Katie an5 9 3oul5 a11or5 somet"in- like t"is.C ADea"@C 9 sai5. A9t?s ni3e.C 9 -lan3e5 at t"e s"eet23o)ere5 3ou3". $"e s"eet 3lun- to %"ate)er %as un5erneat"@ like a napkin t"ro%n o)er spille5 >ui3e. $"ere %as somet"in- %ron- %it" t"e %ay it looke5. $"en it "it me@ t"ere %eren?t enou-" 8umps to make a %"ole "uman 8o5y. ="ate)er %as un5er t"ere %as missin- some parts. $"e room sort o1 s%am. 9 looke5 a%ay@ s%allo%in- 3on)ulsi)ely. 9t "a5 8een mont"s sin3e 9 "a5 a3tually -otten si3k at a mur5er s3ene. At least t"e air23on5itionin- %as on. $"at %as -oo5. Heat al%ays makes t"e smell %orse. AHey@ Blake@ 5o you really nee5 to step outsi5eBC Ker8ro%ski took my arm as i1 to lea5 me to%ar5s t"e 5oor. A$"anks@ 8ut 9?m 1ine.C 9 looke5 "im strai-"t in "is 8a8y 8ro%ns an5 lie5. He kne% 9 %as lyin-. 9 %asn?t all ri-"t@ 8ut 9?5 make it. He release5 my arm@ steppe5 8a3k@ an5 -a)e me a mo3k salute. A9 lo)e a tou-" 8roa5.C 9 smile5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 stop it. AGo a%ay@ Ker8ro%ski.C A,n5 o1 t"e "all@ last 5oor on t"e le1t. Dou?ll 1in5 4olp" t"ere.C He %alke5 a%ay into t"e 3ro%5 o1 men. $"ere are al%ays more people t"an you nee5 at a mur5er s3ene@ not t"e -a%kers outsi5e 8ut uni1orms@ plain3lot"es@ te3"ni3ians@ t"e -uy %it" t"e )i5eo 3amera. A mur5er s3ene %as like a 8ee s%arm@ 1ull o1 1renEie5 mo)ement an5 5amn 3ro%5e5. 9 t"rea5e5 my %ay t"rou-" t"e 3ro%5. 7y plasti323oate5 94 8a5-e %as 3lippe5 to t"e 3ollar o1 my na)y28lue >a3ket. 9t %as so t"e poli3e %oul5 kno% 9 %as on t"eir si5e an5 "a5n?t >ust snu3k in. 9t also ma5e 3arryin- a -un into a 3ro%5 o1 poli3emen sa1er. 9 s;ueeEe5 past a 3ro%5 t"at %as -at"ere5 like a tra11i3 >am 8esi5e a 5oor in t"e mi55le o1 t"e "all. Voi3es 3ame@ 5is>ointe5@ AHesus@ look at t"e 8loo5 ... Ha)e t"ey 1oun5 t"e 8o5y yetB ... Dou mean %"at?s le1t o1 itB ... /o.C 9 pus"e5 8et%een t%o uni1orms. #ne sai5@ AHeyIC 9 1oun5 a 3leare5 spa3e >ust in 1ront o1 t"e last 5oor on t"e le1t2"an5 si5e. 9 5on?t kno% "o% 4olp" "a5 5one it 8ut "e %as alone in t"e room. 7ay8e t"ey %ere >ust 1inis"e5 in "ere. He knelt in t"e mi55le o1 t"e pale 8ro%n 3arpet. His t"i3k "an5s@ en3ase5 in sur-i3al -lo)es@ %ere on "is t"i-"s. His 8la3k "air %as 3ut so s"ort it le1t "is ears sort o1 stran5e5 on eit"er si5e o1 a lar-e 8lunt 1a3e. He sa% me an5 stoo5. He %as si*2 ei-"t@ 8uilt 8i- like a %restler. $"e 3anopie5 8e5 8e"in5 "im su55enly looke5 small. 4olp" %as "ea5 o1 t"e poli3e?s ne%est task 1or3e@ t"e spook s;ua5. #11i3ial title %as t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam@ <2P292$@ pronoun3e5 Arip it.C 9t "an5le5 all supernatural 3rime. 9t %as a pla3e to 5ump t"e trou8lemakers. 9 ne)er %on5ere5 %"at Ker8ro%ski "a5 5one to -et on t"e spook s;ua5. His sense o1 "umor %as too stran-e an5 a8solutely mer3iless. But 4olp". He %as t"e per1e3t poli3eman. 9 "a5 al%ays sort o1 1i-ure5 "e "a5 o11en5e5 someone "i-" up@ o11en5e5 t"em 8y 8ein- too -oo5 at "is >o8. /o% t"at 9 3oul5 8elie)e. $"ere %as anot"er s"eet23o)ere5 8un5le on t"e 3arpet 8esi5e "im. AAnita.C He al%ays talks like t"at@ one %or5 at a time. A4olp"@C 9 sai5. He knelt 8et%een t"e 3anopy 8e5 an5 t"e 8loo52soake5 s"eet. ADou rea5yBC A9 kno% you?re t"e silent type@ 4olp"@ 8ut 3oul5 you tell me %"at 9?m suppose5 to 8e lookin- 1orBC A9 %ant to kno% %"at you see@ not %"at 9 tell you you?re suppose5 to see.C 'or 4olp" it %as a spee3". A#kay@C 9 sai5@ Alet?s 5o it.C He pulle5 8a3k t"e s"eet. 9t peele5 a%ay 1rom t"e 8loo5y t"in- un5erneat". 9 stoo5 an5 9 stare5 an5 all 9 3oul5 see %as a lump o1 8loo5y meat. 9t 3oul5 "a)e 8een 1rom anyt"in-J a 3o%@ "orse@ 5eer. But "umanB Surely not. 7y eyes sa% it@ 8ut my 8rain re1use5 %"at it %as 8ein- s"o%n. 9 s;uatte5 8esi5e it@ tu3kin- my skirt un5er my t"i-"s. $"e 3arpetin- s;ueeEe5 un5er1oot like rain "a5 -otten to it@ 8ut it %asn?t rain. A4o you "a)e a pair o1 -lo)es 9 3an 8orro%B 9 le1t my 3rime s3ene -ear at t"e o11i3e.C A<i-"t >a3ket po3ket.C He li1te5 "is "an5s in t"e air. $"ere %ere 8loo5 marks on t"e -lo)es. AHelp yoursel1. $"e %i1e "ates me to -et 8loo5 on t"e 5ry 3leanin-.C 9 smile5. AmaEin-. A sense o1 "umor is man5atory at times. 9 "a5 to rea3" a3ross t"e remains. 9 pulle5 out t%o sur-i3al -lo)esG one siEe 1its all. $"e -lo)es al%ays 1elt like t"ey "a5 po%5er in t"em. $"ey 5i5n?t 1eel like -lo)es at all@ more like 3on5oms 1or your "an5s. A!an 9 tou3" it %it"out 5ama-in- e)i5en3eBC ADes.C 9 poke5 t"e si5e o1 it %it" t%o 1in-ers. 9t %as like pokin- a si5e o1 1res" 8ee1. A ni3e@ soli5 1eel to it. 7y 1in-ers tra3e5 t"e 8umps o1 8one@ ri8s un5er t"e .1les". <i8s. Su55enly 9 kne% %"at 9 %as lookin- at. Part o1 t"e ri8 3a-e o1 a "uman 8ein-. $"ere %as t"e s"oul5er@ %"ite 8one sti3kin- out %"ere t"e arm "a5 8een torn a%ay. $"at %as all. All t"ere %as. 9 stoo5 too ;ui3kly an5 stum8le5. $"e 3arpet s;uees"e5 un5er1oot.

$"e room %as su55enly )ery "ot. 9 turne5 a%ay 1rom t"e 8o5y an5 1oun5 mysel1 starin- at t"e 8ureau. 9ts mirror %as splattere5 so "ea)ily %it" 8loo5@ it looke5 like someone "a5 3o)ere5 it in layers o1 re5 1in-ernail polis". !"erry Blossom <e5@ !arni)al !rimson@ !an5y Apple. 9 3lose5 my eyes an5 3ounte5 )ery slo%ly to ten. ="en 9 opene5 t"em t"e room seeme5 3ooler. 9 noti3e5 1or t"e 1irst time t"at a 3eilin- 1an %as slo%ly turnin-. 9 %as 1ine. Heap 8i- )ampire slayer. <i2i-"t. 4olp" 5i5n?t 3omment as 9 knelt 8y t"e 8o5y a-ain. He 5i5n?t e)en look at me. Goo5 man. 9 trie5 to 8e o8>e3ti)e an5 see %"ate)er t"ere %as to see. But it %as "ar5. 9 like5 t"e remains 8etter %"en 9 3oul5n?t 1i-ure out %"at part o1 t"e 8o5y t"ey %ere. /o% all 9 3oul5 see %as t"e 8loo5y remains. All 9 3oul5 t"ink o1 %as t"is use5 to 8e a "uman 8o5y. A:se5 to 8eC %as t"e operati)e p"rase. A/o si-ns o1 a %eapon t"at 9 3an see@ 8ut t"e 3oroner %ill 8e a8le to tell you t"at.C 9 rea3"e5 out to tou3" it a-ain@ t"en stoppe5. A!an you "elp me raise it up so 9 3an see insi5e t"e 3"est 3a)ityB ="at?s le1t o1 t"e 3"est 3a)ity.C 4olp" 5roppe5 t"e s"eet an5 "elpe5 me li1t t"e remains. 9t %as li-"ter t"an it looke5. <aise5 on its si5e t"ere %as not"inun5erneat". All t"e )ital or-ans t"at t"e ri8s prote3t %ere -one. 9t looke5 1or all t"e %orl5 like a si5e o1 8ee1 ri8s@ e*3ept 1or t"e 8ones %"ere t"e arm s"oul5 "a)e 3onne3te5. Part o1 t"e 3ollar8one %as still atta3"e5. A#kay@C 9 sai5. 7y )oi3e soun5e5 8reat"y. 9 stoo5@ "ol5in- my 8loo52spattere5 "an5s out to my si5es. A!o)er it@ please.C He 5i5@ an5 stoo5. A9mpressionsBC AViolen3e@ e*treme )iolen3e. 7ore t"an "uman stren-t". $"e 8o5y?s 8een rippe5 apart 8y "an5.C A="y 8y "an5BC A/o kni1e marks.C 9 lau-"e5@ 8ut it 3"oke5 me. AHell@ 9?5 t"ink someone "a5 use5 a sa% on t"e 8o5y like 8ut3"erin- a 3o%@ 8ut t"e 8ones...C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/ot"in- me3"ani3al %as use5 to 5o t"is.C AAnyt"in- elseBC ADea"@ %"ere is t"e rest o1 t"e 1u3kin- 8o5yBC A4o%n t"e "all@ se3on5 5oor on t"e le1t.C A$"e rest o1 t"e 8o5yBC $"e room %as -ettin- "ot a-ain. AHust -o look. $ell me %"at you see.C A4ammit@ 4olp"@ 9 kno% you 5on?t like to in1luen3e your e*perts@ 8ut 9 5on?t like %alkin- in t"ere 8lin5.C He >ust stare5 at me. AAt least ans%er one ;uestion.C A7ay8e@ %"atBC A9s it %orse t"an t"isBC He seeme5 to t"ink a8out t"at 1or a moment. A/o@ an5 yes.C A4amn you.C ADou?ll un5erstan5 a1ter you?)e seen it.C 9 5i5n?t %ant to un5erstan5. Bert "a5 8een t"rille5 t"at t"e poli3e %ante5 to put me on retainer. He "a5 tol5 me 9 %oul5 -ain )alua8le e*perien3e %orkin- %it" t"e poli3e. All 9 "a5 -aine5 so 1ar %as a %i5er )ariety o1 ni-"tmares. 4olp" %alke5 a"ea5 o1 me to t"e ne*t 3"am8er o1 "orrors. 9 5i5n?t really %ant to 1in5 t"e rest o1 t"e 8o5y. 9 %ante5 to -o "ome. He "esitate5 in 1ront o1 t"e 3lose5 5oor until 9 stoo5 8esi5e "im. $"ere %as a 3ar58oar5 3utout o1 a ra88it on t"e 5oor like 1or ,aster. A nee5le%ork si-n "un- >ust 8elo% t"e 8unny. Ba8y?s <oom. A4olp"@C my )oi3e soun5e5 )ery ;uiet. $"e noise 1rom t"e li)in- room %as mute5. ADes.C A/ot"in-@ not"in-.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. 9 3oul5 5o t"is. 9 3oul5 5o t"is. #"@ Go5@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5o t"is. 9 %"ispere5 a prayer un5er my 8reat" as t"e 5oor s%un- in%ar5. $"ere are moments in li1e %"en t"e only %ay to -et t"rou-" is %it" a little -ra3e 1rom on "i-". 9 %as 8ettin- t"is %as -oin- to 8e one o1 t"em. Sunli-"t streame5 t"rou-" a small %in5o%. $"e 3urtains %ere %"ite %it" little 5u3kies an5 8unnies stit3"e5 aroun5 t"e e5-es. Animal 3utouts 5an3e5 aroun5 t"e pale 8lue %alls. $"ere %as no 3ri8@ only one o1 t"ose 8e5s %it" "an5rails "al1%ay 5o%n. A 8i- 8oy 8e5@ %asn?t t"at %"at t"ey %ere 3alle5B $"ere %asn?t as mu3" 8loo5 in "ere. $"ank you@ 5ear Go5. ="o says prayers ne)er -et ans%ere5B But in a s;uare o1 8ri-"t Au-ust suns"ine sat a stu11e5 te55y 8ear. $"e te55y 8ear %as 3an5y23oate5 %it" 8loo5. #ne -lassy eye stare5 roun5 an5 surprise5 out o1 t"e spiky 1ake 1ur. 9 knelt 8esi5e it. $"e 3arpet 5i5n?t s;ueeEe@ no 8loo5 soake5 in. ="y %as t"e 5amn 8ear sittin- "ere 3o)ere5 in 3on-ealin- 8loo5B $"ere %as no ot"er 8loo5 in t"e entire room t"at 9 3oul5 see.

4i5 someone >ust set it "ereB 9 looke5 up an5 1oun5 mysel1 starin- at a small %"ite 3"est o1 5ra%ers %it" 8unnies painte5 on it. ="en you "a)e a moti1@ 9 -uess you sti3k %it" it. #n t"e %"ite paint %as one small@ per1e3t "an5print. 9 3ra%le5 to%ar5s it an5 "el5 up my "an5 near it 3omparin- siEe. 7y "an5s aren?t 8i-@ small e)en 1or a %oman?s@ 8ut t"is "an5print %as tiny. $%o@ t"ree@ may8e 1our. Blue %alls@ pro8a8ly a 8oy. AHo% ol5 %as t"e 3"il5BC APi3ture in t"e li)in- room "as Ben>amin <eynol5s@ a-e t"ree@ %ritten on t"e 8a3k.C ABen>amin@C 9 %"ispere5 it@ an5 stare5 at t"e 8loo5y "an5print. A$"ere?s no 8o5y in t"is room. /o one %as kille5 "ere.C A/o.C A="y 5i5 you %ant me to see itBC 9 looke5 up at "im@ still kneelin-. ADour opinion isn?t %ort" anyt"in- i1 you 5on?t see e)eryt"in-.C A$"at 5amn 8ear is -oin- to "aunt me.C A7e@ too@C "e sai5. 9 stoo5@ resistin- t"e ur-e to smoot" my skirt 5o%n in 8a3k. 9t %as amaEin- "o% many times 9 tou3"e5 my 3lot"in- %it"out t"inkin- an5 smeare5 8loo5 on mysel1. But not to5ay. A9s it t"e 8oy?s 8o5y un5er t"e s"eet in t"e li)in- roomBC As 9 sai5 it@ 9 praye5 t"at it %asn?t. A/o@C "e sai5. $"ank Go5. A7ot"er?s 8o5yBC ADes.C A="ere is t"e 8oy?s 8o5yBC A=e 3an?t 1in5 it.C He "esitate5@ t"en aske5@ A!oul5 t"e t"in- "a)e eaten t"e 3"il5?s 8o5y 3ompletelyBC ADou mean so t"ere %oul5n?t 8e anyt"in- le1t to 1in5BC ADes@C "e sai5. His 1a3e looke5 >ust t"e tiniest 8it pale. 7ine pro8a8ly 5i5@ too. APossi8le@ 8ut e)en t"e un5ea5 "a)e a limit to %"at t"ey 3an eat.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat". A4i5 you 1in5 any si-ns o1 2 re-ur-itation.C A<e-ur-itation.C He smile5. A/i3e %or5. /o@ t"e 3reature 5i5n?t eat an5 t"en )omit. At least %e "a)en?t 1oun5 it.C A$"en t"e 8oy?s pro8a8ly still aroun5 some%"ere.C A!oul5 "e 8e ali)eBC 4olp" aske5. 9 looke5 up at "im. 9 %ante5 to say yes@ 8ut 9 kne% t"e ans%er %as pro8a8ly no. 9 3ompromise5. A9 5on?t kno%.C 4olp" no55e5. A$"e li)in- room ne*tBC 9 aske5. A/o.C He %alke5 out o1 t"e room %it"out anot"er %or5. 9 1ollo%e5. ="at else 3oul5 9 5oB But 9 5i5n?t "urry. 91 "e %ante5 to play tou-"@ silent poli3eman@ "e 3oul5 5amn %ell %ait 1or me to 3at3" up. 9 1ollo%e5 "is 8roa5 8a3k aroun5 t"e 3orner t"rou-" t"e li)in- room into t"e kit3"en. A sli5in- -lass 5oor le5 out onto a 5e3k. Glass %as e)ery%"ere. S"iny sli)ers o1 it sparkle5 in t"e li-"t 1rom yet anot"er skyli-"t. $"e kit3"en %as spotless@ like a ma-aEine a5@ 5one in 8lue tile an5 ri3" li-"t23olore5 %oo5. A/i3e kit3"en@C 9 sai5. 9 3oul5 see men mo)in- aroun5 t"e yar5. $"e party "a5 mo)e5 outsi5e. $"e pri)a3y 1en3e "i5 t"em 1rom t"e 3urious nei-"8ors@ as it "a5 "i55en t"e killer last ni-"t. $"ere %as >ust one 5ete3ti)e stan5in- 8esi5e t"e s"iny sink. He %as s3ri88lin- somet"in- in a note8ook. 4olp" motione5 me to "a)e a 3loser look. A#kay@C 9 sai5. ASomet"in- 3ras"e5 t"rou-" t"e sli5in- -lass 5oor. 9t must "a)e ma5e a "ell o1 a lot o1 noise. $"is mu3" -lass 8reakin- e)en %it" t"e air23on5itionin- on ... Dou?5 "ear it.C ADou t"ink soBC "e aske5. A4i5 any o1 t"e nei-"8ors "ear anyt"in-BC 9 aske5. A/o one %ill a5mit to it@C "e sai5. 9 no55e5. AGlass 8reaks@ someone 3omes to 3"e3k it out@ pro8a8ly t"e man. Some se*ist stereotypes 5ie "ar5.C A="at 5o you meanBC 4olp" aske5. A$"e 8ra)e "unter prote3tin- "is 1amily@C 9 sai5. A#kay@ say it %as t"e man@ %"at ne*tBC A7an 3omes in@ sees %"ate)er 3ras"e5 t"rou-" t"e %in5o%@ yells 1or "is %i1e. Pro8a8ly tells "er to -et out. $ake t"e ki5 an5 run.C

A="y not 3all t"e poli3eBC "e aske5. A9 5i5n?t see a p"one in t"e master 8e5room.C 9 no55e5 to%ar5s t"e p"one on t"e kit3"en %all. A$"is is pro8a8ly t"e only p"one. Dou "a)e to -et past t"e 8o-eyman to rea3" t"e p"one.C AGo on.C 9 -lan3e5 8e"in5 me into t"e li)in- room. $"e s"eet23o)ere5 3ou3" %as >ust )isi8le. A$"e t"in-@ %"ate)er it %as@ took out t"e man. Nui3k@ 5isa8le5 "im@ kno3ke5 "im out@ 8ut 5i5n?t kill "im.C A="y not killBC A4on?t test me@ 4olp". $"ere isn?t enou-" 8loo5 in t"e kit3"en. He %as eaten in t"e 8e5room. ="ate)er 5i5 it %oul5n?t "a)e 5ra--e5 a 5ea5 man o11 to t"e 8e5room. 9t 3"ase5 t"e man into t"e 8e5room an5 kille5 "im t"ere.C A/ot 8a5@ %ant to take a s"ot at t"e li)in- room ne*tBC /ot really@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t say it out lou5. $"ere %as more le1t o1 t"e %oman@ Her upper 8o5y %as almost inta3t. Paper 8a-s en)elope5 "er "an5s. =e "a5 samples o1 somet"in- un5er "er 1in-ernails. 9 "ope5 it "elpe5. Her %i5e 8ro%n eyes stare5 up at t"e 3eilin-. $"e pa>ama top 3lun- %etly to %"ere "er %aist use5 to 8e. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5 an5 use5 my in5e* 1in-er an5 t"um8 to raise t"e pa>ama top. Her spine -listene5 in t"e "ar5 suns"ine@ %et an5 %"ite an5 5an-lin-@ like a 3or5 t"at "a5 8een rippe5 out o1 its so3ket. #kay. ASomet"in- tore "er apart@ >ust like t"e ... man in t"e 8e5room.C AHo% 5o you kno% it?s a manBC A:nless t"ey "a5 3ompany@ it "as to 8e t"e man. $"ey 5i5n?t "a)e a )isitor@ 5i5 t"eyBC 4olp" s"ook "is "ea5. A/ot as 1ar as %e kno%.C A$"en it "as to 8e t"e man. Be3ause s"e still "as all "er ri8s@ an5 8ot" arms.C 9 trie5 to s%allo% t"e an-er in my )oi3e. 9t %asn?t 4olp"?s 1ault. A9?m not one o1 your 3ops. 9 %is" you?5 stop askin- me ;uestions t"at you alrea5y "a)e t"e ans%ers to.C He no55e5. A'air enou-". Sometimes 9 1or-et you?re not one o1 t"e 8oys.C A$"ank you 1or t"at.C ADou kno% %"at 9 mean.C A9 5o@ an5 9 e)en kno% you mean it as a 3ompliment@ 8ut 3an %e 1inis" 5is3ussin- t"is outsi5e@ pleaseBC ASure.C He slippe5 o11 "is 8loo5y -lo)es an5 put t"em in a -ar8a-e sa3k t"at %as sittin- open in t"e kit3"en. 9 5i5 t"e same. $"e "eat 1astene5 roun5 me like meltin- plasti3@ 8ut it 1elt -oo5@ 3lean some"o%. 9 8reat"e5 in -reat lun-1uls o1 "ot@ s%eatin- air. A"@ summer. A9 %as ri-"t t"ou-"@ it %asn?t "umanBC "e aske5. $"ere %ere t%o uni1orme5 poli3e o11i3ers keepin- t"e 3ro%5 o11 t"e la%n an5 in t"e street. !"il5ren@ parents@ ki5s on 8ikes. 9t looke5 like a 1reakin- 3ir3us. A/o@ it %asn?t "uman. $"ere %as no 8loo5 on t"e -lass t"at it 3ame t"rou-".C A9 noti3e5. ="at?s t"e si-ni1i3an3eBC A7ost 5ea5 5on?t 8lee5@ e*3ept 1or )ampires.C A7ostBC A'res"ly 5ea5 Eom8ies 3an 8lee5@ 8ut )ampires 8lee5 almost like a person.C ADou 5on?t t"ink it %as a )ampire t"enBC A91 it %as@ t"en it ate "uman 1les". Vampires 3an?t 5i-est soli5 1oo5.C AG"oulBC A$oo 1ar 1rom a 3emetery@ an5 t"ere?5 8e more 5estru3tion o1 t"e "ouse. G"ouls %oul5 tear up 1urniture like %il5 animals.C AKom8ieBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 "onestly 5on?t kno%. $"ere are su3" t"in-s as 1les"2eatin- Eom8ies. $"ey?re rare@ 8ut it "appens.C ADou tol5 me t"at t"ere "a)e 8een t"ree reporte5 3ases. ,a3" time t"e Eom8ies stay "uman lon-er an5 5on?t rot.C 9 smile5. AGoo5 memory. $"at?s ri-"t. 'les"2eatin- Eom8ies 5on?t rot@ as lon- as you 1ee5 t"em. #r at least 5on?t rot as ;ui3kly.C AAre t"ey )iolentBC A/ot so 1ar@C 9 sai5.

AAre Eom8ies )iolentBC 4olp" aske5. A#nly i1 tol5 to 8e.C A="at 5oes t"at meanBC "e aske5. ADou 3an or5er a Eom8ie to kill people i1 you?re po%er1ul enou-".C AA Eom8ie as a mur5er %eaponBC 9 no55e5. ASomet"in- like t"at@ yes.C A="o 3oul5 5o somet"in- like t"atBC A9?m not sure t"at?s %"at "appene5 "ere@C 9 sai5. A9 kno%. But %"o 3oul5 5o itBC A=ell@ "ell@ 9 3oul5@ 8ut 9 %oul5n?t. An5 no8o5y 9 kno% t"at 3oul5 5o it %oul5 5o it.C ALet us 5e3i5e t"at@C "e sai5. He "a5 -otten "is little note8ook out. ADou really %ant me to -i)e you names o1 1rien5s so you 3an ask t"em i1 t"ey "appene5 to "a)e raise5 a Eom8ie an5 sent it to kill t"ese peopleBC APlease.C 9 si-"e5. A9 5on?t 8elie)e t"is. All ri-"t@ me@ 7anny <o5ri-ueE@ Peter Burke@ an5 ... C 9 stoppe5 %or5s alrea5y 1ormin- a t"ir5 name. A="at is itBC A/ot"in-. 9 >ust remem8ere5 t"at 9?)e -ot Burke?s 1uneral to -o to t"is %eek. He?s 5ea5 so 9 5on?t t"ink "e?s a suspe3t.C 4olp" %as lookin- at me "ar5@ suspi3ion plain on "is 1a3e. ADou sure t"is is all t"e names you %ant to -i)e meBC A91 9 t"ink o1 anyone else@ 9?ll let you kno%@C 9 sai5. 9 %as at my %i5e2eye5 most sin3ere. See@ not"in- up my slee)e. ADou 5o t"at@ Anita.C ASure t"in-.C He smile5 an5 s"ook "is "ea5. A="o are you prote3tin-BC A7e@C 9 sai5. He looke5 puEEle5. ALet?s >ust say 9 5on?t %ant to -et someone ma5 at me.C A="oBC 9 looke5 up into t"e 3lear Au-ust sky. ADou t"ink %e?ll -et rainBC A4ammit@ Anita@ 9 nee5 your "elp.C A9?)e -i)en you my "elp@C 9 sai5. A$"e name.C A/ot yet. 9?ll 3"e3k it out@ an5 i1 it looks suspi3ious@ 9 promise to s"are it %it" you.C A=ell@ isn?t t"at >ust -enerous o1 youBC A 1lus" %as 3reepin- up "is ne3k. 9 "a5 ne)er seen 4olp" an-ry 8e1ore. 9 1eare5 9 %as a8out to. A$"e 1irst 5eat" %as a "omeless man. =e t"ou-"t "e?5 passe5 out 1rom li;uor an5 -"ouls -ot "im. =e 1oun5 "im ri-"t ne*t to a 3emetery. #pen an5 s"ut@ ri-"tBC His )oi3e %as risin- >ust a 8it %it" ea3" %or5. A/e*t %e 1in5 t"is 3ouple@ teena-ers 3au-"t ne3kin- in t"e 8oy?s 3ar. 4ea5@ still not too 1ar 1rom t"e 3emetery. =e 3alle5 in an e*terminator an5 a priest. !ase 3lose5.C He lo%ere5 "is )oi3e@ 8ut it %as like "e "a5 s%allo%e5 t"e yellin-. His )oi3e %as straine5 an5 almost tou3"a8le %it" its an-er. A/o% t"is. 9t?s t"e same 8eastie@ %"ate)er t"e "ell it is. But %e are miles 1rom t"e nearest 1ri--in- 3emetery. 9t isn?t a -"oul@ an5 may8e i1 9 "a5 3alle5 you in %it" t"e 1irst or e)en t"e se3on5 3ase@ t"is %oul5n?t "a)e "appene5. But 9 1i-ure 9?m -ettin- -oo5 at t"is supernatural 3rap. 9?)e "a5 some e*perien3e no%@ 8ut it isn?t enou-". 9t isn?t nearly enou-".C His 8i- "an5s %ere 3rus"in- "is note8ook. A$"at?s t"e lon-est spee3" 9?)e e)er "ear5 you make@C 9 sai5. He "al1 lau-"e5. A9 nee5 t"e name@ Anita.C A4omin-a Sal)a5or. S"e?s t"e )oo5oo priest 1or t"e entire 7i5%est. But i1 you sen5 poli3e 5o%n t"ere s"e %on?t talk to you. /one o1 t"em %ill.C ABut t"ey?ll talk to youBC ADes@C 9 sai5. A#kay@ 8ut 9 8etter "ear somet"in- 1rom you 8y tomorro%.C

A9 5on?t kno% i1 9 3an set up a meetin- t"at soon.C A,it"er you 5o it@ or 9 5o it@C "e sai5. A#kay@ okay@ 9?ll 5o it@ some"o%.C A$"anks@ Anita. At least no% %e "a)e somepla3e to start.C A9t mi-"t not 8e a Eom8ie at all@ 4olp". 9?m >ust -uessin-.C A="at else 3oul5 it 8eBC A=ell@ i1 t"ere "a5 8een 8loo5 on t"e -lass@ 9?5 say may8e a ly3ant"rope.C A#"@ -reat@ >ust %"at 9 nee5Oa rampa-in- s"apes"i1ter.C ABut t"ere %as no 8loo5 on t"e -lass.C ASo pro8a8ly some kin5 o1 un5ea5@C "e sai5. A,*a3tly.C ADou talk to t"is 4omin-a Sal)a5or an5 -i)e me a report ASAP.C AAye@ aye@ Ser-eant.C He ma5e a 1a3e at me an5 %alke5 8a3k insi5e t"e "ouse. Better "im t"an me. All 9 "a5 to 5o %as -o "ome@ 3"an-e 3lot"es@ an5 prepare to raise t"e 5ea5. At 1ull 5ark toni-"t 9 "a5 t"ree 3lients line5 up or %oul5 t"at 8e lyin- 5o%nB ,llen Gris"olm?s t"erapist t"ou-"t it %oul5 8e t"erapeuti3 1or ,llen to 3on1ront "er 3"il52molestin- 1at"er. $"e trou8le %as t"e 1at"er "a5 8een 5ea5 1or se)eral mont"s. So 9 %as -oin- to raise 7r. Gris"olm 1rom t"e 5ea5 an5 let "is 5au-"ter tell "im %"at a son o1 a 8it3" "e %as. $"e t"erapist sai5 it %oul5 8e 3leansin-. 9 -uess i1 you "a)e a 5o3torate@ you?re allo%e5 to say t"in-s like t"at. $"e ot"er t%o raisin-s %ere more usualG a 3onteste5 %ill@ an5 a prose3ution?s star %itness t"at "a5 "a5 t"e 8a5 taste to "a)e a "eart atta3k 8e1ore testi1yin- in 3ourt. $"ey still %eren?t sure i1 t"e testimony o1 a Eom8ie %as a5missi8le in 3ourt@ 8ut t"ey %ere 5esperate enou-" to try@ an5 to pay 1or t"e pri)ile-e. 9 stoo5 t"ere in t"e -reenis"28ro%n -rass. Gla5 to see t"e 1amily "a5n?t 8een a55i3te5 to sprinklers. A %aste o1 %ater. 7ay8e t"ey "a5 e)en re3y3le5 t"eir pop 3ans@ ne%spapers. 7ay8e t"ey "a5 8een 5e3ent eart"2lo)in- 3itiEens. 7ay8e not. #ne o1 t"e uni1orms li1te5 t"e yello% 4o2/ot2!ross tape an5 let me out. 9 i-nore5 all t"e starin- people an5 -ot in my 3ar. 9t %as a late2mo5el /o)a. 9 3oul5 "a)e a11or5e5 somet"in- 8etter 8ut %"y 8ot"erB 9t ran. $"e steerin- %"eel %as too "ot to tou3". 9 turne5 on t"e air23on5itionin- an5 let t"e 3ar 3ool 5o%n. ="at 9 "a5 tol5 4olp" a8out 4omin-a Sal)a5or "a5 8een true. S"e %oul5n?t talk to t"e poli3e@ 8ut t"at "a5n?t 8een t"e reason 9 trie5 to keep "er name out o1 it. 91 t"e poli3e 3ame kno3kin- on SeQora 4omin-a?s 5oor@ s"e?5 %ant to kno% %"o sent t"em. An5 s"e?5 1in5 out. $"e SeQora %as t"e most po%er1ul )au5un priest 9 "a5 e)er met. <aisin- a mur5erous Eom8ie %as >ust one o1 many t"in-s s"e 3oul5 5o@ i1 s"e %ante5 to. 'rankly@ t"ere %ere t"in-s %orse t"an Eom8ies t"at 3oul5 3ome 3ra%lin- t"rou-" your %in5o% some 5ark ni-"t. 9 kne% as little a8out t"at si5e o1 t"e 8usiness as 9 3oul5 -et a%ay %it". $"e SeQora "a5 in)ente5 most o1 it. /o@ 9 5i5 not %ant 4omin-a Sal)a5or an-ry %it" me. So it looke5 like 9 %as -oin- to "a)e to talk %it" "er tomorro%. 9t %as sort o1 like -ettin- an appointment to see t"e -o51at"er o1 )oo5oo. #r in t"is 3ase t"e -o5mot"er. $"e trou8le %as t"is -o5mot"er %as un"appy %it" me. 4omin-a "a5 sent me in)itations to "er "ome. $o "er 3eremonies. 9 "a5 politely 5e3line5. 9 t"ink my 8ein- a !"ristian 5isappointe5 "er. So 9 "a5 mana-e5 to a)oi5 a 1a3e to 1a3e@ until no%. 9 %as -oin- to ask t"e most po%er1ul )au5un priest in t"e :nite5 States@ may8e in all o1 /ort" Ameri3a@ i1 s"e >ust "appene5 to raise a Eom8ie. An5 i1 t"at Eom8ie >ust "appene5 to 8e -oin- aroun5 killin- people@ on "er or5ersB =as 9 3raEyB 7ay8e. 9t looke5 like tomorro% %as -oin- to 8e anot"er 8usy 5ay.

Chapter Four
$"e alarm s3reame5. 9 rolle5 o)er s%attin- at t"e 8uttons on top o1 t"e 5i-ital 3lo3k. Surely to Go5@ 9?5 "it t"e snooEe 8utton soon. 9 1inally "a5 to prop mysel1 up on one el8o% an5 a3tually open my eyes. 9 turne5 o11 t"e alarm an5 stare5 at t"e -lo%in- num8ers. (J A.7. S"it. 9?5 only -otten "ome at t"ree. ="y "a5 9 set t"e alarm 1or si*B 9 3oul5n?t remem8er. 9 am not at my 8est a1ter only t"ree "ours o1 sleep. 9 lay 8a3k 5o%n in t"e still %arm nest o1 s"eets. 7y eyes %ere 1lutterin- s"ut %"en 9 remem8ere5. 4omin-a Sal)a5or. S"e "a5 a-ree5 to meet me at .J A.7. to5ay. $alk a8out a 8reak1ast meetin-. 9 stru--le5 out o1 t"e s"eet@ an5 >ust sat on t"e si5e o1 t"e 8e5 1or a minute. $"e apartment %as a8solutely still. $"e only soun5 %as t"e "us"2"us" o1 t"e air2 3on5itionin-. Nuiet as a 1uneral.

9 -ot up t"en@ t"ou-"ts o1 8loo523oate5 te55y 8ears 5an3in- in my "ea5. 'i1teen minutes later 9 %as 5resse5. 9 al%ays s"o%ere5 a1ter 3omin- in 1rom %ork no matter "o% late it %as. 9 3oul5n?t stan5 t"e t"ou-"t o1 -oin- to 8e5 8et%een ni3e 3lean s"eets smeare5 %it" 5rie5 3"i3ken 8loo5. Sometimes it?s -oat 8loo5@ 8ut more o1ten 3"i3ken. 9 "a5 3ompromise5 on t"e out1it@ 3au-"t 8et%een s"o%in- respe3t an5 not meltin- in t"e "eat. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een easy i1 9 "a5n?t planne5 to 3arry a -un %it" me. !all me paranoi5@ 8ut 9 5on?t lea)e "ome %it"out it. $"e a3i5 %as"e5 >eans@ >o--in- so3ks@ an5 /ikes %ere easy. An :n3le 7ike?s inter2pants "olster 3omplete %it" a 'irestar 9mm 3omplete5 t"e out1it. $"e 'irestar %as my 8a3kup pie3e to t"e Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er. $"e Bro%nin- %as 1ar too 8ulky to put 5o%n an inter2pants "olster@ 8ut t"e 'irestar 1it ni3ely. /o% all 9 nee5e5 %as a s"irt t"at %oul5 "i5e t"e -un@ 8ut lea)e it a33essi8le to -ra8 an5 s"oot. $"is %as "ar5er t"an it soun5e5. 9 1inally settle5 on a s"ort@ almost mi55ri1t top t"at >ust 8arely 1ell o)er my %aist8an5. 9 turne5 in 1ront o1 t"e mirror. $"e -un %as in)isi8le as lon- as 9 5i5n?t 1or-et an5 raise my arms too "i-". $"e top@ un1ortunately@ %as a pale@ pale pink. ="at "a5 possesse5 me to 8uy t"is top@ 9 really 5i5n?t remem8er. 7ay8e it "a5 8een a -i1tB 9 "ope5 so. $"e t"ou-"t t"at 9 "a5 a3tually spent money on anyt"in- pink %as more t"an 9 3oul5 8ear. 9 "a5n?t opene5 t"e 5rapes at all yet. $"e entire apartment %as in t%ili-"t. 9 "a5 spe3ial2or5ere5 )ery "ea)y 5rapes. 9 rarely sa% sunli-"t@ an5 9 5i5n?t miss it mu3". 9 turne5 on t"e li-"t o)er my 1is" tank. $"e an-el1is" rose to%ar5s t"e top@ mout"s mo)in- in slo%2motion 8e--in-. 'is" are my i5ea o1 pets. Dou 5on?t %alk t"em@ pi3k up a1ter t"em@ or "a)e to "ouse8reak t"em. !lean t"e tank o33asionally@ 1ee5 t"em@ an5 t"ey 5on?t -i)e a 5amn "o% many "ours o1 o)ertime you %ork. $"e smell o1 stron- 8re%e5 3o11ee %a1te5 t"rou-" t"e apartment 1rom my 7r. !o11ee. 9 sat at my little t%o2seater kit3"en ta8le sippin- "ot@ 8la3k !olom8ian )inta-e. Beans 1res" 1rom my 1reeEer@ -roun5 on t"e spot. $"ere %as no ot"er %ay to 5rink 3o11ee. $"ou-" in a pin3" 9?ll take it >ust a8out any %ay 9 3an -et it. $"e 5oor8ell 3"ime5. 9 >umpe5@ spillin- 3o11ee onto t"e ta8le. /er)ousB 7eB 9 le1t my 'irestar on t"e kit3"en ta8le instea5 o1 takin- it to t"e 5oor %it" me. See@ 9?m not paranoi5. Hust )ery@ )ery 3are1ul. 9 3"e3ke5 t"e peep"ole an5 opene5 t"e 5oor. 7anny <o5ri-ueE stoo5 in t"e 5oor%ay. He?s a8out t%o in3"es taller t"an 9 am. His 3oal28la3k "air is streake5 %it" -rey an5 %"ite. $"i3k %a)es o1 it 1rame "is t"in 1a3e an5 8la3k musta3"e. He?s 1i1ty2t%o@ an5 %it" one e*3eption@ 9 %oul5 still rat"er "a)e "im 8a3kin- me in a 5an-erous situation t"an anyone else 9 kno%. =e s"ook "an5s@ %e al%ays 5o t"at. His -rip %as 1irm an5 5ry. He -rinne5 at me@ 1las"in- )ery %"ite teet" in "is 8ro%n 1a3e. A9 smell 3o11ee.C 9 -rinne5 8a3k. ADou kno% it?s all 9 "a)e 1or 8reak1ast.C He %alke5 in@ an5 9 lo3ke5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im@ "a8it. A<osita t"inks you 5on?t take 3are o1 yoursel1.C He 5roppe5 into a near2per1e3t imitation o1 "is %i1e?s s3ol5in- )oi3e@ a mu3" t"i3ker 7e*i3an a33ent t"an "is o%n. AS"e 5oesn?t eat ri-"t@ so t"in. Poor Anita@ no "us8an5@ not e)en a 8oy1rien5.C He -rinne5. A<osita soun5s like my stepmot"er. Hu5it" is si3k %it" %orry t"at 9?ll 8e an ol5 mai5.C ADou?re %"at@ t%enty21ourBC A7m2u".C He >ust s"ook "is "ea5. ASometimes 9 5o not un5erstan5 %omen.C 9t %as my turn to -rin. A="at am 9@ 3"oppe5 li)erBC AAnita@ you kno% 9 5i5n?t mean...C A9 kno%@ 9?m one o1 t"e 8oys. 9 un5erstan5.C ADou are 8etter t"an any o1 t"e 8oys at %ork.C ASit 5o%n. Let me pour 3o11ee in your mout" 8e1ore your 1oot 1its in a-ain.C ADou are 8ein- 5i11i3ult. Dou kno% %"at 9 meant.C He stare5 at me out o1 "is soli5 8ro%n eyes@ 1a3e )ery serious. 9 smile5. ADea"@ 9 kno% %"at you meant.C 9 pi3ke5 one o1 t"e 5oEen or so mu-s 1rom my kit3"en 3a8inet. 7y 1a)orite mu-s 5an-le5 1rom a mu-2tree on t"e 3ountertop. 7anny sat 5o%n@ sippin- 3o11ee@ -lan3in- at "is 3up. 9t %as re5 %it" 8la3k letters t"at sai5@ A9?m a 3ol5"earte5 8it3" 8ut 9?m -oo5 at it.C He lau-"e5 3o11ee up "is nose. 9 sippe5 my o%n 3o11ee 1rom a mu- 5e3orate5 %it" 1lu11y 8a8y pen-uinsJ 9?5 ne)er a5mit it@ 8ut it is my 1a)orite mu-. A="y 5on?t you 8rin- your pen-uin mu- to %orkBC "e aske5.

Bert?s latest 8rainstorm %as t"at %e all use personaliEe5 3o11ee 3ups at %ork. He t"ou-"t it %oul5 a55 a "omey note to t"e o11i3e. 9 "a5 8rou-"t in a -rey on -rey 3up t"at sai5@ A9t?s a 5irty >o8 an5 9 -et to 5o it.C Bert "a5 ma5e me take it "ome. A9 en>oy yankin- Bert?s 3"ain.C ASo you?re -oin- to keep 8rin-in- in una33epta8le 3ups.C 9 smile5. A7m2u".C He >ust s"ook "is "ea5. A9 really appre3iate you 3omin- to see 4omin-a %it" me.C He s"ru--e5. A9 3oul5n?t let you -o see t"e 5e)il %oman alone@ 3oul5 9BC 9 1ro%ne5 at t"e ni3kname@ or %as it an insultB A$"at?s %"at your %i1e 3alls 4omin-a@ not %"at 9 3all "er.C He -lan3e5 5o%n at t"e -un still lyin- on t"e ta8letop. ABut you?ll take a -un %it" you@ >ust in 3ase.C 9 looke5 at "im o)er t"e top o1 my 3up. AHust in 3ase.C A91 it 3omes to s"ootin- our %ay out@ Anita@ it %ill 8e too late. S"e "as 8o5y-uar5s all o)er t"e pla3e.C A9 5on?t plan to s"oot any8o5y. =e are >ust -oin- to ask a 1e% ;uestions. $"at?s all.C He smirke5. APor 1a)or@ SeQora Sal)a5or@ 5i5 you raise a killer Eom8ie re3entlyBC AKno3k it o11@ 7anny. 9 kno% it?s a%k%ar5.C AA%k%ar5BC He s"ook "is "ea5. AA%k%ar5@ s"e says. 91 you piss o11 4omin-a Sal)a5or@ it?s a "ell o1 a lot more t"an >ust a%k%ar5.C ADou 5on?t "a)e to 3ome.C ADou 3alle5 me 1or 8a3kup.C He smile5 t"at 8rilliant teet" 1las"in- smile t"at lit up "is entire 1a3e. ADou 5i5n?t 3all !"arles or Hamison. Dou 3alle5 me@ an5@ Anita@ t"at is t"e 8est 3ompliment you 3oul5 -i)e an ol5 man.C ADou?re not an ol5 man.C An5 9 meant it. A$"at is not %"at my %i1e keeps tellin- me. <osita "as 1or8i55en me to -o )ampire "untin- %it" you@ 8ut s"e 3an?t 3urtail my Eom8ie2relate5 a3ti)ities@ not yet any%ay.C $"e surprise must "a)e s"one on my 1a3e@ 8e3ause "e sai5@ A9 kno% s"e talke5 to you t%o years 8a3k@ %"en 9 %as in t"e "ospital.C ADou almost 5ie5@C 9 sai5. AAn5 you "a5 "o% many 8roken 8onesBC A<osita ma5e a reasona8le re;uest@ 7anny. Dou "a)e 1our 3"il5ren to t"ink o1.C AAn5 9?m too ol5 to 8e slayin- )ampires.C His )oi3e "el5 irony@ an5 almost 8itterness. ADou?ll ne)er 8e too ol5@C 9 sai5. AA ni3e t"ou-"t.C He 5raine5 "is 3o11ee mu-. A=e 8etter -o. 4on?t %ant to keep t"e SeQora %aitin-.C AGo5 1or8i5@C 9 sai5. AAmen@C "e sai5. 9 stare5 at "im as "e rinse5 "is mu- out in t"e sink. A4o you kno% somet"in- you?re not tellin- meBC A/o@C "e sai5. 9 rinse5 my o%n 3up@ still starin- at "im. 9 3oul5 1eel a suspi3ious 1ro%n 8et%een my eyes. A7annyBC AHonest 7e*i3an@ 9 5on?t kno% nut"in?.C A$"en %"at?s %ron-BC ADou kno% 9 %as )au5un 8e1ore <osita 3on)erte5 me to pure !"ristianity.C ADea"@ soBC A4omin-a Sal)a5or %as not >ust my priestess. S"e %as my lo)er.C 9 stare5 at "im 1or a 1e% "eart8eats. ADou?re ki55in-BC His 1a3e %as )ery serious as "e sai5@ A9 %oul5n?t >oke a8out somet"in- like t"at.C 9 s"ru--e5. People?s 3"oi3es o1 lo)ers ne)er 1aile5 to amaEe me. A$"at?s %"y you 3oul5 -et me a meetin- %it" "er on su3" s"ort noti3e.C He no55e5. A="y 5i5n?t you tell me 8e1oreBC

ABe3ause you mi-"t "a)e trie5 to sneak o)er t"ere %it"out me.C A=oul5 t"at "a)e 8een so 8a5BC He >ust stare5 at me@ 8ro%n eyes )ery serious. A7ay8e.C 9 -ot my -un 1rom t"e ta8le an5 1itte5 it to t"e inter2pants "olster. ,i-"t 8ullets. $"e Bro%nin- 3oul5 "ol5 1ourteen. But let?s -et realG i1 9 nee5e5 more t"an ei-"t 8ullets@ 9 %as 5ea5. An5 so %as 7anny. AS"it@C 9 %"ispere5. A="atBC A9 1eel like 9?m -oin- to )isit t"e 8o-eyman.C 7anny ma5e a 8a3k an5 1ort" motion %it" "is "ea5. A/ot a 8a5 analo-y.C Great@ >ust 1reakin-@ 8loo5y -reat. ="y %as 9 5oin- t"isB $"e ima-e o1 Ben>amin <eynol5s?s 8loo523oate5 te55y 8ear 1las"e5 into my min5. All ri-"t@ 9 kne% %"y 9 %as 5oin- it. 91 t"ere %as e)en a remote 3"an3e t"at t"e 8oy 3oul5 still 8e ali)e@ 9?5 -o into "ell itsel1Oi1 9 stoo5 a 3"an3e o1 3omin- 8a3k out. 9 5i5n?t mention t"is out lou5. 9 5i5 not %ant to kno% i1 "ell %as a -oo5 analo-y@ too.

Chapter Five
$"e nei-"8or"oo5 %as ol5er "ousesG 1i1ties@ 1orties. $"e la%ns %ere 5yin- to 8ro%n 1or la3k o1 %ater. /o sprinklers "ere. 'lo%ers stru--le5 to sur)i)e in 8e5s 3lose to t"e "ouses. 7ostly petunias@ -eraniums@ a 1e% rose8us"es. $"e streets %ere 3lean@ neat@ an5 one 8lo3k o)er you 3oul5 -et yoursel1 s"ot 1or %earin- t"e %ron- 3olor o1 >a3ket. Gan- a3ti)ity stoppe5 at SeQora Sal)a5or?s nei-"8or"oo5. ,)en teena-ers %it" automati3 pistols 1ear t"in-s you 3an?t stop %it" 8ullets no matter "o% -oo5 a s"ot you are. Sil)er plate5 8ullets %ill "arm a )ampire@ 8ut not kill it. 9t %ill kill a ly3ant"rope@ 8ut not a Eom8ie. Dou 3an "a3k t"e 5amn t"in-s to pie3es@ an5 t"e 5is3onne3te5 8o5y parts %ill 3ra%l a1ter you. 9?)e seen it. 9t ain?t pretty. $"e -an-s lea)e t"e SeQora?s tur1 alone. /o )iolen3e. 9t is a pla3e o1 permanent tru3e. $"ere are stories o1 one Hispani3 -an- t"at t"ou-"t it "a5 prote3tion a-ainst -ris2-ris. Some people say t"at t"e -an-?s e*2lea5er is still 5o%n in 4omin-a?s 8asement@ o8eyin- an o33asional or5er. He %as -reat s"o%2an52tell to any >u)enile 5elin;uents %"o -ot out o1 "an5. Personally@ 9 "a5 ne)er seen "er raise a Eom8ie. But t"en 9?5 ne)er seen "er 3all t"e snakes eit"er. 9?5 >ust as soon keep it t"at %ay. SeQora Sal)a5or?s t%o2story "ouse is on a8out a "al1 a3re o1 lan5. A ni3e roomy yar5. Bri-"t re5 -eraniums 1lame5 a-ainst t"e %"ite%as"e5 %alls. <e5 an5 %"ite@ 8loo5 an5 8one. 9 %as sure t"e sym8olism %as not lost on 3asual passers8y. 9t 3ertainly %asn?t lost on me. 7anny parke5 "is 3ar in t"e 5ri)e%ay 8e"in5 a 3ream 3olore5 9mpala. $"e t%o23ar -ara-e %as painte5 %"ite to mat3" t"e "ouse. $"ere %as a little -irl o1 a8out 1i)e ri5in- a tri3y3le 1uriously up an5 5o%n t"e si5e%alk. A sli-"tly ol5er pair o1 8oys %ere sittin- on t"e steps t"at le5 up to t"e por3". $"ey stoppe5 playin- an5 looke5 at us. A man stoo5 on t"e por3" 8e"in5 t"em. He %as %earin- a s"oul5er "olster o)er a slee)eless 8lue $2s"irt. Sort o1 8latant. All "e nee5e5 %as a 1las"in- neon si-n t"at sai5 ABa5 Ass.C $"ere %ere 3"alk markin-s on t"e si5e%alk. Pastel 3rosses an5 unrea5a8le 5ia-rams. 9t looke5 like a 3"il5ren?s -ame@ 8ut it %asn?t. Some 5e)ote5 1ans o1 t"e SeQora "a5 3"alke5 5esi-ns o1 %ors"ip in 1ront o1 "er "ouse. Stu8s o1 3an5les "a5 melte5 to lumps aroun5 t"e 5esi-ns. $"e -irl on t"e tri3y3le pe55le5 8a3k an5 1ort" o)er t"e 5esi-ns. /ormal@ ri-"tB 9 1ollo%e5 7anny o)er t"e sun2s3or3"e5 la%n. $"e little -irl on t"e tri3y3le %as %at3"in- us no%@ small 8ro%n 1a3e unrea5a8le. 7anny remo)e5 "is sun-lasses an5 smile5 up at t"e man. ABuenos 5Ras@ Antonio. 9t "as 8een a lon- time.C ASR@ A Antonio sai5. His )oi3e %as lo% an5 sullen. His 5eeply tanne5 arms %ere 3rosse5 loosely o)er "is 3"est. 9t put "is ri-"t "an5 ri-"t ne*t to "is -un 8utt. 9 use5 7anny?s 8o5y to s"iel5 me 1rom si-"t an5 3asually put my "an5s 3lose to my o%n -un. $"e Boy S3out motto@ AAl%ays 8e prepare5.C #r %as t"at t"e 7arinesB ADou?)e 8e3ome a stron-@ "an5some man@C 7anny sai5. A7y -ran5mot"er says 9 must let you in@C Antonio sai5. AS"e is a %ise %oman@C 7anny sai5. Antonio s"ru--e5. AS"e is t"e SeQora.C He peere5 aroun5 7anny at me. A="o is t"isBC ASeQorita Anita Blake.C 7anny steppe5 8a3k so 9 3oul5 mo)e 1or%ar5. 9 5i5@ ri-"t "an5 loose on my %aist like 9 "a5 an attitu5e@ 8ut it %as t"e 3losest 9 3oul5 stay to my -un.

Antonio looke5 5o%n at me. His 5ark eyes %ere an-ry@ 8ut t"at %as all. He 5i5n?t "a)e near t"e -aEe o1 Harol5 Gaynor?s 8o5y-uar5s. 9 smile5. A/i3e to meet you.C He s;uinte5 at me suspi3iously 1or a moment@ t"en no55e5. 9 3ontinue5 to smile at "im@ an5 a slo% smile sprea5 o)er "is 1a3e. He t"ou-"t 9 %as 1lirtin- %it" "im. 9 let "im t"ink it. He sai5 somet"in- in Spanis". All 9 3oul5 5o %as smile an5 s"ake my "ea5. He spoke so1tly@ an5 t"ere %as a look in "is 5ark eyes@ a 3ur)e to "is mout". 9 5i5n?t "a)e to speak t"e lan-ua-e to kno% 9 %as 8ein- propositione5. #r insulte5. 7anny?s ne3k %as sti11@ "is 1a3e 1lus"e5. He sai5 somet"in- 1rom 8et%een 3len3"e5 teet". 9t %as Antonio?s turn to 1lus". His "an5 starte5 to -o 1or "is -un. 9 steppe5 up t%o steps@ tou3"in- "is %rist as i1 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at %as -oin- on. $"e tension in "is arm %as like a %ire@ strainin-. 9 8eame5 up at "im as 9 "el5 "is %rist. His eyes 1li3ke5 1rom 7anny to me@ t"en t"e tension ease5@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t let -o o1 "is %rist until "is arm 1ell to "is si5e. He raise5 my "an5 to "is lips@ kissin- it. His mout" lin-ere5 on t"e 8a3k o1 my "an5@ 8ut "is eyes staye5 on 7anny. An-ry@ ra-e21ille5. Antonio 3arrie5 a -un@ 8ut "e %as an amateur. Amateurs %it" -uns e)entually -et t"emsel)es kille5. 9 %on5ere5 i1 4omin-a Sal)a5or kne% t"atB S"e may "a)e 8een a %"iE at )oo5oo 8ut 9 8et s"e 5i5n?t kno% mu3" a8out -uns@ an5 %"at it took to use one on a re-ular 8asis. ="ate)er it took@ Antonio 5i5n?t "a)e it. He?5 kill you all ri-"t. /o s%eat. But 1or t"e %ron- reasons. Amateur?s reasons. #1 3ourse@ you?ll 8e >ust as 5ea5. He -ui5e5 me up on t"e por3" 8esi5e "im@ still "ol5in- my "an5. 9t %as my le1t "an5. He 3oul5 "ol5 t"at all 5ay. A9 must 3"e3k you 1or %eapons@ 7anuel.C A9 un5erstan5@C 7anny sai5. He steppe5 up on t"e por3" an5 Antonio steppe5 8a3k@ keepin- room 8et%een t"em in 3ase 7anny >umpe5 "im. $"at le1t me %it" a 3lear s"ot o1 Antonio?s 8a3k. !arelessG un5er 5i11erent 3ir3umstan3es@ 5ea5ly. He ma5e 7anny lean a-ainst t"e por3" railin- like a poli3e 1risk. Antonio kne% %"at "e %as 5oin-@ 8ut it %as an an-ry sear3"@ lots o1 ;ui3k >erky "an5 mo)ements@ as i1 >ust tou3"in- 7anny?s 8o5y enra-e5 "im. A lot o1 "ate in ol5 $ony. 9t ne)er o33urre5 to "im to pat me 5o%n 1or %eapons. $sk2tsk. A se3on5 man 3ame to t"e s3reen 5oor. He %as in "is late 1orties@ may8e. He %as %earin- a %"ite un5ers"irt %it" a plai5 s"irt un8uttone5 o)er it. $"e slee)es %ere 1ol5e5 8a3k as 1ar as t"ey?5 -o. S%eat stoo5 out on "is 1ore"ea5. 9 %as 8ettint"ere %as a -un at t"e small o1 "is 8a3k. His 8la3k "air "a5 a pure %"ite streak >ust o)er t"e 1ore"ea5. A="at is takin- so lon-@ AntonioBC His )oi3e %as t"i3k an5 "el5 an a33ent. A9 sear3"e5 "im 1or %eapons.C $"e ol5er man no55e5. AS"e is rea5y to see you 8ot".C Antonio stoo5 to one si5e@ takin- up "is post on t"e por3" on3e more. He ma5e a kissin- noise as 9 %alke5 past. 9 1elt 7anny sti11en@ 8ut %e ma5e it into t"e li)in- room %it"out anyone -ettin- s"ot. =e %ere on a roll. $"e li)in- room %as spa3ious@ %it" a 5inin-2room set takin- up t"e le1t2"an5 si5e. $"ere %as a %all piano in t"e li)inroom. 9 %on5ere5 %"o playe5. AntonioB /a%. =e 1ollo%e5 t"e man t"rou-" a s"ort "all%ay into a roomy kit3"en. Gol5en o8lon-s o1 suns"ine lay "ea)y on a 8la3k an5 %"ite tile5 1loor. $"e 1loor an5 kit3"en %ere ol5@ 8ut t"e applian3es %ere ne%. #ne o1 t"ose 5elu*e re1ri-erators %it" an i3e maker an5 %ater 5ispenser took up a "unk o1 t"e 8a3k %all. All t"e applian3es %ere 5one in a pale yello%J Har)est Gol5@ Autumn BronEe. Sittin- at t"e kit3"en ta8le %as a %oman in "er early si*ties. Her t"in 8ro%n 1a3e %as seame5 %it" a lot o1 smile lines. Pure %"ite "air %as 5one in a 8un at t"e nape o1 "er ne3k. S"e sat )ery strai-"t in "er 3"air@ t"in28one5 "an5s 1ol5e5 on t"e ta8letop. S"e looke5 terri8ly "armless. A ni3e ol5 -ranny. 91 a ;uarter o1 %"at 9?5 "ear5 a8out "er %as true@ it %as t"e -reatest 3amou1la-e 9?5 e)er seen. S"e smile5 an5 "el5 out "er "an5s. 7anny steppe5 1or%ar5 an5 took t"e o11erin-@ 8rus"in- "is lips on "er knu3kles. A9t is -oo5 to see you@ 7anuel.C Her )oi3e %as ri3"@ a 3ontralto %it" t"e )el)et 8rus" o1 an a33ent. AAn5 you@ 4omin-a.C He release5 "er "an5s an5 sat a3ross 1rom "er. Her ;ui3k 8la3k eyes 1li3ke5 to me@ still stan5in- in t"e 5oor%ay. ASo@ Anita Blake@ you "a)e 3ome to me at last.C 9t %as a stran-e t"in- to say. 9 -lan3e5 at 7anny. He -a)e a s"ru- %it" "is eyes. He 5i5n?t kno% %"at s"e meant eit"er. Great. A9 5i5n?t kno% you %ere ea-erly a%aitin- me@ SeQora.C A9 "a)e "ear5 stories o1 you@ 3"i3a. =on5rous stories.C $"ere %as a "int in t"ose 8la3k eyes@ t"at smilin- 1a3e@ t"at %as not "armless. A7annyBC 9 aske5. A9t %asn?t me.C A/o@ 7anuel 5oes not talk to me anymore. His little %i1e 1or8i5s it.C $"at last senten3e %as an-ry@ 8itter. #"@ Go5. $"e most po%er1ul )oo5oo priestess in t"e 7i5%est %as a3tin- like a s3orne5 lo)er. S"it. S"e turne5 t"ose an-ry 8la3k eyes to me. AAll %"o 5eal in )au5un 3ome to SeQora Sal)a5or e)entually.C

A9 5o not 5eal in )au5un.C S"e lau-"e5 at t"at. All t"e lines in "er 1a3e 1lo%e5 into t"e lau-"ter. ADou raise t"e 5ea5@ t"e Eom8ie@ an5 you 5o not 5eal in )au5un. #"@ 3"i3a@ t"at is 1unny.C Her )oi3e sparkle5 %it" -enuine amusement. So -la5 9 3oul5 make "er 5ay. A4omin-a@ 9 tol5 you %"y %e %is"e5 t"is meetin-. 9 ma5e it )ery 3lear ... C 7anny sai5. S"e %a)e5 "im to silen3e. A#"@ you %ere )ery 3are1ul on t"e p"one@ 7anuel.C S"e leane5 to%ar5s me. AHe ma5e it )ery 3lear t"at you %ere not "ere to parti3ipate in any o1 my pa-an rituals.C $"e 8itterness in "er )oi3e %as s"arp enou-" to 3"oke on. A!ome "ere@ 3"i3a@C s"e sai5. S"e "el5 out one "an5 to me@ not 8ot". =as 9 suppose5 to kiss it as 7anny "a5 5one. 9 5i5n?t t"ink 9?5 3ome to see t"e pope. 9 realiEe5 t"en t"at 9 5i5n?t %ant to tou3" "er. S"e "a5 5one not"in- %ron-. Det@ t"e mus3les in my s"oul5ers %ere s3reamin- %it" tension. 9 %as a1rai5@ an5 9 5i5n?t kno% %"y. 9 steppe5 1or%ar5 an5 took "er "an5@ un3ertain %"at to 5o %it" it. Her skin %as %arm an5 5ry. S"e sort o1 lo%ere5 me to t"e 3"air 3losest to "er@ still "ol5in- my "an5. S"e sai5 somet"in- in "er so1t@ 5eep )oi3e. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?m sorry 9 5on?t un5erstan5 Spanis".C S"e tou3"e5 my "air %it" "er 1ree "an5. ABla3k "air like t"e %in- o1 a 3ro%. 9t 5oes not 3ome 1rom any pale skin.C A7y mot"er %as 7e*i3an.C ADet you 5o not speak "er ton-ue.C S"e %as still "ol5in- my "an5@ an5 9 %ante5 it 8a3k. AS"e 5ie5 %"en 9 %as youn-. 9 %as raise5 8y my 1at"er?s people.C A9 see.C 9 pulle5 my "an5 1ree an5 instantly 1elt 8etter. S"e "a5 5one not"in- to me. /ot"in-. ="y %as 9 so 5amn >umpyB $"e man %it" t"e streake5 "air "a5 taken up a post 8e"in5 t"e SeQora. 9 3oul5 see "im 3learly. His "an5s %ere in plain si-"t. 9 3oul5 see t"e 8a3k 5oor an5 t"e entran3e to t"e kit3"en. /o one %as sneakin- up 8e"in5 me. But t"e "air at t"e 8ase o1 my skull %as stan5in- at attention. 9 -lan3e5 at 7anny@ 8ut "e %as starin- at 4omin-a. His "an5s %ere -rippe5 to-et"er on t"e ta8letop so ti-"tly t"at "is knu3kles %ere mottle5. 9 1elt like someone at a 1orei-n 1ilm 1esti)al %it"out su8titles. 9 3oul5 sort o1 -uess %"at %as -oin- on@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure 9 %as ri-"t. $"e 3reepin- skin on my ne3k tol5 me some "o3us2po3us %as -oin- on. 7anny?s rea3tion sai5 t"at >ust may8e t"e "o3us2po3us %as meant 1or "im. 7anny?s s"oul5ers slumpe5. His "an5s rela*e5 t"eir a%1ul tension. 9t %as a )isi8le release o1 some kin5. 4omin-a smile5@ a 8rilliant 1las" o1 teet". ADou 3oul5 "a)e 8een so po%er1ul@ mi 3oraESn.C A9 5i5 not %ant t"e po%er@ 4omin-a@C "e sai5. 9 stare5 1rom one to t"e ot"er@ not e*a3tly sure %"at "a5 >ust "appene5. 9 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 to kno%. 9 %as %illin- to 8elie)e t"at i-noran3e %as 8liss. 9t so o1ten is. S"e turne5 "er ;ui3k 8la3k eyes to me. AAn5 you@ 3"i3a@ 5o you %ant po%erBC $"e 3reepin- sensation at t"e 8ase o1 my skull sprea5 o)er my 8o5y. 9t 1elt like inse3ts mar3"in- on my skin. S"it. A/o.C A ni3e simple ans%er. 7ay8e 9 s"oul5 try t"ose more o1ten. APer"aps not@ 8ut you %ill.C 9 5i5n?t like t"e %ay s"e sai5 t"at. 9t %as ri5i3ulous to 8e sittin- in a sunny kit3"en at .J20 in t"e mornin-@ an5 8e s3are5. But t"ere it %as. 7y -ut %as t%it3"in- %it" it. S"e stare5 at me. Her eyes %ere >ust eyes. $"ere %as none o1 t"at se5u3ti)e po%er o1 a )ampire. $"ey %ere >ust eyes@ an5 yet ... $"e "air on my ne3k trie5 to 3ra%l 5o%n my spine. Goose 8umps 8roke out on my 8o5y@ a rus" o1 pri3klin- %armt". 9 li3ke5 my lips an5 stare5 at 4omin-a Sal)a5or. 9t %as a slap o1 ma-i3. S"e %as testin- me. 9?5 "a5 it 5one 8e1ore. People are so 1as3inate5 %it" %"at 9 5o. !on)in3e5 t"at 9 kno% ma-i3. 9 5on?t. 9 "a)e an a11inity %it" t"e 5ea5. 9t?s not t"e same. 9 stare5 into "er nearly 8la3k eyes an5 1elt mysel1 s%ay 1or%ar5. 9t %as like 1allin- %it"out mo)ement. $"e %orl5 sort o1 s%un- 1or a moment@ t"en stea5ie5. =armt" 8urst out o1 my 8o5y@ like a t%istin- rope o1 "eat. 9t %ent out%ar5 to t"e ol5 %oman. 9t "it "er soli5@ an5 9 1elt it like a >olt o1 ele3tri3ity. 9 stoo5 up@ -aspin- 1or air. AS"itIC AAnita@ are you all ri-"tBC 7anny %as stan5in- no%@ too. He tou3"e5 my arm -ently. A9?m not sure. ="at t"e "ell 5i5 s"e 5o to meBC

A9t is %"at you "a)e 5one to me@ 3"i3a@C 4omin-a sai5. S"e looke5 a little pale aroun5 t"e e5-es. S%eat 8ea5e5 on "er 1ore"ea5. $"e man stoo5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all@ "is "an5s loose an5 rea5y. A/o@C 4omin-a sai5@ A,nEo@ 9 am all ri-"t.C Her )oi3e %as 8reat"y as i1 s"e "a5 8een runnin-J 9 staye5 stan5in-. 9 %ante5 to -o "ome no%@ please. A=e 5i5 not 3ome "ere 1or -ames@ 4omin-a@C 7anny sai5. His )oi3e "a5 5eepene5 %it" an-er an5@ 9 t"ink@ 1ear. 9 a-ree5 %it" t"at last emotion. A9t is not a -ame@ 7anuel. Ha)e you 1or-otten e)eryt"in- 9 tau-"t you. ,)eryt"in- you %ereBC A9 "a)e 1or-otten not"in-@ 8ut 9 5i5 not 8rin- "er "ere to 8e "arme5.C A="et"er s"e is "arme5 or not is up to "er@ mi 3oraESn.C 9 5i5n?t mu3" like t"at last part. ADou?re not -oin- to "elp us. Dou?re >ust -oin- to play 3at an5 mouse. =ell@ t"is mouse is lea)in-.C 9 turne5 to lea)e@ keepin- a %at3"1ul eye on ,nEo. He %asn?t an amateur. A4on?t you %is" to 1in5 t"e little 8oy t"at 7anny sai5 %as takenB $"ree years ol5@ )ery youn- to 8e in t"e "an5s o1 t"e 8okor.C 9t stoppe5 me. S"e kne% it %oul5. 4amn "er. A="at is a 8okorBC S"e smile5. ADou really 5on?t kno%@ 5o youBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. $"e smile %i5ene5@ all surprise5 pleasure. APla3e your ri-"t "an5 palm up on t"e ta8le@ por 1a)or.C A91 you kno% somet"in- a8out t"e 8oy@ >ust tell me. Please.C A,n5ure my little tests@ an5 9 %ill "elp you.C A="at sort o1 testsBC 9 "ope5 9 soun5e5 as suspi3ious as 9 1elt. 4omin-a lau-"e5@ an a8rupt an5 3"eery soun5. 9t %ent %it" all t"e smile lines in "er 1a3e. Her eyes %ere pra3ti3ally sparklin- %it" mirt". ="y 5i5 9 1eel like s"e %as lau-"in- at meB A!ome@ 3"i3a@ 9 %ill not "urt you@C s"e sai5. A7annyBC A91 s"e 5oes anyt"in- t"at may "arm you@ 9 %ill say so.C 4omin-a -aEe5 up at me@ a sort o1 puEEle5 %on5er on "er 1a3e. A9 "a)e "ear5 t"at you 3an raise t"ree Eom8ies in a ni-"t@ ni-"t a1ter ni-"t. Det@ you truly are a no)i3e.C A9-noran3e is 8liss@C 9 sai5. ASit@ 3"i3a. $"is %ill not "urt@ 9 promise.C $"is %ill not "urt. 9t promise5 more pain1ul t"in-s later. 9 sat. AAny 5elay 3oul5 3ost t"e 8oy "is li1e.C $ry to appeal to "er -oo5 si5e. S"e leane5 to%ar5s me. A4o you really t"ink t"e 3"il5 is still ali)eBC Guess s"e 5i5n?t "a)e a -oo5 si5e. 9 leane5 8a3k 1rom "er. 9 3oul5n?t "elp it@ an5 9 3oul5n?t lie to "er. A/o.C A$"en %e "a)e time@ 5on?t %eBC A$ime 1or %"atBC ADour "an5@ 3"i3a@ por 1a)or@ t"en 9 %ill ans%er your ;uestions.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 pla3e5 my ri-"t "an5 on t"e ta8le@ palm up. S"e %as 8ein- mysterious. 9 "ate5 people %"o %ere mysterious. S"e 8rou-"t a small 8la3k 8a- 1rom un5er t"e ta8le@ as i1 it "a5 8een sittin- in "er lap t"e %"ole time. Like s"e?5 planne5 t"is. 7anny %as starin- at t"e 8a- like somet"in- noisome %as a8out to 3ra%l out. !lose. 4omin-a Sal)a5or pulle5 somet"innoisome out o1 it. 9t %as a 3"arm@ a -ris2-ris ma5e o1 8la3k 1eat"ers@ 8its o1 8one@ a mummi1ie5 8ir5?s 1oot. 9 t"ou-"t at 1irst it %as a 3"i3ken until 9 sa% t"e t"i3k 8la3k talons. $"ere %as a "a%k or ea-le out t"ere some%"ere %it" a pe- le-. 9 "a5 )isions o1 "er 5i--in- t"e talons into my 1les"@ an5 %as all tense5 to pull a%ay. But s"e simply pla3e5 t"e -ris2-ris on my open palm. 'eat"ers@ 8its o1 8one@ t"e 5rie5 "a%k 1oot. 9t %asn?t slimy. 9t 5i5n?t "urt. 9n 1a3t@ 9 1elt a little silly. $"en 9 1elt it@ %armt". $"e t"in- %as %arm@ sittin- t"ere in my "an5. 9t "a5n?t 8een %arm a se3on5 a-o. A="at are you 5oin- to itBC 4omin-a 5i5n?t ans%er. 9 -lan3e5 up at "er@ 8ut "er eyes %ere starin- at my "an5@ intent. Like a 3at a8out to poun3e.

9 -lan3e5 8a3k 5o%n. $"e talons 1le*e5@ t"en sprea5@ t"en 1le*e5. 9t %as mo)in- in my "an5. AS"iiitIC 9 %ante5 to stan5 up. $o 1lin- t"e )ile t"in- to t"e 1loor. But 9 5i5n?t. 9 sat t"ere %it" e)ery "air on my 8o5y tin-lin-@ my pulse t"u55in- in my t"roat@ an5 let t"e t"in- mo)e in my "an5. AAll ri-"t@C my )oi3e soun5e5 8reat"y@ A9?)e passe5 your little test. /o% -et t"is t"in- t"e "ell out o1 my "an5.C 4omin-a li1te5 t"e 3la% -ently 1rom my "an5. S"e %as 3are1ul not to tou3" my skin. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"y@ 8ut it %as a noti3ea8le e11ort. A4ammit@ 5ammitIC 9 %"ispere5 un5er my 8reat". 9 ru88e5 my "an5 a-ainst my stoma3"@ tou3"in- t"e -un "i55en t"ere. 9t %as 3om1ortin- to kno% t"at i1 %orse 3ame to %orst@ 9 3oul5 >ust s"oot "er. Be1ore s"e s3are5 me to 5eat". A!an %e -et 5o%n to 8usiness no%BC 7y )oi3e soun5e5 almost stea5y. Bully 1or me. 4omin-a %as 3ra5lin- t"e 3la% in "er "an5s. ADou ma5e t"e 3la% mo)e. Dou %ere 1ri-"tene5@ 8ut not surprise5. ="yBC ="at 3oul5 9 sayB /ot"in- 9 %ante5 "er to kno%. A9 "a)e an a11inity %it" t"e 5ea5. 9t respon5s to me like some people 3an rea5 t"ou-"ts.C S"e smile5. A4o you really 8elie)e t"at your a8ility to raise t"e 5ea5 is like min5 rea5in-B Parlor tri3ksBC 4omin-a "a5 o8)iously ne)er met a really -oo5 telepat". 91 s"e "a5@ s"e %oul5n?t "a)e 8een s3orn1ulJ 9n t"eir o%n %ay@ t"ey %ere >ust as s3ary as s"e %as. A9 raise t"e 5ea5@ SeQora. 9t is >ust a >o8.C ADou 5o not 8elie)e t"at any more t"an 9 5o.C A9 try real "ar5@C 9 sai5. ADou?)e 8een teste5 8e1ore 8y someone.C S"e ma5e it a statement. A7y -ran5mot"er on my mot"er?s si5e teste5 me@ 8ut not %it" t"at.C 9 pointe5 to t"e still 1le*in- 1oot. 9t looke5 like one o1 t"ose 1ake "an5s t"at you 3an 8uy at Spen3er?s. /o% t"at 9 %asn?t "ol5in- it@ 9 3oul5 preten5 it >ust "a5 tiny little 8atteries in it some%"ere. <i-"t. AS"e %as )au5unBC 9 no55e5. A="y 5i5 you not stu5y %it" "erBC A9 "a)e an in8orn -i1t 1or raisin- t"e 5ea5. $"at 5oesn?t 5i3tate my reli-ious pre1eren3es.C ADou are !"ristian.C S"e ma5e t"e %or5 soun5 like somet"in- 8a5. A$"at?s it.C 9 stoo5. A9 %is" 9 3oul5 say it?s 8een a pleasure@ 8ut it "asn?t.C AAsk your ;uestions@ 3"i3a.C A="atBC $"e 3"an-e o1 su8>e3t %as too 1ast 1or me. AAsk %"ate)er you 3ame "ere to ask@C s"e sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at 7anny. A91 s"e says s"e %ill ans%er@ s"e %ill ans%er.C He 5i5n?t look 3ompletely "appy a8out it. 9 sat 5o%n@ a-ain. $"e ne*t insult an5 9?m outta "ere. But i1 s"e 3oul5 really "elp ... o"@ "ell@ s"e %as 5an-lin- t"at t"in little t"rea5 o1 "ope. An5 a1ter %"at 9?5 seen at t"e <eynol5s "ouse@ 9 %as -ra88in- 1or it. 9 "a5 planne5 to 8e as polite as possi8le on t"e %or5in- o1 t"e ;uestion@ no% 9 5i5n?t -i)e a s"it. AHa)e you raise5 a Eom8ie in t"e last 1e% %eeksBC ASome@C s"e sai5. #kay. 9 "esitate5 o)er t"e ne*t ;uestion. $"e 1eel o1 t"at t"in- mo)in- in my "an5 1las"e5 8a3k on me. 9 ru88e5 my "an5 a-ainst my pants le- as i1 9 3oul5 ru8 t"e sensation a%ay. ="at %as t"e %orst s"e 3oul5 5o to me i1 9 o11en5e5 "erB 4on?t ask. AHa)e you sent any Eom8ies out on erran5s ... o1 re)en-eBC $"ereG t"at %as polite@ amaEin-. A/one.C AAre you sureBC 9 aske5. S"e smile5. A9?5 remem8er i1 9 loose5 mur5erers 1rom t"e -ra)e.C AKiller Eom8ies 5on?t "a)e to 8e mur5erers@C 9 sai5. A#"BC Her pale eye8ro%s raise5. AAre you so )ery 1amiliar %it" raisin- Fkiller? Eom8iesBC 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to s;uirm like a s3"ool3"il5 3au-"t at a lie. A#nly one.C A$ell me.C A/o.C 7y )oi3e %as )ery 1irm. A/o@ t"at is a pri)ate matter.C A pri)ate ni-"tmare t"at 9 %as not -oin- to s"are %it" t"e )oo5oo la5y. 9 5e3i5e5 to 3"an-e t"e su8>e3t >ust a little. A9?)e raise5 mur5erers 8e1ore. $"ey %eren?t more )iolent t"an re-ular un5ea5.C

AHo% many 5ea5 "a)e you 3alle5 1rom t"e -ra)eBC s"e aske5. 9 s"ru--e5. A9 5on?t kno%.C AGi)e me anCOs"e seeme5 to 8e -ropin- 1or a %or5 2 Aestimation.C A9 3an?t. 9t must "a)e 8een "un5re5s.C AA t"ousan5BC s"e aske5. A7ay8e@ 9 "a)en?t kept 3ount@C 9 sai5. AHas your 8oss at Animators@ 9n3orporate5@ kept 3ountBC A9 %oul5 assume t"at all my 3lients are on 1ile@ yes@C 9 sai5. S"e smile5. A9 %oul5 8e intereste5 in kno%in- t"e e*a3t num8er.C ="at 3oul5 it "urtB A9?ll 1in5 out i1 9 3an.C ASu3" an o8e5ient -irl.C S"e stoo5. A9 5i5 not raise t"is Fkiller? Eom8ie o1 yours. 91 t"at is %"at is eatin- 3itiEens.C S"e smile5@ almost lau-"e5@ as i1 it %ere 1unny. ABut 9 kno% people t"at %oul5 ne)er speak to you. People t"at 3oul5 5o t"is "orri8le 5ee5. 9 %ill ;uestion t"em@ an5 t"ey %ill ans%er me. 9 %ill "a)e trut" 1rom t"em@ an5 9 %ill pass t"is trut" on to you@ Anita.C S"e sai5 my name like it %as meant to 8e sai5@ A"neeta". 7a5e it soun5 e*oti3. A$"ank you )ery mu3"@ SeQora Sal)a5or.C ABut t"ere is one 1a)or 9 %ill ask in return 1or t"is in1ormation@C s"e sai5. Somet"in- unpleasant %as a8out to 8e sai5@ 9?5 "a)e 8et on it. A="at %oul5 t"at 1a)or 8e@ SeQoraBC A9 %ant you to pass one more test 1or me.C 9 stare5 at "er@ %aitin- 1or "er to -o on@ 8ut s"e 5i5n?t. A="at sort o1 testBC 9 aske5. A!ome 5o%nstairs@ an5 9 %ill s"o% you.C Her )oi3e %as mil5 as "oney. A/o@ 4omin-a@C 7anny sai5. He %as stan5in- no%. AAnita@ not"in- t"e SeQora 3oul5 tell you %oul5 8e %ort" %"at s"e %ants.C A9 3an talk to people an5 t"in-s t"at %ill not talk to you@ eit"er o1 you. Goo5 !"ristians t"at you are.C A!ome on@ Anita@ %e 5on?t nee5 "er "elp.C He "a5 starte5 1or t"e 5oor. 9 5i5n?t 1ollo% "im. 7anny "a5n?t seen t"e slau-"tere5 1amily. He "a5n?t 5reame5 a8out 8loo523oate5 te55y 8ears last ni-"t. 9 "a5. 9 3oul5n?t lea)e i1 s"e 3oul5 "elp me. ="et"er Ben>amin <eynol5s %as 5ea5 or not %asn?t t"e point. $"e t"in-@ %"ate)er it %as@ %oul5 kill a-ain. An5 9 %as 8ettin- it "a5 somet"in- to 5o %it" )oo5oo. 9t %asn?t my area. 9 nee5e5 "elp@ an5 9 nee5e5 it 1ast. AAnita@ 3ome on.C He tou3"e5 my arm@ pullin- me a little to%ar5s t"e 5oor. A$ell me a8out t"e test.C 4omin-a smile5 triump"antly. S"e kne% s"e "a5 me. S"e kne% 9 %asn?t lea)in- until 9 "a5 "er promise5 "elp. 4amn. ALet us retire to t"e 8asement. 9 %ill e*plain t"e test t"ere.C 7anny?s -rip on my arm ti-"tene5. AAnita@ you 5on?t kno% %"at you?re 5oin-.C He %as ri-"t@ 8ut ... AHust stay %it" me@ 7anny@ 8a3k me up. 4on?t let me 5o anyt"in- t"at %ill really "urt. #kayBC AAnita@ anyt"in- s"e %ants you to 5o 5o%n t"ere %ill "urt. 7ay8e not p"ysi3ally@ 8ut it %ill "urt.C A9 "a)e to 5o t"is@ 7anny.C 9 patte5 "is "an5 an5 smile5. A9t?ll 8e all ri-"t.C A/o@C "e sai5@ Ait %on?t 8e.C 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say to t"at@ e*3ept t"at "e %as pro8a8ly ri-"t. But it 5i5n?t matter. 9 %as -oin- to 5o it. ="ate)er s"e aske5@ %it"in reason@ i1 it %oul5 stop t"e killin-s. 91 it %oul5 1i* it so t"at 9 ne)er "a5 to see anot"er "al12eaten 8o5y. 4omin-a smile5. ALet us -o 5o%nstairs.C F A7ay 9 speak %it" Anita alone@ SeQora@ por 1a)or@C 7anny sai5. His "an5 %as still on my arm. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e tension in "is "an5. ADou %ill "a)e t"e rest o1 t"is 8eauti1ul 5ay to talk to "er@ 7anuel. But 9 "a)e only t"is s"ort time. 91 s"e 5oes t"is test 1or me no%@ 9 promise to ai5 "er in any %ay 9 3an to 3at3" t"is killer.C 9t %as a po%er1ul o11er. A lot o1 people %oul5 talk to "er >ust out o1 pure terror. $"e poli3e 3an?t inspire t"at. All t"ey 3an 5o is arrest you. 9t %asn?t enou-" o1 a 5eterrent. Ha)in- t"e un5ea5 3ra%l t"rou-" your %in5o% ... t"at %as a 5eterrent. 'our@ may8e 1i)e people %ere alrea5y 5ea5. 9t %as a 8a5 %ay to 5ie. A9?)e alrea5y sai5 9?5 5o it. Let?s -o.C S"e %alke5 aroun5 t"e ta8le an5 took 7anny?s arm. He >umpe5 like s"e?5 stru3k "im. S"e pulle5 "im a%ay 1rom me. A/o "arm %ill 3ome to "er@ 7anuel. 9 s%ear.C

A9 5o not trust you@ 4omin-a.C S"e lau-"e5. ABut it is "er 3"oi3e@ 7anuel. 9 "a)e not 1or3e5 "er.C ADou "a)e 8la3kmaile5 "er@ 4omin-a. Bla3kmaile5 "er %it" t"e sa1ety o1 ot"ers.C S"e looke5 8a3k o)er "er s"oul5er. AHa)e 9 8la3kmaile5 you@ 3"i3aBC ADes@C 9 sai5. A#"@ s"e is your stu5ent@ 3oraESn. S"e "as your "onesty. An5 your 8ra)ery.C AS"e is 8ra)e@ 8ut s"e "as not seen %"at lies 8elo%.C 9 %ante5 to ask %"at e*a3tly %as in t"e 8asement@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 9 really 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. 9?)e "a5 people %arn me a8out supernatural s"it 8e1ore. 4on?t -o in t"at roomG t"e monster %ill -et you. $"ere usually is a monster@ an5 it usually tries to -et me. But up till no% 9?)e 8een 1aster or lu3kier t"an t"e monsters. Here?s to my lu3k "ol5in-. 9 %is"e5 t"at 9 3oul5 "ee5 7anny?s %arnin-. Goin- "ome soun5e5 )ery -oo5 a8out no%@ 8ut 5uty reare5 its u-ly "ea5. 4uty an5 a %"isper o1 ni-"tmares. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see anot"er 8ut3"ere5 1amily. 4omin-a le5 7anny 1rom t"e room. 9 1ollo%e5 %it" ,nEo 8rin-in- up t"e rear. ="at a 5ay 1or a para5e.

Chapter Six
$"e 8asement stairs %ere steep@ %oo5en slats. Dou 3oul5 1eel t"e )i8rations in t"e stairs as %e trompe5 5o%n t"em. 9t %as not 3om1ortin-. $"e 8ri-"t sunli-"t 1rom t"e 5oor spille5 into a8solute 5arkness. $"e sunli-"t 1altere5@ seeme5 to 1a5e as i1 it "a5 no po%er in t"is 3a)elike pla3e. 9 stoppe5 on t"e -rey e5-e o1 5ayli-"t@ starin- 5o%n into t"e ni-"t25ark o1 t"e room. 9 3oul5n?t e)en make out 4omin-a an5 7anny. $"ey "a5 to 8e >ust in 1ront o1 me@ 5i5n?t t"eyB ,nEo t"e 8o5y-uar5 %aite5 at my 8a3k like some patient mountain. He ma5e no mo)e to "urry me. =as it my 5e3ision t"enB !oul5 9 >ust pa3k up my toys an5 -o "omeB A7anny@C 9 3alle5. A )oi3e 3ame 5istantly. $oo 1ar a%ay. 7ay8e it %as an a3ousti3 tri3k o1 t"e room. 7ay8e not. A9?m "ere@ Anita.C 9 straine5 to see %"ere t"e )oi3e %as 3omin- 1rom@ 8ut t"ere %as not"in- to see. 9 took t%o steps 1art"er 5o%n into t"e inky 5ark an5 stoppe5 like 9?5 "it a %all. $"ere %as t"e 5amp ro3k smell o1 most 8asements@ 8ut un5er t"at somet"instale@ sour@ s%eet. $"at almost in5es3ri8a8le smell o1 3orpses. 9t %as 1aint "ere at t"e "ea5 o1 t"e stairs. 9 %as 8ettin- it %oul5 -et %orse t"e 1art"er 5o%n 9 %ent. 7y -ran5mot"er "a5 8een a priestess o1 )au5un. Her Hum1o "a5 not smelle5 like 3orpses. $"e line 8et%een -oo5 an5 e)il %asn?t as 3lear 3ut in )oo5oo as in =i33a or !"ristianity an5 satanism@ 8ut it %as t"ere. 4omin-a Sal)a5or %as on t"e %ron- si5e o1 t"e line. 9 "a5 kno%n t"at %"en 9 3ame. 9t still 8ot"ere5 me. Gran5mot"er 'lores "a5 tol5 me t"at 9 %as a ne3roman3er. 9t %as more t"an 8ein- a )oo5oo priestess@ an5 less. 9 "a5 a sympat"y %it" t"e 5ea5@ all 5ea5. 9t %as "ar5 to 8e )au5un an5 a ne3roman3er an5 not 8e e)il. $oo temptin-@ Gran5ma sai5. S"e "a5 en3oura-e5 my 8ein- !"ristian. ,n3oura-e5 my 1at"er to 3ut me o11 1rom "er si5e o1 t"e 1amily. ,n3oura-e5 it 1or lo)e o1 me an5 1ear 1or my soul. An5 "ere 9 %as -oin- 5o%n t"e steps into t"e >a%s o1 temptation. ="at %oul5 Gran5ma 'lores say to t"atB Pro8a8ly@ -o "ome. ="i3" %as -oo5 a5)i3e. $"e ti-"t 1eelin- in my stoma3" %as sayin- t"e same t"in-. $"e li-"ts 3ame on. 9 8linke5 on t"e stairs. $"e one 5im 8ul8 at t"e 1oot o1 t"e stair3ase seeme5 as 8ri-"t as a star. 4omin-a an5 7anny stoo5 >ust un5er t"e 8ul8@ lookin- up at me. Li-"t. ="y 5i5 9 1eel instantly 8etterB Silly@ 8ut true. ,nEo let t"e 5oor s%in- s"ut 8e"in5 us. $"e s"a5o%s %ere t"i3k@ 8ut 5o%n a narro% 8ri3ke5 "all%ay more 8are li-"t 8ul8s 5an-le5. 9 %as almost at t"e 8ottom o1 t"e stairs. $"at s%eet@ sour smell %as stron-er. 9 trie5 8reat"in- t"rou-" my mout"@ 8ut t"at only ma5e it 3lo- t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. $"e smell o1 rottin- 1les" 3lin-s to t"e ton-ue. 4omin-a le5 t"e %ay 8et%een t"e narro% %alls. $"ere %ere re-ular pat3"es in t"e %alls. Pla3es %"ere it looke5 like 3ement "a5 8een put o)erO5oors. Paint "a5 8een smoot"e5 o)er t"e 3ement@ 8ut t"ere "a5 8een 5oors@ rooms@ at re-ular inter)als. ="y %all t"em upB ="y 3o)er t"e 5oors in 3ementB ="at %as 8e"in5 t"emB 9 ru88e5 1in-ertips a3ross t"e rou-" 3ement. $"e sur1a3e %as 8umpy an5 3ool. $"e paint %asn?t )ery ol5. 9t %oul5 "a)e 1lake5 in t"is 5ampness. 9t "a5n?t. ="at %as 8e"in5 t"is 8lo3ke5 up 5oorB $"e skin >ust 8et%een my s"oul5er 8la5es starte5 to it3". 9 1ou-"t an ur-e to -lan3e 8a3k at ,nEo. 9 %as 8ettin- "e %as 8e"a)in- "imsel1. 9 %as 8ettin- t"at 8ein- s"ot %as t"e least o1 my %orries. $"e air %as 3ool an5 5amp. A )ery 8asement o1 a 8asement. $"ere %ere t"ree 5oors@ t%o to t"e ri-"t@ one to t"e le1t t"at %ere >ust 5oors. #ne 5oor "a5 a s"iny ne% pa5lo3k on it. As %e %alke5 past it@ 9 "ear5 t"e 5oor si-" as i1 somet"in- lar-e "a5 leane5 a-ainst it.

9 stoppe5. A="at?s in t"ereBC ,nEo "a5 stoppe5 %"en 9 stoppe5. 4omin-a an5 7anny "a5 roun5e5 a 3orner@ an5 %e %ere alone. 9 tou3"e5 t"e 5oor. $"e %oo5 3reake5@ rattlin- a-ainst its "in-es. Like some -iant 3at "a5 ru88e5 a-ainst t"e 5oor. A smell rolle5 out 1rom un5er t"e 5oor. 9 -a--e5 an5 8a3ke5 a%ay. $"e sten3" 3lun- to my mout" an5 t"roat. 9 s%allo%e5 3on)ulsi)ely an5 taste5 it all t"e %ay 5o%n. $"e t"in- 8e"in5 t"e 5oor ma5e a me%lin- soun5. 9 3oul5n?t tell i1 it %as "uman or animal. 9t %as 8i--er t"an a person@ %"ate)er it %as. An5 it %as 5ea5. Very@ )ery 5ea5. 9 3o)ere5 my nose an5 mout" %it" my le1t "an5. $"e ri-"t %as 1ree >ust in 3ase. 9n 3ase t"at t"in- s"oul5 3ome 3ras"inout. Bullets a-ainst t"e %alkin- 5ea5. 9 kne% 8etter@ 8ut t"e -un %as still a 3om1ort. 9n a pin3" 9 3oul5 s"oot ,nEo. But some"o% 9 kne% t"at i1 t"e t"in- rattlin- t"e 5oor -ot out@ ,nEo %oul5 8e in as mu3" 5an-er as 9 %as. A=e must -o on@ no%@C "e sai5. 9 3oul5n?t tell anyt"in- 1rom "is 1a3e. =e mi-"t "a)e 8een %alkin- 5o%n t"e street to t"e 3orner store. He seeme5 imper)ious@ an5 9 "ate5 "im 1or it. 91 9?m terri1ie5@ 8y Go5@ e)eryone else s"oul5 8e@ too. 9 eye5 t"e suppose5ly unlo3ke5 5oor to my le1t. 9 "a5 to kno%. 9 yanke5 it open. $"e room %as may8e ei-"t 8y 1our@ like a 3ell. $"e 3ement 1loor an5 %"ite%as"e5 %alls %ere 3lean@ empty. 9t looke5 like a 3ell %aitin- 1or its ne*t o33upant. ,nEo slamme5 t"e 5oor s"ut. 9 5i5n?t 1i-"t "im. 9t %asn?t %ort" it. 91 9 %as -oin- to -o one on one %it" someone %"o out%ei-"e5 me 8y o)er a "un5re5 poun5s@ 9 %as -oin- to 8e pi3ky a8out %"ere 9 5re% t"e line. An empty room %asn?t %ort" it. ,nEo leane5 a-ainst t"e 5oor. S%eat -limmere5 a3ross "is 1a3e in t"e "ars" li-"t. A4o not try any ot"er 5oors@ seQorita. 9t 3oul5 8e )ery 8a5.C 9 no55e5. ASure@ no pro8lem.C An empty room an5 "e %as s%eatin-. /i3e to kno% somet"in- 1ri-"tene5 "im. But %"y t"is room an5 not t"e one %it" t"e me%lin- sten3" 8e"in5 itB 9 5i5n?t "a)e a 3lue. A=e must 3at3" up %it" t"e SeQora.C He ma5e a -ra3ious motion like a maTtre 5? s"o%in- me to a 3"air. 9 %ent %"ere "e pointe5. ="ere else %as 9 -oin- to -oB $"e "all%ay 1e5 into a lar-e re3tan-ular 3"am8er. 9t %as painte5 t"e same startlin- %"ite as t"e 3ell "a5 8een. $"e %"ite%as"e5 1loor %as 3o)ere5 in 8rilliant re5 an5 8la3k 5esi-ns. Ver)e it %as 3alle5. Sym8ols 5ra%n in t"e )oo5oo san3tuary to summon t"e lao@ t"e -o5s o1 )au5un. $"e sym8ols a3te5 as %alls 8or5erin- a pat". $"ey le5 to t"e altar. 91 you steppe5 o11 t"e pat" you messe5 up all t"ose 3are1ully 1orme5 sym8ols. 9 5i5n?t kno% i1 t"at %oul5 8e -oo5 or 8a5. <ule num8er t"ree "un5re5 si*ty2nine %"en 5ealin%it" un1amiliar ma-i3J %"en in 5ou8t@ lea)e it alone. 9 le1t it alone. $"e en5 o1 t"e room -leame5 %it" 3an5les. $"e %arm@ ri3" li-"t 1li3kere5 an5 1ille5 t"e %"ite %alls %it" "eat an5 li-"t. 4omin-a stoo5 in t"e mi5st o1 t"at li-"t@ t"at %"iteness@ an5 -leame5 %it" e)il. $"ere %as no ot"er %or5 1or it. S"e %asn?t >ust 8a5@ s"e %as e)il. 9t -leame5 aroun5 "er like 5arkness ma5e li;ui5 an5 tou3"a8le. $"e smilin- ol5 %oman %as -one. S"e %as a 3reature o1 po%er. 7anny stoo5 o11 to one si5e. He %as starin- at "er. He -lan3e5 at me. His eyes %ere s"o%in- a lot o1 %"ite. $"e altar %as 5ire3tly 8e"in5 4omin-a?s strai-"t 8a3k. 4ea5 animals spille5 o11 t"e top o1 it to 1orm a pool on t"e 1loor. !"i3kens@ 5o-s@ a small pi-@ t%o -oats. Lumps o1 1ur an5 5rie5 8loo5 t"at 9 3oul5n?t i5enti1y. $"e altar looke5 like a 1ountain %"ere 5ea5 t"in-s 1lo%e5 out o1 t"e 3enter@ slu--is" an5 t"i3k. $"e sa3ri1i3es %ere 1res". /o smell o1 5e3ay. $"e -laEe5 eyes o1 a -oat stare5 at me. 9 "ate5 killin- -oats. $"ey al%ays seeme5 so mu3" more intelli-ent t"an 3"i3kens. #r may8e 9 >ust t"ou-"t t"ey %ere 3uter. A tall %oman stoo5 to t"e ri-"t o1 t"e altar. Her skin -leame5 nearly 8la3k in t"e 3an5leli-"t as .i1 s"e "a5 8een 3ar)e5 o1 some "ea)y@ -leamin- %oo5. Her "air %as s"ort an5 neat@ 1allin- to "er s"oul5ers. =i5e 3"eek8ones@ 1ull lips@ e*pert makeup. S"e %ore a lon- silky 5ress@ t"e 8ri-"t s3arlet o1 1res" 8loo5. 9t mat3"e5 "er lipsti3k. $o t"e ri-"t o1 t"e altar stoo5 a Eom8ie. 9t "a5 on3e 8een a %oman. Lon-@ pale 8ro%n "air 1ell nearly to "er %aist. Someone "a5 8rus"e5 it until it -leame5. 9t %as t"e only t"in- a8out t"e 3orpse t"at looke5 ali)e. $"e skin "a5 turne5 a -reyis" 3olor. $"e 1les" "a5 narro%e5 5o%n aroun5 t"e 8ones like s"rink %rap. 7us3les mo)e5 un5er t"e t"in@ rottinskin@ strin-y an5 s"runken. $"e nose %as almost -one@ -i)in- it a "al121inis"e5 look. A 3rimson -o%n "un- loose an5 1lappin- on t"e skeletal remains. $"ere %as e)en an attempt at makeup. Lipsti3k "a5 8een a8an5one5 %"en t"e lips s"ri)ele5 up 8ut a 5ustin- o1 mau)e eye s"a5o% outline5 t"e 8ul-in- eyes. 9 s%allo%e5 )ery "ar5 an5 turne5 to stare at t"e 1irst %oman. S"e %as a Eom8ie. #ne o1 t"e 8est preser)e5 an5 most li1elike 9 "a5 e)er seen@ 8ut no matter "o% lus3ious s"e looke5@ s"e %as 5ea5. $"e %oman@ t"e Eom8ie@ stare5 8a3k at me. $"ere %as somet"in- in "er per1e3t 8ro%n eyes t"at no Eom8ie "as 1or lon-. $"e memory o1 %"o an5 %"at t"ey %ere 1a5es %it"in a 1e% 5ays@ sometimes "ours. But t"is Eom8ie %as a1rai5. $"e 1ear %as like a s"iny@ 8ri-"t pain in "er eyes. Kom8ies 5i5n?t "a)e eyes like t"at. 9 turne5 8a3k to t"e more 5e3aye5 Eom8ie an5 1oun5 "er starin- at me@ too. $"e 8ul-in- eyes %ere starin- at me. =it" most o1 t"e 1les" "ol5in- t"e eyes in t"e so3ket -one@ "er 1a3ial e*pressions %eren?t as -oo5@ 8ut s"e mana-e5. 9t mana-e5 to 8e a1rai5. S"it.

4omin-a no55e5@ an5 ,nEo motione5 me 1art"er into t"e 3ir3le. 9 5i5n?t %ant to -o. A="at t"e "ell is -oin- on "ere@ 4omin-aBC S"e smile5@ almost a lau-". A9 am not a33ustome5 to su3" ru5eness.C AGet use5 to it@C 9 sai5. ,nEo sort o1 8reat"e5 5o%n my 8a3k. 9 5i5 my 8est to i-nore "im. 7y ri-"t "an5 %as sort o1 3asually near my -un@ %it"out lookin- like 9 %as rea3"in- 1or my -un. 9t %asn?t easy. <ea3"in- 1or a -un usually looks like rea3"in- 1or a -un. /o one seeme5 to noti3e t"ou-". Goo5y 1or our si5e. A="at "a)e you 5one to t"e t%o Eom8iesBC A9nspe3t t"em yoursel1@ 3"i3a. 91 you are as po%er1ul as t"e stories say@ you %ill ans%er your o%n ;uestion.C AAn5 i1 9 3an?t 1i-ure it outBC 9 aske5. S"e smile5@ 8ut "er eyes %ere as 1lat an5 8la3k as a s"ark?s. A$"en you are not as po%er1ul as t"e stories.C A9s t"is t"e testBC APer"aps.C 9 si-"e5. $"e )oo5oo la5y %ante5 to see "o% tou-" 9 really %as. ="yB 7ay8e t"ere %asn?t a reason. 7ay8e s"e %as >ust a sa5isti3 po%er2"un-ry 8it3". Dea"@ 9 3oul5 8elie)e t"at. $"en a-ain@ may8e t"ere %as a purpose to t"e t"eatri3s. 91 so@ 9 still 5i5n?t kno% %"at it %as. 9 -lan3e5 at 7anny. He -a)e a 8arely per3ei)a8le s"ru-. He 5i5n?t kno% %"at %as -oin- on eit"er. Great. 9 5i5n?t like playin- 4omin-a?s -ames@ espe3ially %"en 9 5i5n?t kno% t"e rules. $"e Eom8ies %ere still starin- at me. $"ere %as somet"in- in t"eir eyes. 9t %as 1ear@ an5 somet"in- %orseO"ope. S"it. Kom8ies 5i5n?t "a)e "ope. $"ey 5i5n?t "a)e anyt"in-. $"ey %ere 5ea5. $"ese %eren?t 5ea5. 9 "a5 to kno%. Here?s "opin- t"at 3uriosity 5i5n?t kill t"e animator. 9 steppe5 aroun5 4omin-a 3are1ully@ %at3"in- "er out o1 t"e 3orner o1 my eye. ,nEo staye5 8e"in5 8lo3kin- t"e pat" 8et%een t"e )er)e. He looke5 8i- an5 soli5 stan5in- t"ere@ 8ut 9 3oul5 -et past "im@ i1 9 %ante5 it 8a5 enou-". Ba5 enou-" to kill "im. 9 "ope5 9 %oul5n?t %ant it t"at 8a5. $"e 5e3aye5 Eom8ie stare5 5o%n at me. S"e %as tall@ almost si* 1eet. Skeletal 1eet peeke5 out 1rom un5erneat" t"e re5 -o%n. A tall@ slen5er %oman@ pro8a8ly 8eauti1ul@ on3e. Bul-in- eyes rolle5 in t"e nearly 8are so3kets. A %et@ su3kinsoun5 a33ompanie5 t"e mo)ements. 9?5 t"ro%n up t"e 1irst time 9 "ear5 t"at soun5. $"e soun5 o1 eye8alls rollin- in rottin- so3kets. But t"at %as 1our years a-o@ %"en 9 %as ne% at t"is. 4e3ayin- 1les" 5i5n?t make me 1lin3" anymore or t"ro% up. As a -eneral rule. $"e eyes %ere pale 8ro%n %it" a lot o1 -reen in t"em. $"e smell o1 some e*pensi)e per1ume 1loate5 aroun5 "er. Po%5ery an5 1ine@ like tal3um po%5er in your nose@ s%eet@ 1lo%ery. :n5erneat" %as t"e stink o1 rottin- 1les". 9t %rinkle5 my nose@ 3au-"t at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. $"e ne*t time 9 smelle5 t"is 5eli3ate@ e*pensi)e per1ume@ 9 %oul5 t"ink o1 rottin- 1les". #"@ %ell@ it smelle5 too e*pensi)e to 8uy@ any%ay. S"e %as starin- at me. S"e@ not it@ s"e. $"ere %as t"e 1or3e o1 personality in "er eyes. 9 3all most Eom8ies AitC 8e3ause it 1its. $"ey may 3ome 1rom t"e -ra)e )ery ali)e2lookin-@ 8ut it 5oesn?t last. $"ey rot. Personality an5 intelli-en3e -oes 1irst@ t"en t"e 8o5y. 9t?s al%ays t"at or5er. Go5 is not 3ruel enou-" to 1or3e anyone to 8e a%are %"ile t"eir 8o5y 5e3ays aroun5 t"em. Somet"in- "a5 -one )ery %ron- %it" t"is one. 9 steppe5 aroun5 4omin-a Sal)a5or. 'or no reason t"at 9 3oul5 name@ 9 staye5 out o1 rea3". S"e "a5 no %eapon@ 9 %as almost sure o1 t"at. $"e 5an-er s"e represente5 "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" kni)es or -uns. 9 simply 5i5n?t %ant "er to tou3" me@ not e)en 8y a33i5ent. $"e Eom8ie on t"e le1t %as per1e3t. /ot a si-n o1 5e3ay. $"e look in "er eyes %as alert@ ali)e. Go5 "elp us. S"e 3oul5 "a)e -one any%"ere an5 passe5 1or "uman. Ho% "a5 9 kno%n s"e %asn?t ali)eB 9 %asn?t e)en sure. /one o1 t"e usual si-ns %ere t"ere@ 8ut 9 kne% 5ea5 %"en 9 1elt it. Det ... 9 stare5 up at t"e se3on5 %oman. Her lo)ely@ 5ark 1a3e stare5 8a3k. 'ear s3reame5 out o1 "er eyes. ="ate)er po%er let me raise t"e 5ea5 tol5 me t"is %as a Eom8ie@ 8ut my eyes 3oul5n?t tell. 9t %as amaEin-. 91 4omin-a 3oul5 raise Eom8ies like t"is@ s"e "a5 me 8eat "an5s 5o%n. 9 "a)e to %ait t"ree 5ays 8e1ore 9 raise a 3orpse. 9t -i)es t"e soul time to lea)e t"e area. Souls usually "o)er aroun5 1or a %"ile. $"ree 5ays is a)era-e. 9 3an?t 3all s"it 1rom t"e -ra)e i1 t"e soul?s still present. 9t "as 8een t"eoriEe5 t"at i1 an animator 3oul5 keep t"e soul inta3t %"ile raisin- t"e 8o5y@ %e?5 -et resurre3tion. Dou kno%@ resurre3tion@ t"e real t"in-@ like in Hesus an5 LaEarus. 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e t"at. #r may8e 9 >ust kno% my limitations. 9 stare5 up at t"is Eom8ie an5 kne% %"at %as 5i11erent. $"e soul %as still t"ere. $"e soul %as still insi5e 8ot" 8o5ies. Ho%B Ho% in Hesus? name 5i5 s"e 5o itB A$"e souls. $"e souls are still in t"e 8o5ies.C 7y )oi3e "el5 t"e 5istaste 9 1elt. ="y 8ot"er to "i5e itB AVery -oo5@ 3"i3a.C 9 %ent to stan5 to "er le1t@ keepin- ,nEo in si-"t. AHo% 5i5 you 5o itBC A$"e soul %as 3apture5 at t"e moment it took 1li-"t 1rom t"e 8o5y.C

9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"at 5oesn?t e*plain anyt"in-.C A4on?t you kno% "o% to 3apture souls in a 8ottleBC Souls in a 8ottleB =as s"e ki55in-B /o@ s"e %asn?t. A/o@ 9 5on?t.C 9 trie5 not to soun5 superior as 9 sai5 it. A9 3oul5 tea3" you so mu3"@ Anita@ so )ery mu3".C A/o@ t"anks@C 9 sai5. ADou 3apture5 t"eir souls@ t"en you raise5 t"e 8o5y@ an5 put t"e soul 8a3k in.C 9 %as -uessin-@ 8ut it soun5e5 ri-"t. AVery@ )ery -oo5. $"at is it e*a3tly.C S"e %as starin- at me so "ar5 t"at it %as un3om1orta8le. Her empty@ 8la3k eyes %ere memoriEin- me. ABut %"y is t"e se3on5 Eom8ie rottin-B $"e t"eory is %it" t"e soul inta3t@ t"e Eom8ie %on?t 5e3ayBC A9t is no lon-er a t"eory. 9 "a)e pro)e5 it@C s"e sai5. 9 stare5 at t"e rotte5 3orpse@ an5 it stare5 8a3k. A$"en %"y is t"at one rottin-@ an5 t"is one isn?tBC Hust t%o ne3roman3ers talkin- s"op. $ell me@ 5o you raise your Eom8ies only 5urin- t"e 5ark o1 t"e moonB A$"e soul may 8e put into t"e 8o5y@ t"en remo)e5 a-ain@ as o1ten as 9 %is".C 9 stare5 at 4omin-a Sal)a5or no%. 9 stare5 an5 trie5 not to let my >a% 5rop@ not to let t"e 5a%nin- "orror slip a3ross my 1a3e. S"e %oul5 en>oy s"o3kin- me. 9 5i5n?t %ant "er takin- pleasure 1rom me@ 1or any reason. ALet me test my un5erstan5in- "ere@C 9 sai5 in my 8est e*e3uti)e trainee )oi3e. ADou put t"e soul into t"e 8o5y an5 it 5i5n?t rot. $"en you took t"e soul out o1 t"e 8o5y@ makin- it an or5inary Eom8ie@ an5 it 5i5 rot.C A,*a3tly@C s"e sai5. A$"en you put t"e soul 8a3k in t"e rotte5 3orpse@ an5 t"e Eom8ie %as a%are an5 ali)e a-ain. 4i5 t"e rottin- stop %"en t"e soul %ent 8a3k inBC ADes. A S"it. ASo you 3oul5 keep t"e Eom8ie o)er t"ere rotte5 >ust t"at mu3" 1ore)erBC ADes.C 4ou8le s"it. AAn5 t"is oneBC 9 pointe5 t"is time@ like 9 %as 5oin- a le3ture. A7any people %oul5 pay 5early 1or "er.C A=ait a minute@ you mean sell "er as a se* sla)eBC APer"aps.C ABut ... C $"e i5ea %as too "orri8le. S"e %as a Eom8ie@ %"i3" meant s"e 5i5n?t nee5 to eat or sleep or anyt"in-. Dou 3oul5 keep "er in a 3loset an5 take "er out like a toy. A per1e3tly o8e5ient sla)e. AAre t"ey as o8e5ient as normal Eom8ies@ or 5oes t"e soul -i)e t"em 1ree %illBC A$"ey seem to 8e )ery o8e5ient.C A7ay8e t"ey?re >ust s3are5 o1 you@C 9 sai5. S"e smile5. APer"aps.C ADou 3an?t >ust keep t"e soul imprisone5 1ore)er.C A9 3an?t@C s"e sai5. A$"e soul nee5s to -o on.C A$o your !"ristian "ea)en or "ellBC ADes@C 9 sai5. A$"ese %ere %i3ke5 %omen@ 3"i3a. $"eir o%n 1amilies -a)e t"em to me. Pai5 me to punis" t"em.C ADou took money 1or t"isBC A9t is ille-al to tamper %it" 5ea5 8o5ies %it"out permission o1 t"e 1amily@C s"e sai5. 9 5on?t kno% i1 s"e "a5 planne5 to "orri1y me. 7ay8e not. But %it" t"at one senten3e s"e let me kno% t"at %"at s"e %as 5oin- %as per1e3tly le-al. $"e 5ea5 "a5 no ri-"ts. $"is %as t"e reason %e nee5e5 some la%s to prote3t Eom8ies. S"it. A/o one 5eser)es to spen5 eternity lo3ke5 in a 3orpse@C 9 sai5. A=e 3oul5 5o t"is to 3riminals on 5eat" ro%@ 3"i3a. $"ey 3oul5 8e ma5e to ser)e so3iety a1ter 5eat".C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ it?s %ron-.C A9 "a)e 3reate5 a non2rottin- Eom8ie@ 3"i3a. Animators@ 9 8elie)e you 3all yoursel)es@ "a)e 8een sear3"in- 1or t"e se3ret 1or years. 9 "a)e it@ an5 people %ill pay 1or it.C

A9t?s %ron-. 9 may not kno% mu3" a8out )oo5oo@ 8ut e)en amon- your o%n people@ it?s %ron-. Ho% 3an you keep t"e souls prisoner an5 not allo% t"em to -o on an5 >oin %it" t"e laoBC S"e s"ru--e5 an5 si-"e5. S"e su55enly looke5 tire5. A9 %as "opin-@ 3"i3a@ t"at you %oul5 "elp me. =it" t%o o1 us %orkin-@ %e 3oul5 3reate more Eom8ies mu3" 1aster. =e 3oul5 8e %ealt"y 8eyon5 our 5reams.C ADou?)e aske5 t"e %ron- -irl.C A9 see t"at no%. 9 "a5 "ope5 t"at sin3e you %ere not )au5un@ you %oul5 not see it as %ron-.C A!"ristian@ Bu55"ist@ 7oslem@ you name it@ 4omin-a@ no one?s -oin- to t"ink it?s all ri-"t.C APer"aps@ per"aps not. 9t 5oes not "urt to ask.C 9 -lan3e5 at t"e rotte5 Eom8ie. AAt least put your 1irst e*periment out o1 its misery.C 4omin-a -lan3e5 at t"e Eom8ie. AS"e makes a po%er1ul 5emonstration@ 5oes s"e notBC ADou?)e 3reate5 a non2rottin- Eom8ie@ -reat. 4on?t 8e sa5isti3.C ADou t"ink 9 am 8ein- 3ruelBC ADea"@C 9 sai5. A7anuel@ am 9 8ein- 3ruelBC 7anny stare5 at me %"ile "e ans%ere5. His eyes %ere tryin- to tell me somet"in-. 9 3oul5n?t tell %"at. ADes@ SeQora@ you are 8ein- 3ruel.C S"e -lan3e5 o)er at "im t"en@ surprise in t"e mo)ement o1 "er 8o5y@ "er 1a3e. A4o you really t"ink 9 am 3ruel@ 7anuelB Dour 8elo)e5 amanteBC He no55e5 slo%ly. ADes.C ADou %ere not so ;ui3k to >u5-e a 1e% years 8a3k@ 7anuel. Dou sle% t"e %"ite -oat 1or me@ more t"an on3e.C 9 turne5 to%ar5s 7anny. 9t %as like t"at moment in a mo)ie %"ere t"e main 3"ara3ter "as a re)elation a8out someone. $"ere s"oul5 8e musi3 an5 3amera an-les %"en you learn one o1 your 8est 1rien5s parti3ipate5 in "uman sa3ri1i3e. 7ore t"an on3e s"e "a5 sai5. 7ore t"an on3e. A7annyBC 7y )oi3e %as a "oarse %"isper. $"is@ 1or me@ %as %orse t"an t"e Eom8ies. $"e "ell %it" stran-ers. $"is %as 7anny@ an5 it 3oul5n?t 8e true. A7annyBC 9 sai5 it a-ain. He %oul5n?t look at me. Ba5 si-n. ADou 5i5n?t kno%@ 3"i3aB 4i5n?t your 7anny tell you o1 "is pastBC AS"ut up@C 9 sai5. AHe %as my most treasure5 "elper. He %oul5 "a)e 5one anyt"in- 1or me.C S"ut upIC 9 s3reame5 it at "er. S"e stoppe5@ "er 1a3e t"innin- %it" an-er. ,nEo took t%o steps into t"e altar area. A4on?t.C 9 %asn?t e)en sure %"o 9 %as sayin- it to. A9 nee5 to "ear 1rom "im@ not 1rom you.C $"e an-er %as still in "er 1a3e. ,nEo loome5 like an a)alan3"e a8out to 8e unleas"e5. 4omin-a -a)e one s"arp no5. AAsk "im t"en@ 3"i3a.C A7anny@ is s"e tellin- t"e trut"B 4i5 you per1orm "uman sa3ri1i3esBC 7y )oi3e soun5e5 so normal. 9t s"oul5n?t "a)e. 7y stoma3" %as so ti-"t@ it "urt. 9 %asn?t a1rai5 anymore@ or at least not o1 4omin-a. $"e trut"G 9 %as a1rai5 o1 t"e trut". He looke5 up. His "air 1ell a3ross "is 1a3e 1ramin- "is eyes. A lot o1 pain in t"ose eyes. Almost 1lin3"in-. A9t?s t"e trut"@ isn?t itBC 7y skin 1elt 3ol5. AAns%er me@ 5ammit.C 7y )oi3e still soun5e5 or5inary@ 3alm. ADes@C "e sai5. ADes@ you 3ommitte5 "uman sa3ri1i3eBC He -lare5 at me no%@ an-er "elpin- "im meet my eyes. ADes@ DesIC 9t %as my turn to look a%ay. AGo5@ 7anny@ "o% 3oul5 youBC 7y )oi3e %as so1t no%@ not or5inary. 91 9 5i5n?t kno% 8etter@ 9?5 say it soun5e5 like 9 %as on t"e )er-e o1 tears. A9t %as nearly t%enty years a-o@ Anita. 9 %as )au5un an5 a ne3roman3er. 9 8elie)e5. 9 lo)e5 t"e SeQora. $"ou-"t 9 5i5.C 9 stare5 up at "im. $"e look on "is 1a3e ma5e my t"roat ti-"t. A7anny@ 5ammit.C He 5i5n?t say anyt"in-. He >ust stoo5 t"ere lookin- misera8le. An5 9 3oul5n?t re3on3ile t"e t%o ima-es. 7anny <o5ri-ueE an5 someone %"o %oul5 slau-"ter t"e "ornless -oat in a ritual. He "a5 tau-"t me ri-"t 1rom %ron- in t"is 8usiness. He "a5 re1use5 to 5o so many t"in-s. $"in-s not "al1 as 8a5 as t"is. 9t ma5e no sense. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 3an?t 5eal %it" t"is ri-"t no%.C 9 "ear5 mysel1 say it out lou5@ an5 "a5n?t really meant to. A'ine@ you?)e 5roppe5 your little 8om8s"ell@ SeQora Sal)a5or. Dou sai5 you?5 "elp us@ i1 9 passe5 your test. 4i5 9 passBC ="en in 5ou8t@ 3on3entrate on one 5isaster at a time.

A9 %ante5 to o11er you a 3"an3e to "elp me %it" my ne% 8usiness )enture.C A=e 8ot" kno% 9?m not -oin- to 5o t"at@C 9 sai5. A9t is a pity@ Anita. =it" trainin- you 3oul5 ri)al my po%ers.C Be >ust like "er %"en 9 -re% up. /o t"anks. A$"anks any%ay@ 8ut 9?m "appy %"ere 9 am.C Her eyes 1li3ke5 to 7anny@ 8a3k to me. AHappyBC A7anny an5 9 %ill 5eal %it" it@ SeQora. /o% %ill you "elp meBC A91 9 "elp you %it"out you "elpin- me in some %ay@ you %ill o%e me a 1a)or.C 9 5i5n?t %ant to o%e "er a 1a)or. A9 %oul5 rat"er >ust tra5e in1ormation.C A="at 3oul5 you possi8ly kno% t"at %oul5 8e %ort" all t"e e11ort 9 %ill e*pen5 "untin- 1or your killer Eom8ieBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a moment. A9 kno% t"at le-islation is 8ein- %ritten ri-"t no%@ a8out Eom8ies. Kom8ies are -oin- to "a)e ri-"ts@ an5 la%s prote3tin- t"em soon.C 9 "ope5 it %as soon. /o nee5 to tell "er "o% early in t"e pro3ess t"e le-islation %as. ASo@ 9 must sell a 1e% non2rottin- Eom8ies soon@ 8e1ore it 8e3omes ille-al.C A9 %oul5n?t t"ink ille-al %oul5 8ot"er you mu3". Human sa3ri1i3e is ille-al@ too.C S"e -a)e a tiny smile. A9 5o not 5o su3" t"in-s anymore@ Anita. 9 "a)e -i)en up my %i3ke5 %ays.C 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e t"at@ an5 s"e kne% 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e it. Her smile %i5ene5. A="en 7anuel le1t@ 9 stoppe5 su3" e)il pra3ti3es. =it"out "is ur-in-s@ 9 8e3ame a respe3ta8le 8okar.C S"e %as lyin-@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t pro)e it. An5 s"e kne% t"at@ too. A9 -a)e you )alua8le in1ormation. /o% %ill you "elp meBC S"e no55e5 -ra3iously. A9 %ill sear3" amon- my 1ollo%ers to see i1 any kno%s o1 your killer Eom8ie.C 9 "a5 t"e sense t"at s"e %as ;uietly lau-"in- at me. A7anny@ %ill s"e "elp usBC A91 t"e SeQora says s"e %ill 5o a t"in-@ it %ill 8e 5one. S"e is -oo5 t"at %ay.C A9 %ill 1in5 your killer i1 it "as anyt"in- to 5o %it" )au5un@C s"e sai5. AGreat.C 9 5i5n?t say t"ank you@ 8e3ause it seeme5 %ron-. 9 %ante5 to 3all "er a 8it3" an5 s"oot "er 8et%een t"e eyes@ 8ut t"en 9 %oul5 "a)e "a5 to s"oot ,nEo@ too. An5 "o% %oul5 9 e*plain t"at to t"e poli3eB S"e %as 8reakin- no la%s. 4ammit. A9 5on?t suppose appealin- to your 8etter nature %oul5 make you 1or-et t"is ma5 s3"eme to use your ne% impro)e5 Eom8ies 1or sla)esBC S"e smile5. A!"i3a@ 3"i3a@ 9 %ill 8e ri3" 8eyon5 your %il5est 5reams. Dou 3an re1use to >oin me@ 8ut you 3annot stop me.C A4on?t 8et on it@C 9 sai5. A="at %ill you 5o@ -o to t"e poli3eB 9 am 8reakin- no la%s. $"e only %ay to stop me is to kill me.C S"e looke5 5ire3tly at me %"ile s"e sai5 it. A4on?t tempt me.C 7anny mo)e5 up 8esi5e me. A4on?t@ Anita@ 5on?t 3"allen-e "er.C 9 %as sort o1 ma5 at "im@ too@ so %"at t"e "ell. A9 %ill stop you@ SeQora Sal)a5or. ="ate)er it takes.C ADou 3all 5eat" ma-i3 a-ainst me@ Anita@ an5 it is you %"o %ill 5ie.C 9 5i5n?t kno% 5eat" ma-i3 1rom 1ri>oles. 9 s"ru--e5. A9 %as t"inkin- somet"in- more 5o%n to eart"@ like a 8ullet.C ,nEo sur-e5 into t"e altar area@ mo)in- to stan5 8et%een "is 8oss2la5y an5 me. 4omin-a stoppe5 "im. A/o@ ,nEo@ s"e is an-ry t"is mornin-@ an5 s"o3ke5.C Her eyes %ere still lau-"in- at me. AS"e kno%s not"in- o1 t"e 5eeper ma-i3s. S"e 3annot "arm me@ an5 s"e is too morally superior to 3ommit 3ol528loo5e5 mur5er.C $"e %orst part a8out it %as t"at s"e %as ri-"t. 9 3oul5n?t >ust put a 8ullet 8et%een "er eyes@ not unless s"e t"reatene5 me. 9 -lan3e5 at t"e %aitin- Eom8ies@ patient as t"e 5ea5@ 8ut un5erneat" t"at en5less patien3e %as 1ear@ an5 "ope@ an5 ... Go5@ t"e line 8et%een li1e an5 5eat" %as -ettin- t"inner all t"e time. AAt least lay to rest your 1irst e*periment. Dou?)e pro)e5 you 3an put t"e soul in an5 out multiple times. 4on?t make "er %at3".C ABut@ Anita@ 9 alrea5y "a)e a 8uyer 1or "er.C A#"@ Hesus@ you 5on?t mean ... #"@ Go5@ a ne3rop"ilia3.C A$"ose t"at lo)e t"e 5ea5 8etter t"an you or 9 e)er %ill@ %ill pay e*traor5inary amounts 1or su3" as "er.C 7ay8e 9 3oul5 >ust s"oot "er. ADou are a 3ol52"earte5@ amoral 8it3".C AAn5 you@ 3"i3a@ nee5 to learn respe3t 1or your el5ers.C

A<espe3t "as to 8e earne5@C 9 sai5. A9 t"ink@ Anita Blake@ t"at you nee5 to remem8er %"y people 1ear t"e 5ark. 9 %ill see t"at )ery soon you "a)e a )isitor to your %in5o%. Some 5ark ni-"t %"en you are 1ast asleep in your %arm@ sa1e 8e5. Somet"in- e)il %ill 3reep into your room. 9 %ill earn your respe3t@ i1 t"at is t"e %ay you %ant it.C 9 s"oul5 "a)e 8een a1rai5@ 8ut 9 %asn?t. 9 %as an-ry an5 %ante5 to -o "ome. ADou 3an 1or3e people to 8e a1rai5 o1 you@ SeQora@ 8ut you 3an?t 1or3e t"em to respe3t you.C A=e s"all see@ Anita. !all me a1ter you "a)e -otten my -i1t. 9t %ill 8e soon.C A=ill you still "elp lo3ate t"e killer Eom8ieBC A9 sai5 9 %oul5@ an5 9 %ill.C AGoo5@C 9 sai5. A7ay %e -o no%BC S"e %a)e5 ,nEo 8a3k 8esi5e "er. ABy all means run out into t"e 5ayli-"t %"ere you 3an 8e 8ra)e.C 9 %alke5 to t"e pat"%ay. 7anny staye5 ri-"t %it" me. =e %ere 3are1ul not to look at ea3" ot"er. =e %ere too 8usy %at3"in- t"e SeQora an5 "er pets. 9 stoppe5 >ust insi5e t"e pat". 7anny tou3"e5 my arm li-"tly@ as i1 "e kne% %"at 9 %as a8out to say. 9 i-nore5 "im. A9 may not 8e %illin- to kill you in 3ol5 8loo5@ 8ut "urt me 1irst@ an5 9?ll put a 8ullet in you some 8ri-"t@ suns"iny 5ay.C A$"reats %ill not sa)e you@ 3"i3a@C s"e sai5. 9 smile5 s%eetly. ADou eit"er@ 8it3".C Her 1a3e %ent all t"in an5 an-ry. 9 smile5 %i5er. AS"e 5oes not mean it@ SeQora@C 7anny sai5. AS"e %ill not kill you.C A9s t"is true@ 3"i3aBC Her )oi3e %as a ri3" -ro%l o1 soun5@ pleasant an5 1ri-"tenin- at t"e same time. 9 -a)e 7anny a ;ui3k 5irty look. 9t %as a -oo5 t"reat. 9 5i5n?t like %eakenin- it %it" 3ommon sense@ or trut". A9 sai5@ 9?5 s"oot you. 9 5i5n?t say 9?5 kill you. /o% 5i5 9BC A/o@ you 5i5 not.C 7anny -ra88e5 my arm an5 starte5 pullin- me 8a3k%ar5s to%ar5s t"e stairs. He %as pullin- on my le1t arm@ lea)in- my ri-"t 1ree 1or my -un. Hust in 3ase. 4omin-a ne)er mo)e5. Her 8la3k@ an-ry eyes stare5 at me until %e roun5e5 t"e 3orner. 7anny pulle5 me into t"e "all%ay %it" its 3ement 3o)ere5 5oors. 9 pulle5 1ree o1 "im. =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er 1or a "eart8eat. A="at?s 8e"in5 t"e 5oorsBC A9 5on?t kno%.C 4ou8t must "a)e s"o%n on my 1a3e 8e3ause "e sai5@ AGo5 as my %itness@ Anita@ 9 5on?t kno%. 9t %asn?t like t"is t%enty years a-o.C 9 >ust stare5 at "im as i1 lookin- %oul5 3"an-e t"in-s. 9 %is" 4omin-a Sal)a5or "a5 kept 7anny?s se3ret to "ersel1. 9 "a5 not %ante5 to kno%. AAnita@ %e "a)e to -et out o1 "ere@ no%.C $"e li-"t 8ul8 o)er our "ea5 %ent out@ like someone "a5 snu11e5 it. =e 8ot" looke5 up. $"ere %as not"in- to see. 7y arms 8roke out in -oose 8umps. $"e 8ul8 >ust a"ea5 o1 us 5imme5@ t"en 8linke5 o11. 7anny %as ri-"t. =e nee5e5 to lea)e no%. 9 8roke into a "al1 >o- to%ar5s t"e stairs. 7anny staye5 %it" me. $"e 5oor %it" its s"iny pa5lo3k rattle5 an5 t"umpe5 as i1 t"e t"in- %ere tryin- to -et out. Anot"er li-"t 8ul8 1las"e5 o11. $"e 5arkness %as snappin- at our "eels. =e %ere at a 1ull run 8y t"e time %e "it t"e stairs. $"ere %ere t%o 8ul8s le1t. =e %ere "al1%ay up t"e stairs %"en t"e last li-"t )anis"e5. $"e %orl5 %ent 8la3k. 9 1roEe on t"e stairs un%illin- to mo)e %it"out 8ein- a8le to see. 7anny?s arm 8rus"e5 mine@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t see "im. $"e 5arkness %as 3omplete. 9 3oul5 "a)e tou3"e5 my eye8alls an5 not seen my 1in-er. =e -ra88e5 "an5s an5 "el5 on. His "an5 %asn?t mu3" 8i--er t"an mine. 9t %as %arm an5 1amiliar@ an5 5amn 3om1ortin-. $"e 3ra3kin- o1 %oo5 %as lou5 as a s"ot-un 8last in t"e 5ark. $"e sten3" o1 rottin- meat 1ille5 t"e stair%ell. AS"itIC $"e %or5 e3"oe5 an5 8oun3e5 in t"e 8la3kness. 9 %is"e5 9 "a5n?t sai5 it. Somet"in- lar-e pulle5 itsel1 into t"e 3orri5or. 9t 3oul5n?t 8e as 8i- as it soun5e5. $"e %et@ slit"erin- soun5s mo)e5 to%ar5s t"e stairs. #r soun5e5 like t"ey 5i5. 9 stum8le5 up t%o steps. 7anny 5i5n?t nee5 any ur-in-. =e stum8le5 t"rou-" t"e 5arkness@ an5 t"e soun5s 8elo% "urrie5. $"e li-"t un5er t"e 5oor %as so 8ri-"t@ it almost "urt. 7anny 1lun- open t"e 5oor. $"e sunli-"t 8laEe5 a-ainst my eyes. =e %ere 8ot" momentarily 8lin5e5. Somet"in- s3reame5 8e"in5 us@ 3au-"t in t"e e5-e o1 5ayli-"t. $"e s3ream %as almost "uman. 9 starte5 to turn@ to look. 7anny slamme5 t"e 5oor. He s"ook "is "ea5. ADou 5on?t %ant to see. 9 5on?t %ant to see.C He %as ri-"t. So %"y 5i5 9 "a)e t"is ur-e to yank t"e 5oor open@ to stare 5o%n into t"e 5ark until 9 sa% somet"in- pale an5 s"apelessB A s3reamin- ni-"tmare o1 a si-"t. 9 stare5 at t"e 3lose5 5oor@ an5 9 let it -o.

A4o you t"ink it %ill 3ome out a1ter usBC 9 aske5. A9nto t"e 5ayli-"tBC 7anny aske5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. A9 5on?t t"ink so. Let?s lea)e %it"out 1in5in- out.C 9 a-ree5. $"e Au-ust sunli-"t streame5 into t"e li)in- room. =arm an5 real. $"e s3ream@ t"e 5arkness@ t"e Eom8ies@ all o1 it seeme5 %ron- 1or t"e sunli-"t. $"in-s t"at -o 8ump in t"e mornin-. 9t 5i5n?t soun5 ;uite ri-"t. 9 opene5 t"e s3reen 5oor 3almly@ slo%ly. Pani3ke5@ meB But 9 %as listenin- so "ar5 9 3oul5 "ear 8loo5 rus" in my ears. Listenin- 1or slit"ery soun5s o1 pursuit. /ot"in-. Antonio %as still on -uar5 outsi5e. S"oul5 %e %arn "im a8out t"e possi8ility o1 a Lo)e3ra1tian "orror nippin- at our "eelsB A4i5 you 1u3k t"e Eom8ie 5o%nstairsBC Antonio aske5. So mu3" 1or %arnin- ol5 $ony. 7anny i-nore5 "im. AGo 1u3k yoursel1@C 9 sai5. He sai5@ AHe"IC 9 kept %alkin- 5o%n t"e por3" steps. 7anny staye5 %it" me. Antonio 5i5n?t 5ra% "is -un an5 s"oot us. $"e 5ay %as lookin- up. $"e little -irl on t"e tri3y3le "a5 stoppe5 8y 7anny?s 3ar. S"e stare5 up at me as 9 -ot in t"e passen-er si5e 5oor. 9 stare5 8a3k into "u-e 8ro%n eyes. Her 1a3e %as 5arkly tanne5. S"e 3oul5n?t "a)e 8een more t"an 1i)e. 7anny -ot in t"e 5ri)er?s si5e 5oor. He put t"e 3ar in -ear@ an5 %e pulle5 a%ay. $"e little -irl an5 9 stare5 at ea3" ot"er. Hust 8e1ore %e turne5 t"e 3orner s"e starte5 pe5alin- up an5 5o%n t"e si5e%alk a-ain.

Chapter Seven
$"e air 3on5itioner 8laste5 3ol5 air into t"e 3ar. 7anny 5ro)e t"rou-" t"e resi5ential streets. 7ost o1 t"e 5ri)e%ays %ere empty. People o11 to %ork. Small 3"il5ren playin- in t"e yar5s. A 1e% moms out on t"e 1ront steps. 9 5i5n?t see any 5a55ies at "ome %it" t"e ki5s. $"in-s 3"an-e@ 8ut not t"at mu3". $"e silen3e stret3"e5 out 8et%een us. 9t %as not a 3om1orta8le silen3e. 7anny -lan3e5 at me 1urti)ely out o1 t"e 3orner o1 "is eye. 9 slumpe5 in t"e passen-er seat@ t"e seat 8elt 5i--in- a3ross my -un. ASo@C 9 sai5@ Ayou use5 to per1orm "uman sa3ri1i3e.C 9 t"ink "e 1lin3"e5. A4o you %ant me to lieBC A/o@ 9 %ant to not kno%. 9 %ant to li)e in 8lesse5 i-noran3e.C A9t 5oesn?t %ork t"at %ay@ Anita@C "e sai5. A9 -uess it 5oesn?t@C 9 sai5. 9 a5>uste5 t"e lap strap so it 5i5n?t press o)er my -un. A"@ 3om1ort. 91 only e)eryt"in- else %ere t"at easy to 1i*. A="at are %e -oin- to 5o a8out itBC AA8out you kno%in-BC "e aske5. He -lan3e5 at me as "e aske5. 9 no55e5. ADou aren?t -oin- to rant an5 ra)eB $ell me %"at an e)il 8astar5 9 amBC A4oesn?t seem mu3" point in it@C 9 sai5. He looke5 at me a little lon-er t"is time. A$"anks.C A9 5i5n?t say it %as alri-"t@ 7anny. 9?m >ust not -oin- to yell at you. /ot yet@ any%ay.C He passe5 a lar-e %"ite 3ar 1ull o1 5ark2skinne5 teena-ers. $"eir 3ar stereo %as up so lou5@ my teet" rattle5. $"e 5ri)er "a5 one o1 t"ose "i-"28one5@ 1lat 1a3es@ strai-"t o11 o1 an AEte3 3ar)in-. #ur eyes met as %e mo)e5 8y t"em. He ma5e kissin- motions %it" "is mout". $"e ot"ers lau-"e5 uproariously. 9 resiste5 t"e ur-e to 1lip t"em o11. 7ustn?t en3oura-e t"e little tykes. $"ey turne5 ri-"t. =e %ent strai-"t. <elie1. 7anny stoppe5 t%o 3ars 8a3k 1rom a li-"t. Hust 8eyon5 t"e li-"t %as t"e turno11 & =est. =e?5 take 2. up to #li)e an5 t"en a s"ort >aunt to my apartment. =e "a5 1orty21i)e minutes to an "our o1 tra)el time. /ot a pro8lem normally. $o5ay 9 %ante5 a%ay 1rom 7anny. 9 %ante5 some time to 5i-est. $o 5e3i5e "o% to 1eel. A$alk to me@ Anita@ please.C AHonest to Go5@ 7anny@ 9 5on?t kno% %"at to say.C $rut"@ try to sti3k to t"e trut" 8et%een 1rien5s. Dea".

A9?)e kno%n you 1or 1our years@ 7anny. Dou are a -oo5 man. Dou lo)e your %i1e@ your ki5s. Dou?)e sa)e5 my li1e. 9?)e sa)e5 yours. 9 t"ou-"t 9 kne% you.C A9 "a)en?t 3"an-e5.C ADes@C 9 looke5 at "im as 9 sai5 it@ Ayou "a)e. 7anny <o5ri-ueE %oul5 ne)er un5er any 3ir3umstan3e take part in "uman sa3ri1i3e.C A9t?s 8een t%enty years.C A$"ere?s no statute o1 limitations on mur5er.C ADou -oin- to t"e 3opsBC His )oi3e %as )ery ;uiet. $"e li-"t 3"an-e5. =e %aite5 our turn an5 mer-e5 into t"e mornin- tra11i3. 9t %as as "ea)y as it e)er -ot in St. Louis. 9t?s not t"e -ri5lo3k o1 L.A.@ 8ut stop an5 >erk is still pretty 5arn annoyin-. ,spe3ially t"is mornin-. A9 5on?t "a)e any proo1. Hust 4omin-a Sal)a5or?s %or5. 9 %oul5n?t e*a3tly 3all "er a relia8le %itness.C A91 you "a5 proo1BC A4on?t pus" me on t"is@ 7anny.C 9 stare5 out t"e %in5o%. $"ere %as a sil)er 7ia5a %it" t"e top 5o%n. $"e 5ri)er %as %"ite2"aire5@ male@ an5 %ore a >aunty little 3ap@ plus ra3in- -lo)es. 7i55le2a-e 3risis. A4oes <osita kno%BC 9 aske5. AS"e suspe3ts@ 8ut s"e 5oesn?t kno% 1or sure.C A4oesn?t %ant to kno%@C 9 sai5. APro8a8ly not.C He turne5 an5 stare5 at me t"en. A re5 'or5 tru3k %as nearly in 1ront o1 us. 9 yelle5@ A7annyIC He slamme5 on t"e 8rakes@ an5 only t"e seat 8elt kept me 1rom kissin- t"e 5as"8oar5. AHesus@ 7anny@ %at3" your 5ri)in-IC He 3on3entrate5 on tra11i3 1or a 1e% se3on5s@ t"en %it"out lookin- at me t"is time@ AAre you -oin- to tell <ositaBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a8out a se3on5. 9 s"ook my "ea5@ realiEe5 "e 3oul5n?t see it@ an5 sai5@ A9 5on?t t"ink so. 9-noran3e is 8liss on t"is one@ 7anny. 9 5on?t t"ink your %i1e 3oul5 5eal %it" it.C AS"e?5 lea)e me an5 take t"e ki5s.C 9 8elie)e5 s"e %oul5. <osita %as a )ery reli-ious person. S"e took all t"e 3omman5ments )ery seriously. AS"e alrea5y t"inks 9?m riskin- my eternal soul 8y raisin- t"e 5ea5@C 7anny sai5. AS"e 5i5n?t "a)e a pro8lem until t"e pope t"reatene5 to e*3ommuni3ate all animators unless t"ey stoppe5 raisin- t"e 5ea5.C A$"e !"ur3" is )ery important to <osita.C A7e@ too@ 8ut 9?m a "appy little ,pis3opalian no%. S%it3" 3"ur3"es.C A9t?s not t"at easy@C "e sai5. 9t %asn?t. 9 kne% t"at. But@ "ey@ you 5o %"at you 3an@ or %"at you "a)e to. A!an you e*plain %"y you %oul5 5o "uman sa3ri1i3eB 9 mean@ somet"in- t"at %ill make sense to meBC A/o@C "e sai5. He pulle5 into t"e 1ar lane. 9t seeme5 to 8e -oin- a little 1aster. 9t slo%e5 5o%n as soon as %e pulle5 in. 7urp"y?s la% o1 tra11i3. ADou %on?t e)en try to e*plainBC A9t?s in5e1ensi8le@ Anita. 9 li)e %it" %"at 9 5i5. 9 3an?t 5o anyt"in- else.C He "a5 a point. A$"is "as to 3"an-e t"e %ay 9 t"ink a8out you@ 7anny.C A9n %"at %ayBC A9 5on?t kno% yet.C Honesty. 91 %e %ere )ery 3are1ul@ %e 3oul5 still 8e "onest %it" ea3" ot"er. A9s t"ere anyt"in- else you t"ink 9 s"oul5 kno%B Anyt"in- t"at 4omin-a mi-"t spill later onBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A/ot"in- %orse.C A#kay@C 9 sai5. A#kay@C "e sai5. A$"at?s it@ no interro-ationBC A/ot no%@ may8e not e)er.C 9 %as tire5 all at on3e. 9t %as 9J23 in t"e mornin-@ an5 9 nee5e5 a nap. ,motionally 5raine5. A9 5on?t kno% "o% to 1eel a8out t"is@ 7anny. 9 5on?t kno% "o% it 3"an-es our 1rien5s"ip@ or our %orkin- relations"ip@ or e)en i1 it 5oes. 9 t"ink it 5oes. #"@ "ell@ 9 5on?t kno%.C

A'air enou-"@C "e sai5. ALet?s mo)e on to somet"in- %e aren?t 3on1use5 a8out.C AAn5 %"at %oul5 t"at 8eBC 9 aske5. A$"e SeQora %ill sen5 somet"in- 8a5 to your %in5o%@ >ust like s"e sai5 s"e %oul5.C A9 1i-ure5 t"at.C A="y 5i5 you t"reaten "erBC A9 5i5n?t like "er.C A#"@ -reat@ >ust -reat@C "e sai5. A="y 5i5n?t 9 t"ink o1 t"atBC A9 am -oin- to stop "er@ 7anny. 9 1i-ure5 s"e s"oul5 kno%.C A/e)er -i)e t"e 8a5 -uys a "ea5 start@ Anita. 9 tau-"t you t"at.C ADou also tau-"t me t"at "uman sa3ri1i3e is mur5er.C A$"at "urt@C "e sai5. ADes@C 9 sai5@ Ait 5i5.C ADou nee5 to 8e prepare5@ Anita. S"e %ill sen5 somet"in- a1ter you. Hust to s3are you@ 9 t"ink@ not to really "arm.C ABe3ause you ma5e me F1ess up to not killin- "er@C 9 sai5. A/o@ 8e3ause s"e 5oesn?t really 8elie)e you?ll kill "er. S"e?s intri-ue5 %it" your po%ers. 9 t"ink s"e?5 rat"er 3on)ert you t"an kill you.C AHa)e me as part o1 "er Eom8ie2makin- 1a3tory.C ADes.C A/ot in t"is li1etime.C A$"e SeQora is not use5 to people sayin- no@ Anita.C AHer pro8lem@ not mine.C He -lan3e5 at me@ t"en 8a3k to t"e tra11i3. AS"e?ll make it your pro8lem.C A9?ll 5eal %it" it.C ADou 3an?t 8e t"at 3on1i5ent.C A9?m not@ 8ut %"at 5o you %ant me to 5o@ 8reak 5o%n an5 3ry. 9?ll 5eal %it" it %"en@ an5 i1@ somet"in- noisome 5ra-s itsel1 t"rou-" my %in5o%.C ADou 3an?t 5eal %it" t"e SeQora@ Anita. S"e is po%er1ul@ more po%er1ul t"an you 3an e)er ima-ine.C AS"e s3are5 me@ 7anny. 9 am suita8ly impresse5. 91 s"e sen5s somet"in- 9 3an?t "an5le@ 9?ll run. #kayBC A/ot okay. Dou 5on?t kno%@ you >ust 5on?t kno%.C A9 "ear5 t"e t"in- in t"e "all%ay. 9 smelle5 it. 9?m s3are5@ 8ut s"e?s >ust "uman@ 7anny. All t"e mum8o >um8o %on?t keep "er sa1e 1rom a 8ullet.C AA 8ullet may take "er out@ 8ut not 5o%n.C A="at 5oes t"at meanBC A91 s"e %ere s"ot@ say in t"e "ea5 or "eart@ an5 seeme5 5ea5@ 9?5 treat "er like a )ampire. Hea5 an5 "eart taken out. Bo5y 8urne5.C He -lan3e5 at me sort o1 si5e%ays. 9 5i5n?t say anyt"in-. =e %ere talkin- a8out killin- 4omin-a Sal)a5or. S"e %as 3apturin- souls an5 puttin- t"em into 3orpses. 9t %as an a8omination. S"e %oul5 pro8a8ly atta3k me 1irst. Some supernatural -oo5ie 3ome 3reepin- into my "ome. S"e %as e)il an5 %oul5 atta3k me 1irst. =oul5 it 8e mur5er to am8us" "erB Dea". =oul5 9 5o it any%ayB 9 let t"e t"ou-"t take s"ape in my "ea5. <olle5 it o)er like a pie3e o1 3an5y@ tastin- t"e i5ea. Dea"@ 9 3oul5 5o it. 9 s"oul5 "a)e 1elt 8a5 t"at 9 3oul5 plan a mur5er@ 1or any reason@ an5 not 1lin3". 9 5i5n?t 1eel 8a5. 9t %as sort o1 3om1ortinto kno% i1 s"e pus"e5 me@ 9 3oul5 pus" 8a3k. ="o %as 9 to 3ast stones at 7anny 1or t%enty2year2ol5 3rimesB Dea"@ %"o in5ee5.

Chapter Eight
9t %as early a1ternoon. 7anny "a5 5roppe5 me o11 %it"out a %or5. He "a5n?t aske5 to 3ome up@ an5 9 "a5n?t o11ere5. 9 still 5i5n?t kno% %"at to t"ink a8out "im@ 4omin-a Sal)a5or@ an5 non2rottin- Eom8ies@ 3omplete %it" souls. 9 5e3i5e5 not to t"ink. ="at 9 nee5e5 %as -oo5 p"ysi3al a3ti)ity. As lu3k %oul5 "a)e it@ 9 "a5 >u5o 3lass t"is a1ternoon.

9 "a)e a 8la3k 8elt@ %"i3" soun5s a lot more impressi)e t"an it really is. 9n t"e 5o>o %it" re1erees an5 rules@ 9 5o okay. #ut in t"e real %orl5 %"ere most 8a5 -uys out%ei-" me 8y a "un5re5 poun5s@ 9 trust a -un. 9 %as a3tually rea3"in- 1or t"e 5oorkno8 %"en t"e 8ell 3"ime5. 9 put t"e o)erstu11e5 -ym 8a- 8y t"e 5oor an5 use5 t"e little peep"ole. 9 al%ays "a5 to stan5 on tiptoe to see out o1 it. $"e 5istorte5 ima-e %as 8lon5@ 1air2eye5@ an5 8arely 1amiliar. 9t %as $ommy@ Harol5 Gaynor?s mus3le28oun5 8o5y-uar5. $"is 5ay %as >ust -ettin- 8etter an5 8etter. 9 5on?t usually take a -un to >u5o 3lass. 9t?s in t"e a1ternoon. 9n t"e summer t"at means 5ayli-"t. $"e really 5an-erous stu11 5oesn?t 3ome out until a1ter 5ark. 9 untu3ke5 t"e re5 polo s"irt 9 %as %earin- an5 3lippe5 my inter2pants "olster 8a3k in pla3e. $"e po3ket2siEe 9mm 5u- in >ust a little. 91 9 "a5 kno%n 9 %as -oin- to nee5 it@ 9 %oul5 "a)e %orn looser >eans. $"e 5oor8ell ran- a-ain. 9 "a5n?t 3alle5 out to let "im kno% 9 %as in "ere. He 5i5n?t seem 5is3oura-e5. He ran- t"e 5oor8ell a t"ir5 time@ leanin- on it. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 opene5 t"e 5oor. 9 looke5 up into $ommy?s pale 8lue eyes. $"ey %ere still empty@ 5ea5. A per1e3t 8lankness. =ere you 8orn %it" a stare like t"at@ or 5i5 you "a)e to pra3ti3eB A="at 5o you %antBC 9 aske5. His lips t%it3"e5. AAren?t you -oin- to in)ite me inBC A9 5on?t t"ink so.C He s"ru--e5 massi)e s"oul5ers. 9 3oul5 see t"e straps o1 "is s"oul5er "olster imprinte5 on "is suit >a3ket. He nee5e5 a 8etter tailor. A 5oor opene5 to my le1t. A %oman 3ame out %it" a to55ler in "er arms. S"e lo3ke5 t"e 5oor 8e1ore turnin- an5 seeinus. A#"@ "i.C S"e smile5 8ri-"tly. AHello@C 9 sai5. $ommy no55e5. $"e %oman turne5 an5 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e stairs. S"e %as murmurin- somet"in- nonsensi3al an5 "i-"2pit3"e5 to t"e to55ler. $ommy looke5 8a3k at me. ADou really %ant to 5o t"is in t"e "all%ayBC A="at are %e 5oin-BC ABusiness. 7oney.C 9 looke5 at "is 1a3e@ an5 it tol5 me not"in-. $"e only 3om1ort 9 "a5 %as t"at i1 $ommy meant to 5o me "arm "e pro8a8ly %oul5n?t "a)e 3ome to my apartment to 5o it. Pro8a8ly. 9 steppe5 8a3k@ "ol5in- t"e 5oor )ery %i5e. 9 staye5 out o1 arm?s rea3" as "e %alke5 into my apartment. He looke5 aroun5. A/i3e@ 3lean.C A!leanin- ser)i3e@C 9 sai5. A$alk to me a8out 8usiness@ $ommy. 9?)e -ot an appointment.C He -lan3e5 at t"e -ym 8a- 8y t"e 5oor. A=ork or pleasureBC "e aske5. A/one o1 your 8usiness@C 9 sai5. A-ain t"at 8are t%ist o1 lips. 9 realiEe5 it %as "is )ersion o1 a smile. A4o%n in t"e 3ar 9 -ot a 3ase 1ull o1 money. A million 1i)e@ "al1 no%@ "al1 a1ter you raise t"e Eom8ie.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 -a)e Gaynor my ans%er.C ABut t"at %as in 1ront o1 your 8oss. $"is is >ust you an5 me. /o one?ll kno% i1 you take it. /o one.C A9 5i5n?t say no 8e3ause t"ere %ere %itnesses. 9 sai5 no 8e3ause 9 5on?t 5o "uman sa3ri1i3e.C 9 3oul5 1eel mysel1 smilin-. $"is %as ri5i3ulous. 9 t"ou-"t a8out 7anny t"en. Alri-"t@ may8e it %asn?t ri5i3ulous. But 9 %asn?t 5oin- it. A,)eryone "as t"eir pri3e@ Anita. /ame it. =e 3an meet it.C He "a5 ne)er on3e mentione5 Gaynor?s name. #nly 9 "a5. He %as 8ein- so 8loo5y 3are1ul@ too 3are1ul. A9 5on?t "a)e a pri3e@ $ommy28oy. Go 8a3k to 7r. Harol5 Gaynor an5 tell "im t"at.C His 1a3e 3lou5e5 up t"en. A %rinklin- 8et%een "is eyes. A9 5on?t kno% t"at name.C A#"@ -i)e me a 8reak. 9?m not %earin- a %ire.C A/ame your pri3e. =e 3an meet it@C "e sai5. A$"ere is no pri3e.C A$%o million@ ta*21ree@C "e sai5. A="at Eom8ie 3oul5 8e %ort" t%o million 5ollars@ $ommyBC 9 stare5 at "is so1tly 1ro%nin- 1a3e. A="at 3oul5 Gaynor "ope to -ain t"at %oul5 allo% "im to make a pro1it on t"at kin5 o1 e*pen5itureBC

$ommy >ust stare5 at me. ADou 5on?t nee5 to kno% t"at.C A9 t"ou-"t you?5 say t"at. Go a%ay@ $ommy. 9?m not 1or sale.C 9 steppe5 8a3k to%ar5s t"e 5oor@ plannin- to es3ort "im out. He mo)e5 1or%ar5 su55enly@ 1aster t"an "e looke5. 7us3le5 arms %i5e to -ra8 me. 9 pulle5 t"e 'irestar an5 pointe5 it at "is 3"est. He 1roEe. 4ea5 eyes@ 8linkin- at me. His lar-e "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists. A nearly purple 1lus" 3rept up "is ne3k into "is 1a3e. <a-e. A4on?t 5o it@C 9 sai5@ my )oi3e soun5e5 so1t. ABit3"@C "e %"eeEe5 it at me. A/o%@ no%@ $ommy@ 5on?t -et nasty. ,ase 5o%n@ an5 %e 3an all li)e to see anot"er -lorious 5ay.C His pale eyes 1li3ke5 1rom t"e -un to my 1a3e@ t"en 8a3k to t"e -un. ADou %oul5n?t 8e so tou-" %it"out t"at pie3e.C 91 "e %ante5 me to o11er to arm %restle "im@ "e %as in 1or a 5isappointment. ABa3k o11@ $ommy@ or 9?ll 5rop you "ere an5 no%. All t"e mus3le in t"e %orl5 %on?t "elp you.C 9 %at3"e5 somet"in- mo)e 8e"in5 "is 5ea5 eyes@ t"en "is %"ole 8o5y rela*e5. He took a 5eep 8reat" t"rou-" "is nose. A#kay@ you -ot t"e 5rop on me to5ay. But i1 you keep 5isappointin- my 8oss@ 9?m -onna 1in5 you %it"out t"at -un.C His lips t%it3"e5. AAn5 %e?ll see "o% tou-" you really are.C A little )oi3e in my "ea5 sai5@ AS"oot "im no%.C 9 kne% as surely as 9 kne% anyt"in- t"at 5ear $ommy %oul5 8e at my 8a3k some5ay. 9 5i5n?t %ant "im t"ere@ 8ut ... 9 3oul5n?t >ust kill "im 8e3ause 9 t"ou-"t "e mi-"t 3ome a1ter me some5ay. 9t %asn?t a -oo5 enou-" reason. An5 "o% %oul5 9 e)er "a)e e*plaine5 it to t"e poli3eB AGet out@ $ommy.C 9 opene5 t"e 5oor %it"out takin- eit"er my -aEe or t"e -un o11 t"e man. AGet out an5 tell Gaynor t"at i1 "e keeps annoyin- me@ 9?ll start sen5in- "is 8o5y-uar5s "ome in 8o*es.C $ommy?s nostrils 1lare5 >ust a 8it at t"at@ )eins strainin- in "is ne3k. He %alke5 )ery sti11ly past me an5 out into t"e "all. 9 "el5 t"e -un at my si5e an5 %at3"e5 "im@ listenin- to "is 1ootsteps retreat 5o%n t"e stairs. ="en 9 %as as sure as 9 3oul5 8e t"at "e %as -one@ 9 put my -un 8a3k in its "olster@ -ra88e5 my -ym 8a-@ an5 "ea5e5 1or >u5o 3lass. 7ustn?t let t"ese little interruptions spoil my e*er3ise pro-ram. $omorro% 9 %oul5 miss my %orkout 1or sure. 9 "a5 a 1uneral to atten5. Besi5es@ i1 $ommy really 5i5 3"allen-e me to arm %restlin-@ 9 %as -oin- to nee5 all t"e "elp 9 3oul5 -et.

Chapeter Nine
9 "ate 1unerals. At least t"is one %asn?t 1or anyone 9 "a5 parti3ularly like5. !ol5@ 8ut true. Peter Burke "a5 8een an uns3rupulous S#B %"en ali)e. 9 5i5n?t see %"y 5eat" s"oul5 automati3ally -rant "im saint"oo5. 4eat"@ espe3ially )iolent 5eat"@ %ill turn t"e meanest 8astar5 in t"e %orl5 into a ni3e -uy. ="y is t"atB 9 stoo5 t"ere in t"e 8ri-"t Au-ust sunli-"t in my little 8la3k 5ress an5 5ark sun-lasses@ %at3"in- t"e mourners. $"ey "a5 set up a 3anopy o)er t"e 3o11in@ 1lo%ers@ an5 3"airs 1or t"e 1amily. ="y %as 9 "ere@ you mi-"t ask@ i1 9 "a5 not 8een a 1rien5B Be3ause Peter Burke "a5 8een an animator. /ot a )ery -oo5 one@ 8ut %e are a small@ e*3lusi)e 3lu8. 91 one o1 us 5ies@ %e all 3ome. 9t?s a rule. $"ere are no e*3eptions. 7ay8e your o%n 5eat"@ 8ut t"en a-ain 8ein- t"at %e raise t"e 5ea5@ may8e not. $"ere are t"in-s you 3an 5o to a 3orpse so it %on?t rise a-ain as a )ampire@ 8ut a Eom8ie is a 5i11erent 8east. S"ort o1 3remation@ an animator 3an 8rin- you 8a3k. 'ire %as a8out t"e only t"in- a Eom8ie respe3te5 or 1eare5. =e 3oul5 "a)e raise5 Peter an5 aske5 "im %"o put a -un to "is "ea5. But t"ey "a5 put a 3+. 7a-num %it" an e*pan5in- point >ust 8e"in5 "is ear. $"ere %asn?t enou-" le1t o1 "is "ea5 to 1ill a plasti3 8a-. Dou 3oul5 raise "im as a Eom8ie@ 8ut "e 3oul5n?t talk. ,)en t"e 5ea5 nee5 mout"s. 7anny stoo5 8esi5e me@ un3om1orta8le in "is 5ark suit. <osita@ "is %i1e@ stoo5 spine a8solutely strai-"t. $"i3k 8ro%n "an5s -rippin- "er 8la3k patent leat"er purse. S"e is %"at my stepmot"er use5 to 3all lar-e28one5. Her 8la3k "air %as 3ut >ust 8elo% t"e ears an5 loosely perme5. $"e "air nee5e5 to 8e lon-er. 9t emp"asiEe5 "o% per1e3tly roun5 "er 1a3e %as. !"arles 7ont-omery stoo5 >ust 8e"in5 me like a tall 5ark mountain. !"arles looks like "e playe5 1oot8all some%"ere. He "as t"e a8ility to 1ro%n an5 make people run 1or 3o)er. He >ust looks like a "ar5 ass. $rut" is@ !"arles 1aints at t"e si-"t o1 anyt"in- 8ut animal 8loo5. 9t?s lu3ky 1or "im "e looks like su3" a 8i- 8la3k 5u5e. He "as almost no toleran3e 1or pain. He 3ries at =alt 4isney mo)ies@ like %"en Bam8i?s mot"er 5ies. 9t?s en5earin- as "ell. His %i1e@ !aroline@ %as %orkin-. S"e "a5n?t 8een a8le to s%it3" s"i1ts %it" anyone. 9 %on5ere5 "o% "ar5 s"e "a5 trie5. !aroline is okay 8ut s"e sort o1 looks 5o%n on %"at %e 5o. 7um8o >um8o s"e 3alls it. S"e?s a re-istere5 nurse. 9 -uess a1ter 5ealin- %it" 5o3tors all 5ay@ s"e "as to look 5o%n on someone. :p near t"e 1ront o1 t"e 3ro%5 %as Hamison !larke. He %as tallG t"in@ an5 t"e only re52"aire5@ -reen2eye5 8la3k man 9?)e e)er met. He no55e5 at me a3ross t"e -ra)e. 9 no55e5 8a3k. =e %ere all "ereG t"e animators o1 Animators@ 9n3orporate5. Bert an5 7ary@ our 5aytime se3retary@ %ere "ol5in- 5o%n t"e 1ort. 9 "ope5 Bert 5i5n?t 8ook us in anyt"in- %e 3oul5n?t "an5le. #r %oul5 re1use to "an5le. He 5i5 t"at i1 you 5i5n?t %at3" "im.

$"e sun slappe5 my 8a3k like a "ot metal "an5. $"e men kept pullin- at t"eir ties an5 "i-" 3ollars. $"e smell o1 3"rysant"emums %as t"i3k like %a* at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. /o one e)er -i)es you 1oot8all mums unless you 5ie. !arnations@ roses@ snap5ra-ons@ t"ey all "a)e "appier li)es@ 8ut mums@ an5 -la5s 2 t"ey?re t"e 1uneral 1lo%ers. At least t"e tall spires o1 -la5iolus "a5 no s3ent. A %oman sat in t"e 1ront line o1 3"airs un5er t"e 3anopy. S"e %as leanin- o)er "er knees like a 8roken 5oll. Her so8s %ere lou5 enou-" to 5ro%n out t"e %or5s o1 t"e priest. #nly "is ;uiet@ soot"in- r"yt"m rea3"e5 me as 9 stoo5 near t"e 8a3k. $%o small 3"il5ren %ere -rippin- t"e "an5s o1 an ol5er man. GrampaB $"e 3"il5ren %ere pale@ "ollo%2eye5. 'ear )ie5 %it" tears on t"eir 1a3es. $"ey %at3"e5 t"eir mot"er 8reak 5o%n 3ompletely@ useless to t"em. Her -rie1 %as more important t"an t"eirs. Her loss -reater. Bulls"it. 7y o%n mot"er "a5 5ie5 %"en 9 %as ei-"t. Dou ne)er really 1ille5 in t"e "ole. 9t %as like a pie3e o1 you -one missin-. An a3"e t"at ne)er ;uite -oes a%ay. Dou 5eal %it" it. Dou -o on@ 8ut it?s t"ere. A man sat 8esi5e "er@ ru88in- "er 8a3k in en5less 3ir3les. His "air %as nearly 8la3k@ 3ut s"ort an5 neat. Broa5 s"oul5ere5. 'rom t"e 8a3k "e looke5 eerily like Peter Burke. G"osts in sunli-"t. $"e 3emetery %as 5otte5 %it" trees. $"e s"a5e rustle5 an5 1li3kere5 pale -rey in t"e sunli-"t. #n t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e -ra)el 5ri)e%ay t"at t%ine5 t"rou-" t"e 3emetery %ere t%o men. $"ey stoo5 ;uietly@ %aitin-. Gra)e 5i--ers. =aitin- to 1inis" t"e >o8. 9 looke5 8a3k at t"e 3o11in un5er its 8lanket o1 pink 3arnations. $"ere %as a 8ulky moun5 >ust 8e"in5 it@ 3o)ere5 in 8ri-"t -reen 1ake -rass. :n5erneat" %as t"e 1res" 5u- eart" %aitin- to -o 8a3k in t"e "ole. 7ustn?t let t"e lo)e5 ones t"ink a8out re523lay soil pourin- 5o%n on t"e -leamin- 3o11in. !lo5s o1 5irt "ittin- t"e %oo5@ 3o)erin- your "us8an5@ 1at"er. $rappin- t"em 1ore)er insi5e a lea52line5 8o*. A -oo5 3o11in %ill keep t"e %ater an5 %orms out@ 8ut it 5oesn?t stop 5e3ay. 9 kne% %"at %oul5 8e "appenin- to Peter Burke?s 8o5y. !o)er it in satin@ %rap a tie roun5 its ne3k@ rou-e t"e 3"eeks@ 3lose t"e eyesG it?s still a 3orpse. $"e 1uneral en5e5 %"ile 9 %asn?t lookin-. $"e people rose -rate1ully in one mass mo)ement. $"e 5ark2"aire5 man "elpe5 t"e -rie)in- %i5o% to stan5. S"e nearly 1ell. Anot"er man rus"e5 1or%ar5 an5 supporte5 "er ot"er si5e. S"e sa--e5 8et%een t"em@ 1eet 5ra--in- on t"e -roun5. S"e looke5 8a3k o)er "er s"oul5er@ "ea5 almost lollin- on "er ne3k. S"e s3reame5@ lou5 an5 ra--e5@ t"en 1lun- "ersel1 on t"e 3o11in. $"e %oman 3ollapse5 a-ainst t"e 1lo%ers@ 5i--in- at t"e %oo5. 'in-ers s3ram8lin- 1or t"e lo3ks on t"e 3o11in. $"e ones t"at "el5 t"e li5 5o%n. ,)eryone >ust 1roEe 1or a moment@ starin-. 9 sa% t"e t%o 3"il5ren t"rou-" t"e 3ro%5 still stan5in-@ %i5e2eye5. S"it. AStop "er@C 9 sai5 it too lou5. People turne5 to stare. 9 5i5n?t 3are. 9 pus"e5 my %ay t"rou-" t"e )anis"in- 3ro%5 an5 t"e aisles o1 3"airs. $"e 5ark2"aire5 man %as "ol5in- t"e %i5o%?s "an5s %"ile s"e s3reame5 an5 stru--le5. S"e "a5 3ollapse5 to t"e -roun5@ an5 "er 8la3k 5ress "a5 %orke5 up "i-" on "er t"i-"s. S"e %as %earin- a %"ite slip. Her mas3ara "a5 run like 8la3k 8loo5 5o%n "er 1a3e. 9 stoo5 in 1ront o1 t"e man an5 t"e t%o 3"il5ren. He %as starin- at t"e %oman like "e %oul5 ne)er mo)e a-ain. ASir@C 9 sai5. He 5i5n?t rea3t. ASirBC He 8linke5@ starin- 5o%n at me like 9 "a5 >ust appeare5 in 1ront o1 "im. ASir@ 5o you really t"ink t"e 3"il5ren nee5 to see all t"isBC AS"e?s my 5au-"ter@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as 5eep an5 t"i3k.. 4ru--e5 or >ust -rie1B A9 sympat"iEe@ sir@ 8ut t"e 3"il5ren s"oul5 -o to t"e 3ar no%.C $"e %i5o% "a5 8e-un to %ail@ lou5 an5 %or5less@ ra% pain. $"e -irl %as 8e-innin- to s"ake. ADou?re "er 1at"er@ 8ut you?re t"eir -ran51at"er. A3t like it. Get t"em out o1 "ere.C An-er 1li3kere5 in "is eyes t"en. AHo% 5are youBC He %asn?t -oin- to listen to me. 9 %as >ust an intrusion on t"eir -rie1. $"e ol5est@ a 8oy o1 a8out 1i)e@ %as starin- up at me. His 8ro%n eyes %ere "u-e@ "is t"in 1a3e so pale it looke5 -"ostly. A9 t"ink it is you %"o s"oul5 -o@C t"e -ran51at"er sai5. ADou?re ri-"t. Dou are so ri-"t@C 9 sai5. 9 %alke5 aroun5 t"em out into t"e -rass an5 t"e summer "eat. 9 3oul5n?t "elp t"e 3"il5ren. 9 3oul5n?t "elp t"em@ >ust as no one "a5 8een t"ere to "elp me. 9 "a5 sur)i)e5. So %oul5 t"ey@ may8e. 7anny an5 <osita %ere %aitin- 1or me. <osita "u--e5 me. ADou must 3ome to Sun5ay 5inner a1ter 3"ur3".C 9 smile5. A9 5on?t t"ink 9 3an make it@ 8ut t"anks 1or askin-.C A7y 3ousin Al8ert %ill 8e t"ere@C s"e sai5. AHe is an en-ineer. He %ill 8e a -oo5 pro)i5er.C

A9 5on?t nee5 a -oo5 pro)i5er@ <osita.C S"e si-"e5. ADou make too mu3" money 1or a %oman. 9t makes you not nee5 a man.C 9 s"ru--e5. 91 9 e)er 5i5 marry@ %"i3" 9?5 8e-un to 5ou8t@ a it %oul5n?t 8e 1or money. Lo)e. S"it@ %as 9 %aitin- 1or lo)eB /a%@ not me. A=e "a)e to pi3k up $omas at kin5er-arten@C 7anny sai5. He %as smilin- at me apolo-eti3ally aroun5 <osita?s s"oul5er. S"e %as nearly a 1oot taller t"an "e. S"e to%ere5 o)er me@ too. ASure@ tell t"e little -uy "i 1or me.C ADou s"oul5 3ome to 5inner@C <osita sai5@ AAl8ert is a )ery "an5some man.C A$"anks 1or t"inkin- o1 me@ <osita@ 8ut 9?ll skip it.C A!ome on@ %i1e@C 7anny sai5. A#ur son is %aitin- 1or us.C S"e let "im pull "er to%ar5s t"e 3ar@ 8ut "er 8ro%n 1a3e %as set in 5isappro)al. 9t o11en5e5 some 5eep part o1 <osita t"at 9 %as t%enty21our an5 "a5 no prospe3ts o1 marria-e. Her an5 my stepmot"er. !"arles %as no%"ere to 8e seen. Hurryin- 8a3k to t"e o11i3e to see 3lients. 9 t"ou-"t Hamison "a5@ too@ 8ut "e stoo5 in t"e -rass@ %aitin- 1or me. He %as 5resse5 impe33a8ly@ 3rosse52lapels@ narro% re5 tie %it" small 5ark 5ots on it. His tie 3lip %as ony* an5 sil)er. He smile5 at me@ al%ays a 8a5 si-n. His -reenis" eyes looke5 "ollo%@ like someone "a5 erase5 part o1 t"e skin. 91 you 3ry enou-"@ t"e skin -oes 1rom pu11y re5 to "ollo% %"ite. A9?m -la5 so many o1 us s"o%e5 up@C "e sai5. A9 kno% "e %as a 1rien5 o1 yours@ Hamison. 9?m sorry.C He no55e5 an5 looke5 5o%n at "is "an5s. He %as "ol5in- a pair o1 sun-lasses loosely. He looke5 up at me@ eyes starinstrai-"t into mine. All serious. A$"e poli3e %on?t tell t"e 1amily anyt"in-@C "e sai5. APeter -ets 8lo%n a%ay@ an5 t"ey 5on?t "a)e a 3lue %"o 5i5 it.C 9 %ante5 to tell "im t"e poli3e %ere 5oin- t"eir 8est@ 8e3ause t"ey %ere. But t"ere are a "ell o1 a lot o1 mur5ers in St. Louis o)er a year. =e %ere -i)in- =as"in-ton@ 4.!. a run 1or t"eir money as mur5er 3apital o1 t"e :nite5 States. A$"ey?re 5oin- t"eir 8est@ Hamison.C A$"en %"y %on?t t"ey tell us anyt"in-BC His "an5s 3on)ulse5. $"e soun5 o1 8reakin- plasti3 %as a 3rum8lin- s"arp soun5. He 5i5n?t seem to noti3e. A9 5on?t kno%@C 9 sai5. AAnita@ you?re in -oo5 %it" t"e poli3e. !oul5 you askBC His eyes %ere nake5@ 1ull o1 su3" real pain. 7ost o1 t"e time 9 3oul5 i-nore@ or e)en 5islike@ Hamison. He %as a tease@ a 1lirt@ a 8lee5in-2"eart li8eral %"o t"ou-"t t"at )ampires %ere >ust people %it" 1an-s. But to5ay ... to5ay "e %as real. A="at 5o you %ant me to askBC AAre t"ey makin- any pro-ressB 4o t"ey "a)e any suspe3tsB $"at sort o1 t"in-.C $"ey %ere )a-ue ;uestions@ 8ut important ones. A9?ll see %"at 9 3an 1in5 out.C He -a)e a %atery smile. A$"anks@ Anita@ really@ t"anks.C He "el5 out "is "an5. 9 took it. =e s"ook. He noti3e5 "is 8roken sun-lasses. A4amn@ ninety21i)e 5ollars 5o%n t"e tu8es.C /inety21i)e 5ollars 1or sun-lassesB He "a5 to 8e ki55in-. A -roup o1 mourners %ere takin- t"e 1amily a%ay at last. $"e mot"er %as smot"ere5 in %ell2meanin- male relati)es. $"ey %ere literally 3arryin- "er a%ay 1rom t"e -ra)e. $"e 3"il5ren an5 Grampa 8rou-"t up t"e rear. /o one listens to -oo5 a5)i3e. A man steppe5 a%ay 1rom t"e 3ro%5 an5 %alke5 to%ar5s us. He %as t"e one %"o remin5e5 me o1 Peter Burke 1rom t"e 8a3k. He %as aroun5 si* 1eet@ 5ark23omple3te5@ a 8la3k musta3"e@ an5 t"in almost -oateelike 8ear5 1ramin- a "an5some 1a3e. 9t %as "an5some@ a 5ark mo)ie2star 1a3e@ 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- a8out t"e %ay "e mo)e5. 7ay8e it %as t"e %"ite streak in "is 8la3k "air >ust o)er t"e 1ore"ea5. ="ate)er@ you kne% t"at "e %oul5 al%ays play t"e )illain. A9s s"e -oin- to "elp usBC "e aske5@ no pream8le@ no "ello. ADes@C Hamison sai5. AAnna Blake@ t"is is Ho"n Burke@ Peter?s 8rot"er.C Ho"n Burke@ t"e Ho"n Burke@ 9 %ante5 to ask. /e% #rleans?s -reatest animator an5 )ampire slayerB A kin5re5 spirit. =e s"ook "an5s. His -rip %as stron-@ almost pain1ully so@ as i1 "e %ante5 to see i1 9 %oul5 1lin3". 9 5i5n?t. He let -o. 7ay8e "e >ust 5i5n?t kno% "is o%n stren-t"B But 9 5ou8te5 it. A9 am truly sorry a8out your 8rot"er@C 9 sai5. 9 meant it. 9 %as -la5 9 meant it. He no55e5. A$"ank you 1or talkin- to t"e poli3e a8out "im.C A9?m surprise5 you 3oul5n?t -et t"e /e% #rleans poli3e to -i)e you some >ui3e %it" our lo3al poli3e@C 9 sai5. He "a5 t"e -ra3e to look un3om1orta8le. A$"e /e% #rleans poli3e an5 9 "a)e "a5 a 5isa-reement.C

A<eallyBC 9 sai5@ eyes %i5e. 9 "a5 "ear5 t"e rumors@ 8ut 9 %ante5 to "ear t"e trut". $rut" is al%ays stran-er t"an 1i3tion. AHo"n %as a33use5 o1 parti3ipatin- in some ritual mur5ers@C Hamison sai5. AHust 8e3ause "e?s a pra3ti3in- )au5un priest.C A#"@C 9 sai5. $"ose %ere t"e rumors. AHo% lon- "a)e you 8een in to%n@ Ho"nBC AAlmost a %eek.C A<eallyBC APeter "a5 8een missin- 1or t%o 5ays 8e1ore t"ey 1oun5 t"e ... 8o5y.C He li3ke5 "is lips. His 5ark 8ro%n eyes 1li3ke5 to t"e s3ene 8e"in5 me. =ere t"e -ra)e 5i--ers mo)in- inB 9 -lan3e5 8a3k@ 8ut t"e -ra)e looke5 >ust t"e same to me. AAnyt"in- you 3oul5 1in5 out %oul5 8e most appre3iate5@C "e sai5. A9?ll 5o %"at 9 3an.C A9 "a)e to -et 8a3k to t"e "ouse.C He s"ru--e5@ as i1 to loosen t"e s"oul5er mus3les. A7y sister2in2la% isn?t takin- it %ell.C 9 let it -o. 9 5eser)e5 8ro%nie points 1or t"at. #ne t"in- 9 5i5n?t let -o. A!an you look a1ter your nie3e an5 nep"e%BC He looke5 at me@ a puEEle5 1ro%n 8et%een "is 8la3k eye8ro%s. A9 mean@ keep t"em out o1 t"e really 5ramati3 stu11 i1 you 3an.C He no55e5. A9t %as rou-" 1or me to %at3" "er t"ro% "ersel1 on t"e 3o11in. Go5@ %"at must t"e ki5s 8e t"inkin-BC $ears -littere5 in "is eyes like sil)er. He kept t"em open )ery %i5e so t"e tears %oul5n?t spill out. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. 9 5i5 not %ant to see "im 3ry. A9?ll talk to t"e poli3e@ 1in5 out %"at 9 3an. 9?ll tell Hamison %"en 9 "a)e anyt"in-.C Ho"n Burke no55e5@ 3are1ully. His eyes %ere like a -lass %"ere only t"e sur1a3e tension kept t"e %ater 1rom spillin- o)er. 9 no55e5 to Hamison an5 le1t. 9 turne5 on t"e air23on5itionin- in my 3ar an5 let it run 1ull 8last. $"e t%o men %ere still stan5in- in t"e "ot suns"ine in t"e mi55le o1 summer 8ro%n -rass %"en 9 put t"e 3ar in -ear an5 5ro)e a%ay. 9 %oul5 talk to t"e poli3e an5 1in5 out %"at 9 3oul5. 9 also "a5 anot"er name 1or 4olp". Ho"n Burke@ 8i--est animator in /e% #rleans@ )oo5oo priest. Soun5e5 like a suspe3t to me.

Chapter Ten
$"e p"one %as rin-in- as 9 s"o)e5 t"e key into my apartment 5oor. 9 yelle5 at it@ A9?m 3omin-@ 9?m 3omin-IC ="y 5o people 5o t"atB Dell at t"e p"one as i1 t"e ot"er person 3an "ear you an5 %ill %aitB 9 s"o)e5 t"e 5oor open an5 s3oope5 up t"e p"one on t"e 1ourt" rin-. AHello.C AAnitaBC A4olp"@C 9 sai5. 7y stoma3" ti-"tene5. A="at?s upBC A=e t"ink %e 1oun5 t"e 8oy.C His )oi3e %as ;uiet@ neutral. A$"ink@C 9 sai5. A="at 5o you mean@ t"inkBC ADou kno% %"at 9 mean@ Anita@C "e sai5. He soun5e5 tire5. ALike "is parentsBC 9t %asn?t a ;uestion. ADea".C AGo5@ 4olp"@ is t"ere mu3" le1tBC A!ome an5 see. =e?re at t"e Burrell !emetery. 4o you kno% itBC ASure@ 9?)e 5one %ork t"ere.C ABe "ere as soon as you 3an. 9 %ant to -o "ome an5 "u- my %i1e.C ASure@ 4olp"@ 9 un5erstan5.C 9 %as talkin- to mysel1. $"e p"one "a5 -one 5ea5. 9 stare5 at t"e re3ei)er 1or a moment. 7y skin 1elt 3ol5. 9 5i5 not %ant to -o an5 )ie% t"e remains o1 Ben>amin <eynol5s. 9 5i5 not %ant to kno%. 9 pulle5 a lot o1 air in t"rou-" my nose an5 let it out slo%ly. 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e 5ark "ose@ "i-" "eels@ 5ress. 9t %asn?t my usual 3rime s3ene attire@ 8ut it %oul5 take too lon- to 3"an-e. 9 %as usually t"e last e*pert 3alle5 in. #n3e 9 %as t"rou-"@ t"ey 3oul5 3o)er t"e 8o5y. An5 e)eryone 3oul5 -o "ome. 9 -ra88e5 a pair o1 8la3k /ikes 1or %alkin- o)er -rass an5 t"rou-" 8loo5. #n3e you -ot 8loo5stains on 5ress s"oes@ t"ey ne)er 3ome 3lean. 9 "a5 t"e Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er@ 3omplete %it" "olster sort o1 5rape5 atop my little 8la3k 3lut3" purse. $"e -un "a5 8een in my 3ar 5urin- t"e 1uneral. 9 3oul5n?t 1i-ure out a %ay to 3arry a -un o1 any kin5 %"ile %earin- a 5ress. 9 kno% you see t"i-" "olsters on tele)ision@ 8ut 5oes t"e %or5 A3"a1in-C mean anyt"in- to youB

9 "esitate5 on -ettin- my 8a3kup -un an5 s"o)in- it in my purse@ 8ut 5i5n?t. 7y purse@ like all purses@ seems to "a)e a tra)elin- 8la3k "ole in it. 9?5 ne)er -et t"e -un out in time i1 9 really nee5e5 it. 9 5i5 "a)e a sil)er kni1e in a t"i-" s"eat" un5er t"e s"ort 8la3k skirt. 9 1elt like Kit !arson in 5ra-@ 8ut a1ter $ommy?s little )isit@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e unarme5. 9 "a5 no illusions %"at %oul5 "appen i1 $ommy 5i5 3at3" me %it" no -un. Kni)es %eren?t as -oo5@ 8ut t"ey 8eat t"e "ell out o1 ki3kin- my little 1eet an5 s3reamin-. 9 "a5 ne)er yet "a5 to try to 1ast 5ra% a kni1e 1rom a t"i-" s"eat". 9t %as pro8a8ly -oin- to look )a-uely o8s3ene@ 8ut i1 it kept me ali)e ... "ey@ 9 3an take a little em8arrassment. Burrell !emetery is at t"e 3rest o1 a "ill. Some o1 t"e -ra)estones -o 8a3k 3enturies. $"e so1t@ %eat"ere5 limestone is almost unrea5a8le@ like "ar5 3an5y t"at?s 8een su3ke5 3lean. $"e -rass is %aist tall@ lu*uriant %it" only t"e "ea5stones stan5in- like tire5 sentinels. $"ere is a "ouse on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3emetery %"ere t"e 3aretaker li)es@ 8ut "e 5oesn?t "a)e to take 3are o1 mu3". $"e -ra)eyar5 is 1ull an5 "as 8een 1or years. $"e last person 8urie5 "ere 3oul5 remem8er t"e 19 & =orl5?s 'air. $"ere is no roa5 into t"e -ra)eyar5 anymore. $"ere is a -"ost o1 one@ like a %a-on tra3k %"ere t"e -rass 5oesn?t -ro% ;uite so "i-". $"e 3aretaker?s "ouse %as surroun5e5 8y poli3e 3ars an5 t"e 3oroner?s )an. 7y /o)a seeme5 un5er5resse5. 7ay8e 9 s"oul5 -et some 8u--y %"ip antennae@ or plaster Kom8ies A<C :s on t"e si5e o1 t"e 3ar. Bert %oul5 pro8a8ly -et ma5. 9 -ot a pair o1 3o)eralls 1rom t"e trunk an5 slippe5 into t"em. $"ey 3o)ere5 me 1rom ne3k to ankle. Like most 3o)eralls t"e 3rot3" "it at knee le)el@ 9 ne)er un5erstoo5 %"y@ 8ut it meant my skirt 5i5n?t 8un3" up. 9 8ou-"t t"em ori-inally 1or )ampire stakin-s@ 8ut 8loo5 is 8loo5. Besi5es@ t"e %ee5s %oul5 play "ell %it" my panty "ose. 9 -ot a pair o1 sur-i3al -lo)es 1rom t"e little Kleene*2like 8o* in t"e trunk. /ikes instea5 o1 5ress s"oes@ an5 9 %as rea5y to )ie% t"e remains. <emains. /i3e %or5. 4olp" stoo5 like some an3ient sentinel@ to%erin- o)er e)eryone else in t"e 1iel5. 9 %orke5 my %ay to%ar5s "im@ tryin- not to trip o)er 8roken 8its o1 "ea5stone. A %in5 "ot enou-" to s3al5 rustle5 t"e -rass. 9 %as s%eatin- insi5e t"e o)eralls. 4ete3ti)e !li)e Perry 3ame to meet me@ as i1 9 nee5e5 an es3ort. 4ete3ti)e Perry %as one o1 t"e most polite people 9 "a5 e)er met. He "a5 an ol52%orl5 3ourtliness to "im. A -entleman in t"e 8est sense o1 t"e %or5. 9 al%ays %ante5 to ask %"at "e "a5 5one to en5 up on t"e spook s;ua5. His slen5er 8la3k 1a3e %as 8ea5e5 %it" s%eat. He still %ore "is suit >a3ket e)en t"ou-" it "a5 to 8e o)er a "un5re5 5e-rees. A7s. Blake.C A4ete3ti)e Perry@C 9 sai5. 9 -lan3e5 up at t"e 3rest o1 t"e "ill. 4olp" an5 a "an51ul o1 men %ere stan5in- aroun5 like t"ey 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o. /o one %as lookin- at t"e -roun5. AHo% 8a5 is it@ 4ete3ti)e PerryBC 9 aske5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A4epen5s on %"at you 3ompare it to.C A4i5 you see t"e tapes an5 pi3tures o1 t"e <eynol5s "ouseBC A9 5i5.C A9s it %orse t"an t"atBC 9t %as my ne% A%orst t"in- 9 e)er sa%C measurement. Be1ore t"is it "a5 8een a )ampire -an- t"at "a5 trie5 to mo)e in 1rom Los An-eles. $"e respe3ta8le )ampire 3ommunity "a5 3"oppe5 t"em up %it" a*es. $"e parts %ere still 3ra%lin- aroun5 t"e room %"en %e 1oun5 t"em. 7ay8e t"is %asn?t %orse. 7ay8e time "a5 >ust 5imme5 t"e memory. A9t isn?t 8loo5ier@C "e sai5@ t"en "e "esitate5@ A8ut it %as a 3"il5. A little 8oy.C 9 no55e5. He 5i5n?t nee5 to e*plain. 9t %as al%ays %orse %"en it %as a 3"il5. 9 ne)er kne% e*a3tly %"y. 7ay8e it %as some primal instin3t to prote3t t"e youn-. Some 5eep "ormonal t"in-. ="ate)er@ ki5s %ere al%ays %orse. 9 stare5 5o%n at a %"ite tom8stone. 9t looke5 like 5ull@ melte5 i3e. 9 5i5n?t %ant to -o up t"e "ill. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see. 9 %ent up t"e "ill. 4ete3ti)e Perry 1ollo%e5. Bra)e 5ete3ti)e. Bra)e me. A s"eet reste5 on t"e -rass like a tent. 4olp" stoo5 3losest to it. A4olp"@C 9 sai5. AAnita.C /o one o11ere5 to pull 8a3k t"e s"eet. A9s t"is itBC ADea".C 4olp" seeme5 to s"ake "imsel1@ or may8e it %as a s"i)er. He rea3"e5 5o%n an5 -ra88e5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e s"eet. A<ea5yBC "e aske5. /o@ 9 %asn?t rea5y. 4on?t make me look. Please 5on?t make me look. 7y mout" %as 5ry. 9 3oul5 taste my pulse in my t"roat. 9 no55e5. $"e s"eet 1le% 8a3k@ 3au-"t 8y a -ust o1 %in5 like a %"ite kite. $"e -rass %as trample5 5o%n. Stru--lesB Ha5 Ben>amin <eynol5s 8een ali)e %"en "e %as pulle5 5o%n into t"e lon- -rassB /o@ surely not. Go5@ 9 "ope5 not.

$"e 1oote5 pa>amas "a5 tiny 3artoon 1i-ures on t"em. $"e pa>amas "a5 8een pulle5 8a3k like t"e skin o1 a 8anana. #ne small arm %as 1lun- up o)er "is "ea5 like "e %as sleepin-. Lon-2las"e5 eyeli5s "elpe5 t"e illusion. His skin %as pale an5 1la%less@ small 3upi528o% mout" "al1 open. He s"oul5 "a)e looke5 %orse@ mu3" %orse. $"ere %as a 5irty 8ro%n stain on "is pa>amas@ t"e 3lot" 3o)erin- "is lo%er 8o5y. 9 5i5 not %ant to see %"at "a5 kille5 "im. But t"at %as %"y 9 %as "ere. 9 "esitate5@ 1in-ers "o)erin- o)er t"e torn 3lot". 9 took a 5eep 8reat"@ an5 t"at %as a mistake. Hunkere5 o)er t"e 8o5y in t"e %in5y Au-ust "eat t"e smell %as 1res". /e% 5eat" smells like an out"ouse@ espe3ially i1 t"e stoma3" or 8o%els "a)e 8een rippe5 open. 9 kne% %"at 9?5 1in5 %"en 9 li1te5 t"e 8loo5y 3lot". $"e smell tol5 me. 9 knelt %it" a slee)e o)er my mout" an5 nose 1or a 1e% minutes@ 8reat"in- s"allo% an5 t"rou-" my mout"@ 8ut it 5i5n?t really "elp. #n3e you 3au-"t a %"i11 o1 it@ your nose remem8ere5. $"e smell 3ra%le5 5o%n my t"roat an5 %oul5n?t let -o. Nui3k or slo%B 4i5 9 >erk t"e 3lot" 8a3k or pull itB Nui3k. 9 >erke5 on t"e 3lot"@ 8ut it stu3k@ 5rie5 8loo5 3at3"in-. $"e 3lot" peele5 8a3k %it" a %et@ su3kin- soun5. 9t looke5 like someone "a5 taken a -iant i3e 3ream s3oop an5 -utte5 "im. Stoma3"@ intestines@ upper 8o%els@ -one. $"e suns"ine s%am aroun5 me@ an5 9 "a5 to put a "an5 on t"e -roun5 to keep 1rom 1allin-. 9 -lan3e5 up at t"e 1a3e. His "air %as pale 8ro%n like "is mot"er?s. 4amp 3urls tra3e5 "is 3"eeks. 7y -aEe %as pulle5 8a3k to t"e -apin- ruin t"at %as "is a85omen. $"ere %as some 5ark@ "ea)y 1lui5 leakin- out o1 t"e en5 o1 "is small intestine. 9 stum8le5 a%ay 1rom t"e 3rime s3ene@ usin- t"e tom8stones to "elp me stan5. 9 %oul5 "a)e run i1 9 "a5n?t kno%n 9 %oul5 1all. $"e sky %as spinnin- to meet t"e -roun5. 9 3ollapse5 in t"e smot"erin- -rass an5 )omite5. 9 t"re% up until 9 %as empty an5 t"e %orl5 stoppe5 spinnin-. 9 %ipe5 my mout" on my slee)e an5 stoo5 up usin- a 3rooke5 "ea5stone 1or support. /o one sai5 a %or5 as 9 %alke5 8a3k to t"em. $"e s"eet %as 3o)erin- t"e 8o5y. $"e 8o5y. Ha5 to t"ink o1 it t"at %ay. !oul5n?t 5%ell on t"e 1a3t t"at it "a5 8een a small 3"il5. !oul5n?t. 9?5 -o ma5. A=ellBC 4olp" aske5. AHe "asn?t 8een 5ea5 lon-. 4ammit to "ell@ 4olp"@ it %as late mornin-@ may8e >ust 8e1ore 5a%n. He %as ali)e@ ali)e %"en t"at t"in- took "imIC 9 stare5 up at "im an5 1elt t"e "ot 8e-innin-s o1 tears. 9 %oul5 not 3ry. 9 "a5 alrea5y 5is-ra3e5 mysel1 enou-" 1or one 5ay. 9 took a 5eep 3are1ul 8reat" an5 let it out. 9 %oul5 not 3ry. A9 -a)e you t%enty21our "ours to talk to t"is 4omin-a Sal)a5or. 4i5 you 1in5 out anyt"in-BC AS"e says s"e kno%s not"in- o1 it. 9 8elie)e "er.C A="yBC ABe3ause i1 s"e %ante5 to kill people s"e %oul5n?t "a)e to 5o anyt"in- t"is 5ramati3.C A="at 5o you meanBC "e aske5. AS"e 3oul5 %is" t"em to 5eat"@C 9 sai5. He %i5ene5 "is eyes. ADou 8elie)e t"atBC 9 s"ru--e5. A7ay8e. Des. Hell@ 9 5on?t kno%. S"e s3ares me.C He raise5 one t"i3k eye8ro%. A9?ll remem8er t"at.C A9 "a)e anot"er name to a55 to your list t"ou-"@C 9 sai5. A="oBC AHo"n Burke. He?s up 1rom /e% #rleans 1or "is 8rot"er?s 1uneral.C He %rote t"e name in "is little note8ook. A91 "e?s >ust )isitin-@ %oul5 "e "a)e timeBC A9 3an?t t"ink o1 a moti)e@ 8ut "e 3oul5 5o it i1 "e %ante5 to. !"e3k "im out %it" t"e /e% #rleans poli3e. 9 t"ink "e?s un5er suspi3ion 5o%n t"ere 1or mur5er.C A="at?s "e 5oin- tra)elin- out o1 stateBC A9 5on?t t"ink t"ey "a)e any proo1@C 9 sai5. A4omin-a Sal)a5or sai5 s"e?5 "elp me. S"e?s promise5 to ask aroun5 an5 tell me anyt"in- s"e turns up.C A9?)e 8een askin- aroun5 sin3e you -a)e me "er name. S"e 5oesn?t "elp anyone outsi5e "er o%n people. Ho% 5i5 you -et "er to 3ooperateBC 9 s"ru--e5. A7y %innin- personality.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9t %asn?t ille-al@ 4olp". Beyon5 t"at 9 5on?t %ant to talk a8out it.C He let it -o. Smart man. A$ell me as soon as you "ear anyt"in-@ Anita. =e?)e -ot to stop t"is t"in- 8e1ore it kills a-ain.C

AA-ree5.C 9 turne5 an5 looke5 out o)er t"e rollin- -rass. A9s t"is t"e 3emetery near %"ere you 1oun5 t"e 1irst t"ree )i3timsBC ADes.C A7ay8e part o1 t"e ans%er?s "ere t"en@C 9 sai5. A="at 5o you meanBC A7ost )ampires "a)e to return to t"eir 3o11ins 8e1ore 5a%n. G"ouls stay in un5er-roun5 tunnels@ like -iant moles. 91 it %as eit"er o1 t"ose 9?5 say t"e 3reature %as out "ere some%"ere %aitin- 1or ni-"t1all.C ABut@C "e sai5. ABut i1 it?s a Eom8ie it isn?t "arme5 8y sunli-"t an5 it 5oesn?t nee5 to rest in a 3o11in. 9t 3oul5 8e any%"ere@ 8ut 9 t"ink it ori-inally 3ame 1rom t"is 3emetery. 91 t"ey use5 )oo5oo t"ere %ill 8e si-ns o1 t"e ritual.C ALike %"atBC AA 3"alk )er)e@ 5ra%n sym8ols aroun5 t"e -ra)e@ 5rie5 8loo5@ may8e a 1ire.C 9 stare5 o11 at t"e rustlin- -rass. A$"ou-" 9 %oul5n?t %ant to start an open 1ire in t"is pla3e.C A91 it %asn?t )oo5ooBC "e aske5. A$"en it %as an animator. A-ain you look 1or 5rie5 8loo5@ may8e a 5ea5 animal. $"ere %on?t 8e as many si-ns an5 it?s easier to 3lean up.C AAre you sure it?s some kin5 o1 a Eom8ieBC "e aske5. A9 5on?t kno% %"at else it 3oul5 8e. 9 t"ink %e s"oul5 a3t like t"at?s %"at it is. 9t -i)es us somepla3e to look@ an5 somet"into look 1or.C A91 it?s not a Eom8ie %e 5on?t "a)e a 3lue@C "e sai5. A,*a3tly.C He smile5@ 8ut it %asn?t pleasant. A9 "ope you?re ri-"t@ Anita.C A7e@ too@C 9 sai5. A91 it 5i5 3ome 1rom "ere@ 3an you 1in5 %"at -ra)e it 3ame 1romBC A7ay8e.C A7ay8eBC "e sai5. A7ay8e. <aisin- t"e 5ea5 isn?t a s3ien3e@ 4olp". Sometimes 9 3an 1eel t"e 5ea5 un5er t"e -roun5. <estlessness. Ho% ol5 %it"out lookin- at t"e tom8stone. Sometimes 9 3an?t.C 9 s"ru--e5. A=e?ll -i)e you any "elp you nee5.C A9 "a)e to %ait until 1ull 5ark. 7y ... po%ers are 8etter a1ter 5ark.C A$"at?s "ours a%ay. !an you 5o anyt"in- no%BC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a moment. A/o. 9?m sorry 8ut no.C A#kay@ you?ll 3ome 8a3k toni-"t t"enBC ADea"@C 9 sai5. A="at timeB 9?ll sen5 some men out.C A9 5on?t kno% %"at time. An5 9 5on?t kno% "o% lon- it %ill take. 9 3oul5 8e %an5erin- out "ere 1or "ours an5 1in5 not"in-.C A#rBC A#r 9 3oul5 1in5 t"e 8eastie itsel1.C ADou?ll nee5 8a3kup 1or t"at@ >ust in 3ase.C 9 no55e5. AA-ree5@ 8ut -uns@ e)en sil)er 8ullets@ %on?t "urt it.C A="at %illBC A'lamet"ro%ers@ napalm like t"e e*terminators use on -"oul tunnels@C 9 sai5. A$"ose aren?t stan5ar5 issue.C AHa)e an e*terminator team stan5in- 8y@C 9 sai5. AGoo5 i5ea.C He ma5e a note. A9 nee5 a 1a)or@C 9 sai5. He looke5 up. A="atBC

APeter Burke %as mur5ere5@ s"ot to 5eat". His 8rot"er aske5 me to 1in5 out %"at pro-ress t"e poli3e are makin-.C ADou kno% %e 3an?t -i)e out in1ormation like t"at.C A9 kno%@ 8ut i1 you 3an -et t"e 1a3ts 9 3an 1ee5 >ust enou-" to Ho"n Burke to keep in tou3" %it" "im.C ADou seem to 8e -ettin- alon- %ell %it" all our suspe3ts@C "e sai5. ADea".C A9?ll 1in5 out %"at 9 3an 1rom "omi3i5e. 4o you kno% %"at >uris5i3tion "e %as 1oun5 inBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 3oul5 1in5 out. 9t %oul5 -i)e me an e*3use to talk to Burke a-ain.C ADou say "e?s suspe3te5 o1 mur5er in /e% #rleans.C A7m2"u"@C 9 sai5. AAn5 "e may "a)e 5one t"is.C He motione5 at t"e s"eet. ADep.C ADou %at3" your 8a3k@ Anita.C A9 al%ays 5o@C 9 sai5. ADou 3all me as early toni-"t as you 3an. 9 5on?t %ant all my people sittin- aroun5 t%i55lin- t"eir t"um8s on o)ertime.C AAs soon as 9 3an. 9?)e -ot to 3an3el t"ree 3lients >ust to make it.C Bert %as not -oin- to 8e please5. $"e 5ay %as lookinup. A="y 5i5n?t it eat more o1 t"e 8oyBC 4olp" aske5. A9 5on?t kno%@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. A#kay@ 9?ll see you toni-"t t"en.C ASay "ello to Lu3ille 1or me. Ho%?s s"e 3omin- %it" "er master?s 5e-reeBC AAlmost 5one. S"e?ll "a)e it 8e1ore our youn-est -ets "is en-ineerin- 5e-ree.C AGreat.C $"e s"eet 1lappe5 in t"e "ot %in5. A tri3kle o1 s%eat traile5 5o%n my 1ore"ea5. 9 %as out o1 small talk. ASee you later@C 9 sai5@ an5 starte5 5o%n t"e "ill. 9 stoppe5 an5 turne5 8a3k. A4olp"BC ADesBC "e sai5. A9?)e ne)er "ear5 o1 a Eom8ie e*a3tly like t"is one. 7ay8e it 5oes rise 1rom its -ra)e more like a )ampire. 91 you kept t"at e*terminator team an5 8a3kup "an-in- aroun5 until a1ter 5ark@ you mi-"t 3at3" it risin- 1rom t"e -ra)e an5 8e a8le to 8ait.C A9s t"at likelyBC A/o@ 8ut it?s possi8le@C 9 sai5. A9 5on?t kno% "o% 9?ll e*plain t"e o)ertime@ 8ut 9?ll 5o it.C A9?ll 8e "ere as soon as 9 3an.C A="at else 3oul5 8e more important t"an t"isBC "e aske5. 9 smile5. A/ot"in- you?5 like to "ear a8out.C A$ry me@C "e sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. He no55e5. A$oni-"t@ early as you 3an.C A,arly as 9 3an@C 9 sai5. 4ete3ti)e Perry es3orte5 me 8a3k. 7ay8e politeness@ may8e "e >ust %ante5 to -et a%ay 1rom t"e 3orpus 5eli3ti. 9 5i5n?t 8lame "im. AHo%?s your %i1e@ 4ete3ti)eBC A=e?re e*pe3tin- our 1irst 8a8y in a mont".C 9 smile5 up at "im. A9 5i5n?t kno%. !on-ratulations.C A$"ank you.C His 1a3e 3lou5e5 o)er@ a 1ro%n pu3kerin- 8et%een "is 5ark eyes. A4o you t"ink %e 3an 1in5 t"is 3reature 8e1ore it kills a-ainBC A9 "ope so@C 9 sai5. A="at are our 3"an3esBC 4i5 "e %ant reassuran3e or t"e trut". $rut". A9 "a)en?t t"e 1aintest i5ea.C

A9 %as "opin- you %oul5n?t say t"at@C "e sai5. ASo %as 9@ 4ete3ti)e. So %as 9.C

Chapter Eleven
="at %as more important t"an 8a--in- t"e 3ritter t"at "a5 e)is3erate5 an entire 1amilyB /ot"in-@ a8solutely not"in-. But it %as a %"ile until 1ull 5ark@ an5 9 "a5 ot"er pro8lems. =oul5 $ommy -o 8a3k to Gaynor an5 tell "im %"at 9 sai5B Des. =oul5 Gaynor let it -oB Pro8a8ly not. 9 nee5e5 in1ormation. 9 nee5e5 to kno% "o% 1ar "e %oul5 -o. A reporter@ 9 nee5e5 a reporter. 9r)in- Gris%ol5 to t"e res3ue. 9r)in- "a5 one o1 t"ose pastel 3u8i3les t"at passes 1or an o11i3e. /o roo1@ no 5oor@ 8ut you -ot %alls. 9r)in- is 1i)e2t"ree. 9?5 like "im 1or t"at reason i1 not"in- else. Dou 5on?t meet many men e*a3tly my "ei-"t. 'riEEy 8ro%n "air 1rame5 "is 8al5 spot like petals on a 1lo%er. He %ore a %"ite 5ress s"irt@ slee)es rolle5 up to t"e el8o%@ tie at "al12mast. His 1a3e %as roun5@ pink23"eeke5. He looke5 like a 8al5 3"eru8. He 5i5 not look like a %ere%ol1@ 8ut "e %as one. ,)en ly3ant"ropy 3an?t 3ure 8al5ness. /o one on t"e St. Louis Post24ispat3" kne% 9r)in- %as a s"apes"i1ter. 9t is a 5isease@ an5 it?s ille-al to 5is3riminate a-ainst ly3ant"ropes@ >ust like people %it" A94S@ 8ut people 5o it any%ay. 7ay8e t"e paper?s mana-ement %oul5 "a)e 8een 8roa52min5e5@ li8eral@ 8ut 9 %as %it" 9r)in-. !aution %as 8etter. 9r)in- sat in "is 5esk 3"air. 9 leane5 in t"e 5oor%ay o1 "is 3u8i3le. AHo%?s tri3ksBC 9r)in- sai5. A4o you really t"ink you?re 1unny@ or is t"is >ust an annoyin- "a8itBC 9 aske5. He -rinne5. A9?m "ilarious. Ask my -irl1rien5.C A9?ll 8et@C 9 sai5. A="at?s up@ BlakeB An5 please tell me %"ate)er it is is on t"e re3or5@ not o11.C AHo% %oul5 you like to 5o an arti3le on t"e ne% Eom8ie le-islation t"at?s 8ein- 3ooke5 upBC A7ay8e@C "e sai5. His eyes narro%e5@ suspi3ion -leame5 1ort". A="at 5o you %ant in returnBC A$"is part is o11 t"e re3or5@ 9r)in-@ 1or no%.C A9t 1i-ures.C He 1ro%ne5 at me. AGo on.C A9 nee5 all t"e in1ormation you "a)e on Harol5 Gaynor.C A/ame 5oesn?t rin- any 8ells@C "e sai5. AS"oul5 itBC His eyes "a5 -one 1rom 3"eer1ul to stea5y. His 3on3entration %as nearly per1e3t %"en "e smelle5 a story. A/ot ne3essarily@C 9 sai5. !autious. A!an you -et t"e in1ormation 1or meBC A9n e*3"an-e 1or t"e Eom8ie storyBC A9?ll take you to all t"e 8usinesses t"at use Eom8ies. Dou 3an 8rin- a p"oto-rap"er an5 snap pi3tures o1 3orpses.C His eyes lit up. AA series o1 arti3les %it" lots o1 semi2-ruesome pi3tures. Dou 3enter sta-e in a suit. Beauty an5 t"e Beast. 7y e5itor %oul5 pro8a8ly -o 1or it.C A9 t"ou-"t "e mi-"t@ 8ut 9 5on?t kno% a8out t"e 3enter sta-e stu11.C AHey@ your 8oss %ill lo)e it. Pu8li3ity means more 8usiness.C AAn5 sells more papers@C 9 sai5. ASure@C 9r)in- sai5. He looke5 at me 1or may8e a minute. $"e room %as almost silent. 7ost "a5 -one "ome. 9r)in-?s little pool o1 li-"t %as one o1 >ust a 1e%. He?5 8een %aitin- on me. So mu3" 1or t"e press ne)er sleeps. $"e ;uiet 8reat" o1 t"e air 3on5itioner 1ille5 t"e early e)enin- stillness. A9?ll see i1 Harol5 Gaynor?s in t"e 3omputer@C 9r)in- sai5 at last. 9 smile5 at "im. A<emem8ere5 t"e name a1ter me mentionin- it >ust on3e@ pretty -oo5.C A9 am@ a1ter all@ a traine5 reporter@C "e sai5. He s%i)ele5 "is 3"air 8a3k to "is 3omputer key8oar5 %it" e*a--erate5 mo)ements. He pulle5 ima-inary -lo)es on an5 a5>uste5 t"e lon- tails o1 a tu*. A#"@ -et on %it" it.C 9 smile5 a little %i5er. A4o not rus" t"e maestro.C He type5 a 1e% %or5s an5 t"e s3reen 3ame to li1e. AHe?s on 1ile@C 9r)in- sai5. AA 8i- 1ile. 9t?5 take 1ore)er to print it all up.C He s%i)ele5 t"e 3"air 8a3k to look at me. 9t %as a 8a5 si-n. A9?ll tell you %"at@C "e sai5. A9?ll -et t"e 1ile to-et"er@ 3omplete %it" pi3tures i1 %e "a)e any. 9?ll 5eli)er it to your s%eet "an5s.C A="at?s t"e 3at3"BC

He put "is 1in-ers to "is 3"est. A7oi@ no 3at3". $"e -oo5ness o1 my "eart.C AAll ri-"t@ 8rin- it 8y my apartment.C A="y 5on?t %e meet at 4ea5 4a)e?s@ instea5BC "e sai5. A4ea5 4a)e?s is 5o%n in t"e )ampire 5istri3t. ="at are you 5oin- "an-in- aroun5 out t"ereBC His s%eet 3"eru8i3 1a3e %as %at3"in- me )ery stea5ily. A<umor "as it t"at t"ere?s a ne% 7aster Vampire o1 t"e !ity. 9 %ant t"e story.C 9 >ust s"ook my "ea5. ASo you?re "an-in- aroun5 4ea5 4a)e?s to -et in1ormationBC A,*a3tly.C A$"e )amps %on?t talk to you. Dou look "uman.C A$"anks 1or t"e 3ompliment@C "e sai5. A$"e )amps 5o talk to you@ Anita. 4o you kno% %"o t"e ne% 7aster isB !an 9 meet "im@ or "erB !an 9 5o an inter)ie%BC AHesus@ 9r)in-@ 5on?t you "a)e enou-" trou8les %it"out messin- %it" t"e kin- )ampireBC A9t?s a "im t"en@C "e sai5. A9t?s a 1i-ure o1 spee3"@C 9 sai5. ADou kno% somet"in-. 9 kno% you 5o.C A="at 9 kno% is t"at you 5on?t %ant to 3ome to t"e attention o1 a master )ampire. $"ey?re mean@ 9r)in-.C A$"e )ampires are tryin- to mainstream t"emsel)es. $"ey %ant positi)e attention. An inter)ie% a8out %"at "e %ants to 5o %it" t"e )ampire 3ommunity. His )ision o1 t"e 1uture. 9t %oul5 8e )ery up2an523omin-. /o 3orpse >okes. /o sensationalism. Strai-"t >ournalism.C ADea"@ ri-"t. #n pa-e one a taste1ul little "ea5lineJ $H, 7AS$,< VA7P9<, #' S$. L#:9S SP,AKS #:$.C ADea"@ it?ll 8e -reat.C ADou?)e 8een sni11in- ne%sprint a-ain@ 9r)in-.C A9?ll -i)e you e)eryt"in- %e "a)e on Gaynor. Pi3tures.C AHo% 5o you kno% you "a)e pi3turesBC 9 sai5. He stare5 up at me@ "is roun5@ pleasant 1a3e 3"eer1ully 8lank. ADou re3o-niEe5 t"e name@ you little son o1 ... C A$sk@ tsk@ Anita. Help me -et an inter)ie% %it" t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. 9?ll -i)e you anyt"in- you %ant.C A9?ll -i)e you a series o1 arti3les a8out Eom8ies. 'ull23olor pi3tures o1 rottin- 3orpses@ 9r)in-. 9t?ll sell papers.C A/o inter)ie% %it" t"e 7asterBC "e sai5. A91 you?re lu3ky@ no@C 9 sai5. AS"oot.C A!an 9 "a)e t"e 1ile on GaynorBC He no55e5. A9?ll -et it to-et"er.C He looke5 up at me. A9 still %ant you to meet me at 4ea5 4a)e?s. 7ay8e a )amp %ill talk to me %it" you aroun5.C A9r)in-@ 8ein- seen %it" a le-al e*e3utioner o1 )ampires is not -oin- to en5ear you to t"e )amps.C A$"ey still 3all you t"e ,*e3utionerBC AAmon- ot"er t"in-s.C A#kay@ t"e Gaynor 1ile 1or -oin- alon- on your ne*t )ampire e*e3utionBC A/o@C 9 sai5. AA"@ Anita ... C A/o.C He sprea5 "is "an5s %i5e. A#kay@ >ust an i5ea. 9t?5 8e a -reat arti3le.C A9 5on?t nee5 t"e pu8li3ity@ 9r)in-@ not t"at kin5 any%ay.C He no55e5. ADea"@ yea". 9?ll meet you at 4ea5 4a)e?s in a8out t%o "ours.C A7ake it an "our. 9?5 like to 8e out o1 t"e 4istri3t 8e1ore 1ull 5ark.C A9s any8o5y -unnin- 1or you 5o%n t"ereB 9 mean 9 5on?t %ant to en5an-er you@ Blake.C He -rinne5. ADou?)e -i)en me too many lea5 stories. 9 %oul5n?t %ant to lose you.C

A$"anks 1or t"e 3on3ern. /o@ no one?s a1ter me. 'ar as 9 kno%.C ADou 5on?t soun5 real 3ertain.C 9 stare5 at "im. 9 t"ou-"t a8out tellin- "im t"at t"e ne% 7aster o1 t"e !ity "a5 sent me a 5oEen %"ite roses an5 an in)itation to -o 5an3in-. 9 "a5 turne5 "im 5o%n. $"ere "a5 8een a messa-e on my ma3"ine an5 an in)itation to a 8la3k tie a11air. 9 i-nore5 it all. So 1ar t"e 7aster %as 8e"a)in- like t"e 3ourtly -entleman "e "a5 8een a 1e% 3enturies 8a3k. 9t 3oul5n?t last. Hean2!lau5e %as not a person %"o took 5e1eat easily. 9 5i5n?t tell 9r)in-. He 5i5n?t nee5 to kno%. A9?ll see you at 4ea5 4a)e?s in an "our. 9?m -onna run "ome an5 3"an-e.C A/o% t"at you mention it@ 9?)e ne)er seen you in a 5ress 8e1ore.C A9 "a5 a 1uneral to5ay.C ABusiness or personalBC APersonal@C 9 sai5. A$"en 9?m sorry.C 9 s"ru--e5. A9?)e -ot to -o i1 9?m -oin- to "a)e time to 3"an-e an5 t"en meet you. $"anks@ 9r)in-.C A9t?s not a 1a)or@ Blake. 9?ll make you pay 1or t"ose Eom8ie arti3les.C 9 si-"e5. 9 "a5 ima-es o1 "im makin- me em8ra3e t"e poor 3orpse. But t"e ne% le-islation nee5e5 attention. $"e more people %"o un5erstoo5 t"e "orror o1 it@ t"e 8etter 3"an3e it "a5 to pass. 9n trut"@ 9r)in- %as still 5oin- me a 1a)or. /o nee5 to let "im kno% t"at@ t"ou-". 9 %alke5 a%ay into t"e 5imness o1 t"e 5arkene5 o11i3e. 9 %a)e5 o)er my s"oul5er %it"out lookin- 8a3k. 9 %ante5 to -et out o1 t"is 5ress an5 into somet"in- 9 3oul5 "i5e a -un on. 91 9 %as -oin- into Bloo5 S;uare@ 9 mi-"t nee5 it.

Chapter Twelve
4ea5 4a)e?s is in t"e part o1 St. Louis t"at "as t%o names. PoliteJ t"e <i)er1ront. <u5eJ t"e Bloo5 Nuarter. 9t is our to%n?s "ottest )ampire 3ommer3ial 5istri3t. Bi- tourist attra3tion. Vampires "a)e really put St. Louis on t"e )a3ation maps. Dou?5 t"ink t"at t"e #Eark 7ountains@ some o1 t"e 8est 1is"in- in t"e 3ountry@ t"e symp"ony@ Broa5%ay le)el musi3als@ or may8e t"e Botani3al Gar5ens %oul5 8e enou-"@ 8ut no. 9 -uess it?s "ar5 to 3ompete %it" t"e un5ea5. 9 kno% 9 1in5 it 5i11i3ult. 4ea5 4a)e?s is all 5ark -lass an5 8eer si-ns in t"e %in5o%s. $"e a1ternoon sunli-"t %as 1a5in- into t%ili-"t. Vamps %oul5n?t 8e out until 1ull 5ark. 9 "a5 a little un5er t%o "ours. Get in@ look o)er t"e 1ile@ -et out. ,asy. <i2i-"t. 9 "a5 3"an-e5 into 8la3k s"orts@ royal28lue polo s"irt@ 8la3k /ikes %it" a mat3"in- 8lue s%is"@ 8la3k an5 %"ite >o--inso3ks@ an5 a 8la3k leat"er 8elt. $"e 8elt %as t"ere so t"e s"oul5er "olster "a5 somet"in- to "an- on. 7y Bro%nin- Hi2 Po%er %as se3ure un5er my le1t arm. 9 "a5 t"ro%n on a s"ort2slee)e5 5ress s"irt to "i5e t"e -un. $"e 5ress s"irt %as in a mo5est 8la3k an5 royal28lue print. $"e out1it looke5 -reat. S%eat tri3kle5 5o%n my spine. $oo "ot 1or t"e s"irt@ 8ut t"e Bro%nin- -a)e me t"irteen 8ullets. 'ourteen i1 you?re animal enou-" to s"o)e t"e ma-aEine 1ull an5 3arry one in t"e 3"am8er. 9 5i5n?t t"ink t"in-s %ere t"at 8a5@ yet. 9 5i5 "a)e an e*tra ma-aEine s"o)e5 into t"e po3ket o1 my s"orts. 9 kno% it pi3ks up po3ket lint@ 8ut %"ere else %as 9 -oin- to 3arry itB #ne o1 t"ese 5ays 9 promise to -et a 5elu*e "olster %it" spa3es 1or e*tra ma-aEines. But all t"e mo5els 9?5 seen "a5 to 8e 3ut 5o%n to my siEe an5 ma5e me 1eel like t"e 'rito Ban5ito. 9 almost ne)er 3arry an e*tra 3lip %"en 9?)e -ot t"e Bro%nin-. Let?s 1a3e it@ i1 you nee5 more t"an t"irteen 8ullets@ it?s o)er. $"e really sa5 part %as t"e e*tra ammo %asn?t 1or $ommy@ or Gaynor. 9t %as 1or Hean2!lau5e. $"e 7aster Vampire o1 t"e !ity. /ot t"at sil)er2plate5 8ullets %oul5 kill "im. But t"ey %oul5 "urt "im@ make "im "eal almost "uman slo%. 9 %ante5 out o1 t"e 4istri3t 8e1ore 5ark. 9 5i5 not %ant to run into Hean2!lau5e. He %oul5n?t atta3k me. 9n 1a3t@ "is intentions %ere -oo5@ i1 not e*a3tly "onora8le. He "a5 o11ere5 me immortality %it"out t"e messy part o1 8e3omin- a )ampire. $"ere %as some impli3ation t"at 9 -ot "im alon- %it" eternity. He %as tall@ pale@ an5 "an5some. Se*ier t"an a silk te55y. He %ante5 me to 8e "is "uman ser)ant. 9 %asn?t anyone?s ser)ant. /ot e)en 1or eternal li1e@ eternal yout"@ an5 a little 3ompromise o1 t"e soul. $"e pri3e %as too steep. Hean2!lau5e 5i5n?t 8elie)e t"at. $"e Bro%nin- %as in 3ase 9 "a5 to make "im 8elie)e it. 9 steppe5 into t"e 8ar an5 %as momentarily 8lin5@ %aitin- 1or my eyes to a5>ust to t"e 5imness. Like one o1 t"ose ol5 %esterns %"ere t"e -oo5 -uy "esitates at t"e 1ront o1 t"e 8ar an5 )ie%s t"e 3ro%5. 9 suspe3te5 "e %asn?t lookin- 1or t"e 8a5 -uy at all. He "a5 >ust 3ome out o1 t"e sun an5 3oul5n?t see s"it. /o one e)er s"oots you %"ile you?re %aitin- 1or your eyes to a5>ust. 9 %on5er %"yB 9t %as a1ter 1i)e on a $"urs5ay. 7ost o1 t"e 8ar stools an5 all t"e ta8les %ere taken. $"e pla3e %as 3"eek to >o%l %it" 8usiness suits@ male an5 1emale. A spatterin- o1 %ork 8oots an5 tans t"at en5e5 at t"e el8o%@ 8ut mostly up%ar5ly mo8ile types. 4ea5 4a)e?s "a5 8e3ome tren5y 5espite e11orts to keep it at 8ay.

9t looke5 like "appy "our %as in "i-" -ear. S"it. All t"e yuppies %ere "ere to 3at3" a ni3e sa1e -limpse o1 a )ampire. $"ey %oul5 8e sli-"tly slos"e5 %"en it "appene5. 9n3rease t"e t"rill 9 -uess. 9r)in- %as sittin- at t"e roun5e5 3orner o1 t"e 8ar. He sa% me an5 %a)e5. 9 %a)e5 8a3k an5 starte5 pus"in- my %ay to%ar5s "im. 9 s;ueeEe5 8et%een t%o -entlemen in suits. 9t took some maneu)erin-@ an5 a )ery un3ool2lookin- "op to mount t"e 8ar stool. 9r)in- -rinne5 8roa5ly at me. $"ere %as a nearly soli5 "um o1 3on)ersation in t"e air. =or5s translate5 into pure noise like t"e o3ean. 9r)in- "a5 to lean into me to 8e "ear5 o)er t"e murmurin- soun5. A9 "ope you appre3iate "o% many 5ra-ons 9 "a5 to slay to sa)e t"at seat 1or you@C "e sai5. $"e 1aint smell o1 %"iskey 8reat"e5 alon- my 3"eek as "e spoke. A4ra-ons are easy@ try )ampires sometimes@C 9 sai5. His eyes %i5ene5. Be1ore "is mout" 3oul5 1orm t"e ;uestion@ 9 sai5@ A9?m ki55in-@ 9r)in-.C S"ees"@ some people >ust 5on?t "a)e a sense o1 "umor. ABesi5es@ 5ra-ons %ere ne)er nati)e to /ort" Ameri3a@C 9 sai5. A9 kne% t"at.C ASure@C 9 sai5. He sippe5 %"iskey 1rom a 1a3ete5 -lass. $"e am8er li;ui5 s"immere5 in t"e su85ue5 li-"t. Lut"er@ 5aytime mana-er an5 8arten5er@ %as 5o%n at t"e 1ar en5 o1 t"e 8ar 5ealin- %it" a -roup o1 )ery "appy people. 91 t"ey "a5 8een any "appier t"ey?5 "a)e 8een passe5 out on t"e 1loor. Lut"er is lar-e@ not tall@ 1at. But it is soli5 1at@ almost a kin5 o1 mus3le. His skin is so 8la3k@ it "as purple "i-"li-"ts. $"e 3i-arette 8et%een "is lips 1lare5 oran-e as "e took a 8reat". He 3oul5 talk aroun5 a 3i- 8etter t"an anyone 9?5 e)er met. 9r)in- pi3ke5 up a s3u11e5 leat"er 8rie13ase 1rom o11 t"e 1loor near "is 1eet. He 1is"e5 out a 1ile o)er t"ree in3"es t"i3k. A lar-e ru88er 8an5 %rappe5 it to-et"er. AHesus@ 9r)in-. !an 9 take it "ome %it" meBC He s"ook "is "ea5. AA sister reporter is 5oin- a 1eature on lo3al upstan5in- 8usinessmen %"o are not %"at t"ey seem. 9 "a5 to promise "er 5i8s on my 1irst8orn to 8orro% it 1or t"e ni-"t.C 9 looke5 at t"e sta3k o1 papers. 9 si-"e5. $"e man on my ri-"t nearly ramme5 an el8o% in my 1a3e. He turne5. ASorry@ little la5y@ sorry. /o "arm 5one.C Little 3ame out li55le@ an5 sorry slus"e5 aroun5 t"e e5-es. A/o "arm@C 9 sai5. He smile5 an5 turne5 8a3k to "is 1rien5. Anot"er 8usiness type %"o lau-"e5 uproariously at somet"in-. Get 5runk enou-" an5 e)eryt"in- is 1unny. A9 3an?t possi8ly rea5 t"e 1ile "ere@C 9 sai5. He -rinne5. A9?ll 1ollo% you any%"ere.C Lut"er stoo5 in 1ront o1 me. He pulle5 a 3i-arette 1rom t"e pa3k "e al%ays 3arrie5 %it" "im. He put t"e tip o1 "is still 8urnin- stu8 a-ainst t"e 1res" 3i-arette. $"e en5 1lare5 re5 like a li)e 3oal. Smoke tri3kle5 up "is nose an5 out "is mout". Like a 5ra-on. He 3rus"e5 t"e ol5 3i- in t"e 3lear -lass as"tray "e 3arrie5 %it" "im 1rom pla3e to pla3e like a te55y 8ear. He 3"ain smokes@ is -rossly o)er%ei-"t@ an5 "is -rey "air puts "im o)er 1i1ty. He?s ne)er si3k. He s"oul5 8e t"e national poster 3"il5 1or t"e $o8a33o 9nstitute. AA re1illBC "e aske5 9r)in-. ADea"@ t"anks.C Lut"er took t"e -lass@ re1ille5 it 1rom a 8ottle un5er t"e 8ar@ an5 set it 8a3k 5o%n on a 1res" napkin. A="at 3an 9 -et 1or ya@ AnitaBC "e aske5. A$"e usual@ Lut"er.C He poure5 me a -lass o1 oran-e >ui3e. =e preten5 it is a s3re%5ri)er. 9?m a teetotaler@ 8ut %"y %oul5 9 3ome to a 8ar i1 9 5i5n?t 5rinkB He %ipe5 t"e 8ar %it" a spotless %"ite to%el. AGotta messa-e 1or you 1rom t"e 7aster.C A$"e 7aster Vampire o1 t"e !ityBC 9r)in- aske5. His )oi3e "a5 t"at e*3ite5 lilt to it. He smelle5 ne%s. A="atBC $"ere %as no e*3ite5 lilt to my )oi3e. AHe %ants to see you@ 8a5.C 9 -lan3e5 at 9r)in-@ t"en 8a3k at Lut"er. 9 trie5 to telepat"i3ally sen5 t"e messa-e@ not in 1ront o1 t"e reporter. 9t 5i5n?t %ork.

A$"e 7aster?s put t"e %or5 out. Any8o5y %"o sees you -i)es you t"e messa-e.C 9r)in- %as lookin- 8a3k an5 1ort" 8et%een us like an ea-er puppy. A="at 5oes t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity %ant %it" you@ AnitaBC A!onsi5er it -i)en@C 9 sai5. Lut"er s"ook "is "ea5. ADou ain?t -oin- to talk to "im@ are youBC A/o@C 9 sai5. A="y notBC 9r)in- aske5. A/one o1 your 8usiness.C A#11 t"e re3or5@C "e sai5. A/o.C Lut"er stare5 at me. AListen to me@ -irl@ you talk to t"e 7aster. <i-"t no% all t"e )amps an5 1reaks are >ust suppose5 to tell you t"e 7aster %ants a po%%o%. $"e ne*t or5er %ill 8e to 5etain you an5 take ya to "im.C 4etain@ it %as a ni3e %or5 1or ki5nap. A9 5on?t "a)e anyt"in- to say to t"e 7aster.C A4on?t let t"is -et outta "an5@ Anita@C Lut"er sai5. AHust talk to "im@ no "arm.C $"at?s %"at "e t"ou-"t. A7ay8e 9 %ill.C Lut"er %as ri-"t. 9t %as talk to "im no% or later. Later %oul5 pro8a8ly 8e a lot less 1rien5ly. A="y 5oes t"e 7aster %ant to talk to youBC 9r)in- aske5. He %as like some 3urious@ 8ri-"t2eye5 8ir5 t"at "a5 spie5 a %orm. 9 i-nore5 t"e ;uestion@ an5 t"ou-"t up a ne% one. A4i5 your sister reporter -i)e you any "i-"li-"ts 1rom t"is 1ileB 9 5on?t really "a)e time to rea5 =ar an5 Pea3e 8e1ore mornin-.C A$ell me %"at you kno% a8out t"e 7aster@ an5 9?ll -i)e you t"e "i-"li-"ts.C A$"anks a lot@ Lut"er.C A9 5i5n?t mean to si3 "im on you@C "e sai5. His 3i- 8o88e5 up an5 5o%n as "e spoke. 9 ne)er un5erstoo5 "o% "e 5i5 t"at. Lip 5e*terity. Dears o1 pra3ti3e. A=oul5 e)ery8o5y stop treatin- me like t"e 8u8oni3 1u3kin- pla-ue@C 9r)in- sai5. A9?m >ust tryin- to 5o my >o8.C 9 sippe5 my oran-e >ui3e an5 looke5 at "im. A9r)in-@ you?re messin- %it" t"in-s you 5on?t un5erstan5. 9 3annot -i)e you in1o on t"e 7aster. 9 3an?t.C A=on?t@C "e sai5. 9 s"ru--e5. A=on?t@ 8ut t"e reason 9 %on?t is 8e3ause 9 3an?t.C A$"at?s a 3ir3ular ar-ument@C "e sai5. ASue me.C 9 1inis"e5 t"e >ui3e. 9 5i5n?t %ant it any%ay. AListen@ 9r)in-@ %e "a5 a 5eal. $"e 1ile in1o 1or t"e Eom8ie arti3les. 91 you?re -oin- to 8reak your %or5@ 5eal?s o11. But tell me it?s o11. 9 5on?t "a)e time to sit "ere an5 play t%enty 5amn ;uestions.C A9 %on?t -o 8a3k on t"e 5eal. 7y %or5 is my 8on5@C "e sai5 in as sta-y a )oi3e as "e 3oul5 mana-e in t"e murmurous noise o1 t"e 8ar. A$"en -i)e me t"e "i-"li-"ts an5 let me -et t"e "ell out o1 t"e 4istri3t 8e1ore t"e 7aster "unts me up.C His 1a3e %as su55enly solemn. ADou?re in trou8le@ aren?t youBC A7ay8e. Help me out@ 9r)in-. Please.C AHelp "er out@C Lut"er sai5. 7ay8e it %as t"e please. 7ay8e it %as Lut"er?s loomin- presen3e. ="ate)er@ 9r)in- no55e5. AA33or5in- to my sister reporter@ "e?s 3ripple5 in a %"eel3"air.C 9 no55e5. /on5ire3ti)e@ t"at?s me. AHe likes "is %omen 3ripple5.C A="at 5o you meanBC 9 remem8ere5 !i3ely o1 t"e empty eyes. ABlin5@ %"eel3"air@ amputee@ %"ate)er@ ol5 Harry?ll -o 1or it.C A4ea1@C 9 sai5. A:p "is alley.C A="yBC 9 aske5. !le)er ;uestions are us.

9r)in- s"ru--e5. A7ay8e it makes "im 1eel 8etter sin3e "e?s trappe5 in a 3"air "imsel1. 7y 1ello% reporter 5i5n?t kno% %"y "e %as a 5e)iant@ >ust t"at "e %as.C A="at else 5i5 s"e tell youBC AHe?s ne)er e)en 8een 3"ar-e5 %it" a 3rime@ 8ut t"e rumors are real u-ly. Suspe3te5 mo8 3onne3tions@ 8ut no proo1. Hust rumors.C A$ell me@C 9 sai5. AAn ol5 -irl1rien5 trie5 to sue "im 1or palimony. S"e 5isappeare5.C A4isappeare5 as in pro8a8ly 5ea5@C 9 sai5. ABin-o.C 9 8elie)e5 it. So "e?5 use5 $ommy an5 Bruno to kill 8e1ore. 7eant it %oul5 8e easier to -i)e t"e or5er a se3on5 time. #r may8e Gaynor?s -i)en t"e or5er lots o1 times@ an5 >ust ne)er -otten 3au-"t. A="at 5oes "e 5o 1or t"e mo8 t"at earns "im "is t%o 8o5y-uar5sBC A#"@ so you?)e met "is se3urity spe3ialist.C 9 no55e5. A7y 1ello% reporter %oul5 lo)e to talk to you.C ADou 5i5n?t tell "er a8out me@ 5i5 youBC A4o 9 look like a stoolieBC He -rinne5 at me. 9 let t"at -o. A="at?s "e 5o 1or t"e mo8BC AHelps t"em 3lean money@ or t"at?s %"at %e suspe3t.C A/o e)i5en3eBC 9 sai5. A/one.C He 5i5n?t look "appy a8out it. Lut"er s"ook "is "ea5@ tappin- "is 3i- into t"e as"tray. Some as" spille5 onto t"e 8ar. He %ipe5 it %it" "is spotless to%el. AHe soun5s like 8a5 ne%s@ Anita. 'ree a5)i3e@ lea)e "im t"e "ell alone.C Goo5 a5)i3e. :n1ortunately. A9 5on?t t"ink "e?ll lea)e me alone.C A9 %on?t ask@ 9 5on?t %ant to kno%.C Someone else %as 1ranti3ally si-nalin- 1or a re1ill. Lut"er 5ri1te5 o)er to t"em. 9 3oul5 %at3" t"e entire 8ar in t"e 1ull2len-t" mirror t"at took up t"e %all 8e"in5 t"e 8ar. 9 3oul5 e)en see t"e 5oor %it"out turninaroun5. 9t %as 3on)enient an5 3om1ortin-. A9 %ill ask@C 9r)in- sai5@ A9 5o %ant to kno%.C 9 >ust s"ook my "ea5. A9 kno% somet"in- you 5on?t kno%@C "e sai5. AAn5 9 %ant to kno% itBC He no55e5 )i-orously enou-" to make "is 1riEEy "air 8o8. 9 si-"e5. A$ell me.C ADou 1irst.C 9 "a5 a8out enou-". A9 "a)e s"are5 all 9 am -oin- to toni-"t@ 9r)in-. 9?)e -ot t"e 1ile. 9?ll look t"rou-" it. Dou?re >ust sa)inme a little time. <i-"t no%@ a little time 3oul5 8e )ery important to me.C A#"@ s"u3ks@ you take all t"e 1un out o1 8ein- a "ar523ore reporter.C He looke5 like "e %as -oin- to pout. AHust tell me@ 9r)in-@ or 9?m -oin- to 5o somet"in- )iolent.C He "al1 lau-"e5. 9 5on?t t"ink "e 8elie)e5 me. He s"oul5 "a)e. AAlri-"t@ alri-"t.C He 8rou-"t out a pi3ture 1rom 8e"in5 "is 8a3k %it" a 1louris" like a ma-i3ian. 9t %as a 8la3k an5 %"ite p"oto o1 a %oman. S"e %as in "er t%enties@ lon- 8ro%n "air 5o%n in a mo5ern style@ >ust enou-" mousse to make it look spiky. S"e %as pretty. 9 5i5n?t re3o-niEe "er. $"e p"oto %as o8)iously not pose5. 9t %as too 3asual an5 t"ere %as a look to t"e 1a3e o1 someone %"o 5i5n?t kno% s"e %as 8ein- p"oto-rap"e5. A="o is s"eBC AS"e %as "is -irl1rien5 until a8out 1i)e mont"s a-o@C 9r)in- sai5. ASo s"e?s ... "an5i3appe5BC 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e pretty@ 3an5i5 1a3e. Dou 3oul5n?t tell 8y t"e pi3ture. A="eel3"air =an5a.C 9 stare5 at "im. 9 3oul5 1eel my eyes -oin- %i5e. ADou 3an?t 8e serious.C

He -rinne5. A="eel3"air =an5a 3ruises t"e streets in "er 3"air. S"e?s )ery popular %it" a 3ertain 3ro%5.C A prostitute in a %"eel3"air. /a%@ it %as too %eir5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A#kay@ %"ere 5o 9 1in5 "erBC A9 an5 my sister reporter %ant in on t"is.C A$"at?s %"y you kept "er pi3ture out o1 t"e 1ile.C He 5i5n?t e)en "a)e t"e -ra3e to look em8arrasse5. A=an5a %on?t talk to you alone@ Anita.C AHas s"e talke5 to your reporter 1rien5BC He 1ro%ne5@ t"e li-"t o1 3on;uest 5immin- in "is eyes. 9 kne% %"at t"at meant. AS"e %on?t talk to reporters %ill s"e@ 9r)in-BC AS"e?s a1rai5 o1 Gaynor.C AS"e s"oul5 8e@C 9 sai5. A="y %oul5 s"e talk to you an5 not usBC A7y %innin- personality@C 9 sai5. A!ome on@ Blake.C A="ere 5oes s"e "an- out@ 9r)in-BC A#"@ "ell.C He 1inis"e5 "is 5%in5lin- 5rink in one an-ry s%allo%. AS"e stays near a 3lu8 3alle5 $"e Grey !at.C $"e Grey !at@ like t"at ol5 >oke@ all 3ats are -rey in t"e 5ark. !ute. A="ere?s t"e 3lu8BC Lut"er ans%ere5. 9 "a5n?t seen "im 3ome 8a3k. A#n t"e main 5ra- in t"e $en5erloin@ 3orner o1 $%entiet" an5 Gran5. But 9 %oul5n?t -o 5o%n t"ere alone@ Anita.C A9 3an take 3are o1 mysel1.C ADea"@ 8ut you 5on?t look like you 3an. Dou 5on?t %ant to "a)e to s"oot some 5um8 s"mu3k >ust 8e3ause "e 3oppe5 a 1eel@ or %orse. $ake someone %"o looks mean@ sa)e yoursel1 t"e a--ra)ation.C 9r)in- s"ru--e5. A9 %oul5n?t -o 5o%n t"ere alone.C 9 "ate5 to a5mit it@ 8ut t"ey %ere ri-"t. 9 may 8e "eap 8i- )ampire slayer 8ut it 5oesn?t s"o% mu3" on t"e outsi5e. A#kay@ 9?ll -et !"arles. He looks tou-" enou-" to take on t"e Green Bay Pa3kers@ 8ut "is "eart is o" so -entle.C Lut"er lau-"e5@ pu11in- smoke. A4on?t let ol !"arlie see too mu3". He mi-"t 1aint.C 'aint on3e in pu8li3 an5 people ne)er let you 1or-et. A9?ll keep !"arles sa1e.C 9 put more money 5o%n on t"e 8ar t"an %as nee5e5. Lut"er "a5n?t really -i)en me mu3" in1ormation t"is time@ 8ut usually "e 5i5. Goo5 in1ormation. 9 ne)er pai5 1ull pri3e 1or it. 9 -ot a 5is3ount 8e3ause 9 %as 3onne3te5 %it" t"e poli3e. 4ea5 4a)e "a5 8een a 3op 8e1ore t"ey ki3ke5 "im o11 t"e 1or3e 1or 8ein- un5ea5. S"ortsi-"te5 o1 t"em. He %as still pisse5 a8out t"at@ 8ut "e like5 to "elp. So "e 1e5 me in1ormation@ an5 9 1e5 t"e poli3e sele3te5 8its o1 it. 4ea5 4a)e 3ame out o1 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 t"e 8ar. 9 -lan3e5 at t"e 5ark -lass %in5o%s. 9t looke5 t"e same@ 8ut i1 4a)e %as up@ it %as 1ull 5ark. S"it. 9t %as a %alk 8a3k to my 3ar surroun5e5 8y )ampires. At least 9 "a5 my -un. !om1ortin- t"at. 4a)e is tall@ %i5e@ s"ort 8ro%n "air t"at "a5 8een 8al5in- %"en "e 5ie5. He lost no more "air 8ut it 5i5n?t -ro% 8a3k eit"er. He smile5 at me %i5e enou-" to 1las" 1an-s. An e*3ite5 %i--le ran t"rou-" t"e 3ro%5@ as i1 t"e same ner)e "a5 8een tou3"e5 in all o1 t"em. $"e %"ispers sprea5 like rin-s in a pool. Vampire. $"e s"o% %as on. 4a)e an5 9 s"ook "an5s. His "an5 %as %arm@ 1irm@ an5 5ry. Ha)e you 1e5 toni-"t@ 4a)eB He looke5 like "e "a5@ all rosy an5 3"eer1ul. ="at 5i5 you 1ee5 on@ 4a)eB An5 %as it %illin-B Pro8a8ly. 4a)e %as a -oo5 -uy 1or a 5ea5 man. ALut"er keeps tellin- me you stoppe5 8y 8ut it?s al%ays in 5ayli-"t. /i3e to see you?re slummin- a1ter 5ark.C A$rut"1ully@ 9 planne5 to 8e out o1 t"e 4istri3t 8e1ore 1ull 5ark.C He 1ro%ne5. ADou pa3kin-BC 9 -a)e "im a 5is3reet -limpse o1 my -un. 9r)in-?s eyes %i5ene5. ADou?re 3arryin- a -un.C 9t only soun5e5 like "e s"oute5 it. $"e noise le)el "a5 5ie5 5o%n to a %aitin- murmur. Nuiet enou-" 1or people to o)er"ear. But t"en@ t"at?s %"y t"ey "a5 3ome@ to listen to t"e )ampire. $o tell t"eir trou8les to t"e 5ea5. 9 lo%ere5 my )oi3e an5 sai5@ AAnnoun3e it to t"e %orl5@ 9r)in-.C He s"ru--e5. ASorry.C AHo% 5o you kno% ne%s8oy o)er "ereBC 4a)e aske5. AHe "elps me sometimes %it" resear3".C

A<esear3"@ %ell la25e25a.C He smile5 %it"out s"o%in- any 1an-. A tri3k you learn a1ter a 1e% years. ALut"er -i)e you t"e messa-eBC ADea".C ADou -oin- to 8e smart or 5um8BC 4a)e is sorta 8lunt@ 8ut 9 like "im any%ay. A4um8 pro8a8ly@C 9 sai5. AHust 8e3ause you -ot a spe3ial relations"ip %it" t"e ne% 7aster@ 5on?t let it 1ool you. He?s still a master )ampire. $"ey are 1reakin- 8a5 ne%s. 4on?t 1u3k %it" "im.C A9?m tryin- to a)oi5 it.C 4a)e smile5 8roa5 enou-" to s"o% 1an-. AS"it@ you mean ... /a%@ "e %ants you 1or more t"an -oo5 tail.C 9t %as ni3e to kno% "e t"ou-"t 9?5 8e -oo5 tail. 9 -uess. ADea"@C 9 sai5. 9r)in- %as pra3ti3ally 8oun3in- in "is seat. A="at t"e "ell is -oin- on@ AnitaBC Very -oo5 ;uestion. A7y 8usiness@ not yours.C AAnita ... C AStop pesterin- me@ 9r)in-. 9 mean it.C APesterin-B 9 "a)en?t "ear5 t"at %or5 sin3e my -ran5mot"er.C 9 looke5 "im strai-"t in t"e eyes an5 sai5@ 3are1ully@ ALea)e me t"e 1u3k alone. $"at 8etterBC He put "is "an5s out in an 92-i)e2up -esture. AHe"@ >ust tryin- to 5o my >o8.C A=ell@ 5o it some%"ere else.C 9 sli5 o11 t"e 8ar stool. A$"e %or5?s out to 1in5 you@ Anita@C 4a)e sai5. ASome o1 t"e ot"er )ampires mi-"t -et o)erEealous.C ADou mean try to take meBC He no55e5. A9?m arme5@ 3ross an5 all. 9?ll 8e okay.C ADou %ant me to %alk you to your 3arBC 4a)e aske5. 9 stare5 into "is 8ro%n eyes an5 smile5. A$"anks@ 4a)e@ 9?ll remem8er t"e o11er@ 8ut 9?m a 8i- -irl.C $rut" %as a lot o1 t"e )ampires 5i5n?t like 4a)e 1ee5in- in1ormation to t"e enemy. 9 %as t"e ,*e3utioner. 91 a )ampire steppe5 o)er t"e line@ t"ey sent 1or me. $"ere %as no su3" t"in- as a li1e senten3e 1or a )amp. 4eat" or not"in-. /o prison 3an "ol5 a )ampire. !ali1ornia trie5@ 8ut one master )ampire -ot loose. He kille5 t%enty21i)e people in a one2ni-"t 8loo58at". He 5i5n?t 1ee5@ "e >ust kille5. Guess "e %as pisse5 a8out 8ein- lo3ke5 up. $"ey?5 put 3rosses o)er t"e 5oors an5 on t"e -uar5s. !rosses 5on?t %ork unless you 8elie)e in t"em. An5 t"ey 3ertainly 5on?t %ork on3e a master )ampire "as 3on)in3e5 you to take t"em o11. 9 %as t"e )ampire?s e;ui)alent o1 an ele3tri3 3"air. $"ey 5i5n?t like me mu3". Surprise@ surprise. A9?ll 8e %it" "er@C 9r)in- sai5. He put money 5o%n on t"e 8ar an5 stoo5 up. 9 "a5 t"e 8ulky 1ile un5er my arm. 9 -uess "e %asn?t -oin- to let it out o1 "is si-"t. Great. AS"e?ll pro8a8ly "a)e to prote3t you@ too@C 4a)e sai5. 9r)in- starte5 to say somet"in-@ t"en t"ou-"t 8etter o1 it. He 3oul5 say@ 8ut 9?m a ly3ant"rope@ e*3ept "e 5i5n?t %ant people to kno%. He %orke5 )ery@ )ery "ar5 at appearin- "uman. ADou sure you?ll 8e okayBC "e aske5. #ne more 3"an3e 1or a )ampire -uar5 to my 3ar. He %as o11erin- to prote3t me 1rom t"e 7aster. 4a)e "a5n?t 8een 5ea5 ten years. He %asn?t -oo5 enou-". A/i3e to kno% you 3are@ 4a)e.C AGo on@ -et outta "ere@C "e sai5. A=at3" yoursel1@ -irl@C Lut"er sai5. 9 smile5 8ri-"tly at 8ot" o1 t"em@ t"en turne5 an5 %alke5 out o1 t"e near silent 8ar. $"e 3ro%5 3oul5n?t "a)e o)er"ear5 mu3"@ i1 any@ o1 t"e 3on)ersation@ 8ut 9 3oul5 1eel t"em starin- at my 8a3k. 9 resiste5 an ur-e to %"irl aroun5 an5 -o A8oo.C 9 8et some8o5y %oul5 "a)e s3reame5. 9t?s t"e 3ross2s"ape5 s3ar on my arm. #nly )ampires "a)e t"em@ ri-"tB A 3ross s"o)e5 into un3lean 1les". 7ine "a5 8een a 8ran5in- iron spe3ially ma5e. A no% 5ea5 master )ampire "a5 or5ere5 it. $"ou-"t it %oul5 8e 1unny. Har5y2"ar. #r may8e it %as >ust 4a)e. 7ay8e t"ey "a5n?t noti3e5 t"e s3ar. 7ay8e 9 %as o)erly sensiti)e. 7ake 1rien5ly %it" a ni3e la%2a8i5in- )ampire@ an5 people -et suspi3ious. Ha)e a 1e% 1unny s3ars an5 people %on5er i1 you?re "uman. But t"at?s okay. Suspi3ion is "ealt"y. 9t?ll keep you ali)e.

Chapter Thirteen
$"e s%elterin- 5arkness 3lose5 aroun5 me like a "ot@ sti3ky 1ist. A streetli-"t 1orme5 a pu55le o1 8rillian3e on t"e si5e%alk@ as i1 t"e li-"t "a5 melte5. All t"e streetli-"ts are repro5u3tions o1 turn2o12t"e23entury -as lamps. $"ey rise 8la3k an5 -ra3e1ul@ 8ut not ;uite aut"enti3. Like a Hallo%een 3ostume. 9t looks -oo5 8ut is too 3om1orta8le to 8e real. $"e ni-"t sky %as like a 5ark presen3e o)er t"e tall 8ri3k 8uil5in-s@ 8ut t"e streetli-"ts "el5 t"e 5arkness 8a3k. Like a 8la3k tent "el5 up 8y sti3ks o1 li-"t. Dou "a5 t"e sense o1 5arkness %it"out t"e reality. 9 starte5 %alkin- 1or t"e parkin- -ara-e >ust o11 'irst Street. Parkin- on t"e <i)er1ront is 5amn near impossi8le. $"e tourists "a)e only ma5e t"e pro8lem %orse. $"e "ar5 soles o1 9r)in-?s 5ress s"oes ma5e a lou5@ e3"oin- noise on t"e stone o1 t"e street. <eal 3o88lestones. Streets meant 1or "orses@ not 3ars. 9t ma5e parkin- a 8it3"@ 8ut it %as ... 3"armin-. 7y /ike Airs ma5e almost no soun5 on t"e street. 9r)in- %as like a 3lattery puppy 8esi5e me. 7ost ly3ant"ropes 9?)e met "a)e 8een stealt"y. 9r)in- may "a)e 8een a %ere%ol1 8ut "e %as more 5o-. A 8i-@ 1un2lo)in- 5o-. !ouples an5 small -roups passe5 us@ lau-"in-@ talkin-@ )oi3es too s"rill. $"ey "a5 3ome to see )ampires. <eal2li)e )ampires@ or %as t"at real25ea5 )ampiresB $ourists@ all o1 t"em. Amateurs. Voyeurs. 9 "a5 seen more un5ea5 t"an any o1 t"em. 9?5 lay money on t"at. $"e 1as3ination es3ape5 me. 9t %as 1ull 5ark no%. 4olp" an5 t"e -an- %oul5 8e a%aitin- me at Burrell !emetery. 9 nee5e5 to -et o)er t"ere. ="at a8out t"e 1ile on GaynorB An5 %"at %as 9 -oin- to 5o %it" 9r)in-B Sometimes my li1e is too 1ull. A 1i-ure 5eta3"e5 itsel1 1rom t"e 5arkene5 8uil5in-s. 9 3oul5n?t tell i1 "e "a5 8een %aitin- or "a5 simply appeare5. 7a-i3. 9 1roEe@ like a ra88it 3au-"t in "ea5li-"ts@ starin-. A="at?s %ron-@ BlakeBC 9r)in- aske5. 9 "an5e5 "im t"e 1ile an5 "e took it@ lookin- puEEle5. 9 %ante5 my "an5s 1ree in 3ase 9 "a5 to -o 1or my -un. 9t pro8a8ly %oul5n?t 3ome to t"at. Pro8a8ly. Hean2!lau5e@ 7aster Vampire o1 t"e !ity@ %alke5 to%ar5s us. He mo)e5 like a 5an3er@ or a 3at@ a smoot"@ -li5in- %alk. ,ner-y an5 -ra3e 3ontaine5@ %aitin- to e*plo5e into )iolen3e. He %asn?t t"at tall@ may8e 1i)e2ele)en. His s"irt %as so %"ite@ it -leame5. $"e s"irt %as loose@ lon-@ 1ull slee)es ma5e ti-"t at t"e %rist 8y t"ree28uttone5 3u11s. $"e 1ront o1 t"e s"irt "a5 only a strin- to 3lose t"e t"roat. He?5 le1t it untie5@ an5 t"e %"ite 3lot" 1rame5 t"e pale smoot"ness o1 "is 3"est. $"e s"irt %as tu3ke5 into ti-"t 8la3k >eans@ an5 only t"at kept it 1rom 8illo%in- aroun5 "im like a 3ape. His "air %as per1e3tly 8la3k@ 3urlin- so1tly aroun5 "is 1a3e. $"e eyes@ i1 you 5are5 to look into t"em@ %ere a 8lue so 5ark it %as almost 8la3k. Glitterin-@ 5ark >e%els. He stoppe5 a8out si* 1eet in 1ront o1 us. !lose enou-" to see t"e 5ark 3ross2s"ape5 s3ar on "is 3"est. 9t %as t"e only t"in- t"at marre5 t"e per1e3tion o1 "is 8o5y. #r %"at 9?5 seen o1 "is 8o5y. 7y s3ar "a5 8een a 8a5 >oke. His "a5 8een some poor so5?s last attempt to sta)e o11 5eat". 9 %on5ere5 i1 t"e poor so5 "a5 es3ape5B =oul5 Hean2!lau5e tell me i1 9 aske5B 7ay8e. But i1 t"e ans%er %as no@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to "ear it. AHello@ Hean2!lau5e@C 9 sai5. AGreetin-s@ ma petite@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as like 1ur@ ri3"@ so1t@ )a-uely o8s3ene@ as i1 >ust talkin- to "im %as somet"in5irty. 7ay8e it %as. A4on?t 3all me ma petite@C 9 sai5. He smile5 sli-"tly@ not a "int o1 1an-. AAs you like.C He looke5 at 9r)in-. 9r)in- looke5 a%ay@ 3are1ul not to meet Hean2 !lau5e?s eyes. Dou ne)er looke5 5ire3tly into a )ampire?s eyes. /e)er. So %"y %as 9 5oin- it %it" impunity. ="y in5ee5B A="o is your 1rien5BC $"e last %or5 %as )ery so1t an5 some"o% t"reatenin-. A$"is is 9r)in- Gris%ol5. He?s a reporter 1or t"e Post24ispat3". He?s "elpin- me %it" a little resear3".C AA"@C "e sai5. He %alke5 aroun5 9r)in- as i1 "e %ere somet"in- 1or sale@ an5 Hean2!lau5e %ante5 to see all o1 "im. 9r)in- -a)e ner)ous little -lan3es so t"at "e 3oul5 keep t"e )ampire in )ie%. He -lan3e5 at me@ %i5enin- "is eyes. A="at?s -oin- onBC A="at in5ee5@ 9r)in-BC Hean2!lau5e sai5. ALea)e "im alone@ Hean2!lau5e.C A="y "a)e you not 3ome to see me@ my little animatorBC Little animator %asn?t mu3" o1 an impro)ement o)er ma petite@ 8ut 9?5 take it. A9?)e 8een 8usy.C $"e look t"at 3rosse5 "is 1a3e %as almost an-er. 9 5i5n?t really %ant "im ma5 at me. A9 %as -oin- to 3ome see you@C 9 sai5.

A="enBC A$omorro% ni-"t.C A$oni-"t.C 9t %as not a su--estion. A9 3an?t.C ADes@ ma petite@ you 3an.C His )oi3e %as like a %arm %in5 in my "ea5. ADou are so 5amn 5eman5in-@C 9 sai5. He lau-"e5 t"en. Pleasant an5 resonatin- like e*pensi)e per1ume t"at lin-ers in t"e room a1ter t"e %earer "as -one. His lau-"ter %as like t"at@ lin-erin- in t"e ears like 5istant musi3. He "a5 t"e 8est )oi3e o1 any master )ampire 9?5 e)er met. ,)eryone "as t"eir talents. ADou are so e*asperatin-@C "e sai5@ t"e e5-e o1 lau-"ter still in "is )oi3e. A="at am 9 to 5o %it" youBC ALea)e me alone@C 9 sai5. 9 %as utterly serious. 9t %as one o1 my 8i--est %is"es. His 1a3e so8ere5 3ompletely@ like someone "a5 1lippe5 a s%it3". #n@ "appy@ o11@ unrea5a8le. A$oo many o1 my 1ollo%ers kno% you are my "uman ser)ant@ ma petite. Brin-in- you un5er 3ontrol is part o1 3onsoli5atin- my po%er.C He soun5e5 almost re-ret1ul. A lot o1 "elp t"at 5i5 me. A="at 5o you mean@ 8rin-in- me un5er 3ontrolBC 7y stoma3" %as ti-"t %it" t"e 8e-innin-s o1 1ear. 91 Hean2!lau5e 5i5n?t s3are me to 5eat"@ "e %as -oin- to -i)e me an ul3er. ADou are my "uman ser)ant. Dou must start a3tin- like one.C A9 am not your ser)ant.C ADes@ ma petite@ you are.C A4ammit@ Hean2!lau5e@ lea)e me alone.C He %as su55enly stan5in- ne*t to me. 9 "a5n?t seen "im mo)e. He "a5 3lou5e5 my min5 %it"out me e)en 8linkin-. 9 3oul5 taste my pulse at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. 9 trie5 to step 8a3k@ 8ut one pale slen5er "an5 -ra88e5 my ri-"t arm@ >ust a8o)e t"e el8o%. 9 s"oul5n?t "a)e steppe5 8a3k. 9 s"oul5 "a)e -one 1or my -un. 9 "ope5 9 %oul5 li)e t"rou-" t"e mistake. 7y )oi3e 3ame out 1lat@ normal. At least 9?5 5ie 8ra)e. A9 t"ou-"t "a)in- t%o o1 your )ampire marks meant you 3oul5n?t 3ontrol my min5.C A9 3annot 8e%it3" you %it" my eyes@ an5 it is "ar5er to 3lou5 your min5@ 8ut it 3an 8e 5one.C His 1in-ers en3ir3le5 my arm. /ot "urtin-. 9 5i5n?t try to pull a%ay. 9 kne% 8etter. He 3oul5 3rus" my arm %it"out 8reakin- a s%eat@ or tear it 1rom its so3ket@ or 8en3" press a $oyota. 91 9 3oul5n?t arm %restle $ommy@ 9 sure as "ell 3oul5n?t mat3" Hean2!lau5e. AHe?s t"e ne% 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ isn?t "eBC 9t %as 9r)in-. 9 t"ink %e "a5 1or-otten a8out "im. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een 8etter 1or 9r)in- i1 %e "a5. Hean2!lau5e?s -rip ti-"tene5 sli-"tly on my ri-"t arm. He turne5 to look at 9r)in-. ADou are t"e reporter t"at "as 8een askin- to inter)ie% me.C ADes@ 9 am.C 9r)in- soun5e5 >ust t"e tiniest 8it ner)ous@ not mu3"@ >ust t"e "int o1 ti-"tness in "is )oi3e. He looke5 8ra)e an5 resolute. Goo5 1or 9r)in-. APer"aps a1ter 9 "a)e spoken %it" t"is lo)ely youn- %oman@ 9 %ill -rant you your inter)ie%.C A<eallyBC Astonis"ment %as plain in "is )oi3e. He -rinne5 %i5ely at me. A$"at %oul5 8e -reat. 9?ll 5o it any %ay you %ant. 9t ... C ASilen3e.C $"e %or5 "isse5 an5 1loate5. 9r)in- 1ell ;uiet as i1 it %ere a spell. A9r)in-@ are you alri-"tBC 'unny me askin-. 9 %as t"e one 3"eek to >o%l %it" a )ampire@ 8ut 9 aske5 any%ay. ADea"@C 9r)in- sai5. $"at one %or5 %as s;ueeEe5 small %it" 1ear. A9?)e >ust ne)er 1elt anyt"in- like "im.C 9 -lan3e5 up at Hean2!lau5e. AHe is sort o1 one o1 a kin5.C Hean2!lau5e turne5 "is attention 8a3k to me. #"@ -oo5y. AStill makin- >okes@ ma petite.C 9 stare5 up into "is 8eauti1ul eyes@ 8ut t"ey %ere >ust eyes. He "a5 -i)en me t"e po%er to resist t"em. A9t?s a %ay to pass t"e time. ="at 5o you %ant@ Hean2!lau5eBC ASo 8ra)e@ e)en no%.C ADou aren?t -oin- to 5o me on t"e street@ in 1ront o1 %itnesses. Dou may 8e t"e ne% 7aster@ 8ut you?re also a 8usinessman. Dou?re mainstream )ampire. 9t limits %"at you 3an 5o.C A#nly in pu8li3@C "e sai5@ so so1t t"at only 9 "ear5 "im. A'ine@ 8ut %e 8ot" a-ree you aren?t -oin- to 5o )iolen3e "ere an5 no%.C 9 stare5 up at "im. ASo 3ut t"e t"eatri3s an5 tell me %"at t"e 8loo5y "ell you %ant.C

He smile5 t"en@ a 8are mo)ement o1 lips@ 8ut "e release5 my arm an5 steppe5 8a3k. AHust as you %ill not s"oot me 5o%n in t"e street %it"out pro)o3ation.C 9 t"ou-"t 9 "a5 pro)o3ation@ 8ut not"in- 9 3oul5 e*plain to t"e poli3e. A9 5on?t %ant to 8e up on mur5er 3"ar-es@ t"at?s true.C His smile %i5ene5@ still not 1an-s. He 5i5 t"at 8etter t"an any li)in- )ampire 9 kne%. =as li)in- )ampire an o*ymoronB 9 %asn?t sure anymore. ASo@ %e %ill not "arm ea3" ot"er in pu8li3@C "e sai5. APro8a8ly not@C 9 sai5. A="at 5o you %antB 9?m late 1or an appointment.C AAre you raisin- Eom8ies or slayin- )ampires toni-"tBC A/eit"er@C 9 sai5. He looke5 at me@ %aitin- 1or me to say more. 9 5i5n?t. He s"ru--e5 an5 it %as -ra3e1ul. ADou are my "uman ser)ant@ Anita.C He?5 use5 my real name@ 9 kne% 9 %as in trou8le no%. AAm not@C 9 sai5. He -a)e a lon- si-". ADou 8ear t%o o1 my marks.C A/ot 8y 3"oi3e@C 9 sai5. ADou %oul5 "a)e 5ie5 i1 9 "a5 not s"are5 my stren-t" %it" you.C A4on?t -i)e me 3rap a8out "o% you sa)e5 my li1e. Dou 1or3e5 t%o marks on me. Dou 5i5n?t ask or e*plain. $"e 1irst mark may "a)e sa)e5 my li1e@ -reat. $"e se3on5 mark sa)e5 yours. 9 5i5n?t "a)e a 3"oi3e eit"er time.C A$%o more marks an5 you %ill "a)e immortality. Dou %ill not a-e 8e3ause 9 5o not a-e. Dou %ill remain "uman@ ali)e@ a8le to %ear your 3ru3i1i*. A8le to enter a 3"ur3". 9t 5oes not 3ompromise your soul. ="y 5o you 1i-"t meBC AHo% 5o you kno% %"at 3ompromises my soulB Dou 5on?t "a)e one anymore. Dou tra5e5 your immortal soul 1or eart"ly eternity. But 9 kno% t"at )ampires 3an 5ie@ Hean2!lau5e. ="at "appens %"en you 5ieB ="ere 5o you -oB 4o you >ust -o poo1B /o@ you -o to "ell %"ere you 8elon-.C AAn5 you t"ink 8y 8ein- my "uman ser)ant you %ill -o %it" meBC A9 5on?t kno%@ an5 9 5on?t %ant to 1in5 out.C ABy 1i-"tin- me@ you make me appear %eak. 9 3annot a11or5 t"at@ ma petite. #ne %ay or anot"er@ %e must resol)e t"is.C AHust lea)e me alone.C A9 3annot. Dou are my "uman ser)ant@ an5 you must 8e-in to a3t like one.C A4on?t press me on t"is@ Hean2!lau5e.C A#r %"at@ %ill you kill meB !oul5 you kill meBC 9 stare5 at "is 8eauti1ul 1a3e an5 sai5@ ADes.C A9 1eel your 5esire 1or me@ ma petite@ as 9 5esire you.C 9 s"ru--e5. ="at 3oul5 9 sayB A9t?s >ust a little lust@ Hean2!lau5e@ not"in- spe3ial.C $"at %as a lie. 9 kne% it e)en as 9 sai5 it. A/o@ ma petite@ 9 mean more to you t"an t"at.C =e %ere attra3tin- a 3ro%5@ at a sa1e 5istan3e. A4o you really %ant to 5is3uss t"is in t"e streetBC He took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out in a si-". AVery true. Dou make me 1or-et mysel1@ ma petite.C Great. A9 really am late@ Hean2!lau5e. $"e poli3e are %aitin- 1or me.C A=e must 1inis" t"is 5is3ussion@ ma petite@C "e sai5. 9 no55e5. He %as ri-"t. 9?5 8een tryin- to i-nore it@ an5 "im. 7aster )ampires are not easy to i-nore. A$omorro% ni-"t.C A="ereBC "e aske5. Polite o1 "im not to or5er me to "is lair. 9 t"ou-"t a8out %"ere 8est to 5o it. 9 %ante5 !"arles to -o 5o%n to t"e $en5erloin %it" me. !"arles %as -oin- to 8e 3"e3kin- t"e Eom8ie %orkin- 3on5itions at a ne% 3ome5y 3lu8. Goo5 a pla3e as any. A4o you kno% $"e Lau-"in- !orpseBC He smile5@ a -limpse o1 1an- tou3"in- "is lips. A %oman in t"e small 3ro%5 -aspe5. ADes.C A7eet me t"ere at@ say@ ele)en o?3lo3k.C A7y pleasure.C $"e %or5s 3aresse5 my skin like a promise. S"it. A9 %ill a%ait you in my o11i3e@ tomorro% ni-"t.C A=ait a minute. ="at 5o you mean@ your o11i3eBC 9 "a5 a 8a5 1eelin- a8out t"is.

His smile %i5ene5 into a -rin@ 1an-s -listenin- in t"e streetli-"ts. A="y@ 9 o%n $"e Lau-"in- !orpse. 9 t"ou-"t you kne%.C A$"e "ell you 5i5.C A9 %ill a%ait you.C 9?5 pi3ke5 t"e pla3e. 9?5 stan5 8y it. 4ammit. A!ome on@ 9r)in-.C A/o@ let t"e reporter stay. He "as not "a5 "is inter)ie%.C ALea)e "im alone@ Hean2!lau5e@ please.C A9 %ill -i)e "im %"at "e 5esires@ not"in- more.C 9 5i5n?t like t"e %ay "e sai5 5esires. A="at are you up toBC A7e@ ma petite@ up to somet"in-BC He smile5. AAnita@ 9 %ant to stay@C 9r)in- sai5. 9 turne5 to "im. ADou 5on?t kno% %"at you?re sayin-.C A9?m a reporter. 9?m 5oin- my >o8.C AS%ear to me@ s%ear to me you %on?t "arm "im.C ADou "a)e my %or5@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A$"at you %ill not "arm "im in any %ay.C A$"at 9 %ill not "arm "im in any %ay.C His 1a3e %as e*pressionless@ as i1 all t"e smiles "a5 8een illusions. His 1a3e "a5 t"at immo8ility o1 t"e lon- 5ea5. Lo)ely to look at@ 8ut empty o1 li1e as a paintin-. 9 looke5 into "is 8lank eyes an5 s"i)ere5. S"it. AAre you sure you %ant to stay "ereBC 9r)in- no55e5. A9 %ant t"e inter)ie%.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou?re a 1ool.C A9?m a -oo5 reporter@C "e sai5. ADou?re still a 1ool.C A9 3an take 3are o1 mysel1@ Anita.C =e looke5 at ea3" ot"er 1or a spa3e o1 "eart8eats. A'ine@ "a)e 1un. 7ay 9 "a)e t"e 1ileBC He looke5 5o%n at "is arms as i1 "e "a5 1or-otten "e %as "ol5in- it. A4rop it 8y tomorro% mornin- or 7a5eline is -oin- to "a)e a 1it.C ASure. /o pro8lem.C 9 tu3ke5 t"e 8ulky 1ile un5er my le1t arm as loosely as 9 3oul5 mana-e it. 9t "ampere5 my 8ein- a8le to 5ra% my -un@ 8ut li1e?s imper1e3t. 9 "a5 in1ormation on Gaynor. 9 "a5 t"e name o1 a re3ent e*2-irl1rien5. A %oman s3orne5. 7ay8e s"e?5 talk to me. 7ay8e s"e?5 "elp me 1in5 3lues. 7ay8e s"e?5 tell me to -o to "ell. =oul5n?t 8e t"e 1irst time. Hean2!lau5e %as %at3"in- me %it" "is still eyes. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" t"rou-" my nose an5 let it out t"rou-" my mout". ,nou-" 1or one ni-"t. ASee you 8ot" tomorro%.C 9 turne5 an5 %alke5 a%ay. $"ere %as a -roup o1 tourists %it" 3ameras. #ne %as sort o1 tentati)ely raise5 in my 5ire3tion. A91 you snap my pi3ture@ 9 %ill take t"e 3amera a%ay 1rom you an5 8reak it.C 9 smile5 %"ile 9 sai5 it. $"e man lo%ere5 "is 3amera un3ertainly. AGeeE@ >ust a little pi3ture.C ADou?)e seen enou-"@C 9 sai5. A7o)e on@ t"e s"o%?s o)er.C $"e tourists 5ri1te5 a%ay like smoke %"en t"e %in5 8lo%s t"rou-" it. 9 %alke5 5o%n t"e street to%ar5s t"e parkin- -ara-e. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k an5 1oun5 t"e tourists "a5 5ri1te5 8a3k to surroun5 Hean2!lau5e an5 9r)in-. $"e tourists %ere ri-"t. $"e s"o% %asn?t o)er yet. 9r)in- %as a 8i- 8oy. He %ante5 t"e inter)ie%. ="o %as 9 to play nursemai5 on a -ro%n %ere%ol1B =oul5 Hean2!lau5e 1in5 out 9r)in-?s se3retB 91 "e 5i5@ %oul5 it make a 5i11eren3eB /ot my pro8lem. 7y pro8lem %as Harol5 Gaynor@ 4omin-a Sal)a5or@ an5 a monster t"at %as eatin- t"e -oo5 3itiEens o1 St. Louis@ 7issouri. Let 9r)in- take 3are o1 "is o%n pro8lems. 9 "a5 enou-" o1 my o%n.

Chapter Fourteen
$"e ni-"t sky %as a 3ur)in- 8o%l o1 li;ui5 8la3k. Stars like pinpri3k 5iamon5s -a)e a 3ol5@ "ar5 1i-"t. $"e moon %as a -lo%in- pat3"%ork o1 -reys an5 -ol5is"2sil)er. $"e 3ity makes you 1or-et "o% 5ark t"e ni-"t@ "o% 8ri-"t t"e moon@ "o% )ery many stars. Burrell !emetery 5i5n?t "a)e any streetli-"ts. $"ere %as not"in- 8ut t"e 5istant yello% -leam o1 a "ouse?s %in5o%s. 9 stoo5 at t"e top o1 t"e "ill in my 3o)eralls an5 /ikes@ s%eatin-.

$"e 8oy?s 8o5y %as -one. 9t %as in t"e mor-ue %aitin- 1or t"e 3oroner?s attentions. 9 %as 1inis"e5 %it" it. /e)er "a5 to look at it a-ain. ,*3ept in my 5reams. 4olp" stoo5 8esi5e me. He 5i5n?t say a %or5@ >ust looke5 out o)er t"e -rass an5 8roken tom8stones@ %aitin-. =aitin- 1or me to 5o my ma-i3. $o pull t"e ra88it out o1 t"e "at. $"e 8est t"at 3oul5 "appen %as t"e ra88it to 8e in an5 to 5estroy it. /e*t 8est t"in- %as 1in5in- t"e "ole it "a5 3ome 1rom. $"at 3oul5 tell us somet"in-. An5 somet"in- %as 8etter t"an %"at %e "a5 ri-"t no%. $"e e*terminators 1ollo%e5 a 1e% pa3es 8e"in5. $"e man %as s"ort@ 8ee1y@ -rey "air 3ut in a 8ut3". He looke5 like a retire5 1oot8all 3oa3"@ 8ut "e "an5le5 t"e 1lamet"ro%er strappe5 to "is 8a3k like it %as somet"in- ali)e. $"i3k "an5s 3aressin- it. $"e %oman %as youn-@ no more t"an t%enty. $"in 8lon5 "air tie5 8a3k in a ponytail. S"e %as a little taller t"an me@ small. =isps o1 "air traile5 a3ross "er 1a3e. Her eyes %ere %i5e an5 sear3"e5 t"e tall -rass@ si5e to si5e. Like a -unner on point. 9 "ope5 s"e 5i5n?t "a)e an it3"y tri--er 1in-er. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e eaten 8y a killer Eom8ie@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e plastere5 %it" napalm eit"er. Burne5 ali)e or eaten ali)eB 9s t"ere anyt"in- else on t"e menuB $"e -rass rustle5 an5 %"ispere5 like 5ry autumn lea)es. 91 %e 5i5 use t"e 1lamet"ro%ers in "ere@ it?5 8e a -rass 1ire. =e?5 8e lu3ky to outrun it. But 1ire %as t"e only t"in- t"at 3oul5 stop a Eom8ie. 91 it %as a Eom8ie an5 not somet"in- else alto-et"er. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 starte5 %alkin-. 4ou8ts %oul5 -et us no%"ere. A3t like you kno% %"at you?re 5oin-G it %as a rule 9 li)e5 8y. 9 am sure t"at SeQora Sal)a5or %oul5 "a)e "a5 a spe3i1i3 rite or sa3ri1i3e to 1in5 a Eom8ie?s -ra)e. Her %ay o1 5oin- all t"is "a5 more rules t"an my %ay. #1 3ourse "er %ay ena8le5 "er to trap souls in rottin- 3orpses. 9 "a5 ne)er "ate5 anyone enou-" to 5o t"at to t"em. Kill t"em@ yes@ 8ut entrap t"eir soul an5 make it sit an5 %ait an5 1eel its 8o5y rottin-. /o@ t"at %as %orse t"an %i3ke5. 9t %as e)il. S"e nee5e5 to 8e stoppe5@ an5 only 5eat" %oul5 5o t"at. 9 si-"e5. Anot"er pro8lem 1or anot"er ni-"t. 9t 8ot"ere5 me to "ear 4olp"?s 1ootsteps e3"oin- mine. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e t%o e*terminators. $"ey kille5 e)eryt"in1rom termites to -"ouls@ 8ut -"ouls are 3o%ar5s@ s3a)en-ers mostly. ="ate)er %e %ere a1ter %asn?t a s3a)en-er. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e t"ree o1 t"em at my 8a3k. $"eir 1ootsteps seeme5 lou5er t"an mine. 9 trie5 to 3lear my min5 an5 start t"e sear3"@ 8ut all 9 3oul5 "ear %as t"eir 1ootsteps. All 9 3oul5 sense %as t"e %oman?s 1ear. $"ey %ere messin- up my 3on3entration. 9 stoppe5. A4olp"@ 9 nee5 more room.C A="at 5oes t"at meanBC AHan- 8a3k a little. Dou?re ruinin- my 3on3entration.C A=e mi-"t 8e too 1ar a%ay to "elp.C A91 t"e Eom8ie rises out o1 t"e -roun5 an5 lee3"es on me ... C 9 s"ru--e5. A="at are you -oin- to 5o@ s"oot it %it" napalm an5 3rispy23ritter me@ tooBC ADou sai5 1ire %as t"e only %eapon@C "e sai5. A9t is@ 8ut i1 t"e Eom8ie a3tually -rapples %it" anyone@ tell t"e e*terminators not to 1ry t"e )i3tim.C A91 t"e Eom8ie -ra8s one o1 us@ %e 3an?t use t"e napalmBC "e sai5. ABin-o.C ADou 3oul5 "a)e sai5 t"is sooner.C A9 >ust t"ou-"t o1 it.C AGreat@C "e sai5. 9 s"ru--e5. A9?ll take point. 7y o)ersi-"t. Hust "an- 8a3k an5 let me 5o my >o8.C 9 steppe5 in 3lose to "im to %"isper@ AAn5 %at3" t"e %oman. S"e looks s3are5 enou-" to start s"ootin- s"a5o%s.C A$"ey?re e*terminators@ Anita@ not poli3e or )ampire slayers.C A'or toni-"t@ our li)es 3oul5 5epen5 on t"em@ so keep an eye on "er@ okayBC He no55e5 an5 -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e t%o e*terminators. $"e man smile5 an5 no55e5. $"e -irl >ust stare5. 9 3oul5 almost smell "er 1ear. S"e %as entitle5 to it. ="y 5i5 it 8ot"er me so mu3"B Be3ause s"e an5 9 %ere t"e only %omen "ere@ an5 %e "a5 to 8e 8etter t"an t"e men. Bra)er@ ;ui3ker@ %"ate)er. 9t %as a rule 1or playin- %it" t"e 8i- 8oys. 9 %alke5 out into t"e -rass alone. 9 %aite5 until t"e only t"in- 9 3oul5 "ear %as t"e -rassG so1t@ 5ry@ %"isperin-. Like it %as tryin- to tell me somet"in- in a s3rat3"y@ 1ranti3 )oi3e. 'ranti3@ 1ear1ul. $"e -rass soun5e5 a1rai5. $"at %as stupi5. Grass 5i5n?t 1eel s"it. But 9 5i5@ an5 t"ere %as s%eat on e)ery in3" o1 my 8o5y. =as it "ereB =as t"e t"in- t"at "a5 re5u3e5 a man to so mu3" ra% meat@ "ere in t"e -rass@ "i5in-@ %aitin-B

/o. Kom8ies %eren?t smart enou-" 1or t"at@ 8ut o1 3ourse@ it "a5 8een smart enou-" to "i5e 1rom t"e poli3e. $"at %as smart 1or a 3orpse. $oo smart. 7ay8e it %asn?t a Eom8ie at all. 9 "a5 1inally 1oun5 somet"in- t"at s3are5 me more t"an )ampires. 4eat" 5i5n?t 8ot"er me mu3". Stron- !"ristian an5 all t"at. 7et"o5 o1 5eat" 5i5. Bein- eaten ali)e. #ne o1 my top t"ree %ays not to -o out. ="o %oul5 e)er "a)e t"ou-"t 9?5 8e a1rai5 o1 a Eom8ie@ any kin5 o1 Eom8ieB /i3ely ironi3 t"at. 9?5 lau-" later %"en my mout" %asn?t so 5amn 5ry. $"ere %as t"at ;uiet %aitin- t"at all 3emeteries "a)e. As i1 t"e 5ea5 "el5 t"eir 3olle3ti)e 8reat"@ %aitin-@ 8ut 1or %"atB $"e resurre3tionB 7ay8e. But 9?)e 5ealt %it" t"e 5ea5 too lon- to 8elie)e in >ust one ans%er. $"e 5ea5 are like t"e li)in-. $"ey 5o 5i11erent t"in-s. 7ost people 5ie an5 -o to "ea)en or "ell@ an5 t"at?s t"at. But a 1e%@ 1or %"ate)er reason@ 5on?t %ork t"at %ay. G"osts@ restless spirits@ )iolen3e@ e)il@ or simple 3on1usionG all o1 t"ese 3an trap a spirit on eart". 9?m not sayin- t"at it traps t"e soul. 9 5on?t 8elie)e t"at@ 8ut some memory o1 t"e soul@ t"e essen3e@ lin-ers. =as 9 e*pe3tin- some spe3ter to rise 1rom t"e -rass an5 rus" s3reamin- to%ar5s meB /o. 9 "a5 ne)er seen a -"ost yet t"at 3oul5 3ause a3tual p"ysi3al "arm. 91 it 3auses p"ysi3al 5ama-e@ it isn?t a -"ostG 5emon may8e@ or t"e spirit o1 some sor3erer@ 8la3k ma-i3@ 8ut -"osts 5on?t "urt. $"at %as almost a 3om1ortin- t"ou-"t. $"e -roun5 slope5 out 1rom un5er my 1eet. 9 stum8le5 an5 3au-"t mysel1 on one o1 t"e leanin- "ea5stones. Sunken eart"@ a -ra)e %it"out a marker. A tin-lin- s"o3k ran up my le-@ a %"isper o1 -"ostly ele3tri3ity. 9 >erke5 8a3k an5 sat 5o%n "ar5 on t"e -roun5. AAnita@ you all ri-"tBC 4olp" yelle5. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at "im an5 1oun5 t"e -rass 3ompletely "i5 me 1rom )ie%. A9?m 1ine@C 9 yelle5. 9 -ot to my 1eet 3are1ul to a)oi5 steppin- on t"e ol5 -ra)e. ="ate)er person lay un5er t"e eart"@ "e@ or s"e@ %as not a "appy 3amper. 9t %as a "ot spot@ not a -"ost@ or e)en a "aunt@ 8ut somet"in-. 9t "a5 pro8a8ly 8een a 1ull28lo%n -"ost on3e@ 8ut time "a5 %orn it a%ay. G"osts %ear out like ol5 3lot"es an5 -o on to %"ere)er ol5 -"osts -o. $"e sunken -ra)e %oul5 1a5e a%ay@ pro8a8ly in my li1etime. 91 9 3oul5 a)oi5 killer Eom8ies 1or a 1e% years. An5 )ampires. An5 -un2totin- "umans. #"@ "ell@ t"e "ot spot %oul5 pro8a8ly outlast me. 9 looke5 8a3k to 1in5 4olp" an5 t"e e*terminators may8e t%enty yar5s 8a3k. $%enty yar5s@ %asn?t t"at a%1ully 1arB 9 "a5 tol5 t"em to "an- 8a3k@ 8ut 9 "a5n?t meant 1or t"em to lea)e me "an-in- in t"e %in5. 9 %as >ust ne)er satis1ie5. 91 9 3alle5 t"em to 3ome 3loser@ you t"ink t"ey?5 -et ma5B Pro8a8ly. 9 starte5 %alkin- a-ain@ tryin- not to step on any more -ra)es. But it %as "ar5 %it" most o1 t"e stones "i55en in t"e lon- -rass. So many unmarke5 -ra)es@ so mu3" ne-le3t. 9 3oul5 %an5er aimlessly all 8loo5y ni-"t. Ha5 9 really t"ou-"t t"at 9 3oul5 >ust a33i5entally %alk o)er t"e ri-"t -ra)eB Des. Hope sprin-s eternal@ espe3ially %"en t"e alternati)e isn?t )ery "uman. Vampires %ere on3e or5inary "uman 8ein-sG Eom8ies@ too. 7ost ly3ant"ropes start out "uman@ t"ou-" t"ere are a 1e% rare in"erite5 3urses. All t"e monsters start out normal e*3ept me. <aisin- t"e 5ea5 %asn?t a 3areer 3"oi3e. 9 5i5n?t sit 5o%n in t"e -ui5an3e 3ounselor?s o11i3e one 5ay an5 say@ A9?5 like to raise t"e 5ea5 1or a li)in-.C /o@ it %asn?t t"at neat or 3lean. 9 "a)e al%ays "a5 an a11inity 1or t"e 5ea5. Al%ays. /ot t"e ne%ly 5ea5. /o@ 9 5on?t mess %it" souls@ 8ut on3e t"e soul 5eparts@ 9 kno% it. 9 3an 1eel it. Lau-" all you %ant. 9t?s t"e trut". 9 "a5 a 5o- %"en 9 %as little. Hust like most ki5s. An5 like most ki5s? 5o-s@ s"e 5ie5. 9 %as t"irteen. =e 8urie5 Henny in t"e 8a3kyar5. 9 %oke up a %eek a1ter Henny 5ie5 an5 1oun5 "er 3urle5 up 8esi5e me. $"i3k 8la3k 1ur 3oate5 %it" -ra)e 5irt. 4ea5 8ro%n eyes 1ollo%in- my e)ery mo)e@ >ust like %"en s"e %as ali)e. 9 t"ou-"t 1or one %il5 moment s"e %as ali)e. 9t "a5 8een a mistake@ 8ut 9 kno% 5ea5 %"en 9 see it. 'eel it. !all it 1rom t"e -ra)e. 9 %on5er %"at 4omin-a Sal)a5or %oul5 t"ink a8out t"at story. !allin- an animal Eom8ie. Ho% s"o3kin-. <aisint"e 5ea5 8y a33i5ent. Ho% 1ri-"tenin-. Ho% si3k. 7y stepmot"er@ Hu5it"@ ne)er ;uite re3o)ere5 1rom t"e s"o3k. S"e rarely tells people %"at 9 5o 1or a li)in-. 4a5B =ell@ 4a5 i-nores it@ too. 9 trie5 i-norin- it@ 8ut 3oul5n?t. 9 %on?t -o into 5etails@ 8ut 5oes t"e term Aroa5 killC "a)e any si-ni1i3an3e 1or youB 9t 5i5 1or Hu5it". 9 looke5 like a ni-"tmare )ersion o1 t"e Pie5 Piper. 7y 1at"er 1inally took me to meet my maternal -ran5mot"er. S"e?s not as s3ary as 4omin-a Sal)a5or@ 8ut s"e?s ... interestin-. Gran5ma 'lores a-ree5 %it" 4a5. 9 s"oul5 not 8e traine5 in )oo5oo@ only in enou-" 3ontrol to stop t"e ... pro8lems. AHust tea3" "er to 3ontrol it@C 4a5 sai5. S"e 5i5. 9 5i5. 4a5 took me 8a3k "ome. 9t %as ne)er mentione5 a-ain. At least not in 1ront o1 me. 9 al%ays %on5ere5 %"at 5ear stepmot"er sai5 8e"in5 3lose5 5oors. 'or t"at matter 4a5 %asn?t please5 eit"er. Hell@ 9 %asn?t please5. Bert re3ruite5 me strai-"t out o1 3olle-e. 9 ne)er kne% "o% "e "ear5 a8out me. 9 re1use5 "im at 1irst@ 8ut "e %a)e5 money at me. 7ay8e 9 %as re8ellin- a-ainst parental e*pe3tationsB #r may8e 9 "a5 1inally realiEe5 t"at t"ere is 5amn little employment opportunity 1or a B.S. in 8iolo-y %it" an emp"asis on t"e supernatural. 9 minore5 in 3reatures o1 le-en5. $"at %as real "elp1ul on my resume.

9t %as like "a)in- a 5e-ree in an3ient Greek or t"e <omanti3 Poets@ interestin-@ en>oya8le@ 8ut t"en %"at t"e "ell 3an you 5o %it" itB 9 "a5 planne5 to -o on to -ra5 s3"ool an5 tea3" 3olle-e. But Bert 3ame alon- an5 s"o%e5 me a %ay to turn my natural talent into a >o8. At least 9 3an say 9 use my 5e-ree e)ery 5ay. 9 ne)er puEEle5 a8out "o% 9 3ame to 5o %"at 9 5o. $"ere %as no mystery. 9t %as in t"e 8loo5. 9 stoo5 in t"e -ra)eyar5 an5 took a 5eep 8reat". A 8ea5 o1 s%eat tri3kle5 5o%n my 1a3e. 9 %ipe5 it %it" t"e 8a3k o1 my "an5. 9 %as s%eatin- like a pi-@ an5 9 still 1elt 3ol5. 'ear@ 8ut not o1 t"e 8o-eyman@ o1 %"at 9 %as a8out to 5o. 91 it %ere a mus3le@ 9 %oul5 mo)e it. 91 it %ere a t"ou-"t@ 9 %oul5 t"ink it. 91 it %ere a ma-i3 %or5@ 9 3oul5 say it. 9t is not"inlike t"at. 9t is like my skin 8e3omes 3ool e)en un5er 3lot". 9 3an 1eel all my ner)e en5in-s nake5 to t"e %in5. An5 e)en in t"is "ot@ s%eatin- Au-ust ni-"t@ my skin 1elt 3ool. 9t is almost like a tiny@ 3ool %in5 emanates 1rom my skin. But it isn?t %in5@ no one else 3an 1eel it. 9t 5oesn?t 8lo% t"rou-" a room like a Holly%oo5 "orror mo)ie. 9t isn?t 1las"y. 9t?s ;uiet. Pri)ate. 7ine. $"e 3ool 1in-ers o1 A%in5C sear3"e5 out%ar5. =it"in a ten2to21i1teen21oot 3ir3le 9 %oul5 8e a8le to sear3" t"e -ra)es. As 9 mo)e5@ t"e 3ir3le %oul5 mo)e %it" me@ sear3"in-. Ho% 5oes it 1eel to sear3" t"rou-" t"e "ar52pa3ke5 eart" 1or 5ea5 8o5iesB Like not"in- "uman. $"e 3losest 9 3an 3ome to 5es3ri8in- it is like p"antom 1in-ers ri1lin- t"rou-" t"e 5irt@ sear3"in- 1or t"e 5ea5. But@ o1 3ourse@ t"at isn?t ;uite %"at it 1eels like eit"er. !lose 8ut no 3i-ar. $"e 3o11in nearest me "a5 8een %ater2ruine5 years a-o. Bits o1 %arpe5 %oo5@ s"re5s o1 8one@ not"in- %"ole. Bone an5 ol5 %oo5@ 5irt@ 3lean an5 5ea5. $"e "ot spot 1lare5 almost like a 8urnin- sensation. 9 3oul5n?t rea5 its 3o11in. $"e "ot spot 3oul5 keep its se3rets. 9t %asn?t %ort" 1or3in- t"e issue. 9t %as a li1e 1or3e o1 sorts@ trappe5 to a 5ea5 -ra)e until it 1a5e5. $"at is 8oun5 to make you -rumpy. 9 %alke5 slo%ly 1or%ar5. $"e 3ir3le mo)e5 %it" me. 9 tou3"e5 8ones@ inta3t 3o11ins@ 8its o1 3lot" in ne%er -ra)es. $"is %as an ol5 3emetery. $"ere %ere no 5e3ayin- 3orpses. 4eat" "a5 pro-resse5 to t"e ni3e neat sta-e. Somet"in- -ra88e5 my ankle. 9 >umpe5 an5 %alke5 1or%ar5 %it"out lookin- 5o%n. /e)er look 5o%n. 9t?s a rule. 9 -ot a 8rie1 -limpse >ust 8e"in5 my eyes o1 somet"in- pale an5 mist2like %it" %i5e s3reamin- eyes. A -"ost@ a real2li)e -"ost. 9 "a5 %alke5 o)er its -ra)e an5 it "a5 let me kno% it 5i5n?t like it. A -"ost "a5 -ra88e5 me roun5 t"e ankles. Bi- 5eal. 91 you i-nore5 t"em@ t"e spe3tral "an5s %oul5 1a5e. 91 you noti3e5 t"em@ you -a)e t"em su8stan3e@ an5 you 3oul5 8e in 5eep s"it. 9mportant sa1ety tip %it" most o1 t"e spiritual %orl5J i1 you i-nore it@ it "as less po%er. $"is 5oes not %ork %it" 5emons or ot"er 5emi28ein-s. #t"er e*3eptions to t"e rule are )ampires@ Eom8ies@ -"ouls@ ly3ant"ropes@ %it3"es ... #"@ "ell@ i-norin- only %orks 1or -"osts. But it 5oes %ork. P"antom "an5s tu--e5 at my pants le-. 9 3oul5 1eel skeletal 1in-ers pullin- up%ar5s@ as i1 it %oul5 use me to pull itsel1 1rom t"e -ra)e. S"itI 9 %as eatin- my pulse 8et%een my teet". Hust keep %alkin-. 9-nore it. 9t %ill -o a%ay. 4ammit to "ell. $"e 1in-ers slippe5 a%ay@ relu3tantly. Some types o1 -"ost seem to 8ear a -ru5-e a-ainst t"e li)in-. A sort o1 >ealousy. $"ey 3annot "arm you@ 8ut t"ey s3are t"e 8e>esus out o1 you an5 lau-" %"ile t"ey?re 5oin- it. 9 1oun5 an empty -ra)e. Bits o1 %oo5 5e3ayin- into t"e eart"@ 8ut no tra3e o1 8one. /o 8o5y. ,mpty. $"e eart" a8o)e it %as t"i3k %it" -rass an5 %ee5s. $"e eart" %as "ar52pa3ke5 an5 5ry 1rom t"e 5rou-"t. $"e -rass an5 %ee5s "a5 8een 5istur8e5. Bare roots %ere s"o%in-@ almost as i1 someone "a5 trie5 to pull t"e -rass up. #r somet"in- "a5 3ome up un5erneat" t"e -rass an5 le1t a trail. 9 knelt on all 1ours a8o)e t"e 5yin- -rass. 7y "an5s staye5 on top o1 t"e "ar5@ re55is" 5irt@ 8ut 9 3oul5 1eel t"e insi5e o1 t"e -ra)e like rollin- your ton-ue aroun5 your teet". Dou 3an?t see it@ 8ut you 3an 1eel it. $"e 3orpse %as -one. $"e 3o11in %as un5istur8e5. A Eom8ie "a5 3ome 1rom "ere. =as it t"e Eom8ie %e %ere lookin1orB /o -uarantees. But it %as t"e only Eom8ie raisin- 9 3oul5 sense. 9 stare5 out a%ay 1rom t"e -ra)e. 9t %as "ar5 usin- >ust my eyes to sear3" t"e -rass. 9 3oul5 almost see %"at lay un5er t"e 5irt. But t"e -ra)e s"o%e5 8e"in5 my eyes in my "ea5 some%"ere %"ere t"ere %ere no opti3 ner)es. $"e -ra)eyar5 t"at 9 3oul5 see %it" my eyes en5e5 at a 1en3e may8e 1i)e yar5s a%ay. Ha5 9 %alke5 it allB =as t"is t"e only -ra)e t"at %as emptyB 9 stoo5 an5 looke5 out o)er t"e -ra)es. 4olp" an5 t"e t%o e*terminators %ere still %it" me a8out t"irty yar5s 8a3k. $"irty yar5sB Some 8a3kup. 9 "a5 %alke5 it all. $"ere %as t"e -ra88y -"ost. $"e "ot spot %as t"ere. $"e ne%est -ra)e o)er t"ere. 9t %as mine no%. 9 kne% t"is 3emetery. An5 e)eryt"in- t"at %as restless. ,)eryt"in- t"at %asn?t ;uite 5ea5 %as 5an3in- a8o)e its -ra)e. ="ite misty p"antoms. Sparklin- an-ry li-"ts. A-itate5. $"ere %as more t"an one %ay to %ake t"e 5ea5. But t"ey %oul5 ;uiet 5o%n an5 sleep@ i1 t"at %as t"e %or5. /o permanent 5ama-e. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k 5o%n at t"e empty -ra)e. /o permanent 5ama-e. 9 %a)e5 4olp" an5 t"e ot"ers o)er. 9 -ot a Kiplo3 8a- out o1 t"e 3o)erall po3ket an5 s3oope5 some -ra)e 5irt into it. $"e moonli-"t su55enly seeme5 5immer. 4olp" %as stan5in- o)er me. He 5i5 sort o1 loom. A=ellBC "e aske5.

AA Eom8ie 3ame out o1 t"is -ra)e@C 9 sai5. A9s it t"e killer Eom8ieBC A9 5on?t kno% 1or sure.C ADou 5on?t kno%BC A/ot yet.C A="en %ill you kno%BC A9?ll take it to ,)ans an5 let "im 5o "is tou3"ie21eelie routine on it.C A,)ans@ t"e 3lair)oyant@C 4olp" sai5. ADep.C AHe?s a 1lake.C A$rue@ 8ut "e?s -oo5.C A$"e 5epartment 5oesn?t use "im anymore.C ABully 1or t"e 5epartment@C 9 sai5. AHe?s still on retainer at Animators@ 9n3.C 4olp" s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5on?t trust ,)ans.C A9 5on?t trust any8o5y@C 9 sai5. ASo %"at?s t"e pro8lemBC 4olp" smile5. APoint taken.C 9 "a5 rolle5 some o1 t"e -rass an5 %ee5s@ roots 3are1ully inta3t@ insi5e a se3on5 8a-. 9 3ra%le5 to t"e "ea5 o1 t"e -ra)e an5 sprea5 t"e %ee5s. $"ere %as no marker. 4ammitI $"e pale limestone "a5 8een 3"ippe5 a%ay at t"e 8ase. S"attere5. !arrie5 a%ay. S"it. A="y %oul5 t"ey 5estroy t"e "ea5stoneBC 4olp" aske5. A$"e name an5 5ate 3oul5 "a)e -i)en us some 3lue to %"y t"e Eom8ie %as raise5 an5 to %"at %ent %ron-.C A=ron-@ "o%BC ADou mi-"t raise a Eom8ie to kill one or t%o people 8ut not %"olesale slau-"ter. /o8o5y %oul5 5o t"at.C A:nless t"ey?re 3raEy@C "e sai5. 9 stare5 up at "im. A$"at?s not 1unny.C A/o@ it isn?t.C A ma5man t"at 3oul5 raise t"e 5ea5. A mur5erous Eom8ie 3orpse 3ontrolle5 8y a psy3"oti3. Great. An5 i1 "e@ or s"e@ 3oul5 5o it on3e ... A4olp"@ i1 %e "a)e a 3raEy man runnin- aroun5@ t"ere 3oul5 8e more t"an one Eom8ie.C AAn5 i1 it is 3raEy@ t"en t"ere %on?t 8e a pattern@C "e sai5. AS"it.C A,*a3tly.C /o pattern meant no moti)e. /o moti)e meant %e mi-"t not 8e a8le to 1i-ure t"is out. A/o@ 9 5on?t 8elie)e t"at.C A="y notBC "e aske5. ABe3ause i1 9 5o 8elie)e it@ it lea)es us no pla3e to -o.C 9 took out a po3ketkni1e t"at 9 8rou-"t 1or t"e o33asion an5 starte5 to 3"ip at t"e remains o1 t"e tom8stone. A4e1a3in- a -ra)emarker is a-ainst t"e la%@C 4olp" sai5. A9sn?t it t"ou-".C 9 s3rappe5 a 1e% smaller pie3es into a t"ir5 8a-@ an5 1inally -ot a siEa8le 3"unk o1 mar8le@ 8i- as my t"um8. 9 stu11e5 all t"e 8a-s into t"e po3kets o1 my 3o)eralls@ alon- %it" t"e po3ketkni1e. ADou really t"ink ,)ans %ill 8e a8le to rea5 anyt"in- 1rom t"ose 8its an5 pie3esBC A9 5on?t kno%.C 9 stoo5 an5 looke5 5o%n at t"e -ra)e. $"e t%o e*terminators %ere stan5in- >ust a s"ort 5istan3e a%ay. Gi)in- us pri)a3y. Ho% )ery polite. ADou kno%@ 4olp"@ t"ey may "a)e 5estroye5 t"e tom8stone@ 8ut t"e -ra)e is still "ere.C ABut t"e 3orpse is -one@C "e sai5. A$rue@ 8ut t"e 3o11in mi-"t 8e a8le to tell us somet"in-. Anyt"in- mi-"t "elp.C He no55e5. AAlri-"t@ 9?ll -et an e*"umation or5er.C A!an?t %e >ust 5i- it up no%@ toni-"tBC

A/o@C "e sai5. A9 "a)e to play 8y t"e rules.C He stare5 at me )ery "ar5. AAn5 9 5on?t %ant to 3ome 8a3k out "ere an5 1in5 t"e -ra)e 5u- up. $"e e)i5en3e %on?t mean s"it i1 you tamper %it" it.C A,)i5en3eB Dou really t"ink t"is 3ase %ill -o to 3ourtBC ADes.C A4olp"@ %e >ust nee5 to 5estroy t"e Eom8ie.C A9 %ant t"e 8astar5s t"at raise5 it@ Anita. 9 %ant t"em up on mur5er 3"ar-es.C 9 no55e5. 9 a-ree5 %it" "im@ 8ut 9 t"ou-"t it unlikely. 4olp" %as a poli3eman@ "e "a5 to %orry a8out t"e la%. 9 %orrie5 a8out simpler t"in-s@ like sur)i)al. A9?ll let you kno% i1 ,)ans "as anyt"in- use1ul to say@C 9 sai5. F ADou 5o t"at.C A="ere)er t"e 8eastie is@ 4olp"@ it isn?t "ere.C A9t?s out t"ere@ isn?t itBC ADea"@C 9 sai5. AKillin- someone else %"ile %e sit "ere an5 3"ase our tails.C 9 %ante5 to tou3" "im. $o let "im kno% it %as all ri-"t@ 8ut it %asn?t all ri-"t. 9 kne% "o% "e 1elt. =e %ere 3"asin- our tails. ,)en i1 t"is %as t"e -ra)e o1 t"e killer Eom8ie@ it 5i5n?t -et us any 3loser to 1in5in- t"e Eom8ie. An5 %e "a5 to 1in5 it. 'in5 it@ trap it@ an5 5estroy it. $"e si*ty21our2t"ousan525ollar ;uestion %as@ 3oul5 %e 5o all t"at 8e1ore it nee5e5 to 1ee5 a-ainB 9 5i5n?t "a)e an ans%er. $"at %as a lie. 9 "a5 an ans%er. 9 >ust 5i5n?t like it. #ut t"ere some%"ere@ t"e Eom8ie %as 1ee5ina-ain.

Chapter Fifteen
$"e trailer park %"ere ,)ans li)es is in St. !"arles >ust o11 Hi-"%ay 9&. A3res o1 mo8ile "omes roll out in e)ery 5ire3tion. #1 3ourse@ t"ere?s not"in- mo8ile a8out t"em. ="en 9 %as a ki5@ trailers 3oul5 8e "ooke5 to t"e 8a3k o1 a 3ar an5 mo)e5. Simple. 9t %as one o1 t"eir appeals. Some o1 t"ese mo8ile "omes "a5 t"ree an5 1our 8e5rooms@ multiple 8at"s. $"e only t"in- mo)in- t"ese puppies %as a semitru3k@ or a torna5o. ,)ans Fs trailer is an ol5er mo5el. 9 t"ink@ i1 "e "a5 to@ "e 3oul5 3"ain it to t"e 8a3k o1 a pi3kup an5 mo)e. ,asier t"an "irin- a mo)in- )an@ 9 -uess. But 9 5ou8t ,)ans %ill e)er mo)e. Hell@ "e "asn?t le1t t"e trailer in nearly a year. $"e %in5o%s %ere -ol5en %it" li-"t. $"ere %as a little makes"i1t por3" 3omplete %it" an a%nin-@ -uar5in- t"e 5oor. 9 kne% "e %oul5 8e up. ,)ans %as al%ays up. 9nsomnia soun5e5 so "armless. ,)ans "a5 ma5e it a 5isease. 9 %as 8a3k in my 8la3k s"orts out1it. $"e t"ree 8a-s o1 -oo5ies %ere stu11e5 in a 1anny pa3k. 91 9 %ent in t"ere %a)int"em aroun5@ ,)ans %oul5 1reak. 9 nee5e5 to %ork up to it@ 8e su8tle. Hust t"ou-"t 9?5 5rop 8y to see my ol5 8u55y. /o ulterior moti)es "ere. <i-"t. 9 opene5 t"e s3reen 5oor an5 kno3ke5. Silen3e. /o mo)ement. /ot"in-. 9 raise5 my "an5 to kno3k a-ain@ t"en "esitate5. Ha5 ,)ans 1inally -otten to sleepB His 1irst 5e3ent ni-"t?s sleep sin3e 9?5 kno%n "im. 4rat. 9 %as still stan5in- t"ere %it" my "an5 "al12raise5 %"en 9 1elt "im starin- at me. 9 looke5 up at t"e little %in5o% in t"e 5oor. A sli3e o1 pale 1a3e %as starin- out 1rom 8et%een t"e 3urtains. ,)ans?s 8lue eye 8linke5 at me. 9 %a)e5. His 1a3e 5isappeare5. $"e 5oor unlo3ke5@ t"en opene5. $"ere %as no si-"t o1 ,)ans@ >ust t"e open 5oor. 9 %alke5 in. ,)ans %as stan5in- 8e"in5 t"e 5oor@ "i5in-. He 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8y leanin- a-ainst it. His 8reat"in- %as 1ast an5 s"allo% as i1 "e?5 8een runnin-. Strin-y yello% "air traile5 o)er a 5ark 8lue 8at"ro8e. His 1a3e %as 3o)ere5 in 8ristly re55is" 8ear5. AHo% are you 5oin-@ ,)ansBC He leane5 a-ainst t"e 5oor@ eyes too %i5e. His 8reat"in- %as still too 1ast. =as "e on somet"in-B A,)ans@ you all ri-"tBC ="en in 5ou8t@ re)erse your %or5 or5er. He no55e5. A="at 5o you %antBC His )oi3e %as 8reat"y. 9 5i5n?t t"ink "e %as -oin- to 8elie)e 9 "a5 >ust stoppe5 8y. !all it an instin3t. A9 nee5 your "elp.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o.C ADou 5on?t e)en kno% %"at 9 %ant.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A4oesn?t matter.C

A7ay 9 sit 5o%nBC 9 aske5. 91 5ire3tness %oul5n?t %ork@ may8e politeness %oul5. He no55e5. ASure.C 9 -lan3e5 aroun5 t"e small li)in-2room area. 9 %as sure t"ere %as a 3ou3" un5er t"e ne%spapers@ paper plates@ "al121ull 3ups@ ol5 3lot"es. $"ere %as a 8o* o1 petri1ie5 piEEa on t"e 3o11ee ta8le. $"e room smelle5 stale. =oul5 "e 1reak i1 9 mo)e5 stu11B !oul5 9 sit on t"e pile t"at 9 t"ou-"t %as t"e 3ou3" %it"out e)eryt"in- 3ollapsin-B 9 5e3i5e5 to try. 9?5 sit in t"e 1reakin- mol5y piEEa 8o* i1 ,)ans %oul5 a-ree to "elp me. 9 per3"e5 on a pile o1 papers. $"ere %as 5e1initely somet"in- lar-e an5 soli5 un5er t"e ne%spapers. 7ay8e t"e 3ou3". A7ay 9 "a)e a 3up o1 3o11eeBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o 3lean 3ups.C $"is 9 3oul5 8elie)e. He %as still presse5 a-ainst t"e 5oor as i1 a1rai5 to 3ome any 3loser. His "an5s %ere plun-e5 into t"e po3kets o1 "is 8at"ro8e. A!an %e >ust talkBC 9 aske5. He s"ook "is "ea5. 9 s"ook my "ea5 %it" "im. He 1ro%ne5 at t"at. 7ay8e some8o5y %as "ome. A="at 5o you %antBC "e aske5. A9 tol5 you@ your "elp.C A9 5on?t 5o t"at anymore.C A="atBC 9 aske5. ADou kno%@C "e sai5. A/o@ ,)ans@ 9 5on?t kno%. $ell me.C A9 5on?t tou3" t"in-s anymore.C 9 8linke5. 9t %as an o55 %ay to p"rase it. 9 stare5 aroun5 at t"e piles o1 5irty 5is"es@ t"e 3lot"es. 9t 5i5 look untou3"e5. A,)ans@ let me see your "an5s.C He s"ook "is "ea5. 9 5i5n?t imitate "im t"is time. A,)ans@ s"o% me your "an5s.C A/o@C it %as lou5@ 3lear. 9 stoo5 up an5 starte5 %alkin- to%ar5s "im. 9t 5i5n?t take lon-. He 8a3ke5 a%ay into t"e 3orner 8y t"e 5oor an5 t"e 5oor%ay into t"e 8e5room. AS"o% me your "an5s.C $ears %elle5 in "is eyes. He 8linke5@ an5 t"e tears sli5 5o%n "is 3"eeks. ALea)e me alone@C "e sai5. 7y 3"est %as ti-"t. ="at "a5 "e 5oneB Go5@ %"at "a5 "e 5oneB A,)ans@ eit"er you s"o% me your "an5s )oluntarily@ or 9 make you 5o it.C 9 1ou-"t an ur-e to tou3" "is arm@ 8ut t"at %as not allo%e5. He %as 3ryin- "ar5er no%@ small "i33upy so8s. He pulle5 "is le1t "an5 out o1 t"e ro8e po3ket. 9t %as pale@ 8ony@ %"ole. 9 took a 5eep 8reat". $"ank you@ 5ear Go5. A="at 5i5 you t"ink 9?5 5oneBC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A4on?t ask.C He %as lookin- at me no%@ really lookin- at me. 9 5i5 "a)e "is attention. A9?m not t"at 3raEy@C "e sai5. 9 starte5 to say@ A9 ne)er t"ou-"t you %ere@C 8ut o8)iously 9 "a5. 9 "a5 t"ou-"t "e "a5 3ut "is "an5s o11 so "e %oul5n?t "a)e to tou3" anymore. Go5@ t"at %as 3raEy. Seriously 3raEy. An5 9 %as "ere to ask "im to "elp me %it" a mur5er. ="i3" o1 us %as 3raEierB 4on?t ans%er t"at. He s"ook "is "ea5. A="at are you 5oin- "ere@ AnitaBC $"e tears %eren?t e)en 5ry on "is 1a3e@ 8ut "is )oi3e %as 3alm@ or5inary. A9 nee5 your "elp %it" a mur5er.C A9 5on?t 5o t"at anymore. 9 tol5 you.C ADou tol5 me on3e t"at you 3oul5n?t not "a)e )isions. Dour 3lair)oyan3e isn?t somet"in- you 3an >ust turn o11.C A$"at?s %"y 9 stay in "ere. 91 9 5on?t -o out@ 9 5on?t see any8o5y. 9 5on?t "a)e )isions anymore.C A9 5on?t 8elie)e you@C 9 sai5. He took a 3lean %"ite "an5ker3"ie1 out o1 "is po3ket an5 %rappe5 it aroun5 t"e 5oorkno8. AGet out.C A9 sa% a t"ree2year2ol5 8oy to5ay. He?5 8een eaten ali)e.C He leane5 "is 1ore"ea5 into t"e 5oor. A4on?t 5o t"is to me@ please.C A9 kno% ot"er psy3"i3s@ ,)ans@ 8ut no one %it" your su33ess rate. 9 nee5 t"e 8est. 9 nee5 you.C

He ru88e5 "is 1ore"ea5 a-ainst t"e 5oor. APlease 5on?t.C 9 s"oul5 "a)e -one t"en@ le1t@ 5one %"at "e sai5@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 9 stoo5 8e"in5 "im an5 %aite5. !ome on@ ol5 8u55y@ ol5 pal@ risk your sanity 1or me. 9 %as t"e rut"less Eom8ie raiser. 9 5i5n?t 1eel -uilt. <esults %ere all t"at mattere5. <i2i-"t. But in a %ay@ results %ere all t"at mattere5. A#t"er people are -oin- to 5ie unless %e 3an stop it@C 9 sai5. A9 5on?t 3are@C "e sai5. A9 5on?t 8elie)e you.C He stu11e5 t"e "an5ker3"ie1 8a3k into "is po3ket an5 %"irle5 aroun5. A$"e little 8oy@ you?re not lyin- a8out t"at@ are youBC A9 %oul5n?t lie to you.C He no55e5. ADea"@ yea".C He li3ke5 "is lips. AGi)e me %"at ya -ot.C 9 -ot t"e 8a-s out o1 my purse an5 opene5 t"e one %it" t"e -ra)estone 1ra-ments in it. Ha5 to start some%"ere. He 5i5n?t ask %"at it %as@ t"at %oul5 8e 3"eatin-. 9 %oul5n?t e)en "a)e mentione5 t"e 8oy e*3ept 9 nee5e5 t"e le)era-e. Guilt is a %on5er1ul tool. His "an5 s"ook as 9 5roppe5 t"e lar-est ro3k 1ra-ment into "is palm. 9 %as )ery 3are1ul t"at my 1in-ers 5i5 not 8rus" "is "an5. 9 5i5n?t %ant ,)ans insi5e my se3rets. 9t mi-"t s3are "im o11. His "an5 3len3"e5 aroun5 t"e stone. A s"o3k ran up "is spine. He >erke5@ eyes 3lose5. An5 "e %as -one. AGra)eyar5@ -ra)e.C His "ea5 >erke5 to t"e si5e like "e %as listenin- to somet"in-. A$all -rass. Hot. Bloo5@ "e?s %ipin8loo5 on t"e tom8stone.C He looke5 aroun5 t"e room %it" "is 3lose5 eyes. =oul5 "e "a)e seen t"e room i1 "is eyes "a5 8een openB A="ere 5oes t"e 8loo5 3ome 1romBC "e aske5 t"at. =as 9 suppose5 to ans%erB A/o@ noIC He stum8le5 8a3k%ar5s@ 8a3k sma3kin- into t"e 5oor. A=oman s3reamin-@ s3reamin-@ no@ noIC His eyes 1le% open %i5e. He t"re% t"e ro3k 1ra-ment a3ross t"e room. A$"ey kille5 "er@ t"ey kille5 "erIC He presse5 "is 1ists into "is eyes. A#"@ Go5@ t"ey slit "er t"roat.C A="o is t"eyBC He s"ook "is "ea5@ 1ists still s"o)e5 a-ainst "is 1a3e. A9 5on?t kno%.C A,)ans@ %"at 5i5 you seeBC ABloo5.C He stare5 at me 8et%een "is arms@ s"iel5in- "is 1a3e. ABloo5 e)ery%"ere. $"ey slit "er t"roat. $"ey smeare5 t"e 8loo5 on t"e tom8stone.C 9 "a5 t%o more items 1or "im. 4are 9 askB Askin- 5i5n?t "urt. 4i5 itB A9 "a)e t%o more items 1or you to tou3".C A/o 1u3kin- %ay@C "e sai5. He 8a3ke5 a%ay 1rom me to%ar5s t"e s"ort "all t"at le5 to t"e 8e5room. AGet out@ -et out@ -et t"e 1u3k out o1 my "ouse. /o%IC A,)ans@ %"at else 5i5 you seeBC AGet outIC A4es3ri8e one t"in- a8out t"e %oman. Help me@ ,)ansIC He leane5 in t"e 5oor%ay an5 sli5 to sit on t"e 1loor. AA 8ra3elet. S"e %ore a 8ra3elet on "er le1t %rist. Little 5an-lin3"arms@ "earts@ 8o% an5 arro%@ musi3.C He s"ook "is "ea5 an5 8urie5 "is "ea5 a-ainst "is eyes. AGo a%ay no%.C 9 starte5 to say t"ank you@ 8ut t"at 5i5n?t 3ut it. 9 pi3ke5 my %ay o)er t"e 1loor sear3"in- 1or t"e ro3k 1ra-ment. 9 1oun5 it in a 3o11ee 3up. $"ere %as somet"in- -reen an5 -ro%in- in t"e 8ottom o1 it. 9 pi3ke5 up t"e stone an5 %ipe5 it on a pair o1 >eans on t"e 1loor. 9 put it 8a3k in t"e 8a- an5 s"o)e5 all o1 it insi5e t"e purse. 9 stare5 aroun5 at t"e 1ilt" an5 5i5n?t %ant to lea)e "im "ere. 7ay8e 9 %as >ust 1eelin- -uilty 1or "a)in- a8use5 "im. 7ay8e. A,)ans@ t"anks.C He 5i5n?t look up. A91 9 "a5 a 3leanin- person 5rop 8y@ %oul5 you let "er in to 3leanBC A9 5on?t %ant any8o5y in "ere.C AAnimators@ 9n3.@ 3oul5 pi3k up t"e ta8. =e o%e you 1or t"is one.C He looke5 up t"en. An-er@ pure an-er %as all t"at %as in "is 1a3e. A,)ans@ -et some "elp. Dou?re tearin- yoursel1 apart.C AGet2t"e21u3k2out2o12my2"ouse.C ,a3" %or5 %as "ot enou-" to s3al5. 9 "a5 ne)er seen ,)ans an-ry. S3are5@ yes@ 8ut not like t"is. ="at 3oul5 9 sayB 9t %as "is "ouse. 9 -ot out. 9 stoo5 on t"e s"aky por3" until 9 "ear5 t"e 5oor lo3k 8e"in5 me. 9 "a5 %"at 9 %ante5@ in1ormation. So %"y 5i5 9 1eel so 8a5B Be3ause 9 "a5 8ullie5 a seriously 5istur8e5 man. #kay@ t"at %as it. Guilt@ -uilt@ -uilt.

An ima-e 1las"e5 into my "ea5@ t"e 8loo52soake5 s"eet on t"e 8ro%n patterne5 3ou3". 7rs. <eynol5s?s spine 5an-lin%et an5 -listenin- in t"e sunli-"t. 9 %alke5 to my 3ar an5 -ot in. 91 a8usin- ,)ans 3oul5 sa)e one 1amily@ t"en it %as %ort" it. 91 it %oul5 keep me 1rom "a)into see anot"er t"ree2year2ol5 8oy %it" "is intestines rippe5 out@ 9?5 8eat ,)ans %it" a pa55e5 3lu8. #r let "im 8eat me. !ome to t"ink o1 it@ %asn?t t"at %"at %e?5 >ust 5oneB

Chapter Sixteen
9 %as small in t"e 5ream. A 3"il5. $"e 3ar %as 3rus"e5 in 1ront %"ere it "a5 8een 8roa5si5e5 8y anot"er 3ar. 9t looke5 like it %as ma5e o1 s"iny paper t"at "a5 8een 3rus"e5 8y "an5. $"e 5oor %as open. 9 3ra%le5 insi5e on t"e 1amiliar up"olstery@ so pale it %as almost %"ite. $"ere %as a 5ark li;ui5 stain on t"e seat. 9t %asn?t all t"at lar-e. 9 tou3"e5 it@ tentati)ely. 7y 1in-ers 3ame a%ay smeare5 %it" 3rimson. 9t %as t"e 1irst 8loo5 9?5 e)er seen. 9 stare5 up at t"e %in5s"iel5. 9t %as 8roken in a spi5er%e8 o1 3ra3ks@ 8o%e5 out%ar5 %"ere my mot"er?s 1a3e "a5 smas"e5 into it. S"e "a5 8een t"ro%n out t"e 5oor to 5ie in a 1iel5 8esi5e t"e roa5. $"at?s %"y t"ere %asn?t a lot o1 8loo5 on t"e seat. 9 stare5 at t"e 1res" 8loo5 on my 1in-ers. 9n real li1e t"e 8loo5 "a5 8een 5ry@ >ust a stain. ="en 9 5reame5 a8out it@ it %as al%ays 1res". $"ere %as a smell t"is time. $"e smell o1 rotten 1les". $"at %asn?t ri-"t. 9 stare5 up in t"e 5ream an5 realiEe5 it %as a 5ream. An5 t"e smell %asn?t part o1 it. 9t %as real. 9 %oke instantly@ starin- into t"e 5ark. 7y "eart t"u55in- in my t"roat. 7y "an5 %ent 1or t"e Bro%nin- in its se3on5 "ome@ a s"eat" atta3"e5 to t"e "ea58oar5 o1 my 8e5. 9t %as 1irm an5 soli5@ an5 3om1ortin-. 9 staye5 on t"e 8e5@ 8a3k presse5 a-ainst t"e "ea58oar5@ -un "el5 in a tea3up -rip. $"rou-" a tiny 3ra3k in t"e 5rapes moonli-"t spille5. $"e mea-er li-"t outline5 a man?s s"ape. $"e s"ape 5i5n?t rea3t to t"e -un or my mo)ement. 9t s"u11le5 1or%ar5@ 5ra--in- its 1eet t"rou-" t"e 3arpet. 9t "a5 stum8le5 into my 3olle3tion o1 toy pen-uins t"at spille5 like a 1uEEy ti5e un5er my 8e5room %in5o%. 9t "a5 kno3ke5 some o1 t"em o)er@ an5 it 5i5n?t seem a8le to pi3k its 1eet up an5 %alk o)er t"em. $"e 1i-ure %as %a5in- t"rou-" t"e 1lu11y pen-uins@ 5ra--in- its 1eet as i1 %a5in- in %ater. 9 kept t"e -un pointe5 one2"an5e5 at t"e t"in- an5 rea3"e5 %it"out lookin- to turn on my 8e5si5e lamp. $"e li-"t seeme5 "ars" a1ter t"e 5arkness. 9 8linke5 rapi5ly %illin- my pupils to 3ontra3t@ to a5>ust. ="en t"ey 5i5@ an5 9 3oul5 see@ it %as a Eom8ie. He "a5 8een a 8i- man in li1e. S"oul5ers 8roa5 as a 8arn 5oor 1ille5 %it" mus3le. His "u-e "an5s %ere )ery stronlookin-. #ne eye "a5 5e"y5rate5 an5 %as s"ri)ele5 like a prune. $"e remainin- eye stare5 at me. $"ere %as not"in- in t"at stare@ no anti3ipation@ no e*3itement@ no 3ruelty@ not"in- 8ut a 8lankness. A 8lankness t"at 4omin-a Sal)a5or "a5 1ille5 %it" purpose. Kill s"e "a5 sai5. 9 %oul5 "a)e 8et on it. 9t %as "er Eom8ie. 9 3oul5n?t turn it. 9 3oul5n?t or5er it to 5o anyt"in- until it 1ul1ille5 4omin-a?s or5ers. #n3e it kille5 me@ it %oul5 8e 5o3ile as a 5ea5 puppy. #n3e it kille5 me. 9 5i5n?t t"ink 9?5 %ait 1or t"at. $"e Bro%nin- %as loa5e5 %it" GlaEer Sa1ety <oun5s@ sil)er23oate5. GlaEer Sa1ety <oun5s %ill kill a man i1 you "it "im any%"ere near t"e 3enter o1 t"e 8o5y. $"e "ole %ill 8e too 8i- 1or sal)a-e. A "ole in its 3"est %oul5n?t 8ot"er t"e Eom8ie. 9t %oul5 keep 3omin-@ "eart or no "eart. 91 you "it a person in t"e arm or le- %it" Sa1ety <oun5s@ it %ill take o11 t"at arm or le-. 9nstant amputee. 91 you "it it ri-"t. $"e Eom8ie seeme5 in no "urry. He s"u11le5 t"rou-" t"e 1allen stu11e5 toys %it" t"at sin-le2min5e5 5etermination o1 t"e 5ea5. Kom8ies are not in"umanly stron-. But t"ey 3an use e)ery oun3e o1 stren-t"G t"ey 5on?t sa)e anyt"in-. Almost any "uman 8ein- 3oul5 5o a super"uman 1eat@ on3e. Pop mus3les@ tear 3artila-e@ snap your spine@ 8ut you 3an li1t t"e 3ar. #nly in"i8itors in t"e 8rain pre)ent us all 1rom 5estroyin- oursel)es. Kom8ies 5on?t "a)e in"i8itors. $"e 3orpse 3oul5 literally tear me apart %"ile it tore itsel1 apart. But i1 4omin-a "a5 really %ante5 to kill me@ s"e %oul5 "a)e sent a less2 5e3aye5 Eom8ie. $"is one %as so 1ar -one 9 mi-"t "a)e 8een a8le to 5o5-e aroun5 it@ an5 make t"e 5oor. 7ay8e. But t"en a-ain ... 9 3uppe5 t"e 8utt o1 t"e -un in my le1t@ t"e ri-"t %"ere it %as suppose5 to 8e@ my 1in-er on t"e tri--er. 9 pulle5 t"e tri--er an5 t"e e*plosion %as in3re5i8ly lou5 in t"e small room. $"e Eom8ie >erke5@ stum8le5. 9ts ri-"t arm 1le% o11 in a %elter o1 1les" an5 8one. /o 8loo5@ it "a5 8een 5ea5 too lon- 1or t"at. $"e Eom8ie kept 3omin-. 9 si-"te5 on t"e ot"er arm. Hol5 your 8reat"@ s;uee2eeEe. 9 %as aimin- 1or t"e el8o%. 9 "it it. $"e t%o arms lay on t"e 3arpet an5 8e-an to %orm t"eir %ay to%ar5s t"e 8e5. 9 3oul5 3"op t"e t"in- to pie3es@ an5 all t"e pie3es %oul5 keep tryin- to kill me.

$"e ri-"t le- at t"e knee. $"e le- 5i5n?t 3ome loose 3ompletely@ 8ut t"e Eom8ie topple5 to one si5e@ listin-. 9t 1ell on its si5e@ t"en rolle5 onto its stoma3" an5 8e-an pus"in- %it" its remainin- le-. Some 5ark li;ui5 %as leakin- out o1 t"e s"attere5 le-. $"e smell %as %orse. 9 s%allo%e5@ an5 it %as t"i3k. Go5. 9 -ot o11 t"e 8e5 on t"e 1ar si5e a%ay 1rom t"e t"in-. 9 %alke5 aroun5 t"e 8e5 3ominin 8e"in5 t"e t"in-. 9t kne% instantly t"at 9 "a5 mo)e5. 9t trie5 to turn an5 3ome at me@ pus"in- %it" t"at last le-. $"e 3ra%lin- arms turne5 1aster@ 1in-ers s3ram8lin- on t"e 3arpet. 9 stoo5 o)er it an5 8laste5 t"e ot"er le- 1rom less t"an t%o 1eet a%ay. Bits an5 pie3es o1 it splattere5 onto my pen-uins. 4amn. $"e arms %ere almost at my 8are 1eet. 9 1ire5 t%o ;ui3k s"ots an5 t"e "an5 s"attere5@ e*plo5in- on t"e %"ite 3arpet. $"e "an5less arms 1loppe5 an5 stru--le5. $"ey %ere still tryin- to rea3" me. $"ere %as a 8rus" o1 3lot"@ a sense o1 mo)ement >ust 8e"in5 me@ in t"e 5arkene5 li)in- room. 9 %as stan5in- %it" my 8a3k to t"e open 5oor. 9 turne5 an5 kne% it %as too late. Arms -ra88e5 me@ 3lut3"in- me to a )ery soli5 3"est. 'in-ers 5u- into my ri-"t arm@ pinnin- t"e -un a-ainst my 8o5y. 9 turne5 my "ea5 a%ay@ usin- my "air to s"iel5 my 1a3e an5 ne3k. $eet" sank into my s"oul5er. 9 s3reame5. 7y 1a3e %as presse5 a-ainst t"e t"in-?s s"oul5er. $"e 1in-ers %ere 5i--in- in. 9t %as -oin- to 3rus" my arm. $"e -un 8arrel %as presse5 a-ainst its s"oul5er. $eet" tore at t"e 1les" o1 my s"oul5er@ 8ut it %asn?t 1an-s. 9t only "a5 "uman teet" to %ork %it". 9t "urt like "ell@ 8ut it %oul5 8e alri-"t@ i1 9 3oul5 -et a%ay. 9 turne5 my 1a3e 1or%ar5 a%ay 1rom t"e s"oul5er an5 pulle5 t"e tri--er. $"e entire 8o5y >erke5 8a3k%ar5s. $"e le1t arm 3rum8le5. 9 rolle5 out o1 its -rip. $"e arm 5an-le5 1rom my 1orearm@ 1in-ers "an-in- on. 9 %as stan5in- in t"e 5oor%ay o1 my 8e5room starin- at t"e t"in- t"at "a5 almost -ot me. 9t "a5 8een a %"ite male@ a8out si*2one@ 8uilt like a 1oot8all player. 9t %as 1res" 1rom t"e 1arm. Bloo5 spattere5 %"ere t"e s"oul5er "a5 torn a%ay. $"e 1in-ers on my arm ti-"tene5. 9t 3oul5n?t 3rus" my arm@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t make it let -o eit"er. 9 5i5n?t "a)e t"e time. $"e Eom8ie 3"ar-e5@ one arm %i5e to -ra8 me. 9 seeme5 to "a)e all t"e time in t"e %orl5 to li1t t"e -un@ t%o2"an5e5. $"e arm stru--le5 an5 1ou-"t me as i1 it %ere still 3onne3te5 to t"e Eom8ie?s 8rain. 9 -ot o11 t%o ;ui3k s"ots. $"e Eom8ie stum8le5@ its le1t le- 3ollapsin-@ 8ut it %as too late. 9t %as too 3lose. As it 1ell@ it took me %it" it. =e lan5e5 on t"e 1loor %it" me on t"e 8ottom. 9 mana-e5 to keep t"e Bro%nin- up@ so t"at my arms %ere 1ree an5 so %as t"e -un. His %ei-"t pinne5 my 8o5y@ not"in- 9 3oul5 5o a8out it. Bloo5 -listene5 on "is lips. 9 1ire5 point28lank@ 3losin- my eyes as 9 pulle5 t"e tri--er. /ot >ust 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t %ant to see@ 8ut to sa)e my eyes 1rom 8one s"ar5s. ="en 9 looke5@ t"e "ea5 %as -one e*3ept 1or a t"in line o1 nake5 >a%8one an5 a 1ra-ment o1 skull. $"e remainin- "an5 s3ram8le5 1or my t"roat. $"e "an5 still atta3"e5 to my arm %as "elpin- its 8o5y. 9 3oul5n?t -et t"e -un aroun5 to s"oot t"e arm. $"e an-le %as %ron-. A soun5 o1 somet"in- "ea)y sli5in- 8e"in5 me. 9 riske5 a -lan3e@ 3ranin- my ne3k 8a3k%ar5s to see t"e 1irst Eom8ie 3omin- to%ar5s me. 9ts mout"@ all t"at it "a5 le1t to "urt me %it"@ %as open %i5e. 9 s3reame5 an5 turne5 8a3k to t"e one on top o1 me. $"e atta3"e5 "an5 1luttere5 at my ne3k. 9 pulle5 it a%ay an5 -a)e it its o%n arm to "ol5. 9t -ra88e5 it. =it" t"e 8rain -one@ it %asn?t as smart. 9 1elt t"e 1in-ers on my arm loosen. A s"u55er ran t"rou-" t"e 5an-lin- arm. Bloo5 8urst out o1 it like a ripe melon. $"e 1in-ers spasme5@ releasin- my arm. $"e Eom8ie 3rus"e5 its o%n arm until it spattere5 an5 8ones snappe5. $"e s3ram8lin- soun5s 8e"in5 me %ere 3loser. AGo5IC APoli3eI !ome out %it" your "an5s upIC $"e )oi3e %as male an5 lou5 1rom t"e "all%ay. $"e "ell %it" 8ein- 3ool an5 sel12su11i3ient. AHelp meIC A7iss@ %"at?s "appenin- in t"ereBC $"e s3ram8lin- soun5s %ere ri-"t ne*t to me. 9 3rane5 my ne3k an5 1oun5 mysel1 almost nose to nose %it" t"e 1irst Eom8ie. 9 s"o)e5 t"e Bro%nin- in its open mout". 9ts teet" s3rappe5 on t"e 8arrel@ an5 9 pulle5 t"e tri--er. A poli3eman %as su55enly in t"e 5oor%ay 1rame5 a-ainst t"e 5arkness. 'rom my an-le "e %as "u-e. !urly 8ro%n "air@ -oin- -ray@ musta3"e@ -un in "an5. AHesus@C "e sai5. $"e se3on5 Eom8ie 5roppe5 its 3rus"e5 arm an5 rea3"e5 1or me a-ain. $"e poli3eman took a 1irm -rip o1 t"e Eom8ie?s 8elt an5 pulle5 "im up%ar5 %it" one "an5. AGet "er out o1 "ere@C "e sai5. His partner mo)e5 in@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t -i)e "im time. 9 s3ram8le5 out 1rom un5er t"e "al12raise5 8o5y@ s3uttlin- on all 1ours into t"e li)in- room. Dou 5i5n?t "a)e to ask me t%i3e. $"e partner li1te5 me to my 1eet 8y one arm. 9t %as my ri-"t an5 t"e Bro%nin- 3ame up %it" it. /ormally@ a 3op %ill make you 5rop your -un 8e1ore anyt"in- else. $"ere@ is usually no %ay to tell %"o t"e 8a5 -uy is. 91 you "a)e a -un@ you are a 8a5 -uy unless pro)en ot"er%ise. 9nno3ent until pro)en -uilty 5oes not %ork in t"e 1iel5. He s3oope5 t"e -un 1rom my "an5. 9 let "im. 9 kne% t"e 5rill. A -uns"ot e*plo5e5 8e"in5 us. 9 >umpe5@ an5 t"e 3op 5i5@ too. He %as a8out my a-e@ 8ut ri-"t t"en 9 1elt a8out a million years ol5. =e turne5 an5 1oun5 t"e 1irst 3op s"ootin- into t"e Eom8ie. $"e t"in- "a5 stru--le5 1ree o1 "is "an5. 9t %as on its 1eet@ sta--ere5 8y t"e 8ullets 8ut not stoppe5.

AGet o)er "ere@ Bra5y@C t"e 1irst 3op sai5. $"e youn-er 3op 5re% "is -un an5 mo)e5 1or%ar5. He "esitate5@ -lan3in- at me. AHelp "im@C 9 sai5. He no55e5 an5 starte5 1irin- into t"e Eom8ie. $"e soun5 o1 -un1ire %as like t"un5er. 9t 1ille5 t"e room until my ears %ere rin-in- an5 t"e reek o1 -unpo%5er %as almost o)erpo%erin-. Bullet "oles 8lossome5 in t"e %alls. $"e Eom8ie kept sta--erin- 1or%ar5. $"ey %ere >ust annoyin- it. $"e pro8lem 1or poli3e is t"at t"ey 3an?t loa5 up %it" GlaEer Sa1ety <oun5s. 7ost 3ops 5on?t run into t"e supernatural as mu3" as 9 5o. 7ost o1 t"e time t"ey?re 3"asin- "uman 3rooks. $"e po%ers t"at 8e 1ro%n on takin- o11 t"e le- o1 Ho"n N. Pu8li3 >ust F3ause "e 1ire5 at you. Dou?re not really suppose5 to kill people >ust 8e3ause t"ey?re tryin- to kill you. <i-"tB So t"ey "a5 normal roun5s@ may8e a little sil)er 3oatin- to make t"e me5i3ine -o 5o%n@ 8ut not"in- t"at 3oul5 stop a Eom8ie. $"ey %ere 8ein- 8a3ke5 up. #ne reloa5e5 %"ile t"e ot"er 1ire5. $"e t"in- sta--ere5 1or%ar5. 9ts remainin- arm s%eepin- in 1ront o1 it@ sear3"in-. 'or me. S"it. A7y -un?s loa5e5 %it" GlaEer Sa1ety <oun5s@C 9 sai5. A:se it.C $"e 1irst 3op sai5@ ABra5y@ 9 tol5 you to -et "er out o1 "ere.C ADou nee5e5 "elp@C Bra5y sai5. AGet t"e 3i)ilian t"e 1u3k out o1 "ere.C !i)ilian@ meB Bra5y 5i5n?t ;uestion a-ain. He >ust 8a3ke5 to%ar5s me@ -un out 8ut not 1irin-. A!ome on@ miss@ %e -otta -et out o1 "ere.C AGi)e me my -un.C He -lan3e5 at me@ s"ook "is "ea5. A9?m %it" t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam.C ="i3" %as true. 9 %as "opin- "e %oul5 assume 9 %as a 3op@ %"i3" %asn?t true. He %as youn-. He assume5. He "an5e5 me 8a3k t"e Bro%nin-. A$"anks.C 9 mo)e5 up %it" t"e ol5er 3op. A9?m %it" t"e Spook S;ua5.C He -lan3e5 at me@ -un still traine5 on t"e a5)an3in- 3orpse. A$"en 5o somet"in-.C Someone "a5 turne5 on t"e li)in-2room li-"t. /o% t"at no one %as s"ootin- it@ t"e Eom8ie %as mo)in- out. 9t %alke5 like a man stri5in- 5o%n t"e street@ e*3ept it "a5 no "ea5 an5 only one arm. $"ere %as a sprin- in its step. 7ay8e it sense5 9 %as 3lose. $"e 8o5y %as in 8etter 3on5ition t"an t"e 1irst Eom8ie?s "a5 8een. 9 3oul5 3ripple it 8ut not in3apa3itate it. 9?5 settle 1or 3ripple5. 9 1ire5 a t"ir5 roun5 into t"e le1t le- t"at 9 "a5 %oun5e5 earlier. 9 "a5 more time to aim@ an5 my aim %as true. $"e le- 3ollapse5 un5er it. 9t pulle5 itsel1 1or%ar5 %it" t"e one arm@ le- pus"in- a-ainst t"e ru-. He %as on "is last le-. 9 starte5 to smile@ t"en to lau-"@ 8ut it 3"oke5 in my t"roat. 9 %alke5 aroun5 t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e 3ou3". 9 5i5n?t %ant any a33i5ents a1ter %"at 9?5 seen it 5o to its o%n 8o5y. 9 5i5n?t %ant any 3rus"e5 lim8s. 9 3ame in 8e"in5 it@ an5 it s3ram8le5 ;ui3ker t"an it s"oul5 "a)e to try to 1a3e me. 9t took t%o s"ots 1or t"e ot"er le-. 9 3oul5n?t remem8er "o% many 8ullets 9?5 use5. 4i5 9 "a)e one more le1t@ or t%o@ or noneB 9 1elt like 4irty Harry@ e*3ept t"at t"is punk 5i5n?t -i)e a 5amn "o% many 8ullets 9 "a5 le1t. $"e 5ea5 5on?t s3are easy. 9t %as still pullin- itsel1 an5 its 5ama-e5 le-s alon-. $"at one "an5. 9 1ire5 nearly point28lank@ an5 t"e "an5 e*plo5e5 like a 3rimson 1lo%er on t"e %"ite 3arpet. 9t kept 3omin-@ usin- t"e %rist stump to pus" alon-. 9 pulle5 t"e tri--er@ an5 it 3li3ke5 empty. S"it. A9?m out@C 9 sai5. 9 steppe5 8a3k a%ay 1rom it. 9t 1ollo%e5 me. $"e ol5er 3op mo)e5 in an5 -ra88e5 it 8y 8ot" ankles. He pulle5 it 8a3k%ar5s. #ne le- sli5 slo%ly out o1 t"e pants an5 t%iste5 1ree in "is "an5. A'u3kIC He 5roppe5 t"e le-. 9t %i--le5 like a 8roken28a3ke5 snake. 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e still 5etermine5 3orpse. 9t %as stru--lin- to%ar5s me. 9t %asn?t makin- mu3" pro-ress. $"e poli3eman %as "ol5in- it one2le--e5 sort o1 in t"e air. But t"e Eom8ie kept tryin-. 9t %oul5 keep tryin- until it %as in3inerate5 or 4omin-a Sal)a5or 3"an-e5 "er or5ers. 7ore uni1orme5 3ops 3ame in t"e 5oor. $"ey 1ell on t"e 8ut3"ere5 Eom8ie like )ultures on a %il5e8eest. 9t 8u3ke5 an5 stru--le5. 'ou-"t to -et a%ay@ to 1inis" its mission. $o kill me. $"ere %ere enou-" 3ops to su85ue it. $"ey %oul5 "ol5 it until t"e la8 8oys arri)e5. $"e la8 8oys %oul5 5o %"at t"ey 3oul5 on2site. $"en t"e Eom8ie %oul5 8e in3inerate5 8y an e*terminator team. $"ey "a5 trie5 takin- Eom8ies 5o%n to t"e mor-ue an5 "ol5in- t"em 1or tests@ 8ut little pie3es kept es3apin- an5 "i5in- out in t"e stran-est pla3es. $"e me5i3al e*aminer "a5 5e3ree5 t"at all Eom8ies %ere to 8e truly 5ea5 8e1ore s"ippin-. $"e am8ulan3e 3re% an5 la8 te3"s a-ree5 %it" "er. 9 sympat"iEe5 8ut kne% t"at most e)i5en3e 5isappears in a 1ire. !"oi3es@ 3"oi3es. 9 stoo5 to one si5e o1 my li)in- room. $"ey "a5 1or-otten me in t"e melee. 'ine@ 9 5i5n?t 1eel like %restlin- any more Eom8ies toni-"t. 9 realiEe5 1or t"e 1irst time t"at 9 %as %earin- not"in- 8ut an o)ersiEe $2s"irt an5 panties. $"e $2s"irt

3lun- %etly to my 8o5y@ t"i3k %it" 8loo5. 9 starte5 to%ar5s t"e 8e5room. 9 t"ink 9 meant to -et a pair o1 pants. $"e si-"t on t"e 1loor stoppe5 me. $"e 1irst Eom8ie %as like a le-less inse3t. 9t 3oul5n?t mo)e@ 8ut it %as tryin-. $"e 8loo5y stump o1 a 8o5y %as still tryin- to 3arry out its or5ers. $o kill me. 4omin-a Sal)a5or "a5 meant to kill me. $%o Eom8ies@ one almost ne%. S"e "a5 meant to kill me. $"at one t"ou-"t 3"ase5 roun5 my "ea5 like a pie3e o1 son-. =e "a5 t"reatene5 ea3" ot"er@ 8ut %"y t"is le)el o1 )iolen3eB ="y kill meB 9 3oul5n?t stop "er le-ally. S"e kne% t"at. So %"y make su3" a 5amne5 serious attempt to kill meB 7ay8e 8e3ause s"e "a5 somet"in- to "i5eB 4omin-a "a5 -i)en "er %or5 t"at s"e "a5n?t raise5 t"e killer Eom8ie@ 8ut may8e "er %or5 5i5n?t mean anyt"in-. 9t %as t"e only ans%er. S"e "a5 somet"in- to 5o %it" t"e killer Eom8ie. Ha5 s"e raise5 itB #r 5i5 s"e kno% %"o "a5B /o. S"e?5 raise5 t"e 8east or %"y kill me t"e ni-"t a1ter 9 talke5 to "erB 9t %as too 8i- a 3oin3i5en3e. 4omin-a Sal)a5or "a5 raise5 a Eom8ie@ an5 it "a5 -otten a%ay 1rom "er. $"at %as it. ,)il as s"e %as@ s"e %asn?t psy3"oti3. S"e %oul5n?t >ust raise a killer Eom8ie an5 let it loose. $"e -reat )oo5oo ;ueen "a5 s3re%e5 up royally. $"at@ more t"an anyt"in- else@ more t"an t"e 5eat"s@ or t"e possi8le mur5er 3"ar-e@ %oul5 piss "er o11. S"e 3oul5n?t a11or5 "er reputation to 8e tras"e5 like t"at. 9 stare5 past t"e 8loo5y@ stinkin- remnants in t"e 8e5room. 7y stu11e5 pen-uins %ere 3o)ere5 in 8loo5 an5 %orse. !oul5 my lon- su11erin- 5ry 3leaner -et t"em 3leanB He 5i5 pretty -oo5 %it" my suits. GlaEer Sa1ety <oun5s 5i5n?t -o t"rou-" %alls. 9t %as anot"er reason 9 like5 t"em. 7y nei-"8ors 5i5n?t -et s"ot up. $"e poli3e 8ullets "a5 pier3e5 t"e 8e5room %alls. /eat roun5 "oles %ere e)ery%"ere. /o one "a5 e)er atta3ke5 me at "ome 8e1ore@ not like t"is. 9t s"oul5 "a)e 8een a-ainst t"e rules. Dou s"oul5 8e sa1e in your o%n 8e5. 9 kno%@ 9 kno%. Ba5 -uys 5on?t "a)e rules. 9t?s one o1 t"e reasons t"ey?re 8a5 -uys. 9 kne% %"o "a5 raise5 t"e Eom8ie. All 9 "a5 to 5o %as pro)e it. $"ere %as 8loo5 e)ery%"ere. Bloo5 an5 %orse t"in-s. 9 %as a3tually -ettin- use5 to t"e smell. Go5. But it stank. $"e %"ole apartment stank. Almost e)eryt"in- in my apartment is %"iteG %alls@ 3arpet@ 3ou3"@ 3"air. 9t ma5e t"e stains s"o% up ni3ely@ like 1res" %oun5s. $"e 8ullet "oles an5 3ra3ke5 plaster 8oar5 set o11 t"e 8loo5 ni3ely. $"e apartment %as tras"e5. 9 %oul5 pro)e 4omin-a "a5 5one t"is@ t"en@ i1 9 %as lu3ky@ 9?5 -et to return t"e 1a)or. AS%eets to t"e s%eet@C 9 %"ispere5 to no one in parti3ular. $ears starte5 to 8urn at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 3ry@ 8ut a s3ream %as sort o1 ti3klin- aroun5 in my t"roat@ too. !ryin- or s3reamin-. !ryin- seeme5 8etter. $"e parame5i3s 3ame. #ne %as a s"ort 8la3k %oman a8out my o%n a-e. A!ome on@ "oney@ %e -ot to take a look at you.C Her )oi3e %as -entle@ "er "an5s sort o1 lea5in- me a%ay 1rom t"e 3arna-e. 9 5i5n?t e)en min5 "er 3allin- me "oney. 9 %ante5 )ery mu3" to 3ra%l up into someone?s lap a8out no% an5 8e 3om1orte5. 9 nee5e5 t"at 8a5ly. 9 %asn?t -oin- to -et it. AHoney@ %e nee5 to see "o% 8a5 you?re 8lee5in- 8e1ore %e take you 5o%n to t"e am8ulan3e.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. 7y )oi3e soun5e5 1ar a%ay@ 5eta3"e5. A9t?s not my 8loo5.C A="atBC 9 looke5 at "er@ 1i-"tin- to 1o3us an5 not 5ri1t. S"o3k %as settin- in. 9?m usually 8etter t"an t"is@ 8ut "ey@ %e all "a)e our ni-"ts. A9t?s not my 8loo5. 9?)e -ot a 8ite on t"e s"oul5er@ t"at?s it.C S"e looke5 like s"e 5i5n?t 8elie)e me. 9 5i5n?t 8lame "er. 7ost people see you 3o)ere5 in 8loo5@ t"ey >ust assume part o1 it "as to 8e yours. $"ey 5o not take into a33ount t"at t"ey are 5ealin- %it" a tou-"2as2nails )ampire slayer an5 3orpse raiser. $"e tears %ere 8a3k@ stin-in- >ust 8e"in5 my eyes. $"ere %as 8loo5 all o)er my pen-uins. 9 5i5n?t -i)e a 5amn a8out t"e %alls an5 3arpet. $"ey 3oul5 8e repla3e5@ 8ut 9?5 3olle3te5 t"ose 5amne5 stu11e5 toys o)er years. 9 let t"e parame5i3 lea5 me a%ay. $ears tri3klin- 5o%n my 3"eeks. 9 %asn?t 3ryin-@ my eyes %ere runnin-. 7y eyes %ere runnin- 8e3ause t"ere %ere pie3es o1 Eom8ie all o)er my toys. Hesus.

Chapter Seventeen
9?5 seen enou-" 3rime s3enes to kno% %"at to e*pe3t. 9t %as like a play 9?5 seen too many times. 9 3oul5 tell you all t"e entran3es@ t"e e*its@ most o1 t"e lines. But t"is %as 5i11erent. $"is %as my pla3e. 9t %as silly to 8e o11en5e5 t"at 4omin-a Sal)a5or "a5 atta3ke5 me in my o%n "ome. 9t %as stupi5@ 8ut t"ere it %as. S"e "a5 8roken a rule. #ne 9 "a5n?t e)en kno%n 9 "a5. $"ou s"alt not atta3k t"e -oo5 -uy in "is@ or "er@ o%n "ome. S"it. 9 %as -oin- to nail "er "i5e to a tree 1or it. Dea"@ me an5 %"at armyB 7ay8e@ me an5 t"e poli3e. $"e li)in-2room 3urtains 8illo%e5 in t"e "ot 8reeEe. $"e -lass "a5 8een s"attere5 in t"e 1ire1i-"t. 9 %as -la5 9 "a5 >ust si-ne5 a t%o2year lease. At least t"ey 3oul5n?t ki3k me out.

4olp" sat a3ross 1rom me in my little kit3"en area. $"e 8reak1ast ta8le %it" its t%o strai-"t28a3ke5 3"airs seeme5 tiny %it" "im sittin- at it. He sort o1 1ille5 my kit3"en. #r may8e 9 %as >ust 1eelin- small toni-"t. #r %as it mornin-B 9 -lan3e5 at my %at3". $"ere %as a 5ark@ sli3k smear o8s3urin- t"e 1a3e. !oul5n?t rea5 it. =oul5 "a)e to 3"ip t"e 5amn t"in- 3lean. 9 tu3ke5 my arm 8a3k insi5e t"e 8lanket t"e parame5i3 "a5 -i)en me. 7y skin %as 3ol5er t"an it s"oul5 "a)e 8een. ,)en t"ou-"ts o1 )en-ean3e 3oul5n?t %arm me. Later@ later 9 %oul5 8e %arm. Later 9 %oul5 8e pisse5. <i-"t no% 9 %as -la5 to 8e ali)e. A#kay@ Anita@ %"at "appene5BC 9 -lan3e5 at t"e li)in- room. 9t %as nearly empty. $"e Eom8ies "a5 8een 3arrie5 a%ay. 9n3inerate5 on t"e street no less. ,ntertainment 1or t"e entire nei-"8or"oo5. 'amily 1un. A!oul5 9 3"an-e 3lot"es 8e1ore 9 -i)e a statement@ pleaseBC He looke5 at me 1or may8e a se3on5@ t"en no55e5. AGreat.C 9 -ot up -rippin- t"e 8lanket aroun5 me@ e5-es 1ol5e5 3are1ully. 4i5n?t %ant to a33i5entally trip on t"e en5s. 9?5 em8arrasse5 mysel1 enou-" 1or one ni-"t. ASa)e t"e $2s"irt 1or e)i5en3e@C 4olp" 3alle5. 9 sai5@ ASure t"in-@C %it"out turnin- aroun5. $"ey "a5 t"ro%n s"eets o)er t"e %orst o1 t"e stains so t"ey 5i5n?t tra3k 8loo5 all o)er t"e apartment 8uil5in-. /i3e. $"e 8e5room stank o1 rotte5 3orpse@ stale 8loo5@ ol5 5eat". Go5. 9?5 ne)er 8e a8le to sleep in "ere toni-"t. ,)en 9 "a5 my limits. ="at 9 %ante5 %as a s"o%er@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t t"ink 4olp" %oul5 %ait t"at lon-. 9 settle5 1or >eans@ so3ks@ an5 a 3lean $2s"irt. 9 3arrie5 all o1 it into t"e 8at"room. =it" t"e 5oor 3lose5@ t"e smell %as )ery 1aint. 9t looke5 like my 8at"room. /o 5isasters "ere. 9 5roppe5 t"e 8lanket on t"e 1loor %it" t"e $2s"irt. $"ere %as a 8ulky 8an5a-e o)er my s"oul5er %"ere t"e Eom8ie "a5 8itten me. 9 %as lu3ky it "a5n?t taken a "unk o1 1les". $"e parame5i3 %arne5 me to -et a tetanus 8ooster. Kom8ies 5on?t make more Eom8ies 8y 8itin-@ 8ut t"e 5ea5 "a)e nasty mout"s. 9n1e3tion is more o1 a 5an-er 8ut a tetanus 8ooster is a pre3aution. Bloo5 "a5 5rie5 in 1lakin- pat3"es on my le-s an5 arms. 9 5i5n?t 8ot"er %as"in- my "an5s. 9?5 s"o%er later. Get e)eryt"in- 3lean at on3e. $"e $2s"irt "un- almost to my knees. A "u-e 3ari3ature o1 Art"ur !onan 4oyle %as on t"e 1ront. He %as peerin- t"rou-" a "u-e ma-ni1yin- -lass@ one eye 3omi3ally lar-e. 9 -aEe5 into t"e mirror o)er t"e sink@ lookin- at t"e s"irt. 9t %as so1t an5 %arm an5 3om1ortin-. !om1ortin- %as -oo5 ri-"t no%. $"e ol5 $2s"irt %as ruine5. /o sa)in- it. But may8e 9 3oul5 sa)e some o1 t"e pen-uins. 9 ran 3ol5 %ater into t"e 8at"tu8. 91 it %as a s"irt@ 9?5 soak it in 3ol5 %ater. 7ay8e it %orke5 %it" toys. 9 -ot a pair o1 >o--in- s"oes out 1rom un5er t"e 8e5. 9 5i5n?t really %ant to %alk o)er t"e 5ryin- stains in only so3ks. S"oes %ere ma5e 1or su3" o33asions. Alri-"t@ so t"e 3reator o1 /ike Airs ne)er 1oresa% %alkin- o)er 5ryin- Eom8ie 8loo5. 9t?s "ar5 to prepare 1or e)eryt"in-. $%o o1 t"e pen-uins %ere turnin- 8ro%n as t"e 8loo5 5rie5. 9 3arrie5 t"em -in-erly into t"e 8at"room an5 lai5 t"em in t"e %ater. 9 pus"e5 t"em un5er until t"ey soake5 up enou-" %ater to stay partially su8mer-e5@ t"en 9 turne5 t"e %ater o11. 7y "an5s %ere 3leaner. $"e %ater %asn?t. Bloo5 traile5 out o1 t"e t%o so1t toys like %ater s;ueeEe5 out o1 a spon-e. 91 t"ese t%o 3ame 3lean@ 9 3oul5 sa)e t"em all. 9 5rie5 my "an5s on t"e 8lanket. /o sense -ettin- 8loo5 on anyt"in- else. Si-mun5@ t"e pen-uin 9 o33asionally slept %it"@ %as 8arely spattere5. Hust a 1e% spe3ks a3ross "is 1uEEy %"ite 8elly. Small 8lessin-s. 9 almost tu3ke5 "im un5er my arm to "ol5 %"ile 9 -a)e a statement. 4olp" pro8a8ly %oul5n?t tell. 9 put Si-mun5 a little 1art"er 1rom t"e %orst stains@ as i1 t"at %oul5 "elp. Seein- t"e stupi5 toy tu3ke5 sa1ely in a 3orner 5i5 make me 1eel 8etter. Great. Ker8ro%ski %as peerin- at t"e a;uarium. He -lan3e5 my %ay. A$"ese are t"e 8i--est 1reakin- an-el1is" 9?)e e)er seen. Dou 3oul5 1ry some o1 Fem up in a pan.C ALea)e t"e 1is" alone@ Ker8ro%ski@C 9 sai5. He -rinne5. ASure@ >ust a t"ou-"t.C Ba3k in t"e kit3"en 4olp" sat %it" "is "an5s 1ol5e5 on t"e ta8letop. His 1a3e unrea5a8le. 91 "e %as upset t"at 9?5 almost 3as"e5 it in toni-"t@ "e 5i5n?t s"o% it. But t"en 4olp" 5i5n?t s"o% mu3" o1 anyt"in-@ e)er. $"e most emotion 9?5 e)er seen "im 5isplay %as a8out t"is 3ase. $"e killer Eom8ie. But3"ere5 3i)ilians. ADou %ant some 3o11eeBC 9 aske5. ASure.C A7e@ too@C Ker8ro%ski sai5.

A#nly i1 you say please.C He leane5 a-ainst t"e %all >ust outsi5e t"e kit3"en. APlease.C 9 -ot a 8a- o1 3o11ee out o1 t"e 1reeEer. ADou keep t"e 3o11ee in t"e 1reeEerBC Ker8ro%ski sai5. AHasn?t anyone e)er 1i*e5 real 3o11ee 1or youBC 9 aske5. A7y i5ea o1 -ourmet 3o11ee is $aster?s !"oi3e.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ABar8arian.C A91 you t%o are 1inis"e5 %it" 3le)er repartee@C 4olp" sai5@ A3oul5 %e start t"e statement no%BC His )oi3e %as so1ter t"an "is %or5s. 9 smile5 at "im an5 at Ker8ro%ski. 4amne5 i1 it %asn?t ni3e to see 8ot" o1 t"em. 9 must "a)e 8een "urt %orse t"an 9 kne% to 8e "appy to see Ker8ro%ski. A9 %as asleep min5in- my o%n 8usiness %"en 9 %oke up to 1in5 a Eom8ie stan5in- o)er me.C 9 measure5 8eans an5 poure5 t"em into t"e little 8la3k 3o11ee -rin5er t"at 9?5 8ou-"t 8e3ause it mat3"e5 t"e 3o11ee maker. A="at %oke youBC 4olp" aske5. 9 presse5 t"e 8utton on t"e -rin5er an5 t"e ri3" smell o1 1res" -roun5 3o11ee 1ille5 t"e kit3"en. A"@ "ea)en. A9 smelle5 3orpses@C 9 sai5. A,*plain.C A9 %as 5reamin-@ an5 9 smelle5 rottin- 3orpses. 9t 5i5n?t mat3" t"e 5ream. 9t %oke me.C A$"en %"atBC He "a5 "is e)er present note8ook out. Pen poise5. 9 3on3entrate5 on ea3" small step to makin- t"e 3o11ee an5 tol5 4olp" e)eryt"in-@ in3lu5in- my suspi3ions a8out SeQora Sal)a5or. $"e 3o11ee %as 8e-innin- to perk an5 1ill t"e apartment %it" t"at %on5er1ul smell t"at 3o11ee al%ays "as 8y t"e time 9 1inis"e5. ASo you t"ink 4omin-a Sal)a5or is our Eom8ie raiserBC 4olp" sai5. ADes.C He stare5 at me a3ross t"e small ta8le. His eyes %ere )ery serious. A!an you pro)e itBC A/o.C He took a 5eep 8reat"@ 3losin- "is eyes 1or a moment. AGreat@ >ust -reat.C A$"e 3o11ee smells 5one@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. He %as sittin- on t"e 1loor@ 8a3k proppe5 a-ainst t"e kit3"en 5oor%ay. 9 -ot up an5 poure5 t"e 3o11ee. A91 you %ant su-ar or 3ream@ "elp yoursel1.C 9 put t"e 3ream@ real 3ream@ out on t"e kit3"en 3ounter alon- %it" t"e su-ar 8o%l. Ker8ro%ski took a lot o1 su-ar an5 a 5a8 o1 3ream. 4olp" %ent 1or 8la3k. 9t %as t"e %ay 9 took it most o1 t"e time. $oni-"t 9 a55e5 3ream an5 s%eetene5 it. <eal 3ream in real 3o11ee. Dum@ yum. A91 %e 3oul5 -et you insi5e 4omin-a?s "ouse@ 3oul5 you 1in5 proo1BC 4olp" aske5. AProo1 o1 somet"in-@ sure@ 8ut o1 raisin- t"e killer Eom8ie ... A 9 s"ook my "ea5. A91 s"e 5i5 raise it an5 it -ot a%ay@ t"en s"e %on?t %ant to 8e tie5 to it. S"e?ll "a)e 5estroye5 all t"e proo1@ >ust to sa)e 1a3e.C A9 %ant "er 1or t"is@C 4olp" sai5. A7e@ too.C AS"e mi-"t also try an5 kill you a-ain@C Ker8ro%ski sai5 1rom t"e 5oor%ay. He %as 8lo%in- on "is 3o11ee to 3ool it. A/o >oke@C 9 sai5. ADou t"ink s"e?ll try a-ainBC 4olp" aske5. APro8a8ly. Ho% t"e "ell 5i5 t%o Eom8ies -et insi5e my apartmentBC ASomeone pi3ke5 t"e lo3k@C 4olp" sai5. A!oul5 t"e Eom8ie ... C A/o@ a Eom8ie %oul5 rip a 5oor o11 its "in-es@ 8ut it %oul5n?t take t"e time to pi3k a lo3k. ,)en i1 it "a5 t"e 1ine motor skill to 5o it.C ASo someone %it" skill opene5 t"e 5oor an5 let t"em in@C 4olp" sai5. AAppears so@C 9 sai5. AAny i5eas on t"atBC A9 %oul5 8et one o1 "er 8o5y-uar5s. Her -ran5son Antonio or may8e ,nEo. A 8i- -uy in "is 1orties %"o seems to 8e "er personal prote3tion. 9 5on?t kno% i1 eit"er o1 t"em "a)e t"e skill@ 8ut t"ey?5 5o it. ,nEo@ 8ut not Antonio.C A="y 3ross "im o11BC

A91 $ony "a5 let t"e Eom8ies in@ "e?5 "a)e staye5 an5 %at3"e5.C ADou sureBC 9 s"ru--e5. AHe?s t"at kin5 o1 -uy. ,nEo %oul5 5o 8usiness an5 lea)e. He?5 1ollo% or5ers. $"e -ran5son %oul5n?t.C 4olp" no55e5. A$"ere?s a lot o1 "eat 1rom upstairs to sol)e t"is 3ase. 9 t"ink 9 3an -et us a sear3" %arrant in 1orty2ei-"t "ours.C A$%o 5ays is a lon- time@ 4olp".C A$%o 5ays %it"out one pie3e o1 proo1@ Anita. ,*3ept 1or your %or5. 9?m -oin- out on a lim8 1or t"is one.C AS"e?s in it@ 4olp"@ some"o%. 9 5on?t kno% %"y@ an5 9 5on?t kno% %"at 3oul5 "a)e 3ause5 "er to lose 3ontrol o1 t"e Eom8ie@ 8ut s"e?s in it.C A9?ll -et t"e %arrant@C "e sai5. A#ne o1 t"e 8rot"ers in 8lue sai5 you tol5 "im you %ere a 3op@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. A9 tol5 "im 9 %as %it" your s;ua5. 9 ne)er sai5 9 %as a 3op.C Ker8ro%ski -rinne5. A7mm2"u".C A=ill you 8e sa1e "ere toni-"tBC 4olp" aske5. A9 t"ink so. $"e SeQora 5oesn?t %ant to -et on t"e 8a5 si5e o1 t"e la%. $"ey treat rene-a5e %it3"es sort o1 like rene-a5e )ampires. 9t?s an automati3 5eat" senten3e.C ABe3ause people are too s3are5 o1 t"em@C 4olp" sai5. ABe3ause some %it3"es 3an slip t"rou-" t"e 1u3kin- 8ars.C AHo% a8out )oo5oo ;ueensBC Ker8ro%ski sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t %ant to kno%.C A=e 8etter -o@ lea)e you to -et some sleep@C 4olp" sai5. He le1t "is empty 3o11ee 3up on t"e ta8le. Ker8ro%ski "a5n?t 1inis"e5 "is@ 8ut "e put it on t"e 3ounter an5 1ollo%e5 4olp" out. 9 %alke5 t"em to t"e 5oor. A9?ll let you kno% %"en %e -et t"e %arrant@C 4olp" sai5. A!oul5 you arran-e 1or me to see Peter Burke?s personal e11e3tsBC A="yBC A$"ere are only t%o %ays to lose 3ontrol o1 a Eom8ie t"is 8a5ly. #ne@ you are stron- enou-" to raise it@ 8ut not to 3ontrol it. 4omin-a 3an 3ontrol anyt"in- s"e 3an raise. Se3on5@ someone o1 near e;ual po%er inter1eres@ sort o1 a 3"allen-e.C 9 stare5 up at 4olp". AHo"n Burke mi-"t >ust 8e stron- enou-" to "a)e 5one it. 7ay8e i1 9?m "elp1ul enou-" to take Ho"n 5o%n to -o o)er "is 8rot"er?s e11e3tsOyou kno%@ 5oes any o1 t"is look out o1 pla3e@ t"at type o1 t"in-Omay8e t"is Burke %ill let somet"in- slip.C ADou?)e alrea5y -ot 4omin-a Sal)a5or pisse5 at you@ Anita. 9sn?t t"at enou-" 1or one %eekBC A'or one li1etime@C 9 sai5. ABut it?s somet"in- %e 3an 5o %"ile %e %ait 1or t"e %arrant.C 4olp" no55e5. ADea". 9?ll arran-e it. !all 7r. Burke tomorro% mornin- an5 set up a time. $"en 3all me.C A=ill 5o.C 4olp" "esitate5 in t"e 5oor%ay 1or a moment. A=at3" your 8a3k.C AAl%ays@C 9 sai5. Ker8ro%ski leane5 into me an5 sai5@ A/i3e pen-uins.C He 1ollo%e5 4olp" 5o%n t"e "all%ay. 9 kne% t"e ne*t time 9 sa% t"e rest o1 t"e spook s;ua5 t"ey?5 all kno% 9 3olle3te5 toy pen-uins. 7y se3ret %as out. Ker8ro%ski %oul5 sprea5 it 1ar an5 %i5e. At least@ "e %as 3onsistent. 9t %as ni3e to kno% somet"in- %as.

Chapter Eighteen
Stu11e5 animals are not meant to 8e su8mer-e5 in %ater. $"e t%o in t"e 8at"tu8 %ere ruine5. 7ay8e spot remo)erB $"e smell %as t"i3k an5 seeme5 permanent. 9 put an emer-en3y messa-e on my 3leanin- ser)i3e?s ans%erin- ma3"ine. 9 5i5n?t -i)e a lot o1 5etails. 4i5n?t %ant to 1ri-"ten t"em o11. 9 pa3ke5 an o)erni-"t 8a-. $%o 3"an-es o1 3lot"es an5 one pen-uin %it" "is tummy 1res"ly s3ru88e5@ Harol5 Gaynor?s 1ile@ an5 9 %as set. 9 also pa3ke5 8ot" -unsJ t"e 'irestar in its inner pants "olsterG t"e Bro%nin- un5er my arm. A

%in58reaker "i5 t"e Bro%nin- 1rom )ie%. 9 "a5 e*tra ammo in t"e >a3ket po3kets. Bet%een 8ot" -uns 9 "a5 t%enty2t%o 8ullets. $%enty2t%o 8ullets. ="y 5i5n?t 9 1eel sa1eB :nlike most %alkin- 5ea5@ Eom8ies 3an 8ear t"e tou3" o1 sunli-"t. $"ey 5on?t like it@ 8ut t"ey 3an e*ist %it" it. 4omin-a 3oul5 or5er a Eom8ie to kill me in 5ayli-"t >ust as easily as moonli-"t. S"e %oul5n?t 8e a8le to raise t"e 5ea5 5urin5ayli-"t@ 8ut i1 s"e planne5 it ri-"t@ s"e 3oul5 raise t"e 5ea5 t"e ni-"t 8e1ore an5 sen5 it out to -et me t"e ne*t 5ay. A )oo5oo priestess %it" e*e3uti)e plannin- skills. 9t %oul5 8e >ust my lu3k. 9 5i5n?t really 8elie)e t"at 4omin-a "a5 8a3kup Eom8ies %aitin- to >ump me. But some"o% 9 %as 1eelin- paranoi5 t"is mornin-. Paranoia is >ust anot"er %or5 1or lon-e)ity. 9 steppe5 out into t"e ;uiet "all%ay@ -lan3in- 8ot" %ays as i1 it %ere a street. /ot"in-. /o %alkin- 3orpses "i5in- in t"e s"a5o%s. /o one 8ut us 1rai5y23ats. $"e only soun5 %as t"e "us" o1 t"e air23on5itionin-. $"e "all%ay "a5 t"at 1eel to it. 9 3ame "ome o1ten enou-" at 5a%n to kno% t"e ;uality o1 silen3e. 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. 9 kne% it %as almost 5a%n. /ot 8y 3lo3k or %in5o%@ 8ut on some le)el 5eeper t"an t"at. Some instin3t t"at an an3estor "a5 1oun5 %"ile "i5inin a 5ark 3a)e@ prayin- 1or li-"t. 7ost people 1ear t"e 5ark in a )a-ue %ay. $"ey 1ear %"at mi-"t 8e out t"ere. 9 raise t"e 5ea5. 9?)e slain o)er a 5oEen )ampires. 9 kno% %"at?s out t"ere in t"e 5ark. An5 9 am terri1ie5 o1 it. People are suppose5 to 1ear t"e unkno%n@ 8ut i-noran3e is 8liss %"en kno%le5-e is so 5amn 1ri-"tenin-. 9 kne% %"at %oul5 "a)e "appene5 to me i1 9 "a5 1aile5 last ni-"t. 91 9 "a5 8een slo%er or a %orse s"ot. $%o years a-o t"ere "a5 8een t"ree mur5ers. /ot"in- 3onne3te5 t"em e*3ept t"e met"o5 o1 5eat". $"ey "a5 8een torn apart 8y Eom8ies. $"ey "a5 not 8een eaten. /ormal Eom8ies 5on?t eat anyt"in-. $"ey may 8ite a time or t%o@ 8ut t"at?s t"e %orst o1 it. $"ere "a5 8een t"e man %"ose t"roat %as 3rus"e5@ 8ut t"at "a5 8een a33i5ental. $"e Eom8ie >ust 8it 5o%n on t"e nearest 8o5y part. 9t "appene5 to 8e a killin- 8lo%. Blin5 lu3k. A Eom8ie %ill normally >ust %restle you to pie3es. Like a small 8oy tearin- pie3es o11 o1 a 1ly. <aisin- a Eom8ie 1or t"e purposes o1 8ein- a mur5er %eapon is an automati3 5eat" senten3e. $"e 3ourt system "as -otten rat"er ;ui3k on t"e 5ra% t"e last 1e% years. A 5eat" senten3e meant %"at it sai5 t"ese 5ays. ,spe3ially i1 your 3rime %as supernatural in some %ay. Dou 5i5n?t 8urn %it3"es anymore. Dou ele3tro3ute5 t"em. 91 %e 3oul5 -et proo1@ t"e state %oul5 kill 4omin-a Sal)a5or 1or me. Ho"n Burke@ too@ i1 %e 3oul5 pro)e "e "a5 kno%in-ly 3ause5 t"e Eom8ie to -o ape2s"it. $"e trou8le %it" supernatural 3rimes is pro)in- t"em in 3ourt. 7ost >uries aren?t up on t"e latest spells an5 in3antations. He3k@ neit"er am 9. But 9?)e trie5 e*plainin- Eom8ies an5 )ampires in 3ourt 8e1ore. 9?)e learne5 to keep it simple an5 to a55 any -ory 5etails t"e 5e1ense %ill allo% me. A >ury appre3iates a little )i3arious a5)enture. 7ost testimony is terri8ly 8orin- or "eart8reakin-. 9 try to 8e interestin-. 9t?s a 3"an-e o1 pa3e. $"e parkin- area %as 5ark. Stars still -limmere5 o)er"ea5. But t"ey %ere 1a5in- like 3an5les in a stea5y %in5. 9 3oul5 taste 5a%n on t"e air. <oll it aroun5 on my ton-ue. 7ay8e it?s all t"e )ampire "untin- 9 5o@ 8ut 9 %as more attune5 to t"e passa-e o1 li-"t an5 5ark t"an 9 "a5 8een 1our years a-o. 9 "a5n?t 8een a8le to taste t"e 5a%n. #1 3ourse my ni-"tmares %ere a lot less interestin- 1our years a-o. Dou -ain somet"in-@ you lose somet"in- else. 9t?s t"e %ay li1e %orks. 9t %as a1ter +J A.7. %"en 9 -ot in my 3ar an5 "ea5e5 out 1or t"e nearest "otel. 9 %oul5n?t 8e a8le to stan5 my apartment until t"e 3leanin- 3re% -ot t"e smell out. 91 t"ey 3oul5 -et t"e smell out. 7y lan5lor5 %as not -oin- to 8e please5 i1 t"ey 3oul5n?t. He %as -oin- to 8e e)en less please5 %it" t"e 8ullet "oles an5 s"attere5 %in5o%. <epla3e t"e %in5o%. <eplaster t"e %alls@ may8eB 9 really 5i5n?t kno% %"at you 5i5 to repair 8ullet "olesB Here 9 %as "opin- my lease 3oul5n?t 8e 3"allen-e5 in 3ourt. $"e 1irst "int o1 5a%n %as slippin- o)er t"e eastern sky. A pure %"ite li-"t t"at sprea5 like i3e o)er t"e 5arkness. 7ost people t"ink 5a%n is as 3olor1ul as sunset 8ut t"e 1irst 3olor o1 5a%n is %"ite@ a pure not23olor@ t"at is almost an a8sen3e o1 ni-"t. $"ere %as a motel@ 8ut all its rooms %ere on one or t%o stories@ some o1 t"em a%1ully isolate5. 9 %ante5 a 3ro%5. 9 settle5 on $"e Stou11er !on3ourse %"i3" %asn?t terri8ly 3"eap 8ut it %oul5 1or3e Eom8ies to ri5e up in ele)ators. People ten5e5 to noti3e t"e smell in an ele)ator. $"e Stou11er !on3ourse also "a5 room ser)i3e at t"is un-o5ly "our o1 5a%n. 9 nee5e5 room ser)i3e. !o11ee@ -i)e me 3o11ee. $"e 3lerk -a)e me t"at %i5e2eye529?m2too2polite2to2say2it2out2lou5 look. $"e ele)ators %ere mirrore5@ an5 9 "a5 not"in- to 5o 1or se)eral 1loors 8ut look at my re1le3tion. Bloo5 "a5 5rie5 in a sti11 5arkness in my "air. A stain %ent 5o%n t"e ri-"t si5e o1 my 1a3e >ust 8elo% t"e "airline an5 traile5 5o%n my ne3k. 9 "a5n?t noti3e5 it in t"e mirror at "ome. S"o3k %ill make you 1or-et t"in-s. 9t %asn?t t"e 8loo5stains t"at "a5 ma5e t"e 3lerk look askan3e. :nless you kne% %"at to look 1or@ you %oul5n?t kno% it %as 8loo5. /o@ t"e pro8lem %as t"at my skin %as 5eat"ly pale@ like 3lean paper. 7y eyes t"at are per1e3tly 8ro%n looke5 8la3k. $"ey %ere "u-e an5 5ark an5 ... stran-e. Startle5@ 9 looke5 startle5. Surprise5 to 8e ali)e. 7ay8e. 9 %as still 1i-"tin- o11 t"e e5-e o1 s"o3k. /o matter "o% to-et"er 9 1elt@ my 1a3e tol5 a 5i11erent story. ="en t"e s"o3k %ore o11@ 9?5 8e a8le to sleep. :ntil t"en@ 9?5 rea5 Gaynor?s 1ile. $"e room "a5 t%o 5ou8le 8e5s. 7ore room t"an 9 nee5e5@ 8ut %"at t"e "e3k. 9 -ot out 3lean 3lot"es@ put t"e 'irestar in t"e 5ra%er o1 t"e ni-"tstan5@ an5 took t"e Bro%nin- into t"e 8at"room %it" me. 91 9 %as 3are1ul an5 5i5n?t turn t"e s"o%er

on 1ull 8last@ 9 3oul5 1asten t"e s"oul5er "olster to t"e to%el ra3k in t"e 8a3k o1 t"e stall. 9t %oul5n?t e)en -et %et. $"ou-" trut"1ully %it" most mo5ern -uns@ %et 5oesn?t "urt t"em. As lon- as you 3lean t"em a1ter%ar5s. 7ost -uns %ill s"oot un5er%ater. 9 3alle5 room ser)i3e %earin- not"in- 8ut a to%el. 9?5 almost 1or-otten. 9 or5ere5 a pot o1 3o11ee@ su-ar@ an5 3ream. $"ey aske5 i1 9 %ante5 5e3a1. 9 sai5 no t"ank you. Pus"y. Like %aiters askin- i1 9 %ante5 a 5iet !oke %"en 9 5i5n?t ask 1or it. $"ey ne)er ask men@ e)en portly men@ i1 t"ey %ant 5iet !okes. 9 3oul5 5rink a pot o1 3a11eine an5 sleep like a 8a8y. 9t 5oesn?t keep me a%ake or make me >umpy. 9t >ust tastes 8etter. Des@ t"ey %oul5 lea)e t"e 3art outsi5e t"e 5oor. /o@ t"ey %oul5n?t kno3k. $"ey %oul5 a55 t"e 3o11ee to my 8ill. $"at %as 1ine@ 9 sai5. $"ey "a5 a 3re5it 3ar5 num8er. ="en t"ey "a)e plasti3@ people are al%ays ea-er to a55 on to your 8ill. As lon- as t"e limit "ol5s. 9 proppe5 t"e strai-"t28a3ke5 3"air un5er t"e 5oorkno8 to t"e "all%ay. 91 someone 1or3e5 t"e 5oor@ 9?5 "ear it. 7ay8e. 9 lo3ke5 t"e 8at"room 5oor an5 "a5 a -un in t"e s"o%er %it" me. 9 %as as se3ure as 9 %as -oin- to -et. $"ere is somet"in- a8out 8ein- nake5 t"at makes me 1eel )ulnera8le. 9 %oul5 mu3" rat"er 1a3e 8a5 -uys %it" my 3lot"es on t"an o11. 9 -uess e)eryone?s like t"at. $"e 8ite on my s"oul5er %it" its t"i3k 8an5a-e %as a pro8lem %"en 9 %ante5 to %as" my "air. 9 "a5 to -et t"e 8loo5 out@ 8an5a-e or no 8an5a-e. 9 use5 t"eir little 8ottles o1 s"ampoo an5 3on5itioner. $"ey smelle5 like 1lo%ers are suppose5 to smell 8ut ne)er 5o. Bloo5 "a5 5rie5 in pat3"es on my 8o5y. 9 looke5 spotte5. $"e %ater t"at %as"e5 5o%n t"e 5rain %as pinkis". 9t took t"e entire 8ottle o1 s"ampoo 8e1ore my "air %as s;ueaky 3lean. $"e last rinse %ater soake5 t"rou-" t"e 8an5a-e on my ri-"t s"oul5er. $"e pain %as s"arp an5 persistent. 9?5 "a)e to remem8er to -et t"at tetanus 8ooster. 9 s3ru88e5 my 8o5y %it" a %as"3lot" an5 t"e mun3"kin 8ar o1 soap. ="en 9 "a5 %as"e5 an5 soake5 e)ery in3" o1 mysel1@ an5 %as as 3lean as 9 %as -oin- to -et@ 9 stoo5 un5er t"e "ot nee5lin- spray. 9 let t"e %ater pour o)er my 8a3k@ 5o%n my 8o5y. $"e 8an5a-e "a5 soake5 t"rou-" lon- a-o. ="at i1 %e 3oul5n?t tie 4omin-a to t"e Eom8iesB ="at i1 %e 3oul5n?t 1in5 proo1B S"e?5 try a-ain. Her pri5e %as at stake no%. S"e "a5 set t%o Eom8ies on me@ an5 9 "a5 %aste5 t"em 8ot". =it" a little "elp 1rom t"e poli3e. 4omin-a Sal)a5or %oul5 see it as a personal 3"allen-e. S"e "a5 raise5 a Eom8ie an5 it "a5 es3ape5 "er 3ontrol 3ompletely. S"e %oul5 rat"er "a)e inno3ent people slau-"tere5 t"an to a5mit "er mistake. An5 s"e %oul5 rat"er kill me t"an "a)e me pro)e it. Vin5i3ti)e 8it3". SeQora Sal)a5or "a5 to 8e stoppe5. 91 t"e %arrant 5i5n?t "elp@ t"en 9?5 "a)e to 8e more pra3ti3al. S"e?5 ma5e it 3lear t"at it %as "er or me. 9 pre1erre5 it to 8e "er. An5 i1 ne3essary@ 9?5 make sure o1 it. 9 opene5 my eyes an5 turne5 o11 t"e %ater. 9 5i5n?t %ant to t"ink a8out it anymore. 9 %as talkin- a8out mur5er. 9 sa% it as sel125e1ense@ 8ut 9 5ou8te5 a >ury %oul5. 9t?5 8e 5amn "ar5 to pro)e. 9 %ante5 se)eral t"in-s. 4omin-a out o1 t"e pi3ture@ 5ea5 or in >ail. $o stay ali)e. /ot to 8e in >ail on a mur5er 3"ar-e. $o 3at3" t"e killer Eom8ie 8e1ore it kille5 a-ain. 'at 3"an3e t"at. $o 1i-ure out "o% Ho"n Burke 1it into t"is mess. #"@ an5 to keep Harol5 Gaynor 1rom 1or3in- me to per1orm "uman sa3ri1i3e. Dea"@ 9 almost 1or-ot t"at one. 9t "a5 8een a 8usy %eek. $"e 3o11ee %as outsi5e t"e 5oor on a little tray. 9 set it insi5e on t"e 1loor@ lo3ke5 t"e 5oor@ an5 put t"e 3"air a-ainst t"e 5oorkno8 a-ain. #nly t"en 5i5 9 set t"e 3o11ee tray on a small ta8le 8y t"e 3urtaine5 %in5o%s. $"e Bro%nin- %as alrea5y sittin- on t"e ta8le@ nake5. $"e s"oul5er "olster %as on t"e 8e5. 9 opene5 t"e 5rapes. /ormally@ 9 %oul5 "a)e kept t"e 5rapes 3lose5@ 8ut to5ay 9 %ante5 to see t"e li-"t. 7ornin- "a5 sprea5 like a so1t "aEe o1 li-"t. $"e "eat "a5n?t "a5 time to 3reep up an5 stran-le t"at 1irst -entle tou3" o1 mornin-. $"e 3o11ee %asn?t 8a5@ 8ut it %asn?t -reat eit"er. #1 3ourse@ t"e %orst 3o11ee 9?)e e)er "a5 %as still %on5er1ul. =ell@ may8e not t"e 3o11ee at poli3e "ea5;uarters. But e)en t"at %as 8etter t"an not"in-. !o11ee %as my 3om1ort 5rink. Better t"an al3o"ol@ 9 -uess. 9 sprea5 Gaynor?s 1ile on t"e ta8le an5 starte5 to rea5. By ei-"t t"at mornin-@ earlier t"an 9 usually -et up@ 9 "a5 rea5 e)ery s3ri88le5 note@ -aEe5 at e)ery 8lurry pi3ture. 9 kne% more a8out 7r. Harol5 Gaynor t"an 9 %ante5 to@ none o1 it parti3ularly "elp1ul. Gaynor %as mo823onne3te5@ 8ut it 3oul5n?t 8e pro)en. He %as a sel12ma5e multimillionaire. Bully 1or "im. He 3oul5 a11or5 t"e million 1i)e t"at $ommy "a5 o11ere5 me. /i3e to kno% a man 3an pay "is 8ills. His only 1amily "a5 8een a mot"er %"o 5ie5 ten years a-o. His 1at"er %as suppose5 to "a)e 5ie5 8e1ore "e %as 8orn. $"ere %as no re3or5 o1 t"e 1at"er?s 5eat". 9n 1a3t@ t"e 1at"er 5i5n?t seem to e*ist. An ille-itimate 8irt"@ 3are1ully 5is-uise5B 7ay8e. So Gaynor %as a 8astar5 in t"e ori-inal 5e1inition o1 t"e %or5. So %"atB 9?5 alrea5y kno%n "e %as one in spirit. 9 proppe5 ="eel3"air =an5a?s pi3ture a-ainst t"e 3o11eepot. S"e %as smilin-@ almost like s"e?5 kno%n t"e pi3ture %as 8ein- taken. 7ay8e s"e %as >ust p"oto-eni3. $"ere %ere t%o pi3tures %it" "er an5 Gaynor to-et"er. 9n one t"ey %ere smilin-@ "ol5in- "an5s as $ommy pus"e5 Gaynor?s %"eel3"air an5 Bruno pus"e5 =an5a. S"e %as -aEin- at Gaynor

%it" a look 9 "a5 seen in ot"er %omen. A5oration@ lo)e. 9?5 e)en e*perien3e5 it mysel1 1or a 8rie1 time in 3olle-e. Dou -et o)er it. $"e se3on5 pi3ture %as almost i5enti3al to t"e 1irst. Bruno an5 $ommy pus"in- t"em. But t"ey %eren?t "ol5in- "an5s. Gaynor %as smilin-. =an5a %asn?t. S"e looke5 an-ry. !i3ely o1 t"e 8lon5 "air an5 empty eyes %as %alkin- on t"e ot"er si5e o1 Gaynor. $"ey %ere "ol5in- "an5s. A"2"a. So Gaynor "a5 kept 8ot" o1 t"em aroun5 1or a %"ile. ="y "a5 =an5a le1tB HealousyB Ha5 !i3ely arran-e5 itB Ha5 Gaynor tire5 o1 "erB $"e only %ay to kno% %as to ask. 9 stare5 at t"e pi3ture %it" !i3ely in it. 9 put it 8esi5e t"e lau-"in- 3lose2up o1 =an5a?s 1a3e. An un"appy youn- %oman@ a s3orne5 lo)er. 91 s"e "ate5 Gaynor more t"an s"e 1eare5 "im@ =an5a %oul5 talk to me. S"e %oul5 8e a 1ool to talk to t"e papers@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to pu8lis" "er se3rets. 9 %ante5 Gaynor?s se3rets@ so 9 3oul5 keep "im 1rom "urtin- me. Barrin- t"at@ 9 %ante5 somet"in- to take to t"e poli3e. 7r. Gaynor %oul5 "a)e ot"er t"in-s to %orry a8out i1 9 3oul5 -et "im in >ail. He mi-"t 1or-et all a8out one relu3tant animator. :nless@ o1 3ourse@ "e 1oun5 out 9?5 "a5 somet"in- to 5o %it" "im 8ein- arreste5. $"at %oul5 8e 8a5. Gaynor stru3k me as )en-e1ul. 9 "a5 4omin-a Sal)a5or ma5 at me. 9 5i5n?t nee5 anyone else. 9 3lose5 t"e 5rapes an5 le1t a %ake2up 3all 1or noon. 9r)in- %oul5 >ust "a)e to %ait 1or "is 1ile. 9 "a5 unintentionally -i)en "im t"e inter)ie% %it" t"e ne% 7aster o1 t"e !ity. Surely t"at 3ut me a little sla3k. 91 not@ to "ell %it" it. 9 %as -oin- to 8e5. $"e last t"in- 9 5i5 8e1ore -oin- to 8e5 %as 3all Peter Burke?s "ouse. 9 1i-ure5 t"at Ho"n %oul5 8e stayin- t"ere. 9t ran1i)e times 8e1ore t"e ma3"ine ki3ke5 on. A$"is is Anita Blake@ 9 may "a)e some in1ormation 1or Ho"n Burke on a matter %e 5is3usse5 $"urs5ay.C $"e messa-e %as a little )a-ue@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to lea)e a messa-e sayin-@ A!all me a8out your 8rot"er?s mur5er.C 9t %oul5 "a)e seeme5 melo5ramati3 an5 3ruel. 9 le1t t"e "otel?s num8er as %ell as my o%n. Hust in 3ase. $"ey pro8a8ly "a5 t"e rin-ers turne5 o11. 9 %oul5. $"e story "a5 8een 1ront pa-e 8e3ause Peter %as@ "a5 8een@ an animator. Animators 5on?t -et mur5ere5 mu3" in t"e run2o12t"e2mill mu--in-s. 9t?s usually somet"in- more unusual. 9 %oul5 5rop o11 Gaynor?s 1ile on t"e %ay "ome. 9 %ante5 to 5rop it o11 at t"e re3eptionist 5esk. 9 5i5n?t 1eel like talkin- to 9r)in- a8out "is 8i- inter)ie%. 9 5i5n?t %ant to "ear t"at Hean2!lau5e %as 3"armin- or "a5 -reat plans 1or t"e 3ity. He?5 8e )ery 3are1ul %"at "e tol5 a reporter. 9t %oul5 look -oo5 in print. But 9 kne% t"e trut". Vampires are as mu3" a monster as any Eom8ie@ may8e %orse. Vamps usually )olunteer 1or t"e pro3ess@ Eom8ies 5on?t. Hust like 9r)in- )olunteere5 to -o o11 %it" Hean2!lau5e. #1 3ourse@ i1 9r)in- "a5n?t 8een %it" me t"e 7aster %oul5 "a)e le1t "im alone. Pro8a8ly. So it %as my 1ault@ e)en i1 it "a5 8een "is 3"oi3e. 9 %as a3"in-ly tire5@ 8ut 9 kne% 9?5 ne)er 8e a8le to sleep until 9 "ear5 9r)in-?s )oi3e. 9 3oul5 preten5 9?5 3alle5 to tell "im 9 %as 5roppin- t"e 1ile o11 late. 9 %asn?t sure i1 9r)in- %oul5 8e on "is %ay to %ork or not. 9 trie5 "ome 1irst. He ans%ere5 on t"e 1irst rin-. AHello.C Somet"in- ti-"t in my stoma3" rela*e5. AHi@ 9r)in-@ it?s me.C A7s. Blake@ to %"at 5o 9 o%e t"is early mornin- pleasureBC His )oi3e soun5e5 so or5inary. A9 "a5 a 8it o1 e*3itement at my apartment last ni-"t. 9 %as "opin- 9 3oul5 5rop t"e 1ile o11 later in t"e 5ay.C A="at sort o1 e*3itementBC His )oi3e "a5 t"at Atell meC lilt to it. A$"e kin5 t"at?s poli3e 8usiness an5 not yours@C 9 sai5. A9 t"ou-"t you?5 say t"at@C "e sai5. ADou >ust -ettin- to 8e5BC ADea".C A9 -uess 9 3an let a "ar5%orkin- animator sleep in a little. 7y sister reporter may e)en un5erstan5.C A$"anks@ 9r)in-.C ADou alri-"t@ AnitaBC /o@ 9 %ante5 to say@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 9 i-nore5 t"e ;uestion. A4i5 Hean2!lau5e 8e"a)e "imsel1BC AHe %as -reatIC 9r)in-?s ent"usiasm %as -enuine@ all 8u88ly e*3itement. AHe?s a -reat inter)ie%.C He %as ;uiet 1or a moment. AHey@ you 3alle5 to 3"e3k up on me. $o make sure 9 %as okay.C A4i5 not@C 9 sai5. A$"anks@ Anita@ t"at means a lot. But really@ "e %as )ery 3i)iliEe5.C AGreat. 9?ll let you -o t"en. Ha)e a -oo5 5ay.C A#"@ 9 %ill@ my e5itor is 5oin- 3art%"eels a8out t"e e*3lusi)e inter)ie% %it" t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity.C 9 "a5 to lau-" at t"e %ay "e rolle5 t"e title o11 "is ton-ue. AGoo5 ni-"t@ 9r)in-.C AGet some sleep@ Blake. 9?ll 8e 3allin- you in a 5ay or t%o a8out t"ose Eom8ie arti3les.C A$alk to you t"en@C 9 sai5. =e "un- up.

9r)in- %as 1ine. 9 s"oul5 %orry more a8out mysel1 an5 less a8out e)eryone else. 9 turne5 o11 t"e li-"ts an5 3u55le5 un5er t"e s"eets. 7y pen-uin %as 3ra5le5 in my arms. $"e Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er %as un5er my pillo%. 9t %asn?t as easy to -et to as t"e 8e5 "olster at "ome@ 8ut it %as 8etter t"an not"in-. 9 %asn?t sure %"i3" %as more 3om1ortin-@ t"e pen-uin or t"e -un. 9 -uess 8ot" %ere e;ually 3om1ortin-@ 1or )ery 5i11erent reasons. 9 sai5 my prayers like a -oo5 little -irl. 9 aske5 )ery sin3erely t"at 9 not 5ream.

Chapter Nineteen
$"e 3leanin- 3re% "a5 a 3an3ellation an5 mo)e5 my emer-en3y into t"e slot. By a1ternoon my apartment %as 3lean an5 smelle5 like sprin- 3leanin-. Apartment maintenan3e "a5 repla3e5 t"e s"attere5 %in5o%. $"e 8ullet "oles "a5 8een smeare5 %it" %"ite paint. $"e "oles looke5 like little 5imples in t"e %all. All in all@ t"e pla3e looke5 -reat. Ho"n Burke "a5 not returne5 my 3all. 7ay8e 9?5 8een too 3le)er. 9?5 try a more 8lunt messa-e later. But ri-"t at t"is moment 9 "a5 more pleasant t"in-s to %orry a8out. 9 %as 5resse5 1or >o--in-. 4ark 8lue s"orts %it" %"ite pipin-@ %"ite /ikes %it" pale 8lue s%is"es@ 3ute little >o--in- so3ks@ an5 tank top. $"e s"orts %ere t"e kin5 %it" one o1 t"ose insi5e po3kets t"at s"ut %it" Vel3ro. 9nsi5e t"e po3ket %as a 5errin-er. An Ameri3an 5errin-er to 8e e*a3tG (.+ oun3es@ .30 Spe3ial@ &.02 total len-t". At (.+ oun3es@ it 1elt like a lumpy 1eat"er. A Vel3ro po3ket %as not 3on5u3i)e to a 1ast 5ra%. $%o s"ots an5 spittin- %oul5 8e more a33urate at a 5istan3e@ 8ut t"en Gaynor?s men 5i5n?t %ant to kill me. Hurt me@ 8ut not kill me. $"ey "a)e to -et in 3lose to "urt me. !lose enou-" to use t"e 5errin-er. #1 3ourse@ t"at %as >ust t%o s"ots. A1ter t"at@ 9 %as in trou8le. 9 "a5 trie5 to 1i-ure out a %ay to 3arry one o1 my 9mms@ 8ut t"ere %as no %ay. 9 3oul5 not >o- an5 tote aroun5 t"at mu3" 1irepo%er. !"oi3es@ 3"oi3es. Veroni3a Sims %as stan5in- in my li)in- room. <onnie is 1i)e2nine@ 8lon5 "air@ -rey eyes. S"e is a pri)ate in)esti-ator on retainer to Animators@ 9n3. =e also %ork out to-et"er at least t%i3e a %eek unless one o1 us is out o1 to%n@ in>ure5@ or up to our ne3ks in )ampires. $"ose last t%o "appen more o1ten t"an 9 %oul5 like. S"e %as %earin- 'ren3"23ut purple s"orts@ an5 a $2s"irt t"at sai5@ A#utsi5e o1 a 5o-@ a 8ook is man?s 8est 1rien5. 9nsi5e o1 a 5o-@ it?s too 5ark to rea5.C $"ere are reasons %"y <onnie an5 9 are 1rien5s. A9 misse5 you $"urs5ay at t"e "ealt" 3lu8@C s"e sai5. A=as t"e 1uneral a%1ulBC ADea".C S"e 5i5n?t ask me to ela8orate. S"e kno%s 1unerals are not my 8est t"in-. 7ost people "ate 1unerals 8e3ause o1 t"e 5ea5. 9 "ate all t"e emotional s"it. S"e %as stret3"in- lon- le-s parallel to "er 8o5y@ lo% on t"e 1loor. 9n a sort o1 stret3"in- 3rou3". =e al%ays %arm up in t"e apartment. 7ost le- stret3"es %ere ne)er meant to 8e 5one %"ile %earin- s"ort s"orts. 9 mirrore5 "er mo)ement. $"e mus3les in my upper t"i-"s mo)e5 an5 proteste5. $"e 5errin-er %as an un3om1orta8le 8ut en5ura8le lump. AHust out o1 3uriosity@C <onnie sai5@ A%"y 5o you 1eel it ne3essary to take a -un %it" youBC A9 al%ays 3arry a -un@C 9 sai5. S"e >ust looke5 at me@ 5is-ust plain in "er eyes. A91 you 5on?t %ant to tell me@ t"en 5on?t@ 8ut 5on?t 8ulls"it me.C AAlri-"t@ alri-"t@C 9 sai5. AStran-ely enou-"@ no one?s tol5 me not to tell anyone.C A="at@ no t"reats a8out not -oin- to t"e poli3eBC s"e aske5. A/ope.C A7y@ "o% terri8ly 1rien5ly.C A/ot 1rien5ly@C 9 sai5@ sittin- 1lat on t"e 1loor@ le-s out at an-les. <onnie mirrore5 me. 9t looke5 like %e %ere -oin- to roll a 8all a3ross t"e 1loor. A/ot 1rien5ly at all.C 9 leane5 my upper 8o5y o)er my le1t le- until my 3"eek tou3"e5 my t"i-". A$ell me a8out it@C s"e sai5. 9 5i5. ="en 9 %as 5one@ %e %ere lim8ere5 an5 rea5y to run. AS"it@ Anita. Kom8ies in your apartment an5 a ma5 millionaire a1ter you to per1orm "uman sa3ri1i3es.C Her -rey eyes sear3"e5 my 1a3e. ADou?re t"e only person 9 kno% %"o "as %eir5er pro8lems t"an 9 5o.C A$"anks a lot@C 9 sai5. 9 lo3ke5 my 5oor 8e"in5 us an5 put my keys in t"e po3ket alon- %it" t"e 5errin-er. 9 kno% it %oul5 s3rat3" "ell out o1 it@ 8ut %"at %as 9 suppose5 to 5o@ run %it" t"e keys in my "an5B AHarol5 Gaynor. 9 3oul5 5o some 3"e3kin- on "im 1or you.C

AAren?t you on a 3aseBC =e 3lattere5 5o%n t"e stairs. A9?m 5oin- a8out t"ree 5i11erent insuran3e s3ams. 7ostly sur)eillan3e an5 p"oto-rap"y. 91 9 "a)e to eat one more 1ast 1oo5 5inner@ 9?m -oin- to start sin-in- >in-les.C 9 smile5. AS"o%er an5 3"an-e at my pla3e. =e?ll -o out 1or a real 5inner.C ASoun5s -reat@ 8ut you 5on?t %ant to keep Hean2!lau5e %aitin-.C A!ut it out@ <onnie@C 9 sai5. S"e s"ru--e5. ADou s"oul5 stay as 1ar a%ay 1rom t"at ... 3reature as you 3an@ Anita.C A9 kno% it.C 9t %as my turn to s"ru-. AA-reein- to meet "im seeme5 t"e lesser o1 e)ils.C A="at %ere your 3"oi3esBC A7eetin- "im )oluntarily or 8ein- ki5nappe5 an5 taken to "im.C AGreat 3"oi3es.C ADea".C 9 opene5 t"e 5ou8le 5oors t"at le5 outsi5e. $"e "eat sma3ke5 me in t"e 1a3e. 9t %as sta--erin-ly "ot@ like steppin- into an o)en. An5 %e %ere -oin- to >o- in t"isB 9 looke5 up at <onnie. S"e is 1i)e in3"es taller t"an 9 am@ an5 most o1 t"at is le-. =e 3an run to-et"er@ 8ut 9 "a)e to set t"e pa3e an5 9 "a)e to pus" mysel1. 9t is a )ery -oo5 %orkout. A9t "as to 8e o)er a "un5re5 to5ay@C 9 sai5. A/o pain@ no -ain@C <onnie sai5. S"e %as 3arryin- a sport %ater 8ottle in "er le1t "an5. =e %ere as prepare5 as %e %ere -oin- to -et. A'our miles in "ell@C 9 sai5. ALet?s 5o it.C =e set o11 at a slo% pa3e@ 8ut it %as stea5y. =e usually 1inis"e5 t"e run in a "al1 "our or less. $"e air %as soli5 %it" "eat. 9t 1elt like %e %ere runnin- t"rou-" semisoli5 %alls o1 s3al5in- air. $"e "umi5ity in St. Louis is almost al%ays aroun5 a "un5re5 per3ent. !om8ine t"e "umi5ity %it" "un5re52plus temperatures an5 you -et a small@ 5amp sli3e o1 "ell. St. Louis in t"e summertime@ yippee. 9 5o not en>oy e*er3ise. Slim "ips an5 mus3ular 3al)es are not in3enti)e enou-" 1or t"is kin5 o1 a8use. Bein- a8le to outrun t"e 8a5 -uys is in3enti)e. Sometimes it all 3omes 5o%n to %"o is 1aster@ stron-er@ ;ui3ker. 9 am in t"e %ron8usiness. #"@ 9?m not 3omplainin-. But 1 ( poun5s is not a lot o1 mus3le to t"ro% aroun5. #1 3ourse@ %"en it 3omes to )ampires@ 9 3oul5 8e t%o2"un5re52plus o1 pure "uman mus3les an5 it %oul5n?t 5o me a 5amn 8it o1 -oo5. ,)en t"e ne%ly 5ea5 3an 8en3" press 3ars %it" one "an5. So 9?m out3lasse5. 9?)e -otten use5 to it. $"e 1irst mile %as 8e"in5 us. 9t al%ays "urts t"e %orst. 7y 8o5y takes a8out t%o miles to 8e 3on)in3e5 it 3an?t talk me out o1 t"is insanity. =e %ere mo)in- t"rou-" an ol5er nei-"8or"oo5. Lots o1 small 1en3e5 yar5s an5 "ouses 5atin- to t"e 1i1ties@ or e)en t"e 10 s. $"ere %as t"e smoot" 8ri3k %all o1 a %are"ouse t"at 5ate5 to pre2!i)il =ar. 9t %as our "al1%ay point. $%o miles. 9 %as 1eelin- loose an5 mus3le5@ like 9 3oul5 run 1ore)er@ i1 9 5i5n?t "a)e to 5o it )ery 1ast. 9 %as 3on3entratin- on mo)in- my 8o5y t"rou-" t"e "eat@ keepin- t"e r"yt"m. 9t %as <onnie %"o spotte5 t"e man. A9 5on?t mean to 8e an alarmist@C s"e sai5@ A8ut %"y is t"at man >ust stan5in- t"ereBC 9 s;uinte5 a"ea5 o1 us. 7ay8e 1i1teen 1eet a"ea5 o1 us t"e 8ri3k %all en5e5 an5 t"ere %as a tall elm tree. A man %as stan5in- near t"e trunk o1 t"e tree. He %asn?t tryin- to 3on3eal "imsel1. But "e %as %earin- a >ean >a3ket. 9t %as mu3" too "ot 1or t"at@ unless you "a5 a -un un5er it. AHo% lon-?s "e 8een t"ereBC AHust steppe5 out 1rom aroun5 t"e tree@C s"e sai5. Paranoia rei-ns supreme. ALet?s turn 8a3k. 9t?s t%o miles eit"er %ay.C <onnie no55e5. =e pi)ote5 an5 starte5 >o--in- 8a3k t"e ot"er %ay. $"e man 8e"in5 us 5i5 not 3ry out or say stop. Paranoia@ it %as a )i3ious 5isease. A se3on5 man steppe5 out 1rom t"e 1ar 3orner o1 t"e 8ri3k %all. =e >o--e5 to%ar5s "im a 1e% more steps. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k. 7r. Hean Ha3ket %as 3asually %alkin- to%ar5s us. $"e >a3ket %as un8uttone5@ an5 "is "an5 %as rea3"in- un5er "is arm. So mu3" 1or paranoia. A<un@C 9 sai5. $"e se3on5 man pulle5 a -un 1rom "is >a3ket po3ket. =e stoppe5 runnin-. 9t seeme5 like a -oo5 i5ea at t"e time. A:n2u"@C t"e man sai5@ A9 5on?t 1eel like 3"asin- anyone in t"is "eat. All ya -otta 8e is ali)e@ 3"i3kie@ anyt"in- else is -ra)y.C $"e -un %as a .22 3ali8er automati3. /ot mu3" stoppin- po%er@ 8ut it %as per1e3t 1or %oun5in-. $"ey?5 t"ou-"t t"is out. $"at %as s3ary.

<onnie %as stan5in- )ery sti11 8esi5e me. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to -ra8 "er "an5 an5 s;ueeEe it@ 8ut t"at %oul5n?t 8e )ery tou-"2as2nails )ampire slayer@ %oul5 itB A="at 5o you %antBC A$"at?s 8etter@C "e sai5. A pale 8lue $2s"irt -appe5 %"ere "is 8eer -ut spille5 o)er "is 8elt. But "is arms "a5 a 8ee1y look to t"em. He may "a)e 8een o)er%ei-"t@ 8ut 9 8et it "urt %"en "e "it you. 9 "ope5 9 5i5n?t "a)e to test t"e t"eory. 9 8a3ke5 up so t"e 8ri3k %all %as to my 8a3k. <onnie mo)e5 %it" me. 7r. Hean Ha3ket %as almost %it" us no%. He "a5 a Beretta 9mm loose in "is ri-"t "an5. 9t %as not meant 1or %oun5in-. 9 -lan3e5 at <onnie@ t"en at 'atty %"o %as nearly ri-"t 8esi5e "er. 9 -lan3e5 at 7r. Hean Ha3ket@ %"o %as nearly 8esi5e me. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at <onnie. Her eyes %i5ene5 >ust a 8it. S"e li3ke5 "er lips on3e@ t"en turne5 8a3k to stare at 'atty. $"e -uy %it" t"e Beretta %as mine. <onnie -ot t"e .22. 4ele-ation at its 8est. A="at 5o you %antBC 9 sai5 a-ain. 9 "ate repeatin- mysel1. ADou to 3ome take a little ri5e %it" us@ t"at?s all.C 'atty smile5 as "e sai5 it. 9 smile5 8a3k@ t"en turne5 to Hean Ha3ket@ an5 "is tame Beretta. A4on?t you talkBC A9 talk@C "e sai5. He took t%o steps 3loser to me@ 8ut "is -un %as )ery stea5ily pointe5 at my 3"est. A9 talk real -oo5.C He tou3"e5 my "air@ li-"tly@ %it" "is 1in-ertips. $"e Beretta %as 5amn near presse5 a-ainst me. 91 "e pulle5 t"e tri--er no%@ it %as all o)er. $"e 5ull 8la3k 8arrel o1 t"e -un %as -ettin- 8i--er. 9llusion@ 8ut t"e lon-er you stare at a -un@ t"e more important it -ets to 8e. ="en you?re on t"e %ron- en5 o1 it. A/one o1 t"at@ Seymour@C 'atty sai5. A/o pussy an5 %e 3an?t kill "er@ t"ose are t"e rules.C AS"it@ Pete.C Pete@ alias 'atty@ sai5@ ADou 3an "a)e t"e 8lon5e. /o one sai5 %e 3oul5n?t "a)e 1un %it" "er.C 9 5i5 not look at <onnie. 9 stare5 at Seymour. 9 "a5 to 8e rea5y i1 9 -ot t"at one se3on5 3"an3e. Glan3in- at my 1rien5 to see "o% s"e %as takin- t"e ne%s o1 "er impen5in- rape %as not -oin- to "elp. <eally. AP"alli3 po%er@ <onnie. 9t al%ays -oes to t"e -ona5s@C 9 sai5. Seymour 1ro%ne5. A="at t"e "ell 5oes t"at meanBC A9t means@ Seymour@ t"at 9 t"ink you?re stupi5 an5 %"at 8rains you "a)e are in your 8alls.C 9 smile5 pleasantly %"ile 9 sai5 it. He "it me %it" t"e 1lat o1 "is "an5@ "ar5. 9 sta--ere5 8ut 5i5n?t -o 5o%n. $"e -un %as still stea5y@ un%a)erin-. S"it. He ma5e a soun5 5eep in "is t"roat an5 "it me@ 3lose5 1ist. 9 %ent 5o%n. 'or a moment 9 lay on t"e -ritty si5e%alk@ listeninto t"e 8loo5 poun5 in my ears. $"e slap "a5 stun-. $"e 3lose5 1ist "urt. Someone ki3ke5 me in t"e ri8s. ALea)e "er aloneIC <onnie s3reame5. 9 lay on my stoma3" an5 preten5e5 to 8e "urt. 9t %asn?t "ar5. 9 -rope5 1or t"e Vel3ro po3ket. Seymour %as %a)in- t"e Beretta in <onnie?s 1a3e. S"e %as s3reamin- at "im. Pete "a5 -ra88e5 <onnie?s arms an5 %as tryin- to "ol5 "er. $"in-s %ere -ettin- out o1 "an5. Goo5y. 9 stare5 up at Seymour?s le-s an5 stru--le5 to my knees. 9 s"o)e5 t"e 5errin-er into "is -roin. He 1roEe an5 stare5 5o%n at me. A4on?t mo)e@ or 9?ll ser)e up your 8alls on a plate@C 9 sai5. <onnie 5ro)e "er el8o% 8a3k into 'atty?s solar ple*us. He 8ent o)er a little@ "an5s -oin- to "is stoma3". S"e t%iste5 a%ay an5 knee5 "im "ar5 in t"e 1a3e. Bloo5 spurte5 1rom "is nose. He sta--ere5 8a3k. S"e smas"e5 "im in t"e si5e o1 t"e 1a3e@ -ettin- all "er s"oul5er an5 upper 8o5y into it. He 1ell 5o%n. S"e "a5 t"e .22 in "er "an5. 9 1ou-"t an ur-e to yell ADea <onnie@C 8ut it 5i5n?t soun5 tou-" enou-". =e?5 5o "i-"21i)es later. A$ell your 1rien5 not to mo)e@ Seymour@ or 9?ll pull t"is tri--er.C He s%allo%e5 lou5 enou-" 1or me to "ear it. A4on?t mo)e@ Pete@ okayBC Pete >ust stare5 at us. A<onnie@ please -et Seymour?s -un 1rom "im. $"ank you.C 9 %as still kneelin- in t"e -ra)el %it" t"e 5errin-er presse5 into t"e man?s -roin. He let <onnie take "is -un %it"out a 1i-"t. 'an3y t"at. A9?)e -ot t"is one 3o)ere5@ Anita@C <onnie sai5. 9 5i5n?t -lan3e at "er. S"e %oul5 5o "er >o8. 9 %oul5 5o mine. ASeymour@ t"is is a .30 Spe3ial@ t%o s"ots. 9t 3an "ol5 a )ariety o1 ammunition@ .22@ .&&@ or .3+. 7a-num.C $"is %as a lie@ t"e ne% li-"t%ei-"t )ersion 3oul5n?t "ol5 anyt"in- "i-"er t"an .30s@ 8ut 9 %as 8ettin- Seymour 3oul5n?t tell t"e 5i11eren3e. A'orty21our or .3+. an5 you 3an kiss t"e 1amily >e%els -oo528ye. $%enty2t%o@ may8e you?ll >ust 8e )ery@ )ery sore. $o ;uote a role mo5el o1 mine@ F4o you 1eel lu3ky to5ayB? A A="at 5o you %ant@ man@ %"at 5o you %antBC His )oi3e %as "i-" an5 s;ueaky %it" 1ear. A="o "ire5 you to 3ome a1ter usBC

He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ man@ "e?ll kill us.C A$"ree21i1ty2se)en 7a-num makes a 1u3kin- 8i- "ole@ Seymour.C A4on?t tell "er s"it@C Pete sai5. A91 "e says anyt"in- else@ <onnie@ s"oot "is knee3ap o11@C 9 sai5. A7y pleasure@C <onnie sai5. 9 %on5ere5 i1 s"e %oul5 really 5o it. 9 %on5ere5 i1 9?5 tell "er to 5o it. Better not to 1in5 out. A$alk to me@ Seymour@ no%@ or 9 pull t"e tri--er.C 9 s"o)e5 t"e -un a little 5eeper. $"at must "a)e "urt all on its o%n. He sort o1 trie5 to tippy2toe. AGo5@ please 5on?t.C A="o "ire5 youBC J?Bruno.C ADou ass"ole@ Seymour@C Pete sai5. AHe?ll kill us.C A<onnie@ please s"oot "im@C 9 sai5. ADou sai5 t"e knee3ap@ ri-"tBC ADea".C AHo% a8out an el8o% instea5BC s"e aske5. ADour 3"oi3e@C 9 sai5. ADou?re 3raEy@C Seymour sai5. ADea"@C 9 sai5@ Ayou remem8er t"at. ="at e*a3tly 5i5 Bruno tell youBC AHe sai5 to take you to a 8uil5in- o11 Gran5@ on =as"in-ton. He sai5 to 8rin- you 8ot"@ 8ut %e 3oul5 "urt t"e 8lon5e to -et you to 3ome alon-.C AGi)e me t"e a55ress@C 9 sai5. Seymour 5i5. 9 t"ink "e %oul5 "a)e tol5 me t"e se3ret in-re5ient in t"e ma-i3 sau3e i1 9 "a5 aske5. A91 you -o 5o%n t"ere@ Bruno %ill kno% %e tol5 ya@C Pete sai5. A<onnie@C 9 sai5. AS"oot me no%@ 3"i3kie@ it 5on?t matter. Dou -o 5o%n t"ere or sen5 t"e poli3e 5o%n t"ere@ %e are 5ea5.C 9 -lan3e5 at Pete. He seeme5 )ery sin3ere. $"ey %ere 8a5 -uys 8ut ... A#kay@ %e %on?t 8ust in on "im.C A=e aren?t -oin- to t"e poli3e@C <onnie aske5. A/o@ i1 %e 5i5 t"at@ %e mi-"t as %ell kill t"em no%. But %e 5on?t "a)e to 5o t"at@ 5o %e@ SeymourBC A/o@ man@ no.C AHo% mu3" ol? Bruno pay youBC A'our "un5re5 apie3e.C A9t %asn?t enou-"@C 9 sai5. ADou?re tellin- me.C A9?m -oin- to -et up no%@ Seymour@ an5 lea)e your 8alls %"ere t"ey are. 4on?t 3ome near me or <onnie a-ain@ or 9?ll tell Bruno you sol5 "im out.C AHe?5 kill us@ man. He?5 kill us slo%.C A$"at?s ri-"t@ Seymour. =e?ll >ust all preten5 t"is ne)er "appene5@ ri-"tBC He %as no55in- )i-orously. A$"at okay %it" you@ PeteBC 9 aske5. A9 ain?t stupi5. Bruno?5 rip out our "earts an5 1ee5 t"em to us. =e %on?t talk.C He soun5e5 5is-uste5. 9 -ot up an5 steppe5 3are1ully a%ay 1rom Seymour. <onnie 3o)ere5 Pete ni3e an5 stea5y %it" t"e Beretta. $"e .22 %as tu3ke5 into t"e %aist8an5 o1 "er >o--in- s"orts. AGet out o1 "ere@C 9 sai5. Seymour?s skin %as pasty@ an5 a si3k s%eat 8ea5e5 "is 1a3e. A!an 9 "a)e my -unBC He %asn?t )ery 8ri-"t. A4on?t -et 3ute@C 9 sai5. Pete stoo5. $"e 8loo5 un5er "is nose "a5 starte5 to 5ry. A!ome on@ Seymour. =e -otta -o no%.C $"ey mo)e5 on 5o%n t"e street si5e 8y si5e. Seymour looke5 "un3"e5 in upon "imsel1 as i1 "e %ere 1i-"tin- an ur-e to 3lut3" "is e;uipment.

<onnie let out a -reat %"oos" o1 air an5 leane5 8a3k a-ainst t"e %all. $"e -un %as still 3lut3"e5 in "er ri-"t "an5. A7y Go5@C s"e sai5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. S"e tou3"e5 my 1a3e %"ere Seymour "a5 "it me. 9t "urt. 9 %in3e5. AAre you all ri-"tBC <onnie aske5. ASure@C 9 sai5. A3tually@ it 1elt like t"e si5e o1 my 1a3e %as one -reat 8i- a3"e@ 8ut it %oul5n?t make it "urt any less to say it out lou5. AAre %e -oin- 5o%n to t"e 8uil5in- %"ere t"ey %ere to 5rop usBC A/o.C A="y notBC A9 kno% %"o Bruno is an5 %"o -i)es "im or5ers. 9 kno% %"y t"ey trie5 to ki5nap me. ="at 3oul5 9 possi8ly learn t"at %oul5 8e %ort" t%o li)esBC <onnie t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a moment. ADou?re ri-"t@ 9 -uess. But you aren?t -oin- to report t"e atta3k to t"e poli3eBC A="y s"oul5 9B 9?m okay@ you?re okay. Seymour an5 Pete %on?t 8e 8a3k.C S"e s"ru--e5. ADou 5i5n?t really %ant me to s"oot "is knee3ap o11@ 5i5 youB 9 mean %e %ere playin- -oo5 3op@ 8a5 3op@ ri-"tBC S"e looke5 at me )ery stea5ily as s"e aske5@ "er soli5 -rey eyes earnest an5 true. 9 looke5 a%ay. ALet?s %alk 8a3k "ome. 9 5on?t 1eel mu3" like >o--in-.C A7e eit"er.C =e set o11 %alkin- 5o%n t"e street. <onnie untu3ke5 "er $2s"irt an5 stu3k t"e Beretta in t"e %aist8an5. $"e .22 s"e sort o1 3uppe5 in "er "an5. 9t %asn?t )ery noti3ea8le t"at %ay. A=e %ere preten5in-@ ri-"tB Bein- tou-"@ ri-"tBC $rut". A9 5on?t kno%.C AAnitaIC A9 5on?t kno%@ t"at?s t"e trut".C A9 3oul5n?t "a)e s"ot "im to pie3es >ust to keep "im 1rom talkin-.C AGoo5 t"in- you 5i5n?t "a)e to t"en@C 9 sai5. A=oul5 you really "a)e pulle5 t"e tri--er on t"at manBC $"ere %as a 3ar5inal sin-in- some%"ere o11 in t"e 5istan3e. $"e son- 1ille5 t"e stale "eat an5 ma5e it seem 3ooler. AAns%er me@ Anita. =oul5 you really "a)e pulle5 t"e tri--erBC ADes.C ADesBC $"ere %as a lilt o1 surprise in "er )oi3e. ADes.C AS"it.C =e %alke5 on in silen3e 1or a minute or t%o@ t"en s"e aske5@ A="at ammo is in t"e -un to5ayBC A$"irty2ei-"ts.C A9t %oul5 "a)e kille5 "im.C APro8a8ly@C 9 sai5. 9 sa% "er look at me si5e%ays as %e %alke5 8a3k. $"ere %as a look 9?5 seen 8e1ore. A mi*ture o1 "orror an5 a5miration. 9?5 >ust ne)er seen it on a 1rien5?s 1a3e 8e1ore. $"at part "urt. But %e %ent out to 5inner t"at ni-"t at $"e 7iller?s 4au-"ter in #l5 St. !"arles. $"e atmosp"ere %as pleasant. $"e 1oo5 %on5er1ul. As al%ays. =e talke5 an5 lau-"e5 an5 "a5 a )ery -oo5 time. /eit"er o1 us mentione5 %"at "a5 "appene5 t"is a1ternoon. Preten5 "ar5 enou-" an5 may8e it %ill -o a%ay.

Chapter Twenty
At 1 J3 t"at ni-"t 9 %as 5o%n in t"e )ampire 5istri3t. 4ark 8lue polo s"irt@ >eans@ re5 %in58reaker. $"e %in58reaker "i5 t"e s"oul5er "olster an5 t"e Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er. S%eat %as poolin- in t"e 8en5s o1 my arms 8ut it 8eat t"e "ell out o1 not "a)in- it. $"e a1ternoon 1un an5 -ames "a5 turne5 out all ri-"t@ 8ut t"at %as partly lu3k. An5 Seymour losin- "is temper. An5 me 8ein- a8le to take a 8eatin- an5 keep on ti3kin-. 93e "a5 kept t"e s%ellin- 5o%n@ 8ut t"e le1t si5e o1 my 1a3e %as pu11y an5 re5@ as i1 some sort o1 1ruit %as a8out to 8urst out o1 it. /o 8ruiseOyet.

$"e Lau-"in- !orpse %as one o1 t"e ne%est 3lu8s in t"e 4istri3t. Vampires are se*y. 9?ll a5mit t"at. But 1unnyB 9 5on?t t"ink so. Apparently@ 9 %as in t"e minority. A line stret3"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e 3lu8@ 3urlin- roun5 t"e 8lo3k. 9t "a5n?t o33urre5 to me t"at 9?5 nee5 a ti3ket or reser)ations or %"ate)er >ust to -et in. But@ "ey@ 9 kne% t"e 8oss. 9 %alke5 alon- t"e line o1 people to%ar5s t"e ti3ket 8oot". $"e people %ere mostly youn-. $"e %omen in 5resses@ t"e men in 5ressy sports %ear@ %it" an o33asional suit. $"ey %ere 3"attin- to-et"er in e*3ite5 )oi3es@ a lot o1 3asual "an5 an5 arm tou3"in-. 4ates. 9 remem8er 5ates. 9t?s >ust 8een a %"ile. 7ay8e i1 9 %asn?t al%ays ass 5eep in alli-ators@ 9?5 5ate more. 7ay8e. 9 3ut a"ea5 o1 a 5ou8le25ate 1oursome. AHey@C one man sai5. ASorry@C 9 sai5. $"e %oman in t"e ti3ket 8oot" 1ro%ne5 at me. ADou 3an?t >ust 3ut in line like t"at@ ma?am.C 7a?amB A9 5on?t %ant a ti3ket. 9 5on?t %ant to see t"e s"o%. 9 am suppose5 to meet Hean2!lau5e "ere. $"at?s it.C A=ell@ 9 5on?t kno%. Ho% 5o 9 kno% you?re not some reporterBC <eporterB 9 took a 5eep 8reat". AHust 3all Hean2!lau5e an5 tell "im Anita is "ere. #kayBC S"e %as still 1ro%nin- at me. ALook@ >ust 3all Hean2!lau5e. 91 9?m a nosy reporter@ "e?ll 5eal %it" me. 91 9?m %"o 9 say 9 am@ "e?ll 8e "appy t"at you 3alle5 "im. Dou 3an?t lose.C A9 5on?t kno%.C 9 1ou-"t an ur-e to s3ream at "er. 9t pro8a8ly %oul5n?t "elp. Pro8a8ly. AHust 3all Hean2!lau5e@ pretty please@C 9 sai5. 7ay8e it %as t"e pretty please. S"e s%i)ele5 on "er stool an5 opene5 t"e upper "al1 o1 a 5oor in t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 8oot". Small 8oot". 9 3oul5n?t "ear %"at s"e sai5@ 8ut s"e s%i)ele5 8a3k aroun5. A#kay@ mana-er says you 3an -o in.C AGreat@ t"anks.C 9 %alke5 up t"e steps. $"e entire line o1 %aitin- people -lare5 at me. 9 3oul5 1eel t"eir "ot stares on my 8a3k. But 9?)e 8een stare5 at 8y e*perts@ so 9 %as 3are1ul not to 1lin3". /o one likes a line >umper. $"e 3lu8 %as 5im insi5e@ as most 3lu8s are. A -uy >ust insi5e t"e 5oor sai5@ A$i3ket@ pleaseBC 9 stare5 up at "im. He %ore a %"ite $2s"irt t"at sai5@ A$"e Lau-"in- !orpse@ it?s a s3ream.C A 3ari3ature o1 an openmout"e5 )ampire %as 5ra%n )ery lar-e a3ross "is 3"est. He %as lar-e an5 mus3le5 an5 "a5 8oun3er tattooe5 a3ross "is 1ore"ea5. A$i3ket@ please@C "e repeate5. 'irst t"e ti3ket la5y@ no% t"e ti3ket manB A$"e mana-er sai5 9 3oul5 3ome t"rou-" to see Hean2!lau5e@C 9 sai5. A=illie@C t"e ti3ket man sai5@ Ayou sen5 "er t"rou-"BC 9 turne5 aroun5@ an5 t"ere %as =illie 73!oy. 9 smile5 %"en 9 sa% "im. 9 %as -la5 to see "im. $"at surprise5 me. 9?m not usually "appy to see 5ea5 men. =illie is s"ort@ t"in@ %it" 8la3k "air sli3ke5 8a3k 1rom "is 1ore"ea5. 9 3oul5n?t tell t"e e*a3t 3olor o1 "is suit in t"e 5imness@ 8ut it looke5 like a 5ull tomato2re5. ="ite 8utton2up s"irt@ lar-e s"iny -reen tie. 9 "a5 to look t%i3e 8e1ore 9 %as sure@ 8ut yes@ t"ere %as a -lo%2in2t"e25ark "ula -irl on "is tie. 9t %as t"e most taste1ul out1it 9?5 e)er seen =illie %ear. He -rinne5@ 1las"in- a lot o1 1an-. AAnita@ -oo5 to see ya.C 9 no55e5. ADou@ too@ =illie.C A<eallyBC ADea".C He -rinne5 e)en %i5er. His 3anines -listene5 in t"e 5im li-"t. He "a5n?t 8een 5ea5 a year yet. AHo% lon- "a)e you 8een mana-er "ereBC 9 aske5. A?Bout t%o %eeks.C A!on-ratulations.C He steppe5 3loser to me. 9 steppe5 8a3k. 9nstin3ti)e. /ot"in- personal@ 8ut a )ampire is a )ampire. 4on?t -et too 3lose. =illie %as ne% 5ea5@ 8ut "e %as still 3apa8le o1 "ypnotiEin- %it" "is eyes. #kay@ may8e no )ampire as ne% as =illie 3oul5 a3tually 3at3" me %it" "is eyes@ 8ut ol5 "a8its 5ie "ar5. =illie?s 1a3e 1ell. A 1li3ker o1 somet"in- in "is eyesO"urtB He 5roppe5 "is )oi3e 8ut 5i5n?t try to step ne*t to me. He %as a 1aster stu5y 5ea5 t"an "e e)er "a5 8een ali)e. A$"anks to me "elpin- you last time@ 9?m in real -oo5 %it" t"e 8oss.C He soun5e5 like an ol5 -an-ster mo)ie@ 8ut t"at %as =illie. A9?m -la5 Hean2!lau5e?s 5oin- ri-"t 8y you.C A#"@ yea"@C =illie sai5@ At"is is t"e 8est >o8 9 e)er "a5. An5 t"e 8oss isn?t ... C He %a--le5 "is "an5s 8a3k an5 1ort". ADa kno%@ mean.C 9 no55e5. 9 5i5 kno%. 9 3oul5 8it3" an5 3omplain a8out Hean2!lau5e all 9 %ante5@ 8ut 3ompare5 to most 7asters o1 t"e !ity@ "e %as a pussy3at. A 8i-@ 5an-erous@ 3arni)orous pussy3at@ 8ut still@ it %as an impro)ement.

A$"e 8oss?s 8usy ri-"t t"is minute@C =illie sai5. AHe sai5 i1 you %as to 3ome early@ to -i)e ya a ta8le near t"e sta-e.C Great. Alou5 9 sai5@ AHo% lon- %ill Hean2!lau5e 8eBC =illie s"ru--e5. A4on?t kno% 1or sure.C 9 no55e5. A#kay@ 9?ll %ait@ 1or a little %"ile.C =illie -rinne5@ 1an-s 1las"in-. ADa %ant me to tell Hean2!lau5e to "urry it upBC A=oul5 youBC He -rima3e5 like "e?5 s%allo%e5 a 8u-. AHell no.C A4on?t s%eat it. 91 9 -et tire5 o1 %aitin-@ 9?ll tell "im mysel1.C =illie looke5 at me sorta si5e%ays. ADou?5 5o it@ %oul5n?t youBC ADea".C He >ust s"ook "is "ea5 an5 starte5 lea5in- me 8et%een t"e small roun5 ta8les. ,)ery ta8le %as t"i3k %it" people. Lau-"in-@ -aspin-@ 5rinkin-@ "ol5in- "an5s. $"e sensation o1 8ein- surroun5e5 8y t"i3k@ s%eaty li1e %as nearly o)er%"elmin-. 9 -lan3e5 at =illie. 4i5 "e 1eel itB 4i5 t"e %arm press o1 "umanity make "is stoma3" knot %it" "un-erB 4i5 "e -o "ome at ni-"t an5 5ream o1 rippin- into t"e lou5@ roarin- 3ro%5B 9 almost aske5 "im@ 8ut 9 like5 =illie as mu3" as 9 3oul5 like a )ampire. 9 5i5 not %ant to kno% i1 t"e ans%er %as yes. A ta8le >ust one ro% 8a3k 1rom t"e sta-e %as empty. $"ere %as a 8i- %"ite 3ar58oar5 1ol5y t"in- t"at sai5 A<eser)e5.C =illie trie5 to "ol5 my 3"air 1or me@ 9 %a)e5 "im 8a3k. 9t %asn?t %omen?s li8eration. 9 simply ne)er un5erstoo5 %"at 9 %as suppose5 to 5o %"ile t"e -uy s"o)e5 my 3"air in un5er me. 4i5 9 sit t"ere an5 %at3" "im strain to s3oot t"e 3"air %it" me in itB ,m8arrassin-. 9 usually "o)ere5 >ust a8o)e t"e 3"air an5 -ot it s"o)e5 into t"e 8a3ks o1 my knees. Hell %it" it. A=oul5 you like a 5rink %"ile ya %aitBC =illie aske5. A!oul5 9 "a)e a !okeBC A/ut"in? stron-erBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. =illie %alke5 a%ay t"rou-" t"e ta8les an5 t"e people. #n t"e sta-e %as a slen5er man %it" s"ort@ 5ark "air. He %as t"in all o)er@ "is 1a3e almost 3a5a)erous@ 8ut "e %as 5e1initely "uman. His appearan3e %as more 3omi3al t"an anyt"in-@ like a lon-2lim8e5 3lo%n. Besi5e "im@ starin- 8lank21a3e5 out at t"e 3ro%5@ %as a Eom8ie. 9ts pale eyes %ere still 3lear@ "uman2lookin-@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t 8link. $"at 1amiliar 1roEen stare -aEe5 out at t"e au5ien3e. $"ey %ere only "al1 listenin- to t"e >okes. 7ost eyes %ere on t"e stan5in- 5ea5man. He %as >ust 5e3aye5 enou-" aroun5 t"e e5-es to look s3ary@ 8ut e)en one ro% a%ay t"ere %as no "int o1 o5or. /i3e tri3k i1 you 3oul5 mana-e it. A,rnie "ere is t"e 8est roommate 9 e)er "a5@C t"e 3ome5ian sai5. AHe 5oesn?t eat mu3"@ 5oesn?t talk my ear o11@ 5oesn?t 8rin- 3ute 3"i3ks "ome an5 lo3k me out %"ile t"ey "a)e a -oo5 time.C /er)ous lau-"ter 1rom t"e au5ien3e. ,yes -lue5 on ol? ,rnie. A$"ou-" t"ere %as t"at pork 3"op in t"e 1ri5-e t"at %ent 8a5. ,rnie seeme5 to like t"at a lot.C $"e Eom8ie turne5 slo%ly@ almost pain1ully@ to stare at t"e 3ome5ian. $"e man?s eyes 1li3kere5 to t"e Eom8ie@ t"en 8a3k to t"e au5ien3e@ smile in pla3e. $"e Eom8ie kept starin- at "im. $"e man 5i5n?t seem to like it mu3". 9 5i5n?t 8lame "im. ,)en t"e 5ea5 5on?t like to 8e t"e 8utt o1 >okes. $"e >okes %eren?t t"at 1unny any%ay. 9t %as a no)elty a3t. $"e Eom8ie %as t"e a3t. Pretty in)enti)e@ an5 pretty si3k. =illie 3ame 8a3k %it" my !oke. $"e mana-er %aitin- on my ta8le@ la25e25a. #1 3ourse@ t"e reser)e5 ta8le %as pretty -oo5@ too. =illie set t"e 5rink 5o%n on one o1 t"ose useless paper la3e 5ollies. A,n>oy@C "e sai5. He turne5 to lea)e@ 8ut 9 tou3"e5 "is arm. 9 %is" 9 "a5n?t. $"e arm %as soli5 enou-"@ real enou-". But it %as like tou3"in- %oo5. 9t %as 5ea5. 9 5on?t kno% %"at else to 3all it. $"ere %as no 1eelin- o1 mo)ement. /ot"in-. 9 5roppe5 "is arm@ slo%ly@ an5 looke5 up at "im. 7eetin- "is eyes@ t"anks to Hean2!lau5e?s marks. $"ose 8ro%n eyes "el5 somet"in- like sorro%. 9 3oul5 su55enly "ear my "eart8eat in my ears@ an5 9 "a5 to s%allo% to 3alm my o%n pulse. S"it. 9 %ante5 =illie to -o a%ay no%. 9 turne5 a%ay 1rom "im an5 looke5 )ery "ar5 at my 5rink. He le1t. 7ay8e it %as >ust t"e soun5 o1 all t"e lau-"in-@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t "ear =illie %alk a%ay. =illie 73!oy %as t"e only )ampire 9 "a5 e)er kno%n 8e1ore "e 5ie5. 9 remem8ere5 "im ali)e. He "a5 8een a small2time "oo5. An erran5 8oy 1or 8i--er 1is". 7ay8e =illie t"ou-"t 8ein- a )ampire %oul5 make "im a 8i- 1is". He?5 8een %ront"ere. He %as >ust a little un5ea5 1is" no%. Hean2!lau5e or someone like "im %oul5 run =illie?s Ali1eC 1or eternity. Poor =illie.

9 ru88e5 t"e "an5 t"at "a5 tou3"e5 "im on my le-. 9 %ante5 to 1or-et t"e 1eel o1 "is 8o5y un5er t"e ne% tomato2re5 suit@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t. Hean2!lau5e?s 8o5y 5i5n?t 1eel t"at %ay. #1 3ourse@ Hean2!lau5e 3oul5 5amn near pass 1or "uman. Some o1 t"e ol5 ones 3oul5 5o t"at. =illie %oul5 learn. Go5 "elp "im. AKom8ies are 8etter t"an 5o-s. $"ey?ll 1et3" your slippers an5 5on?t nee5 to 8e %alke5 ,rne?ll e)en sit at my 1eet an5 8ei1 9 tell "im to.C $"e au5ien3e lau-"e5. 9 %asn?t sure %"y. 9t %asn?t t"at -enuine "a2"a lau-"ter. 9t %as t"at outra-eous s"o3ke5 soun5. $"e 923an?t28elie)e2"e2sai52t"at lau-"ter. $"e Eom8ie %as mo)in- to%ar5 t"e 3ome5ian in a sort o1 slo%2motion >erk. !rum8lin- "an5s rea3"e5 out%ar5 an5 my stoma3" s;ueeEe5 ti-"t. 9t %as a 1las"8a3k to last ni-"t. Kom8ies almost al%ays atta3k 8y >ust rea3"in- out. Hust like in t"e mo)ies. $"e 3ome5ian 5i5n?t realiEe t"at ,rnie "a5 5e3i5e5 "e?5 "a5 enou-". 91 a Eom8ie is simply raise5 %it"out any parti3ular or5ers@ "e usually re)erts to %"at is normal 1or "im. A -oo5 person is a -oo5 person until "is 8rain 5e3ays@ strippin- "im o1 personality. 7ost Eom8ies %on?t kill %it"out or5ers@ 8ut e)ery on3e in a %"ile you -et lu3ky an5 raise one t"at "as "omi3i5al ten5en3ies. $"e 3ome5ian %as a8out to -et lu3ky. $"e Eom8ie %alke5 to%ar5s "im like a 8a5 'rankenstein monster. $"e 3ome5ian 1inally realiEe5 somet"in- %as %ron-. He stoppe5 in mi52>oke@ turnin- eyes %i5e. A,rnie@C "e sai5. 9t %as as 1ar as "e -ot. $"e 5e3ayin- "an5s %rappe5 aroun5 "is t"roat an5 starte5 to s;ueeEe. 'or one pleasant se3on5 9 almost let t"e Eom8ie 5o "im in. ,*ploitin- t"e 5ea5 is one t"in- 9 1eel stron-ly a8out@ 8ut ... stupi5ity isn?t punis"a8le 8y 5eat". 91 it %as@ t"ere %oul5 8e a "ell o1 a population 5rop. 9 stoo5 up@ -lan3in- aroun5 t"e 3lu8 to see i1 t"ey "a5 planne5 1or t"is e)entuality. =illie 3ame runnin- to t"e sta-e. He %rappe5 "is arms aroun5 t"e Eom8ie?s %aist an5 pulle5@ li1te5 t"e mu3" taller 8o5y o11 its 1eet@ 8ut t"e "an5s kept s;ueeEin-. $"e 3ome5ian slippe5 to "is knees@ makin- little ar-" soun5s. His 1a3e %as -oin- 1rom re5 to purple. $"e au5ien3e %as lau-"in-. $"ey t"ou-"t it %as part o1 t"e s"o%. 9t %as a "e3k o1 a lot 1unnier t"an t"e a3t. 9 steppe5 up to t"e sta-e an5 sai5 so1tly to =illie@ A/ee5 some "elpBC He stare5 at me@ still 3lin-in- to t"e Eom8ie?s %aist. =it" "is e*traor5inary stren-t" =illie 3oul5 "a)e rippe5 a 1in-er at a time o11 t"e man?s ne3k an5 pro8a8ly sa)e5 "im. But super2)ampire stren-t" 5oesn?t "elp you i1 you 5on?t t"ink "o% to use it. =illie ne)er t"ou-"t. #1 3ourse@ t"e Eom8ie mi-"t 3rus" t"e man?s %in5pipe 8e1ore e)en a )ampire 3oul5 peel its 1in-ers a%ay. 7ay8e. Best not to 1in5 out. 9 t"ou-"t t"e 3ome5ian %as a putE. But 9 3oul5n?t stan5 t"ere an5 %at3" "im 5ie. <eally@ 9 3oul5n?t. AStop@C 9 sai5. Lo% an5 1or t"e Eom8ie?s ears. He stoppe5 s;ueeEin-@ 8ut "is "an5s %ere still ti-"t. $"e 3ome5ian %as -oin- limp. A<elease "im.C $"e Eom8ie let -o. $"e man 1ell in a near 1aint on t"e sta-e. =illie strai-"tene5 up 1rom "is 1ranti3 tu--in- at t"e 5ea5man. He smoot"e5 "is tomato2re5 suit 8a3k into pla3e. His "air %as still per1e3tly sli3k. $oo mu3" "air -oop 1or a mere Eom8ie %restlin- to 5ispla3e "is "air5o. A$"anks@C "e %"ispere5. $"en "e stoo5 to "is 1ull 1i)e 1eet 1our an5 sai5@ A$"e AmaEin- Al8ert an5 "is pet Eom8ie@ la5ies an5 -entlemen.C $"e au5ien3e "a5 8een a 8it un3ertain@ 8ut t"e applause 8e-an. ="en t"e AmaEin- Al8ert sta--ere5 to "is 1eet@ t"e applause e*plo5e5. He 3roake5 into t"e mi3rop"one. A,rnie t"inks it?s time to -o "ome no%. Dou?)e 8een a -reat au5ien3e.C $"e applause %as lou5 an5 -enuine. $"e 3ome5ian le1t t"e sta-e. $"e Eom8ie staye5 an5 stare5 at me. =aitin-@ %aitin- 1or anot"er or5er. 9 5on?t kno% %"y e)eryone 3an?t speak an5 "a)e Eom8ies o8ey t"em. 9t 5oesn?t e)en 1eel like ma-i3 to me. $"ere is no tin-le o1 t"e skin@ no 8reat" o1 po%er. 9 speak an5 t"e Eom8ies listen. 7e an5 ,. '. Hutton. A'ollo% Al8ert an5 o8ey "is or5ers until 9 tell you ot"er%ise.C $"e Eom8ie looke5 5o%n at me 1or a se3on5@ t"en turne5 slo%ly an5 s"u11le5 a1ter t"e man. $"e Eom8ie %oul5n?t kill "im no%. 9 %oul5n?t tell t"e 3ome5ian t"at@ t"ou-". Let "im t"ink "is li1e %as in 5an-er. Let "im t"ink "e "a5 to let me lay t"e Eom8ie to rest. 9t %as %"at 9 %ante5. 9t %as pro8a8ly %"at t"e Eom8ie %ante5. ,rnie 3ertainly 5i5n?t seem to like 8ein- t"e strai-"t man in a 3ome5y routine. He3klers are one t"in-. !"okin- t"e 3omi3 to 5eat" is a little e*treme. =illie es3orte5 me 8a3k to my ta8le. 9 sat 5o%n an5 sippe5 my !oke. He sat 5o%n a3ross 1rom me. He looke5 s"aken. His small "an5s trem8le5 as "e sat a3ross 1rom me. He %as a )ampire@ 8ut "e %as still =illie 73!oy. 9 %on5ere5 "o% many years it %oul5 take 1or t"e last remnants o1 "is personality to 5isappear. $en years@ t%enty@ a 3enturyB Ho% lon8e1ore t"e monster ate t"e manB 91 it took t"at lon-. 9t %oul5n?t 8e my pro8lem. 9 %oul5n?t 8e t"ere to see it. $o tell t"e trut"@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to see it. A9 ne)er like5 Eom8ies@C =illie sai5. 9 stare5 at "im. AAre you a1rai5 o1 Eom8iesBC His eyes 1li3kere5 to me@ t"en 5o%n to t"e ta8le. A/o.C

9 -rinne5 at "im. ADou?re a1rai5 o1 Eom8ies. Dou?re p"o8i3.C He leane5 a3ross t"e ta8le. A4on?t tell. Please 5on?t tell.C $"ere %as real 1ear in "is eyes. A="o %oul5 9 tellBC ADou kno%.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t kno% %"at you?re talkin- a8out@ =illie.C A$"e 7AS$,<.C Dou 3oul5 "ear AmasterC %as in all 3aps. A="y %oul5 9 tell Hean2!lau5eBC He %as %"isperin- no%. A ne% 3ome5ian "a5 3ome up on sta-e@ t"ere %as lau-"ter an5 noise@ an5 still "e %"ispere5. ADou?re "is "uman ser)ant@ %"et"er you like it or not. ="en %e speak to you@ "e tells us %e?re speakin- to "im.C =e %ere leanin- almost 1a3e2to21a3e no%. $"e -entle 8rus" o1 "is 8reat" smelle5 like 8reat" mints. Almost all )ampires smell like 8reat" mints. 9 5on?t kno% %"at t"ey 5i5 8e1ore mints %ere in)ente5. Ha5 stinky 8reat"@ 9 -uess. ADou kno% 9?m not "is "uman ser)ant.C ABut "e %ants you to 8e.C AHust 8e3ause Hean2!lau5e %ants somet"in- 5oesn?t mean "e -ets it@C 9 sai5. ADou 5on?t kno% %"at "e?s like.C A9 t"ink 9 5o ... C He tou3"e5 my arm. 9 5i5n?t >erk 8a3k t"is time. 9 %as too intent on %"at "e %as sayin-. AHe?s 8een 5i11erent sin3e t"e ol5 master 5ie5. He?s a lot more po%er1ul t"an e)en you kno%.C $"is mu3" 9 "a5 suspe3te5. ASo %"y s"oul5n?t 9 tell "im you?re a1rai5 o1 Eom8iesBC AHe?ll use it to punis" me.C 9 stare5 at "im@ our eyes in3"es apart. ADou mean "e?s torturin- people to 3ontrol t"em.C He no55e5. AS"it.C ADou %on?t tellBC A9 %on?t tell. Promise@C 9 sai5. He looke5 so relie)e5@ 9 patte5 "is "an5. $"e "an5 1elt like a "an5. His 8o5y 5i5n?t 1eel %oo5 "ar5 anymore. ="yB 9 5i5n?t kno%@ an5 i1 9 aske5 =illie@ "e pro8a8ly %oul5n?t kno% eit"er. #ne o1 t"e mysteries o1 ... 5eat". A$"anks.C A9 t"ou-"t you sai5 t"at Hean2!lau5e %as t"e kin5est master you?)e e)er "a5.C AHe is@C =illie sai5. /o% t"at %as a 1ri-"tenin- trut". 91 8ein- tormente5 8y your 5arkest 1ear %as t"e kin5est@ "o% mu3" %orse "a5 /ikolaos 8een. Hell@ 9 kne% t"e ans%er to t"at one. S"e?5 8een psy3"oti3. Hean2!lau5e %asn?t 3ruel >ust 1or t"e sake o1 %at3"inpeople s;uirm. $"ere %as reason to "is 3ruelty. 9t %as a step up. A9 -otta -o. $"anks 1or "elpin- %it" t"e Eom8ie.C He stoo5. ADou %ere 8ra)e@ you kno%@C 9 sai5. He 1las"e5 a -rin my %ay@ 1an-s -lintin- in t"e 5im li-"t. $"e smile )anis"e5 1rom "is 1a3e like someone "a5 turne5 a s%it3". A9 3an?t a11or5 to 8e anyt"in- else.C Vampires are a lot like %ol1 pa3ks. $"e %eak are eit"er 5ominate5 or 5estroye5. Banis"ment is not an option. =illie %as mo)in- up in t"e ranks. A si-n o1 %eakness 3oul5 stop t"at rise or %orse. 9?5 o1ten %on5ere5 %"at )ampires 1eare5. #ne o1 t"em 1eare5 Eom8ies. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een 1unny i1 9 "a5n?t seen t"e 1ear in "is eyes. $"e 3omi3 on sta-e %as a )ampire. He %as t"e ne% 5ea5. Skin 3"alk2%"ite@ eyes like 8urne5 "oles in paper. His -ums %ere 8loo5less an5 re3e5in- 1rom 3anines t"at %oul5 "a)e 8een t"e en)y o1 any German s"ep"er5. 9 "a5 ne)er seen a )ampire look so monstrous. $"ey all usually ma5e an e11ort to appear "uman. $"is one %asn?t. 9 "a5 misse5 t"e au5ien3e?s rea3tion to "is 1irst appearan3e@ 8ut no% t"ey %ere lau-"in-. 91 9 "a5 t"ou-"t t"e Eom8ie >okes %ere 8a5@ t"ese %ere %orse. A %oman at t"e ne*t ta8le lau-"e5 so "ar5@ tears spille5 5o%n "er 3"eeks. A9 %ent to /e% Dork@ tou-" 3ity. A -an- >umpe5 me@ 8ut 9 put t"e 8ite on t"em.C People %ere "ol5in- t"eir ri8s as i1 in pain. 9 5i5n?t -et it. 9t %as -enuinely not 1unny. 9 -aEe5 aroun5 t"e 3ro%5 an5 1oun5 e)ery eye 1i*e5 on t"e sta-e. $"ey peere5 up at "im %it" t"e "elpless 5e)otion o1 t"e 8espelle5. He %as usin- min5 tri3ks. 9?5 seen )ampires se5u3e@ t"reaten@ terri1y@ all 8y 3on3entratin-. But 9 "a5 ne)er seen t"em 3ause lau-"ter. He %as 1or3in- t"em to lau-".

9t %asn?t t"e %orst a8use o1 )ampiri3 po%ers 9?5 e)er seen. He %asn?t tryin- to "urt t"em. An5 t"is mass "ypnosis %as "armless@ temporary. But it %as %ron-. 7ass min5 3ontrol %as one o1 t"e top s3ary t"in-s t"at most people 5on?t kno% )ampires 3an 5o. 9 kne%@ an5 9 5i5n?t like it. He %as t"e 1res" 5ea5 an5 e)en 8e1ore Hean2!lau5e?s marks@ t"e 3omi3 3oul5n?t "a)e tou3"e5 me. Bein- an animator -a)e you partial immunity to )ampires. 9t %as one o1 t"e reasons t"at animators are so o1ten )ampire slayers. =e?)e -ot a le- up@ so to speak. 9 "a5 3alle5 !"arles earlier@ 8ut 9 still 5i5n?t see "im. He is not easy to miss in a 3ro%5@ sort o1 like Go5Eilla -oin- t"rou-" $okyo. ="ere %as "eB An5 %"en %oul5 Hean2!lau5e 8e rea5y to see meB 9t %as no% a1ter ele)en. $rust "im to 8ro%8eat me into a meetin- an5 t"en make me %ait. He %as su3" an arro-ant son o1 a 8it3". !"arles 3ame t"rou-" t"e s%in-in- 5oors t"at le5 to t"e kit3"en area. He stro5e t"rou-" t"e ta8les@ "ea5in- 1or t"e 5oor. He %as s"akin- "is "ea5 an5 murmurin- to a small Asian man %"o %as "a)in- to ;ui3k2run to keep up. 9 %a)e5@ an5 !"arles 3"an-e5 5ire3tion to%ar5s me. 9 3oul5 "ear t"e smaller man ar-uin-@ A9 run a )ery -oo5@ 3lean kit3"en.C !"arles murmure5 somet"in- t"at 9 3oul5n?t "ear. $"e 8espelle5 au5ien3e %as o8li)ious. =e 3oul5 "a)e s"ot o11 a t%enty2one2-un salute@ an5 t"ey %oul5n?t "a)e 1lin3"e5. :ntil t"e )ampire 3omi3 %as 1inis"e5@ t"ey %oul5 "ear not"inelse. A="at are you@ t"e 5amn "ealt" 5epartmentBC t"e smaller man aske5. He %as 5resse5 in a tra5itional 3"e1?s out1it. He "a5 t"e 8i- 1loppy "at %a55e5 up in "is "an5s. His 5ark uptilte5 eyes %ere sparklin- %it" an-er. !"arles is only si*2one@ 8ut "e seems 8i--er. His 8o5y is one %i5e pie3e 1rom 8roa5 s"oul5ers to 1eet. He seems to "a)e no %aist. He is like a mo)in- mountain. Hu-e. His per1e3tly 8ro%n eyes are t"e same 3olor as "is skin. =on5er1ully 5ark. His "an5 is 8i- enou-" to 3o)er my 1a3e. $"e Asian 3"e1 looke5 like an an-ry puppy 8esi5e !"arles. He -ra88e5 !"arles?s arm. 9 5on?t kno% %"at "e t"ou-"t "e %as -oin- to 5o@ 8ut !"arles stoppe5 mo)in-. He stare5 5o%n at t"e o11en5in- "an5 an5 sai5 )ery 3are1ully@ )oi3e almost pain1ully 5eep@ A4o not tou3" me.C $"e 3"e1 5roppe5 "is arm like "e?5 8een 8urne5. He took a step 8a3k. !"arles %as only -i)in- "im part o1 t"e Alook.C $"e 1ull treatment "a5 8een kno%n to sen5 %oul528e mu--ers s3reamin- 1or "elp. Part o1 t"e look %as enou-" 1or one irate 3"e1. His )oi3e %as 3alm@ reasona8le %"en "e spoke a-ain@ A9 run a 3lean kit3"en.C !"arles s"ook "is "ea5. ADou 3an?t "a)e Eom8ies near t"e 1oo5 preparation. 9t?s ille-al. $"e "ealt" 3o5es 1or8i5 3orpses near 1oo5.C A7y assistant is a )ampire. He?s 5ea5.C !"arles rolle5 "is eyes at me. 9 sympat"iEe5. 9?5 "a5 t"e same 5is3ussion %it" a 3"e1 or t%o. AVampires are not 3onsi5ere5 le-ally 5ea5 anymore@ 7r. Kim. Kom8ies are.C A9 5on?t un5erstan5 %"y.C AKom8ies rot an5 3arry 5isease >ust like any 5ea5 8o5y. Hust 8e3ause t"ey mo)e aroun5 5oesn?t mean t"ey aren?t a 5epository 1or 5isease.C A9 5on?t ... A A,it"er keep t"e Eom8ies a%ay 1rom t"e kit3"en or %e %ill 3lose you 5o%n. 4o you un5erstan5 t"atBC AAn5 you?5 "a)e to e*plain to t"e o%ner %"y "is 8usiness %as not makin- money@C 9 sai5@ smilin- up at 8ot" o1 t"em. $"e 3"e1 looke5 a 8it pale. 'an3y t"at. A9 ... 9 un5erstan5. 9t %ill 8e taken 3are o1.C AGoo5@C !"arles sai5. $"e 3"e1 5arte5 one 1ri-"tene5 look at me@ t"en 8e-an to t"rea5 "is %ay 8a3k to t"e kit3"en. 9t %as 1unny "o% Hean2 !lau5e %as 8e-innin- to s3are so many people. He?5 8een one o1 t"e more 3i)iliEe5 )ampires 8e1ore "e 8e3ame "ea5 8loo5su3ker. Po%er 3orrupts. !"arles sat 5o%n a3ross 1rom me. He seeme5 too 8i- 1or t"e ta8le. A9 -ot your messa-e. ="at?s -oin- onBC A9 nee5 an es3ort to t"e $en5erloin.C 9t?s "ar5 to tell %"en !"arles 8lus"es@ 8ut "e s;uirme5 in "is 3"air. A="y in t"e %orl5 5o you %ant to -o 5o%n t"ereBC A9 nee5 to 1in5 someone %"o %orks 5o%n t"ere.C A="oBC AA prostitute@C 9 sai5. He s;uirme5 a-ain. 9t %as like %at3"in- an un3om1orta8le mountain. A!aroline is not -oin- to like t"is.C A4on?t tell "er@C 9 sai5.

ADou kno% !aroline an5 9 5on?t lie to ea3" ot"er@ a8out anyt"in-.C 9 1ou-"t to keep my 1a3e neutral. 91 !"arles "a5 to e*plain "is e)ery mo)e to "is %i1e@ t"at %as "is 3"oi3e. He 5i5n?t "a)e to let !aroline 3ontrol "im. He 3"ose to 5o it. But it -rate5 on me like "a)in- your teet" 3leane5. AHust tell "er t"at you "a5 e*tra animator 8usiness. S"e %on?t ask 5etails.C !aroline t"ou-"t t"at our >o8 %as -ross. Be"ea5in- 3"i3kens@ raisin- Eom8ies@ "o% un3out". A="y 5o you nee5 to 1in5 t"is prostituteBC 9 i-nore5 t"e ;uestion an5 ans%ere5 anot"er one. $"e less !"arles kne% a8out Harol5 Gaynor@ t"e sa1er "e?5 8e. A9 >ust nee5 someone to look mena3in-. 9 5on?t %ant to "a)e to s"oot some poor slo8 8e3ause "e ma5e a pass at me. #kayBC !"arles no55e5. A9?ll 3ome. 9?m 1lattere5 you aske5.C 9 smile5 en3oura-in-ly at "im. $rut" %as t"at 7anny %as more 5an-erous an5 mu3" 8etter 8a3kup. But 7anny %as like me. He 5i5n?t look 5an-erous. !"arles 5i5. 9 nee5e5 a -oo5 8lu11 toni-"t@ not 1irepo%er. 9 -lan3e5 at my %at3". 9t %as almost mi5ni-"t. Hean2!lau5e "a5 kept me %aitin- an "our. 9 looke5 8e"in5 me an5 3au-"t =illie?s -aEe. He 3ame to%ar5s me imme5iately. 9 %oul5 try to use t"is po%er only 1or -oo5. He 8ent 3lose@ 8ut not too 3lose. He -lan3e5 at !"arles@ a3kno%le5-in- "im %it" a no5. !"arles no55e5 8a3k. 7r. Stoi3. A="at ya %antBC =illie sai5. A9s Hean2!lau5e rea5y to see me or notBC ADea"@ 9 %as >ust 3omin- to -et ya. 9 5i5n?t kno% you %as e*pe3tin- 3ompany toni-"t.C He looke5 at !"arles. AHe?s a 3o%orker.C AA Eom8ie raiserBC =illie aske5. !"arles sai5@ ADes.C His 5ark 1a3e %as impassi)e. His look %as ;uietly mena3in-. =illie seeme5 impresse5. He no55e5. ASure@ ya -ot Eom8ie %ork a1ter you see Hean2!lau5eBC ADea"@C 9 sai5. 9 stoo5 an5 spoke so1tly to !"arles@ t"ou-" 3"an3es %ere t"at =illie %oul5 "ear it. ,)en t"e ne%ly 5ea5 "ear 8etter t"an most 5o-s. A9?ll 8e as ;ui3k as 9 3an.C AAlri-"t@C "e sai5@ A8ut 9 nee5 to -et "ome soon.C 9 un5erstoo5. He %as on a s"ort leas". His o%n 1ault@ 8ut it seeme5 to 8ot"er me more t"an it 8ot"ere5 !"arles. 7ay8e it %as one o1 t"e reasons 9?m not marrie5. 9?m not 8i- on 3ompromise.

Chapter Twenty-one
=illie le5 me t"rou-" a 5oor an5 a s"ort "all%ay. As soon as t"e 5oor 3lose5 8e"in5 us@ t"e noise %as mute5@ 5istant as a 5ream. $"e li-"ts %ere 8ri-"t a1ter t"e 5imness o1 t"e 3lu8. 9 8linke5 a-ainst it. =illie looke5 rosy23"eeke5 in t"e 8ri-"t li-"t@ not ;uite ali)e@ 8ut "ealt"y 1or a 5ea5man. He?5 1e5 toni-"t on somet"in-@ or someone. 7ay8e a %illin- "uman@ may8e animal. 7ay8e. $"e 1irst 5oor on t"e le1t sai5 A7ana-er?s #11i3e.C =illie?s o11i3eB /a%. =illie opene5 t"e 5oor an5 us"ere5 me in. He 5i5n?t 3ome in t"e o11i3e. His eyes 1li3ke5 to%ar5s t"e 5esk@ t"en "e 8a3ke5 out@ s"uttin- t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im. $"e 3arpetin- %as pale 8ei-eG t"e %alls e--s"ell2%"ite. A lar-e 8la3k2la3;uere5 5esk sat a-ainst t"e 1ar %all. A s"iny 8la3k lamp seeme5 to -ro% out o1 t"e 5esk. $"ere %as a 8lotter per1e3tly pla3e5 in t"e 3enter o1 t"e 5esk. $"ere %ere no papers@ no paper 3lips@ >ust Hean2!lau5e sittin- 8e"in5 t"e 5esk. His lon- pale "an5s %ere 1ol5e5 on t"e 8lotter. So1t 3urlin- 8la3k "air@ mi5ni-"t28lue eyes@ %"ite s"irt %it" its stran-e 8utton25o%n 3u11s. He %as per1e3t sittin- t"ere@ per1e3tly still like a paintin-. Beauti1ul as a %et 5ream@ 8ut not real. He only looke5 per1e3t. 9 kne% 8etter. $"ere %ere t%o 8ro%n metal 1ilin- 3a8inets a-ainst t"e le1t %all. A 8la3k leat"er 3ou3" took up t"e rest o1 t"e %all. $"ere %as a lar-e oil paintin- a8o)e t"e 3ou3". 9t %as a s3ene o1 St. Louis in t"e 1. s. Settlers 3omin- 5o%nri)er in 1lat8oats. $"e sunli-"t %as autumn t"i3k. !"il5ren ran an5 playe5. 9t 5i5n?t mat3" anyt"in- in t"e room. A$"e pi3ture yoursBC 9 aske5. He -a)e a sli-"t no5. A4i5 you kno% t"e painterBC He smile5 t"en@ no "int o1 1an-s@ >ust t"e 8eauti1ul sprea5 o1 lips. 91 t"ere "a5 8een a )ampire GN@ Hean2!lau5e %oul5 "a)e 8een t"eir 3o)er 8oy.

A$"e 5esk an5 3ou3" 5on?t mat3" t"e rest o1 t"e 5e3or@C 9 sai5. A9 am in t"e mi5st o1 remo5elin-@C "e sai5. He >ust sat t"ere lookin- at me. ADou aske5 1or t"is meetin-@ Hean2!lau5e. Let?s -et on %it" it.C AAre you in a "urryBC His )oi3e "a5 5roppe5 lo%er@ t"e 8rus" o1 1ur on nake5 skin. ADes@ 9 am. So 3ut to t"e 3"ase. ="at 5o you %antBC $"e smile %i5ene5@ sli-"tly. He a3tually lo%ere5 "is eyes 1or a moment. 9t %as almost 3oy. ADou are my "uman ser)ant@ Anita.C He use5 my name. Ba5 si-n t"at. A/o@C 9 sai5@ A9?m not.C ADou 8ear t%o marks@ only t%o more remain.C His 1a3e still looke5 pleasant@ lo)ely. $"e e*pression 5i5n?t mat3" %"at "e %as sayin-. ASo %"atBC He si-"e5. AAnita ... C He stoppe5 in mi5senten3e an5 stoo5. He 3ame aroun5 t"e 5esk. A4o you kno% %"at it means to 8e 7aster o1 t"e !ityBC He leane5 on t"e 5esk@ "al1 sittin-. His s"irt -ape5 open s"o%in- an e*panse o1 pale 3"est. #ne nipple s"o%e5 small an5 pale an5 "ar5. $"e 3ross2s"ape5 s3ar %as an insult to su3" pale per1e3tion. 9 "a5 8een starin- at "is 8are 3"est. Ho% em8arrassin-. 9 met "is -aEe an5 mana-e5 not to 8lus". Bully 1or me. A$"ere are ot"er 8ene1its to 8ein- my "uman ser)ant@ ma petite.C His eyes %ere all pupil@ 8la3k an5 5ro%nin- 5eep. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o.C A/o lies@ ma petite@ 9 3an 1eel your 5esire.C His ton-ue 1li3ke5 a3ross "is lips. A9 3an taste it.C Great@ >ust -reat. Ho% 5o you ar-ue %it" someone %"o 3an 1eel %"at you?re 1eelin-B Ans%erJ 5on?t ar-ue@ a-ree. AAlri-"t@ 9 lust a1ter you. 4oes t"at make you "appyBC He smile5. ADes.C #ne %or5@ 8ut it 1lo%e5 t"rou-" my min5@ %"isperin- t"in-s t"at "e "a5 not sai5. ="ispers in t"e 5ark. A9 lust a1ter a lot o1 men@ 8ut t"at 5oesn?t mean 9 "a)e to sleep %it" t"em.C His 1a3e %as almost sla3k@ eyes like 5ro%nin- pools. A!asual lust is easily 5e1eate5@C "e sai5. He stoo5 in one smoot" motion. A="at %e "a)e is not 3asual@ ma petite. /ot lust@ 8ut 5esire.C He mo)e5 to%ar5s me@ one pale "an5 outstret3"e5. 7y "eart %as t"u55in- in my t"roat. 9t %asn?t 1ear. 9 5i5n?t t"ink it %as a min5 tri3k. 9t 1elt real. 4esire@ "e 3alle5 it@ may8e it %as. A4on?t@C my )oi3e %as "oarse@ a %"isper. He@ o1 3ourse@ 5i5 not stop. His 1in-ers tra3e5 t"e e5-e o1 my 3"eek@ 8arely tou3"in-. $"e 8rus" o1 skin on skin. 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom "im@ 1or3e5 to 5ra% a 5eep s"akin- 8reat". 9 3oul5 8e as un3ool as 9 %ante5@ "e 3oul5 1eel my 5is3om1ort. /o sense preten5in-. 9 3oul5 1eel %"ere "e "a5 tou3"e5 me@ a lin-erin- sensation. 9 looke5 at t"e -roun5 %"ile 9 spoke. A9 appre3iate t"e possi8le 1rin-e 8ene1its@ Hean2!lau5e@ really. But 9 3an?t. 9 %on?t.C 9 met "is eyes. His 1a3e %as a terri8le 8lankness. /ot"in-. 9t %as t"e same 1a3e o1 a moment a-o@ 8ut some spark o1 "umanity@ o1 li1e@ %as -one. 7y pulse starte5 t"u55in- a-ain. 9t "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" se*. 'ear. 9t "a5 a lot to 5o %it" 1ear. AAs you like@ my little animator. ="et"er %e are lo)ers or not@ it 5oes not 3"an-e %"at you are to me. Dou are my "uman ser)ant.C A/o@C 9 sai5. ADou are mine@ Anita. =illin- or not@ you are mine.C ASee@ Hean2!lau5e@ "ere?s %"ere you lose me. 'irst you try se5u3in- me@ %"i3" "as its pleasant si5e. ="en t"at 5oesn?t %ork@ you resort to t"reats.C A9t is not a t"reat@ ma petite. 9t is t"e trut".C A/o@ it isn?t. An5 stop 3allin- me ma 1u3kin- petite.C He smile5 at t"at. 9 5i5n?t %ant "im amuse5 8y me. An-er repla3e5 1ear in a ;ui3k %arm rus". 9 like5 an-er. 9t ma5e me 8ra)e@ an5 stupi5. A'u3k you.C A9 "a)e alrea5y o11ere5 t"at.C His )oi3e ma5e somet"in- lo% >erk in my stoma3". 9 1elt t"e rus" o1 "eat as 9 8lus"e5. A4amn you@ Hean2!lau5e@ 5amn you.C A=e nee5 to talk@ ma petite. Lo)ers or not@ ser)ant or not@ %e nee5 to talk.C A$"en talk. 9 "a)en?t -ot all ni-"t.C He si-"e5. ADou 5on?t make t"is easy.C A91 it %as easy you %ante5@ you s"oul5 "a)e pi3ke5 on someone else.C

He no55e5. AVery true. Please@ 8e seate5.C He %ent 8a3k to lean on t"e 5esk@ arms 3rosse5 o)er "is 3"est. A9 5on?t "a)e t"at kin5 o1 time@C 9 sai5. He 1ro%ne5 sli-"tly. A9 t"ou-"t %e a-ree5 to talk t"is out@ ma petite.C A=e a-ree5 to meet at ele)en. Dou?re t"e one %"o %aste5 an "our@ not me.C His smile %as almost 8itter. AVery %ell. 9 %ill -i)e you a ... 3on5ense5 )ersion.C 9 no55e5. A'ine %it" me.C A9 am t"e ne% 7aster o1 t"e !ity. But to sur)i)e %it" /ikolaos ali)e@ 9 "a5 to "i5e my po%ers. 9 5i5 it too %ell. $"ere are t"ose %"o t"ink 9 am not po%er1ul enou-" to 8e t"e 7aster o1 all. $"ey are 3"allen-in- me. #ne o1 t"e t"in-s t"ey are usin- a-ainst me is you.C AHo%BC ADour 5iso8e5ien3e. 9 3annot e)en 3ontrol my o%n "uman ser)ant. Ho% 3an 9 possi8ly 3ontrol all t"e )ampires in t"e 3ity an5 surroun5in- areasBC A="at 5o you %ant 1rom meBC He smile5 t"en@ %i5e an5 -enuine@ 1las"in- 1an-s. A9 %ant you to 8e my "uman ser)ant.C A/ot in t"is li1etime@ Hean2!lau5e.C A9 3an 1or3e t"e t"ir5 mark on you@ Anita.C $"ere %as no t"reat as "e sai5 it. 9t %as >ust a 1a3t. A9 %oul5 rat"er 5ie t"an 8e your "uman ser)ant.C 7aster )ampires 3an smell t"e trut". He %oul5 kno% 9 meant it. A="yBC 9 opene5 my mout" to try to e*plain@ 8ut 5i5n?t. He %oul5 not un5erstan5. =e stoo5 t%o 1eet apart 8ut it mi-"t "a)e 8een miles. 7iles a3ross some 5ark 3"asm. =e 3oul5 not 8ri5-e t"at -ap. He %as a %alkin- 3orpse. ="ate)er "e "a5 8een as a li)in- man@ it %as -one. He %as t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ an5 t"at %as not"in- e)en 3lose to "uman. A91 you 1or3e t"is issue@ 9 %ill kill you@C 9 sai5. ADou mean t"at.C $"ere %as surprise in "is )oi3e. 9t isn?t o1ten a -irl -ets to surprise a 3enturies2ol5 )ampire. ADes.C A9 5o not un5erstan5 you@ ma petite.C A9 kno%@C 9 sai5. A!oul5 you preten5 to 8e my ser)antBC 9t %as an o55 ;uestion. A="at 5oes preten5in- meanBC ADou 3ome to a 1e% meetin-s. Dou stan5 at my si5e %it" your -uns an5 your reputation.C ADou %ant t"e ,*e3utioner at your 8a3k.C 9 stare5 at "im 1or a spa3e o1 "eart8eats. $"e true "orror o1 %"at "e?5 >ust sai5 1loate5 slo%ly t"rou-" my min5. A9 t"ou-"t t"e t%o marks %ere a33i5ent. $"at you pani3ke5. Dou meant all alon- to mark me@ 5i5n?t youBC He >ust smile5. AAns%er me@ you son o1 a 8it3".C A91 t"e 3"an3e arose@ 9 %as not a)erse to it.C A/ot a)erse to itIC 9 %as almost yellin-. ADou 3ol528loo5e5ly 3"ose me to 8e your "uman ser)antI ="yBC ADou are t"e ,*e3utioner.C A4amn you@ %"at 5oes t"at meanBC A9t is impressi)e to 8e t"e )ampire %"o 1inally 3au-"t you.C ADou "a)en?t 3au-"t me.C A91 you %oul5 8e"a)e yoursel1@ t"e ot"ers %oul5 t"ink so. #nly you an5 9 nee5 kno% t"at it is pretense.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 %on?t play your -ame@ Hean2!lau5e.C ADou %ill not "elp meBC ADou -ot it.C A9 o11er you immortality. =it"out t"e 3ompromise o1 )ampirism. 9 o11er you mysel1. $"ere "a)e 8een %omen o)er t"e years %"o %oul5 "a)e 5one anyt"in- 9 aske5 >ust 1or t"at.C ASe* is se*@ Hean2!lau5e. /o one?s t"at -oo5.C

He smile5 sli-"tly. AVampires are 5i11erent@ ma petite. 91 you %ere not so stu88orn@ you mi-"t 1in5 out "o% 5i11erent.C 9 "a5 to look a%ay 1rom "is eyes. $"e look %as too intimate. $oo 1ull o1 possi8ilities. A$"ere?s only one t"in- 9 %ant 1rom you@C 9 sai5. AAn5 %"at is t"at@ ma petiteBC AAll ri-"t@ t%o t"in-s. 'irst@ stop 3allin- me ma petiteG se3on5@ let me -o. =ipe t"ese 5amn marks a%ay.C ADou may "a)e t"e 1irst re;uest@ Anita.C AAn5 t"e se3on5BC A9 3annot@ e)en i1 9 %ante5 to.C A="i3" you 5on?t@C 9 sai5. A="i3" 9 5on?t.C AStay a%ay 1rom me@ Hean2!lau5e. Stay t"e 1u3k a%ay 1rom me@ or 9?ll kill you.C A7any people "a)e trie5 t"rou-" t"e years.C AHo% many o1 t"em "a5 ei-"teen killsBC His eyes %i5ene5 >ust a 8it. A/one. $"ere %as t"is man in Hun-ary %"o s%ore "e kille5 1i)e.C A="at "appene5 to "imBC A9 tore "is t"roat out.C ADou un5erstan5 t"is@ Hean2!lau5e. 9 %oul5 rat"er "a)e my t"roat torn out. 9 %oul5 rat"er 5ie tryin- to kill you t"an su8mit to you.C 9 stare5 at "im@ tryin- to see i1 "e un5erstoo5 any o1 %"at 9 sai5. ASay somet"in-.C A9 "a)e "ear5 your %or5s. 9 kno% you mean t"em.C He %as su55enly stan5in- in 1ront o1 me. 9 "a5n?t seen "im mo)e@ "a5n?t 1elt "im in my "ea5. He %as >ust su55enly in3"es in 1ront o1 me. 9 t"ink 9 -aspe5. A!oul5 you truly kill meBC His )oi3e %as like silk on a %oun5@ -entle %it" an e5-e o1 pain. Like se*. 9t %as like )el)et ru88in- insi5e my skull. 9t 1elt -oo5@ e)en %it" 1ear tearin- t"rou-" my 8o5y. S"it. He 3oul5 still "a)e me. Still take me 5o%n. /o %ay. 9 looke5 up into "is so28lue eyes an5 sai5@ ADes.C 9 meant it. He 8linke5 on3e@ -ra3e1ully@ an5 steppe5 8a3k. ADou are t"e most stu88orn %oman 9 "a)e e)er met@C "e sai5. $"ere %as no play in "is )oi3e t"is time. 9t %as a 1lat statement. A$"at?s t"e ni3est 3ompliment you?)e e)er pai5 me.C He stoo5 in 1ront o1 me@ "an5s at "is si5es. He stoo5 )ery still. Snakes or 8ir5s 3an stan5 utterly still 8ut e)en a snake "as a sense o1 ali)eness@ o1 a3tion %aitin- to resume. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 t"ere %it" no sense o1 anyt"in-@ as i1 5espite %"at my eyes tol5 me@ "e "a5 )anis"e5. He %as not t"ere at all. $"e 5ea5 make no noise. A="at "appene5 to your 1a3eBC 9 tou3"e5 t"e s%ollen 3"eek 8e1ore 9 3oul5 stop mysel1. A/ot"in-@C 9 lie5. A="o "it youBC A="y@ so you 3an -o 8eat "im upBC A#ne o1 t"e 1rin-e 8ene1its o1 8ein- my ser)ant is my prote3tion.C A9 5on?t nee5 your prote3tion@ Hean2!lau5e.C AHe "urt you.C AAn5 9 s"o)e5 a -un into "is -roin an5 ma5e "im tell me e)eryt"in- "e kne%@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e smile5. ADou 5i5 %"atBC A9 s"o)e5 a -un into "is 8alls@ alri-"tBC His eyes starte5 to sparkle. Lau-"ter sprea5 a3ross "is 1a3e an5 8urst out 8et%een "is lips. He lau-"e5 1ull2t"roate5. $"e lau-" %as like 3an5yJ s%eet@ an5 in1e3tious. 91 you 3oul5 8ottle Hean2!lau5e?s lau-"@ 9 kno% it %oul5 8e 1attenin-. #r or-asmi3. A7a petite@ ma petite@ you are a8solutely mar)elous.C 9 stare5 at "im@ lettin- t"at %on5er1ul@ tou3"a8le lau-" roll aroun5 me. 9t %as time to -o. 9t is )ery "ar5 to 8e 5i-ni1ie5 %"en someone is lau-"in- uproariously at you. But 9 mana-e5. 7y partin- s"ot ma5e "im lau-" "ar5er. AStop 3allin- me ma petite.C

Chapter Twenty-two
9 steppe5 8a3k out into t"e noise o1 t"e 3lu8. !"arles %as stan5in- 8esi5e t"e ta8le@ not sittin-. He looke5 un3om1orta8le 1rom a 5istan3e. ="at "a5 -one %ron- no%B His 8i- "an5s %ere t%iste5 to-et"er. 4ark 1a3e s3run3"e5 up into near pain. A kin5 Go5 "a5 ma5e !"arles look 8i- an5 8a5@ 8e3ause insi5e "e %as all mars"mallo%. 91 9?5 "a5 !"arles?s natural siEe an5 stren-t"@ 9?5 "a)e 8een a -uarantee5 8a5 ass. 9t %as sort o1 sa5 an5 un1air. A="at?s %ron-BC 9 aske5. A9 3alle5 !aroline@C "e sai5. AAn5BC A$"e 8a8y2sitter?s si3k. An5 !aroline?s 8een 3alle5 in to t"e "ospital. Someone "as to stay %it" Sam %"ile s"e -oes to %ork.C A7m2"u"@C 9 sai5. He 5i5n?t look t"e least 8it tou-" %"en "e sai5@ A!an -oin- 5o%n to t"e $en5erloin %ait until tomorro%BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou?re not -oin- to -o 5o%n t"ere alone@C !"arles sai5. AAre youBC 9 stare5 up at t"e -reat mountain o1 a man@ an5 si-"e5. A9 3an?t %ait@ !"arles.C ABut t"e $en5erloin.C He lo%ere5 "is )oi3e as i1 >ust sayin- t"e %or5 too lou5 %oul5 8rin- a 3lou5 o1 pimps an5 prostitutes to 5es3en5 upon us. ADou 3an?t -o 5o%n t"ere alone at ni-"t.C A9?)e -one %orse pla3es@ !"arles. 9?ll 8e all ri-"t.C A/o@ 9 %on?t let you -o alone. !aroline 3an >ust -et a ne% sitter or tell t"e "ospital no.C He smile5 %"en "e sai5 it. Al%ays "appy to "elp a 1rien5. !aroline %oul5 -i)e "im "ell 1or it. =orst o1 all@ no% 9 5i5n?t %ant to take !"arles %it" me. Dou "a5 to 5o more t"an look tou-". ="at i1 Gaynor -ot %in5 o1 me ;uestionin- =an5aB ="at i1 "e 1oun5 !"arles an5 t"ou-"t "e %as in)ol)e5B /o. 9t "a5 8een sel1is" to risk !"arles. He "a5 a 1our2year2ol5 son. An5 a %i1e. Harol5 Gaynor %oul5 eat !"arles ra% 1or 5inner. 9 3oul5n?t in)ol)e "im. He %as a 8i-@ 1rien5ly@ ea-er2to2please 8ear. A lo)a8le@ 3u55ly 8ear. 9 5i5n?t nee5 a te55y 8ear 1or 8a3kup. 9 nee5e5 someone %"o %oul5 8e a8le to take any "eat t"at Gaynor mi-"t sen5 our %ay. 9 "a5 an i5ea. AGo "ome@ !"arles. 9 %on?t -o alone. 9 promise.C He looke5 un3ertain. Like may8e "e 5i5n?t trust me. 'an3y t"at. AAnita@ are you sureB 9 %on?t lea)e you "an-in- like t"is.C AGo on@ !"arles. 9?ll take 8a3kup.C A="o 3an you -et at t"is "ourBC A/o ;uestions. Go "ome to your son.C He looke5 un3ertain@ 8ut relie)e5. He "a5n?t really %ante5 to -o to t"e $en5erloin. 7ay8e !aroline?s s"ort leas" %as %"at !"arles %ante5@ nee5e5. An e*3use 1or all t"e t"in-s "e really 5i5n?t %ant to 5o. ="at a 8asis 1or a marria-e. But@ "ey@ i1 it %orks@ 5on?t 1i* it. !"arles le1t %it" many apolo-ies. But 9 kne% "e %as -la5 to -o. 9 %oul5 remem8er t"at "e "a5 8een -la5 to -o. 9 kno3ke5 on t"e o11i3e 5oor. $"ere %as a silen3e@ t"en@ A!ome in@ Anita.C Ho% "a5 "e kno%n it %as meB 9 %oul5n?t ask. 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. Hean2!lau5e seeme5 to 8e 3"e3kin- 1i-ures in a lar-e le5-er. 9t looke5 anti;ue %it" yello%e5 pa-es an5 1a5in- ink. $"e le5-er looke5 like somet"in- Bo8 !ra3"it s"oul5 "a)e 8een s3ri88lin- in on a 3ol5 !"ristmas ,)e. A="at "a)e 9 5one to merit t%o )isits in one ni-"tBC "e sai5. Lookin- at "im no%@ 9 1elt silly. 9 spent all t"is time a)oi5in- "im. /o% 9 %as -oin- to in)ite "im to a33ompany me on a 8it o1 sleut"in-B But it %oul5 kill t%o 8ats %it" one stone. 9t %oul5 please Hean2!lau5e@ an5 9 really 5i5n?t %ant "im an-ry %it" me@ i1 9 3oul5 a)oi5 it. An5 i1 Gaynor 5i5 try to -o up a-ainst Hean2!lau5e@ 9 %as 8ettin- on Hean2!lau5e. 9t %as %"at Hean2!lau5e "a5 5one to me a 1e% %eeks a-o. He "a5 3"osen me as t"e )ampire?s 3"ampion. Put me up a-ainst a monster t"at "a5 slain t"ree master )ampires. An5 "e "a5 8et t"at 9 %oul5 3ome out on top a-ainst /ikolaos. 9 "a5@ 8ut >ust 8arely. ="at %as sau3e 1or t"e -oose %as sau3e 1or t"e -an5er. 9 smile5 s%eetly at "im. Please5 to 8e a8le to return t"e 1a)or so ;ui3kly.

A=oul5 you 3are to a33ompany me to t"e $en5erloinBC He 8linke5@ surprise 3o)erin- "is 1a3e >ust like a real person. A$o %"at purposeBC A9 nee5 to ;uestion a prostitute a8out a 3ase 9?m %orkin- on. 9 nee5 8a3kup.C ABa3kupBC "e aske5. A9 nee5 8a3kup t"at looks more t"reatenin- t"an 9 5o. Dou 1it t"e 8ill.C He smile5 8eati1i3ally. A9 %oul5 8e your 8o5y-uar5.C ADou?)e -i)en me enou-" -rie1@ 5o somet"in- ni3e 1or a 3"an-e.C $"e smile )anis"e5. A="y t"is su55en 3"an-e o1 "eart@ ma petiteBC A7y 8a3kup "a5 to -o "ome an5 8a8y2sit "is ki5.C AAn5 i1 9 5o not -oBC A9?ll -o alone@C 9 sai5. A9nto t"e $en5erloinBC ADep.C He %as su55enly stan5in- 8y t"e 5esk@ %alkin- to%ar5s me. 9 "a5n?t seen "im rise. A9 %is" you?5 stop 5oin- t"at.C A4oin- %"atBC A!lou5in- my min5 so 9 3an?t see you mo)e.C A9 5o it as o1ten as 9 3an@ ma petite@ >ust to pro)e 9 still 3an.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC A9 -a)e up mu3" o1 my po%er o)er you %"en 9 -a)e you t"e marks. 9 pra3ti3e %"at little -ames are le1t me.C He %as stan5in- almost in 1ront o1 me. ALest you 1or-et %"o an5 %"at 9 am.C 9 stare5 up into "is 8lue@ 8lue eyes. A9 ne)er 1or-et t"at you are t"e %alkin- 5ea5@ Hean2!lau5e.C An e*pression 9 3oul5 not rea5 passe5 o)er "is 1a3e. 9t mi-"t "a)e 8een pain. A/o@ 9 see t"e kno%le5-e in your eyes o1 %"at 9 am.C His )oi3e 5roppe5 lo%@ almost a %"isper@ 8ut it %asn?t se5u3ti)e. 9t %as "uman. ADour eyes are t"e 3learest mirror 9 "a)e e)er seen@ ma petite. ="ene)er 9 8e-in to preten5 to mysel1. ="ene)er 9 "a)e 5elusions o1 li1e. 9 "a)e only to look into your 1a3e an5 see t"e trut".C ="at 5i5 "e e*pe3t me to sayB Sorry@ 9?ll try to i-nore t"e 1a3t t"at you?re a )ampire. ASo %"y keep me aroun5BC 9 aske5. APer"aps i1 /ikolaos "a5 "a5 su3" a mirror@ s"e %oul5 not "a)e 8een su3" a monster.C 9 stare5 at "im. He mi-"t 8e ri-"t. 9t ma5e "is 3"oi3e o1 me as "uman ser)ant almost no8le. Almost. #"@ "ell. 9 %oul5 not start 1eelin- sorry 1or t"e 1reakin- 7aster o1 t"e !ity. /ot no%. /ot e)er. =e %oul5 -o 5o%n to t"e $en5erloin. Pimps 8e%are. 9 %as 8rin-in- t"e 7aster as 8a3kup. 9t %as like 3arryin- a t"ermonu3lear 5e)i3e to kill ants. #)erkill "as al%ays 8een a spe3ialty o1 mine.

Chapter Twenty-three
$"e $en5erloin %as ori-inally t"e re5 li-"t 5istri3t on t"e <i)er1ront in t"e 10 s. But t"e $en5erloin@ like so mu3" o1 St. Louis@ mo)e5 upto%n. Go 5o%n =as"in-ton past t"e 'o* $"eater@ %"ere you 3an see Broa5%ay tra)elin- 3ompanies sin- 8ri-"t musi3al. Keep 5ri)in- 5o%n =as"in-ton to t"e %est e5-e o1 5o%nto%n St. Louis an5 you %ill 3ome to t"e resurre3te5 3ar3ass o1 t"e $en5erloin. $"e ni-"t streets are neon23oate5@ sparklin-@ 1las"in-@ pulsin-23olors. 9t looks like some sort o1 porno-rap"i3 3arni)al. All it nee5s is a 'erris %"eel in one o1 t"e empty lots. $"ey 3oul5 sell 3otton 3an5y s"ape5 like nake5 people. $"e ki55ies 3oul5 play %"ile 4a55y %ent to -et "is >ollies. 7om %oul5 ne)er "a)e to kno%. Hean2!lau5e sat 8esi5e me in t"e 3ar. He "a5 8een utterly silent on t"e 5ri)e o)er. 9 "a5 "a5 to -lan3e at "im a time or t%o >ust to make sure "e %as still t"ere. People make noise. 9 5on?t mean talkin- or 8el3"in- or anyt"in- o)ert. But people@ as a rule@ 3an?t >ust sit %it"out makin- noise. $"ey 1i5-et@ t"e soun5 o1 3lot" ru88in- a-ainst t"e seatsG t"ey 8reat"e@ t"e so1t intake o1 airG t"ey %et t"eir lips@ %et@ ;uiet@ 8ut noise. Hean2!lau5e 5i5n?t 5o any o1 t"ese t"in-s as %e 5ro)e. 9 3oul5n?t e)en s%ear "e 8linke5. $"e li)in- 5ea5@ yippee. 9 3an take silen3e as -oo5 as t"e ne*t -uy@ 8etter t"an most %omen an5 a lot o1 men. /o%@ 9 nee5e5 to 1ill t"e silen3e. $alk >ust 1or t"e noise. A %aste o1 ener-y@ 8ut 9 nee5e5 it. AAre you in t"ere@ Hean2!lau5eBC

His ne3k turne5@ 8rin-in- "is "ea5 %it" it. His eyes -littere5@ re1le3tin- t"e neon si-ns like 5ark -lass. S"it. ADou 3an play "uman@ Hean2!lau5e@ 8etter t"an almost any )ampire 9?)e e)er met. ="at?s all t"is supernatural 3rapBC A!rapBC "e sai5@ )oi3e so1t. ADea"@ %"y are you -oin- all spooky on meBC ASpookyBC "e aske5@ an5 t"e soun5 1ille5 t"e 3ar. As i1 t"e %or5 meant somet"in- else entirely. AStop t"at@C 9 sai5. AStop %"atBC AAns%erin- e)ery ;uestion %it" a ;uestion.C He 8linke5 on3e. ASo sorry@ ma petite@ 8ut 9 3an 1eel t"e street.C A'eel t"e streetB ="at 5oes t"at meanBC He settle5 8a3k a-ainst t"e up"olstery@ leanin- "is "ea5 an5 ne3k into t"e seat. His "an5 3laspe5 o)er "is stoma3". A$"ere is a -reat 5eal o1 li1e "ere.C ALi1eBC He "a5 me 5oin- it no%. ADes@C "e sai5@ A9 3an 1eel t"em runnin- 8a3k an5 1ort". Little 3reatures@ 5esperately seekin- lo)e@ pain@ a33eptan3e@ -ree5. A lot o1 -ree5 "ere@ too@ 8ut mostly pain an5 lo)e.C ADou 5on?t 3ome to a prostitute 1or lo)e. Dou 3ome 1or se*.C He rolle5 "is "ea5 so "is 5ark eyes stare5 at me. A7any people 3on1use t"e t%o.C 9 stare5 at t"e roa5. $"e "airs at t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k %ere stan5in- at attention. ADou "a)en?t 1e5 yet toni-"t@ "a)e youBC ADou are t"e )ampire e*pert. !an you not tellBC His )oi3e "a5 5roppe5 to almost a %"isper. Hoarse an5 t"i3k. ADou kno% 9 3an ne)er tell %it" you.C AA 3ompliment to my po%ers@ 9?m sure.C A9 5i5 not 8rin- you 5o%n "ere to "unt@C 9 sai5. 7y )oi3e soun5e5 1irm@ a ta5 lou5. 7y "eart %as lou5 insi5e my "ea5. A=oul5 you 1or8i5 me to "unt toni-"tBC "e aske5. 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at one 1or a minute or t%o. =e %ere -oin- to "a)e to turn aroun5 an5 make anot"er pass to 1in5 a parkin- spa3e. =oul5 9 1or8i5 "im to "unt toni-"tB Des. He kne% t"e ans%er. $"is %as a tri3k ;uestion. $rou8le %as 9 3oul5n?t see t"e tri3k. A9 %oul5 ask t"at you not "unt "ere toni-"t@C 9 sai5. AGi)e me a reason@ Anita.C He "a5 3alle5 me Anita %it"out me promptin- "im. He %as 5e1initely a1ter somet"in-. ABe3ause 9 8rou-"t you 5o%n "ere. Dou %oul5n?t "a)e "unte5 "ere@ i1 it "a5n?t 8een 1or me.C ADou 1eel -uilt 1or %"ome)er 9 mi-"t 1ee5 on toni-"tBC A9t is ille-al to take un%illin- "uman )i3tims@C 9 sai5. ASo it is.C A$"e penalty 1or 5oin- so is 5eat"@C 9 sai5. ABy your "an5.C A91 you 5o it in t"is state@ yes.C A$"ey are >ust %"ores@ pimps@ 3"eatin- men. ="at 5o t"ey matter to you@ AnitaBC 9 5on?t t"ink "e "a5 e)er 3alle5 me Anita t%i3e in a ro%. 9t %as a 8a5 si-n. A 3ar pulle5 a%ay not a 8lo3k 1rom $"e Grey !at !lu8. ="at lu3k. 9 sli5 my /o)a into t"e slot. Parallel parkin- is not my 8est t"in-@ 8ut lu3kily t"e 3ar t"at pulle5 a%ay %as t%i3e t"e siEe o1 my 3ar. $"ere %as plenty o1 room to maneu)er@ 8a3k an5 1ort" 1rom t"e 3ur8. ="en t"e 3ar %as lur3"e5 nearly onto t"e 3ur8 8ut sa1ely out o1 tra11i3@ 9 3ut t"e en-ine. Hean2!lau5e lay 8a3k in "is seat@ starin- at me. A9 aske5 you a ;uestion@ ma petite@ %"at 5o t"ese people mean to youBC 9 un5i5 my seat 8elt an5 turne5 to look at "im. Some tri3k o1 li-"t an5 s"a5o% "a5 put most o1 "is 8o5y in 5arkness. A 8an5 o1 nearly -ol5 li-"t lay a3ross "is 1a3e. His "i-" 3"eek8ones %ere )ery prominent a-ainst "is pale skin. $"e tips o1 "is 1an-s s"o%e5 8et%een "is lips. His eyes -leame5 like 8lue neon. 9 looke5 a%ay an5 stare5 at t"e steerin- %"eel %"ile 9 talke5. A9 "a)e no personal stake in t"ese people@ Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut t"ey are people. Goo5@ 8a5@ or in5i11erent@ t"ey are ali)e@ an5 no one "as t"e ri-"t to >ust ar8itrarily snu11 t"em out.C ASo it is t"e san3tity o1 li1e you 3lin- toBC

9 no55e5. A$"at an5 t"e 1a3t t"at e)ery "uman 8ein- is spe3ial. ,)ery 5eat" is a loss o1 somet"in- pre3ious an5 irrepla3ea8le.C 9 looke5 at "im as 9 1inis"e5 t"e last. ADou "a)e kille5 8e1ore@ Anita. Dou "a)e 5estroye5 t"at %"i3" is irrepla3ea8le.C A9?m irrepla3ea8le@ too@C 9 sai5. A/o one "as t"e ri-"t to kill me@ eit"er.C He sat up in one li;ui5 motion@ an5 reality seeme5 to 3olle3t aroun5 "im. 9 3oul5 almost 1eel t"e mo)ement o1 time in t"e 3ar@ like a soni3 8oom 1or t"e insi5e o1 my "ea5@ instea5 o1 my ear. Hean2!lau5e sat t"ere lookin- entirely "uman. His pale skin "a5 a 3ertain 1lus" to it. His 3urlin- 8la3k "air@ 3are1ully 3om8e5 an5 style5@ %as ri3" an5 tou3"a8le. His eyes %ere >ust mi5ni-"t28lue@ not"in- e*3eptional 8ut t"e 3olor. He %as "uman a-ain@ in t"e 8link o1 an eye. AHesus@C 9 %"ispere5. A="at is %ron-@ ma petiteBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. 91 9 aske5 "o% "e 5i5 it@ "e?5 >ust smile. A="y all t"e ;uestions@ Hean2!lau5eB ="y t"e %orry a8out my )ie% o1 li1eBC ADou are my "uman ser)ant.C He raise5 a "an5 to stop t"e automati3 o8>e3tion. A9 "a)e 8e-un t"e pro3ess o1 makin- you my "uman ser)ant@ an5 9 %oul5 like to un5erstan5 you 8etter.C A!an?t you >ust ... s3ent my emotions like you 3an t"e people on t"e streetBC A/o@ ma petite. 9 3an 1eel your 5esire 8ut little else. 9 -a)e t"at up %"en 9 ma5e you my marke5 ser)ant.C ADou 3an?t rea5 meBC A /o.C $"at %as really ni3e to kno%. Hean2!lau5e 5i5n?t "a)e to tell me. So %"y 5i5 "eB He ne)er -a)e anyt"in- a%ay 1or 1ree. $"ere %ere strin-s atta3"e5 t"at 9 3oul5n?t e)en see. 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou are >ust to 8a3k me up toni-"t. 4on?t 5o anyt"in- to any8o5y unless 9 say so@ okayBC A4o anyt"in-BC A4on?t "urt anyone unless t"ey try to "urt us.C He no55e5@ 1a3e )ery solemn. ="y 5i5 9 suspe3t t"at "e %as lau-"in- at me in some 5ark 3orner o1 "is min5B Gi)inor5ers to t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. 9 -uess it %as 1unny. $"e noise le)el on t"e si5e%alk %as intense. 7usi3 8lare5 out o1 e)ery ot"er 8uil5in-. /e)er t"e same son-@ 8ut al%ays lou5. $"e 1las"in- si-ns pro3laime5@ AGirls@ Girls@ Girls. $opless.C A pink2e5-e5 si-n rea5@ A$alk to t"e /ake5 =oman o1 Dour 4reams.C ,eek. A tall@ t"in 8la3k %oman 3ame up to us. S"e %as %earin- purple s"orts so s"ort t"at t"ey looke5 like a t"on- 8ikini. Bla3k 1is"net panty "ose 3o)ere5 "er le-s an5 8utto3ks. Pro)o3ati)e. S"e stoppe5 some%"ere 8et%een t"e t%o o1 us. Her eyes 1li3ke5 1rom one to t"e ot"er. A="i3" one o1 ya 5oes it@ an5 %"i3" one o1 ya %at3"esBC Hean2!lau5e an5 9 e*3"an-e5 -lan3es. He %as smilin- e)er so sli-"tly. ASorry@ %e %ere lookin- 1or =an5a@C 9 sai5. AA lot o1 names 5o%n "ere@C s"e sai5. A9 3an 5o anyt"in- t"is =an5a 3an 5o@ an5 5o it 8etter.C S"e steppe5 )ery 3lose to Hean2!lau5e@ almost tou3"in-. He took "er "an5 in "is an5 li1te5 it -ently to "is lips. His eyes %at3"e5 me as "e 5i5 it. ADou?re t"e 5oer@C s"e sai5. Her )oi3e "a5 -one t"roaty@ se*y. #r may8e t"at %as >ust t"e e11e3t Hean2!lau5e "a5 on %omen. 7ay8e. $"e %oman 3u55le5 in@ a-ainst "im. Her skin looke5 )ery 5ark a-ainst t"e %"ite la3e o1 "is s"irt. Her 1in-ernails %ere painte5 a 8ri-"t pink@ like ,aster 8asket -rass. ASorry to interrupt@C 9 sai5@ A8ut %e 5on?t "a)e all ni-"t.C A$"is is not t"e one you seek t"en@C "e sai5. A/o@C 9 sai5. He -rippe5 "er arms >ust a8o)e t"e el8o%s an5 pus"e5 "er a%ay. S"e stru--le5 >ust a 8it to rea3" "im a-ain. Her "an5s -ra88e5 at "is arms@ tryin- to pull "ersel1 3loser to "im. He "el5 "er strai-"t2arme5@ e11ortlessly. He 3oul5 "a)e "el5 a semitru3k e11ortlessly. A9?ll 5o you 1or 1ree@C s"e sai5. A="at 5i5 you 5o to "erBC 9 aske5. A/ot"in-.C 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e "im. A/ot"in-@ an5 s"e o11ers to 5o you 1or 1reeBC Sar3asm is one o1 my natural talents. 9 ma5e sure t"at Hean2!lau5e "ear5 it.

ABe still@C "e sai5. A4on?t tell me to s"ut up.C $"e %oman %as stan5in- per1e3tly still. Her "an5s 5roppe5 to "er si5es@ limp. He "a5n?t 8een talkin- to me at all. Hean2!lau5e took "is "an5s a%ay 1rom "er. S"e ne)er mo)e5. He steppe5 aroun5 "er like s"e %as a 3ra3k in t"e pa)ement. He took my arm@ an5 9 let "im. 9 %at3"e5 t"e prostitute@ %aitin- 1or "er to mo)e. Her strai-"t@ nearly nake5 8a3k s"u55ere5. Her s"oul5ers slumpe5. S"e t"re% 8a3k "er "ea5 an5 5re% a 5eep trem8lin8reat". Hean2!lau5e pulle5 me -ently 5o%n t"e street@ "is "an5 on my el8o%. $"e prostitute turne5 aroun5@ sa% us. Her eyes ne)er e)en "esitate5. S"e 5i5n?t kno% us. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5 enou-". 1or it to "urt. 9 pulle5 1ree o1 Hean2!lau5e?s "an5. He 5i5n?t 1i-"t me. Goo5 1or "im. 9 8a3ke5 up a-ainst a store1ront %in5o%. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 in 1ront o1 me@ lookin- 5o%n. A="at 5i5 you 5o to "erBC A9 tol5 you@ ma petite@ not"in-.C A4on?t 3all me t"at. 9 sa% "er@ Hean2!lau5e. 4on?t lie to me.C A pair o1 men stoppe5 8esi5e us to look in t"e %in5o%. $"ey %ere "ol5in- "an5s. 9 -lan3e5 in t"e %in5o% an5 1elt 3olor 3reep up my 3"eeks. $"ere %ere %"ips@ leat"er masks@ pa55e5 "an53u11s@ an5 t"in-s 9 5i5n?t e)en "a)e a name 1or. #ne o1 t"e men leane5 into t"e ot"er an5 %"ispere5. $"e ot"er man lau-"e5. #ne o1 t"em 3au-"t me lookin-. #ur eyes met@ an5 9 looke5 a%ay@ 1ast. ,ye 3onta3t 5o%n "ere %as a 5an-erous t"in-. 9 %as 8lus"in- an5 "atin- it. $"e t%o men %alke5 a%ay@ "an5 in "an5. Hean2!lau5e %as starin- in t"e %in5o% like "e %as out 1or a Satur5ay a1ternoon o1 %in5o%2s"oppin-. !asual. A="at 5i5 you 5o to t"at %omanBC He stare5 in t"e store1ront. 9 3oul5n?t tell e*a3tly %"at "a5 3au-"t "is attention. A9t %as 3areless o1 me@ ma ... Anita. 7y 1ault entirely.C A="at %as your 1aultBC A7y ... po%ers are -reater %"en my "uman ser)ant is %it" me.C He stare5 at me t"en. His -aEe soli5 on my 1a3e. A=it" you 8esi5e me@ my po%ers are en"an3e5.C A=ait@ you mean like a %it3"?s 1amiliarBC He 3o3ke5 "is "ea5 to one si5e@ a sli-"t smile on "is 1a3e. ADes@ )ery 3lose to t"at. 9 5i5 not kno% you kne% anyt"ina8out %it3"3ra1t.C AA 5epri)e5 3"il5"oo5@C 9 sai5. 9 %as not -oin- to 8e 5i)erte5 1rom t"e important topi3. ASo your a8ility to 8espell people %it" your eyes is stron-er %"en 9?m %it" you. Stron- enou-" t"at %it"out tryin-@ you 8espelle5 t"at prostitute.C He no55e5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ 9 5on?t 8elie)e you.C He s"ru--e5@ a -ra3e1ul -esture on "im. ABelie)e %"at you like@ ma petite. 9t is t"e trut".C 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8elie)e it. Be3ause i1 it %ere true@ t"en 9 %as in 1a3t "is "uman ser)ant. /ot in my a3tions 8ut 8y my )ery presen3e. =it" s%eat tri3klin- 5o%n my spine 1rom t"e "eat@ 9 %as 3ol5. AS"it@C 9 sai5. ADou 3oul5 say t"at@C "e sai5. A/o@ 9 3an?t 5eal %it" t"is ri-"t no%. 9 3an?t.C 9 stare5 up at "im. ADou keep %"ate)er po%ers %e "a)e 8et%een us in 3"e3k@ okayBC A9 %ill try@C "e sai5. A4on?t try@ 5ammit@ 5o it.C He smile5 %i5e enou-" to 1las" t"e tips o1 "is 1an-s. A#1 3ourse@ ma petite.C Pani3 %as startin- in t"e pit o1 my stoma3". 9 -rippe5 my "an5s into 1ists at my si5es. A91 you 3all me t"at one more time@ 9?m -oin- to "it you.C His eyes %i5ene5 >ust a 8it@ "is lips 1le*e5. 9 realiEe5 "e %as tryin- not to lau-". 9 "ate it %"en people 1in5 my t"reats amusin-. He %as an in)asi)e son o1 a 8it3"G an5 9 %ante5 to "urt "im. $o "urt "im 8e3ause "e s3are5 me. 9 un5erstan5 t"e ur-e@ 9?)e "a5 it 8e1ore %it" ot"er people. 9t?s an ur-e t"at 3an lea5 to )iolen3e. 9 stare5 up at "is so1tly amuse5 1a3e. He %as a 3on5es3en5in- 8astar5@ 8ut i1 it e)er 3ame to real )iolen3e 8et%een us@ one o1 us %oul5 5ie. !"an3es %ere -oo5 it %oul5 8e me. $"e "umor leake5 out o1 "is 1a3e@ lea)in- it smoot" an5 lo)ely@ an5 arro-ant. A="at is it@ AnitaBC His )oi3e %as so1t an5 intimate. ,)en in t"e "eat an5 mo)ement o1 t"is pla3e@ "is )oi3e 3oul5 roll me up an5 un5er. 9t %as a -i1t.

A4on?t pus" me into a 3orner@ Hean2!lau5e. Dou 5on?t %ant to take a%ay all my options.C A9 5on?t kno% %"at you mean@C "e sai5. A91 it 3omes 5o%n to you or me@ 9?m -oin- to pi3k me. Dou remem8er t"at.C He looke5 at me 1or a spa3e o1 "eart8eats. $"en "e 8linke5 an5 no55e5. A9 8elie)e you %oul5. But remem8er@ ma ... Anita@ i1 you "urt me@ it "urts you. 9 3oul5 sur)i)e t"e strain o1 your 5eat". $"e ;uestion@ amante 5e moi@ is 3oul5 you sur)i)e mineBC Amante 5e moiB ="at t"e "ell 5i5 t"at meanB 9 5e3i5e5 not to ask. A4amn you@ Hean2!lau5e@ 5amn you.C A$"at@ 5ear Anita@ %as 5one lon- 8e1ore you met me.C A="at 5oes t"at meanBC His eyes %ere as inno3ent as t"ey e)er %ere. A="y@ Anita@ your o%n !at"oli3 !"ur3" "as 5e3lare5 all )ampires as sui3i5es. =e are automati3ally 5amne5.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?m ,pis3opalian@ no%@ 8ut t"at isn?t %"at you meant.C He lau-"e5 t"en. $"e soun5 %as like silk 8rus"e5 a3ross t"e nape o1 t"e ne3k. 9t 1elt smoot" an5 -oo5@ 8ut it ma5e you s"u55er. 9 %alke5 a%ay 1rom "im. 9 >ust le1t "im t"ere in 1ront o1 t"e o8s3ene %in5o% 5isplay. 9 %alke5 into t"e 3ro%5 o1 %"ores@ "ustlers@ 3ustomers. $"ere %as no8o5y on t"is street as 5an-erous as Hean2!lau5e. 9 "a5 8rou-"t "im 5o%n "ere to prote3t me. $"at %as lau-"a8le. <i5i3ulous. #8s3ene. A youn- man %"o 3oul5n?t "a)e 8een more t"an 1i1teen stoppe5 me. He %as %earin- a )est %it" no s"irt an5 a pair o1 torn >eans. ADou intereste5BC He %as taller t"an me 8y a little. His eyes %ere 8lue. $%o ot"er 8oys >ust 8e"in5 "im %ere starin- at us. A=e 5on?t -et many %omen 5o%n "ere@C "e sai5. A9 8elie)e you.C He looke5 in3re5i8ly youn-. A="ere 3an 9 1in5 ="eel3"air =an5aBC #ne o1 t"e 8oys 8e"in5 "im sai5@ AA 3rip lo)er@ Hesus.C 9 a-ree5 %it" "im. A="ereBC 9 "el5 up a t%enty. 9t %as too mu3" to pay 1or t"e in1ormation@ 8ut may8e i1 9 -a)e it to "im@ "e 3oul5 -o "ome sooner. 7ay8e i1 "e "a5 t%enty 5ollars@ "e 3oul5 turn 5o%n one o1 t"e 3ars 3ruisin- t"e street. $%enty 5ollars@ it %oul5 3"an-e "is li1e. Like sti3kin- your 1in-er in a nu3lear melt5o%n. AS"e?s >ust outsi5e o1 $"e Grey !at. At t"e en5 o1 t"e 8lo3k.C A$"anks.C 9 -a)e "im t"e t%enty. His 1in-ernails "a5 -rime em8e55e5 in t"em. ADou sure you 5on?t %ant some a3tionBC His )oi3e %as small an5 un3ertain@ like "is eyes. #ut o1 t"e 3omer o1 my eye 9 sa% Hean2!lau5e mo)in- t"rou-" t"e 3ro%5. He %as 3omin- 1or me. $o prote3t me. 9 turne5 8a3k to t"e 8oy. A9?)e -ot more a3tion t"an 9 kno% %"at to 5o %it"@C 9 sai5. He 1ro%ne5@ lookin- puEEle5. $"at %as all ri-"t. 9 %as puEEle5@ too. ="at 5o you 5o %it" a master )ampire t"at %on?t lea)e you aloneB Goo5 ;uestion. :n1ortunately@ %"at 9 nee5e5 %as a -oo5 ans%er.

Chapter Twenty-four
="eel3"air =an5a %as a small %oman sittin- in one o1 t"ose sport %"eel3"airs t"at are use5 1or ra3in-. S"e %ore %orkout -lo)es@ an5 t"e mus3les in "er arms mo)e5 un5er "er tanne5 skin as s"e pus"e5 "ersel1 alon-. Lon- 8ro%n "air 1ell in -entle %a)es aroun5 a )ery pretty 1a3e. $"e makeup %as taste1ul. S"e %ore a s"iny metalli3 8lue s"irt an5 no 8ra. An ankle2len-t" skirt %it" at least t%o layers o1 multi3olore5 3rinoline an5 a pair o1 stylis" 8la3k 8oots "i5 "er le-s. S"e %as mo)in- to%ar5s us at a -oo5ly pa3e. 7ost o1 t"e prostitutes@ male an5 1emale@ looke5 or5inary. $"ey %eren?t 5resse5 outra-eously@ s"orts@ mi55ri1ts. 9n t"is "eat %"o 3oul5 8lame t"emB 9 -uess i1 you %ear 1is"net >umpsuits@ t"e poli3e >ust naturally -et suspi3ious. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 8esi5e me. He -lan3e5 up at t"e si-n t"at pro3laime5 A$"e Grey !atC in a near 8lin5in- s"a5e o1 1u3"sia neon. $aste1ul. Ho% 5oes one approa3" a prostitute@ e)en >ust to talkB 9 5i5n?t kno%. Learn somet"in- ne% e)ery 5ay. 9 stoo5 in "er pat" an5 %aite5 1or "er to 3ome to me. S"e -lan3e5 up an5 3au-"t me %at3"in- "er. ="en 9 5i5n?t look a%ay@ s"e -ot eye 3onta3t an5 smile5. Hean2!lau5e mo)e5 up 8esi5e me. =an5a?s smile 8roa5ene5 or 5eepene5. 9t %as a 5e1inite A3ome alon- smileC as my Gran5mot"er Blake use5 to say. Hean2!lau5e %"ispere5@ A9s t"at a prostituteBC ADes@C 9 sai5.

A9n a %"eel3"airBC "e aske5. ADep.C A7y@C %as all "e sai5. 9 t"ink Hean2!lau5e %as s"o3ke5. /i3e to kno% "e 3oul5 8e. S"e stoppe5 "er 3"air %it" an e*pert mo)ement o1 "an5s. S"e smile5@ 3ranin- to look up at us. $"e an-le looke5 pain1ul. AHi@C s"e sai5. AHi@C 9 sai5. S"e 3ontinue5 to smile. 9 3ontinue5 to stare. ="y 5i5 9 su55enly 1eel a%k%ar5B AA 1rien5 tol5 me a8out you@C 9 sai5. =an5a no55e5. ADou are t"e one t"ey re1er to as ="eel3"air =an5aBC S"e -rinne5 su55enly@ an5 "er 1a3e looke5 real. Be"in5 all t"ose lo)ely 8ut 1ake smiles %as a real person. ADea"@ t"at?s me.C A!oul5 %e talkBC ASure@C s"e sai5. ADou -ot a roomBC 4i5 9 "a)e a roomB =asn?t s"e suppose5 to 5o t"atB A/o.C S"e %aite5. #"@ "ell. A=e >ust %ant to talk to you 1or an "our@ or t%o. =e?ll pay %"ate)er t"e -oin- rate is.C S"e tol5 me t"e -oin- rate. AHesus@ t"at?s a little steep@C 9 sai5. S"e smile5 8eati1i3ally at me. ASupply an5 5eman5@C s"e sai5. ADou 3an?t -et a taste o1 %"at 9 "a)e any%"ere else.C S"e smoot"e5 "er "an5s 5o%n "er le-s as s"e sai5 it. 7y eyes 1ollo%e5 "er "an5s like t"ey %ere suppose5 to. $"is %as too %eir5. 9 no55e5. A#kay@ you -ot a 5eal.C 9t %as a 8usiness e*pense. !omputer paper@ ink pens me5ium point@ one prostitute@ manila 1ile 1ol5ers. See@ it 1it ri-"t in. Bert %as -oin- to lo)e t"is one.

Chapter Twenty-five
=e took =an5a 8a3k to my apartment. $"ere are no ele)ators in my 8uil5in-. $%o 1li-"ts o1 stairs are not e*a3tly %"eel3"air a33essi8le. Hean2!lau5e 3arrie5 "er. His stri5e %as e)en an5 1lui5 as "e %alke5 a"ea5 o1 me. =an5a 5i5n?t e)en slo% "im 5o%n. 9 1ollo%e5 %it" t"e %"eel3"air. 9t 5i5 slo% me 5o%n. $"e only 3onsolation 9 "a5 %as 9 -ot to %at3" Hean2!lau5e 3lim8 t"e stairs. So sue me. He "a5 a )ery ni3e 8a3ksi5e 1or a )ampire. He %as %aitin- 1or me in t"e upper "all%ay@ stan5in- %it" =an5a 3u55le5 in "is arms. $"ey 8ot" looke5 at me %it" a pleasant sort o1 8lankness. 9 %"eele5 t"e 3ollapse5 %"eel3"air o)er t"e 3arpetin-. Hean2!lau5e 1ollo%e5 me. $"e 3rinoline in =an5a?s skirts 3rinkle5 an5 %"ispere5 as "e mo)e5. 9 leane5 t"e %"eel3"air a-ainst my le- an5 unlo3ke5 t"e 5oor. 9 pus"e5 t"e 5oor all t"e %ay 8a3k to t"e %all to -i)e Hean2 !lau5e room. $"e %"eel3"air 1ol5e5 in%ar5s like a 3lot" 8a8y stroller. 9 stru--le5 to make t"e metal 8ars 3at3"@ so t"e 3"air %oul5 8e soli5 a-ain. As 9 suspe3te5@ it %as easier to 8reak it t"an to 1i* it. 9 -lan3e5 up 1rom my stru--les an5 1oun5 Hean2!lau5e still stan5in- outsi5e my 5oor. =an5a %as starin- at "im@ 1ro%nin-. A="at?s %ron-BC 9 aske5. A9 "a)e ne)er 8een to your apartment.C ASoBC A$"e -reat )ampire e*pert ... 3ome@ Anita.C #". ADou "a)e my permission to enter my "ome.C He -a)e a sort o1 8o% 1rom t"e ne3k. A9 am "onore5@C "e sai5.

$"e %"eel3"air snappe5 into s"ape a-ain. Hean2!lau5e set =an5a in "er 3"air. 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor. =an5a smoot"e5 "er lon- skirts o)er "er le-s. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 in t"e mi55le o1 my li)in- room an5 -aEe5 a8out. He -aEe5 at t"e pen-uin 3alen5ar on t"e %all 8y t"e kit3"enette. He ri1le5 t"e pa-es to see 1uture mont"s@ -aEin- at pi3tures o1 3"unky 1li-"tless 8ir5s until "e?5 seen e)ery pi3ture. 9 %ante5 to tell "im to stop@ 8ut it %as "armless. 9 5i5n?t %rite appointments on t"e 3alen5ar. ="y 5i5 it 8ot"er me t"at "e %as so 5amne5 intereste5 in itB 9 turne5 8a3k to t"e prostitute in my li)in- room. $"e ni-"t %as entirely too %eir5. A=oul5 you like somet"in- to 5rinkBC 9 aske5. ="en in 5ou8t@ 8e polite. A<e5 %ine i1 you "a)e it@C =an5a sai5. ASorry@ not"in- al3o"oli3 in t"e "ouse. !o11ee@ so1t 5rinks %it" real su-ar in t"em@ an5 %ater@ t"at?s a8out it.C ASo1t 5rink@C s"e sai5. 9 -ot "er a 3an o1 !oke out o1 t"e 1ri5-e. ADou %ant a -lassBC S"e s"ook "er "ea5. Hean2!lau5e %as leanin- a-ainst t"e %all@ starin- at me as 9 mo)e5 a8out t"e kit3"en. A9 5on?t nee5 a -lass eit"er@C "e sai5 so1tly. A4on?t -et 3ute@C 9 sai5. A$oo late@C "e sai5. 9 "a5 to smile. $"e smile seeme5 to please "im. ="i3" ma5e me 1ro%n. Li1e %as "ar5 aroun5 Hean2!lau5e. He sort o1 %an5ere5 o11 to%ar5s t"e 1is" tank. He %as -i)in- "imsel1 a tour o1 my apartment. #1 3ourse@ "e %oul5. But at least it %oul5 -i)e =an5a an5 9 some pri)a3y. AS"it@ "e?s a )ampire@C =an5a sai5. S"e soun5e5 surprise5. ="i3" surprise5 me. 9 3oul5 al%ays tell. 4ea5 %as 5ea5 to me@ no matter "o% pretty t"e 3orpse. ADou 5i5n?t kno%BC 9 aske5. A/o@ 9?m not 3o11in28ait@C s"e sai5. $"ere %as a ti-"tness to "er 1a3e. $"e 1li3k o1 "er eyes as s"e 1ollo%e5 Hean2!lau5e?s 3asual mo)ements aroun5 t"e room %as ne%. S"e %as s3are5. A="at?s 3o11in28aitBC 9 "an5e5 "er t"e so1t 5rink. AA %"ore t"at 5oes )ampires.C !o11in28ait@ "o% ;uaint. AHe %on?t tou3" you.C S"e turne5 8ro%n eyes to me t"en. Her -aEe %as )ery t"orou-"@ as i1 s"e %ere tryin- to rea5 t"e insi5e o1 my "ea5. =as 9 tellin- t"e trut"B Ho% terri1yin- to -o a%ay %it" stran-ers to rooms an5 not kno% i1 t"ey %ill "urt you or not. 4esperation@ or a 5eat" %is". ASo you an5 9 are -oin- to 5o itBC s"e aske5. Her -aEe ne)er le1t my 1a3e. 9 8linke5 at "er. 9t took me a moment to realiEe %"at s"e meant. A/o.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ 9 sai5 9 >ust %ante5 to talk. 9 meant it.C 9 t"ink 9 %as 8lus"in-. 7ay8e t"e 8lus" 5i5 it. S"e poppe5 t"e top on t"e so5a 3an an5 took a 5rink. ADou %ant me to talk a8out 5oin- it %it" ot"er people@ %"ile you 5o it %it" "imBC S"e motione5 "er "ea5 to%ar5s t"e %an5erin- )ampire. Hean2!lau5e %as stan5in- in 1ront o1 t"e only pi3ture 9 "a5 in t"e room. 9t %as mo5ern an5 mat3"e5 t"e 5e3or. Grey@ %"ite@ 8la3k@ an5 palest pink. 9t %as one o1 t"ose 5esi-ns t"at t"e lon-er you stare5 at it@ t"e more s"apes you 3oul5 pi3k out. ALook@ =an5a@ %e are >ust -oin- to talk. $"at?s it. /o8o5y is -oin- to 5o anyt"in- to any8o5y. #kayBC S"e s"ru--e5. A9t?s your money. =e 3an 5o %"at you %ant.C $"at one statement ma5e my stoma3" "urt. S"e meant it. 9?5 pai5 t"e money. S"e %oul5 5o anyt"in- 9 %ante5. Anyt"in-B 9t %as too a%1ul. $"at any "uman 8ein- %oul5 say Aanyt"in-C an5 mean it. #1 3ourse@ s"e 5re% t"e line at )ampires. ,)en %"ores "a)e stan5ar5s. =an5a %as smilin- up at me. $"e 3"an-e %as e*traor5inary. Her 1a3e -lo%e5. S"e %as instantly lo)ely. ,)en "er eyes -lo%e5. 9t remin5e5 me o1 !i3ely?s soun5less lau-"in- 1a3e. Ba3k to 8usiness. A9 "ear5 you %ere Harol5 Gaynor?s mistress a %"ile 8a3k.C /o preliminaries@ no s%eet talk. #11 %it" t"e 3lot"es. =an5a?s smile 1a5e5. $"e -lo% o1 "umor 5ie5 in "er eyes@ repla3e5 8y %ariness. A9 5on?t kno% t"e name.C

ADea"@ you 5o@C 9 sai5. 9 %as still stan5in-@ 1or3in- "er to look up at me in t"at near pain1ul an-le. S"e sippe5 "er 5rink an5 s"ook "er "ea5 %it"out lookin- up at me. A!ome on@ =an5a@ 9 kno% you %ere Gaynor?s s%eetie. A5mit you kno% "im@ an5 %e?ll %ork 1rom t"ere.C S"e -lan3e5 up at me@ t"en 5o%n. A/o. 9?ll 5o you. 9?ll let t"e )amp %at3". 9?ll talk 5irty to you 8ot". But 9 5on?t kno% any8o5y name5 Gaynor.C 9 leane5 5o%n@ puttin- my "an5s on t"e arms o1 "er 3"air. #ur 1a3es %ere )ery 3lose. A9?m not a reporter. Gaynor %ill ne)er kno% you talke5 to me unless you tell "im.C Her eyes "a5 -otten 8i--er. 9 -lan3e5 %"ere s"e %as starin-. $"e =in58reaker "a5 1allen 1or%ar5. 7y -un %as s"o%in-@ %"i3" seeme5 to upset "er. Goo5. A$alk to me@ =an5a.C 7y )oi3e %as so1t. 7il5. $"e mil5est o1 )oi3es is o1ten t"e %orst t"reat. A="o t"e "ell are youB Dou?re not 3ops. Dou?re not a reporter. So3ial %orkers 5on?t 3arry -uns. ="o are youBC $"at last ;uestion "a5 t"e lilt o1 1ear in it. Hean2!lau5e strolle5 into t"e room. He?5 8een in my 8e5room. Great@ >ust -reat. A$rou8le@ ma petiteBC 9 5i5n?t 3orre3t "im on t"e ni3kname. =an5a 5i5n?t nee5 to kno% t"ere %as 5issent in t"e ranks. AS"e?s 8ein- stu88orn@C 9 sai5. 9 steppe5 8a3k 1rom "er 3"air. 9 took o11 t"e =in58reaker an5 lai5 it o)er t"e kit3"en 3ounter. =an5a stare5 at t"e -un like 9 kne% s"e %oul5. 9 may not 8e intimi5atin-@ 8ut t"e Bro%nin- is. Hean2!lau5e %alke5 up 8e"in5 "er. His slen5er "an5s tou3"e5 "er s"oul5ers. S"e >umpe5 like it "a5 "urt. 9 kne% it "a5n?t "urt. 7i-"t 8e 8etter i1 it 5i5. AHe?ll kill me@C =an5a sai5. A lot o1 people seeme5 to say t"at a8out 7r. Gaynor. AHe?ll ne)er kno%@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e ru88e5 "is 3"eek a-ainst "er "air. His 1in-ers knea5in- "er s"oul5ers@ -ently. AAn5@ my s%eet 3o;uette@ "e is not "ere %it" you toni-"t.C He spoke %it" "is lips a-ainst "er ear. A=e are.C He sai5 somet"in- else so so1t 9 3oul5 not "ear. #nly "is lips mo)e5@ soun5lessly 1or me. =an5a "ear5 "im. Her eyes %i5ene5@ an5 s"e starte5 to trem8le. Her entire 8o5y seeme5 in t"e -rip o1 some kin5 o1 1it. $ears -littere5 in "er eyes an5 1ell 5o%n "er 3"eeks in one -ra3e1ul 3ur)e. Hesus. APlease@ 5on?t. Please 5on?t let "im.C Her )oi3e %as s;ueeEe5 small an5 t"in %it" 1ear. 9 "ate5 Hean2!lau5e in t"at moment. An5 9 "ate5 me. 9 %as one o1 t"e -oo5 -uys. 9t %as one o1 my last illusions. 9 %asn?t %illin- to -i)e it up@ not e)en i1 it %orke5. =an5a %oul5 talk or s"e %oul5n?t. /o torture. ABa3k o11@ Hean2!lau5e@C 9 sai5. He -aEe5 up at me. A9 3an taste "er terror like stron- %ine.C His eyes %ere soli5@ 5ro%nin- 8lue. He looke5 8lin5. His 1a3e %as still lo)ely as "e opene5 "is mout" %i5e an5 1an-s -listene5. =an5a %as still 3ryin- an5 starin- at me. 91 s"e 3oul5 "a)e seen t"e look on Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e@ s"e %oul5 "a)e 8een s3reamin-. A9 t"ou-"t your 3ontrol %as 8etter t"an t"is@ Hean2!lau5eBC A7y 3ontrol is e*3ellent@ 8ut it is not en5less.C He stoo5 a%ay 1rom "er an5 8e-an to pa3e t"e room on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 3ou3". Like a leopar5 pa3in- its 3a-e. !ontaine5 )iolen3e@ %aitin- 1or release. 9 3oul5 not see "is 1a3e. Ha5 t"e spook a3t 8een 1or =an5a?s 8ene1itB #r realB 9 s"ook my "ea5. /o %ay to ask in 1ront o1 =an5a. 7ay8e later. 7ay8e. 9 knelt in 1ront o1 =an5a. S"e %as -rippin- t"e so5a 3an so "ar5@ s"e %as 5entin- it. 9 5i5n?t tou3" "er@ >ust knelt 3lose 8y. A9 %on?t let "im "urt you. Honest. Harol5 Gaynor is t"reatenin- me. $"at?s %"y 9 nee5 in1ormation.C =an5a %as lookin- at me@ 8ut "er attention %as on t"e )ampire in 8a3k o1 "er. $"ere %as a %at3"1ul tension in "er s"oul5ers. S"e %oul5 ne)er rela* %"ile Hean2!lau5e %as in t"e room. $"e la5y "a5 taste. AHean2!lau5e@ Hean2!lau5e.C His 1a3e looke5 as or5inary as it e)er 5i5 %"en "e turne5 to 1a3e me. A smile 3rooke5 "is 1ull lips. 9t %as an a3t. Pretense. 4amn "im. =as t"ere somet"in- in 8e3omin- a )ampire t"at ma5e you sa5isti3B AGo into t"e 8e5room 1or a %"ile. =an5a an5 9 nee5 to talk in pri)ate.C ADour 8e5room.C His smile %i5ene5. A7y pleasure@ ma petite.C 9 s3o%le5 at "im. He %as un5aunte5. As al%ays. But "e le1t t"e room as 9?5 aske5. =an5a?s s"oul5ers slumpe5. S"e 5re% a s"aky 8reat". ADou really aren?t -oin- to let "im "urt me@ are youBC

A/o@ 9?m not.C S"e starte5 to 3ry t"en@ so1t@ s"aky tears. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o. 9?)e ne)er kno%n %"at to 5o %"en someone 3ries. 4i5 9 "u- "erB Pat "er "an5 3om1ortin-ly. ="atB 9 1inally sat 8a3k on t"e -roun5 in 1ront o1 "er@ leanin- 8a3k on my "eels@ an5 5i5 not"in-. 9t took a 1e% moments@ 8ut 1inally t"e 3ryin- stoppe5. S"e 8linke5 up at me. $"e makeup aroun5 "er eyes "a5 1a5e5@ >ust )anis"e5. 9t ma5e "er look )ulnera8le@ more rat"er t"an less attra3ti)e. 9 "a5 t"e ur-e to take "er in my arms an5 ro3k "er like a 3"il5. ="isper lies@ a8out "o% e)eryt"in- %oul5 8e alri-"t. ="en s"e le1t "ere toni-"t@ s"e %as still -oin- to 8e a %"ore. A 3ripple5 %"ore. Ho% 3oul5 t"at 8e alri-"tB 9 s"ook my "ea5 more at me t"an at "er. ADou %ant some Kleene*BC S"e no55e5. 9 -ot "er t"e 8o* 1rom t"e kit3"en 3ounter. S"e %ipe5 at "er 1a3e an5 8le% "er nose so1tly@ )ery la5ylike. A!an %e talk no%BC S"e 8linke5 at me an5 no55e5. S"e took a s"aky sip o1 pop. ADou kno% Harol5 Gaynor@ ri-"tBC S"e >ust stare5 at me@ 5ully. Ha5 %e 8roken "erB A91 "e 1in5s out@ "e %ill kill me. 7ay8e 9 5on?t %ant to 8e 3o11in28ait@ 8ut 9 sure as "ell 5on?t %ant to 5ie eit"er.C A/o one 5oes. $alk to me@ =an5a@ please.C S"e let out a s"aky si-". A#kay@ 9 kno% Harol5.C Harol5B A$ell me a8out "im.C =an5a stare5 at me. Her eyes narro%e5. $"ere %ere 1ine lines aroun5 "er eyes. 9t ma5e "er ol5er t"an 9 "a5 t"ou-"t. AHas "e sent Bruno or $ommy a1ter you yetBC A$ommy 3ame 1or a personal meetin-.C A="at "appene5BC A9 5re% a -un on "im.C A$"at -unBC s"e aske5 in a small )oi3e. ADes.C A="at 5i5 you 5o to make Harol5 ma5BC $rut" or lieB /eit"er. A9 re1use5 to 5o somet"in- 1or "im.C A="atBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9t 5oesn?t matter.C A9t 3an?t "a)e 8een se*. Dou aren?t 3ripple5.C S"e sai5 t"e last %or5 like it %as "ar5. AHe 5oesn?t tou3" anyone %"o?s %"ole.C $"e 8itterness in "er )oi3e %as t"i3k enou-" to taste. AHo% 5i5 you meet "imBC 9 aske5. A9 %as in 3olle-e at =as" :. Gaynor %as 5onatin- money 1or somet"in-.C AAn5 "e aske5 you outBC ADea".C Her )oi3e %as so so1t@ 9 "a5 to lean 1or%ar5 to "ear it. A="at "appene5BC A=e %ere 8ot" in %"eel3"airs. He %as ri3". 9t %as -reat.C S"e rolle5 "er lips un5er@ like s"e %as smoot"in- lipsti3k@ t"en out@ an5 s%allo%e5. A="en 5i5 it stop 8ein- -reatBC 9 aske5. A9 mo)e5 in %it" "im. 4roppe5 out o1 3olle-e. 9t %as ... easier t"an 3olle-e. ,asier t"an anyt"in-. He 3oul5n?t -et enou-" o1 me.C S"e stare5 5o%n at "er lap a-ain. AHe starte5 %antin- )ariety in t"e 8e5room. See@ "is le-s are 3ripple5@ 8ut "e 3an 1eel. 9 3an?t 1eel.C =an5a?s )oi3e "a5 5roppe5 almost to a %"isper. 9 "a5 to lean a-ainst "er knees to "ear. AHe like5 to 5o t"in-s to my le-s@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t 1eel it. So at 1irst 9 t"ou-"t t"at %as okay@ 8ut ... 8ut "e -ot really si3k.C S"e looke5 at me su55enly@ "er 1a3e only in3"es 1rom mine. Her eyes %ere "u-e@ s%immin- %it" uns"e5 tears. AHe 3ut me up. 9 3oul5n?t 1eel it@ 8ut t"at?s not t"e point@ is itBC A/o@C 9 sai5. $"e 1irst tear traile5 5o%n "er 1a3e. 9 tou3"e5 "er "an5. Her 1in-ers %rappe5 aroun5 mine an5 "el5 on. A9t?s alri-"t@C 9 sai5@ Ait?s alri-"t.C

S"e 3rie5. 9 "el5 "er "an5 an5 lie5. A9t?s alri-"t no%@ =an5a. He 3an?t "urt you anymore.C A,)eryone "urts you@C s"e sai5. ADou %ere -oin- to "urt me.C $"ere %as a33usation in "er eyes. 9t %as a little late to e*plain -oo5 3op@ 8a5 3op to "er. S"e %oul5n?t "a)e 8elie)e5 it any%ay. A$ell me a8out Gaynor.C AHe repla3e5 me %it" a 5ea1 -irl.C A!i3ely@C 9 sai5. S"e looke5 up@ surprise5. ADou?)e met "erBC ABrie1ly.C =an5a s"ook "er "ea5. A!i3ely is one si3k 3"i3kie. S"e likes torturin- people. 9t -ets "er o11.C =an5a looke5 at me as i1 tryin- to -au-e my rea3tion. =as 9 s"o3ke5B /o. AHarol5 slept %it" 8ot" o1 us at t"e same time@ sometimes. At t"e en5 it %as al%ays a t"reesome. 9t -ot real rou-".C Her )oi3e 5roppe5 lo%er an5 lo%er@ a "oarse %"isper. A!i3ely likes kni)es. S"e?s real -oo5 at skinnin- t"in-s.C S"e rolle5 "er lips un5er a-ain in t"at lipsti3k2smoot"in- -esture. AGaynor %oul5 kill me >ust 1or tellin- you "is 8e5room se3rets.C A4o you kno% any 8usiness se3retsBC S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A/o@ 9 s%ear. He %as al%ays )ery 3are1ul to keep me out o1 t"at. 9 t"ou-"t at 1irst it %as so i1 t"e poli3e 3ame@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e arreste5.C S"e looke5 5o%n at "er lap. ALater@ 9 realiEe5 it %as 8e3ause "e kne% 9 %oul5 8e repla3e5. He 5i5n?t %ant me to kno% anyt"in- t"at 3oul5 "urt "im %"en "e t"re% me a%ay.C $"ere %as no 8itterness no%@ no an-er@ only a "ollo% sa5ness. 9 %ante5 "er to rant an5 ra)e. $"is ;uiet 5espair %as a3"in-. A "urt t"at %oul5 ne)er "eal. Gaynor "a5 5one %orse t"an kill "er. He?5 le1t "er ali)e. Ali)e an5 as 3ripple5 insi5e as out. A9 3an?t tell you anyt"in- 8ut 8e5room talk. 9t %on?t "elp you "urt "im.C A9s t"ere any 8e5room talk t"at isn?t a8out se*BC 9 aske5. A="at 5o you meanBC APersonal se3rets@ 8ut not se*. Dou. %ere "is s%eetie 1or nearly t%o years. He must "a)e talke5 a8out somet"in- ot"er t"an se*.C S"e 1ro%ne5@ t"inkin-. A9 ... 9 -uess "e talke5 a8out "is 1amily.C A="at a8out "is 1amilyBC AHe %as ille-itimate. He %as o8sesse5 %it" "is real 1at"er?s 1amily.C AHe kne% %"o t"ey %ereBC =an5a no55e5. A$"ey %ere ri3"@ ol5 money. His mot"er %as a "ooker turne5 mistressJ ="en s"e -ot pre-nant@ t"ey t"re% "er out.C Like Gaynor 5i5 to "is %omen@ 9 t"ou-"t. 'reu5 is so o1ten at %ork in our li)es. #ut lou5 9 sai5@ A="at 1amilyBC AHe ne)er sai5. 9 t"ink "e t"ou-"t 9?5 8la3kmail t"em or -o to t"em %it" "is 5irty little se3rets. He 5esperately %ants t"em to re-ret not %el3omin- "im into t"e 1amily. 9 t"ink "e only ma5e "is money so "e 3oul5 8e as ri3" as t"ey %ere.C A91 "e ne)er -a)e you a name@ "o% 5o you kno% "e %asn?t lyin-BC ADou %oul5n?t ask i1 you 3oul5 "ear "im. His )oi3e %as so intense. He "ates t"em. An5 "e %ants "is 8irt"ri-"t. $"eir money is "is 8irt"ri-"t.C AHo% 5oes "e plan to -et t"eir moneyBC 9 aske5. AHust 8e1ore 9 le1t "im@ Harol5 "a5 1oun5 %"ere some o1 "is an3estors %ere 8urie5. He talke5 a8out treasure. Burie5 treasure@ 3an you 8elie)e itBC A9n t"e -ra)esBC A/o@ "is 1at"er?s people -ot t"eir 1irst 1ortune 1rom 8ein- ri)er pirates. $"ey saile5 t"e 7ississippi an5 ro88e5 people. Gaynor %as prou5 o1 t"at an5 an-ry a8out it. He sai5 t"at t"e %"ole 8un3" o1 t"em %ere 5es3en5e5 1rom t"ie)es an5 %"ores. ="ere 5i5 t"ey -et o11 8ein- so "i-" an5 mi-"ty to "imBC S"e %as %at3"in- my 1a3e as s"e spoke t"e last. 7ay8e s"e sa% t"e 8e-innin-s o1 an i5ea. AHo% %oul5 kno%in- t"e -ra)es o1 "is an3estors "elp "im -et t"eir treasureBC AHe sai5 "e?5 1in5 some )oo5oo priest to raise t"em. He?5 1or3e t"em to -i)e "im t"eir treasure t"at "a5 8een lost 1or 3enturies.C AA"@C 9 sai5. A="atB 4i5 t"at "elpBC

9 no55e5. 7y role in Gaynor?s little s3"eme "a5 8e3ome 3lear. Pain1ully 3lear. $"e only ;uestion le1t %as %"y meB ="y 5i5n?t "e -o to someone t"orou-"ly 5isreputa8le like 4omin-a Sal)a5orB Someone %"o %oul5 take "is money an5 kill "is "ornless -oat an5 not lose any sleep o)er it. ="y me@ %it" my reputation 1or moralityB A4i5 "e e)er mention any names o1 )oo5oo priestsBC =an5a s"ook "er "ea5. A/o@ no names. He %as al%ays 3are1ul a8out names. $"ere?s a look on your 1a3e. Ho% 3oul5 %"at 9 "a)e tol5 you >ust no% "elp youBC A9 t"ink t"e less you kno% a8out t"at@ t"e 8etter@ 5on?t youBC S"e stare5 at me 1or a lon- time 8ut 1inally no55e5. A9 -uess so.C A9s t"ere any pla3e ... C 9 let it trail o11. 9 %as -oin- to o11er "er a plane ti3ket or a 8us ti3ket to any%"ere. Any%"ere %"ere s"e %oul5n?t "a)e to sell "ersel1. Any%"ere %"ere s"e 3oul5 "eal. 7ay8e s"e rea5 it in my 1a3e or my silen3e. S"e lau-"e5@ an5 it %as a ri3" soun5. S"oul5n?t %"ores "a)e 3yni3al 3a3klesB ADou are a so3ial %orker type a1ter all. Dou %ant to sa)e me@ 5on?t youBC A9s it terri8ly nai)e to o11er you a ti3ket "ome or some%"ereBC S"e no55e5. A$erri8ly. An5 %"y s"oul5 you %ant to "elp meB Dou?re not a man. Dou 5on?t like %omen. ="y s"oul5 you o11er to sen5 me "omeBC AStupi5ity@C 9 sai5 an5 stoo5. A9t?s not stupi5.C S"e took my "an5 an5 s;ueeEe5 it. ABut it %oul5n?t 5o any -oo5. 9?m a %"ore. Here at least 9 kno% t"e to%n@ t"e people. 9 "a)e re-ulars.C S"e release5 my "an5 an5 s"ru--e5. A9 -et 8y.C A=it" a little "elp 1rom your 1rien5s@C 9 sai5. S"e smile5@ an5 it %asn?t "appy. A="ores 5on?t "a)e 1rien5s.C ADou 5on?t "a)e to 8e a %"ore. Gaynor ma5e you a %"ore@ 8ut you 5on?t "a)e to stay one.C $"ere %ere tears trem8lin- in "er eyes 1or t"e t"ir5 time t"at ni-"t. Hell@ s"e %asn?t tou-" enou-" 1or t"e streets. /o one %as. AHust 3all a ta*i@ okay. 9 5on?t %ant to talk anymore.C ="at 3oul5 9 5oB 9 3alle5 a ta*i. 9 tol5 t"e 5ri)er t"e 1are %as in a %"eel3"air like =an5a tol5 me to. S"e let Hean2!lau5e 3arry "er 8a3k 5o%nstairs 8e3ause 9 3oul5n?t 5o it. But s"e %as )ery ti-"t an5 still in "is arms. =e le1t "er in "er 3"air on t"e 3ur8. 9 %at3"e5 until t"e ta*i 3ame an5 took "er a%ay. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 8esi5e me in t"e -ol5en 3ir3le o1 li-"t >ust in 1ront o1 my apartment 8uil5in-. $"e %arm li-"t seeme5 to lee3" 3olor 1rom "is skin. A9 must lea)e you no%@ ma petite. 9t "as 8een )ery e5u3ational@ 8ut time -ro%s s"ort.C ADou?re -oin- to -o 1ee5@ aren?t youBC A4oes it s"o%BC AA little.C A9 s"oul5 3all you ma )6rit6@ Anita. Dou al%ays tell me t"e trut" a8out mysel1.C A9s t"at %"at )6rit6 meansB $rut"BC 9 aske5. He no55e5. 9 1elt 8a5. 9t3"y@ -rumpy@ restless. 9 %as ma5 at Harol5 Gaynor 1or )i3timiEin- =an5a. 7a5 o1 =an5a 1or allo%in- it. An-ry %it" mysel1 1or not 8ein- a8le to 5o anyt"in- a8out it. 9 %as pisse5 at t"e %"ole %orl5 toni-"t. 9?5 learne5 %"at Gaynor %ante5 me to 5o. An5 it 5i5n?t "elp a 5amn 8it. A$"ere %ill al%ays 8e )i3tims@ Anita. Pre5ators an5 prey@ it is t"e %ay o1 t"e %orl5.C 9 -lare5 up at "im. A9 t"ou-"t you 3oul5n?t rea5 me anymore.C A9 3annot rea5 your min5 or your t"ou-"ts@ only your 1a3e an5 %"at 9 kno% o1 you.C 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno% t"at Hean2!lau5e kne% me t"at %ell. $"at intimately. AGo a%ay@ Hean2!lau5e@ >ust -o a%ay.C AAs you like@ ma petite.C An5 >ust like t"at "e %as -one. A rus" o1 %in5@ t"en not"in-. AS"o%2o11@C 9 murmure5. 9 %as le1t stan5in- in t"e 5ark@ tastin- t"e 1irst e5-e o1 tears. ="y 5i5 9 %ant to 3ry o)er a %"ore %"om 9?5 >ust metB #)er t"e un1airness o1 t"e %orl5 in -eneralB Hean2!lau5e %as ri-"t. $"ere %oul5 al%ays 8e prey an5 pre5ator. An5 9 "a5 %orke5 )ery "ar5 to 8e one o1 t"e pre5ators. 9 %as t"e ,*e3utioner. So %"y %ere my sympat"ies al%ays %it" t"e )i3timsB An5 %"y 5i5 t"e 5espair in =an5a?s eyes make me "ate Gaynor more t"an anyt"in- "e?5 e)er 5one to meB

="y in5ee5B

Chapter Twenty-six
$"e p"one ran-. 9 mo)e5 not"in- 8ut my eyes to -lan3e at t"e 8e5si5e 3lo3kJ (J&+ A.7. S"it. 9 lay t"ere %aitin-@ "al1 5ri1te5 to sleep a-ain %"en t"e ans%erin- ma3"ine pi3ke5 up. A9t?s 4olp". =e 1oun5 anot"er one. !all my pa-er ... C 9 s3ram8le5 1or t"e p"one@ 5roppin- t"e re3ei)er in t"e pro3ess. AH?lo@ 4olp". 9?m "ere.C ALate ni-"tBC ADea"@ %"at?s upBC A#ur 1rien5 "as 5e3i5e5 t"at sin-le 1amily "omes are easy pi3kin-s.C His )oi3e soun5e5 rou-" %it" la3k o1 sleep. AGo5@ not anot"er 1amily.C A?'rai5 so. !an you 3ome outBC 9t %as a stupi5 ;uestion@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t point t"at out. 7y stoma3" "a5 5roppe5 into my knees. 9 5i5n?t %ant a repeat o1 t"e <eynol5s "ouse. 9 5i5n?t t"ink my ima-ination 3oul5 stan5 it. AGi)e me t"e a55ress. 9?ll 8e t"ere.C He -a)e me t"e a55ress. ASt. Peters@C 9 sai5. A9t?s 3lose to St. !"arles@ 8ut still ... C AStill %"atBC A9t?s a lon- %ay to %alk 1or a sin-le 1amily "ome. $"ere are lots o1 "ouses t"at 1it t"e 8ill in St. !"arles. ="y 5i5 it tra)el so 1ar to 1ee5BC ADou?re askin- meBC "e sai5. $"ere %as somet"in- almost like lau-"ter in "is )oi3e. A!ome on out@ 7s. Voo5oo ,*pert. See %"at t"ere is to see.C A4olp"@ is it as 8a5 as t"e <eynol5s "ouseBC ABa5@ %orse@ %orst o1 all@C "e sai5. $"e lau-"ter %as still t"ere@ 8ut it "el5 an e5-e o1 somet"in- "ar5 an5 sel1 5epre3atin-. A$"is isn?t your 1ault@C 9 sai5. A$ell t"at to t"e top 8rass. $"ey?re s3reamin- 1or someone?s ass.C A4i5 you -et t"e %arrantBC A9t?ll 3ome in t"is a1ternoon late.C A/o one -ets %arrants on a %eeken5@C 9 sai5. ASpe3ial pani32mo5e 5ispensation@C 4olp" sai5. AGet your ass out "ere@ Anita. ,)eryone nee5s to -o "ome.C He "un- up. 9 5i5n?t 8ot"er sayin- 8ye. Anot"er mur5er. S"it@ s"it@ s"it. 4ou8le s"it. 9t %as not t"e %ay 9 %ante5 to spen5 Satur5ay mornin-. But %e %ere -ettinour %arrant. Dippee. $"e trou8le %as 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to look 1or. 9 %asn?t really a )oo5oo e*pert. 9 %as a preternatural 3rimes e*pert. 9t %asn?t t"e same t"in-. 7ay8e 9 s"oul5 ask 7anny to 3ome alon-. /o@ no@ 9 5i5n?t %ant "im near 4omin-a Sal)a5or in 3ase s"e 5e3i5e5 to 3ut a 5eal an5 -i)e "im to t"e poli3e. $"ere is no statute o1 limitations on "uman sa3ri1i3e. 7anny 3oul5 still -o 5o%n 1or it. 9t?5 8e 4omin-a?s style to tra5e my 1rien5 1or "er li1e. 7akin- it@ in a roun5a8out %ay@ my 1ault. Dea"@ s"e?5 lo)e t"at. $"e messa-e li-"t on my ans%erin- ma3"ine %as 8linkin-. ="y "a5n?t 9 noti3e5 it last ni-"tB 9 s"ru--e5. #ne o1 li1e?s mysteries. 9 presse5 t"e play8a3k 8utton. AAnita Blake@ t"is is Ho"n Burke. 9 -ot your messa-e. !all me anytime "ere. 9?m ea-er to "ear %"at you "a)e.C He -a)e t"e p"one num8er@ an5 t"at %as it. Great@ a mur5er s3ene@ a trip to t"e mor-ue@ an5 a )isit to )oo5oo lan5@ all in one 5ay. 9t %as -oin- to 8e a 8usy an5 unpleasant 5ay. 9t mat3"e5 last ni-"t per1e3tly@ an5 t"e ni-"t 8e1ore. S"it@ 9 %as on a roll.

Chapter Twenty-seven
$"ere %as a patrol 3op t"ro%in- up "is -uts into one o1 t"ose -iant@ elep"ant2siEe5 tras" 3ans in 1ront o1 t"e "ouse. Ba5 si-n. $"ere %as a tele)ision ne%s )an parke5 a3ross t"e street. =orse si-n. 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% 4olp" "a5 kept Eom8ie

massa3res out o1 t"e ne%s so lon-. !urrent e)ents must "a)e 8een really "oppin- 1or t"e ne%s"oun5s to i-nore su3" easy "ea5lines. K#7B9,S 7ASSA!<, 'A79LD. K#7B9, S,<9AL 7:<4,<,< #/ L##S,. Hesus@ it %as -oin- to 8e a mess. $"e 3amera 3re%@ 3omplete %it" mi3rop"one28earin- suit@ %at3"e5 me as 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e yello% poli3e tape. ="en 9 3lippe5 t"e o11i3ial plasti3 3ar5 on my 3ollar@ t"e ne%s 3re% mo)e5 like one animal. $"e uni1orm at t"e poli3e tape "el5 it 1or me@ "is eyes on t"e 5es3en5in- press. 9 5i5n?t look 8a3k. /e)er look 8a3k %"en t"e press are -ainin- on you. $"ey 3at3" you i1 you 5o. $"e 8lon5 in t"e suit yelle5 out@ A7s. Blake@ 7s. Blake@ 3an you -i)e us a statementBC Al%ays ni3e to 8e re3o-niEe5@ 9 -uess. But 9 preten5e5 not to "ear. 9 kept %alkin-@ "ea5 5etermine5ly 5o%n. A 3rime s3ene is a 3rime s3ene is a 3rime s3ene. ,*3ept 1or t"e uni;ue ni-"tmaris" ;ualities o1 ea3" one. 9 %as stan5inin a 8e5room o1 a )ery ni3e one2story ran3". $"ere %as a %"ite 3eilin- 1an t"at turne5 slo%ly. 9t ma5e a 1aint %"irrin3reak@ as i1 it %asn?t s3re%e5 in ti-"t on one si5e. Better to 3on3entrate on t"e small t"in-s. $"e %ay t"e east li-"t 1ell t"rou-" t"e slantin- 8lin5s@ paintin- t"e room in Ee8ra2stripe s"a5o%s. Better not to look at %"at %as le1t on t"e 8e5. 4i5n?t %ant to look. 4i5n?t %ant to see. Ha5 to see. Ha5 to look. 7i-"t 1in5 a 3lue. Sure@ an5 pi-s 3oul5 1u3kin- 1ly. But still@ may8e@ may8e t"ere %oul5 8e a 3lue. 7ay8e. Hope is a lyin- 8it3". $"ere are rou-"ly t%o -allons o1 8loo5 in t"e "uman 8o5y. As mu3" 8loo5 as t"ey put on tele)ision an5 t"e mo)ies@ it?s ne)er enou-". $ry 5umpin- out t%o 1ull -allons o1 milk on your 8e5room 1loor. See %"at a mess it makes@ no% multiply t"at 8y ... somet"in-. $"ere %as too mu3" 8loo5 1or >ust one person. $"e 3arpet s;uee3"e5 un5er1oot@ an5 8loo5 3ame up in little splatters like mu5 a1ter a rain. 7y %"ite /ikes %ere spotte5 %it" s3arlet 8e1ore 9 %as "al1%ay to t"e 8e5. Lesson learne5J %ear 8la3k /ikes to mur5er s3enes. $"e smell %as t"i3k in t"e room. 9 %as -la5 1or t"e 3eilin- 1an. $"e room smelle5 like a mi*ture o1 slau-"ter"ouse an5 out"ouse. S"it an5 8loo5. $"e smell o1 1res" 5eat"@ more o1ten t"an not. S"eets 3o)ere5 not >ust t"e 8e5@ 8ut a lot o1 t"e 1loor aroun5 t"e 8e5. 9t looke5 like -iant paper to%els t"ro%n o)er t"e %orl5?s 8i--est Kool2Ai5 spill. $"ere "a5 to 8e pie3es all o)er@ un5er t"e s"eets. $"e lumps %ere so small@ too small to 8e a 8o5y. $"ere %asn?t a sin-le s3arlet2soake5 8ump t"at %as 8i- enou-" 1or a "uman 8o5y. APlease 5on?t make me look@C 9 %"ispere5 to t"e empty room. A4i5 you say somet"in-BC 9 >umpe5 an5 1oun5 4olp" stan5in- >ust 8e"in5 me. AHesus@ 4olp"@ you s3are5 me.C A=ait until you see %"at?s un5er t"e s"eets. $"en you 3an 8e s3are5.C 9 5i5n?t %ant to see %"at %as un5er t"e army o1 8loo52soake5 s"eets. Surely@ 9?5 seen enou-" 1or one %eek. 7y ;uota o1 -ore "a5 to "a)e 8een e*3ee5e5@ ni-"t 8e1ore last. Dea"@ 9 %as o)er my ;uota. 4olp" stoo5 in t"e 5oor%ay %aitin-. $"ere %ere tiny pin3"e5 lines 8y "is eyes t"at 9 "a5 ne)er noti3e5. He %as pale an5 nee5e5 a s"a)e. =e all nee5e5 somet"in-. But 1irst 9 "a5 to look un5er t"e s"eets. 91 4olp" 3oul5 5o it@ 9 3oul5 5o it. <i2i-"t. 4olp" stu3k "is "ea5 out in t"e "all%ay. A=e nee5 some "elp in "ere li1tin- t"e s"eets. A1ter Blake sees t"e remains %e 3an -o "ome.C 9 t"ink "e a55e5 t"at last 8e3ause no one "a5 mo)e5 to "elp. He %asn?t -oin- to -et any )olunteers. AKer8ro%ski@ Perry@ 7erlioni@ -et your 8utts in "ere.C $"e 8a-s un5er Ker8ro%ski?s eyes looke5 like 8ruises. AHiya@ Blake.C AHi@ Ker8ro%ski@ you look like s"it.C He lau-"e5. AAn5 you still look 1res" an5 lo)ely as a sprin- mornin-.C He -rinne5 at me. ADea"@ ri-"t@C 9 sai5. 4ete3ti)e Perry sai5@ A7s. Blake@ -oo5 to see you a-ain.C 9 "a5 to smile. Perry %as t"e only 3op 9 kne% %"o %oul5 8e -ra3ious e)en o)er t"e 8loo5y remains. A/i3e to see you@ too@ 4ete3ti)e Perry.C A!an %e -et on %it" t"is@C 7erlioni sai5@ Aor are t"e t%o o1 you plannin- to elopeBC 7erlioni %as tall@ t"ou-" not as tall as 4olp". But t"en %"o %asB He "a5 -rey 3urlin- "air 3ut s"ort an5 8uEEe5 on t"e si5es an5 o)er "is ears. He %ore a %"ite 5ress s"irt %it" t"e slee)es rolle5 up to "is el8o%s an5 a tie at "al12mast. His -un stu3k out on "is le1t "ip like a lumpy %allet. ADou take t"e 1irst s"eet t"en@ 7erlioni@ i1 you?re in su3" a 5amn "urry@C 4olp" sai5. 7erlioni si-"e5. ADea"@ yea".C He steppe5 to t"e s"eet on t"e 1loor. He knelt. ADou rea5y 1or t"is@ -irlieBC ABetter -irlie t"an 5a-o@C 9 sai5. He smile5.

A4o it.C AS"o%time@C 7erlioni sai5. He raise5 t"e s"eet an5 it stu3k in a %et s%at3" t"at pulle5 up one %et in3" at a time. AKer8ro%ski@ "elp "im raise t"e 5amn t"in-@C 4olp" sai5. Ker8ro%ski 5i5n?t ar-ue. He must "a)e 8een tire5. $"e t%o men li1te5 t"e s"eet in one %et motion. $"e mornin- sunli-"t streame5 t"rou-" t"e re5 s"eet an5 painte5 t"e ru- e)en re55er t"an it %as@ or may8e it 5i5n?t make any 5i11eren3e. Bloo5 5rippe5 1rom t"e e5-es o1 t"e s"eet %"ere t"e men "el5 it. =et@ "ea)y 5rops@ like a sink t"at nee5e5 1i*in-. 9?5 ne)er seen a s"eet saturate5 %it" 8loo5 8e1ore. A mornin- o1 1irsts. 9 stare5 at t"e ru- an5 3oul5n?t make sense o1 it. 9t %as >ust a pile o1 lumps@ small lumps. 9 knelt 8esi5e t"em. Bloo5 soake5 t"rou-" t"e knee o1 my >eans@ it %as 3ol5. Better t"an %arm@ 9 -uess. $"e 8i--est lump %as %et an5 smoot"@ a8out 1i)e in3"es lon-. 9t %as pink an5 "ealt"y2lookin-. 9t %as a s3rap o1 upper intestine. A smaller lump lay >ust 8esi5e it. 9 stare5 at t"e lump 8ut t"e lon-er 9 stare5 t"e less it looke5 like anyt"in-. 9t 3oul5 "a)e 8een a "unk o1 meat 1rom any animal. Hell@ t"e intestine 5i5n?t "a)e to 8e "uman. But it %as@ or 9 %oul5n?t 8e "ere. 9 poke5 t"e smaller -lo8 %it" one -lo)e5 1in-er. 9 "a5 remem8ere5 my sur-i3al -lo)es t"is time. Goo5y 1or me. $"e -lo8 %as %et an5 "ea)y an5 soli5. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5@ 8ut 9 %as no 3loser to kno%in- %"at it %as. $"e t%o s3raps %ere like morsels 5roppe5 1rom a 3at?s mout". !rum8s 1rom t"e ta8le. Hesus. 9 stoo5. A/e*t.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 stea5y@ or5inary. AmaEin-. 9t took all 1our men li1tin- 1rom 5i11erent 3orners to peel t"e s"eet 8a3k 1rom t"e 8e5. 7erlioni 3urse5 an5 5roppe5 "is 3orner@ A4ammitIC Bloo5 "a5 run 5o%n "is arm onto t"e %"ite s"irt. A4i5 um?s -et "is s"irt messyBC Ker8ro%ski aske5. A'u3k yes. $"is pla3e is a mess.C A9 -uess t"e la5y o1 t"e "ouse 5i5n?t "a)e time to 3lean up 8e1ore you 3ame@ 7erlioni@C 9 sai5. 7y eyes 1li3ke5 5o%n to t"e 8e5 an5 t"e remains o1 t"e la5y o1 t"e "ouse. But 9 looke5 8a3k up at 7erlioni instea5. A#r 3an?t t"e 5a-o 3op take itBC A9 3an take anyt"in- you 3an 5is" out@ little la5y@C "e sai5. 9 1ro%ne5 an5 s"ook my "ea5. ABet3"a 3an?t.C A9?ll take some o1 t"at a3tion@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. 4olp" 5i5n?t stop us@ tell us t"is %as a 3rime s3ene@ not a 8ettin- parlor. He kne% %e nee5e5 it to stay sane. 9 3oul5 not stare 5o%n at t"e remains an5 not make >okes. 9 3oul5n?t. 9?5 -o 3raEy. !ops "a)e t"e %eir5est sense o1 "umor@ 8e3ause t"ey "a)e to. AHo% mu3" you 8etBC 7erlioni sai5. AA 5inner 1or t%o at $ony?s@C 9 sai5. Ker8ro%ski %"istle5. ASteep@ )ery steep.C A9 3an a11or5 to 1oot t"e 8ill. 9s it a 5ealBC 7erlioni no55e5. A7y %i1e an5 9 "a)en?t 8een out in a-es.C He o11ere5 "is 8loo52soake5 "an5. 9 took it. $"e 3ool 8loo5 3lun- to t"e outsi5e o1 my sur-i3al -lo)es. 9t 1elt %et@ like it "a5 soake5 t"rou-" to t"e skin@ 8ut it "a5n?t. 9t %as a sensory illusion. 9 kne% t"at %"en 9 took o11 t"e -lo)es my "an5s %oul5 8e po%5er 5ry. 9t %as still unner)in-. AHo% %e pro)e %"o?s tou-"estBC 7erlioni aske5. A$"is s3ene@ "ere an5 no%@C 9 sai5. A4eal.C 9 turne5 my attention 8a3k to t"e 3arna-e %it" rene%e5 5etermination. 9 %oul5 %in t"e 8et. 9 %oul5n?t let 7erlioni "a)e t"e satis1a3tion. 9t -a)e me somet"in- to 3on3entrate on rat"er t"an t"e mess on t"e 8e5. $"e le1t "al1 o1 a ri8 3a-e lay on t"e 8e5. A nake5 8reast %as still atta3"e5 to it. $"e la5y o1 t"e "ouseB ,)eryt"in- %as 8rilliant s3arlet re5@ like someone "a5 poure5 8u3kets o1 re5 paint on t"e 8e5. 9t %as "ar5 to pi3k out t"e pie3es. $"ere a le1t arm@ small@ 1emale. 9 pi3ke5 up t"e 1in-ers an5 t"ey %ere limp@ no ri-or mortis. $"ere %as a %e55in- 8an5 set on t"e t"ir5 1in-er. 9 mo)e5 t"e 1in-ers 8a3k an5 1ort". A/o ri-or mortis. ="at 5o you t"ink@ 7erlioniBC He s;uinte5 5o%n at t"e arm. He 3oul5n?t let me out5o "im so "e 1i55le5 %it" t"e "an5@ turnin- it at t"e %rist. A!oul5 8e ri-or 3ame an5 %ent. Dou kno% t"e 1irst ri-or 5oesn?t last.C ADou really t"ink nearly t%o 5ays "a)e passe5BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"e 8loo5?s too 1res" 1or t"at. <i-or "asn?t set in. $"e 3rime isn?t ei-"t "ours ol5 yet.C He no55e5. A/ot 8a5@ Blake. But %"at 5o you make o1 t"isBC He poke5 t"e ri8 3a-e enou-" to make t"e 8reast >i--le.

9 s%allo%e5 "ar5. 9 %oul5 %in t"is 8et. A9 5on?t kno%. Let?s see. Help me roll it o)er.C 9 stare5 into "is 1a3e %"ile 9 aske5. 4i5 "e pale >ust a 8itB 7ay8e. ASure.C $"e t"ree ot"ers %ere stan5in- at t"e si5e o1 t"e room@ %at3"in- t"e s"o%. Let t"em. 9t %as a lot more 5i)ertin- t"an t"inkin- o1 t"is as %ork. 7erlioni an5 9 mo)e5 t"e ri8 3a-e o)er on its si5e. 9 ma5e sure to -i)e "im t"e 1les"y parts@ so "e en5e5 up -ropin- t"e 5ea5 8o5y. =as 8reast tissue 8reast tissueB 4i5 it matter t"at it %as 8loo5y an5 3ol5B 7erlioni looke5 >ust a little -reen. 9 -uess it mattere5. $"e insi5es o1 t"e ri8 3a-e %ere snat3"e5 3lean like 7r. <eynol5s?s ri8 3a-e. !lean an5 8loo5y smoot". =e let t"e ri8 3a-e 1all 8a3k on t"e 8e5. 9t splattere5 8loo5 in a 1aint spray onto us. His %"ite s"irt s"o%e5 it %orse t"an my 8lue polo s"irt 5i5. Point 1or me. He -rima3e5 an5 8rus"e5 at t"e 8loo5 spe3ks. He smeare5 8loo5 1rom "is -lo)es 5o%n t"e s"irt. 7erlioni 3lose5 "is eyes an5 took a 5eep 8reat". AAre you alri-"t@ 7erlioniBC 9 aske5. A9 %oul5n?t %ant you to 3ontinue i1 it?s upsettin- you.C He -lare5 at me@ t"en smile5. A most unpleasant smile. ADou ain?t seen it all@ -irlie. 9 "a)e.C ABut "a)e you tou3"e5 it allBC A tri3kle o1 s%eat sli5 5o%n "is 1a3e. ADou %on?t %ant to tou3" it all.C 9 s"ru--e5. A=e?ll see.C $"ere %as a le- on t"e 8e5@ 1rom t"e "air an5 t"e one remainin- tennis s"oe it looke5 male. $"e roun5@ %et moun5 o1 t"e 8all so3ket -leame5 out at us. $"e Eom8ie "a5 >ust torn t"e le- o11@ tearin- 1les" %it"out tearin8one. A$"at must "a)e "urt like a son o1 a 8it3"@C 9 sai5. ADou t"ink "e %as ali)e %"en t"e le- %as pulle5 o11BC 9 no55e5. ADea".C 9 %asn?t a "un5re5 per3ent sure. $"ere %as too mu3" 8loo5 to tell %"o "a5 5ie5 %"en@ 8ut 7erlioni looke5 a little paler. $"e rest o1 t"e pie3es %ere >ust 8loo5y entrails@ -lo8s o1 1les"@ 8its o1 8one. 7erlioni pi3ke5 up a "an51ul o1 entrails. A!at3".C AHesus@ 7erlioni@ t"at isn?t 1unny.C 7y stoma3" %as one ti-"t knot. A/o@ 8ut t"e look on your 1a3e is@C "e sai5. 9 -lare5 at "im an5 sai5@ A$"ro% it or 5on?t@ 7erlioni@ no teasin-.C He 8linke5 at me 1or a minute@ t"en no55e5. He tosse5 t"e strin- o1 entrails. $"ey %ere a%k%ar5 to t"ro% 8ut 9 mana-e5 to 3at3" t"em. $"ey %ere %et@ "ea)y@ 1la33i5@ s;uees"y@ an5 alto-et"er 5is-ustin-@ like tou3"in- ra% 3al1?s li)er 8ut more so. 4olp" ma5e an e*asperate5 soun5. A="ile you t%o are playin- -ross out@ 3an you tell me somet"in- use1ulBC 9 5roppe5 t"e 1les" 8a3k on t"e 8e5. ASure. $"e Eom8ie 3ame in t"rou-" t"e sli5in- -lass 5oor like last time. 9t 3"ase5 t"e man or %oman 8a3k in "ere an5 -ot t"em 8ot".C 9 stoppe5 talkin-. 9 >ust 1roEe. 7erlioni %as "ol5in- up a 8a8y 8lanket. Some tri3k "a5 le1t a 3orner o1 it 3lean. 9t %as e5-e5 in satiny pink %it" tiny 8alloons an5 3lo%ns all o)er it. Bloo5 5rippe5 "ea)ily 1rom t"e ot"er en5 o1 it. 9 stare5 at t"e tiny 8alloons an5 3lo%ns %"ile t"ey 5an3e5 in useless 3ir3les. ADou 8astar5@C 9 %"ispere5. AAre you re1errin- to meBC 7erlioni aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9 5i5n?t %ant to tou3" t"e 8lanket. But 9 rea3"e5 out 1or it. 7erlioni ma5e sure t"at t"e 8loo5y e5-e slappe5 my 8are arm. A4a-o 8astar5@C 9 sai5. ADou re1errin- to me@ 8it3"BC 9 no55e5 an5 trie5 to smile 8ut 5i5n?t really mana-e it. =e "a5 to keep preten5in- t"at t"is %as alri-"t. $"at t"is %as 5oa8le. 9t %as o8s3ene. 91 t"e 8et "a5n?t "el5 me 9?5 "a)e run s3reamin- 1rom t"e room. 9 stare5 at t"e 8lanket. AHo% ol5BC A'amily portrait out 1ront@ 9?5 -uess t"ree@ 1our mont"s.C 9 %as 1inally on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 8e5. $"ere %as anot"er s"eet25rape5 spot. 9t %as >ust as 8loo5y@ >ust as small. $"ere %as not"in- %"ole un5er t"e s"eet. 9 %ante5 to 3all t"e 8et o11. 91 t"ey %oul5n?t make me look 9?5 take t"em all to $ony?s. Hust 5on?t make me li1t t"at last s"eet. Please@ please. But 9 "a5 to look@ 8et or no 8et@ 9 "a5 to see %"at t"ere %as to see. 7i-"t as %ell see it an5 %in@ as run an5 lose. 9 "an5e5 t"e 8lanket 8a3k to 7erlioni. He took it an5 lai5 it 8a3k on t"e 8e5@ up "i-" so t"e 3lean 3orner %oul5 stay 3lean.

9 knelt on one si5e o1 t"e s"eet. He knelt on t"e ot"er. #ur eyes met. 9t %as a 3"allen-e t"en@ to t"e -ruesome en5. =e peele5 8a3k t"e s"eet. $"ere %ere only t%o t"in-s un5er t"e s"eet. #nly t%o. 7y stoma3" 3ontra3te5 so "ar5 9 "a5 to s%allo% )omit. 9 3ou-"e5 an5 almost lost it t"ere@ 8ut 9 "el5 on. 9 "el5 on. 9?5 t"ou-"t t"e 8loo52soake5 1orm %as t"e 8a8y@ 8ut it %asn?t. 9t %as a 5oll. So 8loo52soake5 9 3oul5n?t tell %"at 3olor its "air "a5 8een@ 8ut it %as >ust a 5oll. A 5oll too ol5 1or a 1our2mont"2ol5 8a8y. A tiny "an5 lay on t"e 3arpet@ 3o)ere5 in -ore like e)eryt"in- else@ 8ut it %as a "an5. A tiny "an5. $"e "an5 o1 a 3"il5@ not a 8a8y. 9 sprea5 my "an5 >ust a8o)e it to siEe it. $"ree@ may8e 1our. A8out t"e same a-e as Ben>amin <eynol5s. =as t"at 3oin3i5en3eB Ha5 to 8e. Kom8ies %eren?t t"at 3"oosy. A9?m 8reast21ee5in- t"e 8a8y@ may8e@ %"en 9 "ear a lou5 noise. Hus8an5 -oes to 3"e3k. /oise %akes t"e little -irl@ s"e 3omes out o1 "er room to see %"at?s t"e matter. Hus8an5 sees t"e monster@ -ra8s t"e 3"il5@ runs 1or t"e 8e5room. $"e Eom8ie takes t"em "ere. Kills t"em all@ "ere.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 5istant@ 3lini3al. Bully 1or me. 9 trie5 to %ipe some o1 t"e 8loo5 o11 t"e tiny "an5. S"e %as %earin- a rin- like 7ommy. #ne o1 t"ose plasti3 rin-s you -et out o1 8u88le -um ma3"ines. A4i5 you see t"e rin-@ 7erlioniBC 9 aske5. 9 li1te5 t"e "an5 1rom t"e 3arpet an5 sai5@ A!at3".C AHesusIC He %as on "is 1eet an5 mo)in- 8e1ore 9 3oul5 5o anyt"in- else. 7erlioni %alke5 )ery 1ast out t"e 5oor. 9 %oul5n?t really "a)e t"ro%n t"e "an5. 9 %oul5n?t. 9 3ra5le5 t"e tiny "an5 in my "an5s. 9t 1elt "ea)y@ as i1 t"e 1in-ers s"oul5 3url roun5 my "an5. S"oul5 ask me to take it 1or a %alk. 9 5roppe5 t"e "an5 on t"e 3arpet. 9t lan5e5 %it" a %et splat. $"e room %as )ery "ot an5 spinnin- e)er so sli-"tly. 9 8linke5 an5 stare5 at Ker8ro%ski. A4i5 9 %in t"e 8etBC He no55e5. AAnita Blake@ tou-" 3"i3k. #ne ni-"t o1 5ele3ta8le 1eastin- at $ony?s on 7erlioni?s ta8. 9 "ear t"ey make -reat spa-"etti.C $"e mention o1 1oo5 %as too mu3". ABat"room@ %"ereBC A4o%n t"e "all@ t"ir5 5oor on t"e le1t@C 4olp" sai5. 9 ran 1or t"e 8at"room. 7erlioni %as >ust 3omin- out. 9 5i5n?t "a)e time to sa)or my )i3tory. 9 %as too 8usy tossin- my 3ookies.

Chapter Twenty-eight
9 knelt %it" my 1ore"ea5 a-ainst t"e 3ool linoleum o1 t"e 8at"tu8. 9 %as 1eelin- 8etter. Lu3ky 9 "a5n?t taken time to eat 8reak1ast. $"ere %as a tap on t"e 5oor. A="atBC 9 sai5. A9t?s 4olp". !an 9 3ome inBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. ASure.C 4olp" 3ame in %it" a %as"3lot" in "is "an5. Linen 3loset@ 9 -uesse5. He stare5 at me 1or a minute or t%o an5 s"ook "is "ea5. He rinse5 t"e %as"ra- in t"e sink an5 "an5e5 it to me. ADou kno% %"at to 5o %it" it.C 9 5i5. $"e ra- %as 3ol5 an5 1elt %on5er1ul on my 1a3e an5 ne3k. A4i5 you -i)e 7erlioni one@ tooBC 9 aske5. ADea"@ "e?s in t"e kit3"en. Dou?re 8ot" ass"oles@ 8ut it %as entertainin-.C 9 mana-e5 a %eak smile. A/o% t"at you?re t"rou-" -ran5stan5in-@ any use1ul o8ser)ationsBC He sat on t"e 3lose5 li5 o1 t"e stool. 9 staye5 on t"e 1loor. A4i5 any8o5y "ear anyt"in-@ t"is timeBC A/ei-"8or "ear5 somet"in- aroun5 5a%n@ 8ut "e %ent on to %ork. Sai5@ "e 5i5n?t %ant to -et in)ol)e5 in a 5omesti3 5ispute.C 9 stare5 up at 4olp". AHa5 "e "ear5 1i-"tin- 1rom t"is "ouse 8e1oreBC 4olp" s"ook "is "ea5. AGo5@ i1 "e "a5 >ust 3alle5 t"e poli3e@C 9 sai5. ADou t"ink it %oul5 "a)e ma5e a 5i11eren3eBC 4olp" aske5. 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. A7ay8e not to t"is 1amily@ 8ut %e mi-"t "a)e trappe5 t"e Eom8ie.C ASpille5 milk@C 4olp" sai5.

A7ay8e not. $"e s3ene is still )ery 1res". $"e Eom8ie kille5 t"em@ t"en took t"e time to eat 1our people. $"at isn?t ;ui3k. At 5a%n t"e t"in- %as still killin- t"em.C ADour point.C ASeal t"e area.C A,*plain.C A$"e Eom8ie "as to 8e near8y@ %it"in %alkin- 5istan3e. 9t?s "i5in-@ %aitin- 1or ni-"t1all.C A9 t"ou-"t Eom8ies 3oul5 -o out in 5ayli-"t@C 4olp" sai5. A$"ey 3an@ 8ut t"ey 5on?t like it. A Eom8ie %on?t -o out in t"e 5ay unless or5ere5 to.C ASo t"e nearest 3emetery@C "e sai5. A/ot ne3essarily. Kom8ies aren?t like )amps or -"ouls. 9t 5oesn?t nee5 to 8e 3o11ins or e)en -ra)es. $"e Eom8ie %ill >ust %ant to -et out o1 t"e li-"t.C ASo %"ere 5o %e lookBC AS"e5s@ -ara-es@ any pla3e t"at %ill s"iel5 it.C ASo "e 3oul5 8e in some ki5?s tree "ouse@C 4olp" sai5. 9 smile5. /i3e to kno% 9 still 3oul5. A9 5ou8t t"e Eom8ie %oul5 3lim8 i1 -i)en a 3"oi3e. /oti3e t"at all t"e "ouses are one2 stories.C ABasements@C "e sai5. ABut no one runs 5o%n to t"e 8asement@C 9 sai5. A=oul5 it "a)e "elpe5BC 9 s"ru--e5. AKom8ies aren?t -reat at 3lim8in-@ as a rule. $"is one is 1aster an5 more alert 8ut ... At 8est t"e 8asement mi-"t "a)e 5elaye5 it. 91 t"ere %ere %in5o%s@ t"ey mi-"t "a)e -otten t"e 3"il5ren out.C 9 ru88e5 t"e 3lot" on t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k. A$"e Eom8ie pi3ks one2story "ouses %it" sli5in- -lass 5oors. 9t mi-"t rest near one.C A$"e me5i3al e*aminer says t"e 3orpse is tall@ si* 1eet@ si*2t%o. 7ale@ %"ite. 9mmensely stron-.C A=e kne% t"e last@ an5 t"e rest 5oesn?t really "elp.C ADou -ot a 8etter i5eaBC AAs a matter o1 1a3t@C 9 sai5@ A"a)e all t"e o11i3ers a8out t"e ri-"t "ei-"t %alk t"e nei-"8or"oo5 1or an "our. $"en 8lo3k o11 t"at mu3" o1 t"e area.C AAn5 sear3" all t"e s"e5s an5 -ara-es@C 4olp" sai5. AAn5 8asements@ 3ra%l spa3es@ ol5 re1ri-erators@C 9 sai5. A91 %e 1in5 itBC A'ry it. Get an e*terminator team out "ere.C A=ill t"e Eom8ie atta3k 5urin- t"e 5ayBC 4olp" aske5. A91 5istur8e5 enou-"@ yes. $"is one?s a%1ully a--ressi)e.C A/o >oke@C "e sai5. A=e?5 nee5 a 5oEen e*terminator teams or more. $"e 3ity?ll ne)er -o 1or t"at. Besi5es@ %e 3oul5 %alk a pretty 5amn %i5e 3ir3le. =e mi-"t sear3" an5 miss it 3ompletely.C A9t?ll mo)e at 5ark. 91 you?re rea5y@ you?ll 1in5 it t"en.C A#kay. Dou soun5 like you?re not -oin- to "elp sear3".C A9?ll 8e 8a3k to "elp@ 8ut Ho"n Burke returne5 my 3all.C ADou takin- "im to t"e mor-ueBC ADea"@ in time to try to use "im a-ainst 4omin-a Sal)a5or. ="at timin-@C 9 sai5. AGoo5. Dou nee5 anyt"in- 1rom meBC AHust a33ess to t"e mor-ue 1or 8ot" o1 us@C 9 sai5. ASure t"in-. Dou t"ink you?ll really learn anyt"in- 1rom BurkeBC A4on?t kno% till 9 try@C 9 sai5. He smile5. AGi)e it t"e ol5 3olle-e try@ e"BC A=in one 1or t"e Gipper@C 9 sai5. ADou -o )isit t"e mor-ue an5 5eal %it" )oo5oo Ho"n. =e?ll turn t"is 1u3kin- nei-"8or"oo5 upsi5e 5o%n.C

A/i3e to kno% %e?)e 8ot" -ot our 5ays planne5@C 9 sai5. A4on?t 1or-et t"is a1ternoon %e 3"e3k out Sal)a5or?s "ouse.C 9 no55e5. ADea"@ an5 toni-"t %e "unt Eom8ies.C A=e?re -oin- to en5 t"is s"it toni-"t@C "e sai5. A9 "ope so.C He looke5 at me@ eyes narro%e5. ADou -ot a pro8lem %it" our plansBC AHust t"at no plan is per1e3t.C He %as ;uiet a moment@ t"en stoo5. A=is" t"is one %as.C A7e@ too.C

Chapter Twenty-nine
$"e St. Louis !ounty mor-ue %as a lar-e 8uil5in-. 9t nee5s to 8e. ,)ery 5eat" not atten5e5 8y a p"ysi3ian 3omes to t"e mor-ue. /ot to mention e)ery mur5er. 9n St. Louis t"at ma5e 1or some )ery "ea)y tra11i3. 9 use to 3ome to t"e mor-ue 1airly re-ularly. $o stake suspe3te5 )ampire )i3tims so t"ey %oul5n?t rise an5 1east on t"e mor-ue atten5ants. =it" t"e ne% )amp la%s@ t"at?s mur5er. Dou "a)e to %ait 1or t"e puppies to rise@ unless t"ey?)e le1t a %ill stri3tly 1or8i55in- 3omin- 8a3k as a )ampire. 7y %ill says to put me out o1 my misery i1 t"ey t"ink 9?m 3omin- 8a3k %it" 1an-s. Hell@ my %ill asks 1or 3remation. 9 5on?t %ant to 3ome 8a3k as a Eom8ie eit"er@ t"ank you )ery mu3". Ho"n Burke %as as 9 remem8ere5 "im. $all@ 5ark@ "an5some@ )a-uely )illainous. 9t %as t"e little -oatee t"at 5i5 it. /o one %ears -oatees outsi5e o1 "orror mo)ies. Dou kno%@ t"e ones %it" stran-e 3ults t"at %ors"ip "orne5 ima-es. He looke5 a little 1a5e5 aroun5 t"e eyes an5 mout". Grie1 %ill 5o t"at to you e)en i1 your skin tone is 5ark. His lips %ere set in a t"in line as %e %alke5 into t"e mor-ue. He "el5 "is s"oul5ers as i1 somet"in- "urt. AHo%?s it -oin- at your sister2in2la%?sBC 9 aske5. ABleak@ )ery 8leak.C 9 %aite5 1or "im to ela8orate@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. So 9 let it -o. 91 "e 5i5n?t %ant to talk a8out it@ t"at %as "is pri)ile-e. =e %ere %alkin- 5o%n a %i5e empty 3orri5or. =i5e enou-" 1or t"ree -urneys to %"eel a8reast. $"e -uar5 station looke5 like a ==99 8unker@ 3omplete %it" ma3"ine -uns@ 9n 3ase t"e 5ea5 s"oul5 rise all at on3e an5 make 1or 1ree5om. 9t "a5 ne)er "appene5 "ere in St. Louis@ 8ut it "a5 "appene5 as 3lose as Kansas !ity. A ma3"ine -un %ill take t"e star3" out o1 any %alkin- 5ea5. Dou?re only in trou8le i1 t"ere are a lot o1 t"em. 91 t"ere is a 3ro%5@ you?re pretty mu3" 3ooke5. 9 1las"e5 my 94 at t"e -uar5. AHi@ 're5@ lon- time no see.C A9 %is" t"ey let you 3ome 5o%n "ere like 8e1ore. =e?)e "a5 t"ree -et up t"is %eek an5 -o "ome. !an you 8elie)e t"atBC AVampiresBC A="at elseB $"ere?s -oin- to 8e more o1 t"em t"an o1 us some5ay.C 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say@ so 9 sai5 not"in-. He %as pro8a8ly ri-"t. A=e?re "ere to see t"e personal e11e3ts o1 Peter Burke. Ser-eant <u5olp" Storr %as suppose5 to 3lear it.C 're5 3"e3ke5 "is little 8ook. ADea"@ you?re aut"oriEe5. $ake t"e ri-"t 3orri5or@ t"ir5 5oor on t"e le1t. 4r. Sa)ille is %aitin1or you.C 9 raise5 an eye8ro% at t"at. 9t %asn?t o1ten t"at t"e 3"ie1 me5i3al e*aminer 5i5 erran5s 1or t"e poli3e or any8o5y else. 9 >ust no55e5 as i1 9 "a5 e*pe3te5 royal treatment. A$"anks@ 're5@ see you on t"e %ay out.C A7ore an5 more people 5o@C "e sai5. He 5i5n?t soun5 "appy a8out it. 7y /ikes ma5e no soun5 in t"e perpetual ;uiet. Ho"n Burke %asn?t makin- any noise eit"er. 9 "a5n?t pe--e5 "im as a tennis s"oe man. 9 -lan3e5 5o%n@ an5 9 %as ri-"t. So1t2sole5 8ro%n tie2ups@ not tennis s"oes. But "e still mo)e5 8esi5e me like a ;uiet s"a5o%. $"e rest o1 "is out1it sort o1 mat3"e5 t"e s"oes. A 5ressy 8ro%n sport >a3ket so 5ark 8ro%n it %as almost 8la3k@ o)er a pale yello% s"irt@ 8ro%n 5ress sla3ks. He only nee5e5 a tie@ an5 "e 3oul5 "a)e -one to 3orporate Ameri3a. 4i5 "e al%ays 5ress up@ or %as t"is >ust %"at "e "a5 8rou-"t 1or "is 8rot"er?s 1uneralB /o@ t"e suit at t"e 1uneral "a5 8een per1e3tly 8la3k.

$"e mor-ue %as al%ays ;uiet@ 8ut on a Satur5ay mornin- it %as 5eat"ly still. 4i5 t"e am8ulan3es 3ir3le like planes until a 5e3ent "our on t"e %eeken5B 9 kne% t"e mur5er 3ount %ent up on t"e %eeken5@ yet Satur5ay an5 Sun5ay mornin- %ere al%ays ;uiet. Go 1i-ure. 9 3ounte5 5oors on t"e le1t2"an5 si5e. Kno3ke5 on t"e t"ir5 5oor. A 1aint A!ome in@C an5 9 opene5 t"e 5oor. 4r. 7arian Sa)ille is a small %oman %it" s"ort 5ark "air 8o88e5 >ust 8elo% "er ears@ an oli)e 3omple*ion@ 5eeply 8ro%n eyes@ an5 1ine "i-" 3"eek8ones. S"e is 'ren3" an5 Greek an5 looks it. ,*oti3 %it"out 8ein- intimi5atin-. 9t al%ays surprise5 me t"at 4r. Sa)ille %asn?t marrie5. 9t %asn?t 1or la3k o1 8ein- pretty. Her only 1ault %as t"at s"e smoke5@ an5 t"e smell 3lun- to "er like nasty per1ume. S"e 3ame 1or%ar5 %it" a smile an5 an o11ere5 "an5. AAnita@ -oo5 to see you a-ain.C 9 s"ook "er "an5@ an5 smile5. ADou@ too@ 4r. Sa)ille.C A7arian@ please.C 9 s"ru--e5. A7arian@ are t"ose t"e personal e11e3tsBC =e %ere in a small e*aminin- room. #n a lo)ely stainless steel ta8le %ere se)eral plasti3 8a-s. ADes.C 9 stare5 at "er@ %on5erin- %"at s"e %ante5. $"e 3"ie1 me5i3al e*aminer 5i5n?t 5o erran5s. Somet"in- else %as up@ 8ut %"atB 9 5i5n?t kno% "er %ell enou-" to 8e 8lunt@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e 8arre5 1rom t"e mor-ue@ so 9 3oul5n?t 8e ru5e. Pro8lems@ pro8lems. A$"is is Ho"n Burke@ t"e 5e3ease5?s 8rot"er@C 9 sai5. 4r. Sa)ille?s eye8ro%s raise5 at t"at. A7y 3on5olen3es@ 7r. Burke.C A$"ank you.C Ho"n s"ook t"e "an5 s"e o11ere5 "im@ 8ut "is eyes %ere all 1or t"e plasti3 8a-s. $"ere %as no room to5ay 1or attra3ti)e 5o3tors or pleasantries. He %as -oin- to see "is 8rot"er?s last e11e3ts. He %as lookin- 1or 3lues to "elp t"e poli3e 3at3" "is 8rot"er?s killer. He "a5 taken t"e notion )ery seriously. 91 "e %asn?t in)ol)e5 %it" 4omin-a Sal)a5or@ 9 %oul5 o%e "im a 8i- apolo-y. But "o% %as 9 to -et "im to talk %it" 4r. 7arian "o)erin- aroun5B Ho% %as 9 suppose5 to ask 1or pri)a3yB 9t %as "er mor-ue@ sort o1. A9 "a)e to 8e "ere to make sure no e)i5en3e is tampere5 %it"@C s"e sai5. A=e?)e "a5 a 1e% )ery 5etermine5 reporters lately.C ABut 9?m not a reporter.C S"e s"ru--e5. ADou?re not an o11i3ial person@ Anita. /e% rules 1rom on "i-" t"at no nono11i3ial person is to 8e allo%e5 to look at mur5er e)i5en3e %it"out someone to %at3" o)er t"em.C A9 appre3iate it 8ein- you@ 7arian.C S"e smile5. A9 %as "ere any%ay. 9 1i-ure5 you?5 resent my lookin- o)er your s"oul5er less t"an anyone else.C S"e %as ri-"t. ="at 5i5 t"ey t"ink 9 %as -oin- to 5o@ steal a 8o5yB 91 9 %ante5 to@ 9 3oul5 empty t"e 5amn pla3e an5 -et e)ery 3orpse to play 1ollo% t"e lea5er. Per"aps t"at %as %"y 9 nee5e5 %at3"in-. Per"aps. A9 5on?t mean to 8e ru5e@C Ho"n sai5@ A8ut 3oul5 %e -et on %it" t"isBC 9 -lan3e5 up at "is "an5some 1a3e. $"e skin %as ti-"t aroun5 t"e mout" an5 eyes as i1 it "a5 t"inne5. Guilt speare5 me in t"e si5e. ASure@ Ho"n@ %e?re 8ein- t"ou-"tless.C ADour 1or-i)eness@ 7r. Burke@C 7arian sai5. S"e "an5e5 us 8ot" little plasti3 -lo)es. S"e an5 9 slippe5 into t"em like pros@ 8ut Ho"n %asn?t use5 to puttin- on e*aminin- -lo)es. $"ere is a tri3k to itOpra3ti3e. By t"e time 9 1inis"e5 "elpin- "im on %it" "is -lo)es@ "e %as -rinnin-. His %"ole 1a3e 3"an-e5 %"en "e smile5. Brilliant an5 "an5some an5 not t"e least )illainous. 4r. Sa)ille poppe5 t"e seal on t"e 1irst 8a-. 9t %as 3lot"in-. A/o@C Ho"n sai5@ A9 5on?t kno% "is 3lot"in-. 9t may 8e "is@ an5 9 %oul5n?t kno%. Peter an5 9 "a5 ... "a5n?t seen ea3" ot"er in t%o years.C $"e -uilt in t"ose last %or5s ma5e me %in3e. A'ine@ %e?ll -o on to t"e smaller items@C 7arian sai5@ an5 smile5 as s"e sai5 it. /i3e an5 3"eery@ pra3ti3in- "er 8e5si5e manner. S"e so sel5om -ot to pra3ti3e. S"e opene5 a mu3" smaller 8a- an5 spille5 t"e 3ontents -ently on t"e s"iny sil)er sur1a3e. A 3om8@ a 5ime@ t%o pennies@ a mo)ie ti3ket stu8@ an5 a )oo5oo 3"arm. A -ris2-ris. 9t %as %o)en o1 8la3k an5 re5 t"rea5 %it" "uman teet" %orke5 into t"e 8ea5in-. 7ore 8ones 5an-le5 all t"e %ay aroun5 it. AAre t"ose "uman 1in-er 8onesBC 9 aske5. ADes@C Ho"n sai5@ "is )oi3e )ery still. He looke5 stran-e as "e stoo5 t"ere@ as i1 some ne% "orror %ere 5a%nin- 8e"in5 "is eyes.

9t %as an e)il pie3e o1 %ork@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 t"e stren-t" o1 "is rea3tion to it. 9 leane5 o)er it@ pokin- it %it" one 1in-er. $"ere %as some 5rie5 skin %o)en in t"e 3enter o1 it all. An5 it %asn?t >ust 8la3k t"rea5@ it %as 8la3k "air. AHuman "air@ teet"@ 8ones@ skin@C 9 sai5 so1tly. ADes@C Ho"n repeate5. ADou?re more into )oo5oo t"an 9 am@C 9 sai5. A="at 5oes it meanBC ASomeone 5ie5 to make t"is 3"arm.C AAre you sureBC He -lare5 5o%n at me %it" %it"erin- 3ontempt. A4on?t you t"ink i1 it 3oul5 8e anyt"in- else 9 %oul5n?t say itB 4o you t"ink 9 en>oy learnin- my 8rot"er took part in "uman sa3ri1i3eBC A4i5 Peter "a)e to 8e t"ereB He 3oul5n?t "a)e >ust 8ou-"t it a1ter%ar5sBC A/#IC 9t %as almost a yell. He turne5 a%ay 1rom us@ pa3in- to t"e %all. His 8reat"in- %as lou5 an5 ra--e5. 9 -a)e "im a 1e% moments to 3olle3t "imsel1@ t"en aske5 %"at "a5 to 8e aske5. A="at 5oes t"e -ris2-ris 5oBC He turne5 a 3alm enou-" 1a3e to us@ 8ut t"e strain s"o%e5 aroun5 "is eyes. A9t ena8les a less po%er1ul ne3roman3er to raise ol5er 5ea5@ to 8orro% t"e po%er o1 some mu3" -reater ne3roman3er.C AHo% 8orro%BC He s"ru--e5. A$"at 3"arm "ol5s some o1 t"e po%er o1 t"e most po%er1ul amon- us. Peter pai5 5early 1or itG so "e 3oul5 raise more an5 ol5er 5ea5. Peter@ Go5@ "o% 3oul5 youBC AHo% po%er1ul %oul5 you nee5 to 8e to s"are your po%er like t"isBC AVery po%er1ul@C "e sai5. A9s t"ere any %ay to tra3e it 8a3k to t"e person %"o ma5e itBC ADou 5on?t un5erstan5@ Anita. $"at t"in- is a pie3e o1 someone?s po%er. 9t is one su8stan3e to %"at soul t"ey "a)e le1t. 9t must "a)e 8een a -reat nee5 or -reat -ree5 to 5o it. Peter 3oul5 ne)er "a)e a11or5e5 it. /e)er.C A!an it 8e tra3e5 8a3kBC ADes@ >ust -et it in t"e room %it" t"e person %"o truly o%ns it. $"e t"in- %ill 3ra%l 8a3k to "im. 9t?s a pie3e o1 "is soul -one missin-.C A=oul5 t"at 8e proo1 in 3ourtBC A91 you 3oul5 make t"e >ury un5erstan5 it@ yes@ 9 -uess so.C He steppe5 to%ar5s me. ADou kno% %"o 5i5 t"isBC A7ay8e. A A="o@ tell me %"oBC A9?ll 5o 8etter t"an t"at. 9?ll arran-e 1or you to 3ome on a sear3" o1 t"eir "ouse.C A -rim smile tou3"e5 "is lips. A9?m 8e-innin- to like you a -reat 5eal@ Anita Blake.C A!ompliments later.C A="at?s t"is meanBC 7arian aske5. S"e "a5 turne5 t"e 3"arm 3ompletely o)er. $"ere@ s"inin- amon- t"e "air an5 8one@ %as a small 3"arm@ like 1rom a 3"arm 8ra3elet. 9t %as in t"e s"ape o1 a musi3al sym8olOa tre8le 3le1. ="at "a5 ,)ans sai5 %"en "e tou3"e5 t"e -ra)e 1ra-mentsG t"ey slit "er t"roat@ s"e "a5 a 3"arm 8ra3elet %it" a musi3al note on it an5 little "earts. 9 stare5 at t"e 3"arm an5 1elt t"e %orl5 s"i1t. ,)eryt"in- 1ell to-et"er in one motion. 4omin-a Sal)a5or "a5n?t raise5 t"e killer Eom8ie. S"e "a5 "elpe5 Peter Burke raise it. But 9 "a5 to 8e sure. =e only "a5 a 1e% "ours until %e?5 8e 8a3k at 4omin-a?s 5oor tryin- to pro)e a 3ase. AAre t"ere any %omen t"at 3ame in aroun5 t"e same time as Peter BurkeBC A9?m sure t"ere are@C 7arian sai5 %it" a smile. A=omen %it" t"eir t"roats slit@C 9 sai5. S"e stare5 at me 1or a "eart8eat. A9?ll 3"e3k t"e 3omputer.C A!an %e take t"e 3"arm %it" usBC A="yBC ABe3ause i1 9?m ri-"t@ s"e "a5 a 3"arm 8ra3elet %it" a 8o% an5 arro% an5 little "earts on it@ an5 t"is 3ame 1rom t"e 8ra3elet.C 9 "el5 t"e -ol5 3"arm up to t"e li-"t. 9t sparkle5 merrily as i1 it 5i5n?t kno% its o%ner %as 5ea5.

Chapter Thirty
4eat" turns you -rey 8e1ore any ot"er 3olor. #"@ a 8o5y t"at loses a lot o1 8loo5 %ill look %"ite or 8luis". But on3e a 8o5y starts to 5e3ay@ not rot@ not yet@ it looks -reyis". $"e %oman looke5 -rey. Her ne3k %oun5 "a5 8een 3leane5 an5 sear3"e5. $"e %oun5 looke5 pu3kere5 like a se3on5 -iant mout" 8elo% "er 3"in. 4r. Sa)ille pulle5 "er "ea5 8a3k 3asually. A$"e 3ut %as )ery 5eep. 9t se)ere5 t"e mus3les in t"e ne3k an5 t"e 3aroti5 artery. 4eat" %as 1airly ;ui3k.C APro1essionally 5one@C 9 sai5. A=ell@ yes@ %"oe)er 3ut "er t"roat kne% %"at t"ey %ere 5oin-. $"ere are a 5oEen 5i11erent %ays to in>ure t"e ne3k t"at %on?t kill or %on?t kill ;ui3kly.C Ho"n Burke sai5@ AAre you sayin- t"at my 8rot"er "a5 pra3ti3eBC A9 5on?t kno%@C 9 sai5. A4o you "a)e "er personal e11e3tsBC A<i-"t "ere.C 7arian un1astene5 a mu3" smaller 8a- an5 spille5 it out on an empty ta8le. $"e -ol5en 3"arm 8ra3elet sparkle5 un5er t"e 1luores3ent li-"ts. 9 pi3ke5 t"e 8ra3elet up in my still -lo)e5 "an5. A tiny strun- 8o% 3omplete %it" arro%@ a 5i11erent musi3al note@ t%o ent%ine5 "earts. ,)eryt"in- ,)ans "a5 sai5. AHo% 5i5 you kno% a8out t"e 3"arm an5 t"e 5ea5 %omanBC Ho"n Burke aske5. A9 took some e)i5en3e to a 3lair)oyant. He sa% t"e %oman?s 5eat" an5 t"e 8ra3elet.C A="at?s t"at -ot to 5o %it" PeterBC A9 8elie)e a )oo5oo priestess "a5 Peter raise a Eom8ie. 9t -ot a%ay 1rom "im. 9t?s 8een killin- people. $o "i5e %"at s"e?s 5one@ s"e kille5 Peter.C A="o 5i5 itBC A9 "a)e no proo1 unless t"e -ris2-ris %ill 8e proo1 enou-".C AA )ision an5 a -ris2-ris.C Ho"n s"ook "is "ea5. AHar5 sell to a >ury.C A9 kno%. $"at?s %"y %e nee5 more proo1.C 4r. Sa)ille >ust %at3"e5 us talk@ like an ea-er spe3tator. AA name@ Anita@ -i)e me a name.C A#nly i1 you s%ear not to -o a1ter "er until t"e la% "as its 3"an3e. #nly i1 t"e la% 1ails@ promise me.C A9 -i)e you my %or5.C 9 stu5ie5 "is 1a3e 1or a minute. $"e 5ark eyes stare5 8a3k@ 3lear an5 3ertain. Bet "e 3oul5 lie %it" a 3lear 3ons3ien3e. A9 5on?t trust >ust any8o5y?s %or5.C 9 stare5 at "im a moment lon-er. He ne)er 1lin3"e5. 9 -uess my "ar52as2nails look "as 1a5e5 a little. #r may8e "e meant to keep "is %or5. 9t "appens sometimes. AAlri-"t@ 9?ll take your %or5. 4on?t make me re-ret it.C A9 %on?t@C "e sai5. A/o% -i)e me t"e name.C 9 turne5 to 4r. Sa)ille. A,*3use us@ 7arian. $"e less you kno% a8out all t"is@ t"e -reater your 3"an3es o1 ne)er %akin- to a Eom8ie 3ra%lin- t"rou-" your %in5o%.C An e*a--eration@ sort o1@ 8ut it ma5e my point. S"e looke5 like s"e %ante5 to protest 8ut 1inally no55e5. AVery %ell@ 8ut 9 %oul5 5early lo)e to "ear t"e 3omplete story some5ay@ i1 it?s sa1e.C A91 9 3an tell it@ it?s yours@C 9 sai5. S"e no55e5 a-ain@ s"ut t"e 5ra%er t"e Hane 4oe lay on@ an5 le1t. ADell %"en you?re 1inis"e5. 9?)e -ot %ork to 5o@C s"e sai5 an5 t"e 5oor 3lose5 8e"in5 "er. S"e le1t us %it" t"e e)i5en3e still 3lut3"e5 in our "an5s. Guess s"e truste5 me. #r usB A4omin-a Sal)a5or@C 9 sai5. He 5re% a s"arp 8reat". A9 kno% t"at name. S"e is a 1ri-"tenin- 1or3e i1 all t"e stories are true.C A$"ey?re true@C 9 sai5. ADou?)e met "erBC A9?)e "a5 t"e mis1ortune.C $"ere %as a look on "is 1a3e t"at 9 5i5n?t mu3" like. ADou s%ore no re)en-e.C

A$"e poli3e %ill not -et "er. S"e is too 3ra1ty 1or t"at@C "e sai5. A=e 3an -et "er le-ally. 9 8elie)e t"at.C ADou aren?t sure@C "e sai5 ="at 3oul5 9 sayB He %as ri-"t. A9?m almost sure.C AAlmost is not -oo5 enou-" 1or killin- my 8rot"er.C A$"at Eom8ie "as kille5 a lot more people t"an >ust your 8rot"er. 9 %ant "er@ too. But %e?re -oin- to -et "er le-ally@ t"rou-" t"e 3ourt system.C A$"ere are ot"er %ays to -et "er@C "e sai5. A91 t"e la% 1ails us@ 1eel 1ree to use )oo5oo. Hust 5on?t tell me a8out it.C He looke5 amuse5@ puEEle5. A/o outra-e a8out me usin- 8la3k ma-i3BC A$"e %oman trie5 to kill me on3e. 9 5on?t t"ink s"e?ll -i)e up.C ADou sur)i)e5 an atta3k 8y t"e SeQoraBC "e aske5. He looke5 amaEe5. 9 5i5n?t like "im lookin- amaEe5. A9 3an take 3are o1 mysel1@ 7r. Burke.C A9 5on?t 5ou8t t"at@ 7s. Blake.C He smile5. A9?)e 8ruise5 your e-o. Dou 5on?t like me 8ein- so surprise5@ 5o youBC AKeep your o8ser)ations to yoursel1@ okayBC A91 you "a)e sur)i)e5 a "ea52on 3on1rontation %it" %"at 4omin-a Sal)a5or %oul5 sen5 to you@ t"en 9 s"oul5 "a)e 8elie)e5 some o1 t"e stories 9 "ear5 o1 you. $"e ,*e3utioner@ t"e animator %"o 3an raise anyt"in- no matter "o% ol5.C A9 5on?t kno% a8out t"at last@ 8ut 9?m >ust tryin- to stay ali)e@ t"at?s all.C A91 4omin-a Sal)a5or %ants you 5ea5 t"at %on?t 8e easy.C A4amn near impossi8le@C 9 sai5. ASo let us -et "er 1irst@C "e sai5. ALe-ally@C 9 sai5. AAnita@ you are 8ein- nai)e.C A$"e o11er to 3ome on a rai5 o1 "er "ouse still stan5s.C ADou?re sure you 3an arran-e t"atBC A9 t"ink so.C His eyes "a5 a sort o1 5ark li-"t to t"em@ a sparklin- 8la3kness. He smile5@ ti-"t2lippe5@ an5 )ery unpleasant@ as i1 "e %ere 3ontemplatin- tortures 1or one 4omin-a Sal)a5or. $"e pri)ate )ision seeme5 to 1ill "im %it" pleasure. $"e skin 8et%een my s"oul5ers 3rept %it" t"at look. 9 "ope5 Ho"n ne)er turne5 t"ose 5ark eyes on me. Somet"in- tol5 me "e %oul5 make a 8a5 enemy. Almost as 8a5 as 4omin-a Sal)a5or. Almost as 8a5@ 8ut not ;uite.

Chapter Thirty-one
4omin-a Sal)a5or sat in "er li)in- room smilin-. $"e little -irl %"o "a5 8een ri5in- "er tri3y3le on my last trip "ere %as sittin- in "er -ran5ma?s lap. $"e 3"il5 %as as rela*e5 an5 lan-uorous as a kitten. $%o ol5er 8oys sat at 4omin-a?s 1eet. S"e %as t"e pi3ture o1 maternal 8liss. 9 %ante5 to t"ro% up. #1 3ourse@ >ust 8e3ause s"e %as t"e most 5an-erous )oo5oo priestess 9?5 e)er met 5i5n?t mean s"e %asn?t a -ran5ma@ too. People are sel5om >ust one t"in-. Hitler like5 5o-s. ADou are more t"an %el3ome to sear3"@ Ser-eant. 7y "ouse is your "ouse@C s"e sai5 in a 3an5y23oate5 )oi3e t"at "a5 alrea5y o11ere5 us lemona5e@ or per"aps i3e5 tea. Ho"n Burke an5 9 %ere stan5in- to one si5e@ lettin- t"e poli3e 5o t"eir >o8. 4omin-a %as makin- t"em 1eel silly 1or t"eir suspi3ions. Hust a ni3e ol5 la5y. <i-"t. Antonio an5 ,nEo %ere also stan5in- to one si5e. $"ey 5i5n?t ;uite 1it t"is pi3ture o1 -ran5mot"erly 8liss@ 8ut e)i5ently s"e %ante5 %itnesses. #r may8e a s"ootout %asn?t out o1 t"e ;uestion. A7rs. Sal)a5or@ 5o you un5erstan5 t"e possi8le impli3ations o1 t"is sear3"BC 4olp" sai5. A$"ere are no impli3ations 8e3ause 9 "a)e not"in- to "i5e.C S"e smile5 s%eetly. 4amn "er. AAnita@ 7r. Burke@C 4olp" sai5. =e 3ame 1or%ar5 like props in a ma-i3 s"o%. ="i3" %asn?t 1ar o11. A tall poli3e o11i3er "a5 t"e )i5eo 3amera rea5y to -o.

A9 8elie)e you kno% 7s. Blake@C 4olp" sai5. A9 "a)e "a5 t"e pleasure@C 4omin-a sai5. Butter %oul5n?t "a)e melte5 in "er lyin- mout". A$"is is Ho"n Burke.C Her eyes %i5ene5 >ust a little. $"e 1irst slip in "er per1e3t 3amou1la-e. Ha5 s"e "ear5 o1 Ho"n BurkeB 4i5 t"e name %orry "erB 9 "ope5 so. ASo -la5 to meet you at last@ 7r. Ho"n Burke@C s"e sai5 1inally. AAl%ays -oo5 to meet anot"er pra3titioner o1 t"e art@C "e sai5. S"e 8o%e5 "er "ea5 sli-"tly in a3kno%le5-ment. At least s"e %asn?t tryin- to preten5 3omplete inno3en3e. S"e a5mitte5 to 8ein- a )oo5oo priestess. Pro-ress.. 9t %as o8s3ene 1or t"e -o5mot"er o1 )oo5oo to 8e playin- t"e inno3ent. A4o it@ Anita@C 4olp" sai5. /o preliminaries@ no sense o1 t"eater@ >ust 5o it. $"at %as 4olp" 1or you. 9 took a plasti3 8a- out o1 my po3ket. 4omin-a looke5 puEEle5. 9 pulle5 out t"e -ris2-ris. Her 1a3e 8e3ame )ery still@ like a mask. A 1unny little smile 3urle5 "er lips. A="at is t"atBC A!ome no%@ SeQora@C Ho"n sai5@ A5o not play t"e 1ool. Dou kno% )ery %ell %"at it is.C A9 kno% t"at it is a 3"arm o1 some kin5@ o1 3ourse. But 5o t"e poli3e no% t"reaten ol5 %omen %it" )oo5ooBC A="ate)er %orks@C 9 sai5. AAnita@C 4olp" sai5. ASorry.C 9 -lan3e5 at Ho"n@ an5 "e no55e5. 9 sat t"e -ris2-ris on t"e 3arpet a8out si* 1eet 1rom 4omin-a Sal)a5or. 9 "a5 "a5 to take Ho"n?s %or5 on a lot o1 t"is. 9 "a5 3"e3ke5 some o1 it o)er t"e p"one %it" 7anny. 91 t"is %orke5 an5 i1 %e 3oul5 -et it a5mitte5 into 3ourt@ an5 i1 %e 3oul5 e*plain it to t"e >ury@ t"en %e mi-"t "a)e a 3ase. Ho% many i1s %as t"atB $"e -ris2-ris >ust sat t"ere 1or a moment@ t"en t"e 1in-er 8ones ripple5 as i1 an in)isi8le 1in-er "a5 ru11le5 t"em. 4omin-a li1te5 "er -ran55au-"ter 1rom "er lap an5 s"ooe5 t"e 8oys o)er to ,nEo. S"e sat alone on t"e 3ou3" an5 %aite5. $"e stran-e little smile %as still on "er 1a3e@ 8ut it looke5 si3kly no%. $"e 3"arm 8e-an to ooEe to%ar5s "er like a slu-@ pus"in- an5 stru--lin- %it" mus3les it 5i5 not "a)e. $"e "airs on my arms stoo5 to attention. ADou re3or5in- t"is@ Bo88yBC 4olp" aske5. $"e 3op %it" t"e )i5eo 3amera sai5@ A9?m -ettin- it. 9 5on?t 1u3kin- 8elie)e it@ 8ut 9?m -ettin- it.C APlease@ 5o not use su3" %or5s in 1ront o1 t"e 3"il5ren@C 4omin-a sai5. $"e 3op sai5@ ASorry@ ma?am.C ADou are 1or-i)en.C S"e %as still tryin- to play t"e per1e3t "ostess %"ile t"at t"in- 3ra%le5 to%ar5s "er 1eet. S"e "a5 ner)e. 9?5 -i)e "er t"at. Antonio 5i5n?t. He 8roke. He stro5e 1or%ar5 as i1 "e meant to plu3k t"e t"in- 1rom t"e ru-. A4on?t tou3" it@C 4olp" sai5. ADou are 1ri-"tenin- my -ran5mot"er %it" your tri3ks@C "e sai5. A4on?t tou3" it@C 4olp" sai5 a-ain. $"is time "e stoo5. His 8ulk seeme5 to 1ill t"e room. Antonio looke5 su55enly small an5 1rail 8esi5e "im. APlease@ you are 1ri-"tenin- "er.C But it %as "is 1a3e t"at %as pale an5 3o)ere5 %it" a s"een o1 s%eat. ="at %as ol? $ony in su3" a 1ret a8outB 9t %asn?t "is ass -oin- to >ail. AStan5 o)er t"ere@C 4olp" sai5@ Ano%@ or 5o %e "a)e to 3u11 youBC Antonio s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ 9 ... 9 %ill -o 8a3k.C He 5i5@ 8ut "e -lan3e5 at 4omin-a as "e mo)e5. A ;ui3k@ 1ear1ul -lan3e. ="en s"e met "is eyes@ t"ere %as not"in- 8ut ra-e in t"em. Her 8la3k eyes -littere5 %it" ra-e. Her 1a3e %as su55enly 3ontorte5 %it" it. ="at "a5 "appene5 to strip t"e a3t a%ayB ="at %as -oin- onB $"e -ris2-ris ma5e its pain1ul %ay to "er. 9t 1a%ne5 at "er 1eet like a 5o-@ rollin- on t"e toes o1 "er s"oes in a8an5on like a 3at %"o %ants its 8elly ru88e5. S"e trie5 to i-nore it@ to preten5. A=oul5 you re1use your returne5 po%erBC Ho"n aske5. A9 5on?t kno% %"at you mean.C Her 1a3e %as un5er 3ontrol a-ain. S"e looke5 puEEle5. Gos"@ s"e %as -oo5. ADou are a po%er1ul )oo5oo priest. Dou are 5oin- t"is to trap me.C

A91 you 5on?t %ant t"e 3"arm@ 9 %ill take it@C "e sai5. A9 %ill a55 your ma-i3 to mine. 9 %ill 8e t"e most po%er1ul pra3titioner in t"e States.C 'or t"e 1irst time@ Ho"n?s po%er 1lo%e5 a3ross my skin. 9t %as a 8reat" o1 ma-i3 t"at %as 1ri-"tenin-. 9 "a5 8e-un to t"ink o1 Ho"n as or5inary@ or as or5inary as any o1 us -et. 7y mistake. S"e >ust s"ook "er "ea5. Ho"n stro5e 1or%ar5 an5 knelt@ rea3"in- 1or t"e %rit"in- -ris2-ris. His po%er mo)e5 %it" "im like an in)isi8le "an5. A/oIC S"e -ra88e5 it@ 3ra5lin- it in "er "an5s. Ho"n smile5 up at "er. A4o you a3kno%le5-e t"at you ma5e t"is 3"armB 91 not@ 9 3an take it an5 use it as 9 see 1it. 9t %as 1oun5 in my 8rot"er?s e11e3ts. 9t?s le-ally mine@ 3orre3t@ Ser-eant StorrBC A!orre3t@C 4olp" sai5. A/o@ you 3annot.C A9 3an an5 9 %ill@ unless you look into t"at 3amera an5 a5mit makin- it.C S"e snarle5 at "im. ADou %ill re-ret t"is.C ADou %ill re-ret "a)in- kille5 my 8rot"er.C S"e stare5 at t"e )i5eo 3amera. AVery %ell@ 9 ma5e t"is 3"arm@ 8ut 9 a5mit not"in- else. 9 ma5e t"e 3"arm 1or your 8rot"er@ 8ut t"at is all.C ADou per1orme5 "uman sa3ri1i3e to make t"is 3"arm@C Ho"n sai5. S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A$"e 3"arm is mine. 9 ma5e it 1or your 8rot"er@ t"at is all. Dou "a)e t"e 3"arm 8ut not"in- else.C ASeQora@ 1or-i)e me@C Antonio sai5. He looke5 pale an5 s"aken an5 )ery@ )ery s3are5. A!alenta@C s"e sai5@ As"ut upIC AKer8ro%ski@ take our 1rien5 "ere into t"e kit3"en an5 take "is statement@C 4olp" sai5. 4omin-a stoo5 at t"at. ADou 1ool@ you misera8le 1ool. $ell t"em anyt"in- more@ an5 9 %ill rot t"e ton-ue out o1 your mout".C AGet "im out o1 "ere@ Ker8ro%ski.C Ker8ro%ski le5 a nearly %eepin- Antonio 1rom t"e room. 9 "a5 a 1eelin- t"at o1 $ony "a5 8een responsi8le 1or -ettin- t"e 3"arm 8a3k. He 1aile5@ an5 "e %as -oin- to pay t"e 3onse;uen3es. $"e poli3e %ere t"e least o1 "is pro8lems. 91 9 %ere "im@ 9?5 make 5amn sure -ran5ma %as lo3ke5 up toni-"t. 9 %oul5n?t %ant "er near "er )oo5oo parap"ernalia. ,)er. A=e?re -oin- to sear3" no%@ 7rs. Sal)a5or.C AHelp yoursel1@ Ser-eant. Dou %ill 1in5 not"in- else to "elp you.C S"e %as )ery 3alm %"en s"e sai5 it. A,)en t"e stu11 8e"in5 t"e 5oorsBC 9 aske5. A$"ey are -one@ Anita. Dou %ill 1in5 not"in- t"at is not le-al an5 ... %"olesome.C S"e ma5e t"at last soun5 like a 8a5 %or5. 4olp" -lan3e5 my %ay. 9 s"ru--e5. S"e seeme5 a%1ully sure. A#kay@ 8oys@ take t"e pla3e apart.C :ni1orms an5 5ete3ti)es mo)e5 like t"ey "a5 a purpose. 9 starte5 to 1ollo% 4olp" out. He stoppe5 me. A/o@ Anita@ you an5 Burke stay up "ere.C A="yBC ADou?re 3i)ilians.C A 3i)ilian@ meB A=as 9 a 3i)ilian %"en 9 %alke5 t"e 3emetery 1or youBC A91 one o1 my people 3oul5 "a)e 5one it@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e let you 5o t"at eit"er.C ALet meBC He 1ro%ne5. ADou kno% %"at 9 mean.C A/o@ 9 5on?t t"ink 9 5o.C ADou may 8e a 8a5 ass@ you may e)en 8e as -oo5 as you t"ink you are@ 8ut you aren?t poli3e. $"is is a >o8 1or 3ops. Dou stay in t"e li)in- room %it" t"e 3i)ies >ust t"is on3e. ="en it?s all 3lear@ you 3an 3ome 5o%n an5 i5enti1y t"e 8o-eymen 1or us.C A4on?t 5o me any 1a)ors@ 4olp".C A9 5i5n?t pe- you 1or a pouter@ Blake.C A9 am not poutin-@C 9 sai5. A="inin-BC "e sai5.

A!ut it out. Dou?)e ma5e your point. 9?ll stay 8e"in5@ 8ut 9 5on?t "a)e to like it.C A7ost o1 t"e time you?re ass 5eep in alli-ators. ,n>oy 8ein- out o1 t"e line o1 1ire 1or on3e@ Anita.C =it" t"at "e le5 t"e %ay to%ar5s t"e 8asement. 9 "a5n?t really %ante5 to -o 5o%n into t"e 5arkness a-ain. 9 3ertainly 5i5n?t %ant to see t"e 3reature t"at "a5 3"ase5 7anny an5 9 up t"e stairs. An5 yet ... 9 1elt le1t out. 4olp" %as ri-"t. 9 %as poutin-. Great. Ho"n Burke an5 9 sat on t"e 3ou3". 4omin-a sat in t"e re3liner %"ere s"e "a5 8een sin3e %e "it t"e 5oor. $"e 3"il5ren "a5 8een s"ooe5 out to play@ %it" ,nEo to %at3" t"em. He looke5 relie)e5. 9 almost )olunteere5 to -o %it" t"em. Anyt"in- %as 8etter t"an >ust sittin- "ere strainin- to "ear t"e 1irst s3reams. 91 t"e monster@ an5 t"at %as t"e only %or5 t"at mat3"e5 t"e noises@ %as 5o%n t"ere@ t"ere %oul5 8e s3reamin-. $"e poli3e %ere -reat %it" 8a5 -uys@ 8ut monsters %ere ne% to t"em. 9t "a5 8een simpler@ in a %ay@ %"en all t"is s"it %as taken 3are o1 8y a 1e% e*perts. A 1e% lone people 1i-"tin- t"e -oo5 1i-"t. Stakin- )ampires. $urnin- Eom8ies. Burnin%it3"es. $"ou-" t"ere is some 5e8ate %"et"er 9 mi-"t "a)e en5e5 up on t"e re3ei)in- en5 o1 some 1ire a 1e% years 8a3k. Say@ t"e 19+ s. ="at 9 5i5 %as un5enia8ly ma-i3. Be1ore %e -ot all t"e 8o-eymen out in t"e open@ supernatural %as supernatural. 4estroy it 8e1ore it 5estroys you. Simpler times. But no% t"e poli3e %ere e*pe3te5 to 5eal %it" Eom8ies@ )ampires@ t"e o33asional 5emon. Poli3e %ere really 8a5 %it" 5emons. But t"en %"o isn?tB 4omin-a sat in "er 3"air an5 stare5 at me. $"e t%o uni1orms le1t in t"e li)in- room stoo5 like all poli3e stan5@ 8lank 1a3e5@ 8ore5@ 8ut let anyone mo)e an5 t"e 3ops sa% it. $"e 8ore5om %as >ust a mask. !ops al%ays sa% e)eryt"in-. #33upational "aEar5. 4omin-a %asn?t lookin- at t"e poli3e. S"e %asn?t e)en payin- attention to Ho"n Burke@ %"o %as mu3" 3loser to "er e;ual. S"e %as starin- at little ol5 me. 9 met "er 8la3k -aEe an5 sai5@ ADou -ot a pro8lemBC $"e 3op?s eyes 1li3ke5 to us. Ho"n s"i1te5 on t"e 3ou3". A="at?s %ron-BC "e aske5. AS"e?s starin- at me.C A9 %ill 5o a -reat 5eal more t"an stare at you@ 3"i3a.C Her )oi3e 3ra%le5 lo%. $"e "airs at t"e nape o1 my ne3k trie5 to 3ra%l 5o%n my s"irt. AA t"reat.C 9 smile5. A9 5on?t t"ink you?re -oin- to 8e "urtin- any8o5y anymore.C ADou mean t"is.C S"e "el5 out t"e 3"arm. 9t %rit"e5 in "er "an5 as i1 t"rille5 t"at s"e "a5 noti3e5 it. S"e 3rus"e5 it in "er "an5. 9t ma5e 1utile mo)ements as i1 pus"in- a-ainst "er. Her "an5 3o)ere5 it 3ompletely. S"e stare5 strai-"t at me@ as s"e 8rou-"t "er "an5 slo%ly to "er 3"est. $"e air %as su55enly "ea)y@ "ar5 to 8reat"e. ,)ery "air on my 8o5y %as 3reepin- 5o%n my skin. AStop "erIC Ho"n sai5. He stoo5. $"e poli3eman nearest "er "esitate5 1or only an instant@ 8ut it %as enou-". ="en "e prie5 "er 1in-ers open@ t"ey %ere empty. ASlei-"t o1 "an5@ 4omin-a. 9 t"ou-"t 8etter o1 you t"an t"at.C Ho"n %as pale. A9t isn?t a tri3k.C His )oi3e %as s"aky. He sat 5o%n "ea)ily on t"e 3ou3" 8esi5e me. His 5ark 1a3e looke5 pale. His po%er seeme5 to "a)e s"ri)ele5 up. He looke5 tire5. A="at is itB ="at 5i5 s"e 5oBC 9 aske5. ADou "a)e to 8rin- 8a3k t"e 3"arm@ ma?am@C t"e uni1orm sai5. A9 3annot@C s"e sai5. AHo"n@ %"at t"e "ell 5i5 s"e 5oBC ASomet"in- s"e s"oul5n?t "a)e 8een a8le to 5o.C 9 %as 8e-innin- to kno% "o% 4olp" must 1eel "a)in- to 5epen5 on me 1or in1ormation. 9t %as like pullin- 1u3kin- teet". A="at 5i5 s"e 5oBC AS"e a8sor8e5 "er po%er 8a3k into "ersel1@C "e sai5. A="at 5oes t"at meanBC AS"e a8sor8e5 t"e -ris2-ris into "er 8o5y. 4i5n?t you 1eel itBC 9 "a5 1elt somet"in-. $"e air %as 3learer no%@ 8ut it %as still "ea)y. 7y skin %as tin-lin- %it" t"e nearness o1 somet"in-. A9 1elt somet"in-@ 8ut 9 still 5on?t un5erstan5.C A=it"out 3eremony@ %it"out "elp 1rom t"e loa@ s"e a8sor8e5 it 8a3k into "er soul. =e %on?t 1in5 a tra3e o1 it. /o e)i5en3e.C ASo all %e "a)e is t"e tapeBC

He no55e5. A91 you kne% s"e 3oul5 5o t"is@ %"y 5i5n?t you speak up earlierB =e %oul5n?t "a)e let "er "ol5 t"e t"in-.C A9 5i5n?t kno%. 9t?s impossi8le %it"out 3eremonial ma-i3.C ABut s"e 5i5 it.C A9 kno%@ Anita@ 9 kno%.C He soun5e5 s3are5 1or t"e 1irst time. 'ear 5i5n?t sit %ell on "is 5arkly "an5some 1a3e. A1ter t"e po%er 9?5 1elt 1rom "im@ t"e 1ear seeme5 e)en more out o1 pla3e. But it %as real nonet"eless. 9 s"i)ere5@ like someone "a5 %alke5 on my -ra)e. 4omin-a %as starin- at me. A="at are you starin- atBC AA 5ea5 %oman@C s"e sai5 so1tly 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$alk is 3"eap@ SeQora. $"reats 5on?t mean s;uat.C Ho"n tou3"e5 my arm. A4o not taunt "er@ Anita. 91 s"e 3an 5o t"at instantly@ t"ere?s no tellin- %"at else s"e 3an 5o.C $"e 3op "a5 "a5 enou-". AS"e?s not 5oin- anyt"in-. 91 you so mu3" as t%it3" %ron-@ la5y@ 9?m -oin- to s"oot you.C ABut 9 am >ust an ol5 %oman. =oul5 you t"reaten meBC A4on?t talk eit"er.C $"e ot"er uni1orm sai5@ A9 kne% a %it3" on3e %"o 3oul5 8espell you %it" "er )oi3e.C Bot" uni1orms "a5 t"eir "an5s near t"eir -uns. 'unny "o% ma-i3 3"an-es "o% people per3ei)e you. $"ey %ere 1ine %"en t"ey t"ou-"t s"e nee5e5 "uman sa3ri1i3e an5 3eremony. Let "er 5o one instant tri3k@ an5 s"e %as su55enly )ery 5an-erous. 9?5 al%ays kno%n s"e %as 5an-erous. 4omin-a sat silently un5er t"e %at3"1ul eyes o1 t"e 3ops. 9 "a5 8een 5istra3te5 8y "er little per1orman3e. $"ere %ere still no s3reams 1rom 5o%nstairs. /ot"in-. Silen3e. Ha5 it -otten t"em allB $"at ;ui3kly@ %it"out a s"ot 1ire5. /a%. But still@ my stoma3" %as ti-"t@ s%eat tri3kle5 5o%n my spine. Are you alri-"t@ 4olp"B 9 t"ou-"t. A4i5 you say somet"in-BC Ho"n aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHust t"inkin- really "ar5.C He no55e5 as i1 t"at ma5e sense to "im. 4olp" 3ame into t"e li)in- room. 9 3oul5n?t tell anyt"in- 8y "is 1a3e. 7r. Stoi3. A=ell@ %"at %as itBC l aske5. A/ot"in-@C "e sai5. A="at 5o you mean@ not"in-BC AS"e?s 3leane5 t"e pla3e out 3ompletely. =e 1oun5 t"e rooms you tol5 me a8out. #ne 5oor "a5 8een 8uste5 1rom insi5e@ 8ut t"e room?s 8een s3ru88e5 5o%n an5 painte5.C He "el5 up one 8i- "an5. 9t %as staine5 %"ite. AHell@ t"e paint?s still %et.C A9t 3an?t all 8e -one. ="at a8out t"e 3ement23o)ere5 5oorsBC ALooks like someone took a >a3k"ammer to t"em. $"ey?re >ust 1res"ly painte5 rooms@ Anita. $"e pla3e stinks o1 pine s3ente5 8lea3" an5 %et paint. /o 3orpses@ no Eom8ies. /ot"in-.C 9 >ust stare5 at "im. ADou?)e -ot to 8e ki55in-.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9?m not lau-"in-.C 9 stoo5 in 1ront o1 4omin-a. A="o %arne5 youBC S"e >ust stare5 up at me@ smilin-. 9 "a5 a -reat ur-e to slap t"at smile o11 "er 1a3e. Hust to "it "er on3e %oul5 1eel -oo5. 9 kne% it %oul5. AAnita@C 4olp" sai5@ A8a3k o11.C 7ay8e t"e an-er s"o%e5 on my 1a3e@ or may8e it %as t"e 1a3t t"at my "an5s %ere 8alle5 into 1ists an5 9 seeme5 to 8e s"akin-. S"akin- %it" an-er an5 t"e 8e-innin-s o1 somet"in- else. 91 s"e 5i5n?t -o to >ail@ t"at meant s"e %as 1ree to try to kill me a-ain toni-"t. An5 e)ery ni-"t a1ter t"at. S"e smile5 as i1 s"e 3oul5 rea5 my min5. ADou "a)e not"in-@ 3"i3a. Dou "a)e -am8le5 all on a "an5 %it" not"in- in it.C S"e %as ri-"t. AStay a%ay 1rom me@ 4omin-a.C A9 %ill not 3ome near you@ 3"i3a@ 9 %ill not nee5 to.C ADour last little surprise 5i5n?t %ork out so %ell. 9?m still "ere.C A9 "a)e 5one not"in-. But 9 am sure t"ere are %orse t"in-s t"at 3oul5 3ome to your 5oor@ 3"i3a.C

9 turne5 to 4olp". A4ammit@ isn?t t"ere anyt"in- %e 3an 5oBC A=e -ot t"e 3"arm@ 8ut t"at?s it.C Somet"in- must "a)e s"o%e5 on my 1a3e 8e3ause "e tou3"e5 my arm. A="at is itBC AS"e 5i5 somet"in- to t"e 3"arm. 9t?s -one.C He took a 5eep 8reat" an5 stalke5 a%ay@ t"en 8a3k. A4ammit to "ell@ "o%BC 9 s"ru--e5. ALet Ho"n e*plain. 9 still 5on?t un5erstan5 it.C 9 "ate a5mittin- t"at 9 5on?t kno% somet"in-. 9t?s al%ays 8ot"ere5 me to a5mit i-noran3e. But "ey@ a -irl 3an?t 8e an e*pert on e)eryt"in-. 9 "a5 %orke5 "ar5 to stay a%ay 1rom )oo5oo. =ork "ar5 an5 %"ere 5oes it -et youB Starin- into t"e 8la3k eyes o1 a )oo5oo priestess %"o?s plottin- your 5eat". A most unpleasant 5eat" 8y t"e looks o1 it. =ell@ in 1or a penny@ in 1or a poun5. 9 %ent 8a3k to "er. 9 stoo5 an5 stare5 into "er 5ark 1a3e an5 smile5. Her o%n smile 1altere5@ %"i3" ma5e my smile 8i--er. ASomeone tippe5 you o11 an5 you?)e 8een 3leanin- up t"is 3esspit 1or t%o 5ays.C 9 leane5 o)er "er@ puttin- my "an5s on t"e arms o1 t"e 3"air. 9t 8rou-"t our 1a3es 3lose to-et"er. ADou "a5 to 8reak 5o%n your %alls. Dou "a5 to let out or 5estroy all your 3reations. Dour inner san3tum@ your "ou-un@ is 3leane5 an5 %"ite%as"e5. All t"e )er)e -one. All t"e animal sa3ri1i3es -one. All t"at slo% 8uil5in- o1 po%er@ line 8y line@ 5rop 8y 8loo5y 5rop@ you?re -oin- to "a)e to start o)er@ you 8it3". Dou?re -oin- to "a)e to re8uil5 it all.C $"e look in t"ose 8la3k eyes ma5e me s"i)er@ an5 9 5i5n?t 3are. ADou?re -ettin- ol5 to re8uil5 t"at mu3". 4i5 you "a)e to 5estroy many o1 your toysB 4i- up any -ra)esBC AHa)e your >oke no%@ 3"i3a@ 8ut 9 %ill sen5 %"at 9 "a)e sa)e5 to you some 5ark ni-"t.C A="y %aitB 4o it no%@ in 5ayli-"t. 'a3e me or are you a1rai5BC S"e lau-"e5 t"en@ an5 it %as a %arm@ 1rien5ly soun5. 9t startle5 me so mu3" 9 stoo5 up strai-"t@ almost >umpe5 8a3k. A4o you t"ink 9 am 1oolis" enou-" to atta3k you %it" t"e poli3e all aroun5B Dou must t"ink me a 1ool.C A9t %as %ort" a try@C 9 sai5. ADou s"oul5 "a)e >oine5 %it" me in my Eom8ie enterprises. =e 3oul5 "a)e 8een ri3" to-et"er.C A$"e only t"in- %e?re likely to 5o to-et"er is kill ea3" ot"er@C 9 sai5. F ASo 8e it. Let it 8e %ar 8et%een us.C A9t al%ays %as@C 9 sai5. S"e no55e5 an5 smile5 some more. Ker8ro%ski 3ame out o1 t"e kit3"en. He %as -rinnin- 1rom ear to ear. Somet"in- -oo5 %as up. A$"e -ran5son >ust spille5 t"e 8eans.C ,)eryone in t"e room stare5 at "im. 4olp" sai5@ ASpille5 %"atBC AHuman sa3ri1i3e. Ho% "e %as suppose5 to -et t"e -ris2-ris 8a3k 1rom Peter Burke a1ter "e kille5 "im@ on "is -ran5mot"er?s or5ers@ 8ut some >o--ers 3ame 8y an5 "e pani3ke5. He?s so a1rai5 o1 "erCO"e motione5 to 4omin-aOA"e %ants "er 8e"in5 8ars. He?s terri1ie5 o1 %"at s"e?ll 5o to "im 1or 1or-ettin- t"e 3"arm.C $"e 3"arm t"at %e 5i5n?t "a)e anymore. But %e "a5 t"e )i5eo an5 no% %e "a5 Antonio?s 3on1ession. $"e 5ay %as lookin- up. 9 turne5 8a3k to 4omin-a Sal)a5or. S"e looke5 tall an5 prou5 an5 terri1yin-. Her 8la3k eyes 8laEe5 %it" some inner li-"t. Stan5in- t"is 3lose to "er@ t"e po%er 3ra%le5 o)er my skin@ 8ut a -oo5 8on1ire %oul5 take 3are o1 t"at. $"ey?5 1ry "er in t"e ele3tri3 3"air@ t"en 8urn t"e 8o5y an5 s3atter t"e as"es at a 3rossroa5. 9 sai5 so1tly@ AGot3"a.C S"e spit at me. 9t lan5e5 on my "an5 an5 8urne5 like a3i5. AS"itIC A4o t"at a-ain an5 %e?ll s"oot you@ an5 sa)e t"e ta*payers some money@C 4olp" sai5. He "a5 "is -un out. 9 %ent in sear3" o1 t"e 8at"room to %as" "er spit o11 my "an5. A 8lister "a5 1orme5 %"ere it "a5 "it. Se3on5 1u3kin5e-ree 8urns 1rom "er spit. 4ear Go5. 9 %as -la5 Antonio "a5 8roken. 9 %as -la5 s"e %as -oin- to 8e lo3ke5 a%ay. 9 %as -la5 s"e %as -oin- to 5ie. Better "er t"an me.

Chapter Thirty-two
<i)erri5-e %as a mo5ern "ousin- 5e)elopment. ="i3" meant t"at t"ere %ere t"ree mo5els to 3"oose 1rom. Dou 3oul5 en5 up %it" 1our i5enti3al "ouses in a ro%@ like 3ookies on a 8akin- s"eet. $"ere %as also no ri)er %it"in si-"t. /o ri5-e eit"er. $"e "ouse t"at %as t"e 3enter o1 t"e poli3e sear3" area %as i5enti3al to its nei-"8or@ e*3ept 1or 3olor. $"e mur5er "ouse@ %"i3" is %"at t"e ne%s %as 3allin- it@ %as -rey %it" %"ite s"utters. $"e "ouse t"at "a5 8een passe5 sa1ely 8y %as 8lue %it" %"ite s"utters. /eit"er?s s"utters %orke5. $"ey %ere >ust 1or s"o%. 7o5ern ar3"ite3ture is 1ull o1 perks t"at are >ust 1or s"o%G 8al3ony railin-s %it"out a 8al3ony@ peake5 roo1s t"at make it look like you "a)e an e*tra room t"at you 5on?t "a)e@ por3"es so narro% t"at only Santa?s el)es 3oul5 sit on t"em. 9t makes me nostal-i3 1or Vi3torian ar3"ite3ture. 9t mi-"t "a)e 8een o)er5one@ 8ut e)eryt"in- %orke5. $"e entire "ousin- pro>e3t "a5 8een e)a3uate5. 4olp" "a5 8een 1or3e5 to -i)e a statement to t"e press. 7ore?s t"e pity. But you 3an?t e)a3uate a "ousin- 5e)elopment t"e siEe o1 a small to%n an5 keep it ;uiet. $"e 3at %as out o1 t"e 8a-. $"ey %ere 3allin- t"em t"e Eom8ie massa3res. GeeE. $"e sun %as -oin- 5o%n in a sea o1 s3arlet an5 oran-e. 9t looke5 like someone "a5 melte5 t%o -iant 3rayons an5 smeare5 t"em a3ross t"e sky. $"ere %asn?t a s"e5@ -ara-e@ 8asement@ tree "ouse@ play"ouse@ or anyt"in- else %e 3oul5 t"ink o1 t"at "a5 8een le1t unsear3"e5. Still@ %e "a5 1oun5 not"in-. $"e ne%s"oun5s %ere pro%lin- restlessly at t"e e5-e o1 t"e sear3" area. 91 %e "a5 e)a3uate5 "un5re5s o1 people an5 sear3"e5 t"eir premises %it"out a %arrant an5 1oun5 no Eom8ie ... %e %ere -oin- to 8e in 5eep 1u3kin- s"it. But it %as "ere. 9 kne% it %as "ere. Alri-"t@ 9 %as almost sure it %as "ere. Ho"n Burke %as stan5in- ne*t to one o1 t"ose -iant tras" 3ans. 4olp" "a5 surprise5 me 8y allo%in- Ho"n to 3ome on t"e Eom8ie "unt. As 4olp" sai5@ %e nee5e5 all t"e "elp %e 3oul5 -et. A="ere is it@ AnitaBC 4olp" aske5. 9 %ante5 to say somet"in- 8rilliant. 7y Go5@ Holmes@ "o% 5i5 you kno% t"e Eom8ie %as "i5in- in t"e 1lo%er potB But 9 3oul5n?t lie. A9 5on?t kno%@ 4olp". 9 >ust 5on?t kno%.C A91 %e 5on?t 1in5 t"is t"in- ... C He let t"e t"ou-"t trail o11@ 8ut 9 kne% %"at "e meant. 7y >o8 %as se3ure i1 t"is 1ell apart. 4olp"?s %as not. S"it. Ho% 3oul5 9 "elp "imB ="at %ere %e missin-B ="atB 9 stare5 at t"e ;uiet street. 9t %as eerily ;uiet. $"e %in5o%s %ere all 5ark. #nly t"e streetli-"ts pus"e5 8a3k t"e 3omin5ark. So1t "alos o1 li-"t. ,)ery "ouse "a5 a mail8o* on a post near t"e si5e%alk t"at e5-e5 t"e 3ur8. Some o1 t"e mail8o*es %ere un8elie)a8ly 3ute. #ne "a5 8een s"ape5 like a sittin- 3at. 9ts pa% %ent up i1 t"ere %as mail in its tummy. $"e 1amily name %as !att. 9t %as too pre3ious. ,)ery "ouse "a5 at least one lar-e super 5uper tras" 3an in 1ront o1 it. Some o1 t"em %ere 8i--er t"an 9 %as. Surely@ Sun5ay 3oul5n?t 8e tras" 5ay. #r "a5 to5ay 8een tras" 5ay@ an5 t"e poli3e line "a5 stoppe5 itB A$ras" 3ans@C 9 sai5 alou5. A="atBC 4olp" aske5. A$ras" 3ans.C 9 -ra88e5 "is arm@ 1eelin- almost li-"t"ea5e5. A=e?)e stare5 at t"ose 1u3kin- tras" 3ans all 5ay. $"at?s it.C Ho"n Burke stoo5 ;uietly 8esi5e me@ 1ro%nin-. AAre you 1eelin- okay@ BlakeBC Ker8ro%ski 3ame up 8e"in5 us@ smokin-. $"e en5 o1 "is 3i-arette looke5 like a 8loate5 1ire1ly. A$"e 3ans are 8i- enou-" 1or a lar-e person to "i5e in.C A=oul5n?t your arms an5 le-s 1all asleepBC Ker8ro%ski aske5. AKom8ies 5on?t "a)e 3ir3ulation@ not like %e 5o.C 4olp" yelle5@ A,)ery8o5y 3"e3k t"e tras" 3ans. $"e Eom8ie is in one o1 t"em. 7o)e itIC ,)eryone s3attere5 like an ant"ill stirre5 %it" a sti3k@ 8ut %e "a5 a purpose no%. 9 en5e5 up %it" t%o uni1orme5 o11i3ers. $"eir nameplates sai5 AKiC an5 A<o8erts.C Ki %as Asian an5 male. <o8erts %as 8lon5 an5 1emale. A ni3ely mi*e5 team. =e 1ell into a r"yt"m %it"out 5is3ussin- it. #11i3er Ki %oul5 mo)e up an5 5ump t"e tras" 3an. <o8erts an5 9 %oul5 3o)er "im %it" -uns. =e %ere all set to yell like "ell i1 a Eom8ie 3ame tum8lin- out. 9t %oul5 pro8a8ly 8e t"e ri-"t Eom8ie. Li1e is sel5om t"at 3ruel. =e?5 yell an5 an e*terminator team %oul5 3ome runnin-. At least@ t"ey?5 8etter 3ome runnin-. $"is Eom8ie %as entirely too 1ast@ too 5estru3ti)e. 9t mi-"t 8e more resistant to -un1ire. Better not to 1in5 out. Hust 1ren3"21ry t"e su3ker an5 8e 5one %it" it.

=e %ere t"e only team %orkin- on t"e street. $"ere %as no soun5 8ut our 1ootsteps@ t"e ru88er 3run3" o1 tras" 3ans o)erturnin-@ t"e rattle o1 3ans an5 8ottles as t"e tras" spille5. 4i5n?t any8o5y tie t"eir 8a-s up anymoreB 4arkness "a5 1allen in a soli5 8la3kness. 9 kne% t"ere %ere stars an5 a moon up t"ere some%"ere@ 8ut you 3oul5n?t pro)e it 1rom %"ere %e stoo5. !lou5s as t"i3k an5 5ark as )el)et "a5 3ome in 1rom t"e %est. #nly t"e streetli-"ts ma5e it 8eara8le. 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% <o8erts %as 5oin-@ 8ut t"e mus3les in my s"oul5ers an5 ne3k %ere s3reamin-. ,)ery time Ki put "is "an5s to t"e 3an an5 pus"e5@ 9 %as rea5y. <ea5y to 1ire@ rea5y to sa)e "im 8e1ore t"e Eom8ie leapt up an5 rippe5 "is t"roat out. A tri3kle o1 s%eat 5rippe5 5o%n "is "i-"23"eek8one5 1a3e. ,)en in t"e 5im li-"t it -limmere5. Gla5 to kno% 9 %asn?t t"e only one 1eelin- t"e e11ort. #1 3ourse@ 9 %asn?t t"e one puttin- my 1a3e o)er t"e possi8le "i5inpla3e o1 a 8erserk Eom8ie. $rou8le %as@ 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% -oo5 a s"ot Ki %as@ or <o8erts eit"er 1or t"at matter. 9 kne% 9 %as a -oo5 s"ot. 9 kne% 9 3oul5 slo% t"e t"in- 5o%n until "elp arri)e5. 9 "a5 to stay on s"ootin- 5etail. 9t %as t"e 8est 5i)ision o1 la8or. Honest. S3reams. $o t"e le1t. $"e t"ree o1 us 1roEe. 9 %"irle5 to%ar5s t"e s3reamin-. $"ere %as not"in- to see@ not"in- 8ut 5ark "ouses an5 pools o1 streetli-"t. /ot"in- mo)e5. But t"e s3reams 3ontinue5 "i-" an5 "orri1ie5. 9 starte5 runnin- to%ar5s t"e s3reams. Ki an5 <o8erts %ere at my 8a3k. 9 ran %it" t"e Bro%nin- in a t%o2"an5e5 -rip pointe5 up. ,asier to run t"at %ay. 4i5n?t 5are "olster t"e -un. Visions o1 8loo523oate5 te55y 8ears@ an5 t"e s3reams. $"e s3reams sort o1 1a5e5. Someone %as 5yin- up a"ea5. $"ere %as a sense o1 mo)ement e)ery%"ere in t"e 5arkness. !ops runnin-. All o1 us runnin- 8ut it %as too late. =e %ere all too late. $"e s3reamin- "a5 stoppe5. /o -uns"ots. ="y notB ="y "a5n?t someone -otten o11 a s"otB =e ran 5o%n t"e si5e yar5s o1 1our "ouses %"en %e "it a metal 1en3e. Ha5 to "olster t"e -uns. !oul5n?t 3lim8 it %it" one "an5. 4ammit. 9 5i5 my 8est to )ault t"e 1en3e usin- my "an5s 1or le)era-e. 9 stum8le5 to my knees in t"e so1t 5irt o1 a 1lo%er 8e5. 9 %as tramplin- some tall summer 1lo%ers. #n my knees 9 %as 3onsi5era8ly s"orter t"an t"e 1lo%ers. Ki lan5e5 8esi5e me. #nly <o8erts lan5e5 on "er 1eet. Ki stoo5 up %it"out 5ra%in- "is -un. 9 5re% t"e Bro%nin- %"ile 9 3rou3"e5 in t"e 1lo%ers. 9 3oul5 stan5 up a1ter 9 %as arme5. 9 "a5 a sense o1 rus"in- mo)ement 8ut not 3lear si-"t. $"e 1lo%ers o8s3ure5 my )ision. <o8erts %as su55enly tum8lin8a3k%ar5s@ s3reamin-. Ki %as 5ra%in- "is -un@ 8ut somet"in- "it "im@ kno3ke5 "im on top o1 me. 9 rolle5 8ut %as still "al1 un5er "im. He lay still on top o1 me. AKi@ mo)e it@ 5ammitIC He sat up an5 3ra%le5 to%ar5s "is partner@ "is -un sil"ouette5 a-ainst t"e streetli-"t. He %as starin- 5o%n at <o8erts. S"e %asn?t mo)in-. 9 sear3"e5 t"e 5arkness tryin- to see somet"in-@ anyt"in-. 9t "a5 mo)e5 more t"an "uman 1ast. 'ast as a -"oul. /o Eom8ie mo)e5 like t"at. Ha5 9 8een %ron- all alon-B =as it somet"in- elseB Somet"in- %orseB Ho% many li)es %oul5 my mistake 3ost toni-"tB =as <o8erts 5ea5B AKi@ is s"e ali)eBC 9 sear3"e5 t"e 5arkness@ 1i-"tin- t"e ur-e to look only at t"e li-"te5 areas. $"ere %as s"outin-@ 8ut it %as 3on1usion@ A="ere is itB ="ere 5i5 it -oBC $"e soun5s %ere -ettin- 1art"er a%ay. 9 s3reame5@ AHere@ "ereIC $"e )oi3es "esitate5@ t"en starte5 our %ay. $"ey %ere makin- so mu3" noise@ like a "ear5 o1 art"riti3 elep"ants. AHo% 8a5 is s"e "urtBC ABa5.C He?5 put "is -un 5o%n. He %as pressin- "is "an5s o)er "er ne3k. Somet"in- 8la3k an5 li;ui5 %as sprea5in- o)er "is "an5s. Go5. 9 knelt on t"e ot"er si5e o1 <o8erts@ -un rea5y@ sear3"in- t"e 5arkness. ,)eryt"in- %as takin- 1ore)er@ yet it %as only se3on5s. 9 3"e3ke5 "er pulse@ one2"an5e5. 9t %as t"rea5y@ 8ut t"ere. 7y "an5 3ame a%ay 3o)ere5 in 8loo5. 9 %ipe5 it on my pants. $"e t"in- "a5 5amn near slit "er t"roat. ="ere %as itB Ki?s eyes %ere "u-e@ all pupil. His skin looke5 leprous in t"e streetli-"t. His partner?s 8loo5 %as 5rippin- out 8et%een "is 1in-ers. Somet"in- mo)e5@ too lo% to t"e -roun5 to 8e a man@ 8ut a8out t"at siEe. 9t %as >ust a s"ape 3reepin- alon- t"e 8a3k o1 t"e "ouse in 1ront o1 us. ="ate)er it %as "a5 1oun5 t"e 5eepest s"a5o% an5 %as tryin- to 3reep a%ay. $"at s"o%e5 more intelli-en3e t"an a Eom8ie "a5. 9 %as %ron-. 9 %as %ron-. 9 %as 1u3kin- %ron-. An5 <o8erts %as 5yin- 8e3ause o1 it. AStay %it" "er. Keep "er ali)e.C

A="ere are you -oin-BC "e aske5. AA1ter it.C 9 3lim8e5 t"e 1en3e one2"an5e5. $"e a5renaline must "a)e 8een pumpin- 8e3ause 9 ma5e it. 9 -aine5 t"e yar5 an5 it %as -one. A streakin- s"ape 1ast as a mouse 3au-"t in t"e kit3"en li-"t. A 8lur o1 spee5@ 8ut 8i-@ 8i- as a man. 9t roun5e5 t"e 3orner o1 t"e "ouse an5 9 lost si-"t o1 it. 4ammit. 9 ran as 1ar 1rom t"e %all as 9 3oul5@ my stoma3" ti-"t %it" anti3ipation o1 1in-ers rippin- my t"roat out. 9 3ame roun5 t"e "ouse -un pointe5@ t%o2"an5e5@ rea5y. /ot"in-. 9 s3anne5 t"e 5arkness@ t"e pools o1 li-"t. /ot"in-. S"outs 8e"in5 me. $"e 3ops "a5 arri)e5. Go5@ let <o8erts li)e. $"ere@ mo)ement@ 3reepin- a3ross t"e streetli-"t aroun5 t"e e5-e o1 anot"er "ouse. Someone s"oute5@ AAnitaIC 9 %as alrea5y runnin- to%ar5s t"e mo)ement. 9 s"oute5 as 9 ran@ ABrin- an e*terminator teamIC But 9 5i5n?t stop. 9 5i5n?t 5are stop. 9 %as t"e only one in si-"t o1 it. 91 9 lost it@ it %as -one. 9 ran into t"e 5arkness@ alone@ a1ter somet"in- t"at mi-"t not 8e a Eom8ie at all. /ot t"e 8ri-"test t"in- 9?)e e)er 5one@ 8ut it %asn?t -oin- to -et a%ay. 9t %asn?t. 9t %as ne)er -oin- to "urt anot"er 1amily. /ot i1 9 3oul5 stop it. /o%. $oni-"t. 9 ran t"rou-" a pool o1 li-"t an5 it ma5e t"e 5arkness "ea)ier@ 8lin5in- me temporarily. 9 1roEe in t"e 5ark@ %illin- my eyes to a5>ust 1aster. APerssisstent %oman@C a )oi3e "isse5. 9t %as to my ri-"t@ so 3lose t"e "air on my arms stoo5 up. 9 1roEe@ strainin- my perip"eral )ision. $"ere@ a 5arker s"ape risin- out o1 t"e e)er-reen s"ru8s t"at "u--e5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e "ouse. 9t rose to its 1ull "ei-"t@ 8ut 5i5n?t atta3k. 91 it %ante5 me@ it 3oul5 "a)e me 8e1ore 9 3oul5 turn an5 1ire. 9?5 seen it mo)e. 9 kne% 9 %as 5ea5. ADou arrre not like t"e resst.C $"e )oi3e %as si8ilant@ as i1 parts o1 t"e mout" %ere missin-@ so it put -reat e11ort into 1ormin- ea3" %or5. A -entleman?s )oi3e 5e3aye5 8y t"e -ra)e. 9 turne5 to%ar5s it@ slo%ly@ slo%ly. APut me 8a3k.C 9 "a5 turne5 my "ea5 enou-" to 8e a8le to see some o1 it. 7y ni-"t )ision is 8etter t"an most. An5 t"e streetli-"ts ma5e it li-"ter t"an it s"oul5 "a)e 8een. $"e skin %as pale@ yello%is"2%"ite. $"e skin 3lun- to t"e 8ones o1 "is 1a3e like %a* t"at "a5 "al12melte5. But t"e eyes@ t"ey %eren?t 5e3aye5. $"ey 8urne5 out at me %it" a -litter t"at %as more t"an >ust eyes. APut you 8a3k %"ereBC 9 aske5. A7y -ra)e@C "e sai5. His lips 5i5n?t %ork ;uite ri-"t@ t"ere %asn?t enou-" 1les" le1t on t"em. Li-"t 8laEe5 into my eyes. $"e Eom8ie s3reame5@ 3o)erin- "is 1a3e. 9 3oul5n?t see s"it. 9t 3ras"e5 into me. 9 pulle5 t"e tri--er 8lin5. 9 t"ou-"t 9 "ear5 a -runt as t"e 8ullet "it "ome. 9 1ire5 t"e -un a-ain one2"an5e5@ t"ro%in- an arm a3ross my ne3k. $ryin- to prote3t mysel1 as 9 1ell "al128lin5. ="en 9 8linke5 up into t"e ele3tri32s"ot 5arkness@ 9 %as alone. 9 %as un"urt. ="yB Put me 8a3k@ it "a5 sai5. 9n my -ra)e. Ho% "a5 it kno%n %"at 9 %asB 7ost "umans 3oul5n?t tell. =it3"es 3oul5 tell sometimes@ an5 ot"er animators al%ays spotte5 me. #t"er animators. S"it. 4olp" %as su55enly t"ere@ pullin- me to my 1eet. AGo5@ Blake@ are you "urtBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="at t"e "ell %as t"at li-"tBC AA "alo-en 1las"li-"t.C ADou 5amn near 8lin5e5 me.C A=e 3oul5n?t see to s"oot@C "e sai5. Poli3e "a5 run past us in t"e 5arkness. $"ere %ere s"outs o1@ A$"ere it isIC 4olp" an5 9 an5 t"e o11en5in- 1las"li-"t@ 8ri-"t as 5ay@ %ere le1t 8e"in5 as t"e 3"ase ran merrily on. A9t spoke to me@ 4olp"@C 9 sai5. . A="at 5o you mean@ it spoke to youBC A9t aske5 me to put it 8a3k in its -ra)e.C 9 stare5 up at "im as 9 sai5 it. 9 %on5ere5 i1 my 1a3e looke5 like Ki?s "a5@ pale@ eyes %i5e an5 8la3k. ="y %asn?t 9 s3are5B A9t?s ol5@ a 3entury at least. 9t %as a )oo5oo somet"in- in li1e. $"at?s %"at %ent %ron-. $"at?s %"y Peter Burke 3oul5n?t 3ontrol it.C AHo% 5o you kno% all t"isB 4i5 it tell youBC

9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"e %ay it looke5@ 9 3oul5 >u5-e t"e a-e. 9t re3o-niEe5 me as someone %"o 3oul5 lay it to rest. #nly a %it3" or anot"er animator 3oul5 "a)e re3o-niEe5 me 1or %"at 9 am. 7y money?s on an animator.C A4oes t"at 3"an-e our planBC "e aske5. 9 stare5 up at "im. A9t?s kille5 "o% many peopleBC 9 5i5n?t %ait 1or "im to ans%er. A=e kill it. Perio5.C ADou t"ink like a 3op@ Anita.C 9t %as a -reat 3ompliment 1rom 4olp"@ an5 9 took it as one. 9t 5i5n?t matter %"at it "a5 8een in li1e. So it "a5 8een an animator@ or rat"er a )oo5oo pra3tioner. So %"atB 9t %as a killinma3"ine. 9t "a5n?t kille5 me. Ha5n?t "urt me. 9 3oul5n?t a11or5 to return t"e 1a)or. S"ots e3"oe5 1ar %ay. Some tri3k o1 t"e summer air ma5e t"em e3"o. 4olp" an5 9 looke5 at ea3" ot"er. 9 still "a5 t"e Bro%nin- in my "an5. ALet?s 5o it.C He no55e5. =e starte5 runnin-@ 8ut "e out5istan3e5 me ;ui3kly. His le-s %ere as tall as 9 %as. 9 3oul5n?t mat3" "is pa3e. 9 mi-"t 8e a8le to run "im into t"e -roun5@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er mat3" "is spee5. He "esitate5@ -lan3in- at me. AGo on@ run@C 9 sai5. He put on an e*tra 8urst o1 spee5 an5 %as -one into t"e 5arkness. He 5i5n?t e)en look 8a3k. 91 you sai5 you %ere 1ine in t"e 5ark %it" a killer Eom8ie on t"e loose@ 4olp" %oul5 8elie)e you. #r at least "e 8elie)e5 me. 9t %as a 3ompliment 8ut it le1t me runnin- alone in t"e 5ark 1or t"e se3on5 time toni-"t. S"outs %ere 3omin- 1rom t%o opposite 5ire3tions. $"ey "a5 lost it. 4amn. 9 slo%e5. 9 "a5 no 5esire to run into t"e t"in- 8lin5. 9t "a5n?t "urt me t"e 1irst time@ 8ut 9?5 put at least one 8ullet into it. ,)en a Eom8ie -ets pisse5 a8out t"in-s like t"at. 9 %as un5er t"e 3ool 5arkness o1 a tree s"a5o%. 9 %as on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 5e)elopment. A 8ar8e52%ire 1en3e 3ut a3ross t"e entire 8a3k o1 t"e su85i)ision. 'armlan5 stret3"e5 as 1ar as 9 3oul5 see. At least t"e 1iel5 %as plante5 in 8eans. $"e Eom8ie?5 "a)e to 8e lyin- 1lat to "i5e in t"ere. 9 3au-"t -limpses o1 poli3emen %it" 1las"li-"ts@ sear3"in- t"e 5arkness@ 8ut t"ey %ere all a8out 1i1ty yar5s to eit"er si5e o1 me. $"ey %ere sear3"in- t"e -roun5@ t"e s"a5o%s@ 8e3ause 9?5 tol5 t"em Eom8ies 5i5n?t like to 3lim8. But t"is %asn?t any or5inary Eom8ie. $"e tree rustle5 o)er my "ea5. $"e "air on my ne3k 3ra%le5 5o%n my spine. 9 %"irle5@ lookin- up%ar5s@ -un pointin-. 9t snarle5 at me an5 leapt. 9 1ire5 t%i3e 8e1ore its %ei-"t "it me an5 kno3ke5 us 8ot" to t"e -roun5. $%o 8ullets in t"e 3"est@ an5 it %asn?t e)en "urt. 9 1ire5 a t"ir5 time@ 8ut 9 mi-"t as %ell "a)e 8een "ittin- a %all. 9t snarle5 in my 1a3e@ 8roken teet" %it" 5ark stains@ 8reat" 1oul as a ne% opene5 -ra)e. 9 s3reame5 8a3k@ %or5less@ an5 pulle5 t"e tri--er a-ain. $"e 8ullet "it it in t"e t"roat. 9t pause5@ tryin- to s%allo%. $o s%allo% t"e 8ulletB $"ose -litterin- eyes stare5 5o%n at me. $"ere %as someone "ome@ like 4omin-a?s soul2lo3ke5 Eom8ies. $"ere %as someone lookin- out o1 t"ose eyes. =e 1roEe in one o1 t"ose illusionary se3on5s t"at last years. He %as stra55lin- my %aist@ "an5s at my t"roat@ 8ut not pressin-@ not "urtin-@ not yet. 9 "a5 t"e -un un5er "is 3"in. /one o1 t"e ot"er 8ullets "a5 "urt "imG %"y %oul5 t"is oneB A4i5n?t mean to kill@C it sai5 so1tly@ A5i5n?t un5erstan5 at 1irsst. 4i5n?t remem8er %"at 9 %ass.C $"e poli3e %ere t"ere on eit"er si5e@ "esitatin-. 4olp" s3reame5@ AHol5 your 1ire@ "ol5 your 1ire@ 5ammitIC A9 nee5e5 meat@ nee5e5 it to remem8er %"o 9 %ass. $rie5 not to kill. $rie5 to %alk past all t"e "oussess@ 8ut 9 3oul5 not. $oo many "oussess@C "e %"ispere5. His "an5s tense5@ staine5 nails 5i--in- in. 9 1ire5 into "is 3"in. His 8o5y >erke5 8a3k%ar5s@ 8ut t"e "an5s s;ueeEe5 my ne3k. Pressure@ pressure@ ti-"ter@ ti-"ter. 9 %as 8e-innin- to see %"ite star 8ursts on my )ision. $"e ni-"t %as 1a5in- 1rom 8la3k to -rey. 9 presse5 t"e -un >ust a8o)e t"e 8ri5-e o1 "is nose an5 pulle5 t"e tri--er a-ain@ an5 a-ain. 7y )ision 1a5e5@ 8ut 9 3oul5 still 1eel my "an5s@ pullin- t"e tri--er. 4arkness 1lo%e5 o)er my eyes an5 s%allo%e5 t"e %orl5. 9 3oul5n?t 1eel my "an5s anymore. 9 %oke to s3reams@ "orri8le s3reams. $"e stink o1 8urnin- 1les" an5 "air %as t"i3k an5 3"okin- on my ton-ue. 9 took a 5eep s"akin- 8reat" an5 it "urt. 9 3ou-"e5 an5 trie5 to sit up. 4olp" %as t"ere supportin- me. He "a5 my -un in "is "an5. 9 5re% one ra--e5 8reat" a1ter anot"er an5 3ou-"e5 "ar5 enou-" to make my t"roat ra%. #r may8e t"e Eom8ie "a5 5one t"at. Somet"in- t"e siEe o1 a man %as rollin- o)er t"e summer -rass. 9t 8urne5. 9t 1lame5 %it" a 3lean oran-e li-"t t"at sent t"e 5arkness s"atterin- in 1ire s"a5o%s like t"e sun on %ater. $%o e*terminators in t"eir 1ire suits stoo5 8y it@ 3o)erin- it in napalm@ as i1 it %ere a -"oul. $"e t"in- s3reame5 "i-" in its t"roat@ o)er an5 o)er@ one lou5 ra--e5 s"riek a1ter anot"er.

AHesus@ %"y %on?t it 5ieBC Ker8ro%ski %as stan5in- near8y. His 1a3e %as oran-e in t"e 1ireli-"t. 9 5i5n?t say anyt"in-. 9 5i5n?t %ant to say it out lou5. $"e Eom8ie %oul5n?t 5ie 8e3ause it "a5 8een an animator %"en ali)e. $"at mu3" 9 kne% a8out animator Eom8ies. ="at 9 "a5n?t kno%n %as t"at t"ey 3ame out o1 t"e -ra)e 3ra)in- 1les". $"at t"ey remem8ere5 only %"en t"ey ate 1les". $"at 9 "a5n?t kno%n. 4i5n?t %ant to kno%. Ho"n Burke stum8le5 into t"e 1ireli-"t. He %as 3ra5lin- one arm to "is 3"est. Bloo5 staine5 "is 3lot"in-. Ha5 t"e Eom8ie %"ispere5 to Ho"nB 4i5 "e kno% %"y t"e t"in- %oul5n?t 5ieB $"e Eom8ie %"irle5@ t"e 1ire roarin- aroun5 it. $"e 8o5y %as like t"e %i3k o1 a 3an5le. 9t took one s"akin- step to%ar5s us. 9ts 1lamin- "an5 rea3"e5 out to me. $o me. $"en it 1ell 1or%ar5@ slo%ly@ into t"e -rass. 9t 1ell like a tree in slo% motion@ 1i-"tin- 1or li1e. 91 t"at %as t"e %or5. $"e e*terminators staye5 rea5y@ takin- no 3"an3es. 9 5i5n?t 8lame t"em. 9t "a5 8een a ne3roman3er on3e upon a time. $"at 8urnin- "ulk@ slo%ly 3at3"in- t"e -rass on 1ire@ "a5 8een %"at 9 %as. =oul5 9 8e a monster i1 raise5 1rom t"e -ra)eB =oul5 9B Better not to 1in5 out. 7y %ill sai5 3remation 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t %ant someone raisin- me >ust 1or ki3ks. /o% 9 "a5 anot"er reason to 5o it. #ne "a5 8een enou-". 9 %at3"e5 t"e 1les" 8la3ken@ 3url@ peel a%ay. 7us3les an5 8one poppe5 in miniature e*plosions@ tiny pops o1 sparks. 9 %at3"e5 t"e Eom8ie 5ie an5 ma5e a promise to mysel1. 9?5 see 4omin-a Sal)a5or 8urne5 in "ell 1or %"at s"e?5 5one. $"ere are 1ires t"at last 1or all eternity. 'ires t"at make napalm look like a temporary in3on)enien3e. S"e?5 8urn 1or all eternity@ an5 it %oul5n?t 8e "al1 lon- enou-".

Chapter Thirty-three
9 %as lyin- on my 8a3k in t"e emer-en3y room. A %"ite 3urtain "i5 me 1rom )ie%. $"e noises on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 3urtain %ere lou5 an5 un1rien5ly. 9 like5 my 3urtain. $"e pillo% %as 1lat@ t"e e*aminin- ta8le %as "ar5. 9t 1elt %"ite an5 3lean an5 %on5er1ul. 9t "urt to s%allo%. 9t e)en "urt a little 8it >ust to 8reat"e. But 8reat"in- %as important. 9t %as ni3e to 8e a8le to 5o it. 9 lay t"ere )ery ;uietly. 4oin- %"at 9 %as tol5 1or on3e. 9 listene5 to my 8reat"in-@ t"e 8eatin- o1 my o%n "eart. A1ter nearly 5yin-@ 9 am al%ays )ery intereste5 in my 8o5y. 9 noti3e all sorts o1 t"in-s t"at -o unnoti3e5 5urin- most o1 li1e. 9 3oul5 1eel 8loo5 3oursin- t"rou-" t"e )eins in my arms. 9 3oul5 taste my 3alm@ or5erly pulse in my mout" like a pie3e o1 3an5y. 9 %as ali)e. $"e Eom8ie %as 5ea5. 4omin-a Sal)a5or %as in >ail. Li1e %as -oo5. 4olp" pus"e5 t"e 3urtain 8a3k. He 3lose5 t"e 3urtain like you?5 3lose a 5oor to a room. =e 8ot" preten5e5 %e "a5 pri)a3y e)en t"ou-" %e 3oul5 see people?s 1eet passin- un5er t"e "em o1 t"e 3urtain. 9 smile5 up at "im. He smile5 8a3k. A/i3e to see you up an5 aroun5.C A9 5on?t kno% a8out t"e up part@C 9 sai5. 7y )oi3e "a5 a "usky e5-e to it. 9 3ou-"e5@ trie5 to 3lear it@ 8ut it 5i5n?t really "elp. A="at?5 t"e 5o3 say a8out your )oi3eBC 4olp" aske5. A9?m a temporary tenor.C At t"e look on "is 1a3e@ 9 a55e5@ A9t?ll pass.C AGoo5.C AHo%?s BurkeBC 9 aske5. AStit3"es@ no permanent 5ama-e.C 9 "a5 1i-ure5 as mu3" a1ter seein- "im last ni-"t@ 8ut it %as -oo5 to kno%. AAn5 <o8ertsBC AS"e?ll li)e.C ABut %ill s"e 8e alri-"tBC 9 "a5 to s%allo% "ar5. 9t "urt to talk. AS"e?ll 8e alri-"t. Ki %as 3ut up@ too@ on t"e arm. 4i5 you kno%BC 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 stoppe5 in mi52motion. $"at "urt@ too. A4i5n?t see it.C AHust a 1e% stit3"es. He?ll 8e 1ine.C 4olp" plun-e5 "is "an5s in "is pants po3kets. A=e lost t"ree o11i3ers. #ne "urt %orse t"an <o8erts@ 8ut "e?ll make it.C 9 stare5 up at "im. A7y 1ault.C He 1ro%ne5. AHo% 5o you 1i-ure t"atBC A9 s"oul5 "a)e -uesse5@C 9 "a5 to s%allo%@ Ait %asn?t an or5inary Eom8ie.C

A9t %as a Eom8ie@ Anita. Dou %ere ri-"t. Dou %ere t"e one %"o 1i-ure5 out it %as "i5in- in one o1 t"ose 5amn tras" 3ans.C He -rinne5 5o%n at me. AAn5 you nearly 5ie5 killin- it. 9 t"ink you?)e 5one your part.C A4i5n?t kill it. ,*terminators kille5 it.C Bi- %or5s seeme5 to "urt more t"an little %or5s. A4o you remem8er %"at "appene5 as you %ere passin- outBC A/o.C ADou emptie5 your 3lip into its 1a3e. Ble% its 5amn 8rains out t"e 8a3k o1 its "ea5. Dou %ent limp. 9 t"ou-"t you %ere 5ea5. Go5CO"e s"ook "is "ea5OA5on?t e)er 5o t"at to me a-ain.C 9 smile5. A9?ll try not to.C A="en its 8rains starte5 leakin- out t"e 8a3k o1 its "ea5@ it stoo5 up. Dou took all t"e 1i-"t out o1 it.C Ker8ro%ski pus"e5 into t"e small spa3e@ lea)in- t"e 3urtain -apin- 8e"in5 "im. 9 3oul5 see a small 8oy %it" a 8loo5y "an5 3ryin- into a %oman?s s"oul5er. 4olp" s%ept t"e 3urtain 3lose5. 9 8et Ker8ro%ski %as one o1 t"ose people %"o ne)er s"ut a 5ra%er. A$"ey?re still 5i--in- 8ullets out o1 t"e 3orpse. An5 e)ery 8ullet?s yours@ Blake.C 9 >ust looke5 at "im. ADou are su3" a 8a5 ass@ Blake.C ASome8o5y "as to 8e %it" you aroun5@ Ker8ro% ... C 9 3oul5n?t 1inis" "is name. 9t "urt. 9t 1i-ures. AAre you in painBC 4olp" aske5. 9 no55e5@ 3are1ully. A$"e 5o3?s -ettin- me painkiller. Alrea5y -ot tetanus 8ooster.C ADou?)e -ot a ne3kla3e o1 8ruises 8lossomin- on t"at pale ne3k o1 yours@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. APoeti3@C 9 sai5. He s"ru--e5. A9?ll 3"e3k in on t"e rest o1 t"e in>ure5 one more time@ t"en 9?ll "a)e a uni1orm 5ri)e you 8a3k to your pla3e@C 4olp" sai5. A$"anks.C A9 5on?t t"ink you?re in any 3on5ition to 5ri)e.C 7ay8e "e %as ri-"t. 9 1elt like s"it@ 8ut it %as "appy s"it. =e?5 5one it. =e?5 sol)e5 t"e 3rime@ an5 people %ere -oin- to >ail 1or it. Dippee. $"e 5o3tor 3ame 8a3k in %it" t"e painkillers. He -lan3e5 at t"e t%o poli3emen. A<i-"t.C He "an5e5 me a 8ottle %it" t"ree pills in it. A$"is s"oul5 see you t"rou-" t"e ni-"t an5 into t"e ne*t 5ay. 9?5 3all in si3k i1 9 %ere you.C He -lan3e5 at 4olp" as "e sai5 it. ADou "ear t"at@ 8ossBC 4olp" sort o1 1ro%ne5. A9?m not "er 8oss.C ADou?re t"e man in 3"ar-e@ ri-"tBC t"e 5o3tor aske5. 4olp" no55e5. A$"en...C A9?m on loan@C 9 sai5. ALoanBC ADou mi-"t say %e 8orro%e5 "er 1rom anot"er 5epartment@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. $"e 5o3tor no55e5. A$"en tell "er superior to let "er o11 tomorro%. S"e may not look as "urt as t"e ot"ers@ 8ut s"e?s "a5 a nasty s"o3k. S"e?s )ery lu3ky t"ere %as no permanent 5ama-e.C AS"e 5oesn?t "a)e a superior@C Ker8ro%ski sai5@ A8ut %e?ll tell "er 8oss.C He -rinne5 at t"e 5o3tor. 9 1ro%ne5 at Ker8ro%ski. A=ell@ t"en@ you?re 1ree to -o. =at3" t"ose s3rat3"es 1or in1e3tion. An5 t"at 8ite on your s"oul5er.C He s"ook "is "ea5. ADou 3ops earn your money.C =it" t"at partin- %is5om@ "e le1t. Ker8ro%ski lau-"e5. A=oul5n?t 5o 1or t"e 5o3 to kno% %e?5 let a 3i)ie -et messe5 up.C AS"e?s "a5 a nasty s"o3k@C 4olp" sai5. AVery nasty@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. $"ey starte5 lau-"in-. 9 sat up 3are1ully@ s%in-in- my le-s o)er t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5. A91 you t%o are t"rou-" yukkin- it up@ 9 nee5 a ri5e "ome.C

$"ey %ere 8ot" lau-"in- so "ar5 t"at tears %ere 3reepin- out o1 t"eir eyes. 9t "a5n?t 8een t"at 1unny@ 8ut 9 un5erstoo5. 'or tension release lau-"ter 8eats t"e "ell out o1 tears. 9 5i5n?t >oin t"em 8e3ause 9 suspe3te5 stron-ly t"at lau-"in%oul5 "urt. A9?ll 5ri)e you "ome@C Ker8ro%ski -aspe5 8et%een -i--les. 9 "a5 to smile. Seein- 4olp" an5 Ker8ro%ski -i--lin- %as enou-" to make anyone smile. A/o@ no@C 4olp" sai5. ADou t%o in a 3ar alone. #nly one o1 you %oul5 3ome out ali)e.C AAn5 it?5 8e me@C 9 sai5. Ker8ro%ski no55e5. AAin?t it t"e trut".C /i3e to kno% t"ere %as one su8>e3t %e a-ree5 on.

Chapter Thirty-four
9 %as "al1 asleep in t"e 8a3k o1 t"e s;ua5 3ar %"en t"ey pulle5 up in 1ront o1 my apartment 8uil5in-. $"e t"ro88in- pain in my t"roat "a5 sli5 a%ay on a smoot" ti5e o1 pain me5i3ation. 9 1elt nearly 8oneless. ="at "a5 t"e 5o3tor -i)en meB 9t 1elt -reat@ 8ut it %as like t"e %orl5 %as some sort o1 mo)ie t"at "a5 little to 5o %it" me. 4istant an5 "armless as a 5ream. 9?5 -i)en 4olp" my 3ar keys. He promise5 to "a)e someone park t"e 3ar in 1ront o1 my apartment 8uil5in- 8e1ore mornin-. He also sai5 "e?5 3all Bert an5 tell "im 9 %oul5n?t 8e in to %ork to5ay. 9 %on5ere5 "o% Bert %oul5 take t"e ne%s. 9 %on5ere5 i1 9 3are5. /ope. #ne o1 t"e uni1orme5 poli3e o11i3ers leane5 8a3k o)er t"e seat an5 sai5@ ADou -oin- to 8e alri-"t@ 7iss BlakeBC A7s.@C 9 3orre3te5 automati3ally. He -a)e me a "al1 smile as "e "el5 t"e 5oor 1or me. /o 5oor "an5les on t"e insi5e o1 a s;ua5 3ar. He "a5 to "ol5 t"e 5oor 1or me@ 8ut "e 5i5 it %it" relis"@ an5 sai5@ ADou -oin- to 8e alri-"t@ 7s. BlakeBC ADes@ #11i3erCO9 "a5 to 8link to rea5 "is name ta-O A#s8orn. $"ank you 1or 8rin-in- me "ome. $o your partner@ too.C His partner %as stan5in- on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 3ar@ leanin- "is arms on t"e roo1 o1 t"e 3ar. A9t?s a ki3k to 1inally meet t"e spook s;ua5?s ,*e3utioner.C He -rinne5 as "e sai5 it. 9 8linke5 at "im an5 trie5 to pull all t"e pie3es to-et"er enou-" to talk an5 t"ink at t"e same time. A9 %as t"e ,*e3utioner lon- 8e1ore t"e spook s;ua5 3ame alon-.C He sprea5 "is "an5s@ still -rinnin-. A/o o11ense.C 9 %as too tire5 an5 too 5ru--e5 to %orry a8out it. 9 >ust s"ook my "ea5. A$"anks a-ain.C 9 %as a tou3" unstea5y -oin- up t"e stairs. 9 3lut3"e5 t"e railin- like it %as a li1eline. 9?5 sleep toni-"t. 9 mi-"t %ake up in t"e mi55le o1 t"e "all%ay@ 8ut 9?5 sleep. 9t took me t%o tries to put t"e key in t"e 5oor lo3k. 9 sta--ere5 into my apartment@ leanin- my 1ore"ea5 a-ainst t"e 5oor to 3lose it. 9 turne5 t"e lo3k an5 %as sa1e. 9 %as "ome. 9 %as ali)e. $"e killer Eom8ie %as 5estroye5. 9 "a5 t"e ur-e to -i--le@ 8ut t"at %as t"e pain me5i3ation. 9 ne)er -i--le on my o%n. 9 stoo5 t"ere leanin- t"e top o1 my "ea5 a-ainst t"e 5oor. 9 %as starin- at t"e toes o1 my /ikes. $"ey seeme5 )ery 1ar a%ay@ as i1 5istan3es "a5 -ro%n sin3e last 9 looke5 at my 1eet. $"e 5o3 "a5 -i)en me some %eir5 s"it. 9 %oul5 not take it tomorro%. 9t %as too reality2alterin- 1or my taste. $"e toes o1 8la3k 8oots steppe5 up 8esi5e my /ikes. ="y %ere t"ere 8oots in my apartmentB 9 starte5 to turn aroun5. 9 starte5 to -o 1or my -un. $oo late@ too slo%@ too 1u3kin- 8a5. Stron- 8ro%n arms la3e5 a3ross my 3"est@ pinnin- my arms. Pinnin- me a-ainst t"e 5oor. 9 trie5 to stru--le no% t"at it %as too late. But "e "a5 me. 9 3rane5 my ne3k 8a3k%ar5s tryin- to 1i-"t o11 t"e 5amn me5i3ation. 9 s"oul5 "a)e 8een terri1ie5. A5renaline pumpin-@ 8ut some 5ru-s 5on?t -i)e a s"it i1 you nee5 your 8o5y. Dou 8elon- to t"e 5ru- until it %ears o11@ perio5. 9 %as -oin- to "urt t"e 5o3tor. 91 9 li)e5 t"rou-" t"is. 9t %as Bruno pinnin- me to t"e 5oor. $ommy 3ame up on t"e ri-"t. He "a5 a nee5le in "is "an5s. A/#IC Bruno 3uppe5 "is "an5 o)er my mout". 9 trie5 to 8ite "im@ an5 "e slappe5 me. $"e slap "elpe5 a little 8ut t"e %orl5 %as still 3otton23oate5@ 5istant. Bruno?s "an5 smelle5 like a1ter2s"a)e. A 3"okin- s%eetness. A$"is is almost too easy@C $ommy sai5. AHust 5o it@C Bruno sai5.

9 stare5 at t"e nee5le as it 3ame 3loser to my arm. 9 %oul5 "a)e tol5 t"em t"at 9 %as 5ru--e5 alrea5y@ i1 Bruno?s "an5 "a5n?t 8een 3laspe5 o)er my mout". 9 %oul5 "a)e aske5 %"at %as in t"e syrin-e@ an5 %"et"er it %oul5 rea3t 8a5ly %it" %"at 9 "a5 alrea5y taken. 9 ne)er -ot t"e 3"an3e. $"e nee5le plun-e5 in. 7y 8o5y sti11ene5@ stru--lin-@ 8ut Bruno "el5 me ti-"t. !oul5n?t mo)e. !oul5n?t -et a%ay. 4ammitI 4ammitI $"e a5renaline %as 1inally 3"asin- t"e 3o8%e8s a%ay@ 8ut it %as too late. $ommy took t"e nee5le out o1 my arm an5 sai5@ ASorry@ %e 5on?t "a)e any al3o"ol to s%a8 it o11 %it".C He -rinne5 at me. 9 "ate5 "im. 9 "ate5 t"em 8ot". An5 i1 t"e s"ot 5i5n?t kill me@ 9 %as -oin- to kill t"em 8ot". 'or s3arin- me. 'or makin- me 1eel "elpless. 'or 3at3"in- me una%are@ 5ru--e5@ an5 stupi5. 91 9 li)e5 t"rou-" t"is mistake@ 9 %oul5n?t make it a-ain. Please@ 5ear Go5@ let me li)e t"rou-" t"is mistake. Bruno "el5 me motionless an5 mute until 9 3oul5 1eel t"e in>e3tion takin- "ol5. 9 %as sleepy. =it" a 8a5 -uy "ol5in- me a-ainst my %ill@ 9 %as sleepy. 9 trie5 to 1i-"t it@ 8ut it 5i5n?t %ork. 7y eyeli5s 1luttere5. 9 stru--le5 to keep t"em open. 9 stoppe5 tryin- to -et a%ay 1rom Bruno an5 put e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 into not 3losin- my eyes. 9 stare5 at my 5oor an5 trie5 to stay a%ake. $"e 5oor s%am in 5iEEyin- ripples as i1 9 %ere seein- it t"rou-" %ater. 7y eyeli5s %ent 5o%n@ >erke5 up@ 5o%n. 9 3oul5n?t open my eyes. A small part o1 me 1ell s3reamin- into t"e 5ark@ 8ut t"e rest o1 me 1elt loose an5 sleepy an5 stran-ely sa1e.

Chapter Thirty-five
9 %as in t"at 1aint e5-e o1 %ake1ulness. ="ere you kno% you?re not ;uite asleep@ 8ut 5on?t really %ant to %ake up eit"er. 7y 8o5y 1elt "ea)y. 7y "ea5 t"ro88e5. An5 my t"roat %as sore. $"e last t"ou-"t ma5e me open my eyes. 9 %as starin- at a %"ite 3eilin-. Bro%n %ater marks tra3e5 t"e paint like spille5 3o11ee. 9 %asn?t "ome. ="ere %as 9B 9 remem8ere5 Bruno "ol5in- me 5o%n. $"e nee5le. 9 sat up t"en. $"e %orl5 s%am in 3lear %a)es o1 3olor. 9 1ell 8a3k onto t"e 8e5@ 3o)erin- my eyes %it" my "an5s. $"at "elpe5 a little. ="at "a5 t"ey -i)en meB 9 "a5 an ima-e in my min5 t"at 9 %asn?t alone. Some%"ere in t"at 5iEEyin- s%irl o1 3olor "a5 8een a person. Ha5n?t t"ereB 9 opene5 my eyes slo%er t"is time. 9 %as 3ontent to stare up at t"e %ater2ruine5 3eilin-. 9 %as on a lar-e 8e5. $%o pillo%s@ s"eets@ a 8lanket. 9 turne5 my "ea5 3are1ully an5 1oun5 mysel1 starin- into Harol5 Gaynor?s 1a3e. He %as sittin- 8esi5e t"e 8e5. 9t %asn?t %"at 9 %ante5 to %ake up to. Be"in5 "im@ leanin- a-ainst a 8attere5 3"est o1 5ra%ers %as Bruno. His s"oul5er "olster 3ut 8la3k lines a3ross "is 8lue s"ort2slee)e5 5ress s"irt. $"ere %as a mat3"in- an5 e;ually s3arre5 )anity ta8le near t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5. $"e )anity sat 8et%een t%o "i-" %in5o%s. $"ey %ere 8oar5e5 %it" ne%@ s%eet2smellin- lum8er. $"e s3ent o1 pine ro5e t"e "ot@ still air. 9 starte5 to s%eat as soon as 9 realiEe5 t"at t"ere %as no air23on5itionin-. AHo% are you 1eelin-@ 7s. BlakeBC Gaynor aske5. His )oi3e %as still t"at >olly Santa )oi3e %it" an e5-e o1 si8ilan3e. As i1 "e %ere a )ery "appy snake. A9?)e 1elt 8etter@C 9 sai5. A9?m sure you "a)e. Dou "a)e 8een asleep 1or o)er t%enty21our "ours. 4i5 you kno% t"atBC =as "e lyin-B ="y %oul5 "e lie a8out "o% lon- 9?5 8een asleepB ="at %oul5 it -ain "imB /ot"in-. $rut" t"en@ pro8a8ly. A="at t"e "ell 5i5 you -i)e meBC Bruno ease5 "imsel1 a%ay 1rom t"e %all. He looke5 almost em8arrasse5. A=e 5i5n?t realiEe you?5 alrea5y taken a se5ati)e.C APainkiller@C 9 sai5. He s"ru--e5. ASame 5i11eren3e %"en you mi* it %it" $"oraEine.C ADou s"ot me up %it" animal tran;uiliEersBC A/o%@ no%@ 7s. Blake@ t"ey use it in mental institutions@ as %ell. /ot >ust animals@C Gaynor sai5. AGee@C 9 sai5@ At"at makes me 1eel a lot 8etter.C He smile5 8roa5ly. A91 you 1eel -oo5 enou-" to tra5e %itty repartee@ t"en you?re %ell enou-" to -et up.C =itty reparteeB But "e %as pro8a8ly ri-"t. $rut"1ully@ 9 %as surprise5 9 %asn?t tie5 up. Gla5 o1 it@ 8ut surprise5. 9 sat up mu3" slo%er t"an last time. $"e room only tilte5 t"e tiniest 8it@ 8e1ore settlin- into an upri-"t position. 9 took a 5eep 8reat"@ an5 it "urt. 9 put a "an5 to my t"roat. 9t "urt to tou3" t"e skin. A="o -a)e you t"ose a%1ul 8ruisesBC Gaynor aske5. Lie or trut"B Partial lie. A9 %as "elpin- t"e poli3e 3at3" a 8a5 -uy. He -ot a little out o1 "an5.C A="at "appene5 to t"is 8a5 -uyBC Bruno aske5.

AHe?s 5ea5 no%@C 9 sai5. Somet"in- 1li3kere5 a3ross Bruno?s 1a3e. $oo ;ui3k to rea5. <espe3t may8e. /a%. ADou kno% %"y 9?)e "a5 you 8rou-"t "ere@ 5on?t youBC A$o raise a Eom8ie 1or you@C 9 sai5. A$o raise a )ery ol5 Eom8ie 1or me@ yes.C A9?)e re1use5 your o11er t%i3e. ="at makes you t"ink 9?ll 3"an-e my min5BC He smile5@ su3" a >olly ol5 el1. A="y@ 7s. Blake@ 9?ll "a)e Bruno an5 $ommy persua5e you o1 t"e error o1 your %ays. 9 still plan on -i)in- you a million 5ollars to raise t"is Eom8ie. $"e pri3e "asn?t 3"an-e5.C A$ommy o11ere5 me a million 1i)e last time@C 9 sai5. A$"at %as i1 you 3ame )oluntarily. =e 3an?t pay 1ull pri3e %"en you 1or3e us to take su3" 3"an3es.C ALike a 1e5eral prison term 1or ki5nappin-@C 9 sai5. A,*a3tly. Dour stu88ornness "as 3ost you 1i)e "un5re5 t"ousan5 5ollars. =as it really %ort" t"atBC A9 %on?t kill anot"er "uman 8ein- >ust so you 3an -o lookin- 1or lost treasure.C ALittle =an5a "as 8een 8earin- tales.C A9 %as >ust -uessin-@ Gaynor. 9 rea5 a 1ile on you an5 it mentione5 your o8session %it" your 1at"er?s 1amily.C 9t %as an outri-"t lie. #nly =an5a "a5 kno%n t"at. A9?m a1rai5 it?s too late. 9 kno% =an5a talke5 to you. S"e?s 3on1esse5 e)eryt"in-.C !on1esse5B 9 stare5 at "im@ tryin- to rea5 "is 8lankly -oo5 "umore5 1a3e. A="at 5o you mean@ 3on1esse5BC A9 mean 9 -a)e "er to $ommy 1or ;uestionin-. He?s not t"e artist t"at !i3ely is@ 8ut "e 5oes lea)e more 8e"in5. 9 5i5n?t %ant to kill my little =an5a.C A="ere is s"e no%BC A4o you 3are %"at "appens to a %"oreBC His eyes %ere 8ri-"t an5 8ir5like as "e stare5 at me. He %as >u5-in- me@ my rea3tions. AS"e 5oesn?t mean anyt"in- to me@C 9 sai5. 9 "ope5 my 1a3e %as as 8lan5 as my %or5s. <i-"t no% t"ey %eren?t -oin- to kill "er. 91 t"ey t"ou-"t t"ey 3oul5 use "er to "urt me@ t"ey mi-"t. AAre you sureBC AListen@ 9 "a)en?t 8een sleepin- %it" "er. S"e?s >ust a 3"ippie %it" a )ery 8ent an-le.C He smile5 at t"at. A="at 3an %e 5o to 3on)in3e you to raise t"is Eom8ie 1or meBC A9 %ill not 3ommit mur5er 1or you@ Gaynor. 9 5on?t like you t"at mu3"@C 9 sai5. He si-"e5. His apple23"eeke5 1a3e looke5 like a sa5 Ke%pie 5oll. ADou are -oin- to make t"is 5i11i3ult@ aren?t you@ 7s. BlakeBC A9 5on?t kno% "o% to make it easy@C 9 sai5. 9 put my 8a3k to t"e 3ra3ke5 %oo5en "ea58oar5 o1 t"e 8e5. 9 %as 3om1orta8le enou-"@ 8ut 9 still 1elt a little 1uEEy aroun5 t"e e5-es. But it %as as -oo5 as it %as -oin- to -et 1or a %"ile. 9t 8eat t"e "ell out o1 8ein- un3ons3ious. A=e "a)e not really "urt you yet@C Gaynor sai5. A$"e rea3tion o1 t"e $"oraEine %it" %"ate)er ot"er me5i3ation you "a5 in you %as a33i5ental. =e 5i5 not "arm you on purpose.C 9 3oul5 ar-ue %it" t"at@ 8ut 9 5e3i5e5 not to. ASo %"ere 5o %e -o 1rom "ereBC A=e "a)e 8ot" your -uns@C Gaynor sai5. A=it"out a %eapon you are a small %oman in t"e 3are o1 8i-@ stron- men.C 9 smile5 t"en. A9?m use5 to 8ein- t"e smallest ki5 on t"e 8lo3k@ Harry.C He looke5 paine5. AHarol5 or Gaynor@ ne)er Harry.C 9 s"ru--e5. A'ine.C ADou are not in t"e least intimi5ate5 t"at %e "a)e you 3ompletely at our mer3yBC A9 3oul5 ar-ue t"at point.C He -lan3e5 up at Bruno. ASu3" 3on1i5en3e@ %"ere 5oes s"e -et itBC Bruno 5i5n?t say anyt"in-. He >ust stare5 at me %it" t"ose empty 5oll eyes. Bo5y-uar5 eyes@ %at3"1ul@ suspi3ious@ an5 8lank all at t"e same time. AS"o% "er %e mean 8usiness@ Bruno.C

Bruno smile5@ a slo% sprea5in- o1 lips t"at le1t "is eyes 5ea5 as a s"ark?s. He loosene5 "is s"oul5ers@ an5 5i5 a 1e% stret3"in- e*er3ises a-ainst t"e %all. His eyes ne)er le1t me. A9 take it@ 9?m -oin- to 8e t"e pun3"in- 8a-BC 9 aske5. AHo% %ell you put it@C Gaynor sai5. Bruno stoo5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all@ lim8er an5 ea-er. #"@ %ell. 9 sli5 o11 t"e 8e5 on t"e opposite si5e. 9 "a5 no 5esire 1or Gaynor to -ra8 me. Bruno?s rea3" %as o)er t%i3e mine. His le-s %ent on 1ore)er. He "a5 to out%ei-" me 8y nearly a "un5re5 poun5s@ an5 it %as all mus3le. 9 %as a8out to -et 8a5ly "urt. But as lon- as t"ey 5i5n?t tie me up@ 9?5 -o 5o%n s%in-in-. 91 9 3oul5 3ause "im any serious 5ama-e@ 9?5 8e satis1ie5. 9 3ame out 1rom 8e"in5 t"e 8e5@ "an5s loose at my si5e. 9 %as alrea5y in t"at partial 3rou3" t"at 9 use5 on t"e >u5o mat. 9 5ou8te5 seriously i1 Bruno?s 1i-"tin- skill o1 3"oi3e %as >u5o. 9 %as 8ettin- karate or tae k%on 5o. Bruno stoo5 in an a%k%ar52lookin- stan3e@ "al1%ay 8et%een an * an5 a t. 9t looke5 like someone "a5 taken "is lon- le-s an5 3rum8le5 t"em at t"e knees. But as 9 mo)e5 1or%ar5 "e s3oote5 8a3k%ar5s like a 3ra8@ 1ast an5 out o1 rea3". AHu>itsuBC 9 ma5e it "al1 ;uestion. He raise5 an eye8ro%. A7ost people 5on?t re3o-niEe it.C A9?)e seen it@C 9 sai5. ADou pra3ti3eBC A/o.C He smile5. A$"en 9 am -oin- to "urt you.C A,)en i1 9 kne% >u>itsu@ you?5 "urt me@C 9 sai5. A9t?5 8e a 1air 1i-"t.C A91 t%o people are e;ual in skill@ siEe matters. A -oo5 8i- person %ill al%ays 8eat a -oo5 small person.C 9 s"ru--e5. A9 5on?t "a)e to like it@ 8ut it?s t"e trut".C ADou?re 8ein- a%1ul 3alm a8out t"is@C Bruno sai5. A=oul5 8ein- "ysteri3al "elpBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A/ope.C A$"en 9?5 >ust as soon take my me5i3ine like@ i1 you?ll e*3use t"e e*pression@ a man.C He 1ro%ne5 at t"at. Bruno %as a33ustome5 to people 8ein- s3are5 o1 "im. 9 %asn?t s3are5 o1 "im. 9?5 5e3i5e5 to take t"e 8eatin-. =it" t"e 5e3ision 3ame a 3ertain amount o1 3alm. 9 %as -oin- to -et 8eat up@ not pleasant@ 8ut 9 "a5 ma5e my min5 up to take t"e 8eatin-. 9 3oul5 5o it. 9?5 5one it 8e1ore. 91 my 3"oi3es %ere a) -ettin- 8eat up or 8) per1ormin- "uman sa3ri1i3e@ 9?5 take t"e 8eatin-. A<ea5y or not@C Bruno sai5. AHere you 3ome@C 9 1inis"e5 1or "im. 9 %as -ettin- tire5 o1 t"e 8ra)a5o. A,it"er "it me or stan5 up strai-"t. Dou look silly 3rou3"e5 5o%n like t"at.C His 1ist %as a 5ark 8lur. 9 8lo3ke5 it %it" my arm. $"e impa3t ma5e t"e arm -o num8. His lon- le- ki3ke5 out an5 3onne3te5 soli5ly %it" my stoma3". 9 5ou8le5 o)er like 9 %as suppose5 to@ all t"e air -one in one mo)ement. His ot"er 1oot 3ame up an5 3au-"t me on t"e si5e o1 t"e 1a3e. 9t %as t"e same 3"eek o1 Seymour "a5 smas"e5. 9 1ell to t"e 1loor not sure %"at part o1 my 8o5y to 3om1ort 1irst. His 1oot 3ame 1or me a-ain. 9 3au-"t it %it" 8ot" "an5s. 9 3ame up in a rus"@ "opin- to trap "is knee 8et%een my arms an5 pop t"e >oint. But "e t%iste5 a%ay 1rom me@ totally air8orne 1or a moment. 9 5roppe5 to t"e -roun5 an5 1elt t"e air pass o)er"ea5 as "is le-s ki3ke5 out %"ere my "ea5 "a5 8een. 9 %as on t"e -roun5 a-ain@ 8ut 8y 3"oi3e. He stoo5 o)er me@ impossi8ly tall 1rom t"is an-le. 9 lay on my si5e@ knees 5ra%n up. He 3ame 1or me@ e)i5ently plannin- to 5ra- me to my 1eet. 9 ki3ke5 out %it" 8ot" 1eet at an an-le to "is knee3ap. Hit it >ust ri-"t a8o)e or 8elo% an5 you 5islo3ate it. $"e le- 8u3kle5@ an5 "e s3reame5. 9t "a5 %orke5. Hot 5amn. 9 5i5n?t try to %restle "im. 9 5i5n?t try to -ra8 "is -un. 9 ran 1or t"e 5oor. Gaynor -ra88e5 1or me@ 8ut 9 1lun- open t"e 5oor an5 %as out in a lon- "all%ay 8e1ore "e 3oul5 maneu)er "is 1an3y 3"air. $"e "all%ay %as smoot" %it" a "an51ul o1 5oors an5 t%o 8lin5 3orners. An5 $ommy. $ommy looke5 surprise5 to see me. His "an5 %ent 1or "is s"oul5er "olster. 9 pus"e5 on "is s"oul5er an5 1oot2s%ept "is le-. He 1ell 8a3k%ar5s an5 -ra88e5 me as "e 1ell. 9 ro5e "im 5o%n@ makin- sure my knee -roun5 into "is -roin. His -rip loosene5 enou-" 1or me to slip out o1 rea3". $"ere %ere soun5s 8e"in5 me 1rom t"e room. 9 5i5n?t look 8a3k. 91 t"ey %ere -oin- to s"oot me@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to see it. $"e "all%ay took a s"arp turn. 9 %as almost to it %"en t"e smell slo%e5 me 1rom a run to a %alk. $"e smell o1 3orpses %as >ust aroun5 t"e 3orner. ="at "a5 t"ey 8een 5oin- %"ile 9 sleptB

9 -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e men. $ommy %as still lyin- on t"e 1loor@ 3ra5lin- "imsel1. Bruno leane5 a-ainst t"e %all@ -un in "an5@ 8ut "e %asn?t pointin- it at me. Gaynor %as sittin- in "is 3"air@ smilin-. Somet"in- %as )ery %ron-. Aroun5 t"e 8lin5 3orner 3ame t"at somet"in- t"at %as %ron-@ )ery@ )ery %ron-. 9t %as no taller t"an a tall man@ may8e si* 1eet. But it %as nearly 1our 1eet %i5e. 9t "a5 t%o le-s@ or may8e t"ree@ it %as "ar5 to tell. $"e t"in- %as leprously pale like all Eom8ies@ 8ut t"is one "a5 a 5oEen eyes. A man?s 1a3e %as 3entere5 %"ere t"e ne3k %oul5 "a)e 8een. 9ts eyes 5ark an5 seein-@ an5 empty o1 e)eryt"in- sane. A 5o-?s "ea5 %as -ro%in- out o1 t"e s"oul5er. $"e 5o-?s 5e3ayin- mout" snappe5 at me. A %oman?s le- -re% out o1 t"e 3enter o1 t"e mess@ 3omplete %it" 8la3k "i-"2"eele5 s"oe. $"e t"in- s"am8le5 to%ar5s me. Pullin- %it" t"ree o1 a 5oEen arms@ 5ra--in- itsel1 1or%ar5. 9t le1t a trail 8e"in5 it like a snail. 4omin-a Sal)a5or steppe5 aroun5 t"e 3orner. ABuenas no3"es@ 3"i3a. A $"e monster s3are5 me@ 8ut t"e si-"t o1 4omin-a -rinnin- at me s3are5 me >ust a little 8it more. $"e t"in- "a5 stoppe5 mo)in- 1or%ar5. 9t s;uatte5 in t"e "all%ay@ kneelin- on its ina5e;uate le-s. 9ts 5oEens o1 mout"s pante5 as i1 it 3oul5n?t -et enou-" air. #r may8e t"e t"in- 5i5n?t like t"e %ay it smelle5. 9 3ertainly 5i5n?t. !o)erin- my mout" an5 nose %it" my arm 5i5n?t 8lo3k out mu3" o1 t"e smell. $"e "all%ay su55enly smelle5 like 8a5 meat. Gaynor an5 "is %oun5e5 8o5y-uar5s "a5 staye5 at t"e en5 o1 t"e "all. 7ay8e t"ey 5i5n?t like 8ein- near 4omin-a?s little pet. 9 kno% it 5i5n?t 5o mu3" 1or me. ="ate)er t"e reason %e %ere isolate5. 9t %as >ust "er an5 me an5 t"e monster. AHo% 5i5 you -et out o1 >ailBC Better to 5eal %it" more mun5ane pro8lems 1irst. $"e min52meltin- ones 3oul5 %ait 1or later. A9 ma5e my 8ail@C s"e sai5. A$"is ;ui3kly on a mur5er in)ol)in- %it3"3ra1tBC AVoo5oo is not %it3"3ra1t@C s"e sai5. A$"e la% sees it as t"e same t"in- %"en it 3omes to mur5er.C S"e s"ru--e5@ t"en smile5 8eati1i3ally. S"e %as t"e 7e*i3an -ran5mot"er o1 my ni-"tmares. ADou?)e -ot a >u5-e in your po3ket@C 9 sai5. A7any people 1ear me@ 3"i3a. Dou s"oul5 8e one o1 t"em.C ADou "elpe5 Peter Burke raise t"e Eom8ie 1or Gaynor.C S"e >ust smile5. A="y 5i5n?t you >ust raise it yoursel1BC 9 aske5. A9 5i5n?t %ant someone as uns3rupulous as Gaynor to %itness me mur5erin- someone. He mi-"t use it 1or 8la3kmail.C AAn5 "e 5i5n?t realiEe t"at you "a5 to kill someone 1or Peter?s -ris2-risBC A!orre3t@C s"e sai5. ADou "i5 all your "orrors "ereBC A/ot all. Dou 1or3e5 me to 5estroy mu3" o1 my %ork@ 8ut t"is 9 sa)e5. Dou 3an see %"y.C S"e 3aresse5 a "an5 5o%n t"e slimy "i5e. 9 s"u55ere5. Hust t"e t"ou-"t o1 tou3"in- t"at monstrosity %as enou-" to make my skin 3ol5. An5 yet ... AHo% 5i5 you make itBC 9 "a5 to kno%. 9t %as so o8)iously a 3reation o1 our s"are5 art t"at 9 "a5 to kno%. ASurely@ you 3an animate 8its an5 pie3es o1 t"e 5ea5@C 4omin-a sai5. 9 3oul5@ 8ut no one else 9 "a5 e)er met 3oul5 5o it. ADes@C 9 sai5. A9 1oun5 9 3oul5 take t"ese o55s an5 en5s an5 mel5 t"em to-et"er.C 9 stare5 at t"e s"am8lin- t"in-. A7el5 t"emBC $"e t"ou-"t %as too "orri8le. A9 3an 3reate ne% 3reatures t"at "a)e ne)er e*iste5 8e1ore.C ADou make monsters@C 9 sai5. ABelie)e %"at you %ill@ 3"i3a@ 8ut 9 am "ere to persua5e you to raise t"e 5ea5 1or Gaynor.C A="y 5on?t you 5o itBC Gaynor?s )oi3e 3ame 1rom >ust 8e"in5 us. 9 %"irle5@ puttin- t"e %all at my 8a3k so 9 3oul5 %at3" e)ery8o5y. ="at -oo5 t"at %oul5 5o me@ 9 %asn?t sure. A4omin-a?s po%er %ent %ron- on3e. $"is is my last 3"an3e. $"e last kno%n -ra)e. 9 %on?t risk it on "er.C

4omin-a?s eyes narro%e5@ "er a-e2t"inne5 "an5s 1ormin- 1ists. S"e 5i5n?t like 8ein- 5ismisse5 out o1 "an5. !oul5n?t say 9 8lame5 "er. AS"e 3oul5 5o it@ Gaynor@ easier t"an 9 3oul5.C A91 9 truly 8elie)e5 t"at@ 9 %oul5 kill you 8e3ause 9 %oul5n?t nee5 you anymore.C Hmm@ -oo5 point. ADou?)e "a5 Bruno rou-" me up. /o% %"atBC Gaynor s"ook "is "ea5. ASu3" a little -irl to "a)e taken 8ot" my 8o5y-uar5s 5o%n.C A9 tol5 you or5inary met"o5s o1 persuasion %ill not %ork on "er@C 4omin-a sai5. 9 stare5 past "er at t"e slat"erin- monster. S"e 3alle5 t"is or5inaryB A="at 5o you proposeBC Gaynor aske5. AA spell o1 3ompulsion. S"e %ill 5o as 9 8i5@ 8ut it takes time to 5o su3" a spell 1or one as po%er1ul as s"e. 91 s"e kne% any )oo5oo to speak o1@ it %oul5 not %ork at all. But 1or all "er art@ s"e is 8ut a 8a8y in )oo5oo.C AHo% lon- %ill you nee5BC A$%o "ours@ no more.C A$"is "a5 8etter %ork@C Gaynor sai5. A4o not t"reaten me@C 4omin-a sai5. #"@ -oo5y@ may8e t"e 8a5 -uys %oul5 1i-"t an5 kill ea3" ot"er. A9 am payin- you enou-" money to set up your o%n small 3ountry. 9 s"oul5 -et results 1or t"at.C 4omin-a no55e5 "er "ea5. ADou pay %ell@ t"at is true. 9 %ill not 1ail you. 91 9 3an 3ompel Anita to kill anot"er person@ t"en 9 3an 3ompel "er to "elp me in my Eom8ie 8usiness. S"e %ill "elp me re8uil5 %"at s"e 1or3e5 me to 5estroy. 9t "as a 3ertain irony@ noBC Gaynor smile5 like a 5emente5 el1. A9 like it.C A=ell@ 9 5on?t@C 9 sai5. He 1ro%ne5 at me. ADou %ill 5o as you are tol5. Dou "a)e 8een )ery nau-"ty.C /au-"tyB 7eB Bruno "a5 %orke5 "imsel1 3lose to us. He %as leanin- "ea)ily on t"e %all@ 8ut "is -un %as )ery stea5ily pointe5 at t"e 3enter o1 my 3"est. A9?5 like to kill you no%@C "e sai5. His )oi3e soun5e5 ra% %it" pain. AA 5islo3ate5 knee "urts like "ell@ 5oesn?t itBC 9 smile5 %"en 9 sai5 it. Better 5ea5 t"an a %illin- ser)ant o1 t"e )oo5oo ;ueen. 9 t"ink "e -roun5 "is teet". $"e -un %a)ere5 >ust a little@ 8ut 9 t"ink t"at %as ra-e@ not pain. A9 %ill en>oy killin- you.C ADou 5i5n?t 5o so -oo5 last time. 9 t"ink t"e >u5-es %oul5 "a)e -i)en t"e mat3" to me.C A$"ere are no 1u3kin- >u5-es "ere. 9 am -oin- to kill you.C ABruno@C Gaynor sai5@ A%e nee5 "er ali)e an5 %"ole.C AA1ter s"e raises t"e Eom8ieBC Bruno aske5. A91 s"e is a %illin- ser)ant o1 t"e SeQora@ t"en you are not to "urt "er. 91 t"e 3ompulsion 5oesn?t %ork@ t"en you may kill "er.C Bruno -a)e a 1ier3e 1las" o1 teet". 9t %as more snarl t"an smile. A9 "ope t"e spell 1ails.C Gaynor -lan3e5 at "is 8o5y-uar5. A4on?t let personal 1eelin-s inter1ere %it" 8usiness@ Bruno.C Bruno s%allo%e5 "ar5. ADes@ sir.C 9t 5i5n?t soun5 like a title t"at 3ame easily to "im. ,nEo 3ame aroun5 t"e 3orner 8e"in5 4omin-a. He staye5 near t"e %all as 1ar 1rom "er A3reationC as "e 3oul5 -et. Antonio "a5 1inally lost "is >o8 as 8o5y-uar5. 9t %as >ust as %ell. He %as mu3" 8etter suite5 to stool pi-eon. $ommy 3ame limpin- 5o%n t"e "all@ still sort o1 s3run3"e5 o)er "imsel1. $"e 8i- 7a-num %as in "is "an5s. His 1a3e %as nearly purple %it" ra-e@ or may8e pain. A9?m -onna kill you@C "e "isse5. A$ake a num8er@C 9 sai5. A,nEo@ you "elp Bruno an5 $ommy tie t"is little -irl to a 3"air in t"e room. S"e?s a lot more 5an-erous t"an s"e seems@C Gaynor sai5. ,nEo -ra88e5 my arm. 9 5i5n?t 1i-"t "im. 9 1i-ure5 9 %as sa1er in "is "an5s t"an eit"er o1 t"e ot"er t%o. $ommy an5 Bruno 8ot" looke5 as i1 t"ey %ere lookin- 1or%ar5 to me tryin- somet"in-. 9 t"ink t"ey %ante5 to "urt me. As ,nEo le5 me past t"em@ 9 sai5@ A9s it 8e3ause 9?m a %oman or are you al%ays t"is 8a5 at losin-BC

A9?m -onna s"oot "er@C $ommy -runte5. ALater@C Gaynor sai5@ Alater.C 9 %on5ere5 i1 "e really meant t"at. 91 4omin-a?s spell %orke5@ 9?5 8e like a li)in- Eom8ie@ o8eyin- "er %ill. 91 t"e spell 5i5n?t %ork@ t"en $ommy an5 Bruno %oul5 kill me@ a pie3e at a time. 9 "ope5 t"ere %as a t"ir5 3"oi3e.

Chapter Thirty-six
$"e t"ir5 3"oi3e %as 8ein- tie5 to a 3"air in t"e room %"ere 9 %oke up. 9t %as t"e 8est o1 t"e t"ree 3"oi3es@ 8ut t"at %asn?t sayin- mu3". 9 5on?t like 8ein- tie5 up. 9t means your options "a)e -one 1rom 1e% to none. 4omin-a "a5 3lippe5 some o1 my "air an5 t"e tips o1 my 1in-ernails. Hair an5 nails 1or "er 3ompulsion spell. S"it. $"e 3"air %as ol5 an5 strai-"t28a3ke5. 7y %rists %ere tie5 to t"e slats t"at ma5e up t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 3"air. Ankles tie5 separately to a le- o1 t"e 3"air. $"e ropes %ere ti-"t. 9 tu--e5 at t"e ropes@ "opin- 1or some sla3k. $"ere %asn?t any. 9 "a5 8een tie5 up 8e1ore@ an5 9 al%ays "a)e t"is Hou5ini 1antasy t"at t"is time 9?ll "a)e enou-" sla3k to %i--le 1ree. 9t ne)er %orks t"at %ay. #n3e you?re tie5 up@ you stay tie5 up until someone lets you -o. $"e trou8le %as %"en t"ey let me -o@ t"ey %ere -oin- to try a nasty little spell on me. 9 "a5 to -et a%ay 8e1ore t"en. Some"o%@ 9 "a5 to -et a%ay. 4ear Go5@ please let me -et a%ay. $"e 5oor opene5 as i1 on 3ue@ 8ut it %asn?t "elp. Bruno entere5@ 3arryin- =an5a in "is arms. Bloo5 "a5 5rie5 5o%n t"e ri-"t si5e o1 "er 1a3e 1rom a 3ut a8o)e t"e eye. Her le1t 3"eek %as ripe %it" a "u-e 8ruise. $"e lo%er lip "a5 8urst in a still 8lee5in- 3ut. Her eyes %ere s"ut. 9 %asn?t e)en sure s"e %as 3ons3ious. 9 "a5 an a3"in- line on t"e le1t si5e o1 my 1a3e %"ere Bruno "a5 ki3ke5 me@ 8ut it %as not"in- to =an5a?s in>uries. A/o% %"atBC 9 aske5 Bruno. ASome 3ompany 1or you. ="en s"e %akes up@ ask "er %"at else $ommy 5i5 to "er. See i1 t"at %ill persua5e you to raise t"e Eom8ie.C A9 t"ou-"t 4omin-a %as -oin- to 8espell me into "elpin- you.C He s"ru--e5. AGaynor 5oesn?t put mu3" 1ait" in "er sin3e s"e s3re%e5 up so 8a5ly.C AHe 5oesn?t -i)e se3on5 3"an3es@ 9 -uess@C 9 sai5. A/o@ "e 5oesn?t.C He lai5 =an5a on t"e 1loor near me. ADou 8est take "is o11er@ -irl. #ne 5ea5 %"ore an5 you -et a million 5ollars. $ake it.C ADou?re -oin- to use =an5a 1or t"e sa3ri1i3e@C 9 sai5. 7y )oi3e soun5e5 tire5 e)en to me. AGaynor 5on?t -i)e se3on5 3"an3es.C 9 no55e5. AHo%?s your kneeBC He -rima3e5. A9 put it 8a3k in pla3e.C A$"at must "a)e "urt like "ell@C 9 sai5. A9t 5i5. 91 you 5on?t "elp Gaynor@ you?re -oin- to 1in5 out e*a3tly "o% mu3" it "urt.C AAn eye 1or an eye@C 9 sai5. He no55e5 an5 stoo5. He 1a)ore5 "is ri-"t le-. He 3au-"t me lookin- at t"e le-. A$alk to =an5a. 4e3i5e %"at you %ant to en5 up as. Gaynor?s talkin- a8out makin- you a 3ripple@ t"en keepin- you aroun5 as "is toy. Dou 5on?t %ant t"at.C AHo% 3an you %ork 1or "imBC He s"ru--e5. APays real %ell.C A7oney isn?t e)eryt"in-.C ASpoken 8y some8o5y %"o?s ne)er -one "un-ry.C He "a5 me t"ere. 9 >ust looke5 at "im. =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er 1or a 1e% minutes. $"ere %as somet"in- "uman in "is eyes at last. 9 3oul5n?t rea5 it t"ou-". ="ate)er emotion it %as@ it %as not"in- 9 un5erstoo5. He turne5 an5 le1t t"e room. 9 stare5 5o%n at =an5a. S"e lay on "er si5e %it"out mo)in-. S"e %as %earin- anot"er lon- multi3olore5 skirt. A %"ite 8louse %it" a %i5e la3e 3ollar %as "al12rippe5 1rom one s"oul5er. $"e 8ra s"e %ore %as t"e 3olor o1 plums. 9 8et t"ere "a5 8een panties to mat3" 8e1ore $ommy -ot "ol5 o1 "er. A=an5a@C 9 sai5 it so1tly. A=an5a@ 3an you "ear meBC

Her "ea5 mo)e5 slo%ly@ pain1ully. #ne eye opene5 %i5e an5 pani32stri3ken. $"e ot"er eye %as -lue5 s"ut %it" 5rie5 8loo5. =an5a pa%e5 at t"e eye@ 1ranti3 1or a moment. ="en s"e 3oul5 open 8ot" eyes@ s"e 8linke5 at me. Her eyes took a moment to 1o3us an5 really see %"o it %as. ="at "a5 s"e e*pe3te5 to see in t"ose 1irst 1e% pani3ke5 momentsB 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. A=an5a@ 3an you speakBC ADes.C $"e )oi3e %as so1t@ 8ut 3lear. 9 %ante5 to ask i1 s"e %as alri-"t@ 8ut 9 kne% t"e ans%er to t"at. A91 you 3an -et o)er "ere an5 1ree me@ 9?ll -et us out o1 "ere.C S"e looke5 at me like 9?5 lost my min5. A=e 3an?t -et out. Harol5?s -onna kill us.C S"e ma5e t"at last soun5 like a statement o1 pure 1a3t. A9 5on?t 8elie)e in -i)in- up@ =an5a. :ntie me an5 9?ll t"ink o1 somet"in-.C AHe?ll "urt me i1 9 "elp you@C s"e sai5. AHe?s plannin- on you 8ein- t"e "uman sa3ri1i3e to raise "is an3estor. Ho% mu3" more "urt 3an you -etBC S"e 8linke5 at me@ 8ut "er eyes %ere 3learin-. 9t %as almost as i1 pani3 %ere a 5ru-@ an5 =an5a %as 1i-"tin- o11 t"e in1luen3e. #r may8e it %as Harol5 Gaynor %"o %as t"e 5ru-. Dea"@ t"at ma5e sense. S"e %as a >unkie. A Harol5 Gaynor >unkie. ,)ery >unkie is %illin- to 5ie 1or one more 1i*. But 9 %asn?t. A:ntie me@ =an5a@ please. 9 3an -et us out o1 t"is.C AAn5 i1 you 3an?tBC A$"en %e?re no %orse o11@C 9 sai5. S"e seeme5 to t"ink a8out t"at 1or a minute. 9 straine5 1or soun5s 1rom t"e "all%ay. 91 Bruno 3ame 8a3k %"ile %e %ere in t"e mi55le o1 es3apin-@ it %oul5 8e )ery 8a5. =an5a proppe5 "ersel1 up on "er arms. Her le-s traile5 out 8e"in5 "er un5er t"e skirt@ 5ea5@ no mo)ement at all. S"e 8e-an 5ra--in- "ersel1 to%ar5s me. 9 t"ou-"t it %oul5 8e slo% %ork@ 8ut s"e mo)e5 ;ui3kly. $"e mus3les in "er arms 8un3"e5 an5 pus"e5@ %orkin- %ell. S"e %as 8y t"e 3"air in a matter o1 minutes. 9 smile5. ADou?re )ery stron-.C A7y arms are all 9 "a)e. $"ey "a)e to 8e stron-@C =an5a sai5. S"e starte5 pi3kin- at t"e ropes t"at 8oun5 my ri-"t %rist. A9t?s too ti-"t.C ADou 3an 5o it@ =an5a.C S"e pi3ke5 at t"e knot %it" "er 1in-ers@ until a1ter %"at seeme5 "ours@ 8ut %as pro8a8ly a8out 1i)e minutes@ 9 1elt t"e rope -i)e. Sla3k@ 9 "a5 sla3k. DeaI ADou?)e almost -ot it@ =an5a.C 9 1elt like a 3"eerlea5er. $"e soun5 o1 1ootsteps 3lattere5 5o%n t"e "all to%ar5s us. =an5a?s 8attere5 1a3e stare5 up at me@ terror in "er eyes. A$"ere?s not time@C s"e %"ispere5. AGo 8a3k %"ere you %ere. 4o it. =e?ll 1inis" later@C 9 sai5. =an5a "an52%alke5 8a3k to %"ere Bruno "a5 lai5 "er. S"e "a5 >ust arran-e5 "ersel1 into nearly t"e same position %"en t"e 5oor opene5. =an5a %as preten5in- to 8e un3ons3ious@ not a 8a5 i5ea. $ommy stoo5 in t"e 5oor%ay. He?5 taken o11 "is >a3ket an5 t"e 8la3k %e88in- o1 t"e s"oul5er ri- stoo5 out on "is %"ite polo s"irt. Bla3k >eans emp"asiEe5 "is pin3"e52in %aist. He looke5 top2"ea)y 1rom li1tin- so many %ei-"ts. He?5 a55e5 one ne% t"in- to t"e out1it. A kni1e. He t%irle5 it in "is "an5 like a 8aton. 9t %as almost a per1e3t s"een o1 li-"t. 7anual 5e*terity. =o%ee. A9 5i5n?t kno% you use5 a kni1e@ $ommy.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 3alm@ normal@ amaEin-. He -rinne5. A9 "a)e a lot o1 talents. Gaynor %ants to kno% i1 you?)e 3"an-e5 your min5 a8out t"e Eom8ie raisin-.C 9t %asn?t e*a3tly a ;uestion@ 8ut 9 ans%ere5 it. A9 %on?t 5o it.C His -rin %i5ene5. A9 %as "opin- you?5 say t"at.C A="yBC 9 %as a1rai5 9 kne% t"e ans%er. ABe3ause "e sent me in "ere to persua5e you.C 9 stare5 at t"e -litterin- kni1e@ 9 3oul5n?t "elp mysel1. A=it" a kni1eBC A=it" somet"in- else lon- an5 "ar5@ 8ut not so 3ol5@C "e sai5. A<apeBC 9 aske5. $"e %or5 sort o1 "un- t"ere in t"e "ot@ still air.

He no55e5@ -rinnin- like a 5amn !"es"ire 3at. 9 %is"e5 9 3oul5 make "im 5isappear e*3ept 1or "is smile. 9 %asn?t a1rai5 o1 "is smile. 9t %as t"e ot"er en5 9 %as %orrie5 a8out. 9 >erke5 at t"e ropes "elplessly. $"e ri-"t %rist -a)e a little more. Ha5 =an5a loosene5 t"e rope enou-"B Ha5 s"eB Please Go5@ let it 8e. $ommy stoo5 o)er me. 9 stare5 up t"e len-t" o1 "is 8o5y an5 %"at 9 sa% in "is eyes %as not"in- "uman. $"ere %ere all sorts o1 %ays to 8e3ome a monster. $ommy "a5 1oun5 one. $"ere %as not"in- 8ut an animal "un-er in "is -aEe. /ot"in"uman le1t. He put a le- on eit"er si5e o1 t"e 3"air@ stra55lin- me %it"out sittin- 5o%n. His 1lat stoma3" %as presse5 a-ainst my 1a3e. His s"irt smelle5 o1 e*pensi)e a1ter2s"a)e. 9 >erke5 my "ea5 8a3k@ tryin- not to tou3" "im. He lau-"e5 an5 ran 1in-ers t"rou-" t"e ti-"t %a)es o1 my "air. 9 trie5 to >erk my "ea5 out o1 "is rea3"@ 8ut "e -ra88e5 a "an51ul o1 "air an5 1or3e5 my "ea5 8a3k. A9?m -oin- to en>oy t"is@C "e sai5. 9 5i5n?t 5are >erk at t"e ropes. 91 my %rist 3ame 1ree "e?5 see it. 9 "a5 to %ait@ %ait until "e %as 5istra3te5 enou-" not to noti3e. $"e t"ou-"t o1 %"at 9 mi-"t "a)e to 5o to 5istra3t "im@ allo% "im to 5o to me@ ma5e my stoma3" "urt. But stayinali)e %as t"e -oal. ,)eryt"in- else %as -ra)y. 9 5i5n?t really 8elie)e t"at@ 8ut 9 trie5. He sat 5o%n on me@ "is %ei-"t settlin- on my le-s. His 3"est %as presse5 a-ainst my 1a3e@ an5 t"ere %as not"in- 9 3oul5 5o a8out it. He ru88e5 t"e 1lat o1 t"e kni1e a3ross my 3"eek. ADou 3an stop t"is anytime. Hust say yes@ an5 9?ll tell Gaynor.C His )oi3e %as alrea5y -ro%in- t"i3k. 9 3oul5 1eel "im -ro%in- "ar5 %"ere "e %as presse5 a-ainst my 8elly. $"e t"ou-"t o1 $ommy usin- me like t"at %as almost enou-" to make me say yes. Almost. 9 >erke5 on t"e ropes an5 t"e ri-"t one -a)e a little more. #ne more "ar5 tu- an5 9 3oul5 -et 1ree. But 9?5 "a)e >ust one "an5 to $ommy?s t%o@ an5 "e "a5 a -un an5 a kni1e. /ot -oo5 o55s@ 8ut it %as t"e 8est 9 %as -oin- to -et toni-"t. He kisse5 me@ 1or3in- "is ton-ue in my mout". 9 5i5n?t respon5@ 8e3ause "e %oul5n?t "a)e 8elie)e5 t"at. 9 5i5n?t 8ite "is ton-ue eit"er 8e3ause 9 %ante5 "im 3lose. =it" only one "an5 1ree@ 9 nee5e5 "im 3lose. 9 nee5e5 to 5o ma>or 5ama-e %it" one "an5. ="atB ="at 3oul5 9 5oB He nuEEle5 my ne3k@ 1a3e 8urie5 in my "air on t"e le1t si5e. /o% or ne)er. 9 pulle5 %it" e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 an5 t"e ri-"t %rist poppe5 1ree. 9 1roEe. Surely "e?5 1elt it@ 8ut "e %as too 8usy su3kin- on my ne3k to noti3e. His 1ree "an5 massa-e5 my 8reast. He "a5 "is eyes 3lose5 as "e kisse5 to t"e ri-"t si5e o1 my ne3k. His eyes %ere 3lose5. $"e kni1e %as loose in "is ot"er "an5. /ot"in- 9 3oul5 5o a8out t"e kni1e. Ha5 to take t"e 3"an3e. Ha5 to 5o it. 9 3aresse5 t"e si5e o1 "is 1a3e@ an5 "e nuEEle5 my "an5. $"en "is eyes opene5. 9t "a5 o33urre5 to "im t"at 9 %as suppose5 to 8e tie5. 9 plun-e5 my t"um8 into "is open eye. 9 5u- it in@ 1eelin- t"e %et pop as "is eye e*plo5e5. He s"rieke5@ rearin- 8a3k@ "an5 to "is eye. 9 -ra88e5 t"e %rist %it" t"e kni1e an5 "el5 on. $"e s3reams %ere -oin- to 8rin- rein1or3ements. 4ammit. Stron- arms %rappe5 aroun5 $ommy?s %aist an5 pulle5 "im 8a3k%ar5s. 9 -ra88e5 t"e kni1e as "e sli5 to t"e 1loor. =an5a %as stru--lin- to "ol5 "im. $"e pain %as so se)ere@ it "a5n?t o33urre5 to "im to -o 1or "is -un. Puttin- out an eye "urts an5 pani3s a lot more t"an a ki3k to t"e -roin. 9 3ut my ot"er "an5 1ree an5 ni3ke5 my arm 5oin- it. 91 9 "urrie5 too mu3"@ 9?5 en5 up slittin- my o%n %rist. 9 1or3e5 mysel1 to 8e more 3are1ul sli3in- my ankles 1ree. $ommy "a5 mana-e5 to -et 1ree o1 =an5a. He sta--ere5 to "is 1eet@ one "an5 still o)er t"e eye. Bloo5 an5 3lear li;ui5 traile5 5o%n "is 1a3e. A9?ll kill youIC He rea3"e5 1or "is -un. 9 re)erse5 my -rip on t"e kni1e an5 t"re% it. 9t t"unke5 into "is arm. 9?5 8een aimin- 1or "is 3"est. He s3reame5 a-ain. 9 pi3ke5 up t"e 3"air an5 smas"e5 it into "is 1a3e. =an5a -ra88e5 "is ankles@ an5 $ommy %ent 5o%n. 9 poun5e5 at "is 1a3e %it" t"e 3"air until t"e 3"air 8roke apart in my "an5s. $"en 9 8eat "im %it" a 3"air le- until "is 1a3e %as not"in- 8ut a 8loo5y mess. AHe?s 5ea5@C =an5a sai5. S"e %as tu--in- at my pants le-. AHe?s 5ea5. Let?s -et out o1 "ere.C 9 5roppe5 t"e 8loo523oate5 3"air le- an5 3ollapse5 to my knees. 9 3oul5n?t s%allo%. 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. 9 %as splattere5 %it" 8loo5. 9?5 ne)er 8eaten someone to 5eat" 8e1ore. 9t "a5 1elt -oo5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. Later@ 9?5 %orry a8out it later. =an5a put an arm o)er my s"oul5ers. 9 -ra88e5 "er aroun5 t"e %aist@ an5 %e stoo5. S"e %ei-"e5 a lot less t"an s"e s"oul5 "a)e. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see %"at %as un5er t"e pretty skirt. 9t %asn?t a 1ull set o1 le-s@ 8ut 1or on3e t"at %as -oo5. S"e %as easier to mo)e. 9 "a5 $ommy?s -un in my ri-"t "an5. A9 nee5 t"is "an5 1ree@ so "ol5 on ti-"t.C =an5a no55e5. Her 1a3e %as )ery pale. 9 3oul5 1eel "er "eart poun5in- a-ainst "er ri8s. A=e?re -oin- to -et out o1 t"is@C 9 sai5. ASure@C 8ut "er )oi3e %as s"aky. 9 5on?t t"ink s"e 8elie)e5 me. 9 %asn?t sure 9 8elie)e5 me.

=an5a opene5 t"e 5oor@ an5 out %e %ent.

Chapter Thirty-seven
$"e "all%ay %as >ust like 9 remem8ere5 it. A lon- stret3" %it" no 3o)er@ t"en a 8lin5 3orner at ea3" en5. A<i-"t or le1tBC 9 %"ispere5 to =an5a. A9 5on?t kno%. $"is "ouse is like a maEe. <i-"t 9 t"ink.C =e %ent ri-"t@ 8e3ause at least it %as a 5e3ision. $"e %orst t"in- %e 3oul5 5o %as >ust stan5 t"ere %aitin- 1or Gaynor to 3ome 8a3k. 9 "ear5 1ootsteps 8e"in5 us. 9 starte5 to turn@ 8ut %it" =an5a in my arms@ 9 %as slo%. $"e -uns"ot e3"oe5 in t"e "all%ay. Somet"in- "it my le1t arm@ aroun5 =an5a?s %aist. $"e impa3t spun me aroun5 an5 sent us 8ot" 3ras"in- to t"e 1loor. 9 en5e5 up on my 8a3k %it" my le1t arm trappe5 un5er =an5a?s %ei-"t. $"e le1t arm %as totally num8. !i3ely stoo5 at t"e en5 o1 t"e "all%ay. S"e "el5 a small 3ali8er "an5-un t%o2"an5e5. Her lon-@ lon- le-s %ere 1ar apart. S"e looke5 like s"e kne% %"at s"e %as 5oin-. 9 raise5 t"e .3+. an5 aime5 at "er@ still lyin- 1lat on my 8a3k on t"e 1loor. 9t %as an e*plosion o1 soun5 t"at le1t my ears rin-in-. $"e re3oil t"rust my "an5 sky%ar5@ 8a3k%ar5s. 9t %as e)eryt"in- 9 3oul5 5o not to 5rop t"e -un. 91 9?5 nee5e5 a se3on5 s"ot 9?5 "a)e ne)er -otten it o11 in time. But 9 5i5n?t nee5 a se3on5 s"ot. !i3ely lay 3rumple5 in t"e mi55le o1 t"e "all%ay. Bloo5 %as sprea5in- on t"e 1ront o1 "er 8louse. S"e 5i5n?t mo)e@ 8ut t"at 5i5n?t mean anyt"in-. Her -un %as still -rippe5 in one "an5. S"e 3oul5 8e preten5in-@ t"en %"en 9 %alke5 up@ s"e?5 s"oot me. But 9 "a5 to kno%. A!an you -et o11 my arm@ pleaseBC 9 aske5. =an5a 5i5n?t say anyt"in-@ 8ut s"e li1te5 "ersel1 to a sittin- position@ an5 9 3oul5 1inally see my arm. 9t %as still atta3"e5. Goo5y. Bloo5 %as seepin- 5o%n my arm in a 3rimson line. A point o1 i3y 8urnin- "a5 starte5 to 3"ase a%ay t"e num8ness. 9 like5 t"e num8ness 8etter. 9 5i5 my 8est to i-nore t"e arm as 9 stoo5 up an5 %alke5 to%ar5s !i3ely. 9 "a5 t"e 7a-num pointe5 at "er. 91 s"e so mu3" as t%it3"e5@ 9?5 "it "er a-ain. Her miniskirt "a5 "ike5 up "er t"i-"s@ 5isplayin- 8la3k -arters an5 mat3"in- un5er%ear. Ho% un5i-ni1ie5. 9 stoo5 o)er "er@ starin- 5o%n. !i3ely %asn?t -oin- to t%it3"@ not )oluntarily. Her silk 8louse %as soake5 %it" 8loo5. A "ole 8i- enou-" 1or me to put my 1ist t"rou-" took up most o1 "er 3"est. 4ea5@ )ery 5ea5. 9 ki3ke5 t"e . 22 out o1 "er "an5@ >ust in 3ase. Dou 3an ne)er tell %it" someone %"o plays )oo5oo. 9?)e "a5 people -et up 8e1ore %it" %orse in>uries. !i3ely >ust lay t"ere@ 8lee5in-. 9 %as lu3ky s"e?5 "a5 a la5ylike 3ali8er pistol. Anyt"in- 8i--er an5 9 mi-"t "a)e lost t"e arm. 9 stu3k "er pistol in t"e 1ront o1 my pants@ 8e3ause 9 3oul5n?t 1i-ure out %"ere else to put it. 9 5i5 3li3k t"e sa1ety on 1irst. 9?5 ne)er 8een s"ot 8e1ore. Bitten@ sta88e5@ 8eaten@ 8urne5@ 8ut ne)er s"ot. 9t s3are5 me 8e3ause 9 %asn?t sure "o% 8a5ly 9 %as "urt. 9 %alke5 8a3k to =an5a. Her 1a3e %as pale@ "er 8ro%n eyes like islan5s in "er 1a3e. A9s s"e 5ea5BC 9 no55e5. ADou?re 8lee5in-@C s"e sai5. S"e tore a strip 1rom "er lon- skirt. AHere@ let me %rap it.C 9 knelt an5 let "er tie t"e multi3olore5 strip >ust a8o)e t"e %oun5. S"e %ipe5 t"e 8loo5 a%ay %it" anot"er pie3e o1 skirt. 9t 5i5n?t look t"at 8a5. 9t looke5 almost like a ra%@ 8loo5y s3rap. A9 t"ink t"e 8ullet >ust -raEe5 me@C 9 sai5. A 1les" %oun5@ not"in- 8ut a 1les" %oun5. 9t 8urne5 an5 %as almost 3ol5 at t"e same time. 7ay8e t"e 3ol5 %as s"o3k. #ne little 8ullet -raEe@ an5 9 %as -oin- into s"o3kB Surely not. A!ome on@ %e?)e -ot to -et out o1 "ere. $"e s"ots %ill 8rin- Bruno.C 9t %as -oo5 t"at 9 "a5 pain in t"e arm. 9t meant 9 3oul5 1eel an5 9 3oul5 mo)e t"e arm. $"e arm 5i5 not %ant to 8e %rappe5 aroun5 =an5a?s %aist a-ain@ 8ut it %as t"e only %ay to mo)e "er an5 keep my ri-"t "an5 1ree. ALet?s -o le1t. 7ay8e !i3ely 3ame in t"is %ay@C =an5a sai5. $"ere %as a 3ertain lo-i3 to t"at. =e turne5 an5 %alke5 past !i3ely?s 8o5y. S"e lay t"ere@ 8lue eyes starin- impossi8ly %i5e. $"ere is ne)er a look o1 "orror on t"e 1a3e o1 t"e ne%ly 5ea5@ more surprise t"an anyt"in-. As i1 5eat" "a5 3au-"t t"em %"ile t"ey %eren?t lookin-. =an5a stare5 5o%n at t"e 8o5y as %e passe5 it. S"e %"ispere5@ A9 ne)er t"ou-"t s"e?5 5ie 1irst.C =e roun5e5 t"e 3orner an5 3ame 1a3e2to21a3e %it" 4omin-a?s monster.

Chapter Thirty-eight
$"e monster stoo5 in t"e mi55le o1 a narro% little "all t"at seeme5 to take up most o1 t"e 8a3k o1 t"e "ouse. 7any2pane5 %in5o%s line5 t"e %all. An5 in t"e mi55le o1 t"ose %in5o%s %as a 5oor. $"rou-" t"e %in5o%s 9 3oul5 see 8la3k ni-"t sky. $"e 5oor le5 outsi5e. $"e only t"in- stan5in- 8et%een us an5 1ree5om %as t"e monster. $"e only t"in-@ s"ees". $"e s"am8lin- moun5 o1 8o5y parts stru--le5 to%ar5s us. =an5a s3reame5@ an5 9 5i5n?t 8lame "er. 9 raise5 t"e 7a-num an5 si-"te5 on t"e "uman 1a3e in t"e mi55le. $"e s"ot e3"oe5 like 3apti)e t"un5er. $"e 1a3e e*plo5e5 in a %elter o1 8loo5 an5 1les" an5 8one. $"e smell %as %orse. Like rotten 1ur on t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. $"e mout"s s3reame5@ an animal "o%lin- at its %oun5. $"e t"in- kept 3omin-@ 8ut it %as "urt. 9t seeme5 3on1use5 as to %"at to 5o no%. Ha5 9 taken out t"e 5ominant 8rainB =as t"ere a 5ominant 8rainB /o %ay to 8e sure. 9 1ire5 t"ree more times@ e*plo5in- t"ree more "ea5s. $"e "all%ay %as 1ull o1 8rains an5 8loo5 an5 %orse. $"e monster kept 3omin-. $"e -un 3li3ke5 on empty. 9 t"re% t"e -un at it. #ne 3la%e5 "an5 8atte5 it a%ay. 9 5i5n?t 8ot"er tryin- t"e .22. 91 t"e 7a-num 3oul5n?t stop it@ t"e .22 sure as "ell 3oul5n?t. =e starte5 8a3kin- 5o%n t"e "all%ay. ="at else 3oul5 %e 5oB $"e monster pulle5 its t%iste5 8ulk a1ter us. 9t %as t"at same sli5in- soun5 t"at "a5 3"ase5 7anny an5 9 out o1 4omin-a?s 8asement. 9 %as lookin- at "er 3a-e5 "orror. $"e 1les" 8et%een t"e 5i11erent te*tures o1 skin@ 1ur@ an5 8one %as seamless. /o 'rankenstein stit3"es. 9t %as like t"e 5i11erent pie3es "a5 melte5 to-et"er like %a*. 9 trippe5 o)er !i3ely?s 8o5y@ too 8usy %at3"in- t"e monster to see %"ere my 1eet %ere. =e spra%le5 a3ross "er 8o5y. =an5a s3reame5. $"e monster s3ram8le5 1or%ar5. 7iss"apen "an5s -ra88e5 at my ankles. 9 ki3ke5 at it@ stru--lin- to 3lim8 o)er !i3ely?s 8o5y@ a%ay 1rom it. A 3la% sna--e5 in my >eans an5 pulle5 me to%ar5s it. 9t %as my turn to s3ream. ="at "a5 on3e 8een a man?s "an5 an5 arm %rappe5 aroun5 my ankle. 9 -ra88e5 onto !i3ely?s 8o5y. Her 1les" %as still %arm. $"e monster pulle5 us 8ot" easily. $"e e*tra %ei-"t 5i5n?t slo% it 5o%n. 7y "an5s s3ram8le5 at t"e 8are %oo5 1loor. /ot"in- to "ol5 on to. 9 stare5 8a3k at t"e t"in-. ,a-er rottin- mout"s ya%ne5 at me. Broken@ 5is3olore5 teet"@ ton-ues %orkin- like putri5 snakes in t"e openin-s. Go5I =an5a -ra88e5 my arm@ tryin- to "ol5 me@ 8ut %it"out le-s to 8ra3e s"e >ust su33ee5e5 in 8ein- pulle5 3loser to t"e t"in-. ALet -oIC 9 s3reame5 it at "er. S"e 5i5@ s3reamin-@ AAnitaIC 9 %as s3reamin- mysel1@ A/oI Stop itI Stop itIC 9 put e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 into t"at yell@ not )olume@ 8ut po%er. 9t %as >ust anot"er Eom8ie@ t"at %as all. 91 it %asn?t un5er spe3i1i3 or5ers@ it %oul5 listen to me. 9t %as >ust anot"er Eom8ie. 9 "a5 to 8elie)e t"at@ or 5ie. AStop@ ri-"t no%IC 7y )oi3e 8roke %it" t"e e5-e o1 "ysteria. 9 %ante5 not"in- more t"an >ust to start s3reamin- an5 ne)er stop. $"e monster 1roEe %it" my 1oot "al1%ay to one o1 its lo%er mout"s. $"e mismat3"e5 eyes stare5 at me@ e*pe3tantly. 9 s%allo%e5 an5 trie5 to soun5 3alm@ t"ou-" t"e Eom8ie %oul5n?t 3are. A<elease me.C 9t 5i5. 7y "eart %as t"reatenin- to 3ome out my mout". 9 lay 8a3k on t"e 1loor 1or a se3on5@ relearnin- "o% to 8reat"e. ="en 9 looke5 up@ t"e monster %as still sittin- t"ere@ %aitin-. =aitin- 1or or5ers like a -oo5 little Eom8ie. AStay "ere@ 5o not mo)e 1rom t"is spot@C 9 sai5. $"e eyes >ust stare5 at me@ o8e5ient as only t"e 5ea5 3an 8e. 9t %oul5 sit t"ere in t"e "all%ay until it -ot spe3i1i3 or5ers 3ontra5i3tin- mine. $"ank you@ 5ear Go5@ t"at a Eom8ie is a Eom8ie is a Eom8ie. A="at?s "appenin-BC =an5a aske5. Her )oi3e %as 8roken into so8s. S"e %as near "ysteri3s. 9 3ra%le5 to "er. A9t?s alri-"t. 9?ll e*plain later. =e "a)e a little time@ 8ut %e 3an?t %aste it. =e?)e -ot to -et out o1 "ere.C S"e no55e5@ tears sli5in- 5o%n "er 8ruise5 1a3e. 9 "elpe5 "er up one last time. =e limpe5 to%ar5s t"e monster. =an5a s"ie5 a%ay 1rom it@ pullin- on my sore arm. A9t?s alri-"t. 9t %on?t "urt us@ i1 %e "urry.C 9 "a5 no i5ea "o% 3lose 4omin-a %as. 9 5i5n?t %ant "er 3"an-in- t"e or5ers %"ile %e %ere ri-"t ne*t to it. =e staye5 near t"e %all an5 s;ueeEe5 past t"e t"in-. ,yes on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 8o5y@ i1 it "a5 a 8a3k an5 a 1ront@ 1ollo%e5 our pro-ress. $"e smell 1rom t"e runnin- %oun5s %as nearly o)er%"elmin-. But %"at %as a little -a--in- 8et%een 1rien5sB

=an5a opene5 t"e 5oor to t"e outsi5e %orl5. Hot summer %in5 8le% our "air into spi5er silk stran5s a3ross our 1a3es. 9t 1elt %on5er1ul. ="y "a5n?t Gaynor an5 t"e rest 3ome to t"e res3ueB $"ey "a5 to "a)e "ear5 t"e -uns"ots an5 t"e s3reamin-. $"e -uns"ots at least %oul5 "a)e 8rou-"t some8o5y. =e stum8le5 5o%n t"ree stone steps to t"e -ra)el o1 a turn aroun5. 9 stare5 o11 into t"e 5arkness at "ills 3o)ere5 in tall@ %a)in- -rass an5 5e3ayin- tom8stones. $"e "ouse %as t"e 3aretaker?s "ouse at Burrell !emetery. 9 %on5ere5 %"at Gaynor "a5 5one to t"e 3aretaker. 9 starte5 to lea5 =an5a a%ay 1rom t"e 3emetery to%ar5s t"e 5istant "i-"%ay@ t"en stoppe5. 9 kne% %"y no one "a5 3ome no%. $"e sky %as t"i3k an5 8la3k an5 so "ea)y %it" stars i1 9?5 "a5 a net 9 3oul5 "a)e 3au-"t some. $"ere %as a "i-"@ "ot %in5 8lo%in- a-ainst t"e stars. 9 3oul5n?t see t"e moon. $oo mu3" starli-"t. #n t"e "ot seekin- 1in-ers o1 t"e %in5 9 1elt it. $"e pull. 4omin-a Sal)a5or "a5 3omplete5 "er spell. 9 stare5 o11 into t"e ro%s o1 "ea5stones an5 kne% 9 "a5 to -o to "er. Hust as t"e Eom8ie "a5 "a5 to o8ey me@ 9 "a5 to o8ey "er. $"ere %as no sa)in- t"ro%@ no sal)a-in- it. As easy as t"at 9 %as 3au-"t.

Chapter Thirty-nine
9 stoo5 )ery still on t"e -ra)el. =an5a mo)e5 in my arms@ turnin- to look at me. Her 1a3e 8y starli-"t %as in3re5i8ly pale. =as mine as paleB =as t"e s"o3k sprea5 o)er my 1a3e like moonli-"tB 9 trie5 to take a step 1or%ar5. $o 3arry =an5a to sa1ety. 9 3oul5 not take a step 1or%ar5. 9 stru--le5 until my le-s %ere s"akin- %it" t"e e11ort. 9 3oul5n?t lea)e. A="at?s t"e matterB =e "a)e to -et out o1 "ere 8e1ore Gaynor 3omes 8a3k@C =an5a sai5. A9 kno%@C 9 sai5. A$"en %"at are you 5oin-BC 9 s%allo%e5 somet"in- 3ol5 an5 "ar5 in my t"roat. 7y pulse %as t"u55in- in my 3"est. A9 3an?t lea)e.C A="at are you talkin- a8outBC $"ere %as an e5-e o1 "ysteria to =an5a?s )oi3e. Hysteri3s soun5e5 per1e3t. 9 promise5 mysel1 a 3omplete ner)ous 8reak5o%n i1 %e -ot out o1 "ere ali)e. 91 9 3oul5 e)er lea)e. 9 1ou-"t a-ainst somet"in- t"at 9 3oul5n?t see@ or tou3"@ 8ut it "el5 me soli5. 9 "a5 to stop or my le-s %ere -oin- to 3ollapse. =e "a5 enou-" pro8lems in t"at 5ire3tion alrea5y. 91 9 3oul5n?t -o 1or%ar5@ may8e@ 8a3k%ar5s. 9 8a3ke5 up a step@ t%o steps. Dea"@ t"at %orke5. A="ere are you -oin-BC =an5a aske5. A9nto t"e 3emetery@C 9 sai5. A="yIC Goo5 ;uestion@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure 9 3oul5 e*plain it so t"at =an5a %oul5 un5erstan5. 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5. it mysel1. Ho% 3oul5 9 e*plain it to anyone elseB 9 3oul5n?t lea)e@ 8ut 5i5 9 "a)e to take =an5a 8a3k %it" meB =oul5 t"e spell allo% me to lea)e "er "ereB 9 5e3i5e5 to try. 9 lai5 "er 5o%n on t"e -ra)el. ,asy@ some o1 my 3"oi3es %ere still open. A="y are you lea)in- meBC S"e 3lut3"e5 at me@ terri1ie5. 7e@ too. A7ake it to t"e roa5 i1 you 3an@C 9 sai5. A#n my "an5sBC s"e aske5. S"e "a5 a point@ 8ut %"at 3oul5 9 5oB A4o you kno% "o% to use a -unBC A/o.C S"oul5 9 lea)e "er t"e -un@ or s"oul5 9 take it %it" me@ an5 may8e -et a 3"an3e to kill 4omin-aB 91 t"is %orke5 like or5erin- a Eom8ie@ t"en 9 3oul5 kill "er i1 s"e 5i5n?t spe3i1i3ally 1or8i5 me to 5o it. Be3ause 9 still "a5 1ree %ill@ o1 a sort. $"ey?5 8rin- me@ t"en sen5 someone 8a3k 1or =an5a. S"e %as to 8e t"e sa3ri1i3e. 9 "an5e5 "er t"e .22. 9 3li3ke5 o11 t"e sa1ety. A9t?s loa5e5 an5 it?s rea5y to 1ire@C 9 sai5. ASin3e you 5on?t kno% anyt"ina8out -uns@ keep it "i55en until ,nEo or Bruno is ri-"t on top o1 you@ t"en 1ire point28lank. Dou 3an?t miss at point28lank ran-e.C A="y are you lea)in- meBC AA spell@ 9 t"ink@C 9 sai5. Her eyes %i5ene5. A="at kin5 o1 spellBC

A#ne t"at allo%s t"em to or5er me to 3ome to t"em. #ne t"at 1or8i5s me to lea)e.C A#"@ Go5@C s"e sai5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. 9 smile5 5o%n at "er. A reassurin- smile t"at %as all lie. A9?ll try to 3ome 8a3k 1or you.C S"e >ust stare5 at me@ like a ki5 %"ose parents le1t "er in t"e 5ark 8e1ore all t"e monsters %ere -one. S"e 3lut3"e5 t"e -un in "er "an5s an5 %at3"e5 me %alk o11 into t"e 5arkness. $"e lon- 5ry -rass "isse5 a-ainst my >eans. $"e %in5 8le% t"e -rass in pale %a)es. $om8stones loome5 out o1 t"e %ee5s like t"e 8a3ks o1 small %alls@ or t"e "umps o1 sea monsters. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to t"ink %"ere 9 %as -oin-@ my 1eet seeme5 to kno% t"e %ay. =as t"is "o% a Eom8ie 1elt %"en or5ere5 to 3omeB /o@ you "a5 to 8e %it"in "earin- 5istan3e o1 a Eom8ie. Dou 3oul5n?t 5o it 1rom t"is 1ar a%ay. 4omin-a Sal)a5or stoo5 at t"e 3ro%n o1 a "ill. S"e %as "i-"li-"te5 a-ainst t"e moon. 9t %as sinkin- to%ar5s 5a%n. 9t %as still ni-"t@ 8ut t"e en5 o1 ni-"t. ,)eryt"in- %as still )el)et@ sil)er@ 5eep po3kets o1 ni-"t s"a5o%s@ 8ut t"ere %as t"e 1aintest "int o1 5a%n on t"e "ot %in5. 91 9 3oul5 5elay until 5a%n@ 9 3oul5n?t raise t"e Eom8ie. 7ay8e t"e 3ompulsion %oul5 1a5e@ too. 91 9 %as lu3kier t"an 9 5eser)e5. 4omin-a %as stan5in- insi5e a 5ark 3ir3le. $"ere %as a 5ea5 3"i3ken at "er 1eet. S"e "a5 alrea5y ma5e a 3ir3le o1 po%er. All 9 "a5 to 5o %as step into it an5 slau-"ter a "uman 8ein-. #)er my 5ea5 8o5y@ i1 ne3essary. Harol5 Gaynor sat in "is ele3tri3 %"eel3"air. on t"e opposite si5e o1 t"e 3ir3le. He %as outsi5e o1 it@ sa1e. ,nEo an5 Bruno stoo5 8y "im@ sa1e. #nly 4omin-a "a5 riske5 t"e 3ir3le. S"e sai5@ A="ere is =an5aBC 9 trie5 to lie@ to say s"e %as sa1e@ 8ut trut" spille5 out o1 my mout"@ AS"e?s 5o%n 8y t"e "ouse on t"e -ra)el.C A="y 5i5n?t you 8rin- "erBC ADou 3an only -i)e me one or5er at a time. Dou or5ere5 me to 3ome. 9 3ame.C AStu88orn@ e)en no%@ "o% 3urious@C s"e sai5. A,nEo@ -o 1et3" t"e -irl. =e nee5 "er.C ,nEo %alke5 a%ay o)er t"e 5ry@ rustlin- -rass %it"out a %or5. 9 "ope5 =an5a kille5 "im. 9 "ope5 s"e emptie5 t"e -un into "im. /o@ sa)e a 1e% 8ullets 1or Bruno. 4omin-a "a5 a ma3"ete in "er ri-"t "an5. 9ts e5-e %as 8la3k %it" 8loo5. A,nter t"e 3ir3le@ Anita@C s"e sai5. 9 trie5 to 1i-"t it@ trie5 not to 5o it. 9 stoo5 t"ere on t"e )er-e o1 t"e 3ir3le@ almost s%ayin-. 9 steppe5 a3ross. $"e 3ir3le tin-le5 up my spine@ 8ut it %asn?t 3lose5. 9 5on?t kno% %"at s"e?5 5one to it@ 8ut it %asn?t 3lose5. $"e 3ir3le looke5 soli5 enou-" 8ut it %as still open. Still %aitin- 1or t"e sa3ri1i3e. S"ots e3"oe5 in t"e 5arkness. 4omin-a >umpe5. 9 smile5. A="at %as t"atBC A9 t"ink it %as your 8o5y-uar5 8itin- t"e 8i- one@C 9 sai5. A="at 5i5 you 5oBC A9 -a)e =an5a a -un.C S"e slappe5 me %it" "er empty "an5. 9t %oul5n?t really "a)e "urt@ 8ut s"e slappe5 t"e same 3"eek Bruno an5 %"at?s2"is2 name "a5 "it. 9?5 8een sma3ke5 t"ree times in t"e same pla3e. $"e 8ruise %as -oin- to 8e a 8eaut. 4omin-a looke5 at somet"in- 8e"in5 me an5 smile5. 9 kne% %"at it %oul5 8e 8e1ore 9 turne5 an5 sa% it. ,nEo %as 3arryin- =an5a up t"e "ill. 4ammit. 9?5 "ear5 more t"an one s"ot. Ha5 s"e pani3ke5 an5 s"ot too soon@ %aste5 "er ammunitionB 4amn. =an5a %as s3reamin- an5 8eatin- "er small 1ists a-ainst ,nEo?s 8roa5 8a3k. 91 %e %ere ali)e 3ome mornin-@ 9 %oul5 tea3" =an5a 8etter t"in-s to 5o %it" "er 1ists. S"e %as 3ripple5@ not "elpless. ,nEo 3arrie5 "er o)er t"e 3ir3le. :ntil it 3lose5 e)eryone 3oul5 pass o)er it %it"out 8reakin- t"e ma-i3. He 5roppe5 =an5a to t"e -roun5@ "ol5in- "er arms out 8e"in5 "er at a pain1ul an-le. S"e still stru--le5 an5 s3reame5. 9 5i5n?t 8lame "er. AGet Bruno to "ol5 "er still. $"e 5eat" nee5s to 8e one 8lo%@C 9 sai5. 4omin-a no55e5. ADes@ it 5oes.C S"e motione5 1or Bruno to enter t"e 3ir3le. He "esitate5@ 8ut Gaynor tol5 "im@ A4o %"at s"e says.C Bruno 5i5n?t "esitate a1ter t"at. Gaynor %as "is -reen8a3k -o5. Bruno -ra88e5 one o1 =an5a?s arms. =it" a man on ea3" arm@ an5 "er le-s useless@ s"e %as still mo)in- too mu3". AKneel an5 "ol5 "er "ea5 still@C 9 sai5.

,nEo 5roppe5 1irst@ puttin- a 8i- "an5 on t"e 8a3k o1 =an5a?s "ea5. He "el5 "er stea5y. S"e starte5 to 3ry. Bruno knelt@ puttin- "is 1ree "an5 on "er s"oul5ers to "elp stea5y "er. 9t %as important 1or t"e 5eat" to 8e a sin-le 8lo%. 4omin-a %as smilin- no%. S"e "an5e5 me a small 8ro%n >ar o1 ointment. 9t %as %"ite an5 smelle5 "ea)ily o1 3lo)es. 9 use5 more rosemary in mine@ 8ut 3lo)es %ere 1ine. AHo% 5i5 you kno% %"at 9 nee5e5BC A9 aske5 7anny to tell me %"at you use5.C AHe %oul5n?t tell you s"it.C AHe %oul5 i1 9 t"reatene5 "is 1amily.C 4omin-a lau-"e5. A#"@ 5on?t look so sa5. He 5i5n?t 8etray you@ 3"i3a. 7anuel t"ou-"t 9 %as merely 3urious a8out your po%ers. 9 am@ you kno%.C ADou?ll see soon enou-"@ %on?t you@C 9 sai5. S"e -a)e a sort o1 8o% 1rom t"e ne3k. APla3e t"e ointment on yoursel1 in t"e appointe5 pla3es.C 9 ru88e5 ointment on my 1a3e. 9t %as 3ool an5 %a*y. $"e 3lo)es ma5e it smell like 3an5y. 9 smeare5 it on o)er my "eart@ un5er my s"irt@ 8ot" "an5s. Last t"e tom8stone. /o% all %e nee5e5 %as t"e sa3ri1i3e. 4omin-a tol5 me@ A4o not mo)e.C 9 staye5 %"ere 9 %as@ 1roEen as i1 8y ma-i3. =as "er monster still 1roEen in t"e "all%ay@ like 9 %as no%B 4omin-a lai5 t"e ma3"ete on t"e -rass near t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3ir3le@ t"en s"e steppe5 out o1 t"e 3ir3le. A<aise t"e 5ea5@ Anita@C s"e sai5. AAsk Gaynor one ;uestion 1irst@ please.C $"at please "urt@ 8ut it %orke5. S"e looke5 at me 3uriously. A="at ;uestionBC A9s t"is an3estor also a )oo5oo priestBC 9 aske5. A="at 5i11eren3e 5oes it makeBC Gaynor aske5. ADou 1ool@C 4omin-a sai5. S"e %"irle5 on "im@ "an5s in 1ists. A$"at is %"at %ent %ron- t"e 1irst time. Dou ma5e me t"ink it %as my po%ersIC A="at are you 8a88lin- a8outBC "e aske5. A="en you raise a )oo5oo priest or an animator@ sometimes t"e ma-i3 -oes %ron-@C 9 sai5. A="yBC "e aske5. ADour an3estor?s ma-i3 inter1ere5 %it" my ma-i3@C 4omin-a sai5. AAre you sure t"is an3estor "a5 no )oo5ooBC A/ot to my kno%le5-e@C "e sai5. A4i5 you kno% a8out t"e 1irst oneBC 9 aske5. ADes.C A="y 5i5n?t you tell meBC 4omin-a sai5. Her po%er 8laEe5 aroun5 "er like a 5ark nim8us. =oul5 s"e kill "im@ or 5i5 s"e %ant t"e money moreB A9 5i5n?t t"ink it %as important.C 9 t"ink 4omin-a %as -rin5in- "er teet". 9 5i5n?t 8lame "er. He?5 3ost "er "er reputation an5 a 5oEen li)es. He sa% not"in%ron- %it" it. But 4omin-a 5i5n?t strike "im 5ea5. Gree5 %ins out. AGet on %it" it@C Gaynor sai5. A#r 5on?t you %ant your moneyBC A4o not t"reaten meIC 4omin-a sai5. Pea3"y keen@ t"e 8a5 -uys %ere -oin- to 1i-"t amon- t"emsel)es. A9 am not t"reatenin- you@ SeQora. 9 merely %ill not pay unless t"is Eom8ie is raise5.C 4omin-a took a 5eep 8reat". S"e literally s;uare5 "er s"oul5ers an5 turne5 8a3k to me. A4o as 9 or5ere5@ raise t"e 5ea5.C 9 opene5 my mout" to t"ink o1 some ot"er e*3use to 5elay. 4a%n %as 3omin-. 9t "a5 to 3ome. A/o more 5elays. <aise t"e 5ea5@ Anita@ no%IC $"at last %or5 "a5 t"e tone o1 a 3omman5. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5 an5 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3ir3le. 9 %ante5 to -et out@ to lea)e@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t. 9 stoo5 t"ere@ leanin- a-ainst t"at in)isi8le 8arrier. 9t %as like 8eatin- a-ainst a %all t"at 9 3oul5n?t 1eel. 9 staye5 t"ere strainin- until my entire 8o5y trem8le5. 9 took a 5eep s"akin- 8reat". 9 pi3ke5 up t"e ma3"ete.

=an5a sai5@ A/o@ Anita@ please@ please 5on?tIC S"e stru--le5@ 8ut s"e 3oul5n?t mo)e. S"e %oul5 8e an easy kill. ,asier t"an 8e"ea5in- a 3"i3ken %it" one "an5. An5 9 5i5 t"at almost e)ery ni-"t. 9 knelt in 1ront o1 =an5a. ,nEo?s "an5 on t"e 8a3k o1 "er "ea5 kept "er 1rom mo)in-. But s"e %"impere5@ a 5esperate soun5 lo% in "er t"roat. Go5@ "elp me. 9 pla3e5 t"e ma3"ete un5er "er ne3k an5 tol5 ,nEo@ A<aise "er "ea5 up so 9 3an make sure o1 t"e kill.C He -ra88e5 a "an51ul o1 "air an5 8o%e5 "er ne3k at a pain1ul an-le. Her eyes %ere s"o%in- a lot o1 %"ite. ,)en 8y moonli-"t 9 3oul5 see t"e pulse in "er t"roat. 9 pla3e5 t"e ma3"ete 8a3k a-ainst "er ne3k. Her skin %as soli5 an5 real un5er t"e 8la5e. 9 raise5 it >ust a8o)e "er 1les"@ not tou3"in- 1or an instant. 9 5ro)e t"e ma3"ete strai-"t up into ,nEo?s t"roat. $"e point speare5 "is t"roat. Bloo5 -us"e5 out in a 8la3k %a)e. ,)eryone 1roEe 1or an instant@ 8ut me. 9 >erke5 t"e ma3"ete out o1 ,nEo an5 plun-e5 it into Bruno?s -ut. His "an5 %it" t"e -un "al125ra%n 1ell a%ay. 9 leane5 on t"e ma3"ete an5 5re% it up to%ar5s "is t"roat. His insi5es spille5 out@ in a %arm rus". $"e smell o1 1res" 5eat" 1ille5 t"e 3ir3le. Bloo5 spraye5 all o)er my 1a3e@ 3"est@ "an5s@ 3oatin- me. 9t %as t"e last step@ an5 t"e 3ir3le 3lose5. 9?5 1elt a t"ousan5 3ir3les 3lose@ 8ut not"in- like t"is. $"e s"o3k o1 it le1t me -aspin-. 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e o)er t"e rus" o1 po%er. 9t %as like an ele3tri3 3urrent %as runnin- o)er my 8o5y. 7y skin a3"e5 %it" it. =an5a %as 3o)ere5 in ot"er people?s 8loo5. S"e %as "a)in- "ysteri3s in t"e -rass. APlease@ please@ 5on?t kill me. 4on?t kill meI PleaseIC 9 5i5n?t "a)e to kill =an5a. 4omin-a "a5 tol5 me to raise t"e 5ea5@ an5 9 %oul5 5o >ust t"at. Killin- animals ne)er -a)e me t"is kin5 o1 rus". 9t 1elt like my skin %as -oin- to 3ra%l o11 on its o%n. 9 s"o)e5 t"e po%er 1lo%in- t"rou-" me into t"e -roun5. But not >ust into t"e -ra)e in t"e 3ir3le. 9 "a5 too mu3" po%er 1or >ust one -ra)e. $oo mu3" po%er 1or >ust a "an51ul o1 -ra)es. 9 1elt t"e po%er sprea5in- out%ar5 like ripples in a pool. #ut an5 out@ until t"e po%er %as sprea5 t"i3k an5 3lean o)er t"e -roun5. ,)ery -ra)e t"at 9 "a5 %alke5 1or 4olp". ,)ery -ra)e 8ut t"e ones %it" -"osts. Be3ause t"at %as a type o1 soul ma-i3@ an5 ne3roman3y 5i5n?t %ork aroun5 souls. 9 1elt ea3" -ra)e@ ea3" 3orpse. 9 1elt t"em 3oales3e 1rom 5ust an5 8one 1ra-ments to t"in-s t"at %ere 8arely 5ea5 at all. AArise 1rom your -ra)es all 5ea5 %it"in soun5 o1 my 3all. Arise an5 ser)e meIC =it"out namin- t"em all 9 s"oul5n?t "a)e 8een a8le to 3all a sin-le one 1rom t"e -ra)e@ 8ut t"e po%er o1 t%o "uman 5eat"s %as too mu3" 1or t"e 5ea5 to resist. $"ey rose up%ar5 like s%immers t"rou-" %ater. $"e -roun5 ripple5 un5er1oot like a "orse?s skin. A="at are you 5oin-BC 4omin-a aske5. A<aisin- t"e 5ea5@C 9 sai5. 7ay8e it s"o%e5 in my )oi3e. 7ay8e s"e 1elt it. ="ate)er@ s"e starte5 runnin- to%ar5s t"e 3ir3le@ 8ut it %as too late. Han5s tore t"rou-" t"e eart" at 4omin-a?s 1eet. 4ea5 "an5s -ra88e5 "er ankles an5 sent "er spra%lin- into t"e lon-rass. 9 lost si-"t o1 "er 8ut 9 5i5n?t lose 3ontrol o1 t"e Eom8ies. 9 tol5 t"em@ AKill "er@ kill "er.C $"e -rass s"u55ere5 an5 sur-e5 like %ater. $"e soun5 o1 mus3les pullin- a%ay 1rom 8one in %et t"i3k pie3es 1ille5 t"e ni-"t. Bones 8roke %it" s"arp 3ra3ks. #)er t"e soun5s o1 tearin- 1les"@ 4omin-a s"rieke5. $"ere %as one last %et soun5@ t"i3k an5 1ull. 4omin-a?s s3reams 8roke o11 a8ruptly. 9 1elt t"e 5ea5 "an5s tearin- out "er t"roat. Her 8loo5 splattere5 t"e -rass like a 8la3k sprinkler. Her spell s"re55e5 on t"e %in5@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t nee5 "er ur-in- no%. $"e po%er "a5 me. 9 %as ri5in- it like a 8ir5 on a 3urrent o1 air. 9t "el5 me@ li1te5 me. 9t 1elt soli5 an5 insu8stantial as air. $"e 5ry sunken eart" 3ra3ke5 open o)er Gaynor?s an3estor?s -ra)e. A pale "an5 s"ot sky%ar5. A se3on5 "an5 3ame t"rou-" t"e 3ra3k. $"e Eom8ie tore t"e 5ry eart". 9 "ear5 ot"er ol5 -ra)es 8reakin- in t"e still@ summer ni-"t. 9t 8roke its %ay out o1 "is -ra)e@ >ust like Gaynor "a5 %ante5. Gaynor sat in "is %"eel3"air on t"e 3rest o1 t"e "ill. He %as surroun5e5 8y t"e 5ea5. 4oEens o1 Eom8ies in )arious sta-es o1 5e3ay 3ro%5e5 3lose to "im. But 9 "a5n?t -i)en t"e or5er yet. $"ey %oul5n?t "urt "im unless 9 tol5 t"em to. AAsk "im %"ere t"e treasure is@C Gaynor s"oute5. 9 stare5 at "im an5 e)ery Eom8ie turne5 %it" my eyes an5 stare5 at "im@ too. He 5i5n?t un5erstan5. Gaynor %as like a lot o1 people %it" money. $"ey mistake money 1or po%er. 9t isn?t t"e same t"in- at all. AKill t"e man Harol5 Gaynor.C 9 sai5 it lou5 enou-" to 3arry on t"e still air. A9?ll -i)e you a million 5ollars 1or "a)in- raise5 "im. ="et"er 9 1in5 t"e treasure or not@C Gaynor sai5. A9 5on?t %ant your money@ Gaynor@C 9 sai5.

$"e Eom8ies %ere mo)in- in on e)ery si5e@ slo%@ "an5s e*ten5e5@ like e)ery "orror mo)ie you?)e e)er seen. Sometimes Holly%oo5 is a33urate@ %"atta ya kno%. A$%o million@ t"ree millionIC His )oi3e %as 8reakin- %it" 1ear. He?5 "a5 a 8etter seat 1or 4omin-a?s 5eat" t"an 9 "a5. He kne% %"at %as 3omin-. A'our millionIC A/ot enou-"@C 9 sai5. AHo% mu3"BC "e s"oute5. A/ame your pri3eIC 9 3oul5n?t see "im no%. $"e Eom8ies "i5 "im 1rom )ie%. A/o money@ Gaynor@ >ust you 5ea5@ t"at?s enou-".C He starte5 s3reamin-@ %or5lessly. 9 1elt t"e "an5s 8e-in to rip at "im. $eet" to tear. =an5a -ra88e5 my le-s. A4on?t@ 5on?t "urt "im. PleaseIC 9 >ust stare5 at "er. 9 %as remem8erin- Ben>amin <eynol5s?s 8loo523oate5 te55y 8ear@ t"e tiny "an5 %it" t"at stupi5 plasti3 rin- on it@ t"e 8loo52soake5 8e5room@ t"e 8a8y 8lanket. AHe 5eser)es to 5ie@C 9 sai5. 7y )oi3e soun5e5 separate 1rom me@ 5istant an5 e3"oin-. 9t 5i5n?t soun5 like me at all. ADou 3an?t >ust mur5er "im@C =an5a sai5. A=at3" me@C 9 sai5. S"e trie5 to 3lim8 my 8o5y@ 8ut "er le-s 8etraye5 "er an5 s"e 1ell in a "eap at my 1eet@ so88in-. 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 "o% =an5a 3oul5 8e- 1or "is li1e a1ter %"at "e "a5 5one to "er. Lo)e@ 9 suppose. 9n t"e en5 s"e really 5i5 lo)e "im. An5 t"at@ per"aps@ %as t"e sa55est t"in- o1 all. ="en Gaynor 5ie5@ 9 kne% it. ="en pie3es o1 "im staine5 almost e)ery "an5 an5 mout" o1 t"e 5ea5@ t"ey stoppe5. $"ey turne5 to me@ %aitin- 1or ne% or5ers. $"e po%er %as still 8uoyin- me up. 9 %asn?t tire5. =as t"ere enou-" to lay t"em all to restB 9 "ope5 so. AGo 8a3k@ all o1 you@ -o 8a3k to your -ra)es. <est in t"e ;uiet eart". Go 8a3k@ -o 8a3k.C $"ey stirre5 like a %in5 "a5 8lo%n t"rou-" t"em@ t"en one 8y one t"ey %ent 8a3k to t"eir -ra)es. $"ey lay 5o%n on t"e "ar5 5ry eart" an5 t"e -ra)es >ust s%allo%e5 t"em %"ole. 9t %as like ma-i3 ;ui3ksan5. $"e eart" s"u55ere5 un5er1oot like a sleeper mo)in- to a more 3om1orta8le position. Some o1 t"e 3orpses "a5 8een as ol5 as Gaynor?s an3estor@ %"i3" meant t"at 9 5i5n?t nee5 a "uman 5eat" to raise one t"ree2"un5re52year2ol5 3orpse. Bert %as -oin- to 8e please5. Human 5eat"s seeme5 to 8e 3umulati)e. $%o "uman 5eat"s an5 9 "a5 emptie5 a 3emetery. 9t %asn?t possi8le. But 9?5 5one it any%ay. ="atta ya kno%B $"e 1irst li-"t o1 5a%n passe5 like milk on t"e eastern sky. $"e %in5 5ie5 %it" t"e li-"t. =an5a knelt in t"e 8loo5y -rass@ 3ryin-. 9 knelt 8esi5e "er. S"e >erke5 8a3k at my tou3". 9 -uess 9 3oul5n?t 8lame "er@ 8ut it 8ot"ere5 me any%ay. A=e "a)e to -et out o1 "ere. Dou nee5 a 5o3tor@C 9 sai5. S"e stare5 up at me. A="at are youBC $o5ay 1or t"e 1irst time 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% to ans%er t"at ;uestion. Human 5i5n?t seem to 3o)er it. A9?m an animator@C 9 sai5 1inally. S"e >ust kept starin- at me. 9 %oul5n?t "a)e 8elie)e5 me eit"er. But s"e let me "elp "er up. 9 -uess t"at %as somet"in-. But s"e kept lookin- at me out o1 t"e e5-e o1 "er eyes. =an5a 3onsi5ere5 me one o1 t"e monsters. S"e may "a)e 8een ri-"t. =an5a -aspe5@ eyes %i5e. 9 turne5@ too slo%ly. =as it t"e monsterB Hean2!lau5e steppe5 out o1 t"e s"a5o%s. 9 5i5n?t 8reat"e 1or a moment. 9t %as so une*pe3te5. A="at are you 5oin- "ereBC 9 aske5. ADour po%er 3alle5 to me@ ma petite. /o 5ea5 in t"e 3ity 3oul5 1ail to 1eel your po%er toni-"t. An5 9 am t"e 3ity@ so 9 3ame to in)esti-ate.C AHo% lon- "a)e you 8een "ereBC A9 sa% you kill t"e men. 9 sa% you raise t"e -ra)eyar5.C A4i5 it e)er o33ur to you to "elp meBC ADou 5i5 not nee5 any "elp.C He smile5@ 8arely )isi8le in t"e moonli-"t. ABesi5es@ %oul5 it not "a)e 8een temptin- to ren5 me to pie3es@ as %ellBC ADou 3an?t possi8ly 8e a1rai5 o1 me@C 9 sai5.

He sprea5 "is "an5s %i5e. ADou?re a1rai5 o1 your "uman ser)antB Little ol? moiBC A/ot a1rai5@ ma petite@ 8ut 3autious.C He %as a1rai5 o1 me. 9t almost ma5e some o1 t"is s"it %ort"%"ile. 9 3arrie5 =an5a 5o%n t"e "ill. S"e %oul5n?t let Hean2!lau5e tou3" "er. A 3"oi3e o1 monsters.

Chapter Forty
4omin-a Sal)a5or misse5 "er 3ourt 5ate. 'an3y t"at. 4olp" "a5 sear3"e5 1or me t"at ni-"t@ a1ter "e 5is3o)ere5 t"at 4omin-a "a5 ma5e 8ail. He "a5 1oun5 my apartment empty. 7y ans%ers a8out %"ere 9 "a5 -one 5i5n?t satis1y "im@ 8ut "e let it -o. ="at else 3oul5 "e 5oB $"ey 1oun5 Gaynor?s %"eel3"air@ 8ut no tra3e o1 "im. 9t?s one o1 t"ose mysteries to tell aroun5 3amp1ires. $"e empty@ 8loo523oate5 %"eel3"air in t"e mi55le o1 t"e 3emetery. $"ey 5i5 1in5 8o5y parts in t"e 3aretaker?s "ouseJ animal an5 "uman. #nly 4omin-a?s po%er "a5 "el5 t"e t"in- to-et"er. ="en s"e 5ie5@ it 5ie5. $"ank -oo5ness. $"eory %as t"at t"e monster -ot Gaynor. ="ere t"e monster 3ame 1rom no one seeme5 to kno%. 9 %as 3alle5 in to e*plain t"e 8o5y parts@ t"at?s "o% t"e poli3e kne% t"ey?5 on3e 8een atta3"e5. 9r)in- %ante5 to kno% %"at 9 really kne% a8out Gaynor?s )anis"in- a3t. 9 >ust smile5 an5 playe5 ins3ruta8le. 9r)in- 5i5n?t 8elie)e me@ 8ut all "e "a5 %ere suspi3ions. Suspi3ions aren?t a ne%s story. =an5a is %aitin- ta8les 5o%nto%n. Hean2!lau5e o11ere5 "er a >o8 at $"e Lau-"in- !orpse. S"e 5e3line5@ not politely. S"e?5 sa)e5 ;uite a 8it o1 money 1rom "er A8usiness.C 9 5on?t kno% i1 s"e?ll make it or not@ 8ut %it" Gaynor -one@ s"e seems 1ree to try. S"e %as a >unkie %"ose 5ru- o1 3"oi3e %as 5ea5. 9t %as 8etter t"an re"a8. By !at"erine?s %e55in- t"e 8ullet %oun5 %as >ust a 8an5a-e on my arm. $"e 8ruises on my 1a3e an5 ne3k "a5 turne5 t"at si3kly s"a5e o1 -reenis"2yello%. 9t 3las"e5 %it" t"e pink 5ress. 9 -a)e !at"erine t"e option o1 me not 8ein- in t"e %e55in-. $"e %e55in- 3oor5inator %as all 1or t"at@ 8ut !at"erine %oul5n?t "ear o1 it. $"e %e55in- 3oor5inator applie5 makeup to t"e 8ruises an5 sa)e5 t"e 5ay. 9 "a)e a pi3ture o1 me stan5in- in t"at a%1ul 5ress %it" !at"erine?s arm aroun5 me. =e?re 8ot" smilin-. 'rien5s"ip is stran-e stu11. Hean2!lau5e sent me a 5oEen %"ite roses in t"e "ospital. $"e 3ar5 rea5@ A!ome to t"e 8allet %it" me. /ot as my ser)ant@ 8ut as my -uest.C 9 5i5n?t -o to t"e 8allet. 9 "a5 enou-" pro8lems %it"out 5atin- t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. 9 "a5 per1orme5 "uman sa3ri1i3e@ an5 it "a5 1elt -oo5. $"e rus" o1 po%er %as like t"e memory o1 pain1ul se*. Part o1 you %ante5 to 5o it a-ain. 7ay8e 4omin-a Sal)a5or %as ri-"t. 7ay8e po%er talks to e)eryone@ e)en me. 9 am an animator. 9 am t"e ,*e3utioner. But no% 9 kno% 9?m somet"in- else. $"e one t"in- my Gran5mot"er 'lores 1eare5 most. 9 am a ne3roman3er. $"e 5ea5 are my spe3ialty

"ir$us o% t e &amne' (199()

&e'i$ation $o Gin>er Bu3"anan@ or e5itor@ %"ose 1ait" in Anita an5 patien3e %it" me "as 8een most appre3iate5. A$kno)le'!ments $o t"e usual suspe3tsJ my "us8an5@ Gary@ an5 t"e alternate "istorians 7.!. Sumner@ 4e8ora" 7illitello@ 7arella San5s@ an5 <o8ert K. S"ea11. Goo5 lu3k in t"e ne% "ouse@ Bo8. =e?ll miss you mu3".

Chapter One
$"ere %as 5rie5 3"i3ken 8loo5 im8e55e5 un5er my 1in-ernails. ="en you raise t"e 5ea5 1or a li)in-@ you "a)e to spill a little 8loo5. 9t 3lun- in 1lakin- pat3"es to my 1a3e an5 "an5s. 9?5 trie5 to 3lean t"e %orst o1 it o11 8e1ore 3omin- to t"is meetin-@ 8ut some t"in-s only a s"o%er %oul5 1i*. 9 sippe5 3o11ee 1rom a personaliEe5 mu- t"at sai5@ APiss me o11@ pay t"e 3onse;uen3es@C an5 stare5 at t"e t%o men sittin- a3ross 1rom me. 7r. Heremy <ue8ens %as s"ort@ 5ark@ an5 -rumpy. 9?5 ne)er seen "im %"en "e %asn?t eit"er 1ro%nin-@ or s"outin-. His small 1eatures %ere 3lustere5 in t"e mi55le o1 "is 1a3e as i1 some -iant "an5 "a5 mas"e5 t"em to-et"er 8e1ore t"e 3lay "a5 5rie5. His "an5s smoot"e5 o)er t"e lapel o1 "is 3oat@ t"e 5ark 8lue tie@ tie 3lip@ %"ite s"irt 3ollar. His "an5s 1ol5e5 in "is lap 1or a se3on5@ t"en 8e-an t"eir 5an3e a-ain@ 3oat@ tie@ tie 3lip@ 3ollar@ lap. 9 1i-ure5 9 3oul5 stan5 to %at3" "im 1i5-et may8e 1i)e more times 8e1ore 9 s3reame5 1or mer3y an5 promise5 "im anyt"in- "e %ante5. $"e se3on5 man %as Karl 9n-er. 9?5 ne)er met "im 8e1ore@ He %as a 1e% in3"es o)er si* 1eet. Stan5in-@ "e "a5 to%ere5 o)er <ue8ens an5 me. A %a)y mass o1 s"ort23ut re5 "air -ra3e5 a lar-e 1a3e. He "a5 "onest2to2-o5 mutton3"op si5e8urns t"at -re% into one o1 t"e 1ullest musta3"es 9?5 e)er seen. ,)eryt"in- %as neatly trimme5 e*3ept 1or "is unruly "air. 7ay8e "e %as "a)in- a 8a5 "air 5ay. <ue8ens?s "an5s %ere makin- t"eir en5less 5an3e 1or t"e 1ourt" time. 'our %as my limit. 9 %ante5 to -o aroun5 t"e 5esk@ -ra8 "is "an5s@ an5 yell@ AStop t"atIC But 9 1i-ure5 t"at %as a little ru5e@ e)en 1or me. A9 5on?t remem8er you 8ein- t"is t%it3"y@ <ue8ens@C 9 sai5. He -lan3e5 at me. A$%it3"yBC 9 motione5 at "is "an5s@ makin- t"eir en5less 3ir3uit. He 1ro%ne5 an5 pla3e5 "is "an5s on top o1 "is t"i-"s. $"ey remaine5 t"ere@ motionless. Sel123ontrol at its 8est. A9 am not t%it3"y@ 7iss Blake.C A9t?s 7s. Blake. An5 %"y are you so ner)ous@ 7r. <ue8ensBC 9 sippe5 my 3o11ee. A9 am not a33ustome5 to askin- "elp 1rom people like you.C APeople like meBC 9 ma5e it a ;uestion.

He 3leare5 "is t"roat s"arply. ADou kno% %"at 9 mean.C A/o@ 7r. <ue8ens@ 9 5on?t.C A=ell@ a Eom8ie ;ueen ... C He stoppe5 in mi52senten3e. 9 %as -ettin- pisse5@ an5 it must "a)e s"o%n on my 1a3e. A/o o11ense@C "e sai5 so1tly. A91 you 3ame "ere to 3all me names@ -et t"e "ell out o1 my o11i3e. 91 you "a)e real 8usiness@ state it@ t"en -et t"e "ell out o1 my o11i3e.C <ue8ens stoo5 up. A9 tol5 you s"e %oul5n?t "elp us.C AHelp you 5o %"atB Dou "a)en?t tol5 me a 5amn t"in-@C 9 sai5. APer"aps %e s"oul5 >ust tell "er %"y %e "a)e 3ome@C 9n-er sai5. His )oi3e %as a 5eep@ rum8lin- 8ass@ pleasant. <ue8ens 5re% a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out t"rou-" "is nose. AVery %ell.C He sat 8a3k 5o%n in "is 3"air. A$"e last time %e met@ 9 %as a mem8er o1 Humans A-ainst Vampires.C 9 no55e5 en3oura-in-ly an5 sippe5 my 3o11ee. A9 "a)e sin3e starte5 a ne% -roup@ Humans 'irst. =e "a)e t"e same -oals as HAV@ 8ut our met"o5s are more 5ire3t.C 9 stare5 at "im. HAV?s main -oal %as to make )ampires ille-al a-ain@ so t"ey 3oul5 8e "unte5 5o%n like animals. 9t %orke5 1or me. 9 use5 to 8e a )ampire slayer@ "unter@ %"ate)er. /o% 9 %as a )ampire e*e3utioner. 9 "a5 to "a)e a 5eat" %arrant to kill a spe3i1i3 )ampire@ or it %as mur5er. $o -et a %arrant@ you "a5 to pro)e t"e )ampire %as a 5an-er to so3iety@ %"i3" meant you "a5 to %ait 1or t"e )ampire to kill people. $"e lo%est kill %as 1i)e "umans@ t"e "i-"est %as t%enty2t"ree. $"at %as a lot o1 5ea5 8o5ies. 9n t"e -oo5 ol? 5ays you 3oul5 >ust kill a )ampire on si-"t. A="at e*a3tly 5oes Fmore 5ire3t met"o5s? meanBC ADou kno% %"at it means@C <ue8ens sai5. A/o@C 9 sai5@ A9 5on?t.C 9 t"ou-"t 9 5i5@ 8ut "e %as -oin- to "a)e to say it out lou5. AHAV "as 1aile5 to 5is3re5it )ampires t"rou-" t"e me5ia or t"e politi3al ma3"ine. Humans 'irst %ill settle 1or 5estroyint"em all.C 9 smile5 o)er my 3o11ee mu-. ADou mean kill e)ery last )ampire in t"e :nite5 StatesBC A$"at is t"e -oal@C "e sai5. A9t?s mur5er.C ADou "a)e slain )ampires. 4o you really 8elie)e it is mur5erBC 9t %as my turn to take a 5eep 8reat". A 1e% mont"s a-o 9 %oul5 "a)e sai5 no. But no%@ 9 >ust 5i5n?t kno%. A9?m not sure anymore@ 7r. <ue8ens.C A91 t"e ne% le-islation -oes t"rou-"@ 7s. Blake@ )ampires %ill 8e a8le to )ote. 4oesn?t t"at 1ri-"ten youBC ADes@C 9 sai5. A$"en "elp us.C ANuit 5an3in- aroun5@ <ue8ensG >ust tell me %"at you %ant.C AVery %ell@ t"en. =e %ant t"e 5aytime restin- pla3e o1 t"e 7aster Vampire o1 t"e !ity.C 9 >ust looke5 at "im 1or a 1e% se3on5s. AAre you seriousBC A9 am in 5ea5ly earnest@ 7s. Blake.C 9 "a5 to smile. A="at makes you t"ink 9 kno% t"e 7aster?s 5aytime retreatBC 9t %as 9n-er %"o ans%ere5. A7s. Blake@ 3ome no%. 91 %e 3an a5mit to a5)o3atin- mur5er@ t"en you 3an a5mit to kno%int"e 7aster.C He smile5 e)er so -ently. A$ell me %"ere you -ot t"e in1ormation an5 may8e 9?ll 3on1irm it@ or may8e 9 %on?t.C His smile %i5ene5 >ust a 8it. A/o% %"o?s 5an3in-BC He "a5 a point. A91 9 say 9 kno% t"e 7aster@ %"at t"enBC AGi)e us "is 5aytime restin- pla3e@C <ue8ens sai5. He %as leanin- 1or%ar5@ an ea-er@ nearly lust1ul look on "is 1a3e. 9 %asn?t 1lattere5. 9t %asn?t me -ettin- "is ro3ks o11. 9t %as t"e t"ou-"t o1 stakin- t"e 7aster. AHo% 5o you kno% t"e 7aster is a "eBC A$"ere %as an arti3le in t"e Post24ispat3". 9t %as 3are1ul to mention no name@ 8ut t"e 3reature %as 3learly male@C <ue8ens sai5. 9 %on5ere5 "o% Hean2!lau5e %oul5 like 8ein- re1erre5 as a A3reature.C Better not to 1in5 out. A9 -i)e you an a55ress an5 you -o in an5 %"at@ stake "im t"rou-" t"e "eartBC

<ue8ens no55e5. 9n-er smile5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t t"ink so.C ADou re1use to "elp usBC <ue8ens aske5. A/o@ 9 simply 5on?t kno% t"e 5aytime restin- pla3e.C 9 %as relie)e5 to 8e a8le to tell t"e trut". ADou are lyin- to prote3t "im@C <ue8ens sai5. His 1a3e %as -ro%in- 5arkerG 5eep 1ro%n %rinkles s"o%e5 on "is 1ore"ea5. A9 really 5on?t kno%@ 7r. <ue8ens@ 7r. 9n-er. 91 you %ant a Eom8ie raise5@ %e 3an talkG ot"er%ise ... C 9 let t"e senten3e trail o11 an5 -a)e t"em my 8est pro1essional smile. $"ey 5i5n?t seem impresse5. A=e 3onsente5 to meetin- you at t"is un-o5ly "our@ an5 %e are payin- a "an5some 1ee 1or t"e 3onsultation. 9 %oul5 t"ink t"e least you 3oul5 5o is 8e polite.C 9 %ante5 to say@ ADou starte5 it@C 8ut t"at %oul5 soun5 3"il5is". A9 o11ere5 you 3o11ee. Dou turne5 it 5o%n.C <ue8ens?s s3o%l 5eepene5@ little an-er lines s"o%in- aroun5 "is eyes. A4o you treat all your ... 3ustomers t"is %ayBC A$"e last time %e met@ you 3alle5 me a Eom8ie2lo)in- 8it3". 9 5on?t o%e you anyt"in-.C ADou took our money.C A7y 8oss 5i5 t"at.C A=e met you "ere at 5a%n@ 7s. Blake. Surely you 3an meet us "al1%ay.C 9 "a5n?t %ante5 to meet %it" <ue8ens at all@ 8ut a1ter Bert took t"eir money@ 9 %as sort o1 stu3k %it" it. 9?5 set t"e meetinat 5a%n@ a1ter my ni-"t?s %ork@ 8ut 8e1ore 9 %ent to 8e5. $"is %ay 9 3oul5 5ri)e "ome an5 -et ei-"t "ours uninterrupte5 sleep. Let <ue8ens?s sleep 8e interrupte5. A!oul5 you 1in5 out t"e lo3ation o1 t"e 7aster?s retreatBC 9n-er aske5. APro8a8ly@ 8ut i1 9 5i5@ 9 %oul5n?t -i)e it to you.C A="y notBC "e aske5. ABe3ause s"e is in lea-ue %it" "im@C <ue8ens sai5. AHus"@ Heremy.C <ue8ens opene5 "is mout" to protest@ 8ut 9n-er sai5@ APlease@ Heremy@ 1or t"e 3ause.C <ue8ens stru--le5 )isi8ly to s%allo% "is an-er@ 8ut "e 3"oke5 it 5o%n. !ontrol. A="y not@ 7s. BlakeBC 9n-er?s eyes %ere )ery serious@ t"e pleasant sparkle seepin- a%ay like meltin- i3e. A9?)e kille5 master )ampires 8e1ore@ none o1 t"em %it" a stake.C AHo% t"enBC 9 smile5. A/o@ 7r. 9n-er@ i1 you %ant lessons in )ampire slayin-@ you?re -oin- to "a)e to -o else%"ere. Hust 8y ans%erinyour ;uestions@ 9 3oul5 8e 3"ar-e5 as an a33essory to mur5er.C A=oul5 you tell us i1 %e "a5 a 8etter planBC 9n-er sai5. 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. Hean2!lau5e 5ea5@ really 5ea5. 9t %oul5 3ertainly make my li1e easier@ 8ut ... 8ut. A9 5on?t kno%@C 9 sai5. A="y notBC ABe3ause 9 t"ink "e?ll kill you. 9 5on?t -i)e "umans o)er to t"e monsters@ 7r. 9n-er@ not e)en people %"o "ate me.C A=e 5on?t "ate you 7s. Blake.C 9 motione5 %it" t"e 3o11ee mu- to%ar5s <ue8ens. A7ay8e you 5on?t.@ 8ut "e 5oes.C <ue8ens >ust -lare5 at me. At least "e 5i5n?t try to 5eny it. A91 %e 3ome up %it" a 8etter plan@ 3an %e talk to you a-ainBC 9n-er aske5. 9 stare5 at <ue8ens?s an-ry little eyes. ASure@ %"y notBC 9n-er stoo5 an5 o11ere5 me "is "an5. A$"ank you@ 7s. Blake. Dou "a)e 8een most "elp1ul.C His "an5 en)elope5 mine. He %as a lar-e man@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t try usin- "is siEe to make me 1eel small. 9 appre3iate5 t"at. A$"e ne*t time %e meet@ Anita Blake@ you %ill 8e more 3ooperati)e.C <ue8ens sai5. A$"at soun5e5 like a t"reat@ Herry.C <ue8ens smile5@ a most unpleasant smile. AHumans 'irst 8elie)es t"e en5 >usti1ies t"e means@ Anita.C 9 opene5 my royal purple suit >a3ket. 9nsi5e %as a s"oul5er "olster 3omplete %it" a Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er 9mm. $"e purple skirt?s t"in 8la3k 8elt %as >ust stur5y enou-" to 8e loope5 t"rou-" t"e s"oul5er "olster. ,*e3uti)e terrorist 3"i3.

A="en it 3omes to sur)i)al@ Herry@ 9 8elie)e t"at@ too.C A=e "a)e not o11ere5 you )iolen3e@C 9n-er sai5. A/o@ 8ut ol? Herry "ere is t"inkin- a8out it. 9 >ust %ant "im an5 t"e rest o1 your little -roup to 8elie)e 9?m serious. 7ess %it" me@ an5 people are -oin- to 5ie.C A$"ere are 5oEens o1 us@C <ue8ens sai5@ Aan5 only one o1 you.C ADea"@ 8ut %"o?s -oin- to 8e 1irst in lineBC 9 sai5. A,nou-" o1 t"is@ Heremy@ 7s. Blake. =e 5i5n?t 3ome "ere to t"reaten you. =e 3ame 1or your "elp. =e %ill 3ome up %it" a 8etter plan an5 talk to you a-ain.C A4on?t 8rin- "im@C 9 sai5. A#1 3ourse@C 9n-er sai5. A!ome alon-@ Heremy.C He opene5 t"e 5oor. $"e so1t 3la3k o1 3omputer keys 3ame 1rom t"e outer o11i3e. AGoo528ye 7s. Blake.C AGoo528ye@ 7r. 9n-er@ it?s 8een really unpleasant.C <ue8ens stoppe5 in t"e 5oor%ay an5 "isse5 at me@ ADou are an a8omination 8e1ore Go5.C AHesus lo)es you@ too@C 9 sai5@ smilin-. He slamme5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 t"em. !"il5is". 9 sat on t"e e5-e o1 my 5esk an5 %aite5 to make sure t"ey "a5 le1t 8e1ore -oin- outsi5e. 9 5i5n?t t"ink t"ey?5 try anyt"inin t"e parkin- lot@ 8ut 9 really 5i5n?t %ant to start s"ootin- people. #"@ 9 %oul5 i1 9 "a5 to@ 8ut it %as 8etter to a)oi5 it. 9 "a5 "ope5 1las"in- t"e -un %oul5 make <ue8ens 8a3k o11. 9t "a5 >ust seeme5 to enra-e "im. 9 rotate5 my ne3k@ tryin- to ease some o1 t"e tension a%ay. 9t 5i5n?t %ork. 9 3oul5 -o "ome@ s"o%er@ an5 -et ei-"t "ours uninterrupte5 sleep. Glorious. 7y 8eeper %ent o11. 9 >umpe5 like 9?5 8een stun-. /er)ous@ meB 9 "it t"e 8utton@ an5 t"e num8er t"at 1las"e5 ma5e me -roan. 9t %as t"e poli3e. $o 8e e*a3t@ it %as t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam. $"e Spook S;ua5. $"ey %ere responsi8le 1or all preternatural 3rime in 7issouri. 9 %as t"eir 3i)ilian e*pert on monsters. Bert like5 t"e retainer 9 -ot@ 8ut 8etter yet@ t"e -oo5 pu8li3ity. $"e 8eeper %ent o11 a-ain. Same num8er. AS"it@C 9 sai5 it so1tly. A9 "ear5 you t"e 1irst time@ 4olp".C 9 t"ou-"t a8out preten5in- t"at 9?5 alrea5y -one "ome@ turne5 o11 t"e 8eeper@ an5 %as no% una)aila8le@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 91 4ete3ti)e Ser-eant <u5ol1 Storr 3alle5 me at "al12past 5a%n@ "e nee5e5 my e*pertise. 4amn. 9 3alle5 t"e num8er an5 t"rou-" a series o1 relays 1inally -ot 4olp"?s )oi3e. He soun5e5 tinny an5 1ara%ay. His %i1e "a5 -otten "im a 3ar p"one 1or "is 8irt"5ay. =e must "a)e 8een near t"e limit o1 its ran-e. 9t still 8eat t"e "e3k out o1 talkinto "im on t"e poli3e ra5io. $"at al%ays soun5e5 like an alien lan-ua-e. AHi@ 4olp"@ %"at?s upBC A7ur5er.C A="at sort o1 mur5erBC A$"e kin5 t"at nee5s your e*pertise@C "e sai5. A9t?s too 5amn early in t"e mornin- to play t%enty ;uestions. Hust tell me %"at?s "appene5.C ADou -ot up on t"e %ron- si5e o1 8e5 t"is mornin-@ 5i5n?t youBC A9 "a)en?t 8een to 8e5 yet.C A9 sympat"iEe@ 8ut -et your 8utt out "ere. 9t looks like %e "a)e a )ampire )i3tim on our "an5s.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%ly. AS"it.C ADou 3oul5 say t"at.C AGi)e me t"e a55ress@C 9 sai5. He 5i5. 9t %as o)er t"e ri)er an5 t"rou-" t"e %oo5s@ %ay to "ell an5 -one in Arnol5. 7y o11i3e %as >ust o11 #li)e Boule)ar5. 9 "a5 a 1orty21i)e2minute 5ri)e a"ea5 o1 me@ one %ay. Dippee. A9?ll 8e t"ere as soon as 9 3an.C A=e?ll 8e %aitin-@C 4olp" sai5@ t"en "un- up. 9 5i5n?t 8ot"er to say -oo528ye to t"e 5ial tone. A )ampire )i3tim. 9?5 ne)er seen a lone kill. $"ey %ere like potato 3"ipsG on3e t"e )amp taste5 t"em@ "e 3oul5n?t stop at >ust one. $"e tri3k %as@ "o% many people %oul5 5ie 8e1ore %e 3au-"t t"is oneB 9 5i5n?t %ant to t"ink a8out it. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5ri)e to Arnol5. 9 5i5n?t %ant to stare at 5ea5 8o5ies 8e1ore 8reak1ast. 9 %ante5 to -o "ome. But some"o% 9 5i5n?t t"ink 4olp" %oul5 un5erstan5. Poli3e "a)e )ery little sense o1 "umor %"en t"ey?re %orkin- on a mur5er 3ase. !ome to t"ink o1 it@ neit"er 5i5 9.

Chapter Two
$"e man?s 8o5y lay on its 8a3k@ pale an5 nake5 in t"e %eak mornin- sunli-"t. ,)en limp %it" 5eat" "is 8o5y %as -oo5@ a lot o1 %ei-"ts@ may8e >o--in-. His lon-is" yello% "air mi*e5 %it" t"e still2-reen la%n. $"e smoot" skin o1 "is ne3k %as pun3ture5 t%i3e %it" neat 1an- marks. $"e ri-"t arm %as pier3e5 at t"e 8en5 o1 t"e el8o%@ %"ere a 5o3tor 5ra%s 8loo5. $"e skin o1 t"e le1t %rist %as s"re55e5@ like an animal "a5 -na%e5 it. ="ite 8one -leame5 in t"e 1ra-ile li-"t. 9 "a5 measure5 t"e 8ite marks %it" my trusty tape measure. $"ey %ere 5i11erent siEes. At least t"ree 5i11erent )amps@ 8ut 9 %oul5 "a)e 8et e)eryt"in- 9 o%ne5 t"at it %as 1i)e 5i11erent )ampires. A master an5 "is pa3k@ or 1lo3k@ or %"ate)er t"e "ell you 3all a -roup o1 )ampires. $"e -rass %as %et 1rom early mornin- mist. $"e moisture soake5 t"rou-" t"e knees o1 t"e 3o)eralls 9 "a5 put on to prote3t my suit. Bla3k /ikes an5 sur-i3al -lo)es 3omplete5 my 3rime2s3ene kit. 9 use5 to %ear %"ite /ikes@ 8ut t"ey s"o%e5 8loo5 too easily. 9 sai5 a silent apolo-y 1or %"at 9 "a5 to 5o@ t"en sprea5 t"e 3orpse?s le-s apart. $"e le-s mo)e5 easily@ no ri-or. 9 %as 8ettin- t"at "e "a5n?t 8een 5ea5 ei-"t "ours@ not enou-" time 1or ri-or mortis to set in. Semen "a5 5rie5 on "is s"ri)ele5 pri)ates. #ne last >oy 8e1ore 5yin-. $"e )amps "a5n?t 3leane5 "im o11. #n t"e insi5e o1 "is t"i-"@ 3lose to t"e -roin@ %ere more 1an- marks. $"ey %eren?t as sa)a-e as t"e %rist %oun5@ 8ut t"ey %eren?t neat eit"er. $"ere %as no 8loo5 on t"e skin aroun5 t"e %oun5s@ not e)en t"e %rist %oun5. Ha5 t"ey 3leane5 t"e 8loo5 o11B ="ere)er "e %as kille5@ t"ere %as a lot o1 8loo5. $"ey?5 ne)er 8e a8le to 3lean it all up. 91 %e 3oul5 1in5 %"ere "e 5ie5@ %e?5 "a)e all sorts o1 3lues. But in t"e neatly 3lippe5 la%n in t"e 7i55le o1 a )ery or5inary nei-"8or"oo5@ t"ere %ere no 3lues. 9 %as 8ettin- on t"at. $"ey?5 5umpe5 t"e 8o5y in a pla3e as sterile an5 un"elp1ul as t"e 5ark si5e o1 t"e moon. 7ist 1loate5 o)er t"e small resi5ential nei-"8or"oo5 like %aitin- -"osts. $"e mist %as so lo% to t"e -roun5 t"at it %as like %alkin- t"rou-" s"eets o1 5riEElin- rain. $iny 8ea5s o1 moisture 3lun- to t"e 8o5y %"ere t"e mist "a5 3on5ense5. Bea5s 3olle3te5 in my "air like sil)er pearls. 9 stoo5 in t"e 1ront yar5 o1 a small@ lime2-reen "ouse %it" %"ite trim. A 3"ain2link 1en3e peeke5 aroun5 one si5e en3ir3lina roomy 8a3kyar5. 9t %as #3to8er@ an5 t"e -rass %as still -reen. $"e top o1 a su-ar maple loome5 o)er t"e "ouse. 9ts lea)es %ere t"at 8rilliant oran-ey2yello% t"at is pe3uliar to su-ar maples@ as i1 t"eir lea)es %ere 3ar)e5 1rom 1lame. $"e mist "elpe5 t"e illusion@ an5 t"e 3olors seeme5 to 8lee5 on t"e %et air. All 5o%n t"e street %ere ot"er small "ouses %it" autumn28ri-"t trees an5 8ri-"t -reen la%ns. 9t %as still early enou-" t"at most people "a5n?t -one to %ork yet@ or s3"ool@ or %"ere)er. $"ere %as ;uite a 3ro%5 8ein- "el5 8a3k 8y t"e uni1orm o11i3ers. $"ey "a5 "ammere5 stakes into t"e -roun5 to "ol5 t"e yello% 4o2/ot2!ross tape. $"e 3ro%5 presse5 as 3lose to t"e tape as t"ey 5are5. A 8oy o1 a8out t%el)e "a5 mana-e5 to pus" "is %ay to t"e 1ront. He stare5 at t"e 5ea5 man %it" "u-e 8ro%n eyes@ "is mout" open in a little A%o%C o1 e*3itement. Go5@ %"ere %ere "is parentsB Pro8a8ly -a%kin- at t"e 3orpse@ too. $"e 3orpse %as paper2%"ite. Bloo5 al%ays pools to t"e lo%est point o1 t"e 8o5y. 9n t"is 3ase 5ark@ purplis" 8ruisins"oul5 "a)e set in at 8utto3ks. arms@ le-s@ t"e entire 8a3k o1 "is 8o5y. $"ere %ere no marks. He "a5n?t "a5 enou-" 8loo5 in "im to 3ause li)i5ity marks. ="oe)er "a5 mur5ere5 "im "a5 5raine5 "im 3ompletely. Goo5 to t"e last 5ropB 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to smile an5 lost. 91 you spen5 a lot o1 time starin- at 3orpses@ you -et a pe3uliar sense o1 "umor. Dou "a)e to@ or you %ill -o stark ra)in- ma5. A="at?s so 1unnyBC a )oi3e aske5. 9 >umpe5 an5 %"irle5. AGo5@ Ker8ro%ski@ 5on?t sneak up on me like t"at.C A9s t"e "eap 8i- )ampire slayer >umpin- at s"a5o%sBC He -rinne5 at me. His unruly 8ro%n "air stu3k up in t"ree separate tu1ts like "e?5 1or-otten to 3om8 it. His tie %as at "al12mast o)er a pale 8lue s"irt t"at looke5 suspi3iously like a pa>ama top. $"e 8ro%n suit >a3ket an5 pants 3las"e5 %it" t"e top. A/i3e pa>amas.C He s"ru--e5. A9?)e -ot a pair %it" little 3"oo23"oos on t"em. Katie t"inks t"ey?re se*y.C ADour %i1e -ot a t"in- 1or trainsBC 9 aske5. His -rin %i5ene5. A91 9?m %earin- Fem.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 kne% you %ere per)erte5@ Ker8ro%ski@ 8ut little ki5s? >ammies@ t"at?s truly si3k.C A$"ank you.C He -lan3e5 5o%n at t"e 8o5y@ still smilin-. $"e smile 1a5e5. A="at 5o you t"ink o1 t"isBC He no55e5 to%ar5s t"e 5ea5 man. A="ere?s 4olp"BC A9n t"e "ouse %it" t"e la5y %"o 1oun5 t"e 8o5y.C He plun-e5 "is "an5s into t"e po3kets o1 "is pants an5 ro3ke5 on "is "eels. AS"e?s takin- it pretty "ar5. Pro8a8ly t"e 1irst 3orpse s"e?s seen outsi5e o1 a 1uneral.C A$"at?s t"e %ay most normal 1olks see 5ea5 people@ Ker8ro%ski.C He ro3ke5 1or%ar5 "ar5 on t"e 8alls o1 "is 1eet@ 3omin- to a stan5still. A=oul5n?t it 8e ni3e to 8e normalBC

ASometimes@C 9 sai5. He -rinne5. ADea"@ 9 kno% %"at you mean.C He -ot a note8ook out o1 "is >a3ket po3ket t"at looke5 as i1 someone "a5 3rum8le5 it in t"eir 1ist. AGeeE@ Ker8ro%ski.C AHey@ it?s still paper.C He trie5 smoot"in- t"e note8ook 1lat@ 8ut 1inally -a)e up. He pose5@ pen o)er t"e %rinkle5 paper. A,nli-"ten me@ o" preternatural e*pert.C AAm 9 -oin- to "a)e to repeat t"is to 4olp"B 9?5 like to >ust 5o t"is on3e an5 -o "ome to 8e5.C AHey@ me too. ="y 5o you t"ink 9?m %earin- my >ammiesBC A9 >ust t"ou-"t it %as a 5arin- 1as"ion statement.C He looke5 at me. A7m2"u".C 4olp" %alke5 out o1 t"e "ouse. $"e 5oor looke5 too small to "ol5 "im. He?s si*2nine an5 8uilt 8ulky like a %restler. His 8la3k "air %as 8uEEe5 3lose to "is "ea5@ lea)in- "is ears stran5e5 on eit"er si5e o1 "is 1a3e. But 4olp" 5i5n?t 3are mu3" 1or 1as"ion. His tie %as ti-"t a-ainst t"e 3ollar o1 "is %"ite 5ress s"irt. He "a5 to "a)e 8een pulle5 out o1 8e5 >ust like Ker8ro%ski@ 8ut "e looke5 neat an5 ti5y an5 8usinesslike. 9t ne)er mattere5 %"at "our you 3alle5 4olp"@ "e %as al%ays rea5y to 5o "is >o8. A pro1essional 3op 5o%n to "is so3ks. So %"y %as 4olp" "ea5in- up t"e most unpopular spe3ial task 1or3e in St. LouisB Punis"ment 1or somet"in-@ t"at mu3" 9 %as sure o1@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er aske5 %"at. 9 pro8a8ly ne)er %oul5. 9t %as "is 8usiness. 91 "e %ante5 me to kno%@ "e?5 tell me. $"e s;ua5 "a5 ori-inally 8een a pa3i1ier 1or t"e li8erals. See@ %e?re 5oin- somet"in- a8out supernatural 3rime. But 4olp" "a5 taken "is >o8 an5 "is men seriously. $"ey "a5 sol)e5 more supernatural 3rime in t"e last t%o years t"an any ot"er -roup o1 poli3emen in t"e 3ountry. He "a5 8een in)ite5 to -i)e talks to ot"er poli3e 1or3es. $"ey "a5 e)en 8een loane5 out to nei-"8orin- states t%i3e. A=ell@ Anita@ let?s "a)e it.C $"at?s 4olp"G no preliminaries. AGee@ 4olp"@ it?s ni3e to see you too.C He >ust looke5 at me. A#kay@ okay.C 9 knelt on t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e 8o5y so 9 3oul5 point as 9 talke5. /ot"in- like a )isual ai5 to -et your point a3ross. AHust measurin- s"o%s t"at at least t"ree 5i11erent )ampires 1e5 on t"e man.C AButBC 4olp" sai5. He?s ;ui3k. ABut 9 t"ink t"at e)ery %oun5 is a 5i11erent )ampire.C AVampires 5on?t "unt in pa3ks.C A:sually t"ey are solitary "unters@ 8ut not al%ays.C A="at 3auses t"em to "unt in pa3ksBC "e aske5. A#nly t%o reasons t"at 9?)e e)er 3ome a3rossJ 1irst@ one is t"e ne% 5ea5 an5 an ol5er )ampire is tea3"in- t"e ropes@ 8ut t"at?s >ust t%o pairs o1 1an-sI not 1i)eG se3on5@ a master )ampire is 3ontrollin- t"em@ an5 "e?s -one ro-ue.C A,*plain.C AA master )ampire "as nearly a8solute 3ontrol o)er "is or "er 1lo3k. Some masters use a -roup kill to soli5i1y t"e pa3k@ 8ut t"ey %oul5n?t 5ump t"e 8o5y "ere. $"ey?5 "i5e it %"ere t"e poli3e %oul5 ne)er 1in5 it.C ABut t"e 8o5y?s "ere@C Ker8ro%ski sai5@ Aout in plain si-"t.C A,*a3tlyG only a master t"at?s -one 3raEy %oul5 5ump a 8o5y like t"is. 7ost masters e)en 8e1ore )ampires %ere le-ally ali)e %oul5n?t 1launt a kill like t"is. 9t attra3ts attention@ usually attention %it" a stake in one "an5 an5 a 3ross in t"e ot"er. ,)en no%@ i1 %e 3oul5 tra3e t"e kill to t"e )ampires t"at 5i5 it@ %e 3oul5 -et a %arrant an5 kill t"em.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ASlau-"ter like t"is is 8a5 1or 8usiness@ an5 %"ate)er else )ampires are@ t"ey?re pra3ti3al. Dou 5on?t stay ali)e an5 "i55en 1or 3enturies unless you?re 5is3reet an5 rut"less.C A="y rut"lessBC 4olp" sai5. 9 stare5 up at "im. A9t?s utterly pra3ti3al. Someone 5is3o)ers your se3ret@ you kill t"em@ or make t"em one o1 your ... 3"il5ren. Goo5 8usiness pra3ti3es@ 4olp"@ not"in- more.C ALike t"e mo8@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. ADea".C A="at i1 t"ey pani3ke5BC Ker8ro%ski aske5. A9t %as almost 5a%n.C A="en 5i5 t"e %oman 1in5 t"e 8o5yBC 4olp" 3"e3ke5 "is note8ook. A'i)e2t"irty.C A9t?s still "ours until 5a%n. $"ey 5i5n?t pani3.C A91 %e?)e -ot a 3raEy master )ampire@ %"at e*a3tly 5oes t"at meanBC

A9t means t"ey?ll kill more people 1aster. $"ey may nee5 8loo5 e)ery ni-"t to support 1i)e )ampires.C AA 1res" 8o5y e)ery ni-"tBC Ker8ro%ski ma5e it a ;uestion. 9 >ust no55e5. AHesus@C "e sai5. ADea".C 4olp" %as silent@ starin- 5o%n at t"e 5ea5 man. A="at 3an %e 5oBC A9 s"oul5 8e a8le to raise t"e 3orpse as a Eom8ie.C A9 t"ou-"t you 3oul5n?t raise a )ampire )i3tim as a Eom8ie@C 4olp" sai5. A91 t"e 3orpse is -oin- to rise as a )ampire@ you 3an?t.C 9 s"ru--e5. A$"e %"ate)er t"at makes a )ampire inter1eres %it" a raisin-. 9 3an?t raise a 8o5y t"at is alrea5y set to rise as a )amp.C ABut t"is one %on?t rise@C 4olp" sai5@ Aso you 3an raise it.C 9 no55e5. A="y %on?t t"is )ampire )i3tim riseBC AHe %as kille5 8y more t"an one )ampire@ in a mass 1ee5in-. 'or a 3orpse to rise as a )ampire@ you "a)e to "a)e >ust one )ampire 1ee5in- o)er a spa3e o1 se)eral 5ays. $"ree 8ites en5in- %it" 5eat"@ an5 you -et a )ampire. 91 e)ery )ampire )i3tim 3oul5 3ome 8a3k@ %e?5 8e up to our 8utts in 8loo5su3kers.C ABut t"is )i3tim 3an 3ome 8a3k as a Eom8ieBC 4olp" sai5. 9 no55e5. A="en 3an you 5o t"e animatin-BC A$"ree ni-"ts 1rom toni-"t@ or really t%o. $oni-"t 3ounts as one ni-"t.C A="at timeBC A9?ll "a)e to 3"e3k my s3"e5ule at %ork. 9?ll 3all you %it" a time.C AHust raise t"e mur5er )i3tim an5 ask %"o kille5 "im. 9 like it@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. A9t?s not t"at easy@C 9 sai5. ADou kno% "o% 3on1use5 %itnesses to )iolent 3rimes are. Ha)e t"ree people see t"e same 3rime an5 you -et t"ree 5i11erent "ei-"ts@ 5i11erent "air 3olors.C ADea"@ yea"@ %itness testimony is a 8it3"@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. AGo on@ Anita@C 4olp" sai5. 9t %as "is %ay o1 sayin-@ AKer8ro%ski@ s"ut up.C Ker8ro%ski s"ut up. AA person %"o 5ie5 as t"e )i3tim o1 a )iolent 3rime is more 3on1use5. S3are5 s"itless@ so t"at sometimes t"ey 5on?t remem8er )ery 3learly.C ABut t"ey %ere t"ere@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. He looke5 outra-e5. AKer8ro%ski@ let "er 1inis".C Ker8ro%ski pantomime5 lo3kin- "is lips %it" a key an5 t"ro%in- t"e key a%ay. 4olp" 1ro%ne5. 9 3ou-"e5 into my "an5 to "i5e t"e smile. 7ustn?t en3oura-e Ker8ro%ski. A="at 9?m sayin- is t"at 9 3an raise t"e )i3tim 1rom t"e 5ea5@ 8ut %e may not -et as mu3" in1ormation as you?5 e*pe3t. $"e memories %e 5o -et %ill 8e 3on1use5@ pain1ul@ 8ut it mi-"t narro% t"e 1iel5 5o%n as to %"i3" master )ampire le5 t"e -roup.C A,*plain@C 4olp" sai5. A$"ere are only suppose5 to 8e t%o master )ampires in St. Louis ri-"t no%. 7al3olm@ t"e un5ea5 Billy Gra"am@ an5 t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. $"ere?s al%ays t"e possi8ility %e?)e -ot someone ne% in to%n@ 8ut t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity s"oul5 8e a8le to poli3e t"at.C A=e?ll take t"e "ea5 o1 t"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e@C 4olp" sai5. A9?ll take t"e 7aster@C 9 sai5. A$ake one o1 us %it" you 1or 8a3kup.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A!an?tG i1 "e kne% 9 let t"e 3ops kno% %"o "e %as@ "e?5 kill us 8ot".C AHo% 5an-erous is it 1or you to 5o t"isBC 4olp" aske5. ="at %as 9 suppose5 to sayB VeryB #r 5i5 9 tell t"em t"e 7aster "a5 t"e "ots 1or me@ so 9?5 pro8a8ly 8e okayB /eit"er. A9?ll 8e all ri-"t.C He stare5 at me@ eyes )ery serious.

ABesi5es@ %"at 3"oi3e 5o %e "a)eBC 9 motione5 at t"e 3orpse. A=e?ll -et one o1 t"ese a ni-"t until %e 1in5 t"e )ampires responsi8le. #ne o1 us "as to talk to t"e 7aster. He %on?t talk to poli3e@ 8ut "e %ill talk to me.C 4olp" took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. He no55e5. He kne% 9 %as ri-"t. A="en 3an you 5o itBC A$omorro% ni-"t@ i1 9 3an talk Bert into -i)in- my Eom8ie appointments to someone else.C ADou?re t"at sure t"e 7aster %ill talk to youBC ADea".C $"e pro8lem %it" Hean2!lau5e %as not -ettin- to see "im@ it %as a)oi5in- "im. But 4olp" 5i5n?t kno% t"at@ an5 i1 "e 5i5@ "e mi-"t "a)e insiste5 on -oin- %it" me. An5 -otten us 8ot" kille5. A4o it@C "e sai5. ALet me kno% %"at you 1in5 out.C A=ill 5o@C 9 sai5. 9 stoo5 up@ 1a3in- "im o)er t"e 8loo5less 3orpse. A=at3" your 8a3k@C "e sai5. AAl%ays.C A91 t"e 7aster eats you@ 3an 9 "a)e your ni1ty 3o)erallsBC Ker8ro%ski aske5. ABuy your o%n@ you 3"eap 8astar5.C A9?5 rat"er "a)e t"e ones t"at "a)e en)elope5 your lus3ious 8o5y.C AGi)e it a rest@ Ker8ro%ski. 9?m not into little 3"oo23"oos.C A="at t"e "ell 5o trains "a)e to 5o %it" anyt"in-BC 4olp" aske5. Ker8ro%ski an5 9 looke5 at ea3" ot"er. =e starte5 -i--lin- an5 3oul5n?t stop. 9 3oul5 3laim sleep 5epri)ation. 9?5 8een on my 1eet 1or 1ourteen strai-"t "ours@ raisin- t"e 5ea5 an5 talkin- to ri-"t2%in- 1ruit3akes. $"e )ampire )i3tim %as a per1e3t en5 to a per1e3t ni-"t. 9 "a5 a ri-"t to 8e "ysteri3al %it" lau-"ter. 9 5on?t kno% %"at Ker8ro%ski?s e*3use %as.

Chapter Three
$"ere are a "an51ul o1 5ays in #3to8er t"at are nearly per1e3t. $"e sky stret3"es o)er"ea5 in a 3lear 8lue@ so 5eep an5 per1e3t t"at it makes e)eryt"in- else prettier. $"e trees alon- t"e "i-"%ay are 3rimson@ -ol5@ rust@ 8ur-un5y@ oran-e. ,)ery 3olor is neon28ri-"t@ pulsin- in t"e "ea)y -ol5en sunli-"t. $"e air is 3ool 8ut not 3ol5G 8y noon you 3an %ear >ust a li-"t >a3ket. 9t %as %eat"er 1or takin- lon- %alks in t"e %oo5s %it" someone you %ante5 to "ol5 "an5s %it". Sin3e 9 5i5n?t "a)e anyone like t"at@ 9 %as >ust "opin- 1or a 1ree %eeken5 to -o a%ay 8y mysel1. $"e 3"an3es o1 t"at %ere slim an5 none. #3to8er is a 8i- mont" 1or raisin- t"e 5ea5. ,)eryone t"inks t"at Hallo%een is t"e per1e3t season 1or raisin- Eom8ies. 9t isn?t. 4arkness is t"e only re;uirement. But e)eryone %ants an appointment 1or mi5ni-"t on Hallo%een. $"ey t"ink spen5in- All Hallo%s ,)e in a 3emetery killin- 3"i3kens an5 %at3"in- Eom8ies 3ra%l out o1 t"e -roun5 is -reat entertainment. 9 3oul5 pro8a8ly sell ti3kets. 9 %as a)era-in- 1i)e Eom8ies a ni-"t. 9t %as one more Eom8ie t"an anyone else %as 5oin- in one ni-"t. 9 s"oul5 ne)er "a)e tol5 Bert t"at 1our Eom8ies 5i5n?t %ipe me out. 7y o%n 1ault 1or 8ein- too 5amn trut"1ul. #1 3ourse@ trut" %as@ 1i)e 5i5n?t %ipe me out eit"er@ 8ut 9 %as 5amne5 i1 9?5 tell Bert. Speakin- o1 my 8oss@ 9 "a5 to 3all "im %"en 9 -ot "ome. He %as -oin- to lo)e me askin- 1or t"e ni-"t o11. 9t ma5e me smile >ust t"inkin- a8out it. Any 5ay 9 3oul5 yank Bert?s 3"ain %as a -oo5 5ay. 9 pulle5 into my apartment 3omple* at nearly one in t"e a1ternoon. All 9 %ante5 %as a ;ui3k s"o%er an5 se)en "ours o1 sleep. 9 "a5 -i)en up on ei-"t "oursG it %as too late in t"e 5ay 1or t"at. 9 "a5 to see Hean2!lau5e toni-"t. Hoy. But "e %as t"e 7aster Vampire o1 t"e !ity. 91 t"ere %as anot"er 7aster )ampire aroun5@ "e?5 kno% it. 9 t"ink t"ey 3an smell ea3" ot"er. #1 3ourse@ i1 Hean2!lau5e "a5 3ommitte5 t"e mur5er@ "e %asn?t likely to 3on1ess. But 9 5i5n?t really 8elie)e "e?5 5one it. He %as mu3" too -oo5 a 8usiness )ampire to -et messy. He %as t"e only master )ampire 9?5 e)er met %"o %asn?t 3raEy in some %ayJ psy3"oti3@ or so3iopat"@ take your pi3k. All ri-"t@ all ri-"t@ 7al3olm %asn?t 3raEy@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t appro)e o1 "is met"o5s. He "ea5e5 up t"e 1astest2-ro%in- 3"ur3" in Ameri3a to5ay. $"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e o11ere5 e*a3tly t"at. /o leap o1 1ait"@ no un3ertainty@ >ust a -uarantee. Dou 3oul5 8e3ome a )ampire an5 li)e 1ore)er@ unless someone like me kille5 you@ or you -ot 3au-"t in a 1ire@ or "it 8y a 8us. 9 %asn?t sure a8out t"e 8us part@ 8ut 9?5 al%ays %on5ere5. Surely t"ere must 8e somet"in- massi)e enou-" to 5ama-e e)en a )ampire 8eyon5 "ealin-. 9 "ope5 some5ay to test t"e t"eory. 9 3lim8e5 t"e stairs slo%ly. 7y 8o5y 1elt "ea)y. 7y eyes 8urne5 %it" t"e nee5 to sleep. 9t %as t"ree 5ays 8e1ore Hallo%een@ an5 t"e mont" 3oul5n?t en5 too soon 1or me. Business %oul5 start 5roppin- o11 8e1ore $"anks-i)in-. $"e 5e3line %oul5 3ontinue until a1ter /e% Dear?s@ t"en it?5 start pi3kin- up. 9 praye5 1or a 1reak sno%storm. Business 5rops o11 i1 t"e sno% is 8a5. People seem to t"ink %e 3an?t raise t"e 5ea5 in 5eep sno%. =e 3an@ 8ut 5on?t tell anyone. 9 nee5 t"e 8reak. $"e "all%ay %as 1ull o1 t"e ;uiet noises o1 my 5ay2li)in- nei-"8ors. 9 %as 1is"in- my keys out o1 my 3oat po3ket %"en t"e 5oor opposite mine opene5. 7rs. Prin-le steppe5 out. S"e %as tall@ slen5er@ t"innin- %it" a-e@ %"ite "air 5one in a small

8un at t"e 8a3k o1 "er "ea5. $"e "air %as per1e3tly %"ite. 7rs. Prin-le 5i5n?t 8ot"er %it" 5yes or makeup. S"e %as o)er si*ty21i)e an5 5i5n?t 3are %"o kne% it. !ustar5@ "er Pomeranian@ pran3e5 at t"e en5 o1 "is leas". He %as a roun5 8all o1 -ol5en 1ur %it" little 1o* ears. 7ost 3ats out%ei-"e5 "im@ 8ut "e?s one o1 t"ose little 5o-s %it" a 8i-25o- attitu5e. 9n a past li1e "e %as a Great 4ane. AHello@ Anita.C 7rs. Prin-le smile5 as s"e sai5 it. ADou?re not >ust -ettin- in 1rom %ork@ are youBC Her pale eyes %ere 5isappro)in-. 9 smile5. ADea"@ 9 "a5 an ... emer-en3y 3ome up.C S"e raise5 an eye8ro%@ pro8a8ly %on5erin- %"at an animator %oul5 "a)e 1or an emer-en3y@ 8ut s"e %as too polite to ask. ADou 5on?t take -oo5 enou-" 3are o1 yoursel1@ Anita. 91 you keep 8urnin- t"e 3an5le at 8ot" en5s@ you?ll 8e %orn out 8y t"e time you?re my a-e.C APro8a8ly@C 9 sai5. !ustar5 yappe5 at me. 9 5i5 not smile at "im. 9 5on?t 8elie)e in en3oura-in- small@ pus"y 5o-s. =it" t"at pe3uliar 5o--y sense@ "e kne% 9 5i5n?t like "im@ an5 "e %as 5etermine5 to %in me o)er. A9 sa% t"e painters %ere in your apartment last %eek. 9s it all repaire5BC 9 no55e5. ADea"@ all t"e 8ullet "oles "a)e 8een pat3"e5 up an5 painte5 o)er.C A9?m really sorry 9 %asn?t "ome to o11er you my apartment. 7r. Gio)oni says you "a5 to -o to a "otel.C ADea".C A9 5on?t un5erstan5 %"y one o1 t"e ot"er nei-"8ors 5i5n?t o11er you a 3ou3" 1or t"e ni-"t.C 9 smile5. 9 un5erstoo5. $%o mont"s a-o 9 "a5 slau-"tere5 t%o killer Eom8ies in my apartment an5 "a5 a poli3e s"ootout. $"e %alls an5 one %in5o% "a5 8een 5ama-e5. Some o1 t"e 8ullets "a5 -one t"rou-" t"e %alls into ot"er apartments. /o one else "a5 8een "urt@ 8ut none o1 t"e nei-"8ors %ante5 anyt"in- to 5o %it" me no%. 9 suspe3te5 stron-ly t"at %"en my t%o2year lease %as up@ 9 %oul5 8e aske5 to lea)e. 9 -uess 9 3oul5n?t 8lame t"em. A9 "ear5 you %ere %oun5e5.C 9 no55e5. AHust 8arely.C 9 5i5n?t 8ot"er tellin- "er t"at t"e 8ullet %oun5 "a5n?t 8een 1rom t"e s"ootout. $"e mistress o1 a )ery 8a5 man "a5 s"ot me in t"e ri-"t arm. 9t %as "eale5 to a smoot"@ s"iny s3ar@ still a little pink. AHo% 5i5 your )isit %it" your 5au-"ter -oBC 9 aske5. 7rs. Prin-le?s 1a3e %ent all s"iny %it" a smile. A#"@ %on5er1ul. 7y last an5 ne%est -ran53"il5 is per1e3t. 9?ll s"o% you pi3tures later@ a1ter you?)e "a5 some sleep.C $"at 5isappro)in- look %as 8a3k in "er eyes. Her tea3"er 1a3e. $"e one t"at 3oul5 make you s;uirm 1rom ten pa3es@ e)en i1 you %ere inno3ent. An5 9 "a5n?t 8een inno3ent 1or years. 9 "el5 up my "an5s. A9 -i)e up. 9?ll -o to 8e5. 9 promise.C ADou see you 5o@C s"e sai5. A!ome alon-@ !ustar5@ %e "a)e to -o out 1or our a1ternoon stroll.C $"e tiny 5o- 5an3e5 at t"e en5 o1 "is leas"@ strainin- 1or%ar5 like a miniature sle5 5o-. 7rs. Prin-le let t"ree poun5s o1 1lu11y 1ur 5ra- "er 5o%n t"e "all. 9 s"ook my "ea5. Lettin- a 1uEE8all 8oss you aroun5 %as not my i5ea o1 5o- o%ners"ip. 91 9 e)er "a5 anot"er 5o-@ 9?5 8e 8oss@ or one o1 us %oul5n?t sur)i)e. 9t %as t"e prin3iple o1 t"e t"in-. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 steppe5 insi5e t"e "us" o1 my apartment. $"e "eater %"irre5@ "ot air "issin- out o1 t"e )ents. $"e a;uarium 3li3ke5 on. $"e soun5s o1 emptiness. 9t %as %on5er1ul. $"e ne% paint %as t"e same o112%"ite as t"e ol5. $"e 3arpet %as -reyG 3ou3" an5 mat3"in- 3"air@ %"ite. $"e kit3"enette %as pale %oo5 %it" %"ite an5 -ol5 linoleum. $"e t%o2seater 8reak1ast ta8le in t"e kit3"en %as a little 5arker t"an t"e 3a8inets. A mo5ern print %as t"e only 3olor on t"e %"ite %alls. $"e spa3e %"ere most people %oul5 "a)e put a 1ull2siEe kit3"en set "a5 t"e t"irty2-allon a;uarium a-ainst t"e %all@ a stereo 3atty23orner 1rom it. Hea)y %"ite 5rapes "i5 t"e %in5o%s an5 turne5 t"e -ol5en sunli-"t to a pale t%ili-"t. ="en you sleep 5urin- t"e 5ay@ you "a)e to "a)e -oo5 3urtains. 9 1lun- my 3oat on t"e 3ou3"@ ki3ke5 my 5ress s"oes o11@ an5 >ust en>oye5 t"e 1eelin- o1 my 8are 1eet on t"e 3arpet. $"e panty "ose 3ame o11 ne*t@ to lie %rinkle5 an5 1orlorn 8y t"e s"oes. Bare1oot@ 9 pa55e5 o)er to t"e 1is" tank. $"e an-el1is" rose to t"e sur1a3e 8e--in- 1or 1oo5. $"e 1is" are all %i5er t"an my outsprea5 "an5. $"ey are t"e 8i--est an-els 9?)e e)er seen outsi5e o1 t"e pet store 9 8ou-"t t"em 1rom. $"e store "a5 8ree5in- an-el1is" t"at %ere nearly a 1oot lon-. 9 strippe5 o11 t"e s"oul5er "olster an5 put t"e Bro%nin- in its se3on5 "ome@ a spe3ially ma5e "olster in t"e "ea58oar5. 91 any 8a5 -uys snu3k up on me@ 9 3oul5 pull it an5 s"oot t"em. $"at %as t"e i5ea@ any%ay. So 1ar it "a5 %orke5. ="en t"e 5ry23lean2only suit an5 8louse %ere "un- neatly in t"e 3loset@ 9 1loppe5 5o%n on t"e 8e5 in my 8ra an5 un5ies@ still %earin- t"e sil)er 3ross t"at 9 %ore e)en in t"e s"o%er. /e)er kno% %"en a pesky )ampire is -oin- to try to take a

8ite out o1 you. Al%ays prepare5@ t"at %as my motto@ or %as t"at t"e Boy S3outsB 9 s"ru--e5 an5 5iale5 %ork. 7ary@ our 5aytime se3retary@ ans%ere5 on t"e se3on5 rin-. AAnimators@ 9n3orporate5. Ho% may %e ser)e youBC AHi@ 7ary@ it?s Anita.C AHi@ %"at?s upBC A9 nee5 to talk %it" Bert.C AHe?s %it" a prospe3ti)e 3lient ri-"t no%. 7ay 9 ask %"at t"is is pertainin- toBC AHim res3"e5ulin- my appointments 1or toni-"t.C A#o"@ 8oy. 9?ll let you tell "im. 91 "e yells at someone@ it s"oul5 8e you.C S"e %as only "al12ki55in-. A'ine@C 9 sai5. S"e lo%ere5 "er )oi3e an5 %"ispere5@ A!lient is on "er %ay to t"e 1ront 5oor. He?ll 8e %it" you in a >i11y.C A$"anks@ 7ary.C S"e put me on "ol5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 tell "er not to. 7uEak seepe5 out o1 t"e p"one. 9t %as a 8ut3"ere5 )ersion o1 t"e Beatles? A$omorro%.C 9?5 "a)e rat"er listene5 to stati3. 7er3i1ully@ Bert 3ame on t"e line an5 sa)e5 me. AAnita@ %"at time 3an you 3ome in to5ayBC A9 3an?t.C A!an?t %"atBC A!an?t 3ome in to5ay.C AAt allBC His )oi3e "a5 risen an o3ta)e. ADou -ot it.C A="y t"e "ell notBC !ursin- at me alrea5y@ a 8a5 si-n. A9 -ot 8eepe5 8y t"e poli3e a1ter my mornin- meetin-. 9 "a)en?t e)en 8een to 8e5 yet.C ADou 3an sleep in@ 5on?t %orry a8out meetin- ne% 3lients in t"e a1ternoon. Hust 3ome in 1or your appointments toni-"t.C He %as 8ein- -enerous@ un5erstan5in-. Somet"in- %as %ron-. A9 3an?t make t"e appointments toni-"t@ eit"er.C AAnita@ %e?re o)er8ooke5 "ere. Dou "a)e 1i)e 3lients toni-"t. 'i)eIC A4i)i5e t"em up amon- t"e ot"er animators@C 9 sai5. A,)ery8o5y is alrea5y ma*e5.C AListen@ Bert@ you?re t"e one %"o sai5 yes to t"e poli3e. Dou?re t"e one %"o put me on retainer to t"em. Dou t"ou-"t it %oul5 8e -reat pu8li3ity.C A9t "as 8een -reat pu8li3ity@C "e sai5. ADea"@ 8ut it?s like %orkin- t%o 1ull2time >o8s sometimes. 9 3an?t 5o 8ot".C A$"en 5rop t"e retainer. 9 "a5 no i5ea it?5 take up t"is mu3" o1 your time.C A9t?s a mur5er in)esti-ation@ Bert. 9 3an?t 5rop it.C ALet t"e poli3e 5o t"eir o%n 5irty %ork@C "e sai5. He %as a 1ine one to talk a8out t"at. Him %it" "is s;ueaky23lean 1in-ernails an5 ni3e sa1e o11i3e. A$"ey nee5 my e*pertise an5 my 3onta3ts. 7ost o1 t"e monsters %on?t talk to t"e poli3e.C He %as ;uiet on t"e ot"er en5 o1 t"e p"one. His 8reat"in- 3ame "ars" an5 an-ry. ADou 3an?t 5o t"is to me. =e?)e taken money@ si-ne5 3ontra3ts.C A9 aske5 you to "ire e*tra "elp mont"s a-o.C A9 "ire5 Ho"n Burke. He?s 8een "an5lin- some o1 your )ampire slayin-s@ as %ell as raisin- t"e 5ea5.C ADea"@ Ho"n?s a 8i- "elp@ 8ut %e nee5 more. 9n 1a3t@ 9 8et "e 3oul5 take at least one o1 my Eom8ies toni-"t.C A<aise 1i)e in one ni-"tBC A9?m 5oin- it@C 9 sai5. ADes@ 8ut Ho"n isn?t you.C $"at %as almost a 3ompliment. ADou "a)e t%o 3"oi3es@ BertG eit"er res3"e5ule or 5ele-ate t"em to someone else.C A9 am your 8oss. 9 3oul5 >ust say 3ome in toni-"t or you?re 1ire5.C His )oi3e %as 1irm an5 matter2o121a3t.

9 %as tire5 an5 3ol5 sittin- on t"e 8e5 in my 8ra an5 un5ies@ 9 5i5n?t "a)e time 1or t"is. A'ire me.C ADou 5on?t mean t"at@C "e sai5. ALook@ Bert@ 9?)e 8een on my 1eet 1or o)er t%enty "ours. 91 9 5on?t -et some sleep soon@ 9?m not -oin- to 8e a8le to %ork 1or any8o5y.C He %as silent 1or a lon- time@ "is 8reat"in- so1t an5 re-ular in my ear. 'inally@ "e sai5@ AAll ri-"t@ you?re 1ree 1or toni-"t. But you 5amn %ell 8etter 8e 8a3k on t"e >o8 tomorro%.C A9 3an?t promise t"at@ Bert.C A4ammit@ Anita@ 5o you %ant to 8e 1ire5BC A$"is is t"e 8est year %e?)e e)er "a5@ Bert. Part o1 t"at?s 5ue to t"e arti3les on me in t"e Post24ispat3".C A$"ey %ere a8out Eom8ie ri-"ts an5 t"at -o)ernment stu5y you?re on. Dou 5i5n?t 5o t"em to "elp promote our 8usiness.C ABut it %orke5@ 5i5n?t itB Ho% many people 3all up an5 ask spe3i1i3ally 1or meB Ho% many people say t"ey?)e seen me in t"e paperB Ho% many "ear5 me on t"e ra5ioB 9 may 8e promotin- Eom8ie ri-"ts@ 8ut it?s 5amn -oo5 1or 8usiness. So 3ut me some sla3k.C ADou 5on?t t"ink 9?5 5o it@ 5o youBC His )oi3e snarle5 t"rou-" t"e p"one. He %as pisse5. A/o@ 9 5on?t@C 9 sai5. His 8reat" %as s"ort an5 "ars". ADou 5amn %ell 8etter s"o% up tomorro% ni-"t@ or 9?m -oin- to 3all your 8lu11.C He slamme5 t"e re3ei)er in my ear. !"il5is". 9 "un- up t"e p"one an5 stare5 at it. $"e <esurre3tion !ompany in !ali1ornia "a5 ma5e me a "an5some o11er a 1e% mont"s 8a3k. But 9 really 5i5n?t %ant to mo)e to t"e %est 3oast@ or t"e east 3oast 1or t"at matter. 9 like5 St. Louis. But Bert %as -oin- to "a)e to 8reak 5o%n an5 "ire more "elp. 9 3oul5n?t keep t"is s3"e5ule up. Sure@ it?5 -et 8etter a1ter #3to8er@ 8ut 9 >ust seeme5 to 8e -oin- 1rom one emer-en3y to anot"er 1or t"is entire year. 9 "a5 8een sta88e5@ 8eaten@ s"ot@ stran-le5@ an5 )ampire28it in t"e spa3e o1 1our mont"s. $"ere 3omes a point %"ere you >ust "a)e too many t"in-s "appenin- too 3lose to-et"er. 9 "a5 8attle 1ati-ue. 9 le1t a messa-e on my >u5o instru3tor?s ma3"ine. 9 %ent t%i3e a %eek at 1our o?3lo3k@ 8ut 9 %asn?t -oin- to make it to5ay. $"ree "ours o1 sleep >ust %oul5n?t "a)e 8een enou-". 9 5iale5 t"e num8er 1or Guilty Pleasures. 9t %as a )ampire strip >oint. !"ippen5ale?s %it" 1an-s. Hean2!lau5e o%ne5 an5 mana-e5 it. Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e 3ame o)er t"e line@ so1t as silk@ 3aressin- 5o%n my spine e)en t"ou-" 9 kne% it %as a re3or5in-. ADou "a)e rea3"e5 Guilty Pleasures. 9 %oul5 lo)e to make your 5arkest 1antasy 3ome true. Lea)e a messa-e@ an5 9 %ill -et 8a3k to you.C 9 %aite5 1or t"e 8eep. AHean2!lau5e@ t"is is Anita Blake. 9 nee5 to see you toni-"t. 9t?s important. !all me 8a3k %it" a time an5 pla3e.C 9 -a)e "im my "ome num8er@ t"en "esitate5@ listenin- to t"e tape s3rat3". A$"anks.C 9 "un- up@ an5 t"at %as t"at. He?5 eit"er 3all 8a3k or "e %oul5n?t. He pro8a8ly %oul5. $"e ;uestion %as@ 5i5 9 %ant "im toB /o. /o@ 9 5i5n?t@ 8ut 1or t"e poli3e@ 1or all t"ose poor people %"o %oul5 5ie@ 9 "a5 to try. But 1or me personally@ -oin- to t"e 7aster %as not a -oo5 i5ea. Hean2!lau5e "a5 marke5 me t%i3e alrea5y. $%o more marks an5 9 %oul5 8e "is "uman ser)ant. 4i5 9 mention t"at neit"er mark %as )oluntaryB His ser)ant 1or eternity. 4i5n?t soun5 like a -oo5 i5ea to me. He seeme5 to lust a1ter my 8o5y@ too@ 8ut t"at %as se3on5ary. 9 3oul5 "a)e "an5le5 it i1 all "e %ante5 %as p"ysi3al@ 8ut "e %as a1ter my soul. $"at "e 3oul5 not "a)e. 9 "a5 mana-e5 to a)oi5 "im 1or t"e last t%o mont"s. /o% 9 %as %illin-ly puttin- mysel1 %it"in rea3" a-ain. Stupi5. But 9 remem8ere5 t"e nameless man?s "air@ so1t an5 min-lin- %it" t"e still2-reen la%n. $"e 1an- marks@ t"e paper2%"ite skin@ t"e 1ra-ility o1 "is nu5e 8o5y 3o)ere5 %it" 5e%. $"ere %oul5 8e more 8o5ies to look at@ unless %e %ere ;ui3k. An5 ;ui3k meant Hean2!lau5e. Visions o1 )ampire )i3tims 5an3e5 in my "ea5. An5 e)ery one o1 t"em %as partially my 1ault@ 8e3ause 9 %as too 3"i3kens"it to -o see t"e 7aster. 91 9 3oul5 stop t"e killin-s no%@ %it" >ust one 5ea5@ 9?5 risk my soul 5aily. Guilt is a %on5er1ul moti)ator.

Chapter Four
9 %as s%immin- in 8la3k %ater@ stron- smoot" strokes. $"e moon "un- "u-e an5 s"inin-@ makin- a sil)er pat"%ay on t"e lake. $"ere %as a 8la3k 1rin-e o1 trees. 9 %as almost to s"ore. $"e %ater %as so %arm@ %arm as 8loo5. 9n t"at moment 9 kne% %"y t"e %aters %ere 8la3k. 9t %as 8loo5. 9 %as s%immin- in a lake o1 1res"@ %arm 8loo5. 9 %oke instantly@ -aspin- 1or 8reat". ,yes sear3"in- t"e 5arkness 1or ... %"atB Somet"in- t"at "a5 3aresse5 my le- >ust 8e1ore 9 %oke. Somet"in- t"at li)e5 in 8loo5 an5 5arkness.

$"e p"one s"rille5@ an5 9 "a5 to s%allo% a s3ream. 9 %asn?t usually t"is ner)ous. 9t %as >ust a ni-"tmare@ 5ammit. Hust a 5ream. 9 1um8le5 1or t"e re3ei)er an5 mana-e5@ ADea".C AAnitaBC $"e )oi3e soun5e5 "esitant@ as i1 its o%ner mi-"t "an- up. A="o is t"isBC A9t?s =illie@ =illie 73!oy.C ,)en as "e sai5 t"e name@ t"e r"yt"m o1 t"e )oi3e soun5e5 1amiliar. $"e p"one ma5e it 5istant an5 3"ar-e5 %it" an ele3tri3 "iss@ 8ut 9 re3o-niEe5 it. A=illie@ "o% are youBC $"e minute 9 sai5 it@ 9 %is"e5 9 "a5n?t. =illie %as a )ampire no%G "o% okay 3oul5 a 5ea5 man 8eB A9?m 5oin- real %ell.C His )oi3e "a5 a "appy lilt to it. He %as please5 t"at 9 aske5. 9 si-"e5. $rut" %as@ 9 like5 =illie. 9 %asn?t suppose5 to like )ampires. Any )ampire@ not e)en i1 9?5 kno%n "im %"en "e %as ali)e. AHo% ya 5oin- yoursel1BC A#kay@ %"at?s upBC AHean2!lau5e -ot your messa-e. He says ta meet "im at t"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5 at ei-"t o?3lo3k toni-"t.C A$"e !ir3usB ="at?s "e 5oin- o)er t"ereBC AHe o%ns it no%. Da 5i5n?t kno%BC 9 s"ook my "ea5@ realiEe5 "e 3oul5n?t see it@ an5 sai5@ A/o@ 9 5i5n?t.C AHe says to meet Fim in a s"o% t"at starts at ei-"t.C A="i3" s"o%BC AHe sai5 you?5 kno% %"i3" one.C A=ell@ isn?t t"at 3rypti3@C 9 sai5. AHey@ Anita@ 9 >ust 5o %"at 9?m tol5. Da kno% "o% it isBC 9 5i5 kno%. Hean2!lau5e o%ne5 =illie lo3k@ sto3k@ an5 soul. A9t?s okay@ =illie@ it?s not your 1ault.C A$"anks@ Anita.C His )oi3e soun5e5 3"eer1ul@ like a puppy %"o e*pe3te5 a ki3k an5 -ot patte5 instea5. ="y "a5 9 3om1orte5 "imB ="y 5i5 9 3are %"et"er a )ampire -ot its 1eelin-s "urt@ or notB Ans%erJ 9 5i5n?t t"ink o1 "im as a 5ea5 man. He %as still =illie 73!oy %it" "is pen3"ant 1or lou5 primary23olore5 suits@ 3las"in- ties@ an5 small@ ner)ous "an5s. Bein- 5ea5 "a5n?t 3"an-e5 "im t"at mu3". 9 %is"e5 it "a5. A$ell Hean2!lau5e 9?ll 8e t"ere.C A9 %ill.C He %as ;uiet 1or a minute@ "is 8reat" so1t o)er t"e p"one. A=at3" your 8a3k toni-"t@ Anita.C A4o you kno% somet"in- 9 s"oul5 kno%BC A/o@ 8ut ... 9 5on?t kno%.C A="at?s up@ =illieBC A/ut"in?@ nut"in?.C His )oi3e %as "i-" an5 1ri-"tene5. AAm 9 %alkin- into a trap@ =illieBC A/o@ no@ nut"in? like t"at.C 9 3oul5 almost see "is small "an5s %a)in- in t"e air. A9 s%ear@ Anita@ no8o5y?s -unnin? 1or you.C 9 let t"at -o. /o8o5y "e kne% o1 %as all "e 3oul5 s%ear to. A$"en %"at are you a1rai5 o1@ =illieBC A9t?s >ust t"at t"ere?s more )ampires aroun5 "ere t"an usual. Some o1 em ain?t too 3are1ul %"o t"ey "urt. $"at?s all.C A="y are t"ere more )ampires@ =illieB ="ere 5i5 t"ey 3ome 1romBC A9 5on?t kno% an5 9 5on?t %ant to kno%@ ya kno%B 9 -ot ta -o@ Anita.C He "un- up 8e1ore 9 3oul5 ask anyt"in- else. $"ere "a5 8een real 1ear in "is )oi3e. 'ear 1or me@ or 1or "imsel1B 7ay8e 8ot". 9 -lan3e5 at t"e ra5io 3lo3k on my 8e5stan5J (J3+. 9 "a5 to "urry i1 9 %as -oin- to make t"e appointment. $"e 3o)ers %ere toasty %arm o)er 7y le-s. All 9 really %ante5 to 5o %as 3u55le 8a3k un5er t"e 8lankets@ may8e %it" a 3ertain stu11e5 toy pen-uin 9 kne%. Dea"@ "i5in- soun5e5 -oo5. 9 t"re% 8a3k t"e 3o)ers an5 %alke5 into t"e 8at"room. 9 "it t"e li-"t s%it3"@ an5 -lo%in- %"ite li-"t 1ille5 t"e small room. 7y "air stu3k up in all 5ire3tions@ a mass o1 ti-"t 8la3k 3urls. $"at?5 tea3" me not to sleep on it %et. 9 ran a 8rus" t"rou-" t"e 3urls an5 t"ey loosene5 sli-"tly@ turnin- into a 1rot"in- mass o1 %a)es. $"e 3urls %ent all o)er t"e pla3e an5 t"ere %asn?t a 5amn t"in- 9 3oul5 5o %it" it e*3ept %as" it an5 start o)er. $"ere %asn?t time 1or t"at. $"e 8la3k "air ma5e my pale skin look 5eat"ly@ or may8e it %as t"e o)er"ea5 li-"tin-. 7y eyes %ere so 5ark 8ro%n t"ey looke5 8la3k. $%o -litterin- "oles in t"e pastiness o1 my 1a3e. 9 looke5 like 9 1eltG -reat.

="at 5o you %ear to meet t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ityB 9 3"ose 8la3k >eans@ a 8la3k s%eater %it" 8ri-"t -eometri3 5esi-ns@ 8la3k /ikes %it" 8lue s%oos"es@ an5 a 8lue2an528la3k sport 8a- 3lippe5 aroun5 my %aist. !olor 3oor5ination at its 8est. $"e Bro%nin- %ent into its s"oul5er "olster. 9 put an e*tra ammo 3lip in t"e sport 8a- alon- %it" 3re5it 3ar5s@ 5ri)er?s li3ense@ money@ an5 a small "air8rus". 9 slippe5 on t"e s"ort leat"er >a3ket 9?5 8ou-"t last year. 9t %as t"e 1irst one 9?5 e)er trie5 on t"at 5i5n?t make me took like a -orilla. 7ost leat"er >a3kets %ere so lon-2slee)e5@ 9 3oul5 ne)er %ear t"em. $"e >a3ket %as 8la3k@ so Bert %oul5n?t let me %ear it to %ork. 9 only Eippe5 t"e >a3ket "al1%ay up@ lea)in- room so 9 3oul5 -o 1or my -un i1 9 nee5e5 to. $"e sil)er 3ross s%un- on its lon- 3"ain@ a %arm@ soli5 %ei-"t 8et%een my 8reasts. $"e 3ross %oul5 8e more "elp a-ainst )ampires t"an t"e -un@ e)en %it" sil)er23oate5 8ullets. 9 "esitate5 at t"e 5oor. 9 "a5n?t seen Hean2!lau5e in mont"s. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see "im no%. 7y 5ream 3ame 8a3k to me. Somet"in- t"at li)e5 in 8loo5 an5 5arkness. ="y t"e ni-"tmareB =as it Hean2!lau5e inter1erin- in my 5reams a-ainB He "a5 promise5 to stay out o1 my 5reams. But %as "is %or5 %ort" anyt"in-B /o ans%er to t"at. 9 1li3ke5 o11 t"e apartment li-"ts an5 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 me. 9 rattle5 it to make sure it %as lo3ke5@ an5 9 "a5 not"inle1t to 5o 8ut 5ri)e to t"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5. /o more e*3uses. /o more 5elays. 7y stoma3" %as so ti-"t it "urt. So 9 %as a1rai5G so %"atB 9 "a5 to -o@ an5 t"e sooner 9 le1t@ t"e sooner 9 3oul5 3ome "ome. 91 only 9 8elie)e5 t"at Hean2!lau5e %oul5 make t"in-s t"at simple. /ot"in- %as e)er simple %"ere "e %as 3on3erne5. 91 9 learne5 anyt"in- a8out t"e mur5ers toni-"t@ 9?5 pay 1or it@ 8ut not in money. Hean2!lau5e seeme5 to "a)e plenty o1 t"at. /o@ "is 3oin %as more pain1ul@ more intimate@ more 8loo5y. An5 9 "a5 )olunteere5 to -o see "im. Stupi5@ Anita@ )ery stupi5.

Chapter Five
$"ere %as a 8ou;uet o1 spotli-"ts on t"e top o1 t"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5. $"e li-"ts slas"e5 t"e 8la3k ni-"t like s%or5s. $"e multi3olore5 li-"ts t"at spelle5 t"e name seeme5 5immer %it" t"e "u-e %"ite li-"ts %"irlin- o)er"ea5. 4emoni3 3lo%ns 5an3e5 aroun5 t"e si-n in 1roEen pantomime. 9 %alke5 past t"e "u-e 3lot" si-ns t"at 3o)ere5 t"e %alls. #ne pi3ture s"o%e5 a man t"at "a5 no skinG See t"e Skinless 7an. A mo)ie )ersion o1 a )oo5oo 3eremony 3o)ere5 anot"er 8anner. Kom8ies %rit"e5 1rom open -ra)es. $"e Eom8ie 8anner "a5 3"an-e5 sin3e last 9?5 )isite5 t"e !ir3us. 9 5i5n?t kno% i1 t"at %as -oo5 or 8a5G pro8a8ly neit"er. 9 5i5n?t -i)e a 5amn %"at t"ey 5i5 "ere@ e*3ept ... ,*3ept it %asn?t ri-"t to raise t"e 5ea5 >ust 1or entertainment. ="o 5i5 t"ey "a)e raisin- Eom8ies 1or t"emB 9 kne% it "a5 to 8e someone ne% 8e3ause 9 "a5 "elpe5 kill t"eir last animator. He "a5 8een a serial killer an5 "a5 nearly kille5 me t%i3e@ t"e se3on5 time 8y -"oul atta3k@ %"i3" %as a messy %ay to 5ie. #1 3ourse@ t"e %ay "e 5ie5 "a5 8een messy@ too@ 8ut 9 %asn?t t"e one %"o rippe5 "im open. A )ampire "a5 5one t"at. Dou mi-"t say 9 ease5 "im on "is %ay. A mer3y killin-. <i2i-"t. 9t %as too 3ol5 to 8e stan5in- outsi5e %it" my >a3ket "al12unEippe5. But i1 9 Eippe5 it all t"e %ay@ 9?5 ne)er -et to my -un in time. 'reeEe my 8utt o11@ or 8e a8le to 5e1en5 mysel1. $"e 3lo%ns on t"e roo1 "a5 1an-s@ 9 5e3i5e5 it %asn?t t"at 3ol5 a1ter all. Heat an5 noise poure5 out to meet me at t"e 5oor. Hun5re5s o1 8o5ies presse5 to-et"er in an en3lose5 spa3e. $"e noise o1 t"e 3ro%5 %as like t"e o3ean@ murmurous an5 lar-e@ soun5 %it"out meanin-. A 3ro%5 is an elemental t"in-. A %or5@ a -lan3e@ an5 a 3ro%5 8e3omes a mo8. A 5i11erent 8ein- entirely 1rom a -roup. $"ere %ere a lot o1 1amilies. 7om@ 4a5@ t"e ki55ies. $"e 3"il5ren "a5 8alloons tie5 to t"eir %rists an5 3otton 3an5y smeare5 on t"eir 1a3es an5 "an5s. 9t smelle5 like a tra)elin- 3arni)alJ 3orn 5o-s@ t"e 3innamon smell o1 1unnel 3akes@ sno% 3ones@ s%eat. $"e only t"in- missin- %as t"e 5ust. $"ere %as al%ays 5ust in t"e air at a summer 1air. 4ry@ 3"okin5ust ki3ke5 into t"e air 8y "un5re5s o1 1eet. !ars 5ri)in- o)er t"e -rass until it is -rey23oate5 %it" 5ust. $"ere %as no smell o1 5irt in t"e air@ 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- else >ust as sin-ular. $"e smell o1 8loo5. So 1aint you?5 almost t"ink you 5reame5 it@ 8ut it %as t"ere. $"e s%eet 3opper s3ent o1 8loo5 min-le5 %it" t"e smells o1 3ookin- 1oo5 an5 t"e s"arp smell o1 a sno% 3one 8ein- ma5e. ="o nee5e5 5ustB 9 %as "un-ry@ an5 t"e 3orn 5o-s smelle5 -oo5. S"oul5 9 eat 1irst or a33use t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity o1 mur5erB !"oi3es@ 3"oi3es. 9 5i5n?t -et to 5e3i5e. A man steppe5 out o1 t"e 3ro%5. He %as only a little taller t"an me@ %it" 3urly 8lon5 "air t"at 1ell past "is s"oul5ers. He %as %earin- a 3orn1lo%er28lue s"irt %it" t"e slee)es rolle5 up@ s"o%in- 1irm@ mus3ular 1orearms. Heans no ti-"ter t"an t"e skin on a -rape s"o%e5 slen5er "ips. He %ore 8la3k 3o%8oy 8oots %it" 8lue 5esi-ns toole5 into t"em. His true28lue eyes mat3"e5 "is s"irt. He smile5@ 1las"in- small %"ite teet". ADou?re Anita Blake@ ri-"tBC 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. 9t isn?t al%ays a -oo5 i5ea to a5mit %"o you are. AHean2!lau5e tol5 me to %ait 1or you.C His )oi3e %as so1t@ "esitant. $"ere %as somet"in- a8out "im@ an almost 3"il5like appeal. Besi5es 9?m a su3ker 1or a pair o1 pretty eyes. A="at?s your nameBC 9 aske5. Al%ays like to kno% %"o 9?m 5ealin- %it".

His smile %i5ene5. AStep"enG my name is Step"en.C He put out "is "an5@ an5 9 took it. His "an5 %as so1t 8ut 1irm@ no manual la8or 8ut some %ei-"tli1tin-. /ot too mu3". ,nou-" to 1irm@ not e*plo5e. 7en my siEe s"oul5 not 5o serious %ei-"tli1tin-. 9t may look okay in a 8at"in- suit@ 8ut in re-ular 3lot"es you took like a 5e1orme5 5%ar1. A'ollo% me@ please.C He soun5e5 like a %aiter@ 8ut %"en "e %alke5 into t"e 3ro%5@ 9 1ollo%e5 "im. He le5 t"e %ay to%ar5s a "u-e 8lue tent. 9t %as like an ol521as"ione5 3ir3us tent. 9?5 only seen one in pi3tures or t"e mo)ies. $"ere %as a man in a stripe5 3oat yellin-@ AAlmost s"o%time@ 1olksI Present your ti3kets an5 3ome insi5eI See t"e %orl5?s lar-est 3o8raI =at3" t"e 1earsome serpent 8e taken t"rou-" amaEin- 1eats 8y t"e 8eauti1ul snake 3"armer S"a"ar. =e -uarantee it %ill 8e a s"o% you %ill ne)er 1or-et.C $"ere %as a line o1 people -i)in- t"eir ti3kets to a youn- %oman. S"e tore t"em in "al1 an5 "an5e5 8a3k t"e stu8s. Step"en %alke5 3on1i5ently alon- t"e line %it"out %aitin-. =e -ot some 5irty looks@ 8ut t"e -irl no55e5 to us. An5 in %e %ent. $iers o1 8lea3"ers ran up to t"e top o1 t"e tent. 9t %as "u-e. /early all t"e seats %ere 1ull. A sol52out s"o%. =o%ee. $"ere %as a 8lue rail t"at 1orme5 a 3ir3le in t"e mi55le. A one2rin- 3ir3us. Step"en s3oote5 past t"e knees o1 a8out a 5oEen people to a set o1 steps. Sin3e %e %ere at t"e 8ottom@ up %as t"e only %ay to -o. 9 1ollo%e5 Step"en up t"e 3on3rete stairs. $"e tent may "a)e looke5 like a 3ir3us tent@ 8ut t"e 8lea3"ers an5 stairs %ere permanent. A mini23oliseum. 9 "a)e 8a5 knees@ %"i3" means t"at 9 3an run on a 1lat sur1a3e 8ut put me on a "ill@ or stairs. an5 it "urts. So 9 5i5n?t try to keep up %it" Step"en?s smoot"@ runnin- -li5e. 9 5i5 %at3" t"e %ay "is >eans 1it "is snu- little 8e"in5@ t"ou-". Lookin- 1or 3lues. 9 unEippe5 t"e leat"er >a3ket 8ut 5i5n?t take it o11. 7y -un %oul5 s"o%. S%eat -li5e5 5o%n my spine. 9 %as -oin- to melt. Step"en -lan3e5 o)er "is s"oul5er to see i1 9 %as 1ollo%in-@ or may8e 1or en3oura-ement. He 1las"e5 a smile t"at %as >ust lips 3urlin- 8a3k 1rom teet"@ almost a snarl. 9 stoppe5 in t"e mi55le o1 t"e steps@ %at3"in- "is lit"e 1orm -li5e up%ar5. $"ere %as an ener-y to Step"en as i1 t"e air 8oile5 in)isi8ly aroun5 "im. A s"apes"i1ter. Some ly3ant"ropes are 8etter t"an ot"ers at "i5in- %"at t"ey are. Step"en %asn?t t"at -oo5. #r may8e "e >ust 5i5n?t 3are i1 9 kne%. Possi8le. Ly3ant"ropy %as a 5isease@ like A94S. 9t %as pre>u5i3e to mistrust someone 1or an a33i5ent. 7ost people sur)i)e5 atta3ks to 8e3ome s"apes"i1ters. 9t %asn?t a 3"oi3e. So %"y 5i5n?t 9 like Step"en as %ell@ no% t"at 9 kne%B Pre>u5i3e5@ moiB He %aite5 at t"e top o1 t"e stairs@ still pretty as a pi3ture@ 8ut t"e air o1 ener-y 3ontaine5 in too small a spa3e@ like "is motor %as on "i-" i5le@ s"immere5 aroun5 "im. ="at %as Hean2!lau5e 5oin- %it" a s"apes"i1ter on "is payrollB 7ay8e 9 3oul5 ask "im. 9 steppe5 up 8esi5e Step"en. $"ere must "a)e 8een somet"in- in my 1a3e@ 8e3ause "e sai5@ A="at?s %ron-BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/ot"in-.C 9 5on?t t"ink "e 8elie)e5 me. But "e smile5 an5 le5 me to%ar5s a 8oot" t"at %as mostly -lass %it" "ea)y 3urtains on t"e insi5e "i5in- %"ate)er Hay 8e"in5. 9t looke5 1or all t"e %orl5 like a miniature 8roa53ast 8oot". Step"en %ent to t"e 3urtaine5 5oor an5 opene5 it. He "el5 it 1or me@ motionin- me to -o 1irst. A/o@ you 1irst@C 9 sai5. A9?m 8ein- a -entleman "ere@C "e sai5. A9 5on?t nee5 or %ant 5oors opene5 1or me. 9?m ;uite 3apa8le@ t"ank you.C AA 1eminist@ my@ my.C $rut"1ully@ 9 >ust 5i5n?t %ant ol? Step"en at my 8a3k. But i1 "e %ante5 to t"ink 9 %as a "ar523ore 1eminist@ let "im. 9t %as 3loser to t"e trut" t"an a lot o1 t"in-s. He %alke5 t"rou-" t"e 5oor. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k to t"e rin-. 9t looke5 smaller 1rom up "ere. 7us3ular men 5resse5 in -litterinloin3lot"s pulle5 a 3art in on t"eir 8are s"oul5ers. $"ere %ere t%o t"in-s in t"e 3artJ a "u-e %o)en 8asket an5 a 5ark2 skinne5 %oman. S"e %as 5resse5 in Holly%oo5?s )ersion o1 a 5an3in- -irl?s out1it. Her t"i3k 8la3k "air 1ell like a 3loak@ s%eepin- to "er ankles. Slen5er arms@ small@ 5ark "an5s s%ept t"e air in -ra3e1ul 3ur)es. S"e 5an3e5 in 1ront o1 t"e 3art. $"e 3ostume %as 1ake@ 8ut s"e %asn?t. S"e kne% "o% to 5an3e@ not 1or se5u3tion@ t"ou-" it %as t"at@ 8ut 1or po%er. 4an3in- %as ori-inally an in)o3ation to some -o5 or ot"erG most people 1or-et t"at. Goose8umps pri3kle5 up t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k@ 3reepin- into my "air. 9 s"i)ere5 %"ile 9 stoo5 t"ere an5 s%eate5 in t"e "eat. ="at %as in t"e 8asketB $"e 8arker outsi5e "a5 sai5 a -iant 3o8ra@ 8ut t"ere %as no snake in t"e %orl5 t"at nee5e5 a 8asket t"at 8i-. /ot e)en t"e ana3on5a@ t"e %orl5?s "ea)iest snake@ nee5e5 a 3ontainer o)er ten 1eet tall an5 t%enty 1eet %i5e. Somet"in- tou3"e5 my s"oul5er. 9 >umpe5 an5 spun. Step"en %as stan5in- nearly tou3"in- me@ smilin-.

9 s%allo%e5 my pulse 8a3k into my t"roat an5 -lare5 at "im. 9 make a 8i- 5eal a8out not %antin- "im at my 8a3k@ t"en let "im sneak up 8e"in5 me. <eal s%i1t@ Anita@ real s%i1t. Be3ause "e?5 s3are5 me@ 9 %as ma5 at "im. 9llo-i3al@ 8ut it %as 8etter to 8e ma5 t"an s3are5. AHean2!lau5e?s >ust insi5e@C "e sai5. He smile5@ 8ut t"ere %as a )ery "uman -lint o1 lau-"ter in "is 8lue eyes. 9 s3o%le5 at "im@ kno%in- 9 %as 8ein- 3"il5is"@ an5 not 3arin-. AA1ter you@ 1ur21a3e.C $"e lau-"ter slippe5 a%ay. He %as )ery serious as "e stare5 at me. AHo% 5i5 you kno%BC His )oi3e %as un3ertain@ 1ra-ile. A lot o1 ly3ant"ropes pri5e t"emsel)es on 8ein- a8le to pass 1or "uman. A9t %as easy@C 9 sai5. ="i3" %asn?t entirely true@ 8ut 9 %ante5 to "urt "im. !"il5is"@ unattra3ti)e@ "onest. His 1a3e su55enly looke5 )ery youn-. His eyes 1ille5 %it" un3ertainty an5 pain. S"it. ALook@ 9?)e spent a lot o1 time aroun5 s"apes"i1ters. 9 >ust kno% %"at to look 1or@ okayBC ="y 5i5 9 %ant to reassure "imB Be3ause 9 kne% %"at it %as like to 8e t"e outsi5er. <aisin- t"e 5ea5 makes a lot o1 people 3lass me %it" t"e monsters. $"ere are e)en 5ays %"en 9 a-ree %it" t"em. He %as still starin- at me@ %it" "is "urt 1eelin-s like an open %oun5 in "is eyes. 91 "e starte5 to 3ry@ 9 %as lea)in-. He turne5 %it"out anot"er %or5 an5 %alke5 t"rou-" t"e open 5oor. 9 stare5 at t"e 5oor 1or a minute. $"ere %ere -asps@ s3reams 1rom t"e 3ro%5. 9 %"irle5 an5 sa% it. 9t %as a snake@ 8ut it %asn?t >ust t"e %orl5?s 8i--est 3o8ra@ it %as t"e 8i--est 1reakin- snake 9?5 e)er seen. 9ts 8o5y %as 8an5e5 in 5ull -reyis" 8la3k an5 o112%"ite. $"e s3ales -leame5 un5er t"e li-"ts. $"e "ea5 %as at least a 1oot an5 a "al1 %i5e. /o snake %as t"at 8i-. 9t 1lare5 its "oo5@ an5 it %as t"e siEe o1 a satellite 5is". $"e snake "isse5@ 1li3kin- out a ton-ue t"at %as like a 8la3k %"ip. 9?5 "a5 a semester o1 "erpetolo-y in 3olle-e. 91 t"e snake "a5 8een a mere ei-"t 1eet or less@ 9 %oul5 "a)e 3alle5 it a 8an5e5 ,-yptian 3o8ra. 9 3oul5n?t remem8er t"e s3ienti1i3 name to sa)e mysel1. $"e %oman 5roppe5 to t"e -roun5 in 1ront o1 t"e snake@ 1ore"ea5 to t"e -roun5. A mark o1 o8e5ien3e 1rom "er to t"e snake. $o "er -o5. S%eet Hesus. $"e %oman stoo5 an5 8e-an to 5an3e@ an5 t"e 3o8ra %at3"e5 "er. S"e?5 ma5e "ersel1 a li)in- 1lute 1or t"e nearsi-"te5 3reature to 1ollo%. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see %"at %oul5 "appen i1 s"e messe5 up. $"e poison %oul5n?t "a)e time to kill "er. $"e 1an-s %ere so 5amn 8i- t"ey?5 spear "er like s%or5s. S"e?5 5ie o1 s"o3k an5 8loo5 loss lon- 8e1ore t"e poison ki3ke5 in. Somet"in- %as -ro%in- in t"e mi55le o1 t"at rin-. 7a-i3 3ra%le5 up my spine. =as it ma-i3 t"at kept t"e snake sa1e@ or ma-i3 t"at 3alle5 it up@ or %as it t"e snake itsel1B 4i5 it "a)e po%er all its o%nB 9 5i5n?t e)en kno% %"at to 3all it. 9t looke5 like a 3o8ra@ per"aps t"e %orl5?s 8i--est@ yet 9 5i5n?t e)en "a)e a %or5 1or it. Go5 %it" a little A-C %oul5 5o@ 8ut it %asn?t a33urate. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 turne5 a%ay. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see t"e s"o%. 9 5i5n?t %ant to stan5 t"ere %it" its ma-i3 1lo%in- so1t an5 3ol5 o)er my skin. 91 t"e snake %asn?t sa1e@ Hean2!lau5e %oul5 "a)e "a5 it 3a-e5@ ri-"tB <i-"t. 9 turne5 a%ay 1rom t"e snake 3"armer an5 t"e %orl5?s 8i--est 3o8ra. 9 %ante5 to talk to Hean2!lau5e an5 -et t"e "ell out o1 "ere. $"e open 5oor %as 1ille5 %it" 5arkness. Vampires 5i5n?t nee5 li-"ts. 4i5 ly3ant"ropesB 9 5i5n?t kno%. Gee@ so mu3" to learn. 7y >a3ket %as unEippe5 all t"e %ay@ t"e 8etter 1or a 1ast 5ra%. $"ou-" trut"1ully@ i1 9 nee5e5 a 1ast 5ra% toni-"t@ 9 %as in 5eep s"it. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. /o sense puttin- it o11. 9 %alke5 t"rou-" t"e 5oor into t"e %aitin- 5arkness %it"out lookin- 8a3k. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see %"at %as "appenin- in t"e rin-. $rut" %as@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to see %"at %as 8e"in5 t"e 5arkness. =as t"ere anot"er 3"oi3eB Pro8a8ly not.

Chapter Six
$"e room %as like a 3loset %it" 5rapes all t"e %ay aroun5. $"ere %as no one in t"e 3urtaine5 5arkness 8ut me. ="ere "a5 Step"en -oneB 91 "e "a5 8een a )ampire@ 9 %oul5 "a)e 8elie)e5 t"e )anis"in- a3t@ 8ut ly3ant"ropes 5on?t >ust turn into t"in air. So@ t"ere "a5 to 8e a se3on5 5oor. 91 9 "a5 8uilt t"is room@ %"ere %oul5 9 put an inner 5oorB Ans%erJ opposite t"e 1irst 5oor. 9 s%ept t"e 5rapes asi5e. $"e 5oor %as t"ere. ,lementary@ my 5ear =atson. $"e 5oor %as "ea)y %oo5 %it" some 1lo%erin- )ine 3ar)e5 into it. $"e 5oorkno8 %as %"ite %it" tiny pink 1lo%ers in t"e 3enter o1 it. 9t %as an a%1ully 1eminine 5oor. #1 3ourse@ no rules a-ainst men likin- 1lo%ers. /one at all. 9t %as a se*ist 3omment. 'or-et 9 t"ou-"t it. 9 5i5 not 5ra% my -un. See@ 9?m not 3ompletely paranoi5. 9 turne5 t"e 5oorkno8 an5 s%un- t"e 5oor in%ar5. 9 kept pus"in- until it %as 1lus" a-ainst t"e %all. /o one %as "i5in8e"in5 it. Goo5.

$"e %allpaper %as o112%"ite %it" t"in sil)er@ -ol5@ an5 3opper 5esi-ns runnin- t"rou-" it. $"e e11e3t %as )a-uely oriental. $"e 3arpetin- %as 8la3k. 9 5i5n?t e)en kno% 3arpet 3ame in t"at 3olor. A 3anopy 8e5 took up most o1 one si5e o1 t"e room. Bla3k@ -auEy 3urtains 3o)ere5 it. 7a5e t"e 8e5 in5istin3t@ misty@ like a 5ream. $"ere %as someone asleep in a nest o1 8la3k 3o)ers an5 3rimson s"eets. A line o1 8are 3"est s"o%e5 it %as a man@ 8ut a %a)e o1 8ro%n "air 3o)ere5 "is 1a3e like a s"rou5. 9t all looke5 1aintly unreal@ as i1 "e %as %aitin- 1or mo)ie 3ameras to roll. A 8la3k 3ou3" %as a-ainst t"e 1ar %all@ %it" 8loo52re5 pillo%s t"ro%n alon- it. A mat3"in- lo)e seat %as a-ainst t"e last %all. Step"en %as 3urle5 up on t"e lo)e seat. Hean2!lau5e sat on one 3orner o1 t"e 3ou3". He %ore 8la3k >eans tu3ke5 into knee"i-" leat"er 8oots@ 5ye5 a 5eep@ almost )el)et 8la3k. His s"irt "a5 a "i-" la3e 3ollar pinne5 at t"e ne3k 8y a t"um82siEe ru8y pen5ant. His 8la3k "air %as >ust lon- enou-" to 3url aroun5 t"e la3e. $"e slee)es %ere loose an5 8illo%in-@ ti-"t at t"e %rists %it" la3e spillin- o)er "is "an5s until only "is 1in-ertips s"o%e5. A="ere 5o you -et your s"irtsBC 9 aske5. He smile5. A4on?t you like itBC His "an5s 3aresse5 5o%n "is 3"est@ 1in-ertips "esitatin- o)er "is nipples. 9t %as an in)itation. 9 3oul5 tou3" t"at smoot" %"ite 3lot" an5 see i1 t"e la3e %as as so1t as it looke5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 7ustn?t -et 5istra3te5. 9 -lan3e5 at Hean2!lau5e. He %as starin- at me %it" t"ose mi5ni-"t 8lue eyes. His eyelas"es %ere like 8la3k la3e. AS"e %ants you@ 7aster@C Step"en sai5. $"ere %as lau-"ter in "is )oi3e@ 5erision. A9 3an smell "er 5esire.C Hean2!lau5e turne5 >ust "is "ea5@ starin- at Step"en. AAs 3an 9.C $"e %or5s %ere inno3ent@ 8ut t"e 1eelin- 8e"in5 t"em %asn?t. His )oi3e slit"ere5 aroun5 t"e room@ lo% an5 1ull o1 a terri8le promise. A9 meant no "arm@ 7aster@ no "arm.C Step"en looke5 s3are5. 9 5i5n?t 8lame "im. Hean2!lau5e turne5 8a3k to me as i1 not"in- "a5 "appene5. His 1a3e %as still pleasantly "an5some@ intereste5@ amuse5. A9 5on?t nee5 your prote3tion.C A#"@ 9 t"ink you 5o.C 9 %"irle5 an5 1oun5 anot"er )ampire stan5in- at my 8a3k. 9 "a5n?t "ear5 t"e 5oor open. S"e smile5 at me@ %it"out 1las"in- 1an-. A tri3k t"at t"e ol5er )ampires learn. S"e %as tall an5 slen5er %it" 5ark skin an5 lon- e8ony "air t"at s%un- aroun5 "er %aist. S"e %ore 3rimson Ly3ra 8ike pants t"at 3lun- so ti-"t@ you kne% s"e %asn?t %earin- un5er%ear. Her top %as re5 silk@ loose an5 8lousy@ %it" t"in spa-"etti straps "ol5in- it in pla3e. 9t looke5 like t"e top to slinky pa>amas. <e5 "i-"2"eele5 san5als an5 a t"in -ol5 3"ain set %it" a sin-le 5iamon5 3omplete5 t"e out1it. $"e %or5 t"at 3ame to min5 %as Ae*oti3.C S"e -li5e5 to%ar5s me@ smilin-. A9s t"at a t"reatBC 9 aske5. S"e stoppe5 in 1ront o1 me. A/ot yet.C $"ere %as a "int o1 some ot"er lan-ua-e in "er )oi3e. Somet"in- 5arker %it" rollin-@ si8ilant soun5s. A$"at is enou-"@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. $"e 5ark la5y t%irle5 aroun5@ 8la3k "air like a )eil 8e"in5 "er. A9 5on?t t"ink so.C ADasmeen.C $"e one %or5 %as lo% an5 5ark %it" %arnin-. Dasmeen lau-"e5@ a "ars" soun5 like 8reakin- -lass. S"e stoppe5 5ire3tly in 1ront o1 me@ 8lo3kin- my )ie% o1 Hean2 !lau5e. Her "an5 stret3"e5 to%ar5s me@ an5 9 steppe5 8a3k@ out o1 rea3". S"e smile5 %i5e enou-" to s"o% 1an-s an5 rea3"e5 1or me a-ain. 9 steppe5 8a3k@ an5 s"e %as su55enly on me@ 1aster t"an 9 3oul5 8link@ 1aster t"an 9 3oul5 8reat"e. Her "an5 -rippe5 my "air@ 8en5in- my ne3k 8a3k%ar5s. Her 1in-ertips 8rus"e5 my skull. Her ot"er "an5 "el5 my 3"in@ 1in-ers 5i--in- in like 1les"y metal. 7y 1a3e %as immo8ile 8et%een "er "an5s@ trappe5. S"ort o1 takin- my -un out an5 s"ootin- "er@ t"ere %as not"in- 9 3oul5 5o. An5 i1 "er mo)ement %as any 3lue@ 9?5 ne)er -et t"e -un out in time. A9 see %"y you like "er. So pretty@ so 5eli3ate.C S"e "al12turne5 to%ar5s Hean2!lau5e@ nearly -i)in- me "er 8a3k@ 8ut still "ol5in- my "ea5 immo8ile. A9 ne)er t"ou-"t you?5 take in a "uman.C S"e ma5e it soun5 like 9 %as a stray puppy. Dasmeen turne5 8a3k to me. 9 presse5 my 9mm into "er 3"est. /o matter "o% 1ast s"e %as@ s"e %oul5 8e "urt i1 9 %ante5 it. 9 3an 1eel "o% ol5 a )ampire is insi5e my "ea5. 9t?s part natural a8ility@ an5 part pra3ti3e. Dasmeen %as ol5@ ol5er t"an Hean2!lau5e. 9 %as 8ettin- s"e %as o)er 1i)e "un5re5. 91 s"e "a5 8een t"e ne% 5ea5@ "i-"2te3" ammo at point28lank ran-e %oul5 "a)e s"re55e5 "er "eart@ kille5 "er. But o)er 1i)e "un5re5 an5 a master )ampire@ it mi-"t not kill "er. #r t"en a-ain@ it mi-"t. Somet"in- 1li3kere5 o)er "er 1a3eG surprise@ an5 may8e >ust a tou3" o1 1ear. Her 8o5y %as statue2still. 91 s"e %as 8reat"in-@ 9 3oul5n?t tell. 7y )oi3e soun5e5 straine5 1rom t"e an-le s"e "el5 my ne3k@ 8ut t"e %or5s %ere 3lear. AVery slo%ly@ take your "an5s a%ay 1rom my 1a3e. Put 8ot" "an5s on top o1 your "ea5 an5 la3e your 1in-ers to-et"er.C

AHean2!lau5e@ 3all o11 your "uman.C A9?5 5o %"at s"e says@ Dasmeen.C His )oi3e %as please5. AHo% many )ampires "a)e you kille5 no%@ AnitaBC A,i-"teen.C Dasmeen?s eyes %i5ene5 >ust a 8it. A9 5on?t 8elie)e you.C ABelie)e t"is@ 8it3"J 9?ll pull t"is tri--er an5 you 3an kiss your "eart -oo528ye.C ABullets 3annot "arm me.C ASil)er2plate5 3an. 7o)e o11 me@ no%IC Dasmeen?s "an5 sli5 a%ay 1rom my "air an5 >a%. ASlo%ly@C 9 sai5. S"e 5i5 %"at 9 aske5. S"e stoo5 in 1ront o1 me %it" "er lon-21in-ere5 "an5s 3laspe5 a3ross "er "ea5. 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom "er@ -un still pointe5 at "er 3"est. A/o% %"atBC Dasmeen aske5. A smile still 3urle5 "er lips. Her 5ark eyes %ere amuse5. 9 5i5n?t like 8ein- lau-"e5 at@ 8ut %"en tan-lin- %it" master )ampires you let some t"in-s sli5e. ADou 3an put your "an5s 5o%n@C 9 sai5. Dasmeen 5i5@ 8ut s"e 3ontinue5 to stare at me as i1 9?5 sproute5 a se3on5 "ea5. A="ere 5i5 you 1in5 "er@ Hean2!lau5eB $"e kitten "as teet".C A$ell Dasmeen %"at t"e )ampires 3all you@ Anita.C 9t soun5e5 too mu3" like an or5er@ 8ut t"is 5i5n?t seem t"e time to 8it3" at "im. A$"e ,*e3utioner.C Dasmeen?s eyes %i5ene5G t"en s"e smile5@ 1las"in- a lot o1 1an-. A9 t"ou-"t you?5 8e taller.C A9t 5isappoints me@ too@ sometimes@C 9 sai5. Dasmeen t"re% 8a3k "er "ea5 an5 lau-"e5@ %il5 an5 8rittle@ %it" an e5-e o1 "ysteria. A9 like "er@ Hean2!lau5e. S"e?s 5an-erous@ like sleepin- %it" a lion.C S"e -li5e5 to%ar5s me. 9 "a5 t"e -un up an5 pointe5 at "er. 9t 5i5n?t e)en slo% "er 5o%n. AHean2!lau5e@ tell "er 9 %ill s"oot "er i1 s"e 5oesn?t 8a3k o11.C A9 promise not to "urt you@ Anita. 9 %ill 8e o" so -entle.C S"e s%aye5 o)er to me@ an5 9 %asn?t sure %"at to 5o. S"e %as playin- %it" me@ sa5isti3 8ut pro8a8ly not 5ea5ly. !oul5 9 s"oot "er 1or 8ein- a pain in t"e assB 9 5i5n?t t"ink so. A9 3an taste t"e "eat o1 your 8loo5@ t"e %armt" o1 your skin on t"e air like per1ume.C Her -li5in-@ "ip2s%in-in- %alk 8rou-"t "er ri-"t in 1ront o1 me. 9 pointe5 t"e -un at "er@ an5 s"e lau-"e5. S"e presse5 "er 3"est a-ainst t"e tip o1 my -un. ASo so1t@ %et@ 8ut stron-.C 9 %asn?t sure %"o s"e %as talkin- a8out@ "er or me. /eit"er option soun5e5 pleasant. S"e ru88e5 "er small 8reasts a-ainst t"e -un@ "er nipples 3aressin- t"e -un 8arrel. A4ainty@ 8ut 5an-erous.C $"e last %or5 %as a %"ispere5 "iss t"at 1lo%e5 o)er my skin like i3e %ater. S"e %as t"e 1irst master 9?5 e)er met %"o "a5 some o1 Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e tri3ks. 9 3oul5 see "er nipples "ar5enin- t"rou-" t"e t"in material o1 "er s"irt. Dikes. 9 pointe5 t"e -un at t"e 1loor an5 steppe5 a%ay 1rom "er. AHesus@ are all )ampires o)er t%o "un5re5 per)ertsBC A9 am o)er t%o "un5re5@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9 rest my 3ase.C Dasmeen let a %arm tri3kle o1 lau-"ter spill out o1 "er mout". $"e soun5 3aresse5 my skin like a %arm %in5. S"e stalke5 to%ar5s me. 9 8a3ke5 up until 9 "it t"e %all. S"e put a "an5 on eit"er si5e o1 t"e %all near my s"oul5ers an5 8e-an to lean in like s"e %as 5oin- a pus"up. A9?5 like to taste "er mysel1.C 9 s"o)e5 t"e -un into "er ri8s@ too lo% 1or "er to ru8 "ersel1 a-ainst it. A/o8o5y lays a 1an- on me@C 9 sai5. A$ou-" -irl.C S"e leane5 "er 1a3e o)er me@ lips 8rus"in- my 1ore"ea5. A9 like tou-" -irls.C AHean2!lau5e@ 5o somet"in- %it" "er 8e1ore one o1 us -ets kille5.C Dasmeen pus"e5 a%ay 1rom me@ el8o%s lo3ke5@ as 1ar a%ay as s"e 3oul5 -et %it"out mo)in- "er "an5s. Her ton-ue 1li3ke5 o)er "er lips@ a "int o1 1an-@ 8ut mostly %et lips. S"e leane5 8a3k into me@ lips "al12parte5@ 8ut s"e %asn?t -oin- 1or my ne3k. S"e %as 5e1initely -oin- 1or my mout". S"e 5i5n?t %ant to taste me@ s"e %ante5 to taste me. 9 3oul5n?t s"oot "er@ not i1 s"e >ust %ante5 to kiss me. 91 s"e?5 8een a man@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e s"ot "er. Her "air 1ell 1or%ar5 o)er my "an5s@ so1t like t"i3k silk. Her 1a3e %as all 9 3oul5 see. Her eyes %ere a per1e3t 8la3kness. Her lips "o)ere5 >ust a8o)e my mout". Her 8reat" %as %arm@ an5 smelle5 o1 8reat" mints@ 8ut un5er t"e mo5ern smell %as somet"in- ol5erJ t"e s%eet 1oulness o1 8loo5. ADour 8reat" smells like ol5 8loo5@C 9 %"ispere5 into "er mout".

S"e %"ispere5 8a3k@ lips 8arely 3aressin- my mout"@ A9 kno%.C Her lips presse5 into mine@ a -entle kiss. S"e smile5 %it" our lips still tou3"in-. $"e 5oor opene5@ nearly pinnin- us to t"e %all. Dasmeen stoo5 up@ 8ut kept "er "an5s aroun5 my s"oul5ers. =e 8ot" looke5 at t"e 5oor. A %oman %it" nearly %"ite 8lon5 "air looke5 %il5ly aroun5 t"e room. Her 8lue eyes %i5ene5 as s"e sa% us. S"e s3reame5@ "i-" an5 %or5less@ ra-e21ille5. AGet o11 o1 "erC 9 1ro%ne5 up at Dasmeen. A9s s"e talkin- to meBC ADes.C Dasmeen looke5 amuse5. $"e %oman 5i5 not. S"e ran to%ar5s us@ "an5s outstret3"e5@ 1in-ers 3urle5 into 3la%s. Dasmeen 3au-"t "er in a 8lurrinmoment o1 pure spee5. $"e %oman t"ras"e5 an5 stru--le5@ "er "an5s still rea3"in- 1or me. A="at t"e "ell is -oin- onBC 9 aske5. A7ar-uerite is Dasmeen?s "uman ser)ant@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AS"e t"inks you may steal Dasmeen a%ay 1rom "er.C A9 5on?t %ant Dasmeen.C Dasmeen s"ot me a took o1 pure an-er. Ha5 9 "urt "er 1eelin-sB 9 "ope5 so. A7ar-uerite@ lookG s"e?s yours@ all ri-"tBC $"e %oman s3reame5 at me@ %or5less an5 -uttural. ="at mi-"t "a)e 8een a pretty 1a3e %as s3re%e5 up into somet"in8estial. 9?5 ne)er seen su3" instant ra-e. 9t %as 1ri-"tenin- e)en %it" a loa5e5 -un in my "an5. Dasmeen "a5 to li1t t"e %oman o11 "er 1eet@ "ol5in- "er stru--lin- in mi52air. A9?m a1rai5@ Hean2!lau5e@ t"at 7ar-uerite is not -oin- to 8e satis1ie5 unless s"e ans%ers t"e 3"allen-e.C A="at 3"allen-eBC 9 aske5. ADou 3"allen-e5 "er 3laim to me.C A4i5 not@C 9 sai5. Dasmeen smile5. $"e serpent must "a)e smile5 at ,)e t"at %ayJ pleasant@ amuse5@ 5an-erous. AHean2!lau5e@ 9 5i5n?t 3ome "ere 1or %"ate)er t"e "ell is -oin- on. 9 5on?t %ant any )ampire@ let alone a 1emale one@C 9 sai5. A91 you %ere my "uman ser)ant@ ma petite@ t"ere %oul5 8e no 3"allen-e@ 8e3ause on3e one is 8oun5 to a master )ampire@ it is an un8reaka8le 8on5.C A$"en %"at is 7ar-uerite %orrie5 a8outBC A$"at Dasmeen may take you as a lo)er. S"e 5oes t"at 1rom time to time to 5ri)e 7ar-uerite into >ealous ra-es. 'or some reason 9 5o not un5erstan5@ Dasmeen en>oys it.C A#"@ yes@ 9 5o en>oy it.C Dasmeen turne5 to%ar5s me %it" t"e %oman still 3laspe5 in "er arms. S"e %as "ol5in- t"e stru--lin- %oman easily@ no strain. #1 3ourse@ )ampires 3an 8en3" press $oyotas. ="at %as one me5ium2siEe "uman to t"atB ASo %"at e*a3tly 5oes t"is mean to me personallyBC Hean2!lau5e smile5@ 8ut t"ere %as an e5-e o1 tire5ness to it. =as "e 8ore5B #r an-ryB #r >ust tire5B ADou must 1i-"t 7ar-uerite. 91 you %in@ t"en Dasmeen is yours. 91 you lose@ Dasmeen is 7ar-uerite?s.C A=ait a minute@C 9 sai5. A="at sort o1 1i-"t@ pistols at 5a%nBC A/o %eapons@C Dasmeen sai5. A7y 7ar-uerite is not skille5 in %eapons. 9 5on?t %ant "er "urt.C A$"en stop tormentin- "er@C 9 sai5. Dasmeen smile5. A9t is part o1 t"e 1un.C ASa5isti3 8it3"@C 9 sai5. ADes@ 9 am.C Hesus@ some people you 3oul5n?t e)en insult. ASo you %ant us to 1i-"t 8are2"an5e5 o)er DasmeenBC 9 3oul5n?t 8elie)e 9 %as e)en askin- t"is ;uestion. ADes@ ma petite.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat"@ looke5 at my -un@ looke5 8a3k at t"e s3reamin- %oman@ t"en "olstere5 my -un. A9s t"ere any %ay out o1 t"is@ 8esi5es 1i-"tin- "erBC A91 you a5mit you are my "uman ser)ant@ t"en t"ere %ill 8e no 1i-"t. $"ere %ill 8e no nee5 1or one.C Hean2!lau5e %as %at3"in- me@ stu5yin- my 1a3e. His eyes %ere )ery still. ADou mean t"is %as a setup@C 9 sai5. $"e 1irst %arm rum8lin-s o1 an-er 3"ase5 up my -ut.

AA setup@ ma petiteB 9 "a5 no i5ea Dasmeen %oul5 1in5 you so enti3in-.C ABulls"itIC AA5mit you are my "uman ser)ant an5 all en5s "ere.C AAn5 i1 9 5on?tBC A$"en you 1i-"t 7ar-uerite.C A'ine@C 9 sai5. ALet?s 5o it.C A="at %oul5 it 3ost you to a5mit %"at is true@ AnitaBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. A9 am not your "uman ser)ant. 9 %ill ne)er 8e your "uman ser)ant. 9 %is" you?5 >ust a33ept t"at an5 lea)e me t"e 1u3k alone.C He 1ro%ne5. A7a petite@ su3" lan-ua-e.C A'u3k o11.C He smile5 t"en. AAs you like@ ma petite.C He sat up on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3ou3"@ may8e so "e 3oul5 see 8etter. ADasmeen@ any time you are rea5y.C A=ait@C 9 sai5. 9 took o11 my >a3ket an5 %asn?t sure %"ere to lay it. $"e man %"o "a5 8een sleepin- on t"e 8la3k23anopie5 8e5 rea3"e5 a "an5 t"rou-" t"e 8la3k -auEe. A9?ll "ol5 it 1or you@C "e sai5. 9 stare5 at "im 1or a minute. He %as nake5 1rom t"e %aist up. His arms. stoma3"@ 3"est s"o%e5 si-ns o1 %ei-"tli1tin-@ >ust enou-"@ not too mu3". He eit"er "a5 a per1e3t tan or %as naturally 5ark 3omple3te5. Hair 1ell in a %a)y mass aroun5 "is s"oul5ers. His eyes %ere 8ro%n an5 )ery "uman. $"at %as ni3e to see. 9 "an5e5 "im my >a3ket. He smile5@ a ;ui3k 1las" o1 teet" t"at 3"ase5 t"e last si-ns o1 sleep 1rom "is 1a3e. He sat up %it" t"e >a3ket in one "an5@ arms en3ir3lin- "is knees t"at %ere still "i55en un5er t"e 8la3k an5 re5 3o)ers. He lai5 "is 3"eek on "is knees an5 mana-e5 to look %insome. AAre you ;uite 5one@ ma petiteBC Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e %as amuse5@ %it" an e5-e o1 lau-"ter t"at %asn?t "umor at all. 9t %as mo3kery. But %"et"er "e %as mo3kin- me or "imsel1@ 9 3oul5n?t tell. A9?m rea5y@ 9 -uess@C 9 sai5. APut "er 5o%n@ Dasmeen. Let us see %"at "appens.C 9 "ear5 Step"en say@ A$%enty on 7ar-uerite.C Dasmeen sai5@ A/o 1air. 9 3an?t 8et a-ainst my o%n "uman ser)ant.C A9?ll spot you 8ot" t%enty t"at 7s. Blake %ins.C $"at 3ame 1rom t"e man in t"e 8e5. 9 "a5 a se3on5 to -lan3e at "im@ to see "im smile at meG t"en 7ar-uerite %as 3omin-. S"e slappe5 at my 1a3e@ an5 9 8lo3ke5 it %it" my 1orearm. S"e 1ou-"t like a -irl@ all open2"an5e5 slaps an5 1in-ernails. But s"e %as 1ast@ 1aster t"an a "uman. 7ay8e s"e -ot t"at 1rom 8ein- a "uman ser)ant@ 9 5on?t kno%. Her 1in-ernails rake5 5o%n my 1a3e in a s"arp@ pain1ul line. $"at %as itJ no more 7s. /i3e Guy. 9 "el5 "er o11 %it" one "an5. S"e 5u- "er teet" into t"at "an5. 9 "it "er %it" my ri-"t 1ist as "ar5 as 9 3oul5@ turnin- my 8o5y into it. 9t %as a ni3e soli5 "it to t"e solar ple*us. 7ar-uerite stoppe5 8itin- my "an5 an5 8ent o)er@ "an5s 3o)erin- "er stoma3". S"e %as -aspin- 1or 8reat". Goo5. 7y le1t "an5 "a5 a 8loo5y imprint o1 "er teet" in it. 9 tou3"e5 my le1t 3"eek an5 3ame a%ay %it" more 8loo5. 4amn@ t"at "urt. 7ar-uerite knelt on t"e 1loor@ relearnin- "o% to 8reat"e. But s"e %as starin- up at me. $"e look in "er 8lue eyes sai5 t"e 1i-"t %asn?t o)er. As soon as s"e -ot "er 8reat" 8a3k@ s"e %oul5 start a-ain. AStay 5o%n@ 7ar-uerite@ or 9?ll "urt you.C S"e s"ook "er "ea5. AS"e 3an?t -i)e up@ ma petite@ or you %in Dasmeen?s 8o5y@ i1 not "er "eart.C A9 5on?t %ant "er 8o5y. 9 5on?t %ant anyone?s 8o5y.C A/o%@ t"at is simply not true@ ma petite@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AStop 3allin- me ma petite.C ADou 8ear t%o o1 my marks@ Anita. Dou are "al1%ay to 8ein- my "uman ser)ant. A5mit t"at@ an5 no one else nee5 su11er toni-"t.C ADea"@ ri-"t@C 9 sai5.

7ar-uerite %as -ettin- to "er 1eet. 9 5i5n?t %ant "er on "er 1eet. 9 mo)e5 in 8e1ore s"e 3oul5 stan5@ an5 1oot2s%ept "er le-s out 1rom un5er "er. 9 1or3e5 "er s"oul5ers 8a3k%ar5s at t"e same time@ an5 9 ro5e "er 5o%n. 9 -ot "er ri-"t arm in a >oint lo3k. S"e trie5 to -et up. 9 in3rease5 t"e pressure@ an5 s"e lay 8a3k 5o%n. AGi)e up t"e 1i-"t.C A/o.C 9t %as only t"e se3on5 3o"erent t"in- 9?5 "ear5 "er utter. A9 %ill 8reak your arm.C ABreak it@ 8reak itI 9 5on?t 3are.C Her 1a3e %as %il5@ enra-e5. Go5. $"ere %as no %ay to reason %it" "er. Great. :sin- t"e >oint lo3k as a le)er@ 9 turne5 "er o)er on "er stoma3"@ in3reasin- t"e pressure to almost 8reakin-@ 8ut not ;uite. Breakin- "er arm mi-"t not stop t"e 1i-"t. 9 %ante5 it o)er %it". 9 use5 my le- an5 one arm to keep t"e >oint lo3k on 8ut knelt o)er "er upper 8o5y@ until my %ei-"t %oul5 keep "er pinne5. 9 took a "an51ul o1 yello% "air an5 pulle5 "er ne3k 8a3k. 9 release5 "er arm an5 8rou-"t my ri-"t arm a3ross "er ne3k@ %it" my el8o% in 1ront o1 "er A5am?s apple an5 t"e arm s;ueeEin- t"e arteries on 8ot" si5es o1 "er ne3k. 9 put my ri-"t "an5 on my le1t %rist an5 s;ueeEe5. S"e s3rat3"e5 at my 1a3e@ 8ut 9 8urie5 my eyes in "er 8a3k an5 s"e 3oul5n?t rea3" me. S"e %as makin- small@ "elpless soun5s 8e3ause s"e 5i5n?t "a)e enou-" air to make 8i- ones. Her "an5s s3rat3"e5 at my ri-"t arm@ 8ut t"e s%eater %as t"i3k. S"e pus"e5 t"e slee)e up@ e*posin- my 8are arm@ an5 8e-an to s"re5 t"e skin %it" "er nails. 9 8urie5 my 1a3e 5eeper into "er 8a3k an5 s;ueeEe5 until my arms s"ook an5 9 %as -rittin- my teet". ,)eryt"in- 9 "a5 %as in t"at one arm@ pressin- into "er slen5er t"roat. Her "an5s stoppe5 s3rat3"in- me. $"ey 8eat a-ainst my arm like 5yin- 8utter1lies. 9t takes a lon- time to 3"oke someone into un3ons3iousness. $"e mo)ies make it look easy@ ;ui3k@ 3lean. 9t isn?t easy@ it isn?t ;ui3k@ an5 it sure as "ell isn?t 3lean. Dou 3an 1eel t"e pulse on eit"er si5e o1 t"e ne3k poun5in- a-ainst your arm %"ile you s;ueeEe t"e li1e out o1 it. $"e person stru--les a lot more t"an in t"e mo)ies. An5 as 1ar as 3"okin- someone to 5eat"@ you 8etter "ol5 on 1or a lon- time a1ter t"ey stop mo)in-. 7ar-uerite %ent slo%ly limp@ a 8o5y part at a time. ="en s"e %as >ust 5ea5 %ei-"t in my arms@ 9 let "er -o@ slo%ly. S"e lay on t"e 1loor unmo)in-. 9 3oul5n?t e)en see "er 8reat"e. Ha5 9 s;ueeEe5 too lon-B 9 tou3"e5 "er ne3k an5 1oun5 t"e 3aroti5 pulse stron- an5 e)en. Hust out o1 it@ not 5ea5. Goo5. 9 stoo5 an5 %alke5 8a3k to%ar5s t"e 8e5. Dasmeen %ent to "er knees 8esi5e 7ar-uerite?s still 1orm. A7y lo)e@ my only one@ "as s"e "urt youBC AS"e?s >ust un3ons3ious@C 9 sai5. AS"e?ll 3ome to in a 1e% minutes.C A91 you "a5 kille5 "er@ 9 %oul5 "a)e torn your t"roat out.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ALet?s not start t"is s"it a-ain. 9?)e "a5 a8out all t"e -ran5stan5in- 9 3an take 1or one ni-"t.C $"e man in 8e5 sai5@ ADou?re 8lee5in-.C Bloo5 %as 5rippin- 5o%n my ri-"t 1orearm. 7ar-uerite may not "a)e 8een a8le to 5o any real 5ama-e@ 8ut t"e s3rat3"es %ere 5eep enou-" t"at some o1 t"em mi-"t lea)e s3ars. GreatG 9 alrea5y "a5 a lon-@ t"in s3ar on t"e un5ersi5e o1 my ri-"t arm 1rom a kni1e. ,)en %it" t"e s3rat3"es@ my ri-"t arm "a5 1e%er s3ars t"an my le1t. =ork2relate5 in>uries. Bloo5 %as 5rippin- 5o%n my arm rat"er stea5ily. $"e 8loo5 5i5n?t s"o% on t"e 8la3k 3arpetin-. A -oo5 3olor i1 you planne5 to 8lee5 mu3" in a room. Dasmeen %as "elpin- 7ar-uerite to "er 1eet. $"e %oman "a5 re3o)ere5 )ery ;ui3kly. ="yB Be3ause s"e %as a "uman ser)ant@ o1 3ourse. Sure. Dasmeen %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 8e5@ to%ar5s me. Her lo)ely 1a3e "a5 t"inne5 until t"e 8ones s"o%e5 t"rou-". Her eyes %ere 8ri-"t@ almost 1e)eris". A'res" 8loo5@ an5 9 "a)en?t 1e5 toni-"t.C A!ontrol yoursel1@ Dasmeen.C ADou "a)e not tau-"t your ser)ant -oo5 manners@ Hean2!lau5e@C Dasmeen sai5. S"e %as lookin- )ery unkin5ly at me. ALea)e "er alone@ Dasmeen.C Hean2!lau5e %as stan5in- no%. A,)ery ser)ant must 8e tame5@ Hean2!lau5e. Dou "a)e let it -o 1ar too lon-.C 9 looke5 o)er Dasmeen?s s"oul5er at "im. A$ame5BC A9t is an un1ortunate sta-e in t"e pro3ess@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as neutral@ as i1 "e %ere talkin- a8out tamin- a "orse. A4amn you.C 9 pulle5 my -un. 9 "el5 it t%o2"an5e5 in a tea3up -rip. /o8o5y %as tamin- me toni-"t. #ut o1 t"e 3orner o1 my eye 9 sa% someone stan5 up on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 8e5. $"e man %as still un5er t"e 3o)ers. 9t %as a slen5er %oman@ "er skin t"e 3olor o1 3o11ee %it" 3ream. Her 8la3k "air %as 3ut )ery 3lose to "er "ea5. S"e %as nake5. ="ere t"e "ell "a5 s"e 3ome 1romB Dasmeen %as a8out a yar5 1rom me@ ton-ue playin- o)er "er lips@ 1an-s -listenin- in t"e o)er"ea5 li-"t.

A9?ll kill you@ 5o you un5erstan5 t"at@ 9?ll kill you@C 9 sai5. ADou?ll try.C A'un an5 -ames aren?t %ort" 5yin- 1or@C 9 sai5. AA1ter a 1e% "un5re5 years@ t"at?s all t"at is %ort" 5yin- 1or.C AHean2!lau5e@ unless you %ant to lose "er@ 3all "er o11IC 7y )oi3e %as "i-"er t"an 9 %ante5 it to 8e@ a1rai5. At t"is ran-e t"e 8ullet s"oul5 take out "er entire 3"est. 91 it %orke5@ t"ere %oul5 8e no resurre3tin- "er as t"e un5ea5G "er "eart %oul5 8e -one. #1 3ourse@ s"e %as o)er 1i)e "un5re5 years ol5. #ne s"ot mi-"t not 5o it. Lu3ky 9 "a5 more t"an one 8ullet. 9 3au-"t mo)ement 1rom t"e 3orner o1 my eye. 9 %as "al12turne5 to%ar5s it %"en somet"in- 1lattene5 me to t"e -roun5. $"e 8la3k %oman %as on top o1 me. 9 8rou-"t t"e -un aroun5 to 1ire@ not -i)in- a 5amn i1 s"e %as "uman or not. But "er "an5 -ra88e5 my %rists@ s;ueeEin-. S"e %as -oin- to 3rus" my %rists. S"e snarle5 in my 1a3e@ all teet" an5 a lo% -ro%l. $"e soun5 s"oul5 "a)e "a5 1ur aroun5 it an5 pointy teet". Human 1a3es %eren?t suppose5 to look t"at %ay. $"e %oman >erke5 t"e Bro%nin- out o1 my "an5s like takin- 3an5y 1rom a 8a8y. S"e "el5 it %ron-@ like s"e 5i5n?t kno% %"i3" en5 o1 t"e -un %ent %"ere. An arm 3ame aroun5 "er %aist an5 pulle5 "er 8a3k%ar5s o11 me. 9t %as t"e man on t"e 8e5. $"e %oman turne5 on "im@ snarlin-. Dasmeen leapt 1or me. 9 s3oote5 8a3k%ar5s@ puttin- t"e %all at my 8a3k. S"e smile5. A/ot so tou-" %it"out your %eapon@ are youBC S"e %as su55enly kneelin- in 1ront o1 me. 9 "a5n?t seen "er 3ome@ not e)en a 8lur o1 motion. S"e appeare5 8esi5e me like ma-i3. S"e "a5 "er 8o5y up a-ainst my knees@ pinnin- me to t"e %all. Dasmeen 5u- "er 1in-ers into my upper arms an5 >erke5 me to%ar5s "er. Her stren-t" %as in3re5i8le. S"e ma5e t"e 8la3k s"apes"i1ter seem 1ra-ile. ADasmeen@ noIC 9t %as Hean2!lau5e 3omin- to my ai5 at last. But "e %as -oin- to 8e too late. Dasmeen 8are5 "er teet"@ raise5 "er ne3k 8a3k 1or t"e strike@ an5 9 3oul5n?t 5o a 5amn t"in-. S"e pulle5 me in ti-"t a-ainst "er@ arms lo3ke5 8e"in5 my 8a3k. 91 9?5 8een presse5 any ti-"ter 9?5 "a)e 3ome out on t"e ot"er si5e. 9 s3reame5@ AHean2!lau5eIC HeatG somet"in- %as 8urnin- insi5e my s%eater@ o)er my "eart. Dasmeen "esitate5. 9 1elt "er %"ole 8o5y s"u55er. ="at t"e "ell %as "appenin-B A ton-ue o1 8lue2%"ite 1lame 3urle5 up 8et%een us. 9 s3reame5 an5 Dasmeen e3"oe5 it. =e s3reame5 to-et"er as %e 8urne5. S"e 1ell a%ay 1rom me. Blue2%"ite 1lame 3ra%le5 o)er "er s"irt. 'lames li3ke5 aroun5 a "ole in my s%eater. 9 s"ru--e5 out o1 t"e s"oul5er "olster an5 pulle5 t"e 8urnin- s%eater o11. 7y 3ross still 8urne5 %it" an intense 8lue2%"ite 1lame. 9 >erke5 t"e 3"ain an5 it snappe5. 9 5roppe5 t"e 3ross to t"e 3arpet@ %"ere t"e 1lames smol5ere5@ t"en 5ie5. $"ere %as a per1e3t 3ross2s"ape5 8urn on my 3"est@ >ust a8o)e my 8reast@ o)er t"e 8eat o1 my "eart. $"e 8urn %as 3o)ere5 in 8listers alrea5y. A se3on525e-ree 8urn. Dasmeen "a5 rippe5 "er o%n 8louse o11. S"e "a5 an i5enti3al 8urn@ 8ut lo%er 5o%n 8et%een "er 8reasts 8e3ause s"e %as taller t"an 9 %as. 9 knelt on t"e 1loor in >ust my 8ra an5 >eans. $ears %ere trailin- 5o%n my 1a3e. 9 "a5 a 8i--er 3ross2s"ape5 8urn s3ar on my le1t 1orearm. A )ampire?s "uman 1ollo%ers "a5 8ran5e5 me@ t"inkin- it %as 1unny. $"ey?5 lau-"e5 ri-"t up to t"e minute 9 kille5 t"em. A 8urn is a 8it3". 9n3" 1or in3"@ a 8urn "urts %orse t"an any ot"er in>ury. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 in 1ront o1 me. $"e 3ross -lo%e5 a %"ite2"ot li-"t@ no 1lames@ 8ut t"en "e %asn?t tou3"in- it. 9 looke5 up to 1in5 "im s"iel5in- "is eyes %it" "is arm. APut it a%ay@ ma petite. /o one else %ill "arm you toni-"t@ 9 promise you t"at.C A="y 5on?t you >ust 8a3k o11 an5 let me 5e3i5e %"at 9?m -oin- to 5oBC He si-"e5. A9 %as 3"il5is" to let it -et so 1ar out o1 "an5@ Anita. 'or-i)e me 1or my 1oolis"ness.C 9t %as "ar5 to take t"e apolo-y seriously %"ile "e 3o%ere5 8e"in5 "is arm@ not 5arin- to look at my -lo%in- 3ross. But it %as an apolo-y. 'rom Hean2!lau5e@ t"at %as a lot.

9 pi3ke5 t"e 3ross up 8y its 3"ain. 9 "a5 8roken t"e 3lasp -ettin- it o11. 9?5 nee5 a ne% 3"ain 8e1ore it 3oul5 -o aroun5 my ne3k a-ain. 9 pi3ke5 my s%eater up in my ot"er "an5. $"ere %as a melte5 "ole 8i--er t"an my 1ist in it. <i-"t o)er t"e 3"est area. $"e s%eater %as ruine5. /o "elp t"ere. ="ere 5o you "i5e a -lo%in- 3ross %"en you aren?t %earin- a s"irtB $"e man in t"e 8e5 "an5e5 my leat"er >a3ket to me. 9 met "is eyes an5 sa% in t"em 3on3ern@ a little 1ear. His 8ro%n eyes %ere )ery 3lose to me@ an5 )ery "uman. 9t %as 3om1ortin-@ an5 9 %asn?t e)en sure %"y. $"e s"oul5er "olster %as 1loppin- 5o%n aroun5 my %aist like suspen5ers. 9 s"ru--e5 8a3k into t"e straps. $"ey 1elt stran-e ne*t to my 8are skin. $"e man "an5e5 me my -un@ 8utt 1irst. $"e 8la3k s"apes"i1ter stoo5 on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 8e5@ still nake5@ -larin- at us. 9 5i5n?t 3are "o% "e?5 -otten my -un 1rom "er. 9 %as >ust -la5 to "a)e it 8a3k. =it" t"e Bro%nin- in its "olster@ 9 1elt sa1er@ t"ou-" 9?5 ne)er trie5 %earin- a s"oul5er "olster o)er 8are skin. 9 suspe3te5 it %as -oin- to 3"a1e. #"@ %ell@ not"in-?s per1e3t. $"e man "el5 out a "an51ul o1 Kleene* to me. $"e re5 s"eets "a5 sli5 5o%n@ e*posin- a lon- nu5e line o1 "is 8o5y to a8out mi52t"i-". $"e s"eet %as perilously 3lose to 1ailin- o11 "im all to-et"er. ADour arm@C "e sai5. 9 stare5 5o%n at my ri-"t arm. 9t %as still 8lee5in- a little. 9t "urt so mu3" less t"an t"e 8urn@ 9 "a5 1or-otten a8out it. 9 took t"e Kleene* an5 %on5ere5 %"at "e %as 5oin- "ere. Ha5 "e 8een "a)in- se* %it" t"e nake5 %oman@ t"e s"apes"i1terB 9 "a5n?t seen "er in t"e 8e5. Ha5 s"e 8een "i5in- un5er itB 9 3leane5 up my arm as 8est 9 3oul5G 5i5n?t %ant to 8lee5 too "ea)ily on t"e leat"er >a3ket. 9 slippe5 t"e >a3ket on@ an5 put t"e still-lo%in- 3ross in my le1t po3ket. #n3e it %as "i55en@ t"e -lo% %oul5 stop. $"e only reason Dasmeen an5 9 "a5 -otten in trou8le %as t"at t"e s%eater "a5 a loose %ea)e an5 "er top "a5 le1t a lot o1 8are 1les". Vampire 1les" tou3"in- a 8lesse5 3ross %as al%ays )olatile. Hean2!lau5e stare5 5o%n at me@ no% t"at t"e 3ross %as sa1ely "i55en. A9 am sorry@ ma petite. 9 5i5 not mean to 1ri-"ten you toni-"t.C He "el5 one "an5 5o%n to%ar5s me. $"e skin %as paler t"an t"e %"ite la3e t"at 3o)ere5 it. 9 i-nore5 "is outstret3"e5 "an5 an5 use5 t"e 8e5 to "elp me stan5. He lo%ere5 "is "an5 slo%ly. His 5ark 8lue eyes %ere )ery still@ lookin- at me. A9t ne)er %orks as 9 %ant it to %it" you@ Anita Blake. ="y is t"atBC A7ay8e you s"oul5 take t"e "int@ an5 lea)e me alone.C He smile5@ a 8are mo)ement o1 lips. A9?m a1rai5 it is too late 1or t"at.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC $"e 5oor s%un- open@ 8an-in- a-ainst t"e %all an5 8oun3in- 8a3k. A man stoo5 in t"e 5oor%ay@ eyes %i5e@ s%eat runnin- 5o%n "is 1a3e. AHean!lau5e ... t"e snake.C He seeme5 to 8e "a)in- trou8le 8reat"in-@ as i1 "e "a5 run all t"e %ay up t"e stairs. A="at a8out t"e snakeBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. $"e man s%allo%e5@ "is 8reat"in- slo%in-. A9t?s -one 3raEy.C A="at "appene5BC $"e man s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5on?t kno%. 9t atta3ke5 S"a"ar@ its trainer. S"e?s 5ea5.C A9s it in t"e 3ro%5BC A/ot yet.C A=e %ill "a)e to 1inis" t"is 5is3ussion later@ ma petite.C He mo)e5 1or t"e 5oor@ an5 t"e rest o1 t"e )ampires 1ollo%e5 at "is "eels. Step"en %ent %it" t"em. =ell traine5. $"e slen5er 8la3k %oman slippe5 a loose 5ress@ 8la3k %it" re5 1lo%ers on it@ o)er "er "ea5. A pair o1 re5 "i-" "eels an5 s"e %as out t"e 5oor. $"e man %as out o1 t"e 8e5@ nake5. $"ere %as no time to 8e em8arrasse5. He %as stru--lin- into a pair o1 s%eats. $"is %asn?t my pro8lem@ 8ut %"at i1 t"e 3o8ra -ot into t"e 3ro%5B /ot my pro8lem. 9 Eippe5 t"e >a3ket up enou-" to "i5e t"e 1a3t 9 %as s"irtless 8ut not so "i-" up 9 3oul5n?t 5ra% my -un. 9 %as out t"e 5oor an5 into t"e 8ri-"t open spa3e o1 t"e tent 8e1ore t"e nameless man "a5 slippe5 on "is s%eat pants. $"e )ampires an5 s"apes"i1ters %ere at t"e e5-e o1 t"e rin-@ 1annin- out into a 3ir3le aroun5 t"e snake. 9t 1ille5 t"e small rin- %it" 8la3k2an52%"ite 3oils. $"e 8ottom "al1 o1 a man in a -litterin- loin3lot" %as 5isappearin- 5o%n t"e 3o8ra?s t"roat. $"at?s %"at "a5 kept it out o1 t"e 3ro%5. 9t %as takin- time to 1ee5. S%eet Hesus. $"e man?s le-s t%it3"e5@ ki3kin- 3on)ulsi)ely. He 3oul5n?t 8e ali)e. He 3oul5n?t 8e. But t"e le-s t%it3"e5 as t"ey sli5 out o1 si-"t. Please@ Go5@ let it >ust 8e a re1le*. 4on?t let "im still 8e ali)e. $"e t"ou-"t %as %orse t"an any ni-"tmare 9 3oul5 remem8er. An5 9 "a)e a lot o1 material 1or ni-"tmares.

$"e monster in t"e rin- %asn?t my pro8lem. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to 8e t"e 8loo5y "ero t"is time. People %ere s3reamin-@ runnin-@ arms 1ull o1 3"il5ren. Pop3orn 8a-s an5 3otton 3an5y %ere -ettin- 3rus"e5 un5er1oot. 9 %a5e5 into t"e 3ro%5 an5 8e-an pus"in- my %ay 5o%n. A %oman 3arryin- a to55ler 1ell at my 1eet. A man 3lim8e5 o)er t"em. 9 5ra--e5 t"e %oman to "er 1eet. takin- t"e 8a8y in one arm. People s"o)e5 past us. =e s"u55ere5 >ust tryin- to stan5 still. 9 1elt like a ro3k in t"e mi55le o1 a ra-in- ri)er. $"e %oman stare5 at me@ eyes too lar-e 1or "er 1a3e. 9 pus"e5 t"e to55ler into "er arms an5 %e5-e5 "er 8et%een t"e seats. 9 -ra88e5 t"e arms o1 t"e nearest lar-e male@ se*ist t"at 9 am@ an5 s"oute5@ AHelp t"emIC $"e man?s 1a3e %as startle5@ as i1 9 "a5 spoken in ton-ues@ 8ut some o1 t"e pani3 1a5e5 1rom "is 1a3e. He took t"e %oman?s arm an5 8e-an to pus" "is %ay to%ar5s t"e e*it. 9 3oul5n?t let t"e snake -et into t"e 3ro%5. /ot i1 9 3oul5 stop it. S"it. 9 %as -oin- to play "ero@ 5ammit. 9 starte5 1i-"tina-ainst t"e ti5e@ to -o 5o%n %"en e)ery8o5y else %as 3omin- up an5 o)er. An el8o% 3au-"t me in t"e mout" an5 9 taste5 8loo5. By t"e time 9 1ou-"t my %ay t"rou-" t"is mess@ it %oul5 all 8e o)er. Go5@ 9 "ope5 so.

Chapter Seven
9 steppe5 out o1 t"e 3ro%5 like 9 %as 1lin-in- asi5e a 3urtain. 7y skin tin-le5 %it" t"e memory o1 s"o)in- 8o5ies@ 8ut 9 stoo5 alone on t"e last step. $"e s3reamin- 3ro%5 %as still up a8o)e me@ stru--lin- 1or t"e e*its. But "ere@ >ust a8o)e t"e rin-@ t"ere %as not"in-. $"e silen3e lay in t"i3k 1ol5s a-ainst my 1a3e an5 "an5s. 9t %as "ar5 to 8reat"e t"rou-" t"e t"i3k air. 7a-i3. But %"et"er )ampire or 3o8ra@ 9 5i5n?t kno%. Step"en stoo5 3losest to me@ s"irtless@ slim an5 some"o% ele-ant. Dasmeen "a5 on "is 8lue s"irt@ "i5in- "er nake5 upper 8o5y. S"e "a5 tie5 t"e s"irt up to e*pose a tanne5 e*panse o1 tummy. 7ar-uerite stoo5 8esi5e "er. $"e 8la3k %oman stoo5 on Step"en?s ri-"t. S"e "a5 ki3ke5 o11 "er "i-" "eels an5 stoo5 1lat21oote5 in t"e rin-. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 on t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e 3ir3le %it" t%o ne% 8lon5 )ampires on eit"er si5e. He turne5 an5 stare5 at me a3ross t"e 5istan3e. 9 1elt "is tou3" insi5e me %"ere no "an5 %as e)er meant to -o. 7y t"roat ti-"tene5G s%eat 8roke on my 8o5y. /ot"in- at t"at moment %oul5 "a)e ma5e me -o 3loser to "im. He %as tryin- to tell me somet"in-. Somet"inpri)ate an5 too intimate 1or %or5s. A "oarse s3ream 8rou-"t my attention to t"e 3enter o1 t"e rin-. $%o men lay 8roken an5 8lee5in- to one si5e. $"e 3o8ra reare5 o)er t"em. 9t %as like a mo)in- to%er o1 mus3le an5 s3ale. 9t "isse5 at us. $"e soun5 %as lou5@ e3"oin-. $"e men lay on t"e -roun5 at its ... 1eetB tailB #ne o1 t"em t%it3"e5. =as "e ali)eB 7y "an5s s;ueeEe5 t"e -uar5rail until my 1in-ers a3"e5. 9 %as so s3are5 9 3oul5 taste 8ile at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. 7y skin %as 3ol5 %it" it. Dou e)er "a)e t"ose 5reams %"ere snakes are e)ery%"ere@ so t"i3k on t"e -roun5 you 3an?t %alk unless you step on t"emB 9t?s almost 3laustrop"o8i3. $"e 5ream al%ays en5s %it" me stan5in- in t"e mi55le o1 t"e trees %it" snakes 5rippin- 5o%n on me@ an5 all 9 3an 5o is s3ream. Hean2!lau5e "el5 out one slen5er "an5 to%ar5s me. $"e la3e 3o)ere5 e)eryt"in- 8ut t"e tips o1 "is 1in-ers. ,)eryone else %as starin- at t"e snake. Hean!lau5e %as starin- at me. #ne o1 t"e %oun5e5 men mo)e5. A so1t moan es3ape5 "is lips an5 seeme5 to e3"o in t"e "u-e tent. =as it illusion or "a5 t"e soun5 really e3"oe5B 9t 5i5n?t matter. He %as ali)e@ an5 %e "a5 to keep "im t"at %ay. =eB ="at %as t"is A%eC stu11B 9 stare5 into Hean2!lau5e?s 5eep 8lue eyes. His 1a3e %as utterly 8lank@ %ipe5 3lean o1 any emotion 9 un5erstoo5. He 3oul5n?t tri3kme %it" "is eyes. His o%n marks "a5 seen to t"at@ 8ut min5 tri3ks2i1 "e %orke5 at it2%ere still possi8le. He %as %orkin- at it. 9t %asn?t %or5s@ 8ut a 3ompulsion. 9 %ante5 to -o to "im. $o run to "im. $o 1eel t"e smoot"@ soli5 -rip o1 "is "an5. $"e so1tness o1 la3e a-ainst my skin. 9 leane5 a-ainst t"e railin-@ 5iEEy. 9 -rippe5 it to keep 1rom 1allin-. ="at t"e "ell %ere t"ese min5 -ames no%B =e "a5 ot"er pro8lems@ 5i5n?t %eB #r 5i5n?t "e 3are a8out t"e snakeB 7ay8e it "a5 all 8een a tri3k. 7ay8e "e "a5 tol5 t"e 3o8ra to run amu3k. But %"yB ,)ery "air on my 8o5y raise5@ as i1 some in)isi8le 1in-er "a5 >ust 8rus"e5 it. 9 s"i)ere5 an5 3oul5n?t stop. 9 %as starin- 5o%n at a pair o1 )ery ni3e 8la3k 8oots@ "i-" an5 so1t. 9 looke5 up an5 met Hean2!lau5e?s eyes. He "a5 le1t "is pla3e aroun5 t"e 3o8ra to 3ome to me. 9t 8eat t"e "ell out o1 me -oin- to "im. AHoin %it" me@ Anita@ an5 %e "a)e enou-" po%er to stop t"e 3reature.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t kno% %"at you?re talkin- a8out.C He 8rus"e5 "is 1in-ertips 5o%n my arm. ,)en t"rou-" t"e leat"er >a3ket 9 3oul5 1eel "is tou3" like a line o1 i3e@ or %as it 1ireB AHo% 3an you 8e "ot an5 3ol5 at t"e same timeBC 9 aske5. He smile5@ a 8are mo)ement o1 lips. A7a petite@ stop 1i-"tin- me@ an5 %e 3an tame t"e 3reature. =e 3an sa)e t"e men.C He "a5 me t"ere. A moment o1 personal %eakness a-ainst t"e li)es o1 t%o people. ="at a 3"oi3e. A#n3e 9 let you insi5e my "ea5 t"at 1ar@ it?ll 8e easier 1or you to 3ome in ne*t time. 7y soul is not up 1or -ra8s 1or any8o5y?s li1e.C

He si-"e5. AVery %ell@ it is your 3"oi3e.C He starte5 to turn a%ay 1rom me. 9 -ra88e5 "is arm@ an5 it %as %arm an5 1irm an5 )ery@ )ery real. He turne5 to me@ eyes lar-e an5 5ro%nin- 5eep@ like t"e 8ottom o1 t"e o3ean@ an5 >ust as 5ea5ly. His o%n po%er kept me 1rom 1allin- inG alone 9 %oul5 "a)e 8een lost. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5 enou-" 1or it to "urt@ an5 pulle5 my "an5 a%ay 1rom "im. 9 "a5 t"e ur-e to %ipe my "an5 a-ainst my pants@ as i1 9 "a5 tou3"e5 somet"in- 8a5. 7ay8e 9 "a5. A=ill sil)er 8ullets "urt itBC He seeme5 to t"ink a8out t"at 1or a se3on5. A9 5o not kno%.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat". A91 you stop tryin- to "i>a3k my min5@ 9?ll "elp you.C ADou?ll 1a3e it %it" a -un@ rat"er t"an %it" meBC His )oi3e soun5e5 amuse5. ADou -ot it.C He steppe5 a%ay 1rom me an5 motione5 me to%ar5s t"e rin-. 9 )aulte5 t"e rail an5 lan5e5 8esi5e "im. 9 i-nore5 "im as mu3" as 9 %as a8le an5 starte5 %alkin- to%ar5s t"e 3reature. 9 pulle5 t"e Bro%nin- out. 9t %as ni3e an5 soli5 in my "an5. A 3om1ortin- %ei-"t. A$"e an3ient ,-yptians %ors"ippe5 it as a -o5@ ma petite. S"e %as ,5>o@ t"e royal serpent. !are5 1or@ sa3ri1i3e5 to@ a5ore5.C A9t isn?t a -o5@ Hean2!lau5e.C AAre you so sureBC A9?m a monot"eist@ remem8er. 9t?s >ust anot"er supernatural 3reepy3ra%lie to me.C AAs you like@ ma petite.C 9 turne5 8a3k to "im. AHo% t"e "ell 5i5 you -et it past ;uarantineBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A4oes it matterBC 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e t"in- in t"e mi55le o1 t"e rin-. $"e snake 3"armer lay in a 8loo5y "eap to one si5e o1 t"e snake. 9t "a5n?t eaten "er. =as t"at a si-n o1 respe3t@ a11e3tion@ 5um8 lu3kB $"e 3o8ra pus"e5 to%ar5s us@ 8elly s3ales 3len3"in- an5 un3len3"in-. 9t ma5e a 5ry@ %"isperin- soun5 a-ainst t"e rin-?s 1loor. He %as ri-"tG it 5i5n?t matter "o% t"e t"in- "a5 -otten into t"e 3ountry. 9t %as "ere no%. AHo% are %e -oin- to stop itBC He smile5 %i5e enou-" to 1las" 1an-s. 7ay8e it %as t"e A%e.C A91 you 3oul5 5isa8le its mout"@ 9 t"ink %e 3oul5 5eal %it" it.C $"e snake?s 8o5y %as t"i3ker t"an a telep"one pole. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A91 you say so.C A!an you in>ure t"e mout"BC 9 no55e5. A91 sil)er 8ullets %ork on it@ yea".C A7y little marksman@C "e sai5. A!an t"e sar3asm@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. A91 you are -oin- to try to s"oot it@ 9 %oul5 "urry@ ma petite. #n3e it %a5es into my people@ it %ill 8e too late.C His 1a3e %as unrea5a8le. 9 3oul5n?t tell i1 "e %ante5 me to 5o it@ or not. 9 turne5 an5 starte5 %alkin- a3ross t"e rin-. $"e 3o8ra stoppe5 mo)in- 1or%ar5. 9t %aite5@ like a s%ayin- to%er. 9t stoo5 t"ere@ i1 somet"in- %it"out le-s 3oul5 stan5@ an5 %aite5 1or me@ %"iplike ton-ue 1li3kin- out@ tastin- t"e air. $astin- me. Hean2!lau5e %as su55enly 8esi5e me. 9 "a5n?t "ear5 "im 3ome@ "a5n?t 1elt "im 3ome. Hust anot"er min5 tri3k. 9 "a5 ot"er t"in-s to %orry a8out ri-"t no%. He spoke@ lo% an5 ur-entG 9 t"ink only 9 "ear5. A9 %ill 5o my 8est to prote3t you@ ma petite.C ADou %ere 5oin- a -reat >o8 up in your o11i3e.C He stoppe5 %alkin-. 9 5i5n?t. A9 kno% you are a1rai5 o1 it@ Anita. Dour 1ear 3ra%ls t"rou-" my 8elly@C "e 3alle5@ so1t an5 1aint as %in5. 9 %"ispere5 8a3k@ not sure "e %oul5 e)en 8e a8le to "ear me. AStay t"e 1u3k out o1 my min5.C $"e 3o8ra %at3"e5 me. 9 "el5 t"e Bro%nin- in a t%o2"an5e5 -rip@ pointe5 at t"e t"in-?s "ea5. 9 t"ou-"t 9 %as out o1 strikin- 5istan3e@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure. Ho% 1ar a%ay is sa1e 5istan3e 1rom a snake t"at?s 8i--er t"an a 7a3k tru3kB $%o states a%ay@ t"reeB 9 %as 3lose enou-" to see t"e snake?s 1lat 8la3k eyes@ empty as a 5oll?s. Hean2!lau5e?s %or5s 8le% t"rou-" my min5 like 1lo%er petals. 9 3oul5 e)en "a)e s%orn 9 smelle5 1lo%ers. His )oi3e "a5 ne)er "el5 t"e s3ent o1 per1ume 8e1ore. A'or3e it to 1ollo% you@ an5 -i)e us its 8a3k 8e1ore you s"oot.C

$"e pulse in my ne3k %as 8eatin- so "ar5@ it "urt to 8reat"e. 7y mout" %as so 5ry 9 3oul5n?t s%allo% ri-"t. 9 8e-an to mo)e@ e)er so slo%ly@ a%ay 1rom t"e )ampires an5 s"apes"i1ters. $"e snake?s "ea5 1ollo%e5 me@ as it "a5 1ollo%e5 t"e snake 3"armer. 91 it starte5 to strike@ 9?5 s"oot it@ 8ut i1 it %oul5 >ust keep mo)in- %it" me@ 9?5 -i)e Hean!lau5e a 3"an3e at its 8a3k. #1 3ourse@ sil)er 8ullets mi-"t not "urt it. 9n 1a3t@ t"e t"in- %as so 5amn 8i-@ t"e ammo 9 "a5 in t"e Bro%nin- mi-"t not 5o more t"an irritate it. 9 1elt like 9 %as trappe5 in one o1 t"ose monster mo)ies %"ere t"e -iant slime monster keeps 3ominno matter "o% mu3" you s"oot it. 9 "ope5 t"at %as >ust a Holly%oo5 in)ention. 91 t"e 8ullets 5i5n?t "urt it@ 9 %as -oin- to 5ie. 9 1las"e5 on t"e ima-e o1 t"e man?s le-s ki3kin- as t"ey %ent 5o%n. $"e lump %as still )isi8le in t"e snake?s 8o5y@ like it "a5 1e5 on a really 8i- rat. $"e ton-ue 1li3ke5 out an5 9 -aspe5@ s%allo%in- a s3ream. Go5@ Anita@ 3ontrol yoursel1. 9t?s >ust a snake. A -iant man2 eatin- 3o8ra snake@ 8ut still only a snake. Dea"@ ri-"t. ,)ery "air on my 8o5y stoo5 at attention. $"e po%er t"at 9?5 1elt t"e snake 3"armer 3allin- up %as still "ere. 9t %asn?t enou-" t"at t"e t"in- %as poisonous an5 "a5 teet" 8i- enou-" to spear me %it". 9t "a5 to 8e ma-i3@ too. Great@ >ust -reat. $"e smell o1 1lo%ers %as t"i3ker@ 3loser. 9t "a5n?t 8een Hean2!lau5e at all. $"e 3o8ra %as 1illin- t"e air %it" per1ume. Snakes 5on?t smell like 1lo%ers. $"ey smell musty@ an5 on3e you kno% %"at t"ey smell like@ you ne)er 1or-et it. /ot"in%it" 1ur e)er smelle5 like t"at. A )ampire?s 3o11in smells a 8it like snakes. $"e 3o8ra turne5 its -iant "ea5 %it" me. A!ome on@ >ust a little 1art"er@C 9 %as speakin- to t"e snake. ="i3" is pretty stupi5@ sin3e t"ey?re 5ea1. $"e smell o1 1lo%ers %as t"i3k an5 s%eet. 9 s"u11le5 aroun5 t"e rin-@ an5 t"e snake s"a5o%e5 me. 7ay8e it %as "a8it. 9 %as small an5 "a5 lon-@ 5ark "air@ t"ou-" not nearly as lon- as t"e 5ea5 snake 3"armer. 7ay8e t"e 8eastie %ante5 someone to 1ollo%B A!ome on@ pretty -irl@ 3ome to mama@C 9 %"ispere5 so lo% my lips 8arely mo)e5. Hust me an5 t"e snake an5 my )oi3e. 9 5i5n?t 5are look a3ross t"e rin- at Hean2!lau5e. /ot"in- mattere5 8ut my 1eet s"u11lin- o)er t"e -roun5@ t"e snake?s mo)ements@ t"e -un in my "an5s. 9t %as like some kin5 o1 5an3e. $"e 3o8ra parte5 its mout"@ ton-ue 1li3kin-@ -i)in- me a -limpse o1 s3yt"elike 1an-s. !o8ras "a)e 1i*e5 1an-s@ not retra3ta8le like a rattlesnake?s. /i3e to kno% 9 remem8ere5 some o1 my "erpetolo-y. $"ou-" 9 8et 4r. Green8ur- "a5 ne)er seen anyt"in- like t"is. 9 "a5 a "orri8le impulse to -i--le. 9nstea5@ 9 si-"te5 5o%n my arm at t"e t"in-?s mout". $"e s3ent o1 1lo%ers %as stronenou-" to tou3". 9 s;ueeEe5 t"e tri--er. $"e snake?s "ea5 >erke5 8a3k%ar5s@ 8loo5 splatterin- t"e 1loor. 9 1ire5 a-ain an5 a-ain. $"e >a%s e*plo5e5 into 8its o1 1les" an5 8one. $"e 3o8ra opene5 its ruine5 >a%s@ "issin-. 9 t"ink it %as s3reamin-. 9ts telep"one2pole 8o5y slas"e5 t"e -roun5@ %"ippin- 8a3k an5 1ort". !oul5 9 kill itB !oul5 >ust 8ullets kill itB 9 1ire5 t"ree more s"ots into t"e "ea5. $"e 8o5y turne5 on itsel1 in a "u-e %on5rous knot. $"e 8la3k an5 %"ite s3ales 8oile5 o)er ea3" ot"er@ 1renEie5@ 8loo5spattere5. A loop o1 8o5y rolle5 out an5 pun3"e5 my le-s out 1rom un5er me. 9 3ame up on knees an5 one "an5@ -un in t"e ot"er "an5 rea5y to point. Anot"er 3oil smas"e5 into me. 9t %as like 8ein- "it 8y a %"ale. 9 lay "al1stunne5 un5er se)eral "un5re5 poun5s o1 snake. #ne stripe5 3oil pinne5 me to t"e -roun5. $"e 8east reare5 o)er me@ 8loo5 an5 pale 5rops o1 poison runnin- 5o%n its s"attere5 >a%s. 91 t"e poison "it my skin@ it %oul5 kill me. $"ere %as too mu3" o1 it not to. 9 lay 1lat on my 8a3k %it" t"e snake %rit"in- a3ross me an5 1ire5 at it. 9 >ust kept s;ueeEin- t"e tri--er as t"e "ea5 rus"e5 5o%n on me. Somet"in- "it t"e snake. Somet"in- 3o)ere5 in 1ur 5u- teet" an5 3la%s into t"e snake?s ne3k. 9t %as a %ere%ol1 %it" 1urry@ man2s"ape5 arms. $"e 3o8ra reare5@ pressin- me un5er its %ei-"t. $"e smoot" 8elly s3ales pus"e5 at my nearly nake5 upper 8o5y like a -iant "an5@ s;ueeEin-. 9t %asn?t -oin- to eat me@ it %as -oin- to 3rus" me to 5eat". 9 s3reame5 an5 1ire5 into t"e snake?s 8o5y. $"e -un 3li3ke5 empty. S"itI Hean2!lau5e appeare5 o)er me. His pale@ la3e23o)ere5 "an5s li1te5 t"e 3oil o11 me as i1 it %asn?t a t"ousan5 poun5s o1 mus3le. 9 s3oote5 8a3k%ar5s on "an5s an5 1eet. 9 3ra8%alke5 until 9 "it t"e e5-e o1 t"e rin-@ t"en 9 poppe5 t"e empty 3lip an5 -ot t"e e*tra out o1 my sport 8a-. 9 5i5n?t remem8er 1irin- all t"irteen roun5s@ 8ut 9 must "a)e. 9 >a3ke5 a roun5 into t"e 3"am8er@ an5 9 %as rea5y to ro3k an5 roll. Hean2!lau5e %as el8o% 5eep in snake. He pulle5 a pie3e o1 -listenin- spine out o1 t"e meat@ splittin- t"e snake apart. Dasmeen %as tearin- at t"e -iant snake like a ki5 %it" ta11y. Her 1a3e an5 upper 8o5y %ere 8at"e5 in 8loo5. S"e pulle5 a lon- pie3e o1 snake intestine out an5 lau-"e5. 9 "a5 ne)er really seen )ampires use e)ery 8it o1 t"eir in"uman stren-t". 9 sat on t"e e5-e o1 t"e rin- %it" my loa5e5 -un an5 >ust %at3"e5. $"e 8la3k s"apes"i1ter %as still in "uman 1orm. S"e "a5 -otten a kni1e 1rom some%"ere an5 %as "appily 3ar)in- t"e snake up.

$"e 3o8ra %"ippe5 its "ea5 into t"e -roun5@ sen5in- t"e %ere%ol1 rollin-. $"e snake reare5 an5 3ame smas"in- 5o%n. 9ts ruine5 >a%s plun-e5 into t"e 8la3k %oman?s s"oul5er. S"e s3reame5. #ne 1an- 3ame out t"e 8a3k o1 "er 5ress. Poison s;uirte5 1rom t"e 1an-@ splas"in- onto t"e -roun5. Poison an5 8loo5 soake5 into t"e 8a3k o1 "er 5ress. 9 mo)e5 1or%ar5@ -un rea5y@ 8ut 9 "esitate5. $"e 3o8ra %as 1lin-in- its "ea5 1rom si5e to si5e@ tryin- to s"ake t"e %oman o11. $"e 1an- %as too 5eeply im8e55e5 an5 t"e mout" too 5ama-e5. $"e 3o8ra %as trappe5@ an5 so %as t"e %oman. 9 %asn?t sure 9 3oul5 "it t"e snake?s "ea5 %it"out "ittin- "er. $"e %oman %as s3reamin-@ s"riekin-. Her "an5s 3la%e5 "elplessly at t"e snake. S"e?5 5roppe5 "er kni1e some%"ere. A 8lon5 )ampire -ra88e5 t"e 8la3k %oman. $"e snake reare5 8a3k@ li1tin- t"e %oman in "is >a%s@ %orryin- "er like a 5o%it" a toy. S"e s"rieke5. $"e %ere%ol1 >umpe5 on t"e snake?s ne3k@ ri5in- it like a %il5 "orse. $"ere %as no %ay to s"oot %it"out "ittin- someone no%. 4ammit. 9 "a5 to >ust stan5 t"ere@ %at3"in-. $"e man 1rom t"e 8e5 %as runnin- a3ross t"e rin-. Ha5 it taken "im t"at lon- to slip into t"e -rey s%eat pants an5 Eippere5 >a3ketB $"e >a3ket %as unEippe5 an5 1lappe5 as "e ran@ e*posin- most o1 "is tanne5 3"est. He %as unarme5 as 1ar as 9 3oul5 tell. ="at t"e "ell 5i5 "e t"ink "e 3oul5 5oB 4ammit. He knelt 8esi5e t"e t%o men %"o "a5 8een ali)e %"en all t"e s"it starte5. He 5ra--e5 one o1 t"em a%ay 1rom t"e 1i-"t. 9t %as -oo5 t"inkin-. Hean2!lau5e -ra88e5 t"e %oman. He -rippe5 t"e 1an- t"at speare5 "er s"oul5er an5 snappe5 it o11. $"e 3ra3k %as lou5 as a ri1le s"ot. $"e %oman?s s"oul5er stret3"e5 a%ay 1rom "er 8o5y@ 8ones an5 li-aments snappin-. S"e -a)e one last s"riek an5 %ent limp. He 3arrie5 "er to%ar5s me@ layin- "er on t"e -roun5. Her ri-"t arm %as "an-in- 8y stran5s o1 mus3le. He "a5 1ree5 "er 1rom t"e snake@ an5 5amn near pulle5 "er arm o11. AHelp "er@ ma petite.C He le1t "er at my 1eet@ 8lee5in- an5 un3ons3ious. 9 kne% some 1irst ai5@ 8ut Hesus. $"ere %as no %ay to put a tourni;uet on t"e %oun5. 9 3oul5n?t splint t"e arm. 9t %asn?t >ust 8roken@ it %as rippe5 apart. A 8reat" o1 %in5 ooEe5 t"rou-" t"e tent. Somet"in- tu--e5 at my -ut. 9 -aspe5 an5 looke5 up a%ay 1rom t"e 5yin- -irl. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 8esi5e t"e snake. All t"e )ampires %ere tearin- at t"e 8o5y@ an5 still it li)e5. A %in5 ru11le5 t"e la3e on "is 3ollar@ t"e 8la3k %a)es o1 "is "air. $"e %in5 %"ispere5 a-ainst my 1a3e@ pullin- my "eart up into my t"roat. $"e only soun5 9 3oul5 "ear %as t"e t"un5er o1 my o%n 8loo5 8eatin- a-ainst my ears. Hean2!lau5e mo)e5 1or%ar5 almost -ently. An5 9 1elt somet"in- insi5e me mo)e %it" "im. 9t %as almost like "e "el5 an in)isi8le line to my "eart. pulse@ 8loo5. 7y pulse %as so 1ast@ 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. ="at %as "appenin-B He %as on t"e snake@ "an5s 5i--in- in t"e 1les" >ust 8elo% t"e mout". 9 1elt my "an5s 5i- into t"e %rit"in- 1les". 7y "an5s 5i--in- at 8one@ snappin- it. 7y "an5s s"o)in- in almost to t"e el8o%. 9t %as sli3k@ %et@ 8ut not %arm. #ur "an5s pus"e5@ t"en pulle5@ until our s"oul5ers straine5 %it" t"e e11ort. $"e "ea5 tore a%ay to lan5 a3ross t"e rin-. $"e "ea5 1loppe5@ mout" snappin- at empty air. $"e 8o5y still stru--le5@ 8ut it %as 5yin- no%. 9 "a5 1allen to t"e -roun5 8esi5e t"e %oun5e5 %oman. $"e Bro%nin- %as still in my "an5@ 8ut it %oul5n?t "a)e "elpe5 me. 9 3oul5 "ear a-ain@ 1eel a-ain. 7y "an5s %eren?t 3o)ere5 in 8loo5 an5 -ore. $"ey "a5 8een Hean2!lau5e?s "an5s@ not mine. 4ear Go5@ %"at %as "appenin- to meB 9 3oul5 still 1eel t"e 8loo5 on my "an5s. 9t %as an in3re5i8ly po%er1ul sensory memory. Go5I Somet"in- tou3"e5 my s"oul5er. 9 %"irle5@ -un nearly s"o)e5 into t"e man?s 1a3e. 9t %as t"e man in t"e -rey s%eats. He %as kneelin- 8esi5e me@ "an5s in t"e air@ "is eyes starin- at t"e -un in my "an5s. A9?m on your si5e@C "e sai5. 7y pulse %as still t"umpin- in my t"roat. 9 5i5n?t trust mysel1 to speak@ so 9 >ust no55e5 an5 stoppe5 pointin- t"e -un at "im. He took o11 "is s%eat >a3ket. A7ay8e %e 3an stop some o1 t"e 8loo5 %it" t"is.C He %a55e5 t"e >a3ket up an5 s"o)e5 it a-ainst t"e %oun5. AS"e?s pro8a8ly in s"o3k@C 9 sai5. 7y )oi3e soun5e5 stran-e@ "ollo%. ADou 5on?t look so -oo5 yoursel1.C 9 5i5n?t 1eel so -oo5 eit"er. Hean2!lau5e "a5 entere5 my min5@ my 8o5y. 9t "a5 8een like %e %ere one person. 9 starte5 to s"i)er an5 3oul5n?t stop. 7ay8e it %as s"o3k. A9 3alle5 t"e poli3e an5 an am8ulan3e@C "e sai5. 9 stare5 at "im. His 1a3e %as )ery stron-@ "i-" 3"eek8ones@ s;uare >a%@ 8ut "is lips %ere so1ter@ makin- it a )ery sympat"eti3 1a3e. His %a)y 8ro%n "air 1ell 1or%ar5 like a 3urtain aroun5 "is 1a3e. 9 remem8ere5 anot"er man %it" lon8ro%n "air. Anot"er "uman tie5 to t"e )ampires. He "a5 5ie5 8a5ly@ an5 9 "a5n?t 8een a8le to sa)e "im. 9 3au-"t si-"t o1 7ar-uerite on t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e rin-@ %at3"in-. Her eyes %ere %i5e@ "er lips "al12parte5. S"e %as en>oyin- "ersel1. Go5.

$"e %ere%ol1 pulle5 8a3k 1rom t"e snake. $"e s"apes"i1ter looke5 like a )ery 3lassy )ersion o1 e)ery %ol1man t"at "a5 e)er stalke5 t"e streets o1 Lon5on@ e*3ept it %as nake5 an5 "a5 -enitalia 8et%een its le-s. 7o)ie %ol1men %ere al%ays smoot"@ se*less as a Bar8ie 5oll. $"e %ere%ol1?s 1ur %as a 5ark "oney 3olor. A 8lon5 %ere%ol1B =as it Step"enB 91 it %asn?t@ t"en "e "a5 5isappeare5@ an5 9 5i5n?t t"ink Hean2!lau5e %oul5 allo% t"at. A )oi3e yelle5@ A,)ery8o5y 1reeEeC? A3ross t"e rin- %ere t%o patrol 3ops %it" t"eir -uns out. #ne o1 t"em sai5@ AHesus !"ristIC 9 put my -un a%ay %"ile t"ey %ere starin- at t"e 5ea5 snake. $"e 8o5y %as still t%it3"in-@ 8ut it %as 5ea5. 9t >ust takes lon-er 1or a reptile?s 8o5y to kno% it?s 5ea5 t"an most mammals. 9 1elt li-"t an5 empty as air. ,)eryt"in- "a5 a 1aintly unreal ;uality. 9t %asn?t t"e snake. 9t %as %"ate)er Hean2!lau5e "a5 5one to me. 9 s"ook my "ea5@ tryin- to 3lear it@ to t"ink. $"e 3ops %ere "ere. 9 "a5 t"in-s 9 nee5e5 to 5o. 9 1is"e5 t"e little plasti3 94 3ar5 out o1 my sport 8a- an5 3lippe5 it to t"e 3ollar o1 my >a3ket. 9t i5enti1ie5 me as a mem8er o1 t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam. 9t %as almost as -oo5 as a 8a5-e. ALet?s -o talk to t"e 3ops 8e1ore t"ey start s"ootin-.C A$"e snake?s 5ea5@C "e sai5. $"e %ol1man %as tearin- at t"e 5ea5 t"in- %it" a lon- pointe5 muEEle@ rippin- o11 3"unks o1 meat. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5 an5 looke5 a%ay. A$"ey may not t"ink t"e snake is t"e only monster in t"e rin-.C A#".C He sai5 it )ery so1tly@ as i1 t"e t"ou-"t "a5 ne)er o33urre5 to "im 8e1ore. ="at t"e "ell %as "e 5oin- %it" t"e monstersB 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e poli3e@ smilin-. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 t"ere in t"e mi55le o1 t"e rin-@ "is %"ite s"irt so 8loo5y it 3lun- to "im like %ater@ outlinin- t"e point o1 one nipple "ar5 a-ainst t"e 3lot". Bloo5 %as smeare5 5o%n one si5e o1 "is 1a3e. His arms %ere 3rimson to t"e el8o%s. $"e youn-est )ampire@ a %oman@ "a5 8urie5 "er 1a3e in t"e snake?s 8loo5. S"e %as s3oopin- t"e 8loo5y meat into "er mout" an5 su3kin- on it. $"e soun5s %ere %et an5 seeme5 lou5er t"an t"ey s"oul5 "a)e 8een. A7y name?s Anita Blake. 9 %ork %it" t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam. 9?)e -ot 94. A="o?s t"at %it" youBC $"e uni1orm no55e5 "is "ea5 in t"e man?s 5ire3tion. His -un %as still pointe5 )a-uely to%ar5s t"e rin-. 9 %"ispere5 out o1 t"e 3orner o1 my mout"@ A="at is your nameBC A<i3"ar5 Keeman@C "e sai5 so1tly. #ut lou5 9 sai5@ A<i3"ar5 Keeman@ >ust an inno3ent 8ystan5er.C $"at last %as pro8a8ly a lie. Ho% inno3ent 3oul5 a man 8e %"o %oke up in a 8e5 surroun5e5 8y )ampires an5 s"apes"i1tersB But t"e uni1orm no55e5. A="at a8out t"e rest o1 t"emBC 9 -lan3e5 %"ere "e %as starin-. 9t 5i5n?t look any 8etter. A$"e mana-er an5 some o1 "is people. $"ey %a5e5 into t"e t"into keep it out o1 t"e 3ro%5.C ABut t"ey ain?t "uman@ ri-"tBC "e sai5. A/o@C 9 sai5@ At"ey aren?t "uman.C AHesus H. !"rist@ t"e -uys 8a3k at t"e station aren?t -oin- to 8elie)e t"is one@C "is partner sai5. He %as pro8a8ly ri-"t. 9 "a5 8een "ere@ an5 9 almost 5i5n?t 8elie)e it. A -iant maneatin- 3o8ra. Hesus H. !"rist in5ee5.

Chapter Eight
9 %as sittin- in a samll "all%ay t"at ser)e5 as t"e per1ormers? entran3e to t"e 8i- tent. $"e li-"tin- %as permanently 5im. as i1 some o1 t"e t"in-s rollin- t"rou-" %oul5n?t like a lot o1 li-"t. Bi- surprise t"ere. $"ere %ere no 3"airs@ an5 9 %as -ettin- a little tire5 o1 sittin- on t"e 1loor. 9?5 -i)en a statement 1irst to a uni1orm@ t"en to a 5ete3ti)e. $"en <P9$ "a5 arri)e5 an5 t"e ;uestionin- starte5 all o)er a-ain. 4olp" no55e5 to me@ an5 Ker8ro%ski s"ot at me %it" "is t"um8 an5 1ore1in-er. $"at "a5 8een an "our an5 1i1teen minutes a-o. 9 %as -ettin- a %ee 8it tire5 o1 8ein- i-nore5. <i3"ar5 Keeman an5 Step"en t"e =ere%ol1 %ere sittin- a3ross 1rom me. <i3"ar5?s "an5s %ere 3laspe5 loosely aroun5 one knee. He %as %earin- %"ite /ikes %it" a 8lue s%oos"@ an5 no so3ks. ,)en "is an-les ere tan. His t"i3k "air 8rus"e5 t"e tops o1 "is nake5 s"oul5ers. His eyes %ere 3lose5. 9 3oul5 -aEe at "is mus3ular upper 8o5y as lon- as 9 %ante5 to. His stoma3" %as 1lat %it" a trian-le o1 5ark peekin- a8o)e t"e s%eat pants. His upper 3"est %as smoot"@ per1e3t@ no "air at all. 9 appro)e5. Step"en %as 3u55le5 on t"e 1loor@ asleep. Bruises 8lossome5 up t"e le1t si5e o1 "is 1a3e@ 8la3k2purple an5 t"at ra% re5 3olor a really 8a5 8ruise -ets. His le1t arm %as in a slin-@ 8ut "e?5 re1use5 to -o to t"e "ospital. He %as %rappe5 in a -rey 8lanket t"at t"e parame5i3s "a5 -i)en "im. As 1ar as 9 3oul5 tell@ it %as all "e %as %earin-. 9 -uess "e?5 lost "is 3lot"es

%"en "e s"apes"i1te5. $"e %ol1man "a5 8een 8i--er t"an "e %as@ an5 t"e le-s "a5 8een a )ery 5i11erent s"ape. So t"e skin2ti-"t >eans an5 t"e 8eauti1ul 3o%8oy 8oots %ere "istory. 7ay8e t"at %as %"y t"e 8la3k s"apes"i1ter "a5 8een nake5. Ha5 t"at 8een %"y <i3"ar5 Keeman %as nake5@ as %ellB =as "e a s"apes"i1terB 9 5i5n?t t"ink so. 91 "e %as@ "e "i5 it 8etter t"an any8o5y 9?5 e)er 8een aroun5. Besi5es@ i1 "e "a5 8een a s"apes"i1ter@ %"y 5i5n?t "e >oin t"e 1i-"t a-ainst t"e 3o8raB He?5 5one a sensi8le t"in- 1or an unarme5 "uman 8ein-G "e?5 staye5 out o1 t"e %ay. Step"en@ %"o "a5 starte5 out t"e ni-"t lookin- s3rumptious@ looke5 like s"it. $"e lon-@ 8lon5 3urls 3lun- to "is 1a3e@ %et %it" s%eat. $"ere %ere 5ark smu5-es un5er "is 3lose5 eyes. His 8reat"in- %as rapi5 an5 s"allo%. His eyes %ere stru--lin- un5erneat" "is 3lose5 li5s. 4reamB /i-"tmareB 4o %ere%ol)es 5ream o1 s"apes"i1te5 s"eepB <i3"ar5 still looke5 s3rumptious@ 8ut t"en a -iant 3o8ra "a5n?t 8een slammin- "im into a 3on3rete 1loor. He opene5 "is eyes@ as i1 "e "a5 1elt me starin- at "im. He stare5 8a3k@ 8ro%n eyes neutral. =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er %it"out sayinanyt"in-. His 1a3e %as all an-les@ "i-"2s3ulpte5 3"eek8ones@ an5 1irm >a%. A 5imple so1tene5 t"e lines o1 "is 1a3e an5 ma5e "im a little too per1e3t 1or my taste. 9?)e ne)er 8een 3om1orta8le aroun5 men t"at are 8eauti1ul. Lo% sel12esteem@ may8e. #r may8e Hean!lau5e?s lo)ely 1a3e "a5 ma5e me appre3iate t"e )ery "uman ;uality o1 imper1e3tion. A9s "e all ri-"tBC 9 aske5. A="oBC AStep"en.C He -lan3e5 5o%n at t"e sleepin- man. Step"en ma5e a small noise in "is sleep@ "elpless@ 1ri-"tene5. 4e1initely a ni-"tmare. AS"oul5 you %ake "imBC ADou mean 1rom t"e 5reamBC "e aske5. 9 no55e5. He smile5. A/i3e t"ou-"t@ 8ut "e %on?t %ake up 1or "ours. =e 3oul5 8urn t"e pla3e 5o%n aroun5 "im an5 "e %oul5n?t mo)e.C A="y notBC ADou really %ant to kno%BC ASure@ 9?)e -ot not"in- 8etter to 5o ri-"t no%.C He -lan3e5 up t"e silent "all%ay. AGoo5 point.C He settle5 8a3k a-ainst t"e %all@ 8are 8a3k sear3"in- 1or a more 3om1orta8le pie3e o1 %all. He 1ro%ne5G so mu3" 1or a 3om1orta8le %all. AStep"en 3"an-e5 8a3k 1rom %ol1man to "uman in less t"an a t%o2"our time span.C He sai5 it like it e*plaine5 e)eryt"in-. 9t 5i5n?t. ASoBC 9 aske5. A:sually a s"apes"i1ter stays in animal 1orm 1or ei-"t to ten "ours@ t"en 3ollapses an5 3"an-es 8a3k to "uman 1orm. 9t takes a lot o1 ener-y to s"apes"i1t early.C 9 -lan3e5 5o%n at t"e 5reamin- s"apes"i1ter. ASo t"is 3ollapse is normalBC <i3"ar5 no55e5. AHe?ll 8e out 1or t"e rest o1 t"e ni-"t.C A/ot a -reat sur)i)al met"o5@C 9 sai5. AA lot o1 %ere%ol)es 8ite t"e 5ust a1ter 3ollapsin-. $"e "uman "unters 3ome upon t"em a1ter t"ey?)e passe5 out.C AHo% 5o you kno% so mu3" a8out ly3ant"ropesBC A9t?s my >o8@C "e sai5@ A9 tea3" s3ien3e at a lo3al >unior "i-".C 9 >ust stare5 at "im. ADou?re a >unior "i-" s3ien3e tea3"erBC ADes.C He %as smilin-. ADou looke5 s"o3ke5.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="at?s a s3"ool tea3"er 5oin- messe5 up %it" )ampires an5 %ere%ol)esBC AHust lu3ky@ 9 -uess.C 9 "a5 to smile. A$"at 5oesn?t e*plain "o% you kno% a8out ly3ant"ropes.C A9 "a5 a 3lass in 3olle-e.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ASo 5i5 9@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t kno% a8out s"apes"i1ters 3ollapsin-.C ADou?)e -ot a 5e-ree in preternatural 8iolo-yBC "e aske5. ADep.C

A7e@ too.C ASo "o% 5o you kno% more a8out ly3ant"ropes t"an 9 5oBC 9 sai5. Step"en mo)e5 in "is sleep@ 1lin-in- "is -oo5 arm out%ar5. $"e 8lanket sli5 o11 "is s"oul5er@ e*posin- "is stoma3" an5 part o1 a t"i-". <i3"ar5 5re% t"e 8lanket 8a3k o)er t"e sleepin- man@ 3o)erin- "im@ like tu3kin- in a 3"il5. AStep"en an5 9 "a)e 8een 1rien5s a lon- time. 9 8et you kno% t"in-s a8out Eom8ies t"at 9 ne)er learne5 in 3olle-e.C APro8a8ly@C 9 sai5. AStep"en?s not a tea3"er@ is "eBC A/o.C He smile5@ 8ut it %asn?t pleasant. AS3"ool 8oar5s 1ro%n on ly3ant"ropes 8ein- tea3"ers.C ALe-ally@ t"ey 3an?t stop you.C ADea"@ ri-"t@C "e sai5. A$"ey 1ire28om8e5 t"e last tea3"er %"o 5are5 to tea3" t"eir pre3ious 3"il5ren. Ly3ant"ropy isn?t 3onta-ious %"ile in "uman 1orm.C A9 kno% t"at@C 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. ASorry@ it?s >ust a sore topi3 %it" me.C 7y pet pro>e3t %as ri-"ts 1or Eom8iesG %"y s"oul5n?t <i3"ar5 "a)e a pet pro>e3tB 'air "irin- pra3ti3es 1or t"e 1urry. 9t %orke5 1or me. ADou are 8ein- ta3t1ul@ ma petite. 9 %oul5 not "a)e t"ou-"t it o1 you.C Hean2!lau5e %as in t"e "all%ay. 9 "a5n?t "ear5 "im %alk up. But 9?5 8een 5istra3te5@ talkin- %it" <i3"ar5. Dea"@ t"at %as it. A!oul5 you stamp your 1eet ne*t timeB 9?m -ettin- si3k o1 you sneakin- up on me.C A9 %asn?t sneakin-@ ma petite. Dou %ere 5istra3te5 talkin- to our "an5some 7r. Keeman.C His )oi3e %as pleasant@ mil5 as "oney@ an5 yet t"ere %as a t"reat to it. Dou 3oul5 1eel it like a 3ol5 %in5 5o%n your spine. A="at?s %ron-@ Hean2!lau5eBC 9 aske5. A=ron-B ="at 3oul5 possi8ly 8e %ron-BC An-er an5 some 8itter amusement 1lo%e5 t"rou-" "is )oi3e. A!ut it out@ Hean2!lau5e.C A="ate)er 3oul5 8e t"e matter@ ma petiteBC ADou?re an-ryG %"yBC A7y "uman ser)ant 5oes not kno% my e)ery moo5. S"ame1ul.C He knelt 8esi5e me. $"e 8loo5 on "is %"ite s"irt "a5 5rie5 to a 8ro%nis" stain t"at took up most o1 t"e s"irt 1ront. $"e la3e at "is slee)es looke5 like 3rumple5 8ro%n 1lo%ers. A4o you lust a1ter <i3"ar5 8e3ause "e?s "an5some@ or 8e3ause "e?s "umanBC His )oi3e %as almost a %"isper@ intimate as i1 "e?5 sai5 somet"in- entirely 5i11erent. Hean2!lau5e %"ispere5 8etter t"an anyone else 9 kne%. A9 5on?t lust a1ter "im.C A!ome@ 3ome@ ma petite. /o lies.C He leane5 to%ar5s me@ lon-21in-ere5 "an5 rea3"in- 1or my 3"eek. $"ere %as 5rie5 8loo5 on "is "an5. ADou?)e -ot 8loo5 un5er your 1in-ernails@C 9 sai5. He 1lin3"e5@ "is "an5 s;ueeEin- into a 1ist. Point 1or my si5e. ADou re>e3t me at e)ery turn. ="y 5o 9 put up %it" itBC A9 5on?t kno%@C 9 sai5@ trut"1ully. A9 keep "opin- you?ll -et tire5 o1 me.C A9 am "opin- to "a)e you %it" me 1ore)er@ ma petite. 9 %oul5 not make t"e o11er i1 9 t"ou-"t 9 %oul5 -ro% 8ore5.C A9 t"ink 9 %oul5 -et tire5 o1 you@C 9 sai5. His eyes %i5ene5 a 8it. 9 t"ink it %as real surprise. ADou are tryin- to taunt me.C 9 s"ru--e5. ADes@ 8ut it?s still t"e trut". 9?m attra3te5 to you@ 8ut 9 5on?t lo)e you. =e 5on?t "a)e stimulatin- 3on)ersations. 9 5on?t -o t"rou-" my 5ay sayin- F9 must remem8er to s"are t"at >oke %it" Hean2!lau5e@ or tell "im a8out %"at "appene5 at %ork toni-"t.? 9 i-nore you %"en you let me. $"e only t"in-s %e "a)e in 3ommon are )iolen3e an5 t"e 5ea5. 9 5on?t t"ink t"at?s mu3" to 8ase a relations"ip on.C A7y@ aren?t %e t"e p"ilosop"er toni-"t.C His mi5ni-"t 8lue eyes %ere only in3"es 1rom mine. $"e eyelas"es looke5 like 8la3k la3e. AHust 8ein- "onest.C A=e %oul5n?t %ant you to 8e less t"an "onest@C "e sai5. A9 kno% "o% you 5espise lies.C He -lan3e5 at <i3"ar5. AHo% you 5espise monsters.C A="y are you an-ry %it" <i3"ar5BC AAm 9BC "e sai5.

ADou kno% 5amn %ell you are.C APer"aps@ Anita@ 9 am realiEin- t"at t"e one t"in- you %ant is t"e one t"in- 9 3annot -i)e you.C AAn5 %"at 5o 9 %antBC A7e to 8e "uman@C "e sai5 so1tly. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A91 you t"ink your only s"ort3omin- is 8ein- a )ampire@ you?re %ron-.C A<eallyBC ADea". Dou?re an e-otisti3al@ o)er8earin- 8ully.C AA 8ullyBC He soun5e5 -enuinely surprise5. ADou %ant me@ so you 3an?t 8elie)e t"at 9 5on?t %ant you. Dour nee5s@ your 5esires are more important t"an anyone else?s.C ADou are my "uman ser)ant@ ma petite. 9t makes our li)es 3ompli3ate5.C A9 am not your "uman ser)ant.C A9 "a)e marke5 you@ Anita Blake. Dou are my "uman ser)ant.C A/o@C 9 sai5. 9t %as a )ery 1irm no@ 8ut my stoma3" %as ti-"t %it" t"e t"ou-"t t"at "e %as ri-"t@ an5 9 %oul5 ne)er 8e 1ree o1 "im. He stare5 at me. His eyes %ere as normal as t"ey e)er -ot@ 5ark@ 8lue@ lo)ely. A91 you "a5 not 8een my "uman ser)ant@ 9 3oul5 not "a)e 5e1eate5 t"e snake -o5 so easily.C ADou min52rape5 me@ Hean2!lau5e. 9 5on?t 3are %"y you 5i5 it.C A look o1 5istaste sprea5 a3ross "is 1a3e. A91 you 3"oose t"e %or5 rape@ t"en you kno% t"at 9 am not -uilty o1 t"at parti3ular 3rime. /ikolaos 1or3e5 "ersel1 on you. S"e tore at your min5@ ma petite. 91 you "a5 not 3arrie5 t%o o1 my marks@ s"e %oul5 "a)e 5estroye5 you.C An-er %as 8u88lin- up 1rom my -ut@ sprea5in- up my 8a3k an5 into my arms. 9 "a5 t"is "orri8le ur-e to "it "im. AAn5 8e3ause o1 t"e marks you 3an enter my min5@ take me o)er. Dou tol5 me it ma5e min5 -ames "ar5er on me@ not easier. 4i5 you lie a8out t"at@ tooBC A7y nee5 %as -reat toni-"t@ Anita. 7any people %oul5 "a)e 5ie5 i1 t"e 3reature "a5 not 8een stoppe5. 9 5re% po%er %"ere 9 3oul5 1in5 it.C A'rom me.C ADes@ you are my "uman ser)ant. Hust 8y 8ein- near me you in3rease my po%er. Dou kno% t"at.C 9 "a5 kno%n t"at@ 8ut 9 "a5n?t kno%n "e 3oul5 3"annel po%er t"rou-" me like an ampli1ier. A9 kno% 9?m some sort o1 %it3"?s 1amiliar 1or you.C A91 you %oul5 allo% t"e last t%o marks@ it %oul5 8e more t"an t"at. 9t %oul5 8e a marria-e o1 1les"@ 8loo5@ an5 spirit.C A9 noti3e you 5i5n?t say soul@C 9 sai5. He ma5e an e*asperate5 soun5 lo% in "is t"roat. ADou are insu11era8le.C He soun5e5 -enuinely an-ry. Goo5y. A4on?t you e)er 1or3e your %ay into my min5 a-ain.C A#r %"atBC $"e %or5s %ere a 3"allen-e@ an-ry@ 3on1use5. 9 %as on my knees 8esi5e "im nearly spittin- into "is 1a3e. 9 "a5 to stop an5 take a 1e% 5eep 8reat"s to keep 1rom s3reamin- at "im. 9 spoke )ery 3almly@ lo% an5 an-ry. A91 you e)er tou3" me like t"at a-ain@ 9 %ill kill you.C ADou %ill try.C His 1a3e %as nearly presse5 a-ainst mine. As i1 %"en "e in"ale5@ "e %oul5 8rin- me to "im. #ur lips %oul5 tou3". 9 remem8ere5 "o% so1t "is lips %ere. Ho% it 1elt to 8e presse5 a-ainst "is 3"est. $"e rou-"ness o1 "is 3ross2 s"ape5 8urn un5er my 1in-ers. 9 >erke5 8a3k@ an5 1elt almost 5iEEy. 9t "a5 only 8een one kiss@ 8ut t"e memory o1 it 8urne5 alon- my 8o5y like e)ery 8a5 roman3e no)el you?5 e)er rea5. ALea)e me aloneIC 9 "isse5 it in "is 1a3e@ "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists. A4amn youI 4amn youIC $"e o11i3e 5oor opene5@ an5 a uni1orme5 o11i3er stu3k "is "ea5 out. A$"ere a pro8lem out "ereBC =e turne5 an5 stare5 at "im. 9 opene5 my mout" to tell "im e*a3tly %"at %as %ron-@ 8ut Hean2!lau5e spoke 1irst. A/o pro8lem@ o11i3er.C 9t %as a lie@ 8ut %"at %as t"e trut"B $"at 9 "a5 t%o )ampire marks on me an5 %as losin- my soul a pie3e at a time. /ot somet"in- 9 really %ante5 to 8e 3ommon kno%le5-e. $"e poli3e sort o1 1ro%n on people %"o "a)e 3lose ties %it" t"e monsters. $"e o11i3er %as lookin- at us@ %aitin-. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/ot"in-?s %ron-@ o11i3er. 9t?s >ust late. !oul5 you ask Ser-eant Storr i1 9 3an -o "ome no%BC A="at?s t"e nameBC

AAnita Blake.C AStorr?s pet animatorBC 9 si-"e5. ADea"@ t"at Anita Blake.C A9?ll ask.C $"e uni1orm stare5 at t"e t"ree o1 us 1or a minute. ADou -ot anyt"in- to a55 to t"isBC He %as speakin- to <i3"ar5. A/o.C $"e uni1orm no55e5. A#kay@ 8ut keep %"ate)er isn?t "appenin- to a 5ull roar.C A#1 3ourse. Al%ays -la5 to 3ooperate %it" t"e poli3e@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. He no55e5 "is t"anks an5 %ent 8a3k into t"e o11i3e. =e %ere le1t kneelin- in t"e "all%ay. $"e s"apes"i1ter %as still asleep on t"e 1loor. His 8reat"in- ma5e a ;uiet noise t"at 5i5n?t so mu3" 1ill t"e silen3e as emp"asiEe it. <i3"ar5 %as motionless@ 5ark eyes starin- at Hean2!lau5e. 9 %as su55enly )ery a%are t"at Hean2!lau5e an5 9 %ere only in3"es apart. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e line o1 "is 8o5y like %armt" a-ainst my skin. His eyes 1li3ke5 1rom my 1a3e 5o%n my 8o5y. 9 %as still %earin- only a 8ra un5erneat" t"e unEippe5 >a3ket. Goose8umps rolle5 up my arms an5 5o%n my 3"est. 7y nipples "ar5ene5 as i1 "e "a5 tou3"e5 t"em. 7y stoma3" 3len3"e5 %it" a nee5 t"at "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" 8loo5. AStop itIC A9 am 5oin- not"in-@ ma petite. 9t is your o%n 5esire t"at rolls o)er your skin@ not mine.C 9 s%allo%e5 an5 "a5 to look a%ay 1rom "im. #kay@ 9 luste5 a1ter "im. Great@ 1ine@ it 5i5n?t mean a t"in-. <i2i-"t. 9 s3oote5 a%ay 1rom "im@ puttin- my 8a3k to t"e %all@ not lookin- at "im as 9 spoke. A9 3ame "ere toni-"t 1or in1ormation@ not to play 1ootsie %it" t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity.C <i3"ar5 %as >ust sittin- t"ere@ meetin- my eyes. $"ere %as no em8arrassment@ >ust interest@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t kno% ;uite %"at 9 %as. 9t %asn?t an un1rien5ly look. A'ootsie@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 9 5i5n?t nee5 to see "is 1a3e to "ear t"e smile in "is )oi3e. ADou kno% %"at 9 mean.C A9?)e ne)er "ear5 it 3alle5 F1ootsie? 8e1ore.C AStop 5oin- t"at.C A="atBC 9 -lare5 at "im@ 8ut "is eyes %ere sparklin- %it" lau-"ter. A slo% smile tou3"e5 "is lips. He looke5 )ery "uman >ust t"en. A="at 5i5 you %ant to 5is3uss@ ma petiteB 9t must 8e somet"in- )ery important to make you 3ome near me )oluntarily.C 9 sear3"e5 "is 1a3e 1or mo3kery@ or an-er@ or anyt"in-@ 8ut "is 1a3e %as as smoot" an5 pleasant as 3ar)e5 mar8le. $"e smile@ t"e sparklin- "umor in "is eyes@ %as like a mask. 9 "a5 no %ay o1 tellin- %"at lay un5erneat". 9 %asn?t e)en sure 9 %ante5 to kno%. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%ly t"rou-" my mout". AAlri-"t. ="ere %ere you last ni-"tBC 9 looke5 at "is 1a3e@ tryin- to 3at3" any 3"an-e o1 e*pression. AHere@C "e sai5. AAll ni-"tBC He smile5. ADes.C A!an you pro)e itBC $"e smile %i5ene5. A4o 9 nee5 toBC A7ay8e@C 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A!oyness@ 1rom you@ ma petite. 9t 5oes not 8e3ome you.C So mu3" 1or 8ein- sli3k an5 tryin- to pull in1ormation 1rom t"e 7aster. AAre you sure you %ant t"is 5is3usse5 in pu8li3BC ADou mean <i3"ar5BC ADes.C A<i3"ar5 an5 9 "a)e no se3rets 1rom one anot"er@ ma petite. He is my "uman "an5s an5 eyes@ sin3e you re1use to 8e.C A="at?s t"at meanB 9 t"ou-"t you 3oul5 only "a)e one "uman ser)ant at a time.C ASo you a5mit it.C His )oi3e "el5 a slo% 3url o1 triump". A$"is isn?t a -ame@ Hean2!lau5e. People 5ie5 toni-"t.C ABelie)e me@ ma petite@ %"et"er you take t"e last marks an5 8e3ome my ser)ant in more t"an name is no -ame to me.C

A$"ere %as a mur5er last ni-"t@C 9 sai5. 7ay8e i1 9 3on3entrate5 >ust on t"e 3rime@ on my >o8@ 9 3oul5 a)oi5 t"e )er8al pit1alls. AAn5BC "e prompte5. A9t %as a )ampire )i3tim.C AA"@C "e sai5@ Amy part in t"is 8e3omes 3lear.C A9?m -la5 you 1in5 it 1unny@C 9 sai5. A4yin- 1rom )ampire 8ites is only temporarily 1atal@ ma petite. =ait until t"e t"ir5 ni-"t %"en t"e )i3tim rises@ t"en ;uestion "im.C $"e "umor 5ie5 1rom "is eyes. A="at is it t"at you are not tellin- meBC A9 1oun5 at least 1i)e 5i11erent 8ite ra5iuses on t"e )i3tim.C Somet"in- 1li3kere5 8e"in5 "is eyes. 9 %asn?t sure %"at@ 8ut it %as real emotion. Surprise@ 1ear@ -uiltB Somet"in-. ASo you are lookin- 1or a ro-ue master )ampire.C ADep. Kno% anyBC He lau-"e5. His %"ole 1a3e lit up 1rom t"e insi5e@ as i1 someone "a5 lit a 3an5le 8e"in5 "is skin. 9n one %il5 moment "e %as so 8eauti1ul@ it ma5e my 3"est a3"e. But it %asn?t a 8eauty t"at ma5e me %ant to tou3" it. 9 remem8ere5 a Ben-al ti-er t"at 9?5 seen on3e in a Eoo. 9t %as 8i- enou-" to ri5e on like a pony. 9ts 1ur %as oran-e@ 8la3k@ 3ream@ oysters"ell %"ite. 9ts eyes %ere -ol5. $"e "ea)y pa%s %i5er t"an my outsprea5 "an5 pa3e5@ pa3e5@ 8a3k an5 1ort"@ 8a3k an5 1ort"@ until it "a5 %orn a pat" in t"e 5irt. Some -enius "a5 put one 8arre5 %all so 3lose to t"e 1en3e t"at "el5 8a3k t"e 3ro%5@ 9 3oul5 "a)e rea3"e5 t"rou-" an5 tou3"e5 t"e ti-er easily. 9 "a5 to 8all my "an5s into 1ists an5 s"o)e t"em in my po3kets to keep 1rom rea3"in- t"rou-" t"ose 8ars an5 pettin- t"at ti-er. 9t %as so 3lose@ so 8eauti1ul@ so %il5@ so ... temptin-. 9 "u--e5 my knees to my 3"est@ "an5s 3laspe5 ti-"t to-et"er. $"e ti-er %oul5 "a)e taken my "an5 o11@ an5 yet t"ere %as t"at small part o1 me t"at re-rette5 not rea3"in- t"rou-" t"e 8ars. 9 %at3"e5 Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e@ 1elt "is lau-"ter like )el)et runnin- 5o%n my spine. =oul5 part o1 me al%ays %on5er %"at it %oul5 "a)e 8een like i1 9 "a5 >ust sai5 yesB Pro8a8ly. But 9 3oul5 li)e %it" it. He %as starin- at me@ t"e lau-"ter 5yin- 1rom "is eyes like t"e last 8it o1 li-"t seepin- 1rom t"e sky. A="at are you t"inkin-@ ma petiteBC A!an?t you rea5 my min5BC 9 aske5. ADou kno% 9 3annot.C A9 5on?t kno% anyt"in- a8out you@ Hean2!lau5e@ not a 8loo5y t"in-.C ADou kno% more a8out me t"an anyone else in t"e 3ity.C ADasmeen in3lu5e5BC He lo%ere5 "is eyes@ almost em8arrasse5. A=e are )ery ol5 1rien5s.C AHo% ol5BC He met my eyes@ 8ut "is 1a3e %as empty@ 8lank. A#l5 enou-".C A$"at?s not an ans%er@C 9 sai5. A/o@C "e sai5@ Ait is an e)asion.C So "e %asn?t -oin- to ans%er my ;uestionG %"at else %as ne%B AAre t"ere any ot"er master )ampires in to%n 8esi5es you@ 7al3olm@ an5 DasmeenBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A/ot to my kno%le5-e.C 9 1ro%ne5. A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC A,*a3tly %"at 9 sai5.C ADou?re t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. Aren?t you suppose5 to kno%BC A$"in-s are a little unsettle5@ ma petite.C A,*plain t"at.C He s"ru--e5@ an5 e)en in t"e 8loo5staine5 s"irt it looke5 -ra3e1ul. A/ormally@ as 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ all ot"er lesser master )ampires %oul5 nee5 my permission to stay in t"e 3ity@ 8utC2"e s"ru--e5 a-ain2At"ere are t"ose %"o t"ink 9 am not stron- enou-" to "ol5 t"e 3ity.C ADou?)e 8een 3"allen-e5BC ALet us >ust say 9 am e*pe3tin- to 8e 3"allen-e5.C A="yBC 9 aske5. A$"e ot"er masters %ere a1rai5 o1 /ikolaos@C "e sai5.

AAn5 t"ey?re not a1rai5 o1 you.C 9t %asn?t a ;uestion. A:n1ortunately@ no.C A="y notBC A$"ey are not as easily impresse5 as you are@ ma petite.C 9 starte5 to say 9 %asn?t impresse5@ 8ut it %asn?t true. Hean2!lau5e 3oul5 smell it %"en 9 lie5@ so %"y 8ot"erB ASo t"ere 3oul5 8e anot"er master in t"e 3ity %it"out your kno%le5-e.C ADes.C A=oul5n?t you sort o1 sense ea3" ot"erBC APer"aps@ per"aps not.C A$"anks 1or 3learin- t"at up.C He ru88e5 1in-ertips a3ross "is 1ore"ea5 as i1 "e "a5 a "ea5a3"e. 4i5 )ampires -et "ea5a3"esB A9 3annot tell you %"at 9 5o not kno%.C A=oul5 t"e ... C 9 -rope5 1or a %or5@ an5 3oul5n?t 1in5 one2Amore mun5ane )ampires 8e a8le to kill someone %it"out your permissionBC A7un5aneBC AHust ans%er t"e 5amn ;uestion.C ADes@ t"ey 3oul5.C A=oul5 1i)e )ampires "unt in a pa3k %it"out a master )ampire to re1ereeBC He no55e5. AVery ni3e 3"oi3e o1 %or5@ ma petite@ an5 t"e ans%er is no. =e are solitary "unters@ -i)en a 3"oi3e.C 9 no55e5. ASo eit"er you@ 7al3olm@ Dasmeen@ or some mysterious master is 8e"in5 it.C A/ot Dasmeen. S"e is not stron- enou-".C A#kay@ t"en you@ 7al3olm@ or a mysterious master.C A4o you really t"ink 9 "a)e -one ro-ueBC He %as smilin- at me@ 8ut "is eyes "el5 somet"in- more serious. 4i5 it matter to "im %"at 9 t"ou-"t o1 "imB 9 "ope5 not. A9 5on?t kno%.C ADou %oul5 3on1ront me@ t"inkin- 9 mi-"t 8e insaneB Ho% in5is3reet o1 you.C A91 you 5on?t like t"e ans%er@ you s"oul5n?t "a)e aske5 t"e ;uestion@C 9 sai5. AVery true.C $"e o11i3e 5oor opene5. 4olp" 3ame out@ note8ook in "an5. ADou 3an -o "ome@ Anita. 9?ll 3"e3k t"e statements %it" you tomorro%.C 9 no55e5. A$"anks.C AHe"@ 9 kno% %"ere you li)e.C He smile5. 9 smile5 8a3k. A$"anks@ 4olp".C 9 stoo5 up. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 in one smoot" motion like "e %as a puppet pulle5 up 8y in)isi8le strin-s. <i3"ar5 stoo5 slo%er@ usint"e %all to stan5@ as i1 "e %ere sti11. Stan5in-@ <i3"ar5 %as taller t"an Hean2!lau5e 8y at least t"ree in3"es. ="i3" ma5e <i3"ar5 si*2one. Almost too tall 1or my taste@ 8ut no one %as askin- me. AAn5 3oul5 %e talk to you some more@ Hean2!lau5eBC 4olp" sai5. Hean2!lau5e sai5@ A#1 3ourse@ 5ete3ti)e.C He %alke5 5o%n t"e "all. $"ere %as a sti11ness in t"e %ay "e mo)e5. 4i5 )ampires 8ruiseB Ha5 "e 8een "urt in t"e 1i-"tB 4i5 it matterB /o@ no@ it 5i5n?t. 9n a %ay Hean2!lau5e %as ri-"tG i1 "e "a5 8een "uman@ e)en an e-otisti3al son o1 a 8it3"@ t"ere mi-"t "a)e 8een possi8ilities. 9?m not pre>u5i3e5@ 8ut Go5 "elp me@ t"e man "as to at least 8e ali)e. =alkin- 3orpses@ no matter "o% pretty@ are >ust not my 3up o1 tea. 4olp" "el5 t"e 5oor 1or Hean2!lau5e. 4olp" looke5 8a3k at us. ADou?re 1ree to -o@ too@ 7r. Keeman.C A="at a8out my 1rien5 Step"enBC 4olp" -lan3e5 at t"e sleepin- s"apes"i1ter. A$ake "im "ome. Let "im sleep it o11. 9?ll talk to "im tomorro%.C He -lan3e5 at "is %rist%at3". A7ake t"at later to5ay.C A9?ll tell Step"en %"en "e %akes up.C 4olp" no55e5 an5 3lose5 t"e 5oor. =e %ere alone in t"e 8uEEin- silen3e o1 t"e "all%ay. #1 3ourse@ may8e it %as >ust my o%n ears 8uEEin-.

A/o% %"atBC <i3"ar5 sai5. A=e -o "ome@C 9 sai5. A<as"i5a 5ro)e.C 9 1ro%ne5. A="oBC A$"e ot"er s"apes"i1ter@ t"e %oman %"ose arm %as torn up.C 9 no55e5. A$ake Step"en?s 3ar.C A<as"i5a 5ro)e us 8ot".C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ASo you?re stran5e5.C ALooks t"at %ay.C ADou 3oul5 3all a 3a8@C 9 sai5. A/o money.C He almost smile5. A'ineG 9?ll 5ri)e you "ome.C AAn5 Step"enBC AAn5 Step"en@C 9 sai5. 9 %as smilin- an5 9 5i5n?t kno% %"y@ 8ut it %as 8etter t"an 3ryin-. ADou 5on?t e)en kno% %"ere 9 li)e. 9t 3oul5 8e Kansas !ity.C A91 it?s a ten2"our 5ri)e@ you?re on your o%n@C 9 sai5. ABut i1 it?s reasona8le@ 9?ll 5ri)e you.C A9s 7erame3 Hei-"ts reasona8leBC ASure.C ALet me -et t"e rest o1 my 3lot"es@C "e aske5. ADou look 1ully 5resse5 to me@C 9 sai5. A9?)e -ot a 3oat aroun5 "ere some%"ere.C A9?ll %ait "ere@C 9 sai5. ADou?ll %at3" Step"enBC Somet"in- like 1ear 3rosse5 "is 1a3e@ 1ille5 "is eyes. A="at are you a1rai5 o1BC 9 aske5. AAirplanes@ -uns@ lar-e pre5ators@ an5 master )ampires.C A9 a-ree %it" t%o out o1 1our@C 9 sai5. A9?ll -o -et my 3oat.C 9 sli5 5o%n to sit 8esi5e t"e sleepin- %ere%ol1. A=e?ll 8e %aitin-.C A$"en 9?ll "urry.C He smile5 %"en "e sai5 it. He "a5 a )ery ni3e smile. <i3"ar5 3ame 8a3k %earin- a lon- 8la3k 3oat. 9t looke5 like real leat"er. 9t 1lappe5 like a 3ape aroun5 "is 8are 3"est. 9 like5 t"e %ay t"e leat"er 1rame5 "is 3"est. He 8uttone5 t"e 3oat an5 tie5 t"e leat"er 8elt ti-"t. $"e 8la3k leat"er %ent %it" t"e lon- "air an5 "an5some 1a3eG t"e -rey s%eats an5 /ikes 5i5 not. He knelt an5 pi3ke5 Step"en up in "is arms@ t"en stoo5. $"e leat"er 3reake5 as "is upper arms straine5. Step"en %as my "ei-"t an5 pro8a8ly 5i5n?t %ei-" t%enty poun5s more t"an 9 5i5. Petite. <i3"ar5 3arrie5 "im like "e %asn?t "ea)y. A7y@ my@ -ran5mot"er@ %"at stron- arms you "a)e.C A9s my line@ F$"e 8etter to "ol5 you %it"?BC He %as lookin- at me )ery stea5ily. 9 1elt "eat 3reepin- up my 1a3e. 9 "a5n?t meant to 1lirt@ not on purpose. ADou %ant a ri5e@ or notBC 7y )oi3e %as rou-"@ an-ry %it" em8arrassment. A9 %ant a ri5e@C "e sai5 ;uietly. A$"en 3an t"e sar3asm.C A9 %asn?t 8ein- sar3asti3.C 9 stare5 up at "im. His eyes %ere per1e3tly 8ro%n like 3"o3olate. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say@ so 9 5i5n?t say anyt"in-. A ta3ti3 9 s"oul5 pro8a8ly use more o1ten. 9 turne5 an5 %alke5 a%ay@ 1is"in- my 3ar keys out as 9 mo)e5. <i3"ar5 1ollo%e5 8e"in5. Step"en snu11le5 a-ainst "is 3"est@ pullin- t"e 8lanket 3lose in "is sleep. A9s your 3ar )ery 1arBC AA 1e% 8lo3ksG %"yBC

AStep"en isn?t 5resse5 1or t"e 3ol5.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A="at@ you %ant me to 5ri)e t"e 3ar aroun5 an5 pi3k you upBC A$"at %oul5 8e )ery ni3e@C "e sai5. 9 opene5 my mout" to say no@ t"en 3lose5 it. $"e t"in 8lanket %asn?t mu3" prote3tion@ an5 some o1 Step"en?s in>uries %ere 1rom sa)in- my li1e. 9 3oul5 5ri)e t"e 3ar aroun5. 9 satis1ie5 mysel1 %it" -rum8lin- un5er my 8reat"@ A9 3an?t 8elie)e 9?m a 5oor2to25oor ta*i 1or a %ere%ol1.C <i3"ar5 eit"er 5i5n?t "ear me@ or 3"ose to i-nore it. Smart@ "an5some@ >unior "i-" s3ien3e tea3"er@ 5e-ree in preternatural 8iolo-y@ %"at more 3oul5 9 ask 1orB Gi)e me a minute an5 9?5 t"ink o1 somet"in-.

Chapter Nine
$"e 3ar ro5e in its o%n tunnel o1 5arkness. $"e "ea5li-"ts %ere a mo)in- 3ir3le o1 li-"t. $"e #3to8er ni-"t 3lose5 8e"in5 t"e 3ar like a 5oor. Step"en %as asleep in t"e 8a3k seat o1 my /o)a. <i3"ar5 sat in t"e passen-er seat@ "al12turne5 in "is seat 8elt to look at me. 9t %as >ust polite to look at someone %"en you talk to t"em. But 9 1elt at a 5isa5)anta-e 8e3ause 9 "a5 to %at3" t"e roa5. All "e "a5 to 5o %as stare at me. A="at 5o you 5o in your spare timeBC <i3"ar5 aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t "a)e spare time.C AHo88iesBC A9 5on?t t"ink 9 "a)e any o1 t"ose@ eit"er.C ADou must 5o somet"in- 8esi5es s"oot lar-e snakes in t"e "ea5@C "e sai5. 9 smile5 an5 -lan3e5 at "im. He leane5 to%ar5s me as mu3" as t"e seat 8elt %oul5 allo%. He %as smilin-@ too@ 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- in "is eyes@ or "is posture@ t"at sai5 "e %as serious. 9ntereste5 in %"at 9 %oul5 say. A9?m an animator@C 9 sai5. He 3laspe5 "is "an5s to-et"er@ le1t el8o% proppe5 on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e seat. A#kay@ %"en you?re not raisin- t"e 5ea5@ %"at 5o you 5oBC A=ork on preternatural 3rimes %it" t"e poli3e@ mostly mur5ers.C AAn5BC "e sai5. AAn5 9 e*e3ute ro-ue )ampires.C AAn5BC AAn5 not"in-@C 9 sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at "im a-ain. 9n t"e 5ark 9 3oul5n?t see "is eyes@ t"eir 3olor %as too 5ark 1or t"at@ 8ut 9 3oul5 1eel "is -aEe. Pro8a8ly ima-ination. Dea". 9?5 8een "an-in- aroun5 Hean2!lau5e too lon-. $"e smell o1 <i3"ar5?s leat"er 3oat min-le5 %it" a 1aint %"i11 o1 "is 3olo-ne. Somet"in- e*pensi)e an5 s%eet. 9t %ent )ery ni3ely %it" t"e smell o1 leat"er. A9 %ork. 9 e*er3ise. 9 -o out %it" 1rien5s.C 9 s"ru--e5. A="at 5o you 5o %"en you?re not tea3"in-BC AS3u8a 5i)in-@ 3a)in-@ 8ir5 %at3"in-@ -ar5enin-@ astronomy.C His smile %as a 5im %"iteness in t"e near 5ark. ADou must "a)e a lot more 1ree time t"an 9 5o.C AA3tually@ t"e tea3"er al%ays "as more "ome%ork t"an t"e stu5ents@C "e sai5. ASorry to "ear t"at.C He s"ru--e5@ t"e leat"er 3reake5 an5 slit"ere5 o)er "is skin. Goo5 leat"er al%ays mo)e5 like it %as still ali)e. A4o you %at3" $VBC "e aske5. A7y tele)ision 8roke t%o years a-o@ an5 9 ne)er repla3e5 it.C ADou must 5o somet"in- 1or 1un.C 9 t"ou-"t a8out it. A9 3olle3t toy pen-uins.C $"e minute 9 sai5 it@ 9 %is"e5 9 "a5n?t. He -rinne5 at me. A/o% %e?re -ettin- some%"ere. $"e ,*e3utioner 3olle3ts stu11e5 toys. 9 like it.C AGla5 to "ear it.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 -rumpy e)en to me. A="at?s %ron-BC "e sai5. A9?m not )ery -oo5 at small talk@C 9 sai5.

ADou %ere 5oin- 1ine.C /o@ 9 %asn?t@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure "o% to e*plain it to "im. 9 5i5n?t like talkin- a8out mysel1 to stran-ers. ,spe3ially stran-ers %it" ties to Hean2!lau5e. A="at 5o you %ant 1rom meBC 9 sai5. A9?m >ust passin- t"e time.C A/o@ you %eren?t.C His s"oul5er2len-t" "air "a5 1allen aroun5 "is 1a3e. He %as taller@ t"i3ker@ 8ut t"e outline %as 1amiliar. He looke5 like P"illip in t"e s"a5o%e5 5ark. P"illip %as t"e only ot"er "uman 8ein- 9?5 e)er seen %it" t"e monsters. P"illip sa--e5 in t"e 3"ains. Bloo5 poure5 in a 8ri-"t re5 1loo5 5o%n "is 3"est. 9t splattere5 onto t"e 1loor@ like rain. $or3"li-"t -littere5 on t"e %et 8one o1 "is spine. Someone "a5 rippe5 "is t"roat out. 9 sta--ere5 a-ainst t"e %all as i1 someone "a5 "it me. 9 3oul5n?t -et enou-" air. Someone kept %"isperin-@ A#"@ Go5@ o"@ Go5@C o)er an5 o)er@ an5 it %as me. 9 %alke5 5o%n t"e steps %it" my 8a3k presse5 a-ainst t"e %all. 9 3oul5n?t take my eyes 1rom "im. !oul5n?t look a%ay. !oul5n?t 8reat"e. !oul5n?t 3ry. $"e tor3"li-"t re1le3te5 in "is eyes@ -i)in- t"e illusion o1 mo)ement. A s3ream 8uilt in my -ut an5 spille5 out my t"roat. AP"illipIC Somet"in- 3ol5 slit"ere5 up my spine. 9 %as sittin- in my 3ar %it" t"e -"ost o1 -uilty 3ons3ien3e. 9t "a5n?t 8een my 1ault t"at P"illip 5ie5. 9 3ertainly 5i5n?t kill "im@ 8ut ... 8ut 9 still 1elt -uilty. Someone s"oul5 "a)e sa)e5 "im@ an5 sin3e 9 %as t"e last one %it" a 3"an3e to 5o it@ it s"oul5 "a)e 8een me. Guilt is a many splen5ore5 t"in-. A="at 5o you %ant 1rom me@ <i3"ar5BC 9 aske5. A9 5on?t %ant anyt"in-@C "e sai5. ALies are u-ly t"in-s@ <i3"ar5.C A="at makes you t"ink 9?m lyin-BC A'inely "one5 instin3t@C 9 sai5. AHas it really 8een t"at lon- sin3e a man trie5 to make polite small talk %it" youBC 9 starte5 to look at "im@ an5 5e3i5e5 not to. 9t "a5 8een t"at lon-. A$"e last person %"o 1lirte5 %it" me %as mur5ere5. 9t makes a -irl a little 3autious.C He %as ;uiet 1or a minute. A'air enou-"@ 8ut 9 still %ant to kno% more a8out you.C A="yBC A="y notBC He "a5 me t"ere. AHo% 5o 9 kno% Hean2!lau5e 5i5n?t tell you to make 1rien5sBC A="y %oul5 "e 5o t"atBC 9 s"ru--e5. A#kay@ let?s start o)er. Preten5 %e met at t"e "ealt" 3lu8.C AHealt" 3lu8BC 9 sai5. He smile5. AHealt" 3lu8. 9 t"ou-"t you looke5 -reat in your s%imsuit.C AS%eats@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. ADou looke5 3ute in your s%eats.C A9 like5 lookin- -reat 8etter.C A91 9 -et to ima-ine you in a s%imsuit@ you 3an look -reatG s%eats only -et 3ute.C A'air enou-".C A=e ma5e pleasant small talk an5 9 aske5 you out.C 9 "a5 to look at "im. AAre you askin- me outBC ADes@ 9 am.C 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 turne5 8a3k to t"e roa5. A9 5on?t t"ink t"at?s a -oo5 i5ea.C A="y notBC "e aske5. A9 tol5 you.C AHust 8e3ause one person -ot kille5 on you 5oesn?t mean e)eryone %ill.C 9 -rippe5 t"e steerin- %"eel ti-"t enou-" to make my "an5s "urt. A9 %as ei-"t %"en my mot"er 5ie5. 7y 1at"er remarrie5 %"en 9 %as ten.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. APeople -o a%ay an5 t"ey 5on?t 3ome 8a3k.C

ASoun5s s3ary.C His )oi3e %as so1t an5 lo%. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at "a5 ma5e me say t"at. 9 5i5n?t usually talk a8out my mot"er to stran-ers@ or any8o5y else 1or t"at matter. AS3ary@C 9 sai5 so1tly. ADou 3oul5 say t"at.C A91 you ne)er let anyone -et 3lose to you@ you 5on?t -et "urt@ is t"at itBC A$"ere are also a lot o1 )ery >erky men in t"e t%enty2one2to2t"irty a-e -roup@C 9 sai5. He -rinne5. A9?ll -i)e you t"at. /i3e2lookin-@ intelli-ent@ in5epen5ent %omen are not e*a3tly plenti1ul eit"er.C AStop %it" t"e 3ompliments@ or you?ll "a)e me 8lus"in-.C ADou 5on?t strike me as someone %"o 8lus"es easily.C A pi3ture 1las"e5 in my min5. <i3"ar5 Keeman nake5 8esi5e t"e 8e5@ stru--lin- into "is s%eat pants. 9t "a5n?t em8arrasse5 me at t"e time. 9t %as only no%@ %it" "im so %arm an5 3lose in t"e 3ar@ t"at 9 t"ou-"t a8out it. A %arm 1lus" 3rept up my 1a3e. 9 8lus"e5 in t"e 5ark@ -la5 "e 3oul5n?t see. 9 5i5n?t %ant "im to kno% 9 %as t"inkin- a8out %"at "e looke5 like %it"out "is 3lot"es on. 9 5on?t usually 5o t"at. #1 3ourse@ 9 5on?t usually see a man 8u3k nake5 8e1ore 9?)e e)en -one out on a 5ate. !ome to t"ink o1 it@ 9 5i5n?t see men nake5 on 5ates eit"er. A=e?re in t"e "ealt" 3lu8@ sippin- 1ruit >ui3e@ an5 9 ask you out.C 9 stare5 )ery "ar5 at t"e roa5. 9 kept 1las"in- on t"e smoot" line o1 "is t"i-" an5 lo%er t"in-s. 9t %as em8arrassin-@ 8ut t"e "ar5er 9 trie5 not to t"ink a8out it@ t"e 3learer t"e pi3ture seeme5 to -et. A7o)ies an5 5innerBC 9 sai5. A/o@C "e sai5. ASomet"in- uni;ue. !a)in-.C ADou mean 3ra%lin- aroun5 in a 3a)e on a 1irst 5ateBC AHa)e you e)er 8een 3a)in-BC A#n3e.C A4i5 you en>oy itBC A=e %ere sneakin- up on 8a5 -uys at t"e time. 9 5i5n?t t"ink mu3" a8out en>oyin- it.C A$"en you "a)e to -i)e it anot"er 3"an3e. 9 -o 3a)in- at least t%i3e a mont". Dou -et to %ear your ol5est 3lot"es an5 -et really 5irty@ an5 no one tells you not to play in t"e mu5.C A7u5BC 9 sai5. A$oo messy 1or youBC A9 %as a 8io2la8 assistant in 3olle-eG not"in-?s too messy 1or me.C AAt least you 3an say you -et to use your 5e-ree in your %ork.C 9 lau-"e5. A$rue.C A9 use my 5e-ree@ too@ 8ut 9 %ent in 1or e5u3atin- t"e mun3"kins.C A4o you like tea3"in-BC AVery mu3".C $"ose t%o %or5s "el5 a %armt" an5 e*3itement t"at you 5i5n?t "ear mu3" %"en people talke5 a8out t"eir %ork. A9 like my >o8@ too.C A,)en %"en it 1or3es you to play %it" )ampires an5 Eom8iesBC 9 no55e5. ADea".C A=e?re sittin- in t"e >ui3e 8ar@ an5 9?)e >ust aske5 you out. ="at 5o you sayBC A9 s"oul5 say no.C A="yBC A9 5on?t kno%.C ADou soun5 suspi3ious.C AAl%ays@C 9 sai5. A/e)er takin- a 3"an3e is t"e %orst 1ailure o1 all@ Anita.C A/ot 5atin- is a 3"oi3e@ not a 1ailure.C 9 %as 1eelin- a %ee 8it 5e1ensi)e. ASay you?ll -o 3a)in- t"is %eeken5.C $"e leat"er 3oat 3rinkle5 an5 mo)e5 as "e trie5 to mo)e 3loser to me t"an t"e seat 8elt %oul5 allo%. He 3oul5 "a)e rea3"e5 out an5 tou3"e5 me. Part o1 me %ante5 "im to@ %"i3" %as sort o1 em8arrassinall on its o%n.

9 starte5 to say no@ t"en realiEe5 9 %ante5 to say yes. ="i3" %as silly. But 9 %as en>oyin- sittin- in t"e 5ark %it" t"e smell o1 leat"er an5 3olo-ne. !all it 3"emistry@ instant lust@ %"ate)er. 9 like5 <i3"ar5. He 1lippe5 my s%it3". 9t "a5 8een a lontime sin3e 9 "a5 like5 any8o5y. Hean2!lau5e 5i5n?t 3ount. 9 %asn?t sure %"y@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. Bein- 5ea5 mi-"t "a)e somet"in- to 5o %it" t"at. AAlri-"t@ 9?ll -o 3a)in-. ="en an5 %"ereBC AGreat. 7eet in 1ront o1 my "ouse at@ say@ ten o?3lo3k on Satur5ay.C A$en in t"e mornin-BC 9 sai5. A/ot a mornin- personBC "e aske5. A/ot parti3ularly.C A=e "a)e to start early@ or %e %on?t -et to t"e en5 o1 t"e 3a)e in one 5ay. A A="at 5o 9 %earBC ADour ol5est 3lot"es. 9?ll 8e 5resse5 in 3o)eralls o)er >eans.C A9?)e -ot 3o)eralls.C 9 5i5n?t mention t"at 9 use5 my 3o)eralls to keep 8loo5 o11 my 3lot"es. 7u5 soun5e5 a lot more 1rien5ly. AGreat. 9?ll 8rin- t"e rest o1 t"e e;uipment you nee5.C AHo% mu3" more e;uipment 5o 9 nee5BC AA "ar5 "at@ a li-"t@ may8e knee pa5s.C ASoun5s like a 8o11o 1irst 5ate@C 9 sai5. A9t %ill 8e@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as so1t@ lo%@ an5 some"o% more pri)ate t"an >ust sittin- in my 3ar. 9t %asn?t Hean2!lau5e?s ma-i3al )oi3e@ 8ut t"en %"at %asB A$urn ri-"t "ere@C "e sai5@ pointin- to a si5e street. A$"ir5 "ouse on t"e ri-"t.C 9 pulle5 into a s"ort@ 8la3ktoppe5 5ri)e%ay. $"e "ouse %as "al1 8ri3k an5 some pale 3olor. 9t %as "ar5 to tell in t"e 5ark. $"ere %ere no streetli-"ts to "elp you see. Dou 1or-et "o% 5ark t"e ni-"t 3an 8e %it"out ele3tri3ity. <i3"ar5 un8u3kle5 "is seat 8elt an5 opene5 t"e 5oor. A$"anks 1or t"e ri5e.C A4o you nee5 "elp -ettin- "im insi5eBC 7y "an5 %as on t"e key as 9 aske5. A/o@ 9 -ot it. $"anks@ t"ou-".C A4on?t mention it.C He stare5 at me. A4i5 9 5o somet"in- %ron-BC A/ot yet@C 9 sai5. He smile5@ a ;ui3k 1las" in t"e 5arkness. AGoo5.C He unlo3ke5 t"e 8a3k 5oor 8e"in5 "im@ an5 -ot out o1 t"e 3ar. He leane5 in an5 s3oope5 Step"en up@ "ol5in- t"e 8lanket 3lose so it 5i5n?t sli5e o11. He li1te5 %it" "is le-s more t"an "is 8a3kG %ei-"tli1tin- %ill tea3" you t"at. A "uman 8o5y is a lot "ar5er to li1t t"an e)en 1ree %ei-"ts. A 8o5y >ust isn?t 8alan3e5 as %ell as a 8ar8ell. <i3"ar5 s"ut t"e 3ar 5oor %it" "is 8a3k. $"e 8a3k 5oor 3li3ke5 s"ut@ an5 9 un8u3kle5 my seat 8elt so 9 3oul5 lo3k t"e 5oors. $"rou-" t"e still2open passen-er si5e 5oor <i3"ar5 %as %at3"in- me . #)er t"e i5lin- o1 t"e 3ar?s en-ine "is )oi3e 3arrie5@ ALo3kin- out t"e 8oo-eymenBC ADou ne)er kno%@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. ADea".C $"ere %as somet"in- in t"at one %or5 t"at %as sa5@ %ist1ul@ inno3en3e lost. 9t %as ni3e to talk %it" anot"er person %"o un5erstoo5. 4olp" an5 Ker8ro%ski un5erstoo5 t"e )iolen3e an5 t"e nearness o1 5eat"@ 8ut t"ey 5i5n?t un5erstan5 t"e monsters. 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor an5 s3oote5 8a3k 8e"in5 t"e steerin- %"eel. 9 8u3kle5 my seat 8elt an5 put t"e 3ar in -ear. $"e "ea5li-"ts sparkle5 o)er <i3"ar5@ Step"en?s "air like a yello% splas" in "is arms. <i3"ar5 %as still starin- at me. 9 le1t "im in t"e 5ark in 1ront o1 "is "ouse %it" t"e sin-in- o1 autumn 3ri3kets t"e only soun5.

Chapter Ten
9 pulle5 up in 1ront o1 my apartment 8uil5in- at a little a1ter 2J A.7. 9?5 planne5 to 8e in 8e5 a lon- time 8e1ore t"is. $"e ne% 3ross2s"ape5 8urn %as a 8urnin-@ a3i52eatin- a3"e. 9t ma5e my %"ole 3"est "urt. 7y ri8s an5 stoma3" %ere sore@ sti11. 9 turne5 on t"e 5ome li-"t in t"e 3ar an5 unEippe5 t"e leat"er >a3ket. 9n t"e yello% li-"t 8ruises %ere 8lossomina3ross my skin. 'or a minute 9 3oul5n?t t"ink "o% 9?5 -otten "urtG t"en 9 remem8ere5 t"e 3rus"in- %ei-"t o1 t"e snake 3ra%lin- o)er me. Hesus. 9 %as lu3ky it %as 8ruises an5 not 8roken ri8s.

9 3li3ke5 o11 t"e li-"t an5 Eippe5 t"e >a3ket 8a3k up. $"e s"oul5er straps %ere 3"a1in- on my 8are skin@ 8ut t"e 8urn "urt so mu3" more t"at t"e 8ruises an5 t"e 3"a1in- seeme5 pretty 5arn minor. A -oo5 8urn %ill take your min5 o11 e)eryt"inelse. $"e li-"t t"at usually 8urne5 o)er t"e stairs %as out. /ot t"e 1irst time. 9?5 "a)e to 3all t"e o11i3e on3e it opene5 1or t"e 5ay an5 report it@ t"ou-". 91 you 5i5n?t report it@ it 5i5n?t -et 1i*e5. 9 %as t"ree steps up 8e1ore 9 sa% t"e man. He %as sittin- at t"e "ea5 o1 t"e stairs %aitin- 1or me. S"ort 8lon5 "air@ pale in t"e 5arkness. His "an5s sat on t"e top o1 "is knees@ palms up to s"o% t"at "e 5i5n?t "a)e a %eapon. =ell@ t"at "e 5i5n?t "a)e a %eapon in "is "an5s. ,5%ar5 al%ays "a5 a %eapon unless someone "a5 taken it a%ay 1rom "im. !ome to t"ink o1 it@ so 5i5 9. ALon- time no see@ ,5%ar5.C A$"ree mont"s@C "e sai5. ALon- enou-" 1or my 8roken arm to "eal 3ompletely.C 9 no55e5. A9 -ot my stit3"es out a8out t%o mont"s a-o.C He >ust sat on t"e steps lookin- 5o%n at me. A="at 5o you %ant@ ,5%ar5BC A!oul5n?t it 8e a so3ial 3allBC He %as lau-"in- at me@ ;uietly. A9t?s t%o o?3lo3k in t"e 1reakin- mornin-G it 8etter not 8e a so3ial 3all.C A=oul5 you rat"er it %as 8usinessBC His )oi3e %as so1t@ 8ut it 3arrie5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ no.C 9 ne)er %ante5 to 8e 8usiness 1or ,5%ar5. He spe3ialiEe5 in killin- ly3ant"ropes@ )ampires@ anyt"in- t"at use5 to 8e "uman an5 %asn?t anymore. He?5 -otten 8ore5 %it" killin- people. $oo easy. A9s it 8usinessBC 7y )oi3e %as stea5y@ no trem8le. Goo5 1or me. 9 3oul5 5ra% t"e Bro%nin-@ 8ut i1 %e e)er 5re% 5o%n on ea3" ot"er 1or real@ "e?5 kill me. Bein- 1rien5s %it" ,5%ar5 %as like 8ein- 1rien5s %it" a tame leopar5. Dou 3oul5 pet it an5 it seeme5 to like you@ 8ut you kne% 5eep 5o%n t"at i1 it e)er -ot "un-ry enou-"@ or an-ry enou-"@ it %oul5 kill you. Kill you an5 eat t"e 1les" 1rom your 8ones. AHust in1ormation toni-"t@ Anita@ no pro8lems.C A="at sort o1 in1ormationBC 9 aske5. He smile5 a-ain. 'rien5ly ol? ,5%ar5. <i2i-"t. A!an %e -o insi5e an5 talk a8out itB 9t?s 1reeEin- out "ere@C "e sai5. A$"e last time you %ere in to%n you 5i5n?t seem to nee5 an in)itation to 8reak into my apartment.C ADou?)e -ot a ne% lo3k.C 9 -rinne5. ADou 3oul5n?t pi3k it@ 3oul5 youBC 9 %as -enuinely please5. He s"ru--e5G may8e it %as t"e 5arkness@ 8ut i1 it "a5n?t 8een ,5%ar5@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 "e %as em8arrasse5. A$"e lo3ksmit" tol5 me it %as 8ur-larproo1@C 9 sai5. A9 5i5n?t 8rin- my 8atterin- ram %it" me@C "e sai5. A!ome on up. 9?ll 1i* 3o11ee.C 9 steppe5 aroun5 "im. He stoo5 an5 1ollo%e5 me. 9 turne5 my 8a3k on "im %it"out %orryin-. ,5%ar5 mi-"t s"oot me some5ay@ 8ut "e %oul5n?t 5o it in t"e 8a3k a1ter tellin- me "e %as >ust "ere to talk. ,5%ar5 %asn?t "onora8le@ 8ut "e "a5 rules. 91 "e planne5 to kill me@ "e?5 "a)e announ3e5 it. $ol5 me "o% mu3" people %ere payin- "im to o11 me. =at3"e5 t"e 1ear sli5e t"rou-" my eyes. Dea"@ ,5%ar5 "a5 rules. He >ust "a5 1e%er o1 t"em t"an most people 5i5. But "e ne)er 8roke a rule@ ne)er 8etraye5 "is o%n ske%e5 sense o1 "onor. 91 "e sai5 9 %as sa1e 1or toni-"t@ "e meant it. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een ni3e i1 Hean2!lau5e "a5 "a5 rules. $"e "all%ay %as mi55le2o12t"e2ni-"t@ mi55le2o12t"e2%eek@ "a52to2-et2up2in2t"e2mornin- ;uiet. 7y 5ay li)in- nei-"8ors %ere all asnooEe in t"eir 8e5s %it"out 3are. 9 unlo3ke5 t"e ne% lo3ks on my 5oor an5 us"ere5 ,5%ar5 insi5e. A$"at?s a ne% look 1or you@ isn?t itBC "e aske5. A="atBC A="at "appene5 to your s"irtBC A#".C Sua)e 3ome8a3ks@ t"at?s me. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say@ or rat"er@ "o% mu3" to say. ADou?)e 8een playin- %it" )ampires a-ain@C "e sai5. A="at makes you t"ink soBC 9 aske5. A$"e 3ross2s"ape5 8urn on your@ a"@ 3"est.C

#"@ t"at. 'ine. 9 unEippe5 t"e >a3ket an5 1ol5e5 it o)er t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 3ou3". 9 stoo5 t"ere in my 8ra an5 s"oul5er "olster an5 met "is eyes %it"out 8lus"in-. Bro%nie point 1or me. 9 un5i5 t"e 8elt an5 slippe5 out o1 t"e s"oul5er "olster@ t"en took it into t"e kit3"en %it" me. 9 lai5 t"e -un still in its "olster on t"e 3ountertop an5 -ot 3o11ee 8eans out o1 t"e 1reeEer@ %earin- >ust my 8ra an5 >eans. 9n 1ront o1 any ot"er male@ ali)e or 5ea5@ 9 %oul5 "a)e 8een em8arrasse5@ 8ut not ,5%ar5. $"ere "a5 ne)er 8een se*ual tension 8et%een us. =e mi-"t s"oot ea3" ot"er one 1ine 5ay@ 8ut %e?5 ne)er sleep to-et"er. He %as more intereste5 in t"e 1res" 8urn t"an my 8reasts. AHo%?5 it "appenBC "e aske5. 9 -roun5 t"e 8eans in t"e little ele3tri3 spi3e mill 9?5 8ou-"t 1or t"e o33asion. Hust t"e smell o1 1res"ly -roun5 3o11ee ma5e me 1eel 8etter. 9 put a 1ilter in my 7r. !o11ee@ poure5 t"e 3o11ee in@ poure5 t"e %ater in@ an5 pus"e5 t"e 8utton. $"is %as a8out as 1an3y as my 3ookin- skills -ot. A9?m -oin- to -et a s"irt to t"ro% on@C 9 sai5. A$"e 8urn %on?t like anyt"in- tou3"in- it@C ,5%ar5 sai5. A9 %on?t 8utton it@ t"en.C AAre you -oin- to tell me "o% you -ot 8urne5BC ADes.C 9 took my -un an5 %alke5 into t"e 8e5room. 9n t"e 8a3k o1 my 3loset 9 "a5 a lon-2slee)e5 s"irt t"at "a5 on3e 8een purple 8ut "a5 1a5e5 to a so1t lila3. 9t %as a man?s 5ress s"irt an5 "un- 5o%n nearly to my knees@ 8ut it %as 3om1orta8le. 9 rolle5 t"e slee)es up to my el8o%s an5 8uttone5 it "al1%ay up. 9 le1t it -appin- o)er t"e 8urn. 9 -lan3e5 in t"e mirror an5 1oun5 t"at most o1 my 3lea)a-e %as 3o)ere5. Per1e3t. 9 "esitate5 8ut 1inally put t"e Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er in its "olster 8e"in5 t"e "ea58oar5. ,5%ar5 an5 9 %eren?t 1i-"tintoni-"t@ an5 anyt"in- t"at 3ame t"rou-" t"e 5oor@ %it" its ne% lo3ks@ %oul5 "a)e to -o t"rou-" ,5%ar5 1irst. 9 1elt pretty sa1e. He %as sittin- on my 3ou3"@ le-s out in 1ront o1 "im 3rosse5 at t"e ankle. He?5 sunk 5o%n until t"e top o1 "is s"oul5ers reste5 on t"e 3ou3"?s arm. A7ake yoursel1 at "ome@C 9 sai5. He >ust smile5. AAre you -oin- to tell me a8out t"e )ampiresBC ADes@ 8ut 9?m "a)in- trou8le 5e3i5in- e*a3tly "o% mu3" to tell you.C $"e smile %i5ene5. A/aturally.C 9 set out t%o mu-s@ su-ar@ an5 real 3ream 1rom t"e re1ri-erator. $"e 3o11ee 5rippe5 into t"e little -lass pot. $"e smell %as ri3"@ %arm@ an5 t"i3k enou-" to %rap your arms aroun5. AHo% 5o you like your 3o11eeBC A'i* it t"e %ay you?5 1i* it 1or yoursel1.C 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at "im. A/o pre1eren3eBC He s"ook "is "ea5@ still restin- a-ainst t"e 3ou3" arm. A#kay.C 9 poure5 t"e 3o11ee into t"e mu-s@ a55e5 t"ree su-ars an5 a lot o1 3ream to ea3"@ stirre5@ an5 sat t"em on t"e t%o2seater 8reak1ast ta8le. ADou?re not -oin- to 8rin- it to meBC ADou 5on?t 5rink 3o11ee on a %"ite 3ou3"@C 9 sai5. AA".C He -ot up in one smoot" motion@ all -ra3e an5 ener-y. He?5 "a)e 8een )ery impressi)e i1 9 "a5n?t spent most o1 t"e ni-"t %it" )ampires. =e sat a3ross 1rom ea3" ot"er. His eyes %ere t"e 3olor o1 sprin- skies@ t"at %arm pale 8lue t"at still mana-es to look 3ol5. His 1a3e %as pleasant@ "is eyes neutral an5 %at3"in- e)eryt"in- 9 5i5. 9 tol5 "im a8out Dasmeen an5 7ar-uerite. 9 le1t out Hean2!lau5e@ t"e )ampire mur5er@ t"e -iant 3o8ra@ Step"en t"e =ere%ol1@ an5 <i3k Keeman. ="i3" meant it %as a )ery s"ort story. ="en 9 1inis"e5 ,5%ar5 sat t"ere@ sippin- "is 3o11ee an5 starin- at me. 9 sippe5 3o11ee an5 stare5 8a3k. A$"at 5oes e*plain t"e 8urn@C "e sai5. AGreat@C 9 sai5. ABut you le1t out a lot.C AHo% 5o you kno%BC ABe3ause 9 %as 1ollo%in- you.C 9 stare5 at "im@ 3"okin- on my 3o11ee. ="en 9 3oul5 talk %it"out 3ou-"in-@ 9 sai5@ ADou %ere %"atBC

A'ollo%in- you@C "e sai5. His eyes %ere still neutral@ smile still pleasant. A="yBC A9?)e 8een "ire5 to kill t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity.C ADou %ere "ire5 1or t"at t"ree mont"s a-o.C A/ikolaos is 5ea5G t"e ne% master isn?t.C ADou 5i5n?t kill /ikolaos@C 9 sai5. A9 5i5.C A$rueG you %ant "al1 t"e moneyBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"en %"at?s your 3omplaintB 9 -ot my arm 8roken "elpin- you kill "er.C AAn5 9 -ot 1ourteen stit3"es@ an5 %e 8ot" -ot )ampire 8it@C 9 sai5. AAn5 3leanse5 oursel)es %it" "oly %ater@C ,5%ar5 sai5. A="i3" 8urns likes a3i5@C 9 sai5. ,5%ar5 no55e5@ sippe5 "is 3o11ee. Somet"in- mo)e5 8e"in5 "is eyes@ somet"in- li;ui5 an5 5an-erous. His e*pression "a5n?t 3"an-e5@ 9?5 s%ear to it@ 8ut it %as su55enly all 9 3oul5 5o to meet "is eyes. A="y %ere you 1ollo%in- me@ ,5%ar5BC A9 %as tol5 you %oul5 8e meetin- %it" t"e ne% 7aster toni-"t.C A="o tol5 you t"atBC He s"ook "is "ea5@ t"at ins3ruta8le smile 3urlin- "is lips. A9 %as insi5e t"e !ir3us toni-"t@ Anita. 9 sa% %"o you %ere %it". Dou playe5 %it" t"e )ampires@ t"en you %ent "ome@ so one o1 t"em "as to 8e t"e 7aster.C 9 1ou-"t to keep my 1a3e 8lank@ too 8lank@ so t"e e11ort s"o%e5@ 8ut t"e pani3 5i5n?t s"o%. ,5%ar5 "a5 8een 1ollo%in- me@ an5 9 "a5n?t kno%n it. He kne% all t"e )ampires 9 "a5 seen toni-"t. 9t %asn?t t"at 8i- a list. He?5 1i-ure it out. A=ait a minute@C 9 sai5. ADou let me -o up a-ainst t"at snake %it"out "elpin- meBC A9 3ame in a1ter t"e 3ro%5 ran out. 9t %as almost o)er 8y t"e time 9 peeke5 into t"e tent.C 9 5rank 3o11ee an5 trie5 to t"ink o1 a %ay to make t"is 8etter. He "a5 a 3ontra3t to kill t"e 7aster@ an5 9 "a5 le5 "im ri-"t to "im. 9 "a5 8etraye5 Hean2!lau5e. ="y 5i5 t"at 8ot"er meB ,5%ar5 %as %at3"in- my 1a3e as i1 "e %oul5 memoriEe it. He %as %aitin- 1or my 1a3e to 8etray me. 9 %orke5 "ar5 at 8ein- 8lank an5 ins3ruta8le. He smile5 t"at 3lose@ 3anary2eatin- -rin o1 "is. He %as en>oyin- "imsel1. 9 %as not. ADou only sa% 1our )ampires toni-"tJ Hean2!lau5e@ t"e 5ark e*oti3 one %"o must 8e Dasmeen@ an5 t"e t%o 8lon5s. Dou -ot names 1or t"e 8lon5sBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. His smile %i5ene5. A=oul5 you tell me i1 you "a5BC A7ay8e.C A$"e 8lon5s aren?t important@C "e sai5. A/eit"er o1 t"em %ere master )amps.C 9 stare5 at "im@ 1or3in- my 1a3e to 8e neutral@ pleasant@ attenti)e@ 8lank. Blank is not one o1 my 8etter e*pressions@ 8ut may8e i1 9 pra3ti3e5 enou-" ... A$"at lea)es Hean2!lau5e an5 Dasmeen. Dasmeen?s ne% in to%nG t"at >ust lea)es Hean!lau5e.C A4o you really t"ink t"at t"e 7aster o1 t"e 1reakin- !ity %oul5 s"o% "imsel1 like t"atBC 9 put all t"e s3orn 9 3oul5 1in5 into my )oi3e. 9 %asn?t t"e 8est a3tor in t"e %orl5@ 8ut may8e 9 3oul5 learn. ,5%ar5 stare5 at me. A9t?s Hean2!lau5e@ isn?t itBC AHean2!lau5e isn?t po%er1ul enou-" to "ol5 t"e 3ity. Dou kno% t"at. He?s@ %"at@ a little o)er t%o "un5re5B /ot ol5 enou-".C He 1ro%ne5 at me. Goo5. A9t?s not Dasmeen.C A$rue.C ADou 5i5n?t talk to any ot"er )ampires toni-"tBC ADou may "a)e 1ollo%e5 me into t"e !ir3us@ ,5%ar5@ 8ut you 5i5n?t listen at t"e 5oor %"en 9 met t"e 7aster. Dou 3oul5n?t "a)e. $"e )amps or t"e s"apes"i1ters %oul5 "a)e "ear5 you.C He a3kno%le5-e5 it %it" a no5. A9 sa% t"e 7aster toni-"t@ 8ut it %asn?t anyone %"o 3ame 5o%n to 1i-"t t"e snake.C

A$"e 7aster let "is people risk t"eir li)es an5 5i5n?t "elpBC His smile %as 8a3k. A$"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity 5oesn?t "a)e to 8e p"ysi3ally present to len5 "is po%er@ you kno% t"at.C A/o@C "e sai5@ A9 5on?t.C 9 s"ru--e5. ABelie)e it or not.C 9 praye5@ please let "im 8elie)e. He %as 1ro%nin-. ADou?re not usually t"is -oo5 a liar.C A9?m not lyin-.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 3alm@ normal@ trut"1ul. Honesty2<2:s. A91 Hean2!lau5e really isn?t t"e 7aster@ t"en you kno% %"o isBC $"e ;uestion %as a trap. 9 3oul5n?t ans%er yes to 8ot" ;uestions@ 8ut "ell@ 9?5 8een lyin-G %"y stop no%B ADes@ 9 kno% %"o it is.C A$ell me@C "e sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"e 7aster %oul5 kill me i1 "e kne% 9 talke5 to you.C A=e 3an kill "im to-et"er like %e 5i5 t"e last one.C His )oi3e %as terri8ly reasona8le. 9 t"ou-"t a8out it 1or a minute. 9 t"ou-"t a8out tellin- "im t"e trut". Humans 'irst mi-"t not 8e up to tan-lin- %it" t"e 7aster@ 8ut ,5%ar5 %as. =e 3oul5 kill "im to-et"er@ a team. 7y li1e %oul5 8e a lot simpler. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 si-"e5. S"it. A9 3an?t@ ,5%ar5.C A=on?t@C "e sai5. 9 no55e5. A=on?t.C A91 9 8elie)e you@ Anita@ it means 9 nee5 t"e name o1 t"e 7aster. 9t means you are t"e only "uman %"o kno%s t"at name.C $"e 1rien5ly 8anter seepe5 out o1 "is 1a3e like meltin- i3e. His eyes %ere as empty an5 pitiless as a %inter sky. $"ere %as no one "ome t"at 9 3oul5 talk to. ADou 5on?t %ant to 8e t"e only "uman %"o kno%s t"e name@ Anita.C He %as ri-"t. 9 5i5n?t@ 8ut %"at 3oul5 9 sayB A$ake it or lea)e it@ ,5%ar5.C ASa)e yoursel1 a lot o1 pain@ AnitaG tell me t"e name.C He 8elie)e5. Hot 5amn. 9 lo%ere5 my eyes to look 5o%n into my 3o11ee so "e %oul5n?t see t"e 1las" o1 triump" in my eyes. ="en 9 looke5 8a3k up@ 9 "a5 my 1a3e un5er 3ontrol. 7e an5 7eryl Streep. A9 5on?t -i)e in to t"reats@ you kno% t"at.C He no55e5. He 1inis"e5 "is 3o11ee an5 sat t"e mu- in t"e mi55le o1 t"e ta8le. A9 %ill 5o %"ate)er is ne3essary to 1inis" t"is >o8.C A9 ne)er 5ou8te5 t"at@C 9 sai5. He %as talkin- a8out torturin- me 1or in1ormation. He soun5e5 almost re-ret1ul@ 8ut t"at %oul5n?t stop "im. #ne o1 ,5%ar5?s primary rules %as AAl%ays 1inis" a >o8.C He %oul5n?t let a little t"in- like 1rien5s"ip ruin "is per1e3t re3or5. ADou sa)e5 my li1e@ an5 9 sa)e5 yours@C "e sai5. A9t 5oesn?t 8uy you anyt"in- no%. Dou un5erstan5 t"atBC 9 no55e5. A9 un5erstan5.C AGoo5.C He stoo5 up. 9 stoo5 up. =e looke5 at ea3" ot"er. He s"ook "is "ea5. A9?ll 1in5 you toni-"t@ an5 9?ll ask a-ain.C A9 %on?t 8e 8ullie5@ ,5%ar5.C 9 %as 1inally -ettin- a little ma5. He "a5 3ome in "ere askin- 1or in1ormationG no% "e %as t"reatenin- me. 9 let t"e an-er s"o%. /o a3tin- nee5e5. ADou?re tou-"@ Anita@ 8ut not t"at tou-".C His eyes %ere neutral@ 8ut %ary@ like t"ose o1 a %ol1 9?5 seen on3e in !ali1ornia. 9?5 >ust %alke5 aroun5 a tree an5 t"ere it "a5 8een@ stan5in-. 9 1roEe. 9 "a5 ne)er really un5erstoo5 %"at neutral meant until t"en. $"e %ol1 5i5n?t -i)e a 5amn i1 it "urt me or not. 7y 3"oi3e. $"reaten it@ an5 t"e s"it "it t"e 1an. Gi)e it room to run@ an5 it %oul5 run. But t"e %ol1 5i5n?t 3areG it %as prepare5 eit"er %ay. 9 %as t"e one %it" my pulse in my t"roat@ so startle5 t"at 9?5 stoppe5 8reat"in-. 9 "el5 my 8reat" an5 %on5ere5 %"at t"e %ol1 %oul5 5e3i5e. 9t 1inally lope5 o11 t"rou-" t"e trees. 9?5 relearne5 "o% to 8reat"e an5 -one 8a3k 5o%n to t"e 3ampsite. 9 "a5 8een s3are5@ 8ut 9 3oul5 still 3lose my eyes an5 see t"e %ol1?s pale -rey eyes. $"e %on5er o1 starin- at a lar-e pre5ator %it"out any 3a-e 8ars 8et%een us. 9t "a5 8een %on5er1ul. 9 stare5 up at ,5%ar5 no% an5 kne% t"at t"is@ too@ %as %on5er1ul in its %ay. ="et"er 9 "a5 kno%n t"e in1ormation or not@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e tol5 "im. /o one 8ullie5 me. /o one. $"at %as one o1 my rules. A9 5on?t %ant to "a)e to kill you@ ,5%ar5.C He smile5 t"en. ADou kill meBC He %as lau-"in- at me. ADou 8et@C 9 sai5.

$"e lau-"ter seepe5 out o1 "is eyes@ "is lips@ "is 1a3e@ until "e stare5 at me %it" "is neutral@ pre5ator eyes. 9 s%allo%e5 an5 remem8ere5 to take slo%@ e)en 8reat"s. He %oul5 kill me. 7ay8e. 7ay8e not. A9s t"e 7aster %ort" one o1 us 5yin-BC 9 aske5. A9t?s a matter o1 prin3iple@C "e sai5. 9 no55e5. A7e@ too.C A=e kno% %"ere %e stan5@ t"en@C "e sai5. ADea".C He %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 5oor. 9 1ollo%e5@ an5 unlo3ke5 t"e 5oor 1or "im. He pause5 in t"e 5oor%ay. ADou?)e -ot until 1ull 5ark toni-"t.C A$"e ans%er %ill 8e t"e same.C A9 kno%@C "e sai5. He %alke5 out %it"out e)en -lan3in- 8a3k. 9 %at3"e5 "im until "e 5isappeare5 5o%n t"e stairs. $"en 9 s"ut t"e 5oor an5 lo3ke5 it. 9 stoo5 leanin- my 8a3k a-ainst t"e 5oor an5 trie5 to t"ink o1 a %ay out. 91 9 tol5 Hean2!lau5e@ "e mi-"t 8e a8le to kill ,5%ar5@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t -i)e "umans to t"e monsters. /ot 1or any reason. 9 3oul5 tell ,5%ar5 a8out Hean2!lau5e. He mi-"t e)en 8e a8le to kill t"e 7aster. 9 3oul5 e)en "elp "im. 9 trie5 pi3turin- Hean2!lau5e?s per1e3t 8o5y ri55le5 %it" 8ullets@ 3o)ere5 in 8loo5. His 1a3e 8lo%n a%ay 8y a s"ot-un. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9 3oul5n?t 5o it. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"y e*a3tly@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t "an5 Hean2!lau5e o)er to ,5%ar5. 9 3oul5n?t 8etray eit"er o1 t"em. ="i3" le1t me ass25eep in alli-ators. So %"at else %as ne%B

Chapter Eleven
9 stoo5 on t"e s"ore un5er a 8la3k 1rin-e o1 trees. $"e 8la3k lake lappe5 an5 rolle5 a%ay into t"e 5ark. $"e moon "un"u-e an5 sil)er in t"e sky. $"e moonli-"t ma5e -litterin- patterns on t"e %ater. Hean2!lau5e rose 1rom t"e %ater. =ater %as streamin- in sil)er lines 1rom "is "air an5 s"irt. His s"ort 8la3k "air %as in ti-"t 3urls 1rom 8ein- %et. $"e %"ite s"irt 3lun- to "is 8o5y@ makin- "is nipples 3lear an5 "ar5 a-ainst t"e 3lot". He "el5 out "is "an5 to me. 9 %as %earin- a lon-@ 5ark 5ress. 9t %as "ea)y an5 "un- aroun5 me like a %ei-"t. Somet"in- insi5e t"e skirt ma5e it sti3k out to eit"er si5e like a tiny mal1orme5 "oop. A "ea)y 3loak %as pus"e5 8a3k o)er my s"oul5ers. 9t %as autumn@ an5 t"e moon %as "ar)est21ull. Hean2!lau5e sai5@ A!ome to me.C 9 steppe5 o11 t"e s"ore an5 sank into t"e %ater. 9t 1ille5 t"e skirt@ soakin- into t"e 3loak. 9 tore t"e 3loak o11@ lettin- it sink out o1 si-"t. $"e %ater %as %arm as 8at" %ater@ %arm as 8loo5. 9 raise5 my "an5 to t"e moonli-"t@ an5 t"e li;ui5 t"at streame5 5o%n it %as t"i3k an5 5ark an5 "a5 ne)er 8een %ater. 9 stoo5 in t"e s"allo%s in a 5ress t"at 9 "a5 ne)er ima-ine5@ 8y a s"ore 9 5i5 not kno%@ an5 stare5 at t"e 8eauti1ul monster as "e mo)e5 to%ar5s me@ -ra3e1ul an5 3o)ere5 in 8loo5. 9 %oke -aspin- 1or air@ "an5s 3lut3"in- at t"e s"eets like a li1eline. ADou promise5 to stay out o1 my 5reams@ you son o1 a 8it3"@C 9 %"ispere5. $"e ra5io 3lo3k 8esi5e t"e 8e5 rea5 2J P.7. 9?5 8een asleep 1or ten "ours. 9 s"oul5 "a)e 1elt 8etter@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 9t %as as i1 9?5 8een runnin- 1rom ni-"tmare to ni-"tmare@ an5 "a5n?t really -otten to rest. $"e only 5ream 9 remem8ere5 %as t"e last one. 91 t"ey "a5 all 8een t"at 8a5@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to remem8er t"e rest. ="y %as Hean2!lau5e "auntin- my 5reams a-ainB He?5 -i)en "is %or5@ 8ut may8e "is %or5 %asn?t %ort" anyt"in-. 7ay8e. 9 strippe5 in 1ront o1 t"e 8at"room mirror. 7y ri8s an5 stoma3" %ere 3o)ere5 in 5eep@ nearly purple 8ruises. 7y 3"est %as ti-"t %"en 9 8reat"e5@ 8ut not"in- %as 8roken. $"e 8urn on my 3"est %as ra%@ t"e skin 8la3kene5 %"ere it %asn?t 3o)ere5 in 8listers. A 8urn "urts all t"e %ay 5o%n@ as i1 t"e pain 8urro%s 1rom t"e skin 5o%n to t"e 8one. A 8urn is t"e only in>ury %"ere 9 am 3on)in3e5 9 "a)e ner)e en5in-s 8elo% skin le)el. Ho% 3oul5 it "urt so 5amn 8a5@ ot"er%iseB 9 %as meetin- <onnie at t"e "ealt" 3lu8 at t"ree. <onnie %as s"ort 1or Veroni3a. S"e sai5 it "elpe5 "er -et more %ork as a pri)ate 5ete3ti)e i1 people assume5 s"e %as male. Sa5 8ut true. =e %oul5 li1t %ei-"ts an5 >o-. 9 slippe5 a 8la3k sports 8ra )ery 3are1ully o)er t"e 8urn. $"e elasti3 presse5 in on t"e 8ruises@ 8ut e)eryt"in- else %as okay. 9 ru88e5 t"e 8urn %it" antisepti3 3ream an5 tape5 a pie3e o1 -auEe o)er it. A man?s re5 t2s"irt %it" t"e slee)es an5 ne3k 3ut out %ent o)er e)eryt"in- else. Bla3k 8iker pants@ >o--in- so3ks %it" a t"in re5 stripe@ an5 8la3k /ike Airs 3omplete5 t"e out1it. $"e t2s"irt s"o%e5 t"e -auEe@ 8ut it "i5 t"e 8ruises. 7ost o1 t"e re-ulars at t"e "ealt" 3lu8 %ere a33ustome5 to my 3omin- in 8ruise5 or %orse. $"ey 5i5n?t ask a lot o1 ;uestions anymore. <onnie says 9 %as -rumpy at t"em. 'ine %it" me. 9 like to 8e le1t alone. 9 "a5 my 3oat on@ -ym 8a- in "an5@ %"en t"e p"one ran-. 9 5e8ate5 8ut 1inally pi3ke5 it up. A$alk to me@C 9 sai5.

A9t?s 4olp".C 7y stoma3" ti-"tene5. =as it anot"er mur5erB A="at?s up@ 4olp"BC A=e -ot an 94 on t"e Ho"n 4oe you looke5 at.C A$"e )ampire )i3timBC ADea".C 9 let out t"e 8reat" 9?5 8een "ol5in-. /o more mur5ers@ an5 %e %ere makin- pro-ressG %"at 3oul5 8e 8etterB A!al)in Barna8as <upert@ 1rien5s 3alle5 "im !al. $%enty2si* years ol5@ marrie5 to 4enise Smyt"e <upert 1or 1our years. /o 3"il5ren. He %as an insuran3e 8roker. =e "a)en?t 8een a8le to turn up any ties %it" t"e )ampire 3ommunity.C A7ay8e 7r. <upert %as >ust in t"e ri-"t pla3e at t"e %ron- time.C A<an5om )iolen3eBC He ma5e it a ;uestion. A7ay8e.C A91 it %as ran5om@ %e -ot no pattern@ not"in- to look at.C ASo you?re %on5erin- i1 9 3an 1in5 out i1 !al <upert "a5 any ties to t"e monstersBC ADes@C "e sai5. 9 si-"e5. A9?ll try. 9s t"at itB 9?m late 1or an appointment.C A$"at?s it. !all me i1 you 1in5 out anyt"in-.C His )oi3e soun5e5 positi)ely -rim. ADou?5 tell me i1 you 1oun5 anot"er 8o5y@ %oul5n?t youBC He -a)e a snort o1 lau-"ter. A7ake you 3ome 5o%n an5 measure t"e 5amn 8ites@ yea". ="yBC ADour )oi3e soun5s -rim.C $"e lau-"ter 5ri88le5 out o1 "is )oi3e. ADou?re t"e one %"o sai5 t"ere?5 8e more 8o5ies. Dou 3"an-e5 your min5 on t"atBC 9 %ante5 to say@ yes@ 9?)e 3"an-e5 my min5@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. A91 t"ere is a pa3k o1 ro-ue )ampires@ %e?ll 8e seein- more 8o5ies.C A!an you t"ink o1 anyt"in- else it 3oul5 8e 8esi5es )ampiresBC "e aske5. 9 t"ou-"t a8out it 1or a minute@ an5 s"ook my "ea5. A/ot a 5amn t"in-.C A'ine@ talk to you later.C $"e p"one 8uEEe5 5ea5 in my "an5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 say anyt"in-. 4olp" %asn?t mu3" on "ello an5 -oo528ye. 9 "a5 my 8a3k2up -un@ a 'irestar 9mm@ in t"e po3ket o1 my >a3ket. $"ere %as >ust no %ay to %ear a "olster in e*er3ise 3lot"es. $"e 'irestar only "el5 ei-"t 8ullets to t"e Bro%nin-?s t"irteen@ 8ut t"e Bro%nin- ten5e5 to sti3k out o1 my po3ket an5 make people stare. Besi5es@ i1 9 3oul5n?t -et t"e 8a5 -uys %it" ei-"t 8ullets@ anot"er 1i)e pro8a8ly %oul5n?t "elp. #1 3ourse@ t"ere %as an e*tra 3lip in t"e Eipper po3ket o1 my -ym 8a-. A -irl 3oul5n?t 8e too 3autious in t"ese 3rime2ri55en times.

Chapter Twelve
<onnie an5 9 %ere 5oin- po%er 3ir3uits at Vi3 $anny?s. $"ere %ere t%o 1ull sets o1 ma3"ines an5 no %aitin- at 3J1& on a $"urs5ay a1ternoon. 9 %as 5oin- t"e Hip A85u3tionUHip A55u3tion ma3"ine. Dou pulle5 a le)er on t"e si5e an5 t"e ma3"ine %ent to 5i11erent positions. $"e Hip A55u3tion position looke5 )a-uely o8s3ene@ like a -yne3olo-i3al torture 5e)i3e. 9t %as one o1 t"e reasons 9 ne)er %ore s"orts %"en %e li1te5 %ei-"ts. <onnie eit"er. 9 %as 3on3entratin- on pressin- my t"i-"s to-et"er %it"out makin- t"e %ei-"ts 3link. =ei-"ts 3linkin- means you?re not 3ontrollin- t"e e*er3ise@ or it means you?re %orkin- %it" too mu3" %ei-"t. 9 %as usin- si*ty poun5s. 9t %asn?t too "ea)y. <onnie lay on "er stoma3" usin- t"e Le- !url@ 1le*in- "er 3al)es o)er "er 8a3k@ "eels nearly tou3"in- "er 8utt. $"e mus3les un5er "er 3al)es 8un3"e5 an5 3oile5 un5er "er skin. /eit"er o1 us is 8ulky@ 8ut %e?re soli5. $"ink Lin5a Hamilton in $erminator 2. <onnie 1inis"e5 8e1ore 9 5i5 an5 pa3e5 aroun5 t"e ma3"ines %aitin- 1or me. 9 let t"e %ei-"ts ease 8a3k %it" only t"e sli-"test 3link. 9t?s okay to 3link t"e %ei-"ts %"en you?re 1inis"e5. =e ease5 out 1rom t"e ma3"ines an5 starte5 runnin- on t"e o)al tra3k. $"e tra3k %as 8or5ere5 8y a -lass %all t"at s"o%e5 t"e 8lue pool. A tone man %as 5oin- laps in -o--les an5 a 8la3k 8at"in- 3ap. $"e ot"er si5e %as 8or5ere5 8y t"e 1ree %ei-"t room an5 t"e aero8i3s stu5io. $"e en5s o1 t"e tra3k %ere mirrore5 so you 3oul5 al%ays see yoursel1 runnin- 1a3e on. #n 8a5 5ays 9 3oul5 "a)e 5one %it"out %at3"in- mysel1G on -oo5 5ays it %as kin5 o1 1un. A %ay to make sure your stri5e %as e)en@ arms pumpin-.

9 tol5 <onnie a8out t"e )ampire )i3tim as %e ran. ="i3" meant %e %eren?t runnin- 1ast enou-". 9 in3rease5 my pa3e an5 3oul5 still talk. ="en you routinely 5o 1our miles outsi5e in t"e St. Louis "eat@ t"e pa55e5 tra3k at Vi3 $anny is >ust not t"at 8i- a 3"allen-e. =e 5i5 t%o laps an5 %ent 8a3k to t"e ma3"ines. A="at 5i5 you say t"e )i3tim?s name %as a-ainBC S"e soun5e5 normal@ no strain. 9 in3rease5 our pa3e to a 1lat2out run. All talkin- 3ease5. Arm ma3"ines t"is time. <e-ular Pull2o)er 1or me@ #)er"ea5 Press 1or <onnie@ t"en t%o laps o1 t"e tra3k@ t"en tra5e ma3"ines. ="en 9 3oul5 talk@ 9 ans%ere5 "er ;uestion. A!al)in <upert@C 9 sai5. 9 5i5 t%el)e pullo)ers %it" 1 ma3"ines@ t"is one is easiest 1or me. =eir5@ "u"B A!al <upertBC s"e aske5. A$"at?s %"at "is 1rien5s 3alle5 "im@C 9 sai5@ A="yBC S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A9 kno% a !al <upert.C 9 %at3"e5 "er an5 let my 8o5y 5o t"e e*er3ise %it"out me. 9 %as "ol5in- my 8reat"@ %"i3" is 8a5. 9 remem8ere5 to 8reat"e an5 sai5@ A$ell me.C A="en 9 %as askin- ;uestions aroun5 Humans A-ainst Vampires 5urin- t"at ras" o1 )ampire 5eat"s. !al <upert 8elon-e5 to HAV.C A4es3ri8e "im 1or me.C ABlon5@ 8lue or -rey eyes@ not too tall@ %ell 8uilt@ attra3ti)e.C $"ere mi-"t 8e more t"an one !al <upert in St. Louis@ 8ut %"at %ere t"e o55s t"at t"ey?5 look t"at mu3" alikeB A9?ll "a)e 4olp" 3"e3k it out@ 8ut i1 "e %as a mem8er o1 HAV@ it mi-"t mean t"e )ampire kill %as an e*e3ution.C A="at 5o you meanBC ASome o1 HAV t"inks t"e only -oo5 )ampire is a 5ea5 )ampire.C 9 %as t"inkin- o1 Humans 'irst@ 7r. Heremy <ue8ens?s little -roup. Ha5 t"ey kille5 a )ampire alrea5yB =as t"is retaliationB A9 nee5 to kno% i1 !al %as still a mem8er o1 HAV or i1 "e?5 >oine5 a ne%@ more ra5i3al -roup 3alle5 Humans 'irst.C A!at3"y@C <onnie sai5. A!an you 1in5 out 1or meB 91 9 -o 5o%n t"ere askin- ;uestions@ t"ey?ll 8urn me at t"e stake.C AAl%ays -la5 to "elp my 8est 1rien5 an5 t"e poli3e at t"e same time. A pri)ate 5ete3ti)e ne)er kno%s %"en "a)in- t"e poli3e o%e you one may 3ome in "an5y.C A$rue@C 9 sai5. 9 -ot to %ait 1or <onnie t"is time. #n le- ma3"ines s"e %as 1aster. :pper 8o5y %as my area. A9?ll 3all 4olp" as soon as %e?re 1inis"e5 "ere. 7ay8e it?s a patternB A "ell o1 a 3oin3i5en3e i1 it?s not.C =e starte5 aroun5 t"e tra3k an5 <onnie sai5@ ASo@ "a)e you 5e3i5e5 %"at you?re %earin- to !at"erine?s Hallo%een partyBC 9 -lan3e5 at "er@ nearly stum8lin-. AS"it@C 9 sai5. A9 take t"at to mean you 1or-ot a8out t"e party. Dou %ere 8it3"in- a8out it only t%o 5ays a-o.C A9?)e 8een a little 8usy@ okayBC 9 sai5. But it %asn?t all ri-"t. !at"erine 7aison2Gillett %as one o1 my 8est 1rien5s. 9?5 %orn a pink prom 5ress %it" pu11 slee)es in "er %e55in-. 9t "a5 8een "umiliatin-. =e?5 all tol5 t"e -reat lie o1 all 8ri5esmai5s. =e 3oul5 3ut t"e 5ress s"ort an5 %ear it in normal li1e. /o %ay. #r 9 3oul5 %ear it at t"e ne*t 1ormal o33asion 9 %as in)ite5 to. Ho% many 1ormals are you in)ite5 to on3e you -ra5uate 3olle-eB /one. At least none %"ere 9?5 %illin-ly %ear a pink@ pu112 slee)e5@ "oop2skirte5@ re>e3t 1rom Gone =it" t"e =in5. !at"erine %as t"ro%in- "er )ery 1irst party sin3e t"e %e55in-. $"e Hallo%een 1esti)ities starte5 lon- 8e1ore 5ark so t"at 9 3oul5 make an appearan3e. ="en someone -oes to t"at mu3" trou8le@ you "a)e to s"o% up. 4ammit. A9 ma5e a 5ate 1or Satur5ay@C 9 sai5. <onnie stoppe5 runnin- an5 stare5 at me in t"e mirror. 9 kept runnin-G i1 s"e %ante5 to ask ;uestions s"e?5 "a)e to 3at3" me 1irst. S"e 3au-"t me. A4i5 you say 5ateBC 9 no55e5@ sa)in- my 8reat" 1or runnin-. A$alk@ Anita.C Her )oi3e %as )a-uely t"reatenin-. 9 -rinne5 at "er an5 tol5 "er an e5ite5 )ersion o1 my meetin- %it" <i3"ar5 Keeman. 9 5i5n?t lea)e out mu3"@ t"ou-". AHe %as nake5 in a 8e5 t"e 1irst time you sa% "imBC S"e %as 3"eer1ully outra-e5. 9 no55e5. poun5s. #1 all t"e

ADou 5o meet men in t"e most interestin- pla3es@C s"e sai5. =e %ere >o--in- on t"e tra3k a-ain. A="en?s t"e last time 9 met a manBC A="at a8out Ho"n BurkeBC A#t"er t"an "im@C Herks 5i5 not 3ount. S"e t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A$oo lon-.C ADep@C 9 sai5. =e %ere on our last ma3"ine@ t"e last t%o laps@ t"en stret3"in-@ s"o%ers@ an5 5one. 9 5i5n?t really en>oy e*er3isin-. /eit"er 5i5 <onnie. But %e 8ot" nee5e5 to 8e in -oo5 s"ape so %e 3oul5 run a%ay 1rom t"e 8a5 -uys@ or run t"em 5o%n. $"ou-" 9 "a5n?t 3"ase5 a1ter many )illains lately. 9 seeme5 to 5o a lot more runnin- a%ay. =e mo)e5 o)er to t"e open area near t"e ra3;uet8all 3ourts an5 t"e tannin- rooms. 9t %as t"e only pla3e %it" enou-" room to stret3" out. 9 al%ays stret3"e5 8e1ore an5 a1ter e*er3isin-. 9?5 "a5 too many in>uries not to 8e 3are1ul. 9 starte5 rotatin- t"e ne3k slo%lyG <onnie 1ollo%e5 me. A9 -uess 9?ll "a)e to 3an3el t"e 5ate.C A4on?t you 5are@C <onnie sai5. A9n)ite "im to t"e party.C 9 looke5 at "er. ADou?)e -ot to 8e ki55in-. A 1irst 5ate surroun5e5 8y people "e 5oesn?t kno%.C A="o 5o you kno% 8esi5es !at"erineBC s"e aske5. S"e "a5 a point t"ere. A9?)e met "er ne% "us8an5.C ADou %ere in t"e %e55in-@C <onnie sai5. A#"@ yea".C <onnie 1ro%ne5 at me. ABe serious@ ask "im to t"e party@ make plans 1or t"e 3a)in- ne*t %eek.C A$%o 5ates %it" t"e same manBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="at i1 %e 5on?t like ea3" ot"erBC A/o e*3uses@C <onnie sai5. A$"is is t"e 3losest you?)e 8een to a 5ate in mont"s. 4on?t 8lo% it.C A9 5on?t 5ate 8e3ause 9 5on?t "a)e time to 5ate.C ADou 5on?t "a)e time to sleep@ eit"er@ 8ut you mana-e it@C s"e sai5. A9?ll 5o it@ 8ut "e may say no to t"e party. 9 %oul5 rat"er not -o mysel1.C A="y notBC 9 -a)e "er a lon- look. S"e looke5 inno3ent enou-". A9?m an animator@ a Eom8ie2;ueen. Ha)in- me at a Hallo%een party is re5un5ant.C ADou 5on?t "a)e to tell people %"at you 5o 1or a li)in-.C A9?m not as"ame5 o1 it.C A9 5i5n?t say you %ere@C <onnie sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHust 1or-et it. 9?ll make t"e 3ountero11er to <i3"ar5@ t"en %e?ll -o 1rom t"ere.C ADou?ll %ant a se*y out1it 1or t"e party no%@C s"e sai5. A4o not@C 9 sai5. S"e lau-"e5. A4o too.C AAll ri-"t@ all ri-"t@ a se*y out1it i1 9 3an 1in5 one in my siEe t"ree 5ays 8e1ore Hallo%een.C A9?ll "elp you. =e?ll 1in5 somet"in-.C S"e?5 "elp me. =e?5 1in5 somet"in-. 9t soun5e5 sort o1 ominous. Pre5ate >itters. ="o@ meB

Chapter Thirteen
At +J1+ t"at a1ternoon 9 %as on t"e p"one to <i3"ar5 Keeman. AHi@ <i3"ar5@ t"is is Anita Blake.C A/i3e to "ear your )oi3e.C His )oi3e %as smilin- o)er t"e p"oneG 9 3oul5 almost 1eel it. A9 1or-ot t"at 9?)e -ot a Hallo%een party to -o to Satur5ay a1ternoon. $"ey starte5 t"e party 5urin- 5ayli-"t so 9 3oul5 make an appearan3e. 9 3an?t not s"o% up.C A9 un5erstan5@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as )ery 3are1ully neutral2neutral 3"eer1ul. A=oul5 you like to 8e my 5ate 1or t"e partyB 9 "a)e to %ork Hallo%een ni-"t@ o1 3ourse@ 8ut t"e 5ay 3oul5 8e ours.C AAn5 t"e 3a)in-BC

AA rain 3"e3k@C 9 sai5. A$%o 5atesG t"is 3oul5 8e serious.C ADou?re lau-"in- at me@C 9 sai5. A/e)er.C AS"it@ 5o you %ant to -o or notBC A91 you promise to -o 3a)in- a %eek 1rom Satur5ay.C A7y solemn %or5@C 9 sai5. A9t?s a 5eal.C He %as ;uiet on t"e p"one 1or a minute. A9 5on?t "a)e to %ear a 3ostume 1or t"is party@ 5o 9BC A:n1ortunately@ yes@C 9 sai5. He si-"e5. ABa3kin- outBC A/o@ 8ut you o%e me t%o 5ates 1or "umiliatin- mysel1 in 1ront o1 stran-ers.C 9 -rinne5 an5 %as -la5 "e 3oul5n?t see it@ 9 %as entirely too please5. A4eal.C A="at 3ostume are you %earin-BC "e aske5. A9 "a)en?t -ot one yet. 9 tol5 you 9 1or-ot t"e partyG 9 meant it.C AHmm@C "e sai5. A9 t"ink pi3kin- out 3ostumes s"oul5 tell a lot a8out a person@ 5on?t youBC A$"is 3lose to Hallo%een %e?ll 8e lu3ky to 1in5 anyt"in- in our siEe.C He lau-"e5. A9 mi-"t "a)e an a3e up my slee)e.C A="atBC He lau-"e5 a-ain. A4on?t soun5 so 5amn suspi3ious. 9?)e -ot a 1rien5 %"o?s a !i)il =ar 8u11. He an5 "is %i1e 5o re23reations.C ADou mean like 5ress upBC ADes.C A=ill t"ey "a)e t"e ri-"t siEesBC A="at siEe 5ress 5o you %earBC $"at %as a personal ;uestion 1or someone %"o?5 ne)er e)en kisse5 me. ASe)en@C 9 sai5. A9 %oul5 "a)e -uesse5 smaller.C A9?m too 3"esty 1or a si*@ an5 t"ey 5on?t make si* an5 a "al1s.C A!"esty@ %oo@ %oo.C AStop it.C ASorry@ 3oul5n?t resist@C "e sai5. 7y 8eeper %ent o11. A4amn.C A="at?s t"at soun5BC A7y 8eeper@C 9 sai5. 9 presse5 t"e 8utton an5 it 1las"e5 t"e num8er2t"e poli3e. A9 "a)e to take it. !an 9 3all you 8a3k in a 1e% minutes@ <i3"ar5BC A9?ll %ait %it" 8ate5 8reat".C A9?m 1ro%nin- at t"e p"one@ 9 "ope you kno% t"at.C A$"anks 1or s"arin- t"at. 9?ll %ait "ere 8y t"e p"one. !all me %"en you?re 5one %it" (so8) %ork.C A!ut it out@ <i3"ar5.C A="at?5 9 5oBC ABye@ <i3"ar5@ talk to you soon.C A9?ll 8e %aitin-@C "e sai5. ABye@ <i3"ar5.C 9 "un- up 8e1ore "e 3oul5 make any more Apiti1ul meC >okes. $"e really sa5 part %as 9 t"ou-"t it %as 3ute. Ga- me %it" a spoon. 9 3alle5 4olp"?s num8er. AAnitaBC ADea".C A=e -ot anot"er )ampire )i3tim. Looks t"e same as t"e 1irst one@ e*3ept it?s a %oman.C A4amn@C 9 sai5 so1tly. ADea"@ %e?re o)er "ere at 4eSoto.C

A$"at?s 1art"er sout" t"an Arnol5@C 9 sai5. ASoBC "e sai5. A/ot"in-@ >ust -i)e me t"e 5ire3tions.C He 5i5. A9t?ll take me at least an "our to -et t"ere@C 9 sai5. A$"e sti11?s not -oin- any%"ere@ an5 neit"er are %e.C He soun5e5 5is3oura-e5. A!"eer up@ 4olp"@ 9 may "a)e 1oun5 a 3lue.C A$alk.C AVeroni3a Sims re3o-niEe5 t"e name !al <upert. 4es3ription mat3"es.C A="at are you 5oin- talkin- to a pri)ate 5ete3ti)eBC He soun5e5 suspi3ious. AS"e?s my %orkout partner@ an5 sin3e s"e >ust -a)e us our 1irst 3lue@ 9?5 soun5 a little more -rate1ul@ i1 9 %ere you.C ADea"@ yea". Hurra" 1or t"e pri)ate se3tor. /o% talk.C AA !al <upert %as a mem8er o1 HAV a8out t%o mont"s a-o. $"e 5es3ription mat3"es.C A<e)en-e killin-sBC "e aske5. A7ay8e.C AHal1 o1 me "opes it?s a pattern. At least %e?5 "a)e some pla3e to start lookin-.C He ma5e a soun5 8et%een a lau-" an5 a snort. A9?ll tell Ker8ro%ski you 1oun5 a 3lue. He?ll like t"at.C AAll us 4i3k $ra3y !rime8usters speak poli3e lin-o@C 9 sai5. APoli3e lin-oBC 9 3oul5 1eel t"e -rin o)er t"e p"one. ADou 1in5 any more 3lues@ you let us kno%.C AAye@ aye@ Ser-eant.C A!an t"e sar3asm@C "e sai5. APlease@ 9 al%ays use 1res" sar3asm@ ne)er 3anne5.C He -roane5. AHust -et your 8utt out "ere so %e 3an all -o "ome.C $"e p"one %ent 5ea5. 9 "un- up. <i3"ar5 Keeman ans%ere5 on t"e se3on5 rin-. AHello.C A9t?s Anita.C A="at?s upBC A$"e messa-e %as 1rom t"e poli3e. $"ey nee5 my e*pertise.C AA preternatural 3rimeBC "e aske5. ADea".C A9s it 5an-erousBC A$o t"e person %"o %as kille5@ yea".C ADou kno% t"at?s not %"at 9 meant@C "e sai5. A9t?s my >o8@ <i3"ar5. 91 you 3an?t 5eal %it" it@ may8e %e s"oul5n?t 5ate at all.C AHey@ 5on?t -et 5e1ensi)e. 9 >ust %ante5 to kno% i1 you %oul5 8e in any personal 5an-er.C His )oi3e %as in5i-nant. A'ine. 9?)e -ot to -o.C A="at a8out t"e 3ostumesB 4o you %ant me 3all my 1rien5BC ASure.C A=ill you trust me to pi3k your 3ostumeBC "e aske5. 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a 1e% "eart8eats. 4i5 9 trust "im to -et me a 3ostumeB /o. 4i5 9 "a)e time to "unt up a 3ostume on my o%n?B Pro8a8ly not. A="y notBC 9 sai5. ABe--ars 3an?t 8e 3"oosers.C A=e?ll sur)i)e t"e party an5 t"en ne*t %eek %e?ll -o 3ra%l in t"e mu5.C A9 3an?t %ait@C 9 sai5. He lau-"e5. A/eit"er 3an 9.C A9?)e -ot to -o@ <i3"ar5.C A9?ll "a)e t"e 3ostumes at your apartment 1or inspe3tion. 9?ll nee5 5ire3tions.C

9 -a)e "im 5ire3tions. A9 "ope you like your 3ostume.C A7e too. $alk to you later.C 9 "un- t"e re3ei)er on t"e pay p"one?s 3ra5le an5 stare5 at it. $"at "a5 8een too easy. $oo smoot". He?5 pro8a8ly pi3k out a terri8le 3ostume 1or me. =e?5 8ot" "a)e a misera8le time an5 8e trappe5 into a se3on5 5ate %it" ea3" ot"er. ,ekI <onnie "an5e5 me a 3an o1 1ruit >ui3e an5 took a sip o1 "er o%n. S"e "a5 3ran8erry an5 9 "a5 ru8y re5 -rape1ruit. 9 3oul5n?t stan5 3ran8erry. A="at?5 3utesie pie sayBC APlease 5on?t 3all "im t"at@C 9 sai5. S"e s"ru--e5. ASorry@ it >ust sort o1 slippe5 out.C S"e "a5 t"e -ra3e to look em8arrasse5. A9 1or-i)e you@ t"is on3e.C S"e -rinne5@ an5 9 kne% s"e %asn?t repentant. But 9?5 ri88e5 "er o1ten enou-" a8out "er 5ates. $urna8out is 1air play. Pay8a3k is a 8it3".

Chapter Fourteen
$"e sun %as sinkin- in a slas" o1 3rimson like a 1res"@ 8lee5in- %oun5. Purple 3lou5s %ere pilin- up to t"e %est. $"e %in5 %as stron- an5 smelle5 like rain. <u11o Lane %as a narro% -ra)el roa5. Barely %i5e enou-" 1or t%o 3ars to pass ea3" ot"er. $"e re55is" -ra)el 3run3"e5 un5er1oot. =in5 rustle5 t"e tall@ 5ry %ee5s in t"e 5it3". $"e roa5 5isappeare5 o)er t"e rise o1 a "ill. Poli3e 3ars@ marke5 an5 plain@ %ere line5 up alon- one si5e o1 t"e roa5 as 1ar as 9 3oul5 see. $"e roa5 5isappeare5 o)er t"e rise o1 a "ill. $"ere %ere a lot o1 "ills in He11erson !ounty. 9 %as alrea5y 5resse5 in a 3lean pair o1 o)eralls@ 8la3k /ikes@ an5 sur-i3al -lo)es %"en my 8eeper %ent o11. 9 "a5 to s3ram8le at t"e Eipper an5 5ra- t"e 5amn t"in- out into t"e 5yin- li-"t. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to see t"e num8er. 9 kne% it %as Bert. 9t %as only a "al1 "our until 1ull 5ark@ i1 t"at. 7y 8oss %as %on5erin- %"ere 9 %as@ an5 %"y 9 %asn?t at %ork. 9 %on5ere5 i1 Bert %oul5 really 1ire me. 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e 3orpse an5 %asn?t sure 9 3are5. $"e %oman %as 3urle5 on "er si5e@ arms s"iel5in- "er nake5 8reasts@ as i1 e)en in 5eat" s"e %as mo5est. Violent 5eat" is t"e ultimate in)asion. S"e %oul5 8e p"oto-rap"e5@ )i5eotape5@ measure5@ 3ut open@ se%n 8a3k up. /o part o1 "er@ insi5e or out@ %oul5 8e le1t untou3"e5. 9t %as %ron-. =e s"oul5 "a)e 8een a8le to toss a 8lanket o)er "er an5 lea)e "er in pea3e@ 8ut t"at %oul5n?t "elp us pre)ent t"e ne*t killin-. An5 t"ere %oul5 8e a ne*t oneJ t"e se3on5 8o5y %as proo1 o1 t"at. 9 -lan3e5 aroun5 at t"e poli3e an5 t"e am8ulan3e team@ %aitin- to take t"e 8o5y a%ay. ,*3ept 1or t"e 8o5y@ 9 %as t"e only %oman. 9 usually %as@ 8ut toni-"t@ 1or some reason@ it 8ot"ere5 me. Her %aist2len-t" "air spille5 out into t"e %ee5s in a pale 1loo5. Anot"er 8lon5e. =as t"at 3oin3i5en3eB #r notB $%o %as a pretty small sample. 91 t"e ne*t )i3tim %as 8lon5@ t"en %e?5 "a)e a tren5. 91 all t"e )i3tims %ere 3au3asian@ 8lon5@ an5 mem8ers o1 Humans A-ainst Vampires@ %e?5 "a)e our pattern. Patterns "elpe5 sol)e t"e 3rime. 9 %as "opin- 1or a pattern. 9 "el5 a penli-"t in my mout" an5 measure5 t"e 8ite marks. $"ere %ere no 8ite marks on t"e %rists t"is time. $"ere %ere rope 8urns instea5. $"ey?5 tie5 "er up@ may8e "un- "er 1rom t"e 3eilin- like a si5e o1 8ee1. $"ere is no su3" t"in- as a -oo5 )ampire %"o 1ee5s o11 "umans. /e)er 8elie)e t"at a )ampire %ill only take a little. $"at it %on?t "urt. $"at?s like 8elie)in- your 5ate %ill pull out in time. Hust trust "im. Dea"@ ri-"t. $"ere %as a neat pun3ture %oun5 on eit"er si5e o1 t"e ne3k. $"ere %as a 8it o1 1les" missin- 1rom "er le1t 8reast@ as i1 somet"in- "a5 taken a 8ite out o1 "er >ust a8o)e t"e "eart. $"e 8en5 o1 "er ri-"t arm %as torn apart. $"e 8all >oint %as nake5 in t"e t"in 8eam o1 li-"t. Pinkis" li-aments straine5 to "ol5 t"e arm to-et"er. $"e last serial mur5erer t"at 9?5 %orke5 on "a5 torn t"e )i3tims into pie3es. 9 "a5 %alke5 on 3arpet so 5ren3"e5 %it" 8loo5 t"at it s;uel3"e5 un5er1oot. 9 "a5 "el5 pie3es o1 intestine in my "an5@ lookin- 1or 3lues. 9t %as t"e ne% %orst2t"in-2 9?52e)erseen. 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e 5ea5 %oman an5 %as -la5 s"e "a5n?t 8een torn apart. An5 it %asn?t 8e3ause 9 1i-ure5 it "a5 8een an easier 5eat"@ t"ou-" 9 "ope5 it "a5. An5 it %asn?t 8e3ause t"ere %ere more 3lues@ 8e3ause t"ere %eren?t. 9t %as >ust t"at 9 5i5n?t %ant to see any more slau-"tere5 people. 9?5 "a5 my ;uota 1or t"e year. $"ere is an art to "ol5in- a penli-"t in your mout" an5 measurin- %oun5s %it"out 5roolin- on yoursel1. 9 mana-e5. $"e se3ret %as su3kin- on t"e en5 o1 t"e 1las"li-"t 1rom time to time. $"e t"in 8eam o1 t"e 1las"li-"t s"one on "er t"i-"s. 9 %ante5 to see i1 s"e "a5 a -roin %oun5 like t"e man. 9 %ante5 to 8e sure t"is %as t"e %ork o1 t"e same killers. 9t %oul5 8e a "ell o1 a 3oin3i5en3e i1 t"ere %ere t%o )ampire pa3ks "untinseparately@ 8ut it %as possi8le. 9 nee5e5 to 8e as sure as 9 3oul5 t"at %e "a5 >ust one ro-ue pa3k. #ne %as plenty@ t%o %as a s3reamin- ni-"tmare. Surely@ Go5 %oul5 not 8e t"at unkin5@ 8ut >ust in 3ase ... 9 %ante5 to see i1 s"e "a5 a -roin

%oun5. $"e man?s "an5s "a5 s"o%n no rope marks. ,it"er t"e )ampires %ere -ettin- more or-aniEe5@ or it %as a 5i11erent -roup. Her arms "a5 8een -lue5 o)er "er 3"est@ tie5 in pla3e 8y ri-or mortis. /ot"in- s"ort o1 an a*e %as -oin- to mo)e "er le-s@ not until 1inal ri-or %ent a%ay@ %"i3" %oul5 8e 1orty2ei-"t "ours or so. 9 3oul5n?t %ait t%o 5ays@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to 3"op t"e 8o5y into pie3es eit"er. 9 -ot 5o%n on all 1ours in 1ront o1 t"e 3orpse. 9 apolo-iEe5 1or %"at 9 %as a8out to 5o@ 8ut 3oul5n?t t"ink o1 anyt"in- 8etter. $"e 1las"li-"t?s t"in 8eam trem8le5 o)er "er t"i-"s@ like a tiny spotli-"t. 9 tou3"e5 t"e line t"at separate5 "er le-s an5 pus"e5 my 1in-ers in t"at line@ tryin- to 1eel 8y 1in-ertip i1 t"ere %as a %oun5 t"ere. 9t must "a)e looke5 like 9 %as -ropin- t"e 3orpse@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t t"ink o1 a more 5i-ni1ie5 %ay to 5o it. 9 -lan3e5 up@ tryinnot to 1eel t"e soli5 ru88eriness o1 "er skin. $"e sun %as >ust a splas" o1 3rimson in t"e %est like 5yin- 3oals. $rue 5arkness slippe5 o)er t"e sky like a 1loo5 o1 ink. An5 t"e %oman?s le-s mo)e5 un5er my "an5s. 9 >umpe5. /early s%allo%in- t"e 1las"li-"t. /er)ous@ meB $"e %oman?s 1les" %as so1t. 9t "a5n?t 8een a moment a-o. $"e %oman?s lips %ere "al1parte5. Ha5n?t t"ey 8een 3lose5 8e1oreB $"is %as 3raEy. ,)en i1 s"e "a5 8een a )ampire@ s"e %oul5n?t rise until t"e t"ir5 ni-"t a1ter 5eat". An5 s"e?5 5ie5 1rom multiple )ampire 8ites in one massi)e 8loo5 1east. S"e %as 5ea5@ >ust 5ea5. Her skin s"immere5 %"ite in t"e 5arkness. $"e sky %as 8la3kG i1 t"e moon %as up in t"ose 8la3k2purple 3lou5s@ 9 3oul5n?t see it. Det "er skin s"immere5 as i1 tou3"e5 8y moonli-"t. S"e %asn?t e*a3tly -lo%in-@ 8ut it %as 3lose. Her "air -limmere5 like spi5er silk sprea5 o)er t"e -rass. S"e?5 >ust 8een 5ea5 a minute a-oG no% s"e %as ... 8eauti1ul. 4olp" loome5 o)er me. At si*2nine "e loome5 e)en %"en 9 %as stan5in- upG %it" me kneelin- "e %as -i-anti3. 9 stoo5 up@ peele5 o11 one sur-i3al -lo)e@ an5 took t"e penli-"t out o1 my mout". /e)er tou3" anyt"in- you?re likely to put in your mout" a1ter tou3"in- t"e open %oun5s o1 a stran-er. A94S@ you kno%. 9 s"o)e5 t"e penli-"t into t"e 8reast po3ket o1 t"e 3o)eralls. 9 took o11 t"e ot"er -lo)e an5 3rumple5 t"em 8ot" into a si5e po3ket. A=ellBC 4olp" sai5. A4oes s"e look 5i11erent to youBC 9 aske5. He 1ro%ne5. A="atBC A$"e 3orpseG 5oes it look 5i11erent to youBC He stare5 5o%n at t"e pale 8o5y. A/o% t"at you mention it. 9t looks like s"e?s asleep.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A=e?re -oin- to "a)e to 3all an am8ulan3e an5 "a)e a 5o3tor pronoun3e "er 5ea5.C AS"e?s not 8reat"in-.C A=oul5 you %ant t"e 1a3t t"at you %eren?t 8reat"in- to 8e t"e only 3riterionBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. A/o@ 9 -uess not.C 4olp" lea1e5 t"rou-" "is note8ook. ADou sai5 a person %"o 5ies o1 multiple )ampire 8ites 3an?t rise 1rom t"e 5ea5 as a )ampire.C He %as rea5in- my o%n %or5s 8a3k at me. 9 %as "oist on my petar5. A$"at?s true in most 3ases.C He stare5 5o%n at t"e %oman. ABut not in t"is one.C A:n1ortunately no@C 9 sai5. A,*plain t"is@ Anita.C He 5i5n?t soun5 "appy. 9 5i5n?t 8lame "im. ASometimes e)en one 8ite 3an make a 3orpse rise as a )ampire. 9?)e only rea5 a 3ouple o1 arti3les a8out it. A )ery po%er1ul master )amp 3an sometimes 3ontaminate e)ery 3orpse it tou3"es.C A="ere?5 you rea5 t"e arti3lesBC A$"e Vampire Nuarterly.C A/e)er "ear5 o1 it@C "e sai5. 9 s"ru--e5. A9 "a)e a 5e-ree in preternatural 8iolo-yG 9 must 8e on someone?s list 1or stu11 like t"at.C A t"ou-"t 3ame to me t"at %asn?t pleasant at all. A4olp".C ADea".C A$"e man@ t"e 1irst 3orpse@ t"is is its t"ir5 ni-"t.C A9t 5i5n?t -lo% in t"e 5ark@C 4olp" sai5. A$"e %oman?s 3orpse 5i5n?t look 8a5 until 1ull 5ark.C ADou t"ink t"e man?s -oin- to riseBC "e aske5. 9 no55e5. AS"it@C "e sai5.

A,*a3tly@C 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A=ait a minute. He 3an still tell us %"o kille5 "im.C AHe %on?t 3ome 8a3k as a normal )amp@C 9 sai5. AHe 5ie5 o1 multiple %oun5s@ 4olp"G "e?ll 3ome 8a3k as more animal t"an "uman.C A,*plain t"at.C A91 t"ey took t"e 8o5y to St. Louis !ity Hospital@ t"en it?s sa1e 8e"in5 rein1or3e5 steel@ 8ut i1 t"ey listene5 to me@ t"en it?s at t"e re-ular mor-ue. !all t"e mor-ue an5 tell t"em to e)a3uate t"e 8uil5in-.C ADou?re serious@C "e sai5. AA8solutely.C He 5i5n?t e)en ar-ue %it" me. 9 %as "is preternatural e*pert@ an5 %"at 9 sai5 %as pretty mu3" -ospel until pro)en ot"er%ise. 4olp" 5i5n?t ask 1or your opinion unless "e %as prepare5 to a3t upon it. He %as a -oo5 8oss. He slippe5 into "is 3ar@ nearest to t"e mur5er s3ene o1 3ourse@ an5 3alle5 t"e mor-ue. He leane5 out t"e open 3ar 5oor. A$"e 8o5y %as sent to St. Louis !ity Hospital@ routine 1or all )ampire )i3tims. ,)en ones our preternatural e*pert tells us are sa1e.C He smile5 at me %"en "e sai5 it. A!all St. Louis !ity an5 make sure t"ey?)e -ot t"e 8o5y in t"e )ault room.C A="y %oul5 t"ey transport t"e 8o5y to t"e )ampire mor-ue an5 not put t"e 8o5y in t"e )ault roomBC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t kno%. But 9?ll 1eel 8etter a1ter you 3all t"em.C He took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it -o. A#kay.C He -ot 8a3k on t"e p"one an5 5iale5 t"e num8er 1rom memory. S"o%s %"at kin5 o1 year 4olp"?s 8een "a)in-. 9 stoo5 at t"e open 3ar 5oor an5 listene5. $"ere %asn?t mu3" to "ear. /o one ans%ere5. 4olp" sat t"ere listenin- to t"e 5istant rin- o1 t"e p"one. He stare5 up at me. His eyes aske5 t"e ;uestion. ASome8o5y s"oul5 8e t"ere@C 9 sai5. ADea"@C "e sai5. A$"e man %ill rise like a 8east@C 9 sai5. A9t?ll slau-"ter e)eryt"in- in its pat" unless t"e master t"at ma5e it 3omes 8a3k to pi3k it up@ or until it?s really 5ea5. $"ey?re 3alle5 animalisti3 )ampires. $"ere?s no 3ollo;uial term 1or t"em. $"ey?re too rare 1or t"at.C 4olp" "un- up t"e p"one an5 sur-e5 out o1 t"e 3ar@ yellin-@ AKer8ro%skiIC AHere@ Sar-e.C Ker8ro%ski 3ame at a trot. ="en 4olp" yelle5@ you 3ame runnin-@ or else. AHo%?s it -oin-@ BlakeBC ="at %as 9 suppose5 to say@ terri8leB 9 s"ru--e5 an5 sai5@ A'ine.C 7y 8eeper %ent o11 a-ain. A4ammit@ BertIC A$alk to your 8oss@C 4olp" sai5. A$ell "im to lea)e you t"e 1u3k alone.C Soun5e5 -oo5 to me. 4olp" %ent o11 yellin- or5ers. $"e men s3ram8le5 to o8ey. 9 sli5 into 4olp"?s 3ar an5 3alle5 Bert. He ans%ere5 on t"e 1irst rin-G not a -oo5 si-n. A$"is 8etter 8e you@ Anita.C AAn5 i1 it?s notBC 9 sai5. A="ere t"e "ell are youBC A7ur5er s3ene %it" a 1res" 8o5y@C 9 sai5. $"at stoppe5 "im 1or a se3on5. ADou?re missin- your 1irst appointment.C ADea".C ABut 9?m not -oin- to yell.C ADou?re 8ein- reasona8le@C 9 sai5. A="at?s %ron-BC A/ot"in- e*3ept t"at t"e ne%est mem8er o1 Animators@ 9n3.@ is takin- your 1irst t%o appointments. His name is La%ren3e Kirklan5. Hust meet "im at t"e t"ir5 appointment@ an5 you 3an take t"e last t"ree appointments an5 s"o% "im t"e ropes.C ADou "ire5 someoneB Ho%?5 you 1in5 someone so 1astB Animators are pretty rare. ,spe3ially one %"o 3oul5 5o t%o Eom8ies in one ni-"t.C A9t?s my >o8 to 1in5 talent.C 4olp" sli5 into t"e 3ar@ an5 9 sli5 into t"e passen-er seat. A$ell your 8oss you?)e -ot to -o.C

A9?)e -ot to -o@ Bert.C A=ait@ you "a)e an emer-en3y )ampire stakin- at St. Louis !ity Hospital.C 7y stoma3" 3len3"e5 up. A="at nameBC He pause5@ rea5in- t"e name@ A!al)in <upert.C AS"it.C A="at?s %ron-BC "e aske5. A="en 5i5 t"e 3all 3ome inBC AAroun5 t"ree t"is a1ternoon@ %"yBC AS"it@ s"it@ s"it.C A="at?s %ron-@ AnitaBC Bert aske5. A="y %as it marke5 ur-entBC Ker8ro%ski slippe5 into t"e 8a3k o1 t"e unmarke5 3ar. 4olp" put t"e 3ar in -ear an5 "it t"e sirens an5 li-"ts. A marke5 3ar 1ell into line 8e"in5 us@ li-"ts stro8in- into t"e 5ark. Li-"ts an5 sirens@ %o%ee. A<upert "a5 one o1 t"ose 5yin- %ills@C Bert sai5. A91 "e e)en "a5 one )ampire 8ite@ "e %ante5 to 8e stake5.C $"at %as 3onsistent %it" someone %"o %as a mem8er o1 HAV. Hell@ 9 "a5 it in my %ill. A4o %e "a)e a 3ourt or5er o1 e*e3utionBC ADou only nee5 t"at a1ter t"e -uy rises as a )ampire. =e?)e -ot permission 1rom t"e ne*t o1 kinG >ust -o stake "im.C 9 -ra88e5 t"e 5as"8oar5 as %e 8oun3e5 o)er t"e narro% roa5. Gra)el pin-e5 a-ainst t"e un5ersi5e o1 t"e 3ar. 9 3ra5le5 t"e p"one re3ei)er 8et%een s"oul5er an5 3"in an5 slippe5 into a seat 8elt. A9?m on my %ay to t"e mor-ue no%@C 9 sai5. A9 sent Ho"n a"ea5 %"en 9 3oul5n?t -et you@C Bert sai5. AHo% lon- a-oBC A9 3alle5 "im a1ter you 5i5n?t ans%er your 8eeper.C A!all "im 8a3k@ tell "im not to -o.C $"ere must "a)e 8een somet"in- in my )oi3e@ 8e3ause "e sai5@ A="at?s %ron-@ AnitaBC A=e 3an?t -et any ans%er at t"e mor-ue@ Bert.C ASoBC A$"e )ampire may "a)e alrea5y risen an5 kille5 e)ery8o5y@ an5 Ho"n?s %alkin- ri-"t into it.C A9?ll 3all "im@C Bert sai5. $"e 3onne3tion 8roke@ an5 9 s"o)e5 t"e re3ei)er 5o%n as %e spille5 out onto /e% Hi-"%ay 21. A=e 3an kill t"e )ampire %"en %e -et t"ere@C 9 sai5. A$"at?s mur5er@C 4olp" sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/ot i1 !al)in <upert "a5 a 5yin- %ill.C A4i5 "eBC ADea".C Ker8ro%ski slamme5 "is 1ist into t"e 8a3k o1 t"e seat. A$"en %e?ll pop t"e son o1 a 8it3".C ADea"@C 9 sai5. 4olp" >ust no55e5. Ker8ro%ski %as -rinnin-. He "a5 a s"ot-un in "is "an5s. A4oes t"at t"in- "a)e sil)er s"ot in itBC 9 aske5. Ker8ro%ski -lan3e5 at t"e -un. A/o.C APlease@ tell me 9?m not t"e only one in t"is 3ar %it" sil)er 8ullets.C Ker8ro%ski -rinne5. 4olp" sai5@ ASil)er?s more e*pensi)e t"an -ol5. !ity 5oesn?t "a)e t"at kin5 o1 money.C 9 kne% t"at@ 8ut 9 %as "opin- 9 %as %ron-. A="at 5o you 5o %"en you?re up a-ainst )ampires an5 ly3ant"ropesBC Ker8ro%ski leane5 o)er t"e 8a3k seat. ASame t"in- %e 5o %"en %e?re up a-ainst a -an- %it" :Ei pistols.C A="i3" isBC 9 sai5. ABe out-unne5@C "e sai5. He 5i5n?t look "appy a8out it. 9 %asn?t too "appy a8out it@ eit"er. 9 %as "opin- t"at t"e mor-ue atten5ants "a5 >ust run@ -otten out@ 8ut 9 %asn?t 3ountin- on it.

Chapter Fifteen
7y )ampire kit in3lu5e5 a sa%e52o11 s"ot-un %it" sil)er s"ot@ stakes@ mallet@ an5 enou-" 3rosses an5 "oly %ater to 5ro%n a )ampire. :n1ortunately@ my )ampire kit %as sittin- in my 8e5room 3loset. 9 use5 to 3arry it in t"e trunk@ minus t"e sa%e52o11 s"ot-un@ %"i3" "as al%ays 8een ille-al. 91 9 %as 3au-"t 3arryin- t"e )ampire kit %it"out a 3ourt or5er o1 e*e3ution on me@ it %as an automati3 >ail term. $"e ne% la% "a5 ki3ke5 in only %eeks 8e1ore. 9t %as to keep 3ertain o)erEealous e*e3utioners 1rom killin- someone an5 sayin-@ AGee@ sorry.C 9@ 8y t"e %ay@ am not one o1 t"e o)erEealous. Honest. 4olp" "a5 3ut t"e sirens a8out a mile 1rom t"e "ospital. =e 3ruise5 into t"e parkin- lot 5ark an5 ;uiet. $"e marke5 3ar 8e"in5 us "a5 1ollo%e5 our lea5. $"ere %as alrea5y one marke5 3ar %aitin- 1or us. $"e t%o o11i3ers %ere 3rou3"e5 8esi5e t"e 3ar@ -uns in "an5. =e all spille5 out o1 t"e 5ark 3ars@ -uns out. 9 1elt like 9?5 8een s"an-"aie5 into a !lint ,ast%oo5 mo)ie. 9 3oul5n?t see Ho"n Burke?s 3ar. ="i3" meant Ho"n 3"e3ke5 "is 8eeper more t"an 9 5i5. 91 t"e )ampire %as sa1ely 8e"in5 metal %alls@ 9 promise5 to ans%er all 8eeper messa-es imme5iately. Please@ >ust 5on?t let me "a)e 3ost li)es. Amen. #ne o1 t"e uni1orms %"o "a5 8een %aitin- 1or us 5u3k2%alke5 to 4olp" an5 sai5@ A/ot"in-?s mo)e5 sin3e %e -ot "ere@ Ser-eant.C 4olp" no55e5. AGoo5. Spe3ial 1or3es %ill 8e "ere %"en t"ey 3an -et to it. =e?re on t"e list.C A="at 5o you mean@ %e?re on t"e listBC 9 aske5. 4olp" looke5 at me. ASpe3ial 1or3es "as t"e sil)er 8ullets@ an5 t"ey?ll -et "ere as soon as t"ey 3an.C A=e?re -oin- to %ait 1or t"emBC 9 sai5. A/o.C ASer-eant@ %e are suppose5 to %ait 1or spe3ial 1or3es %"en -oin- into a preternatural situation@C t"e uni1orm sai5. A/ot i1 you?re t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam@C "e sai5. ADou s"oul5 "a)e sil)er 8ullets@C 9 sai5. A9?)e -ot a re;uisition in@C 4olp" sai5. AA re;uisition@ t"at?s real "elp1ul.C ADou?re a 3i))ie. Dou -et to %ait outsi5e. So 5on?t 8it3"@C "e sai5. A9?m also t"e le-al )ampire e*e3utioner 1or t"e State o1 7issouri. 91 9?5 ans%ere5 my 8eeper instea5 o1 i-norin- it to irritate Bert@ t"e )ampire %oul5 8e stake5 alrea5y@ an5 %e %oul5n?t 8e 5oin- t"is. Dou 3an?t lea)e me out o1 it. 9t?s more my >o8 t"an it is yours.C 4olp" stare5 at me 1or a minute or t%o@ t"en no55e5 )ery slo%ly. ADou s"oul5 "a)e kept your mout" s"ut@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. AAn5 you?5 -et to %ait in t"e 3ar.C A9 5on?t %ant to %ait in t"e 3ar.C He >ust looke5 at me. A9 5o.C 4olp" starte5 %alkin- to%ar5s t"e 5oors. Ker8ro%ski 1ollo%e5. 9 8rou-"t up t"e rear. 9 %as t"e poli3e?s preternatural e*pert. 91 t"in-s %ent 8a5ly toni-"t@ 9?5 earn my retainer. All )ampire )i3tims %ere 8rou-"t to t"e 8asement o1 t"e ol5 St. Louis !ity Hospital@ e)en t"ose %"o 5ie in a 5i11erent 3ounty. $"ere >ust aren?t t"at many mor-ues e;uippe5 to "an5le 1res"ly risen )ampires. $"ey?)e -ot a spe3ial )ault room %it" a steel rein1or3e5 e)eryt"in- an5 3rosses lai5 on t"e outsi5e o1 t"e 5oor. $"ere?s e)en a 1ee5in- tank to take t"e e5-e o11 t"at 1irst 8loo5 lust. <ats@ ra88its@ -uinea pi-s. Hust a sna3k to 3alm t"e ne%ly risen. :n5er normal 3ir3umstan3es t"e man?s 8o5y %oul5 "a)e 8een in t"e )ampire room@ an5 t"ere %oul5 "a)e 8een no pro8lem@ 8ut 9 "a5 promise5 t"em t"at "e %as sa1e. 9 %as t"eir e*pert@ t"e one t"ey 3alle5 to stake t"e 5ea5. 91 9 sai5 a 8o5y %as sa1e@ t"ey 8elie)e5 me. An5 9?5 8een %ron-. Go5 "elp me@ 9?5 8een %ron-.

Chapter Sixteen
St. Louis !ity Hospital sat like a stu88y 8ri3k -iant in t"e mi55le o1 a 3om8at Eone. =alk a 1e% 8lo3ks sout" an5 you 3oul5 see $ony A%ar52%innin- musi3als strai-"t 1rom Broa5%ay. But "ere %e 3oul5 "a)e 8een on t"e 5ark si5e o1 t"e moon. 91 t"e moon "a5 slums. Broken %in5o%s 5e3orate5 t"e -roun5 like s"attere5 teet". $"e "ospital@ like a lot o1 inner23ity "ospitals@ "a5 lost money@ so t"ey "a5 3lose5 it 5o%n. But t"e mor-ue staye5 open 8e3ause t"ey 3oul5n?t a11or5 to mo)e t"e )ampire room.

$"e room "a5 8een 5esi-ne5 in t"e early 19 s %"en people still t"ou-"t t"ey 3oul5 1in5 a 3ure 1or )ampirism. Lo3k a )ampire in t"e )ault@ %at3" it rise an5 try to A3ureC it. A lot o1 )amps 3ooperate5 8e3ause t"ey %ante5 to 8e 3ure5. 4r. Henry 7ulli-an "a5 pioneere5 t"e sear3" 1or a 3ure. $"e pro-ram %as 5is3ontinue5 %"en one o1 t"e patients ate 4r. 7ulli-an?s 1a3e. So mu3" 1or "elpin- t"e poor misun5erstoo5 )ampire. But t"e )ault room %as still use5 1or most )ampire )i3tims. 7ostly as a pre3aution@ 8e3ause t"ese 5ays %"en a )amp rose t"ere %as a )ampire 3ounsellor %aitin- to -ui5e t"e ne%ly risen to 3i)iliEe5 )ampire"oo5. 9 "a5 1or-otten a8out t"e )ampire 3ounsellor. 9t %as a pioneer pro-ram t"at?5 only 8een in e11e3t a little o)er a mont". =oul5 an ol5er )ampire 8e a8le to 3ontrol an animalisti3 )ampire@ or %oul5 it take a master )ampire to 3ontrol itB 9 5i5n?t kno%. 9 >ust 5i5n?t kno%. 4olp" "a5 "is -un out an5 rea5y. =it"out sil)er2plate5 8ullets@ it %as 8etter t"an spittin- at t"e monster@ 8ut 8arely. Ker8ro%ski "el5 t"e s"ot-un like "e kne% "o% to use it. $"ere %ere 1our uni1orme5 o11i3ers at my 8a3k. All %it" -uns@ all rea5y to 8last un5ea5 ass. So %"y %asn?t 9 3om1orte5B Be3ause no8o5y else "a5 any 1reakin- sil)er 8ullets@ e*3ept me. $"e 5ou8le -lass 5oors s%oos"e5 open automati3ally. Se)en -uns %ere traine5 on t"e 5oor as it mo)e5. 7y 1in-ers %ere all 3rampe5 up tryin- not to s"oot t"e 5amn 5oor. #ne o1 t"e uni1orms s%allo%e5 a lau-". /er)ous@ %"o usB AAll ri-"t@C 4olp" sai5@ At"ere are 3i)ilians in "ere. 4on?t s"oot any o1 t"em.C #ne o1 t"e uni1orms %as 8lon5. His partner %as 8la3k an5 mu3" ol5er. $"e ot"er t%o uni1orms %ere in t"eir t%entiesJ one skinny an5 tall %it" a prominent A5am?s apple@ t"e ot"er s"ort %it" pale skin an5 eyes nearly -lassy %it" 1ear. ,a3" poli3eman "a5 a 3ross2s"ape5 tie ta3k. $"ey %ere t"e latest style an5 stan5ar5 issue 1or t"e St. Louis poli3e. $"e 3rosses %oul5 "elp@ may8e e)en keep t"em ali)e. 9 "a5n?t "a5 time to -et my 3ru3i1i*?s 3"ain repla3e5. 9 %as %earin- a 3"arm 8ra3elet t"at 5an-le5 %it" tiny 3rosses. 9 %as also %earin- an anklet 3"ain@ not >ust 8e3ause it mat3"e5 t"e 8ra3elet@ 8ut i1 anyt"in- unusual "appene5 toni-"t@ 9 %ante5 to "a)e a 8a3kup. 9t?s sort o1 a tossup %"i3" 9?5 least like to li)e %it"out@ 3ross or -un. Better to "a)e 8ot". ADou -ot any su--estions a8out "o% %e s"oul5 5o t"is@ AnitaBC 4olp" aske5. 9t %asn?t too lon- a-o t"at t"e poli3e %oul5n?t "a)e 8een 3alle5 in at all. $"e -oo5 ol? 5ays %"en )ampires %ere le1t to a "an51ul o1 5e5i3ate5 e*perts. Ba3k %"en you 3oul5 >ust stake a )amp an5 8e 5one %it" it. 9 "a5 8een one o1 t"e 1e%@ t"e prou5@ t"e 8ra)e@ t"e ,*e3utioner. A=e 3oul5 1orm a 3ir3le@ -uns pointin- out. 9t %oul5 up our 3"an3es o1 not -ettin- snu3k up on.C $"e 8lon5 3op sai5@ A=on?t %e "ear it 3omin-BC A$"e un5ea5 make no noise@C 9 sai5. His eyes %i5ene5. A9?m ki55in-@ o11i3er@C 9 sai5. AHey@C "e sai5 so1tly. He soun5e5 o11en5e5. 9 -uess 9 5i5n?t 8lame "im. ASorry@C 9 sai5. 4olp" 1ro%ne5 at me. A9 sai5 9 %as sorry.C A4on?t tease t"e rookies@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. A9 8et t"is is "is 1irst )ampire.C $"e 8la3k 3op ma5e a soun5 8et%een a lau-" an5 a snort. AHis 1irst 5ay@ perio5.C AHesus@C 9 sai5. A!an "e %ait out in t"e 3arBC A9 3an "an5le mysel1@C t"e 8lon5 sai5. A9t?s not t"at@C 9 sai5@ A8ut isn?t t"ere some kin5 o1 union rule a-ainst )ampires on t"e 1irst 5ayBC A9 3an take it@C "e sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. His 1irst 1u3kin- 5ay. He s"oul5 "a)e 8een out 5ire3tin- tra11i3 some%"ere@ not playin- ta- %it" t"e %alkin- 5ea5. A9?ll take point@C 4olp" sai5. AAnita to my ri-"t.C He pointe5 t%o 1in-ers at t"e 8la3k 3op an5 t"e 8lon5. ADou t%o on my le1t.C He pointe5 at t"e last t%o uni1orms. ABe"in5 7s. Blake. Ker8ro%ski@ take t"e 8a3k.C AGee@ t"anks@ Sar-e@C "e muttere5. 9 almost let it -o@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t. A9?m t"e only one %it" sil)er ammo. 9 s"oul5 "a)e point@C 9 sai5. ADou?re a 3i))ie@ Anita@C 4olp" sai5.

A9 "a)en?t 8een a 3i))ie 1or years an5 you kno% it.C He looke5 at me 1or a lon- se3on5@ t"en no55e5. A$ake point@ 8ut i1 you -et kille5@ my ass is -rass.C 9 smile5. A9?ll try to remem8er t"at.C 9 steppe5 out in 1ront@ a little a"ea5 o1 t"e ot"ers. $"ey 1orme5 a rou-" 3ir3le 8e"in5 me. Ker8ro%ski -a)e me a t"um8s2 up si-n. 9t ma5e me smile. 4olp" -a)e t"e 8arest o1 no5s. 9t %as time to -o insi5e. $ime to stalk t"e monster.

Chapter Seventeen
$"e %alls %ere t%o2tone -reen. 4ark k"aki on t"e 8ottom@ puke -reen on top. 9nstitutional -reen@ as 3"armin- as a sore toot". Hu-e steam pipes@ "i-"er t"an my "ea5@ 3o)ere5 t"e %alls. $"e pipes %ere painte5 -reen@ too. $"ey narro%e5 t"e "all%ay to a t"in passa-e%ay. ,le3tri3al 3on5uit pipes %ere a t"inner sil)er s"a5o% to t"e steam pipes. Har5 to put ele3tri3ity in a 8uil5in- ne)er 5esi-ne5 1or it. $"e %alls %ere lumpy %"ere t"ey?5 8een painte5 o)er %it"out 8ein- s3rape5 1irst. 91 you 5u- at t"e %alls@ la)er a1ter layer o1 5i11erent 3olor %oul5 3ome up@ like t"e strata in an ar3"aeolo-i3al 5i-. ,a3" 3olor "a5 its o%n "istory@ its o%n memories o1 pain. 9t %as like 8ein- in t"e 8elly o1 a -reat s"ip. ,*3ept instea5 o1 t"e roar o1 en-ines@ you "a5 t"e 8eat o1 nearly per1e3t silen3e. $"ere are some pla3es %"ere silen3e "an-s in "ea)y 1ol5s. St. Louis !ity Hospital %as one o1 t"ose pla3es. 91 9?5 8een superstitious@ %"i3" 9 am not@ 9 %oul5 "a)e sai5 t"e "ospital %as t"e per1e3t pla3e 1or -"osts. $"ere are 5i11erent kin5s o1 -"osts. $"e re-ular kin5 are spirits o1 t"e 5ea5 le1t 8e"in5 %"en t"ey s"oul5 "a)e -one to Hea)en or Hell. $"eolo-ians "a5 8een ar-uin- o)er %"at t"e e*isten3e o1 -"osts meant 1or Go5 an5 t"e 3"ur3" 1or 3enturies. 9 5on?t t"ink Go5 is parti3ularly 8ot"ere5 8y it@ 8ut t"e 3"ur3" is. ,nou-" people "a5 5ie5 in t"is pla3e to make it t"i3k %it" real -"osts@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er seen any personally. :ntil a -"ost %raps its 3ol5 arms aroun5 me@ 9?5 >ust as soon not 8elie)e in it. But t"ere is anot"er kin5 o1 -"ost. Psy3"i3 impressions@ stron- emotions@ soak into t"e %alls an5 1loors o1 a 8uil5in-. 9t?s like an emotional tape re3or5er. Sometimes %it" )i5eo ima-es@ sometimes >ust soun5@ sometimes >ust a s"i)er 5o%n your spine %"en you %alk o)er a 3ertain spot. $"e ol5 "ospital %as t"i3k %it" s"i)ery pla3es. 9 personally "a5 ne)er seen or "ear5 anyt"in-@ 8ut %alkin- 5o%n t"e "all%ay you kne% some%"ere@ near at "an5@ t"ere %as somet"in-. Somet"in- %aitin- >ust out o1 si-"t@ >ust out o1 "earin-@ >ust out o1 rea3". $oni-"t it %as pro8a8ly a )ampire. $"e only soun5s %ere t"e s3rape o1 1eet@ t"e 8rus" o1 3lot"@ us mo)in-. $"ere %as no ot"er soun5. ="en it?s really ;uiet you start "earin- t"in-s e)en i1 it?s >ust t"e 8uEE o1 your o%n 8loo5 poun5in- in your ears. $"e 1irst 3orner loome5 8e1ore me. 9 %as point. 9?5 )olunteere5 to 8e point. 9 "a5 to -o aroun5 t"e 3orner 1irst. ="ate)er lay aroun5 t"e 8en5@ it %as mine. 9 "ate it %"en 9 play "ero. 9 %ent 5o%n on one knee@ -un "el5 in 8ot" "an5s@ pointin- up. 9t 5i5n?t 5o any -oo5 to sti3k my -un aroun5 t"e 3orner 1irst. 9 3oul5n?t s"oot %"at 9 3oul5n?t see. $"ere are a )ariety o1 %ays to -o aroun5 8lin5 3omers@ none o1 t"em 1oolproo1. 9t mostly matters %"et"er you?re more a1rai5 o1 -ettin- s"ot or -ettin- -ra88e5. Sin3e t"is %as a )ampire 9 %as more %orrie5 a8out 8ein- -ra88e5 an5 "a)in- my t"roat rippe5 out. 9 presse5 my ri-"t s"oul5er a-ainst t"e %all@ took a 5eep 8reat"@ an5 t"re% mysel1 1or%ar5. 9 5i5n?t 5o a neat s"oul5er roll into t"e "all%ay. 9 >ust sort o1 1ell on my le1t si5e %it" t"e -un "el5 t%o2"an5e5 out in 1ront o1 me. $rust me@ t"is is t"e 1astest %ay to 8e a8le to aim aroun5 a 3orner. 9 %oul5n?t ne3essarily a5)ise it i1 t"e monsters %ere s"ootin- 8a3k. 9 lay in t"e "all%ay@ "eart poun5in- in my ears. $"e -oo5 ne%s %as t"ere %as no )ampire. $"e 8a5 ne%s %as t"at t"ere %as a 8o5y. 9 3ame up to one knee@ still sear3"in- t"e s"a5o%e5 "all%ay 1or "ints o1 mo)ement. Sometimes %it" a )ampire you 5on?t see anyt"in-@ you 5on?t e)en "ear it@ you 1eel it in your s"oul5ers an5 8a3k@ t"e 1ine "airs on t"e 8a3k o1 your ne3k. Dour 8o5y respon5s to r"yt"ms ol5er t"an t"ou-"t. 9n 1a3t@ t"inkin- instea5 o1 5oin- 3an -et you 5ea5. A9t?s 3lear@C 9 sai5. 9 %as still kneelin- in t"e mi55le o1 t"e "all%ay@ -un out@ rea5y 1or 8ear. ADou t"rou-" rollin- aroun5 on t"e 1loorBC 4olp" aske5. 9 -lan3e5 at "im@ t"en 8a3k to t"e "all%ay. $"ere %as not"in- t"ere. 9t %as all ri-"t. <eally. $"e 8o5y %as %earin- a pale 8lue uni1orm. A -ol5 an5 8la3k pat3" on t"e slee)e sai5 ASe3urity.C $"e man?s "air %as %"ite. Hea)y >o%ls@ a t"i3k nose@ "is eyelas"es like -rey la3e a-ainst "is pale 3"eeks. His t"roat %as >ust so mu3" ra% meat. $"e spine -listene5 %etly in t"e o)er"ea5 li-"ts. Bloo5 splas"e5 t"e -reen %alls like a ma3a8re !"ristmas 3ar5. $"ere %as a -un in t"e man?s ri-"t "an5. 9 put my 8a3k to t"e le1t2"an5 %all an5 %at3"e5 t"e 3orri5or to eit"er si5e until t"e 3orners 3ut my )ie%. Let t"e poli3e in)esti-ate t"e 8o5y. 7y >o8 toni-"t %as to keep us ali)e.

4olp" 3rou3"e5 8esi5e t"e 8o5y. He leane5 1or%ar5@ 5oin- a sort o1 pus"2up to 8rin- "is 1a3e 3lose to t"e -un. A9t?s 8een 1ire5.C A9 5on?t smell any po%5er near t"e 8o5y@C 9 sai5. 9 5i5n?t look at 4olp" %"en 9 sai5 it. 9 %as too 8usy %at3"in- t"e 3orri5or 1or mo)ement. A$"e -un?s 8een 1ire5@C "e sai5. His )oi3e soun5e5 rou-"@ 3lo--e5. 9 -lan3e5 5o%n at "im. His s"oul5ers %ere sti11@ "is 8o5y ri-i5 %it" some kin5 o1 pain. ADou kno% "im@ 5on?t youBC 9 sai5. 4olp" no55e5. AHimmy 4u-an. He %as my partner 1or a 1e% mont"s %"en 9 %as youn-er t"an you are. He retire5 an5 3oul5n?t make it on t"e pension@ so "e -ot a >o8 "ere.C 4olp" s"ook "is "ea5. AS"it.C ="at 3oul5 9 sayB A9?m sorryC 5i5n?t 3ut it. A9?m sorry as "ellC %as a little 8etter 8ut it still %asn?t enou-". /ot"in- 9 3oul5 t"ink o1 to say %as a5e;uate. /ot"in- 9 3oul5 5o %oul5 make it 8etter. So 9 stoo5 t"ere in t"e 8loo52spattere5 "all an5 5i5 not"in-@ sai5 not"in-. Ker8ro%ski knelt 8esi5e 4olp". He put a "an5 on "is arm. 4olp" looke5 up. $"ere %as a 1las" o1 some stron- emotion in "is eyesG an-er@ pain@ sa5ness. All t"e a8o)e@ none o1 t"e a8o)e. 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e 5ea5 man@ -un still 3laspe5 ti-"t in "is "an5@ an5 t"ou-"t o1 somet"in- use1ul to say. A4o t"ey -i)e t"e -uar5s "ere sil)er 8ulletsBC 4olp" -lan3e5 up at me. /o -uessin- t"is timeG it %as an-er. A="yBC A$"e -uar5s s"oul5 "a)e sil)er 8ullets. #ne o1 you take it@ an5 %e?ll "a)e t%o -uns %it" sil)er 8ullets.C 4olp" >ust stare5 at t"e -un. AKer8ro%ski.C Ker8ro%ski took t"e -un -ently@ as i1 a1rai5 o1 %akin- t"e man. But t"is )ampire )i3tim %asn?t -oin- to rise. His "ea5 lolle5 to one si5e@ mus3les an5 ten5ons snappe5. 9t looke5 like some8o5y "a5 s3oope5 out t"e meat an5 skin aroun5 "is spine %it" a 8i- spoon. Ker8ro%ski 3"e3ke5 t"e 3ylin5er. ASil)er.C He rolle5 t"e 3ylin5er into t"e re)ol)er an5 stoo5 up@ -un in "is ri-"t "an5. $"e s"ot-un "e "el5 loosely in "is le1t "an5. A,*tra ammoBC 9 aske5. Ker8ro%ski starte5 to kneel 8a3k 5o%n@ 8ut 4olp" s"ook "is "ea5. He sear3"e5 t"e 5ea5 man. His "an5s %ere 3an5y2 3oate5 in 8loo5 %"en "e %as 5one. He trie5 to %ipe t"e 5ryin- 8loo5 onto a %"ite "an5ker3"ie1 8ut t"e 8loo5 staine5 t"e lines in "is "an5s@ -at"ere5 aroun5 "is 1in-ernails. #nly soap an5 s3ru88in- %oul5 -et it o11. He sai5@ so1tly@ ASorry@ Himmy.C He still 5i5n?t 3ry. 9 %oul5 "a)e 3rie5. But t"en@ %omen "a)e more 3"emi3als in t"eir tear 5u3ts. 9t makes us tear up easier t"an men. Honest. A/o e*tra ammo. Guess Himmy t"ou-"t 1i)e?5 8e enou-" 1or some 5um82ass se3urity >o8.C His )oi3e %as %arm %it" an-er. An-er %as 8etter t"an 3ryin-. 91 you 3an mana-e it. 9 kept 3"e3kin- t"e 3orri5or@ 8ut my eyes kept -oin- to t"e 5ea5 man. He %as 5ea5 8e3ause 9 "a5n?t 5one my >o8. 91 9 "a5n?t tol5 t"e am8ulan3e 5ri)ers t"at t"e 8o5y %as sa1e@ t"ey?5 "a)e put "im in t"e )ault@ an5 Himmy 4u-an %oul5n?t "a)e 5ie5. 9 "ate it %"en t"in-s are my 1ault. AGo@C 4olp" sai5. 9 took t"e lea5. $"ere %as anot"er 3orner. 9 5i5 my little kneel2an52roll routine a-ain. 9 lay "al1 on my si5e@ -un pointe5 t%o2"an5e5 5o%n t"e "all%ay. /ot"in- mo)e5 in t"e lon-@ -reen "all%ay. $"ere %as somet"in- lyin- in t"e 1loor. 9 sa% t"e lo%er part o1 t"e -uar5 1irst. Le-s in pale 8lue@ 8loo5 5ren3"e5 pants. A "ea5 %it" a lon- 8ro%n ponytail lay to one si5e o1 t"e 8o5y like a 1or-otten lump o1 meat. 9 -ot to my 1eet@ -un still "o)erin-@ lookin- 1or somet"in- to aim at. /ot"in- mo)e5 e*3ept t"e 8loo5 t"at %as still 5rippin5o%n t"e %alls. $"e 8loo5 5rippe5 slo%ly like rain at t"e en5 o1 t"e 5ay@ t"i3kenin-@ 3on-ealin- as it mo)e5. A?HesusIC 9 %asn?t sure %"i3" uni1orm sai5 it@ 8ut 9 a-ree5. $"e upper 8o5y "a5 8een rippe5 apart as i1 t"e )ampire "a5 plun-e5 8ot" "an5s into "er 3"est an5 pulle5. Her spine "a5 s"attere5 like $inkertoys. Go88ets o1 1les"@ 8loo5@ an5 8one sprinkle5 t"e "all%ay like -ruesome 1lo%er petals. 9 3oul5 taste 8ile at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. 9 8reat"e5 t"rou-" my mout" in 5eep@ e)en 8reat"s. 7istake. $"e air taste5 like 8loo52t"i3k@ %arm@ 1aintly salty. $"ere %as an un5erlyin- sourness %"ere t"e upper intestine an5 stoma3" "a5 8een 8roken open. 'res" 5eat" smells like a 3ross 8et%een a slau-"ter"ouse an5 an out"ouse. S"it an5 8loo5 is %"at 5eat" smells like. Ker8ro%ski %as s3annin- t"e "all%ay@ 8orro%e5 -un in "an5. He "a5 1our 8ullets. 9 "a5 t"irteen@ plus an e*tra 3lip in my sport 8a-. ="ere %as t"e se3on5 -uar5?s -unB A="ere?s "er -unBC 9 aske5.

Ker8ro%ski?s eyes 1li3ke5 to me@ t"en to t"e 3orpse@ t"en 8a3k to s3annin- t"e "all%ay. A9 5on?t see it.C 9?5 ne)er met a )ampire t"at use5 a -un@ 8ut t"ere %as al%ays a 1irst time. A4olp"@ %"ere?s t"e -uar5?s -unBC 4olp" knelt in t"e 8loo5 an5 trie5 to sear3" t"e 8o5y. He mo)e5 t"e 8loo5y 1les" an5 pie3es o1 3lot" aroun5@ like you?5 stir it %it" a spoon. #n3e t"e si-"t %oul5 "a)e ma5e me lose my lun3"@ 8ut it 5i5n?t anymore. =as it a 8a5 si-n t"at 9 5i5n?t t"ro% up on t"e 3orpses anymoreB 7ay8e. ASprea5 out@ look 1or t"e -un@C 4olp" sai5. $"e 1our uni1orms sprea5 out an5 sear3"e5. $"e 8lon5 %as pasty an5 s%allo%e5 3on)ulsi)ely@ 8ut "e %as makin- it. Goo5 1or "im. 9t %as t"e tall one %it" t"e prominent A5am?s apple t"at 8roke 1irst. He sli5 on a pie3e o1 meat t"at set "im 5o%n "ar5 on "is 8utt in a pool o1 3on-eale5 8loo5. He s3ram8le5 to "is knees an5 )omite5 a-ainst t"e %all. 9 %as 8reat"in- ;ui3k@ s"allo% 8reat"s. $"e 8loo5 an5 3arna-e "a5n?t 8een enou-"@ 8ut t"e soun5 o1 someone else t"ro%in- up >ust mi-"t 8e. 9 presse5 my s"oul5ers into t"e %all an5 mo)e5 to%ar5s t"e ne*t 3orner. 9 %ill not t"ro% up. 9 %ill not t"ro% up. #"@ Go5@ please 5on?t let me t"ro% up. Ha)e you e)er trie5 to aim a -un %"ile t"ro%in- your -uts upB 9t?s 5amn near impossi8le. Dou?re "elpless until you?re 1inis"e5. A1ter seein- t"e -uar5s@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e "elpless. $"e 8lon5 3op %as leanin- a-ainst t"e %all. His 1a3e %as s"iny %it" a si3k s%eat. He looke5 at me an5 9 3oul5 rea5 it in "is eyes. A4on?t@C 9 %"ispere5@ Aplease 5on?t.C $"e rookie 1ell to "is knees an5 t"at %as it. 9 lost e)eryt"in- 9?5 eaten t"at 5ay. At least 9 5i5n?t t"ro% up on t"e 3orpse. 9?5 5one t"at on3e@ an5 Ker8ro%ski "a5 ne)er let me li)e it 5o%n. #n t"at parti3ular 3ase@ t"e 3omplaint %as t"at 9?5 tampere5 %it" e)i5en3e. 91 9?5 8een t"e )ampire@ 9 %oul5 "a)e 3ome t"en %"ile "al1 o1 us %ere )omitin- our -uts out. But not"in- slit"ere5 aroun5 t"e 3orner. /ot"in- 3ame s3reamin- out o1 t"e 5arkness. Lu3ky us. A91 you?re all 5one@C 4olp" sai5@ A%e nee5 to 1in5 "er -un an5 %"at 5i5 t"is.C 9 %ipe5 my mout" on t"e slee)e o1 my 3o)eralls. 9 %as s%eatin-@ 8ut t"ere "a5n?t 8een time to take t"em o11. 7y 8la3k /ikes stu3k to t"e 1loor %it" little s;uee3" soun5s. $"ere %as 8loo5 on t"e 8ottom o1 my s"oes. 7ay8e t"e 3o)erall %asn?t su3" a 8a5 i5ea. ="at 9 %ante5 %as a 3ool 3lot". ="at 9 -ot %as to 3ontinue 5o%n t"e -reen "all%ay@ makin- little 8loo5y 1ootprints 8e"in5 me. 9 s3anne5 t"e 1loor an5 t"ere it %as@ 1ootprints -oin- a%ay 1rom t"e 8o5y@ 8a3k 5o%n t"e "all to%ar5s t"e 1irst -uar5. A4olp"BC A9 see t"em@C "e sai5. $"e 1aint 1ootprints %alke5 t"rou-" t"e 3arna-e an5 5o%n t"e 3orner@ a%ay 1rom us. A%ay soun5e5 -oo5@ 8ut 9 kne% 8etter. =e %ere "ere to -et up 3lose an5 personal. 4ammit. 4olp" knelt 8y t"e lar-est pie3e o1 t"e 8o5y. AAnita.C 9 %alke5 o)er to "im@ a)oi5in- t"e 8loo5y 1ootprints. /e)er step on 3lues. $"e poli3e 5on?t like it. 4olp" pointe5 at a 8la3kene5 pie3e o1 3lot". 9 knelt 3are1ully@ -la5 t"at 9 %as still in my o)eralls. 9 3oul5 kneel in all t"e 8loo5 9 %ante5 %it"out messin- my 3lot"es. Al%ays prepare5@ like a -oo5 Boy S3out. $"e %oman?s s"irt %as 3"arre5 an5 8la3kene5. 4olp" tou3"e5 t"e material %it" t"e tip o1 "is pen3il. $"e 3lot" 1lake5 in "ea)y layers@ 3ra3kin- like stale 8rea5. 4olp" poke5 a "ole t"rou-" one o1 t"e layers. 9t 3rum8le5. A 8urst o1 as" an5 a s"arp a3ri5 smell 3ame up 1rom t"e 8o5y. A="at t"e "ell "appene5 to "erBC 4olp" aske5. 9 s%allo%e5@ still tastin- )omit at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. $"is %asn?t "elpin-. A9t?s not 3lot".C A="at is it@ t"enBC A'les".C 4olp" >ust looke5 at me. He "el5 t"e pen3il like it mi-"t 8reak. ADou?re serious.C A$"ir525e-ree 8urn@C 9 sai5. A="at 3ause5 t"isBC A!an 9 8orro% your pen3ilBC 9 aske5. He "an5e5 it to me %it"out a %or5. 9 5u- at %"at %as le1t o1 "er 3"est. $"e 1les" %as so 8a5ly 1rie5 t"at "er s"irt melte5 into it. 9 pus"e5 t"e layers asi5e@ 5i--in- 5o%n%ar5 %it" t"e pen3il. $"e 8o5y 1elt "orri8ly li-"t@ an5 3risp like t"e 8urne5 skin o1 a 3"i3ken. ="en 9?5 plun-e5 "al1 t"e len-t" o1 t"e pen3il into t"e 8urn@ 9 tou3"e5 somet"in- soli5. 9 use5 t"e pen3il to pry it up%ar5. ="en it %as almost at t"e sur1a3e 9 put 1in-ers insi5e t"e "ole an5 pulle5 a lump o1 t%iste5 metal 1rom t"e 8urne5 1les". A="at is itBC 4olp" aske5.

A9t?s %"at?s le1t o1 "er 3ross.C A/o@C "e sai5. $"e lump o1 melte5 sil)er -linte5 t"rou-" t"e 8la3k as". A$"is %as "er 3ross@ 4olp". 9t melte5 into "er 3"est@ 3au-"t "er 3lot"in- on 1ire. ="at 9 5on?t un5erstan5 is %"y t"e )ampire kept 3onta3t %it" t"e 8urnin- metal. $"e )ampire s"oul5 8e nearly as 8urne5 as s"e is@ 8ut it?s not "ere.C A,*plain t"at@C "e sai5. AAnimalisti3 )ampires are like P!P a55i3ts. $"ey 5on?t 1eel pain. 9 t"ink t"e )ampire 3rus"e5 "er to "is 3"est@ t"e 3ross tou3"e5 "im@ 8urst into 1lames. an5 t"e )ampire staye5 a-ainst "er@ tearin- "er apart %"ile t"ey 8urne5. A-ainst any normal )ampire@ s"e %oul5 "a)e 8een sa1e.C ASo 3rosses 3an?t stop t"is one@C "e sai5. 9 stare5 at t"e lump o1 metal. AApparently not.C $"e 1our uni1orms %ere lookin- at t"e 5im "all%ay@ a little 1ranti3ally. $"ey "a5n?t 8ar-aine5 on t"e 3rosses not %orkin-. /eit"er "a5 9. $"e 8it a8out not 1eelin- pain "a5 8een a small 1ootnote to one arti3le. /o one "a5 t"eoriEe5 t"at t"at %oul5 mean 3rosses 5i5n?t prote3t you. 91 9 sur)i)e5@ 9?5 "a)e to %ork up a little arti3le 1or t"e Vampire Nuarterly. !rosses meltininto 1les"@ %o%ee. 4olp" stoo5 up. AKeep to-et"er@ people.C A$"e 3rosses 5on?t %ork@C one uni1orm sai5. A=e -otta -o 8a3k an5 %ait 1or spe3ial teams.C 4olp" >ust looke5 at "im. ADou 3an -o 8a3k i1 you %ant to.C He -lan3e5 5o%n at t"e 5ea5 -uar5. A9t?s )olunteer only. $"e rest o1 you -o 8a3k outsi5e an5 %ait 1or spe3ial teams.C $"e tall one no55e5 an5 tou3"e5 "is partner?s arm. His partner s%allo%e5 "ar5@ "is eyes 1li3kin- to 4olp"@ t"en to t"e -uar5?s 3rispy23rittere5 8o5y. He let "is partner 5ra- "im a%ay 5o%n t"e "all. Ba3k to sa1ety an5 sanity. =oul5n?t it "a)e 8een ni3e i1 %e all 3oul5 "a)e -oneB But %e 3oul5n?t let somet"in- like t"is es3ape. ,)en i1 9 "a5n?t "a5 an or5er o1 e*e3ution. %e %oul5 "a)e "a5 to kill it@ rat"er t"an take t"e risk o1 lettin- it -et outsi5e. A="at a8out you an5 t"e rookieBC 4olp" aske5 t"e 8la3k 3op. A9?)e ne)er run 1rom t"e monsters. He?s 1ree to -o 8a3k %it" t"e ot"ers. $"e 8lon5 s"ook "is "ea5@ -un in "an5@ 1in-ers mottle5 %it" tension. A9?m stayin-.C $"e 8la3k 3op -a)e "im a smile t"at meant more t"an %or5s. He?5 ma5e a man?s 3"oi3e. #r %oul5 t"at 8e a mature person?s 3"oi3eB ="ate)er@ "e %as stayin-. A#ne more 3orner an5 t"e )ault s"oul5 8e in si-"t@C 9 sai5. 4olp" -lan3e5 at t"e last 3orner. His eyes met mine an5 9 s"ru--e5. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at %as -oin- to 8e aroun5 t"e 3orner. $"is )ampire %as 5oin- t"in-s t"at 9 %oul5 "a)e sai5 %ere impossi8le. $"e rules "a5 8een 3"an-e5@ an5 not in our 1a)or. 9 "esitate5 on t"e %all 1art"est 1rom t"e 3orner. 9 pus"e5 my 8a3k into t"e %all an5 sli5 slo%ly into si-"t@ aroun5 t"e 3orner. 9 %as starin- 5o%n a s"ort@ strai-"t "all%ay. $"ere %as a -un lyin- in t"e mi55le o1 t"e 1loor. $"e se3on5 -uar5?s -unB 7ay8e. #n t"e le1t2"an5 %all t"ere s"oul5 "a)e 8een a 8i- steel 5oor %it" 3rosses "an-in- on it. $"e steel "a5 e*plo5e5 out%ar5 in a t%iste5 sil)er mess. $"ey?5 put t"e 8o5y in t"e )ault a1ter all. 9 "a5n?t -otten t"e -uar5s kille5. $"ey s"oul5 "a)e 8een sa1e. /ot"in- mo)e5. $"ere %as no li-"t in t"e )ault. 9t %as >ust a 8laste5 5arkness. 91 t"ere %as a )ampire %aitin- in t"e room@ 9 3oul5n?t see it. #1 3ourse@ 9 %asn?t all t"at 3lose@ eit"er. !lose 5i5 not seem to 8e a -oo5 i5ea. A!lear@ as 1ar as 9 3an see@C 9 sai5. ADou 5on?t soun5 sure@C 4olp" sai5. A9?m not@C 9 sai5. APeek aroun5 t"e 3orner at %"at?s le1t o1 t"e )ault.C He 5i5n?t peek@ 8ut "e looke5. He let out a so1t %"istle. Ker8ro%ski sai5@ AHe2sus.C 9 no55e5. ADea".C A9s it in t"ereBC 4olp" aske5. A9 t"ink so.C ADou?re our e*pert. ="y 5on?t you soun5 sureBC 4olp" aske5. A91 you %oul5 "a)e aske5 me i1 a )ampire 3oul5 plo% t"rou-" 1i)e 1eet o1 sil)er2steel %it" 3rosses "un- all o)er t"e 5amn pla3e@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 no %ay.C 9 stare5 into t"e 8la3k "ole. ABut t"ere it is.C A4oes t"is mean you?re as 3on1use5 as %e areBC Ker8ro%ski aske5. ADep.C A$"en %e?re in 5eep s"it@C "e sai5.

:n1ortunately@ 9 a-ree5.

Chapter Eighteen
$"e )ault loome5 up 8e1ore us. Pit3" 8la3k %it" a 3raEy )ampire %aitin- insi5eG >ust my 3up o1 tea. <i2i-"t. A9?ll take point no%@C 4olp" sai5. He "a5 t"e se3on5 -uar5?s -un in "is "an5s. His o%n -un %as tu3ke5 out o1 si-"t. He "a5 sil)er 8ullets no%G "e?5 -o 1irst. 4olp" %as -oo5 a8out t"at. He?5 ne)er or5er one o1 "is men to 5o somet"in- "e %oul5n?t 5o "imsel1. =is" Bert %as like t"at. Bert %as more likely to promise your 1irst28orn 3"il5@ t"en ask i1 it %as all ri-"t %it" you. 4olp" "esitate5 at t"e open mout" o1 t"e )ault. $"e 5arkness %as t"i3k enou-" to 3ut. 9t %as t"e a8solute 5arkness o1 a 3a)e. $"e kin5 %"ere you 3an tou3" your eye8alls %it" your 1in-ers an5 not 8link. He motione5 us 1or%ar5 %it" t"e -un@ 8ut "e %ent past t"e 5arkness@ 1art"er 5o%n t"e "all%ay. $"e 8loo5y 1ootprints entere5 t"e 5arkness an5 3ame 8a3k out. Bloo5y 1ootprints -oin- 5o%n t"e "all@ aroun5 t"e 3omer. 9 %as -ettin- tire5 o1 3orners. Ker8ro%ski an5 9 mo)e5 up to stan5 on eit"er si5e o1 4olp". $"e tension sli5 alon- my ne3k@ s"oul5ers. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out@ slo%ly. Better. Look@ my "an5?s not e)en s"akin-. 4olp" 5i5n?t roll aroun5 on t"e 1loor to 3lear t"e 3orner. He >ust %ent aroun5 8a3k to t"e %all@ t%o2"an5e5 aim@ rea5y 1or 8ear. A )oi3e sai5@ A4on?t s"oot@ 9?m not 5ea5.C 9 kne% t"e )oi3e. A9t?s Ho"n Burke. He?s %it" me.C 4olp" -lan3e5 8a3k at me. A9 remem8er "im.C 9 s"ru--e5G 8etter sa1e t"en sorry. 9 truste5 4olp" not to s"oot Ho"n 8y a33i5ent@ 8ut t"ere %ere t%o 3ops "ere 9?5 ne)er met. Al%ays err on t"e si5e o1 3aution %"en it 3omes to 1irearms. =or5s to sur)i)e 8y. Ho"n %as tall@ slen5er@ 5ark 3omple3te5. His s"ort "air %as per1e3tly 8la3k %it" a 8roa5 %"ite streak in 1ront. 9t %as a startlin- 3om8ination. He?5 al%ays 8een "an5some@ 8ut no% t"at "e?5 s"a)e5 o11 "is 8ear5@ "e looke5 less like a Holly%oo5 )illain an5 more like a lea5in- man. $all@ 5ark@ an5 "an5some@ an5 kne% "o% to kill )ampires. ="at more 3oul5 you ask 1orB Plenty@ 8ut t"at?s anot"er story. Ho"n 3ame aroun5 t"e 3orner smilin-. He "a5 a -un out@ an5 8etter yet@ "e "a5 "is )ampire kit in one "an5. A9 3ame a"ea5 to make sure t"e )ampire 5i5n?t -et loose %"ile you %ere en route.C A$"anks@ Ho"n@C 9 sai5. He s"ru--e5. AHust prote3tin- t"e pu8li3 %el1are.C 9t %as my turn to s"ru-. AAnyt"in- you say.C A="ere?s t"e )ampireBC 4olp" aske5. A9 %as tra3kin- it@C Ho"n sai5. AHo%BC 9 aske5. ABloo5y 8are 1ootprints.C Bare 1ootprints. S%eet Hesus. $"e 3orpse 5i5n?t "a)e s"oes@ 8ut Ho"n 5i5. 9 turne5 to%ar5s t"e )ault. $oo late@ too slo%@ too 5amn 8a5. $"e )ampire 3ame out o1 t"e 5arkness@ mo)in- too 1ast to see. 9t %as >ust a 8lur t"at smas"e5 into t"e rookie@ 5ri)in- "im into t"e %all. He s3reame5@ -un presse5 to t"e )ampire?s 3"est. $"e -un %as lou5 in t"e "all%ay@ e3"oin- in t"e pipes. $"e 8ullets 3ame out t"e 8a3k o1 t"e )ampire like t"ey?5 "it mist. 7a-i3. 9 mo)e5 1or%ar5@ tryin- to aim %it"out "ittin- t"e rookie. He %as s3reamin-@ one 3ontinuous soun5. Bloo5 spraye5 in a %arm rain. 9 s"ot at t"e t"in-?s "ea5 8ut it mo)e5@ in3re5i8ly 1ast@ tossin- t"e man a-ainst t"e ot"er %all@ tearin- at "im. $"ere %as a lot o1 yellin- an5 mo)ement@ 8ut it all seeme5 1ar a%ay@ slo%e5 5o%n. 9t %oul5 all 8e o)er in a matter o1 moments. 9 %as t"e only one 3lose enou-" %it" sil)er 8ullets. 9 steppe5 in@ 8o5y 8rus"in- t"e )ampire@ an5 put t"e 8arrel to t"e 8a3k o1 its skull. A normal )ampire %oul5n?t "a)e let me 5o it. 9 pulle5 t"e tri--er@ 8ut t"e )ampire %"irle5@ li1tin- t"e man o11 "is 1eet@ t"ro%in- "im into me. $"e 8ullet %ent %i5e an5 %e 3ras"e5 to t"e 1loor. $"e air %as kno3ke5 out o1 me 1or a se3on5 %it" t"e %ei-"t o1 t%o a5ult males on my 3"est. $"e rookie %as on top o1 me@ s3reamin-@ 8lee5in-@ 5yin-. 9 %e5-e5 t"e -un a-ainst t"e 8a3k o1 t"e )amp?s skull an5 1ire5. $"e 8a3k o1 t"e "ea5 e*plo5e5 out%ar5 in a 1ine spray o1 8loo5@ 8one@ an5 "ea)ier@ %etter t"in-s. $"e )ampire kept 5i--in- at t"e man?s t"roat. 9t s"oul5 "a)e 8een 5ea5@ 8ut it %asn?t.

$"e )ampire reare5 8a3k@ 8loo523lotte5 teet" strainin-. 9t "a5 pause5 like a man 8reat"in- 8et%een s%allo%s. 9 s"o)e5 t"e 8arrel in its mout". $"e teet" -rate5 on t"e metal. $"e 1a3e e*plo5e5 1rom t"e upper lip to t"e top o1 t"e "ea5. $"e lo%er teet" mout"e5 t"e air 8ut 3oul5n?t -et a 8ite. $"e "ea5less 8o5y raise5 up on its "an5s@ as i1 tryin- to -et up. 9 tou3"e5 t"e -un to its 3"est an5 pulle5 t"e tri--er. At t"is 5istan3e 9 mi-"t 8e a8le to take out its "eart. 9?5 ne)er a3tually trie5 to take out a )ampire usin- >ust a pistol. 9 %on5ere5 i1 it %oul5 %ork. 9 %on5ere5 %"at %oul5 "appen to me i1 it 5i5n?t. A s"u55er ran t"rou-" t"e t"in-?s 8o5y. 9t 8reat"e5 out%ar5 in a lon-@ %or5less si-". 4olp" an5 Ker8ro%ski %ere t"ere 5ra--in- t"e t"in- 8a3k%ar5s. 9 t"ink@ it %as 5ea5 alrea5y@ 8ut >ust in 3ase@ t"e "elp %as appre3iate5. Ho"n splas"e5 t"e )ampire %it" "oly %ater. $"e li;ui5 8u88le5 an5 1iEEe5 on t"e 5yin- )ampire. 9t %as 5yin-. 9t really %as. $"e rookie %asn?t mo)in-. His partner 5ra--e5 "im o11 me@ 3ra5lin- "im a-ainst "is 3"est like a 3"il5. Bloo5 plastere5 t"e 8lon5 "air to "is 1a3e. $"e pale eyes %ere %i5e open@ starin- at not"in-. $"e 5ea5 are al%ays 8lin5@ one %ay or anot"er. He?5 8een 8ra)e@ a -oo5 ki5@ t"ou-" "e %asn?t t"at mu3" youn-er t"an me. But 9 1elt a8out a million years ol5 starin- into "is pale@ 5ea5 1a3e. He %as 5ea5@ >ust like t"at. Bein- 8ra)e 5oesn?t sa)e you 1rom t"e monsters. 9t >ust ups your 3"an3es. 4olp" an5 Ker8ro%ski "a5 taken t"e )ampire to t"e 1loor. Ho"n %as a3tually stra55lin- t"e 8o5y %it" a stake an5 mallet in "an5. 9 "a5n?t use5 a stake in years. S"ot-un %as my 3"oi3e. But t"en@ 9 %as a pro-ressi)e )ampire slayer. $"e )ampire %as 5ea5. 9t 5i5n?t nee5 to 8e stake5@ 8ut 9 >ust sat a-ainst t"e %all an5 %at3"e5. Better sa1e t"an sorry. $"e stake %ent in easier t"an normal 8e3ause 9?5 ma5e a "ole 1or it. 7y -un %as still in my "an5. /o nee5 to put it up yet. $"e )ault %as still an empty 8la3knessG %"ere t"ere %as one )ampire t"ere %ere o1ten more. 9?5 keep t"e -un out. 4olp" an5 Ker8ro%ski %ent to t"e ruine5 )ault@ -uns out. 9 s"oul5 "a)e -otten up an5 -one %it" t"em@ 8ut it seeme5 )ery important ri-"t no% >ust to 8reat"e. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e 8loo5 pumpin- t"rou-" my )einsG e)ery pulse in my 8o5y %as lou5. 9t %as -oo5 to 8e ali)eG too 8a5 9 "a5n?t 8een a8le to sa)e t"e ki5. Dea"@ too 8a5. Ho"n knelt 8esi5e me. ADou all ri-"tBC 9 no55e5. ASure.C He looke5 at me like "e 5i5n?t 8elie)e it@ 8ut "e let it -o. Smart man. $"e li-"t 1las"e5 on in t"e )ault. <i3"@ yello% li-"t@ %arm as a summer?s 5ay. AHesus@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. 9 stoo5 up@ an5 nearly 1ellG my le-s %ere s"aky. Ho"n 3au-"t my arm@ an5 9 stare5 at "im until "e let -o. He -a)e a "al12 smile. AStill a "ar5 3ase.C AAl%ays@C 9 sai5. $"ere "a5 8een t%o 5ates 8et%een us. 7istake. 9t ma5e %orkin- to-et"er more a%k%ar5@ an5 "e 3oul5n?t 3ope %it" me 8ein- a 1emale )ersion o1 "im. He "a5 t"is ol5 sout"ern i5ea o1 %"at a la5y s"oul5 8e. A la5y s"oul5 not 3arry a -un an5 spen5 most o1 "er time 3o)ere5 in 8loo5 an5 3orpses. 9 "a5 t%o %or5s 1or t"at attitu5e. Dea"@ t"ose are t"e %or5s. $"ere %as a lar-e 1is" tank smas"e5 a-ainst one %all. 9t "a5 "el5 -uinea pi-s@ or rats@ or ra88its. All it "el5 no% %ere 8ri-"t splas"es o1 8loo5 an5 8its o1 1ur. Vampires 5on?t eat meat@ 8ut i1 you put small animals in a -lass 3ontainer@ t"en t"ro% it a-ainst t"e %all@ you -et 5i3e5 small animals. $"ere %asn?t enou-" le1t to s3oop up %it" a spoon. $"ere %as a "ea5 near t"e -lass mess@ pro8a8ly male@ >u5-in- 1rom t"e s"ort "air an5 style. 9 5i5n?t -o any 3loser to 3"e3k. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see t"e 1a3e. 9?5 "a)e 8een 8ra)e toni-"t. 9 "a5 not"in- le1t to pro)e. $"e 8o5y %as in one pie3e@ 8arely. 9t looke5 like t"e )ampire "a5 s"o)e5 8ot" "an5s into t"e 3"est@ -ra88e5 a "an51ul o1 ri8s an5 pulle5. $"e 3"est %as nearly torn in t%o@ 8ut a 8an5 o1 pink mus3le tissue an5 intestine "el5 it to-et"er. A$"e "ea5?s -ot 1an-s@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. A9t?s t"e )ampire 3ounsellor@C 9 sai5. A="at "appene5BC 9 s"ru--e5. AAt a -uess@ t"e 3ounsellor %as leanin- o)er t"e )amp %"en it rose. 9t kille5 "im@ ;ui3k an5 messy.C A="y?5 it kill t"e )ampire 3ounsellorBC 4olp" aske5. 9 s"ru--e5. A9t %as more animal t"an "uman@ 4olp". 9t %oke up in a stran-e pla3e %it" a stran-e )ampire leanin- o)er it. 9t rea3te5 like any trappe5 animal an5 prote3te5 itsel1.C A="y 3oul5n?t t"e 3ounsellor 3ontrol itB $"at?s %"at "e %as "ere 1or.C A$"e only person %"o 3an 3ontrol an animalisti3 )ampire is t"e master %"o ma5e it. $"e 3ounsellor %asn?t po%er1ul enou-" to 3ontrol it.C A/o% %"atBC Ho"n aske5. He?5 put up "is -un. 9 still "a5n?t. 9 1elt 8etter %it" it out 1or some reason. A/o% 9 -o make my t"ir5 animation appointment o1 t"e e)enin-.C AHust like t"atBC

9 looke5 up at "im@ rea5y to 8e an-ry at some8o5y. A="at 5o you %ant me to 5o@ Ho"nB 'all into a s3reamin- 1itB $"at %oul5n?t 8rin- 8a3k t"e 5ea5@ an5 it %oul5 annoy t"e "ell out o1 me.C He si-"e5. A91 you only mat3"e5 your pa3ka-in-.C 9 put my -un 8a3k in t"e s"oul5er "olster@ smile5 at "im@ an5 sai5@ A'u3k you.C Dea"@ t"ose are t"e %or5s.

Chapter Nineteen
9 "a5 %as"e5 most o1 t"e 8loo5 o11 my 1a3e an5 "an5s in t"e 8at"room at t"e mor-ue. $"e 8loo5staine5 3o)eralls %ere in my trunk. 9 %as 3lean an5 presenta8le@ or as presenta8le as 9 %as -oin- to -et toni-"t. Bert "a5 sai5 to meet t"e ne% -uy at my t"ir5 appointment 1or t"e ni-"t. #ak-len !emetery@ ten o?3lo3k. $"e t"eory %as t"at t"e ne% man alrea5y raise5 t%o Eom8ies an5 %oul5 >ust %at3" me raise t"e t"ir5 one. 'ine %it" me. 9t %as 1 J3+ 8e1ore 9 pulle5 into #ak-len !emetery. Late. 4ammit. 9t?5 make a -reat impression on t"e ne% animator@ not to mention my 3lient. 7rs. 4ou-"al %as a re3ent %i5o%. Like 1i)e 5ays re3ent. Her 5early 5eparte5 "us8an5 "a5 le1t no %ill. He?5 al%ays meant to -et aroun5 to it@ 8ut you kno% "o% it is@ >ust kept puttin- it o11. 9 %as to raise 7r. 4ou-"al in 1ront o1 t%o la%yers@ t%o %itnesses@ t"e 4ou-"als? t"ree -ro%n 3"il5ren@ an5 a partri5-e in a pear tree. $"ey?5 ma5e a rulin- >ust last mont" t"at t"e ne%ly 5ea5@ a %eek or less@ 3oul5 8e raise5 an5 )er8ally or5er a %ill. 9t %oul5 sa)e t"e 4ou-"als "al1 t"eir in"eritan3e. 7inus la%yer 1ees@ o1 3ourse. $"ere %as a line o1 3ars pulle5 o)er to t"e si5e o1 t"e narro% -ra)el roa5. $"e tires %ere playin- "ell %it" t"e -rass@ 8ut i1 you 5i5n?t park o11 to one si5e@ no8o5y 3oul5 use t"e roa5. #1 3ourse@ "o% many people nee5e5 to use a 3emetery roa5 at 1 J3 at ni-"tB Animators@ )oo5oo priests@ potsmokin- teena-ers@ ne3rop"ilia3s@ satanists. Dou "a5 to 8e a mem8er o1 a le-itimate reli-ion an5 "a)e a permit to %ors"ip in a 3emetery a1ter 5ark. #r 8e an animator. =e 5i5n?t nee5 a permit. 7ainly 8e3ause %e 5i5n?t "a)e a reputation 1or "uman sa3ri1i3e. A 1e% 8a5 apples "a)e really -i)en )oo5ooists a 8a5 name. Bein- !"ristian@ 9 sort o1 1ro%n on satanism. 9 mean. t"ey are@ a1ter all@ t"e 8a5 -uys. <i-"tB As soon as my 1oot "it t"e roa5@ 9 1elt it. 7a-i3. Someone %as tryin- to raise t"e 5ea5@ an5 t"ey %ere )ery near at "an5. $"e ne% -uy "a5 alrea5y raise5 t%o Eom8ies. !oul5 "e 5o a t"ir5B !"arles an5 Hamison 3oul5 only 5o t%o a ni-"t. ="ere "a5 Bert 1oun5 someone t"is po%er1ul on su3" s"ort noti3eB 9 %alke5 past 1i)e 3ars@ not 3ountin- my o%n. $"ere %ere nearly a 5oEen people presse5 aroun5 t"e -ra)e. $"e %omen %ere in skirt2suitsG t"e men all %ore ties. 9t %as amaEin- "o% many people 5resse5 up to 3ome to t"e -ra)eyar5. $"e only reason most people 3ome to t"e -ra)eyar5 is 1or a 1uneral. A lot o1 3lients 5ress 1or one@ semi1ormal@ 8asi3 8la3k. 9t %as a man?s )oi3e lea5in- t"e mourners in risin- 3alls o1@ AAn5re% 4ou-"al@ arise. !ome to us@ An5re% 4ou-"al@ 3ome to us.C $"e ma-i3 8uilt on t"e air until it presse5 a-ainst me like a %ei-"t. 9t %as "ar5 to -et a 1ull 8reat". His ma-i3 ro5e t"e air@ an5 it %as stron-@ 8ut un3ertain. 9 3oul5 1eel "is "esitation like a tou3" o1 3ol5 air. He %oul5 8e po%er1ul@ 8ut "e %as youn-. His ma-i3 taste5 untrie5@ un5is3ipline5. 91 "e %asn?t un5er t%enty2one@ 9?5 eat my "at. $"at?s "o% Bert "a5 1oun5 "im. He %as a 8a8y@ a po%er1ul 8a8y. An5 "e %as raisin- "is t"ir5 Eom8ie o1 t"e ni-"t. Hot 5amn. 9 staye5 in t"e s"a5o%s un5er t"e tall trees. He %as s"ort@ may8e an in3" or t%o taller t"an me@ %"i3" ma5e "im 1i)e21our at 8est. He %ore a %"ite 5ress s"irt an5 5ark sla3ks. Bloo5 "a5 5rie5 on t"e s"irt in nearly 8la3k stains. 9?5 "a)e to tea3" "im "o% to 5ress@ as 7anny "a5 tau-"t me. Animatin- is still on an in1ormal apprenti3es"ip. $"ere are no 3olle-e 3ourses to tea3" you "o% to raise t"e 5ea5. He %as )ery earnest as "e stoo5 t"ere 3allin- An5re% 4ou-"al 1rom t"e -ra)e. $"e 3ro%5 o1 la%yers an5 relati)es "u55le5 at t"e 1oot o1 t"e -ra)e. $"ere %as no 1amily mem8er insi5e t"e 8loo5 3ir3le %it" t"e ne% animator. /ormally@ you put a 1amily mem8er 8e"in5 t"e tom8stone so "e or s"e 3oul5 3ontrol t"e Eom8ie. $"is %ay@ only t"e animator 3oul5 3ontrol it. But it %asn?t an o)ersi-"t@ it %as t"e la%. $"e 5ea5 3oul5 8e raise5 to re;uest an5 5i3tate a %ill 8ut only i1 t"e animator@ or some neutral party@ "a5 3ontrol o1 it. $"e moun5 o1 1lo%ers s"u55ere5 an5 a pale "an5 s"ot up%ar5@ -ra88in- at t"e air. $%o "an5s@ t"e top o1 a "ea5. $"e Eom8ie spille5 1rom t"e -ra)e like it %as 8ein- pulle5 8y strin-s. $"e ne% animator stum8le5. He 1ell to "is knees in t"e so1t 5irt an5 5yin- 1lo%ers. $"e ma-i3 stuttere5@ %a)erin-. He?5 8itten o11 one Eom8ie more t"an "e 3oul5 1inis". $"e 5ea5 man %as still stru--lin- 1rom t"e -ra)e. Still tryin- to -et its le-s 1ree@ 8ut t"ere %as no one 3ontrollin- it. La%ren3e Kirklan5 "a5 raise5 t"e Eom8ie@ 8ut "e 3oul5n?t 3ontrol it. $"e Eom8ie %oul5 8e on its o%n %it" no one to make it min5. :n3ontrolle5 Eom8ies -i)e animators a 8a5 name. #ne o1 t"e la%yers %as sayin-@ AAre you all ri-"tBC La%ren3e Kirklan5 no55e5 "is "ea5@ 8ut "e %as too e*"auste5 to speak. 4i5 "e e)en no% realiEe %"at "e?5 5oneB 9 5i5n?t t"ink so. He %asn?t s3are5 enou-". 9 %alke5 up to t"e "u55le5 -roup. A7s. Blake@ %e misse5 you@C t"e la%yer sai5. ADour ... asso3iate seems to 8e ill.C

9 -a)e t"em my 8est pro1essional smile. See not"in- %ron-. A Eom8ie isn?t a8out to -o amu3k. $rust me. 9 %alke5 to t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8loo5 3ir3le. 9 3oul5 1eel it like a %in5 pus"in- me 8a3k. $"e 3ir3le %as s"ut@ an5 9 %as on t"e outsi5e. 9 3oul5n?t -et in unless La%ren3e aske5 me in. He %as on all 1ours@ "an5s lost in t"e 1lo%ers o1 t"e -ra)e. His "ea5 "un- 5o%n@ as i1 "e %as too tire5 to raise it. He pro8a8ly %as. ALa%ren3e@C 9 sai5 so1tly@ ALa%ren3e Kirklan5.C He turne5 "is "ea5 in slo% motion. ,)en in t"e 5ark 9 3oul5 see t"e e*"austion in "is pale eyes. His arms %ere trem8lin-. Go5@ "elp us. 9 leane5 in 3lose so t"e au5ien3e 3oul5n?t "ear %"at 9 sai5. =e?5 try to keep t"e illusion t"at t"is %as >ust 8usiness as usual@ as lon- as 9 3oul5. 91 %e %ere lu3ky@ t"e Eom8ie %oul5 >ust %an5er a%ay. 91 %e %eren?t lu3ky@ it %oul5 "urt someone. $"e 5ea5 are usually pretty 1or-i)in- o1 t"e li)in-@ 8ut not al%ays. 91 An5re% 4ou-"al "ate5 one o1 "is relati)es@ it %oul5 8e a lon- ni-"t. ALa%ren3e@ you "a)e to 8reak t"e 3ir3le an5 let me in@C 9 sai5. He >ust stare5 at me@ eyes 5ull@ no -limmer o1 un5erstan5in-. S"it. ABreak t"e 3ir3le@ La%ren3e@ no%.C $"e Eom8ie %as 1ree to its knees. 9ts %"ite 5ress s"irt -leame5 a-ainst t"e 5arkness o1 t"e 8urial suit. :n3om1orta8le 1or all eternity. 4ou-"al looke5 pretty -oo5 1or t"e %alkin- 5ea5. He %as pale %it" t"i3k -rey "air. $"e skin %as %a)y@ pale@ 8ut t"ere %ere no si-ns o1 rot. $"e ki5 "a5 5one a -oo5 >o8 1or t"e t"ir5 Eom8ie o1 t"e ni-"t. /o% i1 only 9 3oul5 3ontrol it@ %e %ere "ome 1ree. ALa%ren3e@ 8reak t"e 3ir3le@ pleaseIC He sai5 somet"in-@ too lo% 1or me to "ear. 9 leane5 as 3lose as t"e 8loo5 %oul5 let me -et an5 sai5@ A="atBC ALarry@ name?s Larry.C 9 smile5@ it %as too ri5i3ulous. He %as %orrie5 a8out me 3allin- "im La%ren3e instea5 o1 Larry %it" a ro-ue Eom8ie 3lim8in- out o1 t"e 5irt. 7ay8e "e?5 snappe5 un5er t"e pressure. /a%. A#pen t"e 3ir3le@ Larry@C 9 sai5. He 3ra%le5 1or%ar5@ nearly 1allin- 1a3e 1irst into t"e 1lo%ers. He s3rape5 "is "an5 a3ross t"e line o1 8loo5. $"e ma-i3 snappe5. $"e 3ir3le o1 po%er %as -one@ >ust like t"at. /o% it %as >ust me. A="ere?s your kni1eBC He trie5 to look 8a3k o)er "is s"oul5er 8ut 3oul5n?t mana-e it. 9 sa% t"e 8la5e -leam in t"e moonli-"t on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e -ra)e. AHust rest@C 9 sai5. A9?ll take 3are o1 it.C He 3ollapse5 into a little 8all@ "u--in- "is arms aroun5 "imsel1@ as i1 "e %as 3ol5. 9 let "im -o@ 1or no%. $"e 1irst or5er o1 8usiness "a5 to 8e t"e Eom8ie. $"e kni1e %as lyin- 8esi5e t"e -utte5 3"i3ken "e?5 use5 to 3all t"e Eom8ie. 9 -ra88e5 t"e kni1e an5 1a3e5 t"e Eom8ie o)er t"e -ra)e. An5re% 4ou-"al %as leanin- a-ainst "is o%n tom8stone@ tryin- to orient "imsel1. 9t?s "ar5 on a person@ 8ein- 5ea5G it takes a 1e% minutes to %ake up t"e 5ea5 8rain 3ells. $"e min5 5oesn?t ;uite 8elie)e t"at it s"oul5 %ork. But it %ill@ e)entually. 9 pus"e5 8a3k t"e slee)e o1 my leat"er >a3ket an5 took a 5eep 8reat". 9t %as t"e only %ay@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t "a)e to like it. 9 5re% t"e 8la5e a3ross my %rist. A t"in@ 5ark line appeare5. $"e skin split an5 8loo5 tri3kle5 out@ nearly 8la3k in t"e moonli-"t. $"e pain %as s"arp@ stin-in-. Small %oun5s al%ays 1elt %orse t"an 8i- ones ... at 1irst. $"e %oun5 %as small an5 %oul5n?t lea)e a s3ar. S"ort o1 slittin- my %rist@ or someone else?s@ 9 3oul5n?t remake t"e 8loo5 3ir3le. 9t %as too late in t"e 3eremony to -et anot"er 3"i3ken an5 start o)er. 9 "a5 to sal)a-e t"is 3eremony@ or t"e Eom8ie %oul5 8e 1ree %it" no 8oss. Kom8ies %it"out 8osses ten5e5 to eat people. $"e Eom8ie %as still sittin- on its tom8stone. 9t stare5 at not"in- %it" empty eyes. 91 Larry "a5 8een stron- enou-"@ An5re% 4ou-"al mi-"t "a)e 8een a8le to talk@ to reason on "is o%n. /o% "e %as >ust a 3orpse %aitin- 1or or5ers@ or a stray t"ou-"t. 9 3lim8e5 onto t"e moun5 o1 -la5ioluses@ 3"rysant"emums@ 3arnations. $"e per1ume o1 1lo%ers mi*e5 %it" t"e stale smell o1 t"e 3orpse. 9 stoo5 knee25eep in 5yin- 1lo%ers an5 %a)e5 my 8lee5in- %rist in 1ront o1 t"e Eom8ie?s 1a3e. $"e pale eyes 1ollo%e5 my "an5@ 1lat an5 5ea5 as 5ay2ol5 1is". An5re% 4ou-"al %as not "ome@ 8ut somet"in- %as@ somet"in- t"at smelle5 8loo5 an5 kne% its %ort". 9 kno% t"at Eom8ies 5on?t "a)e souls. 9n 1a3t@ 9 3an only raise t"e 5ea5 a1ter t"ree 5ays. 9t takes t"at lon- 1or t"e soul to lea)e. 9n3i5entally@ t"e same amount o1 time it takes 1or )ampires to rise. 'an3y t"at.

But i1 it isn?t t"e soul reanimatin- t"e 3orpse@ t"en %"at is itB 7a-i3@ my ma-i3@ or Larry?s. 7ay8e. But t"ere %as somet"in- in t"e 3orpse. 91 t"e soul %as -one@ somet"in- 1ille5 t"e )oi5. 9n an animation t"at %orke5@ ma-i3 1ille5 it. /o%B /o% 9 5i5n?t kno%. 9 %asn?t e)en sure 9 %ante5 to kno%. ="at 5i5 it matter as lon- as 9 pulle5 t"e 1at out o1 t"e 1ireB Dea". 7ay8e i1 9 kept repeatin- t"at@ 9?5 e)en 8elie)e it. 9 o11ere5 t"e 3orpse my 8lee5in- %rist. $"e t"in- "esitate5 1or a se3on5. 91 it re1use5@ 9 %as out o1 options. $"e Eom8ie stare5 at me. 9 5roppe5 t"e kni1e an5 s;ueeEe5 t"e skin aroun5 t"e %oun5. Bloo5 %elle5 out@ t"i3k an5 )is3ous. $"e Eom8ie snat3"e5 at my "an5. 9ts pale "an5s %ere 3ol5 an5 stron-. 9ts "ea5 8o%e5 o)er t"e %oun5@ mout" su3kin-. 9t 1e5 at my %rist@ >a%s %orkin- 3on)ulsi)ely@ s%allo%in- as "ar5 an5 as 1ast as it 3oul5. 9 %as -oin- to "a)e t"e %orl5?s %orst "i3key. But at least it "urt. 9 trie5 to 5ra% my "an5 a%ay@ 8ut t"e Eom8ie >ust su3ke5 "ar5er. 9t 5i5n?t %ant to let -o. Great. ALarry@ 3an you stan5BC 9 aske5 so1tly. =e %ere still tryin- to preten5 t"at not"in- "a5 -one %ron-. $"e Eom8ie "a5 a33epte5 8loo5. 9 3ontrolle5 it no%@ i1 9 3oul5 -et it to let -o. Larry looke5 up at me in slo% motion. ASure@C "e sai5. He -ot to "is 1eet usin- t"e 8urial moun5 1or support. ="en "e %as stan5in-@ "e aske5@ A="at no%BC Goo5 ;uestion. AHelp me -et it loose.C 9 trie5 to pull my %rist 1ree@ 8ut t"e t"in- "un- on 1or 5ear li1e. Larry %rappe5 "is arms aroun5 t"e 3orpse an5 pulle5. 9t 5i5n?t "elp. A$ry t"e "ea5@C 9 sai5. He trie5 pullin- 8a3k on t"e 3orpse?s "air@ 8ut Eom8ies 5on?t 1eel pain. Larry prie5 a 1in-er alon- t"e 3orpse?s mout"@ 8reakin- t"e su3tion %it" a little pop. Larry looke5 like "e %as -oin- to 8e si3k. Poor "imG it %as my arm. He %ipe5 "is 1in-er on "is 5ress sla3ks@ as i1 "e "a5 tou3"e5 somet"in- slimy. 9 %asn?t sympat"eti3. $"e kni1e %oun5 %as alrea5y re5. 9t %oul5 8e a "ell o1 a 8ruise tomorro%. $"e Eom8ie stoo5 on top o1 its -ra)e@ starin- at me. $"ere %as li1e in t"e eyesG someone %as "ome. $"e tri3k %as@ %as it t"e ri-"t someoneB AAre you An5re% 4ou-"alBC 9 aske5. He li3ke5 "is lips an5 sai5@ A9 am.C 9t %as a rou-" )oi3e. A )oi3e 1or or5erin- people a8out. 9 %asn?t impresse5. 9t %as my 8loo5 t"at -a)e "im t"e )oi3e. $"e 5ea5 really are mute@ really 5o 1or-et %"o an5 %"at t"ey are@ until t"ey taste 1res" 8loo5. Homer %as ri-"tG makes you %on5er %"at else %as true in t"e 9lia5. 9 put pressure on t"e kni1e %oun5 %it" my ot"er "an5 an5 steppe5 8a3k@ o11 t"e -ra)e. AHe?ll ans%er your ;uestions no%@C 9 sai5. ABut keep t"em simple. He?s 8een mostly 5ea5 all 5ay.C $"e la%yers 5i5n?t smile. 9 -uess 9 5i5n?t 8lame t"em. 9 %a)e5 t"em 1or%ar5. $"ey "un- 8a3k. S;ueamis" la%yersB Surely not. 7rs. 4ou-"al poke5 "er la%yer in t"e arm. AGet on %it" it. $"is is 3ostin- a 1ortune.C 9 starte5 to say %e 5on?t 3"ar-e 8y t"e minute@ 8ut 1or all 9 kne% Bert "a5 arran-e5 1or t"e lon-er t"e 3orpse %as up@ t"e more e*pensi)e it %as. $"at a3tually %as a -oo5 i5ea. An5re% 4ou-"al %as 1ine toni-"t. He ans%ere5 ;uestions in "is 3ulture5@ arti3ulate )oi3e. 91 you i-nore5 t"e %ay "is skin -listene5 in t"e moonli-"t@ "e looke5 ali)e. But -i)e it a 1e% 5ays@ or %eeks. He?5 rotG t"ey all rotte5. 91 Bert "a5 1i-ure5 out a %ay to make 3lients put t"e 5ea5 8a3k in t"eir -ra)es 8e1ore pie3es starte5 to 1all o11@ so mu3" t"e 8etter. $"ere %ere 1e% t"in-s as sa5 as t"e 1amily 8rin-in- 5ear ol5 mom 8a3k to t"e 3emetery %it" e*pensi)e per1ume 3o)erinup t"e smell o1 5e3ay. $"e %orst %as t"e 3lient %"o "a5 8at"e5 "er "us8an5 8e1ore 8rin-in- "im 8a3k. S"e "a5 to 8rinmost o1 "is 1les" in a plasti3 -ar8a-e sa3k. $"e meat "a5 >ust sli5 o11 t"e 8one in t"e %arm %ater. Larry mo)e5 8a3k@ stum8lin- o)er a 1lo%erpot. 9 3au-"t "im@ an5 "e 1ell a-ainst me@ still unstea5y. He smile5. A$"anks ... 1or e)eryt"in-.C He stare5 at me@ our 1a3es in3"es apart. A tri3kle o1 s%eat ooEe5 5o%n "is 1a3e in t"e 3ol5 #3to8er ni-"t. ADou -ot a 3oatBC A9n my 3ar.C AGet it an5 put it on. Dou?ll 3at3" your 5eat" s%eatin- in t"is 3ol5.C His smile 1las"e5 into a -rin. AAnyt"in- you say@ 8oss.C? His eyes %ere 8i--er t"an t"ey s"oul5 "a)e 8een@ a lot o1 %"ite s"o%in-. ADou pulle5 me 8a3k 1rom t"e e5-e. 9 %on?t 1or-et.C AGratitu5e is -reat@ ki5@ 8ut -o -et your 3oat. Dou 3an?t %ork i1 you?re "ome si3k %it" t"e 1lu.C Larry no55e5 an5 starte5 slo%ly to%ar5s t"e 3ars. He %as still unstea5y@ 8ut "e %as mo)in-. $"e 1lo% o1 8loo5 "a5 almost stoppe5 on my %rist. 9 %on5ere5 i1 9 "a5 a Ban52Ai5 in my 3ar 8i- enou-" to 3o)er it. 9 s"ru--e5 an5 starte5 to 1ollo% Larry to%ar5s t"e 3ars. $"e la%yers? 5eep@ 3ourtroom )oi3es 1ille5 t"e #3to8er 5ark. =or5s e3"oin- a-ainst t"e trees. ="o t"e "ell %ere t"ey tryin- to impressB $"e 3orpse 5i5n?t 3are.

Chapter Twenty
Larry an5 9 sat on t"e 3ool autumn -rass %at3"in- t"e la%yers 5ra% up t"e %ill. A$"ey?re so serious@C "e sai5. A9t?s t"eir >o8 to 8e serious@C 9 sai5. ABein- a la%yer means you 3an?t "a)e a sense o1 "umorBC AA8solutely@C 9 sai5. He -rinne5. His s"ort@ 3urly "air %as a re5 so 8ri-"t@ it %as nearly oran-e. His eyes %ere 8lue an5 so1t as a sprin- sky. 9?5 seen 8ot" "air an5 eyes in t"e 5ome li-"t 1rom our 3ars. Ba3k in t"e 5ark "e looke5 -rey2eye5 an5 8ro%n2"aire5. 9?5 "ate to "a)e to -i)e a %itness 5es3ription o1 someone 9 only sa% in t"e 5ark. Larry Kirklan5 "a5 t"at milk2pale 3omple*ion o1 some re5"ea5s. A t"i3k sprinklin- o1 -ol5en 1re3kles 3omplete5 t"e look. He looke5 like an o)er-ro%n Ho%5y 4oo5y puppet. 9 mean t"at in a 3ute %ay. Bein- s"ort@ really s"ort 1or a man@ 9 %as sure "e %oul5n?t like 8ein- 3alle5 3ute. 9t %as one o1 my least 1a)orite en5earments. 9 t"ink i1 all s"ort people 3oul5 )ote@ t"e %or5 A3uteC %oul5 8e stri3ken 1rom t"e ,n-lis" lan-ua-e. 9 kno% it %oul5 -et my )ote. AHo% lon- "a)e you 8een an animatorBC 9 aske5. He -lan3e5 at t"e luminous 5ial o1 "is %at3". AA8out ei-"t "ours.C 9 stare5 at "im. A$"is is your 1irst >o8@ any%"ereBC He no55e5. A4i5n?t 7r. Vau-"n tell you a8out meBC ABert >ust sai5 "e?5 "ire5 anot"er animator name5 La%ren3e Kirklan5.C A9?m in my senior year at =as"in-ton :ni)ersity@ an5 t"is is my semester o1 >o8 3o2op.C AHo% ol5 are youBC A$%entyG %"yBC ADou?re not e)en le-al@C 9 sai5. ASo 9 3an?t 5rink or -o in porno t"eaters. /o 8i- loss@ unless t"e >o8 takes us to pla3es like t"at.C He looke5 at me an5 leane5 in. A4oes t"e >o8 take us to porno t"eatersBC His 1a3e %as neutrally pleasant@ an5 9 3oul5n?t tell i1 "e %as teasin- or not. 9 -am8le5 t"at "e %as ki55in-. A$%enty is 1ine.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou 5on?t look like t%enty?s 1ine@C "e sai5. A9t?s not your a-e t"at 8ot"ers me@C 9 sai5. ABut somet"in- 8ot"ers you.C 9 %asn?t sure "o% to put it into %or5s@ 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- pleasant an5 "umorous in "is 1a3e. 9t %as a 1a3e t"at lau-"e5 more o1ten t"an it 3rie5. He looke5 8ri-"t an5 3lean as a ne% penny@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant t"at to 3"an-e. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e t"e one %"o 1or3e5 "im to -et 5o%n in t"e 5irt an5 roll. AHa)e you e)er lost someone 3lose to youB 'amily@ 9 meanBC $"e "umor slippe5 a%ay 1rom "is 1a3e. He looke5 like a solemn little 8oy. ADou?re serious.C A4ea5ly@C 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5on?t un5erstan5.C AHust ans%er t"e ;uestion. Ha)e you e)er lost someone 3lose to youBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A9?)e e)en -ot all my -ran5parents.C AHa)e you e)er seen )iolen3e up 3lose an5 personalBC A9 -ot into 1i-"ts in "i-" s3"ool.C A="yBC He -rinne5. A$"ey t"ou-"t s"ort meant %eak.C 9 "a5 to smile. AAn5 you s"o%e5 t"em 5i11erent.C AHell@ noG t"ey 8eat t"e 3rap out o1 me 1or 1our years.C He smile5. ADou e)er %in a 1i-"tBC ASometimes@C "e sai5. ABut t"e %innin-?s not t"e important part@C 9 sai5. He looke5 )ery stea5ily at me@ eyes serious. A/o@ it?s not.C

$"ere %as a moment o1 nearly per1e3t un5erstan5in- 8et%een us. A s"are5 "istory o1 8ein- t"e smallest ki5 in 3lass. Dears o1 8ein- t"e last pi3ke5 1or sports. Bein- t"e automati3 )i3tim 1or 8ullies. Bein- s"ort 3an make you mean. 9 %as sure t"at %e un5erstoo5 ea3" ot"er 8ut@ 8ein- 1emale@ 9 "a5 to )er8aliEe it. 7en 5o a lot o1 t"is min52rea5in- s"it@ 8ut sometimes you?re %ron-. 9 nee5e5 to kno%. A$"e important part is takin- t"e 8eatin- an5 not -i)in- up@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. A$akes a 8eatin- an5 keeps on ti3kin-.C /o% t"at 9?5 spoile5 our 1irst moment o1 per1e3t un5erstan5in- 8y makin- us 8ot" )er8aliEe@ 9 %as "appy. A#t"er t"an s3"ool 1i-"ts@ you?)e ne)er seen )iolen3eBC A9 -o to ro3k 3on3erts.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/ot t"e same.C ADou -ot a point to makeBC "e aske5. ADou s"oul5 ne)er "a)e trie5 to raise a t"ir5 Eom8ie.C A9 5i5 it@ 5i5n?t 9BC He soun5e5 5e1ensi)e@ 8ut 9 presse5 on. ="en 9 "a)e a point to make@ 9 may not 8e -ra3e1ul@ 8ut 9?m relentless. ADou raise5 an5 lost 3ontrol o1 it. 91 9 "a5n?t 3ome alon-@ t"e Eom8ie %oul5 "a)e 8roken 1ree an5 "urt someone.C A9t?s >ust a Eom8ie. $"ey 5on?t atta3k people.C 9 stare5 at "im@ tryin- to see i1 "e %as ki55in-. He %asn?t. S"it. ADou really 5on?t kno%@ 5o youBC AKno% %"atBC 9 3o)ere5 my 1a3e %it" my "an5s an5 3ounte5 to ten@ slo%ly. 9t %asn?t Larry 9 %as ma5 at@ it %as Bert@ 8ut Larry %as so 3on)enient 1or yellin-. 9?5 "a)e to %ait until tomorro% to yell at Bert@ 8ut Larry %as ri-"t "ere. Ho% lu3ky. A$"e Eom8ie "a5 8roken 1ree o1 your 3ontrol@ Larry. 91 9 "a5n?t 3ome alon- an5 1e5 it 8loo5@ it %oul5 "a)e 1oun5 8loo5 on its o%n. 4o you un5erstan5BC A9 5on?t t"ink so.C 9 si-"e5. A$"e Eom8ie %oul5 "a)e atta3ke5 someone. $aken a 8ite out o1 someone.C AKom8ies atta3kin- "umans is >ust superstition@ -"ost stories.C A9s t"at %"at t"ey?re tea3"in- in 3olle-e no%BC 9 aske5. ADes.C A9?ll loan you some 8a3k 3opies o1 $"e Animator. $rust me@ Larry@ Eom8ies 5o atta3k people. 9?)e seen people kille5 8y t"em.C ADou?re >ust tryin- to s3are me@C "e sai5. AS3are5 %oul5 8e 8etter t"an stupi5.C A9 raise5 it. ="at 5o you %ant 1rom meBC He looke5 3ompletely 8a11le5. A9 %ant you to un5erstan5 %"at nearly "appene5 "ere toni-"t. 9 %ant you to un5erstan5 t"at %"at %e 5o isn?t a -ame. 9t?s not parlor tri3ks. 9t?s real@ an5 it 3an 8e 5an-erous.C AAll ri-"t@C "e sai5. He?5 -i)en in too easily. He 5i5n?t really 8elie)e. He %as "umorin- me. But t"ere are some t"in-s you 3an?t tell someone. He@ or s"e@ "as to learn some t"in-s in person. 9 %is"e5 9 3oul5 %rap Larry up in 3ellop"ane an5 keep "im on a s"el1@ all sa1e an5 se3ure an5 untou3"e5@ 8ut li1e 5i5n?t %ork t"at %ay. 91 "e staye5 in t"is 8usiness lon- enou-"@ t"e ne% %oul5 %ear o11. But you 3an?t tell someone %"o?s rea3"e5 t%enty an5 ne)er 8een tou3"e5 8y 5eat". $"ey 5on?t 8elie)e in t"e 8oo-eyman. At t%enty 9?5 8elie)e5 in e)eryt"in-. 9 su55enly 1elt ol5. Larry pulle5 a pa3k o1 3i-arettes out o1 "is 3oat po3ket. APlease tell me you 5on?t smoke@C 9 sai5. He looke5 up at me@ eyes sort o1 %i5e an5 startle5. ADou 5on?t smokeBC A/o.C ADou 5on?t like people to smoke aroun5 youBC He ma5e it a ;uestion. A/o@C 9 sai5. ALook@ 9 1eel pretty a%1ul ri-"t no%. 9 nee5 t"e 3i-arette@ okayBC A/ee5 itBC ADea"@ nee5 it.C He "a5 one slen5er %"ite 3i-arette 8et%een t%o 1in-ers o1 "is ri-"t "an5. $"e pa3k "a5 5isappeare5 8a3k into "is po3ket. A 5isposa8le li-"ter "a5 appeare5. He looke5 at me )ery stea5ily. His "an5s %ere s"akin- >ust a 8it.

S"it. He?5 raise5 t"ree Eom8ies on "is 1irst ni-"t out@ an5 9 %as -oin- to 8e talkin- to Bert a8out t"e %is5om o1 sen5inLarry out on "is o%n. Besi5es@ %e %ere outsi5e. AGo a"ea5.C A$"anks.C He lit t"e 3i-arette an5 5re% a 5eep 8reat" o1 ni3otine an5 tar. Smoke 3urle5 out o1 "is mout" an5 nose@ like pale -"osts. A'eel 8etter alrea5y@C "e sai5. 9 s"ru--e5. AHust so you 5on?t smoke in t"e 3ar %it" me.C A/o pro8lem@C "e sai5. $"e tip o1 "is 3i-arette pulse5 oran-e in t"e 5ark as "e su3ke5 on it. He looke5 past me@ lettinsmoke 3url 1rom "is lips as "e sai5@ A=e?re 8ein- pa-e5.C 9 turne5 an5@ sure enou-"@ t"e la%yers %ere %a)in- at us. 9 1elt like a >anitor 8ein- 3alle5 in to 3lean up t"e messy ne3essities. 9 stoo5 up@ an5 Larry 1ollo%e5 me. ADou sure you 1eel %ell enou-" 1or t"isBC 9 aske5. A9 3oul5n?t raise a 5ea5 ant@ 8ut 9 t"ink 9?m up to %at3"in- you 5o it.C $"ere %ere 8ruises un5er "is eyes an5 t"e skin %as too ti-"t aroun5 "is mout"@ 8ut i1 "e %ante5 to play ma3"o man %"o %as 9 to stop "imB AGreatG let?s 5o it.C 9 -ot salt out o1 my trunk. 9t %as per1e3tly le-al to 3arry Eom8ie2raisin- supplies. 9 suppose t"e ma3"ete t"at 9 use5 1or 8e"ea5in- 3"i3kens 3oul5 8e use5 as a %eapon@ 8ut t"e rest o1 t"e stu11 %as 3onsi5ere5 "armless. S"o%s you %"at t"e le-al system kno%s a8out Eom8ies. An5re% 4ou-"al "a5 re3o)ere5 "imsel1. He still looke5 a little %a*y@ 8ut "is 1a3e %as serious@ 3on3erne5@ ali)e. He smoot"e5 a "an5 5o%n t"e stylis" lapel o1 "is suit 3oat. He looke5 5o%n at me@ not >ust 8e3ause "e %as taller 8ut 8e3ause "e %as -oo5 at lookin- 5o%n. Some people "a)e a real talent 1or 8ein- 3on5es3en5in-. A4o you kno% %"at?s "appenin-@ 7r. 4ou-"alBC 9 aske5 t"e Eom8ie. He looke5 5o%n "is narro% patri3ian nose. A9 am -oin- "ome %it" my %i1e.C 9 si-"e5. 9 "ate5 it %"en Eom8ies 5i5n?t realiEe t"ey %ere 5ea5. $"ey a3te5 so ... "uman. A7r. 4ou-"al@ 5o you kno% %"y you?re in a 3emeteryBC ="at?s "appenin-BC one o1 t"e la%yers aske5. AHe?s 1or-otten t"at "e?s 5ea5@C 9 sai5 so1tly. $"e Eom8ie stare5 at me@ per1e3tly arro-ant. He must "a)e 8een a real pain in t"e ass %"en "e %as ali)e@ 8ut e)en ass"oles are piteous on3e in a %"ile. A9 5on?t kno% %"at you are 8a88lin- a8out@C t"e Eom8ie sai5. ADou o8)iously are su11erin- 1rom some 5elusion.C A!an you e*plain %"y you are "ere in a 3emeteryBC 9 aske5. A9 5on?t "a)e to e*plain anyt"in- to you.C A4o you remem8er "o% you -ot to t"e 3emeteryBC A=e ... %e 5ro)e@ o1 3ourse.C $"e 1irst "int o1 unease %a)ere5 t"rou-" "is )oi3e. ADou?re -uessin-@ 7r. 4ou-"al. Dou 5on?t really remem8er 5ri)in- to t"e 3emetery@ 5o youBC A9 ... 9 ... C He looke5 at "is %i1e@ "is -ro%n 3"il5ren@ 8ut t"ey %ere %alkin- to t"eir 3ars. /o one e)en looke5 8a3k. He %as 5ea5@ no -ettin- aroun5 t"at@ 8ut most 1amilies 5i5n?t >ust %alk a%ay. $"ey mi-"t 8e "orri1ie5@ or sa55ene5@ or e)en si3kene5@ 8ut t"ey %ere ne)er neutral. $"e 4ou-"als "a5 -otten t"e %ill si-ne5@ an5 t"ey %ere lea)in-. $"ey "a5 t"eir in"eritan3e. Let -oo5 ol? 5a5 3ra%l 8a3k into "is -ra)e. He 3alle5@ A,milyBC S"e "esitate5@ sti11enin-@ 8ut one o1 "er sons -ra88e5 "er arm an5 "urrie5 "er to%ar5 t"e 3ars. =as "e em8arrasse5@ or s3are5B A9 %ant to -o "ome@C "e yelle5 a1ter t"em. $"e arro-an3e "a5 leake5 a%ay@ an5 all t"at %as le1t %as t"at si3kenin- 1ear@ t"e 5esperate nee5 not to 8elie)e. He 1elt so ali)e. Ho% 3oul5 "e possi8ly 8e 5ea5B His %i1e "al12turne5. AAn5re%@ 9?m sorry.C Her -ro%n 3"il5ren "ustle5 "er into t"e nearest 3ar. Dou %oul5 "a)e t"ou-"t t"ey %ere t"e -eta%ay 5ri)ers 1or a 8ank ro88ery@ t"ey peele5 out so 1ast. $"e la%yers an5 se3retaries le1t as 1ast as %as 5e3ent. ,)ery8o5y "a5 %"at t"ey?5 3ome 1or. $"ey %ere 5one %it" t"e 3orpse. $"e trou8le %as t"at t"e A3orpseC %as starin- a1ter t"em like a 3"il5 %"o %as le1t in t"e 5ark. ="y 3oul5n?t "e "a)e staye5 an arro-ant S#BB A="y are t"ey lea)in- meBC "e aske5. ADou 5ie5@ 7r. 4ou-"al@ nearly a %eek a-o.C

A/o@ it?s not true.C Larry mo)e5 up 8esi5e me. ADou really are 5ea5@ 7r. 4ou-"al. 9 raise5 you 1rom t"e 5ea5 mysel1.C He stare5 1rom one to t"e ot"er o1 us. He %as 8e-innin- to run out o1 e*3uses. A9 5on?t 1eel 5ea5.C A$rust us@ 7r. 4ou-"al@ you are 5ea5@C 9 sai5. A=ill it "urtBC A lot o1 Eom8ies aske5 t"atG %ill it "urt to -o 8a3k into t"e -ra)eB A/o@ 7r. 4ou-"al@ it 5oesn?t "urt. 9 promise.C He took a 5eep@ s"akin- 8reat" an5 no55e5. A9?m 5ea5@ really 5ea5BC ADes.C A$"en put me 8a3k@ please.C He "a5 rallie5 an5 1oun5 "is 5i-nity. 9t %as ni-"tmaris" %"en t"e Eom8ie re1use5 to 8elie)e. Dou 3oul5 still lay t"em to rest@ 8ut t"e 3lients "a5 to "ol5 t"em 5o%n on t"e -ra)e %"ile t"ey s3reame5. 9?5 only "a5 t"at "appen t%i3e@ 8ut 9 remem8ere5 ea3" time as i1 it "a5 "appene5 last ni-"t. Some t"in-s 5on?t 5im %it" time. 9 t"re% salt a-ainst "is 3"est. 9t soun5e5 like sleet "ittin- a roo1. A=it" salt 9 8in5 you to your -ra)e.C 9 "a5 t"e still28loo5y kni1e in my "an5. 9 %ipe5 t"e -ellin- 8loo5 a3ross "is lips. He 5i5n?t >erk a%ay. He 8elie)e5. A=it" 8loo5 an5 steel 9 8in5 you to your -ra)e@ An5re% 4ou-"al. Be at pea3e@ an5 %alk no more.C $"e Eom8ie lai5 1ull len-t" on t"e moun5 o1 1lo%ers. $"e 1lo%ers seeme5 to 1lo% o)er "im like ;ui3ksan5@ an5 >ust like t"at "e %as s%allo%e5 8a3k into t"e -ra)e. =e stoo5 t"ere a minute in t"e empty -ra)eyar5. $"e only soun5s %ere t"e %in5 si-"in- "i-" up in t"e trees an5 t"e melan3"oly son- o1 t"e year?s last 3ri3kets. 9n !"arlotte?s =e8@ t"e 3ri3kets san-@ ASummer is o)er an5 -one. #)er an5 -one@ o)er an5 -one. Summer is 5yin-@ 5yin-.C $"e 1irst "ar5 1rost@ an5 t"e 3ri3kets %oul5 8e 5yin-. $"ey %ere like !"i3ken Little@ %"o tol5 e)eryone t"e sky %as 1allin-G e*3ept in t"is 3ase@ t"e 3ri3kets %ere ri-"t. $"e 3ri3kets stoppe5 su55enly like someone "a5 turne5 a s%it3". 9 "el5 my 8reat"@ strainin- to "ear. $"ere %as not"in8ut t"e %in5@ an5 yet ... 7y s"oul5ers %ere so ti-"t t"ey "urt. ALarryBC He turne5 inno3ent eyes to me. A="atBC $"ere@ t"ree trees to our le1t@ a man?s 1i-ure %as sil"ouette5 a-ainst t"e moonli-"t. 9 3au-"t mo)ement out o1 t"e 3orner o1 my eye@ on t"e ri-"t si5e. 7ore t"an one. $"e 5arkness 1elt ali)e %it" eyes. 7ore t"an t%o. 9 use5 Larry?s 8o5y to s"iel5 me 1rom t"e eyes@ 5ra%in- my -un@ "ol5in- it alon- my le- so it %oul5n?t 8e o8)ious. Larry?s eyes %i5ene5. AHesus@ %"at?s %ron-BC His )oi3e %as a "oarse %"isper. He 5i5n?t -i)e us a%ay. Goo5 1or "im. 9 starte5 "er5in- "im to%ar5s t"e 3ars@ slo%ly@ >ust your 1rien5ly nei-"8or"oo5 animators 1inis"e5 %it" t"eir ni-"t?s %ork an5 -oin- "ome to a %ell25eser)e5 rest. A$"ere are people out "ere.C AA1ter usBC AA1ter me@ more likely@C 9 sai5. A="yBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o time 1or e*planations. ="en 9 say run@ run like "ell 1or t"e 3ars.C AHo% 5o you kno% t"ey mean to "urt usBC His eyes %ere 1las"in- a lot o1 %"ite. He sa% t"em no%@ too. S"a5o%s mo)in3loser@ people out in t"e 5ark. AHo% 5o you kno% t"ey 5on?t mean to "urt usBC 9 aske5. AGoo5 point@C "e sai5. His 8reat"in- %as 1ast an5 s"allo%. =e %ere may8e t%enty 1eet 1rom t"e 3ars. A<un@C 9 sai5. A="atBC "is )oi3e soun5e5 startle5. 9 -ra88e5 "is arm an5 5ra--e5 "im into a run 1or t"e 3ars. 9 pointe5 t"e -un at t"e -roun5@ still "opin- %"oe)er it %as %oul5n?t 8e prepare5 1or a -un. Larry %as runnin- on "is o%n@ pu11in- a little 1rom 1ear@ smokin-@ an5 may8e "e 5i5n?t run 1our miles e)ery ot"er 5ay. A man steppe5 in 1ront o1 t"e 3ars. He 8rou-"t up a lar-e re)ol)er. $"e Bro%nin- %as alrea5y mo)in-. 9t 1ire5 8e1ore my aim %as stea5y. $"e muEEle 1las"e5 8rilliant in t"e 5ark. $"e man >umpe5@ not use5 to 8ein- s"ot at. His s"ot %"ine5 into t"e 5arkness to our le1t. He 1roEe 1or t"e se3on5s it took me to aim an5 1ire a-ain. $"en "e 3rumple5 to t"e -roun5 an5 5i5n?t -et up a-ain. AS"it.C Larry 8reat"e5 it like a si-". A )oi3e yelle5@ AS"e?s -ot a -un.C A="ere?s 7artinBC

AS"e s"ot "im.C 9 -uess 7artin %as t"e one %it" t"e -un. He still %asn?t mo)in-. 9 5i5n?t kno% i1 9 kille5 "im or not. 9 %asn?t sure 9 3are5@ as lon- as "e 5i5n?t -et up an5 s"oot at us a-ain. 7y 3ar %as 3loser. 9 s"o)e5 3ar keys into Larry?s "an5s. A#pen t"e 5oor@ open t"e passen-er si5e 5oor@ t"en start t"e 3ar. 4o you un5erstan5 meBC He no55e5@ 1re3kles stan5in- out in t"e pale 3ir3le o1 "is 1a3e. 9 "a5 to trust t"at "e %oul5n?t pani3 an5 take o11 %it"out me. He %oul5n?t 5o it out o1 mali3e@ >ust 1ear. 'i-ures %ere 3on)er-in- 1rom all 5ire3tions. $"ere "a5 to 8e a 5oEen or more. $"e soun5 o1 runnin- 1eet %"isperin- on -rass 3ame o)er t"e %in5. Larry steppe5 o)er t"e 8o5y. 9 ki3ke5 a .&+ a%ay 1rom t"e limp "an5. $"e -un sli5 out o1 si-"t un5er t"e 3ar. 91 9 "a5n?t 8een presse5 1or time@ 9?5 "a)e 3"e3ke5 "is pulse. 9 al%ays like to kno% i1 9?)e kille5 someone. 7akes t"e poli3e report -o so mu3" smoot"er. Larry "a5 t"e 3ar 5oor open an5 %as leanin- o)er to unlo3k t"e passen-er si5e 5oor. 9 aime5 at one o1 t"e runnin1i-ures an5 pulle5 t"e tri--er. $"e 1i-ure stum8le5@ 1ell@ an5 starte5 s3reamin-. $"e ot"ers "esitate5. $"ey %eren?t use5 to 8ein- s"ot at. Poor 8a8ies. 9 sli5 into t"e 3ar an5 yelle5@ A4ri)e@ 5ri)e@ 5ri)eIC Larry peele5 out in a spray o1 -ra)el. $"e 3ar 1is"taile5@ "ea5li-"ts s%ayin- 3raEily. A4on?t %rap us aroun5 a tree@ Larry.C His eyes 1li3ke5 to me. ASorry.C $"e 3ar slo%e5 1rom stoma3"2turnin- spee5 to -ra82t"e25oor2"an5le2an52"ol52on spee5. =e %ere stayin- 8et%een t"e treesG t"at %as somet"in-. $"e "ea5li-"ts 8oun3e5 o11 treesG tom8stones 1las"e5 %"ite. $"e 3ar ski55e5 aroun5 a 3ur)e@ -ra)el spittin-. A man stoo5 1rame5 in t"e mi55le o1 t"e roa5. Heremy <ue8ens o1 Humans 'irst stoo5 pale an5 s"inin- in t"e li-"ts. He stoo5 in t"e mi55le o1 a 1lat stret3" o1 roa5. 91 %e 3oul5 make t"e turn 8eyon5 "im@ %e?5 8e out on t"e "i-"%ay an5 sa1e. $"e 3ar %as slo%in- 5o%n. A="at are you 5oin-BC 9 aske5. A9 3an?t >ust "it "im@C Larry sai5. A$"e "ell you 3an?t.C A9 3an?tIC His )oi3e %asn?t outra-e5@ it %as s3are5. AHe?s >ust playin- 3"i3ken %it" us@ Larry. He?ll mo)e.C AAre you sureBC A little 8oy?s )oi3e askin- i1 t"ere really %as a monster in t"e 3loset. A9?m sureG no% 1loor it an5 -et us out o1 "ere.C He presse5 5o%n on t"e a33elerator. $"e 3ar >umpe5 1or%ar5@ rus"in- to%ar5 t"e small@ strai-"t 1i-ure o1 Heremy <ue8ens. AHe?s not mo)in-@C Larry sai5. AHe?ll mo)e@C 9 sai5. AAre you sureBC A$rust me.C His eyes 1li3ke5 to me@ t"en 8a3k to t"e roa5. ADou 8etter 8e ri-"t@C "e %"ispere5. 9 8elie)e5 <ue8ens %oul5 mo)e. Honest. But e)en i1 "e %asn?t 8lu11in-@ t"e only %ay out %as eit"er past "im or t"rou-" "im. 9t %as <ue8ens?s 3"oi3e. $"e "ea5li-"ts 8at"e5 "im in -larin- %"ite li-"t. His small@ 5ark 1eatures -lare5 at us. He %asn?t mo)in-. AHe isn?t mo)in-@C Larry sai5. AHe?ll mo)e@C 9 sai5. AS"it@C Larry sai5. 9 3oul5n?t "a)e a-ree5 more. $"e "ea5li-"ts roare5 up onto Heremy <ue8ens@ an5 "e t"re% "imsel1 to one si5e. $"ere %as t"e soun5 o1 8rus"in- 3lot" as "is 3oat sli5 alon- t"e 3ar?s si5e. !lose@ 5amn 3lose. Larry pi3ke5 up spee5 an5 s%un- us aroun5 t"e last 3orner an5 into t"e last strai-"t stret3". =e spille5 out onto t"e "i-"%ay in a s"o%er o1 -ra)el an5 spinnin- tires. But %e %ere out o1 t"e 3emetery. =e?5 ma5e it. $"ank you@ Go5. Larry?s "an5s %ere %"ite on t"e steerin- %"eel. ADou 3an ease 5o%n no%@C 9 sai5. A=e?re sa1e.C He s%allo%e5 "ar5 enou-" 1or me to "ear it@ t"en no55e5. $"e 3ar starte5 -ra5ually approa3"in- t"e spee5 limit. His 1a3e %as 8ea5e5 %it" s%eat t"at "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" t"e 3ool #3to8er e)enin-.

ADou all ri-"tBC A9 5on?t kno%.C His )oi3e soun5e5 sort o1 "ollo%. S"o3k. ADou 5i5 -oo5 8a3k t"ere.C A9 t"ou-"t 9 %as -oin- to run o)er "im. 9 t"ou-"t 9 %as -oin- to kill "im %it" t"e 3ar.C AHe t"ou-"t so@ too@ or "e %oul5n?t "a)e mo)e5@C 9 sai5. He looke5 at me. A="at i1 "e "a5n?t mo)e5BC AHe 5i5 mo)e.C ABut %"at i1 "e "a5n?tBC A$"en %e %oul5 "a)e -one o)er "im@ an5 %e?5 still 8e on t"e "i-"%ay@ sa1e.C ADou %oul5 "a)e let me run "im 5o%n@ %oul5n?t youBC ASur)i)al is t"e name o1 t"e -ame@ Larry. 91 you 3an?t 5eal %it" t"at@ 1in5 anot"er 8usiness to 8e in.C AAnimators 5on?t -et s"ot at.C A$"ose %ere mem8ers o1 Humans 'irst@ a ri-"t2%in- 1anati3 -roup t"at "ates anyt"in- to 5o %it" t"e supernatural.C So 9 %as lea)in- out a8out t"e personal )isit 1rom Heremy <ue8ens. ="at t"e ki5 5i5n?t kno% mi-"t not "urt "im. 9 stare5 at "is pale 1a3e. He looke5 "ollo%2eye5. He?5 met t"e 5ra-on@ a little 5ra-on as 5ra-ons -o@ 8ut on3e you?)e seen )iolen3e@ you?re ne)er t"e same a-ain. $"e 1irst time you "a)e to 5e3i5e@ li)e or 5ie@ us or t"em@ it 3"an-es you 1ore)er. /o -oin- 8a3k. 9 stare5 at Larry?s s"o3ke5 1a3e an5 %is"e5 it 3oul5 "a)e 8een 5i11erent. 9 %is"e5 9 3oul5 "a)e kept "im s"inin-@ ne%@ an5 "ope1ul. But as my Gran5mot"er Blake use5 to say@ A91 %is"es %ere "orses@ %e?5 all ri5e.C Larry "a5 "a5 "is 1irst taste o1 my %orl5. $"e only ;uestion %as@ %oul5 "e %ant a se3on5 5ose@ or %oul5 "e runB <un or -o@ stay or 1i-"t@ a-e2ol5 ;uestions. 9 %asn?t sure %"i3" %ay 9 %ante5 Larry to 3"oose. He mi-"t li)e lon-er i1 "e -ot t"e "ell a%ay 1rom me@ 8ut t"en a-ain may8e "e %oul5n?t. Hea5s t"ey %in@ tails you lose.

Chapter Twenty-one
A="at a8out my 3arBC Larry aske5. 9 s"ru--e5. ADou?)e -ot insuran3e@ ri-"tBC ADes@ 8ut ... C ASin3e t"ey 3oul5n?t tras" us@ t"ey may 5e3i5e to tras" your 3ar.C He looke5 at me as i1 "e %asn?t sure %"et"er 9 %as ki55in-. 9 %asn?t. $"ere %as a 8i3y3le in 1ront o1 us su55enly@ out o1 t"e 5ark. A 3"il5?s pale 1a3e 1las"e5 in t"e "ea5li-"ts. A=at3" outIC Larry?s eyes 1li3ke5 8a3k to t"e roa5 in time to see t"e ki5?s %i5e@ startle5 eyes. $"e 8rakes s;ueale5@ an5 t"e 3"il5 )anis"e5 1rom t"e narro% ar3" o1 li-"ts. $"ere %as a 3run3" an5 a 8ump 8e1ore t"e 3ar ski55e5 to a stop. Larry %as 8reat"in- "ea)yG 9 %asn?t 8reat"in- at all. $"e 3emetery %as >ust on our ri-"t. =e %ere too 3lose to stop@ 8ut ... 8ut@ s"it@ it %as a ki5. 9 stare5 out t"e 8a3k %in5o%. $"e 8i3y3le %as a 3rumple5 mess. $"e 3"il5 lay in a )ery still "eap. Go5@ please 5on?t let "im 8e 5ea5. 9 5i5n?t t"ink Humans 'irst "a5 enou-" ima-ination to "a)e a 3"il5 in reser)e as 8ait. 91 it %as a trap@ it %as a -oo5 one@ 8e3ause 9 3oul5n?t lea)e t"e tiny 1i-ure 3rumple5 8y t"e roa5. Larry %as -rippin- t"e steerin- %"eel so "ar5 "is arms s"ook. 91 9 t"ou-"t "e?5 8een pale 8e1ore@ 9?5 8een %ron-. He looke5 like a si3k -"ost. A9s "e ... "urtBC His )oi3e s;ueeEe5 out 5eep an5 rou-" %it" somet"in- like tears. 9t %asn?t "urt "e?5 %ante5 to say. He >ust 3oul5n?t 8rin- "imsel1 to use t"e 8i- A4C %or5. /ot yet@ not i1 "e 3oul5 "elp it. AStay in t"e 3ar@C 9 sai5. Larry 5i5n?t ans%er. He >ust sat t"ere starin- at "is "an5s. He %oul5n?t look at me. But@ 5ammit@ t"is %asn?t my 1ault. $"e 1a3t t"at "e?5 lost "is 3"erry toni-"t %as not my 1ault. So %"y 5i5 it 1eel like it %asB 9 -ot out o1 t"e 3ar@ Bro%nin- rea5y in 3ase t"e 3raEies 5e3i5e5 to 3"ase us onto t"e roa5. $"ey 3oul5 "a)e -otten t"e .&+ an5 8e 3omin- to s"oot us. $"e 3"il5 "a5n?t mo)e5. 9 %as >ust too 1ar a%ay to see t"e 3"est rise an5 1all. Dea"@ t"at %as it. 9 %as may8e a yar5 a%ay. Please 8e ali)e.

$"e 3"il5 lay spra%le5 on its stoma3"@ one arm trappe5 un5erneat"@ pro8a8ly 8roken. 9 s3anne5 t"e 5ark 3emetery as 9 knelt 8y t"e 3"il5. /o ri-"t2%in- 3raEies 3ame s%armin- out o1 t"e 5arkness. $"e 3"il5 %as 5resse5 in t"e pro)er8ial little 8oy?s out1it o1 stripe5 s"irt@ s"orts@ an5 tiny runnin- s"oes. ="o "a5 sent "im out 5resse5 1or summer on t"is 3ol5 ni-"tB His mot"er. Ha5 some %oman 5resse5 "im@ lo)e5 "im@ sent "im out to 5ieB His 3urly 8ro%n "air %as silken@ 8a8y21ine. $"e skin o1 "is ne3k %as 3ool to t"e tou3". S"o3kB 9t %as too soon to 8e 3ol5 1rom 5eat". 9 %aite5 1or t"e 8i- pulse in "is ne3k@ 8ut not"in- "appene5. 4ea5. Please@ Go5. please. His "ea5 raise5 up@ an5 a so1t soun5 3ame out o1 "is mout". Ali)e. $"ank you@ Go5. He trie5 to roll o)er 8ut 1ell 8a3k a-ainst t"e roa5. He 3rie5 out. Larry %as out o1 t"e 3ar@ 3omin- to%ar5s us. A9s "e all ri-"tBC AHe?s ali)e@C 9 sai5. $"e 8oy %as 5etermine5 to roll o)er@ so 9 -ra88e5 "is s"oul5ers an5 "elpe5. 9 trie5 to keep "is ri-"t arm in a-ainst "is 8o5y. 9 "a5 a -limpse o1 "u-e 8ro%n eyes@ roun5 8a8y 1a3e@ an5 in "is ri-"t "an5 %as a kni1e 8i--er t"an "e %as. He %"ispere5@ A$ell "im to 3ome "elp mo)e me.C $iny little 1an-s s"o%e5 8et%een 8a8y lips. $"e kni1e presse5 a-ainst my stoma3" o)er t"e sport 8a-. $"e point sli5 un5erneat" t"e leat"er >a3ket to tou3" t"e s"irt un5erneat". 9 "a5 one o1 t"ose 1roEen moments %"en time stret3"es out in slo%2mo ni-"tmare. 9 "a5 all t"e time in t"e %orl5 to 5e3i5e %"et"er to 8etray Larry@ or 5ie. /e)er -i)e anyone to t"e monstersG it?s a rule. 9 opene5 my mout" an5 s3reame5@ A<unIC $"e )ampire 5i5n?t sta8 me. He >ust 1roEe. He %ante5 me ali)eG t"at?s %"y t"e kni1e an5 not 1an-s. 9 stoo5 up@ an5 t"e )ampire >ust stare5 up at me. He 5i5n?t "a)e a 8a3kup plan. Great. $"e 3ar stoo5@ open 5oors spillin- li-"t out into t"e 5arkness. $"e "ea5li-"ts ma5e a %i5e t"eatri3al s%as". Larry %as >ust stan5in- t"ere@ 1roEen@ un5e3i5e5. 9 yelle5@ AGet in t"e 3arIC He mo)e5 to%ar5s t"e open 3ar 5oor. A %oman %as stan5in- in t"e -lare o1 t"e "ea5li-"ts. S"e %as 5resse5 in a lon%"ite 3oat open o)er t"e 3ream an5 tan o1 a )ery ni3e pants suit. S"e opene5 "er mout" an5 snarle5 into t"e li-"t@ 1an-s -listenin-. 9 %as runnin-@ s3reamin-@ ABe"in5 youIC Larry stare5 at meG "is -aEe %ent past me. His eyes %i5ene5. 9 3oul5 "ear t"e patter o1 little 1eet 8e"in5 me. $error sprea5 a3ross Larry?s 1a3e. =as t"is t"e 1irst )ampire "e?5 e)er seenB 9 5re% my -un@ 8ut %as still runnin-. Dou 3an?t "it s"it %"en you?re runnin-. 9 "a5 a )ampire in 1ront an5 8e"in5. !oin toss. $"e 1emale )ampire 8oun5e5 onto t"e "oo5 o1 t"e 3ar an5 propelle5 "ersel1 in a lon-@ -ra3e1ul leap t"at 3arrie5 "er into Larry an5 sent t"em tum8lin- a3ross t"e roa5. 9 3oul5n?t s"oot "er %it"out riskin- Larry. 9 %"irle5 at t"e last se3on5 an5 put t"e -un point28lank into t"e 3"il52)ampire?s 1a3e. His eyes %i5ene5. 9 s;ueeEe5 t"e tri--er. Somet"in- "it me 1rom 8e"in5. $"e s"ot %ent %il5 an5 9 %as on t"e roa5@ 1lat on my stoma3" %it" somet"in- 8i--er t"an a 8rea5 8o* on top o1 me. $"e air %as kno3ke5 out o1 me. But 9 turne5@ tryin- to point t"e -un 8a3k at t"e t"in- on my 8a3k. 91 9 5i5n?t 5o somet"inno%@ 9 mi-"t ne)er "a)e to %orry a8out 8reat"in- a-ain. $"e 8oy 3ame up on me@ kni1e 1las"in- 5o%n%ar5. $"e -un %as turnin-@ 8ut too slo%ly. 9 %oul5 "a)e s3reame5 i1 9?5 "a5 air. $"e kni1e 8urie5 into t"e slee)e o1 my >a3ket. 9 1elt t"e 8la5e 8ite into t"e roa5 un5erneat". 7y arm %as pinne5. 9 s;ueeEe5 t"e tri--er an5 t"e s"ot %ent "armlessly o11 into t"e 5ark. 9 t%iste5 my ne3k to try to see %"o@ or %"at@ %as stra55lin- me. 9t %as a %"at. 9n t"e re5 -lo% o1 t"e rear 3ar li-"ts "is 1a3e %as all 1lat@ "i-" 3"eek8ones %it" narro%@ almost slante5 eyes an5 lon-@ strai-"t "air. 91 "e?5 8een any more et"ni3@ "e?5 "a)e 8een 3ar)e5 in stone@ surroun5e5 8y snakes an5 AEte3 -o5s. He rea3"e5 o)er me an5 en3ir3le5 my ri-"t "an5@ t"e one t"at %as pinne5@ t"e one t"at %as still "ol5in- t"e -un. He presse5 t"e 8ones o1 my "an5 into t"e metal. His )oi3e %as 5eep an5 so1t. A4rop t"e -un or 9?ll 3rus" your "an5.C He s;ueeEe5 until 9 -aspe5. Larry s3reame5@ "i-" an5 mourn1ul. S3reamin- %as 1or %"en you 5i5n?t "a)e anyt"in- 8etter to 5o. 9 s3rape5 my le1t slee)e a-ainst t"e roa5@ 8arin- my %at3" an5 t"e 3"arm 8ra3elet. $"e t"ree tiny 3rosses -linte5 in t"e moonli-"t. $"e )ampire "isse5 8ut 5i5n?t let -o o1 my -un "an5. 9 5ra--e5 t"e 8ra3elet a3ross "is "an5. A s"arp smell o1 8urnin- 1les"G t"en "e use5 "is 1ree "an5 to 5ra- at my le1t slee)e. Hol5in- onto >ust t"e slee)e@ "e "el5 my le1t "an5 8a3k@ so 9 3oul5n?t tou3" "im %it" t"e 3rosses. 91 "e?5 8een t"e ne% 5ea5@ >ust t"e si-"t o1 t"e 3rosses %oul5 "a)e sent "im s3reamin-G 8ut "e %asn?t >ust ol5 5ea5@ "e %as an3ient. 9t %as -oin- to take more t"an 8lesse5 3rosses to -et "im o11 my 8a3k. Larry s3reame5 a-ain. 9 s3reame5@ too@ 8e3ause 9 3oul5n?t 5o anyt"in- else@ e*3ept "ol5 onto t"e -un an5 make "im 3rus" my "an5. /ot pro5u3ti)e. $"ey 5i5n?t %ant me 5ea5@ 8ut "urt@ "urt %as okay. He 3oul5 3rus" my "an5 into 8loo5y pulp. 9 -a)e up my

-un@ s3reamin-@ tu--in- at t"e kni1e t"at "el5 my arm pinne5@ tryin- to >erk my le1t slee)e 1ree o1 "is "an5 so 9 3oul5 plun-e t"e 3rosses into "is 1les". A s"ot e*plo5e5 a8o)e our "ea5s. =e all 1roEe an5 stare5 8a3k at t"e 3emetery. Heremy <ue8ens an5 3ompany "a5 re3o)ere5 t"eir -un an5 %ere s"ootin- at us. 4i5 t"ey t"ink %e %ere in 3a"oots %it" t"e monstersB 4i5 t"ey 3are %"o t"ey s"otB A %oman s3reame5@ AAle>an5ro@ "elp meIC $"e s3ream %as 1rom 8e"in5 us. $"e )ampire on my 8a3k %as su55enly -one. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"y@ an5 9 5i5n?t 3are. 9 %as le1t %it" t"e 3"il52monster loomin- o)er me@ starin- at me %it" lar-e 5ark eyes. A4oesn?t it "urtBC "e aske5. 9t %as su3" an une*pe3te5 ;uestion t"at 9 ans%ere5 it. A/o.C He looke5 5isappointe5. He s;uatte5 5o%n 8esi5e me@ "an5s on "is small t"i-"s. A9 meant to 3ut you so 9 3oul5 li3k t"e 8loo5.C His )oi3e %as still a little 8oy?s )oi3e@ %oul5 al%ays 8e a little 8oy?s )oi3e@ 8ut t"e kno%le5-e in "is eyes 8eat 5o%n on my skin like "eat. He %as ol5er t"an Hean2!lau5e@ mu3" ol5er. A 8ullet smas"e5 into t"e rear li-"t o1 my 3ar@ >ust a8o)e t"e 8oy?s "ea5. He turne5 to%ar5s t"e 1anati3s %it" a )ery un3"il5like snarl. 9 trie5 to pull t"e kni1e out o1 t"e roa5@ 8ut it %as im8e55e5. 9 3oul5n?t 8u5-e it. $"e 8oy 3ra%le5 into t"e 5arkness@ )anis"in- %it" a 8a3k%as" o1 %in5. He %as -oin- 1or t"e 1anati3s. Go5 "elp t"em. 9 looke5 8a3k o)er my s"oul5er. Larry %as on t"e -roun5 %it" a %oman %it" lon-@ %a)in- 8ro%n "air on top o1 "im. $"e man %"o?5 8een on top o1 me@ Ale>an5ro@ an5 anot"er %oman %ere stru--lin- %it" t"e )ampire on Larry. S"e %ante5 to kill "im@ an5 t"ey %ere tryin- to stop "er. 9t seeme5 like a -oo5 plan to me. Anot"er 8ullet %"ine5 to%ar5s us. 9t 5i5n?t 3ome 3lose. A "al12stran-le5 s3ream@ an5 t"en no more -uns"ots. Ha5 t"e 8oy -otten "imB =as Larry "urtB An5 %"at t"e "ell 3oul5 9 5o to "elp "im@ an5 meB $"e )ampires seeme5 to "a)e t"eir "an5s 1ull. ="ate)er 9 %as -oin- to 5o@ no% %as t"e time. 9 trie5 unEippin- t"e leat"er >a3ket le1t2"an5e5@ 8ut it stu3k "al1%ay 5o%n. Great. 9 8it t"e si5e o1 t"e >a3ket@ usin- my teet" in pla3e o1 t"e trappe5 "an5. :nEippe5G no% %"atB 9 pulle5 t"e slee)e o11 my le1t "an5 %it" my teet"@ t"en put t"e slee)e un5er my "ip an5 %i--le5 out o1 it. Slippin- my ri-"t "an5 1ree o1 t"e pinne5 slee)e %as t"e easy part. Ale>an5ro pi3ke5 up t"e 8ro%n2"aire5 %oman an5 t"re% "er o)er t"e 3ar. S"e saile5 into t"e 5arkness@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t "ear "er "it t"e -roun5. 7ay8e s"e 3oul5 1ly. 91 s"e 3oul5@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. Larry %as nearly lost to si-"t 8e"in5 a 3urtain o1 pale "air. $"e se3on5 1emale %as 8en5in- o)er "im like a prin3e a8out to 8esto% t"e ma-i3 kiss. Ale>an5ro -ot a "an51ul o1 t"at lon-@ lon- "air an5 >erke5 "er to "er 1eet. He 1lun- "er into t"e si5e o1 t"e 3ar. S"e sta--ere5 8ut 5i5n?t -o 5o%n@ snappin- at "im like a 5o- on a leas". 9 %ent %i5e aroun5 t"em@ "ol5in- t"e 3rosses out in 1ront like e)ery ol5 mo)ie you?)e e)er seen. ,*3ept 9?5 ne)er seen a )ampire "unter %it" a 3"arm 8ra3elet. Larry %as on "is "an5s an5 knees@ s%ayin- e)er so sli-"tly. His )oi3e %as "i-"@ nearly "ysteri3al. He >ust kept repeatin-@ A9?m 8lee5in-@ 9?m 8lee5in-.C 9 tou3"e5 "is arm@ an5 "e >umpe5 like 9?5 8it "im. His eyes 1las"e5 %"ite. Bloo5 %as %ellin- 5o%n "is ne3k@ 8la3k in t"e moonli-"t. S"e?5 8it "im@ Hesus "elp us@ s"e?5 8it "im. $"e pale 1emale %as still 1i-"tin- to -et to Larry. A!an?t you smell t"e 8loo5BC 9t %as a plea. A!ontrol yoursel1@ or 9?ll 5o it 1or you.C Ale>an5ro?s )oi3e %as a lo% s3ream. $"e an-er in "is )oi3e 3ut an5 sli3e5. $"e pale %oman %ent )ery still. A9?m all ri-"t no%.C Her )oi3e "el5 1ear. 9?5 ne)er "ear5 one )ampire 8e s3are5 to ... 5eat" o1 anot"er. Let t"em 1i-"t it out. 9 "a5 8etter t"in-s to 5o. Like 1i-urin- out "o% to -et us past t"e remainin- )ampires an5 into t"e 3ar. Ale>an5ro "a5 t"e 1emale s"o)e5 a-ainst t"e 3ar %it" one "an5. 7y -un %as in "is le1t "an5. 9 unsnappe5 t"e anklet %it" its mat3"in- 3rosses. Dou 3an?t sneak up on a )ampire. ,)en t"e ne% 5ea5 are >umpier t"an a lon-taile5 3at in a room 1ull o1 ro3kin- 3"airs. Sin3e 9 "a5 no 3"an3e o1 sneakin- up on "im@ 9 trie5 t"e 5ire3t approa3". AS"e 8it "im@ you son o1 a 8it3". S"e 8it "imIC 9 pulle5 t"e 8a3k o1 "is s"irt as i1 to -et "is attention. 9 5roppe5 t"e 3rosses 5o%n "is 8a3k. He s3reame5. 9 8rus"e5 t"e 8ra3elet 3rosses a3ross "is "an5. He 5roppe5 t"e -un. 9 3au-"t it. A ton-ue o1 8lue 1lame li3ke5 up "is 8a3k. He 3la%e5 an5 s3ram8le5@ 8ut "e 3oul5n?t rea3" t"e 3rosses. Burn@ 8a8y@ 8urn. He %"irle5@ s"riekin-. His open "an5 3au-"t me on t"e si5e o1 t"e "ea5. 9 %as air8orne. 9 slamme5 8a3k21irst into t"e roa5. 9 trie5 to take as mu3" o1 t"e impa3t as 9 3oul5 %it" my arms@ 8ut my "ea5 ro3ke5 8a3k@ slammin- into t"e roa5. $"e %orl5 s%am %it" 8la3k spots. ="en my )ision 3leare5@ 9 %as starin- up into a pale 1a3eG lon-@ yello%2%"ite "air t"e 3olor o1 3orn silk tra3e5 o)er my 3"eek as t"e )ampire knelt to 1ee5.

9 still "a5 t"e Bro%nin- in my ri-"t "an5. 9 pulle5 t"e tri--er. Her 8o5y >erke5 8a3k%ar5s like someone "a5 s"o)e5 "er. S"e 1ell 8a3k onto t"e roa5@ 8loo5 pourin- out o1 a "ole in "er stoma3" t"at %as not"in- 3ompare5 to t"e %oun5 in "er 8a3k. 9 "ope5 9?5 s"attere5 "er spine. 9 sta--ere5 to my 1eet. $"e male )ampire@ Ale>an5ro@ tore o11 "is s"irt. $"e 3rosses 1ell to t"e roa5 in a little pool o1 molten 8lue 1ire. His 8a3k %as 8urne5 8la3k@ %it" 8listers "ere an5 t"ere to a55 3olor. He %"irle5 on me@ an5 9 s"ot "im on3e in t"e 3"est. $"e s"ot %as rus"e5@ an5 "e 5i5n?t -o 5o%n. Larry -ra88e5 t"e )ampire?s ankle. Still Ale>an5ro kept 3omin-@ 5ra--in- Larry a3ross t"e 8la3ktop like a 3"il5. He -ra88e5 Larry?s arm@ >erkin- "im to "is 1eet. Larry t"re% a 3"ain o)er t"e )ampire?s "ea5. $"e "ea)y sil)er 3ross 8urst into 1lame. Ale>an5ro s3reame5. 9 yelle5@ AGet in t"e 3ar@ no%IC Larry sli5 into t"e 5ri)er?s seat an5 kept sli5in- until "e %as in t"e passen-er seat. He slamme5 t"e passen-er si5e 5oor s"ut an5 lo3ke5 it@ 1or %"at -oo5 it %oul5 5o. $"e )ampire tore t"e 3"ain an5 t"re% t"e 3ross en5 o)er en5 into t"e roa5si5e trees. $"e 3ross %inke5 out o1 si-"t like a 1allin- star. 9 sli5 into t"e 3ar@ slammin- t"e 5oor an5 lo3kin- it. 9 3li3ke5 t"e sa1ety on t"e Bro%nin- an5 s"o)e5 it 8et%een my le-s. $"e )ampire@ Ale>an5ro@ %as "u55le5 aroun5 "is pain@ too "urt to -i)e 3"ase ri-"t t"at se3on5. Goo5ie. 9 s"o)e5 t"e 3ar in -ear an5 -unne5 it. $"e 3ar 1is"taile5. 9 slo%e5 to t"e spee5 o1 li-"t@ an5 t"e 3ar strai-"tene5 out on t"e roa5. =e poure5 5o%n t"e 5ark tunnel in a 3ir3le o1 1li3kerin- li-"t an5 tree s"a5o%s. An5 5o%n at t"e en5 o1 our tunnel %as a 1i-ure in %"ite %it" lon-@ 8ro%n "air spillin- in t"e %in5. 9t %as t"e )ampire t"at "a5 >umpe5 Larry. S"e %as >ust stan5in- t"ere in t"e mi55le o1 t"e roa5. Hust stan5in- t"ere. =e %ere a8out to 1in5 out i1 )ampires playe5 3"i3ken. 9 %as a8out to take my o%n a5)i3e. 9 put t"e -as pe5al to t"e 1loor8oar5s. $"e 3ar lur3"e5 1or%ar5. $"e )ampire >ust stoo5 t"ere %"ile %e 8arrele5 5o%n at "er. At t"e last se3on5 9 realiEe5 s"e %asn?t -oin- to mo)e@ an5 9 5i5n?t "a)e time to. =e %ere a8out to test my t"eory a8out 3ars an5 )ampiri3 1les". ="ere?s a sil)er 3ar %"en you nee5 oneB

Chapter Twenty-two
Larry?s 1a3e %as a 8loo5y mask. /o sin-le 3ut seeme5 to 8e serious@ 8ut not"in- 8lee5s like a s"allo% s3alp %oun5. Sa1ety -lass %as not 5esi-ne5 to 8e )ampire2proo1. 7ay8e 9 3oul5 %rite in an5 su--est it. Bloo5 tri3kle5 o)er Ale"an5ro?s "an5@ still -rippin- Larry?s t"roat. $"e )ampire "a5 stu11e5 my -un in t"e 8a3k o1 "is pants. He "an5le5 t"e -un like "e kne% "o% to use one. Pity. Some )ampires %ere te3"nop"o8es. 9t -a)e you an e5-e@ sometimes. Larry?s 8loo5 1lo%e5 o)er t"e )ampire?s "an5. Sti3ky an5 %arm like 8arely soli5 Hell2#. $"e )ampire 5i5n?t rea3t to t"e 8loo5. 9ron sel123ontrol. 9 stare5 into "is nearly 8la3k eyes an5 1elt t"e pull o1 3enturies like monstrous %in-s un1ol5in- in "is eyes. $"e %orl5 s%am. $"e insi5e o1 my "ea5 %as sinkin-@ e*pan5in-. 9 rea3"e5 out to tou3" somet"in-@ anyt"in- to keep 1rom 1allin-. A "an5 -rippe5 mine. $"e skin %as 3ool an5 smoot". 9 >erke5 8a3k@ 1allin- a-ainst t"e 3ar. A4on?t tou3" meI 4on?t e)er tou3" meIC $"e )ampire stoo5 un3ertainly@ Larry?s t"roat -rippe5 in one 8loo52streake5 "an5@ "ol5in- "is ot"er "an5 out to%ar5s me. 9t %as a )ery "uman -esture. Larry?s eyes %ere 8u--in- out. ADou?re 3"okin- "im@C 9 sai5. ASorry@C t"e )ampire sai5. He release5 "im. Larry 1ell to "is knees@ -aspin-. His 1irst 8reat" %as a "issin- s3ream 1or air. 9 %ante5 to ask Larry "o% "e %as@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 7y >o8 %as to -et us out o1 "ere ali)e@ i1 possi8le. Besi5es@ 9 "a5 an i5ea "o% Larry 1elt. Hurt. /o nee5 to ask stupi5 ;uestions. =ell@ may8e one stupi5 ;uestion. A="at 5o you %antBC 9 aske5. Ale"an5ro looke5 at me@ an5 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to look at "is 1a3e %"ile 9 talke5 to "im. 9t %as "ar5. 9 en5e5 up starin- at t"e "ole my 8ullet "a5 ma5e in t"e si5e o1 "is 3"est. 9t %as a )ery small "ole@ an5 "a5 alrea5y stoppe5 8lee5in-. =as "e "ealin- t"at 1astB S"it. 9 stare5 at t"e %oun5 as "ar5 as 9 3oul5. $o 1i-"t t"e ur-e 1or eye 3onta3t. 9t?s "ar5 to 8e tou-" %"en you?re starin- at someone?s 3"est. But 9?5 "a5 years o1 pra3ti3e 8e1ore Hean!lau5e 5e3i5e5 to s"are "is A-i1tC %it" me. Pra3ti3e makes ... %ell@ you kno%. $"e )ampire "a5n?t ans%ere5 me@ so 9 aske5 a-ain@ )oi3e stea5y an5 lo%. 9 5i5n?t soun5 like someone %"o %as a1rai5. Bully 1or me. A="at 5o you %antBC 9 1elt t"e )ampire look at me@ almost as i1 "e?5 run a 1in-er 5o%n my 8o5y. 9 s"i)ere5 an5 3oul5n?t stop. Larry 3ra%le5 to me@ "ea5 "an-in-@ 5rippin- 8loo5 as "e mo)e5. 9 knelt 8esi5e "im. An5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 stop mysel1@ t"e stupi5 ;uestion poppe5 out. AAre you all ri-"tBC

His eyes raise5 to me t"rou-" a mask o1 8loo5. He 1inally sai5@ A/ot"in- a 1e% stit3"es %oul5n?t 3ure.C He %as tryin- to make a >oke. 9 %ante5 to "u- "im an5 promise t"e %orst %as o)er. /e)er make promises you 3an?t keep. $"e )ampire 5i5n?t e*a3tly mo)e@ 8ut somet"in- 8rou-"t my attention 8a3k to "im. He stoo5 knee25eep in autumn %ee5s. 7y eyes %ere on a le)el %it" "is 8elt 8u3kle@ %"i3" ma5e "im a8out my "ei-"t. S"ort 1or a man. A %"ite@ An-lo2Sa*on@ t%entiet"23entury man. $"e 8elt 8u3kle -linte5 -ol5 an5 %as 3ar)e5 into a 8lo3ky@ styliEe5 "uman 1i-ure. $"e 3ar)in-@ like t"e )ampire?s 1a3e@ %as strai-"t out o1 an AEte3 3alen5ar. $"e ur-e to look up%ar5 an5 meet "is eyes 3ra%le5 o)er my skin. 7y 3"in "a5 a3tually risen an in3" or so 8e1ore 9 realiEe5 %"at 9 %as 5oin-. S"it. $"e )amp %as messin- %it" my min5@ an5 9 3oul5n?t 1eel it. ,)en no%@ kno%in- "e "a5 to 8e 5oin- somet"in- to me@ 9 3oul5n?t sense it. 9 %as 8lin5 an5 5ea1 >ust like e)ery ot"er tourist. =ell@ may8e not e)ery tourist. 9 "a5n?t 8een mun3"e5 on yet@ %"i3" pro8a8ly meant t"ey %ante5 somet"in- more t"an >ust 8loo5. 9?5 8e 5ea5 ot"er%ise@ an5 so %oul5 Larry. #1 3ourse@ 9 %as still %earin- 8lesse5 3rosses. ="at 3oul5 t"is 3reature 5o on3e 9 %as strippe5 o1 3rossesB 9 5i5 not %ant to 1in5 out. =e %ere ali)e. 9t meant t"ey %ante5 somet"in- t"at %e 3oul5n?t -i)e t"em 5ea5. But %"atB A="at in t"e "ell 5o you %antBC His "an5 3ame into )ie%. He %as o11erin- "is "an5 to "elp me stan5. 9 stoo5 %it"out "elp@ puttin- mysel1 a little in 1ront o1 Larry. A$ell me %"o your master is@ -irl@ an5 9 %on?t "urt you.C A="o else %ill@ t"enBC 9 aske5. A!le)er@ 8ut 9 s%ear you %ill lea)e "ere in sa1ety i1 you -i)e me t"e name.C A'irst o1 all@ 9 5on?t "a)e a master. 9?m not e)en sure 9 "a)e an e;ual.C 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to -lan3e at "is 1a3e@ see i1 "e -ot t"e >oke. Hean2!lau5e %oul5 "a)e -otten it. ADou stan5 8e1ore me@ makin- >okesBC His )oi3e soun5e5 surprise5@ nearly outra-e5. Goo5@ 9 t"ink. A9 5on?t "a)e a master@C 9 sai5. 7aster )ampires 3an smell trut" or lies. A91 you truly 8elie)e t"at@ you are 5elu5in- yoursel1. Dou 8ear t%o master si-ns. Gi)e me t"e name an5 9 %ill 5estroy "im 1or you. 9 %ill 1ree you o1 t"is ... pro8lem.C 9 "esitate5. He %as ol5er t"an Hean2!lau5e. A lot ol5er. He mi-"t 8e a8le to kill t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. #1 3ourse@ t"at %oul5 lea)e t"is master )ampire in 3ontrol o1 t"e 3ity. He an5 "is t"ree "elpers. 'our )ampires@ one less t"an %ere killinpeople@ 8ut 9 %as %illin- to 8et t"ere %as a 1i1t" )amp aroun5 "ere some%"ere. Dou 3oul5n?t "a)e t"at many ro-ue master )ampires runnin- aroun5 one me5ium2siEe 3ity. Any master t"at %as slau-"terin- 3i)ilians %oul5 8e a 8a5 t"in- to "a)e in 3"ar-e o1 all t"e )ampires in t"e area. Hust 3all it a 1eelin-. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 3an?t.C ADou %ant 1ree o1 "im@ 5o you notBC AVery mu3".C ALet me 1ree you@ 7s. Blake. Let me "elp you.C ALike you "elpe5 t"e man an5 %oman you mur5ere5BC A9 5i5 not mur5er t"em@C "e sai5. His )oi3e soun5e5 )ery reasona8le. His eyes %ere po%er1ul enou-" to 5ro%n in 8ut t"e )oi3e %asn?t as -oo5. $"ere %as no ma-i3 to t"e )oi3e. Hean2!lau5e?s %as 8etter. #r Dasmeen?s@ 1or t"at matter. /i3e to kno% t"at not e)ery talent 3ame e;ually %it" time. An3ient %asn?t e)eryt"in-. ASo you 5i5n?t strike t"e 1atal 8lo%. So %"atB Dour 1lunkies 5o your %ill@ not t"eir o%n.C ADou?5 8e surprise5 "o% mu3" 1ree %ill %e "a)e.C AStop it@C 9 sai5. A="atBC ASoun5in- so 5amn reasona8le.C $"ere %as lau-"ter in "is )oi3e. ADou %oul5 rat"er 9 rant an5 ra)eBC Des@ a3tually@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t say it out lou5. A9 %on?t -i)e you t"e name. /o% %"atBC $"ere %as a rus" o1 %in5 at my 8a3k. 9 trie5 to turn@ to 1a3e t"e %in5. $"e %oman in %"ite rus"e5 at me. 'an-s strainin-@ "an5s 3la%in-@ spattere5 %it" ot"er people?s 8loo5@ t"e )ampire smas"e5 into me. =e 1ell 8a3k%ar5s into t"e %ee5s %it" "er on top. S"e 5arte5 to%ar5s my ne3k like a snake. 9 s"o)e5 my le1t %rist into "er 1a3e. #ne 3ross 8rus"e5 "er lips. A 1las" o1 li-"t@ t"e sten3" o1 8urnin- 1les"@ an5 t"e )ampire %as -one@ s3reamin- into t"e 5arkness. 9 "a5 ne)er seen any )ampire mo)e t"at 1ast. Ha5 it 8een min5ma-i3B Ha5 s"e tri3ke5 me t"at 8a5ly e)en %it" a 8lesse5 3rossB Ho% many o)er21i)e2"un5re52year2ol5 )amps 3an you "a)e in one pa3kB $%o@ 9 "ope5. Any more t"an t"at an5 t"ey?5 "a)e us outnum8ere5.

9 s3ram8le5 to my 1eet. $"e master )ampire %as on "is "an5s an5 knees 8esi5e t"e remains o1 my 3ar. Larry %as no%"ere in si-"t. A 1lutter o1 pani3 3la%e5 at my 3"estG t"en 9 realiEe5 Larry "a5 3ra%le5 un5erneat" t"e 3ar so t"e )ampire 3oul5n?t make "im a "osta-e a-ain. ="en all else 1ails@ "i5e. 9t %orks 1or ra88its. $"e )ampire?s 8listere5 8a3k %as 8ent at a pain1ul an-le as "e trie5 to pull Larry out 1rom un5er t"e 3ar. A9 %ill pull t"is arm out o1 its so3ket@ i1 you 5o not 3ome "ereIC ADou soun5 like you?)e -ot a kitten un5er t"e 8e5@C 9 sai5. Ale>an5ro %"irle5 aroun5. He 1lin3"e5@ like it "urt. Great. 9 1elt somet"in- mo)e 8e"in5 me. 9 5i5n?t ar-ue %it" t"e sensation. Say it %as ner)esG 9 turne5@ 3rosses rea5y. $%o )ampires 8e"in5 me. #ne %as t"e pale2"aire5 1emale. 9 -uess t"e s"ot "a5 misse5 "er spineG pity. $"e ot"er )ampire 3oul5 "a)e 8een "er male t%in. $"ey 8ot" "isse5 an5 3o%ere5 1rom t"e 3rosses. /i3e to see someone %as 8ot"ere5. $"e master 3ame at me 1rom t"e 8a3k@ 8ut 9 "ear5 "im. ,it"er t"e 8urn %as makin- "im 3lumsy@ or t"e 3rosses %ere "elpin- me. 9 stoo5 "al1%ay 8et%een t"e t"ree )ampires@ 3rosses sort o1 pointe5 at 8ot" -roups. $"e 8lon5s peere5 o)er t"eir arms@ 8ut t"e 3rosses "a5 t"em %ell an5 truly s3are5. $"e master ne)er "esitate5. He 3ame in a rus"in- 8urst o1 spee5. 9 8a3kpe5ale5@ trie5 to keep t"e 3rosses 8et%een us@ 8ut "e -ra88e5 my le1t 1orearm. =it" t"e 3rosses 5an-linin3"es 1rom "is 1les"@ "e "el5 on. 9 pulle5@ -ettin- as mu3" 5istan3e 1rom "im as 9 3oul5@ t"en "it "im in t"e solar ple*us %it" e)eryt"in- 9 "a5. He ma5e an Aump"C soun5@ t"en 1li3ke5 "is "an5 at my 1a3e. 9 ro3ke5 8a3k an5 taste5 8loo5. He?5 8arely tou3"e5 me@ 8ut "e?5 pro)en "is point. 91 9 %ante5 to e*3"an-e 8lo%s@ "e?5 8eat t"e 3rap out o1 me. 9 "it "im in t"e t"roat. He -a--e5 an5 looke5 surprise5. Beaten to snot %as still a "ell o1 a lot 8etter t"an 8ein- 8itten. 9?5 rat"er 8e 5ea5 t"an "a)e pointy teet". His 1ist 3lose5 o)er my ri-"t 1ist@ s;ueeEin- >ust enou-" to let me 1eel "is stren-t". He %as still tryin- to %arn me o11 rat"er t"an "urt me. Bully 1or "im. He raise5 8ot" "is arms@ 5ra%in- me 3loser into "is 8o5y. 9 5i5n?t %ant 3loser@ 8ut t"ere 5i5n?t seem to 8e a "ell o1 a lot 9 3oul5 5o a8out it. :nless@ o1 3ourse@ )ampires "a5 testi3les. $"e t"roat s"ot "a5 "urt. 9 -lan3e5 at "is 1a3e@ almost 3lose enou-" to kiss. 9 leane5 into "im@ -ettin- as mu3" room as 9 3oul5. He >ust kept 5ra%in- me 3loser. His o%n momentum "elpe5. 7y knee "it "im "ar5@ an5 9 -roun5 it up an5 into "im. 9t %as not a -lan3in- 8lo%. He 3rumple5 1or%ar5 8ut 5i5n?t let -o o1 my "an5s. 9 %asn?t loose@ 8ut it %as a start@ an5 9?5 ans%ere5 an a-e2ol5 ;uestion. Vampires 5i5 "a)e 8alls. He >erke5 my "an5s 8e"in5 my 8a3k@ pinnin- me 8et%een "is arms an5 "is 8o5y. His 8o5y 1elt %oo5en@ sti11@ an5 unyiel5in- as stone. 9t "a5 8een %arm an5 so1t an5 "urta8le only a se3on5 8e1ore. ="at "a5 "appene5B A$ake t"e t"in-s o11 "er %rist@C "e sai5. He %asn?t talkin- to me. 9 trie5 to 3rane my "ea5 aroun5 to see %"at %as 3omin- up 8e"in5 me. 9 3oul5n?t see anyt"in-. $"e t%o pale )ampires %ere still "u55le5 in t"e 1a3e o1 t"e nake5 3rosses. Somet"in- tou3"e5 my %rist. 9 >erke5@ 8ut "e "el5 me still. A91 you stru--le@ "e %ill 3ut you.C 9 turne5 my "ea5 as 1ar 8a3k as 9 3oul5@ an5 %as starin- into t"e roun5 eyes o1 t"e 8oy )ampire. He?5 re3o)ere5 "is kni1e an5 %as usin- it to poke at t"e 8ra3elet. $"e master )ampire?s "an5s s;ueeEe5 my arms until 9 t"ou-"t t"ey?5 pop 1rom t"e pressure like s"aken so5a pop. 9 must "a)e ma5e some soun5@ 8e3ause "e sai5@ A9 5i5 not mean to "urt you toni-"t.C His mout" %as presse5 a-ainst my ear@ lost in my "air. A$"is %as your 3"oi3e.C $"e 8ra3elet 8roke %it" a small snap. 9 1elt it 1all a%ay into t"e %ee5s. $"e master )ampire 5re% a 5eep 8reat"@ as i1 it %ere easier to 8reat"e no%. He %as only an in3" or t%o taller t"an 9 %as@ 8ut "e "el5 8ot" my %rists in one small "an5@ 1in-ers s;ueeEin- to make t"e -rip ti-"t. 9t "urt@ an5 9 1ou-"t not to make small@ "elpless noises. He stroke5 "is 1ree "an5 t"rou-" my "air@ t"en -ra88e5 a "an51ul an5 pulle5 my "ea5 8a3k%ar5s so "e 3oul5 see my eyes. His eyes %ere soli5@ a8solute 8la3kG t"e %"ites "a5 5ro%ne5. A9 %ill "a)e "is name@ Anita@ one %ay or anot"er.C 9 spit in "is 1a3e. He s3reame5@ ti-"tenin- "is -rip on my %rists until 9 3rie5 out. A9 3oul5 "a)e ma5e t"is pleasant@ 8ut no% 9 t"ink 9 %ant you to "urt. Look into my eyes@ mortal@ an5 5espair. $aste o1 my eyes@ an5 t"ere %ill 8e no se3rets 8et%een us.C His )oi3e 5roppe5 to t"e 8arest o1 %"ispers. APer"aps 9 %ill 5rink your min5 like ot"ers 5rink 8loo5@ an5 lea)e not"in- 8e"in5 8ut your min5less "usk.C 9 stare5 into t"e 5arkness t"at %as "is eyes an5 1elt mysel1 1all@ 1or%ar5@ impossi8ly 1or%ar5@ an5 5o%n@ 5o%n into a 8la3kness t"at %as pure an5 total@ an5 "a5 ne)er kno%n li-"t.

Chapter Twenty-three
9 %as starin- up into a 1a3e 9 5i5n?t kno%. $"e 1a3e %as "ol5in- a 8loo5y "an5ker3"ie1 to its 1ore"ea5. S"ort "air@ pale eyes@ 1re3kles. AHi@ Larry@C 9 sai5. 7y )oi3e soun5e5 5istant an5 stran-e. 9 3oul5n?t remem8er %"y. 9t %as still 5ark. Larry?s 1a3e "a5 8een 3leane5 up a little@ 8ut t"e %oun5 %as still 8lee5in-. 9 3oul5n?t "a)e 8een out t"at lon-. #utB ="ere "a5 9 8een out toB All 9 3oul5 remem8er %as eyes@ 8la3k eyes. 9 sat up too 1ast. Larry 3au-"t my arm or 9 %oul5 "a)e 1allen. A="ere are t"e ... C AVampires@C "e 1inis"e5 1or me. 9 leane5 into "is arm an5 %"ispere5@ ADea".C $"ere %ere people all aroun5 us in t"e 5ark@ "u55le5 in little %"isperin- -roups. $"e li-"ts o1 a poli3e 3ar stro8e5 t"e 5arkness. $%o uni1orms %ere stan5in- ;uietly ne*t to t"e 3ar@ talkin- %it" a man %"ose name %oul5n?t 3ome to me. AKarl@C 9 sai5. A="atBC Larry aske5. AKarl 9n-er@ t"e tall man talkin- to t"e poli3e.C Larry no55e5. A$"at?s ri-"t.C A small@ 5ark man knelt 8esi5e us. Heremy <ue8ens o1 Humans 'irst@ %"o last 9 kne% "a5 8een s"ootin- at us. ="at t"e "ell %as -oin- onB Heremy smile5 at me. 9t looke5 -enuine. A="at makes you my 1rien5 all o1 a su55enBC His smile 8roa5ene5. A=e sa)e5 you.C 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom Larry to sit on my o%n. A moment o1 5iEEiness an5 9 %as 1ine. Dea"@ ri-"t. A$alk to me@ Larry.C He -lan3e5 at Heremy <ue8ens@ t"en 8a3k to me. A$"ey sa)e5 us.C AHo%BC A$"ey t"re% "oly %ater on t"e one %"o 8it me.C He tou3"e5 "is t"roat %it" "is 1ree "an5@ an un3ons3ious -esture@ 8ut "e noti3e5 me %at3"in-. A9s s"e -oin- to "a)e 3ontrol o)er meBC A4i5 s"e enter your min5 at t"e same time as s"e 8it youBC A9 5on?t kno%@C "e sai5. AHo% 3an you tellBC 9 opene5 my mout" to e*plain@ t"en 3lose5 it. Ho% to e*plain t"e une*plaina8leB A91 Ale>an5ro@ t"e master )ampire@ "a5 8itten me at t"e same time "e rolle5 my min5@ 9?5 8e un5er "is po%er no%.C AAle>an5roBC A$"at?s %"at t"e ot"er )ampires 3alle5 t"e master.C 9 s"ook my "ea5@ 8ut t"e %orl5 s%am in 8la3k %a)es an5 9 "a5 to s%allo% "ar5 not to )omit. ="at "a5 "e 5one to meB 9?5 "a5 min5 -ames playe5 on me 8e1ore@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er "a5 a rea3tion like t"is. A$"ere?s an am8ulan3e 3omin-@C Larry sai5. A9 5on?t nee5 one.C ADou?)e 8een un3ons3ious 1or o)er an "our@ 7s. Blake@C <ue8ens sai5. A=e "a5 t"e poli3e 3all an am8ulan3e %"en %e 3oul5n?t %ake you.C <ue8ens %as 3lose enou-" 1or me to rea3" out an5 tou3" "im. He looke5 1rien5ly@ positi)ely ra5iant@ like a 8ri5e on "er 8i- 5ay. ="y %as 9 su55enly "is 1a)orite personB ASo t"ey t"re% "oly %ater on t"e )amp t"at 8it youG %"at t"enBC 9 aske5 Larry. A$"ey 5ro)e t"e rest o1 t"em o11 %it" 3rosses an5 3"arms.C A!"armsBC <ue8ens pulle5 out a 3"ain %it" t%o miniature metal1a3e5 8ooks "an-in- on it. Bot" 8ooks %oul5 "a)e 1it in t"e palm o1 my "an5 %it" room to spare. A$"ey aren?t 3"arms@ Larry. $"ey?re tiny He%is" Holy Books.C A9 t"ou-"t a Star o1 4a)i5.C A$"e star 5oesn?t %ork@ 8e3ause it?s a ra3ial sym8ol@ not really a reli-ious sym8ol.C ASo it?s like miniature Bi8lesBC 9 raise5 my eye8ro%s. A$"e $ora" 3ontains t"e #l5 $estament@ so yea"@ it?s like miniature Bi8les.C

A=oul5 t"e Bi8le %ork 1or us !"ristiansBC A9 5on?t kno%. Pro8a8ly@ 9?)e >ust ne)er 8een atta3ke5 8y )ampires %"ile 3arryin- a Bi8le.C $"at %as pro8a8ly my 1ault. 9n 1a3t@ %"en %as t"e last time 9?5 rea5 t"e Bi8leB =as 9 8e3omin- a Sun5ay !"ristianB 9?5 %orry a8out my soul later@ a1ter my 8o5y 1elt a little 8etter. A!an3el t"e am8ulan3eG 9?m 1ine.C ADou are not 1ine@C <ue8ens sai5. He rea3"e5 out as i1 to tou3" me. 9 looke5 at "im. He stoppe5 in mi52motion. ALet us "elp you@ 7s. Blake. =e s"are 3ommon enemies.C $"e poli3e %ere %alkin- to%ar5s us o)er t"e 5ark -rass. Karl 9n-er %as 3omin-@ too@ talkin- so1tly to t"e poli3e as t"ey mo)e5. A4o t"e poli3e kno% you %ere s"ootin- at us 1irstBC Somet"in- passe5 o)er <ue8ens?s 1a3e. A$"ey 5on?t kno%@ 5o t"eyBC A=e sa)e5 you@ 7s. Blake@ 1rom a 1ate %orse t"an 5eat". 9 %as %ron- to try an5 "urt you. Dou raise t"e 5ea5@ 8ut i1 you are truly enemies %it" t"e )ampires@ t"en %e are allies.C A$"e enemy o1 my enemy is my 1rien5@ "u"BC He no55e5. $"e poli3e %ere almost "ere@ almost %it"in ears"ot. AAll ri-"t@ 8ut you e)er point a -un at me a-ain an5 9?ll 1or-et you sa)e5 me.C A9t %ill ne)er "appen a-ain@ 7s. BlakeG you "a)e my %or5.C 9 %ante5 to say somet"in- 5ispara-in-@ 8ut t"e poli3e %ere t"ere. $"ey?5 "ear. 9 %asn?t -oin- to tell on <ue8ens an5 Humans 'irst@ so 9 "a5 to sa)e my smart ale3 3ome8a3ks 1or later use. Kno%in- <ue8ens@ 9?5 -et anot"er 3"an3e. 9 lie5 to t"e poli3e a8out %"at Humans 'irst "a5 5one@ an5 9 lie5 a8out %"at Ale>an5ro "a5 %ante5 1rom me. 9t %as >ust anot"er o1 t"ose min5less atta3ks t"at "a5 "appene5 t%i3e alrea5y. Later@ to 4olp" an5 Ker8ro%ski@ 9?5 tell t"e trut"@ 8ut ri-"t no% 9 >ust 5i5n?t 1eel like e*plainin- t"e entire mess to stran-ers. 9 %asn?t e)en sure 4olp" %oul5 -et t"e %"ole story. Like t"e 1a3t t"at 9 %as almost assure5ly Hean2!lau5e?s "uman ser)ant. /ope@ no nee5 to mention t"at.

Chapter Twenty-four
Larry?s 3ar %as a late2mo5el 7aE5a. $"e )ampires "a5 kept Humans 'irst so 8usy t"ey "a5n?t "a5 time to tras" t"e 3ar. Lu3ky 1or us@ sin3e my 3ar %as totale5. #"@ 9?5 "a)e to -o t"rou-" t"e insuran3e 3ompany an5 let t"em tell me t"e 3ar %as totale5@ 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- lar-e 8roken un5erneat" t"e 3arG 1lui5s 5arker t"an 8loo5 %ere leakin- out. $"e 1ront en5 looke5 like %e?5 "it an elep"ant. 9 kne% totale5 %"en 9 sa% it. =e?5 spent t"e last se)eral "ours at t"e emer-en3y room. $"e am8ulan3e atten5ants insiste5 9 see a 5o3tor@ an5 Larry nee5e5 t"ree small stit3"es in "is 1ore"ea5. His oran-ey "air 1ell 1or%ar5 an5 "i5 t"e %oun5. His 1irst s3ar. $"e 1irst o1 many i1 "e staye5 in t"is 8usiness an5 "un- aroun5 me. ADou?)e 8een on t"e >o8@ %"at@ 1ourteen "oursB ="at 5o you t"ink so 1arBC 9 aske5. He -lan3e5 at me si5e%ays@ t"en 8a3k to t"e roa5. He smile5@ 8ut it 5i5n?t look 1unny. A9 5on?t kno%.C A4o you %ant to 8e an animator %"en you -ra5uateBC A9 t"ou-"t 9 5i5@C "e sai5. HonestyG a rare talent. A/ot sure no%BC A/ot really.C 9 let it rest t"ere. 7y instin3t %as to talk "im out o1 it. $o tell "im to -o into some sane@ normal 8usiness. But 9 kne% t"at raisin- t"e 5ea5 %asn?t >ust a >o8 3"oi3e. 91 your AtalentC %as stron- enou-"@ you "a5 to raise t"e 5ea5 or risk t"e po%er 3omin- out at o55 moments. 4oes t"e term roa5kill mean anyt"in- to youB 9t meant somet"in- to my stepmot"er Hu5it". #1 3ourse@ s"e %asn?t please5 %it" my >o8. S"e t"ou-"t it %as -ruesome. ="at 3oul5 9 sayB S"e %as ri-"t. A$"ere are ot"er >o8 3"oi3es 1or a preternatural 8iolo-y 5e-ree.C A="atB A Eoo@ e*terminatorBC A$ea3"er@C 9 sai5@ Apark ran-er@ naturalist@ 1iel5 8iolo-ist@ resear3"er.C AAn5 %"i3" o1 t"ose >o8s 3an make you t"is kin5 o1 moneyBC "e aske5. A9s money t"e only reason you %ant to 8e an animatorBC 9 %as 5isappointe5.

A9 %ant to 5o somet"in- to "elp people. ="at 8etter t"an usin- my spe3ialiEe5 skills to ri5 t"e %orl5 o1 5an-erous un5ea5BC 9 stare5 at "im. All 9 3oul5 see %as "is pro1ile in t"e 5arkene5 3ar@ 1a3e un5erlit 1rom t"e 5as"8oar5. ADou %ant to 8e a )ampire e*e3utioner@ not an animator.C 9 5i5n?t try to keep t"e surprise out o1 my )oi3e. A7y ultimate -oal@ yes.C A="yBC A="y 5o you 5o itBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. AAns%er t"e ;uestion@ Larry.C A9 %ant to "elp people.C A$"en 8e a poli3emanG t"ey nee5 people on t"e 1or3e %"o kno% preternatural 3reatures.C A9 t"ou-"t 9 5i5 pretty -oo5 toni-"t.C ADou 5i5.C A$"en %"at?s %ron-BC 9 trie5 to t"ink "o% to p"rase it in 1i1ty 3on)in3in- %or5s or less. A="at "appene5 toni-"t %as a%1ul@ 8ut it -ets %orse.C A#li)e?s 3omin- upG %"i3" %ay 5o 9 turnBC ALe1t.C $"e 3ar took t"e e*it an5 sli5 into t"e turnin- lane. =e sat at t"e li-"t %it" t"e turn si-nal 8linkin- in t"e 5ark. ADou 5on?t kno% %"at you?re -ettin- into@C 9 sai5. A$"en tell me@C "e sai5. A9?ll 5o 8etter t"an t"at. 9?ll s"o% you.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC A$urn ri-"t at t"e t"ir5 li-"t.C =e rolle5 into t"e parkin- lot. A'irst 8uil5in- on t"e ri-"t.C Larry sli5 into t"e only open spa3e "e 3oul5 1in5. 7y parkin- spa3e. 7y poor little /o)a %oul5n?t 8e 3omin- 8a3k to it. 9 took o11 my >a3ket in t"e 5arkness o1 t"e 3ar. AHit t"e o)er"ea5 li-"t@C 9 sai5. He 5i5 as "e %as tol5. He %as 8etter at 1ollo%in- or5ers t"an 9 %as. ="i3"@ sin3e "e?5 8e 1ollo%in- my or5ers@ %as 1ine. 9 s"o%e5 "im t"e s3ars on my arms. A$"e 3ross2s"ape5 8urn is 1rom "uman ser)ants %"o t"ou-"t it %as 1unny. $"e moun5 o1 s3ar tissue at t"e 8en5 o1 my arm is %"ere a )ampire tore my arm to pie3es. P"ysi3al t"erapist says it?s a mira3le t"at 9 -ot 1ull use o1 my arm 8a3k. 'ourteen stit3"es 1rom a "uman ser)ant@ an5 t"at?s >ust my arms.C A$"ere?s moreBC His 1a3e looke5 pale an5 stran-e in t"e 5ome li-"t. AA )ampire s"o)e5 t"e 8roken en5 o1 a stake in my 8a3k.C He %in3e5. AAn5 my 3ollar8one %as 8roken at t"e same time my arm -ot 3"e%e5 up.C ADou?re tryin- to s3are me.C ADou 8et@C 9 sai5. A9 %on?t 8e s3are5 o11.C $oni-"t s"oul5 "a)e s3are5 "im o11 %it"out my s"o%in- "im my s3ars. But it "a5n?t. 4ammit@ "e?5 sti3k@ i1 "e 5i5n?t -et kille5 1irst. AAll ri-"t@ you?re stayin- 1or t"e rest o1 t"e semester@ -reat@ 8ut promise me you %on?t -o "untin- )ampires %it"out me.C ABut 7r. Burke ... C AHe "elps e*e3ute )ampires@ 8ut "e 5oesn?t "unt t"em alone.C A="at?s t"e 5i11eren3e 8et%een an e*e3ution an5 a "untBC AAn e*e3ution >ust means a 8o5y t"at nee5s stakin-@ or a )ampire t"at?s all ni3e an5 3"aine5 up %aitin- 1or t"e 1inal stroke.C A$"en %"at?s a "untBC "e aske5. A="en 9 -o 8a3k out a1ter t"e )ampires t"at nearly kille5 us toni-"t@ t"at?s a "unt.C AAn5 you 5on?t trust 7r. Burke to tea3" me to "untBC

A9 5on?t trust 7r. Burke to keep you ali)e.C Larry?s eyes %i5ene5. A9 5on?t mean "e?5 5eli8erately "urt you. 9 mean 9 5on?t trust any8o5y 8ut me %it" your li1e.C ADou t"ink it?ll 3ome 5o%n to t"atBC A9t 5amn near 5i5.C He %as ;uiet 1or a "an51ul o1 minutes. He stare5 5o%n at "is "an5s t"at %ere smoot"in- 8a3k an5 1ort" o)er t"e steerin%"eel. A9 promise not to -o )ampire "untin- %it" any8o5y 8ut you.C He stare5 at me@ 8lue@ 8lue eyes stu5yin- my 1a3e. A/ot e)en 7r. <o5ri-ueEB 7r. Vau-"n sai5 "e tau-"t you.C A7anny 5i5 tea3" me@ 8ut "e 5oesn?t "unt )ampires anymore.C A="y notBC 9 met "is true28lue eyes an5 sai5@ AHis %i1e?s too a1rai5@ an5 "e?s -ot 1our ki5s.C ADou an5 7r. Burke aren?t marrie5 an5 5on?t "a)e ki5s.C A$"at?s ri-"t.C A/eit"er 5o 9@C "e sai5. 9 "a5 to smile. Ha5 9 e)er 8een t"is ea-erB /a%. A/o one likes a smart ale3@ Larry.C He -rinne5@ an5 it ma5e "im look a8out t"irteen. Hesus@ %"y %asn?t "e runnin- 1or 3o)er a1ter toni-"tB ="y %asn?t 9B /o ans%ers@ at least none t"at ma5e sense. ="y 5i5 9 5o itB Be3ause 9 %as -oo5 at it@ 3ame t"e ans%er. 7ay8e Larry 3oul5 8e -oo5 at it@ too. 7ay8e@ or may8e "e?5 >ust -et 5ea5. 9 -ot out o1 t"e 3ar an5 leane5 8a3k in t"e open 5oor. AGo strai-"t "ome@ an5 i1 you 5on?t "a)e an e*tra 3ross@ 8uy one tomorro%.C A#kay@C "e sai5. 9 s"ut t"e 5oor on "is solemn@ earnest 1a3e. 9 %alke5 up t"e stairs an5 5i5n?t look 8a3k. 9 5i5n?t %at3" "im 5ri)e a%ay@ still ali)e@ still ea-er a1ter "is 1irst 8rus" %it" t"e monsters. 9 %as only 1our years ol5er t"an "e %as. 'our years. 9t 1elt like 3enturies. 9 "a5 ne)er 8een t"at -reen. 7y mot"er?s 5eat" %"en 9 %as ei-"t sa% to t"at. 9t takes t"e e5-e o11 t"e s"iny 8ri-"tness to lose a parent early. 9 %as still -oin- to try to talk Larry out o1 8ein- a )ampire e*e3utioner@ 8ut i1 all else 1aile5@ 9?5 %ork %it" "im. $"ere are only t%o kin5s o1 )ampire "untersJ -oo5 ones an5 5ea5 ones. 7ay8e 9 3oul5 make Larry one o1 t"e -oo5 ones. 9t 8eat t"e "ell out o1 t"e alternati)e.

Chapter Twenty-five
9t %as 3J3&@ 'ri5ay mornin-. 9t "a5 8een a lon- %eek. #1 3ourse@ %"en "a5n?t it 8een a lon- %eek t"is yearB 9 "a5 tol5 Bert to "ire more "elp. He "ire5 Larry. ="y 5i5n?t t"at make me "appyB Be3ause Larry %as >ust anot"er )i3tim %aitin- 1or t"e ri-"t monster. Please keep "im sa1e@ Go5@ please. 9?5 "a5 a8out as many inno3ents 5ie on me as 9 t"ou-"t 9 3oul5 "an5le. $"e "all%ay "a5 t"at mi55le2o12t"e2ni-"t 1eel to it. $"e only soun5s %ere t"e "us" o1 t"e "eatin- )ents@ t"e mu11le5 soun5 o1 my /ike Airs on t"e 3arpetin-. 9t %as too late 1or my 5ay2li)in- nei-"8ors to stay up@ an5 too early 1or t"em to -et up. $%o "ours 8e1ore 5a%n@ you -et pri)a3y. 9 opene5 my 8ran52ne% 8ur-larproo1 lo3k an5 steppe5 into t"e 5arkness o1 my apartment. 9 "it t"e li-"ts an5 1loo5e5 t"e %"ite %alls@ 3arpet@ 3ou3"@ an5 3"air %it" 8ri-"t li-"t. /o matter "o% -oo5 your ni-"t )ision is@ e)eryone likes li-"t. =e?re 3reatures o1 t"e 5ayli-"t@ no matter %"at %e 5o 1or a li)in-. 9 t"re% my >a3ket on t"e kit3"en 3ounter. 9t %as too 5irty to toss on t"e %"ite 3ou3". 9 "a5 mu5 an5 8its o1 %ee5 plastere5 all o)er me. But )ery little 8loo5G t"e ni-"t "a5 turne5 out all ri-"t. 9 %as slippin- out o1 t"e s"oul5er "olster %"en 9 1elt it. $"e air 3urrents "a5 mo)e5@ as i1 somet"in- "a5 mo)e5 t"rou-" t"em. Hust like t"at 9 kne% 9 %asn?t alone. 7y "an5 %as on t"e -un 8utt %"en ,5%ar5?s )oi3e 3ame out o1 t"e 5arkness o1 my 8e5room. A4on?t@ Anita.C 9 "esitate5@ 1in-ers tou3"in- t"e -un. AAn5 i1 9 5oBC A9?ll s"oot you. Dou kno% 9?ll 5o it.C His )oi3e %as t"at so1t@ sure pre5atory soun5. 9?5 seen "im use 1lamet"ro%ers %"en "is )oi3e soun5e5 like t"at. Smoot" an5 3alm as t"e roa5 to Hell. 9 ease5 a%ay 1rom my -un. ,5%ar5 %oul5 s"oot me i1 9 1or3e5 "im to. Better not to 1or3e it@ not yet. /ot yet. 9 3laspe5 my "an5s on top o1 my "ea5 %it"out %aitin- 1or "im to tell me. 7ay8e 9?5 -et 8ro%nie points 1or 8ein- a 3ooperati)e prisoner. /a%.

,5%ar5 steppe5 out o1 t"e 5arkness like a 8lon5 -"ost. He %as 5resse5 all in 8la3k e*3ept 1or "is s"ort "air an5 pale 1a3e. His 8la3k2-lo)e5 "an5s "el5 a Beretta 9mm pointe5 )ery stea5ily at my 3"est. A/e% -unBC 9 aske5. $"e -"ost o1 a smile 3urle5 "is lips. ADes@ like itBC ABeretta?s a ni3e -un@ 8ut you kno% me.C AA Bro%nin- 1an@C "e sai5. 9 smile5 at "im. Hust t%o ol? 8u55ies talkin- s"op. He presse5 t"e -un 8arrel a-ainst my 8o5y %"ile "e took t"e Bro%nin- 1rom me. ALean an5 sprea5 it.C 9 leane5 on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 3ou3" %"ile "e patte5 me 5o%n. $"ere %as not"in- to 1in5@ 8ut ,5%ar5 5i5n?t kno% t"at. He %as ne)er 3areless. $"at %as one o1 t"e reasons "e %as still ali)e. $"at@ an5 t"e 1a3t t"at "e %as )ery@ )ery -oo5. ADou sai5 you 3oul5n?t pi3k my lo3k@C 9 sai5. A9 8rou-"t 8etter tools@C "e sai5. ASo it?s not 8ur-larproo1.C A9t %oul5 8e to most people.C ABut not to you.C He stare5 at me@ "is eyes as empty an5 5ea5 as %inter?s sky. A9 am not most people.C 9 "a5 to smile. ADou 3an say t"at a-ain.C He 1ro%ne5 at me. AGi)e me t"e master?s name@ an5 %e 5on?t "a)e to 5o t"is.C $"e -un ne)er %a)ere5. 7y Bro%ninstu3k out o1 t"e 1ront o1 "is 8elt. 9 "ope5 "e?5 remem8ere5 t"e sa1ety. #r may8e 9 5i5n?t. 9 opene5 my mout"@ 3lose5 it@ an5 >ust looke5 at "im. 9 3oul5n?t -i)e Hean2!lau5e o)er to ,5%ar5. 9 %as t"e ,*e3utioner@ 8ut t"e )ampires 3alle5 ,5%ar5 4eat". He?5 earne5 t"e name. A9 t"ou-"t you?5 8e 1ollo%in- me toni-"t.C A9 %ent "ome a1ter %at3"in- you raise t"e Eom8ie. Guess 9 s"oul5 "a)e staye5 aroun5. ="o 8loo5ie5 your mout"BC A9?m not -oin- to tell you a 8loo5y t"in-. Dou kno% t"at.C A,)eryone 8reaks@ Anita@ e)eryone.C A,)en youBC $"at -"ost o1 a smile %as 8a3k a-ain. A,)en me.C ASomeone -ot t"e 8etter o1 4eat"B $ell@ tell.C $"e smile %i5ene5. ASome ot"er time.C A/i3e to kno% t"ere?ll 8e anot"er time@C 9 sai5. A9?m not "ere to kill you.C AHust to 1ri-"ten or torture me into re)ealin- t"e master?s name@ ri-"tBC A<i-"t@C "e sai5@ )oi3e so1t an5 lo%. A9 %as "opin- you?5 say %ron-.C He almost s"ru--e5. AGi)e me t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ Anita@ an5 9?ll -o a%ay.C ADou kno% 9 3an?t 5o t"at.C A9 kno% you "a)e to@ or it?s -oin- to 8e a )ery lon- ni-"t.C A$"en it?s -oin- to 8e a lon- ni-"t@ 8e3ause 9?m not -oin- to -i)e you s"it.C ADou %on?t 8e 8ullie5@C "e sai5. A/ope.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A$urn aroun5@ lean your %aist up a-ainst t"e 3ou3"@ an5 put your "an5s 8e"in5 your 8a3k.C A="yBC AHust 5o it.C ASo you 3an tie my "an5sBC A4o it@ no%.C A9 5on?t t"ink so.C

$"e 1ro%n %as 8a3k. A4o you %ant me to s"oot youBC A/o@ 8ut 9?m not -oin- to >ust stan5 "ere %"ile you tie me up@ eit"er.C A$"e tyin- up 5oesn?t "urt.C A9t?s %"at 3omes a1ter t"at 9?m %orrie5 a8out.C ADou kne% %"at 9?5 5o i1 you 5i5n?t "elp me.C A$"en 5o it@C 9 sai5. ADou?re not 3ooperatin-.C ASo sorry.C AAnita.C A9 >ust 5on?t 8elie)e in "elpin- people %"o are -oin- to torture me. $"ou-" 9 5on?t see any 8am8oo sli)ers. Ho% 3an you possi8ly torture someone %it"out 8am8oo sli)ersBC AStop it.C He soun5e5 an-ry. AStop %"atBC 9 %i5ene5 my eyes an5 trie5 to look inno3ent an5 "armless@ me an5 Kermit t"e 'ro-. ,5%ar5 lau-"e5@ a so1t 3"u3kle t"at rolle5 an5 e*pan5e5 until "e s;uatte5 on t"e 1loor@ -un loose in "is "an5s@ starin- up at me. His eyes %ere s"iny. AHo% 3an 9 torture you %"en you keep makin- me lau-"BC ADou 3an?tG t"at %as t"e plan.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ it %asn?t. Dou %ere >ust 8ein- a smartass. Dou?re al%ays a smartass.C A/i3e o1 you to noti3e.C He "el5 up "is "an5. A/o more@ please.C A9?ll make you lau-" until you 8e- 1or mer3y.C AHust tell me t"e 5amn name. Please@ Anita. Help me.C $"e lau-"ter 5raine5 1rom "is eyes like t"e sun slippin- out o1 t"e sky. 9 %at3"e5 t"e "umor@ t"e "umanity@ slip a%ay@ until "is eyes %ere as 3ol5 an5 empty as a 5oll?s. A4on?t make me "urt you@C "e sai5. 9 t"ink 9 %as ,5%ar5?s only 1rien5@ 8ut t"at %oul5n?t stop "im 1rom "urtin- me. ,5%ar5 "a5 one ruleJ 5o %"ate)er it takes to -et t"e >o8 5one. 91 9 1or3e5 "im to torture me@ "e %oul5@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t %ant to. A/o% t"at you?)e aske5 ni3ely@ try t"e 1irst ;uestion a-ain@C 9 sai5. His eyes narro%e5@ t"en "e sai5@ A="o "it you in t"e mout"BC AA master )ampire@C 9 sai5 so1tly. A$ell me %"at "appene5.C 9t %as too mu3" like an or5er 1or my taste@ 8ut "e 5i5 "a)e 8ot" t"e -uns. 9 tol5 "im e)eryt"in- t"at "a5 "appene5. All a8out Ale>an5ro. Ale>an5ro %"o 1elt so ol5 insi5e my "ea5@ it ma5e my 8ones a3"e. 9 a55e5 one tiny lie@ lost in all t"at trut". 9 tol5 "im Ale>an5ro %as 7aster o1 t"e !ity. #ne o1 my 8etter i5eas@ "e"B ADou really 5on?t kno% %"ere "is 5aytime restin- pla3e is@ 5o youBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?5 -i)e it to you i1 9 "a5 it.C A="y t"is 3"an-e o1 "eartBC AHe trie5 to kill me toni-"t. All 8ets are o11.C A9 5on?t 8elie)e t"at.C 9t %as too -oo5 a lie to %aste@ so 9 trie5 sal)a-in- it. AHe?s also -one ro-ue. 9t?s "im an5 "is 1lunkies t"at "a)e 8een killininno3ent 3itiEens.C ,5%ar5 smirke5 at t"e inno3ent@ 8ut "e let it -o. AAn altruisti3 moti)e@ t"at 9 8elie)e. 91 you %eren?t su3" a 5amn 8lee5in"eart@ you?5 8e 5an-erous.C A9 kill my s"are@ ,5%ar5.C His empty@ 8lue eyes stare5 at meG t"en "e no55e5@ slo%ly. A$rue.C He "an5e5 me 8a3k my -un@ 8utt 1irst. A ti-"t@ 3len3"e5 8all in my stoma3" unrolle5. 9 3oul5 8reat"e 5eep@ lon- si-"s o1 relie1. A91 9 1in5 out %"ere t"is Ale>an5ro stays@ you %ant in on itBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. 4i5 9 %ant to -o a1ter 1i)e ro-ue )ampires@ t%o o1 t"em o)er 1i)e "un5re5 years ol5B 9 5i5 not. 4i5 9 %ant to sen5 e)en ,5%ar5 a1ter t"em aloneB /o@ 9 5i5 not. ="i3" meant ...

ADea"@ 9 %ant a pie3e o1 t"em.C ,5%ar5 smile5@ 8roa5 an5 s"inin-. A9 lo)e my %ork.C 9 smile5 8a3k. A7e@ too.C

Chapter Twenty-six
Hean2!lau5e lay in t"e mi55le o1 a %"ite 3anopie5 8e5. His skin %as only sli-"tly less %"ite t"an t"e s"eets. He %as 5resse5 in a ni-"ts"irt. La3e 1ell 5o%n t"e lo% 3ollar@ 1ormin- a la3e %in5o% aroun5 "is 3"est. La3e 1lo%e5 1rom t"e slee)es@ nearly "i5in- "is "an5s. 9t s"oul5 "a)e looke5 1eminine@ 8ut Hean2!lau5e ma5e it utterly mas3uline. Ho% 3oul5 any man %ear a %"ite la3e -o%n an5 not look sillyB #1 3ourse@ "e %asn?t a man. $"at must 8e it. His 8la3k "air 3urle5 in t"e la3e 3ollar. $ou3"a8le. 9 s"ook my "ea5. /ot e)en in my 5reams. 9 %as 5resse5 in somet"in- lon- an5 silky. 9t %as a s"a5e o1 8lue almost as 5ark as "is eyes. 7y arms looke5 )ery %"ite a-ainst it. Hean2!lau5e -ot to "is knees an5 rea3"e5 "is "an5 out to me. An in)itation. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9t is only a 5ream@ ma petite. =ill you not 3ome to me e)en "ereBC A9t?s ne)er >ust a 5ream %it" you. 9t al%ays means more.C His "an5 1ell to t"e s"eets@ 1in-ertips 3aressin- t"e 3lot". A="at are you tryin- to 5o to me@ Hean2!lau5eBC He looke5 )ery stea5ily at me. ASe5u3e you@ o1 3ourse.C #1 3ourse. Silly me. $"e p"one 8esi5e t"e 8e5 ran-. 9t %as one o1 t"ose %"ite prin3ess p"ones %it" lots o1 -ol5 on it. $"ere "a5n?t 8een a telep"one a se3on5 8e1ore. 9t ran- a-ain@ an5 t"e 5ream 1ell to s"re5s. 9 3ame a%ake -ra88in- 1or t"e p"one. AHello.C AHey@ 5i5 9 %ake youBC 9r)in- Gris%ol5 aske5. 9 8linke5 at t"e p"one. ADea"@ %"at time is itBC A9t?s ten o?3lo3k. 9 kno% 8etter t"an to 3all early.C A="at 5o you %ant@ 9r)in-BC AGrou3"y.C A9 -ot in late. !an %e skip t"e sar3asmBC A9@ your true28lue reporter 1rien5@ %ill 1or-i)e you t"at -rumpy "ello@ i1 you ans%er a 1e% ;uestions.C ANuestionsBC 9 sat up@ "u--in- t"e p"one to me. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC A9s it true t"at Humans 'irst sa)e5 you last ni-"t@ as t"ey?re 3laimin-BC A!laimin-B !an you talk in 3omplete senten3es@ 9r)in-BC A$"e mornin- ne%s "a5 Heremy <ue8ens on it. !"annel 1i)e. He 3laime5 t"at "e an5 Humans 'irst sa)e5 your li1e last ni-"t. Sa)e5 you 1rom t"e 7aster Vampire o1 t"e !ity.C A#"@ "e 5i5 not.C A7ay 9 ;uote youBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. A/o.C A9 nee5 a ;uote 1or t"e paper. 9?m tryin- to -i)e a 3"an3e 1or a re8uttal.C AA re8uttalBC AHey@ 9 %as an ,n-lis" ma>or.C A$"at e*plains so mu3".C A!an you -i)e me your si5e o1 t"e story@ or notBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. 9r)in- %as a 1rien5 an5 a -oo5 reporter. 91 <ue8ens %as alrea5y on t"e mornin- ne%s %it" t"e story@ 9 nee5e5 to -et my si5e out. A!an you -i)e me 1i1teen minutes to make 3o11ee an5 -et 5resse5BC A'or an e*3lusi)e@ you 8et.C A$alk to you t"en.C 9 "un- up an5 %ent strai-"t 1or t"e 3o11eemaker. 9 %as %earin- >o--in- so3ks@ >eans@ an5 t"e o)ersiEe5 t2s"irt 9?5 slept in %"en 9r)in- 3alle5 8a3k. 9 "a5 a steamin- 3up o1 3o11ee on t"e 8e5si5e ta8le 8esi5e t"e p"one. !innamon "aEelnut 3o11ee 1rom V. H.?s $ea an5 Spi3e S"op o)er on #li)e. 7ornin-s 5i5n?t -et mu3" 8etter t"an t"is.

A#kay@ spill it@C "e sai5. AGee@ 9r)in-@ no 1oreplayBC AGet to it@ Blake@ 9?)e -ot a 5ea5line.C 9 tol5 "im e)eryt"in-. 9 "a5 to a5mit t"at Humans 'irst "a5 sa)e5 my 3ookies. 4arn. A9 3an?t 3on1irm t"at t"e )ampire t"ey ran o11 %as t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity.C AHey@ 9 kno% Hean2!lau5e is t"e master. 9 inter)ie%e5 "im@ remem8erBC A9 remem8er.C A9 kno% t"is 9n5ian -uy %as not Hean2!lau5e.C ABut Humans 'irst 5oesn?t kno% t"at.C AA 5ou8le e*3lusi)e@ %o%ee.C A/o@ 5on?t say t"at Ale>an5ro isn?t t"e master.C A="y notBC A9?5 3lear it %it" Hean2!lau5e 1irst@ i1 9 %ere you.C He 3leare5 "is t"roat. ADea"@ not a 8a5 i5ea.C He soun5e5 ner)ous. A9s Hean2!lau5e -i)in- you trou8leBC A/o@ %"y 5o you askBC A'or a reporter you lie 8a5ly.C AHean2!lau5e an5 9 -ot 8usiness >ust 8et%een us. 9t 5oesn?t 3on3ern $"e ,*e3utioner.C A'ineG >ust %at3" your 8a3k@ okayBC A9?m 1lattere5 t"at you?re %orrie5 a8out me@ Anita@ 8ut trust me@ 9 3an "an5le it.C 9 5i5n?t ar-ue %it" t"at. 9 must "a)e 8een in a -oo5 moo5. AAnyt"in- you say@ 9r)in-.C He let it -o@ so 9 5i5@ too. /o one 3oul5 "an5le Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut it %asn?t my 8usiness. 9r)in- "a5 8een t"e one "ot 1or t"e inter)ie%. So t"ere %ere strin-s atta3"e5G not a 8i- surprise@ an5 not my 8usiness. <eally. A$"is?ll 8e on t"e 1ront pa-e o1 t"e mornin- paper. 9?ll 3"e3k %it" Hean2!lau5e a8out %"et"er to mention t"is ne% )amp isn?t t"e master.C A9?5 really appre3iate it i1 you 3oul5 "ol5 o11 on t"at.C A="yBC He soun5e5 suspi3ious. A7ay8e it %oul5n?t 8e su3" a 8a5 i5ea 1or Humans 'irst to 8elie)e Ale>an5ro is t"e master.C A="yBC ASo t"ey 5on?t kill Hean2!lau5e@C 9 sai5. A#"@C "e sai5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. A9?ll 8ear t"at in min5@C "e sai5. ADou 5o t"at.C AGotta -oG 5ea5line 3alls.C A#kay@ 9r)in-@ talk to you later.C ABye@ Anita@ t"anks.C He "un- up. 9 sippe5 t"e still2steamin- 3o11ee@ slo%ly. $"e 1irst 3up o1 t"e 5ay s"oul5 ne)er 8e rus"e5. 91 9 3oul5 -et Humans 'irst to 8elie)e t"e same lie ,5%ar5 8ou-"t@ t"en no one %oul5 8e "untin- Hean2!lau5e. $"ey?5 8e "untin- Ale>an5ro. $"e master t"at %as slau-"terin- "umans. Put t"e poli3e on t"e 3ase@ an5 %e "a5 t"e ro-ue )amps outnum8ere5. Dea"@ 9 like5 it. $"e tri3k %as@ %oul5 e)eryone 8uy itB /e)er kno% until you try.

Chapter Twenty-seven
9 "a5 1inis"e5 a pot o1 3o11ee an5 mana-e5 to -et 5resse5 %"en t"e p"one ran- a-ain. #ne o1 t"ose mornin-s. ADea"@C 9 sai5.

A7s. BlakeBC t"e )oi3e soun5e5 )ery un3ertain. ASpeakin-.C A$"is is Karl 9n-er.C ASorry i1 9 soun5e5 a8rupt. ="at?s up@ 7r. 9n-erBC ADou sai5 you?5 speak to me a-ain i1 %e "a5 a 8etter plan. 9 "a)e a 8etter plan@C "e sai5. A'or killin- t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ityBC 9 ma5e it a ;uestion. ADes.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%@ a%ay 1rom t"e p"one. 4i5n?t %ant "im to t"ink 9 %as "ea)y 8reat"in- at "im. A7r. 9n-er ... C APlease@ "ear me out. =e sa)e5 your li1e last ni-"t. $"at must 8e %ort" somet"in-.C He "a5 me t"ere. A="at?s your plan@ 7r. 9n-erBC A9?5 rat"er tell you in person.C A9?m not -oin- to my o11i3e 1or some "ours yet.C A!oul5 9 3ome to your "omeBC A/o.C 9t %as automati3. ADou 5on?t 8rin- 8usiness "omeBC A/ot %"en 9 3an "elp it@C 9 sai5. ASuspi3ious o1 you.C AAl%ays@C 9 sai5. A!an %e meet some%"ere elseB $"ere?s someone 9 %ant you to meet.C A="o@ an5 %"yBC A$"e name %on?t mean anyt"in- to you.C A$ry me.C A7r. #li)er.C A'irst nameBC A9 5on?t kno% it.C A#kay@ t"en %"y s"oul5 9 meet "imBC AHe "as a -oo5 plan 1or killin- t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity.C A="atBC A/o@ 9 t"ink it %ill 8e 8etter i1 7r. #li)er e*plains it in person. He?s mu3" more persuasi)e t"an 9 am.C ADou?re 5oin- okay@C 9 sai5. A$"en you?ll meet meBC ASure@ %"y notBC A$"at?s %on5er1ul. 4o you kno% %"ere Arnol5 isBC ADes.C A$"ere?s a Pay 1is"in- lake >ust outsi5e o1 Arnol5 on $esson 'erry <oa5. 4o you kno% itBC 9 "a5 an impression t"at 9 "a5 5ri)en 8y it on t"e %ay to t%o mur5ers. All roa5s le5 to Arnol5. A9 3an 1in5 it.C AHo% soon 3an you meet me t"ereBC "e aske5. AAn "our.C AGreatG 9?ll 8e %aitin-.C A9s t"is 7r. #li)er -oin- to 8e at t"e lakeBC A/o@ 9?ll 5ri)e you 1rom t"ere.C A="y all t"e se3re3yBC A/ot se3re3y@C "e sai5@ "is )oi3e 5roppe5@ em8arrasse5. A9?m >ust not )ery -oo5 at -i)in- 5ire3tions. 9t?ll 8e easier i1 9 >ust take you.C

A9 3an 1ollo% you in my 3ar.C A="y@ 7s. Blake@ 9 5on?t t"ink you entirely trust me.C A9 5on?t entirely trust any8o5y@ 7r. 9n-er@ not"in- personal.C A/ot e)en people %"o sa)e your li1eBC A/ot e)en.C He let t"at 5rop@ pro8a8ly 1or t"e 8est@ an5 sai5@ A9?ll meet you at t"e lake in an "our.C ASure.C A$"ank you 1or 3omin-@ 7s. Blake.C A9 o%e you. Dou?)e ma5e sure 9?m a%are o1 t"at.C ADou soun5 5e1ensi)e@ 7s. Blake. 9 5i5 not mean to o11en5 you.C 9 si-"e5. A9?m not o11en5e5@ 7r. 9n-er. 9 >ust 5on?t like o%in- people.C AVisitin- 7r. #li)er to5ay %ill 3lear t"e slate 8et%een us. 9 promise t"at.C A9?ll "ol5 you to t"at@ 9n-er.C A9?ll meet you in an "our@C "e sai5. A9?ll 8e t"ere@C 9 sai5. =e "un- up. A4amn.C 9?5 1or-otten 9 "a5n?t -otten to eat yet to5ay. 91 9?5 remem8ere5@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 t%o "ours. /o% 9?5 "a)e to literally -ra8 somet"in- on t"e %ay. 9 "ate5 eatin- in t"e 3ar. But@ "e"@ %"at?s a little mess 8et%een 1rien5sB #r e)en 8et%een people %"o?)e sa)e5 your li1eB ="y 5i5 it 8ot"er me so mu3" t"at 9 o%e5 9n-erB Be3ause "e %as a ri-"t2%in- 1ruit3ake. A Eealot. 9 5i5n?t like 5oin- 8usiness %it" Eealots. An5 9 3ertainly 5i5n?t like o%inmy li1e to one. A"@ %ellG 9?5 meet "im@ t"en %e?5 8e s;uare. He "a5 sai5 so. ="y 5i5n?t 9 8elie)e itB

Chapter Twenty-eight
!"ip2A%ay Lake %as a8out "al1 an a3re o1 man2ma5e %ater an5 t"in@ raise5 man2ma5e 8ank. $"ere %as a little s"e5 t"at sol5 8ait an5 1oo5. 9t %as surroun5e5 8y a 1lat -ra)el parkin- lot. A late2mo5el 3ar sat near t"e roa5 %it" a si-n t"at rea5@ A'or Sale.C A pay 1is"in- lake an5 a use5 3ar lot 3om8ine5G "o% 3le)er. An e*panse o1 -rass sprea5 out to t"e ri-"t o1 t"e parkin- lot. A small@ rams"a3kle s"e5 an5 %"at looke5 like t"e remains o1 some lar-e in5ustrial 8ar8e3ue. A 1rin-e o1 %oo5s e5-e5 t"e -rass@ risin- "i-"er into a %oo5e5 "ill. $"e 7erame3 <i)er e5-e5 t"e le1t si5e o1 t"e lake. 9t seeme5 1unny to "a)e 1ree21lo%in- %ater so 3lose to t"e man2ma5e lake. $"ere %ere only t"ree 3ars in t"e parkin- lot t"is 3ool autumn a1ternoon. Besi5e a s"iny 8ur-un5y !"rysler Le Baron stoo5 9n-er. A "an51ul o1 1is"ermen "a5 8un5le5 up an5 put poles in t"e %ater. 'is"in- must 8e -oo5 to -et people out in t"e 3ol5. 9 parke5 8esi5e 9n-er?s 3ar. He stro5e to%ar5s me smilin-@ "an5 out like a real estate salesman %"o %as "appy 9?5 3ome to see t"e property. ="ate)er "e %as sellin-@ 9 5i5n?t %ant. 9 %as almost sure o1 t"at. A7s. Blake@ so -la5 you 3ame.C He 3laspe5 my "an5 %it" 8ot" o1 "is@ "earty@ -oo5nature5@ insin3ere. A="at 5o you %ant@ 7r. 9n-erBC His smile 1a5e5 aroun5 t"e e5-es. A9 5on?t kno% %"at you mean@ 7s. Blake.C ADes@ you 5o.C A/o@ 9 really 5on?t.C 9 stare5 into "is puEEle5 1a3e. 7ay8e 9 spent too mu3" time %it" slime8alls. A1ter a %"ile you 1or-et t"at not e)eryone in t"e %orl5 is a slime8all. 9t >ust sa)es so mu3" time to assume t"e %orst. A9?m sorry@ 7r. 9n-er. 9 ... 9?)e 8een spen5in- too mu3" time lookin- 1or 3riminals. 9t makes you 3yni3al.C He still looke5 puEEle5. A/e)er min5@ 7r. 9n-erG >ust take me to see t"is #li)er.C A7r. #li)er@C "e sai5. ASure.C AS"all %e take my 3arBC He motione5 to%ar5s "is 3ar. A9?ll 1ollo% you in mine.C

ADou 5on?t trust me.C He looke5 "urt. 9 -uess most people aren?t use5 to 8ein- suspe3te5 o1 %ron-5oin- 8e1ore t"ey?)e 5one anyt"in- %ron-. $"e la% says inno3ent until pro)en -uilty@ 8ut t"e trut" is@ i1 you see enou-" pain an5 5eat"@ it?s -uilty until pro)en inno3ent. AAll ri-"t@ you 5ri)e.C He looke5 )ery please5. Heart%armin-. Besi5es 9 %as 3arryin- t%o kni)es@ t"ree 3rosses@ an5 a -un. 9nno3ent or -uilty@ 9 %as prepare5. 9 5i5n?t e*pe3t to nee5 t"e %eaponry %it" 7r. #li)er@ 8ut later@ 9 mi-"t nee5 it later. 9t %as time to -o arme5 to t"e teet"@ rea5y 1or 8ear@ or 5ra-on@ or )ampire.

Chapter Twenty-nine
9n-er 5ro)e 5o%n #l5 Hi-"%ay 21 to ,ast <o3k !reek. <o3k !reek %as a narro%@ %in5in- roa5 8arely %i5e enou-" 1or t%o 3ars to pass. 9n-er 5ro)e slo% enou-" 1or t"e 3ur)es @ 8ut 1ast enou-" so you 5i5n?t -et 8ore5. $"ere %ere 1arm"ouses t"at "a5 stoo5 1or years an5 ne% "ouses in su85i)isions %"ere t"e eart" %as ra% an5 re5 as a %oun5. 9n-er turne5 into one o1 t"ose ne% su85i)isions. 9t %as 1ull o1 lar-e@ e*pensi)e2lookin- "ouses@ )ery mo5ern. $"in@ spin5ly trees %ere tie5 to stakes alon- t"e -ra)el roa5. $"e piti1ul trees trem8le5 in t"e autumn %in5@ a 1e% surprise5 lea)es still 3lin-in- to t"e spi5er2t"in lim8s. $"is area "a5 8een a 1orest 8e1ore t"ey 8ull5oEe5 it. ="y 5o 5e)elopers 5estroy all t"e mature trees@ t"en plant ne% trees t"at %on?t look -oo5 1or 5e3a5esB =e pulle5 up in 1ront o1 a 1ake lo- 3a8in t"at %as 8i--er t"an any real 3a8in "a5 e)er 8een. $oo mu3" -lass@ t"e yar5 nake5 5irt t"e 3olor o1 rust. $"e %"ite -ra)el t"at ma5e up t"e 5ri)e%ay "a5 to "a)e 8een 8rou-"t in 1rom miles a%ay. All t"e nati)e -ra)el %as as re5 as t"e 5irt. 9n-er starte5 to -o aroun5 t"e 3ar@ to open my 5oor 9 t"ink. 9 opene5 my o%n 5oor. 9n-er seeme5 a little lost@ 8ut "e?5 -et o)er it. 9?5 ne)er seen t"e sense in per1e3tly "ealt"y people not openin- t"eir o%n 5oors. ,spe3ially 3ar 5oors %"ere t"e man "a5 to %alk all t"e %ay aroun5 t"e 3ar@ an5 t"e %oman >ust %aite5 like a ... a lump. 9n-er le5 t"e %ay up t"e por3" steps. 9t %as a ni3e por3"@ %i5e enou-" to sit on 3ome summer e)enin-s. <i-"t no% it %as all 8are %oo5 an5 a "u-e pi3ture %in5o% %it" 3lose5 5rapes in a 8arn2re5 5esi-n %it" %a-on %"eels 5ra%n all o)er it. Very rusti3. He kno3ke5 on t"e 3ar)e5 %oo5en 5oor. A pane o1 lea5e5 -lass 5e3orate5 t"e 3enter o1 t"e 5oor@ "i-" up an5 sparklin-@ more 1or 5e3oration t"an 1or seein- t"rou-". He 5i5n?t %ait 1or t"e 5oor to 8e opene5@ 8ut use5 a key an5 %alke5 in. He 5i5n?t seem to e*pe3t an ans%er@ so %"y kno3kB $"e "ouse %as in a t"i3k t%ili-"t o1 really ni3e 5rapes@ all 3lose5 a-ainst t"e syrup2"ea)y sunli-"t. $"e polis"e5 %oo5 1loors %ere utterly 8are. $"e mantel o1 t"e "ea)y 1irepla3e %as nake5@ t"e 1irepla3e 3ol5. $"e pla3e smelle5 ne% an5 unuse5@ like ne% toys on !"ristmas. 9n-er ne)er "esitate5. 9 1ollo%e5 "is 8roa5 8a3k into t"e %oo5en "all%ay. He 5i5n?t look 8e"in5 to see i1 9 %as keepin- up. Apparently %"en 9?5 5e3i5e5 not to let "im open my 5oor 1or me@ "e seeme5 to "a)e 5e3i5e5 t"at no 1urt"er 3ourtesy %as ne3essary. 'ine %it" me. $"ere %ere 5oors at %i5ely spa3e5 inter)als alon- t"e "all%ay. 9n-er kno3ke5 at t"e t"ir5 5oor on t"e le1t. A )oi3e sai5@ A,nter.C 9n-er opene5 t"e 5oor an5 %ent insi5e. He "el5 t"e 5oor 1or me@ stan5in- )ery strai-"t 8y t"e 5oor. 9t %asn?t 3ourtesy. He stoo5 like a sol5ier at attention. ="o %as in t"e room to make 9n-er toe t"e lineB #ne %ay to 1in5 out. 9 %ent into t"e room. $"ere %as a 8ank o1 %in5o%s to t"e nort" %it" "ea)y 5rapes pulle5 a3ross t"em. A t"in line o1 sunli-"t 3ut a3ross t"e room@ 8ise3tin- a lar-e@ 3lean 5esk. A man sat in a lar-e 3"air 8e"in5 t"e 5esk. He %as a small man@ almost a mi5-et or a 5%ar1. 9 %ante5 to say 5%ar1@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t "a)e t"e >a% or t"e s"ortene5 arms. He looke5 %ell 1orme5 un5er "is tailore5 suit. He "a5 almost no 3"in an5 a slopin- 1ore"ea5@ %"i3" 5re% attention to t"e %i5e nose an5 t"e prominent eye8ro% ri5-e. $"ere %as somet"in- 1amiliar a8out "is 1a3e@ as i1 9?5 seen it some%"ere else 8e1ore. Det 9 kne% 9?5 ne)er met a person %"o looke5 >ust like "im. 9t %as a )ery sin-ular 1a3e. 9 %as starin- at "im. 9 %as em8arrasse5 an5 5i5n?t like it. 9 met "is eyesG t"ey %ere per1e3tly 8ro%n an5 smilin-. His 5ark "air %as 3ut one "air at a time@ e*pensi)e an5 8lo%25rie5. He sat in "is 3"air 8e"in5 t"e 3lean polis"e5 5esk an5 smile5 at me. A7r. #li)er@ t"is is Anita Blake@C 9n-er sai5@ still stan5in- sti11ly 8y t"e 5oor. He -ot out o1 "is 3"air an5 3ame aroun5 t"e 5esk to o11er me "is small %ell21orme5 "an5. He %as 1our 1eet tall@ not an in3" more. His "an5s"ake %as 1irm an5 mu3" stron-er t"an "e looke5. A 8rie1 s;ueeEe@ an5 9 3oul5 1eel t"e stren-t" in "is small 1rame. He 5i5n?t look mus3le8oun5@ 8ut t"at easy stren-t" %as t"ere@ in "is 1a3e@ "an5@ stan3e. He %as small@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t t"ink it %as a 5e1e3t. 9 like5 t"at. 9 1elt t"e same %ay.

He -a)e a 3lose2lippe5 smile an5 sat 8a3k 5o%n in "is 8i- 3"air. 9n-er 8rou-"t a 3"air 1rom t"e 3orner an5 put it 1a3int"e 5esk. 9 took t"e 3"air. 9n-er remaine5 stan5in- 8y t"e no%23lose5 5oor. He %as 5e1initely at attention. He respe3te5 t"e man in t"e 3"air. 9 %as %illin- to like "im. $"at %as a 1irst 1or me. 9?m more likely to instantly mistrust t"an like someone. 9 realiEe5 t"at 9 %as smilin-. 9 1elt %arm an5 3om1orta8le 1a3in- "im@ like "e %as a 1a)orite an5 truste5 un3le. 9 1ro%ne5 at "imG %"at t"e "ell %as "appenin- to meB A="at?s -oin- onBC 9 sai5. He smile5@ "is eyes sparklin- %armly at me. A="ate)er 5o you mean@ 7s. BlakeBC His )oi3e %as so1t@ lo%@ ri3"@ like 3ream in 3o11ee. Dou 3oul5 almost taste it. A 3om1ortin- %armt" to your ears. 9 only kne% one ot"er )oi3e t"at 3oul5 5o similar t"in-s. 9 stare5 at t"e t"in 8an5 o1 sunli-"t only in3"es 1rom #li)er?s arm. 9t %as 8roa5 5ayli-"t. He 3oul5n?t 8e. !oul5 "eB 9 stare5 at "is )ery ali)e 1a3e. $"ere %as no tra3e o1 t"at ot"erness t"at )ampires -a)e o11. An5 yet@ "is )oi3e@ t"is %arm 3osy 1eelin-@ none o1 it %as natural. 9?5 ne)er like5 an5 truste5 anyone instantly. 9 %asn?t a8out to start no%. ADou?re -oo5@C 9 sai5. AVery -oo5.C A="ate)er 5o you mean@ 7s. BlakeBC Dou 3oul5 "a)e 3u55le5 into t"e %arm 1uEEiness o1 "is )oi3e like a 1a)orite 8lanket. AStop it.C He looke5 ;uiEEi3ally at me@ as i1 3on1use5. $"e a3t %as per1e3t@ an5 9 realiEe5 %"yG it %asn?t an a3t. 9?5 8een aroun5 an3ient )ampires@ 8ut ne)er one t"at "a5 8een a8le to pass 1or "uman@ not like t"is. Dou 3oul5 "a)e taken "im any%"ere an5 no one %oul5 "a)e kno%n. =ell@ almost no one. ABelie)e me@ 7s. Blake@ 9?m not tryin- to 5o anyt"in-.C 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5. =as t"at trueB =as "e so 5amn po%er1ul t"at t"e min5 tri3ks an5 t"e )oi3e %ere automati3B /oG i1 Hean2!lau5e 3oul5 3ontrol it@ t"is t"in- 3oul5@ too. A!ut t"e min5 tri3ks@ an5 3ur8 t"e )oi3e@ okayB 91 you %ant to talk 8usiness@ talk@ 8ut 3ut t"e -ames.C His smile %i5ene5@ still not enou-" to s"o% 1an-s. A1ter a 1e% "un5re5 years@ you must -et really -oo5 at smilin- like t"at. He lau-"e5 t"enG it %as %on5er1ul@ like %arm %ater 1allin- 1rom a -reat "ei-"t. Dou 3oul5 "a)e >umpe5 into it an5 8at"e5@ an5 1elt -oo5. AStop it@ stop itIC 'an-s 1las"e5 as "e 1inis"e5 3"u3klin- at me. A9t isn?t t"e )ampire marks t"at allo%e5 you to see t"rou-" my@ as you 3all t"em@ -ames. 9t is natural talent@ isn?t itBC 9 no55e5. A7ost animators "a)e it.C ABut not to t"e 5e-ree you 5o@ 7s. Blake. Dou "a)e po%er@ too. 9t 3ra%ls alon- my skin. Dou are a ne3roman3er.C 9 starte5 to 5eny it@ 8ut stoppe5. Lyin- to somet"in- like t"is %as useless. He %as ol5er t"an anyt"in- 9?5 e)er 5reame5 o1@ ol5er t"an any ni-"tmare 9?5 e)er "a5. But "e 5i5n?t make my 8ones a3"eG "e 1elt -oo5@ 8etter t"an Hean2!lau5e@ 8etter t"an anyt"in-. A9 3oul5 8e a ne3roman3er. 9 3"oose not to 8e.C A/o@ 7s. Blake@ t"e 5ea5 respon5 to you@ all t"e 5ea5. ,)en 9 1eel t"e pull.C ADou mean 9 "a)e a sort o1 po%er o)er )ampires@ tooBC A91 you 3oul5 learn to "arness your talents@ 7s. Blake@ yes@ you "a)e a 3ertain po%er o)er all t"e 5ea5@ in t"eir many -uises.C 9 %ante5 to ask "o% to 5o t"at@ 8ut stoppe5 mysel1. A master )ampire %asn?t likely to "elp me -ain po%er o)er "is 1ollo%ers. ADou?re tauntin- me.C A9 assure you@ 7s. Blake@ t"at 9 am )ery serious. 9t is your potential po%er t"at "as 5ra%n t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity to you. He %ants to 3ontrol t"at emer-in- po%er@ 1or 1ear it %ill 8e turne5 a-ainst "im.C AHo% 5o you kno% t"atBC A9 3an taste "im t"rou-" t"e marks "e "as lai5 upon you.C 9 >ust stare5 at "im. He 3oul5 taste Hean2!lau5e. S"it. A="at 5o you %ant 1rom meBC AVery 5ire3tG 9 like t"at. Human li)es are too s"ort to %aste in tri)ialities.C =as t"at a t"reatB Starin- into "is smilin- 1a3e@ 9 3oul5n?t tell. His eyes %ere still sparklin-@ an5 9 %as still 1eelin- )ery %arm an5 1uEEy to%ar5s "im. ,ye 3onta3t. 9 kne% 8etter t"an t"at. 9 stare5 at t"e top o1 "is 5esk an5 1elt 8etter@ or %orse. 9 3oul5 8e s3are5 no%.

A9n-er sai5 you "a5 a plan 1or takin- out t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. ="at is itBC 9 spoke starin- at "is 5esk. 7y skin 3ra%le5 %it" t"e 5esire to look up. $o meet "is eyes@ to let t"e %armt" an5 3om1ort %as" o)er me. 7ake all t"e 5e3isions easy. 9 s"ook my "ea5. AStay out o1 my min5 or t"is inter)ie% is o)er.C He lau-"e5 a-ain@ %arm an5 real. 9t raise5 -oose 8umps on my arms. ADou really are -oo5. 9 "a)en?t met a "uman in 3enturies t"at ri)ale5 you. A ne3roman3erG 5o you realiEe "o% rare t"at talent isBC <eally 9 5i5n?t@ 8ut 9 sai5@ ADes.C ALies@ 7s. Blake@ to me@ please 5on?t 8ot"er.C A=e?re not "ere to talk a8out me. ,it"er state your plan or 9?m lea)in-.C A9 am t"e plan@ 7s. Blake. Dou 3an 1eel my po%ers@ t"e e88 an5 1lo% o1 more 3enturies t"an your little master "as e)er 5reame5 o1. 9 am ol5er t"an time itsel1.C $"at 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e@ 8ut 9 let it -o. He %as ol5 enou-"G 9 %asn?t -oin- to ar-ue %it" "im@ not i1 9 3oul5 "elp it. AGi)e me your master an5 9 %ill 1ree you o1 "is marks.C 9 -lan3e5 up@ t"en ;ui3kly 5o%n. He %as still smilin- at me@ 8ut t"e smile 5i5n?t look real anymore. 9t %as an a3t like e)eryt"in- else. 9t %as >ust a )ery -oo5 a3t. A91 you 3an taste my master in t"e marks@ 3an?t you >ust 1in5 "im yoursel1BC A9 3an taste "is po%er@ >u5-e "o% %ort"y a 1oe "e %oul5 8e@ 8ut not "is name an5 not %"ere "e liesG t"at is "i55en.C His )oi3e %as )ery serious no%@ not tryin- to tri3k me. #r at least 9 5i5n?t t"ink it %asG may8e t"at %as a tri3k@ too. A="at 5o you %ant 1rom meBC AHis name an5 "is 5aytime restin- pla3e.C A9 5on?t kno% t"e 5aytime restin- pla3e.C 9 %as -la5 it %as t"e trut"@ 8e3ause "e %oul5 smell a lie. A$"en "is name@ -i)e me "is name.C A="y s"oul5 9BC ABe3ause 9 %is" to 8e 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ 7s. Blake.C A="yBC ASo many ;uestions. 9s it not enou-" t"at 9 %oul5 1ree you 1rom "is po%erBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o.C A="y s"oul5 you 3are a8out %"at "appens to t"e ot"er )ampiresBC A9 5on?t@ 8ut 8e1ore 9 "an5 you t"e po%er to 3ontrol e)ery )ampire in t"e imme5iate area@ 9?5 like to kno% %"at you inten5 to 5o %it" all t"at po%er.C He lau-"e5 a-ain. $"is time it %as >ust a lau-". He %as tryin-. ADou are t"e most stu88orn "uman 9 "a)e met in a )ery lon- time. 9 like stu88orn peopleG t"ey -et t"in-s 5one.C AAns%er my ;uestion.C A9 t"ink it is %ron- to "a)e )ampires as le-al 3itiEens. 9 %is" to put t"in-s 8a3k as t"ey %ere.C A="y s"oul5 you %ant )ampires to 8e "unte5 a-ainBC A$"ey are too po%er1ul to 8e allo%e5 to sprea5 un3"e3ke5. $"ey %ill take o)er t"e "uman ra3e mu3" ;ui3ker t"rou-" le-islation an5 )otin- ri-"ts t"an t"ey e)er 3oul5 t"rou-" )iolen3e.C 9 remem8ere5 t"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e@ t"e 1astest2-ro%in- 5enomination in t"e 3ountry. ASay you?re ri-"tG "o% %oul5 you stop itBC ABy 1or8i55in- t"e )ampires to )ote@ or take part in any le-islation.C A$"ere are ot"er master )ampires in to%n.C ADou mean 7al3olm@ t"e "ea5 o1 t"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e.C ADes.C A9 "a)e o8ser)e5 "im. He %ill not 8e a8le to 3ontinue "is one2man 3rusa5e to make )ampires le-itimate. 9 s"all 1or8i5 it an5 5ismantle "is 3"ur3". Surely you see t"e 3"ur3" as t"e lar-er 5an-er@ as 9 5o.C 9 5i5@ 8ut 9 "ate5 a-reein- %it" an an3ient master )ampire. 9t seeme5 %ron- some"o%. ASt. Louis is a "ot8e5 o1 politi3al a3ti)ity an5 entrepreneurial )ampires. $"ey must 8e stoppe5. =e are pre5ators@ 7s. BlakeG not"in- %e 5o 3an 3"an-e t"at. =e must -o 8a3k to 8ein- "unte5 or t"e "uman ra3e is 5oome5. Surely you see t"at.C

9 5i5 see t"at. 9 8elie)e5 t"at. A="y %oul5 you 3are i1 t"e "uman ra3e is 5oome5B Dou?re not part o1 it anymore.C AAs t"e ol5est li)in- )ampire@ it is my 5uty to keep us in 3"e3k@ 7s. Blake. $"ese ne% ri-"ts are -ettin- out o1 "an5 an5 must 8e stoppe5. =e are too po%er1ul to 8e allo%e5 su3" 1ree5om. Humans "a)e t"eir ri-"t to 8e "uman. 9n t"e ol5en 5ays only t"e stron-est@ smartest@ or lu3kiest )ampires sur)i)e5. $"e "uman )ampire "unters %ee5e5 out t"e stupi5@ t"e 3areless@ t"e )iolent. =it"out t"at 3"e3k2an528alan3e system@ 9 1ear %"at %ill "appen in a 1e% 5e3a5es.C 9 a-ree5@ %"ole"earte5lyG it %as sorta s3ary. 9 a-ree5 %it" t"e ol5est li)in- t"in- 9?5 e)er met. He %as ri-"t. !oul5 9 -i)e "im Hean2!lau5eB S"oul5 9 -i)e "im Hean2!lau5eB A9 a-ree %it" you@ 7r. #li)er@ 8ut 9 3an?t >ust -i)e "im up@ >ust like t"at. 9 5on?t kno% %"y really@ 8ut 9 3an?t.C ALoyaltyG 9 a5mire t"at. $"ink upon it@ 7s. Blake@ 8ut 5o not take too lon-. 9 nee5 to put my plan into a3tion as soon as possi8le.C 9 no55e5. A9 un5erstan5. 9 ... 9?ll -i)e you an ans%er %it"in a 3ouple o1 5ays. Ho% 5o 9 rea3" youBC A9n-er %ill -i)e you a 3ar5 %it" a num8er on it. Dou may sa1ely speak to "im as to me.C 9 turne5 an5 looke5 at 9n-er@ still stan5in- at attention 8esi5e t"e 5oor. ADou?re "is "uman ser)ant@ aren?t youBC A9 "a)e t"at "onor.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 nee5 to lea)e no%.C A4o not 1eel 8a5ly t"at you 3oul5 not re3o-niEe 9n-er as my "uman ser)ant. 9t is not a mark %"i3" s"o%sG ot"er%ise "o% 3oul5 t"ey 8e our "uman ears an5 eyes an5 "an5s@ i1 e)eryone kne% t"ey %ere oursBC He "a5 a point. He "a5 a lot o1 points. 9 stoo5 up. He stoo5 up@ too. He o11ere5 me "is "an5. A9?m sorry@ 8ut 9 kno% t"at tou3"in- makes t"e min5 -ames easier.C $"e "an5 5roppe5 8a3k to "is si5e. A9 5o not nee5 to tou3" you to play min5 -ames@ 7s. Blake.C $"e )oi3e %as %on5er1ul@ s"inin- an5 8ri-"t as !"ristmas mornin-. 7y t"roat %as ti-"t@ an5 t"e %armt" o1 tears 1ille5 my eyes. S"it@ s"it@ s"it@ s"it. 9 8a3ke5 1or t"e 5oor@ an5 9n-er opene5 it 1or me. $"ey %ere >ust -oin- to let me lea)e. He %asn?t -oin- to min52rape me an5 -et t"e name. He %as really -oin- to let me %alk a%ay. $"at 5i5 more to pro)e "im a -oo5 -uy t"an anyt"in- else. Be3ause "e 3oul5 "a)e s;ueeEe5 my min5 5ry. But "e let me -o. 9n-er 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 us@ slo%ly@ re)erently. AHo% ol5 is "eBC 9 aske5. ADou 3oul5n?t tellBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHo% ol5BC 9n-er smile5. A9 am o)er se)en "un5re5 years ol5. 7r. #li)er %as an3ient %"en 9 met "im.C AHe?s ol5er t"an a t"ousan5 years.C A="y 5o you say t"atBC A9?)e met a )ampire t"at %as a little o)er a t"ousan5. S"e %as s3ary@ 8ut s"e 5i5n?t "a)e t"at kin5 o1 po%er.C He smile5. A91 you %is" to kno% "is true a-e@ t"en you must ask "im yoursel1.C 9 stare5 up at 9n-er?s smilin- 1a3e 1or a minute. 9 remem8ere5 %"ere 9?5 seen a 1a3e like #li)er?s. 9?5 "a5 one ant"ropolo-y 3lass in 3olle-e. $"ere?5 8een a 5ra%in- t"at looke5 >ust like #li)er. 9t "a5 8een a re3onstru3tion o1 a Homo ere3tus skull. ="i3" ma5e #li)er a8out a million years ol5. A7y Go5@C 9 sai5. A="at?s %ron-@ 7s. BlakeBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHe 3an?t 8e t"at ol5.C AHo% ol5 is t"atBC 9 5i5n?t %ant to say it out lou5@ as i1 t"at %oul5 make it real. A million years. Ho% po%er1ul %oul5 a )ampire -ro% in a million yearsB A %oman %alke5 up t"e "all%ay to%ar5s us@ 3omin- 1rom 5eeper in t"e "ouse. S"e s%aye5 on 8are 1eet@ toenails painte5 a 8ri-"t s3arlet t"at mat3"e5 "er 1in-ernails. $"e 8elte5 5ress s"e %ore mat3"e5 t"e nail polis". Her le-s %ere lon- an5 pale@ 8ut it %as t"at kin5 o1 paleness t"at promise5 to tan i1 it e)er -ot enou-" sunli-"t. Her "air 1ell past "er %aist@ t"i3k an5 a8solute 8la3k. Her makeup %as per1e3t@ "er lips s3arlet. S"e smile5 at meG 1an-s s"o%e5 8elo% "er lips. But s"e %asn?t a )ampire. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at t"e "ell s"e %as@ 8ut 9 kne% %"at s"e %asn?t. 9 -lan3e5 at 9n-er. He 5i5n?t took "appy. AS"oul5n?t %e 8e -oin-BC 9 sai5. ADes@C "e sai5. He 8a3ke5 to%ar5s t"e 1ront 5oor an5 9 8a3ke5 8e"in5 "im. /eit"er o1 us took our eyes o11 t"e 1an-e5 8eauty slinkin- 5o%n t"e "all to%ar5s us.

S"e mo)e5 in a li;ui5 run t"at %as almost too 1ast to 1ollo%. Ly3ant"ropes 3oul5 mo)e like t"at@ 8ut t"at %asn?t %"at s"e %as@ eit"er. S"e %as aroun5 9n-er an5 3omin- 1or me. 9 -a)e up 8ein- 3ool an5 sort o1 ran 8a3k%ar5s to%ar5s t"e 1ront 5oor. But s"e %as too 1ast 1or me@ too 1ast 1or any "uman. S"e -ra88e5 my ri-"t 1orearm. S"e looke5 puEEle5. S"e 3oul5 1eel t"e kni1e s"eat" on my arm. S"e 5i5n?t seem to kno% %"at it %as. Bully 1or me. A="at are youBC 7y )oi3e %as stea5y. /ot a1rai5. Heap 8i- )ampire slayer. Dea"@ ri-"t. S"e opene5 "er mout" %i5er@ ton-ue 3aressin- t"e 1an-s. $"e 1an-s %ere lon-er t"an a )ampire?sG s"e?5 ne)er 8e a8le to 3lose "er mout" aroun5 t"em. A="ere 5o t"e 1an-s -o %"en you 3lose your mout"BC 9 sai5. S"e 8linke5 at me@ t"e smile slippin- a%ay 1rom "er 1a3e. S"e ran "er ton-ue o)er t"em@ t"en t"ey 1ol5e5 8a3k into t"e roo1 o1 "er mout". A<etra3ta8le 1an-s. !ool@C 9 sai5. Her 1a3e %as )ery solemn. A9?m -la5 you en>oye5 t"e s"o%@ 8ut t"ere?s so mu3" more to see.C $"e 1an-s un1ol5e5 a-ain. S"e %i5ene5 "er >a%s@ almost a ya%n@ 1las"in- t"e 1an-s ni3ely in t"e 5im 8eams o1 sunli-"t t"at -ot aroun5 t"e 5rapes. A7r. #li)er %ill not like you t"reatenin- "er@C 9n-er sai5. AHe -ro%s %eak@ sentimental.C Her 1in-ers 5u- into my arm stron-er t"an s"e s"oul5 "a)e 8een. S"e %as "ol5in- my ri-"t arm@ so 9 3oul5n?t -o 1or t"e -un. $"e kni)es %ere out 1or similar reasons. 7ay8e 9 s"oul5 %ear more -uns. S"e "isse5 at me@ a )iolent e*plosion o1 air t"at no "uman t"roat e)er ma5e. $"e ton-ue t"at 1li3ke5 out %as 1orke5. AS%eet Hesus@ %"at are youBC S"e lau-"e5@ 8ut it 5i5n?t soun5 ri-"t no%G may8e t"e split ton-ue. Her pupils "a5 narro%e5 to slits@ "er irises turne5 a -ol5en yello% %"ile 9 %at3"e5. 9 tu--e5 on my arm 8ut "er 1in-ers %ere like steel. 9 5roppe5 to t"e 1loor. S"e lo%ere5 my arm 8ut 5i5n?t let -o. 9 leane5 8a3k on my le1t si5e@ 5re% my le-s up un5er me@ an5 ki3ke5 "er ri-"t knee3ap %it" e)eryt"in- 9 "a5. $"e le3rumple5. S"e s3reame5 an5 1ell to t"e 1loor@ 8ut s"e let my arm -o. Somet"in- %as "appenin- to "er le-s. $"ey seeme5 to 8e -ro%in- to-et"er@ t"e skin sprea5in-. 9?5 ne)er seen anyt"inlike it@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to no%. A7elanie@ %"at are you 5oin-BC $"e )oi3e %as 8e"in5 us. #li)er stoo5 in t"e "all%ay >ust s"ort o1 t"e 8ri-"ter li-"t o1 t"e li)in- room. His )oi3e %as t"e soun5 o1 ro3ks 1allin-@ trees 8reakin-. A storm t"at %as >ust %or5s 8ut seeme5 to 3ut an5 slas". $"e t"in- on t"e 1loor 3rin-e5 1rom t"e )oi3e. Her lo%er 8o5y %as 8e3omin- serpentine. A snake o1 some kin5. Hesus. AS"e?s a lamia@C 9 sai5 so1tly. 9 8a3ke5 a%ay@ puttin- t"e outsi5e 5oor to my 8a3k@ "an5 on t"e 5oor kno8. A9 t"ou-"t t"ey %ere e*tin3t.C AS"e is t"e last one@C #li)er sai5. A9 keep "er %it" me 8e3ause 9 1ear %"at s"e %oul5 5o le1t to "er o%n 5esires.C ADour 3reature t"at you 3an 3all@ %"at is itBC 9 aske5. He si-"e5@ an5 9 1elt t"e years o1 sa5ness in t"at one soun5. A re-ret too 5eep 1or %or5s. ASnakes@ 9 3an 3all snakes.C 9 no55e5 my "ea5. ASure.C 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 8a3ke5 out onto t"e sunny por3". /o one trie5 to stop me. $"e 5oor s"ut 8e"in5 me an5 a1ter a 1e% minutes 9n-er 3ame out. He %as sti11 %it" an-er. A=e most "um8ly apolo-iEe 1or "er. S"e is an animal.C A#li)er nee5s to keep "er on a ti-"ter leas".C AHe tries.C 9 no55e5. 9 kne% a8out tryin-. 4oin- your 8est@ 8ut anyt"in- t"at 3oul5 3ontrol a lamia 3oul5 play min5 -ames %it" me all 5ay@ an5 9 mi-"t ne)er kno% it. Ho% mu3" o1 my trust an5 -oo5 %is"es %as real an5 "o% mu3" o1 it %as manu1a3ture5 8y #li)erB A9?ll 5ri)e you 8a3k.C APlease.C An5 a%ay %e %ent. 9?5 met my 1irst lamia an5 per"aps t"e ol5est li)in- 3reature in t"e %orl5. A re521u3kin-2letter 5ay.

Chapter Thirty
$"e p"one %as rin-in- as 9 unlo3ke5 t"e apartment 5oor. 9 s"o)e5 t"e 5oor open %it" my s"oul5er an5 ran 1or t"e p"one. 9 -ot it on t"e 1i1t" rin- an5 nearly yelle5@ AHello.C AAnitaBC <onnie ma5e it a ;uestion. ADea"@ it?s me.C ADou soun5 out o1 8reat".C A9 "a5 to run 1or t"e p"one. ="at?s upBC A9 remem8ere5 %"ere 9 kne% !al <upert 1rom.C 9t took me a minute to remem8er %"o s"e %as talkin- a8out. $"e 1irst )ampire )i3tim. 9?5 1or-otten@ >ust 1or a moment@ t"at t"ere %as a mur5er in)esti-ation -oin- on. 9 %as a little as"ame5 o1 t"at. A$alk to me@ <onnie.C A9 %as 5oin- some %ork 1or a lo3al la% 1irm last year. #ne o1 t"e la%yers spe3ialiEe5 in 5ra%in- up 5yin- %ills.C A9 kno% t"at <upert "a5 a 5yin- %ill. $"at?s "o% 9 3oul5 stake "im %it"out %aitin- 1or an or5er o1 e*e3ution.C ABut 5i5 you also kno% t"at <e8a Baker "a5 a 5yin- %ill %it" t"e same la%yerBC A="o?s <e8a BakerBC A9t may 8e t"e 1emale )i3tim.C 7y stoma3" ti-"tene5. A 3lue@ a real li)e 3lue. A="at makes you t"ink soBC A<e8a Baker %as youn-@ 8lon5@ an5 misse5 an appointment. S"e 5oesn?t ans%er "er p"one. $"ey 3alle5 "er at %ork@ an5 s"e "asn?t 8een in 1or t%o 5ays.C A$"e len-t" o1 time s"e?5 "a)e 8een 5ea5@C 9 sai5. A,*a3tly.C A!all Ser-eant <u5ol1 Storr. $ell "im %"at you >ust tol5 me. :se my name to -et to "im.C ADou 5on?t %ant to 3"e3k it out oursel)esBC A/ot on your li1e. $"is is poli3e 8usiness. $"ey?re -oo5 at it. Let Fem earn t"eir pay3"e3ks.C AS"u3ks@ you?re no 1un.C A<onnie@ 3all 4olp". Gi)e it to t"e poli3e. 9?)e met t"e )ampires t"at are killin- t"ese people. =e 5on?t %ant to make oursel)es tar-ets.C ADou %"atIC 9 si-"e5. 9?5 1or-otten t"at <onnie 5i5n?t kno%. 9 tol5 "er t"e s"ortest )ersion t"at %oul5 make any sense. A9?ll 1ill you in on e)eryt"in- Satur5ay mornin- %"en %e %ork out.C ADou -oin- to 8e all ri-"tBC ASo 1ar@ so -oo5.C A=at3" your 8a3k@ okayBC AAl%aysG you too.C A9 ne)er seem to "a)e as many people a1ter my 8a3k as you 5o.C ABe t"ank1ul@C 9 sai5. A9 am.C S"e "un- up. =e "a5 a 3lue. 7ay8e a pattern@ e*3ept 1or t"e atta3k on me. 9 5i5n?t 1it any pattern. $"ey?5 3ome a1ter me to -et Hean2 !lau5e. ,)ery8o5y %ante5 Hean2!lau5e?s >o8. $"e trou8le %as@ you 3oul5n?t a85i3ateG you 3oul5 only 5ie. 9 like5 %"at #li)er "a5 "a5 to say. 9 a-ree5 %it" "im@ 8ut 3oul5 9 sa3ri1i3e Hean2!lau5e on t"e altar o1 -oo5 senseB 4ammit. 9 >ust 5i5n?t kno%.

Chapter Thirty-one
Bert?s o11i3e %as small an5 painte5 pale 8lue. He t"ou-"t it %as soot"in- to t"e 3lients. 9 t"ou-"t it %as 3ol5@ 8ut t"at 1it Bert@ too. He %as si* 1eet tall %it" t"e 8roa5 s"oul5ers an5 8uil5 o1 an e*23olle-e 1oot8all player. His stoma3" %as mo)ina little sout" %it" too mu3" 1oo5 an5 not enou-" e*er3ise@ 8ut "e 3arrie5 it %ell in "is se)en2"un5re525ollar suits. 'or t"at kin5 o1 money@ t"e suits s"oul5 "a)e 3arrie5 t"e $a> 7a"al.

He %as tanne5@ -rey2eye5@ %it" a 8uEE "air3ut t"at %as nearly %"ite. /ot a-e@ "is natural "air 3olor. 9 %as sittin- a3ross 1rom "is 5esk in %ork 3lot"es. A re5 skirt@ mat3"in- >a3ket@ an5 a 8louse t"at %as so 3lose to s3arlet 9?5 "a5 to put on a little makeup so t"at my 1a3e 5i5n?t seem -"ostly. $"e >a3ket %as tailore5 so t"at my s"oul5er "olster 5i5n?t s"o%. Larry sat in t"e 3"air 8esi5e me in a 8lue suit@ %"ite s"irt@ an5 8lue2on28lue tie. $"e skin aroun5 "is stit3"es "a5 8lossome5 into a multi3olore5 8ruise a3ross "is 1ore"ea5. His s"ort re5 "air 3oul5n?t "i5e it. 9t looke5 like someone "a5 "it "im in t"e "ea5 %it" a 8ase8all 8at. ADou 3oul5 "a)e -otten "im kille5@ Bert@C 9 sai5. AHe %asn?t in any 5an-er until you s"o%e5 up. $"e )ampires %ante5 you@ not "im.C He %as ri-"t@ an5 9 5i5n?t like it. AHe trie5 to raise a t"ir5 Eom8ie.C Bert?s 3ol5 little eyes lit up. ADou 3an 5o t"ree in a ni-"tBC Larry "a5 t"e -ra3e to look em8arrasse5. AAlmost.C Bert 1ro%ne5. A="at?s Falmost? meanBC A9t means "e raise5 it@ 8ut lost 3ontrol o1 it. 91 9 "a5n?t 8een t"ere to 1i* t"in-s@ %e?5 "a)e "a5 a rampa-in- Eom8ie on our "an5s.C He leane5 1or%ar5@ "an5s 1ol5e5 on "is 5esk@ small eyes )ery serious. A9s t"is true@ LarryBC A9?m a1rai5 so@ 7r. Vau-"n.C A$"at 3oul5 "a)e 8een )ery serious@ Larry. Dou un5erstan5 t"atBC ASeriousBC 9 sai5. A9t %oul5 "a)e 8een a 8loo5y 5isaster. $"e Eom8ie 3oul5 "a)e eaten one o1 our 3lientsIC A/o%@ Anita@ no reason to 1ri-"ten t"e 8oy.C 9 stoo5 up. ADes@ t"ere is.C Bert 1ro%ne5 at me. A91 you "a5n?t 8een late@ "e %oul5n?t "a)e trie5 to raise t"e last Eom8ie.C A/o@ Bert. Dou are not makin- t"is all my 1ault. Dou sent "im out on "is 1irst ni-"t alone. Alone@ Bert.C AAn5 "e "an5le5 "imsel1 %ell@C Bert sai5. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to s3ream@ 8e3ause it %oul5n?t "elp. ABert@ "e?s a t%enty2year2ol5 3olle-e stu5ent. $"is is a 1reakinseminar 1or "im. 91 you -et "im kille5@ it?s -onna look sorta 8a5.C A7ay 9 say somet"in-BC Larry aske5. 9 sai5@ A/o.C Bert sai5@ A!ertainly.C A9?m a 8i- 8oy. 9 3an take 3are o1 mysel1.C 9 %ante5 to ar-ue t"at@ 8ut lookin- into "is true28lue eyes 9 3oul5n?t say it. He %as t%enty. 9 remem8ere5 t%enty. 9?5 kno%n e)eryt"in- at t%enty. 9t took me anot"er year to realiEe 9 kne% not"in-. 9 %as still "opin- to learn somet"in- 8e1ore 9 "it t"irty@ 8ut 9 %asn?t "ol5in- my 8reat". AHo% ol5 %ere you %"en you starte5 %orkin- 1or meBC Bert sai5. A="atBC AHo% ol5 %ere youBC A$%enty2oneG 9?5 >ust -ra5uate5 3olle-e.C A="en %ill you turn t%enty2one@ LarryBC Bert aske5. A7ar3".C ASee@ Anita@ "e?s >ust a 1e% mont"s youn-er. He?s t"e same a-e you %ere.C A$"at %as 5i11erent.C A="yBC Bert sai5. 9 3oul5n?t put it into %or5s. Larry still "a5 all "is -ran5parents. He?5 ne)er seen 5eat" an5 )iolen3e up 3lose an5 personal. 9 "a5. He %as an inno3ent@ an5 9 "a5n?t 8een inno3ent 1or years. But "o% to e*plain t"at to Bert %it"out "urtin- Larry?s 1eelin-sB /o t%enty2year2ol5 man likes to "ear t"at a %oman kno%s more a8out t"e %orl5 t"an "e 5oes. Some 3ultural 1a8les 5ie "ar5. ADou sent me out %it" 7anny@ not alone.C AHe %as suppose5 to -o out %it" you@ 8ut you "a5 poli3e 8usiness to "an5le.C

A$"at?s not 1air@ Bert@ an5 you kno% it.C He s"ru--e5. A91 you?5 8een 5oin- your >o8@ "e %oul5n?t "a)e 8een alone.C A$"ere?)e 8een t%o mur5ers. ="at am 9 suppose5 to 5oB Say sorry@ 1olks@ 9?)e -ot to 8a8ysit a ne% animator. Sorry a8out t"e mur5ers.C A/o8o5y "as to 8a8ysit me@C Larry sai5. =e 8ot" i-nore5 "im. ADou "a)e a 1ull time >o8 "ere %it" Animators@ 9n3.C A=e?)e "a5 t"is ar-ument 8e1ore@ Bert.C A$oo many times@C "e sai5. ADou?re my 8oss@ Bert. 4o %"at you t"ink 8est.C A4on?t tempt me.C AHey@ -uys@C Larry sai5@ A9?m -ettin- t"e 1eelin- t"at you?re usin- me 1or an e*3use to 1i-"t. 4on?t -et 3arrie5 a%ay@ okayBC =e 8ot" -lare5 at "im. He 5i5n?t 8a3k 5o%n@ >ust stare5 at us. Point 1or "im. A91 you 5on?t like t"e %ay 9 5o my >o8@ Bert@ 1ire me@ 8ut stop yankin- my 3"ain.C Bert stoo5 up@ slo%ly@ like a le)iat"an risin- 1rom t"e %a)es. AAnita ... C $"e p"one ran-. =e all stare5 at it 1or a minute. Bert 1inally pi3ke5 it up an5 -ro%le5@ ADea"@ %"at is itBC He listene5 1or a minute@ t"en -lare5 at me. A9t?s 1or you.C His )oi3e %as in3re5i8ly mil5 as "e sai5 it. A4ete3ti)e Ser-eant Storr@ poli3e 8usiness.C Bert?s 1a3e %as smilin-@ 8utter %oul5n?t "a)e melte5 in "is mout". 9 "el5 out my "an5 1or t"e p"one %it"out anot"er %or5. He "an5e5 me t"e re3ei)er. He %as still smilin-@ "is tiny -rey eyes %arm an5 sparklin-. 9t %as a 8a5 si-n. AHi@ 4olp"@ %"at?s upBC A=e?re at t"e la%yer?s o11i3e t"at your 1rien5 Veroni3a Sims -a)e us. /i3e t"at s"e 3alle5 you 1irst an5 not us.C AS"e 3alle5 you se3on5@ 5i5n?t s"eBC ADea".C A="at "a)e you 1oun5 outBC 9 5i5n?t 8ot"er to keep my )oi3e 5o%n. 91 you?re 3are1ul@ one si5e o1 a 3on)ersation isn?t )ery enli-"tenin-. A<e8a Baker is t"e 5ea5 %oman. $"ey i5enti1ie5 "er 1rom mor-ue p"otos.C APleasant %ay to en5 t"e %ork %eek@C 9 sai5. 4olp" i-nore5 t"at. ABot" )i3tims %ere 3lients %it" 5yin- %ills. 91 t"ey 5ie5 8y )ampire 8ite@ t"ey %ante5 to 8e stake5@ t"en 3remate5.C ASoun5s like a pattern to me@C 9 sai5. ABut "o% 5i5 t"e )ampires 1in5 out t"at t"ey "a5 5yin- %illsBC A9s t"is a tri3k ;uestion@ 4olp"B Someone tol5 t"em.C A9 kno% t"at@C "e sai5. He soun5e5 5is-uste5. 9 %as missin- somet"in-. A="at 5o you %ant 1rom me@ 4olp"BC A9?)e ;uestione5 e)eryone@ an5 9?5 s%ear t"ey %ere all tellin- t"e trut". !oul5 someone "a)e 8een -i)in- t"e in1ormation an5 not remem8erBC ADou mean 3oul5 t"e )ampire "a)e playe5 min5 -ames@ so t"at t"e traitor %oul5n?t kno% a1ter%ar5sBC ADea"@C "e sai5. ASure@C 9 sai5. A!oul5 you tell %"i3" one t"e )ampire -ot to i1 you %ere "ereBC 9 -lan3e5 at my 8oss?s 1a3e. 91 9 misse5 anot"er ni-"t 5urin- our 8usiest season@ "e mi-"t 1ire me. $"ere %ere 5ays %"en 9 5i5n?t t"ink 9?5 3are. $"is %asn?t one o1 t"em. ALook 1or memory lossesG "ours@ or e)en entire ni-"ts.C AAnyt"in- elseBC A91 someone "as 8een 1ee5in- in1o to t"e )ampires@ t"ey may not remem8er it@ 8ut a -oo5 "ypnotist %ill 8e a8le to raise t"e memory.C

A$"e la%yer is s3reamin- a8out ri-"ts an5 %arrants. =e?)e only -ot a %arrant 1or t"e 1iles@ not 1or t"eir min5s.C AAsk "im i1 "e %ants to 8e responsi8le 1or toni-"t?s mur5er )i3tim@ one o1 "is o%n 3lientsBC AS"eG t"e la%yer?s a %oman@C "e sai5. Ho% em8arrassin- an5 "o% se*ist o1 me. AAsk "er i1 s"e?s %illin- to e*plain to "er 3lient?s 1amily %"y s"e o8stru3te5 your in)esti-ation.C A$"e 3lients %on?t kno% unless %e let it out@C "e sai5. A$"at?s true@C 9 sai5. A="y@ t"at %oul5 8e 8la3kmail@ 7s. Blake.C A9sn?t it@ t"ou-"BC 9 sai5. ADou "a5 to 8e a 3op in a past li1e@C "e sai5. ADou?re too 5e)ious not to 8e.C A$"anks 1or t"e 3ompliment.C AAny "ypnotists you?5 re3ommen5BC AAl)in $"ormun5. =ait a se3 an5 9?ll -et "is num8er 1or you.C 9 -ot out my t"in 8usiness 3ar5 "ol5er. 9 trie5 to only keep 3ar5s 9 %ante5 to re1er to 1rom time to time. =e?5 use5 Al)in 1or se)eral 3ases o1 )ampire )i3tims %it" amnesia. 9 -a)e 4olp" t"e num8er. A$"anks@ Anita.C ALet me kno% %"at you 1in5 out. 9 mi-"t 8e a8le to i5enti1y t"e )ampire in)ol)e5.C ADou %ant to 8e t"ere %"en %e put t"em un5erBC 9 -lan3e5 at Bert. His 1a3e %as still rela*e5@ pleasant. Bert at "is most 5an-erous. A9 5on?t t"ink so. Hust make a re3or5in- o1 t"e session. 91 9 nee5 to@ 9?ll listen to it later.C ALater may mean anot"er 8o5y@C "e sai5. ADour 8oss -i)in- you trou8le a-ainBC ADea"@C 9 sai5. ADou %ant me to talk to "imBC 4olp" aske5. A9 5on?t t"ink so.C AHe 8ein- a real 8astar5 a8out itBC A$"e usual.C A#kay@ 9?ll 3all t"is $"ormun5 an5 re3or5 t"e sessions. 9?ll let you kno% i1 %e 1in5 out anyt"in-.C ABeep me.C ADou -ot it.C He "un- up. 9 5i5n?t 8ot"er to say -oo528ye. 4olp" ne)er 5i5. 9 "an5e5 t"e p"one 8a3k to Bert. He "un- it up still starin- at me %it" "is pleasant@ t"reatenin- eyes. ADou "a)e to -o out 1or t"e poli3e toni-"tBC A/o.C AHo% 5i5 %e merit t"is "onorBC A!ut t"e sar3asm@ Bert.C 9 turne5 to Larry. ADou rea5y to -o@ ki5BC AHo% ol5 are youBC "e aske5. Bert -rinne5. A="at 5i11eren3e 5oes it makeBC 9 aske5. AHust ans%er t"e ;uestion@ okayBC 9 s"ru--e5. A$%enty21our.C ADou?re only 1our years ol5er t"an me. 4on?t 3all me ki5.C 9 "a5 to smile. A4eal@ 8ut %e 8etter 8e -oin-. =e "a)e 5ea5 to raise@ money to make.C 9 -lan3e5 at Bert. He %as leanin- 8a3k in "is 3"air@ 8lunt21in-ere5 "an5s 3laspe5 o)er "is 8elly. He %as -rinnin-. 9 %ante5 to %ipe t"e -rin o11 "is 1a3e %it" a 1ist. 9 resiste5 t"e ur-e. ="o says 9 "a)e no sel123ontrolB

Chapter Thirty-two
9t %as an "our 8e1ore 5a%n. ="en all t"e ="os 5o%n in ="o)ille %ere asnooEe in t"eir 8e5s %it"out 3are. Sorry@ %ron8ook. 91 9 -et to stay a%ake until 5a%n@ 9 -et >ust a ta5 slap"appy. 9?5 8een up all ni-"t tea3"in- Larry "o% to 8e a -oo5@ la%2a8i5in- animator. 9 %asn?t sure Bert %oul5 appre3iate t"e last@ 8ut 9 kne% 9 %oul5. $"e 3emetery %as small. A 1amily plot %it" pretensions. A narro% t%o2lane roa5 roun5e5 a "ill@ an5 su55enly t"ere it %as@ a s%at"e o1 -ra)el 8esi5e t"e roa5. Dou "a5 se3on5s to 5e3i5e to turn in@ t"at t"is %as it. $om8stones 3lim8e5 up t"e "ill. $"e an-le %as so steep@ it looke5 like t"e 3o11ins s"oul5 "a)e sli5 5o%n"ill. =e stoo5 in t"e 5ark %it" a 3anopy o1 trees %"isperin- o)er"ea5. $"e %oo5s %ere t"i3k on eit"er si5e o1 t"e roa5. $"e little plot %as >ust a narro% spa3e 8esi5e t"e roa5@ 8ut it %as %ell 3are5 1or. $"ere %ere still2li)in- 1amily mem8ers to see to t"e upkeep. 9 5i5n?t e)en %ant to ima-ine "o% t"ey mo%e5 t"e "illsi5e. 7ay8e a rope2an52pulley system to make sure t"e mo%er 5i5n?t roll o)er an5 a55 anot"er 3orpse. #ur last 3lients o1 t"e ni-"t "a5 >ust 5ri)en a%ay 8a3k to 3i)iliEation. 9?5 raise5 1i)e Eom8ies. Larry "a5 raise5 one. Dea"@ "e 3oul5 "a)e raise5 t%o@ 8ut %e >ust ran out o1 5arkness. 9t 5oesn?t take t"at lon- to raise a Eom8ie@ at least 1or me@ 8ut t"ere?s tra)el time in3lu5e5. 9n 1our years 9?5 only "a5 t%o Eom8ies in t"e same 3emetery on t"e same ni-"t. 7ost o1 t"e time you %ere 5ri)in- like a mania3 to make all t"e appointments. 7y poor 3ar "a5 8een to%e5 to a ser)i3e station@ 8ut t"e insuran3e people "a5n?t seen it yet. 9t %oul5 take 5ays or %eeks 1or t"em to tell me it %as totale5. $"ere "a5n?t 8een time to rent a 3ar 1or t"e ni-"t@ so Larry %as 5ri)in-. He?5 "a)e 8een %it" me e)en i1 9?5 "a5 t"e 3ar. 9 %as t"e one 8it3"in- a8out not "a)in- enou-" "elp@ so 9 -ot to train "im. 9t %as only 1air@ 9 -uesse5. $"e %in5 rus"e5 t"rou-" t"e trees. 4ry lea)es s3urrie5 a3ross t"e roa5. $"e ni-"t %as 1ull o1 small@ "urrie5 noises. <us"in-@ rus"in-@ to%ar5s ... %"atB All Hallo%s ,)e. Dou 3oul5 1eel Hallo%een on t"e air. A9 lo)e ni-"ts like t"is@C Larry sai5. 9 -lan3e5 o)er at "im. =e %ere 8ot" stan5in- %it" our "an5s in our po3kets starin- out into t"e 5arkness. ,n>oyin- t"e e)enin-. =e %ere also 8ot" 3o)ere5 in 5rie5 3"i3ken 8loo5. Hust a ni3e@ normal ni-"t. 7y 8eeper %ent o11. $"e "i-"2pit3"e5 8eep soun5e5 )ery %ron- in t"e ;uiet@ %in5s%ept ni-"t. 9 "it t"e 8utton. 7er3i1ully@ t"e noise stoppe5. $"e little li-"t 1las"e5 a p"one num8er at me. 9 5i5n?t re3o-niEe t"e num8er. 9 "ope5 it %asn?t 4olp"@ 8e3ause an un1amiliar num8er t"is late at ni-"t@ or early in t"e mornin-@ meant anot"er mur5er. Anot"er 8o5y. A!ome on@ %e -otta -et to a p"one.C A="o is itBC A9?m not sure.C 9 starte5 5o%n t"e "ill. He 1ollo%e5 me an5 aske5@ A="o 5o you t"ink it isBC A7ay8e t"e poli3e.C A$"e mur5ers you?re %orkin- onBC 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at "im an5 ramme5 my knee into a tom8stone. 9 stoo5 t"ere 1or a 1e% se3on5s@ "ol5in- my 8reat" %"ile t"e pain ran t"rou-" me. AS"iiitIC 9 sai5 so1tly an5 %it" 1eelin-. AAre you all ri-"tBC Larry tou3"e5 my arm. 9 5re% a%ay 1rom "is "an5@ an5 "e let "is "an5 5rop. 9 %asn?t mu3" into 3asual tou3"in-. A9?m 1ine.C $rut" %as@ it still "urt@ 8ut %"at t"e "ellB 9 nee5e5 to -et to a p"one@ an5 t"e pain %oul5 -et 8etter t"e more 9 %alke5 on it. Honest. 9 stare5 3are1ully a"ea5 to a)oi5 ot"er "ar5 o8>e3ts. A="at 5o you kno% a8out t"e mur5ersBC AHust t"at you?re "elpin- t"e poli3e on a preternatural 3rime@ an5 t"at it?s takin- you a%ay 1rom your animatin- >o8s.C ABert tol5 you t"at.C A7r. Vau-"n@ yes.C =e %ere at t"e 3ar. ALook@ Larry@ i1 you?re -oin- to %ork 1or Animators@ 9n3.@ you?)e -ot to 5rop all t"is 7r. an5 7s. stu11. =e aren?t your pro1essors. =e?re 3o%orkers.C He smile5@ a 1las" o1 %"ite in t"e 5ark. AAll ri-"t@ 7s ... Anita.C A$"at?s 8etter. /o% let?s -o 1in5 a p"one.C =e 5ro)e into !"ester1iel5 on t"e t"eory t"at@ as t"e 3losest to%n@ it %oul5 "a)e t"e 3losest p"one. =e en5e5 up at a 8ank o1 pay p"ones in t"e parkin- lot o1 a 3lose5 ser)i3e station. $"e station -lo%e5 so1tly in t"e 5ark@ 8ut a "alo-en streetli-"t 8eame5 o)er t"e pay p"ones@ turnin- ni-"t into 5ay. 9nse3ts an5 mot"s 5an3e5 aroun5 t"e li-"t. $"e s%i1t@ 1littin- s"apes o1 8ats s%am in an5 out o1 t"e li-"t@ eatin- t"e inse3ts. 9 5iale5 t"e num8er %"ile Larry %aite5 in t"e 3ar. Gi)e "im a point 1or 5is3retion. $"e p"one ran- t%i3eG t"en a )oi3e sai5@ AAnita@ is t"at youBC

9t %as 9r)in- Gris%ol5@ reporter an5 1rien5. A9r)in-@ %"at in 8laEes are you 5oin- pa-in- me at t"is "ourBC AHean2!lau5e %ants to see you toni-"t@ no%.C His )oi3e soun5e5 rus"e5 an5 un3ertain. A="y are you 5eli)erin- t"e messa-eBC 9 %as a1rai5 9 %asn?t -oin- to like t"e ans%er. A9?m a %ere%ol1@C "e sai5. A="at?s t"at -ot to 5o %it" anyt"in-BC ADou 5i5n?t kno%.C He soun5e5 surprise5. AKno% %"atBC 9 %as -ettin- an-ry. 9 "ate t%enty ;uestions. AHean2!lau5e?s animal is a %ol1.C $"at e*plaine5 Step"en t"e =ere%ol1 an5 t"e 8la3k %oman. A="y %eren?t you t"ere t"e ot"er ni-"t@ 9r)in-B 4i5 "e let you o11 your leas"BC A$"at?s not 1air.C He %as ri-"t. 9t %asn?t. A9?m sorry@ 9r)in-. 9?m >ust 1eelin- -uilty 8e3ause 9 intro5u3e5 t"e t%o o1 you.C A9 %ante5 to inter)ie% t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. 9 -ot my inter)ie%.C A=as it %ort" t"e pri3eBC 9 sai5. A/o 3omment.C A$"at?s my line.C He lau-"e5. A!an you 3ome to t"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5B Hean2!lau5e "as some in1ormation on t"e master )ampire t"at >umpe5 you.C AAle>an5roBC A$"at?s t"e one.C A=e?ll 8e t"ere as soon as %e 3an@ 8ut it?s -oin- to 8e 5amn 3lose to 5a%n 8e1ore %e 3an -et to t"e <i)er1ront.C A="o?s %eBC AA ne% animator 9?m 8reakin- in. He?s 5ri)in-.C 9 "esitate5. A$ell Hean2!lau5e no rou-" stu11 toni-"t.C A$ell "im yoursel1.C A!o%ar5.C ADes@ ma?am. See you as soon as you 3an -et "ere. Bye.C ABye@ 9r)in-.C 9 "el5 t"e 8uEEin- re3ei)er 1or a 1e% se3on5s@ t"en "un- up. 9r)in- %as Hean2!lau5e?s 3reature. Hean2 !lau5e 3oul5 3all %ol)es t"e %ay 7r. #li)er 3alle5 snakes. $"e %ay /ikolaos "a5 3alle5 rats@ an5 %ererats. $"ey %ere all monsters. 9t %as >ust a 3"oi3e o1 1la)ors. 9 sli5 8a3k into t"e 3ar. ADou %ante5 more e*perien3e %it" )ampires@ ri-"tBC 9 8u3kle5 t"e seat 8elt. A#1 3ourse@C Larry sai5. A=ell@ you?re -oin- to -et it toni-"t.C A="at 5o you meanBC A9?ll e*plain %"ile you 5ri)e. =e 5on?t "a)e mu3" time 8e1ore 5a%n.C Larry t"re% t"e 3ar in -ear an5 peele5 out o1 t"e parkin- lot. He looke5 ea-er in t"e 5im -lo% o1 t"e 5as"8oar5. ,a-er an5 )ery@ )ery youn-.

Chapter Thirty-three
$"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5 "a5 3lose5 5o%n 1or t"e ni-"t@ or %oul5 t"at 8e mornin-B 9t %as still 5ark@ 8ut t"ere %as a %as" o1 li-"tness to t"e east as %e parke5 in 1ront o1 t"e %are"ouse. An "our earlier@ an5 t"ere %oul5n?t "a)e 8een a parkin- pla3e e)en 3lose to t"e !ir3us. But t"e tourists lea)e as t"e )ampires 1ol5 5o%n 1or t"e ni-"t. 9 -lan3e5 at Larry. His 1a3e %as smeare5 %it" 5rie5 8loo5. So %as mine. 9t "a5n?t o33urre5 to me until >ust no% to 1in5 some pla3e to 3lean up 1irst. 9 -lan3e5 up at t"e eastern sky an5 s"ook my "ea5. $"ere %as no time. 4a%n %as 3omin-. $"e toot"e5 3lo%ns still -lo%e5 an5 t%irle5 atop t"e mar;uee@ 8ut it %as a tire5 5an3e. #r may8e 9 %as t"e one %"o %as tire5. A'ollo% my lea5 in "ere@ Larry. /e)er 1or-et t"at t"ey are monstersG no matter "o% "uman t"ey look@ t"ey aren?t. 4on?t take o11 your 3ross@ 5on?t let t"em tou3" you@ an5 5on?t stare 5ire3tly into t"eir eyes.C A9 kno% t"at 1rom 3lass. 9 "a5 t%o semesters o1 Vampire Stu5ies.C

9 s"ook my "ea5. A!lass is not"in-@ Larry. $"is is t"e real t"in-. <ea5in- a8out it 5oesn?t prepare you 1or it.C A=e "a5 -uest speakers. Some o1 t"em %ere )ampires.C 9 si-"e5 an5 let it -o. He?5 "a)e to learn on "is o%n. Like e)ery8o5y else 5i5. Like 9 "a5. $"e 8i- 5oors %ere lo3ke5. 9 kno3ke5. $"e 5oor opene5 a moment later. 9r)in- stoo5 t"ere. He %asn?t smilin-. He looke5 like a 3"u88y 3"eru8 %it" so1t@ 3urlin- "air in a 1rin-e o)er "is ears@ an5 a 8i- 8al5 spot in t"e mi55le. <oun5@ %ire21rame5 -lasses per3"e5 on a roun5 little nose. His eyes %i5ene5 a little as %e steppe5 insi5e. $"e 8loo5 looke5 like %"at it %as in t"e li-"t. A="at "a)e you 8een 5oin- toni-"tBC "e aske5. A<aisin- t"e 5ea5@C 9 sai5. A$"is t"e ne% animatorBC ALarry Kirklan5@ 9r)in- Gris%ol5. He?s a reporter@ so e)eryt"in- you say 3an 8e use5 a-ainst you.C AHey@ Blake@ 9?)e ne)er ;uote5 you %"en you sai5 not to. Gi)e me t"at.C 9 no55e5. AGi)en.C AHe?s %aitin- 1or you 5o%nstairs@C 9r)in- sai5. A4o%nstairsBC 9 sai5. A9t is almost 5a%n. He nee5s to 8e un5er-roun5.C A". ASure@C 9 sai5@ 8ut my stoma3" 3len3"e5 ti-"t. $"e last time 9?5 -one 5o%nstairs at t"e !ir3us@ it "a5 8een to kill /ikolaos. $"ere "a5 8een a lot o1 killin- t"at mornin-. A lot o1 8loo5. Some o1 it mine. 9r)in- le5 t"e %ay t"rou-" t"e silent mi5%ay. Someone "a5 "it t"e s%it3"@ an5 t"e li-"ts %ere 5ull. $"e 1ronts o1 t"e -ames "a5 8een s"ut an5 lo3ke5 5o%n@ 3o)ers t"ro%n o)er t"e stu11e5 animals. $"e s3ent o1 3orn 5o-s an5 3otton 3an5y "un- on t"e air like aromati3 -"osts@ 8ut t"e smells %ere 5im an5 tire5. =e passe5 t"e "aunte5 "ouse %it" its li1e2siEe %it3" on top@ stan5in- silent an5 starin- %it" 8ul-in- eyes. S"e %as -reen an5 "a5 a %art on "er nose. 9?5 ne)er met a %it3" t"at looke5 anyt"in- 8ut normal. $"ey 3ertainly %eren?t -reen@ an5 %arts 3oul5 al%ays 8e sur-i3ally remo)e5. $"e -lass "ouse %as ne*t. $"e 5arkene5 'erris %"eel to%ere5 o)er e)eryt"in-. A9 1eel like one@ U ="o trea5s alone U Some 8an;uet "all 5eserte5@ U ="ose li-"ts are 1le5@ U ="ose -arlan5s 5ea5@ U An5 all 8ut "e 5eparte5@C 9 sai5. 9r)in- -lan3e5 8a3k to me. A$"omas 7oore@ #1t in t"e Stilly /i-"t.C 9 smile5. A9 3oul5n?t remem8er t"e title to sa)e mysel1. 9?ll >ust "a)e to a-ree %it" you.C A4ou8le ma>or@ >ournalism an5 ,n-lis" literature.C A9 8et t"at last 3omes in "an5y as a reporter@C 9 sai5. AHey@ 9 slip a little 3ulture in %"en 9 3an.C He soun5e5 o11en5e5@ 8ut 9 kne% "e %as preten5in-. 9t ma5e me 1eel 8etter to "a)e 9r)in- >okin- %it" me. 9t %as ni3e an5 normal. 9 nee5e5 all t"e ni3e 9 3oul5 -et toni-"t. 9t %as an "our until 5a%n. ="at "arm 3oul5 Hean2!lau5e 5o in an "ourB Better not to ask. $"e 5oor in t"e %all %as "ea)y an5 %oo5en %it" a si-n rea5in-@ AAut"oriEe5 Personnel #nly Beyon5 $"is Point.C 'or on3e 9 %is"e5 9 %asn?t aut"oriEe5. $"e little room 8eyon5 %as >ust a small stora-e room %it" a 8are li-"t 8ul8 "an-in- 1rom t"e 3eilin-. A se3on5 5oor le5 5o%n t"e stairs. $"e stairs %ere almost %i5e enou-" 1or t"e t"ree o1 us to %alk a8reast@ 8ut not ;uite. 9r)in- %alke5 a"ea5 o1 us@ as i1 %e still nee5e5 lea5in-. $"ere %as no%"ere to -o 8ut 5o%n. Prop"eti3@ t"at. $"ere %as a s"arp 8en5 to t"e stairs. $"ere %as a 8rus" o1 3lot"@ t"e sensation o1 mo)ement. 9 "a5 my -un out an5 rea5y. /o t"ou-"t ne3essary@ >ust lots an5 lots o1 pra3ti3e. ADou %on?t nee5 t"at@C 9r)in- sai5. ASays you.C A9 t"ou-"t t"e 7aster %as a 1rien5 o1 yours@C Larry sai5. AVampires 5on?t "a)e 1rien5s.C AHo% a8out >unior "i-" s3ien3e tea3"ersBC <i3"ar5 Keeman %alke5 aroun5 t"e 3orner. He %as %earin- a 1orest2-reen s%eater %it" a li-"ter -reen an5 8ro%n 1orest %o)en into it. $"e s%eater "un- 5o%n nearly to "is knees. #n me it %oul5 "a)e 8een a 5ress. $"e slee)es %ere pus"e5 8a3k o)er "is 1orearms. Heans an5 t"e same pair o1 %"ite /ikes 3omplete5 t"e out1it. AHean!lau5e sent me up to %ait 1or you.C A="yBC 9 aske5. He s"ru--e5. AHe seems ner)ous. 9 5i5n?t ask ;uestions.C ASmart man@C 9 sai5.

ALet?s keep mo)in-@C 9r)in- sai5. ADou soun5 ner)ous@ too@ 9r)in-.C AHe 3alls an5 9 o8ey@ Anita. 9?m "is animal.C 9 rea3"e5 out to tou3" 9r)in-?s arm@ 8ut "e mo)e5 a%ay. A9 t"ou-"t 9 3oul5 play "uman@ 8ut "e?s s"o%n me t"at 9?m an animal. Hust an animal.C A4on?t let "im 5o t"at to you@C 9 sai5. He stare5 at me@ "is eyes 1ille5 %it" tears. A9 3an?t stop "im.C A=e 8etter -et mo)in-. 9t?s almost 5a%n@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 -lare5 at "im 1or sayin- it. He s"ru--e5. A9t?ll 8e 8etter i1 %e 5on?t keep t"e master %aitin-. Dou kno% t"at.C 9 5i5 kno% t"at. 9 no55e5. ADou?re ri-"t. 9 5on?t "a)e any ri-"t to -et ma5 at you.C A$"anks.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ALet?s 5o it.C ADou 3an put t"e -un up@C "e sai5. 9 stare5 at t"e Bro%nin-. 9 like5 "a)in- it out. 'or se3urity it 8eat t"e "ell out o1 a te55y 8ear. 9 put t"e -un a%ay. 9 3oul5 al%ays -et it out a-ain later. At t"e en5 o1 t"e stairs t"ere %as one last 5oor2smaller@ roun5e5 %it" a "ea)y iron lo3k. 9r)in- took out a "u-e 8la3k key an5 slippe5 it into t"e 5oor. $"e lo3k -a)e a %ell2oile5 3li3k@ an5 "e pus"e5 it 1or%ar5. 9r)in- %as truste5 %it" t"e key to 8elo% t"e stairs. Ho% 5eep %as "e in@ an5 3oul5 9 -et "im outB A=ait a minute@C 9 sai5. ,)eryone turne5 to me. 9 %as t"e 3enter o1 attention. Great. A9 5on?t %ant Larry to meet t"e 7aster@ or e)en kno% %"o "e is.C AAnita ... C Larry starte5. A/o@ Larry@ 9?)e 8een atta3ke5 t%i3e 1or t"e in1ormation. 9t is 5e1initely on a nee52to2kno% 8asis. Dou 5on?t nee5 to kno%.C A9 5on?t nee5 you to prote3t me@C "e sai5. AListen to "er@C 9r)in- sai5. AS"e tol5 me to stay a%ay 1rom t"e 7aster. 9 sai5 9 3oul5 "an5le mysel1. 9 %as %ron-@ real %ron-.C Larry 3rosse5 "is arms o)er "is 3"est@ a stu88orn set to "is 8loo5staine5 3"eeks. A9 3an take 3are o1 mysel1.C A9r)in-@ <i3"ar5@ 9 %ant a promise on t"is. $"e less "e kno%s@ t"e sa1er "e?ll 8e.C $"ey 8ot" no55e5. A4oesn?t anyone 3are %"at 9 t"inkBC Larry aske5. A/o@C 9 sai5. A4ammit@ 9?m not a 3"il5.C ADou t%o 3an 1i-"t later@C 9r)in- sai5. A$"e 7aster?s %aitin-.C Larry starte5 to say somet"in-G 9 raise5 my "an5. ALesson num8er oneG ne)er keep a ner)ous master )ampire %aitin-.C Larry opene5 "is mout" to ar-ue@ t"en stoppe5. A#kay@ %e?ll ar-ue later.C 9 %asn?t lookin- 1or%ar5 to later@ 8ut ar-uin- %it" Larry o)er %"et"er 9 %as 8ein- o)erprote3ti)e 8eat t"e "ell out o1 %"at lay 8eyon5 t"e 5oor. 9 kne% t"at. Larry 5i5n?t@ 8ut "e %as a8out to learn@ an5 t"ere %asn?t a 5amn t"in- 9 3oul5 5o to stop it.

Chapter Thirty-four
$"e 3eilin- stret3"e5 up%ar5 into t"e 5arkness. Hu-e 5rapes o1 silky material 1ell in %"ite an5 8la3k@ 1ormin- 3lot" %alls. 7inimalist 3"airs in 8la3k an5 sil)er 1orme5 a small 3on)ersation -roup. A -lass an5 5ark %oo5 3o11ee ta8le took up t"e 3enter o1 t"e room. A 8la3k )ase %it" a 8ou;uet o1 %"ite lilies %as t"e only 5e3oration. $"e room looke5 "al121inis"e5@ as i1 it nee5e5 paintin-s "un- on t"e %alls. But "o% 5o you "an- paintin-s on 3lot" %allsB 9 %as sure Hean2!lau5e %oul5 1i-ure it out e)entually. 9 kne% t"e rest o1 t"e room %as a "u-e 3a)ernous %are"ouse ma5e o1 stone@ 8ut t"e only t"in- le1t o1 t"at %as t"e "i-" 3eilin-. $"ere %as e)en 8la3k 3arpetin- on t"e 1loor@ so1t an5 3us"ione5.

Hean2!lau5e sat in one o1 t"e 8la3k 3"airs. He %as slumpe5 in t"e 3"air@ ankles 3rosse5@ "an5s 3laspe5 a3ross "is stoma3". His %"ite s"irt %as plain@ >ust a simple 5ress s"irt e*3ept 1or t"e 1a3t t"at t"e 1ront si5es %ere s"eer. $"e line o1 8uttons@ 3u11s@ an5 3ollar %as soli5@ 8ut t"e 3"est %as lai5 8are t"rou-" a 1ilm o1 -auEe. His 3ross2s"ape5 8urn %as 8ro%n an5 3lear a-ainst t"e pale skin. 7ar-uerite sat at "is 1eet@ "ea5 lai5 on "is knee like an o8e5ient 5o-. Her 8lon5 "air an5 pale pink pants suit seeme5 out o1 pla3e in t"e 8la3k2an52%"ite room. ADou?)e re5e3orate5@C 9 sai5. AA 1e% 3om1orts@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9?m rea5y to meet t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity@C 9 sai5. His eyes %i5ene5@ a ;uestion 1ormin- on "is 1a3e. A9 5on?t %ant my ne% 3o%orker to meet t"e 7aster. 9t seems to 8e 5an-erous in1ormation ri-"t no%.C Hean2!lau5e ne)er mo)e5. He >ust stare5 at me@ one "an5 a8sently ru88in- 7ar-uerite?s "air. ="ere %as DasmeenB 9n a 3o11in some%"ere@ tu3ke5 sa1ely a%ay 1rom t"e 3omin- 5a%n. A9 %ill take you alone to meet ... t"e 7aster@C "e sai5 at last. His )oi3e %as neutral@ 8ut 9 3oul5 5ete3t a "int o1 lau-"ter un5erneat" t"e %or5s. 9t %asn?t t"e 1irst time Hean2!lau5e "a5 1oun5 me 1unny@ an5 it pro8a8ly %oul5n?t 8e t"e last. He stoo5 in one -ra3e1ul mo)ement@ lea)in- 7ar-uerite kneelin- 8esi5e t"e empty 3"air. S"e looke5 5isplease5. 9 smile5 at "er@ an5 s"e -lare5 at me. Baitin- 7ar-uerite %as 3"il5is"@ 8ut it ma5e me 1eel 8etter. ,)eryone nee5s a "o88y. Hean2!lau5e s%ept t"e 3urtains asi5e to s"o% 5arkness. 9 realiEe5 t"en t"at t"ere %as 5is3reet ele3tri3 li-"t in t"e room@ in5ire3t li-"tin- set in t"e %alls t"emsel)es. $"ere %as not"in- 8ut t"e 1li3ker o1 tor3"es 8eyon5 t"e 3urtains. 9t %as like t"at one pie3e o1 3lot" "el5 8a3k t"e mo5ern %orl5 %it" all its 3om1orts. Beyon5 lay stone an5 1ire an5 se3rets 8est %"ispere5 in t"e 5ark. AAnitaBC Larry 3alle5 a1ter me. He looke5 un3ertain@ may8e e)en s3are5. But 9 %as takin- t"e most 5an-erous t"in- in t"e room %it" me. He?5 8e sa1e %it" 9r)in- an5 <i3"ar5. 9 5i5n?t t"ink 7ar-uerite %as a 5an-er %it"out Dasmeen to "ol5 "er leas". AStay "ere@ Larry@ please. 9?ll 8e 8a3k as soon as 9 3an.C ABe 3are1ul@C "e sai5. 9 smile5. AAl%ays.C He -rinne5. ADea"@ sure.C Hean2!lau5e motione5 me t"rou-" an5 9 %ent@ 1ollo%in- t"e s%eep o1 "is pale "an5. $"e 3urtain 1ell 8e"in5 us@ 3uttin- o11 t"e li-"t. 4arkness 3lose5 aroun5 us like a 1ist. $or3"es sparke5 a-ainst t"e 1ar %all 8ut 3oul5n?t tou3" t"e s%ellin- 5ark. Hean2!lau5e le5 t"e %ay into t"e 5ark. A=e %oul5n?t %ant your 3o%orker to o)er"ear us.C His )oi3e %"ispere5 in t"e 5ark@ -ro%in- like a %in5 to 8eat a-ainst t"e 3urtains. 7y "eart "ammere5 a-ainst my ri8 3a-e. Ho% t"e "ell 5i5 "e 5o t"atB ASa)e t"e 5ramati3s 1or someone you 3an impress.C ABra)e %or5s@ ma petite@ 8ut 9 taste your "eart8eat in my mout".C $"e last %or5 8reat"e5 o)er my skin as i1 "is lips "a5 passe5 >ust o)er t"e nape o1 my ne3k. Goose8umps mar3"e5 5o%n my arms. A91 you %ant to play -ames until a1ter 5a%n@ t"at?s 1ine %it" me@ 8ut 9r)in- tol5 me t"at you "a5 in1ormation on t"e master )ampire t"at atta3ke5 me. 4o you@ or %as it a lieBC A9 "a)e ne)er lie5 to you@ ma petite.C A#"@ 3ome on.C APartial trut"s are not t"e same t"in- as lies.C A9 -uess t"at 5epen5s on %"ere you?re sittin-@C 9 sai5. He a3kno%le5-e5 t"at %it" a no5. AS"all %e sit a-ainst t"e 1ar %all@ out o1 "earin- ran-eBC ASure.C He knelt in t"e t"in 3ir3le o1 a tor3"?s li-"t. $"e li-"t %as 1or my 8ene1it an5 9 appre3iate5 it. But no sense tellin- "im t"at. 9 sat a3ross 1rom "im@ 8a3k to t"e %all. ASo@ %"at 5o you kno% a8out Ale>an5roBC He %as starin- at me@ a pe3uliar look on "is 1a3e. A="atBC 9 aske5. A$ell me e)eryt"in- t"at "appene5 last ni-"t@ ma petite@ e)eryt"in- a8out Ale>an5ro.C 9t %as too mu3" like an or5er 1or my tastes@ 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- in "is eyes@ "is 1a3eG uneasiness@ almost 1ear. ="i3" %as silly. ="at 5i5 Hean!lau5e "a)e to 1ear 1rom Ale>an5roB ="at in5ee5B 9 tol5 "im e)eryt"in- 9 remem8ere5.

His 1a3e %ent 3are1ully 8lank@ 8eauti1ul an5 unreal like a paintin-. $"e 3olors %ere still t"ere@ 8ut t"e li1e@ t"e mo)ement@ "a5 1le5. He put one 1in-er 8et%een "is lips an5 slo%ly sli5 it out o1 si-"t. $"e 1in-er 3ame -listenin- 8a3k to t"e li-"t. He e*ten5e5 t"at %et 1in-er to%ar5s me. 9 s3oote5 a%ay 1rom "im. A="at are you tryin- to 5oBC A=as" t"e 8loo5 o11 o1 your 3"eek. /ot"in- more.C A9 5on?t t"ink so.C He si-"e5@ t"e 8arest o1 soun5s@ 8ut it slit"ere5 o)er my skin like air. ADou make e)eryt"in- so 5i11i3ult.C AGla5 you noti3e5.C A9 nee5 to tou3" you@ ma petite. 9 8elie)e Ale>an5ro "as 5one somet"in- to you.C A="atBC He s"ook "is "ea5. ASomet"in- impossi8le.C A/o ri55les@ Hean2!lau5e.C A9 8elie)e "e "as marke5 you.C 9 stare5 at "im. A="at 5o you meanBC A7arke5 you@ Anita Blake@ marke5 you %it" t"e 1irst mark@ >ust as 9 "a)e.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"at?s not possi8le. $%o )ampires 3an?t "a)e t"e same "uman ser)ant.C A,*a3tly@C "e sai5. He mo)e5 to%ar5s me. ALet me test t"e t"eory@ ma petite@ please.C A="at 5oes testin- t"e t"eory meanBC He sai5 somet"in- so1t an5 "ars" in 'ren3". 9?5 ne)er "ear5 "im 3urse 8e1ore. A9t is a1ter 5a%n an5 9 am tire5. Dour ;uestions %ill make somet"in- simple last all 8loo5y 5ay.C $"ere %as real an-er in "is )oi3e@ 8ut un5er t"at %as tire5ness an5 t"at t"rea5 o1 1ear. $"e 1ear s3are5 me. He %as suppose5 to 8e some untou3"a8le monster. 7onsters %eren?t a1rai5 o1 ot"er 7onsters. 9 si-"e5. =as it 8etter to >ust -et it o)er %it"@ like a s"otB 7ay8e. AAll ri-"t@ in t"e interest o1 time. But -i)e me some i5ea o1 %"at to e*pe3t. Dou kno% 9 5on?t like surprises.C A9 must tou3" you to sear3" 1irst 1or my marks@ t"en 1or "is. Dou s"oul5 not "a)e 1allen so easily into "is eyes. $"at s"oul5 not "a)e "appene5.C AGet it o)er %it"@C 9 sai5. A9s my tou3" so repulsi)e t"at you must prepare yoursel1 as 1or painBC Sin3e t"at %as almost e*a3tly %"at 9 %as 5oin-@ 9 %asn?t sure %"at to say. AHust 5o it@ Hean2!lau5e@ 8e1ore 9 3"an-e my min5.C He sli5 "is 1in-er 8et%een "is lips a-ain. A4o you "a)e to 5o it t"at %ayBC A7a petite@ please.C 9 s;uirme5 a-ainst t"e 3ool stone %all. AAll ri-"t@ no more interruptions.C AGoo5.C He knelt in 1ront o1 me. His 1in-ertip tra3e5 my ri-"t 3"eek@ lea)in- a line o1 %etness 5o%n my skin. $"e 5rie5 8loo5 %as -ritty un5er "is tou3". He leane5 into me@ as i1 "e %as -oin- to kiss me. 9 put my "an5s on "is 3"est to keep "im 1rom tou3"in- me. His skin %as "ar5 an5 smoot" un5er t"e -auEe o1 "is s"irt. 9 >erke5 a%ay an5 "it my "ea5 a-ainst t"e %all. A4ammit.C He smile5. His eyes -linte5 8lue in t"e tor3"li-"t. A$rust me.C He mo)e5 in@ lips "o)erin- o)er my mout". A9 %on?t "urt you.C $"e %or5s %"ispere5 into my mout"@ a so1t pus" o1 air. ADea"@ ri-"t@C 9 sai5@ 8ut t"e %or5s 3ame out so1t an5 un3ertain. His lips 8rus"e5 mine@ t"en presse5 -ently a-ainst my mout". $"e kiss mo)e5 1rom my lips to my 3"eek. His lips %ere so1t as silk@ -entle as mari-ol5 petals@ "ot as t"e noon5ay sun. $"ey %orke5 5o%n my skin until "is mout" "o)ere5 o)er t"e pulse in my ne3k. AHean2!lau5eBC AAle>an5ro %as ali)e %"en t"e AEte3 empire %as >ust a 5ream.C He %"ispere5 it a-ainst my skin. AHe %as t"ere to -reet t"e Spaniar5s an5 %at3" t"e AEte3s 1all. He "as sur)i)e5 %"en ot"ers "a)e 5ie5 or -one ma5.C His ton-ue 1li3ke5 out@ "ot an5 %et. AStop it.C 9 pus"e5 a-ainst "im. His "eart 8eat a-ainst my "an5s. 9 pus"e5 my "an5s up%ar5 to "is t"roat. $"e 8i- pulse in "is t"roat 1luttere5 a-ainst my skin. 9 pla3e5 a t"um8 o)er t"e smoot"ness o1 one o1 "is eyeli5s. A7o)e it or lose it@C 9 sai5. 7y )oi3e %as 8reat"y %it" pani3@ an5 somet"in- %orse ... 5esire.

$"e 1eel o1 "is 8o5y a-ainst me@ un5er my "an5s@ "is lips tou3"in- me2some "i55en part o1 me %ante5 it. =ante5 "im. So 9 luste5 a1ter t"e 7asterG so %"atB /ot"in- ne%. His eye8all trem8le5 un5er my t"um8@ an5 9 %on5ere5 i1 9 3oul5 5o it. !oul5 9 8lank out one o1 t"ose mi5ni-"t28lue or8sB !oul5 9 8lin5 "imB His lips mo)e5 a-ainst my skin. $eet" 8rus"e5 my skin@ t"e "ar5 8rus" o1 1an-s ru88e5 a-ainst my t"roat. An5 t"e ans%er %as@ su55enly@ yes. 9 tense5 to press in%ar5@ an5 "e %as -one like a 5ream@ or a ni-"tmare. He stoo5 in 1ront o1 me@ lookin- 5o%n@ "is eyes all 5ark@ no %"ite s"o%in-. His lips "a5 5ra%n 8a3k 1rom "is teet" to e*pose -listenin- 1an-s. His skin %as mar8le2%"ite an5 seeme5 to -lo% 1rom insi5e@ an5 still "e %as 8eauti1ul. AAle>an5ro "as -i)en you t"e 1irst mark@ ma petite. =e s"are you. 9 5o not kno% "o%@ 8ut %e 5o. $%o more marks an5 you are mine. $"ree more an5 you are "is. =oul5 it not 8e 8etter to 8e mineBC He knelt in 1ront o1 me a-ain@ 8ut %as 3are1ul not to tou3" me. ADou 5esire me as a %oman 5esires a man. 9s t"at not 8etter t"an some stran-er takin- you 8y 1or3eBC ADou 5i5n?t ask my permission 1or t"e 1irst t%o marks. $"ey %eren?t 8y 3"oi3e.C A9 am askin- permission no%. Let me s"are %it" you t"e t"ir5 mark.C A/o.C ADou %oul5 rat"er ser)e Ale>an5roBC A9?m not -oin- to ser)e anyone@C 9 sai5. A$"is is a %ar@ Anita. Dou 3annot 8e neutral.C A="y notBC He stoo5 up an5 pa3e5 a ti-"t 3ir3le. A4on?t you un5erstan5B $"e killin-s are a 3"allen-e to my aut"ority@ an5 "is markinyou is anot"er 3"allen-e. He %ill take you 1rom me i1 "e 3an.C A9 5on?t 8elon- to you@ or to "im.C A="at 9 "a)e trie5 to -et you to 8elie)e@ to a33ept@ "e %ill s"o)e 5o%n your t"roat.C ASo 9?m in t"e mi55le o1 an un5ea5 tur1 %ar 8e3ause o1 your marks.C He 8linke5@ opene5 "is mout"@ t"en 3lose5 it. 'inally@ ADes.C 9 stoo5 up. A$"anks a lot.C 9 %alke5 past "im. A91 you "a)e any more in1o on Ale>an5ro@ sen5 me a letter.C A$"is %ill not -o a%ay >ust 8e3ause you %is" it to.C 9 stoppe5 in 1ront o1 t"e 3urtain. AHell@ 9 kne% t"at. 9?)e %is"e5 "ar5 enou-" 1or you to lea)e me alone.C ADou %oul5 miss me i1 9 %ere not "ere.C A4on?t 1latter yoursel1.C AAn5 5o not lie to yoursel1@ ma petite. 9 %oul5 -i)e you a partners"ip. He %ill -i)e you sla)ery.C A91 you really 8elie)e5 t"is partners"ip 3rap@ you %oul5n?t "a)e 1or3e5 t"e 1irst t%o marks on me. Dou %oul5 "a)e aske5. 'or all 9 kno%@ t"e t"ir5 mark 3an?t 8e -i)en %it"out my 3ooperation.C 9 stare5 at "im. A$"at?s it@ isn?t itB Dou nee5 my "elp or somet"in- 1or t"e t"ir5 mark. 9t?s 5i11erent 1rom t"e 1irst t%o. Dou son o1 a 8it3".C A$"e t"ir5 mark %it"out your ... "elp %oul5 8e like rape to makin- lo)e. Dou %oul5 "ate me 1or all eternity i1 9 took you 8y 1or3e.C 9 turne5 my 8a3k on "im an5 -ra88e5 t"e 3urtain. ADou -ot t"at ri-"t.C AAle>an5ro %ill not 3are i1 you "ate "im. He %ants only to "urt me. He %ill not ask your permission. He %ill simply take you.C A9 3an take 3are o1 mysel1.C ALike you took 3are last ni-"tBC Ale>an5ro "a5 rolle5 me un5er an5 o)er an5 9 "a5n?t e)en kno%n it. ="at prote3tion 5i5 9 "a)e a-ainst somet"in- like t"atB 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 >erke5 8a3k t"e 3urtain. $"e li-"t %as so 8ri-"t@ 9 %as 8lin5. 9 stoo5 in t"e -lare %aitin- 1or my eyes to a5>ust. $"e 3ool 5arkness 8le% a-ainst my 8a3k. $"e li-"t %as "ot an5 intrusi)e a1ter t"e 5arkness@ 8ut anyt"in%as 8etter t"an %"ispers in t"e ni-"t. Blin5e5 8y t"e li-"t or 8lin5e5 8y 5arknessG 9?5 take li-"t e)ery time.

Chapter Thirty-five
Larry %as lyin- on t"e 1loor@ "ea5 3ra5le5 in Dasmeen?s lap. S"e "el5 "is %rists. 7ar-uerite "a5 pinne5 "is 8o5y un5er "er o%n. S"e %as li3kin- t"e 8loo5 o11 "is 1a3e %it" lon-@ lin-erin- strokes o1 "er ton-ue. <i3"ar5 lay in a 3rumple5 "eap@ 8loo5 runnin- 5o%n "is 1a3e. $"ere %as somet"in- on t"e 1loor. 9t %rit"e5 an5 mo)e5. Grey 1ur 1lo%e5 o)er it like %ater. A "an5 rea3"e5 sky%ar5@ t"en s"rank like a 5yin- 1lo%er@ 8ones -listenin-@ s"o)in- up%ar5 t"rou-" t"e 1les". $"e 1in-ers

s"rank@ 1les" rollin- o)er t"e nu8s o1 ra% 1les". All t"at ra% meat an5 no 8loo5. $"e 8ones sli5 in an5 out %it" %et@ su3kin- noises. 4rops o1 3lear 1lui5 spattere5 t"e 8la3k ru-. But no 8loo5. 9 5re% t"e Bro%nin- an5 mo)e5 so 9 3oul5 point it some%"ere 8et%een Dasmeen an5 t"e t"in- on t"e 1loor. 9 "a5 my 8a3k to t"e 3urtain 8ut mo)e5 a%ay 1rom it. $oo easy 1or somet"in- to rea3" t"rou-". ALet "im -o@ no%.C A=e "a)en?t "urt "im@C Dasmeen sai5. 7ar-uerite leane5 into Larry?s 8o5yG one "an5 3uppe5 "is -roin@ massa-in-. AAnitaIC His eyes %ere %i5e@ skin paleG 1re3kles stoo5 out like ink spots. 9 1ire5 a s"ot in3"es 1rom Dasmeen?s "ea5. $"e soun5 %as s"arp an5 e3"oe5. Dasmeen snarle5 at me. A9 3an rip "is t"roat out 8e1ore you s;ueeEe t"at tri--er a-ain.C 9 aime5 1or 7ar-uerite?s "ea5@ ri-"t o)er one 8lue eye. ADou kill "im@ 9 kill 7ar-uerite. Dou %illin- to make t"e tra5eBC ADasmeen@ %"at are you 5oin-BC Hean2!lau5e 3ame in at my 8a3k. 7y eyes 1li3ke5 to "im@ t"en 8a3k to 7ar-uerite. Hean2 !lau5e %asn?t t"e 5an-er@ not no%. $"e t"in- on t"e 1loor rose on 1our s"aky le-s an5 s"ook itsel1 like a 5o- a1ter a 8at". 9t %as a "u-e %ol1. $"i3k -rey2 8ro%n 1ur 3o)ere5 t"e animal@ 1lu11y an5 5ry as i1 t"e %ol1 "a5 8een 1res"ly %as"e5 an5 8lo% 5rie5. Li;ui5 1orme5 a t"i3k pu55le on t"e 3arpet. Bits o1 3lot"in- %ere s3attere5 aroun5. $"e %ol1 "a5 emer-e5 1rom t"e mess ne%ly 1orme5@ re8orn. A pair o1 roun5 %ire21rame5 -lasses sat on t"e -lass an5 8la3k 3o11ee ta8le@ neatly 1ol5e5. A9r)in-BC $"e %ol1 -a)e a small "al12-ro%l@ "al128ark. =as t"at a yesB 9 "a5 al%ays kno%n t"at 9r)in- %as a %ere%ol1@ 8ut seein- it %as somet"in- else entirely. :ntil >ust t"at moment 9 "a5n?t really 8elie)e5@ not really. Starin- into t"e %ol1?s pale 8ro%n eyes@ 9 8elie)e5. 7ar-uerite lay on t"e -roun5 8e"in5 Larry no%. Her arms %rappe5 aroun5 "is 3"est@ le-s %rappin- "is %aist. 7ost o1 "er %as "i55en 8e"in5 "im@ s"iel5e5. 9 "a5 spent too mu3" time -aEin- at 9r)in-. 9 3oul5n?t s"oot 7ar-uerite %it"out riskin- Larry. Dasmeen %as kneelin8esi5e t"em@ one "an5 -rippin- a "an51ul o1 Larry?s "air. A9 %ill snap "is ne3k.C ADou %ill not "arm "im@ Dasmeen@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. He stoo5 8esi5e t"e 3o11ee ta8le. $"e %ol1 mo)e5 up 8esi5e "im@ -ro%lin- so1tly. His 1in-ers 8rus"e5 t"e top o1 t"e %ol1?s "ea5. A!all o11 your 5o-s@ Hean2!lau5e@ or t"is one 5ies.C S"e stret3"e5 Larry?s t"roat into one strainin- pale line to emp"asiEe "er point. $"e Ban5Ai5 t"at "a5 8een "i5in- "is )ampire 8ite "a5 8een remo)e5. 7ar-uerite?s ton-ue 1li3ke5 out@ tou3"in- t"e strainin- 1les". 9 %as 8ettin- t"at 9 3oul5 s"oot 7ar-uerite in t"e 1ore"ea5 %"ile s"e li3ke5 Larry?s ne3k@ 8ut Dasmeen 3oul5@ an5 mi-"t@ 8reak "is ne3k. 9 3oul5n?t take t"e 3"an3e. A4o somet"in-@ Hean2!lau5e@C 9 sai5. ADou?re t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. S"e?s suppose5 to take your or5ers.C ADes@ Hean2!lau5e@ or5er me.C A="at?s -oin- on "ere@ Hean2!lau5eBC 9 aske5. AS"e is testin- me.C A="yBC ADasmeen %ants to 8e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. But s"e isn?t stron- enou-".C A9 %as stron- enou-" to keep you an5 your ser)ant 1rom "earin- t"is one?s s3reams. <i3"ar5 3alle5 your name@ an5 you "ear5 not"in- 8e3ause 9 kept you 1rom it.C <i3"ar5 stoo5 >ust 8e"in5 Hean2!lau5e. Bloo5 %as smeare5 1rom t"e 3orner o1 "is mout". $"ere %as a small 3ut on "is ri-"t 3"eek t"at tri3kle5 8loo5 5o%n "is 1a3e. A9 trie5 to stop "er.C ADou 5i5 not try "ar5 enou-"@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AAr-ue amon-st yoursel)es later@C 9 sai5. A<i-"t no%@ %e "a)e a pro8lem.C Dasmeen lau-"e5. $"e soun5 %ri--le5 5o%n my spine like someone "a5 spille5 a 3an o1 %orms. 9 s"u55ere5@ an5 5e3i5e5 t"en an5 t"ere t"at 9?5 s"oot Dasmeen 1irst. =e?5 1in5 out i1 a master )ampire %as really 1aster t"an a spee5in8ullet. S"e release5 Larry %it" a lau-" an5 stoo5. 7ar-uerite still 3lun- to "im. He -ot to "is "an5s an5 knees %it" t"e %oman ri5in- "im like a "orse@ arms an5 le-s still 3lampe5 aroun5 "im. S"e %as lau-"in-@ kissin- "is ne3k. 9 ki3ke5 "er in t"e 1a3e as "ar5 as 9 3oul5. S"e sli5 o11 Larry an5 lay 5aEe5 on t"e 1loor. Dasmeen starte5 1or%ar5 an5 9 1ire5 at "eir 3"est. Hean!lau5e "it my arm@ an5 t"e s"ot %ent %i5e.

A9 nee5 "er ali)e@ Anita.C 9 >erke5 a%ay 1rom "im. AS"e?s 3raEy.C ABut "e nee5s my assistan3e to 3om8at t"e ot"er masters@C Dasmeen sai5. AS"e?ll 8etray you i1 s"e 3an@C 9 sai5. ABut 9 still nee5 "er.C A91 you 3an?t 3ontrol Dasmeen@ t"en "o% in t"e "ell are you -oin- to 1i-"t Ale>an5roBC A9 5on?t kno%@C "e sai5. A9s t"at %"at you %ante5 to "earB 9 5o not kno%.C Larry %as still "u55le5 8y our 1eet. A!an you -et upBC He looke5 up at me@ eyes s"iny %it" uns"e5 tears. He use5 one o1 t"e 3"airs to 8ra3e "imsel1 an5 almost 1ell. 9 -ra88e5 "is arm@ -un still in my ri-"t "an5. A!ome on@ Larry@ %e?re -ettin- out o1 "ere.C ASoun5s -reat to me.C His )oi3e %as in3re5i8ly 8reat"less@ strainin- not to 3ry. =e %orke5 our %ay to%ar5s t"e 5oor@ me "elpin- Larry %alk@ -un still out pointe5 )a-uely at e)eryt"in- in t"e room. AGo %it" t"em@ <i3"ar5. See t"em sa1ely to t"eir 3ar. An5 5o not 1ail me a-ain like you 5i5 to5ay.C <i3"ar5 i-nore5 t"e t"reat an5 %alke5 aroun5 us to "ol5 t"e 5oor open. =e %alke5 t"rou-" %it"out turnin- our 8a3ks on t"e )ampires or t"e %ere%ol1. ="en t"e 5oor 3lose5@ 9 let out a 8reat" 9 "a5n?t e)en kno%n 9 %as "ol5in-. A9 3an %alk no%@C Larry sai5. 9 let -o o1 "is arm. He put a "an5 a-ainst t"e %all 8ut ot"er%ise seeme5 okay. $"e 1irst slo% tear traile5 5o%n "is 3"eek. AGet me out o1 "ere.C 9 put my -un up. 9t %oul5n?t "elp no%. <i3"ar5 an5 9 8ot" preten5e5 not to noti3e Larry?s tears. $"ey %ere )ery ;uiet. 91 you "a5n?t 8een lookin- 5ire3tly at "im@ you %oul5n?t "a)e kno%n "e %as 3ryin-. 9 trie5 to t"ink o1 somet"in- to say@ anyt"in-. But %"at 3oul5 9 sayB He "a5 seen t"e monsters@ an5 t"ey "a5 s3are5 t"e s"it out o1 "im. $"ey s3are5 t"e s"it out o1 me. $"ey s3are5 t"e s"it out o1 e)ery8o5y. /o% Larry kne% t"at. 7ay8e it %as %ort" t"e pain. 7ay8e not. !"apter $"irty2si* ,arly2mornin- li-"t lay "ea)y an5 -ol5en on t"e street outsi5e. $"e air %as 3ool an5 misty. Dou 3oul5n?t see t"e ri)er 1rom "ere@ 8ut you 3oul5 1eel itG t"at sense o1 %ater on t"e air t"at ma5e e)ery 8reat" 1res"er@ 3leaner. Larry -ot out "is 3ar keys. ADou okay to 5ri)eBC 9 aske5. He no55e5. $"e tears "a5 5rie5 in t"in tra3ks 5o%n "is 1a3e. He "a5n?t 8ot"ere5 to %ipe t"em a%ay. He %asn?t 3ryinanymore. He %as as -rim1a3e5 as you 3oul5 8e an5 still look like an o)er-ro%n Ho%5y 4oo5y. He opene5 "is 5oor an5 -ot in@ sli5in- a3ross to unlo3k t"e passen-er si5e. <i3"ar5 stoo5 t"ere. $"e 3ool %in5 8le% "is "air a3ross "is 1a3e. He ran 1in-ers t"rou-" it to keep it 1rom "is 1a3e. $"e -esture %as a3"in-ly 1amiliar. P"illip "a5 al%ays 8een 5oin- t"at. <i3"ar5 smile5 at me@ an5 it %asn?t P"illip?s smile. 9t %as 8ri-"t an5 open@ an5 t"ere %as not"in- "i55en in "is 8ro%n eyes. Bloo5 "a5 starte5 to 5ry at t"e 3orner o1 "is mout"@ an5 on "is 3"eek. AGet out %"ile you still 3an@ <i3"ar5.C A#ut 1rom %"atBC A$"ere?s -oin- to 8e an un5ea5 %ar. Dou 5on?t %ant to 8e 3au-"t in t"e mi55le.C A9 5on?t t"ink Hean2!lau5e %oul5 let me %alk a%ay@C "e sai5. He %asn?t smilin- %"en "e sai5 it. 9 3oul5n?t 5e3i5e %"et"er "e %as "an5somer smilin- or solemn. AHumans 5on?t 5o too %ell in t"e mi55le o1 t"e monsters@ <i3"ar5. Get out i1 you 3an.C ADou?re "uman.C 9 s"ru--e5. ASome people %oul5 ar-ue t"at.C A/ot me.C He rea3"e5 out to tou3" me. 9 stoo5 my -roun5 an5 5i5n?t mo)e a%ay. His 1in-ertips 8rus"e5 t"e si5e o1 my 1a3e@ %arm an5 )ery ali)e. ASee you at t"ree o?3lo3k t"is a1ternoon@ unless you?re -oin- to 8e too tire5.C 9 s"ook my "ea5@ an5 "is "an5 5roppe5 a%ay 1rom my 1a3e. A=oul5n?t miss it@C 9 sai5. He smile5 a-ain. His "air 8le% in a tan-le a3ross "is 1a3e. 9 kept t"e 1ront o1 my o%n "air 3ut s"ort enou-" so t"at it staye5 out o1 my eyes@ most o1 t"e time. Layerin- %as a %on5er1ul t"in-.

9 opene5 t"e passen-er si5e 5oor. A9?ll see you t"is a1ternoon.C A9?ll 8rin- your 3ostume %it" me.C A="at am 9 -oin- to 8e 5resse5 asBC AA !i)il =ar 8ri5e@C "e sai5. A4oes t"at mean a "oop skirtBC APro8a8ly.C 9 1ro%ne5. AAn5 %"at are you -oin- to 8eBC AA !on1e5erate o11i3er.C ADou -et to %ear pants@C 9 sai5. A9 5on?t t"ink t"e 5ress %oul5 1it me.C 9 si-"e5. A9t?s not t"at 9?m not -rate1ul@ <i3"ar5@ 8ut ... C AHoop skirts aren?t your styleBC A/ot "ar5ly.C A7y o11er %as -ru88ies an5 all t"e mu5 %e 3oul5 3ra%l in. $"e party %as your i5ea.C A9?5 -et out o1 it i1 9 3oul5.C A9t mi-"t 8e %ort" all t"e trou8le >ust to see you 5resse5 up. 9 -et t"e 1eelin- it?s a rarity.C Larry leane5 a3ross t"e seat@ an5 sai5@ A!an %e -et a mo)e onB 9 nee5 a 3i-arette an5 some sleep.C A 9?ll 8e ri-"t t"ere.C 9 turne5 8a3k to <i3"ar5 8ut su55enly 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. ASee you later.C He no55e5. ALater.C 9 -ot in t"e 3ar@ an5 Larry pulle5 a%ay 8e1ore 9 -ot my seat 8elt 1astene5. A="at?s t"e rus"BC A9 %ant to -et as 1ar a%ay 1rom t"is pla3e as 9 3an.C 9 looke5 at "im. He still looke5 pale. ADou all ri-"tBC A/o@ 9?m not all ri-"t.C He looke5 at me@ 8lue eyes 8ri-"t %it" an-er. AHo% 3an you 8e so 3asual a1ter %"at >ust "appene5BC ADou %ere 3alm a1ter last ni-"t. Dou -ot 8itten last ni-"t.C ABut t"at %as 5i11erent@C "e sai5. A$"at %oman su3ke5 on t"e 8ite. S"e ... C His "an5s 3len3"e5 t"e steerin- %"eel so ti-"tly "is "an5s s"ook. ADou %ere "urt %orse last ni-"tG %"at makes t"is tou-"erBC ALast ni-"t %as )iolent@ 8ut it %asn?t ... per)erte5. $"e )ampires last ni-"t %ante5 somet"in-. $"e name o1 t"e 7aster. $"e ones toni-"t 5i5n?t %ant anyt"in-@ t"ey %ere >ust 8ein- ... C A!ruel@C 9 o11ere5. ADes@ 3ruel.C A$"ey?re )ampires@ Larry. $"ey aren?t "uman. $"ey 5on?t "a)e t"e same rules.C AS"e %oul5 "a)e kille5 me toni-"t on a %"im.C ADes@ s"e %oul5 "a)e@C 9 sai5. AHo% 3an you 8ear to 8e aroun5 t"emBC 9 s"ru--e5. A9t?s my >o8.C AAn5 my >o8@ too.C A9t 5oesn?t "a)e to 8e@ Larry. Hust re1use to %ork on )ampire 3ases. 7ost o1 t"e rest o1 t"e animators 5o.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ 9 %on?t -i)e up.C A="y notBC 9 aske5. He 5i5n?t say anyt"in- 1or a minute. He pulle5 onto 2. "ea5e5 sout". AHo% 3oul5 you talk a8out a 5ate t"is a1ternoon a1ter %"at >ust "appene5BC ADou "a)e to "a)e a li1e@ Larry. 91 you let t"is 8usiness eat you ali)e@ you?ll ne)er make it.C 9 stu5ie5 "is 1a3e. AAn5 you ne)er ans%ere5 my ;uestion.C

A="at ;uestionBC A="y %on?t you -i)e up t"e i5ea o1 8ein- a )ampire e*e3utionerBC Larry "esitate5@ 3on3entratin- on 5ri)in-. He su55enly seeme5 )ery intereste5 in passin- 3ars. =e 5ro)e un5er a railroa5 8ri5-e@ %are"ouses on eit"er si5e. 7any o1 t"e %in5o%s %ere 8roken or missin-. <ust 5rippe5 5o%n t"e 8ri5-e o)erpass. A/i3e se3tion o1 to%n@C "e sai5. ADou?re a)oi5in- t"e ;uestion. ="yBC A9 5on?t %ant to talk a8out it.C A9 aske5 a8out your 1amilyG you sai5 t"ey %ere all ali)e. ="at a8out 1rien5sB Dou lose a 1rien5 to t"e )ampsBC He -lan3e5 at me. A="y ask t"atBC A9 kno% t"e si-ns@ Larry. Dou?re 5etermine5 to kill t"e monsters 8e3ause you?)e -ot a -ru5-e@ 5on?t youBC He "un3"e5 "is s"oul5ers an5 stare5 strai-"t a"ea5. $"e mus3les in "is >a%s 3len3"e5 an5 un3len3"e5. A$alk to me@ Larry@C 9 sai5. A$"e to%n 9 3ome 1rom is small@ 1i1teen "un5re5 people. ="ile 9 %as a%ay at 3olle-e my 1res"man year@ t%el)e people %ere mur5ere5 8y a pa3k o1 )ampires. 9 5i5n?t kno% t"em@ any o1 t"em@ really. 9 kne% t"em to say "i to@ 8ut t"at %as it.C AGo on.C He -lan3e5 at me. A9 %ent to t"e 1unerals o)er !"ristmas 8reak. All t"ose 3o11ins@ all t"ose 1amilies. 7y 5a5 %as a 5o3tor@ 8ut "e 3oul5n?t "elp t"em. /o8o5y 3oul5 "elp t"em.C A9 remem8er t"e 3ase@C 9 sai5. A,l8ert@ =is3onsin@ t"ree years a-o@ ri-"tBC ADes@ "o% 5i5 you kno%BC A$%el)e people is a lot 1or a sin-le )ampire kill. 9t ma5e t"e papers. Brett !ol8y %as t"e )ampire "unter t"ey -ot 1or t"e >o8.C A9 ne)er met "im@ 8ut my parents tol5 me a8out "im. $"ey ma5e "im soun5 like a 3o%8oy ri5in- into to%n to take 5o%n t"e 8a5 -uys. He 1oun5 an5 kille5 1i)e )ampires. He "elpe5 t"e to%n %"en no8o5y else 3oul5.C A91 you >ust %ant to "elp people@ Larry@ 8e a so3ial %orker@ or a 5o3tor.C A9?m an animatorG 9?)e -ot a 8uilt2in resistan3e to )ampires. 9 t"ink Go5 meant 1or me to "unt t"em.C AGeeE Louise@ Larry@ 5on?t -o on a "oly 3rusa5e@ you?ll en5 up 5ea5.C ADou 3an tea3" me.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ALarry@ t"is isn?t personal. 9t 3an?t 8e personal. 91 you let your emotions -et in t"e %ay@ you?ll eit"er -et kille5 or -o stark ra)in- ma5.C A9?ll learn@ Anita.C 9 stare5 at "is pro1ile. He looke5 so stu88orn. ALarry ... C 9 stoppe5. ="at 3oul5 9 sayB ="at 8rou-"t any o1 us into t"is 8usinessB 7ay8e "is reasons %ere as -oo5 as my o%n@ may8e 8etter. 9t %asn?t >ust lo)e o1 killin-@ like %it" ,5%ar5. An5 "ea)en kne% 9 nee5e5 "elp. $"ere %ere -ettin- to 8e too many )ampires 1or >ust little ol? me. AAll ri-"t@ 9?ll tea3" you@ 8ut you 5o %"at 9 say@ %"en 9 say it. /o ar-uments.C AAnyt"in- you say@ 8oss.C He -rinne5 at me 8rie1ly@ t"en turne5 8a3k to t"e roa5. He looke5 5etermine5 an5 relie)e5@ an5 youn-. But %e %ere all youn- on3e. 9t passes@ like inno3en3e an5 a sense o1 1air play. $"e only t"in- le1t in t"e en5 is a -oo5 instin3t 1or sur)i)al. !oul5 9 tea3" Larry t"atB !oul5 9 tea3" "im "o% to sur)i)eB Please@ Go5@ let me tea3" "im@ an5 5on?t let "im 5ie on me.

Chapter Thirty-seven
Larry@ 5roppe5 me o11 in 1ront o1 my apartment 8uil5in- at 9J +. 9t %as %ay past my 8e5time. 9 -ot my -ym 8a- out o1 t"e 8a3k seat. 4i5n?t %ant to lea)e my animatin- e;uipment 8e"in5. 9 lo3ke5 an5 s"ut t"e 5oor@ t"en leane5 in t"e passen-er si5e 5oor. A9?ll see you toni-"t at 1i)e o?3lo3k 8a3k "ere@ Larry. Dou?re 5esi-nate5 5ri)er until 9 -et a ne% 3ar.C He no55e5. A91 9?m late -ettin- "ome@ 5on?t let Bert sen5 you out alone@ okayBC He looke5 at me t"en. His 1a3e %as 1ull o1 some 5eep t"ou-"t t"at 9 3oul5n?t rea5. ADou t"ink 9 3an?t "an5le mysel1BC 9 kne% "e 3oul5n?t "an5le "imsel1@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t say t"at out lou5. A9t?s only your se3on5 ni-"t on t"e >o8. Gi)e yoursel1 an5 me a 8reak. 9?ll tea3" you "o% to "unt )ampires@ 8ut our primary >o8 is raisin- t"e 5ea5. $ry to remem8er t"at.C

He no55e5. ALarry@ i1 you "a)e 8a5 5reams@ 5on?t %orry. 9 "a)e t"em too sometimes.C ASure@C "e sai5. He put t"e 3ar in -ear@ an5 9 "a5 to 3lose t"e 5oor. Guess "e 5i5n?t %ant to talk anymore. /ot"in- %e?5 seen yet %oul5 -i)e me ni-"tmares@ 8ut 9 %ante5 Larry to 8e prepare5@ i1 mere %or5s 3oul5 prepare anyone 1or %"at %e 5o. A 1amily %as loa5in- up a -rey )an %it" 3oolers an5 a pi3ni3 "amper. $"e man smile5. A9 5on?t t"ink %e?ll -et many more 5ays like t"is.C A9 t"ink you?re ri-"t.C 9t %as t"at pleasant small talk t"at you use %it" people %"ose names you 5on?t kno% 8ut %"ose 1a3es you keep seein-. =e %ere nei-"8ors@ so %e sai5 "ello an5 -oo528ye to ea3" ot"er@ 8ut not"in- else. $"at %as t"e %ay 9 like5 it. ="en 9 3ame "ome@ 9 5i5n?t %ant someone 3omin- o)er to 8orro% a 3up o1 su-ar. $"e only e*3eption 9 ma5e %as 7rs. Prin-le@ an5 s"e un5erstoo5 my nee5 1or pri)a3y. $"e apartment %as %arm an5 ;uiet insi5e. 9 lo3ke5 t"e 5oor an5 leane5 a-ainst it. Home@ a". 9 tosse5 t"e leat"er >a3ket on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 3ou3" an5 smelle5 per1ume. 9t %as 1lo%ery an5 5eli3ate %it" a po%5ery un5ertaste t"at only t"e really e*pensi)e ones "a)e. 9t %asn?t my 8ran5. 9 pulle5 t"e Bro%nin- an5 put my 8a3k to t"e 5oor. A man steppe5 aroun5 t"e 3orner 1rom t"e 5inin- room area. He %as tall@ t"in@ %it" 8la3k "air 3ut s"ort in 1ront@ lon- in 8a3k@ t"e latest style. He >ust stoo5 t"ere@ leanin- a-ainst t"e %all@ arms 3rosse5 o)er "is 3"est@ smilin- at me. A se3on5 man 3ame up 1rom 8e"in5 t"e 3ou3"@ s"orter@ more mus3ular@ 8lon5@ smilin-. He sat on t"e 3ou3"@ "an5s %"ere 9 3oul5 see t"em. /o8o5y "a5 any %eapons@ or none t"at 9 3oul5 see. A="o t"e "ell are youBC A tall 8la3k man 3ame out o1 t"e 8e5room. He "a5 a neat musta3"e@ an5 5ark sun-lasses "i5 "is eyes. $"e lamia steppe5 out 8esi5e "im. S"e %as in "uman 1orm@ in t"e same re5 5ress as yester5ay. S"e %ore s3arlet "i-" "eels to5ay@ 8ut not"in- else "a5 3"an-e5. A=e?)e 8een %aitin- 1or you@ 7s. Blake.C A="o are t"e menBC A7y "arem.C A9 5on?t un5erstan5.C A$"ey 8elon- to me.C S"e traile5 re5 nails 5o%n t"e 8la3k man?s "an5 "ar5 enou-" to lea)e a t"in line o1 8loo5. He >ust smile5. A="at 5o you %antBC A7r. #li)er %ants to see you. He sent us to 1et3" you.C A9 kno% %"ere t"e "ouse is. 9 3an 5ri)e t"ere on my o%n.C A#"@ no@ %e?)e "a5 to mo)e@C s"e sai5@ s%ayin- into t"e room. ASome nasty 8ounty "unter trie5 to kill #li)er yester5ay.C A="at 8ounty "unterBC Ha5 it 8een ,5%ar5B S"e %a)e5 a "an5. A=e %ere ne)er 1ormally intro5u3e5. #li)er %oul5n?t let me kill "im@ so "e es3ape5@ an5 %e "a5 to mo)e.C 9t soun5e5 reasona8le@ 8ut ... A="ere is "e no%BC A=e?ll take you to "im. =e?)e -ot a 3ar %aitin- outsi5e.C A="y 5i5n?t 9n-er 3ome 1or meBC S"e s"ru--e5. A#li)er -i)es or5ers an5 9 1ollo% t"em.C A look passe5 o)er "er lo)ely 1a3e2"atre5. AHo% lon- "as "e 8een your masterBC A$oo lon-@C s"e sai5. 9 stare5 at t"em all@ -un still out 8ut not pointe5 at anyone. $"ey "a5n?t o11ere5 to "urt me. So %"y 5i5n?t 9 %ant to put t"e -un upB Be3ause 9?5 seen %"at t"e lamia 3"an-e5 into@ an5 it "a5 s3are5 me. A="y 5oes #li)er nee5 to see me so soonBC AHe %ants your ans%er.C A9 "a)en?t 5e3i5e5 yet %"et"er to -i)e "im t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity.C AAll 9 kno% is t"at 9 %as tol5 to 8rin- you. 91 9 5on?t@ "e?ll 8e an-ry. 9 5on?t %ant to 8e punis"e5@ 7s. BlakeG please 3ome %it" us.C Ho% 5o you punis" a lamiaB #nly one %ay to 1in5 out. AHo% 5oes "e punis" youBC

$"e lamia stare5 at me. A$"at is a )ery personal ;uestion.C A9 5i5n?t mean it to 8e.C A'or-et it.C S"e s%aye5 to%ar5s me. AS"all %e -oBC S"e "a5 stoppe5 >ust in 1ront o1 me@ 3lose enou-" to tou3". 9 %as 8e-innin- to 1eel silly %it" t"e -un out@ so 9 put it up. /o8o5y %as t"reatenin- me. A no)el approa3". /ormally@ 9 still %oul5 "a)e o11ere5 to 1ollo% t"em in my 3ar@ 8ut my 3ar %as 5ea5. So ... i1 9 %ante5 to meet #li)er@ 9 "a5 to -o %it" t"em. 9 %ante5 to meet #li)er. 9 %asn?t %illin- to -i)e "im Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut 9 %as %illin- to -i)e "im Ale>an5ro. #r at least enlist "is ai5 a-ainst Ale>an5ro. 9 also %ante5 to kno% i1 it %as ,5%ar5 %"o "a5 trie5 to kill "im. $"ere %eren?t t"at many o1 us in t"e 8usiness. ="o else 3oul5 it 8eB AAll ri-"t@ let?s -o@C 9 sai5. 9 -ot my leat"er >a3ket 1rom t"e 3ou3" an5 opene5 t"e 5oor. 9 motione5 t"em all out t"e 5oor. $"e men %ent %it"out a %or5@ t"e lamia last. 9 lo3ke5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 us. $"ey %aite5 politely out in t"e "all 1or me. $"e lamia took t"e tall 8la3k man?s arm. S"e smile5. ABoys@ one o1 you o11er t"e la5y your arm.C Blon5ie an5 8la3k2"air turne5 to look at me. Bla3k2"air smile5. 9 "a5n?t 8een %it" t"is many smilin- people sin3e 9 8ou-"t my last use5 3ar. $"ey 8ot" o11ere5 me t"eir arms@ like in some late mo)ie. ASorry@ -uys@ 9 5on?t nee5 an es3ort.C A9?)e traine5 t"em to 8e -entlemen@ 7s. BlakeG take a5)anta-e o1 it. $"ere are pre3ious 1e% -entlemen aroun5 t"ese 5ays.C 9 3oul5n?t ar-ue %it" t"at@ 8ut 9 also 5i5n?t nee5 "elp 5o%n t"e stairs. A9 appre3iate it@ 8ut 9?m 1ine.C AAs you like@ 7s. Blake.C S"e turne5 to t"e t%o men. ADou t%o are to take spe3ial 3are o1 7s. Blake.C S"e turne5 8a3k to me. AA %oman s"oul5 al%ays "a)e more t"an one man.C 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to s"ru-. AAnyt"in- you say.C S"e -a)e a 8rilliant smile an5 strutte5 5o%n t"e "all on "er man?s arm. $"e t%o men sort o1 1ell in 8esi5e me. $"e lamia spoke 8a3k o)er "er s"oul5er@ A<onal5 "ere is my spe3ial 8eau. 9 5on?t s"are "imG sorry.C 9 "a5 to smile. A$"at?s 1ine@ 9?m not -ree5y.C S"e lau-"e5@ a "i-"2pit3"e5 5eli-"te5 soun5 %it" an e5-e o1 -i--le to it. A/ot -ree5yG o"@ t"at?s )ery -oo5@ 7s. Blake@ or may 9 3all you AnitaBC AAnita?s 1ine.C A$"en you must 3all me 7elanie.C ASure@C 9 sai5. 9 1ollo%e5 "er an5 <onal5 5o%n t"e "all. Blon5ie an5 Smiley "o)ere5 on eit"er si5e o1 me@ lest 9 trip an5 stu8 my toe. =e?5 ne)er -et 5o%n t"e stairs %it"out one o1 us 1allin-. 9 turne5 to Blon5ie. A9 8elie)e 9 %ill take your arm.C 9 smile5 8a3k at Smiley. A!oul5 %e "a)e a little room "ereBC He 1ro%ne5@ 8ut "e steppe5 8a3k. 9 slippe5 my le1t "an5 t"rou-" Blon5ie?s %aitin- arm. His 1orearm s%elle5 un5er my "an5. 9 3oul5n?t tell i1 "e %as 1le*in- or %as >ust t"at mus3le8oun5. But %e all ma5e it 5o%n t"e stairs sa1ely %it" lonely Smiley 8rin-in- up t"e rear. $"e lamia an5 <onal5 %ere %aitin- 8y a lar-e 8la3k Lin3oln !ontinental. <onal5 "el5 t"e 5oor 1or t"e lamia@ t"en sli5 into t"e 5ri)er?s seat. Smiley rus"e5 1or%ar5 to open t"e 5oor 1or me. Ho% "a5 9 kno%n "e %oul5B :sually 9 3omplain a8out t"in-s like t"at@ 8ut t"e %"ole t"in- %as too stran-e. 91 t"e %orst t"in- t"at "appene5 to me to5ay %as "a)in- o)erEealous men open 5oors 1or me@ 9?5 8e 5oin- 1ine. Blon5ie sli5 into t"e seat ne*t to me@ sli5in- me to t"e mi55le o1 t"e seat. $"e ot"er one "a5 run aroun5 an5 %as -ettinin t"e ot"er si5e. 9 %as -oin- to en5 up san5%i3"e5 8et%een t"em. /o 8i- surprise. $"e lamia name5 7elanie turne5 aroun5 in "er seat@ proppin- "er 3"in on "er arm. A'eel 1ree to make out on t"e %ay. $"ey?re 8ot" )ery -oo5.C 9 stare5 into "er 3"eer1ul eyes. S"e seeme5 to 8e serious. Smiley put "is arm a3ross t"e 8a3k o1 t"e seat@ 8rus"in- my s"oul5ers. Blon5ie trie5 to take my "an5@ 8ut 9 elu5e5 "im. He settle5 1or tou3"in- my knee. /ot an impro)ement. A9?m really not into pu8li3 se*@C 9 sai5. 9 mo)e5 Blon5ie?s "an5 8a3k to "is o%n lap. Smiley?s "an5 sli5 aroun5 my s"oul5er. 9 mo)e5 up in t"e seat a%ay 1rom 8ot" o1 t"em. A!all t"em o11@C 9 sai5. ABoys@ s"e?s not intereste5.C $"e men s3oote5 8a3k 1rom me@ as 3lose to t"eir si5es o1 t"e 3ar as t"ey 3oul5 -et. $"eir le-s still -ently tou3"e5 mine@ 8ut at least not"in- else %as tou3"in-. A$"ank you@C 9 sai5.

A91 you 3"an-e your min5 5urin- t"e 5ri)e@ >ust tell t"em. $"ey lo)e takin- or5ers@ 5on?t you@ 8oysBC $"e t%o men no55e5@ smilin-. 7y@ %eren?t %e a "appy little 8un3"B A9 5on?t t"ink 9?ll 3"an-e my min5.C $"e lamia s"ru--e5. AAs you like@ Anita@ 8ut t"e 8oys %ill 8e sorely 5isappointe5 i1 you 5on?t at least -i)e t"em a -oo528ye kiss.C $"is %as -ettin- %eir5G 3an3el t"at@ %eir5er. A9 ne)er kiss on t"e 1irst 5ate.C S"e lau-"e5. A#"@ 9 like it. 4on?t %e@ 8oysBC All t"ree men ma5e appre3iati)e soun5s. 9 "a5 t"e 1eelin- t"ey?5 "a)e sat up an5 8e--e5 i1 s"e?5 tol5 t"em to. Ar1@ ar1. Ga- me %it" a spoon.

Chapter Thirty-eight
=e 5ro)e sout" on 2. . Steep@ -rassy 5it3"es an5 small trees line5 t"e roa5. 95enti3al "ouses sat up on t"e "ills@ 1en3es separatin- t"e small yar5s 1rom t"e ne*t small yar5. $all trees took up many yar5s. $%o2se)enty %as t"e ma>or "i-"%ay t"at ran t"rou-" St. Louis@ 8ut t"ere %as almost al%ays a 1eelin- o1 -reen nature@ open spa3esG t"e -entle roll o1 t"e lan5 %as ne)er 3ompletely lost. =e took . =est "ea5in- to%ar5s St. !"arles. $"e lan5 opene5 up on eit"er si5e to lon-@ 1lat 1iel5s. !orn stret3"e5 tall an5 -ol5en@ rea5y to 8e "ar)este5. Be"in5 t"e 1iel5 %as a mo5ern -lass 8uil5in- t"at a5)ertise5 pianos an5 an in5oor -ol1 ran-e. An a8an5one5 SA7?s ="olesale an5 a use523ar lot le5 up to t"e Blan3"ette 8ri5-e. $"e le1t si5e o1 t"e roa5 %as 3riss3rosse5 8y %ater21ille5 5ikes to keep t"e lan5 1rom 1loo5in-. 9n5ustry "a5 mo)e5 in %it" tall -lass 8uil5in-s. An #mni Hotel 3omplete %it" 1ountain %as nearest t"e roa5. A stan5 o1 %oo5s t"at still 1loo5e5 too o1ten to 8e torn 5o%n an5 turne5 into 8uil5in-s 8or5ere5 t"e le1t2"an5 si5e o1 t"e roa5 until t"e trees met t"e 7issouri <i)er. $rees 3ontinue5 on t"e ot"er 8ank as %e entere5 St. !"arles. St. !"arles 5i5n?t 1loo5@ so t"ere %ere apartment 8uil5in-s@ strip malls@ a 5elu*e pet supermarket@ a mo)ie t"eater@ 4ru,mporium@ #l5 !ountry Bu11et@ an5 Apple8y?s. $"e lan5 )anis"e5 8e"in5 8ill8oar5s an5 <e5 <oo1 9nns. 9t %as "ar5 to remem8er t"at t"e 7issouri <i)er %as >ust 8e"in5 you. an5 t"is "a5 on3e 8een 1orest. Har5 to see t"e lan5 1or t"e 8uil5in-s. Sittin- in t"e %arm 3ar %it" only t"e soun5 o1 %"eels on pa)ement an5 t"e murmur o1 )oi3es 1rom t"e 1ront seat@ 9 realiEe5 "o% tire5 9 %as. ,)en stu3k 8et%een t"e t%o men@ 9 %as rea5y 1or a nap. 9 ya%ne5. AHo% mu3" 1art"erBC 9 aske5. $"e lamia turne5 in "er seat. ABore5BC A9 "a)en?t 8een to sleep yet. 9 >ust %ant to kno% "o% mu3" lon-er t"e ri5e is -oin- to take.C ASo sorry to in3on)enien3e you@C s"e sai5. A9t isn?t mu3" 1art"er@ is it@ <onal5BC He s"ook "is "ea5. He "a5n?t sai5 a %or5 sin3e 9?5 met "im. !oul5 "e talkB A,*a3tly %"ere are %e -oin-BC $"ey 5i5n?t seem to %ant to ans%er t"e ;uestion@ 8ut may8e i1 9 p"rase5 it 5i11erently. AA8out 1orty21i)e minutes outsi5e o1 St. Peters.C A/ear =entE)illeBC 9 aske5. S"e no55e5. An "our to -et t"ere an5 nearly t%o "ours 8a3k. ="i3" %oul5 make it aroun5 1J Great. %"en 9 -ot "ome. $%o "ours o1 sleep.

=e le1t St. !"arles 8e"in5@ an5 t"e lan5 reappeare521iel5s on eit"er si5e 8e"in5 %ell2ten5e5 8ar8e52%ire 1en3es. !attle -raEe5 on t"e lo%@ rollin- "ills. $"e only si-n o1 3i)iliEation %as a -as station 3lose to t"e "i-"%ay. $"ere %as a lar-e "ouse set 1ar 8a3k 1rom t"e roa5 %it" a per1e3t e*panse o1 -rass stret3"in- to t"e roa5. Horses mo)e5 -ra3e1ully o)er t"e -rass. 9 kept %aitin- 1or us to pull into one o1 t"e -ra3ious estates@ 8ut %e passe5 t"em all 8y. =e 1inally turne5 onto a narro% roa5 %it" a street si-n t"at %as so ruste5 an5 8ent@ t"at 9 3oul5n?t rea5 it. $"e roa5 %as narro% an5 instant rusti3. 4it3"es 3ro%5e5 in on eit"er si5e. Grass@ %ee5s@ t"e year?s last -ol5enro5@ -re% "ea52"i-" an5 -a)e t"e roa5 a %il5 look. A 1iel5 o1 8eans -one 5ry an5 yello% %aite5 to 8e "ar)este5. /arro% -ra)el 5ri)e%ays appeare5 out o1 t"e %ee5s %it" ruste5 mail8o*es t"at s"o%e5 t"at t"ere %ere "ouses. But most o1 t"e "ouses %ere >ust -limpses t"rou-" t"e trees. Barn s%allo%s 5ippe5 an5 5i)e5 o)er t"e roa5. $"e pa)ement en5e5 a8ruptly@ spillin- t"e 3ar onto -ra)el. Gra)el pin-e5 an5 3lattere5 un5er t"e 3ar. =oo5e5 "ills 3ro%5e5 t"e -ra)el roa5. $"ere %as still an o33asional "ouse@ 8ut t"ey %ere -ettin- 1e% an5 1ar 8et%een. ="ere %ere %e -oin-B $"e -ra)el en5e5@ an5 t"e roa5 %as only 8are re55is" 5irt %it" lar-e re55is" ro3ks stu55e5 in it. 4eep ruts s%allo%e5 t"e 3ar?s tires. $"e 3ar 8oun3e5 an5 1ou-"t its %ay 5o%n t"e 5irt. 9t %as t"eir 3ar. 91 t"ey %ante5 to ruin it 5ri)in- o)er %a-on tra3ks@ t"at %as t"eir 8usiness.

'inally@ e)en t"e 5irt roa5 en5e5 in a rou-" 3ir3le o1 ro3k. Some o1 t"e ro3ks %ere nearly as 8i- as t"e 3ar. $"e 3ar stoppe5. 9 %as relie)e5 t"at t"ere %ere some t"in-s e)en <onal5 %oul5n?t 5ri)e a 3ar o)er. $"e lamia turne5 aroun5 to 1a3e me. S"e %as smilin-@ positi)ely 8eamin-. S"e %as too 5amn 3"eer1ul. Somet"in- %as %ron-. /o8o5y %as t"is 3"eery unless t"ey %ante5 somet"in-. Somet"in- 8i-. ="at 5i5 t"e lamia %antB ="at 5i5 #li)er %antBS"e -ot out o1 t"e 3ar. $"e men 1ollo%e5 "er like %ell2traine5 5o-s. 9 "esitate5@ 8ut 9?5 3ome t"is 1arG mi-"t as %ell see %"at #li)er %ante5. 9 3oul5 al%ays say no. $"e lamia took <onal5?s arm a-ain. 9n "i-" "eels on t"e ro3ky -roun5@ it %as a sensi8le pre3aution. 9 in my little /ikes 5i5n?t nee5 "elp. Blon5ie an5 Smiley o11ere5 an arm apie3eG 9 i-nore5 t"em. ,nou-" o1 t"is play2a3tin-. 9 %as tire5 an5 5i5n?t like 8ein- 5ra--e5 to t"e e5-e o1 t"e %orl5. ,)en Hean2!lau5e "a5 ne)er 5ra--e5 me to some 1orsaken 8a3k%oo5s area. He %as a 3ity 8oy. #1 3ourse@ #li)er "a5 stru3k me as a 3ity 8oy@ too. S"o%s t"at you 3an?t >u5-e a )ampire 8y one meetin-. $"e ro3ky -roun5 le5 up to a "illsi5e. 7ore 8oul5ers "a5 3ras"e5 5o%n t"e si5e o1 t"e "ill to lie in 3rum8le5@ 8roken "eaps. <onal5 a3tually pi3ke5 7elanie up an5 3arrie5 "er o)er t"e %orst o1 t"e -roun5. 9 stoppe5 t"e men 8e1ore t"ey 3oul5 o11er. A9 3an make it mysel1G t"anks any%ay.C $"ey looke5 5isappointe5. $"e 8lon5 sai5@ A7elanie "as tol5 us to look a1ter you. 91 you trip an5 1all in t"e ro3ks@ s"e?ll 8e un"appy %it" us.C $"e 8runette no55e5. A9?ll 8e 1ine@ 8oys@ really.C 9 %ent a"ea5 o1 t"em@ not %aitin- to see %"at t"ey?5 5o. $"e -roun5 %as trea3"erous %it" small ro3ks. 9 s3ram8le5 o)er a ro3k 8i--er t"an 9 %as. $"e men %ere ri-"t 8e"in5 me@ "an5s e*ten5e5 rea5y to 3at3" me i1 9 1ell. 9?5 ne)er e)en "a5 a 5ate %"o %as t"is paranoi5. Someone 3urse5@ an5 9 turne5 to see t"e 8runette spra%le5 on t"e -roun5. 9 "a5 to smile. 9 5i5n?t %ait 1or t"em to 3at3" up. 9?5 "a5 enou-" nursemai5in-@ an5 t"e t"ou-"t o1 -ettin- no sleep to5ay "a5 put me in a 8a5 moo5. #ur 8i--est ni-"t o1 t"e year@ an5 9 %as -oin- to 8e %aste5. #li)er 8etter "a)e somet"in- important to say. Aroun5 a tall pile o1 ru88le %as a slas" o1 8la3k openin-@ a 3a)e. <onal5 3arrie5 t"e lamia insi5e %it"out %aitin- 1or me. A 3a)eB #li)er "a5 mo)e5 to a 3a)eB Some"o% it 5i5n?t 1it my pi3ture o1 "im in "is mo5ern@ sunlit stu5y. Li-"t "o)ere5 at t"e entran3e to t"e 3a)e@ 8ut a 1e% 1eet in t"e 5arkness %as t"i3k. 9 %aite5 at t"e e5-e o1 t"e li-"t@ unsure %"at to 5o. 7y t%o 3aretakers 3ame in 8e"in5 me. $"ey pulle5 small penli-"ts out o1 t"eir po3kets. $"e 8eams seeme5 piti1ully small a-ainst t"e 5arkness. Blon5ie took t"e lea5G Smiley 8rou-"t up t"e rear. 9 %alke5 in t"e mi55le o1 t"eir t"in strin-s o1 li-"t. A 1aint pool 1ollo%e5 my 1eet an5 kept me 1rom trippin- o)er stray 8its o1 ro3k@ 8ut most o1 t"e tunnel %as smoot" an5 per1e3t. A t"in tri3kle o1 %ater took up t"e 3enter o1 t"e 1loor@ %orkin- its patient %ay t"rou-" t"e stone. 9 stare5 up at t"e 3eilin- lost in 5arkness. All t"is "a5 8een 5one 8y %ater. 9mpressi)e. $"e air %as 3ool an5 moist a-ainst my 1a3e. 9 %as -la5 9 "a5 t"e leat"er >a3ket on. 9t?5 ne)er -et %arm "ere@ 8ut it?5 ne)er -et really 3ol5 eit"er. $"at?s %"y our an3estors li)e5 in 3a)es. Dear2roun5 temperature 3ontrol. A %i5e passa-e 8ran3"e5 to t"e le1t. $"e 5eep soun5 o1 %ater -ur-le5 an5 8umpe5 in t"e 5arkness. A lot o1 %ater. Blon5ie ran "is li-"t o)er a stream t"at 1ille5 most o1 t"e le1t passa-e. 9t %as 8la3k@ an5 looke5 5eep an5 3ol5. A9 5i5n?t 8rin- my %a5in- 8oots@C 9 sai5. A=e 1ollo% t"e main passa-e@C Smiley sai5. A4on?t tease "er. $"e mistress %ill not like it.C His 1a3e looke5 )ery serious in t"e "al12li-"t. $"e 8lon5 s"ru--e5@ t"en mo)e5 "is li-"t strai-"t a"ea5. $"e tri3kle o1 %ater sprea5 in a t"in 1an pattern on t"e ro3k 8ut t"ere %as still plenty o1 5ry ro3k on eit"er si5e. 9 %asn?t -oin- to "a)e to -et my 1eet %et@ yet. =e took t"e le1t2"an5 si5e o1 t"e %all. 9 tou3"e5 it to keep my 8alan3e an5 >erke5 a%ay. $"e %alls %ere slimy %it" %ater an5 meltin- minerals. Smiley lau-"e5 at me. 9 -uess lau-"in- %as allo%e5. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at "im@ 1ro%nin-@ t"en put my "an5 8a3k on t"e %all. 9t %asn?t t"at i3ky. 9t "a5 >ust surprise5 me. 9?5 tou3"e5 %orse. $"e soun5 o1 %ater t"un5erin- 1rom a -reat "ei-"t 1ille5 t"e 5arkness. $"ere %as a %ater1all up a"ea5G 9 5i5n?t nee5 my eyes to tell me t"at. AHo% tall 5o you t"ink t"e %ater1all isBC Blon5ie aske5. $"e t"un5erin- 1ille5 t"e 5arkness. Surroun5e5 us. 9 s"ru--e5. A$en@ t%enty 1eet@ may8e more.C He s"one "is li-"t on a tri3kle o1 %ater t"at 1ell a8out 1i)e in3"es. $"e tiny %ater1all %as %"at 1e5 t"e t"in stream. A$"e 3a)e ma-ni1ies t"e soun5 an5 makes it soun5 like t"un5er@C "e sai5. A/eat tri3k@C 9 sai5.

A %i5e s"el1 o1 ro3k le5 in a series o1 tiny %ater1alls up to a %i5e 8ase o1 stone. $"e lamia sat on t"e e5-e o1 t"e s"el1@ "i-"2"eele5 1eet 5an-lin- o)er t"e e5-e. 7ay8e a rise o1 ei-"t 1eet@ 8ut t"e 3eilin- soare5 o)er"ea5 into 8la3kness. $"at %as %"at ma5e t"e %ater e3"o. <onal5 stoo5 at "er 8a3k@ like a -oo5 8o5y-uar5@ "an5s 3laspe5 in 1ront o1 "im. $"ere %as a %i5e openin- near t"em t"at le5 1art"er into t"e 3a)e to%ar5s t"e sour3e o1 t"e little stream. Blon5ie 3lim8e5 up an5 o11ere5 me a "an5. A="ere?s #li)erBC AHust a"ea5@C t"e lamia sai5. $"ere %as an e5-e o1 lau-"ter to "er )oi3e@ as i1 t"ere %as some >oke 9 %asn?t -ettin-. 9t %as pro8a8ly -oin- to 8e at my e*pense. 9 i-nore5 Blon5ie?s "an5 an5 ma5e it up to t"e s"el1 8y mysel1. 7y "an5s %ere 3o)ere5 %it" a t"in 3oat o1 pale 8ro%n mu5 an5 %ater@ a per1e3t re3ipe 1or slime. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to %ipe t"em on my >eans an5 knelt 8y t"e small pool o1 %ater t"at 1e5 t"e %ater1alls. $"e %ater %as i3e23ol5@ 8ut 9 %as"e5 my "an5s in it an5 1elt 8etter. 9 5rie5 t"em on my >eans. $"e lamia sat %it" "er men -roupe5 aroun5 "er as i1 t"ey %ere posin- 1or a 1amily p"oto. $"ey %ere %aitin- on someone. #li)er. ="ere %as "eB A="ere?s #li)erBC A9?m a1rai5 "e %on?t 8e 3omin-.C $"e )oi3e 3ame 1rom a"ea5 o1 me 1art"er into t"e 3a)e. 9 steppe5 8a3k 8ut 3oul5n?t -o 1ar %it"out steppin- o11 t"e e5-e. $"e t%o 1las"li-"ts turne5 on t"e openin- like tiny spotli-"ts. Ale>an5ro steppe5 into t"e t"in 8eam o1 li-"ts. ADou %on?t 8e meetin- #li)er toni-"t@ 7s. Blake.C 9 %ent 1or my -un 8e1ore anyt"in- else 3oul5 "appen. $"e li-"ts %ent out@ an5 9 %as le1t in t"e a8solute 5ark %it" a master )ampire@ a lamia@ an5 t"ree "ostile men. /ot one o1 my 8etter 5ays.

Chapter Thirty-nine
9 5roppe5 to my knees@ -un rea5y@ 3lose to my 8o5y. $"e 5arkness %as t"i3k as )el)et. 9 3oul5n?t see my "an5 in 1ront o1 my 1a3e. 9 3lose5 my eyes@ tryin- to 3on3entrate on "earin-. $"ereG t"e s3rape o1 s"oes on stone. $"e mo)ement o1 air as someone mo)e5 3loser to me. 9 "a5 t"irteen sil)er 8ullets. =e %ere a8out to 1in5 out i1 sil)er %oul5 "urt a lamia. Ale>an5ro "a5 alrea5y taken a sil)er 8ullet in t"e 3"est an5 5i5n?t look mu3" t"e %orse 1or it. 9 %as in )ery 5eep s"it. $"e 1ootsteps %ere almost on top o1 me. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e 8o5y 3lose to me. 9 opene5 my eyes. 9t %as like lookin- insi5e a 8all o1 e8onite@ utterly 8la3k. But 9 3oul5 1eel someone stan5in- o)er me. 9 raise5 t"e -un to -ut or lo%er 3"est le)el an5 1ire5 still on my knees. $"e 1las"es %ere like li-"tnin- in t"e 5arkness@ 8lue21lame li-"tnin-. Smiley 1ell 8a3k%ar5s in t"e 1las" o1 li-"t. 9 "ear5 "im 1all o)er t"e e5-e@ t"en not"in-. /ot"in- 8ut 5arkness. Han5s -ra88e5 my 1orearms@ an5 9 "a5n?t "ear5 a t"in-. 9t %as Ale>an5ro. 9 s3reame5 as "e 5ra--e5 me to my 1eet. ADour little -un 3annot "urt me@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as so1t an5 3lose. He "a5n?t taken my -un a%ay. He %asn?t a1rai5 o1 it. He s"oul5 "a)e 8een. A9 "a)e o11ere5 7elanie "er 1ree5om on3e #li)er an5 t"e 3ity?s 7aster are 5ea5. 9 o11er you eternal li1e@ eternal yout"@ an5 you may li)e.C ADou 5i5 -i)e me t"e 1irst mark.C A$oni-"t 9 %ill -i)e you t"e se3on5@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as so1t an5 or5inary 3ompare5 to Hean2!lau5e?s@ 8ut t"e intima3y o1 t"e 5ark an5 "is "an5s on me ma5e t"e %or5s more t"an t"ey s"oul5 "a)e 8een. AAn5 i1 9 5on?t %ant to 8e your "uman ser)antBC A$"en 9 %ill take you any%ay@ Anita. Dour loss %ill 5ama-e t"e 7aster. 9t %ill lose "im 1ollo%ers@ 3on1i5en3e. #"@ yes@ Anita@ 9 %ill "a)e you. Hoin %it" me %illin-ly@ an5 it %ill 8e pleasure. 'i-"t me@ an5 it %ill 8e a-ony.C 9 use5 "is )oi3e to aim t"e -un at "is t"roat. 91 9 3oul5 se)er "is spine@ a t"ousan5 years an5 more ol5 or not@ "e mi-"t 5ie. 7i-"t. Please@ Go5. 9 1ire5. $"e 8ullet took "im in t"e t"roat. He >erke5 8a3k%ar5s 8ut 5i5n?t let -o o1 my arms. $%o more 8ullets into "is t"roat@ one into "is >a%@ an5 "e t"re% me a%ay 1rom "im@ s"riekin-. 9 en5e5 on my 8a3k in t"e i3e23ol5 %ater. A 1las"li-"t 3ut t"rou-" t"e 5ark. Blon5ie stoo5 t"ere@ a per1e3t tar-et. 9 1ire5 at it an5 t"e li-"t %ent out@ 8ut t"ere %as no s3ream. 9?5 rus"e5 t"e s"ot an5 misse5. 4amn.

9 3oul5n?t 3lim8 5o%n t"e ro3k in t"e 5ark. 9?5 1all an5 8reak a le-. So t"e only %ay le1t %as 5eeper into t"e 3a)e@ i1 9 3oul5 -et t"ere. Ale>an5ro %as still s3reamin-@ %or5less@ ra-e21ille5. $"e s3reams e3"oe5 an5 8oun3e5 on t"e ro3k %alls until 9 %as 5ea1 as %ell as 8lin5. 9 s3ram8le5 t"rou-" t"e %ater@ puttin- a %all at my 8a3k. 91 9 3oul5n?t "ear t"em@ may8e t"ey 3oul5n?t "ear me. AGet t"at -un a%ay 1rom "er@C t"e lamia sai5. S"e "a5 mo)e5 an5 seeme5 to 8e 8esi5e t"e %oun5e5 )ampire. 9 %aite5 in t"e 5ark 1or some 3lue t"at t"ey %ere 3omin- 1or me. $"ere %as a rus" o1 3ool air a-ainst my 1a3e. 9t %asn?t t"em mo)in-. =as 9 t"at 3lose to t"e openin- t"at le5 5eeper into t"e 3a)eB !oul5 9 >ust slip a%ayB 9n t"e 5ark@ not kno%in- i1 t"ere %ere pits@ or %ater 5eep enou-" to 5ro%n inB 4i5n?t soun5 like a -oo5 i5ea. 7ay8e 9 3oul5 >ust kill t"em all "ere. 'at 3"an3e. $"rou-" t"e e3"oes o1 Ale>an5ro?s s"rieks %as anot"er soun5@ a "i-"pit3"e5 "issin-@ like t"at o1 a -iant snake. $"e lamia %as s"ape3"an-in-. 9 "a5 to -et a%ay 8e1ore s"e 1inis"e5. =ater splas"e5 almost on top o1 me. 9 looke5 up@ an5 t"ere %as not"in- to see@ >ust t"e soli5 8la3kness. 9 3oul5n?t 1eel anyt"in-@ 8ut t"e %ater splas"e5 a-ain. 9 pointe5 up an5 1ire5. $"e 1las" o1 li-"t re)eale5 <onal5?s 1a3e. $"e 5ark -lasses %ere -one. His eyes %ere yello% %it" slitte5 pupils. 9 sa% all t"at in t"e li-"tnin- 1las" o1 t"e -un. 9 1ire5 t%i3e more into t"at slit2eye5 1a3e. He s3reame5@ an5 1an-s s"o%e5 8elo% "is teet". Go5. ="at %as "eB ="ate)er <onal5 %as@ "e 1ell 8a3k%ar5s. 9 "ear5 "im "it t"e %ater in a splas" t"at %as mu3" too lou5 1or t"e s"allo% pool. 9 5i5n?t "ear "im mo)e a1ter "e 1ell. =as "e 5ea5B Ale>an5ro?s s3reams "a5 stoppe5. =as "e 5ea5@ tooB =as "e 3reepin- 3loserC =as "e e)en no% almost on top o1 meB 9 "el5 t"e -un out in 1ront o1 me an5 trie5 to 1eel somet"in-@ anyt"in-@ in t"e 5arkness. Somet"in- "ea)y 5ra--e5 a3ross t"e ro3k. 7y stoma3" 3len3"e5 ti-"t. $"e lamia. S"it. $"at %as it. 9 ease5 my s"oul5er aroun5 t"e 3orner into t"e openin-. 9 3rept alon- on knees an5 one "an5. 9 5i5n?t %ant to run i1 9 5i5n?t "a)e to. 9?5 8rain mysel1 on a stala3tite or 5rop into some 8ottomless pit. Alri-"t@ may8e not 8ottomless@ 8ut i1 9 1ell t"irty 1eet or so@ it %oul5n?t "a)e to 8e 8ottomless. 4ea5 is 5ea5. 93y %ater soake5 t"rou-" my >eans an5 s"oes. $"e ro3k %as sli3k un5er my "an5. 9 3ra%le5 as 1ast as 9 3oul5@ "an5 sear3"in- 1or some 5rop2o11@ some 5an-er t"at my eyes 3oul5n?t see. $"e "ea)y@ sli5in- soun5 1ille5 t"e 8la3kness. 9t %as t"e lamia. S"e?5 alrea5y 3"an-e5. =oul5 "er s3ales 8e ;ui3ker o)er t"e sli3k ro3ks@ or %oul5 9 8e ;ui3kerB 9 %ante5 to -et up an5 run. <un as 1ar an5 as 1ast as 9 3oul5. 7y s"oul5ers ti-"tene5 %it" t"e nee5 to -et a%ay. A lou5 splas" announ3e5 s"e?5 entere5 t"e %ater. S"e 3oul5 mo)e 1aster t"an 9 3oul5 3ra%lG 9 %as 8ettin- on t"at. An5 i1 9 ran ... an5 1ell or kno3ke5 mysel1 sillyB =ell@ 8etter to "a)e trie5 t"an to 8e 3au-"t 3ra%lin- in t"e 3ol5 like a mouse. 9 s3ram8le5 to my 1eet an5 starte5 to run. 9 kept my le1t "an5 out in 1ront o1 me to prote3t my 1a3e@ 8ut t"e rest 9 le1t to 3"an3e. 9 3oul5n?t see s"it. 9 %as runnin- 1ull out@ 8lin5 as a 8at@ my stoma3" ti-"t %it" anti3ipation o1 some pit openin- up un5er my 1eet. $"e soun5s o1 sli5in- s3ales %as -ettin- 1art"er a%ay. 9 %as outrunnin- "er. Great. A pie3e o1 ro3k slamme5 into my ri-"t s"oul5er. $"e impa3t spun me into t"e ot"er %all. 7y arm %as num8 1rom s"oul5er to 1in-ertips. 9?5 5roppe5 t"e -un. $"ree 8ullets le1t@ 8ut t"at "a5 8een 8etter t"an not"in-. 9 leane5 into t"e %all@ 3ra5linmy arm@ %aitin- 1or t"e 1eelin- to return@ %on5erin- i1 9 3oul5 1in5 my -un in t"e 5ark@ %on5erin- i1 9 "a5 time. A li-"t 8o88e5 to%ar5s me 5o%n t"e tunnel. Blon5ie %as 3omin-@ riskin- "imsel1@ i1 9?5 "a5 my -un. But 9 5i5n?t "a)e my -un 9 3oul5 "a)e 8roken my arm rammin- into t"at le5-e. $"e 1eelin- %as 3omin- 8a3k in a pain1ul %as" o1 pri3kles an5 a t"ro88in- a3"e %"ere t"e ro3k "a5 "it me. 9 nee5e5 a 1las"li-"t. ="at i1 9 "i5 an5 -ot Blon5ie?s li-"tB 9 "a5 t%o kni)es. As 1ar as 9 kne%@ Blon5ie %asn?t arme5. 9t "a5 possi8ilities. $"e li-"t %as -oin- slo%ly@ s%eepin- 1rom si5e to si5e. 9 "a5 time@ may8e. 9 -ot to my 1eet an5 1elt 1or t"e ro3k t"at "a5 nearly taken my arm o11. 9t %as a s"el1 %it" an openin- 8e"in5 it. !ool air 8le% a-ainst my 1a3e. 9t %as a small tunnel. 9t %as s"oul5er le)el to me@ %"i3" ma5e it a8out 1a3e le)el 1or Blon5ie. Per1e3t. 9 pla3e5 my "an5s palm 5o%n an5 pus"e5 up. 7y ri-"t arm proteste5@ 8ut it %as 5oa8le. 9 3ra%le5 into t"e tunnel@ "an5s out in 1ront sear3"in- 1or stala3tites or more ro3k s"el)es. /ot"in- 8ut small@ empty spa3e. 91 9?5 8een mu3" 8i--er@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e 1it at all. Hurray 1or 8ein- petite. 9 -ot out t"e kni1e 1or my le1t "an5. $"e ri-"t %as still trem8lin-. 9 %as 8etter ri-"t2"an5e5@ like most ri-"t2"an5e5 people@ 8ut 9 pra3ti3e5 le1t2"an5e5@ too2e)er sin3e a )ampire 8roke my ri-"t arm an5 usin- my le1t "a5 8een t"e only t"in- t"at sa)e5 me. /ot"in- like near 5eat" to -et you to pra3ti3e. 9 3rou3"e5 on my knees in t"e tunnel@ kni1e -rippe5@ usin- my ri-"t "an5 1or 8alan3e. 9 %oul5 only -et one 3"an3e at t"is. 9 "a5 no illusions a8out my 3"an3es a-ainst an at"leti3 man %"o out%ei-"e5 me 8y at least a "un5re5 poun5s. 91 t"e 1irst rus" 5i5n?t %ork@ "e?5 8eat me to a pulp or -i)e me to t"e lamia. 9?5 rat"er 8e 8eaten. 9 %aite5 in t"e 5ark %it" my kni1e an5 prepare5 to slit someone?s t"roat. /ot pretty %"en you t"ink o1 it t"at %ay. But ne3essary@ %asn?t itB

He %as almost "ere. $"e t"in penli-"t looke5 8ri-"t a1ter t"e 5arkness. 91 "e s"one t"e li-"t in t"e 5ire3tion o1 my "i5inpla3e 8e1ore "e -ot 8esi5e it@ 9 %as sunk. #r i1 "e passe5 3lose to t"e le1t2"an5 si5e o1 t"e tunnel@ an5 not un5er me ... Stop it. $"e li-"t %as almost un5erneat" me. 9 "ear5 "is 1eet %a5e t"rou-" t"e %ater@ 3omin- 3loser. He %as "u--in- t"e ri-"t2"an5 si5e o1 t"e %all@ >ust like 9 %ante5 "im to. His pale "air 3ame into si-"t nearly e)en %it" my knees. 9 mo)e5 1or%ar5 an5 "e turne5. His mout" ma5e a little A#C o1 surpriseG t"en t"e 8la5e plun-e5 into t"e si5e o1 "is ne3k. 'an-s 1li3ke5 1rom 8e"in5 "is teet". $"e 8la5e sni3ke5 on "is spine. 9 -ra88e5 "is lon- "air in my ri-"t "an5@ 8o%in- "is ne3k@ an5 tore t"e kni1e out t"e 1ront o1 "is t"roat. Bloo5 splas"e5 out%ar5 in a surprise5 s"o%er. $"e kni1e an5 my le1t "an5 %ere sli3k %it" it. He 1ell to t"e tunnel 1loor %it" a lou5 splas". 9 s3ram8le5 o11 t"e le5-e an5 lan5e5 8esi5e "is 8o5y. $"e li-"t "a5 rolle5 into t"e %ater@ still -lo%in-. 9 1is"e5 it out. Lyin- almost un5er Blon5ie?s "an5 %as t"e Bro%nin-. 9t %as %et@ 8ut t"at 5i5n?t matter. Dou 3oul5 s"oot most mo5ern -uns un5er%ater an5 t"ey %orke5 1ine. $"at %as one o1 t"e t"in-s t"at ma5e terrorism so easy. Bloo5 turne5 t"e stream 5ark. 9 s"one t"e li-"t 8a3k 5o%n t"e tunnel. $"e lamia %as 1rame5 in t"e small li-"t. Her lon8la3k "air spille5 o)er "er pale upper 8o5y. Her 8reasts %ere "i-" an5 prominent %it" 5eep@ nearly re55is" nipples. 'rom t"e %aist 5o%n s"e %as i)ory2%"ite %it" Ei-Ea-s o1 pale -ol5. $"e lon- 8elly s3ales %ere %"ite spe3kle5 %it" 8la3k. S"e reare5 on t"at lon-@ "ar5 tail an5 1li3ke5 "er 1orke5 ton-ue at me. Ale>an5ro stoo5 up 8e"in5 "er@ 3o)ere5 in 8loo5 8ut %alkin-@ mo)in-. 9 %ante5 to s"out@ A="y 5on?t you 5ieC 8ut it %oul5n?t "elpG may8e not"in- %oul5 "elp. $"e lamia pus"e5 on%ar5 5o%n t"e tunnel. $"e -un "a5 kille5 "er men %it" t"eir 1an-s@ <onal5 %it" "is snake eyes. 9 "a5n?t trie5 it on "er yet. ="at 5i5 9 "a)e to loseB 9 kept t"e li-"t on "er pale 3"est an5 raise5 t"e -un. A9 am immortal. Dour little 8ullets %ill not "arm me.C A!ome a little 3loser an5 let?s test t"e t"eory@C 9 sai5. S"e sli5 to%ar5s me@ arms mo)in- as i1 in time %it" le-s. Her %"ole 8o5y mo)e5 %it" t"e mus3ular t"rusts o1 t"e tail. 9t looke5 3uriously natural. Ale>an5ro staye5 leanin- a-ainst t"e %all. He %as "urt. Dippee. 9 let "er -et %it"in ten 1eetG 3lose enou-" to "it "er@ 1ar enou-" a%ay to run like "ell i1 it 5i5n?t %ork. $"e 1irst 8ullet took "er >ust a8o)e t"e le1t 8reast. S"e sta--ere5. 9t "it "er@ 8ut t"e "ole 3lose5 like %ater@ smoot" an5 un8lemis"e5. S"e smile5. 9 raise5 t"e -un@ >ust a little@ an5 1ire5 >ust a8o)e t"e 8ri5-e o1 "er per1e3t nose. A-ain s"e sta--ere5@ 8ut t"e "ole 5i5n?t e)en 8lee5. 9t >ust "eale5. /ormal 8ullets "a5 a8out as mu3" e11e3t on )ampires. 9 put t"e -un in t"e s"oul5er "olster@ turne5@ an5 ran. A %i5e 3ra3k le5 o11 1rom t"e main tunnel. 9?5 "a)e to take o11 my >a3ket to s;ueeEe t"rou-". $"e last t"in- 9 %ante5 %as to -et stu3k %it" t"e lamia a8le to %ork "er %ay t"rou-" to me. 9 staye5 %it" t"e main tunnel. $"e tunnel %as smoot" an5 strai-"t as 1ar as 9 3oul5 see. S"el)es pro>e3te5 out at an-les@ some %it" %ater tri3klin- out o1 t"em@ 8ut 3ra%lin- on my 8elly %it" a snake a1ter me %asn?t my i5ea o1 a -oo5 time. 9 3oul5 run 1aster t"an s"e 3oul5 mo)e. Snakes@ e)en -iant snakes@ >ust %eren?t t"at 1ast. As lon- as 9 5i5n?t "it a 5ea5 en5@ 9?5 8e 1ine. Go5@ 9 %is"e5 9 8elie)e5 t"at. $"e stream %as ankle25eep no%. $"e %ater %as so 3ol5@ 9 "a5 trou8le 1eelin- my 1eet. <unnin- "elpe5. !on3entratin- on my 8o5y@ mo)in-@ runnin-@ tryin- not to 1all@ tryin- not to t"ink a8out %"at %as 8e"in5 me. $"e real tri3k %oul5 8e@ %as t"ere anot"er %ay outB 91 9 3oul5n?t kill t"em an5 3oul5n?t -et past t"em an5 t"ere %as only one %ay out@ 9 %as -oin- to lose. 9 kept runnin-. 9 5i5 1our miles t"ree times a %eek@ plus a little e*tra. 9 3oul5 keep runnin-. Besi5es@ %"at 3"oi3e 5i5 9 "a)eB $"e %ater %as 1illin- t"e passa-e%ay an5 -ro%in- 5eeper. 9 %as knee5eep in %ater. 9t %as slo%in- me 5o%n. !oul5 s"e mo)e 1aster in %ater t"an 9 3oul5B 9 5i5n?t kno%. 9 >ust 5i5n?t kno%. A rus" o1 air 8le% a-ainst my 8a3k. 9 turne5@ an5 t"ere %as not"in- t"ere. $"e air %as %arm an5 smelle5 1aintly o1 1lo%ers. =as it t"e lamiaB 4i5 s"e "a)e ot"er %ays o1 3at3"in- me 8esi5es >ust 3"asin-B /oG lamias 3oul5 per1orm illusions only on men. $"at %as t"eir po%er. 9 %asn?t male@ so 9 %as sa1e. $"e %in5 tou3"e5 my 1a3e@ -ently@ %arm an5 1ra-rant %it" a ri3"@ -reen smell like 1res"ly 5u- roots. ="at %as "appenin-B AAnita.C 9 %"irle5@ 8ut t"ere %as no one t"ere. $"e 3ir3le o1 li-"t s"o%e5 only tunnel an5 %ater. $"ere %as no soun5 8ut t"e lappin- o1 %ater. Det ... t"e %arm %in5 8le% a-ainst my 3"eek@ an5 t"e smell o1 1lo%ers %as -ro%in- stron-er.

Su55enly@ 9 kne% %"at it %as. 9 remem8ere5 8ein- 3"ase5 up t"e stairs 8y a %in5 t"at 3oul5n?t "a)e 8een t"ere@ t"e -lo% o1 8lue 1ire like 1ree1loatin- eyes. $"e se3on5 mark. 9t "a5 8een 5i11erent@ no smell o1 1lo%ers@ 8ut 9 kne% t"at %as it. Ale>an5ro 5i5n?t "a)e to tou3" me to -i)e me t"e mark@ no more t"an Hean!lau5e "a5. 9 slippe5 on t"e sli3k stones an5 1ell ne3k25eep in %ater. 9 s3ram8le5 to my 1eet@ t"i-"5eep in %ater. 7y >eans %ere soake5 an5 "ea)y. 9 slos"e5 1or%ar5@ tryin- to run@ 8ut t"e %ater %as too 5eep 1or runnin-. 9t?5 8e ;ui3ker to s%im. 9 5o)e into t"e %ater@ 1las"li-"t -raspe5 in one "an5. $"e leat"er >a3ket 5ra--e5 at me@ slo%e5 me 5o%n. 9 stoo5 up an5 strippe5 it o11 an5 let it 1loat %it" t"e 3urrent. 9 "ate5 to lose t"e >a3ket@ 8ut i1 9 sur)i)e5@ 9 3oul5 8uy more. 9 %as -la5 9 %as %earin- a lon-2slee)e5 s"irt an5 not a s%eater. 9t %as too 5amn 3ol5 to strip 5o%n anymore. 9t %as 1aster s%immin-. $"e %arm %in5 ti3kle5 5o%n my 1a3e@ "ot a1ter t"e 3"ill o1 t"e %ater. 9 5on?t kno% %"at ma5e me look 8e"in5 me@ >ust a 1eelin-. $%o pinpoints o1 8la3kness %ere 1loatin- to%ar5s me in t"e air. 91 8la3kness 3oul5 8urn@ t"en t"at?s %"at it %asJ 8la3k 1lame 3omin- 1or me on t"e %arm@ 1lo%er2s3ente5 8reeEe. A ro3k %all loome5 a"ea5. $"e stream ran un5er it. 9 "el5 onto t"e %all an5 1oun5 t"ere %as may8e an in3" o1 air spa3e 8et%een t"e %ater an5 t"e roo1 o1 t"e tunnel. 9t looke5 like a -oo5 %ay to 5ro%n. 9 trea5e5 %ater an5 s"one t"e 1las"li-"t aroun5 t"e passa-e. $"ereG a narro% s"el1 o1 ro3k to 3lim8 out on@ an5 8lesse5 8e@ anot"er tunnel. A 5ry one. 9 pulle5 mysel1 up on t"e s"el1@ 8ut t"e %in5 "it me like a %arm "an5. 9t 1elt -oo5 an5 sa1e@ an5 it %as a lie. 9 turne5@ an5 t"e 8la3k 1lames "o)ere5 o)er me like 5emoni3 1ire1lies. AAnita@ a33ept it.C AGo to "ellIC 9 presse5 my 8a3k to t"e %all@ surroun5e5 8y t"e %arm tropi3al %in5. APlease@ 5on?t 5o t"is@C 8ut it %as a %"isper. $"e 1lames 5es3en5e5 slo%ly. 9 "it at t"em. $"e 1lames passe5 t"rou-" my "an5s like -"osts. $"e smell o1 1lo%ers %as almost 3"okin-ly s%eet. $"e 1lames passe5 into my eyes@ an5 1or an instant 9 3oul5 see t"e %orl5 t"rou-" 8its o1 3olore5 1lame an5 a 8la3kness t"at %as a kin5 o1 li-"t. $"en not"in-. 7y )ision %as my o%n. $"e %arm 8reeEe 5ie5 slo%ly a%ay. $"e s3ent o1 1lo%ers 3lun- to me like some e*pensi)e per1ume. $"ere %as t"e soun5 o1 somet"in- lar-e mo)in- in t"e 5ark. 9 8rou-"t t"e 1las"li-"t up slo%ly into t"e 5ark2skinne5 1a3e o1 a ni-"tmare. Strai-"t@ 8la3k "air %as 3ut s"ort an5 smoot" aroun5 a t"in 1a3e. Gol5en eyes %it" pupils like slits stare5 at me un8linkin-@ immo8ile. His slen5er upper 8o5y 5ra--e5 "is useless lo%er 8o5y 3loser to me. 'rom t"e %aist 5o%n "e %as all translu3ent skin. Dou 3oul5 still see "is le-s an5 -enitals@ 8ut t"ey %ere all 8len5into-et"er to 1orm a rou-" snakelike s"ape. ="ere 5o little lamias 3ome 1rom %"en t"ere are no male lamiasB 9 stare5 at %"at "a5 on3e 8een a "uman 8ein- an5 s3reame5. He opene5 "is mout"@ an5 1an-s 1li3ke5 into si-"t. He "isse5@ an5 spit 5ri88le5 5o%n "is 3"in. $"ere %as not"in- "uman le1t in t"ose slitte5 eyes. $"e lamia %as more "uman t"an "e %as@ 8ut i1 9 %as 3"an-in- into a snake may8e 9?5 8e 3raEy@ too. 7ay8e 3raEy %as a 8lessin-. 9 5re% t"e Bro%nin- an5 1ire5 point28lank into "is mout". He >erke5 8a3k@ s"riekin-@ 8ut no 8loo5@ no 5yin-. 4ammit. $"ere %as a s3ream 1rom 1art"er a%ay@ e3"oin- to%ar5s us. A<a>uIC $"e lamia %as s3reamin- 1or "er mate@ or %arnin"im. AAnita@ 5on?t "urt "im.C $"is 1rom Ale>an5ro. At least "e "a5 to yell. He 3oul5n?t %"isper in my min5 anymore. $"e t"in- pulle5 itsel1 to%ar5s me@ mout" -apin-@ 1an-s strainin-. A$ell "im not to "urt meIC 9 yelle5 8a3k. $"e Bro%nin- %as sa1ely in its "olster@ an5 9 %as out o1 8ullets any%ay. 'las"li-"t in one "an5@ kni1e in t"e ot"er@ 9 %aite5. 91 t"ey -ot "ere in time to 3all "im o11@ 1ine. 9 5i5n?t "a)e mu3" 1ait" in sil)er kni)es i1 sil)er 8ullets 5i5n?t "arm "im@ 8ut 9 %asn?t -oin- 5o%n %it"out a 1i-"t. His "an5s %ere 8loo5y 1rom 5ra--in- "is 8o5y o)er t"e ro3ks. 9 ne)er t"ou-"t 9?5 see anyt"in- t"at %as %orse t"an 8ein3"an-e5 into a )ampire@ 8ut t"ere it %as@ 3ra%lin- to%ar5s me. 9t %as 8et%een me an5 t"e 5ry tunnel@ 8ut it %as mo)in- a-oniEin-ly slo%ly. 9 presse5 my 8a3k to t"e %all an5 -ot to my 1eet. He2it2mo)e5 1aster@ 5e1initely a1ter me. 9 ran past it@ 8ut a "an5 3lose5 on my ankle@ yanke5 me to t"e -roun5. $"e 3reature -ra88e5 my le-s an5 starte5 to pull me to%ar5s it. 9 sat up an5 plun-e5 t"e kni1e into its s"oul5er. 9t s3reame5@ 8loo5 spillin- 5o%n its arm. $"e kni1e stu3k in t"e 8one@ an5 t"e monster >erke5 it out o1 my "an5. $"en it reare5 8a3k an5 stru3k my 3al1@ 1an-s sinkin- in. 9 s3reame5 an5 5re% t"e se3on5 kni1e. 9t raise5 its 1a3e@ 8loo5 tri3klin- 5o%n its mout"@ "ea)y yello% 5rops 3lin-in- to its 1an-s.

9 plun-e5 t"e 8la5e into one -ol5en eye. $"e 3reature s"rieke5@ 5ro%nin- us in e3"oes. 9t rolle5 onto its 8a3k@ lo%er 8o5y t"ras"in-@ "an5s 3la%in-. 9 rolle5 %it" it an5 pus"e5 t"e kni1e in %it" e)eryt"in- 9 "a5. 9 1elt t"e tip o1 t"e kni1e s3rape on its skull. $"e monster 3ontinue5 to t"ras" an5 1i-"t@ 8ut it %as as "urt as 9 3oul5 make it. 9 le1t t"e kni1e in its eye 8ut >erke5 t"e one 1ree o1 its s"oul5er. A<a>u@ noIC 9 1las"e5 t"e li-"t on t"e lamia. Her pale upper 8o5y -leame5 %et in t"e li-"t. Ale>an5ro %as 8esi5e "er. He looke5 nearly "eale5. 9?5 ne)er seen a )ampire t"at 3oul5 "eal t"at 1ast. A9 %ill kill you 1or t"eir 5eat"s@C t"e lamia sai5. A/o@ t"e -irl is mine.C AS"e "as kille5 my mate. S"e must 5ieIC A9 %ill -i)e "er t"e t"ir5 mark toni-"t. S"e %ill 8e my ser)ant. $"at is re)en-e enou-".C A/oIC s"e s3reame5. 9 %as %aitin- 1or t"e poison to start %orkin-@ 8ut so 1ar t"e 8ite >ust "urt@ no 8urnin-@ no not"in-. 9 stare5 at t"e 5ry tunnel@ 8ut t"ey?5 >ust 1ollo% me an5 9 3oul5n?t kill t"em@ not like t"is@ not to5ay. But t"ere?5 8e ot"er 5ays. 9 slippe5 8a3k into t"e stream. $"ere %as still only an in3" o1 air spa3e. <isk 5ro%nin-@ or stay@ an5 eit"er 8e kille5 8y a lamia or ensla)e5 8y a )ampire. !"oi3es@ 3"oi3es. 9 slippe5 into t"e tunnel@ mout" presse5 near t"e %et roo1. 9 3oul5 8reat"e. 9 mi-"t sur)i)e t"e 5ay. 7ira3les 5o "appen. Small %a)es 8e-an to slos" t"rou-" t"e tunnel. A %a)e %as"e5 o)er my 1a3e@ an5 9 s%allo%e5 %ater. 9 trea5e5 %ater as -ently as 9 3oul5. 9t %as my mo)ements t"at %ere makin- t"e %a)es. 9 %as -oin- to 5ro%n mysel1. 9 staye5 )ery still until t"e %ater 3alme5@ t"en took a 5eep 8reat"@ "yper)entilatin- to e*pan5 t"e lun-s an5 take in as mu3" air as 9 3oul5. 9 5unke5 un5er t"e %ater an5 ki3ke5. 9t %as too narro% 1or anyt"in- 8ut a s3issor ki3k. 7y 3"est %as ti-"t@ t"roat a3"in- %it" t"e nee5 to 8reat"e. 9 sur1a3e5 an5 kisse5 ro3k. $"ere %asn?t e)en an in3" o1 air. =ater splas"e5 into my nose an5 9 3ou-"e5@ s%allo%in- more %ater. 9 presse5 as 3lose to t"e 3eilin- as 9 3oul5@ takin- small s"allo% 8reat"s@ t"en un5er a-ain@ ki3kin-@ ki3kin- 1or all 9 %as %ort". 91 t"e tunnel 1ille5 3ompletely 8e1ore 9 %as t"rou-" it@ 9 %as -oin- to 5ie. ="at i1 t"e tunnel 5i5n?t en5B ="at i1 it %as all %aterB 9 pani3ke5@ ki3kin- 1uriously@ 1las"li-"t 8oun3in- 3raEily o11 t"e %alls@ "o)erin- in t"e %ater like a prayer. Please@ Go5@ please@ 5on?t let me 5ie "ere like t"is. 7y 3"est 8urne5@ t"roat 8urstin- %it" t"e nee5 to 8reat"e. $"e li-"t %as 5immin-@ an5 9 realiEe5 it %as my eyes t"at %ere losin- t"e li-"t. 9 %as -oin- to pass out an5 5ro%n. 9 pus"e5 1or t"e sur1a3e an5 my "an5s tou3"e5 empty air. 9 took a -aspin- 8reat" t"at "urt all t"e %ay 5o%n. $"ere %as a ro3ky s"ore an5 one 8ri-"t line o1 sunli-"t. $"ere %as a "ole up in t"e %all. $"e sunli-"t 1orme5 a misty "aEe in t"e air. 9 3ra%le5 onto t"e ro3k@ 3ou-"in- an5 relearnin- "o% to 8reat"e. 9 still "a5 t"e 1las"li-"t an5 kni1e in my "an5s. 9 5i5n?t remem8er "ol5in- onto t"em. $"e ro3k %as 3o)ere5 in a t"in s"eet o1 -rey mu5. 9 3ra%le5 t"rou-" it to%ar5s t"e ro3ksli5e t"at "a5 opene5 t"e "ole in t"e %all. 91 9 3oul5 make it t"rou-" t"e tunnel@ may8e t"ey 3oul5@ too. 9 5i5n?t %ait to 1eel 8etter. 9 put t"e kni1e 8a3k in its s"eat"@ sli5 t"e 1las"li-"t in my po3ket@ an5 starte5 3ra%lin-. 9 %as 3o)ere5 in mu5@ "an5s s3rape5 ra%@ 8ut 9 %as at t"e openin-. 9t %as a t"in 3ra3k@ 8ut t"rou-" it 9 3oul5 see trees an5 a "ill. Go5@ it looke5 -oo5. Somet"in- sur1a3e5 8e"in5 me. 9 turne5. Ale>an5ro rose 1rom t"e %ater into t"e sunli-"t. His skin 8urst into 1lame@ an5 "e s"rieke5@ 5i)in- into t"e %ater a%ay 1rom t"e 8urnin- sun. ABurn@ you son o1 8it3"@ 8urn.C $"e lamia sur1a3e5. 9 slippe5 into t"e 3ra3k an5 stu3k. 9 pulle5 %it" my "an5s an5 pus"e5 %it" my 1eet@ 8ut t"e mu5 sli5 an5 9 3oul5n?t -et t"rou-". A9 %ill kill you.C 9 %ren3"e5 my 8a3k an5 put e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 into %ri--lin- 1ree o1 t"at 5amn "ole. $"e ro3k s3rape5 alon- my 8a3k an5 9 kne% 9 %as 8lee5in-. 9 1ell out onto t"e "ill an5 rolle5 until a tree stoppe5 me. $"e lamia 3ame to t"e 3ra3k. Sunli-"t 5i5n?t "urt "er. S"e stru--le5 to -et t"rou-"@ tearin- at t"e ro3k@ 8ut "er ample 3"est %asn?t -oin- to 1it. Her snake 8o5y mi-"t 8e narro%a8le@ 8ut t"e "uman part %asn?t.

But >ust in 3ase@ 9 -ot to my 1eet an5 starte5 5o%n t"e "ill. 9t %as steep enou-" t"at 9 "a5 to %alk 1rom tree to tree@ tryinnot to 1all 5o%n t"e "ill. $"e %"oos" o1 3ars %as >ust a"ea5. A roa5G a 8usy one 8y t"e soun5 o1 it. 9 starte5 to run@ lettin- t"e momentum o1 t"e "ill take me 1aster an5 1aster to%ar5s t"e soun5s o1 3ars. 9 3oul5 -limpse t"e roa5 t"rou-" t"e trees. 9 stum8le5 out onto t"e e5-e o1 t"e roa5@ 3o)ere5 in -rey mu5@ slimy@ %et to t"e 8one@ s"i)erin- in t"e autumn air. 9?5 ne)er 1elt 8etter. $%o 3ars %"eeEe5 8y@ i-norin- my %a)in- arms. 7ay8e it %as t"e -un in t"e s"oul5er "olster. A -reen 7aE5a pulle5 up an5 stoppe5. $"e 5ri)er leane5 a3ross an5 opene5 t"e passen-er si5e 5oor. AHop in.C 9t %as ,5%ar5. 9 stare5 into "is 8lue eyes@ an5 "is 1a3e %as as 8lank an5 unrea5a8le as a 3at?s@ an5 >ust as sel12satis1ie5. 9 5i5n?t -i)e a 5amn. 9 sli5 into t"e seat an5 lo3ke5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 me. A="ere toBC "e aske5. AHome.C ADou 5on?t nee5 a "ospitalBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou %ere 1ollo%in- me a-ain.C He smile5. A9 lost you in t"e %oo5s.C A!ity 8oy@C 9 sai5. His smile %i5ene5. A/o name23allin-. Dou look like you 1lunke5 your Girl S3out e*am.C 9 starte5 to say somet"in-@ t"en stoppe5. He %as ri-"t@ an5 9 %as too tire5 to ar-ue.

Chapter Forty
9 %as sittin- on t"e e5-e o1 my 8at"tu8 in not"in- 8ut a lar-e 8ea3" to%el. 9 "a5 s"o%ere5 an5 s"ampooe5 an5 %as"e5 t"e mu5 an5 8loo5 5o%n t"e 5rain. ,*3ept 1or t"e 8loo5 t"at %as still seepin- out o1 t"e 5eep s3rape on my 8a3k. ,5%ar5 "el5 a smaller to%el to t"e 3ut@ puttin- pressure on it. A="en t"e 8lee5in- stops@ 9?ll 8an5a-e it up 1or you@C "e sai5. A$"anks.C A9 seem to al%ays 8e pat3"in- you up.C 9 -lan3e5 o)er my s"oul5er at "im an5 %in3e5. A9?)e returne5 t"e 1a)or.C He smile5. A$rue.C $"e 3uts on my "an5s "a5 alrea5y 8een 8an5a-e5. 9 looke5 like a tan )ersion o1 t"e mummy?s "an5. He tou3"e5 t"e 1an- marks on my 3al1 -ently. A$"is %orries me.C A7e@ too.C A$"ere?s no 5is3oloration.C He looke5 up at me. A/o painBC A/one. 9t %asn?t a 1ull lamia@ may8e it %asn?t t"at poisonous. Besi5es@ you t"ink any%"ere in St. Louis is -oin- to "a)e lamia anti)enomB $"ey?)e 8een liste5 e*tin3t 1or o)er t%o "un5re5 years.C ,5%ar5 palpate5 t"e %oun5. A9 3an?t 1eel any s%ellin-.C A9t?s 8een o)er an "our@ ,5%ar5. 91 poison %as -oin- to ki3k in@ it %oul5 "a)e 8y no%.C ADea".C He stare5 at t"e 8ite. AHust keep an eye on it.C A9 5i5n?t kno% you 3are5@C 9 sai5. His 1a3e %as 8lank@ empty. A9t %oul5 8e a lot less interestin- %orl5 %it"out you in it.C $"e )oi3e %as 1lat@ unemotional. 9t %as like "e %asn?t t"ere at all. Det it %as a 3ompliment. 'rom ,5%ar5@ it %as a "u-e 3ompliment. AGee %"iE@ ,5%ar5@ 3ontain your e*3itement.C He -a)e a small smile t"at le1t "is eyes 8lue an5 5istant as %inter skies. =e %ere 1rien5s o1 a sort@ -oo5 1rien5s@ 8ut 9 %oul5 ne)er really un5erstan5 "im. $"ere %as too mu3" o1 ,5%ar5 t"at you 3oul5n?t tou3"@ or e)en see. 9 use5 to 8elie)e t"at i1 it 3ame to it@ "e?5 kill me@ i1 it %ere ne3essary. /o%@ 9 %asn?t sure. Ho% 3oul5 you 8e 1rien5s %it" someone %"o you suspe3te5 mi-"t kill youB Anot"er mystery o1 li1e. A$"e 8lee5in-?s stoppe5@C "e sai5. He smeare5 antisepti3 on t"e %oun5@ t"en starte5 tapin- 8an5a-es in pla3e. $"e 5oor8ell ran-.

A="at time is itBC 9 aske5. A$"ree o?3lo3k.C AS"it.C A="at is itBC A9 "a)e a 5ate 3omin- o)er.C ADouB Ha)e a 5ateBC 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A9t?s not t"at 8i- a 5eal.C ,5%ar5 %as -rinnin- like t"e pro)er8ial 3at. He stoo5 up. ADou?re all 1i*e5 up. 9?ll -o let "im in.C A,5%ar5@ 8e ni3e.C A7e@ ni3eBC AAll ri-"t@ >ust 5on?t s"oot "im.C A9 t"ink 9 3an mana-e t"at.C ,5%ar5 %alke5 out o1 t"e 8at"room to let <i3"ar5 in. ="at %oul5 <i3"ar5 t"ink 8ein- met at t"e 5oor 8y anot"er manB ,5%ar5 3ertainly %asn?t -oin- to "elp matters. He?5 pro8a8ly o11er "im a seat %it"out e*plainin- %"o "e %as. 9 %asn?t e)en sure 9 3oul5 e*plain t"at. A$"is is my 1rien5 t"e assassin.C /ope. A 1ello% )ampire slayer@ may8e. $"e 8e5room 5oor %as 3lose5 so 9 3oul5 -et 5resse5 in pri)a3y. 9 trie5 to put on a 8ra an5 1oun5 t"at my 8a3k "urt a lot. /o 8ra. $"at limite5 %"at 9 3oul5 %ear@ unless 9 %ante5 to -i)e <i3"ar5 more o1 a look2see t"an 9 "a5 planne5 on. 9 also %ante5 to keep an eye on t"e 8ite %oun5. So pants %ere out. 7ost o1 t"e time 9 slept in o)ersiEe t2s"irts@ an5 slippin- on a pair o1 >eans %as my i5ea o1 a ro8e. But 9 5i5 o%n one real ro8e. 9t %as 3om1orta8le. a ni3e soli5 8la3k@ silky to t"e tou3" an5 a8solutely not see2t"rou-". A 8la3k silk te55y %ent %it" it@ 8ut 9 5e3i5e5 t"at %as a little 1rien5lier t"an 9 %ante5 to 8eG 8esi5es@ t"e te55y %asn?t 3om1orta8le. Lin-erie sel5om is. 9 pulle5 t"e ro8e out o1 t"e 8a3k o1 my 3loset an5 slippe5 it on. 9t %as smoot" an5 %on5er1ul ne*t to my skin. 9 3rosse5 t"e 1ront so t"e 8or5ere5 e5-e %as "i-" up on my 3"est an5 tie5 t"e 8la3k 8elt ti-"t in pla3e. 4i5n?t %ant any slippa-e. 9 listene5 at t"e 5oor 1or a se3on5 an5 "ear5 not"in-. /o talkin-@ no mo)in- aroun5@ not"in-. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 %alke5 out. <i3"ar5 %as sittin- on t"e 3ou3" %it" an arm1ul o1 3ostumes "un- o)er t"e 8a3k. ,5%ar5 %as makin- 3o11ee in t"e kit3"en like "e o%ne5 t"e pla3e. <i3"ar5 turne5 at my entran3e. His eyes %i5ene5 >ust a little. $"e "air still 5amp 1rom t"e s"o%er@ an5 t"e slinky ro8e2 %"at %as "e t"inkin-B A/i3e ro8e@C ,5%ar5 sai5. A9t %as a present 1rom an o)erly optimisti3 5ate.C A9 like it@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A/o smart remarks or you 3an >ust lea)e.C His eyes 1li3ke5 to ,5%ar5. A4i5 9 interrupt somet"in-BC AHe?s a 3o%orker@ not"in- more.C 9 1ro%ne5 at ,5%ar5@ 5arin- "im to say anyt"in-. He smile5 an5 poure5 3o11ee 1or all t"ree o1 us. ALet?s sit at t"e ta8le@C 9 sai5. A9 5on?t 5rink 3o11ee on a %"ite 3ou3".C ,5%ar5 sat t"e mu-s on t"e small ta8le. He leane5 a-ainst t"e 3a8inets@ lea)in- t"e t%o 3"airs 1or us. <i3"ar5 le1t "is 3oat on t"e 3ou3" an5 sat 5o%n a3ross 1rom me. He %as %earin- a 8luis"2-reen s%eater %it" 5arker 8lue 5esi-ns %orke5 a3ross t"e 3"est. $"e 3olor 8rou-"t out t"e per1e3t 8ro%n o1 "is eyes. His 3"eek8ones seeme5 "i-"er. A small Ban52Ai5 marre5 "is ri-"t 3"eek. His "air "a5 -entle au8urn "i-"li-"ts. =on5rous %"at t"e ri-"t 3olor 3an 5o 1or a person. $"e 1a3t t"at 9 looke5 -reat in 8la3k "a5 not es3ape5 my noti3e. 'rom t"e look on <i3"ar5?s 1a3e@ "e %as noti3in-@ 8ut "is eyes kept slippin- 8a3k to ,5%ar5. A,5%ar5 an5 9 %ere out "untin- 5o%n t"e )ampires t"at "a)e 8een 5oin- t"e killin-s.C His eyes %i5ene5. A4i5 you 1in5 out anyt"in-BC 9 looke5 at ,5%ar5. He s"ru--e5. 9t %as my 3all.

<i3"ar5 "un- aroun5 %it" Hean2!lau5e. =as "e Hean2!lau5e?s 3reatureB 9 5i5n?t t"ink so@ 8ut t"en a-ain ... !aution is al%ays 8etter. 91 9 %as %ron-@ 9?5 apolo-iEe later. 91 9 %as ri-"t@ 9?5 8e 5isappointe5 in <i3"ar5 8ut -la5 9 "a5n?t tol5. ALet?s >ust say %e lost to5ay.C ADou?re ali)e@C ,5%ar5 sai5. He "a5 a point. A4i5 you almost 5ie to5ayBC <i3"ar5?s )oi3e %as outra-e5. ="at 3oul5 9 sayB A9t?s 8een a rou-" 5ay.C He -lan3e5 at ,5%ar5@ t"en 8a3k to me. AHo% 8a5 %as itBC 9 motione5 my 8an5a-e5 "an5s at "im. AS3rapes an5 3utsG not"in- mu3".C ,5%ar5 "i5 a smile in "is 3o11ee mu-. A$ell me t"e trut"@ Anita@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9 5on?t o%e you any e*planations.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 >ust a ta5 5e1ensi)e. <i3"ar5 stare5 5o%n at "is "an5s@ t"en looke5 up at me. $"ere %as a look in "is eyes t"at ma5e my t"roat ti-"t. ADou?re ri-"t. Dou 5on?t o%e me anyt"in-.C 9 1oun5 an e*planation slippin- out o1 my mout". ADou mi-"t say 9 %ent 3a)in- %it"out you.C A="at 5o you meanBC A9 en5e5 up -oin- t"rou-" a %ater21ille5 tunnel to es3ape t"e 8a5 -uys.C AHo% %ater21ille5BC AAll t"e %ay to t"e top.C ADou 3oul5 "a)e 5ro%ne5.C He tou3"e5 my "an5 %it" "is 1in-ertips. 9 sippe5 3o11ee an5 mo)e5 my "an5 a%ay 1rom "is@ 8ut 9 3oul5 1eel %"ere "e "a5 tou3"e5 me like a lin-erin- smell. ABut 9 5i5n?t 5ro%n.C A$"at?s not t"e point@C "e sai5. ADes@C 9 sai5@ Ait is. 91 you?re -oin- to 5ate me@ you "a)e to -et use5 to t"e %ay 9 %ork.C He no55e5. ADou?re ri-"t@ you?re ri-"t.C His )oi3e %as so1t. A9t >ust 3au-"t me o11 -uar5. Dou nearly 5ie5 to5ay an5 you?re sittin- t"ere 5rinkin- 3o11ee like it?s or5inary.C A'or me@ it is@ <i3"ar5. 91 you 3an?t 5eal %it" t"at@ may8e %e s"oul5n?t e)en try.C 9 3au-"t ,5%ar5?s e*pression. A="at are you -rinnin- atBC ADour sua)e an5 5e8onair %ay %it" men.C A91 you?re not -oin- to 8e "elp1ul@ t"en lea)e.C He put "is mu- 5o%n on t"e 3ounter. A9?ll lea)e you t%o lo)e8ir5s alone.C A,5%ar5@C 9 sai5. A9?m -oin-.C 9 %alke5 "im to t"e 5oor. A$"anks a-ain 1or 8ein- t"ere@ e)en i1 you %ere 1ollo%in- me.C He pulle5 out a plain %"ite 8usiness 3ar5 %it" a p"one num8er 5one in 8la3k on it. $"at %as all@ no name@ no lo-oG 8ut %"at %oul5 "a)e 8een appropriate@ a 8loo5y 5a--er@ or may8e a smokin- -unB A91 you nee5 me@ 3all t"is num8er.C ,5%ar5 "a5 ne)er -i)en me a num8er 8e1ore. He %as like t"e p"antom2t"ere %"en "e %ante5 to 8e@ or not t"ere@ as "e 3"ose. A num8er 3oul5 8e tra3e5. He %as trustin- me a lot %it" t"e num8er. 7ay8e "e %oul5n?t kill me. A$"ank you@ ,5%ar5.C A#ne 8it o1 a5)i3e. People in our line o1 %ork 5on?t make -oo5 si-ni1i3ant ot"ers.C A9 kno% t"at.C A="at?s "e 5o 1or a li)in-BC AHe?s a >unior "i-" s3ien3e tea3"er@C 9 sai5. ,5%ar5 >ust s"ook "is "ea5. AGoo5 lu3k.C =it" t"at partin- s"ot@ "e le1t. 9 slippe5 t"e 8usiness 3ar5 into t"e ro8e po3ket an5 %ent 8a3k to <i3"ar5. He %as a s3ien3e tea3"er@ 8ut "e also "unout %it" t"e monsters. He?5 seen it -et messy@ an5 it "a5n?t 1aEe5 "im@ mu3". !oul5 "e "an5le itB !oul5 9B #ne 5ate an5 9 %as alrea5y 8orro%in- trou8le t"at mi-"t ne)er 3ome up. =e mi-"t 5islike ea3" ot"er a1ter only one e)enin- to-et"er. 9?5 "a5 it "appen 8e1ore.

9 stare5 at t"e 8a3k o1 <i3"ar5?s "ea5 an5 %on5ere5 i1 t"e 3urls 3oul5 8e as so1t as t"ey looke5. 9nstant lustG em8arrassin-@ 8ut not t"at un3ommon. All ri-"t@ it %as un3ommon 1or me. A s"arp pain ran up my le-. $"e le- t"at t"e lamia2t"in- "a5 8itten. Please@ no. 9 leane5 a-ainst t"e 3ounter 5i)i5er. <i3"ar5 %as %at3"in- me@ puEEle5. 9 s%ept t"e ro8e asi5e. $"e le- %as s%ellin- an5 turnin- purplis". Ho% "a5 9 not noti3e5 itB A4i5 9 mention 9 -ot 8itten 8y a lamia to5ayBC ADou?re >okin-@C "e sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 t"ink you?re -oin- to "a)e to take me to t"e "ospital.C He stoo5 up an5 sa% my le-. AGo5I Sit 5o%n.C 9 %as startin- to s%eat. 9t %asn?t "ot in t"e apartment. <i3"ar5 "elpe5 me to t"e 3ou3". AAnita@ lamias "a)e 8een e*tin3t 1or t%o "un5re5 years. /o one?s -oin- to "a)e any anti)enom.C 9 stare5 at "im. A9 -uess %e?re not -oin- to -et t"at 5ate.C A/o 5ammit@ 9 %on?t sit "ere an5 %at3" you 5ie. Ly3ant"ropes 3an?t 8e poisone5.C ADou mean you %ant to rus" me to Step"en an5 let "im 8ite meBC ASomet"in- like t"at.C A9?5 rat"er 5ie.C Somet"in- 1li3kere5 t"rou-" "is eyes@ somet"in- 9 3oul5n?t rea5G pain@ may8e. ADou mean t"atBC ADes.C A rus" o1 nausea 1lo%e5 o)er me like a %a)e. A9?m -oin- to 8e si3k.C 9 trie5 to -et up an5 -o 1or t"e 8at"room 8ut 3ollapse5 on t"e %"ite 3arpet an5 )omite5 8loo5. <e5 an5 8ri-"t an5 1res". 9 %as 8lee5in- to 5eat" insi5e. <i3"ar5?s "an5 %as 3ool on my 1ore"ea5@ "is arm aroun5 my %aist. 9 )omite5 until 9 %as empty an5 e*"auste5. <i3"ar5 li1te5 me to t"e 3ou3". $"ere %as a narro% tunnel o1 li-"t e5-e5 8y 5arkness. $"e 5arkness %as eatin- t"e li-"t@ an5 9 3oul5n?t stop it. 9 3oul5 1eel mysel1 8e-in to 1loat a%ay. 9t 5i5n?t "urt. 9 %asn?t e)en s3are5. $"e last t"in- 9 "ear5 %as <i3"ar5?s )oi3e. A9 %on?t let you 5ie.C 9t %as a ni3e t"ou-"t.

Chapter Forty-one
$"e 5ream 8e-an. 9 %as sittin- in t"e mi55le o1 a "u-e 3anopie5 8e5. $"e 5rapes %ere "ea)y 8lue )el)et@ t"e 3olor o1 mi5ni-"t skies. $"e )el)et 8e5sprea5 %as so1t un5er my "an5s. 9 %as %earin- a lon- %"ite -o%n %it" la3e at t"e 3ollar an5 slee)es. 9?5 ne)er o%ne5 anyt"in- like it. /o one "a5 in t"is 3entury. $"e %alls %ere 8lue an5 -ol5 %allpaper. A "u-e 1irepla3e 8laEe5@ sen5in- s"a5o%s 5an3in- aroun5 t"e room. Hean2 !lau5e stoo5 in t"e 3orner o1 t"e room@ 8at"e5 in oran-e an5 8la3k s"a5o%s. He %as %earin- t"e same s"irt 9?5 last seen "im in@ t"e one %it" t"e peeka8oo 1ront. He %alke5 to%ar5s me@ 1ire2s"a5o%s s"inin- in "is "air@ on "is 1a3e@ -litterin- in "is eyes. A="y 5on?t you e)er 5ress me in anyt"in- normal in t"ese 5reamsBC He "esitate5. ADou 5on?t like t"e -o%nBC AHell@ no.C He -a)e a sli-"t smile. ADou al%ays 5i5 "a)e a %ay %it" %or5s@ ma petite. A AStop 3allin- me t"at@ 5ammit.C AAs you like@ Anita.C $"ere %as somet"in- in t"e %ay "e sai5 my name t"at 9 5i5n?t like at all. A="at are you up to@ Hean2!lau5eBC He stoo5 8esi5e t"e 8e5 an5 un8uttone5 t"e 1irst 8utton o1 "is s"irt. A="at are you 5oin-BC Anot"er 8utton@ an5 anot"er@ t"en "e %as pullin- t"e s"irt out o1 "is pants an5 lettin- it sli5e to t"e 1loor. His 8are 3"est %as only a little less %"ite t"an my -o%n. His nipples %ere pale an5 "ar5. $"e stran5 o1 5ark "air t"at starte5 lo% on "is 8elly an5 5isappeare5 into "is pants 1as3inate5 me. He 3ra%le5 up on t"e 8e5. 9 8a3ke5 a%ay@ 3lut3"in- t"e %"ite -o%n to me like some "eroine in a 8a5 Vi3torian no)el. A9 5on?t se5u3e t"is easy.C A9 3an taste your lust on t"e 8a3k o1 my ton-ue@ nita. Dou %ant to kno% %"at my skin 1eels like ne*t to your nake5 8o5y.C

9 s3ram8le5 o11 t"e 8e5. ALea)e me t"e 1u3k alone. 9 mean it.C A9t?s >ust a 5ream. !an?t you e)en let yoursel1 lust in a 5reamBC A9t?s ne)er >ust a 5ream %it" you.C He %as su55enly stan5in- in 1ront o1 me. 9 "a5n?t seen "im mo)e. His arms lo3ke5 8e"in5 my 8a3k@ an5 %e %ere on t"e 1loor in 1ront o1 t"e 1ire. 'ire2s"a5o%s 5an3e5 on t"e nake5 skin o1 "is s"oul5ers. His skin %as 1ra-ile@ smoot"@ an5 un8lemis"e52so so1t 9 %ante5 to tou3" it 1ore)er. He %as on top o1 me@ "is %ei-"t pressin- a-ainst me@ pus"in- me into t"e 1loor. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e line o1 "is 8o5y mol5e5 a-ainst mine. A#ne kiss an5 9?ll let you up.C 9 stare5 into "is mi5ni-"t28lue eyes 1rom in3"es a%ay. 9 3oul5n?t talk. 9 turne5 my 1a3e a%ay so 9 %oul5n?t "a)e to look into t"e per1e3tion o1 "is 1a3e. A#ne kissBC A7y %or5@C "e %"ispere5. 9 turne5 8a3k to "im. ADour %or5 isn?t %ort" s"it.C His 1a3e leane5 o)er mine@ lips almost tou3"in-. A#ne kiss.C His lips %ere so1t@ -entle. He kisse5 my 3"eek@ lips 8rus"in- 5o%n t"e line o1 my 3"eek@ tou3"in- my ne3k. His "air 8rus"e5 my 1a3e. 9 t"ou-"t t"at all 3urly "air %as 3oarse@ 8ut "is %as 8a8y 1ine@ silken so1t. A#ne kiss@C "e %"ispere5 a-ainst t"e skin o1 my t"roat@ ton-ue tastin- t"e pulse in my ne3k. AStop it.C ADou %ant it.C AStop it@ no%IC He -ra88e5 a "an51ul o1 "air@ 1or3in- my ne3k 8a3k%ar5s. His lips "a5 t"inne5 8a3k@ e*posin- 1an-s. His eyes %ere 5ro%nin- 8lue %it"out any %"ite at all. A/#IC A9 %ill "a)e you@ ma petite@ e)en i1 it is to sa)e your li1e.C His "ea5 3ame 5o%n%ar5@ strikin- like a snake. 9 %oke up starinat a 3eilin- 9 5i5n?t re3o-niEe. Bla3k an5 %"ite 5rapes %ere suspen5e5 1rom t"e 3eilin- in a so1t 1an. $"e 8e5 %as 8la3k satin %it" too many pillo%s t"ro%n all o)er t"e pla3e. $"e pillo%s %ere all 8la3k or %"ite. 9 %as %earin- a 8la3k -o%n %it" spa-"etti straps. 9t 1elt like a real silk an5 1it me per1e3tly. $"e 1loor %as ankle25eep %"ite 3arpet. A 8la3k la3;uer )anity an5 3"est o1 5ra%ers %ere pla3e5 at 1ar 3orners o1 t"e room. 9 sat up an5 3oul5 see mysel1 in t"e mirror. 7y ne3k %as smoot"@ no 8ite marks. Hust a 5ream@ >ust a 5ream@ 8ut 9 kne% 8etter. $"e 8e5room "a5 t"e unmistaka8le tou3" o1 Hean2!lau5e. 9 "a5 8een 5yin- o1 poison. Ho% "a5 9 -otten "ereB =as 9 un5erneat" t"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5@ or some%"ere else alto-et"erB 7y ri-"t %rist "urt. $"ere %as a %"ite s%at"e o1 8an5a-es aroun5 my %rist. 9 5i5n?t remem8er "urtin- it in t"e 3a)e. 9 stare5 at mysel1 in t"e )anity mirror. 9n t"e 8la3k ne-li-ee my skin %as %"ite@ my "air lon- an5 8la3k as t"e -o%n. 9 lau-"e5. 9 mat3"e5 t"e 5e3or. 9 mat3"e5 t"e 5amn 5e3or. A 5oor opene5 8e"in5 a %"ite 3urtain. 9 -ot a -limpse o1 stone %alls 8e"in5 t"e 5rapes. He %as %earin- not"in- 8ut t"e silky 8ottoms o1 men?s pa>amas. He pa55e5 to%ar5s me on 8are 1eet. His 8are 3"est looke5 like it "a5 in my 5ream@ e*3ept 1or t"e 3rosss"ape5 s3arG it "a5n?t 8een t"ere in t"e 5ream. 9t marre5 t"e mar8le per1e3tion o1 "im@ ma5e "im seem more real some"o%. AHell@C 9 sai5. A4e1initely Hell.C F="at@ ma petiteBC A9 %as %on5erin- %"ere 9 %as. 91 you?re "ere@ it "as to 8e Hell.C He smile5. He looke5 entirely too satis1ie5@ like a snake t"at "a5 8een %ell21e5. AHo% 5i5 9 -et "ereBC A<i3"ar5 8rou-"t you.C ASo 9 really %as poisone5. $"at %asn?t part o1 t"e 5reamBC He sat on t"e 1ar e5-e o1 t"e 8e5@ as 1ar a%ay 1rom me as "e 3oul5 -et an5 still sit 5o%n. $"ere %ere no ot"er pla3es to sit. A9?m a1rai5 t"e poison %as )ery real.C A/ot t"at 9?m 3omplainin-@ 8ut %"y aren?t 9 5ea5BC He "u--e5 "is knees to "is 3"est@ a stran-ely )ulnera8le -esture. A9 sa)e5 you.C A,*plain t"at.C

ADou kno%.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ASay it.C A$"e t"ir5 mark.C A9 5on?t "a)e any 8ite marks.C ABut your %rist is 3ut an5 8an5a-e5.C ADou 8astar5.C A9 sa)e5 your li1e.C ADou 5rank my 8loo5 %"ile 9 %as un3ons3ious.C He -a)e t"e sli-"test no5. ADou son o1 a 8it3".C $"e 5oor opene5 a-ain@ an5 it %as <i3"ar5. ADou 8astar5@ "o% 3oul5 you -i)e me to "imBC AS"e 5oesn?t seem )ery -rate1ul to us@ <i3"ar5.C ADou sai5 you?5 rat"er 5ie t"an 8e a ly3ant"rope.C A9?5 rat"er 5ie t"an 8e a )ampire.C AHe 5i5n?t 8ite you. Dou?re not -oin- to 8e a )ampire.C A9?ll 8e "is sla)e 1or eternityG -reat 3"oi3e.C A9t?s only t"e t"ir5 mark@ Anita. Dou aren?t "is ser)ant yet.C A$"at?s not t"e point.C 9 stare5 at "im. A4on?t you un5erstan5B 9?5 rat"er you let me 5ie t"an "a)e 5one t"is.C A9t is "ar5ly a 1ate %orse t"an 5eat"@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ADou %ere 8lee5in- 1rom your nose an5 eyes. Dou %ere 8lee5in- to 5eat" in my arms.C <i3"ar5 took a 1e% steps to%ar5s t"e 8e5@ t"en stoppe5. A9 3oul5n?t >ust let you 5ie.C His "an5s rea3"e5 out%ar5 in a "elpless -esture. 9 stoo5 up in t"e silky -o%n an5 stare5 at t"em 8ot". A7ay8e <i3"ar5 5i5n?t kno% any 8etter@ 8ut you kne% "o% 9 1elt@ Hean2!lau5e. Dou 5on?t "a)e any e*3uses.C APer"aps 9 3oul5 not stan5 to %at3" you 5ie@ eit"er. Ha)e you t"ou-"t o1 t"atBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="at 5oes t"e t"ir5 mark meanB ="at e*tra po%ers 5oes it -i)e you o)er meBC A9 3an %"isper in your min5 outsi5e o1 5reams no%. An5 you "a)e -aine5 po%er as %ell@ ma petite. Dou are )ery "ar5 to kill no%. Poison %on?t %ork at all.C 9 kept s"akin- my "ea5. A9 5on?t %ant to "ear it. 9 %on?t 1or-i)e you 1or t"is@ Hean2!lau5e.C A9 5i5 not t"ink you %oul5@C "e sai5. He seeme5 %ist1ul. A9 nee5 3lot"es an5 a ri5e "ome. 9?)e -ot to %ork toni-"t.C AAnita@ you?)e almost 5ie5 t%i3e to5ay. Ho% 3an you ... C A!an it@ <i3"ar5. 9 nee5 to -o to %ork toni-"t. 9 nee5 somet"in- t"at?s mine an5 not "is. Dou in)asi)e 8astar5.C A'in5 "er some 3lot"es an5 take "er "ome@ <i3"ar5. S"e nee5s time to a5>ust to t"is ne% 3"an-e.C 9 stare5 at Hean2!lau5e still "u55le5 on t"e 3orner o1 t"e 8e5. He looke5 a5ora8le@ an5 i1 9?5 "a5 a -un@ 9?5 "a)e s"ot "im on t"e spot. 'ear %as a "ar5@ 3ol5 lump in my -ut. He meant to make me "is ser)ant@ %"et"er 9 like5 it or not. 9 3oul5 s3ream an5 protest@ an5 "e?5 i-nore it. A!ome near me a-ain@ Hean2!lau5e@ 1or any reason@ an5 9?ll kill you.C A$"ree marks 8in5 us no%. 9t %oul5 "arm you@ too.C 9 lau-"e5@ an5 it %as 8itter. A4o you really t"ink 9 -i)e a 5amnBC He stare5 at me@ 1a3e 3alm@ unrea5a8le@ lo)ely. A/o.C He turne5 "is 8a3k on us 8ot" an5 sai5@ A$ake "er "ome@ <i3"ar5. $"ou-" 9 5o not en)y you t"e ri5e t"ere.C He -lan3e5 8a3k %it" a smile. AS"e 3an 8e ;uite )o3al %"en s"e?s an-ry.C 9 %ante5 to spit at "im@ 8ut t"at %oul5n?t "a)e 8een enou-". 9 3oul5n?t kill "im@ not ri-"t t"en an5 t"ere@ so 9 let it -o. Gra3e un5er pressure. 9 1ollo%e5 <i3"ar5 out t"e 5oor an5 5i5n?t look 8a3k. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see "is per1e3t pro1ile in t"e )anity mirror. Vampires %eren?t suppose5 to "a)e re1le3tions@ or souls. He "a5 one. 4i5 "e "a)e t"e ot"erB 4i5 it matterB /o@ 9 5e3i5e5@ it 5i5n?t matter at all. 9 %as -oin- to -i)e Hean2!lau5e to #li)er. 9 %as -oin- to -i)e t"e 3ity to 7r. #li)er. 9 %as -oin- to set t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity up 1or assassination. #ne more mark an5 9?5 8e "is 1ore)er. /o %ay. 9?5 see "im 5ea5 1irst@ e)en i1 it meant 9 5ie5 %it" "im. /o one 1or3e5 me into anyt"in-@ not e)en eternity.

Chapter Forty-two
9 en5e5 up %earin- one o1 t"ose 5resses %it" t"e %aist t"at "it you a8out at t"e "ips. $"e 1a3t t"at t"e 5ress %as a8out t"ree siEes too 8i- 5i5n?t "elp matters. $"e s"oes 1it e)en i1 t"ey %ere "i-" "eels. 9t %as 8etter t"an -oin- 8are1oot. <i3"ar5 turne5 up t"e "eat in t"e 3ar 8e3ause 9?5 re1use5 "is 3oat. =e %ere 1i-"tin-@ an5 %e "a5n?t e)en "a5 one 5ate. $"at %as a re3or5 e)en 1or me. ADou?re ali)e@C "e sai5 1or t"e se)entiet" time. ABut at %"at pri3eBC A9 8elie)e t"at all li1e is pre3ious. 4on?t youBC A4on?t -o all p"ilosop"i3al on me@ <i3"ar5. Dou "an5e5 me o)er to t"e monsters@ an5 t"ey use5 me. 4on?t you un5erstan5 t"at Hean2!lau5e "as 8een lookin- 1or an e*3use to 5o t"is to meBC AHe sa)e5 your li1e.C $"at seeme5 to 8e t"e e*tent o1 "is ar-ument. ABut "e 5i5n?t 5o it to sa)e my li1e. He 5i5 it 8e3ause "e %ants me as "is sla)e.C AA "uman ser)ant isn?t a sla)e. 9t?s almost t"e opposite. He?ll "a)e almost no po%er o)er you.C ABut "e?ll 8e a8le to talk insi5e my "ea5@ in)a5e my 5reams.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A4on?t let "im su3ker you.C ADou?re 8ein- unreasona8le@C "e sai5. $"at %as it. A9?m t"e one %it" my %rist slit open %"ere t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity 1e5. He 5rank my 8loo5@ <i3"ar5.C A9 kno%.C $"ere %as somet"in- a8out t"e %ay "e sai5 it. ADou %at3"e5@ you si3k son o1 a 8it3".C A/o@ it %asn?t like t"at.C AHo% %as itBC 9 sat %it" my arms 3rosse5 o)er my stoma3"@ -larin- at "im. So t"at %as t"e "ol5 Hean2!lau5e "a5 on "im. <i3"ar5 %as a )oyeur. A9 %ante5 to make sure "e only 5i5 enou-" to sa)e your li1e.C A="at else 3oul5 "e "a)e 5oneB He 5rank my 8loo5@ 5ammit.C <i3"ar5 3on3entrate5 on t"e roa5 su55enly@ not lookin- at me. AHe 3oul5 "a)e rape5 you.C A9 %as 8lee5in- 1rom my eyes an5 nose@ you sai5. 4oesn?t soun5 )ery romanti3 to me.C AAll t"e 8loo5@ it seeme5 to e*3ite "im.C 9 stare5 at "im. ADou?re seriousBC He no55e5. 9 sat t"ere 1eelin- 3ol5 5o%n to my toes. A="at ma5e you t"ink "e %as -oin- to rape meBC ADou %oke up on a 8la3k 8e5sprea5. $"e 1irst one %as %"ite. He lai5 you on it an5 starte5 to strip 5o%n. He took your ro8e o11. $"ere %as 8loo5 e)ery%"ere. He smeare5 "is 1a3e in it@ taste5 it. Anot"er )ampire "an5e5 "im a small -ol5 kni1e.C A$"ere %ere more )amps t"ereBC A9t %as like a ritual. $"e au5ien3e seeme5 to 8e important. He slit your %rist an5 5rank at it@ 8ut "is "an5s ... "e %as tou3"in- your 8reasts. 9 tol5 "im t"at 9 "a5 8rou-"t you so you 3oul5 li)e@ not so "e 3oul5 rape you.C A$"at must "a)e -one o)er real 8i-.C <i3"ar5 %as )ery ;uiet all o1 a su55en. A="atBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A$ell me@ <i3"ar5. 9 mean it.C AHean2!lau5e looke5 up %it" 8loo5 all o)er "is 1a3e an5 sai5@ F9 "a)e not %aite5 t"is lon- to take %"at 9 %ant "er to -i)e 1reely. 9t is a temptation.? $"en "e looke5 5o%n at you@ an5 t"ere %as somet"in- in "is 1a3e@ Anita. 9t %as s3ary as "ell. He really 8elie)es you?ll 3ome aroun5. $"at you?ll ... lo)e "im.C AVampires 5on?t lo)e.C AAre you sureBC 9 -lan3e5 at "im@ t"en a%ay. 9 stare5 at t"e %in5o% at t"e 5ayli-"t t"at %as >ust no% 8e-innin- to 1a5e. AVampires 5on?t lo)e. $"ey 3an?t.C

AHo% 5o you kno% t"atBC AHean2!lau5e 5oes not lo)e me.C A7ay8e "e 5oes@ as mu3" as "e 3an.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHe 8at"e5 in my 8loo5. He slit my %rist. $"at isn?t my i5ea o1 lo)e.C A7ay8e it?s "is.C A$"en it?s too 5amn %eir5 1or me.C A'ine@ 8ut a5mit t"at "e may lo)e you@ as mu3" as "e?s a8le.C A/o.C A9t s3ares you to t"ink t"at "e lo)es you@ 5oesn?t itBC 9 stare5 out t"e %in5o% as "ar5 as 9 3oul5. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e talkin- a8out t"is. 9 %ante5 to un5o t"is %"ole 5amn 5ay. A#r is it somet"in- else t"at you?re a1rai5 o1BC A9 5on?t kno% %"at you?re talkin- a8out.C ADes@ you 5o.C He soun5e5 so sure o1 "imsel1. He 5i5n?t kno% me %ell enou-" to 8e t"at 3ertain. ASay it out lou5@ Anita. Say it >ust on3e an5 it %on?t seem so s3ary.C A9 5on?t "a)e anyt"in- to say.C ADou?re tellin- me t"at no part o1 you %ants "im. /ot a pie3e o1 you mi-"t lo)e "im 8a3k.C A9 5on?t lo)e "imG t"at mu3" 9?m sure o1.C AButBC ADou are persistent@C 9 sai5. ADes@C "e sai5. AAll ri-"t@ 9?m attra3te5 to "im. 9s t"at %"at you %ante5 to "earBC AHo% attra3te5BC A$"at?s none o1 your 5amn 8usiness.C AHean2!lau5e %arne5 me to stay a%ay 1rom you. 9 >ust %ant to kno% i1 9?m really inter1erin-. 91 you?re attra3te5 to "im@ may8e 9 s"oul5 stay out o1 it.C AHe?s a monster@ <i3"ar5. Dou?)e seen "im. 9 3an?t lo)e a monster.C A91 "e %as "umanBC AHe?s an e-otisti3al@ 3ontrollin- 8astar5.C ABut i1 "e %as "umanBC 9 si-"e5. A91 "e %as "uman@ %e mi-"t %ork somet"in- out@ 8ut e)en ali)e@ Hean2!lau5e 3an 8e su3" an S#B. 9 5on?t t"ink it %oul5 %ork.C ABut you?re not e)en -oin- to try 8e3ause "e?s a monster.C AHe?s 5ea5@ <i3"ar5@ a %alkin- 3orpse. 9t 5oesn?t matter "o% pretty "e is@ or "o% 3ompellin-@ "e?s still 5ea5. 9 5on?t 5ate 3orpses. A -irl?s -ot to "a)e some stan5ar5s.C ASo no 3orpses@C "e sai5. A/o 3orpses.C A="at a8out ly3ant"ropesBC A="yB Dou t"inkin- o1 1i*in- me up %it" your 1rien5BC AHust 3urious a8out %"ere you 5ra% t"e line.C ALy3ant"ropy is a 5isease. $"e person?s alrea5y sur)i)e5 a )i3ious atta3k. 9t?5 8e like 8lamin- t"e rape )i3tim.C ADou e)er 5ate a s"apes"i1terBC A9t?s ne)er 3ome up.C A="at else %oul5n?t you 5ateBC A$"in-s t"at %ere ne)er "uman to 8e-in %it"@ 9 -uess. 9 really "a)en?t t"ou-"t a8out it. ="y t"e interestBC He s"ook "is "ea5. AHust 3urious.C A="y aren?t 9 still pisse5 at youBC

A7ay8e 8e3ause you?re -la5 to 8e ali)e@ no matter %"at t"e 3ost.C He pulle5 into t"e parkin- lot o1 my apartment 8uil5in-. Larry?s 3ar %as i5lin- in my parkin- spa3e. A7ay8e 9 am -la5 to 8e ali)e@ 8ut 9?ll let you kno% a8out t"e 3ost %"en 9 1in5 out %"at it really is.C ADou 5on?t 8elie)e Hean2!lau5eBC A9 %oul5n?t 8elie)e Hean2!lau5e i1 "e tol5 me moonli-"t %as sil)er.C <i3"ar5 smile5. ASorry a8out t"e 5ate.C A7ay8e %e 3an try a-ain sometime.C A9?5 like t"at@C "e sai5. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 stoo5 s"i)erin- in t"e 3ool air. A="ate)er "appens@ <i3"ar5@ t"anks 1or %at3"in- out 1or me.C 9 "esitate5@ t"en sai5@ AAn5 %"ate)er "ol5 Hean2!lau5e?s -ot on you@ 8reak it. Get a%ay 1rom "im. He?ll -et you kille5.C He >ust no55e5. AGoo5 a5)i3e.C A="i3" you?re not -oin- to take@C 9 sai5. A9 %oul5 i1 9 3oul5@ Anita. Please 8elie)e t"at.C A="at 5oes "e "a)e on you@ <i3"ar5BC He s"ook "is "ea5. AHe or5ere5 me not to tell you.C AHe or5ere5 you not to 5ate me@ too.C He s"ru--e5. ADou 8etter -et -oin-. Dou?re -oin- to 8e late 1or %ork.C 9 smile5. ABesi5es@ 9?m 1reeEin- my 8utt o11.C He smile5. ADou 5o "a)e a %ay %it" %or5s.C A9 spen5 too mu3" time "an-in- aroun5 %it" 3ops.C He put t"e 3ar in -ear. AHa)e a sa1e ni-"t at %ork.C A9?ll 5o my 8est.C He no55e5. 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor. <i3"ar5 5i5n?t seem to %ant to talk a8out %"at Hean2!lau5e "a5 on "im. =ell@ no rule sai5 %e "a5 to play "onesty on t"e 1irst 5ate. Besi5es@ "e %as ri-"t. 9 %as -oin- to 8e late 1or %ork. 9 tappe5 on Larry?s %in5o%. A9?)e -ot to 3"an-e@ t"en 9?ll 8e ri-"t 8a3k 5o%n.C A="o %as t"at 5roppin- you o11BC AA 5ate.C 9 le1t it at t"at. 9t %as a mu3" easier e*planation t"an t"e trut". Besi5es@ it %as almost true.

Chapter Forty-three
$"is is t"e only ni-"t o1 t"e year t"at Bert allo%s us to %ear 8la3k to %ork. He t"inks t"e 3olor is too "ars" 1or normal 8usiness "ours. 9 "a5 8la3k >eans an5 a Hallo%een s%eater %it" "u-e -rinnin- >a3k o? lanterns in a stoma3"2"i-" line. 9 toppe5 it o11 %it" a 8la3k Eipper s%eats"irt an5 8la3k /ikes. ,)en my s"oul5er "olster an5 t"e Bro%nin- mat3"e5. 9 "a5 my 8a3kup -un in an inner pants "olster. 9 also "a5 t%o e*tra 3lips in my sport 8a-. 9 "a5 repla3e5 t"e kni1e 9?5 "a5 to lea)e in t"e 3a)e. $"ere %as a 5errin-er in my >a3ket po3ket an5 t%o e*tra kni)es@ one 5o%n t"e spine@ t"e ot"er in an ankle "olster. 4on?t lau-". 9 le1t t"e s"ot-un "ome. 91 Hean2!lau5e 1oun5 out 9?5 8etraye5 "im@ "e?5 kill me. =oul5 9 kno% %"en "e 5ie5B =oul5 9 1eel itB Somet"in- tol5 me t"at 9 %oul5. 9 took t"e 3ar5 t"at Karl 9n-er "a5 -i)en me an5 3alle5 t"e num8er. 91 it "a5 to 8e 5one@ it 8est 8e 5one ;ui3kly. AHelloBC A9s t"is Karl 9n-erBC ADes@ it is. ="o is t"isBC A9t?s Anita Blake. 9 nee5 to speak %it" #li)er.C AHa)e you 5e3i5e5 to -i)e us t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ityBC ADes.C A91 you?ll "ol5 1or a moment@ 9?ll 1et3" 7r. #li)er.C He lai5 t"e re3ei)er 5o%n. 9 "ear5 "im %alkin- a%ay until t"ere %as not"in- 8ut silen3e on t"e p"one. Better t"an 7uEak. 'ootsteps 3omin- 8a3k@ t"enJ AHello@ 7s. Blake@ so -oo5 o1 you to 3all.C

9 s%allo%e5@ an5 it "urt. A$"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity is Hean2!lau5e.C A9 "a5 5is3ounte5 "im. He isn?t )ery po%er1ul.C AHe "i5es "is po%ers. $rust me@ "e?s a lot more t"an "e seems.C A="y t"e 3"an-e o1 "eart@ 7s. BlakeBC AHe -a)e me t"e t"ir5 mark. 9 %ant 1ree o1 "im.C A7s. Blake@ to 8e 8oun5 t"ri3e to a )ampire@ an5 t"en "a)e t"at )ampire 5ie@ 3an 8e ;uite a s"o3k to t"e system. 9t 3oul5 kill you.C A9 %ant 1ree o1 "im@ 7r. #li)er.C A,)en i1 you 5ieBC "e sai5. A,)en i1 9 5ie.C A9 %oul5 "a)e like5 to "a)e met you un5er 5i11erent 3ir3umstan3es@ Anita Blake. Dou are a remarka8le person.C A/o@ 9?)e >ust seen too mu3". 9 %on?t let "im "a)e me.C A9 %ill not 1ail you@ 7s. Blake. 9 %ill see "im 5ea5.C A91 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e t"at@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e tol5 you.C A9 appre3iate your 3on1i5en3e.C A#ne ot"er t"in- you s"oul5 kno%. $"e lamia trie5 to 8etray you to5ay. S"e?s in lea-ue %it" anot"er master name5 Ale>an5ro.C A<eallyBC His )oi3e soun5e5 amuse5. A="at 5i5 "e o11er "erBC AHer 1ree5om.C ADes@ t"at %oul5 tempt 7elanie. 9 keep "er on su3" a s"ort rein.C AS"e?s 8een tryin- to 8ree5. 4i5 you kno% t"atBC A="at 5o you meanBC 9 tol5 "im a8out t"e men@ espe3ially t"e last one t"at "a5 8een nearly 3"an-e5. He %as ;uiet 1or a moment. A9 "a)e 8een most inattenti)e. 9 %ill 5eal %it" 7elanie an5 Ale>an5ro.C A'ine. 9?5 appre3iate a 3all tomorro% to let me kno% "o% t"in-s %ent.C A$o 8e sure "e?s 5ea5@C #li)er sai5. ADes@C 9 sai5. ADou?ll -et a 3all 1rom Karl or mysel1. But 1irst@ %"ere 3an %e 1in5 Hean2!lau5eBC A$"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5.C AHo% appropriate.C A$"at?s all 9 3an tell you.C A$"ank you@ 7s. Blake@ an5 Happy Hallo%een.C 9 "a5 to lau-". A9t?s -oin- to 8e a "ell o1 a ni-"t.C He 3"u3kle5 so1tly. A9n5ee5. Goo528ye@ 7s. Blake.C $"e p"one %ent 5ea5 in my "an5. 9 stare5 at t"e p"one. 9?5 "a5 to 5o it. Ha5 to. So %"y 5i5 my stoma3" 1eel ti-"tB ="y 5i5 9 "a)e t"e ur-e to 3all Hean2!lau5e an5 %arn "imB =as it t"e marks@ or %as <i3"ar5 ri-"tB 4i5 9 lo)e Hean2!lau5e in some stran-e@ t%iste5 %ayB Go5 "elp me@ 9 "ope5 not.

Chapter Forty-four
9t %as 1ull 5ark on All Hallo%s ,)e. Larry an5 9 "a5 ma5e t%o appointments. He?5 raise5 one@ an5 9?5 raise5 t"e ot"er. He "a5 one more to -o@ an5 9 "a5 t"ree. A ni3e normal ni-"t. ="at Larry %as %earin- %as not normal. Bert "a5 en3oura-e5 us to %ear somet"in- 1ittin- 1or t"e "oli5ay. 9?5 3"osen t"e s%eater. Larry "a5 3"osen a 3ostume. He %as %earin- 8lue 5enim o)eralls@ a %"ite 5ress s"irt %it" t"e slee)es rolle5 up@ a stra% "at@ an5 %ork 8oots. ="en aske5@ "e?5 sai5@ A9?m Hu3k 'inn. 4on?t 9 1it t"e partBC =it" "is re5 "air an5 1re3kles@ "e 5i5 1it t"e part. $"ere %as 8loo5 on t"e s"irt no%@ 8ut it %as Hallo%een. $"ere %ere a lot o1 people out %it" 1ake 8loo5 on t"em. =e 1itte5 ri-"t in toni-"t. 7y 8eeper %ent o11. 9 3"e3ke5 t"e num8er@ an5 it %as 4olp". 4amn. A="o is itBC Larry aske5.

A$"e poli3e. =e?)e -ot to 1in5 a p"one.C He -lan3e5 at t"e 5as"8oar5 3lo3k. A=e?re a"ea5 o1 s3"e5ule. Ho% a8out t"e 734onal5?s >ust o11 t"e "i-"%ayBC AGreat.C 9 praye5 t"at it %asn?t anot"er mur5er. 9 nee5e5 a ni3e normal ni-"t. At t"e 8a3k o1 my "ea5 like a 8it o1 remem8ere5 son-@ t%o senten3es kept playin-J AHean2!lau5e is -oin- to 5ie toni-"t. Dou set "im up.C 9t seeme5 %ron- to kill "im 1rom a sa1e 5istan3e. $o not look "im in t"e eyes an5 pull t"e tri--er mysel1@ to not -i)e "im a 3"an3e to kill me 1irst. 'air play an5 all t"at. 'u3k 1air playG it %as "im or me. =asn?t itB Larry parke5 in t"e 734onal5?s lot. A9?m -onna -et a !oke %"ile you 3all in. Dou %ant somet"in-BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou all ri-"tBC ASure. 9?m >ust "opin- it?s not anot"er mur5er.C AHesus@ 9 "a5n?t t"ou-"t o1 t"at.C =e -ot out o1 t"e 3ar. Larry %ent into t"e 5inin- room. 9 staye5 in t"e little entran3e area %it" t"e pay p"one. 4olp" pi3ke5 up on t"e t"ir5 rin-. ASer-eant Storr.C A9t?s Anita. ="at?s upBC A=e 1inally 8roke t"e parale-al t"at %as 1ee5in- in1ormation to t"e )ampires.C AGreatG 9 t"ou-"t it mi-"t 8e anot"er mur5er.C A/ot toni-"tG t"e )amp?s -ot more important 8usiness.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC AHe?s plannin- on -ettin- e)ery )ampire in t"e 3ity to slau-"ter "umans 1or Hallo%een.C AHe 3an?t. #nly t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity 3oul5 5o t"at@ an5 t"en only i1 "e %as in3re5i8ly po%er1ul.C A$"at?s %"at 9 t"ou-"t. !oul5 8e t"e )ampire?s 3raEy.C 9 "a5 a t"ou-"t@ an a%1ul t"ou-"t. ADou -ot a 5es3ription o1 t"e )ampireBC AVampires@C "e sai5. A<ea5 it to me.C 9 "ear5 paper rustlin-@ t"enJ AS"ort@ 5ark@ )ery polite. Sa% one ot"er )ampire t%i3e %it" t"e 8oss )amp. He %as me5ium "ei-"t@ 9n5ian or 7e*i3an@ lon-is" 8la3k "air.C 9 3lut3"e5 t"e p"one so ti-"t my "an5 trem8le5. A4i5 t"e )ampire say %"y "e %as -oin- to slau-"ter "umansBC A=ante5 to 5is3re5it le-aliEe5 )ampirism. /o% isn?t t"at a %eir5 moti)e 1or a )ampireBC ADea"@C 9 sai5. A4olp"@ t"is 3oul5 "appen.C A="at are you sayin-BC A91 t"is master )ampire 3oul5 kill t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity an5 take o)er 8e1ore 5a%n@ "e mi-"t pull it o11.C A="at 3an %e 5oBC 9 "esitate5@ almost tellin- "im to prote3t Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut it %asn?t a matter 1or t"e poli3e. $"ey "a5 to %orry a8out la%s an5 poli3e 8rutality. $"ere %as no %ay to take somet"in- like #li)er ali)e. ="ate)er %as -oin- to "appen toni-"t "a5 to 8e permanent. A$alk to me@ Anita.C A9?)e -otta -o@ 4olp".C ADou kno% somet"in-G tell me.C 9 "un- up. 9 also turne5 o11 my 8eeper. 9 5iale5 !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5. A pleasant2)oi3e5 %oman ans%ere5@ A!ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5@ %"ere all your ni-"tmares 3ome true.C A9 nee5 to speak to Hean2!lau5e. 9t?s an emer-en3y.C AHe?s 8usy ri-"t no%. 7ay 9 take a messa-eBC 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5@ trie5 not to yell. A$"is is Anita Blake@ Hean2!lau5e?s "uman ser)ant. $ell "im to -et "is ass to t"e p"one no%.C A9 ... C APeople are -oin- to 5ie i1 9 5on?t talk to "im.C A#kay@ okay.C S"e put me on "ol5 %it" a 8ut3"ere5 )ersion o1 AHi-" 'lyin-C 8y $om Petty.

Larry 3ame out %it" "is !oke. A="at?s upBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to >ump up an5 5o%n@ 8ut t"at %oul5n?t -et Hean2!lau5e to t"e p"one any sooner. 9 stoo5 )ery still@ "u--in- one arm a3ross my stoma3". ="at "a5 9 5oneB Please 5on?t let it 8e too late. A7a petiteBC A$"ank Go5.C A="at "as "appene5BC AHust listen. $"ere?s a master )ampire on "is %ay to t"e !ir3us. 9 -a)e "im your name an5 your restin- pla3e. His name is 7r. #li)er an5 "e?s ol5er t"an anyt"in-. He?s ol5er t"an Ale>an5ro. 9n 1a3t@ 9 t"ink "e?s Ale>an5ro?s master. 9t?s all 8een a plan to -et me to 8etray t"e 3ity to "im@ an5 9 1ell 1or it.C He %as ;uiet so lon- t"at 9 aske5@ A4i5 you "ear meBC ADou really meant to kill me.C A9 tol5 you 9 %oul5.C ABut no% you %arn me. ="yBC A#li)er %ants 3ontrol o1 t"e 3ity so "e 3an sen5 all t"e )ampires out to slau-"ter "umans. He %ants it 8a3k to t"e ol5 5ays %"en )ampires %ere "unte5. He sai5 le-aliEe5 )ampirism %as sprea5in- too 1ast. 9 a-ree@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at "e meant to 5o.C ASo to sa)e your pre3ious "umans you %ill 8etray #li)er no%.C A9t isn?t like t"at. 4ammit@ Hean2!lau5e@ 3on3entrate on t"e important t"in- "ere. $"ey?re on t"eir %ay. $"ey may 8e t"ere alrea5y. Dou?)e -ot to prote3t yoursel1.C A$o keep t"e "umans sa1e.C A$o keep your )ampires sa1e@ too. 4o you really %ant t"em un5er #li)er?s 3ontrolBC A/o. 9 %ill take steps@ ma petite. =e %ill at least -i)e "im a 1i-"t.C He "un- up. Larry %as starin- at me %it" %i5e eyes. A="at t"e "ell is "appenin-@ AnitaBC A/ot no%@ Larry.C 9 1is"e5 ,5%ar5?s 3ar5 out o1 my 8a-. 9 5i5n?t "a)e anot"er ;uarter. A4o you "a)e a ;uarterBC ASure.C He "an5e5 it to me %it"out any more ;uestions. Goo5 man. 9 5iale5 t"e num8er. APlease@ 8e t"ere. Please@ 8e t"ere.C He ans%ere5 on t"e se)ent" rin-. A,5%ar5@ it?s Anita.C A="at?s "appene5BC AHo% %oul5 you like to take on t%o master )ampires ol5er t"an /ikolaosBC 9 "ear5 "im s%allo%. A9 al%ays "a)e so mu3" 1un %"en you?re aroun5. ="ere s"oul5 %e meetBC A$"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5. Dou -ot an e*tra s"ot-unBC A/ot %it" me.C AS"it. 7eet me out 1ront ASAP. $"e s"it?s -oin- to really "it t"e 1an toni-"t@ ,5%ar5.C ASoun5s like a -reat %ay to spen5 Hallo%een.C ASee you t"ere.C ABye@ an5 t"anks 1or in)itin- me.C He meant it. ,5%ar5 "a5 starte5 out as a normal assassin@ 8ut "umans "a5 8een too easy@ so "e %ent 1or )amps an5 s"apes"i1ters. He "a5n?t met anyt"in- "e 3oul5n?t kill@ an5 %"at %as li1e %it"out a little 3"allen-eB 9 looke5 at Larry. A9 nee5 to 8orro% your 3ar.C ADou?re not -oin- any%"ere %it"out me. 9?)e "ear5 >ust your si5e o1 t"e 3on)ersations@ an5 9?m not -ettin- le1t out.C 9 starte5 to ar-ue@ 8ut t"ere %asn?t time. A#kay@ let?s 5o it.C He -rinne5. He %as please5. He 5i5n?t kno% %"at %as -oin- to "appen toni-"t@ %"at %e %ere up a-ainst. 9 5i5. An5 9 %asn?t "appy at all.

Chapter Forty-five
9 stoo5 >ust insi5e t"e 5oor o1 t"e !ir3us starin- at t"e %a)e o1 3ostumes an5 -litterin- "umanity. 9?5 ne)er seen t"e pla3e so 3ro%5e5. ,5%ar5 stoo5 8esi5e me in a lon- 8la3k 3loak %it" a 5eat"?s2"ea5 mask. 4eat" 5resse5 up as 5eat"G 1unny@ "u"B He also "a5 a 1lamet"ro%er strappe5 to "is 8a3k@ an :Ei pistol@ an5 "ea)en kne% "o% many ot"er %eapons se3rete5 a8out "is person. Larry looke5 pale 8ut 5etermine5. He "a5 my 5errin-er in "is po3ket. He kne% not"in- a8out -uns. $"e 5errin-er %as an emer-en3y measure only @ 8ut "e %oul5n?t stay in t"e 3ar. /e*t %eek@ i1 %e %ere still ali)e@ 9?5 take "im out to t"e s"ootin- ran-e. A %oman in a 8ir5 3ostume passe5 us in a s3ent o1 1eat"ers an5 per1ume. 9 "a5 to look t%i3e to make sure t"at it %as >ust a 3ostume. $oni-"t %as t"e ni-"t %"en all s"apes"i1ters 3oul5 8e out an5 people %oul5 >ust say@ A/eat 3ostume.C 9t %as Hallo%een ni-"t at t"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5. Anyt"in- %as possi8le. A slen5er 8la3k %oman steppe5 up to us %earin- not"in- 8ut a 8ikini an5 an ela8orate mask. S"e "a5 to step 3lose to me to 8e "ear5 o)er t"e murmur o1 t"e 3ro%5. AHean2!lau5e sent me to 8rin- you.C A="o are youBC A<as"i5a.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A<as"i5a "a5 "er arm torn o11 t%o 5ays a-o.C 9 stare5 at t"e per1e3t 1les" o1 "er arm. ADou 3an?t 8e "er.C S"e raise5 "er mask so 9 3oul5 see "er 1a3e@ t"en smile5. A=e "eal 1ast.C 9 "a5 kno%n ly3ant"ropes "eale5 1ast@ 8ut not t"at 1ast@ not t"at mu3" 5ama-e. Li)e an5 learn. =e 1ollo%e5 "er s%ayin- "ips into t"e 3ro%5. 9 -ra88e5 "ol5 o1 Larry?s "an5 %it" my le1t "an5. AStay ri-"t %it" me toni-"t.C He no55e5. 9 t"rea5e5 t"rou-" t"e 3ro%5 "ol5in- "is "an5 like a 3"il5 or a lo)er. 9 3oul5n?t stan5 t"e t"ou-"t o1 "im -ettin- "urt. /o@ t"at %asn?t true. 9 3oul5n?t stan5 t"e t"ou-"t o1 "im -ettin- kille5. 4eat" %as t"e 8i- 8oo-eyman toni-"t. ,5%ar5 1ollo%e5 at our "eels. Silent as "is namesake@ trustin- t"at "e?5 -et to kill somet"in- soon. <as"i5a le5 us to%ar5s t"e 8i-@ stripe5 3ir3us tent. Ba3k to Hean2!lau5e?s o11i3e@ 9 suppose5. A man in a stra% "at an5 stripe5 3oat sai5@ ASorry@ t"e s"o%?s sol5 out.C A9t?s me@ Perry. $"ese are t"e ones t"e 7aster?s 8een %aitin- 1or.C S"e "ike5 "er t"um8 in our 5ire3tion. $"e man 5re% asi5e t"e tent 1lap an5 motione5 us t"rou-". $"ere %as a line o1 s%eat on "is upper lip. 9t %as %arm@ 8ut 9 "a5 t"e 1eelin- it %asn?t t"at kin5 o1 s%eat. ="at %as "appenin- insi5e t"e tentB 9t 3oul5n?t 8e too 8a5 i1 t"ey %ere lettint"e 3ro%5 in to %at3". !oul5 itB $"e li-"ts %ere 8ri-"t an5 "ot. 9 starte5 to s%eat un5er t"e s%eats"irt@ 8ut i1 9 took it o11@ people %oul5 stare at my -un. 9 "ate5 t"at. !ir3ular 3urtains "a5 8een ri--e5 to t"e 3eilin-@ 3reatin- t%o 3urtaine5o11 areas in t"e lar-e 3ir3us rin-. Spotli-"ts surroun5e5 t"e t%o "i55en areas. $"e 3urtains %ere like prisms. =it" e)ery step %e took@ t"e 3olors 3"an-e5 an5 1lo%e5 o)er t"e 3lot". 9 %asn?t sure i1 it %as t"e 3lot" or some tri3k o1 t"e li-"ts. ="ate)er@ it %as a ni1ty e11e3t. <as"i5a stoppe5 >ust s"ort o1 t"e rail t"at kept t"e 3ro%5 8a3k. AHean2!lau5e %ante5 e)ery8o5y to 8e in 3ostume@ 8ut %e?re out o1 time.C S"e pulle5 at my s%eater. ALose t"e >a3ket an5 it?ll "a)e to 5o.C 9 pulle5 my s%eater out o1 "er "an5. A="at are you talkin- a8out@ 3ostumesBC ADou?re "ol5in- up t"e s"o%. 4rop t"e >a3ket an5 3ome on.C S"e 5i5 a lon-@ laEy leap o)er t"e railin- an5 stro5e 8are1oot an5 8eauti1ul a3ross t"e %"ite 1loor. S"e looke5 8a3k at us@ motionin- 1or us to 1ollo%. 9 staye5 %"ere 9 %as. 9 %asn?t -oin- any%"ere until some8o5y e*plaine5 t"in-s. Larry an5 ,5%ar5 %aite5 %it" me. $"e au5ien3e near us %as starin- intently@ %aitin- 1or us to 5o somet"in- interestin-. =e stoo5 t"ere. <as"i5a 5isappeare5 into one o1 t"e 3urtaine5 3ir3les. AAnita.C 9 turne5@ 8ut Larry %as starin- at t"e rin-. A4i5 you say somet"in-BC He s"ook "is "ea5. AAnitaBC 9 -lan3e5 at ,5%ar5@ 8ut it "a5n?t 8een "is )oi3e. 9 %"ispere5@ AHean2!lau5eBC ADes@ ma petite@ it is 9.C A="ere are youBC ABe"in5 t"e 3urtain %"ere <as"i5a %ent.C

9 s"ook my "ea5. His )oi3e "a5 resonan3e@ a sli-"t e3"o@ 8ut ot"er%ise it %as as normal as "is )oi3e e)er -ot. 9 3oul5 pro8a8ly talk to "im %it"out mo)in- my lips@ 8ut i1 so@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. 9 %"ispere5@ A="at?s -oin- onBC A7r. #li)er an5 9 "a)e a -entleman?s a-reement.C A9 5on?t un5erstan5.C A="o are you talkin- toBC ,5%ar5 aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?ll e*plain later.C A!ome into my 3ir3le@ Anita@ an5 9 %ill e*plain e)eryt"in- to you at t"e same time 9 e*plain it to our au5ien3e.C A="at "a)e you 5oneBC A9 "a)e 5one t"e 8est 9 3oul5 to spare li)es@ ma petite@ 8ut some %ill 5ie toni-"t. But it %ill 8e in t"e 3ir3le %it" only t"e sol5iers 3alle5 to task. /o inno3ents %ill 5ie toni-"t@ %"oe)er %ins. =e "a)e -i)en our %or5s.C ADou?re -oin- to 1i-"t it out in t"e rin- like a s"o%BC A9t %as t"e 8est 9 3oul5 5o on su3" s"ort noti3e. 91 you "a5 %arne5 me 5ays a-o@ per"aps somet"in- else 3oul5 "a)e 8een arran-e5.C 9 i-nore5 t"at. Besi5es@ 9 %as 1eelin- -uilty. 9 took o11 t"e s%eats"irt an5 lai5 it a3ross t"e railin-. $"ere %ere -asps 1rom t"e people near enou-" to see my -un. A$"e 1i-"t?s -oin- to take pla3e out in t"e rin-.C A9n 1ront o1 t"e au5ien3eBC ,5%ar5 sai5. ADep.C A9 5on?t -et it@C Larry sai5. A9 %ant you to stay "ere@ Larry.C A/o %ay.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%ly. ALarry@ you 5on?t "a)e any %eapons. Dou 5on?t kno% "o% to use a -un. Dou?re >ust 3annon 1o55er until you -et some trainin-. Stay "ere.C He s"ook "is "ea5. 9 tou3"e5 "is arm. APlease@ Larry.C 7ay8e it %as t"e please@ or t"e look in my eyes2%"ate)er@ "e no55e5. 9 3oul5 8reat"e a little easier. ="ate)er "appene5 toni-"t@ Larry %oul5n?t 5ie 8e3ause 9?5 8rou-"t "im into it. 9t %oul5n?t 8e my 1ault. 9 3lim8e5 o)er t"e railin- an5 5roppe5 to t"e rin-. ,5%ar5 1ollo%e5 me %it" a s%is" o1 8la3k 3ape. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k on3e. Larry stoo5 -rippin- t"e rail. $"ere %as somet"in- 1orlorn a8out "im stan5in- t"ere alone@ 8ut "e %as sa1eG t"at %as %"at 3ounte5. 9 tou3"e5 t"e s"immerin- 3urtain@ an5 it %as t"e li-"ts. $"e 3lot" %as %"ite up 3lose. 9 li1te5 it to one si5e@ an5 entere5@ ,5%ar5 at my 8a3k. $"ere %as a multilayere5 5ais 3omplete %it" t"rone in t"e 3enter o1 t"e 3ir3le. <as"i5a stoo5 %it" Step"en near t"e 1oot o1 t"e 5ais. 9 re3o-niEe5 <i3"ar5?s "air an5 "is nake5 3"est 8e1ore "e li1te5 t"e mask o11 "is 1a3e. 9t %as a %"ite mask %it" a 8lue star on one 3"eek. He %as %earin- -litterin- 8lue "arem pants %it" a mat3"in- )est an5 s"oes. ,)eryone %as in 3ostume 8ut me. A9 %as "opin- you %oul5n?t make it in time@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A="at@ an5 miss t"e Hallo%een 8lo%out o1 all timeBC A="o?s t"at %it" youBC Step"en aske5. A4eat"@C 9 sai5. ,5%ar5 8o%e5. A$rust you to 8rin- 5eat" to t"e 8all@ ma petite.C 9 looke5 up t"e 5ais@ to t"e )ery top. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 in 1ront o1 t"e t"rone. He %as 1inally %earin- %"at "is s"irts "inte5 at@ 8ut t"is %as t"e real t"in-. $"e real 'ren3" 3ourtier. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 3all "al1 o1 t"e 3ostume. $"e 3oat %as 8la3k %it" taste1ul sil)er "ere an5 t"ere. A s"ort "al13loak %as %orn o)er one s"oul5er only. $"e pants %ere 8illo%y an5 tu3ke5 into 3al12"i-" 8oots. La3e e5-e5 t"e 1ol5o)er tops o1 t"e 8oots. A %i5e %"ite 3ollar lay at "is t"roat. La3e spille5 out o1 t"e 3oat slee)es. 9t %as toppe5 o11 8y a %i5e@ almost 1loppy "at %it" a 3ur)in- ar3" o1 8la3k an5 %"ite 1eat"ers. $"e 3ostume5 t"ron- mo)e5 to eit"er si5e@ 3learin- t"e stairs up to t"e t"rone 1or me. 9 some"o% 5i5n?t %ant to -o. $"ere %ere soun5s outsi5e t"e 3urtains. Hea)y t"in-s 8ein- mo)e5 aroun5. 7ore s3enery an5 props 8ein- mo)e5 up. 9 -lan3e5 at ,5%ar5. He %as starin- at t"e 3ro%5@ eyes takin- in e)eryt"in-. Huntin- 1or )i3tims@ or 1or 1amiliar 1a3esB

,)eryone %as in 3ostume@ 8ut )ery 1e% people %ere a3tually %earin- masks. Dasmeen an5 7ar-uerite stoo5 a8out "al1%ay up t"e stairs. Dasmeen %as in a s3arlet sari@ all )eils an5 se;uins. Her 5ark 1a3e looke5 )ery natural in t"e re5 silk. 7ar-uerite %as in a lon- 5ress %it" pu11e5 slee)es an5 a %i5e la3e 3ollar. $"e 5ress %as o1 some 5ark 8lue 3lot". 9t %as simple@ una5orne5. Her 8lon5 "air %as in 3ompli3ate5 3urls %it" one lar-e mass o)er ea3" ear an5 a small 8un atop "er "ea5. Hers@ like Hean2!lau5e?s@ looke5 less like a 3ostume an5 more like anti;ue 3lot"in-. 9 %alke5 up t"e stairs to%ar5s t"em. Dasmeen 5roppe5 "er )eils enou-" to e*pose t"e 3ross2s"ape5 s3ar 9?5 -i)en "er. ASomeone %ill pay you 8a3k 1or t"is toni-"t.C A/ot you personallyBC 9 aske5. A/ot yet.C ADou 5on?t 3are %"o %ins@ 5o youBC S"e smile5. A9 am loyal to Hean2!lau5e@ o1 3ourse.C ALike "ell.C AAs loyal as you %ere@ ma petite.C S"e 5re% out ea3" sylla8le@ 8itin- ea3" soun5 o11. 9 le1t "er to lau-" at my 8a3k. 9 -uess 9 %asn?t t"e one to 3omplain a8out loyalties. $"ere %ere a pair o1 %ol)es sittin- at Hean2!lau5e?s 1eet. $"ey stare5 at me %it" stran-e pale eyes. $"ere %as not"in"uman in t"e -aEe. <eal %ol)es. ="ere "a5 "e -otten real %ol)esB 9 stoo5 t%o steps 5o%n 1rom "im an5 "is pet %ol)es. His 1a3e %as unrea5a8le@ empty an5 per1e3t. ADou look like somet"in- out o1 $"e $"ree 7usketeers@C 9 sai5. AA33urate@ ma petite.C A9s it your ori-inal 3enturyBC He smile5 a smile t"at 3oul5 "a)e meant anyt"in-@ or not"in-. A="at?s -oin- to "appen toni-"t@ Hean2!lau5eBC A!ome@ stan5 8esi5e me@ %"ere my "uman ser)ant 8elon-s.C He e*ten5e5 a pale "an5. 9 i-nore5 t"e "an5 an5 steppe5 up. He?5 talke5 insi5e my "ea5. 9t %as -ettin- silly to ar-ue. Ar-uin- 5i5n?t make it not true. #ne o1 t"e %ol)es -ro%le5 lo% in its 3"est. 9 "esitate5. A$"ey %ill not "arm you. $"ey are my 3reatures.C Like me@ 9 t"ou-"t. Hean2!lau5e put "is "an5 5o%n to%ar5s t"e %ol1. 9t 3rin-e5 an5 li3ke5 "is "an5. 9 steppe5 3are1ully aroun5 t"e %ol1. But it i-nore5 me@ all its attention on Hean2!lau5e. 9t %as sorry it "a5 -ro%le5 at me. 9t %oul5 5o anyt"in- to make up 1or it. 9t -ro)ele5 like a 5o-. 9 stoo5 at "is ri-"t si5e@ a little 8e"in5 t"e %ol1. A9 "a5 pi3ke5 out a lo)ely 3ostume 1or you.C A91 it %as anyt"in- t"at %oul5 "a)e mat3"e5 yours@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e %orn it.C He lau-"e5@ so1t an5 lo%. $"e soun5 tu--e5 at somet"in- lo% in my -ut. AStay "ere 8y t"e t"rone %it" t"e %ol)es %"ile 9 make my spee3".C A=e really are -oin- to 1i-"t in 1ront o1 t"e 3ro%5.C He stoo5. A#1 3ourse. $"is is t"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5@ an5 toni-"t is Hallo%een. =e %ill s"o% t"em a spe3ta3le t"e likes o1 %"i3" t"ey "a)e ne)er seen.C A$"is is 3raEy.C APro8a8ly@ 8ut it keeps #li)er 1rom 8rin-in- t"e 8uil5in- 5o%n aroun5 us.C A!oul5 "e 5o t"atBC A$"at an5 mu3" more@ ma petite@ i1 %e "a5 not a-ree5 to limit our use o1 su3" po%ers.C A!oul5 you 8rin- t"e 8uil5in- 5o%nBC He smile5@ an5 1or on3e -a)e me a strai-"t ans%er. A/o@ 8ut #li)er 5oes not kno% t"at.C 9 "a5 to smile. He 5rape5 "imsel1 o)er t"e t"rone@ one le- t"ro%n o)er a 3"air arm. He tu3ke5 "is "at lo% until all 9 3oul5 see %as "is mout". A9 still 3annot 8elie)e t"at you 8etraye5 me@ Anita.C ADou -a)e me no 3"oi3e.C

ADou %oul5 really see me 5ea5 rat"er t"an "a)e t"e 1ourt" mark.C ADep.C He %"ispere5@ AS"o%time@ Anita.C $"e li-"ts su55enly %ent o11. $"ere %ere s3reams 1rom t"e au5ien3e as it sat in t"e su55en 5ark. $"e 3urtain pulle5 8a3k on eit"er si5e. 9 %as su55enly on t"e e5-e o1 t"e spotli-"t. $"e li-"t s"one like a star in t"e 5ark. Hean2!lau5e an5 "is %ol)es %ere 8at"e5 in a so1t li-"t. 9 "a5 to a-ree t"at my pumpkin s%eater 5i5n?t e*a3tly 1it t"e moti1. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 in one 8oneless mo)ement. He s%ept "is "at o11 an5 -a)e a lo%@ s%eepin- 8o%. ALa5ies an5 -entlemen@ toni-"t you %ill %itness a -reat 8attle.C He 8e-an to mo)e slo%ly 5o%n t"e steps. $"e spotli-"t mo)e5 %it" "im. He kept t"e "at o11@ usin- it 1or emp"asis in "is "an5. A$"e 8attle 1or t"e soul o1 t"is 3ity.C He stoppe5@ an5 t"e li-"t sprea5 %i5er to in3lu5e t%o 8lon5 )ampires. $"e t%o %omen %ere 5resse5 as 192 s 1lappers@ one in 8lue@ t"e ot"er in re5. $"e %omen 1las"e5 1an-s@ an5 t"ere %ere -asps 1rom t"e au5ien3e. A$oni-"t you %ill see )ampires@ %ere%ol)es@ -o5s@ 5e)ils.C He 1ille5 ea3" %or5 %it" somet"in-. ="en "e sai5 A)ampires@C t"ere %as a ru11lin- at your ne3k. A=ere%ol)esC slas"e5 1rom t"e 5ark@ an5 t"ere %ere s3reams. AGo5sC 8reat"e5 alon- t"e skin. A4e)ilsC %ere a "ot %in5 t"at s3al5e5 your 1a3e. Gasps an5 sti1le5 s3reams 1ille5 t"e 5ark. ASome o1 %"at you see toni-"t %ill 8e real@ some illusionG %"i3" is %"i3" %ill 8e 1or you to 5e3i5e.C A9llusionC e3"oe5 in t"e min5 like a )ision t"rou-" -lass@ repeatin- o)er an5 o)er. $"e last soun5 5ie5 a%ay %it" a %"isper t"at soun5e5 like a 5i11erent %or5 alto-et"er. A<eal@C t"e )oi3e %"ispere5. A$"e monsters o1 t"is 3ity 1i-"t 1or 3ontrol o1 it t"is Hallo%een. 91 %e %in@ t"en all -oes pea3e1ul as 8e1ore. 91 our enemies %in ... C A se3on5 spotli-"t pi3ke5 out t"e top o1 a se3on5 5ais. $"ere %as no t"rone. #li)er stoo5 at t"e top %it" t"e lamia in 1ull serpent -lory. #li)er %as 5resse5 in a 8a--y %"ite >ump suit %it" lar-e polka 5ots on it. His 1a3e %as %"ite %it" a sa5 smile 5ra%n on it. #ne "ea)ily line5 eye 5roppe5 a sparklin- tear. A tiny pointe5 "at %it" a 8ri-"t 8lue pom2 pom toppe5 "is "ea5. A 3lo%nB He "a5 3"osen to 8e a 3lo%nB 9t %asn?t %"at 9 "a5 pi3ture5 "im in. But t"e lamia %as impressi)e %it" "er stripe5 3oils 3urle5 aroun5 "im@ "er nake5 8reasts 3aresse5 8y "is -lo)e5 "an5. A91 our enemies %in@ t"en tomorro% ni-"t %ill see a 8loo58at" su3" as no 3ity in t"e %orl5 "as e)er seen. $"ey %ill 1ee5 upon t"e 1les" an5 8loo5 o1 t"is 3ity until it is 5raine5 5ry an5 li1eless.C He "a5 stoppe5 a8out "al1%ay 5o%n. /o% "e 8e-an to 3ome 8a3k up t"e stairs. A=e 1i-"t 1or your li)es@ your )ery souls. Pray t"at %e %in@ 5ear "umansG pray )ery@ )ery "ar5.C He sat in t"e t"rone. #ne o1 t"e %ol)es put a pa% on "is le-. He stroke5 its "ea5 a8sently. A4eat" 3omes to all "umans@C #li)er sai5. $"e spotli-"t 5ie5 on Hean2!lau5e@ lea)in- #li)er as t"e only li-"t in t"e 5arkness. Sym8olism at its 8est. ADou %ill all 5ie some5ay. 9n some small a33i5ent@ or lon- 5isease. Pain an5 a-ony a%ait you.C $"e au5ien3e rustle5 uneasily in t"eir seats. AAre you prote3tin- me 1rom "is )oi3eBC 9 aske5. A$"e marks are@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A="at is t"e au5ien3e 1eelin-BC AA s"arp pain o)er t"e "eart. A-e slo%in- t"eir 8o5ies. $"e ;ui3k "orror o1 some remem8ere5 a33i5ent.C Gasps@ s3reams@ 3ries 1ille5 t"e 5ark as #li)er?s %or5s sou-"t out ea3" person an5 ma5e t"em 1eel t"eir mortality. 9t %as o8s3ene. Somet"in- t"at "a5 seen a million years %as remin5in- mere "umans "o% )ery 1ra-ile li1e %as. A91 you must 5ie@ %oul5 it not 8e 8etter to 5ie in our -lorious em8ra3eBC $"e lamia 3ra%le5 aroun5 t"e 5ais to s"o% "ersel1 to all t"e au5ien3e. AS"e 3oul5 take you@ o"@ so s%eetly@ so1t@ -entle into t"at 5ark ni-"t. =e make 5eat" a 3ele8ration@ a >oy1ul passin-. /o lin-erin- 5ou8ts. Dou %ill %ant "er "an5s upon you in t"e en5. S"e %ill s"o% you >oys t"at 1e% mortals e)er 5ream o1. 9s 5eat" su3" a "i-" pri3e to pay@ %"en you %ill 5ie any%ayB =oul5n?t it 8e 8etter to 5ie %it" our lips upon your skin t"an 8y time?s slo%ly ti3kin- 3lo3kBC $"ere %ere a 1e% 3ries o1 ADes ... Please ... C AStop "im@C 9 sai5. A$"is is "is moment@ ma petite. 9 3annot stop "im.C A9 o11er you all your 5arkest 5reams 3ome true in our arms@ my 1rien5s. !ome to us no%.C $"e 5arkness rustle5 %it" mo)ement. $"e li-"ts 3ame up@ an5 t"ere %ere people 3omin- out o1 t"e seats. People 3lim8in- o)er t"e railin-. People 3omin- to em8ra3e 5eat". $"ey all 1roEe in t"e li-"t. $"ey stare5 aroun5 like sleepers %akin- 1rom a 5ream. Some looke5 em8arrasse5@ 8ut one man 3lose to t"e rail looke5 near tears@ as i1 some 8ri-"t )ision "a5 8een rippe5 a%ay. He 3ollapse5 to "is knees@

s"oul5ers s"akin-. He %as so88in-. ="at "a5 "e seen in #li)er?s %or5sB ="at "a5 "e 1elt in t"e airB Go5@ sa)e us 1rom it. =it" t"e li-"ts 9 3oul5 see %"at t"ey "a5 mo)e5 in %"ile %e %aite5 8e"in5 t"e 3urtains. 9t looke5 like a mar8le altar %it" steps lea5in- up to it. 9t sat 8et%een t"e t%o 5aises@ %aitin-. 'or %"atB 9 turne5 to ask Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut somet"in- %as "appenin-. <as"i5a %alke5 a%ay 1rom t"e 5ais@ puttin- "ersel1 3lose to t"e railin-@ an5 t"e people. Step"en@ %earin- %"at looke5 like a t"on- 8at"in- suit@ stalke5 to t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e rin-. His nearly nake5 8o5y %as >ust as smoot" an5 1la%less as <as"i5a?s A=e "eal 1ast@C s"e?5 sai5. ALa5ies an5 -entlemen@ %e %ill -i)e you a 1e% moments to re3o)er yoursel)es 1rom t"e 1irst ma-i3 o1 t"e e)enin-. $"en %e %ill s"o% you some o1 our se3rets.C $"e 3ro%5 settle5 8a3k into t"eir seats. An us"er "elpe5 t"e 3ryin- man 8a3k to "is seat. A "us" 1ell o)er t"e people. 9 "a5 ne)er "ear5 so lar-e a 3ro%5 8e so silent. Dou 3oul5 "a)e 5roppe5 a pin. AVampires are a8le to 3all animals to t"eir ai5. 7y animal is t"e %ol1.C He %alke5 aroun5 t"e top o1 t"e 5ais 5isplayin- t"e %ol)es. 9 stoo5 t"ere in t"e spotli-"t an5 %asn?t sure %"at to 5o. 9 %asn?t on 5isplay. 9 %as >ust )isi8le. ABut 9 3an also 3all t"e %ol1?s "uman 3ousin. $"e %ere%ol1.C He ma5e a %i5e@ s%eepin- -esture %it" "is arm. 7usi3 8e-an. So1t an5 lo% at 1irst@ t"en risin- in a s"immerin- 3res3en5o. Step"en 1ell to "is knees. 9 turne5@ an5 <as"i5a %as on t"e -roun5 as %ell. $"ey %ere -oin- to 3"an-e ri-"t "ere in 1ront o1 t"e 3ro%5. 9?5 ne)er seen a s"apes"i1ter s"i1t 8e1ore. 9 "a5 to a5mit a 3ertain ... 3uriosity. Step"en %as on all 1ours. His 8are 8a3k %as 8o%e5 %it" pain. His lon- yello% "air traile5 on t"e -roun5. $"e skin on "is 8a3k ripple5 like %ater@ "is spine stan5in- like a ri5-e in t"e mi55le. He stret3"e5 out "is "an5s as i1 "e %ere 8o%in-@ 1a3e presse5 to t"e -roun5. Bones 8roke t"rou-" "is "an5s. He -roane5. $"in-s mo)e5 un5er "is skin like 3ra%lin- animals. His spine 8o%e5 up%ar5 as i1 risin- like a tent all on its o%n. 'ur starte5 to 1lo% out o1 t"e skin on "is 8a3k@ sprea5inimpossi8ly 1ast like a timelapse p"oto. Bones an5 some "ea)y@ 3lear li;ui5 poure5 out o1 "is skin. S"apes straine5 an5 rippe5 t"rou-" "is skin. 7us3les %rit"e5 like snakes. Hea)y@ %et soun5s 3ame as 8one s"i1te5 in an5 out o1 1les". 9t %as as i1 t"e %ol1?s s"ape %as pun3"in- its %ay out o1 t"e man?s 8o5y. 'ur 1lo%e5 1ast an5 1aster@ t"e 3olor o1 5ark "oney. $"e 1ur "i5 some o1 t"e 3"an-es@ an5 9 %as -la5. Somet"in- 8et%een a "o%l an5 a s3ream tore 1rom "is t"roat. 'inally@ t"ere %as t"at same man%ol1 1orm as t"e ni-"t %e 1ou-"t t"e -iant 3o8ra. $"e %ol1man t"re% "is muEEle sky%ar5 an5 "o%le5. $"e soun5 raise5 t"e "airs on my 8o5y. A se3on5 "o%l e3"oe5 1rom t"e ot"er si5e. 9 %"irle5@ an5 t"ere %as a se3on5 %ol1man 1orm@ 8ut t"is one %as as 8la3k as pit3". <as"i5aB $"e au5ien3e applau5e5 %il5ly@ stampin- an5 s"outin-. $"e %ere%ol)es 3rept 8a3k to t"e 5ais. $"ey 3rou3"e5 at t"e 8ottom@ one on ea3" si5e. A9 "a)e not"in- so s"o%y to o11er you.C $"e li-"ts %ere 8a3k on #li)er. A$"e snake is my 3reature.C $"e lamia t%ine5 aroun5 "im@ "issin- lou5 enou-" to 3arry to t"e au5ien3e. S"e 1li3ke5 a 1orke5 ton-ue to li3k "is %"ite3oate5 ear. He motione5 to t"e 1oot o1 t"e 5ais. $%o 8la3k23loake5 1i-ures stoo5 on eit"er si5e@ "oo5s "i5in- t"eir 1a3es. A$"ese are my 3reatures@ 8ut let us keep t"em 1or a surprise.C He looke5 a3ross at us. ALet it 8e-in.C $"e li-"ts %ent out a-ain. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to rea3" 1or Hean2!lau5e in t"e t"i3k 5ark. A="at?s "appenin-BC A$"e 8attle 8e-ins@C "e sai5. AHo%BC A=e "a)e not planne5 t"e rest o1 t"e e)enin-@ Anita. 9t %ill 8e like e)ery 8attle@ 3"aoti3@ )iolent@ 8loo5y.C $"e li-"ts 3ame up -ra5ually until t"e tent %as 8at"e5 in a 5im -lo%@ like 5usk or t%ili-"t. A9t 8e-ins@C Hean2!lau5e %"ispere5. $"e lamia 1lo%e5 5o%n t"e steps@ an5 ea3" si5e ran 1or t"e ot"er. 9t %asn?t a 8attle. 9t %as a 1ree21or2all@ more like a 8ar 8ra%l t"an a %ar. $"e 3loake5 t"in-s ran 1or%ar5. 9 "a5 a -limpse o1 somet"in- )a-uely snakelike 8ut not. A spatter o1 ma3"ine2-un 1ire an5 t"e t"in- sta--ere5 8a3k. ,5%ar5. 9 starte5 5o%n t"e steps@ -un in "an5. Hean2!lau5e ne)er mo)e5. AAren?t you 3omin- 5o%nBC A$"e real 8attle %ill "appen up "ere@ ma petite. 4o %"at you 3an@ 8ut in t"e en5 it %ill 3ome 5o%n to #li)er?s po%er an5 mine.C AHe?s a million years ol5. Dou 3an?t 8eat "im.C A9 kno%.C =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er 1or a moment. A9?m sorry@C 9 sai5. ASo am 9@ ma petite@ Anita@ so am 9.C 9 ran 5o%n t"e steps to >oin t"e 1i-"t. $"e snake2t"in- "a5 3ollapse5@ 8ise3te5 8y t"e ma3"ine2-un 1ire. ,5%ar5 %as stan5in- 8a3k to 8a3k %it" <i3"ar5@ %"o "a5 a re)ol)er in "is "an5s. He %as s"ootin- it into one o1 t"e 3loake5 t"in-s

an5 %asn?t e)en slo%in- it 5o%n. 9 si-"te5 5o%n my arm an5 1ire5 at t"e 3loake5 "ea5. $"e t"in- stum8le5 an5 turne5 to%ar5s me. $"e "oo5 1ell 8a3k%ar5s@ re)ealin- a 3o8ra?s "ea5 t"e siEe o1 a "orse?s. 'rom t"e ne3k 5o%n it %as a %oman@ 8ut 1rom t"e ne3k up ... /eit"er my s"ot nor <i3"ar5?s "a5 ma5e a 5ent. $"e t"in- 3ame up t"e steps to%ar5s me. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at it %as@ or "o% to stop it. Happy Hallo%een.

Chapter Forty-six
$"e t"in- rus"e5 to%ar5s me. 9 5roppe5 t"e Bro%nin- an5 "a5 one o1 t"e kni)es "al1%ay out %"en it "it me. 9 %as on t"e steps %it" t"e t"in- on top o1 me. 9t reare5 8a3k to strike. 9 -ot t"e kni1e 1ree. 9t plun-e5 its 1an-s into my s"oul5er. 9 s3reame5 an5 s"o)e5 t"e kni1e into its 8o5y. $"e kni1e %ent in@ 8ut no 8loo5@ no pain. 9t -na%e5 on my s"oul5er@ pumpin- poison in@ an5 t"e kni1e 5i5 not"in-. 9 s3reame5 a-ain. Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e soun5e5 in my "ea5@ APoison 3annot "arm you no%.C 9t "urt like "ell@ 8ut 9 %asn?t -oin- to 5ie 1rom it. 9 plun-e5 t"e kni1e into its t"roat@ s3reamin-@ not kno%in- %"at else to 5o. 9t -a--e5. Bloo5 ran 5o%n my "an5. 9 "it it a-ain@ an5 it reare5 8a3k@ 8loo5 on its 1an-s. 9t -a)e a 1ranti3 "iss an5 pus"e5 itsel1 o11 me. But 9 un5erstoo5 no%. $"e %eak spot %as %"ere t"e snake part met "uman 1les". 9 -rope5 1or t"e Bro%nin- le1t2"an5e5G my ri-"t s"oul5er %as torn up. 9 s;ueeEe5 an5 %at3"e5 8loo5 spurt 1rom t"e t"in-?s ne3k. 9t turne5 an5 ran@ an5 9 let it -o. 9 lay on t"e steps "ol5in- my ri-"t arm a-ainst my 8o5y. 9 5i5n?t t"ink anyt"in- %as 8roken@ 8ut it "urt like "ell. 9t %asn?t e)en 8lee5in- as 8a5ly as it s"oul5 "a)e 8een. 9 -lan3e5 up at Hean2!lau5e. He %as stan5in- motionless@ 8ut somet"inmo)e5@ like a s"immer o1 "eat. #li)er %as >ust as motionless on "is 5ais. $"at %as t"e real 8attleG t"e 5yin- 5o%n "ere 5i5n?t mean mu3" e*3ept to t"e people %"o %ere -oin- to 5ie. 9 3ra5le5 my arm a-ainst my stoma3" an5 %alke5 5o%n t"e steps to%ar5s ,5%ar5 an5 <i3"ar5. By t"e time 9 %as at t"e 8ottom o1 t"e steps@ t"e arm 1elt 8etter. Goo5 enou-" to 3"an-e t"e -un to my ri-"t "an5. 9 stare5 at t"e 8ite %oun5@ an5 5amne5 i1 it %asn?t "ealin-. $"e t"ir5 mark. 9 %as "ealin- like a s"apes"i1ter. AAre you all ri-"tBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A9 seem to 8e.C ,5%ar5 %as starin- at me. ADou s"oul5 8e 5yin-.C A,*planations later@C 9 sai5. $"e 3o8ra t"in- lay at t"e 1oot o1 t"e 5ais@ its "ea5 8ise3te5 8y ma3"ine-un 1ire. ,5%ar5 3au-"t on ;ui3k. $"ere %as a s3ream@ "i-" an5 pier3in-. Ale>an5ro "a5 Dasmeen t%iste5 aroun5 in "is arms@ one arm 8e"in5 "er 8a3k@ "is ot"er arm pinnin- "er s"oul5ers to "is 3"est. 9t %as 7ar-uerite %"o "a5 s3reame5. S"e %as stru--lin- in Karl 9n-er?s arms. S"e %as outmat3"e5. Apparently@ so %as Dasmeen. Ale>an5ro tore into "er t"roat. S"e s3reame5. He snappe5 "er spine %it" "is teet"@ 8loo5 splatterin- "is 1a3e. S"e sa--e5 in "is arms. 7o)ement@ an5 "is "an5 3ame out t"rou-" t"e ot"er si5e o1 "er 3"est@ t"e "eart 3rus"e5 to a 8loo5y pulp. 7ar-uerite s"rieke5 o)er an5 o)er a-ain. Karl let "er -o@ 8ut s"e 5i5n?t seem to noti3e. S"e s3rat3"e5 1in-ernails 5o%n "er 3"eeks until 8loo5 ran. S"e 3ollapse5 to "er knees@ still 3la%in- at "er 1a3e. AHesus@C 9 sai5@ Astop "er.C Karl stare5 a3ross at me. 9 raise5 t"e Bro%nin-@ 8ut "e 5u3ke5 8e"in5 #li)er?s 5ais. 9 %ent to%ar5s 7ar-uerite. Ale>an5ro steppe5 8et%een us. A4o you %ant to "elp "erBC ADes.C ALet me lay t"e last t%o marks upon you@ an5 9 %ill -et out o1 your %ay.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"e 3ity 1or one 3raEy "uman ser)antB 9 5on?t t"ink so.C AAnita@ 5o%nIC 9 5roppe5 1lat to t"e 1loor@ an5 ,5%ar5 s"ot a >et o1 1lame o)er my "ea5. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e %as" o1 "eat 8u88lin- o)er"ea5. Ale>an5ro s"rieke5. 9 raise5 my eyes only enou-" to see "im 8urnin-. He motione5 out%ar5 %it" one 8urnin- "an5@ an5 9 1elt somet"in- %as" o)er me 8a3k to%ar5s ... ,5%ar5. 9 rolle5 o)er@ an5 ,5%ar5 %as on "is 8a3k@ stru--lin- to "is 1eet. $"e noEEle o1 t"e 1lamet"ro%er %as pointe5 t"is %ay a-ain. 9 5roppe5 %it"out 8ein- tol5. Ale>an5ro motione5@ an5 t"e 1lame peele5 8a3k%ar5s@ 1lo%in- to%ar5s ,5%ar5. He rolle5 1ranti3ally to put out t"e 1lames on "is 3loak. He t"re% t"e 8urnin- 5eat"?s2"ea5 mask onto t"e -roun5. $"e 1lamet"ro%er?s tank %as on 1ire. <i3"ar5 "elpe5 "im stru--le out o1 it@ an5 t"ey ran. 9 "u--e5 t"e -roun5@ "an5s o)er my

"ea5. $"e e*plosion s"ook t"e -roun5. ="en 9 looke5 up@ tiny 8urnin- pie3es %ere rainin- 5o%n@ 8ut t"at %as all. <i3"ar5 an5 ,5%ar5 %ere peerin- aroun5 t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 5ais. Ale>an5ro stoo5 t"ere %it" "is 3lot"es 3"arre5@ "is skin 8listere5. He 8e-an %alkin- to%ar5s me. 9 s3ram8le5 to my 1eet@ pointin- my -un at "im. #1 3ourse@ t"e -un "a5n?t 5one a %"ole lot o1 -oo5 8e1ore. 9 8a3ke5 up until 9 8umpe5 t"e steps. 9 starte5 s"ootin-. $"e 8ullets %ent in. He e)en 8le5@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t stop. $"e -un 3li3ke5 on empty. 9 turne5 an5 ran. Somet"in- "it me in t"e 8a3k@ slammin- me to t"e -roun5. Ale>an5ro %as su55enly on my 8a3k@ one "an5 in my "air@ 8en5in- my ne3k 8a3k%ar5s. APut 5o%n t"e ma3"ine -un or 9?ll 8reak "er ne3k.C AS"oot "imIC 9 s3reame5. But ,5%ar5 t"re% t"e ma3"ine -un on t"e 1loor. 4ammit. He -ot out a pistol an5 took 3are1ul aim. Ale>an5ro?s 8o5y >erke5@ t"en "e lau-"e5. ADou 3an?t kill me %it" sil)er 8ullets.C He put a knee in my 8a3k to "ol5 me 5o%nG t"en a kni1e 1las"e5 in "is "an5. A/o@C <i3"ar5 sai5@ A"e %on?t kill "er.C A9?ll slit "er t"roat i1 you inter1ere@ 8ut i1 you lea)e us alone@ 9 %on?t "arm "er.C A,5%ar5@ kill "imIC A )ampire >umpe5 ,5%ar5@ ri5in- "im to t"e -roun5. <i3"ar5 trie5 to pull "er o11 "im@ 8ut a tiny )ampire leape5 on "is 8a3k. 9t %as t"e %oman an5 t"e little 8oy 1rom t"at 1irst ni-"t. A/o% t"at your 1rien5s are 8usy@ %e %ill 1inis" our 8usiness.C A/#IC $"e kni1e >ust ni3ke5 t"e sur1a3e@ s"arp@ pain1ul@ 8ut su3" a little 3ut. He leane5 o)er me. A9t %on?t "urt@ 9 promise.C 9 s3reame5. His lips tou3"e5 t"e 3ut@ lo3ke5 on it@ su3kin-. He %as %ron-. 9t 5i5 "urt. $"en t"e smell o1 1lo%ers surroun5e5 me. 9 %as 5ro%nin- in per1ume. 9 3oul5n?t see. $"e %orl5 %as %arm an5 s%eet2s3ente5. ="en 9 3oul5 see a-ain@ t"ink a-ain@ 9 %as lyin- on my 8a3k@ starin- up at t"e tent roo1. Arms 5re% me up%ar5@ 3ra5le5 me. Ale>an5ro "el5 me 3lose. He?5 3ut a line o1 8loo5 on "is 3"est@ >ust a8o)e t"e nipple. A4rink.C 9 put my "an5s 1lat a-ainst "im@ 1i-"tin- "im. His "an5 s;ueeEe5 t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k@ 1or3in- me 3loser to t"e %oun5. A/#IC 9 5re% t"e ot"er kni1e an5 plun-e5 it into "is 3"est@ sear3"in- 1or t"e "eart. He -runte5 an5 -ra88e5 my "an5@ s;ueeEe5 until 9 5roppe5 t"e kni1e. ASil)er is not t"e %ay. 9 am past sil)er.C He pus"e5 my 1a3e to%ar5s t"e %oun5@ an5 9 3oul5n?t 1i-"t "im. 9 >ust %asn?t stron- enou-". He 3oul5 "a)e 3rus"e5 my skull in one "an5@ 8ut all "e 5i5 %as press my 1a3e to t"e 3ut on "is 3"est. 9 stru--le5@ 8ut "e kept my mout" presse5 to t"e %oun5. $"e 8loo5 %as Salty s%eet@ )a-uely metalli3. 9t %as only 8loo5. AAnitaIC Hean2!lau5e s3reame5 my name. 9 %asn?t sure i1 it %as alou5 or in my "ea5. ABloo5 o1 my 8loo5@ 1les" o1 my 1les"@ t"e t%o s"all 8e as one. #ne 1les"@ one 8loo5@ one soul.C Some%"ere 5eep insi5e me@ somet"in- 8roke. 9 3oul5 1eel it. A %a)e o1 li;ui5 %armt" rus"e5 up an5 o)er me. 7y skin 5an3e5 %it" it. 7y 1in-ertips tin-le5. 7y spine spasme5@ an5 9 >erke5 upri-"t. Stron- arms 3au-"t me@ "el5 me@ ro3ke5 me. A "an5 smoot"e5 my "air 1rom my 1a3e. 9 opene5 my eyes to see Ale>an5ro. 9 %asn?t a1rai5 o1 "im anymore. 9 %as 3alm an5 1loatin-. AAnitaBC 9t %as ,5%ar5. 9 turne5 to%ar5s t"e soun5@ slo%ly. A,5%ar5.C A="at 5i5 "e 5o to youBC 9 trie5 to t"ink "o% to e*plain it@ 8ut my min5 %oul5n?t 8rin- up t"e %or5s. 9 sat up@ pus"in- -ently a%ay 1rom Ale>an5ro. $"ere %as a pile o1 5ea5 )ampires aroun5 ,5%ar5?s 1eet. 7ay8e sil)er 5i5n?t "urt Ale>an5ro@ 8ut it "a5 "urt "is people. A=e %ill make more@C Ale>an5ro sai5. A!an you not rea5 t"is in my min5BC An5 9 3oul5@ no% t"at 9 t"ou-"t a8out it@ 8ut it %asn?t like telepat"y. /ot %or5s. 92kne% "e %as t"inkin- a8out t"e po%er 9?5 >ust -i)en "im. He 1elt no re-ret a8out t"e )ampires t"at "a5 5ie5. $"e 3ro%5 s3reame5.

Ale>an5ro looke5 up. 9 1ollo%e5 "is -aEe. Hean2!lau5e %as on "is knees@ 8loo5 pourin- 5o%n "is si5e. Ale>an5ro en)ie5 #li)er t"e a8ility to 5ra% 8loo5 1rom a 5istan3e. ="en 9 8e3ame Ale>an5ro?s ser)ant@ Hean2!lau5e "a5 8een %eakene5. #li)er "a5 "im. $"at "a5 8een t"e plan all alon-. Ale>an5ro "el5 me 3lose@ an5 9 5i5n?t try to stop "im. He %"ispere5 a-ainst my 3"eek@ ADou are a ne3roman3er@ Anita. Dou "a)e po%er o)er t"e 5ea5. $"at is %"y Hean!lau5e %ante5 you as "is ser)ant. #li)er t"inks to 3ontrol you t"rou-" 3ontrollin- me@ 8ut 9 kno% t"at you are a ne3roman3er. ,)en as a ser)ant@ you "a)e 1ree %ill. Dou 5o not "a)e to o8ey as t"e ot"ers 5o. As a "uman ser)ant@ you are yoursel1 a %eapon. Dou 3an strike one o1 us an5 5ra% 8loo5.C A="at are you sayin-BC A$"ey "a)e arran-e5 t"at t"e loser 8e stret3"e5 o)er t"e altar an5 stake5 8y you.C A="at ... C AHean2!lau5e@ as a11irmation o1 "is po%er. #li)er@ as a -esture to s"o% "o% %ell "e 3ontrolle5 %"at on3e 8elon-e5 to Hean2!lau5e.C $"ere %as a -asp 1rom t"e 3ro%5. #li)er %as le)itatin- e)er so slo%ly. He 1loate5 to t"e -roun5. $"en "e raise5 "is arms@ an5 Hean2!lau5e 1loate5 up%ar5. AS"it@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e "un- nearly un3ons3ious in empty@ s"inin- air. #li)er lai5 "im -ently on t"e -roun5@ an5 1res" 8loo5 splattere5 t"e %"ite 1loor. Karl 9n-er 3ame into si-"t. He pi3ke5 Hean2!lau5e up un5er t"e arms. ="ere %as e)ery8o5yB 9 looke5 aroun5 1or some "elp. $"e 8la3k %ere%ol1 %as torn apart@ parts still t%it3"in-. 9 5i5n?t t"ink e)en a ly3ant"rope 3oul5 "eal t"e mess. $"e 8lon5 %ere%ol1 %asn?t mu3" 8etter@ 8ut Step"en %as 5ra--in- "imsel1 to%ar5s t"e altar. =it" one le- 3ompletely rippe5 a%ay@ "e %as tryin-. Karl lai5 Hean2!lau5e on t"e mar8le altar. Bloo5 8e-an to seep 5o%n t"e si5e. He "el5 "im li-"tly at t"e s"oul5er. Hean2 !lau5e 3oul5 8en3" press a 3ar. Ho% 3oul5 Karl "ol5 "im 5o%nB AHe s"ares #li)er?s stren-t".C ANuit 5oin- t"at@C 9 sai5. A="atBC AAns%erin- ;uestions 9 "a)en?t aske5 yet.C He smile5. A9t sa)es so mu3" time.C #li)er pi3ke5 up a %"ite@ polis"e5 stake an5 a pa55e5 "ammer. He "el5 t"em out to%ar5s me. A9t?s time.C Ale>an5ro trie5 to "elp me stan5@ 8ut 9 pus"e5 "im a%ay. 'ourt" mark or no 1ourt" mark@ 9 3oul5 stan5 on my o%n. <i3"ar5 s3reame5@ A/oIC He ran past us to%ar5s t"e altar. 9t all seeme5 to "appen in slo% motion. He >umpe5 at #li)er@ an5 t"e little man -ra88e5 "im 8y t"e t"roat an5 tore "is %in5pipe out. A<i3"ar5IC 9 %as runnin-@ 8ut it %as too late. He lay 8lee5in- on t"e -roun5@ still tryin- to 8reat"e %"en "e 5i5n?t "a)e anyt"in- to 8reat"e %it". 9 knelt 8y "im@ trie5 to stop t"e 1lo% o1 8loo5. His eyes %ere %i5e an5 pani321ille5. ,5%ar5 %as %it" me. A$"ere?s not"inyou 3an 5o. /ot"in- any o1 us 3an 5o.C A/o.C AAnita.C He pulle5 me a%ay 1rom <i3"ar5. A9t?s too late.C 9 %as 3ryin- an5 "a5n?t kno%n it. A!ome@ AnitaG 5estroy your ol5 master@ as you %ante5 me to.C #li)er %as "ol5in- t"e "ammer an5 stake out to%ar5s me. 9 s"ook my "ea5. Ale>an5ro "elpe5 me stan5. 9 rea3"e5 1or ,5%ar5@ 8ut it %as too late. ,5%ar5 3oul5n?t "elp. /o one 3oul5 "elp me. $"ere %as no %ay to take 8a3k t"e 1ourt" mark@ or "eal <i3"ar5@ or sa)e Hean2!lau5e. But at least 9 %oul5n?t put t"e stake t"rou-" Hean!lau5e. $"at 9 3oul5 stop. $"at 9 %oul5 not 5o. Ale>an5ro %as lea5in- me to%ar5s t"e altar. 7ar-uerite "a5 3ra%le5 to one si5e o1 t"e 5ais. S"e %as kneelin-@ ro3kin- -ently 8a3k an5 1ourt". Her 1a3e %as a 8loo5y mask. S"e?5 3la%e5 "er eyes out. #li)er "el5 t"e stake an5 mallet out to me %it" "is %"ite2-lo)e5 "an5s@ still %et %it" <i3"ar5?s 8loo5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou %ill take it. Dou %ill 5o as 9 say.C His little 3lo%n 1a3e %as 1ro%nin- at me. A'u3k you@C 9 sai5.

AAle>an5ro@ you 3ontrol "er no%.C AS"e is my ser)ant@ master@ yes.C #li)er "el5 t"e stake out to%ar5s me. A$"en "a)e "er 1inis" "im.C A9 3annot 1or3e "er@ master.C Ale>an5ro smile5 as "e sai5 it. A="y notBC AS"e is a ne3roman3er. 9 tol5 you s"e %oul5 "a)e 1ree %ill.C A9 %ill not "a)e my -ran5 -esture spoile5 8y one stu88orn %oman.C He trie5 to roll my min5. 9 1elt "im rus" o)er me like a %in5 insi5e my "ea5@ 8ut it rolle5 o11 an5 a%ay. 9 %as a 1ull "uman ser)antG )ampire tri3ks 5i5n?t %ork on me@ not e)en #li)er?s. 9 lau-"e5@ an5 "e slappe5 me. 9 taste5 1res" 8loo5 in my mout". He stoo5 8esi5e me@ an5 9 3oul5 1eel "im trem8le. He %as so an-ry. 9 %as ruinin- "is moment. Ale>an5ro %as please5. 9 3oul5 1eel "is pleasure like a %arm "an5 in my stoma3". A'inis" "im@ or 9 promise you 9?ll 8eat you to a 8loo5y pulp. Dou 5on?t 5ie easily no%. 9 3an "urt you %orse t"an you 3an ima-ine@ an5 you?ll "eal. But it %ill still "urt >ust as 8a5ly. 4o you un5erstan5 meBC 9 stare5 5o%n at Hean2!lau5e. He %as starin- at me. His 5ark 8lue eyes %ere as lo)ely as e)er. A9 %on?t 5o it@C 9 sai5. ADou still 3are a8out "imB A1ter all "e "as 5one to youBC 9 no55e5. A4o "im@ no%@ or 9 %ill kill "im slo%ly. 9 %ill pi3k pie3es o1 1les" 1rom "is 8ones 8ut ne)er kill "im. As lon- as "is "eart an5 "ea5 are inta3t@ "e %on?t 5ie@ no matter %"at 9 5o to "im.C 9 looke5 at Hean2!lau5e. 9 3oul5n?t stan5 8y an5 let #li)er torture "im@ not i1 9 3oul5 "elp it. =asn?t a 3lean 5eat" 8etterB =asn?t itB 9 took t"e stake 1rom #li)er. A9?ll 5o it.C #li)er smile5. ADou?)e ma5e a %ise 5e3ision. Hean2!lau5e %oul5 t"ank you i1 "e 3oul5.C 9 stare5 5o%n at Hean2!lau5e@ stake in one "an5. 9 tou3"e5 "is 3"est >ust o)er t"e 8urn s3ar. 7y "an5 3ame a%ay smeare5 %it" 8loo5. A4o it@ no%IC #li)er sai5. 9 turne5 to #li)er@ rea3"in- my le1t "an5 out 1or t"e "ammer. As "e "an5e5 it to me@ 9 s"o)e5 t"e as" stake t"rou-" "is 3"est. Karl s3reame5. Bloo5 poure5 out o1 #li)er?s mout". He seeme5 1roEen@ as i1 "e 3oul5n?t mo)e %it" t"e stake in "is "eart@ 8ut "e %asn?t 5ea5@ not yet. 7y 1in-ers tore into t"e meat o1 "is t"roat an5 pulle5@ pulle5 -reat -o88ets o1 1les"@ until 9 sa% spine@ -listenin- an5 %et. 9 %rappe5 my "an5 aroun5 "is spine an5 >erke5 it 1ree. His "ea5 lolle5 to one si5e@ "el5 8y a 1e% strips o1 meat. 9 >erke5 "is "ea5 3lear an5 tosse5 it a3ross t"e rin-. Karl 9n-er %as lyin- 8esi5e t"e altar. 9 knelt 8y "im an5 trie5 to 1in5 a pulse@ 8ut t"ere %asn?t one. #li)er?s 5eat" "a5 kille5 "im too. Ale>an5ro 3ame to stan5 8y me. ADou?)e 5one it@ Anita. 9 kne% you 3oul5 kill "im. 9 kne% you 3oul5.C 9 stare5 up at "im. A/o% you kill Hean2!lau5e@ an5 %e rule t"e 3ity to-et"er.C ADes.C 9 s"o)e5 up%ar5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 t"ink a8out it@ 8e1ore "e 3oul5 rea5 my min5. 9 s"o)e5 my "an5s into "is 3"est. <i8s 3ra3ke5 an5 s3rape5 my skin. 9 -ra88e5 "is 8eatin- "eart an5 3rus"e5 it. 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. 7y 3"est %as ti-"t@ an5 it "urt. 9 pulle5 "is "eart out o1 t"e "ole. He 1ell@ eyes %i5e an5 surprise5. 9 1ell %it" "im. 9 %as -aspin- 1or air. !oul5n?t 8reat"e@ 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. 9 lay on top o1 my master an5 1elt my "eart 8eatin- 1or 8ot" o1 us. He %oul5n?t 5ie. 9 lai5 my 1in-ers a-ainst "is t"roat an5 starte5 to 5i-. 9 put my "an5s aroun5 "is t"roat an5 s;ueeEe5. 9 1elt my "an5s 5i- into 1les"@ 8ut t"e pain %as o)er%"elmin-. 9 %as 3"okin- on 8loo5@ our 8loo5. 7y "an5s %ent num8. 9 3oul5n?t tell i1 9 %as still s;ueeEin- or not. 9 3oul5n?t 1eel anyt"in- e*3ept t"e pain. $"en e)en t"at slippe5 a%ay@ an5 9 %as 1allin-@ 1allin- into a 5arkness t"at "a5 ne)er kno%n li-"t@ an5 ne)er %oul5.

Chapter Forty-seven
9 %oke up starin- into an o112%"ite 3eilin-. 9 8linke5 at t"e 3eilin- 1or a minute. Sunli-"t lay in %arm s;uares a3ross t"e 8lanket. $"ere %ere metal rails on t"e 8e5. An 9V 5rippe5 to my arm. A "ospital2t"en 9 %asn?t 5ea5. Surprise@ surprise. $"ere %ere 1lo%ers an5 a 8un3" o1 s"iny 8alloons on a small 8e5si5e ta8le. 9 lay t"ere a moment@ en>oyin- t"e 1a3t t"at 9 %asn?t 5ea5. $"e 5oor opene5@ an5 all 9 3oul5 see %as a "u-e 8un3" o1 1lo%ers. $"en t"e 1lo%ers lo%ere5@ an5 it %as <i3"ar5. 9 t"ink 9 stoppe5 8reat"in-. 9 3oul5 1eel all t"e 8loo5 rus"in- t"rou-" my skin. $"ere %as a so1t roarin- in my "ea5. /o. 9 %asn?t -oin- to 1aint. 9 ne)er 1ainte5. 9 1inally mana-e5 to say@ ADou?re 5ea5.C His smile 1a5e5. A9?m not 5ea5.C A9 sa% #li)er tear out your t"roat.C 9 3oul5 see it in 1ront o1 me like an o)erlay in my min5. 9 sa% "im -aspin-@ 5yin-. 9 1oun5 9 3oul5 sit up. 9 8ra3e5 mysel1@ an5 t"e 9V nee5le mo)e5 un5er my skin@ t"e tape pullin-. 9t %as real. /ot"in- else seeme5 real. He raise5 a "an5 to%ar5s "is t"roat@ t"en stoppe5 "imsel1. He s%allo%e5 "ar5 enou-" 1or me to "ear it. ADou sa% #li)er tear out my t"roat@ 8ut it 5i5n?t kill me.C 9 stare5 at "im. $"ere %as no 8an5a-e on "is 3"eek. $"e 3ir3le 3ut "a5 "eale5. A/o "uman 8ein- 3oul5 sur)i)e t"at@C 9 sai5 so1tly. A9 kno%.C He looke5 in3re5i8ly sa5 as "e sai5 it. Pani3 1ille5 my t"roat until 9 3oul5 8arely 8reat"e. A="at are youBC A9?m a ly3ant"rope.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 kno% %"at a ly3ant"rope 1eels like@ mo)es like. Dou aren?t one.C ADes@ 9 am.C 9 kept s"akin- my "ea5. A/o.C He 3ame to stan5 8esi5e t"e 8e5. He "el5 t"e 1lo%ers a%k%ar5ly@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o %it" t"em. A9?m ne*t in line to 8e pa3k lea5er. 9 3an pass 1or "uman@ Anita. 9?m -oo5 at it.C ADou lie5 to me.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5i5n?t %ant to.C A$"en %"y 5i5 youBC AHean2!lau5e or5ere5 me not to tell you.C A="yBC He s"ru--e5. A9 t"ink 8e3ause "e kne% you?5 "ate it. Dou 5on?t 1or-i)e 5e3eit. He kno%s t"at.C =oul5 Hean2!lau5e 5eli8erately try to ruin a potential relations"ip 8et%een <i3"ar5 an5 meB Dep. ADou aske5 %"at "ol5 Hean2!lau5e "a5 on me. $"at %as it. 7y pa3k lea5er loane5 me to Hean2!lau5e on t"e 3on5ition t"at no one 1in5 out %"at 9 %as.C A="y are you a spe3ial 3aseBC A$"ey %on?t let ly3ant"ropes tea3" ki5s@ or any8o5y else 1or t"at matter.C ADou?re a %ere%ol1.C A9sn?t t"at 8etter t"an 8ein- 5ea5BC 9 stare5 up at "im. His eyes %ere still t"e same per1e3t 8ro%n. His "air 1ell 1or%ar5 aroun5 "is 1a3e. 9 %ante5 to ask "im to sit 5o%n@ to let me run my 1in-ers t"rou-" "is "air@ to keep it 1rom t"at %on5er1ul 1a3e. ADea"@ it?s 8etter t"an 8ein- 5ea5.C He let out a 8reat"@ as i1 "e?5 8een "ol5in- it. He smile5 an5 "el5 t"e 1lo%ers out to me. 9 took t"em 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at else to 5o. $"ey %ere re5 3arnations %it" enou-" 8a8y?s 8reat" to 1orm a %"ite mist o)er t"e re5. $"e 3arnations smelle5 like s%eet 3lo)es. <i3"ar5 %as a %ere%ol1. /e*t in line 1or pa3k lea5er. He 3oul5 pass 1or "uman. 9 stare5 up at "im. 9 "el5 out my "an5 to "im. He took it@ an5 "is "an5 %as %arm an5 soli5@ an5 ali)e. A/o% t"at %e?)e esta8lis"e5 %"y you?re not 5ea5@ %"y aren?t 9 5ea5BC A,5%ar5 5i5 !P< on you until t"e am8ulan3es 3ame. $"e 5o3tors 5on?t kno% %"at 3ause5 your "eart to stop@ 8ut t"ere?s no permanent 5ama-e.C

A="at 5i5 you tell t"e poli3e a8out all t"e 8o5iesBC A="at 8o5iesBC A!ome o11 it@ <i3"ar5.C ABy t"e time t"e am8ulan3e -ot t"ere@ t"ere %ere no e*tra 8o5ies.C A$"e au5ien3e sa% it all.C ABut %"at %as real an5 %"at %as illusionB $"e poli3e -ot a "un5re5 5i11erent )ersions 1rom t"e au5ien3e. $"ey?re suspi3ious@ 8ut t"ey 3an?t pro)e anyt"in-. $"e !ir3us "as 8een s"ut 5o%n until t"e aut"orities 3an 8e sure it?s sa1e.C ASa1eBC 9 lau-"e5. He s"ru--e5. AAs sa1e as it e)er %as.C 9 slippe5 my "an5 out o1 <i3"ar5?s -rasp@ usin- 8ot" "an5s to smell t"e 1lo%ers a-ain. A9s Hean2!lau5e ... ali)eBC ADes.C A -reat sense o1 relie1 %as"e5 o)er me. 9 5i5n?t %ant "im 5ea5. 9 5i5n?t %ant Hean!lau5e 5ea5. S"it. AHe?s still 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ t"en. An5 9?m still 8oun5 to "im.C A/o@C <i3"ar5 sai5@ AHean2!lau5e tol5 me to tell you. Dou?re 1ree. Ale>an5ro?s marks sort o1 3an3ele5 "is out. Dou 3an?t ser)e t%o masters@ "e sai5.C 'reeB 9 %as 1reeB 9 stare5 at <i3"ar5. A9t 3an?t 8e t"at easy.C <i3"ar5 lau-"e5. ADou 3all t"is easyBC 9 looke5 up. 9 "a5 to smile. AAll ri-"t@ it %asn?t easy@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t t"ink anyt"in- s"ort o1 5eat" %oul5 -et Hean2!lau5e o11 my 8a3k.C AAre you "appy t"e marks are -oneBC 9 starte5 to say@ A#1 3ourse@C t"en stoppe5 mysel1. $"ere %as somet"in- )ery serious in <i3"ar5?s 1a3e. He kne% %"at it %as to 8e o11ere5 po%er. $o 8e one %it" t"e monsters. 9t 3oul5 8e "orri8le@ an5 %on5er1ul. 'inally 9 sai5 ADes.C A<eallyBC 9 no55e5. ADou 5on?t seem too ent"use5@C "e sai5. A9 kno% 9 s"oul5 8e >umpin- 1or >oy@ or somet"in-@ 8ut 9 >ust 1eel empty.C ADou?)e 8een t"rou-" a lot t"e last 1e% 5ays. Dou?re entitle5 to 8e a little num8.C ="y %asn?t 9 "appier to 8e ri5 o1 Hean2!lau5eB ="y %asn?t 9 relie)e5 to 8e no one?s "uman ser)antB Be3ause 9?5 miss "imB Stupi5. <i5i3ulous. $rue. ="en somet"in- -ets too "ar5 to t"ink a8out@ t"ink a8out somet"in- else. ASo no% e)eryone kno%s you?re a %ere%ol1.C A/o.C ADou %ere "ospitaliEe5@ an5 you?)e alrea5y "eale5. 9 t"ink t"ey?ll -uess.C AHean2!lau5e "a5 me "i55en a%ay until 9 "eale5. $"is is my 1irst 5ay up an5 aroun5.C AHo% lon- "a)e 9 8een outBC AA %eek.C ADou?re >okin-.C ADou %ere in a 3oma 1or t"ree 5ays. $"e 5o3tors still 5on?t kno% %"at ma5e you start 8reat"in- on your o%n.C 9 "a5 3ome t"at 3lose to t"e -reat 8eyon5. 9 3oul5n?t remem8er any tunnel o1 li-"t@ or soot"in- )oi3es. 9 1elt 3"eate5. A9 5on?t remem8er.C ADou %ere un3ons3iousG you?re not suppose5 to remem8er.C ASit 5o%n@ 8e1ore 9 -et a 3ri3k lookin- up at you.C He pulle5 up a 3"air an5 sat 5o%n 8y t"e 8e5@ smilin- at me. 9t %as a ni3e smile. ASo you?re a %ere%ol1.C He no55e5. AHo% 5i5 it "appenBC

He stare5 5o%n at t"e 1loor@ t"en up. His 1a3e looke5 so solemn@ 9 %as sorry 9?5 aske5. 9 %as e*pe3tin- some -reat tale o1 a sa)a-e atta3k sur)i)e5. A9 -ot a 8a5 8at3" o1 ly3ant"ropy serum.C ADou %"atBC ADou "ear5 me.C He seeme5 em8arrasse5. ADou -ot a 8a5 s"otBC ADes.C 7y smile -ot %i5er an5 %i5er. A9t?s not 1unny@C "e sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/ot at all.C 9 kne% my eyes %ere s"iny@ an5 it %as all 9 3oul5 5o not to lau-" out lou5. ADou?)e -ot to a5mit it?s ni3ely ironi3.C He si-"e5. ADou?re -oin- to "urt yoursel1. Go a"ea5 an5 lau-".C 9 5i5. 9 lau-"e5 until it "urt@ an5 <i3"ar5 >oine5 in. Lau-"ter is 3onta-ious@ too.

Chapter Forty-eight
A 5oEen %"ite roses 3ame later t"at 5ay %it" a note 1rom Hean2!lau5e. $"e note rea5@ ADou are 1ree o1 me@ i1 you 3"oose. But 9 "ope you %ant to see me as mu3" as 9 %ant to see you. 9t is your 3"oi3e. Hean2!lau5e.C 9 stare5 at t"e 1lo%ers 1or a lon- time. 9 1inally "a5 a nurse -i)e t"em to someone else@ or t"ro% t"em a%ay@ or %"ate)er t"e "ell s"e %ante5 to 5o %it" t"em. 9 >ust %ante5 t"em out o1 my si-"t. So 9 %as still attra3te5 to Hean2!lau5e. 9 mi-"t e)en@ in some 5ark 3orner@ lo)e "im a little. 9t 5i5n?t matter. Lo)in- t"e monsters al%ays en5s 8a5ly 1or t"e "uman. 9t?s a rule. $"at 8rou-"t me to <i3"ar5. He %as one o1 t"e monsters@ 8ut "e %as ali)e. $"at %as an impro)ement o)er Hean2!lau5e. An5 %as "e any less "uman t"an 9 %asJ Eom8ie ;ueen@ )ampire slayer@ ne3roman3erB ="o %as 9 to 3omplainB 9 5on?t kno% %"ere t"ey put all t"e 8o5y parts@ 8ut no poli3e e)er 3ame askin-. ="et"er 9?5 sa)e5 t"e 3ity or not@ it %as still mur5er. Le-ally@ #li)er "a5 5one not"in- to 5eser)e 5eat". 9 -ot out o1 t"e "ospital an5 %ent 8a3k to %ork. Larry staye5 on. He?s learnin- "o% to "unt )ampires@ Go5 sa)e "im. $"e lamia %as truly immortal. ="i3" 9 -uess means lamias 3an?t "a)e 8een e*tin3t. $"ey >ust must al%ays "a)e 8een rare. Hean2!lau5e -ot t"e lamia a -reen 3ar5 an5 -a)e "er a >o8 at t"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5. 9 5on?t kno% i1 "e?s lettin"er 8ree5@ or not. 9 "a)en?t 8een near t"e !ir3us sin3e 9 -ot out o1 t"e "ospital. <i3"ar5 an5 9 1inally "a5 t"at 1irst 5ate. =e %ent 1or somet"in- 1airly tra5itionalJ 5inner an5 a mo)ie. =e?re -oin- 3a)inne*t %eek. He promise5 no un5er%ater tunnels. His lips are t"e so1test 9?)e e)er kisse5. So "e -ets 1urry on3e a mont". /o one?s per1e3t. Hean2!lau5e "asn?t -i)en up. He keeps sen5in- me -i1ts. 9 keep re1usin- t"em. 9 "a)e to keep sayin- no until "e -i)es up@ or until "ell 1reeEes o)er@ %"i3"e)er 3omes 1irst. 7ost %omen 3omplain t"at t"ere are no sin-le@ strai-"t men le1t. 9?5 >ust like to meet one %"o?s "uman.

T e Lunati$ "a%* (199+)

Chapter One
9t %as t%o %eeks 8e1ore !"ristmas. A slo% time o1 year 1or raisin- t"e 5ea5. 7y last 3lient o1 t"e ni-"t sat a3ross 1rom me. $"ere "a5 8een no notation 8y "is name. /o note sayin- Eom8ie raisin- or )ampire slayin-. /ot"in-. ="i3" pro8a8ly meant %"ate)er "e %ante5 me to 5o %as somet"in- 9 %oul5n?t@ or 3oul5n?t@ 5o. Pre2!"ristmas %as a 5ea5 time o1 year@ no pun inten5e5. 7y 8oss@ Bert@ took any >o8 t"at %oul5 "a)e us. Geor-e SmitE %as a tall man@ %ell o)er si* 1eet. He %as 8roa5 s"oul5ere5@ an5 mus3ular. /ot t"e mus3les you -et 1rom li1tin- %ei-"ts an5 runnin- aroun5 in5oor tra3ks. $"e mus3les you -et 1rom "ar5 p"ysi3al la8or. 9 %oul5 "a)e 8et money t"at 7r. SmitE %as a 3onstru3tion %orker@ 1armer@ or somet"in- similar. He %as s"ape5 lar-e an5 s;uare %it" -rime em8e55e5 un5er "is 1in-ernails t"at soap %oul5 not tou3". He sat in 1ront o1 me@ 3rus"in- "is to8o--an "at@ knea5in- it in "is 8i- "an5s. $"e 3o11ee t"at "e?5 a33epte5 sat 3oolin- on t"e e5-e o1 my 5esk. He "a5n?t taken so mu3" as a sip. 9 %as 5rinkin- my 3o11ee out o1 t"e !"ristmas mu- t"at Bert@ my 8oss@ "a5 insiste5 e)eryone 8rin- in. A personaliEe5 "oli5ay mu- to a55 a personal tou3" to t"e o11i3e. 7y mu- "a5 a rein5eer in a 8at"ro8e an5 slippers %it" !"ristmas li-"ts la3e5 in its antlers@ toastin- t"e merry season %it" 3"ampa-ne an5 sayin-@ ABin-le Hells.C Bert 5i5n?t really like my mu-@ 8ut "e let it -o@ pro8a8ly a1rai5 o1 %"at else 9 mi-"t 8rin- in. He?5 8een )ery please5 %it" my out1it 1or t"e e)enin-. A "i-"23ollare5 8louse so per1e3tly re5 9?5 "a5 to %ear makeup to keep 1rom lookin- pale. $"e skirt an5 mat3"in- >a3ket %ere a 5eep 1orest -reen. 9 "a5n?t 5resse5 1or Bert. 9 "a5 5resse5 1or my 5ate. $"e sil)er outline o1 an an-el -leame5 in my lapel. 9 looke5 )ery !"ristmasy. $"e Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er 9mm 5i5n?t look !"ristmasy at all@ 8ut sin3e it %as "i55en un5er t"e >a3ket@ t"at 5i5n?t seem to matter. 9t mi-"t "a)e 8ot"ere5 7r. SmitE@ 8ut "e looke5 %orrie5 enou-" to not 3are. As lon- as 9 5i5n?t s"oot "im personally. A/o%@ 7r. SmitE@ "o% may 9 "elp you to5ayBC 9 aske5. He %as starin- at "is "an5s an5 only "is eyes rose to look at me. 9t %as a little28oy -esture@ an un3ertain -esture. 9t sat o55ly on t"e 8i- man?s 1a3e. A9 nee5 "elp@ an5 9 5on?t kno% %"o else to -o to.C A,*a3tly %"at kin5 o1 "elp 5o you nee5@ 7r. SmitEBC A9t?s my %i1e.C 9 %aite5 1or "im to 3ontinue@ 8ut "e stare5 at "is "an5s. His "at %as %a55e5 into a ti-"t 8all. ADou %ant your %i1e raise5 1rom t"e 5ea5BC 9 aske5. He looke5 up at t"at@ eyes %i5e %it" alarm. AS"e?s not 5ea5. 9 kno% t"at.C

A$"en %"at 3an 9 possi8ly 5o 1or you@ 7r. SmitEB 9 raise t"e 5ea5@ an5 am a le-al )ampire e*e3utioner. ="at in t"at >o8 5es3ription 3oul5 "elp your %i1eBC A7r. Vau-"n sai5 you kne% all a8out ly3ant"ropy.C He sai5 t"at as i1 it e*plaine5 e)eryt"in-. 9t 5i5n?t. A7y 8oss makes a lot o1 3laims@ 7r. SmitE. But %"at 5oes ly3ant"ropy "a)e to 5o %it" your %i1eBC $"is %as t"e se3on5 time 9?5 aske5 a8out "is %i1e. 9 seeme5 to 8e speakin- ,n-lis"@ 8ut per"aps my ;uestions %ere really S%a"ili an5 9 >ust 5i5n?t realiEe it. #r may8e %"ate)er "a5 "appene5 %as too a%1ul 1or %or5s. $"at "appene5 a lot in my 8usiness. He leane5 1or%ar5@ eyes intense on my 1a3e. 9 leane5 1or%ar5@ too@ 9 3oul5n?t "elp mysel1. APe--y@ t"at?s my %i1e@ s"e?s a ly3ant"rope.C 9 8linke5 at "im. AAn5BC A91 it 3ame out@ s"e?5 lose "er >o8.C 9 5i5n?t ar-ue %it" "im. Le-ally@ you 3oul5n?t 5is3riminate a-ainst ly3ant"ropes@ 8ut it "appene5 a lot. A="at sort o1 %ork is Pe--y inBC AS"e?s a 8ut3"er.C A ly3ant"rope t"at %as a 8ut3"er. 9t %as too per1e3t. But 9 3oul5 see %"y s"e?5 lose "er >o8. 'oo5 preparation %it" a potentially 1atal 5isease. 9 5on?t t"ink so. 9 kne%@ an5 t"e "ealt" 5epartment kne%@ t"at ly3ant"ropy 3an only 8e trans1erre5 8y an atta3k in t"e animal 1orm. 7ost people 5on?t 8elie)e t"at. !an?t say 9 8lame t"em entirely. 9 5on?t %ant to 8e 1uEEy@ eit"er. AS"e runs a spe3ialty meat store. 9t?s a -oo5 8usiness. S"e in"erite5 it 1rom "er 1at"er.C A=as "e a ly3ant"rope@ tooBC 9 aske5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ Pe--y %as atta3ke5 a 1e% years 8a3k. S"e sur)i)e5 ... C He s"ru--e5. ABut@ you kno%.C 9 5i5 kno%. ASo your %i1e is a ly3ant"rope an5 %oul5 lose "er 8usiness i1 it 3ame out. 9 un5erstan5 t"at. But "o% 3an 9 "elp youBC 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to -lan3e at my %at3". 9 "a5 t"e ti3kets. <i3"ar5 3oul5n?t -o in %it"out me. APe--y?s missin-.C A". A9 am not a pri)ate 5ete3ti)e@ 7r. SmitE. 9 5on?t 5o missin- persons.C ABut 9 3an?t -o to t"e poli3e. $"ey mi-"t 1in5 out.C AHo% lon- "as s"e 8een missin-BC A$%o 5ays.C A7y a5)i3e is to -o to t"e poli3e.C He s"ook "is "ea5 stu88ornly. A/o.C 9 si-"e5. A9 5on?t kno% anyt"in- a8out 1in5in- a missin- person. 9 raise t"e 5ea5@ slay )ampires@ t"at?s it.C A7r. Vau-"n sai5 you 3oul5 "elp me.C A4i5 you tell "im your pro8lemBC He no55e5. S"it. Bert an5 9 %ere -oin- to "a)e a lon- talk. A$"e poli3e are -oo5 at t"eir >o8@ 7r. SmitE. Hust tell t"em your %i1e is missin-. 4on?t mention t"e ly3ant"ropy. See %"at t"ey turn up.C 9 5i5n?t like tellin- a 3lient to %it""ol5 in1ormation 1rom t"e poli3e@ 8ut it 8eat t"e "e3k out o1 not -oin- at all. A7s. Blake@ please@ 9?m %orrie5. =e?)e -ot t%o ki5s.C 9 starte5 to say all t"e reasons 9 3oul5n?t "elp "im@ t"en stoppe5. 9 "a5 an i5ea. AAnimators@ 9n3.@ "as a pri)ate in)esti-ator on retainer. Veroni3a Sims "as 8een in)ol)e5 in a lot o1 preternatural 3ases. S"e mi-"t 8e a8le to "elp you.C A!an 9 trust "erBC A9 5o.C He stare5 at me 1or a lon- moment@ t"en no55e5. AAll ri-"t@ "o% 5o 9 -et in tou3" %it" "erBC ALet me -i)e "er a 3all@ see i1 s"e 3an see you.C A$"at %oul5 8e -reat@ t"ank you.C A9 %ant to "elp you@ 7r. SmitE. Huntin- missin- spouses >ust isn?t my spe3ialty.C 9 5iale5 t"e p"one as 9 talke5. 9 kne% <onnie?s num8er 8y "eart. =e e*er3ise5 at least t%i3e a %eek to-et"er@ not to mention an o33asional mo)ie@ 5inner@ %"ate)er. Best 1rien5s@ a 3on3ept t"at most %omen ne)er out-ro%. Ask a man %"o "is 8est 1rien5 is an5 "e?ll "a)e to t"ink a8out it. He %on?t kno% ri-"t o11 t"e top o1 "is "ea5. A %oman %oul5. A man mi-"t not e)en 8e a8le to t"ink o1 a name@ not 1or "is 8est 1rien5. =omen keep tra3k o1 t"ese t"in-s. 7en 5on?t. 4on?t ask me %"y. <onnie?s ans%erin- ma3"ine 3li3ke5 in. A<onnie@ i1 you?re t"ere@ it?s Anita@ pi3k up.C

$"e p"one 3li3ke5@ an5 a se3on5 later 9 %as talkin- to t"e -enuine arti3le. AHi@ Anita. 9 t"ou-"t you "a5 a 5ate %it" <i3"ar5 toni-"t. Somet"in- %ron-BC See@ 8est 1rien5s. A/ot %it" t"e 5ate. 9?)e -ot a 3lient "ere %"o 9 t"ink is more up your alley t"an mine.C A$ell me@C s"e sai5. 9 5i5. A4i5 you re3ommen5 "e -o to t"e poli3eBC ADep.C AHe %on?t -oBC A/ope.C S"e si-"e5. A=ell@ 9?)e 5one missin- persons 8e1ore 8ut usually a1ter t"e poli3e "a)e 5one e)eryt"in- t"ey 3an. $"ey "a)e resour3es 9 3an?t tou3".C A9?m a%are o1 t"at@C 9 sai5. AHe %on?t 8u5-eBC A9 5on?t t"ink so.C ASo it?s me or ... C ABert took t"e >o8 kno%in- it %as a missin- person. He mi-"t try -i)in- it to Hamison.C AHamison 5oesn?t kno% "is 8utt 1rom a "ole in t"e -roun5 on anyt"in- 8ut raisin- t"e 5ea5.C ADea"@ 8ut "e?s al%ays ea-er to e*pan5 "is repertoire.C AAsk "im i1 "e 3an 8e at my o11i3e ... C S"e pause5 %"ile s"e lea1e5 t"rou-" "er appointment 8ook. Business must 8e -oo5. AAt nine tomorro% mornin-.C AHesus@ you al%ays %ere an early riser.C A#ne o1 my 1e% 1aults@C s"e sai5. 9 aske5 Geor-e SmitE i1 nine o?3lo3k tomorro% %as all ri-"t. A!oul5n?t s"e see me toni-"tBC AHe %ants to see you toni-"t.C S"e t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. A="y notB 9t?s not like 9 "a)e a "ot 5ate@ unlike some people 9 3oul5 mention. Sure@ sen5 "im o)er. 9?ll %ait. 'ri5ay %it" a 3lient is 8etter t"an 'ri5ay ni-"t alone@ 9 -uess.C ADou?)e >ust "it a 5ry spell@C 9 sai5. AAn5 you?)e "it a %et spell.C AVery 1unny.C S"e lau-"e5. A9?ll look 1or%ar5 to 7r. SmitE?s arri)al. ,n>oy Guys an5 4olls.C A9 %ill. See you tomorro% mornin- 1or our run.C ADou sure you %ant me o)er t"ere t"at early in 3ase 5ream 8oat %ants to stay o)erBC ADou kno% me 8etter t"an t"at@C 9 sai5. ADea"@ 9 5o. Hust ki55in-. See you tomorro%.C =e "un- up. 9 -a)e 7r. SmitE <onnie?s 8usiness 3ar5@ 5ire3tions to "er o11i3e@ an5 sent "im on "is %ay. <onnie %as t"e 8est 9 3oul5 5o 1or "im. 9t still 8ot"ere5 me t"at "e %oul5n?t -o to t"e poli3e@ 8ut "ey@ it %asn?t my %i1e. 9?)e -ot t%o ki5s@ "e?5 sai5. /ot my pro8lem. <eally. !rai-@ our ni-"ttime se3retary@ %as at t"e 5esk@ %"i3" meant it %as a1ter si*. 9 %as runnin- late. $"ere really %asn?t time to ar-ue %it" Bert a8out 7r. SmitE@ 8ut ... 9 -lan3e5 at Bert?s o11i3e. 9t %as 5ark. ABoss man -one "omeBC !rai- -lan3e5 up 1rom "is 3omputer key8oar5. He "as s"ort@ 8a8y21ine 8ro%n "air. <oun5 -lasses to mat3" a roun5 1a3e. He?s slen5er an5 taller t"an 9 am@ 8ut t"en %"o isn?tB He?s in "is t%enties %it" a %i1e an5 t%o 8a8ies. A7r. Vau-"n le1t a8out t"irty minutes a-o.C A9t 1i-ures@C 9 sai5. ASomet"in- %ron-BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. AS3"e5ule me some time to talk to t"e 8oss tomorro%.C A9 5on?t kno%@ Anita. He?s 8ooke5 pretty soli5.C

A'in5 some time@ !rai-. #r 9?ll 8ar-e in on one o1 t"e ot"er appointments.C ADou?re ma5@C "e sai5. ADou 8et. 'in5 t"e time. 91 "e yells a8out it@ tell "im 9 pulle5 a -un on you.C AAnita@C "e sai5 %it" a -rin@ as i1 9 %ere teasin-. 9 le1t "im ri11lin- t"rou-" t"e appointment 8ook tryin- to s;ueeEe me some%"ere. 9 meant it. Bert %oul5 talk to me tomorro%. 4e3em8er %as our slo%est season 1or raisin- Eom8ies. People seeme5 to t"ink you 3oul5n?t 5o it 3lose to !"ristmas@ as i1 it %ere 8la3k ma-i3 or somet"in-. So Bert s3"e5ule5 ot"er t"in-s to take up t"e sla3k. 9 %as -ettin- tire5 o1 3lients %it" pro8lems 9 3oul5 5o not"in- a8out. SmitE %asn?t t"e 1irst t"is mont"@ 8ut "e %as -oin- to 8e t"e last. =it" t"at 3"eer1ul t"ou-"t 9 8un5le5 into my 3oat an5 le1t. <i3"ar5 %as %aitin-. 91 tra11i3 3ooperate5@ 9 mi-"t >ust make it 8e1ore t"e openin- num8er. $ra11i3 on a 'ri5ay ni-"t@ surely not.

Chapter Two
$"e 19.0 /o)a t"at 9?5 8een 5ri)in- "a5 5ie5 a sa5 an5 tra-i3 5eat". 9 %as no% 5ri)in- a Heep !"erokee !ountry. 9t %as a 5eep@ 5eep -reen t"at looke5 8la3k at ni-"t. But it "a5 1our2%"eel 5ri)e 1or %inter an5 enou-" room to 3arry -oats in t"e 8a3k. !"i3kens %ere %"at 9 use5 1or Eom8ie raisin- most o1 t"e time@ 8ut o33asionally you nee5e5 somet"in- 8i--er. !arryin- -oats in t"e /o)a "a5 8een a 8it3". 9 pulle5 t"e !"erokee into t"e last parkin- spa3e in t"e lot on Grant. 7y lon-@ 8la3k %inter 3oat 8illo%e5 aroun5 me 8e3ause 9 "a5 only 8uttone5 t"e 8ottom t%o 8uttons. 91 9 8uttone5 all t"e 8uttons 9 3oul5n?t -et to my -un. 7y "an5s %ere s"o)e5 into t"e 3oat po3kets@ arms "u55lin- t"e 3lot" aroun5 me. 9 5i5n?t %ear -lo)es. 9?)e ne)er 8een 3om1orta8le s"ootin- %it" -lo)es on. $"e -un is a part o1 my "an5. !lot" s"oul5n?t inter1ere. 9 ran a3ross t"e street in my "i-"2"eele5 pumps@ 3are1ul on t"e 1rosty pa)ement. $"e si5e%alk %as 3ra3ke5@ %it" "u-e se3tions 8roken out o1 it@ as i1 someone "a5 taken a sle5-e"ammer to it. $"e 8oar5e52up 8uil5in-s %ere as 5ilapi5ate5 as t"e si5e%alk. 9?5 misse5 t"e 3ro%5@ 8ein- nearly late@ so 9 "a5 t"e s"attere5 street to mysel1. 9t %as a s"ort 8ut lonely %alk on a 4e3em8er ni-"t. Broken -lass littere5 t"e -roun5 an5 in "eels 9 "a5 to 8e )ery 3are1ul %"ere 9 steppe5. An alley 3ut t"e 8uil5in-s. 9t looke5 like t"e natural "a8itat o1 7u--erus ameri3anus. 9 %at3"e5 t"e 5arkness 3are1ully. /ot"in- mo)e5. =it" t"e Bro%nin- 9 %asn?t too %orrie5@ 8ut still ... Dou 5i5n?t "a)e to 8e a -enius to s"oot someone in t"e 8a3k. $"e %in5 -uste5 3ol5 enou-" to take my 8reat" a%ay as 9 neare5 t"e 3orner an5 relati)e sa1ety. 9 %ore a lot o1 s%eaters in t"e %inter@ 8ut toni-"t 9?5 %ante5 somet"in- 5ressier@ an5 9 %as 1reeEin- my patooties o11@ 8ut 9 %as "opin- t"at <i3"ar5 %oul5 like t"e re5 8louse. At t"e 3orner t"ere %ere li-"ts@ 3ars@ an5 a poli3eman 5ire3tin- tra11i3 in t"e mi55le o1 t"e street. Dou ne)er sa% t"is many poli3e in t"is se3tion o1 St. Louis unless t"e 'o* %as on. A lot o1 %ealt"y people 3ame 5o%n "ere in t"eir 1urs@ 5iamon5s@ <ole* %at3"es. =oul5n?t 5o 1or a 1rien5 o1 t"e 3ity 3oun3il to -et mu--e5. ="en $opol 3ame to reprise "is role in 'i55ler on t"e <oo1@ t"e au5ien3e %as )ery 3rVme 5e la 3rVme an5 t"e pla3e 3ra%le5 %it" 3ops. $oni-"t t"ere %as >ust t"e usual. 7ostly in 1ront o1 t"e t"eater@ mostly 5oin- tra11i3@ 8ut also takin- peeks at t"e see5y 8a3ks o1 8uil5in-s in 3ase someone %it" money %on5ere5 a%ay 1rom t"e li-"t. 9 %ent t"rou-" t"e -lass 5oors into t"e lon-@ narro% entry%ay. 9t %as 8ri-"tly lit@ s"iny some"o%. $"ere?s a little room to t"e ri-"t %"ere you 3an pi3k up your ti3kets. People streame5 out o1 it@ "urryin- to t"e inner -lass 5oors. 9 %asn?t as late as 9 t"ou-"t i1 t"ere %ere t"is many people still -ettin- ti3kets. #r may8e e)eryone else %as as late as 9 %as. 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 <i3"ar5 stan5in- in t"e 1ar ri-"t 3orner. At si* 1oot one "e is easier to spot a3ross a 3ro%5e5 room t"an 9 am@ at my o%n 1i)e 1oot t"ree. He stoo5 ;uietly@ eyes 1ollo%in- t"e 3ro%5?s mo)ement. He 5i5n?t seem 8ore5 or impatient. He seeme5 to 8e "a)in- a -oo5 time %at3"in- t"e people. His eyes 1ollo%e5 an el5erly 3ouple as t"ey %alke5 t"rou-" t"e -lass 5oors. $"e %oman use5 a 3ane. $"eir pro-ress %as pain1ully slo%. His "ea5 turne5 slo%ly %it" t"em. 9 s3anne5 t"e 3ro%5. ,)eryone else %as youn-er@ mo)in- %it" 3on1i5ent or "urrie5 stri5e. =as <i3"ar5 lookin- 1or )i3timsB PreyB He %as@ a1ter all@ a %ere%ol1. He?5 -otten a 8a5 8at3" o1 ly3ant"ropy )a33ine. #ne o1 t"e reasons 9 ne)er -et t"e s"ots. 91 my 1lu s"ot a33i5entally 8a3k1ires@ t"at?s one t"in-@ 8ut 8ein- 1urry on3e a mont" ... /o@ t"anks. 4i5 "e realiEe "e %as stan5in- t"ere sear3"in- t"e 3ro%5 like a lion starin- at a 8un3" o1 -aEellesB #r may8e t"e el5erly 3ouple "a5 remin5e5 "im o1 "is -ran5parents. Hell@ may8e 9 %as -i)in- "im moti)es t"at %ere only in my suspi3ious little 8rain. 9 "ope5 so. His "air %as 8ro%n. 9n sunli-"t it -leame5 %it" stran5s o1 -ol5@ "ints o1 3opper. 9 kne% t"e "air %as s"oul5er len-t"@ nearly my len-t"@ 8ut "e?5 5one somet"in- to it@ pulle5 it 8a3k some"o% so it -a)e t"e illusion o1 8ein- )ery s"ort an5 3lose to "is "ea5. /ot easy %it" "air as %a)y as "is. His suit %as some ri3" s"a5e o1 -reen. 7ost men %oul5 "a)e looke5 like Peter Pan in a -reen suit@ 8ut on "im it looke5 >ust ri-"t. As 9 %alke5 3loser@ 9 3oul5 see "is s"irt %as a pale almost -ol5@ tie a 5arker -reen t"an t"e suit@ %it" tiny !"ristmas trees 5one in re5. 9 %oul5 "a)e ma5e a smart remark a8out t"e tie@ 8ut 5resse5 in re5 an5 -reen %it" a !"ristmas an-el on my lapel@ %"o %as 9 to 3omplainB

He sa% me an5 smile5. $"e smile %as )ery 8ri-"t a-ainst "is permanently tanne5 skin. His last name@ Keeman@ is 4ut3"@ 8ut some%"ere 8a3k in "is an3estry %as somet"in- not ,uropean. /ot 8lon5@ not 1air@ not 3ol5. His eyes %ere a per1e3t@ 3"o3olate 8ro%n. He rea3"e5 out an5 took my "an5s@ -ently@ 5ra%in- me to "im. His lips %ere so1t a-ainst my mout"@ a 8rie1@ nearly 3"aste kiss. 9 steppe5 8a3k@ takin- a 8reat". He kept "ol5 o1 my "an5@ an5 9 let "im. His skin %as )ery %arm a-ainst my 3ol5 "an5. 9 t"ou-"t a8out askin- "im i1 "e?5 8een t"inkin- a8out eatin- t"at el5erly 3ouple@ 8ut 5i5n?t. A33usin- "im o1 mur5erous intent mi-"t spoil t"e e)enin-. Besi5es@ most ly3ant"ropes %eren?t a%are o1 5oin- non"uman t"in-s. ="en you pointe5 it out@ it al%ays seeme5 to "urt t"eir 1eelin-s. 9 5i5n?t %ant to "urt <i3"ar5?s 1eelin-s. As %e %ent t"rou-" t"e inner 5oors into t"e 3ro%5e5 lo88y@ 9 aske5@ A="ere?s your 3oatBC A9n t"e 3ar. 4i5n?t %ant to 3arry it@ so 9 ma5e a 5as" 1or it.C 9 no55e5. 9t %as typi3al <i3"ar5. #r may8e ly3ant"ropes 5i5n?t -et 3ol5. 'rom t"e 8a3k 9 3oul5 see "e?5 8rai5e5 "is "air ti-"t to "is s3alp. $"e tip o1 t"e 8rai5 traile5 o)er "is 3ollar. 9 3oul5n?t e)en 1i-ure out "o% "e?5 5one it. 7y i5ea o1 1i*inmy "air is to %as"@ smear a little "air -oop t"rou-" it@ t"en let it 5ry. 9 %as not into "i-"2te3" "air 5esi-n. $"ou-" it mi-"t 8e 1un to 1i-ure out t"e knots in a leisurely 1as"ion a1ter t"e s"o%. 9 %as al%ays %illin- to learn a ne% skill. $"e main lo88y o1 t"e 'o* is a 3ross 8et%een a really ni3e !"inese restaurant an5 a Hin5u temple@ %it" a little Art 4e3o t"ro%n in 1or 1la)or. $"e 3olors are so 5aEElin-@ it looks like t"e painter -roun5 up staine5 -lass %it" 8its o1 li-"t trappe5 in t"em. Pit 8ull2siEe !"inese lions %it" -lo%in- re5 eyes -uar5 a s%eep o1 stairs t"at lea5 up to t"e 'o* !lu8 8al3ony@ %"ere 1or 1i1teen t"ousan5 5ollars a year you 3an eat %on5er1ul meals an5 "a)e a pri)ate 8o*. $"e rest o1 us peons min-le5 nearly s"oul5er to s"oul5er in t"e 3arpete5 lo88y@ %it" o11erin-s o1 pop3orn@ pretEels@ Pepsi@ an5 on some ni-"ts@ "ot 5o-s. A 1ar 3ry 1rom 3"i3ken 3or5on 8leu or %"ate)er t"ey %ere ser)in- up a8o)e. $"e 'o* trea5s t"at %on5er1ully t"in line 8et%een -au5iness an5 t"e 1antasti3. 9?)e lo)e5 t"e 8uil5in- sin3e 9 1irst sa% it. ,)ery time 9 3ome@ t"ere is some ne% %on5er. Some 3olor@ or 3ar)in-@ or statue t"at 9 5i5n?t noti3e 8e1ore. ="en you realiEe t"at it %as ori-inally 8uilt to 8e a mo)ie t"eater@ you realiEe "o% mu3" t"in-s "a)e 3"an-e5. 7o)ie t"eaters no% "a)e t"e souls o1 un%as"e5 so3ks. $"e 'o* is ali)e as only t"e 8est 8uil5in-s are ali)e. 9 "a5 to let -o o1 <i3"ar5?s "an5 to un8utton my 3oat t"e rest o1 t"e %ay@ 8ut "ey@ %e %eren?t atta3"e5 at t"e "ip. 9 stoo5 3lose to "im in t"e 3ro%5 %it"out tou3"in-@ 8ut 9 3oul5 1eel "im@ like a line o1 %armt" a-ainst my 8o5y. A=e?re -oin- to look like t"e Bo8sey t%ins %"en 9 take my 3oat o11@C 9 sai5. He raise5 "is eye8ro%s. 9 sprea5 t"e 3oat like a 1las"er@ an5 "e lau-"e5. 9t %as a -oo5 lau-"@ %arm an5 t"i3k like !"ristmas pu55in-. A F$is t"e season@C "e sai5. He -a)e me a one2arme5 "u-@ ;ui3k like you?5 -i)e a 1rien5@ 8ut "is arm staye5 o)er my s"oul5ers. 9t %as still early enou-" in our 5atin- t"at tou3"in- ea3" ot"er %as ne%@ une*pe3te5@ e*"ilaratin-. =e kept lookin- 1or e*3uses to tou3" ea3" ot"er. $ryin- to 8e non3"alant a8out it. /ot 1oolin- ea3" ot"er. /ot sure %e 3are5. 9 slippe5 my arm aroun5 "is %aist an5 leane5 >ust a 8it. 9t %as my ri-"t arm. 91 %e %ere atta3ke5 no%@ 9?5 ne)er 5ra% my -un in time. 9 staye5 t"ere 1or a minute t"inkin- it >ust mi-"t 8e %ort" it. 9 mo)e5 aroun5 "im@ o11erin- my le1t "an5 to "im. 9 5on?t kno% i1 "e 3au-"t a -limpse o1 t"e -un or >ust 1i-ure5 it out@ 8ut "is eyes %i5ene5. He leane5 3lose to me@ %"isperin- a-ainst my "air. AA -un "ere@ at t"e 'o*B Dou t"ink t"e us"ers %ill let you inBC A$"ey 5i5 last time.C He -ot a stran-e look on "is 1a3e. ADou al%ays -o arme5BC 9 s"ru--e5. AA1ter 5ark@ yes.C His eyes %ere puEEle5@ 8ut "e let it -o. Be1ore t"is year 9?5 sometimes -one out a1ter 5ark unarme5 8ut it "a5 8een a rou-" year. A lot o1 5i11erent people "a5 trie5 to kill me. 9 %as small e)en 1or a %oman. 9 >o--e5@ li1te5 %ei-"ts@ "a5 a 8la3k 8elt in >u5o@ 8ut 9 %as still out3lasse5 8y most pro1essional 8a5 -uys. $"ey ten5e5 to also li1t %ei-"ts@ kno% martial arts@ an5 out%ei-" me 8y a "un5re5 poun5s or more. 9 3oul5n?t arm2%restle t"em@ 8ut 9 3oul5 s"oot t"em. Also a lot o1 t"is year 9?5 8een up a-ainst )ampires@ an5 ot"er preternatural 3reepie23ra%lies. $"ey 3oul5 li1t lar-e tru3ks %it" a sin-le "an5 or %orse. Sil)er 8ullets mi-"t not kill a )ampire@ 8ut it 3ertainly slo%e5 t"em 5o%n. ,nou-" 1or me to run like "ell. $o -et a%ay. $o sur)i)e. <i3"ar5 kne% %"at 9 5i5 1or a li)in-. He?5 e)en seen some o1 t"e messy parts. But 9 still e*pe3te5 "im to 8lo% it. $o start playin- t"e male prote3tor an5 8it3" a8out t"e -un or somet"in-. 9t %as almost a permanent ti-"tness in my -ut@ %aitin1or t"is man to say somet"in- a%1ul. Somet"in- t"at %oul5 ruin it@ 5estroy it@ "urt. So 1ar@ so -oo5. $"e 3ro%5 starte5 1lo%in- to%ar5s t"e stairs@ partin- on eit"er si5e to t"e 3orri5ors lea5in- into t"e main t"eater. =e s"u11le2steppe5 %it" t"e 3ro%5@ "ol5in- "an5s to keep 1rom 8ein- separate5. Sure. #n3e 1ree o1 t"e lo88y@ t"e 3ro%5 1lo%e5 to%ar5s t"e 5i11erent aisles like %ater sear3"in- 1or t"e ;ui3kest route 5o%nstream. $"e ;ui3kest route %as still pretty slo%. 9 5u- t"e ti3kets out o1 t"e po3ket o1 my suit >a3ket. 9 5i5n?t "a)e a

purse. $"ere %as a small 8rus"@ a lipsti3k@ lipliner@ eye s"a5o%@ 94@ an5 my 3ar keys stu11e5 in my 3oat po3kets. 7y 8eeper %as tu3ke5 in t"e 1ront o1 my skirt@ 5is3reetly to one si5e. ="en not 5resse5 up@ 9 %ore a 1anny pa3k. $"e us"er@ an ol5er %oman %it" -lasses@ s"one a tiny 1las"li-"t on our ti3kets. S"e took us to our seats@ motione5 us in@ an5 %ent 8a3k up to assist t"e ne*t -roup o1 "elpless people. $"e seats %ere -oo5@ near t"e mi55le@ sort o1 3lose to t"e sta-e. !lose enou-". <i3"ar5 "a5 s3oote5 in to sit on my le1t %it"out 8ein- aske5. He?s a ;ui3k stu5y. 9t?s one o1 t"e reasons %e?re still -oinout. $"at an5 t"e 1a3t t"at 9 lust a1ter "is 8o5y somet"in- terri8le. 9 sprea5 my 3oat o)er t"e seat@ sprea5in- it out so it %oul5n?t 8e 8ulky. His arm snake5 a3ross my 3"air@ 1in-ers tou3"inmy s"oul5er. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to lay my "ea5 on "is s"oul5er. $oo "okey@ t"en t"ou-"t@ %"at t"e "ell. 9 snu--le5 into t"e 8en5 o1 "is ne3k@ >ust 8reat"in- in t"e s3ent o1 "is skin. His a1ters"a)e %as 3lean an5 s%eet@ 8ut un5erneat" %as t"e smell o1 "is skin@ "is 1les". 9t ma5e it so t"e a1ters"a)e %oul5 ne)er smell t"e same on anyone else. 'rankly@ %it"out a 5rop o1 a1ters"a)e 9 lo)e5 t"e smell o1 <i3"ar5?s ne3k. 9 strai-"tene5 up@ pullin- >ust a little a%ay 1rom "im. He looke5 at me ;uestionin-ly. ASomet"in- %ron-BC A/i3e a1ters"a)e@C 9 sai5. /o nee5 to 3on1ess t"at 9?5 "a5 an almost irresisti8le ur-e to ni88le "is ne3k. 9t %as too em8arrassin-. $"e li-"ts 5imme5 an5 t"e musi3 8e-an. 9?5 ne)er a3tually seen Guys an5 4olls e*3ept in t"e mo)ies. $"e one %it" 7arlon Bran5o an5 Hean Simmons. <i3"ar5?s i5ea o1 a 5ate %as 3a)in-@ "ikin-@ t"in-s t"at re;uire5 your ol5est 3lot"es an5 a pair o1 -oo5 %alkin- s"oes. /ot"in- %ron- %it" t"at. 9 like t"e out5oors@ 8ut 9 %ante5 to try a 5ress2up 5ate. 9 %ante5 to see <i3"ar5 in a suit an5 let "im see me in somet"in- 1rillier t"an >eans. 9 %as a1ter all a -irl@ %"et"er 9 like5 to a5mit it or not. But "a)in- propose5 t"e 5ate@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5o t"e usual 5ipsy25uo o1 5inner an5 a mo)ie. So 9?5 3alle5 up t"e 'o* to see %"at %as playin- an5 aske5 <i3"ar5 i1 "e like5 musi3als. He 5i5. Anot"er point in "is 1a)or. Sin3e it %as my i5ea@ 9 8ou-"t t"e ti3kets. <i3"ar5 "a5 not ar-ue5@ not e)en to pay "al1. A1ter all@ 9 "a5n?t o11ere5 to pay 1or our last 5inner. 9t "a5n?t o33urre5 to me. 9 %as 8ettin- payin- 1or t"e ti3kets o33urre5 to <i3"ar5@ 8ut "e?5 let it -o. Goo5 man. $"e 3urtain 3ame up an5 t"e openin- street s3ene para5e5 8e1ore us@ 8ri-"t 3olors@ styliEe5@ per1e3t an5 3"eer1ul@ an5 >ust %"at 9 nee5e5. A$"e 'u-ue 1or $in"ornsC 1ille5 t"e 8ri-"t sta-e an5 1lo%e5 out into t"e "appy 5ark. Goo5 musi3@ "umor@ soon to 8e 5an3ers@ <i3"ar5?s 8o5y ne*t to mine@ a -un un5er my arm. ="at more 3oul5 a -irl ask 1orB

Chapter Three
A tri3kle o1 people "a5 slippe5 out 8e1ore t"e en5 o1 t"e musi3al@ to 8eat t"e 3ro%5. 9 al%ays staye5 until t"e )ery en5. 9t seeme5 un1air to slink a%ay 8e1ore you 3oul5 applau5. Besi5es@ 9 "ate5 missin- t"e en5 o1 anyt"in-. 9 %as al%ays 3on)in3e5 t"at t"e 8it 9?5 miss %oul5 8e t"e 8est part. =e >oine5 in ent"usiasti3ally %it" a stan5in- o)ation. 9?)e ne)er li)e5 in any 3ity t"at -i)es so many stan5in- #s. A5mitte5ly sometimes@ like toni-"t@ t"e s"o% %as %on5er1ul@ 8ut 9?)e seen people stan5 on pro5u3tions t"at 5i5n?t 5eser)e it. 9 5on?t stan5 unless 9 mean it. <i3"ar5 sat 8a3k 5o%n a1ter t"e li-"ts 3ame up. A9?5 rat"er %ait until t"e 3ro%5 t"ins out. 91 you 5on?t min5.C $"ere %as a look in "is 8ro%n eyes t"at sai5 "e 5i5n?t t"ink 9 %oul5. 9 5i5n?t. =e?5 5ri)en separate 3ars. ="en %e le1t t"e 'o*@ t"e e)enin- %as o)er. Apparently@ neit"er o1 us %ante5 to lea)e. 9 kne% 9 5i5n?t. 9 leane5 on t"e seats in 1ront o1 us@ -aEin- 5o%n at "im. He smile5 up at me@ eyes -leamin- %it" lust@ i1 not lo)e. 9 %as smilin-@ too. !oul5n?t seem to "elp mysel1. ADou kno% t"is is a )ery se*ist musi3al@C "e sai5. 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at a moment@ t"en no55e5. ADep.C ABut you like itBC 9 no55e5. His eyes narro%e5 a 8it@ A9 t"ou-"t you mi-"t 8e o11en5e5.C A9 "a)e 8etter t"in-s to %orry a8out t"an %"et"er Guys an5 4olls re1le3ts a 8alan3e5 %orl5)ie%.C He lau-"e52a s"ort@ "appy soun5. AGoo5. 'or a minute t"ere 9 t"ou-"t 9?5 "a)e to -et ri5 o1 my <o5-ers an5 Hammerstein 3olle3tion.C 9 stu5ie5 "is 1a3e@ tryin- to 5e3i5e i1 "e %as teasin- me. 9 5i5n?t t"ink so. ADou really 3olle3t <o5-ers an5 Hammerstein soun5 tra3ksBC He no55e5@ eyes 8ri-"t %it" lau-"ter. AHust <o5-ers an5 Hammerstein@ or all musi3alsBC

A9 5on?t "a)e t"em all@ 8ut all.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="at?s %ron-BC ADou?re a romanti3.C ADou make it soun5 like a 8a5 t"in-.C A$"at "appy2e)er2a1ter s"it is 1ine on sta-e@ 8ut it 5oesn?t "a)e a lot to 5o %it" li1e.C 9t %as "is turn to stu5y my 1a3e. ,)i5ently@ "e 5i5n?t like %"at "e sa%@ 8e3ause "e 1ro%ne5. A$"is 5ate %as your i5ea. 91 you 5on?t appro)e o1 all t"is "appy stu11@ %"y?5 you 8rin- meBC 9 s"ru--e5. AA1ter 9 aske5 you on a 5ress2up 5ate@ 9 5i5n?t kno% %"ere to take you. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5o t"e usual. Besi5es@ 9 like musi3als. 9 >ust 5on?t t"ink t"ey re1le3t reality.C ADou?re not as tou-" as you preten5 to 8e.C ADes@C 9 sai5@ A9 am.C A9 5on?t 8elie)e t"at. 9 t"ink you like t"at "appy2e)er2a1ter s"it as mu3" as 9 5o. Dou?re >ust a1rai5 to 8elie)e in it anymore.C A/ot a1rai5@ >ust 3autious.C ABeen 5isappointe5 too many timesBC He ma5e it a ;uestion. A7ay8e.C 9 3rosse5 my arms on my stoma3". A psy3"olo-ist %oul5 "a)e sai5 9 %as 3lose5 o11@ un3ommuni3ati)e. 'u3k t"em. A="at are you t"inkin-BC 9 s"ru--e5. A$ell me@ please.C 9 stare5 into "is sin3ere 8ro%n eyes an5 %ante5 to -o "ome alone. 9nstea5. AHappy e)er a1ter is >ust a lie@ <i3"ar5@ an5 "as 8een sin3e 9 %as ei-"t.C ADour mot"er?s 5eat"@C "e sai5. 9 >ust looke5 at "im. 9 %as t%enty21our years ol5 an5 t"e pain o1 t"at 1irst loss %as still ra%. Dou 3oul5 5eal %it" it@ en5ure it@ 8ut ne)er es3ape it. /e)er truly 8elie)e in t"e -reat@ -oo5 pla3e. /e)er truly 8elie)e t"at t"e 8a5 t"in- %asn?t -oin- to 3ome s%oopin- 5o%n an5 take it all a%ay. 9?5 rat"er 1i-"t a 5oEen )ampires t"an one senseless a33i5ent. He prie5 my "an5 1rom its -rip on my arm. A9 %on?t 5ie on you@ Anita. 9 promise.C Someone lau-"e5@ a lo% 3"u3kle t"at 8rus"e5 t"e skin like 1in-ertips. #nly one person "a5 t"at nearly tou3"a8le lau-"2 Hean2!lau5e. 9 turne5@ an5 t"ere "e %as@ stan5in- in t"e mi55le o1 t"e aisle. 9 "a5n?t "ear5 "im 3ome. Ha5n?t sense5 any mo)ement. He %as >ust t"ere like ma-i3. A4on?t make promises you 3an?t keep@ <i3"ar5.C

Chapter Four
9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e seats@ takin- a step 1or%ar5 to -i)e <i3"ar5 room to stan5. 9 1elt "im at my 8a3k@ a 3om1ortinpresen3e i1 9 "a5n?t 8een more %orrie5 a8out "is sa1ety t"an my o%n. Hean2!lau5e %as 5resse5 in a s"iny 8la3k tu*@ 3omplete %it" tails. A %"ite )est %it" minute 8la3k 5ots 8or5ere5 t"e -leamin- %"iteness o1 "is s"irt. $"e 3ollar %as "i-" an5 sti11@ %it" a 3ra)at o1 so1t 8la3k 3lot" tie5 aroun5 it an5 tu3ke5 into t"e )est as i1 ties "a5 ne)er 8een in)ente5. $"e sti3kpin in "is )est %as ma5e o1 sil)er2an528la3k ony*. His s"oes "a5 spats on t"em@ like t"e ones 're5 Astaire use5 to %ear@ t"ou-" 9 suspe3te5 t"e entire out1it %as o1 a mu3" ol5er style. His "air %as 1as"iona8ly lon-@ t"e nearly 8la3k 3urls e5-in- t"e %"ite 3ollar. 9 kne% %"at 3olor "is eyes %ere@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t look at t"em no%. $"ey %ere mi5ni-"t 8lue@ t"e 3olor o1 a really -oo5 sapp"ire. /e)er look a )ampire in t"e eyes. 9t?s a rule. =it" t"e master )ampire o1 t"e 3ity stan5in- t"ere@ %aitin-@ 9 realiEe5 "o% empty t"e t"eater %as. =e?5 %aite5 out t"e 3ro%5@ all ri-"t. =e %ere alone in t"e e3"oin- silen3e. $"e 5istant murmur o1 t"e 5epartin- 3ro%5 %as like %"ite noise. 9t meant not"in- to us. 9 stare5 at t"e s"iny mot"er2o12pearl 8uttons on Hean2!lau5e?s )est. 9t %as "ar5 to 8e tou-" %"en you 3oul5n?t meet someone?s eyes. But 9?5 mana-e. AGo5@ Hean2!lau5e@ 5on?t you e)er %ear anyt"in- 8ut 8la3k an5 %"iteBC A4on?t you like it@ ma petiteBC He -a)e a little spin so 9 3oul5 -et t"e %"ole e11e3t. $"e out1it suite5 "im 8eauti1ully. #1 3ourse@ e)eryt"in- "e %ore seeme5 ma5e to or5er@ per1e3t@ lo)ely@ >ust like "im. ASome"o% 9 5i5n?t t"ink Guys an5 4olls %oul5 8e your 3up o1 tea@ Hean2!lau5e.C

A#r yours@ ma petite.C $"e )oi3e %as ri3" like 3ream@ %it" a %armt" t"at only t%o t"in-s 3oul5 -i)e itJ an-er or lust. 9 %as 8ettin- it %asn?t lust. 9 "a5 t"e -un@ an5 sil)er 8ullets %oul5 slo% "im 5o%n@ 8ut it %oul5n?t kill "im. #1 3ourse@ Hean2!lau5e %oul5n?t >ump us in pu8li3. He %as mu3" too 3i)iliEe5 1or t"at. He %as a 8usiness )ampire@ an entrepreneur. ,ntrepreneurs@ 5ea5 or ali)e@ 5i5n?t -o aroun5 tearin- people?s t"roats out. /ormally. A<i3"ar5@ you?re unusually ;uiet.C He stare5 past me. 9 5i5n?t -lan3e 8a3k to see %"at <i3"ar5 %as 5oin-. /e)er take your eyes o11 t"e )ampire in 1ront o1 you to -lan3e at t"e %ere%ol1 in 8a3k o1 you. #ne pro8lem at a time. AAnita 3an speak 1or "ersel1@C <i3"ar5 sai5. Hean2!lau5e?s attention 1li3ke5 8a3k to me. A$"at is 3ertainly true. But 9 3ame to see "o% t"e t%o o1 you en>oye5 t"e play.C AAn5 pi-s 1ly@C 9 sai5. ADou 5on?t 8elie)e meBC A/ot "ar5ly@C 9 sai5. A!ome@ <i3"ar5@ "o% 5i5 you en>oy your e)enin-BC $"ere %as an e5-e o1 lau-"ter to "is )oi3e 8ut un5er t"at %as still t"e an-er. 7aster )ampires are not -oo5 to 8e aroun5 %"en t"ey?re an-ry. A9t %as %on5er1ul until you s"o%e5 up.C $"ere %as a note o1 %armt" to <i3"ar5?s )oi3e@ t"e 8e-innin-s o1 an-er. 9?5 ne)er seen "im an-ry. AHo% 3oul5 my mere presen3e spoil your ... 5ateBC $"e last %as spit out@ s3al5in- "ot. A="y are you so pisse5 toni-"t@ Hean2!lau5eBC 9 aske5. A="y@ ma petite@ 9 ne)er -et ... pisse5.C ABulls"it.C AHe?s >ealous o1 you an5 me@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9 am not >ealous.C ADou?re al%ays tellin- Anita "o% you 3an smell "er 5esire 1or you. =ell@ 9 3an smell yours. Dou %ant "er so 8a5 you 3anC2 <i3"ar5 -a)e an almost 8itter soun52Ataste it.C AAn5 you@ 7onsieur Keeman@ you 5on?t lust a1ter "erBC AStop talkin- like 9?m not "ere@C 9 sai5. AAnita aske5 me out on a 5ate. 9 sai5 yes.C A9s t"is true@ ma petiteBC His )oi3e "a5 -one )ery ;uiet. S3arier t"an an-er@ t"at ;uietness. 9 %ante5 to say no@ 8ut "e?5 smell a lie. A9t?s true. ="at o1 itBC Silen3e. He >ust stoo5 t"ere utterly still. 91 9 "a5n?t 8een lookin- ri-"t at "im@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e kno%n "e %as t"ere. $"e 5ea5 make no noise. 7y 8eeper %ent o11. <i3"ar5 an5 9 >umpe5 as i1 %e?5 8een s"ot. Hean2!lau5e %as motionless as i1 "e "a5n?t "ear5 it. 9 "it t"e 8utton@ an5 t"e num8er t"at 1las"e5 ma5e me -roan. A="at is itBC <i3"ar5 aske5. He lai5 "is "an5 on my s"oul5er. A$"e poli3e. 9?)e -ot to 1in5 a p"one.C 9 leane5 8a3k a-ainst <i3"ar5?s 3"est. His "an5 s;ueeEe5 my s"oul5er. 9 stare5 at t"e )ampire in 1ront o1 me. =oul5 Hean2!lau5e "urt "im a1ter 9?5 -oneB 9 %asn?t sure. ADou -ot a 3ross on youBC 9 5i5n?t 8ot"er to %"isper. Hean2!lau5e %oul5 "a)e "ear5 me any%ay. A/o.C 9 "al1 turne5. A/oI Dou?re out a1ter 5ark %it"out a 3rossBC He s"ru--e5. A9?m a s"apes"i1ter. 9 3an take 3are o1 mysel1.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. AGettin- your t"roat rippe5 out on3e %asn?t enou-"BC A9?m still ali)e@C "e sai5. A9 kno% you "eal 1rom almost anyt"in-@ 8ut 1or Go5?s sake@ <i3"ar5@ you 5on?t "eal 1rom e)eryt"in-.C 9 starte5 pullin- t"e sil)er 3"ain o1 my 3ru3i1i* out o1 my 8louse. ADou 3an 8orro% mine.C A9s t"at real sil)erBC <i3"ar5 aske5. ADes.C A9 3an?t. 9?m aller-i3 to sil)er@ remem8er.C A". Stupi5 me. Some preternatural e*pert o11erin- sil)er to a ly3ant"rope. 9 tu3ke5 t"e 3"ain 8a3k in my 8louse.

AHe?s no more "uman t"an 9 am@ ma petite.C AAt least 9?m not 5ea5.C A$"at 3an 8e reme5ie5.C AStop it@ 8ot" o1 you.C AHa)e you seen "er 8e5room@ <i3"ar5B Her 3olle3tion o1 toy pen-uinsBC 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. 9 %as not -oin- to stan5 "ere an5 e*plain "o% Hean2!lau5e "a5 mana-e5 to see my 8e5room. 4i5 9 really "a)e to say@ out lou5@ t"at 9 5i5n?t sleep %it" t"e %alkin- 5ea5B ADou?re tryin- to make me >ealous@ an5 it %on?t %ork@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ABut t"ere is t"at %orm o1 5ou8t in you@ <i3"ar5. 9 kno% it. Dou are my 3reature to 3all@ my %ol1@ an5 9 kno% you 5ou8t "er.C A9 5on?t 5ou8t Anita.C But t"ere %as a 5e1ensi)eness in "is )oi3e t"at 9 5i5n?t like at all. A9 5on?t 8elon- to you@ Hean2!lau5e@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9?m se3on5 in line to lea5 t"e pa3k. 9 3ome an5 -o %"ere 9 please. $"e alp"a res3in5e5 "is or5ers a8out o8eyin- you@ a1ter you nearly -ot me kille5.C ADour pa3k lea5er %as most upset t"at you sur)i)e5@C Hean2!lau5e sai5 s%eetly. A="y %oul5 t"e pa3k lea5er %ant <i3"ar5 5ea5BC 9 aske5. Hean2!lau5e looke5 past me at <i3"ar5. ADou "a)en?t tol5 "er t"at you?re in a 8attle o1 su33essionBC A9 %ill not 1i-"t 7ar3us.C A$"en you %ill 5ie.C Hean2!lau5e ma5e it soun5 )ery simple. 7y 8eeper soun5e5 a-ain. Same num8er. A9?m 3omin-@ 4olp"@C 9 muttere5. 9 -lan3e5 at <i3"ar5. An-er -littere5 in "is eyes. His "an5s %ere 8alle5 into 1ists. 9 %as stan5in- 3lose enou-" to 1eel t"e tension 3omin- o11 "im like %a)es. A="at?s -oin- on@ <i3"ar5BC He -a)e a ;ui3k s"ake o1 "is "ea5. A7y 8usiness@ not yours.C A91 someone?s t"reatenin- you@ it is my 8usiness.C He stare5 5o%n at me. A/o@ you aren?t one o1 us. 9 %on?t in)ol)e you.C A9 3an "an5le mysel1@ <i3"ar5.C He >ust s"ook "is "ea5. A7ar3us %ants to in)ol)e you@ ma petite. <i3"ar5 re1uses. 9t is a ... 8one o1 3ontention 8et%een t"em. #ne o1 many.C AHo% 5o you kno% so mu3" a8out itBC 9 aske5. A=e lea5ers o1 t"e preternatural 3ommunity must 5eal %it" ea3" ot"er. 'or e)eryone?s sa1ety.C <i3"ar5 >ust stoo5 starin- at "im. 9t o33urre5 to me 1or t"e 1irst time t"at "e seeme5 to look Hean2!lau5e in t"e eyes@ %it" no ill e11e3ts. A<i3"ar5@ 3an you meet "is eyesBC <i3"ar5?s eyes 1li3ke5 5o%n to me@ t"en 8a3k to Hean2!lau5e. ADes. 9?m a monster@ too. 9 3an took "im in t"e eyes.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9r)in- 3an?t look "im in t"e eyes. 9t?s not >ust 8ein- a %ere%ol1.C AAs 9 am a master )ampire@ so our "an5some 1rien5 "ere is a master %ere%ol1. $"ou-" t"ey 5o not 3all t"em t"at. Alp"a males@ is it notB Pa3k lea5ers.C A9 pre1er pa3k lea5er.C A9?ll >ust 8et you 5o@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 looke5 "urt@ "is 1a3e 3rum8lin- like a 3"il5?s. ADou?re an-ry %it" me@ %"yBC ADou?)e -ot all t"is "ea)y s"it -oin- on %it" your pa3k lea5er@ an5 you 5on?t tell me. Hean2!lau5e keeps "intin- your lea5er %ants you 5ea5. $"at trueBC A7ar3us %on?t kill me@C <i3"ar5 sai5. Hean2!lau5e lau-"e5. $"e soun5 "a5 a 8itter un5ertaste to it@ as i1 it "a5n?t 8een lau-"ter at all. ADou are a 1ool@ <i3"ar5.C 7y 8eeper %ent o11 a-ain. 9 3"e3ke5 t"e num8er@ an5 turne5 it o11. 9t %asn?t like 4olp" to 3all t"is many times@ t"is 3lose to-et"er. Somet"in- 8a5 %as "appenin-. 9 nee5e5 to -o. But ... A9 5on?t "a)e time to -et t"e 1ull story ri-"t t"is se3on5.C 9 poke5 a 1in-er into t"e mi55le o1 <i3"ar5?s 3"est. 9 -a)e Hean2 !lau5e my 8a3k. He?5 alrea5y 5one t"e 5ama-e "e?5 inten5e5. ADou are -oin- to tell me e)ery last 8it o1 %"at?s -oinon.C

A9 5on?t ... C ASa)e it. Dou eit"er s"are t"is pro8lem@ or %e 5on?t 5ate anymore.C He looke5 s"o3ke5. A="yBC A,it"er you kept me out to prote3t me@ %"i3" 9?m -oin- to "ate. #r you "a)e some ot"er reason. 9t 8etter 8e a 5amn -oo5 reason an5 not >ust some male e-o s"it.C Hean2!lau5e lau-"e5 a-ain. $"is time t"e soun5 %rappe5 me aroun5 like 1lannel@ %arm an5 3om1ortin-@ t"i3k an5 so1t ne*t to nake5 skin. 9 s"ook my "ea5. Hust Hean2!lau5e?s lau-"ter %as an in)asion o1 pri)a3y. 9 turne5 to "im@ an5 t"ere must "a)e 8een somet"in- in my 1a3e 8e3ause t"e lau-"ter 5ie5 as i1 it "a5 ne)er 8een. AAs 1or you@ you 3an -et t"e "ell out o1 "ere. Dou?)e "a5 your 1un 1or t"e ni-"t.C A="ate)er 5o you mean@ ma petiteBC His 8eauti1ul 1a3e %as as pure an5 8lank as a mask. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 steppe5 1or%ar5. 9 %as lea)in-. 9 "a5 %ork to 5o. <i3"ar5?s "an5 -rippe5 my s"oul5er. ALet me -o@ <i3"ar5. 9?m ma5 at you ri-"t no%.C 9 5i5n?t look at "im. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see "is 1a3e. 9 %as a1rai5 i1 "e looke5 "urt@ 9?5 1or-i)e "im anyt"in-. ADou "ear5 "er@ <i3"ar5. S"e 5oesn?t %ant you tou3"in- "er.C Hean2!lau5e "a5 taken a -li5in- step 3loser. ALea)e it alone@ Hean2!lau5e.C <i3"ar5?s "an5 s;ueeEe5 -ently. AS"e 5oesn?t %ant you@ Hean2!lau5e.C $"ere %as an-er in "is )oi3e@ more an-er t"an s"oul5 "a)e 8een t"ere. As i1 "e %ere tryin- to 3on)in3e "imsel1 more t"an Hean2!lau5e. 9 steppe5 1or%ar5@ s"akin- "is "an5 o11. 9 %ante5 to rea3" 1or it@ 8ut 5i5n?t. He?5 8een keepin- ma>or s"it 1rom me. 4an-erous s"it. 9t %asn?t allo%e5. =orse yet@ "e t"ou-"t in some 5ark 3orner o1 "is soul t"at 9 mi-"t "a)e -i)en in to Hean2!lau5e. ="at a mess. A'u3k you 8ot"@C 9 sai5. ASo you "a)e not "a5 t"at pleasureBC Hean2!lau5e sai5. A$"at?s Anita?s ;uestion to ans%er@ not mine@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9 %oul5 kno% it i1 you "a5.C ALiar@C 9 sai5. A/o@ ma petite. 9 %oul5 smell "im on your skin.C 9 %ante5 to slu- "im. $"e 5esire to smas" t"at 8eauti1ul 1a3e %as p"ysi3al. 9t ti-"tene5 my s"oul5ers@ ma5e my arms a3"e. But 9 kne% 8etter. Dou 5on?t )olunteer 1or slu-1ests %it" )ampires. 9t s"ortens your li1e e*pe3tan3y. 9 %alke5 up )ery 3lose to Hean2!lau5e@ 8o5ies nearly tou3"in-. 9 stare5 "im in t"e nose@ %"i3" ruine5 some o1 t"e e11e3t@ 8ut "is eyes %ere 5ro%nin- pools an5 9 kne% 8etter. A9 "ate you.C 7y )oi3e %as 1lat %it" t"e e11ort not to s3ream. 9n t"at moment 9 meant it. An5 9 kne% Hean2!lau5e %oul5 sense it. 9 %ante5 "im to kno%. A7a petite ... C A/o@ you?)e 5one enou-" talkin-. 9t?s my turn. 91 you "arm <i3"ar5 Keeman@ 9?ll kill you.C AHe means t"at mu3" to youBC $"ere %as surprise in "is )oi3e. Great. A/o@ you mean t"at little.C 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom "im@ aroun5 "im. Ga)e "im my 8a3k an5 %alke5 a%ay. Let "im sink "is 1an-s into t"at 8it o1 trut". $oni-"t@ 9 meant e)ery %or5.

Chapter Five
$"e num8er on my 8eeper %as t"e 3ar p"one o1 4ete3ti)e Ser-eant <u5ol1 Storr. A !"ristmas present 1rom "is %i1e last year. 9?5 sent "er a t"ank2you note. Poli3e ra5io ma5e e)eryt"in- soun5 like a 1orei-n lan-ua-e. 4olp" pi3ke5 up on t"e 1i1t" rin-. 9 kne% "e?5 -et to it e)entually. AAnita.C A="at i1 9?5 8een your %i1eBC 9 aske5. AS"e?5 kno% 9 %as %orkin-.C 9 let it -o. /ot e)ery %i1e %oul5 appre3iate "er "us8an5 ans%erin- t"e p"one %it" anot"er %oman?s name. 7ay8e Lu3ille %as 5i11erent. A="at?s up@ 4olp"B $"is %as suppose5 to 8e my ni-"t o11.C ASorry t"e mur5erer 5i5n?t kno% t"at. 91 you?re too 8usy@ %e?ll mu55le t"rou-" %it"out you.C

A="at?s -ot your panties in a t%istBC 9 %as re%ar5e5 %it" a small soun5 t"at mi-"t "a)e 8een a lau-". A/ot your 1ault. =e?re out to%ar5s Si* 'la-s on 'orty2 1our.C A="ere e*a3tly on 'orty21ourBC A#ut near t"e Au5u8on /ature !enter. Ho% soon 3an you -et "ereBC APro8lem@ 9 5on?t kno% %"ere t"e "ell you are. Ho% 5o 9 -et to t"e nature 3enterBC A9t?s a3ross t"e roa5 1rom t"e St. Am8rose 7onastery.C A4on?t kno% it@C 9 sai5. He si-"e5. AHell@ %e?re out in t"e mi55le o1 1u3kin- no%"ere. $"ose are t"e only lan5marks.C AHust -i)e me 5ire3tions. 9?ll 1in5 it.C He -a)e me 5ire3tions. $"ere %ere too many o1 t"em@ an5 9 5i5n?t "a)e pen an5 paper. AHol5 on@ 9?)e -ot to -et somet"in- to %rite %it".C 9 lai5 t"e p"one 5o%n an5 snat3"e5 a napkin 1rom t"e 3on3ession area. 9 8e--e5 a pen 1rom an ol5er 3ouple. $"e man %as %earin- a 3as"mere o)er3oat. $"e %oman %ore real 5iamon5s. $"e pen %as en-ra)e5@ an5 mi-"t "a)e 8een real -ol5. He 5i5 not make me promise to 8rin- it 8a3k. $rustin-@ or a8o)e su3" petty 3on3erns. 9 %as -oin- to "a)e to start sto3kin- my o%n %ritin- materials. 9t %as -ettin- em8arrassin-. A9?m 8a3k@ 4olp"@ -o a"ea5.C He 5i5n?t ask %"at took so lon-. 4olp" isn?t 8i- on e*traneous ;uestions. He -a)e t"e 5ire3tions a-ain. 9 rea5 t"em 8a3k to "im to 8e sure 9 "a5 t"em ri-"t. 9 5i5. A4olp"@ t"is is at least a 1orty21i)e minute 5ri)e.C 9?m usually t"e last e*pert to 8e 3alle5 in. A1ter t"e )i3tim "as 8een p"oto-rap"e5@ )i5eotape5@ poke5@ pro55e5@ et3 ... A1ter 9 3ome@ e)eryone -ets to -o "ome@ or at least lea)e t"e mur5er s3ene. People %ere not -oin- to like 3oolin- t"eir "eels 1or t%o "ours. A9 3alle5 you as soon as 9 1i-ure5 out not"in- "uman 5i5 it. 9t?ll take us at least 1orty21i)e minutes to 1inis" up an5 8e rea5y 1or you.C 9 s"oul5 "a)e kno%n 4olp" %oul5 "a)e planne5 a"ea5. A#kay@ 9?ll 8e t"ere as soon as 9 3an.C He "un- up. 9 "un- up. 4olp" ne)er sai5 -oo528ye. 9 -a)e t"e man 8a3k "is pen. He a33epte5 it -ra3iously as i1 "e?5 ne)er 5ou8te5 its return. Goo5 8ree5in-. 9 %ent 1or t"e 5oors. /eit"er Hean2!lau5e nor <i3"ar5 "a5 ma5e it to t"e lo88y. $"ey %ere in pu8li3 so 9 5i5n?t really t"ink t"ey?5 "a)e a 1ist1i-"t@ an-ry %or5s 8ut not )iolen3e. So t"e )ampire an5 t"e %ere%ol1 3oul5 take 3are o1 t"emsel)es. Besi5es@ i1 <i3"ar5 %asn?t allo%e5 to %orry a8out me %"en 9 %as o11 on my o%n@ t"e least 9 3oul5 5o %as return t"e 1a)or. 9 5i5n?t t"ink Hean2!lau5e really %ante5 to pus" me t"at 1ar. /ot really. #ne o1 us %oul5 5ie@ an5 9 %as 8e-innin- to t"ink@ >ust may8e@ it %oul5n?t 8e me.

Chapter Six
$"e 3ol5 %rappe5 aroun5 me outsi5e t"e 5oors. 9 "un3"e5 my s"oul5ers@ tu3kin- my 3"in insi5e my 3ollar. A lau-"in1oursome %alke5 a 1e% yar5s a"ea5 o1 me. $"ey "un- on ea3" ot"er@ "u55lin- a-ainst t"e 3ol5. $"e %omen?s "i-" "eels ma5e a s"arp t"eatri3al 3latter. $"eir lau-"ter %as too "i-"@ too s"rill. A 1irst 5ou8le 5ate t"at "a5 -one %ell@ so 1ar. #r may8e t"ey %ere all 5eeply in lo)e an5 9 %as 1eelin- 8it3"y. 7ay8e. $"e 1oursome parte5 like %ater aroun5 a stone@ re)ealin- a %oman. $"e 3ouples 3ame 8a3k to-et"er on t"e ot"er si5e o1 "er@ lau-"in- as i1 t"ey "a5n?t seen "er. ="i3" t"ey pro8a8ly "a5n?t. 9 1elt it no%@ a 1aint stirrin- in t"e 3ol5 air. A sensation t"at "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" t"e %in5. S"e %as preten5in- to 8e unseen. :ntil t"e 3ouples "a5 noti3e5 "er@ 8y not noti3in- "er@ 9 "a5n?t noti3e5 "er@ eit"er. ="i3" meant s"e %as -oo5. Very@ )ery -oo5. S"e stoo5 un5er t"e last streetli-"t. Her "air %as 8utter yello% an5 t"i3k %it" %a)es. Lon-er t"an mine@ nearly to "er %aist. $"e 3oat s"e %ore@ 8uttone5 all t"e %ay up@ %as 8la3k. $"e 3olor %as too "ars" 1or "er. 9t 8lea3"e5 t"e 3olor 1rom "er skin e)en %it" makeup. S"e stoo5 in t"e 3enter o1 t"e si5e%alk@ arro-ant. S"e %as a8out my siEe@ not p"ysi3ally imposin-. So %"y 5i5 s"e stan5 t"ere as i1 not"in- in t"e %orl5 3oul5 "urt "erB #nly t"ree t"in-s -i)e you t"at kin5 o1 3on1i5en3eJ a ma3"ine -un@ stupi5ity@ or 8ein- a )ampire. 9 5i5n?t see a ma3"ine -un@ an5 s"e 5i5n?t look stupi5. S"e 5i5 look like a )ampire no% t"at 9 realiEe5 %"at 9 %as lookin- at. $"e makeup %as -oo5. 9t ma5e "er look almost ali)e. Almost. S"e 3au-"t me starin- at "er. S"e stare5 8a3k@ tryin- to 3at3" my eyes %it" "er o%n@ 8ut 9 %as an ol5 "an5 at t"is little 5an3e. Starin- at someone?s 1a3e %"ile not starin- at t"eir eyes is a tri3k t"at -ets easier %it" pra3ti3e. S"e 1ro%ne5 at me. 4i5n?t like t"e eyes not %orkin-.

9 stoo5 a8out t%o yar5s 1rom "er. 'eet apart@ as 8alan3e5 as 9 %as -oin- to -et in "i-" "eels. 7y "an5s %ere alrea5y out in t"e 3ol5@ rea5y to -o 1or my -un i1 9 "a5 to. Her po%er 3rept o)er my skin like 1in-ers tou3"in- "ere an5 t"ere@ tryin- to 1in5 a %eakness. S"e %as )ery -oo5@ 8ut s"e %as also only a little o)er a "un5re5. A "un5re5 years %asn?t ol5 enou-" to 3lou5 my min5. All animators "a5 a partial natural immunity to )ampires. 7ine seeme5 to 8e "i-"er t"an most. Her pretty 1a3e %as 8lank %it" 3on3entration like a 3"ina 5oll?s. S"e 1lun- a "an5 out%ar5 as i1 t"ro%in- somet"in- at me. 9 1lin3"e5@ an5 "er po%er 3au-"t me like an in)isi8le %a)e@ slammin- into my 8o5y. 9t sta--ere5 me. 9 pulle5 my -un. S"e 5i5n?t try an5 >ump me. S"e trie5 to 3on3entrate me out o1 it. S"e %as at least t%o "un5re5 years ol5. 9?5 un5erestimate5 "er a-e 8y a 3entury. 9 5i5n?t make mistakes like t"at o1ten. Her po%er 8eat alon- my skin like tiny 3lu8s@ 8ut it ne)er 3ame 3lose to tou3"in- my min5. 9 %as almost as surprise5 as s"e looke5 %"en 9 pointe5 t"e -un at "er. 9t "a5 8een too easy. AHey@C 3ame a )oi3e 1rom 8e"in5 us. APut t"e -un 5o%n@ no%IC A poli3eman@ >ust %"en 9 nee5e5 one@ 9 pointe5 t"e -un at t"e si5e%alk. APut t"e -un on t"e si5e%alk@ ri-"t no%@C "is )oi3e -ro%le5 out@ an5 %it"out turnin- aroun5 9 kne% "is o%n -un %as out. !ops take -uns )ery seriously. 9 "el5 t"e Bro%nin- out to my ri-"t@ one2"an5e5@ le1t "an5 in t"e air@ an5 s;uatte5 to lay t"e -un -ently on t"e si5e%alk. A9 5o not nee5 t"is interruption@C t"e )ampire sai5. 9 -lan3e5 up at "er as 9 stoo5@ slo%ly@ puttin- my "an5s atop my "ea5@ 1in-ers la3e5. 7ay8e 9?5 -et points 1or kno%in- t"e 5rill. S"e %as starin- past me at t"e approa3"in- 3op. 9t %asn?t a 1rien5ly look. A4on?t "urt "im@C 9 sai5. Her eyes 1li3ke5 8a3k to me. A=e are not allo%e5 to atta3k t"e poli3e.C Her )oi3e %as t"i3k %it" s3orn. A9 kno% t"e rules.C 9 %ante5 to say@ A="at rulesBC 8ut 5i5n?t. 9t %as a -oo5 rule. $"e poli3eman 3oul5 li)e %it" a rule like t"at. #1 3ourse@ 9 %asn?t a 3op@ an5 9 %as 8ettin- t"e rules 5i5n?t apply to me. $"e 3op 3ame into )ie% out o1 t"e 3omer o1 my eye. His -un %as pointin- at me. He ki3ke5 my -un out o1 rea3". 9 sa% it "it t"e 8uil5in-. A "an5 s"o)e5 into my 8a3k@ -ettin- my attention. ADou 5on?t nee5 to kno% %"ere t"e -un %ent.C He %as ri-"t@ 1or no%. He 1riske5 me one2"an5e5. 9t %asn?t )ery t"orou-"@ an5 9 %on5ere5 %"ere "is partner %as. A,nou-"@C t"e )ampire sai5. 9 1elt t"e 3op step 8a3k 1rom me. A="at?s -oin- on "ereBC Her po%er slit"ere5 past me@ like a -reat 8east "a5 8rus"e5 me in t"e 5ark. 9 "ear5 t"e poli3eman -asp. A/ot"in- is "appenin- "ere@C t"e )ampire sai5. $"ere %as a 1la)orin- o1 a33ent in "er )oi3e. German or Austrian@ may8e. 9 "ear5 "is )oi3e say@ A/ot"in- is "appenin- "ere.C A/o% -o 8a3k to 5ire3tin- tra11i3@C s"e sai5. 9 turne5@ slo%ly@ "an5s still on my "ea5. $"e 3op %as stan5in- t"ere@ 1a3e empty@ eyes %i5e. His -un %as pointe5 at t"e -roun5@ as i1 "e?5 1or-otten "e %as "ol5in- it. AGo a%ay@C s"e sai5. He stoo5 t"ere 1roEen. He %as %earin- "is 3ross tie ta3k. He %as %earin- "is 8lesse5 3ross@ >ust like "e %as suppose5 to@ an5 it %asn?t 5oin- mu3" -oo5. 9 8a3ke5 a%ay 1rom 8ot" o1 t"em. 91 s"e stoppe5 payin- attention to t"e 3op@ 9 %ante5 to 8e arme5. 9 lo%ere5 my arms slo%ly@ %at3"in- t"e 3op. 91 s"e took "er 3ontrol o11 su55enly@ an5 9 %asn?t %"ere 9 %as suppose5 to 8e@ "e mi-"t s"oot me. Pro8a8ly not@ 8ut may8e. 91 "e sa% me %it" t"e -un in my "an5 a se3on5 time@ almost 3ertainly. A9 5on?t suppose you %oul5 remo)e "is 3ross so 9 3oul5 or5er "im a8outBC 7y eyes 1li3ke5 to t"e )ampire. S"e %as lookin- at me. $"e 3op stirre5@ stru--lin- like a 5reamer in t"e -rip o1 a ni-"tmare. S"e turne5 "er eyes 8a3k to "im@ an5 t"e stru--les 3ease5. A9 5on?t t"ink so@C 9 sai5. 9 knelt@ tryin- to keep my attention on 8ot" o1 t"em. 9 tou3"e5 t"e Bro%nin-@ an5 %rappe5 3ol5 1in-ers aroun5 it. 7y "an5s %ere sti11 1rom 8ein- e*pose5 to t"e 3ol5 1or so lon-. 9 %asn?t sure "o% 1ast 9 3oul5 5ra% ri-"t at t"at moment. 7ay8e 9 s"oul5 look into some -lo)es. 7ay8e ones %it" t"e 1in-ertips 3ut out. 9 s"o)e5 t"e Bro%nin- in my 3oat po3ket@ "an5 still -rippin- it. 7y "an5 %oul5 %arm up@ an5 9 3oul5 s"oot t"rou-" my 3oat i1 9 "a5 to. A=it"out t"e 3ross 9 3oul5 make "im -o a%ay. ="y 3an?t 9 3ontrol you like t"atBC AHust lu3ky@ 9 -uess.C Her eyes 1li3ke5 to me. A-ain@ "e stirre5. S"e "a5 to stare at "im %"ile s"e talke5 to me. 9t %as interestin- to see "o% mu3" 3on3entration it took. S"e %as po%er1ul 8ut it "a5 its limits. ADou are t"e ,*e3utioner@C s"e sai5.

A="at o1 itBC A9 5i5n?t 8elie)e t"e stories. /o% 9 8elie)e some o1 t"e stories.C ABully 1or you. /o%@ %"at 5o you %antBC A sli-"t smile 3urle5 "er lipsti3ke5 mout". A9 %ant you to lea)e Hean2!lau5e alone.C 9 8linke5@ not sure 9?5 "ear5 ri-"t. A="at 5o you mean@ lea)e "im aloneBC A4on?t 5ate "im. 4on?t 1lirt %it" "im. 4on?t talk to "im. Lea)e "im alone.C AGla5 to@C 9 sai5. S"e turne5 to me@ startle5. Dou 5on?t -et to surprise a t%o2"un5re52year2ol5 )amp o1ten. Her 1a3e looke5 )ery "uman %it" its %i5e eyes an5 little o o1 surprise. $"e 3op -a)e a snort an5 looke5 aroun5 %il5ly. A="at t"e "ellBC He looke5 at 8ot" o1 us. =e looke5 like t%o petite %omen out 1or t"e e)enin-. He -lan3e5 5o%n at "is -un an5 seeme5 em8arrasse5. He 5i5n?t remem8er %"y it %as out. He put t"e -un a%ay@ mutterin- apolo-ies an5 8a3kin- a%ay 1rom us. $"e )ampire let "im -o. ADou?5 lea)e Hean2!lau5e alone@ >ust like t"atBC s"e aske5. ADou 8et.C S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A9 5o not 8elie)e you.C ALook@ 9 5on?t 3are %"at you 8elie)e. 91 you "a)e t"e "ots 1or Hean2!lau5e@ more po%er to you. 9?)e 8een tryin- to -et "im o11 my 8a3k 1or years.C A-ain t"at s"ake o1 t"e "ea5@ sen5in- "er yello% "air 1lyin- a8out "er 1a3e. 9t %as a )ery -irlis" -esture. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een 3ute i1 s"e "a5n?t 8een a 3orpse. ADou are lyin-. Dou 5esire "im. Anyone %oul5.C 9 3oul5n?t ar-ue t"at. ADou -ot a nameBC A9 am Gret3"en.C A=ell@ Gret3"en@ 9 %is" you >oy o1 t"e 7aster. 91 you nee5 any "elp sinkin- your 1an-s into "im@ let me kno%. 9 %oul5 lo)e 1or "im to 1in5 a ni3e little )ampire to settle 5o%n %it".C ADou mo3k me.C 9 s"ru--e5. AA little@ 8ut it?s "a8it@ not"in- personal. 9 mean %"at 9 sai5. 9 5on?t %ant Hean2!lau5e.C ADou 5on?t t"ink "e?s 8eauti1ulBC Her )oi3e %as so1t %it" surprise. A=ell@ yea"@ 8ut 9 t"ink ti-ers are 8eauti1ul. 9 still 5on?t %ant to sleep %it" one.C A/o mortal 3oul5 resist "im.C A$"is one 3an@C 9 sai5. AStay a%ay 1rom "im@ or 9?ll kill you@C s"e sai5. Gret3"en %asn?t listenin- to me@ not really. S"e "ear5 t"e %or5s@ 8ut t"e meanin- 5i5n?t sink in. <emin5e5 me o1 Hean2 !lau5e. ALook@ "e 3"ases me. 9?ll stay a%ay 1rom "im i1 "e?ll let me. But 5on?t t"reaten me.C AHe?s mine@ Anita Blake. !ome a-ainst me at your peril.C 9t %as my turn to s"ake my "ea5. 7ay8e s"e 5i5n?t kno% 9 "a5 a -un pointe5 at "er. 7ay8e s"e 5i5n?t kno% it "a5 sil)er2 plate5 8ullets in it. 7ay8e s"e "a5 li)e5 1or a 3ouple o1 3enturies an5 "a5 -ro%n arro-ant. Dea"@ t"at %as pro8a8ly it. ALook@ 9 5on?t "a)e time 1or t"is ri-"t no%. Hean2!lau5e is yours@ -reat@ 1ine. 9?m t"rille5 to "ear it. Keep "im a%ay 1rom me@ an5 9 %ill 8e t"e "appiest %oman ali)e or 5ea5.C 9 5i5n?t %ant to turn my 8a3k on "er@ 8ut 9 "a5 to -o. 91 s"e %asn?t -oin- to >ump me "ere an5 no%@ 4olp" %as %aitin- at a mur5er s3ene. 9 "a5 to -o. AGret3"en@ %"at are you an5 Anita talkin- a8outBC Hean2!lau5e stalke5 to%ar5s us. He %as %earin-@ 9 ki5 you not@ a 8la3k 3ape. 9t %as a Vi3torian style %it" a 3ollar. A top "at %it" a %"ite silk 8an5 3omplete5 t"e look. Gret3"en -aEe5 at "im. 9t %as t"e only %or5 1or it. $"e nake5 a5oration in "er 1a3e %as si3kenin-@ an5 )ery "uman. A9 %ante5 to meet my ri)al.C 9 %asn?t "er ri)al@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t t"ink s"e?5 8elie)e t"at. A9 tol5 you to %ait outsi5e so you %oul5 not meet "er. Dou kne% t"at.C $"e last t"ree %or5s %ere spat out@ t"ro%n at "er like ro3ks. S"e 1lin3"e5. A9 meant no "arm t"is ni-"t.C

$"at %as almost a lie@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t say anyt"in-. 9 3oul5 "a)e tol5 "im t"at s"e?5 t"reatene5 me@ 8ut some"o% it seeme5 like tattlin-. S"e?5 -one to a lot o1 trou8le to -et me alone. $o %arn me o11. Her lo)e 1or "im %as so nake5. 9 3oul5 not enlist "is "elp a-ainst "er. 'oolis"@ 8ut true. Besi5es@ 9 5i5n?t like o%in- Hean2!lau5e 1a)ors. A9?ll lea)e you t%o lo)e8ir5s alone.C A="at lies 5i5 you tell "er a8out usBC His %or5s s3al5e5 t"e air. 9 3oul5 1eel mysel1 3"okin- on "is ra-e. Hesus. S"e 1ell to "er knees@ "an5s "el5 up%ar5@ not to a)oi5 a 8lo%@ 8ut 8esee3"in-@ rea3"in- 1or "im. APlease@ 9 only %ante5 to meet "er. $o see t"e mortal t"at %oul5 steal you 1rom me.C 9 5i5 not %ant to see t"is@ 8ut it %as like a 3ar 3ras". 9 3oul5n?t ;uite 8rin- mysel1 to lea)e. AS"e steals not"in-. 9 "a)e ne)er lo)e5 you.C $"e pain %as ra% on "er 1a3e@ an5 e)en un5er t"e makeup s"e looke5 less "uman. Her 1a3e %as t"innin- out@ 8ones -ro%in- more apparent@ as i1 "er skin %ere s"rinkin-. He -ra88e5 "er arm an5 pulle5 "er rou-"ly to "er 1eet. His %"ite2-lo)e5 1in-ers 5u- into "er arm. 91 s"e?5 8een "uman@ t"ere %oul5 "a)e 8een 8ruises. AGet "ol5 o1 yoursel1@ %oman. Dou are losin- 3ontrol.C Her t"innin- lips 5re% 8a3k 1rom 1an-s. S"e "isse5 at "im@ >erkin- 1ree o1 "is "an5. S"e 3o)ere5 "er 1a3e %it" "an5s t"at %ere almost 3la%s. 9?5 seen )ampires s"o% t"eir true 1orm@ 8ut ne)er 8y a33i5ent@ ne)er in t"e open@ %"ere anyone mi-"t see. A9 lo)e you.C $"e %or5s 3ame out mu11le5 an5 t%iste5@ 8ut t"e 1eelin- in t"ose t"ree %or5s %as )ery real. Very ... "uman. AGet out o1 si-"t 8e1ore you 5is-ra3e us all@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. S"e raise5 a 1a3e to t"e li-"t t"at %as no lon-er "uman. $"e pale skin -lo%e5 %it" an inner li-"t. $"e makeup sat on t"at -lo%in- sur1a3e. $"e 8lus"@ eye s"a5o%@ lipsti3k seeme5 to 1loat a8o)e t"e li-"t@ as i1 "er skin %oul5 no lon-er a8sor8 t"em. ="en s"e turne5 "er "ea5@ 9 3oul5 see t"e 8ones in "er >a%s like s"a5o%s insi5e "er skin. A$"is is not o)er 8et%een us@ Anita Blake.C $"e %or5s 1ell out 1rom 8et%een 1an-s an5 teet". ALea)e usIC Hean2!lau5e?s %or5s %ere an e3"oin- "iss. S"e laun3"e5 "ersel1 sky%ar5@ not a leap@ not le)itation@ >ust up%ar5. S"e )anis"e5 into t"e 5arkness %it" a 8a3k%as" o1 %in5. AS%eet Hesus@C 9 %"ispere5 it. A9 am sorry@ ma petite. 9 sent "er out "ere so t"is %oul5 not "appen.C He %alke5 to%ar5s me in "is ele-ant 3ape. A -ust o1 i3y %in5 %"istle5 aroun5 t"e 3orner@ an5 "e "a5 to make a -ra8 1or t"e top "at. 9t %as ni3e to kno% t"at at least "is 3lot"in- 5i5n?t o8ey "is e)ery %"im. A9?)e -ot to -o@ Hean2!lau5e. $"e poli3e are %aitin- 1or me.C A9 5i5 not mean 1or t"is to "appen toni-"t.C ADou ne)er mean 1or anyt"in- to "appen@ Hean2!lau5e. But it "appens any%ay.C 9 put a "an5 up to stop "is %or5s. 9 5i5n?t %ant to "ear any more o1 t"em. A9?)e -ot to -o.C 9 turne5 an5 %alke5 to%ar5s my 3ar. 9 trans1erre5 my -un 8a3k to its "olster %"en 9 %as sa1ely a3ross t"e i3y street. A9 am sorry@ ma petite.C 9 %"irle5 to tell "im to -et t"e "ell a%ay 1rom me. He %asn?t t"ere. $"e streetli-"t -lo%e5 5o%n on empty si5e%alk. 9 -uess "e an5 Gret3"en "a5n?t nee5e5 a 3ar.

Chapter Seven
$"ere is a -limpse o1 stately ol5 "omes to t"e ri-"t >ust 8e1ore you turn onto Hi-"%ay &&. $"e "ouses "i5e 8e"in5 a %rou-"t2iron 1en3e an5 a se3urity -ate. ="en t"e "omes %ere 8uilt@ t"ey %ere t"e "ei-"t o1 ele-an3e an5 so %as t"e nei-"8or"oo5. /o% t"e to%n "ouses are an islan5 in a risin- 1loo5 o1 pro>e3t "ousin- an5 5ea52eye5 3"il5ren %"o s"oot ea3" ot"er o)er a s3u11e5 sneaker. But t"e ol5 money staye5@ 5etermine5 to 8e ele-ant@ e)en i1 it kills t"em. 9n 'enton t"e !"rysler plant is still t"e lar-est employer. A si5e roa5 runs past 1ast21oo5 restaurants an5 lo3al 8usinesses. But t"e "i-"%ay 8ypasses t"em all. A strai-"t line -oin- on%ar5 an5 not lookin- 8a3k. $"e 7aritE 8uil5in- spans t"e "i-"%ay %it" a 3o)ere5 3ross%alk t"at looks 8i- enou-" to "ol5 o11i3es. 9t -ets your attention like an o)erly a--ressi)e 5ate@ 8ut 9 kno% t"e name o1 t"e 8usiness@ an5 9 3an?t say t"at a8out many ot"er 8uil5in-s alon- &&. Sometimes a--ressi)e %orks. $"e #Eark 7ountains rise on eit"er si5e o1 t"e roa5. $"ey are so1t an5 roun5e5. Gentle mountains. #n a sunny autumn 5ay@ %it" t"e trees 8laEin- 3olor@ t"e mountains are startlin- in t"eir 8eauty. #n a 3ol5 4e3em8er ni-"t %it" only my o%n "ea5li-"ts 1or 3ompany@ t"e mountains sat like sleepin- -iants pressin- 3lose to t"e roa5. $"ere %as >ust enou-" sno% to -leam %"ite t"rou-" t"e nake5 trees. $"e 8la3k s"apes o1 e)er-reens %ere permanent s"a5o%s in t"e moonli-"t. A limestone 3li11 s"one %"ite %"ere t"e mountains "a5 8een 3ra3ke5 open 1or a -ra)el pit.

Houses "u55le5 at t"e 8ase o1 t"e mountains. /eat 1arm"ouses %it" 1ront por3"es >ust ma5e 1or sittin- on. /ot2so2neat "ouses ma5e o1 unpainte5 %oo5 %it" rusty tin roo1s. !orrals sat in empty 1iel5s %it"out a 1arm"ouse near. A sin-le "orse stoo5 in t"e i3y 3ol5@ "ea5 5o%n sear3"in- t"e tops o1 t"e %inter2kille5 -rass. A lot o1 people kept "orses out past ,ureka2 people %"o 3oul5n?t a11or5 to li)e in La5ue or !"ester1iel5@ %"ere "ouses 3ost o)er "al1 a mil a pie3e@ 8ut you 5i5 -et 8arns@ e*er3isin- pens@ an5 a 3orral in your 8a3kyar5. Here all you -ot %as a s"e5@ a 3orral@ an5 miles to 5ri)e to )isit your "orse@ 8ut at least you "a5 one. A lot o1 trou8le to -o to 1or a "orse. $"e %"ite "ea5 o1 a roa5 si-n 1las"e5 in t"e "ea5li-"ts. 9 slo%e5 5o%n. A 3ar "a5 run into t"e pole an5 3rum8le5 it like a 8roken 1lo%er stem. $"e si-n %as "ar5 to rea5 1rom a si*ty25e-ree an-le. ="i3" %as pro8a8ly %"y 4olp" "a5 tol5 me to look 1or t"e smas"e5 si-n rat"er t"an t"e street name. 9 pulle5 onto t"e narro% roa5. 9n St. Louis %e?5 -otten a8out a t"ree2in3" sno%1all. Here it looke5 more like si*. $"e roa5 "a5n?t 8een plo%e5. 9t an-le5 s"arply up%ar5@ 3lim8in- into t"e "ills. $ire tra3ks like %a-on %"eels ma5e t%o lines t"rou-" t"e sno%. $"e poli3e 3ars "a5 -otten up t"e "ill. So 3oul5 my Heep. 9n my ol5 /o)a 9 mi-"t "a)e 8een %a5in1res" sno% in "i-" "eels. $"ou-" 9 5i5 "a)e a pair o1 /ikes in t"e trunk. Still@ >o--in- s"oes %eren?t a 8i- impro)ement. 7ay8e 9 s"oul5 8uy a pair o1 8oots. 9t >ust 5i5n?t sno% t"at mu3" in St. Louis. $"is %as one o1 t"e 5eepest sno%1alls 9?5 seen in 1our years. Boots seeme5 sort o1 unne3essary. $"e trees 3urle5 o)er t"e roa5@ nake5 8ran3"es 8oun3in- in t"e "ea5li-"ts. =et@ i3y trunks 8ent to%ar5s t"e roa5. 9n summertime t"e roa5 %oul5 8e a lea1y tunnel@ no% it %as >ust 8la3k 8ones eruptin- 1rom t"e %"ite sno%. At t"e 3rest o1 t"e "ill t"ere %as a "ea)y stone %all. 9t "a5 to 8e ten 1eet tall@ an5 e11e3ti)ely "i5 anyt"in- on t"e le1t2"an5 si5e o1 t"e roa5. 9t "a5 to 8e t"e monastery. A8out a "un5re5 yar5s 1urt"er t"ere %as a pla;ue set in t"e %all ne*t to a spike5 -ate. St. Am8rose 7onastery %as 5one in raise5 letters@ metal on metal. A 5ri)e%ay 3ur)e5 up an5 out o1 si-"t aroun5 a 3ur)e o1 "ill. An5 >ust a3ross 1rom t"e entran3e %as a smaller -ra)el roa5. $"e 3ar tra3ks 3lim8e5 into t"e 5arkness a"ea5 o1 me an5 )anis"e5 o)er t"e ne*t "ill. 91 t"e -ate "a5n?t 8een t"ere 1or a lan5mark@ 9 mi-"t "a)e misse5 it. 9t %as only %"en 9 turne5 t"e Heep to an an-le t"at my li-"ts 3au-"t t"e tire tra3ks lea5in- o11 to t"e ri-"t. 9 %on5ere5 %"at all t"e "ea)y tra11i3 %as up a"ea5. /ot my pro8lem. 9 ease5 onto t"e smaller roa5. Bran3"es s3rape5 at t"e Heep@ s3rat3"in- 5o%n t"e -leamin- paint >o8 like 1in-ernails on a 3"alk8oar5. Great@ >ust -reat. 9?5 ne)er "a5 a 8ran52ne% 3ar 8e1ore. $"at 1irst 5in-@ %"ere 9?5 run o)er a sno%23o)ere5 tom8stone@ "a5 8een t"e "ar5est. A1ter t"e 1irst 5ama-e t"e rest %as easy to take. <iii-"t. $"e lan5 opene5 up to eit"er si5e o1 t"e narro% roa5. A lar-e mea5o% %it" %inter2kille5 %ee5s %aist "i-"@ %ei-"te5 5o%n %it" sno%. Li-"tnin- 1las"es o1 re5 an5 8lue stro8e5 o)er t"e sno%@ 3"asin- 8a3k t"e 5arkness. $"e mea5o% stoppe5 a8ruptly in a per1e3t strai-"t line %"ere t"e mo%er "a5 3ut it. A %"ite 1arm"ouse@ 3omplete %it" s3reene52in por3"@ sat at t"e en5 o1 t"e roa5. !ars %ere e)ery%"ere@ like a 3"il5?s spille5 toys. 9 "ope5 t"e roa5 1orme5 a turn aroun5 un5er t"e sno%. 91 not@ t"e 3ars %ere parke5 all o)er t"e -rass. 7y -ran5mot"er Blake "a5 "ate5 it %"en people parke5 on t"e -rass. A lot o1 t"e 3ars "a5 t"eir motors runnin-@ in3lu5in- t"e am8ulan3e. $"ere %ere people sittin- in t"e 3ars@ %aitin-. But 1or %"atB By t"e time 9 -ot to a 3rime s3ene@ all t"e %ork %as usually 5one. Someone %oul5 8e %aitin- to take t"e 8o5y a%ay a1ter 9?5 1inis"e5 lookin- at it@ 8ut t"e 3rime2s3ene people s"oul5 "a)e 8een 5one an5 -one. Somet"in- %as up. 9 pulle5 in ne*t to a St. Gerar5 !ounty S"eri11 3ar. #ne poli3eman %as stan5in- in t"e 5ri)er?s si5e 5oor@ leanin- on t"e roo1. He?5 8een starin- at t"e knot o1 men near t"e 1arm"ouse@ 8ut "e turne5 to stare at me. He 5i5n?t look "appy %it" %"at "e sa%. His Smokey Bear "at s"iel5e5 "is 1a3e 8ut le1t "is ears an5 t"e 8a3k o1 "is "ea5 open to t"e 3ol5. He %as pale an5 1re3kle5 an5 at least si* 1oot t%o. His s"oul5ers %ere )ery 8roa5 in "is 5ark %inter >a3ket. He looke5 like a lar-e man %"o "a5 al%ays 8een lar-e@ an5 t"ou-"t t"at ma5e "im tou-". His "air %as some pale s"a5e t"at a8sor8e5 t"e 3olors o1 1las"in- li-"ts@ so "is "air looke5 alternately 8lue an5 re5. As 5i5 "is 1a3e@ an5 t"e sno%@ an5 e)eryt"in- else. 9 -ot out o1 t"e 3ar )ery 3are1ully. Sno% spille5 in aroun5 my 1oot@ soakin- my "ose@ 1illin- t"e leat"er pump. 9t %as 3ol5 an5 %et@ an5 9 kept a 5eat" -rip on t"e 3ar 5oor. Hi-" "eels an5 sno% 5o not mi*. $"e last t"in- 9 %ante5 to 5o %as 1all on my ass in 1ront o1 t"e St. Gerar5 !ounty S"eri11 4epartment. 9 s"oul5 "a)e >ust -ra88e5 my /ikes 1rom t"e 8a3k o1 t"e Heep an5 put t"em on in t"e 3ar. 9t %as too late no%. $"e 5eputy s"eri11 %as %alkin- )ery purpose1ully to%ar5s me. He "a5 8oots on an5 %as "a)in- no trou8le %it" t"e sno%. He stoppe5 %it"in rea3" o1 me. 9 5i5n?t let stran-e men -et t"at 3lose to me normally 8ut to 8a3k up 9?5 "a)e to let -o o1 t"e 3ar 5oor. Besi5es "e %as t"e poli3e@ 9 %asn?t suppose5 to 8e a1rai5 o1 t"e poli3e. <i-"tB A$"is is poli3e 8usiness@ ma?am@ 9?ll "a)e to ask you to lea)e.C A9?m Anita Blake. 9 %ork %it" Ser-eant <u5ol1 Storr.C ADou?re not a 3op.C He seeme5 )ery 3ertain o1 t"at. 9 sort o1 resente5 "is tone. A/o@ 9?m not.C A$"en you?re -oin- to "a)e to lea)e.C A!an you tell Ser-eant Storr t"at 9?m "ere ... please.C /e)er "urts to 8e polite.

A9?)e aske5 you real ni3e t%i3e no% to lea)e. 4on?t make me ask a t"ir5 time.C All "e "a5 to 5o %as rea3" out an5 -ra8 my arm@ s"o)e me into t"e Heep@ an5 a%ay %e %ent. 9 3ertainly %asn?t -oin- to 5ra% my -un on a 3op %it" a lot o1 ot"er 3ops %it"in s"outin- 5istan3e. 9 5i5n?t %ant to -et s"ot toni-"t. ="at 3oul5 9 5oB 9 s"ut t"e 3ar 5oor )ery 3are1ully an5 leane5 a-ainst it. 91 9 %as 3are1ul an5 5i5n?t mo)e aroun5 too mu3"@ 9 mi-"t not 1all 5o%n. 91 9 5i5@ may8e 9 3oul5 3laim poli3e 8rutality. A/o%@ %"y 5i5 you 5o t"atBC A9 5ro)e 1orty21i)e minutes an5 le1t a 5ate to -et "ere.C $ry to appeal to "is 8etter nature. ALet me talk to Ser-eant Storr an5 i1 "e says 9 nee5 to lea)e@ 9?ll lea)e.C A9 5on?t 3are i1 you 1le% in 1rom outta state. 9 say you lea)e. <i-"t no%.C He 5i5n?t "a)e a 8etter nature. He rea3"e5 1or me. 9 steppe5 8a3k@ out o1 rea3". 7y le1t 1oot 1oun5 a pat3" o1 i3e an5 9 en5e5 up on my ass in t"e sno%. $"e 5eputy looke5 sort o1 startle5. He o11ere5 me a "an5 up %it"out t"inkin- a8out it. 9 3lim8e5 to my 1eet usin- t"e Heep?s 8umper@ mo)in- 1art"er a%ay 1rom 4eputy Sullen at t"e same time. He 1i-ure5 t"is out. $"e 1ro%n lines on "is 1ore"ea5 5eepene5. Sno% 3lun- in %et 3lumps to my 3oat an5 -li5e5 in meltin- runnels 5o%n my le-s. 9 %as -ettin- pisse5 o11. He stro5e aroun5 t"e Heep. 9 8a3kpe5ale5 usin- my "an5s on t"e 3ar as tra3tion. A=e 3an play rin-2aroun52t"e2<osie i1 you %ant to@ 4eputy@ 8ut 9?m not lea)in- until 9?)e talke5 to 4olp".C ADour ser-eant isn?t in 3"ar-e "ere.C He steppe5 a little 3loser. 9 8a3ke5 a%ay. A$"en 1in5 someone %"o is.C ADou 5on?t nee5 to talk to anyone 8ut me@C "e sai5. He took t"ree rapi5 steps to%ar5s me. 9 8a3ke5 up 1aster. 91 %e kept t"is up %e?5 8e runnin- aroun5 t"e 3ar like a 7ar* 8rot"ers mo)ie@ or %oul5 t"at 8e t"e Keystone KopsB ADou?re runnin- 1rom me.C A9n t"ese s"oes@ you?)e -ot to 8e ki55in-.C 9 %as almost aroun5 t"e 8a3k o1 t"e Heep@ %e?5 8e 8a3k %"ere %e starte5 soon. #)er t"e 3ra3kle o1 poli3e ra5ios you 3oul5 "ear an-ry )oi3es. #ne o1 t"em soun5e5 like 4olp". 9 %asn?t t"e only one "a)in- trou8le %it" t"e lo3al 3ops. $"ou-" 9 seeme5 to 8e t"e only one 8ein- 3"ase5 aroun5 a 3ar. AStop@ ri-"t %"ere you are@C "e sai5. A91 9 5on?tBC He un3li3ke5 t"e 1lap on "is "olster. His "an5 reste5 on t"e 8utt o1 "is -un. /o %or5s ne3essary. $"is -uy %as 3raEy. 9 mi-"t 8e a8le to -et to my -un 8e1ore "e 3oul5 5ra% "is@ 8ut "e %as a 3op. He %as suppose5 to 8e one o1 t"e -oo5 -uys. 9 try not to s"oot t"e -oo5 -uys. Besi5es@ try e*plainin- to ot"er 3ops %"y you s"ot a 3op. $"ey -et testy as "ell a8out stu11 like t"at. 9 3oul5n?t 5ra% my -un. 9 3oul5n?t outrun "im. Arm %restlin- seeme5 to 8e out. 9 5i5 t"e only t"in- 9 3oul5 t"ink o1. 9 yelle5 A4olp"@ Ker8ro%skiI Get your 8utts o)er "ere.C $"e s"outin- stoppe5 as i1 someone "a5 3li3ke5 a s%it3". Silen3e an5 t"e 3ra3kle o1 ra5ios %ere t"e only soun5s. 9 -lan3e5 to%ar5s t"e men. 4olp" %as -lan3in- my %ay. At si* 1oot ei-"t in3"es@ 4olp" to%ere5 o)er e)eryone else. 9 %a)e5 a "an5 at "im. /ot 1ranti3ally@ 8ut 9 %ante5 to 8e sure "e sa% me. $"e 5eputy 5re% "is -un. 9t took e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 not to -o 1or mine. But t"is 8u-nut %as lookin- 1or an e*3use. 9 %asn?t -oin- to -i)e it to "im. 91 "e s"ot me any%ay@ 9 %as -oin- to 8e pisse5. His -un %as a .3+. 7a-num@ -reat 1or %"ale "untin-. 9t %as o)erkill 1or anyt"in- on t%o le-s. $"at %as "uman. 9 1elt )ery "uman starin- 5o%n t"at -un 8arrel. 7y eyes 1li3ke5 up to "is 1a3e. He %asn?t 1ro%nin- anymore. He looke5 )ery 5etermine5@ an5 )ery sure o1 "imsel1@ as i1 "e 3oul5 pull t"e tri--er an5 not -et 3au-"t. 9 %ante5 to yell 1or 4olp" a-ain@ 8ut 5i5n?t. $"e 1ool mi-"t pull t"e tri--er. At t"is 5istan3e %it" t"at 3ali8er o1 %eapon 9 %as 5ea5 meat. All 9 3oul5 5o %as stan5 t"ere in t"e sno%@ my 1eet -oin- slo%ly num8@ "an5s -rippin- t"e 3ar. At least "e "a5n?t aske5 me to put my "an5s up. Guess "e 5i5n?t %ant me to 1all 5o%n a-ain until "e splattere5 my 8rains all o)er t"e ne% paint >o8. 9t %as 4ete3ti)e !li)e Perry %"o %alke5 to%ar5s us. His 5ark 1a3e re1le3te5 t"e li-"ts like e8ony. He %as tall@ t"ou-" not as tall as t"e 5eputy 1rom "ell. His slen5er 1rame %as en3lose5 in a pale 3amel?s2"air 3oat. A "at t"at mat3"e5 it per1e3tly sat atop "is "ea5. 9t %as a ni3e "at an5 3oul5n?t 8e pulle5 lo% enou-" to 3o)er "is ears. 7ost ni3e "ats 3oul5n?t 8e. Dou "a5 to -et a to8o--an "at@ somet"in- knit t"at %oul5 ruin your "air to keep your ears %arm. /ot stylis". #1 3ourse@ 9 %asn?t %earin- a "at at all. 4i5n?t %ant to muss my "air.

4olp" "a5 -one 8a3k to yellin- at someone. 9 3oul5n?t tell e*a3tly %"at 3olor uni1orm "e %as yellin- at@ t"ere %ere at least t%o 1la)ors to 3"oose 1rom. 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 a %il5ly -esturin- arm@ t"e rest o1 t"e man lost 8e"in5 t"e small 3ro%5. 9?5 ne)er seen any8o5y %a)e t"eir 1ists in 4olp"?s 1a3e. ="en you?re si* 1oot ei-"t an5 8uilt like a %restler@ most people are a little a1rai5 o1 you. Pro8a8ly %ise. A7s. Blake@ %e?re not ;uite rea5y 1or you@C Perry sai5. He al%ays 3alle5 e)eryone 8y title an5 last name. He %as one o1 t"e most polite people 9?5 e)er met. So1t2spoken@ "ar5%orkin-@ 3ourteous@ so %"at "a5 "e 5one to en5 up on t"e Spook S;ua5B $"e s;ua5?s 1ull title %as t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam. $"ey "an5le5 all preternatural2relate5 3rime in t"e area. A sort o1 permanent 1loatin- spe3ial task 1or3e. 9 5on?t t"ink anyone planne5 on t"e s;ua5 a3tually sol)in- 3ases. $"eir su33ess rate %as "i-" enou-" t"at 4olp" "a5 8een in)ite5 to le3ture at Nuanti3o. Le3turin- to t"e 'B9?s preternatural resear3" 8ran3" %as not s"a88y. 9 kept starin- at t"e 5eputy an5 "is -un. 9 %asn?t -oin- to -lan3e a%ay a se3on5 time. 9 5i5n?t really 8elie)e "e?5 s"oot me@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure. $"ere %as somet"in- in "is 1a3e t"at sai5 "e?5 5o it@ t"at may8e "e %ante5 to 5o it. Dou -i)e some people a -un an5 t"ey turn into 8ullies. Le-ally arme5 8ullies. AHello@ 4ete3ti)e Perry. $"e 5eputy "ere an5 9 seem to "a)e a pro8lem.C A4eputy Aikensen@ 5o you "a)e your -un outBC Perry?s )oi3e %as so1t@ 3alm@ a )oi3e to talk >umpers o11 o1 le5-es@ or ma5men out o1 "osta-es. Aikensen turne5 "is "ea5@ -lan3in- 8a3k at Perry. A/o 3i)ilians allo%e5 at a mur5er s3ene@ s"eri11?s or5ers.C A9 5on?t t"ink S"eri11 $itus meant 1or you to s"oot t"e 3i)ilians@ 4eputy.C He -lan3e5 8a3k at Perry. ADou makin- 1un o1 meBC $"ere %as enou-" time. 9 3oul5 "a)e pulle5 my -un. 9 %ante5 to s"o)e it in "is ri8s. 9 %ante5 "im 5isarme5@ 8ut 9 8e"a)e5 mysel1. 9t took more %illpo%er t"an %as pretty@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t 5ra% my -un. 9 %asn?t rea5y to kill t"e son o1 a 8it3". 91 you 5ra% -uns@ t"ere is al%ays t"e 3"an3e someone %ill en5 up 5ea5. :nless you %ant someone 5ea5@ you 5on?t 5ra%@ simple as t"at. But it "urt somet"in- 5eep 5o%n insi5e %"en t"e 5eputy turne5 8a3k to me %it" "is -un still out. So 1ar my e-o %as takin- a lot o1 8ruisin-@ 8ut 9 3oul5 li)e %it" t"at@ an5 so 3oul5 4eputy Aikensen. AS"eri11 sai5 9 %asn?t to let any8o5y 8ut poli3e into t"e perimeter.C APerimeterC %as a pretty 1an3y %or5 1or someone t"is stupi5. #1 3ourse@ it %as a military term. He?5 pro8a8ly 8een 5yinto use it in 3on)ersation 1or years. A4eputy Aikensen@ t"is is our preternatural e*pert@ Anita Blake.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o 3i))ies@ unless t"e s"eri11 okays it.C Perry -lan3e5 8a3k to%ar5s 4olp"@ an5 %"at 9 no% assume5 %as t"e s"eri11. AHe?s not e)en allo%in- us near t"e 8o5y@ 4eputy. ="at 5o you t"ink t"e 3"an3es are o1 S"eri11 $itus sayin- a 3i)ilian 3an see t"e 8o5yBC Aikensen -rinne5 t"en@ most unpleasant. ASlim an5 none.C He still "el5 t"e -un )ery stea5y on t"e mi55le o1 my 8o5y. He %as en>oyin- "imsel1. APut t"e -un a%ay an5 7s. Blake %ill lea)e@C Perry sai5. 9 opene5 my mout" to say@ $"e "ell 9 %ill@ 8ut Perry -a)e a small s"ake o1 "is "ea5. 9 kept ;uiet. He "a5 a plan@ 8etter t"an %"at 9 "a5. A9 5on?t take or5ers 1rom no ni--er 5ete3ti)e.C AHealous@C 9 sai5. A="atBC A$"at "e?s a 8i- 3ity 5ete3ti)e an5 you?re not.C A9 5on?t "a)e to take 3rap 1rom you@ eit"er@ 8it3".C A7s. Blake@ please@ let me "an5le t"is.C ADou 3an?t "an5le s"it@C Aikensen sai5. ADou?)e 8een totally un3ooperati)e an5 ru5e@ you an5 your s"eri11. Dou 3an 3all me all t"e names you like@ i1 t"at makes you 1eel 8etter@ 8ut 9 3an?t let you point a -un at one o1 our people.C A look passe5 o)er Aikensen?s 1a3e. 9 3oul5 see t"e t"ou-"t 1li3ker into li1e. Perry %as a 3op@ too. He pro8a8ly "a5 a -un@ an5 Aikensen "a5 "is 8a3k to "im. $"e 5eputy %"irle5@ 8rin-in- t"e -un up as "e mo)e5. His "an5 1le*e5. 9 %ent 1or my -un. Perry?s empty "an5s %ere "el5 out 1rom "is 8o5y@ s"o%in- "e %as unarme5. Aikensen %as 8reat"in- "ar5. He raise5 t"e -un to "ea5 le)el@ t%o2"an5e5@ stea5y@ no "urry.

Someone noti3e5 us an5 yelle5@ A="at t"e 1u3kBC 9n5ee5. 9 pointe5 t"e Bro%nin- at Aikensen?s 8a3k. A'reeEe@ Aikensen@ or 9 %ill 8lo% you a%ay.C ADou?re not arme5.C 9 3li3ke5 t"e "ammer 8a3k. #n a 5ou8le2a3tion you 5on?t nee5 to 5o t"at 8e1ore you 1ire@ 8ut it makes a ni3e 5ramati3 soun5. ADou 5i5n?t 1risk me@ ass"ole.C People %ere runnin- to%ar5s us@ s"outin-. But t"ey %oul5n?t -et "ere in time. 9t %as >ust t"e t"ree o1 us in t"e psy3"e5eli3 sno%@ %aitin-. APut t"e -un 5o%n@ Aikensen@ no%.C A/o.C APut it 5o%n or 9?ll kill you.C AAnita@ you 5on?t nee5 to s"oot. He?s not -oin- to "urt me@C Perry sai5. 9t %as t"e only time "e?5 e)er use5 my 1irst name. A9 5on?t nee5 no ni--er prote3tin- me.C? His s"oul5ers tense5. 9 3oul5n?t see "is "an5s %ell enou-" to 8e sure@ 8ut 9 t"ou-"t "e %as pullin- t"e tri--er. 9 starte5 to s;ueeEe t"e tri--er. A 8ello%in- )oi3e yelle5@ AAikensen@ put t"at 5amn -un 5o%nIC Aikensen pointe5 t"e -un sky%ar5@ >ust like t"at. He "a5n?t 8een pullin- t"e tri--er at all. He %as >ust >umpy. 9 1elt a -i--le at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. 9?5 almost s"ot "im 1or 8ein- t%it3"y. 9 s%allo%e5 t"e lau-" an5 ease5 o11 t"e tri--er. 4i5 4eputy /um82nuts kno% "o% 3lose "e?5 3omeB $"e only t"in- t"at "a5 sa)e5 "im %as t"e Bro%nin-?s tri--er. 9t %as sti11. $"ere %ere a lot o1 -uns out t"ere %"ere a tiny s;ueeEe %as all you nee5e5. He turne5 to%ar5s me@ -un still out@ 8ut not pointe5. 7ine %as still pointe5. He starte5 to lo%er "is %eapon to point it 8a3k at me. A91 t"at 8arrel 5rops anot"er in3"@ 9?m -oin- to s"oot you.C AAikensen@ 9 sai5 put t"e 5amn -un up. Be1ore you -et some8o5y kille5.C $"e man t"at %ent %it" t"e )oi3e %as a8out 1i)e 1oot si* an5 must "a)e %ei-"e5 o)er t%o "un5re5 poun5s. He looke5 per1e3tly roun5 like a sausa-e %it" arms an5 le-s. His %inter >a3ket straine5 o)er "is roun5 little tummy. A 3lear@ -rey stu88le 5e3orate5 "is 5ou8le 3"ins. His eyes %ere small@ nearly lost in t"e 5ou-"iness o1 "is 1a3e. His 8a5-e -littere5 on "is >a3ket 1ront. He "a5n?t le1t it insi5e on "is s"irt. He?5 pinne5 it outsi5e@ %"ere t"e 8i- 3ity 5ete3ti)es 3oul5n?t miss it. Sort o1 like unEippin- your 1ly so 3ompany 3oul5 see you %ere %ell2en5o%e5. A$"is ni--er ... C A=e 5on?t "ol5 %it" talk like t"at@ 4eputy@ you kno% t"at.C 'rom t"e look on Aikensen?s 1a3e you?5 "a)e t"ou-"t t"e s"eri11 "a5 tol5 "im t"ere %as no Santa !laus. 9 %as 8ettin- t"e s"eri11 %as a -oo5 ol? 8oy in t"e %orst sense o1 t"e %or5. But t"ere %as intelli-en3e in t"ose 8ea5y little eyes@ more t"an you 3oul5 say 1or Aikensen. APut it a%ay@ 8oy@ t"at?s an or5er.C His sout"ern a33ent %as -ettin- t"i3ker@ eit"er 1or s"o%@ or 8e3ause "e %as -ettintee5 o11 at Aikensen. A lot o1 people?s a33ents -ot stron-er un5er stress. 9t %asn?t a 7issouri a33ent. Somet"in- 1urt"er sout". Aikensen 1inally@ relu3tantly@ put up t"e -un. He 5i5n?t snap t"e "olster 3lose5@ t"ou-". He %as 3ruisin- 1or a 8ruisin-. 9 %as >ust -la5 9 "a5n?t 8een t"e one to -i)e it to "im. #1 3ourse i1 9?5 pulle5 t"e tri--er 8e1ore Aikensen "a5 raise5 "is -un sky%ar5@ 9?5 ne)er "a)e kno%n "e %asn?t pullin- "is tri--er@ too. 91 %e?5 all 8een 3ops %it" Aikensen as a 3riminal@ it %oul5 "a)e -one 5o%n as a 3lean s"oot. Hesus. S"eri11 $itus put "is "an5s in t"e po3kets o1 "is >a3ket an5 looke5 at me. A/o%@ miss@ you 3an put your -un a%ay@ too. Aikensen "ere isn?t -oin- to s"oot no8o5y.C 9 >ust stare5 at "im@ -un pointe5 sky%ar5@ "el5 loose. 9 "a5 8een rea5y to put t"e -un a%ay until "e tol5 me to 5o it. 9?m not 8i- on 8ein- tol5 anyt"in-. 9 >ust stare5 at "im. His 1a3e still looke5 1rien5ly@ 8ut "is eyes lost t"eir s"ine. An-ry. He 5i5n?t like 8ein- 5e1ie5. Great. 7a5e my ni-"t. $"ree ot"er 5eputies -at"ere5 at $itus?s 8a3k. $"ey all looke5 sullen an5 rea5y to 5o anyt"in- t"eir s"eri11 aske5 t"em to 5o. Aikensen steppe5 o)er to t"em@ "an5 "o)erin- near "is 1res"ly 8olstere5 -un. Some people ne)er learn. AAnita@ put t"e -un a%ay.C 4olp"?s usual pleasant tenor %as "ars" %it" an-er. Like %"at "e %ante5 to say %as s"oot t"e son o1 a 8it3"@ 8ut it %oul5 8e "ar5 to e*plain to "is superiors. $"ou-" not o11i3ially my 8oss@ 9 listene5 to 4olp". He?5 earne5 it. 9 put t"e -un a%ay. 4olp" %as ma5e up o1 8lunt an-les. His 8la3k "air %as 3ut )ery s"ort@ lea)in- "is ears nake5 to t"e 3ol5. His "an5s %ere plun-e5 into t"e po3kets o1 a lon- 8la3k tren3" 3oat. $"e 3oat looke5 too t"in 1or t"e %eat"er@ 8ut may8e it %as line5. $"ou-" "e %as a little too 8ulky to lea)e room 1or "im an5 a linin- in t"e same 3oat. He 8e3kone5 Perry an5 me to one si5e@ an5 sai5 so1tly@ A$ell me %"at "appene5.C

=e 5i5. ADou really t"ink "e %as -oin- to s"oot youBC Perry stare5 5o%n at t"e trample5 sno% 1or a moment@ t"en looke5 up. A9?m not sure@ Ser-eant.C AAnitaBC A9 t"ou-"t "e %as@ 4olp".C ADou 5on?t soun5 sure no%.C A$"e only t"in- 9?m sure o1 is t"at 9 %as -oin- to s"oot "im. 9 %as s;ueeEin- 5o%n on "im@ 4olp". ="at t"e "ell is -oinonB 91 9 en5 up killin- a 3op toni-"t@ 9?5 like to kno% %"y.C A9 5i5n?t t"ink any8o5y %as stupi5 enou-" to pull a %eapon@C 4olp" sai5. His s"oul5ers "un3"e5@ t"e 3lot" o1 "is 3oat strainin- to "ol5 t"e mo)ement. A=ell@ 5on?t look no%@C 9 sai5@ A8ut 4eputy Aikensen "as still -ot "is "an5 ri-"t o)er "is %eapon. He?s >ust a3"in- to 5ra% it a-ain.C 4olp" 5re% a lar-e 8reat" in t"rou-" "is nose an5 let it out in a %"ite %"oos" o1 8reat" 1rom "is mout". ALet?s -o talk to S"eri11 $itus.C A=e?)e 8een talkin- to t"e s"eri11 1or o)er an "our@C Perry sai5. AHe isn?t listenin-.C A9 kno%@ 4ete3ti)e@ 9 kno%.C 4olp" kept %alkin- to%ar5s t"e %aitin- s"eri11 an5 "is 5eputies. Perry an5 9 1ollo%e5. ="at else 3oul5 %e 5oB Besi5es@ 9 %ante5 to kno% %"y an entire 3rime2s3ene unit %as stan5in- aroun5 t%i55lin- t"eir t"um8s. Perry an5 9 took a post to eit"er si5e o1 4olp"@ like sentries. =it"out t"inkin- a8out it %e %ere 8ot" a step 8a3k 1rom "im. He %as@ a1ter all@ our lea5er. But t"e automati3 sta-in- irke5 me. 7a5e me %ant to step 1or%ar5@ 8e an e;ual@ 8ut 9 %as a 3i))ie. 9 %asn?t e;ual. /o matter "o% mu3" 9 "un- aroun5 or 5i5@ 9 %asn?t a 3op. 9t ma5e a 5i11eren3e. Aikensen?s "an5 %as -rippin- t"e 8utt o1 "is -un ti-"t. =oul5 "e a3tually 5ra% 5o%n on all o1 usB Surely@ e)en "e %asn?t t"at stupi5. He %as -larin- at me@ not"in- 8ut an-er s"o%e5 in "is eyes. 7ay8e "e %as t"at stupi5. A$itus@ tell your man t"ere to -et "is "an5 a%ay 1rom "is -un@C 4olp" sai5. $itus -lan3e5 at Aikensen. He si-"e5. AAikensen@ -et your 5amne5 "an5 a%ay 1rom your 5amn -un.C AS"e?s a 3i)ilian. S"e 5re% on a poli3eman.C ADou?re lu3ky s"e 5i5n?t s"oot your ass@C $itus sai5. A/o%@ 1asten t"e "olster an5 tone it 5o%n a not3"@ or 9?m -oin- to make you -o "ome.C Aikensen?s 1a3e looke5 e)en more sullen. But "e 1astene5 "is "olster an5 plun-e5 "is "an5s into t"e po3kets o1 "is 3oat. :nless "e "a5 a 5errin-er in "is po3ket@ %e %ere sa1e. #1 3ourse@ "e %as >ust t"e sort o1 ya"oo t"at %oul5 3arry a 8a3kup %eapon. $rut"1ully@ sometimes so 5i5 9@ 8ut only %"en t"e alli-ator 1a3tor %as "i-". /e3k 5eep instea5 o1 ass 5eep. 'ootsteps 3run3"e5 t"rou-" t"e sno% 8e"in5 us. 9 turne5 "al1%ay so 9 3oul5 keep an eye on Aikensen an5 see t"e ne% arri)als. $"ree people in na)y 8lue uni1orms 3ame to stan5 on t"e ot"er si5e o1 us. $"e tall man in 1ront "a5 a 8a5-e on "is "at t"at sai5 poli3e 3"ie1. #ne o1 "is 5eputies %as tall@ so t"in "e looke5 -aunt@ an5 too youn- to s"a)e. $"e se3on5 5eputy %as a %oman. Surprise@ surprise. 9?m usually t"e only 1emale at a 3rime s3ene. S"e %as small@ only a little taller t"an 9@ t"in@ %it" 3lose23roppe5 "air "i55en un5er "er Smokey Bear "at. $"e only t"in- 9 3oul5 tell in t"e 1las"in- li-"ts %as t"at e)eryt"in- on "er %as pale@ 1rom "er eyes to "er "air. S"e %as pretty in a pi*ielike %ay@ 3ute. S"e stoo5 %it" "er 1eet apart@ "an5s on "er Sam Bro%n 8elt. S"e %as 3arryin- a -un t"at %as a little too 8i- 1or "er "an5s. 9 %as 8ettin- s"e %oul5n?t like 8ein- 3alle5 3ute. S"e %as eit"er -oin- to 8e anot"er pain in t"e ass@ like Aikensen@ or a kin5re5 spirit. $"e poli3e 3"ie1 %as at least t%enty years ol5er t"an eit"er 5eputy. He %as tall@ not as tall as 4olp"@ 8ut t"en %"o %asB He "a5 a salt2an52pepper musta3"e@ pale eyes@ an5 %as ru--e5ly "an5some. #ne o1 t"ose men %"o mi-"t not "a)e 8een )ery attra3ti)e as a youn- man@ 8ut a-e "a5 -i)en "is 1a3e 3"ara3ter@ 5ept". Like Sean !onnery %"o %as 8etter lookin- at si*ty t"an "e "a5 8een at t%enty. A$itus@ %"y 5on?t you let t"ese -oo5 people -et on %it" t"eir %orkB =e?re all 3ol5 an5 tire5 an5 %ant to -o "ome.C $itus?s small eyes 1lare5 to li1e. A lot o1 an-er t"ere. A$"is is 3ounty 8usiness@ Garro%ay@ not 3ity 8usiness. Dou an5 your people are out o1 your >uris5i3tion.C AHolmes an5 Lin5 %ere on t"eir %ay into %ork %"en t"e 3all 3ame o)er t"e ra5io t"at some8o5y "a5 1oun5 a 8o5y. Dour man Aikensen "ere sai5 "e %as tie5 up an5 3oul5n?t -et to t"e 8o5y 1or at least an "our. Holmes o11ere5 to sit %it" t"e 8o5y an5 make sure t"e 3rime s3ene staye5 pure. 7y 5eputies 5i5n?t tou3" anyt"in- or 5o anyt"in-. $"ey %ere >ust 8a8y2 sittin- t"e 3rime s3ene 1or your people. ="at is %ron- %it" t"atBC Garro%ay sai5. AGarro%ay@ t"e mur5er %as 1oun5 on our tur1. 9t %as our 8o5y to take 3are o1. =e 5i5n?t nee5 any "elp. An5 you "a5 no ri-"t to 3all in t"e Spook S;ua5 %it"out 3learin- it %it" me 1irst@C $itus sai5.

Poli3e !"ie1 Garro%ay sprea5 "is "an5s in a pus"2a%ay -esture. AHolmes sa% t"e 8o5y. S"e ma5e t"e 3all. S"e t"ou-"t t"e man "a5n?t 8een kille5 8y anyt"in- "uman. Proto3ol is %e 3all in t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam anytime %e suspe3t supernatural a3ti)ity.C A=ell@ Aikensen an5 $roy "ere 5on?t t"ink it %as anyt"in- supernatural. A "unter -ets eaten up 8y a 8ear an5 your little la5y t"ere >umps t"e -un.C Holmes opene5 "er mout" 8ut t"e 3"ie1 "el5 up a "an5. A9t?s all ri-"t@ Holmes.C S"e settle5 8a3k 5o%n@ 8ut s"e 5i5n?t like it. A="y 5on?t %e ask Ser-eant Storr "ere %"at "e t"inks kille5 t"e manBC Garro%ay sai5. 9 %as 3lose enou-" to "ear 4olp" si-". AS"e "a5 no ri-"t to let people near t"e 8o5y %it"out us t"ere to super)ise@C $itus sai5. 4olp" sai5@ AGentlemen@ %e "a)e a 5ea5 8o5y in t"e %oo5s. $"e 3rime s3ene is not -ettin- any youn-er. Valua8le e)i5en3e is 8ein- lost@ %"ile %e stan5 "ere an5 ar-ue.C AA 8ear atta3k is not a 3rime s3ene@ Ser-eant@C $itus sai5. A7s. Blake is our preternatural e*pert. 91 s"e says it %as a 8ear atta3k@ %e?ll all -o "ome. 91 s"e says it %as preternatural@ you let us 5o our >o8@ an5 treat it as a 3rime s3ene. A-ree5BC A7s. Blake@ 7s. Anita BlakeBC 4olp" no55e5. $itus s;uinte5 at me@ as i1 tryin- to 8rin- me into 1o3us. ADou?re t"e ,*e3utionerBC ASome people 3all me t"at@ yea".C A$"is little 8it o1 a -irl "as o)er a 5oEen )ampire kills un5er "er 8eltBC $"ere %as lau-"ter in "is )oi3e@ 5is8elie1. 9 s"ru--e5. 9t %as a3tually "i-"er t"an t"at no%@ 8ut a lot o1 t"em %ere unsan3tione5 kills. /ot somet"in- 9 %ante5 t"e poli3e to kno% a8out. Vampires "a)e ri-"ts@ an5 killin- t"em %it"out a %arrant is mur5er. A9?m t"e le-al )ampire e*e3utioner 1or t"e area. Dou -ot a pro8lem %it" t"atBC AAnita@C 4olp" sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at "im@ t"en 8a3k at t"e s"eri11. 9 %asn?t -oin- to say anyt"in- more@ "onest@ 8ut "e 5i5. A9 >ust 5on?t 8elie)e a little t"in- like yoursel1 3oul5a 5one all t"e t"in-s 9?)e "ear5.C ALook@ it?s 3ol5@ it?s late@ let me see t"e 8o5y an5 %e 3an all -o "ome.C A9 5on?t nee5 a 3i)ilian %oman to tell me my >o8.C A$"at?s it@C 9 sai5. AAnitaBC 4olp" sai5. $"at one %or5 tol5 me not to say it@ not to 5o it@ %"ate)er it %as. A=e "a)e li3ke5 enou-" >uris5i3tional 8utt 1or one ni-"t@ 4olp".C A man appeare5@ o11erin- us steamin- mu-s on a tray. $"e smell o1 3o11ee min-le5 %it" t"e s3ent o1 sno%. $"e man %as tall. $"ere %as a lot o1 t"at -oin- aroun5 toni-"t. A lo3k o1 %"ite28lon5 "air o8s3ure5 one eye. He %ore roun5 metal2 1rame5 -lasses t"at ma5e "is 1a3e look e)en youn-er t"an it %as. A 5ark to8o--an "at %as pulle5 lo% o)er "is ears. $"i3k -lo)es@ a multi3olore5 parka@ >eans@ an5 "ikin- 8oots 3omplete5 "is out1it. He 5i5n?t look 1as"iona8le 8ut "e %as 5resse5 1or t"e %eat"er. 7y 1eet "a5 -one num8 in t"e sno%. 9 took a mu- o1 3o11ee -rate1ully. 91 %e %ere -oin- to stan5 out "ere an5 ar-ue@ "ot anyt"in- soun5e5 like a -reat i5ea. A$"anks.C $"e man smile5. ADou?re %el3ome.C ,)ery8o5y %as takin- a mu- 8ut not e)ery8o5y %as sayin- t"ank you. ="ere %ere t"eir mannersB A9?)e 8een s"eri11 o1 t"is 3ounty sin3e 8e1ore you %ere 8orn@ 7s. Blake. 9t?s my 3ounty. 9 5on?t nee5 any "elp 1rom t"e likes o1 you.C He sippe5 "is 3o11ee. He "a5 sai5 t"ank you. A$"e likes o1 meB ="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC ALet it -o@ Anita.C 9 looke5 up at 4olp". 9 5i5n?t %ant to let it -o. 9 sippe5 at t"e 3o11ee. $"e smell alone ma5e me 1eel less an-ry@ more rela*e5. 9 stare5 into $itus?s little pi--y eyes an5 smile5. A="at?s so 1unnyBC "e aske5. 9 opene5 my mout" to say@ you@ 8ut t"e 3o11ee man interrupte5. A9?m Samuel =illiams. 9?m t"e 3aretaker "ere. 9 li)e in t"e little "ouse 8e"in5 t"e nature 3enter. 9 1oun5 t"e 8o5y.C He "el5 "is no%2empty tray 5o%n at "is si5e. A9?m Ser-eant Storr@ 7r. =illiams. $"ese are my asso3iates@ 4ete3ti)e Perry@ an5 7s. Blake.C =illiams 5unke5 "is "ea5 in a3kno%le5-ment.

ADou kno% all o1 us@ Samuel@C $itus sai5. ADes@ 9 5o@C =illiams sai5. He 5i5n?t seem too e*3ite5 a8out kno%in- t"em all. He no55e5 at !"ie1 Garro%ay an5 "is 5eputies. A9 tol5 4eputy Holmes t"at 9 5i5n?t t"ink it %as a natural animal. 9 still 5on?t@ 8ut i1 it is a 8ear@ it slau-"tere5 t"at man. Any animal t"at?ll 5o t"at on3e %ill 5o it a-ain.C He looke5 5o%n at t"e sno%@ t"en up@ like a man risin- 1rom 5eep %ater. A9t ate parts o1 t"at man. 9t stalke5 "im an5 treate5 "im like a prey animal. 91 it really is a 8ear@ it nee5s to 8e 3au-"t 8e1ore it kills some8o5y else.C ASamuel "ere "as a 5e-ree in 8iolo-y@C $itus sai5. ASo 5o 9@C 9 sai5. #1 3ourse@ my 5e-ree %as in preternatural 8iolo-y@ 8ut "ey@ 8iolo-y is 8iolo-y@ ri-"tB A9?m %orkin- on my 5o3torate@C =illiams sai5. ADea"@ stu5yin- o%l s"it@C Aikensen sai5. 9t %as "ar5 to tell@ 8ut 9 t"ink =illiams 8lus"e5. A9?m stu5yin- t"e 1ee5in- "a8its o1 t"e 8arre5 o%l.C 9 "a5 a 5e-ree in 8iolo-y. 9 kne% %"at t"at meant. He %as 3olle3tin- o%l s"it an5 re-ur-itate5 pellets to 5isse3t. So Aikensen %as ri-"t. Sort o1. A=ill your 5o3torate 8e in ornit"olo-y or stri-iolo-yBC 9 aske5. 9 %as prou5 o1 mysel1 1or remem8erin- t"e Latin name 1or o%ls. =illiams looke5 at me %it" a sense o1 kins"ip in "is eyes. A#rnit"olo-y.C $itus looke5 like "e?5 s%allo%e5 a %orm. A9 5on?t nee5 no 3olle-e 5e-ree to kno% a 8ear atta3k %"en 9 see it.C A$"e last reporte5 8ear si-"tin- in St. Gerar5 !ounty %as in 19&1@C =illiams sai5. A9 5on?t t"ink t"ere?s e)er 8een a 8ear atta3k reporte5.C $"e impli3ation >ust sat t"ere. Ho% 5i5 $itus kno% a 8ear atta3k 1rom 8eans i1 "e?5 ne)er seen oneB $itus t"re% "is 3o11ee out on t"e sno%. AListen "ere@ 3olle-e 8oy2A A7ay8e it is a 8ear@C 4olp" sai5. =e all looke5 at "im. $itus no55e5. A$"at?s %"at 9?)e 8een sayin-.C A$"en you 8etter or5er up a "eli3opter an5 -et some 5o-s out "ere.C A="at are you talkin- a8outBC AAn animal t"at?5 sli3e up a man an5 eat "im mi-"t 8reak into "ouses. /o tellin- "o% many people t"e 8ear mi-"t kill.C 4olp"?s 1a3e %as unrea5a8le@ >ust as serious as i1 "e 8elie)e5 %"at "e %as sayin-. A/o%@ 9 5on?t %ant to -et 5o-s 5o%n "ere. Start a pani3 i1 people t"ou-"t t"ere %as a ma5 8ear loose. <emem8er "o% 3raEy e)eryone -ot %"en t"at pet 3ou-ar -ot loose a8out 1i)e years a-o. People %ere s"ootin- at s"a5o%s.C 4olp" >ust looke5 at "im. =e all looke5 at "im. 91 it %as a 8ear@ "e nee5e5 to treat it like a 8ear. 91 it %asn?t ... $itus s"i1te5 un3om1orta8ly in "is "ea)y 8oots in t"e sno%. A7ay8e 7s. Blake ou-"t to "a)e a look.C He ru88e5 t"e 3ol5 tip o1 "is nose. A=oul5n?t %ant to start a pani3 1or t"e %ron- reasons.C He 5i5n?t %ant people to t"ink t"ere %as a rampa-in- 8ear on t"e loose. But "e 5i5n?t min5 people t"inkin- t"ere %as a monster on t"e loose. #r may8e S"eri11 $itus 5i5n?t 8elie)e in monsters. 7ay8e. ="ate)er@ %e %ere on our %ay to t"e mur5er s3ene. Possi8le mur5er s3ene. 9 ma5e e)eryone %ait %"ile 9 put on my /ikes an5 t"e 3o)eralls t"at 9 kept 1or 3rime s3enes an5 )ampire stakin-s. Hate5 -ettin- 8loo5 on my 3lot"es. Besi5es@ toni-"t t"e 3o)eralls %ere %armer t"an "ose. $itus ma5e Aikensen stay %it" t"e 3ars. Hope5 "e 5i5n?t s"oot any8o5y %"ile %e %ere -one.

Chapter Eight
9 5i5n?t see t"e 8o5y at 1irst. All 9 sa% %as t"e sno%. 9t "a5 poole5 into a 5eep 5ri1t in one o1 t"ose "ollo%s t"at you 1in5 in t"e %oo5s. 9n sprin- t"e "oles 1ill %it" rain an5 mu5. 9n 1all t"ey pile 5eep %it" lea)es. 9n %inter t"ey "ol5 t"e 5eepest sno%. $"e moonli-"t 3ar)e5 ea3" 1ootprint@ e)ery s3u11 mark into "i-" relie1. ,)ery print 1ille5 like a 3up %it" 8lue s"a5o%s. 9 stoo5 at t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3learin- starin- 5o%n at t"e mis"mas" o1 tra3ks. Some%"ere in all t"is %ere t"e mur5erer?s tra3ks@ or a 8ear?s tra3ks@ 8ut unless it %as an animal 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% anyone %as -oin- to 1i-ure out %"i3" tra3ks %ere si-ni1i3ant. 7ay8e all 3rime s3enes %ere tra3ke5 up t"is mu3"@ t"e sno% >ust ma5e it o8)ious. #r may8e t"is s3ene "a5 8een s3re%e5 o)er. Dea". ,)ery tra3k@ 3op or not@ le5 to one t"in-2t"e 8o5y. 4olp" "a5 sai5 t"e man "a5 8een sli3e5 up@ eaten. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see it. 9?5 8een "a)in- a )ery -oo5 time %it" <i3"ar5. A pleasant e)enin-. 9t %asn?t 1air to en5 t"e ni-"t 8y lookin- at partially eaten 8o5ies. #1 3ourse@ t"e 5ea5 man pro8a8ly t"ou-"t 8ein- eaten "a5n?t 8een mu3" 1un eit"er.

9 took a 5eep 8reat" o1 t"e 3ol5 air. 7y 8reat" 1o--e5 as 9 e*"ale5. 9 3oul5n?t smell t"e 8o5y. 91 it?5 8een summer@ t"e 5ea5 man %oul5 "a)e 8een ripe. Hurra" 1or t"e 3ol5. ADou plannin- to look at t"e 8o5y 1rom "ereBC $itus sai5. A/o@C 9 sai5. ALooks like your e*pert is losin- "er ner)e@ Ser-eant.C 9 turne5 to $itus. His roun5@ 5ou8le23"inne5 1a3e %as smu-@ please5 %it" itsel1. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see t"e 8o5y@ 8ut losin- my ner)e@ ne)er. ADou 8etter "ope t"is isn?t a mur5er s3ene ... S"eri11@ 8e3ause it "as 8een 1u3ke5 t%enty %ays to Sun5ay.C ADou?re not "elpin- anyt"in-@ Anita@C 4olp" sai5 so1tly. He %as ri-"t@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure 9 3are5. ADou -ot any su--estions 1or preser)in- t"e 3rime s3ene@ or 3an 9 >ust mar3" strai-"t in like t"e 1i1ty 8illion people 8e1ore meBC A$"ere %ere only 1our sets o1 1ootprints %"en 9 %as or5ere5 to lea)e t"e s3ene@C #11i3er Holmes sai5. $itus 1ro%ne5 at "er. A="en 9 5etermine5 it %as an animal atta3k@ t"ere %as no reason to keep it se3ure.C His sout"ern a33ent %as -ettin- t"i3ker a-ain. ADea"@ ri-"t@C 9 sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at 4olp". AAny su--estionsBC AHust %alk in@ 9 5on?t t"ink t"ere?s mu3" to preser)e no%.C ADou 3riti3iEin- my menBC $itus sai5. A/o@C 4olp" sai5@ A9?m 3riti3iEin- you.C 9 turne5 a%ay so $itus %oul5n?t see me smile. 4olp" 5oesn?t su11er 1ools -la5ly. He?ll put up %it" t"em a little lon-er t"an 9 %ill@ 8ut on3e you?)e rea3"e5 "is limit@ run 1or 3o)er. /o 8ureau3rati3 ass %ill 8e spare5. 9 steppe5 into t"e "ollo%. 4olp" 5i5n?t nee5 my "elp to "an5 $itus "is "ea5 on a platter. $"e sno% 3ollapse5 at t"e e5-e o1 t"e "ole. 7y 1eet sli5 on t"e lea)es un5er1oot. 9 en5e5 on my 8utt 1or t"e se3on5 time toni-"t. But 9 %as on a slope no%. 9 sli5 almost all t"e %ay to t"e 8o5y. Lau-"ter 8u88le5 up 8e"in5 me. 9 sat on my ass in t"e sno% an5 stare5 at t"e 8o5y. $"ey 3oul5 lau-" all t"ey %ante5G it %as 1unny. $"e 5ea5 man %asn?t. He lay on "is 8a3k in t"e sno%. $"e moonli-"t s"one 5o%n on t"e 8o5y@ re1le3tin- on t"e sno%@ an5 -i)in- t"e luster o1 mi55ay to o8>e3ts 8elo%. 9 "a5 a penli-"t in one o1 t"e 3o)erall?s po3kets@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t nee5 it. #r may8e 5i5n?t %ant it. 9 3oul5 see enou-"@ 1or no%. <a--e5 1urro%s ran 5o%n t"e ri-"t si5e o1 "is 1a3e. #ne 3la% "a5 sli3e5 o)er t"e eye@ spillin- 8loo5 an5 t"i3k -lo8s o1 eye8all 5o%n "is 3"eek. $"e lo%er >a% %as 3rus"e5@ as i1 some -reat "an5 "a5 -ra88e5 it an5 s;ueeEe5. 9t ma5e t"e 1a3e look un1inis"e5@ only "al1 t"ere. 9t must "a)e "urt like "ell@ 8ut it "a5n?t kille5 "im. 7ore?s t"e pity. His t"roat "a5 8een torn outG t"at "a5 pro8a8ly kille5 "im. $"e 1les" %as >ust -one. His spine s"one a 5ull %"ite@ like "e?5 s%allo%e5 a -"ost an5 it "a5n?t -otten a%ay. His 3amou1la-e 3o)eralls %ere rippe5 a%ay 1rom "is stoma3". Some tri3k o1 t"e moonli-"t t"re% a t"i3k s"a5o% insi5e t"at rippe5 3lot". 9 3oul5n?t see t"e 5ama-e insi5e. 9 nee5e5 to. 9 pre1er ni-"t kills. 4arkness steals t"e 3olor. Some"o% it >ust isn?t as real at ni-"t. S"ine some li-"t on it an5 t"e 3olors e*plo5eJ t"e 8loo5 is 3rimsonG t"e 8one sparklesG 1lui5s are not >ust 5ark 8ut -reen@ yello%@ 8ro%n. Li-"t lets you 5i11erentiate. A mi*e5 8lessin-@ at 8est. 9 slippe5 t"e sur-i3al -lo)es on. $"ey %ere a 3ool se3on5 skin. ,)en ri5in- in my inner po3ket@ t"e -lo)es %ere 3ooler t"an my skin. $"e penli-"t snappe5 on. 9ts tiny yello%is" 8eam %as 5imme5 8y t"e 8ri-"t moonli-"t@ 8ut 3ut t"rou-" t"e s"a5o%s like a kni1e. $"e man?s 3lot"in- "a5 8een peele5 a%ay like t"e layers o1 an onionG 3o)eralls@ pants an5 s"irt@ t"ermal un5er%ear. $"e 1les" %as torn. $"e li-"t -linte5 on 1roEen 8loo5 an5 -o88ets o1 i3y 1les". 7ost o1 t"e internal or-ans %ere -one. 9 s"one t"e li-"t on t"e surroun5in- sno%@ 8ut t"ere %as not"in- to see. $"e 1les"@ or-ans@ %ere -one. $"e intestine "a5 leake5 5ark 1lui5 all o)er t"e 3a)ity@ 8ut it %as 1roEen soli5. 9 smelle5 no o5or as 9 leane5 o)er. !ol5 %as a %on5er1ul t"in-. $"e e5-es o1 t"e %oun5 %ere ra--e5. /o kni1e "a5 5one t"is. #r i1 it "a5@ it %as like no 8la5e 9?5 e)er seen. $"e me5i3al e*aminer 3oul5 tell 1or sure. A ri8 "a5 8een 8roken. 9t pointe5 up%ar5 like an e*3lamation mark. 9 s"one t"e li-"t on t"e 8one. 9t %as 3"ippe5@ 8ut not 3la%s@ not "an5s ... teet". 9 %oul5 "a)e 8et a %eek?s pay t"at 9 %as lookin- at toot" marks. $"e t"roat %oun5 %as 3ruste5 %it" 1roEen sno%. <e55is" i3e 3rystals "a5 1roEen to "is 1a3e. $"e remainin- eye %as 1roEen s"ut %it" 8loo5y i3e. $"ere %ere toot" marks at ea3" si5e o1 t"e t"roat %oun5@ not 3la%s. $"e 3rus"e5 >a% 8ore 3lear imprint o1 teet". 9t 3ertainly %asn?t "uman teet". ="i3" meant it %asn?t -"ouls@ )ampires@ Eom8ies@ or any ot"er "uman un5ea5. 9 "a5 to "ike my 3oat up to 1is" t"e tape measure out o1 t"e 3o)erall po3ket. 9t %oul5 "a)e looke5 8etter i1 9?5 taken t"e time to un8utton my 3oat@ 8ut@ "ey@ it %as 3ol5. $"e 3la% marks on t"e 1a3e %ere %i5e rippin- t"in-s. =i5er t"an a 8ear?s 3la%s@ %i5er t"an anyt"in- natural. 7onstrously lar-e. $"ere %as a nearly per1e3t imprint o1 teet" on eit"er si5e o1 t"e >a%. As i1 t"e 3reature "a5 8itten 5o%n "ar5@ 8ut not trie5 to tear. Bitin- to 3rus"@ 8itin- to ... stop t"e s3reamin-. !an?t make a lot o1 noise %it" t"e entire 8ottom "al1 o1 your mout" 3rus"e5. $"ere %as somet"in- )ery 5eli8erate a8out t"at one 8ite. $"e t"roat %as torn a%ay@ 8ut a-ain not as 8a5

as it 3oul5 8e. Hust enou-" to kill. 9t %as only %"en you -ot to t"e stoma3" t"at t"e 3reature "a5 lost 3ontrol. $"e man %as 5ea5 8e1ore t"e stoma3" %as opene5. 9?5 "a)e 8et on t"at. But t"e 3reature took t"e time to eat t"e stoma3". $o 1ee5. ="yB $"ere %as an imprint in t"e sno%@ near t"e 8o5y. $"e imprint s"o%e5 %"ere people "a5 knelt in it@ me in3lu5e5@ 8ut t"e li-"t pi3ke5 up 8loo5 5raine5 into t"e sno%. He?5 8een 1a3e5o%n %"en someone rolle5 "im o)er. $"e 1ootprints "a5 tra3ke5 t"rou-" nearly e)ery in3" o1 sno% e*3ept 1or t"e 8loo5 splatters. Gi)en a 3"oi3e@ people %on?t %alk t"rou-" 8loo5. !rime s3ene or not. $"ere %asn?t nearly as mu3" 8loo5 as you?5 e*pe3t. Sli3in- a t"roat is messy 8usiness. But@ o1 3ourse@ t"is t"roat "a5n?t 8een sli3e5. 9t "a5 8een rippe5 out 8y teet". $"e 8loo5 "a5 -one into t"e mout"@ not onto t"e sno%. $"e 8loo5 "a5 soake5 into t"e 3lot"in-. 91 %e 3oul5 1in5 our 3reature@ it %oul5 8e 3o)ere5 in 8loo5@ too. $"e sno% %as surprisin-ly 3lean 1or t"e amount o1 3arna-e. $"ere %as a t"i3k pool o1 8loo5 to one si5e@ at least a yar5 1rom t"e 8o5y@ 8ut ri-"t ne*t to t"e 8o5y2siEe impression. $"e 5ea5 man "a5 lain 8y t"at stain lon- enou-" to 8lee5 ;uite a 8it@ t"en 8een rolle5 o)er on its stoma3"@ %"ere it "a5 lain lon- enou-" 1or t"e skin to 1reeEe to t"e sno%. 7ore 8loo5 "a5 poole5 un5erneat" t"e 8o5y %"ile it lay 1a3e5o%n. /o% "ere t"e 8o5y lay 1a3eup@ 8ut no 1res" 8loo5. $"e 8o5y "a5n?t 8een turne5 o)er t"e last time until a1ter "e %as )ery 5ea5. 9 3alle5 up@ A="o rolle5 t"e 8o5y o)erBC A9t %as >ust like t"at %"en 9 3ame on t"e s3ene@C $itus sai5. AHolmesBC !"ie1 Garro%ay ma5e "er name a ;uestion. AHe %as 1a3eup %"en %e -ot "ere.C A4i5 =illiams mo)e t"e 8o5yBC A9 5i5n?t ask@C s"e sai5. Great. ASomeone mo)e5 "im. 9t?5 8e -oo5 to kno% i1 it %as =illiams.C A9?ll -o ask "im@C Holmes sai5. APatterson@ you -o %it" "er@C $itus sai5. A9 5on?t nee5 ... C AHolmes@ >ust -o@C Garro%ay sai5. $"e t%o 5eputies le1t. 9 %ent 8a3k to lookin- at t"e 8o5y. Ha5 to t"ink o1 it as a 8o5y@ 3oul5n?t 3all it a A"im.C 91 9 5i5 t"at@ 9?5 8e-in to %on5er i1 "e "a5 a %i1e@ ki5s. 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. 9t %as >ust a 8o5y@ so mu3" meat. 4on?t 9 %is". 9 s"one t"e penli-"t on t"e mis"mas"e5 sno%. 9 staye5 on my knees@ nearly 3ra%lin- on t"e sno%. 7e an5 S"erlo3k Holmes. 91 t"e 3reature "a5 3ome up 8e"in5 t"e man@ t"ere s"oul5 "a)e 8een some mark in t"e sno%. 7ay8e not a %"ole print 8ut somet"in-. ,)ery print 9 1oun5 %ore s"oes. ="ate)er "a5 5one t"is "a5n?t %orn s"oes. ,)en %it" a "er5 o1 s;ua88lin- 3ops tramplin- t"rou-" t"ere s"oul5 "a)e 8een some imprint o1 3la%s an5 animal tra3ks. 9 3oul5n?t 1in5 any. 7ay8e t"e 3rime te3"s %oul5 "a)e 8etter lu3k. 9 "ope5 so. 91 t"ere %ere no prints@ 3oul5 it "a)e 1lo%n inB A -ar-oyle@ may8eB 9t %as t"e only lar-e %in-e5 pre5ator t"at atta3ke5 man. ,*3ept 1or 5ra-ons@ 8ut t"ey %eren?t nati)e to t"is 3ountry@ an5 it %oul5 "a)e 8een a "ell o1 a lot messier. #r may8e a lot neater. A 5ra-on %oul5 simply "a)e s%allo%e5 t"e man %"ole. Gar-oyles %ill atta3k an5 kill a man@ 8ut it?s rare. Besi5es t"e nearest pa3k %as in Kelly@ Kentu3ky. $"e Kelly -ar-oyles %ere a small su8spe3ies t"at "a5 atta3ke5 people 8ut ne)er kille5. $"ey %ere mostly 3arrion eaters. 9n 'ran3e t"ere %ere t"ree spe3ies o1 -ar-oyles t"at %ere man2siEe5 or 8etter. $"ey?5 eat you. But t"ere?5 ne)er 8een anyt"in- t"at lar-e in Ameri3a. ="at else 3oul5 it 8eB $"ere %ere a 1e% lesser eastern trolls in t"e #Earks@ 8ut not t"is 3lose to St. Louis. Besi5es 9?5 seen pi3tures o1 troll kills@ an5 t"is %asn?t it. $"e 3la%s %ere too 3ur)e5@ too lon-. $"e stoma3" looke5 like it "a5 8een 3leane5 out 8y somet"in- %it" a muEEle. $rolls looke5 1ri-"t1ully "uman@ 8ut t"en t"ey %ere primates. A lesser troll %oul5n?t atta3k a "uman i1 it "a5 a 3"oi3e. A -reater mountain troll mi-"t "a)e@ 8ut t"ey "a5 8een e*tin3t 1or more t"an t%enty years. Also t"ey "a5 a ten5en3y to snap o11 trees an5 %"ap people to 5eat"@ t"en eat t"em. 9 5i5n?t t"ink it %as anyt"in- as e*oti3 as trolls or -ar-oyles. 91 t"ere?5 8een tra3ks lea5in- up to t"e 8o5y@ 9?5 "a)e 8een sure it %as a ly3ant"rope kill. $rolls "a5 8een kno%n to %ear 3asto11 3lot"in-. So a troll 3oul5 "a)e trampe5 t"rou-" t"e sno%@ or a -ar-oyle 3oul5 "a)e 1lo%n up@ 8ut a ly3ant"rope ... t"ey "a5 to %alk on nake5 1eet t"at %oul5n?t 1it any "uman s"oe. So "o%B 9 %oul5 "a)e slappe5 my 1ore"ea5@ 8ut 5i5n?t. 91 you 5o t"at at mur5er s3enes@ you -ot 8loo5 in your "air. 9 looke5 up. Humans almost ne)er look up. 7illions o1 years o1 e)olution "a5 3on5itione5 us to i-nore t"e sky. /ot"in- %as 8ienou-" to take us 1rom a8o)e. But t"at 5i5n?t mean somet"in- 3oul5n?t >ump on us. A tree 8ran3" snake5 out o)er t"e "ollo%. $"e penli-"t pi3ke5 out 1res" %"ite s3ars a-ainst t"e 8la3k lim8. A s"apes"i1ter "a5 3rou3"e5 on t"e 8ark@ %aitin- 1or t"e man to %alk un5erneat". Am8us"@ preme5itation@ mur5er.

A4olp"@ 3oul5 you 3ome 5o%n "ere a minuteBC 4olp" %alke5 3are1ully 5o%n t"e sno%23o)ere5 slope. 4i5n?t %ant to repeat my per1orman3e@ 9 -uess. ADou kno% %"at it isBC AS"apes"i1ter@C 9 sai5. A,*plain.C He "a5 "is trusty note8ook out@ pen poise5. 9 e*plaine5 %"at 9?5 1oun5. ="at 9 t"ou-"t. A=e "a)en?t "a5 a ro-ue ly3ant"rope sin3e t"e s;ua5 %as 1orme5. Are you sure a8out t"isBC A9?m sure it?s a s"apes"i1ter@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t say it %as a ly3ant"rope.C A,*plain.C AAll ly3ant"ropes are s"apes"i1ters 8y 5e1inition@ 8ut not all s"apes"i1ters are ly3ant"ropes. Ly3ant"ropy is a 5isease t"at you 3at3" 1rom sur)i)in- an atta3k or -ettin- a 8a5 8at3" o1 ly3ant"ropy )a33ine.C He looke5 at me. ADou 3an -et it 1rom t"e )a33ineBC A9t "appens.C AGoo5 to kno%@C "e sai5. AHo% 3an you 8e a s"apes"i1ter an5 not a ly3ant"ropeBC A7ost o1ten an in"erite5 3on5ition. $"e 1amily -uar5ian 5o-@ 8east@ -iant 3at. 7ostly ,uropean. #ne person a -eneration "as t"e -enes an5 3"an-es.C A9s t"at tie5 to t"e moon like normal ly3ant"ropyBC A/o. A 1amily -uar5ian 3omes out %"en t"e 1amily nee5s it. =ar@ or some kin5 o1 p"ysi3al 5an-er. $"ere are s%anmanes. $"ey are tie5 to t"e moon@ 8ut it?s still an in"erite5 3on5ition.C A$"at itBC ADou 3an 8e 3urse5@ 8ut t"at?s really rare.C A="yBC 9 s"ru--e5. ADou?)e -ot to 1in5 a %it3" or somet"in- %it" ma-i3 po%er1ul enou-" to 3urse some8o5y %it" s"apes"i1tin-. 9?)e rea5 spells 1or personal s"apes"i1tin-. $"e potions are so 1ull o1 nar3oti3s t"at you mi-"t 8elie)e you %ere an animal. Dou mi-"t also 8elie)e you %ere t"e !"rysler 8uil5in-@ or you mi-"t >ust 5ie. <eal spells 1or it are a lot more 3omple* an5 usually re;uire a "uman sa3ri1i3e. A 3urse is a step up 1rom a spell. 9t?s not really a spell at all.C 9 trie5 to t"ink "o% to e*plain it. 9n t"is area 4olp" %as t"e 3i))ie. He 5i5n?t kno% t"e lin-o. AA 3urse is like t"e ultimate a3t o1 %ill. Dou >ust -at"er all your po%er@ ma-i3@ %"ate)er@ an5 1o3us it on one person. Dou %ill t"em to 8e 3urse5. Dou al%ays 5o it in person@ so t"ey kno% it?s 8een 5one. Some t"eories t"ink it takes t"e )i3tim?s 8elie1 to make a 3urse %ork. 9?m not sure 9 8uy t"at.C AAre %it3"es t"e only people t"at 3an 3urse peopleBC A#33asionally some8o5y %ill run a1oul o1 a 1airy. #ne o1 t"e ol5 4aoine si5"e@ 8ut you?5 "a)e to 8e in ,urope 1or t"at. ,n-lan5@ 9relan5@ parts o1 S3otlan5. 9n t"is 3ountry it?5 8e a %it3".C ASo a s"apes"i1ter@ 8ut %e 5on?t kno% %"at kin5 or e)en "o% t"ey -ot to 8e a s"apes"i1ter.C A/ot 1rom a 1e% marks an5 tra3ks@ no.C A91 you sa% t"e s"i1ter 1a3e2to21a3e 3oul5 you tell %"at kin5 t"ey %ereBC A="at animalBC 9 aske5. ADea".C A/ope.C A!oul5 you tell i1 t"ey?5 8een 3urse5 or i1 it %as a 5iseaseBC A/ope.C He >ust looke5 at me. ADou?re usually 8etter t"an t"is.C A9?m 8etter %it" t"e 5ea5@ 4olp". Gi)e me a )amp or a Eom8ie an5 9?ll tell you t"eir So3ial Se3urity num8er. Some o1 t"at is natural talent@ 8ut a lot o1 it is pra3ti3e. 9 "a)en?t "a5 as mu3" e*perien3e %it" s"apes"i1ters.C A="at ;uestions 3an you ans%erBC AAsk an5 1in5 out@C 9 sai5. ADou t"ink t"is is a 8ran52ne% s"apes"i1terBC 4olp" aske5. A/ope.C A="y notBC

A$"e 1irst time you 3"an-e on t"e ni-"t o1 t"e 1ull moon. 9t?s too early 1or a 8ran52ne% s"i1ter. But it 3oul5 8e a se3on5@ or t"ir5 mont"@ 8ut ... C ABut %"atBC A91 t"is is still a ly3ant"rope t"at 3an?t 3ontrol itsel1@ t"at kills in5is3riminately@ it s"oul5 still 8e "ere. Huntin- us.C 4olp" -lan3e5 out into t"e 5arkness. He "el5 "is note8ook an5 pen in one "an5@ ri-"t "an5 1ree 1or "is -un. $"e mo)ement %as automati3. A4on?t s%eat it@ 4olp". 91 it %as -oin- to eat more people@ it %oul5 "a)e taken =illiams or t"e 5eputies.C His -aEe sear3"e5 t"e 5arkness@ t"en 3ame 8a3k to me. ASo t"e s"apes"i1ter 3oul5 3ontrol itsel1BC A9 t"ink so.C A$"en %"y kill t"e manBC 9 s"ru--e5. A="y 5oes anyone killB Lust@ -ree5@ ra-e.C A$"e animal 1orm use5 as a mur5er %eapon t"en@C 4olp" sai5. ADea".C A9s it still in animal 1ormBC A$"is %as 5one 8y a "al12an52"al1 1orm@ sort o1 a %ol1man.C AA %ere%ol1.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 3an?t tell %"at sort o1 animal it is. $"e %ol1man %as >ust an e*ample. 9t 3oul5 8e any sort o1 mammal.C AHust a mammalBC A$"ese %oun5s@ yea". 9 kno% t"ere are a)ian %eres@ 8ut t"ey 5on?t 5o t"is sort o1 5ama-e.C ASo %ere8ir5sBC ADea"@ 8ut t"at?s not %"at 5i5 t"is.C AAny -uessesBC 9 s;uatte5 8esi5e t"e 8o5y@ stare5 at it. =ille5 it to tell me its se3rets. $"ree ni-"ts 1rom "en3e@ %"en t"e soul "a5 1inally 1lo%n 1ar a%ay@ 9 mi-"t "a)e trie5 to raise t"e man an5 ask %"at 5i5 t"is. But "is t"roat %as -one. ,)en t"e 5ea5 3an?t talk %it"out t"e proper e;uipment. A="y 5i5 $itus t"ink it %as a 8ear killBC 9 aske5. 4olp" t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. A9 5on?t kno%.C ALet?s ask "im.C 4olp" no55e5. ABe my -uest.C He soun5e5 >ust a %ee 8it sar3asti3. 91 9?5 8een ar-uin- %it" t"e s"eri11 1or "ours@ 9?5 "a)e 8een a lar-e 3"unk o? sar3asti3. A!ome on@ 4olp". =e 3an?t kno% less t"an %e 5o ri-"t no%.C A91 $itus "as any say in it@ %e mi-"t.C A4o you %ant me to ask "im or notBC AAsk.C 9 3alle5 up to t"e %aitin- men. AS"eri11 $itus.C He looke5 5o%n at me. He?5 -otten out a 3i-arette 8ut "a5n?t lit it yet. He pause5 %it" a li-"ter "al1%ay to "is mout". ADou %ant somet"in-@ 7s. BlakeBC $"e 3i-arette 8o88e5 in "is lips as "e spoke. A="y 5o you t"ink t"is is a 8ear atta3kBC He snappe5 t"e li5 on "is li-"ter@ an5 took t"e unlit 3i- out o1 "is mout" %it" t"e same "an5. A="y 5o you %ant to kno%BC 9 %ante5 to say@ >ust ans%er t"e 5amn ;uestion@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. Bro%nie point 1or me. AHust 3urious.C A9t %asn?t a mountain lion. A 3at %oul5 "a)e use5 its 3la%s more. S3rat3"e5 "im up some.C A="y not a %ol1BC APa3k animal. Looks like only one animal to me.C 9 "a5 to a-ree %it" all t"e a8o)e. A9 t"ink you?)e 8een "ol5in- out on us@ S"eri11. Dou seem to kno% a lot a8out animals t"at aren?t nati)e to t"is area.C A9 -o "untin- no% an5 t"en@ 7s. Blake. /ee5 to kno% t"e "a8its o1 your prey i1 you %ant to 8a- one.C ASo a 8ear 8y pro3ess o1 eliminationBC 9 aske5.

ADou mi-"t say t"at.C He put t"e 3i- 8a3k in "is mout". 'lame 1lare5@ pulsin- a-ainst "is 1a3e. ="en "e 1lippe5 t"e li-"ter 3lose5@ t"e 5arkness seeme5 t"i3ker. A="at 5o you t"ink it %as@ 7s. ,*pertBC $"e smell o1 "is 3i-arette 3arrie5 on t"e 3ol5 air. AS"apes"i1ter.C ,)en in t"e 5arkness 9 3oul5 1eel t"e %ei-"t o1 "is eyes. He 8le% a -"ostly 3lou5 o1 smoke moon%ar5. ADou t"ink so.C A9 kno% so@C 9 sai5. He -a)e a s"arp "mp" soun5. AA%1ul sure o1 yoursel1@ ain?t yaBC ADou %ant to 3ome 5o%n "ere@ S"eri11. 9?ll s"o% you %"at 9?)e 1oun5.C He "esitate5@ t"en s"ru--e5. A="y notBC He 3ame 5o%n t"e slope like a 8ull5oEer@ "ea)y 8oots 1ormin- sno%y %akes. A#kay@ 7s. ,*pert@ 5aEEle me.C ADou are a pain in t"e ass@ $itus.C 4olp" si-"e5 a %"ite 3lou5 o1 8reat". $itus t"ou-"t t"at %as real 1unny@ lau-"e5@ 5ou8le5 o)er@ slappin- "is le-. ADou are >ust a lau-" a minute@ 7s. Blake. /o%@ tell me %"at you -ot.C 9 5i5. He took a lon- 5ra- on "is 3i-. $"e en5 1lare5 8ri-"t in t"e 5arkness. AGuess it %asn?t a 8ear@ a1ter all.C He %asn?t -oin- to ar-ue. Bliss. A/o@ it %asn?t.C A!ou-arBC "e sai5@ sort o1 "ope1ully. 9 stoo5 3are1ully. ADou kno% it %asn?t.C AS"apes"i1ter@C "e sai5. ADea".C A$"ere "asn?t 8een a ro-ue s"apes"i1ter in t"is 3ounty 1or ten years.C AHo% many 5i5 it killBC 9 aske5. He took in a lun-1ul o1 smoke an5 8le% it out slo%ly. A'i)e.C 9 no55e5. A9 misse5 t"at 3ase. 9t %as 8e1ore my time.C ADou?5a 8een in >unior "i-" %"en it "appene5BC ADea".C He t"re% "is 3i-arette in t"e sno% an5 -roun5 it out %it" "is 8oot. A9 %ante5 it to 8e a 8ear. A A7e@ too@C 9 sai5.

Chapter Nine
$"e ni-"t %as a "ar5@ 3ol5 5arkness. $%o o?3lo3k is a 1orsaken time o1 ni-"t@ no matter %"at t"e season. 9n mi52 4e3em8er t%o o?3lo3k is t"e 1roEen "eart o1 eternal ni-"t. #r may8e 9 %as >ust 5is3oura-e5. $"e li-"t o)er t"e stairs lea5in- up to my apartment s"one like a 3apture5 moon. All t"e li-"ts "a5 a 1roste5@ s%immin- ;uality. Sli-"tly unreal. $"ere %as a "aEe in t"e air@ like an in1ant 1o-. $itus "a5 aske5 me to sti3k aroun5 in 3ase t"ey 1oun5 someone in t"e area. 9 %as t"eir 8est 8et 1or 1i-urin- out i1 t"e person %as a ly3ant"rope or some inno3ent s3"mu3k. Beat t"e "e3k out o1 3uttin- o11 a "an5 to see i1 t"ere %as 1ur on t"e insi5e o1 t"e 8o5y. 91 you %ere %ron-@ %"at 5i5 you 5o@ apolo-iEeB $"ere "a5 8een some ly3ant"rope tra3ks lea5in- up to t"e mur5er s3ene. Plaster 3asts "a5 8een ma5e@ an5 at my su--estion@ 3opies %ere 8ein- sent to t"e 8iolo-y 5epartment at =as"in-ton :ni)ersity. 9 "a5 almost a55resse5 it to 4r. Louis 'ane. He tau-"t 8iolo-y at =as" :. He %as one o1 <i3"ar5?s 8est 1rien5s. A ni3e -uy. A %ererat. A 5eep@ 5ark se3ret t"at mi-"t 8e >eopar5iEe5 i1 9 starte5 a55ressin- ly3ant"rope pa% prints to "im. A55ressin- it to t"e entire 5epartment pretty mu3" -uarantee5 Louie %oul5 see it. $"at "a5 8een my -reatest 3ontri8ution o1 t"e ni-"t. $"ey %ere still sear3"in- %"en 9 5ro)e o11. 9 "a5 my 8eeper on. 91 t"ey 1oun5 a nake5 "uman in t"e sno%@ t"ey 3oul5 3all. $"ou-" i1 my 8eeper %ent o11 8e1ore 9 -ot some sleep@ 9 %as -oin- to 8e pisse5. ="en 9 s"ut my 3ar 5oor@ t"ere %as an e3"o. A se3on5 3ar 5oor slamme5 s"ut. 9 %as tire5@ 8ut it %as automati3 to sear3" t"e small parkin- lot 1or t"at se3on5 3ar. 9r)in- Gris%ol5 stoo5 1our 3ars 5o%n@ 8un5le5 in a 4ay2Glo oran-e parka %it" a stripe5 mu11ler trailin- aroun5 "is ne3k. His 8ro%n "air 1orme5 a 1riEEy "alo to "is 8al5 spot. $iny roun5 -lasses per3"e5 on a 8utton nose. He looke5 >olly an5 "armless@ an5 %as a %ere%ol1@ too. Seeme5 to 8e my ni-"t 1or it.

9r)in- %as a reporter on t"e St. Louis Post24ispat3". Any story a8out me an5 Animators@ 9n3.@ usually "a5 "is 8yline on it. He smile5 as "e %alke5 to%ar5s me. Hust your 1rien5ly nei-"8or"oo5 reporter. Dea"@ ri-"t. A="at 5o you %ant@ 9r)in-BC A9s t"at any %ay to -reet someone %"o "as spent t"e last t"ree "ours in "is 3ar %aitin- 1or youBC A="at 5o you %ant@ 9r)in-BC 7ay8e i1 9 >ust kept repeatin- t"e ;uestion o)er an5 o)er@ 9?5 %ear "im 5o%n. $"e smile 1a5e5 1rom "is roun5 little 1a3e. He looke5 solemn an5 %orrie5. A=e?)e -ot to talk@ Anita.C A=ill t"is 8e a lon- storyBC He seeme5 to t"ink a8out t"at 1or a moment@ t"en no55e5. A!oul5 8e.C A$"en 3ome upstairs. 9?ll 1i* us 8ot" some real 3o11ee.C A<eal 3o11ee as oppose5 to 1ake 3o11eeBC "e aske5. 9 starte5 1or t"e stairs. A9?ll 1i* you a 3up o1 >a)a t"at?ll put "air on your 3"est.C He lau-"e5. 9 realiEe5 9?5 ma5e a pun an5 "a5n?t meant to. 9 kno% 9r)in- is a s"apes"i1ter. 9?)e e)en seen "is %ol1 1orm. But 9 1or-et. He?s a 1rien5 an5 5oesn?t seem t"e least preternatural in "uman 1orm. =e sat at t"e small kit3"enette ta8le@ sippin- )anilla nut 3reme 3o11ee. 7y suit >a3ket %as 5rape5 o)er t"e 8a3k o1 t"e kit3"en 3"air. 9t le1t my -un an5 s"oul5er "olster e*pose5. A9 t"ou-"t you %ere on a 5ate toni-"t@ Blake.C A9 %as.C ASome 5ate.C AA -irl 3an ne)er 8e too 3are1ul.C 9r)in- 8le% on "is 3up@ sippin- it 5eli3ately. His eyes "a5 1li3ke5 1rom si5e to si5e@ takin- in e)eryt"in-. 4ays 1rom no% "e?5 8e a8le to 5es3ri8e t"e room 3ompletely@ 5o%n to t"e /ike Airs an5 >o--in- so3ks in 1ront o1 t"e 3ou3". A="at?s up@ 9r)in-BC AGreat 3o11ee.C He %oul5n?t meet my eyes. 9t %as a 8a5 si-n. A="at?s %ron-BC AHas <i3"ar5 tol5 you anyt"in- a8out 7ar3usBC ADour pa3k lea5er@ ri-"tBC 9r)in- looke5 surprise5. AHe tol5 youBC A9 1oun5 out toni-"t t"at your alp"a is name5 7ar3us. $"ere?s a 8attle o1 su33ession -oin- on. 7ar3us %ants <i3"ar5 5ea5. <i3"ar5 says "e %on?t 1i-"t "im.C A#"@ "e 1ou-"t "im@ all ri-"t@C 9r)in- sai5. 9t %as my turn to 8e surprise5. A$"en %"y isn?t <i3"ar5 pa3k lea5erBC A<i3"ar5 -ot s;ueamis". He "a5 "im@ Blake@ 3la%s at 7ar3us?s t"roat.C 9r)in- s"ook "is "ea5. AHe t"ou-"t %"en 7ar3us re3o)ere5 t"ey 3oul5 talk@ 3ompromise.C He ma5e a ru5e soun5. ADour 8oy1rien5 is an i5ealist.C 95ealist. 9t %as almost t"e same t"in- as 1ool. Hean2!lau5e an5 9r)in- a-ree5. $"ey 5i5n?t a-ree on mu3". A,*plain.C ADou 3an mo)e up in t"e pa3k "ierar3"y 8y 1i-"tin-. Dou %in@ you -o up a not3". Dou lose@ you stay %"ere you are.C He took a lon- sip o1 3o11ee@ eyes 3lose5 as i1 5rinkin- in t"e %armt". A:ntil you 1i-"t 1or pa3k lea5er.C ALet me -uess. 9t?s a 1i-"t to t"e 5eat".C A/o killie@ no ne% lea5er@C "e sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5@ 3o11ee sittin- untou3"e5 in 1ront o1 me. A="y are you tellin- me all t"is@ 9r)in-B ="y no%BC A7ar3us %ants to meet you.C A="y 5i5n?t <i3"ar5 tell me t"at "imsel1BC A<i3"ar5 5oesn?t %ant you in)ol)e5.C A="y notBC 9r)in- kept ans%erin- my ;uestions@ 8ut t"e ans%ers %eren?t "elpin- mu3". 9r)in- s"ru--e5. A<i3"ar5 %on?t -i)e 7ar3us a 1reakin- in3". 91 7ar3us sai5 8la3k@ <i3"ar5 %oul5 say %"ite.C A="y 5oes 7ar3us %ant to see meBC A9 5on?t kno%@C 9r)in- sai5.

ADea"@ ri-"t.C AHonest@ Blake@ 9 5on?t kno% %"at?s -oin- on. Somet"in- 8i- is up@ an5 no one?s talkin- to me.C A="y notB Dou?re a s"apes"i1ter.C A9?m also a reporter. 9 ma5e t"e mistake years 8a3k o1 printin- an arti3le. $"e ly3ant"rope 9 talke5 to lie5@ sai5 "e ne)er -a)e me permission to ;uote "im. He lost "is >o8. Some o1 t"e ot"ers %ante5 to out me@ too@ let me lose my >o8.C He "u55le5 aroun5 "is 3o11ee mu-. ,yes 5istant %it" remem8erin-. A7ar3us sai5 no@ sai5 9 %as more )alua8le to t"em as a reporter. /o one?s really truste5 me sin3e.C A/ot a 1or-i)in- 8un3"@C 9 sai5. 9 sippe5 my 3o11ee an5 1oun5 it 3oolin-. 91 9 5rank it 1ast enou-"@ it %oul5 8e 5rinka8le@ 8arely. A$"ey ne)er 1or-i)e an5 t"ey ne)er 1or-et@C 9r)in- sai5. Soun5s like a 8a5 3"ara3ter trait@ 8ut it?s one o1 my 1oun5in- prin3iples@ so 9 3oul5n?t 3omplain mu3". ASo 7ar3us sent you out "ere to talk to me. A8out %"atBC AHe %ants to meet you. $o talk some kin5 o1 8usiness.C 9 -ot up an5 re1ille5 my mu-. A little less su-ar t"is time. 9 %as 8e-innin- to %ake up >ust 1rom 1rustration. ALet "im make an appointment to 3ome to my o11i3e.C 9r)in- s"ook "is "ea5. A7ar3us is some "ots"ot sur-eon. Dou kno% %"at %oul5 "appen i1 e)en a "int o1 %"at "e is -ot outBC 9 3oul5 un5erstan5 t"at. Dou mi-"t -et a%ay %it" 8ein- a s"apes"i1ter on some >o8s. 4o3tor %as not one o1 t"em. $"ere %as still t"e 5entist in $e*as t"at %as 8ein- sue5 8y a patient. Sai5 s"e 3ontra3te5 ly3ant"ropy 1rom "im. /onsense. Dou 5i5n?t -et it 1rom "a)in- "uman "an5s in your mout". But t"e 3ase "a5n?t 8een t"ro%n out. People 5i5n?t "a)e a lot o1 sympat"y 1or 1ur 8alls treatin- t"eir ki5?s sparklin- teet". A#kay@ sen5 someone else to t"e o11i3e. Surely@ 7ar3us must trust someone.C A<i3"ar5 "as 1or8i55en anyone to 3onta3t you.C 9 >ust looke5 at "im. A'or8i55enBC 9r)in- no55e5. AAnyone lo%er in t"e pa3k or5er 3onta3ts you at t"eir peril.C 9 starte5 to smile an5 stoppe5. He %as serious. ADou?re not ki55in-.C He raise5 a t"ree21in-ere5 salute. AS3out?s "onor.C ASo "o% 3ome you?re "ereB Dou lookin- to mo)e up in t"e pa3kBC He pale5. Honest to Go5@ "e pale5. A7eB 'i-"t <i3"ar5B Hell no.C A$"en <i3"ar5 %on?t min5 you talkin- to meBC A#"@ "e?ll min5.C 9 1ro%ne5. A9s 7ar3us -oin- to prote3t youBC A<i3"ar5 -a)e a spe3i1i3 or5er. 7ar3us 3an?t inter1ere.C ABut "e or5ere5 you to 3ome see me@C 9 sai5. ADep.C A="at?s to stop <i3"ar5 1rom 8ustin- your 3"ops a8out t"isBC 9r)in- -rinne5. A9 t"ou-"t you?5 prote3t me.C 9 lau-"e5. ADou son o1 a 8it3".C A7ay8e@ 8ut 9 kno% you@ Blake. Dou %on?t like t"at <i3"ar5?s 8een keepin- t"in-s 1rom you. Dou 3ertainly %on?t like "im prote3tin- you. Besi5es@ 9?)e 8een your 1rien5 1or years. 9 5on?t t"ink you?ll stan5 8y %"ile your 8oy1rien5 8eats t"e "ell out o1 me.C 9r)in- kne% me 8etter t"an <i3"ar5 5i5. 9t %as not a 3om1ortin- t"ou-"t. Ha5 9 8een 1oole5 8y a "an5some 1a3e@ a ni3e sense o1 "umorB Ha5 9 not seen t"e real <i3"ar5B 9 s"ook my "ea5. !oul5 9 8e 1oole5 t"at 3ompletelyB 9 "ope5 not. A4o 9 "a)e your prote3tionBC He %as still smilin-@ 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- in "is eyes. 'ear@ may8e. ADou nee5 me to say it out lou5 1or it to 8e o11i3ialBC ADea".C A$"at a rule in t"e ly3ant"rope un5er-roun5BC A#ne o1 t"em@C "e sai5. ADou "a)e my prote3tion@ 8ut 9 %ant in1ormation in return.C

A9 tol5 you 9 5on?t kno% anyt"in-@ Blake.C A$ell me %"at it?s like to 8e a ly3ant"rope@ 9r)in-. <i3"ar5 seems 5etermine5 to keep me in t"e 5ark. 9 5on?t like 8ein- in t"e 5ark.C 9r)in- smile5. A9 "ear5 t"at.C ADou 8e my -ui5e to t"e %orl5 o1 t"e 1urry@ an5 9?ll keep <i3"ar5 o11 your 8a3k.C AA-ree5.C A="en 5oes 7ar3us %ant to meetBC A$oni-"t.C 9r)in- "a5 t"e -ra3e to look em8arrasse5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o %ay. 9?m -oin- to 8e5. 9?ll meet %it" 7ar3us tomorro%@ 8ut not toni-"t.C He looke5 5o%n into "is 3o11ee@ 1in-ertips tou3"in- t"e mu-. AHe %ants it to 8e toni-"t.C He looke5 up at me. A="y 5o you t"ink 9?)e 8een 3ampe5 out in my 3arBC A9 am not at t"e 8e3k an5 3all o1 e)ery monster in to%n. 9 5on?t e)en kno% %"at 'ur 'a3e %ants to meet a8out.C 9 leane5 8a3k in t"e 3"air an5 3rosse5 my arms. A/o %ay am 9 -oin- out toni-"t to play %it" s"apes"i1ters.C 9r)in- s;uirme5 in "is 3"air@ rotatin- t"e 3o11ee 3up slo%ly on t"e ta8le. He %oul5n?t meet my eyes a-ain. A="at?s %ron- no%BC A7ar3us tol5 me to set up a meetin- %it" you. 91 9 re1use5@ "e?5 "a)e me ... punis"e5. 91 9 3ome "ere@ <i3"ar5 -ets pisse5. 9?m trappe5 8et%een t%o alp"a males@ an5 9 ain?t up to it.C AAre you askin- me to prote3t you 1rom 7ar3us@ as %ell as <i3"ar5BC A/o@C "e sai5@ s"akin- "is "ea5@ Ano. Dou?re -oo5@ Blake@ 8ut you aren?t in 7ar3us?s lea-ue.C AGla5 to "ear it@C 9 sai5. A=ill you meet %it" 7ar3us toni-"tBC A91 9 say no@ 5o you -et in trou8leBC He stare5 into "is 3o11ee. A=oul5 you 8elie)e noBC A/ope.C He looke5 at me@ 8ro%n eyes )ery serious. AHe?ll -et ma5@ 8ut 9?ll li)e.C ABut "e?ll make you "urt.C 9t %asn?t a ;uestion. ADea".C $"at one %or5 so so1t@ so tentati)e. 9t %asn?t like 9r)in-. A9?ll see "im on one 3on5ition. $"at you?re present at t"e meetin-.C His 1a3e 8loome5 into a -rin t"at sprea5 1rom pole to pole. ADou are a true 1rien5@ Blake.C All t"e sa5ness %as -one@ %as"e5 a%ay in t"e rosy -lo% o1 1in5in- out %"at t"e "ell %as -oin- on. ,)en ass 5eep in alli-ators@ 9r)in- %as a reporter. 9t %as %"o an5 %"at "e %as@ more t"an t"e ly3ant"ropy. $"e smile alone %as %ort" a meetin-. Besi5es@ 9 %ante5 to kno% i1 <i3"ar5 %as really in 5an-er. 7eetin- t"e man %"o %as t"reatenin- "im %as t"e only real %ay to 1in5 out. Also@ 9 5i5n?t really 3are 1or someone t"reatenin- one o1 my 1rien5s. Sil)er2plate5 8ullets only slo%e5 5o%n a )ampire@ unless you 3an take out t"e "ea5 an5 "eart. Sil)er 8ullets %ill kill a %ere%ol1@ no se3on5 3"an3es@ no "ealin-@ >ust 5ea5. 7ar3us mi-"t remem8er t"at. 91 "e pus"e5 it@ 9 mi-"t e)en remin5 "im.

Chapter Ten
9r)in- "a5 3alle5 7ar3us 1rom my apartment. A-ain 9r)in- 5i5n?t kno% %"y@ all "e 5i5 kno% %as 7ar3us sai5 to 3all 8e1ore %e 3ame. 9 %ent into t"e 8e5room. Hun- up my 5ry3lean2only suit@ an5 3"an-e5 3lot"es. Bla3k >eans@ re5 polo s"irt@ 8la3k /ikes %it" a 8lue s%oos"@ an5 real so3ks. 9 a8an5one5 >o--in- so3ks 1or e)ery5ay %ear on3e %inter set in. 9 rea3"e5 1or t"e 8ulky -reen s%eater 9 "a5 lai5 out on t"e 8e5. 9 "esitate5. 9t %asn?t t"e 1a3t t"at t"e s%eater "a5 styliEe5 !"ristmas trees on it@ an5 it mi-"t not 8e t"e 3oolest t"in- to %ear. 9 5i5n?t -i)e a 5amn a8out t"at. 9 %as 5e8atin- on %"et"er to 3arry a se3on5 -un. A 1as"ion a33essory nearer an5 5earer to my "eart t"an any pie3e o1 3lot"in-. /o ly3ant"rope "a5 t"reatene5 me yet@ 8ut ol? Gret3"en t"e )amp "a5. S"e mi-"t not 8e a master )ampire 8ut s"e %as 3lose. Besi5es@ t"e memory o1 t"e 3op takin- t"e Bro%nin- a%ay %as still 1res". 9 "a5 too many preternatural enemies to -o unarme5. 9 -ot out my :n3le 7ike?s si5eki3k inner2pants "olster. A 3om1y 1it t"at 5i5n?t ruin t"e line o1 your >eans unless someone %as really lookin-.

7y main 8a3kup -un is a 'irestar 9mm. Small@ li-"t@ pretty to look at@ an5 9 3oul5 %ear it at my %aist an5 still 8e a8le to sit 5o%n. $"e s%eater "un- to mi5t"i-". $"e -un %as in)isi8le unless you 1riske5 me. $"e -un %as set in 1ront@ rea5y 1or a 3ross25ra%. Pro8a8ly %oul5n?t nee5 it. Pro8a8ly. $"e s%eater 8ulke5 up aroun5 t"e straps o1 t"e s"oul5er "olster. 9?)e seen people %ear s"oul5er ri-s un5erneat" 8ulky s%eaters or s%eats"irts@ 8ut you lose a 1e% se3on5s -ropin- un5er t"e 3lot". 9?5 rat"er look less t"an 1as"ion per1e3t an5 li)e. $"e s%eater %as too lon- 1or my leat"er >a3ket@ so 9 %as 8a3k in my 8la3k tren3" 3oat. 7e an5 P"illip 7arlo%e. 9 5i5n?t take any e*tra ammo. 9 1i-ure5 t%enty2one roun5s %as enou-" 1or one ni-"t. 9 e)en le1t my kni)es at "ome. 9 almost talke5 mysel1 out o1 t"e 'irestar. 9 usually 5i5n?t start 3arryin- t%o -uns until a1ter people "a5 trie5 to kill me. 9 s"ru--e5. ="y %aitB 91 9 5i5n?t nee5 it@ 9?5 1eel silly tomorro%. 91 9 5i5 nee5 it@ 9 %oul5n?t 1eel silly at all. 9r)in- %as %aitin- 1or me. Sittin- on t"e 3ou3" like a -oo5 little 8oy. He looke5 like a s3"ool8oy %"om t"e tea3"er "a5 ma5e stan5 in t"e 3orner. A="at?s %ron-BC A7ar3us %ante5 me to >ust -i)e you 5ire3tions. He 5oesn?t %ant me at t"e meetin-. 9 sai5@ you %oul5n?t 3ome %it"out me. $"at you 5i5n?t trust "im.C He looke5 up at me. AHe?s pretty pisse5.C ABut you stoo5 your -roun5@C 9 sai5. ADea".C A="y 5on?t you soun5 "appier a8out t"atBC He s"ru--e5. A7ar3us in a 8a5 moo5 is not a pleasant e*perien3e@ Blake.C A9?ll 5ri)e@ you -i)e 5ire3tions.C A7ar3us sai5 %e 8ot" s"oul5 5ri)e. He sai5 t"at 9?5 nee5 to stay a1ter t"e meetin-@ 1or a little talk.C A!ome on@ 9r)in-@ 9?m 5ri)in-@ you?re -i)in- 5ire3tions@ an5 %"en 9 lea)e@ you lea)e.C A9 appre3iate t"e o11er@ Blake@ 8ut you 5on?t %ant 7ar3us ma5 at you.C A91 9?m prote3tin- you 1rom <i3"ar5@ 9 mi-"t as %ell t"ro% in 7ar3us.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ you 1ollo% my 3ar.C He "el5 up a "an5. A/o more ar-uin-@ Blake. 9 am a %ere%ol1. 9 "a)e to li)e in t"e 3ommunity. 9 3an?t a11or5 to make a stan5 a-ainst 7ar3us@ not o)er one little talk.C 9 %ante5 to ar-ue some more@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 9r)in- kne% "is pro8lems 8etter t"an 9 5i5. 91 1i-"tin- 7ar3us o)er t"is %oul5 make t"in-s %orse@ t"en 9?5 let it -o. But 9 5i5n?t like it. $"e Lunati3 !a1e %as lo3ate5 in :ni)ersity !ity. 9ts si-n %as a -lo%in- 3res3ent moon %it" t"e restaurant name 5one in so1t 8lue neon. ,*3ept 1or t"e name@ an5 t"e ni1ty si-n@ t"e pla3e 5i5n?t look mu3" 5i11erent 1rom all t"e ot"er s"ops an5 restaurants in t"e 3olle-e 5istri3t. 9t %as 'ri5ay ni-"t an5 t"ere %as no parkin-. 9 %as 8e-innin- to t"ink 7ar3us %oul5 "a)e to 3ome out to my 3ar@ %"en a %ine 5ark 9mpala pulle5 out o1 t"e t%o spa3es it "a5 8een "o--in-. 7y Heep slippe5 in %it" room 1or a se3on5 3ar on one si5e. 9r)in- %aite5 in 1ront o1 t"e restaurant. His "an5s %ere s"o)e5 5eep into "is po3kets. $"e ri5i3ulous mu11ler traile5 nearly to t"e -roun5. He looke5 5istra3te5 an5 not a 8it "appy. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s "im %it" t"e tren3" 3oat 1lappin- aroun5 me like a 3ape. ,)en like t"is@ most people %oul5n?t see t"e -un. $"ey?5 see a small %oman %it" a 8ri-"t !"ristmas s%eater. People see %"at t"ey e*pe3t to see most o1 t"e time. $"e people t"at 9 %as %earin- t"e -un 1or %oul5 noti3e@ an5 kno% 9 %as arme5. 9r)in- pus"e5 t"e 5oor in %it"out a %or5. 9r)in-@ ;uietB 9 5i5n?t like seein- "im su85ue5@ almost 8eaten@ like a ki3ke5 5o-. 9t ma5e me not like 7ar3us@ an5 9 "a5n?t e)en met "im. /oise poure5 aroun5 us >ust insi5e t"e 5oor. A murmur o1 )oi3es so t"i3k it %as like o3ean noise. Sil)er%are 3linke5@ someone lau-"e5 "i-" an5 8ri-"t like a "an5 risin- 1rom t"e noise@ to 8e s%allo%e5 8a3k a-ain an5 lost. $"ere %as a 8ar alon- one %all@ polis"e5 5ark %oo5@ ol5 an5 lo)in-ly 3are5 1or. $"e rest o1 t"e room "el5 small@ roun5 ta8les t"at 3oul5 3om1orta8ly seat a8out 1our. ,)ery seat %as 1ull@ an5 t"en some. $"ree 5oor%ays opene5 upG one 8esi5e t"e 8ar@ one to t"e ri-"t@ one in t"e mi55le. 7ore ta8les %ere s"o)e5 into t"e smaller rooms. $"e 3a1e "a5 starte5 li1e as someone?s "ome. =e %ere stan5in- in t"e li)in- room. $"rou-" t"e 5oor%ays lea5in- to t"e ot"er rooms %ere open ar3"%ays@ as i1 someone "a5 kno3ke5 5o%n a 1e% %alls. ,)en %it" t"at@ t"e pla3e %as 3laustrop"o8i3. People %ere t"ree 5eep at t"e 8ar %aitin- 1or a ta8le. $"e pla3e %as >amme5 to 8urstin- %it" "appy@ smilin- people. #ne o1 t"e %omen 8e"in5 t"e 8ar 3ame aroun5@ %ipin- "er "an5s on a to%el tu3ke5 into t"e tie o1 "er apron. S"e -a)e a %i5e@ %el3omin- smile. S"e "a5 a pair o1 menus in "er one "an5. 9 starte5 to say@ 8ut %e 5on?t nee5 ... %"en 9r)in- -rippe5 my arm. $ension )i8rate5 t"rou-" "is "an5. He?5 -ra88e5 my ri-"t arm. 9 turne5 to tell "im not to 5o t"at@ 8ut t"e look on "is 1a3e stoppe5 me. He %as starin- at t"e smilin- %oman as i1 s"e "a5 sproute5 a se3on5 "ea5. 9 turne5 8a3k to t"e %oman@ an5 looke5 at "er. <eally looke5 at "er.

S"e %as tall@ slen5er@ %it" lon-@ strai-"t "air. 9t %as a ri3"@ re55is" au8urn t"at -leame5 un5er t"e li-"ts. Her 1a3e %as a so1t trian-le@ 3"in may8e a little too pointe5@ 8ut o)erall s"e %as lo)ely. Her eyes %ere a stran-e am8er28ro%n t"at mat3"e5 "er "air per1e3tly. Her smile %i5ene5@ >ust a li1t o1 lips. 9 kne% %"at 9 %as lookin- at. Ly3ant"rope. #ne t"at 3oul5 pass 1or "uman. Like <i3"ar5. 9 looke5 out o)er t"e room@ an5 realiEe5 %"y it 1elt so ti-"t. 9t %asn?t >ust t"e 3ro%5. A ma>ority o1 t"e "appy@ smilinpeople %ere s"apes"i1ters. $"eir ener-y 8urne5 in t"e air like t"e %ei-"t o1 a t"un5erstorm. 9 "a5 t"ou-"t t"e 3ro%5 %as 8oisterous@ too lou5@ 8ut it %as t"e s"apes"i1ters. $"eir ener-y 8oile5 an5 1ille5 t"e room@ mas;uera5in- as t"e ener-y o1 any 3ro%5. As 9 stoo5 t"ere at t"e 5oor@ a 1a3e li1te5 "ere an5 t"ere. Human eyes looke5 at me@ 8ut t"e -lan3e %asn?t "uman. $"e -lan3e %as 3onsi5erin-@ testin-. Ho% tou-" %as 9B Ho% -oo5 %oul5 9 tasteB 9t remin5e5 me o1 t"e %ay <i3"ar5 "a5 8een %at3"in- t"e 3ro%5 at t"e 'o*. 9 1elt like a 3"i3ken at a 3oyote 3on)ention. 9 %as su55enly -la5 o1 t"e se3on5 -un. A=el3ome to t"e Lunati3 !a1e@ 7s. Blake@C t"e %oman sai5. A9?m <aina =allis@ proprietor. 91 you?ll 1ollo% me. Dour party is %aitin- 1or you.C S"e sai5 it all %it" a smile an5 a %arm -lo% in "er eyes. 9r)in-?s -rip on my arm %as nearly pain1ul. 9 leane5 into "im@ an5 %"ispere5@ A$"at?s my ri-"t arm.C He 8linke5 at me. His eyes 1li3ke5 to t"e Bro%nin-@ an5 "e let -o@ mutterin-@ ASorry.C <aina leane5 3loser. 9r)in- 1lin3"e5. A9 %on?t 8ite@ 9r)in-@ not yet.C S"e -a)e a lo% lau-" t"at %as ri3" an5 8u88lin-. $"e kin5 o1 lau-" t"at %as meant 1or 8e5rooms an5 pri)ate >okes. $"e lau-" -a)e "er eyes an5 8o5y a 5i11erent look. S"e su55enly seeme5 more )oluptuous@ more sensual t"an >ust a se3on5 a-o. /i3ely %eir5. A7ustn?t keep 7ar3us %aitin-.C S"e turne5 an5 8e-an t"rea5in- "er %ay t"rou-" t"e ta8les. 9 -lan3e5 at 9r)in-. ASomet"in- you %ant to tell meBC A<aina?s our alp"a 1emale. 91 t"e punis"ment?s -oin- to 8e really 8a5@ s"e 5oes it. S"e?s a lot more 3reati)e t"an 7ar3us.C <aina %as motionin- to us 8y t"e ar3"%ay near t"e 8ar. Her lo)ely 1a3e %as 1ro%nin-@ lookin- a little less lo)ely@ an5 a lot more 8it3"y. 9 patte5 "is s"oul5er. A9 %on?t let "er "urt you.C ADou 3an?t stop it.C A=e?ll see@C 9 sai5. He no55e5@ 8ut not as i1 "e 8elie)e5 me. He starte5 8et%een t"e ta8les. 9 1ollo%e5. A %oman tou3"e5 "is "an5 as "e %alke5 past. Ga)e "im a smile. S"e %as a8out my siEe@ an5 5ainty@ %it" strai-"t 8la3k "air 3ut s"ort t"at 1rame5 "er 1a3e like 8la3k la3e. 9r)in- s;ueeEe5 "er 1in-ers an5 kept %alkin-. Her lar-e@ 5ark eyes met mine. $"e eyes tol5 me not"in-. $"ey "a5 smile5 at 9r)in-G 1or me t"ey %ere neutral. Like t"e eyes o1 a %ol1 9?5 seen on3e in !ali1ornia. 9?5 %alke5 aroun5 a tree an5 t"ere it "a5 stoo5. 9 "a5 ne)er really un5erstoo5 %"at neutral meant until t"at moment. $"ose pale eyes stare5 at me@ %aitin-. 91 9 t"reatene5 it@ it %oul5 atta3k. 91 9 le1t it alone@ it %oul5 run. 7y 3"oi3e. $"e %ol1 "a5n?t -i)en a 5amn %"i3" %ay it turne5 out. 9 kept %alkin-@ 8ut t"e spa3e 8et%een my s"oul5er 8la5es %as it3"in-. 9 kne% i1 9 turne5 aroun5 t"at nearly e)ery eye %oul5 8e on me@ on us. $"e %ei-"t o1 t"eir -aEe %as p"ysi3al. 9 "a5 an ur-e to %"irl an5 say 8oo@ 8ut 1ou-"t it o11. 9 "a5 a 1eelin- t"ey %ere all starin- at me %it" neutral in"uman eyes@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to see it. <aina le5 us to a 3lose5 5oor at t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 5inin- room. S"e pus"e5 it open an5 motione5 us t"rou-" %it" a t"eatri3al %a)e o1 "er arm. 9r)in- >ust %alke5 t"rou-". 9 %alke5 t"rou-" 8ut kept my eyes on "er. 9 %as nearly 3lose enou-" 1or "er to "a)e "u--e5 me. !lose enou-" t"at %it" "er re1le*es s"e 3oul5 pro8a8ly take me. Ly3ant"ropes are >ust 1aster t"an a normal "uman. 9t isn?t min5 tri3ks like %it" )ampires. $"ey are >ust 1lat out 8etter. 9 %asn?t sure "o% mu3" 8etter in "uman 1orm@ t"ou-". Starin- up into <aina?s smilin- 1a3e@ 9 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 to 1in5 out. =e stoo5 in a narro% "all%ay. $"ere %as a 5oor at eit"er en5@ one s"o%in- t"e 3ol5 ni-"t t"rou-" its -lass %in5o%@ t"e ot"er 3lose5@ a ;uestion mark. <aina 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 us@ leanin- on it. S"e seeme5 to 3ollapse a-ainst it@ "ea5 "an-in- 5o%n@ "air spillin1or%ar5. AAre you all ri-"tBC 9 aske5. S"e took a 5eep@ s"u55erin- 8reat" an5 looke5 up at me. 9 -aspe5. 9 3oul5n?t "elp mysel1. S"e %as -or-eous. Her 3"eek8ones %ere "i-" an5 s3ulpte5. Her eyes %i5er an5 more 3entere5 in "er 1a3e. S"e looke5 like %"at mi-"t "a)e 8een "er sister@ a 1amily resem8lan3e 8ut not t"e same person. A="at 5i5 you >ust 5oBC

S"e -a)e t"at ri3"@ 8e5room lau-" a-ain. A9 am alp"a@ 7s. Blake. 9 3an 5o a -reat many t"in-s t"at most s"i1ters 3annot.C 9 %as %illin- to 8et t"at. ADou mo)e5 your 8ones aroun5@ on purpose@ like 5o2it2yoursel1 3osmeti3 sur-ery.C AVery -oo5@ 7s. Blake@ )ery -oo5.C Her am8er28ro%n eyes 1las"e5 to 9r)in-. $"e smile le1t "er 1a3e. A4o you still insist on t"is one 8ein- at t"e meetin-BC ADes@ 9 5o.C Her lips purse5@ as t"ou-" s"e?5 taste5 somet"in- sour. A7ar3us sai5 to ask@ t"en to 8rin- you.C S"e s"ru--e5@ an5 stoo5 a%ay 1rom t"e 5oor. S"e %as taller 8y a8out t"ree in3"es. 9 %is"e5 9?5 pai5 more attention to "er "an5s. Ha5 t"ey 3"an-e5@ tooB A="y t"e 8o5y s3ulptin-BC 9 aske5. A$"e ot"er 1orm is my 5ay 1orm. $"is is real.C A="y t"e 5is-uiseBC A9n 3ase 9 "a)e to 5o somet"in- ne1arious@C s"e sai5. /e1ariousB S"e stalke5 5o%n t"e "all to%ar5s t"e ot"er 3lose5 5oor. Her %alk %as a -li5in-@ at"leti3 mo)ement like a 8i- 3at?s. #r %oul5 t"at 8e 8i- %ol1?sB S"e kno3ke5 on t"e 5oor. 9 "ear5 not"in-@ 8ut s"e opene5 t"e 5oor. S"e stoo5 t"ere@ arms 3rosse5 o)er "er stoma3"@ 3ra5lin- "er 8reasts@ smilin- at us. 9 %as 8e-innin- not to like <aina?s smiles. $"e room %as a 8an;uet "all %it" 3lot"23o)ere5 ta8les -roupe5 in a "orses"oe. A raise5 plat1orm %it" 1our 3"airs an5 a le3tern 3lose5 t"e mout" o1 t"e "orses"oe. $%o men stoo5 on t"e plat1orm. #ne %as at least si* 1eet tall@ slen5er 8ut mus3le5 like a 8asket8all player. His "air %as 8la3k@ 3ut s"ort %it" a mat3"in- 1in-er2t"in musta3"e an5 -oatee 8ear5. He stoo5 %it" one "an5 -rippin- "is opposite %rist. A >o3k pose. A 8o5y-uar5 pose. He %ore a skinti-"t pair o1 8la3k >eans@ an5 a s%eater %it" a 8la3k2on28la3k 5esi-n 3lun- to %i5e s"oul5ers. $"ere %as a 1rin-e o1 5ark 3"est "air >ust a8o)e t"e s3oope5 ne3kline. Bla3k toole5 3o%8oy 8oots an5 a lar-e 8lo3ky %at3" 3omplete5 t"e 8a5ass look. $"e ot"er man %as no more t"an 1i)e 1oot se)en. His "air %as t"at 1unny s"a5e o1 8lon5 t"at "as 8ro%n "i-"li-"ts in it@ 8ut still mana-es to 8e 8lon5. $"e "air %as s"ort 8ut style5 an5 8lo%25rie5@ an5 %oul5 "a)e 8een lo)ely to look at i1 it "a5 8een a little lon-er. His 1a3e %as 3lean2s"a)en@ s;uare >a%e5@ %it" a 5imple in "is 3"in. $"e 5imple s"oul5 "a)e ma5e t"e 1a3e look 1un@ 8ut it 5i5n?t. 9t %as a 1a3e 1or rules. $"ose t"in lips %ere 8uilt 1or sayin-@ my %ay or else. He %ore a pale 8lue linen suit >a3ket o)er 8la3k pants. A pale 8lue turtlene3k t"at mat3"e5 t"e >a3ket to per1e3tion 3omplete5 t"e out1it. His s"oes %ere 8la3k an5 polis"e5 to a s"ine. 9t "a5 to 8e 7ar3us. AAl1re5.C #ne %or5@ 8ut it %as an or5er. $"e 8i--er man steppe52leape5 o11 t"e plat1orm. 9t %as a -ra3e1ul@ 8oun5in- mo)ement. He mo)e5 in a 3lou5 o1 "is o%n )itality. 9t rolle5 an5 8oile5 aroun5 "im almost like "eat risin- o11 pa)ement. Dou 3oul5n?t see it %it" t"e nake5 eye@ 8ut you 3oul5 sure as "ell 1eel it. Al1re5 3ame at me as t"ou-" "e "a5 a purpose. 9 put my 8a3k to t"e %all@ keepin- <aina in si-"t@ alon- %it" e)ery8o5y else. 9r)in- mo)e5 8a3k %it" me. He stoo5 a little a%ay 1rom all o1 us@ 8ut 3loser to me t"an anyone. 9 put t"e tren3" 3oat 8a3k so t"e -un s"o%e5 plainly. ADour intentions 8etter 8e 1rien5ly@ Al1re5.C AAl1re5@C t"e ot"er man sai5. #ne %or5@ e)en t"e tone soun5e5 t"e same@ 8ut t"is time Al1ie stoppe5 in "is tra3ks. He stoo5@ starin- at me. His eyes %eren?t neutral@ t"ey %ere "ostile. People 5on?t usually 5islike me on si-"t. But "ey@ 9 %asn?t too t"rille5 %it" "im@ eit"er. A=e "a)e not o11ere5 you )iolen3e@ 7s. Blake@C 7ar3us sai5. ADea"@ ri-"t. Al1ie t"ere is 3ontaine5 )iolen3e in motion. 9 %ant to kno% %"at "is intentions are 8e1ore "e 3omes 3loser.C 7ar3us looke5 at me as i1 9?5 5one somet"in- interestin-. AA )ery apt 5es3ription@ 7s. Blake. Dou 3an see our auras@ t"enBC A91 t"at?s %"at you %ant to 3all it@C 9 sai5. AAl1re5?s intentions are not "ostile. He %ill merely sear3" you 1or %eapons. 9t is stan5ar5 pro3e5ure 1or nons"i1ters. 9t is not"in- personal@ 9 assure you.C $"e )ery 1a3t t"at t"ey 5i5n?t %ant me arme5 ma5e me %ant to keep my %eapons. Stu88ornness@ or a stron- sur)i)al instin3t. A7ay8e 9?5 a-ree to 8ein- sear3"e5 i1 you e*plaine5 %"y 9?m "ere 1irst.C Stall@ until 9 3oul5 5e3i5e %"at to 5o. A=e 5on?t 5is3uss 8usiness in 1ront o1 t"e press@ 7s. Blake.C A=ell@ 9?m not talkin- to you %it"out "im.C A9 %ill not >eopar5iEe all o1 us to satis1y i5le 3uriosity.C He %as still stan5in- on t"e plat1orm like a -eneral sur)eyin- "is troops.

A$"e only reason 9?m "ere at all is 8e3ause 9r)in- is a 1rien5. 9nsultin- "im isn?t -oin- to en5ear you to me.C A9 5o not %is" to en5ear mysel1 to you@ 7s. Blake. 9 %is" your ai5.C ADou %ant my "elpBC 9 5i5n?t try to keep t"e surprise out o1 my )oi3e. He -a)e a 8rie1 no5. A="at kin5 o1 "elpBC AHe must lea)e.C A/o@C 9 sai5. <aina pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all an5 stalke5 aroun5 us@ >ust out o1 rea3"@ 8ut 3ir3lin- like a s"ark. A9r)in-?s punis"ment 3oul5 8e-in no%.C Her )oi3e %as lo% an5 pu11in- aroun5 t"e e5-es. A9 5i5n?t kno% %ol)es purre5@C 9 sai5. S"e lau-"e5. A=ol)es 5o a lot o1 t"in-s@ as 9?m sure you?re a%are.C A9 5on?t kno% %"at you mean.C A#"@ 3ome no%@ %oman to %oman.C S"e leane5 one s"oul5er a-ainst t"e %all@ arms 3rosse5@ 1a3e 1rien5ly. 9 %as 8ettins"e 3oul5 8ite my 1in-er o11 an5 smile >ust like t"at t"e entire time. S"e 8ent 3lose as i1 %e %ere s"arin- se3rets. A<i3"ar5 is as -oo5 as "e looks@ isn?t "eBC 9 stare5 into "er amuse5 eyes. A9 5on?t kiss an5 tell.C A9?ll tell you my >ui3y ti58it@ i1 you?ll tell me yours.C A<aina@ enou-".C 7ar3us "a5 mo)e5 1or%ar5 to t"e e5-e o1 t"e sta-e. He 5i5n?t look "appy. S"e -a)e "im a laEy smile. S"e %as 8aitin- "im more t"an me@ an5 en>oyin- it )ery mu3". A9r)in- must lea)e@ an5 Al1re5 must sear3" you 1or %eapons. $"ere is no ne-otiatin- t"ose t%o points.C A9?ll make you a 5eal@C 9 sai5. A9r)in- lea)es no%@ 8ut "e -oes "ome. /o punis"ment.C 7ar3us s"ook "is "ea5. A9 "a)e 5e3ree5 "e %ill 8e punis"e5. 7y %or5 is la%.C A="o 5ie5 an5 ma5e you kin-BC ASimon@C <aina sai5. 9 8linke5 at "er. AHe 1ou-"t an5 kille5 Simon. $"at?s %"o 5ie5 an5 ma5e "im pa3k lea5er.C Ask a silly ;uestion ... ADou %ant my "elp@ 9r)in- -oes 1ree an5 untou3"e5. /o punis"ment.C A4on?t 5o t"is@ Anita@C 9r)in- sai5. ADou?ll >ust make t"in-s %orse.C <aina staye5 leanin- 8esi5e me. Hust a little -irl talk. AHe?s ri-"t@ you kno%. <i-"t no% "e?s mine to play %it"@ 8ut i1 you make 7ar3us really an-ry "e?ll -i)e "im to Al1re5. 9?ll torture "is min5 an5 8o5y. Al1re5 %ill 8reak "im.C A9r)in- -oes 1ree@ no punis"ment. 9 stay an5 let Al1re5 sear3" me 1or %eapons. #t"er%ise %e %alk.C A/ot %e@ 7s. Blake. Dou are 1ree to -o@ 8ut 9r)in- is mine. He %ill stay@ an5 %it" or %it"out you "e %ill 8e tau-"t "is lesson.C A="at 5i5 "e 5o %ron-BC 9 aske5. A$"at is our 8usiness@ not yours.C A9?m not -oin- to "elp you 5o s"it.C A$"en -o@C "e leape5 -ra3e1ully o11 t"e sta-e@ %alkin- to%ar5s us as "e spoke@ A8ut 9r)in- stays. Dou are only amon- us 1or t"is one ni-"t. He must li)e %it" us@ 7s. Blake. He 3annot a11or5 your 8ra)a5o.C $"e last senten3e 8rou-"t "im >ust a little 8e"in5 Al1re5. !lose up t"ere %ere 1ine lines aroun5 "is eyes an5 mout"@ a sla3kness to t"e skin o1 "is ne3k an5 >a%s. 9 a55e5 ten years to "is a-e. 'i1ties. A9 3an?t lea)e 9r)in- "ere@ kno%in- %"at you?ll 5o to "im.C A#"@ you "a)e no i5ea %"at %e?ll 5o to "im@C <aina sai5. A=e "eal so %ell.C S"e pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all an5 %alke5 to 9r)in-. S"e pa3e5 roun5 "im in a ti-"t 3ir3le@ s"oul5er@ "ip@ 8rus"in- a-ainst "im@ "ere an5 t"ere as s"e mo)e5. A,)en t"e %eakest o1 us 3an take so )ery mu3" 5ama-e.C A="at 5o you %ant to -uarantee 9r)in-?s sa1etyBC 9 aske5. 7ar3us looke5 at me@ 1a3e 3are1ul@ neutral. ADou promise to ai5 us@ an5 let Al1re5 1risk you. He is my 8o5y-uar5. Dou must let "im 5o "is >o8.C A9 3an?t promise to "elp you %it"out kno%in- %"at it is.C

A$"en %e "a)e no 8ar-ain.C AAnita@ 9 3an take it@ %"ate)er t"ey 5is" out. 9 3an take it. 9?)e 5one it 8e1ore.C ADou aske5 1or my prote3tion 1rom <i3"ar5@ >ust 3all it a pa3ka-e 5eal@C 9 sai5. ADou aske5 "er 1or "er prote3tionBC <aina steppe5 a%ay 1rom "im@ surprise plain on "er pretty 1a3e. AHust a-ainst <i3"ar5@C 9r)in- sai5. A9t?s 3le)er@C <aina sai5@ A8ut it 5oes "a)e 3ertain impli3ations.C AS"e?s not a pa3k mem8er. 9t only %orks on <i3"ar5 8e3ause t"ey?re 5atin-@C 9r)in- sai5. He looke5 a little %orrie5. A="at impli3ationsBC 9 aske5. 7ar3us ans%ere5@ A$o ask pa3k mem8ers 1or t"eir prote3tion is to a3kno%le5-e t"ey are o1 "i-"er rank %it"out "a)in- to 1i-"t t"em. 91 t"ey -i)e t"eir prote3tion@ t"en you "a)e a-ree5 to "elp t"em 1i-"t t"eir 8attles. 91 t"ey are 3"allen-e5 you are "onor 8oun5 to ai5 t"em.C 9 -lan3e5 at 9r)in-. He looke5 ill. AS"e?s not one o1 us. Dou 3an?t "ol5 "er to t"e la%.C A="at la%BC 9 aske5. APa3k la%@C 7ar3us sai5. A9 1or1eit "er prote3tion@C 9r)in- sai5. A$oo late@C <aina sai5. ADou pla3e us in a ;uan5ary@ 7s. Blake. A pa3k mem8er "as a3kno%le5-e5 you as "i-"er rank t"an "e is. A3kno%le5-e5 you as 5ominant. By our la%s %e must a33ept t"at as 8in5in-.C A9 3an?t 8e a pa3k mem8er@C 9 sai5. A/o@ 8ut you 3an 8e 5ominant.C 9 kne% %"at t"e %or5 meant in t"e real %orl5. 7ar3us %as usin- it as i1 it meant more. A="at 5oes it mean to 8e 5ominantBC A9t means you 3an stan5 as 9r)in-?s prote3tor a-ainst all 3omers.C A/o@C 9r)in- sai5. He 8rus"e5 past <aina an5 stoo5 in 1ront o1 7ar3us. He stoo5 tall an5 stare5 "im in t"e eye. 9t %as not a su8missi)e 5isplay. A9 %on?t let you use me like t"is. 9t?s %"at you inten5e5 all alon-. Dou kne% 9?5 ask "er prote3tion 1rom <i3"ar5. Dou 3ounte5 on it@ 5i5n?t you@ you smu- 8astar5.C A lo% -ro%l tri3kle5 out 1rom 8et%een 7ar3us?s per1e3t %"ite teet". A9 %oul5 %at3" my ton-ue i1 9 %ere you@ youn-lin-.C A91 it o11en5s you@ 9 %ill 3ut it out.C Al1re5?s 1irst %or5s %ere not 3om1ortin-. $"is %as -ettin- out o1 "an5. A9r)in- is un5er my prote3tion@ Al1re5. 91 9 un5erstan5 t"e la%. Dou "a)e to -o t"rou-" me to "urt 9r)in-@ is t"at ri-"tBC Al1re5 turne5 3ol5@ 5ark eyes to me. He no55e5. A91 you kill me@ t"en 9 3an?t "elp 7ar3us.C $"is seeme5 to puEEle t"e 8i- 1ella. Great@ 3on1usion to my enemies. 7ar3us smile5. ADou "a)e 1oun5 a 1la% in my lo-i3@ 7s. Blake. 91 you truly inten5 to prote3t 9r)in-@ to t"e letter o1 t"e la%@ t"en you %oul5 in5ee5 5ie. /o mere "uman 3oul5 %it"stan5 one o1 us. ,)en t"e lo%liest %oul5 kill you.C 9 let t"at 3omment -o. ="y ar-ue %"en 9 %as %innin- any%ayB ASin3e you 3annot a33ept 3"allen-es@ an5 you %on?t let us "arm 9r)in-@ "e is sa1e.C AGreat@ no% %"atBC A9r)in- 3an -o@ an5 "e %ill not 8e "arme5. Dou stay an5 "ear our plea. Dou may 5e3i5e to ai5 us or not@ 9r)in- %ill not su11er 1or your 3"oi3e.C A$"at?s mi-"ty -enerous o1 you.C ADes@ 7s. Blake@ it is.C $"ere %as a look in "is eyes t"at %as )ery serious. <aina mi-"t play sa5isti3 -ames. Al1re5 mi-"t "urt you in an ea-er rus". But 7ar3us@ it %as >ust 8usiness. He %as a mo8 8oss %it" 1ur. ALea)e us@ 9r)in-.C A9 %on?t lea)e "er.C 7ar3us turne5 on "im %it" a snarl. A7y patien3e is not en5lessIC

9r)in- 5roppe5 to "is knees@ "ea5 8o%e5@ spine 8ent lo%. 9t %as a su8missi)e 5isplay. 9 -ra88e5 9r)in-?s arm@ an5 li1te5 "im to "is 1eet. AGet up@ 9r)in-. $"e ni3e %ere%ol1 isn?t -oin- to "urt you.C AAn5 %"y is t"at@ 7s. BlakeBC ABe3ause 9r)in-?s un5er my prote3tion. 91 Al1re5 3an?t 1i-"t me@ t"en you sure as "ell 3an?t.C 7ar3us t"re% 8a3k "is "ea5@ an5 -a)e a s"arp@ 8arkin- lau-". ADou are 3le)er@ an5 8ra)e. $raits %e a5mire.C $"e lau-"ter 5ie5 1rom "is 1a3e@ lin-erin- in "is eyes like a pleasant 5ream. A4o not 3"allen-e me too openly@ 7s. Blake. 9t %oul5n?t 8e "ealt"y.C $"e last o1 t"e lau-"ter 5ie5 out o1 "is eyes. 9 %as le1t starin- into "uman eyes@ 8ut t"ere %as no one "ome to talk to. 9t looke5 like a "uman 8ein-@ talke5 like a "uman 8ein-@ 8ut it %asn?t one. 9 5u- my 1in-ers into 9r)in-?s parka23la5 s"oul5er. AGo on@ 9r)in-. Get out o1 "ere.C He tou3"e5 my arm. A9 %oul5 ne)er lea)e you in a tou-" spot.C A9?m sa1e toni-"t@ you?re not. /o% -o@ please@ 9r)in-.C 9 %at3"e5 t"e stru--le on "is 1a3e. But 1inally a1ter anot"er 5irty look 1rom 7ar3us@ "e le1t. $"e 5oor 3lose5 an5 9 %as alone %it" t"ree %ere%ol)es. 4o%n 1rom 1our. $"e ni-"t %as lookin- up. AAl1re5 must sear3" you no%.C So mu3" 1or t"e ni-"t lookin- up. A$"en 5o it@C 9 sai5. 9 >ust stoo5 t"ere. 9 5i5n?t put my arms out. 9 5i5n?t lean a-ainst t"e %all. 9 %asn?t -oin- to "elp "im@ not unless "e aske5. He took t"e Bro%nin-@ t"en patte5 5o%n my arms@ le-s@ e)en t"e small o1 my 8a3k. He 5i5n?t pat 5o%n t"e 1ront 3enter o1 my 8o5y. 7ay8e "e %as 8ein- a -entleman@ or may8e "e %as >ust 3areless. ="ate)er@ "e misse5 t"e 'irestar. 9 "a5 ei-"t sil)er 8ullets an5 t"ey 5i5n?t kno% it. $"e ni-"t %as lookin- up.

Chapter Eleven
7ar3us took a seat on t"e plat1orm. Al1re5 stoo5 >ust 8e"in5 "im like a -oo5 8o5y-uar5. AHoin us@ 7s. Blake. 9t may 8e a lon- meetin- to stan5 t"rou-".C 9 5i5n?t %ant to sit %it" Al1re5 at my 8a3k@ so 9 mo)e5 to t"e last 3"air. $"e empty 3"air 8et%een us looke5 unso3ia8le@ 8ut 9 %as out o1 Al1re5?s rea3". Sa1ety 8e1ore -oo5 manners. <aina sat on 7ar3us?s ri-"t@ "an5 on "is knee. 7ar3us sat in t"e same manner "e 5i5 e)eryt"in-2ri-i5. Posture t"at %oul5 "a)e ma5e my Aunt 7attie prou5. But "e 5i5n?t mo)e <aina?s "an5. 9n 1a3t@ "e lai5 "is "an5 o)er "ers. Lo)eB Soli5arityB $"ey 5i5n?t strike me as a really 3ompati8le 3ouple. A %oman 3ame t"rou-" t"e 5oor. S"ort 8lon5 "air style5 an5 "el5 in pla3e %it" -el. Her 8usiness skirt suit %as re5 %it" pinkis" un5ertones@ like a rose petal. Her %"ite 8louse "a5 one o1 t"ose 8lousy ties t"at ma5e t"e suit seem 1eminine@ an5 a little silly. A!"ristine@ it?s -oo5 o1 you to 3ome@C 7ar3us sai5. $"e %oman no55e5@ an5 took t"e seat at t"e en5 o1 t"e "orses"oe o1 ta8les@ nearest t"e sta-e. A="at 3"oi3e 5i5 9 "a)eB ="at 3"oi3e 5i5 you -i)e any o1 usBC s"e aske5. A=e must "a)e a unite5 1ront on t"is@ !"ristine.C AAs lon- as you?re in 3"ar-e@ ri-"tBC 7ar3us starte5 to say more 8ut t"e 3ro%5 %as -ro%in-. People 5ri1te5 t"rou-" t"e 5oor in ones@ t%os@ t"rees. He let t"e ar-ument -o. $"ey 3oul5 ar-ue later@ an5 9 %as 8ettin- t"ey %oul5. $"e %oman?s 3omplaint soun5e5 like an ol5 one. 9 re3o-niEe5 one person. <a1ael t"e <at Kin-. He %as tall@ 5ark@ an5 "an5some %it" s"ort23ut 8la3k "air@ stron- 7e*i3an 1eatures@ an5 an arro-ant e*pression. He %oul5 "a)e looke5 as stern as 7ar3us e*3ept 1or "is lips. $"ey %ere so1t an5 sensuous@ an5 ruine5 some o1 t"e e11e3t. <a1ael no55e5 at me. 9 no55e5 8a3k. He "a5 t%o %ererats %it" "im@ in "uman 1orm. 9 5i5n?t re3o-niEe eit"er o1 t"em. $"ere %ere a8out a 5oEen people sittin- alon- t"e ta8les %"en 7ar3us stoo5 an5 %alke5 to t"e po5ium. A7y 1rien5s@ 9 "a)e aske5 you "ere toni-"t to meet Anita Blake. $"e )ampires 3all "er t"e ,*e3utioner. 9 8elie)e s"e 3an "elp us.C A="at 3an a )ampire "unter 5o 1or usBC $"is 1rom a tall man %"o sat alone@ 3"airs on eit"er si5e a3tin- as %alls. He "a5 s"ort %"ite "air@ 3ut in a stran-e 7ia 'arro% si*ties 3ut@ 8ut -entler. He %ore a %"ite 5ress s"irt@ pale pink tie@ %"ite sport >a3ket@ an5 3ream23olore5 pants. He looke5 like t"e Goo5 Humor man %it" money. But "e "a5 a point. A=e 5on?t nee5 a "uman to "elp us.C $"is 1rom a man %"o sat %it" one ot"er. He "a5 "air 3ut >ust a8o)e "is 3ollar@ so 3urly it looke5 like 1ur@ or may8e ... /a%. He "a5 t"i3k eye8ro%s o)er 5ark eyes@ %it" "ea)y@ sensual 1eatures. $"e <at Kin-?s lips may "a)e seeme5 kissa8le@ 8ut t"is man seeme5 ma5e 1or ne1arious 5ee5s 5one in 5ark pla3es.

His 3lot"in- mat3"e5 "is 1a3e. $"e 8oots t"at "e "a5 proppe5 on t"e ta8le %ere o1 so1t@ )el)ety leat"er. His pants %ere o1 s"iny 8la3k leat"er. $"e s"irt "e %as almost %earin- %as a mus3le tank top t"at le1t most o1 "is upper 8o5y 8are. His ri-"t arm %as 3o)ere5 1rom el8o% to 1in-ers in leat"er straps. $"e knu3kles "a5 spikes 3omin- out o1 t"em. $"e "air on "is 3"est %as as 3urly an5 5ark as t"e "air on "is "ea5. A 8la3k 5uster 3oat %as t"ro%n a3ross t"e ta8le 8esi5e "im. $"e %oman on "is ri-"t ru88e5 "er 3"eek alon- "is s"oul5er as i1 it %ere a 3at s3ent markin-. Lon-@ 5ark "air 1orme5 %a)es aroun5 "er s"oul5ers. ="at 9 3oul5 see o1 "er out1it looke5 ti-"t@ 8la3k@ an5 mostly o1 leat"er. A=e are "uman "ere@ Ga8riel@C 7ar3us sai5. Ga8riel ma5e a ru5e noise. ADou 8elie)e %"at you %ant to@ 7ar3us. But %e kno% %"at %e are@ an5 %"at s"e isn?t.C He pointe5 at me %it" "is -auntlete5 1ist. 9t 5i5n?t seem a parti3ularly 1rien5ly -esture. <a1ael stoo5. $"e -esture stoppe5 t"e ar-ument. $"ere %as somet"in- a8out t"e %ay "e stoo5 t"ere in "is or5inary street 3lot"es t"at ma5e you stare at "im as i1 "e %ere %earin- a 3ro%n. His presen3e %as more 3omman5in- t"an t"at o1 a ton o1 8la3k leat"er. 7ar3us ma5e t"e lo%est o1 -ro%ls. $oo many kin-s in t"is room. A4oes 7ar3us speak 1or Anita Blake as "e speaks 1or t"e %ol)esBC ADes@C 7ar3us sai5. A9 speak 1or 7s. Blake.C 9 stoo5 up. A9 5on?t kno% %"at?s -oin- on@ 8ut 9 3an speak 1or mysel1.C 7ar3us turne5 like a small 8lon5 storm. A9 am pa3k lea5er. 9 am la%.C Al1re5 mo)e5 to 1a3e me@ 8i- "an5s 1le*in-. A!"ill out@ 1ur 1a3e. Dou?re not my lea5er@ an5 9?m not a pa3k mem8er.C Al1re5 stalke5 1or%ar5. 9 "oppe5 o11 t"e sta-e. 9 "a5 t"e -un@ 8ut 9 mi-"t nee5 it more later. 91 9 5re% it no%@ 9 mi-"t not "a)e it later. He leape5 o11 t"e sta-e@ a "i-" 8oun5in- as i1 "e?5 "a5 a trampoline to >ump 1rom. 9 5roppe5 to t"e -roun5 an5 rolle5. 9 1elt t"e air o1 "is passa-e. 9 en5e5 up a-ainst t"e sta-e. 9 %ent 1or t"e 'irestar@ an5 "e %as on me. 'aster t"an a spee5in- 8ullet@ 1aster t"an anyt"in- 9?5 e)er seen. His "an5 -rippe5 my t"roat an5 s;ueeEe5. His lips 5re% 8a3k 1rom "is teet"@ an5 ma5e a lo%@ rollin- -ro%l@ like t"e soun5 a <ott%eiler %oul5 make. 7y "an5 %as on t"e 'irestar@ 8ut 9 still "a5 to li1t up@ point it@ an5 pull t"e tri--er. 9?5 ne)er make it. He?5 rip my t"roat out lon- 8e1ore 9 3oul5 mana-e it. He 5re% me to my 1eet usin- my t"roat as a "an5le. His 1in-ers 5u- in >ust enou-" to let me 1eel t"e stren-t" in "is "an5s. All "e "a5 to 5o %as 3len3" "is 1ist@ an5 t"e 1ront o1 my t"roat %oul5 3ome %it" it. 9 kept my "an5 on t"e 'irestar. 9?5 8e 3lin-in- to it %"en 9 5ie5. A4oes Al1re5 1i-"t your 8attles 1or you no%BC 9t %as !"ristine o1 t"e 8lousy tie. APa3k lea5ers must 1i-"t all 3"allen-es to t"eir 5ominan3e personally or 1or1eit lea5ers"ip. 9t?s one o1 your o%n la%s@ 7ar3us.C A4o not ;uote my la%s 8a3k to me@ %oman.C AS"e 3"allen-e5 your aut"ority o)er "er@ not Al1re5?s. 91 "e kills "er@ is "e t"e ne% pa3k lea5erBC $"ere %as so1t 5erision in "er )oi3e. A<elease "er@ Al1re5.C Al1re5?s eyes 1li3ke5 to 7ar3us@ t"en 8a3k to me. His 1in-ers tense5@ 5i--in- in an5 raisin- me to my tiptoes. A9 sai5@ let "er -oIC He 5roppe5 me. 9 sta--ere5 8a3k a-ainst t"e sta-e an5 aime5 'irestar in one mo)ement. 9t %asn?t pretty@ 8ut t"e -un %as out an5 pointe5 at Al1re5. 91 "e trie5 me a-ain@ 9 %as -oin- to kill "im@ an5 9?5 en>oy it. A9 t"ou-"t you 3"e3ke5 "er 1or %eapons@C 7ar3us sai5. A9 5i5.C Al1re5 %as 8a3kin- a%ay@ "an5s "el5 in 1ront o1 "im as i1 to %ar5 o11 a 8lo%. 9 s3oote5 alon- t"e sta-e so 9 3oul5 keep an eye on 7ar3us. 9 3au-"t si-"t o1 <aina@ still sittin-@ lookin- amuse5. 9 8a3ke5 a%ay 1rom e)eryone@ %orkin- to put a %all at my 8a3k. 91 7ar3us %as 1aster t"an Al1re5@ 9 nee5e5 5istan3e@ like a "un5re5 miles@ 8ut 9?5 "a)e to settle 1or t"e 1ar %all. AHa)e "im 5isarm "er@C <aina sai5. S"e sat t"ere@ le-s 3rosse5@ "an5s restin- on "er knee@ smilin-. A9t %as Al1re5?s o)ersi-"t. Let "im 3orre3t it.C 7ar3us no55e5. Al1re5 turne5 "is eyes 8a3k to me. 9 presse5 my 8a3k more soli5ly into t"e %all@ as i1 9 3oul5 make a 5oor i1 9 presse5 "ar5 enou-". Al1re5 stalke5 to%ar5s me@ slo%@ like a mo)ie mania3. 9 pointe5 t"e -un at "is 3"est. A9 %ill kill "im@C 9 sai5. ADour little 8ullets 3annot "urt me@C Al1re5 sai5. ASil)er2plate5 Glaser sa1ety roun5s@C 9 sai5. A9t?ll 8lo% a "ole in your 3"est 8i- enou-" to put a 1ist t"rou-".C He "esitate5. A9 3an "eal any %oun5@ e)en sil)er.C

A/ot i1 it?s a killin- 8lo%@C 9 sai5. A9 take out your "eart an5 you?re 5ea5.C He -lan3e5 8a3k at 7ar3us. 7ar3us?s 1a3e %as all s;ueeEe5 5o%n %it" an-er. ADou let "er 8rin- a -un amon- us.C A91 you?re a1rai5 o1 t"e -un@ 7ar3us@ take it a%ay 1rom "er yoursel1.C !"ristine a-ain. $"is time 9 %asn?t sure s"e %as "elpin- me. A=e inten5 you no "arm@ 7s. Blake. But 9 promise5 t"e ot"ers you %oul5 8rin- no %eapons amon- us. 9 -a)e my %or5. 91 you %ill -i)e Al1re5 your -un@ t"is 3an en5.C A/o %ay.C ADou are 5e1yin- me@ 7s. Blake. 9 3annot let anyone 3ontest my aut"ority.C He "a5 3ome to stan5 at t"e en5 o1 t"e sta-e@ 3losest to me. He %as 3loser to me t"an Al1re5. 9 %asn?t sure it %as an impro)ement. ADou step o11 t"at sta-e an5 9?ll s"oot.C AAl1re5.C Hust t"e name a-ain@ 8ut it %as enou-". Al1re5 mo)e5 up 8esi5e "im@ eyes on 7ar3us?s 1a3e. A7asterBC A$ake it 1rom "er@ Al1re5. S"e 3annot 5e1y us.C ADou?re -oin- to -et "im kille5@ 7ar3us.C A9 5on?t t"ink so.C Al1re5 took a step 1or%ar5@ in 1ront o1 7ar3us. His 1a3e %as neutral@ eyes unrea5a8le. A$"is is a stupi5 t"in- to 5ie o)er@ Al1ie.C AHe -i)es or5ers. 9 o8ey. 9t is t"e %ay o1 t"in-s.C A4on?t 5o t"is@C 9 sai5. Al1re5 took a step 1or%ar5. 9 took a slo%@ stea5yin- 8reat". 9 "a5 a perip"eral sense o1 e)eryone else@ 8ut 9 %as lookin- only at Al1re5. At a spot in t"e 3enter o1 "is 3"est. A9 am not 8lu11in-.C 9 1elt "im tense@ kne% "e %as -oin- to 5o it. He %as 3on1i5ent t"at "e 3oul5 mo)e 1aster t"an 9 3oul5 pull t"e tri--er. /ot"in- %as t"at 1ast. 9 "ope5. He leape5 in t"at %i5e@ ar3"in- roll t"at "e?5 use5 earlier. 9 5roppe5 to one knee@ aimin- as 9 mo)e5. $"e 8ullet "it "im in mi5air. He >erke5 an5 3rum8le5 to t"e 1loor. $"e -uns"ot e3"oe5 into silen3e. 9 -ot to my 1eet@ t"e -un still pointe5 at "im. 9 ease5 1or%ar5. He ne)er mo)e5. 91 "e %as 8reat"in-@ 9 3oul5n?t see it. 9 knelt until t"e -un %as s"o)e5 into t"e 8a3k o1 "is spine. /o mo)ement. 9 1elt 1or a pulse in "is ne3k. /ot"in-. 9 pulle5 t"e Bro%nin- out o1 "is %aist8an5 le1t "an5e5. 9 kept t"e 'irestar pointe5 at e)ery8o5y. 9 %asn?t as -oo5 le1t "an5e5@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to take t"e time to s%it3" "an5s. 7ar3us steppe5 o11 t"e sta-e. A4on?t@C 9 sai5. He 1roEe@ starin- at me. He looke5 s"o3ke5@ as i1 "e "a5n?t t"ou-"t 9?5 5o it. <a1ael 3ame up t"rou-" t"e ta8les. A7ay 9 look at "imBC ASure.C But 9 8a3ke5 a%ay. $"eoreti3ally out o1 rea3". <a1ael turne5 "im o)er. Bloo5 "a5 poole5 on t"e 1loor 1rom t"e "ole in "is 3"est. Bri-"t 3rimson ri)ulets traile5 5o%n "is lips to min-le %it" "is 8ear5. /ot 1aster t"an a spee5in- 8ullet@ a1ter all. 7ar3us looke5 at me o)er t"e 8o5y. 9 "a5 e*pe3te5 to see an-er@ 8ut all 9 sa% %as pain. He mourne5 Al1re5?s passin-. 9 may "a)e pulle5 t"e tri--er@ 8ut "e "a5 pus"e5 Al1re5 into it. He kne% it@ 9 kne% it. =e all kne% it. ADou 5i5n?t "a)e to kill "im@C "e sai5@ so1tly. ADou -a)e me no 3"oi3e@C 9 sai5. He -lan3e5 5o%n at Al1re5?s 8o5y@ t"en 8a3k to me. A/o@ 9 suppose 9 5i5n?t. =e kille5 "im to-et"er@ you an5 9.C A'or 1uture re1eren3e@ so t"ere %ill ne)er 8e anot"er misun5erstan5in- 8et%een us@ 7ar3us. 9 ne)er 8lu11.C ASo you sai5.C ABut you 5i5n?t 8elie)e me.C He %at3"e5 t"e 8loo5 sprea5 a3ross t"e 1loor. A9 8elie)e you no%.C

Chapter Twelve
=e "a5 a 8o5y on t"e -roun5. $"e a-e2ol5 ;uestion remaine5. ="at 5o you 5o %it" a 5ea5 8o5yB $"ere %as t"e tra5itional approa3". A9?ll 3all t"e 3ops@C 9 sai5.

A/o@C 7ar3us sai5. $"at one %or5 "a5 more 1or3e in it t"an anyt"in- "e?5 sai5 sin3e Al1re5 "it t"e -roun5. AHe?s 5ea5@ 1olks. 91 9?5 "it "im %it" a re-ular 8ullet "e?5 "eal@ 8ut it %as sil)er. =e?)e -ot to 3all t"e 3ops.C AAre you so ea-er to -o to >ailBC $"is 1rom <a1ael. A9 5on?t %ant to -o to >ail@ 8ut 9 kille5 "im.C A9 t"ink you "a5 a little "elp on t"at.C !"ristine "a5 mo)e5 up 8esi5e us. S"e stoo5 t"ere in "er rose2petal suit %it" "er sensi8le 8la3k pumps@ starin- 5o%n at t"e 8o5y. A line o1 8loo5 tri3kle5 to%ar5s "er s"oes. S"e "a5 to see it@ snakin- its %ay to%ar5s "er. S"e 5i5n?t mo)e out o1 t"e %ay. $"e 8loo5 seepe5 aroun5 t"e toe o1 "er s"oe an5 kept -oin-. <aina 3ame up 8e"in5 7ar3us. S"e put "er arms aroun5 "is s"oul5ers@ leanin- "er 1a3e a-ainst "is ne3k@ 3lose enou-" to %"isper in "is ear. $"ose lips 5i5 not mo)e@ 8ut it "a5 8een "er one nee5lin- 3omment t"at "a5 pus"e5 t"in-s o)er t"e e5-e. #ne little remark. 7ar3us ru88e5 "is "an5 alon- "er arm@ lo%erin- "is 1a3e to kiss "er %rist. 9 looke5 aroun5 at t"em. <a1ael %as still kneelin- 8y t"e 8o5y. A line o1 8loo5 %as makin- 1or t"e knee o1 "is sla3ks. He stoo5 up ;ui3kly@ 1in-ertips 8rus"in- t"e 8loo5y 1loor. He raise5 t"e 1in-ers to "is mout". 9 %ante5 to say@ 5on?t@ 8ut 5i5n?t. He stu3k t"e 1in-ers in "is mout" an5 su3ke5 t"em 3lean. His 5ark eyes 1li3ke5 to me. He lo%ere5 "is "an5 as i1 "e %ere em8arrasse5@ as i1 9?5 3au-"t "im in an intimate 8o5ily 1un3tion. 7ay8e 9 "a5. $"e t%o leat"er23la5 s"apes"i1ters 5ri1te5 up 8e"in5 t"e ta8les@ as i1 t"ey?5 3ir3le me. 9 8a3ke5 a%ay. 9 still "a5 t"e -uns nake5 in my "an5s. $"e one %it" t"e spike5 -lo)e looke5 at me@ a smile playin- at t"e e5-e o1 "is mout". His eyes %ere a stran-e li;ui5 -rey. His 3urly 8la3k "air "a5 1allen in a tan-le o)er "is eyes. $"ey 8ore a startlin- luminosity peerin1rom 8e"in5 t"at 8la3k "air. He ma5e no mo)e to pus" "is "air 1rom "is eyes. 9t %oul5 "a)e 5ri)en me nuts. But t"en may8e 9 %asn?t a33ustome5 to starin- out t"rou-" 1ur. He steppe5 3loser to t"e 8o5y@ %"i3" %as 3loser to me. 9 raise5 t"e -uns. At t"is ran-e you 5i5n?t really "a)e to aim. 9 5i5 not 1eel more 3on1i5ent %it" a -un in ea3" "an5. 'a3t %as@ 9 1elt silly@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to lose t"e time to "olster one o1 t"em. $o "olster t"e 'irestar@ 9 "a5 to s3oot my s%eater up an5 s"o)e t"e -un in t"e inner2pants "olster. 9 3oul5 pro8a8ly 5o it %it"out -lan3in- 5o%n@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure. Ha8it mi-"t take o)er. Like 5ri)in- a 3ar. Dou 5on?t realiEe "o% lon- you -lan3e5 5o%n until t"at semi tru3k looms into )ie%. 91 Ga8riel %as as 1ast as Al1re5@ a 1ra3tion o1 a se3on5 %oul5 8e enou-". His smile %i5ene5@ t"e tip o1 "is ton-ue tra3e5 "is 1ull lips. His -aEe "a5 "eat in it. /ot"in- ma-i3al@ >ust t"e "eat t"at any man 3oul5 put into "is eyes. $"at look t"at sai5 t"ey %ere %on5erin- %"at you looke5 like nake5@ an5 i1 you?5 -i)e a -oo5 8lo% >o8. !ru5e@ 8ut a33urate. $"at look %as not %antin- to make lo)e to anyone. $"e look %as pure 1u3kin-. ,)en se* %as too mil5 a term. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to turn a%ay. 9 5i5n?t 5are take my eyes o11 o1 "im. But 9 %ante5 to. 7y skin 3ra%le5 un5er "is -aEe. 9 1elt "eat 3reepin- up my 1a3e. 9 3oul5n?t meet "is eyes an5 not 8lus". 7y 4a55y?5 raise5 me 8etter t"an t"at. He took a step 1or%ar5@ a small mo)ement@ 8ut it put "im almost in arm?s rea3". =it" Al1re5?s 8o5y still %arm@ "e %as playin- %it" me. 9 raise5 t"e -uns a little more 1irmly@ pointe5 at "im. ALet?s not 5o t"is a-ain@C 9 sai5. AGa8riel@ lea)e "er alone@C !"ristine sai5. He -lan3e5 8a3k at "er. A F$y-erI $y-erI 8urnin- 8ri-"tU 9n t"e 1orests o1 t"e ni-"tU ="at immortal "an5 or eyeU !oul5 1rame t"y 1ear1ul symmetryB? A AStop it@ Ga8riel@C s"e sai5. S"e %as 8lus"in-. #ne stanEa o1 Blake an5 s"e %as em8arrasse5. ="y t"at poemB A %ereti-er may8eB But %"o %as t"e kitty 3atB 7ay8e 8ot". He turne5 8a3k to me. 9 %at3"e5 somet"in- sli5e 8e"in5 "is eyes. Some streak o1 per)ersity t"at ma5e "im %ant to take t"at ne*t step. A$ry me toni-"t@ an5 you?re -oin- to >oin your 1rien5 on t"e 1loor.C He lau-"e5@ mout" %i5e@ e*posin- pointe5 3anines@ top an5 8ottom like a 3at. /ot 1an-s@ 8ut not "uman@ eit"er. A7s. Blake is un5er my prote3tion@C 7ar3us sai5. ADou %ill not "arm "er.C ADou let Al1re5 nearly t"rottle me@ t"en you -oa5 "im into atta3kin- me. 9 5on?t t"ink mu3" o1 your prote3tion@ 7ar3us. 9 t"ink 9 5o >ust 1ine on my o%n.C A=it"out t"ose little -uns you %oul5n?t 8e so tou-".C $"is 1rom t"e 8runette 8iker 3"i3k. Bra)e %or5s@ 8ut s"e %as stan5in- on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e little 3ro%5. A9?m not -oin- to o11er to arm %restle you. 9 kno% 9?m out3lasse5 %it"out a -un. $"at?s %"y 9?)e -ot t"em.C ADou re1use my prote3tionBC 7ar3us aske5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. ADou are a 1ool@C <aina sai5. A7ay8e@ 8ut 9?m still t"e one %it" t"e -uns.C

Ga8riel lau-"e5 a-ain. AS"e 5oesn?t 8elie)e you 3an prote3t "er@ 7ar3us@ an5 s"e?s ri-"t.C ADou ;uestion my 5ominan3eBC Ga8riel turne5@ -i)in- me "is 8a3k@ starin- at 7ar3us. AAl%ays.C 7ar3us mo)e5 1or%ar5@ 8ut <aina ti-"tene5 "er -rip on "im. A=e?)e aire5 enou-" 5irty laun5ry in 1ront o1 7s. Blake 1or one ni-"t. 4on?t you t"inkBC He "esitate5. Ga8riel >ust stare5 at "im. 'inally 7ar3us no55e5. Ga8riel -a)e a purrin- lau-" an5 knelt 5o%n 8y t"e 8o5y. He smeare5 "is 1in-ers t"rou-" t"e 8loo5. A9t 3ools so 1ast.C He %ipe5 "is "an5 on Al1re5?s s%eater an5 tou3"e5 t"e open 3"est %oun5. He ran "is "an5 aroun5 t"e e5-e as t"ou-" "e %ere s3oopin- i3in- 1rom a 8o%l. His "an5 3ame out 3rimson. He raise5 it to "is mout"@ 8loo5 5rippin- 5o%n "is arm. His ton-ue li3ke5 alon- "is 8loo5y 1in-ers. AStop it@C 7ar3us sai5. $"e %oman knelt on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 8o5y. S"e knelt@ lo%erin- "er torso@ 8utt in t"e air@ like lions 5rinkin- at %aterin"oles. S"e lappe5 up t"e 8loo5 1rom t"e 1loor %it" ;ui3k@ sure mo)ements o1 "er ton-ue. AHesus@C 9 %"ispere5. $"ere %as mo)ement in t"e room like a %in5 o)er a 1iel5 o1 %"eat. $"ey %ere all out o1 t"eir seats. $"ey %ere all mo)into%ar5s t"e 8o5y. 9 steppe5 8a3k@ put t"e %all at my 8a3k@ an5 8e-an %orkin- my %ay to%ar5s t"e 5oor. 91 t"ere %as -oin- to 8e a 1ee5in1renEy@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e t"e only non2s"apes"i1ter in t"e room. 4i5n?t seem "ealt"y. A/oIC 7ar3us?s )oi3e roare5 t"rou-" t"e room. He stalke5 to t"e 8o5y@ pus"in- e)eryone 8a3k %it"out a -esture. ,)en Ga8riel rolle5 8a3k onto "is le1t si5e@ proppe5 up@ sittin- in t"e 8loo5. $"e %oman 3ra%le5 8a3k@ out o1 rea3". Ga8riel staye5 %it"in tou3"in- 5istan3e o1 t"e master %ere%ol1. He -aEe5 up at 7ar3us@ 8ut t"ere %as no 1ear on "is 1a3e. A=e are not animals to 1ee5 on our 5ea5.C A=e are animals@C Ga8riel sai5. He raise5 "is 8loo5y "an5 to%ar5s 7ar3us. ASmell t"e 8loo5@ an5 tell me you 5on?t %ant it.C 7ar3us >erke5 "is "ea5 a%ay@ s%allo%in- "ar5 enou-" 1or me to "ear it. Ga8riel rose to "is knees@ pressin- t"e 8loo5 3lose to 7ar3us?s 1a3e. He slappe5 t"e "an5 a%ay@ 8ut steppe5 a%ay 1rom t"e 8o5y@ too. A9 smell t"e 8loo5.C His )oi3e %as )ery "ars" %"en "e sai5 it@ e)ery %or5 s;ueeEe5 out t"rou-" a lo% -ro%l. ABut 9 am a "uman 8ein-. $"at means 9 5o not "a)e to -i)e in to my ur-es.C He turne5 "is 8a3k on t"e 8o5y@ pus"e5 "is %ay t"rou-" t"e 3ro%5@ "a)in- to step up on t"e sta-e to 1in5 a 3lear pla3e to stan5. His 8reat"in- %as "ar5 an5 1ast@ as i1 "e?5 8een runnin- as 1ast as "e 3oul5. 9 %as a8out "al1%ay 8e"in5 t"e po5ium. 9 3oul5 see "is 1a3e. Bea5s o1 s%eat tou3"e5 "is skin. 9 "a5 to -et out o1 "ere. $"e %"ite2"aire5 man %"o "a5 spoken 1irst@ %on5erin- %"at -oo5 a )ampire e*e3utioner %oul5 8e to t"em@ %as stan5inapart 1rom t"e ot"ers. He %as leanin- a-ainst a ta8le@ arms 3rosse5. He %as %at3"in- me. 'rom a3ross t"e room@ "e 3oul5 %at3" all "e %ante5 to. 9 "a5 t"e -uns out an5 pointe5 at e)ery8o5y. $"ere %asn?t anyone in t"is room t"at 9 %ante5 to 8e aroun5 unarme5. 9 %as almost at t"e 5oor. 9 nee5e5 a 1ree "an5 1or t"e 5oor. 9 %as nearly t"e len-t" o1 t"e room a%ay 1rom t"em. 9t %as as 1ar a%ay as 9 3oul5 -et %it"out openin- t"e 5oor. 9 "olstere5 t"e 'irestar. $rans1erre5 t"e Bro%nin- to my ri-"t "an5. 9 sli5 my le1t "an5 8e"in5 me alon- t"e %all@ until 9 tou3"e5 t"e 5oorkno8. 9 turne5 t"e kno8 an5 opene5 t"e 5oor a 3ra3k. 9 %as 1ar enou-" a%ay 1rom all o1 t"em@ t"at 9 -a)e t"e room my 8a3k an5 opene5 t"e 5oor %i5e. An5 stoppe5. $"e "all%ay %as 1our 5eep %it" ly3ant"ropes. $"ey %ere all starin- at me %it" %i5e@ "aunte5 eyes. 9 presse5 t"e Bro%nin- into t"e 3"est o1 t"e nearest one. ABa3k up.C He >ust stare5 at me as i1 "e 5i5n?t un5erstan5 %"at 9?5 sai5. His eyes %ere 8ro%n an5 per1e3tly "uman@ 8ut it remin5e5 me o1 t"e look a 5o- -ets %"en it?s tryin- to un5erstan5 ,n-lis". 9t %ants to un5erstan5@ 8ut >ust 5oesn?t ;uite -et it. $"ere %as mo)ement 8e"in5 me. 9 slamme5 my 8a3k a-ainst t"e 5oor@ pressin- it 1lat to t"e %all@ -un s3annin- t"e room. 91 t"e s"apes"i1ters in t"e "all%ay sur-e5 1or%ar5@ 9 %as -one. 9 3oul5 s"oot some o1 t"em@ 8ut not all o1 t"em. 9t %as t"e man %"o?5 8een leanin- a-ainst t"e ta8le. He put "is "an5s up to s"o% "imsel1 unarme5@ 8ut t"at 5i5n?t really "elp. ="at "elpe5 %as t"ere %as no s%eat on "is 1a3e. He 5i5n?t look -lassy eye5@ like t"e ones in t"e "all. He looke5 )ery ... "uman. A7y name is Kaspar Gun5erson. 4o you nee5 a little "elpBC 9 -lan3e5 at t"e %aitin- "or5e an5 8a3k to "im. ASure.C Kaspar smile5. ADou?ll take my "elp@ 8ut not 7ar3us?sBC He seeme5 amuse5. A7ar3us 5oesn?t o11er "elp. He -i)es or5ers.C A$oo true.C

<a1ael mo)e5 up 8esi5e "im. A/one o1 us takes or5ers 1rom 7ar3us. $"ou-" "e %oul5 like us to.C A soun5 some%"ere 8et%een a moan an5 a "o%l 8roke 1rom t"e 3ro%5 in t"e "all. 9 s3oote5 a little 1art"er 5o%n t"e %all@ pointin- t"e -un at t"e 3ro%5. $"ere %ere too many possi8le 5an-ers@ 9 "a5 to pi3k someone to trust. <a1ael an5 t"e ot"er man seeme5 a 8etter 3"oi3e t"an t"e 3ro%5. A "i-" ra--e5 s3ream 8roke 1rom insi5e t"e room. 9 s"o)e5 my 8a3k into t"e %all@ an5 turne5 8a3k to t"e room. ="at no%B 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 t"ras"in- lim8s t"rou-" t"e "u55le5 ly3ant"ropes. $"e 5ark2"aire5 %oman t"re% 8a3k "er "ea5 an5 s"rieke5. AS"e?s 1i-"tin- it@C t"e pale man sai5. ADes@ 8ut s"e %ill not %in unless a 5ominant steps in to "elp "er@C <a1ael sai5. AGa8riel %on?t "elp.C A/o@C <a1ael sai5@ A"e en>oys t"e s"o%.C A9t?s not 1ull moon yet@ %"at t"e "ell?s "appenin-BC 9 sai5. A$"e s3ent o1 8loo5 starte5 it. Ga8riel 1e5 it. He an5 ,liEa8et". /o%@ unless 7ar3us 3an 3ontrol t"em@ t"ey may all turn an5 1ee5@C <a1ael sai5. AAn5 t"is is a 8a5 t"in-BC 9 aske5. <a1ael >ust looke5 at me. His "an5s -rippe5 "is 1orearms so ti-"tly t"e skin pale5. His s"ort23lippe5 1in-ernails 8it into t"e skin@ an5 tiny little "al1 3ir3les o1 8loo5 1orme5 un5er "is "an5s. He took a 5eep@ 3leansin- 8reat" an5 no55e5. He remo)e5 "is 1in-ers 1rom "is arms. $"e 3uts 1ille5 %it" 8loo5 8ut only a 1e% tri3kle5. 7inor 3uts@ minor pain. Pain sometimes "elpe5 keep a )amp 1rom 3ontrollin- your min5. His )oi3e 3ame out straine5@ 8ut 3lear@ ea3" %or5 pronoun3e5 %it" -reat 3are@ as i1 it took -reat e11ort >ust to speak. A#ne o1 t"e ol5 %i)es? tales t"at is true is t"at a ly3ant"rope "as to 1ee5 a1ter s"apes"i1tin-.C His eyes stare5 at me@ 5ro%nin5eep. $"e 8la3k "a5 eaten all t"e %"ite. His eyes sparkle5 like >et 8uttons. AAre you a8out to -o all 1urry on meBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A$"e 8east 5oes not 3ontrol me. 9 3ontrol mysel1.C $"e ot"er man stoo5 t"ere@ 3almly. A="y aren?t you "a)in- pro8lemsBC A9?m not a pre5ator. Bloo5 5oesn?t 8ot"er me.C A %"imper 3ame in 1rom t"e "all%ay. A youn- man %"o 3oul5n?t "a)e 8een more t"an t%enty %as 3ra%lin- on "an5s an5 knees into t"e room. A lo% %"imper %as risin- 1rom "is t"roat like a mantra. He raise5 "is "ea5@ sni11in- t"e air. His "ea5 turne5 %it" a >erk@ eyes starin- at me. He 3ra%le5 to%ar5s me. His eyes %ere t"e 3olor o1 sprin- skies@ inno3ent as an April mornin-. $"e look in t"em %as not. He looke5 at me as i1 "e %ere %on5erin- %"at 9 taste5 like. 9n a "uman 9?5 "a)e t"ou-"t "e %as t"inkin- o1 se*@ no% ... may8e "e %as >ust t"inkin- o1 1oo5. 9 pointe5 t"e -un at "is 1ore"ea5. His eyes looke5 past t"e -un@ at me. 9 %asn?t e)en sure "e sa% t"e -un. He tou3"e5 my le-. 9 5i5n?t s"oot "im. He "a5n?t o11ere5 to "urt me. 9 %asn?t sure %"at t"e "ell %as -oin- on@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t s"oot "im 1or tou3"in- me. /ot >ust 1or t"at. He "a5 to 5o somet"in- to 5eser)e a 8ullet in t"e 8rain. ,)en 1rom me. 9 mo)e5 t"e -un sli-"tly 1rom si5e to si5e in 1ront o1 "is eyes. $"ey 5i5n?t tra3k. His "an5s -rippe5 my >eans@ pullin- "im to "is knees. His "ea5 %as a little a8o)e my %aist@ 8lue eyes starin- up at my 1a3e. His arms %rappe5 aroun5 my %aist. He 8urie5 "is 1a3e in my stoma3"@ sort o1 nuEElin-. 9 tappe5 "is "ea5 %it" t"e 8arrel o1 t"e -un. A9 5on?t kno% you %ell enou-" 1or you to nuEEle me@ 1ella. Get up.C His "ea5 8urie5 un5er my s%eater. His mout" 8it -ently into my si5e. He sti11ene5@ arms ri-i5. His 8reat"in- %as su55enly ra--e5. An5 9 %as su55enly a1rai5. #ne man?s 1oreplay %as anot"er man?s appetiEer. AGet "im o11 o1 me 8e1ore 9 "urt "im.C <a1ael yelle5@ )oi3e roarin- o)er t"e mountin- 3"aos@ A7ar3usIC $"at one %or5 ran- out an5 silen3e 1ell. 'a3es turne5 to "im. 'a3es smeare5 %it" 8loo5. ,liEa8et"@ t"e 5ark2"aire5 %oman@ %as no%"ere in si-"t. #nly 7ar3us remaine5 3lean. He stoo5 on t"e sta-e ri-i5@ 8ut t"ere %as a )i8ration to "im like a stru3k tunin- 1ork. His 1a3e %as -aunt %it" some -reat e11ort. He looke5 at us %it" t"e eyes o1 a 5ro%nin- man@ %"o %as 5etermine5 not to s3ream on t"e last trip 5o%n. AHason is "a)in- some 5i11i3ulty 3ontrollin- "imsel1@C <a1ael sai5. AHe is your %ol1. !all "im o11.C Ga8riel stoo5 up@ "is 1a3e 3oate5 in 8loo5. He 8are5 "is 1las"in- teet" %it" a lau-". A9?m surprise5 7s. Blake "asn?t kille5 "im yet.C <aina stoo5 1rom t"e kill@ a pat3" o1 8loo5 on "er 3"in. A7s. Blake re1use5 7ar3us?s prote3tion. S"e is 5ominant. Let "er 5is3o)er %"at it means to re1use our "elp.C

Hason %as still ri-i5 a-ainst me. His arms lo3ke5 ti-"t@ 1a3e presse5 a-ainst my stoma3". 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8reat" t"rou-" my s"irt@ "ot an5 too "ea)y 1or %"at %as "appenin-. ADou aske5 me "ere 1or my "elp@ 7ar3us. Dour "ospitality su3ks.C He -lare5 at me. But e)en 1rom a3ross t"e room 9 3oul5 see a ner)ous ti3 >umpin- in "is 1a3e. A t%it3"in-@ as t"ou-" somet"in- ali)e %ere tryin- to 3ome out. A9t is too late 1or 8usiness toni-"t@ 7s. Blake. $"in-s are out o1 "an5.C A/o >oke. Get "im o11 o1 me@ 7ar3us. #ne 5ea5 toni-"t is enou-".C <aina %ent to "im@ "ol5in- up a 8loo5y "an5 to "im. ALet "er a3kno%le5-e your 5ominan3e o)er "er. A3kno%le5-e t"at s"e nee5s your "elp.C 7ar3us stare5 at me. AA3kno%le5-e my 5ominan3e@ an5 9 %ill 3all Hason o11.C A91 "e starts to s"apes"i1t@ 9?ll kill "im. Dou kno% 9?ll 5o it@ 7ar3us. !all "im o11.C A91 9 am to -i)e you my prote3tion@ you must a3kno%le5-e me.C A'u3k you@ 7ar3us. 9?m not askin- you to sa)e me. 9?m askin- you to sa)e "im. #r 5on?t you 3are a8out your pa3k mem8ersBC A<a1ael is a kin-@C <aina sai5@ Alet "im sa)e you.C A s"u55er ran t"rou-" t"e man. His -rip ti-"tene5 pain1ully. He stoo5@ arms still lo3ke5 8e"in5 my 8a3k. 91 "e?5 "el5 me any 3loser@ 9?5 "a)e 3ome out t"e ot"er si5e. He %as a8out my "ei-"t@ %"i3" put our 1a3es )ery 3lose. His eyes %ere 1ull o1 a -reat "un-er@ a nee5. He 8ent "is "ea5 as i1 to kiss me@ 8ut anot"er s"u55er ran t"rou-" "im. He 8urie5 "is 1a3e in my "air@ lips tou3"in- my ne3k. 9 presse5 t"e 8arrel o1 t"e Bro%nin- into "is 3"est. 91 "e trie5 to take a 8ite out o1 me@ "e %as 5ea5. But %"ere Al1re5 "a5 8een a 8ully@ t"is one@ Hason@ seeme5 una8le to "elp "imsel1@ like a 3ompulsion. 91 9 %aite5 too lon- 9?5 8e >ust as 5ea5. But until "e "urt me it ma5e me not %ant to "urt "im. Besi5es@ 9 %as 1eelin- a %ee 8it -un "appy 1or killin- Al1re5. /ot a lot@ 8ut a little. 9t 3ut Hason some sla3k. His teet" 8rus"e5 alon- my ne3k@ 5ra%in- an e5-e o1 skin into "is mout". He "a5 >ust a8out rea3"e5 t"e en5 o1 my patien3e e)en i1 "e 5i5n?t turn 1urry. A lo%@ rum8lin- -ro%l )i8rate5 alon- my skin. 7y pulse t"u55e5 into my t"roat. 9 s;ueeEe5 5o%n on t"e tri--er. 9 3oul5n?t %ait 1or "im to 8ite my t"roat out. 9 "ear5 Kaspar say@ A<a1ael@ noIC Hason?s "ea5 >erke5 up@ eyes %il5. <a1ael stoo5 8esi5e us@ "ol5in- "is arm in 1ront o1 Hason?s 1a3e. Bloo5 ran 5o%n it 1rom 5eep s3rat3"es. A'res" 8loo5@ my %ol1@C <a1ael sai5. Hason >erke5 a%ay 1rom me so 1ast@ "e t"re% me into t"e %all. 7y "ea5 sma3ke5 t"e %all a1ter my s"oul5ers ma5e impa3t@ %"i3" %as t"e only t"in- t"at sa)e5 me 1rom passin- out. 9 en5e5 up %it" my 8utt on t"e 1loor@ -un in my "an5 only 8y instin3t. $"e stren-t" in t"at one mo)ement le1t my -ut "ollo% %it" 1ear. 9 "a5 let "im nuEEle my ne3k@ as i1 "e %ere "uman. He 3oul5 "a)e torn me apart %it" "is "uman "an5s. 9 mi-"t "a)e kille5 "im 1irst@ 8ut 9?5 "a)e 8een >ust as 5ea5. Hason 3rou3"e5 in 1ront o1 <a1ael. A ripple ran t"rou-" "is 8a3k like a %a)e o1 %ater 5ri)en 8y %in5. Hason 1ell into a little 8all@ "is 8a3k pulsin- un5er "is s"irt. <a1ael stoo5 o)er "im@ 8loo5 5rippin- onto t"e 1loor. A9 "ope you un5erstan5 %"at 9 "a)e 5one 1or you@C "e sai5. 9 "a5 enou-" air 8a3k to speak. ADou %ant me to s"oot "imBC A stran-e look 3ame o)er "is 1a3e@ lea)in- "is 8la3k 8utton eyes 5ea5. ADou o11er your prote3tion.C AProte3tion@ smete3tion. Dou "elpe5 me. 9?ll "elp you.C A$"ank you@ 8ut 9 "a)e starte5 it@ an5 9 must 1inis" it@ 8ut 9 t"ink you must -o 8e1ore you run out o1 sil)er 8ullets.C Kaspar o11ere5 me a "an5 upG 9 took it. His skin %as unusually %arm@ 8ut t"at %as all. He 5i5n?t seem to "a)e t"e ur-e to tou3" me or eat me. A ni3e 3"an-e. $"e 3ro%5 %as 3omin- in t"e 5oor@ in t%os an5 t"rees an5 tens. Some mo)e5 like sleep%alkers to%ar5s t"e 8o5y at t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e room. $"at %as 5an5y. Some %ent 1or <a1ael an5 t"e %rit"in- Hason. He?5 sai5 "e 3oul5 "an5le "imsel1. But a8out si* o1 t"em turne5 to me an5 Kaspar. $"ey stare5 at us %it" "un-ry eyes. #ne@ a -irl@ 5roppe5 to "er knees an5 8e-an to 3ra%l to%ar5s me. A!an you 5o anyt"in- a8out t"isBC 9 aske5. A9?m a s%an@ t"ey 3onsi5er me 1oo5.C 9t took e)ery oun3e o1 sel123ontrol not to -lan3e at "im. 9 stare5 at t"e 3ra%lin- ly3ant"rope@ an5 sai5@ AA s%an@ -reat. Dou -ot any su--estionsBC

A=oun5 one o1 t"em. $"ey respe3t pain.C $"e -irl %as rea3"in- out 1or me. 9 stare5 at "er slen5er arm an5 5i5n?t 1ire. GlaEer sa1ety roun5s 3oul5 take o11 an arm. 9 %asn?t sure ly3ant"ropes 3oul5 "eal amputations. 9 pointe5 o)er "er "ea5 at t"e lar-e male 8e"in5 "er. 9 -ut2s"ot "im. He 1ell s3reamin- to t"e 1loor@ 8loo5 pourin- 8et%een "is 1in-ers. $"e -irl turne5 on "im@ 8uryin- "er 1a3e in "is stoma3". He slappe5 "er a%ay. $"e ot"ers sur-e5 1or%ar5. ALet?s -et out %"ile %e 3an@C Kaspar sai5. He motione5 1or t"e 5oor. 4i5n?t "a)e to ask me t%i3e. 7ar3us %as su55enly t"ere. 9 "a5n?t seen "im 3ome@ too 8usy 3on3entratin- on t"e imme5iate t"reat. He pulle5 t%o men o11 t"e %oun5e5 one@ tossin- t"em like toys. He 5re% a manila 1ile 1ol5er 1rom un5er "is 8lue linen >a3ket an5 "an5e5 it to me. 9n a )oi3e t"at %as more -ro%l t"an anyt"in-@ "e sai5@ AKaspar 3an ans%er your ;uestions.C He turne5 %it" a snarl@ tearin- into t"e ly3ant"ropes@ prote3tin- t"e one 9?5 %oun5e5. Kaspar pus"e5 me out t"e 5oor@ an5 9 let "im. 9 "a5 one last -limpse o1 Hason. He %as a mass o1 1lo%in- 1ur an5 nake5 5rippin- 8ones. <a1ael %as on3e a-ain t"e sli3k@ 8la3k ratman 9?5 met mont"s a-o. $"e 3ro%n2s"ape5 8urn in "is 1orearm@ t"e mark o1 kin-s"ip 1or t"e rats@ s"o%e5 3lean. He %as no lon-er 8lee5in-. $"e 3"an-e "a5 "eale5 "im. $"e 5oor slamme5 s"ut. 9 %asn?t sure %"o "a5 5one it. Kaspar an5 9 stoo5 in t"e "all%ay@ alone. $"ere %ere no soun5s 1rom 8e"in5 t"e 5oor. $"e silen3e %as so "ea)y@ it t"rumme5 in my "ea5. A9 3an?t "ear t"emBC ASoun5proo1 room@C "e sai5. Lo-i3al. 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e 1ile 1ol5er. $"ere %as a 8loo5y "an5print on it. 9 "el5 it -in-erly at t"e e5-e@ %aitin- 1or t"e 8loo5 to 5ry. AAre %e suppose5 to sit 5o%n an5 "a)e a 8usiness meetin-BC AKno%in- 7ar3us@ t"e in1ormation %ill 8e 3omplete. He?s a )ery -oo5 8ureau3rat.C ABut not a )ery -oo5 pa3k lea5er.C He -lan3e5 at t"e 5oor. A9?5 say t"at some%"ere else i1 9 %ere you.C He "a5 a point. 9 stare5 up at "im. His 8a8y21ine "air %as nearly %"ite@ almost 1eat"ery. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9t 3oul5n?t 8e. He -rinne5 at me. AGo a"ea5. $ou3" it.C 9 5i5. 9 8rus"e5 1in-ers t"rou-" "is "air@ an5 it %as so1t an5 5o%ny like t"e un5er 1eat"ers on a 8ir5. Heat rose 1rom "is s3alp like 1e)er. AHesus.C Somet"in- "ea)y sma3ke5 into t"e 5oor. 9 1elt t"e )i8rations t"rou-" t"e 1loor. 9 8a3ke5 a%ay@ "esitatin- a8out puttin- t"e Bro%nin- a%ay. 9 3ompromise5 an5 put my "an5 in t"e po3ket o1 my tren3" 3oat. 9t %as t"e only 3oat 9 o%ne5 %it" po3kets 5eep enou-" to s%allo% t"e Bro%nin-. Kaspar opene5 t"e 5oor to t"e 5inin- rooms. $"ere %ere still people eatin-. Humans out 1or a ni-"t on t"e to%n. !ar)int"eir steaks@ eatin- t"eir )e--ies@ o8li)ious to t"e potential 5estru3tion >ust t%o 5oors a%ay. 9 "a5 a "orri8le ur-e to yell@ 'lee@ 1lee 1or your li)es. But t"ey %oul5n?t "a)e un5erstoo5. Besi5es t"e Lunati3 !a1e "a5 8een "ere 1or years. 9?5 ne)er "ear5 o1 an in3i5ent "ere. #1 3ourse@ 9?5 kille5 one man@ %ere%ol1@ %"ate)er. 9 5i5n?t t"ink t"ere %as -oin- to 8e enou-" e)i5en3e to turn o)er to t"e 3ops. 7ay8e a 1e% %ell2-na%e5 8ones. ="o kne% %"at 5isasters "a5 8een 3o)ere5 up "ereB Kaspar "an5e5 me a 8usiness 3ar5. 9t %as %"ite an5 s"iny %it" Got"i3 s3ript t"at sai5@ KASPA< G:/4,<S#/@ A/$9N:,S A/4 !#LL,!$9BL,S. A91 you "a)e any ;uestions@ 9 %ill try to ans%er t"em.C A,)en i1 t"e ;uestions are a8out %"at t"e "ell you areBC A,)en t"at@C "e sai5. =e %ere %alkin- as %e talke5. He o11ere5 me "is "an5 8esi5e t"e 8ar in t"e outer 5inin- room. $"e outsi5e 5oor %as in si-"t@ 1un almost o)er 1or t"e ni-"t. $"ank Go5. 7y smile 1roEe on my 1a3e. 9 kne% one o1 t"e men at t"e 8ar. ,5%ar5 %as sittin- t"ere sippin- a tall@ 3ol5 5rink. He ne)er -lan3e5 at me@ 8ut 9 kne% "e sa% me. Kaspar 3o3ke5 "is "ea5 to one si5e. A9s anyt"in- %ron-BC A/o@C 9 sai5@ Ano.C 7y %or5s %ere too 1ast@ e)en 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e mysel1. 9 trie5 my 8est pro1essional smile. A9t?s >ust 8een a lon- ni-"t.C He 5i5n?t 8elie)e me@ an5 9 5i5n?t 3are. 9 %asn?t -oo5 at spur2o12t"e2moment lyin-. Kaspar let it -o@ 8ut "is eyes s3anne5 t"e 3ro%5 as "e %alke5 out@ lookin- 1or %"ate)er or %"oe)er "a5 8ot"ere5 me.

,5%ar5 looke5 like a ni3e@ or5inary man. He %as 1i)e 1oot ei-"t@ o1 slen5er 8uil5@ %it" s"ort 8lon5 "air. He "a5 on a non5es3ript 8la3k %inter >a3ket@ >eans@ an5 so1t2sole5 s"oes. He looke5 a little like 7ar3us@ an5 in "is o%n %ay@ %as >ust as 5an-erous. He %as i-norin- me@ e11ortlessly@ %"i3" meant "e mi-"t not %ant to 8e noti3e5. 9 %alke5 past "im@ %antin- to ask %"at t"e "ell "e %as 5oin- "ere@ 8ut not %antin- to 8lo% "is 3o)er. ,5%ar5 %as an assassin %"o spe3ialiEe5 in )ampires@ ly3ant"ropes@ an5 ot"er preternatural "umanoi5s. He?5 starte5 out killin- "umans@ 8ut it "a5 8een too easy. ,5%ar5 5i5 lo)e a 3"allen-e. 9 stoo5 in t"e 3ol5 5ark %on5erin- %"at to 5o. 9 "a5 t"e 8loo5y 1ile 1ol5er in one "an5. $"e ot"er %as still -rippin- t"e Bro%nin-. /o% t"at t"e a5renaline %as seepin- a%ay@ my "an5 %as 3rampin- aroun5 t"e -un. 9?5 "el5 it too lon- %it"out 1irin- it. 9 tu3ke5 t"e 1ol5er un5er my arm an5 put t"e -un a%ay. All t"e s"apes"i1ters %ere 8usy eatin- ea3" ot"er. 9 3oul5 pro8a8ly %alk to my 3ar %it"out "a)in- a -un nake5 in my "an5s. ,5%ar5 5i5n?t 3ome out. 9 "a5 "al1 e*pe3te5 "im to. He %as "untin- someone@ 8ut %"oB A1ter %"at 9?5 seen toni-"t@ 9 %asn?t sure "untin- t"em %as su3" a 8a5 i5ea. #1 3ourse@ <i3"ar5 %as one o1 t"em. 9 5i5n?t %ant anyone "untin- "im. 9 %oul5 "a)e to ask ,5%ar5 %"at "e %as 5oin-@ 8ut not toni-"t. <i3"ar5 %asn?t insi5e. $"e rest o1 t"em 3oul5 take t"eir 3"an3es. 9 "a5 a momentary t"ou-"t a8out <a1ael@ 8ut let it -o. He kne% %"at ,5%ar5 looke5 like@ i1 not e*a3tly %"at "e 5i5 1or a li)in-. 9 stoppe5 "al1%ay 5o%n t"e si5e%alk. S"oul5 9 %arn ,5%ar5 t"at <a1ael mi-"t re3o-niEe "im an5 tell t"e ot"ersB 7y "ea5 "urt. 'or t"is one ni-"t let 4eat" take 3are o1 "imsel1. $"e )ampires 3alle5 me t"e ,*e3utioner@ 8ut t"ey 3alle5 ,5%ar5 4eat". A1ter all@ 9?5 ne)er use5 a 1lamet"ro%er on t"em. 9 kept %alkin-. ,5%ar5 %as a 8i-@ s3ary 8oy. He 3oul5 take 3are o1 "imsel1. An5 e)eryone else in t"e 8a3k room 3ertainly 5i5n?t nee5 my "elp. ,)en i1 t"ey 5i5@ 9 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 to -i)e it to t"em. ="i3" 8rou-"t me 8a3k to t"e 1ile 1ol5er. ="at 3oul5 t"ey nee5 my "elp 1orB ="at 3oul5 9 5o t"at t"ey 3oul5n?tB 9 almost 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. But 9 5i5n?t t"ro% t"e 1ol5er in t"e nearest tras" 3an. $rut" %as@ i1 9 5i5n?t rea5 it@ it %oul5 8u- me. !uriosity kille5 t"e 3at. Here %as "opin- it 5i5n?t 5o t"e same 1or animators.

Chapter Thirteen
At +J3+ t"at mornin- 9 %as tu3ke5 in 8e5 %it" t"e 1ile 1ol5er. 7y 1a)orite stu11e5 toy pen-uin@ Si-mun5@ %as sittin- ne*t to me. 9t use5 to 8e t"at 9 use5 Si-mun5 only %"en people %ere tryin- to kill me. Lately@ 9?5 8een sleepin- %it" "im most o1 t"e time. 9t?5 8een a rou-" year. $"e Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er %as in its se3on5 "ome@ a "olster on t"e "ea58oar5 o1 t"e 8e5. 9 sometimes slept %it"out t"e pen-uin@ 8ut ne)er %it"out t"e -un. $"e 1ol5er 3onsiste5 o1 a "al1 5oEen s"eets o1 paper. All neatly type5@ 5ou8le spa3e5. $"e 1irst %as a list o1 ei-"t names %it" an animal 5esi-nation 8esi5e t"em. $"e last t%o pa-es %ere an e*planation o1 t"e names. ,i-"t ly3ant"ropes "a5 -one missin-. Vanis"e5. /o 8o5ies@ no si-ns o1 )iolen3e. /ot"in-. $"eir 1amilies kne% not"in-. /one o1 t"e ly3ant"ropes kne% anyt"in-. 9 %ent 8a3k o)er t"e names. 7ar-aret SmitE %as num8er se)en. 4esi-nation %ol1. !oul5 it 8e Geor-e SmitE?s %i1eB Pe--y %as a ni3kname 1or 7ar-aret. 4on?t ask me "o% you -et Pe--y 1rom 7ar-aret@ 8ut you 5o. $"e last 1e% pa-es %ere su--estions a8out %"o 7ar3us t"ou-"t 9 s"oul5 talk to. !ontrollin- little 8astar5. He 5i5 o11er an e*planation 1or %"y "e aske5 me 1or "elp. He t"ou-"t t"at t"e ot"er s"apes"i1ters %oul5 talk more 1reely to me t"an to "im or any o1 "is %ol)es. /o >oke. 9 %as sort o1 a 3ompromise. $"ey 5i5n?t trust t"e poli3e. An5 %"o else 5o t"e lunarly 5isa5)anta-e5 -o to 1or "elpB ="y@ your 1rien5ly nei-"8or"oo5 animator. 9 %asn?t sure %"at 9 3oul5 5o 1or t"em. 9 "a5 sent Geor-e SmitE to <onnie 1or a reason. 9 %as not a 5ete3ti)e. 9?5 ne)er "an5le5 a missin-2person 3ase in my li1e. ="en 9 met <onnie t"e ne*t 5ay@ 3an3el t"at@ t"at mornin-@ 9?5 1ill "er in. Geor-e?s %i1e missin- %as one t"in-@ 8ut ei-"t ly3ant"ropes missin- %as a pattern. $"ey nee5e5 to -o to t"e poli3e. But t"ey 5i5n?t trust "uman la%. As late as t"e 19( s@ ly3ant"ropes %ere still 8ein- mo88e5 an5 8urne5 at t"e stake. !oul5n?t 8lame t"em 1or 8ein- leery. 9 put t"e 1ol5er in t"e 5ra%er o1 t"e ni-"tstan5. 9 -ot a plain %"ite 8usiness 3ar5 out o1 t"e 5ra%er. $"e only t"in- on it %as a p"one num8er. ,5%ar5 "a5 -i)en me t"e 3ar5 only t%o mont"s a-o. 9t %as t"e 1irst time 9?5 e)er 8een a8le to 3onta3t "im. Be1ore "e?5 >ust s"o%n up. :sually %"en 9 5i5n?t %ant "im to. $"e num8er %as a t%enty21our2"our p"one messa-e ser)i3e. A me3"aniEe5 )oi3e sai5@ AAt t"e tone lea)e your messa-e.C A lon-@ lo% 8eep soun5e5. A$"is is Anita. ="at t"e "ell are you 5oin- in to%nB !all me soon.C 9 %asn?t usually t"at 8lunt on a p"one messa-e@ 8ut "ey@ it %as ,5%ar5. He kne% me. Besi5es@ "e 5i5n?t appre3iate so3ial ni3eties. 9 set t"e alarm@ turne5 o11 t"e li-"t@ an5 3u55le5 into t"e 8lankets@ my 1ait"1ul pen-uin at my si5e. $"e p"one ran- 8e1ore 9?5 -otten %arm. 9 %aite5 1or t"e ma3"ine to pi3k upG a1ter t"e ei-"t" rin- 9 -a)e up. 9?5 1or-otten to turn on t"e ma3"ine. Great. A$"is 8etter 8e important@C 9 sai5.

ADou sai5 to 3all soon.C 9t %as ,5%ar5. 9 pulle5 t"e re3ei)er un5er t"e 8lankets %it" me. AHi@ ,5%ar5.C AHi.C A="y are you in to%nB An5 %"y %ere you at t"e Lunati3 !a1eBC A="y %ere youBC A9t is nearly si* in t"e 1reakin- mornin-@ 9 "a)en?t 8een to sleep yet. 9 5on?t "a)e time 1or -ames.C A="at %as in t"e 1ol5er you "a5B $"ere %as 1res" 8loo5 on it. ="ose 8loo5 %as itBC 9 si-"e5. 9 %asn?t sure %"at to tell "im. He mi-"t 8e a -reat 5eal o1 "elp@ or "e 3oul5 kill people t"at 9 %as suppose5 to 8e "elpin-. !"oi3es@ 3"oi3es. A9 3an?t tell you s"it until 9 kno% i1 9?m en5an-erin- people.C A9 ne)er "unt people@ you kno% t"at.C ASo you are on a "unt.C ADes.C A="at t"is timeBC AS"apes"i1ters.C 'i-ures. A="oBC A9 5on?t "a)e any names yet.C A$"en "o% 5o you kno% %"o to killBC A9?)e -ot 1ilm.C A'ilmBC A!ome to my "otel room tomorro% an5 9?ll s"o% you t"e 1ilm. 9?ll tell you e)eryt"in- 9 kno%.C ADou?re not usually t"is o8li-in-. ="at?s t"e 3at3"BC A/o 3at3". Dou mi-"t 8e a8le to i5enti1y t"em@ t"at?s all.C A9 5on?t kno% a lot o1 s"apes"i1ters@C 9 sai5. A'ine@ >ust 3ome@ see %"at 9 "a)e.C He soun5e5 so sure o1 "imsel1@ 8ut t"en "e al%ays 5i5. A#kay@ %"ere are you stayin-BC AA5ams 7ark. 4o you nee5 5ire3tionsBC A/o@ 9 3an -et t"ere. ="enBC A4o you %ork tomorro%BC ADea".C A$"en at your 3on)enien3e@ o1 3ourse.C He %as 8ein- too 5amn polite. AHo% lon- %ill your little presentation takeBC A$%o "ours@ may8e less.C 9 s"ook my "ea5@ realiEe5 "e 3oul5n?t see it@ an5 sai5@ A9t?ll "a)e to 8e a1ter my last Eom8ie appointment. 9?m 8ooke5 until t"en.C A/ame t"e time.C A9 3an 8e t"ere 8et%een t%el)e2t"irty an5 one.C ,)en sayin- it ma5e me tire5. 9 %asn?t -oin- to -et any sleep a-ain. A9?ll 8e %aitin-.C A=ait. ="at name are you re-istere5 un5erBC A<oom 212@ >ust kno3k.C ADou 5o "a)e a last name@ 5on?t youBC A#1 3ourse. Goo5 ni-"t@ Anita.C $"e p"one line %ent 5ea5@ 8uEEin- in my "an5 like an un;uiet spirit. 9 1um8le5 t"e re3ei)er into its 3ra5le an5 s%it3"e5 on t"e ans%erin- ma3"ine. 9 turne5 t"e soun5 5o%n as lo% as it %oul5 -o an5 snu--le5 8a3k un5er t"e 3o)ers. ,5%ar5 ne)er s"are5 in1ormation unless 1or3e5 to. He %as 8ein- too "elp1ul. Somet"in- %as up. Kno%in- ,5%ar5@ it %as somet"in- unpleasant. Ly3ant"ropes 5isappearin- %it"out a tra3e. 9t soun5e5 like a -ame t"at ,5%ar5 %oul5 en>oy. But some"o% 9 5i5n?t t"ink it %as "im. He like5 takin- 3re5it 1or "is kills as lon- as t"e poli3e 3oul5n?t tie "im to t"em 5ire3tly.

But some8o5y %as 5oin- it. $"ere %ere 8ounty "unters %"o spe3ialiEe5 in ro-ue ly3ant"ropes. ,5%ar5 mi-"t kno% %"o t"ey %ere an5 i1 t"ey?5 3on5one mur5er. Be3ause i1 all ei-"t %ere 5ea5@ t"en it %as mur5er. /one o1 t"em %as %ante5@ as 1ar as 9 kne%. $"e poli3e %oul5 kno%@ 8ut 9 %asn?t -oin- to in)ol)e t"e poli3e. 4olp" s"oul5 kno% i1 ly3ant"ropes %ere 5isappearin- in "is territory. 9 1elt sleep su3kin- at t"e e5-es o1 t"e %orl5. 9 1las"e5 on t"e mur5er )i3tim. 9 sa% "is 1a3e 1roEen in t"e sno%@ one eye rippe5 open like a -rape. $"e 3rus"e5 >a% trie5 to mo)e@ to speak. #ne %or5 "isse5 out o1 "is ruine5 mout"J AAnita.C 7y name@ o)er an5 o)er. 9 %oke up enou-" to roll o)er@ an5 sleep %as"e5 o)er me in a "ea)y@ 8la3k %a)e. 91 9 5reame5 a-ain@ 9 ne)er remem8ere5.

Chapter Fourteen
,)ery year 9 %on5ere5 %"at to 8uy Hu5it"@ my stepmot"er@ 1or !"ristmas. Dou?5 t"ink a1ter 1ourteen years 9?5 -et 8etter. #1 3ourse@ you?5 t"ink s"e?5 -et 8etter at 8uyin- 1or me. Hu5it" an5 9 al%ays en5 up starin- at ea3" ot"er a3ross t"is 3"asm o1 misun5erstan5in-. S"e %ants me to 8e t"is per1e3t 1eminine 5au-"ter@ an5 9 %ant "er to 8e my 5ea5 mot"er. Sin3e 9 3an?t "a)e %"at 9 %ant@ 9?)e ma5e sure Hu5it" 5oesn?t -et "er %is"@ eit"er. Besi5es@ s"e?s -ot An5ria@ %"o is per1e3t. #ne per1e3t ki5 in t"e 1amily is enou-". <onnie an5 9 %ere !"ristmas s"oppin-. =e "a5 >o--e5 on t"e sli3k %intery streets at nine t"at mornin-. 9?5 mana-e5 a8out t"ree "ours o1 sleep. $"e runnin- "elpe5. $"e 1reeEin- %in5 slappin- my 1a3e "elpe5 e)en more. 9 %as %i5e a%ake an5 temporarily ener-iEe5 %"en %e "it t"e mall@ "air still 5amp 1rom t"e s"o%er. <onnie is 1i)e 1oot nine. Her s"ort 8lon5 "air is 3ut in a sort o1 pa-e8oy. 9t?s t"e same "air3ut s"e?s "a5 sin3e 9 met "er@ 8ut t"en my "airstyle "asn?t 3"an-e5@ eit"er. S"e %as %earin- >eans@ 3o%8oy 8oots %it" purple toolin-@ a s"ort %inter 3oat o)er a lila3 3re%ne3k s%eater. S"e %as not %earin- a -un. 4i5n?t t"ink t"e mall el)es %oul5 -et t"at out o1 "an5. 9 %as 5resse5 1or t"e o11i3e@ 8e3ause 9?5 nee5 to -o strai-"t t"ere 1rom s"oppin-. $"e skirt %as a stan5ar5 na)y 8lue@ %it" a 8la3k 8elt 1or my s"oul5er "olster to slip t"rou-". $"e skirt %as a8out t%o in3"es "i-"er t"an 9 %as 3om1orta8le %it"@ 8ut <onnie "a5 insiste5. S"e?s a ta5 more 1as"ion 3ons3ious t"an 9 am. $"en@ %"o isn?tB $"e >a3ket %as a ri3" mi5ni-"t 8lue@ t"e 3olor o1 Hean2!lau5e?s eyes. 4arker 8lue 5esi-ns@ nearly 8la3k@ tra3e5 it in a )a-uely #riental pattern. $"e open2 ne3ke5 8louse %as a 8lue t"at mat3"e5 t"e >a3ket. =it" 8la3k "i-"2"eel pumps@ 9 looke5 pretty snaEEy. <onnie "a5 pi3ke5 out t"e >a3ket@ too. 9ts only 1ault %as t"at it 5i5n?t "i5e t"e Bro%nin- as %ell. Dou -ot little 1las"es o1 it as 9 mo)e5. So 1ar no one "a5 run s3reamin- to t"e mall 3ops. 91 t"ey?5 "a5 kno%n 9 %as %earin- a kni1e on ea3" 1orearm un5er t"e pretty >a3ket@ may8e t"ey %oul5 "a)e. <onnie %as starin- into a >e%elry 3ase at Kri-le?s@ an5 9 %as starin- at "er eyes. $"ey %ere -rey. $"e same 3olor t"at Ga8riel?s eyes "a5 8een last ni-"t@ 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- 5i11erent. Her eyes %ere "uman. ,)en in "uman 1orm Ga8riel?s eyes %eren?t "uman. A="at?s %ron-BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"inkin- a8out last ni-"t.C AHo% 5o you 1eel a8out lo)er8oy a1ter last ni-"tBC $"e >e%elry store %as t"ree 5eep in people. =e?5 1or3e5 our %ay to t"e 3ase@ 8ut 9 kne% 9 %asn?t 8uyin- anyt"in- "ere@ so 9 sort o1 stoo5 8esi5e <onnie@ s3annin- t"e 3ro%5. All t"e 1a3es looke5 "ostile@ 8ut it %as not"in- personal. $"ey %ere !"ristmas s"oppin- %it" t%o %eeks to t"e 8i- 5ay. Ho@ "o@ "o. $"e store %as a mass o1 s"o)in-@ >ostlin- people. 9 %as -ettin- 3laustrop"o8i3. AAre you -oin- to 8uy somet"in-BC <onnie looke5 up at me. ADou ne)er ans%ere5 my ;uestion.C AGet me out o1 t"is mess an5 may8e 9 %ill.C S"e stoo5 up an5 motione5 me 1or%ar5. 9 3leare5 us a pat" to t"e open mall. 9?m small an5 %as 5resse5 too pretty to 8e intimi5atin-@ 8ut people 3leare5 a pat". 7ay8e t"ey sa% t"e -un. ="en %e %ere in t"e main open spa3e@ 9 took a 5eep 8reat". 9t %as 3ro%5e5 8ut not"in- like t"e stores. At least "ere@ people %eren?t a3tually 8rus"in- a-ainst me. 91 t"ey 5i5 it out "ere@ 9 3oul5 yell at t"em. ADou %ant to sit 5o%nBC $"ere %ere mira3ulously t%o seats open on a 8en3". <onnie "a5 ma5e t"e o11er 8e3ause 9 %as 5resse5 1or %ork@ %"i3" meant "eels. 9n "er 3om1y >o--in- s"oes s"e 5i5n?t nee5 to sit. 7y 1eet 5i5n?t "urt yet. 7ay8e 9 %as -ettin- use5 to %earin- "eels. ,eek. 9 s"ook my "ea5. ALet?s "it t"e /ature !ompany. 7ay8e 9?ll 1in5 Hos" somet"in- t"ere.C AHo% ol5 is "e no%@ t"irteenBC <onnie aske5. A'i1teen@C 9 sai5. A7y 8a8y 8rot"er %as my "ei-"t last year. He?ll 8e -i-anti3 t"is year. Hu5it" says "e?s out-ro%in- "is >eans 1aster t"an s"e 3an 8uy t"em.C AA "int to 8uy "im >eansBC <onnie sai5. A91 it is@ 9?m i-norin- it. 9?m 8uyin- Hos" somet"in- 1un@ not 3lot"es.C AA lot o1 teena-ers %oul5 rat"er "a)e 3lot"es@C <onnie sai5. A/ot Hos"@ not yet any%ay. He seems to "a)e taken a1ter me.C

A="at are you -oin- to 5o a8out <i3"ar5BC s"e aske5 me. ADou?re not -oin- to let it -o@ are youBC A/ot a 3"an3e.C A9 5on?t kno% %"at 9?m -oin- 5o. A1ter %"at 9 sa% last ni-"t. A1ter %"at Hean2!lau5e tol5 me. 9 >ust 5on?t kno%.C ADou kno% t"at Hean2!lau5e 5i5 it 5eli8erately@C s"e sai5. A$o try an5 5ri)e a %e5-e 8et%een you.C A9 kno%@ an5 it %orke5. 9 1eel like 9 5on?t kno% <i3"ar5. Like 9?)e 8een kissin- a stran-er.C A4on?t let 1an-21a3e 8reak you up.C 9 smile5 at t"at. Hean2!lau5e %oul5 lo)e 8ein- re1erre5 to as 1an-21a3e. A9 %on?t.C S"e pun3"e5 my s"oul5er so1tly. A9 5on?t 8elie)e you.C A9t %on?t 8e Hean2!lau5e t"at 8reaks us up@ <onnie. 91 <i3"ar5?s 8een lyin- to me 1or mont"s ... C 9 5i5n?t 1inis" t"e senten3e. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to. =e %ere outsi5e t"e /ature !ompany. 9t %as 3ra%lin- %it" people like a >ar o1 li-"tnin- 8u-s a8uEE %it" a3ti)ity@ 8ut not "al1 as 8ri-"t. A="at e*a3tly "as <i3"ar5 lie5 a8outBC AHe 5i5n?t tell me a8out t"is 8attle "e?s -ot -oin- %it" 7ar3us.C AAn5 you tell "im e)eryt"in-@C s"e sai5. A=ell@ no.C AHe "asn?t lie5 to you@ Anita. He >ust 5i5n?t tell you. Let "im e*plain. 7ay8e "e?s -ot a -oo5 reason.C 9 turne5 an5 looke5 1ull at "er. Her 1a3e %as all so1t %it" 3on3ern. 9t ma5e me look a%ay. AHe?s 8een in 5an-er 1or mont"s@ an5 5i5n?t tell me. 9 nee5e5 to kno%.C A7ay8e "e 3oul5n?t tell you. Dou %on?t kno% until you ask "im.C A9 sa% ly3ant"ropes last ni-"t@ <onnie.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="at 9 sa% last ni-"t %asn?t "uman. 9t %asn?t e)en 3lose.C ASo "e?s not "uman. /o one?s per1e3t.C 9 looke5 at "er t"en. S"e %as smilin- at me. 9 "a5 to smile 8a3k. A9?ll talk to "im.C A!all "im 8e1ore %e lea)e t"e mall an5 set up a 5inner 1or to5ay.C ADou are so pus"y@C 9 sai5. S"e s"ru--e5. A9?)e learne5 1rom t"e 8est.C A$"anks@C 9 sai5. A="at "a)e you learne5 1rom Geor-e SmitEBC A/ot"in- ne% to a55 to t"e 1ol5er you s"o%e5 me. ,*3ept "e 5oesn?t seem to kno% t"at "is %i1e is one o1 ei-"t missins"apes"i1ters. He t"inks s"e?s t"e only one. 9 -ot a pi3ture o1 "er. Dou nee5 pi3tures o1 t"e ot"ers. 'irst t"in- you nee5 in a missin-2person 3ase is a pi3ture. =it"out a pi3ture you 3oul5 pass t"em on t"e street an5 not kno% it.C A9?ll ask Kaspar a8out pi3tures.C A/ot <i3"ar5BC A9?m sort o1 ma5 at "im. 9 5on?t %ant to ask "im 1or "elp.C ADou?re 8ein- petty.C A9t?s one o1 my 8est traits.C A9?ll 3"e3k out t"e usual 3"annels 1or a missin- person@ 8ut i1 t"ey?re all ly3ant"ropes@ 9 8et it isn?t a missin- person.C ADou t"ink t"ey?re 5ea5BC A4on?t youBC ADea".C ABut %"at 3oul5 take out ei-"t s"apes"i1ters %it"out a tra3eBC s"e aske5. A$"at?s -ot me %orrie5@ too.C 9 tou3"e5 "er arm. ADou %ear your -un 1rom no% on.C S"e smile5. A9 promise@ 7ommy.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. AS"all %e 8ra)e one more storeB 91 9 3an -et Hos"?s -i1t@ 9?ll 8e "al1%ay 5one.C ADou?ll "a)e to 8uy <i3"ar5 a present@ you kno%.C A="atBC

ADou "a)e to 8uy your stea5y a -i1t. 9t?s tra5itional.C AS"it.C 9 %as "al1%ay ma5 at "im@ 8ut s"e %as ri-"t. 'i-"tin- or not@ 9 "a5 to 8uy "im somet"in-. ="at i1 "e 8ou-"t me somet"in-@ an5 9 5i5n?tB 9?5 1eel -uilty. 91 9 8ou-"t somet"in- an5 "e 5i5n?t@ t"en 9 3oul5 1eel superior. #r an-ry. 9 %as almost "opin- "e %oul5n?t 8uy me anyt"in-. =as 9 lookin- 1or an e*3use to 5ump <i3"ar5B 7ay8e. #1 3ourse@ may8e a1ter %e talke5 "e?5 -i)e me a -oo5 e*3use on a sil)er@ e*3use me@ -ol5en platter. 9 %as rea5y 1or a kno3k25o%n@ 5ra-2out 1i-"t. 9t 5i5 not 8o5e %ell.

Chapter Fifteen
7y one o?3lo3k appointment %as %it" ,l)ira 4re%. S"e sippe5 "er 3o11ee@ ele-ant 1in-ernails 3urle5 aroun5 t"e mu-. Her nail polis" %as 3lear@ makin- "er 1in-ertips -lint like a8alone s"ellG 3olorless until t"e li-"t "it it. $"e rest o1 "er %as >ust as taste1ul. Her 5ress %as t"at interestin- 3olor t"at looke5 8lue one minute an5 -reen t"e ne*t. Blue2-reen t"ey 3alle5 it@ 8ut it %asn?t a33urate. $"e 5ress %as almost -reen. 'or 3lot" to "a)e t"at s"immer@ almost a li1e o1 its o%n like 1ur@ it "a5 to 8e e*pensi)e. $"e 5ress %as pro8a8ly %ort" more t"an my entire %ar5ro8e. Her lon- yello% "air spille5 5o%n "er 8a3k in an ele-ant line. 9t %as t"e only t"in- t"at 5i5n?t mat3". $"at 5ress@ t"e mani3ure@ t"e 5ye52to2mat3" s"oes@ t"e nearly in)isi8le makeup s"oul5 "a)e -one %it" a taste1ul 8ut 3ompli3ate5 "air5o. 9 like5 "er 8etter 1or t"e "air 8ein- 1ree an5 nearly untou3"e5. ="en s"e raise5 "er eyes to meet mine@ 9 kne% %"y s"e?5 spent so mu3" on t"e 5ress. Her eyes %ere t"e same startlin8lue2-reen. $"e 3om8ination %as 8reat"takin-. 9 sat a3ross 1rom "er@ sippin- my 3o11ee@ "appy 9?5 5resse5 up. 7ost 5ays s"e?5 "a)e ma5e me 1eel like a 3ountry 3ousin. $o5ay 9 3oul5 "ol5 my o%n. A="at 3an 9 5o 1or you to5ay@ 7s. 4re%BC S"e smile5@ an5 t"e smile %as all it s"oul5 "a)e 8een. S"e smile5 like s"e kne% t"e e11e3t it "a5 on most people. 9 %as almost a1rai5 to see "er near a man. 91 s"e lit up t"is mu3" 1or me@ t"e t"ou-"t o1 %"at s"e?5 5o aroun5 Hamison or 7anny %as kin5 o1 1ri-"tenin-. A9?m a %riter. 9?m %orkin- on a 8ook a8out s"apes"i1ters.C 7y smile %ilte5 aroun5 t"e e5-es. A<eally. An5 %"at 8rin-s you to t"e o11i3es o1 Animators@ 9n3.BC A$"e 8ook is set up %it" ea3" 3"apter 8ein- a 5i11erent animal 1orm. 9 -i)e "istory@ any %ell2kno%n s"apes"i1ters o1 t"at 1orm 1rom "istory@ t"en a personal pro1ile o1 a present25ay s"apes"i1ter.C 7y 1a3e %as 8e-innin- to "urt@ an5 9 kne% my smile %as more a 8arin- o1 teet" t"an anyt"in- else. ASoun5s like an interestin- 8ook. /o%@ "o% 3an 9 "elp youBC S"e 8linke5 -or-eous eyes at me an5 looke5 puEEle5. S"e %as -oo5 at lookin- puEEle5. 9?5 seen t"e intelli-en3e in "er eyes a moment a-o. $"e 5um828lon5e routine %as an a3t. =oul5 it "a)e %orke5 i1 9 %ere a manB 9 "ope5 not. A9?m missin- one inter)ie%. 9 nee5 to 1in5 a %ererat. $"e inter)ie% 3an 8e stri3tly 3on1i5ential.C $"e 5um8 8lon5e %as -one as ;ui3kly as it "a5 3ome. S"e?5 seen 9 %asn?t 8uyin- it. $"e inter)ie% 3an 8e2not %oul528e 3on1i5ential. 9 si-"e5 an5 -a)e up on t"e smile. A="at ma5e you t"ink 9 3oul5 1in5 you a %ereratBC A7r. Vau-"n assure5 me t"at i1 anyone in t"is area 3oul5 "elp me@ it %oul5 8e you.C A4i5 "e reallyBC S"e smile5@ eyes -litterin-. AHe seeme5 )ery sure you 3oul5 "elp me.C A7y 8oss promises a lot o1 t"in-s@ 7s. 4re%. 7ost o1 %"i3" "e 5oesn?t "a)e to 5eli)er.C 9 stoo5. A91 you 3oul5 %ait "ere 1or >ust a moment@ 9 %ant to 3on1er %it" 7r. Vau-"n.C A9?ll %ait ri-"t "ere 1or you.C Her smile %as >ust as s%eet@ 8ut somet"in- in "er eyes let me kno% s"e kne% e*a3tly %"at kin5 o1 3on1errin- 9 "a5 in min5. $"e outer o11i3e %as 5one in pale -reens@ 1rom t"e %allpaper@ %it" its t"in #riental 5esi-ns@ to t"e 1oamy 3arpet. Plants 1louris"e5 in e)ery uno33upie5 ni3"e. Bert t"ou-"t t"e plants -a)e t"e o11i3e a "omey tou3". 9 t"ou-"t it looke5 like a 3"eap >un-le set. 7ary@ our 5aytime se3retary@ -lan3e5 up 1rom "er 3omputer key8oar5 %it" a smile. 7ary %as o)er 1i1ty@ %it" 8lon5 "air t"at %as a little too yello% to 8e natural. ADou nee5 somet"in-@ AnitaBC Her smile %as pleasant. 9?5 almost ne)er seen "er in a 8a5 moo5. 9t %as a -oo5 personality trait 1or a re3eptionist. ADea"@ to see t"e 8oss.C S"e 3o3ke5 "er "ea5 to one si5e@ eyes su55enly %ary. A="yBC A9 s"oul5 "a)e an appointment to see Bert to5ay@ any%ay. 9 tol5 !rai- to s3"e5ule it.C

S"e -lan3e5 t"rou-" t"e appointment 8ook. A!rai- 5i5@ an5 Bert 3an3ele5 it.C $"e smile %as -one. AHe really is )ery 8usy to5ay.C $"at %as it. 9 %ent 1or Bert?s 5oor. AHe?s %it" a 3lient ri-"t no%@C 7ary sai5. APea3"y@C 9 sai5. 9 kno3ke5 on t"e 5oor an5 opene5 it %it"out %aitin- 1or permission. Bert?s 5esk took up most o1 t"e pale 8lue o11i3e. 9t %as t"e smallest o1 t"e t"ree o11i3es@ 8ut it %as permanently "is. $"e rest o1 us "a5 to rotate. He?5 playe5 1oot8all in 3olle-e an5 it still s"o%e5. Broa5 s"oul5ers@ stron- "an5s@ si* 1eet 1our in3"es tall an5 a%are o1 e)ery in3". His 8oater?s tan "a5 %as"e5 a%ay %it" t"e %inter %eat"er. His %"ite 3re% 3ut seeme5 a little less 5ramati3 a-ainst t"e paler skin. His eyes are t"e 3olor o1 5irty %in5o% -lass@ sort o1 -rey. $"ose eyes -lare5 at me no%. A9?m %it" a 3lient@ Anita.C 9 spare5 a -lan3e 1or t"e man sittin- a3ross 1rom "im. 9t %as Kaspar Gun5erson. He %as 5resse5 all in %"ite to5ay@ an5 it emp"asiEe5 e)eryt"in-. Ho% 9 3oul5 "a)e e)er looke5 at "im an5 t"ou-"t "im "uman %as 8eyon5 me. He smile5. A7s. Blake@ 9 presume.C He put out a "an5. 9 s"ook it. A91 you 3oul5 %ait outsi5e 1or >ust a 1e% moments@ 7r ... C AGun5erson@C "e sai5. A7r. Gun5erson@ 9 nee5 to speak %it" 7r. Vau-"n.C A9 t"ink it 3an %ait@ Anita@C Bert sai5. A/o@C 9 sai5@ Ait 3an?t.C ADes@C "e sai5@ Ait 3an.C A4o you %ant to "a)e t"is parti3ular talk in 1ront o1 a 3lient@ BertBC He stare5 at me@ "is small -rey eyes lookin- e)en smaller as "e s;uinte5 at me. 9t %as "is mean look. 9t "a5 ne)er %orke5 on me. He -a)e a ti-"t smile. AAre you insistin-BC ADou -ot it.C He took a lon-@ 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%ly@ as i1 "e %ere 3ountin- to ten. His 1las"e5 "is 8est pro1essional smile on Kaspar. A91 you %ill e*3use us 1or a 1e% minutes@ 7r. Gun5erson. $"is %on?t take lon-.C Kaspar stoo5@ no55e5 at me@ an5 le1t. 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im. A="at t"e "ell are you 5oin- 3omin- in "ere %"ile 9?m talkin- to a 3lientBC He stoo5 up@ an5 "is 8roa5 s"oul5ers nearly tou3"e5 1rom %all to %all. He s"oul5 "a)e kno%n 8etter t"an to try an5 intimi5ate me %it" siEe. 9?)e 8een t"e smallest ki5 on t"e 8lo3k 1or as lon- as 9 3an remem8er. SiEe "a5n?t 8een impressi)e 1or a )ery lon- time. A9 tol5 you no more 3lients t"at are outsi5e my >o8 5es3ription.C ADour >o8 5es3ription is anyt"in- 9 say it is. 9?m your 8oss@ remem8erBC He leane5 o)er "is 5esk@ palms 1lat. 9 leane5 into t"e 5esk on t"e ot"er si5e. ADou sent me a missin- person?s 3ase last ni-"t. ="at t"e 1u3k 5o 9 kno% a8out missin- personsBC AHis %i1e?s a ly3ant"rope.C AAn5 t"at means %e s"oul5 take "is moneyBC A91 you 3an "elp "im@ yes.C A=ell@ 9 -a)e it to <onnie.C Bert leane5 8a3k. ASee@ you 5i5 "elp "im. He %oul5 ne)er "a)e 1oun5 7s. Sims %it"out your "elp.C He %as lookin- all reasona8le a-ain. 9 5i5n?t %ant "im reasona8le. A9?)e -ot ,l)ira 4re% in my o11i3e ri-"t no%. ="at t"e "ell am 9 suppose5 to 5o %it" "erBC A4o you kno% any %ereratsBC He "a5 sat 5o%n@ "an5s 3rosse5 o)er "is sli-"tly 8ul-in- mi55le. A$"at?s 8esi5e t"e point.C ADou 5o@ 5on?t youBC AAn5 i1 9 say yesBC ASet up an inter)ie%. Surely one o1 t"em %ants to 8e 1amous.C A7ost ly3ant"ropes -o to a lot o1 trou8le to "i5e %"at t"ey are. Bein- oute5 en5an-ers t"eir >o8s@ marria-es. $"ere %as t"at 3ase in 9n5iana last year %"ere a 1at"er lost "is ki5s to "is e*2%i1e a1ter 1i)e years@ 8e3ause s"e 1oun5 out "e %as a s"apes"i1ter. /o one %ants to risk t"at kin5 o1 e*posure.C A9?)e seen s"i1ters inter)ie%e5 on li)e tele)ision@C "e sai5.

A$"ey?re t"e e*3eptions@ Bert@ not t"e rule.C ASo you %on?t "elp 7s. 4re%BC A/o@ 9 %on?t.C A9 %on?t try an5 appeal to your sense o1 -ree5@ t"ou-" s"e "as o11ere5 us a lot o1 money. But t"ink %"at a positi)e 8ook on ly3ant"ropy %oul5 5o to "elp your s"apes"i1tin- 1rien5s. Goo5 press is al%ays %el3ome. Be1ore you turn "er 5o%n@ talk to your 1rien5s. See %"at t"ey say.C ADou 5on?t -i)e a 5amn a8out -oo5 e*posure 1or t"e ly3ant"rope 3ommunity. Dou?re >ust e*3ite5 a8out t"e money.C A$rue.C Bert %as an uns3rupulous 8astar5 an5 5i5n?t 3are %"o kne% it. 9t %as "ar5 to %in a 1i-"t %"en you 3oul5n?t insult someone. 9 sat 5o%n a3ross 1rom "im. He looke5 please5 %it" "imsel1@ like "e kne% "e?5 %on. He s"oul5 "a)e kno%n 8etter. A9 5on?t like sittin- 5o%n a3ross 1rom 3lients an5 not kno%in- %"at t"e "ell t"ey %ant. /o more surprises. Dou 3lear 3lients %it" me 1irst.C AAnyt"in- you say.C ADou?re 8ein- reasona8le. ="at?s %ron-BC His smile %i5ene5@ settin- "is little eyes sparklin-. A7r. Gun5erson "as o11ere5 us a lot o1 money 1or your ser)i3es. $%i3e t"e normal 1ee.C A$"at?s a lot o1 money. ="at 5oes "e %ant me to 5oBC A<aise an an3estor 1rom t"e 5ea5. He?s un5er a 1amily 3urse. A %it3" tol5 "im i1 "e 3oul5 talk to t"e an3estor t"at t"e 3urse ori-inate5 %it"@ s"e mi-"t 8e a8le to li1t it.C A="y 5ou8le t"e 1eeBC A$"e 3urse starte5 %it" one o1 t%o 8rot"ers. He 5oesn?t kno% %"i3" one.C ASo 9 "a)e to raise t"em 8ot".C A91 %e?re lu3ky@ only one.C ABut you keep t"e se3on5 1ee any%ay@C 9 sai5. Bert no55e5 )i-orously@ "appy as a -ree5y 3lam. A9t?s e)en your >o8 5es3ription@ an5 8esi5es@ e)en you %oul5n?t let a 1ello% -o t"rou-" "is li1e %it" 1eat"ers on "is "ea5 i1 you 3oul5 "elp "im@ no% %oul5 youBC ADou smu- 8astar5@C 9 sai5@ 8ut my )oi3e soun5e5 tire5 e)en to me. Bert >ust smile5. He kne% "e?5 %on. ADou?ll 3lear 3lients %it" me t"at aren?t Eom8ie raisin-s or )ampire slayin-sBC 9 sai5. A91 you "a)e t"e time to rea5 up on e)ery 3lient 9 see@ t"en 9 3ertainly "a)e time to %rite up a report.C A9 5on?t nee5 to rea5 a8out e)ery 3lient@ >ust t"e ones you?re sen5in- my %ay.C ABut@ Anita@ you kno% it?s >ust lu3k o1 t"e 5ra% %"i3" o1 you is on 5uty on any -i)en 5ay.C A4amn you@ Bert.C ADou?)e kept 7s. 4re% %aitin- lon- enou-"@ 5on?t you t"inkBC 9 stoo5 up. 9t %as no use. 9 %as outmaneu)ere5. He kne% it. 9 kne% it. $"e only t"in- le1t %as a -ra3e1ul retreat. ADour t%o o?3lo3k 3an3ele5. 9?ll "a)e 7ary sen5 Gun5erson in.C A9s t"ere anyt"in- you %oul5n?t s3"e5ule in as a 3lient@ BertBC He seeme5 to t"ink a8out t"at 1or a minute@ t"en s"ook "is "ea5. A91 t"ey 3oul5 pay t"e 1ee@ no.C ADou are a -ree5y son o1 a 8it3".C A9 kno%.C 9t %as no use. 9 %asn?t %innin- t"is one. 9 %ent 1or t"e 5oor. ADou?re %earin- a -un.C He soun5e5 outra-e5. ADea"@ %"at o1 itBC A9 t"ink you 3an meet 3lients in 8roa5 5ayli-"t at our o11i3es %it"out 8ein- arme5.C A9 5on?t t"ink so.C AHust put t"e -un in t"e 5esk 5ra%er like you use5 to.C

A/ope.C 9 opene5 t"e 5oor. A9 5on?t %ant you meetin- 3lients arme5@ Anita.C ADour pro8lem@ not mine.C A9 3oul5 make it yours@C "e sai5. His 1a3e %as 1lus"e5@ )oi3e ti-"t %it" an-er. 7ay8e %e %ere -oin- to -et to 1i-"t a1ter all. 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor. ADou mean 1ire meBC A9 am your 8oss.C A=e 3an ar-ue a8out 3lients@ 8ut t"e -un is not ne-otia8le.C A$"e -un 1ri-"tens 3lients.C ASen5 t"e s;ueamis" ones to Hamison@C 9 sai5. AAnitaC2"e stoo5 up like an an-ry storm2A9 5on?t %ant you %earin- t"e -un in t"e o11i3e.C 9 smile5 s%eetly. A'u3k you@ Bert.C So mu3" 1or a -ra3e1ul e*it.

Chapter Sixteen
9 3lose5 t"e 5oor an5 realiEe5 9 "a5 a33omplis"e5 not"in- 8ut pissin- Bert o11. /ot a 8a5 "our?s %ork@ 8ut not a -reat a33omplis"ment. 9 %as -oin- to tell 7s. 4re% t"at 9 mi-"t 8e a8le to "elp "er. Bert %as ri-"t a8out -oo5 press. 9 no55e5 at Gun5erson as 9 passe5 "im. He smile5 8a3k. Some"o% 9 5i5n?t t"ink "e really %ante5 me to raise t"e 5ea5. 9?5 1in5 out soon enou-". 7s. 4re% %as sittin- le-s 3rosse5@ "an5s 1ol5e5 in "er lap. $"e pi3ture o1 ele-ant patien3e. A9 may 8e a8le to "elp you@ 7s. 4re%. 9?m not sure@ 8ut 9 may kno% someone %"o 3an "elp you.C S"e stoo5 up@ o11erin- me a mani3ure5 "an5. A$"at %oul5 8e %on5er1ul@ 7s. Blake. 9 3ertainly appre3iate your "elp.C A4oes 7ary "a)e a num8er %"ere 9 3an rea3" youBC ADes.C S"e smile5. 9 smile5. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor@ an5 s"e %alke5 past me in a 3lou5 o1 e*pensi)e per1ume. A7r. Gun5erson@ 9 3an see you no%.C He stoo5@ layin- t"e ma-aEine "e?5 8een lea1in- t"rou-" on t"e small ta8le 8esi5e t"e 'i3us 8en>ium. He 5i5n?t mo)e %it" t"at 5an3elike -ra3e t"at t"e ot"er s"apes"i1ters "a5. But t"en s%ans %eren?t parti3ularly -ra3e1ul on lan5. AHa)e a seat@ 7r. Gun5erson.C APlease@ Kaspar.C 9 leane5 on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 5esk@ starin- 5o%n at "im. A="at are you 5oin- "ere@ KasparBC He smile5. A7ar3us %ants to apolo-iEe 1or last ni-"t.C A$"en "e s"oul5 "a)e 3ome in person.C His smile5 %i5ene5. AHe t"ou-"t t"at o11erin- a siEa8le monetary re%ar5 mi-"t make up 1or our la3k o1 "ospitality last ni-"t.C AHe %as %ron-.C ADou aren?t -oin- to -i)e an in3"@ are youBC A/ope.C AAre you not -oin- to "elp usBC 9 si-"e5. A9?m %orkin- on it. But 9?m not sure %"at 9 3an 5o. ="at or %"o 3oul5 take out ei-"t s"apes"i1ters %it"out a stru--leBC A9 "a)e no i5ea. /one o1 us 5o. $"at is %"y %e "a)e 3ome to you.C Great. $"ey kne% less t"an 9 5i5. /ot 3om1ortin-. A7ar3us -a)e me a list o1 people to ;uestion.C 9 "an5e5 it to "im. AAny t"ou-"ts@ or a55itionsBC He 1ro%ne5@ eye8ro%s ar3"in- to-et"er. $"e %"ite eye8ro%s %ere not "air. 9 8linke5@ tryin- to 3on3entrate. $"e 1a3t t"at "e %as 1eat"ery seeme5 to 8ot"er me a lot more t"an it s"oul5 "a)e. A$"ese are all ri)als 1or 7ar3us?s po%er. Dou met most o1 t"em at t"e 3a1e.C A4o you really t"ink "e suspe3ts t"em@ or is "e >ust makin- trou8le 1or "is ri)alsBC 9 aske5. A9 5on?t kno%.C

A7ar3us sai5 you 3oul5 ans%er my ;uestions. 4o you a3tually kno% anyt"in- t"at 9 5on?tBC A9 %oul5 say t"at 9 kno% a -reat 5eal more a8out t"e s"apes"i1tin- 3ommunity t"an you 5o@C "e sai5. He soun5e5 a tri1le o11en5e5. ASorry@ 9 t"ink it?s >ust %is"1ul t"inkin- on 7ar3us?s part t"at "is ri)als are t"e 8a5 -uys. /ot your 1ault "e?s playin- -ames.C A7ar3us o1ten tries to mana-e t"in-s. Dou sa% t"at last ni-"t.C AHis mana-ement skills "a)en?t impresse5 me so 1ar.C AHe 8elie)es t"at i1 t"ere %ere one ruler 1or all s"apes"i1ters@ %e %oul5 8e a 1or3e to ri)al t"e )ampires.C He mi-"t 8e ri-"t on t"at. AHe %ants to 8e t"at ruler@C 9 sai5. A#1 3ourse.C $"e inter3om 8uEEe5. A,*3use me a minute.C 9 "it t"e 8utton. A="at is it@ 7aryBC A<i3"ar5 Keeman on line t%o. He says "e?s returnin- your messa-e.C 9 "esitate5@ t"en sai5@ A9?ll take it.C 9 pi3ke5 up t"e p"one@ )ery a%are t"at Kaspar %as sittin- t"ere listenin-. 9 3oul5 "a)e aske5 "im to step outsi5e@ 8ut 9 %as -ettin- tire5 o1 playin- musi3al 3lients. AHi@ <i3"ar5.C A9 -ot your messa-e on my ans%erin- ma3"ine@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as )ery 3are1ul@ as i1 "e %ere 8alan3in- a -lass o1 %ater 1ille5 to t"e )ery 8rim. A9 t"ink %e nee5 to talk@C 9 sai5. A9 a-ree.C 7y@ %eren?t %e 8ein- 3autious t"is a1ternoon. A9?m suppose5 to 8e t"e one t"at?s ma5. ="y 5oes your )oi3e soun5 so 1unnyBC A9 "ear5 a8out last ni-"t.C 9 %aite5 1or "im to say more@ 8ut t"e silen3e >ust stret3"e5 to in1inity. 9 1ille5 it. ALook@ 9 "a)e a 3lient %it" me ri-"t no%. Dou %ant to meet an5 talkBC AVery mu3".C He sai5 it as t"ou-" "e %eren?t really lookin- 1or%ar5 to it. A9 "a)e a 5inner 8reak aroun5 si*. Dou %ant to meet at t"e !"inese pla3e on #li)eBC A4oesn?t soun5 )ery pri)ate.C A="at 5i5 you "a)e in min5BC A7y pla3e.C A9 only -et an "our@ <i3"ar5@ 9 5on?t "a)e time to 5ri)e t"at 1ar.C ADour pla3e@ t"en.C A/o.C A="y notBC AHust no.C A="at %e nee5 to say to ea3" ot"er isn?t -oin- to -o o)er %ell in pu8li3. Dou kno% t"at.C 9 5i5. 4ammit. AAll ri-"t@ %e?ll meet at my pla3e a little a1ter si*. 4o you %ant me to pi3k up somet"in-BC ADou?re at %ork. 9t?ll 8e easier 1or me to pi3k up somet"in-. Dou %ant moos"u pork an5 3ra8 ra-oonBC ADea".C =e?5 5ate5 enou-" t"at "e 3oul5 or5er 1oo5 1or me %it"out askin-. But "e aske5 any%ay. Bro%nie point 1or "im. A9?ll see you at a8out si*21i1teen t"en@C "e sai5. ASee you.C ABye@ Anita.C ABye.C =e "un- up. 7y stoma3" %as one "ar5 knot o1 5rea5. 91 %e %ere -oin- to "a)e At"eC 1i-"t@ t"e 8reakup 1i-"t@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to "a)e it at my apartment@ 8ut <i3"ar5 %as ri-"t. =e 5i5n?t %ant to 8e s3reamin- a8out ly3ant"ropes an5 killin- people in a pu8li3 restaurant. Still@ it %as not -oin- to 8e a -oo5 time. A9s <i3"ar5 an-ry a8out last ni-"tBC Kaspar aske5. ADea".C A9s t"ere anyt"in- 9 3an 5o to "elpBC A9 nee5 t"e 3omplete stories a8out t"e 5isappearan3esJ stru--les@ %"o last sa% t"em@ t"at sort o1 t"in-.C

A7ar3us sai5 all ;uestions 5ire3tly a8out t"e 5isappearan3es s"oul5 8e ans%ere5 only 8y "im.C ADou al%ays 5o %"at "e saysBC A/ot al%ays@ 8ut "e?s ;uite a5amant a8out t"is@ Anita. 9 am not a pre5ator. 9 3annot 5e1en5 mysel1 a-ainst 7ar3us at "is %orst.C A=oul5 "e really kill you 1or -oin- a-ainst "is %is"esBC APer"aps not kill me@ 8ut 9 %oul5 8e "urtin- 1or a )ery@ )ery lon- time.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHe 5oesn?t soun5 any 8etter t"an most master )ampires 9 kno%.C A9 5on?t personally kno% any master )ampires. 9 am 1or3e5 to take your %or5 1or t"at.C 9 "a5 to smile. 9 kne% more monsters t"an t"e monsters 5i5. A=oul5 <i3"ar5 kno%BC APer"aps@ an5 i1 not@ "e 3oul5 "elp you 1in5 out.C 9 %ante5 to ask "im i1 <i3"ar5 %as as 8a5 as 7ar3us. 9 %ante5 to kno% i1 my s%eetie %as really a 8east at "eart. 9 5i5n?t ask. 91 9 %ante5 to kno% a8out <i3"ar5@ 9 s"oul5 ask <i3"ar5. A:nless you "a)e more in1ormation@ Kaspar@ 9 "a)e %ork to 5o.C 9t soun5e5 -rumpy e)en to me. 9 smile5 to try to so1ten it 8ut 5i5n?t take it 8a3k. 9 %ante5 t"is %"ole mess to -o a%ay@ an5 "e %as a remin5er o1 it. He stoo5. A91 you nee5 any assistan3e@ please 3all.C ADou?ll only 8e a8le to -i)e me t"e assistan3e 7ar3us okays@ ri-"tBC A sli-"t 1lus" 3olore5 "is pale skin@ a pink -lo% like 3olore5 su-ar. A9 am a1rai5 so.C A9 5on?t t"ink 9?ll 8e 3allin-@C 9 sai5. ADou 5on?t trust 7ar3usBC 9 lau-"e5@ 8ut it %as "ars"@ not amuse5. A4o youBC He smile5@ an5 -a)e a sli-"t no5 o1 "is "ea5. A9 suppose not.C He mo)e5 1or t"e 5oor. 9 "a5 my "an5 on t"e 5oorkno8 %"en 9 turne5 an5 aske5@ A9s it really a 1amily 3urseBC A7y a11li3tionBC ADea".C A/ot a 1amily one@ 8ut a 3urse@ yes.C ALike in t"e 1airy taleBC 9 sai5. A'airy tale soun5s like su3" a -entle t"in-. $"e ori-inal stories are o1ten ;uite -ruesome.C A9?)e rea5 some o1 t"em.C AHa)e you rea5 $"e S%an Prin3ess in its ori-inal /orseBC A!an?t say 9 "a)e.C A9t?s e)en %orse in t"e ori-inal lan-ua-e.C ASorry to "ear t"at@C 9 sai5. ASo am 9.C He steppe5 3loser to t"e 5oor@ an5 9 "a5 to open it to let "im -o. 9 5early %ante5 to "ear t"e story 1rom "is o%n lips@ 8ut t"ere %as a pain in "is eyes t"at %as ra% enou-" to 3ut skin. 9 3oul5n?t press a-ainst t"at mu3" pain. He steppe5 past me. 9 let "im -o. 9 %as really -oin- to "a)e to 1in5 my te*t8ook on 1airy tales as trut" 1rom t"at 3omparati)e literature 3lass. 9t "a5 8een a lon- time sin3e 9?5 rea5 $"e S%an Prin3ess.

Chapter Seventeen
9t %as more like si*2t"irty 8y t"e time 9 %alke5 5o%n t"e "all%ay to my apartment. 9 "a5 "al1 e*pe3te5 to see <i3"ar5 sittin- in t"e "all@ 8ut it %as empty. $"e ti-"tness in my stoma3" ease5 >ust a 8it. A reprie)e@ e)en o1 a 1e% minutes@ %as still a reprie)e. 9 "a5 my keys in t"e 5oor %"en t"e 5oor 8e"in5 me opene5. 9 5roppe5 t"e keys@ lea)in- t"em 5an-lin-. 7y ri-"t "an5 %ent 1or t"e Bro%nin-. 9t %as instin3t@ not somet"in- 9 t"ou-"t a8out. 7y "an5 %as on t"e 8utt@ 8ut 9 "a5n?t 5ra%n it %"en 7rs. Prin-le appeare5 in t"e 5oor. 9 ease5 my "an5 a%ay 1rom t"e -un an5 smile5. 9 5on?t t"ink s"e realiEe5 %"at 9 %as 5oin- 8e3ause "er smile ne)er 1altere5. S"e %as tall an5 t"in %it" a-e. Her %"ite "air %as %rappe5 in a 8un at t"e nape o1 "er ne3k. 7rs. Prin-le ne)er %ore makeup an5 ne)er apolo-iEe5 1or 8ein- o)er si*ty. S"e seeme5 to en>oy 8ein- ol5.

AAnita@ you?re runnin- a little late toni-"t@C s"e sai5. !ustar5@ "er Pomeranian@ yappe5 in t"e 8a3k-roun5 like a stu3k re3or5. 9 1ro%ne5 at "er. Si*2t"irty %as early 1or me to -et "ome. Be1ore 9 3oul5 say anyt"in-@ <i3"ar5 appeare5 8e"in5 "er in t"e 5oor%ay. His "air 1ell aroun5 "is 1a3e in a mass o1 ri3" 8ro%n %a)es. He %as %earin- one o1 my 1a)orite s%eaters. 9t %as soli5 1orest -reen an5 s;uis"y so1t to t"e tou3". !ustar5 %as 8arkin- at "im@ in3"es a%ay 1rom "is le-@ as i1 %orkin- up 3oura-e 1or a ;ui3k nip. A!ustar5@ stop t"at@C 7rs. Prin-le sai5. S"e looke5 up at <i3"ar5. A9?)e ne)er seen "im 8e"a)e like t"is aroun5 anyone. Anita 3an tell you t"at "e likes almost e)eryone.C S"e looke5 to me 1or support@ em8arrasse5 a8out "er 5o- 8ein- ru5e to a -uest. 9 no55e5. ADou?re ri-"t. 9?)e ne)er seen "im a3t like t"is 8e1ore.C 9 %as lookin- at <i3"ar5. His 1a3e %as as 3lose5 an5 3are1ul as 9?5 e)er seen it. AHe a3ts like t"is aroun5 ot"er 5o-s sometimes@ tries to 8oss t"em@C s"e sai5. A4o you "a)e a 5o-@ 7r. KeemanB 7ay8e !ustar5 smells "im on you.C A/o@C <i3"ar5 sai5@ A9 5on?t "a)e a 5o-.C A9 1oun5 your 8eau sittin- in t"e "all %it" "is sa3k o1 1oo5. 9 t"ou-"t "e mi-"t like to %ait insi5e. 9?m sorry t"at !ustar5 "as ma5e t"e )isit so unpleasant.C A9 al%ays en>oy talkin- s"op %it" anot"er tea3"er@C "e sai5. ASo polite@C s"e sai5. Her 1a3e "a5 8roken into a %on5er1ul smile. S"e?5 only met <i3"ar5 on3e or t%i3e in t"e "all@ 8ut s"e like5 "im. ,)en 8e1ore s"e 1oun5 out "e %as a tea3"er. Snap >u5-ment. <i3"ar5 steppe5 aroun5 "er into t"e "all. !ustar5 1ollo%e5 "im@ yippin- 1uriously. $"e 5o- looke5 like an o)erly am8itious 5an5elion. But it %as a pisse5 5an5elion. $"e 5o- 8oun3e5 1or%ar5 on tiny 1eet@ -i)in- a little "op %it" ea3" 8ark. A!ustar5@ -et 8a3k in "ere.C 9 "el5 t"e 5oor open 1or <i3"ar5. He "a5 a %"ite take2out sa3k an5 a 3oat in "is arms. $"e 5o- -a)e a runnin- 8oun5@ 5artin- in to nip "is ankle. <i3"ar5 looke5 5o%n at t"e 5o-. !ustar5 stoppe5 a nose a%ay 1rom "is pants le-. He rolle5 eyes up%ar5@ a look in "is 5o--y eyes t"at 9?5 ne)er seen 8e1ore. A 3onsi5erin- look as i1 "e %on5ere5 i1 <i3"ar5 really %oul5 eat "im. <i3"ar5 slippe5 t"rou-" t"e 5oor. !ustar5 >ust stoo5 t"ere in t"e "all%ay@ as su85ue5 as 9?5 e)er seen "im. A$"anks 1or lookin- a1ter <i3"ar5@ 7rs. Prin-le.C A7y pleasure. He?s a ni3e youn- man@C s"e sai5. Her tone o1 )oi3e sai5 more t"an t"e %or5s. A/i3e youn- manC meant marry "im. 7y stepmot"er@ Hu5it"@ %oul5 a-ree %it" "er. ,*3ept t"at Hu5it" %oul5 "a)e sai5 it out lou5@ no "intin-. 9 smile5 an5 3lose5 t"e 5oor. !ustar5 starte5 yappin- at t"e 5oor. 9 lo3ke5 t"e 5oor out o1 "a8it an5 turne5 to 1a3e t"e musi3. <i3"ar5 "a5 5rape5 "is leat"er 3oat a3ross t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 3ou3". $"e take2out sa3k %as sittin- on t"e small kit3"enette ta8le. He li1te5 out 3artons o1 1oo5. 9 put my 3oat on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 3ou3" 8y "is an5 slippe5 o11 t"e "i-" "eels. 9 lost a8out t%o in3"es o1 "ei-"t an5 1elt mu3" 8etter. A/i3e >a3ket@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as still neutral. A$"anks.C 9 "a5 8een -oin- to take t"e >a3ket o11@ 8ut "e like5 it@ so 9 kept it on. Silly@ 8ut true. =e %ere 8ot" 8ein- so 3are1ul. $"e tension in t"e room %as 3"okin-. 9 -ot plates out o1 t"e 3a8inet. 9 -ot a 3ol5 !oke 1rom t"e 1ri5-e 1or me an5 poure5 a -lass o1 %ater 1or <i3"ar5. He 5i5n?t like 3ar8onate5 8e)era-es. 9?5 taken to keepin- a >u- o1 3ol5 %ater in t"e 1ri5-e >ust 1or "im. 7y t"roat 1elt ti-"t as 9 set t"e 5rinks on t"e ta8le. He set out sil)er%are. =e mo)e5 aroun5 my minus3ule kit3"en like 5an3ers@ kno%in- %"ere ea3" %oul5 8e@ ne)er 8umpin- unless it %as on purpose. $oni-"t t"ere %as no tou3"in-. =e le1t t"e li-"ts o11. $"e only li-"t %as 1rom t"e li)inroom@ lea)in- t"e kit3"en in semi5arkness like a 3a)e. 9t %as almost as i1 neit"er one o1 us %ante5 to see 3learly. =e sat 5o%n at last. =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er o)er t"e 1oo5 on t"e platesJ moos"u pork 1or me@ 3as"e% 3"i3ken 1or <i3"ar5. $"e smell o1 "ot !"inese 1oo5 1ille5 t"e apartment. =arm an5 3om1ortin- on most o33asions. $oni-"t it nauseate5 me. A 5ou8le or5er o1 3ra8 ra-oon sat on a plate 8et%een us. He "a5 1ille5 a sau3er %it" s%eet2an52sour sau3e. 9t %as t"e %ay %e al%ays ate !"inese@ s"arin- a 8o%l o1 sau3e. 4amn. His 3"o3olate 8ro%n eyes stare5 at me. 9 %as t"e one %"o looke5 a%ay 1irst. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5o t"is. ASo@ 5o all 5o-s rea3t like t"at to youBC A/o@ >ust t"e 5ominant ones.C 9 looke5 up at t"at. A!ustar5 is 5ominant to youBC AHe t"inks so.C

A:n"ealt"y@C 9 sai5. He smile5. A9 5on?t eat 5o-s.C A9 5i5n?t mean ... o"@ s"it.C 91 %e %ere -oin- to 5o t"is@ mi-"t as %ell 5o it ri-"t. A="y 5i5n?t you tell me a8out 7ar3usBC A9 5i5n?t %ant to in)ol)e you.C A="y notBC AHean2!lau5e in)ol)e5 you %it" /ikolaos. Dou tol5 me "o% mu3" you "ate5 t"at. <esente5 it. 91 9 8rou-"t you in to "elp me %it" 7ar3us@ %"at %oul5 8e t"e 5i11eren3eBC A9t?s not t"e same@C 9 sai5. AHo%B 9 %on?t use you like Hean2!lau5e 5i5. 9 %on?t 5o it.C A91 9 )olunteer@ you?re not usin- me.C A="at are you -oin- to 5oB Kill "imBC $"ere %as a 8itterness in "is )oi3e@ an-er. A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC ADou mi-"t as %ell take your >a3ket o11. 9 sa% t"e -un.C 9 opene5 my mout" to protest an5 3lose5 it. ,*plainin- in t"e mi55le o1 a 1i-"t t"at 9 %ante5 to look -oo5 1or "im soun5e5 silly. 9 stoo5 up an5 took t"e >a3ket o11. 9 5rape5 it 3are1ully o)er t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 3"air@ takin- a lot o1 time %it" it. A$"ere. HappyBC A9s t"at -un your ans%er to e)eryt"in-BC A="y 5o you su55enly "a)e a pro8lem %it" me 3arryin- a -unBC AAl1re5 %as my 1rien5.C $"at stoppe5 me. 9t "a5n?t e)en o33urre5 to me t"at <i3"ar5 mi-"t like Al1re5. A9 5i5n?t kno% "e %as your 1rien5.C A=oul5 it "a)e ma5e a 5i11eren3eBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at. A7ay8e.C ADou 5i5n?t "a)e to kill "im.C A9 "a5 t"is 3on)ersation %it" 7ar3us last ni-"t. $"ey le1t me no 3"oi3e@ <i3"ar5. 9 %arne5 "im@ more t"an on3e.C A9 "ear5 all a8out it. $"e pa3k?s 8uEEin- %it" it. Ho% you %oul5n?t 8a3k 5o%n. Dou re>e3te5 7ar3us?s prote3tion. Dou s"ot anot"er one o1 us.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A#"@ e)eryone?s real impresse5.C A9 5i5n?t 5o it to impress t"em.C He took a 5eep 8reat". A9 kno%@ t"at?s %"at s3ares me.C ADou?re s3are5 o1 meBC A'or you@C "e sai5. $"e an-er %as seepin- out o1 "is eyes@ %"at %as repla3in- it %as 1ear. A9 3an "an5le mysel1@ <i3"ar5.C ADou 5on?t un5erstan5 %"at you 5i5 last ni-"t.C A9 am sorry i1 Al1re5 %as your 1rien5. 'rankly@ "e 5i5n?t strike me as someone you?5 "an- out %it".C A9 kno% "e %as a 8ully@ an5 7ar3us?s 5o- to 3all@ 8ut "e %as mine to prote3t.C A7ar3us %asn?t 5oin- a lot o1 prote3tin- last ni-"t@ <i3"ar5. He %as more intereste5 in "is little po%er stru--le t"an in keepin- Al1re5 sa1e.C A9 stoppe5 8y 9r)in-?s pla3e t"is mornin-.C He let t"e statement "an- t"ere in t"e air 8et%een us. 9t %as my turn to -et an-ry. A4i5 you "urt "imBC A91 9 5i5@ it %as my ri-"t as 8eta male.C 9 stoo5 up@ "an5s presse5 on t"e ta8letop. A91 you "urt "im@ %e are -oin- to "a)e more t"an >ust %or5s.C AAre you -oin- to s"oot me@ tooBC 9 looke5 at "im@ %it" "is %on5er1ul "air@ lookin- s3rumptious in "is s%eater@ an5 no55e5. A91 9 "a5 to.C ADou 3oul5 kill me@ >ust like t"at.C A/o@ not kill@ 8ut %oun5@ yea".C A$o keep 9r)in- sa1e@ you?5 pull a -un on me.C He %as leanin- 8a3k in t"e 3"air@ arms 3rosse5 on "is 3"est. His e*pression %as amaEe5 an5 an-ry. A9r)in- aske5 1or my prote3tion. 9 -a)e it.C

ASo "e tol5 me t"is mornin-.C A4i5 you "urt "imBC He stare5 at me 1or a lon- time@ t"en 1inally sai5@ A/o@ 9 5i5n?t "urt "im.C 9 let out a 8reat" 9 "a5n?t kno%n 9 %as "ol5in- an5 ease5 8a3k into my 3"air. ADou?5 really pit yoursel1 a-ainst me to prote3t "im. Dou really %oul5.C A4on?t soun5 so amaEe5. 9r)in- %as 3au-"t in t"e mi55le o1 t"e t%o o1 you. 7ar3us %oul5 "a)e "urt "im i1 "e 5i5n?t 3onta3t me@ an5 you sai5 you?5 "urt "im i1 "e 5i5. 4i5n?t seem )ery 1air.C AA lot o1 t"in-s in t"e pa3k aren?t 1air@ Anita.C ASo is li1e@ <i3"ar5. ="at o1 itBC A="en 9r)in- tol5 me t"at "e %as un5er your prote3tion@ 9 5i5n?t "urt "im@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t really 8elie)e you?5 "urt me.C A9?)e kno%n 9r)in- a lot lon-er t"an 9?)e kno%n you.C He leane5 1or%ar5@ "an5s on t"e ta8letop. ABut "e?s not 5atin- you.C 9 s"ru--e5. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at else to say. /ot"in- seeme5 like a sa1e 8et. AAm 9 still your s%eetie or 5i5 your 8aptism 8y 1ire last ni-"t make you not %ant to 5ate me anymoreBC ADou?re in a li1e2or25eat" stru--le an5 you 5i5n?t tell me. 91 you "i5e t"in-s like t"at 1rom me@ "o% 3an %e "a)e a relations"ipBC A7ar3us %on?t kill me@C "e sai5. 9 >ust stare5 at "im. He seeme5 sin3ere. S"it. ADou really 8elie)e t"at@ 5on?t youBC ADes.C 9 %ante5 to 3all "im a 1ool@ 8ut 9 3lose5 my mout" an5 trie5 to t"ink o1 somet"in- else to say. /ot"in- 3ame to min5. A9?)e met 7ar3us. 9?)e met <aina.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A91 you really 8elie)e t"at 7ar3us 5oesn?t %ant you 5ea5@ you?re %ron-.C A#ne ni-"t an5 you?re an e*pert@C "e sai5. ADea"@ on t"is 9 am.C A$"at?s %"y 9 5i5n?t tell you. Dou?5 kill "im@ %oul5n?t youB Dou?5 >ust kill "im.C A91 "e %as tryin- to kill me@ yea".C A9 "a)e to "an5le t"is mysel1@ Anita.C A$"en "an5le it@ <i3"ar5. Kill "is ass.C A#r you?ll 5o it 1or me.C 9 sat 8a3k in my 3"air. AS"it@ <i3"ar5@ %"at 5o you %ant 1rom meBC A9 %ant to kno% i1 you t"ink 9?m a monster.C $"e 3on)ersation %as mo)in- too 1ast 1or me. ADou?re a33usin- me o1 8ein- a mur5erer. S"oul5n?t t"at 8e my ;uestionBC A9 kne% %"at you %ere %"en %e 1irst met. Dou t"ou-"t 9 %as "uman. 4o you still t"ink 9?m "umanBC 9 stare5 at "im. He looke5 so un3ertain. 9n my "ea5 9 kne% "e %asn?t "uman. But 9?5 still ne)er seen "im 5o any o1 t"e ot"er%orl5ly stu11. Lookin- at "im "ere in my kit3"en@ 8ro%n eyes 8rimmin- %it" sin3erity@ "e >ust 5i5n?t seem )ery 5an-erous. He 8elie)e5 t"at 7ar3us %oul5n?t kill "im. 9t %as too nai)e 1or %or5s. 9 %ante5 to prote3t "im. $o keep "im sa1e some"o%. ADou?re not a monster@ <i3"ar5.C A$"en %"y "a)en?t you tou3"e5 me toni-"t@ not e)en a "ello kiss.C A9 t"ou-"t %e %ere ma5 at ea3" ot"er@C 9 sai5. A9 5on?t kiss people t"at 9?m ma5 at.C AAre %e ma5 at ea3" ot"erBC His )oi3e %as so1t@ "esitant. A9 5on?t kno%. Promise me somet"in-.C A="atBC A/o more "i5in-. /o more lyin-@ not e)en 8y omission. Dou tell me t"e trut"@ an5 9?ll tell you t"e trut".C AA-ree5@ i1 you promise not to kill 7ar3us.C 9 stare5 a3ross at "im. Ho% 3oul5 any8o5y 8e a master %ere%ol1 an5 8e so -oo5y2t%o2s"oesB 9t %as 8ot" 3"armin- an5 lia8le to -et "im kille5. A9 3an?t promise t"at.C AAnita ... C

9 "el5 up a "an5. A9 3an promise not to kill "im unless "e atta3ks me@ or you@ or a 3i)ilian.C 9t %as <i3"ar5?s turn to stare at me. ADou 3oul5 kill "im@ >ust like t"atBC AHust like t"at.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5on?t un5erstan5 t"at.C AHo% 3an you 8e a ly3ant"rope an5 ne)er "a)e kille5 any8o5yBC A9?m 3are1ul.C AAn5 9?m notBC ADou?re almost 3asual a8out it. Dou kille5 Al1re5 last ni-"t@ an5 you 5on?t seem sorry.C AS"oul5 9 8eBC A9 %oul5 8e.C 9 s"ru--e5. $rut" %as@ it 5i5 8ot"er me a little. $"ere mi-"t "a)e 8een a %ay out %it"out Al1re5 en5in- up in a 8o5y 8a-. #r in t"e stoma3"s o1 "is 1rien5s. But 9?5 kille5 "im. $"ere it %as. /o -oin- 8a3k. /o 3"an-in- it. /o apolo-iEin-. A9t?s t"e %ay 9 am@ <i3"ar5. Li)e %it" it or -et out. 9?m not -oin- to 3"an-e.C A#ne o1 t"e reasons 9 %ante5 to 5ate you to 8e-in %it" %as 9 t"ou-"t you 3oul5 take 3are o1 yoursel1. Dou?)e seen t"em no%. 9 t"ink 9 3an -et out o1 it ali)e@ 8ut a re-ular person2an or5inary "uman 8ein-2%"at 3"an3e %oul5 t"ey "a)eBC 9 >ust looke5 at "im. 9 1las"e5 on "im %it" "is t"roat torn out. 4ea5. But "e "a5n?t 8een 5ea5. He?5 "eale5. He?5 li)e5. $"ere?5 8een anot"er man. Anot"er "uman 8ein- t"at "a5n?t "eale5. 9 ne)er %ante5 to lo)e anyone an5 lose t"em like t"at. ,)er. ASo you -ot %"at %as a5)ertise5. ="at?s t"e pro8lemBC A9 still %ant you. 9 still %ant to "ol5 you. $ou3" you. !an you stan5 to tou3" me a1ter %"at you sa% last ni-"tBC He %oul5n?t meet my eyes. His "air 1ell 1or%ar5@ "i5in- "is 1a3e. 9 stoo5 up an5 took t"e step t"at le1t me lookin- 5o%n at "im. He raise5 "is 1a3e to me@ "is eyes -littere5 %it" uns"e5 tears. $"e 1ear in "is 1a3e %as ra%. 9 "a5 t"ou-"t t"at %"at 9 sa% last ni-"t %oul5 make a 5i11eren3e 8et%een us. 9 1las"e5 on Hason?s unnatural stren-t"@ t"e s%eat on 7ar3us?s 1a3e@ Ga8riel %it" "is 8loo523oate5 mout". But starin- into <i3"ar5?s 1a3e@ %it" "im 3lose enou-" to tou3"@ none o1 t"at %as real. 9 truste5 <i3"ar5. Besi5es@ 9 %as arme5. 9 leane5 o)er "im@ 8en5in- 5o%n to kiss "is lips. $"e 1irst kiss %as -entle@ 3"aste. He ma5e no mo)e to tou3" me@ "an5s in "is lap. 9 kisse5 "is 1ore"ea5@ "an5s 3om8in- t"rou-" "is lon- "air@ so 9 3oul5 1eel t"e %armt" o1 "im a-ainst my 1in-ers. 9 kisse5 "is eye8ro%s@ t"e tip o1 "is nose@ ea3" 3"eek@ 1inally "is lips a-ain. He si-"e5@ t"e 8reat" pourin- into my mout"@ an5 9 presse5 my lips a-ainst "is like 9?5 eat "im 1rom t"e mout" 5o%n. His arms %rappe5 aroun5 my 8a3k@ "an5s "esitatin- at my %aist@ 1in-ers sli-"tly lo%er. His "an5s >umpe5 to my t"i-"s@ skippin- all t"ose ;uestiona8le areas. 9 put one le- on eit"er si5e o1 "is knees@ an5 1oun5 t"e s"ort skirt 5i5 "a)e its uses. 9 stra55le5 "is lap@ 5i5n?t "a)e to raise t"e skirt an in3". <i3"ar5 ma5e a small soun5 o1 surprise. He stare5 at me@ an5 "is eyes %ere 5ro%nin- 5eep. 9 raise5 "is s%eater o11 "is stoma3"@ runnin- "an5s a-ainst "is 8are 1les". A#11@C 9 sai5. He raise5 t"e s%eater o)er "is "ea5 in one mo)ement@ 5roppin- it to t"e 1loor. 9 sat in "is lap@ starin- at "is 8are 3"est. 9 s"oul5 "a)e stoppe5 ri-"t t"ere@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to. 9 presse5 my 1a3e in t"e 8en5 o1 "is ne3k@ 8reat"in- in t"e smell o1 "is skin@ "is "air 3o)erin- my 1a3e like a )eil. 9 ran >ust t"e tip o1 my ton-ue in a t"in line o1 %etness 5o%n "is ne3k@ a3ross "is 3ollar8one. His "an5s knea5e5 t"e small o1 my 8a3k@ sli5in- 5o%n%ar5. His 1in-ers 5an3e5 o)er my 8utto3ks@ t"en up to my 8a3k. Point 1or "im. He "a5n?t -rope5 me. A$"e -un@ 3an you take it o11BC He aske5 %it" "is 1a3e 8urie5 in my "air. 9 no55e5@ slippin- out o1 t"e s"oul5er straps. 9 3oul5n?t -et t"e rest o11 %it"out remo)in- t"e skirt?s 8elt. 7y "an5s 5i5n?t seem to %ant to %ork. <i3"ar5 took my "an5s an5 pla3e5 t"em -ently to eit"er si5e. He un5i5 t"e 8u3kle an5 8e-an to sli5e t"e 8elt out a loop at a time. ,a3" pull ma5e me mo)e >ust a little. 9 "el5 t"e "olstere5 -un %"ile "e 5re% t"e 8elt 1ree. He let t"e 8elt 5rop to t"e 1loor. 9 1ol5e5 t"e s"oul5er "olster 3are1ully an5 lai5 it on t"e ta8le 8e"in5 us. 9 turne5 8a3k to "im. His 1a3e %as startlin-ly 3lose. His lips %ere so1t@ 1ull. 9 li3ke5 t"e e5-es o1 "is mout". $"e kiss %as ;ui3k an5 messy. 9 %ante5 to run my mout" o)er ot"er t"in-s. 4o%n "is 3"est. =e?5 ne)er let it -o t"is 1ar. /ot e)en 3lose. He pulle5 my 8louse out o1 t"e skirt@ runnin- "an5s o)er my 8are 8a3k. $"e 1eel o1 "is nake5 skin on pla3es "e?5 ne)er tou3"e5 8e1ore ma5e me s"u55er. A=e "a)e to stop no%.C 9 %"ispere5 it into "is ne3k@ so it %asn?t 3ompletely 3on)in3in-. A="atBC

AStop.C 9 pus"e5 a little 8a3k 1rom "im@ enou-" to see "is 1a3e. ,nou-" to 8reat"e >ust a little. 7y "an5s %ere still playin%it" "is "air@ tou3"in- "is s"oul5ers. 9 5roppe5 my "an5s. 7a5e mysel1 stop. He %as so %arm. 9 raise5 my "an5s to my 1a3e@ an5 3oul5 smell "im on my skin. 9 5i5 not %ant to stop. 'rom t"e look on "is 1a3e@ t"e 1eel o1 "is 8o5y@ neit"er 5i5 "e. A=e s"oul5 stop no%.C A="yBC His )oi3e %as almost a %"isper. ABe3ause i1 %e 5on?t stop no%@ %e mi-"t not stop at all.C A=oul5 t"at 8e su3" a 8a5 t"in-BC Starin- into "is lo)ely eyes 1rom in3"es a%ay@ 9 almost sai5@ no. A7ay8e@ yes.C A="yBC ABe3ause one ni-"t is ne)er enou-". Dou eit"er "a)e a re-ular 5iet o1 it or you -o 3ol5 turkey.C ADou 3an "a)e t"is e)ery ni-"t@C "e sai5. A9s t"at a proposalBC 9 aske5. He 8linke5 at me@ tryin- to 5ra% "imsel1 8a3k up. $o t"ink. 9 %at3"e5 t"e e11ort an5 stru--le5 %it" it mysel1. 9t %as "ar5 to t"ink sittin- in "is lap. 9 stoo5 up. His "an5s %ere still un5er my s"irt@ on my 8are 8a3k. AAnita@ %"at?s %ron-BC 9 stoo5 lookin- 5o%n at "im@ "an5s on "is s"oul5ers 1or 8alan3e@ still too 3lose 1or 3lear t"inkin-. 9 8a3ke5 a%ay@ an5 "e let me -o. 9 leane5 my "an5s a-ainst t"e kit3"en 3ounter@ tryin- to t"ink enou-" to make sense. 9 trie5 to t"ink "o% to say a 3ouple o1 years? %ort" o1 pain in one mout"1ul. A9 %as al%ays a -oo5 -irl. 9 5i5n?t sleep aroun5. 9n 3olle-e 9 met someone@ %e -ot en-a-e5@ %e set a 5ate@ %e ma5e lo)e. He 5umpe5 me.C AHe?5 5one all t"at >ust to -et you in 8e5BC 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 turne5 to look at "im. He %as still sittin- t"ere %it" "is s"irt o11@ lookin- s3rumptious. AHis 1amily 5isappro)e5 o1 me.C A="yBC AHis mot"er 5i5n?t like my mot"er 8ein- 7e*i3an.C 9 leane5 my 8a3k a-ainst t"e 3a8inets@ arms 3rosse5@ "u--in- mysel1. AHe 5i5n?t lo)e me enou-" to -o a-ainst "is 1amily. 9 misse5 "im in a lot o1 %ays@ 8ut my 8o5y misse5 "im@ too. 9 promise5 mysel1 9?5 ne)er let t"at "appen a-ain.C ASo you?re %aitin- 1or marria-e@C "e sai5. 9 no55e5. A9 %ant you@ <i3"ar5@ 8a5ly@ 8ut 9 3an?t. 9 promise5 9?5 ne)er let mysel1 -et "urt like t"at a-ain.C He stoo5 up an5 3ame to stan5 in 1ront o1 me. He stoo5 3lose 8ut 5i5n?t try to tou3" me. A$"en marry me.C 9 looke5 up at "im. ADea"@ ri-"t.C A/o@ 9 mean it.C He put "is "an5s on my s"oul5ers@ -ently. A9?)e t"ou-"t a8out askin- 8e1ore@ 8ut 9 %as a1rai5. Dou "a5n?t seen %"at a ly3ant"rope 3oul5 5o@ %"at %e 3oul5 8e. 9 kne% you nee5e5 to see t"at 8e1ore 9 3oul5 ask@ 8ut 9 %as a1rai5 1or you to see it.C A9 still "a)en?t seen you 3"an-e@C 9 sai5. A4o you nee5 toBC AStan5in- "ere like t"is@ 9 say no@ 8ut realisti3ally@ i1 %e?re serious@ pro8a8ly.C A/o%BC 9 stare5 up at "im in t"e near 5ark an5 "u--e5 "im. 9 1ol5e5 a-ainst "im an5 s"ook my "ea5@ 3"eek sli5in- alon- "is nake5 3"est. A/o@ not no%.C He kisse5 t"e top o1 my "ea5. A9s t"at a yesBC 9 raise5 my "ea5 to look at "im. A9 s"oul5 say no.C A="yBC ABe3ause li1e is too 3ompli3ate5 1or t"is.C ALi1e is al%ays 3ompli3ate5@ Anita. Say yes.C ADes.C $"e minute 9 sai5 it@ 9 %ante5 it 8a3k. 9 luste5 a1ter "im a lot. 9 e)en lo)e5 "im may8e more t"an a little. 4i5 9 suspe3t "im o1 eatin- Little <e5 <i5in- Hoo5B Hell@ "e 3oul5n?t e)en 8rin- "imsel1 to kill t"e Bi- Ba5 =ol1. #1 t"e t%o o1 us@ 9 %as t"e more likely to slau-"ter people. He kisse5 me@ "is "an5s pressin- a-ainst my 8a3k. 9 5re% 8a3k enou-" to 8reat"e@ an5 sai5@ A/o se* toni-"t. $"e rule still stan5s.C He lo%ere5 "is mout" an5 spoke %it" our lips almost tou3"in-. A9 kno%.C

Chapter Eighteen
9 %as late to my 1irst Eom8ie appointment. Surprise@ surprise. Bein- late to t"e 1irst meetin- ma5e me late to t"e ot"er t%o. 9t %as 2J 3 8y t"e time 9 -ot to ,5%ar5?s room. 9 kno3ke5. He opene5 t"e 5oor an5 steppe5 to one si5e. ADou?re late.C ADea"@C 9 sai5. $"e room %as ni3e 8ut stan5ar5. A sin-le kin-2siEe5 8e5@ ni-"tstan5@ t%o lamps@ a 5esk a-ainst t"e 1ar %all. $"e 5rapes %ere 3lose5 o)er t"e nearly %all2to2%all %in5o%s. $"e 8at"room li-"t %as on@ 5oor open. $"e 3loset 5oor %as "al12open@ s"o%in- t"at "e?5 "un- up "is 3lot"es. He planne5 to stay 1or a %"ile. $"e tele)ision %as on@ soun5 turne5 o11. 9 %as surprise5. ,5%ar5 5i5n?t %at3" tele)ision. A V!< sat on top o1 t"e $V. $"at %as not stan5ar5 "otel issue. ADou %ant somet"in- 1rom room ser)i3e 8e1ore %e -et starte5BC AA !oke %oul5 8e -reat.C He smile5. ADou al%ays 5i5 "a)e 3"ampa-ne tastes@ Anita.C He %ent to t"e p"one an5 or5ere5. He aske5 1or a steak@ rare@ %it" a 8ottle o1 8ur-un5y. 9 took o11 my 3oat an5 lai5 it on t"e 5esk 3"air. A9 5on?t 5rink@C 9 sai5. A9 kno%@C "e sai5. ADou %ant to 1res"en up %"ile %e %ait 1or t"e 1oo5BC 9 -lan3e5 up an5 3au-"t a 5istant look at mysel1 in t"e 8at"room mirror. !"i3ken 8loo5 "a5 5rie5 to a sti3ky@ 8ri3k 3olor on my 1a3e. A9 see your point.C 9 s"ut t"e 8at"room 5oor an5 looke5 at mysel1 in t"e mirror. $"e li-"tin- %as t"at "ars"@ -larin- %"ite t"at so many "otel 8at"rooms seem to "a)e. 9t?s so un1latterin- t"at e)en 7s. Ameri3a %oul5n?t look -oo5 in it. $"e 8loo5 stoo5 out like re55is" 3"alk a-ainst my pale skin. 9 %as %earin- a %"ite !"ristmas s%eats"irt t"at "a5 7a*ine 1rom t"e S"oe8o* Hallmark 3ommer3ials on it. S"e %as 5rinkin- 3o11ee %it" a 3an5y 3ane in "an5@ sayin-@ A$"is is as >olly as 9 -et.C Bert "a5 aske5 us to %ear !"ristmasy2type t"in-s 1or t"e mont". 7ay8e t"e s%eats"irt %asn?t e*a3tly %"at "e "a5 in min5@ 8ut "ey@ it %as 8etter t"an some o1 t"e ones 9 "a5 at "ome. $"ere %as 8loo5 on t"e %"ite 3lot". 'i-ures. 9 took t"e s%eats"irt o11@ 5rapin- it on t"e 8at"tu8. $"ere %as 8loo5 smeare5 o)er my "eart. 9?5 e)en -otten a little on my sil)er 3ross. 9?5 put t"e 8loo5 t"ere alon- %it" t"e stu11 on my 1a3e an5 "an5s. 9?5 kille5 t"ree 3"i3kens toni-"t. <aisinEom8ies %as a messy >o8. 9 -ot one o1 t"e %"ite %as"ra-s 1rom t"e little to%el ra3k. 9 %on5ere5 "o% ,5%ar5 %oul5 e*plain t"e 8loo5stains to t"e mai5. /ot my pro8lem@ 8ut sort o1 amusin- any%ay. 9 ran %ater into t"e sink an5 starte5 s3ru88in-. 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 mysel1 %it" 8loo5 runnin- 5o%n my 1a3e in %atery ri)ulets. 9 stoo5 up an5 stare5. 7y 1a3e looke5 1res" s3ru88e5 an5 sort o1 surprise5. Ha5 <i3"ar5 really propose5B Ha5 9 really sai5 yesB Surely not. 9 "a5 sai5 yes. S"it. 9 %ipe5 at t"e 8loo5 on my 3"est. 9 playe5 %it" monsters all t"e time. So 9 %as en-a-e5 to one. $"at stoppe5 me. 9 sat 5o%n on t"e 3lose5 li5 o1 t"e stool@ 8loo5y %as"ra- -rippe5 in my "an5s. 9 %as en-a-e5. A-ain. $"e 1irst time "e?5 8een so %"ite 8rea5 t"at e)en Hu5it" "a5 like5 "im. He?5 8een 7r. All2Ameri3an@ an5 9 "a5n?t 8een -oo5 enou-" 1or "im@ a33or5in- to "is 1amily. ="at "a5 "urt most %as t"at "e "a5n?t lo)e5 me enou-". /ot nearly as mu3" as 9?5 lo)e5 "im. 9?5 "a)e -i)en up e)eryt"in- 1or "im. /ot a mistake to make t%i3e. <i3"ar5 %asn?t like t"at. 9 kne% t"at. Det t"ere %as t"at %orm o1 5ou8t. 'ear t"at "e?5 8lo% it. 'ear "e %oul5n?t 8lo% it. 4amne5 i1 you 5o@ 5amne5 i1 you 5on?t. 9 looke5 5o%n an5 realiEe5 9 %as 5rippin- 8loo5y %ater on t"e linoleum. 9 knelt an5 %ipe5 it up. 9 %as s3ru88e5 as 3lean as 9 %as -oin- to -et until 9 s"o%ere5 at "ome. 91 9?5 8rou-"t 3lean 3lot"es@ 9 mi-"t "a)e 5one it "ere@ 8ut 9 "a5n?t t"ou-"t o1 it. ,5%ar5 kno3ke5 on t"e 5oor. A'oo5?s "ere.C 9 -ot 5resse5@ put t"e ra- in t"e sink@ an5 ran 3ol5 %ater o)er it. 9 ma5e sure t"e 3lot" %asn?t 8lo3kin- t"e 5rain an5 opene5 t"e 5oor. $"e smell o1 steak "it me. 9t smelle5 %on5er1ul. 9 "a5n?t eaten 1or more t"an ei-"t "ours@ an5 trut"1ully 9 "a5n?t eaten all t"at mu3" t"en. <i3"ar5 "a5 5istra3te5 me. A4o you t"ink room ser)i3e %oul5 s"oot us i1 %e aske5 1or anot"er or5erBC He ma5e a small "an5 motion at t"e room2ser)i3e 3art. $"ere %ere t%o or5ers on t"e 3art. AHo% 5i5 you kno% 9?5 8e "un-ryBC ADou al%ays 1or-et to eat@C "e sai5. A7y@ aren?t %e 8ein- mot"er o1 t"e year.C A$"e least 9 3an 5o is 1ee5 you.C 9 looke5 at "im. A="at?s up@ ,5%ar5B Dou?re 8ein- a%1ully 3onsi5erate.C

A9 kno% you %ell enou-" to kno% you %on?t like t"is. !all t"e meal a pea3e o11erin-.C A=on?t like %"atBC ALet?s eat@ %at3" t"e mo)ie@ an5 all %ill 8e re)eale5.C He %as 8ein- 3a-ey. 9t %asn?t like "im. He?5 s"oot you@ 8ut "e %oul5n?t 8e 3ute a8out it. A="at are you up to@ ,5%ar5BC A/o ;uestions until a1ter t"e mo)ie.C A="y notBC ABe3ause you?ll "a)e 8etter ;uestions.C =it" t"at ins3ruta8le ans%er "e sat 5o%n on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5 an5 poure5 a -lass o1 re5 %ine. He 3ut "is meat@ %"i3" %as ra% enou-" to 8lee5 in t"e 3enter. APlease tell me my steak isn?t 8loo5y.C A9t isn?t 8loo5y. Dou like your meat %ell 5ea5.C AHa@ "a.C But 9 sat 5o%n. 9t seeme5 o55 s"arin- a meal in ,5%ar5?s "otel room@ like %e %ere t%o 8usiness people tra)elin- to-et"er@ >ust a %orkin- 5inner. $"e steak %as %ell 5one. $"i3k "ouse 1ries suita8ly spi3e5 took up almost as mu3" room as t"e steak. $"ere %as a si5e or5er o1 8ro33oli@ %"i3" 3oul5 8e sli5 to one si5e an5 i-nore5. $"e !oke 3ame in a 3"ille5 %ine-lass@ %"i3" seeme5 a little e*3essi)e@ 8ut it looke5 ni3e. A$"e mo)ie?s -oin- to start near t"e en5. 9 5on?t t"ink you?ll "a)e any trou8le pi3kin- up t"e plot.C He "it t"e remote 3ontrol@ an5 t"e $V s3reen 1li3kere5@ >umpin- 1rom a -ame s"o% to a 8e5room. A %oman %it" lon- 8ro%n "air lay on "er 8a3k in a roun5 8e5. S"e %as nu5e@ or at least %"at 9 3oul5 see o1 "er %as nu5e. Belo% t"e %aist s"e %as "i55en 8e"in5 t"e 1uriously pumpin- 8utto3ks o1 a 5ark2"aire5 man. A$"is is porno-rap"y.C 9 5i5n?t e)en try to keep t"e 5is8elie1 1rom my )oi3e. A9t 3ertainly is.C 9 -lan3e5 at ,5%ar5. He %as 3uttin- "is steak %it" neat@ pre3ise "an5 mo)ements. He 3"e%e5 a 8ite o1 steak@ sippe5 "is %ine@ an5 %at3"e5 t"e s3reen. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e Amo)ie.C A se3on5 man "a5 >oine5 t"e 3ouple on t"e 8e5. He %as taller t"an t"e 1irst man@ %it" s"orter "air@ 8ut 8eyon5 t"at it %as a little "ar5 to tell@ mainly 8e3ause 9 %as tryin- not to look. 9 sat on t"e e5-e o1 ,5%ar5?s 8e5 %it" our ni3e steak 5inners@ an5 1or t"e 1irst time 1elt a%k%ar5 aroun5 ,5%ar5. $"ere "a5 ne)er 8een any se*ual tension 8et%een us. =e mi-"t kill ea3" ot"er some5ay@ 8ut %e?5 ne)er kiss. But 9 %as still in a man?s "otel room %at3"in- a porno mo)ie@ an5 -oo5 -irls >ust 5i5n?t 5o t"at. A,5%ar5@ %"at t"e "ell is -oin- onBC He "it t"e remote 3ontrol. AHere@ a 1a3e s"ot.C 9 turne5 8a3k to t"e s3reen. $"e 1roEen ima-e stare5 out at me. 9t %as t"e se3on5 man. 9t %as Al1re5. A#"@ my@ Go5@C 9 sai5. ADou kno% "imBC ,5%ar5 aske5. ADea".C /o sense 5enyin- it. Al1re5 %as 5ea5. ,5%ar5 3oul5n?t "urt "im anymore. A/ameBC AAl1re5. 9 5on?t kno% t"e last name.C He "it 1ast 1or%ar5. $"e ima-es on t"e s3reen mo)e5 at a 1urious pa3e@ 5oin- intimate t"in-s t"at %oul5 "a)e 8een o8s3ene at any spee5. At 1ast 1or%ar5 it seeme5 sa55er. <i5i3ulous as %ell as 5e-ra5in-. He "it t"e pause a-ain. $"e %oman %as 1ull 1a3e to t"e 3amera@ mout" open@ eyes "ea)y li55e5 %it" se*ual lan-uor. Her "air %as sprea5 art1ully o)er t"e silken pillo%. 9t s"oul5 "a)e 8een pro)o3ati)e. 9t mana-e5 not to 8e. A4o you kno% "erBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o.C He "it t"e 8utton a-ain. A=e?re near t"e en5.C A="at a8out t"e ot"er manBC AHe %ears a 1a3e mask t"rou-"out.C $"e maske5 man "a5 mounte5 t"e %oman 1rom 8e"in5. His "ips 3uppe5 "er 8utt@ t"e line o1 "is t"i-" mat3"in- "ers. He leane5 "is upper 8o5y o)er "er nu5e torso@ "an5s massa-in- t"e 1les" o1 "er upper arms. He seeme5 to 8e 5rapin"imsel1 on top o1 "er more t"an anyt"in- else. $"ere seeme5 to 8e )ery little se* -oin- on. S"e %as supportin- "is 1ull %ei-"t on "er "an5s an5 knees. Her 8reat" 3ame in pants. A lo% -ro%l tri3kle5 t"rou-" t"e room. $"e 3amera 5i5 a 3lose2up o1 t"e man?s 8a3k. $"e skin %as ripple5@ as i1 a "an5 "a5 ru88e5 t"e un5er sur1a3e o1 "is skin@ t"en )anis"e5. 7ore ripples@ as i1 somet"in- small %ere tryin- to pun3" its %ay out.

A %i5er2an-le s"ot s"o%e5 "im still 5rape5 o)er t"e %oman. $"e ripples on "is 8a3k %ere -ro%in-. Dou 3oul5 see t"in-s pus"in- a-ainst "is skin@ mo)ements lar-e enou-" you 3oul5 "a)e seen t"em e)en i1 "e?5 8een 5resse5. Like t"ose 9 "a5 seen on Hason last ni-"t. 9 "a5 to a5mit t"is part %as 1as3inatin-. 9?5 seen people s"apes"i1t@ 8ut ne)er like t"is. /ot in minute 5etail@ not %it" t"e lo)in- eye o1 a 3amera on it. $"e skin split alon- "is 8a3k@ an5 "e reare5 up%ar5@ "an5s "u--in- "er %aist@ s3reamin-. !lear li;ui5 1lo%e5 5o%n "is 8a3k in a %as" t"at soake5 t"e 8e5 an5 t"e %oman un5erneat" "im. $"e %oman -a)e a little en3oura-ement@ mo)in- "er 8utto3ks a-ainst "im@ t"rustin- a-ainst "im@ "ea5 8o%e5 to t"e 8e5. Bla3k 1ur 1lo%e5 out%ar5 1rom "is 8a3k. His "an5s s"ot to "is si5es@ spasmin-. He leane5 o)er "er a-ain@ "an5s 5i--ininto t"e 8e5. $"e "an5s %ere >ust "an5s@ t"en t"ose "uman 1in-ers sli3e5 into t"e 8e5@ rippin- %"ite stu11in- 1rom -reat 3la%e5 1urro%s. $"e man seeme5 to s"rink. $"e 1ur 1lo%e5 1aster an5 1aster@ almost li;ui5 in its spee5. $"e mask 5roppe5 a%ay. $"e 1a3e %as t"e %ron- s"ape 1or it no%. $"e 3amera 5i5 a 3lose s"ot o1 t"e 1allen mask. A 8it o1 art in all t"is ... o"@ "ell. 9 5i5n?t "a)e a %or5 1or it. $"e man %as -one. A 8la3k leopar5 mounte5 t"e %oman an5 seeme5 )ery "appy %it" t"e arran-ement. $"e leopar5 8ent o)er t"e %oman@ lips sprea5 to re)eal -listenin- teet". $"e leopar5 nippe5 "er 8a3k@ 5ra%in- a small amount o1 8loo5. S"e -a)e a lo% moan@ a s"u55er s%eepin- "er 8o5y. Al1re5 3ame 8a3k into )ie%. He %as still in "uman 1orm. He 3ra%le5 up to t"e 8e5 an5 kisse5 t"e %oman. 9t %as a lon-@ 3omplete kiss@ 1ull o1 pro8in- ton-ues. He rose on "is knees@ still kissin- "er@ ro3kin- "is 8o5y %it" t"e mo)ements. He seeme5 )ery e*3ite5 to see "er. His 8a3k ripple5@ an5 "e tore a%ay 1rom "er@ "an5s 3lut3"in- t"e s"eets. $"e 3"an-e seeme5 to -o a lot 1aster 1or "im. $"e 3amera 5i5 a 3lose2up o1 one o1 "is "an5s. Bones sli5 out o1 t"e skin %it" %et@ su3kin- noises. 7us3les an5 li-aments 3ra%le5 an5 rearran-e5. $"e skin tore an5 t"at same 3lear li;ui5 poure5 out. $"e "an5 3"an-e5 into a nake5 3la% 8e1ore t"e 5ark 1ur 1lo%e5 o)er it. He stoo5 on 8ent le-s@ "al1 %ol1@ "al1 man@ 8ut all male. He t"re% 8a3k "is "ea5 an5 "o%le5. $"e soun5 "a5 a 5eep@ resonatin- ;uality t"at 1ille5 t"e room. $"e %oman looke5 up at "im@ eyes %i5e. $"e leopar5 >umpe5 o11 "er@ rollin- on t"e 8e5@ 1or all t"e %orl5 like a 8i- kitten. 9t rolle5 itsel1 in t"e silken s"eet@ until only its 8la3k21urre5 1a3e peeke5 out. $"e %oman lay on "er 8a3k@ le-s sprea52ea-le5. S"e "el5 out "er "an5s to t"e %ol1man@ ton-ue 1li3kin- out alon- "er lips as i1 s"e %ere really en>oyin- "ersel1. 7ay8e s"e %as. $"e %ere%ol1 t"rust into "er@ an5 it %asn?t -entle. S"e -a)e a -aspin- moan@ as i1 it %ere t"e 8est t"in- s"e?5 e)er 1elt. $"e %oman %as makin- noises. ,it"er s"e %as a )ery -oo5 a3tor or s"e %as 3omin- 3lose to 3lima*. 9 %asn?t sure %"i3" 9 pre1erre5. Goo5 a3tin-@ 9 t"ink. S"e 3ame %it" a soun5 8et%een a s3ream an5 a s"out o1 >oy. S"e lay 8a3k -aspin- on t"e 8e5@ 8o5y li;ui5. $"e %ere%ol1 -a)e one last s"u55erin- t"rust an5 5re% 3la%s 5o%n t"e len-t" o1 "er nake5 8o5y. S"e s3reame5 t"en@ no a3tin- re;uire5. Bloo5 poure5 5o%n "er 8o5y in s3arlet ri)ulets. $"e leopar5 -a)e a startle5 s3ream an5 >umpe5 o11 t"e 8e5. $"e %oman put "er "an5s up in 1ront o1 "er 1a3e@ an5 t"e 3la%s smas"e5 "er arms to one si5e. Bloo5 poure5@ an5 t"ere %as a -limpse o1 8one in one arm %"ere t"e 3la%s "a5 torn all t"e 1les" a%ay. Her s3reams %ere "i-" an5 3ontinuous@ one lou5 ra--e5 s"riek a1ter anot"er@ as 1ast as s"e 3oul5 5ra% air. $"e %ere%ol1?s pointe5 muEEle lo%ere5 to%ar5s "er 1a3e. 9 "a5 an ima-e o1 t"e mur5er )i3tim?s 3rus"e5 >a%. But "e %ent 1or "er t"roat. He 8it "er t"roat out@ sprayin- a -reat -out o1 8loo5. Her eyes stare5 si-"tless at t"e 3amera@ %i5e an5 s"iny@ 5ull %it" 5eat". $"e 8loo5 "a5 some"o% le1t "er 1a3e untou3"e5. $"e %ere%ol1 reare5 8a3k@ 8loo5 5rippin- 1rom its >a%s. A -o8 o1 8loo5 1ell on "er starin- 1a3e@ runnin8et%een "er eyes. $"e leopar5 leape5 8a3k onto t"e 8e5. 9t li3ke5 "er 1a3e 3lean %it" lon-@ sure strokes o1 its ton-ue. $"e %ere%ol1 li3ke5 its %ay 5o%n "er 8o5y@ stoppin- o)er "er stoma3". 9t "esitate5@ one yello% eye starin- at t"e 3amera. 9t 8e-an to 1ee5. $"e leopar5 >oine5 t"e 1east. 9 3lose5 my eyes@ 8ut t"e soun5s %ere enou-". Hea)y@ %et@ tearin- soun5s 1ille5 t"e room. 9 "ear5 mysel1 say@ A$urn it o11.C $"e soun5s stoppe5@ an5 9 assume5 t"at ,5%ar5 "a5 turne5 t"e tape o11@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t look up to see. 9 5i5n?t look up until 9 "ear5 t"e %"ir o1 t"e tape re%in5in-. ,5%ar5 3ut a 8ite o1 steak. A91 you eat t"at ri-"t no%@ 9 %ill t"ro% up on you.C He smile5@ 8ut "e put 5o%n "is sil)er%are. He looke5 at me. His e*pression %as neutral@ as it %as most o1 t"e time. 9 3oul5n?t tell i1 "e?5 en>oye5 t"e 1ilm or 8een 5is-uste5 8y it. A/o% you 3an ask me ;uestions@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as like it al%ays %as@ pleasant@ una11e3te5 8y e*ternal stimuli. AHesus@ %"ere 5i5 you -et t"at t"in-BC

AA 3lient.C A="y -i)e it to youBC A$"e %oman %as "is 5au-"ter.C A#"@ Go5@ please@ tell me "e 5i5n?t %at3" t"is.C ADou kno% "e sa% it. Dou kno% "e %at3"e5 it to t"e en5 or %"y "ire meB 7ost men 5on?t "ire people to kill t"eir 5au-"ter?s lo)ers.C AHe "ire5 you to kill t"e t%o menBC ,5%ar5 no55e5. A="y 5i5 you s"o% t"is to meBC ABe3ause 9 kne% you?5 "elp me.C A9?m not an assassin@ ,5%ar5.C AHust "elp me i5enti1y t"em. 9?ll 5o t"e rest. 9s it all ri-"t i1 9 5rink some %ineBC 9 no55e5. He sippe5 "is %ine. $"e 5ark li;ui5 rolle5 aroun5 t"e -lass@ lookin- a lot re55er t"an it "a5 8e1ore t"e mo)ie. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5 an5 looke5 a%ay. 9 %oul5 not t"ro% up. 9 %oul5 not t"ro% up. A="ere 3an 9 1in5 Al1re5BC A/o%"ere@C 9 sai5. He set "is %ine-lass 3are1ully on t"e tray. AAnita@ you 5isappoint me. 9 t"ou-"t you?5 "elp me a1ter seein- %"at t"ey 5i5 to t"e -irl.C A9?m not 8ein- un3ooperati)e. $"at 1ilm is one o1 t"e %orst t"in-s 9?)e e)er seen@ an5 9?)e seen a "ell o1 a lot. Dou?re too late to 1in5 Al1re5.C AHo% too lateBC A9 kille5 "im last ni-"t.C A smile sprea5 a3ross "is 1a3e@ 8eauti1ul to 8e"ol5. ADou al%ays make my >o8 easier.C A/ot on purpose.C He s"ru--e5. A4o you %ant "al1 t"e 1eeB Dou 5i5 5o "al1 t"e %ork.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5i5n?t 5o it 1or money.C A$ell me %"at "appene5.C A/o.C A="y notBC 9 looke5 at "im. ABe3ause you "unt ly3ant"ropes an5 9 5on?t %ant to -i)e someone to you 8y a33i5ent.C A$"e %ereleopar5 5eser)es to 5ie@ Anita.C A9?m not ar-uin- t"at. $"ou-"@ te3"ni3ally@ "e 5i5n?t kill t"e -irl.C A$"e 1at"er %ants t"em 8ot". 4o you 8lame "imBC A/o@ 9 -uess 9 5on?t.C A$"en you?ll "elp me i5enti1y t"e ot"er manBC A7ay8e.C 9 stoo5 up. A9 nee5 to 3all someone. 9 nee5 1or someone else to see t"is 1ilm. He mi-"t 8e a8le to "elp you more t"an 9 3oul5.C A="oBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. ALet me see i1 "e?ll 3ome 1irst.C ,5%ar5 -a)e a lon- no5@ almost a 8o% %it" >ust "is ne3k. AAs you like.C 9 5iale5 <i3"ar5?s num8er 8y "eart. 9 -ot "is ma3"ine. A$"is is Anita@ pi3k up i1 you?re t"ere. <i3"ar5@ pi3k up. $"is is important.C /o one pi3ke5 up t"e p"one. A4amn@C 9 sai5. A/ot "omeBC ,5%ar5 aske5. A4o you "a)e t"e num8er 1or t"e Lunati3 !a1eBC ADes.C

AGi)e it to me.C He repeate5 t"e num8er slo%ly@ an5 9 5iale5 it. A %oman pi3ke5 up t"e p"one. 9t %asn?t <aina. 9 %as t"ank1ul 1or t"at. ALunati3 !a1e@ Polly "ere@ "o% may 9 "elp you.C A9 nee5 to speak %it" <i3"ar5.C A9?m sorry %e 5on?t "a)e any %aiters 8y t"at name.C ALook@ 9 %as a -uest o1 7ar3us?s last ni-"t. 9 nee5 to speak %it" <i3"ar5. 9t?s an emer-en3y.C A9 5on?t kno%. 9 mean@ like@ t"ey?re all 8usy in t"e 8a3k room.C ALook@ -et <i3"ar5 on t"e p"one no%.C A7ar3us 5oesn?t like to 8e 5istur8e5.C APolly@ is itB 9 "a)e 8een on my 1eet 1or o)er t"irty "ours. 91 you 5o not put <i3"ar5 on t"e p"one ri-"t no%@ 9 am -oin- to 3ome 5o%n t"ere personally an5 8ust your ass. Am 9 makin- mysel1 3learBC A="o is t"isBC S"e soun5e5 a little mi11e5@ an5 not in t"e least a1rai5. AAnita Blake.C A#"@C s"e sai5. A9?ll -et <i3"ar5 1or you@ ri-"t a%ay@ Anita@ ri-"t a%ay.C $"ere %as an e5-e o1 pani3 to "er )oi3e t"at "a5n?t 8een t"ere 8e1ore. S"e put me on "ol5. Someone %it" a si3k sense o1 "umor "a5 3ompile5 t"e 7uEak. A7oonli-"t an5 <oses@C ABlue 7oon@C A7oonli-"t Sonata.C ,)ery son- %as a moon t"eme. =e %ere "al1%ay t"rou-" A7oon o)er 7iamiC %"en t"e p"one 3li3ke5 8a3k to li1e. AAnita@ it?s me. ="at?s %ron-BC A9?m all ri-"t@ 8ut 9?)e -ot somet"in- you nee5 to see.C A!an you tell me %"at it isBC A9 kno% t"is soun5s 3orny@ 8ut not o)er t"e p"one.C ADou sure you?re not >ust lookin- 1or an e*3use to see me a-ainBC $"ere %as a note o1 teasin- in "is )oi3e. 9t "a5 8een too lon- a ni-"t. A!an you meet meBC A#1 3ourse. ="at?s %ron-B Dour )oi3e soun5s a%1ul.C A9 nee5 a "u- an5 to erase t"e last "our o1 my li1e. $"e 1irst you 3an take 3are o1 %"en you -et "ere@ t"e se3on5 9?ll >ust "a)e to li)e %it".C AAre you "omeBC A/o.C 9 -lan3e5 at ,5%ar5@ puttin- my "an5 o)er t"e mout"pie3e. A!an 9 -i)e "im t"e "otel roomBC He no55e5. 9 -a)e <i3"ar5 t"e "otel room@ an5 5ire3tions. A9?ll 8e t"ere as soon as 9 3an.C He "esitate5@ t"en sai5@ A="at 5i5 you say to PollyB S"e?s nearly "ysteri3al.C AS"e %oul5n?t put you on t"e p"one.C ADou t"reatene5 "er@C "e sai5. ADea".C A=as it an i5le t"reatBC APretty mu3".C A4ominant pa3k mem8ers 5on?t make i5le t"reats to su8or5inates.C A9?m not a pa3k mem8er.C AA1ter last ni-"t you?re a 5ominant. $"ey?re treatin- you like a ro-ue 5ominant ly3ant"rope.C A="at 5oes t"at meanBC A9t means %"en you say you?re -oin- to 8ust someone?s ass@ t"ey 8elie)e you.C A#"@ sorry.C A4on?t apolo-iEe to me@ apolo-iEe to Polly. 9?ll 8e t"ere 8e1ore you -et "er 3alme5 5o%n.C A4on?t put "er on@ <i3"ar5.C A$"at?s %"at you -et 1or 8ein- tri--er "appy. People -et s3are5 o1 you.C A<i3"ar5 ... C A so88in- 1emale )oi3e 3ame on t"e line. 9 spent t"e ne*t 1i1teen minutes 3on)in3in- a 3ryin- %ere%ol1 t"at 9 %asn?t -oin- to "urt "er. 7y li1e %as -ettin- too stran-e@ e)en 1or me.

Chapter Nineteen
<i3"ar5 %as %ron-. He 5i5n?t kno3k on t"e 5oor %"ile 9 %as on t"e p"one 3almin- Polly 5o%n. S"e %as so -rate1ul t"at 9 "a5 1or-i)en "er 1or "er ru5eness@ t"at it %as em8arrassin-. =a)es o1 su8missi)eness poure5 out o1 t"e p"one. 9 "unup. ,5%ar5 %as -rinnin- at me. He "a5 mo)e5 to one o1 t"e so1t 3"airs. A4i5 you >ust spen5 nearly t%enty minutes 3on)in3ina %ere%ol1 t"at you %eren?t -oin- "urt "erBC ADes.C He lau-"e5@ a %i5e@ a8rupt soun5. $"e smile )anis"e5@ lea)in- a sort o1 s"immerin- -lo% to "is 1a3e. His eyes -littere5 %it" somet"in- 5arker t"an "umor. 9 %asn?t sure %"at "e %as t"inkin-@ 8ut it %asn?t pleasant. He sli5 5o%n in t"e 3"air@ 8ase o1 "is skull restin- on t"e 8a3k@ "an5s 3laspe5 o)er "is stoma3"@ ankles 3rosse5. He looke5 utterly 3om1orta8le. AHo% 5i5 you 3ome to 8e t"e terror o1 -oo5 little %ere%ol)es e)ery%"ereBC A9 5on?t t"ink t"ey?re use5 to people s"ootin- an5 killin- t"em. At least not on 1irst a3;uaintan3e.C His eyes simmere5 %it" some 5ark >oke. ADou %ent in t"ere an5 kille5 someone your 1irst ni-"tB Hell@ Anita@ 9?)e 8een 5o%n t"ree times an5 "a)en?t kille5 anyone yet.C AHo% lon- "a)e you 8een in to%nBC He looke5 at me 1or a lon- moment. A9s t"at an i5le ;uestion or 5o you nee5 to kno%BC 9t "a5 o33urre5 to me t"at ,5%ar5 3oul5 take out ei-"t ly3ant"ropes an5 lea)e no tra3e. 91 any "uman 3oul5 5o it@ it %as "im. A9 nee5 to kno%@C 9 sai5. AA %eek@ tomorro%.C His eyes "a5 -one empty. $"ey %ere as 3ool an5 5istant as any o1 t"e s"apes"i1ters? last ni-"t. $"ere?s more t"an one %ay to 8e3ome a pre5ator. A#1 3ourse@ you?ll "a)e to take my %or5 1or it. Dou 3an 3"e3k %it" re-istration@ 8ut 9 3oul5 "a)e 3"an-e5 "otels.C A="y %oul5 you lie to meBC ABe3ause 9 en>oy it@C "e sai5. A9t?s not t"e lie you en>oy.C A="at 5o 9 en>oyBC AKno%in- somet"in- 9 5on?t.C He -a)e a small s"ru-@ not easy 1or "im@ sli5 5o%n in t"e 3"air as "e %as. He ma5e it look -ra3e1ul. A,-otisti3al o1 you.C A9t?s not >ust 1rom me. Dou like keepin- se3rets 1or t"e pure "ell o1 it.C He smile5 t"en@ a slo%@ laEy smile. ADou 5o kno% me %ell.C 9 starte5 to say@ %e?re 1rien5s@ 8ut t"e look in "is eyes stoppe5 me. His stare %as a little too intense. He seeme5 to 8e stu5yin- me as i1 "e?5 ne)er really seen me 8e1ore. A="at are you t"inkin-@ ,5%ar5BC A$"at you mi-"t 8e a8le to -i)e me a run 1or my money.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC ADou kno% "o% 9 like a 3"allen-e.C 9 stare5 at "im. ADou?re talkin- a8out 3omin- a-ainst me@ seein- %"o?s 8etterBC 9 ma5e it a ;uestion. He 5i5n?t -i)e me t"e ans%er 9 %ante5. ADes.C A="yBC A9 %on?t 5o it. Dou kno% me2no money@ no killin-28ut it %oul5 8e ... interestin-.C A4on?t -o all spooky on me@ ,5%ar5.C A9t?s >ust 1or t"e )ery 1irst time 9?m %on5erin- i1 you %oul5 %inBC He %as s3arin- me. 9 %as arme5@ an5 "e 5i5n?t seem to 8e@ 8ut ,5%ar5 %as al%ays arme5. A4on?t 5o t"is@ ,5%ar5.C He sat up in one li;ui5 mo)ement. 7y "an5 >umpe5 to my -un. $"e -un %as "al1%ay out o1 its "olster %"en 9 realiEe5 "e "a5n?t 5one anyt"in- 8ut sit up. 9 let out a s"aky 8reat" an5 ease5 t"e -un 8a3k into t"e "olster. A4on?t play %it" me@ ,5%ar5. #ne o1 us %ill -et "urt i1 you 5o.C He sprea5 "is "an5s %i5e. A/o more -ames. 9 %oul5 like to kno% %"i3" o1 us %as 8est@ Anita@ 8ut not enou-" to kill you.C

9 let my "an5 rela*. 91 ,5%ar5 sai5 "e %oul5 kill me toni-"t@ "e meant it. 91 %e e)er 5i5 5o t"is 1or real@ "e?5 tell me 1irst. ,5%ar5 like5 to 8e sportin- a8out t"ese t"in-s. Surprisin- your )i3tim ma5e t"in-s too easy. $"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. 9 >umpe5. /er)ous2%"o@ meB ,5%ar5 sat t"ere as t"ou-" "e "a5n?t "ear5@ still starin- at me %it" "is spooky eyes. 9 %ent to t"e 5oor. 9t %as <i3"ar5. He put "is arms aroun5 me@ an5 9 let "im. 9 1ol5e5 a-ainst "is 3"est an5 %as )ery a%are t"at 9 3oul5n?t pull a -un )ery 1ast 3laspe5 to <i3"ar5?s 8o5y. 9 5re% 8a3k 1irst an5 pulle5 "im into t"e room. He looke5 ;uestionin-ly at me. 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou remem8er ,5%ar5BC AAnita@ you 5i5n?t tell me you %ere still 5atin- <i3"ar5.C ,5%ar5?s )oi3e %as pleasant@ normal@ as i1 "e "a5n?t 8een %on5erin- %"at it %oul5 8e like to kill me. His 1a3e %as open@ 1rien5ly. He %alke5 a3ross t"e room %it" "is "an5 outstret3"e5. He %as a super8 a3tor. <i3"ar5 s"ook "is "an5@ lookin- a little puEEle5. He -lan3e5 at me. A="at?s "appenin-@ AnitaBC A!an you set up t"e mo)ieBC A91 you?ll let me eat 5urin- it. 7y steak is -ettin- i3e 3ol5@C ,5%ar5 sai5. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5. ADou?)e seen t"e mo)ie 8e1ore@ an5 you still or5ere5 steaks. ="yBC A7ay8e to see i1 you 3oul5 eat a1ter %at3"in- it.C ADou 3ompetiti)e 8astar5.C He >ust smile5. A="at mo)ieBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A,at your steak@ ,5%ar5. =e?ll %at3" a1ter you?re 5one.C A9t 8ot"ere5 you t"at mu3"BC AS"ut up an5 eat.C He sat 5o%n on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5 an5 starte5 3uttin- meat. $"e meat %as re5. Bloo5 ooEe5 out o1 it. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 8at"room. 9 %asn?t -oin- to 8e si3k@ 8ut i1 9 %at3"e5 "im eat t"at pie3e o1 meat 9 %oul5 8e. A9?m -oin- to "i5e in t"e 8at"room. Dou %ant an e*planation@ 3ome >oin me@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 -lan3e5 at ,5%ar5@ t"en 8a3k to me. A="at is -oin- onBC 9 pulle5 "im into t"e 8at"room an5 s"ut t"e 5oor 8e"in5 us. 9 ran 3ol5 %ater in t"e sink an5 splas"e5 it on my 1a3e. He -rippe5 my s"oul5ers@ massa-in-. AAre you all ri-"tBC 9 s"ook my "ea5@ %ater 5rippin- 5o%n my 1a3e. 9 1um8le5 a to%el an5 presse5 it to my 1a3e@ "ol5in- it t"ere a minute. ,5%ar5 "a5n?t %arne5 me 8e3ause "e like5 to s"o3k people. An5 a %arnin- %oul5 "a)e lessene5 t"e impa3t. Ho% mu3" impa3t 5i5 9 %ant <i3"ar5 to en5ureB 9 turne5 to "im@ to%el still 3lut3"e5 in my "an5s. He looke5 %orrie5@ all ten5er 3on3ern. 9 5i5n?t %ant "im to look like t"at. Ha5 9 really sai5 yes@ >ust ei-"t "ours a-oB 9t seeme5 less an5 less real. A$"e mo)ie is a porno 1li3k@C 9 sai5. He looke5 startle5. Goo5. APornoB Are you seriousBC A4ea5ly@C 9 sai5. A="y 5o 9 nee5 to see itBC A t"ou-"t seeme5 to o33ur to "im. A="y 5i5 you %at3" it %it" "imBC $"ere %as t"e tiniest 8it o1 an-er in "is )oi3e. 9 lau-"e5 t"en. 9 lau-"e5 until tears ran 5o%n my 1a3e@ an5 9 %as too 8reat"less to speak. A="at?s so 1unnyBC He soun5e5 a little in5i-nant. ="en 9 3oul5 speak %it"out -aspin-@ 9 sai5@ ABe a1rai5 o1 ,5%ar5@ 8ut ne)er 8e >ealous o1 "im.C $"e lau-"ter "a5 "elpe5. 9 1elt 8etter@ less 5irty@ less em8arrasse5@ e)en a little less "orri1ie5. 9 stare5 up at "im. He %as still %earin- t"e -reen s%eater t"at "a5 en5e5 up on my kit3"en 1loor earlier. He looke5 %on5er1ul. 9 realiEe5 9 5i5n?t. 9n my o)ersiEe s%eats"irt@ 3omplete %it" 8loo5stain@ >eans@ an5 sneakers@ 9 "a5 lost se)eral not3"es in t"e 3uteness -ame. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 4i5 it matterB /o@ 9 %as 5elayin-. 9 5i5n?t %ant to -o 8a3k out t"ere. 9 5i5n?t %ant to %at3" t"e mo)ie a-ain. 9 3ertainly 5i5n?t %ant to sit in t"e same room %it" t"e man 9 mi-"t marry an5 %at3" "im %at3" a porno 1ilm. S"oul5 9 spoil t"e en5in-B =oul5 it e*3ite "im 8e1ore it %ent %ron-B 9 looke5 at "is )ery "uman 1a3e@ an5 %on5ere5. A9t?s ly3ant"ropes an5 a "uman in t"e 1ilm.C A$"ey?re alrea5y 1or saleBC "e sai5. 9t %as my turn to look surprise5. ADou kno% a8out t"e 1ilmB Dou sai5 Ft"ey.? $"ere are more o1 t"emBC

A:n1ortunately@C "e sai5. He leane5 a-ainst t"e 5oor@ sli5in- 5o%n to sit 9n5ian 1as"ion on t"e 1loor. 91 "e?5 stret3"e5 "is le-s out@ t"ere %oul5n?t "a)e 8een room 1or 8ot" o1 us. A,*plain t"is@ <i3"ar5.C A9t %as <aina?s i5ea@C "e sai5. AS"e 3on)in3e5 7ar3us to or5er some o1 us to parti3ipate.C A4i5 you ... C 9 3oul5n?t e)en say it. He s"ook "is "ea5. Somet"in- ti-"t in my 3"est ease5. A<aina trie5 to -et me in 1ront o1 t"e 3ameras. 'or t"ose t"at nee5 to "i5e t"eir i5entity t"ey use masks. 9 %oul5n?t 5o it.C A4i5 7ar3us or5er you toBC ADes. $"ese 5amn 1ilms are one o1 t"e main reasons 9 starte5 risin- in t"e pa3k. ,)eryone "i-"er in t"e stru3ture 3oul5 or5er me aroun5. 91 7ar3us okays it@ t"ey 3an or5er you to 5o almost anyt"in-@ as lon- as it?s not ille-al.C A=ait. $"e 1ilms aren?t ille-alBC ABestiality is a-ainst t"e la% in some states@ 8ut %e sort o1 slip t"rou-" t"e 3ra3ks on t"e la%.C A/ot"in- else ille-al -oes on in t"ese 1ilmsBC 9 aske5. He stare5 up at me. A="at?s on t"at 1ilm t"at makes you look so s3are5BC A9t?s a snu11 1ilm.C He >ust stare5 at me@ no 3"an-e o1 e*pression@ as i1 %aitin- 1or me to say more. ="en 9 5i5n?t@ "e sai5@ ADou 3annot 8e serious.C A9 %is" 9 %asn?t.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A,)en <aina %oul5n?t 5o t"at.C A<aina %asn?t in t"e 1ilm as 1ar as 9 sa%.C ABut 7ar3us %oul5n?t appro)e o1 t"at@ not t"at.C He stoo5 up@ usin- only "is le-s an5 t"e %all. He pa3e5 to t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8at"tu8 an5 8a3k. He 8rus"e5 past me@ slammin- "is "an5 into t"e %all. 9t -a)e a resoun5in- t"unk. He turne5@ an5 9?5 ne)er seen "im so an-ry. A$"ere are ot"er pa3ks aroun5 t"e 3ountry. 9t 5oesn?t "a)e to 8e us.C AAl1re5 %as in it.C He leane5 "is 8a3k a-ainst t"e 1ar %all@ an5 slamme5 "is palms into t"e %all a-ain. A9 3an?t 8elie)e it.C ,5%ar5 kno3ke5 on t"e 5oor. A$"e 1ilm?s rea5y.C <i3"ar5 yanke5 t"e 5oor open an5 poure5 into t"e ot"er room like a 3ra3klin- storm. 'or t"e 1irst time 9 1elt some o1 t"at ot"er%orl5ly ener-y ra5iatin- 1rom "im. ,5%ar5?s eyes %i5ene5. ADou -a)e "im a pre)ie%BC 9 no55e5. $"e room %as in 5arkness e*3ept 1or t"e tele)ision. A9?ll -i)e you t%o lo)e 8ir5s t"e 8e5. 9?ll sit o)er "ere.C He sat 5o%n in t"e 3"air a-ain@ upri-"t@ %at3"in- us. A4on?t min5 me i1 t"e moo5 strikes you.C AS"ut up an5 start t"e mo)ie@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 "a5 sat 5o%n on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5. $"e room2ser)i3e 3art %as -one@ alon- %it" its o11en5in- meat. Great@ one less reason to up3"u3k. <i3"ar5 seeme5 to "a)e 3alme5 5o%n. He seeme5 normal enou-" sittin- t"ere. $"at %as" o1 ener-y %as -one so 3leanly t"at 9 %on5ere5 i1 9?5 ima-ine5 it. 9 -lan3e5 at ,5%ar5?s 1a3e. He %as %at3"in- <i3"ar5 as i1 "e "a5 5one somet"in- interestin-. 9 "a5n?t ima-ine5 it. 9 t"ou-"t a8out turnin- on t"e li-"ts 8ut 5i5n?t. 4arkness seeme5 8etter 1or t"is. A,5%ar5.C AS"o%time@C "e sai5. He "it t"e 8utton@ an5 it 8e-an a-ain. <i3"ar5 sti11ene5 at t"e 1irst ima-e. 4i5 "e re3o-niEe t"e ot"er manB 9 5i5n?t ask@ not yet. Let "im see it@ t"en ;uestions. 9 5i5n?t %ant to sit on t"e 8e5 %it" my s%eetie %"ile t"is 1ilt" playe5. 7ay8e 9 "a5n?t really t"ou-"t a8out %"at se* mi-"t mean to <i3"ar5. 4i5 it mean s"apes"i1tin-B BestialityB 9 "ope5 not@ an5 %asn?t sure "o% to 1in5 out %it"out askin-@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to ask. 91 t"e ans%er %as yes to t"e 8estiality@ t"e %e55in- %as o11. 9 1inally %alke5 a3ross t"e s3reen an5 sat 5o%n in t"e ot"er 3"air@ 8esi5e ,5%ar5. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see t"e 1ilm a-ain. Apparently neit"er 5i5 ,5%ar5. =e 8ot" %at3"e5 <i3"ar5 %at3" t"e 1ilm. 9 %asn?t sure %"at 9 e*pe3te5 to see@ or e)en %"at 9 %ante5 to see. ,5%ar5?s 1a3e -a)e not"in- a%ay. His eyes 3lose5 a8out "al1%ay t"rou-". He?5 sli5 5o%n in t"e 3"air a-ain. He looke5 asleep@ 8ut 9 kne% 8etter. He %as a%are o1 e)eryt"in- in t"e room. 9 %asn?t sure ,5%ar5 e)er really slept.

<i3"ar5 %at3"e5 alone. He sat on t"e )ery e5-e o1 t"e 8e5@ "an5s 3laspe5 to-et"er@ s"oul5ers "un3"e5. His eyes %ere 8ri-"t@ re1le3tin- t"e li-"t o1 t"e tele)ision set. 9 3oul5 almost %at3" t"e a3tion playin- o)er "is 1a3e. S%eat -listene5 on "is upper lip. He %ipe5 it a%ay@ 3at3"in- me lookin- at "im. He looke5 em8arrasse5@ t"en an-ry. A4on?t %at3" me@ Anita.C His )oi3e %as 3"oke5 ti-"t %it" somet"in- more t"an emotion@ or less. 9 3oul5n?t preten5 sleep like ,5%ar5. ="at t"e "ell %as 9 suppose5 to 5oB 9 -ot up an5 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 8at"room. 9 stu5iously 5i5 not look at t"e s3reen@ 8ut 9 "a5 to 3ross in 1ront o1 it. 9 1elt <i3"ar5 tra3k me as 9 mo)e5. His eyes on my 8a3k ma5e my skin it3". 9 %ipe5 su55enly s%eatin- palms on my >eans. 9 turne5@ slo%ly@ to look at "im. He %as lookin- at me@ not t"e mo)ie. $"ere %as ra-e on "is 1a3e2an-er %as too mil5 a %or52an5 "atre5. 9 5i5n?t t"ink it %as me "e %as an-ry %it". $"at le1t %"oB <aina@ 7ar3us ... "imsel1B $"e %oman?s s3ream >erke5 "is "ea5 aroun5 to t"e 1ilm. 9 %at3"e5 "is 1a3e %"ile "is 1rien5 kille5 "er. $"e ra-e 8lossome5 on "is 1a3e@ spillin- out "is mout" in an inarti3ulate 3ry. He sli5 o11 t"e 8e5 to "is knees@ 3o)erin- "is 1a3e %it" "is "an5s. ,5%ar5 %as stan5in-. 9 3au-"t t"e mo)ement on t"e e5-e o1 my )ision an5 1oun5 "im "ol5in- a -un t"at "a5 ma-i3ally appeare5. 9 %as "ol5in- t"e Bro%nin-. =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er o)er <i3"ar5?s kneelin- 8o5y. <i3"ar5 "a5 rolle5 into an almost 1etal position@ ro3kin- slo%ly 8a3k an5 1ort" on "is knees. $"e soun5s o1 tearin- 1les" 3ame 1rom t"e s3reen. He raise5 a s"o3ke5 1a3e@ 3au-"t one -limpse o1 t"e s3reen@ an5 s3ram8le5 to%ar5s me. 9 steppe5 out o1 t"e %ay an5 "e let me. He %as -oin- 1or t"e 8at"room. $"e 5oor slamme5 s"ut@ an5 a 1e% se3on5s later t"e soun5 o1 "is ret3"in- 3ame t"rou-" t"e 5oor. ,5%ar5 an5 9 stoo5 out in t"e room@ lookin- at ea3" ot"er. =e still "a5 our -uns out. ADou -o 1or your -un as ;ui3kly as 9 5o. $"at %asn?t true t%o years a-o.C A9t?s 8een a rou-" t%o years@C 9 sai5. He smile5. A7ost people %oul5n?t "a)e seen me mo)e in t"e 5ark.C A7y ni-"t )ision is e*3ellent@C 9 sai5. A9?ll remem8er t"at.C ALet?s 3all a tru3e toni-"t@ ,5%ar5. 9?m too tire5 to s3re% %it" it toni-"t.C He -a)e one no5@ an5 tu3ke5 t"e -un at t"e small o1 "is 8a3k. A$"at %asn?t %"ere t"e -un starte5 out@C 9 sai5. A/o@C "e sai5@ Ait %asn?t.C 9 "olstere5 t"e Bro%nin- an5 kno3ke5 on t"e 8at"room 5oor. A5mitte5ly@ 9 5i5n?t turn 3ompletely aroun5. 9 >ust %asn?t easy %it" ,5%ar5 at my 8a3k ri-"t t"at moment. A<i3"ar5@ are you all ri-"tBC A/o.C His )oi3e soun5e5 5eeper@ "oarse. A!an 9 3ome inBC $"ere %as a lon- pause@ t"en@ A7ay8e you 8etter.C 9 pus"e5 t"e 5oor open 3are1ully@ 5i5n?t %ant to sma3k "im %it" it. He %as still kneelin- o)er t"e toilet@ "ea5 5o%n@ lon"air "i5in- "is 1a3e. He "a5 a 8un3" o1 toilet paper 3rum8le5 in one "an5. $"e s"arp@ s%eet smell o1 )omit "un- in t"e air. 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor an5 leane5 a-ainst it. A!an 9 "elpBC He s"ook "is "ea5. 9 smoot"e5 "is "air 8a3k on one si5e. He >erke5 a%ay 1rom me as i1 9?5 8urne5 "im. He en5e5 up "u55le5 in t"e 3orner@ trappe5 8et%een t"e %all an5 t"e 8at"tu8. $"e look on "is 1a3e %as %il5@ pani3ke5. 9 knelt in 1ront o1 "im. A4on?t tou3" me@ pleaseIC A#kay@ 9 %on?t tou3" you. /o% %"at?s %ron-BC He %oul5n?t look at me. His eyes %an5ere5 t"e room@ not settlin- on anyt"in-@ 8ut 5e1initely a)oi5in- me. A$alk to me@ <i3"ar5.C A9 3an?t 8elie)e 7ar3us kno%s. He 3an?t kno%. He %oul5n?t allo% it.C A!oul5 <aina 5o it %it"out "is kno%in-BC He no55e5. AS"e?s a real 8it3".C A9 noti3e5.C A9 "a)e to tell 7ar3us. He %on?t 8elie)e it. He mi-"t nee5 to see t"e 1ilm.C His %or5s %ere almost normal@ 8ut "is )oi3e %as still 8reat"y@ t"in@ pani3ke5. 91 "e kept t"is up@ "e %as -oin- to "yper)entilate.

A$ake a slo%@ 5eep 8reat"@ <i3"ar5. 9t?s all ri-"t.C He s"ook "is "ea5. ABut it isn?t. 9 t"ou-"t you?5 seen us at our %orst.C He -a)e a lou5@ spittin- lau-". A#"@ Go5@ no% you really "a)e.C 9 rea3"e5 1or "im@ to 3om1ort@ to 5o somet"in-. A4on?t tou3" meIC He s3reame5 it at me. 9 8a3ke5 up an5 en5e5 sittin- %it" my 8a3k presse5 a-ainst t"e 1ar %all. 9t %as as 1ar a%ay as 9 3oul5 -et %it"out lea)in- t"e room. A="at t"e "ell is %ron- %it" youBC A9 %ant you@ ri-"t no%@ "ere@ a1ter seein- t"at.C A9t e*3ite5 youBC 9 ma5e it a ;uestion. AGo5 "elp me@C "e sai5. A9s t"at %"at se* means to you@ not t"e killin- 8ut 8e1oreBC A9t 3an@ 8ut it isn?t sa1e. 9n animal 1orm %e?re 3onta-ious. Dou kno% t"at.C ABut it?s a temptation@C 9 sai5. ADes.C He 3ra%le5 to%ar5s me@ an5 9 1elt mysel1 re3oil. He sat 8a3k on "is knees an5 >ust looke5 at me. A9 am not >ust a man@ Anita. 9 am %"at 9 am. 9 5on?t ask you to literally em8ra3e t"e ot"er "al1@ 8ut you "a)e to look at it. Dou "a)e to kno% %"at it is or it?s not -oin- to %ork 8et%een us.C He stu5ie5 my 1a3e. A#r "a)e you 3"an-e5 your min5BC 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. His eyes 5i5n?t look %il5 anymore. $"ey "a5 -one 5ark an5 5eep. $"ere %as a "eat to "is -aEe@ to "is 1a3e@ t"at "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" "orror. He rose on all 1ours@ t"e mo)ement %as enou-" to 8rin- "im 3lose to me. 9 stare5 at "is 1a3e 1rom in3"es a%ay. He -a)e a lon-@ s"u55erin- si-"@ an5 ener-y pri3kle5 alon- my skin. 9 %as le1t -aspin-. His ot"erness 8eat a-ainst my skin like a 3ras"in- %a)e. $"e %as" o1 it presse5 me a-ainst t"e %all like an in)isi8le "an5. He leane5 into me@ lips almost tou3"in-@ t"en mo)e5 past. His 8reat" %as "ot a-ainst t"e si5e o1 my 1a3e. A$"ink "o% it 3oul5 8e. 7akin- lo)e like t"is@ 1eelin- t"e po%er 3ra%l o)er your skin %"ile 9 %as insi5e you.C 9 %ante5 to tou3" "im@ an5 9 %as a1rai5 to tou3" "im. He 5re% 8a3k enou-" to look me in t"e 1a3e@ 3lose enou-" to kiss. A9t %oul5 8e so -oo5.C His lips 8rus"e5 mine. He %"ispere5 t"e ne*t %or5s into my mout" like a se3ret. AAn5 all t"is lust 3omes 1rom me seein- 8loo5 an5 5eat" an5 ima-inin- "er 1ear.C He %as stan5in-@ as i1 someone "a5 pulle5 "im upri-"t %it" strin-s. 9t %as ma-i3ally ;ui3k. 9t ma5e Al1re5 last ni-"t look slo%. A$"is is %"at 9 am@ Anita. 9 3an preten5 to 8e "uman. 9?m 8etter at it t"an 7ar3us@ 8ut it?s >ust a -ame.C A/o.C But my )oi3e %as >ust a %"isper. He s%allo%e5 "ar5 enou-" 1or me to "ear it. A9?)e -ot to -o.C He o11ere5 me "is "an5. 9 realiEe5 "e 3oul5n?t open t"e 5oor %it" me sittin- t"ere@ not %it"out 8an-in- me %it" it. 9 kne% i1 9 re1use5 "is "an5 t"at t"at %oul5 8e it. He %oul5 ne)er ask a-ain@ an5 9 %oul5 ne)er say yes. 9 took "is "an5. He let out a lon- 8reat". His skin %as "ot to t"e tou3"@ almost 8urnin- "ot. His skin sent little s"o3k %a)es t"rou-" my arm. $ou3"in- "im %it" all "is po%er loose in t"e room %as too amaEin- 1or %or5s. He raise5 my "an5 to "is mout". He 5i5n?t so mu3" kiss my "an5 as nuEEle it@ ru8 it alon- "is 3"eek@ tra3e "is ton-ue o)er my %rist. He 5roppe5 it so a8ruptly@ 9 stum8le5 8a3k. A9 "a)e to -et out o1 "ere@ no%.C $"ere %as s%eat on "is 1a3e a-ain. He steppe5 out into t"e room. $"e li-"ts %ere on t"is time. ,5%ar5 %as sittin- in t"e 3"air@ "an5s loose in "is lap. /o %eapon in si-"t. 9 stoo5 in t"e 8at"room 5oor@ 1eelin- <i3"ar5?s po%er s%irl out an5 1ill t"e outer room like %ater too lonimprisone5. ,5%ar5 s"o%e5 -reat restraint@ not -oin- 1or a -un. <i3"ar5 stalke5 to t"e 5oor an5 you 3oul5 almost 1eel t"e %a)es o1 "is passin- in t"e air. He stoppe5 %it" "is "an5 on t"e 5oorkno8. A9?ll tell 7ar3us i1 9 3an -et "im alone. 91 <aina inter1eres@ %e?ll "a)e to t"ink o1 somet"in- else.C He -a)e one last -lan3e at me@ t"en "e %as -one. 9 almost e*pe3te5 "im to run 5o%n t"e "all%ay@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. Sel12restraint at its 8est. ,5%ar5 an5 9 stoo5 in t"e 5oor%ay an5 %at3"e5 "im )anis" aroun5 t"e 3orner. He turne5 to me. ADou?re 5atin- t"at.C 7inutes a-o 9 %oul5 "a)e 8een insulte5@ 8ut my skin %as )i8ratin- %it" t"e 8a3k%as" o1 <i3"ar5?s po%er. 9 3oul5n?t preten5 anymore. He?5 aske5 me to marry "im@ an5 9?5 sai5 yes. But 9 "a5n?t un5erstoo5@ not really. He %asn?t "uman. He really@ truly %asn?t. $"e ;uestion %as@ "o% 8i- a 5i11eren3e 5i5 t"at makeB Ans%erJ 9 "a5n?t t"e 1o--iest.

Chapter Twenty
9 slept Sun5ay mornin- an5 misse5 3"ur3". 9 "a5n?t -otten "ome until nearly se)en o?3lo3k in t"e mornin-. $"ere %as no %ay to make a ten o?3lo3k ser)i3e. Surely Go5 un5erstoo5 t"e nee5 1or sleep@ e)en i1 "e 5i5n?t "a)e to 5o it "imsel1.

Late a1ternoon 1oun5 me at =as"in-ton :ni)ersity. 9 %as in t"e o11i3e o1 4r. Louis 'ane@ Louie to "is 1rien5s. $"e early2 %inter e)enin- %as 1illin- t"e sky %it" so1t purple 3lou5s. Strips o1 sky like a li-"te5 8a3k5rop 1or t"e 3lou5s s"o%e5 t"rou-" "is sin-le o11i3e %in5o%. He rate5 a %in5o%. 7ost 5o3torates 5i5n?t. 4o3torates are 3"eap on a 3olle-e 3ampus. Louie sat %it" "is 8a3k to t"e %in5o%. He "a5 turne5 on t"e 5esk lamp. 9t ma5e a pool o1 -ol5en %armt" a-ainst t"e 3omin- ni-"t. =e sat in t"at last pool o1 li-"t@ an5 it seeme5 more pri)ate t"an it s"oul5 "a)e. A last stan5 a-ainst t"e 5ark. Go5@ 9 %as melan3"oly to5ay. Louie?s o11i3e %as suita8ly 3luttere5. #ne %all %as 3eilin-2to21loor 8ooks"el)es@ 1ille5 %it" 8iolo-y te*t8ooks@ nature essays@ an5 a 3omplete set o1 Hames Herriot 8ooks. $"e skeleton o1 a Little Bro%n Bat %as lai5 8e"in5 -lass an5 "un- on "is %all 8y "is 5iploma. $"ere %as a 8at i5enti1i3ation poster on "is 5oor like t"e ones you 8uy 1or 8ir5 1ee5ers. Dou kno%@ A!ommon Bir5s o1 ,astern 7issouri.C Louie?s 5o3toral t"esis "a5 8een on t"e a5aptation o1 t"e Little Bro%n Bat to "uman "a8itation. His s"el)es %ere line5 %it" sou)enirsG seas"ells@ a pie3e o1 petri1ie5 %oo5@ pine3ones@ 8ark %it" 5rie5 li3"en on it. All t"e 8its an5 pie3es t"at 8iolo-y ma>ors are al%ays pi3kin- up. Louie %as a8out 1i)e 1oot si*@ %it" eyes as 8la3k as my o%n. His "air %as strai-"t an5 1ine@ -ro%in- a little 8elo% "is s"oul5ers. 9t %asn?t a 1as"ion statement as it %as %it" <i3"ar5. 9t sort o1 looke5 as t"ou-" Louie "a5 >ust not -otten aroun5 to 3uttin- "is "air in a %"ile. He "a5 a s;uare 1a3e@ a slen5er 8uil5@ an5 looke5 sort o1 ino11ensi)e. But mus3les %orke5 in "is 1orearms as "e tente5 "is 1in-ers an5 looke5 at me. ,)en i1 "e "a5n?t 8een a %ererat@ 9 mi-"t not "a)e o11ere5 to arm2%restle "im. He "a5 3ome in spe3ially to talk to me on a Sun5ay. 9t %as my 5ay o11@ too. 9t %as t"e 1irst Sun5ay t"at <i3"ar5 an5 9 "a5n?t at least talke5 to ea3" ot"er in mont"s. <i3"ar5 "a5 3alle5 an5 3an3ele5@ sayin- it %as pa3k 8usiness. 9 "a5n?t 8een a8le to ask ;uestions 8e3ause you 3an?t ar-ue %it" your ans%erin- ma3"ine. 9 5i5n?t 3all "im 8a3k. 9 %asn?t rea5y to talk to "im@ not a1ter last ni-"t. 9 1elt like a 1ool t"is mornin-. 9?5 sai5 yes to a proposal 1rom someone 9 5i5n?t kno%. 9 kne% %"at <i3"ar5 "a5 s"o%n me@ "is out%ar5 1a3e@ 8ut insi5e %as a %"ole ne% %orl5 t"at 9 "a5 >ust 8e-un to )isit. A="at 5i5 you an5 t"e rest o1 t"e pro1essors t"ink o1 t"e 1ootprints t"e poli3e sent o)erBC A=e t"ink it?s a %ol1.C AA %ol1B ="yBC A9t?s 3ertainly a 8i- 3anine. 9t isn?t a 5o-@ an5 ot"er t"an %ol)es t"at?s a8out it.C A,)en allo%in- 1or t"e 1a3t t"at t"e 3anine 1oot is mi*e5 %it" "umanBC A,)en allo%in-.C A!oul5 it 8e Pe--y SmitEBC APe--y 3oul5 3ontrol "ersel1 really %ell. ="y %oul5 s"e kill someoneBC A9 5on?t kno%. ="y %oul5n?t s"e kill someoneBC He leane5 8a3k in "is 3"air. 9t s;ueake5 un5er "is %ei-"t. A'air ;uestion. Pe--y %as as mu3" a pa3i1ist as t"e pa3k %oul5 let "er 8e.C AS"e 5i5n?t 1i-"tBC A/ot unless 1or3e5 into it.C A=as s"e "i-" in t"e pa3k stru3tureBC AS"oul5n?t you 8e askin- <i3"ar5 t"ese ;uestionsB He is ne*t in line to t"e t"rone@ so to speak.C 9 >ust looke5 at "im. 9 %oul5n?t look a%ay as i1 9 %ere -uilty o1 somet"in-. A9 smell trou8le in para5ise@C "e sai5. 9 i-nore5 t"e "int. Business@ %e "a5 8usiness to 5is3uss. APe--y?s "us8an5 3ame to see me. He %ante5 me to look 1or "er. He 5i5n?t kno% a8out t"e ot"er missin- ly3ant"ropes. ="y %oul5n?t Pe--y "a)e tol5 "imBC AA lot o1 us sur)i)e in relations"ips 8y preten5in- as "ar5 as %e 3an t"at %e aren?t %"at %e are. 9 8et Pe--y 5i5n?t talk pa3k 8usiness %it" "er "us8an5.C AHo% "ar5 is it to preten5BC A$"e 8etter you 3ontrol@ t"e easier it is to preten5.C ASo it 3an 8e 5one.C A=oul5 you %ant to -o t"rou-" your li1e preten5in- you 5i5n?t raise Eom8iesB /e)er talkin- a8out itB /e)er s"arin- itB Ha)in- your "us8an5 em8arrasse5 8y it@ or si3kene5 8y itBC 9 1elt my 1a3e 8urn. 9 %ante5 to 5eny it. 9 %asn?t em8arrasse5 8y <i3"ar5@ or si3kene5@ 8ut 9 %asn?t 3om1orta8le@ eit"er. /ot 3om1orta8le enou-" to protest. A9t 5oesn?t soun5 like a )ery -oo5 %ay to li)e@C 9 sai5.

A9t isn?t.C $"ere %as a )ery "ea)y silen3e in t"e room. 91 "e t"ou-"t 9 %as -oin- to spill t"e 8eans@ "e %as %ron-. ="en all else -oes to "ell@ 3on3entrate on 8usiness. A$"e poli3e %ere all o)er t"e area %"ere t"e 8o5y %as 1oun5 to5ay. Ser-eant Storr sai5 t"ey 5i5n?t 1in5 anyt"in- 8ut a 1e% more 1ootprints@ a little 8loo5.C $rut" %as@ t"ey "a5 1oun5 some 1res" ri1le slu-s in t"e trees near t"e kill area@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure 9 %as 1ree to s"are t"at %it" t"e ly3ant"rope 3ommunity. 9t %as poli3e 8usiness. 9 %as lyin- to 8ot" si5es. 9t 5i5n?t seem like a -oo5 %ay to run a mur5er in)esti-ation@ or a missin-2person 3ase. A91 t"e poli3e an5 t"e pa3k %oul5 s"are in1ormation@ %e mi-"t 8e a8le to sol)e t"is 3ase.C He s"ru--e5. A9t?s not my 3all@ Anita. 9?m >ust an 9n5ian@ not a 3"ie1.C A<i3"ar5?s a 3"ie1@C 9 sai5. A/ot as lon- as 7ar3us an5 <aina are ali)e.C A9 5i5n?t t"ink <i3"ar5 "a5 to 1i-"t "er 1or pa3k 5ominan3e. 9 t"ou-"t it %as 7ar3us?s 1i-"t.C Louie lau-"e5. A91 you t"ink <aina %oul5 let 7ar3us lose %it"out "elpin- "im@ you "a)en?t met t"e %oman.C A9 "a)e met "er. 9 >ust t"ou-"t "er "elpin- 7ar3us %as a-ainst pa3k la%.C He s"ru--e5 a-ain. A9 5on?t kno% a8out pa3k la%@ 8ut 9 kno% <aina. 91 <i3"ar5 %oul5 play 1ootsie %it" "er@ s"e mi-"t e)en "elp "im 5e1eat 7ar3us@ 8ut "e?s ma5e it )ery 3lear t"at "e 5oesn?t like "er.C A<i3"ar5 sai5 s"e "a5 t"is i5ea a8out ly3ant"rope porno mo)iesBC Louie?s eyes %i5ene5. A<i3"ar5 tol5 you a8out t"atBC 9 no55e5. A9?m surprise5. He %as em8arrasse5 a8out t"e %"ole i5ea. <aina %as "ot an5 "ea)y to "a)e "im 8e "er 3ostar. 9 t"ink s"e %as tryin- to se5u3e "im@ 8ut s"e mis>u5-e5 "er 8oy. <i3"ar5 is too pri)ate to e)er "a)e se* 1or a 3amera.C A<aina?s starre5 in some o1 t"e mo)iesBC ASo 9?m tol5.C AHa)e any o1 t"e %ererats appeare5 in t"e 1li3ksBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A<a1ael 1or8i5 it. =e?re one o1 t"e 1e% -roups t"at re1use5 it 1lat.C A<a1ael?s a -oo5 man.C AAn5 a -oo5 rat@C Louie sai5. 9 smile5. ADea".C A="at?s up %it" you an5 <i3"ar5BC A="at 5o you meanBC AHe le1t a messa-e on my ans%erin- ma3"ine. Sai5 "e "a5 8i- ne%s 3on3ernin- you. ="en 9 sa% "im in person@ "e sai5 it %as not"in-. ="at "appene5BC 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. /ot a ne% e)ent lately. A9 t"ink it "as to 8e <i3"ar5?s ne%s.C AHe sai5 somet"in- a8out it 8ein- your 3"oi3e an5 "e 3oul5n?t talk a8out it. Dou say it?s "is 8usiness an5 you 3an?t talk a8out it. 9 %is" one o1 you %oul5 talk to me.C 9 opene5 my mout"@ 3lose5 it@ an5 si-"e5. 9 "a5 ;uestions t"at 9 nee5e5 ans%ers to@ 8ut Louie %as <i3"ar5?s 1rien5 8e1ore "e %as mine. Loyalty an5 all t"at. But %"o t"e "ell else 3oul5 9 askB 9r)in-B He %as in enou-" trou8le %it" <i3"ar5. A9?)e "ear5 <i3"ar5 an5 <a1ael talk a8out 3ontrollin- t"eir 8easts. 4oes t"at mean t"e 3"an-eBC He no55e5. ADes.C He looke5 at me@ eyes narro%in-. A91 you?)e "ear5 <i3"ar5 talk a8out "is 8east@ you must "a)e seen "im 3lose to 3"an-in-. ="at "appene5 last ni-"tBC A91 <i3"ar5 5i5n?t tell you@ Louie@ 9 5on?t t"ink 9 3an.C A$"e -rape)ine says you kille5 Al1re5. 9s t"at trueBC ADes.C He looke5 at me as i1 %aitin- 1or more@ t"en s"ru--e5. A<aina %on?t like t"at.C A7ar3us 5i5n?t seem too please5@ eit"er.C ABut "e %on?t >ump you in a 5ark alley. S"e %ill.C A="y 5i5n?t <i3"ar5 tell me t"atBC A<i3"ar5 is one o1 t"e 8est 1rien5s 9 "a)e. He?s loyal@ "onest@ 3arin-@ sort o1 t"e %orl5?s 1urriest 8oy s3out. 91 "e "as a 1la%@ it?s t"at "e e*pe3ts ot"er people to 8e loyal@ "onest@ an5 3arin-.C

ASurely a1ter %"at "e?s seen 1rom 7ar3us an5 <aina@ "e 5oesn?t still t"ink t"ey?re ni3e peopleBC AHe kno%s t"ey aren?t ni3e@ 8ut "e "as trou8le seein- t"em as e)il. ="en all is sai5 an5 5one@ Anita@ 7ar3us is "is alp"a male. <i3"ar5 respe3ts aut"ority. He?s 8een tryin- to %ork out some sort o1 3ompromise %it" 7ar3us 1or mont"s. He 5oesn?t %ant to kill "im. 7ar3us 5oesn?t "a)e t"e same ;ualms a8out <i3"ar5.C A9r)in- tol5 me <i3"ar5 5e1eate5 7ar3us@ 3oul5 "a)e kille5 "im@ an5 5i5n?t. 9s t"at trueBC A F'rai5 so.C AS"it.C ADea"@ 9 tol5 <i3"ar5 "e s"oul5 "a)e 5one it@ 8ut "e?s ne)er kille5 anyone. He 8elie)es all li1e is pre3ious.C AAll li1e is pre3ious@C 9 sai5. ASome li1e is >ust more pre3ious t"an ot"ers@C Louie sai5. 9 no55e5. ADea".C A4i5 <i3"ar5 3"an-e 1or you last ni-"tBC AGo5@ you are relentless.C ADou sai5 it %as one o1 my 8etter ;ualities.C A9t is normally.C 9t %as like 8ein- pi3ke5 at 8y <onnie. S"e ne)er -a)e up@ eit"er. A4i5 "e 3"an-e 1or youBC ASort o1@C 9 sai5. AAn5 you 3oul5n?t "an5le it.C 9t %as a 1lat statement. A9?m not sure@ Louie. 9?m >ust not sure.C ABetter to 1in5 out no%@C "e sai5. A9 -uess so.C A4o you lo)e "imBC A/one o1 your 5amn 8usiness.C A9 lo)e <i3"ar5 like a 8rot"er. 91 you?re -oin- to sli3e "is "eart up an5 ser)e it on a platter@ 9?5 like to kno% no%. 91 you lea)e@ 9?ll 8e t"e one "elpin- "im pi3k up t"e pie3es.C A9 5on?t %ant to "urt <i3"ar5@C 9 sai5. A9 8elie)e you.C He >ust looke5 at me. $"ere %as a -reat pea3e1ulness to "is e*pression@ as i1 "e 3oul5 %ait all ni-"t 1or me to ans%er t"e ;uestion. Louie "a5 more patien3e t"an 9 %oul5 e)er "a)e. ADes@ 9 lo)e "im. HappyBC A4o you lo)e "im enou-" to em8ra3e "is 1urry si5eBC His eyes %ere starin- at me as i1 t"ey?5 8urn a "ole t"rou-" my "eart. A9 5on?t kno%. 91 "e %ere "uman ... S"it.C A91 "e %ere "uman@ you?5 marry "im may8eBC He %as kin5 enou-" to make it a ;uestion. A7ay8e@C 9 sai5. But it %asn?t a may8e. 91 <i3"ar5 "a5 8een "uman@ 9?5 8e a )ery "appily en-a-e5 %oman ri-"t no%. #1 3ourse@ t"ere %as anot"er male t"at %asn?t "uman t"at "a5 8een tryin- to -et me to 5ate "im 1or a %"ile. Hean2!lau5e "a5 sai5 t"at <i3"ar5 %asn?t any more "uman t"an "e %as. 9 "a5n?t 8elie)e5 "im. 9 %as 8e-innin- to. 9t looke5 like 9 o%e5 Hean2!lau5e an apolo-y. /ot t"at 9 %oul5 e)er a5mit it to "im. AA %riter 3ame to my o11i3e yester5ay@ ,l)ira 4re%. S"e?s 5oin- a 8ook on s"apes"i1ters. 9t soun5s le-it an5 3oul5 8e -oo5 press.C 9 e*plaine5 t"e 1ormat o1 t"e 8ook. ASoun5s -oo5@ a3tually@C "e sai5. A="ere 5o 9 3ome inBC AGuess.C AS"e?s missin- a %ererat inter)ie%.C ABin-o.C A9 3an?t a11or5 to 8e e*pose5@ Anita. Dou kno% t"at.C A9t 5oesn?t "a)e to 8e you. 9s t"ere anyone amon- you t"at %oul5 8e %illin- to meet %it" "erBC A9?ll ask aroun5@C "e sai5. A$"anks@ Louie.C 9 stoo5.

He stoo5 an5 o11ere5 me "is "an5. His -rip %as 1irm 8ut not too stron-@ >ust ri-"t. 9 %on5ere5 "o% 1ast "e really %as@ an5 "o% easy it %oul5 8e 1or "im to 3rus" my "an5 into pulp. 9t must "a)e s"o%n on my 1a3e@ 8e3ause "e sai5@ ADou mi-"t %ant to stop 5atin- <i3"ar5. :ntil you -et t"is sorte5 out.C 9 no55e5. ADea"@ may8e.C =e stoo5 t"ere in silen3e 1or a moment. $"ere 5i5n?t seem to 8e anyt"in- le1t to say@ so 9 le1t. 9 %as all out o1 3le)er repartee@ or e)en a -oo5 >oke. 9t %as 8arely 5ark@ an5 9 %as tire5. $ire5 enou-" to -o "ome an5 3ra%l into 8e5 an5 "i5e. 9nstea5@ 9 %as on my %ay to t"e Lunati3 !a1e. 9 %as -oin- to try an5 3on)in3e 7ar3us to let me talk to t"e poli3e. ,i-"t missin-@ one 5ea5 "uman. 9t 5i5n?t "a)e to 8e 3onne3te5. But i1 it %as a %ere%ol1@ t"en 7ar3us %oul5 kno% %"o 5i5 t"e killin-@ or <aina %oul5 kno%. =oul5 t"ey tell meB 7ay8e@ may8e not@ 8ut 9 "a5 to ask. $"ey?5 3ome 3loser to tellin- me t"e trut" t"an t"ey %oul5 to t"e poli3e. 'unny "o% all t"e monsters talke5 to me an5 not to t"e poli3e. Dou "a5 to 8e-in to %on5er %"y t"e monsters %ere so 5amn 3om1orta8le aroun5 me. 9 raise5 Eom8ies an5 sle% )ampires. ="o %as 9 to t"ro% stonesB

Chapter Twenty-one
9 %alke5 alon- t"e 3ampus si5e%alk to%ar5s my 3ar. 9 %alke5 1rom one pool o1 li-"t to t"e ne*t. 7y 8reat" 1o--e5 in t"e -lo% o1 t"e streetli-"ts. 9t %as my ni-"t o11 so 9 %as 5resse5 all in 8la3k. Bert %oul5n?t let me %ear 8la3k to %ork. Sai5 it -a)e t"e %ron- impression2too "ars"2asso3iate5 %it" e)il ma-i3. 91 "e?5 5one any resear3"@ "e?5 "a)e 1oun5 t"at re5@ %"ite@ an5 a "ost o1 ot"er 3olors are use5 in e)il rituals. 9t 5epen5s on t"e reli-ion. 9t %as )ery An-lo2Sa*on o1 "im to outla% only 8la3k. Bla3k >eans@ 8la3k /ike Airs %it" a 8lue s%oos"@ a 8la3k s%eater@ an5 a 8la3k tren3" 3oat. ,)en my -uns an5 "olsters %ere 8la3k. 9 %as >ust mono3"rome as "ell toni-"t. 9 %as %earin- sil)er@ 8ut it %as "i55en un5er t"e s%eaterG a 3ross@ an5 a kni1e on ea3" 1orearm. 9 %as "ea5e5 1or t"e Lunati3 !a1e. 9 %as -oin- to try to persua5e 7ar3us to let me s"are in1ormation %it" t"e poli3e. $"e missin- ly3ant"ropes@ e)en t"e ones like Pe--y SmitE %"o 5i5n?t %ant t"eir se3ret kno%n@ %ere sa1e 1rom 8a5 pu8li3ity no%. $"ey %ere 5ea5. $"ey "a5 to 8e. $"ere is no %ay to "ol5 ei-"t s"apes"i1ters a-ainst t"eir %ill 1or t"is lon-. /ot ali)e. 9t 3oul5n?t "urt t"em to tell t"e 3ops@ an5 it mi-"t sa)e any ot"er s"apes"i1ters 1rom -oin- missin-. 9 "a5 to talk to t"e people %"o "a5 last seen t"e missin- ones. ="y "a5 none o1 t"em put up a 1i-"tB $"at "a5 to 8e a 3lue. <onnie %as 8etter at t"is sort o1 t"in- t"an 9 %as. 7ay8e %e 3oul5 -o out 5ete3tin- tomorro%. =oul5 <i3"ar5 8e t"ereB 91 so@ %"at %as 9 suppose5 to say to "imB 9t ma5e me stop %alkin-. 9 stoo5 in t"e 3ol5 5ark@ trappe5 8et%een streetli-"ts. 9 %asn?t rea5y to see <i3"ar5 a-ain. But %e "a5 a 5ea5 8o5y@ may8e more. 9 3oul5n?t 3"i3ken out >ust 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t %ant to see <i3"ar5. 9t %oul5 8e pure 3o%ar5i3e. $rut" %as@ 9 %oul5 rat"er "a)e 1a3e5 5o%n a "er5 o1 )ampires t"an one %oul528e 1ian3?. $"e %in5 %"istle5 at my 8a3k as i1 a 8liEEar5 %ere mo)in- up 8e"in5 me. 7y "air streame5 aroun5 my 1a3e. $"e trees %ere i3y still@ no %in5. 9 %"irle5@ Bro%nin- in my "an5. Somet"in- slamme5 into my 8a3k@ sen5in- me smas"in- into t"e si5e%alk. 9 trie5 to sa)e mysel1@ arms slammin- into t"e 3on3rete 1irst. 7y arms %ent num8 an5 tin-lin-. 9 3oul5n?t 1eel my "an5s. 7y "ea5 snappe5 5o%n%ar5. $"ere is t"at moment a1ter a really -oo5 "ea5 8lo% t"at you 3an?t rea3t. A 1roEen moment %"en you %on5er i1 you?ll e)er 8e a8le to mo)e a-ain. Someone %as sittin- on my 8a3k. Han5s >erke5 my 3oat on t"e le1t si5e. 9 "ear5 t"e 3lot" rip. $"e 1eelin- %as 3omin8a3k in my arms. 9?5 lost t"e Bro%nin-. 9 trie5 to roll o)er on my si5e to -o 1or t"e 'irestar. A "an5 slamme5 my "ea5 into t"e si5e%alk a-ain. Li-"t e*plo5e5 insi5e my "ea5. 7y )ision %ent 5ark@ an5 %"en 9 3oul5 see a-ain@ 9 3au-"t Gret3"en?s 1a3e rearin- a8o)e me. S"e "a5 a "an51ul o1 my "air@ pulle5 pain1ully to one si5e. 7y s%eater %as rippe5 a%ay 1rom my s"oul5er. Gret3"en?s mout" %as stret3"e5 %i5e@ 1an-s s"immerin- in t"e 5ark. 9 s3reame5. $"e 'irestar %as trappe5 un5er my 8o5y. 9 %ent 1or one o1 t"e kni)es@ 8ut it %as un5er t"e slee)e o1 my 3oat@ t"e slee)e o1 my s%eater. 9 %asn?t -oin- to -et t"ere in time. $"ere %as a "i-" s3ream@ an5 it %asn?t me. A %oman %as stan5in- at t"e en5 o1 t"e si5e%alk s3reamin-. Gret3"en raise5 "er "ea5 an5 "isse5 at t"em. $"e man %it" "er -ra88e5 "er s"oul5ers an5 pus"e5 "er o11 t"e pat". $"ey ran. =ise. 9 plun-e5 t"e kni1e into "er t"roat. 9t %asn?t a killin- 8lo% an5 9 kne% it@ 8ut 9 t"ou-"t s"e?5 rear. Gi)e me a 3"an3e at t"e 'irestar. S"e 5i5n?t. 9 s"o)e5 t"e kni1e in to its "iltG 8loo5 poure5 5o%n my "an5@ splattere5 my 1a3e. S"e 5arte5 5o%n%ar5@ -oin- 1or my t"roat. $"e kni1e "a5 5one as mu3" 5ama-e as it 3oul5. $"ere %as no time to -o 1or t"e se3on5 8la5e. 9 %as still pinne5 o)er t"e -un. 9 "a5 1ore)er to %at3" "er mout" 3omin- 1or me@ to kno% 9 %as -oin- to 5ie. Somet"in- 5ark smas"e5 into "er@ rollin- "er o11 me %it" t"e impa3t. 9 %as le1t -aspin- on t"e si5e%alk@ 8linkin-. 9 "a5 t"e 'irestar in my "an5. 9 5i5n?t remem8er -ettin- it out. Pra3ti3e@ pra3ti3e@ pra3ti3e. $"ere %as a %ererat on top o1 Gret3"en. $"e 5ark muEEle 5arte5 5o%n%ar5@ teet" -limmerin-. Gret3"en -ra88e5 "is muEEle@ "ol5in- t"ose snappin- teet" 1rom "er t"roat. A 1urre5 3la% slas"e5 "er pale 1a3e. Bloo5 1lo%e5. S"e s3reame5@

pun3"in- one "an5 into "is stoma3". 9t raise5 "im in t"e air@ >ust enou-" 1or "er to -et "er le-s un5er "im. S"e li1te5 %it" "er le-s an5 s"o)e5 "im into t"e air. $"e %ererat %ent tum8lin- like a t"ro%n 8all. Gret3"en %as on "er 1eet like ma-i3. 9 si-"te5 5o%n t"e 8arrel o1 t"e -un@ still on t"e -roun5. But s"e %as -one into t"e 8us"es@ a1ter t"e %ererat. 9?5 misse5 my 3"an3e. Snarls an5 snappin- 8ran3"es 3ame 1rom t"e 5arkness. 9t "a5 to 8e Louie. 9 5i5n?t kno% t"at many %ererats t"at %oul5 3ome to my res3ue. 9 stoo5 up an5 t"e %orl5 s%am. 9 stum8le5@ an5 it took e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 to stay stan5in-. 'or t"e 1irst time 9 %on5ere5 "o% 8a5ly 9 %as "urt. 9 kne% 9 %as s3rape5 up some 8e3ause 9 3oul5 1eel t"at s"arp@ stin-in- pain t"at takin- o11 t"e 1irst layer o1 skin %ill -et you. 9 raise5 a "an5 to my "ea5 an5 it 3ame a%ay %it" 8loo5. Some o1 it %as mine. 9 trie5 anot"er step@ an5 9 3oul5 5o it. 7ay8e 9?5 >ust trie5 to stan5 too 1ast. 9 "ope5 so. 9 5i5n?t kno% i1 a %ererat 3oul5 take a )ampire or not. But 9 %asn?t stan5in- out "ere in t"e 3lear an5 %aitin- to 1in5 out. 9 %as at t"e e5-e o1 t"e trees %"en t"ey rolle5 out o1 t"e 5arkness an5 o)er me. 9 lay on t"e pa)ement 1or t"e se3on5 time@ 8ut t"ere %as no time to -et my %in5 8a3k. 9 rolle5 onto my ri-"t si5e@ si-"tin- 5o%n my arm to%ar5s t"e noise. $"e mo)ement %as too su55en@ my )ision s%am. ="en 9 3oul5 1o3us a-ain@ Gret3"en "a5 sunk 1an-s into Louie?s ne3k. He -a)e a "i-"@ %il5 s;ueal. 9 3oul5n?t s"oot "er lyin- 5o%n@ all 9 3oul5 see 1rom "ere %as t"e rat?s 8o5y@ "er arms an5 le-s ri5in- "im@ 8ut t"e only s"ot 9 "a5 t"at mi-"t kill "er %as a line o1 "er 8lon5 "ea5. 9 5i5n?t 5are try it. 9 mi-"t kill Louie@ too. ,)en 3lear2"ea5e5@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een an i11y s"ot. 9 -ot to my knees. $"e %orl5 s"i1te5@ an5 nausea rolle5 at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. ="en t"e %orl5 %as still a-ain@ t"ere %as still not"in- to s"oot at. Some tri3k o1 a 5istant streetli-"t 1las"e5 on t"e 8loo5 pourin- 1rom "is t"roat. 91 s"e?5 "a5 t"e teet" Louie "a5@ "e?5 8e 5ea5. 9 1ire5 into t"e -roun5 near t"em@ "opin- it %oul5 s3are "er o11. 9t 5i5n?t. 9 aime5 at a tree >ust a8o)e "er "ea5. 9t %as as 3lose to Louie as 9 5are5 -et. $"e 8ullet e*plo5e5 in t"e tree. #ne 8lue eye looke5 at me %"ile s"e 1e5 o11 o1 "im. S"e %as -oin- to kill "im %"ile 9 %at3"e5. AS"oot "er@C it %as Louie?s )oi3e t%iste5 aroun5 1urry >a%s@ 8ut "is )oi3e. His eyes -laEe5 an5 3lose5@ %"ile 9 %at3"e5. Last %or5s. 9 took a 5eep@ stea5yin- 8reat" an5 aime5 t%o2"an5e5@ one "an5 3uppin- t"e ot"er in a tea3up -rip. 9 si-"te5 on t"at one pale eye. 4arkness s%am o)er my )ision. 9 %aite5 on my knees@ 8lin5@ 1or my )ision to 3lear an5 me to pull t"at tri--er. 91 my )ision %ent %"ile 9 %as 1irin-@ 9?5 "it Louie. 9 %as out o1 options. #r may8e not. A<i3"ar5 aske5 me to marry "im an5 9 sai5 yes. Dou 3an smell a lie. 9 sai5 yes to marryin- someone else. =e 5on?t "a)e to 5o t"is.C S"e "esitate5. 9 stare5 into "er eye. 7y )ision %as 3lear. Arm stea5y@ 9 presse5 on t"e tri--er. S"e release5 "is t"roat@ sli5in- "er "ea5 into "is ne3k 1ur@ "i5in-. Her )oi3e 3ame mu11le5 8ut 3lear enou-"J APut 5o%n your little -un@ an5 9 %ill let "im -o.C 9 took a 8reat" an5 raise5 t"e -un sky%ar5. ALet "im -o.C A$"e -un 1irst@C s"e sai5. 9 5i5n?t %ant to -i)e up my only -un. $"at seeme5 like a really 8a5 i5ea. But %"at 3"oi3e 5i5 9 "a)eB 91 9 %ere Gret3"en@ 9 %oul5n?t %ant me arme5. 9 5i5 still "a)e t"e se3on5 kni1e@ 8ut 1rom t"is 5istan3e it %as useless. ,)en i1 9 3oul5 t"ro% %ell enou-" to put it t"rou-" "er "eart@ it %oul5 "a)e to 8e a )ery soli5 8lo%. S"e %as too ol5 1or a -lan3in- 8lo% to 5o mu3" -oo5. 9?5 s"o)e5 a kni1e "ilt25eep into "er t"roat an5 it "a5n?t slo%e5 "er 5o%n. 9t "a5 impresse5 me. 9 lai5 t"e 'irestar on t"e si5e%alk an5 raise5 my "an5s to s"o% mysel1 unarme5. Gret3"en rose slo%ly 1rom 8e"in5 Louie?s limp 8o5y. =it"out "er proppin- "im up@ "is 8o5y rolle5 onto its 8a3k. $"ere %as a looseness to t"e mo)ement t"at unner)e5 me. =as it too lateB !oul5 a )ampire?s 8ite kill like sil)erB $"e )ampire an5 9 stare5 at ea3" ot"er. 7y kni1e %as sti3kin- out o1 "er t"roat like an e*3lamation mark. S"e "a5n?t e)en 8ot"ere5 to take it out. Hesus. 9 must "a)e misse5 t"e )oi3e 8o* or s"e %oul5n?t "a)e 8een a8le to talk. ,)en )ampirism "as its limits. 9 %as meetin- "er eyes. /ot"in- %as "appenin-. 9t %as like lookin- into anyone?s eyes. $"at s"oul5n?t "a)e 8een. 7ay8e s"e %as "ol5in- "er po%er in 3"e3kB /a%. A9s "e still ali)eBC A!ome 3loser an5 see 1or yoursel1.C A/o@ t"anks.C 91 Louie %as 5ea5@ my 8ein- 5ea5 %oul5n?t "elp t"at. S"e smile5. A$ell me a-ain@ t"is ne%s o1 yours.C A<i3"ar5 aske5 me to marry "im@ an5 9 sai5 yes.C ADou lo)e t"is <i3"ar5BC ADes.C $"is %as no time 1or "esitation. S"e a33epte5 it %it" a no5. 9 -uess it %as true@ surprise@ surprise. A$ell Hean2!lau5e an5 9 %ill 8e 3ontent.C

A9 plan on tellin- "im.C A$oni-"t.C A'ine@ toni-"t.C ALie. ="en 9 lea)e you %ill ten5 your %oun5s@ an5 "is@ an5 not tell Hean2!lau5e.C 9 3oul5n?t e)en -et a%ay %it" a little %"ite lie@ s"it. A="at 5o you %antBC AHe is at Guilty Pleasures toni-"t. Go t"ere an5 tell "im. 9 %ill 8e %aitin- 1or you.C A9 "a)e to ten5 to "is %oun5s 8e1ore 9 5o anyt"in-@C 9 sai5. A$en5 "is %oun5s@ 8ut 3ome to Guilty Pleasures 8e1ore 5a%n@ or our tru3e is o)er.C A="y not tell Hean2!lau5e yoursel1BC AHe %oul5 not 8elie)e me.C AHe 3oul5 tell you %ere tellin- t"e trut"@C 9 sai5. AHust 8e3ause 9 8elie)e5 it %as trut" %oul5 not make it so. But "e %ill smell t"e trut" on you. 91 9 am not t"ere@ %ait 1or me. 9 %ant to 8e t"ere %"en you tell "im you lo)e anot"er. 9 %ant to see "is 1a3e 1all.C A'ine@ 9?ll 8e t"ere 8e1ore 5a%n.C S"e steppe5 o)er Louie?s 8o5y. S"e "a5 t"e Bro%nin- in "er ri-"t "an5@ "el5 palm o)er t"e 8arrel an5 -rip@ not to 1ire 8ut to keep me 1rom it. S"e stalke5 to me an5 pi3ke5 up t"e 'irestar@ eyes ne)er lea)in- me. Bloo5 5rippe5 5o%n t"e kni1e "ilt in "er t"roat. $"e 8loo5 1ell in a "ea)y@ %et splat. S"e smile5 as my eyes %i5ene5. 9 kne% it 5i5n?t kill t"em@ 8ut 9?5 t"ou-"t it "urt. 7ay8e t"ey only took t"e 8la5es out 1rom "a8it. 9t 3ertainly 5i5n?t seem to 8ot"er Gret3"en. ADou 3an "a)e t"ese 8a3k a1ter you tell "im@C s"e sai5. ADou?re "opin- "e kills me@C 9 sai5. A9 %oul5 s"e5 no tears.C Great. Gret3"en took a step 8a3k%ar5s@ t"en anot"er. S"e stoppe5 at t"e e5-e o1 t"e trees@ a pale 1orm in t"e 5ark. A9 a%ait you@ Anita Blake. 4o not 5isappoint me t"is ni-"t.C A9?ll 8e t"ere@C 9 sai5. S"e smile5@ 1las"in- 8loo5y teet"@ steppe5 8a3k a-ain@ an5 %as -one. 9 t"ou-"t it %as a min5 tri3k@ 8ut t"ere %as a 8a3k%as" o1 air. $"e trees s"ook as i1 a storm %ere passin-. 9 looke5 up an5 3au-"t a -limpse o1 somet"in-. /ot %in-s@ not a 8at@ 8ut ... somet"in-. Somet"in- my eyes 3oul5n?t or %oul5n?t make sense o1. $"e %in5 5ie5@ an5 t"e %inter 5ark %as as still an5 ;uiet as a tom8. Sirens %aile5 in t"e 5istan3e. 9 -uess t"e 3oe5s "a5 3alle5 t"e 3ops. !oul5n?t say 9 8lame5 t"em.

Chapter Twenty-two
9 stoo5@ 3are1ully. $"e %orl5 5i5n?t spin. Great. 9 %alke5 to Louie. His rat2man 1orm lay )ery still an5 5ark on t"e -rass. 9 knelt@ an5 anot"er %a)e o1 5iEEiness took me. 9 %aite5 on all 1ours 1or it to pass. ="en t"e %orl5 %as stea5y on3e more@ 9 put my "an5 on "is 1ur23o)ere5 3"est. 9 let out a si-" %"en "is 3"est rose an5 1ell un5er my palm. Ali)e@ 8reat"in-. 'antasti3. 91 "e?5 8een in "uman 1orm@ 9?5 "a)e 3"e3ke5 "is ne3k %oun5. 9 %as pretty sure t"at >ust tou3"in- "is 8loo5 in animal 1orm %oul5n?t -i)e me ly3ant"ropy@ 8ut 9 %asn?t one "un5re5 per3ent. 9 "a5 enou-" pro8lems %it"out turnin- 1urry on3e a mont". Besi5es@ i1 9 "a5 to pi3k an animal@ a rat %oul5n?t 8e it. $"e sirens %ere -ettin- 3loser. 9 %asn?t sure %"at to 5o. He %as 8a5ly "urt@ 8ut 9?5 seen <i3"ar5 %orse o11 an5 "e "a5 "eale5. But "a5 "e nee5e5 some me5i3al attention to -et "eale5B 9 5i5n?t kno%. 9 3oul5 "i5e Louie in t"e 8us"es@ 8ut %oul5 9 8e lea)in- "im to 5ieB 91 t"e 3ops sa% "im like t"is@ "is se3ret %as out. His li1e %oul5 8e in a s"am8les aroun5 "im@ >ust 8e3ause "e?5 "elpe5 me. 9t 5i5n?t seem 1air. A lon- si-" rose 1rom "is pointe5 muEEle. A s"u55er ran t"rou-" "is 8o5y. $"e 1ur 8e-an to re3e5e like t"e ti5e pullin8a3k. $"e a%k%ar5@ ratlike lim8s 8e-an to strai-"ten. His 8ent le-s strai-"tene5. 9 %at3"e5 "is "uman 1orm rise 1rom t"e 1ur like a s"ape 3au-"t in i3e. Louie lay t"ere on t"e 5ark -rass@ pale an5 nake5 an5 )ery "uman. 9?5 ne)er seen t"e pro3ess in re)erse 8e1ore. 9t %as >ust as spe3ta3ular as t"e 3"an-e to animal 1orm@ 8ut it %asn?t as 1ri-"tenin-@ may8e 8e3ause o1 t"e en5 pro5u3t. $"e %oun5 on "is ne3k %as more like an animal 8ite t"an a )ampire@ skin torn@ 8ut t%o o1 t"e marks %ere 5eeper@ 1an-s. $"ere %as no 8loo5 on t"e %oun5 no%. As 9 %at3"e5@ 8loo5 starte5 to 1lo%. 9 3oul5n?t tell 1or sure in t"e 5ark@ 8ut it looke5

like t"e %oun5 %as alrea5y 8e-innin- to "eal. 9 3"e3ke5 "is pulse. 9t %as stea5y@ stron-@ 8ut %"at 5i5 9 kno%B 9 %asn?t a 5o3tor. $"e siren %as silent@ 8ut li-"ts stro8e5 t"e 5arkness >ust o)er t"e trees like 3olore5 li-"tnin-. $"e 3ops %ere 3omin-@ an5 9 "a5 to 5e3i5e %"at to 5o. 7y "ea5 %as 1eelin- 8etter. 7y )ision %as 3lear. $"e 5iEEiness seeme5 to 8e -one. #1 3ourse@ 9 "a5n?t trie5 to stan5 a-ain. 9 3oul5 3arry "im in a 1ireman?s 3arryG not too 1ast an5 not too 1ar@ 8ut 9 3oul5 5o it. $"e 8ite marks %ere s"rinkin-. Hell@ "e?5 8e "eale5 8y mornin-. 9 3oul5n?t let t"e 3ops see "im@ an5 9 3oul5n?t lea)e "im "ere. 9 5i5n?t kno% i1 ly3ant"ropes 3oul5 1reeEe to 5eat"@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t 1eel lu3ky toni-"t. 9 3o)ere5 "im %it" my 3oat@ %rappin- it aroun5 "im as 9 li1te5. =oul5n?t 5o 1or "im to -et 1rost8ite on 3ertain 5eli3ate pla3es. Dou lose a toe an5 t"ere you are. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 stoo5 %it" "im a3ross my s"oul5ers. 7y knees 5i5n?t like li1tin- "im. But 9 -ot to my 1eet@ an5 my )ision %a)ere5. 9 stoo5 t"ere@ 8ra3in- a-ainst a su55enly mo)in- %orl5. 9 1ell to my knees. $"e e*tra %ei-"t ma5e it "urt. $"e poli3e %ere 3omin-. 91 9 5i5n?t -et out o1 "ere ri-"t no%@ 9 mi-"t as %ell -i)e it up. Gi)in- up %asn?t one o1 my 8etter t"in-s. 9 -ot to one knee an5 -a)e t"at last pus". 7y knees s3reame5 at me@ 8ut 9 %as stan5in-. Bla3k %a)es passe5 o)er my eyes. 9 >ust stoo5 t"ere lettin- it s%ay o)er me. $"e 5iEEiness %asn?t as 8a5 t"is time. $"e nausea %as %orse. 9?5 t"ro% up later. 9 staye5 on t"e si5e%alk. 9 5i5n?t trust mysel1 in t"e sno%. Besi5es@ e)en 3ity 3ops 3oul5 1ollo% prints in t"e sno%. A plantin- o1 trees "i5 me 1rom t"e 5ire3tion o1 t"e 1las"in- li-"ts. $"e si5e%alk le5 aroun5 a 8uil5in-. #n3e aroun5 t"at 9 3oul5 8a3ktra3k to my 3ar. $"e t"ou-"t o1 5ri)in- %"ile my )ision kept s%eepin- in an5 out %as a 8a5 i5ea@ 8ut i1 9 5i5n?t -et some 5istan3e 8et%een me an5 t"e 3ops@ all t"is e11ort %oul5 8e %aste5. 9 "a5 to -et to t"e 3ar. 9 "a5 to -et Louie out o1 si-"t. 9 5i5n?t look 8a3k to see i1 t"ere %ere 1las"li-"ts s%eepin- t"e area. Lookin- 8a3k %oul5n?t "elp@ an5 %it" Louie on my s"oul5ers it %as a lot o1 e11ort to turn. 9 put one 1oot in 1ront o1 t"e ot"er@ an5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8uil5in- 3ur)e5 aroun5 us. =e %ere out o1 si-"t@ e)en i1 t"ey 3leare5 t"e trees. Pro-ress. Great. $"e si5e o1 t"e 8uil5in- stret3"e5 like some 5ark monolit" to my le1t. $"e 5istan3e aroun5 t"e 8uil5in- seeme5 to 8e -ro%in-. 9 put one 1oot in 1ront o1 t"e ot"er. 91 9 >ust 3on3entrate5 on %alkin-@ 9 3oul5 5o t"is. Louie seeme5 to 8e -ettinli-"ter. $"at %asn?t ri-"t. =as 9 a8out to pass out an5 >ust 5i5n?t kno% it yetB 9 looke5 up an5 1oun5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8uil5in- ri-"t 8esi5e me. 9?5 lost some time t"ere. 9t %as a 8a5 si-n. 9 %as 8ettin- 9 "a5 a 3on3ussion. 9t 3oul5n?t 8e too 8a5 or 9?5 pass out@ ri-"tB ="y 5i5n?t 9 8elie)e t"atB 9 peere5 aroun5 t"e 3orner@ 3on3entratin- on not %"a3kin- Louie?s le-s into t"e 8uil5in-. 9t took a lot more 3on3entration t"an it s"oul5 "a)e. $"e poli3e li-"ts stro8e5 t"e 5arkness. $"e 3ar %as parke5 on t"e e5-e o1 t"e lot %it" one 5oor open. $"e ra5io 1ille5 t"e ni-"t %it" -ar8le5 s;ua%kin-. $"e 3ar looke5 empty. S;uintin- at somet"in- t"at 1ar a%ay 8rou-"t a %a)e o1 8la3kness a3ross my eyes. Ho% t"e "ell %as 9 -oin- to 5ri)eB #ne pro8lem at a time. <i-"t no%@ >ust -et Louie to t"e Heep@ out o1 si-"t. 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom t"e s"elterin- 8uil5in-. 9t %as my last re1u-e. 91 t"e 3ops 3ame no% %it" me %alkin- a3ross t"e parkin- lot@ it %as o)er. #n a Sun5ay ni-"t t"ere %eren?t a lot o1 3ars in t"e )isitors? parkin- lot. 7y Heep sat un5er one o1 t"e streetli-"ts. 9 al%ays parke5 un5er a li-"t i1 9 3oul5. Sa1ety rule num8er one 1or %omen tra)elin- alone a1ter 5ark. $"e Heep looke5 like it %as in a spotli-"t. $"e li-"t %as pro8a8ly not t"at 8ri-"t. 9t >ust looke5 t"at %ay 8e3ause 9 %as tryin- to 8e sneaky. Some%"ere a8out "al1%ay to t"e Heep@ 9 realiEe5 t"at t"e "ea5 in>ury %asn?t t"e only pro8lem. Sure 9 3oul5 li1t t"is mu3" %ei-"t@ e)en %alk %it" it@ 8ut not 1ore)er. 7y knees %ere trem8lin-. ,)ery step %as -ettin- slo%er an5 took more e11ort. 91 9 1ell 5o%n a-ain@ 9 %asn?t -oin- to 8e a8le to pi3k Louie 8a3k up. 9 %asn?t e)en sure 9?5 8e a8le to -et me 8a3k up. #ne 1oot in 1ront o1 t"e ot"er@ >ust one 1oot in 1ront o1 t"e ot"er. 9 3on3entrate5 on my 1eet until t"e Heep?s tires 3ame into )ie%. $"ere@ t"at %asn?t so "ar5. $"e 3ar keys %ere@ o1 3ourse@ in t"e 3oat po3ket. 9 "it t"e 8utton on t"e key 3"ain t"at unlo3ke5 t"e 5oors. $"e "i-"2 pit3"e5 8eepin- noise t"at si-nale5 t"em open only soun5e5 lou5 enou-" to %ake t"e 5ea5. 9 opene5 t"e mi55le 5oors@ 8alan3in- Louie one "an5e5. 9 let "im 1all into t"e 8a3kseat. $"e 3oat 1ell open@ re)ealin- a nake5 line o1 8o5y. 9 must "a)e 8een 1eelin- 8etter t"an 9 t"ou-"t 8e3ause 9 took t"e time to 1lin- t"e 3oat o)er "is -roin an5 lo%er 3"est. 9t le1t one arm 1lun- out%ar5@ limp an5 a%k%ar5@ 8ut t"at %as all ri-"t. 7y sense o1 propriety 3oul5 li)e %it" a nake5 arm. 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor an5 3au-"t a -limpse o1 mysel1 in t"e si5e)ie% mirror. #ne si5e o1 my 1a3e %as a 8loo5y mask@ t"e 3lean parts "a5 8loo5y s3rapes. 9 sli5 into t"e Heep@ an5 -ot a 8o* o1 aloe an5 lanolin 8a8y %ipes 1rom t"e 1loor8oar5. 9?5 starte5 3arryin- t"e %ipes to "elp %it" t"e 8loo5 1rom Eom8ie raisin-s. 9t %orke5 8etter t"an t"e plain soap an5 %ater t"at 9 "a5 8een 3arryin-. 9 %ipe5 enou-" 8loo5 o11 t"at 9 %oul5n?t -et stoppe5 8y t"e 1irst 3op t"at 5ro)e 8y@ t"en sli5 8e"in5 t"e %"eel. 9 -lan3e5 in t"e rear)ie% mirror. $"e poli3e 3ar still stoo5 t"ere alone@ like a 5o- %aitin- 1or its master. $"e motor ki3ke5. 9 put t"e 3ar in -ear an5 "it t"e -as. $"e Heep %ea)e5 to%ar5s a streetli-"t as i1 it %ere a ma-net. 9 slamme5 t"e 8rakes on an5 %as -la5 9?5 %orn my seat 8elt.

#kay@ so 9 %as >ust a 8it 5isoriente5. 9 "it t"e li-"t on my suns"a5e t"at?s suppose5 to let you 3"e3k your makeup@ an5 3"e3ke5 my eyes instea5. $"e pupils %ere e)en. 91 one pupil "a5 8een 8lo%n@ t"at mi-"t "a)e meant 9 %as 8lee5ininsi5e my "ea5. People 5ie5 1rom t"in-s like t"at. 9?5 "a)e turne5 us in to t"e 3ops an5 -otten a ri5e to t"e "ospital. But it %asn?t t"at 8a5. 9 "ope5. 9 3li3ke5 t"e li-"t o11 an5 ease5 t"e Heep 1or%ar5. 91 9 5ro)e )ery slo%ly@ t"e 3ar %oul5n?t %ant to kiss t"e streetli-"t. Great. 9 in3"e5 out o1 t"e parkin- lot@ e*pe3tin- to "ear s"outs 8e"in5 me. /ot"in-. $"e street %as 5ark an5 line5 %it" 3ars on eit"er si5e. 9 3ra%le5 5o%n t"e street at a8out ten miles per "our@ a1rai5 to -o 1aster. 9t looke5 like 9 %as 5ri)in- t"rou-" 3ars on one si5e. 9llusion 8ut unner)in- as "ell. A 8i--er street an5 "ea5li-"ts sta88e5 at my eyes. 9 put my "an5 up to s"iel5 my eyes an5 nearly ran into a parke5 3ar. S"it. 9 "a5 to pull o)er 8e1ore 9 "it somet"in-. 'our more 8lo3ks 8e1ore 9 1oun5 a -as station %it" pay p"ones outsi5e. 9 %asn?t sure "o% rou-" 9 looke5. 9 5i5n?t %ant some o)erEealous 3lerk to 3all t"e poli3e a1ter 9?5 -one to all t"e trou8le o1 -ettin- a%ay un5ete3te5. 9 ease5 t"e Heep into t"e parkin- lot. 91 9 o)er3orre3te5 an5 took out t"e -as pumps@ t"ey mi-"t 3all t"e 3ops any%ay. 9 pulle5 t"e Heep in 1ront o1 t"e p"one 8ank. 9 put it in park an5 %as )ery relie)e5 to 8e stan5in- still. 9 1um8le5 a ;uarter out o1 t"e as"tray. 9t "a5 ne)er "el5 anyt"in- 8ut 3"an-e. ="en 9 le1t t"e 3ar@ 1or t"e 1irst time 9 %as a%are o1 "o% 3ol5 it %as %it"out my 3oat. $"ere %as a line o1 3ol5 -oin- 5o%n my 8a3k %"ere t"e s%eater "a5 8een rippe5 a%ay. 9 5iale5 <i3"ar5?s num8er %it"out t"inkin- a8out it. ="o else 3oul5 9 3allB $"e ans%erin- ma3"ine ki3ke5 in. A4ammit@ 8e "ome@ <i3"ar5@ 8e "ome.C $"e 8eep soun5e5. A<i3"ar5@ t"is is Anita. Louie?s "urt. Pi3k up i1 you?re t"ere. <i3"ar5@ <i3"ar5@ 5ammit@ <i3"ar5@ pi3k up.C 9 leane5 my 1ore"ea5 a-ainst t"e 3ool metal o1 t"e p"one 8oot". APi3k up@ pi3k up@ pi3k up. <i3"ar5. 4ammit.C He pi3ke5 up@ soun5in- out o1 8reat". AAnita@ it?s me. ="at?s %ron-BC ALouie -ot "urt. His %oun5?s "ealin-. Ho% 5o you e*plain t"at to a "ospital emer-en3y roomBC ADou 5on?t@C "e sai5. A=e "a)e 5o3tors t"at 3an ten5 "im. 9?ll -i)e you an a55ress to -o to.C A9 3an?t 5ri)e.C AAre you "urtBC ADea".C AHo% 8a5BC ABa5 enou-" t"at 9 5on?t %ant to 5ri)e.C A="at "appene5 to t"e t%o o1 youBC 9 -a)e "im a )ery a88re)iate5 )ersion o1 t"e ni-"t?s e)ents. Hust a )ampire atta3k@ no spe3i1i3 moti)e. 9 %asn?t rea5y to tell "im 9 "a5 to tell Hean2!lau5e a8out our en-a-ement@ 8e3ause 9 %asn?t sure %e still "a5 one. He?5 aske5@ 9 sai5 yes@ 8ut no% 9 %asn?t sure. 9 %asn?t e)en sure <i3"ar5 %as sure anymore. AGi)e me t"e a55ress.C 9 5i5. A9 kno% t"e -as station you?re talkin- a8out. 9 stop t"ere %"en 9 )isit Louie sometimes.C AGreat. ="en 3an you 8e "ereBC AAre you -oin- to 8e all ri-"t until 9 3an -et t"ereBC ASure.C ABe3ause i1 you?re not@ 3all t"e poli3e. 4on?t risk your li1e >ust to keep Louie?s se3ret. He %oul5n?t %ant t"at.C A9?ll keep t"at in min5.C A4on?t -et ma3"o on me@ Anita. 9 5on?t %ant anyt"in- to "appen to you.C 9 smile5 %it" my 1ore"ea5 presse5 a-ainst t"e p"one. A7a3"o?s t"e only %ay 9 -ot t"is 1ar. Hust -et "ere@ <i3"ar5. 9?ll 8e %aitin-.C 9 "un- up 8e1ore "e 3oul5 -et mus"y on me. 9 %as 1eelin- too piti1ul to %it"stan5 mu3" sympat"y. 9 -ot 8a3k into t"e Heep. 9t %as 3ol5 insi5e t"e 3ar. 9?5 1or-otten to turn on t"e "eater. 9 turne5 t"e "eater on 1ull 8last. 9 knelt on t"e seat an5 3"e3ke5 on Louie. He "a5n?t mo)e5. 9 tou3"e5 t"e skin o1 "is %rist@ 3"e3kin- 1or t"e pulse. 9t %as stron- an5 stea5y. 'or t"e "e3k o1 it@ 9 li1te5 "is "an5 an5 let it 1lop 8a3k. /o rea3tion. 9 "a5n?t really e*pe3te5 one. :sually@ a ly3ant"rope staye5 in animal 1orm 1or ei-"t or ten "ours. !"an-in- 8a3k early took a lot o1 ener-y. ,)en i1 "e "a5n?t 8een "urt@ Louie %oul5 8e asleep 1or t"e rest o1 t"e ni-"t. $"ou-" sleep %as too mil5 a %or5 1or it. Dou 3oul5n?t %ake t"em 1rom it. 9t %asn?t a -reat sur)i)al met"o5. Hust like sleepin- 5urin- t"e 5ay 5i5n?t "elp )ampires mu3". ,)olution?s %ay o1 "elpin- us puny "umans out. 9 sli5 5o%n in my seat. 9 %asn?t sure "o% lon- it %oul5 take 1or <i3"ar5 to -et "ere. 9 -lan3e5 at t"e station 8uil5in-. $"e man 8e"in5 t"e 3ounter %as rea5in- a ma-aEine. He %asn?t takin- any noti3e o1 us at t"e moment. 91 "e?5 8een %at3"in-@ 9 %oul5 "a)e mo)e5 out o1 t"e li-"ts. 4i5n?t %ant "im %on5erin- %"y 9 %as sittin- "ere@ 8ut i1 "e %asn?t payin- attention@ %e?5 >ust sit "ere.

9 leane5 8a3k@ puttin- my "ea5 a-ainst t"e "ea5rest. 9 %ante5 to 3lose my eyes@ 8ut 5i5n?t. 9 %as pretty sure 9 "a5 a 3on3ussion. Goin- to sleep %asn?t a -oo5 i5ea. 9?5 "a5 one "ea5 in>ury %orse t"an t"is@ 8ut Hean2!lau5e "a5 3ure5 it. But a )ampire mark %as a little "ars" 1or a mil5 3on3ussion. $"is %as t"e 1irst time 9?5 8een 8a5ly "urt sin3e 9 lost Hean2!lau5e?s marks. $"ey "a5 ma5e me "ar5er to "urt@ 1aster to "eal. /ot a 8a5 si5e e11e3t. #ne o1 t"e ot"er e11e3ts "a5 8een an a8ility to meet a )ampire?s eyes %it"out t"em 8ein- a8le to 8espell me. Like 9 "a5 met Gret3"en?s eyes. Ho% "a5 9 met "er eyes %it" impunityB Ha5 Hean2!lau5e lie5 to meB =as t"ere some lin-erin- markB Anot"er ;uestion to ask "im %"en 9 sa% "im. #1 3ourse@ a1ter 9 tol5 "im t"e ne%s 8ulletin@ all "ell %oul5 8reak loose an5 t"ere %oul5 8e no more ;uestions. =ell@ may8e one ;uestion. =oul5 Hean2!lau5e try to kill <i3"ar5B Pro8a8ly. 9 si-"e5@ 3losin- my eyes. 9 %as su55enly tire5@ so tire5 9 5i5n?t %ant to open my eyes. Sleep su3ke5 at me. 9 opene5 my eyes an5 sli5 up in t"e seat. 7ay8e it %as >ust tension@ a5renaline 5rainin- a%ay@ or may8e it %as a 3on3ussion. 9 3li3ke5 on t"e o)er"ea5 li-"t an5 3"e3ke5 on Louie a-ain. Breat"in- an5 pulse %ere stea5y. His "ea5 %as to one si5e@ ne3k stret3"e5 in a lon- line t"at s"o%e5 t"e %oun5. $"e 8ite marks %ere "ealin-. 9 3oul5n?t see it "appenin-@ 8ut e)ery time 9 looke5 it %as 8etter. Like tryin- to %at3" a 1lo%er 8loom. Dou see t"e e11e3t@ 8ut you ne)er a3tually see it "appenin-. Louie %as -oin- to 8e all ri-"t. =oul5 <i3"ar5 8e all ri-"tB 9?5 sai5 yes 8e3ause in t"e "eat o1 t"e moment 9 meant it. 9 3oul5 see spen5in- my li1e %it" "im. Be1ore Bert 1oun5 me an5 s"o%e5 me "o% to use my talent 1or money@ 9?5 "a5 a li1e. 9?5 -one "ikin-@ 3ampin-. 9?5 8een a 8iolo-y ma>or an5 t"ou-"t 9?5 -o on 1or my master?s an5 5o3torate an5 stu5y preternatural 3reatures 1or t"e rest o1 my li1e. Sort o1 t"e preternatural Hane Goo5all. <i3"ar5 "a5 remin5e5 me o1 all t"at@ o1 %"at 9?5 ori-inally t"ou-"t my li1e %oul5 8e like. 9 "a5n?t planne5 on spen5in- my li1e ass 5eep in 8loo5 an5 5eat". <eally. 91 9 -a)e in to Hean2!lau5e@ it %oul5 8e a5mittin- t"at t"ere %as not"in- 8ut 5eat"@ not"in- 8ut )iolen3e. Se*y@ attra3ti)e@ 8ut 5eat" all t"e same. 9?5 t"ou-"t %it" <i3"ar5 9 "a5 a 3"an3e at li1e. Somet"in- 8etter. A1ter last ni-"t 9 %asn?t e)en sure o1 t"at. =as it too mu3" to ask 1or someone %"o %as "umanB Hell@ 9 kne% a lot o1 %omen in my a-e 8ra3ket t"at 3oul5n?t -et a 5ate at all. 9?5 8een one o1 t"em until <i3"ar5. All ri-"t@ Hean2!lau5e %oul5 "a)e taken me out@ 8ut 9 %as a)oi5in- "im. 9 3oul5n?t ima-ine 5atin- Hean2!lau5e as i1 "e %ere an or5inary -uy. 9 3oul5 ima-ine "a)in- se* %it" "im@ 8ut not 5atin-. $"e t"ou-"t o1 "im pi3kin- me up at ei-"t@ 5roppin- me o11@ an5 8ein- satis1ie5 %it" a -oo52ni-"t kiss seeme5 ri5i3ulous. 9 staye5 kneelin- in t"e seat@ starin- 5o%n at Louie. 9 %as a1rai5 to turn aroun5 an5 -et 3om1orta8le@ a1rai5 9?5 1all asleep an5 not %ake up. 9 %asn?t really a1rai5@ 8ut 9 %as %orrie5. A trip to t"e "ospital mi-"t not 8e a 8a5 i5ea@ 8ut 1irst 9 "a5 to tell Hean2!lau5e a8out <i3"ar5. An5 keep "im 1rom killin- "im. 9 lai5 my 1a3e on my arms@ an5 a 5eep@ t"ro88in- pain starte5 8e"in5 my 1ore"ea5. Goo5. 7y "ea5 s"oul5 "urt a1ter t"e 8eatin- it "a5 taken. $"e 1a3t t"at it "a5n?t 8een "urtin- "a5 %orrie5 me. A -oo5 "ea5a3"e 9 3oul5 li)e %it". Ho% %as 9 -oin- to keep <i3"ar5 ali)eB 9 smile5. <i3"ar5 %as an alp"a %ol1. ="at ma5e me t"ink "e 3oul5n?t take 3are o1 "imsel1B 9?5 seen %"at Hean2!lau5e 3oul5 5o. 9?5 seen "im %"en "e %asn?t "uman at all. 7ay8e a1ter 9 sa% <i3"ar5 3"an-e 9?5 1eel 5i11erently a8out "im. 7ay8e 9 %oul5n?t 1eel so prote3ti)e. 7ay8e "ell %oul5 1reeEe o)er. 9 5i5 lo)e <i3"ar5. 9 really 5i5. 9?5 meant t"at yes. 9?5 meant it 8e1ore last ni-"t. Be1ore 9 1elt "is po%er 3reep o)er my skin. Hean2!lau5e "a5 8een ri-"t a8out one t"in-. <i3"ar5 %asn?t "uman. $"e snu11 1ilm "a5 e*3ite5 "im. =as Hean2!lau5e?s i5ea o1 se* any stran-er t"an t"atB 9?5 ne)er let mysel1 1in5 out. Someone kno3ke5 on t"e %in5o%. 9 >umpe5 an5 %"irle5. 7y )ision s%am in 8la3k streamers. ="en 9 3oul5 see a-ain@ <i3"ar5?s 1a3e %as outsi5e t"e %in5o%. 9 unlo3ke5 t"e 5oors@ an5 <i3"ar5 opene5 one. He starte5 to rea3" 1or me an5 stoppe5. $"e "esitation on "is 1a3e %as pain1ul. He %asn?t sure 9?5 let "im tou3" me. 9 turne5 a%ay 1rom t"e "urt on "is 1a3e. 9 lo)e5 "im@ 8ut lo)e isn?t enou-". All t"e 1airy tales@ t"e roman3e no)els@ t"e soap operasG t"ey?re all lies. Lo)e 5oes not 3on;uer all. He %as )ery 3are1ul not to tou3" me. His )oi3e %as neutral. AAnita@ are you all ri-"tB Dou look a%1ul.C A/i3e to kno% 9 look like 9 1eel@C 9 sai5. He tou3"e5 my 3"eek@ 1in-ers sli5in- >ust o)er t"e skin@ a -"ost o1 a tou3" t"at ma5e me s"i)er. He tra3e5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e s3rape. 9t "urt an5 9 >erke5 a%ay. A spot o1 8loo5 5e3orate5 "is 1in-ertips@ -leamin- in t"e 5ome li-"t. 9 %at3"e5 "is eyes stare at t"e 8loo5. 9 sa% t"e t"ou-"t trail 8e"in5 "is true 8ro%n eyes. He almost li3ke5 "is 1in-ers 3lean@ as <a1ael "a5 5one. He %ipe5 "is 1in-ers on "is 3oat@ 8ut 9?5 seen t"e "esitation. He kne% 9?5 seen it. AAnita ... C $"e 8a3k 5oor opene5@ an5 9 %"irle5@ -oin- 1or t"e last kni1e 9 "a5 on me. $"e %orl5 s%am in %a)es o1 8la3kness an5 nausea. $"e mo)ement "a5 8een too a8rupt. Step"en t"e =ere%ol1 stoo5 in t"e "al12open 5oor starin- at me. He %as sort o1 1roEen t"ere@ 8lue eyes %i5e. He %as lookin- at t"e sil)er kni1e in my "an5. $"e 1a3t t"at 9?5 8een 8lin5 an5 too si3k to use it seeme5 to "a)e es3ape5 "im. 9t mi-"t "a)e 8een t"at 9 %as kneelin-@ mo)in- to%ar5s "im. 9?5 8een %illin- to strike 8lin5 as a 8at@ not 3onsi5erin- t"at %"oe)er it %as "a5 a ri-"t to 8e t"ere. ADou 5i5n?t tell me you 8rou-"t someone %it" you@C 9 sai5. A9 s"oul5 "a)e mentione5 t"at@C <i3"ar5 sai5.

9 rela*e5@ easin- 8a3k to kneel in t"e seat. ADea"@ you s"oul5 "a)e mentione5 t"at.C $"e kni1e -leame5 in t"e 5ome li-"t. 9t looke5 raEor s"arp an5 %ell ten5e5. 9t %as. A9 %as >ust -oin- to 3"e3k on Louie@C Step"en sai5. He soun5e5 a little s"aky. He "a5 a 8la3k leat"er >a3ket %it" sil)er stu55in- snappe5 ti-"t aroun5 "is t"roat. His lon-@ 3urlin- 8lon5 "air 1ell 1or%ar5 o)er t"e >a3ket. He looke5 like an e11eminate 8iker. A'ine@C 9 sai5. Step"en looke5 past me to <i3"ar5. 9 1elt more t"an sa% <i3"ar5 no5. A9t?s okay@ Step"en.C $"ere %as somet"in- in "is )oi3e t"at ma5e me turn slo%ly to look at "im. He "a5 a stran-e look on "is 1a3e. A7ay8e you are as 5an-erous as you preten5 to 8e.C A9 5on?t preten5@ <i3"ar5.C He no55e5. A7ay8e you 5on?t.C A9s t"at a pro8lemBC AAs lon- as you 5on?t s"oot me@ or my pa3k mem8ers@ 9 -uess not.C A9 3an?t promise a8out your pa3k.C A$"ey?re mine to prote3t@C "e sai5. A$"en make sure t"ey lea)e me t"e "ell alone.C A=oul5 you 1i-"t me o)er t"atBC "e aske5. A=oul5 you 1i-"t meBC He smile5@ 8ut it %asn?t "appy. A9 3oul5n?t 1i-"t you@ Anita. 9 3oul5 ne)er "urt you.C A$"at?s %"ere %e?re 5i11erent@ <i3"ar5.C He leane5 in as i1 to kiss me. Somet"in- on my 1a3e stoppe5 "im. A9 8elie)e you.C AGoo5@C 9 sai5. 9 slippe5 t"e kni1e 8a3k in its s"eat". 9 stare5 at "is 1a3e %"ile 9 5i5 it. 9 5i5n?t nee5 to look to put t"e kni1e a%ay. A/e)er un5erestimate me@ <i3"ar5@ an5 %"at 9?m %illin- to 5o to stay ali)e. $o keep ot"ers ali)e. 9 ne)er %ant us to 1i-"t@ not like t"at@ 8ut i1 you 5on?t 3ontrol your pa3k@ t"en 9 %ill.C He mo)e5 a%ay 1rom me. His 1a3e looke5 almost an-ry. A9s t"at a t"reatBC A9t?s out o1 3ontrol@ an5 you kno% it. 9 3an?t promise not to "urt t"em unless you 3an -uarantee t"at t"ey?ll 8e"a)e. An5 you 3an?t 5o t"at.C A/o@ 9 3an?t -uarantee t"at.C He 5i5n?t like sayin- it. A$"en 5on?t ask me to promise not to "urt t"em.C A!an you at least try not to kill t"em@ as a 1irst optionBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at. A9 5on?t kno%. 7ay8e.C ADou 3an?t >ust say@ FDes@ <i3"ar5@ 9 %on?t kill your 1rien5s?BC A9t %oul5 8e a lie.C He no55e5. A9 suppose so.C 9 "ear5 t"e rustle o1 leat"er 1rom t"e 8a3kseat as Step"en mo)e5 aroun5. ALouie?s out o1 it@ 8ut "e?ll 8e okay.C AHo% 5i5 you -et "im into t"e HeepBC <i3"ar5 aske5. 9 >ust stare5 at "im. He "a5 t"e -ra3e to look em8arrasse5. ADou 3arrie5 "im. 9 kne% t"at.C He tou3"e5 t"e 3ut on my 1ore"ea5@ -ently. 9t still "urt. A,)en %it" t"is@ you 3arrie5 "im.C A9t %as eit"er t"at or let t"e 3ops "a)e "im. ="at %oul5 "a)e "appene5 i1 t"ey?5 pile5 "im into an am8ulan3e an5 "e?5 starte5 "ealin- like t"atBC A$"ey?5 "a)e kno%n %"at "e %as@C <i3"ar5 sai5. Step"en %as leanin- on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e seat@ 3"in restin- on "is 1orearms. He seeme5 to "a)e 1or-otten t"at 9?5 nearly sta88e5 "im@ or may8e "e %as use5 to 8ein- t"reatene5. 7ay8e. :p 3lose "is eyes %ere t"e startle5 8lue o1 3orn1lo%ers. =it" "is 8lon5 "air spittin- aroun5 "is 1a3e "e looke5 like one o1 t"ose 3"ina 5olls t"at you 8uy in e*3lusi)e s"ops@ t"at you ne)er let 3"il5ren play %it". A9 3an take Louie to my pla3e@C "e sai5. A/o@C 9 sai5.

$"ey 8ot" looke5 at me@ surprise5. 9 %asn?t sure %"at to say@ 8ut 9 kne% t"at <i3"ar5 3oul5 not 3ome %it" me to Guilty Pleasures. 91 9 "a5 any "ope o1 keepin- us all ali)e@ <i3"ar5 3oul5 not 8e on t"e spot %"en 9 8roke t"e ne%s. A9 t"ou-"t 9?5 5ri)e you "ome@C <i3"ar5 sai5@ Aor to t"e nearest "ospital@ %"i3"e)er you nee5.C 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een my pre1eren3e to@ 8ut not toni-"t. ALouie?s your 8est 1rien5. 9 t"ou-"t you mi-"t %ant to take 3are o1 "im.C He %as starin- at me@ lo)ely 8ro%n eyes narro%e5 into suspi3ious s;uints. ADou?re tryin- to -et ri5 o1 me. ="yBC 7y "ea5 "urt. 9 3oul5n?t t"ink o1 a -oo5 lie. 9 5i5n?t t"ink "e?5 8uy a 8a5 one. AHo% mu3" 5o you trust Step"enBC $"e ;uestion seeme5 to t"ro% "im o11 8alan3e. A9 trust "im.C His 1irst rea3tion %as to say yes@ 9 trust "im@ 8ut "e "a5n?t t"ou-"t a8out it 1irst. A/o@ <i3"ar5@ 9 mean 5o you trust "im not to talk to Hean2!lau5e or 7ar3us BC A9 %oul5n?t tell 7ar3us anyt"in- you 5i5n?t %ant me to@C Step"en sai5. AAn5 Hean2!lau5eBC 9 aske5. Step"en looke5 un3om1orta8le@ 8ut sai5@ A91 "e aske5 a 5ire3t ;uestion@ 9?5 "a)e to -i)e a 5ire3t ans%er.C AHo% 3an you o%e more alle-ian3e to t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity t"an to your o%n pa3k lea5erBC A9 1ollo% <i3"ar5@ not 7ar3us.C 9 -lan3e5 at <i3"ar5. AA little pala3e re)oltBC A<aina %ante5 "im in t"e mo)ies. 9 steppe5 in an5 stoppe5 it.C A7ar3us must really "ate you@C 9 sai5. AHe 1ears me@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A,)en %orse@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 5i5n?t say anyt"in-. He kne% t"e situation 8etter t"an 9 5i5@ e)en i1 "e %asn?t %illin- to 5o t"e ultimate 5ee5s. A'ine@ 9?5 planne5 to tell Hean2!lau5e t"at you propose5.C ADou propose5@C Step"en sai5. His )oi3e "el5 a lilt o1 surprise. A4i5 s"e say yesBC <i3"ar5 no55e5. A took o1 5eli-"t s%ept o)er Step"en?s 1a3e. A=ay to -o@C His 1a3e 1ell into sa5ness. 9t %as like %at3"in- %in5 o)er a -rassy 1iel5@ e)eryt"in- )isi8le on t"e sur1a3e. AHean2!lau5e is -oin- to -o ape2s"it.C A9 3oul5n?t "a)e sai5 it 8etter mysel1.C A$"en %"y tell "im toni-"tBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A="y not %aitB Dou?re not sure a8out marryin- me anymore. Are youBC A/o@C 9 sai5. 9 "ate5 sayin- it@ 8ut it %as t"e trut". 9 lo)e5 "im alrea5y@ 8ut i1 it %ent mu3" 1urt"er it %oul5 8e too late. 91 9 "a5 any 5ou8ts 9 nee5e5 to %ork t"em out no%. Starin- into "is 1a3e@ smellin- t"e %arm s3ent o1 "is a1ters"a)e@ 9 %is"e5 9 3oul5 "a)e t"ro%n 3aution to t"e %in5. 'allin- into "is arms. But 9 3oul5n?t. 9 >ust 3oul5n?t@ not unless 9 %as sure. A$"en %"y tell "im at allB :nless you?re plannin- to elope an5 5i5n?t tell me@ %e "a)e some time.C 9 si-"e5. 9 tol5 "im %"y it "a5 to 8e toni-"t. ADou 3an?t -o %it" me.C A9 %on?t let you -o alone@C "e sai5. A<i3"ar5@ i1 you are Ho"nny2on2t"e2spot %"en "e 1in5s out@ "e?ll try to kill you@ an5 9?ll try to kill "im to prote3t you.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A91 t"e s"it "its t"e 1an@ t"is 3oul5 en5 up like Hamlet.C AHo% like HamletBC Step"en aske5. A,)ery8o5y 5ea5@C 9 sai5. A#"@C "e sai5. ADou?5 kill Hean2!lau5e to prote3t me@ e)en a1ter %"at you sa% last ni-"tBC 9 stare5 at "im. 9 trie5 to rea5 8e"in5 "is eye8alls to kno% i1 t"ere %as any8o5y "ome 9 3oul5 really talk to. He %as still <i3"ar5. =it" "is lo)e o1 t"e out5oors@ any a3ti)ity t"at %oul5 -et you messy@ an5 a smile t"at %arme5 me to my toes. 9 %asn?t sure 9 3oul5 marry "im@ 8ut 9 %as positi)e 9 3oul5n?t let any8o5y kill "im. ADes.C ADou %on?t marry me@ 8ut you?ll kill 1or me. 9 5on?t un5erstan5 t"at.C AAsk me i1 9 still lo)e you@ <i3"ar5. $"at ans%er?s still yes.C AHo% 3an 9 let you 1a3e "im aloneBC A9?)e 8een 5oin- >ust 1ine %it"out you.C

He tou3"e5 my 1ore"ea5@ an5 9 %in3e5. ADou 5on?t took 1ine.C AHean2!lau5e %on?t "urt me.C ADou 5on?t kno% t"at 1or sure@C "e sai5. He "a5 a point t"ere. ADou 3an?t prote3t me@ <i3"ar5. Dour 8ein- t"ere %ill -et us 8ot" kille5.C A9 3an?t let you -o alone.C A4on?t -o all manly on me@ <i3"ar5. 9t?s a lu*ury t"at %e 3an?t a11or5. 91 sayin- yes to marria-e is -oin- to make you 8e"a)e like an i5iot@ it 3an 8e 3"an-e5.C ADou took 8a3k your yes.C A9t?s not a 5e1inite no@ eit"er@C 9 sai5. AHust tryin- to prote3t you %oul5 make you say noBC A9 5on?t nee5 your prote3tion@ <i3"ar5. 9 5on?t e)en %ant it.C He leane5 "is "ea5 a-ainst t"e "ea5rest an5 3lose5 "is eyes. A91 9 play t"e %"ite kni-"t@ you?ll lea)e me.C A91 you t"ink you nee5 to play t"e %"ite kni-"t@ t"en you 5on?t kno% me at all.C He opene5 "is eyes an5 turne5 "is "ea5 to look at me. A7ay8e 9 %ant to 8e your %"ite kni-"t.C A$"at?s your pro8lem.C He smile5. A9 -uess so.C A91 you 3an 5ri)e t"e Heep 8a3k to my apartment@ 9?ll take a 3a8.C AStep"en 3an 5ri)e you@C "e sai5. He )olunteere5 "im %it"out e)en %on5erin- %"at Step"en %oul5 say a8out it. 9t %as arro-ant. A/o@ 9?ll take a 3a8.C A9 5on?t min5@C Step"en sai5. A9?m 5ue 8a3k at Guilty Pleasures toni-"t any%ay.C 9 -lan3e5 at "im. A="at 5o you 5o 1or a li)in-@ Step"enBC He lai5 "is 3"eek on "is 1orearm an5 smile5 at me. He mana-e5 to look %insome an5 se*y at t"e same time. A9?m a stripper@C "e sai5. #1 3ourse "e %as. 9 %ante5 to point out t"at "e?5 re1use5 to 8e in a porno-rap"i3 mo)ie@ 8ut "e still strippe5. But takinyour 3lot"es o11 5o%n to taste1ul un5ies %as not t"e same t"in- as "a)in- se* on s3reen. /ot e)en 3lose.

Chapter Twenty-three
Lillian %as a small %oman in "er mi521i1ties. Her salt2an52pepper "air %as 3ut s"ort an5 neat in a no2nonsense style. Her 1in-ers %ere as ;ui3k an5 sure as t"e rest o1 "er. $"e last time s"e?5 treate5 my %oun5s@ s"e?5 "a5 3la%s an5 -reyin1ur. 9 %as sittin- on an e*aminin- ta8le in t"e 8asement o1 an apartment 8uil5in-. A 8uil5in- t"at "ouse5 ly3ant"ropes an5 %as o%ne5 8y a s"apes"i1ter. $"e 8asement %as t"e makes"i1t 3lini3 1or t"e ly3ant"ropes in t"e area. 9 %as t"e 1irst "uman t"ey?5 e)er allo%e5 to see t"e pla3e. 9 s"oul5 "a)e 8een 1lattere5@ 8ut mana-e5 not to 8e. A=ell@ a33or5in- to W rays you 5on?t "a)e a skull 1ra3ture.C AGla5 to "ear it@C 9 sai5. ADou may "a)e a mil5 3on3ussion@ 8ut a mil5 one %on?t s"o% up on tests@ at least not"in- %e "a)e t"e e;uipment 1or "ere.C ASo 9 3an -oBC 9 starte5 to "op 5o%n. S"e stoppe5 me %it" a "an5 on my arm. A9 5i5n?t say t"at.C 9 ease5 8a3k on t"e ta8le. A9?m listenin-.C AGru5-in-ly@C s"e sai5@ smilin-. A91 you %ant -ra3e un5er pressure@ Lillian@ 9?m not your -irl.C A#"@ 9 5on?t kno% a8out t"at@C s"e sai5. A9?)e 3leane5 t"e s3rapes an5 tape5 up your 1ore"ea5. Dou %ere )ery lu3ky not to nee5 stit3"es.C 9 5i5n?t like stit3"es@ so 9 a-ree5 %it" "er. A9 %ant you to %ake up e)ery "our 1or t%enty21our "ours.C 9 must not "a)e looke5 "appy@ 8e3ause s"e sai5@ A9 kno% it?s a%k%ar5@ an5 pro8a8ly unne3essary@ 8ut "umor me. 91 you -o to sleep an5 are in>ure5 more se)erely t"an 9 t"ink you are@

you mi-"t not %ake up. So "umor an ol5 rat la5y. Set t"e alarm or "a)e someone %ake you e)ery "our 1or t%enty21our "ours.C A$%enty21our "ours 1rom t"e in>uryBC 9 aske5 "ope1ully. S"e lau-"e5. A/ormally 9?5 say 1rom no%@ 8ut you 3an 5o it 1rom t"e time o1 t"e in>ury. =e?re >ust 8ein- 3autious.C A9 like 8ein- 3autious.C <i3"ar5 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all. He 3ame to stan5 %it" us un5er t"e li-"ts. A9 )olunteer to %ake you e)ery "our.C ADou 3an?t -o %it" me@C 9 sai5. A9?ll %ait 1or you at your apartment.C A#"@ no 5ri)in- 1or t"e ni-"t@C Lillian sai5. AHust as a pre3aution.C <i3"ar5?s 1in-ertips tou3"e5 t"e 8a3k o1 my "an5. He 5i5n?t try to "ol5 my "an5@ >ust t"at tou3". !om1ortin-. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o. 91 9 %as -oin- to say no@ e)entually@ it 5i5n?t seem 1air to 1lirt. Hust t"e %ei-"t o1 "is 1in-ers %as a line o1 %armt" all t"e %ay up my arm. Lust@ >ust lust. 4on?t 9 %is". A9?ll 5ri)e your Heep to your apartment@ i1 you a-ree. Step"en 3an 5ri)e you to Guilty Pleasures.C A9 3an take a 3a8.C A9?5 1eel 8etter i1 Step"en took you. Please@C "e sai5. $"e ApleaseC ma5e me smile. AAll ri-"t@ Step"en 3an 5ri)e me.C A$"ank you@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ADou?re %el3ome.C A9 %oul5 re3ommen5 you -o strai-"t "ome an5 rest@C Lillian sai5. A9 3an?t@C 9 sai5. S"e 1ro%ne5 at me. AVery %ell@ 8ut rest as soon as you 3an. 91 t"is is a mil5 3on3ussion an5 you a8use yoursel1@ it 3oul5 %orsen. An5 e)en i1 it isn?t a 3on3ussion@ rest %ill 5o you more -oo5 t"an -alli)antin- aroun5.C 9 smile5. ADes@ 4o3tor.C S"e ma5e a small ump" soun5. A9 kno% "o% mu3" attention you?re -oin- to pay to my or5ers. But -o alon- %it" you@ 8ot" o1 you. 91 you %on?t listen to -oo5 sense@ t"en 8e -one.C 9 sli5 o11 t"e ta8le@ an5 <i3"ar5 5i5 not o11er to "elp me. $"ere %ere reasons %"y %e "a5 8een 5atin- t"is lon-. A moment o1 5iEEiness an5 9 %as 1ine. Lillian 5i5n?t look "appy. ADou promise me t"at t"is 5iEEiness is less t"an it %as.C AS3out?s "onor.C S"e no55e5. A9?ll take your %or5 1or it.C S"e 5i5n?t look really please5 a8out it@ 8ut s"e patte5 my s"oul5er an5 %alke5 out. S"e "a5 ma5e no notes. $"ere %as no 3"art to 3"e3k. /ot"in- to pro)e 9?5 e)er 8een "ere@ e*3ept 1or some 8loo5y 3otton s%a8s. 9t %as a ni3e setup. 9 "a5 -otten to lie 8a3k an5 rela* in t"e 3ar on t"e %ay "ere. Hust not "a)in- to tote aroun5 nake5 men or 5ri)e "elpe5 a lot. 9 really %as 1eelin- 8etter@ %"i3" %as -reat sin3e 9 "a5 to see Hean2!lau5e toni-"t re-ar5less o1 "o% 9 1elt. 9 %on5ere5 %"et"er Gret3"en %oul5 "a)e -i)en me a ni-"t o1 -ra3e i1 s"e "a5 put me in t"e "ospital. Pro8a8ly not. 9 3oul5n?t put it o11 any lon-er. 9t %as time to -o. A9?)e -ot to -o@ <i3"ar5.C He put "is "an5s on my s"oul5ers. 9 5i5n?t pull a%ay. He turne5 me to look at "im@ an5 9 let "im. His 1a3e %as )ery solemn. A9 %is" 9 3oul5 -o %it" you.C A=e?)e 8een o)er t"is@C 9 sai5. He looke5 a%ay 1rom my eyes. A9 kno%.C 9 tou3"e5 "is 3"in an5 raise5 "is eyes to mine. A/o "eroi3s@ <i3"ar5@ promise me.C His eyes %ere too inno3ent. A9 5on?t kno% %"at you mean.C ABulls"it. Dou 3an?t 8e %aitin- outsi5e. Dou "a)e to stay "ere. Promise me t"at.C He 5roppe5 "is arms an5 stalke5 a%ay 1rom me. He leane5 a-ainst t"e ot"er e*aminin- ta8le@ palms 1lat@ all "is %ei-"t on "is arms. A9 "ate you 5oin- t"is alone.C APromise me you %ill %ait "ere@ or %ait at my apartment. $"ose are t"e only 3"oi3es@ <i3"ar5.C He %oul5n?t look at me. 9 %alke5 o)er to "im@ an5 tou3"e5 "is arm. $ension san- t"rou-" it. $"ere %as none o1 t"at ot"er%orl5ly ener-y@ yet@ 8ut it %as t"ere 8elo% t"e sur1a3e@ %aitin-. A<i3"ar5@ look at me.C

He staye5 %it" "is "ea5 8ent@ "air 1allin- like a 3urtain 8et%een us. 9 ran my "an5 t"rou-" t"at %a)y "air@ -ra88in- a "an51ul 3lose to t"e %armt" o1 "is skull. 9 use5 t"e "air like a "an5le an5 turne5 "is 1a3e to me. His eyes %ere 5ark %it" more t"an >ust t"eir 3olor. Somet"in- %as "ome in "is eyes t"at 9?5 seen only last ni-"t. $"e 8east %as risin- t"rou-" "is eyes like a sea monster s%immin- up%ar5 t"rou-" 5ark %ater. 9 ti-"tene5 my -rip on "is "air@ not to "urt@ 8ut to -et "is attention. A small soun5 es3ape5 "is t"roat. A91 you 1u3k t"is up t"rou-" some mis-ui5e5 male e-o t"in-@ you?re -oin- to -et me kille5.C 9 5re% "is 1a3e to%ar5s me@ "an5 tan-le5 in "is "air. ="en "is 1a3e %as only in3"es 1rom mine@ almost 3lose enou-" to kiss@ 9 sai5@ A91 you inter1ere@ you %ill -et me kille5. 4o you un5erstan5BC $"e 5arkness in "is eyes %ante5 to say no. 9 %at3"e5 t"e stru--le on "is 1a3e. 'inally "e sai5@ A9 un5erstan5.C ADou?ll 8e %aitin- 1or me at "omeBC He no55e5@ pullin- "is "air a-ainst my -rip. 9 %ante5 to pull "is 1a3e to me. $o kiss "im. =e stoo5 t"ere 1roEen@ "esitatin-. He mo)e5 to me. #ur lips tou3"e5. 9t %as a so1t@ -entle 8rus" o1 lips. =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er 1rom an in3" a%ay. His eyes %ere 5ro%nin- 5eep@ an5 9 3oul5 su55enly 1eel "is 8o5y like an ele3tri3 s"o3k t"rou-" my -ut. 9 >erke5 a%ay 1rom "im. A/o@ not yet. 9 5on?t kno% "o% 9 1eel a8out you anymore.C ADour 8o5y kno%s@C "e sai5. A91 lust %as e)eryt"in-@ 9?5 8e %it" Hean2!lau5e.C His 1a3e 3rum8le5 as i1 9?5 slappe5 "im. A91 you really aren?t -oin- to 5ate me anymore@ t"en 5on?t tell Hean2!lau5e. 9t?s not %ort" it.C He looke5 so "urt. $"at %as one t"in- 9?5 ne)er meant to 5o. 9 lai5 my "an5 on "is arm. $"e skin %as smoot"@ %arm@ real. A91 9 3an -et out o1 tellin- "im@ 9 %ill@ 8ut 9 5on?t t"ink Gret3"en %ill make t"at one o1 my 3"oi3es. Besi5es@ Hean2!lau5e 3an smell a lie. Dou 5i5 propose@ an5 9 sai5 yes.C A$ell "im you 3"an-e5 your min5@ Anita. $ell "im %"y. He?ll lo)e it. $"at 9?m not "uman enou-" 1or you.C He pulle5 a%ay 1rom my "an5. AHean2!lau5e %ill >ust eat t"at up.C His )oi3e %as 8itter@ an-ry. $"e 8itterness %as stron- enou-" to %alk on. 9?5 ne)er "ear5 "im like t"at. 9 3oul5n?t stan5 it. 9 3ame up 8e"in5 "im an5 %rappe5 my arms aroun5 "is %aist. 9 8urie5 my 1a3e in t"e line o1 "is spine. !"eek 3ra5le5 8et%een t"e s%ell o1 "is s"oul5ers. He starte5 to turn@ 8ut 9 "el5 ti-"ter. He stoo5 )ery still in my arms. His "an5s tou3"e5 my arms tentati)ely at 1irst@ t"en "e "u--e5 t"em to "im. A s"u55er ran t"rou-" "is 8a3k. His 8reat" 3ame in a lon- -asp. 9 turne5 "im aroun5 to 1a3e me. $ears -listene5 on "is 3"eeks. Hesus. 9?5 ne)er 8een -oo5 aroun5 tears. 7y 1irst instin3t %as to promise t"em anyt"in- i1 t"ey %oul5 only stop 3ryin-. A4on?t@C 9 sai5. 9 tou3"e5 a 1in-ertip to one tear. 9t 3lun- to my skin@ trem8lin-. A4on?t let t"is tear you up@ <i3"ar5. Please.C A9 3an?t 8e "uman a-ain@ Anita.C His )oi3e soun5e5 )ery normal. 91 9 "a5n?t seen t"e tears@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e kno%n "e %as 3ryin-. A9?5 8e "uman 1or you i1 9 3oul5.C A7ay8e "uman isn?t %"at 9 %ant@ <i3"ar5. 9 5on?t kno%. Gi)e me a little time. 91 9 3an?t "an5le you 8ein- 1urry@ 8etter to 1in5 out no%.C 9 1elt a%1ul@ mean an5 petty. He %as -or-eous. 9 lo)e5 "im. He %ante5 to marry me. He tau-"t >unior "i-" s3ien3e. He lo)e5 "ikin-@ 3ampin-@ 3a)in-. He 3olle3te5 soun5 tra3ks o1 musi3als@ 1or Go5?s sake. An5 "e %as ne*t in line to rule t"e pa3k. An alp"a %ere%ol1. S"it. A9 nee5 time@ <i3"ar5. 9 am so sorry@ 8ut 9 5o.C 9 soun5e5 like a 3"ump. 9?5 ne)er soun5e5 so in5e3isi)e in my li1e. He no55e5@ 8ut 5i5n?t look 3on)in3e5. ADou may en5 up turnin- me 5o%n 8ut you?re -oin- to risk your li1e 3on1rontinHean2!lau5e. 9t 5oesn?t make sense.C 9 "a5 to a-ree. A9 "a)e to talk to "im toni-"t@ <i3"ar5. 9 5on?t %ant anot"er run2in %it" Gret3"en. /ot i1 9 3an a)oi5 it.C <i3"ar5 %ipe5 t"e palms o1 "is "an5s o)er "is 1a3e. He ran "is "an5s t"rou-" "is "air. A4on?t -et yoursel1 kille5.C A9 %on?t@C 9 sai5. APromise@C "e sai5. 9 %ante5 to say@ APromise@C 8ut 9 5i5n?t. A9 5on?t make promises 9 3an?t keep.C A!oul5n?t you 8e 3om1ortin- an5 lie to meBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o.C He si-"e5. A$alk a8out pain1ul "onesty.C A9?)e -ot to -o.C 9 %alke5 a%ay 8e1ore "e 3oul5 5istra3t me a-ain. 9 %as 8e-innin- to t"ink "e %as 5oin- it on purpose to 5elay me. #1 3ourse@ 9 %as lettin- "im 5o it. AAnita.C 9 %as almost to t"e 5oor. 9 turne5 8a3k. He stoo5 t"ere un5er t"e "ars" li-"ts@ "an5s at "is si5es@ lookin- ... "elpless.

A=e?)e kisse5 -oo528ye. Dou?)e tol5 me to 8e 3are1ul. 9?)e %arne5 you not to play "ero. $"at?s it@ <i3"ar5. $"ere is no more.C He sai5@ A9 lo)e you.C #kay@ so t"ere %as more. A9 lo)e you@ too.C 9t %as t"e trut"@ 5amn it. 91 9 3oul5 >ust -et o)er "is 8ein- 1urry@ 9 %oul5 marry "im. Ho% %oul5 Hean2!lau5e take t"e ne%sB As t"e ol5 sayin- -oes@ only one %ay to 1in5 out.

Chapter Twenty-four
Guilty Pleasures is in t"e "eart o1 t"e )ampire 5istri3t. 9ts -lo%in- neon si-n 8le5 into t"e ni-"t sky@ -i)in- t"e 8la3kness a 3rimson tint like a 5istant "ouse 1ire. 9 "a5n?t 3ome to t"e 5istri3t unarme5 a1ter 5ark 1or a )ery lon- time. #kay@ 9 "a5 t"e kni1e@ an5 it %as 8etter t"an arm %restlin-@ 8ut a-ainst a )ampire@ not mu3" 8etter. Step"en %as 8esi5e me. A %ere%ol1 %asn?t a 8a5 8o5y-uar5@ 8ut some"o% Step"en 5i5n?t look s3ary enou-". He %as only an in3" or t%o taller t"an me@ slen5er as a %illo% %it" >ust enou-" s"oul5er 5e1inition to make "im look mas3uline. $o say "is pants %ere ti-"t %asn?t enou-". $"ey %ere leat"er an5 looke5 painte5 on like a se3on5 skin. 9t %as "ar5 not to noti3e t"at "is 5erriere %as ti-"t an5 1irm. $"e leat"er >a3ket 3ut "im o11 at t"e %aist@ so t"e )ie% %as uno8stru3te5. 9 %as %earin- my 8la3k tren3" 3oat a-ain. 9t "a5 a little 8it o1 8loo5 on it@ 8ut i1 9 3leane5 it@ it %oul5 8e %et. =et %oul5 not keep me %arm. 7y s%eater@ one o1 my 1a)orite s%eaters@ %as torn o11 one s"oul5er 5o%n to t"e line o1 my 8ra. $oo 3ol5 %it"out a 3oat. Gret3"en o%e5 me a s%eater. 7ay8e a1ter 9 -ot my -uns 8a3k@ %e?5 talk a8out t"at. $"ree 8roa5 steps le5 up to 3lose5 5oors. BuEE t"e Vampire %as -uar5in- t"em. 9t %as t"e %orst )ampire name 9?5 e)er "ear5. 9t %asn?t -reat i1 you %ere "uman@ 8ut BuEE seeme5 all %ron- 1or a )ampire. 9t %as a -reat name 1or a 8oun3er. He %as tall an5 mus3le28oun5 %it" a 8la3k 3re% 3ut. He seeme5 to 8e %earin- t"e same 8la3k $2s"irt "e?5 %orn in Huly. 9 kne% )ampires 3oul5n?t 1reeEe to 5eat"@ 8ut 9 "a5n?t kno%n t"ey 5i5n?t -et 3ol5. 7ost )ampires trie5 to play "uman. $"ey %ore 3oats in t"e %inter. 7ay8e t"ey 5i5n?t nee5 t"em t"e same %ay Gret3"en "a5n?t nee5e5 to take t"e kni1e 1rom "er t"roat. 7ay8e it %as all preten5. He smile5@ 1las"in- 1an-s. 7y rea3tion seeme5 to 5isappoint "im. ADou misse5 a set@ Step"en. $"e 8oss is pisse5.C Step"en sort o1 s"rank in on "imsel1. BuEE seeme5 to -et lar-er@ please5 %it" "imsel1. AStep"en %as "elpin- me. 9 5on?t t"ink Hean2!lau5e %ill min5.C BuEE s;uinte5 at me@ really seein- my 1a3e 1or t"e 1irst time. AS"it@ %"at "appene5 to youBC A91 Hean2!lau5e %ants you to kno%@ "e?ll tell you@C 9 sai5. 9 %alke5 past "im. $"ere %as a lar-e si-n on t"e 5oorJ /o !rosses@ !ru3i1i*es@ or #t"er Holy 9tems Allo%e5 9nsi5e. 9 pus"e5 t"e 5oors open an5 kept %alkin-@ my 3ross se3urely aroun5 my ne3k. $"ey 3oul5 pry it 1rom my 3ol5 5ea5 "an5s i1 t"ey %ante5 it toni-"t. Step"en staye5 at my "eels@ almost as i1 "e %ere a1rai5 o1 BuEE. BuEE %asn?t t"at ol5 a )ampire@ less t"an t%enty years. He still "a5 a sense o1 Aali)enessC to "im. $"at utter stillness t"at t"e ol5 ones "a)e "a5n?t tou3"e5 t"e 8oun3er yet. So %"y %as a %ere%ol1 a1rai5 o1 a ne% )ampireB Goo5 ;uestion. 9t %as Sun5ay ni-"t an5 t"e pla3e %as pa3ke5. 4i5n?t anyone "a)e %ork tomorro%B $"e noise %as"e5 o)er us like a %a)e o1 nearly soli5 soun5. $"at ri3" murmurous soun5 o1 many people in a small spa3e 5etermine5 to "a)e a -oo5 time. $"e li-"ts %ere as 8ri-"t as t"ey e)er -ot. $"e small sta-e empty. =e %ere 8et%een s"o%s. A 8lon5 %oman -reete5 us at t"e 5oor. A4o you "a)e any "oly items to 5e3lareBC S"e smile5 %"en s"e sai5 it. $"e "oly2 item 3"e3k -irl. 9 smile5 %"en 9 sai5@ A/ope.C S"e 5i5n?t ;uestion me@ >ust smile5 an5 %alke5 a%ay. A male )oi3e sai5@ AHust a moment@ S"elia.C $"e tall )ampire t"at stro5e to%ar5s us %as lo)ely to look at. He "a5 "i-"@ s3ulpte5 3"eek8ones@ an5 s"ort 8lon5 "air style5 to per1e3tion. He %as too mas3uline to 8e 8eauti1ul@ an5 too per1e3t to 8e real. <o8ert "a5 8een a stripper last time 9 %as "ere. 9t looke5 as t"ou-" "e?5 mo)e5 up into mana-ement. S"elia %aite5@ lookin- 1rom <o8ert to me. AS"e lie5 to meBC <o8ert no55e5. AHello@ Anita.C AHello. Are you t"e mana-er "ere no%BC He no55e5. 9 5i5n?t like it@ "im 8ein- mana-er. He?5 1aile5 me on3e@ or rat"er 1aile5 Hean2!lau5e?s or5ers. 'aile5 to keep someone sa1e. $"at someone "a5 5ie5. <o8ert "a5n?t e)en -otten 8loo5y tryin- to stop t"e monsters. He s"oul5 at least "a)e -otten "urt tryin-. 9 5i5n?t insist "e 5ie to keep people sa1e@ 8ut "e s"oul5 "a)e trie5 "ar5er. 9?5 ne)er 3ompletely trust "im or 1or-i)e "im. ADou are %earin- a "oly item@ Anita. :nless on poli3e 8usiness@ you must -i)e it to S"elia.C 9 -lan3e5 up at "im. His eyes %ere 8lue. 9 -lan3e5 5o%n@ t"en up@ an5 realiEe5 9 3oul5 meet "is eyes. He %as o)er a "un5re5 years ol5@ not nearly as po%er1ul as Gret3"en@ 8ut 9 s"oul5n?t "a)e 8een a8le to meet "is eyes.

His eyes %i5ene5. ADou "a)e to -i)e it up. $"ose are t"e rules.C 7ay8e 8ein- a8le to look "im in t"e eyes "a5 -i)en me 3oura-e@ or may8e 9 "a5 "a5 enou-" 1or one ni-"t. A9s Gret3"en "ereBC He looke5 surprise5. ADes@ s"e?s in t"e 8a3k room %it" Hean2!lau5e.C A$"en you 3an?t "a)e t"e 3ross.C A9 3an?t let you in t"en. Hean2!lau5e is )ery 3lear on t"at.C $"ere %as a "int o1 unease in "is )oi3e@ almost 1ear. Goo5. A$ake a -oo5 look at my 1a3e@ Bo88y28oy. Gret3"en 5i5 it. 91 s"e?s "ere@ 9 keep t"e 3ross.C 'ro%n lines 1orme5 8et%een "is per1e3t 8ro%s. AHean2!lau5e sai5 no e*3eptions.C He steppe5 3loser@ an5 9 let "im. He lo%ere5 "is )oi3e as mu3" as "e 3oul5 an5 8e "ear5 a8o)e t"e noise. AHe sai5 i1 9 e)er 1ail "im a-ain in anyt"in- lar-e or small@ "e?ll punis" me.C /ormally@ 9 t"ou-"t statements like t"at %ere piti1ul or 3ruel. 9 a-ree5 %it" t"is one. AGo ask Hean2!lau5e@C 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 3annot trust you to stay "ere. 91 you -et past me %it" t"e 3ross@ 9 %ill "a)e 1aile5.C $"is %as -ettin- tiresome. A!an Step"en -o askBC <o8ert no55e5. Step"en sort o1 "un- 8y me. He "a5n?t re3o)ere5 1rom BuEE?s remarks. A9s Hean2!lau5e ma5 at me 1or missin- my setBC ADou s"oul5 "a)e 3alle5 i1 you 3oul5n?t make your set@C <o8ert sai5. A9 "a5 to -o on in your pla3e.C AGoo5 to 8e use1ul@C 9 sai5. <o8ert 1ro%ne5 at me. AStep"en s"oul5 "a)e 3alle5.C AHe %as takin- me to a 5o3tor. Dou -ot a pro8lem %it" t"atBC AHean2!lau5e may.C A$"en 8rin- t"e -reat man out an5 let?s ask "im. 9?m tire5 o1 stan5in- in t"e 5oor.C AAnita@ "o% -oo5 o1 you to -ra3e us %it" your presen3e.C Gret3"en %as pra3ti3ally purrin- %it" anti3ipation. A<o8ert %on?t let me pass.C S"e turne5 "er eyes to t"e )ampire. He took a step 8a3k. S"e "a5n?t e)en unleas"e5 any o1 t"at impressi)e ma-i3 yet. <o8ert s3are5 easy 1or a 3entury2ol5 3orpse. A=e "a)e 8een a%aitin- "er@ <o8ert. Hean2!lau5e is most an*ious to see "er.C He s%allo%e5 "ar5. A9 %as tol5 t"at no one 3ame insi5e %it" a "oly item ot"er t"an t"e poli3e. /o e*3eptions %ere to 8e ma5e.C A/ot e)en 1or t"e master?s s%eet"eart.C S"e put a lot o1 irony in t"at last part. <o8ert eit"er 5i5n?t -et it or i-nore5 it. A:ntil Hean2!lau5e tells me 5i11erently@ s"e 5oesn?t -o t"rou-" %it" a 3ross.C Gret3"en stalke5 aroun5 us all. 9 %asn?t sure %"o looke5 more %orrie5. A$ake o11 t"e little 3ross an5 let us -et t"is o)er %it".C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/ope.C A9t 5i5n?t 5o you a lot o1 -oo5 earlier toni-"t@C s"e sai5. S"e "a5 a point. 'or t"e 1irst time 9 realiEe5 9 "a5n?t e)en t"ou-"t o1 8rin-in- out my 3ross earlier. 9?5 -one 1or my %eapons@ 8ut not my 1ait". Pretty 5amn sa5. 9 1in-ere5 t"e 3ool sil)er o1 t"e 3"ain. A$"e 3ross stays.C ADou are 8ot" spoilin- my 1un@C s"e sai5. $"e %ay s"e sai5 it ma5e t"at soun5 like a )ery 8a5 t"in-. A9?ll -i)e you one o1 your %eapons 8a3k.C A moment 8e1ore 9?5 "a)e a-ree5@ 8ut not no%. 9 %as em8arrasse5 t"at 9 "a5 not -one 1or my 3ross earlier. 9t %oul5n?t "a)e kept "er 1rom >umpin- me at t"e 8e-innin-. S"e %as too po%er1ul 1or t"at. But it mi-"t "a)e 3"ase5 "er o11 Louie. 9 %as -oin- to "a)e to stop skippin- 3"ur3" e)en i1 9 5i5n?t -et to sleep at all. A/o.C A9s t"is your %ay o1 -ettin- out o1 our 8ar-ainBC Her )oi3e %as lo% an5 %arm %it" t"e 1irst stirrin-s o1 an-er. A9 keep my %or5@C 9 sai5. A9 %ill es3ort "er t"rou-"@ <o8ert.C S"e raise5 a "an5 to stop "is 3omplainin-. A91 Hean2!lau5e 8lames you@ tell "im 9 %as -oin- to tear your t"roat out.C S"e steppe5 into "im until only a 8reat" separate5 t"eir 8o5ies. 9t %as only stan5in- t"at 3lose t"at you realiEe5 t"at <o8ert %as taller 8y a "ea5 an5 a "al1. Gret3"en seeme5 8i--er t"an t"at. A9t isn?t a lie@

<o8ert. 9 t"ink you?re %eak@ a lia8ility. 9 %oul5 kill you no% i1 our master 5i5 not nee5 us 8ot". 91 you still 1ear Hean2!lau5e@ remem8er t"at "e %ants you ali)e. 9 5o not.C <o8ert s%allo%e5 "ar5 enou-" t"at it "a5 to "urt. He 5i5n?t 8a3k up. Bro%nie point 1or "im. S"e mo)e5 t"at 1ra3tion 3loser@ an5 "e >umpe5 8a3k as i1 "e?5 8een s"ot. A'ine@ 1ine@ take "er t"rou-".C Gret3"en?s lip 3urle5 in 5is-ust. #ne t"in- %e a-ree5 onJ %e 5i5n?t like <o8ert. 91 %e "a5 one t"in- in 3ommon@ may8e t"ere?5 8e more. 7ay8e %e 3oul5 8e -irl1rien5s. Dea"@ ri-"t. $"e noise le)el "a5 5roppe5 to a 8a3k-roun5 murmur. =e "a5 e)ery8o5y?s attention. /ot"in- like a 1loor s"o%. A9s t"ere suppose5 to 8e an a3t on sta-e ri-"t no%BC 9 aske5. <o8ert no55e5. ADes@ 9 nee5 to intro5u3e "im.C AGo 5o your >o8@ <o8ert.C $"e %or5s %ere t"i3k %it" s3orn. Gret3"en -a)e -oo5 s3orn. <o8ert le1t us@ o8)iously relie)e5. A=imp@C 9 sai5 so1tly. A!ome@ Anita@ Hean2!lau5e is %aitin- 1or us.C S"e stalke5 a%ay@ lon- pale 3oat s%in-in- out 8e"in5 "er. Step"en an5 9 e*3"an-e5 -lan3es. He s"ru--e5. 9 1ollo%e5 "er an5 "e traile5 8e"in5 as i1 "e %ere a1rai5 o1 losin- me. Hean2!lau5e?s o11i3e %as like 8ein- insi5e a 5omino. Stark %"ite %alls@ %"ite 3arpet@ 8la3k la3;uer 5esk@ 8la3k o11i3e 3"air@ 8la3k leat"er 3ou3" a-ainst one %all@ an5 t%o strai-"t28a3ke5 3"airs sat in 1ront o1 t"e 5esk. $"e 5esk an5 3"airs %ere #riental@ set %it" enamel pi3tures o1 3ranes an5 #riental %omen in 1lo%in- ro8es. 9?5 al%ays like5 t"e 5esk@ not t"at 9 %oul5 a5mit it out lou5. $"ere %as a 8la3k la3;uer s3reen in one 3orner. 9?5 ne)er seen it 8e1ore. 9t %as lar-e@ "i5in- one entire 3orner. A 5ra-on 3urle5 a3ross t"e s3reen in oran-es an5 re5s@ %it" "u-e 8ul8ous eyes. 9t %as a ni3e a55ition to t"e room. 9t %as not a 3om1orta8le room@ 8ut it %as stylis". Like Hean2!lau5e. He sat on t"e leat"er 3ou3" 5resse5 all in 8la3k. $"e s"irt "a5 a "i-"@ sti11 3ollar t"at 1rame5 "is 1a3e. 9t %as "ar5 to tell %"ere "is "air le1t o11 an5 t"e s"irt 8e-an. $"e 3ollar %as pinne5 at "is t"roat@ %it" a t"um82siEe ru8y pen5ant. $"e s"irt %as open 5o%n to "is 8elt@ lea)in- a trian-le o1 pale@ pale skin s"o%in-. #nly t"e pen5ant kept t"e s"irt 1rom openin3ompletely. $"e 3u11s %ere as %i5e an5 sti11 as t"e 3ollar@ nearly "i5in- "is "an5s. He raise5 one "an5 an5 9 3oul5 see t"e 3u11s %ere open on one si5e so "e 3oul5 still use "is "an5s. Bla3k >eans an5 )el)et 8la3k 8oots 3omplete5 t"e out1it. 9?5 seen t"e pen5ant 8e1ore@ 8ut t"e s"irt %as 3ertainly ne%. ASpi11y@C 9 sai5. He smile5. A4o you like itBC He strai-"tene5 t"e 3u11s@ as i1 t"ey nee5e5 it. A9t?s a ni3e 3"an-e 1rom %"ite@C 9 sai5. AStep"en@ %e %ere e*pe3tin- you earlier.C His )oi3e %as mil5 enou-"@ 8ut t"ere %as an un5ertaste o1 somet"in- 5ark an5 unpleasant. AStep"en took me to t"e 5o3tor.C His mi5ni-"t 8lue eyes turne5 8a3k to me. A9s your latest poli3e in)esti-ation -ettin- rou-"BC A/o@C 9 sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at Gret3"en. S"e %as lookin- at Hean2!lau5e. A$ell "im@C s"e sai5. 9 5i5n?t t"ink s"e %as re1errin- to my a33usin- "er o1 tryin- to kill me. 9t %as time 1or a little "onesty@ or at least a little 5rama. 9 %as sure Hean2!lau5e %oul5n?t 5isappoint us. AStep"en nee5s to lea)e no%@C 9 sai5. 9 5i5n?t %ant "im -ettin- kille5 tryin- to prote3t me. He %asn?t up to 8ein- anyt"in8ut 3annon 1o55er. /ot a-ainst Hean2!lau5e. A="yBC "e aske5. He soun5e5 suspi3ious. AGet on %it" it@C Gret3"en sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. AStep"en 5oesn?t nee5 to 8e "ere.C AGet out@ Step"en@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9 am not an-ry %it" you 1or missin- your set. Anita is more important to me t"an your 8ein- on time to your >o8.C $"at %as ni3e to kno%. Step"en -a)e a sort o1 8o8@ almost a 8o% to Hean2!lau5e@ 1las"e5 a look at me@ an5 "esitate5. AGo on@ Step"en. 9?ll 8e all ri-"t.C 9 5i5n?t "a)e to reassure "im t%i3e. He 1le5. A="at "a)e you 8een up to@ ma petiteBC 9 -lan3e5 at Gret3"en. S"e "a5 eyes only 1or "im. Her 1a3e looke5 "un-ry@ as i1 s"e?5 %aite5 1or t"is a lon- time. 9 stare5 into "is 5ark 8lue eyes an5 realiEe5 t"at 9 3oul5 %it"out )ampire marksG 9 3oul5 meet "is eyes. Hean2!lau5e noti3e5 it@ too. His eyes %i5ene5 >ust a 8it. A7a petite@ you are 1ull o1 surprises toni-"t.C

ADou ain?t seen not"in- yet@C 9 sai5. ABy all means@ 3ontinue. 9 5o lo)e a surprise.C 9 5ou8te5 "e?5 like t"is one. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 sai5 it 1ast@ as i1 t"at %oul5 make it -o 5o%n 8etter@ like a spoon1ul o1 su-ar. A<i3"ar5 aske5 me to marry "im@ an5 9 sai5 yes.C 9 3oul5 "a)e a55e5@ ABut 9?m not sure anymore@C 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 9 %as too 3on1use5 to o11er up anyt"in- 8ut t"e 8are 1a3ts. 91 "e trie5 to kill me@ may8e 9?5 a55 5etails. :ntil t"en ... %e?5 %ait it out. Hean2!lau5e >ust sat t"ere. He 5i5n?t mo)e at all. $"e "eater 3li3ke5 on@ an5 9 >umpe5. $"e )ent %as a8o)e t"e 3ou3". $"e air playe5 alon- "is "air@ t"e 3lot" o1 "is s"irt@ 8ut it %as like %at3"in- a manne;uin. $"e "air an5 3lot"es %orke5 8ut t"e rest %as stone. $"e silen3e stret3"e5 an5 1ille5 t"e room. $"e "eater 5ie5@ an5 t"e ;uiet %as so pro1oun5 9 3oul5 "ear t"e 8loo5 rus"inin my ears. 9t %as like t"e stillness 8e1ore 3reation. Dou kne% somet"in- 8i- %as 3omin-. Dou >ust 5i5n?t kno% ;uite %"at. 9 let t"e silen3e 1lo% aroun5 me. 9 %oul5n?t 8e t"e one to 8reak it@ 8e3ause 9 %as a1rai5 o1 %"at 3ame ne*t. $"is utter 3almness %as more unner)in- t"an an-er %oul5 "a)e 8een. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o %it" it@ so 9 5i5 not"in-. A 3ourse o1 a3tion 9 sel5om re-ret. 9t %as Gret3"en %"o 8roke 1irst. A4i5 you "ear "er@ Hean2!lau5eB S"e is to %e5 anot"er. S"e lo)es anot"er.C He 8linke5 on3e@ a lon-@ -ra3e1ul s%eep o1 las"es. AAsk "er no% i1 s"e lo)es me@ Gret3"en.C Gret3"en steppe5 in 1ront o1 me@ 8lo3kin- Hean2!lau5e 1rom )ie%. A="at 5oes it matterB S"e?s -oin- to marry someone else.C AAsk "er.C 9t %as a 3omman5. Gret3"en %"irle5 to 1a3e me. $"e 8ones in "er 1a3e stoo5 out un5er t"e skin@ lips t"in %it" ra-e. ADou 5on?t lo)e "im.C 9t %asn?t e*a3tly a ;uestion@ so 9 5i5n?t ans%er it. Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e 3ame laEy an5 1ull o1 some 5ark meanin- t"at 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5. A4o you lo)e me@ ma petiteBC 9 stare5 into Gret3"en?s ra-e21ille5 1a3e an5 sai5@ A9 5on?t suppose you?5 8elie)e me i1 9 sai5 noBC A!an you not simply say yesBC ADes@ in some 5ark@ t%iste5 part o1 my soul@ 9 lo)e you. HappyBC He smile5. AHo% 3an you marry "im i1 you lo)e meBC A9 lo)e "im@ too@ Hean2!lau5e.C A9n t"e same %ayBC A/o@C 9 sai5. AHo% 5o you lo)e us 5i11erentlyBC $"e ;uestions %ere -ettin- tri3kier. AHo% am 9 suppose5 to e*plain somet"in- to you t"at 9 5on?t e)en un5erstan5 mysel1BC A$ry.C ADou?re like -reat S"akespearean tra-e5y. 91 <omeo an5 Huliet "a5n?t 3ommitte5 sui3i5e@ t"ey?5 "a)e "ate5 ea3" ot"er in a year. Passion is a 1orm o1 lo)e@ 8ut it isn?t real. 9t 5oesn?t last.C AAn5 "o% 5o you 1eel a8out <i3"ar5BC His )oi3e %as 1ull o1 some stron- emotion. 9t s"oul5 "a)e 8een an-er@ 8ut it 1elt 5i11erent 1rom t"at. Almost as i1 it %ere an emotion 9 5i5n?t "a)e a %or5 1or. A9 5on?t >ust lo)e <i3"ar5@ 9 like "im. 9 en>oy "is 3ompany. 9 ... C 9 "ate5 e*plainin- mysel1. A#"@ "ell@ Hean2!lau5e@ 9 3an?t put it into %or5s. 9 3an see spen5in- my li1e %it" <i3"ar5@ an5 9 3an?t see it %it" you.C AHa)e you set a 5ateBC A/o@C 9 sai5. He 3o3ke5 "is "ea5 to one si5e@ stu5yin- me. A9t is t"e trut" 8ut t"ere is some 8it o1 lie to it. ="at are you "ol5in- 8a3k@ ma petiteBC 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A9?)e tol5 you t"e trut".C ABut not all o1 it.C 9 5i5n?t %ant to tell "im. He?5 en>oy it too mu3". 9 1elt )a-uely 5isloyal to <i3"ar5. A9?m not 3ompletely sure a8out marryin<i3"ar5.C A="y notBC $"ere %as somet"in- in "is 1a3e t"at %as almost "ope1ul. 9 3oul5n?t let "im -et t"e %ron- i5ea. A9 sa% "im -o all spooky. 9 1elt "is ... po%er.C AAn5BC AAn5 no% 9?m not sure@C 9 sai5.

AHe?s not "uman enou-" 1or you@ eit"er.C He t"re% 8a3k "is "ea5 an5 lau-"e5. A >oyous outpourin- o1 soun5 t"at 3oate5 me like 3"o3olate. Hea)y an5 s%eet an5 annoyin-. AS"e lo)es anot"er@C Gret3"en sai5. A4oes it matter i1 s"e 5ou8ts "imB S"e 5ou8ts you. S"e re>e3ts you@ Hean2!lau5e. 9sn?t t"at enou-"BC A4i5 you 5o all t"at to "er 1a3eBC S"e stalke5 a ti-"t 3ir3le like a ti-er in a 3a-e. AS"e 5oes not lo)e you as 9 5o.C S"e knelt in 1ront o1 "im@ "an5s tou3"in"is le-s@ 1a3e starin- up into "is. APlease@ 9 lo)e you. 9?)e al%ays lo)e5 you. Kill "er or let "er marry t"is man. S"e 5oesn?t 5eser)e your a5oration.C He i-nore5 "er. AAre you all ri-"t@ ma petiteBC A9?m 1ine.C Gret3"en 5u- 1in-ers into "is >eans@ -ra88in- at "im. APlease@ pleaseIC 9 5i5n?t like "er@ 8ut t"e pain@ t"e "opeless pain in "er )oi3e %as "orri8le to "ear. S"e?5 trie5 to kill me an5 9 still 1elt sorry 1or "er. ALea)e us@ Gret3"en.C A/oIC S"e 3lut3"e5 at "im. A9 1or8a5e you to "arm "er. Dou 5iso8eye5 me. 9 s"oul5 kill you.C S"e >ust staye5 kneelin-@ -aEin- up at "im. 9 3oul5n?t see "er e*pression an5 %as -la5 o1 it. 9 %asn?t 8i- on a5oration. AHean2!lau5e@ please@ please@ 9 only 5i5 it 1or you. S"e 5oesn?t lo)e you.C His "an5 %as su55enly aroun5 "er ne3k. 9 "a5n?t seen "im mo)e. 9t %as ma-i3. ="ate)er %as lettin- me look "im in t"e eyes@ it 5i5n?t stop "im playin- %it" my min5. #r may8e "e %as >ust t"at 1ast. /a%. S"e trie5 to talk. His 1in-ers 3lose5@ an5 t"e %or5s 3ame out as small@ 3"oke5 soun5s. He stoo5@ 5ra%in- "er to "er 1eet. Her "an5s %rappe5 aroun5 "is %rist@ tryin- to keep "im 1rom "an-in- "er. He kept li1tin- until "er 1eet 5an-le5 in t"e air. 9 kne% s"e 3oul5 1i-"t "im. 9?5 1elt t"e stren-t" in t"ose 5eli3ate2seemin- "an5s. ,*3ept 1or "er "an5 on "is %rist s"e 5i5n?t e)en stru--le. =oul5 s"e let "im kill "erB =oul5 "e 5o itB !oul5 9 stan5 "ere an5 >ust %at3"B He stoo5 t"ere in "is %on5er1ul 8la3k s"irt@ lookin- ele-ant an5 s3rumptious@ an5 "ol5in- Gret3"en %it" one arm@ strai-"t up. He %alke5 to%ar5s "is 5esk still "ol5in- "er. He kept "is 8alan3e e11ortlessly. ,)en a ly3ant"rope 3oul5n?t "a)e 5one it@ not like t"at. 9 %at3"e5 "is slen5er 8o5y %alk a3ross t"e 3arpet an5 kne% "e 3oul5 preten5 all "e %ante5 to@ 8ut it %asn?t "uman. He %asn?t "uman. He set "er 1eet on t"e 3arpet on t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e 5esk. He rela*e5 "is -rip on "er t"roat 8ut 5i5n?t let "er -o. AHean2!lau5e@ please. ="o is s"e t"at t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity s"oul5 8e- 1or "er attentionBC He kept "is "an5 restin- on "er t"roat@ not s;ueeEin- no%. He pus"e5 t"e s3reen 8a3k %it" "is 1ree "an5. 9t 1ol5e5 8a3k to re)eal a 3o11in. 9t sat up o11 t"e -roun5 on a 3lot"25rape5 pe5estal. $"e %oo5 %as nearly 8la3k an5 polis"e5 to a mirrorlike s"ine. Gret3"en?s eyes %i5ene5. AHean2!lau5e@ Hean2!lau5e@ 9?m sorry. 9 5i5n?t kill "er. 9 3oul5 "a)e. Ask "er. 9 3oul5 "a)e kille5 "er@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. Ask "er. Ask "erIC Her )oi3e %as pure pani3. AAnita.C $"at one %or5 slit"ere5 a3ross my skin@ t"i3k an5 1ull o1 1or8o5in-. 9 %as )ery -la5 t"at t"at )oi3e %as not an-ry %it" me. AS"e 3oul5 "a)e kille5 me %it" t"e 1irst rus"@C 9 sai5. A="y 5o you t"ink s"e 5i5 not 5o itBC A9 t"ink s"e -ot 5istra3te5 tryin- to 5ra% it out. $o en>oy it more.C A/o@ no@ 9 %as >ust t"reatenin- "er. $ryin- to 1ri-"ten "er a%ay. 9 kne% you %oul5n?t %ant me to kill "er. 9 kne% t"at@ or s"e?5 8e 5ea5.C ADou %ere al%ays a 8a5 liar@ Gretel.C GretelB He raise5 t"e li5 on t"e 3o11in %it" one "an5@ 5ra%in- "er nearer to it. S"e >erke5 a%ay 1rom "im. His 1in-ernails 5re% 8loo5y 1urro%s on "er t"roat. S"e stoo5 8e"in5 t"e o11i3e 3"air@ puttin- it 8et%een "er an5 "im@ as i1 it %oul5 "elp. Bloo5 tri3kle5 5o%n "er t"roat. A4o not make me 1or3e you@ Gretel.C A7y name is Gret3"en an5 "as 8een 1or o)er a "un5re5 years.C 9t %as t"e 1irst real spirit 9?5 seen in "er a-ainst Hean2 !lau5e any%ay. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to applau5. 9t %asn?t "ar5. ADou %ere Gretel %"en 9 1oun5 you@ an5 you are Gretel still. 4o not 1or3e me to remin5 you o1 %"at you are@ Gretel.C A9 %ill not -o into t"at 3urse5 8o* %illin-ly. 9 %on?t 5o it.C

A4o you really %ant Anita to see you at your %orstBC 9 t"ou-"t 9 alrea5y "a5. A9 %ill not -o.C Her )oi3e %as 1irm@ not 3on1i5ent@ 8ut stu88orn. S"e meant it. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 )ery still. He raise5 one "an5 in a lan-ui5 -esture. $"ere %as no ot"er %or5 1or it. $"e mo)ement %as almost 5an3elike. Gret3"en sta--ere5@ -ra88in- at t"e 3"air 1or support. Her 1a3e seeme5 to "a)e s"runk. 9t %asn?t t"e 5ra%in- 5o%n o1 po%er t"at 9 "a5 seen on "er earlier. /ot t"e et"ereal 3orpse t"at %oul5 tear your t"roat out an5 5an3e in t"e 8loo5. $"e 1les" s;ueeEe5 5o%n@ %rappin- ti-"t on t"e 8ones. S"e %as %it"erin-. /ot a-in-@ 5yin-. S"e opene5 "er mout" an5 s3reame5. A7y Go5@ %"at?s "appenin- to "erBC Gret3"en stoo5 3lut3"in- 8ir52t"in "an5s on t"e 3"air 8a3k. S"e looke5 like a mummi1ie5 3orpse. Her 8ri-"t lipsti3k %as a -ruesome slas" a3ross "er 1a3e. ,)en "er yello% "air "a5 t"inne5@ 5ry an5 8rittle as stra%. Hean2!lau5e %alke5 to%ar5s "er@ still -ra3e1ul@ still lo)ely@ still monstrous. A9 -a)e you eternal li1e an5 9 3an take it 8a3k@ ne)er 1or-et t"at.C S"e ma5e a lo% me%lin- soun5 in "er t"roat. S"e "el5 out one 1ee8le "an5 to "im@ 8esee3"in-. A9nto t"e 8o*@C "e sai5. His )oi3e ma5e t"at last %or5 5ark an5 terri8le@ as i1 "e?5 sai5 A"ellC an5 meant it. He "a5 8eaten t"e 1i-"t out o1 "er@ or may8e stolen %as t"e %or5. 9?5 ne)er seen anyt"in- like t"is. A ne% )ampire po%er t"at 9?5 ne)er e)en "ear5 %"ispere5 in 1olklore. S"it. Gret3"en took a trem8lin- step to%ar5s t"e 3o11in. $%o pain1ul@ 5ra--in- steps an5 s"e lost "er -rip on t"e 3"air. S"e 1ell@ 8one2t"in arms 3at3"in- "er 1ull %ei-"t@ t"e %ay you?re not suppose5 to. A -oo5 %ay to -et your arm 8roken. Gret3"en 5i5n?t seem to 8e %orrie5 a8out 8roken 8ones. !oul5n?t 8lame "er. S"e knelt on t"e 1loor@ "ea5 "an-in- as i1 s"e 5i5n?t "a)e t"e stren-t" to rise. Hean2!lau5e >ust stoo5 t"ere@ starin- at "er. He ma5e no mo)e to "elp "er. 91 it "a5 8een anyone 8ut Gret3"en@ 9 mi-"t "a)e "elpe5 "er mysel1. 9 must "a)e ma5e some mo)ement to%ar5s "er 8e3ause Hean2!lau5e ma5e a 8a3k2a%ay -esture to me. A91 s"e 1e5 on a "uman at t"is moment@ all "er stren-t" %oul5 return. S"e is )ery 1ri-"tene5. 9 %oul5 not tempt "er ri-"t no%@ ma petite.C 9 staye5 %"ere 9 %as. 9 "a5n?t planne5 on "elpin- "er@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t like %at3"in- it. A!ra%l@C "e sai5. S"e starte5 to 3ra%l. 9?5 "a5 enou-". ADou?)e ma5e your point@ Hean2!lau5e. 91 you %ant "er in t"e 3o11in@ >ust pi3k "er up an5 put "er t"ere.C He looke5 at me. $"ere %as somet"in- almost amuse5 in "is 1a3e. ADou 1eel pity 1or "er@ ma petite. S"e meant to kill you. Dou kno% t"at.C A9?5 "a)e no pro8lem s"ootin- "er@ 8ut t"is ... C 9 5i5n?t "a)e a %or5 1or it. He %asn?t >ust "umiliatin- "er. He %as strippin"er o1 "ersel1. 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou?re tormentin- "er. 91 it?s 1or my 8ene1it@ 9?)e seen enou-". 91 it?s 1or your 8ene1it@ t"en stop it.C A9t is 1or "er 8ene1it@ ma petite. S"e "as 1or-otten %"o "er master is. A mont" or t%o in a 3o11in %ill remin5 "er o1 t"at.C Gret3"en "a5 rea3"e5 t"e 1oot o1 t"e pe5estal. S"e "a5 -ra88e5 "an51uls o1 t"e 3lot" 8ut 3oul5n?t 5ra- "ersel1 to "er 1eet. A9 t"ink s"e?s 8een remin5e5 enou-".C ADou are so "ars"@ ma petite@ so pra-mati3@ yet su55enly somet"in- %ill mo)e you to pity. An5 your pity is as stron- as your "ate.C ABut not nearly as 1un@C 9 sai5. He smile5 an5 li1te5 t"e li5 o1 t"e 3o11in. $"e insi5e %as %"ite silk@ o1 3ourse. He knelt an5 li1te5 Gret3"en. Her lim8s lay a%k%ar5ly in "is arms as i1 t"ey 5i5n?t ;uite %ork. As "e li1te5 "er o)er t"e lip o1 t"e 3o11in@ "er lon- 3oat 5ra--e5 a-ainst t"e %oo5. Somet"in- in "er po3ket 3lunke5@ soli5 an5 "ea)y. 9 almost "ate5 to ask2almost. A91 t"at?s my -un in "er po3ket@ 9 nee5 it 8a3k.C He lai5 "er almost -ently in t"e silk linin-@ t"en ri1le5 "er po3kets. He "el5 t"e Bro%nin- in one "an5 an5 8e-an to lo%er t"e li5. Her skeletal "an5s raise5@ tryin- to stop its 5es3ent. =at3"in- t"ose t"in "an5s 8eat at t"e air@ 9 almost let it -o. A$"ere s"oul5 8e anot"er -un an5 a kni1e.C He %i5ene5 "is eyes at me@ 8ut no55e5. He "el5 t"e Bro%nin- out to me. 9 %alke5 1or%ar5 an5 took it. 9 %as stan5in3lose enou-" to see "er eyes. $"ey %ere pale an5 3lou5y@ like t"e eyes o1 t"e )ery ol5@ 8ut t"ere %as enou-" e*pression le1t 1or terror.

Her eyes rolle5 %il5ly@ starin- at me. $"ere %as a mute appeal in t"at look. 4esperation %as too mil5 a %or5 1or it. S"e looke5 at me@ not Hean2!lau5e@ as i1 s"e kne% t"at 9 %as t"e only person in t"e room t"at -a)e a 5amn. 91 it 8ot"ere5 Hean2!lau5e@ you 3oul5n?t tell it 8y "is 1a3e. 9 tu3ke5 t"e Bro%nin- un5er my arm. 9t 1elt -oo5 to "a)e it 8a3k. He "el5 t"e 'irestar out to me. A9 3annot 1in5 t"e kni1e. 91 you %ant to sear3" "er yoursel1@ 1eel 1ree.C 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e 5ry@ %rinkle5 skin@ t"e lipless 1a3e. Her ne3k %as as skinny as a 3"i3ken?s. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t %ant it t"at 8a5.C He lau-"e5@ an5 e)en no% t"e soun5 3urle5 alon- my skin like )el)et. A >oyous so3iopat". He 3lose5 t"e li5@ an5 s"e ma5e "orri8le soun5s@ as t"ou-" s"e %ere tryin- to s3ream an5 "a5 no )oi3e to 5o it %it". Her t"in "an5s 8eat a-ainst t"e li5. Hean2!lau5e snappe5 t"e lo3ks in pla3e an5 leane5 o)er t"e 3lose5 3o11in. He %"ispere5@ ASleep.C Almost imme5iately t"e soun5s slo%e5. He repeate5 t"e %or5 on3e more@ an5 t"e soun5s 3ease5. AHo% 5i5 you 5o t"atBC ANuiet "erBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. AAll o1 it.C A9 am "er master.C A/o@ /ikolaos %as your master@ 8ut s"e 3oul5n?t 5o t"at. S"e?5 "a)e 5one it to you i1 s"e 3oul5 "a)e.C APer3epti)e o1 you@ an5 )ery true. 9 ma5e Gret3"en. /ikolaos 5i5 not make me. Bein- t"e master )ampire t"at 8rin-s someone o)er -i)es you 3ertain po%ers o)er t"em. As you sa%.C A/ikolaos "a5 ma5e most o1 t"e )ampires in "er little entoura-e@ ri-"tBC He no55e5. A91 s"e 3oul5 "a)e 5one %"at you >ust 5i5@ 9?5 "a)e seen it. S"e?5 "a)e s"o%n it o11.C He -a)e a small smile. AA-ain per3epti)e. $"ere are a )ariety o1 po%ers t"at a master )ampire 3an possess. !allin- an animal@ le)itation@ resistan3e to sil)er.C A9s t"at %"y my kni1e 5i5n?t seem to "urt Gret3"enBC ADes.C ABut ea3" master "as a 5i11erent arsenal o1 -i1ts.C AArsenal@ it is an appropriate %or5. /o%@ %"ere %ere %e@ ma petiteB A"@ yes@ 9 3oul5 kill <i3"ar5.C Here %e -o a-ain.

Chapter Twenty-five
A4i5 you "ear me@ ma petiteB 9 3oul5 kill your <i3"ar5.C He pulle5 t"e s3reen 8a3k into pla3e. $"e 3o11in an5 its terri8le 3ontents -one >ust like t"at. ADou 5on?t %ant to 5o t"at.C A#"@ 8ut 9 5o@ ma petite. 9 %oul5 lo)e to tear out "is "eart an5 %at3" "im 5ie.C He %alke5 past me. $"e 8la3k s"irt 1anne5 aroun5 "im@ e*posin- "is stoma3" as "e mo)e5. A9 tol5 you@ 9?m not sure 9?m -oin- to marry "im. 9?m not e)en sure 9?m -oin- to 8e 5atin- "im anymore. 9sn?t t"at enou-"BC A/o@ ma petite. Dou lo)e "im. 9 3an smell "is s3ent on your skin. Dou "a)e kisse5 "im toni-"t. =it" all your 5ou8ts@ you "a)e "el5 "im 3lose.C AHurt "im an5 9?ll kill you@ simple as t"at.C 7y )oi3e %as )ery matter2o121a3t. ADou %oul5 try to kill me@ 8ut 9 am not so easily kille5.C He sat 5o%n on t"e 3ou3" a-ain@ s"irt sprea5in- out aroun5 "im@ lea)in- most o1 "is upper 8o5y e*pose5. $"e 3ross2s"ape5 8urn s3ar %as a s"iny imper1e3tion on "is 1la%less skin. 9 staye5 stan5in-. He "a5n?t o11ere5 me a seat any%ay. A7ay8e %e?5 kill ea3" ot"er. 9t?s your 3"oi3e o1 musi3@ Hean2 !lau5e@ 8ut on3e %e start t"is 5an3e@ it 5oesn?t stop until one o1 us is 5ea5.C A9 am not allo%e5 to "arm <i3"ar5. 9s "e allo%e5 to "arm meBC Goo5 ;uestion. A9 5on?t t"ink it?ll 3ome up.C ADou "a)e 5ate5 "im 1or mont"s@ an5 9 "a)e sai5 little. Be1ore you marry "im@ 9 %ant e;ual time.C 9 looke5 at "im. A="at 5o you mean@ Fe;ual time?BC

A4ate me@ Anita@ -i)e me a 3"an3e to %oo you.C A=oo meBC ADes@C "e sai5. 9 >ust stare5 at "im. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. A9?)e 8een tryin- to a)oi5 you 1or mont"s. 9?m not >ust -oin- to -i)e in no%.C A$"en 9 %ill start t"e musi3@ an5 %e %ill 5an3e. ,)en i1 9 5ie@ an5 you 5ie. <i3"ar5 %ill 5ie 1irst@ t"at 9 3an promise you. Surely 5atin- me is not a 1ate %orse t"an t"at.C He "a5 a point@ an5 yet ... A9 5on?t -i)e in to t"reats.C A$"en 9 appeal to your sense o1 1air play@ ma petite. Dou "a)e allo%e5 <i3"ar5 to %in your "eart. 91 you "a5 5ate5 me 1irst@ %oul5 it 8e my "eart you "ol5 so 5earB 91 you "a5 not 1ou-"t our mutual attra3tion@ %oul5 you e)en "a)e -i)en <i3"ar5 a se3on5 -lan3eBC 9 3oul5n?t say yes@ an5 8e "onest. 9 %asn?t sure. 9 "a5 re1use5 Hean2!lau5e 8e3ause "e %asn?t "uman. He %as a monster an5 9 5i5n?t 5ate monsters. But last ni-"t 9?5 "a5 a -limpse o1 %"at <i3"ar5 mi-"t 8e. 9?5 1elt a po%er t"at ri)ale5 Hean2 !lau5e?s 3reep alon- my skin. 9t %as -ettin- "ar5er to tell t"e "umans 1rom t"e monsters. 9 %as e)en 8e-innin- to %on5er a8out mysel1. $"ere are more roa5s to monster5om t"an most people realiEe. A9 5on?t 8elie)e in 3asual se*. 9 "a)en?t slept %it" <i3"ar5@ eit"er.C A9 am not 8la3kmailin- you into se*@ ma petite. 9 am tryin- to -et e;ual time.C A91 9 a-ree@ t"en %"atBC A="y@ 9 pi3k you up on 'ri5ay ni-"t.C ALike a 5ate25ateBC He no55e5. A=e mi-"t e)en 5is3o)er "o% you are meetin- my eyes %it" impunity.C ALet?s >ust sti3k to as normal a 5ate as %e 3an.C AAs you like.C 9 stare5 at "im. He looke5 at me. He %oul5 pi3k me up on 'ri5ay. =e "a5 a 5ate. 9 %on5ere5 "o% <i3"ar5 %oul5 1eel a8out t"at. A9 3an?t 5ate 8ot" o1 you in5e1initely.C AAllo% me a 1e% mont"s@ as you "a)e -i)en <i3"ar5. 91 9 3annot %in you 1rom "im@ t"en 9 %ill retire 1rom t"e 1iel5.C ADou?ll lea)e me alone an5 you %on?t "arm <i3"ar5BC He no55e5. ADou -i)e me your %or5BC A7y %or5 o1 "onor.C 9 took it. 9t %as t"e 8est o11er 9 %as -oin- to -et. 9 %asn?t sure "o% mu3" "is %or5 o1 "onor %as %ort"@ 8ut it -a)e us time. $ime to %ork somet"in- else out. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at else@ 8ut t"ere "a5 to 8e somet"in-. Somet"in- 8esi5es 5atin- t"e 1reakin- 7aster o1 t"e !ity.

Chapter Twenty-six
$"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. 9t opene5 %it"out Hean2!lau5e?s -i)in- permission. Some8o5y %as pus"y. <aina stalke5 in t"rou-" t"e 5oor. Pus"y %as one %or5 1or it. S"e %as %earin- a rust23ollare5 tren3" 3oat %it" t"e 8elt tie5 )ery ti-"t at "er %aist. $"e 8u3kle 1loppe5 loosely as s"e -li5e5 into t"e room. S"e un5i5 a multi3olore5 s3ar1 an5 s"ook "er au8urn "air. 9t s"immere5 in t"e li-"t. Ga8riel 1ollo%e5 at "er 8a3k in a 8la3k tren3" 3oat. His2an52"er out1its. His "air an5 stran-e -rey eyes looke5 as -oo5 %it" "is 3oat as <aina?s 5i5 %it" "ers. ,arrin-s -littere5 1rom t"e earlo8e to t"e 3url at t"e top o1 "is ear. ,)ery pie3e o1 metal %as sil)er. Kaspar Gun5erson 1ollo%e5 at t"eir "eels. He %as %earin- a pale t%ee5 3oat an5 one o1 t"ose "ats %it" a little 1eat"er in t"e 8an5. He looke5 like an ele-ant )ersion o1 e)ery8o5y?s 19+ s 5ream 5a5. He 5i5n?t look "appy to 8e "ere. <o8ert stoo5 sort o1 "o)erin- in t"e 5oor%ay. A9 tol5 t"em you %ere 8usy@ Hean2!lau5e. 9 tol5 t"em you 5i5n?t %ant to 8e 5istur8e5.C He %as pra3ti3ally %rin-in- "is "an5s %it" an*iety. A1ter %"at 9?5 seen 5one to Gret3"en 9 5i5n?t 8lame "im 1or 8ein- a1rai5. A!ome in@ <o8ert@ an5 3lose t"e 5oor 8e"in5 you@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9 really nee5 to o)ersee t"e ne*t a3t. 9 ... C

A!ome in an5 3lose t"e 5oor@ <o8ert.C $"e 3entury2ol5 )ampire 5i5 as "e %as tol5. He 3lose5 t"e 5oor an5 leane5 a-ainst it@ one "an5 on t"e 5oorkno8 as i1 t"at %oul5 keep "im sa1e. $"e ri-"t slee)e o1 "is %"ite s"irt %as sli3e5 up@ an5 8loo5 tri3kle5 out o1 1res" 3la% marks. His t"roat s"o%e5 more 8loo5@ as i1 a 3la%e5 "an5 "a5 li1te5 "im 8y t"e t"roat. Like Hean2!lau5e "a5 5one to Gret3"en@ 8ut %it" talons. A9 tol5 you %"at %oul5 "appen i1 you 1aile5 me a-ain@ <o8ert. 9n anyt"in-@ lar-e or small.C Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e %as a %"isper t"at 1ille5 t"e room like %in5. <o8ert 5roppe5 to "is knees on t"e %"ite 3arpet. APlease@ master@ please.C He e*ten5e5 "is "an5s to%ar5s Hean2!lau5e. A t"i3k 5rop o1 8loo5 ploppe5 1rom "is arm to t"e 3arpet. $"e 8loo5 seeme5 )ery re5 a-ainst t"e %"ite@ %"ite 3arpet. <aina smile5. 9 %as 8ettin- 9 kne% %"ose 3la% marks <o8ert %as sportin-. Kaspar %ent to sit on t"e 3ou3"@ 5istan3in"imsel1 1rom t"e s"o%. Ga8riel %as lookin- at me. A/i3e 3oat@C "e sai5. =e %ere 8ot" %earin- 8la3k tren3" 3oats. Great. A$"anks@C 9 sai5. He -rinne5 1las"in-@ pointy teet". 9 %ante5 to ask "im i1 t"e sil)er earrin-s "urt 8ut <o8ert ma5e a lo% %"imperin- noise@ an5 9 turne5 8a3k to t"e main s"o%. A!ome to me@ <o8ert.C Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e "a5 "eat to it@ enou-" to s3al5. <o8ert %ent nearly prone on t"e 3arpet@ a8asin- "imsel1. APlease@ master. Please 5on?t.C Hean2!lau5e stalke5 to%ar5s "im@ 1ast enou-" to "a)e "is 8la3k s"irt s%eepin- 8e"in5 "im like a miniature 3ape. His pale skin 1las"e5 a-ainst t"e 8la3k 3lot". He stoppe5 8esi5e t"e 3o%erin- )ampire. Hean2!lau5e?s s"irt s%irle5 aroun5 t"e su55enly ;uiet 8o5y. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 utterly still. $"e 3lot" "a5 more li1e to it t"an "e 5i5. Hesus. AHe trie5@ Hean2!lau5e@C 9 sai5. ALea)e "im alone.C Hean2!lau5e stare5 at me@ "is eyes a 8ottomless 8lue. 9 looke5 a%ay 1rom t"ose eyes. 7ay8e 9 3oul5 meet "is -aEe %it" impunity@ 8ut t"en a-ain ... He %as al%ays 1ull o1 surprises. A9 %as un5er t"e impression@ ma petite@ t"at you 5i5 not like <o8ert.C A9 5on?t@ 8ut 9?)e seen enou-" punis"ment 1or one ni-"t. $"ey 8loo5ie5 "im >ust 8e3ause "e %oul5n?t let t"em in your o11i3e a 1e% minutes early. ="y aren?t you ma5 a8out t"atBC <aina %alke5 o)er to Hean2!lau5e. $"e spike5 "eels o1 "er metalli3 3opper pumps ma5e in5ents in t"e 3arpet. A trail o1 sta8 %oun5s. Hean2!lau5e %at3"e5 "er 3ome. His 1a3e %as neutral 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- a8out t"e %ay "e "el5 "imsel1. =as "e a1rai5 o1 "erB 7ay8e. But t"ere %as a %ariness to "is 8o5y as s"e mo)e5 3loser. He %asn?t "appy. 7ore an5 more 3urious. A=e "a5 an appointment %it" Hean2!lau5e. 9t %oul5 "a)e "urt my 1eelin-s to 8e turne5 a%ay at t"e 5oor.C S"e steppe5 o)er <o8ert@ 1las"in- a lot o1 le-. 9 %asn?t sure s"e %as %earin- anyt"in- un5er t"e tren3" 3oat. <o8ert 5i5 not try to sneak a peek. He 1roEe@ 1lin3"in- as "er 3oat 8rus"e5 "is 8a3k. <aina stoo5 %it" "er s"apely 3al)es@ nearly tou3"in- <o8ert. He 5i5n?t mo)e a%ay 1rom "er. He seeme5 to >ust 1reeEe as i1 "e 3oul5 preten5 "e %asn?t t"ere an5 e)eryone %oul5 1or-et a8out "im. He %is"e5. S"e %as stan5in- so 3lose to Hean2!lau5e t"at t"e len-t" o1 t"eir 8o5ies tou3"e5. S"e %as sort o1 %e5-e5 8et%een t"e t%o )ampires. 9 e*pe3te5 Hean2!lau5e to step 8a3k@ -i)e "er a little room. He 5i5n?t. S"e ran "er 1in-ers un5er "is s"irt@ layin- "er "an5s on eit"er si5e o1 "is nake5 %aist. Her lipsti3ke5 mout" parte5 an5 s"e leane5 into "im. S"e kisse5 "im@ an5 "e stoo5 like a statue un5er "er "an5s. But "e 5i5n?t tell "er to -o to "ell. ="at t"e "ell %as -oin- onB <aina raise5 "er 1a3e enou-" to speak. AHean2!lau5e 5oesn?t %is" to o11en5 7ar3us. He nee5s t"e pa3k?s 8a3kin- to "ol5 t"e 3ity. 4on?t you@ lo)eBC He put "is "an5s on "er slen5er %aist an5 steppe5 8a3k. Her "an5s traile5 alon- "is skin until "e %as 3ompletely out o1 rea3". S"e %at3"e5 "im t"e %ay snakes %at3" small 8ir5s. Hun-ry. Dou 5i5n?t "a)e to 8e a )ampire to 1eel "er lust. #8)ious %as puttin- it kin5ly. A7ar3us an5 9 "a)e an arran-ement@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A="at sort o1 arran-ementBC 9 aske5. A="y 5o you 3are@ ma petiteB Dou are -oin- to 8e seein- 7onsieur Keeman. Am 9 not allo%e5 to see ot"er peopleB 9 "a)e o11ere5 you mono-amy an5 you "a)e turne5 me 5o%n.C 9 "a5n?t t"ou-"t a8out it. 9t 5i5 8ot"er me. 4amn. A9t?s not t"e s"arin- t"at 8ot"ers me@ Hean2!lau5e.C

<aina %alke5 up 8e"in5 "im@ lon- painte5 nails tra3in- "is skin. Han5s 3urlin- up "is 3"est until "er 3"in reste5 on "is s"oul5er. Hean2!lau5e rela*e5 in "er arms t"is time. He leane5 "is 8a3k a-ainst "er@ pale "an5s 3aressin- "er arms. He stare5 at me %"ile "e 5i5 it. A="at 5oes 8ot"er you@ ma petiteBC ADour 3"oi3e o1 playmates.C AHealousBC <aina aske5. A/o.C ALiar@C s"e sai5. ="at %as 9 suppose5 to sayB $"at it 8ot"ere5 me to see "er "an-in- all o)er "imB 9t 5i5. ="i3" 8ot"ere5 me more t"an "er -ropin- "im. 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHust %on5erin- "o% 1ar you?ll -o to se3ure t"e pa3k?s 1a)or.C A#"@ all t"e %ay@C <aina sai5. S"e mo)e5 aroun5 to stan5 in 1ront o1 "im. S"e %as taller t"an "e %as in "er "eels. ADou are -oin- to 3ome play %it" me.C S"e kisse5 "im@ one ;ui3k mo)ement. S"e 5roppe5 to "er knees in 1ront o1 "im@ -aEinup%ar5. Hean2!lau5e stroke5 "er "air. His pale -ra3e1ul "an5s raisin- "er 1a3e up%ar5. He 8ent to%ar5s "er as i1 to kiss "er@ 8ut "e stare5 at me %"ile "e 5i5 it. =as "e %aitin- 1or me to say@ no@ 5on?tB He?5 seeme5 almost a1rai5 o1 "er at 1irst. /o% "e %as utterly 3om1orta8le. 9 kne% "e %as tauntin- me. $ryin- to make me >ealous. 9t %as sort o1 %orkin-. He kisse5 "er lon- an5 lin-erin-. He looke5 up 1rom it %it" "er lipsti3k smeare5 on "is lips. A="at are you t"inkin-@ ma petiteBC He 3oul5n?t rea5 my min5 anymore@ one point 1or not "a)in- )ampire marks. A$"at 9 t"ink less o1 you 1or "a)in- se* %it" <aina.C Ga8riel -a)e a %arm@ rollin- lau-". A#"@ "e "asn?t "a5 se* %it" "er@ not yet.C He %alke5 to%ar5s me in a lon-@ -li5instri5e. 9 1las"e5 t"e tren3" 3oat s"o%in- t"e Bro%nin-. ALet?s not -et 3raEe5.C He un5i5 t"e tren3" 3oat?s 8elt@ an5 raise5 "is "an5s in surren5er. He %asn?t %earin- a s"irt. He "a5 a sil)er rin- t"rou-" "is le1t nipple@ an5 t"e e5-e o1 "is 8elly 8utton. 9t ma5e me %in3e >ust to see it. A9 t"ou-"t sil)er "urt a ly3ant"rope@ like an aller-y.C A9t 8urns@C "e sai5. His )oi3e "a5 a so1t "uskiness to it. AAn5 t"is is a -oo5 t"in-BC 9 aske5. Ga8riel put "is "an5s 5o%n slo%ly an5 s"ru--e5 t"e 3oat o11 "is s"oul5ers. He turne5 slo%ly as t"e 3lot" 1ell like a striptease. 9 5i5n?t see any ot"er sil)er rin-s. He %"irle5 as it 3ame o11 "is arms@ an5 at t"e ape* o1 t"e turn "e 1lun- it on me. 9 8atte5 at t"e 3oat@ kno3kin- it a%ay 1rom me. $"at %as t"e mistake. He %as on me@ 8o5y 1lattenin- me to t"e 1loor. 7y arms en5e5 up pinne5 to my 3"est@ trappe5 un5er "is 3oat. His %aist "a5 t"e 'irestar trappe5. 9 %ent 1or t"e Bro%nin- an5 "is "an5 tore t"rou-" t"e 3oat like paper@ rippe5 t"e -un out 1rom un5er my arm. He 5amn near took t"e "olster an5 my arm %it" it. 'or a se3on5 my le1t arm %as >ust one ra% pain. ="en 9 3oul5 1eel my arm a-ain t"e Bro%nin- %as -one an5 9 %as starin- up into Ga8riel?s 1a3e 1rom t"ree in3"es a%ay. He %ri--le5 "is "ips@ -rin5in- t"e 'irestar into 8ot" o1 us. 9t "a5 to "urt "im more t"an it "urt me. A4oesn?t t"at "urtBC 9 aske5. 7y )oi3e %as surprisin-ly 3alm. A9 like pain@C "e sai5. He put t"e tip o1 "is ton-ue on my 3"in an5 li3ke5 a3ross my mout". He lau-"e5. AStru--le "ar5er. Pus" t"ose little "an5s.C ADou like painBC 9 sai5. ADea".C ADou?re -onna lo)e t"is.C 9 s"o)e5 t"e kni1e into "is upper stoma3". He -a)e a small soun5 8et%een a -runt an5 a si-". A s"u55er ran t"e len-t" o1 "is 8o5y. He reare5 up o)er me@ still pinnin- me 1rom t"e %aist 5o%n@ like "e %as 5oin- -irl?s pus"2ups. 9 raise5 mysel1 up %it" "im@ s"o)in- t"e kni1e in 5eeper@ 5ra%in- t"e 8la5e up%ar5 t"rou-" t"e meat o1 "is 8o5y. Ga8riel rippe5 t"e 3oat into pie3es 8ut 5i5n?t try to -ra8 t"e kni1e. He 8ra3e5 an arm on eit"er si5e o1 me@ starin5o%n%ar5 at t"e kni1e an5 my 8loo5y "an5s. He reste5 "is 1a3e in my "air@ slumpin- >ust a little. 9 t"ou-"t "e?5 pass out. He %"ispere5@ A4eeper.C A#"@ Hesus.C $"e 8la5e %as almost at t"e 8ottom o1 "is sternum. ="en 9 -ot to it one up%ar5 t"rust %oul5 -i)e me "is "eart.

9 lay 8a3k on t"e 1loor to -et a 8etter an-le 1or t"e killin- 8lo%. A4on?t kill "im@C <aina sai5. A=e nee5 "im.C =eB $"e kni1e %as on its %ay to "is "eart %"en "e rolle5 o11 me in a 8lin5in- 8lur o1 spee5. He en5e5 up lyin- on "is 8a3k not too 1ar a%ay. He %as 8reat"in- )ery 1ast@ "is 3"est risin- an5 1allin-. Bloo5 poure5 5o%n "is nake5 skin. His eyes %ere 3lose5@ lips 3urle5 in a "al1 smile. 91 "e?5 8een "uman "e mi-"t "a)e 5ie5 later toni-"t. 9nstea5 "e lay on t"e 3arpet smilin-. He rolle5 "is "ea5 to one si5e an5 opene5 "is eyes. His stran-e -rey eyes looke5 at me. A$"at %as %on5er1ul.C AHesus H. !"rist@C 9 sai5. 9 -ot to my 1eet usin- t"e 3ou3" 1or support. 9 %as 3o)ere5 in Ga8riel?s 8loo5. $"e kni1e %as t"i3k %it" it. Kaspar %as sittin- on t"e 3orner o1 t"e 3ou3" starin- at me. He "u55le5 in "is 3oat@ eyes %i5e. 9 5i5n?t 8lame "im. 9 %ipe5 my "an5s an5 8la5e on t"e 8la3k 3ou3". A$"anks 1or t"e "elp@ Hean2!lau5e.C A9 %as tol5 t"at you are a 5ominant no%@ ma petite. Stru--les o1 internal 5ominan3e are not to 8e inter1ere5 %it".C He smile5. ABesi5es@ you 5i5 not nee5 my "elp.C <aina knelt 8esi5e Ga8riel. S"e lo%ere5 "er 1a3e to "is 8lee5in- stoma3" an5 8e-an to li3k it. Lon-@ slo% mo)ements o1 "er ton-ue. Her t"roat 3on)ulse5 as s"e s%allo%e5. 9 %oul5 not 8e si3k. 9 %oul5 not 8e si3k. 9 looke5 at Kaspar. A="at are you 5oin- %it" t"ese t%oBC <aina raise5 a 8loo5 3oate5 1a3e. AKaspar is our sample.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC AHe 3an s"apes"i1t 8a3k an5 1ort" as o1ten as "e %ants to. He 5oesn?t pass out. =e use "im to test potential stars o1 our mo)ie pro5u3tions. $o see "o% t"ey rea3t to some8o5y 3"an-in- s"ape in t"e mi55le o1 t"in-s.C 9 %as -oin- to 8e si3k. APlease tell me you 5on?t mean "e 3"an-es in t"e mi55le o1 se* as a sort o1 s3reen test.C <aina 3o3ke5 "er "ea5 to one si5e. Her ton-ue rolle5 aroun5 "er mout"@ li3kin- t"e 8loo5 3lean. ADou kno% a8out our little 1ilmsBC ADea".C A9?m surprise5 <i3"ar5 tol5 you. He 5oesn?t appro)e o1 our 1un.C AAre you in t"e mo)iesBC AKaspar %on?t play on 1ilm@C <aina sai5. S"e stoo5 up an5 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 3ou3". A7ar3us %on?t 1or3e any8o5y to 8e on 1ilm. But Kaspar "elps us au5ition people. 4on?t you@ KasparBC He no55e5. He %as starin- at t"e 3arpet@ %orkin- )ery "ar5 at not lookin- at "er. A="y are you all "ere toni-"tBC 9 aske5. AHean2!lau5e promise5 us some )ampires 1or our ne*t mo)ie.C A$"at trueBC 9 aske5. Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e %as 8lank@ lo)ely 8ut unrea5a8le. A<o8ert nee5s to 8e punis"e5.C 9 1ro%ne5 at t"e 3"an-e o1 su8>e3t. A$"e 3o11in?s 1ull.C A$"ere are al%ays more 3o11ins@ Anita.C <o8ert 3ra%le5 1or%ar5. A9?m sorry@ master. 9?m sorry.C He 5i5n?t tou3" Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut "e 3rept 3lose to "im. A9 3an?t 8ear t"e 8o* a-ain@ master. Please.C ADou?re a1rai5 o1 <aina@ Hean2!lau5e. ="at 5o you e*pe3t <o8ert to 5o %it" "erBC A9 am not a1rai5 o1 <aina.C A'ine@ 8ut <o8ert %as o)ermat3"e5. Dou kno% "e %as.C APer"aps you are ri-"t@ ma petite.C <o8ert looke5 up. A moment o1 "ope 1las"e5 a3ross "is "an5some 1a3e. A$"ank you@ master.C He looke5 at me. A$"ank you@ Anita.C 9 s"ru--e5. ADou 3an "a)e <o8ert 1or your ne*t 1ilm@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. <o8ert -ra88e5 "is le-. A7aster@ 9 ... C A#"@ 3ome on@ Hean2!lau5e@ 5on?t -i)e "im to "er.C <aina ploppe5 5o%n on t"e 3ou3" 8et%een Kaspar an5 me. 9 stoo5 up. S"e put an arm o)er Kaspar?s s"oul5ers. He 1lin3"e5.

AHe?s "an5some enou-". Any )ampire 3an take a -reat 5eal o1 punis"ment. 7ost a33epta8le@C s"e sai5. ADou sa% t"em "ere toni-"t@C 9 sai5. A4o you really %ant to 5o t"at to one o1 your o%n peopleBC ALet <o8ert 5e3i5e@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A$"e 8o*@ or <ainaBC <o8ert looke5 up at t"e ly3ant"rope. S"e smile5 at "im %it" "er 8loo5y mout". <o8ert lo%ere5 "is "ea5 so "e 3oul5 see "er@ t"en no55e5. A/ot t"e 8o*. Anyt"in- is 8etter t"an t"at.C A9?m out o1 "ere@C 9 sai5. 9?5 "a5 all t"e interpreternatural politi3s t"at 9 3oul5 stan5 1or one ni-"t. A4on?t you %ant to see t"e s"o%BC <aina sai5. A9 t"ou-"t 9?5 seen t"e s"o%@C 9 sai5. S"e tosse5 Kaspar?s "at a3ross t"e room. AStrip@C s"e sai5. 9?5 s"eat"e5 t"e kni1e an5 retrie)e5 t"e Bro%nin- 1rom t"e 3arpet %"ere Ga8riel "a5 t"ro%n it. 9 %as arme5. 'or %"at -oo5 it 5i5 me. Kaspar sat t"ere on t"e 3ou3". $"ere %as a pink 1lus" to "is %"ite skin. His eyes -littere5. An-ry@ em8arrasse5. A9 %as a prin3e 8e1ore your an3estors 5is3o)ere5 t"is 3ountry.C <aina proppe5 "er 3"in on "is s"oul5er@ still "u--in- "is s"oul5ers. A=e kno% "o% 8lue your pe5i-ree is. Dou %ere a prin3e an5 you %ere su3" a 8i-@ 8a5 "unter@ su3" a %i3ke5 8oy t"at a %it3" 3urse5 you. S"e turne5 you into somet"in8eauti1ul an5 "armless. S"e "ope5 you?5 learn "o% to 8e -entle an5 kin5.C S"e li3ke5 "is ear@ runnin- "er "an5s t"rou-" "is 1eat"ery "air. ABut you aren?t -entle or kin5. Dour "eart is >ust as 3ol5 an5 your pri5e >ust as imper)ious as it %as 3enturies a-o. /o%@ take o11 your 3lot"es an5 turn into a s%an 1or us.C ADou 5on?t nee5 me to 5o it 1or t"e )ampire@C "e sai5. A/o@ 5o it 1or me. 4o it so Anita 3an see. 4o it so Ga8riel an5 9 5on?t "urt you.C Her )oi3e %as -oin- lo%er. ,a3" %or5 more measure5. ADou 3an?t kill me@ not e)en %it" sil)er@C "e sai5. ABut %e 3an make you %is" you 3oul5 5ie@ Kaspar.C He s3reame5@ a lo%@ ra--e5 3ry o1 1rustration. He stoo5 up a8ruptly an5 pulle5 on "is 3oat. $"e 8uttons snappe5 an5 1ell to t"e 3arpet. He 1lun- t"e 3oat into <aina?s 1a3e. S"e lau-"e5. 9 starte5 1or t"e 5oor. A#"@ 5on?t lea)e yet@ Anita. Kaspar may 8e a pain in t"e ass@ 8ut "e?s really ;uite 8eauti1ul.C 9 -lan3e5 8a3k. Kaspar?s sport >a3ket an5 tie lay on t"e 3arpet. He un8uttone5 "is %"ite 5ress s"irt %it" ;ui3k@ an-ry mo)ements. $"ere %as a line o1 %"ite 1eat"ers 5o%n t"e mi55le o1 "is 3"est. So1t an5 5o%ny as an ,aster 5u3k. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 kept -oin- 1or t"e 5oor. 9 5i5 not run. 9 5i5 not %alk 1aster t"an normal. 9t %as t"e 8ra)est t"in- 9?5 5one all ni-"t.

Chapter Twenty-seven
9 took a ta*i "ome. Step"en staye5 8e"in5 to strip or >ust to li3k Hean2!lau5e?s 8oots@ 9 %asn?t sure %"i3" an5 9 %asn?t sure 9 3are5. 9?5 ma5e sure Step"en %asn?t in trou8le. 9t %as t"e 8est 9 3oul5 5o. He %as Hean2!lau5e?s 3reature@ an5 9?5 "a5 a8out enou-" o1 t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity 1or one ni-"t. Killin- Gret3"en %as one t"in-@ tormentin- "er %as anot"er. 9 kept 1las"in- on t"e soun5 o1 "er 1ranti3ally 8eatin- "an5s. 9?5 like to 8elie)e t"at Hean2!lau5e %oul5 keep "er asleep@ 8ut 9 kne% 8etter. He %as a master )ampire. $"ey rule5@ in part@ t"rou-" 1ear. Gret3"en seeme5 like a real -oo5 t"reat. 4isplease me an5 9?ll 5o t"at to you. =orke5 1or me. 9 %as stan5in- outsi5e my apartment %"en 9 realiEe5 9 5i5n?t "a)e a key to it. 9?5 -i)en <i3"ar5 my 3ar keys@ %"i3" "a5 my "ouse keys on t"e rin-. 9t 1elt silly stan5in- out in t"e "all%ay a8out to kno3k on my o%n 1ront 5oor. $"e 5oor opene5 %it"out me tou3"in- it. <i3"ar5 stoo5 in t"e 5oor%ay. He smile5. AHi@C "e sai5. 9 1oun5 mysel1 smilin- 8a3k. AHi@ yoursel1.C He steppe5 8a3k to one si5e@ -i)in- me room. He "a5n?t trie5 to kiss me in t"e 5oor like #EEie meetin- Harriet a1ter %ork. 9 %as -la5. 9t %as too intimate a ritual. 91 %e e)er 5i5 t"is 1or real@ "e 3oul5 molest me at t"e 5oor@ 8ut not toni-"t. He 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 me@ an5 9 "al1 e*pe3te5 "im to take my 3oat. =isely@ "e 5i5 not.

9 took o11 my o%n 3oat an5 lai5 it a3ross t"e 3ou3"@ %"ere all -oo5 3oats -o. $"e %arm smell o1 3ookin- 1oo5 1ille5 t"e apartment. ADou?)e 8een 3ookin-@C 9 sai5@ not entirely please5. A9 t"ou-"t you mi-"t 8e "un-ry. Besi5es@ all 9 "a5 to 5o %as %ait. 9 3ooke5. 9t 1ille5 t"e time.C 9 3oul5 un5erstan5 t"at. $"ou-" 3ookin- %oul5 ne)er "a)e o33urre5 to me unless 1or3e5. $"e only li-"ts %ere in t"e kit3"en. 9t looke5 like a li-"te5 3a)e 1rom t"e 5arkene5 li)in- room. 91 9 %asn?t mistaken@ t"ere %ere 3an5les on t"e ta8le. AAre t"ose 3an5lesBC He lau-"e5. 9t "a5 an em8arrasse5 e5-e to it. A$oo "okeyBC A9t?s a t%o2seater 8reak1ast ta8le. Dou 3an?t possi8ly ser)e a 1an3y 5inner on it.C A9 t"ou-"t %e?5 use t"e 5i)i5er as a 8u11et an5 >ust "a)e plates on t"e ta8le. $"ere?s room i1 %e?re 3are1ul %"ere %e put our el8o%s.C He %alke5 past me into t"e li-"t. He starte5 putterin- %it" a sau3epan@ slos"in- somet"in- aroun5 in it. 9 stoo5 t"ere starin- at my kit3"en@ %at3"in- my possi8le 1ian3? 3ookin- my 5inner. 7y skin 1elt ti-"t an5 it3"y. 9 3oul5n?t 5ra% a 3omplete 8reat". 9 %ante5 to -o ri-"t 8a3k out t"e 5oor. $"is %as more intimate t"an a kiss at t"e 5oor. He?5 mo)e5 in@ ma5e "imsel1 at "ome. 9 5i5n?t lea)e. 9t %as t"e 8ra)est t"in- 9?5 5one all ni-"t. 9 3"e3ke5 t"e lo3k on t"e 5oor automati3ally. He?5 le1t it unlo3ke5. !areless. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o ne*t. 7y apartment %as my re1u-e. 9 3oul5 3ome "ere an5 >ust ki3k 8a3k. 9 3oul5 8e alone. 9 like5 8ein- alone. 9 nee5e5 some time to un%in5@ re-roup@ t"ink "o% to tell "im Hean2!lau5e an5 9 "a5 a 5ate. A=ill 5inner 8e spoile5 i1 9 3lean up 1irstBC A9 3an re"eat e)eryt"in- %"en you?re rea5y. 9 planne5 t"e meal so it %oul5n?t ruin no matter "o% late you %ere.C Great. A9?m -oin- to -o 3lean up t"en.C He turne5 to me@ 1rame5 8y t"e li-"t. He?5 tie5 "is "air 8a3k@ 8ut it %as 3omin- loose in lon-@ 3urlin- stran5s. His s%eater %as a 8urnt oran-e t"at ma5e "is skin look -ol5en "i-"li-"te5. He %as %earin- an apron t"at sai5@ 7rs. Lo)ett?s 7eatpies on it. 9 5i5n?t o%n an apron@ an5 9 3ertainly %oul5n?t "a)e 3"osen one %it" a lo-o 1rom S%eeney $o55. A musi3al a8out 3anni8alism seeme5 inappropriate 1or an apron. 4eli-"t1ully so@ 8ut still ... A9?m -oin- to -o 3lean up.C ADou sai5 t"at.C 9 turne5 on my "eel an5 %alke5 to t"e 8e5room. 9 5i5 not run@ t"ou-" t"e temptation %as -reat. 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor to my 8e5room an5 leane5 a-ainst it. 7y 8e5room %as untou3"e5. /o si-ns o1 in)asion. $"ere %as a lo)e seat un5er t"e room?s only %in5o%. Stu11e5 toy pen-uins sit on t"e lo)e seat an5 spill 5o%n onto t"e 1loor. $"e 3olle3tion %as t"reatenin- to take o)er "al1 t"e 1loor like a 3reepin- ti5e. 9 -ra88e5 t"e nearest one an5 sat on t"e 3orner o1 t"e 8e5. 9 "u--e5 it ti-"t@ 8uryin- t"e upper "al1 o1 my 1a3e in its 1uEEy "ea5. 9?5 sai5 9 %oul5 marry <i3"ar5@ so %"y %as 9 so 8u--e5 a8out "is su55en 5omesti3 turnB =e 5o%n-ra5e5 t"e yes to a may8e@ 8ut e)en i1 it "a5 still 8een a yes it %oul5 "a)e 8u--e5 me. 7arria-e. $"e impli3ations o1 t"at "a5n?t really sunk in. 9t %asn?t 1air to ask ;uestions like t"at %"en "e %as "al12nake5 an5 lookin- yummy. 91 "e?5 5roppe5 to one knee o)er a 1an3y restaurant 5inner@ %oul5 my ans%er "a)e 8een 5i11erentB 7ay8e. But %e?5 ne)er kno%@ %oul5 %eB 91 9?5 8een alone@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e eaten at all. 9?5 "a)e taken a s"o%er@ t"ro%n on an o)ersiEe $2s"irt@ an5 -one to 8e5 surroun5e5 8y a 1e% sele3t pen-uins. /o% 9 "a5 a 1an3y 5inner to eat@ 8y 3an5leli-"t nonet"eless. 91 9 sai5 9 %asn?t "un-ry@ %oul5 "e 8e insulte5B =oul5 "e poutB =oul5 "e yell a8out all t"e %ork -oin- to %aste an5 tell me a8out star)in- ki5s in Sout"east AsiaB AS"it@C 9 sai5 so1tly an5 %it" 1eelin-. =ell@ "ell@ i1 %e e)er %ere -oin- to 3o"a8itate@ "e?5 "a)e to kno% t"e trut". 9 %as unso3ia8le@ an5 1oo5 %as somet"in- you ate so you %oul5n?t 5ie. 9 5e3i5e5 to 5o %"at 9?5 "a)e 5one i1 "e "a5n?t 8een "ere@ sort o1. 9 really 5islike5 1eelin- un3om1orta8le in my o%n "ome. 91 9?5 kno%n it %as -oin- to 1eel like t"is@ 9?5 "a)e 3alle5 <onnie to %ake me e)ery "our. 9 %as 1ine. 9 5i5n?t nee5 t"e "elp@ 8ut <onnie %oul5 "a)e 8een more 3om1y@ less t"reatenin-. #1 3ourse@ i1 Gret3"en -ot out o1 "er 8o*@ 9 truste5 <i3"ar5 %oul5 sur)i)e an atta3k@ 8ut %asn?t so sure a8out <onnie. #ne -oo5 point in <i3"ar5?s 1a)or. He %as 5amn "ar5 to kill. 9 put t"e Bro%nin- in t"e "olster 8uilt into t"e 8e5. 9 strippe5 o11 t"e s%eater an5 let it 1all to t"e 1loor. 9t %as ruine5 an5 s%eaters 5i5n?t %rinkle any%ay. 9 lai5 t"e 'irestar on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e toilet. $"en 9 strippe5 o11 an5 -ot in t"e s"o%er. 9 5i5n?t lo3k t"e 8e5room 5oor. 9t %oul5 seem insultin-@ as i1@ i1 9 5i5n?t lo3k t"e 5oor@ "e?5 8e nake5 in t"e 8e5 %it" a rose in "is teet" %"en 9 3ame out. 9 lo3ke5 t"e 8at"room 5oor. 9?5 5one it %"en 9 %as "ome %it" my 1at"er. /o% 9 5i5 it so i1 someone 8uste5 5o%n t"e 5oor@ 9?5 "a)e time to -ra8 t"e 'irestar o11 t"e toilet. 9 turne5 t"e s"o%er on as "ot as it %oul5 -o an5 staye5 un5er it until my 1in-ers starte5 to prune. 9 %as s3ru88e5 3lean an5 "a5 5elaye5 as lon- as 9 3oul5.

9 %ipe5 t"e steam 1rom t"e mirror %it" a to%el. $"e top layer o1 skin %as -one 1rom my ri-"t 3"eek. 9t %oul5 "eal >ust 1ine@ 8ut a s3rape looks like "ell until it "eals. $"ere %as a small s3rape on my 3"in an5 t"e si5e o1 my nose. A knot %as 8lossomin- into 8rilliant 3olor on my 1ore"ea5. 9 looke5 as t"ou-" 9?5 8een "it 8y a train. 9t %as amaEin- t"at anyone %ante5 to kiss me. 9 peeke5 out t"e 5oor into t"e 8e5room. /o one %as %aitin- 1or me. $"e room %as empty an5 1ull o1 t"e %"ir o1 t"e "eater. 9t %as ;uiet@ pea3e1ul@ an5 9 3oul5n?t "ear any noises 1rom t"e kit3"en. 9 let out a lon- si-". Alone@ 1or a little %"ile. 9 %as )ain enou-" t"at 9 5i5n?t %ant <i3"ar5 to see me in my usual ni-"ttime attire. 9 "a5 "a5 a ni3e 8la3k ro8e t"at mat3"e5 a tiny 8la3k te55y. An o)erly optimisti3 5ate "a5 -i)en it to me. He ne)er -ot to see me %ear it. 'an3y t"at. $"e ro8e "a5 5ie5 a sa5 5eat" 3o)ere5 in 8loo5 an5 ot"er 8o5ily 1lui5s. =earin- t"e te55y seeme5 3ruel sin3e 9 5i5n?t plan on "a)in- se* %it" "im. 9 stoo5 in 1ront o1 my 3loset an5 5i5n?t "a)e a t"in- to %ear. Sin3e 9 3onsi5er 3lot"es somet"in- you %ear so you %on?t 8e nake5@ t"at %as pretty sa5. 9 put on an o)ersiEe $2s"irt %it" a 3ari3ature o1 7ary S"elley on it@ a pair o1 -rey s%eatpants2not t"e 1an3y ones@ eit"er@ t"e kin5 %it" a 5ra%strin- in t"em. $"e %ay Go5 inten5e5 s%eatpants to 8e. A pair o1 %"ite >o--in- so3ks@ t"e 3losest t"in- 9 o%ne5 to slippers@ an5 9 %as rea5y to -o. 9 looke5 at mysel1 in t"e mirror an5 %asn?t "appy. 9 %as 3om1orta8le@ 8ut it %asn?t )ery 1latterin-. But it %as "onest. 9?)e ne)er un5erstoo5 t"ose %omen %"o %ear makeup@ 5o t"eir "air@ an5 5ress %on5er1ully until a1ter t"ey?re marrie5. Su55enly@ t"ey 1or-et %"at makeup is an5 lose all t"eir t"in 3lot"es. 91 %e 5i5 marry@ "e s"oul5 see %"at "e?5 8e sleepin8esi5e e)ery ni-"t. 9 s"ru--e5 an5 %alke5 out. He?5 3om8e5 "is "air out. 9t 1oame5 aroun5 "is 1a3e@ so1t an5 in)itin-. $"e 3an5les %ere -one. So %as t"e apron. He stoo5 in t"e entry%ay 8et%een kit3"en an5 li)in- room. His arms %ere 3rosse5 o)er "is 3"est@ s"oul5er leanin- a-ainst t"e 5oor>am8. He smile5. He looke5 so s3rumptious@ 9 %ante5 to -o 8a3k in an5 3"an-e@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. A9?m sorry@C "e sai5. A="at a8outBC A9?m not 3ompletely sure@ 8ut 9 t"ink 1or presumin- 9 3oul5 take o)er your kit3"en.C A9 t"ink it?s t"e 1irst meal t"at?s e)er 8een 3ooke5 in it.C His smile %i5ene5@ an5 "e pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e 5oor. He %alke5 to%ar5s me. He mo)e5 in t"e 3ir3le o1 "is o%n ener-y. /ot t"at ot"er%orl5ly po%er@ 8ut >ust <i3"ar5. #r %as itB 7ay8e a lot o1 "is 5ri)e %as 1rom "is 8east. He stoo5 starin- 5o%n at me@ 3lose enou-" to tou3" 8ut not 5oin- it. A9 %as -oin- 3raEy %aitin- 1or you. 9 -ot t"is i5ea to 3ook a 1an3y meal. 9t %as stupi5. Dou 5on?t "a)e to eat it@ 8ut it kept me 1rom runnin- 5o%n to Guilty Pleasures an5 5e1en5in- your "onor.C 9t ma5e me smile. A4amn you@ 9 3an?t e)en pout aroun5 you. Dou al%ays >olly me out o1 it.C AAn5 t"is is a 8a5 t"in-BC 9 lau-"e5. ADes. 9 en>oy my 8a5 moo5s@ t"ank you )ery mu3".C He tra3e5 1in-ers 5o%n my s"oul5ers@ knea5in- t"e mus3les in my upper arms. 9 pulle5 a%ay 1rom "im. APlease@ 5on?t.C Hust like t"at@ t"e 3oEy 5omesti3 s3ene %as ruine5. All my 1ault. His "an5s 5roppe5 to "is si5es. A9?m sorry.C 9 5i5n?t t"ink "e meant t"e meal. He took a 5eep 8reat" an5 no55e5. ADou 5on?t "a)e to eat a 8ite.C 9 -uess %e %ere -oin- to preten5 "e "a5 meant t"e meal. 'ine %it" me. A91 9 sai5 9 %asn?t "un-ry at all@ you %oul5n?t 8e ma5 at meBC A9 1i*e5 t"e meal to make me 1eel 8etter. 91 it 8ot"ers you@ 5on?t eat it.C A9?ll 5rink a 3up o1 3o11ee an5 %at3" you eat.C He smile5. A9t?s a 5eal.C He staye5 stan5in-@ lookin- 5o%n at me. He looke5 sa5. Lost. 91 you lo)e someone@ you s"oul5n?t make t"em misera8le. 9t?s a rule some%"ere@ or s"oul5 8e. ADou 3om8e5 your "air out.C ADou like it loose.C AHust like t"is is one o1 my 1a)orite s%eaters@C 9 sai5. A9s itBC His )oi3e "el5 a teasin- e5-e to it. 9 3oul5 "a)e t"e li-"tness 8a3k. =e 3oul5 "a)e a ni3e rela*in- e)enin-. 9t %as up to me. 9 looke5 up into "is 8i- 8ro%n eyes an5 %ante5 it. But 9 3oul5n?t lie to "im. $"at %oul5 8e %orse t"an 3ruel. A$"is is a%k%ar5.C A9 kno%. 9?m sorry.C AStop apolo-iEin-. 9t?s not your 1ault. 9t?s mine.C

He s"ook "is "ea5. ADou 3an?t "elp "o% you 1eel.C A7y 1irst instin3t is to 3ut an5 run@ <i3"ar5. Stop seein- you. /o more lon- 3on)ersations. /o tou3"in-. /ot"in-.C A91 t"at?s %"at you %ant.C His )oi3e soun5e5 sort o1 stran-le5@ as i1 it 3ost "im 5early to say t"ose %or5s. A="at 9 %ant is you. 9 >ust 5on?t kno% i1 9 3an "an5le all o1 you.C A9 s"oul5n?t "a)e propose5 until you?5 seen %"at 9 really %as.C A9 sa% 7ar3us an5 t"e -an-.C A9t?s not t"e same as seein- me -o 8eastly on you@ is itBC 9 took a 5eep 8reat"@ an5 let it out slo%ly. A/o@C 9 sai5@ Ait isn?t.C A91 you "a)e someone else you 3an 3all to %ait %it" you toni-"t@ 9?ll -o. Dou sai5 you nee5e5 time an5 9 pra3ti3ally mo)e in. 9?m pus"in-.C ADea"@ you are.C A9?m s3are5 t"at 9?m losin- you@C "e sai5. APus"in- %on?t "elp@C 9 sai5. A9 -uess not.C 9 stoo5 t"ere starin- at "im. $"e apartment %as 5ark. $"e only li-"t 1rom t"e kit3"en. 9t 3oul5 "a)e 8een@ s"oul5 "a)e 8een@ )ery intimate. 9 tol5 e)ery8o5y t"at ly3ant"ropy %as >ust a 5isease. 9t %as ille-al an5 immoral to 5is3riminate. 9 5i5n?t "a)e a pre>u5i3e5 8one in my 8o5y@ or so 9 tol5 mysel1. Starin- up into <i3"ar5?s "an5some 1a3e@ 9 kne% it %asn?t true. 9 %as pre>u5i3e5. 9 %as pre>u5i3e5 a-ainst monsters. #"@ t"ey %ere -oo5 enou-" to 8e my 1rien5s@ 8ut e)en my 3losest 1rien5s@ <onnie an5 !at"erine@ %ere "uman. Goo5 enou-" to 8e 1rien5s@ 8ut not -oo5 enou-" to lo)e. /ot -oo5 enou-" to s"are my 8e5. 9s t"at really %"at 9 t"ou-"tB =as t"at %"o 9 %asB 9t %asn?t %"o 9 %ante5 to 8e. 9 raise5 Eom8ies an5 sle% )ampires. 9 %asn?t 3lean enou-" to t"ro% stones. 9 mo)e5 3loser to "im. AHol5 me@ <i3"ar5. Hust "ol5 me.C His arms en1ol5e5 me. 9 %rappe5 my arms aroun5 "is %aist@ pressin- my 1a3e a-ainst "is 3"est. 9 3oul5 "ear "is "eart8eat@ 1ast an5 stron-. 9 "el5 "im@ listenin- to t"e 8eat o1 "is "eart@ 8reat"in- "is %armt". 'or >ust an instant 9 1elt sa1e. 9t %as t"e %ay 9?5 1elt 8e1ore my mot"er 5ie5. $"at 3"il5is" 8elie1 t"at not"in- 3an "urt you %"ile 7ommy an5 4a55y "ol5 you ti-"t. $"at utter 1ait" t"at t"ey 3an make e)eryt"in- all ri-"t. 9n <i3"ar5?s arms@ 1or 8rie1 moments@ 9 "a5 t"at a-ain. ,)en t"ou-" 9 kne% it %as a lie. Hell@ it "a5 8een a lie t"e 1irst time. 7y mot"er?s 5eat" "a5 pro)en t"at. 9 pulle5 a%ay 1irst. He 5i5n?t try an5 "ol5 on. He 5i5n?t say anyt"in-. 91 "e?5 sai5 anyt"in- remotely sympat"eti3 9 mi-"t "a)e 3rie5. !oul5n?t "a)e t"at. 4o%n to 8usiness. ADou "a)en?t aske5 "o% it %ent %it" Hean2!lau5e.C ADou %ere almost ma5 at me %"en you 3ame t"rou-" t"e 5oor. 9 t"ou-"t i1 9 starte5 ;uestionin- you ri-"t o11 t"e 8at@ you mi-"t yell at me.C He?5 ma5e 3o11ee all on "is o%n. $"at earne5 "im at least t%o 8ro%nie points. A9 %asn?t ma5 at you.C 9 poure5 3o11ee into my 8a8y pen-uin mu-. <e-ar5less o1 %"at 9 take to %ork@ it is my 1a)orite mu-. ADes@ you %ere@C "e sai5. ADou %ant some 3o11eeBC ADou kno% 9 5on?t like it.C Ho% 5o you trust a man t"at 5oesn?t like 3o11eeB A9 keep "opin- you?ll 3ome to your senses.C He starte5 5is"in- out "is meal. ASure you 5on?t %ant someBC A/o@ t"anks.C 9t %as some small 8ro%n meat in a 8ro%n sau3e. Lookin- at it ma5e me nauseous. 9?5 eaten later t"an t"is %it" ,5%ar5@ 8ut toni-"t@ 1oo5 >ust 5i5n?t soun5 -oo5. 7ay8e -ettin- my "ea5 8as"e5 into 3on3rete "a5 somet"in- to 5o %it" t"at. 9 sat 5o%n in one o1 t"e 3"airs@ one knee 5ra%n up to my 3"est. $"e 3o11ee %as Viennese 3innamon@ one o1 my 1a)orites. Su-ar@ real 3ream@ an5 it %as per1e3t. <i3"ar5 sat 5o%n opposite me. He 8o%e5 "is "ea5 an5 sai5 -ra3e o)er "is meal. He?s ,pis3opalian@ 5i5 9 mention t"atB ,*3ept 1or t"e 1urry part@ "e really is per1e3t 1or me. A$ell me %"at "appene5 %it" Hean2!lau5e@ please@C "e aske5. 9 sippe5 my 3o11ee an5 trie5 to t"ink o1 a s"ort )ersion. #kay@ a s"ort )ersion <i3"ar5 %oul5n?t min5 "earin-. #kay@ may8e >ust t"e trut". AHe took t"e ne%s 8etter t"an 9 t"ou-"t "e %oul5@ a3tually.C <i3"ar5 looke5 up 1rom "is meal@ sil)er%are poise5. AHe took it %ellBC A9 5i5n?t say t"at. He 5i5n?t 8urst t"rou-" a %all an5 try to kill you imme5iately. He took it 8etter t"an 9 e*pe3te5.C

<i3"ar5 no55e5. He took a sip o1 %ater an5 sai5@ A4i5 "e t"reaten to kill meBC A#"@ yea". But it %as almost like "e sa% t"is 3omin-. He 5i5n?t like it@ 8ut it 5i5n?t 3at3" "im 8y 3omplete surprise.C A9s "e -oin- to try an5 kill meBC He aske5 it )ery 3almly@ eatin- "is meat an5 8ro%n sau3e. A/o@ "e isn?t.C A="y notBC 9t %as a -oo5 ;uestion. 9 %on5ere5 %"at "e?5 t"ink o1 t"e ans%er. AHe %ants to 5ate me.C <i3"ar5 stoppe5 eatin-. He >ust looke5 at me. ="en "e 3oul5 speak@ "e sai5@ AHe %"atBC AHe %ants a 3"an3e to %oo me. He says t"at i1 "e 3an?t %in me 1rom you in a 1e% mont"s@ "e?ll -i)e up. He?ll let us -o our merry %ay@ an5 "e %on?t inter1ere.C <i3"ar5 sat 8a3k in "is 3"air. AAn5 you 8elie)e "imBC ADea". Hean2!lau5e t"inks "e?s irresisti8le. 9 t"ink "e 8elie)es t"at i1 9 let "im use all "is 3"arms on me@ 9?ll re3onsi5er.C A=ill youBC His )oi3e %as )ery ;uiet %"en "e aske5. A/o@ 9 5on?t t"ink so.C 9t %asn?t a rousin- en5orsement. A9 kno% you lust a1ter "im@ Anita. 4o you lo)e "imBC $"e 3on)ersation %as 8e3omin- 5?>X2)uis". A9n some 5ark@ t%iste5 part o1 my "eart@ yea". But not t"e %ay 9 lo)e you.C AHo% is it 5i11erentBC ALook@ 9 >ust "a5 t"is 3on)ersation %it" Hean2!lau5e. 9 lo)e you. !an you see me settin- up "ouse %it" t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ityBC A!an you see settin- up "ouse %it" an alp"a %ere%ol1BC S"it. 9 stare5 a3ross t"e ta8le at "im@ an5 si-"e5. He %as pus"in-@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t 8lame "im. 91 9?5 8een "im@ 9?5 "a)e 5umpe5 me. 91 9 5i5n?t lo)e "im enou-" to a33ept all o1 "im@ t"en %"o t"e "ell nee5e5 meB 9 5i5n?t %ant "im to 5ump me. 9 %ante5 to 8e in5e3isi)e 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to lose "im. $alk a8out "a)in- your 3ake an5 eatin- it@ too. 9 leane5 a3ross t"e ta8le an5 "el5 my "an5 out to "im. A1ter a moment "e took it. A9 5on?t %ant to lose you.C ADou %on?t lose me.C ADou are a "ell o1 a lot more tolerant t"an 9 %oul5 8e.C He 5i5n?t smile. A9 kno% 9 am.C 9 %oul5 "a)e like5 to ar-ue@ 8ut trut" is trut". A9?5 8e 8i--er a8out t"is i1 9 3oul5.C A9 un5erstan5 your "a)in- reser)ations a8out marryin- a %ere%ol1. ="o %oul5n?tB But Hean2!lau5e ... C He s"ook "is "ea5. 9 s;ueeEe5 "is "an5. A!ome on@ <i3"ar5. $"is is t"e 8est %e 3an 5o ri-"t no%. Hean2!lau5e %on?t try an5 kill eit"er o1 us. =e still -et to 5ate an5 see ea3" ot"er.C A9 5on?t like you 8ein- 1or3e5 into 5atin- "im.C He ru88e5 "is 1in-ers a3ross my knu3kles@ 3aressin-. A9 like it e)en less t"at 9 t"ink you?ll en>oy it. 9n t"at small 5ark part o1 yoursel1@ you?ll 8e "a)in- a )ery -oo5 time.C 9 %ante5 to 5eny it@ 8ut it %oul5 8e a total lie. ADou 3an smell it i1 9 lieBC ADep@C "e sai5. A$"en it?s intri-uin- an5 terri1yin-.C A9 %ant you sa1e so t"e terri1yin- part 8ot"ers me@ 8ut t"e intri-uin- part 8ot"ers me more.C AHealousBC A=orrie5.C ="at 3oul5 9 sayB So %as 9.

Chapter Twenty-eight
$"e p"one ran-. 9 -rope5 1or it an5 1oun5 not"in-. 9 raise5 my "ea5 an5 1oun5 t"e ni-"tstan5 empty. $"e p"one %as -one. 9t "a5 e)en stoppe5 rin-in-. $"e ra5io 3lo3k %as still t"ere@ -lo%in- re5. 9t rea5 1J 3. 9 staye5 proppe5 on my el8o% 8linkin- at t"e empty spa3e. =as 9 5reamin-B ="y %oul5 9 5ream t"at someone "a5 stolen my p"oneB $"e 8e5room 5oor opene5. <i3"ar5 stoo5 1rame5 in t"e li-"t 8eyon5. A". /o% 9 remem8ere5. He?5 taken t"e p"one into t"e li)in- room so it %oul5n?t %ake me. Sin3e "e %as "a)in- to %ake me e)ery "our@ 9?5 let "im 5o it. ="en you?re only sleepin- an "our@ e)en a s"ort p"one 3all 3an s3re% t"in-s up.

A="o is itBC A9t?s Ser-eant <u5ol1 Storr. 9 aske5 "im to %ait until 9 "a5 to %ake you@ 8ut "e %as pretty insistent.C 9 3oul5 ima-ine. A9t?s all ri-"t.C A=oul5 1i1teen minutes "a)e kille5 "imBC <i3"ar5 aske5. 9 s%un- my le-s out 1rom un5er t"e 3o)ers. A4olp"?s in t"e mi55le o1 a mur5er in)esti-ation@ <i3"ar5. Patien3e isn?t "is stron- suit.C <i3"ar5 3rosse5 "is arms o)er "is 3"est@ leanin- a-ainst t"e 5oor>am8. $"e li-"t 1rom t"e li)in- room ma5e strons"a5o%s on "is 1a3e. $"e s"a5o%s 3ut "u-e s;uare s"apes on "is oran-e s%eater. He ra5iate5 5ispleasure. 9t ma5e me smile. 9 patte5 "is arm as 9 %ent past. 9 seeme5 to "a)e in"erite5 a %at3"%ol1. $"e p"one %as sittin- >ust insi5e t"e 1ront 5oor@ %"ere t"e ot"er p"one >a3k %as. 9 sat 5o%n on t"e 1loor@ puttin- my 8a3k to t"e %all@ an5 pi3ke5 up t"e p"one. A4olp"@ it?s me. ="at?s upBC A="o?s t"is <i3"ar5 Keeman t"at?s ans%erin- your p"one in t"e mi55le o1 t"e ni-"tBC 9 3lose5 my eyes. 7y "ea5 "urt. 7y 1a3e "urt. 9 "a5n?t "a5 a "ell o1 a lot o1 sleep. ADou?re not my 1at"er@ 4olp". ="at?s upBC A moment o1 silen3e. A4e1ensi)e@ aren?t %eBC ADea"@ %ant to make somet"in- o1 itBC A/o@C "e sai5. ADou 3all >ust to 3at3" up on my personal li1e or is t"ere a reason you %oke me upBC 9 kne% it %asn?t anot"er mur5er. He %as 8ein- too 3"eer1ul 1or t"at@ %"i3" ma5e me %on5er i1 it 3oul5n?t "a)e %aite5 a 1e% "ours. A=e 1oun5 somet"in-.C A="at e*a3tlyBC A9?5 rat"er you >ust 3ome an5 see it 1or yoursel1.C A4on?t 5o t"is to me@ 4olp". Hust tell me %"at t"e 1u3k it is.C Anot"er silen3e. 91 "e %as %aitin- 1or me to apolo-iEe@ "e %as in 1or a lon- %ait. 'inally. A=e 1oun5 a skin.C A="at kin5 o1 skinBC A91 %e kne% %"at t"e "ell it %as@ %oul5 9 8e 3allin- you at one o?3lo3k in t"e 1reakin- mornin-BC He soun5e5 an-ry. 9 -uess 9 3oul5n?t 8lame "im. A9?m sorry@ 4olp". 9?m sorry 9 snappe5 at you.C A'ine.C He "a5n?t e*a3tly a33epte5 my apolo-y. 'ine. A9s it 3onne3te5 to t"e mur5erBC A9 5on?t t"ink so@ 8ut 9?m not some "ots"ot preternatural e*pert.C He still soun5e5 pisse5. 7ay8e "e %asn?t -ettin- mu3" sleep@ eit"er. #1 3ourse@ 9 8et no one "a5 smas"e5 "is "ea5 into a si5e%alk. A="ere are youBC He -a)e me t"e a55ress. 9t %as 5o%n in He11erson !ounty@ 1ar a%ay 1rom t"e mur5er s3ene. A="en 3an you 8e "ereBC A9 3an?t 5ri)e@C 9 sai5. A="atBC A4o3tor?s or5ers@ 9?m not to -et 8e"in5 t"e %"eel o1 a 3ar toni-"t.C AHo% 8a5 are you "urtBC A/ot too 8a5@ 8ut t"e 5o3tor %ante5 me %oken up e)ery "our@ an5 no 5ri)in-.C A$"at?s %"y 7r. Keeman is t"ere.C ADea".C A91 you?re too "urt to 3ome toni-"t@ it 3an %ait.C A9s t"e skin %"ere it %as 1oun5B /ot"in- 5istur8e5BC ADea".C A9?ll 3ome. ="o kno%sB $"ere mi-"t 8e a 3lue.C He let t"at -o. AHo% are you -oin- to -et "ereBC

9 -lan3e5 at <i3"ar5. He 3oul5 5ri)e me@ 8ut some"o% 9 5i5n?t t"ink it %as a -oo5 i5ea. He %as a 3i))ie@ 1or one t"in-. He %as a ly3ant"rope@ 1or anot"er. He ans%ere5 to 7ar3us@ an5 to a 5e-ree to Hean2!lau5e. /ot a -oo5 person to 8rin- into a preternatural mur5er in)esti-ation. Besi5es@ i1 "e?5 8een "uman@ t"e ans%er %oul5 "a)e 8een t"e same. /o 5eal. A:nless you 3an sen5 a s;ua5 3ar@ 9 -uess 9?ll take a ta*i.C AKer8ro%ski 5i5n?t ans%er "is 1irst pa-e. He li)es in St. Peters. He?ll "a)e to 3ome ri-"t 8y you. He 3an pi3k you up.C A9s t"at okay %it" "imBC A9t %ill 8e@C 4olp" sai5. Great. $rappe5 in a 3ar %it" Ker8ro%ski. A'ine@ 9?ll 8e 5resse5 an5 %aitin-.C A4resse5BC A4on?t e)en start@ 4olp".C A$ou3"y@ )ery tou3"y.C AStop it.C He lau-"e5. 9t %as -oo5 to "ear "im lau-". 9t meant not many people "a5 5ie5 t"is time. 4olp" 5i5n?t lau-" mu3" 5urinserial2killer 3ases. He "un- up. So 5i5 9. ADou "a)e to -o outBC <i3"ar5 aske5. ADea".C A4o you 1eel %ell enou-" to -oBC ADes.C AAnita ... C 9 leane5 my "ea5 a-ainst t"e %all an5 3lose5 my eyes. A4on?t@ <i3"ar5. 9?m -oin-.C A/o 5e8ate allo%e5BC A/o 5e8ate@C 9 sai5. 9 opene5 my eyes an5 looke5 at "im. He %as starin- 5o%n at me@ arms 3rosse5. A="atBC 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A91 9 tol5 you t"at 9 %as -oin- to 5o somet"in-@ no 5e8ate@ you?5 8e ma5.C A/o@ 9 %oul5n?t.C AAnita.C He sai5 my name t"e %ay my 1at"er use to say it. A9 %oul5n?t@ not i1 your reasons %ere )ali5.C AAnita@ you?5 8e pisse5@ an5 you kno% it.C 9 %ante5 to 5eny it 8ut 3oul5n?t. AAll ri-"t@ you?re ri-"t. 9 %oul5n?t like it.C 9 stare5 up at "im. 9 %as -oin- to "a)e to -i)e "im reasons %"y 9 %as -oin- to -o out an5 5o my >o8. 9t %asn?t a pretty si-"t. 9 stoo5. 9 %ante5 to say 9 5i5n?t "a)e to e*plain mysel1 to anyone@ 8ut i1 9 meant t"is marria-e t"in-@ it %asn?t true anymore. 9 5i5n?t like t"at mu3". His 8ein- a %ere%ol1 %as not t"e only "ur5le to 5omesti3 8liss. A$"is is poli3e 8usiness@ <i3"ar5. People 5ie %"en 9 5on?t 5o my >o8.C A9 t"ou-"t your >o8 %as raisin- Eom8ies an5 e*e3utin- )ampires.C ADou soun5 like Bert.C ADou?)e tol5 me enou-" a8out Bert t"at 9 kno% t"at is an insult.C A91 you 5on?t %ant to 8e 3ompare5@ t"en stop sayin- one o1 "is 1a)orite t"in-s.C 9 %alke5 past "im to%ar5s t"e 8e5room. A9?)e -ot to -et 5resse5.C He 1ollo%e5 me. A9 kno% t"at "elpin- t"e poli3e is )ery important to you.C 9 turne5 on "im. A9 5on?t >ust "elp t"e poli3e@ <i3"ar5. $"e spook s;ua5 is >ust o)er t%o years ol5. $"e 3ops on it 5i5n?t kno% s"it a8out preternatural 3reatures. 9t %as a -ar8a-e 5etail. 4o somet"in- to piss o11 your superiors an5 you -et trans1erre5.C A$"e ne%spapers an5 $V sai5 it %as an in5epen5ent task 1or3e like t"e ma>or task 1or3e. $"at?s an "onor.C A#"@ yea"@ ri-"t. $"e s;ua5 -ets almost no e*tra 1un5in-. /o spe3ial trainin- in preternatural 3reatures or e)ents. 4olp"@ Ser-eant Storr@ sa% me in t"e paper an5 3onta3te5 Bert. $"ere %as no trainin- in preternatural 3rime 1or la% o11i3ers in t"is 3ountry. 4olp" t"ou-"t 9 3oul5 8e an a5)iser.C

ADou?re a "e3k o1 a lot more t"an an a5)iser.C ADes@ 9 am.C 9 3oul5 "a)e tol5 "im t"at earlier in t"e summer 4olp" "a5 trie5 not 3allin- me in ri-"t a%ay. 9t "a5 seeme5 like a 3lear23ut 3ase o1 -"ouls in a 3emetery -ettin- a little am8itious an5 atta3kin- a ne3kin- 3ouple. G"ouls %ere 3o%ar5s an5 5i5n?t atta3k a8le28o5ie5 people@ 8ut e*3eptions to t"e rule an5 all t"at. By t"e time 4olp" 3alle5 me in@ si* people %ere 5ea5. 9t "a5n?t 8een -"ouls. So lately 4olp" "a5 starte5 3allin- me at t"e 8e-innin- 8e1ore t"in-s -ot too messy. Sometimes 9 3oul5 5ia-nose a pro8lem 8e1ore it -ot out o1 "an5. But 9 3oul5n?t tell <i3"ar5 t"at. $"ere mi-"t "a)e 8een a lo%er kill 3ount i1 9?5 8een 3alle5 in t"is summer@ 8ut t"at %as no one?s 8usiness 8ut 4olp"?s an5 mine. =e?5 spoken o1 it only on3e@ an5 t"at %as enou-". <i3"ar5 %as a 3i))ie@ %ere%ol1 or not. 9t %asn?t any o1 "is 8usiness. ALook@ 9 5on?t kno% i1 9 3an e*plain t"is so you?ll un5erstan5@ 8ut 9 "a)e to -o. 9t may "ea5 o11 a lar-er pro8lem. 9t may keep me 1rom "a)in- to -o to a mur5er s3ene later on. !an you un5erstan5 t"atBC He looke5 perple*e5@ 8ut %"at 3ame out o1 "is mout" %asn?t. A/ot really@ 8ut may8e 9 5on?t "a)e to. 7ay8e seein- it?s important to you is enou-".C 9 let out a 5eep 8reat". AGreat. /o% 9?)e -ot to -et rea5y. Ker8ro%ski %ill 8e "ere any time. He?s t"e 5ete3ti)e -i)in- me a ri5e.C <i3"ar5 >ust no55e5. =ise o1 "im. 9 %ent into t"e 8e5room an5 3lose5 t"e 5oor. Grate1ully. =oul5 t"is 8e a re-ular o33urren3e i1 %e marrie5B =oul5 9 8e 1ore)er e*plainin- mysel1B Go5@ 9 "ope5 not. Anot"er pair o1 8la3k >eans@ a re5 s%eater %it" a 3o%l ne3k@ so so1t an5 1uEEy t"at it ma5e me 1eel 8etter >ust to %ear it. $"e Bro%nin-?s s"oul5er "olster looke5 )ery 5ark an5 5ramati3 a-ainst t"e 3rimson o1 t"e s%eater. $"e re5 s%eater also 8rou-"t out t"e ra%2meat 3olor o1 t"e s3rapes on my 1a3e. 9 mi-"t "a)e 3"an-e5 it@ 8ut t"e 5oor8ell ran-. Ker8ro%ski. <i3"ar5 %as ans%erin- t"e 5oor %"ile 9 stare5 at mysel1 in t"e mirror. $"at t"ou-"t alone %as enou-". 9 %ent 1or t"e 5oor. Ker8ro%ski %as stan5in- >ust insi5e t"e 5oor@ "an5s in t"e po3kets o1 "is o)er3oat. His 3urly 8la3k "air %it" its tou3"es o1 -rey %as 1res"ly 3ut. $"ere %as e)en "air2-oop in it. Ker8ro%ski %as usually lu3ky i1 "e remem8ere5 to 3om8 "is "air. $"e suit t"at s"o%e5 1rom "is open 3oat %as 8la3k an5 1ormal. His tie %as taste1ul an5 neatly knotte5. 9 -lan3e5 5o%n@ an5 yes in5ee5@ "is s"oes %ere s"ine5. 9?5 ne)er seen "im %"en "e 5i5n?t "a)e 1oo5 stains on "im some%"ere. A="ere %ere you all 5resse5 upBC 9 aske5. A="ere %ere you all un5resse5BC "e aske5. He smile5 %"en "e sai5 it. 9 1elt "eat rus" up my 1a3e an5 "ate5 it a lot. 9 "a5n?t 5one anyt"in- %ort" 8lus"in- 1or. A'ine@ let?s -o.C 9 -ra88e5 my tren3" 3oat 1rom t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 3ou3" an5 tou3"e5 5rie5 8loo5. S"it. A9?)e -ot to -et a 3lean 3oat. 9?ll 8e ri-"t 8a3k.C A9?ll >ust talk to 7r. Keeman "ere@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. 9 %as a1rai5 o1 t"at@ 8ut 9 %ent 1or my leat"er >a3ket any%ay. 91 %e en5e5 up en-a-e5@ <i3"ar5 %oul5 "a)e to meet Ker8ro%ski sooner or later. Later %oul5 "a)e 8een my pre1eren3e. A="at 5o you 5o 1or a li)in-@ 7r. KeemanBC A9?m a s3"ooltea3"er.C A#"@ really.C 9 lost t"e 3on)ersation t"en. 9 -ra88e5 t"e >a3ket 1rom t"e 3loset an5 %alke5 8a3k out. $"ey %ere 3"attin- alon- like ol5 8u55ies. ADes@ Anita is our preternatural e*pert. =oul5n?t kno% %"at to 5o %it"out "er.C A9?m rea5y. Let?s -o.C 9 %alke5 past t"em an5 opene5 t"e 5oor. 9 "el5 t"e 5oor 1or Ker8ro%ski. He smile5 at me. AHo% lon- "a)e you t%o 8een 5atin-BC <i3"ar5 looke5 at me. He %as pretty -oo5 at pi3kin- up %"en 9 %asn?t 3om1orta8le. He %as -oin- to let me ans%er t"e ;uestion. Goo5 o1 "im. $oo -oo5. 91 "e %oul5 only 8e 3ompletely unreasona8le an5 -i)e me an e*3use to say no. $"is isn?t %ort" it. But 5amn i1 "e 5i5n?t %ork really "ar5 at keepin- me "appy. /ot an easy task. ASin3e /o)em8er@C 9 sai5. A$%o mont"s@ not 8a5. Katie an5 9 %ere en-a-e5 t%o mont"s a1ter our 1irst 5ate.C His eyes sparkle5@ "is -rin %as mo3kin-. He %as pullin- my le-@ "e 5i5n?t kno% it %as 3omin- o11 in "is "an5s. <i3"ar5 looke5 at me. $"e look %as lon- an5 serious. A$%o mont"s isn?t )ery lon-@ really.C He?5 -i)en me an out. 9 5i5n?t 5eser)e "im. ALon- enou-" i1 it?s t"e ri-"t one@C Ker8ro%ski sai5.

9 trie5 to -et Ker8ro%ski t"rou-" t"e 5oor. He %as -rinnin-. He "a5 no intention o1 8ein- "urrie5. 7y only "ope %as 1or 4olp" to pa-e "im a-ain. $"at?5 li-"t a 1ire un5er "is 8utt. 4olp" 5i5n?t 3all. Ker8ro%ski -rinne5 at me. <i3"ar5 looke5 at me. His 8i- 8ro%n eyes %ere 5eep an5 %oun5e5. 9 %ante5 to take "is 1a3e in my "an5s an5 %ipe t"at "urt 1rom "is eyes. #"@ "ell. He %as t"e ri-"t one2pro8a8ly. A9?)e -ot to -o.C A9 kno%@C "e sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at Ker8ro%ski. He %as -rinnin- at us@ en>oyin- t"e s"o%. =as 9 suppose5 to kiss "im -oo528yeB =e %eren?t en-a-e5 anymore. Nui3kest en-a-ement in "istory. But %e %ere still 5atin-. 9 still lo)e5 "im. $"at 5eser)e5 a kiss i1 not"in- else. 9 -ra88e5 t"e 1ront o1 "is s%eater an5 pulle5 "im 5o%n to me. He looke5 surprise5. ADou 5on?t "a)e to 5o t"is 1or s"o%@C "e %"ispere5. AS"ut up an5 kiss me.C $"at earne5 me a smile. ,)ery kiss %as still a pleasant s"o3k. /o one?s lips %ere t"is so1t. /o one else taste5 t"is -oo5. His "air 1ell 1or%ar5 an5 9 -ra88e5 a "an51ul o1 it@ pressin- "is 1a3e to mine. His "an5s sli5 aroun5 my 8a3k@ un5erneat" t"e leat"er >a3ket@ "an5s knea5in- t"e s%eater. 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom "im@ 8reat"less. 9 5i5n?t %ant to -o no%. =it" "im stayin- o)erni-"t may8e it %as a -oo5 t"in- 9 "a5 to lea)e 1or a %"ile. 9 meant it a8out no premarital se*@ e)en i1 "e "a5n?t 8een a ly3ant"rope@ 8ut t"e 1les" %as more t"an %illin-. 9 %asn?t sure t"e spirit %as up to t"e 1i-"t. $"e look in <i3"ar5?s eyes %as 5ro%nin- 5eep an5 %ort" anyt"in- in t"e %orl5. 9 trie5 to "i5e a rat"er sappy smile 8ut kne% it %as too late. 9 kne% 9 %oul5 pay 1or t"is in t"e 3ar %it" Ker8ro%ski. 9 %oul5 ne)er "ear t"e en5 o1 it. Starin- up into <i3"ar5?s 1a3e@ 9 5i5n?t 3are. =e?5 %ork out e)eryt"in-@ e)entually. Surely to Go5 %e 3oul5 %ork it out. A=ait Ftil 9 tell 4olp" %e %ere late 8e3ause you %ere smoo3"in- %it" some -uy.C 9 5i5n?t rise to 8ait. A9 may not 8e "ome 1or "ours. Dou mi-"t %ant to -o "ome instea5 o1 %aitin- "ere.C A9 5ro)e your Heep "ere@ remem8erB 9 5on?t "a)e a ri5e "ome.C #". A'ine@ 9?ll 8e 8a3k %"en 9 3an.C He no55e5. A9?ll 8e "ere.C 9 %alke5 out into t"e "all%ay@ not smilin- anymore. 9 %asn?t sure "o% 9 1elt a8out 3omin- "ome to <i3"ar5. Ho% %as 9 e)er -oin- to 3ome to a real 5e3ision i1 "e kept "an-in- aroun5@ makin- my "ormones run amokB Ker8ro%ski 3"u3kle5. ABlake@ 9 "a)e seen e)eryt"in- no%. $"e "eap28i- )ampire slayer in luu).C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t suppose it %oul5 "elp to ask you to keep t"is to yoursel1BC He -rinne5. A7akes t"e teasin- more 1un.C A4amn you@ Ker8ro%ski.C ALo)er8oy seeme5 sort o1 tense@ so 9 5i5n?t say anyt"in- 8e1ore@ 8ut no% t"at %e?re alone@ %"at t"e "ell "appene5 to youB Dou look like someone took a meat 3lea)er to your 1a3e.C A3tually@ 9 5i5n?t. 9?5 seen t"at 5one on3e an5 it %as a lot messier. ALon- story. Dou kno% my se3ret. ="ere %ere you toni-"t all 5resse5 upBC A7arrie5 ten years toni-"t@C "e sai5. ADou?re ki55in-BC He s"ook "is "ea5. ABi- 3on-rats@C 9 sai5. =e 3lattere5 5o%n t"e stairs. A$"anks. =e "ire5 a 8a8y2sitter an5 e)eryt"in-. S"e ma5e me lea)e my 8eeper "ome.C $"e 3ol5 8it into t"e sores on my 1a3e an5 ma5e my "ea5 a3"e %orse. A4oor?s not lo3ke5@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. ADou?re a 3op. Ho% 3an you lea)e your 3ar unlo3ke5BC 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 stoppe5. $"e passen-er seat an5 1loor8oar5 %ere 1ull. 734onal5?s take2out sa3ks an5 ne%spapers 1ille5 t"e seat an5 1lo%e5 onto t"e 1loor8oar5s. A pie3e o1 petri1ie5 piEEa an5 a "er5 o1 pop 3ans 1ille5 t"e rest o1 t"e 1loor8oar5. AHesus@ Ker8ro%ski@ 5oes t"e ,PA kno% you?re 5ri)in- a to*i3 %aste 5ump t"rou-" populate5 areasBC ASee %"y 9 lea)e it unlo3ke5. ="o %oul5 steal itBC He knelt in t"e seat an5 8e-an s"o)elin- arm1uls o1 -ar8a-e into t"e 8a3kseat. 9t looke5 like t"is %asn?t t"e 1irst time "e?5 3leane5 out t"e 1ront seat 8y s"o)elin- t"in-s in 8a3k. 9 8rus"e5 3rum8s 1rom t"e empty seat onto t"e empty 1loor8oar5. ="en it %as as 3lean as 9 3oul5 -et it@ 9 sat 5o%n.

Ker8ro%ski sli5 into "is seat 8elt an5 starte5 t"e 3ar. 9t 3ou-"e5 to li1e. 9 put on my seat 8elt@ an5 "e pulle5 out o1 t"e parkin- lot. AHo% 5oes Katie 1eel a8out your >o8BC 9 aske5. Ker8ro%ski -lan3e5 at me. AS"e?s okay %it" it.C A=ere you a 3op %"en s"e met youBC ADea"@ s"e kne% %"at to e*pe3t. Lo)er8oy 5i5n?t %ant you to 3ome out toni-"tBC AHe t"ou-"t 9 %as too "urt to -o out.C ADou 5o look like s"it.C A$"anks.C A$"ey lo)e us@ t"ey %ant us to 8e 3are1ul. He?s a >unior "i-" s3"ool tea3"er@ 1or Go5?s sake. ="at 5oes "e kno% a8out )iolen3eBC A7ore t"an "e?5 like to.C A9 kno%@ 9 kno%. $"e s3"ools are a 5an-erous pla3e no%a5ays. But it isn?t t"e same@ Anita. =e 3arry -uns. Hell@ you kill )ampires an5 raise t"e 5ea5@ Blake. !an?t -et mu3" messier t"an t"at.C A9 kno% t"at.C But 9 5i5n?t kno% t"at. Bein- a ly3ant"rope %as messier. =asn?t itB A/o@ 9 5on?t t"ink you 5o@ Blake. Lo)in- someone %"o li)es 8y )iolen3e is a "ar5 %ay to -o. $"at any8o5y?ll "a)e us is a mira3le. 4on?t -et 3ol5 1eet.C A4i5 9 say 9 %as -ettin- 3ol5 1eetBC A/ot out lou5.C S"it. ALet?s 5rop it@ Ker8ro%ski.C AAnyt"in- you say. 4olp" is -oin- to 8e so e*3ite5 t"at you?)e 5e3i5e5 to tie t"e noose ... a"@ knot.C 9 sank 5o%n into t"e seat as 1ar as t"e 8elt %oul5 let me. A9 am not -ettin- marrie5.C A7ay8e not yet@ 8ut 9 kno% t"at look@ Blake. Dou are a 5ro%nin- %oman@ an5 t"e only %ay out is 5o%n t"e aisle.C 9 %oul5 "a)e like5 to ar-ue@ 8ut 9 %as too 3on1use5. Part o1 me 8elie)e5 Ker8ro%ski. Part o1 me %ante5 to stop 5atin<i3"ar5 an5 8e sa1e a-ain. #kay@ okay@ 9 %asn?t e*a3tly sa1e 8e1ore@ %"at %it" Hean2!lau5e "an-in- aroun5@ 8ut 9 %asn?t en-a-e5. #1 3ourse@ 9 still %asn?t en-a-e5. ADou okay@ BlakeBC 9 si-"e5. A9?)e li)e5 alone a lon- time. A person -ets set in "er %ays.C Besi5es "e?s a %ere%ol1. 9 5i5n?t say t"at part out lou5@ 8ut 9 %ante5 to. 9 nee5e5 a se3on5 opinion@ 8ut a poli3e o11i3er@ espe3ially Ker8ro%ski@ %asn?t t"e person to ask. AHe 3ro%5in- youBC ADea".C AHe %ant marria-e@ ki5s@ t"e %"ole nine yar5sBC Ki5s. /o one "a5 mentione5 3"il5ren. 4i5 <i3"ar5 "a)e t"is 5omesti3 )ision o1 a little "ouse@ "im in t"e kit3"en@ me %orkin-@ an5 ki5sB #"@ 5amn@ %e %ere -oin- to "a)e to sit 5o%n an5 "a)e a serious talk. 91 %e 5i5 mana-e to -et en-a-e5 like normal people@ %"at 5i5 t"at meanB 4i5 <i3"ar5 %ant 3"il5renB 9 3ertainly 5i5n?t. ="ere %oul5 %e li)eB 7y apartment %as too small. His "ouseB 9 %asn?t sure 9 like5 t"at i5ea. 9t %as "is "ouse. S"oul5n?t %e "a)e our "ouseB S"it. Ki5s@ meB Pre-nant@ meB /ot in t"is li1etime. 9 t"ou-"t 1urriness %as our 8i--est pro8lem. 7ay8e it %asn?t.

Chapter Twenty-nine
$"e ri)er s%irle5 8la3k an5 3ol5. <o3ks stu3k up like t"e teet" o1 -iants. $"e 8ank 8e"in5 me %as steep@ t"i3k %it" trees. $"e sno% 8et%een t"e trees %as trample5 an5 sli3ke5 a%ay to s"o% t"e lea)es un5erneat". $"e opposite 8ank %as a 8lu11 t"at >utte5 out o)er t"e ri)er. /o %ay 5o%n 1rom t"ere unless you %ere %illin- to >ump. $"e %ater %as less t"an 1i)e 1eet 5eep in t"e 3enter o1 t"e ri)er. Humpin- 1rom t"irty 1eet %asn?t a -oo5 i5ea. 9 stoo5 3are1ully on t"e 3rum8lin- 8ank. $"e 8la3k %ater rus"e5 >ust in3"es 1rom my 1eet. $ree roots stu3k out o1 t"e 8ank@ tearin- at t"e eart". $"e 3om8ination o1 sno%@ lea)es@ an5 nearly )erti3al 8ank seeme5 5estine5 to sen5 me into t"e %ater@ 8ut 9?5 1i-"t it as lon- as 9 3oul5. $"e ro3ks 1orme5 a lo%@ 8roken %all into t"e ri)er. Some o1 t"e stones %ere 8arely a8o)e t"e s%irlin- %ater@ 8ut one near t"e 3enter o1 t"e ri)er stu3k up a8out %aist "i-". 4rape5 o)er t"at ro3k %as t"e skin. 4olp" %as still t"e master o1 un5erstatement. S"oul5n?t a skin 8e smaller t"an a 8rea58o*@ not 8i--er t"an a $oyotaB $"e "ea5 "un- on t"e lar-e

ro3k@ 5rape5 per1e3tly as i1 pla3e5. $"at %as one o1 t"e reasons t"e t"in- %as still in t"e mi55le o1 t"e ri)er. 4olp" "a5 %ante5 me to see it in 3ase t"ere %as some ritual si-ni1i3an3e to t"e pla3ement. $"ere %as a 5i)e team %aitin- on t"e s"ore in 5ry suits@ %"i3" are 8ulkier t"an %et suits an5 8etter at keepin- you %arm in 3ol5 %ater. A tall 5i)er %it" a "oo5 alrea5y pulle5 up o)er "is "air stoo5 8y 4olp". He?5 8een intro5u3e5 as 7a3A5am. A!an %e -o in a1ter t"e skin no%BC AAnitaBC 4olp" aske5. ABetter t"em in t"e %ater t"an me@C 9 sai5. A9s it sa1eBC 4olp" aske5. $"at %as a 5i11erent ;uestion. $rut". A9?m not sure.C 7a3A5am looke5 at me. A="at 3oul5 8e out t"ereB 9t?s >ust a skin@ ri-"tBC 9 s"ru--e5. A9?m not sure %"at kin5 o1 skin it is.C ASoBC "e aske5. ASo@ remem8er t"e 7a5 7a-i3ian 8a3k in t"e se)entiesBC A9?5 t"ink you %oul5n?t remem8er it@C 7a3A5am sai5. A9 stu5ie5 it in 3olle-e. 7a-i3al $errorism@ senior year. $"e 7a-i3ian spe3ialiEe5 in lea)in- ma-i3al 8oo8y traps in out2o12 t"e2%ay pla3es. #ne o1 "is 1a)orite traps %as an animal skin t"at %oul5 atta3" itsel1 to %"ome)er tou3"e5 it 1irst. $ook a %it3" to remo)e it.C A=as it 5an-erousBC 7a3A5am aske5. A#ne man su11o3ate5 %"en it atta3"e5 itsel1 to "is 1a3e.C AHo% t"e "ell 5i5 "is 1a3e tou3" it 1irstBC AHar5 to ask a 5ea5 man. Animatin- %asn?t a pro1ession in t"e se)enties.C 7a3A5am stare5 o11 a3ross t"e %ater. A#kay@ "o% 5o you 1in5 out i1 it?s 5an-erousBC AHas anyone 8een in t"e %ater yetBC He >erke5 a t"um8 at 4olp". AHe %oul5n?t let us@ an5 S"eri11 $itus sai5 to lea)e e)eryt"in- 1or some "ots"ot monster e*pert.C He looke5 me up an5 5o%n. A$"at youBC A$"at?s me.C A=ell@ make like an e*pert so my people an5 9 3an -et in t"ere.C ADou %ant t"e spotli-"t no%BC 4olp" aske5. $"ey?5 "a5 t"e pla3e lit up like an openin- ni-"t at 7ann?s !"inese $"eatre. 9?5 ma5e t"em turn o11 t"e li-"ts a1ter 9?5 -otten t"e 1irst -lan3e. $"ere %ere some t"in-s t"at you nee5e5 li-"t to see@ ot"er t"in-s only s"o%e5 t"emsel)es in t"e 5ark. A/o li-"t yet. Let me see it in t"e 5ark 1irst.C A="y no li-"tBC 4olp" aske5. ASome t"in-s "i5e 1rom li-"t@ 4olp"@ an5 t"ey mi-"t still take a 3"unk out o1 one o1 t"e 5i)ers.C ADou?re really serious a8out t"is@ aren?t youBC 7a3A5am aske5. ADea"@ aren?t you -la5BC He looke5 at me 1or a moment@ t"en no55e5. ADea". Ho% are you -oin- to -et a 3loser lookB 9 kno% t"e %eat"er >ust -ot 3ol5 t"e last 1e% 5ays@ so t"e %ater s"oul5 8e a8out 1orty 5e-rees@ 8ut t"at?s still 3ol5 %it"out a suit.C A9?ll stay on t"e ro3ks. 9 mi-"t 5ip a "an5 in to see i1 anyt"in- rises to 8ait@ 8ut 9?ll stay as 5ry as 9 3an.C ADou take t"e monsters serious@C "e sai5@ A9 take t"e %ater serious. Dou?ll -et "ypot"ermia in a8out 1i)e minutes in %ater t"is 3ol5. $ry not to 1all in.C A$"anks 1or t"e a5)i3e.C ADou?re -oin- to -et %et@C Aikensen sai5. He stoo5 >ust a8o)e me@ leanin- a-ainst a tree. His Smokey Bear "at %as pulle5 lo% o)er "is "ea5@ t"i3k %oolly 3ollar pulle5 up near "is 3"in. His ears an5 most o1 "is 1a3e %ere still 8are to t"e 3ol5. 9 "ope5 "e -ot 1rost8ite. He put "is 1las"li-"t un5er "is 3"in like a Hallo%een -a-. He %as smilin-. A4i5n?t mo)e a t"in-@ 7iss Blake. Le1t it >ust %"ere %e 1oun5 it.C 9 5i5n?t 3orre3t "im on t"e Amiss.C He?5 5one it >ust to irritate me. 9-norin- it irritate5 "im. Great. $"e Hallo%een smile 1a5e5@ lea)in- "im 1ro%nin- in t"e li-"t. A="at?s t"e matter@ AikensenB 4i5n?t %ant to -et your 5eli3ate toes %etBC

He pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e tree. $"e mo)ement %as too a8rupt. He sli5 5o%n t"e 8ank@ arms %in5millin-@ tryin- to slo% "is 1all. He 1ell to "is 8utt an5 kept s3ootin-. He %as 3omin- strai-"t 1or me. 9 took a step to one si5e an5 t"e 8ank 3rum8le5 un5er1oot. 9 -a)e a "op an5 en5e5 up on t"e nearest stone in t"e ri)er. 9 "u55le5 on it@ nearly on all 1ours to keep 1rom 1allin- into t"e %ater. $"e stone %as %et@ sli3k@ an5 8one25eep 3ol5. Aikensen lan5e5 in t"e ri)er %it" a yell. He sat on "is 8utt@ 1reeEin- %ater s%irlin- to nearly t"e mi55le o1 "is 3"est. He 8eat at t"e %ater %it" "is -lo)e5 "an5s@ as i1 punis"in- it. All "e %as 5oin- %as -ettin- %etter. $"e skin 5i5n?t sli5e o11 t"e ro3k an5 3o)er "im. /ot"in- -ra88e5 "im. 9 3oul5n?t 1eel any ma-i3 on t"e air. /ot"in- 8ut t"e 3ol5 an5 t"e soun5 o1 %ater. AGuess not"in-?s -oin- to eat "im@C 7a3A5am sai5. AGuess not@C 9 sai5. 9 trie5 to keep t"e 5isappointment out o1 my )oi3e. AGo5?s sake@ Aikensen@ -et out o1 t"e %ater@C $itus?s )oi3e 8oome5 1rom t"e top o1 t"e "ill. $"e s"eri11@ alon- %it" most o1 t"e ot"er poli3emen@ %ere at t"e top o1 t"e 8ank@ alon- t"e -ra)el roa5 t"at le5 8a3k to t"e pla3e. $%o am8ulan3es %ere sittin- up t"ere@ too. Sin3e Gaia?s la% %ent into e11e3t t"ree years a-o@ an am8ulan3e "a5 to 8e on t"e s3ene i1 t"ere %as any 3"an3e t"e remains %ere "umanoi5. $"ere %ere am8ulan3es 8ein- 3alle5 to take a%ay 3oyote 3ar3asses@ as i1 t"ey %ere 5ea5 %ere%ol)es. $"e la% "a5 -one into e11e3t@ 8ut no e*tra money "a5 8een put into t"e emer-en3y systems a3ross t"e 3ountry. =as"in-ton 5i5 like to 3ompli3ate t"in-s. =e %ere in t"e 8a3kyar5 o1 someone?s summer "ouse. Some o1 t"e "ouses "a5 lan5in-s or e)en small 8oat"ouses@ i1 t"ey "a5 5eep enou-" %ater at t"e 8ase o1 t"eir lan5. $"e only 8oat you %ere takin- o11 t"rou-" t"is ro3ky 3"annel %as a 3anoe@ so no lan5in-@ no 8oat"ouse@ >ust t"e 3ol5 8la3k %ater an5 a )ery %et 5eputy. AAikensen@ -et your 8utt up on one o1 t"ose ro3ks. Help 7s. Blake out@ sin3e you?re alrea5y %et.C A9 5on?t nee5 "is "elp@C 9 3alle5 8a3k to $itus. A=ell@ no%@ 7s. Blake@ t"is is our 3ounty. =oul5n?t %ant you -ettin- eaten 8y some 8eastie %"ile %e staye5 ni3e an5 sa1e on s"ore.C Aikensen stoo5@ nearly 1allin- a-ain %"en "is 8oots sli5 on t"e san5y 8ottom. He turne5 to -lare at me as i1 it %ere all my 1ault@ 8ut "e s3ram8le5 up on t"e ro3k on t"e si5e opposite t"e skin. He?5 lost "is 1las"li-"t. He %as 5rippin- %et in t"e 5ark@ e*3ept 1or "is Smokey Bear "at %"i3" "e?5 mana-e5 to keep a8o)e %ater. He looke5 as sullen as a %et "en. A/oti3e you?re not o11erin- to 3lim8 out on t"is parti3ular lim8@C 9 sai5. $itus starte5 5o%n t"e 8ank. He seeme5 to 8e a lot 8etter at it t"an 9 "a5 8een. 9?5 sta--ere5 like a 5runk 1rom tree to tree. $itus kept "is "an5s out rea5y to 3at3" "imsel1@ 8ut "e pretty mu3" %alke5 5o%n. He stoppe5 8esi5e 4olp". A4ele-ation@ 7s. Blake. ="at ma5e t"e 3ountry -reat.C A="at 5o you t"ink o1 t"at@ AikensenBC 9 sai5 more so1tly. He -lare5 at me. AHe?s t"e 8oss.C He 5i5n?t soun5 like "e %as "appy %it" it@ 8ut "e 8elie)e5 it. AGet on %it" it@ Anita@C 4olp" sai5. $ranslation@ stop yankin- e)ery8o5y?s 3"ain. ,)ery8o5y %ante5 out o1 t"e 3ol5. !oul5n?t 8lame t"em. 7e@ too. 9 stoo5 e)er so 3are1ully on t"e sli3k ro3k. 7y 1las"li-"t re1le3te5 o11 t"e 3"oppy %ater like a 8la3k mirror@ opa;ue an5 soli5. 9 s"one t"e 1las"li-"t on t"e 1irst stone. 9t %as pale an5 s"inin- %it" %ater@ an5 pro8a8ly i3e. 9 steppe5 onto it 3are1ully. $"e ne*t stone@ still okay. ="o kne% /ike Airs %ere -oo5 1or i3y ro3ksB 7a3A5am?s %arnin- a8out "ypot"ermia ran t"rou-" my "ea5. Hust %"at 9?5 nee5@ to 8e "ospitaliEe5 1rom e*posure. 4i5n?t 9 "a)e enou-" pro8lems %it"out "a)in- to 1i-"t t"e elementsB $"ere %as a -ap 8et%een t"e ne*t t%o stones. 9t %as a temptin- 5istan3e. Almost steppin- 5istan3e 8ut >ust an in3" out o1 3om1ort ran-e. $"e stone 9 %as on %as 1lat@ lo% to t"e %ater@ 8ut soli5 un5er1oot. $"e ne*t one %as sort o1 3ur)e5 on one si5e %it" a point. AA1rai5 you?re -oin- to -et your 1eet %etBC Aikensen 1las"e5 a smile t"at %as more a 8arin- o1 %"ite teet" in t"e 5ark. AHealous t"at you?re %et an5 9?m notBC A9 3oul5 -et you %et@C "e sai5. A#nly in my ni-"tmares@C 9 sai5. 9 "a5 to leap 1or it an5 "ope some mira3le o1 8alan3e kept me sa1e. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e 8ank. 9 t"ou-"t a8out askin- t"e 5i)ers i1 t"ey "a5 an e*tra 5ry suit 1or me@ 8ut it seeme5 3o%ar5ly %it" Aikensen s"i)erin- on t"e ro3ks. Besi5es@ 9 3oul5 pro8a8ly make t"e >ump. Pro8a8ly. 9 8a3ke5 to t"e e5-e o1 t"e ro3k 9 %as stan5in- on@ an5 >umpe5. $"ere %as a se3on5 o1 8ein- air8orne@ t"en my 1oot "it t"e ro3k. 7y 1oot sli5 o11 to one si5e. 9 3ollapse5 onto t"e ro3k "u--in- it %it" 8ot" "an5s an5 one le-. $"e ot"er leen5e5 up t"i-" 5eep in i3e 3ol5 %ater. $"e s"o3k o1 it le1t me 3ursin-.

9 stru--le5 8a3k up on t"e ro3k@ %ater streamin- 1rom t"e >ean?s pants le-. 7y 1oot "a5n?t tou3"e5 8ottom. $"e %ater on eit"er si5e o1 t"e ro3ks %oul5 3ome up to my %aist@ i1 Aikensen?s little %a5in- s"o% %as a -oo5 in5i3ation. 9?5 1oun5 a sink"ole 5eep enou-" to "a)e 5ouse5 e)ery in3" o1 me. Lu3ky it %as >ust my le-. Aikensen %as lau-"in- at me. 91 it "a5 8een anyone else@ %e mi-"t "a)e lau-"e5 to-et"er at "o% ri5i3ulous all t"is %as@ 8ut it %as "im@ an5 "e lau-"e5 at me. AAt least 9 5i5n?t 5rop my 1las"li-"t@C 9 sai5. 9t soun5e5 3"il5is" e)en to me@ 8ut "e stoppe5 lau-"in-. Sometimes 3"il5is" %ill -et you %"at you %ant. 9 %as 8esi5e t"e skin no%. :p 3lose@ it %as e)en more impressi)e. 9?5 kno%n it %as reptilian 1rom t"e 8ank. Stan5in- ne*t to it@ 9 3oul5 see it %as 5e1initely a snake. $"e lar-est s3ales %ere t"e siEe o1 my palm. $"e empty eye so3kets %ere t"e siEe o1 -ol1 8alls. 9 rea3"e5 out to tou3" it. Somet"in- s%irle5 a-ainst my arm as 9 rea3"e5 1or it. 9 s3reame5 8e1ore 9 realiEe5 it %as t"e un5ulatin- snakeskin sprea5in- out in t"e %ater. ="en 9 3oul5 8reat"e a-ain@ 9 tou3"e5 t"e skin. 9 e*pe3te5 it to 8e li-"t@ a slou-"e5 skin. 9t %as "ea)y@ meaty. 9 turne5 t"e e5-e o1 it to t"e li-"t. 9t %asn?t a slou-"e5 skin. $"e snake "a5 8een skinne5. ="et"er it "a5 8een ali)e %"en t"e skinnin- starte5 %as a moot point. 9t %as 5ea5 no%. Very 1e% 3reatures 3an sur)i)e 8ein- skinne5 ali)e. $"ere %as somet"in- a8out t"e s3ales an5 s"ape o1 t"e "ea5 t"at remin5e5 me o1 a 3o8ra@ 8ut t"e s3ales@ e)en in t"e li-"t o1 a 1las"li-"t@ -leame5 %it" opales3en3e. $"e snake %asn?t any one 3olor. 9t %as like a rain8o% or an oil sli3k. $"e 3olor 3"an-e5 5epen5in- on t"e an-le o1 t"e li-"t. ADou -oin- to play %it" it@ or 3an t"e 5i)ers 3ome an5 -et itBC Aikensen aske5. 9 i-nore5 "im 1or t"e moment. $"ere %as somet"in- on t"e snake?s 1ore"ea5@ almost 8et%een t"e eyes. Somet"insmoot" an5 roun5 an5 %"ite. 9 ran my 1in-ers o)er it. 9t %as a pearl. A pearl t"e siEe o1 a -ol1 8all. ="at t"e "ell %as a -iant pearl 5oin- em8e55e5 in t"e "ea5 o1 a snakeB An5 %"y "a5n?t %"oe)er skinne5 t"e 3reature taken t"e pearl %it" "imB Aikensen leane5 1or%ar5 runnin- a "an5 o)er t"e skin. ADu3k. ="at t"e "ell is itBC AGiant snake@C 9 sai5. He >erke5 8a3k %it" a yell. He starte5 s3rapin- at "is arms as i1 "e 3oul5 %ipe o11 t"e 1eel o1 it. AA1rai5 o1 snakes@ AikensenBC He -lare5 at me. A/o.C 9t %as a lie@ an5 %e 8ot" kne% it. A$"e t%o o1 you en>oy 8ein- out on t"ose ro3ksBC $itus aske5. AGet a mo)e on.C ADou see anyt"in- si-ni1i3ant a8out t"e pla3ement o1 t"e skin@ AnitaBC 4olp" aske5. A/ot really. $"e t"in- mi-"t "a)e >ust -otten "ooke5 on t"e ro3ks. 9 5on?t t"ink it %as purpose1ully pla3e5 "ere.C A=e 3an mo)e it t"enBC 9 no55e5. ADea"@ t"e 5i)ers 3an 3ome in. Aikensen?s alrea5y teste5 t"e %ater 1or pre5ators.C Aikensen looke5 at me. A="at t"e "ell 5oes t"at meanBC A9t means t"ere mi-"t "a)e 8een 3reepy23ra%lies in t"e %ater@ 8ut not"in- trie5 to eat you@ so it?s sa1e.C ADou use5 me 1or 8ait.C ADou 1ell in.C A7s. Blake say %e 3an mo)e t"e t"in-BC $itus aske5. ADes@C 4olp" sai5. AGo to it@ 8oys.C $"e 5i)ers all looke5 at ea3" ot"er. A!an %e "a)e t"e spotli-"t no%BC 7a3A5am aske5. ASure@C 9 sai5. $"e li-"t smas"e5 into me. 9 put a "an5 up to s"iel5 my eyes an5 nearly slippe5 o11 t"e ro3k. Hesus it %as 8ri-"t. $"e %ater %as still opa;ue@ 8la3k@ an5 3"oppy@ 8ut t"e ro3ks -listene5 an5 Aikensen an5 9 %ere su55enly 3enter sta-e. $"e 8ri-"t li-"t %as"e5 all t"e 3olor 1rom t"e snakeskin. 7a3A5am slippe5 "is 1a3e mask on@ re-ulator se3ure in "is mout". #nly one ot"er 5i)er 1ollo%e5 "is lea5. Guess t"ey 5i5n?t nee5 1our to -o in a1ter t"e skin. A="y?re t"ey puttin- on tanks >ust to %a5e out "ereBC Aikensen aske5. A9nsuran3e in 3ase t"e 3urrent -ets t"em@ or t"ey 1in5 a sink"ole.C A!urrent?s not t"at 8a5.C

ABa5 enou-" t"at i1 it 3at3"es t"e skin@ t"e skin?s -one. =it" tanks you 3an 1ollo% somet"in- in t"e %ater all t"e %ay 5o%n@ %"ere)er it -oes.C ADou soun5 like you?)e 5one it.C A9?m 3erti1ie5.C A=ell@ aren?t you multitalente5@C "e sai5. $"e 5i)ers %ere almost out to us. $"eir tanks looke5 like t"e 8a3ks o1 %"ales sti3kin- out o1 t"e %ater. 7a3A5am raise5 "is 1a3e mask out o1 t"e %ater@ an5 put a -lo)e5 "an5 on t"e ro3ks. He took t"e re-ulator out o1 "is mout"@ "u--in- t"e ro3k an5 pa55lin- %it" "is le-s to keep 1ree o1 t"e 3urrent. $"e ot"er 5i)er mo)e5 o)er 8y Aikensen. A$"ere a pro8lem i1 %e tear t"e skinBC 7a3A5am aske5. A9?ll un"ook it 1rom t"is si5e o1 t"e ro3k.C ADou?ll -et your arm %et.C A9?ll li)e@ ri-"tBC 9 3oul5n?t see "is 1a3e %ell enou-" un5er all t"e e;uipment@ 8ut 9?5 8et "e %as 1ro%nin- at me. ADea"@ you?ll li)e.C 9 mo)e5 my "an5 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 t"e skin until 9 "it %ater. $"e 3ol5 ma5e me "esitate@ 8ut only 1or a "eart8eat. 9 rea3"e5 5o%n@ soakin- mysel1 to t"e s"oul5er to untan-le it. 7y "an5 tou3"e5 somet"in- sli3k an5 soli5 t"at %asn?t skin. 9 -a)e a small yip an5 >erke5 8a3k@ nearly 1allin-. 9 -ot my 8alan3e an5 %ent 1or my -un. 9 "a5 time to say@ ASomet"in-?s 5o%n t"ere.C 9t sur1a3e5. A roun5 1a3e@ %it" a s3reamin- lipless mout"@ s"ot up%ar5@ "an5s rea3"in- 1or 7a3A5am. 9 "a5 a -limpse o1 5ark eyes 8e1ore it 1ell 8a3k into t"e %ater. $"e 5i)ers -ot t"e "ell out o1 t"ere@ s%immin- %it" stron- sure strokes 1or s"ore. Aikensen "a5 stum8le5 8a3k@ 1allin- into t"e %ater. He 3ame up sputterin-@ -un in "an5. A4on?t s"oot it@C 9 sai5. $"e t"in- sur1a3e5 a-ain. 9 sli5 in 8esi5e it. 9t s"rieke5@ its "uman2s"ape5 "an5 -ropin- 1or me. 9t -ra88e5 a "an51ul o1 >a3ket an5 pulle5 itsel1 to me. 7y -un %as in my "an5@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t s"oot. Aikensen %as aimin- at it. S"outs 1rom t"e s"ore. $"e ot"er 3ops 3omin-@ 8ut t"ere %as no time. $"ere %as >ust Aikensen an5 me in t"e ri)er. $"e 3reature 3lun- to me@ not s3reamin- no%@ >ust 3lin-in- as i1 9 %ere t"e last t"in- in t"e %orl5. 9t 8urie5 its earless 1a3e into my 3"est. 9 pointe5 my -un at Aikensen?s 3"est. $"at seeme5 to -et "is attention. He 8linke5@ 1o3usin- on me. A="at t"e "ell are you 5oin-BC APoint it some%"ere else@ Aikensen.C F9?m tire5 o1 lookin- 5o%n t"e 8arrel o1 your -un@ 8it3".C A4itto@C 9 sai5. Voi3es s"outin-@ mo)ement on t"e 8ank@ people 3omin-@ almost t"ere. #nly se3on5s le1t until someone 3ame. Someone sa)e5 us. Se3on5s too late. A s"ot e*plo5e5 ne*t to Aikensen. !lose enou-" to spray "im %it" %ater. He >umpe5@ an5 "is -un 1ire5. $"e 3reature %ent %il5@ 8ut 9 %as alrea5y mo)in-@ 5i)in- 1or t"e ro3ks. 9t 3lun- to me as i1 atta3"e5. =e 1loate5 8y t"e 8i- ro3k@ s%irlinin snakeskin@ 8ut 9 mana-e5 to point t"e Bro%nin- at Aikensen. $"e soun5 o1 "is 7a-num )i8rate5 in t"e air@ e3"oin5o%n my 8ones. 91 Aikensen "a5 turne5 to%ar5s us@ 9?5 "a)e 1ire5. AGo55amn it@ Aikensen@ put t"at 5amn -un a%ayIC $"e splas"in- %as "ea)y@ an5 it %as pro8a8ly $itus %a5in- into t"e %ater@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t look a%ay 1rom Aikensen. Aikensen %as lookin- a%ay 1rom me to%ar5s t"e splas"in-. 4olp" -ot t"ere 1irst. He loome5 o)er Aikensen like t"e )en-ean3e o1 Go5. Aikensen?s -un starte5 to s%in- to%ar5s "im@ as i1 "e sense5 "is 5an-er. ADou point t"at -un at me an5 9 %ill 1ee5 it to you@C 4olp" sai5. His )oi3e %as lo% an5 re)er8erate5 e)en t"rou-" t"e rin-in- in my ears. A91 "e points it at you@C 9 sai5@ A9?ll s"oot "im.C A/o8o5y?s s"ootin- "im 8ut me.C $itus %a5e5 up. He %as s"orter t"an e)eryone 8ut me@ so "e %as stru--lin- in t"e %ater. He -ra88e5 Aikensen 8y t"e 8elt an5 pulle5 "im o11 "is 1eet@ tearin- t"e -un 1rom "is "an5 as "e 1ell into t"e %ater. Aikensen sur1a3e5 3"okin- an5 ma5. A="at t"e "ell 5i5 you 5o t"at 1orBC AAsk 7s. Blake %"y 9 5i5 it. Ask "er@ ask "erIC He %as s"ort an5 %et@ an5 still mana-e5 to 8ro%8eat Aikensen. A="yBC Aikensen sai5.

9?5 lo%ere5 t"e Bro%nin-@ 8ut "a5n?t put it a%ay. A$rou8le %it" 3arryin- a 8i- -un@ Aikensen@ is t"at it -oes t"rou-" a "ell o1 a lot o1 1les".C A="atBC $itus pus"e5 "im@ makin- "im stum8le. Aikensen stru--le5 to stay on "is 1eet. A91 you?5 pulle5 t"at tri--er@ 8oy@ %it" t"e 3reature presse5 ri-"t up a-ainst "er@ you?5 "a)e kille5 "er@ too.C A9 t"ou-"t s"e %as >ust prote3tin- it. S"e sai5 not to s"oot it. Look at itIC ,)eryone turne5 to me t"en. 9 use5 t"e ro3ks to le)era-e to my 1eet. $"e 3reature %as 5ea5 %ei-"t@ as i1 "e?5 passe5 out %it" "is "an5s lo3ke5 in my >a3ket. 9 "a5 more trou8le puttin- t"e -un a%ay t"an 9 "a5 -ettin- it out. !ol5@ a5renaline@ an5 t"e man?s "an5 stu3k on my >a3ket@ 3o)erin- t"e "olster. Be3ause t"at?s %"at 9 %as "ol5in-. A man@ a man %"o "a5 8een skinne5 ali)e@ 8ut some"o% %asn?t 5ea5. #1 3ourse@ it %asn?t e*a3tly a man. A9t?s a man@ Aikensen@C $itus sai5. A9t?s a "urt man. 91 you %eren?t so 5amn 8usy pullin- your -un an5 s"ootin- at t"in-s@ you mi-"t see %"at?s in 1ront o1 ya.C A9t?s a na-a@C 9 sai5. $itus 5i5n?t seem to "ear me. 4olp" aske5@ A="at 5i5 you sayBC AHe?s a na-a.C A="o isBC $itus aske5. A$"e man@C 9 sai5. A="at t"e "ell is a na-aBC A,)ery8o5y out o1 t"e %ater no%@C a )oi3e 1rom s"ore yelle5. 9t %as a parame5i3 %it" an armloa5 o1 8lankets. A!ome on 1olks@ let?s not "a)e to run e)ery8o5y into t"e "ospital toni-"t.C 9 %asn?t sure@ 8ut 9 t"ou-"t 9 "ear5 t"e parame5i3 mutter un5er "is 8reat"@ A4amn 1ools.C A="at t"e "ell is a na-aBC $itus aske5 a-ain. A9?ll e*plain i1 you 3an "elp me -et "im to s"ore. 9?m 1reeEin- my ass o11 out "ere.C ADou?re 1reeEin- more t"an your ass o11@C t"e parame5i3 sai5. A,)ery8o5y to s"ore@ no%. 7o)e it people.C AHelp "er@C $itus sai5. $%o uni1orme5 5eputies %ere in t"e %ater. $"ey splas"e5 up. $"ey li1te5 t"e man@ 8ut "is 1ists "a5 lo3ke5 into my >a3ket. 9t %as a 5eat" -rip. 9 3"e3ke5 t"e pulse in "is t"roat. 9t %as t"ere@ 1aint 8ut stea5y. $"e me5i3 %as 1ol5in- 8lankets aroun5 e)ery8o5y as t"ey "it s"ore. His partner@ a slen5er %oman %it" pale "air %as starin- at t"e na-a@ -listenin- like an open %oun5 in t"e spotli-"t. A="at t"e "ell "appene5 to "imBC one o1 t"e 5eputies aske5. AHe?s 8een skinne5@C 9 sai5. AHesus !"rist@C t"e 5eputy sai5. A<i-"t t"ou-"t@ %ron- reli-ion@C 9 sai5. A="atBC A/ot"in-. !an you pry "is "an5s looseBC $"ey 3oul5n?t@ not easily. $"ey en5e5 up 3arryin- "im 3ra5le5 8et%een t"em. 9 sort o1 stum8le5 to t"e s"ore %it" "is 1in-ers still lo3ke5 in my 3lot"es. /one o1 us 1ell. A se3on5 mira3le. $"e 1irst %as t"at Aikensen %as still ali)e. Starin- at t"e ra% 8luis" skin o1 t"e man@ may8e t"e mira3le 3ount %as "i-"er t"an >ust t%o. $"e me5i3 %it" t"e pale "air knelt 8y t"e na-a. S"e let out "er 8reat" in a -reat %"oos" o1 air. $"e ot"er me5i3 t"re% 8lankets aroun5 me an5 t"e t%o 5eputies. A="en you -et "im prie5 o11 o1 you@ you -et your 8utt up to t"e am8ulan3es. Get out o1 t"ose %et 3lot"es@ ASAP.C 9 opene5 my mout" an5 "e pointe5 a 1in-er at me. A!lot"es o11 an5 sit in a %arm am8ulan3e@ or a trip to t"e "ospital. Dour 3"oi3e.C AAye@ aye@ !aptain@C 9 sai5. AAn5 5on?t you 1or-et it@C "e sai5. He mo)e5 o11 to sprea5 8lankets an5 or5ers to t"e rest o1 t"e 3ops. A="at a8out t"e skinBC $itus aske5. He "a5 a 8lanket %rappe5 aroun5 "im. ABrin- it to s"ore@C 9 sai5. 7a3A5am sai5@ ADou sure t"is is t"e only surprise out t"ere in t"at sink"oleBC A9 t"ink t"is is our only na-a 1or t"e ni-"t.C He no55e5 an5 slippe5 8a3k into t"e %ater %it" "is partner. 9t %as ni3e not to 8e ar-ue5 %it". 7ay8e it %as t"e nake5 rippe5 8o5y o1 t"e na-a.

$"e parame5i3s "a5 to pry t"e na-a?s "an5s 1rom my >a3ket a 1in-er at a time. His 1in-ers 5i5n?t %ant to un3url. $"ey staye5 8ent like t"e 1in-ers o1 t"e 5ea5 a1ter ri-or "a5 set in. A4o you kno% %"at "e isBC t"e parame5i3 %it" pale "air aske5. AA na-a.C S"e e*3"an-e5 -lan3es %it" "er partner. He s"ook "is "ea5. A="at t"e "ell is a na-aBC AA 3reature out o1 Hin5u le-en5. $"ey?re mostly pi3ture5 in serpent 1orm.C AGreat@C "e sai5. A=ill "e rea3t like a reptile or a mammalBC A9 5on?t kno%.C $"e me5i3s 1rom t"e ot"er am8ulan3e %ere settin- up a pulley system an5 5ire3tin- e)ery8o5y up to t"e %armt" o1 t"e am8ulan3es. =e nee5e5 more me5i3s. $"e parame5i3s sprea5 a %arm saline solution on a so1t 3otton s"eet an5 %rappe5 t"e na-a in it. His %"ole 8o5y %as an open %oun5 %it" all t"at t"at implie5. 9n1e3tion %as t"e 8i- t"reat. !oul5 immortal 8ein-s -et in1e3tionsB ="o kne%B 9 kne% a8out preternatural 3reatures@ 8ut 1irst ai5 1or t"e immortalB $"at %asn?t my area. $"ey 8un5le5 "im in layers o1 8lankets. 9 looke5 at t"e 5rill ser-eant parame5i3. A,)en i1 "e?s reptilian 8lankets 3an?t "urt.C He "a5 a point. AHis pulse is %eak 8ut stea5y@C t"e %oman sai5. AS"oul5 %e risk tryin- an 9V or ... C A9 5on?t kno%@C "er partner ans%ere5. AHe s"oul5n?t 8e ali)e at all. Let?s >ust mo)e "im. =e?ll keep "im ali)e an5 -et "im to t"e "ospital.C $"e 5istant %"oop o1 more am8ulan3es soun5e5. <ein1or3ements %ere on t"e %ay. $"e me5i3s put t"e na-a on a lonspine28oar5 an5 1it it in a Stokes 8asket@ atta3"e5 to t"e ropes t"e ot"er parame5i3s "a5 set up at top o1 t"e "ill. ADou -ot any ot"er in1ormation t"at?ll "elp us treat "imBC t"e parame5i3 aske5. His eyes %ere )ery 5ire3t. A9 5on?t t"ink so.C A$"en -et your 8utt up to an am8ulan3e@ no%.C 9 5i5n?t ar-ue. 9 %as 3ol5@ an5 my 3lot"es %ere 8e-innin- to 1reeEe to my 8o5y e)en un5er t"e 8lanket. 9 en5e5 up in a %arm am8ulan3e %earin- not"in- 8ut a 8lanket %"ile more parame5i3s an5 ,7$s 1or3e5 "eate5 o*y-en on me. 4olp" an5 Ker8ro%ski en5e5 up in t"e am8ulan3e %it" me. Better t"em t"an Aikensen an5 $itus. ="ile %e %aite5 1or t"e me5i3s to tell us %e %oul5 all li)e@ 4olp" -ot 8a3k to 8usiness. A$ell me a8out na-as@C 4olp" sai5. ALike 9 sai5@ t"ey?re 3reatures 1rom Hin5u le-en5. $"ey?re mostly pi3ture5 as snakes@ parti3ularly 3o8ras. $"ey 3an take "uman 1orm. #r appear as snakes %it" "uman "ea5s. $"ey?re t"e -uar5ians o1 rain5rops an5 pearls.C ASay t"e last a-ainBC Ker8ro%ski aske5. His neatly 3om8e5 "air "a5 5rie5 in messy 3urls. He?5 >umpe5 in t"e ri)er to sa)e little ol? me@ e)en t"ou-" "e 3oul5n?t s%im. 9 repeate5 it. A$"ere?s a pearl em8e55e5 in t"e "ea5 o1 t"e skin. 9 t"ink t"e skin %as t"e na-a?s. Someone skinne5 "im@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t 5ie. 9 5on?t kno% "o% t"e skin en5e5 up in t"e ri)er@ or "o% "e 5i5.C 4olp" sai5@ ADou mean "e %as a snake an5 t"ey skinne5 "im@ 8ut it 5i5n?t kill "im.C AApparently not.C AHo% is "e in man 1orm no%BC A9 5on?t kno%.C A="y isn?t "e 5ea5BC 4olp" aske5. A/a-as are immortal.C AS"oul5n?t you tell t"e parame5i3s t"atBC Ker8ro%ski sai5. AHe?s 8een 3ompletely skinne5 an5 is still ali)e. 9 t"ink t"ey?re -oin- to 1i-ure it out on t"eir o%n@C 9 sai5. AGoo5 point.C A="i3" o1 you 1ire5 t"e s"ot at AikensenBC A$itus 5i5 it@C 4olp" sai5. AHe 3usse5 "im out@ an5 took "is -un a%ay@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. AHope "e 5oesn?t -i)e it 8a3k. 91 anyone s"oul5n?t 8e arme5@ it?s Aikensen.C ADou -ot an e*tra 3"an-e o1 3lot"es %it" you@ BlakeBC Ker8ro%ski aske5.

A/ope.C A9?)e -ot t%o pairs o1 s%eats in t"e trunk o1 my 3ar. 9 %ant to -et 8a3k to %"at?s le1t o1 my anni)ersary.C $"e t"ou-"t o1 %earin- a use5 pair o1 s%eats t"at "a5 8een sittin- in Ker8ro%ski?s 3ar %as too mu3" 1or me. A9 5on?t t"ink so@ Ker8ro%ski.C He -rinne5 at me. A$"ey?re 3lean. Katie an5 9 %ere -oin- to e*er3ise to5ay 8ut ne)er -ot aroun5 to it.C A/e)er ma5e it to t"e -ym@ "u"@C 9 sai5. A/o.C !olor 3rept up "is ne3k. 9t must "a)e 8een somet"in- really -oo5@ or really em8arrassin- to -et to Ker8ro%ski t"at ;ui3kly. A="at kin5 o1 e*er3ise %ere you t%o 5oin-BC 9 aske5. AA man nee5s e*er3ise@C 4olp" sai5 solemnly. Ker8ro%ski looke5 at me@ eye8ro%s -oin- up. AAn5 "o% mu3" o1 a %orkout is your s%eetie -i)in- youBC He turne5 to 4olp". A4i5 9 tell you t"at Blake?s -ot "ersel1 a 8oy1rien5B He?s sleepin- o)er.C A7r. Keeman ans%ere5 t"e p"one@C 4olp" sai5. A9sn?t your p"one ri-"t 8esi5e your 8e5@ BlakeBC Ker8ro%ski aske5. He %as -i)in- me "is 8est %i5e inno3ent 8ro%n eyes. AGet t"e s%eats an5 -et me out o1 "ere@C 9 sai5. Ker8ro%ski lau-"e5@ an5 4olp" >oine5 "im. A$"ese are Katie?s s%eats so 5on?t -et anyt"in- on t"em. 91 you really %ant to %ork out@ 5o it nu5e.C 9 1las"e5 "im a one21in-ere5 salute. A#"@ 5o t"at a-ain@C Ker8ro%ski sai5@ Ayour 8lanket -ape5.C 9 %as >ust amusin- t"e "ell out o1 e)eryone.

Chapter Thirty
9 %as stan5in- in my "all%ay at 1our o?3lo3k. 9 %as 5resse5 in a )ery pink s%eatsuit. 7y %et 3lot"es %ere "el5 sort o1 -in-erly in a 8un5le un5er my le1t arm. ,)en %it" t"e ne% pink s%eats@ 9 %as 3ol5. $"e parame5i3s "a5 only let me -o 8e3ause 9 promise5 to 5rink "ot 1lui5s an5 take a "ot 8at". 9?5 run up t"e stairs in a pair o1 -ym so3ks. 9 3oul5 %ear Katie?s s%eats@ 8ut not "er s"oes. 9 %as 3ol5@ tire5@ an5 my 1a3e "urt. $"e "ea5a3"e %as -one@ t"ou-". 7ay8e it %as 8ein- 5unke5 in i3e23ol5 %ater. 7ay8e it %as t"e tou3" o1 a na-a. 9 3oul5n?t re3all any stories asso3iatin- t"em %it" spontaneous "ealin-@ 8ut it "a5 8een a lontime sin3e 9 rea5 up on na-as. $"ey?5 8een on t"e 1inal in preternatural 8io 3lass. $"e 8i- 3lue "a5 8een t"e pearl an5 t"e 3o8ra skin. 9 %as -oin- to "a)e to 5i- up my te*t8ook an5 rerea5 t"e se3tion. $"ou-" t"e 5o3 on 3all at %"ate)er "ospital t"ey %ent to %as -oin- to "a)e to rea5 up 1aster t"an 9 %as. =oul5 na-as 8e in t"eir 3omputersB By la%@ t"ey?5 8etter 8e. =oul5 t"e na-a "a)e anyone to sue 1or "im i1 t"ey 5i5n?tB =oul5 "e rise 1rom "is 5eat"8e5 an5 sue "imsel1B 9 stoo5 in 1ront o1 my apartment 1or t"e se3on5 time in si* "ours an5 "a5 no key. 9 leane5 my "ea5 a-ainst t"e 5oor 1or >ust a se3on5 an5 1elt sorry 1or mysel1. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see <i3"ar5 a-ain toni-"t. =e "a5 a lot to talk a8out t"at "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" "is s"apes"i1tin-. 9 %is"e5 9 "a5n?t t"ou-"t o1 3"il5ren. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5is3uss t"e little tykes toni-"t. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5is3uss anyt"in-. 9 %ante5 to 5ra- o11 to 8e5 an5 8e alone. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 stoo5 strai-"t. /o nee5 to look as %oe8e-one as 9 1elt. 9 ran- my o%n 5oor8ell an5 )o%e5 to -et an e*tra set o1 keys ma5e. /o@ one o1 t"em %asn?t 1or <i3"ar5. $"ey %ere 8ot" 1or me. <i3"ar5 opene5 t"e 5oor. His "air %as sleep tousle5@ 1allin- in a "ea)y@ %a)y mass aroun5 "is 1a3e. He %as s"irtless an5 8are1oot. $"e top 8utton o1 "is >eans %as un5one. 9 %as su55enly -la5 to see "im. Lust is a %on5er1ul t"in-. 9 -ra88e5 t"e top e5-e o1 "is >eans an5 5re% "im to me. He >umpe5 %"en my %et 3lot"es tou3"e5 "is 8are 3"est@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t pull a%ay. His 8o5y %as almost 1e)er %arm 1rom sleep. 9 %arme5 my "an5s alon- "is spine an5 "e t%it3"e5@ %rit"in- a-ainst t"e 3ol5 8ut ne)er pullin- a%ay. 9 5roppe5 t"e %et 3lot"es on t"e 1loor. =e kisse5. His lips %ere -entle. 7y "an5s tra3e5 t"e e5-e o1 "is %aist8an5@ 1in-ers 5an-erously lo%. He spoke lo% an5 so1t ne*t to my ear. 9 e*pe3te5 s%eet not"in-s or 5irty promises. ="at 9 -ot %as@ A=e "a)e 3ompany.C 9 sort o1 1roEe. 9 "a5 t"is ima-e o1 <onnie@ or %orse 9r)in-@ sittin- on t"e 3ou3" %"ile %e -rope5 ea3" ot"er. AS"it@C 9 sai5 so1tly an5 %it" 1eelin-. AHome at last@ ma petite.C 9t %as mu3" %orse t"an 9r)in-. 9 stare5 up at <i3"ar5 %it" my mout" "an-in- open. A="at?s -oin- onBC AHe 3ame in %"ile 9 %as asleep. 9 %oke up %"en t"e 5oor opene5.C 9 %as su55enly 3ol5 a-ain@ 5o%n to my so55en toes. AAre you all ri-"tBC

A4o you really %ant to 5is3uss t"is in t"e "all@ ma petiteBC Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e %as o" so reasona8le. 9 %ante5 to stan5 in t"e "all >ust 8e3ause "e?5 sai5 not to@ 8ut t"at %as 3"il5is". Besi5es@ it %as my apartment. 9 steppe5 t"rou-" t"e 5oor@ <i3"ar5 a %arm presen3e at my si5e. 9 ki3ke5 my %et 3lot"es t"rou-" t"e 5oor@ keepin- my "an5s 1ree. $"e -un %as in plain si-"t o)er t"e s%eats. $"e "olster 1lappe5 loose %it"out a 8elt@ 8ut 9 3oul5 5ra% t"e -un i1 9 nee5e5 it. 9 pro8a8ly 5i5n?t nee5 it@ 8ut it %as -oo5 to keep remin5in- t"e master t"at 9 meant 8usiness. <i3"ar5 3lose5 t"e 5oor an5 leane5 a-ainst it@ "an5s 8e"in5 "is 8a3k. His 1a3e %as nearly "i55en 8y a spill o1 "air. $"e mus3les in "is stoma3" 8un3"e5 an5 >ust seeme5 to in)ite 3aressin-@ %"i3" %as %"at %e?5 pro8a8ly "a)e 8een 5oin- i1 t"ere "a5n?t 8een a )ampire in my li)in- room. Hean2!lau5e sat on my 3ou3". $"e 8la3k s"irt %as sprea5 aroun5 "is nake5 torso. His arms %ere strai-"t out alon- t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 3ou3"@ raisin- t"e s"irt@ re)ealin- nipples t"at %ere only t%o s"a5es 5arker t"an "is %"ite skin. A sli-"t smile 3urle5 "is lips. He %as 5ramati3 an5 per1e3t on t"e %"ite 3ou3". He mat3"e5 t"e 5e3or. S"it. 9 %as -oin- to "a)e to 8uy ne% 1urniture@ somet"in- not %"ite@ not 8la3k. A="at are you 5oin- "ere@ Hean2!lau5eBC A9s t"at any %ay to -reet your ne% suitorBC A4on?t 8e a pain in t"e ass toni-"t@ please. 9?m too tire5 an5 too sore to mess %it" it. $ell me %"y you?re "ere an5 %"at you %ant@ t"en -et out.C He rose to "is 1eet as i1 pulle5 8y strin-s@ all 8oneless ease. At least t"e s"irt 3lose5 on most o1 t"e pale per1e3tion o1 "is 8o5y. $"at %as somet"in-. A9 am "ere to see you an5 <i3"ar5.C A="yBC He lau-"e5@ an5 t"e soun5 rolle5 o)er me like a %a)e o1 1ur@ so1t an5 sli3k@ ti3klin-@ an5 5ea5. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 strippe5 t"e "olster o11. He %asn?t "ere to "urt. He %as "ere to 1lirt. 9 %alke5 past 8ot" o1 t"em an5 5rape5 t"e "olster on t"e 8a3k o1 a kit3"en 3"air. 9 1elt t"eir eyes 1ollo% me as 9 mo)e5. 9t %as 8ot" 1latterin- an5 un3om1orta8le as "ell. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at t"em. <i3"ar5 %as still 8y t"e 5oor@ lookin- un3lot"e5 an5 in)itin-. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 8y t"e 3ou3" utterly still@ like a t"ree25imensional pi3ture o1 a %et 5ream. $"e se*ual potential in t"e room %as astronomi3al. $"e 1a3t t"at not"in- %as -oin- to "appen %as almost sa5. $"ere %as still 3o11ee in t"e pot. 91 9 5rank enou-" "ot 3o11ee an5 took a really "ot 8at"@ may8e 9?5 t"a% out. 7y pre1eren3e %oul5 "a)e 8een a "ot s"o%er@ ;ui3ker at 1our o?3lo3k in t"e mornin-. But 9?5 promise5 t"e parame5i3s. Somet"in- a8out my 3ore temperature. A="y 5i5 you %ant to see <i3"ar5 an5 meBC 9 poure5 3o11ee into my 1res"ly %as"e5 pen-uin mu-. <i3"ar5 %as -oo5 at 8ein- 5omesti3. A9 %as tol5 t"at 7onsieur Keeman planne5 to spen5 t"e ni-"t.C A91 "e 5i5@ %"at o1 itBC A="o tol5 youBC <i3"ar5 aske5. He?5 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e 5oor. He?5 e)en 8uttone5 t"e top 8utton o1 "is pants. Pity. AStep"en tol5 me.C AHe %oul5n?t "a)e )olunteere5 t"e in1ormation@C <i3"ar5 sai5. He %as stan5in- )ery 3lose to Hean2!lau5e. P"ysi3ally@ "e %as loomin- a8o)e "im@ >ust a 8it. Hal125resse5. He s"oul5 "a)e looke5 un3ertain@ "esitant. He looke5 3ompletely at "ome. $"e 1irst time 9?5 met <i3"ar5@ "e?5 8een nake5 in a 8e5. He "a5n?t 8een em8arrasse5 t"en@ eit"er. AStep"en 5i5 not )olunteer it@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AHe is un5er my prote3tion@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ADou are not pa3k lea5er yet@ <i3"ar5. Dou 3an prote3t Step"en %it"in t"e pa3k@ 8ut 7ar3us still rules. He "as -i)en Step"en to me@ as "e -a)e you to me.C <i3"ar5 %as >ust stan5in- t"ere. He "a5n?t mo)e5@ yet su55enly@ t"e air aroun5 "im s%am. 91 you 8linke5@ you?5 "a)e misse5 it. A 3reepin- e5-e o1 po%er 1anne5 out@ pri3klin- alon- my skin. S"it. A9 8elon- to no one.C Hean2!lau5e turne5 to "im. 'a3e pleasant@ open@ )oi3e 3on)ersational. ADou 5o not a3kno%le5-e 7ar3us?s lea5ers"ipBC 9t %as a tri3k ;uestion@ an5 %e all kne% it. A="at "appens i1 "e says noBC 9 aske5. Hean2!lau5e turne5 8a3k to me. His 1a3e %as 3are1ully 8lank. AHe says no.C AAn5 you tell 7ar3us@ an5 t"en %"atBC He smile5 t"en@ a slo% 3ur)e o1 lips t"at le1t "is per1e3t 8lue eyes -litterin-. A7ar3us %oul5 see it as a 5ire3t 3"allen-e to "is aut"ority.C

9 set 5o%n t"e 3up o1 3o11ee an5 3ame aroun5 t"e islan5. Stan5in- nearly 8et%een t"em@ <i3"ar5?s ener-y 3ra%le5 o)er my skin like inse3ts on t"e mar3". 'rom Hean2!lau5e t"ere %as not"in-. $"e un5ea5 make no noise. A91 you -et <i3"ar5 kille5@ e)en in5ire3tly@ t"e 5eal is o11.C A9 5on?t nee5 you to prote3t me@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A91 you -et yoursel1 kille5 1i-"tin- 7ar3us@ t"at?s one t"in-@ 8ut i1 you -et kille5 8e3ause Hean2!lau5e is >ealous o1 you@ t"at?s my 1ault.C <i3"ar5 tou3"e5 my s"oul5er. His po%er %as like a rus" o1 ele3tri3ity 5o%n my 8o5y. 9 s"i)ere5@ an5 "e 5roppe5 "is "an5. A9 3oul5 >ust -i)e in to 7ar3us@ >ust a3kno%le5-e "is lea5ers"ip@ t"en 9?5 8e sa1e.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?)e seen %"at 7ar3us 3onsi5ers a33epta8le. 9t?s not e)en 3lose to 8ein- sa1e.C A7ar3us 5i5n?t kno% t"ey 1ilme5 t%o en5in-s@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ASo you "a)e talke5 to "im a8out itBC AAre you re1errin- to t"e 5eli-"t1ul little 1ilms t"at <aina mastermin5e5BC Hean2!lau5e aske5. =e 8ot" looke5 at "im. A 8rus" o1 po%er las"e5 out@ -ro%in- stron-er. 9t %as "ar5 to 8reat"e stan5in- ne*t to "im@ like tryin- to s%allo% a t"un5erstorm. 9 s"ook my "ea5. #ne pro8lem at a time. A="at 5o you kno% a8out t"e 1ilmsBC 9 aske5. Hean2!lau5e looke5 at us@ one an5 t"en t"e ot"er. He en5e5 starin- into my eyes. ADour )oi3e makes it soun5 more important t"an it s"oul5 8e. ="at "as <aina 5one no%BC AHo% 5o you kno% a8out t"e 1ilmsBC <i3"ar5 aske5. He mo)e5 a step 3loser. His 3"est tou3"e5 my 8a3k@ an5 9 -aspe5. $"e skin up an5 5o%n my 8a3k tin-le5 as i1 someone "a5 tou3"e5 a li)e %ire to t"e skin@ 8ut it 5i5n?t "urt. 9t %as >ust an almost o)er%"elmin- sensation. Pleasura8le@ 8ut you kne% i1 it 5i5n?t stop soon@ it %oul5 8e-in to "urt. 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom "im@ stan5in- 8et%een 8ot" o1 t"em@ -i)in- my 8a3k to neit"er. $"ey 8ot" looke5 at me. Almost i5enti3al e*pressions on t"eir 1a3es. Alien@ as i1 t"ey %ere t"inkin- t"ou-"ts t"at 9?5 ne)er 5reame5 o1@ listenin- to musi3 t"at 9 3oul5 not 5an3e to. 9 %as t"e only "uman in t"is room. AHean2!lau5e@ >ust tell me %"at you kno% a8out <aina?s mo)ies. /o -ames@ okay.C He stare5 at me 1or a "eart8eat@ t"en -a)e a -ra3e1ul s"ru-. AVery %ell. Dour alp"a 1emale in)ite5 me to >oin "er in a 5irty mo)ie. 9 %as o11ere5 a starrin- role.C 9 kne% "e?5 turne5 "er 5o%n. He %as an e*"i8itionist@ 8ut "e like5 a 3ertain 5e3orum to "is si5es"o%. 4irty mo)ies %oul5 "a)e 8een 8eyon5 t"e pale 1or "im. A4i5 you en>oy "a)in- se* %it" "er on s3reenBC <i3"ar5 aske5. His )oi3e %as lo%@ an5 t"at ener-y 1loo5e5 into t"e room. Hean2!lau5e turne5 to "im@ an-er 5an3in- in "is eyes. AS"e 8ra-s a8out you@ my 1urry 1rien5. Says you %ere ma-ni1i3ent.C A!"eap s"ot@ Hean2!lau5e@C 9 sai5. ADou 5on?t 8elie)e me. Dou are t"at sure o1 "imBC A$"at "e %oul5n?t "a)e se* %it" <aina@ yea".C A stran-e look 3rosse5 <i3"ar5?s 1a3e. 9 stare5 at "im. ADou 5i5n?tBC Hean2!lau5e lau-"e5. A9 %as nineteen. S"e %as my alp"a 1emale. 9 5i5n?t t"ink 9 "a5 a 3"oi3e.C ADea"@ ri-"t.C AS"e "as "er pi3k o1 t"e ne% males. 9t?s one o1 t"e t"in-s 9 %ant to stop.C ADou?re still sleepin- %it" "erBC 9 aske5. A/o@ not on3e 9 "a5 a 3"oi3e@C <i3"ar5 ans%ere5. A<aina speaks so 1on5ly o1 you@ <i3"ar5. 9n su3" lo)in- 5etail. 9t 3an?t "a)e 8een t"at lon- a-o.C A9t?s 8een se)en years.C A<eallyBC $"at one %or5 "el5 a uni)erse o1 5ou8t. A9 5on?t lie to you@ Anita@C sai5 <i3"ar5. <i3"ar5 took a step 1or%ar5. Hean2!lau5e mo)e5 to%ar5s "im. $"e testosterone %as risin- "i-"er t"an t"e supernatural po%ers. =e %ere -oin- to 5ro%n in 8ot". 9 steppe5 8et%een t"em@ 8o5ily@ puttin- a "an5 on ea3" 3"est. $"e minute my "an5 tou3"e5 <i3"ar5?s 8are skin@ t"e po%er poure5 5o%n my arm@ like some 3ool ele3tri3 li;ui5. 7y "an5 tou3"e5 Hean2!lau5e a se3on5 later. Some tri3k o1

3lot"@ or )ampire@ put my "an5 on "is 8are skin@ too. $"e skin %as 3ool an5 so1t@ an5 9 1elt <i3"ar5?s po%er 3ross my 8o5y an5 smas" into t"at per1e3t skin. $"e moment it tou3"e5@ an ans%erin- roll o1 po%er spille5 out o1 t"e )ampire. $"e t%o ener-ies 5i5 not 1i-"t ea3" ot"er@ t"ey min-le5 insi5e me@ spillin- 8a3k on ea3" o1 t"em. Hean2!lau5e?s po%er %as a 3ool@ rus"in- %in5. <i3"ar5 %as all %armt" an5 ele3tri3ity. ,a3" one 1e5 t"e ot"er like %oo5 an5 1lame. An5 un5er it all 9 3oul5 1eel mysel1@ t"at t"in- insi5e me t"at allo%e5 me to 3all t"e 5ea5. 7a-i3 1or la3k o1 a 8etter %or5. $"e t"ree po%ers mel5e5 into one skin23urlin-@ "eart2pumpin-@ stoma3"23len3"in- rus". 7y knees 8u3kle5@ an5 9 %as le1t -aspin- on t"e 1loor on all 1ours. 7y skin 1elt as i1 it %ere tryin- to pull a%ay 1rom my 8o5y. 9 3oul5 taste my "eart in my t"roat an5 3oul5n?t 8reat"e past it. ,)eryt"in- %as sort o1 -ol5en aroun5 t"e e5-es@ an5 spots o1 li-"t 5an3e5 8e1ore my eyes. 9 %as in 5an-er o1 passin- out. A="at t"e "ell %as t"atBC 9t %as <i3"ar5. His )oi3e seeme5 to 3ome 1rom 1art"er a%ay t"an it s"oul5 "a)e. 9?5 ne)er "ear5 "im 3uss 8e1ore. Hean2!lau5e knelt 8esi5e me. He 5i5n?t try to tou3" me. 9 looke5 into "is eyes 1rom in3"es a%ay. $"e pupils %ere -one@ not"in- 8ut t"at lo)ely mi5ni-"t 8lue remaine5. 9t %as t"e %ay "is eyes looke5 %"en "e %as -ettin- all )ampiri3 on me. 9 5i5n?t t"ink "e?5 5one it on purpose t"is time. <i3"ar5 knelt on t"e ot"er si5e. He starte5 to rea3" out to tou3" me. ="en "is "an5 %as an in3" a%ay@ a little >ump o1 po%er ran 8et%een us@ like stati3 ele3tri3ity. He >erke5 "is "an5 8a3k. A="at is t"atBC He soun5e5 a little s3are5. 7e@ too. A7a petite@ 3an you speakBC 9 no55e5. ,)eryt"in- %as in "yper1o3us@ t"e %ay t"e %orl5 -ets on an a5renaline "i-". $"e s"a5o%s on Hean2!lau5e?s 3"est %"ere "is s"irt spille5 aroun5 "im %ere soli5 an5 tou3"a8le. $"e 3lot" looke5 almost metalli3 8la3k@ like t"e 8a3k o1 a 8eetle. ASay somet"in-@ ma petite.C AAnita@ are you all ri-"tBC 9 turne5 in almost slo% motion to <i3"ar5. His "air "a5 1allen o)er one eye. ,a3" stran5 %as t"i3k an5 per1e3t like a line 5ra%n apart. 9 3oul5 see e)ery eyelas" aroun5 "is 8ro%n eye in startlin- 3ontrast. A9?m all ri-"t.C But %as 9B A="at "appene5BC <i3"ar5 aske5. 9 %asn?t sure %"o "e %as askin-. 9 "ope5 it %asn?t me 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t kno%. Hean2!lau5e sat 8esi5e me on t"e 1loor@ 8a3k a-ainst t"e islan5. He 3lose5 "is eyes an5 took a 5eep@ s"u55erin- 8reat". ="en "e let it out@ "is eyes opene5. $"ey %ere still t"at 5ro%nin- 5eep 3olor as i1 "e %ere a8out to 1ee5 on somet"in-. His )oi3e 3ame out normal@ or as normal as it e)er -ot. A9 "a)e ne)er taste5 su3" a rus" o1 po%er %it"out spillin- 8loo5 1irst.C A$rust you to t"ink o1 t"e per1e3t t"in- to say@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 sort o1 "o)ere5 o)er me as i1 "e?5 like to "elp 8ut %as a1rai5 to tou3" me. He -lare5 at Hean2!lau5e. A="at 5i5 you 5o to usBC A9BC Hean2!lau5e?s 8eauti1ul 1a3e %as nearly sla3k@ eyes "al123lose5@ lips parte5. A9 5i5 not"in-.C A$"at?s a lie@C <i3"ar5 sai5. He sat 9n5ian 1as"ion a little %ays 1rom me@ 1ar enou-" a%ay to make sure %e 5i5n?t a33i5entally tou3" 8ut 3lose enou-" t"at t"at lin-erin- po%er 3ra%le5 8et%een us. 9 in3"e5 a%ay an5 1oun5 t"at 3loser to Hean2!lau5e %asn?t mu3" 8etter. ="ate)er it %as@ it %asn?t a one2time 5eal. $"e potential %as still t"ere in t"e air@ un5er our skins. 9 looke5 at <i3"ar5. ADou soun5 a%1ully sure t"at "e?s up to somet"in-. 9?m %illin- to 8elie)e it. But %"at 5o you kno% t"at 9 5on?tBC A9 5i5n?t 5o it. Dou 5i5n?t 5o it. 9 kno% ma-i3 %"en 9 smell it. 9t "a5 to 8e "im.C Smell itB 9 turne5 8a3k to Hean2!lau5e. A=ellBC He lau-"e5. $"e soun5 traile5 5o%n my spine like t"e 8rus" o1 1ur@ so1t@ sli3k@ startlin-. 9t %as too soon a1ter t"e rus"inpo%er %e?5 s"are5. 9 s"u55ere5@ an5 "e lau-"e5 "ar5er. 9t "urt an5 you kne% you s"oul5n?t 8e 5oin- it@ 8ut it 1elt too -oo5 to stop. His lau-"ter %as al%ays 5an-erously 5eli3ious@ like poisone5 3an5y. A9 s%ear 8y %"ate)er oat" you %oul5 trust t"at 9 5i5 not"in- on purpose.C A="at 5i5 you 5o 8y a33i5entBC 9 aske5. AAsk yoursel1 t"e same ;uestion@ ma petite. 9 am not t"e only master o1 t"e supernatural in t"is room.C =ell@ "e "a5 me t"ere. ADou?re sayin- one o1 us 5i5 it.C A9 am sayin- t"at 9 5o not kno% %"o 5i5 it@ nor 5o 9 kno% %"at it is. But 7onsieur Keeman is 3orre3t it %as ma-i3. <a% po%er to raise t"e "a3kles on any %ol1.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC <i3"ar5 aske5.

A91 you 3oul5 "arness su3" po%er@ my %ol1@ e)en 7ar3us mi-"t 8o% to it.C <i3"ar5 pulle5 "is knees up@ "u--in- t"em to "is 3"est. His eyes looke5 5istant@ t"ou-"t1ul. $"e t"ou-"t intri-ue5 "im. AAm 9 t"e only person in t"is room not tryin- to 3onsoli5ate my kin-5omBC <i3"ar5 looke5 at me. He looke5 almost apolo-eti3. A9 5on?t %ant to kill 7ar3us. 91 9 3oul5 make a -reat enou-" s"o% o1 po%er@ "e mi-"t 8a3k 5o%n.C Hean2!lau5e smile5 at me. 9t %as a )ery satis1ie5 smile. ADou a5mit "e is not "uman@ an5 no% "e %ants po%er@ so "e 3an 8e lea5er o1 t"e pa3k.C His smile %i5ene5 >ust t"is s"ort o1 a lau-". A9 5i5n?t kno% you %ere a 1an o1 si*ties musi3@C 9 sai5. A$"ere are many t"in-s you 5o not kno% a8out me@ ma petite.C 9 >ust stare5 at "im. $"e ima-e o1 Hean2!lau5e 8oo-yin- 5o%n to t"e S"an-ri2Las %as stran-er t"an anyt"in- 9?5 seen toni-"t. A1ter all 9 8elie)e5 in na-as@ 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e t"at Hean2!lau5e "a5 "o88ies.

Chapter Thirty-one
A "ot 8at". #n3e more in t"e o)ersiEe $2s"irt@ s%eatpants@ an5 so3ks. 9 %as -oin- to 8e t"e %orst25resse5 person in t"e room. 9 %as plannin- to repla3e t"at 8la3k ro8e at t"e 1irst opportunity. $"ey %ere sittin- on t"e 3ou3"@ ea3" as 1ar a%ay 1rom t"e ot"er as t"ey 3oul5 -et. Hean2!lau5e %as sittin- like a manne;uin@ one arm on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 3ou3"@ t"e ot"er on t"e arm o1 t"e 3ou3". #ne 1oot reste5 atop "is knee s"o%in"is so1t 8oots to per1e3tion. <i3"ar5 %as 3urle5 on "is si5e o1 t"e 3ou3"@ one knee 3lut3"e5 to "is nake5 3"est@ t"e ot"er knee 3urle5 on t"e 3ou3". <i3"ar5 looke5 3om1orta8le. Hean2!lau5e looke5 as i1 "e %ere %aitin- 1or a ro)in- p"oto-rap"er to 3ome 8y. $"e t%o men in my li1e. 9 3oul5 8arely stan5 it. A9?)e -ot to -et some sleep@ so e)ery8o5y %"o isn?t stayin-@ out.C A91 you are re1errin- to me@ ma petite@ 9 "a)e no intention o1 lea)in-. :nless <i3"ar5 -oes %it" me.C AStep"en tol5 you %"y 9?m "ere@C <i3"ar5 sai5. AS"e?s "urt an5 5oesn?t nee5 to 8e alone.C ALook at "er@ <i3"ar5. 4oes s"e look "urtBC He "el5 up a -ra3e1ul "an5. A9 a5mit s"e "as sustaine5 some 5ama-e. But s"e 5oes not nee5 your "elp. Per"aps s"e 5oesn?t e)en nee5 mine.C A9 in)ite5 <i3"ar5 to stay o)er. 9 5i5 not in)ite you.C ABut you 5i5 in)ite me@ ma petite.C A'irst@ please stop 3allin- me t"at. Se3on5@ %"en 5i5 9 in)ite youBC A?$"e last time 9 %as "ere. 9n Au-ust 9 8elie)e.C S"it@ 9?5 1or-otten. 9t %as 8eyon5 3areless. 9?5 en5an-ere5 <i3"ar5. $"in-s %ere %orkin- out@ 8ut 9 "a5n?t kno%n t"at %"en 9 le1t "im "ere alone@ alone in a pla3e %"ere Hean2!lau5e 3oul5 3ome an5 -o at %ill. A9 3an take 3are o1 t"at ri-"t no%@C 9 sai5. A91 a 5ramati3 -esture %ill please you@ t"en 8e my -uest. But <i3"ar5 must not spen5 t"e ni-"t.C A="y notBC A9 t"ink you are one o1 t"ose %omen t"at %"ere you -i)e your 8o5y@ t"ere@ too@ is your "eart. 91 you sleep %it" our 7onsieur Keeman@ 9 t"ink it mi-"t 8e t"e point o1 no return.C ASe* isn?t a 3ommitment@C 9 sai5. A'or most people@ no@ 8ut 1or you@ 9 t"ink it is.C $"e 1a3t t"at "e kne% me t"at %ell 8rou-"t "eat in a rus" up my 1a3e. 4amn "im. A9 5on?t plan on sleepin- %it" "im.C A9 8elie)e you@ ma petite@ 8ut 9 see t"e %ay your eyes 1ollo% "im. He sits t"ere lookin- lus3ious an5 %arm an5 )ery ali)e. 91 9 "a5 not 8een "ere %"en you 3ame "ome@ %oul5 you "a)e resiste5BC ADes.C He s"ru--e5. APer"aps. Dour stren-t" o1 %ill is 1ri-"tenin-@ 8ut 9 3annot take t"at 3"an3e.C ADou 5on?t trust me not to molest "imBC A-ain t"at s"ru- t"at 3oul5 "a)e meant anyt"in-. His smile %as in)itin- an5 3on5es3en5in-. A="yB Dou -ot t"e "ots 1or "im yoursel1BC

$"e ;uestion 3au-"t "im o11 -uar5. $"e surprise on "is 1a3e %as %ort" t"e outra-e5 look on <i3"ar5?s 1a3e. Hean2!lau5e looke5 at <i3"ar5. He -a)e "im "is 1ull attention. He stare5 at <i3"ar5@ eyes roamin- "is 8o5y in a slo%@ intimate 5an3e. His -aEe en5e5 not on "is -roin or "is 3"est@ 8ut on "is ne3k. A9t is true t"at t"e 8loo5 o1 s"apes"i1ters 3an 8e s%eeter t"an "uman 8loo5. 9t is a %il5 ri5e i1 you 3an mana-e it %it"out -ettin- torn apart.C ADou soun5 like a rapist@C 9 sai5. His smile 8lossome5 in a surprise5 1las" o1 1an-s. A9t is not a 8a5 3omparison.C A$"at %as an insult@ you kno%@C 9 sai5. A9 kno% it %as meant as su3".C A9 t"ou-"t %e "a5 an a-reement@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A=e 5o.C ADou 3an sit t"ere an5 talk a8out takin- me 1or 1oo5@ an5 %e?)e still -ot an a-reement.C A9t %oul5 8e en>oya8le to take you 1or many reasons@ 8ut %e "a)e an a-reement. 9 %on?t -o 8a3k on it.C A="at a-reementBC 9 aske5. A=e are e*plorin- our mutual po%ers@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A="at 5oes t"at mean e*a3tlyBC 9 aske5. A=e?re not sure@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A=e "a)en?t %orke5 out t"e 5etails yet.C A=e?)e >ust a-ree5 not to kill ea3" ot"er@ ma petite. Gi)e us a little time to plan 8eyon5 t"at.C A'ine. $"en 8ot" o1 you -et out.C <i3"ar5 sat up strai-"ter on t"e 3ou3". AAnita@ you "ear5 Lillian. Dou nee5 to 8e %oken e)ery "our >ust in 3ase.C A9?ll set an alarm. Look@ <i3"ar5@ 9?m 1ine. Get 5resse5 an5 -o.C He looke5 puEEle5 an5 a little "urt. AAnita.C Hean2!lau5e 5i5n?t look "urt or puEEle5. He looke5 smu-. A<i3"ar5?s not spen5in- t"e ni-"t. HappyBC ADes.C AAn5 you?re not spen5in- t"e ni-"t@ eit"er.C A9 "a5 not planne5 to.C He stoo5@ turnin- to 1a3e me. A9 %ill lea)e as soon as 9?)e "a5 my -oo52ni-"t kiss.C ADour %"atBC A7y kiss.C He 3ame aroun5 t"e 3ou3" to stan5 in 1ront o1 me. A9 %ill a5mit 9 "a5 en)isione5 you %earin- somet"in- a little moreC2"e tu--e5 on my slee)e2Asala3ious@ 8ut one takes %"at one 3an -et.C 9 >erke5 t"e slee)e out o1 "is 1in-ers. ADou "a)en?t -otten anyt"in- yet.C A$rue@ 8ut 9 am "ope1ul.C A9 5on?t kno% %"y@C 9 sai5. A$"e a-reement 8et%een <i3"ar5 an5 me is pre5i3ate5 on t"e 1a3t t"at %e are all 5atin-. Dou 5ate <i3"ar5@ an5 you 5ate me. =e 8ot" %oo you. #ne 3oEy little 1amily.C A!an you spee5 t"is upB 9 %ant to -et to 8e5.C A sli-"t 1ro%n appeare5 8et%een "is eyes. AAnita@ you are not makin- t"is easy.C AHurra"@C 9 sai5. $"e 1ro%n smoot"e5 out as "e si-"e5. ADou %oul5 t"ink 9 %oul5 -i)e up on you e)er 8ein- easy.C ADes@C 9 sai5@ Ayou %oul5.C AA -oo52ni-"t kiss@ ma ... Anita. 91 you truly inten5 to 5ate me@ it %ill not 8e t"e last.C 9 -lare5 up at "im. 9 %ante5 to tell "im to -o to "ell@ 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- a8out t"e %ay "e stoo5 t"ere. A91 9 say no kiss@ %"at t"enBC A9 -o a%ay 1or toni-"t.C He took t"at step 3loser to me t"at put us almost tou3"in-. $"e 3lot" o1 "is s"irt 8rus"e5 t"e 1ront o1 my $2s"irt. ABut i1 you -i)e <i3"ar5 kisses an5 5o not allo% me su3" pri)ile-es@ t"en t"e a-reement is o11. 91 9 3annot tou3" you@ an5 "e 3an@ it is "ar5ly 1air.C 9?5 a-ree5 to t"e 5atin- 8e3ause it seeme5 like a -oo5 i5ea at t"e time@ 8ut no% ... 9 "a5n?t really t"ou-"t t"rou-" all t"e impli3ations. 4atin-@ kissin-@ makin- out. DikesI A9 5on?t kiss until a1ter t"e 1irst 5ate.C ABut you "a)e alrea5y kisse5 me@ Anita.C

A/ot %illin-ly@C 9 sai5. A$ell me you 5i5 not en>oy it@ ma petite.C 9?5 "a)e lo)e5 to lie@ 8ut neit"er o1 t"em %oul5 "a)e 8ou-"t it. ADou are an intrusi)e 8astar5.C A/ot as intrusi)e as 9 %oul5 like to 8e@C "e sai5. ADou 5on?t "a)e to 5o anyt"in- you 5on?t %ant to 5o@C <i3"ar5 sai5. He %as on "is knees on t"e 3ou3"@ "an5s -rippin- t"e 8a3k. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9 %asn?t sure 9 3oul5 e*plain it out lou5@ 8ut i1 %e %ere really -oin- to 5o t"is@ Hean2!lau5e %as ri-"t. 9 3oul5n?t "ol5 <i3"ar5?s "an5 an5 not "is. $"ou-" it 5i5 -i)e me a real in3enti)e not to -o all t"e %ay %it" <i3"ar5. $it 1or tat an5 all t"at. AA1ter our 1irst 5ate you 3an "a)e a %illin- kiss@ not 8e1ore@C 9 sai5. 9 %as -oin- to -i)e it t"e ol5 3olle-e try. He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ Anita. Dou yoursel1 tol5 me you like5 <i3"ar5@ not >ust lo)e5 "im. $"at you 3oul5 see spen5inyour li1e %it" "im@ 8ut not %it" me. Per"aps "e is a more lika8le 1ello%. 9 3annot 3ompete in ni3eness.C A$"at?s 3ertainly -ospel@C 9 sai5. He stare5 5o%n at me %it" "is 8lue@ 8lue eyes. /o 5ra- o1 po%er@ 8ut t"ere %as a %ei-"t to "is -aEe. /ot ma-i3@ 8ut 5an-erous all t"e same. ABut in one area 9 3an 3ompete.C 9 3oul5 1eel "is -aEe on my 8o5y as i1 "e?5 tou3"e5 me. $"e %ei-"t o1 "is -aEe ma5e me s"i)er. AStop it.C A/o.C #ne %or5@ so1t@ 3aressin-. His )oi3e %as one o1 "is 8est t"in-s. A#ne kiss@ Anita@ or %e 3an en5 it "ere@ toni-"t. 9 %ill not lose you %it"out a stru--le.C ADou?5 1i-"t <i3"ar5 toni-"t@ >ust 8e3ause 9 %on?t kiss you.C A9t is not t"e kiss@ ma petite. 9t is %"at 9 sa% toni-"t %"en you met "im at t"e 5oor. 9 see you 1ormin- a 3ouple 8e1ore my eyes. 9 must inter1ere no%@ or all is lost.C ADou?ll use your )oi3e to trap "er@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9 promise@ no tri3ks toni-"t.C 91 "e sai5 no tri3ks@ "e meant it. #n3e "e -a)e "is %or5 "e kept it. ="i3" also meant "e %oul5 1i-"t <i3"ar5 toni-"t o)er a kiss. 9?5 le1t 8ot" -uns in t"e 8e5room. 9 t"ou-"t %e %ere sa1e 1or toni-"t. 9 %as too 5amn tire5 to 5o t"is toni-"t. A#kay@C 9 sai5. ADou 5on?t "a)e to 5o anyt"in- you 5on?t %ant to@ Anita@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A91 %e are all -oin- to -o 5o%n in a 8loo5y mess@ let it 8e o)er somet"in- more important t"an a kiss.C ADou %ant to 5o it@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ADou %ant to kiss "im.C He 5i5n?t soun5 please5. ="at %as 9 suppose5 to sayB A="at 9 %ant most ri-"t t"is moment is to -o to 8e5@ alone. 9 %ant some sleep.C $"at at least %as t"e trut". 7ay8e not all o1 t"e trut"@ 8ut enou-" to earn me a puEEle5 1ro%n 1rom <i3"ar5@ an5 an e*asperate5 si-" 1rom Hean2!lau5e. A$"en i1 it is su3" a 5istaste1ul 5uty@ let it 8e 5one ;ui3kly@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. =e %ere stan5in- so 3lose@ "e 5i5n?t "a)e to make a 1ull step to press t"e line o1 "is 8o5y a-ainst mine. 9 trie5 to put my "an5s up@ to keep our 8o5ies apart. 7y "an5s sli5 o)er t"e 8are skin o1 "is stoma3". 9 >erke5 8a3k 1rom "im@ 8allin- my "an5s into 1ists. $"e 1eel o1 "is skin 3lun- to my "an5s. A="at is it@ ma petiteBC ALea)e "er alone@C <i3"ar5 sai5. He %as stan5in- 8esi5e t"e 3ou3"@ "an5s in loose 1ists. Po%er pri3kle5 alon- my skin. His po%er 3reepin- out%ar5 like a slo%2mo)in- %in5. His "air "a5 spille5 o)er one si5e o1 "is 1a3e. He looke5 out t"rou-" a 3urtain o1 "air. His 1a3e "a5 1allen into s"a5o%s. Li-"t -leame5 alon- "is nake5 skin@ paintin- it in s"a5es o1 -rey@ -ol5@ an5 8la3k. He stoo5 t"ere lookin- su55enly primal. A lo%@ spine28rus"in- -ro% tri3kle5 t"rou-" t"e room. AStop it@ <i3"ar5.C AHe is usin- "is po%ers on you.C His )oi3e %as unre3o-niEa8le. A lo%@ 8ass -ro%l t"at %as sli5in- a%ay 1rom "uman. 9 %as -la5 1or t"e s"a5o%s. Gla5 9 3oul5n?t see %"at %as "appenin- to "is 1a3e. 9?5 8een so %orrie5 a8out Hean2!lau5e startin- a 1i-"t@ it "a5n?t o33urre5 to me t"at <i3"ar5 mi-"t pi3k one. AHe isn?t usin- po%ers on me. 9 tou3"e5 "is 8are skin. $"at?s all.C He steppe5 1or%ar5 into t"e li-"t@ an5 "is 1a3e %as normal. ="at %as "appenin- insi5e t"at smoot" t"roat@ 8e"in5 t"ose kissa8le lips@ to make "is )oi3e soun5 monstrousB AGet 5resse5 an5 -et out.C

A="atBC His lips mo)e5 8ut t"at -ro%lin- )oi3e rolle5 out. 9t %as like %at3"in- a 8a5ly 5u88e5 mo)ie. A91 Hean2!lau5e isn?t allo%e5 to atta3k you@ t"en you sure as "ell aren?t allo%e5 to atta3k "im. 9 t"ou-"t "e %as t"e only monster 9 "a5 to 5eal %it". 91 you 3an?t 8e"a)e like a "uman 8ein-@ <i3"ar5@ -et out.C A="at o1 my kiss@ ma petiteBC ADou "a)e 8ot" pus"e5 it a8out as 1ar as it?s -oin- to -o toni-"t@C 9 sai5. A,)ery8o5y out.C Hean2!lau5e?s lau-" 1ille5 t"e s"a5o%e5 5ark. AAs you like@ Anita Blake. 9 am su55enly not so %orrie5 a8out you an5 7onsieur Keeman.C ABe1ore you start 3on-ratulatin- yoursel1@ Hean2!lau5e29 re)oke my in)itation.C $"ere %as a soun5 like a lo% soni3 pop. A -reat roarin- 1ille5 t"e room. $"e 5oor smas"e5 open@ 8an-in- a-ainst t"e %all. A %in5 rus"e5 in like an in)isi8le ri)er@ tu--in- at our 3lot"es@ 1lin-in- our "air a3ross our eyes. ADou 5on?t "a)e to 5o t"is@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ADes@C 9 sai5@ A9 5o.C 9t %as as i1 an in)isi8le "an5 s"o)e5 "im t"rou-" t"e 5oor. Slammin- t"e 5oor s"ut 8e"in5 "im. A9?m sorry@C <i3"ar5 sai5. $"e -ro%l %as slippin- a%ay. His )oi3e %as almost normal. A9t is too 3lose to t"e 1ull moon to -et t"is an-ry.C A9 5on?t %ant to "ear it@C 9 sai5. AHust -o.C AAnita@ 9 am sorry. 9 5on?t usually lose 3ontrol like t"is. ,)en t"is 3lose to t"e 1ull moon.C A="at %as 5i11erent toni-"tBC A9?)e ne)er 8een in lo)e 8e1ore. 9t seems to 8reak my 3on3entration.C AHealousy %ill 5o t"at to you@C 9 sai5. A$ell me 9 5on?t "a)e reason to 8e >ealous@ Anita. 7ake me 8elie)e it.C 9 si-"e5. AGo a%ay@ <i3"ar5. 9?)e still -ot to 3lean my -uns an5 kni1e 8e1ore 9 3an -o to 8e5.C He smile5 an5 s"ook "is "ea5. A9 -uess toni-"t 5i5n?t reassure you a8out "o% "uman 9 am.C He %alke5 aroun5 t"e 3ou3" an5 8ent o)er@ retrie)in- "is s%eater 1rom t"e 1loor@ %"ere it lay neatly 1ol5e5. He pulle5 t"e s%eater o)er "is "ea5. He pulle5 a ponytail "ol5er 1rom "is >eans po3ket@ an5 tie5 "is "air 8a3k. 9 3oul5 see t"e mus3les in "is arms %ork e)en t"rou-" t"e s%eater. He slippe5 "is s"oes on@ 8en5in- o)er to tie t"em. His 3oat %as lon-@ 1allin- to "is ankles. 9n t"e "al1 li-"t it looke5 like a 3ape. A9 5on?t suppose 9 -et a kiss@ eit"er.C AGoo5 ni-"t@ <i3"ar5@C 9 sai5. He took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%ly. AGoo5 ni-"t@ Anita.C He le1t. 9 lo3ke5 t"e 5oor. 9 3leane5 my %eapons an5 %ent to 8e5. A1ter t"e s"o% t"at <i3"ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e "a5 put on@ t"e Bro%nin- %as a8out t"e only t"in- 9 %ante5 in 8e5 %it" me toni-"t. All ri-"t@ t"e -un an5 one stu11e5 pen-uin.

Chapter Thirty-two
$"e p"one %as rin-in-. 9t seeme5 to "a)e 8een rin-in- a lon- time. 9 lay in 8e5 listenin- to it rin-@ %on5erin- %"en t"e "ell t"e ma3"ine %oul5 pi3k up. 9 rolle5 o)er@ rea3"in- 1or t"e p"one. 9t %as missin-. $"e rin-in- %as 3omin- 1rom t"e ot"er room. S"it. 9?5 1or-otten to 8rin- it 8a3k in last ni-"t. 9 3ra%le5 out o1 t"e %arm 3o)ers an5 sta--ere5 into t"e li)in- room. $"e p"one must "a)e run- 1i1teen times 8e1ore 9 -ot to it. 9 sank to t"e 1loor %it" t"e re3ei)er 3lut3"e5 to my ear. A="o is itBC AAnitaBC A<onnieBC ADou soun5 a%1ul.C A9 look %orse@C 9 sai5. A="at?s upBC ALater@ %"y are you 3allin- atC29 -lan3e5 at my %rist%at3"2A se)en o?3lo3k in t"e 1reakin- mornin-. $"is 8etter 8e -oo5@ <onnie.C A#"@ it?s -oo5@ all ri-"t. 9 t"ou-"t %e s"oul5 3at3" Geor-e SmitE 8e1ore "e -oes to %ork.C A="yBC 7y 1a3e %as t"ro88in-. 9 lay 5o%n on t"e 3arpet@ 3ra5lin- t"e p"one a-ainst my ear. $"e 3arpet %as )ery so1t.

AAnita@ Anita@ are you t"ereBC 9 8linke5 an5 realiEe5 9?5 1allen asleep. 9 sat up an5 leane5 a-ainst t"e %all. A9?m "ere@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t "ear a %or5 you sai5 a1ter somet"in- a8out nee5in- to talk to SmitE 8e1ore %ork.C A9 kno% you?re not a mornin- person@ Anita@ 8ut you?)e ne)er 1allen asleep on me 8e1ore. Ho% mu3" sleep 5i5 you -et last ni-"tBC AA8out an "our.C A#"@ Go5@ 9 am sorry. But 9 kne% you?5 %ant to kno%. 9?)e 1oun5 t"e smokin- -un.C A<onnie@ please@ %"at are you talkin- a8outBC A9 "a)e pi3tures o1 Geor-e SmitE %it" anot"er %oman.C S"e let t"at sink in 1or a moment or t%o. AAnita@ are you t"ereBC A9?m "ere. 9?m t"inkin-.C $"e last %as "ar5er to 5o t"an 9 %ante5 it to 8e. 9 am ne)er at my 8est 1irst t"in- in t"e mornin-. A1ter an "our?s sleep 9 %asn?t e)en 3lose to my 8est. A="y 5o you say it?s a smokin- -unBC A=ell@ a lot o1 times a spouse %ill report t"e ot"er spouse missin- to 5i)ert suspi3ion.C ADou t"ink SmitE o11e5 "is %i1eBC AHo% poeti3ally you put it@ 8ut yes@ 9 5o.C A="yB A lot o1 men 3"eat on t"eir %i)es@ most o1 t"em 5on?t kill t"em.C AHere?s t"e 3lin3"er. A1ter 9 took t"e pi3tures@ 9 talke5 to a 1e% -un stores in t"e area. He?5 8ou-"t some sil)er 8ullets at a store near t"e 8ut3"er s"op.C A/ot )ery 8ri-"t@C 9 sai5. A7ost mur5erers aren?t.C 9 no55e5@ realiEe5 s"e 3oul5n?t see it@ an5 5i5n?t 3are. A'ine@ looks like 7r. SmitE isn?t t"e -rie)in- %i5o%er "e preten5e5 to 8e. ="at 5o you %ant to 5o a8out itBC A!on1ront "im at "ome.C A="y not -o to t"e 3opsBC A$"e store 3lerk isn?t e*a3tly positi)e it %as Geor-e.C 9 3lose5 my eyes. AGreat@ >ust -reat. Dou t"ink "e?ll 3on1ess to usBC AHe mi-"t. He?s s"are5 a 8e5 %it" "er 1or 1i1teen years. 7ot"er o1 "is 3"il5ren. $"ere?s -ot to 8e a lot o1 -uilt t"ere.C 9 5on?t t"ink real %ell on an "our?s sleep. A!ops@ %e s"oul5 "a)e t"e 3ops %aitin- in t"e %in-s@ at least.C AAnita@ "e?s a 3lient o1 mine. 9 5on?t turn 3lients o)er to t"e 3ops unless 9 "a)e to. 91 "e 3on1esses@ 9?ll 8rin- t"em in. 91 "e 5oesn?t 3on1ess@ 9?ll "an5 o)er %"at 9 "a)e. But 9?)e -ot to try it my %ay 1irst.C A'ine@ 5o you 3all "im an5 tell "im %e?re 3omin- or 5o you %ant me toBC A9?ll 5o it. 9 >ust t"ou-"t you?5 like to 8e t"ere.C ADea"@ let me kno% %"en.C AHe "asn?t -one to %ork yet. 9?ll 3all "im an5 8e o)er to pi3k you up.C 9 %ante5 to say@ A/o@ 9 "a)e to -o 8a3k to sleep@C 8ut %"at i1 "e "a5 kille5 "erB ="at i1 "e?5 taken t"e ot"ersB Geor-e "a5n?t stru3k me as 5an-erous enou-" to take out s"apes"i1ters@ 8ut t"en 9?5 t"ou-"t "e %as -enuinely -rie)in-. Genuinely %orrie5 a8out "is %i1e. ="at t"e "ell 5i5 9 kno%B A9?ll 8e rea5y@C 9 sai5. 9 "un- up %it"out sayin- -oo528ye. 9 %as -ettin- as 8a5 as 4olp". 9?5 apolo-iEe %"en <onnie -ot "ere. $"e p"one ran- 8e1ore 9 3oul5 3ra%l to my 1eet. A="at is it@ <onnieBC AAnita@ it?s <i3"ar5.C ASorry@ <i3"ar5@ %"at?s upBC ADou soun5 a%1ul.C ADou 5on?t. Dou 5i5n?t -et mu3" more sleep t"an 9 5i5. Ho% 3ome you soun5 so mu3" 8etterB Please tell me you aren?t a mornin- person.C He lau-"e5. ASorry@ -uilty as 3"ar-e5.C 'urry 9 3oul5 1or-i)eG a mornin- person@ 9?5 "a)e to t"ink a8out t"at. A<i3"ar5@ 5on?t take t"is %ron-@ 8ut %"at 5o you %antBC AHason?s missin-.C

A="o?s HasonBC ADoun- male@ 8lon5@ 3ra%le5 all o)er you at t"e Lunati3 !a1e.C AA"@ 9 remem8er "im. He?s missin-.C ADes. Hason is one o1 our ne%est pa3k mem8ers. $oni-"t is t"e 1ull moon. He %oul5n?t risk -oin- out alone to5ay o1 all 5ays. His sponsor %ent o)er to "is "ouse@ an5 "e %as -one.C ASponsor like in AABC ASomet"in- like t"at.C AAny si-ns o1 a stru--leBC A/o.C 9 stoo5 up 5ra--in- t"e p"one in one "an5. 9 trie5 to t"ink past t"e lea5en tire5ness. Ho% 5are <i3"ar5 soun5 so 3"eer1ul. APe--y SmitE?s "us8an52<onnie 3au-"t "im %it" anot"er %oman. A 3lerk may "a)e sol5 "im sil)er 8ullets.C $"ere %as silen3e on t"e ot"er en5 o1 t"e p"one. 9 3oul5 "ear "is so1t 8reat"in-@ 8ut t"at %as all. $"e 8reat"in- %as a little 1ast. A$alk to me@ <i3"ar5.C A91 "e kille5 Pe--y@ t"en %e?ll "an5le it.C AHas it o33urre5 to you t"at "e 3oul5 8e 8e"in5 all t"e 5isappearan3esBC 9 aske5. A9 5on?t see "o%.C A="y notB A sil)er 8ullet %ill take 3are o1 any s"apes"i1ter. /o -reat skill in)ol)e5. Dou >ust nee5 to 8e someone t"at t"e s"apes"i1ter trusts.C 7ore silen3e 1inally. A#kay@ %"at 5o you %ant to 5oBC A<onnie an5 9 %ere -oin- to 3on1ront "im t"is mornin-. =it" Hason missin- %e 5on?t "a)e time to pussy21oot aroun5. !an you supply me %it" a s"apes"i1ter or t%o to "elp t"reaten SmitEB 7ay8e %it" a little mus3le po%er %e 3an -et to t"e trut" 1aster.C A9 "a)e to tea3" s3"ool to5ay@ an5 9 3an?t a11or5 1or "im to kno% %"at 9 am.C A9 5i5n?t ask 1or you to 3ome. Hust 1or some o1 you to 3ome. 7ake sure t"ey look intimi5atin-@ t"ou-". 9r)in- may 8e a %ere%ol1@ 8ut "e isn?t )ery s3ary.C A9?ll sen5 someone. $o your apartmentBC ADea".C A="enBC ASoon as you 3an. An5@ <i3"ar5.C ADes.C A4on?t tell any8o5y %"at %e suspe3t a8out Geor-e SmitE. 9 5on?t %ant to 1in5 "im 3la%e5 up %"en %e -et t"ere.C A9 %oul5n?t 5o t"at.C FDou %oul5n?t@ 8ut 7ar3us mi-"t@ an5 9 kno% <aina %oul5.C A9?ll tell t"em you "a)e a suspe3t an5 %ant some 8a3kup. 9 %on?t tell t"em %"o.C AGreat@ t"anks.C A91 you 1in5 Hason 8e1ore t"ey kill "im@ 9?ll o%e you one.C A9?ll take t"e payment in 3arnal 1a)ors@C 9 sai5. $"e minute 9 sai5 it@ 9 %is"e5 9 "a5n?t. 9t %as sort o1 true@ 8ut a1ter last ni-"t@ not 5o%n to my toes. He lau-"e5. A4one. 9?)e -ot to -o to %ork. 9 lo)e you.C 9 "esitate5 >ust a se3on5. A9 lo)e you@ too. $ea3" t"e ki55ies %ell to5ay.C He %as ;uiet 1or a spa3e o1 "eart8eats. He?5 "ear5 t"e "esitation. A9 %ill. Bye.C ABye.C ="en 9?5 "un- up@ 9 stoo5 t"ere 1or a minute. 91 someone %as >ust %alkin- up an5 s"ootin- s"i1ters@ t"en Hason %as 5ea5. $"e 8est 9?5 8e a8le to 5o %oul5 8e to lo3ate t"e 8o5y. 9t %as 8etter t"an not"in-@ 8ut not mu3".

Chapter Thirty-three
=e pulle5 up in 1ront o1 Geor-e SmitE?s "ouse at a little a1ter nine t"at mornin-. <onnie %as 5ri)in-. 9 %as ri5in- s"ot-un. Ga8riel an5 <aina %ere in t"e 8a3kseat. 91 aske5@ 9 %oul5 "a)e 3"osen 5i11erent people 1or 8a3kup. 9 also %oul5n?t "a)e 3"osen my 8oy1rien5?s ol5 lo)er 1or 8a3kup. ="at "a5 <i3"ar5 8een t"inkin-B #r may8e <aina "a5n?t -i)en "im a 3"oi3e. Her 3omin- to5ay@ not t"e se*. 9 still %asn?t sure "o% 9 1elt a8out t"at. All ri-"t. 9 kne% "o% 9 1elt. 9 %as pisse5. But 9?5 slept %it" someone else. Glass "ouses an5 all. 9n any 3ase@ <i3"ar5 "a5 -i)en me e*a3tly %"at 9?5 aske5 1orJ s3ary@ intimi5atin- s"apes"i1ters. 9 %asn?t use5 to -ettin- e*a3tly %"at 9 aske5 1or. /e*t time 9?5 8e more spe3i1i3. Ga8riel %as 5resse5 in 8la3k leat"er a-ain. 9t 3oul5 almost "a)e 8een t"e same out1it 9?5 1irst seen "im in@ 5o%n to t"e metal2stu55e5 -auntlet on "is ri-"t "an5. 7ay8e "is %"ole 3loset %as one -reat 8i- leat"er 1est. $"e earrin-s %ere -one. $"e "oles e)en in t"e "ar5er 3artila-e o1 t"e ears "a5 "eale5. <aina %as 5resse5 normally enou-". Sort o1. S"e %as %earin- an ankle2len-t" 1ur 3oat. 'o*. !anni8alism is one t"in-@ 8ut %earin- t"e skin o1 your 5ea5B 9t seeme5 a little 3ol5 8loo5e5 e)en 1or t"e psy3"o 8it3" 1rom "ell. All ri-"t@ s"e %as a %ol1@ not a 1o*@ 8ut "e3k@ 9 5i5n?t %ear 1ur on moral -roun5s. S"e 1launte5 it. S"e leane5 o)er t"e 8a3k o1 t"e seat. A="at are %e 5oin- in 1ront o1 Pe--y?s "ouseBC 9t %as time to spill t"e 8eans. ="y 5i5n?t 9 %ant to 5o itB 9 un5i5 t"e seat 8elt an5 turne5 to 1a3e "er. S"e %as lookin- at me@ 1a3e pleasant enou-". #n "er ly3ant"rope 8one stru3ture s"e "a5 all "i-" 3"eek8ones an5 a lus3ious mout". 7ay8e s"e planne5 on 5oin- somet"in- ne1arious to5ay. Ga8riel "a5 5rape5 "imsel1 o)er t"e 8a3kseat. $"e -auntlete5 "an5 traile5 5o%n <onnie?s arm. ,)en t"rou-" "er sue5e 3oat s"e s"i)ere5. A$ou3" me a-ain@ an5 9 am -oin- to 1ee5 you t"at "an5.C S"e?5 s3oote5 a%ay 1rom "im as 1ar as t"e steerin- %"eel %oul5 allo%@ %"i3" %asn?t 1ar. Ga8riel "a5 tou3"e5 "er se)eral times on t"e 5ri)e o)er. $easin-@ not"inem8arrassin-@ 8ut it %as 8ot"ersome. AHan5s are )ery 8ony. 9 pre1er a more ten5er 3ut o1 meat. Breast or t"i-" is my pre1eren3e@C Ga8riel sai5. His -rey eyes %ere startlin- e)en in sunli-"t@ may8e more so. $"ey "a5 a ;uality o1 li-"t to t"e -rey t"at %as almost luminous. 9?5 seen eyes like t"at 8e1ore@ 8ut 9 still 3oul5n?t pla3e it. AGa8riel@ 9 kno% you are a pain in t"e ass. 9 kno% you?re en>oyin- t"e "ell out o1 teasin- <onnie@ 8ut i1 you 5on?t stop it %e?re -oin- to see >ust "o% -oo5 your re3uperati)e po%ers are.C He sli5 a3ross t"e seat@ 3loser to me. /ot ne3essarily an impro)ement. A9?m yours anytime you %ant me.C A9s 3omin- t"at 3lose to 5yin- really your i5ea o1 se*BC AAs lon- as it "urts@C Ga8riel sai5. <onnie looke5 at us %it" %i5e eyes. ADou "a)e -ot to tell me a8out your e)enin-.C ADou really 5on?t %ant to kno%@C 9 sai5. A="y are %e "ereBC <aina aske5 a-ain. S"e %asn?t -oin- to 8e 5istra3te5 8y 7r. Leat"er. Goo5 1or "er. Ba5 1or me. Her -aEe %as intense@ as i1 my 1a3e %ere t"e most important t"in- in t"e %orl5. =as t"is %"at 7ar3us sa% in "erB A lot o1 men are )ery 1lattere5 8y un5i)i5e5 attention. $"en aren?t %e allB A<onnieBC S"e -ot t"e pi3tures out o1 "er purse. $"ey %ere t"e kin5 o1 pi3tures t"at 5i5n?t nee5 any e*planation. Geor-e "a5 le1t "is 5rapes up@ )ery 3areless. Ga8riel 3urle5 8a3k into t"e seat@ 1lippin- t"rou-" t"e s"ots@ a 8i- smile on "is 1a3e. He -ot to one parti3ular s"ot@ an5 lau-"e5. AVery impressi)e.C <aina?s rea3tion %as )ery 5i11erent. S"e %asn?t amuse5. S"e %as an-ry. ADou 8rou-"t us out "ere to punis" "im 1or 3"eatin- on Pe--yBC A/ot e*a3tly@C 9 sai5. A=e t"ink "e is responsi8le 1or "er 5isappearan3e. 91 "e?s responsi8le 1or one 5isappearan3e@ "e 3oul5 8e responsi8le 1or more.C <aina looke5 at me. $"e 3on3entration %as >ust as pure 8ut no% 9 "a5 to 1i-"t an ur-e to s;uirm. Her ra-e %as pure an5 simple. Geor-e "a5 "urt a pa3k mem8er. He %oul5 pay 1or t"at. $"ere %as no un3ertainty in "er -aEe@ only an instant ra-e. ALet <onnie an5 9 5o t"e talkin-. $"e t%o o1 you are "ere to intimi5ate "im i1 %e nee5 it.C A91 t"ere is any 3"an3e "e "as Hason@ %e 5on?t "a)e time to 8e su8tle@C <aina sai5. 9 a-ree5 %it" "er@ 8ut not out lou5. A=e talk@ you stay in t"e 8a3k-roun5 an5 look mena3in-. :nless %e ask. #kayBC A9?m "ere 8e3ause <i3"ar5 aske5 me@C <aina sai5. AHe?s an alp"a male. 9 o8ey "is or5ers.C ASome"o% 9 5on?t pi3ture you o8eyin- any8o5y?s or5ers@C 9 sai5. S"e 1las"e5 me a )ery nasty smile. A9 o8ey t"e or5ers 9 %ant to o8ey.C

$"at 9 8elie)e5. 9 >erke5 a t"um8 at Ga8riel. A="o 3alle5 in "imBC A9 3"ose "im. Ga8riel is )ery -oo5 at intimi5ation.C He %as 8i-@ leat"er 3la5@ metal stu55e5@ an5 "a5 s"arp@ pointy teet". Dea"@ 9?5 say t"at %as intimi5atin-. ADour %or5 t"at you?ll stay in t"e 8a3k-roun5 unless %e nee5 you.C A<i3"ar5 sai5 %e are to o8ey you as %e %oul5 o8ey "im@C <aina sai5. AGreat. Sin3e you o8ey <i3"ar5 only %"en it suits you@ %"at 5oes t"at meanBC <aina lau-"e5. 9t "a5 a "ar5@ 8rittle e5-e to it. $"e kin5 o1 lau-"ter t"at ma5e you t"ink o1 ma5 s3ientists an5 people lo3ke5 too lon- in solitary. A9 %ill let you "an5le it@ Anita Blake@ as lon- as you are 5oin- a -oo5 >o8. Hason is my pa3k mem8er. 9 %ill not let your s;ueamis"ness en5an-er "im.C 9 %as likin- t"is less an5 less. A9?m not s;ueamis".C S"e smile5. A$"at is true. 7y apolo-ies.C ADou?re not a %ol1@C 9 sai5. A="at are you -ettin- out o1 t"isBC Ga8riel smile5@ 1las"in- s"arp@ pointy teet". He %as still 1lippin- t"rou-" t"e pi3tures. A7ar3us an5 <i3"ar5 %ill o%e me a 1a)or. $"e %"ole 5amn pa3k %ill o%e me one.C 9 no55e5. 9t %as a moti)e 9 8elie)e5. AGi)e t"e pi3tures 8a3k to <onnie. /o smart remarks@ >ust 5o it.C He poute5@ sti3kin- out "is lo%er lip. 9t %oul5 "a)e %orke5 8etter %it"out t"e 1an-s. But "e "an5e5 t"e pi3tures to <onnie. His 1in-ertips 8rus"e5 "er "an5@ lin-erin- a little@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t say anyt"in-. $"at "a5 8een %"at 9 aske5. =ere all s"apes"i1ters so 5amn literalB His stran-e eyes stare5 at me. 9 su55enly remem8ere5 %"ere 9?5 seen t"ose eyes. Be"in5 a mask in a 1ilm t"at 9?5 rat"er not "a)e seen. Ga8riel %as t"e ot"er man in t"e snu11 1ilm. 9 "a5n?t "a5 enou-" sleep to "i5e t"e s"o3k. 9 1elt my 1a3e 3rum8le %it" it an5 3oul5n?t stop it. Ga8riel turne5 "is "ea5 to one si5e@ like a 5o-. A="y are you lookin- at me like 9 >ust sproute5 a se3on5 "ea5BC ="at 3oul5 9 sayB ADour eyes. 9 >ust 1i-ure5 out %"ere 9?)e seen t"em.C ADes.C He mo)e5 3loser@ puttin- "is 3"in on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e seat@ lettin- me "a)e a -oo5 look at t"ose luminous eyes. A="ereBC A$"e Eoo. Dou?re a leopar5.C Liar@ liar@ pants on 1ire@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t t"ink o1 a 8etter one@ not t"is ;ui3k. He 8linke5@ starin- at me. A7eo%@ 8ut t"at %asn?t %"at you %ere t"inkin-.C He soun5e5 )ery sure o1 "imsel1. ABelie)e it or not@ 9 5on?t -i)e a 5amn. 9t?s t"e 8est ans%er you?re -ettin-.C He staye5 t"ere@ 3"in in5entin- t"e up"olstery. Dou 3oul5n?t see "is s"oul5ers@ so "is "ea5 looke5 5isem8o5ie5@ like a "ea5 on a pike. A33urate@ i1 ,5%ar5 1oun5 out %"o "e %as. An5 ,5%ar5 %oul5 1in5 out. 9?5 tell "im@ -la5ly@ i1 it %oul5 stop any more o1 t"ose 1ilms 1rom 8ein- ma5e. #1 3ourse@ 9 %asn?t sure it %oul5 stop t"em. $"ey %ere <aina?s 8rain3"il5. Suppose5ly@ s"e 5i5n?t kno% a8out t"e alternate en5in-. Dea"@ ri-"t@ an5 9 moonli-"te5 as t"e ,aster Bunny. <onnie %as starin- at me. S"e kne% me too %ell. 9 "a5n?t tol5 "er a8out t"e snu11 1ilm. /o% 9?5 intro5u3e5 "er to t%o o1 t"e stars. S"it. =e -ot out o1 t"e 3ar into t"e 8ri-"t@ 3"illy %inter sunli-"t. =e %alke5 up t"e si5e%alk %it" a s"apes"i1ter 1ollo%in- at our 8a3ks t"at 9 "a5 seen mur5er a %oman on s3reen an5 1ee5 1rom "er still2t%it3"in- 8o5y. Go5 "elp Geor-e SmitE i1 "e %as -uilty. Go5 "elp us all i1 "e %asn?t. Hason %as missin-. #ne o1 t"e ne%est pa3k mem8ers@ <i3"ar5 "a5 sai5. 91 Geor-e SmitE 5i5n?t "a)e "im@ %"o 5i5B

Chapter Thirty-four
<aina -ra88e5 my "an5 8e1ore it 3oul5 tou3" t"e 5oor8ell. Her -rip "a5 8een )ery 1ast. 9 "a5n?t "a5 time to rea3t at all. Her nails %ere lon- an5 per1e3tly mani3ure5 %it" nail polis" t"e 3olor o1 8urnt pumpkins. $"ose oran-e28ro%n nails 5uinto my %rist >ust enou-" to in5ent t"e skin. S"e let me 1eel t"e stren-t" in t"at 5eli3ate "an5. S"e 5i5n?t "urt me@ 8ut t"e smile on "er 1a3e sai5 s"e 3oul5. 9 smile5 8a3k. S"e %as stron-@ 8ut s"e %asn?t a )ampire. 9 %as 8ettin- 9 3oul5 -et to a -un 8e1ore s"e 3oul5 1inis" 3rus"in- my %rist. S"e 5i5n?t 3rus" my %rist. S"e let -o. APer"aps Ga8riel an5 9 s"oul5 -o in t"e 8a3k %ay. Dou 5i5 say you %ante5 us to stay in t"e 8a3k-roun5.C S"e %as smilin- an5 lookin- o"@ so reasona8le. $"e nail marks in my skin "a5n?t 1ille5 out yet. A9 mean@ look at us@ 7s. Blake. ,)en i1 %e say not"in-@ "e 3an?t i-nore us.C S"e "a5 a point. AHo% %ill t"e t%o o1 you -et in t"e 8a3k 5oor i1 it?s lo3ke5BC <aina -a)e me a took %ort"y o1 ,5%ar5@ as i1 9?5 aske5 a )ery stupi5 ;uestion. =as 9 t"e only one %"o 5i5n?t kno% "o% to pi3k a lo3kB A'ine@ -o to it.C

<aina smile5 an5 %alke5 o11 t"rou-" t"e sno%. Her au8urn "air -leame5 a-ainst t"e 1o* 1ur 3oat. Her "i-"2"eele5 8ro%n 8oots le1t s"arp little prints in t"e meltin- sno%. Ga8riel traile5 a1ter "er. $"e 3"ains on "is leat"er >a3ket >in-le5 as "e %alke5. His metal2stu55e5 3o%8oy 8oots smas"e5 o)er <aina?s 5aintier prints almost as i1 it %ere purpose1ul. A/o8o5y?s -oin- to mistake t"em 1or 5oor2to25oor salespeople@C <onnie sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at our >eans@ my /ikes@ "er sno% 8oots@ my leat"er >a3ket@ "er lon- sue5e 3oat. A:s eit"er@C 9 sai5. AGoo5 point.C 9 ran- t"e 8ell. =e stoo5 on t"e little 1ront por3" listenin- to t"e ea)es 5rip@ =e %ere "a)in- one o1 t"ose stran-e %inter t"a%s t"at 7issouri is 1amous 1or. $"e sno% %as all so1t an5 1a5in- like a sno%man in t"e suns"ine. But it %oul5n?t last. Gettin- t"is mu3" sno% at all in 4e3em8er %as unusual "ere. =e usually 5i5n?t -et real sno% until Hanuary or 'e8ruary. 9t %as takin- a lon- time 1or 7r. SmitE to 3ome to t"e 5oor. 'inally 9 "ear5 mo)ement. Somet"in- "ea)y enou-" to 8e a person mo)in- to%ar5 t"e 5oor. Geor-e SmitE opene5 t"e 5oor in a 8loo5staine5 apron o)er >eans an5 a pale 8lue $2 s"irt. $"ere %as a 8loo5stain on one s"oul5er@ as i1 "e?5 li1te5 a si5e o1 8ee1 an5 it "a5 8le5 on "im. He %ipe5 "is "an5s on "is apron@ palms 1lat@ skin stret3"in- alon- t"e 1a8ri3 as i1 "e 3oul5n?t -et t"em 3lean. 7ay8e "e >ust %asn?t use5 to 8ein3o)ere5 in 8loo5. #r may8e "is palms %ere s%eatin-. 9 smile5 an5 o11ere5 "im my "an5. He took it. His palm %as s%eaty. /er)ous. Great. AHo% are you@ 7r. SmitEBC He s"ook "an5s %it" <onnie an5 us"ere5 us insi5e. =e %ere stan5in- in a little entry%ay. $"ere %as a 3loset to one si5e@ a mirror on t"e opposite %all %it" a lo% ta8le. A )ase 1ull o1 yello% silk 1lo%ers sat on t"e ta8le. $"e %alls %ere pale yello% an5 mat3"e5 t"e 1lo%ers. A7ay 9 take your 3oatsBC 91 "e %as a mur5erer@ "e %as t"e most polite one 9?5 e)er met. A/o@ t"anks@ %e?ll keep t"em %it" us.C APe--y al%ays -ot on to me i1 9 5i5n?t ask 1or people?s 3oats. FGeor-e@ you %eren?t raise5 in a 8arn@ ask t"em i1 you 3an take t"eir 3oats.? A $"e imitation soun5e5 a33urate. =e steppe5 out into t"e li)in- room. 9t %as %allpapere5 in pale yello% %it" 8ro%n 1lo%ers 5one )ery small. $"e 3ou3"@ t"e lo)e seat@ t"e re3liner %ere all a pale@ pale yello%@ almost %"ite. $"ere %ere more silk 1lo%ers on t"e pale %oo5 en5 ta8le. Dello%. $"e pi3tures on t"e %all@ t"e kni3kkna3ks on t"e s"el)es@ e)en t"e 3arpet un5er1oot %as yello%. 9t %as like 8ein- insi5e a lemon 5rop. ,it"er it s"o%e5 on my 1a3e or Geor-e %as use5 to it. ADello% %as Pe--y?s 1a)orite 3olor.C A=asBC A9 mean is. #"@ Go5.C He 3ollapse5 on t"e pale lemon 3ou3"@ 1a3e "i55en in "is 8i- "an5s. He %as t"e only t"in- in t"e room t"at 5i5n?t mat3" t"e yello% la3e 3urtains. A9t?s 8een so a%1ul@ %on5erin-.C He looke5 up at us. $ears -listene5 in "is eyes. 9t %as A3a5emy A%ar5 3ali8er. A7s. Sims sai5 s"e "a5 ne%s a8out Pe--y. Ha)e you 1oun5 "erB 9s s"e all ri-"tBC His eyes %ere so sin3ere it "urt to look into t"em. 9 still 3oul5n?t tell "e %as lyin-. 91 9 "a5n?t seen t"e pi3tures o1 "im %it" anot"er %oman@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e 8elie)e5 it. #1 3ourse@ a5ultery %asn?t mur5er. He 3oul5 8e -uilty o1 one an5 not t"e ot"er. Sure. <onnie sat on t"e 3ou3"@ as 1ar a%ay 1rom "im as s"e 3oul5 -et 8ut still rat"er 3ompaniona8le. !oEier t"an 9 %as %illinto 8e %it" t"e son o1 a 8it3". 91 9 e)er mana-e5 to -et marrie5 an5 my "us8an5 3"eate5 on me@ it %oul5n?t 8e me to -o missin-. APlease sit 5o%n@ 7s. Blake. 9?m sorry@ 9?m not 8ein- a )ery -oo5 "ost.C 9 per3"e5 on t"e e5-e o1 t"e yello% re3liner. A9 t"ou-"t you %orke5 3onstru3tion@ 7r. SmitE. ="at?s %it" t"e apronBC APe--y?s 5a5 3an?t run t"e store 8y "imsel1. He 5ee5e5 it to "er years a-o. 9 may "a)e to ;uit %orkin- 3onstru3tion. But you kno%@ "e?s 1amily. 9 3an?t lea)e "im in t"e lur3". Pe--y 5i5 most o1 t"e %ork. 4a5?s almost ninety2t%o. He >ust 3an?t 5o it all.C A4o you in"erit t"e 8ut3"er s"opBC 9 aske5. =e?5 automati3ally -one into -oo5 3op@ 8a5 3op. Guess %"i3" one 9 %as. He 8linke5 at me. A=ell@ yes. 9 suppose so.C He 5i5n?t ask i1 s"e %as all ri-"t t"is time. He >ust looke5 at me %it" "is soul1ul eyes. ADou lo)e your %i1eBC ADes@ o1 3ourse. ="at kin5 o1 ;uestion is t"atBC He looke5 less sa5 an5 more an-ry no%. A<onnie@C 9 sai5 so1tly. S"e took t"e pi3tures out o1 "er purse an5 -a)e t"em to "im. $"e 1ront pi3ture s"o%e5 "im em8ra3in- t"e 5ark2"aire5 %oman. Pe--y SmitE "a5 8een a 8lon5.

!olor 3rept up "is 1a3e. /ot so mu3" re5 as purplis". He slamme5 t"e pi3tures 5o%n on t"e 3o11ee ta8le %it"out lookin- at t"e rest. $"ey sli5 a3ross t"e ta8le@ ima-es o1 "im an5 t"e %oman in )arious states o1 un5ress. Kissin-@ -ropin-@ nearly 5oin- it stan5in- up. His 1a3e %ent 1rom re5 to purplis". His eyes 8ul-e5. He stoo5 up@ "is 8reat" 3omin- in 1ast@ "ars" -asps. A="at t"e "ell are t"eseBC A9 t"ink t"e pi3tures are sel12e*planatory@C 9 sai5. A9 "ire5 you to 1in5 my %i1e@ not to spy on me.C He turne5 on <onnie@ to%erin- o)er "er. His 8i- "an5s 8alle5 into e)en 8i--er 1ists. $"e mus3les in "is arms 8ul-e5@ )eins stan5in- out like %orms. <onnie stoo5 up@ usin- "er 1i)e 1eet an5 nine in3"es to -oo5 a5)anta-e. S"e %as 3alm. 91 s"e %as %orrie5 a8out 1a3in5o%n a man t"at out%ei-"e5 "er 8y a "un5re5 poun5s@ it 5i5n?t s"o%. A="ere?s Pe--y@ Geor-eBC He -lan3e5 at me@ t"en 8a3k to <onnie. He raise5 a "an5 as i1 "e %oul5 strike "er. A="ere?5 you "i5e t"e 8o5yBC He %"irle5 on me. 9 >ust sat t"ere an5 looke5 at "im. He?5 "a)e to 3ome o)er or aroun5 t"e 3o11ee ta8le to -et to me. 9 %as pretty sure 9 3oul5 8e out o1 rea3". #r "a)e a -un. #r put "im t"rou-" a %in5o%. $"at last %as soun5in- 8etter an5 8etter. AGet out o1 my "ouse.C <onnie "a5 steppe5 8a3k out o1 rea3". He stoo5 t"ere like a purple21a3e5 mountain@ s%ayin- 8et%een us. AGet out o1 my "ouse.C A!an?t 5o t"at@ Geor-e. =e kno% you kille5 "er.C 7ay8e kno% %as too stron- a %or5@ 8ut A%e?re pretty sure you kille5 "erC 5i5n?t "a)e t"e ri-"t rin-. A:nless you really plan to start s%in-in-@ 9?5 sit 5o%n@ Geor-ie28oy.C ADes@ 8y all means sit 5o%n@ Geor-e.C 9 5i5n?t look 8e"in5 me to see %"ere <aina %as. 9 5i5n?t t"ink Geor-e %oul5 really "urt me@ 8ut 8etter to 8e 3autious. $akin- my eyes o11 a -uy %"o %ei-"e5 o)er t%o "un5re5 poun5s soun5e5 like a 8a5 i5ea. He stare5 at <aina. He looke5 3on1use5. A="at t"e "ell is t"isBC <onnie sai5@ A#"@ my Go5.C S"e %as starin- 8e"in5 me %it" "er mout" open. Somet"in- %as -oin- on 8e"in5 my 8a3k@ 8ut %"atB 9 stoo5@ eyes all 1or Geor-e@ 8ut "e %asn?t lookin- at me anymore. 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom "im >ust to 8e sa1e. ="en 9 "a5 enou-" 5istan3e to 8e sa1e. 9 3oul5 see t"e 5oor%ay. <aina %as %earin- a 8ro%n silk te55y@ "i-" "eele5 8oots an5 not"in- else. $"e 1ur 3oat %as "el5 open@ t"e 8loo5re5 linin- outlinin- "er 8o5y 5ramati3ally. A9 t"ou-"t you %ere -oin- to stay in t"e 8a3k-roun5 unless 9 3alle5 1or you.C S"e 5roppe5 t"e 1ur into a 1uEEy pu55le on t"e 1loor. S"e stalke5 into t"e room@ s%ayin- e)eryt"in- t"at %oul5 mo)e. <onnie an5 9 e*3"an-e5 -lan3es. S"e mout"e5 t"e %or5s@ A="at?s -oin- onBC 9 s"ru--e5. 9 5i5n?t "a)e t"e 1aintest i5ea. <aina 8ent o)er t"e silk 1lo%ers on t"e 3o11ee ta8le@ -i)in- Geor-e SmitE a lon-@ t"orou-" )ie% o1 "er slim 8a3ksi5e. $"e 3olor %as 5rainin- 1rom "is 1a3e. His "an5s %ere slo%ly un3len3"in-. He looke5 3on1use5. Hoin t"e 3lu8. <aina smile5 up at "im. S"e stoo5 up )ery slo%ly@ -i)in- Geor-e a -oo5 )ie% o1 "er "i-"@ ti-"t 8reasts. His eyes %ere -lue5 to "er 5?3olleta-e. S"e stoo5 up@ runnin- "er "an5s 5o%n t"e te55y@ en5in- %it" a pass o)er "er -roin. Geor-e seeme5 to 8e "a)in- a little trou8le s%allo%in-. <aina %alke5 up to "im until s"e %as >ust a 1in-er?s pull a%ay 1rom "im. S"e looke5 up at "im an5 %"ispere5 out o1 1ull@ sensuous lips@ A="ere?s HasonBC He 1ro%ne5. A="o?s HasonBC S"e 3aresse5 "is 3"eek %it" "er painte5 nails. $"e nails sli5 out o1 "er skin lon- an5 lon-er@ until t"ey %ere -reat "ookin3la%s. $"e tips %ere still t"e 3olor o1 8urnt pumpkins. S"e "ooke5 t"ose 3la%s un5er "is 3"in@ puttin- t"em >ust enou-" in not to 8reak t"e skin. A$"e tiniest 8it o1 pressure an5 you?ll "a)e a "o%lin- -oo5 time on3e a mont".C 9t %as a lie. S"e %as still in "uman 1orm. S"e %asn?t 3onta-ious. All t"e 3olor "a5 5raine5 1rom "is 1a3e. His skin %as t"e 3olor o1 un8lea3"e5 paper. A="ere?s your %i1e?s 8o5y@ 7r. SmitEBC 9 aske5. 9t %as a -oo5 t"reat %ort" more t"an one ;uestion. A9 5on?t ... 5on?t kno% %"at you mean.C A4on?t lie to me@ Geor-e@ 9 5on?t like it.C S"e raise5 "er ot"er "an5 in 1ront o1 "is 1a3e@ an5 t"e 3la%s sli5 out like uns"eat"e5 kni)es.

He %"impere5. A="ere?s Pe--y@ Geor-eBC S"e %"ispere5 it. $"e )oi3e %as still se5u3ti)e. S"e mi-"t "a)e 8een %"isperin-@ 9 lo)e you@ instea5 o1 a t"reat. S"e kept "er 3la%s un5er "is >a% an5 lo%ere5 t"e ot"er "an5 slo%ly. His eyes 1ollo%e5 t"at "an5. He trie5 to mo)e "is "ea5 5o%n@ 8ut t"e 3la%s stoppe5 "im. He -aspe5. <aina sli3e5 t"rou-" t"e 8loo5y apron. $%o ;ui3k@ "ar5 sli3es. $"e 3lot"es un5erneat" %ere untou3"e5. $alent. A9 ... kille5 "er. 9 kille5 Pe--y. #"@ Go5. 9 s"ot "er.C A="ere?s t"e 8o5yBC 9 aske5 t"at. <aina seeme5 to 8e en>oyin- "er -ame too mu3" to pay attention to all t"e 5etails. AS"e5 out 8a3k. 9t?s -ot a 5irt 1loor.C A="ere?s HasonBC <aina aske5. S"e tou3"e5 3la% tips to "is >eans@ o)er "is -roin. A#"@ Go5@ 9 5on?t kno% %"o Hason is. Please@ 9 5on?t kno%. 9 5on?t kno%.C His )oi3e %as 3omin- in 8reat"y -asps. Ga8riel %alke5 into t"e room. He?5 lost t"e >a3ket some%"ere an5 %ore a ti-"t 8la3k $2s"irt %it" "is leat"er pants an5 8oots. AHe 5oesn?t "a)e t"e -uts to "a)e taken Hason or t"e ot"ers.C A9s t"at ri-"t@ Geor-eB Dou 5on?t "a)e t"e -utsBC <aina presse5 "er 8reasts a-ainst "is 3"est@ 3la%s still at "is >a%line an5 -roin. $"e lo%er 3la%s presse5 into t"e >ean 1a8ri3@ not ;uite tearin-. APlease@ please 5on?t "urt me.C <aina put "er 1a3e )ery 3lose to "is. !la%s 1or3in- "im to stan5 on tiptoes or "a)e "is 3"in spitte5. ADou are pat"eti3.C S"e s"o)e5 t"e 3la%s into "is >eans@ tearin- into t"e 1a8ri3. Geor-e 1ainte5. <aina "a5 to pull "er "an5s a%ay to keep 1rom sli3in- "im up. S"e kept a near per1e3t 3ir3le o1 >eans. His %"ite 8rie1s s"o%e5 t"rou-" t"e "ole in "is pants. Ga8riel knelt 8y t"e 8o5y@ 8alan3in- on t"e 8alls o1 "is 1eet. A$"is "uman 5i5 not take Hason.C APity@C <aina sai5. 9t %as a pity. Some8o5y "a5 taken ei-"t@ no se)en s"apes"i1ters. $"e ei-"t" "a5 8een Pe--y SmitE. =e "a5 "er mur5erer on t"e 3arpet %it" "is 1ly torn out. ="o "a5 taken t"em@ an5 %"yB ="y %oul5 any8o5y %ant se)en ly3ant"ropesB Somet"in- 3li3ke5. $"e na-a "a5 8een skinne5 ali)e. 91 "e?5 8een a ly3ant"rope instea5 o1 a na-a@ a %it3" 3oul5 "a)e use5 t"e skin to 8e3ome a snake. 9t %as a %ay to 8e a s"apes"i1ter %it" all t"e a5)anta-es an5 none o1 t"e 8a5 stu11. $"e moon 5i5n?t 3ontrol you. AAnita@ %"at is itBC <onnie aske5. A9 "a)e to -o to t"e "ospital an5 talk to someone.C A="yBC A look %as enou-" 1or <onnie to say@ A'ine@ 9?ll 3all t"e 3ops. But 9 5ro)e.C A4amn.C 9 -lan3e5 up an5 3au-"t si-"t o1 a 3ar 5ri)in- 8y on t"e street. 9t %as a 7aE5a@ -reen. 9 kne% t"at 3ar. A9 may "a)e a ri5e.C 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 %alke5 5o%n t"e si5e%alk@ %a)in-. $"e 3ar slo%e5@ t"en 5ou8le2parke5 8esi5e <onnie?s 3ar. $"e %in5o% %"irre5 5o%n at t"e press o1 a 8utton. ,5%ar5 sat 8e"in5 t"e %"eel@ a pair o1 5ark -lasses 3o)erin- "is eyes. A9?)e 8een 1ollo%in- <aina 1or 5ays. Ho%?5 you spot meBC A4um8 lu3k.C He -rinne5. A/ot so 5um8.C A9 nee5 a ri5e.C A="at a8out <aina an5 "er little leat"er 1rien5BC 9t o33urre5 to me to tell "im t"at Ga8riel %as t"e ot"er ly3ant"rope in t"e snu11 1ilm@ 8ut i1 9 5i5 t"at no%@ "e?5 -o in an5 kill "im. #r at least %oul5n?t %ant to take me to t"e "ospital. Priorities. A=e 3an eit"er -i)e t"em a ri5e "ome or t"ey 3an take a ta*i.C A$a*i@C "e sai5. A7y pre1eren3e@ too.C ,5%ar5 5ro)e aroun5 t"e 8lo3k to %ait 1or me. <aina an5 Ga8riel %ere persua5e5 to 3all a ta*i to pi3k t"em up in 1ront o1 anot"er "ouse. $"ey 5i5n?t %ant to talk to t"e poli3e. 'an3y t"at. Geor-e SmitE 3ame to@ an5 <aina 3on)in3e5 "im to 3on1ess to t"e poli3e %"en t"ey arri)e5. 9 apolo-iEe5 to <onnie 1or 5esertin- "er an5 %alke5 5o%n t"e 8lo3k to meet ,5%ar5. =e %ere o11 to t"e "ospital to talk to t"e na-a. Here?s "opin- "e?5 -aine5 3ons3iousness.

Chapter Thirty-five
$"ere %as a uni1orme5 o11i3er stan5in- outsi5e t"e na-a?s room. ,5%ar5 "a5 staye5 in t"e 3ar. A1ter all@ "e %as %ante5 8y t"e poli3e. #ne o1 t"e 8a5 t"in-s a8out %orkin- %it" ,5%ar5 an5 t"e 3ops is t"at you 3an?t ne3essarily %ork %it" t"em at t"e same time. $"e 3op at t"e 5oor %as a small %oman %it" a 8lon5 ponytail. $"ere %as a 3"air 8esi5e t"e 5oor@ 8ut s"e %as stan5in-@ one "an5 on "er -un 8utt. Her pale eyes s;uinte5 suspi3iously at me. S"e -a)e a 3urt no5. ADou Anita BlakeBC ADea".C ASee some 94BC s"e sai5@ real tou-"@ no nonsense. Ha5 to 8e a rookie. #nly a rookie "a5 t"at "ar52on attitu5e. #l5er 3ops %oul5 "a)e aske5 1or 94@ 8ut t"ey %oul5n?t "a)e trie5 to make t"eir )oi3es lo%er. 9 s"o%e5 "er my plasti3 94 8a5-e. $"e one 9 3lippe5 to my s"irt %"en 9 "a5 to 3ross a poli3e line. 9t %asn?t a poli3e 8a5-e@ 8ut it %as t"e 8est 9 "a5. S"e took it in "er "an5 an5 looke5 at it 1or a lon- time. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to ask i1 s"e %as -oin- to 8e teste5 later. 9t ne)er "elps to piss t"e poli3e o11. ,spe3ially o)er tri)ialities. S"e 1inally -a)e t"e 8a5-e 8a3k to me. Her eyes %ere 8lue an5 3ol5 as a %inter sky. Very tou-". Pro8a8ly pra3ti3e5 t"at look in t"e mirror e)ery mornin-. A/o one 3an ;uestion t"e man %it"out poli3e 8ein- present. ="en you 3alle5 up to ask to speak %it" "im@ 9 3onta3te5 Ser-eant Storr. He?s on "is %ay.C AHo% lon- %ill 9 "a)e to %aitBC A9 5on?t kno%.C ALook@ a man?s missin-@ any 5elay 3oul5 3ost "im "is li1e.C 9 "a5 "er attention no%. ASer-eant Storr 5i5n?t mention a missin- person.C S"it. 9?5 1or-otten t"at t"e 3ops 5i5n?t kno% a8out t"e missin- s"apes"i1ters. A9 5on?t suppose t"at you?5 8uy time is o1 t"e essen3e. Ho% a8out li)es are at stakeBC Her eyes %ent 1rom "ar5 to 8ore5. S"e %as impresse5. ASer-eant Storr %as )ery spe3i1i3. He %ants to 8e present %"en you ;uestion t"e man.C AAre you sure you spoke %it" Ser-eant Storr@ an5 not 4ete3ti)e Ker8ro%skiBC 9t %oul5 8e like Ker8ro%ski to s3re% t"is up 1or me@ >ust to irritate. A9 kno% %"o 9 spoke %it"@ 7s. Blake.C A9 5i5n?t mean to imply t"at you 5i5n?t@ #11i3er. 9 >ust meant t"at Ker8ro%ski 3oul5 "a)e -otten 3on1use5 a8out "o% mu3" a33ess 9?m allo%e5 to t"e ... a"@ %itness.C A9 talke5 to t"e ser-eant@ an5 9 kno% %"at "e tol5 me. Dou?re not -oin- in until "e -ets "ere. $"ose are my or5ers.C 9 starte5 to say somet"in- unpleasant an5 stoppe5. #11i3er Kirlin %as ri-"t. S"e "a5 "er or5ers@ an5 s"e %asn?t -oin- to 8u5-e 1rom t"em. 9 -lan3e5 at "er nameplate. A'ine@ #11i3er Kirlin. 9?ll >ust %ait aroun5 t"e 3orner in t"e patient %aitin- room.C 9 turne5 an5 %alke5 a%ay 8e1ore 9 sai5 somet"in- not so ni3e. 9 %ante5 to pus" my %ay into t"e room@ pull rank. But 9 5i5n?t "a)e any rank. 9t %as one o1 t"ose times %"en 9 %as 1or3i8ly remin5e5 t"at 9 %as a 3i)ilian. 9 5i5n?t like 8ein- remin5e5. 9 sat 5o%n on a multi3olore5 3ou3" t"at 8a3ke5 a raise5 area o1 real plants. $"e 3"est2"i-" plantin- area -a)e t"e illusion o1 %alls@ 5i)i5in- t"e %aitin- room into t"ree pseu5o rooms. $"e illusion o1 pri)a3y i1 you nee5e5 it. A tele)ision set %as mounte5 "i-" on one %all. /o one "a5 8ot"ere5 to turn it on yet. 9t %as "ospital ;uiet. $"e only noise %as t"e "eater 3omin- t"rou-" t"e %all re-isters. 9 "ate5 %aitin-. Hason %as missin-. =as "e 5ea5B 91 "e %ere ali)e@ "o% mu3" lon-er %oul5 "e 8e ali)eB Ho% lon- %oul5 4olp" keep me %aitin-B 4olp" 3ame aroun5 t"e 3orner. Bless "is little "eart@ "e "a5n?t kept me %aitin- lon- at all. 9 stoo5. A#11i3er Kirlin says you mentione5 a missin- person to "er. Are you "ol5in- out on meBC ADea"@ 8ut not 8y 3"oi3e. 9?)e -ot a 3lient t"at %on?t -o to t"e poli3e. 9?)e trie5 to persua5e t"em ... C 9 s"ru--e5. AHust 8e3ause 9?m ri-"t an5 t"ey?re %ron- 5oesn?t mean 9 3an spill t"eir se3rets %it"out 3learin- it %it" t"em 1irst.C A$"ere?s no 3lient2animator pri)ile-e@ Anita. 91 9 aske5 1or t"e in1ormation you?re le-ally o8li-ate5 to -i)e it to me.C 9 "a5n?t "a5 enou-" sleep to 5eal %it" t"is. A#r %"atBC He 1ro%ne5. A#r you -o to >ail 1or o8stru3tion o1 >usti3e.C A'ine@ let?s -o@C 9 sai5. A4on?t pus" me@ Anita.C

ALook@ 4olp"@ 9?ll tell you e)eryt"in- 9 kno% %"en t"ey -i)e me t"e okay. 9 may tell you any%ay 8e3ause t"ey?re 8einstupi5@ 8ut 9 %on?t tell you s"it 8e3ause you 8ullie5 me.C He took a 5eep 8reat" t"rou-" "is nose an5 let it out slo%. A'ine@ let?s -o talk to our %itness.C 9 appre3iate5 t"e na-a still 8ein- AourC %itness. ADea"@ let?s -o.C 4olp" motione5 me out o1 t"e %aitin- room. =e %alke5 5o%n t"e "all%ay to-et"er in silen3e. But t"e silen3e %as 3ompaniona8le. /o nee5 to 1ill it %it" i5le 3"it3"at or a33usations. A 5o3tor in a %"ite 3oat %it" a stet"os3ope 5rape5 o)er "is s"oul5ers like a 1eat"er 8oa opene5 t"e 5oor. #11i3er Kirlin %as still at "er post@ e)er )i-ilant. S"e -a)e me "er 8est 1linty steel look. 9t nee5e5 %ork. But %"en you?re small@ 8lon5@ 1emale@ an5 a 3op@ you "a)e to at least try to look tou-". AHe 3an talk 1or a )ery s"ort time@ 9t?s a mira3le t"at "e?s ali)e@ let alone talkin-. 9?ll monitor t"e ;uestionin-. 91 "e -ets upset@ 9?ll stop t"e inter)ie%.C A$"at?s 1ine %it" me@ 4r. =il8urn. He?s a )i3tim an5 a %itness@ not a suspe3t. =e 5on?t mean "im any "arm.C $"e 5o3tor 5i5n?t look 3ompletely 3on)in3e5 8ut "e steppe5 8a3k into t"e room@ an5 "el5 t"e 5oor 1or us. 4olp" loome5 up 8e"in5 me. He %as like an immo)a8le 1or3e at my 8a3k. 9 3oul5 see %"y t"e 5o3tor t"ou-"t %e mi-"t 8ro%8eat t"e %itness. 4olp" 3oul5n?t look "armless i1 "e trie5@ so "e >ust 5i5n?t try. $"e na-a lay in t"e 8e5@ t"i3k %it" tu8es an5 %ires. His skin %as -ro%in- 8a3k. Dou 3oul5 see it sprea5in- in ra%@ pain1ul pat3"es@ 8ut it %as -ro%in- 8a3k. He still looke5 as t"ou-" "e?5 8een 8oile5 ali)e@ 8ut it %as an impro)ement. He turne5 "is eyes to look at us. He mo)e5 "is "ea5 )ery slo%ly@ t"e 8etter to see us. A7r. Ha)a5@ you remem8er Ser-eant Storr. He?s 8rou-"t some people to talk %it" you.C A$"e %oman ... C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as lo% an5 soun5e5 pain1ul. He s%allo%e5 3are1ully an5 trie5 a-ain. A$"e %oman at t"e ri)er.C 9 %alke5 1or%ar5. ADes@ 9 %as at t"e ri)er.C AHelpe5 me.C A9 trie5.C 4olp" steppe5 1or%ar5. A7r. Ha)a5@ 3an you tell us %"o 5i5 t"is to youBC A=it3"es@C "e sai5. A4i5 you say F%it3"es?BC 4olp" aske5. ADes.C 4olp" looke5 at me. He 5i5n?t "a)e to ask. $"is %as my area. AHa)a5@ 5i5 you re3o-niEe t"e %it3"esB /amesBC He s%allo%e5 a-ain an5 it soun5e5 5ry. A/o.C A="ere 5i5 t"ey 5o t"is to youBC He 3lose5 "is eyes. A4o you kno% %"ere you %ere %"en t"ey ... skinne5 youBC A4ru--e5 me.C A="o 5ru--e5 youBC A=oman ... eyes.C A="at a8out "er eyesBC A#3ean.C 9 "a5 to lean 1or%ar5 to "ear t"at last. His )oi3e %as 1a5in-. He opene5 "is eyes su55enly@ %i5e. A,yes@ o3ean.C He let out a lo% -uttural soun5@ as i1 "e %ere s%allo%in- s3reams. $"e 5o3tor 3ame up. He 3"e3ke5 "is )itals@ tou3"in- t"e ruine5 1les" as -ently as "e 3oul5. ,)en t"at tou3" ma5e "im %rit"e %it" pain. $"e 5o3tor presse5 a 8utton on t"e 8e5si5e. A9t?s time 1or 7r. Ha)a5?s me5i3ation. Brin- it no%.C A/o@C Ha)a5 sai5. He -ra88e5 my arm. He -aspe5@ 8ut "el5 on. His skin 1elt like %arm ra% meat. A/ot 1irst.C A/ot 1irstB 9 5on?t un5erstan5.C A#t"ers.C A$"ey 5i5 t"is to ot"ersBC ADes. Stop t"em.C A9 %ill. 9 promise.C

He slumpe5 8a3k a-ainst t"e 8e5 8ut 3oul5n?t "ol5 still. 9t "urt too mu3" 1or t"at. ,)ery mo)ement "urt@ 8ut "e 3oul5n?t "ol5 still a-ainst t"e pain. A nurse in a pink >a3ket 3ame in %it" a s"ot. S"e put t"e nee5le into "is 9V. 7oments later "e 8e-an to ease. His eyes 1luttere5 s"ut. Sleep 3ame an5 somet"in- in my 3"est loosene5. $"at mu3" pain %as "ar5 to en5ure@ e)en i1 you %ere only >ust %at3"in-. AHe?ll %ake up an5 %e?ll "a)e to se5ate "im a-ain. 9?)e ne)er seen anyone t"at 3oul5 "eal like t"is. But >ust 8e3ause "e 3an "eal t"e 5ama-e 5oesn?t mean it 5oesn?t "urt.C 4olp" took me to one si5e. A="at %as all t"at a8out eyes an5 ot"ersBC A9 5on?t kno%.C Hal12true. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at t"e eye 3omment meant@ 8ut 9 suspe3te5 t"e ot"ers %ere t"e missins"apes"i1ters. Ker8ro%ski 3ame in. He motione5 to 4olp". $"ey %alke5 out into t"e "all. $"e nurse an5 5o3tor %ere 1ussin- %it" t"e na-a. /o one "a5 in)ite5 me out into t"e "all@ 8ut it %as only 1air. 9 %asn?t s"arin- %it" t"em@ %"y s"oul5 t"ey s"are %it" meB $"e 5oor opene5@ an5 4olp" motione5 me out into t"e "all. =e %ent. #11i3er Kirlin %asn?t at "er post. Pro8a8ly tol5 to lea)e 1or a little %"ile. A!an?t 1in5 any missin-2person 3ase t"at "as your name asso3iate5 %it" it@C 4olp" sai5. ADou "a5 Ker8ro%ski 3"e3k me outBC 4olp" >ust looke5 at me. His eyes "a5 -one all 3ool an5 5istant23op eyes. A,*3ept 1or 4omin-a Sal)a5or@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. AAnita sai5 s"e 5i5n?t kno% %"at "appene5 to 7rs. Sal)a5or@C 4olp" sai5. He %as still -i)in- me "is "ar5 look. 9t %as a "ell o1 a lot 8etter t"an #11i3er Kirlin?s. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to s;uirm. 4omin-a Sal)a5or %as 5ea5. 9 kne% t"at 8e3ause 9?5 seen it "appen. 9?5 pulle5 t"e tri--er@ metap"ori3ally speakin-. 4olp" suspe3te5 9 "a5 somet"in- to 5o %it" "er 5isappearan3e 8ut "e 3oul5n?t pro)e it@ an5 s"e "a5 8een a )ery e)il %oman. 91 s"e?5 8een 3on)i3te5 o1 e)eryt"in- s"e %as suspe3te5 o1 5oin-@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een an automati3 5eat" penalty. $"e la% 5oesn?t like %it3"es mu3" 8etter t"an it likes )ampires. 9?5 use5 a Eom8ie to kill "er. 9t %as enou-" to earn me my o%n trip to t"e ele3tri3 3"air. 7y 8eeper soun5e5. Sa)e5 8y t"e 8ell. 9 3"e3ke5 t"e num8er. 9 5i5n?t re3o-niEe t"e num8er@ 8ut no nee5 s"arin- t"at. AAn emer-en3y@ 9?)e -ot to 1in5 a p"one.C 9 %alke5 o11 8e1ore 4olp" 3oul5 say anyt"in- else. Seeme5 sa1er t"at %ay. $"ey let me use t"e p"one at t"e nurses? station. Kin5 o1 t"em. <i3"ar5 pi3ke5 up t"e p"one on t"e 1irst rin-. AAnitaBC ADea"@ %"at?s upBC A9?m at s3"ool. Louie ne)er s"o%e5 up 1or "is mornin- 3lasses.C He lo%ere5 "is )oi3e until 9 "a5 to plu- one ear >ust to "ear "im. A$oni-"t is 1ull moon. He %oul5n?t miss 3lasses. 9t raises suspi3ions.C A="y 3all meBC He sai5 "e %as -oin- to meet your %riter 1rien5@ ,l)ira somet"in-.C A,l)ira 4re%BC As 9 sai5 "er name@ 9 3oul5 pi3ture "er 1a3e. Her -reen28lue eyes t"e 3olor o1 o3ean %ater. S"it. A9 t"ink so.C A="en %as "e suppose5 to meet "erBC A$"is mornin-.C A4i5 "e make t"e meetin-BC A9 5on?t kno%. 9?m at %ork. 9 "a)en?t 8een 8y "is pla3e yet.C ADou?re a1rai5 somet"in- "appene5 to "im@ aren?t youBC ADes.C A9 5i5n?t set up t"e meetin-. 9?ll 3all %ork an5 1in5 out %"o 5i5. =ill you 8e at t"is num8erBC A9?)e -ot to -et 8a3k to 3lass. But 9?ll 3"e3k 8a3k %it" you as soon as 9 3an.C A#kay. 9?ll 3all you as soon as 9 kno% anyt"in-.C A9?)e -ot to -o@C "e sai5. A=ait@ 9 t"ink 9 kno% %"at "appene5 to t"e missin- s"apes"i1ters.C A="atIC A$"is is an on-oin- poli3e in)esti-ation. 9 3an?t talk a8out it@ 8ut i1 9 3oul5 tell t"e poli3e a8out t"e missin- s"apes"i1ters@ %e mi-"t 1in5 Louie an5 Hason 1aster.C

A7ar3us sai5 not to tellBC ADea".C He %as ;uiet 1or a minute. A$ell t"em. 9?ll take t"e responsi8ility.C AGreat. 9?ll -et 8a3k %it" you.C 9 "un- up. 9t %asn?t until 9 "ear5 t"e 5ial tone t"at 9 realiEe5 9 "a5n?t sai5@ 9 lo)e you. #"@ %ell. 9 5iale5 %ork. 7ary ans%ere5. 9 5i5n?t %ait 1or "er to -et t"rou-" "er -reetin-. APut me t"rou-" to Bert.C AAre you all ri-"tBC AHust 5o it.C S"e 5i5n?t ar-ue. Goo5 %oman. AAnita@ t"is 8etter 8e important. 9?)e -ot a 3lient %it" me.C A4i5 you speak %it" someone a8out 1in5in- a %ererat to5ayBC AAs a matter o1 1a3t@ 9 5i5.C 7y stoma3" "urt. A="en an5 %"ere %as t"e appointment set upBC A$"is mornin-@ a8out si*. 7r. 'ane %ante5 to -et it in 8e1ore "e "a5 to -o to %ork.C A="ereBC AHer "ouse.C AGi)e me t"e a55ress.C A="at?s %ron-BC A9 t"ink ,l)ira 4re% may "a)e set "im up to 8e kille5.C ADou are ki55in- me@ ri-"tBC AA55ress@ Bert.C He -a)e it to me. A9 may not 8e in 1or %ork toni-"t.C AAnita ... C ASa)e it@ Bert. 91 "e -ets kille5@ %e set "im up.C A'ine@ 1ine. 4o %"at you "a)e to.C 9 "un- up. 9t %as a 1irst@ Bert -i)in- in. 91 9 "a5n?t kno%n t"at )isions o1 la%suits %ere 5an3in- in "is "ea5@ 9?5 "a)e 8een more impresse5. 9 %ent 8a3k to our little -roup. /o one %as talkin- to anyone. A$"ere "a)e 8een se)en s"apes"i1ters taken in t"is area.C A="at are you talkin- a8outBC 4olp" aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHust listen.C 9 tol5 "im e)eryt"in- a8out t"e 5isappearan3es. ,n5in- %it"@ A$%o more s"i1ters "a)e -one missin-. 9 t"ink %"oe)er skinne5 t"e na-a t"ou-"t "e %as a ly3ant"rope. 9t is possi8le 8y ma-i3 to take a s"i1ter?s skin an5 use it to s"apes"i1t yoursel1. Dou -et all o1 t"e a5)anta-es@ -reater stren-t"@ spee5@ et3 ... an5 you are not tie5 to t"e moon.C A="y 5i5n?t it %ork %it" t"e na-aBC Ker8ro%ski aske5. AHe?s immortal. $"e s"i1ter "as to 5ie at t"e en5 o1 t"e spell.C A=e kno% %"y. /o%@ %"ere t"e "ell are t"eyBC 4olp" aske5. A9?)e -ot an a55ress@C 9 sai5. AHo%BC A9?ll e*plain on t"e %ay. $"e spell 5oesn?t %ork until 5ark@ 8ut %e 3an?t take t"e 3"an3e t"ey?ll keep t"em ali)e. $"ey "a)e to 8e %orrie5 t"at t"e na-a "eale5 enou-" to talk.C AA1ter seein- "im last ni-"t@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. ADou?re not a %it3"@C 9 sai5. =e le1t. 9 %oul5 "a)e like5 ,5%ar5 at my 8a3k. 91 %e 5i5 1in5 rene-a5e %it3"es an5 a 1e% s"apes"i1ters on t"e ni-"t o1 t"e 1ull moon@ ,5%ar5 at my 8a3k %as not a 8a5 i5ea. But 9 3oul5n?t 1i-ure out "o% to mana-e it. 4olp" an5 Ker8ro%ski %ere no slou3"es@ 8ut t"ey %ere 3ops. $"ey aren?t allo%e5 to s"oot people %it"out -i)in- t"em e)ery opportunity to -i)e up. ,l)ira 4re% "a5 skinne5 a na-a. 9 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 to -i)e "er an opportunity. 9 %asn?t sure %e?5 sur)i)e it. !"apter $"irty2si*

,l)ira 4re%?s "ouse %as a narro% t%o2story set o11 1rom t"e roa5 8y a t"i3k line o1 8us"es an5 trees. Dou 3oul5n?t e)en see t"e yar5 8e1ore you turne5 into t"e 5ri)e%ay. =oo5s stret3"e5 out all aroun5 t"e small yar5@ as i1 someone "a5 put t"e "ouse "ere an5 1or-otten to tell any8o5y. A patrol 3ar 1ollo%e5 us 5o%n t"e -ra)el 5ri)e%ay. 4olp" parke5 8e"in5 a )i)i5 -reen Gran5 Am. $"e 3ar mat3"e5 "er eyes. $"ere %as a 'or <ent si-n in t"e yar5. Anot"er lay 8esi5e it@ %aitin- to 8e stu3k in t"e -roun5. 9t %oul5 pro8a8ly -o out 8y t"e roa5. $%o 3lot"es 8a-s "un- insi5e t"e 3ar. $"e 8a3kseat %as pa3ke5 %it" 8o*es. A ;ui3k -eta%ay %as in t"e o11in-. A91 s"e?s a mur5erer@ %"y?5 s"e -i)e you "er a3tual a55ressBC Ker8ro%ski aske5. A=e 3"e3k out 3lients. $"ey "a)e to "a)e a pla3e o1 resi5en3e or some %ay o1 pro)in- %"o t"ey are. =e 5eman5 more 94 t"an most 8anks.C A="yBC ABe3ause e)ery on3e in a %"ile %e -et a 3raEy. #r a ta8loi5 reporter. =e "a)e to kno% %"o %e?re 5ealin- %it". 9 8et s"e trie5 to pay 3as" %it" no 94 an5 %"en aske5 1or t"ree 1orms o1 it@ s"e %asn?t prepare5.C 4olp" le5 t"e %ay to t"e 5oor. =e 1ollo%e5 8e"in5 like -oo5 sol5iers. #11i3er Kirlin %as one o1 t"e uni1orms. Her partner %as an ol5er -uy %it" -reyin- "air an5 a roun5 little 8elly. 9 8et it 5i5n?t s"ake like a 8o%l1ul o1 >elly. He "a5 a sour e*pression on "is 1a3e t"at sai5 "e?5 seen it all an5 5i5n?t like any o1 it. 4olp" kno3ke5 on t"e 5oor. Silen3e. He kno3ke5 "ar5er. $"e 5oor trem8le5. ,l)ira opene5 t"e 5oor. S"e %as %earin- a 8rilliant -reen ro8e@ tie5 at t"e %aist. Her makeup %as still per1e3t. $"e polis" on "er 1in-ernails mat3"e5 t"e ro8e. Her lon- 8lon5 "air %as 3om8e5 strai-"t 8a3k@ "el5 1rom "er 1a3e %it" a s3ar1 t"at %as >ust a tou3" 8luer -reen t"an t"e ro8e. Her eyes 8laEe5 %it" t"e 3olor. 4olp" muttere5@ A,yes like t"e o3ean.C A,*3use me@ %"at?s all t"is a8outBC A7ay %e 3ome in@ 7s. 4re%BC A="ate)er 1orBC $"ere "a5n?t 8een time to -et a %arrant. 4olp" %asn?t e)en sure %e 3oul5 "a)e -otten one %it" %"at %e "a5. $"e 3olor o1 someone?s eyes %asn?t e*a3tly proo1. 9 sort o1 peeke5 aroun5 4olp"@ an5 sai5@ AHello@ 7s. 4re%@ %e nee5 to ask you a 1e% ;uestions a8out Louis 'ane.C A7s. Blake@ 9 5i5n?t kno% you %ere %it" t"e poli3e.C S"e smile5@ 9 smile5. =as Louie "ereB =as s"e stallin- %"ile someone kille5 "imB 4ammit. 91 t"e poli3e "a5n?t 8een "ere@ 9?5 "a)e pulle5 t"e -un an5 -one in. $"ere are 5isa5)anta-es to 8ein- la% a8i5in-. A=e?re 3"e3kin- into t"e 5isappearan3e o1 7r. 'ane. Dou %ere t"e last one to see "im.C A#"@ 5ear.C S"e 5i5n?t 8a3k a%ay 1rom t"e 5oor. A7ay %e 3ome in an5 ask you a 1e% ;uestionsBC 4olp" aske5. A=ell@ 9 5on?t kno% %"at 9 3an tell you. 7r. 'ane ne)er ma5e our meetin-. 9 5i5n?t see "im at all.C S"e stoo5 t"ere like a pretty smilin- %all. A=e nee5 to 3ome in an5 look aroun5@ 7s. 4re%@ >ust in 3ase.C A4o you "a)e a %arrantBC 4olp" looke5 at "er. A/o@ 7s. 4re%@ %e 5o not.C Her smile %as 5aEElin-. A$"en 9?m sorry@ 8ut 9 3an?t let you in.C 9 -ra88e5 t"e 1ront o1 "er ro8e@ yankin- it ti-"t enou-" to kno% s"e %asn?t %earin- a 8ra. A=e eit"er -o past you or t"rou-" you.C 4olp"?s "an5 5es3en5e5 on my s"oul5er. A9?m sorry@ 7s. 4re%. 7s. Blake -ets a little o)erEealous.C $"e %or5s %ere s;ueeEe5 out 8et%een "is teet"@ 8ut "e sai5 t"em. A4olp" ... C ALet "er -o@ Anita@ ri-"t no%.C 9 looke5 up into "er stran-e eyes. S"e %as still smilin- 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- else t"ere no%. 'ear. A91 "e 5ies@ you 5ie.C A$"ey 5on?t put you to 5eat" 1or suspi3ions@C s"e sai5. A9 %asn?t talkin- a8out a le-al e*e3ution.C

Her eyes %i5ene5. 4olp" >erke5 8a3k on my s"oul5er. He pus"e5 me 5o%n t"e steps. Ker8ro%ski %as alrea5y apolo-iEin- 1or my 1au* pas. A="at t"e "ell 5o you t"ink you?re 5oin-BC 4olp" aske5. AHe?s in t"ere@ 9 kno% it.C ADou 5on?t kno% it. 9?)e 3alle5 in 1or a %arrant. :ntil %e -et it@ unless s"e lets us in or "e 3omes to a %in5o% an5 yells 1or "elp@ %e 3an?t -o in. $"at?s t"e la%.C A=ell@ it su3ks.C A7ay8e@ 8ut %e?re t"e poli3e. 91 %e 5on?t o8ey t"e la%@ t"en %"o else %illBC 9 "u--e5 mysel1@ 1in-ers 5i--in- into my el8o%s. 9t %as eit"er t"at or run up an5 smas" ,l)ira 4re%?s per1e3t 1a3e in. Louie %as in t"ere@ an5 it %as my 1ault. A$ake a %alk@ Anita@ 3ool o11.C 9 looke5 up at "im. He 3oul5 "a)e tol5 me to sit in t"e 3ar@ 8ut "e "a5n?t. 9 trie5 to rea5 "is 1a3e@ 8ut it "a5 -one 3op 8lank. AA %alk@ -oo5 i5ea.C 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e trees. /o one stoppe5 me. 4olp" 5i5n?t 3all me 8a3k. He "a5 to kno% %"at 9?5 5o. 9 %alke5 into t"e %inter28are trees. 7elt 1ell in 5roplets onto my "ea5 an5 1a3e. 9 %alke5 out until 9 3oul5n?t see t"em 3learly anymore. 9n %inter you 3an 3at3" -limpses o1 t"in-s 1or yar5s@ 8ut it %as 1ar enou-" 1or our little -ame o1 preten5. 9 an-le5 8a3k 1or t"e 8a3k o1 t"e "ouse. $"e meltin- sno% soake5 into my /ikes. $"e lea)es %ere a so--y mat un5er1oot. 9 "a5 8ot" -uns an5 t%o kni)es. 9?5 repla3e5 t"e one t"at Gret3"en ne)er returne5. $"ey %ere a set o1 1our t"at 9?5 "a5 ma5e 1or me. Har5 to 1in5 a kni1e %it" a "i-" enou-" sil)er 3ontent to kill monsters an5 still take a "ar5 e5-e. But 9 3oul5n?t kill anyone. 7y >o8 %as to -et insi5e@ 1in5 Louie@ an5 yell 1or "elp. 91 someone in t"e "ouse yelle5 1or "elp@ t"e poli3e 3oul5 3ome in. $"ose %ere t"e rules. 91 4olp" "a5n?t 8een s3are5 t"ey?5 kill Louie@ "e %oul5n?t "a)e let me 5o t"is. But la% or no la%@ sittin- outsi5e %"ile your suspe3t kills "er ne*t )i3tim %as "ar5 to s%allo%. 9 "unkere5 5o%n at t"e tree line lookin- at t"e 8a3k o1 t"e "ouse. A 8a3k 5oor le5 onto an en3lose5 por3". $"ere %as a 5oor %it" -lass in it t"at le5 into t"e "ouse@ an5 a se3on5 5oor o11 to one si5e. 7ost "ouses in St. Louis "a)e 8asements. Some o1 t"e ol5er "ouses ori-inally "a5 only outsi5e a33ess to t"em. A55 a little por3"@ a55 a little 5oor. 91 9 %as "i5insome8o5y@ a 8asement soun5e5 like a -oo5 pla3e. 91 it %as a 8room 3loset@ 9 >ust %oul5n?t -o in. 9 3"e3ke5 t"e upper2story %in5o%s. $"e 5rapes %ere 3lose5. 91 t"ere %ere people up t"ere %at3"in-@ 9 3oul5n?t see t"em. Here %as "opin- t"ey 3oul5n?t see me. 9 3rosse5 t"e open -roun5 %it"out -ettin- out a -un. $"ey %ere %it3"es. =it3"es 5i5n?t s"oot you@ as a -eneral rule. 9n 1a3t@ %it3"es@ real %it3"es@ 5i5n?t pra3ti3e a lot o1 )iolen3e. A =i33an %oul5n?t "a)e "a5 anyt"in- to 5o %it" "uman sa3ri1i3e. But t"e %or5 %it3" means a lot o1 5i11erent t"in-s. Some o1 t"em 3an -et pretty s3ary@ 8ut t"ey sel5om s"oot you. 9 knelt 8y t"e s3reen 5oor t"at le5 onto t"e por3". 9 "el5 my "an5 as 3lose to t"e 5oor "an5le as 9 3oul5 %it"out tou3"init. /o "eat@ no ... "ell t"ere?s no %or5 1or it. But t"ere %as no spell on t"e "an5le. ,)en -oo5 %it3"es %ill sometimes 8espell t"eir outer 5oors so t"ey?re eit"er alerte5 to a 8ur-lar?s presen3e or some atta3"ment o33urs. Say@ you 8reak in an5 5on?t take a t"in-. $"e spell %ill sti3k to you an5 let t"e %it3" an5 1rien5s 1in5 you. Ba5 %it3"es 3an put %orse t"in-s on t"eir 5oors. =e?5 alrea5y esta8lis"e5 %"at sort o1 %it3"es %ere insi5e@ so 3aution seeme5 8est. 9 slippe5 t"e tip o1 my kni1e t"rou-" t"e e5-e o1 t"e 5oor. A little >i--lin- an5 t"e 5oor opene5. /o 8reakin- yet@ 8ut 9 "a5 5e1initely entere5. =oul5 4olp" arrest me 1or itB Pro8a8ly not. 91 ,l)ira 1or3e5 me to s"oot "er out o1 si-"t o1 %itnesses@ "e mi-"t. 9 %ent to t"e se3on5 5oor. $"e one 9 "ope5 le5 to t"e 8asement. 9 ran my "an5 o)er it@ an5 t"ere it %as. A spell. 9?m not a %it3". 9 5on?t kno% "o% to 5e3ip"er spells. Sensin- t"em is a8out my limit. #"@ one ot"er t"in-. 9 3an 8reak t"em. But it?s a ra% 8urst o1 po%er 5ire3te5 at t"e spell. 9 >ust 3all up %"ate)er it is t"at allo%s me to raise t"e 5ea5 an5 -ra8 t"e 5oorkno8. 9t?s %orke5 up to t"is point@ 8ut it?s like ki3kin- in a 5oor %it"out kno%in- %"at?s on t"e ot"er si5e. ,)entually@ you?re -oin- to -et a s"ot-un 8last in your 1a3e. $"e real pro8lem %as e)en i1 9 -ot past it sa1ely@ %"oe)er lai5 t"e spell %oul5 kno% it. Hell@ a -oo5 %it3" %oul5 1eel t"e 8uil5up o1 po%er 8e1ore 9 tou3"e5 it. 91 Louie %as 8e"in5 t"is 5oor@ -reat. 9?5 -o in an5 keep "im sa1e until my s3reams 8rou-"t t"e 3a)alry. 91 "e %asn?t 8e"in5 t"is 5oor@ t"ey mi-"t pani3 an5 kill "im. 7ost %it3"es@ -oo5 or 8a5@ are nature %ors"ipers to a 3ertain e*tent. 91 it "a5 8een =i33ans@ t"eir 3eremonial area %oul5 "a)e 8een outsi5e some%"ere. But 1or t"is@ 5arkness an5 an en3lose5 spa3e mi-"t su11i3e. 91 9 "a5 a "uman sa3ri1i3e lyin- a8out@ 9?5 %ant "im store5 as 3lose to t"e 3eremonial area as possi8le. 9t %as a -am8le. 91 9 %as %ron- an5 t"ey kille5 Louie ... /o. /o 5%ellin- on %orst23ase s3enarios. 9t %as still 5ayli-"t. 9t %as a1ternoon. $"e %inter sunli-"t %as -rey an5 so1t@ 8ut it %asn?t 5ark. 7y a8ilities 5on?t 3ome out until a1ter 5ark. 9 3an sense t"e 5ea5 an5 3ertain ot"er t"in-s in 5ayli-"t@ 8ut 9?m limite5. $"e last time 9 5i5 t"is@ it "a5 8een 5ark. 9 approa3"e5 ma-i3 t"e same %ay 9 5i5 e)eryt"in- else. Strai-"t a"ea5@ 8rute 1or3e. ="at 9 %as really -am8lin- on %as t"at my po%ers %ere -reater t"an %"oe)er lai5 t"e spell. Sort o1 t"e t"eory t"at 9 3oul5 take a 8etter 8eatin- t"an s"e or "e 3oul5 5is" out.

=as t"at true in 5ayli-"tB =e?5 1in5 out. Nuestion@ %as t"e spell >ust on t"e 5oorkno8B 7ay8e. 9?5 "a)e lo3ke5 t"e 5oor@ spell or no spell. ="y not >ust 3ut out t"e mi55le manB 9 5re% t"e Bro%nin- an5 8a3ke5 up. 9 3entere5 mysel1@ 3on3entratin- on a point near t"e lo3k 8ut not on it. 9 %aite5 until t"at pie3e o1 %oo5 %as all t"ere %as. $"ere %as a ;uality o1 silen3e in my ears. 9 ki3ke5 it %it" e)eryt"in- 9 "a5. $"e 5oor s"u55ere5 8ut 5i5 not open. $%o more ki3ks an5 t"e %oo5 splintere5. $"e lo3k -a)e. 9t %asn?t a 8urst o1 li-"t. 91 someone "a5 8een %at3"in-@ t"ey %oul5n?t "a)e seen a 5amn t"in- 8ut me 1allin- 8a3k%ar5s. 7y %"ole 8o5y tin-le5 as i1 9?5 put my 1in-er in an ele3tri3 so3ket. 9 "ear5 runnin- 1ootsteps in t"e "ouse. 9 3ra%le5 to t"e open 5oor. 9 5ra--e5 mysel1 to my 1eet usin- t"e 8anister. A %as" o1 3ool air s%ept a-ainst my 1a3e. 9 starte5 5o%n t"e steps 8e1ore 9 %as sure 9 3oul5 %alk. 9 "a5 to 1in5 Louie 8e1ore ,l)ira 3au-"t me. 91 9 5i5n?t 1in5 proo1@ s"e 3oul5 "a)e me arreste5 1or 8reakin- an5 enterin- an5 %e?5 8e %orse o11 t"an %e %ere 8e1ore. 9 stum8le5 5o%n t"e stairs@ one "an5 in a 5eat" -rip on t"e 8anister@ -un in t"e ot"er. $"e 5arkness %as )el)et 8la3k. 9 3oul5n?t see a 5amn t"in- 8eyon5 t"e 1in-er o1 5ayli-"t. ,)en my ni-"t )ision nee5s some li-"t. 9 "ear5 1ootsteps 8e"in5 me. ALouie@ are you 5o%n "ereBC Somet"in- mo)e5 in t"e 5arkness 8elo% me. 9t soun5e5 8i-. ALouieBC ,l)ira %as stan5in- at t"e "ea5 o1 t"e stairs. S"e %as 1rame5 8y t"e li-"t@ as i1 stan5in- in a 8o5y2siEe5 "alo. A7s. Blake@ 9 must insist you -et o11 my property t"is moment.C 7y skin %as still t%it3"in- %it" %"ate)er "a5 8een on t"e lo3k. #nly my "an5 on t"e 8anister kept me stan5in-. ADou 5o t"e spell on t"e 5oorBC ADes.C ADou?re -oo5.C A/ot -oo5 enou-" apparently. /o%@ really 9 must insist you 3ome up t"e stairs an5 -et o11 my property.C A lo% -ro%l 3ame up 1rom t"e 5arkness. 9t 5i5n?t soun5 mu3" like a rat@ an5 it 3ertainly 5i5n?t soun5 "uman. A!ome out@ 3ome out@ %"ere)er you are@C 9 sai5. $"e -ro%lin- -ot lou5er@ 3loser. Somet"in- lar-e an5 1urry 5arte5 a3ross t"e pale 8an5 o1 li-"t. $"e -limpse %as enou-". 9 3oul5 al%ays say 9 t"ou-"t it %as Louie. 9 leane5 a-ainst t"e 8anister an5 s3reame5. 9 s3reame5 1or "elp %it" e)ery oun3e o1 soun5 9 3oul5 make. ,l)ira 5arte5 a took 8e"in5 "er. 9 "ear5 t"e 5istant yells o1 poli3e 3omin- in t"e 1ront 5oor. A!urse you.C A=or5s are 3"eap@C 9 sai5. A9t %ill 8e more t"an %or5s %"en 9 "a)e t"e time.C AKno3k yoursel1 out.C S"e ran into t"e "ouse@ not a%ay. =as 9 %ron-B Ha5 Louie 8een insi5e all alon-@ an5 9 %as 5o%n "ere %it" a 5i11erent 1ur 8allB =as it HasonB AHasonBC Somet"in- 3ame to t"e stairs an5 peere5 up into t"e 5im li-"t. 9t %as a 5o-. A 8i-@ 1urry mutt 5o-@ t"e siEe o1 a pony@ 8ut it %asn?t a s"apes"i1ter. A4amn.C 9t -ro%le5 at me a-ain. 9 -ot up an5 starte5 to 8a3k up t"e stairs. 9 5i5n?t %ant to "urt it i1 9 5i5n?t "a)e to. ="ere %as 4olp"B He s"oul5 "a)e 8een 8a3k "ere 8y no%. $"e 5o- let me ease 8a3k up t"e steps. Apparently it %as only suppose5 to prote3t t"e 8asement. 'ine %it" me. A/i3e 5o--y.C 9 ease5 up until 9 3oul5 tou3" t"e 8roken 5oor. 9 slamme5 it s"ut@ "ol5in- t"e 5oorkno8. $"e 5o- "it it %it" a roarin- 3ras". 9ts o%n %ei-"t kept t"e 5oor 3lose5. 9 opene5 t"e 8a3k 5oor@ slo%ly. $"e kit3"en %as lon-@ narro%@ an5 mostly %"ite. Voi3es 3ame 1rom 1art"er in t"e "ouse. A lo% -ro%l 1ille5 t"e "ouse@ re)er8eratin-. $"e soun5 raise5 t"e "air on my ne3k. A/o one "as to -et "urt "ere@C 4olp" sai5. A$"at?s ri-"t@C ,l)ira sai5. ALea)e no%@ an5 no one -ets "urt.C A=e 3an?t 5o t"at.C

A "all%ay ma5e up o1 one %all an5 t"e stairs le5 out o1 t"e kit3"en to%ar5s t"e li)in- room an5 t"e )oi3es. 9 3"e3ke5 t"e stairs@ empty. 9 kept -oin-@ easin- to%ar5s t"e )oi3es. $"e -ro%l 3ame a-ain@ 3loser. 4olp" yelle5@ AAnita@ -et your 8utt up "ereIC 9t ma5e me >ump. He 3oul5n?t "a)e seen me yet. $"e entran3e to t"e li)in- room %as an open 5oor%ay. 9 %ent to one knee an5 peere5 aroun5 t"e %all. ,l)ira stoo5 1a3in- t"em. A %ol1 t"e siEe o1 a pony %as at "er si5e. 91 you >ust -lan3e5 at t"em@ you mi-"t mistake it 1or t"e 8i- 5o-. 9t %as a -oo5 3o)er. /ei-"8ors see it an5 t"ink t"e %ol1 is a 5o-. $"e ot"er one %as a leopar5. A 8la3k leopar5 t"at put e)ery Hallo%een kitty23at to s"ame. 9t "a5 8a3ke5 Ker8ro%ski into a 3orner. 9ts sli3k@ 1urre5 8a3k 3ame to "is %aist. Bi- as a "ell3at. Hesus. ="y "a5n?t t"ey s"otB Poli3e %ere allo%e5 to s"oot 1or sel12prote3tion. AAre you Louie 'ane or HasonBC 4olp" aske5. 9 realiEe5 "e %as askin- t"e s"apes"i1ters. 9 "a5n?t tol5 "im %"at kin5 o1 s"i1ter Louie %as@ an5 Hason %as a %ol1. $"e %ol1 3oul5 8e Hason. $"ou-" %"y "e?5 8e "elpin- ,l)ira 9 5i5 not kno%. 7ay8e 9 5i5n?t "a)e to kno%. 9 stoo5 up an5 3ame aroun5 t"e 3orner. 7ay8e t"e mo)ement %as too su55en. 7ay8e t"e 3at "a5 >ust -ro%n impatient. $"e leopar5 leape5 at Ker8ro%ski. His -un 1ire5. $"e %ol1 turne5 on me. 9t all slo%e5 5o%n. 9 "a5 1ore)er to look 5o%n t"e 8arrel an5 pull t"e tri--er. ,)ery -un in t"e room 1ire5. $"e %ol1 %ent 5o%n %it" a 8ullet in its 8rain 1rom me. 9 %asn?t sure %"o else "a5 -otten a pie3e o1 it. Ker8ro%ski?s s3reams 1ille5 t"e e3"oin- silen3e. $"e leopar5 %as on "im@ slas"in- at "im. 4olp" 1ire5 one more time@ t"en t"re% t"e -un to t"e 1loor an5 %a5e5 in. He -ra88e5 1or t"e 3at an5 it turne5 on "im@ slas"in- %it" 5a--erlike 3la%s. He s3reame5 8ut 5i5n?t 8a3k o11. A4olp"@ 5o%n@ an5 9?ll nail it.C He trie5 to -et out o1 t"e %ay 8ut t"e 3at leape5 on "im@ 3arryin- t"em 8ot" to t"e 1loor. 9 %alke5 1or%ar5@ -un e*ten5e5. $"ey %ere a rollin- mass. 91 9 s"ot 4olp"@ "e?5 8e >ust as 5ea5 as t"e leopar5 %oul5 make "im. 9 knelt 8y t"em an5 s"o)e5 t"e -un into t"at %arm@ 1urre5 8o5y. !la%s slas"e5 my arm@ 8ut 9 pulle5 t"e tri--er t%i3e. $"e t"in- slumpe5@ t%it3"e5@ an5 5ie5. 4olp" 8linke5 up at me. $"ere %as a 8loo5y slas" on "is 3"eek. But "e %as ali)e. 9 -ot to my 1eet. 7y le1t arm %as num8@ %"i3" meant it %as really "urt. ="en t"e num8ness %ore o11@ 9?5 %ant to 8e some%"ere %it" 5o3tors. Ker8ro%ski lay on "is 8a3k. $"ere %as a lot o1 8loo5. 9 1ell to my knees 8esi5e "im. 9 lai5 t"e Bro%nin- on t"e -roun5 an5 sear3"e5 1or t"e 8i- pulse in "is ne3k. 9t %as t"ere@ t"rea5y@ 8ut t"ere. 9 %ante5 to 3ry %it" relie1@ 8ut t"ere %as no time. $"ere %as a 8la3k stain o1 8loo5 near t"e lo%er 3enter o1 "is 8o5y. 9 pulle5 "is 3oat 8a3k an5 nearly t"re% up on "im. =oul5n?t "e lau-" at t"atB $"e 3at "a5 5amn near e)is3erate5 "im. His intestines 8ul-e5 out at t"e tear. 9 trie5 to pull my >a3ket o11 to "ol5 o)er t"e %oun5@ 8ut my le1t arm 5i5n?t %ant to %ork. ASomeone "elp me.C /o one 5i5. #11i3er Kirlin "a5 7s. 4re% "an53u11e5. Her -reen ro8e %as -apin- open an5 it %as 3lear s"e "a5 not"in- on un5er it. S"e %as 3ryin-@ 3ryin- 1or "er 1allen 3omra5es. 4olp" sai5@ AHe ali)eBC ADea".C A9?)e 3alle5 1or an am8ulan3e@C t"e male uni1orm sai5. AGet o)er "ere an5 "elp me stop t"e 8lee5in-.C He >ust looke5 at me@ sort o1 s"ame1a3e5 8ut neit"er "e nor Kirlin mo)e5 to "elp. A="at t"e 1u3k is t"e matter %it" you t%oB Help t"em.C A=e 5on?t %ant to -et it.C A9tBC A$"e 5isease@C "e sai5. 9 3ra%le5 8a3k to t"e leopar5. 9t looke5 8i-@ e)en 5ea5. /early t"ree times t"e siEe o1 a natural 3at. 9 1um8le5 at its 8elly@ an5 1oun5 t"e 3at3". /ot a 8utton@ not a 8elt@ 8ut a 3at3" %"ere t"e 1ur peele5 a%ay. 9nsi5e %as a nake5 "uman 8o5y. 9 pulle5 t"e skin 8a3k so t"ey 3oul5 see. A$"ey?re s"apes"i1ters 8ut not ly3ant"ropes. 9t?s a spell. 9t?s not 3onta-ious@ you 3"i3ken2s"it son o1 a 8it3".C AAnita@ 5on?t pi3k on "im@C 4olp" sai5. His )oi3e soun5e5 so stran-e@ so 5istant t"at 9 min5e5 "im. $"e man pulle5 o11 "is o%n >a3ket an5 sort o1 lai5 it on top o1 Ker8ro%ski. He presse5 5o%n@ 8ut -in-erly@ as i1 "e still 5i5n?t trust t"e 8loo5. AGet a%ay 1rom "im.C 9 leane5 on t"e 3oat@ usin- my 8o5y %ei-"t to "ol5 "is intestines insi5e. $"ey mo)e5 un5er my "an5 like somet"in- ali)e@ s;uis"y an5 so %arm t"ey %ere "ot. A="en t"e "ell are you -oin- to -et some sil)er 8ullets 1or your s;ua5BC 9 aske5.

4olp" almost lau-"e5. ASoon@ 9 "ope.C 7ay8e 9 3oul5 8uy t"em a 1e% 8o*es 1or !"ristmas. Please@ 5ear Go5@ let t"ere 8e a !"ristmas 1or all o1 us. 9 stare5 at Ker8ro%ski?s pale 1a3e. His -lasses "a5 1allen o11 in t"e stru--le. 9 looke5 aroun5 an5 3oul5n?t see t"em. 9t seeme5 important to 1in5 "is -lasses. 9 knelt t"ere in "is 8loo5 an5 3rie5 8e3ause 9 3oul5n?t 1in5 "is 5amn -lasses.

Chapter Thirty-seven
Ker8ro%ski %as 8ein- se%n 8a3k to-et"er. /one o1 t"e 5o3tors %ere tellin- us anyt"in-. Guar5e5. His 3on5ition %as -uar5e5. 4olp" %as also in t"e "ospital. /ot as 8a5 o11 8ut enou-" to stay 1or a 5ay or so. Ker8ro%ski "a5n?t re-aine5 3ons3iousness 8e1ore t"ey took "im a%ay. 9 %aite5. Katie@ "is %i1e@ arri)e5 sometime in t"e mi55le o1 all t"at %aitin-. 9t %as only t"e se3on5 time %e?5 e)er met. S"e %as a small %oman %it" a mane o1 5ark "air tie5 in a loose ponytail. =it"out a spot o1 makeup s"e %as lo)ely. Ho% Ker8ro%ski "a5 mana-e5 to sna- "er 9?5 ne)er 1i-ure5 out. S"e %alke5 to%ar5s me@ 5ark eyes %i5e. S"e %as 3lut3"in- "er purse like a s"iel5@ 1in-ers 5i--in- into t"e leat"er. A="ere is "eBC Her )oi3e %as "i-" an5 8reat"y@ like a little -irl?s. 9t al%ays soun5e5 like t"at. Be1ore 9 3oul5 say anyt"in-@ t"e 5o3tor 3ame out o1 t"e s%in-in- 5oors at t"e en5 o1 t"e "all. Katie stare5 at "im. All t"e 8loo5 "a5 5raine5 1rom "er 1a3e. 9 stoo5 up an5 mo)e5 to stan5 8esi5e "er. S"e stare5 at t"e approa3"in- 5o3tor like "e %as some monster in "er %orst ni-"tmare. Pro8a8ly more a33urate t"an 9 %ante5 it to 8e. AAre you 7rs. Ker8ro%skiBC t"e 5o3tor aske5. S"e no55e5. Her "an5s %"ere t"ey -rippe5 t"e purse %ere mottle5@ trem8lin- %it" tension. ADour "us8an5 is sta8le. 9t looks -oo5. He?s -oin- to make it.C !"ristmas %as 3omin- a1ter all. Katie -a)e a small si-" an5 "er knees 8u3kle5. 9 3au-"t "er an5 stoo5 t"ere supportin- "er 5ea5 %ei-"t. S"e 3oul5n?t "a)e %ei-"e5 ninety poun5s. A=e?)e -ot a loun-e in "ere i1 you 3an ... C He looke5 at me@ t"en s"ru--e5. 9 li1te5 Katie Ker8ro%ski in my arms@ -ot t"e 8alan3e o1 it@ an5 sai5@ ALea5 on.C 9 le1t Katie sittin- 8y Ker8ro%ski?s 8e5si5e. His "an5 %rappe5 aroun5 "ers@ like "e kne% s"e %as t"ere. 7ay8e "e 5i5. Lu3ille@ 4olp"?s %i1e@ %as t"ere no% to "ol5 "er "an5 >ust in 3ase. Starin- 5o%n at Ker8ro%ski?s pale 1a3e@ 9 praye5 t"at t"ere %as no A>ust in 3ase.C 9 %ante5 to %ait until Ker8ro%ski %oke up@ 8ut t"e 5o3tor tol5 me it %oul5 pro8a8ly 8e tomorro%. 9 3oul5n?t -o %it"out sleep t"at lon-. 7y ne% stit3"es ma5e t"e 3ross2s"ape5 8urn s3ar on my le1t arm 3rooke5. $"e 3la% marks t%iste5 to one si5e@ missin- t"e moun5 o1 s3ar tissue at t"e 8en5 o1 my arm. !arryin- Katie "a5 8roken some o1 my stit3"es@ an5 t"ey 8le5 t"rou-" t"e 8an5a-e. $"e 5o3tor %"o "a5 operate5 on Ker8ro%ski rese%e5 it personally. He looke5 at t"e s3ars a lot. 7y arm "urt an5 %as 8an5a-e5 1rom %rist to el8o%. But %e %ere all ali)e. Dea. $"e ta*i 5roppe5 me o11 at my apartment 8uil5in- at %"at %oul5 "a)e 8een a 5e3ent "our. Louie "a5 8een 5ru--e5 an5 tie5 in t"e 8asement. ,l)ira "a5 a5mitte5 to takin- t"e skins o1 a %ere%ol1@ a %ereleopar5@ an5 tryin- 1or t"e na-a. Hason "a5n?t 8een in t"e "ouse. S"e 5enie5 e)er "a)in- seen "im. ="at 5i5 s"e nee5 %it" anot"er %ere%ol1 skinB $"e %ererat skin %oul5 "a)e 8een 1or "er@ s"e sai5. ="en aske5 %"o t"e snakeskin %oul5 "a)e 8een 1or@ s"e sai5 "er. $"ere %as at least one ot"er person in)ol)e5 t"at s"e %asn?t %illin- to -i)e up. S"e %as a %it3" an5 "a5 use5 ma-i3 to kill. 9t %as an automati3 5eat" senten3e. #n3e 3on)i3te5@ t"e senten3e %oul5 8e 3arrie5 out %it"in 1orty2ei-"t "ours. /o appeals. /o par5ons. 4ea5. $"e la%yers %ere tryin- to -et "er to a5mit to t"e ot"er 5isappearan3es. 91 s"e?5 a5mit to it t"ey mi-"t 3ommute "er senten3e. 7i-"t. A killer %it3". 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e t"ey?5 li-"ten "er senten3e@ 8ut may8e t"ey %oul5. <i3"ar5 %as sittin- outsi5e my apartment 5oor. 9 "a5n?t e*pe3te5 to see "im@ ni-"t o1 t"e 1ull moon an5 all. 9?5 le1t a messa-e on "is ans%erin- ma3"ine a8out 1in5in- Louie an5 "im 8ein- all ri-"t. $"e poli3e %ere tryin- to keep it all ;uiet@ espe3ially Louie?s se3ret i5entity. 9 "ope5 t"ey 3oul5 mana-e it. But at least "e %as ali)e. Animal 3ontrol "a5 t"e 5o-. A9 -ot your messa-e@C "e sai5. A$"anks 1or sa)in- Louie.C 9 put my key in t"e lo3k. ADou?re %el3ome.C A=e "a)en?t 1oun5 Hason. 4o you really t"ink t"e %it3"es took "imBC 9 opene5 t"e 5oor. He 1ollo%e5 me in an5 3lose5 t"e 5oor. A9 5on?t kno%. $"at?s 8een 8ot"erin- me@ too. 91 s"e?5 taken Hason. He s"oul5 "a)e 8een t"ere.C $"e %ol1@ on3e out o1 its skin@ "a5 8een a %oman t"at 9 5i5n?t kno%.

9 %alke5 into t"e 8e5room as i1 9?5 8een alone. <i3"ar5 1ollo%e5 me. 9 1elt li-"t an5 5istant an5 1aintly unreal. $"ey?5 3ut o11 t"e slee)e o1 my >a3ket an5 s%eater. 9?5 trie5 to sa)e t"e >a3ket 8ut 9 -uess it "a5 8een ruine5 any%ay. $"ey?5 also 3ut t"rou-" t"e le1t arm s"eat". 9 "a5 it an5 t"e kni1e s"o)e5 in my >a3ket po3ket. ="y 5o t"ey al%ays 3ut e)eryt"in- o11 in t"e emer-en3y roomB He 3ame up 8e"in5 me@ not tou3"in-@ "an5s "o)erin- o)er my arm. ADou 5i5n?t tell me you %ere "urt.C $"e p"one ran-. 9 pi3ke5 it up %it"out t"inkin-. A man?s )oi3e sai5@ AAnita BlakeBC ADes.C A$"is is =illiams@ t"e naturalist at t"e Au5u8on !enter. 9 playe5 8a3k some o1 my o%l tapes t"at 9?5 re3or5e5 at ni-"t. #ne o1 t"em "as %"at 9?5 s%ear %as "yenas on it. 9 tol5 t"e poli3e@ 8ut t"ey 5i5n?t seem to un5erstan5 t"e si-ni1i3an3e. 4o you un5erstan5 %"at it mi-"t mean to "a)e "yena soun5s out "ereBC AA %ere"yena@C 9 sai5. ADes@ 9 t"ou-"t so@ too.C /o one "a5 tol5 "im t"e killer %as pro8a8ly a %ere%ol1. But one o1 t"e missin- s"i1ters %as a "yena. 7ay8e ,l)ira really 5i5n?t kno% %"at "appene5 to all t"e missin- ly3ant"ropes. A4i5 you say you tol5 t"e poli3eBC ADes@ 9 5i5.C A="o?5 you tellBC A9 3alle5 S"eri11 $itus?s o11i3e.C A="o?5 you speak toBC AAikensen.C A4o you kno% i1 "e tol5 $itusBC A/o@ 8ut %"y %oul5n?t "eBC ="y in5ee5. ASomeone?s at t"e 5oor. !an you "ol5 on a minuteBC A9 5on?t t"ink ... C A9?ll 8e ri-"t 8a3k.C A=illiams@ =illiams@ 5on?t ans%er t"e 5oor.C But 9 %as talkin- to empty air. 9 "ear5 "im %alk a3ross t"e 1loor. $"e 5oor opene5. He ma5e a surprise5 soun5. Hea)ier 1ootsteps 3ame 8a3k a3ross t"e 1loor. Someone pi3ke5 up t"e p"one. 9 3oul5 "ear t"em 8reat"in-. $"ey 5i5n?t say anyt"in-. A$alk to me@ you son o1 a 8it3".C $"e 8reat"in- -ot "ea)y. A91 you "urt "im@ Aikensen@ 9 %ill 1ee5 you your 5i3k on kni1e point.C He lau-"e5 an5 "un- up. An5 9?5 ne)er 8e a8le to testi1y in 3ourt %"o %as on t"e ot"er en5 o1 t"at p"one. A4ammit@ 5amn it@ 5amn it.C A="at?s %ron-BC 9 3alle5 in1ormation to -et t"e num8er 1or t"e =illoton Poli3e 4epartment. 9 presse5 t"e 8utton t"at 5iale5 it automati3ally 1or a small 1ee. AAnita@ %"at is itBC 9 "el5 up a "an5@ tellin- "im to %ait. A %oman ans%ere5. A9s t"is 4eputy HolmesBC 9t %asn?t. 9 -ot !"ie1 Garro%ay a1ter impressin- on t"e 5ispat3"er t"at t"is %as a matter o1 li1e an5 5eat". 9 5i5 not s3ream at "er. 9 5eser)e5 mu3"o 8ro%nie points 1or t"at. 9 -a)e Garro%ay t"e <ea5er?s 4i-est )ersion. A9 3an?t 8elie)e e)en Aikensen %oul5 8e in)ol)e5 in somet"in- like t"is@ 8ut 9?ll sen5 a 3ar.C A$"anks.C A="y 5i5n?t you >ust 3all 911BC <i3"ar5 aske5. A$"ey?5 3all t"e 3ounty poli3e. Aikensen mi-"t e)en 8e assi-ne5 t"e 3all.C

9 %as stru--lin- out o1 my 8ut3"ere5 >a3ket. <i3"ar5 ease5 it o11 my le1t s"oul5er or 9 mi-"t ne)er "a)e -otten it o11. ="en it %as o11@ 9 realiEe5 9 %as out o1 3oats. 9?5 ruine5 t%o in as many 5ays. 9 -ra88e5 t"e only 3oat 9 "a5 le1t. 9t %as 3rimson@ lon- an5 1ull. 9?5 %orn it t%i3e. $"e last time %as !"ristmas. $"e re5 3oat %oul5 s"o% up e)en at ni-"t. 91 9 nee5e5 to sneak up on any8o5y@ 9 3oul5 take it o11. <i3"ar5 "a5 to "elp me -et my le1t arm in t"e slee)e. 9t still "urt. ALet?s -o -et Hason@C "e sai5. 9 looke5 at "im. ADou?re not -oin- any%"ere 8ut %"ere)er ly3ant"ropes -o %"en t"ere?s a 1ull moon.C ADou 3an?t e)en put your o%n 3oat on. Ho% are you -oin- to 5ri)eBC He "a5 a point. A$"is may put you in 5an-er.C A9?m a 1ull2-ro%n %ere%ol1 an5 toni-"t is t"e 1ull moon. 9 t"ink 9 3an "an5le it.C He "a5 a 1ara%ay look in "is eyes as i1 "e %ere "earin- )oi3es 9 %oul5 ne)er kno%. AAll ri-"t. Let?s -o@ 8ut %e?re -oin- to sa)e =illiams. 9 t"ink t"e %eres are 3lose to "is pla3e@ 8ut 9 5on?t kno% e*a3tly %"ere.C He %as stan5in- t"ere %it" "is lon- 5uster 3oat on. He %as %earin- a %"ite $2s"irt@ a pair o1 >eans %it" one knee -one@ an5 a pair o1 less t"an reputa8le s"oes. A="y t"e s3u11y 3lot"esBC A91 9 s"i1t in my 3lot"es@ t"ey?re al%ays torn apart. Pre3aution. Dou rea5yBC ADea".C ALet?s -o@C "e sai5. $"ere %as somet"in- a8out "im t"at %as 5i11erent. A %aitin- tension like %ater >ust 8e1ore it spills o)er t"e e5-e. ="en 9 looke5 into "is 8ro%n eyes@ somet"in- sli5 8e"in5 t"em. Some 1urre5 s"ape %as insi5e t"ere@ %aitin- to -et out. 9 realiEe5 %"at 9 %as sensin- 1rom "im. ,a-erness. <i3"ar5?s 8east %as lookin- out o1 "is true 8ro%n eyes@ an5 it %as ea-er to 8e a8out its 8usiness. ="at 3oul5 9 sayB =e %ent.

Chapter Thirty-eight
,5%ar5 %as leanin- a-ainst my Heep@ arms 3rosse5@ 8reat" 1o--in- in t"e air. $"e temperature "a5 5roppe5 8y t%enty 5e-rees %it" t"e 5ark. $"e 1reeEe %as 8a3k on. All t"e melt%ater "a5 turne5 to i3e. $"e sno% 3run3"e5 un5er1oot. A="at are you 5oin- "ere@ ,5%ar5BC A9 %as a8out to 3ome up to your apartment %"en 9 sa% you 3omin- 5o%n.C A="at 5o you %antBC A9 %ant to play@C "e sai5. 9 stare5 at "im. AHust like t"at. Dou 5on?t kno% %"at 9?m in)ol)e5 in@ 8ut you %ant a pie3e o1 it.C A'ollo%in- you aroun5 lets me kill a lot o1 people.C Sa5@ 8ut true. A9 5on?t "a)e time to ar-ue. Get in.C He sli5 in t"e 8a3kseat. A="o e*a3tly are %e -oin- to kill toni-"tBC <i3"ar5 starte5 t"e en-ine. 9 8u3kle5 up. ALet?s see. $"ere?s a rene-a5e poli3eman@ an5 %"oe)er?s ki5nappe5 se)en s"apes"i1ters.C A$"e %it3"es 5i5n?t 5o itBC A/ot all o1 it.C ADou t"ink 9?ll -et to kill any ly3ant"ropes toni-"tBC He %as teasin- <i3"ar5@ 9 t"ink. <i3"ar5 %asn?t o11en5e5. A9?)e 8een t"inkin- a8out %"o 3oul5 "a)e taken t"em all %it"out a stru--le. 9t "a5 to 8e someone t"ey truste5.C A="o %oul5 t"ey trustBC 9 aske5. A#ne o1 us@C "e sai5. A#"@ 8oy@C ,5%ar5 sai5@ Aly3ant"rope on t"e menu 1or toni-"t.C <i3"ar5 5i5n?t 3orre3t "im. 91 it %as all ri-"t %it" "im@ it %as all ri-"t %it" me.

Chapter Thirty-nine
=illiams lay 3rumple5 on "is si5e. He?5 8een s"ot at 3lose ran-e t"rou-" t"e "eart. $%o s"ots. So mu3" 1or t"e 5o3torate. #ne "an5 %as %rappe5 aroun5 a .3+. 7a-num. 9 %as e)en 8ettin- t"at t"ere %oul5 8e po%5er on "is skin@ as t"ou-" "e?5 really 1ire5 t"e -un. 4eputy Holmes an5 "er partner@ %"ose name 9 3oul5n?t remem8er@ %ere lyin- in t"e sno% 5ea5. $"e 7a-num "a5 taken most o1 "er 3"est. Her pi*ielike 1eatures %ere sla3k an5 not "al1 so pretty. =it" "er eyes starin- strai-"t up s"e 5i5n?t look asleep. S"e >ust looke5 5ea5. Her partner %as missin- most o1 "is 1a3e. He %as 3ollapse5 in t"e sno%@ 8loo5 an5 8rains meltin- t"rou-" t"e 1roEen sno%. His -un %as still -rippe5 in "is "an5. Holmes "a5 -otten "er -un out@ too. 'or %"at -oo5 it 5i5 "er. 9 5ou8te5 eit"er one o1 t"em "a5 s"ot =illiams@ 8ut 9?5 "a)e 8et a mont"?s pay t"at one o1 t"eir -uns "a5. 9 knelt in t"e sno% an5 sai5@ AS"it.C <i3"ar5 stoo5 8y =illiams. He %as starin- at "im as i1 "e?5 memoriEe "im. ASamuel 5i5n?t o%n a -un. He 5i5n?t e)en 8elie)e in "untin-.C ADou kne% "imBC A9?m in Au5u8on@ remem8er.C 9 no55e5. /one o1 it seeme5 real. 9t looke5 sta-e5. =oul5 "e -et a%ay %it" itB /o. AHe?s 5ea5@C 9 sai5@ so1tly. ,5%ar5 3ame to stan5 8esi5e me. A="o?s 5ea5BC AAikensen. He?s still %alkin- an5 talkin- 8ut "e?s 5ea5. He >ust 5oesn?t kno% it yet.C A="ere 5o %e 1in5 "imBC ,5%ar5 aske5. Goo5 ;uestion. 9 5i5n?t "a)e a -oo5 ans%er. 7y 8eeper %ent o11@ an5 9 s3reame5. #ne o1 t"ose little yip s3reams t"at are al%ays so em8arrassin-. 9 3"e3ke5 t"e num8er %it" my "eart t"un5erin- in my 3"est. 9 5i5n?t re3o-niEe t"e num8er. ="o 3oul5 it 8e@ an5 3oul5 it possi8ly 8e important enou-" to 3all 8a3k toni-"tB 9?5 le1t my 8eeper num8er %it" t"e "ospital. 9 5i5n?t kno% t"eir num8er@ eit"er. 9 "a5 to ans%er it. Hell@ 9 nee5e5 to 3all !"ie1 Garro%ay an5 tell "im "is people "a5 %alke5 into an am8us". 9 3oul5 make 8ot" 3alls 1rom =illiams?s "ouse. 9 tru5-e5 to%ar5s t"e "ouse. ,5%ar5 1ollo%e5. =e %ere on t"e por3" 8e1ore 9 realiEe5 t"at <i3"ar5 %asn?t %it" us. 9 turne5 8a3k. He "a5 knelt 5o%n 8esi5e =illiams. 9 t"ou-"t at 1irst "e %as prayin-@ t"en realiEe5 "e %as tou3"in- t"e 8loo5y sno%. 4i5 9 really %ant to kno%B Dea". 9 %alke5 8a3k o)er. ,5%ar5 staye5 on t"e por3" %it"out 8ein- aske5. Point 1or "im. A<i3"ar5@ are you all ri-"tBC 9t %as a stupi5 ;uestion %it" a man "e kne% 5ea5 at "is 1eet. But %"at else %as 9 suppose5 to askB His "an5 3lose5 o)er t"e 8loo5y sno%@ 3rus"in- it. He s"ook "is "ea5. 9 t"ou-"t "e %as >ust an-ry@ or -rie1 stri3ken@ until 9 sa% t"e s%eat on "is 1a3e. He turne5 "is 1a3e up%ar5@ eyes 3lose5. $"e moon ro5e 1ull an5 8ri-"t@ "ea)y an5 sil)er %"ite. $"e li-"t %as almost 5ayli-"t 8ri-"t t"is 1ar a%ay 1rom t"e 3ity. =isps o1 3lou5 ro5e t"e sky@ ma5e luminous %it" moons"ine. A<i3"ar5BC A9 kne% "im@ Anita. =e?)e -one 8ir5in- to-et"er. =e talke5 a8out "is 5o3torate t"esis. 9 kne% "im@ an5 no% all 9 3an t"ink o1 is t"e smell o1 8loo5 an5 "o% %arm "e still is.C He opene5 "is eyes an5 looke5 at me. $"ere %as sorro% in "is eyes@ 8ut mostly t"ere %as 5arkness. His 8east %as lookin- out t"rou-" "is eyes. 9 turne5 a%ay. 9 3oul5n?t "ol5 "is -aEe. A9?)e -ot to make t"is p"one 3all. 4on?t eat any o1 t"e e)i5en3e.C 9 %alke5 a%ay a3ross t"e sno%. 9t "a5 8een too lon- a ni-"t. 9 3alle5 1rom t"e p"one in =illiams?s kit3"en. 9 3alle5 Garro%ay 1irst@ tol5 "im %"at %e?5 1oun5. #n3e "e 3oul5 8reat"e@ "e 3urse5 a 8it an5 sai5 "e?5 3ome "imsel1. Pro8a8ly %on5erin- i1 t"in-s %oul5 "a)e turne5 out 5i11erently i1 "e?5 3ome in t"e 1irst pla3e. !omman5 5e3isions are al%ays "ar5. 9 "un- up an5 5iale5 t"e num8er on my 8eeper. AHello.C A$"is is Anita Blake. $"is num8er %as le1t on my 8eeper.C AAnita@ t"is is Kaspar Gun5erson.C $"e s%an man. ADes@ Kaspar@ %"at is itBC ADou soun5 a%1ul. Has somet"in- "appene5BC ALots@ 8ut %"y 5i5 you 8eep meBC

A9 1oun5 Hason.C 9 stoo5 a little strai-"ter. ADou?re ki55in-.C A/o@ 9 1oun5 "im. 9?)e -ot "im at my "ouse no%. 9?)e 8een tryin- to 3onta3t <i3"ar5. 4o you kno% %"ere "e isBC A=it" me.C APer1e3t@C "e sai5. A!an "e 3ome take 3"ar-e o1 Hason 8e1ore "e 3"an-esBC A=ell@ yea"@ 9 -uess so@ %"yBC A9?m >ust a 8ir5@ Anita. 9?m not a pre5ator. 9 3an?t 3ontrol an ine*perien3e5 %ere%ol1.C A#kay@ 9?ll tell "im. ="ere?s your "ouseBC A<i3"ar5 kno%s %"ere it is. 9?)e -ot to -et 8a3k to Hason@ keep "im 3alm. 91 "e loses it 8e1ore <i3"ar5 arri)es@ 9?m runnin1or 3o)er. So i1 9 5on?t ans%er t"e 5oor8ell@ you?ll kno% %"at "appene5.C AAre you in 5an-er 1rom "imBC AHust "urry.C He "un- up. <i3"ar5 "a5 3ome insi5e. He %as stan5in- in t"e 5oor%ay lookin- 8emuse5@ as i1 listenin- to musi3 only "e 3oul5 "ear. A<i3"ar5BC His "ea5 mo)e5 slo%ly to%ar5s t"e soun5 o1 my )oi3e like a )i5eo runnin- on slo% spee5. His eyes %ere pale -ol5en yello%@ t"e 3olor o1 am8er. AHesus@C 9 sai5. He 5i5n?t look a%ay. He 8linke5 "is ne% eyes at me. A="at is itBC AKaspar 3alle5. He 1oun5 Hason. He?s 8een tryin- to -et you. Says "e 3an?t 3ontrol "im on3e "e 3"an-es.C AHason?s all ri-"t@C "e sai5. He -a)e it t"at ;uestionin- lilt. ADes@ are you all ri-"tBC A/o@ 9 "a)e to 3"an-e soon or t"e moon %ill pi3k t"e time 1or me.C 9 5i5n?t e*a3tly un5erstan5 t"at statement@ 8ut "e 3oul5 e*plain in t"e 3ar. A,5%ar5 3an 5ri)e@ in 3ase t"e moon pi3ks -oin- 5o%n Hi-"%ay 'orty21our as t"e per1e3t time.C AGoo5 i5ea@ 8ut Kaspar?s "ouse is >ust up t"e mountain.C A="at 5o you meanBC AKaspar li)es >ust up t"e roa5.C AGreat@ let?s -o.C ADou?ll "a)e to lea)e Hason an5 me up t"ere@C "e sai5. A="yBC A9 3an make sure "e 5oesn?t "urt any8o5y@ 8ut "e "as to "unt. 9?ll take "im out "ere. $"ere are 5eer in t"e %oo5s.C 9 stare5 at "im. He %as still <i3"ar5. Still my s%eetie@ 8ut ... His eyes %ere t"e 3olor o1 pale am8er@ startlin- in "is 5ark 1a3e. ADou?re not -oin- to 3"an-e in t"e 3ar@ are youBC 9 aske5. A/o. 9 %oul5 ne)er en5an-er you. 9 "a)e 3omplete 3ontrol o)er my 8east. 9t?s %"at 8ein- an alp"a %ol1 means.C A9 %asn?t %orrie5 a8out 8ein- eaten@C 9 sai5. A9 >ust 5i5n?t %ant you to -et t"at 3lear >unk all o)er my ne% seats.C He 1las"e5 a smile. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een more 3om1ortin- i1 "is teet" "a5n?t 8een >ust a little pointier t"an usual. Hesus H. !"rist.

Chapter Forty
Kaspar Gun5erson?s "ouse %as ma5e o1 stone@ or at least si5e5 %it" it. Pale 3"unks o1 -ranite 1orme5 t"e %alls. $"e trim %as %"ite@ t"e roo1 s"in-les pale -rey. $"e 5oor %as %"ite as %ell. 9t %as 3lean@ neat@ an5 still mana-e5 to 8e rusti3. 9t sat in a 3learin- at t"e top o1 t"e mountain. $"e roa5 stoppe5 at "is "ouse. $"ere %as a turnaroun5 8ut t"e roa5 5i5n?t -o past. <i3"ar5 ran- t"e 8ell. Kaspar opene5 it. He looke5 )ery relie)e5 to see us. A<i3"ar5@ t"ank Go5. He?s mana-e5 to "ol5 on to "uman 1orm so 1ar@ 8ut 9 5on?t t"ink "e 3an last mu3" lon-er.C He "el5 t"e 5oor 1or us.

=e %alke5 in an5 1oun5 t%o stran-e men sittin- in "is li)in- room. $"e man to t"e le1t %as s"ort@ 5ark@ an5 "a5 %ire2 1rame5 -lasses on. $"e ot"er man %as taller@ 8lon5@ %it" a re55is" 8ear5. $"ey %ere t"e only t"in-s t"at 5i5n?t mat3" t"e 5e3or. $"e entire li)in- room %as %"ite23arpet@ 3ou3"@ t%o 3"airs@ %alls. 9t %as like stan5in- in t"e mi55le o1 a )anilla i3e2 3ream 3one. He "a5 t"e same 3ou3" t"at 9 5i5. 9 nee5e5 ne% 1urniture. A="o are t"eyBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A$"ey aren?t one o1 us.C ADou 3oul5 say t"at.C 9t %as $itus. He stoo5 in t"e 5oor%ay lea5in- to t"e kit3"en@ a -un in "is "an5. A4on?t any8o5y mo)e@C "e sai5. His sout"ern a33ent %as t"i3k as 3orn pone. Aikensen steppe5 out o1 t"e 5oor lea5in- to t"e rest o1 t"e "ouse. He "a5 anot"er 8i- 7a-num in "is "an5. ADou 8uy t"ose 8y t"e 3aseloa5BC 9 aske5. A9 like5 your t"reat on t"e p"one. 9t -ot me "ot.C 9 took a step 1or%ar5@ "a5n?t meant to. APlease@C Aikensen sai5. He %as pointin- t"e 8i- -un at my 3"est. $itus %as pointin- at <i3"ar5. $"e t%o men in t"e 3"airs "a5 -uns out no%@ too. #ne 8i- "appy party. ,5%ar5 %as )ery still at my 8a3k. 9 3oul5 almost 1eel "im %ei-"in- t"e o55s. A 8olt a3tion on a ri1le s"ot 8a3k 8e"in5 us. =e all >umpe5@ e)en ,5%ar5. Anot"er man %as 8e"in5 us in t"e 5oor. His soli5 -rey "air %as 8al5in-. $"e -rey man "a5 a ri1le in "is "an5s@ pointe5 at ,5%ar5?s "ea5. $"ere %oul5n?t 8e enou-" le1t to pi3k up in a 8a--ie. AHan5s up@ y?all.C =e put our "an5s up. ="at else 3oul5 %e 5oB ALa3e your 1in-ers atop your "ea5@C $itus sai5. ,5%ar5 an5 9 5i5 it like %e?5 5one it 8e1ore. <i3"ar5 %as slo%er. A/o%@ %ol1man@ or 9 %ill 5rop you %"ere you stan5@ an5 your little -irl1rien5 mi-"t -et all s"ot up in t"e 8ar-ain.C <i3"ar5 la3e5 "is 1in-ers. AKaspar@ %"at?s -oin- onBC Kaspar %as sittin- on t"e 3ou3"@ no@ re3linin- %as t"e %or5. He looke5 3om1orta8le@ "appy as a %ell21e5 3at ... er@ s%an. A$"ese -entlemen "ere "a)e pai5 a small 1ortune to "unt ly3ant"ropes. 9 supply t"em prey an5 a pla3e to "unt.C A$itus an5 Aikensen make sure t"at no one 1in5s out@ ri-"tBC A9 tol5 you 9 5i5 a little "untin-@ 7s. Blake@C $itus sai5. A$"e 5ea5 man one o1 your "untersBC His eyes 1li3ke5@ not e*a3tly lookin- a%ay 8ut 1lin3"in-. ADes@ 7s. Blake@ "e %as.C 9 looke5 at t"e t%o men %it" t"eir -uns out. 9 5i5n?t turn aroun5 to see Grey Hair at t"e 5oor. ADou t"ree t"ink t"at "urtins"apes"i1ters is %ort" 5yin- o)erBC $"e 5ark2"aire5 one looke5 at me 1rom 8e"in5 "is roun5 -lasses. His eyes %ere 5istant@ 3alm. 91 it 8ot"ere5 "im to 8e pointin- a -un at 1ello% "uman 8ein-s@ it 5i5n?t s"o%. $"e 8ear5e5 man?s eyes 1li3ke5 aroun5 t"e room@ ne)er settlin- on anyt"in-. He %asn?t "a)in- a -oo5 time. A="y 5i5n?t you an5 Aikensen 3lean up t"e mess 8e1ore Holmes an5 "er partner sa% t"e 8o5yBC A=e %ere out "untin- %ere%ol1@C Aikensen sai5. AKaspar@ %e?re your people@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A/o@C Kaspar sai5. He stoo5. ADou aren?t. 9 am not a ly3ant"rope. 9?m not e)en an in"erite5 3on5ition. 9 %as 3urse5 8y a %it3" so lon- a-o t"at 9 5on?t 3are to remem8er "o% lon-.C A9s t"at suppose5 to make us 1eel sorry 1or youBC 9 aske5. A/o. 9n 1a3t@ 9 5on?t suppose 9 "a)e to e*plain mysel1. Dou "a)e 8ot" 8een 5e3ent to me. 9 suppose 9 1eel -uilty a8out t"at.C He s"ru--e5. A$"is %ill 8e our last "unt. #ne 8i- -ala e)ent.C A91 you "a5 slau-"tere5 <aina an5 Ga8riel@ 9 3oul5 almost un5erstan5 it@C 9 sai5. ABut %"at 5i5 t"e ly3ant"ropes you "elpe5 mur5er e)er 5o to youBC A="en t"e %it3" tol5 me %"at s"e "a5 5one@ 9 remem8er t"inkin- t"at 8ein- a -reat ra)enin- 8east %oul5 8e a 1ine t"in-. 9 3oul5 still "unt. 9 3oul5 e)en slay my enemies. 9nstea5 s"e ma5e ... C He sprea5 "is "an5s %i5e. ADou kill t"em 8e3ause t"ey are %"at you %ant to 8e@C 9 sai5. He -a)e a small smile. AHealousy@ Anita@ en)y. $"ey are )ery 8itter emotions.C 9 t"ou-"t a8out 3allin- "im a 8astar5@ 8ut it %oul5n?t "elp. Se)en people "a5 5ie5 8e3ause t"is son o1 a 8it3" 5i5n?t like 8ein- a 8ir5. A$"e %it3" s"oul5 "a)e kille5 you@ slo%ly.C AS"e %ante5 me to learn my lesson an5 repent.C A9?m not real 8i- on repentan3e@C 9 sai5. A9 like re)en-e 8etter.C

A91 9 %asn?t 3on1i5ent you %oul5 5ie toni-"t@ t"at mi-"t %orry me.C A=orry@C 9 sai5. A="ere?s HasonBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A=e?ll take you to "im@ %on?t %e@ 8oys@C $itus sai5. ,5%ar5 "a5n?t sai5 a %or5. 9 %asn?t sure %"at "e %as t"inkin-@ 8ut 9 "ope5 "e 5i5n?t -o 1or a -un. 91 "e 5i5@ most o1 t"e people in t"is room %ere 5ea5. $"ree o1 t"em %oul5 8e us. APat Fem 5o%n@ Aikensen.C Aikensen -rinne5. He "olstere5 "is 8i- -un. $"at le1t one re)ol)er@ t%o automati3s@ an5 a "i-"2po%ere5 ri1le. 9t %as enou-". 4ream team t"at %e are@ ,5%ar5 an5 9 "a5 our limits. He patte5 <i3"ar5 5o%n@ a ;ui3k sear3". He %as "a)in- a -oo5 time until "e -ot up to %"ere "e 3oul5 see <i3"ar5?s eyes. He pale5 >ust a little lookin- into t"ose %ol1 eyes. /er)ous %as -oo5. He ki3ke5 my le-s 1art"er apart. 9 -lare5 at "im. His "an5s "o)ere5 o)er my 8reasts@ not %"ere you start a sear3". A91 "e 5oes anyt"in- 8ut sear3" me 1or %eapons@ 9 am -oin- to 5ra% a -un an5 take my 3"an3es.C AAikensen@ you treat 7s. Blake "ere like a la5y. /o "anky2panky.C Aikensen 5roppe5 to "is knees in 1ront o1 me. He ran >ust t"e palm o1 "is "an5 o)er my 8reast@ li-"tly >ust o)er t"e nipples. 9 smas"e5 my ri-"t el8o% into "is nose. Bloo5 spraye5 out%ar5. He rolle5 aroun5 on t"e -roun5@ "an5s to "is 8uste5 nose. $"e 5ark2"aire5 man %as stan5in-. He %as pointin- "is -un )ery stea5ily at me. His -lasses re1le3te5 t"e li-"t "i5in- "is eyes. A,)ery8o5y 3alm 5o%n@ no%@C $itus sai5. AAikensen 5eser)e5 t"at@ 9 -uess.C Aikensen 3ame up o11 t"e 1loor@ 8loo5 3o)erin- t"e lo%er "al1 o1 "is 1a3e. He 1um8le5 1or "is -un. A91 t"at -un 3lears your "olster@ 9 %ill s"oot you mysel1@C $itus sai5. Aikensen %as 8reat"in- 1ast an5 "ea)y t"rou-" "is mout". Little 8u88les o1 8loo5 s"o%e5 at "is nose %"en "e trie5 to 8reat"e t"rou-" it. 9t %as 5e1initely 8roken. 9t %asn?t as -oo5 as e)is3eratin- "im@ 8ut it %as a start. He kept "is "an5s on "is -un@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t pull it. He staye5 on "is knees 1or a lon- time. Dou 3oul5 see t"e stru--le in "is eyes. He %ante5 to s"oot me almost enou-" to try 1or it. Great. $"e 1eelin- %as mutual. AAikensen@C $itus sai5 so1tly. His )oi3e %as )ery serious@ as i1 "e %ere >ust realiEin- t"at Aikensen mi-"t -o 1or it. A9 mean %"at 9 say@ 8oy. 4on?t you 8e toyin- %it" me.C He -ot to "is 1eet@ spittin- 8loo5@ tryin- to -et it a%ay 1rom "is mout". ADou?re -oin- to 5ie toni-"t.C A7ay8e@ 8ut it %on?t 8e you.C A7s. Blake@ i1 you 3oul5 re1rain 1rom teasin- Aikensen lon- enou-" 1or me to -et "im a%ay 1rom you@ 9?5 appre3iate it.C AAl%ays -la5 to 3ooperate %it" t"e poli3e@C 9 sai5. $itus lau-"e5. $"e 8astar5. A=ell@ no% t"e 3riminals pay 8etter@ 7s. Blake.C A'u3k you.C A/o nee5 to -et a8usi)e.C He tu3ke5 "is o%n -un into "is si5e "olster. A/o%@ 9?m not -oin- to 5o a t"in- 8ut sear3" you 1or %eapons. Any more o1 t"is nonsense an5 %e?re -oin- to "a)e to s"oot one o1 you to pro)e %e?re serious. Dou 5on?t %ant to lose your s%eet"eart "ere. #r your 1rien5 "ere.C He smile5. Hust -oo5 ol? S"eri11 $itus. 'rien5ly. Hesus. He 1oun5 8ot" -uns@ t"en patte5 me 5o%n a se3on5 time. 9 must "a)e %in3e5@ 8e3ause "e sai5@ AHo%?5 you "urt your arm@ 7s. BlakeBC A9 %as "elpin- t"e poli3e on anot"er 3ase.C A$"ey let a 3i))ie -et "urtBC ASer-eant Storr an5 4ete3ti)e Ker8ro%ski are in t"e "ospital. $"ey %ere in>ure5 in t"e line o1 5uty.C Somet"in- passe5 o)er "is 3"u88y 1a3e. 9t mi-"t "a)e 8een re-ret. AHeroes 5on?t -et anyt"in- 8ut 5ea5@ 7s. Blake. Dou 8est remem8er t"at.C ABa5 -uys 5ie@ too@ $itus.C He pus"e5 t"e slee)e o1 t"e re5 3oat up an5 took t"e kni1e. He "e1te5 it@ testin- its 8alan3e. A!ustom ma5eBC 9 no55e5. A9 5o a5mire -oo5 e;uipment.C AKeep it. 9?ll -et it later.C He 3"u3kle5. ADou "a)e -uts@ -irl@ 9?ll -i)e you t"at.C

AAn5 you?re a 1u3kin- 3o%ar5.C $"e smile )anis"e5. AAl%ays nee5in- to "a)e t"e last %or5 is a 8a5 trait@ 7s. Blake. Pisses people o11.C A$"at?s t"e i5ea.C He mo)e5 to ,5%ar5. 9?5 -i)e $itus one t"in-@ "e %as t"orou-". He took t%o automati3s@ a 5errin-er@ an5 a kni1e 8ienou-" to pass 1or a s"ort s%or5 1rom ,5%ar5. 9 "a5 no i5ea %"ere "e?5 8een "i5in- t"e kni1e. A="o 5o t"e t%o o1 you t"ink you areB $"e 1reakin- 3a)alryBC ,5%ar5 5i5n?t say a t"in-. 91 "e 3oul5 8e ;uiet@ so 3oul5 9. $"ere %ere too many -uns to make one o1 t"em an-ry an5 try to >ump t"e rest. =e %ere outnum8ere5 an5 out-unne5. 9t %as not a -oo5 %ay to start t"e %eek. A/o% %e are all -oin- to -o 5o%nstairs@C $itus sai5. A=e %ant you all to >oin us in t"e "unt. Dou %ill 8e let out into t"e %oo5s. 91 you 3an -et a%ay 1rom us@ t"en you are 1ree. Dou 3an run to t"e nearest poli3e an5 turn us in. Dou try anyt"in1unny 8e1ore %e let you -o@ an5 %e %ill >ust kill you. Dou all un5erstan5 t"atBC =e >ust looke5 at "im. A9 3an?t "ear you.C A9 "ear5 %"at you sai5@C 9 sai5. AHo% F8out you@ 8lon5ieBC A9 "ear5 you@ too@C ,5%ar5 sai5. A=ol1man@ you "ear meBC A4on?t 3all me t"at@C <i3"ar5 sai5. He 5i5n?t soun5 parti3ularly s3are5@ eit"er. Goo5. 91 you?re -oin- to 5ie@ at least 5ie 8ra)e. 9t pisses your enemies o11. A!an %e put our "an5s 5o%n no%BC 9 aske5. A/o@C $itus sai5. 7y le1t arm %as 8e-innin- to t"ro8. 91 t"at %as t"e most pain1ul t"in- t"at "appene5 to me toni-"t@ 9?5 8e a"ea5 o1 t"e -ame. Aikensen %ent 1irst. <i3"ar5 ne*t %it" t"e 5ark2"aire5 man an5 "is 3alm eyes at "is 8a3k. $"e 8ear5e5 man. $"en me. $itus. ,5%ar5. Grey Hair an5 "is ri1le ne*t. Kaspar 8rou-"t up t"e rear. 9t %as a para5e. $"e stairs le5 into a natural 3a)ern 8elo% t"e "ouse. 9t %as a8out si*ty 8y t"irty 1eet@ %it" a 3eilin- t"at %asn?t "i-"er t"an t%el)e 1eet. A tunnel le5 out t"e 1ar %all. ,le3tri3 li-"ts -a)e a "ars" yello% -lo% to e)eryt"in-. $%o 3a-es %ere set into t"e -ranite %alls. 9n t"e 1ar 3a-e Hason %as "u55le5 into a 1etal 8all. He 5i5n?t mo)e as %e all troope5 in. A="at "a)e you 5one to "imBC <i3"ar5 sai5. A$rie5 to -et "im to 3"an-e 1or us@C $itus sai5. ABir5ie "ere sai5 "e?5 8e an easy mark.C Kaspar looke5 un3om1orta8le. ="et"er it %as t"e Bir5ie remark or Hason?s stu88ornness@ it %as "ar5 to tell. AHe %ill 3"an-e 1or us.C ASo you say@C Grey Hair sai5. Kaspar 1ro%ne5 at "im. Aikensen opene5 t"e empty 3a-e. His nose %as still 8lee5in-. He "a5 a %a5 o1 Kleene* "el5 to it@ 8ut it %asn?t "elpinmu3". $"e Kleene*es %ere 3rimson. A9n ya -o@ =ol1ie@C $itus sai5. <i3"ar5 "esitate5. A7r. !armi3"ael@ t"e 8oy@ i1 you please.C 4ark Hair put up "is 9mm@ an5 -ot out a 22 1rom "is %aist8an5. He pointe5 it at Hason?s "u55le5 1orm. A=e?5 8een 5is3ussin- puttin- a 8ullet in "im any%ay. See i1 it %oul5 "elp persua5e "im to 3"an-e 1or us. /o% -et in t"e 3a-e.C <i3"ar5 stoo5 t"ere. !armi3"ael pointe5 t"e -un t"rou-" t"e 8ars@ si-"tin- 5o%n "is arm. A4on?t@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9?ll 5o it.C He %alke5 into t"e 3a-e. A/o% you@ Blon5ie.C ,5%ar5 5i5n?t ar-ue. He >ust %alke5 in. He %as takin- t"is a lot 8etter t"an 9 t"ou-"t "e %oul5. Aikensen s"ut t"e 5oor. He lo3ke5 t"e 5oor@ t"en %alke5 a3ross to t"e se3on5 3a-e. He 5i5n?t unlo3k it. He %aite5 %it" t"e so--y Kleene* presse5 to "is nose. A 5rop o1 8loo5 1ell to t"e 1loor.

ADou -et to s"are a33ommo5ations %it" our youn- 1rien5.C <i3"ar5 -rippe5 t"e 8ars o1 "is 3a-e. ADou 3an?t put "er in t"ere. ="en "e 3"an-es@ "e?ll nee5 to 1ee5.C A$%o t"in-s "elp t"e 3"an-e "appen@C Kaspar sai5@ Ase* an5 8loo5. 9 sa% "o% mu3" Hason likes your la5y 1rien5.C A4on?t 5o t"is@ Kaspar.C A$oo late@C "e sai5. 91 9 %ent in t"e 3a-e@ 9 %as -oin- to en5 up eaten ali)e. $"at %as a3tually one o1 my top 1i)e %ays not to 5ie. 9 %asn?t -oin- in t"e 3a-e. 9?5 make t"em s"oot me 1irst. AAikensen is -oin- to open t"e 3a-e@ t"en you step insi5e@ 7s. Blake.C A/o@C 9 sai5. $itus looke5 at me. A7s. Blake@ 7r. 'ienstien "ere %ill s"oot you@ %on?t you 7r. 'ienstienBC $"e 8ear5e5 man@ un3ertain eyes an5 all@ pointe5 a 9mm Beretta at me. A ni3e -un@ i1 you 5i5n?t insist on 8uyinAmeri3an. $"e 8arrel looke5 )ery 8i-@ an5 soli5 1rom t"e %ron- en5. A'ine@ s"oot me.C A7s. Blake@ %e are not >okin-.C A/eit"er am 9. 7y 3"oi3es are 8ein- eaten ali)e or 8ein- s"ot. So s"oot me.C A7r. !armi3"ael@ i1 you %ill point your .22 o)er "ere.C !armi3"ael 5i5. A=e 3an %oun5 you@ 7s. Blake. Put a 8ullet in your le- an5 t"en s"o)e you in t"at 3a-e.C 9 looke5 into "is 8ea5y little eyes an5 kne% "e %oul5 5o it. 9 5i5n?t %ant to -o into t"e 3a-e@ 8ut 9 really 5i5n?t %ant to -o in %oun5e5. A9?m -oin- to 3ount to 1i)e@ 7s. Blake@ t"en !armi3"ael "ere is -oin- to %oun5 you an5 %e %ill 5ra- you into t"at 3a-e. #ne ... t%o ... t"ree ... 1our ... C AAll ri-"t@ all ri-"t@ 5amn you. :nlo3k t"e 5amn 5oor.C Aikensen 5i5. 9 %alke5 in. $"e 5oor 3lan-e5 s"ut 8e"in5 me. 9 stoo5 t"ere near t"e 5oor. Hason %as s"i)erin- as i1 "e "a5 a 1e)er@ 8ut "e ne)er mo)e5 ot"er%ise. $"e men outsi5e seeme5 5isappointe5. A=e pai5 -oo5 money to "unt a %ere%ol1@C Grey Hair sai5. A=e are not -ettinour money?s %ort".C A=e?)e -ot all ni-"t@ -entlemen. He %on?t resist t"is lus3ious ti58it 1ore)er@C Kaspar sai5. 9 5i5n?t like 8ein- 3alle5 a ti58it. Lus3ious or ot"er%ise. A9 3alle5 Garro%ay 8e1ore %e 5ro)e up "ere. 9 tol5 "im a8out "is 5eputies -ettin- am8us"e5. 9 tol5 "im it %as Aikensen.C ALiar.C 9 looke5 strai-"t at $itus. ADou t"ink 9?m lyin-.C A7ay8e %e?ll >ust s"oot all o1 you no%@ an5 1lee@ 7s. Blake.C ADou -oin- to -i)e t"ese -entlemen t"eir money 8a3kBC A=e %ant a "unt@ $itus.C $"e t"ree arme5 men 5i5n?t look like lea)in- 8e1ore t"e 1un %as an option. A$"e poli3e 5on?t kno% a8out t"e 8ir5man?s in)ol)ement@C !armi3"ael o1 t"e .22 sai5. AHe 3an stay upstairs. 91 t"ey 3ome askin- ;uestions@ "e 3an ans%er t"em.C $itus %ipe5 "is palms a-ainst "is pants. S%eatin- palms@ ner)esB 9 "ope5 so. AS"e 5i5n?t 3all. S"e?s >ust 8lu11in-@C Aikensen sai5. A7ake "im 3"an-e@C !armi3"ael sai5. AHe?s not payin- any attention to "er@C Grey Hair sai5. AGi)e it time@ -entlemen.C ADou sai5 %e 5on?t "a)e time.C ADou?re t"e e*pert@ Kaspar. $"inka somet"in-.C Kaspar smile5@ starin- at somet"in- 8e"in5 me. A9 5on?t t"ink %e?ll "a)e to %ait mu3" lon-er.C 9 turne5 aroun5 slo%ly@ lookin- 8e"in5 me. Hason %as still "u55le5 on t"e -roun5 8ut "is 1a3e %as turne5 to me. He rolle5 onto all 1ours in one easy motion. His eyes 1li3ke5 to me@ t"en stare5 at t"e men on t"e outsi5e o1 t"e 3a-e. A9 %on?t 5o it. 9 %on?t 3"an-e 1or you.C His )oi3e %as straine5 8ut normal. Human soun5in-.

ADou?)e "el5 out a lon- time@ Hason@C Kaspar sai5@ A8ut t"e moon is risin-. Smell "er 1ear@ Hason. Smell "er 8o5y. Dou kno% you %ant "er.C A/oIC He 8o%e5 "is "ea5 to t"e -roun5@ "an5s an5 arms 1lat to t"e 1loor@ knees 5ra%n up. He s"ook "is "ea5@ 1a3e presse5 into t"e ro3k. A/o.C He raise5 "is 1a3e up. A9 %on?t 5o it like some si5es"o% 1reak.C A4o you t"ink -i)in- Hason an5 7s. Blake "ere a little pri)a3y %oul5 "elp matters alon-BC $itus aske5. A9t mi-"t@C Kaspar sai5. AHe 5oesn?t seem to like an au5ien3e.C A=e?ll >ust -i)e you a little 8reat"in? spa3e@ 7s. Blake. 91 you aren?t ali)e %"en %e -et 8a3k@ %ell@ it?s 8een ni3e meetin? ya.C A9 3an?t say t"e same@ $itus@C 9 sai5. A=ell@ no% t"at is t"e Go5?s "onest trut". Goo528ye@ 7s. Blake.C A<ot in "ell@ 8it3"@C %as Aikensen?s partin- s"ot. ADou?ll remem8er me e)ery time you look in a mirror@ Aikensen.C His "an5 %ent to "is nose. ,)en t"at tou3" "urt. He s3o%le5 at me@ 8ut it?s "ar5 to look tou-" %it" Kleene* sti3kin- out o1 your nose. A9 "ope you 5ie slo%.C ASame to you@C 9 sai5. AKaspar@ please@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A4on?t 5o t"is. 9?ll 3"an-e 1or you. 9?ll let you "unt me. Hust -et Anita out o1 t"ere.C $"e men stoppe5 an5 looke5 at "im. A4on?t "elp me@ <i3"ar5.C A9?ll -i)e you t"e 8est "unt you?)e e)er "a5.C He %as presse5 a-ainst t"e 8ars@ "an5s %rappe5 aroun5 t"em. ADou kno% 9 3an 5o it@ Kaspar. $ell t"em.C Kaspar looke5 at "im 1or a lon- moment. He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 t"ink you?5 kill t"em all.C A9?5 promise not to.C A<i3"ar5@ %"at are you sayin-BC He i-nore5 me. APlease@ Kaspar.C ADou must lo)e "er a -reat 5eal.C <i3"ar5 >ust stare5 at "im. A/o matter %"at you 5o@ <i3"ar5@ t"ey?re not -oin- to let me -o.C He %asn?t listenin- to me. A<i3"ar5IC A9?m sorry@C Kaspar sai5. A9 trust you@ <i3"ar5@ 8ut your 8east ... 9 t"ink your 8east isn?t so trust%ort"y.C A!ome on@ %e?re %astin- time. Garro%ay 5oesn?t kno% %"ere to look 8ut "e mi-"t 3ome up "ere. Let?s -i)e Fem some pri)a3y@C $itus sai5. $"ey all troope5 out a1ter t"e 3"u88y s"eri11. Kaspar %as last up t"e stairs. A9 %is" it %ere Ga8riel an5 <aina in t"e 3a-es. 9 am sorry a8out t"at.C $"e s%an man 5isappeare5 into t"e ro3k tunnel. AKaspar@ 5on?t lea)e us like t"is. KasparIC <i3"ar5?s yells e3"oe5 in t"e 3a)ern. But not"in- ans%ere5 t"e e3"oes. =e %ere alone. S3u11lin- soun5s ma5e me %"irl. Hason %as on "is knees a-ain. Somet"in- mo)e5 8e"in5 "is pale 8lue eyes@ somet"in- monstrous an5 not 1rien5ly at all. 9 %asn?t "al1 as alone as 9 %ante5 to 8e.

Chapter Forty-one
Hason took one 3ra%lin- step to%ar5s me an5 stoppe5. A/o@ no@ no.C ,a3" %or5 %as a lo% moan. His "ea5 1ell 1or%ar5. His yello% "air s%ept 1or%ar5 not lon- enou-" to tou3" t"e -roun5@ 8ut t"i3k. He %as %earin- an o)ersiEe 8lue 5ress s"irt an5 >eans. !lot"es you %oul5n?t min5 ruinin- i1 you "appene5 to s"apes"i1t in t"em. AAnita@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 mo)e5 so 9 3oul5 see t"e ot"er 3a-e@ %it"out losin- si-"t o1 Hason. <i3"ar5 %as rea3"in- t"rou-" t"e 8ars. #ne "an5 stret3"in- out to%ar5s me as i1 "e 3oul5 8ri5-e t"e spa3e an5 some"o% 5ra- me to "im. ,5%ar5 3ra%le5 to t"e 5oor an5 8e-an runnin- "an5s o)er t"e lo3k. He 3oul5n?t really see t"e lo3k 1rom insi5e t"e 3a-e. He presse5 "is 3"eek to t"e 8ars an5 3lose5 "is eyes. ="en you 3an?t use your eyes t"ey 8e3ome a 5istra3tion.

He leane5 8a3k an5 5re% a slen5er leat"er 3ase 1rom "is po3ket. He unEippe5 it to re)eal tiny tools. 'rom t"is 5istan3e 9 3oul5n?t really see t"em 3learly 8ut 9 kne% %"at t"ey %ere. ,5%ar5 %as -oin- to pi3k t"e lo3k. =e 3oul5 8e out in t"e %oo5s 8e1ore t"ey kne% %e %ere missin-. $"e ni-"t %as lookin- up. ,5%ar5 settle5 8a3k a-ainst t"e 8ars@ one arm on eit"er si5e o1 t"e lo3k@ a pi3k in ea3" "an5. His eyes %ere 3lose5@ "is 1a3e 8lank@ all 3on3entration to "is "an5s. Hason ma5e a small soun5 lo% in "is 3"est. He 3ra%le5 to%ar5s me@ t%o slo%@ 5ra--in- steps. His "ea5 1lun- up%ar5. His eyes %ere still t"e inno3ent 8lue o1 sprin- skies 8ut t"ere %as no8o5y "ome no%. He looke5 at me as t"ou-" "e 3oul5 see insi5e my 8o5y@ %at3" my "eart t"u55in- in my 3"est@ smell t"e 8loo5 in my )eins. 9t %as not a "uman look. AHason@C <i3"ar5 sai5@ A"ol5 on. =e?ll 8e 1ree in a 1e% minutes. Hust "ol5 on.C Hason 5i5n?t rea3t. 9 5on?t t"ink "e "ear5. 9 t"ou-"t t"e 1e% minutes %as 8ein- o)erly optimisti3@ 8ut "ey@ 9 %as %illin- to 8elie)e it i1 Hason %oul5. Hason 3ra%le5 to%ar5s me. 9 plastere5 my 8a3k a-ainst t"e 3a-e 8ars. A,5%ar5@ "o% are you 3omin- %it" t"at lo3kBC A$"ese are not t"e tools 9 %oul5 "a)e 3"osen 1or t"is parti3ular lo3k@ 8ut 9?ll -et it.C $"ere %as somet"in- in t"e %ay Hason 3ra%le5 to%ar5s me@ as i1 "e "a5 mus3les in pla3es t"at "e s"oul5n?t "a)e. A7ake it soon@ ,5%ar5.C He 5i5n?t ans%er me. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to look to kno% t"at "e %as %orkin- at t"e lo3k. 9 "a5 e)ery 1ait" t"at "e?5 unlo3k t"e 5oor. 9 8a3ke5 5o%n t"e 8ars@ tryin- to keep an e)en 5istan3e 8et%een me an5 t"e %ere%ol1. ,5%ar5 %oul5 -et t"e 5oor open@ 8ut %oul5 it 8e in timeB $"at %as t"e P(&@ ;uestion. A soun5 at t"e entran3e 3ause5 me to -lan3e 8a3k. !armi3"ael steppe5 into t"e 3a)ern. He "a5 t"e 9mm in "is "an5. He smile5. 9t %as t"e "appiest 9?5 seen "im. ,5%ar5 i-nore5 "im@ %orkin- at t"e lo3k as i1 an arme5 man "a5n?t steppe5 into t"e room. !armi3"ael raise5 t"e -un an5 pointe5 it at ,5%ar5. AGet a%ay 1rom t"e lo3k@ no%.C He 3o3ke5 t"e "ammer 8a3k@ not ne3essary@ 8ut al%ays 5ramati3. A=e 5on?t nee5 you ali)e. Stop ... %orkin- ... on ... t"e ... lo3k.C He steppe5 3loser %it" ea3" %or5. ,5%ar5 looke5 up at "im. His 1a3e %as still 8lank@ as i1 "is 3on3entration %ere still in "is "an5s@ not ;uite 1o3use5 on t"e -un 8ein- pointe5 at "im. A$"ro% t"e tools a%ay 1rom you. <i-"t no%.C ,5%ar5 stare5 at "im. His e*pression ne)er 3"an-e5 8ut "e tosse5 t"e t%o small tools a%ay. A$ake t"e 3omplete kit out o1 your po3ket an5 toss it out o1 t"e 3a-e. 4on?t e)en try to say you 5on?t "a)e one. 91 you?)e -ot t"ose t%o pie3es@ you?)e -ot t"e rest.C 9 %on5ere5 %"at !armi3"ael 5i5 in t"e real %orl5. Somet"in- not ni3e. Somet"in- %"ere "e kne% %"at tools %oul5 8e in a pro1essional lo3k2pi3kin- kit. A9 %on?t %arn you a-ain@C !armi3"ael sai5. A$"ro% it out or 9 pull t"e tri--er. 9 am tire5 o1 s3re%in- %it" t"is mess.C ,5%ar5 t"re% out t"e slim leat"er pou3". 9t ma5e a small slappin- soun5 on t"e ro3k. !armi3"ael ma5e no mo)e to pi3k up t"e lo3k pi3ks. $"ey %ere out o1 our rea3". $"at %as %"at 3ounte5. He %alke5 8a3k%ar5s@ keepin- us all in si-"t. He 5ire3te5 some o1 "is attention to Hason an5 me. #"@ >oy. A#ur little %ere%ol1?s a%ake. 9 %as "opin- "e %oul5 8e.C A lo%@ ra--e5 -ro%l 3ra%le5 up Hason?s t"roat. !armi3"ael -a)e a 5eli-"te5 8ark o1 lau-"ter. A9 %ante5 to see "im 3"an-e. Goo5 t"in- 9 3"e3ke5 8a3k in.C A9?m t"rille5 t"at you?re "ere@C 9 sai5. He 3ame to stan5 >ust out o1 rea3" o1 our 3a-e 8ars. He %as starin- at Hason. A9?)e ne)er seen one o1 t"em 3"an-e.C ALet me out an5 %e?ll %at3" "im to-et"er.C A/o%@ %"y %oul5 9 5o t"atB 9 pai5 to see t"e %"ole s"o%.C His eyes %ere sparklin- %it" anti3ipation. Bri-"t an5 s"iny as a ki5 on !"ristmas mornin-. S"it. A -ro%l 8rou-"t my attention 3ompletely 8a3k to Hason. He %as 3rou3"e5 on t"e ro3k 1loor@ "an5s an5 le-s 8un3"e5 un5er "im. =at3"in- t"at -ro%l tri3kle 1rom 8et%een "is "uman lips raise5 t"e "air on t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k. He %asn?t lookin- at me. A9 t"ink "e?s -ro%lin- at you@ !armi3"ael.C ABut 9?m not in t"e 3a-e@C "e sai5. He "a5 a point. AHason@ 5on?t -et an-ry at "im@C <i3"ar5 sai5. AAn-er %ill 1ee5 t"e 8east. Dou 3an?t a11or5 to -et an-ry.C <i3"ar5?s )oi3e %as amaEin-ly 3alm@ e)en soot"in-. He %as tryin- to talk Hason 5o%n@ or out@ or in@ or %"ate)er %or5 you use5 1or keepin- a %ere%ol1 1rom s"i1tin-.

A/o@C !armi3"ael sai5@ A-et an-ry@ %ol1. 9?m -oin- to 3ut your "ea5 o11 an5 mount it on my %all.C AHe?ll re)ert 8a3k to "uman 1orm a1ter "e?s 5ea5@C 9 sai5. A9 kno%@C !armi3"ael sai5. Hesus. APoli3e 1in5 you %it" a "uman "ea5 in your possession@ t"ey may -et a little suspi3ious.C A9?)e -ot a lot o1 trop"ies t"at 9 %oul5n?t %ant t"e poli3e to 1in5@C "e sai5. A="at 5o you 5o in t"e real %orl5BC A$"is is as real as it -ets.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9t %as "ar5 to ar-ue %it" "im@ 8ut 9 %ante5 to. Hason 3ra%le5 to%ar5s t"e 8ars@ in a sort o1 monkey 3rou3". 9t %asn?t as -ra3e1ul 8ut it "a5 an ener-y to it@ as i1 "e %ere a8out to laun3" "imsel1 into t"e air. As i1 %"en "e >umpe5 "e 3oul5 1ly. A!alm@ Hason@ easy@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A!ome on@ 8oy@ try it. <us" t"e 8ars an5 9?ll pull t"e tri--er.C 9 %at3"e5 "im 8un3" e)ery mus3le an5 laun3" "imsel1 at t"e 8ars. He 3lun- to t"e 8ars@ "an5s 3la%in- 8et%een t"em. Arms stret3"e5 as 1ar as t"ey %oul5 -o. He %e5-e5 a s"oul5er 8et%een t"e 8ars as i1 "e?5 slip t"rou-". 'or one moment !armi3"ael looke5 un3ertain@ t"en "e lau-"e5. AS"oot me@C Hason sai5. His )oi3e %as more -ro%l t"an %or5s. AS"oot me.C A9 5on?t t"ink so@C !armi3"ael sai5. Hason -rippe5 t"e 8ars %it" "is "an5s an5 sli5 5o%n to "is knees@ 1ore"ea5 presse5 to t"e 8ars. His 8reat"in- %as 1ast@ pantin-@ as i1 "e?5 run a mile in a minute 1lat. 91 "e?5 8een "uman "e?5 "a)e "yper)entilate5 an5 passe5 out. His "ea5 turne5 slo%ly to%ar5s me@ pain1ully slo%@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t %ant to 5o it. He?5 trie5 to 1or3e !armi3"ael to s"oot "im. <iske5 8ein- kille5 to keep 1rom turnin- on me. He 5i5n?t kno% me %ell enou-" to risk "is li1e. 9t -ot "im a lot o1 points in my 8ook. He looke5 at me@ an5 "is 1a3e %as nake5@ ra% %it" nee5. /ot se*@ not "un-er@ 8ot"@ neit"er@ 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 t"e look in "is eyes@ an5 5i5n?t %ant to. He s3ram8le5 to%ar5s me. 9 8a3ke5 a%ay@ almost runnin- 8a3k%ar5s. A4on?t run@C <i3"ar5 3alle5. A9t e*3ites "im.C Starin- into Hason?s alien e*pression@ it took e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 to stan5 still. 7y "an5s -rippe5 t"e 8ars 8e"in5 me "ar5 enou-" to "urt@ 8ut 9 stoppe5 runnin-. <unnin- %as 8a5. Hason stoppe5 %"en 9 5i5. He 3rou3"e5 >ust out o1 rea3". He put one "an5 on t"e -roun5 an5 3ra%le5 to%ar5s me. 9t %as slo%@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t %ant to@ 8ut "e kept 3omin-. AAny more 8ri-"t i5easBC 9 aske5. A4on?t run. 4on?t stru--le. 9t?s e*3itin-. $ry to 8e 3alm. $ry not to 8e a1rai5. 'ear is )ery e*3itin-.C ASpeakin- 1rom personal e*perien3eBC 9 aske5. ADes@C "e sai5. 9 %ante5 to turn@ see "is 1a3e@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t. 9 "a5 eyes only 1or t"e %ere%ol1 t"at %as 3ra%lin- to%ar5s me. $"e %ere%ol1 in t"e ot"er 3a-e 3oul5 take 3are o1 "imsel1. Hason knelt on all 1ours 8y my le-s@ like a 5o- a%aitin- a 3omman5. He raise5 "is "ea5 an5 looke5 at me. A spot o1 pale -reen 3olor spille5 into "is eyes. $"e 8lue o1 "is irises 5ro%ne5 in a s%irl o1 ne% 3olor. ="en it %as 5one "is eyes %ere t"e 3olor o1 ne% sprin- -rass@ pale@ pale -reen@ an5 not "uman at all. 9 -aspe5. 9 3oul5n?t "elp it. He mo)e5 3loser@ sni11in- t"e air aroun5 me. His 1in-ertips 8rus"e5 my le-. 9 >erke5. He let out a lon- si-" an5 ru88e5 "is 3"eek a-ainst my le-. He?5 5one more t"an t"is at t"e Lunati3 !a1e@ 8ut "is eyes "a5 still 8een mostly "uman. An5 9 "a5 8een arme5. 9?5 "a)e -i)en nearly anyt"in- 1or a -un ri-"t no%. Hason -ra88e5 t"e "em o1 my 3oat@ 8allin- "is "an5s into 1ists@ tu--in- at t"e 3lot". He %as -oin- to pull me to t"e -roun5. /o %ay. 9 s"ru--e5 t"e 3oat o11 my s"oul5ers. Hason pulle5 it o11 me. 9 steppe5 out o1 t"e 3ir3le o1 3lot". He 8un5le5 t"e 3oat to "is 1a3e %it" 8ot" arms. He rolle5 on t"e -roun5 %it" it presse5 to "is 8o5y like a 5o- %it" a pie3e o1 3arrion. =allo%in- in t"e s3ent. He 3ame to "is knees. He stalke5 to%ar5s me@ mo)in- %it" a li;ui5 -ra3e t"at %as unner)in- as "ell. Human 8ein-s 5i5 not 3ra%l -ra3e1ully. 9 8a3ke5 up@ slo%ly@ no runnin-. But 9 5i5n?t %ant "im to tou3" me a-ain. He mo)e5 1aster@ ea3" mo)ement pre3ise. Pale -reen eyes lo3ke5 on me as i1 9 %ere all t"at e*iste5 in t"e %orl5. 9 starte5 8a3kin- up 1aster. He mo)e5 %it" me. A4on?t run@ Anita@ please@C <i3"ar5 sai5.

7y 8a3k t"unke5 into t"e 3orner o1 t"e 3a-e. 9 -a)e a little yelp. Hason 3o)ere5 t"e 5istan3e 8et%een us in t%o smoot" mo)ements. His "an5s tou3"e5 my le-s. 9 s%allo%e5 a s3ream. 7y pulse %as t"reatenin- to 3"oke me. AAnita@ 3ontrol your 1ear. !alm@ t"ink 3alm.C ADou t"ink 1u3kin- 3alm.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 stri5ent@ pani3ke5. Hason "a5 "is 1in-ertips "ooke5 in my 8elt. He presse5 "is 8o5y into my le-s@ pinnin- me to t"e 8ars. 9 ma5e a small -asp an5 "ate5 it. 91 t"is %as -oin- to 8e it@ t"en 5ammit@ 9 %asn?t -oin- to -o out %"imperin-. 9 listene5 to my "eart poun5in- in my ears@ an5 took slo%@ e)en 8reat"s. 9 stare5 into t"ose sprin- -reen eyes an5 relearne5 "o% to 8reat"e. Hason presse5 "is 3"eek a-ainst my "ip@ "an5s sli5in- aroun5 my %aist. 7y "eart -a)e a little pitty2pat an5 9 s%allo%e5 it. 9 3on3entrate5 on my o%n "eart until my pulse slo%e5. 9t %as t"e kin5 o1 3on3entration t"at let you 5o t"at ne% t"ro% in >u5o. $"e 3on3entration t"at 1e5 a Eom8ie raisin-. ="en Hason li1te5 "is "ea5 an5 looke5 at me a-ain@ 9 -a)e "im 3alm eyes. 9 1elt my 1a3e 8lank@ neutral@ 3alm. 9 %asn?t sure "o% lon- it %oul5 last 8ut it %as t"e 8est 9 3oul5 5o. His 1in-ers sli5 un5er my s%eater@ up my 8a3k. 9 s%allo%e5 an5 my "eart8eat spe5 up. 9 trie5 to slo% it 5o%n@ trie5 to 3on3entrate@ 8ut "is "an5s sli5 aroun5 my %aist o)er my skin. His 1in-ers tra3e5 my ri8s mo)in- up%ar5. 9 -ra88e5 "is %rists@ stoppin- "is "an5s s"ort o1 my 8reasts. As "e rose@ my "an5s staye5 on "is arms. Stan5in- %it" "is "an5s still un5er my s%eater raise5 t"e 3lot"@ 8arin- my stoma3". Hason seeme5 to like t"e si-"t o1 8are skin. He knelt a-ain@ lettin- me keep "ol5 o1 "is arms. 9 1elt "is 8reat" almost 8urnin- %arm on my 8are stoma3". His ton-ue 1li3ke5 out@ a ;ui3k tou3" to one si5e o1 my 8elly 8utton. His lips 8rus"e5 my skin@ so1t@ 3aressin-. 9 1elt "im take a 5eep@ s"akin- 8reat". He presse5 "is 1a3e into t"e so1t 1les" o1 my 8elly. His ton-ue lappe5 my stoma3"@ mout" pressin- "ar5. His teet" -raEe5 my %aist. 9t ma5e me s;uirm@ an5 not %it" pain. His "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists un5er my s%eater@ "an5s 3on)ulsin-. 9 5i5n?t really %ant to let -o o1 "is %rists 8ut 9 %ante5 "im a%ay 1rom me. A9s "e -oin- to eat me or ... C A'u3k you@C !armi3"ael a55e5. 9?5 almost 1or-otten "im. !areless 1or-ettin- t"e man %it" t"e -un. 7ay8e it %as t"e realiEation t"at "e %asn?t a 5an-er to me. $"e 5an-er %as kneelin- at my 1eet. AHason?s only 8een one o1 us 1or a 1e% mont"s. 91 "e 3an 3"annel t"e ener-y into se* instea5 o1 )iolen3e 9?5 take it. 9?5 try to keep "im a%ay 1rom killin- Eones.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC AKeep "im a%ay 1rom your t"roat an5 your stoma3".C 9 stare5 5o%n at Hason. He looke5 up at me@ rollin- "is eyes. $"ere %as a 5arkness in t"ose pale eyes@ a 5arkness 5eep enou-" to 5ro%n in. 9 5re% Hason?s "an5s out 1rom un5er my s%eater. He sli5 "is "an5s into mine@ 1in-ers interlo3kin-. He nuEEle5 my stoma3"@ tryin- to 8ury "is 1a3e %"ere t"e s%eater "a5 sli5 o)er my skin. 9 raise5 "im up %it" our "an5s still lo3ke5 to-et"er. He raise5 our "an5s up%ar5@ pressin- my arms 8a3k%ar5s a-ainst t"e 8ars. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to stru--le@ to >erk a%ay. Stru--lin- %as e*3itin-@ an5 t"at %as a 8a5 t"in-. =e %ere almost t"e same "ei-"t. His eyes %ere too startlin- 1rom an in3" a%ay. His lips parte5 an5 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 1an-s. Hesus. He ru88e5 "is 3"eek alon- mine. His lips mo)e5 5o%n my >a%line. 9 turne5 my "ea5@ tryin- to keep "im a%ay 1rom t"e 8ipulse in my ne3k. He 3ame up 1or air@ an5 8rus"e5 "is mout" a-ainst mine. He presse5 "is 8o5y a-ainst mine "ar5 enou-" t"at 9 kne% "e %as -la5 to 8e t"ere. #r at least "is 8o5y %as. He 8urie5 "is 1a3e in my "air an5 stoo5 t"ere presse5 a-ainst me@ our "an5s on t"e 8ars o1 t"e 3a-e. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e pulse in "is ne3k t"u55in- a-ainst t"e 8one o1 my >a%. His 8reat"in- %as too 1ast@ "is 3"est risin- an5 1allin- as i1 "e %ere 5oin- a lot more t"an 1oreplay. =as 9 a8out to mo)e 1rom 1oreplay to appetiEerB Po%er pri3kle5 alon- my skin 8ut it %asn?t Hason. 9?5 taste5 t"is parti3ular po%er 8e1ore. =as t"e s"o% e*3itin- <i3"ar5B =oul5 %at3"in- me 5ie like t"is 8e a t"rill like t"e %oman on t"e 1ilmB AS"e?s mine@ Hason.C 9t %as <i3"ar5?s )oi3e 8ut %it" a 8ass un5ertone. $"e 3"an-e %as 3omin-. Hason %"impere5. 9t %as t"e only %or5 1or it. <i3"ar5?s po%er ro5e t"e air like 5istant t"un5er@ 5ra%in- 3lose. AGet o11 "er@ Hason. /o%IC $"at last %or5 lun-e5 out in somet"in- 3lose to a s3ream. But it %as t"e kin5 o1 s3ream t"at 3ou-ars -a)eG no 1ear@ 8ut %arnin-. 9 1elt Hason s"ake "is "ea5 a-ainst my "air. His "an5s 3on)ulse5 a-ainst mine. $"e stren-t" o1 it ma5e me -asp. 9t %as t"e %ron- t"in- to 5o.

He let -o o1 my "an5s so su55enly 9 %oul5 "a)e stum8le5@ 8ut t"e line o1 "is 8o5y kept me upri-"t. He >erke5 a%ay 1rom me an5 9 5i5 stum8le. He -ra88e5 me aroun5 t"e t"i-"s an5 li1te5 me into t"e air@ too 1ast 1or me to stop e)en i1 9 3oul5 "a)e. He sma3ke5 me 8a3k a-ainst t"e 8ars. 9 took most o1 t"e 8lo% on my 8a3k. Bruise5@ 8ut ali)e. He supporte5 me %it" one arm an5 s"o)e5 my s%eater up%ar5 %it" t"e ot"er. 9 s"o)e5 t"e s%eater 8a3k 5o%n. He ma5e a soun5 lo% in "is t"roat an5 slamme5 me into t"e 1loor. Hittin- t"e ro3k took all t"e 1i-"t out o1 me 1or >ust a minute. He rippe5 t"e s%eater as i1 it %ere paper@ sprea5in- it a%ay 1rom my stoma3". He t"re% "is "ea5 sky%ar5 an5 s3reame5@ 8ut t"e mout" "e opene5 %asn?t "uman anymore. 91 9?5 "a5 enou-" air 9?5 "a)e s3reame5. AHason@ noIC $"e )oi3e %asn?t "uman anymore. <i3"ar5?s po%er 1loo5e5 t"e 3a-e@ t"i3k enou-" to 3"oke on. Hason stru--le5 almost as i1 t"e po%er %ere t"i3ker t"an air. He s%ipe5 at not"in- t"at 9 3oul5 see %it" "an5s t"at "a5 3la%s 1or 1in-ers. ABa3k o11@C t"e %or5s %ere a snarl@ 8arely re3o-niEa8le. Hason snarle5 8a3k@ teet" snappin- t"e air@ 8ut not at me. He rolle5 o11 me@ 3ra%lin- alon- t"e ro3k@ -ro%lin-. 9 >ust lay t"ere on my 8a3k@ a1rai5 to mo)e. A1rai5 t"at any mo)ement %oul5 tip t"e 8alan3e an5 make "im 1inis" %"at "e?5 starte5. AS"it@C !armi3"ael sai5. A9?ll 8e ri-"t 8a3k@ 1olks@ an5 t"e 8ir5man 8etter t"ink o1 somet"in- to make one o1 you 3"an-e.C He mar3"e5 o11@ lea)in- us to a silen3e t"at %as repla3e5 %it" a lo%@ stea5y -ro%. 9 realiEe5 t"at it %asn?t Hason anymore. 9 rose up slo%ly on my el8o%s. Hason 5i5n?t try to eat me. <i3"ar5 %as still stan5in- 8y t"e 8ars o1 "is 3a-e@ 8ut "is 1a3e "a5 len-t"ene5. He "a5 a muEEle. His t"i3k 8ro%n "air %as lon-er. $"e "air seeme5 to "a)e 1lo%e5 5o%n "is 8a3k@ as i1 atta3"e5 to t"e spine. He %as "ol5in- onto "is "umanity %it" a strin-. A %eak@ s"iny strin-. ,5%ar5 %as stan5in- )ery still near t"e 5oor. He "a5n?t trie5 to run %"en <i3"ar5 %ent all spooky. ,5%ar5 al%ays 5i5 "a)e ner)es o1 steel.

Chapter Forty-two
$itus %as t"e 1irst one t"rou-" t"e 5oor. A9 am mi-"ty 5isappointe5 in you all. !armi3"ael "ere tells me you almost "a5 it@ an5 t"is one inter1ere5.C Kaspar stare5 at <i3"ar5 as i1 "e?5 ne)er seen "im 8e1ore. 7ay8e "e?5 ne)er seen "al12"uman@ "al12%ol1 8e1ore@ 8ut somet"in- a8out t"e %ay "e %as starin- sai5 t"at %asn?t it. A7ar3us 3oul5n?t "a)e 5one %"at you 5i5.C AHason 5i5n?t %ant to "urt "er@C <i3"ar5 sai5. AHe %ante5 to 5o t"e ri-"t t"in-.C A=ell@ Bir5man@C !armi3"ael sai5@ A%"at ne*tBC 9 staye5 sittin- on t"e ro3k 1loor. Hason %as "u55le5 a-ainst t"e 1ar %all on "is "an5s an5 knees@ ro3kin- 8a3k an5 1ort"@ 8a3k an5 1ort". A lo%@ moanin- soun5 3ra%le5 out o1 "is t"roat. AHe?s near t"e e5-e@C Kaspar sai5. ABloo5 %ill pus" "im o)er. /ot e)en an alp"a 3an "ol5 "im in t"e presen3e o1 1res" 8loo5.C 9 5i5 not like t"e soun5 o1 t"at. A7s. Blake@ 3oul5 you 3ome o)er to t"e 8ars@ please.C 9 mo)e5 so 9 3oul5 keep an eye on t"e moanin- %ere%ol1 an5 t"e arme5 3amp outsi5e. A="yBC A,it"er 5o it or !armi3"ael %ill s"oot you. 4on?t make me start 3ountin- a-ain@ 7s. Blake.C A9 5on?t t"ink 9 %ant to 3ome o)er to t"e 8ars.C $itus took out "is .&+ an5 %alke5 o)er to t"e ot"er 3a-e. ,5%ar5 %as sittin- 5o%n. He looke5 at me a3ross t"e room@ an5 9 kne% t"at i1 %e e)er -ot out@ t"ey %ere all 5ea5. <i3"ar5 %as still stan5in- at t"e 8ars@ "an5s %rappe5 aroun5 t"em. $itus stare5 up at <i3"ar5?s animalisti3 1a3e an5 -a)e a lo% %"istle. AGoo5 lor5.C He pointe5 t"e -un at <i3"ar5?s 3"est. A$"ese are sil)er 8ullets@ 7s. Blake. 91 you 3alle5 Garro%ay@ %e 5on?t "a)e time 1or t%o "unts any%ay. Garro%ay 5oesn?t kno% you?re "ere@ so %e "a)e a little time@ 8ut %e 5on?t "a)e all ni-"t. Besi5es@ 9 t"ink t"e %ol1man "ere mi-"t 8e too 5an-erous. So i1 you keep pissin- me o11@ 9?ll kill "im.C 9 met <i3"ar5?s ne% eyes. A$"ey?re -oin- to kill us any%ay. 4on?t 5o it@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as still a -ro% t"at %as su3" a 5eep 8ass t"at it 3ra%le5 5o%n my spine. $"ey %ere -oin- to kill us. But 9 3oul5n?t stan5 t"ere an5 %at3"@ not i1 9 3oul5 prolon- t"e ine)ita8le. 9 %alke5 to t"e 8ars nearest t"em. A/o% %"atBC $itus staye5 %it" t"e -un pointe5 at <i3"ar5. APut your arms t"rou-" t"e 8ars@ please.C 9 %ante5 to say no@ 8ut %e?5 alrea5y esta8lis"e5 t"at 9 %asn?t %illin- to %at3" <i3"ar5 5ie >ust yet. 9t ma5e sayin- no sort o1 "ollo%. 9 slippe5 my arms t"rou-" t"e 8ars@ %"i3" put my 8a3k to t"e %ere%ol1. /ot -oo5.

AGra8 "er %rists@ -entlemen.C 9 8alle5 my "an5s into 1ists 8ut 5i5n?t pull 8a3k. 9 %as -oin- to 5o t"is@ ri-"t. !armi3"ael -ra88e5 my le1t %rist. $"e 8ear5e5 'ienstien took my ri-"t. 'ienstien %asn?t "ol5in- on )ery "ar5. 9 3oul5 "a)e pulle5 a%ay@ 8ut !armi3"ael?s "an5 %as like %arm steel. 9 stare5 into "is eyes@ an5 1oun5 no pity t"ere. 'ienstien %as -ettin- s;ueamis". Grey Hair@ %it" "is ri1le@ %as in t"e mi55le o1 t"e room@ 5istan3in- "imsel1 1rom it. !armi3"ael %as "ere 1or t"e %"ole ri5e. $itus 3ame o)er an5 starte5 un%rappin- t"e 8an5a-e on my arm. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to ask %"at "e %as 5oin-. 9 "a5 an i5ea. 9 "ope5 9 %as %ron-. AHo% many stit3"es 5i5 you -et@ 7s. BlakeBC 9 %asn?t %ron-. A9 5on?t kno%. 9 stoppe5 3ountin- at t%enty.C He let t"e 8an5a-es 1all to t"e -roun5. He -ot out my o%n kni1e an5 "el5 it up %"ere it %oul5 3at3" t"e li-"t. /ot"in- like a little s"o%mans"ip. 9 presse5 my 1ore"ea5 to t"e 3a-e 8ars an5 took a 5eep 8reat". A9?m -oin- to reopen some o1 t"is %oun5. !ut out your stit3"es.C A9 1i-ure5 t"at out@C 9 sai5. A/o stru--lesBC AGet on %it" it.C Aikensen 3ame o)er. ALet me 5o it. 9 o%e "er a little 8loo5.C $itus looke5 at me@ almost as i1 askin- permission. 9 -a)e "im my 8est 8lank look. He "an5e5 t"e kni1e to Aikensen. Aikensen "el5 t"e point >ust o)er t"e 1irst stit3" near my %rist. 9 1elt my eyes %i5en. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o. Lookinseeme5 a 8a5 i5ea. /ot lookin- seeme5 %orse. Be--in- t"em not to 5o it seeme5 1utile an5 "umiliatin-. Some ni-"ts t"ere are no -oo5 3"oi3es. He 3ut t"e 1irst stit3". 9 1elt it snap@ 8ut surprisin-ly it 5i5n?t really "urt all t"at mu3". 9 looke5 a%ay. $"e stit3"es %ent snip@ snip@ snip. 9 3oul5 5o t"is. A=e nee5 8loo5@C !armi3"ael sai5. 9 looke5 8a3k in time to see Aikensen put t"e point o1 t"e kni1e a-ainst t"e %oun5. He %as -oin- to reopen t"e %oun5@ slo%ly. $"at %as -oin- to "urt. 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 ,5%ar5 in "is 3a-e. He %as stan5in- no%. Lookin- at me. He %as tryin- to tell me somet"in-. His eyes sli5 ri-"t. Grey Hair "a5 %alke5 a%ay 1rom t"e s"o%. He %as stan5in- 3lose to t"e ot"er 3a-e. ,)i5ently@ "e 3oul5 s"oot you@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t like torture. ,5%ar5 looke5 at me. 9 t"ou-"t 9 kne% %"at "e %ante5. 9 "ope5 so. $"e kni1e 8it into my skin. 9 -aspe5. $"e pain %as s"arp an5 imme5iate@ like all s"allo% %oun5s@ 8ut t"is one %as -oin- to last a lon- time. Bloo5 1lo%e5 in a "ea)y line 5o%n my skin. Aikensen pulle5 t"e point 5o%n a 1ra3tion o1 an in3". 9 pulle5 su55enly on my arms. 'ienstien lost "is -rip. He -ra88e5 1or my 1layin- arm. !armi3"ael ti-"tene5 "is -rip. 9 3oul5n?t -et 1ree 8ut 9 3oul5 5rop to t"e 1loor an5 make my arm mo)e too mu3" to use a kni1e on it. 9 starte5 to s3ream an5 1i-"t in earnest. 91 ,5%ar5 nee5e5 a 5i)ersion@ 9 3oul5 -i)e "im one. A#ne %oman in a 3a-e an5 t"e t"ree o1 you 3an?t "an5le "er.C $itus %a55le5 up. He -ra88e5 my le1t arm %"ile !armi3"ael "a5 my %rist. 7y ri-"t "an5 %as 8a3k in t"e 3a-e %it" me. 'ienstien %as sort o1 "o)erin- near t"e 3a-e@ not sure %"at to 5o. 91 you %ere -oin- to pay money to "unt monsters@ you s"oul5 8e 8etter at )iolen3e t"an t"is. His "olster %as 3lose to t"e 8ars. 9 s3reame5 o)er an5 o)er@ >erkin- at my le1t arm. $itus "el5 my arm un5er "is@ pinne5 ne*t to "is 8o5y. !armi3"ael?s -rip on my %rist %as 8ruisin-. $"ey "a5 me at last. Aikensen put t"e kni1e to t"e %oun5 an5 starte5 to 3ut. 'ienstien 8ent 5o%n as i1 to "elp. 9 s3reame5 an5 leane5 into t"e 8ars. 9 5i5n?t 5ra% "is -un. 9 -ra88e5 t"e tri--er an5 pus"e5 it into "is 8o5y. $"e s"ot took "im in t"e stoma3". He 1ell 8a3k%ar5s. A se3on5 s"ot e3"oe5 in t"e 3a)ern. !armi3"ael?s "ea5 e*plo5e5 all o)er $itus. His Smokey Bear "at %as 3o)ere5 in 8loo5 an5 8rains. ,5%ar5 %as stan5in- %it" t"e ri1le to "is s"oul5er. Grey Hair %as slumpe5 a-ainst t"e 3a-e 8ars. His ne3k %as at an o55 an-le. <i3"ar5 knelt 8y t"e 8o5y. Ha5 "e kille5 "imB $"ere %as a soun5 8e"in5 me. A lo% -uttural 3ry. $itus "a5 "is -un out. He still "a5 my arm pinne5. 'ienstien %as rollinaroun5 on t"e -roun5. His -un %as out o1 rea3". $"ere %as a lo% -ro%l 3omin- 1rom 8e"in5 me. 9 "ear5 mo)ement. Hason %as 3omin- 8a3k to play. Great. $itus >erke5 my arm 1or%ar5@ nearly %ren3"in- it out o1 t"e so3ket. He s"o)e5 "is .&+ a-ainst my 3"eek. $"e 8arrel %as 3ol5.

APut 5o%n t"e ri1le or 9 pull t"is tri--er.C 7y 1a3e %as presse5 into t"e 8ars an5 t"e -un. 9 3oul5n?t look 8e"in5 me@ 8ut 9 3oul5 "ear somet"in- 3ra%lin- 3loser. A9s "e 3"an-in-BC A/ot yet@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ,5%ar5 still "a5 t"e ri1le up@ si-"te5 on $itus. Aikensen seeme5 1roEen@ stan5in- t"ere %it" t"e 8loo5y kni1e. APut it 5o%n@ 8lon5ie@ ri-"t no%@ or s"e?s 5ea5.C A,5%ar5.C AAnita@C "e sai5. His )oi3e soun5e5 like it al%ays 5i5. =e 8ot" kne% "e 3oul5 5rop $itus@ 8ut i1 t"e man?s 1in-er t%it3"e5 %"ile "e 5ie5@ 9 5ie5@ too. !"oi3es. A4o it@C 9 sai5. He pulle5 t"e tri--er. $itus >erke5 8a3k a-ainst t"e 8ars. Bloo5 splattere5 o)er my 1a3e. A -lo8 o1 somet"in- t"i3ker t"an 8loo5 sli5 5o%n my 3"eek. 9 8reat"e5 in s"allo% -asps. $itus slumpe5 alon- t"e 8ars@ -un still -rippe5 in "is "an5s. A#pen "er 3a-e@C ,5%ar5 sai5. Somet"in- tou3"e5 my le-. 9 >erke5 an5 %"irle5. Hason -ra88e5 my 8lee5in- arm. $"e stren-t" %as in3re5i8le. He 3oul5 "a)e 3rus"e5 my %rist. He lo%ere5 "is 1a3e to t"e %oun5 an5 lappe5 at t"e 8loo5 like a 3at %it" 3ream. A#pen "er 5oor no%@ or you?re 5ea5@ too.C Aikensen >ust stoo5 t"ere. Hason li3ke5 my arm. His ton-ue 3aresse5 t"e %oun5. 9t "urt@ 8ut 9 s%allo%e5 t"e -asp. /o soun5s. /o stru--les. He?5 5one 5amn -oo5 not to >ump me %"ile 9 1ou-"t t"e men outsi5e. But a %ere%ol1?s patien3e isn?t en5less. A/o%IC ,5%ar5 sai5. Aikensen >umpe5@ t"en %ent 1or t"e 5oor. He 5roppe5 my kni1e 8y t"e 5oor an5 1um8le5 at t"e lo3k. Hason 8it into my arm@ >ust a little. 9 5i5 -asp. 9 3oul5n?t "elp it. <i3"ar5 s3reame5@ %or5less an5 t"un5erin-. Hason >erke5 a%ay 1rom me. A<un@C "e sai5. He 8urie5 "is 1a3e in a pu55le o1 8loo5 on t"e 1loor@ lappin- at it. His )oi3e %as stran-le5@ more -ro%l t"an %or5. A<un.C Aikensen opene5 t"e 5oor. 9 3ra82%alke5 8a3k%ar5s. Hason t"re% "is "ea5 sky%ar5 an5 s"rieke5@ A<unIC 9 -ot to my 1eet an5 ran. Aikensen slamme5 t"e 5oor s"ut 8e"in5 me. Hason %as %rit"in- on t"e 1loor. He 1ell to t"e -roun5 in 3on)ulsions. 'oam ran 1rom "is mout". His "an5s spasme5@ rea3"in- 1or not"in- t"at 9 3oul5 see. 9?5 seen people s"i1t 8e1ore 8ut ne)er t"is )iolently. 9t looke5 like a 8a5 -ran5 mal seiEure or someone 5yin- o1 stry3"nine. $"e %ol1 8urst out o1 "is skin in a nearly 1inis"e5 pro5u3t@ like a 3i3a5a pullin- out o1 its ol5 skin. $"e %ol1man ra3e5 1or t"e 8ars. !la%s -ra88e5 1or us. =e 8ot" 8a3ke5 up. 'oam 1ell 1rom t"e %ol1 >a%s. $eet" snappe5 t"e air. An5 9 kne% t"at "e?5 kill me an5 eat me a1ter%ar5s. 9t %as %"at "e 5i5@ %"at "e %as. Aikensen %as starin- at t"e %ere%ol1. 9 knelt an5 pi3ke5 up t"e 5roppe5 kni1e. AAikensenBC He turne5 to me@ still startle5 an5 pale. A4i5 you en>oy s"ootin- 4eputy Holmes in t"e 3"estBC He 1ro%ne5 at me. A9 let you -o. 9 5i5 %"at "e aske5.C 9 steppe5 up 3lose to "im. A<emem8er %"at 9 tol5 you %oul5 "appen i1 you "urt =illiamsBC He looke5 at me. A9 remem8er.C AGoo5.C 9 5ro)e t"e kni1e up%ar5 into "is -roin. 9 s"o)e5 it "ilt 5eep. Bloo5 poure5 o)er my "an5. He stare5 at me@ eyes -oin- -lassy. AA promise is a promise@C 9 sai5. He 1ell an5 9 let "is o%n %ei-"t pull t"e kni1e up t"rou-" "is a85omen. His eyes 3lose5 an5 9 pulle5 t"e kni1e out. 9 %ipe5 t"e kni1e on "is >a3ket an5 took t"e keys 1rom "is limp "an5. ,5%ar5 "a5 t"e ri1le slun- o)er "is s"oul5er 8y t"e strap. <i3"ar5 %as %at3"in- me as i1 "e?5 ne)er seen me 8e1ore. ,)en %it" "is o552s"ape5 1a3e an5 am8er eyes 9 3oul5 tell "e 5isappro)e5. 9 unlo3ke5 t"eir 5oor. ,5%ar5 %alke5 out. <i3"ar5 1ollo%e5 8ut "e %as starin- at me. ADou 5i5n?t "a)e to kill "im@C "e sai5. $"e %or5s %ere <i3"ar5?s e)en i1 t"e )oi3e %asn?t. ,5%ar5 an5 9 stoo5 t"ere lookin- at t"e alp"a %ere%ol1. ADes@ 9 5i5.C A=e kill 8e3ause %e "a)e to@ not 1or pleasure an5 not 1or pri5e@C <i3"ar5 sai5.

A7ay8e you 5o@C 9 sai5. ABut t"e rest o1 t"e pa3k@ t"e rest o1 t"e s"i1ters@ aren?t so parti3ular.C A$"e poli3e may 8e on t"eir %ay@C ,5%ar5 sai5. ADou 5on?t %ant to 8e "ere.C <i3"ar5 -lan3e5 at t"e ra)enin- 8east in t"e ot"er 3a-e. AGi)e me t"e keys. 9?ll take Hason out t"rou-" t"e tunnel. 9 3an smell t"e outsi5e.C 9 "an5e5 "im t"e keys. His 1in-ertips 8rus"e5 my "an5. His "an5 3on)ulse5 aroun5 t"e keys. A9 3an?t last mu3" lon-er. Go.C 9 looke5 into t"ose stran-e am8er eyes. ,5%ar5 tou3"e5 my arm. A=e?)e -ot to -o. 9 "ear5 sirens. $"ey must "a)e "ear5 t"e -uns"ots.C ABe 3are1ul@C 9 sai5. A9 %ill 8e.C 9 let ,5%ar5 pull me up t"e stairs. <i3"ar5 1ell to t"e -roun5@ 1a3e "i55en in "is "an5s. His 1a3e 3ame up@ an5 t"e 8ones %ere lon-er. $"ey 1lo%e5 out o1 "is 1a3e as i1 it %ere 3lay. 9 trippe5 on t"e stairs. #nly ,5%ar5?s "an5 kept me 1rom 1allin-. 9 turne5 aroun5 an5 %e ran up t"e stairs. ="en 9 -lan3e5 8a3k@ <i3"ar5 %asn?t in si-"t. ,5%ar5 5roppe5 t"e ri1le on t"e stairs. $"e 5oor 8urst open@ an5 t"e poli3e 3ame t"rou-" t"e 5oor. 9t %as only t"en t"at 9 realiEe5 Kaspar %as -one.

Chapter Forty-three
/eit"er ,5%ar5 nor 9 "a5 to -o to >ail@ e)en t"ou-" t"e 3ops 1oun5 t"e people %e kille5. ,)eryone pretty mu3" t"ou-"t it %as a mira3le t"at %e "a5 -otten a%ay %it" our li)es. People %ere impresse5. ,5%ar5 surprise5 me 8y s"o%in- 94 1or a $e5 'orrester@ 8ounty "unter. Slau-"ter o1 a 8un3" o1 ille-al ly3ant"rope "unters en"an3e5 t"e reputation o1 all 8ounty "unters@ $e5 'orrester?s in parti3ular. 9 -ot a lot o1 -oo5 press out o1 it@ too. Bert %as please5. 9 aske5 ,5%ar5 i1 'orrester %as "is real last name. He >ust smile5. 4olp" %as release5 in time 1or !"ristmas. Ker8ro%ski "a5 to stay lon-er. 9 8ou-"t t"em 8ot" a 3ase o1 sil)er 8ullets. 9t %as only money. Besi5es@ 9 ne)er %ante5 to %at3" one o1 t"em 5rip t"eir li1e a%ay t"rou-" tu8es. 9 ma5e one last )isit to t"e Lunati3 !a1e. 7ar3us tol5 me t"at Al1re5 "a5 kille5 t"e -irl all on "is o%n. Ga8riel "a5n?t kno%n it %as -oin- to "appen@ 8ut on3e s"e %as 5ea5@ %aste not@ %ant not. Ly3ant"ropes are not"in- i1 not pra3ti3al. <aina "a5 5istri8ute5 t"e 1ilm 1or t"e same reason. 9 5i5n?t really 8elie)e t"em. A%1ul 5amn 3on)enient to 8lame a 5ea5 man. But 9 5i5n?t tell ,5%ar5. 9 5i5 tell Ga8riel an5 <aina t"at i1 any ot"er snu11 1ilms sur1a3e5@ t"ey 3oul5 kiss t"eir 1urry asses -oo52 8ye. 9?5 si3 ,5%ar5 on t"em. $"ou-" 9 5i5n?t tell t"em t"at. 9 -ot <i3"ar5 a -ol5 3ross an5 ma5e "im promise to %ear it. He -ot me a stu11e5 toy pen-uin t"at playe5 A=inter =on5erlan5@C a 8a- o1 8la3k2an52%"ite -ummy pen-uins@ an5 a small )el)et 8o*@ like one 1or a rin-. 9 t"ou-"t 9 %oul5 s%allo% my "eart. $"ere %as no rin- in it@ >ust a note t"at sai5@ APromises to keep.C Hean2!lau5e -ot me a -lass s3ulpture o1 pen-uins on an i3e 1loe. 9t?s 8eauti1ul an5 e*pensi)e. 9?5 "a)e like5 it 8etter i1 <i3"ar5 "a5 -otten it. ="at 5o you -et t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity 1or !"ristmasB A pint o1 8loo5B 9 settle5 1or an anti;ue 3ameo. 9t?5 look -reat at t"e ne3k o1 one o1 "is la3y s"irts. Sometime in 'e8ruary a 8o* arri)e5 1rom ,5%ar5. 9t %as a s%an skin. $"e note rea5@ A9 1oun5 a %it3" to li1t "is 3urse.C 9 li1te5 t"e 1eat"ere5 skin 1rom t"e 8o*@ an5 a se3on5 note 1luttere5 to t"e -roun5. $"is one sai5@ A7ar3us pai5 me.C 9 s"oul5 "a)e kno%n "e?5 1in5 a %ay to make a pro1it 1rom a kill "e?5 "a)e ma5e 1or 1ree. <i3"ar5 5oesn?t un5erstan5 %"y 9 kille5 Aikensen. 9?)e trie5 to e*plain@ 8ut sayin- 9 kille5 a man 8e3ause 9 sai5 9?5 5o it 5oes soun5 like pri5e. But it %asn?t pri5e. 9t %as 1or =illiams@ %"o %oul5 ne)er 1inis" "is 5o3torate or see "is o%ls a-ain. 'or Holmes@ %"o ne)er -ot to 8e t"e 1irst 1emale 3"ie1 o1 poli3e. 'or all t"e people "e kille5 %"o ne)er -ot a se3on5 3"an3e. 91 t"ey 3oul5n?t "a)e one@ neit"er 3oul5 "e. 9 "a)en?t lost any sleep o)er killin- Aikensen. 7ay8e t"at s"oul5 8ot"er me more t"an t"e killin-2t"e 1a3t t"at it 5oesn?t 8ot"er me at all. /a%. 9 "a5 t"e s%an skin mounte5 in a taste1ul 1rame@ 8e"in5 -lass. 9 "un- it in t"e li)in- room. 9t mat3"e5 t"e 3ou3". <i3"ar5 5oesn?t like it. 9 like it >ust 1ine.

Bloo'y Bones (199,)

&e'i$ation 9n lo)in- memory o1 my mot"er@ Susie 7ay Gentry Klien. =oul5 t"at %e "a5 "a5 more time. 7iss you A$kno)le'!ment As al%ays to my "us8an5@ Gary@ more pre3ious to me no% t"an e)er. $o my e5itor@ Gin>er Bu3"anan@ %"ose input 3"an-e5 Serep"ina 1or t"e 8etter. Paty !o3"rum@ %"o you 3an 8lame 1or t"e 8at"tu8 s3ene. 7arella San5s@ %"o %as ri-"t a8out our rea3tion to Stirlin-. 7ark Sumner 1or emer-en3y rea5in-@ an5 ;uestions. ="o else 3an 9 3all at mi5ni-"t an5 kno% 9 %on?t %ake t"emB 4e8ora" 7illitello as al%ays 1or emer-en3y p"one 3alls an5 "an52"ol5in-. <ett 7a3P"erson@ %"o "ear5 parts o1 t"is 8ook o)er t"e p"one. $o $om 4rennan an5 /.L. 4re%@ ne% talent in t"e -roup. Alternate Historians 1ore)er. Hean2!lau5e@ tru3e at last. Ser-eant St. !lair@ Pu8li3 9n1ormation an5 ,5u3ation #11i3er 1or t"e 7issouri State Hi-"%ay Patrol@ %"o ans%ere5 my last2minute ;uestions. Bryn5a 7it3"ell@ t"anks 1or t"e pen-uin. $"anks to e)eryone %"o "as %ritten to us.

Chapter One
9t %as St. Patri3k?s 4ay@ an5 t"e only -reen 9 %as %earin- %as a 8utton t"at rea5@ APin3" me an5 you?re 5ea5 meat.C 9?5 starte5 %ork last ni-"t %it" a -reen 8louse on@ 8ut 9?5 -otten 8loo5 all o)er it 1rom a 8e"ea5e5 3"i3ken. Larry Kirklan5@ Eom8ie2raiser in trainin-@ "a5 5roppe5 t"e 5e3apitate5 8ir5. 9t 5i5 t"e little "ea5less 3"i3ken 5an3e an5 spraye5 8ot" o1 us %it" 8loo5. 9 1inally 3au-"t t"e 5amn t"in-@ 8ut t"e 8louse %as ruine5. 9 "a5 to run "ome an5 3"an-e. $"e only t"in- not ruine5 %as t"e 3"ar3oal -rey suit >a3ket t"at "a5 8een in t"e 3ar. 9 put it 8a3k on o)er a 8la3k 8louse@ 8la3k skirt@ 5ark "ose@ an5 8la3k pumps. Bert@ my 8oss@ 5i5n?t like us %earin- 8la3k to %ork@ 8ut i1 9 "a5 to 8e at t"e o11i3e at se)en o?3lo3k %it"out any sleep at all@ "e %oul5 >ust "a)e to li)e %it" it. 9 "u55le5 o)er my 3o11ee mu-@ 5rinkin- it as 8la3k as 9 3oul5 s%allo% it. 9t %asn?t "elpin- mu3". 9 stare5 at a series o1 02 8y21 -lossy 8lo%ups sprea5 a3ross my 5esktop. $"e 1irst pi3ture %as o1 a "ill t"at "a5 8een s3rape5 open@ pro8a8ly 8y a 8ull5oEer. A skeletal "an5 rea3"e5 out o1 t"e ra% eart". $"e ne*t p"oto s"o%e5 t"at someone "a5 trie5 to 3are1ully s3rape a%ay t"e 5irt@ s"o%in- t"e Splintere5 3o11in an5 8ones to one si5e o1 t"e 3o11in. A ne% 8o5y. $"e 8ull5oEer "a5 8een 8rou-"t in a-ain. 9t "a5 plo%e5 up t"e re5 eart" an5 1oun5 a 8oneyar5. Bones stu55e5 t"e eart" like s3attere5 1lo%ers. #ne skull sprea5 its un"in-e5 >a%s in a silent s3ream. A s3ra--le o1 pale "air still 3lun- to t"e skull. $"e 5ark@ staine5 3lot" %rappe5 aroun5 t"e 3orpse %as t"e remnants o1 a 5ress. 9 spotte5 at least t"ree 1emurs ne*t to t"e upper "al1 o1 a skull. :nless t"e 3orpse "a5 "a5 t"ree le-s@ %e %ere lookin- at a real mess. $"e pi3tures %ere %ell 5one in a -ruesome sort o1 %ay. $"e 3olor ma5e it easier to 5i11erentiate t"e 3orpses@ 8ut t"e "i-" -loss %as a little mu3". 9t looke5 like mor-ue p"otos 5one 8y a 1as"ion p"oto-rap"er. $"ere %as pro8a8ly an art -allery

in /e% Dork t"at %oul5 "an- t"e 5amn t"in-s an5 ser)e 3"eese an5 %ine %"ile people %alke5 aroun5 sayin-@ APo%er1ul@ 5on?t you t"inkB Very po%er1ul.C $"ey %ere po%er1ul@ an5 sa5. $"ere %as not"in- 8ut t"e p"otos. /o e*planation. Bert "a5 sai5 to 3ome to "is o11i3e a1ter 9?5 looke5 at t"em. He?5 e*plain e)eryt"in-. Dea"@ 9 8elie)e5 t"at. $"e ,aster Bunny is a 1rien5 o1 mine@ too. 9 -at"ere5 t"e pi3tures up@ slippe5 t"em into t"e en)elope@ pi3ke5 my 3o11ee mu- up in t"e ot"er "an5@ an5 %ent 1or t"e 5oor. $"ere %as no one at t"e 5esk. !rai- "a5 -one "ome. 7ary@ our 5aytime se3retary@ 5i5n?t -et in until ei-"t. $"ere %as a t%o2"our spa3e o1 time %"en t"e o11i3e %as unmanne5. $"at Bert "a5 3alle5 me into t"e o11i3e %"en %e %ere t"e only ones t"ere 8ot"ere5 me a lot. ="y t"e se3re3yB Bert?s o11i3e 5oor %as open. He sat 8e"in5 "is 5esk@ 5rinkin- 3o11ee@ s"u11lin- some papers aroun5. He -lan3e5 up@ smile5@ an5 motione5 me 3loser. $"e smile 8ot"ere5 me. Bert %as ne)er pleasant unless "e %ante5 somet"in-. His t"ousan525ollar suit 1rame5 a %"ite2on2%"ite s"irt an5 tie. His -rey eyes sparkle5 %it" -oo5 3"eer. His eyes are t"e 3olor o1 5irty %in5o% -lass@ so sparklin- is a real e11ort. His sno%28lon5 "air "a5 8een 1res"ly 8uEEe5. $"e 3re%3ut %as so s"ort 9 3oul5 see s3alp. AHa)e a seat@ Anita.C 9 tosse5 t"e en)elope on "is 5esk an5 sat 5o%n. A="at are you up to@ BertBC His smile %i5ene5. He usually 5i5n?t %aste t"e smile on any8o5y 8ut 3lients. He 3ertainly 5i5n?t %aste it on me. ADou looke5 at t"e pi3turesBC ADea"@ %"at o1 itBC A!oul5 you raise t"em 1rom t"e 5ea5BC 9 1ro%ne5 at "im an5 sippe5 my 3o11ee. AHo% ol5 are t"eyBC ADou 3oul5n?t tell 1rom t"e pi3turesBC A9n person 9 3oul5 tell you@ 8ut not >ust 1rom pi3tures. Ans%er t"e ;uestion.C AAroun5 t%o "un5re5 years.C 9 >ust stare5 at "im. A7ost animators 3oul5n?t raise a Eom8ie t"at ol5 %it"out a "uman sa3ri1i3e.C ABut you 3an@C "e sai5. ADea". 9 5i5n?t see any "ea5stones in t"e pi3tures. 4o %e "a)e any namesBC A="yBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. He?5 8een t"e 8oss 1or 1i)e years@ starte5 t"e 3ompany %"en it %as >ust "im an5 7anny@ an5 "e 5i5n?t kno% s"it a8out raisin- t"e 5ea5. AHo% 3an you "an- aroun5 a 8un3" o1 Eom8ie2raisers 1or t"is many years an5 kno% so little a8out %"at %e 5oBC $"e smile slippe5 a little@ t"e -lo% 8e-innin- to 1a5e 1rom "is eyes. A="y 5o you nee5 namesBC ADou use names to 3all t"e Eom8ie 1rom t"e -ra)e.C A=it"out a name you 3an?t raise t"emBC A$"eoreti3ally@ no@C 9 sai5. ABut you 3an 5o it@C "e sai5. 9 5i5n?t like "o% sure "e %as. ADea"@ 9 3an 5o it. Ho"n 3an pro8a8ly 5o it@ too.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A$"ey 5on?t %ant Ho"n.C 9 1inis"e5 t"e last o1 my 3o11ee. A="o?s t"eyBC ABea5le@ Bea5le@ Stirlin-@ an5 Lo%enstein.C AA la% 1irm@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. A/o more -ames@ Bert. Hust tell me %"at t"e "ell?s -oin- on.C ABea5le@ Bea5le@ Stirlin-@ an5 Lo%enstein "a)e some 3lients 8uil5in- a )ery plus" resort in t"e mountains near Branson. A )ery e*3lusi)e resort. A pla3e %"ere t"e %ealt"y 3ountry stars t"at 5on?t o%n a "ouse in t"e area 3an -o to -et a%ay 1rom t"e 3ro%5s. 7illions o1 5ollars are at stake.C A="at?s t"e ol5 3emetery "a)e to 5o %it" itBC A$"e lan5 t"ey?re 8uil5in- on %as in 5ispute 8et%een t%o 1amilies. $"e 3ourts 5e3i5e5 t"e Kellys o%ne5 t"e lan5@ an5 t"ey %ere pai5 a -reat 5eal o1 money. $"e Bou)ier 1amily 3laime5 it %as t"eir lan5 an5 t"ere %as a 1amily plot on it to pro)e it. /o one 3oul5 1in5 t"e 3emetery.C

A". A$"ey 1oun5 it@C 9 sai5. A$"ey 1oun5 an ol5 3emetery@ 8ut not ne3essarily t"e Bou)ier 1amily plot.C ASo t"ey %ant to raise t"e 5ea5 an5 ask %"o t"ey areBC A,*a3tly.C 9 s"ru--e5. A9 3an raise a 3ouple o1 t"e 3orpses in t"e 3o11ins. Ask %"o t"ey are. ="at "appens i1 t"eir last name is Bou)ierBC A$"ey "a)e to 8uy t"e lan5 a se3on5 time. $"ey t"ink some o1 t"e 3orpses are Bou)iers. $"at?s %"y t"ey %ant all t"e 8o5ies raise5.C 9 raise5 my eye8ro%s. ADou?re >okin-.C He s"ook "is "ea5@ lookin- please5. A!an you 5o itBC A9 5on?t kno%. Gi)e me t"e pi3tures a-ain.C 9 set my 3o11ee mu- on "is 5esk an5 took t"e pi3tures 8a3k. ABert@ t"ey?)e s3re%e5 t"is si* %ays to Sun5ay. 9t?s a mass -ra)e@ t"anks to t"e 8ull5oEers. $"e 8ones are all mi*e5 to-et"er. 9?)e only rea5 a8out one 3ase o1 anyone raisin- a Eom8ie 1rom a mass -ra)e. But t"ey %ere 3allin- a spe3i1i3 person. $"ey "a5 a name.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A=it"out a name it may not 8e possi8le.C A=oul5 you 8e %illin- to tryBC 9 sprea5 t"e pi3tures o)er t"e 5esk@ starin- at t"em. $"e top "al1 o1 a skull "a5 turne5 upsi5e 5o%n like a 8o%l. $%o 1in-er 8ones atta3"e5 8y somet"in- 5ry an5 5esi33ate5 t"at must on3e "a5 8een "uman tissue lay ne*t to it. Bones@ 8ones e)ery%"ere 8ut not a name to speak. !oul5 9 5o itB 9 "onestly 5i5n?t kno%. 4i5 9 %ant to tryB Dea". 9 5i5. A9?5 8e %illin- to try.C A=on5er1ul.C A<aisin- t"em a 1e% e)ery ni-"t is -oin- to take %eeks@ e)en i1 9 3an 5o it. =it" Ho"n?s "elp it %oul5 8e ;ui3ker.C A9t %ill 3ost t"em millions to 5elay t"at lon-@C Bert sai5. A$"ere?s no ot"er %ay to 5o it.C ADou raise5 t"e 4a)i5sons? entire 1amily plot@ in3lu5in- Great2Gran5pa. Dou %eren?t e)en suppose5 to raise "im. Dou 3an raise more t"an one at a time.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"at %as an a33i5ent. 9 %as s"o%in- o11. $"ey %ante5 to raise t"ree 1amily mem8ers. 9 t"ou-"t 9 3oul5 sa)e t"em money 8y 5oin- it in one s"ot.C ADou raise5 ten 1amily mem8ers@ Anita. $"ey only aske5 1or t"ree.C ASoBC ASo 3an you raise t"e entire 3emetery in one ni-"tBC ADou?re 3raEy@C 9 sai5. A!an you 5o itBC 9 opene5 my mout" to say no@ an5 3lose5 it. 9 "a5 raise5 an entire 3emetery on3e. /ot all o1 t"em "a5 8een t%o 3enturies ol5@ 8ut some o1 t"em "a5 8een ol5er@ nearly t"ree "un5re5. An5 9 raise5 t"em all. #1 3ourse@ 9 "a5 t%o "uman sa3ri1i3es to ri5e 1or po%er. 9t %as a lon- story "o% 9 en5e5 up %it" t%o people 5yin- insi5e a 3ir3le o1 po%er. Sel125e1ense@ 8ut t"e ma-i3 5i5n?t 3are. 4eat" is 5eat". !oul5 9 5o itB A9 really 5on?t kno%@ Bert.C A$"at?s not a no@C "e sai5. He "a5 an ea-er@ anti3ipatory look on "is 1a3e. A$"ey must "a)e o11ere5 you a 8un5le o1 money@C 9 sai5. He smile5. A=e?re 8i55in- on t"e pro>e3t.C A=e?re %"atBC A$"ey sent t"is pa3ka-e to us@ t"e <esurre3tion !ompany in !ali1ornia an5 t"e ,ssential Spark in /e% #rleans.C A$"ey pre1er Ylan Vital to t"e ,n-lis" translation@C 9 sai5. 'rankly@ it soun5e5 more like a 8eauty salon t"an an animatin1irm@ 8ut no8o5y "a5 aske5 me. ASo %"atB $"e lo%est 8i5 -ets itBC A$"at %as t"eir plan@C Bert sai5. He looke5 entirely too satis1ie5 %it" "imsel1. A="atBC 9 aske5. ALet me play it 8a3k to you@C "e sai5. A$"ere are %"at@ t"ree animators in t"e entire 3ountry t"at 3oul5 raise a Eom8ie t"at ol5 %it"out a "uman sa3ri1i3eB Dou an5 Ho"n are t%o o1 t"em. 9?m in3lu5in- P"illipa 'reestone o1 <esurre3tion in t"is.C APro8a8ly@C 9 sai5.

He no55e5. A#kay. !oul5 P"illipa raise %it"out a nameBC A9 5on?t "a)e any %ay o1 kno%in- t"at. Ho"n 3oul5. 7ay8e s"e 3oul5.C A!oul5 eit"er s"e or Ho"n raise 1rom t"e mass 8ones@ not t"e ones in t"e 3o11inBC $"at stoppe5 me. A9 5on?t kno%.C A=oul5 eit"er o1 t"em stan5 a 3"an3e o1 raisin- t"e entire -ra)eyar5BC He %as starin- at me )ery stea5ily. ADou?re en>oyin- t"is too mu3"@C 9 sai5. AHust ans%er t"e ;uestion@ Anita.C A9 kno% Ho"n 3oul5n?t 5o it. 9 5on?t t"ink P"illipa is as -oo5 as Ho"n@ so no@ t"ey 3oul5n?t 5o it.C A9?m -oin- to up t"e 8i5@C Bert sai5. 9 lau-"e5. A:p t"e 8i5BC A/o8o5y else 3an 5o it. /o8o5y 8ut you. $"ey trie5 treatin- t"is like any ot"er 3onstru3tion pro8lem. But t"ere aren?t -ointo 8e any ot"er 8i5s@ no% are t"ereBC APro8a8ly not@C 9 sai5. A$"en 9?m -oin- to take t"em to t"e 3leaners@C "e sai5 %it" a smile. 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou -ree5y son o1 a 8it3".C ADou -et a s"are o1 t"e 1ee@ you kno%.C A9 kno%.C =e looke5 at ea3" ot"er. A="at i1 9 try an5 3an?t raise t"em all in one ni-"tBC ADou?ll still 8e a8le to raise t"em all e)entually@ %on?t youBC APro8a8ly.C 9 stoo5@ pi3kin- up my 3o11ee mu-. ABut 9 %oul5n?t spen5 t"e 3"e3k until a1ter 9?)e 5one it. 9?m -oin- to -o -et some sleep.C A$"ey %ant t"e 8i5 t"is mornin-. 91 t"ey a33ept our terms@ t"ey?ll 1ly you up in a pri)ate "eli3opter.C AHeli3opter2you kno% 9 "ate to 1ly.C A'or t"is mu3" money you?ll 1ly.C AGreat.C ABe rea5y to -o at a moment?s noti3e.C A4on?t pus" it@ Bert.C 9 "esitate5 at t"e 5oor. ALet me take Larry %it" me.C A="yB 91 Ho"n 3an?t 5o it@ t"en Larry 3ertainly 3an?t.C 9 s"ru--e5. A7ay8e not@ 8ut t"ere are %ays to 3om8ine po%er 5urin- a raisin-. 91 9 3an?t 5o it alone@ may8e 9 3an -et a 8oost 1rom our trainee.C He looke5 t"ou-"t1ul. A="y not take Ho"nB !om8ine5@ you 3oul5 5o it.C A#nly i1 "e?5 -i)e "is po%er %illin-ly to me. Dou t"ink "e?5 5o t"atBC Bert s"ook "is "ea5. ADou -oin- to tell "im t"at t"e 3lient 5i5n?t %ant "imB $"at you o11ere5 "im to t"e 3lient an5 t"ey aske5 1or me 8y nameBC A/o@C Bert sai5. A$"at?s %"y you?re 5oin- it like t"isG no %itnesses.C A$ime is o1 t"e essen3e@ Anita.C ASure@ Bert@ 8ut you 5i5n?t %ant to 1a3e 7r. Ho"n Burke %it" yet anot"er 3lient t"at %ants me o)er "im.C Bert looke5 5o%n at "is 8lunt21in-ere5 "an5s 3laspe5 on t"e 5esktop. He looke5 up@ -rey eyes serious. AHo"n is almost as -oo5 as you are@ Anita. 9 5on?t %ant to lose "im.C ADou t"ink "e?ll %alk i1 one more 3lient asks 1or meBC AHis pri5e?s "urt@C Bert sai5. AAn5 t"ere?s so mu3" o1 it to "urt@C 9 sai5. Bert smile5. ADou nee5lin- "im 5oesn?t "elp.C 9 s"ru--e5. 9t soun5e5 petty to say "e?5 starte5 it@ 8ut "e "a5. =e?5 trie5 5atin-@ an5 Ho"n 3oul5n?t "an5le me 8ein- a 1emale )ersion o1 "im. /oG "e 3oul5n?t "an5le me 8ein- a 8etter )ersion o1 "im. A$ry to 8e"a)e yoursel1@ Anita. Larry?s not up to spee5 yetG %e nee5 Ho"n.C

A9 al%ays 8e"a)e mysel1@ Bert.C He si-"e5. A91 you 5i5n?t make me so mu3" money@ 9 %oul5n?t put up %it" your s"it.C A4itto@C 9 sai5. $"at a8out summe5 up our relations"ip. !ommer3e at its 8est. =e 5i5n?t like ea3" ot"er@ 8ut %e 3oul5 5o 8usiness to-et"er. 'ree enterprise at %ork.

Chapter Two
At noon Bert 3alle5 an5 sai5 %e "a5 it. ABe at t"e o11i3e pa3ke5 an5 rea5y to -o at t%o o?3lo3k. 7r. Lionel Bayar5 %ill 1ly up %it" you an5 Larry.C A="o?s Lionel Bayar5BC AA >unior partner in t"e 1irm o1 Bea5le@ Bea5le@ Stirlin-@ an5 Lo%enstein. He likes t"e soun5 o1 "is o%n )oi3e. 4on?t -i)e "im a rou-" time a8out it.C A="o@ meBC AAnita@ 5on?t tease t"e "elp. He may 8e %earin- a t"ree2t"ousan525ollar suit@ 8ut "e?s still t"e "elp.C A9?ll sa)e it up 1or one o1 t"e partners. Surely Bea5le@ Bea5le@ Stirlin-@ or Lo%enstein %ill appear in person sometime t"is %eeken5.C A4on?t tease t"e 8osses eit"er@C "e sai5. AAnyt"in- you say.C 7y )oi3e %as utterly mil5. ADou?ll 5o %"ate)er you %ant no matter %"at 9 say@ %on?t youBC AGee@ Bert@ %"o says you 3an?t tea3" an ol5 5o- ne% tri3ksBC AHust 8e "ere at t%o o?3lo3k. 9 3alle5 Larry. He?ll 8e "ere.C A9?ll 8e t"ere@ Bert. 9?)e -ot one stop to make@ so i1 9?m a 1e% minutes late@ 5on?t %orry.C A4on?t 8e late.C ABe t"ere as soon as 9 3an.C 9 "un- up 8e1ore "e 3oul5 ar-ue %it" me. 9 "a5 to s"o%er@ 3"an-e@ an5 -o to Se3kman Hunior Hi-" S3"ool. <i3"ar5 Keeman tau-"t s3ien3e t"ere. =e "a5 a 5ate set up 1or tomorro%. At one point <i3"ar5 "a5 aske5 me to marry "im. $"at %as sort o1 on "ol5@ 8ut 9 5i5 o%e "im more t"an a messa-e on "is ans%erin- ma3"ine@ sayin- sorry@ "oney@ 3an?t make t"e 5ate. 9?m -oin- to 8e out o1 to%n. A messa-e %oul5 "a)e 8een easier 1or me@ 8ut 3o%ar5ly. 9 pa3ke5 one suit3ase. 9t %as enou-" 1or 1our 5ays an5 t"en some. 91 you pa3k e*tra un5er%ear an5 3lot"es t"at mi* an5 mat3"@ you 3an li)e 1or a %eek out o1 a small suit3ase. 9 5i5 a55 a 1e% e*tras. $"e 'irestar 9mm an5 its inner pants "olster. ,nou-" e*tra ammo to sink a 8attles"ip an5 t%o kni)es plus %rist s"eat"s. 9?5 "a5 1our kni)es. All "an53ra1te5 1or little ol? moi. $%o o1 t"em "a5 8een lost 8eyon5 re3o)ery. 9 %as "a)in- t"em repla3e5@ 8ut "an5 1or-in- takes time@ espe3ially %"en you insist on t"e "i-"est sil)er 3ontent possi8le in t"e steel. $%o kni)es@ t%o -uns s"oul5 8e enou-" 1or one %eeken5 8usiness trip. 9?5 %ear t"e Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er. Pa3kin- %asn?t a pro8lem. ="at to %ear to5ay %as t"e pro8lem. $"ey?5 %ant me to raise t"em toni-"t i1 9 3oul5. Hell@ t"e "eli3opter mi-"t 1ly 5ire3tly to t"e 3onstru3tion site. ="i3" meant 9?5 8e %alkin- o)er ra% 5irt@ 8ones@ s"attere5 3o11ins. 9t 5i5n?t soun5 like "i-"2"eel territory. Det@ i1 a >unior partner %as %earin- a t"ree2t"ousan525ollar suit@ t"e people %"o?5 >ust "ire5 me %oul5 e*pe3t me to look t"e part. 9 3oul5 eit"er 5ress pro1essionally or in 1eat"ers an5 8loo5. 9?5 a3tually "a5 one 3lient %"o %as 5isappointe5 t"at 9 5i5n?t s"o% up nu5e smeare5 %it" 8loo5. $"ere 3oul5 "a)e 8een more t"an one reason 1or "is 5isappointment. 9 5on?t t"ink 9?)e e)er "a5 a 3lient t"at %oul5 "a)e o8>e3te5 to some kin5 o1 3eremonial -etup@ 8ut >eans an5 >o--in- s"oes 5i5n?t seem to inspire 3on1i5en3e. 4on?t ask me %"y. 9 3oul5 pa3k my 3o)erall an5 put it o)er %"ate)er 9 %ore. Dea"@ 9 like5 t"at. Veroni3a Sims2<onnie@ my )ery 8est 1rien52 "a5 talke5 me into 8uyin- a 1as"iona8ly s"ort na)y skirt. 9t %as s"ort enou-" t"at 9 %as a little em8arrasse5@ 8ut t"e skirt 1it insi5e t"e 3o)erall. $"e skirt 5i5n?t %rinkle or 8un3" up a1ter 9?5 %orn t"e out1it to )ampire stakin-s or mur5er s3enes. $ake t"e 3o)erall o11@ an5 9 %as set to -o to t"e o11i3e or out 1or t"e e)enin-. 9 %as so please5@ 9 %ent out an5 8ou-"t t%o more in 5i11erent 3olors. #ne %as 3rimson@ t"e ot"er purple. 9 "a5n?t 8een a8le to 1in5 one in 8la3k yet. At least not one t"at %asn?t so s"ort t"at 9 re1use5 to %ear it. A5mitte5ly@ t"e s"ort skirts ma5e me look taller. $"ey e)en ma5e me look le--y. ="en you?re 1i)e21oot2 t"ree@ t"at?s sayin- somet"in-. But t"e purple 5i5n?t mat3" mu3" t"at 9 o%ne5@ so 3rimson it %as. 9?5 1oun5 a s"ort2slee)e5 8louse t"at %as t"e e*a3t same s"a5e o1 re5. <e5 %it" )iolet un5ertones@ a 3ol5@ "ar5 3olor t"at looke5 -reat %it" my pale skin@ 8la3k "air@ an5 5ark 8ro%n eyes. $"e s"oul5er "olster an5 9mm Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er looke5 )ery 5ramati3 a-ainst it. A 8la3k 8elt 3in3"e5 ti-"t at t"e %aist "el5 5o%n t"e loops on t"e "olster. A 8la3k >a3ket

%it" rolle528a3k slee)es %ent o)er e)eryt"in- to "i5e t"e -un. 9 t%irle5 in 1ront o1 t"e mirror in my 8e5room. $"e skirt %asn?t mu3" lon-er t"an t"e >a3ket@ 8ut you 3oul5n?t see t"e -un. At least not easily. :nless you?re %illin- to "a)e t"in-s tailor2ma5e@ it?s "ar5 to "i5e a -un@ espe3ially in %omen?s 5ress2up 3lot"es. 9 put on >ust enou-" makeup so t"e re5 5i5n?t o)er%"elm me. 9 %as also -oin- to 8e sayin- -oo528ye to <i3"ar5 1or se)eral 5ays. A little makeup 3oul5n?t "urt. ="en 9 say makeup@ 9 mean eye s"a5o%@ 8lus"@ lipsti3k@ an5 t"at?s it. #utsi5e o1 a tele)ision inter)ie% t"at Bert talke5 me into@ 9 5on?t %ear 8ase. ,*3ept 1or t"e "ose an5 8la3k "i-" "eels@ %"i3" 9 %oul5?)e "a5 to %ear no matter %"at skirt 9 %ore@ t"e out1it %as 3om1orta8le. As lon- as 9 remem8ere5 not to 8en5 5ire3tly at t"e %aist@ 9 %as sa1e. $"e only >e%elry 9 %ore %as t"e sil)er 3ross tu3ke5 into t"e 8louse@ an5 t"e %at3" on my %rist. 7y 5ress %at3" "a5 8roken an5 9 >ust "a5 ne)er -otten aroun5 to -ettin- it 1i*e5. $"e present %at3" %as a man?s 8la3k 5i)in- %at3" t"at looke5 out o1 pla3e on my small %rist. But "ey@ it -lo%e5 in t"e 5ark i1 you presse5 a 8utton. 9t s"o%e5 me t"e 5ate@ %"at 5ay it %as@ an5 3oul5 time a run. 9 "a5n?t 1oun5 a %oman?s %at3" t"at 3oul5 5o all t"at. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to 3an3el runnin- %it" <onnie tomorro% mornin-. S"e %as out o1 to%n on a 3ase. A pri)ate 5ete3ti)e?s %ork is ne)er 5one. 9 loa5e5 t"e suit3ase into my Heep an5 %as on t"e %ay to <i3"ar5?s s3"ool 8y one o?3lo3k. 9 %as -oin- to 8e late to t"e o11i3e. #"@ %ell. $"ey?5 %ait 1or me or t"ey %oul5n?t. 9t %oul5n?t 8reak my "eart to miss t"e "eli3opter ri5e. 9 "ate5 planes@ 8ut a "eli3opter ... s3are5 t"e s"it out o1 me. 9 "a5n?t 8een a1rai5 o1 1lyin- until 9 %as on a plane t"at plun-e5 se)eral t"ousan5 1eet in se3on5s. $"e ste%ar5ess en5e5 up plastere5 a-ainst t"e 3eilin-@ 3o)ere5 in 3o11ee. People s3reame5 an5 praye5. $"e el5erly %oman 8esi5e me re3ite5 t"e Lor5?s Prayer in German. S"e?5 8een so s3are5@ tears "a5 3ome 5o%n "er 1a3e. 9 o11ere5 "er my "an5@ an5 s"e -rippe5 it. 9 kne% 9 %as -oin- to 5ie an5 t"ere %as not"in- 9 3oul5 5o to pre)ent it. But %e %oul5 5ie "ol5in- on to "uman "an5s. 4ie 3o)ere5 in "uman tears@ an5 "uman prayers. $"en t"e plane strai-"tene5 out an5 su55enly %e %ere sa1e. 9 "a)en?t truste5 air transportation sin3e. /ormally in St. Louis t"ere is no real sprin-. $"ere?s %inter@ t%o 5ays o1 mil5 %eat"er@ an5 summer "eat. $"is year sprin"a5 3ome early an5 staye5. $"e air %as so1t a-ainst your skin. $"e %in5 smelle5 o1 -reen -ro%in- t"in-s@ an5 %inter seeme5 to "a)e 8een a 8a5 5ream. <e58u5s 8ent 1rom t"e trees on eit"er si5e o1 t"e roa5. $iny purple 8lossoms like a 5eli3ate la)en5er mist "ere an5 t"ere t"rou-" t"e nake5 trees. $"ere %ere no lea)es yet@ 8ut t"ere %as a "int o1 -reen. Like someone "a5 taken a -iant paint8rus" an5 tinte5 e)eryt"in-. Look 5ire3tly at t"em an5 t"e trees %ere 8are an5 8la3k@ 8ut look si5e%ays@ not at a parti3ular tree 8ut at all t"e trees@ an5 t"ere %as a tou3" o1 -reen. 2. Sout" is a8out as pleasant as a "i-"%ay 3an 8eG it -ets you %"ere you?re -oin- 1airly 1ast@ an5 it?s o)er ;ui3kly. 9 e*ite5 at $esson 'erry <oa5. $"e roa5 is t"i3k %it" strip malls@ a "ospital@ an5 1ast21oo5 restaurants@ an5 %"en you lea)e t"e 3ommer3e 8e"in5 you "it ne% "ousin- 5e)elopments so t"i3k t"ey nearly tou3". $"ere are still stan5s o1 %oo5s an5 open spa3es@ 8ut t"ey %on?t last. $"e turn to #l5 21 is at t"e 3rest o1 a "ill >ust past t"e 7erame3 <i)er. 9t is mostly "ouses %it" a 1e% -as stations@ t"e area %ater 5istri3t o11i3e@ an5 a lar-e -as 1iel5 to t"e ri-"t. ="ere t"e "ills mar3" out an5 out. At t"e 1irst stopli-"t 9 turne5 le1t past a little s"oppin- area. $"e roa5 is a 3ur)in- narro% t"in- t"at snakes 8et%een "ouses an5 %oo5s. $"ere %ere -limpses o1 5a11o5ils in t"e yar5s. $"e roa5 5ips 5o%n into a )alley@ an5 at t"e 8ottom o1 a steep "ill is a stop si-n. $"e roa5 3lim8s ;ui3kly to t"e 3rest o1 a "ill@ to a $@ turn le1t an5 you?re almost t"ere. $"e one2story s3"ool sits on t"e 1loor o1 a %i5e@ 1lat )alley surroun5e5 8y "ills. Ha)in- 8een raise5 in 9n5iana 1arm 3ountry@ 9?5 "a)e 3alle5 t"em mountains on3e. $"e elementary s3"ool sits separate@ 8ut 3lose enou-" to s"are a play-roun5. 91 you -ot re3ess in >unior "i-". ="en 9 %as too little to -o to >unior "i-"@ it seeme5 you 5i5 -et re3ess. By t"e time 9 -ot t"ere@ you 5i5n?t. $"e %ay o1 t"e %orl5. 9 parke5 as 3lose to t"e 8uil5in- as 9 3oul5. $"is %as my se3on5 )isit to <i3"ar5?s s3"ool@ an5 my 1irst 5urin- t"e a3tual s3"ool 5ay. =e?5 3ome on3e to -et some papers "e?5 1or-otten. /o stu5ents t"en. 9 entere5 t"e main entran3e an5 ran into a 3ro%5. 9t must "a)e 8een 8et%een 3lasses %"en t"ey mo)e5 t"e %arm 8o5ies 1rom one room to anot"er. 9 %as instantly a%are t"at 9 %as a8out t"e same "ei-"t as or s"orter t"an e)eryone 9 sa%. $"ere %as somet"in3laustrop"o8i3 a8out 8ein- >ostle5 8y t"e 8ook23arryin-@ 8a3kpa3k%earin- 3ro%5. $"ere "a5 to 8e a 3ir3le o1 Hell %"ere you %ere eternally 1ourteen@ eternally in >unior "i-". #ne o1 t"e lo%er 3ir3les. 9 1lo%e5 %it" t"e 3ro%5 to%ar5s <i3"ar5?s room. 9 a5mit 9 took 3om1ort in t"e 1a3t t"at 9 %as 8etter 5resse5 t"an most o1 t"e -irls. Petty as "ell@ 8ut 9 "a5 8een 3"unky in >unior "i-". $"ere isn?t a lot o1 5i11eren3e 8et%een 3"unky an5 1at %"en it 3omes to teasin-. 9?5 "a5 my -ro%t" spurt an5 ne)er 8een 1at a-ain. $"at?s ri-"tG 9?5 8een e)en tinier on3e. S"ortest ki5 in s3"ool 1or years an5 years. 9 stoo5 to one si5e o1 t"e 5oor%ay@ lettin- t"e stu5ents 3ome an5 -o. <i3"ar5 %as s"o%in- somet"in- in a te*t8ook to a youn- -irl. S"e %as 8lon5e@ %earin- a 1lannel s"irt o)er a 8la3k 5ress t"at %as t"ree siEes too 8i- 1or "er. S"e %as %earin- %"at looke5 like 8la3k 3om8at 8oots %it" "ea)y %"ite so3ks rolle5 o)er t"e tops o1 t"em. $"e out1it %as )ery no%. $"e look o1 a5oration on "er 1a3e %as not. S"e %as s"iny an5 ea-er >ust 8e3ause 7r. Keeman %as -i)in- "er some one2on2one "elp. 9 "a5 to a5mit t"at <i3"ar5 %as %ort" a 3rus" or t%o. His t"i3k 8ro%n "air %as tie5 8a3k in a ponytail t"at -a)e t"e illusion t"at "is "air %as )ery s"ort an5 3lose to "is "ea5. He "as "i-"@ 1ull 3"eek8ones an5 a stron- >a%@ %it" a 5imple t"at

so1tens "is 1a3e an5 makes "im look almost too per1e3t. His eyes are a soli5 3"o3olate 8ro%n %it" t"ose t"i3k las"es t"at so many men "a)e an5 %omen %ant. $"e 8ri-"t yello% s"irt ma5e "is permanently tanne5 skin seem e)en 5arker. His tie %as a 5ark@ ri3" -reen t"at mat3"e5 t"e 5ress sla3ks "e %ore. His >a3ket %as 5rape5 a3ross t"e 8a3k o1 "is 5esk 3"air. $"e mus3les in "is upper arms %orke5 a-ainst t"e 3lot" o1 "is s"irt as "e "el5 t"e 8ook. $"e 3lass %as mostly seate5@ t"e "all%ay nearly silent. He 3lose5 t"e 8ook an5 "an5e5 it to t"e -irl. S"e smile5 an5 s3ram8le5 1or t"e 5oor@ late to "er ne*t 3lass. Her eyes 1li3ke5 o)er me as s"e passe5@ %on5erin- %"at 9 %as 5oin- t"ere. S"e %asn?t t"e only one. Se)eral o1 t"e seate5 stu5ents %ere -lan3in- my %ay. 9 steppe5 into t"e room. <i3"ar5 smile5. 9t %arme5 me 5o%n to my toes. $"e smile sa)e5 "im 1rom 8ein- too "an5some. 9t %asn?t t"at it %asn?t a -reat smile. He 3oul5 "a)e 5one toot"paste 3ommer3ials. But t"e smile %as a little 8oy?s smile@ open an5 %el3omin-. $"ere %as no -uile to <i3"ar5@ no 5eep@ 5ark plan. He %as t"e %orl5?s 8i--est Boy S3out. $"e smile s"o%e5 t"at. 9 %ante5 to -o to "im@ "a)e "im %rap "is arms aroun5 me. 9 "a5 a "orri8le ur-e to -ra8 "is tie an5 lea5 "im out o1 t"e room. 9 %ante5 to tou3" "is 3"est un5erneat" t"e yello% s"irt. $"e ur-e %as so stron-@ 9 put my "an5s in t"e po3kets o1 my >a3ket. 7ustn?t s"o3k t"e stu5ents. <i3"ar5 a11e3ts me like t"at sometimes. #kay@ most o1 t"e time %"en "e?s not 1urry@ or li3kin- 8loo5 o11 "is 1in-ers. He?s a %ere%ol1. 4i5 9 mention t"atB /o one at t"e s3"ool kno%s. 91 t"ey 5i5@ "e?5 8e out o1 a >o8. People 5on?t like ly3ant"ropes tea3"in- t"eir pre3ious ki55ies. 9t?s ille-al to 5is3riminate a-ainst someone 1or a 5isease@ 8ut e)eryone 5oes it. ="y s"oul5 t"e e5u3ational system 8e 5i11erentB He tou3"e5 my 3"eek@ >ust "is 1in-ertips. 9 turne5 my 1a3e into "is "an5@ 8rus"in- lips a-ainst "is 1in-ers. So mu3" 1or 8ein- 3ool in 1ront o1 t"e ki55ies. $"ere %ere a 1e% oo"s an5 ner)ous lau-"s. A9?ll 8e ri-"t 8a3k@ -uys.C 7ore oo"s@ lou5er lau-"ter@ one A=ay to -o@ 7r. Keeman.C <i3"ar5 motione5 me out t"e 5oor an5 9 %ent@ "an5s still in my po3kets. /ormally@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 9 %asn?t -oin- to em8arrass mysel1 in 1ront o1 a 8un3" o1 ei-"t"2-ra5ers@ 8ut lately 9 %asn?t entirely trust%ort"y. <i3"ar5 le5 me a little %ays 1rom "is 3lassroom into t"e 5eserte5 "all%ay. He leane5 up a-ainst t"e %all o1 lo3kers an5 looke5 5o%n at me. $"e little28oy smile %as -one. $"e look in "is 5ark eyes ma5e me s"i)er. 9 ran my "an5 5o%n "is tie@ smoot"in- it a-ainst "is 3"est. AAm 9 allo%e5 to kiss you@ or %oul5 t"at s3an5aliEe t"e ki55iesBC 9 5i5n?t look up at "im as 9 aske5. 9 5i5n?t %ant "im to see t"e ra% nee5 in my eyes. 9t %as em8arrassin- enou-" t"at 9 kne% "e sense5 it. Dou 3an?t "i5e lust 1rom a %ere%ol1. $"ey 3an smell it. A9?ll risk it.C His )oi3e %as so1t@ lo%@ %it" a %arm e5-e t"at ma5e my stoma3" 3len3". 9 1elt "im 8en5 o)er me. 9 raise5 my 1a3e to "is. His lips %ere so so1t. 9 leane5 a-ainst "is 8o5y@ palms 1lat a-ainst "is 3"est. 9 3oul5 1eel "is nipples "ar5en un5er my skin. 7y "an5s sli5 to "is %aist@ smoot"in- alon- t"e 3lot" o1 "is s"irt. 9 %ante5 to pull "is s"irt out o1 "is pants an5 run my "an5s o)er 8are skin. 9 steppe5 8a3k 1rom "im 1eelin- >ust a little 8reat"less. 9t %as my i5ea t"at %e %oul5n?t "a)e se* 8e1ore marria-e. 7y i5ea. But 5amn@ it %as "ar5. $"e more %e 5ate5@ t"e "ar5er it -ot. AHesus@ <i3"ar5.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9t -ets "ar5er@ 5oesn?t itBC <i3"ar5?s smile 5i5n?t look inno3ent or Boy S3outis" in t"e least. ADes@ it 5oes.C Heat rus"e5 up my 1a3e. A9 5i5n?t mean t"at.C A9 kno% %"at you meant.C His )oi3e %as -entle@ takin- t"e stin- out o1 t"e teasin-. 7y 1a3e %as still "ot %it" em8arrassment@ 8ut my )oi3e %as stea5y. Point 1or me. A9?)e -ot to -o out o1 to%n on 8usiness.C AKom8ie@ )ampire@ or poli3eBC AKom8ie.C AGoo5.C 9 looke5 up at "im. A="y -oo5BC A9 %orry more %"en you -o a%ay on poli3e 8usiness@ or )ampire stakin-s. Dou kno% t"at.C 9 no55e5. ADea"@ 9 kno% t"at.C =e stoo5 t"ere in t"e "all%ay@ starin- at ea3" ot"er. 91 t"in-s "a5 8een 5i11erent@ %e?5 8e en-a-e5@ may8e plannin- a %e55in-. All t"is se*ual tension %oul5 "a)e 8een 3omin- to some kin5 o1 3on3lusion. As it %as ... A9?m -oin- to 8e late as it is. 9?)e -ot to -o.C AAre you -oin- to tell Hean2!lau5e 8ye in personBC His 1a3e %as neutral %"en "e aske5@ 8ut "is eyes %eren?t. A9t?s 5ayli-"t. He?s in "is 3o11in.C AA"@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9 5i5n?t "a)e a 5ate planne5 %it" "im t"is %eeken5@ so 9 5on?t o%e "im an e*planation. 9s t"at %"at you %ante5 to "earBC

A!lose enou-"@C "e sai5. He took a step a%ay 1rom t"e lo3kers@ 8rin-in- our 8o5ies )ery 3lose to-et"er. He 8ent to kiss me -oo528ye. Gi--les erupte5 5o%n t"e "all. =e turne5 to see most o1 "is 3lass "u55le5 in t"e 5oor%ay -aEin- at us. Great. <i3"ar5 smile5. He raise5 "is )oi3e enou-" so t"ey?5 "ear "im. ABa3k insi5e@ you 7onsters.C $"ere %ere 3at3alls@ an5 one small 8runette -irl -a)e me a )ery 5irty look. 9 t"ink t"ere must "a)e 8een a lot o1 -irls t"at "a5 a 3rus" on 7r. Keeman. A$"e nati)es are restless. 9?)e -ot to -et 8a3k.C 9 no55e5. A9?m "opin- to 8e 8a3k 8y 7on5ay.C A=e?ll -o "ikin- ne*t %eeken5@ t"en.C A9 put Hean2!lau5e o11 t"is %eeken5. 9 3an?t not see "im t%o %eeks in a ro%.C <i3"ar5?s 1a3e 3lou5e5 up %it" t"e 8e-innin-s o1 an-er. AHike 5urin- t"e 5ay@ see t"e )ampire at ni-"t. #nly 1air.C A9 5on?t like t"is any 8etter t"an you 5o@C 9 sai5. A9 %is" 9 8elie)e5 t"at.C A<i3"ar5.C He -a)e a lon- si-". $"e an-er sort o1 leake5 out o1 "im. 9 ne)er un5erstoo5 "o% "e 5i5 t"at. He 3oul5 8e 1urious one minute an5 3alm t"e ne*t. Bot" emotions seeme5 -enuine. #n3e 9 %as an-ry@ 9 %as an-ry. 7ay8e it?s a 3"ara3ter 1la%B A9?m sorry@ Anita. 9t?s not like you?re 5atin- "im 8e"in5 my 8a3k.C A9 %oul5 ne)er 5o anyt"in- 8e"in5 your 8a3kG you kno% t"at.C He no55e5. A9 kno% t"at.C He -lan3e5 8a3k at "is 3lassroom. A9?)e -ot to -o 8e1ore t"ey set t"e room on 1ire.C He %alke5 5o%n t"e "all%ay %it"out lookin- 8a3k. 9 almost 3alle5 a1ter "im@ 8ut 9 let "im -o. $"e moo5 %as sort o1 spoile5. /ot"in- like kno%in- your -irl1rien5 is 5atinsomeone else to take t"e %in5 out o1 your sails. 9 %oul5n?t "a)e put up %it" it i1 it %as t"e ot"er %ay aroun5. A 5ou8le stan5ar5 t"at@ 8ut one %e 3oul5 all t"ree li)e %it". 91 li)in- %as t"e term 1or Hean2!lau5e. #"@ "ell@ my personal li1e %as too 3on1usin- 1or %or5s. 9 %alke5 o11 5o%n t"e "all@ "a)in- to pass 8y "is open 3lassroom 5oor. 7y "i-" "eels ma5e lou5@ ra3kety e3"oes. 9 5i5n?t try to 3at3" a last -limpse o1 "im. 9t %oul5 make me 1eel %orse a8out lea)in-. 9t "a5n?t 8een my i5ea to 5ate t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. Hean2!lau5e "a5 -i)en me t%o 3"oi3esG eit"er "e 3oul5 kill <i3"ar5@ or 9 3oul5 5ate 8ot" o1 t"em. 9t "a5 seeme5 a -oo5 i5ea at t"e time. 'i)e %eeks later 9 %asn?t so sure. 9t "a5 8een my morals t"at "a5 kept <i3"ar5 an5 me 1rom 3onsummatin- our relations"ip. !onsummatin-@ ni3e eup"emism. But Hean2!lau5e "a5 ma5e it 3lear t"at i1 9 5i5 somet"in- %it" <i3"ar5@ 9 "a5 to 5o it %it" "im too. Hean2 !lau5e %as tryin- to %oo me. 91 <i3"ar5 3oul5 tou3" me 8ut "e 3oul5n?t@ it %asn?t 1air. He "a5 a point@ 9 -uess. But t"e t"ou-"t o1 "a)in- to "a)e se* %it" t"e )ampire %as more likely to keep me 3"aste t"an any "i-" i5eals. 9 3oul5n?t 5ate 8ot" o1 t"em in5e1initely. $"e se*ual tension alone %as killin- me. 9 3oul5 mo)e. <i3"ar5 mi-"t e)en let me 5o t"at. He %oul5n?t like it@ 8ut i1 9 %ante5 1ree o1 "im@ "e?5 let me -o. Hean2!lau5e@ on t"e ot"er "an5 ... He?5 ne)er let me -o. $"e ;uestion %as@ 5i5 9 %ant "im to let me -oB Ans%erJ "ell@ yes. $"e real tri3k %as "o% to 8reak 1ree %it"out any8o5y 5yin-. Dea"@ t"at %as t"e P(&@ ;uestion. $rou8le %as@ 9 5i5n?t "a)e an ans%er. =e %ere -oin- to nee5 one sooner or later. An5 later %as -ettin- 3loser all t"e time.

Chapter Three
9 "u55le5 a-ainst t"e si5e o1 t"e "eli3opter@ one "an5 in a 5eat" -rip on t"e strap t"at %as 8olte5 to t"e %all. 9 %ante5 to use 8ot" "an5s to "ol5 on@ as i1 8y "ol5in- )ery ti-"tly to t"e stupi5 strap it %oul5 sa)e me %"en t"e "eli3opter plummete5 to eart". 9 use5 one "an5 8e3ause t%o "an5s looke5 3o%ar5ly. 9 %as %earin- a "ea5set@ sort o1 like ear prote3tion 1or t"e s"ootin- ran-e@ 8ut %it" a mi3rop"one so you 3oul5 talk a8o)e t"e teet"2rattlin- noise. 9 "a5n?t realiEe5 t"at most o1 a "eli3opter %as 3lear@ like 8ein- suspen5e5 in a -reat 8uEEin-@ )i8ratin- 8u88le. 9 kept my eyes 3lose5 as mu3" as possi8le. AAre you all ri-"t@ 7s. BlakeBC Lionel Bayar5 aske5. $"e )oi3e startle5 me. ADea"@ 9?m 1ine.C ADou 5on?t look %ell.C A9 5on?t like to 1ly@C 9 sai5.

He -a)e a %eak smile. 9 5on?t t"ink 9 %as inspirin- 3on1i5en3e in Lionel Bayar5@ la%yer an5 1lunkie o1 Bea5le@ Bea5le@ Stirlin-@ an5 Lo%enstein. Lionel Bayar5 %as a small@ neat man %it" a tiny 8lon5 musta3"e t"at looke5 like it %as as mu3" 1a3ial "air as "e %oul5 e)er -et. His trian-ular >a% %as as smoot" as my o%n. 7ay8e t"e musta3"e %as -lue5 on. His 8ro%n suit %it" a t"in yello% t%ee5 1it "is 8o5y like a %ell2tailore5 -lo)e. His t"in tie %as 8ro%n2an52yello% stripe5 %it" a -ol5 tie ta3k. $"e tie ta3k %as mono-ramme5. His slen5er leat"er 8rie13ase %as mono-ramme5 as %ell. ,)eryt"inmat3"e5@ 5o%n to "is -ol5tassele5 loa1ers. Larry t%iste5 in "is seat. He %as sittin- 8esi5e t"e pilot. ADou?re really a1rai5 o1 1lyin-BC 9 3oul5 see "is lips mo)e@ 8ut all t"e soun5 3ame out o1 my "ea5setG %it"out t"em %e?5 ne)er "a)e 8een a8le to talk o)er t"e noise. He soun5e5 amuse5. ADes@ Larry@ 9?m really a1rai5 o1 1lyin-.C 9 "ope5 sar3asm tra)ele5 t"e "ea5sets as 3learly as amusement 5i5. Larry lau-"e5. ,)i5ently@ sar3asm tra)ele5. Larry looke5 1res"ly s3ru88e5. He %as 5resse5 in "is ot"er 8lue suit@ "is %"ite s"irt2%"i3" %as one o1 t"ree "e o%ne52an5 "is se3on528est tie. His 8est tie "a5 8loo5 all o)er it. He %as still in 3olle-e@ %orkin- %eeken5s 1or us until "e -ra5uate5. His s"ort "air %as t"e 3olor o1 a surprise5 3arrot. He %as 1re3kle5 an5 a8out my "ei-"t@ s"ort@ %it" pale 8lue eyes. He looke5 like a -ro%n2up #pie. Bayar5 %as %orkin- "ar5 at not 1ro%nin- at me. $"e e11ort s"o%e5 enou-" t"at "e s"oul5n?t "a)e 8ot"ere5. AAre you sure you?re up to t"is assi-nmentBC 9 met "is 8ro%n eyes. ADou 8etter "ope 9 am@ 7r. Bayar5@ 8e3ause 9?m all you -ot.C A9 am a%are o1 your spe3ialiEe5 skills@ 7s. Blake. 9 spent t"e last t%el)e "ours 3onta3tin- e)ery animatin- 1irm in t"e :nite5 States. P"illipa 'reestone o1 t"e <esurre3tion !ompany tol5 me s"e 3oul5n?t 5o %"at %e %ante5@ t"at t"e only person in t"e 3ountry %"o mi-"t 8e a8le to 5o it %as Anita Blake. Ylan Vital in /e% #rleans tol5 us t"e same t"in-. $"ey mentione5 Ho"n Burke 8ut %eren?t 3on1i5ent t"at "e 3oul5 5o all %e %ante5. =e must "a)e all t"e 5ea5 raise5 or it?s useless to us.C A4i5 my 8oss e*plain to you t"at 9 am not a "un5re5 per3ent sure t"at 9 3an 5o itBC Bayar5 8linke5 at me. A7r. Vau-"n seeme5 )ery 3on1i5ent t"at you 3oul5 5o %"at %e aske5.C ABert 3an 8e as 3on1i5ent as "e %ants. He 5oesn?t "a)e to raise t"is mess.C A9 realiEe t"e eart"mo)in- e;uipment "as 3ompli3ate5 your task@ 7s. Blake@ 8ut %e 5i5 not 5o it 5eli8erately.C 9 let t"at -o. 9?5 seen t"e pi3tures. $"ey?5 trie5 to 3o)er it up. 91 t"e 3onstru3tion 3re% "a5n?t 8een lo3al %it" some Bou)ier sympat"iEers@ t"ey?5 "a)e plo%e5 up t"e 8oneyar5@ poure5 some 3on3rete@ an5 )oilZ@ no e)i5en3e. A="ate)er. 9?ll 5o %"at 9 3an %it" %"at you?)e le1t me.C A=oul5 it "a)e 8een t"at mu3" easier i1 you "a5 8een 8rou-"t in 8e1ore t"e -ra)es %ere 5istur8e5BC ADea".C He si-"e5. 9t )i8rate5 t"rou-" t"e "ea5p"ones. A$"en my apolo-ies.C 9 s"ru--e5. A:nless you 5i5 it personally@ you?re not t"e one %"o o%es me an apolo-y.C He s"i1te5 a little in "is seat. A9 5i5 not or5er t"e 5i--in-. 7r. Stirlin- is on site.C A$"e 7r. Stirlin-BC 9 aske5. Bayar5 5i5n?t seem to -et t"e "umor. ADes@ t"at 7r. Stirlin-.C #r may8e "e really e*pe3te5 me to kno% t"e name. ADou al%ays "a)e a senior partner lookin- o)er your s"oul5erBC He use5 one 1in-er to a5>ust "is -ol521rame5 -lasses. 9t looke5 like an ol5 -esture 1rom a time 8e1ore ne% -lasses an5 5esi-ner suits. A=it" t"is mu3" money at stake@ 7r. Stirlin- t"ou-"t "e s"oul5 8e in t"e area in 3ase t"ere %ere more pro8lems.C A7ore pro8lemsBC 9 aske5. He 8linke5 at me rapi5ly@ like a %ell2-roome5 ra88it. A$"e Bou)ier matter.C He %as lyin-. A="at else is -oin- %ron- %it" your little pro>e3tBC A="ate)er 5o you mean@ 7s. BlakeBC His mani3ure5 1in-ers smoot"e5 5o%n "is tie. ADou?)e "a5 more pro8lems t"an >ust t"e Bou)iers.C 9 ma5e it a statement. AAny pro8lems %e may or may not 8e "a)in-@ 7s. Blake@ are not your 3on3ern. =e "ire5 you to raise t"e 5ea5 an5 esta8lis" t"e i5entity o1 sai5 5e3ease5 persons. Beyon5 t"at@ you "a)e no 5uties "ere.C AHa)e you e)er raise5 a Eom8ie@ 7r. Bayar5BC He 8linke5 a-ain. A#1 3ourse not.C He soun5e5 o11en5e5. A$"en "o% 5o you kno% t"e ot"er pro8lems %on?t a11e3t my >o8BC Small 1ro%n lines 1orme5 8et%een "is eye8ro%s. He %as a la%yer an5 %as earnin- a -oo5 li)in-@ 8ut t"inkin- seeme5 to 8e "ar5 1or "im. 7a5e you %on5er %"ere "e?5 -ra5uate5 1rom.

A9 5on?t see "o% our little 5i11i3ulties 3oul5 a11e3t your >o8.C ADou?)e >ust a5mitte5 you 5on?t kno% anyt"in- a8out my >o8@C 9 sai5. AHo% 5o you kno% %"at %ill a11e3t it an5 %"at %on?tBC Alri-"t@ 9 %as 1is"in-. Bayar5 %as pro8a8ly ri-"t. $"e ot"er pro8lems pro8a8ly %oul5n?t a11e3t me@ 8ut you ne)er kno%. 9 5on?t like 8ein- kept in t"e 5ark. An5 9 5on?t like 8ein- lie5 to@ not e)en 8y omission. A9 t"ink 7r. Stirlin- %oul5 "a)e to make t"e 3all a8out %"et"er you are enli-"tene5 or not.C A/ot senior enou-" to make t"e 5e3ision@C 9 sai5. A/o@C Bayar5 sai5@ A9 am not.C GeeE@ some people you 3an?t e)en nee5le. 9 -lan3e5 at Larry. He s"ru--e5. ALooks like %e?re -oin- to lan5.C 9 -lan3e5 out at t"e rapi5ly -ro%in- lan5. =e %ere in t"e mi55le o1 t"e #Eark 7ountains@ "o)erin- o)er a 8laste5 s3ar o1 re55is" nake5 eart". $"e 3onstru3tion site@ 9 presume. $"e -roun5 s%elle5 up to meet us. 9 3lose5 my eyes an5 s%allo%e5 "ar5. $"e ri5e %as almost o)er. 9 %oul5 not t"ro% up t"is 3lose to t"e -roun5. $"e ri5e %as almost o)er. Almost o)er. Almost o)er. $"ere %as a 8ump t"at ma5e me -asp. A=e?)e lan5e5@C Larry sai5. ADou 3an open your eyes no%.C 9 5i5. ADou are en>oyin- t"e "ell out o1 t"is@ aren?t youBC He -rinne5. A9 5on?t -et to see you out o1 your element o1ten.C $"e "eli3opter %as surroun5e5 8y a 1o- o1 re55is" 5irt. $"e 8la5es 8e-an to slo% %it" a t"i3k %"ump@ %"ump soun5. As t"e 8la5es stoppe5@ t"e 5irt settle5 5o%n an5 %e 3oul5 see %"ere %e %ere. =e %ere in a small@ 1lat area 8et%een a 3luster o1 mountains. 9t looke5 like it "a5 on3e 8een a narro% )alley@ 8ut 8ull5oEers "a5 %i5ene5 it@ 1lattene5 it@ ma5e it a lan5in- pa5. $"e eart" %as so re5 it looke5 like a ri)er o1 rust. $"e mountain in 1ront o1 t"e "eli3opter %as one re5 moun5. Hea)y e;uipment an5 3ars %ere 3lustere5 to t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e )alley. 7en %ere 3lustere5 aroun5 t"e e;uipment@ s"iel5in- t"eir eyes 1rom t"e 5ust. ="en t"e 8la5es 3ame to a sli5in- stop@ Bayar5 un8u3kle5 "is seat 8elt. 9 5i5@ too. =e li1te5 o11 t"e "ea5sets an5 Bayar5 opene5 "is 5oor. 9 opene5 mine an5 1oun5 t"at t"e -roun5 %as 1art"er a%ay t"an you?5 t"ink. 9 "a5 to e*pose a lon- line o1 t"i-" to tou3" t"e -roun5. $"e 3onstru3tion %orkers %ere appre3iati)e. ="istles@ 3at3alls@ an5 one o11er to 3"e3k un5er my skirt. /o@ t"ose %eren?t t"e e*a3t %or5s use5. A tall man in a %"ite "ar5 "at stro5e to%ar5s us. He %as %earin- a pair o1 tan 3o)eralls@ 8ut "is 5irt23o)ere5 s"oes %ere Gu33i an5 "is tan %as "ealt"23lu8 per1e3t. A man an5 a %oman 1ollo%e5 at "is 8a3k. $"e man looke5 like t"e real 1oreman. He %as 5resse5 in >eans an5 a %ork s"irt %it" t"e slee)es rolle5 o)er mus3ular 1orearms. /ot 1rom ra3;uet8all or a little tennis@ 8ut 1rom plain "ar5 %ork. $"e %oman %ore t"e tra5itional skirt suit 3omplete %it" little 8lousy tie at "er t"roat. $"e suit %as e*pensi)e@ 8ut %as an un1ortunate s"a5e o1 pu3e t"at 5i5 not"in- 1or t"e %oman?s au8urn "air 8ut 5i5 mat3" t"e 8lus" t"at s"e?5 smeare5 on "er 3"eeks. 9 3"e3ke5 "er ne3kline@ an5 yes@ s"e 5i5 "a)e a pale line >ust a8o)e "er 3ollar %"ere t"e 8ase "a5 not 8een 8len5e5 in. S"e looke5 like s"e?5 8een ma5e up at 3lo%n s3"ool. S"e 5i5n?t look t"at youn-. Dou?5 t"ink someone some%"ere %oul5 "a)e 3lue5 "er in to "o% 8a5 s"e looke5. #1 3ourse@ 9 %asn?t -oin- to tell "er eit"er. ="o %as 9 to 3riti3iEeB Stirlin- "a5 t"e palest -rey eyes 9?5 e)er seen. $"e irises %ere only a 1e% s"a5es 5arker t"an t"e %"ites o1 "is eyes. He stoo5 t"ere %it" "is entoura-e 8e"in5 "im. He looke5 me up an5 5o%n. He 5i5n?t seem to like %"at "e sa%. His stran-e eyes 1li3ke5 to Larry in "is 3"eap@ %rinkle5 suit. 7r. Stirlin- 1ro%ne5. Bayar5 3ame aroun5@ smoot"in- "is >a3ket into pla3e. A7r. Stirlin-@ t"is is Anita Blake. 7s. Blake@ t"is is <aymon5 Stirlin-.C He >ust stoo5 t"ere@ lookin- at me like "e %as 5isappointe5. $"e %oman "a5 a 3lip8oar5 note8ook@ pen poise5. Ha5 to 8e "is se3retary. S"e looke5 %orrie5@ as i1 it %as )ery important t"at 7r. <aymon5 Stirlin- like us. 9 %as 8e-innin- not to 3are i1 "e like5 us or not. ="at 9 %ante5 to say %as@ ADou -ot a pro8lemBC ="at 9 sai5 %as@ A9s t"ere a pro8lem@ 7r. Stirlin-BC Bert %oul5 "a)e 8een please5. ADou?re not %"at 9 e*pe3te5@ 7s. Blake.C AHo% soBC APretty@ 1or one t"in-.C 9t %asn?t a 3ompliment. AAn5BC He motione5 at my out1it. ADou?re not 5resse5 appropriately 1or t"e >o8.C ADour se3retary?s %earin- "eels.C A7s. Harrison?s attire is not your 3on3ern.C

AAn5 my attire is none o1 yours.C A'air enou-"@ 8ut you?re -oin- to "a)e a "ell o1 time -ettin- up t"at mountain in t"ose s"oes.C A9?)e -ot a 3o)erall an5 /ikes in my suit3ase.C A9 5on?t t"ink 9 like your attitu5e@ 7s. Blake.C A9 kno% 9 5on?t like yours@C 9 sai5. $"e 1oreman 8e"in5 "im %as "a)in- trou8le not smilin-. His eyes %ere -ettin- s"iny %it" t"e e11ort. 7s. Harrison looke5 a little s3are5. Bayar5 "a5 mo)e5 to one si5e@ 3loser to Stirlin-. 7akin- 3lear %"ose si5e "e %as on. !o%ar5. Larry mo)e5 3loser to me. A4o you %ant t"is >o8@ 7s. BlakeBC A/ot enou-" to take -rie1 a8out it@ no.C 7s. Harrison looke5 like s"e?5 s%allo%e5 a 8u-. A 8i-@ nasty@ s;uirmin- 8u-. 9 t"ink 9?5 misse5 my 3ue to 1all 5o%n an5 %ors"ip at "er 8oss?s 1eet. $"e 1oreman 3ou-"e5 8e"in5 "is "an5. Stirlin- -lan3e5 at "im@ t"en 8a3k to me. AAre you al%ays t"is arro-antBC "e aske5. 9 si-"e5. A9 pre1er t"e %or5 F3on1i5ent? to Farro-ant@? 8ut 9?ll tell you %"at. 9?ll tone it 5o%n i1 you %ill.C A9 am so sorry@ 7r. Stirlin-@C Bayar5 sai5. A9 apolo-iEe. 9 "a5 no i5ea ... C AS"ut up@ Lionel@C Stirlin- sai5. Lionel s"ut up. Stirlin- %as lookin- at me %it" "is stran-e pale eyes. He no55e5. AA-ree5@ 7s. Blake.C He smile5. A9?ll tone it 5o%n.C AGreat@C 9 sai5. AAll ri-"t@ 7s. Blake@ let?s -o up to t"e top an5 see i1 you?re really as -oo5 as you t"ink you are.C A9 3an look at t"e -ra)eyar5@ 8ut until 1ull 5ark 9 3an?t 5o anyt"in- else.C He 1ro%ne5 an5 -lan3e5 at Bayar5. ALionel.C $"at one %or5 "a5 a lot o1 "eat in it. An-er lookin- 1or a tar-et. He?5 stop pi3kin- on me@ 8ut Lionel %as 1air -ame. A9 5i5 1a* you a memo@ sir@ as soon as 9 realiEe5 t"at 7s. Blake %oul5 8e una8le to "elp us until a1ter 5ark.C Goo5 man. ="en in 5ou8t@ 3o)er your ass %it" paper. Stirlin- -lare5 at "im. Bayar5 looke5 apolo-eti3 8ut "e stoo5 "is -roun5@ sa1e 8e"in5 "is memo. A9 3alle5 Beau an5 "a5 "im 8rin- e)ery8o5y 5o%n "ere on t"e un5erstan5in- %e 3oul5 -et some %ork 5one to5ay.C His -aEe %as )ery stea5y on Bayar5. Lionel %ilte5 >ust a littleG e)i5ently one memo %as not prote3tion enou-". A7r. Stirlin-@ e)en i1 9 3an raise t"e -ra)eyar5 in one ni-"t@ an5 t"at?s a 8i- i1@ %"at i1 t"e 5ea5 are all Bou)iersB ="at i1 it is t"eir 1amily plotB 7y un5erstan5in- is t"at 3onstru3tion %ill stop until you re8uy t"e lan5.C A$"ey 5on?t %ant to sell@C Beau sai5. Stirlin- -lare5 at "im. $"e 1oreman >ust smile5 so1tly. AAre you sayin- t"at t"e entire pro>e3t is o11 i1 t"is is t"e Bou)ier 1amily plotBC 9 aske5 Bayar5. A="y@ Lionel@ you 5i5n?t tell me t"at.C A$"ere %as no nee5 1or you to kno%@C Bayar5 sai5. A="y %oul5n?t t"ey %ant to sell t"e lan5 1or a million 5ollarsBC Larry aske5. 9t %as a -oo5 ;uestion. Stirlin- looke5 at "im like "e?5 >ust appeare5 out o1 t"in air. ,)i5ently@ t"e 1lunkies %eren?t suppose5 to talk. A7a-nus an5 4or3as Bou)ier "a)e only a restaurant@ 3alle5 Bloo5y Bones. 9t is not"in-. 9 "a)e no i5ea %"y t"ey %oul5n?t %ant to 8e millionaires.C ABloo5y BonesB ="at kin5 o1 name is t"at 1or a restaurantBC Larry aske5. 9 s"ru--e5. A9t 5oesn?t e*a3tly say 8on appetit.C 9 looke5 at Stirlin-. He looke5 an-ry 8ut t"at %as all. 9 %oul5 "a)e 8et a million 5ollars t"at "e kne% e*a3tly %"y t"e Bou)iers 5i5n?t %ant to sell. But it 5i5n?t s"o% on "is 1a3e. His 3ar5s %ere 3lose to "is 3"est an5 unrea5a8le. 9 turne5 to Bayar5. $"ere %as an un"ealt"y 1lus" to "is 3"eeks@ an5 "e a)oi5e5 my -aEe. 9?5 play poker %it" Bayar5 any 5ay. But not in 1ront o1 "is 8oss. A'ine. 9?ll 3"an-e into somet"in- more 8ulky an5 %e?ll -o take a look.C $"e pilot "an5e5 out my suit3ase. $"e 3o)erall an5 s"oes %ere on top. Larry 3ame up to me. AGee@ 9 %is"e5 9?5 t"ou-"t o1 t"e 3o)erall. $"is suit?s not -oin- to sur)i)e t"e trip.C

9 pulle5 out t%o pairs o1 3o)eralls. ABe prepare5@C 9 sai5. He -rinne5. A$"anks.C 9 s"ru--e5. A#ne -oo5 t"in- a8out 8ein- nearly t"e same siEe.C 9 slippe5 o11 t"e 8la3k >a3ket@ %"i3" le1t t"e -un in plain si-"t. A7s. Blake@C Stirlin- sai5. A="y are you arme5BC 9 si-"e5. 9 %as tire5 o1 <aymon5. 9 "a5n?t e)en -one up t"e "ill an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to -o. $"e last t"in- 9 %ante5 to 5o %as stan5 "ere an5 5e8ate %"et"er 9 nee5e5 a -un. $"e re5 8louse %as s"ort2slee)e5. Visual ai5s are al%ays 8etter t"an le3tures. 9 %alke5 o)er to "im %it" my arms 8ent out%ar5@ e*posin- t"e insi5e o1 8ot" 1orearms. $"ere?s a rat"er neat kni1e s3ar on my ri-"t arm@ not"in- too 5ramati3. 7y le1t arm is a mess. 9t "a5 only 8een a little o)er a mont" sin3e a s"apes"i1tinleopar5 "a5 opene5 my arm. A ni3e 5o3tor "a5 stit3"e5 it 8a3k to-et"er@ 8ut t"ere is only so mu3" you 3an 5o %it" 3la% marks. $"e 3ross2s"ape5 8urn s3ar t"at some in)enti)e )ampire ser)ants "a5 put on me %as no% a little 3rooke5 8e3ause o1 t"e 3la%s. $"e moun5 o1 s3ar tissue at t"e 8en5 o1 my arm %"ere a )ampire "a5 8itten t"rou-" t"e 1les" an5 -na%e5 t"e 8one 5ri88le5 %"ite s3ars like %ater. AHesus@C Beau sai5. Stirlin- looke5 a tou3" pale 8ut "e "el5 up %ell@ like "e?5 seen %orse. Bayar5 looke5 -reen. 7s. Harrison pale5 so t"at t"e makeup 1loate5 on "er su55enly pale skin like impressionist %ater lilies. A9 5on?t -o any%"ere unarme5@ 7r. Stirlin-. Li)e %it" it@ 8e3ause 9 "a)e to.C He no55e5@ eyes )ery serious. A'ine@ 7s. Blake. 9s your assistant arme5 as %ellBC A/o@C 9 sai5. He no55e5 a-ain. A'ine. !"an-e@ an5 %"en you?re rea5y %e?ll -o up.C Larry %as Eippin- up "is 3o)erall %"en 9 %alke5 8a3k. A9 3oul5 "a)e 8een arme5@ you kno%@C "e sai5. ADou 8rou-"t your -unBC 9 aske5. He no55e5. A:nloa5e5 in your suit3aseBC AHust like you tol5 me.C AGoo5.C 9 let it -o. Larry %ante5 to 8e a )ampire e*e3utioner as %ell as an animator@ %"i3" meant "e nee5e5 to kno% "o% to use a -un. A -un %it" sil)erplate5 8ullets t"at 3oul5 slo% a )ampire 5o%n. =e?5 %ork up to s"ot-uns@ %"i3" 3oul5 take out a "ea5 an5 "eart 1rom a relati)ely sa1e 5istan3e. Beat t"e "ell out o1 stakin-. 9?5 -otten "im a 3arry permit on t"e 3on5ition "e 5i5n?t 3arry it 3on3eale5 until 9 t"ou-"t "e %as a -oo5 enou-" s"ot not to 8lo% a "ole in "imsel1 or me. 9?5 -otten "im t"e permit mainly so %e 3oul5 3arry it aroun5 in t"e 3ar an5 -o to t"e ran-e in any spare moments. $"e 3o)erall %ent o)er t"e skirt like ma-i3. 9 took o11 t"e "eels an5 put t"e /ikes on. 9 le1t t"e 3o)erall unEippe5 enou-" t"at 9 3oul5 -o 1or t"e -un i1 nee5e5@ an5 9 %as set to -o. AAre you -oin- up %it" us@ 7r. Stirlin-BC ADes@C "e sai5. A$"en lea5 t"e %ay@C 9 sai5. He %alke5 past me@ -lan3in- at t"e 3o)eralls. #r may8e )isualiEin- t"e -un un5er it. Beau starte5 to 1ollo% 8ut Stirlinsai5@ A/o@ 9?ll take "er up alone.C Silen3e amon- t"e t"ree 1lunkies. 9?5 e*pe3te5 7s. Harrison to stay 8e"in5 in "er "i-""eele5 pumps@ 8ut 9?5 8een sure t"e t%o men %oul5 3ome alon-. So@ 1rom t"e looks on t"eir 1a3es@ "a5 t"ey. A=ait a minute. Dou sai5 F"er.? Dou %ant Larry to %ait 5o%n "ere@ tooBC ADes.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHe?s in trainin-. Dou 3an?t learn i1 you 5on?t see it 5one.C A=ill you 8e 5oin- anyt"in- t"at "e nee5s to see to5ayBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. A9 -uess not.C A9 5o -et to 3ome up a1ter 5arkBC Larry aske5. ADou?ll -et to see t"e 5o%n an5 5irty@ Larry. 4on?t %orry.C A#1 3ourse@C Stirlin- sai5. A9 "a)e no pro8lem %it" your asso3iate 5oin- "is >o8.C A="y 3an?t "e 3ome alon- no%BC 9 aske5.

AAt t"e pri3e %e?re payin-@ "umor me@ 7s. Blake.C He %as 8ein- stran-ely polite@ so 9 no55e5. A#kay.C A7r. Stirlin-@C Bayar5 sai5@ Aare you sure you s"oul5 -o up aloneBC A="y e)er not@ LionelBC Bayar5 opene5 "is mout"@ 3lose5 it@ t"en sai5@ A/o reason@ 7r. Stirlin-.C Beau s"ru--e5. A9?ll tell t"e men to -o "ome 1or t"e 5ay.C He starte5 to turn a%ay@ t"en stoppe5. A4o you %ant t"e 3re% 8a3k tomorro%BC Stirlin- looke5 at me. A7s. BlakeBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t kno% yet.C A="at?s your 8est -uessBC "e aske5. 9 looke5 o)er at t"e %aitin- men. A4o t"ey -et pai5 %"et"er t"ey s"o% up or notBC A#nly i1 t"ey s"o% up@C Stirlin- sai5. A$"en no %ork tomorro%. 9 3an?t -uarantee t"ey?ll "a)e anyt"in- to 5o.C Stirlin- no55e5. ADou "ear5 "er@ Beau.C Beau looke5 at me@ t"en 8a3k to Stirlin-. He "a5 a stran-e took on "is 1a3e@ "al1 amuse5@ "al1 somet"in- 9 3oul5n?t rea5. AAnyt"in- you say@ 7r. Stirlin-@ 7s. Blake.C He turne5 an5 stro5e o11 o)er t"e ra% -roun5@ %a)in- at t"e men as "e mo)e5. $"e men 8e-an to lea)e lon- 8e1ore "e -ot to t"em. A="at 5o you %ant us to 5o@ 7r. Stirlin-BC Bayar5 aske5. A=ait 1or us.C A$"e "eli3opter@ tooB 9t "as to lea)e 8e1ore 5ark.C A=ill %e 8e 5o%n 8e1ore 5ark@ 7s. BlakeBC ASure. 9?m >ust -oin- to take a ;ui3k look aroun5. 9?ll nee5 to -et 8a3k in "ere a1ter 5ark@ t"ou-".C A9?ll -i)e you a 3ar an5 5ri)er 1or your stay.C A$"anks.C AS"all %e@ 7s. BlakeBC He motione5 me 1or%ar5. Somet"in- "a5 3"an-e5 in t"e %ay "e %as treatin- me. 9 3oul5n?t put my 1in-er on it@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t like it. AA1ter you@ 7r. Stirlin-.C He no55e5 an5 took t"e lea5@ stri5in- o)er t"e re5 eart" in "is t"ousan525ollar s"oes. Larry an5 9 e*3"an-e5 -lan3es. A9 %on?t 8e lon-@ Larry.C A:s 1lunkies aren?t -oin- any%"ere@C "e sai5. 9 smile5. He smile5. 9 s"ru--e5. ="y 5i5 Stirlin- %ant it to 8e >ust t"e t%o o1 usB 9 %at3"e5 t"e senior partner?s 8roa5 8a3k as "e mar3"e5 a3ross t"e torn eart". 9 1ollo%e5 "im. 9?5 1in5 out %"at t"e se3re3y %as all a8out %"en %e -ot to t"e top. 9 %as 8ettin- 9 %oul5n?t like %"at 9?5 "ear. Hust me an5 t"e 8i- 3"eese on top o1 t"e mountain %it" t"e 5ea5. ="at 3oul5 8e 8etterB

Chapter Four
$"e )ie% 1rom t"e top o1 t"e mountain %as %ort" t"e "ike. $rees stret3"e5 out an5 out to t"e "oriEon. =e stoo5 in a 3ir3le o1 1orest t"at s"o%e5 no "an5 o1 man as 1ar as t"e eye 3oul5 see. $"at 1irst 8lus" o1 -reen %as more pronoun3e5 "ere. But t"e t"in- you noti3e5 most %as t"e la)en5er 3olor o1 re58u5s t"rou-" t"e 5ark trees. <e58u5s are su3" 5eli3ate t"in-s t"at i1 t"ey 3ame out in t"e "ei-"t o1 summer t"ey?5 -et lost in all t"e lea)es an5 1lo%ers@ 8ut "ere %it" not"in- 8ut nake5 trees t"e re58u5s %ere eye23at3"in-. A 1e% 5o-%oo5s "a5 starte5 to 8loom@ a55in- t"eir %"ite to t"e la)en5er. Sprin- in t"e #Earks@ a". A$"e )ie% is ma-ni1i3ent@C 9 sai5. ADes@C Stirlin- sai5@ Ait is@ isn?t itBC 7y 8la3k /ikes %ere 3o)ere5 in rust23olore5 5irt. $"e ra%@ %oun5e5 eart" 1ille5 t"e mountaintop. $"is "illtop "a5 pro8a8ly 8een >ust as pretty as t"e rest on3e. $"ere %as an arm 8one sti3kin- out o1 t"e 5irt ne*t to my 1eet. $"e lo%er arm@ >u5-in- 1rom t"e len-t". $"e 8ones %ere slen5er an5 still 3onne3te5 8y a 5ry remnant o1 tissue. #n3e 9?5 seen one 8one@ my eyes 1oun5 more to look at. 9t %as like one o1 t"ose ma-i32eye pi3tures %"ere you stare an5 stare an5 su55enly see %"at?s t"ere. 9 sa% t"em all@ stu55in- t"e -roun5 like "an5s rea3"in- up t"rou-" a ri)er o1 rust.

$"ere %ere a 1e% splintere5 3o11ins@ t"eir 8roken "al)es spillin- out into t"e air@ 8ut mostly it %as >ust 8ones. 9 knelt an5 put my "an5s palm 5o%n on t"e ruine5 eart". 9 trie5 to -et some sense o1 t"e 5ea5. $"ere %as somet"in- 1aint an5 1ar2o11 like a %"i11 o1 per1ume@ 8ut it %as no -oo5. 9n t"e 8ri-"t sprin- sunli-"t 9 3oul5n?t %ork my ... ma-i3. <aisin- t"e 5ea5 isn?t e)il@ 8ut it 5oes re;uire 5arkness. 9 5on?t kno% %"y. 9 stoo5 up@ 8rus"in- my "an5s a-ainst t"e 3o)erall@ tryin- to 3lean t"e re5 5ust a%ay. Stirlin- %as stan5in- at t"e e5-e o1 t"e nake5 5irt starin- o11 into spa3e. $"ere %as a 5istan3e to "is -aEe t"at sai5 "e %asn?t a5mirin- t"e trees. He spoke %it"out lookin- at me@ A9 3an?t 8ully you@ 3an 9@ 7s. BlakeBC A/ope@C 9 sai5. He turne5 to me %it" a smile@ 8ut it le1t "is eyes empty@ "aunte5. A9 in)este5 e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 into t"is pro>e3t. /ot >ust my money@ 8ut 3lients? money. 4o you un5erstan5 %"at 9 am sayin-@ 7s. BlakeBC A91 t"e 8o5ies up "ere are Bou)iers@ you?re s3re%e5.C AHo% elo;uently you put it.C A="y are %e up "ere alone@ 7r. Stirlin-B ="y all t"e skull5u--eryBC He took a 5eep 8reat" o1 t"e -entle air an5 sai5@ A9 %ant you to say t"ey aren?t Bou)ier an3estors e)en i1 t"ey are.C He looke5 at me %"en "e sai5 it. =at3"e5 my 1a3e. 9 smile5 an5 s"ook my "ea5. A9 %on?t lie 1or you.C A!an?t you make t"e Eom8ies lieBC A$"e 5ea5 are )ery "onest@ 7r. Stirlin-. $"ey 5on?t lie.C He took a step to%ar5s me@ 1a3e )ery sin3ere. A7y entire 1uture is ri5in- on you@ 7s. Blake.C A/o@ 7r. Stirlin-@ your 1uture ri5es on t"e 5ea5 at your 1eet. ="ate)er 3omes out o1 t"eir mout"s %ill 5e3i5e it.C He no55e5. A9 suppose t"at is 1air.C A'air or not@ it?s t"e trut".C He no55e5 a-ain. Some li-"t "a5 -one out o1 "is 1a3e@ like someone "a5 turne5 5o%n t"e po%er. $"e lines in "is 1a3e %ere su55enly 3learer. He a-e5 ten years in a 1e% se3on5s. ="en "e met my -aEe@ "is 5ramati3 eyes %ere %oe1ul. A9?ll -i)e you a pie3e o1 t"e pro1its@ 7s. Blake. Dou 3oul5 8e a 8illionaire in a 1e% years.C ADou kno% 8ri8in- %on?t %ork.C A9 kne% it %oul5n?t %ork >ust a 1e% minutes a1ter %e met@ 8ut 9 "a5 to try.C ADou really 5o 8elie)e t"is is t"e Bou)ier 1amily plot@ 5on?t youBC 9 aske5. He took a 5eep 8reat" an5 %alke5 a%ay 1rom me to -aEe o11 at t"e trees. He %asn?t -oin- to ans%er my ;uestion@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t "a)e to. He %oul5n?t 8e so 5esperate i1 "e 5i5n?t 8elie)e "e %as s3re%e5. A="y %on?t t"e Bou)iers sellBC He -lan3e5 8a3k at me. A9 5on?t kno%.C ALook@ Stirlin-@ t"ere are >ust t"e t%o o1 us up "ere@ no8o5y to impress@ no %itnesses. Dou kno% %"y t"ey %on?t sell. Hust tell me.C A9 5on?t kno%@ 7s. Blake@C "e sai5. ADou?re a 3ontrol 1reak@ 7r. Stirlin-. Dou?)e o)erseen e)ery 5etail o1 t"is 5eal. Dou "a)e personally seen t"at e)ery Fi? %as 5otte5@ e)ery Ft? 3rosse5. $"is is your 8a8y. Dou kno% e)eryt"in- a8out t"e Bou)iers an5 t"eir pro8lem. Hust tell me.C He >ust looke5 at me. His pale eyes %ere opa;ue@ empty as a %in5o% %it" no one "ome. He kne%@ 8ut "e %asn?t -oin- to tell me. ="yB A="at 5o you kno% a8out t"e Bou)iersBC A$"e lo3als t"ink t"ey?re %it3"es. $"ey 5o a little 1ortune2tellin-@ a 1e% "armless spells.C $"ere %as somet"in- a8out t"e %ay "e sai5 it@ too 3asual@ too o11"an5. 7a5e me %ant to meet t"e Bou)iers in person. A$"ey any -oo5 at ma-i3BC 9 aske5. AHo% am 9 suppose5 to kno%BC 9 s"ru--e5. AHust 3urious. 9s t"ere a reason %"y it "a5 to 8e t"is mountainBC ALook at it.C He sprea5 "is arms %i5e. A9t?s per1e3t. 9t is per1e3t.C A9t is a -reat )ie%@C 9 sai5. ABut %oul5n?t t"e )ie% 8e e;ually -oo5 o)er on t"at mountaintopB ="y 5i5 you "a)e to "a)e t"is oneB ="y 5i5 you "a)e to "a)e t"e Bou)iers? mountainBC His s"oul5ers slumpe5G t"en "e strai-"tene5 an5 -lare5 at me. A9 %ante5 t"is lan5@ an5 9 -ot it.C

ADou -ot it. $ri3k is@ <aymon5@ 3an you keep itBC A91 you are not -oin- to "elp me@ t"en 5on?t taunt me. An5 5on?t 3all me <aymon5.C 9 opene5 my mout" to say somet"in- else an5 my 8eeper %ent o11. 9 1is"e5 un5er t"e 3o)erall 1or it@ an5 3"e3ke5 t"e num8er. AS"it@C 9 sai5. A="at?s %ron-BC A9?m 8ein- pa-e5 8y t"e poli3e. 9?)e -ot to -et to a p"one.C He 1ro%ne5 at me. A="y %oul5 t"e poli3e 8e 3allin- youBC So mu3" 1or 8ein- a "ouse"ol5 name. A9?m t"e le-al )ampire e*e3utioner 1or a t"ree2state area. 9?m atta3"e5 to t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam.C He %as lookin- )ery stea5ily at me. ADou surprise me@ 7s. Blake. /ot many people 5o t"at.C A9 nee5 to 1in5 a p"one.C A9 "a)e a porta8le %it" a 8attery pa3k at t"e 8ottom o1 t"is 5amne5 "ill.C AGreat. 9?m rea5y to "ea5 5o%n i1 you are.C He 5i5 one last turn@ takin- in t"at 8reat"2stealin- 8illion25ollar )ie%. ADes@ 9?m rea5y to -o 5o%n.C 9t %as an interestin- 3"oi3e o1 %or5s@ a 'reu5ian slip you mi-"t say. Stirlin- "a5 %ante5 t"is lan5 1or some per)erse reason. 7ay8e 8e3ause "e %as tol5 "e 3oul5n?t "a)e it. Some people are like t"at. $"e more you say no@ t"e more t"ey %ant you. 9t remin5e5 me o1 a 3ertain master )ampire 9 kne%. $oni-"t 9?5 %alk t"e lan5@ )isit %it" t"e 5ea5. 9t %oul5 pro8a8ly 8e tomorro% ni-"t 8e1ore 9 a3tually trie5 to raise t"em. 91 t"e poli3e matter %as pressin- enou-"@ it mi-"t 8e lon-er. 9 "ope5 it %asn?t pressin-. Pressin- usually meant 5ea5 8o5ies. ="en t"e monsters are in)ol)e5@ it?s ne)er >ust one 5ea5 8o5y. #ne %ay or anot"er@ t"e 5ea5 multiply.

Chapter Five
=e -ot 8a3k to t"e )alley. $"e 3onstru3tion 3re% %as -one e*3ept 1or Beau t"e 1oreman. 7s. Harrison an5 Bayar5 stoo5 ne*t to t"e "eli3opter@ as i1 "u55lin- a-ainst t"e %il5erness. Larry an5 t"e pilot stoo5 to one si5e@ smokin-@ s"arin- t"at 3omra5ery o1 all people %"o are 5etermine5 to 8la3ken t"eir lun-s. Stirlin- %alke5 to%ar5s t"em all@ "is stri5e 1irm an5 3on1i5ent on3e more. He?5 le1t "is 5ou8ts on top o1 t"e mountain. or so it seeme5. He %as t"e imper)ious senior partner on3e more. 9llusion is all. ABayar5@ -et t"e p"one. 7s. Blake nee5s to use it.C Bayar5 -a)e a startle5 little >ump. like "e?5 8een 3au-"t 5oin- somet"in- "e s"oul5n?t "a)e. 7s. Harrison looke5 a little 1lus"e5. =as t"ere roman3e in t"e airB An5 %as t"at not allo%e5B /o 1raterniEin- amon- t"e 1lunkies. Bayar5 ran o11 a3ross t"e 5irt to%ar5s t"e last 3ar. He 1et3"e5 %"at looke5 like a small@ 8la3k leat"er 8a3kpa3k %it" a "an5le. He pulle5 a p"one out an5 "an5e5 it to me. 9t looke5 like an antennae5 %alkie2talkie. Larry %alke5 o)er smellin- o1 smoke. A="at?s upBC A9 -ot 8eepe5.C ABertBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. APoli3e.C 9 %alke5 a little %ays 1rom our -roup. Larry %as polite enou-" to stay %it" t"em@ t"ou-" "e 5i5n?t "a)e to. 9 5iale5 4olp"?s num8er. 4ete3ti)e Ser-eant <u5ol1 Storr %as "ea5 o1 t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam. He ans%ere5 on t"e se3on5 rin-. AAnitaBC ADea"@ 4olp"@ it?s me. ="at?s upBC A$"ree 5ea5 8o5ies.C A$"reeB S"it@C 9 sai5. ADea"@C "e sai5. A9 3an?t 8e t"ere soon@ 4olp".C ADes@ you 3an@C "e sai5. $"ere %as somet"in- in "is )oi3e. A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC A$"e )i3tims are ri-"t near you.C A/ear BransonBC

A$%enty21i)e minutes east o1 Branson@C "e sai5. A9?m alrea5y 1orty miles 1rom Branson in t"e mi55le o1 1reakin- no%"ere.C A$"e mi55le o1 no%"ere is %"ere t"is one is@C 4olp" sai5. AAre you -uys 1lyin- upBC 9 aske5. A/o@ %e -ot a )ampire )i3tim in to%n.C AHesus@ are t"e ot"er t"ree )amp )i3timsBC A9 5on?t t"ink so@C "e sai5. A="at 5o you mean@ you 5on?t t"ink soBC 9 aske5. A7issouri State Hi-"%ay Patrol "as t"is one. Ser-eant 'reemont is t"e in)esti-ator in 3"ar-e. S"e 5oesn?t t"ink it %as a )ampire 8e3ause t"e 8o5ies are 3ut up. Pie3es o1 t"e 8o5ies are missin-. 9 "a5 to 5o a lot o1 tap 5an3in- to -et t"at mu3" in1ormation out o1 "er. Ser-eant 'reemont seems 3on)in3e5 t"at <P9$ is -oin- to 3ome in an5 steal all t"e -lory. S"e %as parti3ularly %orrie5 a8out our "ea5line2stealin- pet Eom8ie ;ueen.C A9t?s t"e pet part t"at 9 min5 t"e most@C 9 sai5. ABut s"e soun5s 3"armin-.C A9?ll 8et s"e?s e)en more 3"armin- in person@C 4olp" sai5. AAn5 9 -et to meet "erBC AGi)en t"e 3"oi3e 8et%een a lar-e 3"unk o1 t"e s;ua5 3omin- 5o%n later an5 >ust you ri-"t no%@ s"e 3"ose you. 9 t"ink s"e sees you alone@ %it"out us to 8a3k you up@ as t"e lesser e)il.C A/i3e to 8e t"e lesser e)il 1or a 3"an-e@C 9 sai5. ADou mi-"t -et up-ra5e5@C 4olp" sai5. AS"e 5oesn?t kno% you too %ell yet.C A$"anks 1or t"e )ote o1 3on1i5en3e. Let me test my un5erstan5in- "ere. /one o1 you are 3omin- up to t"e s3eneBC A/ot ri-"t a%ay. Dou kno% %e?re s"ort"an5e5 until Ker8ro%ski -ets 8a3k on 5uty.C A="at 5oes t"e 7issouri State Hi-"%ay Patrol t"ink a8out a 3i)ilian "elpin- t"em in a mur5er in)esti-ationBC A9 ma5e it 3lear t"at you are a )alua8le mem8er o1 my s;ua5.C A$"anks 1or t"e 3ompliment@ 8ut 9 still 5on?t "a)e a 8a5-e to 1las".C ADou may i1 t"at ne% 1e5eral la% -oes into e11e3t@C 4olp" sai5. A4on?t remin5 me.C A4on?t you %ant to 8e a 1e5eral mars"alBC His )oi3e %as )ery mil5. /a"@ amuse5. A9 a-ree5 t"ey s"oul5 li3ense us@ 8ut -i)in- us %"at amounts to 1e5eral mars"al status is ri5i3ulous.C ADou 3oul5 "an5le it.C ABut %"o elseB Ho"n Burke %it" t"e po%er o1 t"e la% 8e"in5 "imB Gi)e me a 8reak.C A9t %on?t -et passe5@ Anita. $"e pro2)ampire lo88y is too stron-.C A'rom your lips to Go5?s ear. :nless t"ey re)oke t"e nee5 1or 3ourt or5ers o1 e*e3ution@ it %on?t make killin- t"em any easier@ an5 t"ey %on?t 5o t"at. 9?)e alrea5y -one out o1 state to e*e3ute )amps. 9 5on?t nee5 no stinkin- 8a5-e.C 4olp" lau-"e5. A91 you run into trou8le@ -i)e a yell.C A9 really 5on?t like t"is@ 4olp". 9?m out "ere in)esti-atin- a mur5er %it"out any o11i3ial status.C ASee@ you 5o nee5 a 8a5-e.C 9 "ear5 "im si-" o)er t"e p"one. ALook@ Anita@ 9 %oul5n?t lea)e you solo i1 %e 5i5n?t "a)e pro8lems o1 our o%n. 9?)e -ot a 8o5y on t"e -roun5 "ere. ="en 9 3an@ 9?ll sen5 some8o5y. Hell@ 9?5 like you to 3ome take a look at our 3orpse. Dou?re our resi5ent monster e*pert.C AGi)e me some 5etails an5 9?ll try to play Kreskin.C A7ale@ early t%enties@ ri-or "asn?t set in.C A="ere?s t"e 8o5yBC AHis apartment.C AHo%?5 you -et t"ere so soonBC A/ei-"8or "ear5 a 1i-"t@ 3alle5 911. $"ey 3alle5 us.C AGi)e me "is name.C A're5ri3k 7i3"ael Summers@ 're55y Summers.C AHe -ot any ol5 )ampire 8ites on "is 8o5yB Heale5 8itesBC

ADea"@ ;uite a 1e%. Looks like a 5amn pin3us"ion. Ho%?5 you kno%BC A="at?s t"e 1irst rule o1 a "omi3i5eBC 9 sai5. ADou 3"e3k t"e nearest an5 5earest. 91 "e "a5 a )amp lo)er@ t"ere?5 8e "eate5 8ite marks. $"e more o1 t"em@ t"e lon-er t"e relations"ip "as -one on. /o )amp 3an 8ite a )i3tim t"ree times %it"in a mont" %it"out runnin- t"e risk o1 killin- t"em an5 raisin- t"em as a )amp. Dou 3an "a)e 5i11erent )amps 8ite some8o5y@ 8ut t"at %oul5 make 're55y a )ampire >unkie. Ask t"e nei-"8ors i1 t"ere %ere a lot o1 5i11erent -uys or -irls -oin- in an5 out at ni-"t.C A9t ne)er o33urre5 to me t"at a )ampire 3oul5 8e someone?s nearest an5 5earest@C 4olp" sai5. ALe-ally@ t"ey?re people. 7eans t"ey -et to "a)e s%eet"earts@ too.C A9?ll 3"e3k t"e 8ite ra5iuses@C 4olp" sai5@ A91 t"ey mat3" one )amp@ a lo)erG 5i11erent ones@ an5 our 8oy %as 5oin- -roups.C AHope 1or a lo)er@C 9 sai5. A91 it?s all one )amp@ "e mi-"t e)en rise 1rom t"e 5ea5.C A7ost )amps kno% enou-" to slit t"e t"roat or take t"e "ea5@C "e sai5. A4oesn?t soun5 %ell planne5. !rime o1 passion@ may8e.C A7ay8e. 'reemont is "ol5in- t"e 8o5ies 1or you. ,a-erly a%aitin- your e*pertise.C A9 8et.C A4on?t 8ust 'reemont?s 8alls on t"is@ Anita.C A9 %on?t start anyt"in-@ 4olp".C ABe polite@C "e sai5. AAl%ays@C 9 sai5 in my mil5est )oi3e. He si-"e5. A$ry to remem8er t"at t"e staties may ne)er "a)e seen 8o5ies %it" pie3es missin-.C 9t %as my turn to si-". A9?ll 8e -oo5@ s3out?s "onor. 4o you "a)e 5ire3tionsBC 9 -ot a small note8ook %it" a pen stu3k in its spiral top out o1 a po3ket o1 t"e 3o)erall. 9?5 starte5 3arryin- note8ooks >ust 1or su3" o33asions. He -a)e me %"at 'reemont "a5 -i)en "im. A91 you see anyt"in- 1is"y at t"e 3rime s3ene@ keep t"e s3ene inta3t an5 9?ll try to sen5 some people 5o%n. #t"er%ise@ look o)er t"e )i3tim@ -i)e t"e staties your opinion@ an5 let t"em 5o t"eir >o8.C ADou really t"ink 'reemont %oul5 let me 3lose up "er s"op an5 1or3e "er to %ait 1or <P9$BC Silen3e 1or a se3on5G t"en@ A4o t"e 8est you 3an@ Anita. !all i1 %e 3an 5o anyt"in- 1rom t"is en5.C ADea"@ sure.C A9?5 rat"er "a)e you on a mur5er t"an a lot o1 t"e 3ops 9 kno%@C 4olp" sai5. $"at %as a )ery 8i- 3ompliment 3omin- 1rom 4olp". He is t"e %orl5?s ultimate poli3eman. A$"anks@ 4olp".C 9 %as talkin- to empty air. 4olp" "a5 "un- up. He %as al%ays 5oin- t"at. 9 "it t"e 8utton@ turnin- t"e p"one o11@ an5 >ust stoo5 t"ere 1or a minute. 9 5i5n?t like 8ein- out "ere in un1amiliar territory %it" un1amiliar poli3e@ an5 partially eaten )i3tims. Han-in- aroun5 %it" t"e Spook S;ua5 le-itimiEe5 me. 9?5 e)en pulle5 t"at A9?m %it" t"e s;ua5C at 3rime s3enes. 9 "a5 a little 94 8a5-e t"at 3lippe5 to my 3lot"es. 9t %asn?t a poli3e 8a5-e@ 8ut it 5i5 look o11i3ial. But preten5in- on "ome tur1@ %"ere 9 kne% 9 3oul5 run to 4olp" i1 9 -ot in trou8le 1or it@ %as one t"in-G out "ere %it" no 8a3kup %as anot"er story. $"e poli3e "a)e a8solutely no sense o1 "umor a8out 3i)ilians me55lin- in t"eir "omi3i5e 3ases. !an?t really 8lame t"em. 9 %asn?t really a 3i)ilian@ 8ut 9 "a5 no o11i3ial status. /o 3lout. 7ay8e t"e ne% la% %oul5 8e a -oo5 t"in-. 9 s"ook my "ea5. $"eoreti3ally@ 9?5 8e a8le to -o into any poli3e station in t"e 3ountry an5 5eman5 "elp@ or in)ol)e mysel1 unin)ite5 in any 3ase. $"eoreti3ally. 9n t"e real %orl5@ t"e 3ops %oul5 "ate it. 9?5 8e as %el3ome as a %et 5o- on a 3ol5 ni-"t. /ot 1e5eral@ not lo3al@ an5 t"ere %eren?t enou-" li3ense5 )amp e*e3utioners in t"e 3ountry to 1ill a 5oEen slots. 9 3oul5 only name ei-"t o1 usG t%o o1 t"ose %ere retire5. 7ost o1 t"em spe3ialiEe5 in )ampires. 9 %as one o1 t"e 1e% %"o %oul5 look at ot"er types o1 kills. $"ere %as talk o1 t"e ne% la% 8ein- e*pan5e5 to in3lu5e all preternatural kills. 7ost o1 t"e )ampire e*e3utioners %oul5 8e out o1 t"eir 5ept". 9t %as an in1ormal apprenti3es"ip. 9 "a5 a 3olle-e 5e-ree in preternatural 8iolo-y@ 8ut t"at %asn?t 3ommon. 7ost o1 t"e ro-ue ly3ant"ropes@ o33asional trolls run amok@ an5 ot"er more soli5 8easties %ere taken out 8y 8ounty "unters. But t"e ne% la% %oul5n?t -i)e spe3ial po%ers to 8ounty "unters. Vampire e*e3utioners@ most o1 t"em@ %orke5 )ery stri3tly %it"in t"e 3on1ines o1 t"e la%. #r may8e %e >ust "a5 8etter press. 9?5 8een s3reamin- a8out )amps 8ein- monsters 1or years. But until a senator?s 5au-"ter -ot "ersel1 atta3ke5 >ust a 1e% %eeks a-o@ no8o5y 5i5 s"it. /o% su55enly it?s a 3ause 3ele8re. $"e le-itimate )ampire 3ommunity 5eli)ere5 t"e suppose5 atta3ker in a sa3k to t"e senator?s "ome. $"ey le1t "is "ea5 an5 torso inta3t@ %"i3" meant e)en %it"out arms an5 le-s "e %oul5n?t 5ie. He 3on1esse5 to t"e atta3k. He?5 8een t"e ne% 5ea5 an5 >ust -ot 3arrie5 a%ay on a 5ate@ like any ot"er t%enty2one2year2ol5 re528loo5e5 male. Dea"@ ri-"t. $"e lo3al "itter@ Geral5 7allory@ "a5 5one t"e e*e3ution. He?s 8ase5 out o1 =as"in-ton@ 4.!. He "as to 8e in "is si*ties no%. He still uses a stake an5 "ammer. !an you 8elie)e itB

$"ere "a5 8een some talk t"at 3uttin- o11 t"eir arms an5 le-s %oul5 allo% us to keep )amps in >ail. $"is %as )etoe5 mainly on t"e -roun5s o1 3ruel an5 unusual punis"ment. 9t also %oul5n?t "a)e %orke5@ not 1or t"e really ol5 )ampires. 9t isn?t >ust t"eir 8o5ies t"at are 5an-erous. Besi5es@ 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e in torture. 91 3uttin- someone?s arms an5 le-s o11 an5 puttin- t"em in a little 8o* 1or all eternity isn?t torture@ 9 5on?t kno% %"at is. 9 %alke5 8a3k to t"e -roup. 9 "an5e5 t"e p"one to Bayar5. A9 "ope it isn?t 8a5 ne%s@C "e sai5. A/ot personally@C 9 sai5. He looke5 puEEle5. /ot an un3ommon o33urren3e 1or Lionel. 9 talke5 5ire3tly to Stirlin-. A9?)e -ot to -o to a 3rime s3ene near "ere. 9s t"ere somepla3e to rent a 3arBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 sai5 you?5 "a)e a 3ar an5 5ri)er %"ile you %ere "ere. 9 meant it.C A$"anks. 9?m not so sure a8out t"e 5ri)er@ t"ou-". $"is is a 3rime s3ene t"ey %on?t %ant 3i)ilians "an-in- aroun5.C AA 3ar@ t"enG no 5ri)er. Lionel@ see t"at 7s. Blake -ets anyt"in- s"e %ants.C ADes@ sir.C A9?ll meet you 8a3k "ere at 1ull 5ark@ 7s. Blake.C A9?ll 8e "ere at 5usk i1 9 3an@ 7r. Stirlin-@ 8ut t"e poli3e matter takes pre3e5en3e.C He 1ro%ne5 at me. ADou are %orkin- 1or me@ 7s. Blake.C ADes@ 8ut 9?m also a li3ense5 )ampire e*e3utioner. !ooperation %it" t"e lo3al poli3e takes pre3e5en3e.C ASo it?s a )ampire killBC A9 am not 1ree to s"are poli3e in1ormation %it" anyone@C 9 sai5. But 9 3urse5 mysel1. By 8rin-in- up t"e %or5 A)ampire@C 9?5 starte5 a rumor t"at %oul5 -ro% %it" t"e tellin-. 4amn. A9 3an?t lea)e t"e in)esti-ation early >ust to 3ome look at your mountain. 9?ll 8e "ere %"en 9 3an. 9?ll 5e1initely look t"e 5ea5 o)er 8e1ore 5ayli-"t@ so you %on?t really lose any time.C He 5i5n?t like it@ 8ut "e let it -o. A'ine@ 7s. Blake. 9 %ill %ait "ere 1or you e)en i1 it takes all ni-"t. 9?m 3urious a8out %"at you 5o. 9?)e ne)er seen a Eom8ie raise5 8e1ore.C A9 %on?t raise t"e 5ea5 toni-"t@ 7r. Stirlin-. =e?)e 8een o)er t"at.C A#1 3ourse.C He >ust looke5 at me. 'or some reason it %as "ar5 to meet "is pale eyes. 9 ma5e mysel1 meet "is -aEe an5 5i5n?t look a%ay@ 8ut it %as an e11ort. 9t %as like "e %as %illin- me to 5o somet"in-@ tryin- to 3ompel me %it" "is eyes like a )ampire. But a )ampire@ e)en a little one@ "e %as not. He 8linke5 an5 %alke5 a%ay %it"out sayin- anot"er %or5. 7s. Harrison to55le5 a1ter "im in "er "i-" "eels on t"e une)en -roun5. Beau no55e5 at me an5 1ollo%e5. 9 -uess t"ey?5 all 3ome in t"e same 3ar. #r may8e Beau %as Stirlin-?s 5ri)er. ="at a >oyous >o8 t"at must 8e. A=e?ll 1ly you to t"e "otel %"ere %e 8ooke5 your rooms. Dou 3an unpa3k@ an5 9?ll "a)e a 3ar 8rou-"t aroun5 1or you@C Bayar5 sai5. A/o unpa3kin-@ >ust a 3ar. 7ur5er s3enes a-e 1ast@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. AAs you like. 91 you?ll -et 8a3k into t"e "eli3opter@ %e?ll 8e o11.C 9t %asn?t until 9 %as takin- o11 t"e 3o)eralls an5 repa3kin- 8ot" o1 t"em t"at 9 realiEe5 9 3oul5 "a)e -one %it" 7r. Stirlin-. 9 3oul5 "a)e 5ri)en out o1 "ere@ instea5 o1 1lyin-. S"it.

Chapter Six
Bayar5 "a5 -otten us a 8la3k Heep %it" 8la3k2tinte5 %in5o%s an5 more 8ells an5 %"istles t"an 9 3oul5 e)en -uess at. 9?5 8een %orrie5 t"ey?5 sa55le me %it" a !a5illa3 or somet"in- e;ually ri5i3ulous. Bayar5 "a5 -i)en me t"e keys %it" t"e 3omment@ ASome o1 t"ese roa5s are not e)en pa)e5. 9 t"ou-"t you mi-"t nee5 somet"in- more su8stantial t"an >ust a 3ar.C 9 resiste5 t"e ur-e to pat "im on t"e "ea5 an5 say AGoo5 1lunkie.C Hell@ "e?5 ma5e a -reat 3"oi3e. 7ay8e "e?5 make 1ull partner some5ay a1ter all. $"e trees ma5e lon-@ t"in s"a5o%s a3ross t"e roa5. 9n t"e )alleys 8et%een mountains@ t"e sunli-"t "a5 so1tene5 to a late2a1ternoon "aEe. =e mi-"t make it 8a3k to t"e -ra)eyar5 8y 1ull 5ark. Des@ %e. Larry sat 8esi5e me in "is %rinkle5 8lue suit. $"e 3ops %oul5n?t min5 "is 3"eap suit. 7y out1it@ on t"e ot"er "an5@ mi-"t raise a 1e% eye8ro%s. $"ere aren?t many 1emale 3ops out in t"e 8oonies. An5 1e%er %"o %ear s"ort re5 skirts. 9 %as 8e-innin- to really re-ret my 3"oi3e o1 3lot"es. 9nse3ureJ %"o@ meB

Larry?s 1a3e %as s"iny %it" e*3itement. His eyes sparkle5 like a ki5?s on !"ristmas 4ay. He %as 5rummin- "is 1in-ers on t"e armrest. /er)ous tension. AHo% you 5oin-BC A9?)e ne)er 8een to a mur5er s3ene 8e1ore@C "e sai5. A$"ere?s al%ays a 1irst time.C A$"anks 1or lettin- me 3ome alon-.C AHust remem8er t"e rules.C He lau-"e5. A4on?t tou3" anyt"in-. 4on?t %alk t"rou-" t"e 8loo5. 4on?t speak unless spoken to.C He 1ro%ne5. A="y t"e lastB 9 un5erstan5 all t"e ot"ers@ 8ut %"y 3an?t 9 talkBC A9?m a mem8er o1 t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam. Dou?re not. 91 you -o aroun5 sayin- -olly -ee %"iE a 5ea5 8o5y@ t"ey may 3at3" on.C A9 %on?t em8arrass you.C He soun5e5 insulte5G t"en a t"ou-"t o33urre5 to "im. AAre %e impersonatin- poli3e o11i3ersBC A/o. Keep repeatin- 9?m a mem8er o1 t"e Spook S;ua5@ 9?m a mem8er o1 t"e Spook S;ua5@ 9?m a mem8er o1 t"e Spook S;ua5.C ABut 9?m not@C "e sai5. A$"at?s %"y 9 5on?t %ant you talkin-.C A#"@C "e sai5. He settle5 8a3k into "is seat@ a little o1 t"e s"ine 5immin- aroun5 t"e e5-es. A9?)e ne)er a3tually seen a 1res"ly 5ea5 8o5y 8e1ore.C ADou raise t"e 5ea5 1or a li)in-@ Larry. Dou see 3orpses all t"e time.C A9t?s not t"e same t"in-@ Anita.C He soun5e5 -rumpy. 9 -lan3e5 at "im. He "a5 slumpe5 5o%n as 1ar into t"e seat as t"e seat 8elt %oul5 allo%@ arms 3rosse5 o)er "is 3"est. =e %ere at t"e 3rest o1 a "ill. A 8an5 o1 sunli-"t 1ell like an e*plosion o)er "is oran-e "air. His 8lue eyes looke5 translu3ent 1or a moment as %e passe5 1rom li-"t into s"a5o%. He looke5 all s3run3"e5 an5 sulky. AHa)e you e)er seen a 5ea5 person outsi5e o1 a 1uneral or a 1res"ly raise5 Eom8ieBC He %as ;uiet 1or a minute. 9 3on3entrate5 on 5ri)in-@ lettin- t"e silen3e 1ill t"e Heep. 9t %as a 3om1orta8le silen3e@ at least 1or me. A/o@C "e sai5 at last. He soun5e5 like a little 8oy %"o "a5 8een tol5 "e 3oul5n?t -o outsi5e an5 play. A9?m not al%ays -oo5 aroun5 1res" 8o5ies eit"er@C 9 sai5. He looke5 at me sort o1 si5e%ays. A="at 5o you meanBC 9t %as my turn to s3run3" into t"e seat. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e an5 sat up strai-"ter. A9 t"re% up on a mur5er )i3tim on3e.C ,)en sayin- it )ery 1ast@ it %as still em8arrassin-. Larry s3oote5 up in "is seat@ -rinnin-. ADou?re >ust tellin- me t"at to make me 1eel 8etter.C A=oul5 9 tell a story like t"at a8out mysel1 i1 it %asn?t trueBC 9 aske5. ADou really t"re% up on a 8o5y at a 3rime s3eneBC ADou 5on?t "a)e to soun5 so "appy a8out it@C 9 sai5. He -i--le5. 9 s%ear "e -i--le5. A9 5on?t t"ink 9?ll t"ro% up on t"e 8o5y.C 9 s"ru--e5. A$"ree 8o5ies@ %it" parts missin-. 4on?t make promises you 3an?t keep.C He s%allo%e5 lou5 enou-" 1or me to "ear it. A="at 5o t"ey mean@ parts missin-.C A=e?ll 1in5 out@C 9 sai5. A$"is isn?t part o1 your >o8 5es3ription@ Larry. 9 -et pai5 1or "elpin- t"e 3opsG you 5on?t.C A=ill it 8e a%1ulBC His )oi3e %as lo%@ un3ertain. !"oppe52up 8o5ies. =as "e ki55in-B A9 5on?t kno% until %e -et t"ere.C ABut %"at 5o you t"inkBC He %as starin- at me )ery earnestly. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e roa5@ t"en at Larry. He looke5 )ery solemn@ like a relati)e %"o?5 aske5 t"e 5o3tor 1or t"e trut". 91 "e %oul5 8e 8ra)e@ 9 3oul5 8e trut"1ul. ADea"@ it?ll 8e a%1ul.C

Chapter Seven
9t %as a%1ul. Larry "a5 mana-e5 to sta--er 1rom t"e 3rime s3ene 8e1ore "e t"re% up. $"e only 3om1ort 9 3oul5 o11er "im %as t"at "e %asn?t t"e only one. Some o1 t"e 3ops %ere lookin- a little -reen aroun5 t"e e5-es@ too. 9 "a5n?t t"ro%n up yet@ 8ut 9 %as keepin- it as an option 1or later. $"e 8o5ies lay in a small "ollo% near t"e 8ase o1 a "ill. $"e -roun5 %as nearly knee25eep %it" lea)es. /o8o5y rakes in t"e %oo5s. $"e 5rou-"t "a5 5rie5 t"e lea)es to a 1ine@ 8itin- 3run3" un5er1oot. $"e "ollo% %as rin-e5 8y nake5 trees an5 8us"es %it" 8ran3"es like t"in 8ro%n %"ips. ="en t"e lea)es 3ame out@ t"e "ollo% %oul5 8e "i55en on all si5es. $"e 8o5y nearest to me %as a 8lon5 man %it" "air 3ut so s"ort it looke5 like an ol51as"ione5 8ut3". Bloo5 poole5 aroun5 t"e eye8alls@ 1lo%in- 1rom t"em 5o%n t"e 1a3e. $"ere %as somet"in- %ron- %it" t"e 1a3e@ 8esi5es t"e eyes@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t ;uite 1i-ure out %"at. 9 knelt in t"e 5ry lea)es@ -la5 t"at t"e le- o1 t"e 3o)erall %as prote3tin- my "ose 1rom t"e lea)es an5 t"e 8loo5. Bloo5 "a5 poole5 to eit"er si5e o1 t"e 8oy?s 1a3e@ soakin- into t"e lea)es. $"e 8loo5 "a5 5rie5 to a ta3ky maroon su8stan3e. 9t looke5 like t"e teena-er?s eyes "a5 8een 3ryin- 5ark tears. 9 tou3"e5 t"e tip o1 my -lo)e5 1in-ers to t"e 8lon5?s 3"in. 9t mo)e5 in a 8oneless@ %i--lin- mo)ement t"at 3"ins %ere not meant to 5o. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5 an5 trie5 to take s"allo% 8reat"s. 9 %as -la5 it %as still sprin-. 91 t"e 8o5ies "a5 8een sittin- t"is lon- in 1ull summer "eat@ t"ey?5 "a)e 8een ripe in more %ays t"an one. !ool %eat"er %as a 8lessin-. 9 put my "an5s in t"e lea)es an5 8ent 1rom t"e %aist in an a%k%ar5 sort o1 pus"2up motion. 9 %as tryin- to see un5er "is 3"in %it"out mo)in- t"e 8o5y a-ain. $"ere@ nearly lost in t"e 8loo5 on t"e ne3k@ %as a pun3ture mark. A pun3ture mark %i5er t"an my outsprea5 "an5. 9?5 seen kni1e %oun5s an5 3la% marks t"at 3oul5 make a similar %oun5@ 8ut it %as too 8i1or a kni1e an5 too 3lean 1or a 3la%. Besi5es@ %"at t"e "ell "a5 a 3la% t"at 8i-B 9t looke5 like a massi)e 8la5e "a5 8een s"o)e5 un5er t"e 8lon5?s 3"in@ 3lose enou-" to t"e 1ront o1 "is 1a3e to sli3e t"e eyes up 1rom insi5e t"e "ea5. $"at?s %"y t"e eyes %ere 8lee5in-@ 8ut still looke5 inta3t. $"e s%or5 "a5 nearly pulle5 t"e 8lon5?s 1a3e o11 "is skull. 9 ran my -lo)e5 1in-ers o)er t"e 8lon5?s s"ort "air an5 1oun5 %"at 9 %as lookin- 1or. $"e tip o1 t"e s%or5@ i1 t"at?s %"at it %as@ "a5 3ome out t"e top o1 "is "ea5. $"en t"e 8la5e "a5 8een %it"5ra%n an5 t"e 8lon5 "a5 5roppe5 to t"e lea)es. 4ea5@ 9 "ope5@ 8ut 5yin- 9 %as sure o1. His le-s %ere missin- >ust 8elo% t"e "ip >oint. $"ere %as almost no 8loo5 %"ere t"e le-s "a5 8een 8ise3te5. $"ey?5 8een 3ut o11 a1ter "e?5 5ie5. Small 8lessin-@ t"at. He?5 5ie5 relati)ely ;ui3kly@ an5 "a5 not 8een torture5. $"ere %ere %orse %ays to 5ie. 9 knelt 8y t"e stu8s o1 "is le-s. $"e le1t 8one "a5 8een 3ut 3lean %it" one 8lo%. $"e ri-"t 8one "a5 splintere5@ as i1 t"e s%or5 stru3k 1rom t"e le1t si5e@ 3ut t"e le1t 3leanly@ 8ut only -ot a pie3e o1 t"e ri-"t le-. A se3on5 8lo% "a5 8een nee5e5 to se)er t"e ri-"t le-. ="y take t"e le-sB A trop"yB 7ay8e. Serial killers took trop"ies@ 3lot"in-@ personal items@ a 8o5y part. 7ay8e a trop"yB $"e ot"er t%o 8oys %ere s"orter@ neit"er o1 t"em o)er 1i)e 1eet. Doun-er may8e@ may8e not. $"ey %ere 8ot" small an5 5ark2"aire5@ slen5er. Pro8a8ly t"e kin5 o1 8oys %"o looke5 pretty rat"er t"an "an5some 8ut@ 1rankly@ it %as "ar5 to tell. #ne lay on "is 8a3k almost opposite 1rom t"e 8lon5. #ne 8ro%n eye stare5 up at t"e sky@ -lassy an5 immo8ile@ some"o% unreal like t"e eyes o1 a ta*i5ermy animal. $"e rest o1 "is 1a3e %as sli3e5 in t%o "u-e -apin- 1urro%s@ as i1 t"e tip o1 t"e s%or5 "a5 8een use5 3omin- an5 -oin- like a 8a3k"an5 slap. $"e t"ir5 sli3e "a5 taken out "is ne3k. 9t %as a )ery 3lean %oun5G t"ey all %ere. $"e 5amn s%or5@ or %"ate)er it %as@ %as in3re5i8ly s"arp. But it %as more t"an a -oo5 8la5e. /o "uman 3oul5 "a)e 8een 1ast enou-" to take t"em all %it"out a stru--le. But most 8easties t"at %ill kill a "uman 8ein%on?t pi3k up a %eapon to 5o it. A lot o1 t"in-s %ill 3la% us apart@ or eat us ali)e@ 8ut t"e list o1 preternatural 8ein-s t"at %ill 3ut us up %it" %eapons is pretty small. A troll may tear up a tree an5 %"ap you to 5eat"@ 8ut it %on?t use a 8la5e. /ot only "a5 t"is t"in- use5 a s%or5@ not a 3ommon %eapon@ 8ut it "a5 some skill. $"e 8lo%s to t"e 1a3e "a5n?t kille5 t"e 8oy. ="y 5i5n?t t"e ot"er t%o runB 91 t"e 8lon5 %as kille5 1irst@ %"y 5i5n?t t"is one runB /ot"in- %as 1ast enou-" t"at it 3oul5 take out t"ree teena-e 8oys %it" a s%or5 8e1ore any o1 t"em 3oul5 run. $"ese %ere not ;ui3k 8lo%s. ="oe)er@ or %"ate)er@ "a5 5one t"is "a5 taken some time %it" ea3" kill. But t"ey all a3te5 as i1 t"ey?5 8een "it 8y surprise. $"e 8oy "a5 1allen onto "is 8a3k in t"e lea)es@ "an5s 3lut3"in- at "is t"roat. $"e lea)es "a5 8een s3u11e5 a%ay %"ere "is 1eet "a5 ki3ke5 t"em. 9 took a s"allo% 8reat". 9 5i5n?t %ant to pro8e t"e %oun5s@ 8ut 9 %as 8e-innin- to "a)e a nasty i5ea. 9 knelt an5 tra3e5 t"e ne3k %oun5 %it" my 1in-ertips. $"e e5-es o1 t"e skin %ere so smoot". But it %as still "uman 1les"@ "uman skin@ 8loo5 5rie5 to a t"i3k sti3kiness. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5 an5 3lose5 my eyes an5 let my 1in-ers sear3" 1or %"at 9 t"ou-"t 9?5 1in5. $"e e5-e o1 t"e %oun5 "a5 t%o lips@ startin- a8out mi5%ay. 9 opene5 my eyes an5 tra3e5 t"e 5ou8le %oun5 %it" my 1in-ers. 7y eyes still 3oul5n?t see it. $"ere %as too mu3" 8loo5. #n3e t"e %oun5 %as 3lean@ you?5 see it@ 8ut not "ere@ not like t"is. $"e ne3k "a5 8een sli3e5 t%i3e@ 5eeply. #ne 3ut %as enou-" to kill. ="y t%i3eB Be3ause t"ey %ere "i5in- somet"in- on t"e ne3k. 'an- marks@ may8eB Bein- kille5 8y a )ampire %oul5 e*plain %"y "e "a5n?t trie5 to 3ra%l a%ay. He?5 >ust lain in t"e lea)es an5 ki3ke5 until "e 5ie5.

9 stare5 at t"e last teena-er. He %as 3rumple5 on "is ri-"t si5e. Bloo5 "a5 poole5 un5er "im. He %as so 3ut up t"at at 1irst my eyes 5i5n?t %ant to make sense o1 %"at 9 %as seein-. 9 %ante5 to look a%ay 8e1ore my 8rain 3au-"t up to my eyes@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. ="ere t"e 1a3e s"oul5 "a)e 8een %as >ust a rippe5@ -appin- "ole. $"e 3reature "a5 5one t"e same t"in- to t"is one as to t"e 8lon5@ 8ut it "a5 8een more t"orou-". $"e 1ront o1 t"e skull "a5 8een rippe5 a%ay. 9 -lan3e5 aroun5@ sear3"in- t"e lea)es 1or t"e pie3e o1 8one an5 1les"@ 8ut 5i5n?t see it. 9 "a5 to look 8a3k t"en@ at t"e 8o5y. 9 kne% %"at 9 %as lookin- at no%. 9 like5 it 8etter %"en 9 5i5n?t. $"e 8a3k o1 t"e skull %as 1ull o1 8loo5 an5 -ore@ like a -ruesome 3up@ 8ut t"e 8rain %as -one. $"e 8la5e "a5 sli3e5 "im open a3ross t"e 3"est an5 stoma3". His intestines spille5 out in a t"i3k@ ru88ery mass. ="at 9 t"ou-"t %as "is stoma3" "a5 spille5 out 1rom t"e %oun5 like a 8alloon "al12in1late5. $"e le1t le- "a5 8een 3"oppe5 o11 at t"e "ip >oint. $"e ra--e5 3lot" o1 "is >eans 3lun- to t"e "ole like t"e petals o1 an unopene5 1lo%er. $"e le1t arm "a5 8een rippe5 out >ust 8elo% t"e el8o%. $"e 8one o1 t"e "umerus %as 5ark %it" 5rie5 8loo5@ sti3kin- up at an o55 an-le as i1 t"e entire arm "a5 8een 8roken at t"e s"oul5er an5 no lon-er mo)e5. 7ore )iolent. Ha5 t"is one stru--le5 a littleB 7y eyes 1li3ke5 8a3k to "is 1a3e. 9 5i5n?t %ant to look a-ain@ 8ut 9 "a5n?t really e*amine5 it. $"ere %as somet"in- "orri8ly personal a8out 5is1i-urin- a person?s 1a3e. 91 it "a5 8een "umanly possi8le to 5o all t"is@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 3"e3k t"eir nearest an5 5earest. As a -eneral rule@ only people %"o lo)e you %ill 3ut up your 1a3e. 9t implies passion t"at you 3an?t -et 1rom stran-ers. #ne e*3eption is serial killers. $"ey?re %orkin- t"rou-" a pat"olo-y in %"i3" t"e )i3tims 3an represent someone else. Someone t"at t"e killer "as a personal passion 1or. ="en 3uttin- up t"e 1a3es o1 stran-ers t"ey?5 8e sym8oli3ally 3uttin- up@ say@ a "ate5 1at"er 1i-ure. $"e 1ine 8ones o1 t"e 8oy?s sinus 3a)ities "a5 8een 3ra3ke5 open. $"e ma*illary %as -one@ makin- t"e 1a3e look in3omplete. Part o1 t"e man5i8le %as still t"ere@ 8ut it "a5 8een 3ra3ke5 apart 8a3k to t"e rear molars. Some tri3k o1 8loo5 1lo% "a5 le1t t%o teet" %"ite an5 3lean. #ne o1 t"e teet" "a5 a 1illin- in it. 9 stare5 at t"at ruine5 1a3e. 9?5 8een 5oin- pretty -oo5 at t"inkin- o1 it as so mu3" meat@ >ust 5ea5 meat. But 5ea5 meat 5i5n?t -et 3a)ities@ 5i5n?t -o to 5entists. 9t %as su55enly a teena-er@ or may8e e)en youn-er. 9 %as only >u5-in- on "ei-"t an5 t"e apparent a-e o1 t"e ot"er t%o. 7ay8e t"is one %it" no 1a3e %as a 3"il5@ a tall 3"il5. A little 8oy. $"e sprin- a1ternoon %a)ere5 aroun5 me. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" to stea5y mysel1@ an5 it %as a mistake. 9 -ot a 8i- %"i11 o1 8o%els an5 stale 5eat". 9 s3ram8le5 1or t"e si5e o1 t"e "ollo%. /e)er t"ro% up on t"e mur5er )i3tims. Pisses o11 t"e 3ops. 9 1ell to my knees at t"e top o1 t"e small rise %"ere all t"e 3ops %ere -at"ere5. 9 "a5n?t e*a3tly 1allen so mu3" as t"ro%n mysel1 5o%n. 9 took 5eep@ 3leansin- 8reat"s o1 t"e 3ool air. 9t "elpe5. A small 8reeEe %as 8lo%in- up "ere@ t"innin- out t"e smell o1 5eat". 9t "elpe5 more. !ops o1 all s"apes an5 siEes %ere "u55le5 at t"e top o1 t"e rise. /o8o5y %as spen5in- more time t"an t"ey "a5 to 5o%n amon- t"e 5ea5. $"ere %ere am8ulan3es %aitin- on t"e 5istant roa5@ 8ut e)ery8o5y else "a5 "a5 t"eir pie3e o1 t"e 8o5ies. $"ey "a5 8een )i5eotape5 an5 troope5 t"rou-" %it" t"e 3rime s3ene te3"ni3ians. ,)ery8o5y "a5 5one t"eir >o8@ e*3ept me. AAre you -oin- to 8e si3k@ 7s. BlakeBC $"e )oi3e %as t"at o1 Ser-eant 'reemont@ 4i)ision o1 4ru- an5 !rime !ontrol@ 44U!!2a11e3tionately kno%n as 42!2. Her tone %as -entle 8ut 5isappro)in-. 9 un5erstoo5 t"e tone. =e %ere t"e only t%o %omen at t"e 3rime s3ene@ %"i3" meant %e %ere playin- %it" t"e 8i- 8oys. Dou "a5 to 8e tou-"er t"an t"e men@ stron-er@ 8etter@ or t"ey "el5 it a-ainst you. #r t"ey treate5 you like a -irl. 9 %as 8ettin- Ser-eant 'reemont "a5n?t -otten si3k. S"e %oul5n?t "a)e allo%e5 it. 9 took anot"er 3leansin- 8reat" an5 let it out. 9 looke5 up at "er. 'rom my knees s"e looke5 e)ery in3" o1 "er 1i)e21oot2 ei-"t. Her "air %as strai-"t@ 5ark@ 3ut >ust 8elo% "er 3"in. $"e en5s %ere 3urle5 un5er to 1rame "er 1a3e. Her pants %ere a 8ri-"t sunny yello%@ >a3ket 8la3k@ 8louse a so1ter yello%. 9 "a5 a -oo5 )ie% o1 "er polis"e5 8la3k loa1ers. $"ere %as a -ol5 %e55in- 8an5 on "er le1t "an5@ 8ut no en-a-ement rin-. 4eep smile lines put "er on t"e 1ar si5e o1 1orty@ 8ut s"e %asn?t smilin- no%. 9 s%allo%e5 on3e more@ tryin- not to taste t"at smell on t"e 8a3k o1 my ton-ue. 9 -ot to my 1eet. A/o@ Ser-eant 'reemont@ 9?m not -oin- to 8e si3k.C 9 %as -la5 t"at it %as true. 9 >ust "ope5 s"e 5i5n?t make me -o 8a3k 5o%n into t"e "ollo%. 9?5 toss my 3ookies i1 9 "a5 to look at t"e 8o5ies a-ain. A="at 5i5 t"atBC s"e aske5. 9 5i5n?t turn an5 look %"ere s"e pointe5. 9 kne% %"at %as 5o%n t"ere. 9 s"ru--e5. A9 5on?t kno%.C Her 8ro%n eyes %ere neutral an5 unrea5a8le@ -oo5 3op eyes. S"e 1ro%ne5. A="at 5o you mean@ you 5on?t kno%B Dou?re suppose5 to 8e t"e monster e*pert.C 9 let t"e Asuppose5 to 8eC -o. S"e "a5n?t 3alle5 me a Eom8ie ;ueen to my 1a3eG in 1a3t s"e?5 8een )ery polite@ 3orre3t@ 8ut t"ere %as no %armt" to it. S"e %asn?t impresse5@ an5 in "er ;uiet %ay@ %it" a look or t"e sli-"test in1le3tion@ s"e let me kno%. 9 %as -oin- to "a)e to pull a )ery 8i- 3orpse out o1 my "at to impress Ser-eant 'reemont@ 44U!!. So 1ar 9 %asn?t e)en 3lose. Larry %alke5 up to us. His 1a3e %as t"e 3olor o1 yello%2-reen tissue paper. 9t 3las"e5 %it" "is re5 "air. His eyes %ere re52 rimme5 %"ere "is eyes "a5 teare5 %"ile "e t"re% up. 91 it?s )iolent enou-"@ sometimes you 3ry %"ile you )omit. 9 5i5n?t ask Larry i1 "e %as okayG t"e ans%er %as too o8)ious. But "e %as on "is 1eet@ am8ulatory. 91 "e 5i5n?t 1aint@ "e?5 8e 1ine.

A="at 5o you %ant 1rom me@ Ser-eantBC 9 aske5. 9?5 8een more t"an patient. 'or me@ 9?5 8een 5o%nri-"t 3on3iliatory. 4olp" %oul5 8e prou5. Bert %oul5 "a)e 8een amaEe5. S"e 3rosse5 "er arms o)er "er stoma3". A9 let Ser-eant Storr talk me into lettin- you see t"e 3rime s3ene. He sai5 you %ere t"e 8est. A33or5in- to t"e ne%spapers@ you >ust 5o a little ma-i3 an5 1i-ure it all out. #r may8e you 3an >ust raise t"e 5ea5 an5 ask t"em %"o kille5 t"em.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. 9 5i5n?t use ma-i3 to sol)e 3rimes@ as a -eneral ruleG 9 use5 kno%le5-e@ 8ut sayin- so %oul5 8e 5e1en5in- mysel1. 9 5i5n?t nee5 to pro)e anyt"in- to 'reemont. A4on?t 8elie)e e)eryt"in- you rea5 in t"e papers@ Ser-eant 'reemont. As 1or raisin- t"e 5ea5@ it %on?t %ork %it" t"ese t"ree.C AAre you tellin- me you 3an?t raise Eom8ies@ eit"erBC S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A91 you 3an?t "elp us t"en -o "ome@ 7s. Blake.C 9 -lan3e5 at Larry. He -a)e a small s"ru-. He still looke5 s"aky. 9 5on?t t"ink "e "a5 t"e ener-y yet to tell me to 8e"a)e mysel1. #r may8e "e %as as tire5 o1 'reemont as 9 %as. A9 3oul5 raise t"em as Eom8ies@ Ser-eant@ 8ut you "a)e to "a)e a mout" an5 a %orkin- t"roat to talk %it".C A$"ey 3oul5 %rite it 5o%n@C 'reemont sai5. 9t %as a -oo5 su--estion. 9t ma5e me t"ink 8etter o1 "er. 91 s"e %as a -oo5 3op@ 9 3oul5 put up %it" a little "ostility. As lon- as 9 ne)er "a5 to see anot"er set o1 8o5ies like t"e ones 8elo%@ 9 3oul5 put up %it" a lot o1 "ostility. A7ay8e@ 8ut t"e 5ea5 o1ten lose "i-"er 8rain 1un3tion 1aster a1ter a traumati3 5eat". $"ey mi-"t not 8e a8le to %rite@ 8ut e)en i1 t"ey 3oul5@ t"ey mi-"t not kno% %"at kille5 t"em.C ABut t"ey sa% it@C Larry sai5. His )oi3e soun5e5 "oarse@ an5 "e 3ou-"e5 -ently 8e"in5 "is "an5 to 3lear it. A/one o1 t"em trie5 to run a%ay@ Larry. ="yBC A="y are you askin- "imBC 'reemont sai5. AHe?s in trainin-@C 9 sai5. A$rainin-B Dou 8rou-"t a trainee in on my mur5er 3aseBC 9 stare5 up at "er. A9 5on?t tell you "o% to 5o your >o8. 4on?t tell me "o% to 5o mine.C ADou "a)en?t 5one a 5amn t"in- yet. ,*3ept 1or your assistant t"ro%in- up in t"e 8us"es.C An un"ealt"y 1lus" 3rept up Larry?s ne3k. ,m8arrasse5 %"en "e %as almost too nauseate5 to stan5. ALarry %asn?t t"e only one up3"u3kin- in t"e %ee5s@ >ust t"e only one %it"out a 8a5-e.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A=e 5on?t nee5 t"is s"it.C 9 8rus"e5 past 'reemont. A!ome on@ Larry.C Larry 1ollo%e5@ o8e5ient to t"e last. A9 5on?t %ant any o1 t"is leake5 to t"e press@ 7s. Blake. 91 t"e me5ia -ets "ol5 o1 it@ 9?ll kno% %"ere it 3ame 1rom.C S"e %asn?t yellin-@ 8ut "er )oi3e 3arrie5. 9 turne5. 9 %asn?t yellin- eit"er@ 8ut e)eryone 3oul5 "ear me. ADou "a)e an unkno%n preternatural 3reature t"at uses a s%or5@ an5 is 1aster t"an a )ampire.C Somet"in- 1li3kere5 a3ross "er 1a3e@ like may8e 9?5 1inally 5one somet"in- interestin-. AHo% 5o you kno% it?s 1aster t"an a )ampireBC A/one o1 t"e 8oys trie5 to -et a%ay. All o1 t"em 5ie5 %"ere t"ey stoo5. ,it"er it?s 1aster@ or it "as some amaEin- min5 3ontrol.C A9t?s not a ly3ant"rope@ t"enBC A,)en a ly3ant"rope isn?t t"at 1ast@ an5 t"ey 5on?t "a)e t"e a8ility to 3lou5 men?s min5s. 91 a ly3ant"rope 3ame in t"ere %it" a s%or5@ t"e 8oys %oul5 "a)e s3reame5 an5 run. $"ere %oul5 "a)e at least 8een si-ns o1 a stru--le.C 'reemont >ust stoo5 t"ere lookin-. 9t %as a )ery serious look@ like s"e %as %ei-"in- an5 measurin- me. S"e still %asn?t "appy %it" me@ 8ut s"e %as listenin-. A9 3an "elp you@ Ser-eant 'reemont. 9 3an "elp you 1i-ure out %"at 5i5 t"is@ may8e@ 8e1ore it 5oes it a-ain.C Her ;uiet@ 3on1i5ent mask 3rum8le5 aroun5 t"e e5-e 1or a se3on5. 91 9 "a5n?t 8een starin- at "er neutral 8ro%n eyes@ 9?5 "a)e misse5 it. AS"it@C 9 sai5@ lou5. 9 %alke5 8a3k o)er to "er an5 lo%ere5 my )oi3e. A$"at?s it@ isn?t itB $"ese aren?t t"e 1irst killin-s.C S"e -lan3e5 5o%n at t"e -roun5@ t"en met my eyes@ >a% sort o1 t"rust 1or%ar5. Her eyes %eren?t neutral no%G t"ey %ere >ust a little 8it s3are5. /ot 1or "ersel1@ 8ut 1or %"at s"e?5 5one@ or not 5one. A$"e State Hi-"%ay Patrol 3an "an5le a "omi3i5e.C Her )oi3e %as t"e -entlest 9?5 "ear5 it. AHo% manyBC 9 aske5. A$%o 8e1ore. A 3ouple o1 teena-ers@ 8oy an5 a -irl. Pro8a8ly ne3kin- in t"e %oo5s.C Her )oi3e %as so1t@ almost tire5. A="at?s t"e 7.,. sayBC

ADou?re ri-"t@C s"e sai5. A9t %as a 8la5e@ pro8a8ly a s%or5. $"e monsters 5on?t use %eapons@ 7s. Blake. 9 t"ou-"t it %as t"e -irl?s e*28oy1rien5. He?s -ot a 3olle3tion o1 !i)il =ar memora8ilia@ in3lu5in- s%or5s. 9t seeme5 pretty 3ut2an525rie5.C 9 no55e5. ASoun5s lo-i3al.C A/one o1 "is s%or5s mat3"e5 t"e 8lo%s@ 8ut 9 t"ou-"t "e?5 5it3"e5 t"e mur5er %eapon. 9 5i5n?t t"ink ... C S"e looke5 a%ay 1rom me@ "an5s s"o)e5 so "ar5 into "er pants po3kets 9 t"ou-"t t"ey?5 split t"e 3lot". A$"e 1irst s3ene %asn?t like t"is. $"ey %ere kille5 %it" t"e 1irst 8lo%G it pinne5 t"em t"rou-" t"e 3"est into t"e -roun5. A "uman 8ein- 3oul5 "a)e 5one t"at.C S"e looke5 8a3k at me as i1 %antin- me to a-ree %it" "er. 9 5i5. A=ere t"eir 8o5ies 3ut up 8eyon5 t"e 5eat" %oun5BC S"e no55e5. A4is1i-ure5 1a3es@ "er le1t "an5 missin-. $"e one t"at "a5 %orn t"e e*8oy1rien5?s rin-.C A=ere t"eir t"roats 3utBC S"e 1ro%ne5@ t"inkin-@ t"en no55e5. AHers %as. /ot mu3" 8loo5 eit"er@ like it?5 8een 5one a1ter s"e 5ie5.C 7y turn to no5. AGreat.C AGreatBC Larry aske5. A9 t"ink you?)e -ot a )ampire on your "an5s@ Ser-eant 'reemont.C $"ey 8ot" 1ro%ne5 at me. ALook at t"e 8o5y parts t"at are missin-. $"e le-s o1 t"e one 8oy %ere 3ut o11 a1ter "e 5ie5. $"e 1emoral artery is in t"e t"i-" near t"e -roin. 9?)e seen )amps take 8loo5 1rom t"at in pre1eren3e to t"e ne3k. !ut o11 t"e le-s@ an5 no 1an- marks.C A="at a8out t"e ot"er t%oBC 'reemont aske5. A7ay8e t"e smallest 8oy %as 8itten. His ne3k %as sli3e5 t%i3e 1or no reason. 7ay8e it %as >ust a little e*tra )iolen3e like t"e 5is1i-urement o1 t"e 1a3e. 9 5on?t kno%. But a )amp 3an take 8loo5 1rom t"e %rist@ t"e 8en5 o1 t"e arm. All parts t"at are missin-.C A#ne o1 t"eir 8rains is missin-@C 'reemont sai5. Larry s%aye5 -ently 8esi5e me. He %ipe5 a "an5 o)er "is su55enly s%eatin- 1a3e. ADou -oin- to 8e alri-"tBC 9 aske5. He no55e5@ not trustin- "is )oi3e. Bra)e Larry. A="at 8etter %ay to t"ro% us o11 t"e tra3k t"an to take somet"in- a )amp %oul5n?t 8e intereste5 inBC 9 sai5. A#kay@ say it makes some sense. ="y t"is %ayB $"is is ... C S"e sprea5 "er "an5s %i5e@ starin- 5o%n at t"e 3arna-e. S"e %as t"e only one o1 t"e t"ree o1 us still lookin- at it. A$"is is nuts. 91 it %as "uman@ 9?5 say %e "a5 a serial killer on our "an5s.C A=e may "a)e@C 9 sai5 so1tly. 'reemont stare5 at me. A="at t"e "ell 5o you meanBC AA )ampire %as a person on3e. Hust 8ein- 5ea5 5oesn?t 3ure you o1 any pro8lems you "a5 as a li)e "uman 8ein-. 91 you "a)e a )iolent pat"olo-y 8e1ore 5eat"@ t"at %on?t 3"an-e >ust 8e3ause you?re 5ea5.C 'reemont looke5 at me like 9 %as t"e one %"o %as 3raEy. 9 t"ink it %as t"e %or5 A5ea5C t"at %as 8ot"erin- "er. #n3e "er suspe3ts %ere 5ea5@ t"ey %eren?t suspe3ts anymore. 9 trie5 a-ain. ASay Ho"nny is a serial killer. He 8e3omes a )ampire. ="y s"oul5 8ein- a )ampire make "im su55enly less )iolentB ="y not more )iolentBC A#"@ my Go5@C Larry sai5. 'reemont took a 5eep 8reat" in t"rou-" "er nose an5 let it out slo%. A#kay@ may8e you?re ri-"t. 9?m not sayin- you are. 9?)e seen pi3tures o1 )ampire )i3tims an5 t"ey 5on?t look like t"is@ 8ut i1 you are@ %"at 5o you nee5 1rom meBC A$"e pi3tures 1rom t"e 1irst 3rime s3ene. An5 a look at %"ere it "appene5.C A9?ll sen5 t"e 1ile to your "otel@C s"e sai5. A="ere %as t"e 3ouple kille5BC AHust a 1e% "un5re5 yar5s 1rom "ere.C ALet?s -o take a look.C A9?ll "a)e one o1 t"e troopers take you o)er@C s"e sai5. A$"is is a 5amn small -eo-rap"i3 area. 9 assume you sear3"e5 it.C A=it" a 1ine2toot" 3om8. But 1rankly@ 7s. Blake@ 9 %asn?t sure %"at %e %ere lookin- 1or. $"e lea)es an5 t"e 5ry %eat"er make it almost impossi8le to 1in5 tra3ks.C ADea"@C 9 sai5. A$ra3ks %oul5 "elp.C 9 -lan3e5 8a3k t"e %ay 9?5 3ome. $"e lea)es %ere 5istur8e5 3omin- up t"e "ill. A91 it is a )ampire ... C

'reemont 3ut me o11. A="at 5o you mean@ i1BC 9 met "er su55enly a33usin- eyes. ALook@ Ser-eant@ i1 it is a )ampire it "as more min5 3ontrol t"an 9?)e e)er seen. 9?)e ne)er met a )ampire@ e)en a master )ampire@ t"at 3oul5 "ol5 t"ree "umans in t"rall %"ile "e kille5 t"em. :ntil 9 sa% t"is@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 it 3oul5n?t 8e 5one.C A="at else 3oul5 it 8eBC Larry aske5. 9 s"ru--e5. A9 t"ink it?s a )amp@ 8ut i1 9 sai5 9 %as a "un5re5 per3ent sure@ 9?5 8e lyin-. 9 try not to lie to t"e poli3e. $"ere may 8e no tra3ks up t"e "ill e)en i1 t"e -roun5 %as so1t@ 8e3ause t"e )ampire 3oul5 "a)e 1lo%n in.C ALike a 8atBC 'reemont aske5. A/o@ t"ey 5on?t 3"an-e s"ape into a 8at@ 8ut t"ey 3an ... C 9 sear3"e5 1or a %or5 an5 t"ere %asn?t one. A$"ey 3an le)itate@ sort o1 1ly. 9?)e seen it. 9 3an?t e*plain it@ 8ut 9?)e seen it.C AA serial killer )ampire.C S"e s"ook "er "ea5@ t"e lines near "er mout" 5eepenin-. A$"e 'e5s are -oin- to 8e all o)er t"is.C A/o >oke@C 9 sai5. A4i5 you 1in5 t"e missin- 8o5y partsBC A/o@ 9 t"ou-"t may8e it "a5 eaten t"em.C A91 it ate t"at mu3"@ %"y not moreB 91 it ate@ %"y no teet" marksB 91 it ate@ %"y not some s3attere5 8o5y parts@ like 3rum8sBC S"e 3len3"e5 "er "an5s into 1ists. ADou?)e ma5e your point. 9t %as a )ampire. ,)en a 5um8 3op kno%s t"ey 5on?t eat 1les".C S"e turne5 "er 8ro%n eyes to me@ an5 t"ere %as a lot o1 an-er in t"em. /ot at me@ e*a3tly@ 8ut 9 mi-"t make a -oo5 tar-et. 9 stare5 8a3k at "er@ not 1lin3"in-. S"e looke5 a%ay 1irst. 7ay8e 9 %oul5n?t make a -oo5 tar-et. A9 5on?t like "a)in- a 3i)ilian 3ontra3tor in on a "omi3i5e in)esti-ation@ 8ut you spotte5 t"in-s 5o%n t"ere t"at 9 misse5. Dou?re eit"er )ery -oo5@ or you kno% somet"in- t"at you aren?t tellin- me.C 9 3oul5 "a)e >ust sai5 9?m -oo5 at my >o8@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 4i5n?t %ant t"e poli3e t"inkin- 9 %as "ol5in- out in1ormation %"en 9 %asn?t. A9?)e -ot one a5)anta-e o)er a normal "omi3i5e 5ete3ti)e@ 9 e*pe3t it to 8e a monster. /o one e)er 3alls me in i1 it?s >ust a sta88in-@ or a "it2an52run. 9 5on?t spen5 a lot o1 time tryin- to 3ome up %it" ni3e@ normal e*planations. 9t means 9 -et to i-nore a lot o1 t"eories.C S"e no55e5. AAlri-"t@ i1 you "elp me 3at3" t"is t"in-@ 9 5on?t 3are %"at you 5o 1or a li)in-.C AGla5 to "ear it@C 9 sai5. ABut no reporters@ no me5ia. 9 am in 3"ar-e "ere. $"is is my in)esti-ation. 9 5e3i5e %"en %e -o pu8li3. 9s t"at 3learBC ASure.C S"e stare5 at me like s"e 5i5n?t 8elie)e me. A9 mean it a8out t"e me5ia@ 7s. Blake.C A9 5on?t "a)e a pro8lem %it" no me5ia@ Ser-eant 'reemont. 9 pre1er it t"at %ay.C A'or a person %"o 5oesn?t %ant t"e me5ia aroun5@ you -et a lot o1 attention.C 9 s"ru--e5. A9?m in)ol)e5 in only sensational 3ases@ 5ete3ti)e. !ases t"at make -oo5 press@ -oo5 soun5 8ites. 9 slay )ampires@ 1or Go5?s sakeG it makes -reat "ea5lines.C AAs lon- as %e un5erstan5 ea3" ot"er@ 7s. Blake.C A/o me5iaG it?s not a "ar5 3on3ept@C 9 sai5. S"e no55e5. A9?ll "a)e someone %alk you o)er to t"e 1irst 3rime s3ene. 9?ll see you -et t"e 1ile at your "otel.C S"e starte5 to turn a%ay. ASer-eant 'reemontBC S"e turne5 8a3k@ 8ut it %as not a 1rien5ly look. A="at is it no%@ 7s. BlakeB Dou?)e 5one your >o8.C ADou 3an?t treat t"is like a "uman serial killer.C A9?m in 3"ar-e o1 t"is in)esti-ation@ 7s. Blake. 9 3an 5o %"at 9 5amn %ell please.C 9 stare5 up at "er@ met "er "ostile eyes. 9 %asn?t 1eelin- too 1rien5ly mysel1. A9 am not tryin- to steal your t"un5er "ere. But )ampires aren?t >ust people %it" 1an-s. 91 t"e )amp 3oul5 3at3" t"eir min5s an5 "ol5 t"em %"ile "e slau-"tere5 ea3" o1 t"em in turn@ "e 3oul5 3apture your min5@ anyone?s min5. A )ampire t"at talente5 3oul5 make you t"ink 8la3k %as %"ite. 4o you un5erstan5 meBC A9t?s 5ayli-"t@ 7s. BlakeG i1 it?s a )ampire t"en %e 1in5 it an5 stake it.C ADou?ll nee5 a 3ourt or5er o1 e*e3ution.C A=e?ll -et one.C A="en you -et it@ 9?ll 3ome 8a3k an5 1inis" t"e >o8.C A9 t"ink %e 3an "an5le it.C

ADou e)er stake a )ampireBC 9 aske5. S"e >ust looke5 at me. A/o@ 8ut 9?)e s"ot a man. 9t 3an?t 8e t"at mu3" "ar5er.C A9t?s not "ar5er in t"e %ay you mean@C 9 sai5. ABut it?s a "ell o1 a lot more 5an-erous.C S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A:ntil t"e 'e5s -et "ere@ 9?m in 3"ar-e@ an5 not you or anyone else is takin- o)er. 9s t"at 3lear@ 7s. BlakeBC 9 no55e5. A!rystal@ Ser-eant 'reemont.C 9 stare5 at t"e 3ross2s"ape5 pin in t"e lapel o1 "er suit >a3ket. 7ost plain3lot"esmen "a5 a 3ross2s"ape5 tie ta3k. Stan5ar5 poli3e issue a3ross t"e 3ountry. ADou 5o "a)e sil)er ammo@ ri-"tBC A9?ll take 3are o1 my men@ 7s. Blake.C 9 raise5 my "an5s sli-"tly. So mu3" 1or -irl talk. A'ine@ %e?re lea)in-. Dou?)e -ot my 8eeper num8er. :se it i1 you nee5 it@ 4ete3ti)e 'reemont.C A9 %on?t nee5 it.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 s%allo%e5 a lot o1 %or5s. Pi3kin- a 1i-"t %it" t"e 3op in 3"ar-e o1 a mur5er in)esti-ation %as not t"e %ay to -et in)ite5 8a3k to play. 9 %alke5 past "er %it"out sayin- -oo528ye. 91 9 opene5 my mout"@ 9 %asn?t sure %"at %oul5 3ome out. /ot"in- pleasant@ an5 not"in- use1ul.

Chapter Eight
People %"o 5on?t 3amp mu3" t"ink 5arkness 1alls 1rom t"e sky. 9t 5oesn?t. 4arkness sli5es 1rom t"e trees an5 1ills t"em 1irst@ t"en sprea5s out%ar5 to t"e open pla3es. 9t %as so 5ark un5er t"e trees t"at 9 %is"e5 1or a 1las"li-"t. ="en %e stum8le5 to t"e roa5@ an5 our %aitin- Heep@ it %as only 5usk. Larry looke5 up at t"e 3omin- ni-"t@ an5 sai5@ A=e 3an -et 8a3k an5 %alk t"e -ra)eyar5 1or Stirlin-.C A'irst let?s eat@C 9 sai5. He looke5 at me. ADou %antin- to stop 1or 1oo5@ t"at?s a 1irst. 9 usually "a)e to 8e- 1or 5ri)e2up.C A9 1or-ot to eat lun3"@C 9 sai5. He -rinne5. A$"at 9 8elie)e.C $"e smile 1a5e5 slo%ly 1rom "is 1a3e. A$"e 1irst time you o11er me 1oo5 )oluntarily@ an5 9 5on?t t"ink 9 3an eat.C He stare5 at me. $"ere %as enou-" li-"t le1t 1or me to see "im sear3" my 1a3e. A!oul5 you really eat a1ter %"at %e >ust sa%BC 9 looke5 at "im. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. /ot so lon- a-o@ t"e ans%er %oul5 "a)e 8een no. A=ell@ 9 %oul5n?t %ant to 1a3e a plate o1 spa-"etti@ or steak tartare@ 8ut yea"@ 9 3oul5 eat.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A="at t"e "e3k is steak tartareBC A<a% 8ee1@ pretty mu3"@C 9 sai5. He s%allo%e5 "ar5@ lookin- >ust a little paler t"an "e "a5 a se3on5 a-o. AHo% 3an you e)en t"ink o1 stu11 like t"at so soon a1ter ... C He let t"e %or5s trail o11. =e?5 8ot" seen itG no %or5s %ere nee5e5. 9 s"ru--e5. A9?)e 8een -oin- to mur5er s3enes 1or nearly t"ree years@ Larry. Dou learn to sur)i)e. ="i3" means you learn to eat a1ter seein- 3ut2up 8o5ies.C 9 5i5n?t a55 t"at 9?5 seen %orse. 9?5 seen "uman 8o5ies re5u3e5 to a room1ul o1 8loo5 an5 -o88ets o1 unre3o-niEa8le 1les". /ot enou-" le1t to 1ill a -allon2siEe 8a--ie. 9 "a5n?t -one out 1or Bi- 7a3s a1ter t"at one. AAre you up to at least tryin- to eatBC He %as lookin- at me sort o1 suspi3iously. A="ere 5i5 you "a)e in min5BC 9 untie5 t"e /ikes an5 steppe5 3are1ully on t"e -ra)el roa5. 4i5n?t %ant to sna- t"e "ose. 9 unEippe5 t"e 3o)erall an5 steppe5 out o1 it. Larry 5i5 t"e same@ 8ut "e trie5 to keep "is s"oes on. He mana-e5 to %ork "is 1eet t"rou-"@ 8ut it re;uire5 some "oppin- on one le-. 9 1ol5e5 my 3o)erall 3are1ully so t"e 8loo5 %oul5n?t tou3" t"e Heep?s imma3ulate interior. 9 tosse5 t"e /ikes into t"e 8a3k 1loor8oar5 an5 -ot t"e "i-" "eels out. Larry %as tryin- to 8rus" %rinkles 1rom "is suit pants@ 8ut some t"in-s only a 5ry 3leaner 3oul5 1i*. AHo% %oul5 you like to -o to Bloo5y BonesBC 9 aske5. He looke5 up at me@ "an5s still pattin- at t"e %rinkles. He 1ro%ne5. A="ereBC A9t?s t"e restaurant t"at 7a-nus Bou)ier o%ns. Stirlin- mentione5 it.C A4i5 "e tell us %"ere it %asBC Larry sai5. A/o@ 8ut 9 aske5 one o1 t"e lo3al 3ops 1or restaurants@ an5 Bloo5y Bones isn?t t"at 1ar 1rom "ere.C Larry s;uinte5 suspi3iously at me. A="y 5o you %ant to -o t"ereBC

A9 %ant to talk to 7a-nus Bou)ier.C A="yBC "e aske5. 9t %as a -oo5 ;uestion. 9 %asn?t sure 9 "a5 a -oo5 ans%er. 9 s"ru--e5 an5 3lim8e5 into t"e Heep. Larry "a5 no 3"oi3e 8ut to >oin me@ unless "e 5i5n?t %ant to 3ontinue t"e 3on)ersation. ="en %e %ere all settle5 in t"e Heep@ 9 still 5i5n?t "a)e a really -oo5 ans%er. A9 5on?t like Stirlin-. 9 5on?t trust "im.C A9 -ot t"e impression you 5i5n?t like "im@C Larry sai5@ "is )oi3e )ery 5ry. ABut %"y not trust "imBC A4o you trust "imBC 9 aske5. Larry 1ro%ne5 an5 t"ou-"t a8out it. He s"ook "is "ea5. A/ot as 1ar as 9 3oul5 t"ro% "im.C ASeeBC 9 sai5. A9 -uess so@ 8ut you t"ink talkin- to Bou)ier %ill "elpBC A9 "ope so. 9 5on?t like raisin- t"e 5ea5 1or people 9 5on?t trust. ,spe3ially somet"in- t"is 8i-.C A#kay@ so %e -o eat 5inner at Bou)ier?s restaurant an5 talk to "imG t"en %"atBC A91 %e 5on?t learn anyt"in- ne%@ %e -o see Stirlin- an5 %alk t"e -ra)eyar5 1or "im.C Larry %as lookin- at me like "e %asn?t sure "e truste5 me. A="at are you up toBC A4on?t you %ant to kno% %"y Stirlin- "a5 to "a)e t"at mountainB ="y t"e Bou)iers? mountain an5 not someone else?sBC Larry looke5 at me. ADou?)e 8een "an-in- aroun5 t"e poli3e too lon-. Dou 5on?t trust any8o5y.C A$"e 3ops 5i5n?t tea3" me t"at@ LarryG it?s natural talent.C 9 put t"e Heep in -ear an5 o11 %e %ent. $"e trees ma5e lon-@ t"in s"a5o%s. 9n t"e )alleys 8et%een mountains@ t"e s"a5o%s 1orme5 pools o1 3omin- ni-"t. =e s"oul5 "a)e 5ri)en strai-"t to t"e -ra)eyar5. Hust %alkin- t"e 3emetery %oul5n?t "urt anyt"in-. But i1 9 3oul5n?t -o )ampire "untin-@ 9 3oul5 ;uestion 7a-nus Bou)ier. $"at part o1 my >o8 no8o5y 3oul5 3"ase me out o1. 9 5i5n?t really %ant to -o )ampire "untin-. 9t %as almost 5ark. Huntin- )amps a1ter 5ark %as a -oo5 %ay to -et kille5. ,spe3ially one t"at 3oul5 3ontrol min5s like t"is one 3oul5. A )ampire 3an 3lou5 your min5 an5 e)en "urt you@ i1 its 3ontrol is -oo5 enou-"@ an5 you %on?t min5. But on3e its 3on3entration is o11 you@ onto someone else@ an5 t"at person starts s3reamin-@ you?ll %ake up. Dou?ll run. But t"e 8oys "a5n?t run. $"ey "a5n?t %oken up. $"ey?5 >ust 5ie5. 91 t"is t"in- %asn?t stoppe5@ ot"er people %oul5 5ie. 9 3oul5 almost -uarantee it. 'reemont s"oul5 "a)e let me stay. $"ey nee5e5 a )ampire e*pert %it" t"em on t"is one. $"ey nee5e5 me. #kay@ t"ey really nee5e5 poli3e %it" e*pertise in monsters@ 8ut t"ey 5i5n?t "a)e t"at. 9t "a5 only 8een t"ree years sin3e A55ison ). !lark ma5e )ampires le-ally ali)e. $"ree years a-o =as"in-ton "a5 ma5e t"e 8loo5su3kers li)in- 3itiEens %it" ri-"ts. /o8o5y "a5 t"ou-"t %"at t"at meant 1or t"e poli3e. Be1ore t"e la% 3"an-e5@ preternatural 3rime %as "an5le5 8y 8ounty "unters@ )ampire "unters. $"ose pri)ate 3itiEens %it" enou-" e*perien3e to keep t"em ali)e. 7ost o1 us "a5 some sort o1 preternatural po%er t"at "elpe5 -i)e us an e5-e a-ainst t"e monsters. 7ost 3ops 5i5n?t. #r5inarily "uman 8ein-s 5i5n?t 1are %ell a-ainst t"e monsters. $"ere "a)e al%ays 8een a 1e% o1 us %"o "a5 a talent 1or takin- out t"e 8easties. =e?)e 5one a -oo5 >o8@ 8ut su55enly t"e 3ops are e*pe3te5 to take o)er. /o e*tra trainin-@ no e*tra manpo%er@ not"in-. Hell@ most poli3e 5epartments %oul5n?t e)en sprin- 1or t"e sil)er ammunition. 9t "a5 taken t"is lon- 1or =as"in-ton@ 4.!.@ to realiEe t"ey mi-"t "a)e 8een "asty. $"at may8e@ >ust may8e@ t"e monsters %ere really monsters an5 t"e poli3e nee5e5 some e*tra trainin-. 9t %oul5 take years to train t"e 3ops@ so t"ey %ere -ointo s"ort23ir3uit t"e pro3ess@ >ust make 3ops out o1 all t"e )ampire "unters an5 monster slayers. 'or mysel1@ personally@ it mi-"t %ork. 9 %oul5?)e lo)e5 to "a)e a 8a5-e to s"o)e in 'reemont?s 1a3e. S"e 3oul5n?t "a)e 3"ase5 me o11 t"en@ not i1 it %as 1e5eral. But 1or most )ampire "unters@ it %as -oin- to 8e a mess. Dou nee5e5 more t"an preternatural e*pertise to %ork a "omi3i5e 3ase. Dou sure as "ell nee5e5 more t"an )ampire e*pertise to 3arry a 8a5-e. $"ere %ere no easy ans%ers. But out t"ere in t"e 3omin- 5arkness %ere a 8un3" o1 poli3e "untin- a )ampire t"at 3oul5 5o t"in-s 9 ne)er t"ou-"t t"ey 3oul5 5o. 91 9 "a5 a 8a5-e@ 9 3oul5 8e %it" t"em. 9 %asn?t an automati3 sa1ety Eone@ 8ut 9 kne% a 5amn si-"t more t"an a state 3op %"o "a5 AseenC pi3tures o1 )ampire )i3tims. 'reemont "a5 ne)er seen t"e real t"in-. Here %as "opin- s"e sur)i)e5 "er 1irst en3ounter.

Chapter Nine
Bloo5y Bones 8ar an5 -rill lay up a re5 -ra)el roa5. Someone "a5 8ut3"ere5 t"e trees 8a3k to eit"er si5e@ so t"e Heep 3lim8e5 up%ar5 to%ar5s a 8la3k 8lanket o1 sky@ sprinkle5 %it" a million stars. $"e s"ine o1 stars %as t"e only li-"t in si-"t. A9t is really 5ark out "ere@C Larry sai5. A/o streetli-"ts@C 9 sai5. AS"oul5n?t %e see t"e li-"ts 1rom t"e restaurant 8y no%BC

A9 5on?t kno%.C 9 %as starin- at t"e 8roken trees. $"e trunks -leame5 %"ite an5 ra--e5. 9t "a5 8een 5one re3ently@ as i1 someone "a5 -one ma5 %it" an a*e@ or may8e a s%or5@ or somet"in- 8i- "a5 rippe5 o11 t"e trunks. 9 slo%e5 5o%n@ s3annin- t"e 5arkness. =as 9 %ron-B =as it trollsB =as t"ere a Greater #Eark 7ountain $roll le1t in t"ese mountainsB #ne t"at %oul5 use a s%or5B 9 %as a 8i- 8elie)er in a 1irst time 1or e)eryt"in-. 9 8rou-"t t"e Heep almost to a stop. A="at?s %ron-BC Larry aske5. 9 "it t"e emer-en3y 1las"ers. $"e roa5 %as narro%@ 8arely t%o 3ars %i5e@ 8ut it %as -oin- up"ill. Any8o5y 3omin- 5o%n %oul5n?t see t"e Heep ri-"t a%ay. $"e li-"ts "elpe5@ 8ut i1 someone %as spee5in- ... Hell@ 9 %as -oin- to 5o itG %"y ;ui88leB 9 put t"e Heep in park an5 -ot out. A="ere are you -oin-BC A9?m %on5erin- i1 a troll rippe5 t"e trees apart.C Larry starte5 to -et out on "is si5e. 9 stoppe5 "im. ASli5e o)er on my si5e i1 you %ant to -et out.C A="yBC ADou?re not arme5.C 9 -ot t"e Bro%nin- out. 9t %as a soli5@ 3om1ortin- %ei-"t@ 8ut trut"1ully@ a-ainst somet"in- t"e siEe o1 one o1 t"e -reat mountain trolls@ it %asn?t too use1ul. 7ay8e %it" e*plo5in- 8ullets@ 8ut s"ort o1 t"at a 9mm %asn?t t"e -un 1or "untin- somet"in- t"e siEe o1 a small elep"ant. Larry 3lose5 "is 5oor an5 sli5 a3ross. ADou really t"ink t"ere?s a troll out "ereBC 9 stare5 o11 into t"e 5arkness. /ot"in- mo)e5. A9 5on?t kno%.C 9 mo)e5 to a 5ry -ully t"at 3ut t"e e5-e o1 t"e roa5. 9 steppe5 )ery 3are1ully into it. $"e "eels sank in t"e 5ry@ san5y soil. 9 -ra88e5 a "an51ul o1 %ee5s %it" my le1t "an5 an5 le)ere5 mysel1 up t"e slope. 9 "a5 to -ra8 one o1 t"e 8ut3"ere5 trunks to keep 1rom sli5in- 8a3k%ar5s in t"e loose lea)es an5 pine nee5les. 7y "an5 3ame up a-ainst t"i3k sap. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to >erk a%ay@ 1or3in- mysel1 to keep "ol5 o1 t"e sti3ky 8ark. Larry s3ram8le5 up t"e 8ank@ sli3k2sole5 5ress s"oes sli5in- in t"e 5ry lea)es. 9 5i5n?t "a)e a 1ree "an5 to o11er "im. He 3au-"t "imsel1 in a sort o1 "al1 pus"up@ an5 use5 t"e %ee5s to mo)e up 8esi5e me. A4amn 5ress s"oes.C AAt least you?re not in "eels@C 9 sai5. AAn5 5on?t t"ink 9?m not -rate1ul@C "e sai5. A9?5 8reak my ne3k.C /ot"in- mo)e5 in t"e 5ark@ 5ark ni-"t e*3ept us. $"ere %as t"e soun5 o1 sprin- peepers 3lose 8y@ musi3al@ 8ut not"in8i--er. 9 let out a 8reat" 9 "a5n?t realiEe5 9 %as "ol5in-. 9 pulle5 mysel1 up to more soli5 1ootin- an5 looke5 at t"e trees. A="at are %e lookin- 1orBC Larry aske5. AAn a*e makes a %i5e@ smoot" stroke. 91 a troll snappe5 t"e trunks@ t"ey?ll 8e ra--e5 an5 1ull o1 >a--e5 points o1 %oo5.C ALooks smoot" to me@C "e sai5. He ran "is 1in-ertips o)er t"e nake5 %oo5. ABut it 5oesn?t look like an a*e.C $"e %oo5 %as too smoot". An a*e %ill 3ome in at an an-le. $"is %as almost 1lat@ like ea3" tree "a5 8een 1elle5 %it" a sin-le stroke@ t%o at most. Some o1 t"e trees "a5 8een nearly a 1oot in 5iameter. /o "uman 3oul5 5o t"at@ e)en %it" an a*e. A="o 3oul5 "a)e 5one t"isBC 9 sear3"e5 t"e 5arkness@ 1i-"tin- an ur-e to aim t"e -un into t"e 5ark@ 8ut 9 kept it sky%ar5. Sa1ety 1irst. AA )ampire %it" a s%or5@ may8e.C He stare5 o11 into t"e 5arkness. ADou mean t"e one t"at kille5 t"e -uysB ="y %oul5 t"e )ampire 3"op 5o%n a 8un3" o1 trees a1ter "e kille5 t"emBC 9t %as a -oo5 ;uestion. A -reat ;uestion. But like %it" so many ;uestions to5ay@ 9 5i5n?t "a)e a -oo5 ans%er. A9 5on?t kno%. Let?s -et 8a3k to t"e 3ar.C =e s3ram8le5 8a3k t"e %ay %e?5 3ome. /eit"er o1 us 1ell 5o%n t"is time. A re3or5. ="en %e %ere at t"e 3ar 9 put t"e -un a%ay. 9 pro8a8ly "a5n?t nee5e5 it at all@ 8ut t"en a-ain ... somet"in- 3ut 5o%n t"ose trees. 9 use5 t"e aloe an5 lanolin 8a8y %ipes t"at 9 kept in t"e 3ar to %ipe o11 8loo5@ to %ipe t"e sap 1rom my "an5. $"e %ipes %orke5 nearly as %ell on tree 8loo5 as it 5i5 on "uman. =e 5ro)e on@ sear3"in- 1or li-"ts. =e "a5 to 8e 3lose to Bloo5y Bones@ unless t"e 5ire3tions %ere %ay o11. Here?s "opint"ey %eren?t. A9s t"at a tor3"BC Larry aske5. 9 stare5 into t"e 5arkness. $"ere %as a 1li3ker o1 1ire@ too "i-" o11 t"e -roun5 to 8e a 3amp1ire. $%o tor3"es on lon- poles illuminate5 a %i5e -ra)el turnaroun5 to t"e le1t o1 t"e roa5. $"e trees "a5 8een pus"e5 8a3k "ere@ too@ 8ut years a-o. 9t

%as an ol5@ esta8lis"e5 3learin-. $"e trees 1orme5 a 8a3k5rop 1or a one2story 8uil5in-. A %oo5en si-n "un- 1rom t"e ea)es. 9t %as "ar5 to rea5 8y tor3"li-"t@ 8ut it mi-"t "a)e rea5 ABloo5y Bones.C 4ark %oo5en s"in-les 3o)ere5 t"e roo1 an5 3lim8e5 5o%n t"e %alls@ so t"at t"e entire 8uil5in- looke5 like a natural -ro%t" t"at "a5 sprun- 1rom t"e re5 3lay soil. A8out t%enty 3ars an5 tru3ks %ere parke5 "ap"aEar5ly on t"e 5ark -ra)el. $"e si-n s%un- in t"e %in5@ t"e tor3"li-"t re1le3tin- o11 t"e 5eeply 3ar)e5 %or5s. ABloo5y BonesC %as 3ar)e5 in smoot"@ 3ur)in- letters. 9 %alke5 3are1ully o)er t"e -ra)el in my "i-" "eels. Larry?s 5ress s"oes %orke5 8etter on -ra)el t"an mine 5i5. ABloo5y Bones is a stran-e name 1or a 8ar an5 -rill.C A7ay8e t"ey ser)e ri8s@C 9 sai5. He ma5e a 1a3e at me. A9 3oul5 not 1a3e 8ar8e3ue anyt"in- ri-"t no%.C A9t %oul5n?t 8e my 1irst 3"oi3e eit"er.C $"e 5oor s%un- in%ar5 5ire3tly into t"e 8ar. $"e 5oor s%un- s"ut an5 %e %ere plun-e5 into a 1ire2s"ot t%ili-"t. 7ost 8ars are -loomy pla3es to 5rink an5 "i5e. A pla3e o1 re1u-e 1rom t"e noisy s"iny %orl5 outsi5e. But as re1u-es %ent@ t"is %as a -oo5 one. $"ere %as a 8ar alon- one si5e o1 t"e room@ an5 a 5oEen small ta8les s3attere5 on t"e 5ark polis"e5 %oo5 1loor. $"ere %as a small sta-e to t"e le1t an5 a >uke8o* near t"e 8a3k %all %"ere a small "all%ay pro8a8ly le5 to 8at"rooms an5 t"e kit3"en 8eyon5. ,)ery sur1a3e %as 5ark %oo5 an5 polis"e5 Ftil it s"one. !an5les %it" 3"imney -lass o)er t"em s"one 1rom t"e %alls. A 3"an5elier %it" more 3"imney -lass an5 3an5les "un- 1rom t"e lo%@ 5ark %oo5 3eilin-. $"e %oo5 %as t"e 5arkest o1 mirrors@ -lo%in- in t"e li-"t rat"er t"an re1le3tin- it. $"e 8eams t"at supporte5 t"e 3eilin- %ere 3ar)e5 %it" 1ruitin- )ines an5 stray lea)es t"at looke5 like oaks. ,)ery 1a3e %as turne5 to%ar5s us like a 8a5 %estern. A lot o1 t"e 1a3es %ere maleG t"e eyes sli5 o)er me@ sa% Larry@ an5 most %ent 8a3k to t"eir 5rinks. A 1e% staye5 "ope1ul@ 8ut 9 i-nore5 t"em. 9t %as too early in t"e ni-"t 1or any8o5y to 8e 5runk enou-" to -i)e me -rie1. Besi5es@ %e %ere arme5. $"e %omen %ere -roupe5 t"ree 5eep at t"e 8ar. $"ey %ere 5resse5 1or a 'ri5ay ni-"t@ i1 you planne5 to spen5 'ri5ay ni-"t on a street 3orner propositionin- stran-ers. $"ey stare5 at Larry like t"ey %on5ere5 i1 "e?5 8e -oo5 to eat. 7e@ t"ey seeme5 to "ate on si-"t. 91 9 kne% any o1 t"em@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 t"ey %ere >ealous@ 8ut 9?m not t"e kin5 o1 %oman to eli3it >ealousy on si-"t. /ot tall enou-"@ not 8lon5e enou-"@ not /or5i3 enou-"@ not e*oti3 enou-". 9?m pretty@ 8ut 9?m not 8eauti1ul. $"e %omen looke5 at me like t"ey sa% somet"in- 9 5i5n?t. 9t ma5e me -lan3e 8e"in5 me to see i1 someone "a5 3ome in 8e"in5 us@ e)en t"ou-" 9 kne% no one "a5. A="at?s -oin- onBC Larry %"ispere5. $"at %as anot"er t"in-. 9t %as ;uiet. 9?5 ne)er 8een in a 8ar on a 'ri5ay ni-"t t"at you 3oul5 %"isper in an5 8e "ear5. A9 5on?t kno%@C 9 sai5 so1tly. $"e %omen at t"e 8ar parte5 like someone "a5 aske5@ -i)in- us a 3lear )ie% o1 t"e 8ar. $"ere %as a man 8e"in5 t"e 8ar. 9 t"ou-"t %"at 8eauti1ul "air s"e "a5 %"en 9 1irst sa% "im. $"e "air 1ell to "is %aist like t"i3k@ 3"estnut23olore5 %ater. $"e 3an5le 1lames -leame5 in "is "air t"e same %ay t"ey s"one in t"e polis"e5 %oo5 o1 t"e 8ar. He raise5 startlin- 8lue2-reen eyes@ like 5eep sea %ater@ to us. He %as 5ark an5 lo)ely rat"er t"an "an5some@ an5ro-ynous as a 3at. He %as e*oti3 as "ell an5 9 su55enly un5erstoo5 %"y t"e 8ar %as t"ree 5eep in %omen. He sat an am8er21ille5 -lass 5o%n on a tiny napkin an5 sai5@ ADou?re up@ ,arl.C His )oi3e %as surprisin-ly lo%@ like "e?5 sin- 5eep 8ass. A man -ot up 1rom t"e ta8les@ ,arl pro8a8ly. He %as a lar-e@ lum8erin- man@ 1orme5 o1 so1t s;uares like a -entler )ersion o1 Boris Karlo11?s monster. /ot a 3o)er 8oy. He rea3"e5 1or "is 5rink@ an5 "is arm 8rus"e5 t"e 8a3k o1 one o1 t"e %omen. $"e %oman turne5@ an-ry. 9 e*pe3te5 "er to tell "im to -o to "ell@ 8ut t"e 8arten5er tou3"e5 "er arm. S"e %as su55enly )ery still@ as i1 listenin- to )oi3es 9 3oul5n?t "ear. $"e air %a)ere5. 9 %as su55enly )ery a%are t"at ,arl smelle5 o1 soap an5 %ater. His "air %as still 5amp 1rom t"e s"o%er. 9 3oul5 li3k t"e %ater 1rom "is skin@ 1eel t"ose 8i- "an5s on my 8o5y. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 steppe5 8a3k into Larry. He 3au-"t my arm. A="at?s %ron-BC 9 stare5 at "im@ 3lut3"in- "is arm@ my 1in-ers 5i--in- t"rou-" t"e 3lot" o1 "is suit@ until 9 3oul5 1eel "is arm soli5 un5er my "an5. 9 turne5 8a3k to t"e 8ar. ,arl an5 t"e %oman "a5 -one to sit at a ta8le. S"e %as kissin- t"e palm o1 "is 3allouse5 "an5. AHesus@C 9 sai5. A="at?s %ron-@ AnitaBC Larry aske5. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 stoo5 a%ay 1rom "im. A9?m okayG it %as >ust une*pe3te5.C A="at %asBC A7a-i3.C 9 steppe5 up to t"e 8ar.

$"ose amaEin- eyes stare5 8a3k at me@ 8ut t"ere %as no po%er to t"em. 9t %asn?t like 5ealin- %it" a )ampire. 9 3oul5 -aEe into t"ose 8eauti1ul eyes 1ore)er@ an5 t"ey %oul5 still >ust 8e eyes. Sort o1. 9 pla3e5 my "an5s on t"e -leamin- %oo5 o1 t"e 8ar. 7ore )ines an5 lea)es 3ur)e5 aroun5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e "ea)y %oo5. 9 ran my 1in-ers o)er t"e 5eep set 3ar)in-s. Han523ar)e5@ all o1 it. His 1in-ertips 3aresse5 t"e %oo5 like it %as skin. 9t %as a proprietal tou3"@ t"e %ay some men tou3" t"eir -irl1rien5s %"en t"ey?re into o%ners"ip. 9 %as 8ettin- t"at "e?5 3ar)e5 e)ery in3" o1 it. A 8runette in a 5ress t%o siEes smaller t"an it s"oul5 "a)e 8een tou3"e5 "is arm. A7a-nus@ you 5on?t nee5 a stran-er.C 7a-nus Bou)ier turne5 to t"e 8runette. He traile5 t"ose 3aressin- 1in-ertips 5o%n "er arm. S"e s"i)ere5. He raise5 "er "an5 -ently 1rom "is arm@ pressin- "is lips to t"e 8a3k o1 "er "an5. APi3k anyone you %ant@ 5arlin?. Dou are too 8eauti1ul to 8e 5enie5 toni-"t.C S"e %asn?t 8eauti1ul. Her eyes %ere small an5 mu55y 8ro%n@ "er 3"in too s"arp@ nose too lar-e 1or a t"in 1a3e. 9 %as starin- ri-"t at "er 1rom not a 1oot a%ay@ an5 "er 1a3e smoot"e5. Her eyes %ere su55enly lar-e an5 sparklin-@ "er t"in lips 1ull an5 moist. 9t %as like seein- "er t"rou-" one o1 t"ose so1t 1ilters t"ey use5 5urin- t"e si*ties@ e*3ept more. 9 -lan3e5 at Larry. He looke5 like "e?5 8een "it 8y a tru3k. A slim@ lo)ely tru3k. 9 stare5 out o)er t"e 8ar@ an5 e)ery ot"er male in t"e pla3e e*3ept ,arl %as starin- at t"e %oman in e*a3tly t"e same %ay@ as i1 s"e?5 >ust appeare5 8e1ore t"em like !in5erella trans1orme5 8y "er 1airy -o5mot"er. /ot a 8a5 analo-y. 9 turne5 8a3k to 7a-nus Bou)ier. He %as not starin- at t"e %oman. He %as starin- at me. 9 leane5 into t"e 8ar@ meetin- "is -aEe. He smile5 sli-"tly. 9 sai5@ ALo)e 3"arms are ille-al.C $"e smile %i5ene5. ADou?re mu3" too pretty to 8e t"e poli3e.C He rea3"e5 out to tou3" my arm. A$ou3" me an5 9?ll "a)e you arreste5 1or usin- un5ue preternatural in1luen3e.C A9t?s a mis5emeanor@C "e sai5. A/ot i1 you?re not "uman@ it isn?t@C 9 sai5. He 8linke5 at me. 9 5i5n?t kno% "im %ell enou-" to 8e sure@ 8ut 9 t"ink 9 surprise5 "im@ like 9 s"oul5 "a)e 8elie)e5 "e %as "uman. Dea"@ ri-"t. ALet?s talk at a ta8le@C "e sai5. A'ine %it" me.C A4orrie@ 3an you take o)er 1or a 1e% minutesBC A %oman 3ame 8e"in5 t"e 8ar. S"e "a5 t"e same t"i3k 3"estnut "air@ 8ut it %as tie5 8a3k 1rom "er 1a3e in a se)ere ponytail@ "i-" an5 ti-"t on "er "ea5. $"e lon-@ s"inin- tail o1 "air s%un- as s"e mo)e5@ like it %as ali)e. Her 1a3e@ 1ree o1 "air an5 makeup@ %as trian-ular@ e*oti3@ 3atlike. Her eyes %ere t"e same startlin- sea%ater -reen as 7a-nus?s. $"e men nearest t"e 8ar %at3"e5 "er out o1 t"e 3orners o1 t"eir eyes@ as i1 a1rai5 to look 5ire3tly at "er. Larry stare5 at "er open2mout"e5. A9?ll %at3" t"e 8ar@ 8ut t"at?s all@C s"e sai5. S"e turne5 t"ose eyes to Larry an5 sai5@ A="at are you starin- atBC Her )oi3e %as "ars"@ t"i3k %it" s3orn. Larry 8linke5@ 3lose5 "is mout"@ an5 stuttere5. A/2not"in-.C S"e -lare5 at "im like s"e kne% "e %as lyin-. 9 -ot an inklin- %"y t"e men %eren?t starin- at "er. A4or3as@ 8e ni3e to t"e 3ustomers.C S"e -lare5 at 7a-nusG "e smile5@ 8ut "e 8a3ke5 5o%n. 7a-nus steppe5 out 1rom 8e"in5 t"e 8ar. He %as %earin- a so1t 8lue 5ress s"irt untu3ke5 o)er >eans so 1a5e5 t"ey %ere almost %"ite. $"e s"irt "it "im at nearly mi52t"i-"G "e?5 "a5 to roll t"e slee)es o)er "is 1orearms. Bla3k an5 sil)er 3o%8oy 8oots 3omplete5 t"e out1it. ,)eryt"in- 8ut t"e 8oots looke5 8orro%e5. He s"oul5 "a)e looke5 sloppy@ too 3asual amon- e)eryone else 5u5e5 up 1or a 'ri5ay ni-"t@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. His utter 3on1i5en3e ma5e t"e out1it seem per1e3t. A %oman at one o1 t"e ta8les -ra88e5 t"e "em o1 "is s"irt as "e mo)e5 past. He pulle5 it out o1 "er "an5s %it" a play1ul smile. 7a-nus le5 us to a ta8le near t"e empty sta-e. He stoo5@ lettin- me 3"oose my seatG )ery -entlemanly o1 "im. 9 sat %it" my 8a3k to t"e %all so 9 3oul5 see 8ot" 5oors an5 t"e room. 9t %as sort o1 3o%8oyis"@ 8ut ma-i3 ro5e t"e air. 9lle-al ma-i3. Larry sat to my ri-"t. He?5 %at3"e5 me an5 s3oote5 "is 3"air a little 8a3k 1rom t"e ta8le so "e 3oul5 see t"e room too. 9t %as almost 1ri-"tenin- "o% seriously Larry %at3"e5 %"at 9 5i5. 9t %oul5 keep "im ali)e@ 8ut it %as like 8ein- 1ollo%e5 aroun5 8y a t"ree2year2ol5 %it" a 3arry permit. Kin5 o1 intimi5atin-. 7a-nus smile5 at us 8ot"@ in5ul-ently@ like %e %ere 5oin- somet"in- 3ute or amusin-. 9 %asn?t in t"e moo5 to 8e amusin-. ALo)e 3"arms are ille-al@C 9 sai5.

ADou sai5 t"at alrea5y@C 7a-nus sai5. He 1las"e5 me a smile t"at 9 t"ink %as meant to 8e 3"armin- an5 "armless. 9t %asn?t. $"ere %asn?t anyt"in- "e 3oul5 5o to make "imsel1 less t"an e*oti3. He sure as "ell %asn?t "armless. 9 stare5 at "im until t"e smile %ilte5 aroun5 t"e e5-es@ an5 "e s%allo%e5. He sprea5 "is lon-1in-ere5 "an5s on t"e ta8letop@ starin- at t"em. ="en "e looke5 up@ t"e smile %as -one. He looke5 solemn@ a little ner)ous e)en. Goo5. A9t?s not a 3"arm@C "e sai5. A$"e "ell it isn?t@C 9 sai5. A9t isn?t. A spell@ 8ut not"in- as mun5ane as a 3"arm.C ADou?re splittin- "airs@C 9 sai5. Larry %as starin- at us intently. A=as t"at stu11 at t"e 8ar a lo)e 3"armBC A="at stu11 at t"e 8arBC 7a-nus?s 1a3e %as in3re5i8ly mil5@ as i1 "e t"ou-"t Larry %oul5 8elie)e "im. Larry looke5 at me. A9s "e ki55in-B $"e %oman %ent 1rom a t"ree to a t%entyt"ree. 9t "a5 to 8e ma-i3.C 7a-nus turne5 "is attention to Larry 1or t"e 1irst time@ e*3lu5in- me2an5 9 1elt e*3lu5e5. 9t %as like a ray o1 suns"ine "a5 mo)e5 a%ay 1rom me@ an5 9 %as >ust a little 3ol5er@ a little more in t"e 5ark. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A!ut t"e -lamor 3rap.C 7a-nus turne5 8a3k to me@ an5 1or a minute 9 1elt t"at %armt". AStop it.C A="atBC 9 stoo5 up. A'ineG let?s see "o% 1unny you t"ink you are in >ail.C 7a-nus en3ir3le5 my %rist %it" "is "an5. His skin s"oul5 "a)e 8een %orkrou-"ene5@ 8ut it %asn?t. His skin %as unnaturally so1t@ like li)in- )el)et. #1 3ourse@ t"at 3oul5 "a)e 8een illusionary@ too. 9 trie5 to pull my "an5 a%ay@ 8ut "is -rip ti-"tene5. 9 kept pullin-@ an5 "e kept ti-"tenin- %it" t"at 3ertainty o1 someone %"o kne% t"at 9 3oul5n?t -et a%ay. He %as %ron-. 9t %asn?t >ust a matter o1 stren-t"@ it %as a matter o1 le)era-e. 9 turne5 my %rist to%ar5s "is 1in-ers in a ;ui3k turnin- motion@ >erkin- at t"e same time. His 1in-ers sli5 o)er my skin tryin- to 5i- in@ 8ut it %as o)er. 7y %rist 1elt ru88e5 ra% %"ere "is 1in-er "a5 s3rape5 alon- t"e skin. 9t %asn?t 8lee5in-@ 8ut it "urt any%ay. 9t %oul5 "a)e 1elt 8etter i1 9 ru88e5 it@ 8ut 9 %oul5n?t -i)e "im t"e satis1a3tion. 9 %as@ a1ter all@ a tou-"2 as2nails )ampire slayer. Besi5es@ it %oul5 "a)e ruine5 some o1 t"e e11e3t@ an5 9 like5 t"e surprise on 7a-nus?s 1a3e. A7ost %omen 5on?t pull a%ay on3e 9?)e tou3"e5 t"em.C ADou use ma-i3 on me one more time@ an5 9?ll 1ee5 you to t"e 3ops.C He stare5 up at me@ a t"ou-"t1ul look on "is 1a3e. He no55e5. ADou %in. /o more ma-i3 on you or your 1rien5.C A#r anyone else@C 9 sai5. 9 sat 8a3k 5o%n 3are1ully@ puttin- a little more 5istan3e 8et%een me an5 "im. 9 an-le5 t"e 3"air >ust a little to one si5e so t"e -ra8 1or my -un %oul5 8e smoot"er. 9 5i5n?t t"ink 9?5 "a)e to s"oot "im@ 8ut my %rist %as a3"in- %"ere "e?5 s;ueeEe5. 9 "a5 arm %restle5 %it" )ampires an5 s"apes"i1ters. 9 kne% preternatural stren-t" %"en 9 1elt it. He "a5 it. He 3oul5 "a)e s;ueeEe5 until my 8ones poppe5 out o1 my skin@ 8ut "e "a5n?t s;ueeEe5 1ast enou-". He "a5n?t really %ante5 to "urt me. His mistake. A#"@ my 3ustomers %oul5n?t like t"e ma-i3 -oin- a%ay@C "e sai5. ADou 3an?t manipulate t"em like t"is. 9t is ille-al@ an5 9 %ill turn you in 1or it.C ABut e)eryone kno%s t"at 'ri5ay ni-"t is lo)ers? ni-"t at Bloo5y Bones@C 7a-nus sai5. A="at?s lo)ers? ni-"tBC Larry aske5. 7a-nus smile5@ alrea5y re-ainin- some o1 "is easy 3"arm@ 8ut t"at 1li3ker o1 %armt" %as -one. He %as 8ein- true to "is %or5@ as 1ar as 9 3oul5 tell. ,)en )ampires 3oul5n?t %ork min5 3ontrol on me %it"out my kno%in- it. $"at 7a-nus 3oul5 make me ner)ous. A9 make e)eryone 8eauti1ul or "an5some@ or se*y@ toni-"t. 'or a 1e% "ours you 3an 8e t"e lo)er o1 your o%n 5reams@ an5 someone else?s. $"ou-" 9 %oul5n?t spen5 t"e ni-"t. $"e -lamor 5oesn?t last t"at lon-.C A="at are youBC Larry aske5. A="at looks like Homo sapiens@ 3an 8ree5 %it" Homo sapiens@ 8ut isn?t Homo sapiensBC 9 aske5. Larry?s eyes %i5ene5. AHomo ar3anus. He?s a 1airieBC APlease keep your )oi3e 5o%n@C 7a-nus sai5. He -lan3e5 aroun5 at t"e near ta8les. /o one %as playin- mu3" attention to us. $"ey %ere too 8usy -aEin- into ea3" ot"er?s ma-i3ally en"an3e5 eyes. ADou 3an?t 8e passin- 1or "uman@C 9 sai5. A$"e Bou)iers "a)e tol5 t"e 1uture an5 ma5e lo)e 3"arms 1or 3enturies aroun5 "ere.C ADou sai5 it %asn?t a lo)e 3"arm@C 9 sai5.

A$"ey t"ink it is@ 8ut you kno% %"at it is.C AGlamor@C 9 sai5. A="at?s -lamorBC Larry aske5. A9t?s 1airie ma-i3. 9t?s %"at allo%s t"em to 3lou5 our min5s@ make t"in-s seem 8etter or %orse t"an t"ey are.C 7a-nus no55e5@ smilin-@ as i1 please5 t"at 9 kne% so mu3". A,*a3tlyG it?s really a minor ma-i3 3ompare5 to some.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?)e rea5 a8out -lamor@ an5 it 5oesn?t %ork t"is %ell unless you?re "i-" 3ourt@ 4aoine Si5"e. $"e seelie 3ourt o1 1airylan5 5oesn?t inter8ree5 %it" mortals o1ten. At least not 3ommoners. $"e unseelie 3ourt@ on t"e ot"er "an5@ 5oes.C He stare5 at me %it" "is 8eauti1ul eyes@ lookin-@ e)en %it"out -lamor@ so -or-eous you %ante5 to tou3" "im. =ante5 to see i1 "is "air %as as lu*uriant as it looke5. He %as like a really 1ine s3ulptureG you %ante5 to run your "an5s o)er it an5 1eel t"e lines. 7a-nus smile5 -ently. A$"e unseelie 3ourt is e)il@ 3ruel. ="at 9 5o "ere is not e)il. 'or one ni-"t t"ese people 3an 3ome "ere an5 8e t"eir o%n 1antasies. $"ey t"ink it?s lo)e 3"arms@ an5 9 let t"em. =e all keep t"e se3ret o1 t"is small ille-al a3t. $"e lo3al poli3e kno%. $"ey e)en 3ome 5o%n on3e in a %"ile an5 >oin in.C ABut it?s not lo)e 3"arms.C A/o@ it?s natural talent on my part. :sin- my o%n "ome-ro%n ma-i3 isn?t ille-al i1 e)eryone kno%s 9?m 5oin- it.C ASo you preten5 it?s lo)e 3"arms@ an5 e)eryone looks t"e ot"er %ay 8e3ause t"ey?re "a)in- a -oo5 time@ 8ut it?s really 1airie -lamor@ %"i3" isn?t ille-al %it" permission o1 t"e parti3ipants.C A,*a3tly@C "e sai5. A="i3" makes it all le-al.C He no55e5. A/o% i1 9 %as 5es3en5e5 1rom t"e 5ark si5e o1 1airie@ %oul5 9 5o anyt"in- to 8rin- pleasure to so manyBC A91 it suite5 your nee5s@ yea".C A9sn?t t"ere a 8an on unseelie 3ourt mo)in- to t"is 3ountryBC Larry aske5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. A/ot i1 my 1amily mo)e5 "ere 8e1ore t"e 8an %ent into e11e3t. $"e Bou)iers "a)e 8een "ere 1or nearly t"ree "un5re5 years.C A/ot possi8le@C 9 sai5. A/o8o5y 8ut t"e 9n5ians "a)e 8een "ere t"at lon-.C ALlyn Bou)ier %as a 'ren3" 1ur trapper. He %as t"e 1irst ,uropean to set 1oot on t"is lan5. He marrie5 into t"e lo3al tri8e@ !"ristianiEe5 t"em.C ABully 1or "im. So "o% 3ome you 5i5n?t %ant to sell to <aymon5 Stirlin-BC He 8linke5 at me. A9t %oul5 5isappoint me -reatly to 1in5 out you are %orkin- 1or "im.C ASorry to 5isappoint you@C 9 sai5. A="at are youBC He "a5n?t aske5 %"o@ "e?5 aske5 %"at. 9t %as a )ery 5i11erent ;uestion. 9t sort o1 stoppe5 me 1or a se3on5. A9?m Anita BlakeG t"is is Larry Kirklan5. =e?re animators.C A9 take it you 5on?t 5ra% 3artoons@C "e sai5. 9t ma5e me smile. A/o. =e raise t"e 5ea5G Fanimate? 1rom t"e Latin@ to -i)e li1e.C A9s t"at all you 5oBC He %as starin- at me )ery intently@ like t"ere %as somet"in- %ritten on t"e insi5e o1 my skull an5 "e %as tryin- to rea5 it. 9t %as an un3om1orta8le le)el o1 s3rutiny@ 8ut 9?)e 8een stare5 at 8y t"e 8est. 9 met "is eyes an5 ans%ere5. A9?m a li3ense5 )ampire e*e3utioner.C He s"ook "is "ea5 -ently. A9 5i5n?t ask %"at you 5i5 1or a li)in-. 9 aske5 %"at you %ere.C 9 1ro%ne5. A7ay8e 9 5on?t un5erstan5 t"e ;uestion.C APer"aps you 5on?t@ 8ut your 1rien5 aske5 %"at 9 %as. Dou sai5 9 %as a 1airie. 9 ask you %"at you are@ an5 you 5es3ri8e your >o8. 9t %oul5 8e like me sayin- 9?m a 8arten5er.C A9 5on?t kno% "o% to ans%er you@ t"en@C 9 sai5. He %as still starin- at me. ADes@ you 5o. 9 3an see a %or5 in your eyes. #ne %or5.C ="en "e sai5 it@ a %or5 5i5 3ome to min5. A/e3roman3er. 9?m a ne3roman3er.C 7a-nus no55e5. A4oes 7r. Stirlin- kno% %"at you areBC

A9 5ou8t "e?5 un5erstan5 e)en i1 9 tol5 "im.C A4o you really "a)e t"e a8ility to 3ontrol all types o1 un5ea5BC 7a-nus aske5. A!an you really make a "un5re5 s"oes in a sin-le ni-"tBC 9 aske5. 7a-nus smile5. A=ron- kin5 o1 1airie.C ADea"@C 9 sai5. A91 you?re %orkin- 1or Stirlin-@ %"y are you "ereB 9 "ope you 5i5n?t 3ome "ere to try to persua5e me to sell. 9?5 "ate to "a)e to say no to su3" a lo)ely %oman.C A!an t"e 3ompliments@ 7a-nus. 9t %on?t -et you any%"ere.C A="at %oul5 -et me some%"ereBC 9 si-"e5. A9?)e -ot too many men on my plate no%.C A$"at?s t"e Go5?s "onest trut"@C Larry muttere5. 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A9?m not askin- you out on a 5ate. 9?m askin- you into my 8e5.C 9 1ro%ne5 at 7a-nus. /o@ -lare5 %as a 8etter %or5. A/ot in t"is li1etime.C ASe* 8et%een supernatural 8ein-s is al%ays amaEin-@ Anita.C A9?m not a supernatural 8ein-.C A/o% %"o?s splittin- "airsBC 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say to t"at@ so 9 sai5 not"in-. 9 rarely -et in trou8le %it" silen3e. 7a-nus smile5. A9?)e ma5e you un3om1orta8le. 9 am sorry@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er "a)e 1or-i)en mysel1 i1 9 "a5n?t aske5. 9t?s 8een a lon- time sin3e 9 %as %it" anyone %"o %asn?t strai-"t "uman. Let me 8uy you 8ot" 5rinks@ to make up 1or my ru5eness.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A7enus %oul5 8e 1ine. =e "a)en?t eaten yet.C A$"e meals %ill 8e on t"e "ouse.C A/o@C 9 sai5. A="y notBC ABe3ause 9 5on?t parti3ularly like you@ an5 9 5on?t take 1a)ors 1rom people 9 5on?t like.C He sat 8a3k in "is 3"air@ a stran-e@ almost startle5 e*pression on "is 1a3e. ADou are 5ire3t.C ADou "a)e no i5ea@C Larry sai5. 9 resiste5 t"e ur-e to ki3k Larry un5er t"e ta8le an5 sai5@ A!an %e "a)e some menusBC He raise5 a "an5 an5 3alle5@ A$%o menus@ 4orrie.C 4orrie 8rou-"t t"em o)er. A9?m part o%ner o1 t"is pla3e@ not your %aitress@ 7a-nus. Hurry it up.C A4on?t 1or-et t"at appointment 9?)e -ot toni-"t@ 4orrie.C His )oi3e %as mil5. S"e %asn?t 1oole5. ADou aren?t lea)in- me alone %it" t"ese people. 9 %ill not ... C S"e -lan3e5 at us. A9 5on?t appro)e o1 lo)ers? ni-"t. Dou kno% t"at.C A9?ll take 3are o1 e)ery8o5y 8e1ore 9 lea)e. Dou %on?t "a)e to sully your morals.C S"e -lare5 at all o1 us in turn. ADou?re lea)in- %it" t"emBC A/o@C "e sai5. S"e turne5 on "er "eel an5 stalke5 8a3k to t"e 8ar. $"e men %"o %eren?t paire5 o11 %at3"e5 "er s%ayin- 8a3k@ 3are1ully@ not starin- until s"e 3oul5n?t see t"em. ADour sister 5oesn?t appro)e o1 a8usin- -lamorBC 9 aske5. A4orrie 5oesn?t appro)e o1 a lot o1 t"in-s.C AS"e "as morals.C A9mplyin- 9 5on?t@C "e sai5. 9 s"ru--e5. ADou sai5 it@ not me.C AS"e al%ays t"is >u5-mentalBC "e aske5 Larry. Larry no55e5. A:sually.C ALet?s >ust or5er our 1oo5@C 9 sai5.

Larry smile5@ 8ut "e looke5 5o%n at t"e menu. 9t %as a laminate5 pie3e o1 paper printe5 on 8ot" si5es. 9 or5ere5 a 3"eese8ur-er@ %ell 5one@ "ouse 1ries@ an5 a lar-e !oke. 9 "a5n?t "a5 3a11eine in se)eral "oursG 9 %as runnin- lo%. Larry %as 1ro%nin- at t"e menu. A9 5on?t t"ink 9 3oul5 eat a "am8ur-er ri-"t no%. A$"ey?)e -ot sala5s@C 9 sai5. 7a-nus lai5 "is 1in-ertips a-ainst t"e 8a3k o1 Larry?s "an5. ASomet"in- s%ims up 8e"in5 your eyes. Somet"in- ... a%1ul >ust 8e"in5 your eyes.C Larry stare5 at "im. A9 5on?t kno% %"at you mean.C 9 -ra88e5 7a-nus?s %rist an5 pulle5 "im a%ay 1rom Larry. He turne5 "is eyes to me@ 8ut t"ere %as more t"an >ust t"eir 3olor to make t"em "ar5 to stare at. $"e pupil o1 "is eyes "a5 spirale5 5o%n like t"e eye o1 a 8ir5. Human eyes >ust 5i5n?t 5o t"at. 9 %as su55enly )ery a%are t"at 9 %as still "ol5in- "is %rist. 9 5re% my "an5 a%ay. AStop rea5in- us@ 7a-nus.C ADou %ore -lo)es@ or 9?5 8e a8le to tell %"at you?5 tou3"e5@C "e sai5. A9t?s an on-oin- poli3e in)esti-ation. Anyt"in- you 5is3ern 8y psy3"i3 means must 8e "el5 3on1i5ential@ or you?re lia8le >ust as i1 you stole in1ormation out o1 our 1iles.C A4o you al%ays 5o t"atBC "e aske5. A="atBC ANuote t"e la% %"en you?re ner)ous.C ASometimes@C 9 sai5. A9 sa% 8loo5@ t"at?s all. 7y -i1ts are rat"er limite5 in t"e area o1 1ar2seein-. Dou s"oul5 s"ake 4orrie?s "an5. 'ar2seein- is "er stron- suit.C A$"anks@ 8ut no t"anks@C Larry sai5. He smile5. ADou are not poli3e@ or you %oul5n?t "a)e t"reatene5 me %it" t"e poli3e@ 8ut you %ere %it" t"em earlier. ="yBC A9 t"ou-"t all you sa% %as 8loo5@C 9 sai5. He "a5 t"e -ra3e to look em8arrasse5G ni3e to kno% "e 3oul5 8e em8arrasse5. AA little 8it more@ per"aps.C A$ou3" 3lair)oyan3e isn?t a tra5itional 1ey po%er.C A#ur many2times2-reat2-ran5mot"er %as t"e 5au-"ter o1 a s"aman@ so t"e story -oes.C AGettin- ma-i3 1rom 8ot" si5es o1 t"e 1amily tree@C 9 sai5. A4irty pool.C A!lair)oyan3e isn?t ma-i3@C Larry sai5. AA really -oo5 3lair)oyant %ill make you t"ink it is@C 9 sai5. 9 stare5 at 7a-nus. $"e last 3lair)oyant %"o "a5 tou3"e5 me an5 seen 8loo5 "a5 8een "orri1ie5. He "a5n?t %ante5 to tou3" me a-ain. He "a5n?t %ante5 me any%"ere near "im. 7a-nus 5i5n?t look "orri1ie5@ an5 "e?5 o11ere5 to "a)e se* %it" me. 4i11erent strokes 1or 5i11erent 1olks. A9?ll@ take your or5er t"rou-" to t"e kit3"en mysel1@ i1 you?ll >ust 5e3i5e %"at you %ant@C "e sai5. Larry stare5 at t"e menu. AA sala5@ 9 -uess. /o 5ressin-.C He t"ou-"t a8out it some more. A/o tomatoes.C 7a-nus starte5 to stan5. A="y %on?t you sell to Stirlin-BC 9 aske5. 7a-nus 3o3ke5 "is "ea5 to one si5e@ smilin-. A$"e lan5 "as 8een in our 1amily 1or 3enturies. 9t?s our lan5.C 9 looke5 at "im an5 3oul5n?t rea5 "is 1a3e. 9t 3oul5 "a)e 8een t"e a8solute trut"@ or a 8ol51a3e5 lie. ASo t"e only reason you 5on?t %ant to 8e a millionaire is 8e3ause o1 %"at ... 1amily tra5itionBC $"e smile 5eepene5. He leane5 3loser@ lon- "air spillin- 1or%ar5. He %"ispere5@ an5 it %as ;uiet enou-" t"at "e nee5e5 to %"isper. A7oney is not e)eryt"in-@ Anita. $"ou-" Stirlin- seems to t"ink it is.C His 1a3e %as )ery 3lose@ >ust 8arely 1ar enou-" a%ay 1or me not to 3omplain. 9 3oul5 smell "is a1ters"a)e@ 1aint as i1 you?5 "a)e to -et )ery near "is skin to smell it@ 8ut it %oul5 8e %ort" t"e e11ort. A="at 5o you %ant@ 7a-nus@ i1 it?s not moneyBC 9 stare5 at "im 1rom too 3lose. His lon- "air traile5 o)er my "an5. A9 tol5 you %"at 9 %ante5.C ,)en %it"out t"e -lamor 8e %as tryin- to s%eet2talk me@ 5istra3t me. A="at "appene5 to t"e trees out 8y your roa5BC 9 5i5n?t 5istra3t t"at easily. He 8linke5 lon- las"es. Somet"in- sli5 8e"in5 "is eyes. A9 "appene5.C

ADou 3ut 5o%n t"ose treesBC Larry aske5. 7a-nus turne5 to "im@ an5 9 %as -la5 not to 8e starin- at "im 1rom in3"es a%ay. ASa5ly@ yes.C A="yBC 9 aske5. He strai-"tene5 up@ su55enly 8usinesslike. A9 -ot 5runk an5 %ent on a little rampa-e.C He s"ru--e5. A,m8arrassin-@ isn?t itBC A$"at?s one %or5 1or it@C 9 sai5. A9?ll -o -et your 1oo5. #ne nake5 sala5 3omin- up.C ADou remem8er %"at 9?m -ettin-BC 9 aske5. A7eat 8urne5 to 5eat"G 9 remem8er.C ADou soun5 like a )e-etarian.C A#"@ no@C "e sai5. A9 eat all sorts o1 t"in-s.C He %alke5 a%ay t"rou-" t"e 3ro%5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 5e3i5e i1 9?5 8een insulte5 or not. Hust as %ell. 'or t"e li1e o1 me@ 9 3oul5n?t t"ink o1 a -oo5 3ome8a3k line.

Chapter Ten
4or3as 8rou-"t our 1oo5 %it"out a %or5. S"e seeme5 an-ry2may8e not at us@ 8ut %it" us. #r %it" e)eryt"in-. 9 sympat"iEe5. 7a-nus %ent 8e"in5 t"e 8ar@ sprea5in- "is o%n spe3ial 8ran5 o1 ma-i3 to "is 3ustomers on3e more. He -lan3e5 our %ay an5 smile5 8ut 5i5n?t 3ome 8a3k to 1inis" our talk. #1 3ourseG %e?5 8een 1inis"e5. 9 %as all out o1 ;uestions. 9 took a 8ite o1 my 3"eese8ur-er. 9t %as almost 3rispy aroun5 t"e e5-es@ not a smi5-en o1 pink in t"e 3enter. Per1e3t. A="at?s %ron-BC Larry aske5. He %as ni88lin- at a lettu3e lea1. 9 s%allo%e5. A="y s"oul5 somet"in- 8e %ron-BC ADou?re 1ro%nin-@C "e sai5. A7a-nus 5i5n?t 3ome 8a3k to t"e ta8le.C ASoB He ans%ere5 all our ;uestions.C A7ay8e %e >ust 5on?t kno% t"e ri-"t ;uestions to ask.C ADou suspe3t "im o1 somet"in- no%BC Larry s"ook "is "ea5. ADou "a)e 8een "an-in- aroun5 %it" 3ops too lon-@ Anita. Dou t"ink e)eryone?s up to somet"in-.C A$"ey usually are.C 9 took anot"er 8ite o1 8ur-er. Larry s;uin3"e5 "is eyes ti-"t. A="at?s %ron- %it" youBC 9 aske5. A$"ere?s >ui3e 3omin- out o1 your 8ur-er. Ho% 3an you eat t"at a1ter %"at %e >ust sa%BC A9 -uess t"is means you 5on?t %ant me to put ket3"up on my 1ries.C He looke5 at me %it" somet"in- near p"ysi3al pain on "is 1a3e. AHo% 3an you make >okesBC 7y 8eeper %ent o11. Ha5 t"ey 1oun5 t"e )ampireB 9 "it t"e 8utton@ an5 4olp"?s num8er 1las"e5 at me. /o% %"atB A9t?s 4olp". ,at "earty. 9?ll p"one 1rom t"e Heep an5 8e 8a3k.C Larry stoo5 up %it" me. He put a tip on t"e ta8le an5 le1t "is sala5 nearly untou3"e5. A9?m 5one.C A=ell@ 9?m not. Ha)e 7a-nus pa3k my meal to -o.C 9 le1t "im starin- 1orlornly 5o%n at my "al12eaten 8ur-er. ADou?re not -oin- to eat it in t"e 3ar@ are youBC AHust "a)e it pa3ke5 up.C 9 %ent 1or t"e Heep an5 its 1an3y p"one. 4olp" ans%ere5 on t"e t"ir5 rin-. AAnitaBC ADea"@ 4olp"@ it?s me. ="at?s upBC AVampire )i3tim out near you.C AS"it@ anot"er one.C A="at 5o you mean anot"er oneBC $"at stoppe5 me. A'reemont 5i5n?t 3all you a1ter 9 talke5 to "erBC ADea"@ s"e sai5 -oo5 t"in-s a8out you.C

A$"at surprises meG s"e %asn?t too 1rien5ly.C AHo% not 1rien5lyBC AS"e %oul5n?t let me "unt )ampires %it" "er.C A$ell me@C 4olp" sai5. 9 tol5 "im. 4olp" %as ;uiet 1or a )ery lon- time a1ter 9 1inis"e5. ADou still t"ere@ 4olp"BC A9?m "ere. 9 %is" 9 %asn?t.C A="at?s -oin- on@ 4olp"B ="y %oul5 'reemont 3all an5 tell you %"at a -oo5 >o8 9?m 5oin-@ 8ut not ask 1or t"e s;ua5?s "elp on somet"in- t"is 8i-BC A9 8et s"e "asn?t 3alle5 t"e 'e5s eit"er@C 4olp" sai5. A="at?s -oin- on@ 4olp"BC A9 t"ink 4ete3ti)e 'reemont is pullin- a Lone <an-er on us.C A$"e 1e5eral 8oys are -oin- to %ant a pie3e o1 t"is. $"e 1irst )ampire serial killer in re3or5e5 "istory. 'reemont 3an?t keep it to "ersel1.C A9 kno%@C 4olp" sai5. A="at are %e -oin- to 5oBC A$"e 8o5y on t"e -roun5 t"is time soun5s like a strai-"t1or%ar5 )ampire kill. 9t?s 3lassi3@ 8ite marks@ no ot"er 5ama-e to t"e 8o5y. !oul5 it 8e a 5i11erent )ampBC A!oul5 8e@C 9 sai5. ADou soun5 5ou8t1ul.C A$%o ro-ue )amps in t"is small a -eo-rap"i3al area@ t"is 1ar 1rom a 3ity@ 5oesn?t seem likely.C A$"e 8o5y %asn?t 3ut up.C A$"ere is t"at@C 9 sai5. AHo% sure are you t"at t"e 1irst killer is a )ampB 9s t"ere anyt"in- else it 3oul5 8eBC 9 opene5 my mout" to say no@ an5 3lose5 it. Any8o5y %"o 3oul5 3ut 5o%n all t"ose trees in one 5runken 8ra%l 3oul5 3ertainly 3ut up people. 7a-nus "a5 "is -lamor. 9 %asn?t sure it %as 3apa8le o1 5oin- %"at 9?5 seen in t"e 3learin-@ 8ut ... AAnitaBC A9 mi-"t "a)e an alternati)e.C A="atBC A="o@C 9 sai5. 9 "ate5 -i)in- 7a-nus up to t"e 3ops. He?5 kept "is se3ret so lon-@ 8ut ... %"at i1 t"e ;uestion 9 s"oul5 ask %as@ "a5 "e kille5 1i)e peopleB 9?5 1elt t"e stren-t" in "is "an5s. 9 remem8ere5 t"e 3lean trunks o1 t"e trees@ 3ut 8y >ust one 8lo%@ t%o at most. 9 1las"e5 on t"e mur5er s3ene. $"e 8loo5@ t"e nake5 8one. 9 3oul5n?t rule 7a-nus out@ an5 9 3oul5n?t a11or5 to 8e %ron-. 9 -a)e "im up to 4olp". A!an you keep t"e part a8out "im 8ein- 1airie out o1 it 1or a %"ileBC A="yBC ABe3ause i1 "e 5i5n?t 5o it@ t"en "is li1e is ruine5.C AA lot o1 people "a)e 1ey 8loo5 in t"em@ Anita.C A$ell t"at to t"e 3olle-e stu5ent last year %"ose 1ian3e 8eat "er to 5eat" %"en "e 1oun5 out "e %as a8out to marry a 1airie. He proteste5 in 3ourt t"at "e "a5n?t meant to kill "er. $"e 1ey %ere suppose5 to 8e "ar5 to kill@ %eren?t t"eyBC A/ot e)eryone is like t"at@ Anita.C A/ot e)eryone@ 8ut enou-".C A9?ll try@ Anita@ 8ut 9 3an?t promise.C A'air enou-"@C 9 sai5. A="ere?s t"e ne% )i3timBC A7onkey?s ,ye8ro%@C "e sai5. A="atBC A$"at?s t"e name o1 t"e to%n.C AHesus. 7onkey?s ,ye8ro%@ 7issouri. Let me -uess. 9t?s a small to%n.C

ABi- enou-" to "a)e a s"eri11 an5 a mur5er.C ASorry. 4o you "a)e 5ire3tionsBC 9 1is"e5 my small@ spiral28oun5 note8ook out o1 t"e po3ket o1 t"e 8la3k >a3ket. He -a)e me 5ire3tions. AS"eri11 St. Ho"n is "ol5in- t"e 8o5y 1or you. He 3alle5 us 1irst. Sin3e 'reemont %ants to -o it alone@ %e?ll let "er.C ADou?re not -oin- to tell "erBC A/o.C A9 5on?t suppose 7onkey?s ,ye8ro% "as a 3rime s3ene unit@ 4olp". 91 %e 5on?t "a)e 'reemont 3ome in %it" "er people@ %e?re -oin- to nee5 some8o5y. !an you -uys 3ome 5o%n yetBC A=e?re still %orkin- our o%n mur5er. But sin3e S"eri11 St. Ho"n 3alle5 us in 1or "is mur5er@ %e?ll 8e in t"e area as soon as %e 3an -et t"ere. /ot toni-"t@ 8ut tomorro%.C A'reemont?s suppose5 to sen5 o)er 3rime2s3ene p"otos 1rom t"e 1irst 3ouple t"at %as kille5. 9 8et i1 9 aske5 s"e mi-"t sen5 o)er p"otos 1rom t"e se3on5 s3ene@ too. S"o%2an52tell tomorro% %"en you -et "ere.C A'reemont may 8e suspi3ious a8out you askin- 1or more pi3tures@C 4olp" sai5. A9?ll tell "er 9 %ant t"em 1or 3omparison. S"e may 8e tryin- to "o- t"e 3ase 1or "ersel1@ 8ut s"e %ants it sol)e5. S"e >ust %ants to sol)e it "ersel1.C AS"e?s a -lory "oun5@C 4olp" sai5. ALooks t"at %ay.C A9 5on?t kno% i1 9?ll 8e a8le to keep 'reemont out o1 t"e se3on5 3ase or not@ 8ut 9?ll try to -i)e you some lea5 time@ so you 3an look aroun5 %it"out "er 8reat"in- 5o%n your ne3k.C A7u3" appre3iate5.C AS"e sai5 you "a5 your assistant %it" you at t"e 3rime s3ene. Ha5 to 8e Larry Kirklan5@ ri-"tBC A<i-"t.C A="at are you 5oin- 8rin-in- "im to 3rime s3enesBC AHe?ll "a)e a 5e-ree in preternatural 8iolo-y t"is sprin-. He?s an animator an5 a )ampire slayer. 9 3an?t 8e e)ery%"ere@ 4olp". 91 9 t"ink "e 3an "an5le it@ 9 t"ou-"t it mi-"t 8e ni3e to "a)e t%o monster e*perts.C A9t mi-"t. 'reemont sai5 Larry lost "is lun3" all o)er t"e 3rime s3ene.C AHe 5i5n?t t"ro% up on t"e 3rime s3ene@ >ust near it.C $"ere %as a moment o1 silen3e. ABetter t"an t"ro%in- up on t"e 8o5y.C A9?m ne)er -oin- to li)e t"at 5o%n@ am 9BC A/o@C 4olp" sai5@ Ayou aren?t.C AGreat. Larry an5 9 %ill -et out t"ere as soon as %e 3an. 9t?s a8out a t"irty2minute 5ri)e@ may8e more.C A9?ll tell S"eri11 St. Ho"n you?re on your %ay.C He "un- up. 9 "un- up. 4olp" %as trainin- me ne)er to say -oo528ye o)er t"e p"one.

Chapter Eleven
Larry slumpe5 in t"e seat as 1ar as t"e seat 8elt %oul5 let "im. His "an5s %ere 3len3"e5 ti-"t in "is lap. He stare5 out into t"e 5ark like "e %as seein- somet"in- 8esi5es t"e passin- s3enery. 9ma-es o1 8ut3"ere5 teena-ers 5an3in- in "is "ea5@ 9 8et. $"ey %eren?t 5an3in- in mine. /ot yet. 9 mi-"t see t"em in my 5reams@ 8ut not a%ake@ not yet. AHo% 8a5 %ill t"is one 8eBC "e aske5. His )oi3e soun5e5 ;uiet@ straine5. A9 5on?t kno%. 9t?s a )ampire )i3tim. !oul5 8e neat@ >ust a 3ouple o1 pun3ture %oun5sG 3oul5 8e 3arna-e.C A!arna-e like t"e t"ree 8oysBC A4olp" sai5 no@ sai5 it?s 3lassi3@ >ust 8ite marks.C ASo it %on?t 8e messyBC His )oi3e %as s;ueeEe5 5o%n to a near %"isper. A=on?t kno% until %e -et t"ere@C 9 sai5. ADou 3oul5n?t >ust 3om1ort meBC His )oi3e soun5e5 so small@ so un3ertain t"at 9 almost o11ere5 to turn t"e Heep aroun5. He 5i5n?t "a)e to see anot"er mur5er s3ene. 9t %as my >o8@ 8ut it %asn?t "is >o8@ not yet. ADou 5on?t e)er "a)e to see anot"er mur5er s3ene@ Larry.C

He turne5 "is "ea5 an5 looke5 at me. A="at 5o you meanBC ADou?)e "a5 your ;uota o1 8loo5 an5 -uts 1or one 5ay. 9 3an turn aroun5 an5 5rop you 8a3k at t"e "otel.C A91 9 5on?t 3ome toni-"t@ %"at "appens ne*t timeBC A91 you aren?t 3ut out 1or t"is kin5 o1 %ork@ you aren?t 3ut out 1or it. /o s"ame in t"at.C A="at a8out ne*t timeBC "e aske5. A$"ere %on?t 8e a ne*t time.C ADou aren?t -ettin- ri5 o1 me t"at easy@C "e sai5. 9 "ope5 t"e 5arkness "i5 t"e smile on my 1a3e. 9 kept it small. A$ell me a8out )ampires@ Anita. 9 t"ou-"t a )ampire 3oul5n?t 5rink enou-" 8loo5 in one ni-"t to kill some8o5y.C APretty to t"ink so@C 9 sai5. A$"ey tol5 us in 3olle-e t"at a )ampire 3oul5n?t 5rain a "uman 8ein- %it" one 8ite. Are you sayin- t"at?s not trueBC A$"ey 3an?t 5rink a "uman 5ry %it" one 8ite@ in one ni-"t@ 8ut t"ey 3an 5rain one %it" one 8ite.C He 1ro%ne5 at me. A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC A$"ey 3an pier3e t"e 1les" an5 5rain t"e 8loo5 %it"out 5rinkin- it.C AHo%BC "e aske5. AHust put t"e 1an-s in@ start t"e 8loo5 1lo%@ an5 let t"e 8loo5 1all 5o%n your 8o5y onto t"e -roun5.C ABut t"at?s not takin- 8loo5 1or 1oo5@ t"at?s >ust mur5er@C Larry sai5. AAn5 your point isBC 9 sai5. AHey@ isn?t t"at our turno11BC 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 t"e roa5 si-n. A4amn.C 9 slo%e5 5o%n@ 8ut 3oul5n?t see o)er t"e 3rest o1 t"e "ill. 9 5i5n?t 5are :2turn until 9 %as sure t"ere %ere no 3ars 3omin- t"e ot"er %ay. 9t %as anot"er "al1 mile 8e1ore %e 3ame to a -ra)el roa5. $"ere %as a ro% o1 mail8o*es 8esi5e t"e roa5. $rees -re% so 3lose to t"e roa5 t"at e)en %inter28are t"ey 3o)ere5 t"e onelane roa5 in s"a5o%s. $"ere %as no pla3e to turn aroun5. Hell@ i1 a se3on5 3ar "a5 3ome@ one o1 us %oul5 "a)e "a5 to 8a3k up. $"e roa5 rose up an5 up@ as i1 it %ere -oin- to -o strai-"t into t"e sky. At t"e 3rest o1 t"e "ill 9 3oul5 see not"in- in 1ront o1 t"e 3ar. 9 "a5 to simply trust t"at t"ere %as more roa5 in 1ront o1 us@ rat"er t"an some en5less pre3ipi3e. AHesus@ t"is is steep@C Larry sai5. 9 ease5 t"e Heep 1or%ar5 an5 t"e tires tou3"e5 roa5. 7y s"oul5ers loosene5 >ust a little. $"ere %as a "ouse >ust up a"ea5. $"e por3" li-"t %as on@ like t"ey %ere e*pe3tin- 3ompany. $"e 8are li-"t 8ul8 %as not kin5. $"e "ouse %as unpainte5 %oo5 %it" a rustin- tin roo1. 9ts raise5 por3" sa--e5 un5er t"e %ei-"t o1 t"e 1ront seat o1 a 3ar t"at %as sittin8y t"e s3reen 5oor. 9 turne5 aroun5 in t"e 5irt in 1ront o1 t"e "ouse t"at passe5 1or a 1ront yar5. 9t looke5 like %e %eren?t t"e 1irst 3ar to 5o it. $"ere %ere 5eep %"eel ruts in t"e po%5er25ry 5irt 1rom years o1 3ars turnin- in an5 out. By t"e time %e -ot 5o%n to t"e en5 o1 t"e roa5@ t"e 5arkness %as pure as )el)et. 9 "it t"e Heep?s "i-" 8eams@ 8ut it %as like 5ri)in- in a tunnel. $"e %orl5 e*iste5 only in t"e li-"tG e)eryt"in- else %as 8la3kness. A9?5 -i)e a lot 1or a 1e% streetli-"ts ri-"t no%@C Larry sai5. A7e@ too. Help me spot our roa5. 9 5on?t %ant to 5ri)e past it t%i3e.C He leane5 1or%ar5 in "is seat@ strainin- a-ainst t"e s"oul5er 8elt. A$"ere.C He pointe5 as "e spoke. 9 slo%e5 an5 turne5 3are1ully onto t"e roa5. $"e "ea5li-"ts 1ille5 t"e tunnel o1 trees. $"is roa5 %as >ust 8are re5 eart". $"e 5irt rose in a mist aroun5 t"e Heep. 'or on3e 9 %as -la5 o1 t"e 5rou-"t. 7u5 %oul5 "a)e 8een a real 8it3" on a 5irt roa5. $"e roa5 %as %i5e enou-" t"at i1 you "a5 ner)es o1 steel@ or %ere 5ri)in- someone else?s 3ar@ you 3oul5 5ri)e t%o 3ars a8reast. A stream 3ut a3ross t"e roa5@ %it" a 5it3" at least 1i1teen 1eet 5eep. $"e 8ri5-e %as not"in- 8ut planks lai5 a3ross some 8eams. /o rails@ no not"in-. As t"e Heep 3rept o)er t"e 8ri5-e@ t"e planks rattle5 an5 mo)e5. $"ey %eren?t naile5 in. Go5. Larry %as starin- at t"e 5rop@ "is 1a3e presse5 a-ainst t"e tinte5 -lass. A$"is 8ri5-e isn?t mu3" %i5er t"an t"e 3ar.C A$"ank?s 1or tellin- me@ Larry. 9?5 "a)e ne)er noti3e5 on my o%n.C ASorry.C Past t"e 8ri5-e@ t"e roa5 %as still %i5e enou-" 1or t%o 3ars. 9 -uess i1 t%o 3ars met at t"e 8ri5-e t"ey took turns. $"ere %as pro8a8ly some tra11i3 la% to 3o)er it. 'irst 3ar on t"e le1t -ets to -o 1irst@ may8e. At t"e 3rest o1 t"e "ill@ li-"ts s"o%e5 in t"e 5istan3e. Poli3e li-"ts stro8e5 t"e 5arkness like muti3olore5 li-"tnin-. $"ey %ere 1art"er a%ay t"an t"ey looke5. =e "a5 t%o more "ills to -o up an5 5o%n 8e1ore t"e li-"ts re1le3te5 o11 t"e 8are trees@ makin- t"em look 8la3k an5 unreal. $"e roa5 spille5 into a %i5e 3learin-. A la%n sprea5 up 1rom t"e roa5@

surroun5in- a lar-e %"ite "ouse. 9t %as a real "ouse %it" si5in- an5 s"utters an5 a %raparoun5 por3". 9t %as t%o2storie5 an5 e5-e5 %it" neatly trimme5 s"ru8s. $"e 5ri)e%ay %as %"ite -ra)el@ %"i3" meant someone "a5 s"ippe5 it in. /ar3issus e5-e5 t"e 5ri)e%ay in t%o t"i3k stripes. A uni1orme5 poli3eman stoppe5 us in t"e 1oot o1 t"e slopin- 5ri)e. He %as tall@ 8i- t"rou-" t"e s"oul5ers@ an5 "a5 5ark "air. He s"ine5 a 1las"li-"t into t"e 3ar. A9?m sorry@ miss@ 8ut you 3an?t -o up t"ere ri-"t no%.C 9 1las"e5 my 94 at "im an5 sai5@ A9?m Anita Blake. 9?m %it" t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam. 9 %as tol5 S"eri11 St. Ho"n is e*pe3tin- me.C He leane5 into t"e open %in5o% an5 1las"e5 "is li-"t at Larry. A="o?s t"isBC ALarry Kirklan5. He?s %it" me.C He stare5 at Larry 1or a 1e% se3on5s. Larry smile5@ 5oin- "is 8est to look "armless. He?s almost as -oo5 at it as 9 am. 9 "a5 a -oo5 )ie% o1 t"e 3op?s -un as "e leane5 into t"e %in5o%. 9t %as a !olt .&+. Bi- -un@ 8ut "e "a5 t"e "an5s 1or it. 9 3au-"t a %"i11 o1 "is a1ters"a)eG Brut. He?5 leane5 too 1ar into t"e %in5o% to look at Larry. 91 9?5 "a5 a -un "i55en in my lap@ 9 3oul5 "a)e 1e5 it to "im. He %as 8i-@ an5 9 8et s"eer siEe sa% "im t"rou-" a lot@ 8ut it %as 3areless. Guns 5on?t 3are "o% 8i- you are. He no55e5 an5 pulle5 out o1 t"e 3ar. AGo on up to t"e "ouse. S"eri11?s e*pe3tin- you.C He 5i5n?t soun5 parti3ularly "appy a8out t"at. ADou -ot a pro8lemBC 9 aske5. He -a)e a smile@ 8ut it %as sour. He s"ook "is "ea5. A9t?s our 3ase. 9 5on?t t"ink %e nee5 any "elpG t"at in3lu5es you.C ADou -ot a nameBC 9 aske5. A!oltrain. 4eputy Ka3k !oltrain.C A=ell@ 4eputy !oltrain@ %e?ll see you up at t"e "ouse.C A9 -uess you %ill@ 7iss Blake.C He t"ou-"t 9 %as a 3op an5 5eli8erately 5i5n?t 3all me Ao11i3erC or A5ete3ti)e.C 9 let it -o. 91 9 really "a5 a pro1essional title 9?5 "a)e 5eman5e5 it@ 8ut -ettin- into an ar-ument 8e3ause "e %oul5n?t 3all me A5ete3ti)eC %"en 9 %asn?t one seeme5 3ounterpro5u3ti)e. 9 5ro)e up an5 parke5 8et%een t"e poli3e 3ars. 9 3lippe5 my 94 to my lapel. =e %alke5 up t"e pale 3ur)e o1 si5e%alk@ an5 no one stoppe5 us. =e stoo5 outsi5e t"e 5oor in a silen3e t"at %as almost eerie. 9?5 8een to a lot o1 mur5er s3enes. #ne t"in- t"ey %eren?t %as silent. $"ere %as no stati3 3ra3kle o1 poli3e ra5ios@ no men millin- aroun5. 7ur5er s3enes %ere al%ays t"i3k %it" peopleJ plain3lot"es 5ete3ti)es@ uni1orms@ 3rime s3ene te3"s@ people takin- p"oto-rap"s@ )i5eo@ t"e am8ulan3e %aitin- to take t"e 8o5y a%ay. =e stoo5 on t"e 1res"ly s%ept por3" in t"e 3ool sprin- ni-"t %it" t"e only soun5s t"e 3alls o1 1ro-s. $"e "i-"2pit3"e5@ peepin- soun5 playe5 o55ly %it" t"e s%irlin- poli3e li-"ts. AAre %e %aitin- 1or somet"in-BC Larry aske5. A/o@C 9 sai5. 9 ran- t"e -lo%in- 5oor8ell. $"e soun5 -a)e a ri3" 8on- 5eep %it"in t"e "ouse. A small 5o- 8arke5 1uriously@ some%"ere 5eep in t"e "ouse. $"e 5oor opene5. A %oman stoo5 1rame5 in t"e li-"t 1rom t"e "all@ pla3in- most o1 "er in s"a5o%. $"e poli3e li-"ts stro8e5 a3ross "er 1a3e@ paintin- in neon !rayola 1las"es. S"e %as a8out my "ei-"t %it" 5ark "air t"at %as eit"er naturally 3urly or "a5 a really -oo5 perm. But s"e?5 5one more %it" it t"an 9 5i5@ an5 it 1rame5 "er 1a3e neatly. 7ine al%ays looke5 sort o1 unruly. S"e %as %earin- a 8utton25o%n s"irt %it" lon- slee)es untu3ke5 o)er >eans. S"e looke5 a8out se)enteen@ 8ut 9 %asn?t 1oole5. 9 looke5 youn- 1or my a-e@ too. He3k@ so 5i5 Larry. 9t 3an?t >ust 8e 8eins"ort@ 3an itB ADou aren?t t"e state poli3e@C s"e sai5. S"e seeme5 )ery sure o1 t"at. A9?m %it" t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam@C 9 sai5. AAnita Blake. $"is is my 3ollea-ue Larry Kirklan5.C Larry smile5 an5 no55e5. $"e %oman mo)e5 8a3k out o1 t"e 5oor@ an5 t"e li-"t 1rom t"e "all%ay 1ell 1ull on "er 1a3e. 9t a55e5 1i)e years to "er a-e@ 8ut t"ey %ere a -oo5 1i)e years. 9t took me a minute to realiEe s"e %as %earin- )ery un5erstate5 makeup. APlease 3ome in@ 7iss Blake. 7y "us8an5@ 4a)i5 is %aitin- %it" t"e 8o5y.C S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A9t?s a%1ul.C S"e peere5 out into t"e 3olore5 5arkness 8e1ore s"e 3lose5 t"e 5oor. A4a)i5 tol5 "im to turn o11 t"ose li-"ts. =e 5on?t %ant e)eryone 1or miles to kno% %"at?s "appene5.C A="at?s your nameBC 9 aske5. S"e 8lus"e5 sli-"tly. A9?m sorryG 9?m not usually t"is s3attere5. 9?m Bet" St. Ho"n. 7y "us8an5 is t"e s"eri11. 9?)e 8een sittin- %it" t"e parents.C S"e ma5e a small motion to%ar5s a set o1 5ou8le 5oors to t"e le1t o1 t"e main entran3e. $"e 5o- %as still 8arkin- 8e"in5 t"ose 5oors like a small 1urry ma3"ine -un. A man?s )oi3e sai5@ ANuiet <a)en.C $"e 8arkin- stoppe5.

=e %ere stan5in- in an entry%ay t"at "a5 a 3eilin- t"at soare5 up to t"e roo1@ as i1 t"e ar3"ite3t "a5 3ut a pie3e out o1 t"e room a8o)e us to 3reate t"e s%eepin- spa3e. A 3rystal 3"an5elier sparkle5 li-"t 5o%n on us. $"e li-"t 3ut a re3tan-le out o1 t"e 5arkene5 room to our ri-"t. $"ere %as a -limpse o1 a 3"erry%oo5 5inin- room set so polis"e5 it -leame5. $"e "all%ay 3ut strai-"t 8a3k to a 5istant 5oor t"at pro8a8ly le5 to t"e kit3"en. Stairs ran alon- t"e %all %it" t"e 5ou8le 5oors. $"e 8annister an5 5oor e5-es %ere %"ite@ t"e 3arpet %as pale 8lue@ t"e %allpaper %"ite %it" tiny 8lue 1lo%ers an5 tinier lea)es. 9t %as open an5 airy@ 8ri-"t an5 %el3omin-@ an5 utterly ;uiet. 91 %e 3oul5 "a)e 1oun5 a pie3e o1 un3arpete5 1loor@ %e %oul5 "a)e 5roppe5 a pin an5 listene5 to it 8oun3e. Bet" St. Ho"n le5 us up t"e 8lue2an52%"ite stair%ay. 9n t"e 3enter o1 t"e "all%ay on t"e ri-"t2"an5 si5e %as a series o1 1amily portraits. $"ey 8e-an %it" a smilin- 3oupleG smilin- 3ouple an5 smilin- 8a8yG smilin- 3ouple an5 one smilin- 8a8y@ one 3ryin- 8a8y. 9 %alke5 5o%n t"e "all%ay@ %at3"in- t"e years pass 8y. $"e 8a8ies 8e3ame 3"il5ren@ a -irl an5 a 8oy. A miniature 8la3k poo5le appeare5 in t"e pi3tures. $"e -irl %as t"e ol5est@ 8ut only 8y a8out a year. $"e parents -re% ol5er@ 8ut 5i5n?t seem to min5. $"e parents an5 t"e -irl smile5G sometimes t"e 8oy 5i5@ sometimes "e 5i5n?t. $"e 8oy smile5 more on t"e ot"er %all@ %"ere t"e 3amera "a5 3au-"t "im tanne5 %it" a 1is"@ or %it" "air sli3ke5 8a3k 1rom >ust 3omin- out o1 t"e pool. $"e -irl smile5 e)ery%"ere you looke5. 9 %on5ere5 %"i3" o1 t"em %as 5ea5. $"ere %as a %in5o% at t"e en5 o1 t"e "all%ay. $"e %"ite 5rapes 1rame5 itG no one "a5 8ot"ere5 to 5ra% t"em. $"e %in5o% looke5 like a 8la3k mirror. $"e 5arkness presse5 a-ainst t"e -lass like it "a5 %ei-"t. Bet" St. Ho"n kno3ke5 on t"e last 5oor to t"e ri-"t@ ne*t to t"at pressin- 5arkness. A4a)i5@ t"e 5ete3ti)es are "ere.C 9 let t"at sli5e. $"e sin o1 omission is a many2splen5ore5 t"in-. 9 "ear5 mo)ement in t"e room@ 8ut s"e steppe5 8a3k 8e1ore t"e 5oor 3oul5 open. Bet" St. Ho"n 8a3ke5 up into t"e mi55le o1 t"e "all%ay so t"ere %oul5 8e no 3"an3e o1 "er seein- insi5e t"e room. Her eyes 1li3ke5 1rom one pi3ture to anot"er@ 3at3"in- -limpses o1 smilin- 1a3es. S"e put a slen5er "an5 to "er 3"est@ as i1 s"e %as "a)in- trou8le 8reat"in-. A9?m -oin- to -o make 3o11ee. 4o you %ant someBC Her )oi3e %as straine5 aroun5 t"e e5-es. ASure@C 9 sai5. ASoun5s -oo5@C Larry sai5. S"e -a)e a %eak smile an5 mar3"e5 5o%n t"e "all%ay. S"e 5i5 not run@ %"i3" -ot "er a lot o1 8ro%nie points in my 8ook. 9 %as 8ettin- it %as Bet" St. Ho"n?s 1irst mur5er s3ene. $"e 5oor opene5. 4a)i5 St. Ho"n %as %earin- a pale 8lue uni1orm t"at mat3"e5 t"e one "is 5eputy %ore@ 8ut t"ere t"e resem8lan3e en5e5. He %as a8out 1i)e21oot2ten@ t"in %it"out 8ein- skinny@ like a marat"on runner. His "air %as a paler@ 8ro%ner )ersion o1 Larry?s re5. Dou noti3e5 "is -lasses 8e1ore you noti3e5 "is eyes@ 8ut t"e eyes %ere %ort" noti3in-. A per1e3t pale -reen like a 3at?s. ,*3ept 1or t"e eyes it %as a )ery or5inary 1a3e@ 8ut it %as one o1 t"ose 1a3es you %oul5n?t -ro% tire5 o1.He o11ere5 me "is "an5. 9 took it. He 8arely tou3"e5 my "an5@ as i1 a1rai5 to s;ueeEe. A lot o1 men 5i5 t"at@ 8ut at least "e o11ere5 to s"ake "an5sG most 5on?t 8ot"er. A9?m S"eri11 St. Ho"n. Dou must 8e Anita Blake. Ser-eant Storr tol5 me you?5 8e 3omin-.C He -lan3e5 at Larry. A="o?s t"isBC ALarry Kirklan5.C St. Ho"n?s eyes narro%e5. He steppe5 1ully into t"e "all%ay@ 3losin- t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im. ASer-eant Storr 5i5n?t mention anyone else. !an 9 see some 94BC 9 un3lippe5 my 8a5-e 94. He looke5 at it an5 s"ook "is "ea5. ADou?re not a 5ete3ti)e.C A/o@ 9?m not.C 9 %as mentally 3ursin- 4olp". 9?5 kno%n it %oul5n?t %ork. AHo% a8out "imBC He >erke5 "is 3"in at Larry. AAll 9 "a)e on me is a 5ri)er?s li3ense@C Larry sai5. A="o are youBC t"e s"eri11 aske5. A9 am Anita Blake. 9 am part o1 t"e Spook S;ua5. 9 >ust 5on?t "appen to "a)e a 8a5-e. Larry is a trainee.C 9 1is"e5 my ne% )ampire e*e3utioner?s li3ense out o1 my >a3ket po3ket. 9t looke5 like a -lori1ie5 5ri)er?s li3ense@ 8ut it %as t"e 8est 9 "a5. He peere5 at t"e li3ense. ADou?re a )ampire "unterB 9t?s a little early 1or you to 8e 3alle5 in. 9 5on?t kno% %"o 5i5 it yet.C A9?m atta3"e5 to Ser-eant Storr?s s;ua5. 9 3ome in at t"e start o1 a 3ase instea5 o1 t"e en5. 9t ten5s to keep t"e 8o5y 3ount 5o%n t"at %ay.C He "an5e5 8a3k t"e li3ense. A9 5i5n?t t"ink Bre%ster?s la% "a5 -one into e11e3t.C Bre%ster %as t"e senator %"ose 5au-"ter -ot eaten. A9t "asn?t. 9?)e 8een %orkin- %it" t"e poli3e 1or a lon- time.C AHo% lon-BC A/early t"ree years.C He smile5. ALon-er t"an 9?)e 8een s"eri11.C He no55e5@ almost as i1 "e?5 ans%ere5 a ;uestion 1or "imsel1. ASer-eant Storr sai5 i1 any8o5y 3oul5 "elp me sol)e t"is@ it %as you. 91 t"e "ea5 o1 <P9$ "as t"at mu3" 3on1i5en3e in you@ 9?m not -oin- to re1use t"e "elp. =e?)e ne)er "a5 a )ampire kill out "ere@ e)er.C

AVampires ten5 to stay near 3ities@C 9 sai5. A$"ey 3an "i5e t"eir )i3tims 8etter t"at %ay.C A=ell@ no one trie5 to "i5e t"is one.C He pus"e5 t"e 5oor open an5 ma5e a little arm -esture@ us"erin- us in. $"e %allpaper %as all pink roses@ 8i- ol521as"ione5 3a88a-e roses. $"ere %as an "onest2to2Go5 )anity@ %it" a raise5 mirror an5 e)eryt"in-@ t"at looke5 like it mi-"t 8e an anti;ue@ 8ut e)eryt"in- else %as %"ite %i3ker an5 pink la3e. 9t looke5 like t"e room 1or a mu3" youn-er -irl. $"e -irl lay on t"e narro% 8e5. $"e 8e5sprea5 mat3"e5 t"e %allpaper. $"e s"eets t%iste5 up un5erneat" "er 8o5y %ere >elly8ean pink. Her "ea5 lay on t"e e5-e o1 t"e pillo%s@ as i1 it "a5 slippe5 to one si5e a1ter s"e %as lai5 on t"em. $"e pink 3urtains 1anne5 a-ainst t"e open %in5o%. A 3ool 8reeEe 3ra%le5 t"rou-" t"e room@ ru11lin- "er t"i3k 8la3k "air. 9t "a5 8een 3urle5 an5 style5 %it" "air -el. $"ere %as a small re5 stain un5er "er 1a3e an5 ne3k %"ere t"e s"eets "a5 soake5 up some 8loo5. 9 %as 8ettin- t"ere %as a 8ite mark on t"at si5e o1 t"e ne3k. S"e %ore makeup not nearly as %ell applie5 as Bet" St. Ho"n?s@ 8ut t"e attempt "a5 8een ma5e. $"e lipsti3k %as 8a5ly smeare5. #ne arm "un- o11 into spa3e@ t"e "an5 "al123uppe5 as i1 rea3"in- 1or somet"in-. $"e nails %ere s"iny %it" 1res" re5 nail polis". Her lon- le-s %ere sprea52ea-le5 on t"e 8e5. $"ere %ere t%o 1an- marks "i-" on "er inner t"i-"2not 1res"@ t"ou-". Her toenails %ere painte5 to mat3" "er 1in-ers. S"e %as still almost %earin- t"e 8la3k te55y s"e?5 starte5 t"e ni-"t in. $"e straps "a5 8een pus"e5 5o%n "er s"oul5ers@ e*posin- small@ %ell21orme5 8reasts. $"e 3rot3" "a5 8een rippe5 out@ or %as one o1 t"e ones t"at snappe5 open@ 8e3ause t"e 8ottom %as pus"e5 up nearly to "er %aist until t"e te55y %as little more t"an a 8elt. =it" "er le-s sprea5 %i5e@ s"e %as 3ompletely e*pose5. $"at@ more t"an anyt"in-@ pisse5 me o11. He 3oul5 "a)e at least 3o)ere5 "er up@ not le1t "er like some %"ore. 9t %as arro-ant an5 3ruel. Larry %as stan5in- a3ross t"e room at t"e ot"er %in5o%. 9t %as open too@ spillin- 3ool air into t"e room. AHa)e you tou3"e5 anyt"in-BC St. Ho"n s"ook "is "ea5. AHa)e you taken any p"otosBC A/o.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat"@ remin5in- mysel1 t"at 9 %as a -uest "ere an5 "a5 no o11i3ial status. 9 3oul5 not a11or5 to piss "im o11. A="at "a)e you 5oneBC A!alle5 you@ an5 t"e state 3ops.C 9 no55e5. AHo% lon- a-o 5i5 you 1in5 t"e 8o5yBC He 3"e3ke5 "is %at3". AAn "our a-o. Ho% 5i5 you -et "ere so 1astBC A9 %asn?t ten miles a%ay@C 9 sai5. ALu3ky 1or me@C "e sai5. 9 looke5 at t"e -irl?s 8o5y. ADea".C Larry %as "u--in- t"e %in5o%sill@ -rippin- it %it" "is "an5s. ALarry@ %"y 5on?t you run 5o%n to t"e Heep an5 -et some -lo)es out o1 my 8a-BC AGlo)esBC A9?)e -ot a 8o* o1 sur-i3al -lo)es in %it" my animatin- stu11. Brin- t"e 8o*.C He s%allo%e5 "ar5 an5 no55e5. ,)ery 1re3kle stoo5 out on "is 1a3e like ink spots. He mo)e5 )ery ;ui3kly to t"e 5oor an5 s"ut it 8e"in5 "im. 9 "a5 t%o sets o1 -lo)es in my >a3ket po3ket@ 8ut Larry nee5e5 air. A$"is "is 1irst mur5erBC ASe3on5@C 9 sai5. AHo% ol5 is t"e -irlBC ASe)enteen@C "e sai5. A$"en it?s mur5er e)en i1 s"e 3onsente5.C A!onsente5B ="at are you talkin- a8outBC $"ere %as t"e )ery 1irst "int o1 an-er in "is )oi3e. A="at 5o you t"ink "appene5 "ere@ S"eri11BC AA )ampire 3lim8e5 in "er %in5o% %"ile s"e %as -ettin- rea5y 1or 8e5 an5 kille5 "er.C A="ere?s all t"e 8loo5BC A$"ere?s more 8loo5 un5er "er ne3k. Dou 3an?t see t"e mark@ 8ut t"at?s %"ere "e 5raine5 "er.C A$"at?s not enou-" 8loo5 to kill "er.C AHe 5rank t"e rest.C He soun5e5 a little outra-e5.

9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o sin-le )ampire 3an 3onsume t"e entire 8loo5 supply o1 an a5ult "uman in one sittin-.C A$"en t"ere %as more t"an one@C "e sai5. ADou mean t"e 8ites on "er t"i-"sBC ADea"@ yea".C He pa3e5 t"e pink s"a- 3arpet in ;ui3k@ ner)ous stri5es. A$"ose marks are at least a 3ouple o1 5ays ol5@C 9 sai5. ASo "e "ypnotiEe5 "er t%i3e 8e1ore@ 8ut t"is time "e kille5 "er.C A9t?s a%1ully early 1or a teena-er to 8e -oin- to 8e5.C AHer mot"er sai5 s"e %asn?t 1eelin- %ell.C $"at 9 8elie)e5. ,)en i1 you %ant it to "appen@ t"at mu3" 8loo5 loss 3an take t"e sparkle out o1 your step. AS"e 1i*e5 "er "air an5 makeup 8e1ore s"e %ent to 8e5@C 9 sai5. ASoBC A4i5 you kno% t"is -irlBC ADes@ "ell yes. $"is is a small to%n@ 7iss Blake. =e all kno% ea3" ot"er. S"e %as a -oo5 ki5@ ne)er in any trou8le. Dou ne)er 1oun5 "er parke5 %it" a 8oy@ or out 5rinkin-. S"e %as a -oo5 -irl.C A9 8elie)e s"e %as a -oo5 -irl@ S"eri11 St. Ho"n. Bein- mur5ere5 5oesn?t make you a 8a5 person.C He no55e5@ 8ut "is eyes %ere sort o1 %il5@ too mu3" %"ite s"o%in-. 9 %ante5 to ask "o% many mur5ers "e?5 seen@ 8ut 5i5n?t. ="et"er t"is %as "is 1irst or "is t%enty21irst@ "e %as s"eri11. A="at 5o you t"ink "appene5 "ere@ S"eri11BC 9?5 aske5 t"e ;uestion on3e@ 8ut 9 %as %illin- to try it a-ain. AA )ampire rape5 an5 kille5 ,llie Nuinlan@ t"at?s %"at "appene5 "ere.C He sai5 it almost 5e1iantly@ like "e 5i5n?t 8elie)e it eit"er. A$"is %asn?t rape@ S"eri11. ,llie Nuinlan in)ite5 "er killer into t"is room.C He pa3e5 to t"e 1ar %in5o% an5 stoo5 like Larry "a5@ starin- out into t"e 5arkness. He %rappe5 "is arms aroun5 "imsel1 like "e %as "u--in- "imsel1. AHo% am 9 -oin- to tell "er parents@ "er ki5 8rot"er@ t"at s"e let some ... t"in- make lo)e to "erB $"at s"e?5 8een lettin- it 1ee5 o11 "erB Ho% 3an 9 tell t"em t"atBC A=ell@ in t"ree ni-"ts@ t%o 3ountin- toni-"t@ ,llie 3an rise 1rom t"e 5ea5 an5 tell t"em "ersel1.C He turne5 8a3k to me@ "is 1a3e pale %it" s"o3k. He s"ook "is "ea5 slo%ly. A$"ey %ant "er stake5.C A="atBC A$"ey %ant "er stake5. $"ey 5on?t %ant "er to rise as a )ampire.C 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e still2%arm 8o5y. 9 s"ook my "ea5. AS"e?ll rise in t%o more ni-"ts.C A$"e 1amily 5oesn?t %ant it.C A91 s"e %as a )ampire@ it %oul5 8e mur5er to stake "er >ust 8e3ause "er 1amily 5oesn?t %ant "er to 8e one.C ABut s"e?s not a )ampire yet@C St. Ho"n sai5. AS"e?s a 3orpse.C A$"e 3oroner %ill "a)e to 3erti1y 5eat" 8e1ore s"e 3an 8e stake5. $"at 3an take a little time.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 kno% 4o3 !amp8ellG "e?ll spee5 it alon- 1or us.C 9 stoo5 t"ere@ starin- 5o%n at t"e -irl. AS"e 5i5n?t plan to 5ie@ S"eri11. $"is isn?t a sui3i5e. S"e?s plannin- on 3omin- 8a3k.C ADou 3an?t kno% t"at.C 9 stare5 at "im. A9 5o kno% t"at@ an5 so 5o you. 91 %e stake "er 8e1ore s"e 3an rise 1rom t"e 5ea5@ it?s mur5er.C A/ot a33or5in- to t"e la%.C A9 am not -oin- to take out t"e "ea5 an5 "eart o1 a se)enteen2year2ol5 -irl >ust 8e3ause "er parents 5on?t like t"e li1estyle s"e?s 3"osen.C AS"e?s 5ea5@ 7iss Blake.C A9t?s 7s. Blake@ an5 9 kno% s"e?s 5ea5. 9 kno% %"at s"e?ll 8e3ome. Pro8a8ly 8etter t"an you 5o.C A$"en you un5erstan5 %"y t"ey %ant it 5one.C 9 looke5 at "im. 9 5i5 un5erstan5. $"ere %as a time %"en 9 3oul5 "a)e 5one it an5 1elt -oo5 a8out it. 'elt like 9 %as "elpint"e 1amily@ 1reein- "er soul. /o%@ 9 >ust %asn?t sure anymore.

ALet "er parents t"ink a8out it 1or t%enty21our "ours. $rust me on t"is. $"ey?re "orri1ie5 ri-"t no%@ an5 -rie12stri3kenG are t"ey really in a position to 5e3i5e %"at "appens to "erBC A$"ey?re "er parents.C ADea"@ an5 t%o 5ays 1rom no% %oul5 t"ey rat"er "a)e "er on "er 1eet@ talkin- to t"em@ or 5ea5 in a 8o*BC AS"e?ll 8e a monster@C "e sai5. A7ay8e@ pro8a8ly@ 8ut 9 t"ink %e s"oul5 "ol5 o11 1or >ust a little %"ile until t"ey?)e "a5 some time. 9 t"ink t"e imme5iate pro8lem is t"e 8loo52su3ker t"at 5i5 t"is.C A9 a-ree@ %e 1in5 "im an5 kill "im.C A=e 3an?t kill "im %it"out a 3ourt or5er o1 e*e3ution@C 9 sai5. A9 kno% t"e lo3al >u5-e. 9 3an -et you a 3ourt or5er.C A9 8et you 3an.C A="at?s t"e matter %it" youB 4on?t you %ant to kill "imBC 9 looke5 at t"e -irl. 91 "e?5 really %ante5 "er to rise as a )ampire@ "e?5 "a)e taken t"e 8o5y %it" "im. He?5 "a)e "i55en "er until s"e rose to keep "er sa1e 1rom people like me. 91 "e 3are5 1or "er. ADea"@ 9?ll kill "im 1or you.C AAlri-"t@ %"at 3an %e 5oBC A=ell@ 1irst@ t"e killin- took pla3e >ust a1ter 5ark@ so "is 5aytime restin- pla3e "a5 to 8e )ery near "ere. Are t"ere any ol5 "ouses@ 3a)es@ some pla3e %"ere you 3oul5 "i5e a 3o11inBC A$"ere?s an ol5 "omestea5 a8out a mile 1rom "ere@ an5 9 kno% t"ere?s a 3a)e 5o%n alon- t"e stream. 9 use5 to -o t"ere %"en 9 %as little. =e all 5i5.C AHere?s t"e 5eal@ S"eri11. 91 %e -o out into t"e 5ark a1ter "im no%@ "e?ll pro8a8ly kill some o1 us. But i1 %e 5on?t try it toni-"t@ "e?ll mo)e "is 3o11in. =e mi-"t not 1in5 "im a-ain.C A=e?ll look 1or "im toni-"t. /o%.C AHo% lon- "a)e you an5 your %i1e 8een marrie5BC 9 aske5. A'i)e yearsG %"yBC ADou lo)e "erBC ADes@ %e %ere "i-" s3"ool s%eet"earts. ="at kin5 o1 ;uestion is t"atBC A91 you -o out a1ter t"e )ampire@ you may ne)er see "er a-ain. 91 you?)e ne)er "unte5 one out t"ere at ni-"t in its o%n territory@ you 5on?t kno% %"at %e?re up a-ainst@ an5 not"in- 9 3an tell you %ill prepare you 1or it. But t"ink a8out ne)er seein- Bet" a-ain. /e)er "ol5in- "er "an5. /e)er "earin- "er )oi3e. =e 3an -o out in t"e mornin-. $"e )ampire may not mo)e its 3o11in toni-"t@ or it mi-"t mo)e 1rom t"e 3a)e to t"e "omestea5@ or )i3e )ersa. =e mi-"t 3at3" it tomorro% %it"out riskin- any8o5y?s li1e.C A4o you t"ink it %on?t mo)e toni-"tBC 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 %ante5 to lie. Go5 kno%s 9 %ante5 to lie. A/o@ 9 t"ink it?ll lea)e t"e imme5iate area toni-"t. $"at?s pro8a8ly %"y "e 3ame >ust a1ter 1ull 5ark. 9t -i)es "im all ni-"t to run.C A$"en %e -o a1ter "im.C 9 no55e5. A#kay@ 8ut %e "a)e to "a)e some -roun5 rules "ere. 9?m in 3"ar-e. 9?)e 5one t"is 8e1ore an5 9?m still ali)eG t"at makes me an e*pert. 91 you 5o e)eryt"in- 9 say@ may8e@ >ust may8e@ %e 3an all li)e until mornin-.C A,*3ept 1or t"e )ampire@C St. Ho"n sai5. ADea"@ sure.C 9t "a5 8een a lon- time sin3e 9 "a5 -one up a-ainst a )ampire at ni-"t in t"e open. 7y )ampire kit %as at "ome in my 3loset. 9t %as ille-al to 3arry it %it" me %it"out a spe3i1i3 3ourt or5er o1 e*e3ution. 9 "a5 t"e 3ross 9 %as %earin-@ t"e t%o "an5-uns@ t"e t%o kni)es@ an5 t"at %as it. /o "oly %ater@ no e*tra 3rosses@ no s"ot-un. Hell@ no stake an5 mallet. A4o you "a)e sil)er 8ulletsBC A9 3an -et some.C A4o it@ an5 1in5 me a s"ot-un an5 sil)er ammo 1or t"at too. 9s t"ere a !at"oli3 or ,pis3opalian 3"ur3" aroun5 "ereBC A#1 3ourse@C "e sai5. A=e nee5 some "oly %ater an5 "oly %a1er@ t"e "ost.C A9 kno% you 3an t"ro% t"e "oly %ater on t"e )ampire@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t kno% you 3oul5 t"ro% t"e "ost.C 9 "a5 to smile. A$"ey aren?t like little "oly -rena5es. 9 %ant t"e "ost to -i)e to t"e Nuinlans so t"ey 3an put one at e)ery %in5o%sill@ e)ery 5oorsill.C

ADou t"ink it?ll 3ome 1or t"emBC A/o@ 8ut t"e -irl in)ite5 it in@ only s"e 3an re)oke t"e in)itation@ an5 s"e?s 5ea5. :ntil %e -et t"e 8astar5@ 8etter sa1e t"an sorry.C He "esitate5@ t"en no55e5. A9?ll -o to t"e 3"ur3". 9?ll see %"at 9 3an 5o.C He %ent 1or t"e 5oor. AAn5@ S"eri11BC He stoppe5 an5 turne5 to me. A9 %ant t"at 3ourt or5er in my "an5s 8e1ore %e lea)e. 9?m not -oin- to 8e up on mur5er 3"ar-es.C He no55e5@ sort o1 ner)ously@ "ea5 8o88in- like one o1 t"ose 5o-s you see in t"e 8a3ks o1 3ars. ADou?ll "a)e it@ 7s. Blake.C He le1t@ 3losin- t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im. 9 %as le1t alone %it" t"e 5ea5 -irl. S"e lay t"ere pale an5 unmo)in-@ -ro%in- 3ol5er@ 5ea5er. 91 "er parents "a5 t"eir %ay@ it %oul5 8e permanent. An5 it %oul5 8e my >o8 to make it "appen. $"ere %ere s3"ool8ooks s3attere5 8esi5e t"e 8e5@ as i1 s"e "a5 8een stu5yin- in 8e5 8e1ore "e 3ame. 9 pus"e5 one o1 t"e 8ook 3o)ers 3lose5 %it" my toe@ 3are1ul not to rearran-e it. !al3ulus. S"e?5 8een stu5yin- 3al3ulus 8e1ore s"e put on "er makeup an5 8la3k te55y. S"it.

Chapter Twelve
="ile %e %aite5 1or t"e 3ourt or5er@ 9 talke5 to t"e 1amily. /ot my 1a)orite t"in- to 5o@ 8ut ne3essary. $"is "a5n?t 8een a ran5om atta3k@ %"i3" meant t"ey pro8a8ly kne% t"e )ampire@ or "a5 kno%n "im 8e1ore "e 5ie5. $"e li)in- room 3ontinue5 t"e pastel t"eme@ 8lue pre5ominatin-. Bet" St. Ho"n "a5 ma5e 3o11ee. S"e?5 s"an-"aie5 Larry into 3arryin- up a tray. 9 -uess s"e 5i5n?t %ant to see t"e 8o5y a-ain. !oul5n?t say 9 8lame5 "er. 9?5 seen 8loo5ier mur5er s3enes@ a lot 8loo5ier@ 8ut ea3" 5eat" "as its o%n pe3uliar poi-nan3y. $"ere %as somet"in- )ery piteous a8out ,llie Nuinlan stret3"e5 a3ross "er pink 3an5y s"eets@ an5 9 "a5n?t kno%n "er. Bet" St. Ho"n "a5. 7a5e it "ar5. $"e 1amily sat "u55le5 on t"e %"ite so1a. $"e man %as 8roa5@ not 1at@ 8ut s;uare like a line8a3ker. He "a5 s"ort 8la3k "air t"at %as -oin- ni3ely -rey at t"e si5e8urns. Very 5istin-uis"e5. His 3omple*ion %as ru55y@ not tanne5@ 8ut 3olor1ul >ust t"e same. He %as 5resse5 in a %"ite 5ress s"irt un8uttone5 at t"e ne3k@ 8ut slee)es still sportin- t"eir 3u11links. His 1a3e %as )ery ti-"t@ immo8ile like a mask@ as i1 un5erneat" somet"in- entirely 5i11erent %as -oin- on. He looke5 3alm@ 3ompose5@ 8ut t"e e11ort t"rumme5 alon- "is skin. An-er -littere5 in "is 5ark eyes. His arm %as aroun5 "is %i1e?s s"oul5ers. S"e leane5 into "im 3ryin- so1tly@ eyes 3lose5 as i1 t"at %oul5 make it 8etter. Her eye makeup "a5 smeare5 in lon-@ multi3olore5 streaks like an oil sli3k 5o%n "er 3"eeks. S"e "a5 t"i3k 8la3k "air 5one in some s"ort@ 3ompli3ate5 style t"at looke5 too sti11 to tou3". S"e %ore a lon-2slee)e5@ 8utton25o%n 8louse %it" a 5eli3ate 1lo%er pattern on it@ pink pre5ominatin-. Her sla3ks %ere a mat3"in- pink. Her 1eet %ere 8are e*3ept 1or 5ark "ose. A 5eli3ate -ol5 3ross an5 %e55in- rin-s %ere "er only >e%elry. $"e 8oy %as only a8out my "ei-"t an5 slen5er as a %illo%. He "a5n?t "it "is -ro%t" spurt yet@ an5 it ma5e "im look youn-er t"an "e %as. His 1a3e "a5 t"at so1t@ per1e3t skin t"at sai5 "e?5 ne)er "a5 a pimple an5 s"a)in- %as a 5istant 5ream. 91 t"e -irl %as se)enteen@ "e "a5 to 8e at least 1i1teen@ may8e si*teen. He 3oul5 "a)e passe5 1or t%el)e. A per1e3t )i3tim@ e*3ept 1or "is eyes an5 t"e %ay "e "el5 "imsel1. ,)en in t"e mi5st o1 -rie1 %it" t"e lines o1 tears 5ryin- on "is 1a3e@ "e looke5 sure o1 "imsel1@ sel12possesse5. His eyes "el5 a ;ui3k intelli-en3e an5 a ra-e t"at %oul5 "ol5 t"e 8ullies at 8ay. His "air %as t"e per1e3t 8la3k o1 "is 1at"er?s@ 8ut it %as 8a8y 1ine@ pro8a8ly t"e natural te*ture o1 7rs. Nuinlan?s 8e1ore s"e style5 it to 5eat". A little 8la3k poo5le %as in "is lap. 9t "a5 8arke5 like a ma3"ine -un@ rat2a2tat2tat@ yip2yipyip until "e?5 pi3ke5 it up an5 "el5 it. A so1t -ro%l ti3kle5 out o1 its 3urly >a%s. AHus"@ <a)en@C t"e 8oy sai5. He pette5 t"e 5o- as "e sai5 it@ t"us re%ar5in- t"e -ro%lin-. $"e 5o- -ro%le5 a-ainG "e pette5 it a-ain. 9 5e3i5e5 to i-nore it. 91 t"e poo5le -ot loose@ 9 1i-ure5 9 3oul5 take it. 9 %as arme5. A7r. an5 7rs. Nuinlan@ my name?s Anita Blake. 9 nee5 to ask you a 1e% ;uestions.C AHa)e you stake5 t"e 8o5y yetBC t"e man aske5. A/o@ 7r. Nuinlan@ t"e s"eri11 an5 9 a-ree5 to %ait t%enty21our "ours.C AHer immortal soul is in >eopar5y. =e %ant it 5one no%.C A91 you still %ant it 5one tomorro% ni-"t@ 9?ll 5o it.C A=e %ant it 5one no%.C He %as "ol5in- "is %i1e )ery ti-"t@ 1in-ers 5i--in- into "er s"oul5er. S"e opene5 "er eyes an5 8linke5 at "im. AHe11rey@ please@ you?re "urtin- me.C He s%allo%e5 "ar5 an5 loosene5 "is -rip. A9?m sorry@ Sally. 9?m sorry.C $"e apolo-y seeme5 to take some o1 t"e an-er out o1 "im. $"e lines in "is 1a3e so1tene5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A=e must sa)e "er soul. Her li1e is -one@ 8ut "er soul remains. =e must sa)e t"at at least.C

$"ere "a5 8een a time %"en 9 8elie)e5 t"at@ too. 4o%n to my toes 9 t"ou-"t all )ampires %ere e)il. /o%@ 9 %asn?t so sure. 9 kne% too many o1 t"em %"o 5i5n?t seem t"at 8a5. 9 kne% e)il %"en 9 1elt it@ an5 t"at %asn?t %"at t"ey %ere. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at t"ey %ere@ 8ut %ere t"ey 5amne5B A33or5in- to t"e !at"oli3 !"ur3"@ yes@ t"ey %ere@ an5 so %as t"e -irl upstairs. But t"en@ a33or5in- to t"e !"ur3"@ so %as 9. 9?5 8e3ome ,pis3opalian %"en t"e 3"ur3" 5e3lare5 all animators e*3ommuni3ates. AAre you !at"oli3@ 7r. NuinlanBC ADesG %"at 5i11eren3e 5oes t"at makeBC A9 %as raise5 !at"oli3. So 9 un5erstan5 your 8elie1s.C A$"ey are not 8elie1s@ 7iss ... ="at is your nameBC ABlake@ Anita Blake.C A$"ey are not 8elie1s@ 7iss Blake. $"ey are 1a3ts. ,llie?s immortal soul is in 5an-er o1 eternal 5amnation. =e must "elp "er.C A4o you un5erstan5 %"at you?re askin- me to 5oBC 9 aske5. A$o sa)e "er.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. 7rs. Nuinlan %as lookin- at me. Her eyes %ere )ery intent. 9 %as 8ettin- 9 3oul5 3ause a little 1amily 5isa-reement. A9 %ill put a stake t"rou-" "er "eart an5 3"op o11 "er "ea5.C 9 le1t t"e 1a3t out t"at most o1 my e*e3utions %ere 5one %it" a s"ot-un no%@ at 3lose ran-e. 9t %as messy an5 you nee5e5 a 3lose5 3o11in@ 8ut it %as a lot easier on me an5 a ;ui3ker 5eat" 1or t"e )ampire. 7rs. Nuinlan starte5 to 3ry a-ain@ "u55lin- a-ainst "er "us8an5. S"e 8urie5 "er 1a3e a-ainst "im@ smearin- makeup on "is 3lean %"ite s"irt. AAre you tryin- to upset my %i1eBC A/o@ sir@ 8ut 9 %ant you all to realiEe t"at t%o ni-"ts 1rom no% ,llie %ill rise as a )ampire. S"e?ll %alk an5 talk. ,)entually@ s"e?ll 8e a8le to 8e aroun5 you. 91 9 stake "er@ all s"e?ll 8e is 5ea5.C AS"e is alrea5y 5ea5. =e %ant you to 5o your >o8@C "e sai5. 7rs. Nuinlan %oul5n?t look at me. ,it"er s"e 8elie)e5 as stron-ly as "er "u88y@ or s"e %oul5n?t 1i-"t "im. /ot e)en 1or "er 5au-"ter?s 3ontinue5 e*isten3e. 9 let it -o. 9 3oul5 stall 1or t%enty21our "ours. 9 5ou8te5 t"at 7r. Nuinlan %as -oin- to 3"an-e "is min5. 9 "a5 "opes 1or 7rs. Nuinlan. A4oes t"e poo5le al%ays 8ark at stran-ersBC $"ey all t"ree 8linke5 at me like ra88its 3au-"t in "ea5li-"ts. $"e 3"an-e o1 su8>e3t %as too a8rupt 1or t"eir -rie1. A="at "as t"at -ot to 5o %it" anyt"in-BC "e aske5. A$"ere is a mur5erous )ampire out t"ere some%"ere. 9?m -oin- to 3at3" "im@ 8ut 9 nee5 your "elp. So please >ust ans%er my ;uestions as 8est you 3an.C A="at 5oes t"e 5o- "a)e to 5o %it" itBC 9 si-"e5 an5 sippe5 my 3o11ee. He "a5 >ust 1oun5 "is 5au-"ter 5ea5@ mur5ere5@ rape5@ 9?m sure "e?5 tol5 "imsel1. $"e "orror o1 it 3ut "im some sla3k@ 8ut "e %as 8e-innin- to use it up. A$"e poo5le 8arke5 its "ea5 o11 %"en 9 3ame to t"e 5oor. 4oes it 8ark e)ery time a stran-er 3omes to t"e "ouseBC $"e 8oy sa% %"at 9 %as -ettin- at. ADea"@ <a)en al%ays 8arks at stran-ers.C 9 i-nore5 "is parents an5 talke5 to t"e most reasona8le person in t"e room. A="at?s your nameBC AHe11@C "e sai5. Go5@ He11rey Hunior@ o1 3ourse. AHo% many times %oul5 9 "a)e to 3ome to t"e "ouse 8e1ore <a)en stoppe5 8arkin- at meBC He t"ou-"t a8out t"at@ rollin- "is lo%er lip un5er@ really t"inkin- a8out it. 7rs. Nuinlan sat up@ a little apart 1rom "er "us8an5. A<a)en al%ays 8arks %"en someone 3omes to t"e 5oor. ,)en i1 s"e kno%s you.C A4i5 s"e 8ark toni-"tBC $"e parents 1ro%ne5 at me. He11 sai5@ ADea". S"e 8arke5 like 3raEy until ,llie let "er in "er room >ust a1ter 5ark. ,llie let "er in@ t"en a 1e% minutes later <a)en 3ame 8a3k 5o%nstairs.C AHo%?5 you 1in5 t"e 8o5yBC

A<a)en starte5 8arkin- a-ain an5 %oul5n?t stop. ,llie 5i5n?t let "er in. ,llie al%ays lets "er in. 9 mean@ 9?m not allo%e5 in "er room@ 8ut <a)en -ets to -o in e)en %"en ,llie %ants "er pri)a3y.C He ma5e t"at last %or5 soun5 like "e usually sai5 it %it" a lot o1 eye2rollin-. A9 kno3ke5 at t"e 5oor an5 s"e 5i5n?t ans%er. <a)en %as s3rat3"in- at t"e 5oor. 9t %as lo3ke5. S"e lo3ke5 "er 5oor a lot@ 8ut s"e %oul5n?t ans%er.C A tear es3ape5 1rom "is %i5e eyes. A9 %ent an5 -ot 4a5.C ADou unlo3ke5 t"e 5oor@ 7r. NuinlanBC He no55e5. ADes@ an5 s"e %as >ust lyin- t"ere. 9 3oul5n?t 8ear to tou3" "er. S"e?s un3lean no%. 9 ... C He %as 3"okin- on tears@ tryin- so "ar5 not to 3ry t"at "is 1a3e %as turnin- purple. He11 3ame an5 put "is arm aroun5 "is 5a5@ leanin- a-ainst "is mot"er@ t"e poo5le still -rippe5 in "is ot"er arm. $"e 5o%"ine5 so1tly@ li3ke5 t"e makeup 1rom 7rs. Nuinlan?s 1a3e. $"e %oman looke5 up an5 -a)e a 3"oke5 lau-"@ pettin- t"e 3urly 1ur. 9 %ante5 to lea)e. 9 %ante5 to let t"em "u55le to-et"er an5 -rie)e. Hell@ t"e 5eat" %as so 1res"@ t"ey "a5n?t -otten to -rie)in- yet. $"ey %ere still in s"o3k. But 9 3oul5n?t lea)e. S"eri11 St. Ho"n %oul5 8e 8a3k %it" t"e %arrant@ an5 9 nee5e5 as mu3" in1ormation as 9 3oul5 -et 8e1ore %e 8ra)e5 t"e 5arkness. Larry %as sittin- in t"e 3orner in a pale 8lue 3"air. He %as 8ein- so ;uiet you?5 almost 1or-et "e %as t"ere. But "is eyes %ere ea-er@ noti3in- e)eryt"in-@ 1ilin- it all a%ay. ="en 9 1irst realiEe5 "e 5amn near memoriEe5 e)eryt"in- 9 sai5 an5 5i5@ it %as intimi5atin-. /o% 9 3ounte5 on it. Bet" St. Ho"n 3ame into t"e room %it" a tray o1 san5%i3"es@ 3o11ee@ an5 so1t 5rinks. 9 5i5n?t remem8er any8o5y askin- 1or t"em@ 8ut 9 t"ink Bet" %as nee5in- somet"in- to 5o 8esi5es sit "ere an5 %at3" t"e Nuinlans 3ry. 7e@ too. S"e set t"e tray on t"e 3o11ee ta8le 8et%een t"e 3ou3" an5 t"e lo)e seat. $"e Nuinlans i-nore5 it. 9 took a 1res" mu- o1 3o11ee. Grillin- -rie)in- 1amilies al%ays -oes 5o%n 8etter %it" 3a11eine. $"e -roup "u55le 8roke up. $"e poo5le %as trans1erre5 to t"e %i1e?s arms@ an5 t"e t%o men sat on eit"er si5e o1 "er. He11rey an5 He11 looke5 at me %it" i5enti3al eyes. 9t %as almost eerie. Geneti3s at %ork. A$"e )ampire "a5 to 8e in t"e room %it" ,llie %"en s"e let t"e 5o- in at 1ull 5ark@C 9 sai5. A7y 5au-"ter %oul5 not "a)e let in "er mur5erer.C A91 s"e %as ei-"teen@ 7r. Nuinlan@ it %oul5n?t 8e mur5er.C ABein- ma5e a )ampire a-ainst your %ill is still mur5er@ 7iss Blake.C 9 %as -ettin- tire5 o1 e)eryone 3allin- me A7iss@C 8ut t"e -rie)in- 1at"er 3oul5 5o it a 1e% more times. A9 8elie)e your 5au-"ter kne% t"e )ampire. 9 8elie)e s"e let "im in %illin-ly.C ADou are 3raEy. Bet"@ -o -et t"e s"eri11. 9 %ant t"is %oman out o1 my "ouse.C Bet" stoo5 up un3ertainly. A4a)i5?s -one to -et some t"in-s@ He11rey. 9 ... 4eputy !oltrain?s upstairs %it" t"e 8o5y@ 8ut ... C A$"en -et "im 5o%n "ere.C Bet" looke5 at me@ t"en 8a3k to "im. S"e -rippe5 "er small "an5s to-et"er@ almost %rin-in- t"em. AHe11rey@ s"e?s a li3ense5 )ampire "unter. S"e?s 5one t"is a lot. Listen to "er.C He stoo5 up. A7y 5au-"ter %as rape5 an5 mur5ere5 8y some soulless@ 8loo5su3kin- animal@ an5 9 %ant t"is %oman out o1 my "ouse@ no%.C 91 "e "a5n?t 8een 3ryin- at t"e same time@ 9?5 "a)e 8een pisse5. Bet" looke5 at me. S"e %as %illin- to stan5 up to "im i1 9 nee5e5 "er to. 7u3"o points 1or "er. AHas anyone you kno% )anis"e5 or 5ie5 re3entlyBC 9 aske5. Nuinlan s;uinte5 at me. He looke5 3on1use5. $"e 3"an-e o1 su8>e3t a-ain %as >ust too a8rupt. 9 %as "opin- 9 3oul5 5istra3t "im 1rom t"ro%in- me out lon- enou-" to learn somet"in-. A="atBC AHas anyone you kno% -one missin- or 5ie5 re3entlyBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o.C AAn5y?s missin-@C He11 sai5. Nuinlan s"ook "is "ea5 a-ain. A$"at 8oy is no 3on3ern o1 ours.C A="o?s An5yBC 9 aske5. A,llie?s 8oy1rien5.C AHe is not "er 8oy1rien5@C Nuinlan sai5. 9 3au-"t He11?s -aEe. $"e look sai5 it all. An5y "a5 8een a 8oy1rien5@ an5 5ear ol5 5a5 "a5n?t like5 "im one little 8it. A="y 5i5n?t you like An5y@ 7r. NuinlanBC

AHe %as a 3riminal.C 9 raise5 my eye8ro%s. A9n %"at %ayBC AHe %as arreste5 1or 5ru- a8use.C AHe smoke5 some pot@C He11 sai5. 9 %as 8e-innin- to %is" 9 3oul5 >ust -o o11 an5 talk %it" He11. He seeme5 to kno% %"at %as -oin- on an5 %asn?t tryin- to "i5e it. $ri3k %as "o% to mana-e it. AHe %as a 3orruptin- in1luen3e on my 5au-"ter@ an5 9 put a stop to it.C AAn5 "e?s missin-BC 9 aske5. ADes@C He11 sai5. A9 %ill ans%er 7iss Blake?s ;uestions@ He11. 9 am t"e man o1 t"e "ouse.C Hesus@ man o1 t"e "ouse. Ha5n?t "ear5 t"at in a %"ile. A9?5 like to see t"e rest o1 t"e "ouse in 3ase t"e )ampire entere5 some%"ere ot"er t"an "er room. 91 He11 3oul5 s"o% me t"e 5oors@ 9?5 appre3iate it.C A9 3an s"o% you aroun5@ 7iss Blake@C Nuinlan sai5. A9?m sure your %i1e nee5s you ri-"t no%@ 7r. Nuinlan. He11 3an s"o% me aroun5@ 8ut only you 3an 3om1ort your %i1e.C 7rs. Nuinlan looke5 up at "im@ t"en at me@ as i1 s"e %asn?t sure s"e %ante5 to 8e 3om1orte5@ 8ut 9 kne% t"e ima-e %oul5 appeal to "im. He no55e5. APer"aps you?re ri-"t.C He tou3"e5 "is %i1e?s s"oul5er. ASally nee5s me ri-"t no%.C Sally 3ooperate5 %it" 1res" 3ryin-@ usin- t"e poo5le as a sort o1 impromptu "an5ker3"ie1. $"e poo5le s;uirme5 an5 %"ine5. Nuinlan sat 5o%n an5 took "is %i1e in "is arms. $"e 5o- s;uirme5 1ree an5 trotte5 o)er to He11. 9 stoo5. Larry stoo5. 9 mo)e5 to%ar5 t"e 5oor an5 looke5 8a3k at t"e 8oy. He11 stoo5 an5 t"e poo5le trotte5 at "is si5e. 9 opene5 t"e 5oors an5 us"ere5 us all outsi5e. <a)en t"e poo5le eye5 me suspi3iously@ 8ut s"e 3ame alon-. 9 3au-"t a last -limpse o1 Bet" St. Ho"n -aEin- at t"e 5oor as i1 s"e %ante5 to -o %it" us@ 8ut s"e sat 5o%n 8esi5e t"e un%ante5 san5%i3"es an5 t"e 3oolin- 3o11ee. S"e sat like a -oo5 sol5ier. S"e %oul5 not a8an5on "er post. 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor@ 1eelin- 3o%ar5ly. 9 %as -la5 it %asn?t my >o8 to "ol5 t"e Nuinlans? "an5s. 'a3in- t"e )ampire e)en in t"e 5ark 5i5n?t seem so 8a5 8y 3omparison. #1 3ourse@ 9 %as still sa1e insi5e t"e "ouse. #ut t"ere in t"e 5ark %it" t"e )ampire@ 9 mi-"t 1eel 5i11erent.

Chapter Thirteen
=e stoo5 out in t"e entry%ay. $"e air 1elt 3ooler out "ere@ easier to 8reat"e. Ha5 to 8e my ima-ination. $"e poo5le %as sni11in- at my 1oot. S"e -a)e a lo% -ro%l an5 He11 pi3ke5 "er up@ tu3kin- "er un5er one arm@ in a 1amiliar -esture like "e?5 5one it a "un5re5 times 8e1ore. ADou 5on?t really %ant to see t"e 5oors@ 5o youBC "e aske5. A/o@C 9 sai5. A4a5?s all ri-"t. He?s >ust ... C He s"ru--e5. AHe?s >ust ri-"t@ an5 e)eryone else is %ron-. He 5oesn?t mean anyt"in- 8y it.C A9 kno%. He?s s3are5 ri-"t no%@ too. $"at makes e)eryone 8it3"y.C He11 -rinne5. 9 %asn?t sure i1 it %as t"e As3are5C 3omment or t"e %or5 A8it3"y.C Pro8a8ly 5i5n?t "ear many people sayineit"er a8out "is 5a5. AHo% serious %ere An5y an5 your sisterBC He -lan3e5 at t"e 3lose5 5oors an5 lo%ere5 "is )oi3e >ust a little. A4a5?ll say not )ery@ 8ut t"ey %ere serious. <eal serious.C He -lan3e5 at t"e 5oor a-ain. A=e 3an -o some%"ere else to talk@C 9 sai5. ADour 3"oi3e o1 rooms.C He looke5 at me. ADou?re really a )ampire "unterBC 91 t"e 3ir3umstan3es "a5 8een 5i11erent@ "e %oul5 "a)e 8een en>oyin"imsel1. 9t?s "ar5 not to t"ink it?s 3ool to put stakes t"rou-" people?s 3"ests. ADea"@ an5 %e raise Eom8ies@ too.C ABot" o1 youBC He soun5e5 surprise5. A9?m a 1ull21le5-e5 animator@C Larry sai5. He11 s"ook "is "ea5. A=e 3an talk in my room.C He le5 t"e %ay up t"e stairs. =e 1ollo%e5.

91 9?5 8een a 3op@ ;uestionin- a >u)enile %it"out a -uar5ian or la%yer present %oul5 "a)e 8een ille-al@ 8ut 9 %asn?t a 3op. An5 "e %asn?t a suspe3t. Hust -at"erin- in1ormation@ 1olks. Hust -rillin- a si*teen2year2ol5 8oy a8out "is sister?s se* li1e. 7ur5er in)esti-ations are ne)er pleasant@ an5 some o1 t"at unpleasantness "as not"in- to 5o %it" t"e 3orpse. He11 "esitate5 at t"e "ea5 o1 t"e stairs@ peerin- 5o%n t"e "all%ay. 4eputy !oltrain %as stan5in- outsi5e ,llie?s room@ 8a3k sti11@ "an5s 8e"in5 "is 8a3k@ alert 1or intru5ers. $"e 5oor %as open. $oo "ar5 to stan5 in t"e room %it" t"e 8o5y@ 9 -uess. He sa% He11 an5 3lose5 t"e 5oor@ still stan5in- in 1ront o1 it. /i3e o1 !oltrain to make sure He11 5i5n?t see t"e 8o5y. But stan5in- outsi5e t"e 3lose5 5oor %as not t"e 8est i5ea. A )ampire@ i1 it %as ol5 enou-"@ 3oul5 "a)e 3ome in t"e room 8e"in5 "im an5 opene5 t"e 5oor 8e1ore "e 3oul5 "a)e 5ra%n "is -un. $"e un5ea5 make no noise. 9 5e8ate5 on %"et"er to tell "im t"at. 9 let it -o. 91 t"e )amp "a5 meant to take out more people@ it 3oul5 "a)e. He 3oul5 "a)e taken out t"e entire 1amily. 9nstea5@ %"en t"e 5o- 8arke5 "e pani3ke5 an5 ran. $"is %as not an an3ient 8loo5su3ker. $"is %as someone %"o %as ne% at t"e >o8. 9 %as 8ettin- on t"e 8oy1rien5@ An5y@ 8ut 9?5 keep an open min5. An5y mi-"t "a)e >ust 5ri)en to !ali1ornia to 1in5 1ame an5 1ortune@ 8ut 9 5ou8te5 it. He11 opene5 t"e 5oor near t"e "ea5 o1 t"e stairs an5 %ent in. His room %as smaller t"an "is sister?s. Bein- 1irst8orn 5oes "a)e its a5)anta-es. $"e %allpaper %as tan %it" 3o%8oys an5 9n5ians on it. $"e 8e5 "a5 a mat3"in- sprea5. 9t %as t"e room o1 a mu3" youn-er person@ >ust like "is sister?s. $"e %alls %ere 8are@ no pinups@ no sports 1i-ures. $"ere %as a 5esk sta3ke5 "i-" %it" 8ooks. A small pile o1 3lot"es lay near t"e 3loset 5oor. <a)en t"e poo5le sni11e5 t"e 3lot"es. He11 s"ooe5 "er a%ay an5 ki3ke5 t"e 3lot"es into t"e 3loset an5 3lose5 t"e 5oor. ASit 5o%n any%"ere you 3an.C He pulle5 t"e 5esk 3"air out a little@ t"en stoo5 near t"e %in5o%@ not sure %"at to 5o. 9 5ou8te5 "e "a5 many a5ults up to "is room 1or a talk. Parents 5i5n?t 3ount. $"ou-" 1rankly 9 3oul5n?t ima-ine eit"er o1 t"e Nuinlans 3omin- in 1or a ;uiet 3"at. 9 took t"e 3"air. 9 1i-ure5 He11 %oul5 1eel more 3om1orta8le loun-in- on "is 8e5 %it" Larry t"an %it" me. Besi5es@ 9 %asn?t use5 to %earin- skirts t"is s"ort yet@ an5 e)ery on3e in a %"ile 9 1or-ot. $"e 3"air seeme5 sa1er. Larry sat 5o%n on t"e 8e5 %it" "is 8a3k presse5 a-ainst t"e %all. He11 sat 5o%n ne*t to "im@ proppin- some o1 t"e pillo%s into t"e 3orner 1or a 8a3k rest. <a)en >umpe5 up on t"e 8e5@ 3ir3le5 "is lap t%i3e@ an5 lay 5o%n. !oEy. AHo% "ot an item %ere An5y an5 your sisterBC /o prelimsG o11 %it" t"e 3lot"es. He -lan3e5 at 8ot" o1 us. Larry -a)e "im an en3oura-in- smile. He s"i1te5 more se3urely a-ainst "is moun5 o1 pillo%s an5 sai5@ APretty "ot. 9 mean@ t"ey "un- all o)er ea3" ot"er at s3"ool.C A,m8arrassin-@C 9 sai5. ADea". 9 mean@ s"e %as my sister. S"e?s only a year ol5er t"an me@ an5 t"ere?s t"is -uy pa%in- "er.C He s"ook "is "ea5. He ru88e5 t"e poo5le?s ears@ "an5s mo)in- 5o%n "er small 3urly 8o5y. He pette5 "er like it %as "a8it@ a 3om1ort measure. A4i5 you like An5yBC He s"ru--e5. AHe %as ol5er an5 sort o1 3ool@ 8ut no@ 9 t"ou-"t ,llie 3oul5 "a)e 5one 8etter.C AHo% soBC AHe 5i5 smoke pot an5 5i5n?t "a)e any plans 1or 3olle-e. An5y %asn?t -oin- any%"ere. 9t %as like t"e 1a3t t"at "e lo)e5 my sister %as e)eryt"in-. Like t"ey?5 li)e on lo)e or somet"in- stupi5 like t"at.C 9 a-ree5 t"at t"at %as stupi5. A="en your 5a5 put a stop to it@ 5i5 it stopBC He -rinne5 at me. A/o. $"ey >ust starte5 sneakin- aroun5. 9 t"ink i1 anyt"in-@ tellin- ,llie s"e 3oul5n?t see "im ma5e it %orse.C A9t usually 5oes@C 9 sai5. A="en 5i5 An5y 5isappearBC AA8out t%o %eeks a-o. His 3ar %ent missin-@ too@ so e)ery8o5y t"ou-"t "e?5 run o11@ 8ut "e %oul5n?t "a)e le1t ,llie 8e"in5. He %as sort o1 3reepy@ 8ut "e %oul5n?t "a)e le1t "er.C A=as ,llie upset at 8ein- le1t 8e"in5BC He 1ro%ne5@ "u--in- t"e 5o- a-ainst "is 3"est. <a)en li3ke5 "is 3"in %it" "er small pink ton-ue. A$"at %as t"e %eir5 part. 9 mean@ 9 kno% s"e "a5 to preten5 not to 3are in 1ront o1 7om an5 4a5@ 8ut e)en at s3"ool or out %it" our 1rien5s s"e 5i5n?t seem to 3are. 9 %as kin5a -la5. 9 mean@ An5y %as a loser@ 8ut it %as like s"e 5i5n?t 8elie)e "e %as -one or kne% somet"in- t"e rest o1 us 5i5n?t. 9 t"ou-"t "e?5 >ust -one o11 to 1in5 like an out2o12to%n >o8 an5 %as -oin- to sen5 1or "er.C A7ay8e "e 5i5@C 9 sai5. $"e 1ro%n 5eepene5 8et%een "is smoot"@ un8lemis"e5 8ro%s. A="at 5o you meanBC A9 t"ink An5y may 8e t"e )ampire t"at 5i5 your sister.C A look o1 5is-ust 3rum8le5 "is 1a3e e)en 1urt"er. A9 5on?t 8elie)e t"at. An5y lo)e5 ,llieG "e %oul5n?t kill "er.C A91 "e?s a )ampire@ He11@ "e %oul5n?t t"ink turnin- "er into t"e un5ea5 is killin- "er. He?5 pro8a8ly t"ink o1 it as 8rin-in- "er o)er.C

He11 s"ook "is "ea5. <a)en %i--le5 out o1 "is -rasp as i1 "e %as s;ueeEin- too "ar5. S"e "oppe5 o11 "is lap an5 lay 5o%n on t"e 3o)ers. AAn5y %oul5n?t "urt ,llie. 4oesn?t it "urt to 5ieBC APro8a8ly@C 9 sai5. A$"e 8us"es un5erneat" "er en5 %in5o% are all 3rus"e5@C Larry sai5. 9 looke5 at "im. ASay a-ain.C He smile5@ please5 %it" "imsel1. A9 took a look aroun5 outsi5e. $"at?s %"at took me so lon- %"en you sent me out 1or -lo)es t"at you 5i5n?t nee5. $"e 8us"es un5er t"e en5 %in5o% to t"e -irl?s room are all smas"e5 like somet"in- "ea)y 1ell on t"em.C 9 "a5 a moment to )isualiEe Larry out in t"e 5ark all alone@ unarme5 e*3ept 1or "is 3ross. $"e t"ou-"t ma5e my skin 3ol5. 9 opene5 my mout" to yell at "im an5 3lose5 it. /e)er 5ress anyone 5o%n in pu8li3 unless it?s an o8>e3t lesson. 9 sai5@ AAny tra3ksBC 9 -a)e mysel1 a 5oEen 8ro%nie points 1or not yellin-. A4o 9 look like $ontoB Besi5es@ t"e -roun5 is >ust -rass an5 it?s 8een so 5ry lately. 9 5on?t t"ink t"ere?5 8e any tra3ks.C He 1ro%ne5 at me. A!an you tra3k )ampiresBC A/ot normally@ 8ut i1 t"is one is as ne% as 9 t"ink "e is@ t"en may8e.C 9 no55e5. ADea".C 9 stoo5 up. A9?)e -ot to -o ask t"e 5eputy somet"in-. $"ank you 1or your "elp@ He11.C 9 o11ere5 "im my "an5 to s"ake. He took it. His "an5s"ake %as a little un3ertain@ as i1 "e %asn?t use5 to it. 9 %ent 1or t"e 5oor an5 Larry 1ollo%e5. ADou %ill 1in5 "im an5 kill "im@ e)en i1 it?s An5yBC He11 aske5. 9 turne5 8a3k an5 looke5 at "im. His 5ark eyes %ere still intelli-ent@ still 1ull o1 purpose@ 8ut t"ere %as also a little 8oy nee5in- reassuran3e. ADea"@ %e?ll 1in5 "im.C AAn5 kill "imBC AAn5 kill "im@C 9 sai5. AGoo5@C "e sai5. AGoo5.C 9 %asn?t sure i1 A-oo5C %as t"e %or5 9 %oul5 "a)e 3"osen@ 8ut it %asn?t my sister lyin- 5ea5 in t"e ot"er room. ADou -ot a 3rossBC 9 aske5. He 1ro%ne5@ 8ut sai5@ ADea".C ADou %earin- itBC He s"ook "is "ea5. AGet it an5 %ear it until %e 3at3" "im. #kayBC ADou t"ink "e?ll 3ome 8a3kBC 'ear -littere5 at t"e e5-e o1 "is eyes. A/o@ 8ut you ne)er kno%@ He11. Hust "umor me.C He -ot up an5 %ent to "is 8ureau. $"ere %as a line o1 -litterin- 3"ain on one 3orner o1 t"e mirror. ="en "e pi3ke5 it up@ a tiny -ol5 3ross 5an-le5 1rom it. 9 %at3"e5 "im put it on. $"e 5o- %at3"e5 it all %it" an*ious eyes. 9 smile5. A=e?ll see you later.C He no55e5@ 1in-erin- t"e 3ross@ s3are5 no% un5erneat" t"e s"o3k. =e le1t "im in t"e ten5er 3are o1 <a)en. ADou really t"ink t"e )amp %ill 3ome 8a3k to t"e "ouseBC Larry aske5. A/o@C 9 sai5@ A8ut >ust in 3ase your little )isit out into t"e 5ark -i)es "im i5eas@ 9 %ant He11 to at least "a)e a 3ross on.C AHe"@C "e sai5. A9 1oun5 a 3lue.C 4eputy !oltrain %as %at3"in- us@ 8ut %e %ere runnin- out o1 pri)a3y. 9 kept my )oi3e 5o%n an5 "ope5 t"at %as enou-". ADea"@ an5 you %ent out@ alone@ unarme5@ in t"e 5ark %it" a )ampire t"at "a5 alrea5y kille5 on3e on t"e loose.C ADou sai5 it %as a really ne% )ampire.C A/ot 8e1ore you %ent out a1ter t"e -lo)es.C A7ay8e 9 1i-ure5 out t"at it %as a ne% one all on my o%n@C "e sai5. He %as lookin- stu88orn@ like 1ar 1rom takin- my %arnin- to "eart@ "e >ust mi-"t 5o it a-ain. A/e% )ampires 3an still kill you@ Larry.C A=it" a 3ross onBC He "a5 a point. Very 1e% o1 t"e ne% 5ea5 3oul5 -et past t"e pain o1 a 3ross@ or play enou-" "ea5 -ames to -et you to take it o11 )oluntarily.

A'ine@ Larry@ 8ut %"ere?s t"e )ampire t"at ma5e "imB $"at one may 8e a 3ouple o1 3enturies ol5@ an5 it?s out in t"e 5ark@ too.C He %ent a little pale aroun5 t"e e5-es. A9 ne)er t"ou-"t o1 t"at.C A9 5i5.C He -a)e a s"ru- an5 "a5 t"e -ra3e to look em8arrasse5. A$"at?s %"y you?re t"e 8oss.C A$"at?s ri-"t@C 9 sai5. AAll ri-"t@ all ri-"t. 9 promise to 8e -oo5.C AGreatG no% let?s -o ask 4eputy !oltrain i1 "e kno%s anyone %"o 3oul5 tra3k our )ampire.C A!an you really tra3k a )ampire like t"atBC A9 5on?t kno%@ 8ut %it" one less t"an t%o %eeks ol5@ one t"at 1alls out a %in5o% an5 into some s"ru8s@ you mi-"t 8e a8le to. $"ey at least mi-"t 8e a8le to narro% 5o%n %"ere %e s"oul5 look 1irst.C He %as -rinnin- )ery 8roa5ly at me. ADea"@ kno%in- it 1ell out t"e %in5o% is use1ul in1ormation. 9t mi-"t not "a)e o33urre5 to me to 3"e3k 1or tra3ks outsi5e t"e %in5o%.C 91 "e -rinne5 any %i5er@ "e %as -oin- to pull somet"in-. AAn5 i1 a )ampire ol5 enou-" to -et past your 3ross "a5 eaten your 1a3e@ 9?5 "a)e ne)er kno%n a8out t"e s"ru8s.C AA"@ Anita. 9 5one -oo5.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. 'or all t"at Larry "a5 seen o1 )ampires@ it %asn?t enou-". He still 5i5n?t 1ully appre3iate %"at t"ey %ere. He 5i5n?t "a)e any s3ars yet. 91 "e staye5 in t"e 8usiness lon- enou-" to -et "is li3ense@ t"at %oul5 3"an-e. Go5 "elp "im.

Chapter Fourteen
$"e %in5 %as 3ool an5 smelle5 o1 rain. 9 turne5 my 1a3e to t"e so1t tou3" o1 it. $"e air smelle5 o1 -reen -ro%in- t"in-s. 9t smelle5 3lean an5 ne%. 9 stoo5 on t"e -rass lookin- up%ar5. ,llie Nuinlan?s %in5o% s"one like a so1t yello% 8ea3on. ,llie "a5 opene5 t"e %in5o%s@ 8ut "er 1at"er "a5 turne5 on t"e li-"ts. S"e "a5 met "er )ampire lo)er in 5arkness. $"e 8etter not to see "im 1or t"e %alkin- 3orpse "e %as. 9 "a5 t"e 3o)erall 8a3k on@ unEippe5 "al1%ay so 9 3oul5 -et to t"e Bro%nin-. 9?5 only 8rou-"t an inner pants "olster 1or t"e 'irestar@ so 9 s"o)e5 it into a po3ket o1 t"e 3o)eralls. /ot "an5y 1or a ;ui3k 5ra%@ 8ut 8etter t"an not "a)in- it. An inner pants "olster >ust 5oesn?t %ork %ell %it" a skirt on. Larry "a5 "is )ery o%n -un in a s"oul5er ri-. He stoo5 8esi5e me s"ru--in- "is s"oul5ers@ tryin- to -et t"e straps more 3om1orta8le. 9t isn?t really un3om1orta8le i1 it?s a -oo5 1it@ 8ut it isn?t really 3om1orta8le eit"er. 9t?s sort o1 like a 8ra. $"ey 1it an5 t"ey are ne3essary@ 8ut t"ey are ne)er 3ompletely 3om1orta8le. He %as %earin- t"e e*tra 3o)erall unEippe5 an5 1lappin- nearly to "is "ips. A 1las"li-"t 1li3ke5 o)er us@ -lintin- on Larry?s 3ross. $"e li-"t s%ept o)er me@ -larin- in my eyes. A/o% t"at you?)e ruine5 my ni-"t )ision@ -et t"at 5amn t"in- out o1 my eyes.C 4eep mas3uline lau-"ter 3ame 1rom 8e"in5 t"e 8rilliant 8eam o1 li-"t. $%o state 3ops "a5 arri)e5 >ust in time to >oin us on t"e "unt. #"@ >oy. A=alla3e@C a man?s )oi3e sai5@ A5o %"at t"e la5y says.C $"e )oi3e %as 5eep an5 )a-uely t"reatenin-. A )oi3e to say@ Alean on t"e "oo5 o1 t"e 3ar an5 sprea5 em.C An5 you?5 5o it or else. #11i3er Gran-er %alke5 up to us@ "is 1las"li-"t pointe5 at t"e -roun5. He %asn?t as tall as =alla3e@ an5 a -ut %as 8e-innin- to 3reep o)er "is 8elt@ 8ut "e mo)e5 t"rou-" t"e 5ark like "e kne% %"at "e %as 5oin-. Like may8e "e?5 "unte5 in t"e 5ark 8e1ore. 7ay8e not )ampires 8ut somet"in-. 7ay8e men. =alla3e %alke5 o)er to us@ 1las"li-"t s%immin- aroun5 us like an o)ersiEe5 1ire1ly. 9t %asn?t in my eyes@ 8ut it %as still not "elpin- my ni-"t )ision. A$urn o11 t"e 1las"li-"t ... please@C 9 sai5. =alla3e took a step 3loser@ loomin- o)er me. He %as tall@ 8uilt like a 1oot8all player@ =it" lon- le-s. A runnin- 8a3k@ may8e. He an5 4eputy !oltrain 3oul5 arm %restle later. <i-"t no% 9 >ust %ante5 "im to 8a3k t"e 1u3k o11 me. A$urn it o11@ =alla3e@C Gran-er sai5. He?5 alrea5y 3li3ke5 o11 "is o%n. A9 %on?t 8e a8le to see a 5amn t"in-@C "e proteste5. AA1rai5 o1 t"e 5arkBC 9 aske5@ smilin- up at "im.

Larry lau-"e5. 9t %as t"e %ron- t"in- to 5o. =alla3e turne5 on "im. ADou t"ink t"at?s 1unnyBC He steppe5 up to Larry until t"ey %ere almost tou3"in-@ usin- "is siEe to intimi5ate. But Larry?s like meG "e?s 8een small all "is li1e. He?5 8een 8ullie5 8y t"e 8est. He stoo5 "is -roun5. AAre youBC Larry aske5. AAm 9 %"atBC =alla3e aske5. AA1rai5 o1 t"e 5arkBC Animatin- %asn?t t"e only t"in- Larry %as learnin- 1rom me. :n1ortunately 1or Larry@ "e %as a 8oy. 9 3oul5 -et a%ay %it" 8ein- a pain in t"e ass an5 most people %oul5n?t take a s%in- at me. Larry %asn?t so lu3ky. =alla3e 8alle5 "is "an5s into Larry?s 3o)erall an5 li1te5 "im to tiptoes. His 1las"li-"t 1ell to t"e -rass@ rollin- aroun5 spotli-"tin- our ankles. #11i3er Gran-er steppe5 up 3lose to t"em 8ut 5i5n?t tou3" =alla3e. ,)en in t"e 5ark you 3oul5 see t"e tension in "is s"oul5ers an5 arms. /ot 1rom li1tin- Larry@ 8ut 1rom %antin- to "it "im an5 resistin- t"e ur-e. A,ase 5o%n@ =alla3e. He 5i5n?t mean anyt"in-.C =alla3e 5i5n?t say anyt"in-@ "e >ust pulle5 Larry 3loser to "im@ leanin- o)er to put "is 1a3e ne*t to Larry?s. A s;uare o1 yello% li-"t 1ell a3ross "is 1a3e. $"e mus3le alon- t"e e5-e o1 "is >a% %as >uttin- out@ t"ro88in- like it %oul5 pop out o1 "is 1a3e. $"ere %as a s3ar un5er t"e 8one o1 "is >a%line. A s3ar t"at 5isappeare5 into t"e 3ollar o1 "is >a3ket. =alla3e nearly put "is 1a3e nose to nose %it" Larry. A92am2not2a1rai52o12anyt"in-.C ,a3" %or5 %as s;ueeEe5 out. 9 steppe5 up 3lose to "im. He %as 8ent 5o%n to intimi5ate Larry@ so 9 3oul5 %"isper in "is ear. A/i3e s3ar@ =alla3e.C He >umpe5 like 9?5 8it "im. He release5 Larry so su55enly t"at Larry stum8le5. He %"irle5@ one 8i- "an5 raise5 to smas" my 1a3e. At least "e?5 let -o o1 Larry. He s%un- at me. 9 s%ept "is arm to one si5e an5 past me. He stum8le5. 9 8rou-"t my knee up into "is stoma3" "ar5. 9t took a lot not to 1ollo% t"rou-" an5 really "urt "im. He %as a 3op. #ne o1 t"e -oo5 -uys. Dou 5on?t 8eat up on t"em. 9 steppe5 8a3k@ out o1 rea3"@ an5 "ope5 t"at one near miss "a5 3oole5 "im 5o%n. 9 3oul5 "a)e "urt "im 8a5ly in t"e initial rus"@ 8ut no% "e?5 8e rea5y. Har5er to "urt. He %as nearly a 1oot taller t"an me an5 out%ei-"e5 me 8y more t"an a "un5re5 poun5s. 91 t"e 1i-"t turne5 serious@ 9 %as in trou8le. 9 "ope5 9 %oul5n?t re-ret my -allant -esture. =alla3e en5e5 on all 1ours near t"e s"ru8s 8y t"e "ouse. He -ot to "is 1eet ;ui3ker t"an 9 %ante5 "im to@ 8ut "e staye5 "al1 8ent o)er@ "an5s on "is knees. He looke5 up at me. 9 %asn?t sure %"at "is e*pression meant@ 8ut it %asn?t 3ompletely "ostile. 9t %as more a 3onsi5erin- sort o1 look@ as i1 9?5 surprise5 "im. 9 -et t"at look a lot. ADou all ri-"t no%@ =alla3eBC Gran-er aske5. =alla3e no55e5. Har5 to talk a1ter a -oo5 -ut s"ot. Gran-er -lan3e5 at me. ADou all ri-"t@ 7s. BlakeBC A9?m 1ine.C He no55e5. ADes@ you are.C Larry mo)e5 up 8esi5e me. He %as stan5in- too 3lose. 91 =alla3e 3ame 8a3k at me@ 9 %oul5 nee5 more room to maneu)er. 9 kne% t"at Larry meant it as a s"o% o1 support. A1ter %e -ot Larry?s s"ootin- up to spee5@ %e?5 "a)e to %ork on some 8asi3 "an52to2"an5 te3"ni;ues. ="y %as 9 trainin- "im to s"oot 8e1ore 9 tau-"t "im to 1i-"tB Be3ause you 5on?t arm %restle )ampires. Dou s"oot t"em. He %oul5 li)e t"rou-" a 8eatin- 1rom #11i3er =alla3e. He %oul5n?t li)e t"rou-" a )ampire atta3k. /ot i1 "e 3oul5n?t s"oot. A=ere you %it" "im %"en "e -ot t"at s3arBC 9 aske5. Gran-er s"ook "is "ea5. AHis 1irst partner 5i5n?t make it.C AVampire -ot "imBC He no55e5. =alla3e stoo5 up sort o1 slo%. He ar3"e5 "is 8a3k >ust a 8it@ as i1 %orkin- t"e kinks out. A/i3e s"ot@C "e sai5. 9 s"ru--e5. A9t %as my knee@ not my 1ist.C AStill a -oo5 s"ot. 9 5on?t "a)e any e*3uses -oo5 enou-" 1or %"at 9 >ust 5i5.C A/o@C 9 sai5@ Ayou 5on?t.C He >ust looke5 5o%n at t"e -roun5@ t"en up. A9 5on?t kno% %"at ma5e me 5o it.C ALet?s take a little %alk.C 9 starte5 o11 into t"e 5ark %it"out lookin- 8a3k@ as i1 9 "a5 no 5ou8t "e?5 1ollo% me. $"is te3"ni;ue %orks more o1ten t"an you t"ink it %oul5. He 1ollo%e5 me. He "a5 stoppe5 to pi3k up "is 1las"li-"t@ 8ut 8ra)ely turne5 it o11.

9 stoppe5 >ust s"ort o1 t"e %oo5s an5 stare5 o11 into t"e trees@ lettin- my eyes a5>ust to t"e 5ark. 9 5i5n?t look at anyt"in- in parti3ular. 9 let my eyes >ust sort o1 see e)eryt"in-. 9 %as lookin- 1or mo)ement. Any mo)ement. $"e tree lim8s mo)e5 1it1ully in t"e sprin- %in5@ 8ut it %as a -eneral mo)ement like o3ean %a)es. $"e trees %eren?t %"at %orrie5 me. =alla3e tappe5 t"e 5arkene5 1las"li-"t a-ainst "is t"i-". A so1t %"ap@ %"ap. 9 %ante5 to tell "im to stop 8ut 5i5n?t. 91 it 3om1orte5 "im@ 9 3oul5 li)e %it" it. 9 let t"e silen3e stret3" 8et%een us. $"e %in5 pi3ke5 up@ 1illin- t"e ni-"t %it" a rus"in-@ "urryin- soun5. Dou 3oul5 smell t"e rain on t"e %in5. He -rippe5 t"e 1las"li-"t in 8ot" "an5s. 9 3oul5 "ear "is intake o1 8reat" a8o)e t"e %in5. A="at %as t"atBC A$"e %in5@C 9 sai5. AAre you sureBC APretty mu3".C A="at 5o you %antBC "e aske5. A9s t"is t"e 1irst )amp you?)e -one a1ter sin3e your partner?s 5eat"BC He looke5 at me. AGran-er tol5 youBC ADea"@ 8ut 9 sa% your ne3k. 9 %as pretty sure %"at "a5 5one it.C 9 %ante5 to tell "im it %as okay to 8e s3are5. Hell@ 9 %as s3are5@ 8ut "e %as a 3op an5 a man@ an5 9 5i5n?t kno% "im %ell enou-" to kno% "o% "e?5 take a pep talk 1rom me. But 9 "a5 to kno% i1 "e?5 1ollo% me into t"ose %oo5s. 9 "a5 to kno% i1 9 3oul5 5epen5 on "im. 91 "e staye5 t"is s3are5@ 9 3oul5n?t. A="at "appene5BC 9 aske5. 7ay8e talkin- a8out it ri-"t no% %as t"e %ron- t"in- to 5o@ 8ut i-norin- it %asn?t %orkin- )ery %ell. He s"ook "is "ea5. AHea5;uarters says you?re in 3"ar-e@ 7s. Blake. 'ine@ 9?ll 5o %"at 9?m tol5. But 9 5on?t "a)e to ans%er personal ;uestions.C 9t %as too mu3" trou8le to s"ru- out o1 t"e o)erall@ an5 9 really 5i5n?t %ant my arms trappe5. 9 un5i5 one 8utton on my 8louse an5 sprea5 t"e 3lot". A="at are you 5oin-BC AHo% -oo5?s your ni-"t )isionBC A="yBC A!an you see t"e s3arBC A="at are you talkin- a8outBC He soun5e5 suspi3ious. Suspi3ious t"at 9 %as 3raEy@ may8e. 7y ni-"t )ision %oul5 "a)e pi3ke5 it up@ 8ut most people 5on?t "a)e my eyes. AGi)e me your "an5.C A="yBC A9 am a8out to -i)e you a on3e2in2a2li1etime o11er. Hust -i)e me your 5amn "an5.C He 5i5@ sort o1 "esitatin-ly@ -lan3in- 8a3k at t"e %aitin- men. His "an5 %as 3ol5 to t"e tou3". He %as one s3are5 puppy. 9 tra3e5 "is lar-e@ 8lunt 1in-ers alon- my 3ollar8one. $"e moment "e tou3"e5 t"e s3ar tissue@ "is "an5 >erke5 like "e?5 "a5 an ele3tri3 s"o3k. 9 pulle5 my "an5 a%ay@ an5 "e tra3e5 t"e s3ar a-ain on "is o%n. He took "is "an5 8a3k@ slo%ly@ ru88in- "is 1in-ers to-et"er like "e %as remem8erin- t"e 1eel o1 my skin. A="at 5i5 t"atBC ASame t"in- t"at 5i5 your ne3k. A )ampire t"at %asn?t neat %it" its 1oo5.C AHesus@C "e sai5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. 9 re8uttone5 my 8louse. A$ell me %"at "appene5@ =alla3e. Please.C He looke5 at me 1or a moment lon-er@ t"en no55e5. AHarry@ my partner@ an5 me@ %e -ot a 3all t"at someone "a5 1oun5 a 8o5y %it" its t"roat torn out.C He ma5e t"e %or5s )ery 8lan5@ or5inary@ 8ut 9 kne% "e %as seein- it in "is "ea5. =at3"in- it all "appen a-ain 8e"in5 "is eye8alls. A9t %as a 3onstru3tion site. Hust us in t"e mi55le o1 t"e pla3e %it" our 1las"li-"ts. $"ere %as a soun5 like %in5 %"istlin-@ an5 somet"in- "it Harry. He %ent 5o%n %it" a man on top o1 "im. He s3reame5@ an5 9 "a5 my -un out. 9 1ire5 into t"e man?s 8a3k. 9 "it "im soli5 t"ree@ 1our times. He turne5 on me an5 "is 1a3e %as 8loo5y. 9 5i5n?t "a)e time to %on5er %"y@ F3ause "e >umpe5 me. 9 emptie5 7y -un into "im 8e1ore 9 "it t"e -roun5.C He took a 5eep 8reat"@ 8i- "an5s t%istin- 8a3k an5 1ort" on t"e 1las"li-"t. He %as lookin- o11 into t"e trees@ too@ 8ut not 1or )ampires@ or at least not 1or t"is one.

AHe rippe5 my >a3ket an5 s"irt like t"ey %ere paper. 9 trie5 to 1i-"t "im@ 8ut ... C He s"ook "is "ea5. AHe 3au-"t me %it" "is eyes. He 3au-"t me %it" "is eyes@ an5 %"en "e tore into my ne3k@ 9 %ante5 "im to 5o it@ %ante5 it %orse t"an 9?)e e)er %ante5 anyt"in- in my li1e.C He turne5 a little a%ay 1rom me@ as i1 not meetin- my eyes %asn?t enou-". A="en 9 %oke up@ "e %as >ust -one. Harry %as 5ea5. $"e -irl %as 5ea5. 9 %as ali)e.C He turne5 to me 1inally@ looke5 me strai-"t in t"e eyes an5 sai5@ A="y 5i5n?t "e kill me@ 7s. BlakeBC 9 looke5 into "is earnest eyes an5 5i5n?t "a)e a -oo5 ans%er. A9 5on?t kno%@ =alla3e. He %ante5 to make you one o1 t"em@ may8e. 9 5on?t kno% %"y you an5 not Harry. Dou e)er 3at3" "imBC A$"e lo3al master sent "is "ea5 in a 8o* to t"e station. $"e note apolo-iEe5 1or "is un3i)iliEe5 8e"a)ior. $"at?s %"at t"e note sai5@ Fun3i)iliEe5 8e"a)ior.? A A9t?s "ar5 to look at it as mur5er %"en you 1ee5 o11 "umans yoursel1.C A4o t"ey all 5o t"atB 'ee5 o11 peopleBC A9?)e ne)er met one t"at 5i5n?t.C A!an?t t"ey eat animalsBC A$"eoreti3ally@ yes. 9n pra3ti3e it seems to la3k 3ertain nutrients.C $rut" %as@ 1ee5in- %as too 3lose to se* 1or most )amps. $"ey %eren?t into 8estiality@ so t"ey 5i5n?t 1ee5 o11 animals. 9 5i5n?t t"ink t"e se* analo-y %oul5 -o o)er %ell %it" #11i3er =alla3e. A!an you 5o t"is@ =alla3eBC A="at 5o you meanBC A!an you -o out into t"e 5ark an5 "unt )ampiresBC A9t?s my >o8.C A9 5i5n?t ask i1 it %as your >o8. 9 aske5 i1 you 3an -o out into t"at 5arkness an5 "unt )ampires.C ADou t"ink t"ere?s more t"an oneBC AAl%ays 8est to assume so@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. ADea"@ 9 -uess so.C AS3are5BC 9 aske5. AAre youBC 9 looke5 o11 into t"e %in5s%ept ni-"t. $"e trees tosse5 an5 moane5 in t"e %in5. $"ere %as mo)ement e)ery%"ere. Soon t"ere %oul5 8e rain@ an5 %"at li-"t t"e stars -a)e %oul5 8e -one. ADea"@ 9?m s3are5.C ABut you?re a )ampire "unter@C "e sai5. AHo% 3an you 5o t"is ni-"t a1ter ni-"t i1 it s3ares youBC A4oesn?t it s3are you to kno% t"at e)ery time you pull o)er some ya"oo 1or a tra11i3 )iolation t"at "e 3oul5 8e arme5B Dou %alk up on t"at 3ar an5 ne)er kno%.C A9t?s my >o8.C AAn5 t"is is my >o8.C ABut you?re s3are5BC A4o%n to my toes.C Larry 3alle5@ A$"e s"eri11?s 8a3k. He?s -ot t"e %arrant.C =alla3e an5 9 looke5 at ea3" ot"er. ADou -ot sil)er 8ulletsBC 9 aske5. ADes.C 9 smile5. A$"en let?s -o. Dou?ll 8e 1ine@C 9 sai5. 9 8elie)e5 it. =alla3e %oul5 5o "is >o8. 9 %oul5 5o my >o8. =e %oul5 all 5o our >o8s. An5 3ome mornin-@ some o1 us %oul5 8e ali)e an5 some o1 us %oul5n?t. #1 3ourse@ may8e t"ere %as >ust t"e one ne%ly 5ea5 )ampire to 5eal %it". 91 so@ %e mi-"t all see t"e sunrise. But 9 "a5n?t li)e5 t"is lon- assumin- t"e 8est. Assumin- t"e %orst %as al%ays sa1er. An5 usually truer.

Chapter Fifteen
9?5 -otten use5 to t"e sa%e52o11 s"ot-un t"at 9 "a5 at "ome. Dea"@ it is ille-al@ 8ut it?s easy to 3arry an5 makes min3emeat out o1 )ampires. ="at more 3oul5 a mo5ern )ampire "unter %antB $"e 9t"a3a pump a3tion 12 -au-e %as 3lose.

A="y 5on?t 9 -et a s"ot-unBC Larry aske5. 9 >ust looke5 at "im. He looke5 serious. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="en you 3an "an5le t"e nine@ %e?ll talk a8out s"ot-uns. AGreat.C #"@ 1or t"e ent"usiasm o1 yout". Larry %as only 1our years youn-er t"an 9 %as. Sometimes it seeme5 like a million. AHe?s not -oin- to s"oot us in t"e 8a3k 8y a33i5ent@ is "eBC 4eputy !oltrain aske5. 9 smile5@ not s%eetly. AHe promise5 not to.C !oltrain looke5 at me like "e %asn?t sure 9 %as ki55in-. S"eri11 St. Ho"n >oine5 us at t"e e5-e o1 t"e %oo5s. He "a5 a s"ot-un@ too. 9 "a5 to trust t"at "e kne% "o% to use it. =alla3e "a5 t"e s"ot-un 1rom t"eir unit. His partner Gran-er "a5 a %i3ke52lookin- ri1le like somet"in- a sniper %oul5 3arry. 9t looke5 like t"e %ron- tool 1or toni-"t?s >o8@ an5 9 "a5 sai5 so. Gran-er "a5 >ust looke5 at me. 9?5 s"ru--e5 an5 let it -o. 9t %as "is ne3k an5 "is -un. 9 looke5 aroun5 at t"em. $"ey looke5 at me. =aitin- 1or me to -i)e t"e %or5. A,)ery8o5y -ot t"eir "oly %aterBC 9 aske5. Larry patte5 "is 3o)erall po3ket. ,)eryone else no55e5@ or mum8le5 yes. A<emem8er t"e t"ree rules o1 )ampire "untin-. #neJ /e)er@ e)er look t"em in t"e eyes. $%oJ /e)er@ e)er -i)e up your 3ross. $"reeJ Aim 1or t"e "ea5 an5 "eart. ,)en %it" sil)er ammo@ it %on?t 8e a killin- 8lo% any%"ere else.C 9 1elt like a kin5er-arten tea3"er sen5in- "er ki55ies o11 to a "ostile play-roun5. A4on?t pani3 i1 you -et 8itten. $"e 8ite 3an 8e 3leanse5. As lon- as t"ey 5on?t mesmeriEe you %it" t"eir eyes@ you 3an still 1i-"t.C 9 looke5 at t"em@ all silent@ all taller t"an me@ e)en Larry 8y an in3" or t%o. $"ey 3oul5 all arm %restle me an5 %in. So %"y 5i5 9 %ant to or5er t"em all into t"e "ouse %"ere?5 t"ey?5 8e sa1eB He3k@ %e 3oul5 all -o insi5e. Ha)e a ni3e 3up o1 "ot 3o3oa. $ell t"e Nuinlans t"eir little -irl %oul5 8e 1ine. 9 mean@ li;ui5 5iets are in %it" teens. <i-"tB 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%. ALet?s 5o it@ 8oys. =e?re %astin- starli-"t.C ,it"er no8o5y -ot my Ho"n =ayne re1eren3e@ or no8o5y t"ou-"t it %as 1unny. Har5 to tell %"i3". 9 "a5 to let St. Ho"n lea5 t"e %ay into t"e 8la3k trees. 9 5i5n?t kno% t"e area. He 5i5. But 9 5i5n?t like "im takin- point. 9 5i5n?t like it at all. 9 %ante5 to 8rin- "im 8a3k to "is %i1e. His "i-" s3"ool s%eet"eart. 'i)e years marrie5 an5 still in lo)e. Hesus@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to -et "im kille5. $"e trees 3lose5 aroun5 us. St. Ho"n t"rea5e5 "is %ay t"rou-" t"em like "e kne% %"at "e %as 5oin-. $"ere %as )ery little un5er-ro%t" t"is time o1 year. 9t ma5e it easier@ 8ut t"ere is still an art to -oin- t"rou-" t"i3k %oo5s@ espe3ially in t"e 5ark. Dou 3an?t really see e)en %it" a 1las"li-"t. Dou "a)e to sort o1 -i)e yoursel1 o)er to t"e trees t"e %ay you -i)e yoursel1 to %ater %"en you s%im. Dou 5on?t really 3on3entrate on t"e %ater@ or e)en on your o%n 8o5y. Dou 3on3entrate on t"e r"yt"m o1 your 8o5y 3uttin-@ sli5in- t"rou-" t"e 3ool li;ui5. 'or t"e 1orest you 1in5 a r"yt"m@ too. Dou 3on3entrate on sli5in- your 8o5y t"rou-" t"e natural openin-s. 'in5in- t"e pla3e %"ere t"e 1orest itsel1 %ill let you t"rou-". 91 you 1i-"t it@ it %ill 1i-"t you 8a3k. An5@ >ust like %ater@ it 3an kill you. Anyone %"o 5oesn?t 8elie)e t"at t"e 1orest is a 5ea5ly pla3e "as ne)er 8een lost in one. St. Ho"n kne% "o% to mo)e@ an5 so 5i5 9. 9 %as pretty please5 at t"at@ a3tually. 9?5 8een a 3ity -irl 1or a lon- time. Larry stum8le5 into me. 9 "a5 to 8ra3e@ or %e?5 "a)e 8ot" -one 5o%n. ASorry@C "e sai5@ pus"in- "imsel1 a%ay 1rom me. AHo% ya 5oin- up t"ere@ )ampire "unterBC !oltrain 3alle5. He %as 8rin-in- up t"e rear. 9 "a5 to -o se3on5 to 8a3k up St. Ho"n@ an5 9 %oul5n?t let Larry take rear. !oltrain "a5 %ante5 it. Sai5 "e an5 t"e s"eri11 %oul5 -uar5 our ass. 'ine %it" me. ADell a little lou5er@C =alla3e sai5. A9 5on?t t"ink t"e )ampire "ear5 you.C A9 5on?t nee5 no statie tellin- me "o% to 5o my >o8.C A9t kno%s %e?re "ere@C 9 sai5. $"at stoppe5 t"em. $"ey 8ot" looke5 at me. Gran-er@ %"o %as >ust a"ea5 o1 =alla3e@ looke5 at me@ too. 9 "a5 e)eryone?s attention. A,)en i1 t"e )ampire is only a 1e% %eeks ol5@ its "earin- is in3re5i8ly a3ute. 9t kno%s %e?re "ere. 9t kno%s %e?re 3omin-. 9t 5oesn?t matter i1 %e?re ;uiet or "a)e a 8rass 8an5. 9t?s all t"e same. =e %on?t surprise it in t"e 5ark.C 9t %oul5 pro8a8ly surprise us@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t a55 t"at part alou5. =e %ere all t"inkin- it any%ay. A=e are %astin- time "ere@ 4eputy@C St. Ho"n sai5. !oltrain 5i5n?t apolo-iEe or e)en look sorry. =alla3e 5i5. A9?m sorry@ S"eri11. 9t %on?t "appen a-ain.C St. Ho"n no55e5 an5 turne5 %it"out anot"er %or5 an5 le5 us 1art"er into t"e %oo5s. !oltrain ma5e a small "ump"in- soun5 8ut let it -o. ="ate)er "e sai5@ 9 5i5n?t t"ink =alla3e %oul5 rise to 8ait a-ain. At least 9 "ope5 not. 9 5i5n?t 3are i1 "e %as s3are5G %e "a5 enou-" pro8lems %it"out 1i-"tin- amon- oursel)es.

$"e trees rustle5 an5 s%aye5 aroun5 us. Last year?s 5ea5 lea)es 3run3"e5 un5er1oot. Someone 3urse5 so1tly 8e"in5 me. $"e %in5 8le% in a %il5 -ust@ streamin- my "air 8a3k 1rom my 1a3e. :p a"ea5 t"e ;uality o1 5arkness %as 5i11erent. =e %ere approa3"in- t"e 3learin-. St. Ho"n stoppe5 >ust s"ort o1 t"e tree line. He -lan3e5 8a3k at me. AHo% 5o you %ant to 5o t"isBC 9 3oul5 taste t"e rain on t"e %in5 3omin- 3loser. 91 possi8le@ 9 %ante5 us out o1 "ere 8e1ore it 3ame. Visi8ility su3ke5 as it %as. A=e kill it@ an5 %e -et t"e "ell 8a3k to t"e "ouse. 9t?s not a "ar5 plan.C He no55e5@ as i1 9?5 sai5 somet"in- pro1oun5. =is" 9 "a5. A 1i-ure steppe5 in 1ront o1 us. #ne minute not"in-@ t"e ne*t t"ere "e %as. 4arkness an5 s"a5o%s@ ma-i3. He -ra88e5 St. Ho"n as "e %ent 1or "is -un an5 t"re% "im out into t"e 3learin- in a "i-" loopin- ar3". 9 s"ot t"e )ampire in t"e 3"est at almost point28lank ran-e. He 3ollapse5 to "is knees. 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 t"e %"ites o1 "is eyes@ like "e 3oul5n?t 8elie)e it. 9 "a5 to pump t"e s"ot-un to >a3k anot"er s"ell in pla3e. Gran-er?s ri1le e*plo5e5 8e"in5 me like a 3annon. Someone s3reame5. 9 s"ot t"e )ampire 8et%een t"e eyes. His "ea5 splattere5 into t"e lea)es. 9 turne5 %it" t"e s"ot-un to my s"oul5er 8e1ore t"e 8o5y "it t"e -roun5. Larry %as on t"e -roun5 %it" a )amp on top o1 "im. 9 "a5 a -limpse o1 lon- 8ro%n "air 8e1ore "is 3ross 1lare5 to li1e in a 8rilliant 1las" o1 8lue2%"ite 1ire. S"e 1lun- "ersel1 8a3k%ar5s %it" a s3ream@ s3ram8lin- into t"e 5ark. Gone. A )amp %it" lon- 8lon5e "air "el5 Gran-er in "er slen5er arms@ "ea5 presse5 to "is ne3k. 9 3oul5n?t use t"e s"ot-un. $"ey %ere presse5 too 3lose to-et"er. At t"is ran-e 9?5 kill t"em 8ot". 9 5roppe5 t"e s"ot-un into Larry?s surprise5 lap. He %as still lyin- on t"e -roun5@ 8linkin-. 9 5re% t"e Bro%nin- an5 1ire5 into t"e )ampire?s 8roa5 3"est. S"e >erke5 8ut 5i5n?t let -o o1 Gran-er. $"e )ampire looke5 at me@ t"e man still 3laspe5 to "er 3"est. S"e "isse5 at me. 9 1ire5 a roun5 into "er -apin- mout". 9t 8le% t"e 8a3k o1 "er "ea5 out. $"e )amp s"u55ere5. 9 1ire5 a se3on5 roun5 into "er "ea5. S"e let -o o1 Gran-er an5 1ell to t"e lea)es in 3on)ulsions. Gran-er >ust lay t"ere. 9n t"e 5ark 9 3oul5n?t see "is 1a3e or ne3k. 4ea5 or ali)e@ 9?5 5one all 9 3oul5. Larry %as on "is 1eet@ s"ot-un a%k%ar5 in "is "an5s. $"ere %as a s3ream@ lo% an5 pain21ille5. =alla3e %as on t"e -roun5 %it" a slen5er28o5ie5 )amp on top o1 "im. 'an-s sunk in "is arm. $"e 8one 8roke %it" a lou5@ 8rittle snap. He s3reame5 a-ain. 9 "a5 a -limpse o1 !oltrain stan5in-@ 1roEen@ >ust 8eyon5. $"ere %as mo)ement 8e"in5 "im. 9 stare5 strai-"t at it@ %aitin1or t"e )ampire to take s"ape 1rom t"e s"a5o%s@ 8ut somet"in- -leame5. A 5ull sil)er 8la5e 1las"e5 into si-"t. 9 stare5 strai-"t at it@ 8ut 9 lost a se3on5 some"o%. $"e ne*t t"in- 9 kne% t"e 8la5e tip e*plo5e5 1rom !oltrain?s t"roat. 9 lost anot"er se3on5@ 8linkin- at s"a5o%s@ an5 t"e )ampire tore t"e 8la5e 1rom "is t"roat an5 %as -one. 9t s3uttle5 t"rou-" t"e trees like not"in- "uman@ un8elie)a8ly 1ast@ like a ni-"tmare seen 1rom t"e 3orner o1 your eye. Larry raise5 t"e s"ot-un to "is s"oul5er@ aime5 in =alla3e?s 5ire3tion. 9 -ra88e5 it 1rom "im@ an5 somet"in- smas"e5 into my 8a3k an5 ro5e me into t"e lea)es. A "an5 presse5 my 1a3e into t"e 5ry@ 3ra3klin- lea)es. A se3on5 "an5 rippe5 t"e 8a3k o1 my 3o)erall so )iolently it %ren3"e5 one s"oul5er. $"ere %as an e*plosion >ust 8e"in5 my "ea5@ an5 t"e )ampire %as -one. 9 rolle5 o)er@ ears rin-in-. Larry %as stan5in- o)er me %it" "is arm e*ten5e5@ -un out. ="ate)er "e?5 s"ot %as -one out in t"e 5ark. 7y le1t s"oul5er %as "urt@ 8ut not as 8a5ly as it mi-"t 8e i1 9 5i5n?t -et up. 9 stru--le5 to my 1eet. $"e )ampires %ere -one. =alla3e %as sittin- up@ 3ra5lin- "is arm. !oltrain lay on t"e -roun5 %it"out mo)in-. A soun5 8e"in5 us. 9 turne5@ Bro%nin- pointe5. Larry %as turnin- too@ 8ut too slo%. 9 si-"te5 5o%n t"e 8arrel@ an5 it %as St. Ho"n. A4on?t s"oot. 9t?s me.C Larry "el5 "is -un t%o2"an5e5 pointe5 at t"e -roun5. AS%eet Hesus@C "e sai5. Amen. A="at "appene5 to youBC A$"e 1all kno3ke5 me out. 9 1ollo%e5 t"e soun5 o1 s"ots@C St. Ho"n sai5. A -ust o1 %in5 slappe5 a-ainst us. 9t smelle5 so stron-ly o1 rain 9 almost 1elt it on my skin. A!"e3k Gran-er?s pulse@ Larry@C 9 sai5. A="atBC Larry looke5 s"ell2s"o3ke5. ASee i1 "e?s ali)e.C 9t %as a messy >o8@ an5 9?5 "a)e 5one it mysel1@ 8ut 9 truste5 me more t"an Larry to keep t"e )ampires a%ay. He?5 sa)e5 me on3e toni-"t@ 8ut 9 still truste5 me more. St. Ho"n %alke5 past us. He tou3"e5 =alla3e@ %"o no55e5. A7y arm?s 8roke@ 8ut 9?ll li)e.C St. Ho"n %ent to !oltrain?s still 1orm. Larry knelt 8y Gran-er. He s%it3"e5 "is -un to "is le1t "an5@ not t"e 8est t"in- to 5o@ 8ut 9 un5erstoo5. Har5 to 3"e3k 1or a pulse in t"e 5ark on a t"roat %arm %it" 8loo5G 8etter to use your 5ominant "an5.

A9?)e -ot a pulse.C He looke5 up@ "is 8roa5 smile a 5im %"iteness in t"e 5ark. A!oltrain?s 5ea5@C St. Ho"n sai5. AGo5 "elp me@ "e?s 5ea5.C He raise5 a "an5 an5 t"e skin -listene5 %it" 8loo5@ 8la3k in t"e 5im li-"t. AHe?s nearly 5e3apitate5. ="at 5i5 t"isBC AS%or5@C 9 sai5. 9?5 seen it. =at3"e5 it "appen. But all 9 3oul5 remem8er %as a 8la3k s"ape lar-er t"an a "uman 8ein-. #r lar-er t"an most. A s"a5o% %it" a s%or5 %as all 9?5 seen@ an5 9?5 8een lookin- ri-"t at it. Somet"in- 1lo%e5 a3ross my skin@ an5 it %asn?t t"e %in5. Po%er 1ille5 t"e sprin- ni-"t like %ater. A$"ere?s somet"in- ol5 out "ere@C 9 sai5. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC St. Ho"n sai5. AAn an3ient )ampire. 9t?s "ere. 9 3an 1eel it.C 9 sear3"e5 t"e 5arkness@ 8ut not"in- mo)e5 8ut t"e trees@ t"e %in5. $"ere %as not"in- to see. /ot"in- to 1i-"t. But it %as "ere an5 it %as 3lose. S%or5 in "an5@ may8e. Gran-er sat up so su55enly t"at Larry 1ell 8a3k into t"e lea)es %it" a s;ueak. $"e 8i- man?s eyes turne5 to me. 9 sa% "is "an5 -o 1or "is -un@ an5 9 kne% %"at t"e )ampire %as 5oin-. 9 pointe5 t"e Bro%nin- at "is "ea5 an5 %aite5. 9 "a5 to 8e sure. Gran-er 5i5n?t "unt 1or "is 5roppe5 ri1le. He 5re% "is si5earm an5 pointe5 it )ery slo%ly@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t %ant to 5o it. He pointe5 it at Larry 1rom less t"an a 1oot a%ay. =alla3e yelle5@ AGran-er@ %"at t"e 1u3k are you 5oin-BC 9 1ire5. Gran-er >erke5G t"e -un %a)ere5@ t"en "is "an5 3ame 8a3k up. 9 1ire5 a-ain@ an5 a-ain. His "an5 1ell slo%ly to t"e -roun5@ -un still in it. He 1ell strai-"t 8a3k into t"e lea)es. AGran-erIC =alla3e %as s3reamin-@ 3ra%lin- to%ar5 "is partner. S"it. 9 -ot t"ere 1irst an5 ki3ke5 t"e -un out o1 "is "an5. 91 "e?5 t%it3"e5@ 9?5 "a)e s"ot "im a-ain. He 5i5n?t t%it3". He >ust lay t"ere@ 5ea5. =alla3e trie5 to 3ra5le "im one2"an5e5. A="y?5 you s"oot "imB ="yBC AHe %as -oin- to kill Larry. Dou sa% it.C A="yBC A$"e )amp t"at 8it "im. His master is out "ere. An5 "e?s a po%er1ul son o1 a 8it3". He use5 "im.C =alla3e "a5 Gran-er?s 8loo5y "ea5 in "is lap@ "is o%n ra)a-e5 arm presse5 to Gran-er?s 3"est. He %as 3ryin-. S"it. A soun5 ro5e t"e risin- %in5. A s"arp@ 1urious 8arkin-. A %oman?s s3ream@ "i-" an5 3lear@ 3ut a3ross t"e soun5. A#"@ Go5@C 9 %"ispere5. ABet".C St. Ho"n %as on "is 1eet runnin- 8e1ore 9 3oul5 say anyt"in-. 9 -ra88e5 =alla3e?s s"oul5er@ pullin- on "is >a3ket. He looke5 up. A="at?s "appenin-BC A$"ey?re in t"e "ouse@C 9 sai5. A!an you %alkBC He no55e5. 9 "elpe5 "im to "is 1eet. Anot"er s3ream 3ame. 9t %asn?t t"e same s3ream. A man t"is time@ or a 8oy. AStay %it" "im@ Larry. Get to t"e "ouse as soon as you 3an.C A="at i1 t"ey?re tryin- to split us upBC Larry aske5. A$"en it?s -oin- to %ork@C 9 sai5. AS"oot anyt"in- t"at mo)es.C 9 tou3"e5 "is arm@ as i1 t"at %oul5 make "im more real@ keep "im sa1e. 9t %oul5n?t@ 8ut it %as all 9 "a5. 9 "a5 to -o 1or t"e "ouse. Larry "a5 si-ne5 up to 8e a monster slayer. $"e Nuinlans an5 Bet" St. Ho"n "a5n?t. 9 "olstere5 t"e Bro%nin-@ kept a t%o2"an5e5 -rip on t"e s"ot-un@ an5 t"re% mysel1 into t"e trees. 9 ran@ not tryin- to see %"ere 9 %as -oin-. <us"in- t"rou-" openin-s in t"e trees t"at 9 %asn?t sure %ere t"ere@ 8ut t"ey %ere. 9 >umpe5 o)er a lo- an5 nearly 1ell 8ut 3au-"t mysel1 an5 kept runnin-. A 8ran3" slas"e5 my 1a3e@ 8rin-in- tears to my eye. $"e 1orest t"at "a5 seeme5 passa8le 8e1ore %as no% a maEe o1 roots an5 8ran3"es t"at -ra88e5 an5 trippe5. 9 %as runnin- 8lin5. 9t %as not a -oo5 %ay to stay ali)e %it" )ampires in t"e 5ark. 9 spille5 out onto t"e Nuinlans? la%n on my knees@ s"ot-un ti-"tly -rippe5. $"e 1ront 5oor %as open. Li-"t spille5 in a %arm re3tan-le. S"ots soun5e5 1rom insi5e t"e "ouse. 9 -ot to my 1eet an5 ran 1or t"e li-"t. $"e poo5le lay 8roken 8y t"e 5oor@ 3rumple5 like someone "a5 trie5 to 1or3e it into a 8all.

$"e 5oors to t"e li)in- room %ere open. A se3on5 s"ot soun5e5. 9 %ent in to t"e le1t o1 t"e 5oor@ %all at my 8a3k@ s"ot-un rea5y. 7r. an5 7rs. Nuinlan %ere "u55le5 in t"e 1ar 3orner %it" t"eir 3rosses "el5 out 8e1ore t"em. $"e metal -lo%e5 %it" a %"ite2"ot li-"t like 8urnin- ma-nesium. $"e t"in- in 1ront o1 t"em 5i5n?t look mu3" like a )ampire. 9t looke5 like a skeleton %it" mus3le an5 1les" stret3"e5 o)er a 8one 1rame. 9t %as stret3"e5 impossi8ly t"in an5 tall. A s%or5 ro5e its 8a3k@ -leamin- an5 %i5e as a s3imitar. !oltrain?s killerB St. Ho"n %as 1irin- into t"e 8ro%n2"aire5 )amp 1rom t"e %oo5s. S"e "a5 lon- 8ro%n "air parte5 in t"e mi55le@ strai-"t an5 lo)ely@ 1ramin- a 1a3e t"at %as 8loo5smeare5 an5 stret3"e5 %i5e o)er 1an-s. 9 "a5 a -limpse o1 Bet" St. Ho"n on t"e 1loor 8e"in5 "er. S"e %asn?t mo)in-. St. Ho"n kept 1irin- into t"e )ampire?s 8o5y. S"e >ust kept 3omin-. Bloo5 8lossome5 on t"e 1ront o1 "er >ean >a3ket. His -un 3li3ke5@ empty. $"e )ampire sta--ere5@ t"en 1ell to "er knees. S"e 1ell 1or%ar5 on all 1ours@ an5 you 3oul5 see t"at "er 8a3k %as so mu3" ra% meat. S"e lay -aspin- on t"e 1loor %"ile St. Ho"n reloa5e5. 9 -ot to my 1eet@ tryin- to keep an eye on t"e 5oor >ust in 3ase t"is %asn?t all. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e Nuinlans an5 t"e t"int"at stoo5 in 1ront o1 t"em. 9 nee5e5 a 8etter an-le 8e1ore 9 use5 t"e s"ot-un. 4i5n?t %ant to 3at3" t"em in t"e s"ot pattern. $"e t"in- turne5 on me. 9 "a5 a -limpse o1 a 1a3e t"at %as neit"er "uman nor animal@ 8ut stret3"e5 t"in an5 alien %it" 1an-s an5 8lin5@ -lo%in- eyes. 9t s"rank@ an5 skin 1lo%e5 o)er t"e 8are 1les"@ 3o)ere5 t"e nearly nake5 8one. 9?5 ne)er seen anyt"in- like it. ="en 9 aime5 t"e s"ot-un@ 9 %as lookin- into %"at 3oul5 "a)e passe5 1or a "uman 1a3e. Lon- %"ite "air 1rame5 a 1ine28one5 1a3e@ an5 it ran2i1 runnin- %as t"e %or5 1or t"at 8lur o1 motion. 9t ran like some o1 t"em 1le%@ almost like it %as 5oin- somet"in- else alto-et"er@ 8ut 9 "a5 no 8etter %or5 1or it. Some o1 t"em 1le%G t"is one ran. 9t %as -one 8e1ore 9 3oul5 pull t"e tri--er. 9 %as le1t starin- at t"e open 5oor %"ere t"e 8arrel "a5 1ollo%e5 its mo)ement. !oul5 9 "a)e 1ire5B Ha5 9 "esitate5B 9 5i5n?t t"ink so@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure. 9t %as like in t"e %oo5s %"en !oltrain 5ie5@ like 9?5 misse5 a 1e% se3on5s. $"e )ampire "a5 to 8e our killer@ 8ut t"e only t"in- 9?5 seen 3learly in t"e %oo5s "a5 8een t"e s%or5. St. Ho"n s"ot into t"e 1allen )ampire. He 1ire5 until "is -un 3li3ke5 empty a-ain. $"e -un %ent 3li3k@ 3li3k@ 3li3k. 9 %alke5 o)er to "im. $"e )ampire?s "ea5 %as 8loo5y meat an5 "ea)ier@ %etter t"in-s. $"ere %as no 1a3e le1t. A9t?s 5ea5@ St. Ho"n. Dou kille5 it.C He >ust stare5 at it@ 5o%n t"e 8arrel o1 "is empty -un. He %as s"akin-. He 3ollapse5 to "is knees su55enly@ as i1 "e >ust 3oul5n?t stan5 any lon-er. He 3ra%le5 o)er to "is %i1e@ -un le1t 8e"in5 "im on t"e 3arpet. He 3ra5le5 "er in "is arms@ "al12 li1tin-@ ro3kin- "er. S"e %as soake5 %it" 8loo5. Her t"roat %as so mu3" ra% meat on one si5e. St. Ho"n %as makin- a "i-"@ keenin- soun5 5eep in "is t"roat. $"e Nuinlans?s 3rosses "a5 stoppe5 -lo%in-. $"ey stoo5 still 3lin-in- to ea3" ot"er@ 8linkin- as i1 8lin5e5 8y t"e li-"t. AHe112"e took He11@C 7rs. Nuinlan sai5. 9 looke5 at "er. Her eyes %ere too %i5e. AHe took He11.C A="o took He11BC 9 aske5. A$"e 8i- one@C 7r. Nuinlan sai5. A$"at t"in-@ t"at t"in- tol5 He11 to take "is 3ross o11@ an5 He11 5i5 it.C He looke5 at me %it" startle5 eyes. A="y 5i5 "e 5o t"atB ="y 5i5 "e take it o11BC A$"e )ampire 3au-"t "im %it" "is eyes@C 9 sai5. AHe 3oul5n?t "elp "imsel1.C A91 "is 1ait" "a5 8een stron-er@ "e %oul5n?t "a)e -i)en in@C Nuinlan sai5. A9t %asn?t your son?s 1ault.C Nuinlan s"ook "is "ea5. AHe %asn?t stron- enou-".C 9 turne5 a%ay 1rom "im. ="i3" put me starin- at St. Ho"n. He "a5 1ol5e5 as mu3" o1 "is %i1e?s 8o5y into "is lap an5 arms as "e 3oul5. He ro3ke5 "er@ eyes 5istant. He %asn?t seein- t"is room. He?5 -one some%"ere 5eep insi5e. Somepla3e 8etter. 9 "ope5. 9 %ent 1or t"e 5oor. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to see t"is. =at3"in- St. Ho"n ro3k "is %i1e?s 8o5y %as not part o1 my >o8 5es3ription. Honest. 9 sat 5o%n on t"e stairs %"ere 9 3oul5 see t"e 5oor@ t"e "all%ay@ an5 t"e stairs as 1ar as t"e lan5in-. St. Ho"n starte5 sin-in- in a stran-e@ 8roken )oi3e. 9t took me a 1e% minutes to 1i-ure out %"at "e %as sin-in-. 9t %as ADou Are So Beauti1ul.C 9 -ot up an5 %ent 1or t"e outer 5oor. Larry an5 =alla3e %ere >ust limpin- up onto t"e por3". 9 >ust s"ook my "ea5 an5 kept %alkin-. 9 %as almost to t"e 5ri)e%ay 8e1ore 9 3oul5n?t "ear t"e sin-in-. 9 stoo5 t"ere takin5eep 8reat"s@ lettin- t"em out slo%ly. 9 3on3entrate5 on my 8reat"in-@ 3on3entrate5 on t"e soun5 o1 1ro-s an5 %in5. 9 3on3entrate5 on anyt"in- 8ut t"e soun5 t"at %as 8uil5in- in my t"roat. 9 stoo5 t"ere in t"e 5ark@ in t"e open@ kno%in- it %as 5an-erous@ an5 not sure 9 3are5. 9 stoo5 t"ere until 9 %as sure 9 %asn?t -oin- to start s3reamin-. $"en 9 turne5 an5 %ent 8a3k to t"e "ouse.

9t %as t"e 8ra)est t"in- 9?5 5one all ni-"t.

Chapter Sixteen
4ete3ti)e 'reemont sat on one en5 o1 t"e Nuinlans? 3ou3" an5 9 per3"e5 on t"e ot"er. =e %ere as 1ar a%ay 1rom ea3" ot"er as %e 3oul5 -et an5 s"are it. #nly pri5e kept me 1rom takin- a 3"air. 9 %oul5n?t 1lin3" un5er "er 3ool 3op eyes. So 9 staye5 naile5 to my en5 o1 t"e 3ou3"@ 8ut it %as an e11ort. Her )oi3e %as lo% an5 3are1ul@ e)ery %or5 enun3iate5@ as i1 s"e t"ou-"t s"e mi-"t yell i1 s"e rus"e5 t"e %or5s. A="y 5i5n?t you 3all an5 tell me you "a5 a se3on5 )ampire killBC AS"eri11 St. Ho"n 3alle5 t"e state 3ops. 9 assume5 you?5 8e tol5.C A=ell@ 9 %asn?t.C 9 stare5 up into "er 3ool eyes. ADou?re t%enty minutes a%ay %it" a 3rime s3ene unit lookin- into a possi8le )ampire kill. ="y %oul5n?t t"ey sen5 you o)er to a se3on5 )ampire s3eneBC 'reemont?s eyes s"i1te5 to one si5e@ t"en 8a3k to me. Her 3ool 3op eyes "a5 melte5 >ust a little. 9t %as "ar5 to rea5 1or sure@ 8ut s"e looke5 uneasy. 7ay8e e)en s3are5. ADou "a)en?t tol5 t"em it %as a )ampire kill@ "a)e youBC Her eyes 1lin3"e5. AS"it@ 'reemont. 9 kno% you 5on?t %ant t"e 'e5s to steal your 3ase@ 8ut %it""ol5in- in1ormation 1rom your o%n people ... Bet your superiors aren?t "appy %it" you.C A$"at?s my 8usiness.C A'ine. ="ate)er plan you?)e -ot@ more po%er to you@ 8ut %"y are you pisse5 at meBC S"e took a 5eep@ s"akin- 8reat" an5 8le% it out like a runner tryin- to -et t"at e*tra ki3k. AHo% sure are you t"e )ampire use5 a s%or5BC ADou sa% t"e 8o5y@C 9 sai5. S"e no55e5. AA )ampire 3oul5 "a)e rippe5 t"e ne3k apart.C A9 sa% a 8la5e@ 'reemont.C A$"e 7, %ill eit"er 8a3k you up@ or not.C A="y 5on?t you %ant t"is to 8e )ampiresBC S"e smile5. A9 t"ou-"t 9 "a5 t"is 3ase all sol)e5. $"ou-"t 9?5 make an arrest t"is mornin-. 9 5i5n?t t"ink it %as )ampires.C 9 stare5 at "er. 9 %asn?t smilin-. A91 it %asn?t )amps@ t"en %"at %as itBC A'airies.C 9 stare5 at "er 1or a "eart8eat. A="at 5o you meanBC ADour 8oss@ Ser-eant Storr@ 3alle5 me. $ol5 me %"at you?5 1oun5 out a8out 7a-nus Bou)ier. He?s -ot no ali8i 1or t"e time o1 t"e killin-s@ an5 e)en you t"ink "e 3oul5 "a)e 5one it.C ABe3ause "e 3oul5 "a)e 5one it@ 5oesn?t mean "e 5i5@C 9 sai5. 'reemont s"ru--e5. AHe ran %"en %e trie5 to ;uestion "im. 9nno3ent people 5on?t run.C A="at 5o you mean@ "e ranB 91 you %ere t"ere ;uestionin- "im@ "o% 3oul5 "e runBC 'reemont settle5 8a3k into t"e 3ou3"@ "an5s 3laspe5 to-et"er so ti-"tly "er 1in-ers %ere mottle5. AHe use5 ma-i3 to 3lou5 our min5s@ an5 ma5e "is es3ape.C A="at sort o1 ma-i3BC 'reemont s"ook "er "ea5. A="at 5o you %ant me to say@ 7s. Preternatural ,*pertB 'our o1 us sat t"ere in "is restaurant like i5iots %"ile "e >ust %alke5 out. =e 5i5n?t e)en see "im -et up 1rom t"e ta8le.C S"e looke5 at me@ no smiles. Her eyes %ere 8a3k to t"at neutral 3oolness. Dou 3oul5 stare all 5ay at someone %it" eyes like t"at an5 keep all your se3rets sa1e. AHe looke5 "uman to me@ Blake. He looke5 like a ni3e@ normal -uy. 9 %oul5n?t "a)e pi3ke5 "im out o1 a 3ro%5. Ho% 5i5 you kno% %"at "e %asBC 9 opene5 my mout"@ an5 3lose5 it. 9 %asn?t e*a3tly sure "o% to ans%er t"e ;uestion. AHe trie5 to use -lamor on me@ 8ut 9 kne% %"at %as "appenin-.C A="at?s -lamor@ an5 "o% 5i5 you kno% "e %as usin- a spell on youBC

AGlamor isn?t e*a3tly a spell@C 9 sai5. 9 al%ays "ate5 e*plainin- preternatural t"in-s to people %"o "a5 no skill in t"e area. 9t %as like "a)in- ;uantum p"ysi3s e*plaine5 to me. 9 3oul5 1ollo% t"e 3on3epts@ 8ut 9 "a5 to take t"eir %or5 1or it on t"e mat". $"e mat" %as 8eyon5 me@ "ate5 to a5mit it@ 8ut it %as. But not un5erstan5in- ;uantum p"ysi3s %oul5n?t -et me kille5. /ot un5erstan5in- preternatural 3reatures mi-"t -et 'reemont kille5. A9?m not stupi5@ Blake. ,*plain it to me.C A9 5on?t t"ink you?re stupi5@ 4ete3ti)e 'reemont. 9t?s >ust "ar5 to e*plain. 9 %as ri5in- %it" t%o uni1orms in St. Louis. $"ey %ere transportin- me 1rom a 3rime s3ene@ playin- ta*i. $"e 5ri)er spotte5 t"is -uy >ust %alkin- alon-. He pulle5 o)er@ put "im up a-ainst a 3ar. $"e -uy %as 3arryin- a %eapon@ an5 %as %ante5 in anot"er state 1or arme5 ro88ery. 91 9?5 8een in a room %it" "im@ 9?5 "a)e noti3e5 t"e -un@ 8ut >ust passin- 8y in a 3ar@ no %ay. 9 %oul5n?t "a)e seen it. ,)en "is partner aske5 "im "o% "e spotte5 "im. He 3oul5n?t e*plain so t"at %e 3oul5 5o it@ 8ut "e kne% "o% to 5o it.C ASo it?s pra3ti3eBC 'reemont sai5. 9 si-"e5. A9n part@ 8ut "ell@ 4ete3ti)e@ 9 raise t"e 5ea5 1or a li)in-. 9 "a)e some preternatural a8ilities. 9t -i)es me a le- up.C AHo% t"e "ell are %e suppose5 to poli3e 3reatures@ 7s. BlakeB 91 Bou)ier "a5 pulle5 a -un@ %e?5 "a)e sat t"ere an5 let "im s"oot us. =e >ust sort o1 %oke up an5 "e %asn?t t"ere anymore. 9?)e ne)er seen anyt"in- like it.C A$"ere are t"in-s you 3an 5o to prote3t yoursel1 1rom 1airie -lamor@C 9 sai5. A="atBC AA 1our2lea1 3lo)er %ill 8reak -lamor@ 8ut it %on?t keep t"e 1ey 1rom killin- you 8y "an5. $"ere are ot"er plants you 3an %ear@ or 3arry t"at 8reak -lamorJ Saint2Ho"n?s2%ort@ re5 )er8ena@ 5aisies@ ro%an@ an5 as". 7y 3"oi3e %oul5 8e an ointment ma5e o1 eit"er 1our2lea1 3lo)ers or Saint2Ho"n?s2%ort. Sprea5 it on your eyeli5s@ mout"@ ears@ an5 "an5s. 9t?ll make you proo1 a-ainst -lamor.C A="ere 5o 9 -et t"is stu11BC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a se3on5. A=ell@ in St. Louis 9?5 kno% %"ere to -o. Here@ try "ealt"21oo5 stores an5 o33ult s"ops. Any 1airie ointment %ill 8e "ar5 to 1in5 8e3ause %e 5on?t "a)e any 1airies nati)e to t"is 3ountry. #intment 1rom 1ourlea1 3lo)ers is )ery e*pensi)e@ an5 rare. $ry 1or t"e Saint2Ho"n?s2%ort.C S"e si-"e5. A=ill t"is ointment %ork on any min5 3ontrol@ like 1or )ampsBC A/ope@C 9 sai5. ADou 3oul5 5rop a )amp in a %"ole tu8 o1 Saint2Ho"n?s2%ort an5 it %oul5n?t -i)e a 5amn.C A="at 5o you 5o a-ainst )ampires@ t"enBC AKeep your 3ross@ a)oi5 eye 3onta3t@ pray. $"ey 3an 5o t"in-s t"at?ll make 7a-nus look like an amateur.C S"e ru88e5 "er eyes@ smearin- eye s"a5o% on t"e 8all o1 "er t"um8. S"e su55enly looke5 tire5. AHo% 5o %e prote3t t"e pu8li3 a-ainst somet"in- like t"atBC ADou 5on?t@C 9 sai5. ADes@ %e 5o@C s"e sai5. A=e "a)e toG it?s our >o8.C 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say to t"at@ so 9 5i5n?t try. ASo you t"ou-"t it %as 7a-nus 8e3ause "e ran@ an5 "e 5oesn?t "a)e an ali8iBC A="y else %oul5 "e runBC A9 5on?t kno%@C 9 sai5. ABut "e 5i5n?t 5o it. 9 sa% t"e t"in- in t"e %oo5s. 9t %asn?t 7a-nus. Hell@ 9?)e only "ear5 a8out )ampires 1ormin- 1rom s"a5o%s. 9?5 ne)er seen it 8e1ore.C S"e looke5 at me. ADou?)e ne)er seen it 8e1ore. $"at?s not 3om1ortin-.C A9t %asn?t meant to 8e. But sin3e it %asn?t 7a-nus@ you 3an 3all o11 t"e %arrant.C S"e s"ook "er "ea5. AHe use5 ma-i3 on poli3e o11i3ers %"ile 3ommittin- a 3rime. $"at?s a 3lass ! 1elony.C A="at %as "is 3rimeBC A,s3apin-.C ABut "e %asn?t un5er arrest.C A9 "a5 a %arrant 1or "is arrest@C s"e sai5. ADou 5i5n?t "a)e enou-" 1or a %arrant@C 9 sai5. AHelps to kno% t"e ri-"t >u5-e.C AHe 5i5n?t kill t"ose ki5s@ or !oltrain.C ADou pointe5 t"e 1in-er at "im@C s"e sai5. AHust an alternate possi8ility. =it" 1i)e people 5ea5@ 9 3oul5n?t a11or5 to 8e %ron-.C S"e stoo5. A=ell@ you -ot your %is". 9t %as )ampires@ an5 9 5on?t kno% %"y t"e "ell 7a-nus Bou)ier ran 1rom us. But >ust usin- ma-i3 on a poli3e o11i3er is a 1elony.C

A,)en i1 "e %as inno3ent o1 t"e ori-inal 3rime you %ere tryin- to 8rin- "im in onBC 9 aske5. A'elonious use o1 ma-i3 is a serious 3rime@ 7s. Blake. $"ere?s a %arrant 1or "is arrest. Dou see "im@ you remem8er t"at.C A9 kno% 7a-nus isn?t ni3e people@ 4ete3ti)e 'reemont. 9 5on?t kno% %"y "e ran@ 8ut i1 you put out t"e %or5 t"at "e use5 ma-i3 on 3ops@ someone?ll s"oot "im.C AHe?s 5an-erous@ 7s. Blake.C ADea"@ 8ut so are a lot o1 people@ 4ete3ti)e. Dou 5on?t "unt t"em 5o%n an5 arrest t"em 1or it.C S"e no55e5. A=e?)e all -ot pre>u5i3es@ 7s. BlakeG makes us all %ron- on3e in a %"ile. At least "ere %e kno% %"at 5i5 it.C ADea"@C 9 sai5. A=e kno% %"at 5i5 it.C A4o you kno% %"en t"e -irl?s 8o5y %as takenBC s"e aske5. S"e -ot a note8ook out o1 "er 3oat po3ket. 4o%n to 8usiness. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o. 9t %as >ust -one %"en 9 %ent up.C A="at ma5e you t"ink to 3"e3k on t"e 8o5yBC 9 looke5 at "er. Her eyes %ere pleasant an5 unrea5a8le. A$"ey?5 -one to a lot o1 trou8le to make "er one o1 t"em. 9 t"ou-"t t"ey mi-"t try to -et "er. $"ey 5i5.C A$"e 1at"er?s makin- noises t"at "e aske5 you to stake "er 8o5y 8e1ore you %ent out a1ter t"e )ampires. 9s t"at trueBC Her )oi3e %as so1t@ matter2o121a3t. But s"e %as payin- attention to t"e ans%ers. S"e 5i5n?t take as many notes as 4olp" 5i5. $"e note8ook seeme5 to 8e more somet"in- to 5o %it" "er "an5s t"an anyt"in- else. 9 %as 1inally seein- 'reemont 5oin"er >o8. S"e seeme5 -oo5 at it. $"at %as reassurin-. ADea"@ t"at?s true.C A="y 5i5n?t you stake t"e -irl %"en t"e parents re;ueste5 itBC A9 "a5 a 1at"er. A %i5o%er. His 5au-"ter an5 only 3"il5 -ot 8it. He %ante5 "er stake5. 9 5i5 it t"at ni-"t@ ri-"t a%ay. /e*t mornin- "e?s in my o11i3e 3ryin-@ %antin- me to un5o it. =antin- me to 8rin- "er 8a3k as a )ampire.C 9 leane5 8a3k into t"e 3ou3"@ "u--in- mysel1. ADou put a stake t"rou-" a ne% )amp?s "eart@ an5 it?s 5ea5 1or -oo5.C A9 t"ou-"t you "a5 to take a )ampire?s "ea5 to 8e sure.C ADou 5o@C 9 sai5. A91 9 "a5 stake5 t"e Nuinlan -irl@ 9 %oul5 "a)e taken out "er "eart@ 3ut o11 "er "ea5.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"ere isn?t mu3" le1t.C S"e 5re% somet"in- on "er note pa5. 9 3oul5n?t see %"at. 9 %as 8ettin- it %as a 5oo5le an5 not a %or5. A9 see %"y you %ante5 to %ait@ 8ut 7r. Nuinlan is talkin- a8out suin- you.C ADea"@ 9 kno%.C 'reemont raise5 "er eye8ro%s. AHust t"ou-"t you?5 %ant to kno%.C A$"anks.C A=e "a)en?t 1oun5 t"e 8oy?s 8o5y yet.C A9 5on?t t"ink you %ill@C 9 sai5. Her eyes 5i5n?t look pleasant anymore. $"ey looke5 narro% an5 suspi3ious. A="yBC A91 t"ey %ante5 to kill "im@ t"ey 3oul5 "a)e 5one it "ere@ toni-"t. 9 t"ink t"ey %ant to make "im one o1 t"em.C A="yBC 9 s"ru--e5. A9 5on?t kno%. But usually %"en a )ampire takes t"is personal an interest in a 1amily@ t"ere?s a reason 1or it.C ADou mean a moti)eBC 9 no55e5. ADou?)e seen t"e Nuinlans. $"ey?re 5e)out !at"oli3s. $"e 3"ur3" sees )ampirism as sui3i5e. $"eir 3"il5ren %ill 8e 5amne5 1or all eternity i1 t"ey 8e3ome )ampires.C A=orse t"an >ust killin- t"em@C s"e sai5. A$o t"e Nuinlans@ 9 t"ink so.C ADou t"ink t"e )ampires %ill 8e 8a3k to -et t"e parentsBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. AHell@ 9 5on?t kno%. 9 mean@ 8e1ore )ampires %ere le-al you "a5 some 3ases %"ere a master )amp %oul5 take out entire 1amilies. Sometimes 8e1rien5 t"em 1irst. Sometimes >ust 1or re)en-e 1or some sli-"t. But sin3e t"ey?)e 8een le-al@ 9 5on?t kno% %"y t"e )amp %oul5 5o it. 9 mean@ t"e )ampire 3an take t"em to 3ourt. ="at 3oul5 t"e Nuinlans "a)e 5one t"at %as 8a5 enou-" 1or t"isBC $"e 5oors opene5. 'reemont turne5@ a 1ro%n alrea5y in pla3e. $%o men appeare5 in t"e 5oor%ay. $"ey %ere 8ot" 5resse5 in 5ark suits@ 5ark ties@ %"ite s"irts. Stan5ar5 1e5eral issue. #ne %as s"ort an5 %"ite@ t"e ot"er tall an5 8la3k. $"at alone s"oul5 "a)e ma5e t"em look 5i11erent@ 8ut t"ere %as a sameness to t"em@ like t"e same 3ookie 3utter "a5 8een use5 no matter "o% %ell 3ooke5 t"e outsi5e %as.

$"e s"orter o1 t"e t%o 1lippe5 "is 8a5-e at us. A9?m Spe3ial A-ent Bra51or5@ t"is is A-ent ,l%oo5. ="i3" one o1 you is 4ete3ti)e 'reemontBC 'reemont %alke5 to%ar5s t"em %it" "er "an5 out. S"o%in- s"e %as unarme5 an5 1rien5ly. Dea"@ ri-"t. A9?m 4ete3ti)e 'reemont. $"is is Anita Blake.C 9 appre3iate5 8ein- in3lu5e5 in t"e intro5u3tions. 9 stoo5 up an5 >oine5 t"e 1oursome. A-ent Bra51or5 looke5 at me 1or a lon- time. Lon- enou-" t"at it -ot on my ner)es. A9s t"ere somet"in- %ron-@ A-ent Bra51or5BC He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 atten5e5 Ser-eant Storr?s le3tures at Nuanti3o. $"e %ay "e talke5 a8out you@ 9 t"ou-"t you?5 8e 8i--er.C He smile5 %"en "e sai5 it@ "al1%ay 8et%een 1rien5ly an5 3on5es3en5in-. A lot o1 s3at"in- 3ome8a3ks 3ame to min5@ 8ut ne)er -et in a pissin- 3ontest %it" t"e 'e5s. Dou?ll lose. ASorry to 5isappoint you.C A=e?)e alrea5y talke5 %it" #11i3er =alla3e. He makes you soun5 taller@ too.C 9 s"ru--e5. AHar5 to make me soun5 s"orter.C He smile5. A=e?5 like to speak %it" 4ete3ti)e 'reemont in pri)ate@ 7s. Blake. But 5on?t -o 1arG %e?ll %ant a statement 1rom you an5 your asso3iate@ 7r. Kirklan5.C ASure.C A9 took 7s. Blake?s statement personally@C 'reemont sai5. A9 5on?t t"ink %e nee5 "er any more toni-"t.C Bra51or5 looke5 at "er. A9 t"ink %e?ll 8e t"e >u5-e o1 t"at.C A91 7s. Blake "a5 3alle5 me in %"en t"ere %as only one 8o5y on t"e -roun5@ t"ere %oul5n?t 8e t%o 5ea5 poli3emen@ an5 a 5ea5 3i)ilian@C 'reemont sai5. 9 >ust looke5 at "er. Some8o5y?s ass %as -oin- to 8e in a slin-@ an5 'reemont 5i5n?t %ant it to 8e "ers. 'ine. A4on?t 1or-et t"e missin- 8oy@C 9 sai5. ,)eryone looke5 at me. ADou %ant to start pointin- 1in-ers@ 1ineG t"ere?s enou-" 8lame to -o aroun5. 91 you "a5n?t 3"ase5 me o11 earlier@ 9 mi-"t "a)e 3alle5 you in@ 8ut 9 5i5 3all t"e state poli3e. 91 you?5 tol5 your superiors e)eryt"in- 9 tol5 you@ t"ey?5 "a)e 3onne3te5 t"e t%o 3ases@ an5 you?5 "a)e 8een "ere any%ay.C A9 "a5 enou-" men %it" me to 3o)er t"e "ouse an5 t"e 3i)ilians@C 'reemont sai5. A/ot in3lu5in- me 3ost li)es.C 9 no55e5. APro8a8ly. But you?5 "a)e 3ome 5o%n "ere an5 ki3ke5 me out a-ain. Dou?5 "a)e taken St. Ho"n an5 "is people out in t"e 5ark %it" 1i)e )ampires@ one o1 t"em an3ient@ %"en all you?)e seen is pi3tures o1 )ampire kills. $"ey?5 "a)e slau-"tere5 you@ 8ut may8e@ >ust may8e@ Bet" St. Ho"n %oul5 8e ali)e. 7ay8e He11 Nuinlan %oul5 still 8e "ere.C 9 stare5 up at "er@ an5 %at3"e5 t"e an-er 5rain 1rom "er eyes. =e looke5 at ea3" ot"er. A9t took 8ot" o1 us to 1u3k t"is one up@ Ser-eant.C 9 turne5 8a3k to t"e t%o a-ents. A9?ll %ait outsi5e.C A=ait@C Bra51or5 sai5. AStorr sai5 t"at sometimes t"e le-al )ampire 3ommunity %ill "elp on a 3ase like t"is. ="o 5o 9 talk to 5o%n "ereBC A="y %oul5 t"ey "unt 5o%n one o1 t"eir o%nBC A-ent ,l%oo5 aske5. A$"is kin5 o1 s"it is 8a5 1or 8usiness. ,spe3ially ri-"t no% %it" Senator Bre%ster?s 5au-"ter -ettin- kille5. Vampires 5on?t nee5 any more 8a5 pu8li3ity. 7ost o1 t"em like 8ein- le-al. $"ey like t"e 1a3t t"at killin- t"em is mur5er.C ASo %"o 5o 9 talk toBC Bra51or5 aske5. 9 si-"e5. A9n t"is area@ 9 5on?t kno%. 9?m not a "ometo%n -irl.C AHo% 5o 9 -o a8out 1in5in- out %"o to talk toBC A9 mi-"t 8e a8le to "elp you t"ere.C AHo%BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 kno% someone %"o mi-"t kno% a name. 9?m not tryin- to -i)e you a "ar5 time "ere@ 8ut a lot o1 t"e monsters 5on?t like 5ealin- %it" 3ops. 9t >ust "asn?t 8een t"at lon- a-o t"at t"e poli3e s"ot t"em on si-"t.C ASo you?re sayin- t"e )ampires %ill talk to you an5 not to usBC ,l%oo5 sai5. ASomet"in- like t"at.C A$"at makes no sense. Dou?re a )ampire e*e3utioner. Dour >o8 is to kill t"em. ="y %oul5 t"ey 8elie)e you an5 not usBC "e aske5. 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% to e*plain it@ an5 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 to. A9 also raise Eom8ies@ A-ent ,l%oo5. 9 t"ink t"ey sort o1 3onsi5er me one o1 t"e monsters.C A,)en t"ou-" you?re t"eir )ersion o1 an ele3tri3 3"air.C A,)en t"ou-".C A$"at?s not lo-i3al.C

9 lau-"e5 t"enG 9 3oul5n?t "elp it. AGo5@ "as anyt"in- t"at "appene5 "ere toni-"t 8een lo-i3alBC ,l%oo5 -a)e a )ery small smile. 9 pe--e5 "im as t"e ne%er o1 t"e t%o. 9 5on?t t"ink "e?5 -otten o)er t"e t"ou-"t t"at 'B9 a-ents 5on?t smile. ADou %oul5n?t 8e %it""ol5in- in1ormation 1rom t"e 'B9@ %oul5 you@ 7s. BlakeBC Bra51or5 aske5. A91 9 3ome up %it" a )ampire in t"is area t"at %ill talk to you@ 9?ll -i)e you t"e name.C Bra51or5 stare5 at me. AHo% a8out i1 you 3ome up %it" any )ampires in t"is area@ you -i)e us t"e names. Let us %orry a8out %"et"er t"ey?ll talk to us or not.C 9 looke5 at "im 1or a "eart8eat an5 lie5. ASure.C 91 9 e*pe3te5 t"e monsters to "elp me@ 9 3oul5n?t -i)e t"em all o)er to t"e 3ops. #nly a sele3t 1e%. He looke5 like "e 5i5n?t 8elie)e me@ 8ut 3oul5n?t ;uite 3all me a liar to my 1a3e. A="en %e 1in5 t"e )ampires responsi8le@ %e?ll 8e sure to 3all you in 1or t"e kill.C $"at %as more t"an 'reemont "a5 8een %illin- to 5o. $"e ni-"t %as lookin- up. ABeep me any time.C A=e?ll talk to Ser-eant 'reemont no%@ 7s. Blake.C 9 %as 5ismisse5. 'ine %it" me. He o11ere5 "is "an5. 9 took it. =e s"ook. A-ent ,l%oo5 an5 9 s"ook. ,)eryone smile5. 9 le1t. Larry %as %aitin- out in t"e entry%ay. He -ot up o11 t"e stairs %"ere "e?5 8een sittin-. A="at no%BC A9 nee5 to make a p"one 3all.C A="o toBC $%o more men %it" A'e5eral A-entC tattooe5 on t"eir 1ore"ea5s %alke5 up t"e "all%ay 1rom t"e 5ire3tion o1 t"e kit3"en. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 %ent out t"e 5oor into t"e 3ool %in5y ni-"t. $"e pla3e %as s%armin- %it" 3ops. 9?5 ne)er seen so many 1e5eral a-ents in my li1e. But "ey@ t"e )ery 1irst )ampire serial killer %as ne%s. ,)eryone %oul5 %ant a pie3e. =at3"in- e)eryone mill aroun5 on t"e 3are1ully ten5e5 la%n@ 9 su55enly %ante5 to -o "ome. $o >ust pa3k up an5 -o "ome. 9t %as still early. Hours an5 "ours le1t o1 5arkness. 9t only seeme5 like it "a5 8een an eternity sin3e %e le1t t"e -ra)eyar5. Hell@ t"ere?5 8e time to -o 8a3k an5 look at Stirlin-?s 8oneyar5 8e1ore 5a%n. 9 -ot in t"e >eep t"at Bayar5 "a5 loane5 us. 9?5 use t"e ni1ty porta8le p"one it 3ame %it". Larry -ot in t"e passen-er si5e. APri)ate 3all.C A!ome on@ Anita.C A#ut@ Larry.C A#ut in t"e 5ark %it" t"e )ampires.C He 8linke5 "is 8i- 8lue eyes at me. A$"e pla3e is lousy %it" 3ops. 9 t"ink you?ll 8e sa1e. #ut.C He -ot out@ -rum8lin- un5er "is 8reat". He 3oul5 -rum8le all "e %ante5 to. Larry %ante5 to 8e a )ampire "unter@ 1ineG 8ut "e 5i5n?t "a)e to 8e as intimately in)ol)e5 %it" t"e monsters as 9 %as. 9 %as tryin- to keep "im as out o1 it as 9 3oul5. /ot easy@ 8ut %ort" t"e e11ort. 9?5 lie5 to t"e ni3e a-ents. 9t %asn?t t"e 1a3t t"at 9 raise5 Eom8ies t"at -ot me in -oo5 %it" t"e )ampires. 9t %as t"e 1a3t t"at t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ o1 St. Louis@ "a5 t"e "ots 1or me. =as may8e in lo)e %it" me@ or at least t"ou-"t "e %as. 9 kne% t"e num8er 8y "eart@ %"i3" %as a 8a5 si-n all on its o%n. AGuilty Pleasures@ %"ere your 5arkest 1antasies 3ome true. $"is is <o8ert. Ho% may 9 "elp youBC GreatG <o8ert@ one o1 my least 1a)orite )ampires. AHi@ <o8ert@ t"is is Anita. 9 nee5 to speak to Hean2!lau5e.C He "esitate5@ t"en sai5@ A9?ll trans1er you to "is o11i3e p"one. 9t?s a ne% system@ so i1 9 5is3onne3t you@ 3all 8a3k.C $"e p"one 3li3ke5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 ans%er. A moment o1 silen3e@ an5 t"e )oi3e 3ame on t"e line. Dou 3an 3riti3iEe a lot a8out Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut "e -i)es -oo5 p"one. AGoo5 e)enin-@ ma petite.C $"at %as it@ all "e sai5@ 8ut e)en o)er t"e 8uEEin- p"one "is )oi3e %as like 1ur insi5e my skull. A9?m near Branson. 9 nee5 to 3onta3t t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity 5o%n "ere.C A/o FGoo5 e)enin-@ Hean2!lau5e@ "o% are you 5oin-B?B Hust 5o%n to 8usiness. Ho% terri8ly ru5e@ ma petite.C ALook@ 9 5on?t "a)e time 1or -ames ri-"t no%. Some )ampires 5o%n "ere are on t"e rampa-e. $"ey?)e ki5nappe5 a youn8oy. 9 %ant to 1in5 "im 8e1ore t"ey 3an make "im one o1 t"em.C AHo% youn- is t"e 8oyBC ASi*teen.C 9n 3enturies past@ ma petite@ t"at %as not 3onsi5ere5 a 3"il5.C A9t isn?t le-al a-e ri-"t t"is minute.C

A4i5 "e -o %illin-lyBC A/o.C ADou kno% t"at 1or a 1a3t@ or %ere you merely tol5 "e %as ki5nappe5BC A9 talke5 to "im 8e1ore. He 5i5n?t -o %illin-ly.C Hean2!lau5e si-"e5. $"e soun5 slit"ere5 5o%n my skin like 3oot 1in-ers. A="at 5o you %ant o1 me@ ma petiteBC A9 %ant to talk to t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity 5o%n "ere. 9 nee5 t"e name. 9?m assumin- you 5o kno% %"o t"e 7aster is 5o%n "ereBC A#1 3ourse@ 8ut it is not t"at simple.C A=e only "a)e t"ree ni-"ts to sa)e "im@ an5 a "ell o1 a lot less i1 t"ey >ust %ant a sna3k.C A$"e 7aster %ill not talk to you %it"out a -ui5e to take you in.C ASen5 someone@ t"en.C A="oB <o8ertB =illieB /eit"er o1 t"em is po%er1ul enou-" to 8e your es3ort.C A91 you mean t"ey 3an?t prote3t me@ 9 3an prote3t mysel1.C A9 kno% you 3an take 3are o1 yoursel1@ ma petite. Dou "a)e ma5e t"at a8un5antly 3lear. But you 5o not look as 5an-erous as you are. Dou mi-"t "a)e to s"oot one or t%o to tea3" t"em t"eir pla3e. 91 you -ot out ali)e@ t"ey %oul5 not "elp you.C A9 %ant to -et t"is 8oy 8a3k inta3t@ Hean2!lau5e. =ork %it" me "ere.C A7a petite ... C 9 "a5 an ima-e o1 He11 Nuinlan?s 8ro%n eyes. His room %it" its 3o%8oy %allpaper. AHelp me@ Hean2!lau5e.C He %as silent 1or a moment. A9 am t"e only one po%er1ul enou-" to 8e your es3ort. 4o you %is" me to 5rop e)eryt"inan5 rus" 5o%n to youBC 9t %as my turn to 8e ;uiet. Put like t"at@ it 5i5n?t soun5 ri-"t. 9t soun5e5 like a 8i- 1a)or. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e in5e8te5 to "im. But 9?5 pro8a8ly li)e t"rou-" o%in- "im a 1a)or. He11 Nuinlan mi-"t not. A'ine@C 9 sai5. ADou %ant me to 3ome "elp youBC 9 -ritte5 my teet" an5 sai5@ ADes.C A9 %ill 1ly 5o%n tomorro% ni-"t.C A$oni-"t.C A7a petite@ ma petite@ %"at am 9 to 5o %it" youBC ADou sai5 you?5 "elp me.C AAn5 9 %ill@ 8ut t"ese t"in-s take time.C A="at t"in-sBC A9t mi-"t 8e "elp1ul i1 you t"ou-"t o1 Branson as a 1orei-n 3ountry. A potentially "ostile 1orei-n 3ountry %"ere 9 am %orkinto -et us sa1e passa-e. $"ere are 3ustoms to 8e o8ser)e5. 91 9 8ar-e in@ it %ill 8e seen as a 5e3laration o1 %ar.C A9sn?t t"ere any %ay to start toni-"tBC 9 aske5. AS"ort o1 startin- a %arBC APer"aps@ 8ut i1 you %ait one more ni-"t@ ma petite@ %e 3an enter mu3" more sa1ely. A A=e 3an take 3are o1 oursel)es. He11 Nuinlan 3an?t.C A$"at is "is nameBC ADea".C He took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out in a si-" t"at ma5e me s"i)er. 9 %oul5 "a)e tol5 "im to stop t"at@ 8ut it %oul5 "a)e amuse5 "im@ so 9 5i5n?t. A9 %ill 1ly 5o%n toni-"t. Ho% 5o 9 3onta3t youBC 9 -a)e "im t"e name o1 my "otel an5 t"en@ %it" a si-"@ my 8eeper num8er. A9 %ill 3all you %"en 9 arri)e.C AHo% lon- %ill it take you to 1ly t"is 1arBC AAnita@ 5o you t"ink 9 am -oin- to 1ly mysel1 5o%n@ as a 8ir5 %oul5BC 9 5i5n?t like t"e 1aint amusement in "is )oi3e@ 8ut 9 ans%ere5 trut"1ully. A9t %as a t"ou-"t.C He lau-"e5@ an5 it raise5 -oose28umps on my arms. A#"@ ma petite@ ma petite@ you are pre3ious.C

Hust %"at 9 %ante5 to "ear. ASo "o% are you -ettin- "ereBC A7y pri)ate >et.C #1 3ourse@ "e "a5 a pri)ate >et. A="en 3an you 8e "ereBC A9 %ill 8e t"ere as soon as 9 3an@ my impatient 1lo%er.C A9 pre1er ma petite to 1lo%er.C AAs you like@ ma petite.C A9 %ant to see t"e 7aster o1 Branson toni-"t 8e1ore 5a%n.C ADou "a)e ma5e t"at a8un5antly 3lear@ an5 9 %ill try.C A4o more t"an try.C ADou are 1eelin- -uilty a8out t"is 8oyG %"yBC A9?m not 1eelin- -uilty.C A<esponsi8le@ t"en@C "e sai5. 9 sat t"ere@ not sure %"at to say. He %as ri-"t. A9 5on?t suppose you rea5 my min5 >ust t"enBC A/o@ ma petite@ >ust your )oi3e an5 your impatien3e.C 9 "ate5 t"at "e kne% me t"at %ell. Hate5 it. ADea"@ 9 1eel responsi8le.C A="yBC A9 %as in 3"ar-e.C A4i5 you 5o all you 3oul5 to keep "im sa1eBC A9 "a5 "osts put at e)ery entran3e.C ASomeone let t"em in@ t"enBC A$"ey "a5 a 5o--ie 5oor t"at e*ite5 t"rou-" t"e -ara-e@ into t"e "ouse %all. $"ey 5i5n?t %ant to 3ut a "ole t"rou-" any o1 t"e outer 5oors.C A=as t"ere a 3"il5 )ampire amon- t"emBC A/o.C A$"en "o%BC 9 5es3ri8e5 t"e t"in@ skeletal )ampire. A9t %as almost a 1orm 3"an-e. He 3"an-e5 8a3k in se3on5s. #n3e "e 3"an-e5 8a3k@ "e 3oul5 "a)e passe5 1or "uman in 5im li-"t. 9?)e ne)er seen anyt"in- like it.C A9?)e only seen t"e a8ility on3e@C "e sai5. ADou kno% %"o it is@ 5on?t youBC A9 %ill 8e %it" you as soon as 9 am a8le@ ma petite.C ADou soun5 serious all o1 a su55enG %"yBC He -a)e a small lau-"@ 8ut t"is one %as 8itter@ like s%allo%in- 8roken -lass. 9t "urt >ust to "ear it. ADou kno% me too %ell@ ma petite.C AHust ans%er t"e ;uestion.C A4i5 t"e 8oy %"o %as taken look youn-er t"an "is yearsBC ADea"G %"yBC Silen3e t"i3k enou-" to sli3e %as t"e only ans%er. A$alk to me@ Hean2!lau5e.C AHa)e t"ere 8een any ot"er youn- 8oys -one missin-BC A/ot to my kno%le5-e@ 8ut 9 "a)en?t aske5.C AAsk@C "e sai5. AHo% youn-BC A$%el)e@ 1ourteen@ ol5er i1 t"ey look youn- enou-".C ALike He11 Nuinlan@C 9 sai5. A9 1ear so.C A9s t"is )ampire into more t"an >ust ki5nappin-BC

A="at 5o you mean@ ma petiteBC A7ur5er@ not >ust 8itin- t"em@ 8ut mur5er.C A="at sort o1 mur5erBC 9 "esitate5. 9 5i5n?t 5is3uss on-oin- poli3e in)esti-ations %it" t"e monsters. A9 kno% you 5o not trust me@ ma petite@ 8ut it is important. $ell me o1 t"ese 5eat"s@ please.C He 5i5n?t say please )ery o1ten. 9 tol5 "im. /ot in -reat 5etail@ 8ut enou-". A=ere t"ey )iolate5BC A="at 5o you mean@ )iolate5BC 9 aske5. AViolate5@ ma petite@ )iolate5. $"ere are ot"er %or5s 1or it@ 8ut none 8etter 1or 3"il5ren.C A#"@C 9 sai5. A9 5on?t kno% i1 t"ey %ere se*ually assaulte5. $"ey %ere still 3lot"e5.C A$"ere are t"in-s t"at 3an 8e 5one %it"out remo)in- 3lot"in-@ ma petite. But t"e a8use %oul5 "a)e "appene5 8e1ore t"e killin-s. Systemati3 a8use o)er a perio5 o1 %eeks or mont"s.C A9?ll 1in5 out i1 t"ey %ere assaulte5.C An i5ea o33urre5 to me. A=oul5 t"is )amp e)er 5o a -irlBC ABy F5o@? you mean se*BC ADea".C A91 presse5 1or 3ompany@ "e %oul5 take a youn- -irl@ prepu8es3ent@ 8ut only i1 "e 3oul5 1in5 not"in- else.C 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5. =e %ere talkin- a8out 3"il5ren like t"ey %ere t"in-s@ o8>e3ts. A/o@ t"is -irl looke5 like a %oman. S"e 5i5n?t look youn-.C A$"en@ no@ "e %oul5 not %illin-ly tou3" "er.C A="at 5o you mean@ %illin-lyB ="at ot"er 3"oi3e %oul5 t"ere 8eBC AHis master 3oul5 or5er "im to 5o it@ an5 "e mi-"t@ i1 "e 1eare5 t"e master enou-". $"ou-" 9 3annot t"ink o1 many people t"at "e %oul5 1ear enou-" to 5o somet"in- "e 1oun5 repu-nant.C ADou kno% t"is )ampire. ="o is "eB Gi)e me a name.C A="en 9 arri)e@ ma petite.C AHust -i)e me t"e name.C ASo you 3an -i)e it to t"e poli3eBC A$"at is t"eir >o8.C A/o@ ma petite. 91 it is %"o 9 t"ink it is@ it %ill not 8e a matter 1or t"e poli3e.C A="y notBC APut simply@ "e is too 5an-erous an5 too e*oti3 to 8e re)eale5 to t"e -eneral pu8li3. 91 mortals 1oun5 out %e 3oul5 "a)e amon- us su3" t"in-s@ t"ey mi-"t turn on us all to-et"er. Dou must 8e a%are o1 t"at nasty la% 1loatin- aroun5 t"e Senate.C A9?m a%are.C A$"en you must un5erstan5 my 3aution.C A7ay8e@ 8ut i1 more people 5ie 8e3ause o1 your 3aution@ it?s -oin- to "elp Bre%ster?s la% -et passe5. Dou t"ink a8out t"at.C A#"@ 9 am@ ma petite. $rust t"at 9 am. /o% 1are%ell. 9 "a)e mu3" to 5o.C He "un- up. 9 sat t"ere starin- at t"e p"one. 4amn "im. ="at 5i5 "e mean 8y e*oti3B ="at 3oul5 t"is ne% )ampire 5o t"at ot"ers 3oul5n?tB He 3oul5 slim "imsel1 5o%n enou-" to 1it t"rou-" a 5o--ie 5oor. 7ay8e it ma5e Hou5ini >ealous@ 8ut it %as "ar5ly a 3rime. But 9 remem8ere5 its 1a3e. /ot "uman. /ot e)en >ust a 3orpse?s 1a3e. 9t "a5 8een somet"in- else alto-et"er. Somet"in- 5i11erent. An5 9 remem8ere5 t"ose 1e% se3on5s 9 lost@ t%i3e. 7e@ t"e -reat )ampire "unter@ "elpless as any 3i)ilian 1or >ust a "eart8eat. =it" )ampires@ a "eart8eat %as enou-". Visions o1 su3" t"in-s %oul5 -et you talkin- o1 5emons@ %"i3" Nuinlan "a5 5one 8rie1ly. $"e poli3e i-nore5 "im@ an5 9 5i5n?t 8a3k up "is story. Nuinlan "a5 ne)er met a real 5emon@ or "e %oul5n?t "a)e ma5e t"e mistake. #n3e you?)e 8een in t"e presen3e o1 5emons@ you ne)er 1or-et it. 9?5 rat"er 1i-"t a 5oEen )ampires t"an one 5emoni3 presen3e. $"ey 5on?t -i)e a s"it a8out sil)er 8ullets.

Chapter Seventeen
9t %as a1ter 2J a.m. 8e1ore %e -ot 8a3k to t"e -ra)eyar5. $"e 'e5s "a5 kept us 1ore)er@ like t"ey 5i5n?t 8elie)e %e %ere tellin- t"em t"e %"ole trut". 'an3y t"at. 9 "ate5 8ein- a33use5 o1 3on3ealin- e)i5en3e %"en 9 %asn?t. 7a5e me %ant to lie to t"em >ust so t"ey %oul5n?t 8e 5isappointe5. 9 t"ink 'reemont "a5 painte5 a less t"an 3"arita8le pi3ture o1 me. $"at?ll tea3" me to 8e -enerous. But it seeme5 petty to point 1in-ers at ea3" ot"er@ an5 say s"e 5i5 it@ %"en Bet" St. Ho"n?s 8loo5 %as still %et on t"e 3arpet. $"e %in5 t"at "a5 all 8ut promise5 rain "a5 5ri1te5 a%ay. $"e t"i3k 3lou5s t"at "a5 o8s3ure5 t"e %oo5s %"ile %e %ere playin- ta- %it" )ampires %ere su55enly -one. $"e moon ro5e "i-" an5 t%o 5ays past 1ull. Sin3e 5atin- <i3"ar5@ 9?5 pai5 more attention to t"e lunar 3y3les. 'an3y t"at. $"e moon saile5 t"e s"inin- ni-"t sky@ -leamin- like it "a5 8een polis"e5. $"e moonli-"t %as so stron- it 3ast 1aint s"a5o%s. Dou 5i5n?t nee5 a 1las"li-"t@ 8ut <aymon5 Stirlin- "a5 one. A 8i- 1reakin- "alo-en tor3" t"at 1ille5 "is "an5 like a 3apti)e sun. 9 %at3"e5 "im start to point it at Larry an5 me. 9 raise5 an arm an5 sai5@ A4on?t point it at us. Dou?ll ruin our ni-"t )ision.C 9t %asn?t )ery 5iplomati3@ 8ut 9 %as tire5@ an5 it "a5 8een a lon- ni-"t. He "esitate5 in mi52motion. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to see "is 1a3e to kno% "e 5i5n?t like it. 7en like <aymon5 -i)e or5ers 8etter t"an t"ey take t"em. He 3li3ke5 o11 t"e li-"t. Goo5 1or "im. He %aite5 %it" 7s. Harrison@ Bayar5@ an5 Beau -at"ere5 aroun5 "im. He %as t"e only one %it" a 1las"li-"t. 9 8et t"at "is entoura-e %asn?t %orrie5 a8out ni-"t )ision@ an5 %oul5 "a)e like5 to "a)e "a5 a li-"t. Larry an5 9 %ere still %earin- t"e 3o)eralls. 9 %as -ettin- tire5 o1 mine. ="at 9 really %ante5 to 5o %as -o 8a3k to t"e "otel an5 sleep. But on3e Hean2!lau5e arri)e5 9 %oul5n?t 8e sleepin- any%ayG mi-"t as %ell %ork. Besi5es@ Stirlin- %as my only payin- 3lient. =ell@ yea" 9 5o -et money 1or killin- )ampires i1 it?s a le-al kill@ 8ut it?s not a lot o1 money. Stirlin- %as 1inan3in- t"is trip. He 5eser)e5 "is money?s %ort"@ 9 -uess. A=e?)e 8een %aitin- 1or a )ery lon- time@ 7s. Blake.C A9?m sorry t"at t"e 5eat" o1 a youn- -irl in3on)enien3e5 you@ 7r. Stirlin-. S"all %e -o upBC A9 am not unsympat"eti3 to anot"er?s loss@ 7s. Blake@ an5 9 resent t"e impli3ation t"at 9 am.C He stoo5 t"ere in t"e moonlit 5ark@ )ery strai-"t@ )ery 3omman5in-. 7s. Harrison an5 Bayar5 mo)e5 a little 3loser@ s"o%in- support. Beau >ust stoo5 t"ere@ lookin- sort o1 amuse5 8e"in5 Stirlin-?s 8a3k. He %as %earin- a 8la3k sli3ker %it" a "oo5. He looke5 like a p"antom. 9 looke5 up at t"e 3lear@ sparklin- sky. Looke5 at Beau. He -rinne5 8roa5ly enou-" 1or "is teet" to 1las" in t"e moonli-"t. 9 >ust s"ook my "ea5 an5 let it -o. 7ay8e "e?5 8een a Boy S3out@ al%ays prepare5 an5 all t"at. A'ine@ %"ate)er you say. Let?s -et t"is o)er %it".C 9 5i5n?t %ait 1or t"em. 9 >ust %alke5 past t"em an5 starte5 up. Larry@ at my si5e@ sai5@ ADou?re 8ein- ru5e.C 9 -lan3e5 at "im. ADea"@ 9 am.C AHe is a payin- 3lient@ Anita.C ALook@ 9 5on?t nee5 you to 3"astise me@ okayBC A="at?s %ron- %it" youBC 9 stoppe5. A="at %e >ust le1t is %"at?s %ron- %it" me. 9?5 t"ink it?5 8ot"er you a little more@ too.C A9t 8ot"ers me@ 8ut 9 5on?t "a)e to take it out on e)eryone else.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%. He %as ri-"t. 4amn. AAlri-"t@ you?)e ma5e your point. 9?ll try to 8e ni3er.C Stirlin- mar3"e5 up to us@ entoura-e in to%. AAre you 3omin-@ 7s. BlakeBC He %alke5 past us@ "is 8a3k ramro52strai-"t. 7s. Harrison stum8le5@ an5 only Bayar5?s -ra8 on "er el8o% kept "er 1rom 1allin- 1lat on "er 8utt. S"e %as still %earin"er "i-" "eels. 7ay8e it %as a-ainst t"e e*e3uti)e se3retary 3o5e to %ear tennis s"oes. Beau 1ollo%e5 %it" "is 8la3k sli3ker 1lappin- aroun5 "is lon- le-s. 9t ma5e a 5istin3ti)e slapslap soun5 t"at %as most irritatin-. #kay@ may8e e)eryt"in- %as irritatin- ri-"t no%. 9 %as 1eelin- 5e3i5e5ly -rumpy. He11 Nuinlan %as out t"ere some%"ere. He %as eit"er alrea5y 5ea5 or "a5 one 8ite 8y no%. 9t %asn?t my 1ault. 9?5 tol5 "is 1at"er to put a pie3e o1 t"e "ost in 1ront o1 e)ery entran3e. 9 %oul5 "a)e t"ou-"t o1 t"e 5o--ie 5oor i1 9?5 seen it@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er -one t"at 1ar into t"e "ouse. ,)en 9 %oul5 "a)e t"ou-"t it %as paranoi5 to -uar5 t"e 5o--ie entran3e. But 9 %oul5 "a)e 5one it@ an5 Bet" St. Ho"n %oul5 8e ali)e.

9?5 5roppe5 t"e 8all. 9 3oul5n?t 8rin- Bet" St. Ho"n 8a3k@ 8ut 9 3oul5 sa)e He11. An5 9 %oul5. 9 %oul5. 9 5i5n?t %ant to a)en-e "im 8y killin- t"e )ampire t"at kille5 "im. 'or on3e 9 %ante5 to 8e in time. 'or on3e 9 %ante5 to sa)e someone an5 lea)e re)en-e 1or someone else. =as He11 8ein- )iolate5@ ri-"t t"is minuteB =as t"at t"in- 9?5 seen in t"e Nuinlans? li)in- room 5oin- more t"an >ust 8itin"is ne3kB Go5@ 9 "ope5 not. 9 %as pretty sure 9 3oul5 8rin- He11 8a3k 1rom a )ampire 8ite@ 8ut 3om8ine t"at %it" rape 8y a monster@ an5 9 %asn?t so sure. ="at i1 9 1oun5 "im an5 t"ere %asn?t mu3" le1t to sa)eB $"e min5 is a surprisin-ly 1ra-ile t"in- sometimes. 9 praye5 as %e %alke5 up t"e "ill. 9 praye5 an5 1elt a measure o1 3alm return. /o )isions. /o an-els sin-in-. But a 1eelino1 pea3e 1lo%e5 o)er me. 9 took a 5eep 8reat"@ an5 somet"in- "ar5 an5 ti-"t an5 u-ly in my "eart let -o. 9 took it as a -oo5 si-n t"at 9?5 -et to He11 in time. But part o1 me %as skepti3al. Go5 5oesn?t al%ays sa)e someone. #1ten He >ust "elps you li)e t"rou-" t"e loss. 9 -uess 9 5on?t entirely trust Go5. 9 ne)er 5ou8t Him@ 8ut His moti)es are too 8eyon5 me. $"rou-" a -lass 5arkly an5 all t"at. Hust on3e 9?5 like to see t"rou-" t"e 5amn -lass 3learly. $"e moon s"one 5o%n on t"e top o1 t"e "ill like sil)er 1ire. $"e air %as almost lumines3ent. $"e rain %as -one@ -i)in- its 8lessin- some%"ere else. Hea)en kno%s %e 3oul5 "a)e use5 t"e rain@ 8ut personally 9 %as >ust as -la5 9 5i5n?t "a)e to %alk t"e ra% 5irt in a 5o%npour. 7u5 %oul5 "a)e 8een >ust too per1e3t. A=ell@ 7s. Blake@ s"all %e 8e-inBC Stirlin- aske5. 9 -lan3e5 at "im. ADea".C 9 took a 8reat" an5 s%allo%e5 t"e 8lunt t"in-s 9 %ante5 to say. Larry %as ri-"t. Stirlin- %as a pain in t"e ass@ 8ut "e %asn?t %"o 9 %as ma5 at. He %as >ust a 3on)enient tar-et. A7r. Kirklan5 an5 9 %ill %alk t"e -ra)eyar5. But you nee5 to stay "ere. #t"er people mo)in- aroun5 are )ery 5istra3tin-.C $"ereG t"at %as 5iplomati3. A91 you %ere -oin- to make us stan5 "ere like an au5ien3e@ you 3oul5 "a)e sai5 so at t"e 8ottom o1 t"is mountain. An5 sa)e5 us t"e %alk.C So mu3" 1or 5iploma3y. A=oul5 you "a)e like5 me tellin- you to stay at t"e 8ottom o1 t"e "ill %"ere you 3oul5n?t see %"at %e %ere 5oin-BC He t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. A/o@ 9 suppose 9 %oul5n?t "a)e like5 it.C A$"en %"at are you 3omplainin- a8outBC AAnita@C Larry sai5 )ery so1tly un5er "is 8reat". 9 i-nore5 "im. ALook@ 7r. Stirlin-@ it "as 8een a really rou-" ni-"t. 9 am >ust out o1 ni3eness ri-"t no%. Please@ >ust let me 5o my >o8. $"e 1aster 9 -et t"is 5one@ t"e sooner %e -o "ome. #kayBC Honesty. 9 %as "opin- pro1oun5 "onesty %oul5 %ork. 9t %as a8out all 9 "a5 le1t. He "esitate5 a minute@ t"en no55e5. AAll ri-"t@ 7s. Blake. 4o your >o8@ 8ut kno% t"is. Dou "a)e 8een 5e3i5e5ly unpleasant. 9t 8etter 8e pretty spe3ta3ular.C 9 opene5 my mout"@ an5 Larry tou3"e5 my arm. He -rippe5 my arm not too "ar5@ 8ut "ar5 enou-". 9 s%allo%e5 %"at 9 %as -oin- to say an5 %alke5 a%ay 1rom all o1 t"em. Larry traile5 a1ter me. Bra)e Larry. A="at?s t"e matter %it" you toni-"tBC "e aske5 %"en %e %ere out o1 ears"ot o1 Stirlin- an5 !o. A9 tol5 you.C A/o@C "e sai5@ Ait isn?t >ust t"e mur5er toni-"t. Hell@ 9?)e seen you kill people an5 8e less upset a1ter%ar5s. ="at?s %ron-BC 9 stoppe5 %alkin- an5 >ust stoo5 t"ere 1or a minute. He?5 seen me kill people an5 8e less upset. =as t"at trueB 9 t"ou-"t a8out it 1or a "eart8eat. 9t %as true. $"at %as pretty 5amn sa5. 9 kne% %"at %as %ron-. 9?5 seen too many slau-"tere5 people in t"e last 1e% mont"s. $oo mu3" 8loo5. $oo mu3" killin-. 9?5 5one some o1 t"e killin-. /ot all o1 it "a5 8een san3tione5 8y t"e state. 9 also %ante5 to 8e lookin- 1or He11 Nuinlan. 9 3oul5n?t 5o anyt"in- until Hean2!lau5e arri)e5. 9 really 3oul5n?t. But 9 1elt like my >o8 %as inter1erin- %it" my poli3e %ork. =as t"at a 8a5 si-nB #r a -oo5 oneB 9 took a 5eep 8reat" o1 t"e 3ool mountain air. 9 let it out )ery slo%ly@ 3on3entratin- on >ust 8reat"in-@ in an5 out@ in an5 out. ="en 9 1elt 3alm a-ain@ 9 looke5 at Larry. A9?m >ust a little on e5-e toni-"t@ Larry. 9?ll 8e alri-"t.C A91 9 sai5 a little on e5-e %it" a surprise5 lilt in my )oi3e@ %oul5 you -et ma5BC 9 smile5. ADea"@ 9 %oul5.C ADou?)e 8een in a 8la3ker moo5 t"an usual sin3e you talke5 to Hean2!lau5e. ="at?s upBC 9 stare5 into "is smilin- 1a3e an5 5i5n?t %ant to tell "im. He %asn?t t"at mu3" ol5er t"an He11 Nuinlan@ 1our years. He 3oul5 still "a)e passe5 1or a "i-"2s3"ooler. A'ine@C 9 sai5@ an5 tol5 "im. AA )ampire pe5op"ileG isn?t t"at a-ainst t"e rulesBC A="at rulesBC

A$"at you 3an only 8e one kin5 o1 monster at a time.C A9t kin5 o1 3au-"t me o11 -uar5@ too.C A stran-e look 1las"e5 a3ross "is 1a3e. AS%eet Hesus@ He11 Nuinlan is %it" t"at t"in-.C He looke5 at me@ all t"e "orror@ all t"e pain@ or as mu3" as "e 3oul5 ima-ine@ 1lo%in- a3ross "is 1a3e. A=e "a)e to 5o somet"in-@ Anita. =e "a)e to sa)e "im.C He turne5 as i1 to -o 8a3k 5o%n t"e mountain. 9 -ra88e5 "is arm. A=e 3an?t 5o anyt"in- until Hean2!lau5e arri)es.C ABut %e 3an?t >ust 5o not"in-.C A=e aren?t 5oin- not"in-. =e?re 5oin- our >o8.C ABut "o% 3an %e ... C ABe3ause %e 3an?t 5o anyt"in- else ri-"t no%.C Larry looke5 at me 1or a se3on5@ t"en no55e5. A#kayG i1 you 3an 8e 3alm@ so 3an 9.C AGoo5 man.C A$"anks. /o% s"o% me t"is ni1ty tri3k you?)e 8een talkin- a8out. 9?)e ne)er "ear5 o1 anyone %"o 3oul5 rea5 t"e 5ea5 %it"out raisin- t"em 1irst.C $rut"1ully@ 9 5i5n?t kno% i1 Larry 3oul5 5o it. But tellin- "im "e mi-"t not 8e a8le to %as not -oin- to "elp "is 3on1i5en3e. 7a-i3@ i1 t"at %as t"e ri-"t %or5@ o1ten rises an5 1alls on your o%n 8elie1 in your a8ilities. 9?)e seen )ery po%er1ul people 3ompletely 3ripple5 8y sel125ou8t. A9?m -oin- to %alk t"e 3emetery.C 9 trie5 to t"ink o1 "o% to put it into %or5s. Ho% 5o you e*plain somet"in- t"at you 5on?t 1ully un5erstan5 yoursel1B 9 "a)e al%ays "a5 an a11inity %it" t"e 5ea5. ,)en as a small 3"il5@ 9 al%ays kne% i1 t"e soul "a5 1le5 t"e 8o5y. 9 remem8er my -reat2aunt Katerine?s 1uneral. 9?m name5 a1ter "er@ my mi55le name. S"e %as my 1at"er?s 1a)orite aunt. =e %ent early to )ie% t"e 8o5y an5 make sure e)eryt"in- %as rea5y. 9 1elt "er soul "o)erin- a8o)e t"e 3o11in. 9 looke5 up e*pe3tin- to see it@ 8ut t"ere %as not"in- 1or my eyes to "ol5 onto. 9?)e ne)er seen a soul. 9?)e 1elt t"em@ 8ut 9?)e ne)er seen one. 9 kno% no% t"at Aunt Katerine?s soul "un- aroun5 a lon- time. 7ost souls lea)e %it"in t"ree 5ays@ some lea)e instantly@ some 5on?t. 7y mot"er?s soul %as -one 8y t"e time t"e 1uneral arri)e5. 9 5i5n?t 1eel "er t"ere. $"ere %as not"in- 8ut a 3lose5 3o11in an5 a 8lanket o1 pink roses o)er t"e 3o11in@ as i1 t"e 3o11in %oul5 -et 3ol5. 9t %as at "ome %"ere 9 1elt my mot"er "o)erin- 3lose. /ot "er soul@ not really@ 8ut some pie3e o1 "er t"at 3oul5n?t let -o imme5iately. 9 %oul5 "ear "er 1ootsteps in t"e "all outsi5e my 8e5room as i1 s"e %as 3omin- to kiss me -oo5 ni-"t. S"e mo)e5 t"rou-" t"e "ouse 1or mont"s@ an5 9 1oun5 it 3om1ortin-. ="en s"e 1inally le1t@ 9 %as rea5y to let "er -o. 9 ne)er tol5 my 1at"er. 9 %as only ei-"t@ 8ut e)en t"en 9 kne% t"at "e 3oul5n?t "ear "er. 7ay8e "e "ear5 ot"er t"in-s. 9 5on?t kno%. 7y 1at"er an5 9 ne)er talke5 mu3" a8out my mot"er?s 5eat". 9t ma5e "im 3ry. 9?5 8een a8le to sense -"osts lon- 8e1ore 9 3oul5 raise t"e 5ea5. ="at 9 %as a8out to 5o %as >ust an e*tension o1 t"at@ or may8e a 3om8ination o1 8ot" skills. 9 5on?t kno%. But it %as like tryin- to e*plain t"at t"ere %as a soul "o)erin- o)er Aunt Katerine?s 3o11in. ,it"er you kne% t"e soul %as t"ere or you 5i5n?t. =or5s 5i5n?t ;uite 3o)er it. A!an you see -"ostsBC ADou mean ri-"t no%BC 9 smile5 an5 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ >ust in -eneral.C A=ell@ 9 kne% t"e !al)in "ouse %asn?t "aunte5@ no matter "o% many stories people ma5e up. But t"ere %as a little 3a)e near to%n t"at "a5 somet"in- in it. Somet"in- not ni3e.C A=as it a -"ostBC He s"ru--e5. A9 ne)er trie5 to 1in5 out@ 8ut no8o5y else seeme5 a8le to 1eel it.C A4o you kno% %"en t"e soul lea)es t"e 8o5yB 9 mean@ 3an you tell itBC ASure.C He sai5 it like@ !oul5n?t e)ery8o5y 5o t"atB 9 "a5 to smile. AGoo5 enou-". 9?m >ust -oin- to 5o it. 9 5on?t kno% %"at you?ll see@ i1 anyt"in-. 9 kno% t"at <aymon5 is -oin- to 8e 5isappointe5 8e3ause "e %on?t see anyt"in-@ unless "e?s a lot more talente5 t"an "e looks.C A="at are you -oin- to 5o@ AnitaB $"ey ne)er talke5 a8out F%alkin- a 3emetery? in 3olle-e.C A9t?s not like a ma-i3 spell@ a 1e% %or5s or -estures an5 it %orks. 9t isn?t anyt"in- like t"at.C 9 stru--le5 to put into %or5s somet"in- t"at %e "a5 no )o3a8ulary 1or. A9t?s 3loser to psy3"i3 a8ility t"an ma-i3. 9t?s not p"ysi3al. 9t?s not a mus3le to mo)e@ or e)en a t"ou-"t. 9t?s ... 9 >ust 5o it. Let me -et starte5G t"en i1 9 3an@ 9?ll 8rin- you in or try an5 talk to you %"ile 9 5o it. #kayBC He s"ru--e5. A9 -uess so. 9 still 5on?t un5erstan5 %"at t"e "e3k you?re 5oin-@ 8ut t"at?s okay. 9 usually 5on?t kno% %"at?s -oin- on.C ABut you al%ays 1i-ure it out@C 9 sai5.

He -rinne5. A9 5o@ 5on?t 9BC ADou 8et.C 9 stoo5 in nearly t"e 5ea5 3enter o1 t"e ra% eart". /ot so lon- a-o 9 %as a1rai5 o1 %"at 9 %as a8out to 5o. 9t %asn?t really 1ri-"tenin- in an5 o1 itsel1. 9 %as s3are5 o1 t"e 1a3t t"at 9 3oul5 5o it at all. 9t %asn?t a )ery "uman t"in- to 8e a8le to 5o. But t"en@ lately 9?5 8een ret"inkin- e*a3tly %"at ma5e you "uman@ an5 %"at ma5e you one o1 t"e monsters. #n3e 9?5 8een )ery sure o1 mysel1@ an5 e)eryone else. 9 %asn?t so sure anymore. Besi5es@ 9?5 8een pra3ti3in-. #1 3ourse@ 9?5 8een pra3ti3in- in empty -ra)eyar5s %"ere t"ere %as not"in- 8ut me an5 t"e 5ea5. #kay@ ni-"t inse3ts@ 8ut art"ropo5s ne)er 8ot"ere5 my 3on3entration. People 5i5. ,)en %it" my 8a3k turne5@ 9 3oul5 1eel Larry like a %arm presen3e 8e"in5 me. 9t 8u--e5 me. A!an you mo)e 8a3k 1art"erBC ASureG "o% 1arBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. AAs 1ar as you 3an -et an5 still 8e in si-"t.C He raise5 "is eye8ro%s. A4o you %ant me to -o o)er an5 %ait %it" 7r. Stirlin-BC A91 you 3an stan5 it.C A9 3an stan5 it. 9 s3"mooEe 3lients 8etter t"an you 5o.C $"at %as t"e Go5?s "onest trut". AGreat. ="en 9 3all you o)er@ 3ome slo%ly. 9?)e ne)er trie5 to talk to someone %"ile 9 5o t"is.C A="ate)er you say.C He -a)e a lau-" t"at %as almost ner)ous. A9 3an?t %ait to see t"is.C 9 let t"at -o@ an5 turne5 a%ay. 9 %alke5 a%ay 1rom "im. ="en 9 -lan3e5 8a3k@ "e %as %alkin- to t"e ot"ers. 9 "ope5 Larry %oul5n?t 8e 5isappointe5. 9 still %asn?t sure i1 "e?5 8e a8le to e)en sense anyt"in-. 9 turne5 my 8a3k on all o1 t"em. Seeint"em "u55le5 t"ere %oul5 5istra3t me@ t"at mu3" 9 %as sure o1. $"e top o1 t"e mountain "a5 8een strippe5. 9t %as like stan5in- on t"e e5-e o1 t"e %orl5 lookin- 5o%n. $"e moonli-"t 8at"e5 e)eryt"in- in a so1t -lo%. 9t %as so 8ri-"t up "ere near t"e sky %it"out any trees to "i5e it t"at t"e air itsel1 -lo%e5 %it" 5i11use5 li-"t. A -entle %in5 tra3e5 >ust a8out "ea52"i-". 9t smelle5 -reen an5 1res"@ almost as i1 t"e rain "a5 a3tually 1allen. 9 3lose5 my eyes an5 let t"e %in5 tou3" my skin@ ru11le my "air. $"ere %as almost no soun5 8ut t"e sin-in- o1 inse3ts 1rom 8elo%. /ot"in- 8ut t"e %in5@ me@ an5 t"e 5ea5. 9 3oul5n?t tell Larry e*a3tly "o% to 5o it@ 8e3ause 9 %asn?t 3ompletely sure mysel1. 91 it %as a mus3le@ 9 %oul5 mo)e it. 91 it %as a t"ou-"t@ 9 %oul5 t"ink it. 91 it %as a ma-i3 %or5@ 9 %oul5 say it. 9t is none o1 t"ose t"in-s. 9t is like my skin opens up. All my ner)e en5in-s nake5 to t"e %in5. 7y skin -re% 3ool. 9t?s like a 3ool %in5 emanates 1rom my 8o5y. 9t isn?t really %in5. Dou 3an?t see it. Dou 3an?t 1eel it@ or no one else 3an. But it?s t"ere. 9t?s real. $"e 3ool 1in-ers o1 A%in5C stret3"e5 out%ar5 1rom me. =it"in a ten2 to 1i1teen21oot ra5ius 9 %oul5 8e a8le to sear3" t"e -ra)es. As 9 mo)e5@ t"e 3ir3le %oul5 mo)e %it" me@ sear3"in-. 9 raise5 my arm an5 %a)e5. 9 5i5n?t turn aroun5 to see i1 Larry sa% me. 9 staye5 ti-"t insi5e my pri)ate 3ir3le. 9 %as "ol5in- it in@ tryin- not to start sear3"in- t"e 5ea5 until Larry -ot o)er "ere. 9 %as "opin- "e?5 8e a8le to sense %"at %as -oin- on. Seeme5 lo-i3al t"at it %oul5 8e easier to 1i-ure out i1 "e sa% it 1rom t"e 8e-innin-. 9 "ear5 "is 1ootsteps on t"e 5ry eart". $"ey seeme5 t"un5erously lou5@ as i1 9 3oul5 "ear e)ery -rain o1 5irt un5er "is s"oes. He stoppe5 8e"in5 me. AHesus@ %"at is t"atBC A="atBC 7y )oi3e soun5e5 5istant an5 lou5 at t"e same time. A=in5@ a 3ol5 %in5.C He soun5e5 a little s3are5. Goo5. Dou s"oul5 al%ays 8e a little a1rai5 %"en you 5o ma-i3. 9t?s %"en you start takin- it 1or -rante5 t"at you -et in trou8le. A!ome 3loser@ 8ut 5on?t tou3" me.C 9 %asn?t sure on t"at last@ 8ut it soun5e5 like a -oo5 i5ea. Better 3autious t"an not. He 3ame slo%ly@ one "an5 "el5 out like "e %as 1eelin- t"e %in5 a-ainst "is skin. AHesus@ 7ary@ an5 Hosep". Anita@ it?s 3omin- 1rom you. $"e %in5 is 3omin- 1rom you.C ADes@C 9 sai5. His eyes %ere %i5e. He looke5 like "is )oi3e soun5e5@ a little s3are5. A91 9 stoo5 ri-"t ne*t to Stirlin-@ "e %oul5n?t 1eel a t"in-. /one o1 t"em %oul5.C Larry s"ook "is "ea5. AHo% 3oul5 t"ey miss itBC His "an5 "o)ere5 >ust o11 my 8o5y@ almost tou3"in- 8ut not ;uite. A9t?s 3ol5er@ or stron-er@ or somet"in- t"e 3loser 9 -et to your 8o5y.C A9nterestin-@C 9 sai5. A="at no%BC "e aske5.

A/o%@ 9 tou3" t"e 5ea5.C 9 let -o o1 it@ like un3len3"in- a "an5. $"e 1in-ers o1 A%in5C stret3"e5 5o%n%ar5. Ho% 5oes it 1eel to -o t"rou-" soli5 eart" an5 tou3" t"e 5ea5 8eneat"B Like not"in- "uman. 9t %as as i1 t"e in)isi8le 1in-ers 3oul5 melt t"rou-" t"e 5irt sear3"in- 1or t"e 5ea5. $"is time %e 5i5n?t "a)e to sear3" 1ar. $"e eart" %as 5istur8e5@ an5 t"e 5ea5 lay on top o1 t"e ra% lan5. 9?5 ne)er trie5 t"is in anyt"in- 8ut a %ell2or-aniEe5 3emetery. ="ere ea3" -ra)e@ ea3" 8o5y@ %as 5istin3t. $"e %in5 tou3"e5 Larry like a stone in a stream. $"e po%er ripple5 aroun5 "im. He %as ali)e@ an5 it 5istur8e5 us. But %e?5 8een pra3ti3in-@ an5 %e 3oul5 %ork aroun5 "im. 9 %as stan5in- on top o1 8ones. :n5er t"e eart" %"ere eyes 3oul5 not see. 9 trie5 to step o11 t"em@ an5 only steppe5 on more. $"e eart" %as t"i3k %it" 8o5ies@ like raisins in a pu55in-. /o eatin- aroun5 t"em. 9 stoo5 on top on a ra1t o1 8ones in a sea o1 5ry@ re5 eart". ,)ery%"ere 9 tou3"e5 %as a 8o5y2a pie3e o1 8one. $"ere %as no 3lear spa3e. /o 8reat"in- spa3e. 9 stoo5 t"ere@ "u55le5 in on mysel1@ tryin- to sort t"rou-" %"at 9 %as sensin-. $"e ri8 3a-e >ust to t"e le1t 8elon-e5 %it" t"e t"i-"8one yar5s a%ay. $"e %in5 leake5 out an5 tou3"e5 pie3e a1ter pie3e. 9 3oul5 "a)e put t"e skeleton 8a3k to-et"er like a -iant >i-sa% puEEle. $"at %as %"at my po%er %oul5 5o i1 9 trie5 to raise it. 9 mo)e5@ steppin- on t"e 5ea5@ an5 e)ery%"ere 9 %alke5 9 put 8o5ies to-et"er. $"e pie3es staye5 separate@ 8ut 9 remem8ere5. Larry mo)e5 %it" me. He mo)e5 surprisin-ly smoot"ly t"rou-" t"e po%er@ like a s%immer lea)in- t"e smallest possi8le ripples 8e"in5. A -"ost 1lare5 to li1e like a pale@ 5an3in- 1lame. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s it. 9t rose like a s%ayin- snake@ %at3"in- me %it"out eyes. $"ere %as t"at t"rea5 o1 "ostility t"at some -"osts seem to 1eel to%ar5s t"e li)in-. A >ealousy. But i1 9?5 8een tie5 to some 1orsaken pie3e o1 eart" 1or a "un5re5 years or more@ 9 mi-"t 8e "ostile@ too. A="at is t"atBC Larry %"ispere5. A="at 5o you seeBC 9 aske5. A9 t"ink it?s a -"ost. 9?)e >ust ne)er seen one materialiEe 8e1ore.C He rea3"e5 out as i1 to tou3" it. 9 -ra88e5 "is %rist 8e1ore "e 3oul5 e)er "a)e rea3"e5. 9 1elt "is po%er 1lare to li1e in a rus" o1 %in5 t"at s"oul5 "a)e poure5 my "air 8a3k 1rom my 1a3e. $"e 3ir3le su55enly %i5ene5@ like a 3amera lens sprea5in- %i5e. $"e 5ea5 a%oke un5er our 3om8ine5 po%er like t%i-s tou3"e5 8y 1ire. #ur po%er sprea5 o)er t"em@ an5 t"ey -a)e up t"eir se3rets. Bits o1 mus3le %it"ere5 to 8one@ -apinskulls@ all t"e pie3es %ere t"ere. All %e "a5 to 5o %as 3all t"em 1ort". $%o more -"osts rose 1rom t"e -roun5 like smoke. 9t %as a lot o1 a3ti)e -"osts 1or t"is small an5 t"is ol5 a 3emetery. An5 t"ey %ere all an-ry at 8ein- 5istur8e5. $"e le)el o1 "ostility %as unusual. !om8inin- our po%ers "a5n?t 5ou8le5 t"e 3ir3le2it "a5 ;ua5ruple5 it. $"e nearest -"ost stoo5 like a %"ite pillar o1 1lame. 9t %as stron-@ po%er1ul. A 1ull28lo%n -"ost in a -ra)eyar5 t"at "a5n?t seen a 8urial in o)er t%o "un5re5 years. 9 stare5 at it. Larry stare5 at it. As lon- as %e 5i5n?t tou3" it@ %e %ere sa1e. He3k@ %e %ere sa1e e)en i1 %e 5i5 tou3" it. G"osts 3an?t 3ause p"ysi3al "arm@ not really. $"ey 3an -ra8 you@ 8ut i1 you i-nore t"em t"ey 1all a%ay. 91 you pay attention@ t"ey 3an 8e 8ot"ersome. 'ri-"tenin-@ 8ut i1 a spirit 3auses real "arm it isn?t >ust a -"ost. 4emon@ e)il sor3erous 5ea5@ 8ut not a normal -"ost. Starin- at t"e %a)erin- s"ape@ 9 %asn?t at all sure t"is %as a normal -"ost. G"osts %ear out. $"ey 1a5e to "aunts@ %"i3" 5on?t usually materialiEe@ "ot spots t"at 3an -i)e you a >olt@ t"en >ust s"i)ery pla3es. G"osts 5o not last 1ore)er. $"ese looke5 pretty 5amn soli5. 'or -"osts. AStopIC a man?s )oi3e yelle5. Larry an5 9 turne5 to%ar5s t"e )oi3e. 7a-nus Bou)ier s3ram8le5 up t"e si5e o1 t"e mountain opposite 1rom %"ere %e "a5 %alke5 up. His "air 1ell a3ross "is 1a3e@ "i5in- e)eryt"in- 8ut "is eyes 1rom t"e moonli-"t. His eyes -lo%e5 in t"e 5ark@ re1le3tin- li-"ts 9 3oul5 not see. AStopIC He %as %a)in- "is "an5s. His lon-2slee)e5 s"irt %as untu3ke5 o)er >eans. He "it t"e 3ir3le o1 %in5 an5 1roEe. He put "is "an5s up as i1 "e %as tryin- to tou3" it. $%o people in one ni-"t %"o 3oul5 sense t"e po%er. :nusual@ 8ut sort o1 3ool. 91 7a-nus "a5n?t 8een on t"e run 1rom t"e poli3e@ %e 3oul5 "a)e sat 5o%n an5 "a5 a ni3e talk a8out it. A=e tol5 you to stay o11 t"is lan5@ 7r. Bou)ier@C Stirlin- sai5. Bou)ier looke5 at "im@ turnin- "is "ea5 slo%ly as i1 3on3entratin- on anyt"in- 8esi5es t"e 1eel o1 po%er %as "ar5. A=e?)e trie5 8ein- ni3e a8out t"is@C Stirlin- sai5. A=e are not -oin- to 8e ni3e any lon-er. Beau.C $"e pump a3tion on a s"ot-un is a )ery 5istin3ti)e soun5. 9 turne5 to%ar5s t"e soun5@ -un in "an5. 9 5on?t remem8er t"inkin- a8out it. 9 %as >ust lookin- 5o%n t"e 8arrel o1 a -un at Beau. He %as 3ra5lin- a s"ot-un in "is arms@ not aime5 at anyt"in-. $"at sa)e5 "im. 9 kno% i1 it "a5 8een pointe5 near us@ 9?5 "a)e s"ot "im.

9 %as still seein- 5ou8le. 9 3oul5 see t"e -ra)eyar5 8e"in5 my eyes %"ere t"ere is no opti3 ner)e. $"e 3emetery %as mine. 9 kne% t"e 8o5ies. 9 kne% t"e -"osts. 9 kne% %"ere all t"e pie3es lay. 9 stare5 5o%n t"e -un@ seein- Beau an5 t"e s"ot-un@ 8ut insi5e my "ea5 t"e 5ea5 still rea3"e5 out 1or t"eir s3attere5 parts. $"e -"osts %ere still real. $"e po%er "a5 a-itate5 t"em. $"ey?5 5an3e an5 s%ay on t"eir o%n 1or a %"ile. But t"ey?5 1a5e 8a3k into t"e -roun5. $"ere %as more t"an one %ay to raise t"e 5ea5@ 8ut not permanently. 9 3oul5n?t look a%ay 1rom t"e s"ot-un to see %"at Bou)ier %as 5oin-. AAnita@ please 5on?t raise t"e 5ea5.C His surprisin-ly 5eep )oi3e "el5 a note o1 plea5in-. 9 1ou-"t an ur-e to -lan3e at "im. A="y not@ 7a-nusBC AGet o11 my lan5@C Stirlin- sai5. A$"is is not your lan5.C AGet o11 my lan5 or you %ill 8e s"ot 1or trespassin-.C Beau -lan3e5 my %ay. A7r. Stirlin-BC He %as 8ein- )ery 3are1ul t"at t"e s"ot-un staye5 loose@ an5 "armless@ in "is "an5s. ABeau@ s"o% "im %e mean 8usiness.C A7r. Stirlin-@C "e sai5 a-ain@ %it" a little more ur-en3y in "is )oi3e. A4o %"at 9 pay you 1or@C Stirlin- sai5. He starte5 to raise t"e s"ot-un to "is s"oul5er@ 8ut slo%ly@ %at3"in- me. A4on?t 5o it@C 9 sai5. 9 let my 8reat" out all t"e %ay until my 8o5y %as still an5 ;uiet. $"ere %as not"in- 8ut t"e -un an5 %"at 9 %as aimin- at. Beau lo%ere5 t"e s"ot-un. 9 took a 8reat" an5 sai5@ APut it on t"e -roun5@ no%.C A7s. Blake@ t"is is none o1 your 8usiness@C Stirlin- sai5. ADou are not -oin- to s"oot someone 1or trespassin- on a pie3e o1 lan5 %"ile 9 %at3".C Larry "a5 "is -un out too@ no%. 9t %asn?t pointe5 at any8o5y in parti3ular@ %"i3" 9 %as -rate1ul 1or. Pointe5 -uns "a)e a ten5en3y to -o o11 i1 you 5on?t kno% %"at you?re 5oin-. A#n t"e -roun5@ Beau@ no%. 9 %on?t ask a t"ir5 time.C He lai5 t"e s"ot-un on t"e -roun5. A9 pay your salary.C ADou 5on?t pay me enou-" to -et kille5.C Stirlin- ma5e an e*asperate5 soun5 an5 mo)e5 1or%ar5 as i1 "e %oul5 pi3k up t"e -un "imsel1. A4on?t tou3" it@ <aymon5. Dou?ll 8lee5 >ust as easy as any8o5y else.C He turne5 to me. A9 3annot 8elie)e t"at you %oul5 "ol5 me at -unpoint on my o%n property.C 9 lo%ere5 my -un arm >ust a tou3"G it -ets s"aky i1 you "ol5 a s"ootin- pose too lon-. A9 3annot 8elie)e t"at you "a5 Beau 3ome up "ere arme5. Dou kne% my little s"o% %oul5 attra3t Bou)ier. Dou kne% it an5 planne5 1or it. Dou 3ol528loo5e5 son o1 a 8it3".C A7r. Kirklan5@ are you -oin- to let "er talk to me like t"atB 9 am a 3lient.C Larry s"ook "is "ea5. A9?m %it" "er on t"is one@ 7r. Stirlin-. Dou %ere -oin- to am8us" t"at man. 7ur5er "im. ="yBC AGoo5 ;uestion@C 9 sai5. A="y are you so a1rai5 o1 t"e Bou)ier 1amilyB #r is it >ust "im t"at you?re a1rai5 o1BC A9 am a1rai5 o1 no one. !ome alon-G %e %ill lea)e you to your ne% 1rien5.C He mar3"e5 a%ay@ an5 t"e ot"ers 1ollo%e5. Beau sort o1 "esitate5. A9?ll 8rin- t"e s"ot-un 5o%n 1or you@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. A'i-ure5 t"at.C AAn5 you 8etter not 8e %aitin- 5o%n t"ere %it" anot"er -un.C He looke5 at me 1or a lon- minute. At 8ot" o1 us. He s"ook "is "ea5. A9?m -oin- "ome to my %i1e.C ADou 5o t"at@ Beau@C 9 sai5. He %alke5 a%ay@ 8la3k sli3ker 1lappin- a-ainst "is le-s. He "esitate5@ t"en sai5@ A9?m out o1 it 1rom no% on. 7oney 5oesn?t spen5 i1 you?re 5ea5.C 9 kne% a 1e% )ampires t"at %oul5 ar-ue %it" "im@ 8ut 9 sai5@ AGla5 to "ear it.C

A9 >ust 5on?t %ant to -et s"ot@C "e sai5. He %alke5 a%ay 5o%n t"e slope@ out o1 si-"t. 9 stoo5 t"ere %it" t"e Bro%nin- pointe5 sky%ar5. 9 turne5 in a slo% 3ir3le@ sur)eyin- t"e mountaintop. =e %ere alone@ t"e t"ree o1 us. So %"y 5i5n?t 9 %ant to put my -un upB 7a-nus took a step up t"e slope an5 stoppe5. He raise5 slen5er "an5s to%ar5s t"e po%er3"ar-e5 air. He traile5 1in-ertips 5o%n it@ like it %as %ater. 9 1elt t"e ripples o1 "is tou3" s"i)er 5o%n my skin@ trem8le t"rou-" my ma-i3. /o@ 9 %asn?t puttin- my -un up yet. A="at %as t"atBC Larry aske5. His -un %as still out@ pointe5 at t"e -roun5. Bou)ier mo)e5 "is -leamin- eyes to Larry. AHe is not a ne3roman3er@ Anita@ 8ut "e is more t"an "e seems.C AAren?t %e all@C 9 sai5. A="y 5i5n?t you %ant me to raise t"e 5ea5@ 7a-nusBC He stare5 up at me. His eyes %ere 1ull o1 -lintin- li-"ts like re1le3tions in a pool@ 8ut t"e re1le3tions %ere o1 t"in-s t"at %ere not t"ere. AAns%er me@ 7a-nus.C A#r %"atBC "e aske5. ADou?ll s"oot meBC A7ay8e@C 9 sai5. $"e slope ma5e "im s"orter t"an 9 %as@ so 9 %as lookin- 5o%n on "im. A9 5i5n?t 8elie)e anyone 3oul5 raise 5ea5 t"is ol5 %it"out a "uman sa3ri1i3e. 9 t"ou-"t you?5 take Stirlin-?s money@ try@ 1ail@ an5 -o "ome.C He took a step 1or%ar5@ trailin- "is "an5s t"rou-" t"e po%er a-ain@ as i1 "e %ere testin- it. As i1 "e %eren?t sure "e 3oul5 3ross into it. $"e tou3" ma5e Larry -asp. A=it" t"is po%er you 3an raise some o1 t"em@ may8e enou-" o1 t"em@C 7a-nus sai5. A,nou-" 1or %"atBC 9 aske5. He stare5 up at me@ as i1 "e "a5n?t meant to speak alou5. ADou mustn?t raise t"e 5ea5 on t"is mountain@ Anita@ Larry. Dou must not.C AGi)e us a reason not to@C 9 sai5. He smile5 up at me. A9 5on?t suppose >ust 8e3ause 9 aske5.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/ot "ar5ly.C A$"is %oul5 8e so mu3" easier i1 -lamor %orke5 on you.C He took anot"er step up t"e slope. A#1 3ourse@ i1 -lamor %orke5 on you@ %e %oul5n?t 8e "ere@ %oul5 %eBC 91 "e %oul5n?t ans%er one ;uestion@ 9?5 try anot"er one. A="y?5 you run 1rom t"e poli3eBC He took anot"er step 3loser@ an5 9 8a3ke5 up. He?5 5one not"in- o)ertly t"reatenin-@ 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- a8out "im as "e stoo5 t"ere@ somet"in- alien. $"ere %ere ima-es in "is eyes t"at ma5e me %ant to -lan3e 8e"in5 to see %"at %as re1le3tin- in "is eyes. 9 3oul5 almost see trees@ %ater ... 9t %as like t"e t"in-s you see out o1 t"e 3orner o1 your eye@ e*3ept in 3olor. ADou tol5 t"e poli3e my se3retG %"yBC A9 "a5 to.C ADou really t"ink 9 5i5 t"ose a%1ul t"in-s to t"ose 8oysBC He took anot"er step@ mo)in- into t"e 1lo% o1 po%er@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t slip easily as Larry "a5. 7a-nus %as like a mountain@ "u-e@ 1or3in- t"e po%er to -o %i5e aroun5 "im@ as i1 "e 1ille5 more spa3e ma-i3ally t"an 3oul5 8e seen %it" t"e nake5 eye. 9 pointe5 t"e Bro%nin- t%o2"an5e5 at "is 3"est. A/o@ 9 5on?t.C A$"en %"y point a -un at meBC A="y all t"is 1ey ma-i3 s"itBC He smile5. A9 per1orme5 a lot o1 -lamor toni-"t. 9t?s like a "i-".C ADou 1ee5 o11 your 3ustomers@C 9 sai5. ADou 5on?t >ust 5o it 1or 8usiness. Dou sip"on t"emG t"at?s 1u3kin- unseelie 3ourt.C He -a)e a -ra3e1ul s"ru-. A9 am %"at 9 am.C AHo%?5 you kno% t"e )i3tims %ere 8oysBC 9 aske5. Larry mo)e5 to my le1t@ -un pointe5 3are1ully at t"e -roun5. 9?5 yelle5 at "im 1or pointin- -uns at people too soon. A$"e poli3e sai5 so.C ALiar.C He smile5 -ently. A#ne o1 t"em tou3"e5 me. 9 sa% it all.C A!on)enient@C 9 sai5.

He rea3"e5 out to%ar5s me. A4on?t e)en t"ink it.C Larry pointe5 "is -un at 7a-nus. A="at?s -oin- on@ AnitaBC A9?m not sure.C A9 3an?t allo% you to raise t"e 5ea5 "ere. 9 am sorry.C AHo% are you -oin- to stop usBC 9 aske5. He stare5 at me@ an5 9 1elt somet"in- pus" a-ainst my ma-i3@ like somet"in- lar-e s%immin- >ust out o1 si-"t in t"e 5ark. 9t ma5e me -asp. A'reeEe@ ri-"t t"ere@ or 9 %ill pull t"is tri--er.C A9 "a)en?t mo)e5 a mus3le@C "e sai5 so1tly. A/o -ames@ 7a-nusG you?re too 5amn 3lose to 8ein- 5ea5.C A="at 5i5 "e >ust 5oBC Larry aske5. $"ere %as a 1ine tremor in "is t%o2"an5e5 -rip. ALater@C 9 sai5. A!lasp your "an5s on top o1 your "ea5@ 7a-nus@ slo%ly@ )ery slo%ly.C AAre you -oin- to take me in@ as t"ey say on tele)isionBC ADea"@C 9 sai5. ADou?)e -ot a 8etter 3"an3e o1 -ettin- to t"e >ail ali)e %it" me t"an %it" most o1 t"e 3ops.C A9 5on?t t"ink 9?ll -o %it" you.C Starin- 5o%n t%o -uns@ an5 "e still soun5e5 sure o1 "imsel1. He %as eit"er stupi5 or kne% somet"in- 9 5i5n?t. 9 5i5n?t t"ink "e %as stupi5. A$ell me %"en to s"oot "im@C Larry sai5. A="en 9 s"oot "im@ you 3an s"oot "im@ too.C A#kay@C Larry sai5. 7a-nus looke5 1rom one to t"e ot"er o1 us. ADou %oul5 take my li1e 1or su3" a small t"in-BC A9n a "eart8eat@C 9 sai5@ A/o% 3lasp your "an5s slo%ly on top o1 your "ea5.C A91 9 5on?tBC A9 5on?t 8lu11@ 7a-nus.C A4o you "a)e sil)er 8ullets in t"ose -unsBC 9 >ust stare5 at "im. 9 3oul5 1eel Larry s"i1t sli-"tly 8esi5e me. Dou 3an only point a -un so lon- %it"out -ettin- tire5@ or antsy. A9?ll 8et t"ey?re sil)er. Sil)er isn?t )ery e11e3ti)e a-ainst 1airies.C A!ol5 iron %orks 8est@C 9 sai5. A9 remem8er.C A,)en normal lea5 8ullets %oul5 8e 8etter t"an sil)er. $"e metal o1 t"e moon is a 1rien5 to t"e 1ey.C AHan5s@ no%@ or %e 1in5 out "o% 1airie 1les" "ol5s up to sil)er 8ullets.C He raise5 "is "an5s slo%ly@ -ra3e1ully up%ar5. His "an5s %ere a8o)e s"oul5er le)el %"en "e t"re% "imsel1 8a3k%ar5s@ 1allin- 5o%n t"e slope. 9 1ire5@ 8ut "e kept on rollin- 5o%n t"e eart"@ an5 some"o% 9 3oul5n?t ;uite see "im. 9t %as like t"e air 8lurre5 aroun5 "im. Larry an5 9 stoo5 at t"e top o1 t"e slope an5 1ire5 5o%n on "im@ an5 9 5on?t t"ink eit"er o1 us "it "im. He s3ram8le5 5o%n t"e ra% eart" 1aster t"an "e looke5 8e3ause "e -ot "ar5er to see e)en in t"e moonli-"t until "e )anis"e5 into t"e un5er8rus" le1t near t"e mi5point on t"at si5e. APlease tell me "e 5i5n?t >ust -o poo1@C Larry sai5. AHe 5i5n?t >ust -o poo1@C 9 sai5. A="at 5i5 "e 5o@ t"enBC AHo% t"e "ell 5o 9 kno%. $"is %asn?t 3o)ere5 in 'airies 3 1.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ALet?s -et out o1 "ere. 9 5on?t kno% %"at?s -oin- on@ 8ut %"ate)er it is@ 9 t"ink %e lost our 3lient.C ADou t"ink %e lost our "otel roomsBC A9 5on?t kno%@ Larry. Let?s -o 1in5 out.C 9 3li3ke5 t"e sa1ety on t"e Bro%nin- 8ut le1t it out in my "an5. 9?5 "a)e le1t t"e sa1ety o11@ 8ut t"at 5i5n?t seem %ise %"ile stum8lin- 5o%n a ro3ky mountainsi5e e)en in t"e moonli-"t. A9 t"ink you 3an put t"e -un up no%@ Larry.C He "a5n?t put "is sa1ety on. ADou aren?t.C ABut 9?)e -ot t"e sa1ety on.C

A#".C He looke5 a little s"eepis"@ 8ut "e 3li3ke5 t"e sa1ety on an5 "olstere5 it. ADou t"ink t"ey %oul5 "a)e really kille5 "imBC A9 5on?t kno%. 7ay8e. Beau %oul5 "a)e s"ot at "im@ 8ut see "o% mu3" -oo5 it 5i5 us.C A="y 5oes Stirlin- %ant 7a-nus 5ea5BC A9 5on?t kno%.C A="y 5i5 7a-nus run 1rom t"e poli3eBC A9 5on?t kno%.C A9t makes me ner)ous %"en you keep ans%erin- all my ;uestions %it" F9 5on?t kno%.? A A7e@ too@C 9 sai5. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k on3e >ust 8e1ore %e lost si-"t o1 t"e mountaintop. $"e -"osts t%iste5 an5 1lare5 like 3an5le 1lames@ 3ool %"ite 1lames. 9 kne% somet"in- else 9 "a5n?t kno%n 8e1ore toni-"t. Some o1 t"e 8o5ies %ere nearly t"ree "un5re5 years ol5. A "un5re5 years ol5er t"an Stirlin- "a5 tol5 us t"ey %ere. A "un5re5 years makes a lot o1 5i11eren3e in a Eom8ie raisin-. ="y "a5 "e lie5B A1rai5 9?5 re1use@ may8e. 7ay8e. Some o1 t"e 8o5ies %ere 9n5ian remains. Bits an5 pie3es o1 >e%elry@ animal 8one@ stu11 t"at %asn?t ,uropean. $"e 9n5ians in t"is area 5i5n?t 8ury t"eir 5ea5@ at least not in simple -ra)es. An5 t"is %asn?t a moun5. Somet"in- %as -oin- on@ an5 9 5i5n?t "a)e t"e 1aintest i5ea %"at it %as. But 9?5 1in5 out. 7ay8e tomorro% a1ter %e -ot ne% "otel rooms@ -a)e 8a3k t"e ni1ty >eep@ rente5 a ne% 3ar@ an5 tol5 Bert %e no lon-er "a5 a 3lient. 7ay8e 9?5 let Larry 8reak t"e ne%s to "im. ="at are apprenti3es 1or i1 t"ey 3an?t 5o some o1 t"e -runt %orkB #kay@ okay@ 9?5 tell Bert mysel1@ 8ut 9 %asn?t lookin- 1or%ar5 to it.

Chapter Eighteen
Stirlin- an5 !o. %ere -one %"en %e tru5-e5 5o%n o11 t"e mountain. =e 5ro)e t"e Heep 8a3k to t"e "otel. 9 %as 1rankly surprise5 t"ey "a5n?t taken t"e Heep %it" t"em an5 le1t us to %alk. Stirlin- 5i5n?t strike me as a man %"o like5 "a)in-uns pointe5 at "im. But t"en@ %"o 5oesB Larry?s room %as 1irst 5o%n t"e "all. He "esitate5 %it" "is room 3ar5 in t"e lo3k. ADou t"ink t"e rooms are pai5 1or toni-"t@ or 5o %e pa3kBC A=e pa3k@C 9 sai5. He no55e5@ an5 s"o)e5 t"e 3ar5 in its little slot. $"e 5oor "an5le turne5@ an5 in "e %ent. 9 %ent to t"e ne*t 5oor an5 put in my o%n 3ar5. $"ere %as a 3onne3tin- 5oor 8et%een t"e rooms. =e "a5n?t unlo3ke5 it@ 8ut it %as t"ere. Personally 9 like5 my pri)a3y@ e)en 1rom my 1rien5s. An5 espe3ially 1rom my 3o%orkers. $"e room?s silen3e 1lo%e5 aroun5 me. 9t %as %on5er1ul. A 1e% minutes o1 ;uiet 8e1ore 9 1a3e5 Bert an5 tol5 "im all t"at money "a5 >ust 1lo%n t"e 3oop. $"e room %as a suite %it" an outer room an5 a separate 8e5room. 7y apartment %asn?t mu3" 8i--er. $"ere %as a 8ar set into t"e le1t2"an5 %all. Bein- a teetotaler@ t"at %as a real plus 1or me. $"e %alls %ere a so1t pink %it" a 5eli3ate pattern o1 -ilt2e5-e5 lea)es@ t"e 3arpet a 5eep 8ur-un5y. $"e 1ull2siEe5 3ou3" %as a purple so 5ark it looke5 nearly 8la3k. A lo)e seat mat3"e5 it. $%o arm3"airs %ere 5one in a purple@ 8ur-un5y@ an5 %"ite 1loral pattern. All e*pose5 %oo5 %as )ery 5ark an5 "i-"ly polis"e5. 9 "a5 suspe3te5 9 "a5 some kin5 o1 "oneymoon suite until 9 sa% Larry?s room. 9t %as nearly a mirror o1 mine@ 8ut 5one in s"a5es o1 -reen. A 3"erry%oo5 5esk t"at looke5 like a -enuine anti;ue sat a-ainst t"e 1ar %all. $"e 3onne3tin- 5oor %as 8esi5e it 8ut opene5 opposite so you %oul5n?t a33i5entally 8ump t"e 5esk. 7ono-ramme5 stationery -ra3e5 t"e 5esk@ alon- %it" a se3on5 telep"one line 1or your mo5em 9 -uess. 9 5on?t kno% i1 9?5 e)er staye5 in a room t"is e*pensi)e. 9 5ou8te5 seriously i1 Bea5le@ Bea5le@ Stirlin-@ an5 Lo%enstein %oul5 %ant to pi3k up t"e ta8 no%. A soun5 >erke5 me aroun5. $"e Bro%nin- sort o1 materialiEe5 in my "an5. 9 %as starin- 5o%n t"e 8arrel at Hean2!lau5e. He stoo5 in t"e 5oor%ay lea5in- to t"e 8e5room. $"e s"irt "a5 lon-. 1ull slee)es t"at "a5 8een -at"ere5 in t"ree pu11s 5o%n t"e len-t" o1 t"e arm to en5 in a spill o1 3lot" t"at 1rame5 "is lon-@ pale 1in-ers. $"e 3ollar %as "i-" an5 tie5 %it" a %"ite 3ra)at t"at spille5 la3e 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 "im tu3ke5 into a )est. 9t %as 8la3k an5 )el)ety %it" pinpri3ks o1 sil)er on it. $"i-"2"i-" 8la3k 8oots 1it "is le-s like a se3on5 skin. His "air %as nearly as 8la3k as t"e )est@ makin- it "ar5 to tell %"ere t"e 3urls en5e5 an5 t"e )el)ety 3lot" 8e-an. A sil)er an5 ony* sti3kpin t"at 9?5 seen 8e1ore pier3e5 t"e %"ite la3e at "is 3"est. A=ell@ ma petite@ are you -oin- to s"oot meBC 9 %as still stan5in- t"ere %it" t"e -un pointe5 at "im. He "a5 not mo)e5. He "a5 8een )ery 3are1ul to 5o not"in- t"at 3oul5 8e taken as t"reatenin-. His 8lue@ 8lue eyes stare5 at me. Serious@ %aitin-. 9 pointe5 t"e -un at t"e 3eilin- an5 let out a 8reat" 9 "a5n?t realiEe5 9 %as "ol5in-. AHo% t"e "ell 5i5 you -et in "ereBC

He smile5 t"en@ an5 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e 5oor>am8. He %alke5 into t"e room %it" t"at %on5er1ul -li5in- motion o1 "is. Part 3at@ part 5an3er@ part somet"in- else. ="ate)er t"e AelseC %as@ it %asn?t "uman. 9 put t"e -un a%ay@ t"ou-" 9 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 to. 9t ma5e me 1eel 8etter "a)in- it in my "an5. $rou8le %as@ a -un %oul5n?t "elp me a-ainst Hean2!lau5e. #"@ i1 9 %as -oin- to kill "im it %oul5@ 8ut t"at?s not %"at %e %ere 5oin- lately. Lately %e %ere25atin-. !an you stan5 itB 9 %asn?t sure 9 3oul5. A$"e 5esk 3lerk let me in.C His )oi3e %as )ery mil5@ amuse5@ %"et"er %it" "imsel1 or %it" me it %as "ar5 to tell. A="y %oul5 "e 5o t"atBC ABe3ause 9 aske5 "im to.C He %alke5 aroun5 me like a s"ark 3ir3lin- its prey. 9 5i5n?t turn %it" "im. 9 stare5 strai-"t a"ea5 an5 let "im 3ir3le me. 9t %oul5 only amuse "im i1 9 kept "im in si-"t. $"e "airs at t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k stoo5 up. 9 took a step 1or%ar5 an5 1elt "is "an5 1all 8a3k. He?5 8een a8out to tou3" my s"oul5er. 9 5i5n?t %ant "im to tou3" me. ADou use5 min5 tri3ks on t"e 5esk 3lerkBC ADes@C "e sai5. $"at one %or5 %as 1ull o1 so mu3" more. 9 turne5 to%ar5s "im so 9 3oul5 see "is 1a3e. He %as starin- at my le-s. He raise5 "is 1a3e to mine@ an5 some"o% t"at one ;ui3k -aEe took in my entire 8o5y. His mi5ni-"t 8lue eyes looke5 e)en 5arker t"an usual. =e %eren?t sure "o% 9 %as a8le to meet "is -aEe. 9 %as 8e-innin- to suspe3t t"at 8ein- a ne3roman3er "a5 more 1rin-e 8ene1its t"an >ust 8ein- -oo5 %it" Eom8ies. A<e5 8e3omes you@ ma petite.C His )oi3e "a5 -ro%n so1ter@ 5eeper. He mo)e5 3loser to me@ not tou3"in-. He kne% 8etter t"an t"at@ 8ut some"o% "is eyes s"o%e5 %"ere "is "an5s %ante5 to 8e. A9 like t"is )ery mu3".C His )oi3e %as so1t an5 %arm@ an5 1ar more intimate t"an "is %or5s. ADour le-s are %on5er1ul.C His %or5s %ere -ro%inso1ter. A %"isper in t"e 5ark t"at "o)ere5 aroun5 my 8o5y like a line o1 %armt". His )oi3e %as al%ays like t"at@ tou3"a8le. He still "a5 t"e 8est )oi3e 9?5 e)er "ear5. AStop it@ Hean2!lau5e. 9?m too s"ort to "a)e %on5er1ul le-s.C A9 5o not un5erstan5 t"is mo5ern o8session %it" "ei-"t.C He ran "is "an5s >ust a8o)e my "ose@ so 3lose 9 3oul5 almost 1eel it like a 8reat" o1 %armt" a-ainst my skin. AStop it@C 9 sai5. AStop %"atBC His )oi3e %as utterly mil5@ "armless. <i2i-"t. 9 s"ook my "ea5. Askin- Hean2!lau5e not to 8e a pain in t"e ass %as like askin- rain not to 8e %et. ="y tryB A'ine@ 1lirt all you %ant@ 8ut keep in min5 t"at you?re "ere to sa)e t"e li1e o1 a youn- 8oy. A youn- 8oy %"o may 8e 8einrape5 %"ile %e sit "ere an5 %aste time.C He si-"e5 5eeply an5 %alke5 to%ar5s me. Somet"in- must "a)e s"o%n on my 1a3e 8e3ause "e sat 5o%n in t"e ot"er 3"air@ not tryin- to 3ome 3loser. ADou "a)e a "a8it@ ma petite@ o1 takin- all t"e 1un out o1 se5u3in- you.C ADippee@C 9 sai5. A/o%@ 3an %e -et 5o%n to 8usinessBC He smile5 "is lo)ely@ per1e3t smile. A9 "a5 arran-e5 to meet %it" t"e 7aster o1 Branson toni-"t.C AHust like t"at@C 9 sai5. A9sn?t t"at %"at you %ante5 me to 5oBC "e aske5. His )oi3e "el5 t"at amuse5 e5-e a-ain. ADea". 9?m >ust not use5 to you -i)in- me e*a3tly %"at 9 ask 1or.C A9 %oul5 -i)e you anyt"in- you %ante5@ ma petite@ i1 you %oul5 only let me.C A9 %ante5 you out o1 my li1e. Dou 5on?t seem to %ant to 5o t"at.C He si-"e5. A/o@ ma petite@ 9 5o not %ant to 5o t"at.C He let it -o at t"at. /o a33usations a8out me %antin- to 8e %it" <i3"ar5 instea5 o1 "im. /o )a-ue t"reats on <i3"ar5?s li1e. 9t %as sort o1 o55. ADou?re up to somet"in-@C 9 sai5. He turne5@ eyes %i5e@ lon- 1in-ers presse5 to "is "eart. A7oiBC ADea"@ you@C 9 sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 let it -o. He %as up to somet"in-. 9 kne% "im %ell enou-" to kno% t"e si-ns@ 8ut 9 also kne% "im %ell enou-" to kno% t"at "e %oul5n?t tell me until "e %as -oo5 an5 rea5y. /o8o5y kept a se3ret like Hean2!lau5e@ an5 no8o5y else "a5 as many o1 t"em. $"ere %as no 5e3eit in <i3"ar5. Hean2!lau5e li)e5 an5 8reat"e5 it. A9?)e -ot to 3"an-e an5 pa3k 8e1ore %e 3an lea)e.C A!"an-e your lo)ely re5 skirt@ %"yB Be3ause 9 like itBC A/ot >ust t"at@C 9 sai5@ At"ou-" a5mitte5ly it?s a plus. 9 3an?t %ear my inner pants "olster %it" t"e skirt.C A9 %ill not ar-ue t"at "a)in- a se3on5 -un %ill "elp our s"o% o1 1or3e tomorro% ni-"t.C 9 stoppe5 an5 turne5. A="at 5o you mean@ tomorro% ni-"tBC

He sprea5 "is "an5s %i5e. A9t is too 3lose to 5a%n@ ma petite. =e 3annot e)en 5ri)e to t"e master?s lair 8e1ore t"e sun rises.C A4ammit@C 9 sai5 so1tly an5 %it" 1eelin-. A9 5i5 my part@ ma petite. But e)en 9 3annot stop t"e sun 1rom risin-.C 9 leane5 a-ainst t"e 8a3k o1 t"e lo)e seat@ "an5s -rippin- t"e e5-e "ar5 enou-" to "urt. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A=e?re -oin- to 8e too late to sa)e "im.C A7a petite@ ma petite.C He knelt in 1ront o1 me@ starin- up at me. A="y 5oes t"is 8oy 8ot"er you so )ery mu3"B ="y is "is li1e so pre3ious to youBC 9 stare5 5o%n into Hean2!lau5e?s per1e3t 1a3e@ an5 "a5 no ans%er. A9 5on?t kno%.C He lai5 "is "an5s on top o1 my "an5s. ADou?re "urtin- yoursel1@ ma petite.C 9 mo)e5 my "an5s out 1rom un5er "is@ 3rossin- my arms o)er my stoma3". Hean2!lau5e remaine5 kneelin-@ a "an5 on eit"er si5e o1 me. He %as entirely too 3lose to me@ an5 9 %as su55enly )ery a%are o1 "o% s"ort t"e skirt %as. A9 "a)e to -o pa3k@C 9 sai5. A="yB 4on?t you like your roomBC =it"out mo)in-@ "e seeme5 3loser some"o%. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e line o1 "is 8o5y a-ainst my le-s like "eat. A7o)e@C 9 sai5. He leane5 8a3k%ar5s@ sittin- on "is "eels@ 1or3in- me to mo)e past "im. $"e "em o1 my skirt 8rus"e5 "is 3"eek as 9 %alke5 past. ADou are su3" a pain in t"e ass.C ASo ni3e o1 you to noti3e@ ma petite. /o%@ %"y are you lea)in- t"is lo)ely roomBC AA 3lient?s payin- 1or t"e room@ an5 "e?s not a 3lient anymore.C A="y e)er not@ ma petiteBC A9 pulle5 a -un on "im.C His eyes %i5ene5@ "is 1a3e a per1e3t mask o1 surprise. $"e mask slippe5 an5 "e stare5 at me %it" an3ient eyes. ,yes t"at "a5 seen mu3" 8ut still 5i5n?t kno% %"at to make o1 me. A="y %oul5 you 5o t"atBC A$"ey %ere -oin- to s"oot a man 1or trespassin-.C A=as "e trespassin-BC A$e3"ni3ally@ yea".C Hean2!lau5e >ust looke5 at me. A4oes "e not "a)e t"e ri-"t to prote3t "is o%n lan5BC A/o@ not i1 it means killin- people. A pie3e o1 lan5 isn?t %ort" killin- o)er.C AProte3tin- our lan5s "as 8een a )ali5 e*3use 1or slau-"ter sin3e t"e 8e-innin- o1 time@ ma petite. 4i5 you su55enly 3"an-e t"e rulesBC A9 %asn?t -oin- to stan5 t"ere an5 %at3" t"em kill a man 1or %alkin- on a pie3e o1 -roun5. Besi5es@ 9 t"ink it %as a setup.C AA setupB Dou mean a plot to kill t"e man.C ADea".C A=ere you part o1 t"is plotBC A9 may "a)e 8een 8ait. He 3oul5 1eel my po%er o)er t"e 5ea5. 9t 3alle5 to "im.C A/o% t"at is interestin-. ="at is t"is man?s nameBC ADou -i)e me t"e name o1 t"e mystery )ampire 1irst.C AWa)ier@C "e sai5. AHust like t"at. ="y %oul5n?t you -i)e me t"e name earlierBC A9 5o not %ant t"e poli3e to "a)e it.C A="y notBC A9 e*plaine5 all t"at. /o%@ t"e name o1 t"e man you sa)e5 toni-"t.C 9 stare5 at "im@ an5 5i5n?t %ant to -i)e it to "im. 9 5i5n?t like "o% intereste5 "e %as in t"e name. But a 5eal %as a 5eal. ABou)ier@ 7a-nus Bou)ier.C A9 5o not kno% t"e name.C AS"oul5 youBC He >ust smile5 at me. 9t meant not"in- an5 e)eryt"in-.

ADou are an irritatin- son o1 a 8it3".C AA"@ ma petite@ "o% 3an 9 resist you %"en you %"isper su3" s%eet en5earments to meBC 9 -lare5 at "im@ %"i3" ma5e "im smile %i5er. $"ere %as >ust t"e 1aintest "int o1 1an- peekin- into )ie%. Someone kno3ke5 on t"e 5oor. Pro8a8ly t"e mana-er tellin- me to -et out. 9 %alke5 to t"e 5oor. 9 5i5n?t 8ot"er lookint"rou-" t"e peep"ole@ so 9 %as 3au-"t o11 -uar5 8y %"o %as outsi5e. 9t %as Lionel Bayar5. Ha5 "e 3ome to t"ro% us out in personB 9 stoo5 t"ere 1or a se3on5@ lookin- at "im. He spoke 1irst@ 3learin- "is t"roat ner)ously. A7s. Blake@ may 9 speak %it" you 1or a momentBC He %as 8ein- a%1ully polite 1or someone %"o "a5 3ome to ki3k us out. A9?m listenin-@ 7r. Bayar5.C A9 really 5on?t t"ink t"e "all%ay is t"e pla3e to 5is3uss t"is.C 9 steppe5 to one si5e@ us"erin- "im into t"e room. He steppe5 past me@ "an5s smoot"in- "is tie. His -aEe 1li3ke5 to Hean2 !lau5e@ %"o %as stan5in- no%. Hean2!lau5e smile5 at Bayar5. Pleasant@ 3"armin-. A9 5i5n?t realiEe you "a5 3ompany@ 7s. Blake. 9 3an 3ome 8a3k.C 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor. A/o@ 7r. Bayar5@ it?s all ri-"t. 9 tol5 Hean2!lau5e a8out our misun5erstan5in- t"is e)enin-.C AA"@ yes@ u" ... C Bayar5 looke5 1rom one to t"e ot"er o1 us@ as i1 not sure %"at to say. Hean2!lau5e 5i5n?t so mu3" sit in t"e 3"air as 1ol5 "is 8o5y aroun5 it. $"e mo)ement %as almost 3atlike. AAnita an5 9 "a)e no se3rets 1rom one anot"er@ 7r ... C ABayar5@ Lionel Bayar5.C He %alke5 o)er an5 o11ere5 "is "an5 to Hean!lau5e. Hean2!lau5e raise5 an eye8ro% 8ut took t"e o11ere5 "an5. $"e "an5s"ake seeme5 to make Bayar5 1eel 8etter. A normal -esture. He 5i5n?t kno% %"at Hean2!lau5e %as. Ho% "e 3oul5 look at "im an5 t"ink "im "uman %as 8eyon5 me. 9?5 only seen one )ampire t"at 3oul5 "a)e passe5 1or "uman@ an5 "e "a5n?t 8een "uman at all. Bayar5 turne5 8a3k to me@ a5>ustin- "is -lasses@ %"i3" 5i5n?t nee5 a5>ustin-. $"at ner)ous little -esture a-ain. Somet"in- %as up. A="at?s up@ Bayar5BC 9 aske5. 9?5 3lose5 t"e 5oor an5 %as leanin- to one si5e o1 it@ arms 3rosse5 o)er my stoma3". A9?m "ere to o11er our most sin3ere apolo-ies 1or earlier toni-"t.C 9 >ust stare5 at "im. ADou?re apolo-iEin- to meBC ADes. 7r. Stirlin- %as o)erEealous. ="y@ i1 you "a5 not 8een t"ere to 8rin- us all to our senses@ a -reat tra-e5y mi-"t "a)e o33urre5.C 9 trie5 to keep my 1a3e 8lank. 9 %ante5 to 1ro%n at "im@ or look 3on1use5. AStirlin-?s not ma5 at meBC A#n t"e 3ontrary@ 7s. Blake. He?s -rate1ul to you.C 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e t"at. A<eally@C 9 sai5. A#"@ yes. 9n 1a3t@ 9?)e 8een aut"oriEe5 to o11er you a 8onus.C A="yBC A$o make up 1or our 8e"a)ior toni-"t.C ADour 8e"a)ior %as 1ine@C 9 sai5. He smile5 mo5estly. His a3t %as a8out as sin3ere as 1au* pearls@ 8ut not "al1 so realisti3. AHo% mu3" is t"e 8onusBC A$%enty t"ousan5@C "e sai5. 9 staye5 leanin- a-ainst t"e %all@ starin- at "im. A/o.C He 8linke5 at me. A,*3use meBC A9 5on?t %ant t"e 8onus.C A9?m not aut"oriEe5 to -o "i-"er t"an t%enty t"ousan5@ 8ut 9 3oul5 speak %it" 7r. Stirlin-. Per"aps "e %oul5 -o "i-"er.C 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all. A9 5on?t %ant more money. 9 5on?t %ant t"e 8onus at all.C ADou aren?t ;uittin- on us@ are you@ 7s. BlakeBC He %as 8linkin- so 1ast 9 t"ou-"t "e?5 pass out. 7e ;uittin- 8ot"ere5 "im. A lot. A/o@ 9?m not ;uittin-. But you?re alrea5y payin- an enormous 1ee. Dou 5on?t nee5 to pay more.C A7r. Stirlin- is >ust )ery an*ious t"at "e "as not o11en5e5 you.C 9 let t"at one -o. $oo easy. A$ell 7r. Stirlin- 9?5 "a)e t"ou-"t 8etter o1 "is apolo-y i1 it "a5 8een 5eli)ere5 in person.C

A7r. Stirlin- is a )ery 8usy man. He %oul5 "a)e 3ome "imsel1@ 8ut "e "a5 pressin- 8usiness.C 9 %on5ere5 "o% o1ten Bayar5 "a5 to apolo-iEe 1or t"e 8i- man. 9 %on5ere5 "o% o1ten t"e apolo-y %as 1or tellin- a 1ello% 1lunkie to s"oot someone. A'ine@ you?)e 5eli)ere5 t"e messa-e. $ell 7r. Stirlin- t"at it isn?t t"e -un1i-"t t"at?s -oin- to make me 8ail. 9 rea5 t"e 3emetery toni-"t. Some o1 t"e 3orpses are 3loser to t"ree "un5re5 t"an t%o "un5re5. $"ree "un5re5 years@ LionelG t"at?s an ol5 Eom8ie.C A!an you raise t"emBC He "a5 steppe5 3loser@ "an5s 1i5-etin- %it" "is lapels. He %as 3lose to in)a5in- my spa3e. 9?5 "a)e rat"er "a5 Hean2!lau5e ne*t to me. A7ay8e. $"e ;uestion isn?t 3an 9@ 8ut %ill 9@ Lionel.C A="at 5o you meanBC ADou lie5 to me@ Lionel. Dou un5erestimate5 t"e a-e o1 t"e 5ea5 8y nearly a 3entury.C A/ot 5eli8erately@ 7s. Blake@ 9 assure you. 9 merely repeate5 %"at our resear3" 5epartment tol5 me. 9 5i5 not 5eli8erately mislea5 you.C ASure.C He rea3"e5 out almost like "e %ante5 to tou3" me. 9 mo)e5 8a3k@ >ust enou-". He seeme5 terri8ly intense. He let "is "an5 5rop. APlease@ 7s. Blake@ 9 5i5 not lie on purpose.C A$"e pro8lem@ Lionel@ is t"at 9?m not sure 9 3an raise Eom8ies t"is ol5 %it"out a "uman sa3ri1i3e. ,)en 9 "a)e my limits.C ASo ni3e to kno%@C Hean2!lau5e sai5 so1tly. 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. He smile5. ADou %ill try@ %on?t you@ 7s. BlakeBC A7ay8e. 9 "a)en?t 5e3i5e5 yet.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A=e %ill 5o anyt"in- to make t"is o)ersi-"t up to you@ 7s. Blake. 9t is entirely my 1ault t"at 9 5i5 not 5ou8le23"e3k t"e resear3" 5epartment?s 1in5in-s. 9s t"ere anyt"in- t"at 9 3an 5o personally to make it up to youBC AHust lea)e. 9?ll 3all your o11i3e tomorro% to 5is3uss 5etails. 9 may nee5 some e*tra ... parap"ernalia to attempt t"e raisin-.C AAnyt"in-@ anyt"in- at all@ 7s. Blake.C A'ineG 9?ll 3all.C 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 stoo5 8y it. 9 t"ou-"t it %as enou-" o1 a "int. 9t %as. Bayar5 %ent to t"e 5oor an5 almost 8a3ke5 out@ apolo-iEin- as "e %ent. 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor an5 stoo5 t"ere 1or a minute. A$"at little man is up to somet"in-@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 9 turne5 an5 looke5 at "im. He %as still 3urle5 in t"e 3"air@ lookin- s3rumptious. A9 5i5n?t nee5 )ampiri3 po%ers to tell me t"at.C A/eit"er@C "e sai5@ A5i5 9.C He rose 1rom t"e 3"air easily. 91 9?5 3urle5 up in a 3"air like t"at@ 9?5 "a)e 8een sti11. A9?)e -ot to tell Larry t"at "e 3an stop pa3kin-. 9 5on?t un5erstan5 %"y %e?re still "ire5@ 8ut %e are.C A!an anyone else raise t"e -ra)eyar5BC A/ot %it"out a "uman sa3ri1i3e@ may8e not e)en t"en@C 9 sai5. A$"ey nee5 you@ ma petite. 'rom t"e little man?s an*iety@ t"ey must nee5 t"e 5ea5 raise5 )ery 8a5ly.C A7illions o1 5ollars are at stake.C A9 5o not t"ink money is all t"at is at stake@C "e sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A7e eit"er.C He 3ame to >oin me 8y t"e 5oor. A="at e*tra parap"ernalia %ill you nee5 to raise a t"ree"un5re52year2ol5 3orpse@ ma petiteBC 9 s"ru--e5. AA 8i--er 5eat". 9?5 ori-inally t"ou-"t to use a 3ouple o1 -oats.C 9 opene5 t"e 5oor. A="at are you t"inkin- a8out usin- no%BC AAn elep"ant@ may8e@C 9 sai5. =e %ere out in t"e "all an5 "e %as starin- at me. A9?m ki55in-. Honest. Besi5es@ elep"ants are an en5an-ere5 spe3ies. 9 %as t"inkin- may8e a 3o%.C Hean2!lau5e stare5 5o%n at me 1or a lon- spa3e o1 moments@ "is 1a3e )ery serious. A<emem8er@ ma petite@ 9 3an tell i1 you are lyin-.C

A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC ADou meant t"e elep"ant 3omment.C 9 1ro%ne5 up at "im. ="at 3oul5 9 sayB A#kay@ 8ut >ust 1or a minute. 9 %oul5n?t really 5o in an elep"ant. 9?m tellin- t"e trut".C ADes@ ma petite@ 9 kno%.C 9 "a5n?t really meant t"e 3ra3k a8out t"e elep"ant. /ot really. 9t %as >ust t"e 8i--est animal 9 3oul5 t"ink o1 on s"ort noti3e. An5 i1 9 %as -oin- to attempt to raise se)eral t"ree2"un5re52year2ol5 3orpses@ 9 %as -oin- to nee5 somet"in- 8i-. 9 5i5n?t t"ink a 3o% %oul5 5o. Hell@ 9 5i5n?t t"ink a "er5 o1 3o%s %oul5 5o it. 9 >ust "a5n?t t"ou-"t o1 a -oo5 alternati)e yet. But no elep"ants@ 9 promise. Besi5es@ 3an you ima-ine tryin- to slit t"e t"roat o1 an elep"antB $"e lo-isti3s o1 >ust -ettinone to "ol5 still %"ile you kille5 it %ere min58o--lin-. $"ere?s a reason %"y most sa3ri1i3es are our siEe or smaller. 7akes it easier to "ol5 t"em 5o%n. A=e 3an?t >ust lea)e He11 %it" t"at monster@C Larry sai5. He %as stan5in- in t"e mi55le o1 "is 1orest -reen 3arpet. Hean2 !lau5e %as sittin- in t"e 3orner o1 t"e -reen patterne5 3ou3". He %as lookin- amuse5@ like a 3at t"at "a5 1oun5 a )ery interestin- mouse. A=e aren?t lea)in- "im@C 9 sai5. A=e >ust 3an?t -o lookin- 1or "im toni-"t.C He %"irle5 an5 pointe5 a 1in-er at Hean2!lau5e. A="y@ 8e3ause "e says soBC Hean2!lau5e?s smile %i5ene5. 4e1initely amuse5. A!"e3k t"e time@ Larry. 9t?ll 8e 5a%n soon. All t"e )ampires %ill 8e asnooEe in t"eir 3o11ins.C Larry s"ook "is "ea5. $"e look on "is 1a3e remin5e5 me o1 me. Stu88orn@ not %antin- to a33ept it. A=e "a)e to 5o somet"in-@ Anita.C A=e 3an?t talk to )ampires 5urin- 5ayli-"t "ours@ Larry. $"at?s >ust t"e %ay it is.C AAn5 %"at "appens to He11 to5ay@ %"ile %e %ait 1or t"e sun to -o 5o%nBC His pale skin "a5 -one almost %"ite. His 1re3kles looke5 like 8ro%n ink spots. His pale 8lue eyes -littere5 like an-ry -lass. 9?5 ne)er seen Larry so ma5. Hell@ 9?5 ne)er seen "im an-ry. 9 -lan3e5 at Hean2!lau5eG "e >ust looke5 at me. 9 %as on my o%n. =asn?t 9 al%ays. AWa)ier %ill "a)e to sleep. He %on?t 8e a8le to "arm He11 on3e t"e sun rises.C Larry s"ook "is "ea5. A=ill %e -et "im 8a3k in timeBC 9 %ante5 to say ASure@C 8ut 9 %oul5n?t lie. A9 5on?t kno%. 9 "ope so.C His so1t@ Ho%5y24oo5y 1a3e %as set in )ery stu88orn lines. 9 looke5 at "im an5 un5erstoo5 %"y so many people un5erestimate me. He looke5 so "armless. Hell@ "e %as sort o1 "armless@ 8ut "e %as arme5 no%@ an5 learnin- "o% to 8e 5an-erous. An5 in "is 1a3e 1or t"e 1irst time 9 sa% a -rim purpose 8uil5in-. 9?5 planne5 on lea)in- "im 8e"in5 %"en 9 %ent to talk to t"e 7aster o1 Branson. Lookin- at "im no%@ 9 %asn?t sure "e %as -oin- to let me 5o t"at. He?5 "a5 "is 1irst )ampire "unt toni-"t. 9?5 mana-e5 to keep "im out o1 t"e rou-" stu11 until no%. But it %asn?t -oin- to last. 9?5 8een "opin"e?5 -i)e up t"e i5ea o1 "untin- )ampires. Starin- into "is -litterin- eyes@ 9 realiEe5 9 %as t"e one %"o %as 1oolin- mysel1. 9n "is o%n %ay Larry %as as stu88orn as 9 %as. 'ri-"tenin- t"ou-"t@ t"at. But 1or toni-"t "e %as sa1e. ADou 3oul5n?t >ust 3om1ort meB $ell me %e?ll 1in5 "imBC Larry aske5. 9 smile5. A9 try not to lie to you@ i1 9 3an a)oi5 it.C A'or on3e@C Larry sai5@ A9?5 "a)e like5 to "a)e "ear5 t"e lie.C ASorry@C 9 sai5. He took in a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%. His an-er %as -one >ust like t"at. Larry 5i5n?t kno% %"at it %as to "ol5 onto "is ra-e. He 5i5n?t 8roo5 o)er t"in-s. #ne o1 t"e main 5i11eren3es 8et%een us. 9 ne)er 1or-a)e anyone 1or anyt"in-. A 3"ara3ter 1la% to 8e sure@ 8ut "ell@ e)eryone?s -ot to "a)e at least one. $"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. Larry %ent 1or t"e 5oor. Hean2!lau5e %as su55enly stan5in- 8y me. 9 "a5n?t seen "im mo)e. Ha5n?t "ear5 "is leat"er 8oots slit"er o)er t"e 3arpet. /ot"in-. 7a-i3. 7y "eart %as su55enly t"u55in- in my t"roat. AStomp your 1eet or somet"in- %"en you 5o t"at.C A4o %"at@ ma petiteBC 9 -lare5 up at "im. A$"at %asn?t a min5 tri3k@ %as itBC A/o@C "e sai5. $"at one %or5 slit"ere5 a3ross my skin like a lo% 3reepin- 8reeEe. A4amn you@C 9 sai5 so1tly an5 %it" 1eelin-. He smile5. A=e?)e 8een o)er t"at@ ma petiteG you are too late.C Larry "a5 3lose5 t"e 5oor. A$"ere?s a -uy out in t"e "all says "e?s %it" Hean!lau5e.C

AA -uy or a )ampireBC 9 aske5. Larry 1ro%ne5. A/ot a )ampire@ 8ut i1 you mean "uman 9 %oul5n?t -o t"at 1ar.C ADou e*pe3tin- 3ompanyBC 9 aske5. ADes@ 9 am.C A="oBC He stalke5 to t"e 5oor an5 put a "an5 on t"e 5oorkno8. ASomeone 9 8elie)e you?)e alrea5y met.C He opene5 t"e 5oor %it" a 1louris"@ steppin- to one si5e to let me "a)e a 3lear )ie%. Hason stoo5 in t"e open 5oor@ smilin-@ rela*e5. He %as my "ei-"t e*a3tly@ not somet"in- you 1in5 in a man o1ten. Strai-"t 8lon5 "air 8arely tou3"e5 t"e top o1 "is 3ollarG "is eyes %ere t"e inno3ent 8lue o1 sprin- skies. $"e last time 9?5 seen "im "e?5 8een tryin- to eat me. =ere%ol)es %ill 5o t"at sometimes. He %as 5resse5 in an o)ersiEe5 8la3k s%eater t"at "it "im almost at mi52t"i-". He?5 "a5 to roll t"e slee)es o)er "is %rists. His pants %ere leat"er@ la3e5 up t"e si5e 1rom %aist to mi53al1@ %"ere t"e la3es )anis"e5 into 8oots. $"e la3in-s %ere loose enou-" t"at t"ere %as a pale line o1 1les" all t"e %ay 5o%n. AHello@ Anita.C AHi@ Hason. ="at are you 5oin- "ereBC He "a5 t"e -ra3e to look em8arrasse5. A9?m Hean2!lau5e?s ne% pet.C He sai5 t"e last %or5 like it %as alri-"t. <i3"ar5 %oul5n?t "a)e sai5 it t"at %ay. ADou 5i5n?t tell me you 8rou-"t 3ompany@C 9 sai5. A=e are -oin- to 8e 3allin- on t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. =e must make a -oo5 s"o% o1 it.C ASo a %ere%ol1@ an5 %"at ... meBC He si-"e5. ADes@ ma petite@ %"et"er you 8ear my marks or not@ most 3onsi5er you my "uman ser)ant.C He raise5 a "an5. APlease@ Anita@ 9 kno% you are not my "uman ser)ant in t"e te3"ni3al sense. But you "a)e "elpe5 me 5e1en5 my territory. Dou "a)e kille5 to prote3t me. $"at is t"e 8est 5e1inition o1 %"at a "uman ser)ant 5oes.C ASo@ %"atB 9 "a)e to preten5 to 8e your "uman ser)ant on t"is )isitBC ASomet"in- like t"at@C "e sai5. A'or-et it.C AAnita@ 9 nee5 a s"o% o1 stren-t" "ere. Branson %as part o1 /ikolaos?s territory. 9 -a)e it up 8e3ause t"e population 5ensity 3oul5 support anot"er -roup. But it %as still my lan5@ an5 no% it?s not. Some )ie% t"at as %eakness rat"er t"an pra3ti3ality.C ASo %it"out any marks at all you?)e 1inally -ot me to play ser)ant 1or you. Dou manipulati)e son o1 a 8it3".C ADou aske5 me 5o%n "ere@ ma petite.C A t"rea5 o1 %armt" 3ut t"rou-" "is %or5s. He stalke5 to%ar5s me. A9 am 5oin- you a 1a)or@ 5o not 1or-et t"at.C A9 5on?t t"ink you?ll let me 1or-et@C 9 sai5. He ma5e a "ars" soun5@ as i1 "e "a5 no %or5s 1or "is an-er. A="y 5o 9 put up %it" youB Dou insult me at e)ery turn. $"ere are many %"o %oul5 -i)e t"eir souls 1or %"at 9 o11er you.C He stoo5 in 1ront o1 me@ eyes like 5ark sapp"ires@ skin %"ite as mar8le. His skin -lo%e5 like t"ere %as a li-"t insi5e "im. He looke5 like some kin5 o1 li)e s3ulpture ma5e o1 li-"t@ >e%els@ an5 stone. He %as impressi)e an5 s3ary@ 8ut 9?5 seen it 8e1ore. A!ut t"e )ampire po%ers s"it@ Hean!lau5e. 9t?s almost 5a%nG 5on?t you "a)e a 3o11in to 3ra%l into some%"ereBC He lau-"e5@ 8ut it %asn?t pleasant@ it %as 8itter like t"e tou3" o1 steel %ool. Somet"in- to irritate rat"er t"an enti3e. A#ur lu--a-e "as not arri)e5@ "as it@ my %ol1BC A/o@ master@C Hason sai5. ADour 3o11in "asn?t arri)e5BC 9 aske5. A,it"er 9 "a)e 3"osen a )ery la* sky3a8@ or ... C He let t"e %or5s trail o11@ 1a3e 8lan5 an5 pleasant. A#r %"atBC Larry aske5. A7a petite.C ADou t"ink t"e lo3al master took your 3o11in@C 9 sai5. AA punis"ment 1or enterin- "er territory %it"out o8ser)in- all t"e so3ial ni3eties.C He looke5 at me %"en "e sai5 it. A9 suppose t"at?s my 1ault@C 9 sai5. He -a)e t"at in1uriatin- s"ru-. A9 3oul5 "a)e sai5 no@ ma petite.C

AStop 8ein- so 3i)iliEe5 a8out it.C A=oul5 you 8e "appier i1 9 %as an-ryBC His )oi3e %as )ery mil5 %"en "e sai5 it. A7ay8e@C 9 sai5. 9t %oul5 "a)e ma5e me 1eel less -uilty@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t say t"at out lou5. AGo to t"e airport an5 1in5 our lu--a-e i1 you 3an@ Hason. Brin- it 8a3k to Anita?s room.C A=ait a minute. Dou are not mo)in- into my room.C A9t is nearly 5a%n@ ma petite. 9 "a)e no 3"oi3e. $omorro% %e %ill 1in5 ot"er a33ommo5ations.C ADou planne5 t"is.C He -a)e a s"ort@ 8itter lau-". A,)en my 5e)iousness kno%s some 8oun5s@ ma petite. 9 %oul5 not %illin-ly 8e %it"out my 3o11in t"is 3lose to 5a%n.C A="at are you -oin- to 5o %it"out your 3o11inBC Larry aske5. He looke5 an*ious. Hean2!lau5e smile5. A4o not 1ear@ La%ren3e@ all 9 nee5 is 5arkness@ or rat"er la3k o1 sunli-"t. $"e 3o11in itsel1 is not a8solutely ne3essary@ simply more se3ure.C A9?)e ne)er kno%n a )ampire t"at 5i5n?t sleep in a 3o11in@C 9 sai5. A91 9 am un5er-roun5 in a se3ure pla3e@ 9 1ore-o my 3o11in. $"ou-" trut"1ully@ on3e 5ayli-"t 1in5s me 9 am insensi8le an5 3oul5 sleep on a 8e5 o1 nails an5 not kno% it.C 9 %asn?t sure 9 8elie)e5 "im. He %orke5 "ar5er t"an most at passin- 1or "uman. ADou %ill see t"e trut" o1 my %or5s soon enou-"@ ma petite.C A$"at?s %"at 9?m a1rai5 o1@C 9 sai5. ADou 3an sleep on t"e 3ou3" i1 you pre1er@ 8ut 9 am tellin- you truly t"at on3e 1ull 5ayli-"t arri)es 9 %ill 8e "armless@ "elpless i1 you like. 9 %oul5 8e una8le to molest you e)en i1 9 %ante5 to.C AAn5 %"at ot"er 1airy tales am 9 suppose5 to 8elie)eB 9?)e seen you mo)e aroun5 a1ter 5a%n@ "i55en 1rom li-"t@ 8ut you %orke5 >ust 1ine.C AA1ter ei-"t "ours or so o1 sleep@ i1 it is still 5ayli-"t 9 3an mo)e aroun5@ true@ 8ut 9 5ou8t you %ill stay a8e5 1or ei-"t "ours. Dou "a)e 3lients or somet"in-@ a mur5er in)esti-ation@ some 8usiness t"at %ill take you out an5 a8out.C A91 9 lea)e you alone@ %"o?ll see t"at some mai5 5oesn?t 3ome in@ pull t"e 3urtains 8a3k an5 'ren3" 1ry youBC $"e smile %i5ene5. A!on3ern o)er my %ell28ein-. 9 am tou3"e5.C 9 looke5 at "im. He looke5 pleasant@ amuse5@ 8ut it %as a mask. His e*pression %"en "e 5i5n?t %ant you to kno% %"at "e %as t"inkin-@ 8ut 5i5n?t %ant you to kno% t"at "e 5i5n?t %ant you to kno%. A="at are you up toBC A'or on3e@ ma petite@ not"in-.C ADea"@ ri-"t.C A91 9 1in5 t"e 3o11in@ 9?ll nee5 to rent a tru3k@C Hason sai5. ADou 3an use our Heep@C Larry sai5. 9 -lare5 at "im. A/o@ "e 3an?t.C A$"ink o1 it as e*pe5ien3y@ ma petite. 91 Hason must rent a tru3k@ t"en 9 may "a)e to spen5 anot"er 5ay in your 8e5. 9 kno% you 5o not %ant t"at.C $"ere %as amusement in "is )oi3e@ an5 an un5er3urrent o1 somet"in- else. 9t mi-"t "a)e 8een 8itterness. A9?ll 5ri)e@C Larry sai5. A/o@ you %on?t@C 9 sai5. A9t?s almost 5a%n@ Anita. 9?ll 8e alri-"t.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o.C ADou 3an?t treat me like a ki5 8rot"er 1ore)er. 9 3an 5ri)e t"e Heep.C A9 promise not to eat "im@C Hason sai5. Larry "el5 out "is "an5 1or t"e keys. ADou "a)e to trust me sometime.C 9 >ust looke5 at "im. A9 promise to s"oot anyt"in-@ "uman or monster@ t"at t"reatens me %"ile 9?m -one.C He ma5e t"e Boy S3out si-n@ t"ree 1in-ers to "ea)en. ADou 3an 8ail me out o1 >ail an5 e*plain t"at 9 %as >ust 1ollo%in- or5ers.C 9 si-"e5. AAlri-"t@ 5ammit.C 9 -a)e "im t"e keys. He -rinne5 at me. A$"anks.C

9 s"ook my "ea5. AHust "urry 8a3k@ okayBC AAnyt"in- you say.C AHust -et out o1 "ere@ an5 8e 3are1ul.C Larry le1t %it" Hason trailin- 8e"in5. 9 stare5 at t"e 5oor a1ter it 3lose5@ %on5erin- i1 9 s"oul5 "a)e -one %it" t"em. Kno%in- t"at Larry %oul5 "a)e -otten ma5@ 8ut ma5 %as 8etter t"an 5ea5. Hell@ it %as a simple erran5G -o to t"e airport an5 pi3k up a 3o11in. ="at 3oul5 -o %ron- %it" less t"an an "our o1 5arkness le1tB S"it. ADou 3annot prote3t "im@ Anita.C A9 3an try.C Hean2!lau5e -a)e t"at in1uriatin- s"ru- t"at meant anyt"in- you %ante5 it to mean@ an5 not"in- at all. AS"all %e retire to your room@ ma petiteBC 9 opene5 my mout" to tell "im "e 3oul5 8unk %it" Larry@ 8ut 5i5n?t say it. 9 5i5n?t really 8elie)e "e?5 mun3" on Larry@ 8ut 9 %as sure "e %oul5n?t mun3" on me. ASure@C 9 sai5. He looke5 a little surprise5@ as i1 "e?5 e*pe3te5 an ar-ument. But 9 %as all out o1 ar-ument toni-"t. He 3oul5 "a)e t"e 8e5. 9?5 take t"e 3ou3". ="at 3oul5 8e more inno3entB Biker /uns 1rom Hell@ 8ut 8esi5es t"at.

Chapter Nineteen
9 3oul5 1eel 5a%n pressin- a-ainst t"e %in5o%s like a 3ool "an5 %"en %e -ot 8a3k to my room. 9t %as )ery near. Hean2 !lau5e smile5 at me. A$"e 1irst time 9 mana-e to s"are a "otel room %it" you@ an5 t"ere is no time.C He -a)e an ela8orate si-". A$"in-s ne)er %ork as 9 plan %it" you@ ma petite.C A7ay8e t"at?s a "int@C 9 sai5. APer"aps.C He -lan3e5 at t"e 3lose5 5rapes. A9 must -o@ ma petite. :ntil 5arkness.C He s"ut t"e 8e5room 5oor a little "urrie5ly. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e 3omin- li-"t pressin- aroun5 t"e 8uil5in-. 9?5 noti3e5 o)er t"e years o1 "untin- )amps t"at 9?5 8e3ome a%are o1 5a%n@ an5 sunset. $"ere "a5 8een times %"en 9?5 stru--le5 1rom 5isaster to 5isaster >ust to stay ali)e until t"at so1t -ro%in- pressure o1 li-"t 3oul5 s%eep t"e sky an5 sa)e my 3ookies. 'or t"e 1irst time 9 %on5ere5 %"at it %oul5 8e like to see it as a 5an-er instea5 o1 a 8lessin-. A1ter "e?5 3lose5 t"e 5oor 9 realiEe5 my suit3ase %as in t"e 8e5room. 4amn. 9 "esitate5@ an5 1inally kno3ke5. /o ans%er. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor >ust a 3ra3k@ t"en 1art"er. He %asn?t in t"ere. =ater ran in t"e 8at"room. A line o1 li-"t s"o%e5 un5er t"e 5oor. ="at 5i5 )ampires 5o in 8at"roomsB Better not to kno%. 9 -ra88e5 my suit3ase 1rom t"e 1loor an5 3arrie5 it out 8e1ore t"e 8at"room 5oor 3oul5 open. 9 5i5 not %ant to see "im a-ain. 9 5i5 not %ant to see %"at "appene5 to "im %"en t"e sun rose. ="en t"e sun "a5 risen enou-" to pulse a-ainst t"e 3lose5 5rapes like pale lemon li;ui5@ 9 3"an-e5 into a t2s"irt an5 >eans. 9 "a5 a ro8e %it" me@ 8ut i1 9 %as -oin- to -reet 8ot" Larry an5 Hason 9 %ante5 to 8e %earin- some pants. 9 3alle5 5o%n 1or e*tra 8lankets an5 a pillo%. /o one 8it3"e5 t"at it %as a ;uarter past 5a%n@ an5 a stran-e time to nee5 8e53lot"es. $"ey >ust 8rou-"t t"e stu11. $rue 3lass. $"e mai5 5i5n?t e)en -lan3e at t"e 3lose5 8e5room 5oor. 9 sprea5 t"e 8lanket on t"e 3ou3" an5 stare5 at it. 9t %as a pretty 3ou3" 8ut 5i5n?t look terri8ly 3om1orta8le. #"@ %ell@ )irtue "a5 its punis"ments. #1 3ourse@ may8e it %asn?t )irtue t"at kept me out o1 t"e 8e5room. 91 it "a5 8een <i3"ar5 3urle5 up in t"e ne*t room@ t"en only moral 1ortitu5e %oul5 "a)e kept me out. =it" Hean2!lau5e ... 9 "a5 ne)er seen "im a1ter 5a%n %"en "e %as 5ea5 to t"e %orl5. 9 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 to see. 9 kne% 9 5i5n?t %ant to 3u55le up ne*t to "im %"ile t"e %armt" le1t "is 8o5y. $"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. 9 "esitate5. 9t %as pro8a8ly Larry@ 8ut t"en a-ain ... 9 %ent to t"e 5oor %it" t"e Bro%ninnake5 in my "an5. Beau "a5 "a5 a s"ot-un last ni-"t. Paranoia@ or 3autionG "ar5 to tell t"e 5i11eren3e sometimes. 9 stoo5 to one si5e o1 t"e 5oor an5 sai5@ ADes.C AAnita@ it?s us.C 9 "it t"e sa1ety an5 put t"e 8arrel o1 t"e Bro%nin- 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 my >eans. 9t %as too 8i- a -un to %ear in an inner pants "olster@ 8ut 1or temporary "ol5in-@ t"at %orke5. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor. Larry leane5 a-ainst t"e 5oor>am8@ lookin- rumple5 an5 tire5. He "a5 a 734onal5?s sa3k in one "an5@ an5 1our 3ups s"o)e5 into one o1 t"ose Styro1oam "ol5ers. $%o o1 t"e 3ups "el5 3o11ee@ t"e ot"er t%o so5as. Hason "a5 a lar-e leat"er suit3ase un5er ea3" arm@ a 8attere5@ mu3" smaller suit3ase in "is ri-"t "an5@ an5 a se3on5 734onal5?s 8a- in "is le1t. He 5i5n?t look t"e least 8it tire5. A mornin- person@ e)en a1ter no sleep at all. 9t %as 5is-ustin-. His eyes 1li3ke5 to t"e -un s"o)e5 in my %aist8an5. He noti3e5@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t 3omment. Point 1or "im. Larry ne)er e)en 8linke5 at t"e -un.

A'oo5BC 9 aske5. A9 5i5n?t eat mu3" last ni-"t. Besi5es@ Hason %as "un-ry@ too@C Larry sai5. He 3ame insi5e@ puttin- t"e 5rinks an5 1oo5 on t"e %et 8ar. /one o1 us 5rankG -oo5 to use t"e 8ar 1or somet"in-. Hason %alke5 t"rou-" t"e 5oor si5e%ays %it" t"e suit3ases an5 1oo5@ 8ut t"ere %as no e11ort to it. He %asn?t strainin- one little 8it to 3arry it all. AS"o%o11@C 9 sai5. He sat t"e lu--a-e on t"e 1loor. A$"is isn?t e)en 3lose to s"o%in- o11@C "e sai5. 9 lo3ke5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 t"em. A9 suppose you 3an 8rin- t"e 3o11in up sin-le2"an5e5ly.C A/o@ 8ut not 8e3ause it?s "ea)y. 9t?s >ust too lon-. $"e 8alan3e isn?t ri-"t.C Great. Super %ere%ol1. $"ou-" 1or all 9 kne%@ all ly3ant"ropes 3oul5 li1t t"at mu3" %ei-"t. 7ay8e <i3"ar5 3oul5 li1t 3o11ins %it" one arm. 9t %as not a 3om1ortin- t"ou-"t. Hason starte5 layin- 1oo5 out on t"e 8ar. Larry "a5 alrea5y 3lim8e5 onto one o1 t"e 8ar stools. He %as pourin- su-ar into one o1 t"e 3o11ees. A4i5 you >ust lea)e t"e 3o11in in t"e lo88yBC 9 aske5. 9 "a5 to lay t"e Bro%nin- on t"e 8ar to sit 5o%n. 9 %as >ust too s"ort2 %aiste5 to "a)e it 5o%n my pants. Larry sat t"e unopene5 3o11ee in 1ront o1 me. A9t?s missin-.C 9 stare5 at "im. ADou 1oun5 t"e suit3ases 8ut not t"e 3o11inBC ADep@C Hason sai5@ as "e 1inis"e5 5i)i5in- t"e 1oo5 into t"ree piles. He?5 pus"e5 some o1 it in 1ront o1 8ot" o1 us@ 8ut t"e lion?s s"are %as in 1ront o1 "im. AHo% 3an you eat t"is early in t"e mornin-BC A9?m al%ays "un-ry@C "e sai5. He looke5 at me sort o1 e*pe3tantly. 9 let it sli5e. 9t %as too easy. A!ome on@ 9 1e5 you t"at one@C "e sai5. ADou 5on?t seem parti3ularly %orrie5@C 9 sai5. He s"ru--e5@ an5 sli5 onto a 8ar stool. A="at 5o you %ant me to sayB 9?)e seen some %eir5 s"it sin3e 9 8e3ame a %ere%ol1. 91 9 -ot "ysteri3al e)ery time somet"in- %ent %ron-@ e)ery time someone 9 kne% 5ie5@ 9?5 8e in t"e loony 8in 8y no%.C A9 t"ou-"t 1i-"ts 1or 5ominan3e in t"e pa3k@ e*3ept 1or pa3k lea5er@ %eren?t to t"e 5eat"@C 9 sai5. APeople 1or-et@C "e sai5. A9?ll "a)e to talk to <i3"ar5 %"en 9 -et 8a3k in to%n. He "asn?t 8een mentionin- any o1 t"is.C A/ot"in- to mention@C Hason sai5. AHust 8usiness as usual.C Great. A4i5 any8o5y see %"o took t"e 3o11inBC Larry ans%ere5@ "is )oi3e slu--is" e)en %it" t"e 3a11eine an5 su-ar. $"ere?s only so mu3" you 3an 5o on no sleep at all. A/o one sa% any8o5y take it. 9n 1a3t@ t"e only -uy le1t 1rom t"e ni-"t s"i1t sai5@ F9 >ust turne5 a%ay 1or a se3on5@ an5 it %asn?t t"ere. Hust t"e lu--a-e stan5in- t"ere 8y itsel1.? A AS"it@C 9 sai5. A="y take t"e 3o11inBC "e aske5. He 5rank most o1 "is 3o11ee. His ,-- 737u11in sat untou3"e5 in 1ront o1 "im. $"ey?5 put "ot3akes in 1ront o1 me %it" a little tu8 o1 syrup 8esi5e it. ADour 8reak1ast is -ettin- 3ol5@C Hason sai5. He %as en>oyin- "imsel1 too mu3". 9 1ro%ne5 at "im@ 8ut 9 opene5 my 3o11ee. 9 5i5n?t %ant t"e 1oo5. A9 t"ink t"e master is 1le*in- a little mus3le. ="at 5o you t"ink@ HasonBC 9 kept my )oi3e 3asual. He smile5 at me aroun5 a mout"1ul o1 1oo5@ s%allo%e5@ an5 sai5@ A9 t"ink %"ate)er Hean!lau5e %ants me to t"ink.C 7ay8e my )oi3e "a5 8een too 3asual. 9 s"oul5 really -i)e up on su8tletyG 9 >ust %asn?t -oo5 enou-" at it. A4i5 "e tell you not to talk to meBC A/o@ >ust to 8e 3are1ul %"at 9 sai5.C AHe says >ump@ an5 you say "o% "i-"G is t"at itBC A$"at?s it.C He ate a 8ite o1 s3ram8le5 e--@ "is 1a3e pea3e1ul. A4oesn?t t"at 8ot"er youBC A9 5on?t make t"e rules@ Anita. 9?m not an alp"a anyt"in-.C

AAn5 it 5oesn?t 8ot"er youBC 9 aske5. He s"ru--e5. ASometimes@ 8ut t"ere?s not"in- 9 3an 5o a8out it. ="y 1i-"t itBC A9 5on?t un5erstan5 t"at at all@C Larry sai5. A7e eit"er.C ADou 5on?t "a)e to un5erstan5 it@C "e sai5. He 3oul5n?t "a)e 8een more t"an t%enty@ 8ut t"e look in "is eyes %asn?t youn-. 9t %as t"e look o1 someone %"o?5 seen a lot@ 5one a lot@ an5 not all o1 it ni3e. 9t %as t"e look 9 %as 5rea5in- to see on Larry?s 1a3e some5ay. $"ey %ere nearly t"e same a-eG %"at "a5 people 8een 5oin- to Hason to -i)e "im su3" >a5e5 eyesB A="at 5o %e 5o no%BC Larry aske5. ADou?re t"e )ampire e*perts. 9?m >ust Hean2!lau5e?s pet.C He sai5 it like it 5i5n?t 8ot"er "im. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8ot"ere5 me. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?m -oin- to 3all t"e 3ops@ t"en -et some sleep.C A="at are you -oin- to tell t"emBC Hason aske5. A9?m -oin- to tell t"em a8out Wa)ier.C A4i5 Hean2!lau5e say you 3oul5 tell t"e 3opsBC 9 looke5 at "im. A9 5i5n?t ask 1or permission.C AHean2!lau5e %oul5n?t like you 8rin-in- in t"e poli3e.C 9 >ust stare5 at "im. He 8linke5 at me. A4on?t 5o it >ust 8e3ause 9 sai5 t"at@ please.C AHe kno%s you pretty %ell 1or someone %"o?s only met you t%i3e@C Larry sai5. A$"ree times@C 9 sai5. A$%o out o1 t"ree times@ "e?s trie5 to eat me.C Larry?s eyes %i5ene5 a little. ADou?re ki55in-.C AS"e >ust looks so tasty@C Hason sai5. A9?)e "a5 a8out enou-" o1 you@C 9 sai5. A="at?s %ron-B Hean2!lau5e an5 <i3"ar5 8ot" tease you.C A9?m 5atin- 8ot" o1 t"em@C 9 sai5. A9?m not 5atin- you.C A7ay8e you?)e -ot a t"in- 1or monsters. 9 3an 8e >ust as s3ary as t"e ne*t -uy.C 9 stare5 at "im. A/o@C 9 sai5@ Ayou 3an?t. $"at?s %"y you?re not alp"a. $"at?s %"y you?re Hean2!lau5e?s pet@ 8e3ause you aren?t s3ary enou-".C Somet"in- 1lo%e5 t"rou-" "is pale 8lue eyes. Somet"in- an-ry an5 5an-erous. Sittin- t"ere %it" "is 1ork1ul o1 s3ram8le5 e--s@ an5 a !oke in one "an5@ "e %as su55enly 5i11erent. 9t %as "ar5 to put into %or5s@ 8ut it raise5 t"e "air on t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k. A,ase 5o%n@ %ol128oy@C 9 sai5. 7y )oi3e %as so1t@ 3are1ul. 9 %as sittin- less t"an a 1oot a%ay 1rom "im. At t"is 5istan3e "e 3oul5 >ump me easy. $"e Bro%nin- %as an in3" a%ay 1rom my ri-"t "an5@ 8ut 9 kne% 8etter. 9 mi-"t -ra8 t"e -un@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er -et it pointe5 in time. 9?5 seen "im mo)e 8e1ore@ an5 9 %asn?t ;ui3k enou-". La3k o1 sleep %as makin- me trustin-@ or stupi5. Same t"in-. A lo%@ tri3klin- -ro%l rum8le5 out o1 "im. 7y pulse 8eat a little 1aster. Larry?s -un %as su55enly pointin- past my nose at t"e %ere%ol1?s 1a3e. A4on?t@C Larry sai5. His )oi3e %as lo% an5 e)en@ an5 )ery 5amn serious. 9 ease5 8a3k o11 t"e 8ar stool@ 8rin-in- t"e Bro%nin- %it" me. 4i5n?t really %ant Larry?s -un to -o o11 ri-"t ne*t to my 1a3e. 9 pointe5 my -un at Hason?s 3"est@ one2"an5e5@ almost 3asual. A4on?t e)er t"reaten me a-ain.C Hason stare5 at me. His 8east lurke5 >ust 8e"in5 "is eyes like a %a)e rus"in- to%ar5s t"e s"ore. ADou start -oin- 1urry@ an5 9 %on?t %ait to 1in5 out i1 you?re 8lu11in-@C 9 sai5. Larry "a5 one knee on t"e 8ar stool@ -un still pointe5 ni3e an5 stea5y. 9 "ope5 "e 5i5n?t 1all o11 t"e 8ar stool an5 a33i5entally s"oot Hason. 91 "e s"ot "im@ 9 %ante5 it to 8e on purpose. Hason?s s"oul5ers rela*e5. His "an5s un3len3"e5@ lea)in- t"e 1ork an5 t"e 5rink on t"e 8ar. He 3lose5 "is eyes an5 sat )ery still 1or nearly a 1ull minute. Larry an5 9 %aite5@ -uns still pointe5. Larry?s eyes 1li3ke5 to me. 9 s"ook my "ea5. Hason opene5 "is eyes an5 let out a 5eep@ si-"in- 8reat". He looke5 normal a-ain@ t"at tension 5raine5 a%ay. He -rinne5. A9 "a5 to try.C

9 took anot"er step 8a3k@ puttin- my 8a3k to t"e %all. #ut o1 rea3"@ 9 lo%ere5 t"e -un. Larry "esitate5@ 8ut 1ollo%e5 my lea5. ASo you trie5G no% %"atBC He s"ru--e5. ADou?re 5ominant to me.C AHust like t"at@C 9 sai5. A=oul5 you 8e "appier i1 9 ma5e you 1i-"t meBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. ABut 9 8a3ke5 "er up@C Larry sai5. AS"e 5i5n?t 5o it alone.C A4oesn?t matter. Dou?re loyal to "er@ %oul5 risk your li1e 1or "er. $"ere?s more to 8ein- 5ominant t"an >ust mus3le@ or -uns.C Larry looke5 puEEle5. A="at 5o you mean@ 5ominantB 9 1eel like 9?m missin- part o1 t"e 3on)ersation.C A="y are you %orkin- so 5amn "ar5 at not 8ein- "uman@ HasonBC 9 aske5. He smile5 an5 %ent 8a3k to "is 8reak1ast. AAns%er me@ Hason.C He 1inis"e5 o11 "is e--s an5 sai5@ A/o.C A="at?s -oin- onBC Larry sai5. A7in5 -ames@C 9 sai5. Larry ma5e an e*asperate5 noise. ASomeone e*plain to me %"y %e "a5 to pull a -un on someone %"o?s suppose5 to 8e on our si5e.C AHean2!lau5e keeps tellin- me <i3"ar5 isn?t any more "uman t"an "e is. Hason?s little 5isplay "elps emp"asiEe t"at. 4oesn?t it@ %ol128oyBC Hason ate t"e rest o1 "is 1oo5 like %e %eren?t t"ere. AAns%er me@C 9 sai5. He turne5 on t"e 8ar stool@ puttin- "is el8o%s 8e"in5 "im. A9 "a)e too many masters no%@ Anita. 9 5on?t nee5 anot"er one.C AAn5 9?)e -ot too many monsters messin- %it" me ri-"t no%. 4on?t a55 yoursel1 to t"e list@ Hason.C A9s it a s"ort listBC "e aske5. AGets s"orter all t"e time@C 9 sai5. He smile5 an5 sli5 o11 t"e 8ar stool. A9s any8o5y tire5 8ut meBC Larry an5 9 stare5 at "im. $"e %ere%ol1 5i5n?t look tire52more t"an 9 3oul5 say 1or us mere "umans. Hason %asn?t -oin- to ans%er my ;uestions@ an5 t"ey %eren?t important enou-" to s"oot "im o)er. Stalemate. A'ineG %"ere are you sleepin-BC 9 aske5. A91 you trust me not to eat "im@ in Larry?s room.C A/o %ay@C 9 sai5. ADou %ant me "ere@ %it" youBC A9 tol5 "im "e 3oul5 stay in my room on t"e ri5e o)er@C Larry sai5. A$"at %as 8e1ore "e pulle5 t"e %ere%ol1 3rap@C 9 sai5. Larry s"ru--e5. ADou?)e -ot t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity tu3ke5 into your 8e5. 9 t"ink 9 3an "an5le one %ere%ol1.C 9 5i5n?t t"ink so. But 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5is3uss it in 1ront o1 t"e %ere%ol1. A/o@ Larry.C He %as instantly an-ry. A="at 5o 9 "a)e to 5o to pro)e mysel1 to youBC AStay ali)e@C 9 sai5. A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC ADou?re not a s"ooter@ Larry.C A9 %as %illin- to s"oot "im.C Larry pointe5 to t"e smilin- %ere%ol1. A9 kno%.C ABe3ause 9?m not tri--er2"appy@ you 5on?t trust me to "an5le mysel1BC

9 si-"e5. ALarry@ please. 91 Hason turne5 1urry in t"e mi55le o1 t"e 5ay an5 kille5 you@ 9 3oul5n?t li)e %it" mysel1.C AAn5 i1 "e kills youBC Larry sai5. AHe %on?t.C A="y notBC Larry aske5. ABe3ause Hean2!lau5e %oul5 kill "im. 91 "e "urt you@ 9?5 kill "im@ 8ut 9 5on?t kno% i1 Hean2!lau5e %oul5 a)en-e you. Hason?s more 1ri-"tene5 o1 Hean2!lau5e t"an "e is o1 me. Aren?t you@ HasonBC Hason "a5 sat 5o%n on t"e en5 o1 t"e 3ou3" on my 8lanket. A#"@ yes.C A9 5on?t kno% %"y@C Larry sai5. ADou?re t"e one %"o kills 1or Hean2!lau5e. He ne)er seems to kill anyone on "is o%n.C ALarry@ %"o %oul5 you 8e more a1rai5 o1@ Hean2!lau5e or meBC ADou %oul5n?t "urt me@C "e sai5. A91 you "a5 to 1a3e one o1 us@ %"i3" %oul5 you pre1erBC Larry looke5 at me 1or a lon- time. $"e an-er 5raine5 a%ay@ repla3e5 8y somet"in- tire5 an5 ol5 in "is eyes. AHim.C A'or Go5?s sake@ %"yBC 9 aske5. A9?)e seen you kill a lot o1 people@ Anita. A lot more t"an Hean2!lau5e. He mi-"t try to 1ri-"ten me to 5eat"@ 8ut you?5 >ust kill me.C 7y mout" %as open@ >ust a little. A91 you really 8elie)e t"at 9?m more 5an-erous t"an Hean2!lau5e@ t"en you "a)en?t 8een payin- attention.C A9 5i5n?t say you %ere more 5an-erous. 9 sai5 you?5 kill me ;ui3ker.C A$"at?s %"y 9?m not as a1rai5 o1 Anita as 9 am o1 Hean2!lau5e@C Hason sai5. Larry looke5 at "im. A="at 5o you meanBC AAll s"e?ll 5o is kill me@ ;ui3k@ neat. Hean2!lau5e %oul5n?t kill me ;ui3k@ or easy. He?5 make sure it "urt.C $"e t%o men stare5 at ea3" ot"er. ,a3" one?s lo-i3 %as soun5 as 1ar as it %ent. 9 %as %it" Hason. A91 you really 8elie)e %"at you?re sayin-@ Larry@ t"en you "a)en?t seen enou-" )ampires.C AHo% am 9 e)er -oin- to see enou-" )ampires i1 you keep me at arm?s len-t"@ AnitaBC Ha5 9 really kept "im out o1 it t"at mu3"B Ha5 9 o)erprote3te5 "imB Let "im see my rut"lessness 8ut not Hean2!lau5e?sB AAn5 9?m -oin- to t"e master?s tomorro% ni-"t. Dou are not lea)in- me 8e"in5 anymore.C ADou?re ri-"t@C 9 sai5. $"e ans%er seeme5 to surprise 8ot" o1 t"em. A91 you really 8elie)e t"at 9?5 kill someone ;ui3ker t"an Hean2!lau5e %oul5@ 9 "a)e o)erprote3te5 you. Dou "a)e to un5erstan5 "o% 5an-erous t"ey are@ Larry. Ho% 5ea5ly@ or some5ay 9 %on?t 8e aroun5 an5 you?ll -et kille5.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%ly. 7y stoma3" %as ti-"t %it" 1ear. 'ear t"at Larry %oul5 -et kille5 8e3ause 9?5 kept "im out o1 it. 9t %as somet"in- 9 "a5n?t anti3ipate5. A!ome on@ Hason@C Larry sai5. Hason stoo5 up. A/o. $omorro% you 3an 8e ass25eep in )ampires %it" me %at3"in-. :ntil you un5erstan5 "o% 5an-erous t"e monsters are@ 9 5on?t %ant you alone %it" t"em.C His eyes %ere an-ry an5 "urt. 9?5 un5er3ut "is 3on1i5en3e@ "is sel12esteem. But ... %"at else 3oul5 9 5oB Larry turne5 a8ruptly on "is "eel an5 le1t. He 5i5n?t ar-ue. He 5i5n?t say -oo58ye. He slamme5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im@ an5 9 1ou-"t an ur-e to 1ollo% "im. ="at 3oul5 9 sayB 9 leane5 my 1ore"ea5 a-ainst t"e 5oor@ an5 %"ispere5@ A4amn.C A4o 9 -et t"e 3ou3"BC Hason aske5. 9 turne5 an5 leane5 a-ainst t"e 5oor. 9 still "a5 t"e Bro%nin- in my "an5@ t"ou-" 9 %asn?t sure %"y anymore. 9 %as -ettintire5@ sloppy. A/o@ 9 -et t"e 3ou3".C A="ere 5o you %ant me@ t"enBC A9 5on?t 3areG >ust not near me.C He ran "is "an5s 5o%n t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8lanket@ runnin- t"e 3lot" 8et%een "is 1in-ers. A91 you?re really sleepin- out "ere@ 9?5 >ust as soon "a)e t"e 8e5.C A9t?s taken@C 9 sai5. AHo% 8i- is t"e 8e5BC AKin-2siEe@ 8ut %"at 5i11eren3e 5oes it makeBC

AHean2!lau5e %on?t min5 i1 9 s"are %it" "im. He?5 pre1er it %as you@ 8ut ... C He s"ru--e5. 9 looke5 at "im@ at "is tran;uil@ pleasant 1a3e. A9s t"is t"e 1irst time you?)e s"are5 a 8e5 %it" Hean2!lau5eBC A/o@C "e sai5. 9t must "a)e s"o%n on my 1a3e@ 8e3ause "e lo%ere5 t"e "i-" ne3k o1 t"e s%eater enou-" 1or me to see t%o 1an- marks. 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all an5 %alke5 3loser. !lose enou-" to see t"at t"e 8ite %as almost "eale5. ASometimes "e likes a sna3k %"en "e 1irst %akes up@C Hason sai5. AHesus@C 9 sai5. Hason let -o o1 t"e 3ollar@ an5 it sli5 o)er t"e 8ite like it %asn?t t"ere. $"e same %ay you?5 "i5e a "i3key. Hason sat t"ere lookin- "armless. He %as e*a3tly my "ei-"t@ an5 "a5 t"e 1a3e o1 a kno%le5-ea8le an-el. A<i3"ar5 5i5n?t let Hean2!lau5e sna3k on "im@C 9 sai5. A/o@C "e sai5. A/o. $"at?s all you "a)e to say.C A="at 5o you %ant me to say@ AnitaBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a se3on5. A9 %ant you to 8e outra-e5. An-ry.C A="yBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. AGo to 8e5@ Hason. Dou?re makin- me tire5.C He %ent into t"e 8e5room %it"out anot"er %or5. 9 5i5n?t peek to see i1 "e 3"an-e5 into a %ol1 an5 3urle5 up on t"e 3arpet@ or i1 "e 3ra%le5 into 8e5 8esi5e t"e 3orpse. /one o1 my 8usiness@ or at least not"in- 9 %ante5 to see.

Chapter Twenty
9 put t"e Bro%nin- un5er t"e pillo% %it" t"e sa1ety on. At "ome %it" t"e -un in t"e spe3ial "olster 9?5 a55e5 to t"e "ea58oar5 o1 t"e 8e5@ t"e sa1ety %oul5 "a)e 8een o11. But 9?5 look pretty silly i1 9 a33i5entally s"ot mysel1 5urin- t"e ni-"t2 5ay2tryin- to prote3t mysel1 1rom %ere%ol)es. $"e 'irestar 9 put un5er t"e 3ou3" 3us"ion@ sa1ety on. /ormally it %oul5 "a)e 8een in my lu--a-e@ 8ut 9 %as 1eelin- >ust a little inse3ure. $"e kni)es %ere in t"e lu--a-e. $"in-s %eren?t ;uite 5an-erous enou-" to %ear t"e %rist s"eat"s to 8e5. Besi5es@ t"ey %eren?t )ery 3om1orta8le@ not to sleep in@ any%ay. 9 "a5 >ust settle5 5o%n 1or a lon- 5ay?s sleep %"en 9 realiEe5 9 "a5n?t 3alle5 Spe3ial A-ent Bra51or5. 4amn. 9 t"re% t"e 8lanket 8a3k an5 pa55e5 to t"e telep"one in not"in- 8ut a ts"irt an5 un5ies. Des@ t"e Bro%nin- 3ame %it" me. 4oesn?t 5o you a 5amn 8it o1 -oo5 to "a)e a %eapon i1 it isn?t %it" you. 9 5iale5 t"e num8er an5 -ot no ans%er. 'an3y t"at. 4i5n?t e)eryone %ork t%enty21our "ours a 5ayB 9 "a5 "is 8eeper num8er. !oul5 t"e ne%s a8out Wa)ier %aitB =oul5 e)en "a)in- t"e name "elp t"emB A-ent Bra51or5 "a5 ma5e it )ery 3lear t"at 9 %as persona non -rata. 'irst@ 'reemont "a5 8la3k8alle5 meG se3on5@ t"e Nuinlans %ere t"reatenin- to sue e)ery8o5y unless 9 %as kept a%ay 1rom t"e 3ase. 9?5 5one su3" a 8an-2up >o8 prote3tin- t"eir 1amily@ t"ey 5i5n?t %ant a repeat. $"ey seeme5 to t"ink 9?5 -et t"eir son kille5. 'an3y t"at. 9 "a5 Bra51or5?s 8eeper num8er. He?5 -i)en stri3t or5ers t"at i1 9 1oun5 out anyt"in- 9 %as to tell "im@ an5 only "im. 7a5e me not %ant to tell "im a 8loo5y t"in-. But %"o %as 9 to say t"e 'B9 5i5n?t "a)e a )ampire 1ile some%"ereB 7ay8e t"e name %oul5 mean somet"in- to t"em. 7ay8e it %oul5 "elp t"em 1in5 He11. Besi5es@ Hean2!lau5e "a5n?t tol5 me not to -i)e Wa)ier?s name to t"e 3ops. 9 use5 t"e 8eeper num8er. 9 le1t my p"one num8er. /o% 9 3oul5 eit"er -o 8a3k to 8e5@ an5 let "is return 3all %ake me@ or 9 3oul5 sit in t"e 3"air 1or a 1e% minutes an5 %ait. 9 %aite5. $"e p"one ran- in un5er 1i)e minutes. 9 like a man %"o returns "is pa-es promptly. 9 sai5 AHello@C in 3ase it %asn?t "im. 9t %as. ASpe3ial A-ent Bra51or5. $"is num8er %as on my 8eeper.C His )oi3e %as rou-" %it" sleep. A$"is is Anita Blake.C A moment o1 silen3e@ t"en@ A4o you kno% %"at time it isBC A9 "a)en?t 8een to 8e5 yet@ so yea"@ 9 kno% %"at time it is.C Anot"er silen3e. A="at 5o you %ant@ 7s. BlakeBC 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%. Gettin- ma5 %oul5 not 8e "elp1ul. A9 "a)e a possi8le name 1or t"e )ampire t"at?s 8een slau-"terin- ki5s.C A="at?s t"e nameBC

AWa)ier.C ALast nameBC AVampires 5on?t "a)e last names@ as a -eneral rule.C A$"ank you 1or t"e name@ 7s. Blake. Ho% 5i5 you -et itBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a 1e% se3on5s. 9 3oul5n?t t"ink o1 a really -oo5 ans%er. A9t sort o1 1ell into my lap.C A="y 5on?t 9 8elie)e t"at@ 7s. BlakeB 9 t"ou-"t 9?5 ma5e mysel1 3lear t"is e)enin-. Dou are not to in)ol)e yoursel1 in t"is 3ase@ in any %ay.C ALook@ 9 5i5n?t "a)e to 3all@ 8ut 9 %ant He11 Nuinlan 8a3k ali)e. 9 t"ou-"t t"e 'B9 mi-"t 8e a8le to use t"e name o1 t"e )ampire %"o took "im.C A9 %ant to kno% "o% you -ot t"e name@C "e sai5. AAn in1ormant.C A9?5 like to talk to t"is in1ormant@C "e sai5. A/o@C 9 sai5. AAre you %it""ol5in- in1ormation 1rom a 1e5eral in)esti-ation@ 7s. BlakeBC A/o@ A-ent Bra51or5@ 9 am -oin- out o1 my %ay to s"are in1ormation.C He %as ;uiet a-ain. AAlri-"t@ 7s. Blake@ you?re ri-"t. $"ank you 1or t"e name. =e?ll run it in t"e 3omputers.C A$"is )ampire "as a "istory o1 "armin- prea5oles3ent 8oys. He?s a pe5op"ile.C AGoo5 lor5@ a )ampire pe5op"ile.C He 1inally soun5e5 -enuinely intereste5 in %"at 9 %as sayin-. AAn5 "e "as t"e Nuinlan 8oy.C ADea"@C 9 sai5. A9 %oul5 really like to talk to t"is sour3e o1 yours@C "e sai5. AHe?s a little s"y aroun5 t"e poli3e.C A9 3oul5 insist@ 7s. Blake. =e?)e -ot reports t"at a pri)ate >et 1le% in last ni-"t@ an5 a 3o11in -ot unloa5e5. 9t?s re-istere5 to a H. !. !orporation. $"ey seem to o%n a lot o1 )ampire2relate5@ St. Louis28ase5 8usinesses. 4o you kno% anyt"in- a8out t"at@ 7s. BlakeBC Lyin- to t"e 'B9 seeme5 like a 8a5 i5ea@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure %"at t"ey?5 5o %it" t"e trut". $"e 'e5s %ere in)esti-atin)ampire 3rime@ an5 su55enly a ne% )amp s"o%s up in to%n. $"e least t"ey %oul5 5o %as ;uestion "im. $"e %orst ... %ell@ t"ere %as t"e )ampire in 7ississippi t"at "a5 8een a33i5entally trans1erre5 to a 3ell %it" a %in5o%. $"e sun rose@ an5 ... 'ren3" 1rie5 )ampire. An A!L: la%yer "a5 sue5 t"e 3ops? asses@ an5 %on@ 8ut t"at 5i5n?t 8rin- t"e )amp 8a3k. A5mitte5ly t"e 5ea5 )amp %as one o1 t"e ne%ly 5ea5. Hean!lau5e %oul5 "a)e es3ape5 1airly easily@ 8ut >ust es3apin1rom t"e la% 8y usin- )ampire po%ers %oul5 -et a %arrant 1or "is arrest. Sort o1 like %"at %as "appenin- to 7a-nus. Besi5es@ a )ampire "a5 kille5 a 3op last ni-"t. $"e poli3e mi-"t not 8e terri8ly 3are1ul %it" any )ampire ri-"t no%. $"e poli3e are only "uman@ a1ter all. ADou still t"ere@ BlakeBC A9?m "ere.C ADou 5i5n?t ans%er my ;uestion.C A="ere %as t"e 3o11in 5eli)ere5BC 9 aske5. A9t %asn?t. 9t >ust 5isappeare5.C ASo %"at 5o you %ant 1rom meBC A$"ere %as some lu--a-e t"at %ent %it" it. $"e lu--a-e %as pi3ke5 up a little %"ile a-o 8y t%o youn- men. $"e 5es3ription o1 one o1 t"em soun5s a lot like Larry Kirklan5.C A9s t"at soBC A$"at?s so.C =e 8ot" sat on our en5s o1 t"e p"one %aitin- 1or someone to say somet"in-. A9 3oul5 sen5 some a-ents 5o%n to your "otel room.C A$"ere are no 3o11ins in my "otel room@ A-ent Bra51or5.C ADou sure o1 t"at@ BlakeBC A7y "an5 to Go5.C A4o you kno% %"o runs t"is H. !. !orporationBC

A/o.C 9t %as t"e trut". :ntil Bra51or5 tol5 me a8out it@ 9?5 ne)er "ear5 o1 t"e H. !. !orporation. 9t %oul5 only "a)e 8een an e5u3ate5 -uess i1 9?5 sai5 Hean2!lau5e o%ne5 it. #kay@ 9 %as 1oolin- mysel1@ 8ut so %"atB A4o you kno% %"ere t"e 3o11in %as 5eli)ere5BC "e aske5. A/ope.C A=oul5 you tell me i1 you kne%BC A91 it %oul5 "elp 1in5 He11 Nuinlan@ you 8et.C AAlri-"t@ Blake@ 8ut no more "elpin-. Stay t"e 1u3k out o1 t"is 3ase. ="en %e 1in5 t"e )ampires %e?ll 3all you in@ an5 you 3an 5o your >o8. Dou?re a )ampire "unter@ not a 3op. $ry to remem8er t"at.C A'ine@C 9 sai5. AGoo5. /o% 9?m -oin- 8a3k to sleep. 9 su--est you 5o t"e same. =e?ll 1in5 t"e )ampires to5ay@ Blake. An5 let?s >ust say 9 5on?t 8elie)e e)eryt"in- 'reemont sai5. =e?ll 3all you in 1or t"e kill.C A$"anks.C AGoo5 ni-"t@ Blake.C AGoo5 ni-"t@ Bra51or5.C =e "un- up. 9 sat t"ere 1or a minute@ >ust lettin- it all sink in. 91 t"ey 1oun5 Hean2!lau5e in my room@ %"at %oul5 t"ey 5oB 9?5 seen t"e 3ops pop a 3omatose )ampire in a 8o5y 8a-@ transport it to t"e station "ouse@ an5 %ait 1or ni-"t1all to ;uestion it. 9?5 t"ou-"t it %as a 8a5 i5ea 8e3ause t"e )amp %oul5 %ake up pisse5. 9t 5i5. 9 en5e5 up killin- it. 9?)e al%ays 1elt 8a5 a8out t"at parti3ular kill. 9t %as an out2o12state >o8. $"e lo3al 3ops in)ite5 me in to a5)ise t"em. #n3e %e 1oun5 t"e )amp@ t"ey stoppe5 listenin- to my a5)i3e. <emin5e5 me o1 no%. $"at )ampire "a5 also >ust 8een 8rou-"t in 1or ;uestionin-. 9 %as su55enly tire5. 9t %as like t"e entire ni-"t >ust "it me in one -rin5in- %a)e. Sleep 5ra--e5 at me. 9 "a5 to -o to sleep. 9 3oul5n?t "elp He11 Nuinlan@ or any8o5y else@ until 9?5 "a5 a 1e% "ours o1 sleep. Besi5es@ may8e t"e 'e5s %oul5 1in5 "im. Stran-er t"in-s "a5 "appene5. 9 le1t a %ake2up 3all %it" t"e 5esk 1or noon@ an5 3u55le5 un5er t"e 8lanket. $"e Bro%nin- %as lumpy un5er t"e pillo%. At least 9 3oul5n?t 1eel t"e 'irestar un5er t"e 3ou3" 3us"ion. 9 "al1 %is"e5 9?5 pa3ke5 Si-mun5@ my stu11e5 toy pen-uin@ 8ut some"o% "a)in- Hean2!lau5e or Hason 1in5 me sleepin- %it" a stu11e5 toy 8ot"ere5 me almost as mu3" as t"em tryin- to eat me. ="at pri3e ma3"ismoB

Chapter Twenty-one
Someone %as 8an-in- on t"e 5oor. 9 opene5 my eyes to a room 1ille5 %it" so1t@ in5ire3t sunli-"t. $"e 3urtains in "ere %eren?t nearly as t"i3k as t"e ones in t"e 8e5room. ="i3" %as %"y 9 %as out "ere an5 Hean2!lau5e %as in t"ere. 9 stru--le5 into t"e >eans 9?5 le1t on t"e 1loor an5 yelle5@ A9?m 3omin-.C $"e 8an-in- stoppe5@ t"en it soun5e5 like t"ey ki3ke5 t"e 5oor. =as t"is a 1e5eral %ake2up 3allB 9 %ent to t"e 5oor %it" t"e Bro%nin- in my "an5. Some"o% 9 5i5n?t t"ink t"e 'B9 %oul5 8e so ru5e. 9 stoo5 to t"e si5e o1 t"e 5oor an5 aske5@ A="o is itBC A9t?s 4or3as Bou)ier.C S"e ki3ke5 t"e 5oor a-ain. A#pen t"is 5amn 5oor.C 9 peeke5 t"rou-" t"e little peep"ole. 9t %as 4or3as Bou)ier@ or "er e)il t%in. S"e 5i5n?t "a)e a %eapon in si-"t. 9 %as pro8a8ly sa1e. 9 put t"e Bro%nin- un5er t"e t2s"irt in t"e %aist8an5 o1 my pants. $"e t2s"irt %as a lar-e an5 1ell to mi5t"i-". 9t "i5 t"e -un an5 t"en some. 9 unlo3ke5 t"e 5oor an5 stoo5 to one si5e. 4or3as s"o)e5 t"e 5oor open@ lea)in- it s%in-in- open 8e"in5 "er. 9 3lose5 an5 lo3ke5 t"e 5oor@ leanin- a-ainst it %at3"in- "er. 4or3as stalke5 t"rou-" t"e room like some sort o1 e*oti3 3at. Her %aist2len-t"@ 3"estnut "air s%un- like a 3urtain as s"e mo)e5. S"e 1inally turne5 an5 -lare5 at me %it" t"ose sea2-reen eyes t"at %ere a mirror o1 "er 8rot"er?s. $"e pupil "a5 spirale5 5o%n%ar5 to a pinpoint@ lea)in- t"e irises 1loatin- an5 makin- "er look almost 8lin5. A="ere is "eBC A="ere?s %"oBC 9 aske5. S"e -lare5 at me an5 %ent 1or t"e 8e5room 5oor. 9 3oul5n?t -et t"ere in time to stop "er@ an5 9 %asn?t %illin- to s"oot "er yet. ="en 9 3ame up 8e"in5 "er s"e %as t%o steps into t"e 8e5room@ 8a3k ri-i5@ starin- at t"e 8e5. 9t %as %ort" starin- at. Hean2!lau5e lay on "is 8a3k %it" t"e %ine25ark s"eets pulle5 up to mi523"est. #ne s"oul5er an5 a pale@ pale arm %ere stret3"e5 a3ross t"e 5ark s"eets. 9n t"e semi5arkness "is "air 8len5e5 %it" t"e pillo% to lea)e "is 1a3e %"ite an5 nearly et"ereal.

Hason lay on "is stoma3". $"e only t"in-s un5er t"e s"eet %ere one le- an5@ 8arely@ "is 8utto3ks. 91 "e %as %earin3lot"es@ 9 3oul5n?t tell. He raise5 up on "is el8o%s an5 turne5 to us. His yello% "air "a5 1allen into "is 1a3e@ an5 "e 8linke5 like "e?5 8een 5eeply asleep. He smile5 %"en "e sa% 4or3as Bou)ier. A9t isn?t 7a-nus@C s"e sai5. A/o@C 9 sai5@ Ait isn?t. Dou %ant to talk outsi5eBC A4on?t -o on my a33ount@C Hason sai5. He rolle5 onto one el8o%. $"e silken s"eet sli5 a3ross "is "ips as "e mo)e5. 4or3as Bou)ier turne5 on "er "eel an5 mar3"e5 out o1 t"e room. 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor to t"e soun5 o1 Hason?s lau-"ter. 4or3as looke5 s"aken@ em8arrasse5 e)en. Goo5 to see. 9 %as em8arrasse5@ too@ 8ut 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o a8out it. $ryin- to e*plain your %ay out o1 situations like t"is ne)er %orks. People are al%ays %illin- to 8elie)e t"e %orst o1 you. So 9 5i5n?t try. 9 >ust stoo5 t"ere lookin- at "er. S"e %oul5n?t meet my eyes. A1ter a ni3e un3om1orta8le silen3e t"at 3ause5 "eat to %as" up "er 1a3e@ s"e sai5@ A9 5on?t kno% %"at to say. 9 t"ou-"t my 8rot"er %as in t"ere. 9 ... C S"e met my eyes 1inally. S"e %as alrea5y re-ainin- "er 3omposure@ "er surety o1 purpose. Dou 3oul5 %at3" it soli5i1y in "er eyes. S"e %as "ere 1or more t"an roustin- "er 8rot"er out o1 my 8e5. A="y in t"e %orl5 %oul5 you t"ink 7a-nus %as "ereBC A7ay 9 sit 5o%nBC 9 motione5 "er to a seat. S"e sat in one o1 t"e 3"airs@ spine )ery strai-"t@ per1e3t posture. 7y stepmot"er@ Hu5it"@ %oul5 "a)e 8een prou5. 9 leane5 on t"e arm o1 t"e 3ou3" 8e3ause 9 3oul5n?t sit 5o%n %it" t"e Bro%nin- 5o%n my pants. 9 %asn?t sure "o% s"e?5 take me 8ein- arme5@ so 9 5i5n?t %ant to s"o% t"e -un. Some people 1reeEe up aroun5 1irearms. Go 1i-ure. A9 kno% 7a-nus %as %it" you last ni-"t.C A=it" meBC 9 sai5. A9 5on?t mean ... C Heat 3rept up "er 1a3e a-ain. A9 5on?t mean %it" you. 9 mean 9 kno% you sa% "im last ni-"t.C AHe tell you t"atBC S"e s"ook "er "ea5@ makin- "er "air sli5e like 1ur o)er "er s"oul5ers. 9t %as eerily reminis3ent o1 7a-nus. A9 sa% you to-et"er.C 9 stu5ie5 "er 1a3e@ tryin- to rea5 past t"e em8arrassment. ADou %eren?t t"ere last ni-"t.C A="ereBC s"e aske5. 9 1ro%ne5 at "er. AHo% 5i5 you see usBC ADou a5mit you sa% "im last ni-"t@ t"en@C s"e sai5. Her ea-erness 3ame 8a3k in a rus". A="at 9 %ant to kno% is "o% you sa% us to-et"er.C S"e took a 5eep 8reat". A$"at?s my 8usiness.C A7a-nus sai5 "is sister %as 8etter at )isions t"an "e %as. 9s t"at trueBC A="at 5i5n?t "e tell youBC s"e aske5. S"e %as an-ry a-ain. Her emotions seeme5 to 3olli5e@ spinnin- too 1ast o)er "er 1a3e an5 )oi3e. AHe 5i5n?t tell me %"y "e ran 1rom t"e poli3e.C S"e looke5 5o%n at "er "an5s@ 1ol5e5 in "er lap. A9 5on?t kno% %"y "e ran it 5oesn?t make any sense.C S"e looke5 8a3k up at me. A9 kno% "e 5i5n?t kill t"ose 3"il5ren.C A9 a-ree@C 9 sai5. Surprise s"o%e5 on "er 1a3e. A9 t"ou-"t you tol5 t"e poli3e "e 5i5 it.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ 9 tol5 t"em "e 3oul5 "a)e 5one it. 9 ne)er sai5 "e 5i5 it.C ABut ... $"e 5ete3ti)e %as so sure. S"e sai5 you?5 tol5 "er.C 9 3urse5 so1tly un5er my 8reat". A4ete3ti)e 'reemontBC ADes.C A4on?t 8elie)e e)eryt"in- s"e tells you@ espe3ially a8out me. S"e 5oesn?t seem to like me )ery mu3".C A91 you 5i5n?t tell t"em@ t"en %"y are t"ey so sure 7a-nus 5i5 t"ese "orri8le t"in-sB He %oul5 "a)e no reason to kill t"ese people.C 9 s"ru--e5. A7a-nus isn?t %ante5 1or t"e killin-s anymore. 4i5n?t any8o5y tell you t"atBC S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A/o. Dou mean "e 3an 3ome 8a3k "omeBC 9 si-"e5. A9t?s not t"at simple. 7a-nus use5 -lamor on t"e poli3e to es3ape. $"at?s a 1elony all on its o%n. $"e 3ops %ill kill "im on si-"t@ 7s. Bou)ier. $"ey 5on?t mess aroun5 %"ere ma-i3 is 3on3erne5. !an?t say 9 8lame t"em.C

A9 sa% t"e t%o o1 you talkin- outsi5e un5er t"e sky.C A9 5i5 see "im last ni-"t.C A4i5 you tell t"e poli3eBC A/o.C S"e stare5 at me. A="y notBC A7a-nus is pro8a8ly -uilty o1 somet"in-@ or "e %oul5n?t "a)e run@ 8ut "e 5eser)es 8etter treatment t"an "e?s -ettin-.C ADes@C s"e sai5@ A"e 5oes.C A="at ma5e you t"ink "e?5 8e in my 8e5BC S"e looke5 5o%n at "er lap a-ain. A7a-nus 3an 8e )ery persuasi)e. 9 3an?t remem8er t"e last time a %oman tol5 "im no. 9 apolo-iEe 1or assumin- t"at a8out you.C S"e stoppe5@ -lan3e5 to%ar5s t"e 8e5room@ t"en 8a3k to me. S"e 8lus"e5 a-ain. 9 %as not -oin- to e*plain "o% 9 en5e5 up %it" t%o males in my 8e5. Surely it %as o8)ious 1rom t"e 8lanket an5 pillo% t"at 9?5 slept out "ere. Surely. A="at 5o you %ant 1rom me@ 7s. Bou)ierBC A9 %ant to 1in5 7a-nus 8e1ore "e -ets "imsel1 kille5. 9 t"ou-"t you 3oul5 "elp me. Ho% 3oul5 you "a)e 8etraye5 7a-nus to t"e poli3eB Surely you kno% %"at it?s like to 8e 5i11erent.C 9 %ante5 to ask i1 it s"o%e5@ i1 s"e 3oul5 see A/e3roman3erC %ritten a3ross my 1ore"ea5@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 91 t"e ans%er %as yes@ 9 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 to kno%. A91 "e "a5n?t run a%ay@ t"ey %oul5 "a)e simply ;uestione5 "im. $"ey 5i5n?t "a)e enou-" to arrest "im. 4o you "a)e any i5ea %"y "e ranBC S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A9?)e trie5 to t"ink o1 somet"in-@ anyt"in-@ 8ut it 5oesn?t make any sense to me@ 7s. Blake. 7y 8rot"er is a little amoral@ 8ut "e?s not a 8a5 man.C 9 %asn?t sure you 3oul5 8e a little amoral@ 8ut 9 let it sli5e. A91 "e turns "imsel1 in to me@ 9?ll %alk "im into t"e poli3e station. But s"ort o1 t"at@ 9 5on?t kno% %"at 9 3an 5o.C A9?)e 8een e)ery%"ere 9 3an t"ink o1@ 8ut "e?s >ust not t"ere. 9 e)en 3"e3ke5 t"e moun5.C A$"e moun5BC 9 aske5. S"e stare5 up at me. AHe 5i5n?t tell you a8out t"e 3reatureBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out lyin- to see i1 9 3oul5 -et in1ormation@ 8ut t"e look in "er eyes tol5 me 9?5 8lo%n it. AHe 5i5n?t mention any 3reature.C A#1 3ourseG i1 "e "a5 tol5 you@ t"e poli3e %oul5 8e 5o%n t"ere %it" 5ynamite. 4ynamite %on?t kill it@ 8ut it %oul5 s3re% our ma-i3al %ar5s si* %ays to Sun5ay.C A="at 3reatureBC 9 aske5. A9s t"ere anyt"in- 7a-nus tol5 you t"at you 5i5n?t tell t"e poli3eBC 4or3as aske5. 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a se3on5. A/o.C AHe %as ri-"t not to tell you.C A7ay8e@ 8ut 9?m tryin- to "elp "im no%.C A4o you "a)e a -uilty 3ons3ien3eBC s"e aske5. A7ay8e@C 9 sai5. S"e looke5 at me. Her pupils "a5 resur1a3e5@ an5 s"e looke5 almost normal. Almost. AHo% 3an 9 trust youBC ADou pro8a8ly 3an?t. But 9 5o %ant to "elp 7a-nus. Please talk to me@ 7s. Bou)ier.C A9 "a)e to "a)e your %or5 t"at you %on?t tell t"e poli3e. 9 am serious@ 7s. Blake. 91 t"e poli3e inter1ere@ t"ey 3oul5 loose t"e t"in- an5 people %oul5 5ie.C 9 5e8ate5 8ut 3oul5n?t see any reason t"e poli3e %oul5 nee5 to kno%. A#kay@ 9 -i)e you my %or5.C A9 may not "a)e 7a-nus?s %ay %it" -lamor@ 8ut an oat" to one o1 t"e 1ey is a serious matter@ 7s. Blake. Lyin- to us ten5s to -o 8a5ly.C A9s t"at a t"reatBC A$"ink o1 it as a %arnin-.C $"e air mo)e5 8et%een us like "eat risin- o11 a roa5. Her eyes s%irle5 like miniature %"irlpools. 7ay8e 9 s"oul5 "a)e s"o%n "er my -un. A4on?t t"reaten me@ 4or3as. 9?m not in t"e moo5.C

$"e ma-i3 seeme5 to seep a%ay like %ater runnin- into a 3ra3k in t"e ro3ks. Dou kne% it %as still t"ere@ 8elo% t"e sur1a3e. But 1or someone %"o "a5 8een t"reatene5 8y %ere%ol)es an5 )ampires@ s"e pale5 in 3omparison. 7a-nus seeme5 to "a)e most o1 t"e talent in t"e 1amily. #n t"e s3ale o1 s3ariness@ 7a-nus %as up t"ere. AHust so %e un5erstan5 ea3" ot"er@ 7s. Blake. 91 you tell t"e poli3e an5 t"ey let loose t"e 3reature@ t"e 5eat"s %ill 8e on your "ea5.C AAlri-"t@ 9?m impresse5G no% tell me a8out it.C A4i5 7a-nus tell you a8out our an3estor@ Llyn Bou)ierBC ADea"@ "e %as t"e 1irst ,uropean in t"is area. He marrie5 into t"e lo3al tri8e. !on)erte5 t"em to !"ristianity. He %as also 1ey.C S"e no55e5. AHe 8rou-"t anot"er 1ey %it" "im.C AA %i1eBC 9 aske5. A/o@ "e "a5 3apture5 one o1 t"e less intelli-ent 1airies. He imprisone5 it in a ma-i3ally 3onstru3te5 8o*. 9t es3ape5 an5 slau-"tere5 nearly t"e entire tri8e %e?re 5es3en5e5 1rom. He 1inally mana-e5 to 3ontain it %it" t"e "elp o1 an 9n5ian s"aman@ or priest@ 8ut "e ne)er re-aine5 3ontrol o)er it. $"e 8est "e 3oul5 5o %as to imprison it.C A="at kin5 o1 1airie 5i5 "e 8rin- o)erBC ABloo5y Bones isn?t >ust t"e name o1 our 8ar@C s"e sai5. A9t?s s"ort 1or <a%"ea5 an5 Bloo5y Bones.C 7y eyes %i5ene5. ABut t"at?s a nursery 8o--leG %"y %oul5 your an3estor %ant to 3apture oneB $"ey 5on?t "a)e any treasure@ or %is"es@ to -i)e out. #r am 9 %ron- on t"atBC A/o@ you?re ;uite 3orre3t. Bloo5y Bones "as no ri3"es or -entle ma-i3 to -rant %is"es.C A$"en %"y 3apture itBC A7ost 3"il5ren 8orn o1 "uman an5 1airie 8loo5 5on?t "a)e a lot o1 ma-i3.C A$"at?s %"at t"e le-en5s say@C 9 sai5@ A8ut 7a-nus pro)es t"at %ron-.C ALlyn Bou)ier ma5e a sort o1 pa3t 1or "imsel1 an5 "is 5es3en5ants. =e %oul5 all "a)e 1ey po%er@ at a pri3e.C S"e %as 5ra--in- t"is out@ an5 9 %as tire5. AHust tell me@ 7s. Bou)ier. $"e suspense is -ettin- irritatin-.C AHas it e)er o33urre5 to you t"at t"is mi-"t 8e em8arrassin- 1or me to a5mitBC s"e aske5. A/oG i1 t"at?s t"e 3ase@ 9 apolo-iEe.C A7y an3estor imprisone5 Bloo5y Bones so "e 3oul5 make a potion o1 its 8loo5. But t"e potion "a5 to 8e rema5e perio5i3ally@ retaken@ or "is ma-i3 5eserte5 "im.C 9 stare5 at "er. AHo% 5i5 t"e ot"er 1ey take t"is little i5eaBC AHe %as 1or3e5 to 1lee ,urope@ or t"ey %oul5 "a)e kille5 "im. 9t is 1or8i55en amon- us to use ea3" ot"er like t"at.C A9 3an see %"y.C AHis 8ar8ari3 a3t -a)e us -lamor. Po%er. But it %as still pur3"ase5 8y 8loo5@ 7s. Blake. A1ter <a%"ea5 an5 Bloo5y Bones %as imprisone5@ my an3estor -a)e up "is potion. He 1inally sa% it as e)il. $"ou-" "is po%er 1a5e5@ "is 3"il5ren "a5 t"e po%er o1 1airie in t"eir 8loo5. So "ere %e are@C s"e sai5. ASo you?)e -ot <a%"ea5 an5 Bloo5y Bones "i55en in some ma-i3 8o* some%"ereBC 9 aske5. S"e smile5@ an5 it ma5e "er 1a3e seem su55enly youn- an5 lo)ely. 9 "a5 no %ay o1 >u5-in- "er a-e. 9 3oul5n?t see a line on "er 1a3e. A="en t"e ma-i3 1aile5 t"e 1irst time@ <a%"ea5 an5 Bloo5y Bones -re% to its 1ull siEe. 9t is 8i--er t"an a person@ almost as 8i- as a -iant. 9t is imprisone5 in a moun5 o1 eart" an5 ma-i3.C ADou say it nearly %ipe5 out an entire tri8e %ay 8a3k %"enBC S"e no55e5. 9 si-"e5. A9 "a)e to see %"ere it?s imprisone5.C ADou promise5 ... C A9 promise5 not to tell t"e poli3e@ 8ut you?)e >ust tol5 me t"ere?s a -iant2siEe5 3reature 3apa8le o1 mass 5estru3tion imprisone5 near "ere. 9 "a)e to see t"at it?s se3ure@ t"at it?s not -oin- to 8reak out an5 start slau-"terin- people.C A9 assure you@ 7s. Blake@ our 1amily "as mana-e5 1or 3enturies. =e kno% %"at %e?re 5oin-.C A91 9 3an?t tell t"e 3ops@ 9 "a)e to see 1or mysel1.C S"e stoo5 up@ tryin- to use "er "ei-"t to intimi5ate me. S"e %asn?t e)en 3lose. AAn5 you?ll 8rin- t"e poli3e@ ri-"tB 4o you t"ink 9?m t"at stupi5BC A9 %on?t 8rin- t"e 3ops@ 7s. Bou)ier@ 8ut 9 "a)e to see it. 91 it 5oes 8reak out an5 9 5i5n?t %arn t"e 3ops@ t"en it %oul5 8e my 1ault t"at no one %as prepare5.C

ADou 3an?t prepare 1or Bloo5y Bones@C s"e sai5. A9t is immortal@ 7s. Blake@ truly immortal. 9t 3annot 5ie. Dou 3oul5 3ut o11 its "ea5 an5 it %oul5 not 5ie. $"e poli3e 3an 5o not"in- 8ut make t"in-s %orse.C S"e "a5 a point. A9 still nee5 to see 1or mysel1.C ADou are a stu88orn %oman.C ADea"@ 9 3an 8e a real pain in t"e ass@ 7s. Bou)ier. Let?s not 5an3e@ >ust take me to see t"e prison@ an5 i1 it?s se3ure 9?ll lea)e you to it.C A91 it?s not se3ure enou-" 1or youBC s"e aske5. A=e 3onta3t a %it3" an5 see %"at s"e re3ommen5s.C S"e 1ro%ne5. ADou %oul5n?t >ust -o to t"e poli3eBC A91 my "ome %as ro88e5@ 9?5 3all t"e 3ops. 91 9 nee5 "elp %it" ma-i3@ 9 3all some8o5y %"o 3an 5o ma-i3.C ADou are a stran-e %oman@ 7s. Blake. 9 5on?t un5erstan5 you.C A$"ere?s a lot o1 t"at -oin- aroun5@C 9 sai5. A4o 9 -et to see %"ere <a%"ea5 an5 Bloo5y Bones is 8urie5@ or notBC AAlri-"t@ 9?ll s"o% you.C A="enBC A=it"out 7a-nus %e?re s"ort"an5e5 at t"e 8ar@ so not to5ay. !ome to t"e 8ar aroun5 t"ree tomorro%. 9?ll take you 1rom t"ere.C A9 "a)e a 3o%orker t"at 9?5 like to 8rin- alon-@C 9 sai5. A#ne o1 t"ose in t"e 8e5roomBC A/o.C A="y 5o you %ant to 8rin- "imBC ABe3ause 9?m trainin- "im@ an5 %"en %ill "e e)er -et to see 1ey ma-i3 a-ainBC S"e seeme5 to t"ink a8out it 1or a minute@ t"en no55e5. AAlri-"t@ you may 8rin- one ot"er person %it" you@ 8ut no more.C A$rust me@ 7s. Bou)ier@ one is plenty.C A7y 1rien5s 3all me 4orrie@C s"e sai5. S"e "el5 out "er "an5. A9?m Anita.C 9 s"ook "er "an5. S"e "a5 a ni3e@ 1irm -rip 1or a %oman. Se*ist 8ut true. 7ost %omen 5on?t seem to kno% "o% to -i)e a -oo5 "an5s"ake. S"e "el5 my "an5 lon-er t"an s"e "a5 to. ="en s"e took "er "an5 8a3k@ 9 remem8ere5 7a-nus?s 3lair)oyan3e. 4orrie turne5 t"ose %i5e@ eerie eyes to me. S"e "el5 "er "an5 to "er 3"est like it "urt. A9 see 8loo5@ an5 pain@ an5 5eat". 9t 1ollo%s you like a 3lou5@ Anita Blake.C 9 %at3"e5 "orror seep into "er eyes. Horror at t"e 8rie1 -limpse s"e?5 "a5 o1 me@ my li1e@ my past. 9 5i5n?t look a%ay. 91 you?re not as"ame5@ you 5on?t nee5 to look a%ay. Sometimes 9 %oul5 pre1er a 5i11erent line o1 %ork@ 8ut it?s %"at 9 5o@ %"o 9 am. $"e look 1a5e5 1rom "er eyes@ an5 s"e 8linke5. A9 %on?t un5erestimate you@ Anita.C 4orrie looke5 normal a-ain@ or as normal as s"e "a5 %"en s"e 1irst 3ame in@ %"i3" %asn?t )ery. /o% 1or t"e 1irst time 9 looke5 at "er an5 %on5ere5 i1 9 %as seein- %"at %as really t"ere. =as s"e usin- -lamor on me no%@ to appear normalB $o appear less po%er1ul t"an s"e %asB A9?ll return t"e 1a)or@ 4orrie.C S"e 1las"e5 me t"at lo)ely smile a-ain t"at ma5e "er seem youn- an5 )ulnera8le. 9llusion@ may8eB A:ntil tomorro%@ t"en.C A:ntil tomorro%@C 9 sai5. S"e le1t@ an5 9 lo3ke5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "er. So 7a-nus?s 1amily %ere t"e -uar5ians o1 a monster. Ha5 t"at "a5 somet"into 5o %it" %"y "e ranB 4orrie 5i5n?t t"ink it %as a reason. S"e s"oul5 kno%. But t"ere %as a 1eelin- in t"e room o1 po%er -ently mo)in- on t"e air 3urrents. A 1aint %"i11 o1 ma-i3 tra3e5 t"e air like per1ume@ an5 9 "a5n?t kno%n it until >ust 8e1ore s"e le1t. 7ay8e 4orrie %as >ust as -oo5 %it" -lamor as 7a-nus@ >ust more su8tle. !oul5 9 really trust 4orrie Bou)ierB Hmmm. ="y "a5 9 aske5 i1 Larry 3oul5 -o alon-B Be3ause 9 kne% it %oul5 please "im. 9t mi-"t e)en make up 1or treatin- "im so 8a5ly in 1ront o1 Hason. But stan5in- t"ere@ sensin- 4orrie Bou)ier?s po%er "an-in- like a -"ost in t"e air@ 9 %asn?t sure it %as a -oo5 i5ea. #"@ "ell@ 9 kne% it %asn?t@ 8ut 9 %as -oin-@ an5 Larry %oul5 -o@ too. He "a5 a ri-"t to -o. He e)en "a5 a ri-"t to en5an-er "imsel1. 9 3oul5n?t keep "im sa1e 1ore)er. He %as -oin- to "a)e to learn to take 3are o1 "imsel1. 9 "ate5 it@ 8ut 9 kne% it %as true. 9 %asn?t rea5y to 3ut t"e apron strin-s@ 8ut 9 %as -oin- to "a)e to len-t"en t"em a 8it. 9 %as -oin- to -i)e Larry t"e pro)er8ial rope. Here %as "opin- "e 5i5n?t "an- "imsel1.

Chapter Twenty-two
9 slept most o1 t"e 5ay@ an5 %"en 9 %oke up@ 9 5is3o)ere5 t"at no8o5y %oul5 let me 3ome play. ,)ery8o5y %as runnins3are5 o1 t"e Nuinlan la%suit@ an5 9 %as persona non -rata e)ery%"ere 9 trie5 to -o. A-ent Bra51or5 sent me pa3kin-@ an5 t"reatene5 to "a)e me >aile5 1or o8stru3tion o1 >usti3e an5 "amperin- a poli3e in)esti-ation. $"at?s -ratitu5e 1or you. $"e 5ay %as a 8ust. $"e only person %"o %oul5 talk to me %as 4olp". All "e 3oul5 tell me %as t"at t"ey "a5n?t 1oun5 any si-n o1 He11 Nuinlan@ or "is sister?s 8o5y. /o one "a5 seen 7a-nus eit"er. $"e 3ops %ere ;uestionin- people@ sear3"in- 1or 3lues@ %"ile 9 t%i55le5 my t"um8s@ 8ut neit"er o1 us 3ame up %it" anyt"in- use1ul. 9 %at3"e5 5arkness 1all %it" a sense o1 relie1G at least no% %e 3oul5 -et on %it" it. Larry "a5 -one 8a3k to "is room. 9 "a5n?t aske5. 7ay8e "e %ante5 to -i)e me some pri)a3y %it" Hean2!lau5e. S3ary t"ou-"t@ t"at. At least Larry %as talkinto me. /i3e t"at someone %as. 9 opene5 t"e 5rapes an5 %at3"e5 t"e -lass turn 8la3k. 9?5 8rus"e5 my teet" in Larry?s room to5ay. 7y o%n 8at"room %as su55enly o11 limits. 9 >ust 5i5n?t %ant to see Hason nake5@ an5 9 3ertainly 5i5n?t %ant to see Hean2!lau5e. So@ 9 8orro%e5 part o1 Larry?s room 1or t"e 5ay. 9 "ear5 t"e 8e5room 5oor open 8ut 5i5n?t turn. Some"o% 9 kne% %"o it %as. AHello@ Hean2!lau5e.C AGoo5 e)enin-@ ma petite.C 9 turne5. $"e room %as almost in 5arkness. $"e only li-"t %as 1rom t"e streetli-"ts outsi5e@ an5 t"e -lo%in- si-n o1 t"e "otel. Hean2!lau5e steppe5 into t"at 1aint -lo%. His s"irt "a5 a 3ollar so "i-" it 3o)ere5 "is ne3k 3ompletely. 7ot"er2o12 pearl 8uttons 1astene5 t"e "i-" 3ollar so t"at "is 1a3e %as 1rame5 8y t"e %"ite@ %"ite 1a8ri3. $"ere must "a)e 8een a 5oEen 8uttons -leamin- 5o%n t"e pleate5 1ront o1 "is s"irt. A 8la3k %aist2"i-" >a3ket t"at %as almost too 8la3k to 8e seen "i5 t"e slee)es. #nly t"e s"irt?s 3u11s s"o%e5G %i5e an5 sti11@ 3o)erin- "al1 "is "an5. He raise5 a "an5 to t"e li-"t an5 t"e 3u11s 8ent 8a3k un5erneat" to -i)e "is "an5 a 1ull ran-e o1 motion. His ti-"t 8la3k pants %ere stu11e5 into anot"er pair o1 8la3k 8oots. $"ey 3ame all t"e %ay up "is le-s@ so t"at "e %as en3ase5 in leat"erG 8la3k on 8la3k 8u3kle5 straps "el5 t"e so1t leat"er in pla3e. A4o you like itBC "e aske5. ADea"@ it?s spi11y.C ASpi11yBC $"ere %as an e5-e o1 "umor to t"at one %or5. ADou >ust 3an?t take a 3ompliment@C 9 sai5. A7y apolo-ies@ ma petite. 9t %as a 3ompliment. $"ank you.C A4on?t mention it. !an %e -o -et your 3o11in no%BC He steppe5 out o1 t"e li-"t@ so 9 3oul5n?t see "is 1a3e. ADou make it soun5 so simple@ ma petite.C A9sn?t itBC Silen3e t"en@ so t"i3k t"e room 1elt empty. 9 almost 3alle5 out to "imG instea5 9 %alke5 to t"e 8ar an5 turne5 on t"e tra3k li-"tin- a8o)e it. $"e so1t %"ite li-"t -lo%e5 in t"e 5ark like a li-"te5 3a)e. 9 1elt 8etter %it" t"e li-"t. But %it" my 8a3k to %"ere 9 t"ou-"t "e s"oul5 8e@ 9 3oul5n?t sense Hean2!lau5e. $"e room 1elt empty. 9 turne5 an5 t"ere "e %as@ sittin- in one o1 t"e 3"airs. ,)en %"en 9 looke5 at "im@ t"ere %as no sense o1 mo)ement. 9t %as like a stop2a3tion pi3ture %aitin- 1or t"e s%it3" to -o on. A9 %is" you %oul5n?t 5o t"at@C 9 sai5. He turne5 "is "ea5 an5 looke5 at me. His eyes %ere soli5 5arkness. $"e 1aint li-"t pi3ke5 up 8lue sparks 1rom t"em. A4o %"at@ ma petiteBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/ot"in-. ="at?s so 3ompli3ate5 a8out toni-"tB 9 1eel like you?re not tellin- me e)eryt"in-.C He stoo5 in one smoot" motion almost like "e skippe5 part o1 t"e pro3ess@ an5 %as >ust su55enly on "is 1eet. A9t is %it"in our rules 1or Serep"ina to 3"allen-e me toni-"t.C A9s t"at t"e master?s name@ Serep"inaBC He no55e5. ADou 5on?t t"ink 9?ll tell t"e 3opsBC A9 %ill take you to "er@ ma petite. $"ere %ill 8e no time 1or your impatien3e to make you 1oolis".C 91 9?5 8een stu3k "ere all 5ay %it" not"in- mu3" to 5o@ 8ut "a5 "a5 t"e name@ %oul5 9 "a)e trie5 to 1in5 "er on my o%nB Dea"@ 9 %oul5 "a)e. A'ine@ let?s -o.C He pa3e5 t"e room@ smilin- an5 s"akin- "is "ea5. A7a petite@ 5o you un5erstan5 %"at it %ill mean i1 s"e 3"allen-es me toni-"tBC A9t means %e 1i-"t t"em@ ri-"tBC

He stoppe5 pa3in- an5 3ame into t"e li-"t. He sli5 onto one o1 t"e 8ar stools. A$"ere is no 1ear in you@ none.C 9 s"ru--e5. ABein- a1rai5 5oesn?t "elp. Bein- prepare5 5oes. Are you a1rai5 o1 "erBC 9 looke5 at "im@ tryin- to rea5 t"at lo)ely mask. A9 5o not 1ear "er po%er. 9 8elie)e us to 8e near e;uals in t"at@ 8ut let us say 9 am %ary. All t"in-s 8ein- e;ual@ 9 am still in "er territory %it" only one o1 my %ol)es@ my "uman ser)ant@ an5 7onsieur La%ren3e. 9t is not t"e s"o% o1 1or3e 9 %oul5 "a)e 3"osen to 3on1ront "er a1ter t%o 3enturies. A="y 5i5n?t you 8rin- more peopleB 7ore %ere%ol)es@ any%ay.C A91 9 "a5 "a5 time to ne-otiate more o1 an entoura-e 9 %oul5 "a)e@ 8ut %it" t"e rus" ... C He looke5 at me. A$"ere %as no time to 8ar-ain.C AAre you in 5an-erBC He lau-"e5@ an5 it %asn?t entirely pleasant. AAm 9 in 5an-er@ s"e asks. ="en t"e 3oun3il aske5 me to 5i)i5e my lan5s@ t"ey promise5 to set in pla3e someone o1 po%er e;ual to or less t"an mine. But t"ey 5i5 not e*pe3t me to enter "er territory so unprepare5.C A="o are t"eyB ="at 3oun3ilBC He 3o3ke5 "is "ea5 to one si5e. AHa)e you really 3ome amon- us so lon- an5 not "ear5 o1 our 3oun3ilBC AHust tell me@C 9 sai5. A=e "a)e a 3oun3il@ ma petite. 9t "as e*iste5 1or a )ery lon- time. 9t is not so mu3" a -o)ernin- 8o5y as a 3ourt@ or poli3e@ per"aps. Be1ore your 3ourts ma5e us 3itiEens %it" ri-"ts@ %e "a5 )ery 1e% rules@ an5 only one la%. $"ou s"alt not 5ra% attention to yoursel1. $"at?s t"e la% t"at $epes 1or-ot.C A$epes@C 9 sai5@ AV9a5 $epesB Dou mean 4ra3ulaBC Hean2!lau5e >ust looke5 at me. His 1a3e %as per1e3tly 8lank@ no e*pression. He looke5 like a parti3ularly lo)ely statue@ i1 a statue?s eyes 3oul5 -litter like sapp"ires. 9 3oul5 not rea5 t"at e*pressionless 1a3e@ nor %as 9 meant to. A9 5on?t 8elie)e you.C AA8out t"e 3oun3il@ our la%@ or $epesBC A$"e last part.C A#"@ 9 assure you %e 5i5 kill "im.C ADou make it soun5 like you %ere aroun5 %"en it "appene5. He 5ie5 in@ %"at@ t"e 13 A=as it 1&.(@ or %as it 1&..BC He ma5e a -reat s"o% o1 tryin- to remem8er. ADou are not t"at ol5@C 9 sai5. AAre you sure@ ma petiteBC He turne5 t"at unner)in-ly 8lank 1a3e to meG e)en "is eyes %ent 5ea5 an5 empty. 9t %as like lookin- at a %ell23onstru3te5 5oll. ADea"@ 9?m sure.C He smile5@ an5 si-"e5. Li1e@ 1or la3k o1 a 8etter %or5@ rus"e5 8a3k into "is 1a3e@ "is 8o5y. 9t %as like %at3"in- Pino33"io sprin- to li1e. AS"it.C ASo ni3e to kno% t"at 9 3an still unner)e you 1rom time to time@ ma petite.C 9 let t"at -o. He kne% e*a3tly t"e e11e3t "e "a5 on me. A91 Serep"ina is your e;ual@ t"en you take 3are o1 "er@ an5 9?ll s"oot e)ery8o5y else.C ADou kno% it %ill not 8e t"at simple.C A9t ne)er is.C He stare5 at me@ smilin-. A4o you really t"ink s"e?ll 3"allen-e youBC A/o@ 8ut 9 %ante5 you to kno% t"at s"e 3oul5.C A9s t"ere anyt"in- else 9 nee5 to kno%BC He smile5 %i5e enou-" to 1las" a little 8it o1 1an-. He looke5 %on5er1ul in t"e li-"t. His skin %as pale 8ut not too pale. 9 tou3"e5 "is "an5. ADou?re %arm.C He -lan3e5 up at me. ADes@ ma petiteG %"at o1 itBC ADou?)e slept an entire 5ay. Dou s"oul5 8e 3ol5 to t"e tou3" until a1ter you?)e 1e5.C He >ust looke5 at me %it" "is 5ro%nin- eyes. AS"it@C 9 sai5. 9 %ent 1or t"e 8e5room. He 5i5n?t try to stop me. He 5i5n?t e)en try. 9t ma5e me ner)ous. 9 %as "al12runnin8y t"e time 9 "it t"e 5oor. sBC

All 9 3oul5 see %as a pale outline on t"e 8e5. 9 turne5 on t"e s%it3" 8y t"e 5oor. $"e o)er"ea5 li-"t %as -larin-@ an5 mer3iless. Hason lay on "is stoma3"@ 8lon5 "air 8ri-"t a-ainst t"e 5ark pillo%s. He %as nake5 e*3ept 1or a pair o1 )i8rant 8lue 8ikini 8rie1s. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 8e5@ starin- at "is 8a3k@ %illin- "im to 8reat"e. ="en 9 %as almost at t"e 8e5 9 3oul5 see "im 8reat"e. Somet"in- ti-"t in my 3"est loosene5. 9 "a5 to kneel on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5 to rea3" "im. 9 tou3"e5 "is s"oul5er. He mo)e5 un5er my "an5. 9 rolle5 "im onto "is si5e@ an5 "e 5i5n?t try to "elp. He %as totally passi)e. He stare5 up at me %it" "ea)y2li55e5 eyes. $%o t"in 3rimson lines 1lo%e5 5o%n "is ne3k. /ot a lot o1 8loo5@ at least not spille5 onto t"e s"eets. 9 "a5 no %ay o1 kno%in- "o% mu3" "e?5 lost. Ho% mu3" Hean2!lau5e "a5 taken. Hason smile5 at me. 9t %as a slo%@ laEy smile. AAre you alri-"tBC His "an5 sli5 aroun5 my %aist as "e rolle5 onto "is 8a3k. A9?ll take t"at as a yes.C 9 trie5 to 8a3k o11 t"e 8e5@ 8ut "is arm %as 1irm aroun5 me@ "ol5in- me. He pulle5 me 5o%n to "is 3"est. 9 pulle5 t"e Bro%nin- on t"e %ay 5o%n. He 3oul5 "a)e stoppe5 me@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t try. 9 s"o)e5 t"e -un a-ainst "is ri8s. 7y ot"er "an5 %as presse5 to "is 8are 3"est@ tryin- to "ol5 my 1a3e a little a8o)e "is. He raise5 "is 1a3e to%ar5s mine. A9 %ill pull t"is tri--er.C He stoppe5 %it" "is 1a3e in3"es 1rom mine. A9?ll "eal.C A9s one kiss %ort" -ettin- a "ole pun3"e5 in your si5eBC A9 5on?t kno%@C "e sai5. A,)eryone else seems to t"ink so.C His 1a3e mo)e5 to%ar5s me slo%ly@ -i)in- me plenty o1 time to 5e3i5e. AHason@ release "er@ no%.C Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e 1ille5 t"e room %it" %"ispers like tiny e3"oes. Hason let me -o. 9 sli5 o11 t"e 8e5@ t"e -un still nake5 in my "an5. A9 nee5 my %ol1 toni-"t@ Anita. $ry not to s"oot "im until a1ter %e?)e seen Serep"ina.C A$ell "im to stop "ittin- on me@C 9 sai5. A#"@ 9 s"all@ ma petite@ 9 s"all.C Hason lay 8a3k a-ainst t"e pillo%s. He raise5 one knee@ "is "an5s lyin- a3ross "is stoma3". He looke5 rela*e5@ las3i)ious@ 8ut "is eyes staye5 on Hean2!lau5e. ADou are almost t"e per1e3t pet@ Hason@ 8ut 5o not pro)oke me.C ADou ne)er sai5 s"e %as o11 limits.C A9 am sayin- it no%@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. Hason sat up on t"e 8e5. A9?ll 8e a per1e3t -entleman 1rom no% on.C ADes@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ Ayou %ill.C He stoo5 t"ere in t"e 5oor%ay@ still lo)ely to look at@ 8ut 5an-erous. Dou 3oul5 1eel it 8uil5in- in t"e room@ %"isperin- t"rou-" "is )oi3e. ALea)e us 1or a moment@ ma petite.C A=e 5on?t "a)e time 1or t"is@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e looke5 at me. His eyes %ere still a soli5 mi5ni-"t 8lueG t"e %"ites "a5 5ro%ne5. AAre you prote3tin- "imBC A9 5on?t %ant "im "urt 8e3ause "e -ot out o1 "an5 %it" me.C ADet you %oul5 "a)e s"ot "im.C 9 s"ru--e5. A9 ne)er sai5 9 %as 3onsistent@ >ust serious.C Hean2!lau5e lau-"e5. $"e a8rupt 3"an-e in moo5 ma5e 8ot" Hason an5 me >ump. His lau-"ter %as ri3" an5 t"i3k as 3"o3olate@ as i1 you 3oul5 pull it 1rom t"e air an5 eat it. 9 -lan3e5 at Hason. He %as %at3"in- Hean2!lau5e t"e %ay a %ell2traine5 5o- %ill %at3" its master@ lookin- 1or 3lues to %"at its master %ante5 ne*t. AGet 5resse5@ my %ol1@ an5 you@ ma petite@ you must 3"an-e as %ell.C 9 %as %earin- 8la3k >eans an5 a royal 8lue polo s"irt. A="at?s %ron- %it" %"at 9?m %earin-BC A=e must make a s"o% o1 it toni-"t@ ma petite. 9 %oul5 not ask i1 it %ere not important.C A9 am not %earin- a 5ress toni-"t.C He smile5. A#1 3ourse not. Hust somet"in- a little more stylis". 91 your youn- 1rien5 5oes not "a)e anyt"in- suita8le@ 9 8elie)e "e an5 Hason are a8out t"e same siEe. 9?m sure %e 3oul5 1in5 somet"in-.C ADou?ll "a)e to talk to Larry a8out t"at.C

Hean2!lau5e looke5 at me 1or a "eart8eat. AAs you like@ ma petite. /o%@ i1 you %oul5 lea)e Hason to 5ressB 9 %ill stay in "ere until you "a)e 3"osen more appropriate attire.C 9 %ante5 to ar-ue. 9 5i5n?t like 8ein- tol5 %"at to %ear@ or %"at not to %ear. But 9 let it -o. 9?5 8een aroun5 )ampires enou-" to kno% t"ey a5mire5 t"e spe3ta3ular@ or t"e 5an-erous. 91 Hean2!lau5e sai5 %e nee5e5 to make a s"o% o1 it@ may8e "e %as ri-"t. 9t %oul5n?t kill me to 5ress up a little. 9t mi-"t -et us all kille5 to re1use. 9 >ust 5i5n?t kno% t"e rules in t"is situation. 9 suspe3te5 t"at t"ere %eren?t any. 9 "a5n?t pa3ke5 %it" meetin- a master )ampire in min5@ so my 3"oi3es %ere sort o1 limite5. 9 settle5 1or a 3rimson 8louse %it" a "i-" 3ollar an5 a spill o1 la3e 5o%n t"e 1ront. $"ere %as e)en a little 1rilly 3u11 at ea3" slee)e. 9t looke5 like a 3ross 8et%een a Vi3torian 8louse an5 a 8usiness s"irt. 9t %oul5 "a)e looke5 )ery 3onser)ati)e i1 it "a5n?t 8een s3reamin)ermillion re5. 9 "ate5 t"e i5ea o1 %earin- it@ 8e3ause 9 kne% Hean2!lau5e %oul5 like it. ,*3ept 1or t"e 3olor@ it looke5 like somet"in- "e mi-"t %ear. 9 put t"e all2purpose 8la3k >a3ket o)er t"e 8louse. =it" 8ot" -uns@ 8ot" kni)es@ an5 a 3ross aroun5 my ne3k insi5e t"e 8louse@ 9 %as rea5y to -o. A7a petite@ may %e 3ome outBC ASure.C He opene5 t"e 5oor an5 took it all in %it" a -lan3e. ADou look splen5i5@ ma petite. 9 appre3iate t"e makeup.C A9 look pale in 3rimson %it"out it.C A#1 3ourseG 5o you "a)e ot"er s"oesBC A9 only "a)e t"e /ikes an5 "i-" "eels. 9 mo)e 8etter in t"e /ikes.C A$"e 8louse %as more t"an 9 "ope5 1orG keep your >o--in- s"oes. $"ey are 8la3k@ at least.C Hason %alke5 out o1 t"e 8e5room. He %as %earin- 8la3k leat"er pants ti-"t enou-" t"at 9 kne% "e %asn?t %earin- t"e un5er%ear anymore. $"e top %as )a-uely oriental %it" one o1 t"ose upri-"t 3ollars an5 one 8la3k 8utton@ t"e kin5 %"ere a loop o1 t"rea5 3omes o)er t"e 8utton. $"e slee)es %ere 1ull@ an5 t"e 3ollar %as a so1t s"inin- 8lue t"at mat3"e5 "is eyes to per1e3tion. 9t %as em8roi5ere5 in yello% so 5ark it looke5 -ol5@ an5 5arker 8lue t"rea5. $"e slee)es@ 3ollar@ an5 e5-e o1 t"e 1a8ri3 %ere em8roi5ere5 8la3k on 8la3k. ="en Hason mo)e5@ t"e s"irt -ape5 >ust a little@ enou-" to s"o% -limpses o1 "is 8are stoma3". So1t 8la3k 8oots ro5e up o)er "is knees. A=ell@ 9 kno% %"o your tailor is@C 9 sai5. 9 %as -oin- to 8e %oe1ully un5er5resse5. A91 you %oul5 1et3" 7onsieur Kirklan5. ="en "e is 5resse5@ %e 3an -o.C ALarry may not %ant to 3"an-e.C A$"en "e %on?t. 9 %ill not 1or3e "im.C 9 looke5 at "im@ not ;uite sure 9 8elie)e5 "im@ 8ut 9 -ot Larry. He a-ree5 to -o into t"e 8e5room an5 see %"at ot"er -oo5ies %ere in t"e lu--a-e@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t promise to 3"an-e. He 3ame out still %earin- 5ark 8lue >eans an5 /ikes. He "a5 3"an-e5 "is $2s"irt 1or a silk 5ress s"irt t"at %as a ri3"@ )i8rant 8lue. 9t ma5e "is eyes look e)en 8luer t"an usual. A 8la3k leat"er >a3ket t"at %as >ust a tou3" 8i- in t"e s"oul5ers "i5 "is s"oul5er "olster. 9 -uess it %as an impro)ement o)er t"e o)ersiEe5 1lannel "e?5 8een %earin-. $"e 3ollar o1 t"e s"irt %as sprea5 o)er t"e >a3ket so t"at it 1rame5 "is 1a3e. ADou s"oul5 see some o1 t"e stu11 in t"ere@C Larry sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5 as i1 "e still 3oul5n?t 8elie)e it. A9 %oul5n?t e)en kno% "o% to -et into some o1 it.C ADou look ni3e@C 9 sai5. A$"anks.C A!an %e -o no%BC 9 aske5. ADes@ ma petite@ %e 3an -o. 9t %ill 8e interestin- to meet Serep"ina a1ter t%o 3enturies.C A9 kno% t"is is ol5 "ome %eek 1or you@ 8ut let?s remem8er %"y %e?re "ere@C 9 sai5. AWa)ier "as He11 Nuinlan. ="o kno%s %"at "e?s 5oin- to "imB 9 %ant "im "ome sa1e. 9t?s t"e se3on5 ni-"t. =e "a)e to -et to "im toni-"t@ or 1in5 someone else %"o 3an.C Hean2!lau5e no55e5. A$"en let us 8e o11@ ma petite. Serep"ina a%aits us.C He soun5e5 almost ea-er@ like "e %as lookin1or%ar5 to seein- "er. 'or t"e 1irst time 9 %on5ere5 i1 "e an5 Serep"ina "a5 8een lo)ers. 9 kne% Hean2!lau5e %asn?t a )ir-in. 9 mean@ -et real. But kno%in- "e "a5 lo)ers an5 meetin- one %ere t%o 5i11erent t"in-s. 9 realiEe5 %it" a start t"at it %oul5 8ot"er me. He smile5 at me@ almost as i1 "e kne% %"at 9 %as t"inkin-. $"e %"ites o1 "is eyes "a5 reappeare5. 9t ma5e "im look almost "uman. Almost.

Chapter Twenty-three
Hean2!lau5e %alke5 a3ross t"e parkin- lot in "is 8oots an5 >a3ket@ lookin- like someone s"oul5 8e snappin- "is pi3ture@ or askin- 1or an auto-rap". $"e rest o1 us 1ollo%e5 like "is entoura-e. ="i3" %as %"at %e %ere@ %"et"er 9 like5 it or not. But to sa)e He11 Nuinlan 9 3oul5 5o a little 8ootli3kin-. ,)en 9 %ill toa5y a little i1 it?s in a -oo5 enou-" 3ause. ADou 5ri)in-@ or 5o 9 -et 5ire3tions to Serep"ina?s "ouse no%BC 9 aske5. A9 %ill tell you %"ere to turn %"en it is time.C ADou t"ink 9?m -oin- to run to t"e 3ops %it" 5ire3tions to "er "ouseBC A/o@C "e sai5. $"at %as all "e sai5. 9 1ro%ne5 at "im@ 8ut %e all -ot in t"e Heep. Guess %"o -ot t"e 1ront seat. =e 5ro)e out onto t"e main roa5@ t"e Strip. $"e tra11i3 %as 8umper2to28umper. 91 tra11i3 is 8a5@ it 3an take a 3ouple o1 "ours to 5ri)e t"e 1our miles t"at make up t"e Strip. Hean2!lau5e "a5 me turn on a small roa5. 9t looke5 like a 5ri)e%ay lea5in- to yet anot"er t"eater@ 8ut it turne5 out to 8e an a33ess roa5. 91 you kne% your %ay aroun5 t"e smaller roa5s@ you 3oul5 a)oi5 most o1 t"e 3on-estion. Dou %oul5 ne)er kno% 1rom t"e main 5ra- o1 Branson 8ut >ust out o1 si-"t@ o)er t"e ne*t "ill@ is t"e real #Earks. 7ountains@ 1orests@ "ouses %"ere people %"o 5on?t make t"eir li)in- o11 tourists li)e. #n t"e Strip it %as all neon an5 arti1i3eG %it"in 1i1teen minutes %e %ere surroun5e5 8y trees@ on a roa5 t"at %oun5 t"rou-" t"e #Eark 7ountains. 4arkness 3lose5 aroun5 t"e Heep. $"e only li-"t %as a spill o1 stars presse5 a-ainst t"e 8la3kness@ an5 t"e tunnel o1 my o%n "ea5li-"ts. ADou seem to 8e lookin- 1or%ar5 to seein- Serep"ina@ e)en %it" t"e 3o11in missin-@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e turne5 in "is seat as 1ar as t"e seat 8elt %oul5 allo%. 9?5 insiste5 e)ery8o5y %ear seat 8elts@ %"i3" amuse5 t"e )ampire. 9 -uess it %as silly to "a)e a 5ea5 man 8u3kle up@ 8ut "ey@ 9 %as 5ri)in-. A9 8elie)e Serep"ina still t"inks o1 me as t"e )ery youn- )ampire s"e kne% 3enturies a-o. 91 s"e t"ou-"t me a %ort"y opponent@ s"e %oul5 "a)e 3on1ronte5 me or my minions 5ire3tly. S"e %oul5 not "a)e simply stolen t"e 3o11in. S"e is o)er3on1i5ent.C ASpeakin- as one o1 your minions@C Larry 3alle5 1rom t"e 8a3k seat@ Aare you sure you?re not t"e one %"o?s o)er3on1i5entBC Hean2!lau5e -lan3e5 8a3k at "im. ASerep"ina %as 3enturies ol5 %"en 9 met "er. $"e limit o1 a )ampire?s po%ers is %ell esta8lis"e5 a1ter t%o or t"ree 3enturies. 9 kno% "er limits@ La%ren3e.C AStop 3allin- me La%ren3e. $"e name?s Larry.C Hean2!lau5e si-"e5. ADou "a)e traine5 "im %ell.C AHe 3ame t"at %ay@C 9 sai5. APity.C Hean2!lau5e ma5e t"is soun5 like a "ostile 1amily reunion@ or is t"at an o*ymoronB 9 "ope5 "e %as ri-"t@ 8ut one t"in9?)e learne5 a8out )ampires2t"ey keep pullin- ne% ra88its out o1 t"eir 3loaks. Bi-@ 1an-e5@ 3arni)orous 8unnies t"at?ll eat your eye8alls i1 you?re not payin- attention. A="at?s %ol128oy in t"e 8a3k -oin- to 5oBC A9 5o %"at 9?m tol5@C Hason sai5. AGreat@C 9 sai5. =e 5ro)e in silen3e. Hean2!lau5e rarely s%eats small talk@ an5 9 %asn?t in t"e moo5. =e 3oul5 all "a)e a ni3e little )isit@ 8ut out t"ere some%"ere He11 Nuinlan "a5 %oken to a se3on5 ni-"t in Wa)ier?s ten5er 3are. Sort o1 ruine5 t"e moo5 1or me. A$"e turn is >ust a"ea5 to your ri-"t@ ma petite.C Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e ma5e me >ump. 9 "a5 sunk into t"e silen3e an5 t"e 5ark "us" o1 t"e "i-"%ay. 9 slo%e5 t"e Heep. 4i5n?t %ant to miss t"e turno11. A -ra)el roa5@ like a "un5re5 ot"er -ra)el roa5s@ spille5 o11 t"e main roa5. $"ere %as not"in- to make it stan5 out. /ot"in- spe3ial. $"e roa5 %as narro% %it" trees -ro%in- so 3lose on eit"er si5e it %as like 5ri)in- t"rou-" a tunnel. $"e nake5 8ran3"es o1 trees 3ur)e5 aroun5 us like interlo3kin- pie3es o1 a %all. $"e "ea5li-"ts sli5 o)er t"e nearly nake5 trees@ 8oun3in%"en t"e Heep ease5 o)er a pot"ole. /ake5 %oo5en 1in-ers tappe5 t"e roo1 o1 t"e Heep. 9t %as 5amn near 3laustrop"o8i3. AGeeE@C Larry sai5. He "a5 presse5 "is 1a3e to t"e 5ark -lass as 1ar as t"e seat 8elt %oul5 allo%. A91 9 5i5n?t kno% t"ere %as a "ouse 5o%n t"is roa5@ 9?5 turn 8a3k.C A$"at is t"e i5ea@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A7any o1 t"e ol5er ones )alue t"eir pri)a3y a8o)e almost all else.C

$"e "ea5li-"ts pi3ke5 up a "ole t"at stret3"e5 a3ross t"e entire roa5. 9t looke5 like a -ully %as" %"ere rain%ater "a5 eaten t"e roa5 a%ay o)er 5e3a5es. Larry leane5 o)er t"e 8a3k o1 t"e seat@ strainin- a-ainst "is seat8elt. A="ere?5 t"e roa5 -oBC A$"e Heep 3an make it@C 9 sai5. AAre you sureBC "e aske5. APretty sure@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e "a5 settle5 8a3k into t"e seat. He seeme5 totally rela*e5@ almost 5eta3"e5@ like "e %as listenin- to musi3 9 3oul5n?t "ear@ t"inkin- t"ou-"ts t"at 9 ne)er %oul5 un5erstan5. Hason leane5 1or%ar5@ puttin- a "an5 on t"e 8a3k o1 my seat. A="y %oul5n?t s"e pa)e t"e roa5B S"e?s 8een "ere almost a year.C 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at Hason. 9t %as interestin- to 1in5 out t"at "e kne% more a8out Hean2!lau5e?s 8usiness t"an 9 5i5. A$"is is "er moat@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AHer 8arrier a-ainst t"e 3urious. 7any 1in5 our ne% status "ar5 to a33ept an5 still 3loset t"emsel)es a%ay.C $"e %"eels sli5 o)er t"e e5-e. 9t %as like 5ri)in- into a 3rater. 7ira3ulously@ t"e Heep 3ra%le5 out t"e ot"er si5e. 91 %e?5 8een in a 3ar@ %e?5 "a)e "a5 to %alk. $"e roa5 3lim8e5 up%ar5 1or a8out a "un5re5 yar5s@ an5 su55enly on t"e ri-"t"an5 si5e o1 t"e roa5 %as an openin-. 9t 5i5n?t look 8i- enou-" to 5ri)e t"e Heep t"rou-"@ not %it"out s3rat3"in- t"e paint >o8 to "ell. $"e only t"in- t"at really tol5 you it %as a 3learin- %as t"e moonli-"t pulsin- a-ainst t"e 5arkness o1 t"e trees. $"at mu3" moonli-"t meant somet"in%as t"ere. Grass "a5 -ro%n o)er a s3atterin- o1 -ra)el t"at mi-"t on3e "a)e 8een a 5ri)e%ay. A9s t"is itBC 9 aske5@ >ust to make sure. A9 8elie)e so@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 9 ease5 t"e Heep into t"e trees an5 listene5 to 8ran3"es slap t"e si5es. 9 "ope5 Stirlin-?s 3ompany o%ne5 t"e Heep@ an5 %asn?t >ust rentin-. =e 3ra%le5 1ree o1 t"e trees %it" a last metalli3 s3rit3". An a3re o1 open lan5 sprea5 out 8e1ore us@ sil)er2e5-e5 %it" moonli-"t. $"e -rass %as 8ut3"ere5 s"ort like someone "a5 8us"2"o--e5 it last 1all@ an5 le1t it nake5 an5 un1inis"e5 t"rou-" t"e %inter. $"ere %as a ne-le3te5 or3"ar5 8e"in5 t"e "ouse. $"e lan5 rose in a -entle slope up to%ar5s t"e 1oot o1 a mountain. Hust 8eyon5 t"e 8us"2"o--e5 -rass %as 1orest@ t"i3k an5 untou3"e5. A "ouse sat in t"e mi55le o1 t"e -entle rise. $"e "ouse %as sil)er2-rey in t"e moonli-"t. !urlin- 1le3ks o1 paint 3lun- "ere an5 t"ere@ like t"e last sa5 remnants o1 an a33i5ent )i3tim?s 3lot"es. A lar-e stone por3" -ra3e5 t"e 1ront o1 t"e "ouse@ "i5 t"e 5oor an5 %in5o%s in a %ell o1 s"a5o%. A$urn o11 t"e li-"ts@ ma petite.C 9 looke5 at t"at 5ark por3" an5 5i5n?t %ant to "it t"e li-"ts. $"e moonli-"t s"oul5 "a)e penetrate5 t"ose s"a5o%s. A7a petite@ t"e li-"ts.C 9 "it t"e li-"ts. $"e moonli-"t 8at"e5 us like a %as" o1 )isi8le air. $"e por3" staye5 5ark an5 still like a 3up o1 ink. Hean2 !lau5e un5i5 "is seat 8elt an5 sli5 out. $"e 8oys 1ollo%e5 suit. 9 -ot out last. Lar-e@ 1lat stones %ere set in t"e -rass@ 1ormin- a 3ur)in- si5e%alk to t"e 1oot o1 t"e steps t"at le5 up to t"e por3". $"ere %as a lar-e pi3ture %in5o% to one si5e o1 t"e peelin- 5oor. $"e -lass %as >a--e5. Someone "a5 naile5 ply%oo5 8e"in5 t"e 8roken %in5o% to keep out t"e ni-"t air. $"e smaller %in5o% on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 5oor %as inta3t@ 8ut so 3o)ere5 in -rime it %as 8lin5. $"e s"a5o%s %ere )is3ous@ an5 seeme5 t"i3k enou-" to tou3". 9t remin5e5 me o1 t"e 5arkness t"at t"e s%or5 "a5 3ome s%in-in- out o1. But it %asn?t as t"i3k. 9 3oul5 see t"rou-" t"is 5arkness. $"ere %as not"in- t"ere 8ut s"a5o%s. A="at?s %it" t"e s"a5o%sBC 9 aske5. AA parlor tri3k@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A/ot"in- more.C He -li5e5 up t"e steps %it"out a 8a3k%ar5 -lan3e. 91 "e %as %orrie5@ it 5i5n?t s"o%. Hason -li5e5 up t"e steps 8e"in5 "im. Larry an5 9 >ust %alke5 up. 9t %as t"e 8est %e 3oul5 5o. $"e s"a5o%s %ere 3ol5er t"an t"ey s"oul5 "a)e 8een@ an5 Larry s"i)ere5 8esi5e me. But t"ere %as no sense o1 po%er to it. As Hean2 !lau5e "a5 sai5@ a parlor tri3k. $"e s3reen 5oor "a5 8een rippe5 o11 its "in-es. 9t lay on t"e por3"@ torn an5 1or-otten. ,)en %it" t"e prote3tion t"e por3" o11ere5@ t"e inner 5oor %as %arpe5 an5 peelin-@ e*pose5 to too mu3" %eat"er. Lea)es lay in piles at t"e e5-es o1 t"e por3" railin-s %"ere t"e %in5 "a5 8lo%n t"em. AAre you sure t"is is itBC Larry aske5. A9 am sure@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 9 un5erstoo5 t"e ;uestion. 91 it "a5n?t 8een 1or t"e s"a5o%s@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 t"e "ouse %as 5eserte5. A$"e s"a5o%s %oul5 5is3oura-e any 3asual passers8y@C 9 sai5. A=ell@ 9 %oul5n?t 3ome tri3k2or2treatin-@C Larry sai5.

Hean2!lau5e -lan3e5 8a3k at us. A#ur "ostess 3omes.C $"e pitte5@ 8roken 5oor opene5. 9 "a5 e*pe3te5 a "aunte52"ouse s3ree3" o1 rusty "in-es 8ut t"e 5oor opene5 smoot"ly. A %oman stoo5 in t"e 5oor%ay. $"e room 8e"in5 "er %as 5ark@ "er 8o5y sil"ouette5 a-ainst t"e room an5 t"e ni-"t. But e)en in t"e 5ark 9 kne% t%o t"in-sJ s"e %as a )ampire@ an5 s"e %asn?t ol5 enou-" to 8e Serep"ina. $"e )ampire %as only a 1e% in3"es taller t"an 9 %as. S"e raise5 an unlit 3an5le in one "an5. $"e "airs on t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k stoo5 at attention@ as a tri3kle o1 po%er sli5 t"rou-" t"e room. $"e 3an5le 1lare5 to li1e@ lea)in- stars 5an3in- a3ross my ni-"t )ision. $"e )ampire "a5 8ro%n "air@ 3ut so s"ort t"e "air on eit"er si5e o1 "er "ea5 "a5 8een s"a)e5. Sil)er stu5 earrin-s -littere5 up t"e 3ur)e o1 "er ears. #ne lon- earrin- 5an-le5 1rom "er le1t ear. 9t %as a -reen enamel lea1 on a sil)er 3"ain. S"e %ore a re5 leat"er 5ress t"at %as so ti-"t on top@ it %as "o% 9?5 kno%n in t"e 5ark s"e %as a -irl. $"e skirt o1 t"e 5ress 1ell to "er ankles@ loose on3e you -ot past t"e "ips. A leat"er 1ormalG %o%. S"e -rinne5 at us@ 1las"in- 1an-s. A9?m 9)y.C Her )oi3e "a5 an e5-e o1 lau-"ter to it@ 8ut unlike Hean2!lau5e?s lau-" t"at al%ays 1elt )a-uely se*ual@ or 1attenin-@ "ers 1elt s"arp as 8roken -lass@ meant to "urt@ terri1y@ not titillate. A,nter our 5%ellin-@ an5 8e %el3ome.C $"e %or5s soun5e5 too 1ormal@ like a re"earse5 spee3"@ or an in3antation t"at you 5on?t un5erstan5. A$"ank you@ 9)y@ 1or your most -enerous in)itation@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. He %as su55enly "ol5in- "er "an5. 9 "a5n?t seen "im rea3" 1or it. 9 "a5n?t seen "im mo)e. 9t %as like 9?5 misse5 a 1rame o1 t"e 1ilm. 'rom t"e look on 9)y?s 1a3e@ so "a5 s"e. S"e looke5 pisse5. Hean2!lau5e raise5 "er "an5@ )ery slo%ly@ to%ar5s "is lips. He ne)er took "is eyes o11 "er. $"e %ay you 8o% to someone on t"e 5o>o mat@ 8e3ause i1 you look a%ay t"ey may spill you on your ass. A line o1 %a* tri3kle5 5o%n t"e si5e o1 t"e %"ite 3an5le. S"e %as "ol5in- it in "er 8are 1ist@ no 3an5le "ol5er. Hean2!lau5e slo%ly raise5 "er "an5 an5 lai5 "is lips on t"e 8a3k o1 it. $"e %a* 5rippe5 1aster t"an it s"oul5 "a)e. He release5 "er "an5 in time 1or "er to sa)e "ersel1@ 8ut s"e stoo5 t"ere an5 let t"e line o1 "ot %a* 5rip 5o%n "er skin. #nly t"e 1aintest 1li3ker in "er eyes s"o%e5 t"at it "urt. S"e le1t t"e %a* to "ar5en on "er "an5. A 1aint re5ness sprea5 1rom t"e line o1 %a*. S"e i-nore5 it. /o more %a* 5rippe5 1rom t"e 3an5le. :sually %"en a 3an5le runs t"at soon@ it keeps runnin-. $"e %a* ma5e a little -ol5en pool at t"e top o1 t"e 3an5le@ like a 5rop o1 %ater un5er tension. 9 -lan3e5 1rom one )ampire to t"e ot"er an5 s"ook my "ea5. 4oes t"e term A3"il5is"C mean anyt"in- to youB 9 5i5n?t say it out lou5@ t"ou-". 'or all 9 kne%@ t"is %as some kin5 o1 an3ient )ampire ritual. $"ou-" 9 5ou8te5 it pretty 5amn sin3erely. AAren?t your 3ompanions -oin- to 3ome insi5eBC 9)y steppe5 asi5e %it" a s%is" o1 leat"er skirts@ "ol5in- t"e 3an5le "i-"@ li-"tin- our %ay. Hean2!lau5e steppe5 to t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 5oor so %e %oul5 "a)e to %alk 8et%een t"e t%o )ampires to -et into t"e "ouse. 9 truste5 Hean2!lau5e not to mun3" on me. 9 e)en truste5 "im to keep 9)y 1rom mun3"in- on me. But 9 5i5n?t like "o% mu3" 1un Hean2!lau5e %as "a)in-. 7a5e me ner)ous. 9?)e ne)er 8een aroun5 )ampires t"at %ere "a)in- a -oo5 time %"en it 5i5n?t -et u-ly. Hason %alke5 8et%een t"em@ into t"e "ouse. Larry -lan3e5 at me. 9 s"ru--e5 an5 %alke5 insi5e. He 1ollo%e5 at my "eels@ trustin- t"at i1 9 %ent insi5e it %oul5 8e okay. 9t pro8a8ly %oul5 8e. Pro8a8ly.

Chapter Twenty-four
$"e 5oor 3lose5 8e"in5 us@ an5 9 5on?t t"ink any8o5y 3lose5 it@ not %it" "an5s any%ay. Sa1e or not@ t"ese little 5isplays o1 po%er %ere -ettin- on my ner)es. $"e air in t"e room %as utterly still@ stale. 9t smelle5 musty@ 5ry@ %it" an un5ertaste o1 mil5e%. Dou kne% e)en %it" your eyes 3lose5 t"at t"ese rooms "a5 8een empty 1or a )ery lon- time. $"ere %as an open ar3"%ay to t"e le1t t"at le5 into a smaller room. 9 3oul5 see a 8e5@ 3omplete %it" 8e5sprea5 an5 pillo%s@ so 3o)ere5 in 5ust it looke5 -rey. A )anity sat in one 3orner %it" its mirror re1le3tin- t"e empty room. $"ere %as no 1urniture le1t in t"e li)in- room. $"e %oo5en 1loor %as 5ust3oate5. $"e "em o1 9)y?s 5ress traile5 in t"e t"i3k 5ust as s"e mo)e5 to%ar5s a 5oor in t"e 1ar %all. A t"in line o1 li-"t s"o%e5 un5er t"at 5oor. Gol5en an5 t"i3ker t"an ele3tri3ity. 9 %as 8ettin- on more 3an5les. $"e 5oor opene5 8e1ore 9)y rea3"e5 it. A ri3" %a)e o1 li-"t spille5 out@ 8ri-"ter t"an it s"oul5 "a)e 8een 8e3ause %e?5 8een in t"e 5ark so lon-. A male )amp stoo5 1rame5 in t"e li-"t. He %as s"ort@ slen5er@ %it" a 1a3e too youn- to 8e "an5some@ more pretty. He %as so ne%ly 5ea5 t"at "is skin still "el5 t"e tan "e?5 pi3ke5 up at t"e 8ea3"@ or lake@ or some ot"er sun2soake5 pla3e. He looke5 1ri-"t1ully youn- to 8e 5ea5. He "a5 to 8e ei-"teen@ anyt"in- youn-er an5 it %as ille-al@ 8ut "e still looke5 5eli3ate an5 "al121inis"e5. Hail8ait 1ore)er. A9?m Bru3e.C He seeme5 )a-uely em8arrasse5. 7ay8e it %as t"e 3lot"es. He %as 5resse5 in a pale -rey tu* 3omplete %it" tails@ an5 a 3"ar3oal -rey strip 5o%n t"e outsi5e le- o1 t"e pants. His -lo)es %ere %"ite an5 mat3"e5 %"at 3oul5 8e

seen o1 "is s"irt. His )est %as a silky -rey. His 8o% tie an5 3ummer8un5 %ere a re5 t"at mat3"e5 9)y?s 5ress. $"ey looke5 like t"ey %ere -oin- to t"e prom. $%o man2siEe5 3an5ela8ra stoo5 on eit"er si5e o1 t"e 5oor@ 1illin- t"e room %it" mo)in-@ -ol5en li-"t. $"e room 8eyon5 %as t%i3e t"e siEe o1 t"e li)in- room. an5 "a5 pro8a8ly 8een t"e kit3"en on3e upon a time. But unlike t"e 1ront rooms. t"ere?5 8een some re5e3oratin-. A Persian 3arpet %as sprea5 a3ross t"e 1loor. $"e 3olors %ere so 8ri-"t it looke5 like staine5 -lass. =all "an-in-s 3o)ere5 t"e t%o lon-est %alls. #n one %all a uni3orn 1le5 1rom a pa3k o1 "oun5s. $"e ot"er "an-in- %as a 8attle s3ene so 5imme5 %it" a-e t"at parts o1 t"e 1i-ures "a5 )anis"e5 into t"e 3lot". Bri-"t silken 5rapes 3o)ere5 t"e 1ar en5 o1 t"e room@ "un- 1rom t"e 3eilin- %it" "ea)y 3or5s. A 5oor opene5 to t"e le1t o1 t"e 5rapes. 9)y sat t"e 3an5le s"e?5 8een "ol5in- in an empty s3on3e on t"e 3an5ela8ra. S"e mo)e5 in 1ront o1 Hean2!lau5e. S"e "a5 to tilt "er "ea5 up to look "im in t"e eyes. ADou are 8eauti1ul.C S"e ran "er 1in-ers alon- t"e e5-e o1 "is >a3ket. A9 t"ou-"t t"ey?5 lie5. $"at no8o5y 3oul5 8e t"at 8eauti1ul.C S"e 1in-ere5 t"e mot"er2o12pearl 8uttons@ startin- at "is ne3k an5 %orkin- 5o%n. Hean2!lau5e mo)e5 "er "an5 %"en s"e rea3"e5 t"e last 8utton 8e1ore t"e s"irt 5isappeare5 into "is pants. 9)y seeme5 to 1in5 t"at amusin-. S"e stoo5 on tiptoe@ leanin- "er "an5s an5 1orearms on "is 3"est. Her mout" %as tilte5 to%ar5s "im@ kissa8le. A4o you 1u3k as -oo5 as you lookB $"ey sai5 you 5i5. But you?re sooo pretty. /o8o5y 3oul5 8e t"at -oo5 a lay.C Hean2!lau5e lai5 "is 1in-ers on eit"er si5e o1 "er 1a3e@ 3ra5lin- "er >a%line. He smile5 at "er. Her re5 lips 3ur)e5 into a smile. S"e presse5 a-ainst "im@ lettin- "er 1ull %ei-"t rest a-ainst "is 8o5y. Hean2!lau5e kept "is li-"t tou3" on "er 1a3e as i1 s"e %asn?t leanin- 1ull out a-ainst "im. Her smile 8e-an to 1a5e@ slippin- 1rom "er 1a3e like t"e sun sinkin- 8elo% t"e eart". S"e sli5 slo%ly 5o%n to stan5 1lat2 1oote5 in 1ront o1 "im. Her 1a3e %as 8lank an5 empty in t"e 3ra5le o1 "is "an5s. Bru3e t"e )ampire >erke5 "er 8a3k 8y one arm. 9)y stum8le5 an5 %oul5 "a)e 1allen i1 "e "a5n?t 3au-"t "er. S"e looke5 aroun5 8e%il5ere5@ as i1 s"e e*pe3te5 to 8e else%"ere. Hean2!lau5e %asn?t smilin- no%. A9t "as 8een a lon- time sin3e 9 %as anyone?s meat t"at %ante5 me. A )ery lon- time.C 9)y stoo5 "al123ollapse5 in Bru3e?s arms. Her 1a3e %as "ars" %it" 1ear. S"e pus"e5 a%ay 1rom Bru3e to stan5 strai-"t an5 alone. S"e tu--e5 at t"e re5 5ress as i1 to settle it into pla3e. $"e 1ear %as mostly -one 1rom "er 1a3eG >ust a 3ertain ti-"tness remaine5 aroun5 t"e eyes. AHo% 5i5 you 5o t"atBC A!enturies o1 pra3ti3e@ little one.C An-er ma5e "er eyes 5ark. ADou aren?t suppose5 to 8e a8le to 3apture anot"er )ampire %it" your -aEe.C ADou aren?tBC "e aske5@ "is )oi3e liltin- %it" amaEement. A4on?t you lau-" at me.C 9 "a5 some sympat"y 1or "er 1rustration. Hean2!lau5e 3an 8e su3" a pain in t"e ass %"en "e %ants to 8e. ADou %ere tol5 to lea5 us some%"ere@ 3"il5renG 5o so.C 9)y stoo5 in 1ront o1 "im@ "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists. Her an-er spille5 into "er eyes@ an5 t"e 8ro%n irises 8le5 onto t"e %"ites o1 "er eyes until s"e looke5 8lin5. Her po%er 8reat"e5 t"rou-" t"e room@ 3reepin- alon- t"e skin@ raisin- t"e tiny "airs on my 8o5y as i1 a 1in-er "a5 8een run >ust a8o)e t"em. 7y "an5 starte5 1or t"e Bro%nin-. #l5 "a8its. A/o@ Anita@ t"at is not ne3essary@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A$"is little one 3annot "urt me. S"e s"o%s "er 1an-s@ 8ut unless s"e %is"es to 5ie on t"is lo)ely 3arpet s"e "a5 8est remem8er %"o an5 %"at 9 am.C A9 am t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ityIC His )oi3e t"un5ere5 t"rou-" t"e "ouse@ e3"oin- in t"e room until t"e air %as so t"i3k %it" e3"oes t"at it %as like 8reat"in- "is %or5s. ="en t"e soun5 5ie5@ 9 %as s"akin-. 9)y "a5 pulle5 "ersel1 to-et"er. S"e still looke5 an-ry@ 8ut "er eyes "a5 8le5 8a3k to normal. Bru3e "a5 lai5 a "an5 on "er s"oul5er@ as i1 "e %asn?t sure s"e %oul5 listen to reason. S"e s"ook o11 "is "an5 an5 motione5 -ra3e1ully to%ar5s t"e open 5oor. A=e are to take you 5o%nstairs. #t"ers a%ait you t"ere.C Hean2!lau5e -a)e a lo% t"eatri3al 8o%@ ne)er takin- "is eyes 1rom "er. AA1ter you@ my s%eet. A la5y s"oul5 al%ays %alk 8e1ore a -entleman@ ne)er 8e"in5.C S"e smile5@ su55enly please5 %it" "ersel1 a-ain. A$"en your "uman la5y 3an %alk 8esi5e me.C A9 5on?t t"ink so@C 9 sai5.

S"e turne5 inno3ent 8ro%n eyes to me. AAre you not a la5y@ t"enBC S"e stalke5 to%ar5s me %it" an e*a--erate5 s%ay o1 "er "ips. A4i5 you 8rin- us someone %"o is not a la5y@ Hean!lau5eBC 9 "ear5 "im si-". AAnita is a la5y. =alk 8esi5e "er@ ma petite@ 8ut 3are1ully.C A="at 5oes it matter %"at t"ese ass"oles t"ink o1 meBC A91 you are not a la5y@ t"en you are a %"ore. Dou 5o not %ant to kno% %"at %oul5 "appen to a "uman %"ore %it"in t"ese %alls.C He seeme5 tire5 as "e sai5 it@ as i1 "e?5 8een t"ere@ 5one t"at@ an5 "a5n?t "a5 a -oo5 time. 9)y smile5 at me@ -i)in- me a 8i- 5ose o1 8ro%n eyes. 9 met "er -aEe an5 smile5. S"e 1ro%ne5. ADou are "uman. Dou 3an?t meet my -aEe@ not like t"at.C ASurprise@ surprise@C 9 sai5. AS"all %e -oBC Hean2!lau5e sai5. 9)y 1ro%ne5 a-ain@ 8ut s"e steppe5 into t"at open 5oor@ an5 5o%n a step or t%o@ one "an5 on "er 5ress to keep t"e "em 1rom trippin- "er 1eet. S"e turne5 an5 looke5 8a3k at me. AAre you 3omin-BC 9 aske5 Hean2!lau5e@ AHo% 3are1ul 5o 9 nee5 to 8eBC Larry an5 Hason 3ame to stan5 8esi5e me. A4e1en5 yoursel1 i1 t"ey o11er )iolen3e 1irst. But 5o not s"e5 t"e 1irst 8loo5@ or strike t"e 1irst 8lo%. 4e1en5@ 8ut 5o not atta3k@ ma petite. =e are playin- -ames toni-"t@ unless you make it moreG t"e stakes are not t"at "i-".C 9 s3o%le5 at "im. A9 5on?t like t"is.C He smile5. A9 kno%@ 8ut 8ear %it" us@ ma petite. <emem8er t"e "uman you %is" to sa)e@ an5 3ontrol t"at %on5er1ul temper o1 yours.C A=ell@ "umanBC 9)y sai5. S"e %as %aitin- 1or me on t"e steps. S"e looke5 like an impatient 3"il5@ petulant. A9?m 3oinin-@C 9 sai5. 9 5i5 not run to 3at3" up %it" t"e %aitin- )ampire. 9 %alke5 at a normal pa3e@ t"ou-" t"e %ei-"t o1 "er -aEe ma5e my skin it3". 9 stoppe5 at t"e "ea5 o1 t"e stairs an5 peere5 5o%n%ar5. !ool@ 5amp air pus"e5 a-ainst my 1a3e. $"e smell %as t"i3k@ en3lose5@ an5 mil5e%e5. Dou kne% t"ere %oul5 8e no %in5o%s@ an5 some%"ere %ater %as eatin- t"e %alls. A 8asement. 9 "ate5 8asements. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" o1 t"e 1eti5 air an5 %alke5 5o%n t"e steps. $"ey %ere t"e %i5est stairs 9?5 e)er seen in a 8asement. $"e %oo5 1elt ne% an5 ra%@ like t"ey "a5n?t taken time to stain or san5 it. $"ere %as enou-" room 1or t"e t%o o1 us to s"are a step. 9 5i5n?t %ant to s"are a step. 7ay8e s"e %asn?t a t"reat to Hean!lau5e@ 8ut 9 "a5 no illusions a8out %"at s"e 3oul5 5o to me. S"e %as a 8a8y master@ not 1ull -ro%n yet@ 8ut t"e po%er %as t"ere 8u88lin- un5er t"e sur1a3e@ 3ra%lin- alon- my skin. 9 stoppe5 a step a8o)e "er@ %aitin- 1or "er to -o 5o%n. 9)y smile5. S"e 3oul5 smell my 1ear. A91 %e are 8ot" la5ies@ t"en %e s"oul5 %alk to-et"er. !ome@ Anita.C S"e "el5 out a "an5 to me. ALet us -o 5o%n to-et"er.C 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e t"at 3lose to "er. 91 s"e trie5 to >ump me@ t"ere %oul5n?t 8e time to 5o mu3". 9 mi-"t -et a %eapon out in time@ 9 mi-"t not. 9t irritate5 me t"at 9 %asn?t suppose5 to s"o% a %eapon 1irst. An5 s3are5 me. #ne o1 t"e t"in-s t"at?s kept me ali)e is s"ootin- 1irst an5 askin- ;uestions later. 4oin- it t"e ot"er %ay aroun5 %as no %ay to stay ali)e. A9s Hean2!lau5e?s "uman ser)ant a1rai5 o1 meBC S"e stoo5 t"ere 1rame5 a-ainst t"e 5arkness 8eyon5@ smilin-. $"e 8asement %as like a -reat 8la3k pit 8e"in5 "er. But s"e 3oul5n?t sense )ampire marks@ or s"e?5 "a)e kno%n 9 %asn?t "is ser)ant. S"e %asn?t as "ot as s"e t"ou-"t s"e %as. 9 "ope5. 9 i-nore5 t"e outstret3"e5 "an5@ 8ut %alke5 5o%n t"ose t%o steps. 7y s"oul5er 8rus"e5 "er 8are skin@ an5 it 1elt like %orms %ere 3ra%lin- 5o%n my arm. 9 kept %alkin- 5o%n t"e steps into t"e 5ark 8eyon5@ le1t "an5 in a 5eat" -rip on t"e railin-. 9 "ear5 "er "i-" "eels 3latterin- 5o%n t"e steps to 3at3" up %it" me. 9 3oul5 1eel "er irritation like "eat risin- 1rom "er skin. 9 "ear5 t"e men1olk 1ollo%in- us@ 8ut 5i5n?t look 8e"in5 to 3"e3k. =e %ere playin- 3"i3ken toni-"t. 9t %as one o1 my 8est -ames. =e %ent 5o%n t"e steps to-et"er like "orses pullin- a 3arria-e@ my le1t "an5 on t"e railin-@ "er "an5s li1tin- "er 5ress. 9 kept up a pa3e t"at ma5e -li5in- e11ortlessly impossi8le@ unless s"e 3oul5 le)itate. S"e 3oul5n?t. S"e -ra88e5 my ri-"t arm an5 %"irle5 me aroun5 to 1a3e "er. 9 3oul5n?t -o 1or a -un. Be3ause 9 %as %earin- %rist s"eat"s@ 9 3oul5n?t e)en -o 1or a kni1e. 9 stoo5 t"ere nearly 1a3e to 1a3e %it" an an-ry )ampire an5 3oul5n?t rea3" a %eapon. All t"at 3oul5 sa)e me %as "er not killin- me. $rustin- my li1e to 9)y?s 8ene1i3en3e seeme5 like a 8a5 8et. Her an-er spille5 alon- my skin. Heat 1lo%e5 5o%n "er 8o5y. 9 3oul5 1eel "er "an5@ "ot@ e)en t"rou-" t"e leat"er >a3ket. 9 5i5n?t try to pull a%ayG t"in-s t"at 3an 8en3"2press $oyotas 5on?t let -o. Her tou3" 5i5n?t 8urn@ 8e3ause it %asn?t t"at kin5 o1 "eat@ 8ut it %as "ar5 to 3on)in3e my 8o5y t"at it %oul5n?t "urt e)entually. Dears o1 %arnin-s@ 5on?t tou3"@ it?s "ot. Heat 1lare5 alon- my 8o5y like 9 %as stan5in- ne*t to a 1ire. 91 s"e "a5n?t 8een 5oin- it unintentionally@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een impressi)e. Hell@ it %as still impressi)e. Gi)e "er a 1e% 3enturies an5 s"e?5 8e s3ary as "ell@ as i1 s"e %asn?t alrea5y. 9 3oul5 still meet "er eyes@ 5ro%nin- 5eep an5 -lo%in- %it" t"eir o%n li-"t. $"at %as -oin- to 5o me a "ell o1 a lot o1 -oo5 %"en s"e rippe5 my t"roat out.

A91 you "urt "er@ 9)y@ our tru3e is o)er.C Hean2!lau5e -li5e5 5o%n t"e steps to stan5 >ust a8o)e us. ADou 5o not %ant t"e tru3e to 8e o)er@ 9)y.C He ran "is 1in-ertip alon- t"e e5-e o1 "er >a%. 9 1elt t"e >olt o1 po%er >ump 1rom "im@ to "er@ to me. 9 -aspe5@ 8ut s"e let me -o. 7y arm %as num8 at my si5e like it?5 -one to sleep. 9 3oul5n?t "a)e "el5 a -un. 9 %ante5 to ask %"at t"e "ell "e?5 5one@ 8ut 5i5n?t. As lon- as 9 -ot t"e use o1 my arm 8a3k@ %e 3oul5 ar-ue a8out it later. Bru3e pus"e5 8et%een us@ "o)erin- o)er 9)y like a %orrie5 8oy1rien5. =at3"in- "is 1a3e@ 9 realiEe5 t"at %as a33urate. 9 %as 8ettin- s"e?5 8rou-"t "im o)er. 9)y pus"e5 "im a%ay so "ar5 t"at "e %ent tum8lin- 8a3k%ar5s 5o%n t"e stairs@ lost in t"e t"i3ker 5arkness. ,)eryt"inseeme5 to 8e %orkin- on "er >ust 1ine. 9 3oul5 8arely 1eel my 1in-ertips. Heat rus"e5 o)er me like a s3al5in- %in5@ an5 s%ept out%ar5 into t"e 5ark. $or3"es 1lare5 to li1e in s3on3es alon- t"e %alls %it" a %"oos" an5 a s"o%er o1 sparks. A lar-e kerosene lamp suspen5e5 1rom t"e 3eilin- 1ille5 %it" 1ire. 9ts -lass 3"imney e*plo5e5 in a s"o%er o1 -lass@ its 1lame 8urnin- nake5 on t"e %i3k. ASerep"ina %ill make you 3lean up your mess@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. He ma5e it soun5 like s"e?5 spille5 "er milk. 9)y %alke5 5o%n t"e rest o1 t"e steps in a "ip2s%in-in- -li5e. ASerep"ina %ill not 3are. Broken -lass an5 1lame "a)e so many uses.C 9 5i5n?t like t"e %ay s"e p"rase5 t"at. $"e 8asement %as 8la3k. Bla3k %alls@ 8la3k 1loors@ 8la3k 3eilin-. 9t %as like 8ein- in a -reat 5ark 8o*. !"ains "un- 1rom t"e %alls@ some %it" %"at looke5 like 1ur on t"e 3u11s. Straps 5an-le5 1rom t"e 3eilin- like o8s3ene 5e3orations. $"ere %ere ... 5e)i3es pla3e5 t"rou-"out t"e room. 9 re3o-niEe5 some o1 t"em. A ra3k@ an iron mai5en@ 8ut most o1 it %as like lookin- at 8on5a-e parap"ernalia. Dou %ere pretty sure %"at t"e point %as@ 8ut not "o% it %orke5. $"ere %ere al%ays more "oles t"an 9 3oul5 1i-ure out %"at to 5o %it"@ an5 not"in- e)er seeme5 to 3ome %it" instru3tions. $"ere %as a 5rain in t"e 1loor@ an5 a t"in tri3kle o1 %ater ran 5o%n it. But 9 %as 8ettin- t"at t"e 5rain %asn?t t"ere >ust 1or %ater. Larry mo)e5 5o%n t"e steps to stan5 8esi5e me. AAre t"ose %"at 9 t"ink t"ey areBC ADea"@ t"ey?re torture 5e)i3es.C 9 1or3e5 my "an5 to make a 1ist@ an5 anot"er one. $"e 1eelin- %as 3omin- 8a3k. A9 t"ou-"t t"ey %eren?t -oin- to "arm us@C "e sai5. A9 t"ink it?s suppose5 to s3are us.C A9t?s %orkin-@C "e sai5. 9 5i5n?t like t"e 5e3or mu3" eit"er@ 8ut 9 3oul5 1eel my "an5. 9 3oul5 "a)e "el5 a -un i1 9 "a5 to. A 5oor t"at 9 "a5n?t e)en seen opene5 to t"e le1t. A se3ret panel. A )ampire 3ame t"rou-" t"e 5oor. He "a5 to 8en5 nearly 5ou8le to make it t"rou-" t"e 5oor 1rame. He un1ol5e5@ impossi8ly tall an5 t"in@ 3a5a)erous. He "a5 not 1e5 toni-"t. an5 %as %astin- no po%er on lookin- pretty. His skin %as t"e 3olor o1 ol5 par3"ment an5 3lun- to t"e 8ones o1 "is 1a3e like a t"in 1ilm 8arely 3o)erin- "is skull. His eyes %ere sunken an5 5ull in "is "ea5@ t"e 5ea5 8lue o1 1is" eyes. His si3kly "an5s %ere lon- an5 8ony %it" impossi8ly lon- 1in-ers@ like %"ite spi5ers sti3kin- 1rom t"e slee)es o1 "is 8la3k 3oat. He stalke5 into t"e room %it" t"e e5-es o1 "is 8la3k 3oat s%eepin- 8e"in5 "im like a 3loak. He %as 5resse5 entirely in 8la3kG only "is skin an5 t"e s"ort 3ut %"ite "air on "is "ea5 8etraye5 "im. As "e mo)e5 t"rou-" t"e 8la3k room@ it looke5 like "is "ea5 an5 "an5s %ere 1loatin- on t"eir o%n. 9 s"ook my "ea5 to 3lear t"e ima-e. ="en 9 looke5 8a3k@ "e seeme5 a tou3" more normal. AHe?s usin- "is po%ers to make "imsel1 look 1ri-"tenin-@C 9 sai5. ADes@ ma petite@ "e is.C $"ere %as somet"in- in "is )oi3e t"at ma5e me turn an5 look at "im. His 1a3e %as its usual lo)ely mask28ut in "is eyes@ 1or >ust a se3on5@ 9 sa% 1ear. A="at?s -oin- on@ Hean2!lau5eBC A$"e rules "a)e not 3"an-e5. 4o not 5ra% a %eapon. 4o not strike t"e 1irst 8lo%. $"ey 3annot "arm us unless %e 8reak t"ese rules.C A="y are you su55enly s3are5BC F$"at is not Serep"ina@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as )ery 8lan5 %"en "e sai5 it. A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC He t"re% 8a3k "is "ea5 an5 lau-"e5. $"e soun5 re)er8erate5 t"rou-" t"e room@ e3"oin- an5 out%ar5ly >oyous. But 9 3oul5 taste it on t"e 8a3k o1 my ton-ue@ an5 it %as 8itter. A9t means@ ma petite@ t"at 9 am a 1ool.C

Chapter Twenty-five
Hean2!lau5e?s lau-"ter 1a5e5 a%ay in 8its an5 pie3es@ like t"e soun5 %as 3lin-in- to t"e %alls. A="ere is Serep"inaBC "e aske5. 9)y an5 Bru3e %alke5 out o1 t"e room. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"ere t"ey %ere -oin-@ 8ut it "a5 to 8e 8etter t"an t"is. Ho% many torture rooms 3oul5 a "ouse t"is siEe "a)eB 4on?t ans%er t"at. $"e tall )ampire looke5 at us %it" "is 5ea521is" eyes. $"ere %as no pull@ not"in-G it %as like lookin- into t"e eyes o1 a 3orpse. His )oi3e@ %"en it 3ame@ %as almost s"o3kin-. 9t %as ri3" an5 5eep@ resonant@ 8ut not %it" )ampiri3 po%ers. 9t %as t"e )oi3e o1 an a3tor@ or an opera sin-er. 9 %at3"e5 it 3ome out o1 t"e t"in@ lipless mout" an5 it still looke5 like a parlor tri3k@ like t"e mout" s"oul5 mo)e out o1 syn3 %it" t"e %or5s@ 8ut t"ey 5i5n?t. ADou must pass t"rou-" me 8e1ore s"e %ill see you.C ADou surprise me@ Hanos.C Hean2!lau5e -li5e5 5o%n t"e steps. 9 -uess %e %ere -oin- 5o%n. Pity. ADou are more po%er1ul t"an Serep"ina. Ho% is it you 5o "er 8i55in-BC A="en you "a)e seen "er@ you %ill un5erstan5. /o% 3ome@ all o1 you@ >oin us. $"e ni-"t is youn-@ an5 9 %ant to see you all nake5 an5 8lee5in- 8e1ore 5a%n.C A="o is t"is -uyBC 9 aske5. 9 3oul5 use my "an5 a-ainG mi-"t as %ell smart o11. Hean2!lau5e stoppe5 on t"e last step. Hason mo)e5 up@ one step 8e"in5 "im. Larry an5 9 staye5 a little 8e"in5 t"at. 9 5on?t t"ink eit"er o1 us %as too ea-er to -o 5o%n. $"e )ampire turne5 "is 5ea5 eyes on me. A9 am Hanos.C A4an5y@ 8ut t"e rules say you 3an?t 8lee5 us@ or anyt"in- else. #r 5i5 9 miss somet"in-BC ADou miss )ery little@ ma petite@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ADou %ill not 8e "arme5 a-ainst your %ill@C Hanos sai5. ADou must all 3onsent 1or any "arm to 8e1all you.C A$"en %e?re sa1e@C 9 sai5. He smile5@ t"e skin o1 "is 1a3e stret3"in- like paper. 9 "al12e*pe3te5 8one to 8reak t"rou-"@ 8ut it 5i5n?t. $"e smile %as ni3ely "i5eous. A=e s"all see.C Hean2!lau5e took t"at last step@ an5 mo)e5 1art"er into t"e room. Hason 1ollo%e5@ an5 a1ter a moment?s "esitation so 5i5 9. Larry 1ollo%e5 me like a trooper. A$"is room is your i5ea@ Hanos@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9 5o not"in- %it"out my master?s 3onsent.C AS"e 3annot 8e your master@ Hanos. S"e is not po%er1ul enou-".C ADet@ "ere 9 am@ Hean2!lau5e. Here 9 am.C Hean2!lau5e %alke5 aroun5 t"e 5ark %oo5 o1 t"e ra3k@ trailin- a pale "an5 o)er it. ASerep"ina %as ne)er mu3" 1or torture. S"e %as many t"in-s@ 8ut not sa5isti3.C Hean2!lau5e 3ame to stan5 in 1ront o1 Hanos. A9 t"ink you are master "ere an5 s"e is your stalkin- "orse. S"e is kno%n as master so all t"e 3"allen-es 3ome "er %ay. ="en s"e 5ies@ you %ill 1in5 anot"er puppet. A9 promise you@ Hean2!lau5e@ s"e is my master. $"ink o1 t"is room as my re%ar5 1or 8ein- a 1ait"1ul ser)ant.C He looke5 aroun5 t"e room %it" a proprietary smile@ like a storekeeper a5mirin- %ell2sto3ke5 s"el)es. A="at 5o you plan 1or us in t"is room o1 yoursBC ABut %ait a 1e% moments@ my impatient 8oy@ an5 all %ill 8e re)eale5.C 9t %as o55 to "a)e someone 3all Hean2!lau5e A8oy@C as i1 "e %ere a mu3" youn-er 3ousin t"at Hanos "a5 %at3"e5 -ro% up. Ha5 Hanos kno%n "im %"en "e %as a little )ampireB 'res"ly 5ea5B A %oman?s )oi3eJ A="ere are you takin- meB Dou?re "urtin- me.C 9)y an5 Bru3e 5ra--e5 a youn- %oman t"rou-" t"e si5e 5oor. Literally 5ra--e5 "er. S"e "a5 let "er le-s 3ollapse@ tryin- to use t"em like a 5o- 5oes %"en you try to take it to t"e )et. But s"e only "a5 t%o le-s an5 a )ampire on ea3" arm. S"e %asn?t "a)in- mu3" lu3k slo%in- t"em 5o%n. S"e "a5 strai-"t 8lon5e "air t"at 8arely tou3"e5 t"e tops o1 "er s"oul5ers. Her eyes %ere lar-e an5 8lue@ an5 t"e makeup s"e?5 starte5 t"e ni-"t %it" %as smeare5 1rom 3ryin-. 9)y seeme5 to 8e "a)in- a -oo5 time. Bru3e "a5 )ery %i5e eyes. He %as a1rai5 o1 Hanos. Har5 not to 8e@ 9 -uess. $"e -irl stare5 %or5lessly at Hanos 1or a se3on5@ t"en s3reame5. 9)y 3u11e5 "er a8sently like you?5 s%at a 8arkin- 5o-. $"e -irl %"impere5 an5 1ell silent@ starin- at t"e 1loor@ 1res" tears trailin- 5o%n "er 3"eeks.

$"ere %as only Hanos an5 t"e t%o youn-sters in t"e room %it" us. 9 %as 8ettin- %e 3oul5 take t"em. $%o more )ampires 3ame in@ 8ut t"ey 5i5n?t 5ra- in t"e ne*t -irl. S"e %alke5 in@ eyes -litterin- %it" an-er@ 8a3k )ery strai-"t@ "an5s in 1ists at "er si5es. S"e %as s"ort@ a little "ea)y@ 8ut not ;uite 1at@ as i1 a -oo5 8urst o1 -ro%t" %oul5 take 3are o1 t"e %ei-"t. Her "air %as a non5es3ript 8ro%n@ -lasses 1rame5 small 8ro%n eyes@ 1re3kles 5uste5 "er 1a3e. $"e personality t"at ra5iate5 1rom t"at 1a3e %as not non5es3ript. 9 like5 "er instantly. A#"@ Lisa@C s"e sai5@ A-et up.C S"e soun5e5 em8arrasse5 as %ell as an-ry. $"e 8lon5e -irl@ Lisa@ >ust 3rie5 "ar5er. $"e t%o )amps t"at %ere -uar5in- t"e se3on5 -irl %ere not youn-. $"ey %ere 8ot" tall@ aroun5 si* 1eet@ 5resse5 in 8la3k leat"er@ one %it" "er lon- yello% "air in a 8rai5 5o%n "er 8a3k@ t"e ot"er %it" 8la3k "air 1allin- 1ree aroun5 "er 1a3e. $"eir 8are arms %ere mus3le5 an5 1irm. $"ey looke5 like 1emale 8o5y-uar5s 1rom some 8a5 spy mo)ie. $"e po%er t"at ra5iate5 1rom t"e t%o o1 t"em %as not a B mo)ie e11e3t. 9t 3rept t"rou-" t"e room like a 3urrent o1 %ater@ t"i3k an5 3ool. ="en t"e line o1 po%er poure5 o)er my 8o5y it took my 8reat" a%ay. $"e po%er 3ra%le5 into my 8ones an5 ma5e t"em a3"e. Larry -aspe5 8e"in5 me. 9 -lan3e5 at "im >ust to make sure "e %as -aspin- 1or t"e same reason 9 %as. /o ne% monsters 8e"in5 us@ >ust t"e po%er o1 t"e t%o ne% )amps. A="at are you -uys 5oin-@ runnin- a "al1%ay "ouse 1or all )ampires o)er 1i)e "un5re5 yearsBC 9 aske5. ,)eryone turne5 to%ar5s me. $"e t%o 1emale )amps smile5@ most unpleasantly. $"ey looke5 at me like 9 %as a pie3e o1 3an5y an5 t"ey %on5ere5 %"at sort o1 3enter 9 "a5. So1t an5 -ooey@ or "ar5 %it" a nut in t"e mi55leB 9?5 "a5 men un5ress me %it" t"eir eyes@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er "a5 anyt"in- tryin- to pi3ture %"at 9?5 look like %it" my skin o11. Dikes. A4o you "a)e somet"in- to a55BC Hanos aske5. ADou 3an?t >ust 5ra- a 3ouple o1 un5era-e -irls in "ere an5 e*pe3t us to 5o not"in-.C A#n t"e 3ontrary@ Anita@ %e e*pe3t you to 5o many t"in-s.C 9 5i5n?t like t"e p"rasin- o1 t"at. A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC A'irst@ t"e youn- %omen aren?t un5era-e@ are you@ -irlsBC $"e se3on5 -irl >ust -lare5 at "im. Lisa s"ook "er "ea5@ still starin- at t"e 1loor. A$ell "er your a-es@C Hanos sai5. /eit"er o1 t"em ans%ere5. 9)y yanke5 "ar5 enou-" to make t"e 8lon5e -irl 3ry out. A,i-"teen. 9?m ei-"teen.C S"e 3ollapse5 on t"e 1loor in a so88in- "eap@ an5 t"e )ampires let -o o1 "er so s"e 3oul5 5o it. #ne o1 t"e 1emale )amps sai5@ ADour a-e@ no%.C Her )oi3e %as like ;uiet t"un5er@ a %arnin- o1 t"e 3omin- storm. $"e se3on5 -irl?s eyes %i5ene5 8e"in5 "er -lasses. A9?m nineteen.C $"ere %as 1ear no% peekin- out 1rom 8e"in5 "er an-er. A'ineG t"ey?re o)er ei-"teen@ 8ut an un%illin- "uman is still an un%illin- "uman@ re-ar5less o1 a-e@C 9 sai5. A=oul5 you play poli3eman "ere@ AnitaBC Hanos aske5. He soun5e5 amuse5. A9 %on?t >ust stan5 "ere an5 %at3" you "urt t"em.C ADou "a)e a "i-" opinion o1 yoursel1@ Anita. !on1i5ent. 9 like t"at. Al%ays so mu3" more entertainin- to 8reak someone stron-. $"e %eaklin-s 1ol5 an5 3ry an5 sni)el@ 8ut t"e 8ra)e ones@ t"ey almost 5eman5 t"at you "urt t"em.C He stalke5 to%ar5s me@ rea3"in- out one %"ite spi5er2"an5. A4o you %ant me to "urt youBC 9 remem8ere5 Hean2!lau5e?s %arnin- not to use %eapons@ 8ut 1u3k it@ 9 %as -oin- 1or t"e Bro%nin-. Hean2!lau5e %as >ust su55enly t"ere@ "ol5in- Hanos?s %rist. Hanos seeme5 impresse5. $rut"1ully@ so %as 9. 9 "a5n?t seen "im mo)e@ an5 apparently neit"er "a5 Hanos. A ni1ty tri3k@ t"at. 9 let my "an5 rela* a%ay 1rom t"e -un@ t"ou-" 9 %as pretty sure t"at 5ra%in- it %oul5 make me 1eel 8etter. But t"e purpose o1 toni-"t?s e*er3ise %as not to make me 1eel 8etter@ it %as to stay ali)e. A/o "arm to any o1 usG t"at %as t"e promise@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. Hanos 5re% "is %rist 1rom Hean2!lau5e?s -rasp slo%ly@ almost lin-erin-ly@ as i1 "e en>oye5 it. A#n3e Serep"ina?s promise is -i)en@ s"e keeps it.C A$"en %"y are t"e youn- %omen "ereBC A$"ose t%oC2"e motione5 to Larry an5 me2A%oul5 truly not stan5 8y an5 %at3" "arm 3ome to stran-ersBC He soun5e5 surprise5@ 8ut not un"appy a8out it. ASa5ly@ yes@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AAn5 i1 t"ey >oin t"e 1ray@ you %ill 3ome in to prote3t "erBC Hanos aske5. A91 9 must.C Hanos smile5@ an5 9 3oul5 "ear "is skin 3reak %it" t"e strain o1 "ol5in- in "is 8ones. ASplen5i5.C

9 sa% a tremor run t"rou-" Hean2!lau5e?s 8a3k@ as i1 "e "a5 8een 3au-"t o11 -uar5. 9 %as >ust plain 3on1use5. A$"e t%o youn- %omen 3ame %illin-ly into our "ouse. $"ey kne% %"at %e %ere@ an5 a-ree5 to "elp us entertain -uests.C 9 -lan3e5 at t"e se3on5 -irl. A9s t"at trueBC #ne o1 "er )ampire -uar5s tou3"e5 "er s"oul5er@ li-"tly@ 8ut it %as enou-". A=e 3ame %illin-ly@ 8ut %e 5i5n?t kno% ... C $"e )ampire?s "an5 s;ueeEe5. $"e -irl?s 1a3e 3rum8le5 in pain 8ut s"e ma5e no soun5. A$"ey 3ame o1 t"eir o%n 1ree %ill@ an5 t"ey are o1 t"e a-e o1 3onsent@C Hanos sai5. ASo %"at "appens no%BC 9 aske5. A9)y@ 3"ain t"at one o)er t"ere.C He pointe5 as "e sai5 it to some 1ur2line5 mana3les to t"e le1t o1 t"e 5oor. 9)y an5 Bru3e pi3ke5 up t"e -irl@ pulle5 "er to "er 1eet@ an5 le5 "er stum8lin- to t"e %all. AHer 8a3k 1a3in- t"e room@ please.C 9 steppe5 ne*t to Hean2!lau5e an5 %"ispere5@ t"ou-" 9 kne% %it"in reason t"ey?5 "ear@ A9 5on?t like t"is.C A/or 9@ ma petite.C A!an %e stop it %it"out 8reakin- t"e tru3eBC A/ot unless t"ey o11er "arm to us 5ire3tly@ no.C A="at "appens i1 9 8reak t"e tru3eBC A$"ey %ill try to kill us@ most likely.C $"ere %ere 1i)e )ampires in t"e room@ t"ree o1 t"em ol5er t"an Hean2!lau5e. =e %oul5 5ie. 4ammit. $"e 8lon5e -irl so88e5 an5 stru--le5@ pullin- at "er arms as t"e )ampires 3"aine5 "er to t"e %all. S"e s3reame5 an5 pulle5 so )iolently t"at %it"out t"e 1ur linin- s"e?5 "a)e 8loo5ie5 "er %rists. A %oman steppe5 into t"e room 1rom t"e si5e 5oor. S"e %as tall@ taller t"an Hean2!lau5e. Her skin %as t"e 3olor o1 3o11ee %it" t%o 3reams. Her 5ark "air 1ell in lon- 3ornro%s to "er %aist. S"e %as 5resse5 in a 8la3k@ patent leat"er 8o5y suit. 9t le1t )ery little to t"e ima-ination. S"e stro5e "ar5 on "er "eels@ a )ery "uman %alk. But s"e %asn?t "uman. AKissa@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ADou are still %it" Serep"ina.C He soun5e5 surprise5. A/ot all o1 us "a)e your lu3k.C Her )oi3e %as t"i3k like "oney. $"ere %as a smell like spi3es in t"e air@ an5 9 %asn?t sure i1 it %as "er per1ume or illusion. Her "i-"28one5 1a3e %as empty o1 makeup an5 still s"e %as 8eauti1ul2t"ou-" 9 %on5ere5 %"at s"e?5 look like i1 s"e %eren?t 3lou5in- my min5. Be3ause surely no "uman 3oul5 "a)e ra5iate5 t"e ra% se*uality t"at 3lun- to Kissa like a tou3"a8le 3lou5. A9 am sorry you are "ere@ Kissa.C S"e smile5. A4on?t pity me@ Hean2!lau5e. Serep"ina "as promise5 you to me@ 8e1ore Hanos 8reaks t"at 8eauti1ul 8o5y o1 yours.C Si* )ampires@ 1our o1 t"em ol5er t"an Hean2!lau5e. $"e o55s %ere not -oin- in our 1a)or. A!"ain t"e ot"er -irl t"ere.C Hanos motione5 to a mat3"in- set o1 mana3les to t"e ri-"t o1 t"e 5oor. $"e -irl s"ook "er "ea5. A/o %ay.C S"e >ust re1use5 to -o@ an5 s"e stru--le5 8etter t"an t"e 8lon5e. S"e t"re% "er 8o5y on t"e -roun5 an5 use5 e)ery in3" o1 it@ not to 1i-"t@ >ust not to -o. $%o )ampires se)eral 3enturies ol5@ po%er1ul enou-" to make my teet" "urt@ an5 t"ey "a5 to pi3k "er up 1rom 8ot" en5s an5 3arry "er to t"e %all. S"e?5 1inally starte5 to s3ream@ one lou5@ ra--e5@ ra-e21ille5 soun5 a1ter anot"er. $"e 5ark2 "aire5 )amp pinne5 "er to t"e %all@ an5 t"e ot"er one 3"aine5 "er. A9 3an?t >ust %at3" t"is@C Larry sai5. He %as stan5in- )ery 3lose to meG may8e "e 5i5n?t kno% t"e )ampires %oul5 "ear "is %"ispers. 9t 5i5n?t really matter. A/eit"er 3an 9.C =e %ere -oin- to -et oursel)es kille5G mi-"t as %ell take as many o1 t"em %it" us as %e 3oul5. Hean2!lau5e turne5 aroun5@ as i1 "e 3oul5 smell us -oin- 1or our -uns. A7a petite@ 7onsieur Kirklan5@ 5o not -o 1or your %eapons. $"ey are trea5in- le-alities. $"e %omen "a)e 3ome to "elp entertain. $"ey %ill not kill t"em.C ADou?re sure o1 t"atBC 9 aske5. He 1ro%ne5. A9 am sure o1 not"in- anymore@ 8ut 9 8elie)e t"at t"ey %ill keep t"eir %or5. $"e %omen are 1ri-"tene5 an5 a little 8ruise5@ 8ut t"ey are not "arme5.C A$"is isn?t "armBC Larry aske5. He looke5 outra-e5@ an5 9 3oul5n?t 8lame "im. 9 ans%ere5 "im. AVampires "a)e a )ery uni;ue sense o1 %"at?s "arm1ul@ 5on?t t"ey@ Hean!lau5eBC

He met my -aEe. A9 see a33usation in your eyes@ 8ut remem8er t"is@ ma petite@ you aske5 me to 8rin- you "ere. So 5o not 8lame t"is parti3ular pro8lem on me.C A9s our entertainment so 8orin-BC Hanos aske5. A=e %ere 5is3ussin- %"et"er to kill you all no%@ or later@C 9 sai5@ my )oi3e )ery matter2o11a3t. Hanos -a)e a lo% 3"u3kle. APlease 5o 8reak t"e tru3e@ Anita. 9 %oul5 lo)e to "a)e an e*3use to -et you on one o1 my no)elties. 9 t"ink you %oul5 take a lon- time to 8reak. $"en a-ain@ it is sometimes t"e 8ra--arts %"o 8reak 1irst.C A9 5on?t 8ra-@ Hanos. 9 tell t"e trut".C AS"e 8elie)es %"at s"e says@C Kissa sai5. ADes@ s"e "as a 5istur8in- "int o1 trut" to "er@C Hanos sai5. A7ost tasty.C $"e 8lon5e@ Lisa@ "a5 stoppe5 stru--lin- a-ainst t"e 3"ains. S"e sa--e5 in t"em@ nearly in3o"erent %it" 3ryin-. $"e ot"er -irl@ no% t"at s"e %as 3"aine5@ stoo5 )ery still@ 8ut a 1ine trem8lin- "a5 starte5 in "er arms an5 "an5s. S"e 8alle5 "er "an5s into 1ists@ 8ut 3oul5 not stop t"e trem8lin-. A$"e %omen 3ame 1or a little a5)enture. $"ey are 3ertainly -ettin- t"eir money?s %ort"@C Hanos sai5. $"e t%o 1emale )amps opene5 panels in t"e 8la3k %alls. $"ey ea3" took out a lon- 3oil o1 %"ip. /eit"er o1 t"e -irls 3oul5 see. 9 %as -la5. 9 3oul5n?t stan5 an5 %at3"@ 9 3oul5n?t. 9t %oul5 kill somet"in- insi5e me to >ust stan5 an5 %at3"@ e)en i1 it meant 9 5ie5. 9?5 at least -o 5o%n 1i-"tin-@ an5 9?5 take some o1 t"em %it" me. Better t"an not"in-. But 8e1ore %e all 3ommitte5 sui3i5e@ 9?5 try to talk. A91 you?re not tryin- to -oa5 us into 8reakin- t"e tru3e@ t"en %"at t"e "ell 5o you %antBC A=antBC Hanos sai5. A=antB ="y@ many t"in-s@ Anita.C 9 %as 8e-innin- to "ate t"e %ay "e sai5 my name@ sort o1 "al12amuse5@ an5 intimate@ like %e %ere 1rien5s@ or 3lose enemies. A="at 5o you %ant@ HanosBC AS"oul5n?t you 8e ne-otiatin- 1or your peopleBC "e aske5 Hean2!lau5e. AAnita 5oes %ell enou-" on "er o%n@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. Hanos -a)e anot"er ri3tus smile. AVery %ell. ="at 5o %e %antBC $"e )ampires %ent to t"e -irls. $"ey "el5 up t"e %"ips so t"e t%o -irls 3oul5 see t"em. A="at is t"atBC t"e 8lon5e aske5. A="at is t"atBC Her )oi3e %as "i-" an5 8u88ly %it" 1ear. A9t?s a %"ip@C t"e se3on5 -irl sai5. 'irm an5 3lippe5@ "er )oi3e 5i5 not 8etray "er t"e %ay "er trem8lin- 8o5y 5i5. $"e t%o )ampires 8a3ke5 a%ay@ >ust enou-" 1or -oo5 %"ippin- 5istan3e@ 9 -uess. A="at t"e 8loo5y "ell 5o you %antBC 9 aske5. AAre you 1amiliar %it" t"e term F%"ippin- 8oy?BC Hanos aske5. A9t %as a person use5 8y royalty to 8e 8eaten in t"e pla3e o1 t"e royal "eir.C AVery -oo5G so 1e% youn- people "a)e a sense o1 "istory.C A="at 5oes t"e "istory lesson "a)e to 5o %it" anyt"in-BC A$"e -irls are %"ippin- 8oys 1or your t%o youn- men@C Hanos sai5. $"e t%o )ampires snake5 t"e %"ips alon- t"e 1loor@ an5 3ra3ke5 t"em nearly in unison@ 8ut neit"er %"ip tou3"e5 t"e -irls. $"e se3on5 -irl s3reame5@ a s"ort@ 3lippe5 soun5@ %"en t"e %"ip %"istle5 into t"e %all ne*t to "er. $"e 8lon5e >ust sank a-ainst t"e %all@ so88in-@ APlease@ please@ please@C o)er an5 o)er in a ra--e5 )oi3e. A4on?t "urt t"em@C Larry sai5. APlease.C A=oul5 you take "er pla3eBC Hanos aske5. 9 1inally un5erstoo5 %"ere %e %ere "ea5in-. ADou 3an?t "urt us %it"out our 3ooperation. Dou trea3"erous son o1 a 8it3".C He smile5. AAns%er me@ la5. =oul5 you take "er pla3eBC Larry no55e5. 9 -ra88e5 "is arm. A/o.C ASurely it is "is 3"oi3e@C Hanos sai5. ALet -o o1 my arm@ Anita.C 9 stare5 at "is eyes@ sear3"in- to see i1 "e un5erstoo5 %"at "e %as 5oin-. ADou 5on?t kno% %"at a %"ip %ill 5o to "uman 1les". Dou 5on?t kno% %"at you?re o11erin-.C

A=e 3an reme5y t"at@C Hanos sai5. $"e )ampires rippe5 t"e 8a3ks o1 t"e -irls? 8louses %it" a "ars"@ ;ui3k tearin-. $"e 8lon5e s3reame5. A=e 3an?t >ust %at3"@C Larry sai5. He %as ri-"tG %"et"er 9 like5 it or not@ "e %as ri-"t. A9?)e seen %"at a %"ip 3an 5o@C Hason sai5 su55enly. A4on?t "urt t"em.C 9 stare5 at "im. ADou 5on?t strike me as t"e sel12sa3ri1i3in- kin5.C He s"ru--e5. A=e all "a)e our moments.C A=oul5 it make t"is an easier 3"oi3e i1 9 s%ore t"at i1 your youn- man takes t"e -irl?s pla3e %e %ill not 3ripple "imBC AHo% a8out kill "imBC 9 sai5. ADou 3an 5ie o1 s"o3k 1rom a %"ippin-.C A/o killin-@ no 3ripplin-. =e simply %ant our poun5 o1 1les"@ an5 a ;uart o1 8loo5.C Somet"in- must "a)e s"o%n on our 1a3es@ 8e3ause "e lau-"e5. A'i-urati)ely speakin-@ o1 3ourse. Dou %ill %ear s3ars until you 5ie@ 8ut no -reater "arm.C A$"is is ri5i3ulous@C 9 sai5. A=e aren?t -oin- to 5o t"is.C A91 %e pull our -uns@ 3an %e take t"emBC Larry aske5. 9 looke5 a%ay 1rom "is earnest eyes. He tou3"e5 my arm. AAnitaBC A=e 3an take some o1 t"em %it" us@C 9 sai5. ABut %e?ll still 8e 5ea5@ an5 on3e %e?re 5ea5 %"o?ll "elp t"e -irlsBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"ere?s -ot to 8e a 8etter %ay.C Larry looke5 at Hean2!lau5e. A=ill "e keep "is %or5B =ill t"ey not kill meBC AHanos?s %or5 "as al%ays 8een relia8le@ or at least it %as a 3ouple o1 3enturies a-o.C A!an %e trust t"emBC Hason aske5. A/o@C 9 sai5. ADes@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 9 -lare5 at "im. A9 kno% you %oul5 rat"er s"oot it out@ 8ut you %oul5 only su33ee5 in -ettin- us all kille5. #r per"aps some o1 us ma5e into )ampires.C Larry tou3"e5 my s"oul5ers. He ma5e me look at "im. A9t?s alri-"t.C A9t?s not alri-"t@C 9 sai5. A'ine@ 8ut it?s t"e 8est %e 3an 5o ri-"t no%.C A4on?t 5o t"is.C A9 5on?t "a)e a 3"oi3e@C "e sai5. ABesi5es@ 9?m a 8i- 8oy@ remem8erB 9 3an take 3are o1 mysel1.C 9 "u--e5 "im. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at else to 5o. A9?ll 8e alri-"t@C "e %"ispere5. 9 >ust no55e5. 9 5i5n?t trust my )oi3e@ an5 9 try ne)er to lie to my 1rien5s. He %oul5 not 8e alri-"t. 9 kne% it. He kne% it. =e all kne% it. Hason %alke5 a%ay 1rom us to%ar5s t"e )ampires. A#"@ no@ my -oo5 s"apes"i1ter@ %e 5on?t %ant you 3"aine5 to a %all.C ABut you sai5 ... C A9 sai5 you 3oul5 sa)e t"e -irls@ 8ut not like t"at. Let t"e "uman take "is las"es. All you must a-ree to is satis1yin- t"e 5esires o1 my t%o "elpers@ Bettina an5 Pallas.C Hason stare5 at t"e t%o )ampires. $"ey?5 turne5 to 1a3e us. 9 su55enly trie5 to see t"em 1rom t"e )ie%point o1 a t%enty2 year2ol5 male. $"ey %ere 3"esty@ slim %aiste5G i1 Pallas?s 1a3e %as a little too %it3"y2lookin- 1or my taste@ an5 Bettina?s eyes too small@ t"at %as >ust me. /eit"er o1 t"em %as pretty@ or e)en 8eauti1ulG t"ey %ere "an5some in t"e %ay t"at some tall@ le--y %omen are. Han5some in a -oo5 %ay@ i1 t"ey "a5 8een "uman. Hason 1ro%ne5. A9t seems 9?m -ettin- t"e 8etter 5eal "ere.C A=oul5 it make any 5i11eren3e i1 9 sai5 you "a5 to 5o it "ere in t"is room@ on t"e 1loor@ in 1ront o1 e)eryoneBC Hanos aske5. Hason t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. A91 9 say no@ 5oes t"e -irl -et %"ippe5BC Hanos no55e5.

A$"en 9 a-ree@C "e sai5@ 8ut "is )oi3e %as so1t an5 un3ertain. Bein- las3i)ious in pri)ate %as one t"in-G 5oin- it in pu8li3 %as 5i11erent. A!ome t"en@ s"apes"i1ter@ let t"e s"o% 8e-in.C Hanos ma5e a s%eepin- motion %it" "is %"ite "an5s. Hason -lan3e5 8a3k at Hean2!lau5e like a ki5 on t"e 1irst 5ay o1 s3"ool %on5erin- i1 t"e 8ullies %ere really -oin- to "urt "im. Hean2!lau5e -a)e no 3om1ort. His 1a3e %as as still an5 unrea5a8le as a paintin-. He -a)e a small no5 t"at 3oul5 "a)e meant anyt"in- 1rom A9t %ill 8e alri-"tC to AHust 5o it.C 9 %at3"e5 Hason?s s"oul5ers rise %it" a 5eep 8reat"@ an5 "ear5 "im 8lo% it out like a runner 8e1ore a ra3e. ="y is it t"at most t"in-s you mi-"t %illin-ly 5o un5er ot"er 3ir3umstan3es 8e3ome 5istaste1ul %"en you "a)e no 3"oi3eB AHa)e you e)er 8een %it" one o1 usBC Hanos aske5. Hason s"ook "is "ea5. Hanos put a lon-21in-ere5 "an5 on Hason?s s"oul5er. Hason 5i5n?t seem to en>oy t"at. !oul5n?t 8lame "im. A$"ere are many pleasures t"at a%ait you@ my youn- s"apes"i1ter. $"in-s t"at no "uman or %ereanimal 3an -i)e to you. Sensations t"at only t"e 5ea5 3an o11er.C $"e t%o 1emale )ampires "a5 steppe5 to t"e 1ar en5 o1 t"e room in a 3lear spa3e on t"e 8la3k 1loor. $"e %"ips lay 3oile5 at t"e 1eet o1 t"e t%o -irls@ as i1 t"ey %ere a remin5er o1 %"at %oul5 "appen i1 anyone 3"i3kene5 out. 91 Hason %ante5 to 1u3k a 1e% )ampires@ t"at %as 1ine %it" me. Besi5es@ "e %asn?t mine to prote3t. But t"e se* %asn?t -oin- to last 1ore)er. 9 3oul5n?t let t"em "a)e Larry. 9 3oul5n?t stan5 8y an5 %at3" "im 8e torture5. 9 >ust 3oul5n?t. But i1 9 pulle5 5o%n t"e room@ t"en e)en i1 %e -ot out o1 t"e 8asement2"i-"ly 5ou8t1ul all on its o%n2%e?5 "a)e e)ery )amp in t"e pla3e a1ter our ass. $"ere %oul5 8e moreG t"ere %ere al%ays more. But %"at "a5 Hean2!lau5e sai5B 91 t"ey 8roke t"e tru3e 1irst@ %e 3oul5 5ra% %eapons. 9t "a5 possi8ilities. $"e one %it" lon- 8lon5e "air "a5 un5one "er 8rai5. S"e s"ook out "er "air like it %as a t"i3k 3urtain o1 yello% %a)es. 9t "i5 "er 1a3e 1or a moment@ an5 s"e seeme5 so1ter@ more "uman. 7ay8e it %as illusion. ="ate)er@ Hason tou3"e5 t"at t"i3k "air@ %a55e5 "is "an5s into it@ t"en sli5 "is "an5s aroun5 "er %aist. 91 "e %as -oin- to "a)e to 5o it@ it looke5 like "e %as -oin- to "a)e 1un %"ile "e 5i5. /i3e to see someone %"o en>oys "is %ork. $"e 5ark2"aire5 )amp 3ame in 1rom 8e"in5@ pressin- "er leat"er23la5 8o5y a-ainst "im. Hason %as s"ort enou-" t"at "is 1a3e %as a8out 8reast le)el 1or 8ot" o1 t"em. He 8urie5 "is 1a3e in t"e 8lon5e?s 3"est. S"e unla3e5 t"e 1ront o1 "er leat"er )est@ peelin- it 8a3k so "e 3oul5 su3k "er 8reasts. 9 turne5 a%ay. 9 %as ne)er mu3" 1or )oyeurism. Ha5 an em8arrassin- ten5en3y to 8lus". 9)y an5 Bru3e mo)e5 alon- t"e %all to stan5 near t"e 3orner ne*t to t"e t"reesome. Bru3e %as 1as3inate5 an5 em8arrasse5@ 8ut "e kept lookin-. $"ere %as no em8arrassment on 9)y?s 1a3e. S"e mo)e5 alon- t"e %all@ "er 8a3k presse5 to it@ "an5s 1eelin- t"eir %ay alon-. Her re5 lipsti3ke5 mout" %as partially open. S"e sli5 5o%n t"e %all@ t"e re5 5ress 8un3"in- aroun5 "er t"i-"s as s"e %ent to all 1ours. =at3"in- t"em mo)e alon- t"e %all 8rou-"t my -aEe 8a3k to t"e entertainment. Hason?s s"irt %as -one. =earin- not"in- 8ut "is leat"er pants an5 "is 8la3k 8oots@ "e mat3"e5 t"e t%o )ampires. He %as on "is knees@ "is 8a3k ar3"e5 so "e %as 3ra5le5 a-ainst t"e 8runette 8e"in5 "im. S"e smoot"e5 "er "an5s 5o%n "is nake5 3"est. He turne5@ -i)in- "er "is lips. $"e kiss %as lon- an5 5eep@ an5 1ull o1 more pro8in- t"an any8o5y 8ut your 5o3tor s"oul5 8e 5oin-. $"e 8lon5e %as sittin- %it" "er le-s %i5e open in 1ront o1 t"em@ un5oin- Hason?s pants. S"e?5 alrea5y 5one somet"in- to "er leat"er pants so t"at t"e 3rot3" %as open. S"e %as a natural 8lon5e. ="y %as 9 surprise5B 9)y stret3"e5 out a "an5 to pull at t"e ot"er )ampire?s lon- yello% "air. A9)y@C Hanos sai5@ Ayou %ere not in)ite5.C S"e pulle5 "er "an5 8a3k 8ut 5i5n?t 8a3k a%ay. S"e %as as 3lose to t"e a3tion as s"e 3oul5 -et an5 not 8e part o1 it. Bru3e %as still pinne5 to t"e %all@ open2mout"e5 an5 a little s%eaty@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t seem to %ant to 3ome 3loser. Hanos stoo5 )ery 3almly %at3"in-. He "a5 a ti-"t -rin on "is 1a3e@ an5 1or t"e 1irst time t"ere %as some li-"t in t"ose 5ea521is" eyes. He %as en>oyin- "imsel1. Hean2!lau5e %as "al12leanin-@ "al12sittin- a-ainst a metal 1rame t"at "el5 t"e rou-" outline o1 a 8o5y. He %as %at3"int"e s"o%@ 8ut "is 1a3e %as still unrea5a8le@ a 8eauti1ul mask. He sa% me lookin- at "im@ 8ut t"ere %as no 3"an-e in "is eyes. He %as as 3lose5 an5 solitary as i1 "e %ere stan5in- in an empty room. He %asn?t 8reat"in- t"at 9 3oul5 see. 4i5 "e "a)e a "eart8eat %"en "e "el5 "imsel1 so stillB #r 5i5 e)eryt"in- stopB Kissa stoo5 8y t"e 5oor t"at %e "a5n?t 8een t"rou-". S"e "a5 "er arms 3rosse5 o)er "er stoma3". 'or someone t"at "a5 %ante5 to >ump Hean2!lau5e?s 8ones so 8a5ly@ s"e 5i5n?t seem to like t"e s"o% mu3". #r may8e s"e %as t"e -uar5 to keep Larry an5 me 1rom runnin- s3reamin- 1rom t"e room. Larry "a5 8a3ke5 as 1ar a%ay 1rom t"e a3tion as "e 3oul5 -et. He %as presse5 up a-ainst t"e %all@ tryin- to 1in5 somet"in- to look at@ 8ut "is eyes kept 8ein- 5ra%n 8a3k to t"e ot"er en5 o1 t"e room. 9t %as like tryin- not to %at3" a train %re3k. Dou 5i5n?t %ant to see it "appen@ 8ut i1 it %as -oin- to "appen you 5i5n?t ;uite %ant to look a%ay eit"er. ="en %oul5 you e)er -et t"e 3"an3e to see it a-ainB A m6na-e Z trois ma5e up o1 t%o )ampires an5 a %ere%ol1 3oul5n?t 8e t"at 3ommon a si-"t 1or Larry. 9t %asn?t e)en a 3ommon si-"t 1or me.

$"e t%o -irls still 3"aine5 to t"e %all 3oul5n?t see %"at %as -oin- on. Pro8a8ly >ust as %ell. A lo% moan 8roke 1rom t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e room. 9t ma5e me -lan3e 8a3k. Hason?s pants "a5 8een pulle5 partially 5o%n to re)eal most o1 t"e smoot" e*panse o1 "is 8utto3ks. His arms %ere 8ra3e5@ lea)in- only "is lo%er 8o5y tou3"in- t"e %oman. His 8o5y rose an5 1ell r"yt"mi3ally. $"e 8lon5e )ampire %rit"e5 un5er "im@ anot"er lo% moan es3apin- "er t"roat. Her 8reasts spille5 out o1 "er 8la3k leat"er )est like an o11erin- as s"e 5i5 a sort o1 sit2up to meet Hason?s mout". $"e 8runette li3ke5 a slo%@ pink ton-ue alon- "is spine. His 8a3k 3on)ulse5 %it" t"e sensation@ or may8e it %as anot"er sensation. $"e e11e3t looke5 t"e same. 9 turne5 a%ay@ 8ut t"e ima-e %as 8urne5 on my min5. 9 1elt "eat 3ra%l up my ne3k. 4amn. Larry?s eyes %i5ene5 an5 9 %at3"e5 t"e 3olor 5rain 1rom "is 1a3e@ until "is skin %as t"e surprise5 %"ite o1 paper an5 "is eyes too 8i- 1or "is 1a3e. 9 1ou-"t it 1or a minute@ 8ut 9 turne5 8a3k to see@ like Lot?s %i1e riskin- it all 1or one last 1or8i55en -limpse. Hason "a5 3ollapse5@ "is 1a3e lost in t"e 8lon5e?s "air. Her 1a3e %as turne5 to t"e room. Her skin "a5 t"inne5 until you 3oul5 see e)ery 8one in "er 1a3e. Her 1ull lips "a5 t"inne5 8a3k@ makin- "er teet" look lon-er. S"e no lon-er "a5 enou-" lips to "i5e "er 1an-s. $"e 8runette knelt >ust 8e"in5 t"em@ "er knees 8et%een 8ot" t"eir le-s. S"e lo%ere5 "er "an5s 1rom "er 1a3e@ an5 one "al1 o1 t"at "an5some 1a3e rotte5 a%ay. S"e ran "er "an5 t"rou-" "er lon- 5ark "air an5 it 3ame a%ay in 3lumps. S"e turne5 "er 1a3e to%ar5s t"e rest o1 us. $"e skin slou-"e5 o11 t"e 8ones on t"e le1t si5e o1 "er 1a3e an5 1ell to t"e 1loor %it" a t"i3k %et plop. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5 enou-" t"at it "urt -oin- 5o%n an5 8a3ke5 up to stan5 8y Larry. He %asn?t %"ite anymoreG "e %as -reen. A7y turn no%@C one o1 t"e )ampires sai5. 7y 1a3e turne5 8a3k to t"e s3ene at t"e en5 o1 t"e room@ almost a-ainst my %ill. 9 3oul5n?t stan5 to %at3"@ an5 3oul5n?t stan5 to look a%ay. Hason rose in a sort o1 pus"2up motion. He 3au-"t a -limpse o1 t"e 8lon5e?s 1a3e an5 "is s"oul5ers tense5@ t"e line o1 "is spine ti-"tenin-. He pulle5 a%ay 1rom "er slo%ly@ 3omin- to "is knees. $"e 8runette ran "er 1in-ers 5o%n "is nake5 8a3k. Her 1les" slou-"e5 a%ay@ lea)in- a trail o1 -reenis" slime 8e"in5. A tremor ran t"rou-" "is 8o5y t"at "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" se*. 'rom a3ross t"e room 9 3oul5 see Hason?s 3"est rise an5 1all 1aster an5 1aster@ as i1 "e %as "yper)entilatin-. He staye5 starin- strai-"t a"ea5@ makin- no mo)e to turn an5 look 8e"in5 "im@ as i1 it %oul5 -o a%ay i1 "e 5i5n?t look. $"e 8runette %rappe5 "er 5e3ayin- arms aroun5 "is s"oul5ers@ leane5 "er rotte5 1a3e ne*t to "is@ an5 %"ispere5 somet"in-. Hason stru--le5 a%ay 1rom t"em@ 3ra%lin- a-ainst t"e %all. His 8are 3"est %as 3o)ere5 in 8its o1 "er 1les". His eyes %ere impossi8ly %i5e@ s"o%in- too mu3" %"ite. He 3oul5n?t seem to -et enou-" air. A stran5 o1 somet"in- t"i3k an5 "ea)y sli5 slo%ly 5o%n "is ne3k onto "is 3"est. He 8atte5 at it like you %oul5 s%at at a spi5er t"at you 1oun5 3ra%lin- alon- your skin. He %as presse5 into t"e 8la3k %all %it" "is pants nearly to "is t"i-"s. $"e 8lon5e rolle5 o11 "er 8a3k an5 3ra%le5 to%ar5s "im@ rea3"in- a "an5 out t"at %as not"in- 8ut 8ones %it" 8its o1 5rie5 1les". S"e seeme5 to 8e 5e3ayin- in 5ry -roun5. $"e 8runette %as %et. S"e lay 8a3k on t"e 1loor@ an5 some 5ark 1lui5 rus"e5 out 1rom "er to pool 8eneat" "er 8o5y. S"e?5 un5one "er o%n leat"er s"irt@ an5 "er 8reasts %ere like "ea)y 8a-s o1 1lui5. A9?m rea5y 1or you@C t"e 8runette sai5. Her )oi3e %as still 3lear an5 soli5. /o "uman )oi3e s"oul5 "a)e 3ome out o1 t"ose rottin- lips. $"e 8lon5e -ra88e5 Hason?s arm@ an5 "e s3reame5. Hean2!lau5e sat t"ere %at3"in-@ motionless@ unmo)e5. 9 1oun5 mysel1 %alkin- to%ar5s t"em. 9t surprise5 e)en me. 9 kept %aitin- 1or t"e smell t"at s"oul5 "a)e a33ompanie5 t"e rottin- 1les"@ 8ut %it" e)ery step t"e air %as 3lean. 9 stoo5 8esi5e Hean2!lau5e an5 sai5@ A9s t"is illusionBC He %oul5n?t look at me. A/o@ ma petite@ it is not an illusion.C 9 poke5 "im in t"e arm@ an5 it %as "ar5 an5 1irm as %oo5. 9t 5i5n?t 1eel like 1les" at all. A9s t"is illusionBC A/o@ ma petite.C He looke5 at me at last@ an5 "is eyes %ere soli5 5ro%nin- 8lue. ABot" 1orms %ere real.C He stoo5@ an5 e)en stan5in- ne*t to "im 9 3oul5 not see "im 8reat"e. $"e 8runette %as on all 1ours rea3"in- 1or Hason %it" a "an5 t"at 1ell into %et pie3es as it mo)e5. Hason s3reame5 an5 presse5 "imsel1 into t"e %all as i1 "e %ante5 to 3ra%l t"rou-" it. He "i5 "is 1a3e like a 3"il5 i-norin- t"e monster un5er "is 8e5@ 8ut t"is %as no 3"il5@ an5 "e kne% t"e monsters %ere real. AHelp "im@C 9 %"ispere5@ an5 9 %asn?t sure %"i3" o1 us 9 %as talkin- to. A9 s"all 5o %"at 9 3an@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 9 %as starin- at "im %"en 9 "ear5 t"e ne*t %or5s in my "ea5. His lips ne)er mo)e5. A91 t"ey 8reak t"e tru3e 1irst@ ma petite@ t"en you are 1ree to slau-"ter e)eryone in t"is room.C

9 stare5 at "im@ 8ut "is 1a3e 8etraye5 not"in-. #nly t"e e3"o o1 "im insi5e my "ea5 tol5 me 9 "a5n?t "allu3inate5 it. $"ere %as no time to 8it3" a8out t"e 1a3t t"at "e?5 in)a5e5 my "ea5. LaterG %e 3oul5 ar-ue later. AHanos.C $"at one %or5 re)er8erate5 t"rou-" t"e room until it e3"oe5 up t"e soles o1 my 1eet like a 5eep 8ass 5rum. Hanos turne5 to look at Hean2!lau5e@ "is skeletal 1a3e set in a please5 e*pression. ADou ran-BC A9 3"allen-e you.C $"e t"ree %or5s %ere 8lan5G t"ey 1ell like o112key notes >an-lin- alon- my ner)es. 91 t"e tone 8ot"ere5 Hanos@ you 3oul5n?t tell it. ADou 3annot pre)ail a-ainst me@C Hanos sai5. A$"at remains to 8e seen@ 5oes it notBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. Hanos smile5 until t"e skin nearly snappe5. A91 8y some mira3le you 8est me@ %"at 5o you %antBC ASa1e passa-e 1or all my people.C 9 3leare5 my t"roat. AAn5 t"e t%o -irls.C AAn5 i1 9 %in@C Hanos sai5@ A%"at 5o 9 -etBC A="at 5o you %antBC ADou kno% %"at %e %ant.C ASay it@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ADou -i)e up your sa1e passa-e. =e -et you@ to 5o %it" as %e like.C Hean2!lau5e -a)e a small no5. ASo 8e it.C He pointe5 at t"e rottin- )ampires. AGet t"em a%ay 1rom my %ol1.C Hanos smile5. A$"ey %ill not "urt "im@ 8ut i1 you 1ail ... 9?ll make a -i1t o1 "im to my t%o 8eauties.C A lo% soun5 like a s%allo%e5 s3ream 3ra%le5 1rom Hason?s t"roat. $"e 8runette?s "an5 starte5 t"e 3ra%l 5o%n "is stoma3" to "is pri)ates. He s3reame5 an5 pus"e5 "er a%ay@ 8ut unless "e resorte5 to )iolen3e "e %as trappe5. An5 i1 %e 8roke t"e tru3e 1irst %e %ere 5ea5@ 8ut i1 t"ey 8roke t"e tru3e ... Hean2!lau5e an5 Hanos "a5 mo)e5 8a3k to t"e 3enter o1 t"e room. $"ey stoo5 a 1e% yar5s apart. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 %it" "is 1eet spa3e5 as i1 "e %as 8ra3in- 1or a 1i-"t. Hanos stoo5 %it" "is 1eet to-et"er@ easy@ un3on3erne5. ADou %ill lose e)eryt"in-@ Hean2!lau5eG %"at are you up toBC Hean2!lau5e >ust s"ook "is "ea5. A!"allen-e "as 8een o11ere5 an5 a33epte5G %"at are you %aitin- on@ HanosB Are you a1rai5 o1 me at lon- lastBC AA1rai5 o1 youB /e)er@ Hean2!lau5e. /ot a "un5re5 years a-o@ not a moment a-o.C A,nou-" talk@ Hanos.C His )oi3e "a5 -one lo% an5 so1t@ yet it 3arrie5 t"rou-" t"e entire room@ an5 3ra%le5 up t"e 8la3k %alls to rain 5o%n in 5rops o1 soun5 t"at %ere 5ark an5 an-er21ille5. Hanos lau-"e5@ 8ut t"e soun5 "a5 none o1 t"e tou3"a8le ;ualities o1 Hean!lau5e?s )oi3e. ALet us 5an3e.C Silen3e 1ell so a8ruptly on t"e room 9 t"ou-"t 9?5 -one 5ea1. $"en 9 realiEe5 9 3oul5 still "ear my o%n "eart8eat@ t"e 8loo5 rus"in- in my o%n "ea5. =a)es o1 somet"in- rose 8et%een t"e t%o master )ampires like "eat risin- o11 summer pa)ement. ="at poure5 alon- my skin %asn?t "eat@ it %as ... po%er. A %"irlin-@ rus"in- storm o1 po%er. 9?5 1elt Hean2!lau5e -o up a-ainst ot"er )ampires@ an5 9?5 ne)er 1elt anyt"in- like t"is. 7y "air streame5 in a %in5 t"at %as 3omin- 1rom t"e t%o. Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e %as t"innin- 5o%n@ "is %"ite skin -lo%in- like polis"e5 ala8aster. His eyes %ere 8lue 1lames t"at 8le5 sapp"ire 1ire 5o%n e)ery )ein un5er "is skin. His 8ones -lo%e5 -ol5. His "umanity %as 1ol5in- a%ay@ an5 it %oul5n?t 8e enou-". He %oul5 lose. :nless t"ey 8roke t"e tru3e 1irst. Kissa stoo5 8y t"e 5oor@ still -uar5in- it. Her 5ark 1a3e %as impassi)e. S"e %as no "elp to me. $"e t%o rotte5 t"in-s still 3ra%le5 o)er Hason. #nly 9)y an5 Bru3e %ere still stan5in-. Bru3e looke5 s3are5@ 9)y looke5 e*3ite5. S"e %at3"e5 t"e t%o master )amps %it" "al12parte5 lips@ "er lo%er lip 5ra%n un5er %it" 3on3entration or e*3itement. 9?5 8een a8le to meet "er eyes@ an5 t"at "a5 8ot"ere5 "er2a lot. 9 3rosse5 t"e room 8e"in5 Hean2!lau5e. ="en 9 passe5 "im@ t"e 3urrent o1 po%er las"e5 out an5 3urle5 aroun5 me like an arm. 9 kept %alkin- an5 it slippe5 a%ay@ 8ut my skin s"i)ere5 %"ere it "a5 tou3"e5 me. $"e s"it %as -oin- to "it t"e 1an unless 9 3oul5 stop it. Kissa %at3"e5 me mo)e past "er %it" narro%e5 eyes. 9 i-nore5 "er. #ne master )ampire at a time. 9 %alke5 past Bru3e an5 stoppe5 in 1ront o1 9)y. S"e stare5 past me at t"e t%o masters@ i-norin- me. 9 opene5 my mout". As 9 spoke@ t"e silen3e split apart an5 soun5 3ame 8a3k to me ears %it" a nearly pain1ul 3lap like a tiny soni3 8oom. A9 3"allen-e you.C 9)y 8linke5 at me as i1 9?5 >ust appeare5. A="at 5i5 you sayBC A9 3"allen-e you@C 9 sai5. 9 kept my 1a3e 8lank an5 trie5 )ery "ar5 not to t"ink a8out %"at 9 %as 5oin-.

9)y lau-"e5. ADou are ma5. 9 am a master )ampire. Dou 3annot 3"allen-e me.C ABut 9 3an meet your eyes@C 9 sai5. 9 let a small smile play alon- my lips. 9 trie5 to keep my min5 8lank@ no t"ou-"t to 8etray me@ no 1ear to leak out@ 8ut o1 3ourse on3e 9 t"ou-"t o1 1ear it %as t"ere 3urlin- in my stoma3". S"e lau-"e5@ "i-" an5 tinklin- like 8roken -lass. 9t nearly 3ut skin >ust to "ear it. ="at t"e "ell %as 9 5oin-B $"e %in5 rus"e5 a-ainst my 8a3k@ nearly 1lin-in- me into "er. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k in time to see Hean2!lau5e sta--er an5 a splas" o1 8loo5 spill 1rom "is "an5. Hanos "a5n?t 8roken a s%eat yet. ="ate)er 9 %as 5oin-@ 9?5 8etter 5o it 1ast. AA1ter Hean2!lau5e loses@ 9?m -oin- to ask Hanos to make "im 1u3k me. Dour master is -oin- to 8e e)ery8o5y?s meat@ an5 so %ill you.C 7y eyes 1li3ke5 to t"e rotte5 t"in-s 3la%in- at Hason. 9n3enti)e enou-". 9 turne5 8a3k to 9)y an5 met "er 8ro%n eyes. ADou %on?t 5o s"it. Dou 3an?t e)en outstare one puny "uman 8ein-.C S"e -lare5 at me. Her an-er %as instantaneous@ like 1ire sprin-in- out o1 a mat3". 9 %at3"e5 t"e 8ro%n o1 "er irises sprea5 a3ross "er eyes 1rom a spa3e o1 less t"an ten in3"es. Her eyes %ere s"inin- pools o1 5ark li-"t. 7y pulse t"reatene5 to 3"oke me@ an5 a little )oi3e in my "ea5 %as s3reamin-@ A<un a%ay@ run a%ay.C 9 stoo5 t"ere an5 stare5 "er 5o%n. S"e %as a master )ampire 8ut a youn- one. A "un5re5 years 1rom no% s"e?5 "a)e eaten me 1or 8reak1ast@ 8ut ri-"t no%@ toni-"t@ may8e@ >ust may8e@ s"e %oul5n?t. S"e "isse5 at me@ 1las"in- "er 1an-s. A#"@ t"at?s impressi)e@C 9 sai5. ALike a 5o- s"o%in- its teet".C A$"is 5o- 3oul5 tear your t"roat out.C Her )oi3e "a5 -one lo% an5 e)il 3ra%lin- alon- my spine@ until 9 spent most o1 my e11ort not to s"i)er. 9 5i5n?t trust my )oi3e not to s"ake@ so 9 spoke lo%@ an5 so1t@ an5 )ery 3lear. A$ry itG see "o% 1ar you -et.C S"e 5arte5 1or%ar5@ 8ut 9 sa% "er mo)e@ 1elt "er 3ome 1or me@ 9 t"re% mysel1 8a3k%ar5s a%ay 1rom "er@ 8ut s"e -ra88e5 my arm an5 li1te5 me o11 my 1eet %it" "er el8o% 8ra3e5 so t"at s"e 3oul5 "ol5 me alo1t. Her stren-t" %as in3re5i8le. S"e 3oul5 "a)e 3rus"e5 my arm an5 9 3oul5n?t "a)e 5one a 5amn t"in- a8out it. Kissa %as su55enly t"ere. APut "er 5o%n@ no%IC 9)y put me 5o%n. S"e t"re% me a3ross t"e room. Air rus"e5 past me@ t"e %orl5 8lurrin- so ;ui3kly it %as like 8ein- 8lin5. $"e air stoppe5 rus"in-@ an5 5o%n 9 3ame.

Chapter Twenty-six
'allin- 5oes not 3o)er t"e spee5 an5 a8ruptness o1 8ein- t"ro%n 1rom less t"an ten 1eet "i-". 9 sma3ke5 into t"e %all an5 trie5 to slam my arms an5 "an5s a-ainst it to take some o1 t"e momentum 8e1ore my "ea5 sma3ke5 into it. 9 sli5 5o%n t"e %all@ t"ou-" sli5 implies somet"in- slo%@ an5 t"ere %as not"in- slo% a8out it. 9 3ollapse5 at t"e 8ase o1 t"e %all in a 3rum8le5@ 8reat"less "eap@ 8linkin- at 8ri-"t >arrin- ima-es t"at 5i5n?t ;uite make pi3tures yet. $"e 1irst ima-e t"at 3ame 3lear %as a rotte5 1a3e %it" a pat3" o1 lon-@ 5ark "air 5an-lin- 1rom its s3alp. $"e )amp?s ton-ue rolle5 8e"in5 8roken teet"G somet"in- 8la3k an5 t"i3ker t"an 8loo5 spille5 %it" a plop out o1 "er mout". 9 pus"e5 to my knees an5 1oun5 skeletal arms %rappe5 aroun5 my s"oul5ers. $"e 8lon5e?s 5rie5@ 1an-21ille5 mout" %"ispere5 in my ear. A!ome to play.C Somet"in- "ar5 an5 sti11 poke5 my ear. 9t %as "er ton-ue. 9 s3ram8le5 a%ay@ 8ut 3la%s 3au-"t in my >a3ket. Han5s t"at s"oul5 "a)e 8een %eak as 5rie5 sti3ks %ere like steel 8an5s. A$"ey 8roke t"e tru3e@ ma petite. 9 3annot "ol5 "im lon-.C 9 "a5 a moment to -lan3e up an5 1in5 Hean2!lau5e on "is knees %it" 8ot" "an5s e*ten5e5 to%ar5s Hanos. Hanos still stoo5@ 8ut "e 5i5 not"in- else. 9 "a5 a 1e% moments@ not"in- more. 9 stoppe5 tryin- to -et 1ree o1 t"e t%o )ampires. $"ey s%arme5 o)er me@ an5 in t"e mess o1 arms an5 le-s an5 8o5y 1lui5s@ 9 5re% t"e Bro%nin-. 9 1ire5 it point8lank into t"e rotte5 one?s 3"est. S"e sta--ere5@ 8ut 5i5n?t -o 5o%n. 'an-s sank into my 8a3k@ an5 9 s3reame5. A -un e*plo5e5 1rom a3ross t"e room@ 8ut t"ere %as no time to look. Hason %as su55enly t"ere@ pullin- t"e 8lon5e o11 me. 9 1ire5 into t"e rottin- skull o1 t"e 8runette. S"e 1inally 3ollapse5 onto t"e 1loor in a pu55le o1 li;ui5 an5 >erkin- lim8s. 9 turne5 8a3k to Hean2!lau5e an5 1oun5 "im nearly prone on t"e 1loor@ a pool o1 8loo5 in 1ront o1 "im. He "a5 one arm still "el5 out%ar5 to%ar5s Hanos. Hanos ma5e a small@ 1li3kin- motion@ an5 8loo5 1le% in an ar3 1rom Hean2!lau5e?s 8o5y. He 3ollapse5 to t"e 1loor@ an5 po%er rus"e5 out%ar5@ 8lo%in- 8a3k my "air. $"e %orl5 su55enly stank o1 rottin- 3orpses. 9 -a--e5 an5 pulle5 t"e tri--er on t"at lon- 8la3k 8o5y.

Hanos turne5. 9t seeme5 like slo% motion@ as i1 9 "a5 all t"e time in t"e %orl5 to aim an5 1ire a-ain@ 8ut some"o% "e %as 1a3in- me %"en 9 pulle5 t"e tri--er t"e se3on5 time. $"e 8ullet took "im s;uarely in t"e 3"est. He sta--ere5@ 8ut 5i5n?t -o 5o%n. 9 si-"te5 on t"at roun5@ skeletal "ea5. His %"ite "an5 3ame up an5 slas"e5 t"e air. An5 impossi8ly@ 9 1elt like some in)isi8le 3la% "a5 slas"e5 my arm. 9 1ire5@ 8ut my aim %as a little o11. $"e 8ullet -raEe5 t"e si5e o1 "is 1a3e. He slas"e5 at me a-ain@ an5 9 sa% 8loo5 start to 5rip 5o%n my "an5s. S3are ta3ti3s. 9t 5i5n?t "urt t"at mu3"@ not nearly as mu3" as it %oul5 "urt i1 "e -ot "is "an5s on me 1or real. A se3on5 -un soun5e5@ an5 Hanos sta--ere5 as a 8ullet took "im in t"e s"oul5er. Larry %as 8e"in5 "im@ -un out. 7y )ision 1a5e5@ as i1 1o- %as rollin- in 8e"in5 my eyes. 9 lo%ere5 my aim to t"e lar-er tar-et o1 "is upper 8o5y an5 pulle5 t"e tri--er a-ain. 9 "ear5 Larry?s 8ullet -o "i-" an5 %i5e into t"e %all 8e"in5 me. A startle5@ AHeyIC let me kno% Hason %as still 8a3k t"ere. 9 sa% Hanos -o 1or t"e 5oor@ like %at3"in- slo% motion t"rou-" a 1o- so t"i3k 9 3oul5 8arely see. 9 1ire5 t%i3e more an5 kne% 9 "it "im at least on3e. ="en "e %as out o1 t"e room 9 1ell 1or%ar5 onto all 1ours@ an5 %aite5 1or my )ision to 3lear. Hope5 it %oul5 3lear. $"rou-" my ruine5 )ision 9 sa% Hean2!lau5e still lyin- motionless in a pool o1 "is o%n 8loo5. $"e ;uestion t"at 3ame into my "ea5 %as@ 9s "e 5ea5B A stupi5 ;uestion a8out a )ampire@ 8ut it %as still t"e 1irst t"in- 9 t"ou-"t o1. 9 -lan3e5 8e"in5 me an5 1oun5 Hason s3atterin- 8its o1 t"e t%o 1emale )ampires aroun5 t"e 1loor. He %as tearin- at t"em %it" "is 8are "an5s@ 3ra3kin- t"eir 8ones an5 t"ro%in- t"em 1ar a%ay 1rom ea3" ot"er@ as i1 8y s"eer 5estru3tion "e 3oul5 %as" a%ay %"at t"ey?5 5one to "im. Bru3e lay on "is 8a3k 8y t"e %all. Bloo5 "a5 soake5 into "is tu*e5o. 9 3oul5n?t tell 1or sure@ 8ut "e looke5 5ea5. 9)y an5 Kissa %ere no%"ere to 8e seen. Larry %as still stan5in- a3ross t"e room@ -un e*ten5e5@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t realiEe t"at Hanos %as -one. He %as 1ro%nin-. ,)ery8o5y %as up@ e)ery8o5y %as mo)in- e*3ept Hean2!lau5e. S"it. 9 3ra%le5 to%ar5s "im@ not trustin- mysel1 to stan5 %it" my )ision so spotty. 9t seeme5 to take a lon- time to rea3" "im@ as i1 more t"an my eyesi-"t %asn?t %orkin- ;uite ri-"t. 7y )ision %as mostly 3lear 8y t"e time 9 -ot to "im. 9 knelt in a t"i3k pool o1 "is 8loo5 an5 stare5 5o%n at "im. Ho% 5o you tell i1 a )ampire is 5ea5B Sometimes "e 5i5n?t "a)e a pulse@ or a "eart8eat@ or 5i5n?t 8reat"e. S"it@ a-ain. 9 "olstere5 t"e Bro%nin-. $"ere %as not"in- "ere ri-"t no% to s"oot@ an5 9 nee5e5 my "an5s. 9 8le5 on my s"irt an5 looke5 at my "an5s 1or t"e 1irst time. 9t looke5 like 1in-ernails "a5 s3rape5 5o%n 8ot" o1 t"em@ a little 5eeper t"an normal@ 8ut t"ey?5 "eal. Pro8a8ly %oul5n?t e)en 8e a s3ar. 9 tou3"e5 Hean2!lau5e?s s"oul5er an5 t"e 1les" %as so1t@ )ery "uman. 9 rolle5 "im o)er onto "is 8a3k. His "an5 1loppe5 a-ainst t"e 1loor %it" a 8onelessness t"at only t"e 5ea5 "a)e. Some tri3k o1 t"e ni-"t "a5 ma5e "is 1a3e 8eauti1ul a-ain. $"e most "uman 9?5 e)er seen it@ e*3ept 1or t"e 1a3t t"at no one %as t"at pretty. 9 3"e3ke5 1or t"e 8i- pulse in "is ne3k. 9 "el5 my 1in-ers a-ainst "is 3oolin- skin@ an5 1elt not"in-. Somet"in- like tears %elle5 a-ainst my eyes@ an5 my t"roat %as ti-"t. But 9 %oul5n?t 3ry@ not yet. 9 %asn?t e)en sure 9 %ante5 to. ="en is 5ea5@ 5ea5 1or a )ampireB 9s t"ere su3" a t"in- as !P< 1or t"e un5ea5B Hell@ "e 8reat"e5 some o1 t"e time. He "a5 a "eart@ an5 it 8eat most o1 t"e time. /ot 8eatin- 3oul5n?t 8e a -oo5 t"in-. 9 positione5 "is "ea5@ pin3"e5 "is nose 3lose5@ an5 8le% a 8reat" into "is mout". His 3"est rose %it" it. 9 trie5 t%o more 8reat"s@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t 8reat"e on "is o%n. 9 un8uttone5 "is s"irt an5 1oun5 t"e spot a8o)e "is 8reast8one@ an5 presse5@ one@ t%o@ t"ree@ 1our@ all t"e %ay to 1i1teen 3ompressions. $%o 8reat"s. Hason sta--ere5 o)er to me@ t"en 3ollapse5 to "is knees. A9s "e -oneBC A9 5on?t kno%.C 9 pumpe5 %it" e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 in me@ "ar5 enou-" to 8reak ri8s on a "uman 8ein-@ 8ut "e %asn?t "uman. He lay t"ere@ "is 8o5y mo)in- only %"en 9 mo)e5 it@ as loose an5 8oneless as only t"e 5ea5 3an 8e. His lips %ere "al12 parte5@ "is 3lose5 eyes e5-e5 %it" t"e 8la3k la3e o1 "is t"i3k eyelas"es. His 3urlin- 8la3k "air still 1rame5 "is pale 1a3e. 9?5 pi3ture5 Hean2!lau5e 5ea5. 9?5 e)en t"ou-"t a8out killin- "im mysel1 on3e or t%i3e@ 8ut no% t"at "is 5eat" %as a 1a3t 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% to 1eel. 9t 5i5n?t seem 1air some"o%. 9?5 8rou-"t "im "ere. 9?5 aske5 "im to 3ome@ an5 "e 3ame. An5 no% "e %as 5ea5@ %ell an5 truly 5ea5. An5 it %as partially my 1ault@ partially my 5oin-. 91 9 kille5 Hean2!lau5e@ 9 %ante5 to a3tually pull t"e tri--er an5 %at3" "is eyes as "e 5ie5. /ot like t"is. 9 stare5 5o%n at "im. 9 t"ou-"t a8out no more Hean2!lau5e. $"is 8eauti1ul 8o5y rottin- at last in t"e -ra)e it so ri3"ly 5eser)e5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9 3oul5n?t let t"at "appen@ not i1 9 3oul5 sa)e "im. 9 only kne% one t"in- t"at all 5ea5 respe3te5@ 3ra)e5. Bloo5. 9 trie5 to 8reat"e li1e into "im one more time@ %it" one 5i11eren3e. 9 smeare5 my 8loo5 on "is mout" 1irst. 7y lips tou3"e5 "is@ an5 9 taste5 t"e s%eet@ metalli3 taste o1 my o%n 8loo5. /ot"in-. Larry knelt 8esi5e us. A="ere 5i5 Hanos -oBC

He "a5n?t 8een a8le to see t"rou-" t"e 1o-@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t "a)e time to e*plain. A=at3" t"e 5oorG s"oot anyt"in- t"at 3omes t"rou-".C A!an 9 let t"e -irls -oBC ASure.C 9?5 1or-otten a8out t"e -irls. 9?5 1or-otten a8out He11 Nuinlan. 9?5 "a)e tra5e5 t"em all 1or Hean2!lau5e to 8link "is eyes at me. /ot i1 t"e 3"oi3e "a5 8een o11ere5 to me as an eit"er2or@ 8ut >ust no% t"ey %ere stran-ers. He %asn?t. A7ore 8loo5@ may8e@C Hason sai5 so1tly. 9 looke5 at "im. ADou o11erin-BC A/eit"er o1 us 3an 1ee5 "im 8a3k to 1ull stren-t" %it"out 5yin-@ 8ut 9?ll "elp@C "e sai5. ADou 1e5 "im on3e toni-"t alrea5y. !an you 5onate t%i3eBC A9?m a %ere%ol1. 9 "eal ;ui3k. Besi5es@ my 8loo5 "as more ki3k to it t"an a "uman?s@ more po%er.C 9 really looke5 at "im t"en. He %as 3o)ere5 in slime. A 8i- 8la3k smear 3o)ere5 most o1 one 3"eek. His 8lue eyes 5i5n?t look %ol1is"G t"ey looke5 "aunte5@ "urt. $"ere are t"in-s t"at "arm a lot more t"an p"ysi3ally. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 sli5 one o1 my kni)es out o1 its s"eat". 9 sli3e5 my le1t %rist. $"e pain %as s"arp an5 imme5iate. 9 pla3e5 t"e %oun5 a-ainst Hean!lau5e?s lips. Bloo5 %elle5 into "is mout". Bloo5 1ille5 "is mout" like %ine pourin- into a 3up. 9t seepe5 out t"e 3orner o1 "is mout" an5 sli5 5o%n "is 3"eek. 9 stroke5 "is t"roat to make "im s%allo% t"e 8loo5. Ho% "e?5 lau-" to kno% 9?5 1inally opene5 a )ein 1or "im. 7ore 8loo5 spille5 1rom "is unresponsi)e lips. 4ammit. 9 8reat"e5 into "is mout" an5 -ot a taste o1 my o%n 8loo5. 9 ma5e "is 3"est rise@ 8reat"in- in my o%n 8loo5. 9 t"ou-"t one %or5 at "imJ Li)e@ li)e@ li)e. A s"u55er ran t"rou-" t"e 8o5y. $"e t"roat 3on)ulse5@ s%allo%e5. 9 pulle5 8a3k 1rom "im. He 3au-"t my %rist as 9 mo)e5 it 8a3k 1rom "is 3"in. His -rip "urt. 9 3oul5 1eel t"at unnatural stren-t" t"at 3oul5 8reak 8one. His eyes %ere still 3lose5G only t"e -rip on my %rist let me kno% %e %ere makin- pro-ress. 9 put a "an5 on "is 3"est. He %asn?t 8reat"in- on "is o%n yet. /o "eart8eat. =as t"at 8a5B Goo5B 9n5i11erentB Hell@ 9 5i5n?t kno%. AHean2!lau5e@ 3an you "ear meB 9t?s Anita.C He raise5 up in a small motion an5 presse5 my 8lee5in- %rist to "is mout". He 8it me@ an5 9 -aspe5. He use5 8ot" "an5s to press my %rist to "is mout" an5 su3ke5 me. 9n t"e mi55le o1 se* it mi-"t "a)e 1elt -oo5G no% it >ust "urt. A4amn@C 9 sai5. A="at?s %ron-BC Larry aske5. A9t "urts@C 9 sai5. A9 t"ou-"t it %as suppose5 to 1eel -oo5@C t"e 8lon5e -irl sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/ot unless you?re un5er "ypnoti3 3ontrol.C AHo% lon- %ill t"is takeBC Larry aske5. AAs lon- as it takes@C 9 sai5. A=at3" t"e 5oor.C A="i3" oneBC A#"@ "ell@ >ust s"oot anyt"in- t"at 3omes t"rou-" it.C 9 %as 1eelin- li-"t"ea5e5. Ho% mu3" "a5 "e 5runkB AHason@ 9?m -ettin- a little %ooEy "ere.C 9 trie5 to pull my %rist 1ree@ 8ut "is "an5s %ere like iron 1or-e5 to my skin. A9 3an?t -et "im o11.C Hason pulle5 at t"e pale "an5s@ 8ut 3oul5n?t 8u5-e t"em. A9 3oul5 tear t"e 1in-ers o11 one at a time an5 -et you loose@ 8ut ... C ADea"@ Hean2!lau5e %oul5 8e pisse5.C 4iEEiness %as 3omin- in %a)es@ nausea startin- to 8uil5 in t"e pit o1 my stoma3". 9 "a5 to -et "im o11 me. ALet -o o1 me@ Hean2!lau5e. Let -o o1 me@ 5ammitIC His eyes %ere still 3lose5@ "is 1a3e 8lank. He 1e5 like a 8a8y %it" sin-lemin5e5 5etermination@ 8ut t"is 8a8y %as 5raininmy li1e a%ay. 9 3oul5 1eel it -oin- 5o%n my arm. 7y "eart %as 8e-innin- to poun5 in my ears as i1 9?5 8een runnin-@ pumpin- t"e 8loo5 1aster. 'ee5in- "im 1aster. Killin- me 1aster. Spots %ere 5an3in- in 1ront o1 my eyes. $"e 5arkness 8e-innin- to eat t"e li-"t. 9 5re% t"e Bro%nin-. A="at are you 5oin-BC Hason aske5. AHe?s -oin- to kill me.C AHe 5oesn?t kno% %"at "e?s 5oin-.C A9?ll still 8e 5ea5.C

ASomet"in-?s mo)in- aroun5 at t"e "ea5 o1 t"e stairs@C Larry 3alle5. Great. AHean2!lau5e@ let -o o1 me@ no%IC 9 presse5 t"e 8arrel o1 t"e -un to t"e 1la%less skin o1 "is 1ore"ea5. 4arkness %as eatin- my )ision in -reat mo)in- 8ites. /ausea 8urne5 up my t"roat. 9 leane5 o)er "im an5 %"ispere5@ APlease@ Hean2!lau5e@ let me -o. 9t?s your ma petite@ let me -o.C 9 sat 8a3k up. AVampires 3omin-@C Larry sai5. AHurry up.C 9 stare5 5o%n at t"at 8eauti1ul 1a3e lo3ke5 on my arm@ eatin- me ali)e@ an5 s;ueeEe5. His eyes 1le% open. 9 mo)e5 my %"ole 1in-er to keep 1rom s;ueeEin- 5o%n. He lay "is "ea5 8a3k onto t"e 1loor@ still "ol5in- my %rist 8ut no lon-er 1ee5in-. His mout" %as 3rimson %it" my 8loo5. $"e -un %as still pointe5 at "im. AA"@ ma petite@ "a)en?t %e 5one t"is 8e1oreBC F$"e -un@C 9 sai5@ A8ut not t"is.C 9 5re% my %rist 1rom "is relu3tant "an5s an5 sat 8a3k %it" t"e Bro%nin- 3ra5le5 in my lap. /ausea an5 5arkness 1le% insi5e my "ea5 like 3lou5s 5ri)en 8y t"e %in5. 9 sa% Larry 3rou3"e5 8y t"e 1oot o1 t"e stairs@ -un out. But it %as like lookin- 5o%n a tunnel@ 5istant an5 not as important as it s"oul5 "a)e 8een. Hason lay 5o%n on t"e 8loo5y 1loor. 9 8linke5 at "im. A$"e ne3k "urts less@C "e sai5@ >ust as i1 9?5 aske5. Hean2!lau5e 3ra%le5 on top o1 "im. Hason turne5 "is "ea5 to one si5e %it"out 8ein- aske5. Hean2!lau5e presse5 "is 8loo5staine5 mout" o)er t"e 8i- pulse in Hason?s ne3k. 9 sa% t"e mus3les in "is mout" an5 >a% as "e sank 1an-s into t"e ten5er skin. ,)en i1 9?5 kno%n t"e ne3k "urt less@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e o11ere5 it. 9t looke5 too mu3" like se*. $"e %rist at least let me preten5 %e %eren?t 5oin- somet"in- intimate. AAnitaIC 9 turne5 8a3k to t"e stairs. Larry %as 3rou3"e5 t"ere@ alone@ %it" "is -un. $"e t%o -irls "a5 mo)e5 8a3k a%ay 1rom t"e 5oor. $"e 8lon5e %as "a)in- "ysteri3s a-ain. !oul5n?t really 8lame "er. 9 s"ook my "ea5@ li1te5 t"e Bro%nin- in a tea3up -rip@ an5 pointe5 it at t"e 5oor. 9 nee5e5 t"e e*tra arm to stea5y me. $"ere %as a 1aint tremor to my arms t"at %asn?t -oin- to "elp my aim mu3". Po%er 8reat"e5 t"rou-" t"e room@ pri3klin- alon- my skin. Dou 3oul5 almost smell it like per1ume5 s"eets in t"e 5ark. 9 %on5ere5 i1 Hean2!lau5e an5 9 "a5 -i)en o11 t"at kin5 o1 po%er %"en "e?5 1e5 o11 me. 9 "a5n?t noti3e5 it. Somet"in- %"ite appeare5 in t"e 5oor%ay. 9t took me a se3on5 to 1i-ure out %"at it %as. A %"ite "an5ker3"ie1 tie5 to a sti3k. A="at t"e 1u3k is t"atBC 9 aske5. AA 1la- o1 tru3e@ ma petite.C 9 5i5n?t look a%ay 1rom t"e stairs to t"at t"i3k@ "oney25ippe5 )oi3e. Hean2!lau5e soun5e5 8etter@ or %orse@ t"an e)er@ ea3" %or5 like 1ur ru88in- alon- my tire5 8o5y. His )oi3e %as t"i3k enou-" to %rap aroun5 all t"e a3"es an5 pains. He 3oul5 make t"em -o a%ay. 9 >ust kne% it. 9 s%allo%e5 an5 lo%ere5 t"e -un to%ar5s t"e 1loor. AStay t"e 1u3k out o1 my "ea5.C A7y apolo-ies@ ma petite. 9 3an taste you in my mout"@ 1eel your 1ranti3 "eart8eat like a treasure5 memory. 9 %ill 3ur8 my ent"usiasm@ 8ut %it" e11ort@ Anita@ %it" -reat e11ort.C He soun5e5 like 9 "a5 let "im "a)e >ust a little se*@ an5 "e %ante5 more. 9 -lan3e5 at "im. He %as sittin- 8esi5e Hason?s "al12nake5 8o5y. Hason %as starin- at t"e 3eilin-@ eyes "ea)y2li55e5 like "e %as "al12asleep. Bloo5 tri3kle5 1rom t%o ne% pun3ture %oun5s in "is ne3k. He 5i5n?t look like "e?5 1elt mu3" pain. 9n 1a3t@ it looke5 like it "a5 1elt -oo5. 9?5 taken t"e e5-e o11 Hean2!lau5e?s nee5@ an5 Hason "a5 -otten a smoot"er ri5e. Bully 1or "im. A7ay %e talkBC A )oi3e 1rom t"e "all%ay@ a man?s. 9 3oul5n?t pla3e it. Hell@ 9 %as "a)in- trou8le 1o3usin- on anyt"in-@ let alone %"o t"e 5isem8o5ie5 )oi3es 8elon-e5 to. AAnita@ %"at 5o you %ant me to 5oBC Larry aske5. A9t?s a 1la- o1 tru3e@C 9 sai5. 7y %or5s 1elt slurre5@ t"ou-" t"ey soun5e5 3lear enou-". 9 1elt almost 5runk@ or 5ru--e5. 9t %as a 8a5 5runk@ a 5an-erous 5o%ner. 7a-nus steppe5 into t"e 5oor%ay. 'or a se3on5 9 t"ou-"t 9 %as seein- t"in-s. 9t %as so 5amne5 une*pe3te5. He %as 5resse5 all in %"ite 1rom "is tu* to "is s"oes. $"e 3lot" seeme5 to s"ine a-ainst "is 5ark skin. His lon- "air %as tie5 8a3k %it" a loose %"ite ri88on. He "a5 t"e "an5ker3"ie123oate5 sti3k -rippe5 in one "an5. He %alke5 5o%n t"e steps in a -ra3e1ul@ almost 5an3elike mo)ement. 9t %asn?t a )ampire?s -li5e@ 8ut it %as 3lose. Larry kept "is -un traine5 on "im. AStay %"ere you are@C Larry sai5. He soun5e5 a little s3are5@ 8ut like "e meant it. $"e -un %as pointe5 ni3e an5 stea5y.

A=e?)e 5is3usse5 t"e 1a3t t"at sil)er 8ullets 5on?t %ork on t"e 1ey.C A="o says t"is -un "as sil)er 8ulletsBC Larry sai5. 9t %as a -oo5 lie. 9 %as prou5 o1 "im. 9 %as 3ertainly too -one to "a)e t"ou-"t o1 it. AAnitaBC 7a-nus looke5 past Larry like "e %asn?t t"ere@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t 3ome 5o%n t"ose last 1e% steps. A9?5 5o %"at "e says@ 7a-nus. /o% %"at 5o you %antBC 7a-nus smile5 an5 sprea5 "is arms a%ay 1rom "is 8o5y. $o s"o% "e %as unarme5@ 9 -uess. But 9 kne%@ an5 Larry kne%@ t"at %eapons %eren?t %"at ma5e "im 5an-erous. A9 mean you no "arm. =e kno% t"at 9)y 8roke t"e tru3e 1irst. Serep"ina o11ers "er most sin3ere apolo-ies. S"e asks t"at you 3ome 5ire3tly to "er au5ien3e 3"am8er. /o more tests. =e "a)e all 8een un1or-i)a8ly ru5e to a )isitin- master.C A4o %e 8elie)e "imBC 9 aske5 o1 no one in parti3ular. AHe speaks t"e trut"@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. Great. ALet "im pass@ Larry.C ADou sure t"at?s a -oo5 i5eaBC A/o@ 8ut 5o it any%ay.C Larry pointe5 "is -un at t"e 1loor@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t look "appy. 7a-nus %alke5 5o%n t"e stairs@ smilin-@ mostly at Larry. He %alke5 past "im an5 ma5e a s"o% o1 -i)in- "im "is 8a3k. 9t %as almost enou-" to make me %is" Larry %oul5 s"oot "im. He stoppe5 a 1e% 1eet in 1ront o1 t"e rest o1 us. =e %ere all still on t"e 1loor@ sittin-@ or in Hason?s 3ase@ lyin-. 7a-nus looke5 5o%n at us@ amuse5@ or 8emuse5. A="at t"e "ell are you 5oin- "ereBC 9 aske5. Hean2!lau5e -lan3e5 at me. ADou seem to kno% ea3" ot"er.C A$"is is 7a-nus Bou)ier@C 9 sai5. A="at are you 5oin- "ere@ %it" t"emBC He loosene5 t"e tie at "is 3ollar an5 sprea5 t"e sti11 3lot". 9 %as pretty sure %"at "e %as tryin- to s"o% me@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t see 1rom t"e 1loor. 9 %asn?t at all sure 9 3oul5 stan5 %it"out 1allin- o)er. A91 you %ant me to take a peek@ you?re -oin- to "a)e to 3ome 5o%n "ere.C A=it" pleasure.C He knelt in 1ront o1 me less t"an t%o 1eet a%ay. He "a5 t%o "ealin- 8ite marks on "is ne3k. AS"it@ 7a-nus. ="yBC He looke5 at me@ eyes 1li3kin- to my 8loo5y %rist. A9 mi-"t ask you t"e same t"in-.C A9 5onate5 8loo5 to sa)e "is li1e. ="at?s your e*3useBC He smile5. A/ot"in- "al1 as ni3e as t"at.C 7a-nus un5i5 t"e ri88on an5 let "is "air 1all like a 3urtain aroun5 "is s"oul5ers. He looke5 at me %it" "is tur;uoise 8lue eyes@ an5 3ra%le5 on all 1ours to%ar5s Hean2!lau5e. He mo)e5 like "e "a5 mus3les in pla3es t"at people 5i5n?t. 9t %as like %at3"in- a -reat 3at mo)e. People >ust 5i5n?t mo)e like t"at. He knelt in 1ront o1 Hean2!lau5e@ so 3lose t"ey %ere almost tou3"in-. He s%ept "is "air to one si5e an5 o11ere5 "is ne3k. A/o@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A="at?s -oin- onBC Larry aske5. 9t %as a -oo5 ;uestion. 9 5i5n?t "a)e a -oo5 ans%er. 9 5i5n?t e)en "a)e a 8a5 one. 7a-nus slippe5 o11 "is %"ite >a3ket an5 let it sli5e to t"e 1loor. He un5i5 t"e 3u11 to "is ri-"t %rist an5 pus"e5 t"e 3lot" 8a3k. He o11ere5 "is 8are %rist to Hean!lau5e. $"e skin %as smoot" an5 un8roken. Hean2!lau5e took "is "an5 an5 raise5 t"e skin to "is lips. 9 almost looke5 a%ay@ 8ut in t"e en5 9 5i5n?t. Lookin- a%ay is like lyin- to yoursel1. Dou preten5 it isn?t "appenin-@ 8ut it is. Hean2!lau5e 8rus"e5 "is lips a3ross t"e skin@ t"en release5 7a-nus?s "an5. A$"e o11er is -enerous@ 8ut 9 %oul5 8e 5runk in5ee5 i1 9 a55e5 your 8loo5 to t"eirs.C A4runkBC 9 aske5. A="at t"e 1u3k are you talkin- a8outBC AA"@ ma petite@ you 5o "a)e a %ay %it" %or5s.C AS"ut up.C ALosin- a ;uantity o1 8loo5 makes you -rumpy@C "e sai5. A'u3k o11.C He lau-"e5@ an5 t"e soun5 %as s%eet. 9t "a5 a taste >ust outsi5e 5es3ription@ like some 1or8i55en 3an5y t"at %as not >ust 1attenin- 8ut poisonous. But %"at a %ay to -o. 7a-nus staye5 kneelin-@ starin- at t"e lau-"in- )ampire. ADou %on?t taste meBC

Hean2!lau5e s"ook "is "ea5@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t trust "imsel1 to speak. His eyes -littere5 %it" suppresse5 lau-"ter. A$"e 8loo5 "as 8een o11ere5.C 7a-nus 3ra%le5 8a3k to%ar5s me. His "air "a5 spille5 1or%ar5 on one si5e so one eye %as lost@ -litterin- like a >e%el t"rou-" "is "air. ,yes >ust %eren?t suppose5 to 8e t"at 3olor. He 3ra%le5 up to me until our 1a3es %ere in3"es apart. AA pint o1 8loo5@ a poun5 o1 1les".C He %"ispere5 it@ leanin- in to%ar5s me as i1 1or a kiss. 9 leane5 8a3k@ a%ay 1rom "im@ an5 o)er8alan3e5. 9 en5e5 up on my 8a3k on t"e 1loor. 9t %as not an impro)ement. 7a-nus 3ra%le5 o)er me@ still on all 1ours@ "o)erin-. 9 presse5 t"e Bro%nin- into "is 3"est. ABa3k o11@ or 8ite it.C 7a-nus 3ra%le5 8a3k%ar5s@ 8ut not )ery 1ar. 9 sat up@ keepin- t"e -un on "im one2"an5e5. $"e 8arrel %a)ere5 a lot more t"an normal. A="at %as t"at all a8outBC Hean2!lau5e sai5@ AHanos spoke o1 takin- 8loo5 an5 1les" 1rom us t"is ni-"t. As an apolo-y@ Serep"ina o11ers us 8loo5@ an5 1les".C 9 stare5 at 7a-nus@ still on all 1ours@ still lookin- 1eral an5 5an-erous. 9 lo%ere5 t"e -un. A/o@ t"anks.C 7a-nus sat 8a3k on t"e 1loor@ smoot"in- "is "an5s t"rou-" "is "air@ 8rus"in- it 8a3k 1rom "is 1a3e. ADou "a)e re1use5 Serep"ina?s pea3e o11erin-s. 4o you re1use "er apolo-y as %ellBC A$ake us to Serep"ina@ an5 you %ill "a)e 5one %"at %as aske5 o1 you@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 7a-nus looke5 at me. A="at o1 you@ AnitaB Are you 3ontent t"at 9 take you to Serep"inaB 4o you a33ept "er apolo-yBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="y s"oul5 9BC AAnita is not a master@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9t is my )en-ean3e@ my par5on@ you s"oul5 8e askin-.C A9 am 5oin- %"at 9 %as tol5@C "e sai5. AS"e 3"allen-e5 9)y to a test o1 %ills. 9)y lost.C A9 5i5n?t t"ro% "er a3ross t"e room@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e 1ro%ne5. AS"e resorte5 to 8rute 1or3e@ ma petite. S"e 3oul5 not %in 8y 1or3e o1 %ill or )ampire %iles a-ainst a "uman 8ein-.C He looke5 su55enly )ery serious. AS"e lost ... to you.C ASoBC ASo@ ma petite@ you 5e3lare5 yoursel1 a master@ an5 pro)e5 t"at 3laim.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"at?s ri5i3ulousG 9?m not a )ampire.C A9 5i5 not 5e3lare you a master )ampire@ ma petite. 9 sai5 you %ere a master.C AA master %"atB Human 8ein-BC 9t %as "is turn to s"ake "is "ea5. A9 5o not kno%@ ma petite.C He turne5 to 7a-nus. A="at 5oes Serep"ina sayBC ASerep"ina says to 8rin- "er.C Hean2!lau5e no55e5 an5 stoo5 like "e %as pulle5 8y strin-s. He looke5 1res" an5 ne%@ i1 a little 8loo5staine5. Ho% 5are "e look so -oo5 %"en 9 1elt like s"itB He looke5 5o%n at Hason an5 me. His stran-e -oo5 "umor "a5 returne5. He smile5 5o%n at me@ an5 e)en %it" 8loo5 stainin- "is mout" "e %as 8eauti1ul. His eyes -littere5 %it" some amusin- se3ret. He %as 1ull o1 "imsel1 in a %ay 9?5 ne)er seen 8e1ore. A9 5o not kno% i1 my 3ompanions are a8le to %alk. $"ey?re 1eelin- a little 5raine5.C He 3"u3kle5 at "is o%n >oke@ puttin- a "an5 in 1ront o1 "is eyes@ as i1 it %as too 1unny e)en 1or "im. ADou are 5runk@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. A9 8elie)e 9 am.C ADou 3an?t 8e 5runk on 8loo5.C A9?)e 5runk 5eep o1 t%o mortals@ 8ut neit"er o1 you are "uman.C 9 5i5n?t %ant to "ear t"is. A="at t"e "ell are you talkin- a8outBC A/e3roman3er %it" a 3"aser o1 %ere%ol1G a 5rink to make any )ampire -i55y.C He -i--le5. Hean2!lau5e ne)er -i--le5. 9 i-nore5 "im@ i1 you 3an i-nore an into*i3ate5 )ampire. AHason@ 3an you stan5BC A9 t"ink so.C His )oi3e %as t"i3k@ "ea)y 8ut not sleepy@ more t"e lan-uor a1ter se*. 7ay8e 9 %as -la5 my 8ite "a5 "urt. ALarryBC Larry %alke5 o)er to us@ -lan3in- at 7a-nus@ -un nake5 in "is "an5. He 5i5n?t look "appy. A!an %e trust "imBC A=e?re -oin- to@C 9 sai5. AHelp me stan5 up@ an5 let?s -et out o1 "ere 8e1ore 1an-1a3e 8usts a -ut.C Hean2!lau5e %as 5ou8le5 o)er %it" lau-"ter. He seeme5 to t"ink A1an-1a3eC %as outra-eously 1unny. De -o5s.

Larry "elpe5 me stan5@ an5 a1ter a se3on5 o1 5iEEiness 9 %as okay. He o11ere5 a "an5 to Hason %it"out 8ein- aske5. Hason s%aye5 on "is 1eet@ 8ut staye5 stan5in-. A!an you %alkBC A91 you 3an@ 9 3an@C "e sai5. A man a1ter my o%n "eart. 9 took a step@ anot"er@ an5 %as on my %ay a3ross t"e room. Hason an5 Larry 1ollo%e5. Hean2 !lau5e sta--ere5 to "is 1eet@ still lau-"in- so1tly. 7a-nus %as stan5in- at t"e 1oot o1 t"e stairs@ %aitin- 1or us. He "a5 t"e >a3ket slun- o)er one arm. He?5 e)en 1oun5 t"e ri88on to tie 8a3k "is "air. Hason %alke5 %i5e aroun5 t"e torn 8o5ies o1 "is t%o %oul528e lo)ers an5 pi3ke5 "is s"irt o11 t"e 1loor. $"e s"irt 3o)ere5 t"e mess on "is 3"est@ 8ut t"e -oo %as still on "is 1a3e@ an5 "is "air %as sti11 an5 nearly as 5ark as "is pants. ,)en t"e 8a3k o1 Hean2!lau5e?s 3lot"es an5 "air %ere t"i3k %it" 3on-ealin- 8loo5. 9 "a5 my o%n s"are o1 8loo5 an5 -oop. Goo5 t"in- 9 %ore mostly 8la3k toni-"tG 5i5n?t s"o% 5irt as 8a5ly. $"e 3rimson 8louse %as lookin- a little %orse 1or %ear. Larry %as t"e only one %it"out any 8loo5 or -ore on "im. Here %as "opin- "e 3oul5 keep up t"e -oo5 %ork. $"e t%o -irls "a5 "i55en un5er t"e stairs %"ile %e 5is3usse5 t"in-s. 9 %as 8ettin- it %as t"e 8ro%n2"aire5 -irl?s i5ea to "i5e. Lisa seeme5 too s3are5 to t"ink@ let alone 5o anyt"in- smart. /ot t"at 9 3oul5 8lame "er@ 8ut "ysteria -ets you no%"ere 8ut 5ea5. $"e 8ro%n2"aire5 -irl %alke5 o)er to Larry. $"e 8lon5e 3ame alon- 1or t"e ri5e@ "er "an5s 5u- so ti-"tly into t"e ot"er one?s torn 8louse it %oul5 "a)e taken sur-ery to remo)e t"em. A=e >ust %ant to -o "ome no%. !an %e 5o t"atBC Her )oi3e %as a little 8reat"y@ 8ut 1or t"e most part soli5. 9 stare5 into "er 8ro%n eyes an5 no55e5. Larry looke5 at me. A7a-nus@C 9 sai5. He raise5 "is eye8ro%s@ still %aitin- 8y t"e stairs like a tour -ui5e@ or a 8utler rea5y to es3ort us up. ADou 3alle5BC A9 %ant t"e -irls to lea)e no%@ sa1e.C He -lan3e5 at t"em. A9 5on?t see %"y not. Serep"ina "a5 us 3olle3t t"em mostly 1or your 8ene1it@ Anita. $"ey?)e ser)e5 t"eir purpose.C 9 5i5n?t like t"e %ay "e sai5 t"at last. ASa1e@ 7a-nus@ no more "arm. Are %e 3lear on %"at t"at meansBC He smile5. A$"ey %alk out t"e 5oor@ an5 -o "ome. 9s t"at 3lear enou-" 1or youBC A="y so 3ooperati)e all o1 a su55enBC A=oul5 lettin- t"em -o 8e apolo-y enou-"BC 7a-nus aske5. ADea"@ i1 t"ey -o 1ree@ un"arme5. 9?ll a33ept "er apolo-y.C He no55e5. A$"en 3onsi5er it 5one.C A4on?t you "a)e to 3"e3k %it" your master 1irstBC A7y master %"ispers s%eetly to me@ Anita@ an5 9 o8ey.C He smile5 %"ile "e sai5 it@ 8ut t"ere %as a ti-"tness aroun5 "is eyes@ an in)oluntary 1le*in- o1 "is "an5s. ADou 5on?t like 8ein- "er lap 5o-.C APer"aps@ 8ut t"ere?s not mu3" 9 3an 5o a8out it.C He starte5 up t"e stairs. AS"all %e -o upBC Hean2!lau5e pause5 at t"e 8ottom o1 t"e stairs. A4o you nee5 some "elp@ ma petiteB 9 "a)e taken ;uite a 8it o1 your 8loo5. Dou 5o not re3o)er as ;ui3kly as my %ol1.C $rut"1ully@ t"e stairs looke5 lon-er -oin- up t"an t"ey "a5 3omin- 5o%n. But 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 3an make it.C A#1 t"at@ ma petite@ 9 "a)e no 5ou8t.C He steppe5 3lose to me@ 8ut 5i5 not %"isperG instea5 9 1elt "im in my min5. ADou are %eak@ ma petite. Let me "elp you.C AStop 5oin- t"at@ 5ammit.C He smile5 an5 si-"e5. AAs you like@ ma petite.C He %alke5 up t"e steps like "e 3oul5 "a)e 1lo%n@ 8arely tou3"in- t"em. Larry an5 t"e -irls %ent up ne*tG none o1 t"em seeme5 tire5. 9 slo--e5 up a1ter t"em. Hason 8rou-"t up t"e rear. He looke5 "ollo%2eye5. 9t may "a)e 1elt -oo5@ 8ut 5onatin- t"at mu3" 8loo5 is still rou-"@ e)en on t"e temporarily 1urry. 91 Hean2!lau5e "a5 o11ere5 to 3arry "im up t"e stairs@ %oul5 "e "a)e a-ree5B Hason 3au-"t me lookin-@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t smileG "e >ust stare5 8a3k. 7ay8e "e?5 "a)e sai5 no@ too. =eren?t %e all >ust 8einun3ooperati)e toni-"tB

Chapter Twenty-seven
$"e silken 5rapes "a5 8een 5ra%n asi5e. A t"rone sat in t"e 1ar ri-"t2"an5 3orner. $"ere %as no ot"er %or5 1or itG A3"airC >ust 5i5n?t 3o)er t"at -ol5en@ 8e>e%ele5 t"in-. !us"ions %ere s3attere5 on t"e 1loor aroun5 it@ "eape5 like t"ey s"oul5 8e 3o)ere5 %it" "arem -irls@ or at least small pampere5 5o-s. /ot"in- sat on t"em. 9t %as like an empty sta-e %aitin- 1or t"e a3tors to appear. A small %all2"an-in- on t"e 8a3k %all "a5 8een pus"e5 asi5e to re)eal a 5oor. $"e 5oor "a5 8een %e5-e5 open %it" a trian-ular pie3e o1 %oo5. $"e sprin- air poure5 t"rou-" t"e open 5oor@ 3"asin- 8a3k t"e smell o1 5e3ay. 9 starte5 to say A!ome on@ -irls@C 8ut t"e %in5 3"an-e5. 9t 8le% "ar5er@ 3ol5er@ an5 9 kne% it %asn?t %in5 at all. 7y skin pri3kle5@ t"e 1ine mus3les alon- my arms an5 s"oul5ers t%it3"in- %it" it. A="at is t"atBC Larry aske5. AG"osts@C 9 sai5. AG"ostsB ="at t"e "ell are -"osts 5oin- "ereBC ASerep"ina 3an 3all -"osts@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9t is a uni;ue a8ility amon- us.C Kissa appeare5 in t"e 5oor%ay. Her ri-"t arm "un- loose at "er si5e. Bloo5 5rippe5 5o%n "er arm in a slo%@ "ea)y line. ADour "an5i%orkBC 9 aske5. Larry no55e5. A9 s"ot "er@ 8ut it 5i5n?t seem to slo% "er 5o%n mu3".C ADou "urt "er.C Larry %i5ene5 "is eyes. AGreat.C He 5i5n?t soun5 -reat %"en "e sai5 it. =oun5e5 master )ampires -et 3ranky as "ell. ASerep"ina 8i5s you 3ome outsi5e@C Kissa sai5. 7a-nus 5roppe5 to t"e 3us"ions@ 8oneless as a 3at. He looke5 like "e?5 3urle5 up t"ere 8e1ore. ADou aren?t 3omin-BC 9 aske5. A9?)e seen t"e s"o%@C "e sai5. Hean2!lau5e %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 5oor. Hason "a5 mo)e5 up 8esi5e "im@ 8ut 8a3k a 3ouple o1 steps like a -oo5 5o-. $"e t%o -irls %ere "ol5in- onto Larry?s >a3ket. He "a5 8een t"e one %"o un3"aine5 t"em. $"ey?5 seen "im s"oot t"e 8a5 -uys. He %as a "ero. An5 like all -oo5 "eroes@ "e?5 -et "imsel1 kille5 prote3tin- t"em. Hean2!lau5e %as su55enly at my si5e. A="at is %ron-@ ma petiteBC A!an t"e -irls -o out t"e 1rontBC A="yBC ABe3ause %"ate)er?s out t"ere is 8i- an5 8a5@ an5 9 %ant t"em out o1 it.C A="at?s %ron-BC Hason aske5. He stoo5 a little to one si5e. He %as 1le*in- "is "an5s@ 3lose5@ open@ 3lose5@ open. He?5 seeme5 a lot more rela*e5 t"irty minutes a-o@ 8ut t"en@ %eren?t %e allB Hean2!lau5e turne5 to Kissa. A=as t"is one ri-"tBC He motione5 to 7a-nus. AAre t"e -irls 1ree to -oBC A$"ey may -oG so says our master.C He turne5 to t"e -irls. AGo@C "e sai5. $"ey looke5 at ea3" ot"er@ t"en at Larry. AAloneBC t"e 8lon5e sai5. $"e 8ro%n2"aire5 one s"ook "er "ea5. A!ome on@ Lisa@ t"ey?re lettin- us -o. !ome on.C S"e looke5 at Larry. A$"ank you.C AHust -o "ome@C "e sai5. ABe sa1e.C S"e no55e5 an5 starte5 1or t"e 1ar 5oor %it" Lisa 3lin-in- to "er. $"ey le1t t"e 5oor to t"e room open@ an5 %e %at3"e5 t"em %alk out t"e 1ront. /ot"in- s%oope5 5o%n upon t"em. /o s3reams 3ut t"e ni-"t. ="at 5o you kno%B AAre you rea5y no%@ ma petiteB =e must pay our respe3ts.C He took a step 1or%ar5@ lookin- at me. Hason alrea5y stoo5 at "is si5e@ ner)ous "an5s an5 all. 9 no55e5 an5 1ell into step 8e"in5 Hean2!lau5e. Larry staye5 at my si5e like a se3on5 s"a5o%. 9 3oul5 1eel "is 1ear like a trem8lin- a-ainst my skin. 9 un5erstoo5 %"y "e %as s3are5. Hanos "a5 8eaten Hean2!lau5e. Hanos %as a1rai5 o1 Serep"ina@ %"i3" meant s"e 3oul5 take Hean2!lau5e %it"out raisin- a s%eat. 91 s"e 3oul5 take t"e )ampire t"at %as on our si5e@ s"e %oul5n?t 1in5 us mu3" o1 a 3"allen-e. 91 9 %as smart@ 9?5 s"oot "er as soon as 9 sa% "er. #1 3ourse@ %e %ere "ere to ask 1or "er "elp. 9t sort o1 3ut my options.

$"e 3ool %in5 playe5 in our "air like it "a5 little "an5s. 9t %as almost ali)e. 9?5 ne)er 1elt any %in5 t"at 3oul5 make me %ant to 8rus" it o11@ like an o)erly amorous 5ate. But 9 %asn?t a1rai5. 9 s"oul5 "a)e 8een. /ot o1 t"e -"osts@ 8ut o1 %"ate)er "a5 3alle5 t"em up. But 9 1elt 5istant an5 1aintly unreal. Bloo5 loss %ill 5o t"at to you. =e %alke5 out t"e 5oor an5 5o%n t%o small stone steps. <o%s o1 small@ -narle5 1ruit trees 5e3orate5 t"e 8a3k o1 t"e "ouse. $"ere %as a %all o1 5arkness >ust 8eyon5 t"e or3"ar5. 9t %as a t"i3k %all o1 s"a5o%s@ so 8la3k t"at 9 3oul5n?t see t"rou-" it. $"e nake5 tree 8ran3"es %ere 1rame5 a-ainst t"e 8la3kness. A="at is t"atBC 9 aske5. ASome o1 us 3an %ea)e s"a5o%s an5 5arkness aroun5 us@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9 kno%. 9 sa% it %"en !oltrain %as kille5@ 8ut t"is is a 1reakin- %all.C A9t is impressi)e@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as )ery 8lan5@ matter2o121a3t. 9 -lan3e5 at "im@ 8ut e)en in t"e 8ri-"t moonli-"t 9 3oul5n?t rea5 "is 1a3e. A sparkle o1 %"ite li-"t s"o%e5 8e"in5 t"e 8la3kness. Beams o1 3ol5@ pale li-"t pier3e5 t"e 5arkness. $"e li-"t ate a%ay at t"e 5ark like paper 8urns@ t"e 8la3kness 3rum8lin-@ )anis"in- as t"e li-"t 3onsume5 it. ="en t"e last o1 t"e 5arkness "a5 s"re55e5 a%ay@ a pale 1i-ure stoo5 amon- t"e trees. ,)en 1rom t"is 5istan3e you %oul5n?t "a)e mistaken "er 1or "uman@ 8ut t"en s"e %asn?t tryin- to pass. A pale@ %"ite lumines3en3e s%irle5 a8o)e "er "ea5@ a -lo%in- 3lou5@ yar5s a3ross like 3olorless neon. Va-ue 1i-ures 5arte5 out 1rom it@ t"en s%irle5 8a3k. A9s t"at %"at 9 t"ink it isBC Larry aske5. AG"osts@C 9 sai5. AS"it@C "e sai5. A7y t"ou-"ts e*a3tly.C $"e -"osts 1lo%e5 out into t"e trees. $"ey "un- on t"e 5ea5 8ran3"es like a 1rot" o1 early 8lossoms@ i1 8lossoms 3oul5 mo)e an5 %rit"e an5 -lo%. $"e stran-e %in5 8le% a-ainst my 1a3e@ sen5in- my "air streamin- 8a3k%ar5s. A lon-@ t"in line o1 p"osp"ores3ent 1i-ures %"irle5 out. $"e -"osts 3ame s%eepin- to%ar5s us@ lo% to t"e -roun5. AAnitaIC AHust i-nore t"em@ Larry. $"ey 3an?t a3tually "urt you as lon- as you keep mo)in- an5 i-nore t"em.C $"e 1irst -"ost %as lon- an5 t"in %it" a %i5e@ s3reamin- mout" t"at looke5 like a smoke rin-. 9t "it me at mi523"estG t"e s"o3k ran t"rou-" me like ele3tri3ity. $"e small mus3les in my arms >erke5 %it" it. Larry -aspe5. A="at t"e "ell %as t"atBC Hason aske5. 9 took a step 1or%ar5. AKeep %alkin- an5 i-nore t"em.C 9 5i5n?t mean to@ 8ut my pa3e took me a"ea5 o1 Hean2!lau5e. $"e ne*t -"ost s%ept o)er my 1a3e. $"ere %as a moment o1 smot"erin- 8ut 9 kept %alkin- an5 it passe5. Hean2!lau5e tou3"e5 my arm. 9 stare5 into "is 1a3e an5 %asn?t sure %"at 9 sa%. He %as 5e1initely tryin- to tell me somet"in-. He steppe5 out in 1ront o1 me@ still starin- at me. 9 no55e5@ an5 let "im lea5. 9t 5i5n?t 3ost me anyt"in-. A9 5on?t like t"is@C Larry sai5 in a sin-son- )oi3e. A7e eit"er@C Hason sai5. He %as 8attin- at a tiny s%irl o1 %"iteness like a tame mist. $"e more "e s%atte5 at it@ t"e more soli5 it 8e3ame. A 1a3e %as 1ormin- out o1 t"e mist. 9 %alke5 8a3k to Hason an5 -ra88e5 "is arms. A9-nore it.C $"e small -"ost per3"e5 on "is s"oul5er. 9t "a5 a lar-e@ 8ul8ous nose an5 t%o "al121orme5 eyes. Hason?s arms tense5 un5er my "an5s. A,)ery time you noti3e t"em@ you -i)e t"em po%er to mani1est t"emsel)es@C 9 sai5. A -"ost "it me in t"e 8a3k. 9t %as like a lump o1 mo)in- i3e in t"e 3enter o1 my 8o5y. 9t 3ra%le5 out t"e 1ront o1 my 8o5y like a 3ol5 rope 8ein- pulle5 t"rou-" me. $"e sensation %as unner)in- as "ell@ 8ut it %asn?t permanent. 9t 5i5n?t e)en really "urt. $"e -"ost 5i)e5 into Hason?s 3"est@ an5 "e 3rie5 out. #nly my -rip on "is arms kept "im 1rom 3la%in- at t"e t"in-. ,)ery mus3le in Hason?s 8o5y t%it3"e5 like a "orse 8ein- eaten ali)e 8y 1lies. He sa--e5 %"en t"e -"ost %as t"rou-" "im@ lookin- at me %it" "orror21ille5 eyes. 9t %as ni3e to kno% "e 3oul5 8e s3are5. $"e )ampires seeme5 to "a)e taken some o1 "is 3oura-e %it" t"eir rottin- arms. !oul5n?t 8lame "im. 9?5 "a)e "a5 s3reamin- 1its@ too. Larry >umpe5 %"en a -"ost poppe5 t"rou-" "im@ 8ut t"at %as all. His eyes %ere a little %i5e@ 8ut "e kne% %"ere t"e 5an-er lay@ an5 it %asn?t t"e -"osts. Hean2!lau5e 3ame to stan5 near us. A="at is %ron-@ my %ol1BC $"ere %as an un5er3urrent o1 %arnin-@ an-er. His pet %as not li)in- up to "is reputation.

A=e?re 1ine@C 9 sai5. 9 s;ueeEe5 Hason?s "an5G "is eyes %ere still %i5e@ 8ut "e no55e5. A=e?ll 8e 1ine.C Hean2!lau5e %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 5istant %"ite 1i-ure on3e more@ "is mo)ement -ra3e1ul@ un"urrie5@ as i1 "e %asn?t as s3are5 as t"e rest o1 us. 7ay8e "e %asn?t. 9 pulle5 Hason %it" me. Larry "a5 mo)e5 to my 8a3k. $"e t"ree o1 us %alke5 like normal "uman 8ein-s 8e"in5 Hean2!lau5e. =e looke5 like -oo5 little sol5iers e*3ept 1or t"e 1a3t t"at 9 %as "ol5int"e %ere%ol1?s "an5. His "an5 %as s%eatin- a-ainst my skin. !oul5n?t a11or5 to "a)e a "ysteri3al %ere%ol1. 7y ri-"t "an5 %as still 1ree to -o 1or a -un@ or a kni1e. =e?5 "urt t"em on3eG i1 t"ey 5i5n?t 8e"a)e t"emsel)es@ %e 3oul5 1inis" t"e >o8. #r at least -o 5o%n tryin-. Hean2!lau5e le5 us amon- t"e nake5 trees %it" t"e -"osts 3ra%lin- o)er t"e 8are 8ran3"es like p"antom snakes. He stoppe5 a 1e% 1eet a%ay 1rom t"e )ampire. 9 almost e*pe3te5 "im to 8o%@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. AGreetin-s@ Serep"ina.C AGreetin-s@ Hean2!lau5e.C S"e %as 5resse5 in a simple %"ite 5ress t"at 1ell in 1ol5s o1 s"inin- 3lot" o)er "er 1eet. ="ite -lo)es 3o)ere5 "er arms almost 3ompletely. Her "air %as -rey %it" streaks o1 %"ite@ le1t una5orne5 sa)e 1or a "ea58an5 o1 sil)er an5 pearls. 9t %asn?t a "ea58an5@ pro8a8ly 3alle5 a 3oronet or somet"in-. Her 1a3e %as line5 %it" a-e. 4eli3ate makeup "a5 8een a55e5@ 8ut not enou-" to "i5e t"e 1a3t t"at s"e %as ol5. Vampires 5i5n?t a-e. $"at %as t"e %"ole point@ %asn?t itB AS"all %e -o insi5eBC s"e aske5. A91 you like@C "e sai5. S"e -a)e a 1aint smile. ADou may es3ort me insi5e@ as you 5i5 o1 ol5.C ABut it is not ol5en 5ays@ Serep"ina. =e are 8ot" masters no%.C A9 "a)e many masters ser)in- me@ Hean2!lau5e.C A9 ser)e only mysel1@C "e sai5. S"e stare5 at "im 1or a spa3e o1 "eart8eats@ t"en no55e5. ADou "a)e ma5e your point. /o% 8e a -entleman.C Hean2!lau5e took a 5eep enou-" 8reat" t"at 9 "ear5 it si-" 1rom "is lips. He o11ere5 "er "is arm@ an5 s"e sli5 one -lo)e5 "an5 t"rou-" it@ "er "an5 restin- on "is %rist. $"e -"osts 1loate5 5o%n%ar5 8e"in5 "er like a -reat 1lo%in- train. $"ey 8rus"e5 past t"e rest o1 us %it" a skin2pri3klinrus"@ t"en 1loate5 up%ar5@ "o)erin- a8out ten 1eet o11 t"e -roun5. ADou may %alk %it" us@C Serep"ina sai5. A$"ey %ill not molest you.C A!om1ortin-@C 9 sai5. S"e smile5 a-ain. 9t %as "ar5 to tell in t"e moonli-"t an5 -"ostly -lo%@ 8ut "er eyes %ere pale@ may8e -rey@ may8e 8lue. Dou 5i5n?t nee5 to see t"e 3olor to not like t"e look in t"em. A9 "a)e looke5 1or%ar5 to meetin- you@ ne3roman3er.C A=is" 9 3oul5 say t"e same.C $"e smile 5i5n?t %i5en@ an5 5i5n?t 1a5eG it 5i5n?t mo)e at all. 9t %as like "er 1a3e %as a %ell23onstru3te5 mask. 9 raise5 my -lan3e to "er eyes@ 1or >ust a moment. $"ey 5i5n?t try to su3k me un5er@ 8ut t"ere %as an ener-y in t"em@ a 5eep 8urnint"at pus"e5 at t"e sur1a3e o1 "er 8ein- like a 8anke5 1ireG mo)e a lo- >ust %ron-@ an5 t"e 1lames %oul5 3ome li3kin- out an5 8urn us all up. 9 3oul5n?t >u5-e "er a-eG s"e %as stoppin- me. 9?5 ne)er met anyone t"at 3oul5 a3tually stop me2tri3k me into 8elie)in- t"em youn-er@ yes@ 8ut not >ust -lare at me an5 keep me 1rom 5oin- it. S"e turne5 an5 %alke5 t"rou-" t"e 5oor. Hean2!lau5e "elpe5 "er up t"e steps@ as i1 s"e nee5e5 it. $"e easy 5istan3e o1 t"e 8loo5 loss %as re3e5in-@ lea)in- me real@ an5 ali)e@ an5 %antin- to stay t"at %ay. 7ay8e it %as Hason?s "an5 %arm in my o%n. $"e s%eat on "is palm. $"e reality o1 "im. 9 %as su55enly s3are5@ an5 s"e "a5n?t 5one a 5amn t"in- to me. $"e -"osts 1lo%e5 into t"e "ouse@ some pourin- t"rou-" t"e 5oor@ some sli5in- t"rou-" t"e %alls. =at3"in- t"em pull 1ree o1 t"e %oo5@ you almost e*pe3te5 a soun5@ like a plop@ 8ut it %as utterly ;uiet. $"e un5ea5 make no noise. $"e -"osts 8oun3e5 alon- t"e 3eilin- like "elium21ille5 8alloons@ poure5 5o%n t"e %alls in 8a3k o1 t"e t"rone like milky %ater. $"ey %ere translu3ent near t"e 3an5le 1lames@ like 8u88les. Serep"ina sat 5o%n in t"e 3orner on "er t"rone. 7a-nus 3urle5 in t"e 3us"ions at "er 1eet. $"ere %as a 1las" o1 an-er in "is eyes@ t"ere@ an5 -one. He %asn?t en>oyin- 8ein- Serep"ina?s 8oy toy. $"at -ot "im an e*tra point in my 8ook. A!ome sit 8y me@ Hean2!lau5e@C Serep"ina sai5. S"e motione5 to t"e 3us"ions on t"e opposite si5e 1rom 7a-nus. $"ey?5 "a)e ma5e an interestin- pair. A/o@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. $"at one %or5 %as %arnin- enou-". 9 5re% my "an5 slo%ly 1rom Hason?s. 91 %e really %ere -ointo 1i-"t@ 9?5 nee5 8ot" "an5s. Serep"ina lau-"e5@ an5 %it" t"at soun5 "er po%er 8roke open an5 3ras"e5 on us poor "umans. $"e po%er ro5e 5o%n on me like poun5in- "orses. 7y %"ole 8o5y )i8rate5 %it" it. 7y mout" %as too 5ry to s%allo%@ an5 9 3oul5n?t ;uite -et a 1ull 8reat" o1 air. S"e 5i5n?t "a)e to tou3" me to "urt me. S"e 3oul5 >ust sit on "er t"rone an5 t"ro% po%er at me. S"e 3oul5 -rin5 my 8ones into 5ust 1rom a ni3e sa1e 5istan3e.

Somet"in- tou3"e5 my arm. 9 >erke5 an5 turne5@ an5 it 1elt like slo% motion. 9t "as "ar5 to 1o3us on Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e@ 8ut on3e 9 5i5@ t"e -rin5in- po%er re3e5e5 like t"e o3ean pullin- 8a3k 1rom t"e s"ore. 9 took a 5eep@ s"u55erin- 8reat"@ t"en anot"erG e)ery 8reat" %as 1irmer. A9llusion@C 9 %"ispere5. A'u3kin- illusion.C ADes@ ma petite.C He turne5 1rom me an5 %ent to Larry an5 Hason@ %"o %ere still stan5in- spell8oun5. 9 looke5 8a3k at t"e t"rone. $"e -"osts "a5 1orme5 a -lo%in- nim8us aroun5 "erG most impressi)e. But not nearly as impressi)e as "er eyes. 9 "a5 one %il5 -limpse o1 eyes t"at seeme5 to -o on 1ore)er@ t"en 9 stare5 at t"e "em o1 "er %"ite 5ress as "ar5 as 9 3oul5. A!an you not meet my -aEeBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o.C A!an you really 8e t"at po%er1ul a ne3roman3er %"en you 3annot e)en meet my eyesBC 9 %asn?t >ust not meetin- "er eyes. 9 %as "un3"e5 o)er. 9 strai-"tene5 8ut 5i5n?t mo)e my eyes. ADou?re only a8out si* "un5re5 years ol5.C 9 raise5 my eyes slo%ly@ in3" 8y in3" up t"e %"ite 5ress until 9 3oul5 see "er 3"in. AHo% t"e "ell 5i5 you -et to 8e t"is po%er1ul in t"at amount o1 timeBC ASu3" 8ra)a5o. 7eet my eyes an5 9 %ill ans%er you.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t %ant to kno% t"at 8a5ly.C S"e 3"u3kle5@ an5 t"e soun5 %as lo% an5 5ark. 9t sli5 5o%n my spine like somet"in- loat"some an5 "al12ali)e. AA"@ Hanos@ 9)y@ so -oo5 o1 you to >oin us.C Hanos -li5e5 t"rou-" t"e 5oor %it" 9)y at "is si5e. Hanos looke5 more "uman t"an "e "a5 sin3e 9?5 1irst met "im. His skin %as pale 8ut 1les"y. His 1a3e %as still t"in@ an5 "e 3oul5n?t "a)e passe5 1or 3ompletely "uman@ 8ut "e looke5 less monstrous. He also looke5 "eale5. AS"it.C A9s somet"in- %ron-@ ne3roman3erBC Serep"ina aske5. A9 "ate to %aste t"at many 8ullets.C S"e -a)e t"at lo% 3"u3kle a-ain. 9t ma5e my skin 1eel ti-"t. AHanos is )ery talente5.C He %alke5 past us. 9 3oul5 see 8ullet "oles in "is s"irt. At least 9?5 ruine5 "is %ar5ro8e. 9)y looke5 5an5y. Ha5 s"e run %"en t"e s"ootin- starte5B Ha5 s"e le1t Bru3e to 5ieB Hanos %ent 5o%n on one knee amon- t"e 3us"ions. 9)y knelt %it" "im. $"ey staye5 t"ere@ "ea5 8ent@ %aitin- 1or "er to noti3e t"em. Kissa mo)e5 to stan5 8esi5e 7a-nus@ 8lee5in-@ "er arm "el5 3lose to "er si5e. But s"e -lan3e5 1rom t"e t%o kneelin)ampires to Serep"ina@ an5 8a3k a-ain. S"e looke5 ... %orrie5. Somet"in- %as up. Somet"in- unpleasant. S"e le1t t"em kneelin-@ an5 sai5@ A="at 8usiness 8rin-s you to me@ Hean!lau5eBC A9 8elie)e you "a)e somet"in- t"at 8elon-s to me@C "e sai5. AHanos@C s"e sai5. Hanos rose to "is 1eet an5 %ent 8a3k out t"e 5oor. He %as out o1 si-"t only a moment@ t"en 3ame 8a3k 3arryin- a lar-e 3lot" sa3k like somet"in- Santa !laus %oul5 "a)e 3arrie5. He untie5 t"e 3or5 t"at "el5 it s"ut an5 emptie5 t"e 3ontents on t"e 1loor at Hean2!lau5e?s 1eet. Splinters o1 %oo5@ none o1 t"em 8i- enou-" to make a 5e3ent stake@ 1ell into a me5ium2siEe5 pile. $"e %oo5 %as 5ark an5 polis"e5 %"ere it %asn?t %"ite %it" ne% 3uts. A=it" my 3ompliments@C Hanos sai5. He s"ook t"e last 8its o1 %oo5 out o1 t"e sa3k an5 knelt 8a3k on t"e steps. Hean2!lau5e stare5 5o%n at t"e splintere5 %oo5. A$"is is 3"il5is"@ Serep"ina. Somet"in- 9 %oul5 "a)e e*pe3te5 1rom you 3enturies a-o. /o% ... C He motione5 at t"e -"osts@ at e)eryt"in-. AHo% "a)e you mana-e5 to su85ue HanosB Dou 1eare5 "im on3e.C AState your 8usiness@ Hean2!lau5e@ 8e1ore 9 -ro% impatient an5 3"allen-e you mysel1.C He smile5 an5 -a)e a -ra3e1ul 8o%@ arms out to "is si5es like an a3tor. ="en "e raise5 up@ t"e smile %as -one. His 1a3e %as like a 8eauti1ul mask. AWa)ier is in your territory@C "e sai5. A4i5 you truly t"ink 9 %oul5 1eel t"e presen3e o1 your pet ne3roman3er@ an5 not sense Wa)ierB 9 kno% "e is "ere. 91 "e 3"allen-es me@ 9 %ill 5eal %it" "im. Speak t"e rest o1 your 8usiness@ or %as t"at itB 4i5 you 3ome all t"is %ay to %arn meB Ho% tou3"in-.C A9 realiEe you are more po%er1ul t"an Wa)ier no%@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ A8ut "e is slau-"terin- "umans. /ot >ust t"e atta3k on t"e missin- 8oy?s "ome@ 8ut many 5eat"s. He "as -one 8a3k to 3uttin- up "is pets. He 5ra%s attention to us all.C A$"en let t"e 3oun3il kill "im.C

ADou are master in t"is territory@ Serep"inaG it is your task to poli3e it.C A4o not presume to tell me my 5uties. 9 %as 3enturies ol5 %"en you 5ie5. Dou %ere not"in- 8ut a 3atamite 1or any )ampire t"at %ante5 you. #ur 8eauti1ul Hean2!lau5e.C S"e ma5e 8eauti1ul soun5 like a 8a5 t"in-. A9 kno% %"at 9 %as@ Serep"ina. /o% 9 am 7aster o1 t"e !ity an5 1ollo% t"e 3oun3il?s la%s. =e are not to allo% "umans to 8e slau-"tere5 in our territories. 9t is 8a5 1or 8usiness.C ALet Wa)ier kill "un5re5s. $"ere are al%ays more@C s"e sai5. A/i3e attitu5e@C 9 sai5. S"e turne5 "er attention to me@ an5 9 %is"e5 9 "a5n?t sai5 anyt"in-. Her po%er pulse5 a-ainst me@ like a -reat 8eatin"eart. AHo% 5are you 5isappro)e o1 me@C Serep"ina sai5. 9 "ear5 t"e rustle o1 "er silk 5ress as s"e stoo5. /o one else mo)e5@ an5 9 "ear5 "er 5ress slit"er a3ross t"e 3us"ions@ sli5in- alon- t"e 1loor@ as s"e 3ame 3loser. 9 5i5 not %ant "er to tou3" me. 9 stare5 up t"e line o1 "er 8o5y@ an5 sa% "er -lo)e5 "an5 strike out%ar5. 9 -aspe5. Bloo5 5rippe5 5o%n my "an5. AS"itIC 9t %as a 5eeper 3ut t"an Hanos "a5 mana-e5@ an5 it "urt more. 9 met "er eyes@ an-er makin- me 8ra)e@ or stupi5. Her eyes %ere pure %"ite@ like 3apti)e moons s"inin- 1rom "er 1a3e. $"ose eyes 3alle5 to me. 9 %ante5 to 1lin- mysel1 into "er pale arms@ to 1eel t"e tou3" o1 t"ose so1t lips@ t"e s"arp s%eet 3aress o1 "er teet". 9 %ante5 to 1eel "er 8o5y 3ra5linmine. 9 %ante5 "er to "ol5 me like my mot"er on3e "a5. S"e %oul5 take 3are o1 me 1ore)er@ an5 ne)er lea)e@ ne)er 5ie@ ne)er 5esert me. $"at stoppe5 me. 9 stoo5 )ery still. 9 %as stan5in- at t"e e5-e o1 t"e pillo%s. $"e "em o1 "er 5ress spille5 at my 1eet. 9 3oul5 "a)e rea3"e5 out a "an5 an5 tou3"e5 "er. 'ear poun5e5 my "eart in my "ea5. 9 3oul5 taste my pulse on my ton-ue. S"e sprea5 "er arms %i5e. A!ome to me@ 3"il5@ an5 9 %ill al%ays 8e %it" you. 9 %ill "ol5 you 1ore)er.C Her )oi3e %as e)eryt"in- -oo5G %armt"@ 1oo5@ s"elter 1rom all t"e t"in-s t"at "urt@ all t"e 5isappointment. 9 kne% in t"at moment t"at all 9 "a5 to 5o %as step into "er arms an5 all t"e 8a5 t"in-s %oul5 -o a%ay. 9 stoo5 t"ere %it" my "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists. 7y skin a3"e5 to "a)e "er tou3" me@ "ol5 me. Bloo5 still 5rippe5 5o%n my "an5 1rom %"ere s"e?5 3ut me. 9 ru88e5 my 1in-ers into t"e 3ut@ makin- t"e pain s"arp. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A!ome to me@ 3"il5. 9 %ill 8e your mot"er 1ore)er.C 9 1oun5 my )oi3e. 9t soun5e5 rusty@ 3"oke5@ 8ut it 3ame. A,)eryt"in- 5ies@ 8it3". Dou aren?t immortal@ none o1 you are.C 9 1elt "er po%er %a)er like a pe88le t"ro%n in a pool@ an5 9 mo)e5 8a3k a step@ t"en anot"er. 9t took e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 le1t not to run 1rom t"at room@ an5 to keep runnin-. $o run an5 run an5 run. A%ay 1rom "er. 9 5i5n?t run. 9n 1a3t@ 9 staye5 a8out t%o steps 8a3k@ lookin- aroun5. People "a5 8een 8usy. Hanos stoo5 ne*t to Hean2 !lau5e. $"ey %eren?t tryin- t"eir )ampire %iles on ea3" ot"er@ 8ut t"e t"reat %as open@ an5 t"ere. Kissa stoo5 to one si5e@ 8loo5 poolin- on t"e pillo%s at "er 1eet. $"ere %as a look on "er 1a3e t"at 9 3oul5n?t rea5. 9t %as almost amaEement. 9)y %as stan5in- no%@ starin- at me@ smilin-@ please5 t"at 9?5 nearly 1allen into Serep"ina?s arms. 9 %asn?t please5. /o one "a5 e)er 3ome 3loser@ not e)en Hean2!lau5e. 9 %as 8eyon5 s3are5. 7y skin %as 3ol5. 9 "a5 8roken "er "ol5 o)er me@ 8ut it %as temporary. S"e mi-"t not 8e a8le to tri3k me %it" "er min5@ 8ut 9?5 1elt "er min5 8rus" mine. 91 s"e %ante5 me@ s"e 3oul5 "a)e me. 9t %oul5n?t 8e pretty. /o illusions@ no tri3ks@ >ust 8rute 1u3kin- 1or3e an5 s"e 3oul5 "a)e me. 9 %oul5 ne)er run into "er arms@ 8ut s"e 3oul5 3rus" my min5. $"at s"e 3oul5 5o. $"e kno%le5-e %as almost 3almin-. 91 t"ere %as not"in- 9 3oul5 5o to pre)ent it@ mi-"t as %ell not %orry a8out it. =orry a8out t"e t"in-s you 3an 3ontrolG t"e rest %ill eit"er %ork t"emsel)es out@ or t"ey?ll kill you. ,it"er %ay@ no more %orries. ADou are ;uite ri-"t@ ne3roman3er@C Serep"ina sai5. A=e are all mortal in t"is room. Vampires 3an li)e a lon-@ lon- time. 9t makes us 1or-et t"at %e are mortal. But immortality elu5es e)en us.C 9t %asn?t a ;uestion@ an5 9 a-ree5 %it" e)eryt"in- s"e sai5@ so 9 >ust looke5 at "er. AHanos tol5 me you "a5 an aura o1 po%er@ ne3roman3er. He sai5 "e use5 it a-ainst you as "e %oul5 anot"er )ampire. 9 5i5 it >ust no% %"en 9 slas"e5 your "an5. 9 "a)e ne)er kno%n a "uman t"at 3oul5 8e "arme5 so.C A9 5on?t kno% %"at you mean a8out an aura o1 po%er.C A9t is %"at allo%e5 you to slip my ma-i3. /o "uman 3oul5 "a)e %it"stoo5 me@ an5 1e% )ampires.C AGla5 9 3oul5 5o somet"in- to impress you.C A9 ne)er sai5 9 %as impresse5@ ne3roman3er.C 9 s"ru--e5. A'ine@ may8e you 5on?t -i)e a 5amn a8out "umans@ or keepin- a lo% pro1ile. 9 5on?t kno% a8out your 3oun3il@ or %"at t"ey?ll 5o to you 1or not "elpin- us. But 9 5o kno% %"at 9?ll 5o.C A="at are you 8a88lin- a8out@ "umanBC

A9 am t"e )ampire e*e3utioner 1or t"is state. Wa)ier an5 "is 3re% took a youn- 8oy. 9 %ant "im 8a3k@ ali)e. Dou "elp me -et "im 8a3k ali)e@ or 9 -o to t"e 3ourts an5 -et a 5eat" %arrant on you.C AHean2!lau5e@ talk to "er@ or 9 %ill kill "er.C AS"e "as t"e %ei-"t o1 "uman la% 8e"in5 "er@ Serep"ina.C A="at is "uman la% to usBC A$"e 3oun3il says t"at it rules us as it rules t"e "umans. <e1usin- t"e "uman la%s is t"e same as 8reakin- %it" t"e 3oun3il.C A9 5on?t 8elie)e you.C ADou 3an taste t"e trut" o1 my %or5s. 9 3oul5 ne)er lie to you@ not t%o "un5re5 years a-o@ not no%.C His )oi3e %as )ery 3alm@ )ery sure. A="en 5i5 t"is ne% la% -o into e11e3tBC A="en t"e 3oun3il sa% t"e 8ene1it o1 8ein- mainstream. $"ey %ant t"e money@ t"e po%er@ t"e 1ree5om to %alk t"e streets in sa1ety. $"ey 5on?t %ant to "i5e anymore@ Serep"ina.C ADou 8elie)e %"at you sayG t"at mu3" is true@C s"e sai5. S"e looke5 5o%n at me@ an5 t"e %ei-"t o1 t"at -aEe e)en %it" me lookin- a%ay %as like a -iant "an5 mas"in- me 5o%n. 9 staye5 on my 1eet@ 8ut it %as an e11ort. Dou s"oul5 8o% 5o%n to su3" po%er. Gro)el 8e1ore it. =ors"ip it. AStop it@ Serep"ina@C 9 sai5. A!"eap min5 tri3ks %on?t %ork@ an5 you kno% it.C $"e 3ol5 lump in my stoma3" %asn?t so sure. ADou 1ear me@ "uman. 9 3an taste it on t"e 8a3k o1 my ton-ue.C #"@ -oo5y. ADea"@ you s3are me. Dou pro8a8ly s3are e)ery8o5y in t"is room. So %"atBC S"e 5re% "ersel1 up to e)ery in3" o1 "er tall@ t"in 1rame. Her )oi3e %as su55enly so1t@ 8reat"in- 5o%n my skin like 1ur. A9 %ill s"o% you.C S"e -esture5 out%ar5 %it" one -lo)e5 "an5. 9 tense5@ %aitin- 1or anot"er 3ut@ 8ut it ne)er 3ame. A s3ream 3ut t"e air an5 %"irle5 me aroun5. Bloo5 ran 5o%n 9)y?s 1a3e. Anot"er 3ut appeare5 on "er 8are arm. $%o more on "er 1a3e. Lon-@ sli3in- %oun5s %it" e)ery -esture t"at Serep"ina ma5e. 9)y s"rieke5. ASerep"ina@ pleaseIC S"e 1ell to "er knees amon- t"e 8ri-"t 3us"ions@ one "an5 outstret3"e5 to%ar5s t"e master )ampire. ASerep"ina@ master@ please.C Serep"ina %alke5 aroun5 "er@ one -li5in- mo)ement at a time. A91 you "a5 "el5 your temper@ t"ey %oul5 all 8e ours no%. 9 kne% t"eir "earts@ t"eir min5s@ t"eir 5eepest 1ears. =e %oul5 "a)e 8roken t"em all. $"ey %oul5 "a)e 8roken t"e tru3e an5 %e 3oul5 "a)e 1easte5 on t"em to our 8loo5?s 3ontent.C S"e %as almost e)en %it" me. 9 %ante5 to mo)e 8a3k a%ay 1rom "er@ 8ut s"e mi-"t see it as a si-n o1 %eakness. Her 5ress 8rus"e5 my le-@ an5 9 5i5n?t 3are. 9 5i5 not %ant "er to tou3" me. 9 mo)e5 8a3k@ an5 s"e 3au-"t my %rist. 9 "a5n?t e)en seen "er mo)e. 9 stare5 at t"at silk2-lo)e5 "an5 as i1 a snake "a5 >ust 3oile5 aroun5 my %rist. Hell@ 9?5 "a)e rat"er "a5 t"e snake. A!ome@ ne3roman3erG "elp me punis" t"is 8a5 )ampire.C A/o@ t"anks@C 9 sai5. 7y )oi3e soun5e5 s"aky. 9t mat3"e5 t"e 1lutterin- in my -ut. S"e "a5n?t 5one anyt"in- to me yet e*3ept tou3" me@ 8ut tou3" makes all po%ers stron-er. 91 s"e trie5 a min5 tri3k no%@ 9 %as 1inis"e5. A9)y %oul5 "a)e taken -reat 5eli-"t in your pain@ ne3roman3er.C A$"at?s "er pro8lem@ not mine.C 9 %as starin- )ery "ar5 at t"e silky 3lot" o1 Serep"ina?s 5ress. 9 "a5 a terri8le ur-e to look up%ar5@ to meet "er eyes. 9 5i5n?t t"ink it %as "er po%er@ >ust my o%n mor8i5 3ompulsion. 9t?s "ar5 to 8e tou-" %"en you?re starin- at someone?s 8o5y an5 8ein- le5 aroun5 8y t"e "an5 like a 3"il5. 9)y lay on t"e 1loor@ "al12proppe5 on "er arms. Her lo)ely 1a3e %as a mass o1 5eep 3uts. Bone -leame5 in t"e 3an5leli-"t 1rom one 3"eek. Her ri-"t arm "a5 a 3ut t"at s"o%e5 mus3le t%it3"in- an5 8loo5y. 9)y stare5 up at me@ an5 8e"in5 t"e pain %as a "atre5 stron- enou-" to li-"t a mat3". $"e an-er rose 1rom "er in slappin- %a)es. Serep"ina knelt 8esi5e "er@ 5ra%in- me 5o%n %it" "er. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at Hean2!lau5e. Hanos "a5 a %"ite spi5er2"an5 on "is 3"est. Larry mout"e5 t"e %or5 A-un.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. S"e "a5n?t "urt me yet. /ot yet. $"e "an5 >erke5 my arm "ar5 enou-" to %ren3" my "ea5 aroun5 to 1a3e "er. =e %ere eye to eye@ su55enly@ "orri8ly. ="at 9 sa% in "er eyes %asn?t "orri8le. Her eyes@ %"i3" 9 %oul5 "a)e s%orn %ere some pale s"a5e@ looke5 soli5 %oo5 8ro%n. 7y mot"er?s eyes. 9 t"ink s"e meant 1or it to 8e 3om1ortin-@ or se5u3ti)e. 9t %asn?t. 7y skin %ent 3ool %it" 1ear. AStop it.C ADou 5on?t %ant me to stop@C s"e sai5.

9 trie5 to pull my arm out o1 "er -rasp. 9 mi-"t as %ell "a)e trie5 to mo)e t"e sun to a 5i11erent part o1 t"e sky. AAll you 3an o11er me is 5eat". 7y 5ea5 mot"er in your 5ea5 eyes.C 9 stare5 into t"ose 8ro%n eyes t"at 9 ne)er t"ou-"t to see t"is si5e o1 "ea)en. 9 yelle5 at my mot"er?s eyes@ 8e3ause 9 3oul5n?t look a%ay. Serep"ina %oul5n?t let me@ an5 9 3oul5n?t 1i-"t "er on t"at@ not %"ile s"e tou3"e5 me. ADou?re a %alkin- 3orpse@ an5 e)eryt"in- else is >ust lies.C A9 am not 5ea5@ Anita.C $"ere %as an e3"o o1 my mot"er?s )oi3e in "er %or5s. S"e raise5 "er ot"er "an5 as i1 to 3aress my 3"eek. 9 trie5 to 3lose my eyes. $rie5 to look a%ay. 9 3oul5n?t. A stran-e paralysis %as sli5in- o)er my 8o5y@ like t"e 1eelin- you -et >ust on t"e e5-e o1 sleep %"en your 8o5y %ei-"s a t"ousan5 poun5s an5 e)ery mo)ement is nearly impossi8le. $"at "an5 3ame 1or me in slo% motion@ an5 9 kne% i1 s"e tou3"e5 me 9 %oul5 1all into "er arms. 9 %oul5 3lin- to "er an5 3ry. 9 remem8ere5 my mot"er?s 1a3e t"e last time 9?5 seen "er. $"e 3o11in "a5 8een 5ark %oo5 3o)ere5 in a 8lanket o1 pink roses. 9 kne% 7ommy %as in t"ere@ 8ut t"ey %oul5n?t let me see. /o one 3oul5 see. !lose5 3o11in@ t"ey sai5@ 3lose5 3o11in. ,)ery a5ult in my li1e %as "a)in- "ysteri3s. $"e room %as 1ull o1 s3reams@ so88in-. 7y 1at"er 3ollapse5 to t"e 1loor. He %as useless to me. 9 %ante5 my mot"er. $"e lat3"es on t"e 3o11in %ere sil)er. 9 opene5 t"em@ an5 9 "ear5 a 3ry 8e"in5 me. 9 5i5n?t "a)e mu3" time. $"e li5 %as "ea)y@ 8ut 9 s"o)e5 it up%ar5 an5 it mo)e5. 9 -ot a -limpse o1 %"ite satin@ an5 s"a5o%s. 9 raise5 my arms o)er my "ea5 %it" e)ery oun3e o1 stren-t" an5 -ot a -limpse o1 somet"in-. 7y Aunt 7attie -ra88e5 me 8a3k. $"e li5 3lan-e5 s"ut@ an5 s"e snappe5 t"e lo3k 8a3k in pla3e@ 5ra--in- me a%ay. 9 5i5n?t stru--leG 9?5 seen enou-". 9t %as like lookin- at one o1 t"ose pi3tures t"at you kno% must look like somet"in-@ 8ut your eyes 3an?t make sense o1 it. 9t took me years to make sense o1 it. But %"at 9 sa% %asn?t my mot"er. !oul5n?t 8e my 8eauti1ul mot"er. 9t "a5 8een a "usk@ somet"in- le1t 8e"in5. Somet"in- to "i5e in a 5ark 8o* an5 let rot. 9 opene5 my eyes@ an5 Serep"ina "a5 pale -rey eyes. 9 pulle5 my %rist 1rom "er su55enly loose -rasp an5 sai5@ APain "elps.C 9 stoo5 an5 steppe5 a%ay 1rom "er@ an5 s"e 5i5n?t stop me. ="i3" %as -oo5@ 8e3ause 9 %as s"akin- all o)er@ an5 it %asn?t 1rom t"e )ampire. 7emories "a)e teet"@ too. S"e staye5 kneelin- 8y 9)y@ an5 sai5@ A7ost impressi)e@ ne3roman3er. 9 %ill "elp you 1in5 t"is 8oy you seek.C Her su55en 3ooperation %as unner)in-. A="yBC ABe3ause sin3e 9 attaine5 my 1ull po%ers@ no one "as e)er slippe5 my illusions t%i3e in one ni-"t. /o one li)in- or 5ea5.C S"e -ra88e5 9)y 8y one 8loo5y arm an5 pulle5 "er into "er lap to 8lee5 on t"e %"ite 5ress. 9)y -aspe5. A<emem8er t"is@ youn- master )ampireJ $"is mortal 5i5 %"at you 3oul5 not. S"e stoo5 a-ainst me an5 %on.C S"e tosse5 "er su55enly a%ay@ sen5in- "er spra%lin- a3ross t"e 1loor. ADou are not %ort"y o1 my si-"t. Get out.C Serep"ina stoo5. $"e 1res" 8loo5 stoo5 out in s3arlet relie1 a-ainst "er %"ite 5ress an5 -lo)es. ADou "a)e impresse5 us. /o% -o@ all o1 you.C S"e turne5 an5 %alke5 8a3k to "er t"rone. S"e 5i5n?t sit 5o%n. S"e stoo5 %it" "er 8a3k to us@ one "an5 on t"e 3"air arm. Per"aps it %as my ima-ination@ 8ut s"e seeme5 tire5. Her -"osts 1lo%e5 5o%n to meet "er in a s%irlin- %"ite mist. $"ere %eren?t as many in5i)i5ual s"apes as 8e1ore@ as i1 t"e p"antoms "a5 lost some o1 t"eir soli5ity. AGo@C s"e sai5 %it"out turnin- aroun5. $"e 8a3k 5oor %as open@ 8ut Hean2!lau5e %alke5 to t"e 5oor%ay t"at le5 out t"e 1ront. 9 %asn?t -oin- to ar-ue. 9 >ust %ante5 out. 9 5i5n?t -i)e a 5amn %"i3" 5oor %e took. =e %alke5 3oolly@ 3almly to%ar5s t"e 5oor. 9 %ante5 to run. Larry stoo5 ne*t to me@ an5 9 3oul5 see t"e pulse in "is t"roat >umpin- %it" t"e e11ort not to 8olt. Hason rea3"e5 t"e 5oor a little a"ea5 o1 us@ 8ut "e %aite5 an5 turne5 an5 motione5 us t"rou-" like a 5oorman@ or a 8utler. 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 "is eyes@ too %i5e@ seare5@ an5 kne% %"at t"e -esture "a5 3ost "im. =e %ent t"rou-"G "e 1ollo%e5. Hean2!lau5e 8rou-"t up t"e rear. $"e 5oors slamme5 8e"in5 us@ an5 %e %alke5 out. Hust like t"at. But 1or t"e 1irst time 9 kne% t"at 9?5 8een let -o. 9 "a5n?t 1ou-"t my %ay out@ or 8lu11e5 my %ay out. S"e 3oul5 8e impresse5 all s"e %ante5@ 8ut s"e "a5 allo%e5 us to -o. Bein- allo%e5 to lea)e %as not t"e same t"in- as %innin-. 9 %oul5 ne)er -o 8a3k into t"at "ouse )oluntarily. 9 %oul5 ne)er 8e near "er %illin-ly. Be3ause 9?5 8een impressi)e toni-"t@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t keep it up. ,)en no% 9 kne% t"at s"e 3oul5 "a)e me. $"is )ampire "a5 my ti3ket. Ha5 a lie almost %ort" my immortal soul. 4amn.

Chapter Twenty-eight
Hason %alke5 past me into t"e "otel room. He "ea5e5 strai-"t 1or t"e 8at"room. A9?m takin- a s"o%er.C 9t %as pus"y@ 8ut "e 5i5 smell like a 5e3aye5 3orpse. =e?5 5ri)en 8a3k %it" all t"e %in5o%s rolle5 5o%n. 7ost o1 t"e time i1 you stink@ you 3an?t smell someone else. 9 "a5 some o1 t"e rotte5 stu11 on me@ 8ut 9 3oul5 still smell Hason. Some smells are too uni;ue to e)er really -o a%ay.

A=ait@C Larry sai5. Hason turne5@ 8ut not like "e %as "appy. A:se my s"o%er.C He "el5 up a "an5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 say anyt"in-. A9t?s an "our until 5a%n. 91 %e %ant e)ery8o5y tu3ke5 in 8e1ore t"at@ it makes sense to use 8ot" 8at"rooms.C A9 t"ou-"t %e?5 all sleep in t"is room toni-"t@C 9 sai5. A="yBC "e aske5. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 8y t"e lo)e seat lookin- lo)ely an5 un"elp1ul. Hason >ust looke5 impatient. ASa1ety in num8ers@C 9 sai5. Larry s"ook "is "ea5. AAlri-"t@ 8ut 9 3an take t"e %ere%ol1 ne*t 5oor an5 let "im s"o%er. #r 5on?t you trust me to e)en 5o t"atBC He %as -ettin- an-ry a-ain. A9 trust you@ Larry. Dou 5i5 -oo5 toni-"t.C 9 e*pe3te5 a smile. 9 5i5n?t -et it. He looke5 )ery serious. A9 kille5 t"at )ampire Bru3e.C 9 no55e5. A9 t"ou-"t %e %ere -oin- to "a)e to kill e)eryt"in- in t"e room.C ASo 5i5 9.C He sank into one o1 t"e 3"airs. A9?)e ne)er kille5 anyone 8e1ore.C A9t %as a )ampire. 9t?s not t"e same t"in- as killin- a person.C ADea"@ ri-"t. An5 "o% many 3orpses "a)e you -i)en !P< to latelyBC 9 -lan3e5 at Hean2!lau5e smilin- at me. 9 s"ru--e5. AHust one. !an you -i)e us some pri)a3y "ereBC 9 aske5. A9 %ill "ear %"at you are sayin- no matter %"ere 9 stan5 in t"is room@C Hean!lau5e sai5. A9llusion is allG >ust 8a3k o11@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e 8o%e5 "is "ea5 sli-"tly an5 took Hason to one si5e o1 t"e room@ near t"e %in5o%s. 9 kne% "e?5 "ear e)eryt"in-@ 8ut at least "e %oul5n?t 8e stan5in- o)er us. ADou 5on?t really 8elie)e "e?s 5ea5@ 5o youBC Larry aske5. ADou sa% %"at "appene5 to t"ose t%o )ampires@C 9 sai5. A$"ey are >ust rottin- 3orpsesG e)eryt"in- else is illusion.C ADou t"ink "e e)er looks like t"atBC 9 looke5 at Hean2!lau5e?s 8a3k 1or a minute. A9?m a1rai5 9 5o.C AHo% 3an you 5ate "im a1ter seein- t"atBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t kno%.C A!orpse or not@ you trie5 to keep "im ali)e.C He rea3te5 to t"e look on my 1a3e. AAli)e@ un5ea5@ %"ate)er you %ant to 3all it@ you trie5 to preser)e it. Dou %ere s3are5 "e %as really 5ea5.C 9 >ust looke5 at "im. ASoBC ASo@ 9 kille5 anot"er li)in- 8ein-@ or un5ea5 8ein-. Hell@ Anita@ Bru3e %as so ne%ly 5ea5 "e seeme5 "uman.C APro8a8ly %"y one 8ullet to t"e 3"est 1inis"e5 "im.C AHo% am 9 suppose5 to 1eel a8out t"atBC AKillin- "im@ you meanBC ADea".C A$"ey are monsters@ Larry. Some o1 t"em are prettier t"an ot"ers@ 8ut t"ey are monsters. /e)er 5ou8t t"at.C ADou 3an "onestly tell me t"at you t"ink Hean2!lau5e is a monster.C 9t %as more statement t"an ;uestion. 9 almost looke5 at t"e monster in ;uestion@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 9?5 looke5 at "im enou-" 1or one ni-"t. ADea"@ 9 5o.C A/o%@ ask "er i1 s"e t"inks s"e?s a monster.C Hean2!lau5e leane5 on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e lo)e seat@ "is arms 3rosse5 o)er "is 3"est. Larry looke5 a little startle5@ 8ut "e sai5@ AAnitaBC 9 s"ru--e5. ASometimes.C Hean2!lau5e smile5. ASee@ La%ren3eB Anita t"inks %e?re all monsters.C ALarry?s not@C 9 sai5. AGi)e "im time.C $"at %as a little too 3lose to t"e trut". A9 aske5 1or pri)a3y@ or 5i5 you 1or-etBC

A9 1or-et not"in-@ ma petite@ 8ut time -ro%s s"ort. 7y %ol1 is not t"e only one t"at nee5s a 8at". #nly our youn- 1rien5 is still 1res".C 9 looke5 at Larry. $"ere %asn?t a 5rop o1 8loo5 on "im. He %as t"e only one %"o "a5n?t %restle5 %it" )ampires toni-"t. He s"ru--e5. ASorryG 9 >ust 3oul5n?t -et any8o5y to 8lee5 on me toni-"t.C A4on?t >oke@ Larry@C 9 sai5. A=it" Serep"ina 9 t"ink you?ll -et anot"er 3"an3e.C ASa5ly@ true@ ma petite.C AHo% lon- 3an you -o %it"out a 3o11inBC 9 aske5. He smile5. A!on3ern o)er my %ell28ein-. 9 am tou3"e5.C A4on?t -i)e me 3rap. 9 opene5 a 1reakin- )ein 1or you toni-"t.C A91 9 "a)e not t"anke5 you 1or sa)in- my li1e toni-"t@ ma petite@ my apolo-ies.C 9 looke5 at "im. He looke5 pleasant@ amuse5@ 8ut it %as a mask. His e*pression %"en "e 5i5n?t %ant you to kno% %"at "e %as t"inkin-@ 8ut 5i5n?t %ant you to kno% t"at "e 5i5n?t %ant you to kno%. A4on?t mention it.C A9 %ill remem8er t"at you sa)e5 me@ ma petite. Dou 3oul5 "a)e 8een 1ree o1 me. $"ank you.C 9t soun5e5 sin3ere enou-". ADou?re %el3ome.C A9 nee5 to -et t"is 3ru5 o11 me@C Hason sai5. He soun5e5 >ust a tou3" 1ranti3. 9 %as 8ettin- "e?5 8e tryin- to s3ru8 o11 more t"an >ust 5irt. But memories 5on?t %as" t"at easily. 7ore?s t"e pity. AGo on@ 8ot" o1 you. Hason 3an s3ru8 up in Larry?s room. 9t?s only pra3ti3al.C Larry -rinne5 at me. A$"anks.C A9 meant it %"en 9 sai5 you 5i5 -oo5 toni-"t.C 9 1inally -ot t"e smile 9?5 e*pe3te5. A!ome on@ Hason@ "ot %ater an5 1res" to%els a%ait.C Larry "el5 t"e 5oor 1or Hason an5 -a)e me a little salute. GeeE. Alone a-ain %it" Hean2!lau5e. =oul5 t"is ni-"t ne)er en5B ADou ne)er ans%ere5 my ;uestion a8out t"e 3o11in@C 9 sai5. A9 %ill 8e alri-"t 1or anot"er ni-"t or t%o.C AHo% 5i5 Serep"ina -o 1rom 8ein- your e;ual in po%er to 8ein- %"at %e sa% toni-"tBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 truly 5o not kno%@ ma petite. S"e surprise5 me 8a5ly. S"e 5i5 not "a)e to let us -o toni-"t. As lonas s"e 5i5 not "arm us@ %e 3oul5 "a)e 8een "er -uests 1or t"e 5ay.C AAre you surprise5 s"e let us -oBC 9 aske5. ADes@C "e sai5. Hean2!lau5e pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e lo)e seat. A$ake your s"o%er@ ma petite. 9 %ill a%ait t"e youn- men?s return.C A9 t"ou-"t you 3oul5 -o ne*t@ %as" t"e 8loo5 out o1 your "air.C He put a "an5 up to t"e 8a3k o1 "is "air. He -rima3e5 at t"e 1eel o1 it. A4istaste1ul@ 8ut 9 %ant a 8at"@ ma petite. 9t takes lon-er t"an a s"o%er@ so you -o 1irst.C 9 looke5 at "im 1or a lon- moment. A91 you 5o not "urry@ 9 %ill not "a)e time 1or a 8at" 8e1ore 5a%n. 9 %oul5 "ate to sleep on your 3lean s"eets 3o)ere5 in 8loo5.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%ly. A'ineG >ust 8e sure you stay out o1 t"e 8at"room.C A7y %or5 o1 "onor t"at 9 %ill not 8ar-e in on you.C ADea"@ ri-"t.C $"ou-"@ stran-ely enou-"@ 9 8elie)e5 "im. Hean2!lau5e "a5 8een tryin- to se5u3e me 1or a lon- time. A 1rontal assault >ust %asn?t "is style. 9 %ent to take my s"o%er.

Chapter Twenty-nine
<onnie "a5 5ra--e5 me into Vi3toria?s Se3ret. 9 "a5 pointe5 out t"at no one %oul5 see my un5er%ear or my ni-"t3lot"es e*3ept ot"er %omen in t"e -ym lo3ker room. <onnie "a5 replie5@ ADou?ll see t"em.C $"e lo-i3 es3ape5 me 8ut s"e "a5 talke5 me into a ro8e. 9t %as 8ur-un5y@ t"e 3olor o1 %ine25ark peonies. 9t -lo%e5 a-ainst my pale skin an5 mat3"e5 some o1 t"e 8ruises 8lossomin- on my 8a3k. /ot"in- like -ettin- t"ro%n into a %all to -i)e you a little 3olor. $"e 8ite mark on my 8a3k %asn?t )ery 5eep. Har5 1or "umanoi5 1an-s to sink in 1rom t"at an-le. $"e 1an- marks on my %rist %ere 5eeper. $"ey %ere t%o neat little "oles@ almost 5ainty. 9t 5i5n?t "urt as mu3" as it s"oul5 "a)e. 7ay8e )ampires 5i5 "a)e painkillers in t"eir sali)a@ or may8e it %as t"e 1an-s.

9 still 3oul5n?t 8elie)e t"at 9?5 let "im sink 1an-s into me. S"it. 9 pulle5 t"e ro8e 3loser aroun5 me. $"e material %as "ea)y enou-" to 8e 3oEy on a %inter e)enin-@ an5 "a5 %i5e silky 3u11s@ an5 more silk linin- t"e e5-es. 9t looke5 )a-uely Vi3torian@ a little mas3uline. 9 looke5 5eli3ate in it@ like a Vi3torian 5oll t"at "a5n?t -otten 3ompletely 5resse5 yet. 9 put on an o)ersiEe5 8la3k t2s"irt un5er t"e ro8e. 9t ruine5 some o1 t"e e11e3t@ 8ut it 8eat t"e "e3k out o1 %earin- not"in- 8ut a ro8e an5 un5er%ear out to -reet t"e 8oys. 9 retrie)e5 t"e Bro%nin- 1rom t"e 8a3k o1 t"e stool %"ere it "a5 sat 5urin- my s"o%er. 9 3arrie5 it %it" me to t"e 8e5room@ an5 "esitate5. 9 al%ays %ent arme5. Hell@ 9 slept %it" a -un@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t 1eel like slippin- on a "olster. 9 put t"e Bro%nina%ay an5 settle5 1or slippin- t"e 'irestar into t"e ro8e po3ket. 7a5e t"e 3lot" "an- 1unny@ 8ut i1 somet"in- nasty 3ame t"rou-" t"e 5oor 9 %as rea5y 1or it. Hean2!lau5e %as stan5in- at t"e %in5o% %"en 9 opene5 t"e 8e5room 5oor. He "a5 opene5 t"e 5rapes@ an5 %as leanina-ainst t"e %in5o%?s e5-e starin- out into t"e 5arkness. He turne5 %"en t"e 5oor opene5@ t"ou-" 9 kne% "e?5 "ear5 me 8e1ore t"at. A7a petite@ you look lo)ely.C A9t?s t"e only ro8e 9 o%n@C 9 sai5. A#1 3ourse@C "e sai5. His 1a3e "a5 t"at amuse5 mask on it a-ainG t"is time 9 %oul5 "a)e like5 to kno% %"at "e %as t"inkin-. His mi5ni-"t 8lue eyes %ere )ery intenseG t"ey 5i5n?t mat3" t"e non3"alant e*pression. 7ay8e 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno% %"at "e %as t"inkin-. A="ere are Larry an5 HasonBC A$"ey "a)e 3ome an5 -one@C "e sai5. AGoneBC AHason "a5 a su55en 3ra)in-@ an5 Larry 5ro)e "im in t"e Heep.C 9 >ust looke5 at "im. A$"ere is su3" a t"in- as room ser)i3e.C A9t is t"e %ee "ours o1 t"e mornin-@ ma petite. $"e room ser)i3e menu is some%"at limite5. Hason "as 5onate5 8loo5 t%i3e to me toni-"tG "e nee5e5 protein.C Hean2!lau5e smile5. A9t %as eit"er take2out@ or "e 3oul5 eat Larry. 9 t"ou-"t you?5 pre1er take2out.C AVery 1unny. Dou s"oul5n?t "a)e sent t"em alone.C A=e are sa1e 1rom Serep"ina toni-"t@ ma petite@ an5 as lon- as t"ey stay in to%n@ sa1e 1rom Wa)ier.C AHo% 3an you 8e so sureBC 9 3rosse5 my arms o)er my stoma3". He leane5 "is 8a3k a-ainst t"e %in5o% an5 looke5 at me. ADour 7onsieur Kirklan5 "an5le5 "imsel1 %ell toni-"t. 9 t"ink you %orry unne3essarily a8out "im.C A#ne ni-"t o1 "eroi3s 5oesn?t keep you sa1e@C 9 sai5. A9t %ill 8e 5a%n soon@ ma petiteG e)en Wa)ier 3annot 8ear t"e li-"t o1 5ay. All t"e )ampires %ill 8e seekin- s"elter. $"ey %ill "a)e no time to 3"ase our youn- men.C 9 stare5 at "im@ tryin- to rea5 past "is pleasant 1a3e. A9 %is" 9 %as as sure as you seem to 8e.C He smile5 t"en@ an5 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all. He sli5 out o1 "is >a3ket an5 let it 1all to t"e rose23olore5 3arpet. A="at are you 5oin-BC A:n5ressin-.C 9 >erke5 a t"um8 at t"e 8e5room@ A:n5ress in t"ere.C He 8e-an un8uttonin- "is s"irt. A9n t"e ot"er room@ ri-"t no%@C 9 sai5. He pulle5 t"e %"ite s"irt out o1 "is pants@ %orkin- t"e last 1e% 8uttons as "e %alke5 to%ar5s me. $"e 1les" o1 "is 3"est an5 stoma3" "a5 more 3olor t"an t"e s"irt. He %as pumpe5 up an5 "uman2lookin- on 8loo5@ part o1 it mine. $"e 5rie5 8loo5stains t"at "a5 soake5 t"rou-" t"e s"irt marre5 t"e pale per1e3tion o1 "is 8o5y. 9 e*pe3te5 "im to try to kiss me@ or somet"in-@ 8ut "e %alke5 past me. $"e 8a3k o1 t"e s"irt %as 8ro%nis" %it" 5rie5 8loo5. He peele5 it o11 "is skin %it" a soun5 like tearin-. He 5roppe5 t"e s"irt on t"e 3arpet an5 %alke5 into t"e 8e5room. 9 stoo5 t"ere starin- a1ter "im. $"ere "a5 8een %"ite s3ars on "is 8a3k. At least 9 t"ou-"t t"at?s %"at t"ey %ere. Har5 to tell t"rou-" all t"e 8loo5. He le1t t"e 8e5room 5oor open@ an5 in a 1e% minutes 9 "ear5 %ater runnin- in t"e 8at"tu8. 9 sat 5o%n in one o1 t"e strai-"t28a3k 3"airs. 9 %asn?t sure %"at else 9 %as suppose5 to 5o. =ater ran 1or a lon- time@ t"en silen3e@ t"en slos"in- %ater. He %as in t"e tu8. He "a5n?t 3lose5 t"e 8at"room 5oor 1irst. Great. A7a petite@C "e 3alle5. 9 sat t"ere 1or a minute@ un%illin- to mo)e.

A7a petite@ 9 kno% you are t"ere. 9 3an "ear you 8reat"in-.C 9 %alke5 to t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5room 5oor@ )ery 3are1ul not to look insi5e. 9 leane5 my 8a3k a-ainst t"e %all an5 3rosse5 my arms. A="at 5o you %antBC A$"ere seem to 8e no 3lean to%els.C A="at am 9 suppose5 to 5o a8out itBC A!oul5 you 3all 5o%n to "ousekeepin- an5 "a)e some sent upBC A9 -uess so.C A$"ank you@ ma petite.C 9 stompe5 o)er to t"e p"one@ pisse5. He?5 kno%n t"ere %ere no 3lean to%els 8e1ore "e -ot into t"e tu8. Hell@ 9?5 kno%n t"ere %ere no 3lean to%els@ 8ut 9?5 8een so 8usy listenin- to "im splas" aroun5 in t"e %ater 9 "a5n?t t"ou-"t o1 it. 9 %as as ma5 at me as 9 %as at "im. He %as al%ays a tormentin- son o1 a 8it3". 9 %as suppose5 to %at3" mysel1 aroun5 "im 8etter t"an t"is. 9 %as in a "otel room t"at looke5 like a 1reakin- 8ri5al suite %it" Hean2!lau5e all nake5 an5 soapy in t"e ne*t room. A1ter %"at 9?5 seen %it" Hason@ t"ere s"oul5n?t "a)e 8een t"is mu3" se*ual tension in t"e air@ 8ut t"ere %as. 7ay8e it %as "a8it@ or may8e Larry %as ri-"t. 9 >ust 5i5n?t 8elie)e t"at Hean2!lau5e %as a rottin- 3orpse. 9 3alle5 1or more to%els. $"ey %oul5 8e "appy to 8rin- some up. /o one 8it3"e5 a8out t"e time. /o one ;uestione5. Dou 3an al%ays tell "o% mu3" you?re payin- 1or a room 8y "o% little t"ey 3omplain. A mai5 8rou-"t me 1our 8i-@ so1t to%els. 9 looke5 at "er 1or a 1ull minute@ "esitatin-. 9 3oul5 "a)e "er take t"e to%els into Hean2!lau5e. S"e sai5@ A7a?amBC 9 took t"e to%els@ sai5 t"anks@ an5 3lose5 t"e 5oor. 9 >ust 3oul5n?t let a stran-e %oman see t"at 9 "a5 a nake5 )ampire in my tu8. 9 %asn?t e)en sure t"e )ampire part %as %"at ma5e it em8arrassin-. Goo5 -irls 5o not en5 up %it" nake5 male anyt"in- in t"eir 8at"tu8s at 1our somet"in- in t"e mornin-. 7ay8e 9 %asn?t a -oo5 -irl. 7ay8e 9 ne)er "a5 8een. 9 "esitate5 at t"e 8e5room 5oor. $"e room %as 5ark. $"e only li-"t 3ame 1rom t"e 8at"room@ spillin- in an o8lon- a3ross t"e 3arpet. 9 3rus"e5 t"e to%els to my 3"est@ took a 5eep 8reat"@ an5 steppe5 into t"e room. 9 3oul5 see t"e 8at"tu8 1rom "ere@ 8ut mer3i1ully not all o1 it. 9 "a5 a -limpse o1 %"ite por3elain an5 a moun5 o1 %"ite 8u88les. Hust seein- t"e 8u88le 8at" ma5e t"e mus3les in my s"oul5ers rela* a little. Bu88les 3an "i5e a multitu5e o1 sins. 9 stoppe5 at t"e 8at"room 5oor. Hean2!lau5e lay 8a3k a-ainst t"e e5-e o1 t"e tu8. His 8la3k "air %as %et an5 "a5 o8)iously 8een 3leane5. Stran5s o1 it 3lun- to "is 8are s"oul5ers. His arms lay proppe5 on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8at"tu8@ "is "ea5 restin- a-ainst t"e 5ark tile o1 t"e %all. #ne pale "an5 %as suspen5e5 in mi5air as i1 rea3"in- 1or somet"in-@ 8ut t"e "an5 %as utterly limp. His eyes %ere 3lose5@ makin- 8la3k "al12moons a-ainst "is pale 3"eeks. Bea5s o1 %ater 3lun- to "is 1a3e an5 %"at 9 3oul5 see o1 "is 8o5y. He looke5 almost asleep. His knee 3ame up t"rou-" t"e moun5 o1 8u88les@ a surprisin- -limpse o1 8are %et skin. He turne5 "is "ea5 an5 opene5 "is eyes. $"e mi5ni-"t 8lue o1 "is eyes seeme5 5arker. 7ay8e it %as t"e %ay t"e %ater ma5e "is "air seem "ea)ier@ 8la3ker. 9 took a s"allo% 8reat" an5 sai5@ AHere are t"e to%els.C A!oul5 you pla3e t"em "ere@ pleaseBC He -esture5 %it" t"at one "al12suspen5e5 "an5. AHereC %as t"e 3lose5 top o1 t"e toilet@ %"i3" %as 3lose enou-" to t"e tu8 1or -ra88in-. A9?ll@ put t"em on t"e e5-e o1 t"e sink.C A9?ll 5rip %ater all o)er t"e 1loor -ettin- t"em 1rom t"ere@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as neutral@ no )ampiri3 tri3ks@ almost no tone at all. He %as ri-"t@ an5 9 %as 8ein- silly. He %oul5n?t -ra8 me an5 ra)is" me. 91 t"at?5 8een t"e plan@ "e 3oul5 "a)e 5one t"at years a-o. 9 pla3e5 t"e to%els on t"e stool@ eyes stu5iously any%"ere 8ut t"e tu8. ADou must "a)e ;uestions a8out toni-"t@C "e sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at "im. $"e %ater on "is nake5 torso 3au-"t t"e li-"t like ;ui3ksil)er. Su5s 3lun- to "is 3"est@ >ust un5er one nipple. 9 "a5 a "orri8le ur-e to 8rus" o11 t"e 8u88les. 9 steppe5 8a3k until 9 %as stan5in- 8y t"e 1ar %all. A9t?s not like you to o11er ans%ers@C 9 sai5. A9 am 1eelin- -enerous toni-"t.C His )oi3e "a5 t"at ;uality t"at )oi3es -et %"en t"ey are e5-in- to%ar5s sleep. A91 you %eren?t nake5 in a tu8 o1 8u88le 8at"@ %oul5 you 8e o11erin- to ans%er ;uestionsBC

He smile5 t"en@ a ;ui3k@ 1amiliar e*pression. APer"aps not@ 8ut i1 9 must ans%er your ra)enous 3uriosity@ isn?t it more 1un t"is %ayBC A'un 1or %"omBC ABot" o1 us@ i1 you %oul5 only a5mit it.C $"at -ot a smile 1rom me@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to smile. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e en>oyin- %at3"in- "im all soapy an5 %et. 9 %ante5 to 8e a1rai5 o1 "im@ an5 9 %as@ 8ut 9 also %ante5 "im. =ante5 to run my "an5s 5o%n "is %et 1les"@ %ante5 to tou3" %"at lay un5er t"ose 8u88les. 9 5i5n?t %ant inter3ourse. 9 3oul5n?t ima-ine t"at %it" "im@ 8ut 9 %ante5 to 5o a little e*plorin-. 9 "ate5 t"at. He %as a 3orpseG surely %"at 9?5 seen toni-"t 3on)in3e5 me o1 t"at. ADou?re 1ro%nin-@ ma petiteG %"yBC A9 aske5 you i1 t"e t%o rottin- )ampires %ere illusion@ you sai5 no. 9 aske5 i1 your 1orm %as real@ you sai5 yes. Bot" 1orms are real@ you sai5.C A$"at is true@C "e sai5. AAre you a rottin- 3orpseBC He settle5 lo%er in t"e %arm@ soapy %ater@ 5ra%in- "is arms into it@ until only "is "ea5 s"o%e5 a8o)e t"e sur1a3e o1 t"e %ater. A$"at is not one o1 my 1orms.C A$"at isn?t an ans%er.C He raise5 a pale "an5 1rom t"e %ater@ a "an51ul o1 8u88les 3uppe5 like a sno%8all. A$"ere are 5i11erent )ampiri3 a8ilities@ ma petiteG you kno% t"at.C A="at?s t"at "a)e to 5o %it" itBC He raise5 "is ot"er "an5 an5 8e-an to play %it" t"e 8u88les@ trailin- t"em 1rom "an5 to "an5. AHanos an5 "is t%o 1emale 3ompanions are a 5i11erent type o1 )ampire t"an 9 am. $"an most o1 us are. $"ey are mu3" rarer. 91 you e)er see me as a rotte5 3orpse@ 9 %ill 8e %ell an5 truly 5ea5. $"ey 3an rot an5 re1orm@ an5 it makes t"em mu3" "ar5er to kill. $"e only true surety is 1ire.C AVolunteerin- an a%1ul lot o1 in1ormation@ aren?t youBC He lo%ere5 "is "an5s in t"e %ater@ %as"in- t"e soap a%ay. He sat up a little strai-"terG su5s 3lun- to "is 8o5y. APer"aps 9 am a1rai5 you %ill t"ink t"at %"at "appene5 %it" Hason %oul5 "appen %it" us.C A=e %ill ne)er test t"at t"eory@C 9 sai5. ADou soun5 so sure o1 t"at@C "e sai5. ADour lust per1umes t"e air@ an5 yet you truly 8elie)e t"at %e %ill ne)er make lo)e. Ho% 3an you %ant me almost as mu3" as 9 %ant you@ yet 8e sure %e %ill ne)er kno% ea3" ot"er?s 8o5iesBC 9 %asn?t sure 9 "a5 an ans%er 1or t"at one. 9 sli5 5o%n t"e %all an5 sat %it" my knees 5ra%n up to my 3"est. $"e po3ket %it" t"e -un in it 3lunke5 a-ainst t"e %all. 9 mo)e5 t"e -un to a 8etter position an5 sai5@ A=e >ust %on?t@ Hean2!lau5e@ not e)er. 9 >ust 3an?t.C A part o1 me re-rette5 t"at@ 8ut only part. A="y@ ma petiteBC ASe* is a8out trust. 9?5 "a)e to trust someone impli3itly to "a)e se* %it" t"em. 9 5on?t trust you.C He stare5 at me %it" "is 8lue@ 8lue eyes@ lookin- all s3rumptious an5 %et. ADou mean t"at@ 5on?t youBC 9 no55e5. ADea"@ 9 5o.C A9 5o not un5erstan5 you@ ma petite. 9 try@ 8ut still 9 5o not.C ADou?re pretty mu3" a ri55le to me@ too. 91 t"at?s any 3om1ort.C A9t isn?t. 91 you %ere a %oman %"o "a5 3asual lusts@ %e %oul5 "a)e 8een in 8e5 lon- a-o.C He si-"e5 an5 sat up e)en strai-"ter in t"e %ater so it "it "im >ust a8o)e t"e %aist. A#1 3ourse@ i1 you %ere a %oman o1 3asual appetites@ 9 5on?t t"ink 9 %oul5 lo)e you.C ADou en>oy t"e 3"ase@ t"e 3"allen-e@C 9 sai5. A$rue@ 8ut it is more t"an t"at %it" you@ i1 only you %oul5 8elie)e me.C He leane5 1or%ar5@ 5ra%in- "is knees to "is nake5 3"est@ roun5in- "is s"oul5ers to "u- "imsel1. ="ite s3ars 5ri88le5 5o%n "is 8a3k 1rom "is s"oul5ers to )anis" into t"e %ater@ not a lot o1 t"em@ 8ut enou-". A="at ma5e t"e s3ars on your 8a3kB :nless it %as a "oly item@ you s"oul5 "a)e 8een a8le to "eal t"em.C He lai5 "is 3"eek on "is knees so "e 3oul5 look at me. He looke5 youn-er@ more "uman@ )ulnera8le su55enly. A/ot i1 t"e in>ury o33urre5 8e1ore 9 5ie5.C A="o %"ippe5 youBC A9 %as t"e %"ippin- 8oy 1or an aristo3rat?s son.C 9 stare5 at "im. ADou?re tellin- me t"e trut"@ aren?t youBC

ADes.C A9s t"at %"y Hanos 3"ose %"ips toni-"t@ to remin5 you %"ere you 3ame 1romBC ADes.C ADou %eren?t 8orn into t"e aristo3ra3yBC A9 %as 8orn in a "ouse %it" a 5irt 1loor@ ma petite.C 9 looke5 at "im. ADea"@ ri-"t.C He raise5 "is "ea5. A91 9 %as -oin- to make somet"in- up@ ma petite@ it %oul5 8e more romanti3@ more entertainin- t"an 8ein- a 'ren3" peasant.C ASo you %ere a ser)ant in t"e 3astleBC A9 %as t"eir only son?s 3onstant 3ompanion. ="en "e "a5 3lot"es ma5e@ so 5i5 9. His tutor %as my tutor. His ri5ininstru3tor@ mine. 9 learne5 s%or5play an5 5an3in- an5 t"e proper %ay to eat at ta8le. An5 %"en "e %as 8a5 9 %as punis"e5@ 8e3ause "e %as t"eir only 3"il5@ t"eir only "eir to an ol5 1amily name. People speak o1 3"il5 a8use no%.C He leane5 8a3k in t"e tu8@ 3u55lin- 5o%n into t"e %arm %ater. A$"ey 3omplain o1 spankin-. $"ey "a)e no i5ea %"at true a8use is. ="en 9 %as a 8oy@ parents t"ou-"t not"in- o1 takin- a "orse %"ip to a mis8e"a)in- 3"il5@ or 8eatin- t"em 8loo5y. ,)en t"e aristo3rats 8eat t"eir 3"il5ren. 9t %as normal. ABut "e %as t"e only "eir@ t"e only 3"il5. So t"ey pai5 money to my parents an5 took me. $"e la5y o1 t"e manor 3"ose me 8e3ause 9 %as 1air o1 1a3e. ="en t"e )ampire %"o ma5e me sou-"t me out@ s"e sai5 my 8eauty 3alle5 to "er.C A=ait a minute.C He turne5 "is "ea5 to -i)e me t"e 1ull %ei-"t o1 t"ose 5ark 8lue eyes. 9 %orke5 "ar5 at not lookin- a%ay. A$"is -or-eous 8o5y an5 1a3e is all )ampire illusion@ ri-"tB 9 mean@ no one?s t"is 8eauti1ul.C A9 tol5 you on3e t"at it %as not my po%er t"at ma5e you see me as you 5o@ not most o1 t"e time at any rate.C ASerep"ina sai5 you %ere a 3atamite 1or any )ampire t"at %oul5 "a)e you. ="at 5i5 s"e meanBC AVampires kill 1or 1oo5@ 8ut t"ey 8rin- ot"ers o)er 1or many reasons. Some 1or money@ %ealt"@ e)en title@ lo)e@ 8ut 9 %as 8rou-"t o)er 1or lust. ="en 9 %as youn- an5 %eak@ t"ey passe5 me aroun5 amon- t"em. #ne %oul5 -ro% tire5 o1 me@ 8ut t"ere %as al%ays anot"er.C 9 stare5 at "im@ "orri1ie5. ADou?re ri-"t. 91 you %ere -oin- to make up a story@ t"is %oul5n?t 8e it.C A$"e trut" is so o1ten 5isappointin-@ or u-lyG 5on?t you 1in5 t"at@ ma petiteBC 9 no55e5. ADea". Serep"ina %as ol5. 9 t"ou-"t )ampires %eren?t suppose5 to a-e.C A="ate)er a-e %e 5ie at is t"e a-e %e remain.C A4i5 you kno% Serep"ina %"en you %ere youn-BC ADes.C A4i5 you sleep %it" "erBC ADes.C AHo% 3oul5 you let "er tou3" youBC A9 %as -i)en to "er as a -i1t 8y a master t"at makes e)en "er ne% an5 impro)e5 po%ers seem %eak. 9 "a5 )ery little 3"oi3e.C He stare5 at me. AS"e kno%s %"at you %ant. Dour -reatest nee5@ your most treasure5 %is"@ an5 s"e?ll make it 3ome true@ or seem to. ="at 5i5 s"e o11er you@ ma petiteB ="at 3oul5 s"e o11er you t"at nearly %on you toni-"tBC 9 looke5 a%ay t"enG 9 5i5n?t %ant to meet "is eyes. A="at 5i5 s"e o11er you all t"ose years a-oBC APo%er.C 9 looke5 up at t"at. APo%erBC He no55e5. APo%er to es3ape t"em all.C ABut you "a5 to "a)e t"e a8ility to 8e a master )ampire insi5e you 1rom t"e 8e-innin-. /o one 3an -i)e t"at to you@C 9 sai5. He smile5@ 8ut it %asn?t a "appy smile. A9 kno% t"at no%@ 8ut t"en 9 t"ou-"t only s"e 3oul5 sa)e me 1rom an eternity o1 ... C His %or5s traile5 o11 an5 "e su8mer-e5@ lea)in- only a 1e% 8la3k lo3ks 1loatin- on t"e top o1 t"e %ater. He sat up %it" a lou5 8reat" o1 air@ 8linkin- t"e %ater 1rom "is eyes. $"e %ater "a5 3lumpe5 "is t"i3k@ 5ark eyelas"es. He ran "is "an5s t"rou-" "is %et "air@ an5 it traile5 o)er "is s"oul5ers. ADour "air %asn?t t"is lon- %"en %e 1irst met.C ADou seem to pre1er lon-er "air on your men.C A91 you?re 5ea5@ "o% 3an your "air -ro%BC

A$"at is a ;uestion 1or you to ans%er@C "e sai5. He ran "is "an5s t"rou-" "is "air a-ain@ s;ueeEin- t"e en5s out. He rea3"e5 out a "an5 1or a to%el. 9 s3ram8le5 to my 1eet. A9?ll lea)e you to -et 5resse5.C AHa)e Hason an5 Larry returne5BC "e aske5. A/o.C A$"en 9 %on?t 8e -ettin- 5resse5.C He stoo5@ 5ra%in- t"e to%el to%ar5s "im. 9 "a5 a -limpse o1 one si5e o1 "is pale nake5 8o5y@ %ater streamin- 1rom it. $"e to%el mo)e5 into )ie% >ust in time. 9 1le5.

Chapter Thirty
9 "u55le5 in t"e strai-"t28a3k 3"air 1art"est 1rom t"e 8e5room. But 9 %as starin- at t"e 5oor%ay. S"it. 9 %ante5 to run 1rom t"e room@ 8ut %"yB 9t %asn?t Hean!lau5e 9 5i5n?t trust. 9t %as me. 'u3k. 9 tou3"e5 t"e -un in my ro8e po3ket. 9t %as smoot" an5 "ar5 an5 reassurin-@ 8ut it %oul5n?t "elp me no%. Violen3e 9 un5erstoo5G se* -a)e me more pro8lems. 9 "onestly 5i5n?t %ant to sleep %it" "im@ 8ut part o1 me %as "opin- 1or anot"er -limpse o1 nake5 1les". A lon- line o1 nake5 t"i-"@ per"aps. #r may8e ... 9 put t"e palms o1 my "an5s o)er my eyes@ as i1 9 3oul5 -et t"e ima-e out o1 my "ea5 8y >ust pressin-. A7a petiteBC His )oi3e soun5e5 3loser t"an t"e 8at"room. 9 5i5n?t %ant to look@ as i1@ >ust as Gran5ma Blake "a5 sai5@ 9?5 8e stru3k 8lin5. 9 1elt "im stan5in- in 1ront o1 me. 'elt t"e mo)ement o1 air. 9 lo%ere5 my "an5s a millimeter at a time. He %as kneelin- in 1ront o1 me@ one o1 t"e t"i3k %"ite to%els %rappe5 aroun5 "is %aist. 9 lo%ere5 my "an5s to my lap. Bea5s o1 %ater still 3lun- to "is skin. He?5 3om8e5 "is "air@ 8ut it %as %et@ sli3ke5 8a3k@ lea)in- "is 1a3e plainer@ more una5orne5 t"an normal. His eyes seeme5 8luer %it"out "is "air to 1rame t"em. He put a "an5 on ea3" 3"air arm an5 raise5 "imsel1 up. His lips 8rus"e5 mine in a so1t@ nearly 3"aste kiss. He mo)e5 8a3k 1rom me@ lettin- -o o1 t"e 3"air. 9 3oul5 taste my "eart in my t"roat@ an5 it %asn?t 1ear. Hean2!lau5e tou3"e5 my "an5s@ li1te5 t"em up. He pla3e5 my "an5s on "is 8are s"oul5ers. $"e skin %as %arm@ smoot"@ %et. He "el5 my %rists in "is "an5s@ li-"tly@ )ery li-"tly. 9 3oul5 "a)e pulle5 a%ay at any time. He ran my "an5s 5o%n "is sli3k 8o5y. 9 pulle5 my "an5s 1ree. He sai5 not"in-@ 5i5 not"in-. He staye5 kneelin-@ lookin- at me. =aitin-. 9 3oul5 see t"e pulse in "is ne3k >umpin- a-ainst t"e skin@ an5 9 %ante5 to tou3" it. 9 sli5 my "an5s a3ross "is s"oul5ers an5 lo%ere5 my 1a3e to "is. He starte5 to mo)e into me 1or a kiss@ 8ut 9 sli5 my "an5 alon- "is >a% an5 turne5 "is "ea5 a%ay. 9 tou3"e5 lips to "is ne3k an5 sli5 my mout" 5o%n "is skin@ until 9 3oul5 taste "is pulse 8eatin- a-ainst my ton-ue. He taste5 o1 per1ume5 soap@ %ater@ an5 3lean skin. 9 sli5 1rom t"e 3"air to t"e 1loor@ kneelin- in 1ront o1 "im. He %as taller no%@ 8ut not too tall. 9 li3ke5 %ater o11 "is 3"est@ an5 let mysel1 5o somet"in- 9?5 %ante5 to 5o 1or mont"s. 9 ran my ton-ue o)er "is nipple@ an5 "e s"u55ere5 a-ainst me. 9 li3ke5 %ater o11 t"e 3enter o1 "is 3"est an5 ran my "an5s alon- "is %aist up t"e 5amp 3ur)e o1 "is 8a3k. He pulle5 t"e sas" o1 my ro8e@ an5 9 5i5n?t protest. 9 let "is "an5s sli5e un5er t"e ro8e@ aroun5 my %aist@ %it" not"in- 8ut t"e t2s"irt 8et%een "is 1les" an5 mine. He ran "is "an5s up my si5es@ "is t"um8s playin- o)er my ri8 3a-e. $"e -un s%un- "ea)ily in t"e loose 3lot". 9t %as annoyin-. 9 raise5 my 1a3e to "is. His arms sli5 8e"in5 my 8a3k@ pressin- me a-ainst t"e lon- %et line o1 "is 8o5y. $"e to%el %as perilously loose. His lips 8rus"e5 mineG t"en t"e kiss 8e3ame somet"in- more. Har5er@ nearly 8ruisin-@ %it" "is arms lo3ke5 8e"in5 my s"oul5ers. 7y "an5s sli5 5o%n "is %aist@ ru88e5 t"e sli5in- top o1 t"e to%el@ an5 1oun5 it "a5 alrea5y slippe5. 7y "an5 tou3"e5 t"e smoot" top o1 "is 8utto3ks. #nly t"e pressure o1 our 8o5ies kept t"e to%el in pla3e. He ate at my mout" an5 9 1elt somet"in- s"arp@ pain1ul. 9 >erke5 8a3k an5 taste5 8loo5. Hean2!lau5e let me -o. He sat 8a3k on "is "eels@ t"e to%el -at"ere5 in "is lap. A9 am sorry@ ma petite. 9 -ot 3arrie5 a%ay.C 9 tou3"e5 my mout" an5 3ame a%ay %it" a spot o1 8loo5. ADou ni3ke5 me.C He no55e5. A9 am truly sorry.C A9?ll >ust 8et you are@C 9 sai5. A4o not -o all sel12ri-"teous on me@ ma petite. Dou "a)e 1inally a5mitte5 to yoursel1@ to me@ t"at you 1eel t"e pull o1 my 8o5y.C

9 sat on t"e 1loor 8y t"e 3"air %it" my ro8e in 5isarray. $"e t2s"irt "a5 ri55en up to my %aist. 9 -uess it %as a little too late to protest my inno3en3e. A'ine@ lustG you "appyBC AAlmost@C "e sai5@ an5 no% t"ere %as somet"in- in "is eyes. Somet"in- 5ark an5 5ro%nin-@ an5 ol5er t"an it s"oul5 "a)e 8een. A9 3an o11er you my mortal 8o5y@ an5 more@ ma petite. 9t 3an 8e 8et%een us mu3" more t"an any "uman lo)er 3oul5 o11er.C A=oul5 9 lose a little 8loo5 ea3" timeBC A$"at %as an a33i5ent@C "e sai5. 9 stare5 at "im@ all pale an5 5amp@ kneelin- on t"e 1loor %it" t"e %"ite to%el 8un5le5 into "is lap@ lea)in- nearly e)ery in3" o1 "im 8are. A$"is is t"e 1irst time 9?)e 3"eate5 on <i3"ar5@C 9 sai5. ADou "a)e 8een 5atin- me 1or %eeks@C "e sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. ABut 9 "a)en?t 8een 3"eatin-. $"is is 3"eatin-.C A$"en "a)e you 8een 3"eatin- on me@ %it" <i3"ar5BC 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say to t"at. AGo -et 5resse5.C A4o you really %ant me to 5ressBC "e aske5. 9 looke5 a%ay. 9 %as em8arrasse5 no% an5 un3om1orta8le. ADes@ please.C He stoo5 up@ t"e to%el -rippe5 in "is "an5s. 9 looke5 5o%n at t"e 1loor an5 5i5n?t "a)e to see "is 1a3e to pi3ture t"e smile on it. He %alke5 a%ay 1rom me@ an5 5i5n?t 8ot"er mo)in- t"e to%el aroun5 8e"in5 "im. 7us3les mo)e5 un5er "is skin 1rom 3al1 to %aist. He %alke5 nake5 into t"e 8e5room@ an5 9 en>oye5 t"e )ie%. 9 tou3"e5 my 1in-er to my ton-ue. 9t %as still 8lee5in-. $"at?s %"at 9 -ot 1or 'ren3" kissin- a )ampire. ,)en t"inkin- a8out it ma5e me ner)ous. A7a petiteBC "e 3alle5 1rom t"e ot"er room. ADea".C A4o you "a)e a 8lo% 5ryerBC A9n my suit3ase. Help yoursel1.C $"ank1ully@ 9?5 5ra--e5 my suit3ase into t"e 8e5room 8esi5e t"e 8at"room 5oor. #ne point 1or laEiness. 9 %as spare5 anot"er -limpse o1 "is nake5 8o5y. /o% t"at "ormones %ere re3e5in-@ 9 %as em8arrasse5. 9 "ear5 t"e 5ryer an5 %on5ere5 i1 "e %as stan5in- nake5 in 1ront o1 t"e 8at"room mirror %"ile "e 5rie5 "is "air. 9 %as )ery a%are t"at all 9 "a5 to 5o %as -o to t"e 5oor%ay an5 9 3oul5 see 1or mysel1. 9 stoo5 up@ pulle5 my t2s"irt 5o%n@ tie5 my ro8e se3urely in pla3e@ an5 sat 5o%n on t"e 3ou3". 7y 8a3k %as to t"e 8e5room. 9 %oul5n?t 8e seein- anyt"in- else. 9 took t"e 'irestar out o1 my po3ket an5 lai5 it on t"e 3o11ee ta8le in 1ront o1 me. $"e -un sat t"ere lookin- )ery soli5@ )ery 8la3k@ an5 some"o% a33usatory. $"e 5ryer stoppe5@ an5 "e 3alle5 to me a-ain. A7a petiteBC A="atBC A!ome talk to me as t"e sun rises.C 9 -lan3e5 up at t"e %in5o% "e "a5 opene5. $"e sky outsi5e %as less 8la3k@ not li-"t yet@ 8ut not pure 5arkness anymore. 9 3lose5 t"e 5rapes an5 %ent to t"e 8e5room. 9 le1t t"e -un on t"e ta8le. $"e Bro%nin- %as in t"e 8e5room any%ay. Hean2!lau5e "a5 neatly 1ol5e5 t"e 8e5sprea5 an5 8lanket at t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5. #nly t"e %ine25ark s"eet 3o)ere5 "im. He lay %it" "is 8la3k "air so1t an5 3urlin- o)er t"e 5ark pillo%s. $"e s"eet %as 8un3"e5 at "is %aist. ADou 3an >oin me i1 you like.C 9 leane5 a-ainst t"e %all an5 s"ook my "ea5. A9?m not o11erin- se*@ ma petiteG 5a%n is too 3lose 1or t"at. 9 o11er you your "al1 o1 t"e 8e5.C A9?ll take t"e 3ou3"G t"anks any%ay.C He smile5@ a slo% kno%in- 3ur)e o1 lips2"is ol5 arro-an3e peekin- 8a3k out. 9t %as almost 3om1ortin- to kno% not"in- "a5 really 3"an-e5. A9t is not me t"at you 5o not trust. 9t is you.C 9 s"ru--e5. He raise5 t"e s"eet in 1ront o1 "is 3"est@ an almost prote3ti)e -esture. A9t 3omes.C 'ear in "is )oi3e. A="at 3omesBC

A$"e sun.C 9 -lan3e5 at t"e 3lose5 5rapes a-ainst t"e 1ar %all. $"ey %ere 5ou8le t"i3k@ 8ut a line o1 -reyis" li-"t e5-e5 t"em. ADou?ll 8e alri-"t like t"is %it"out your 3o11inBC AAs lon- as no one opens t"e 5rapes.C He looke5 at me 1or a lon- moment. A9 lo)e you@ ma petite@ as mu3" as 9?m a8le.C 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. Sayin- 9 luste5 a1ter "im 5i5n?t seem appropriate. Sayin- 9 lo)e5 "im %oul5 8e a lie. $"e li-"t -re% stron-er@ a %"ite e5-e aroun5 t"e 3urtains. His 8o5y slumpe5 8a3k a-ainst t"e 8e5. He rolle5 onto "is si5e@ one "an5 outstret3"e5@ t"e ot"er 3urlin- t"e s"eets a-ainst "is 3"est. He stare5 at t"e -ro%in- li-"t@ an5 9 3oul5 taste "is 1ear. 9 knelt 8esi5e t"e 8e5. 9 almost took "is "an5 8ut 5i5n?t. A="at "appens no%BC ADou %ant t"e trut"@ t"en %at3".C 9 e*pe3te5 "is eyes to 1lutter@ "is )oi3e to -ro% slu--is" as i1 "e %ere 1allin- asleep. 9t 5i5n?t "appen t"at %ay. He 3lose5 "is eyes all at on3e. Pain 1las"e5 a3ross "is 1a3e. He %"ispere5@ A9t "urts.C His 1a3e %ent sla3k. 9?5 seen people 5ie@ %at3"e5 t"e li-"t 1a5e 1rom t"eir 8o5ies. 'elt t"eir souls slip a%ay. $"at %as %"at 9 sa%. He 5ie5. $"e li-"t -re% a-ainst t"e 5rapes@ an5 %"en it %as a soli5 %"ite line@ "e 5ie5. His 8reat" %ent out o1 "im in a lon- rattle. 9 knelt 8esi5e t"e 8e5 an5 stare5. 9 kne% 5ea5 %"en 9 sa% it@ an5 t"is %as it. S"it. 9 put my arms on t"e 8e5 an5 proppe5 my 3"in on t"em. 9 %at3"e5 "im@ %aitin- 1or "im to 8reat"e@ to t%it3"@ somet"in-. But t"ere %as not"in-. 9 rea3"e5 out to "is one outstret3"e5 arm. 7y 1in-ers "o)ere5 a8o)e "is skin@ t"en 9 tou3"e5 "im. $"e skin %as still %arm@ still "uman@ 8ut "e 5i5 not mo)e. 9 3"e3ke5 "is %rist@ an5 t"ere %as no pulse. /o 8loo5 mo)e5 in t"is 8o5y. 4i5 "e kno% 9 %as "ereB 4i5 "e 1eel me tou3"in- "imB 9 stare5 at "im 1or %"at seeme5 like a lon- time. So t"is ans%ere5 t"e ;uestion. Vampires %ere 5ea5. ="ate)er animate5 t"em %as like my o%n po%er@ some sort o1 ne3roman3y. But 9 kne% 5eat" %"en 9 sa% it. 9t -a)e ne3rop"ilia a %"ole ne% slant. Ha5 9 only ima-ine5 t"at 9 1elt t"e 8rus" o1 "is soul lea)e "is 8o5yB Surely )ampires "a5 no souls2t"at %as part o1 t"e point28ut 9?5 1elt somet"in- lea)e. 91 not a soul@ %"atB 91 a soul@ %"ere 5i5 it -o 1or t"e 5ayli-"t "oursB ="o %at3"e5 all t"e )ampires? souls %"ile t"ey lay 5ea5B $"ere %as a kno3k at t"e 5oor@ pro8a8ly t"e ot"er 8oys. 9 stoo5 up@ pullin- my ro8e in ti-"t. 9 %as 3ol5@ an5 %asn?t sure %"y. 9 %ent to ans%er t"e 5oor. $"e 3ut on my ton-ue "a5 almost stoppe5 8lee5in-.

Chapter Thirty-one
9 5reame5. 9n t"e 5ream@ someone "el5 me in t"eir lap. Smoot" 5ark arms %rappe5 aroun5 me. 9 looke5 up into my mot"er?s lau-"in- 1a3e. S"e %as t"e most 8eauti1ul %oman in t"e %orl5. 9 snu--le5 a-ainst "er 8o5y@ an5 t"e 3lean smell o1 "er skin %as t"ere. S"e?5 al%ays smelle5 o1 Hypnoti;ue 8at" po%5er. S"e 8ent an5 kisse5 me on t"e lips. 9 "a5 1or-otten t"e taste o1 "er lipsti3k@ t"e %ay s"e 8rus"e5 my mout" %it" "er t"um8@ an5 lau-"e5 8e3ause s"e?5 -otten 8ri-"t re5 lipsti3k on my small mout". Her t"um8 3ame a%ay %it" somet"in- 8ri-"ter t"an lipsti3k. Bloo5 5rippe5 5o%n "er t"um8. S"e?5 pri3ke5 "er skin %it" a sa1ety pin. 9t %as 8lee5in-. S"e "el5 "er t"um8 out to me an5 sai5@ AKiss it@ Anita@ make it all 8etter.C But t"ere %as too mu3" 8loo5. 9t ran 5o%n "er "an5. 9 stare5 up at "er lau-"in- 1a3e@ an5 8loo5 ran 5o%n it like rain. 9 %oke sittin- 8olt upri-"t on t"e )el)et 3ou3"@ -aspin- 1or 8reat". 9 3oul5 still taste "er lipsti3k on my mout"@ an5 t"e smell o1 Hypnoti;ue 8at" po%5er 3lun- to me. Larry sat up on t"e lo)e seat@ ru88in- at "is eyes. A="at?s %ron-B 4i5 %e -et our %ake2up 3allBC A/o@ 9 "a5 a 8a5 5ream.C He no55e5@ stret3"in-@ t"en 1ro%ne5. A4o you smell per1umeBC 9 stare5 at "im. A="at 5o you meanBC APer1ume or po%5er or somet"in-G 5o you smell itBC 9 s%allo%e5 an5 nearly 3"oke5 on my o%n pulse. ADea". 9 smell it.C 9 1lun- 8a3k t"e e*tra 8lanket an5 t"re% t"e lumpy pillo% a3ross t"e room. Larry s%un- "is le-s o11 t"e lo)e seat. A="at is %ron- %it" youBC 9 %ent to t"e %in5o% an5 1lun- t"e 5rapes open. $"e 8e5room 5oor %as 3lose5@ an5 Hean!lau5e %as sa1ely insi5e. Hason %as sleepin- in t"ere. 9 stoo5 in t"e sunli-"t an5 let t"e "eat sink into me. 9 leane5 a-ainst t"e %arm -lass@ an5 only t"en realiEe5 t"at 9 %as %earin- not"in- 8ut an o)ersiEe5 t2s"irt an5 my un5ies. #"@ %ell. 9 staye5 in t"e sunli-"t 1or a 1e% minutes@ %aitin- 1or my pulse to 3alm 5o%n. ASerep"ina sent me a 5ream. $"e smell is my mot"er?s per1ume.C

Larry 3ame to stan5 8esi5e me. He %as %earin- a pair o1 -ym s"orts an5 a -reen $2s"irt. His 3urly re5 "air stu3k up in all 5ire3tions. His 8lue eyes s;uinte5 %"en "e steppe5 into t"e li-"t. A9 t"ou-"t only a )ampire t"at "a5 a 3onne3tion %it" you@ a "ol5 on you@ 3oul5 in)a5e your 5reams.C A$"at?s %"at 9 t"ou-"t@C 9 sai5. AHo% 3oul5 9 smell per1ume 1rom your 5reamBC 9 s"ook my "ea5@ 1ore"ea5 a-ainst t"e -lass. A9 5on?t kno%.C AHas s"e marke5 youBC A9 5on?t kno%.C He tou3"e5 my s"oul5er@ s;ueeEin-. A9t?ll 8e alri-"t.C 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom "im to pa3e t"e room. A9t %on?t 8e alri-"t@ Larry. Serep"ina in)a5e5 my 5reams. /o one 8ut Hean2 !lau5e "as e)er 5one t"at.C 9 stoppe5@ 8e3ause t"at %asn?t true. /ikolaos "a5 5one it. But t"at %as a1ter s"e?5 8itten me. 9 s"ook my "ea5. ,it"er %ay@ it %as a )ery 8a5 si-n. A="at are you -oin- to 5oBC AKill "er.C A7ur5er "er@ you mean.C 91 Larry?s earnest eyes "a5n?t 8een starin- at me@ 9?5 "a)e sai5@ ADou 8et.C But it?s "ar5 to 3ontemplate mur5er %it" someone starin- at you like you?)e ki3ke5 t"eir 1a)orite puppy. A9?ll try to -et a %arrant@C 9 sai5. A91 you 3an?tBC A91 it?s "er or me@ Larry@ t"en it?s "er. #kayBC Larry looke5 at me sa5ly. A="at 9 5i5 last ni-"t %as mur5er. 9 kno% t"at@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t -o in plannin- to kill someone.C ADou stay in t"is 8usiness lon- enou-" an5 you %ill.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5on?t 8elie)e t"at.C ABelie)e %"at you %ant@ 8ut it?s still t"e trut". $"ese t"in-s are too 5an-erous to play 1air.C A91 you really 8elie)e t"at@ t"en "o% 3an you 5ate Hean2!lau5eB Ho% 3an you let "im tou3" youBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 ne)er sai5 9 %as 3onsistent.C ADou 3an?t 5e1en5 yoursel1@ 3an youBC A4e1en5 %"i3" oneB Killin- Serep"ina or 5atin- Hean2!lau5eBC A,it"er@ 8ot". Hell@ Anita@ i1 you?re one o1 t"e 8a5 -uys you 3an?t 8e one o1 t"e -oo5 -uys.C 9 opene5 my mout" an5 3lose5 it. ="at 3oul5 9 sayB A9 am one o1 t"e -oo5 -uys@ Larry. But 9?m not -oin- to 8e a martyr. 91 t"at means 8reakin- t"e la%@ so 8e it.C AAre you -oin- to -et a %arrantBC His 1a3e %as )ery neutral as "e aske5. He looke5 ol5er su55enly. ,)en %it" "is oran-ey 3urls sti3kin- up@ "e looke5 solemn. 9 %as %at3"in- Larry -ro% ol5er 8e1ore my eyes. /ot in a-e@ 8ut in e*perien3e. $"e e*pression in "is eyes %as ol5er t"an it "a5 8een a 1e% mont"s a-o. Seen too mu3"@ 5one too mu3". He %as still tryin- to 8e Sir Gala"a5@ 8ut Gala"a5 "a5 "a5 Go5 on "is si5e. All Larry "a5 %as me. 9t %asn?t enou-". A$"e only %ay 9 3oul5 -et a 5eat" %arrant is to lie@C 9 sai5. A9 kno%@C "e sai5. 9 stare5 at "im. ASerep"ina "asn?t 8roken any la%s@ yet. 9 %on?t lie a8out t"at.C He smile5. AGoo5. ="en 5o %e meet 4or3as Bou)ierBC A$"ree.C AHa)e you 1i-ure5 out %"at you 3an sa3ri1i3e to raise t"e Eom8ies Stirlin- %ants 5oneBC "e aske5. A/ope.C He stare5 at me. A="at are you -oin- to tell Stirlin-BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t kno% yet. 9 %is" 9 kne% %"y "e?s so "ot an5 "ea)y to kill Bou)ier.C AHe %ants t"e lan5@C Larry sai5. AStirlin- an5 !ompany "a)e 8een sayin- t"e Bou)ier 1amily@ not 7a-nus Bou)ier. $"at means "e?s not t"e only one suint"em. So killin- 7a-nus %on?t sol)e t"eir pro8lems.C

ASo %"y 5o itBC Larry aske5. A,*a3tly@C 9 sai5. Larry no55e5. A=e nee5 to talk to 7a-nus a-ain.C APre1era8ly %it"out Serep"ina aroun5@C 9 sai5. AAmen to t"at@C Larry sai5. A9?5 lo)e to talk to 7a-nus@ 8ut 8e1ore %e ta3kle 7r. Bou)ier a-ain@ 9?5 like to 1in5 some 1airie ointment.C ASome %"atBC A4i5n?t you take any 3lasses on 1airiesBC A9t %as an ele3ti)e@C "e sai5. A'airie ointment makes you proo1 a-ainst -lamor. Hust in 3ase %"ate)er else 7a-nus is "i5in- is nastier t"an Serep"ina.C A/ot"in-?s nastier t"an t"at@C "e sai5. A$rue@ 8ut >ust in 3ase@ "e %on?t 8e a8le to %ork ma-i3 on us. 9n 1a3t@ it?s not a 8a5 pre3aution 8e1ore %e meet 4orrie. S"e may not 8e as s3ary as 7a-nus@ 8ut s"e s"ines@ an5 9?5 >ust as soon s"e 5i5n?t s"ine all o)er us.C ADou t"ink Serep"ina %ill 1in5 He11 NuinlanBC A91 anyone 3an@ s"e 3an. S"e seeme5 pretty 3on1i5ent s"e 3oul5 take Wa)ier@ 8ut t"en Hean!lau5e "a5 8een pretty 3on1i5ent "e 3oul5 take "er last ni-"t. He %as %ron-.C He 1ro%ne5. ASo %e?re rootin- 1or Serep"inaBC 9t soun5e5 %ron-@ put t"at %ay@ 8ut 9 no55e5. A91 it?s a 3"oi3e 8et%een a )ampire t"at o8eys most o1 t"e la%s@ an5 one t"at slau-"ters ki5s@ yea"@ %e?re on "er si5e.C ADou %ere talkin- a8out killin- "er >ust a little 8it a-o.C A9 3an stay out o1 "er %ay until s"e sa)es He11@ an5 kills Wa)ier.C A="y %oul5 s"e kill "imBC Larry aske5. AHe?s killin- people in "er territory. S"e 3an say anyt"in- s"e %ants@ 8ut t"at?s a 5ire3t 3"allen-e to "er aut"ority. Besi5es@ 9 5on?t t"ink Wa)ier %ill -i)e up He11 %it"out a 1i-"t.C A="at 5o you t"ink "appene5 to "im last ni-"tBC Larry aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9t 5oesn?t 5o any -oo5 to 5%ell on it@ Larry. =e?re 5oin- all %e 3an.C A=e 3oul5 tell t"e 'B9 a8out Serep"ina.C A#ne t"in- 9?)e learne5 is t"at master )amps 5on?t talk to t"e 3ops. $oo many years o1 t"e 3ops killin- t"em on si-"t@ or tryin- to.C A#kay@C "e sai5@ A8ut %e?)e still -ot to 3ome up %it" somet"in- 8i- enou-" to kill 1or raisin- t"e 3emetery toni-"t@C "e sai5. A9?ll t"ink on it.C ADou really "a)e no i5ea %"at to 5oBC He soun5e5 surprise5. AS"ort o1 a "uman sa3ri1i3e@ Larry@ 9 5on?t t"ink 9 3an raise se)eral t"ree2"un5re52year2ol5 3orpses. ,)en 9?)e -ot my limits.C He -rinne5. A/i3e to "ear you a5mit it.C 9 "a5 to smile. A9t?ll 8e our little se3ret.C He put "is "an5 out@ an5 9 slappe5 it. He slappe5 mine 8a3k@ an5 9 1elt 8etter. Larry "a5 a %ay o1 makin- me smile. 'rien5s %ill 5o t"at to you.

Chapter Thirty-two
4or3as Bou)ier %as leanin- on a 3ar in t"e parkin- lot. Her "air -leame5 in t"e sunli-"t@ s%irlin- as s"e mo)e5@ like "ea)y %ater. 9n >eans an5 a -reen tank top@ s"e %as 1la%less. Larry trie5 not to stare at "er@ 8ut it %as "ar5 %ork. Larry %as %earin- a 8lue $2s"irt@ >eans@ %"ite /ikes@ an5 an o)ersiEe5 3"e3ke5 1lannel s"irt to "i5e "is s"oul5er "olster. 9 %as in >eans an5 a na)y 8lue polo s"irt@ 8la3k /ikes@ an5 an o)ersiEe5 8lue 5ress s"irt. 9?5 "a5 to 8orro% it 1rom Larry a1ter my 8la3k >a3ket "a5 -otten 3o)ere5 in )ampire -oop. Ha5 to "a)e somet"in- to "i5e t"e Bro%nin-. 7akes people ner)ous i1 you -o aroun5 %it" a nake5 -un. Larry an5 9 looke5 like %e?5 5resse5 1rom t"e same 3loset. 4orrie pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e 3ar. AS"all %e -oBC

A=e?5 like to talk to 7a-nus.C ASo you 3an turn "im in to t"e 3opsBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. ASo %e 3an 1in5 out %"y Stirlin- is so "ot to kill "im.C A9 5on?t kno% %"ere "e is@C 4or3as sai5. 7ay8e it s"o%e5 on my 1a3e@ 8e3ause s"e sai5@ A9 5on?t kno% %"ere "e is@ 8ut i1 9 5i5@ 9 %oul5n?t tell you. :sin- ma-i3 on t"e poli3e is a 5eat" penalty 3ase. 9 %on?t turn "im in.C A9?m not t"e poli3e.C S"e looke5 at me@ eyes narro%in-. A4i5 you 3ome to look at Bloo5y Bones@ or to ;uestion me a8out my 8rot"erBC AHo% 5i5 you kno% to 8e %aitin- "ere 1or usBC 9 aske5. A9 kne% you?5 8e on time.C Her pupils s%irle5 5o%n%ar5 to pinpoints@ like t"e eyes o1 an e*3ite5 parrot. ALet?s -o@C 9 sai5. S"e le5 us to t"e 8a3k o1 t"e restaurant %"ere it nearly tou3"e5 t"e %oo5s. A pat" 8e-an at t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3learin-. 9t %as 8arely %i5e enou-" 1or a man. ,)en t"ou-" %e %alke5 sin-le 1ile@ t"e 8ran3"es %"ippe5 at my s"oul5ers. $"e ne% -reen lea)es ru88e5 like )el)et alon- my 3"eek. $"e pat" %as 5eep an5 rutte5 5o%n to nake5 tree roots in pla3es@ 8ut %ee5s %ere 8e-innin- to en3roa3" on t"e pat"@ as i1 it %asn?t use5 as mu3" as it on3e "a5 8een. 4orrie mo)e5 5o%n t"e une)en pat" %it" an easy@ s%in-in- stri5e. S"e %as o8)iously 1amiliar %it" t"e pat"@ 8ut it %as more t"an t"at. $"e tree lim8s t"at 3au-"t on my s"irt 5i5n?t -et 3au-"t in "er "air. $"e roots t"at t"reatene5 to trip me 5i5n?t slo% "er 5o%n. =e?5 1oun5 ointment at a "ealt" 1oo5 store. So t"e 8us"es mo)in- 1or "er an5 not 1or us %as real@ not illusion. 7ay8e -lamor %asn?t t"e only t"in- to %orry a8out. ="i3" %as %"y t"e Bro%nin- %as loa5e5 %it" nonsil)er 8ullets. 9?5 "a5 to -o out an5 8uy some spe3ial 1or t"e o33asion. Larry %as loa5e5 up too@ an5 1or t"e 1irst time 9 %is"e5 "e "a5 t%o -uns. 9 still "a5 t"e 'irestar %it" sil)er ammo@ 8ut Larry %as out o1 lu3k i1 a )amp >umpe5 us. #1 3ourse@ it %as 8roa5 5ayli-"t. 9 %as more %orrie5 a8out 1airies t"an )amps ri-"t t"is minute. $"ere %as salt in our s"irt po3kets@ not a lot@ 8ut you 5i5n?t nee5 mu3"@ >ust enou-" to t"ro% on t"e 1ey or t"e t"in- 8ein- ma-i3ke5. Salt 5isrupte5 1ey ma-i3. $emporarily. A 8reeEe 3ame up t"e pat". 9t -re% into a %in5 in one 1it1ul -ust. $"e air smelle5 3lean an5 1res". Dou "ope5 t"e 8e-innin- o1 time smelle5 like t"atG like 1res" 8rea5@ 3lean laun5ry@ 3"il5"oo5 memories o1 sprin-. 9t pro8a8ly smelle5 like oEone an5 s%amp %ater. <eality almost al%ays smells %orse t"an 5ay5ream. 4orrie stoppe5 an5 turne5 8a3k to us. A$"e trees a3ross t"e pat" are >ust illusion. $"ey?re not soli5.C A="at treesBC Larry aske5. 9 3urse5 silently. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een ni3e to keep t"e ointment a se3ret. 4orrie took t%o steps 8a3k to%ar5s us. S"e stare5 at my 1a3e 1rom in3"es a%ay@ t"en ma5e a 1a3e like s"e?5 seen somet"in- un3lean. ADou?re %earin- ointment.C S"e ma5e it soun5 like a )ery 8a5 t"in-. A7a-nus 5i5 try to 8e5aEEle us t%i3e. /ot"in- %ron- %it" 8ein- 3autious@C 9 sai5. A=ell@ our illusions %on?t matter to you@ t"en.C S"e took o11 at a 1aster pa3e@ lea)in- us to stum8le a1ter "er. $"e pat" le5 into a 3learin- t"at %as nearly a per1e3t 3ir3le. $"ere %as a small moun5 in t"e 3enter %it" a %"ite stone !elti3 3ross in t"e mi55le o1 a mass o1 )i8rant 8lue 1lo%ers. ,)ery in3" o1 -roun5 %as 3o)ere5 %it" 8lue8ells. ,n-lis" 8lue8ells@ t"i3k an5 1les"y@ 8luer t"an t"e sky. $"e 1lo%ers ne)er -re% in t"is 3ountry %it"out "elp. $"ey ne)er -re% in 7issouri %it"out more %ater t"an %as pra3ti3al. But stan5in- in t"e soli5 mass o1 8lue surroun5e5 8y trees@ it seeme5 %ort" it. 4orrie stoo5 1roEen nearly knee25eep in t"e 1lo%ers. S"e %as starin- open2mout"e5@ a look o1 "orror on "er lo)ely 1a3e. 7a-nus Bou)ier knelt in t"e 1lo%ers on top o1 t"e moun5@ near t"e 3ross. His mout" %as 8ri-"t %it" 1res" 8loo5. Somet"in- mo)e5 aroun5 "im@ in 1ront o1 "im. Somet"in- more 1elt t"an seen. 91 it %as illusion@ t"e ointment s"oul5 "a)e taken 3are o1 it. 9 trie5 lookin- at it out o1 t"e 3orner o1 my eye. Sometimes perip"eral )ision %orks 8etter on ma-i3 t"an strai-"t2on si-"t. 'rom t"e 3orner o1 my eye 9 3oul5 see t"e air s%immin- in somet"in- t"at %as almost a s"ape. 9t %as 8i--er t"an a man. 7a-nus turne5 an5 sa% us. He stoo5 up a8ruptly@ an5 t"e s%immin- air 8linke5 out like it "a5 ne)er 8een. He %ipe5 a slee)e a3ross "is mout". A4orrie ... C His )oi3e %as so1t an5 stran-le5. 4orrie 3la%e5 "er %ay up t"e "ill. S"e s3reame5@ ABlasp"emyIC an5 sma3ke5 "im. 9 3oul5 "ear t"e slap all t"e %ay a3ross t"e 3learin-. A#u3"@C Larry sai5. A="y is s"e ma5BC S"e "it "im a-ain@ "ar5 enou-" to sit "im 5o%n on "is 8utt in t"e 1lo%ers. AHo% 3oul5 youB Ho% 3oul5 you 5o su3" a )ile t"in-BC A="at 5i5 "e 5oBC Larry aske5.

AHe?s 8een 1ee5in- o11 <a%"ea5 an5 Bloo5y Bones >ust like "is an3estor@C 9 sai5. 4orrie turne5 to me. S"e looke5 "a--ar5@ "orri1ie5@ as i1 s"e "a5 3au-"t "er 8rot"er molestin- 3"il5ren. A9t %as 1or8i55en to 1ee5.C S"e turne5 8a3k to 7a-nus. ADou kne% t"atIC A9 %ante5 t"e po%er@ 4orrie. ="at "arm 5i5 it 5oBC A="at "armB ="at "armBC S"e -ra88e5 a "an51ul o1 "is lon- "air an5 pulle5 "im to "is knees. S"e e*pose5 t"e 8ite marks on "is ne3k. A$"is is %"y t"at 3reature 3an 3all you. $"is is %"y one o1 t"e 4aoine Si5"e@ e)en a "al128ree5 like you@ is 3alle5 8y 5eat".C S"e let -o so a8ruptly "e 1ell 1or%ar5 on "is "an5s an5 knees. 4orrie sat 5o%n in t"e 1lo%ers an5 3rie5. 9 %a5e5 into t"e 1lo%ers. $"ey parte5 like %ater@ 8ut t"ey 5i5n?t mo)e. $"ey %ere >ust ne)er e*a3tly %"ere you %ere steppin-. AHesus@ are t"ey mo)in- out o1 t"e %ayBC Larry aske5. A/ot e*a3tly@C 7a-nus sai5. He %alke5 5o%n t"e moun5 to stan5 at its 8ase. He %as %earin- t"e %"ite tu*e5o 1rom last ni-"t@ or %"at %as le1t o1 it. $"e smear o1 8loo5 on "is s"irtslee)e %as )ery 8ri-"t a-ainst t"e %"iteness. =e %a5e5 t"rou-" t"e 1lo%ers t"at %ere mo)in- an5 not mo)in-@ to >oin "im in 1ront o1 t"e moun5. He?5 s"o)e5 "is "air 8a3k 8e"in5 "is ears so "is 1a3e %as )isi8le. An5 no@ "is ears %eren?t pointe5. ="ere 5o t"ese rumors -et starte5B He met my eyes %it"out 1lin3"in-. 91 "e %as as"ame5 o1 %"at "e?5 5one@ it 5i5n?t s"o%. 4orrie %as still %eepin- in t"e 8lue8ells like "er "eart %oul5 8reak. ASo no% you kno%@C "e sai5. ADou 3an?t 8lee5 a 1airie@ in t"e 1les" or not in t"e 1les"@ %it"out ritual ma-i3. 9?)e rea5 t"e spell@ 7a-nus. 9t?s a 5ooEy@C 9 sai5. He smile5 at t"at@ an5 t"e smile %as still lo)ely@ 8ut t"e 8loo5 at t"e 3orner o1 "is mout" ruine5 t"e e11e3t. A9 "a5 to tie mysel1 to t"e 8eastie. 9 "a5 to -i)e "im some o1 my mortality in or5er to -et "is 8loo5.C A$"e spell isn?t meant to "elp you -at"er 8loo5@C 9 sai5. A9t?s to "elp t"e 1airies kill ea3" ot"er.C A91 it -ot some o1 your mortality@ 5i5 you -et some o1 its immortalityBC Larry aske5. 9t %as a -oo5 ;uestion. ADes@C 7a-nus sai5@ A8ut t"at %asn?t %"y 9 5i5 it.C ADou 5i5 it 1or po%er@ you son o1 a 8it3"@C 4orrie sai5. S"e 3ame 5o%n t"e moun5@ sli5in- in t"e stran-e 1lo%ers. ADou >ust "a5 to 5o real -lamor@ real ma-i3. 7y Go5@ 7a-nus@ you must "a)e 8een 5rinkin- its 8loo5 1or years@ e)er sin3e you %ere a teena-er. $"at?s %"en your po%ers su55enly -ot so stron-. =e all t"ou-"t it %as pu8erty.C AA1rai5 not@ sister 5ear.C S"e spit at "im. A#ur 1amily %as 3urse5@ tie5 to t"is lan5 1ore)er in repentan3e 1or 5oin- %"at you "a)e 5one. Bloo5y Bones 8roke 1ree last time someone trie5 to 5rink 1rom "is )eins.C A9t?s 8een sa1ely imprisone5 1or ten years@ 4orrie.C AHo% 5o you kno%B Ho% 5o you kno% t"at ne8ulous t"in- you 3alle5 up "asn?t 8een out s3arin- 3"il5renBC AAs lon- as it 5oesn?t "urt any o1 t"em@ %"at?s t"e "armBC A=ait a minute@C sai5 Larry. A="y %oul5 it s3are 3"il5renBC A9 tol5 you@ it?s a nursery 8o--le. 9t %as suppose5 to eat 8a5 3"il5ren@C 9 sai5. 9 "a5 an i5ea@ an a%1ul i5ea. 9?5 seen a )ampire use a s%or5@ 8ut %as 9 a8solutely sure o1 %"at 9?5 seenB /o. A="en t"e t"in- -ot out an5 starte5 slau-"terin- t"e 9n5ian tri8e@ 5i5 it use a %eapon@ or its "an5sBC 4orrie looke5 at me. A9 5on?t kno%. 4oes it matterBC Larry sai5@ A#"@ my Go5.C A9t mi-"t matter a -reat 5eal@C 9 sai5. ADou 3an?t mean t"ose killin-s@C 7a-nus sai5. ABloo5y Bones 3annot mani1est itsel1 p"ysi3ally. 9?)e seen to t"at.C AAre you sure@ 8rot"er 5earB Are you a8solutely sureBC 4orrie?s )oi3e 3ut an5 sli3e5G s"e %iel5e5 s3orn like a %eapon. ADes@ 9?m sure.C A=e?ll "a)e to "a)e a %it3" look at t"is. 9 5on?t kno% enou-" a8out it@C 9 sai5. 4orrie no55e5. A9 un5erstan5. $"e sooner t"e 8etter.C A<a%"ea5 an5 Bloo5y Bones 5i5 not 5o t"ose killin-s@C 7a-nus sai5. A'or your sake@ 7a-nus@ 9 "ope not@C 9 sai5. A="at 5o you meanBC

ABe3ause 1i)e people "a)e 5ie5. 'i)e people %"o 5i5n?t 5o a 5amn t"in- to 5eser)e it.C A9t?s imprisone5 8y a 3om8ination o1 9n5ian@ !"ristian@ an5 1airie po%er@C "e sai5. A9t?s not 8reakin- 1ree o1 t"at.C 9 %alke5 aroun5 t"e moun5 slo%ly. $"e 1les"y 1lo%ers still mo)e5 out o1 t"e %ay. 9?5 trie5 %at3"in- my 1eet@ 8ut it %as 5iEEyin-@ 8e3ause t"e 1lo%ers mo)e5 yet 5i5n?t@ like tryin- to %at3" one o1 t"em 8loom. Dou kne% it 5i5@ 8ut you 3oul5 ne)er %at3" t"e a3tual e)ent. 9 i-nore5 t"e 1lo%ers an5 3on3entrate5 on t"e moun5. 9 %asn?t tryin- to sense t"e 5ea5@ so 5ayli-"t %as 1ine. $"ere %as ma-i3 "ere@ lots o1 it. 9?5 ne)er 1elt 1airie ma-i3 8e1ore. $"ere %as somet"in- "ere t"at "a5 a 1amiliar taste to it@ an5 it %asn?t t"e !"ristianity. ASome kin5 o1 5eat" ma-i3 %ent into t"is@C 9 sai5. 9 %alke5 aroun5 t"e moun5 until 9 3oul5 see 7a-nus?s 1a3e. AA little "uman sa3ri1i3e@ per"apsBC A/ot e*a3tly@C 7a-nus sai5. A=e %oul5 ne)er 3on5one "uman sa3ri1i3e@C 4orrie sai5. 7ay8e s"e %oul5n?t@ 8ut 9 %asn?t so sure a8out 7a-nus. 9 5i5n?t say it out lou5. 4orrie %as upset enou-" alrea5y. A91 it?s not sa3ri1i3e@ t"en %"at is itBC A$"ree "ills are 8urie5 %it" our 5ea5. ,a3" 5eat" is like a stake to "ol5 ol5 Bloo5y Bones 5o%n@C 7a-nus sai5. AHo% 5i5 you lose tra3k o1 %"i3" "ills 8elon-e5 to youBC 9 aske5. A9t?s 8een o)er t"ree "un5re5 years@C 7a-nus sai5. A$"ere %ere no 5ee5s 8a3k t"en. 9 %asn?t a "un5re5 per3ent sure t"e "ill %as t"e ri-"t "ill mysel1. But %"en t"ey rake5 up t"e 5ea5@ 9 1elt it.C He "u55le5 in on "imsel1 as i1 t"e air "a5 su55enly -ro%n 3ol5er. ADou 3an?t raise t"e 5ea5 1rom t"at "illsi5e. 91 you 5o it@ t"en Bloo5y Bones %ill 8e loose5. $"e ma-i3 to stop it is 3ompli3ate5. $rut"1ully@ 9?m not sure 9?m up to it mysel1. An5 9 5on?t kno% any 9n5ian s"amans anymore.C ADou "a)e ma5e a mo3kery o1 e)eryt"in- %e stan5 1or@C 4orrie sai5. A="at 5i5 Serep"ina o11er youBC 9 aske5. He looke5 at me@ surprise5. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC AS"e o11ers e)eryone t"eir "eart?s 5esire. ="at %as yours@ 7a-nusBC A'ree5om an5 po%er. S"e sai5 s"e?5 1in5 anot"er -uar5ian 1or <a%"ea5 an5 Bloo5y Bones. S"e sai5 s"e?5 1in5 a %ay 1or me to keep t"e po%er 9?5 8orro%e5 1rom it %it"out "a)in- to ten5 it.C AAn5 you 8elie)e5 "erBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A9?m t"e only person in t"e 1amily %"o "as t"e po%er. =e are t"e -uar5ians 1ore)er as penan3e 1or stealin- it@ 1or lettin- it kill.C He 3ollapse5 to "is knees in t"e 8lue@ 8lue 1lo%ers@ "is "ea5 8o%e5@ "air spillin- 1or%ar5 to "i5e "is 1a3e. A9?ll ne)er 8e 1ree.C ADou 5on?t 5eser)e to 8e 1ree@C 4orrie sai5. A="y 5i5 Serep"ina %ant you so 8a5lyBC 9 aske5. AS"e?s a1rai5 o1 5eat". S"e says 5rinkin- 1rom somet"in- as lon-2li)e5 as 9 am "elps "er keep 5eat" at 8ay.C AS"e?s a )ampire@C Larry proteste5. ABut not immortal@C 9 sai5. 7a-nus looke5 up@ stran-e a;uamarine eyes -limmerin- out t"rou-" "is s"inin- "air. 7ay8e it %as t"e "air@ or t"e eyes@ or "is 8ein- nearly 3o)ere5 in t"e stran-e mo)in-@ not mo)in- 1lo%ers@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t look )ery "uman. AS"e 1ears 5eat"@C "e sai5. AS"e 1ears you.C His )oi3e %as lo% an5 e3"oin-. AS"e nearly 3leane5 my 3lo3k last ni-"t. ="y?s s"e a1rai5 o1 meBC ADou 8rou-"t 5eat" amon- us last ni-"t.C A9t 3an?t 8e t"e 1irst time@C 9 sai5. AS"e 3ame to me 1or my lon- li1e@ my immortal 8loo5. Per"aps s"e %ill -o to you ne*t. Per"aps instea5 o1 runnin- 1rom 5eat"@ s"e %ill em8ra3e it.C $"e skin on my arms t%it3"e5@ mar3"in- in -oose1les" up to my el8o%s. AS"e tell you t"at last ni-"tBC A$"ere is a po%er in)ol)e5@ "urtin- "er ol5 enemy Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut in t"e en5@ Anita@ s"e %on5ers i1 your po%er %oul5 make t"e 5i11eren3e. 91 s"e 5rank you up@ %oul5 s"e 8e immortalB =oul5 you 8e a8le to keep 5eat" 1rom "er %it" your ne3roman3yBC ADou 3oul5 lea)e to%n@C Larry sai5. 9 %asn?t sure %"i3" o1 us "e %as speakin- to. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A7aster )ampires 5on?t -i)e up t"at easy. 9?ll tell Stirlin- t"at 9 %on?t 8e raisin- "is 5ea5@ 7a-nus. /o one else 3an 5o it 8ut me@ so it %on?t -et 5one.C ABut t"ey %on?t -i)e 8a3k t"e lan5@C 7a-nus sai5 in "is stran-e )oi3e. A91 t"ey simply 8lo% up t"e mountain@ t"e result mi-"t 8e t"e same.C

A9s t"at true@ 4orrieBC S"e no55e5. A9t 3oul5 8e.C A="at 5o you %ant me to 5oBC 9 aske5. 7a-nus 3ra%le5 t"rou-" t"e 1lo%ers@ peerin- at me t"rou-" t"e s"inin- 3urtain o1 "is "air. His eyes %ere s%irlin- 8an5s o1 -reen an5 8lue@ %"irlin- until 9 %as 5iEEy. 9 looke5 a%ay. A<aise a "an51ul o1 t"e 5ea5. !an you 5o t"atBC "e aske5. A/o s%eat@C 9 sai5. ABut %ill e)ery8o5y?s la%yers a-ree to t"atBC A9?ll see t"at t"ey 5o@C "e sai5. A4orrieBC 9 aske5. S"e no55e5. A9?ll see to it.C 9 stare5 at 7a-nus 1or a moment. A=ill Serep"ina really res3ue t"e 8oyBC ADes@C "e sai5. 9 stare5 5o%n at "im. A$"en 9?ll see you toni-"t.C A/o@ 9?ll 8e %ell an5 truly 5runk a-ain. 9t?s not 1oolproo1@ 8ut it "elps 5ro%n "er out.C A'ineG 9?ll raise you a "an51ul o1 5ea5. Keep your lan5 sa1e.C ADou "a)e our -ratitu5e@C 7a-nus sai5. He looke5 1eral@ 1ri-"tenin-@ 8eauti1ul 3rou3"e5 in t"e 1lo%ers. His -ratitu5e mi-"t 8e %ort" somet"in- i1 Serep"ina 5i5n?t kill "im 1irst. Hell@ i1 s"e 5i5n?t kill me 1irst.

Chapter Thirty-three
9 3alle5 Spe3ial A-ent Bra51or5 late in t"e 5ay. $"ey "a5n?t 1oun5 Wa)ier. $"ey "a5n?t 1oun5 He11. $"ey "a5n?t 1oun5 any )ampires t"at 9 nee5e5 to kill@ an5 %"y t"e "ell %as 9 3allin- "imB 9 %as not on t"is 3ase@ remem8erB 9 remem8ere5. An5 yes@ t"e t%o youn-est )i3tims "a5 8een se*ually assaulte5@ 8ut not t"e same 5ay t"ey %ere kille5. 9 pro8a8ly s"oul5 "a)e 8rou-"t 7a-nus in@ 8ut "e %as t"e only one %"o un5erstoo5 t"e spells on Bloo5y Bones. He %oul5n?t 8e any -oo5 to us lo3ke5 up. 4orrie kne% a lo3al %it3" s"e truste5. 9?5 t"ou-"t t"at may8e Bloo5y Bones %as our killer. 9?5 ne)er seen a )ampire "i5e itsel1 so 3ompletely 1rom me as t"e one t"at kille5 !oltrain. 9?5 a55e5 it to my list o1 suspe3ts@ 8ut "a5n?t tol5 t"e 3ops. /o% 9 %as -la5 9 "a5n?t. $"e se*ual assault "a5 Wa)ier %ritten all o)er it. Besi5es@ e*plainin- t"at a nursery 8o--le 1rom S3otlan5 %as 3ommittin- mur5ers on t"e et"ereal plane soun5e5 1ar21et3"e5 e)en to me. $"e sky %as t"i3k %it" 3lou5s t"at -lo%e5 like >e%els. $"ey s"immere5 an5 stret3"e5 a3ross t"e sky like a -i-anti3 -leamin- 8lanket t"at some -reat 8east "a5 s"re55e5 %it" massi)e 3la%s. $"rou-" t"e "oles in t"e 3lou5s@ t"e sky peeke5 t"rou-" 8la3k %it" a 1e% 5iamon523"ip stars 8ri-"t enou-" to 3ompete %it" t"e -leamin- sky. 9 stoo5 on t"e "illtop starin- up at t"e sky@ 8reat"in- in t"e 3ool sprin- air. Larry stoo5 8esi5e me@ lookin- up. His eyes re1le3te5 t"e -lo%in- li-"t. AGet on %it" it@C Stirlin- sai5. 9 turne5 an5 looke5 at "im. Him@ Bayar5@ an5 7s. Harrison. Beau "a5 8een %it" t"em@ 8ut 9?5 ma5e "im %ait at t"e 8ottom o1 t"e mountain. 9?5 e)en tol5 "im i1 "e so mu3" as s"o%e5 "is 1a3e up top@ 9?5 put a 8ullet in it. 9 %asn?t sure Stirlin8elie)e5 me@ 8ut Beau "a5. A/ot an appre3iator o1 nature?s 8eauty@ are you@ <aymon5BC ,)en 8y moonli-"t 9 3oul5 see "is s3o%l. A9 %ant t"is o)er %it"@ 7s. Blake. /o%@ toni-"t.C Stran-ely enou-"@ 9 a-ree5 %it" "im. 9t ma5e me ner)ous. 9 5i5n?t like <aymon5. 9t ma5e me %ant to ar-ue %it" "im@ re-ar5less o1 %"et"er 9 a-ree5. But 9 5i5n?t ar-ue. Point 1or me. A9?ll -et it 5one toni-"t@ <aymon5G 5on?t s%eat it.C APlease stop 3allin- me 8y my 1irst name@ 7s. Blake.C He ma5e t"e re;uest t"rou-" 3len3"e5 teet"@ 8ut "e "a5 sai5 Aplease.C A'ine. 9t?ll 8e 5one toni-"t@ 7r. Stirlin-. #kayBC He no55e5. A$"ank youG no% -et on %it" it.C 9 opene5 my mout" to say somet"in- smart@ 8ut Larry sai5 )ery so1tly@ AAnita.C He %as ri-"t@ as usual. As mu3" 1un as it %as to yank Stirlin-?s 3"ain@ it %as >ust 5elayin- t"e ine)ita8le. 9 %as tire5 o1 Stirlin-@ o1 7a-nus@ an5 o1 e)eryt"in-. 9t %as time to 5o t"is >o8 an5 -o "ome. =ell@ may8e not strai-"t "ome. 9 %oul5n?t lea)e %it"out He11 Nuinlan@ one %ay or anot"er.

$"e -oat -a)e a "i-"@ ;uestionin- 8leat. 9t %as stake5 out in t"e mi55le o1 t"e 8oneyar5. 9t %as a 8ro%n2an52%"ite2 spotte5 -oat %it" t"ose stran-e yello% eyes t"ey sometimes "a)e. 9t "a5 1loppy %"ite ears an5 seeme5 to like "a)in- t"e top o1 its "ea5 s3rat3"e5. Larry "a5 pette5 it in t"e Heep on t"e 5ri)e o)er. Al%ays a 8a5 i5ea. /e)er -et 1rien5ly %it" t"e sa3ri1i3es. 7akes it "ar5 to kill t"em. 9 "a5 not pette5 t"e -oat. 9 kne% 8etter. $"is %as Larry?s 1irst -oat. He?5 learn. Har5 or easy@ "e?5 learn. $"ere %ere t%o more -oats at t"e 8ottom o1 t"e "ill. #ne o1 t"em %as e)en smaller an5 3uter t"an t"is one. AS"oul5n?t %e "a)e t"e Bou)iers? la%yers present@ 7r. Stirlin-BC Bayar5 sai5. A$"e Bou)iers %ai)e5 "a)in- t"eir attorney present@C 9 sai5. A="y %oul5 t"ey 5o t"atBC Stirlin- aske5. A$"ey trust me not to lie to t"em@C 9 sai5. Stirlin- looke5 at me 1or a lon- moment. 9 3oul5n?t see "is eyes 3learly@ 8ut 9 3oul5 1eel t"e %"eels insi5e "is "ea5 mo)in-. ADou?re -oin- to lie 1or t"em@ aren?t youBC "e sai5. His )oi3e %as 3ol5@ represse5@ too an-ry 1or "eat. A9 5on?t lie a8out t"e 5ea5@ 7r. Stirlin-. Sometimes a8out t"e li)in-@ 8ut ne)er a8out t"e 5ea5. Besi5es@ Bou)ier 5i5n?t o11er me a 8ri8e. ="y s"oul5 9 "elp "im i1 "e 5oesn?t t"ro% money at meBC Larry 5i5n?t 3all me on t"at one. He %as lookin- at Stirlin-@ too. =on5erin- %"at "e?5 say@ may8e. ADou?)e ma5e your point@ 7s. Blake. !an %e -et on %it" it no%BC He soun5e5 reasona8le@ or5inary su55enly. All t"at an-er@ all t"at mistrust@ "a5 "a5 to -o some%"ere. But it %asn?t in "is )oi3e. A'ine.C 9 knelt an5 opene5 t"e -ym 8a- at my 1eet. 9t "el5 my animatin- e;uipment. 9 "a5 anot"er one t"at "el5 )ampire -ear. 9 use5 to >ust trans1er %"ate)er 9 %ante5 into t"e 8a-. 9 8ou-"t a se3on5 8a- a1ter 9 s"o%e5 up on3e at a Eom8ie raisin- %it" t"e %ron- 8a-. 9t %as also ille-al to 3arry )ampire slayin- stu11 i1 you 5i5n?t "a)e a %arrant o1 e*e3ution on you. Bre%ster?s la% mi-"t 3"an-e t"at@ 8ut until t"en ... 9 "a5 t%o 8a-s. $"e Eom8ie %as my normal 8ur-un5y oneG t"e )ampire 8a- %as %"ite. ,)en in t"e 5ark@ it %as easy to tell t"em apart. $"at %as t"e plan. Larry?s Eom8ie 8a- %as a nearly )irulent -reen %it" $eena-e 7utant /in>a $urtles on it. 9 %as almost a1rai5 to ask %"at "is )ampire 8a- looke5 like. ALet me test my un5erstan5in- "ere@C Larry sai5. 7y %or5s 1e5 8a3k to me. He knelt an5 unEippe5 "is 8a-. AGo a"ea5@ A 9 sai5. 9 -ot out my >ar o1 ointment. 9 kne% animators %"o "a5 spe3ial 3ontainers 1or t"e ointment. !ro3kery@ "an528lo%n -lass@ mysti3al sym8ols 3ar)e5 into t"e si5es. 9 use5 an ol5 7ason >ar t"at "a5 on3e "el5 Gran5ma Blake?s -reen 8eans. Larry 1is"e5 out a peanut 8utter >ar %it" t"e la8el still on it. ,*tra23run3"y. Dum2yum. A=e "a)e to raise a minimum o1 t"ree Eom8ies@ ri-"tBC A<i-"t@C 9 sai5. He stare5 aroun5 at t"e s3attere5 8ones. AA mass -ra)e is "ar5 to raise 1rom@ ri-"tBC A$"is isn?t a mass -ra)e. 9t?s an ol5 3emetery t"at %as 5istur8e5. $"at?s easier t"an a mass -ra)e.C A="yBC "e aske5. 9 lai5 t"e ma3"ete 5o%n 8esi5e t"e >ar o1 ointment. ABe3ause ea3" -ra)e "a5 rites per1orme5 t"at %oul5 tie t"e 5ea5 in5i)i5ual to t"e -ra)e@ so t"at i1 you 3all it you "a)e a 8etter 3"an3e o1 -ettin- an in5i)i5ual to ans%er.C AAns%erBC A<ise 1rom t"e 5ea5.C He no55e5. He lai5 a %i3ke5 3ur)e5 8la5e on t"e -roun5. 9t looke5 like a 1reakin- s3imitar. A="ere 5i5 you -et t"atBC He 5ippe5 "is "ea5@ an5 9 %oul5 "a)e 8et "e %as 8lus"in-. Hust 3oul5n?t see it 8y moonli-"t. AGuy at 3olle-e.C A="ere?5 "e -et itBC Larry looke5 at me@ surprise plain on "is 1a3e. A9 5on?t kno%. 9s somet"in- %ron- %it" itBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHust a little 1an3y 1or 8e"ea5in- 3"i3kens an5 slittin- a 1e% -oats open.C A9t 1elt -oo5 in my "an5.C He s"ru--e5. ABesi5es@ it looks 3ool.C He -rinne5 at me. 9 s"ook my "ea5@ 8ut 9 let it -o. 4i5 9 really nee5 a ma3"ete to 8e"ea5 a 1e% 3"i3kens@ no@ 8ut t"e o33asional 3o%@ yea". ="y@ you may ask@ 5i5n?t %e "a)e a 3o% toni-"tB /o one %oul5 sell Bayar5 one. He "a5 t"e 8rilliant i5ea o1 tellin- t"e 1armers %"y "e %ante5 t"e 3o%. $"e Go521earin- 1olk %oul5 sell t"eir 3o%s to 8e eaten@ 8ut not 1or raisin- Eom8ies. Pre>u5i3e5 8astar5s.

A$"e youn-est o1 t"e 5ea5 "ere are t%o "un5re5 years ol5@ ri-"tBC Larry aske5. A<i-"t@C 9 sai5. A=e?re -oin- to raise a minimum o1 t"ree o1 t"ese 3orpses in -oo5 enou-" 3on5ition 1or t"em to ans%er ;uestions.C A$"at?s t"e plan@C 9 sai5. A!an %e 5o t"atBC 9 smile5 at "im. A$"at?s t"e plan.C His eyes %i5ene5. A4amn@ you 5on?t kno% i1 %e 3an 5o it eit"er@ 5o youBC His )oi3e "a5 5roppe5 to an amaEe5 %"isper. A=e raise t"ree Eom8ies a ni-"t e)ery ni-"t routinely. =e?re >ust 5oin- t"em 8a3k to 8a3k.C A=e 5on?t raise t%o2"un5re52year2ol5 Eom8ies routinely.C A$rue@ 8ut t"e t"eory?s t"e same.C A$"eoryBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 kno% %e?re in trou8le %"en you start talkin- a8out t"eories. !an %e 5o t"isBC $"e "onest ans%er %as no@ 8ut t"e t"in- t"at 5i3tate5 more t"an anyt"in- else %"at you 3oul5 raise an5 %"at you 3oul5n?t %as 3on1i5en3e. Belie)in- you 3oul5 5o it. So ... 9 %as tempte5 to lie. But 9 5i5n?t. $rut" 8et%een Larry an5 me. A9 t"ink %e 3an 5o it.C ABut you 5on?t kno% 1or sure@C "e sai5. A/o.C AGeeE@ Anita.C A4on?t -et rattle5 on me. =e 3an 5o t"is.C ABut you aren?t sure.C A9?m not sure %e?ll sur)i)e t"e plane ri5e "ome@ 8ut 9?m still -ettin- on t"e plane.C A=as t"at suppose5 to 8e 3om1ortin-BC "e aske5. ADea".C A9t %asn?t@C "e sai5. ASorry@ 8ut t"is is as -oo5 as it -ets. Dou %ant 3ertainty@ 8e an a33ountant.C A9?m not -oo5 at mat".C A7e eit"er.C He took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%ly. AAlri-"t@ 8oss@ "o% 5o %e 3om8ine po%ersBC 9 tol5 "im. A/eat.C He 5i5n?t look ner)ous anymore. He looke5 ea-er. Larry may "a)e %ante5 to 8e a )ampire e*e3utioner@ 8ut "e %as an animator. 9t %asn?t a 3areer 3"oi3e@ it %as a -i1t@ or a 3urse. /o one 3oul5 tea3" you to raise t"e 5ea5 unless you "a5 t"e po%er in your 8loo5. Geneti3s is a %on5er1ul t"in-J 8ro%n eyes@ 3urly "air@ Eom8ie raisin-. A="ose ointment you %ant to useBC Larry aske5. A7ine.C 9?5 -i)en Larry t"e re3ipe 1or t"e ointment an5 tol5 "im %"i3" in-re5ients you 3oul5n?t mess %it"@ like t"e -ra)eyar5 mol5@ 8ut t"ere %as room 1or e*perimentation. ,)ery animator "a5 t"eir o%n spe3ial re3ipe. Dou ne)er kne% %"at Larry?s ointment %oul5 smell like. 'or s"arin- po%ers you use5 t"e same ointment@ so %e %ere usin- mine. 'or all 9 kne%@ %e 5i5n?t "a)e to use t"e same ointment@ 8ut 9?5 only s"are5 my po%ers t"ree times. $%i3e %it" t"e man %"o traine5 me as an animator. ,a3" time %e?5 use5 t"e same ointment. 9 "a5 a3te5 as a 1o3us all t"ree times. ="i3" meant 9 %as in 3"ar-e. ="ere 9 like5 to 8e@ ri-"tB A!oul5 9 a3t as a 1o3usBC Larry aske5. A/ot t"is time@ 8ut laterBC A91 t"is 3omes up a-ain@ %e?ll try it@C 9 sai5. $rut" %as@ 9 5i5n?t kno% i1 Larry "a5 t"e po%er to 8e a 1o3us. 7anny@ %"o tau-"t me@ 3oul5n?t 5o it. Very 1e% animators 3oul5 a3t as a 1o3us. $"ose %"o 3oul5 %ere mistruste5 8y t"e rest@ an5 most %oul5n?t play %it" us. =e %oul5 literally s"are our po%ers. A lot o1 animators %oul5n?t 8e %illin- to 5o t"at. $"ere is a t"eory t"at you 3oul5 permanently steal anot"er?s ma-i3. But 9 5on?t 8uy it. <aisin- t"e 5ea5 isn?t like a ma-i3 3"arm t"at someone 3an take %it" t"em@ an5 lea)e you %it"out. Animatin- is 8uilt into t"e 3ells o1 our 8o5ies. 9t?s part o1 us. Dou 3an?t steal t"at. 9 opene5 t"e ointment@ an5 t"e sprin- air su55enly smelle5 like !"ristmas trees. 9 use5 a lot o1 rosemary. $"e ointment %as t"i3k an5 %a*y an5 al%ays 1elt 3ool. 'le3ks o1 -lo%in- -ra)eyar5 mol5 looke5 like -roun52up li-"tnin8u-s. 9 smeare5 ointment a3ross Larry?s 1ore"ea5@ 5o%n "is 3"eeks. He untu3ke5 "is t2s"irt an5 raise5 it so 9 3oul5 5a8 it o)er "is "eart. ="i3" is "ar5er t"an it soun5s %it" a s"oul5er "olster on@ 8ut %e?5 8ot" %orn a -un apie3e. 9 "a5 le1t 8ot" kni)es an5 my 8a3kup -un in t"e Heep. 9 tou3"e5 "is skin an5 3oul5 1eel "is "eart poun5in- un5er my "an5.

9 "an5e5 Larry t"e 7ason >ar. He 5ippe5 t%o 1in-ers into t"e t"i3k ointment. He tra3e5 ointment o)er my 1a3e. His "an5 %as )ery stea5y@ 1a3e 8lank %it" 3on3entration. ,yes utterly serious. 9 un8uttone5 t"e polo s"irt an5 Larry slippe5 "is 1in-ers insi5e to tou3" my "eart. His 1in-ers ru88e5 t"e 3"ain o1 my 3ru3i1i*@ spillin- it out o1 my s"irt. 9 slippe5 it 8a3k insi5e ne*t to my skin. He "an5e5 t"e >ar 8a3k to me@ an5 9 s3re%e5 t"e li5 on ti-"t. =oul5n?t 5o to let it 5ry out. 9?5 ne)er "ear5 o1 anyone 5oin- e*a3tly %"at %e %ere a8out to attempt. /ot t"e a-e part@ 8ut t"e s3attere5 8o5ies. =e only %ante5 t"ree@ 8ut t"ere %eren?t t"ree inta3t 8o5ies. ,)en 5oin- t"em one at a time@ it %as 3"an3y. Ho% to raise >ust so mu3" 5ea5 an5 no more %"en t"ey %ere lyin- >um8le5 to-et"erB 9 "a5 no names to use. /o -ra)esite to en3ir3le %it" po%er. Ho% to 5o itB 9t %as a puEElement. But 1or no% %e >ust "a5 to 3lose t"e 3ir3le. #ne pro8lem at a time. A7ake sure 8ot" o1 your "an5s "a)e ointment on t"em@C 9 sai5. Larry ru88e5 "is "an5s to-et"er like "e %as puttin- on lotion. AAye@ aye@ 8ossG %"at ne*tBC 9 5re% a 5eep sil)er 8o%l out o1 my 8a-. 9t -leame5 in t"e moonli-"t like anot"er pie3e o1 sky. Larry?s eyes %i5ene5. A9t 5oesn?t "a)e to 8e sil)er. $"ere are no mysti3al sym8ols on it. Dou 3oul5 use a $upper%are 8o%l@ 8ut t"e li1e o1 anot"er li)in- 3reature is -oin- in "ere. :se somet"in- ni3e to s"o% some respe3t@ 8ut un5erstan5 t"at it 5oesn?t "a)e to 8e sil)er@ or t"is s"ape@ or anyt"in-. 9t?s >ust a 3ontainer. #kayBC Larry no55e5. A="y not "a)e t"e ot"er -oats up "ere on topB 9t?s -oin- to 8e a trek to -et t"em up "ere e)ery time.C 9 s"ru--e5. A'irst@ t"ey?5 pani3. Se3on5@ it seems 3ruel 1or t"em to %at3" t"eir 1rien5s 8ite t"e 5ust@ kno%in- t"ey?re ne*t.C A7y Eoolo-y pro1 %oul5 say you?re "umaniEin- t"em.C ALet "im. 9 kno% t"ey 1eel pain@ an5 1ear. $"at?s enou-".C Larry looke5 at me 1or a lon- moment. ADou 5on?t like 5oin- it eit"er.C A/o. Dou %ant to "elp "ol5 or 1ee5 t"e 3arrotBC A!arrotBC 9 5u- a 3arrot@ 3omplete %it" lea1y -reen top@ out o1 t"e 8a-. A=as t"at %"at you -ot in t"e -ro3ery store %"ile 9 %aite5 in t"e 3ar %it" t"e -oatsBC ADea".C 9 "el5 t"e 3arrot up in t"e air. $"e -oat straine5 to t"e en5 o1 its pi3ket line@ to%ar5s t"e 3arrot. 9 let t"e -oat lip t"e lea1y top. 9t 8leate5 an5 straine5 to%ar5s me. 9 let "im -et a little more lea1. His stu88y little tail starte5 %a--in-. Happy -oat. 9 "an5e5 Larry t"e sil)er 8o%l. APut it on t"e -roun5 un5er t"e t"roat. ="en t"e 8loo5 starts 3omin-@ 3at3" as mu3" as you 3an.C 9 "a5 t"e ma3"ete 8e"in5 my 8a3k in my ri-"t "an5@ 3arrot in my le1t. 9 1elt like a 3"il5?s 5entist. /o@ not"in- 8e"in5 my 8a3k. Pay no attention to t"at "u-e nee5le. ,*3ept t"is nee5le %as permanent. $"e -oat yanke5 most o1 t"e lea)es o11 t"e 3arrot@ an5 9 %aite5 %"ile it snake5 t"em up into its mout". Larry knelt 8esi5e it@ 8o%l on t"e -roun5. 9 o11ere5 t"e meat o1 t"e 3arrot to t"e -oat. 9t -ot a taste o1 it@ an5 9 5re% t"e 3arrot out@ out@ until t"e -oat straine5 its ne3k out as 1ar as it 3oul5@ tryin- to -et more o1 t"e "ar5 oran-e 1les". 9 lai5 t"e ma3"ete a-ainst t"e "airy t"roat@ not 3uttin-@ -entle. $"e ne3k )i8rate5 a-ainst t"e 8la5e@ strainin- 1or t"e 3arrot. 9 5re% t"e 8la5e a3ross t"e ne3k. $"e ma3"ete %as s"arp@ an5 9 "a5 pra3ti3e. $"ere %as no soun5@ only t"e s"o3ke5@ %i5ene5 eyes@ an5 8loo5 pourin1rom t"e ne3k. Larry pi3ke5 up t"e 8o%l@ "ol5in- it un5er t"e %oun5. Bloo5 splas"e5 5o%n "is arms onto t"e 8lue t2s"irt. $"e -oat 3ollapse5 to its knees. Bloo5 1ille5 t"e 8o%l@ 5ark an5 -lintin-@ more 8la3k t"an re5. A$"ere?s 8its o1 3arrot in t"e 8loo5@C Larry sai5. A9t?s alri-"t@C 9 sai5. A!arrot?s inert.C $"e -oat?s "ea5 1ell slo%ly 1or%ar5 until it tou3"e5 t"e -roun5. $"e 8o%l sat un5er its t"roat@ 1illin- %it" 8loo5. 9t "a5 8een nearly a per1e3t kill. Goats 3oul5 8e sort o1 pesky@ 8ut sometimes@ like toni-"t@ it all %orke5. #1 3ourse@ %e %eren?t 5one. 9 lai5 t"e 8loo5y kni1e a-ainst my le1t arm an5 sli3e5 it open. $"e pain %as s"arp an5 imme5iate. 9 "el5 t"e %oun5 o)er t"e 8o%l@ lettin- t"e t"i3k 5rops min-le %it" t"e -oat?s 8loo5. AGi)e me your ri-"t arm@C 9 sai5.

Larry 5i5n?t ar-ue. He >ust "el5 out "is 8are arm. 9?5 tol5 "im %"at %oul5 "appen@ 8ut it %as still a )ery trustin- -esture. His 1a3e turne5 up to me %as %it"out any tra3e o1 1ear. Go5. 9 sli3e5 "is arm. He %in3e5 8ut 5i5n?t 5ra% 8a3k. ALet it 5rip into t"e 8o%l.C He "el5 "is arm o)er t"e 8o%l. All t"e 8loo5 %as re528la3k in t"e moonli-"t. $"e 8e-innin-s o1 po%er tri3kle5 o)er my skin. 7y po%er@ Larry?s po%er@ t"e po%er o1 a ritual sa3ri1i3e. Larry looke5 up at me %it" %i5e eyes. 9 knelt 8esi5e "im an5 lai5 t"e ma3"ete a3ross t"e mout" o1 t"e 8o%l. 9 "el5 out my le1t "an5 to "im. He -a)e me "is ri-"t. =e 3laspe5 "an5s an5 presse5 t"e %oun5s in our 1orearms to-et"er@ lettin- t"e 8loo5 min-le. Larry "el5 one si5e o1 t"e 8loo521ille5 8o%l an5 9 "el5 t"e ot"er. Bloo5 tri3kle5 5o%n our arms to 5rip o11 our el8o%s into t"e 8o%l@ onto t"e 8loo5y nake5 steel. =e stoo5 still 3laspe5 to-et"er@ still "ol5in- t"e 8o%l. 9 %it"5re% my "an5 1rom "is slo%ly@ t"en took t"e 8o%l 1rom "im. He 1ollo%e5 my e)ery mo)ement like "e al%ays 5i5. He?5 8e a8le to 3lose "is eyes an5 mimi3 me. 9 %alke5 to t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3ir3le 9 "a5 in my min5 an5 plun-e5 my "an5 into t"e 8o%l. $"e 8loo5 %as still amaEin-ly %arm@ almost "ot. 9 -raspe5 t"e "an5le o1 t"e ma3"ete %it" my 8loo5y "an5 an5 8e-an usin- t"e 8la5e to sprinkle 8loo5 as 9 %alke5. 9 3oul5 1eel Larry stan5in- in t"e 3enter o1 t"e 3ir3le t"at 9 %alke5 like t"ere %as a rope stret3"e5 8et%een us. As 9 %alke5@ t"at rope stret3"e5 ti-"ter an5 ti-"ter like a ru88er 8an5 8ein- t%iste5. $"e po%er -re% %it" ea3" step@ ea3" 5rop o1 8loo5. $"e eart" %as "un-ry 1or it. 9?5 ne)er raise5 t"e 5ea5 on -roun5 t"at "a5 seen 5eat" rituals 8e1ore. 7a-nus s"oul5 "a)e mentione5 t"at. 7ay8e "e "a5n?t kno%n. !"arita8le o1 me. 9t 5i5n?t matter no%. $"ere %as ma-i3 "ere 1or 8loo5 an5 5eat". Somet"in- t"at %as ea-er 1or me to 3lose t"e 3ir3le. ,a-er 1or me to raise t"e 5ea5. Hun-ry. 9 stoo5 nearly %"ere 9?5 8e-un. 9 %as a sprinkle o1 8loo5 a%ay 1rom 3losin- t"e 3ir3le. $"e line o1 po%er 8et%een Larry an5 me %as so ti-"t it "urt. $"e potential po%er %as 1ri-"tenin-@ an5 e*"ilaratin-. =e?5 a%akene5 somet"in- ol5 an5 lon- 5ormant. 9t ma5e me "esitate. 7a5e me not %ant to 1inis" t"e 3ir3le. Stu88ornness@ an5 1ear. 9 5i5n?t 3ompletely un5erstan5 %"at 9 %as 1eelin-. 9t %as someone else?s ma-i3@ someone?s spell. =e?5 tri--ere5 it@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at it %oul5 5o. =e 3oul5 raise our 5ea5@ 8ut it %oul5 8e like %alkin- a ti-"trope 8et%een t"e ot"er spell an5 ... somet"in-. 9 1elt ol5 Bloo5y Bones in its 8arro% miles a%ay. 9 1elt it %at3"in- me@ ur-in- me to take t"at last step. 9 s"ook my "ea5 as i1 t"e 1ey 3reature 3oul5 see me. 9 >ust 5i5n?t un5erstan5 t"e spell %ell enou-" to risk it. A="at?s %ron-BC Larry aske5. His )oi3e soun5e5 stran-le5. =e %ere 3"okin- on unuse5 po%er@ an5 5amne5 i1 9 kne% %"at to 5o %it" it. 9 3au-"t mo)ement out o1 t"e 3orner o1 my eye. 9)y stoo5 at t"e e5-e o1 t"e mountain. S"e %as %earin- "ikin- 8oots %it" t"i3k %"ite so3ks 1ol5e5 o)er t"em@ 8a--y 8la3k s"orts@ an5 a skin2ti-"t neon pink top@ %it" a 3"e3ke5 1lannel s"irt o)er it. $"e 3"ain o1 "er 5an-lin- earrin- -leame5 in t"e moonli-"t. S"e?5 5resse5 "ersel1 toni-"t. All 9 "a5 to 5o %as 5rop t"at last 8it o1 8loo5@ an5 t"e 3ir3le %oul5 3lose. An5 9 3oul5 "ol5 t"is 3ir3le a-ainst "er@ a-ainst t"em all. /ot"in- %oul5 3ross it t"at 9 5i5n?t %ant to 3ross it. =ell@ %it"in reason. 4emons an5 an-els 3oul5 pro8a8ly 3ross it@ 8ut )ampires 3oul5n?t. 9 1elt a sur-e o1 triump" 1rom t"e t"in- trappe5 in its moun5. 9t %ante5 me to 3lose t"e 3ir3le. 9 tosse5 t"e 8o%l an5 ma3"ete 8e"in5 me to%ar5s t"e 3enter o1 t"e 3ir3le@ a%ay 1rom t"e outer e5-e so no 8loo5 %oul5 1all on it. 9)y starte5 to%ar5s me in a 1aster2t"an2li-"t 5isplay@ a 8lur o1 spee5. 9 %ent 1or my -un@ 1elt it sli5e 1rom t"e "olster@ an5 s"e smas"e5 into me. $"e impa3t kno3ke5 t"e Bro%nin- out o1 my "an5. 9 "it t"e -roun5 %it" not"in- in my "an5s 8ut air.

Chapter Thirty-four
9)y reare5 8a3k%ar5s@ 1an-s 1las"in-. Larry s3reame5@ AAnitaIC 9 "ear5 t"e -un -o o11@ 1elt t"e 8ullet "it "er 8o5y. 9t "it "er in t"e s"oul5er@ t%iste5 "er 8o5y@ 8ut s"e turne5 8a3k to me %it" a smile. S"e 5u- 1in-ers into my s"oul5ers an5 rolle5 us o)er@ puttin- me on top@ %it" one o1 "er "an5s lee3"e5 to t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k. S"e s;ueeEe5 until 9 -aspe5. A9?ll snap "er spine unless you t"ro% t"at toy a%ay@C s"e sai5. AS"e?ll kill me any%ay. 4on?t 5o it.C AAnita ... C A/o%@ or 9?ll kill "er %"ile you %at3".C AS"oot "erIC But t"ere %asn?t a 3lear s"ot. He?5 "a)e to %alk aroun5 me an5 1ire point8lank. 9)y 3oul5 kill me t%i3e o)er 8e1ore "e -ot to us. 9)y 1or3e5 my ne3k lo%er. 9 8ra3e5 my ri-"t arm on t"e -roun5. S"e?5 "a)e to 8reak somet"in- to -et me 5o%n to "er. 91 s"e 8roke my ne3k@ it?5 8e o)erG a 8roken arm %oul5 >ust "urt. 9 "ear5 somet"in- "it t"e -roun5@ a 5ull@ "ea)y t"ump. Larry?s -un. 4amn.

S"e presse5 "ar5er on t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k. 9 5u- t"e palm o1 my "an5 into t"e -roun5 "ar5 enou-" to lea)e an imprint. A9 3an 8reak t"at arm an5 8rin- you to me. Dour 3"oi3eJ easy@ or "ar5.C AHar5@C 9 sai5 8et%een -ritte5 teet". S"e -ra88e5 1or my arm@ an5 9 "a5 an i5ea. 9 3ollapse5 1or%ar5 on top o1 "er. 9t 3au-"t "er o11 -uar5. 9 "a5 a "an51ul o1 se3on5s to pull t"e 3"ain aroun5 my ne3k out o1 my s"irt. Her "an5 sli5 t"rou-" my "air like a lo)er?s@ pressin- my 1a3e a-ainst "er 3"eek@ not "ar5@ almost -entle. A$"ree ni-"ts 1rom no% you?ll like me@ Anita. Dou?ll %ors"ip me.C A9 5ou8t t"at.C $"e 3"ain sli5 1or%ar5@ t"e 3ru3i1i* poole5 a-ainst "er t"roat. $"ere %as a 8lin5in- 1las" o1 %"ite@ %"ite li-"t. A rus" o1 "eat t"at sin-e5 my "air. 9)y s3reame5 an5 3la%e5 at t"e 3ross@ s3ram8lin- 1rom un5erneat" me. 9 staye5 on all 1ours %it" t"e 3ross 5an-lin- in 1ront o1 me. $"e 8lue2%"ite 1lames 5ie5 a%ay 8e3ause it %asn?t tou3"in)ampiri3 1les" anymore@ 8ut it -lo%e5 like a 3apti)e star@ an5 s"e 8a3ke5 a%ay 1rom it. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"ere my -un %as@ 8ut t"e ma3"ete -leame5 a-ainst t"e 5ark eart". 9 %rappe5 my "an5 aroun5 it an5 -ot to my 1eet. Larry %as 8e"in5 me %it" "is o%n 3ross out@ "el5 in 1ront o1 "im to t"e len-t" o1 its 3"ain. $"e %"ite li-"t %it" its 3ore o1 8lue %as almost pain1ully 8ri-"t. 9)y s3reame5@ s"iel5in- "er eyes. All s"e "a5 to 5o %as %alk a%ay. But s"e %as 1roEen@ immo8ile in t"e 1a3e o1 t"e 3rosses@ an5 t%o true 8elie)ers. AGun@C 9 sai5 to Larry. A!an?t 1in5 it.C Bot" -uns %ere matte 8la3k so t"ey %oul5n?t re1le3t li-"t at ni-"t an5 make us a tar-etG no% it ma5e t"em in)isi8le. =e a5)an3e5 on t"e )ampire. S"e t"re% 8ot" arms up 8e1ore "er 1a3e an5 s3reame5@ A/oooIC S"e?5 8a3ke5 up nearly to t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3ir3le. 91 s"e ran@ %e %oul5n?t 3"ase "er@ 8ut s"e 5i5n?t run. 7ay8e s"e 3oul5n?t. 9 s"o)e5 t"e ma3"ete up un5er "er ri8s. Bloo5 poure5 5o%n t"e 8la5e onto my "an5s. 9 5ro)e t"e 8la5e up%ar5 into "er "eart. 9 -a)e it t"at last little %ren3" to sli3e it up. Her arms 1ell a%ay 1rom "er 1a3e slo%ly. Her eyes %ere %i5e@ surprise5. S"e stare5 5o%n at t"e 8la5e in "er stoma3"@ as i1 s"e 5i5n?t un5erstan5 %"at it %as 5oin- t"ere. $"e 1les" o1 "er ne3k %as 8la3k %"ere t"e 3ross "a5 8urne5 "er. S"e 1ell to "er knees an5 9 %ent %it" "er@ keepin- my -rip on t"e ma3"ete. S"e 5i5n?t 5ie. 9 "a5n?t really e*pe3te5 "er to. 9 >erke5 t"e 8la5e out o1 "er@ 5oin- more 5ama-e. S"e ma5e a lo% -ur-lin- soun5@ 8ut staye5 on "er knees. Her "an5s tou3"e5 t"e 8loo5 1lo%in- out o1 "er 3"est an5 stoma3". S"e stare5 at t"e -leamin- 5arkness as i1 s"e?5 ne)er seen 8loo5 8e1ore. $"e 8loo5 1lo% %as alrea5y slo%in-G unless 9 kille5 "er soon@ t"e %oun5 %oul5 3lose. 9 stoo5 o)er "er an5 8rou-"t t"e ma3"ete 8a3k in a t%o2"an5e5 -rip. 9 put e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 into t"at 5o%ns%in-. $"e 8la5e 8it into "er ne3k@ 5o%n to t"e spine@ 3at3"in- on t"e 8one. 9)y stare5 up at me %it" 8loo5 streamin- 5o%n "er ne3k. 9 s%un- 8a3k 1or anot"er 3"op@ an5 s"e %at3"e5 me 5o it@ too "urt to run no%. 9 "a5 to stru--le to -et t"e 8la5e out o1 t"e spine@ an5 still s"e 8linke5 up at me. 91 9 5i5n?t 1inis" "er@ s"e?5 "eal e)en t"is. 9 8rou-"t t"e 8la5e 5o%n one last time an5 1elt t"e last e5-e o1 8one -i)e. $"e 8la5e 3ame out t"e ot"er si5e@ an5 "er "ea5 sli5 o11 "er s"oul5ers in a spray o1 8loo5 like a 8la3k 1ountain. $"at 8la3k 8loo5 poure5 o)er t"e 3ir3le an5 3lose5 it. Po%er 1ille5 t"e 3ir3le until %e %ere 5ro%nin- in it. Larry 1ell to "is knees. $"e li-"t 1rom t"e 3rosses 1a5e5 like 5yin- stars. $"e )ampire %as 5ea5@ an5 t"e 3rosses 3oul5n?t "elp us no%. A="at?s "appenin-BC 9 3oul5 1eel t"e po%er like %ater on e)ery si5e@ 3"okin- 3lose. 9 %as 8reat"in- it in@ soakin- it up t"rou-" my skin. 9 s3reame5 %or5lessly an5 1ell to t"e -roun5. 9 1ell t"rou-" layers o1 po%er@ an5 t"e moment 9 "it t"e -roun5 9 3oul5 1eel t"e po%er 8elo% me@ stret3"in- 5o%n%ar5@ out%ar5. 9 %as lyin- on top o1 8ones. $"ey t%it3"e5 like somet"in- mo)in- in its sleep. 9 3ra%le5 to my knees@ "an5s 5i--in- into t"e eart". 9 tou3"e5 a lon-@ t"in arm 8one@ an5 it mo)e5. 9 s3ram8le5 to my 1eet@ slo%@ too slo% t"rou-" t"e pressin- air@ an5 %at3"e5. Bones sli5 t"rou-" t"e eart" like %ater@ 3omin- to-et"er. $"e eart" "ea)e5 an5 ro3ke5 un5er1oot like -iant moles %ere 3ra%lin-. Larry %as on "is 1eet no%@ too. A="at?s "appenin-BC ASomet"in- 8a5@C 9 sai5. 9?5 ne)er seen t"e 5ea5 3oales3e. $"ey al%ays 3ame to t"e sur1a3e o1 t"e -ra)e all in one pie3e. 9?5 ne)er realiEe5 it %as like puttin- to-et"er a ma3a8re >i-sa% puEEle. A skeleton 1orme5 at my 1eet@ an5 1les" 8e-an to 3ra%l o)er it@ 1lo% like 3lay@ mol5in- itsel1 8a3k to t"e 8ones.

AAnitaBC 9 turne5 to Larry. He %as pointin- at a skeleton at t"e 1ar e5-e o1 t"e 3ir3le. Hal1 t"e 8ones %ere on t"e outsi5e o1 t"e 3ir3le. 'les" 3ra%le5 o)er t"is si5e o1 t"e 8ones an5 pus"e5 a-ainst t"e 8loo5 3ir3le. $"e eart" -a)e one last "ea)e@ an5 t"e ma-i3 poure5 out o)er t"e -roun5. 9 "ear5 it pop insi5e my "ea5 like a release o1 pressure. $"e air sprea5 out@ not so 5ro%nin-2t"i3k. 9t poure5 o)er t"e "illsi5e like in)isi8le 1lame@ an5 e)ery%"ere it tou3"e5 t"e 5ea5 1orme5 8o5ies. AStop it@ Anita. Stop it.C A9 3an?t.C $"e killin- ma-i3 in t"e -roun5 "a5 stolen t"e reins. All 9 3oul5 5o %as %at3" an5 1eel t"e po%er sprea5inout%ar5. ,nou-" po%er to ri5e 1ore)er. ,nou-" po%er to raise a t"ousan5 5ea5. 9 kne% %"en <a%"ea5 an5 Bloo5y Bones 8urst its prison. 9 1elt t"e po%er sa- as t"e t"in- es3ape5. $"en t"e po%er las"e5 8a3k into t"is 8it o1 -roun5 an5 5ro)e us to our knees. $"e 5ea5 stru--le5 1rom t"e eart" like s%immers 5ra--int"emsel)es to s"ore. ="en nearly t%enty 5ea5 stoo5 %aitin- %it" empty eyes@ t"e po%er 1lo%e5 out%ar5. 9 1elt it seekinmore 5ea5@ somet"in- else to raise. $"is 9 3oul5 stop. $"e 1airie %as -one@ out o1 t"e loopG "e "a5 %"at "e %ante5. 9 3alle5 t"e po%er 8a3k. 9 5re% it into me@ 8a3k t"rou-" t"e -roun5@ like pullin- a snake 8y its tail out o1 a "ole. 9 1lun- it into t"e Eom8ies. 'lun- it into t"em an5 sai5@ ALi)e.C $"e %rinkle5 1les" 1ille5 out. $"e 5ea5 eyes -leame5. $"e tattere5 3lot"in-@ men5e5 itsel1. 4irt 1ell a%ay 1rom a lon-in-"am 5ress. A %oman %it" mi5ni-"t "air@ 5ark skin@ an5 7a-nus?s startle5 eyes looke5 at me. $"ey all looke5 at me. $%enty 5ea5@ all o)er t%o "un5re5 years ol5@ an5 t"ey 3oul5 "a)e passe5 1or "uman. A7y Go5@C Larry %"ispere5. ,)en 9 %as impresse5. AVery impressi)e@ 7s. Blake.C Stirlin-?s )oi3e %as %ren3"in-@ as i1 "e s"oul5n?t "a)e 8een t"ere. He %as a 5i11erent part o1 reality 1rom t"e near2per1e3t Eom8ies. $"e 1airie %as out@ 8ut 9?5 5o my >o8@ 1or %"at -oo5 it %oul5 5o any o1 us. A="i3" o1 you is a Bou)ierBC $"ere %as a murmur o1 )oi3es@ most o1 t"em speakin- 'ren3". /early all o1 t"em %ere Bou)iers. $"e %oman intro5u3e5 "ersel1 as Anias Bou)ier. S"e looke5 )ery ali)e. ALooks like you?ll "a)e to mo)e your "otel@C 9 sai5. A#"@ 9 5on?t t"ink so@C Stirlin- sai5. 9 turne5 an5 looke5 at "im. He "a5 a 8i- s"iny sil)er -un out. A ni3kel2plate5 .&+. He "el5 it like it %as a mo)ie@ kin5 o1 out in 1ront o1 "im@ %aist2"i-". A .&+ is a 8i- -unG you 5on?t "it mu3" 1rom a %aist s"ot. #r t"at?s t"e t"eory. =it" it pointe5 at us@ 9 %asn?t ea-er to try t"e t"eory. Bayar5 %as pointin- a .22 automati3 )a-uely in our 5ire3tion. 9t 5i5n?t look like "e?5 "el5 a -un 8e1ore. 7ay8e "e 1or-ot an5 le1t t"e sa1ety on. 7s. Harrison "a5 a ni3kel2plate5 .30 pointe5 )ery stea5ily at me. S"e stoo5 %it" "er le-s apart@ 8alan3e5 on "er ri5i3ulous "i-" "eels. S"e "el5 t"e -un in a t%o2"an5e5 -rip like s"e kne% %"at s"e %as 5oin-. 9 1las"e5 on "er 1a3e. Her eyes in "er t"i3k makeup %ere a little %i5e@ 8ut s"e %as ro3k stea5y. Stea5ier t"an Bayar5 an5 a 8etter stan3e t"an Stirlin-. 9 "ope5 Stirlin- pai5 "er %ell. A="at?s -oin- on@ Stirlin-BC 9 aske5. 7y )oi3e %as e)en@ 8ut t"ere %as an e5-e o1 po%er to it. 9 %as still ri5in- t"e po%er@ enou-" po%er to put t"e Eom8ies 8a3k in t"e -roun5. ,nou-" po%er to 5o a lot o1 t"in-s. He smile5 )isi8ly in t"e 8ri-"t re1le3te5 li-"t. ADou?)e release5 t"e 3reatureG no% %e s"all kill you.C A="y t"e "ell 5o you 3are i1 Bloo5y Bones is outBC 9 sa% t"e -uns an5 still 5i5n?t kno% %"y. A9t 3ame into my 5reams@ 7s. Blake. 9t promise5 me all t"e Bou)ier lan5. All o1 it.C A$"e 1ey 8reakin- out %on?t -et you t"e lan5@C 9 sai5. A9t %ill %it" Bou)ier 5ea5. $"e 5ee5 t"at -ot us t"is "illsi5e %ill 8e 1oun5 to in3lu5e all t"e lan5@ on3e t"ere?s no one to 1i-"t it.C A,)en %it" 7a-nus 5ea5@ you %on?t -et t"e lan5@C 9 sai5@ 8ut my )oi3e 5i5n?t soun5 so sure. ADou mean "is sisterBC Stirlin- sai5. AS"e?ll 5ie >ust as easily as 7a-nus.C 7y stoma3" %as ti-"t. AHer 3"il5renBC A<a%"ea5 an5 Bloo5y Bones lo)es 3"il5ren 8est o1 all@C "e sai5. ADou son o1 a 8it3".C 9t %as Larry. He took a step 1or%ar5@ an5 7s. Harrison?s -un s%un- to "im. 9 -ra88e5 "is arm %it" my 1ree "an5. 9 still "a5 t"e ma3"ete in my "an5. Larry stoppe5@ an5 t"e -un staye5 on "im. 9 %asn?t sure t"at %as an impro)ement.

$ension san- 5o%n Larry?s arm. 9?5 seen "im an-ry@ 8ut ne)er like t"is. $"e Po%er respon5e5 to t"at an-er. $"e Eom8ies all turne5 to us in a rustle o1 3lot". $"eir -litterin- eyes@ so ali)e@ %ere %aitin- 1or us. A7o)e in 1ront o1 us@C 9 %"ispere5. $"e Eom8ies 8e-an %alkin- to%ar5s us. $"e 3losest ones mo)e5 in 1ront o1 us imme5iately. 9 lost si-"t o1 t"e -un2totin- trio. Here %as "opin- t"ey?5 lost si-"t o1 us. AKill t"em@C Stirlin- sai5@ lou5@ almost a yell. 9 starte5 to 5rop to t"e -roun5@ still "ol5in- Larry?s arm. He resiste5. Gun1ire e*plo5e5 aroun5 us an5 "e kisse5 5irt@ 1lat. =it" t"e si5e o1 "is 1a3e presse5 to t"e -roun5@ "e sai5@ A="at no%BC Bullets %ere "ittin- t"e Eom8ies. $"e 8o5ies >erke5 an5 t%it3"e5. Some o1 t"e )ery ali)e 1a3es stare5 5o%n@ alarme5 as "oles appeare5 in t"eir 8o5ies. But t"ere %as no pain. $"e pani3 %as re1le*. Someone %as yellin-G it %asn?t us. AStop it@ stop it. =e 3an?t 5o t"is. =e 3an?t >ust kill t"em.C 9t %as Bayar5. A9t is late 1or an atta3k o1 3ons3ien3e@C 7s. Harrison sai5. 9t may "a)e 8een t"e 1irst time 9?5 "ear5 "er )oi3e. S"e soun5e5 e11i3ient. ALionel@ you are eit"er %it" me@ or a-ainst me.C AS"it@C 9 muttere5. 9 %orme5 1or%ar5@ tryin- to see %"at %as "appenin-. 9 pus"e5 asi5e a 8illo%in- skirt >ust in time to see Stirlin- s"oot Lionel in t"e stoma3". $"e .&+ -a)e out a 8oomin- soun5 an5 nearly >erke5 itsel1 out o1 Stirlin-?s "an5@ 8ut "e "el5 on. 'rom less t"an ten in3"es a%ay@ you 3oul5 s"oot nearly anyt"in- %it" a .&+. Bayar5 3ollapse5 to "is knees@ lookin- up at Stirlin-. He %as tryin- to say somet"in-@ 8ut no soun5 3ame out. Stirlin- took t"e -un 1rom Bayar5?s "an5 an5 put it in "is o%n >a3ket po3ket. He turne5 "is 8a3k on Bayar5 an5 %alke5 out onto t"e "ar5@ 5ry soil. 7s. Harrison "esitate5@ 8ut s"e 1ollo%e5 "er 8oss. Bayar5 1ell onto "is si5e %it" a 5ark 1loo5 5rainin- out o1 "im. His -lasses re1le3te5 t"e moonli-"t@ makin- "im look 8lin5. Stirlin- an5 7s. Harrison %ere 3omin- in a1ter us. Stirlin- pus"e5 amon- t"e 5ea5 as i1 t"ey %ere trees an5 "e %as %a5in- t"rou-". $"e 5ea5 5i5n?t mo)e 1or "im. $"ey stoo5 t"ere like stu88orn@ 1les"y 8arriers. 9 "a5n?t tol5 t"em to mo)e@ so t"ey %oul5n?t. 7s. Harrison "a5 stoppe5 tryin- to 1or3e "er %ay t"rou-". 7oonli-"t -linte5 on "er s"iny -un as s"e use5 a Eom8ie?s s"oul5er to si-"t on us. AKill "er@C 9 %"ispere5. $"e Eom8ie s"e %as usin- as a si-"tin- post turne5 to%ar5s "er. S"e ma5e an e*asperate5 soun5@ an5 t"e 5ea5 3lose5 on "er. Larry looke5 at me. A="at 5i5 you tell t"emBC 7s. Harrison %as s3reamin- no%. Hi-"@ 1ri-"tene5 s"rieks. S"e 1ire5 "er -un a-ain an5 a-ain. 9t 3li3ke5 empty. Slo%@ ea-er "an5s an5 mout"s lat3"e5 onto "er 8o5y. AStop t"em@C Larry sai5. He -ra88e5 my arm. AStop t"em.C 9 3oul5 1eel t"e "an5s tearin- 8its o1 1les" 1rom 7s. Harrison. $eet" sank into "er s"oul5er@ tore t"at ten5er ne3k@ an5 9 kne% %"en 8loo5 1lo%e5 into t"at mout". Larry %as alon- 1or t"e ri5e. A#"@ Go5@ stop itIC He %as on "is knees pullin- at me@ 8e--in-. Stirlin- "a5n?t 1ire5 a s"ot. ="ere %as "eB AStop@C 9 %"ispere5. $"e 5ea5 1roEe like automatons@ stoppe5 in mi52a3tion. 7s. Harrison sli5 to t"e -roun5 in a moanin- "eap. Stirlin- 3ame in 1rom one si5e@ t"e 8i- -un pointe5 )ery stea5ily at us@ out in a t%o2"an5e5 -rip like it %as suppose5 to 8e "el5. He?5 ma5e "is %ay 8e"in5 us %"ile t"e Eom8ies %orke5 o)er 7s. Harrison. He %as stan5in- nearly on top o1 us. 9t took a lot o1 ner)e to 3ome t"at 3lose to t"e Eom8ies. Larry?s 1in-ers 5u- into my arm. A4on?t@ AnitaG please 5on?t.C ,)en starin- 5o%n t"e 8arrel o1 a -un@ Larry stu3k to "is morals. A5mira8le. A91 you say a %or5@ 7s. Blake@ 9 %ill kill you.C 9 >ust stare5 up at "im. 9 %as so 3lose to "im 9 3oul5 "a)e rea3"e5 out an5 tou3"e5 "is pants le-. $"e .&+ %as pointe5 )ery soli5ly at my "ea5. 91 "e pulle5 t"e tri--er@ 9 %as -one. A!areless o1 you not to "a)e t"e Eom8ies atta3k 8ot" o1 us.C 9 a-ree5 %it" "im@ 8ut all 9 3oul5 5o %as stare up at "im. 9 still "a5 t"e ma3"ete in one "an5. 9 trie5 not to ti-"ten my -rip on it. /ot to 5ra% attention to it.

9 must "a)e ma5e some 8etrayin- motion 8e3ause "e sai5@ A$ake your "an5 a%ay 1rom t"e kni1e@ 7s. Blake@ slo%ly.C 9 5i5n?t 5o it. 9 stare5 up at "im an5 "is -un. A/o%@ 7s. Blake@ or ... C He t"um8e5 8a3k t"e "ammer on t"e -un. /ot ne3essary 8ut al%ays 5ramati3. 9 let -o o1 t"e ma3"ete. AHan5 a%ay 1rom it@ 7s. Blake.C 9 mo)e5 my "an5 a%ay. 9 5i5n?t mo)e a%ay 1rom "im an5 t"e -un. 9 %ante5 to@ 8ut 9 ma5e mysel1 8e still. A 1e% in3"es %oul5n?t make t"e -un less 5ea5ly@ 8ut it mi-"t make a 8i- 5i11eren3e i1 9 trie5 to >ump "im. /ot my 1irst 3"oi3e@ 8ut i1 %e ran out o1 ot"er options ... 9 %oul5n?t -o 5o%n %it"out a 1i-"t. A!an you lay t"ese Eom8ies to rest@ 7r. Kirklan5BC Larry "esitate5. A9 5on?t kno%.C Goo5 8oy. 91 "e?5 sai5 no@ Stirlin- mi-"t "a)e kille5 "im. 91 "e?5 sai5 yes@ "e?5 "a)e kille5 me. Larry let -o o1 my arm an5 mo)e5 >ust a little a%ay 1rom me. Stirlin-?s eyes 1li3ke5 to "im@ 8a3k to me@ 8ut t"e -un 8arrel ne)er %a)ere5. 4amn. Larry %as on "is knees@ still mo)in- a%ay 1rom me@ 1or3in- Stirlin- to keep an eye on 8ot" o1 us. $"e .&+ mo)e5 an in3" 1rom t"e 3enter o1 my 1ore"ea5@ to%ar5s Larry. 9 took a 8reat" an5 "el5 it. /ot yet@ not yet ... 91 9 trie5 somet"in- too soon@ 9?5 8e 5ea5. Larry lun-e5 1or somet"in- on t"e -roun5. $"e .&+ s%un- to%ar5s "im. 9 5i5 t%o t"in-s at on3e. 9 slippe5 my le1t "an5 8e"in5 Stirlin-?s le- an5 pulle5@ an5 9 -ra88e5 "is -roin %it" my ri-"t an5 s"o)e5 %it" all 9 %as %ort". 9 %as 5oin- t"e %ron- t"in- to 3ause a lot o1 pain@ 8ut it tippe5 "im o)er. He 1ell 1lat on "is 8a3k %it" t"e -un s%in-in- 8a3k to%ar5s me. 9?5 "ope5 "e?5 5rop t"e -un@ or 8e slo%er. He 5i5n?t@ an5 "e %asn?t. So 9 only "a5 a split2se3on5 to 5e3i5e %"et"er to try to pull "is pri)ates out o1 "is 8o5y@ an5 3ause as mu3" pain as possi8le@ or -o 1or t"e -un. 9 %ent 1or t"e -un@ not tryin- to -ra8 it@ 8ut s%eepin- my "an5s into "is arms. 91 9 3oul5 3ontrol "is arms@ 9 3oul5 3ontrol t"e -un. $"e -un %ent o11. 9 5i5n?t look. /o time. Larry %as eit"er "it@ or "e %asn?t. 91 "e %asn?t@ 9 "a5 to -et t"at -un. Stirlin-?s arms %ere on t"e -roun5@ my "an5s keepin- t"em t"ere@ 8ut 9 "a5 no le)era-e. He raise5 "is arms o11 t"e -roun5@ an5 9 3oul5n?t stop "im. 9 s"o)e5 my 1eet into t"e -roun5 an5 1or3e5 "is arms o)er "is "ea5@ 8ut it "a5 8e3ome a %restlinmat3" no%@ an5 "e out%ei-"e5 me 8y si*ty poun5s. A4rop t"e -un.C Larry?s )oi3e 8e"in5 me. 9 3oul5n?t look. !oul5n?t take my attention 1rom t"e -un. =e 8ot" i-nore5 "im. A9 %ill s"oot you@C Larry sai5. $"at -ot Stirlin-?s attention. His eyes 1li3ke5 to LarryG 1or >ust a moment "is 8o5y "esitate5. 9 kept my -rip on "is %rists an5 s"o)e5 mysel1 1or%ar5@ up "is 8o5y. 9 5u- my knee into "is -roin@ tryin- to rea3" t"e -roun5 t"rou-" "im. He let out a stran-le5 3ry. His "an5s spasme5. 9 mo)e5 my "an5s up an5 tou3"e5 t"e -un. His -rip ti-"tene5. He %asn?t lettin- -o. 9 3ame up 8esi5e Stirlin-?s arms an5 8ra3e5 "is arms a-ainst my "ip. 9 pulle5 t"e arm a-ainst my 8o5y@ >ust one ;ui3k mo)ement@ an5 snappe5 "is arm at t"e el8o%. $"e "an5 %ent num8@ an5 t"e -un 1ell into my "an5. 9 3ra%le5 a%ay 1rom "im@ t"e -un in one "an5. Larry %as stan5in- o)er us %it" a -un pointe5 at Stirlin-. Stirlin- 5i5n?t seem to 3are. He %as ro3kin- 8a3k an5 1ort" o)er t"e -roun5@ tryin- to 3ra5le 8ot" in>uries at on3e. A9 "a5 a -un. Dou 3oul5 "a)e >ust mo)e5 a%ay 1rom "im@C Larry sai5. 9 >ust s"ook my "ea5. 9 truste5 Larry to s"oot Stirlin-. 9 >ust "a5n?t truste5 Stirlin- not to s"oot Larry. A9 "a5 my "an5s on t"e -un. Seeme5 a s"ame to let it -o@C 9 sai5. Larry pointe5 t"e -un at t"e -roun5@ 8ut kept a ni3e t%o2"an5e5 -rip on it. A9t?s yoursG you %ant itBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. AKeep it until %e -et to t"e 3ar.C 9 looke5 up at t"e Eom8ies. $"ey %ere %at3"in- me %it" 3alm eyes. $"ere %as 8loo5 on t"e mout" o1 t"e 5ark2"aire5 %oman. 9t "a5 8een "er teet" t"at tore into 7s. Harrison?s ne3k. 7s. Harrison %as lyin- )ery still on t"e -roun5. Passe5 out@ at t"e )ery least. $"e po%er %as 8e-innin- to unra)el at t"e e5-es. 91 9 %as -oin- to put e)ery8o5y 8a3k in t"e -roun5@ it "a5 to 8e no%. AGo 8a3k into t"e -roun5. Ba3k to your -ra)es. Go 8a3k@ all o1 you@ -o 8a3k.C $"e 5ea5 %alke5 upon t"e eart"@ mo)in- amon- one anot"er like 3"il5ren in a -ame o1 musi3al 3"airs. $"en one 8y one t"ey lay 5o%n upon t"e eart"@ an5 it s%allo%e5 t"em like %ater. $"e eart" mo)e5 an5 8u3kle5 in %a)es@ until t"ey %ere all tu3ke5 out o1 si-"t.

$"ere %ere no 8ones protru5in- 1rom t"e eart". $"e eart" %as smoot" an5 so1t@ as i1 t"e entire top o1 t"e mountain "a5 8een 5u- up an5 smoot"e5 o)er. $"e po%er s"re55e5@ 1lo%in- 8a3k into t"e -roun5@ or %"ere)er t"e "ell it 3ame 1rom. =e "a5 to -et 5o%n to t"e Heep an5 start makin- p"one 3alls. $"ere %as a rampa-in- 1ey on t"e loose. =e at least "a5 to -et 3ops out to t"e Bou)iers? pla3e. Larry knelt 8esi5e 7s. Harrison. He tou3"e5 "er ne3k. AS"e?s ali)e.C His "an5 3ame a%ay staine5 %it" 8loo5. 9 looke5 at Stirlin-. He?5 stoppe5 rollin- aroun5 an5 %as >ust sort o1 "u55le5 on "is si5e@ "is arm "el5 at an o8s3ene an-le. $"e look "e -a)e me %as part pain an5 part "ate. 91 "e e)er -ot a se3on5 3"an3e@ 9 %as 5ea5. AS"oot "im i1 "e mo)es@C 9 sai5. Larry -ot to "is 1eet an5 pointe5 t"e -un 5uti1ully at Stirlin-. 9 %ent to 3"e3k on Bayar5. He lay on "is si5e@ "al123rumple5 aroun5 t"e %oun5 in "is 8elly. A %i5e 8la3k 3ir3le s"o%e5 %"ere "is 8loo5 "a5 soake5 into t"e t"irsty -roun5. 9 kne% 5ea5 %"en 9 sa% it@ 8ut 9 knelt on t"e 1ar si5e o1 "is 8o5y so 9 3oul5 keep an eye on Stirlin-. 9t %asn?t t"at 9 5i5n?t trust Larry. 9 >ust 5i5n?t trust Stirlin-. $"ere %as no pulse in "is ne3k. $"e skin %as alrea5y 3oolin- in t"e so1t sprin- air. 9t "a5n?t 8een an instant 5eat". Lionel Bayar5 "a5 5ie5 %"ile %e %ere 1i-"tin-. He?5 5ie5 alone@ an5 "e?5 kno%n "e %as 5yin-@ an5 t"at "e?5 8een 8etraye5. 9t %as a 8a5 %ay to 5ie. 9 stoo5 up an5 looke5 at Stirlin-. 9 %ante5 to kill "im 1or Bayar5@ 1or 7a-nus@ 1or 4orrie Bou)ier@ 1or "er ki5s. 'or 8ein- a "eartless son o1 8it3". He?5 %itnesse5 me usin- Eom8ies as a %eapon. :sin- ma-i3 as a killin- %eapon %as punis"a8le 8y 5eat". Sel125e1ense %as not an a33epta8le plea. 9 stare5 )ery 3almly a3ross at Stirlin- an5 t"e un3ons3ious 7s. Harrison@ an5 realiEe5 t"at 9 3oul5 "a)e 3rosse5 t"at -roun5 an5 put a 8ullet in 8ot" o1 t"em@ an5 slept >ust 1ine. S%eet Hesus. Larry -lan3e5 my %ay@ -un still stea5y@ 8ut "e?5 taken "is eyes o11 Stirlin- 1or a se3on5. /ot 1atal@ toni-"t@ 8ut 9?5 "a)e to 8reak "im o1 it. A9s Bayar5 5ea5BC ADea".C 9 starte5 8a3k to%ar5s t"em@ %on5erin- %"at 9 %as -oin- to 5o. 9 5i5n?t t"ink Larry %oul5 let me s"oot t"em in 3ol5 8loo5. Part o1 me %as -la5. Part o1 me %asn?t. =in5 8le% a-ainst my 1a3e. $"ere %as a rustlin- soun5 in t"e %in5@ like t"at ma5e 8y trees or 3lot". $"ere %ere no trees on top o1 t"is mountain. 9 turne5 %it" t"e 8i- .&+ in a t%o2"an5e5 -rip@ an5 Hanos %as >ust t"ere@ on t"e e5-e o1 t"e mountain. Starin- at "is skeletal 1a3e@ 9 t"ink 9 stoppe5 8reat"in-. He %as 5resse5 all in 8la3kG e)en "is "an5s %ere "i55en insi5e 8la3k -lo)es. 'or one %il5 moment "e looke5 like a 1loatin- skull. A=e "a)e t"e 8oy@C "e sai5.

Chapter Thirty-five
$"e 3rosses %ere still in plain si-"t. $"ey -lo%e5 %it" a so1t %"ite ra5ian3e. /o 8urnin- li-"t@ not yet. =e %eren?t in a3ti)e 5an-er@ 8ut t"e 3ross -re% %arm e)en t"rou-" my s"irt. Hanos put a "an5 in 1ront o1 "is eyes@ t"e %ay 9 %oul5 -uar5 my eyes 1rom t"e sun in t"e 3ar. APlease put t"ose a%ay@ so %e may talk.C He "a5n?t aske5 us to take t"em o11. 9 3oul5 li)e %it" tu3kin- my 3ross in my s"irt. 9t 3oul5 3ome out a-ain later. 9 spille5 t"e 3"ain 8a3k 5o%n my s"irt one"an5e5@ keepin- t"e .&+ rea5y. 9 realiEe5 t"en t"at 9 5i5n?t kno% i1 t"e -un "a5 sil)er ammo. /o% %as not t"e time to ask. Stirlin- %oul5 pro8a8ly lie any%ay. Larry slippe5 "is o%n 3ross out o1 si-"t. $"e -lo%in- ni-"t %as >ust a little 5immer. AAlri-"t@ no% %"atBC 9 aske5. Kissa 3ame up 8e"in5 "im@ He11 Nuinlan in 1ront o1 "er like a s"iel5. His -lasses %ere -one@ an5 "e looke5 e)en youn-er %it"out t"em. S"e "a5 "is arm 8e"in5 "is 8a3k@ at an an-le t"at 3oul5 8e pain1ul %it" >ust a tu-. He %as %earin- a 3ream23olore5 tu*e5o %it" a 3ummer8un5 5one t%o s"a5es 5arker to mat3" t"e 8o% tie. Kissa %as in 8la3k leat"er. He11 stoo5 out a-ainst "er in %on5er1ul 3ontrast. 9 s%allo%e5G my pulse t"reatene5 to 3"oke me. ="at %as -oin- onB ADou alri-"t@ He11BC A9 -uess so.C Kissa -a)e a little tu-. He %in3e5. A9?m okay.C His )oi3e %as a little "i-"er t"an it s"oul5 "a)e 8een. a little s3are5. 9 "el5 out my "an5 to "im. A!ome "ere.C

A/ot yet@C Hanos sai5. 9?5 trie5. A="at 5o you %antBC A'irst 5rop your -uns.C A91 %e 5on?tBC 9 t"ou-"t 9 kne% t"e ans%er@ 8ut 9 %ante5 "im to say it. AKissa %ill kill t"e 8oy@ an5 you %ill "a)e 5one all t"is 1or not"in-@C AHelp me@C Stirlin- sai5. AS"e?s ma5. S"e atta3ke5 7s. Harrison %it" Eom8ies. ="en %e trie5 to 5e1en5 oursel)es@ s"e nearly kille5 us.C $"at %as pro8a8ly %"at "e?5 say in 3ourt@ too. An5 a >ury %oul5 8elie)e "im. $"ey?5 %ant to 8elie)e "im. 9 %oul5 8e t"e 8i-@ 8a5 Eom8ie ;ueen@ an5 "e %oul5 8e t"e inno3ent )i3tim. Hanos lau-"e5@ "is paper2t"in skin t"reatenin- to split@ 8ut ne)er ;uite 5oin- it. A#"@ no@ 7r. Stirlin-@ 9 %at3"e5 1rom t"e 5arkness. 9 sa% you mur5er t"e ot"er man.C 'ear 1las"e5 a3ross "is 1a3e. A9 5on?t kno% %"at you mean. =e "ire5 "im in -oo5 1ait". He turne5 on us.C A7y master opene5 your min5 to Bloo5y Bones. S"e 1ree5 "im to %"isper in your 5reams a8out lan5@ money@ an5 po%er. All t"at you 5esire.C ASerep"ina sent 9)y to kill me@ or rat"er 1or me to kill "er. So s"e?5 8e sure to "a)e Bloo5y Bones 1ree@C 9 sai5. ADes@C "e sai5. ASerep"ina tol5 "er s"e "a5 to ri5 "ersel1 o1 t"e 5is-ra3e o1 losin- to you.C ABy killin- me.C ADes.C A="at i1 s"e?5 su33ee5e5BC A7y master "a5 1ait" in you@ Anita. Dou are 5eat" 3ome amon- us. A 8reat" o1 mortality.C A="y?5 s"e %ant t"e t"in- 1ree5BC 9 seeme5 to 8e askin- t"at a lot toni-"t. AS"e %is"es to taste immortal 8loo5.C A$"is is all sort o1 ela8orate 1or a little e*tra ki3k in your 1oo5.C He -a)e anot"er ri3tus -rin. ADou are %"at you eat@ Anita. $"ink upon it.C 9 5i5@ an5 my eyes %i5ene5. AS"e t"inks 8y 5rinkin- immortal 8loo5@ s"e?ll 8e truly immortalBC AVery -oo5@ Anita.C A9t %on?t %ork@C 9 sai5. A=e s"all see@C "e sai5. A="at 5o you -et out itBC 9 aske5. He 3o3ke5 "is skeletal "ea5 to one si5e@ like a 5e3ayin- 8ir5. AS"e is my master@ an5 s"e s"ares "er 8ounty.C ADou %ant immortality@ tooBC A9 %ant po%er@C "e sai5. Great. AAn5 it 5oesn?t 8ot"er you t"at t"e t"in- %ill kill 3"il5renB $"at it?s alrea5y kille5 someBC A=e 1ee5@ Bloo5y Bones 1ee5s@ %"at 5oes it matterBC AAn5 Bloo5y Bones is -oin- to >ust let you 1ee5 o11 itBC ASerep"ina "as 1oun5 t"e spell t"at 7a-nus?s an3estor use5. S"e 3ontrols t"e 1airie.C AHo%BC He s"ook "is "ea5 an5 smile5. A/o more 5elays@ Anita. 4rop t"e -un@ or Kissa %ill taste "im 8e1ore your eyes.C Kissa ran a "an5 t"rou-" He11?s s"ort "air@ a 3aressin- -esture. 9t pus"e5 "is "ea5 to one si5e@ 8arin- a lon- smoot" line o1 ne3k. A/oIC He11 trie5 to pull a%ay@ an5 Kissa yanke5 on "is arm "ar5 enou-" t"at "e 3rie5 out. A9 %ill 8reak t"e arm@ 8oy@C s"e -ro%le5. $"e pain "el5 "im immo8ile@ 8ut "is eyes %ere %i5e an5 terri1ie5. He looke5 at me. He %oul5n?t plea5@ no 8e--in-@ 8ut "is eyes 5i5 it 1or "im. Kissa?s lips pulle5 8a3k 1rom "er teet" in a 1las"y snarl@ 1an-s )isi8le. A4on?t@C 9 sai5@ an5 "ate5 it. 9 tosse5 t"e .&+ to t"e -roun5. Larry t"re% my -un 5o%n. 4isarme5 t%i3e in one ni-"t. 9t %as a re3or5 e)en 1or me.

!"apter $"irty2si* A/o% %"atBC 9 aske5. ASerep"ina a%aits us at t"e party. S"e sent suita8le 3lot"in- 1or you. Dou 3an 3"an-e in t"e limousine@C Hanos sai5. A="at partyBC 9 aske5. A$"e one %e "a)e 3ome to in)ite you to. S"e is 5eli)erin- Hean2!lau5e?s in)itation in person.C $"at 5i5n?t soun5 -oo5. A9 t"ink %e?ll pass on t"e party.C A9 5on?t t"ink so@C Hanos sai5. Anot"er )ampire steppe5 out o1 t"e trees. 9t %as t"e 8runette t"at "a5 tormente5 Hason. S"e stalke5 1or%ar5 in a lon8la3k 5ress t"at 3o)ere5 "er 1rom ne3k to ankle. S"e sli5 "er arms aroun5 Hanos@ nuEElin- "is ne3k@ -i)in- us a -limpse o1 "er pale 8a3k. #nly a 1ine %e88in- o1 8la3k straps 3o)ere5 "er 8a3k. $"e 5ress mo)e5 like it %oul5 sli5e 5o%n "er 8o5y at t"e least mo)ement@ 8ut some"o% it staye5 in pla3e. 'as"ion2plate ma-i3. Her 5ark "air %as in a loopin- 8rai5 to one si5e o1 "er 1a3e. S"e looke5 -oo5 1or someone 9?5 seen rippe5 to rottin- 8its o1 1les". 9 3oul5n?t keep t"e surprise o11 my 1a3e. A9 t"ou-"t s"e %as 5ea5@C Larry sai5. ASo 5i5 9.C A9 %oul5 ne)er "a)e riske5 Pallas i1 9 truly t"ou-"t your %ere%ol1 3oul5 kill "er@C Hanos sai5. A se3on5 1i-ure 3ame out o1 t"e 5ark %oo5s. Lon- %"ite "air 1rame5 a t"in@ 1ine28one5 1a3e. His eyes -lo%e5 8loo5re5. 9?5 seen )ampires %it" -lo%in- eyes 8e1ore@ 8ut t"ey al%ays -lo%e5 t"e 3olor o1 t"eir irises. /o one %"o "a5 e)er 8een "uman "a5 re5 irises. He %ore a pro)er8ial 8la3k tu* an5 tails@ 3omplete %it" a nearly ankle2len-t" 3ape. AWa)ier@C 9 sai5 so1tly. Larry looke5 at me. A$"is is t"e )ampire t"at?s 8een killin- e)eryoneBC 9 no55e5. A$"en %"at?s "e 5oin- "ereBC A$"at?s "o% you 1oun5 He11 so ;ui3kly. Dou?re %orkin- %it" Wa)ier@C 9 sai5. A4oes Serep"ina kno%BC Hanos smile5. AS"e is master o1 all@ Anita@ e)en "im.C He sai5 t"e last like it impresse5 "im. ADou %on?t -et to mun3" on your 1airie 1or lon- i1 t"e 3ops tra3e Wa)ier to you.C AWa)ier %as 1ollo%in- or5ers. He %as on a re3ruitment 5ri)e.C Hanos seeme5 to like sayin- t"at last 8it like it %as an in2 >oke. A="y 5i5 you %ant ,llie NuinlanBC AWa)ier likes a 8it o1 youn- 8oy no% an5 t"en. 9t is "is one %eakness. He turne5 t"e -irl?s lo)er@ an5 t"e 8oy %ante5 "er %it" "im 1ore)er. $oni-"t s"e %ill rise an5 1ee5 %it" us.C /ot i1 9 3oul5 "elp it. A="at 5o you %ant@ HanosBC A9 %as sent to make your li1e easier@C "e sai5. ADea"@ ri-"t.C Pallas un3urle5 "ersel1 1rom Hanos. S"e -li5e5 o)er to Stirlin-. Stirlin- stare5 up at "er@ 3ra5lin- "is 8roken arm. 9t "a5 to "urt like "ell@ 8ut it %asn?t pain on "is 1a3e no%@ it %as 1ear. He stare5 up at t"e )ampireG all t"e arro-an3e "a5 slippe5 a%ay. He looke5 like a ki5 %"o?5 5is3o)ere5 t"e t"in- un5er t"e 8e5 %as really t"ere. A t"ir5 )ampire mo)e5 out o1 t"e trees. 9t %as t"e 8lon5e "al1 o1 t"e pair. S"e looke5 1ine@ like s"e?5 ne)er rotte5 ri-"t 8e1ore our eyes. 9?5 ne)er kno%n a )ampire t"at 3oul5 look so 5ea5@ an5 not 8e. ADou remem8er Bettina@C "e sai5. Bettina %ore a 8la3k 5ress t"at le1t "er pale s"oul5ers 8are. A t"ro% o1 8la3k 3lot" %ent o)er one s"oul5er an5 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 t"e 5ress. A -ol5 8elt "el5 it in pla3e@ 3in3"in- "er %aist ti-"t. Her yello% 8rai5 %as %oun5 in a 3ro%n atop "er "ea5. S"e %alke5 to%ar5s us@ an5 "er 1a3e %as per1e3t. $"e 5ry@ rottin- skin "a5 8een a 8a5 5ream@ a ni-"tmare. 9 %is". 'ire@ Hean2!lau5e "a5 sai5@ 1ire %as t"e only surety. 9 t"ou-"t "e?5 meant >ust Hanos. Hanos rea3"e5 o)er an5 -ra88e5 He11 1rom Kissa. He -rippe5 t"e 8oy?s s"oul5ers %it" 8ot" 8la3k2-lo)e5 "an5s. His 1in-ers %ere lon-er t"an t"ey s"oul5 "a)e 8een@ as t"ou-" t"ey "a5 an e*tra >oint. A-ainst t"e %"ite o1 He11?s >a3ket@ you 3oul5 tell t"at t"e in5e* 1in-er %as as lon- as t"e mi55le 1in-er. Anot"er myt" t"at %as true@ at least 1or Hanos. $"ose lon-@ stran-e 1in-ers 5u- into He11 >ust a little.

He11?s eyes %ere so %i5e it looke5 pain1ul. A="at?s -oin- onBC 9 aske5. Kissa %as 5resse5 in t"e same 8la3k )inyl out1it s"e?5 "a5 on in t"e torture room@ t"ou-" it 3oul5n?t 8e t"e e*a3t same one@ 8e3ause t"e 1irst one "a5 Larry?s 8ullet "ole in it. S"e stoo5 8esi5e "im@ "er "an5s in 1ists. S"e stoo5 )ery still@ as only t"e 5ea5 3an@ 8ut t"ere %as a tension to "er@ a %ariness. S"e %asn?t "appy. Her 5ark skin %as stran-ely pale. S"e "a5n?t 1e5 yet toni-"t. 9 3oul5 al%ays tell ... %it" most )ampires. $"ere are al%ays e*3eptions. Wa)ier mo)e5 in a s"a5o% o1 t"at impossi8le 8lurrin- spee5 past Stirlin-@ to stan5 8esi5e t"e still un3ons3ious 7s. Harrison. Larry s"ook "is "ea5. A4i5 "e >ust appear t"ere@ or 5i5 9 see "im mo)eBC AHe mo)e5@C 9 sai5. 9 e*pe3te5 Hanos to sen5 Kissa out to >oin t"e ot"ers@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. A 1i-ure 3ra%le5 o)er t"e lip o1 t"e "ill@ 5ra--in- itsel1 into si-"t like it "urt to mo)e. Pale "an5s 5u- into t"e nake5 5irt@ pale arms 8are to t"e sprin- ni-"t. $"e "ea5 5roope5 to%ar5s t"e -roun5@ s"ort 5ark "air "i5in- t"e 1a3e. =it" one up%ar5 motion@ t"e 1a3e raise5 into t"e moonli-"t. $"in@ 8loo5less lips 5re% 8a3k 1rom 1an-s. $"e 1a3e %as ra)a-e5 %it" "un-er. 9 kne% t"e eyes %ere 8ro%n only 8e3ause 9?5 seen t"em starin- li1elessly at t"e 3eilin- o1 ,llie Nuinlan?s 8e5room. $"ere %as no pull to "er eyes@ 8ut 5o%n in t"e 5ark 5ept"s a 1li3ker o1 somet"in- 8urne5. 9t %asn?t sanityG "un-er@ may8e. An animal?s emotion@ not"in- "uman. 7ay8e a1ter t"ey?5 let "er 1ee5 1or t"e 1irst time@ s"e?5 "a)e time 1or emotionsG no% e)eryt"in- "a5 narro%e5 5o%n to one 8asi3 nee5. A9s t"at %"o 9 t"ink it isBC Larry aske5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. He11 trie5 to run to "er. A,llieIC Hanos >erke5 "im ti-"t a-ainst "is 3"est@ one arm aroun5 "is s"oul5ers like an em8ra3e. He11 stru--le5 a-ainst t"at arm@ trie5 to run to "is 5ea5 sister. 9 %as %it" Hanos on t"is one. $"e ne%ly risen "a)e a ten5en3y to eat 1irst an5 ask ;uestions later. $"e t"in- t"at "a5 on3e 8een ,llie Nuinlan %oul5 "a)e -la5ly torn out "er 8a8y 8rot"er?s t"roat. S"e?5 "a)e 8at"e5 in t"e 8loo5@ an5 minutes@ or 5ays@ or %eeks later@ s"e %oul5 realiEe %"at s"e?5 5one. S"e mi-"t e)en re-ret it. AGo@ An-elaG -o to Wa)ier@C Hanos sai5. AA ne% name %on?t 3"an-e %"o s"e %as@C 9 sai5. Hanos looke5 at me. AS"e is t%o years 5ea5@ an5 "er name is An-ela.C AHer name is ,llie@C He11 sai5. He?5 stoppe5 stru--lin-@ 8ut "e looke5 at "is 5ea5 sister %it" 1res" "orror@ as i1 >ust 8e-innin- to really see "er. APeople %ill re3o-niEe "er@ Hanos.C A=e s"all 8e 3are1ul@ Anita. #ur ne% an-el %ill see no one t"at %e 5o not %is".C A=ell@ isn?t t"at 3oEyBC 9 sai5. A9t %ill 8e@C "e sai5@ Aon3e s"e "as 5runk "er 1ill.C A9?m impresse5 t"at you 5ra--e5 "er t"is 1ar %it"out 1ee5in- "er 1irst.C A9 5i5 it.C Wa)ier?s )oi3e %as surprisin-ly pleasant. 9t %as 5istur8in- "earin- t"at )oi3e 3omin- 1rom t"at pale@ -"ostly 1a3e. 9 looke5 at "im@ 3are1ul to a)oi5 "is -aEe. A9mpressi)e@C 9 sai5. AAn5y 8rou-"t "er o)er@ an5 9 8rou-"t An5y o)er. 9 am "er master.C Sin3e An5y "a5n?t s"o%n up@ 9 %as 8ettin- 9?5 kille5 "im in t"e %oo5s %it" S"eri11 St. Ho"n. Pro8a8ly not a -oo5 time to 8rin- t"at up. AAn5 %"o is your masterBC ASerep"ina@ 1or no%@C Wa)ier sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at Hanos. ADou "a)en?t %orke5 out %"i3" o1 you is top 5o-@ "a)e youBC 9 smile5. ADou %aste our time@ Anita. #ur master a%aits you ea-erly. Let us 1inis" t"is. !all our an-el.C Wa)ier "el5 out one pale "an5. ,llie ma5e a noise lo% in "er t"roat@ an5 s3ram8le5 on all 1ours o)er t"e ra% 5irt. $"e lon8la3k 5ress tan-le5 aroun5 "er le-s. S"e tore at it impatiently. $"e 3lot" rippe5 like paper in "er "an5s@ t"e skirt s"re55in- aroun5 "er 8are le-s. S"e -ra88e5 Wa)ier?s "an5 like it %as a li1eline. S"e 8ent o)er "is %rist@ an5 only "is "an5 in "er "air kept "er 1rom tryin- to 1ee5 on "im. A$"ere is no sustenan3e 1or you 1rom t"e 5ea5@ An-ela@C Hanos sai5. A'ee5 on t"e li)in-.C Pallas an5 Bettina knelt on eit"er si5e o1 Stirlin-. Wa)ier 1ell -ra3e1ully 8esi5e 7s. Harrison@ "is 8la3k 3ape sprea5 out aroun5 "im like a pool o1 8loo5. He kept "ol5 o1 ,llie?s "air t"e %"ole %ay 5o%n@ 1or3in- "er snarlin- 1a3e to tou3" t"e 5irt. Her "an5s 5u- at "is "an5s@ me%lin- soun5s 3ra%lin- 1rom "er t"roat. /ot"in- t"at %as "uman s"oul5 "a)e ma5e soun5s like t"at. A7s. Blake@C Stirlin- sai5@ Ayou?re t"e la%. Dou "a)e to prote3t me.C

A9 t"ou-"t you %ere -oin- to see me in 3ourt@ <aymon5. Somet"in- a8out me atta3kin- you an5 7s. Harrison %it" Eom8ies.C A9 5i5n?t mean it.C He -lan3e5 up at t"e kneelin- )ampires@ t"en 8a3k to me. A9 %on?t tell. 9 %on?t tell anyone. Please.C 9 >ust looke5 at "im. ABe--in- 1or mer3y@ <aymon5BC ADes@ yes@ 9?m 8e--in-.C ALike t"e mer3y you s"o%e5 Bayar5BC APlease.C Bettina 3aresse5 Stirlin-?s 3"eek. He >erke5 like it "a5 8urne5. APleaseIC S"it. A=e 3an?t >ust %at3"@C Larry sai5. ADou "a)e anot"er su--estionBC ADou ne)er -i)e anyone o)er to t"e monsters@ not 1or any reason. 9t?s a rule@C "e sai5. 9t %as my rule. 9?5 8elie)e5 in it on3e@ 8a3k %"en 9?5 8een sure %"o t"e monsters %ere. He %as pullin- t"e 3"ain out 1rom insi5e "is s"irt. A4on?t 5o t"is@ Larry. 4on?t -et us kille5 1or <aymon5 Stirlin-.C His 3ross spille5 out in t"e open air. 9t -lo%e5 like Serep"ina?s eyes. He >ust looke5 at me. 9 si-"e5@ an5 8rou-"t out my o%n 3ross. A$"is is a 8a5 i5ea.C A9 kno%@C "e sai5. ABut 9 3an?t >ust %at3".C 9 stare5 at "is earnest 1a3e@ an5 kne% it %as true. He 3oul5n?t >ust %at3". 9 3oul5 "a)e. 9 mi-"t not "a)e en>oye5 it@ 8ut 9 3oul5 "a)e let it "appen. 7ore?s t"e pity. A="at are you 5oin- %it" your little "oly o8>e3tsBC Hanos aske5. AStoppin- t"is@C 9 sai5. ADou %ant t"em 5ea5@ Anita.C A/ot like t"is@C 9 sai5. A=oul5 you "a)e me let you use your -un an5 %aste all t"is 8loo5BC He %as o11erin- to let me s"oot t"em. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t t"ink t"at?s an option anymore.C A9t %as ne)er an option@C Larry sai5. 9 let t"at -oG no nee5 to 5isillusion "im. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s Pallas an5 Bettina. Larry %alke5 to%ar5s ,llie an5 Wa)ier@ 3ross "el5 out%ar5 to t"e len-t" o1 its 3"ain@ as i1 t"at ma5e it %ork 8etter. /ot"in- %ron- %it" a little 5ramati3 -esture@ 8ut 9?5 "a)e to 3lue "im in t"at it 5i5n?t really "elp. But later. $"e 3ross?s -lo% -re% until it %as like %earin- a 1 3ir3le outsi5e t"e -lo%. 2%att li-"t8ul8 nake5 aroun5 your ne3k. 9 sa% t"e %orl5 as a 8la3k

Wa)ier %as on "is 1eet 1a3in- Larry@ 8ut t"e ot"ers "a5 3ra%le5 a%ay 1rom t"eir prey@ 8eaten 8y t"e li-"t. A$"ank you@ 7s. Blake@C Stirlin- sai5. A$"ank you.C He -ra88e5 my le- %it" "is -oo5 "an5@ 1a%nin- o)er me. 9 1ou-"t an ur-e to s"ake "im o11. A$"ank LarryG 9?5 "a)e let you 5ie.C He 5i5n?t seem to "ear me. He %as nearly 3ryin- %it" relie1@ slo88erin- all o)er my /ikes. ABa3k a%ay 1rom t"em@ please.C $"e )oi3e %as 1emale an5 "oney2t"i3k. 9 8linke5 o)er t"e -lo% o1 t"e 3ross an5 sa% Kissa "ol5in- a -un. A re)ol)er t"at looke5 like a 7a-numG "ar5 to tell in t"e -lo%. ="ate)er it %as@ it?5 make a 8i- "ole. A7o)e a%ay 1rom t"em@ no%.C A9 t"ou-"t Serep"ina 5i5n?t %ant me 5ea5.C AKissa %ill s"oot your youn- 1rien5.C 9 stoppe5 in mi528reat" an5 let it out. A91 you kill "im@ 9 %on?t 3ooperate %it" %"ate)er you "a)e in min5 1or toni-"t.C ADou misun5erstan5 us@ Anita@C Hanos sai5. A7y master 5oes not re;uire your 3ooperation. ,)eryt"in- s"e %ants 1rom you 3an 8e taken 8y 1or3e.C 9 stare5 at "im o)er t"e s"inin- li-"t. He "a5 He11 3u55le5 a-ainst "imG most "eart%armin-.

A$ake o11 your 3rosses an5 t"ro% t"em 1ar out into t"e trees@C Hanos sai5. He ran a -lo)e5 "an5 alon- 8ot" si5es o1 He11?s 1a3e@ plantin- a kiss on "is 3"eek. A/o% t"at %e kno% you %oul5 -i)e up your sa1ety 1or 8ot" youn- men@ %e "a)e one more "osta-e t"an is a8solutely ne3essary.C He put "is "an5s on eit"er si5e o1 He11?s ne3k@ >ust "ol5in-@ not "urtin-@ not yet. A$ake o11 your 3rosses an5 t"ro% t"em into t"e %oo5s. 9 %ill not ask a t"ir5 time.C 9 stare5 at "im. 9 5i5n?t %ant to -i)e up my 3ross. 9 -lan3e5 at Larry. He %as still 1a3in- o11 a-ainst Wa)ier@ "is 3ross -lo%in- 8ra)ely. S"it. AKissa@ s"oot t"e man.C A/o@C 9 sai5. 9 un5i5 t"e 3"ain. A4on?t s"oot "im.C A4on?t 5o it @ Anita@C Larry sai5. A9 3an?t %at3" t"em s"oot you@ not i1 9 3an stop it.C 9 let t"e 3"ain pool in my "an5G t"e 3ross s"one %it" a 8lue2%"ite 1lame like 8urnin- ma-nesium. 9t %as a 8a5 i5ea to t"ro% it a%ay. A real 8a5 i5ea. 9 tosse5 it into t"e %oo5s. $"e 3ross -littere5 like a 1allin- star an5 5ie5 out o1 si-"t in t"e 5ark. A/o% your 3ross@ Larry@C Hanos sai5. Larry s"ook "is "ea5. ADou?ll "a)e to s"oot me.C A=e?ll s"oot t"e 8oy@C Hanos sai5. A#r per"aps 9?ll 1ee5 upon "im %"ile you %at3".C He pinne5 He11 a-ainst "imsel1 %it" one arm@ %"ile "is ot"er "an5 5u- into t"e 8oy?s "air@ "ol5in- "im immo8ile@ ne3k e*pose5. Larry looke5 at me. A="at 5o 9 5o@ AnitaBC ADou "a)e to 5e3i5e t"is one 1or yoursel1@C 9 sai5. A$"ey?ll really kill "im@ %on?t t"eyBC ADea"@ t"ey %ill.C He 3urse5 un5er "is 8reat" an5 let t"e 3ross 1all a-ainst "is 3"est. He un5i5 t"e 3"ain an5 t"re% it out into t"e %oo5s %it" a lot o1 1or3e to it@ as i1 "e 3oul5 t"ro% "is an-er %it" it. ="en t"e li-"t 1rom "is 3ross 5ie5 a%ay@ %e stoo5 t"ere in t"e 5arkness. $"e moonli-"t t"at "a5 seeme5 so 8ri-"t 8e1ore %as a 5im su8stitute. 7y ni-"t )ision returne5 in sta-es. Kissa steppe5 3loser@ t"e -un still pointe5 at us. $"e 1irst time 9?5 seen "er@ s"e "a5 e*u5e5 se*uality@ po%erG no% s"e %as 5o3ile@ ;uiet@ as t"ou-" some o1 "er po%er "a5 8een 5raine5 a%ay. S"e looke5 pale an5 5ra%n. S"e nee5e5 to 1ee5. A="y "a)en?t t"ey let you 1ee5 toni-"tBC 9 aske5. A#ur master is not a "un5re5 per3ent sure o1 Kissa?s loyalty. 9t nee5e5 testin-@ 5i5n?t it@ my 5ark 8eautyBC Kissa 5i5n?t ans%er. S"e stare5 at me %it" lar-e@ 5ark eyes@ 8ut t"e -un ne)er %a)ere5. A'ee5@ 3"il5ren@ 1ee5.C Pallas an5 Bettina %alke5 o)er to Stirlin-. $"ey stare5 at me o)er "im. 9 stare5 8a3k. Stirlin- -ra88e5 my le-. ADou 3an?t let t"em "a)e me. Please@ please.C Pallas knelt 8y "im. Bettina %alke5 aroun5 to t"e si5e 9 %as on. S"e pulle5 Stirlin-?s "an5 o11 my le-. $"e )ampire?s lo%er 8a3k 8rus"e5 my le-s. 9 took a step 8a3k@ an5 Stirlin- starte5 s3reamin-. Wa)ier an5 ,llie "a5 alrea5y starte5 to 1ee5 on t"e 8lesse5ly un3ons3ious 7s. Harrison. Larry looke5 at me@ "an5s out@ empty@ "elpless. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. A4on?t tou3" me@ 5on?t tou3" meIC Stirlin- 8atte5 at Pallas %it" "is -oo5 "an5@ an5 t"e )ampire 3au-"t it easily@ "el5 it. AAt least put "im un5er@C 9 sai5. Pallas looke5 up at me. AA1ter "e trie5 to kill youB ="y s"o% "im mer3yBC A7ay8e 9 5on?t %ant to "ear "im s3ream.C Pallas smile5. Her eyes 1las"e5 5ark 1ire. A'or you@ Anita@ anyt"in-.C S"e -ra88e5 Stirlin-?s 3"in@ 1or3in- "im to meet "er -aEe. A7s. Blake@ "elp me. Help ... C $"e %or5s 5ie5 in "is mout". 9 %at3"e5 e)eryt"in- sli5e out o1 "is eyes@ until t"ey %ere empty an5 %aitin-. A!ome to me@ <aymon5@C Pallas sai5. A!ome to me.C

Stirlin- sat up@ "is one -oo5 arm em8ra3in- t"e )ampire. He trie5 to use t"e 8roken arm@ 8ut it %oul5n?t 8en5 at t"e el8o%. Bettina 8ent t"e 8roken arm 8a3k%ar5 an5 1or%ar5@ lau-"in-. Stirlin- ne)er rea3te5 to t"e pain. He snu--le5 a-ainst Pallas. $"e look on "is 1a3e %as one o1 "appiness@ >oy. ,a-erness. Pallas sank 1an-s into "is ne3k. Stirlin- spasme5 1or a se3on5@ t"en rela*e5 an5 8e-an makin- so1t noises in "is t"roat. Pallas mo)e5 Stirlin-?s "ea5 to one si5e@ su3kin- on t"e %oun5 8ut lea)in- enou-" room on t"e ot"er si5e 1or someone else. Bettina sank 1an-s into t"e e*pose5 1les". $"e t%o )ampires 1e5@ "ea5s so 3lose to-et"er t"eir "air min-le5@ -ol5 an5 8la3k. An5 <aymon5 Stirlin- ma5e "appy noises %"ile t"ey kille5 "im. Larry %alke5 a%ay to t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3learin-@ "u--in- "is arms ti-"t a3ross "is 3"est. 9 staye5 %"ere 9 %as. 9 %at3"e5. 9 "a5 %ante5 Stirlin- 5ea5. 9t %oul5 8e 3o%ar5ly to look a%ay. Besi5es@ 9 s"oul5 "a)e to %at3". 9 nee5e5 to remem8er %"o t"e monsters %ere. 7ay8e i1 9 1or3e5 mysel1 not to look a%ay@ not to 8link@ 9 %oul5n?t 1or-et a-ain. 9 stare5 at Stirlin-?s "appy@ ea-er 1a3e@ until "is arm 5roppe5 a%ay 1rom Pallas?s 8a3k@ an5 "is eyes 3lose5. He passe5 out 1rom 8loo5 loss an5 s"o3k@ an5 t"e )ampires "u--e5 "im ti-"t@ an5 1e5. His eyes 1le% open %i5e@ an5 a -ur-lin- soun5 3ra%le5 out o1 "is t"roat. 'ear s3reame5 out o1 "is eyes. Pallas raise5 a "an5 an5 stroke5 Stirlin-?s "air@ a -esture you?5 use on a 1ri-"tene5 3"il5. $"e 1ear 5ie5 out o1 "is eyes@ an5 9 %at3"e5 t"e last li-"t 5ie %it" it. 9 %at3"e5 <aymon5 Stirlin- 5ie@ an5 kne% 9 %oul5 remem8er t"at last look o1 terror in my 5reams 1or %eeks to 3ome.

Chapter Thirty-seven
$"ere %as a rus" o1 %in5 t"at raise5 a 1ine 3lou5 o1 5irt. Hean2!lau5e appeare5 as i1 3on>ure5 1rom t"e air itsel1. 9 "a5 ne)er 8een so "appy to see "im. 9 5i5n?t run to "is arms@ 8ut 9 mo)e5 to stan5 near "im. Larry 1ollo%e5 me. Hean2!lau5e %asn?t al%ays t"e sa1est re1u-e@ 8ut ri-"t no% "e looke5 pretty 5amn -oo5. He %as 5resse5 in one o1 "is %"ite s"irts. $"is one "a5 so mu3" la3e on t"e 1ront it looke5 1lu11y. A s"ort %"ite >a3ket "it "im >ust at t"e %aist. 7ore la3e peeke5 1rom t"e slee)es o1 t"e >a3ket. He %ore ti-"t %"ite pants %it" a 8la3k 8elt. $"e 8elt mat3"e5 "is )el)et 8la3k 8oots. A9 5i5 not e*pe3t you "ere@ Hean2!lau5e@C Hanos sai5. 9 3oul5n?t tell 1or sure@ 8ut "e soun5e5 surprise5. Goo5y. ASerep"ina 5eli)ere5 "er in)itation in person@ Hanos@ 8ut it %as not enou-".C ADou surprise me@ Hean2!lau5e@C "e sai5. A9 surprise5 Serep"ina@ as %ell.C He soun5e5 terri8ly 3alm. 91 "e %as a1rai5 stan5in- outnum8ere5 on t"e "illtop@ it 5i5n?t s"o%. 9?5 "a)e lo)e5 to kno% "o% "e?5 surprise5 Serep"ina. Hason %alke5 up t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e "ill@ 1rom t"e 5ire3tion o1 t"e Heep. He %ore 8la3k leat"er pants t"at looke5 like t"ey?5 8een poure5 on "im@ s"ort 8la3k 8oots@ an5 no s"irt. $"ere %as %"at looke5 like a sil)er2stu55e5 5o- 3ollar aroun5 "is ne3k@ an5 a 8la3k -lo)e on eit"er "an5@ 8ut ot"er t"an t"at "e %as nake5 1rom t"e %aist up. 9 "ope5 Hason "a5 3"osen "is o%n out1it 1or toni-"t. $"e ri-"t si5e o1 "is 1a3e %as 8ruise5 1rom 3"in to 1ore"ea5 as t"ou-" somet"in- lar-e "a5 "it "im. A9 see your pet >oine5 t"e stru--le@C Hanos sai5. AHe is mine in e)ery %ay@ Hanos. $"ey are all mine.C Hust t"is on3e 9 let it -o. 91 my 3"oi3e %as 8elon-in- to Hean2!lau5e or to Serep"ina@ 9 kne% %"at my )ote %oul5 8e. Larry mo)e5 so 3lose to me t"at 9 3oul5 "a)e taken "is "an5. 7ay8e "e 5i5n?t like 8ein- in3lu5e5 in Hean2!lau5e?s mena-erie. ADou "a)e lost t"at air o1 "um8leness t"at 9 1oun5 so appealin-@ Hean2!lau5e. Ha)e you re1use5 Serep"ina?s in)itation alto-et"erBC A9 %ill 3ome to Serep"ina?s party@ 8ut on my o%n %it" my people aroun5 me.C 9 -lan3e5 at "im. =as "e 3raEyB He 1ro%ne5. ASerep"ina %ante5 you at t"e party in 3"ains.C A=e 3an all li)e %it" t"is 3"oi3e@ Hanos.C AAre you sayin- you %oul5 3"allen-e us all "ere an5 no%BC $"ere %as an e5-e o1 lau-"ter in "is )oi3e. A9 %ill not 5ie alone@ Hanos. 9n t"e en5 you may "a)e me@ 8ut it %ill 3ost you 5early.C

A91 you %ill truly 3ome o1 your o%n 1ree %ill@ t"en 3ome@C Hanos sai5. A#ur master 3allsG let us ans%er t"at 3all.C Hanos@ Bettina@ an5 Pallas %ere >ust su55enly air8orne. 9t %asn?t 1lyin-@ or le)itation. 9 "a5 no %or5 1or it. Larry %"ispere5@ A4ear Go5.C $"e 1irst time you see a )ampire 1ly is a re52letter ni-"t. $"e ot"ers s3attere5 into t"e trees in t"at 8lurrin- motion t"at ma5e t"em 5isappear almost as 1ast as 1lyin-. ,llie Nuinlan "a5 )anis"e5 %it" t"e rest o1 t"em. Her 8rot"er "a5 8een 3arrie5 a%ay 8y Hanos. :ntil t"at moment 9 "a5n?t kno%n a )ampire 3oul5 3arry more t"an its o%n 8o5y %ei-"t %"ile A1lyin-.C Learn somet"in- ne% e)ery ni-"t. =e 1oun5 our -uns an5 %alke5 5o%n t"e mountainsi5e. #ur 3rosses %ere %ell an5 truly lost. ,)en Hean2!lau5e %alke5@ an5 9 kne% "e "a5 ot"er met"o5s o1 transportation. =as it 3onsi5ere5 impolite to 1ly %"en ot"ers 3oul5n?tB $"e Heep %as still %"ere 9?5 parke5 it. $"e ni-"t %as still t"i3k. 9t %as "ours until 5a%n@ an5 9 >ust %ante5 to -o "ome. A9 took t"e li8erty o1 3"oosin- 3lot"es 1or you to %ear toni-"t@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A$"ey are in t"e Heep.C A9 lo3ke5 t"e Heep@C 9 sai5. He >ust smile5 at me. 9 si-"e5. A'ine.C ="en 9 trie5 t"e "an5le it %as unlo3ke5. !lot"es %ere 1ol5e5 in t"e passen-er seat. $"ey %ere 8la3k leat"er. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t t"ink so.C ADour 3lot"es@ ma petite@ are on t"e 5ri)er?s si5e. $"ose are La%ren3e?s 3lot"es.C Larry peere5 o)er my s"oul5er. ADou?)e -ot to 8e ki55in-.C 9 %alke5 aroun5 t"e Heep an5 1oun5 a 3lean pair o1 8la3k >eans. $"e ti-"test pair 9 o%ne5. A 8loo5re5 tank top t"at 9 5i5n?t remem8er 8uyin-. 9t 1elt like silk. $"ere %as a 8la3k 5uster 3oat t"at 9 "a5 ne)er seen. ="en 9 trie5 it 1or len-t" it "it me at mi523al1@ an5 8illo%e5 3apelike %"en 9 mo)e5. 9 like5 t"e 3oat. $"e silk 8louse 9 3oul5 "a)e 5one %it"out. A/ot 8a5@C 9 sai5. A7ine is 8a5@C Larry sai5. A9 5on?t e)en kno% "o% to -et into t"ese pants.C AHason@ "elp "im 5ress.C Hason pi3ke5 up t"e 8un5le o1 leat"er an5 3arrie5 t"em to t"e 8a3k o1 t"e Heep. Larry 1ollo%e5 "im 8ut 5i5n?t look "appy. A/o 8ootsBC 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e smile5. A9 5i5n?t t"ink you %oul5 -i)e up your >o--in- s"oes.C A4amn strai-"t.C A!"an-e ;ui3kly@ ma petiteG %e must arri)e at Serep"ina?s 8e1ore s"e 5e3i5es to kill t"e 8oy >ust 1or spite.C A=oul5 Wa)ier let "er kill "is ne% toyBC A91 s"e is truly "is master@ "e "as no 3"oi3e. /o%@ 5ress@ ma petite@ ;ui3kly.C 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e Heep 8ut t"at 8rou-"t me %it"in ears"ot@ an5 nearly eyesi-"t@ o1 Larry. 9 stoppe5 an5 si-"e5. ="at t"e "ell. 9 turne5 my 8a3k on Hean2!lau5e an5 sli5 out o1 my s"oul5er "olster. AHo% 5i5 you -uys -et a%ay 1rom Serep"inaBC 9 slippe5 my s"irt o)er my "ea5. 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to look 8a3k. 9 kne% Hean2!lau5e %as %at3"in-G %"y 3"e3kB AHason >umpe5 "er at a 3ru3ial moment. 9t %as 5istra3tion enou-" 1or us to 1lee@ 8ut little else. 9?m a1rai5 t"e room is somet"in- o1 a mess.C His )oi3e %as so mil5 9 "a5 to see "is 1a3e. 9 sli5 t"e re5 tank top on an5 turne5. He %as stan5in- 3loser t"an 9?5 t"ou-"t@ nearly %it"in tou3"in- 5istan3e. He stoo5 t"ere in "is %"ite 3lot"es@ spotless an5 per1e3t. AStep a 1e% pa3es 8a3k@ please. 9?5 like a little pri)a3y.C He smile5@ 8ut "e 5i5 %"at 9 aske5. A 1irst. AHa5 s"e un5erestimate5 you t"at 8a5lyBC 9 aske5. 9 3"an-e5 >eans as ;ui3kly as 9 3oul5. 9 trie5 not to t"ink o1 "im %at3"in-. 9t %as too em8arrassin-. A9 %as 1or3e5 to 1lee@ ma petite. Hanos 3alls "er master@ an5 "e 5e1eate5 me. 9 3annot stan5 a-ainst "er@ not in a 1air 1i-"t.C 9 slippe5 t"e s"oul5er "olster 8a3k on@ t"rea5in- t"e 8elt 9?5 8een %earin- 8a3k t"rou-" it. $"e straps 3"a1e5 a little %it" no slee)es 8ut it %as 8etter t"an not "a)in- it. 9 -ot t"e 'irestar 1rom un5er my seat an5 tu3ke5 t"e inner pants "olster 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 my >eans. 9t %oul5 s"o%@ e)en %it" t"e 5uster. 9 1inally put it at t"e small o1 my 8a3k@ t"ou-" it %asn?t my 1irst or e)en se3on5 3"oi3e o1 pla3es. 9 -ot t"e sil)er kni)es out o1 t"e -lo)e 3ompartment an5 strappe5 t"em to my 1orearms. 9 also -ot out a small 8o*. 9t "el5 t%o e*tra 3rosses. Vampires seeme5 to al%ays 8e takin- t"em 1rom me. Hean2!lau5e %at3"e5 it all %it" interest. His 5ark eyes 1ollo%e5 my "an5s like "e %as memoriEin- t"e mo)ements. 9 put t"e 5uster on an5 %alke5 a 1e% steps to -et t"e 1eel o1 e)eryt"in-. 9 5re% 8ot" kni)es >ust to make sure t"e 3oat slee)es %eren?t too ti-"t. 9 5re% 8ot" -uns an5 still 5i5n?t like t"e 'irestar. 9 1inally s"i1te5 t"e inner pants "olster to one si5e. 9t 5u- into my si5e "ar5 enou-" to 8ruise@ 8ut 9 3oul5 5ra% it in a reasona8le time. $"at %as more important t"an 3om1ort toni-"t. 9 slippe5 an e*tra 3lip 1or 8ot" -uns in t"e 3oat po3kets. $"ey %ere loa5e5 %it" nonsil)er 8ullets. 9t ma5e me ner)ous to only "a)e t"e sil)er 8ullets t"at %ere in t"e -uns@ 8ut <a%"ea5 an5 Bloo5y Bones %as -oin- to make "is appearan3e sometime toni-"t. 7a-nus mi-"t e)en 8e t"ere. 9 %ante5 ammo 1or e)eryt"in- 9?5 meet toni-"t.

Larry 3ame out 1rom 8e"in5 t"e Heep. 9 8it my lip to keep 1rom lau-"in-. 9t %asn?t t"at "e looke5 8a5@ "e >ust looke5 so un3om1orta8le. He seeme5 to "a)e trou8le %alkin- in t"e 8la3k leat"er pants. AHust %alk naturally@C Hason sai5. A9 3an?t@C Larry sai5. He "a5 a silk tank top t"at %as t"e t%in o1 mine e*3ept it %as 8lue instea5 o1 re5. He "a5 s"ort 8la3k 8oots on. $"e 8la3k >a3ket "e?5 8orro%e5 1rom Hason last ni-"t 3omplete5 t"e out1it. 9 looke5 at t"e 8oots. ABla3k >o--in- s"oes per"aps@ ma petite@ 8ut %"ite >o--in- s"oes %it" 8la3k leat"erB 9 5o not t"ink so.C A9 1eel ri5i3ulous@C Larry sai5. AHo% 3an you %ear t"is all t"e timeBC A9 like leat"er@C Hason sai5. A=e must 8e o11@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AAnita@ i1 you %oul5 5ri)eBC A9 t"ou-"t you mi-"t %ant to 1ly@C 9 sai5. A9t is important %e arri)e to-et"er@C "e sai5. Larry an5 9 a55e5 salt to our po3kets. =it" t"e e*tra ammo 3lips in one po3ket an5 salt in t"e ot"er@ my 3oat "un- a little 3rooke5@ 8ut "ey@ %e %eren?t -oin- to a 1as"ion s"o%. =e all sli5 into t"e Heep. $"ere %as a lot o1 protestin- 1rom t"e 8a3k seat. A$"ese pants are e)en more un3om1orta8le sittin- 5o%n.C A9 %ill remem8er your 5islike o1 leat"er in t"e 1uture@ La%ren3e.C A7y name is Larry.C 9 5ro)e t"e Heep 5o%n t"e rutte5 roa5 t"at le5 out o1 t"e 3onstru3tion site. ASerep"ina %ants to 8e immortal.C 9 turne5 onto t"e main roa5 an5 "ea5e5 8a3k to%ar5s Branson@ t"ou-" o1 3ourse %e?5 8e stoppin- at Serep"ina?s on t"e %ay. Hean2!lau5e turne5 in "is seat to stare at me. A="at are you sayin-@ ma petiteBC 9 tol5 "im. 9 tol5 "im a8out <a%"ea5 an5 Bloo5y Bones@ an5 Serep"ina?s plan. AS"e?s ma5.C A/ot entirely@ ma petite. 9t mi-"t not -i)e "er immortality@ 8ut it %oul5 -i)e "er un5reamt2o1 po%er. $"e ;uestion remaininis@ "o% 5i5 Serep"ina -ro% po%er1ul enou-" to sna- Hanos 8e1ore s"e 1e5 o11 7a-nus an5 Bloo5y BonesBC A="at 5o you meanBC AHanos %as in t"e ol5 3ountry. He %oul5 not "a)e le1t )oluntarily. He 1ollo%e5 "er. ="ere 5i5 s"e -et t"e po%er to su8>u-ate "imBC A7ay8e 7a-nus isn?t t"e 1irst 1airie s"e?s 1e5 o11@C 9 sai5. APer"aps@C "e sai5@ Aor per"aps s"e "as 1oun5 ot"er 1oo5.C A="at ot"er 1oo5BC A$"at@ ma petite@ is t"e ;uestion t"at 9 %oul5 )ery mu3" like ans%ere5.C A$"inkin- o1 3"an-in- 5ietsBC 9 aske5. APo%er is al%ays temptin-@ ma petite@ 8ut 1or toni-"t 9 %as t"inkin- o1 more pra3ti3al matters. 91 %e 3an 5is3o)er "er sour3e o1 po%er@ %e mi-"t 8e a8le to un5o it.C AHo%BC He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5o not kno%@ 8ut unless %e 3an 1in5 some tri3k to pull out o1 our "ats toni-"t@ ma petite@ %e are 5oome5.C He soun5e5 remarka8ly 3alm a8out it. 9 %asn?t 3alm. 7y pulse %as t"un5erin- so 1ast 9 3oul5 1eel it in my t"roat an5 %rists. Hear it like a rus"in- in my ears. 4oome5J it "a5 a 8a5 rin- to it. =it" Serep"ina %aitin- at t"e ot"er en5@ it "a5 a )ery 8a5 rin- to it in5ee5.

Chapter Thirty-eight
=e %alke5 up t"e stone steps to t"e por3". 7oonli-"t an5 so1t 5arkness 1ille5 t"e por3". $"ere %ere no t"i3k@ unnatural s"a5o%s@ no "int o1 %"at lay insi5e. 9t %as >ust an a8an5one5 "ouse@ not"in- spe3ial. $"e ner)ous 1lutter in my stoma3" 5i5n?t 8uy it eit"er. Kissa opene5 t"e 5oor. !an5leli-"t spille5 8e"in5 "er 1rom t"e open 5oor to t"e 1ar room. /o pretense toni-"t t"at t"e empty room %as all t"ere %as. S%eat 8ea5e5 on "er 1a3e@ -ol5en 5rops in t"e %arm li-"t. S"e %as still 8ein- punis"e5. 9 %on5ere5 %"y@ 8ut it %asn?t my 8i--est pro8lem. Kissa le5 us t"rou-" t"at open 5oor %it"out a %or5. Serep"ina sat on "er t"rone in t"e 3orner o1 t"e 8i- room. S"e %as 5resse5 in a %"ite 8all -o%n like !in5erella@ "er "air pile5 atop "er "ea5. 4iamon5s like a strin- o1 1ire -limmere5 in "er "air as s"e no55e5 "er -reetin-.

7a-nus %as 3urle5 at "er 1eet in a %"ite tu* an5 tails. Glo)es@ a %"ite top "at@ an5 a 3ane %ere lai5 ne*t to "is knees. His lon- 3"estnut "air %as t"e only 3olor in t"e pi3ture. ,)ery master )amp 9?5 e)er met "a5 8een into 5ramati3 presentation. Hanos an5 "is t%o 1emales stoo5 in 8la3k 8e"in5 t"e t"rone@ like a li)in- 3urtain o1 5arkness. ,llie lay on "er si5e in t"e 3us"ions@ lookin- almost ali)e. ,)en in "er torn an5 staine5 8la3k 5ress s"e looke5 3ontent@ like a 3at t"at %as 1ull o1 3ream. Her eyes sparkle5@ lips 3urle5 %it" a se3ret smile. ,llie@ alias An-ela@ %as en>oyin- 8ein- un5ea5. So 1ar. Kissa stalke5 to t"em@ an5 knelt on t"e si5e a%ay 1rom 7a-nus. Her 8la3k leat"er 8len5e5 %it" Hanos?s 3loak. Serep"ina stroke5 Kissa?s s%eatin- 1a3e %it" a %"ite2-lo)e5 "an5. Serep"ina smile5@ an5 it %as lo)ely until you -limpse5 "er eyes. $"ey -lo%e5 %it" a pale p"osp"ores3en3e. Dou 3oul5 still -et a "int o1 pupil@ 8ut it %as sinkin- 1ast. Her eyes mat3"e5 "er 5ress. /o% t"at %as 3olor23oor5inatin-. He11 an5 Wa)ier %ere missin-. 9 5i5n?t like t"at. 9 opene5 my mout" to ask@ an5 Hean2!lau5e looke5 at me. 'or >ust t"is on3e@ t"e look %as enou-". He %as t"e masterG 9 %as playin- ser)ant. 'ine@ as lon- as "e aske5 t"e ri-"t ;uestions. A=e "a)e 3ome@ Serep"ina@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AGi)e us t"e 8oy@ an5 %e %ill lea)e you in pea3e.C S"e lau-"e5. ABut 9 %ill not lea)e you in pea3e@ Hean2!lau5e.C S"e turne5 "er so1tly -lo%in- eyes to me. 9t %as like 8einlooke5 at 8y t%in 1las"li-"ts@ an5 >ust as "uman. A/iQa@ 9 am so "appy to see you.C 9 stoppe5 8reat"in- 1or a se3on5. /iQaJ it "a5 8een my mot"er?s ni3kname 1or me. Somet"in- 1lare5 in "er eyes@ like a 5istant -limpse o1 1ireG t"en t"e li-"t 8anke5 8a3k to a 3ool %a)erin- li-"t. S"e %asn?t tryin- to 3apture me %it" "er eyes. ="yB Be3ause s"e %as t"at sure o1 me. 7y skin su55enly %ent 3ol5. $"at %as it. 9 %oul5 "a)e sai5 it %as arro-an3e@ 8ut 9 8elie)e5 it. S"e o11ere5 somet"in8etter t"an se*@ more 1ul1illin- t"an po%er. Home. Lie or not@ it %as a -oo5 o11er. Larry tou3"e5 my "an5. ADou?re s"akin-.C 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5. A/e)er a5mit "o% s3are5 you are out lou5@ LarryG ruins t"e e11e3t.C ASorry.C 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom "imG no sense in "u55lin-. 9 -lan3e5 at Hean2!lau5e@ sort o1 silently askin- i1 9 %as a8out to 8reak )ampire proto3ol. AS"e "as a3kno%le5-e5 you as s"e %oul5 anot"er master. Ans%er as one.C He 5i5n?t seem 8ot"ere5 8y t"atG 9 %as. A="at 5o you %ant@ Serep"inaBC 9 aske5. S"e stoo5@ -li5in- a3ross t"e 3arpete5 1loor. 9t looke5 like %"ate)er %as un5er t"at 1ull skirt %asn?t le-s. 'eet >ust 5i5n?t mo)e like t"at. 7ay8e s"e %as le)itatin-. Ho%e)er s"e mana-e5 it@ s"e kept 3omin- 3loser. 9 %ante5 5esperately to 8a3k a%ay. 9 5i5n?t %ant "er 3lose to me. Larry mo)e5 a step 8e"in5 me. Hason mo)e5 a step up to Hean2!lau5e?s ot"er si5e. 9 stoo5 my -roun5. 9t %as t"e 8est 9 3oul5 5o. Somet"in- 1li3kere5 in "er eyes@ like a 5istant -limpse o1 mo)ement t"rou-" a 1rin-e o1 trees. ,yes 5i5n?t 5o t"at. 9 looke5 a%ay an5 realiEe5 9 5i5n?t remem8er lookin- at "er eyes. So "o% %as 9 lookin- a%ayB 9 1elt "er mo)e to%ar5s me. Her -lo)e5 "an5 3ame into )ie%. 9 >erke5 8a3k an5 looke5 up at t"e same time. 9 8arely -lan3e5 at "er 1a3e@ 8ut it %as enou-". Her eyes "a5 1ire 8urnin- 5o%n a lon- 5ark tunnel@ as i1 t"e insi5e o1 "er "ea5 1ell a%ay into an impossi8le 5arkness@ an5 some small 3reatures "a5 lit a 1ire a-ainst t"at 5arkness. 9 3oul5 %arm my "an5s 8y t"at 1lame 1ore)er. 9 s3reame5. S3reame5 an5 3o)ere5 my eyes %it" my "an5s. A "an5 tou3"e5 my s"oul5er. 9 >erke5 a%ay an5 s3reame5 a-ain. A7a petite@ 9 am "ere.C A$"en 5o somet"in-@C 9 sai5. A9 am@C "e sai5. A9 %ill "a)e t"is one 8y sunrise.C S"e motione5 to me. S"e took a -li5in- step to%ar5s Hason. S"e 3aresse5 "er -lo)e5 "an5 5o%n "is 8are 3"est. He stoo5 t"ere an5 took it. 9 %oul5n?t "a)e let "er tou3" me on a 5are. A9 %ill -i)e you to Bettina an5 Pallas. $"ey %ill tea3" you to en>oy rottin- 1les".C Hason stare5 strai-"t a"ea5@ 8ut "is eyes %i5ene5 >ust a little. Bettina an5 Pallas "a5 mo)e5 1rom 8e"in5 t"e t"rone to stan5 a 1e% 1eet 8e"in5 Serep"ina. 4ramati3 -estures are us. A#r per"aps 9 %ill 1or3e you to 3"an-e into %ol1 1orm until it 8e3omes more natural t"an t"is "uman s"ell.C S"e sli5 a 1in-er un5er t"e 3ollar on "is t"roat. A9 %ill 3"ain you to my %all@ an5 you %ill 8e my -uar5 5o-.C A,nou-" o1 t"is@ Serep"ina@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A$"e ni-"t 8lee5s a%ay. $"ese petty torments are 8eneat" one o1 your po%er.C A9 am 1eelin- petty toni-"t@ Hean2!lau5e@ an5 soon 9 %ill "a)e t"e po%er to 8e as petty as 9 1eel.C S"e -lan3e5 at Larry. AHe %ill >oin my 1lo3k.C S"e stare5 up at Hean2!lau5e. 9 "a5n?t realiEe5 "e %as taller. AAn5 you@ my lo)ely 3atamount@ %ill ser)e us all 1or all eternity.C

Hean2!lau5e stare5 5o%n at "er@ utterly arro-ant. A9 am 7aster o1 t"e !ity no%@ Serep"ina. =e 3annot torture ea3" ot"er. =e 3annot steal ea3" ot"er?s possessions@ no matter "o% attra3ti)e t"ey are.C 9t took me a se3on5 to realiEe t"e possessions "e %as re1errin- to %ere us. Serep"ina smile5. A9 %ill "a)e your 8usinesses@ your money@ your lan5s@ an5 your people 8e1ore t"e ni-"t is out. 4i5 t"e 3oun3il really t"ink 9 %oul5 8e 3ontent %it" t"e 3rum8s 1rom your ta8leBC 91 s"e 3"allen-e5 "im o11i3ially@ %e %ere all 5ea5. Hean2!lau5e 3oul5n?t take "er@ an5 neit"er 3oul5 9. 4istra3tion@ %e nee5e5 a 5istra3tion. ADou?re %earin- enou-" 5iamon5s to 8uy your o%n 8usinesses@ your o%n "ouse.C S"e turne5 t"ose -lo%in- eyes to me@ an5 9 "al1 %is"e5 9 "a5 kept ;uiet. A4o you t"ink 9 li)e in t"is "ouse 8e3ause 9 3annot a11or5 8etterBC A9 5on?t kno%.C S"e -li5e5 8a3k to "er t"rone an5 settle5 onto it@ smoot"in- "er skirts. A9 5o not trust your "uman la%s. 9 %ill remain t"e se3ret %e "a)e al%ays 8eenG let ot"ers %alk in t"e spotli-"t. 9 %ill 8e "ere %"en su3" mo5ern t"inkers are no more.C S"e su55enly slas"e5 out %it" one "an5. Hean2!lau5e sta--ere5. Bloo5 1le% 1rom "is 1a3e@ splatterin- on "is %"ite s"irt an5 >a3ket in 8ri-"t 3rimson 1le3ks. 4rops o1 it 3lun- to my "air an5 3"eek. S"e slas"e5 a-ain@ an5 anot"er 3ut e*plo5e5 on t"e ot"er si5e o1 "is 1a3e@ splas"in- Hason %it" Hean2!lau5e?s 8loo5. Hean2!lau5e staye5 on "is 1eet. He ne)er 3rie5 out. He 5i5n?t tou3" t"e %oun5s. He stoo5 t"ere utterly stillG e*3ept 1or t"e 8loo5 t"ere %as no mo)ement to "im. His eyes %ere 5ro%nin- pools o1 sapp"ire 1loatin- in a mask o1 8loo5. /ake5 mus3le t%it3"e5 in "is 3"eek. Bone -listene5 at >a% an5 3"eek. 9t %as a 1ri-"tenin-ly 5eep %oun5. But 9 kne% "e 3oul5 "eal it. Horri8le as it looke5@ it %as a s3are ta3ti3. 9 kept tellin- t"at to t"e poun5in- o1 my "eart. 9 %ante5 to -o 1or a -un. $o s"oot t"e 8it3". But 9 3oul5n?t s"oot t"em all. 9 %asn?t e)en sure Hanos 3oul5 8e s"ot. A9 5on?t "a)e to kill you@ Hean2!lau5e. Hot metal in your %oun5s@ an5 t"ey?ll 8e permanent. Dour 8eauti1ul 1a3e ra)a-e5 1or all time. Dou 3an still preten5 to 8e 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ 8ut 9 %ill rule. Dou %ill 8e my puppet.C ASay t"e %or5@ Serep"ina@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ASay it an5 8e 5one %it" t"ese -ames.C His )oi3e %as 8lan5@ as normal as it e)er %as. His )oi3e -a)e not"in- a%ay@ not pain@ or 1ear@ or terror. A!"allen-eJ is t"at t"e %or5 you %ant to "ear@ Hean2!lau5eBC A9t %ill 5o.C His po%er 3ra%le5 o)er my skin like 3ool 1ire. $"e po%er las"e5 out su55enlyG 9 1elt it s%eep past me like a -iant 1ist. 9t slamme5 into Serep"ina@ s3atterin- t"e air 3urrents. Kissa 3au-"t t"e e5-e o1 it an5 1ell 8a3k 1rom t"e t"rone@ t"ro%n nearly prone amon- t"e 3us"ions. Serep"ina t"re% 8a3k "er "ea5 an5 lau-"e5. $"e lau-"ter 5ie5 in mi52motion@ -one like it "a5 ne)er 8een. Her 1a3e %as a mask %it" eyes o1 %"ite 1ire. Her skin seeme5 to -ro% paler@ %"iter until it %as like translu3ent mar8le. Veins s"o%e5 un5er "er skin like lines o1 8lue 1lame. Her po%er 1lo%e5 t"rou-" t"e room like risin- %ater@ 5eeper an5 5eeper until %"en s"e release5 it %e %oul5 all 8e 5ro%ne5. A="ere are your -"osts@ Serep"inaBC 9 aske5. 9 t"ou-"t 1or a se3on5 s"e %oul5 i-nore me@ 8ut t"at masklike 1a3e turne5 slo%ly@ slo%ly to%ar5s me. A="ere are your -"ostsBC ,)en t"ou-" s"e %as lookin- strai-"t at me@ 9 3oul5n?t tell i1 s"e "ear5. 9t %as like tryin- to rea5 t"e 1a3e o1 an animalG no@ t"e 1a3e o1 a statue. $"ere %as no one "ome. A!an?t 3ontrol Bloo5y Bones an5 your -"osts at t"e same timeB 9s t"at itB 4i5 you "a)e to -i)e up one o1 t"emBC Serep"ina rose to "er 1eet@ an5 9 kne% s"e %as 1loatin-@ risin- on tiny 3urrents o1 "er o%n po%er to "o)er a8o)e t"e 3us"ions. S"e 1loate5 slo%ly up%ar5 to%ar5s t"e 3eilin-@ an5 it %as impressi)e. 9 %as 8a88lin-@ tryin- to 8uy time@ 8ut time 1or %"atB ="at t"e "ell 3oul5 %e 5oB A )oi3e e3"oe5 in my "ea5. A!rosses@ ma petiteG 5o not 8e 8as"1ul on my a33ount.C 9 5i5n?t ar-ue or "esitate. $"e 3ross spille5 out o1 my s"irt in a 8all o1 li-"t so 8ri-"t it %as pain1ul. 9 s;uinte5 an5 looke5 a%ay@ only to 1in5 Larry?s 3ross 8e"in5 me 8laEin- to li1e. Hean2!lau5e 3o%ere5 8esi5e me@ "un3"e5 a%ay@ arms s"iel5in- "is 1a3e. Serep"ina s"rieke5 an5 "al121ell to t"e 1loor. S"e 3oul5 stan5 8e1ore a 3ross@ 8ut s"e 3oul5n?t 5o tri3ks in 1ront o1 one. S"e lan5e5 in a "eap o1 silken skirts. $"e ot"er )amps s"iel5e5 t"eir 1a3es@ "issin-. 7a-nus rose 1rom t"e 3us"ions. He stalke5 to%ar5s us. Hason steppe5 in 1ront o1 Hean2!lau5e@ mo)in- to stan5 in 1ront o1 me. He -lan3e5 at me %it" am8er eyesG "is 8east stare5 at me o)er t"e -lo% o1 t"e 3ross@ an5 "a5 no 1ear. 'or a "eart8eat 9 %as -la5 9 "a5 sil)er 8ullets >ust in 3ase. Serep"ina sai5@ A/o@ 7a-nus@ not you.C 7a-nus "esitate5@ starin- at Hason. A t"in -ro%l 3ra%le5 out o1 Hason?s t"roat. A9 3an take "im@C 7a-nus sai5.

$"ere %as a soun5 1rom t"e open 5oor to t"e 8asement. Somet"in- %as 3omin- up t"e stairs. Somet"in- "ea)y. $"e stairs 3reake5 in protest. A "an5 3ame out o1 t"e 5arkness@ lar-e enou-" to palm my "ea5. $"e 1in-ernails %ere lon- an5 5irty@ almost 3la%like. <a--e5 3lot"es 3lun- to "u-e@ s;uare s"oul5ers. $"e t"in- %as at least ten 1eet tall. 9t "a5 to 8en5 si5e%ays to 3ome t"rou-" t"e 5oor@ an5 %"en it stoo5@ its "ea5 8rus"e5 t"e 3eilin-@ an5 you 3oul5n?t preten5 it %as "uman anymore. 9ts "u-e@ o)ersiEe5 "ea5 "a5 no skin. $"e 1les" %as ra% an5 open like a %oun5. $"e )eins pulse5 an5 t"ro88e5 %it" 8loo5 1lo%in- t"rou-" t"em@ 8ut it 5i5n?t 8lee5. 9t opene5 a mout" 1ull o1 8roken yello% teet" an5 sai5@ A9 am "ere.C 9t %as s"o3kin- to "ear %or5s out o1 t"at mout"@ t"at 1a3e. 9ts )oi3e %as like t"e soun5 at t"e 8ottom o1 a %ellG 5eep@ an5 rou-"@ an5 lost. $"e room su55enly seeme5 small. <a%"ea5 an5 Bloo5y Bones 3oul5 "a)e rea3"e5 out one lon- arm an5 tou3"e5 me. /ot -oo5. Hason "a5 mo)e5 8a3k a step to re>oin us. 7a-nus "a5 mo)e5 8a3k to Serep"ina?s si5e. He %as starin- at t"e 3reature as %i5e2eye5 as t"e rest o1 us. Ha5 "e ne)er seen it in t"e 1les" 8e1oreB A!ome to me@C Serep"ina sai5. S"e "el5 out "er "an5s to t"e 3reature@ an5 it mo)e5 to%ar5s "er@ surprisin-ly -ra3e1ul. 9t "a5 a li;ui5ness to its %alk t"at %as all %ron-. /ot"in- t"at 8i- an5 t"at u-ly s"oul5 mo)e like ;ui3ksil)er@ 8ut it 5i5. 9n t"at mo)ement 9 sa% 7a-nus an5 4orrie. 9t mo)e5 like somet"in- 8eauti1ul. Serep"ina 3ra5le5 its "u-e@ 5irty "an5 in "er %"ite2-lo)e5 "an5s. S"e pus"e5 8a3k t"e ra--e5 slee)e@ layin- t"e t"i3k@ mus3le5 %rist 8are. AStop "er@ ma petite.C 9 -lan3e5 5o%n at Hean2!lau5e@ %"o %as still 3o%erin- 8e1ore t"e 3rosses? 1ire. A="atBC A91 s"e 5rinks 1rom it@ t"e 3rosses may not %ork a-ainst "er.C 9 5i5n?t ;uestion "imG t"ere %as no time. 9 5re% t"e Bro%nin- an5 1elt Larry 5ra% "is -un. Serep"ina 8ent o)er t"e 1airie?s %rist@ mout" %i5e@ 1an-s -listenin-. 9 pulle5 t"e tri--er. $"e 8ullet sma3ke5 into t"e si5e o1 "er "ea5. $"e 1or3e ro3ke5 "er@ an5 8loo5 5ri88le5 5o%n. S"e 3oul5 8e s"ot. Li1e %as -oo5. Hanos t"re% "imsel1 in 1ront o1 "er@ an5 it %as like tryin- to "it Superman. 9 pulle5 t"e tri--er t%i3e@ starin- at "is 5ea52eye5 1a3e 1rom >ust o)er a yar5. He smile5 at me. Sil)er 8ullets >ust %eren?t -oin- to 5o it. Larry "a5 steppe5 aroun5 Hean2!lau5e. He %as 1irin- at Pallas an5 Bettina. $"ey kept 3omin-. Kissa staye5 on t"e 1loor. ,llie seeme5 1roEen in t"e 1a3e o1 t"e 3rosses. Bloo5y Bones stoo5 t"ere like it %as %aitin- 1or or5ers@ or 5i5n?t -i)e a 5amn. 9t %as starin- at 7a-nus like it re3o-niEe5 "im. 9t %as not a 1rien5ly look. Serep"ina?s )oi3e 3ame 1rom 8e"in5 Hanos?s prote3ti)e 8o5y. AGi)e me your %rist.C $"e 1airie -a)e a ra--e5 smile. ASoon 9 %ill 8e 1ree to kill you.C 9t looke5 at 7a-nus %"en it sai5 it. 9 5i5n?t really %ant somet"in- t"e siEe o1 a small -iant ma5 at me@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant Serep"ina to "a)e its po%er eit"er. 9 1ire5 into its ra% "ea5@ an5 9 mi-"t as %ell "a)e spit at it. $"e s"ot 5i5 earn me a 5irty look. A9 "a)e no ;uarrel %it" you@C t"e 1airie sai5. A4o not make one.C Starin- into its monstrous 1a3e@ 9 a-ree5. But %"at 3oul5 9 5oB A="at?ll %e 5oBC Larry aske5. He?5 mo)e5 to stan5 nearly 8a3k to 8a3k %it" me. Bettina an5 Pallas "a5 stoppe5 >ust out o1 tou3"in- ran-e@ "el5 at 8ay 8y t"e 3rosses@ not t"e -uns. Hean2!lau5e "a5 -one to "is knees@ 1a3e 3ra5le5 a%ay 1rom t"e -lare o1 t"e 3rosses@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t 3ra%l a%ay. He staye5 %it"in t"e prote3ti)e tou3" o1 t"at li-"t. Sil)er 8ullets %oul5n?t "urt t"e 1ey@ so ... 9 "it t"e 8utton on t"e Bro%nin- an5 poppe5 t"e 3lip out. 9 1is"e5 in my po3ket 1or t"e e*tra 3lip an5 sli5 it "ome. 9 aime5 at t"e t"in-?s 3"est@ %"ere 9 "ope5 t"e "eart %as@ an5 pulle5. Bloo5y Bones 8ello%e5. Bloo5 8lossome5 on its ra--e5 3lot"es. 9 kne% %"en it 1elt Serep"ina 8ite into its 1les". Po%er %"irle5 t"rou-" t"e room@ raisin- e)ery "air on my 8o5y. 'or a "eart8eat 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"eG t"ere %as too mu3" ma-i3 in t"e room 1or somet"in- as mun5ane as 8reat"in-. Serep"ina rose slo%ly 1rom 8e"in5 Hanos?s 5ark 1orm. S"e le)itate5 to t"e 3eilin-@ 8at"in- in t"e li-"t o1 t"e 3rosses@ smilin-. $"e 8ullet %oun5 in "er "ea5 %as "eale5. Her eyes li3ke5 %"ite 1lame aroun5 "er 1a3e@ an5 9 kne% %e %ere -oin- to 5ie. Wa)ier appeare5 in t"e 5oor to t"e 8asement. He "el5 a s%or5 in "is "an5s@ 8ut it %as "ea)ier@ so1ter2e5-e5 t"an any 8la5e 9?5 e)er seen. He stare5 at Serep"ina an5 smile5. A9 "a)e 1e5 you@C Bloo5y Bones sai5. A'ree me.C Serep"ina t"re% "er "an5s sky%ar5@ 3aressin- t"e 3eilin-. A/o@C s"e 8reat"e5@ Ane)er. 9 %ill 5rink you 5ry an5 8at"e in your po%er.C ADou promise5@C Bloo5y Bones sai5. S"e stare5 at "im@ 1loatin-G "er eyes o1 1ire %ere e)en %it" "is ra% 1a3e. A9 lie5@C s"e sai5. Wa)ier 3rie5@ A/oIC He trie5 to 3ome 3loser@ 8ut t"e 3rosses kept "im >ust out o1 rea3".

9 t"re% a "an51ul o1 salt on Serep"ina an5 Bloo5y Bones. S"e lau-"e5 at me. A="at are you 5oin-@ /iQaBC A/e)er 8reak your %or5 to t"e 1ey@C 9 sai5. A9t ne-ates all 8ar-ains.C A s%or5 appeare5 in Bloo5y Bones? "an5s@ >ust appeare5 like t"e 1ey "a5 -ra88e5 it out o1 mi52air. 9t %as t"e one 9?5 seen Wa)ier 3arryin- at t"e Nuinlans? "ouse. Ho% many s3imitars as lon- as my upper 8o5y 3oul5 t"ere 8eB He sta88e5 it t"rou-" Serep"ina?s 3"est@ spittin- "er in mi5air like a 8utter1ly. /ormal steel s"oul5n?t "a)e tou3"e5 "er@ 8ut 8a3ke5 8y t"e 1airie?s ma-i3@ it 3oul5. He pinne5 "er to t"e %all@ 5ri)in- t"e "ilt into "er 3"est. He tore t"e s%or5 out o1 "er@ t%istin- it@ 5oin- as mu3" 5ama-e as "e 3oul5. S"e s"rieke5 an5 sli5 5o%n@ lea)in- a 8loo5y trail on t"e nake5 %all. Bloo5y Bones turne5 8a3k to t"e rest o1 us. 9t tou3"e5 1in-ers to its 8lee5in- 3"est. A9 %ill 1or-i)e you t"is %oun5@ 8e3ause you 1ree5 me. ="en "e is 5ea5@ t"ere %ill 8e no more %oun5s.C He 5ro)e t"e s%or5 into 7a-nus. $"e mo)e %as so ;ui3k@ it looke5 like stop a3tion. He %as as 1ast as Wa)ier. S"it. 7a-nus 1ell to "is knees@ mout" %i5e %it" a s3ream "e "a5 no 8reat" to make. Bloo5y Bones 5re% t"e s%or5 up%ar5 like "e "a5 %it" Serep"ina@ an5 it remin5e5 me o1 t"e %oun5s t"at t"e 8oys "a5 "a5. 91 Bloo5y Bones %oul5 "elp us es3ape Serep"ina an5 3ompany@ 9 "a5 no pro8lem %it" t"at@ 8ut t"en %"atB 9t 5re% t"e s%or5 out%ar5@ an5 7a-nus %as still ali)e@ starin- up at me. He rea3"e5 out to me@ an5 9 3oul5 "a)e let "im 5ie. Bloo5y Bones raise5 t"e 8la5e 8a3k 1or a 1inal 8lo%. 9 pointe5 t"e Bro%nin- at it. A4on?t mo)e. :ntil you kill "im@ you?re mortal@ an5 8ullets 3an kill you.C $"e 1airie 1roEe@ starin- at me. A="at 5o you %ant@ mortalBC ADou kille5 t"e 8oys in t"e %oo5s@ 5i5n?t youBC Bloo5y Bones 8linke5 at me. A$"ey %ere %i3ke5 3"il5ren.C A91 you -et out o1 "ere@ %ill you kill more %i3ke5 3"il5renBC Bloo5y Bones looke5 at me@ 8linke5@ t"en sai5@ A9t is %"at 9 5o. ="at 9 am.C 9 1ire5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 t"ink. 91 it mo)e5 1irst@ 9 %as 5ea5. $"e 8ullet took it 8et%een t"e eyes. 9t sta--ere5 8a3k%ar5s@ 8ut 5i5n?t -o 5o%n. A7a petite@ t"e 3rosses@ or 9 3annot "elp you.C Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e %as a "ars" %"isper. 9 slippe5 t"e 3ross insi5e my s"irtG a se3on5 later Larry 1ollo%e5 suit. $"e room %as su55enly 5arker@ 3ol5er %it" >ust t"e 3an5leli-"t. Bloo5y Bones ra3e5 1or%ar5@ an5 it %as >ust a 8lur. 9 1ire5 into it an5 5i5n?t kno% i1 9 "it it or not. $"e s%or5 s%un- out to meet me@ an5 Hean2!lau5e %as su55enly t"ere "an-in- onto t"e arm@ sen5in- it o11 8alan3e. Larry mo)e5 up 8esi5e me@ an5 %e 8ot" 1ire5 into t"e 1ey?s 3"est. 9t s"ook Hean2!lau5e o11@ sen5in- "im skitterin- into a %all. Larry an5 9 stoo5 our -roun5@ s"oul5er to s"oul5er. 9 sa% t"e s%or5 3omin- like a 8lur o1 sil)er@ an5 kne% 9 3oul5n?t -et out o1 t"e %ay in time. Wa)ier %as su55enly in 1ront o1 me@ t"e stran-e s%or5 8lo3kin- Bloo5y Bones? 8la5e. $"e steel 8la5e stoppe5 an in3" 1rom my 1a3e. Wa)ier?s s%or5 %as not3"e5 %"ere t"e steel "a5 8it into it. $"e stran-e s%or5 s"o)e5 up%ar5 t"rou-" Bloo5y Bones? 3"est. $"e 1airie 8ello%e5@ sli3in- at Wa)ier@ 8ut "e %as in too 3lose 1or t"e 1airie?s -iant s%or5. Bloo5y Bones 3ollapse5 to its knees. Wa)ier t%iste5 t"e s%or5 as i1 "untin- 1or t"e "eart. He >erke5 t"e s%or5 out in a %as" o1 -ore. $"e 1airie 3ollapse5 on its stoma3"@ s"riekin-. 9t trie5 to raise itsel1. 9 presse5 t"e 8arrel o1 t"e Bro%nina-ainst its skull an5 1ire5 as 1ast as 9 3oul5. 'rom point28lank ran-e you 5i5n?t nee5 to aim. Larry mo)e5 up 8esi5e me an5 1ire5. =e emptie5 t"e 3lips into it@ an5 it %as still 8reat"in-. Wa)ier 5ro)e t"e s%or5 t"rou-" its 8a3k@ pinnin- it to t"e 1loor. 9ts 3"est rose an5 1ell@ stru--lin- 1or air. 9 s%it3"e5 t"e 'irestar an5 3"an-e5 its 3lip to nonsil)er. $"ree s"ots more@ an5 as i1 a 3riti3al mass "a5 8een rea3"e5@ t"e "ea5 e*plo5e5 in a rus" o1 8one an5 8loo5 an5 t"i3ker@ %etter t"in-s. Wa)ier %as on its 8a3k %"en it 8le%. =e stoo5 t"ere 3o)ere5 in 8loo5y 8rains. Wa)ier 5re% t"e s%or5 out o1 its 8a3k. $"e s%or5 3ame out not3"e5@ 5ente5 1rom 3onta3t %it" 8one. =e stoo5 t"ere 8y t"e 5ea5 -iant@ t"e t%o o1 us isolate5 in one 3lear moment o1 un5erstan5in-. A$"e s%or5?s 3ol5 iron@ isn?t itBC 9 aske5. ADes@C "e sai5. $"e pupils o1 "is eyes %ere s3arlet as a 3"erry@ not t"e 8loo5 3olor o1 an al8ino@ 8ut truly re5. Humans 5i5n?t "a)e eyes like t"at. ADou?re 1ey@C 9 sai5. A4on?t 8e silly. $"e 1airie 3an?t 8e3ome )ampires@ e)eryone kno%s t"at.C 9 stare5 at "im@ an5 s"ook my "ea5. ADou tampere5 %it" 7a-nus?s spell. Dou 5i5 t"is to "im.C AHe 5i5 t"is to "imsel1@C Wa)ier sai5. A4i5 you "elp Bloo5y Bones kill t"e teena-ers@ t"e 3"il5ren@ or 5i5 you >ust -i)e "im t"e s%or5BC A9 1e5 "im my )i3tims %"en 9 -re% tire5 o1 t"em.C

9 "a5 ei-"t s"ots le1t in t"e 'irestar. 7ay8e "e sa% t"e t"ou-"t mo)e 8e"in5 my eyes. A/eit"er lea5 nor sil)er 8ullets %ill "arm me. 9 am proo1 a-ainst 8ot".C A="ere?s He11 NuinlanBC AHe?s 5o%n in t"e 8asement.C AGet "im.C A9 5on?t t"ink so.C An5 su55enly t"ere %as soun5 a-ain@ mo)ement a-ain@ 8esi5es us. He?5 8espelle5 me@ an5 8a5 t"in-s "a5 8een "appenin- %"ile 9?5 8een 3au-"t. Hason %as 3ou-"in- 8loo5 on t"e 3arpet. 91 "e?5 8een "uman@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 "e %as 5yin-. Bein- a ly3ant"rope@ "e mi-"t li)e to see mornin-. #ne o1 t"e )ampires "a5 "urt "im 8a5ly. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"i3" one. Hean2!lau5e %as lyin- un5er a pile o1 )ampires ma5e up o1 ,llie@ Kissa@ Bettina@ an5 Pallas. His )oi3e 3ame out in a t"un5erin- yell@ e3"oin- t"rou-" t"e room. it %as impressi)e@ 8ut not enou-". A4o not 5o it@ ma petite.C Hanos stoo5 near t"e t"rone %it" Larry. $"ey?5 tie5 "is "an5s 8e"in5 "is 8a3k %it" one o1 t"e 3or5s t"at "el5 t"e 5rapes. A pie3e o1 3lot" %as s"o)e5 in "is mout". Hanos "a5 one pale spi5er "an5 aroun5 Larry?s ne3k. Serep"ina %as proppe5 on "er t"rone@ 8la3k 8loo5 pourin- out o1 "er. 9?5 ne)er seen anyone lose so mu3" 8loo5 so ;ui3kly. Her 3"est %as torn open so %i5e 9 "a5 a -limpse o1 a 1ranti3ally 8eatin- "eart. A="at 5o you %antBC 9 aske5. A/o@ ma petite.C Hean2!lau5e stru--le5 to mo)e an5 3oul5n?t. A9t is a trap.C A$ell me somet"in- 9 5on?t kno%.C AS"e %ants you@ ne3roman3er@C Hanos sai5. 9 let t"at sink in 1or a minute. A="yBC ADou "a)e stolen "er immortal 8loo5 1rom "er. Dou %ill take its pla3e.C A9t %asn?t immortal@C 9 sai5. A=e pro)e5 t"at.C A9t %as po%er1ul@ ne3roman3er@ as you are po%er1ul. S"e %ill 5rink you up an5 li)e.C A="at a8out meBC ADou %ill li)e 1ore)er@ Anita@ 1ore)er.C 9 let t"e A1ore)erC part -oG 9 kne% 8etter. AS"e %ill take you an5 kill "im any%ay@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. He %as pro8a8ly ri-"t@ 8ut %"at 3oul5 9 5oB AS"e let t"e -irls -o.C ADou 5o not kno% t"at@ ma petite. Ha)e you seen t"em ali)eBC He "a5 a point. A/e3roman3er.C Hanos?s )oi3e >erke5 me 8a3k to "im. Serep"ina lay proppe5 on t"e t"rone 8esi5e "im. Bloo5 "a5 5ren3"e5 t"e %"ite 5ress@ turnin- it 8la3k@ plasterin- it to "er t"in 8o5y. A!ome@ ne3roman3er@C Hanos sai5. A!ome no%@ or t"e "uman su11ers.C 9 starte5 1or%ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e yelle5@ A/oIC Hanos slas"e5 out%ar5 %it" one pale spi5er2"an5@ >ust a8o)e Larry?s 8o5y. Larry?s %"ite s"irt sli3e5 open@ an5 8loo5 soake5 it. He 3oul5n?t s3ream %it" t"e -a-@ 8ut i1 Hanos "a5n?t "el5 "im@ "e?5 "a)e 1allen. A4rop all your %eapons an5 3ome to us@ ne3roman3er.C A7a petite@ 5o not 5o t"is. 9 8e- you.C A9 "a)e to 5o t"is@ Hean2!lau5e. Dou kno% t"at.C AS"e kno%s t"at@C "e sai5. 9 looke5 at "im@ stru--lin- "elplessly un5er t"ree times "is 8o5y %ei-"t in )ampires. 9t s"oul5 "a)e 8een ri5i3ulous@ 8ut it %asn?t. AS"e 5oesn?t >ust %ant you 1or "ersel1. S"e 5oesn?t %ant me to "a)e you. S"e %ill take you to spite me.C A9 in)ite5 you to 3ome play t"is time@ remem8erBC 9 sai5. A9t?s my party.C 9 %alke5 to%ar5s Hanos. 9 trie5 not to look 8e"in5 "im@ not to see %"at else 9 %as mo)in- to%ar5s. A7a petite@ 5on?t 5o t"is. Dou are an a3kno%le5-e5 master. S"e 3annot take you 8y 1or3e. Dou must 3onsent. <e1use.C 9 >ust s"ook my "ea5 an5 kept -oin-. ADour %eapons 1irst@ ne3roman3er@C Hanos sai5. 9 lai5 8ot" -uns on t"e 1loor.

Larry %as s"akin- "is "ea5 1uriously. He ma5e little protestin- noises. He stru--le5@ 1ailin- to "is knees. Hanos "a5 to release "is -rip on "is ne3k to keep 1rom stran-lin- "im. A/o% your kni)es@C Hanos sai5. A9 5on?t ... C A4o not try to lie to us "ere an5 no%.C He "a5 a point. 9 put t"e kni)es on t"e 1loor. 7y "eart %as "ammerin- so "ar5 9 3oul5 8arely 8reat"e. 9 stoppe5 >ust in 1ront o1 Larry. 9 stare5 into Larry?s 8lue eyes. 9 pulle5 out t"e -a-@ some8o5y?s silk s3ar1. A4on?t 5o it. Go5@ Anita@ 5on?t 5o it. /ot 1or me. PleaseIC 'res" slas"es 3ut "is s"irtG more 8loo5 1lo%e5. He -aspe5@ 8ut 5i5n?t s3ream. 9 looke5 up at Serep"ina. ADou sai5 t"is slas"in- only %orks %it" an aura o1 po%er.C AHe "as "is o%n aura@C Hanos sai5. ALet "im -o. Let t"em all -o@ an5 9?ll 5o it.C A4o not 5o t"is 1or me@ ma petite.C A9?m 5oin- it 1or LarryG 5oesn?t 3ost any more to t"ro% e)ery8o5y in.C Hanos -lan3e5 at Serep"ina. S"e %as slumpe5 to one si5e@ eyes "al123lose5. A!ome to me@ Anita. Let me tou3" your arm@ an5 t"ey %ill release t"em all@ my %or5@ one master to anot"er.C AAnita@ noIC Larry stru--le5 not to -et a%ay 8ut to 3ome a1ter me. Hanos slas"e5 "is "an5 t"rou-" t"e air@ an5 t"e slee)e o1 Larry?s >a3ket 1le% %it" 8loo5. Larry s3reame5. AStop it@C 9 sai5. AStop it.C 9 stalke5 to%ar5s "im. A4on?t tou3" "im a-ain. 4on?t e)er tou3" "im a-ain.C 9 spit t"e last %or5s in "is 1a3e@ starin- up into "is 5ea5 eyes an5 1eelin- not"in-. A "an5 8rus"e5 my arm@ an5 9 >erke5@ -aspin-. 9?5 let an-er 3arry me t"ose last 1e% steps. ="at 9 %as a8out to 5o s3are5 me too mu3" to t"ink a8out it. Serep"ina "a5 lost a -lo)e. 9t %as "er 8are "an5 t"at en3ir3le5 my %rist@ not too ti-"t@ not pain1ul in t"e least. 9 stare5 at "er "an5 on my arm an5 3oul5n?t talk past t"e 8eatin- o1 my o%n "eart. A<elease "im@C s"e sai5. $"e minute Hanos let "im -o@ Larry trie5 to 3ome to me. Hanos -a)e "im a 3asual slap t"at kno3ke5 "im to t"e 1loor an5 sent "im ski55in- 8a3k a 3ouple o1 yar5s. 9 staye5 1roEen %it" "er "an5 on my arm. 'or one a%1ul moment 9 t"ou-"t t"ey?5 kille5 "im@ 8ut "e moane5 an5 trie5 to -et 8a3k up. 9 -lan3e5 past Larry@ an5 met Hean2!lau5e?s eyes. He?5 8een a1ter me 1or yearsG no% "ere 9 %as lettin- anot"er master )amp sink "er 1an-s into me. Serep"ina >erke5 me to my knees@ s;ueeEin- t"e 8ones o1 my arm so "ar5 9 t"ou-"t s"e?5 8roken it. $"e pain 8rou-"t me up to meet "er eyes. $"ey %ere soli5 per1e3t 8ro%n@ so 5ark t"ey %ere nearly 8la3k. $"ose eyes smile5 at me -ently. 9 smelle5 my mot"er?s per1ume@ "er "air spray@ "er skin. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9t %as a lie. 9t %as all a lie. 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. S"e knelt o)er me@ an5 %"en "er 1a3e 3ame 1or%ar5 it %as my mot"er?s t"i3k@ 8la3k "air t"at 1ell a-ainst my 3"eek. A/oI 9t?s not real.C A9t 3an 8e as real as you %ant it to 8e@ /iQa.C 9 stare5 up into t"ose eyes@ an5 9 1ell 5o%n t"e lon- 8la3k tunnel o1 "er eyes. 9 1ell to%ar5s t"at tiny 1lame. 9 rea3"e5 to%ar5s it. 9t %oul5 %arm my 1les"@ 3om1ort my "eart. 9t %oul5 8e all t"in-s@ all people@ e)eryt"in- to me. 4istant an5 5reamlike 9 "ear5 Hean2!lau5e s3ream my name@ AAnitaIC But it %as too late. Her 1ire %arme5 me@ ma5e me 1eet %"ole. $"e pain %as su3" a small pri3e to pay. $"e 8la3k tunnel 3ollapse5 8e"in5 me until t"ere %as not"in- 8ut t"e 5arkness an5 t"e 1li3ker o1 Serep"ina?s eyes.

Chapter Thirty-nine
9 5reame5. 9 %as )ery small. Small enou-" t"at 9 1it all in my mot"er?s lap@ only my 1eet stu3k o11 t"e e5-e o1 "er knees. ="en s"e %rappe5 "er arms aroun5 me 9 %as so sa1e@ so sure t"at not"in- 3oul5 e)er "urt me as lon- as 7ommy %as "ere. 9 lai5 my "ea5 a-ainst "er 3"est. 9 3oul5 "ear t"e 8eat o1 "er "eart a-ainst my ear. A stron-@ sure r"yt"m t"at poun5e5 lou5er an5 lou5er a-ainst my 1a3e. $"e soun5 %oke me. But 9 %asn?t a%ake. $"e 5arkness %as so 3omplete it %as like 8ein- 8lin5. 9 lay in my mot"er?s arms in t"e 5ark. 9?5 1allen asleep in 8e5 %it" "er an5 4a5. Her "eart poun5e5 a-ainst my ear@ an5 t"e r"yt"m %as %ron-.

7ommy "a5 a "eart murmur. $"e 8eat o1 "er "eart %as a 1ra3tion o1 a se3on5 slo%@ a "esitation@ t"en t%o ;ui3k t"umps to 3at3" up. $"e "eart 8eatin- a-ainst my skin %as as re-ular as a 3lo3k. 9 trie5 to raise up@ o11 "er@ an5 8umpe5 my "ea5 a-ainst somet"in- "ar5 an5 1irm. 7y "an5s sli5 o)er t"e 8o5y t"at 9 %as pinne5 to. 9 tou3"e5 a satin 5ress %it" smoot" >e%els se%n into it. 9 lay t"ere in t"e a8solute 5ark an5 trie5 to roll o11 "er. 9 sli5 into t"e 3rook o1 "er arm. Her nake5 1les" sli5 alon- my 8are s"oul5ers@ 8oneless as t"e 5ea5@ 8ut "er "eart 1ille5 t"e 5arkness e)en %it" me stru--lin- not to tou3" "er. #ur 8o5ies %ere mol5e5 a-ainst ea3" ot"er. 9t %as not a 3o11in 8uilt 1or t%o. S%eat 8roke out on my skin in a rus". $"e 5ark %as su55enly 3"okin-ly 3lose@ "ot. 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. 9 trie5 to roll onto my 8a3k. $rie5 to roll o11 "er@ an5 9 3oul5n?t. $"ere %asn?t room. ,)ery small stru--le ma5e "er 8oneless 8o5y mo)e@ >i--lin- t"e so1t@ loose 1les". 9 3oul5n?t smell my mot"er?s per1ume anymore. 9 smelle5 ol5 8loo5@ an5 a stale@ ne3k2ru11lin- smell t"at 9?5 smelle5 8e1ore. Vampires. 9 s3reame5 an5 trie5 to 5o a pus"2up to -et some 5istan3e@ an5 t"e li5 mo)e5. 9 staye5 on my arms@ s"o)in- my 8a3k into t"e satin an5 %oo5. $"e li5 slamme5 8a3k%ar5s@ an5 9 %as su55enly stra55lin- "er 8o5y@ my upper 8o5y raise5 in a "al1 pus"2up. 4im li-"t e5-e5 t"e lines in "er 1a3e. $"e 3are1ul makeup looke5 %ron-@ like a 8a5ly ma5eup 3orpse. 9 s3ram8le5 out o1 t"e 3o11in@ nearly 1allin- to t"e 1loor. Serep"ina?s 3o11in sat on t"e sta-e in t"e Bloo5y Bones 8ar an5 -rill. ,llie lay 3urle5 at t"e 8ase o1 t"e sta-e. 9 steppe5 aroun5 "er@ "al12e*pe3tin- "er to -ra8 at my ankles@ 8ut s"e 5i5 not mo)e. /ot e)en to 8reat"e. S"e %as t"e ne%ly 5ea5@ an5 %it" t"e sun up s"e %as truly 5ea5. Serep"ina %asn?t 8reat"in- eit"er@ 8ut "er "eart %as poun5in-@ 8eatin-@ ali)e. ="yB 'or my 3om1ortB Be3ause o1 my tou3"B Hell@ 9 5i5n?t kno%. 91 9 -ot out@ 9?5 ask Hean2!lau5e. 91 "e %as ali)e. 91 s"e "a5 kept "er %or5. Hanos lay in t"e mi55le o1 t"e 1loor@ on "is 8a3k@ "an5s 1ol5e5 on "is 3"est. Bettina an5 Pallas %ere snu--le5 up a-ainst "im@ one on eit"er si5e. A 3o11in lay on t"e 1loor. 9 "a5 no %ay o1 kno%in- %"at time o1 5ay it %as. 9 %oul5 "a)e 8et t"at Serep"ina 5i5n?t "a)e to sleep all 5ay. 9 %as -ettin- out o1 "ere. A9 tol5 "er you %oul5n?t sleep all 5ay.C $"e )oi3e >erke5 me aroun5. 7a-nus %as 8e"in5 t"e 8ar@ leanin- "is el8o%s on its smoot" sur1a3e. He %as sli3in- a lime %it" a )ery s"arp2lookin- kni1e. He looke5 at me %it" "is -reen28lue eyes. His lon- au8urn "air spille5 aroun5 "is 1a3e. He strai-"tene5 up su55enly@ stret3"in- "is 8a3k. He %as %earin- one o1 t"ose 1rilly s"irts t"at you rent 1or %earin- %it" a tu*. $"e s"irt %as pale -reen an5 8rou-"t out t"e -reen in "is eyes. ADou s3are5 me@C 9 sai5. He leape5 o)er t"e 8ar easily@ lan5in- on "is 1eet li-"t as a 3at. He smile5@ an5 it %asn?t a 1rien5ly smile. A9 5i5n?t t"ink you s3are5 t"at easy.C 9 took a step 8a3k. ADou re3o)ere5 5amn 1ast.C A9 5rank immortal 8loo5G it "elps.C He stare5 at me %it" a "eat in "is eyes t"at 9 5i5n?t like at all. A="at?s %ron- %it" you@ 7a-nusBC He s%ept "is lon- "air to one si5e. He pulle5 t"e 3ollar o1 "is s"irt until t"e 1irst t%o 8uttons poppe5@ spinnin- to t"e 1loor. $"ere %as a ne% 8ite mark on t"e smoot" skin o1 "is ne3k. 9 took anot"er step 8a3k to%ar5s t"e 5oor. ASo %"atBC 9 ran my "an5 o)er my ne3k an5 1oun5 my o%n 8ite marks. ASo %e?)e -ot a mat3"in- pair. So %"atBC AS"e 1or8a5e me to 5rink. S"e sai5 you?5 sleep all 5ay. $"at s"e?5 keep you sleepin- all 5ay@ 8ut 9 t"ou-"t s"e?5 un5erestimate5 you.C 9 took anot"er step to%ar5s t"e 5oor. A4on?t@ Anita.C A="y notBC But 9 %as a1rai5 9 kne% t"e ans%er. ASerep"ina tol5 me to keep you "ere until s"e %akes.C He looke5 at me@ an5 it %as a sa5@ %oe8e-one e*pression. AHust "a)e a seat. 9?ll 1i* you somet"in- to eat.C A/o@ t"anks.C A4on?t run@ Anita. 4on?t make me "urt you.C A="o?s in t"e ot"er 3o11inBC 9 aske5. $"e ;uestion seeme5 to surprise "im. He let "is "air 1all 8a3k o)er "is ne3k. $"e s"irt -ape5 open o)er "is 3"est. 9 5i5n?t remem8er noti3in- "is 3"est t"is mu3" last time@ or t"e %ay "is "air s%ept o)er "is s"oul5ers. $"e ointment must "a)e %orn o11. AStop it@ 7a-nus.C

AStop %"atBC AGlamor %on?t %ork on me.C AGlamor %oul5 8e a more pleasant alternati)e@C "e sai5. A="o?s in t"e 3o11inBC AWa)ier an5 t"e 8oy.C 9 ran 1or t"e 5oor. He %as su55enly 8e"in5 me@ impossi8ly 1ast@ 8ut 9?5 seen 1aster. 7ost o1 t"em >ust "appene5 to 8e 5ea5. 9 5i5n?t try to open t"e 5oor. 9 turne5 into "is 8o5y@ an5 it surprise5 "im. He 1ell into a s"oul5er roll almost te*t8ook per1e3t. 9 trie5 to t"ro% "im t"ree 1eet un5er t"e 1loor@ e)eryt"in- 9 "a5. He lay stunne5 1or a se3on5. 9 1lun- open t"e 5oor. $"e sprin- sunli-"t poure5 in an5 1ell on Hanos an5 "is %omen. Hanos?s 1a3e t%iste5 a%ay 1rom t"e li-"t. 9 5i5n?t %ait to see more. 9 ran. S3reams 1ollo%e5 me out into t"e sunli-"t. 9 "ear5 t"e 5oor slam 8e"in5 me@ 8ut 5i5n?t look 8a3k. 9 "it t"e -ra)el parkinlot runnin- %it" e)eryt"in- 9 "a5. 9 "ear5 "im poun5in- up 8e"in5 me. 9 %asn?t -oin- to outrun "im. 9 %aite5 until t"e last se3on5@ stoppe5 runnin-@ an5 ki3ke5 "im. He sa% it 3omin- an5 5i)e5 un5er it@ takin- my ot"er le- out 1rom un5er me@ sen5in- us 8ot" to t"e -roun5. 9 t"re% a "an51ul o1 -ra)el at "is 1a3e@ an5 "e "it me in t"e >a% %it" "is 1ist. $"ere is a 1roEen moment a1ter a really -oo5 s"ot to t"e 1a3e. A moment o1 s"o3k@ o1 paralysis %"ere all you 3an 5o is 8link. 7a-nus?s 1a3e appeare5 o)er me. He 5i5n?t ask i1 9 %as alri-"tG t"at "a5 8een t"e point. He pi3ke5 me up an5 1lun- me o)er "is s"oul5ers. 9 -ot a ni3e )ie% o1 t"e -roun5 a8out t"e time 9 %as a8le to mo)e a-ain. 9 %alke5 my "an5s up "is 8a3k@ tryin- to -et enou-" le)era-e to s%in- a t%o2"an5e5 -rip at "is s"oul5ers. 9 let "im 8ra3e my lo%er 8o5y@ 8ut 8e1ore 9 3oul5 try it@ "e ki3ke5 t"e 5oor open an5 tosse5 me to t"e 1loor@ none too -ently. He leane5 a-ainst t"e 5oor an5 lo3ke5 it. ADou >ust "a5 to 5o it t"e "ar5 %ay@ 5i5n?t youBC 9 -ot to my 1eet an5 8a3ke5 a%ay 1rom "im@ %"i3" took me 3loser to t"e )ampires. /ot an impro)ement. 9 8a3ke5 to%ar5s t"e 8ar. $"ere "a5 to 8e a 8a3k 5oor. A9 5on?t kno% any ot"er %ay@ 7a-nus.C He took a 5eep 8reat" an5 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e 5oor. A9t?s -oin- to 8e a lon- 5ay@ t"en.C 9 put a "an5 on t"e smoot" %oo5 o1 t"e 8ar. ADea"@C 9 sai5. $"e "al12sli3e5 lime an5 t"e kni1e lay >ust a 1e% in3"es a%ay. 9 stare5 at 7a-nus@ tryin- )ery "ar5 not to look at t"e kni1e a-ain. $o not 5ra% attention to it. ="i3" isn?t nearly as easy as it soun5s. His eyes 1li3ke5 to t"e kni1e. He smile5 an5 s"ook "is "ea5. A4on?t 5o it@ Anita.C 9 put my "an5s on t"e 8ar an5 pus"e5 mysel1 up on it. 9 "ear5 "im 3omin- 8ut 9 5i5n?t look 8a3k. /e)er look 8a3kG somet"in- is al%ays -ainin- on you. 9 -ra88e5 t"e kni1e an5 rolle5 o)er t"e 8ar at t"e same time. 7a-nus?s 1a3e appeare5 a8o)e t"e 8ar too 1ast. 9 %asn?t rea5y. All 9 3oul5 5o %as look up at "im %it" t"e kni1e -rippe5 in my "an5. 91 "e?5 8een >ust a little slo%er@ 9?5 "a)e sta88e5 "im in t"e t"roat@ or t"at "a5 8een t"e plan. 7a-nus 3rou3"e5 on t"e 8ar@ starin- 5o%n at me. His a;uamarine eyes -littere5. Li-"ts an5 3olors playe5 in t"em@ re1le3tin- t"in-s t"at %ere not t"ere. He staye5 on t"e 8ar a8o)e me@ s%ayin- sli-"tly on t"e 8alls o1 "is 1eet@ one "an5 on t"e 8ar 1or 8alan3e. His "air "a5 1allen 1or%ar5@ trailin- t"i3k stran5s a3ross "is 1a3e. He %as -oin- all 1eral on me@ like "e "a5 at t"e moun5. But t"is time "e %asn?t tryin- to 8e one o1 t"e -oo5 -uys. 9 e*pe3te5 "im to leap 5o%n on me@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. #1 3ourse@ "e %asn?t 1i-"tin- me@ "e %as >ust tryin- to keep me 1rom lea)in-. 9 -lan3e5 at %"at %as un5er t"e 8ar. Li;uor in 8ottles@ 3lean -lasses@ a tu8 o1 i3e@ some 3lean to%els@ napkins. /one o1 it looke5 "elp1ul. S"it. 9 -ot slo%ly to my 1eet@ 8a3k presse5 to t"e %all@ as 1ar 1rom 7a-nus as 9 3oul5 -et. 9 8e-an to in3" my %ay to%ar5s t"e si5e o1 t"e 8ar to%ar5s t"e 5oor. 7a-nus pa3e5 me@ si5lin- on t"e 8ar@ makin- t"e a%k%ar5 mo)ement -ra3e1ul. He %as 1aster t"an me@ stron-er t"an me@ 8ut 9 %as arme5. $"e kni1e %as -oo5 ;uality@ ma5e 1or sli3in- 1oo5@ not people@ 8ut a -oo5 kni1e is a -oo5 kni1e. 9t?s )ersatile. 9 "a5 to 1or3e mysel1 not to s;ueeEe too ti-"t on t"e "an5le@ to rela*. 9?5 -et out o1 t"is. 9 %oul5. 7y eyes 1li3ke5 to Serep"ina?s open 3o11in. 9 t"ou-"t 9 sa% "er 8reat"e. 7a-nus >umpe5 me. His 8o5y slamme5 into mine@ an5 9 5ro)e t"e kni1e into "is stoma3". He -runte5@ an5 "is %ei-"t ro5e me to t"e 1loor. 9 5ro)e t"e kni1e in "ilt25eep. His 1ist 3lose5 o)er my "an5@ an5 "e rolle5 o11 me@ takin- t"e kni1e %it" "im. 9 s3ram8le5 aroun5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8ar on all 1ours. 7a-nus %as t"ere@ yankin- me to my 1eet 8y one arm. Bloo5 "a5 soake5 t"e 1ront o1 "is s"irt. He raise5 t"e 8loo5y kni1e in 1ront o1 my 1a3e. A$"at "urt@C "e sai5. He lai5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8la5e a-ainst t"e si5e o1 my t"roat. 9t 1elt like my pulse %as >umpin- out to meet t"e 8la5e. He starte5 8a3kin- up@ pullinme %it" "im. A="ere are %e -oin-BC 9 aske5. ADou?ll see@C "e sai5. 9 5i5n?t like t"at "e %oul5n?t tell me. His 1eet 8umpe5 a-ainst ,llie?s 8o5y. 9 3oul5 -limpse Serep"ina?s 3o11in 8e"in5 "im@ i1 9 rolle5 my eyes. Har5 to mo)e your "ea5 %"en a kni1e?s at your t"roat. He pulle5 on my arm@ an5 9 5i5n?t -o. 9 leane5 8a3k on my "eels@ >ust a little@ a%are o1 t"e kni1e@ 8ut 9 %as more a1rai5 o1 Serep"ina t"an any 8la5e. A!ome on@ Anita.C

A/ot until you tell me %"at %e?re 5oin-.C 9 spoke )ery 3are1ully aroun5 t"e kni1e. ,llie lay motionless@ 8oneless@ 5ea5 at our 1eet. 7a-nus?s 8loo5 5roppe5 onto "er empty 1a3e. 91 it "a5 8een one o1 t"e ot"ers@ t"ey mi-"t "a)e li3ke5 t"e 8loo5 o11 e)en in t"eir slum8er@ 8ut ,llie %as %ell an5 truly 5ea5. S"e %as t"e ne%ly risen@ empty@ %aitin- 1or "er ApersonalityC to re8uil5@ i1 it e)er 5i5. 9?5 seen )amps t"at ne)er re3o)ere5. /e)er 8e3ame 3lose to t"e "uman 8ein- t"ey?5 on3e 8een. A9?m -oin- to put you in t"e 3o11in an5 lo3k it until Serep"ina %akes up.C A/o@C 9 sai5. 7a-nus s;ueeEe5 my arm like "is 1in-ers %ere sear3"in- 1or t"e 8one. 91 "e 5i5n?t 8reak it@ it %oul5 8e a "ell o1 a 8ruise. 9 5i5n?t 3ry out@ 8ut it %as an e11ort. A9 3an "urt you@ Anita@ in all sorts o1 %ays. Hust -et in.C A/ot"in- you 3an 5o to me s3ares me as mu3" as -ettin- in t"at 3o11in a-ain.C 9 meant it. ="i3" meant unless "e %as really -oin- to kill me@ t"e kni1e 5i5n?t %ork anymore. 9 turne5 my "ea5 into t"e 8la5e. He %as 1or3e5 to mo)e it a%ay 1rom my skin 8e1ore 9 5ro)e it into mysel1. 9 stare5 at "im 1rom a8out a 1oot a%ay@ an5 sa% somet"in- in "is eyes t"at 9 "a5n?t seen 8e1ore. He %as a1rai5. ABloo5y Bones 5ie5 8e3ause "e s"are5 your mortality. =ere you "ar5er to kill 8e1ore@ 7a-nusB /o immortality to 5ra% 1rom@ is t"at itBC ADou are >ust too 5amn smart 1or your o%n -oo5@C "e sai5 so1tly. 9 smile5. A7ortal >ust like t"e rest o1 usG poor 8a8y.C He smile5@ a ;ui3k 8arin- o1 teet". A9 3an still take more 5ama-e t"an you 3an 5is" out.C A91 you really 8elie)e5 t"at@ you %oul5n?t 8e puttin- me 8a3k in t"e 3o11in.C His "an5 mo)e5 in a 8lur o1 spee5 t"at %as almost )ampire2;ui3k. He "it my arm@ an5 it took a "an51ul o1 se3on5s to realiEe "e?5 3ut me. Bloo5 %elle5 1rom t"e 3ut an5 5rippe5 5o%n my arm. He s%it3"e5 "is -rip 1rom my upper arm to my %rist@ 1aster t"an 9 3oul5 take a5)anta-e o1 it. 9 %at3"e5 t"e 8loo5 5rip 5o%n my arm to%ar5s my el8o%. 9t %asn?t mu3" o1 a 3ut@ mi-"t not e)en lea)e a s3arG o1 3ourse@ on my le1t arm@ %"o 3oul5 tellB A!oul5n?t you "a)e 3ut t"e ri-"t armB 9 "a)en?t -ot nearly as many s3ars on t"at one. A He ma5e one ;ui3k sli3e 5o%n%ar5 an5 opene5 my ri-"t arm 1rom my s"oul5er 5amn near to my el8o%. AAl%ays "appy to o8li-e a la5y.C $"e sli3e "urt an5 %as 5eeper t"an t"e 1irst one. 7e an5 my 8i- mout". Bloo5 ran 5o%n my arm in a t"in 3rimson line. Bloo5 on my le1t arm trem8le5 on my el8o% an5 1ell %it" a so1t plop onto ,llie?s 3"eek. $"e 8loo5 sli5 5o%n "er skin@ into "er mout". A tin-le o1 ma-i3 %ent up my spine. 9 "el5 my 8reat". 9 3oul5 1eel it. 9 3oul5 1eet t"e 8o5y at our 1eet. 9t %as 8roa5 5ayli-"t. 9 s"oul5n?t "a)e 8een a8le to raise e)en a Eom8ie@ let alone a )ampire. 9t %as impossi8leG yet 9 3oul5 1eel t"e 8o5y 1eel t"e ma-i3. 9 kne% it %as mine i1 9 %ante5 it. 9 %ante5 it. A="at?s %ron-BC 7a-nus >erke5 my arm@ 8rin-in- my eyes 8a3k to "is 1a3e. 9?5 8een starin- at t"e )ampire. Ha5n?t meant to@ it %as >ust so 5amn une*pe3te5. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e ma-i3 >ust out o1 rea3"@ almost t"ere. But "o% to pus" it o)er t"e e5-eB Ho%B 9 smile5 at 7a-nus. ADou plannin- to >ust %"ittle me 5o%n until 9 -et in t"e 3o11inBC A9 3oul5.C A$"e only %ay 9?m -oin- in t"at 3o11in is 5ea5@ 7a-nus@ an5 Serep"ina 5oesn?t %ant me 5ea5.C 9 steppe5 into "imG "e starte5 to mo)e 8a3k@ 8ut 1or3e5 "imsel1 to stan5 "is -roun5. #ur 8o5ies %ere nearly presse5 a-ainst ea3" ot"er. Great. 9 ran my "an5 un5er "is s"irt@ alon- "is 8are skin. 7a-nus?s eyes %i5ene5. A="at are you up toBC 9 smile5@ an5 tra3e5 t"e trail o1 1res" 8loo5 up%ar5 to t"e %oun5. 9 traile5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e %oun5@ an5 "e ma5e a small soun5 like it "a5 "urt. 9 smoot"e5 my one 1ree "an5 o)er "is skin@ smearin- "is 8loo5 a3ross "is 1les" like 1in-er paints. ADou sa% t"e mur5er s3ene %"en you tou3"e5 me an5 still %ante5 to "a)e se* %it" me@ remem8erBC He took a 8reat"@ an5 it trem8le5 %"en "e let it out 8et%een "is lips. 9 5re% my 8loo523oate5 "an5 out 1rom un5er "is s"irt. 9 "el5 it up to "im@ let "im see it. His 8reat" 3ame >ust a little ;ui3ker. 9 knelt@ slo%lyG "e 5i5n?t let -o@ "e 5i5n?t put 5o%n t"e kni1e@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t stop me. 9 smeare5 t"e 8loo5 on ,llie?s mout". $"e ma-i3 1lare5@ sparke5 5o%n my skin like 3ool 1ire. 9t 3ra%le5 up my arm an5 onto 7a-nus. AS"itIC 7a-nus s%un- t"e kni1e at me. 9 8lo3ke5 "is %rist %it" my arm an5 3ame up un5er "im@ 5ri)in- up 1rom my knees. He %as 8alan3e5 a3ross my s"oul5ers@ 8ut "e still "a5 t"e kni1e. 9 1lun- "im on top o1 ,llie. 9 stoo5 o)er "im@ 8reat"in- "ar5. A,llie@ rise.C $"e )ampire?s eyes 1le% open %i5e. 7a-nus starte5 to pus" a%ay 1rom "er.

AGra8 "im@C 9 sai5. ,llie %rappe5 "er arms aroun5 "is %aist an5 "el5 on. He sta88e5 "er %it" t"e kni1e@ an5 s"e s3reame5. Go5 "elp me@ s"e s3reame5. Kom8ies 5i5n?t s3ream. 9 ran 1or t"e 5oor. 7a-nus 3ame a1ter me@ 5ra--in- ,llie 8e"in5 "im. He %as mo)in- 1aster t"an 9?5 t"ou-"t "e %oul5@ 8ut not 1ast enou-". 9 1lun- open t"e 5oor@ an5 a lon- 8ar o1 sunli-"t spille5 in t"rou-" t"e 5oor. 9 %as a step out t"e 5oor %"en t"e s3reaminstarte5. 9 -lan3e5 8a3kG 9 3oul5n?t "elp it. ,llie %as on 1ire. 7a-nus trie5 to loosen "er arms@ s3reamin-. But not"in- "ol5s on like t"e 5ea5. 9 ran out into t"e parkin- lot. A/iQa@ 5on?t -o.C $"e )oi3e stoppe5 me at t"e e5-e o1 t"e parkin- lot. 9 looke5 8a3k. 7a-nus "a5 5ra--e5 "imsel1 out t"e 5oor an5 onto t"e -ra)el. ,llie %as 8urnin- %"ite "ot. 7a-nus?s s"irt an5 "air %ere 8urnin-. 9 s3reame5@ AGo 8a3k@ you son o1 a 8it3"IC But t"e same )oi3e t"at kept me pinne5 to t"e e5-e o1 t"e parkin- lot kept "im 3omin- out into t"e li-"t. $"e )oi3e 3ame a-ain. A!ome 8a3k to 8e5@ Anita. Dou?re tire5. Dou must rest.C 9 %as su55enly tire5@ so tire5. 9 1elt e)ery 3ut@ e)ery 8ruise. S"e %oul5 make it all 8etter. S"e %oul5 tou3" me %it" "er 3ool "an5s an5 make it all 8etter. 7a-nus 3ollapse5 in t"e mi55le o1 t"e 5ri)e%ay@ s"riekin-. $"e )ampire %as meltin- into "im@ 8urnin- "im ali)e. S%eet Hesus. He rea3"e5 one "an5 out to me. He s3reame5 @ Help meIC $"e )ampire %as meltin- into "is 1les"@ eatin- it a%ay. 9 ran. 9 ran %it" Serep"ina?s )oi3e %"isperin- in my earJ A/iQa@ 7ot"er misses you.C

Chapter Forty
9 1la--e5 a 3ar 5o%n on t"e "i-"%ay. 9 %as 3o)ere5 in 5rie5 8loo5@ 3ut@ s3rape5@ 8ruise5@ an5 still an el5erly 3ouple pi3ke5 me up. ="o says t"ere are no more -oo5 SamaritansB $"ey %ante5 to take me to t"e poli3e@ an5 9 let t"em. $"e ni3e poli3emen took one look at me an5 aske5 i1 9 nee5e5 an am8ulan3e. 9 sai5 no@ an5 3oul5 t"ey pa-e Spe3ial A-ent Bra51or5@ an5 tell "im it %as Anita Blake. $"ey trie5 to -et me to -o to t"e "ospital@ 8ut t"ere %as no time. 9t %as mi5a1ternoon. =e "a5 to mo)e 8e1ore 5ark. 9 aske5 t"e poli3e to sen5 a t%o2man 3ar to make sure t"at no one mo)e5 t"e 3o11ins. 9 tol5 t"em t"ere mi-"t 8e a "urt man in t"e parkin- lot an5 i1 "e %as still t"ere to 3all an am8ulan3e@ 8ut un5er no 3ir3umstan3es -o insi5e t"e pla3e. ,)ery8o5y no55e5 an5 a-ree5 %it" me. 7ost o1 t"e 3ops in t"e area "a5 8een t"rou-" Serep"ina?s "ouse last ni-"t an5 to5ay. $"e 3ops tol5 me Kirklan5 "a5 8rou-"t t"e 3ops 8a3k to t"e )ampire?s lair a1ter t"ey took me. 9t took me a se3on5 to realiEe t"at Kirklan5 %as Larry. ="i3" meant Serep"ina "a5 kept "er %or5 an5 let t"em -o. $"e relie1 at kno%in- 1or sure t"at Larry %as ali)e ma5e me %eak2knee5@ an5 9 %as %o88ly enou-" as it %as. $"e 3ops "a5 1oun5 o)er a 5oEen 8o5ies 8urie5 in t"e 8asement o1 Serep"ina?s "ouse. S"e s"oul5 "a)e 8urie5 t"em in t"e %oo5s. 'or all 9 kne%@ s"e?5 raise5 t"eir -"osts. 9 5i5n?t kno%. 9t 5i5n?t matter. All t"at mattere5 %as t"at %e "a5 a %arrant o1 e*e3ution@ an5 t"e 3ops %ere listenin- to me to5ay. $"ey sat me in an interro-ation room %it" a 3up o1 8la3k 3o11ee@ t"i3k enou-" to %alk on@ an5 a 8lanket to %rap aroun5 me. 9 %as s"i)erin- an5 3oul5n?t seem to stop. Bra51or5 3ame in an5 sat 5o%n a3ross 1rom me. He stare5 at me %it" eyes t"at %ere >ust a little too %i5e. A$"e lo3als say you 1oun5 t"e master )ampire?s lair.C 9 lau-"e5@ an5 it 3ame out %ron-@ almost like a so8. A9 %oul5n?t say 9 1oun5 Serep"ina?s lair. 7ore like 9 %oke up in it.C 9 raise5 t"e 3o11ee to my mout" an5 "a5 to stop in mi52motion. 7y "an5s %ere s"akin- so 8a5ly 9 %as a8out to slos" 3o11ee onto t"e ta8le. 9 took a 5eep 8reat"@ 8le% it out@ an5 3on3entrate5 on takin- a 5rink o1 3o11ee. Hust 3on3entrate5 on t"e simple p"ysi3al mo)ement. 9t "elpe5. 9 -ot 3o11ee@ an5 3almer at t"e same time. ADou nee5 to -o to t"e "ospital@C Bra51or5 sai5. A9 nee5 Serep"ina 5ea5.C A=e?)e -ot %arrants 1or all o1 t"em. All t"e )ampires in)ol)e5. Ho% 5o you %ant to 5o itBC ABurn t"em out. Blo3k o11 e)eryt"in- 8ut t"e 1ront 5oor. 91 7a-nus is insi5e@ "e?ll 3ome out.C A7a-nus Bou)ierBC "e aske5. ADea".C $"ere %as somet"in- a8out t"e %ay "e sai5 it t"at 9 5i5n?t like.

A$"e 3ops 1oun5 %"at?s le1t o1 "im in t"e parkin- lot. 9t looks like somet"in- melte5 t"e lo%er "al1 o1 "is 8o5y. =oul5 you kno% anyt"in- a8out t"atBC He looke5 at me )ery stea5ily %"en "e aske5 it. 9 took anot"er 3are1ul sip o1 3o11ee@ an5 met "is eyes %it"out 8linkin-. ="at %as 9 suppose5 to sayB A$"e )ampires %ere 3ontrollin- "im. He %as suppose5 to keep me in t"e 8ar until ni-"t1all. 7ay8e t"ey punis"e5 "im 1or 1ailin-.C ="at 9?5 5one to 7a-nus an5 ,llie %as enou-" to earn me a 5eat" senten3e. 9 %asn?t a5mittin- t"at to t"e 'e5s. A$"e )ampires punis"e5 "imBC He ma5e it a ;uestion. ADea".C He looke5 at me 1or a lon- time@ t"en no55e5 an5 3"an-e5 t"e su8>e3t. A=on?t t"e )ampires try to make a 8reak %"en t"e 1ire startsBC ASunli-"t or 1ire@C 9 sai5. AHust a 3"oi3e o1 "o% %ell 5one you %ant your )ampires to 8e.C 9 1inis"e5 t"e last o1 t"e 3o11ee in my 3up. ADour prote-e@ 7r. Kirklan5@ sai5 you %ere ki5nappe5 1rom t"e -ra)eyar5. 9s t"at your story@ tooBC A9t "appens to 8e t"e trut"@ A-ent Bra51or5.C 9t %as t"e trut" as 1ar as it %ent. #mission is a %on5er1ul t"in-. He smile5 an5 s"ook "is "ea5. ADou are "i5in- more s"it 1rom me t"an you?re tellin- me.C 9 stare5 at "im until t"e smile %ilte5 aroun5 t"e e5-es. A$rut" is a mi*e5 8lessin-@ A-ent Bra51or5@ 5on?t you t"inkBC He stare5 at me 1or a moment@ t"en no55e5. A7ay8e@ 7s. Blake@ may8e.C 9 3alle5 t"e "otel@ an5 no one ans%ere5 in Larry?s room. 9 trie5 my room@ an5 -ot Larry t"ere. $"ere %as a moment o1 stunne5 silen3e %"en "e realiEe5 it %as me. AAnita@ o" my Go5@ o" my Go5. Are you alri-"tB ="ere are youB 9?ll 3ome -et you.C A9?m at t"e poli3e station in to%n. 9?m alri-"t@ sort o1. 9 nee5 you to 8rin- me some 3lot"es to 3"an-e into. $"e ones 9 "a)e on smell like )ampire. =e?re -oin- a1ter Serep"ina.C Anot"er silen3e. A="enBC A/o%@ to5ay.C A9?ll 8e ri-"t t"ere.C ALarryBC A9?ll 8rin- t"e -uns an5 t"e kni)es@ an5 an e*tra 3ross.C A$"anks.C A9?)e ne)er 8een so -la5 to "ear any8o5y?s )oi3e in my entire li1e@C "e sai5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. AGet "ere soon. =ait@ Larry.C ADou nee5 somet"in- elseBC "e sai5. AAre Hean2!lau5e an5 Hason alri-"tBC ADea". Hason?s in t"e "ospital@ 8ut "e?ll li)e. Hean2!lau5e?s in t"e 8e5room asleep. A1ter Serep"ina 8it you@ s"e "it Hean2 !lau5e %it" some kin5 o1 po%er@ ener-y. 9 1elt it@ an5 it %as a%esome. S"e kno3ke5 "im out an5 le1t. $"e ot"ers %ent %it" "er.C ,)eryone %as ali)e@ or as ali)e as t"ey "a5 starte5 out. 9t %as more t"an 9?5 "ope5 1or. AGreatG 9?ll see you soon.C 9 "unup t"e p"one an5 "a5 a "orri8le ur-e to 3ry@ 8ut 9 1ou-"t it o11. 9 %as a1rai5 i1 9 starte5 to 3ry 9 %oul5n?t 8e a8le to stop. 9 3oul5n?t "a)e "ysteri3s >ust yet. As a-ent on site@ Bra51or5 %as in 3"ar-e. Spe3ial A-ent Bra5ley Bra51or5@ yes Bra5ley Bra51or5@ seeme5 to t"ink 9 kne% %"at 9 %as 5oin-. /ot"in- like -ettin- almost kille5 to -i)e you 3re5entials. 'or on3e@ 8a5-e or no 8a5-e@ no8o5y %as ar-uin- %it" me. A re1res"in- 3"an-e@ t"at. 9 5i5 not "u- Larry %"en "e 8rou-"t my 3lot"esG "e "u--e5 me. 9 pus"e5 a%ay sooner t"an 9 %ante5 to@ 8e3ause 9 %ante5 to 3ollapse into "is arms in tears. $o >ust let a pair o1 1rien5ly arms "ol5 me %"ile 9 melte5 5o%n. Later@ later. A "u-e 8ruise "a5 8lossome5 on t"e si5e o1 "is 1a3e 1rom >a% to mi52temple. 9t looke5 like "e?5 8een "it 8y a 8ase8all 8at. He %as lu3ky Hanos "a5n?t 8roken "is >a%. Larry "a5 8rou-"t me 8lue >eans@ a re5 polo s"irt@ >o--in- so3ks@ my %"ite /ikes@ an e*tra 3ross 1rom my suit3ase@ t"e sil)er kni)es@ t"e 'irestar 3omplete %it" inner pants "olster@ an5 t"e Bro%nin- an5 its s"oul5er "olster. He?5 1or-otten a 8ra@ 8ut "ey@ e*3ept 1or t"at it %as per1e3t. $"e %rist s"eat"s stun- -oin- o)er t"e 3uts@ 8ut it 1elt %on5er1ul to 8e arme5 a-ain. 9 5i5n?t try to "i5e t"e -uns. $"e 3ops kne% %"o 9 %as@ an5 9 %asn?t 1oolin- any o1 t"e 8a5 -uys. Barely t%o "ours a1ter 9?5 3ra%le5 out o1 Serep"ina?s 3o11in@ %e pulle5 up in 1ront o1 Bloo5y Bones. $"ere %ere am8ulan3es@ an5 more 3ops t"an you 3oul5 s"ake a sti3k at. Lo3al 3ops@ state 3ops@ 1e5eral 3opsG it %as a smor-as8or5 o1 poli3emen. A 1ire tru3k plus 1ire emer-en3y ser)i3es 3omplete5 t"e o11i3ial list. #"@ Larry an5 me.

=it" 7a-nus 5ea5@ Serep"ina an5 3ompany %ere un-uar5e5. /ot "elpless. #"@ no. /ot"in- t"is si5e o1 Hell %oul5 "a)e -otten me insi5e t"at 8uil5in- )oluntarily. But t"ere %ere alternati)es. $"e -as tru3k pulle5 aroun5 to t"e 8a3k an5 8uste5 out a %in5o%. 9 %at3"e5 t"em snake t"e "ose into t"e %in5o% o1 t"e 8a3k 5oor an5 turn on t"e >ui3e. 9 stoo5 t"ere in t"e %arm sunli-"t@ a 3ool 8reeEe playin- on my skin@ an5 %"ispere5@ A7ay you rot in Hell.C A4i5 you say somet"in-BC Larry aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/ot"in- important.C $"e "ose s"i)ere5 to li1e@ an5 t"e s"arp@ s%eet smell o1 -asoline 1ille5 t"e air. 9 1elt "er %ake up. 9 1elt "er eyes open %i5e in t"e 5ark. 9 8reat"e5 in t"e s%eet smell o1 -asoline@ 1elt my "an5s -rippint"e 3o11in e5-es. 9 put my "an5s o)er my eyes. A#"@ Go5.C Larry tou3"e5 my s"oul5er. A="at is itBC 9 kept my "an5s presse5 to my 1a3e. A$ake t"e -uns@ no%.C A="at ... C A4o itIC 7y "an5s 3ame 5o%n an5 9 looke5 at "im. 9 looke5 at "is 1amiliar 1a3e@ an5 Serep"ina sa% "im@ too. S"e %"ispere5@ AKill "im.C 9 rippe5 t"e kni)es out o1 t"e s"eat"s an5 let t"em 1all to t"e -roun5. 9 starte5 8a3kin- up to%ar5s t"e 3ops. 9 nee5e5 people %it" -uns aroun5 me@ ri-"t no%. $"e )oi3e in my "ea5 sai5@ AAnita@ %"at are you 5oin- to your mot"erB Dou 5on?t %ant to "urt me. /iQa@ "elp 7ommy.C A#"@ Go5.C 9 ran an5 nearly 3olli5e5 %it" Bra51or5. AHelp me@ /iQa. Help meIC 7y "an5 3lose5 on t"e Bro%nin-. 9 8alle5 my "an5s into 1ists at my si5e. ABra51or5@ 5isarm me no%. Please.C He stare5 at me@ 8ut "e took t"e -uns 1rom t"eir "olsters. A="at?s %ron-@ BlakeBC A!u11s@ you -ot 3u11sBC ADea".C 9 "el5 my "an5s out to "im. A:se t"em.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 s;ueeEe5@ my t"roat so ti-"t 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. 9 smelle5 Hypnoti;ue per1ume@ taste5 my mot"er?s lipsti3k on my mout". $"e 3u11s snappe5 into pla3e. 9 >erke5 a%ay 1rom "im@ stare5 at t"e "an53u11s. 9 opene5 my mout" to say A$ake t"em o11@C an5 3lose5 it. 9 3oul5 1eel my mot"er?s "air ti3klin- my 1a3e. A9 smell per1ume@C Larry sai5. 9 looke5 at "im %it" %i5e eyes. 9 3oul5n?t speak@ 9 3oul5n?t mo)e. 9 5i5n?t trust mysel1 to 5o anyt"in- at t"at moment. A#"@ my Go5@C Larry sai5. ADou?re -oin- to 1eel "er 8urn.C 9 >ust looke5 at "im. A="at 3an 9 5oBC AHelp me.C 7y )oi3e %as s;ueeEe5 5o%n to a %"isper. A="at?s "appenin- to "erBC Bra51or5 aske5. ASerep"ina?s tryin- to -et Anita to "elp sa)e "er.C A$"e )ampire?s a%ake in t"ereBC "e aske5. ADes@C 9 sai5. Serep"ina %as out o1 "er 3o11in. $"e 1ull skirt o1 "er 8all -o%n 8rus"e5 t"e e5-es o1 t"e 5oor t"at le5 to t"e kit3"en. S"e 3oul5n?t -o 3loser@ 8e3ause t"ere %as a spill o1 5ayli-"t 1rom t"e %in5o%. Gasoline %as pourin- a3ross t"e 1loor to%ar5s "er. AAnita@ "elp 7ommy.C A9t?s a lie@C 9 sai5. A="at?s a lieBC Bra51or5 sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. AAnita@ "elp me@ you 5on?t %ant me to 5ie. Dou 5on?t %ant me to 5ie@ not %"en you 3an sa)e me.C

9 3ollapse5 to my knees@ 3u11e5 "an5s 5i--in- into t"e -ra)el o1 t"e parkin- lot. AStop t"e -asoline.C Larry knelt 8esi5e me. A="yBC 9t %as a -oo5 ;uestion. Serep"ina "a5 a -oo5 ans%er. AHe11 Nuinlan is in t"ere. He?s insi5e.C AS"it@C Larry sai5. He looke5 up at Bra51or5. A=e 3an?t tor3" t"e pla3e. $"ere?s a ki5 insi5e.C AStop t"e -as@C Bra51or5 sai5. He %alke5 a%ay 1rom us@ to%ar5s t"e tru3k@ motionin- t"em o11. An5 9 1elt a sur-e o1 triump" 1rom Serep"ina. 9t %as a lie. Wa)ier "a5 8rou-"t He11 o)er last ni-"t. $"ere %as not"in- ali)e in t"at 8uil5in-. 9 -rippe5 Larry?s arm %it" my 3u11e5 "an5s. ALarry@ it?s a lie. S"e?s lyin- to me. $"rou-" me. Get me in t"e 8a3k o1 a s;ua5 3ar@ no%@ an5 tor3" t"e pla3e.C He stare5 at me. ABut i1 He11 ... C A4on?t ar-ue %it" me@ >ust 5o itIC 9 s3reame5 it@ 8uryin- my 1a3e 8et%een my arms@ tryin- to i-nore t"e )oi3e in my "ea5. 9 3oul5 taste Hypnoti;ue on my ton-ue. 9t %as too mu3". Serep"ina %as s3are5. Larry 3alle5 Bra51or5 8a3k@ an5 t"ey "al123arrie5 me to a marke5 3ar. 9 starte5 to stru--le %"en t"ey trie5 to s"o)e me in t"e 8a3k@ 8ut 9 5i5 my 8est not to 1i-"t@ an5 t"ey 3lose5 t"e 5oor. 9 %as in a metal an5 -lass 3a-e. 9 -rippe5 my 1in-ers t"rou-" t"e mes" in 1ront o1 me@ 5i--in- it into my skin until it "urt. But e)en pain 5i5n?t "elp. $"e -asoline %as e)ery%"ere@ soakin- into e)eryt"in-. Serep"ina %as 3"okin- on it. A/iQa@ 5on?t 5o t"is. 4on?t "urt your 7ommy. 4on?t lose me a-ain.C 9 starte5 ro3kin- 8a3k an5 1ort"@ "an5s 5i--in- into t"e %ire. Ba3k an5 1ort"@ 8a3k an5 1ort". 9t?5 8e o)er soon. 9t?5 8e o)er soon. 9 1elt a -entle tou3" on my 1a3e@ a memory so real it ma5e me turn an5 look 1or someone. A7y 5eat" %ill 8e as real@ Anita.C Some8o5y lit it. $"e 1lames roare5 to li1e@ an5 9 s3reame5 8e1ore t"ey "it "er. 9 slamme5 my 3u11e5 "an5s a-ainst t"e -lass an5 s3reame5@ A/oooIC Heat %as"e5 o)er "er@ 3rum8le5 t"e 3lot" o1 "er 5ress like a meltin- 1lo%er@ an5 ate "er 1les". 9 poun5e5 my "an5s a-ainst t"e -lass until 9 3oul5n?t 1eel t"em anymore. 9 "a5 to "elp "er. 9 "a5 to -o to "er. 9 1ell to my 8a3k an5 ki3ke5 t"e %in5o%. 9 ki3ke5 it an5 ki3ke5 it@ 1eelin- t"e s"o3k all t"e %ay up my 8a3k. 9 s3reame5 an5 ki3ke5 t"e -lass@ an5 it 3ra3ke5. $"e -lass 3ra3ke5 an5 1ell out%ar5. S"e %as s3reamin- my name. AAnitaI AnitaIC 9 %as "al1%ay out t"e %in5o% 8e1ore some8o5y trie5 to -ra8 me. 9 let t"em -ra8 my arm@ 8ut pus"e5 my le-s 1ree o1 t"e %in5o%. 9 "a5 to -et to "erG not"in- else mattere5. /ot"in-. 9 1ell to t"e -roun5 %it" someone "ol5in- my arm. 9 -ot "al1%ay up an5 t"re% t"em in a s"oul5er roll onto t"e -roun5. 9 ran 1or t"e 1ire. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e "eat no%@ ripplin- alon- my skin. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e "eat insi5e eatin- us ali)e. Someone ta3kle5 me@ an5 9 8eat at t"em %it" my "an5s ma5e into one 1ist. $"e "an5s let -o@ an5 9 s3ram8le5 to my 1eet. S"outin-@ an5 someone else "ol5in- me. He li1te5 me o11 t"e -roun5@ arms %rappe5 aroun5 my %aist@ pinnin- my arms. 9 ki3ke5 8a3k%ar5s@ an5 "it "is knees. $"e arms loosene5@ 8ut t"ere %ere more arms. 7ore "an5s. Someone lay on top o1 me. A "an5 t"e siEe o1 my "ea5 presse5 t"e si5e o1 my 1a3e a-ainst t"e ro3ks. Han5s pinne5 my "an5s a-ainst t"e ro3ks@ "is 1ull 8o5y %ei-"t on >ust my %rists. Someone %as sittin- on my le-s. A/iQaI /iQaIC 9 s3reame5 %it" "er. 9 s3reame5 %"ile 9 3"oke5 on t"e smell o1 8urnin- "air an5 Hypnoti;ue 8at" po%5er. 9 sa% t"e nee5le 3omin- in 1rom t"e si5e@ an5 starte5 to 3ry@ A/o@ noI 7ommyI 7ommyIC $"e nee5le sank "ome@ an5 5arkness s%allo%e5 t"e %orl5. A 5arkness t"at smelle5 like 8urnin- 1les"@ an5 taste5 like lipsti3k@ an5 8loo5.

Chapter Forty-one
9 spent a 1e% 5ays in t"e "ospital. Bruises@ 3uts@ some stit3"es@ 8ut mainly t"e se3on525e-ree 8urns on my 8a3k an5 arms. $"e 8urns %eren?t t"at 8a5G t"ere %oul5n?t 8e any s3arrin-. $"e 5o3tors >ust 3oul5n?t 1i-ure out "o% 9?5 -otten 8urne5. 9 5i5n?t 1eel like e*plainin-@ mainly 8e3ause 9 %asn?t sure 9 3oul5. Hason "a5 8roken ri8s@ a pun3ture5 lun-@ an5 ot"er internal 5ama-e. He "eale5 per1e3tly an5 in re3or5 time. $"ere are 8ene1its to 8ein- a ly3ant"rope. Hean2!lau5e "eale5. His 1a3e %as on3e a-ain t"at per1e3tion t"at "a5 attra3te5 Serep"ina to "im so lon- a-o. Stirlin-?s 3ompany re8ou-"t t"e lan5 1rom 4or3as Bou)ier@ an5 ma5e "er %ealt"y. =it" Bloo5y Bones 5ea5@ s"e 3an lea)e t"e lan5. S"e?s 1ree.

$"e Nuinlans are still suin- me. Bert "as la%yers t"at promise to keep us out o1 3ourt@ t"ou-" 9?m not sure "o%. 91 9?5 %alke5 t"e "ouse personally@ 3"e3ke5 e)ery in3" o1 it mysel1@ may8e ... Hell@ e)en 9 mi-"t not "a)e prote3te5 t"e 5o--ie 5oor. 7ay8e 9 5o 5eser)e to 8e sue5. 9 tol5 t"e Nuinlans ,llie %as 5ea5. $"ey "a5 to take my %or5 1or itG t"ere %asn?t anyt"in- le1t o1 ,llie to pro)e it. ="en )ampires 8urn@ t"ey 8urnG no 5ental re3or5s@ no not"in-. He11 %as %ell an5 truly 5ea5@ too. Bot" t"eir 3"il5ren %ere lost to t"em. 9t "a5 to 8e some8o5y?s 1aultG %"y not mineB 9?5 raise5 a )ampire like a Eom8ie@ %"i3" %asn?t possi8le. /e3roman3ers %ere suppose5 to 8e a8le to 3ontrol all types o1 un5ea5. But t"at %as le-en5@ not real. <i-"tB Serep"ina is 5ea5@ 8ut t"e ni-"tmares li)e on. $"e ni-"tmares are tan-le5 %it" t"e real memories o1 my mot"er?s 5eat". $"ey are a 8it3". 'or t"e 1irst time in my li1e@ 9?m "a)in- insomnia. ="at to 5o %it" t"e t%o men in my li1eB Ho% t"e "ell 5o 9 kno%B 9n <i3"ar5?s arms@ 8reat"in- in t"e %armt" o1 "is 8o5y@ is t"e 3losest 9?)e e)er 1oun5 to my mot"er?s arms. 9t isn?t t"e same@ 8e3ause 9 kno% t"at t"ou-" <i3"ar5 %oul5 -i)e "is li1e 1or me@ e)en t"at mi-"t not 8e enou-". ="en 9 %as a 3"il5@ 9 8elie)e5 it %oul5 8e. $"ere is no real sa1ety. 9nno3en3e lost 3an ne)er 8e re-aine5. But sometimes %it" <i3"ar5 9 %ant to 8elie)e in it a-ain. $"ere is not"in- 3om1ortin- a8out Hean2!lau5e?s arms. He 5oesn?t make me 1eet sa1e in t"e least. He?s like some 1or8i55en pleasure t"at you kno% e)entually you?ll re-ret. 9?)e 5e3i5e5 not to %aitG 9?m re-rettin- it no%@ 8ut 9?m still seein"im. Some"o% Hean2!lau5e "as 3rosse5 t"at line t"at a "an51ul o1 ot"er )ampires "a)e 3rosse5. 9 5on?t t"ink o1 "im as a monster anymore. Go5 "a)e mer3y on my soul.

T e Killin! &an$e (199-)

&.&/"AT/01 $o Paty !o3krum@ 1an@ 1rien5@ 1ine artist. Dou s"oul5 see t"e pi3tures s"e sen5s me o1 Hean2!lau5. S"e really is t"e )oi3e o1 temptation. A"K102L.&G3.1TS <i3ia 7ain"ar5t@ my a-ent@ %"o 3ame up %it" t"e title. 7arion Stens-ar5 %"o ans%ere5 my ;uestions. $"e =il5 !ani5 Sur)i)al an5 <esear3" !enter (=ol1 San3tuary) 1or lettin- me use t"eir li8rary. Bonnee Pierson@ %"o "elpe5 %it" a )ery 5i11erent kin5 o1 resear3". $"e Alternate HistoriansJ <ett 7a3p"erson %"o %ent a8o)e an5 8eyon5 t"e 3all o1 5uty 1or resear3"@ /.L. 4re% %"o "ear5 parts o1 t"is 8ook o)er t"e p"one@ $om 4rennan@ %"ose 8ook is 1inally rea5y to make t"e roun5s@ 7ark Sumner %"o says e)eryt"in- %ill 8e all ri-"t@ e)en %"en "e 5oesn?t kno%@ 7arella San5s %"o remin5e5 me %e?re suppose5 to 8e "a)in- 1un@ an5 4e8ora" 7illitello %"o "ol5s my "an5s.

7y "us8an5@ Gary@ %"o al%ays tells me t"e trut" %"et"er 9 %ant to "ear it or not. Sara" Sumner 1or 8it3"in- sessions. Hoan27arie Knappen8er-er %"o let me use "er "ouse. $"e Saint Louis Brea5 !ompany 1or lettin- me take up a ta8le 1or "ours at a time.

Chapter One
$"e most 8eauti1ul 3orpse 9?5 e)er seen %as sittin- 8e"in5 my 5esk. Hean2!lau5e?s %"ite s"irt -leame5 in t"e li-"t 1rom t"e 5esk lamp. A 1rot" o1 la3e spille5 5o%n t"e 1ront@ peekin- 1rom insi5e "is 8la3k )el)et >a3ket. 9 stoo5 8e"in5 "im@ my 8a3k to t"e %all@ arms 3rosse5 o)er my stoma3"@ %"i3" put my ri-"t "an5 3om1orta8ly 3lose to t"e Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er in its s"oul5er "olster. 9 %asn?t a8out to 5ra% on Hean2!lau5e. 9t %as t"e ot"er )ampire 9 %as %orrie5 a8out. $"e 5esk lamp %as t"e only li-"t in t"e room. $"e )ampire "a5 re;ueste5 t"e o)er"ea5s 8e turne5 out. His name %as Sa8in@ an5 "e stoo5 a-ainst t"e 1ar %all@ "u55lin- in t"e 5ark. He %as 3o)ere5 "ea5 to 1oot in a 8la3k@ "oo5e5 3ape. He looke5 like somet"in- out o1 an ol5 Vin3ent Pri3e mo)ie. 9?5 ne)er seen a real )ampire 5ress like t"at. $"e last mem8er o1 our "appy little -roup %as 4omini3 4umare. He sat in one o1 t"e 3lient 3"airs. He %as tall@ t"in@ 8ut not %eak. His "an5s %ere lar-e an5 stron-@ 8i- enou-" to palm my 1a3e. He %as 5resse5 in a t"ree2pie3e 8la3k suit@ like a 3"au11eur e*3ept 1or t"e 5iamon5 sti3kpin in "is tie. A 8ear5 an5 t"in musta3"e line5 t"e stron- 8ones o1 "is 1a3e. ="en "e?5 entere5 my o11i3e@ 9?5 1elt "im like a psy3"i3 %in5 trippin- 5o%n my spine. 9?5 only en3ountere5 t%o ot"er people %"o "a5 t"at taste to t"em. #ne "a5 8een t"e most po%er1ul )oo5oo priestess 9?5 e)er met. $"e se3on5 "a5 8een t"e se3on5 most po%er1ul )oo5oo priest 9?5 e)er met. $"e %oman %as 5ea5. $"e man %orke5 1or Animators@ 9n3.@ >ust like 9 5i5. But 4omini3 4umare %asn?t "ere to apply 1or a >o8. A7s. Blake@ please 8e seate5@C 4umare sai5. ASa8in 1in5s it most o11ensi)e to sit %"en a la5y is stan5in-.C 9 -lan3e5 8e"in5 "im at Sa8in. A9?ll sit 5o%n i1 "e sits 5o%n@C 9 sai5. 4umare looke5 at Hean2!lau5e. He -a)e a -entle@ 3on5es3en5in- smile. A4o you "a)e su3" poor 3ontrol o)er your "uman ser)antBC 9 5i5n?t "a)e to see Hean2!lau5e?s smile to kno% it %as t"ere. A#"@ you are on your o%n %it" ma petite. S"e is my "uman ser)ant@ so 5e3lare5 8e1ore t"e 3oun3il@ 8ut s"e ans%ers to no one.C ADou seem prou5 o1 t"at@C Sa8in sai5. His )oi3e %as Britis" an5 )ery upper 3rust. AS"e is t"e ,*e3utioner an5 "as more )ampire kills t"an any ot"er "uman. S"e is a ne3roman3er o1 su3" po%er t"at you "a)e tra)ele5 "al1%ay aroun5 t"e %orl5 to 3onsult "er. S"e is my "uman ser)ant %it"out a mark to "ol5 "er to me. S"e 5ates me %it"out t"e ai5 o1 )ampire -lamor. ="y s"oul5 9 not 8e please5BC Listenin- to "im talk you?5 "a)e t"ou-"t it %as all "is o%n i5ea. 'a3t %as@ "e?5 trie5 "is 8est to mark me@ an5 9?5 mana-e5 to es3ape. =e %ere 5atin- 8e3ause "e?5 8la3kmaile5 me. 4ate "im or "e?5 kill my ot"er 8oy1rien5. Hean2!lau5e "a5 mana-e5 to make it all %ork to "is a5)anta-e. ="y %as 9 not surprise5B A:ntil "er 5eat" you 3annot mark any ot"er "uman@C Sa8in sai5. ADou "a)e 3ut yoursel1 o11 1rom a -reat 5eal o1 po%er.C A9 am a%are o1 %"at 9 "a)e 5one@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. Sa8in lau-"e5@ an5 it %as 3"okin-ly 8itter. A=e all 5o stran-e t"in-s 1or lo)e.C 9 %oul5 "a)e -i)en a lot to see Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e at t"at moment. All 9 3oul5 see %as "is lon- 8la3k "air spillin- o)er "is >a3ket@ 8la3k on 8la3k. His s"oul5ers sti11ene5@ "an5s sli5in- a3ross t"e 8lotter on my 5esk. $"en "e %ent )ery still. $"at a%1ul %aitin- stillness t"at only t"e ol5 )ampires "a)e@ as i1@ i1 t"ey "el5 still lon- enou-"@ t"ey %oul5 simply 5isappear. A9s t"at %"at "as 8rou-"t you "ere@ Sa8inB Lo)eBC Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e %as neutral@ empty. Sa8in?s lau-"ter ro5e t"e air like 8roken -lass. 9t 1elt like t"e )ery soun5 o1 it "urt somet"in- 5eep insi5e me. 9 5i5n?t like it. A,nou-" -ames@C 9 sai5@ Alet?s -et it 5one.C A9s s"e al%ays t"is impatientBC 4umare aske5. ADes@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 4umare smile5@ 8ri-"t an5 empty as a li-"t8ul8. A4i5 Hean2!lau5e tell you %"y %e %is"e5 to see youBC AHe sai5 Sa8in 3au-"t some sort o1 5isease 1rom tryin- to -o 3ol5 turkey.C $"e )ampire a3ross t"e room lau-"e5 a-ain@ 1lin-in- it like a %eapon a3ross t"e room. A!ol5 turkey@ )ery -oo5@ 7s. Blake@ )ery -oo5.C $"e lau-"ter ate o)er me like small 3uttin- 8la5es. 9?5 ne)er e*perien3e5 anyt"in- like t"at 1rom >ust a )oi3e. 9n a 1i-"t@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een 5istra3tin-. He3k@ it %as 5istra3tin- no%. 9 1elt li;ui5 sli5e 5o%n my 1ore"ea5. 9 raise5 my le1t "an5 to it. 7y 1in-ers 3ame a%ay smeare5 %it" 8loo5. 9 5re% t"e Bro%nin- an5 steppe5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all. 9 aime5 it at t"e 8la3k 1i-ure a3ross t"e room. AHe 5oes t"at a-ain@ an5 9?ll s"oot "im.C

Hean2!lau5e rose slo%ly 1rom t"e 3"air. His po%er 1lo%e5 o)er me like a 3ool %in5@ raisin- -oose 8umps on my arms. He raise5 one pale "an5@ -one nearly translu3ent %it" po%er. Bloo5 1lo%e5 5o%n t"at -leamin- skin. 4umare staye5 in "is 3"air@ 8ut "e@ too@ %as 8lee5in- 1rom a 3ut nearly i5enti3al to mine. 4umare %ipe5 t"e 8loo5 a%ay@ still smilin-. A$"e -un %ill not 8e ne3essary@C "e sai5. ADou "a)e a8use5 my "ospitality@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. His )oi3e 1ille5 t"e room %it" "issin- e3"oes. A$"ere is not"in- 9 3an say to apolo-iEe@C Sa8in sai5. ABut 9 5i5 not mean to 5o it. 9 am usin- so mu3" o1 my po%er >ust to maintain mysel1 t"at 9 5o not "a)e t"e 3ontrol 9 on3e 5i5.C 9 mo)e5 slo%ly a%ay 1rom t"e %all@ -un still pointe5. 9 %ante5 to see Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e. 9 nee5e5 to see "o% 8a5ly "e %as "urt. 9 ease5 aroun5 t"e 5esk until 9 3oul5 see "im 1rom t"e 3orner o1 my eye. His 1a3e %as untou3"e5@ 1la%less an5 -leamin- like mot"er o1 pearl. He raise5 "is "an5@ one t"in line o1 8loo5 still trailin- 5o%n. A$"is is no a33i5ent.C A!ome into t"e li-"t@ my 1rien5@C 4umare sai5. ADou must let t"em see@ or t"ey %ill not un5erstan5.C A9 5o not %ant to 8e seen.C ADou are )ery 3lose to usin- up all my -oo5 %ill@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A7ine@ too@C 9 a55e5. 9 %as "opin- 9 3oul5 eit"er s"oot Sa8in or put t"e -un 5o%n soon. ,)en a t%o2"an5e5 s"ootinstan3e is not meant to 8e maintaine5 in5e1initely. Dour "an5s start to %a)er >ust a 8it. Sa8in -li5e5 to%ar5s t"e 5esk. $"e 8la3k 3loak spille5 aroun5 "is 1eet like a pool o1 5arkness. All )ampires %ere -ra3e1ul@ 8ut t"is %as ri5i3ulous. 9 realiEe5 "e %asn?t %alkin- at all. He %as le)itatin- insi5e t"at 5ark 3loak. His po%er 1lo%e5 o)er my skin like i3y %ater. 7y "an5s %ere su55enly stea5y on3e more. /ot"in- like "a)in- se)eral "un5re5 years %ort" o1 )ampire 3omin- at you to s"arpen your ner)es. Sa8in stoppe5 on t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e 5esk. He %as e*pen5in- po%er >ust to mo)e@ >ust to 8e "ere@ as i1 like a s"ark@ i1 "e stoppe5 mo)in- "e?5 5ie. Hean2!lau5e -li5e5 aroun5 me. His po%er 5an3e5 o)er my 8o5y@ raisin- t"e "air at t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k@ makin- my skin ti-"t. He stoppe5 almost %it"in rea3" o1 t"e ot"er )ampire. A="at "as "appene5 to you@ Sa8inBC Sa8in stoo5 on t"e e5-e o1 t"e li-"t. $"e lamp s"oul5 "a)e 3ast some li-"t into t"e "oo5 o1 "is 3loak@ 8ut it 5i5n?t. $"e insi5e o1 t"e "oo5 %as as smoot" an5 8la3k an5 empty as a 3a)e. His )oi3e 3ame out o1 t"at not"in-ness. 9t ma5e me >ump. ALo)e@ Hean2!lau5e@ lo)e "appene5 to me. 7y 8elo)e5 -re% a 3ons3ien3e. S"e sai5 it %as %ron- to 1ee5 upon people. =e %ere on3e people@ a1ter all. 'or lo)e o1 "er@ 9 trie5 to 5rink 3ol5 8loo5. 9 trie5 animal 8loo5. But it %as not enou-" to sustain me.C 9 stare5 into t"at 5arkness. 9 kept pointin- t"e -un@ 8ut 9 %as 8e-innin- to 1eel silly. Sa8in 5i5n?t seem at all a1rai5 o1 it@ %"i3" %as unner)in-. 7ay8e "e 5i5n?t 3are. $"at %as also unner)in-. AS"e talke5 you into -oin- )e-etarian. Great@C 9 sai5. ADou seem po%er1ul enou-".C He lau-"e5@ an5 %it" t"e lau-"ter@ t"e s"a5o%s in "is "oo5 1a5e5 slo%ly@ like a 3urtain li1tin-. He t"re% it 8a3k in one ;ui3k 1louris". 9 5i5n?t s3ream@ 8ut 9 -aspe5 an5 took a step 8a3k. 9 3oul5n?t "elp mysel1. ="en 9 realiEe5 9?5 5one it@ 9 stoppe5 an5 ma5e mysel1 take 8a3k t"at step@ meet "is eyes. /o 1lin3"in-. His "air %as t"i3k an5 strai-"t an5 -ol5en@ 1allin- like a s"inin- 3urtain to "is s"oul5ers. But "is skin ... "is skin "a5 rotte5 a%ay on "al1 "is 1a3e. 9t %as like late2sta-e leprosy@ 8ut %orse. $"e 1les" %as puss21ille5@ -an-renous@ an5 s"oul5 "a)e stunk to "i-" "ea)en. $"e ot"er "al1 o1 "is 1a3e %as still 8eauti1ul. $"e kin5 o1 1a3e t"at me5ie)al painters "a5 8orro%e5 1or 3"eru8im@ a -ol5en per1e3tion. #ne 3rystalline 8lue eye rolle5 in its rottin- so3ket as i1 in 5an-er o1 spillinout onto "is 3"eek. $"e ot"er eye %as se3ure an5 %at3"e5 my 1a3e. ADou 3an put up t"e -un@ ma petite. 9t %as an a33i5ent@ a1ter all@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 9 lo%ere5 t"e Bro%nin-@ 8ut 5i5n?t put it up. 9t took more e11ort t"an %as pretty to say 3almly@ A$"is "appene5 8e3ause you stoppe5 1ee5in- o11 o1 "umansBC A=e 8elie)e so@C 4umare sai5. 9 tore my -aEe a%ay 1rom Sa8in?s ra)a-e5 1a3e an5 looke5 8a3k at 4omini3. ADou t"ink 9 3an "elp 3ure "im o1 t"isBC 9 3oul5n?t keep t"e 5is8elie1 out o1 my )oi3e. A9 "ear5 o1 your reputation in ,urope.C 9 raise5 my eye8ro%s. A/o mo5esty@ 7s. Blake. Amon- t"ose o1 us %"o noti3e su3" t"in-s@ you are -ainin- a 3ertain notoriety.C /otoriety@ not 1ame. Hmmm.

APut t"e -un a%ay@ ma petite. Sa8in "as 5one all t"e2%"at is your %or52-ran5stan5in- "e %ill 5o toni-"t. Ha)en?t you Sa8inBC A9 1ear so@ it all seems to -o so 8a5ly no%.C 9 "olstere5 t"e -un an5 s"ook my "ea5. A9 "onestly 5on?t "a)e t"e 1aintest i5ea "o% to "elp you.C A91 you kne% "o%@ %oul5 you "elp meBC Sa8in aske5. 9 looke5 at "im an5 no55e5. ADes.C A,)en t"ou-" 9 am a )ampire an5 you are a )ampire e*e3utioner.C AHa)e you 5one anyt"in- in t"is 3ountry t"at you nee5 killin- 1orBC Sa8in lau-"e5. $"e rottin- skin stret3"e5@ an5 a li-ament poppe5 %it" a %et snap. 9 "a5 to look a%ay. A/ot yet@ 7s. Blake@ not yet.C His 1a3e so8ere5 ;ui3klyG t"e "umor a8ruptly 1a5e5. ADou s3"ool your 1a3e to s"o% not"in-@ Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut 9 rea5 t"e "orror in your eyes.C Hean2!lau5e?s skin "a5 -one 8a3k to its usual milky per1e3tion. His 1a3e %as still lo)ely@ per1e3t@ 8ut at least "e?5 stoppe5 -lo%in-. His mi5ni-"t 8lue eyes %ere >ust eyes no%. He %as still 8eauti1ul@ 8ut it %as a nearly "uman 8eauty. A9s it not %ort" a little "orrorBC "e aske5. Sa8in smile5@ an5 9 %is"e5 "e "a5n?t. $"e mus3les on t"e rotte5 si5e 5i5n?t %ork@ an5 "is mout" "un- 3rooke5. 9 -lan3e5 a%ay@ t"en ma5e mysel1 look 8a3k. 91 "e 3oul5 8e trappe5 insi5e t"at 1a3e@ 9 3oul5 look at it. A$"en you %ill "elp meBC A9 %oul5 ai5 you i1 9 3oul5@ 8ut it is Anita you "a)e 3ome to ask. S"e must -i)e "er o%n ans%er.C A=ell@ 7s. BlakeBC A9 5on?t kno% "o% to "elp you@C 9 repeate5. A4o you un5erstan5 "o% 5ire my 3ir3umstan3es are@ 7s. BlakeB $"e true "orror o1 it@ 5o you -rasp itBC A$"e rot pro8a8ly %on?t kill you@ 8ut it?s pro-ressi)e@ 9 take itBC A#"@ yes@ it?s pro-ressi)e@ )irulently so.C A9 %oul5 "elp you i1 9 3oul5@ Sa8in@ 8ut %"at 3an 9 5o t"at 4umare 3an?tB He?s a ne3roman3er@ may8e as po%er1ul as 9 am@ may8e more. ="y 5o you nee5 meBC A9 realiEe@ 7s. Blake@ t"at you 5on?t "a)e somet"in- spe3i1i3ally 1or Sa8in?s pro8lem@C 4umare sai5. AAs 1ar as 9 3an 5is3o)er@ "e is t"e only )ampire to e)er su11er su3" a 1ate@ 8ut 9 t"ou-"t i1 %e 3ame to anot"er ne3roman3er as po%er1ul as mysel12A "e smile5 mo5estly A2or nearly as po%er1ul as mysel1@ per"aps to-et"er %e 3oul5 %ork up a spell to "elp "im.C AA spellBC 9 -lan3e5 at Hean2!lau5e. He -a)e t"at %on5er1ul Galli3 s"ru- t"at meant e)eryt"in- an5 not"in-. A9 kno% little o1 ne3roman3y@ ma petite. Dou %oul5 kno% i1 su3" a spell %ere possi8le more t"an 9.C A9t is not only your a8ility as a ne3roman3er t"at "as 8rou-"t us to you@C 4umare sai5. ADou "a)e also a3te5 as a 1o3us 1or at least t%o 5i11erent animators@ 9 8elie)e t"at is t"e Ameri3an %or5 1or %"at you 5o.C 9 no55e5. A$"e %or5?s ri-"t@ 8ut %"ere 5i5 you "ear 9 3oul5 a3t as a 1o3usBC A!ome@ 7s. Blake@ t"e a8ility to 3om8ine anot"er animator?s po%ers %it" your o%n an5 t"us ma-ni1y 8ot" po%ers is a rare talent.C A!an you a3t as a 1o3usBC 9 aske5. He trie5 to look "um8le 8ut a3tually looke5 please5 %it" "imsel1. A9 must 3on1ess@ yes@ 9 3an a3t as a 1o3us. $"ink o1 %"at t"e t%o o1 us 3oul5 a33omplis" to-et"er.C A=e 3oul5 raise a "ell o1 a lot o1 Eom8ies@ 8ut t"at %on?t 3ure Sa8in.C A$rue enou-".C 4umare leane5 1or%ar5 in "is 3"air. His lean@ "an5some 1a3e 1lus"e5@ ea-er@ a true 3on)ert lookin- 1or 5is3iples. 9 %asn?t mu3" o1 a 1ollo%er. A9 %oul5 o11er to tea3" you true ne3roman3y@ not t"is )oo5oo 5a88lin- t"at you?)e 8een 5oin-.C Hean2!lau5e ma5e a so1t soun5 "al1%ay 8et%een a lau-" an5 a 3ou-". 9 -lare5 at Hean2!lau5e?s amuse5 1a3e 8ut sai5@ A9?m 5oin- >ust 1ine %it" t"is )oo5oo 5a88lin-.C A9 meant no insult@ 7s. Blake. Dou %ill nee5 a tea3"er o1 some sort soon. 91 not me@ t"en you must 1in5 someone else.C A9 5on?t kno% %"at you?re talkin- a8out.C A!ontrol@ 7s. Blake. <a% po%er@ no matter "o% impressi)e@ is not t"e same as po%er use5 %it" -reat 3are an5 -reat 3ontrol.C

9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?ll "elp you i1 9 3an@ 7r. 4umare. 9?ll e)en parti3ipate in a spell i1 9 3"e3k it out %it" a lo3al %it3" 9 kno% 1irst.C AA1rai5 t"at 9 %ill try an5 steal your po%erBC 9 smile5. A/o@ s"ort o1 killin- me@ t"e 8est you or anyone else 3an 5o is 8orro%.C ADou are %ise 8eyon5 your years@ 7s. Blake.C ADou aren?t t"at mu3" ol5er t"an 9 am@C 9 sai5. Somet"in- 3rosse5 o)er "is 1a3e@ t"e 1aintest 1li3ker@ an5 9 kne%. ADou?re "is "uman ser)ant@ aren?t youBC 4omini3 smile5@ sprea5in- "is "an5s. A#ui.C 9 si-"e5. A9 t"ou-"t you sai5 you %eren?t tryin- to "i5e anyt"in- 1rom me.C AA "uman ser)ant?s >o8 is to 8e t"e 5aytime eyes an5 ears o1 "is master. 9 am o1 no use to my master i1 )ampire "unters 3an spot me 1or %"at 9 am.C A9 spotte5 you.C ABut in anot"er situation@ %it"out Sa8in at my si5e@ %oul5 you "a)eBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a moment. A7ay8e.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t kno%.C A$"ank you 1or your "onesty@ 7s. Blake.C Sa8in sai5@ A9 am sure our time is up. Hean2!lau5e sai5 you "a5 a pressin- en-a-ement@ 7s. Blake. 7u3" more important t"an my little pro8lem.C $"ere %as a little 8ite to t"at last. A7a petite "as a 5ate %it" "er ot"er 8eau.C Sa8in stare5 at Hean2!lau5e. ASo you are truly allo%in- "er to 5ate anot"er. 9 t"ou-"t t"at at least must 8e rumor.C AVery little o1 %"at you "ear a8out ma petite is rumor. Belie)e all you "ear.C Sa8in 3"u3kle5@ 3ou-"in-@ as i1 stru--lin- to keep t"e lau-"ter 1rom spillin- out "is ruine5 mout". A91 9 8elie)e5 e)eryt"in9 "ear5@ 9 %oul5 "a)e 3ome %it" an army.C ADou 3ame %it" one ser)ant 8e3ause 9 allo%e5 you only one ser)ant@C Hean!lau5e sai5. Sa8in smile5. A$oo true. !ome 4omini3@ %e must not take more o1 7s. Blake?s so )alua8le time.C 4omini3 stoo5 o8e5iently@ to%erin- o)er us 8ot". Sa8in %as aroun5 my "ei-"t. #1 3ourse@ 9 %asn?t sure i1 "is le-s %ere still t"ere. He mi-"t "a)e 8een taller on3e. A9 5on?t like you@ Sa8in@ 8ut 9 %oul5 ne)er %illin-ly lea)e anot"er 8ein- in t"e s"ape you?re in. 7y plans toni-"t are important@ 8ut i1 9 t"ou-"t %e 3oul5 3ure you imme5iately@ 9?5 3"an-e t"em.C $"e )ampire looke5 at me. His 8lue@ 8lue eyes %ere like starin- 5o%n into 3lear o3ean %ater. $"ere %as no pull to t"em. ,it"er "e %as 8e"a)in- "imsel1 or@ like most )ampires@ "e 3oul5n?t roll me %it" "is eyes anymore. A$"ank you@ 7s. Blake. 9 8elie)e you are sin3ere.C He e*ten5e5 a -lo)e5 "an5 1rom t"e )oluminous 3loak. 9 "esitate5@ t"en took it. His "an5 s;uis"e5 e)er so sli-"tly@ an5 it took a lot not to >erk 8a3k. 9 1or3e5 mysel1 to s"ake "is "an5@ to smile@ to let -o@ an5 not to ru8 my "an5 on my skirt. 4omini3 s"ook my "an5 as %ell. His %as 3ool an5 5ry. A$"ank you 1or your time@ 7s. Blake. 9 %ill 3onta3t you tomorro% an5 %e %ill 5is3uss t"in-s.C A9?ll 8e e*pe3tin- your 3all@ 7r. 4umare.C A!all me@ 4omini3@ please.C 9 no55e5. A4omini3. =e 3an 5is3uss it@ 8ut 9 "ate to take your money %"en 9?m not sure t"at 9 3an "elp you.C A7ay 9 3all you AnitaBC "e aske5. 9 "esitate5 an5 s"ru--e5. A="y not.C A4on?t %orry a8out money@C Sa8in sai5@ A9 "a)e plenty o1 t"at 1or all t"e -oo5 it "as 5one me.C AHo% is t"e %oman you lo)e takin- t"e 3"an-e in your appearan3eBC Hean!lau5e aske5. Sa8in looke5 at "im. 9t %as not a 1rien5ly look. AS"e 1in5s it repulsi)e@ as 5o 9. S"e 1eels immense -uilt. S"e "as not le1t me@ nor is s"e %it" me.C ADou?5 li)e5 1or 3lose to se)en "un5re5 years@C 9 sai5. A="y s3re% t"in-s up 1or a %omanBC Sa8in turne5 to me@ a line o1 ooEe 3reepin- 5o%n "is 1a3e like a 8la3k tear. AAre you askin- me i1 it %as %ort" it@ 7s. BlakeBC 9 s%allo%e5 an5 s"ook my "ea5. A9t?s none o1 my 8usiness. 9?m sorry 9 aske5.C

He 5re% t"e "oo5 o)er "is 1a3e. He turne5 8a3k to me@ 8la3k@ a 3up o1 s"a5o%s %"ere "is 1a3e s"oul5 "a)e 8een. AS"e %as -oin- to lea)e me@ 7s. Blake. 9 t"ou-"t t"at 9 %oul5 sa3ri1i3e anyt"in- to keep "er 8y my si5e@ in my 8e5. 9 %as %ron-.C He turne5 t"at 8la3kness to Hean2!lau5e. A=e %ill see you tomorro% ni-"t@ Hean2!lau5e.C A9 look 1or%ar5 to it.C /eit"er )ampire o11ere5 to s"ake "an5s. Sa8in -li5e5 1or t"e 5oor@ t"e ro8e trailin- 8e"in5 "im@ empty. 9 %on5ere5 "o% mu3" o1 "is lo%er 8o5y %as le1t an5 5e3i5e5 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. 4omini3 s"ook my "an5 a-ain. A$"ank you@ Anita. Dou "a)e -i)en us "ope.C He "el5 my "an5 an5 stare5 into my 1a3e as i1 "e 3oul5 rea5 somet"in- t"ere. AAn5 5o t"ink a8out my o11er to tea3" you. $"ere are )ery 1e% o1 us %"o are true ne3roman3ers.C 9 took 8a3k my "an5. A9?ll t"ink a8out it. /o% 9 really 5o "a)e to -o.C He smile5@ "el5 t"e 5oor 1or Sa8in@ an5 out t"ey %ent. Hean2!lau5e an5 9 stoo5 a moment in silen3e. 9 8roke it 1irst. A!an you trust t"emBC Hean2!lau5e sat on t"e e5-e o1 my 5esk@ smilin-. A#1 3ourse not.C A$"en %"y 5i5 you a-ree to let t"em 3omeBC A$"e 3oun3il "as 5e3lare5 t"at no master )ampires in t"e :nite5 States may ;uarrel until t"at nasty la% t"at is 1loatinaroun5 =as"in-ton is 5ea5. #ne un5ea5 %ar@ an5 t"e anti2)ampire lo88y %oul5 pus" t"rou-" t"e la% an5 make us ille-al a-ain.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t t"ink Bre%ster?s La% "as a sno%8all?s 3"an3e. Vampires are le-al in t"e :nite5 States. ="et"er 9 a-ree %it" it or not@ 9 5on?t t"ink t"at?s -oin- to 3"an-e.C AHo% 3an you 8e so sureBC A9t?s sort o1 "ar5 to say a -roup o1 8ein-s is ali)e an5 "as ri-"ts@ t"en 3"an-e your min5 an5 say killin- t"em on si-"t is okay a-ain. $"e A!L: %oul5 "a)e a 1iel5 5ay.C He smile5. APer"aps. <e-ar5less@ t"e 3oun3il "as 1or3e5 a tru3e on all o1 us until t"e la% is 5e3i5e5 one %ay or anot"er.C ASo you 3an let Sa8in in your territory@ 8e3ause i1 "e mis8e"a)es@ t"e 3oun3il %ill "unt "im 5o%n an5 kill "im.C Hean2!lau5e no55e5. ABut you?5 still 8e 5ea5@C 9 sai5. He sprea5 "is "an5s@ -ra3e1ul@ empty. A/ot"in-?s per1e3t.C 9 lau-"e5. A9 -uess not.C A/o%@ aren?t you -oin- to 8e late 1or your 5ate %it" 7onsieur KeemanBC ADou?re 8ein- a%1ully 3i)iliEe5 a8out t"is@C 9 sai5. A$omorro% ni-"t you %ill 8e %it" me@ ma petite. 9 %oul5 8e a poor ... sport to 8e-ru5-e <i3"ar5 "is ni-"t.C ADou?re usually a poor sport.C A/o%@ ma petite@ t"at is "ar5ly 1air. <i3"ar5 is not 5ea5@ is "eBC A#nly 8e3ause you kno% t"at i1 you kill "im@ 9?ll kill you.C 9 "el5 a "an5 up 8e1ore "e 3oul5 say it. A9?5 try to kill you@ an5 you?5 try to kill me@ et3.C $"is %as an ol5 ar-ument. ASo@ <i3"ar5 li)es@ you 5ate us 8ot"@ an5 9 am 8ein- patient. 7ore patient t"an 9 "a)e e)er 8een %it" anyone.C 9 stu5ie5 "is 1a3e. He %as one o1 t"ose men %"o %as 8eauti1ul rat"er t"an "an5some@ 8ut t"e 1a3e %as mas3ulineG you %oul5n?t mistake "im 1or 1emale@ e)en %it" t"e lon- "air. 9n 1a3t@ t"ere %as somet"in- terri8ly mas3uline a8out Hean!lau5e@ no matter "o% mu3" la3e "e %ore. He 3oul5 8e mineJ lo3k@ sto3k@ an5 1an-s. 9 >ust %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 "im. A9?)e -ot to -o@C 9 sai5. He pus"e5 a%ay 1rom my 5esk. He %as su55enly stan5in- 3lose enou-" to tou3". A$"en -o@ ma petite.C 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8o5y in3"es 1rom mine like a s"immerin- ener-y. 9 "a5 to s%allo% 8e1ore 9 3oul5 speak. A9t?s my o11i3e. Dou "a)e to lea)e.C He tou3"e5 my arms li-"tly@ a 8rus" o1 1in-ertips. A,n>oy your e)enin-@ ma petite.C His 1in-ers %rappe5 aroun5 my arms@ >ust 8elo% t"e s"oul5ers. He 5i5n?t lean o)er me or 5ra% me t"at last in3" 3loser. He simply "el5 my arms@ an5 stare5 5o%n at me. 9 met "is 5ark@ 5ark 8lue eyes. $"ere "a5 8een a time not so lon- a-o t"at 9 3oul5n?t "a)e met "is -aEe %it"out 1allin- into it an5 8ein- lost. /o% 9 3oul5 meet "is eyes@ 8ut in some %ays@ 9 %as >ust as lost. 9 raise5 up on tiptoe@ puttin- my 1a3e 3lose to "is. A9 s"oul5 "a)e kille5 you a lon- time a-o.C ADou "a)e "a5 your 3"an3es@ ma petite. Dou keep sa)in- me.C

A7y mistake@C 9 sai5. He lau-"e5@ an5 t"e soun5 sli5 5o%n my 8o5y like 1ur a-ainst nake5 skin. 9 s"u55ere5 in "is arms. AStop t"at@C 9 sai5. He kisse5 me li-"tly@ a 8rus" o1 lips@ so 9 3oul5n?t 1eel t"e 1an-s. ADou %oul5 miss me i1 9 %ere -one@ ma petite. A5mit it.C 9 5re% a%ay 1rom "im. His "an5s sli5 5o%n my arms@ o)er my "an5s@ until 9 5re% my 1in-ertips a3ross "is "an5s. A9?)e -ot to -o.C ASo you sai5.C AHust -et out@ Hean2!lau5e@ no more -ames.C His 1a3e so8ere5 instantly as i1 a "an5 "a5 %ipe5 it 3lean. A/o more -ames@ ma petite. Go to your ot"er lo)er.C 9t %as "is turn to raise a "an5 an5 say@ A9 kno% you are not truly lo)ers. 9 kno% you are resistin- 8ot" o1 us. Bra)e@ ma petite.C A 1las" o1 somet"in-@ may8e an-er@ 3rosse5 "is 1a3e an5 %as -one like a ripple lost in 5ark %ater. A$omorro% ni-"t you %ill 8e %it" me an5 it %ill 8e <i3"ar5?s turn to sit at "ome an5 %on5er.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A,)en 1or you 9 %oul5 not "a)e 5one %"at Sa8in "as 5one. ,)en 1or your lo)e@ t"ere are t"in-s 9 %oul5 not 5o.C He stare5 at me su55enly 1ier3e@ an-er 1larin- t"rou-" "is eyes@ "is 1a3e. ABut %"at 9 5o is enou-".C A4on?t -o all sel12ri-"teous on me@C 9 sai5. A91 you "a5n?t inter1ere5@ <i3"ar5 an5 9 %oul5 8e en-a-e5@ may8e more@ 8y no%.C AAn5 %"atB Dou %oul5 8e li)in- 8e"in5 a %"ite pi3ket 1en3e %it" t%o point %"ate)er 3"il5ren. 9 t"ink you lie to yoursel1 more t"an to me@ Anita.C 9t %as al%ays a 8a5 si-n %"en "e use5 my real name. A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC A9t means@ ma petite@ t"at you are as likely to t"ri)e in 5omesti3 8liss as 9 am.C =it" t"at@ "e -li5e5 to t"e 5oor an5 le1t. He 3lose5 t"e 5oor ;uietly 8ut 1irmly 8e"in5 "im. 4omesti3 8lissB ="o meB 7y li1e %as a 3ross 8et%een a preternatural soap opera an5 an a3tion a5)enture mo)ie. Sort o1 As t"e !asket $urns meets <am8o. ="ite pi3ket 1en3es 5i5n?t 1it. Hean2!lau5e %as ri-"t a8out t"at. 9 "a5 t"e entire %eeken5 o11. 9t %as t"e 1irst time in mont"s. 9?5 8een lookin- 1or%ar5 to t"is e)enin- all %eek. But trut"1ully@ it %asn?t Hean2!lau5e?s nearly per1e3t 1a3e t"at %as "auntin- me. 9 kept 1las"in- on Sa8in?s 1a3e. ,ternal li1e@ eternal pain@ eternal u-liness. /i3e a1terli1e.

Chapter Two
$"ere %ere t"ree kin5s o1 people at !at"erine?s 5inner partyJ t"e li)in-@ t"e 5ea5@ an5 t"e o33asionally 1urry. #ut o1 t"e ei-"t o1 us@ si* %ere "uman@ an5 9 %asn?t sure a8out t%o o1 t"ose@ mysel1 in3lu5e5. 9 %ore 8la3k pants@ a 8la3k )el)et >a3ket %it" %"ite satin lapels@ an5 an o)ersiEe5 %"ite )est t"at 5ou8le5 1or a s"irt. $"e Bro%nin- 9mm a3tually mat3"e5 t"e out1it@ 8ut 9 kept it "i55en. $"is %as t"e 1irst party !at"erine "a5 t"ro%n sin3e "er %e55in-. 'las"in- a -un mi-"t put a 5amper on t"in-s. 9?5 "a5 to take o11 t"e sil)er 3ross t"at 9 al%ays %ore an5 put it in my po3ket 8e3ause t"ere %as a )ampire stan5in- in 1ront o1 me an5 t"e 3ross "a5 starte5 -lo%in- %"en "e entere5 t"e room. 91 9?5 kno%n t"ere %ere -oin- to 8e )amps at t"e party@ 9?5 "a)e %orn a 3ollar "i-" enou-" to "i5e t"e 3ross. $"ey only -lo% %"en t"ey?re out in t"e open@ -enerally speakin-. <o8ert@ t"e )ampire in ;uestion@ %as tall@ mus3ular@ an5 "an5some in a mo5el2per1e3t sort o1 %ay. He "a5 8een a stripper at Guilty Pleasures. /o% "e mana-e5 t"e 3lu8. 'rom %orker to mana-ementJ t"e Ameri3an 5ream. His "air %as 8lon5@ 3urly@ an5 3ut ;uite s"ort. He %as %earin- a 8ro%n silk s"irt t"at 1it "im per1e3tly an5 mat3"e5 t"e 5ress t"at "is 5ate %as %earin-. 7oni3a Vespu33i?s "ealt" 3lu8 tan "a5 1a5e5 aroun5 t"e e5-es@ 8ut "er makeup %as still per1e3t@ "er s"ort au8urn "air style5 into pla3e. S"e %as pre-nant enou-" 1or me to "a)e noti3e5 an5 "appy enou-" a8out it to 8e irritatin-. S"e smile5 8rilliantly at me. AAnita@ it "as 8een too lon-.C ="at 9 %ante5 to say %as@ A/ot lon- enou-".C $"e last time 9?5 seen "er@ s"e "a5 8etraye5 me to t"e lo3al master )ampire. But !at"erine t"ou-"t s"e %as "er 1rien5@ an5 it %as "ar5 to 5isillusion "er %it"out tellin- t"e %"ole story. $"e %"ole story in3lu5e5 some unsan3tione5 killin-@ some o1 it 5one 8y me. !at"erine?s a la%yer an5 a sti3kler 1or la% an5 or5er. 9 5i5n?t %ant to put "er in a position %"ere s"e "a5 to 3ompromise "er morals to sa)e my ass. So 7oni3a %as "er 1rien5@ %"i3" meant 9 "a5 8een polite all t"rou-" 5inner@ 1rom appetiEer all t"e %ay to 5essert. 9?5 8een polite mainly 8e3ause 7oni3a "a5 8een at t"e ot"er en5 o1 t"e ta8le. /o%@ un1ortunately@ %e %ere min-lin- in t"e li)in- room an5 9 3oul5n?t seem to s"ake "er. A9t 5oesn?t seem t"at lon-@C 9 sai5. A9t?s 8een almost a year.C S"e smile5 up at <o8ert. $"ey %ere "ol5in- "an5s. A=e -ot marrie5.C S"e tou3"e5 "er -lass to t"e top o1 "er 8elly. A=e -ot kno3ke5 up.C S"e -i--le5.

9 stare5 at t"em 8ot". ADou 3an?t -et kno3ke5 up 8y a "un5re52year2ol5 3orpse.C #kay@ 9?5 8een polite lon- enou-". 7oni3a -rinne5 at me. ADou 3an i1 t"e 8o5y temperature is raise5 1or lon- enou-" an5 you "a)e se* o1ten enou-". 7y o8stetri3ian t"inks t"e "ot tu8 5i5 us in.C $"is %as more t"an 9 %ante5 to kno%. AHa)e you "a5 t"e amnio yetBC $"e smile 1a5e5 1rom "er 1a3e@ lea)in- "er eyes "aunte5. 9 %as sorry 9?5 aske5. A=e?)e -ot anot"er %eek to %ait.C A9?m sorry@ 7oni3a@ <o8ert. 9 "ope t"e test 3omes 8a3k 3lean.C 9 5i5 not mention Vla5 syn5rome@ 8ut t"e %or5s "un- on t"e air. 9t %as rare 8ut not as rare as it use5 to 8e. $"ree years o1 le-aliEe5 )ampirism an5 Vla5 syn5rome %as t"e "i-"est risin- 8irt" 5e1e3t in t"e 3ountry. 9t 3oul5 result in some really "orri8le 5isa8ilities@ not to mention 5eat" 1or t"e 8a8y. =it" t"at mu3" at stake@ you?5 t"ink people %oul5 8e more 3autious. <o8ert 3ra5le5 "er a-ainst "im@ an5 all t"e li-"t "a5 1a5e5 1rom "er 1a3e. S"e looke5 pale. 9 1elt like a "eel. A$"e latest ne%s %as t"at a )ampire o)er a "un5re5 %as sterile@C 9 sai5. A$"ey s"oul5 up5ate t"eir in1ormation@ 9 -uess.C 9 meant 1or it to 8e 3om1ortin-@ like t"ey "a5n?t 8een 3areless. 7oni3a looke5 at me@ an5 t"ere %as no -entleness in "er eyes %"en s"e sai5@ A=orrie5BC 9 stare5 at "er all pale an5 pre-nant an5 %ante5 to slap "er any%ay. 9 %as not sleepin- %it" Hean2!lau5e. But 9 %as not -oin- to stan5 t"ere an5 >usti1y mysel1 to 7oni3a Vespu33i2or anyone else@ 1or t"at matter. <i3"ar5 Keeman entere5 t"e room. 9 5i5n?t a3tually see "im enter. 9 1elt it. 9 turne5 an5 %at3"e5 "im %alk to%ar5s us. He %as si* 1oot one@ nearly a 1oot taller t"an me. Anot"er in3" an5 %e 3oul5n?t "a)e kisse5 %it"out a 3"air. But it %oul5 "a)e 8een %ort" t"e e11ort. He %o)e 8et%een t"e ot"er -uests@ sayin- a %or5 "ere an5 t"ere. His smile 1las"e5 %"ite an5 per1e3t in "is permanently tanne5 skin as "e talke5 to t"ese ne% 1rien5s t"at "e?5 mana-e5 to 3"arm at 5inner. /ot %it" se* appeal or po%er 8ut %it" s"eer -oo5 %ill. He %as t"e %orl5?s 8i--est 8oy s3out@ t"e ori-inal "ail 1ello%@ %ell met. He like5 people an5 %as a %on5er1ul listener@ t%o ;ualities t"at are "i-"ly un5errate5. His suit %as 5ark 8ro%n@ "is s"irt a 5eep oran-ey -ol5. $"e tie %as a 8ri-"ter oran-e %it" a line o1 small 1i-ures 5o%n t"e mi55le o1 it. Dou "a5 to 8e stan5in- ri-"t ne*t to "im to realiEe t"e 1i-ures %ere =arner Brot"ers 3artoons. He?5 tie5 "is s"oul5er2len-t" "air 8a3k 1rom "is 1a3e in a )ersion o1 a 1ren3" 8rai5@ so t"e illusion %as t"at "is 8ro%n "air %as )ery s"ort. 9t le1t "is 1a3e 3lean an5 )ery )isi8le. His 3"eek8ones %ere per1e3t@ s3ulpte5 "i-" an5 -ra3e1ul. His 1a3e %as mas3uline@ "an5some@ %it" a 5imple to so1ten it. 9t %as t"e kin5 o1 1a3e t"at %oul5 "a)e ma5e me s"y in "i-" s3"ool. He noti3e5 me %at3"in- "im an5 smile5. His 8ro%n eyes sparkle5 %it" t"e smile@ 1illin- %it" "eat t"at "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" room temperature. 9 %at3"e5 "im %alk t"e last 1e% 1eet@ an5 1elt "eat rise up my ne3k into my 1a3e. 9 %ante5 to un5ress "im@ to tou3" "is 8are skin@ to see %"at %as un5er t"at suit. 9 %ante5 t"at )ery 8a5ly. 9 %oul5n?t@ 8e3ause 9 %asn?t sleepin- %it" <i3"ar5@ eit"er. 9 %asn?t sleepin- %it" t"e )ampire or t"e %ere%ol1. <i3"ar5 %as t"e %ere%ol1. 9t %as "is only 1ault. #kay@ may8e one ot"erJ "e?5 ne)er kille5 any8o5y. $"at last 1ault mi-"t -et "im kille5 some5ay. 9 sli5 my le1t arm aroun5 "is %aist@ un5er t"e un8uttone5 >a3ket. $"e soli5 %armt" o1 "im 8eat like a pulse a-ainst my 8o5y. 91 %e 5i5n?t "a)e se* soon@ 9 %as simply -oin- to e*plo5e. ="at pri3e moralsB 7oni3a stare5 at me )ery stea5ily@ stu5yin- my 1a3e. A$"at?s a lo)ely ne3kla3e. ="o -ot it 1or youBC 9 smile5 an5 s"ook my "ea5. 9 %as %earin- a 8la3k )el)et 3"oker %it" a 3ameo@ e5-e5 8y sil)er 1ili-ree. Hey@ it mat3"e5 t"e out1it. 7oni3a %as pretty sure <i3"ar5 "a5n?t -i)en it to me@ %"i3" meant@ to 7oni3a@ t"at Hean2!lau5e "a5. Goo5 ol5 7oni3a. S"e ne)er 3"an-e5. A9 8ou-"t it to mat3" t"e out1it@C 9 sai5. S"e %i5ene5 "er eyes in surprise. A#"@ reallyBC like s"e 5i5n?t 8elie)e me. A<eally. 9?m not mu3" into -i1ts@ espe3ially >e%elry.C <i3"ar5 "u--e5 me. A$"at?s t"e trut". S"e?s a )ery "ar5 %oman to spoil.C !at"erine >oine5 us. Her 3opper23olore5 "air 1lo%e5 aroun5 "er 1a3e in a %a)y mass. S"e %as t"e only one 9 kne% %it" 3urlier "air t"an mine@ 8ut its 3olor %as more spe3ta3ular. 91 aske5@ most people 5es3ri8e5 "er 1rom t"e "air out%ar5. 4eli3ate makeup "i5 t"e 1re3kles an5 5re% attention to "er pale@ -rey -reen eyes. Her 5ress %as t"e 3olor o1 ne% lea)es. 9?5 ne)er seen "er look 8etter. A7arria-e seems to a-ree %it" you@C 9 sai5@ smilin-. S"e smile5 8a3k. ADou s"oul5 try it sometime.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"anks a lot.C A9 "a)e to steal Anita a%ay 1or >ust a moment.C At least s"e 5i5n?t say s"e nee5e5 "elp in t"e kit3"en. <i3"ar5 %oul5 "a)e kno%n t"at %as a lie. He %as a mu3" 8etter 3ook t"an 9 %as. !at"erine le5 me 8a3k to t"e spare 8e5room %"ere t"e 3oats %ere pile5 in a "eap. $"ere %as one real 1ur 3oat 5rape5 o)er t"e pile. 9 %as 8ettin- 9 kne% %"o o%ne5 it. 7oni3a like5 8ein- 3lose to 5ea5 t"in-s. As soon as t"e 5oor %as s"ut@ !at"erine -ra88e5 my "an5s an5 -i--le5@ 9 s%ear. A<i3"ar5 is %on5er1ul. 7y >unior "i-" s3ien3e tea3"ers ne)er looke5 like t"at.C

9 smile5@ an5 it %as one o1 t"ose 8i-@ 5opey smiles. $"e silly kin5 t"at say you?re in "orri8le lust i1 not lo)e@ may8e 8ot"@ an5 it 1eels -oo5 e)en i1 it is stupi5. =e sat 5o%n on t"e 8e5@ pus"in- t"e 3oats to one si5e. AHe is "an5some@C 9 sai5@ my )oi3e as neutral as 9 3oul5 make it. AAnita@ 5on?t -i)e me t"at. 9?)e ne)er seen you -lo% aroun5 anyone.C A9 5on?t -lo%.C S"e -rinne5 at me an5 no55e5. ADes@ you 5o.C A4o not@C 9 sai5@ 8ut it %as "ar5 to 8e sullen %"en 9 %ante5 to smile. AAll ri-"t@ 9 like "im@ a lot. HappyBC ADou?)e 8een 5atin- "im 1or nearly se)en mont"s. ="ere?s t"e en-a-ement rin-BC 9 5i5 1ro%n at "er t"en. A!at"erine@ >ust 8e3ause you?re 5eliriously "appily marrie5 5oesn?t mean e)eryone else "as to 8e marrie5@ too.C S"e s"ru--e5 an5 lau-"e5. 9 stare5 into "er s"inin- 1a3e an5 s"ook my "ea5. $"ere "a5 to 8e more to Bo8 t"an met t"e eye. He %as a8out t"irty poun5s "ea)ier t"an "e s"oul5 "a)e 8een@ 8al5in-@ %it" small roun5 -lasses on a rat"er non5es3ript 1a3e. He 5i5 not "a)e a sparklin- personality@ eit"er. 9?5 8een rea5y to -i)e "er t"e t"um8s 5o%n until 9 sa% t"e %ay "e looke5 at !at"erine. He looke5 at "er like s"e %as t"e %"ole %orl5@ an5 it %as a ni3e@ sa1e@ %on5er1ul %orl5. A lot o1 people are pretty@ an5 3le)er repartee is on e)ery tele)ision set@ 8ut 5epen5a8ility@ t"at?s rare. A9 5i5n?t 8rin- <i3"ar5 "ere to -et your stamp o1 appro)alG 9 kne% you?5 like "im.C A$"en %"y 5i5 you keep "im su3" a se3retB 9?)e trie5 to meet "im a 5oEen times.C 9 s"ru--e5. $"e trut" %as 8e3ause 9 kne% s"e?5 -et t"at li-"t in "er eyes. $"at mania3al -leam t"at your marrie5 1rien5s -et %"en you?re not marrie5 an5 you?re 5atin- anyone. #r %orse yet@ not 5atin-@ an5 t"ey?re tryin- to 1i* you up. !at"erine "a5 t"e look no%. A4on?t tell me you planne5 t"is entire party >ust so you 3oul5 meet <i3"ar5BC APartly. Ho% else %as 9 e)er -oin- toBC $"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. A!ome in@C !at"erine sai5. Bo8 opene5 t"e 5oor. He still looke5 or5inary to me@ 8ut 1rom t"e li-"t in !at"erine?s 1a3e@ s"e sa% somet"in- else. He smile5 at "er. $"e smile ma5e "is %"ole 1a3e -lo% an5 9 3oul5 see somet"in- s"inin- an5 1ine. Lo)e makes us all 8eauti1ul. ASorry to interrupt t"e -irl talk@ 8ut t"ere?s a p"one 3all 1or Anita.C A4i5 t"ey say %"o it isBC A$e5 'orresterG says it?s 8usiness.C 7y eyes %i5ene5. $e5 'orrester %as an alias 1or a man 9 kne% as ,5%ar5. He %as a "it man %"o spe3ialiEe5 in )ampires@ ly3ant"ropes@ or anyt"in- else t"at %asn?t ;uite "uman. 9 %as a li3ense5 )ampire "unter. #33asionally@ our pat"s 3rosse5. =e mi-"t e)en on some le)el 8e 1rien5s@ may8e. A="o?s $e5 'orresterBC !at"erine aske5. ABounty "unter@C 9 sai5. $e5 ,5%ar5?s alias@ %as a 8ounty "unter %it" papers to pro)e it@ all ni3e an5 le-al. 9 stoo5 an5 %ent 1or t"e 5oor. A9s somet"in- %ron-BC !at"erine aske5. /ot mu3" -ot past "er@ %"i3" %as one o1 t"e reasons 9 a)oi5e5 "er %"en 9 %as ass 5eep in alli-ators. S"e %as smart enou-" to 1i-ure out %"en t"in-s %ere o1123enter 8ut s"e 5i5n?t 3arry a -un. 91 you 3an?t 5e1en5 yoursel1@ you are 3annon 1o55er. $"e only t"in- t"at kept <i3"ar5 1rom 8ein- 3annon 1o55er %as t"at "e %as a %ere%ol1. Alt"ou-" re1usin- to kill people ma5e "im almost 3annon 1o55er@ s"apes"i1ter or not. A9 %as >ust "opin- not to "a)e to 5o any %ork toni-"t@C 9 sai5. A9 t"ou-"t you "a5 t"e entire %eeken5 o11@C s"e sai5. ASo 5i5 9.C 9 took t"e p"one in t"e "ome o11i3e t"ey?5 set up. $"ey?5 5i)i5e5 t"e room 5o%n t"e mi55le. #ne "al1 %as 5e3orate5 in 3ountry %it" te55y 8ears an5 miniature -in-"am ro3kers@ t"e ot"er "al1 %as mas3uline %it" "untin- prints an5 a s"ip in a 8ottle on t"e 5esk. !ompromise at its 8est. 9 pi3ke5 up t"e p"one an5 sai5. AHelloBC A9t?s ,5%ar5.C AHo% 5i5 you -et t"is num8erBC He %as ;uiet 1or a se3on5. A!"il5?s play.C A="y 5i5 you "unt me 5o%n@ ,5%ar5B ="at?s upBC

A9nterestin- 3"oi3e o1 %or5s@C "e sai5. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC A9 %as >ust o11ere5 a 3ontra3t on your li1e@ 1or enou-" money to make it %ort" my %"ile.C 9t %as my turn to 8e ;uiet. A4i5 you take itBC A=oul5 9 8e 3allin- you i1 9 "a5BC A7ay8e@C 9 sai5. He lau-"e5. A$rue@ 8ut 9?m not -oin- to take it.C A="y notBC A'rien5s"ip.C A$ry a-ain@C 9 sai5. A9 1i-ure 9?ll -et to kill more people -uar5in- you. 91 9 take t"e 3ontra3t@ 9 only -et to kill you.C A!om1ortin-. 4i5 you say -uar5BC A9?ll 8e in to%n tomorro%.C ADou?re t"at sure someone else %ill take t"e 3ontra3tBC A9 5on?t e)en open my 5oor 1or less t"an a "un5re5 -ran5@ Anita. Someone %ill take t"e "it@ an5 it?ll 8e someone -oo5. /ot as -oo5 as me@ 8ut -oo5.C AAny a5)i3e until you -et into to%nBC A9 "a)en?t -i)en t"em my ans%er yet. $"at?ll 5elay t"em. #n3e 9 say no@ it?ll take a little time to 3onta3t anot"er "itter. Dou s"oul5 8e sa1e toni-"t. ,n>oy your %eeken5 o11.C AHo% 5i5 you kno% 9 "a5 t"e %eeken5 o11BC A!rai- is a )ery talkati)e se3retary. Very "elp1ul.C A9?ll "a)e to speak to "im a8out t"at@C 9 sai5. ADou 5o t"at.C ADou?re sure t"at t"ere %on?t 8e a "itter in to%n toni-"tBC A/ot"in- in li1e is sure@ Anita@ 8ut 9 %oul5n?t like it i1 a 3lient trie5 to "ire me an5 t"en -a)e t"e >o8 to someone else.C ADou lose many 3lients at your o%n "an5sBC 9 aske5. A/o 3omment@C "e sai5. ASo one last ni-"t o1 sa1ety@C 9 sai5. APro8a8ly@ 8ut 8e 3are1ul any%ay.C A="o put t"e "it out on meBC A9 5on?t kno%@C ,5%ar5 sai5. A="at 5o you mean@ you 5on?t kno%B Dou "a)e to kno% so you 3an -et pai5.C A9 -o t"rou-" interme5iaries most o1 t"e time. Keeps 5o%n t"e 3"an3e t"at t"e ne*t 3lient is a 3op.C AHo% 5o you 1in5 %ay%ar5 3lients i1 t"ey piss you o11BC A9 3an 1in5 t"em@ 8ut it takes time. Anita@ i1 you?)e -ot a really -oo5 "itter on your tail@ time is somet"in- you %on?t "a)e.C A#"@ t"at %as 3om1ortin-.C A9t %asn?t suppose5 to 8e 3om1ortin-@C "e sai5@ A!an you t"ink o1 anyone %"o "ates you so 8a5ly an5 "as t"is kin5 o1 moneyBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. A/o. 7ost o1 t"e people t"at %oul5 1it t"e 8ill are 5ea5.C A$"e only -oo5 enemy is a 5ea5 enemy@C ,5%ar5 sai5. ADea".C A9 "ear5 a rumor t"at you?re 5atin- t"e master o1 t"e 3ity. 9s t"at trueBC 9 "esitate5. 9 realiEe5 9 %as em8arrasse5 to a5mit t"e trut" to ,5%ar5. ADea"@ it?s true.C A9 "a5 to "ear you say it.C 9 3oul5 almost "ear "im s"ake "is "ea5 o)er t"e p"one. A4amn@ Anita@ you kno% 8etter t"an t"at.C A9 kno%@C 9 sai5.

A4i5 you 5ump <i3"ar5BC A/o.C A="i3" monster are you %it" toni-"t@ 8loo5su3ker or 1les"2eaterBC A/one o1 your 5amn 8usiness@C 9 sai5. A'ine. Pi3k t"e monster o1 your 3"oi3e toni-"t@ Anita@ "a)e a -oo5 time. $omorro% %e start tryin- to keep you ali)e.C He "un- up. 91 it "a5 8een any8o5y else@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 "e %as an-ry a8out me 5atin- a )ampire. #r may8e 5isappointe5 %oul5 8e a 8etter %or5. 9 "un- up t"e p"one an5 sat t"ere 1or a 1e% minutes@ lettin- it all sink in. Someone %as tryin- to kill me. /ot"in- ne% t"ere@ 8ut t"is someone %as "irin- e*pert "elp. $"at %as ne%. 9?5 ne)er "a5 an assassin a1ter my 8utt 8e1ore. 9 %aite5 to 1eel 1ear %as" o)er me@ 8ut it 5i5n?t. #"@ in a )a-ue sort o1 %ay@ 9 %as a1rai5@ 8ut not like 9 s"oul5 "a)e 8een. 9t %asn?t t"at 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e it 3oul5 "appen. 9 5i5 8elie)e. 9t %as more t"at so mu3" else "a5 "appene5 in t"e last year t"at 9 3oul5n?t -et too e*3ite5 yet. 91 t"e assassin >umpe5 out an5 starte5 s"ootin-@ 9?5 5eal %it" it. 7ay8e later 9?5 e)en "a)e an atta3k o1 ner)es. But 9 5i5n?t -et many atta3ks o1 ner)es anymore. Part o1 me %as num8in- out like a 3om8at )eteran. $"ere %as >ust too mu3" to take in@ so you stop takin- it in. 9 almost %is"e5 9 "a5 8een s3are5. 'ear %ill keep you ali)eG in5i11eren3e %on?t. Some%"ere out t"ere@ 8y tomorro%@ someone %oul5 "a)e my name on a to5o list. Pi3k up 5ry 3leanin-@ 8uy -ro3eries@ kill Anita Blake.

Chapter Three
9 steppe5 8a3k into t"e li)in- room an5 3au-"t <i3"ar5?s eye. 9 %as sort o1 rea5y to -o "ome. Some"o%@ kno%in- an assassin %as out t"ere@ or %oul5 8e soon@ "a5 put a 5amper on t"e e)enin-. A="at?s %ron-BC <i3"ar5 aske5. A/ot"in-@C 9 sai5. 9 kno%@ 9 kno%@ 9 "a5 to tell "im@ 8ut "o% 5o you tell your s%eetie t"at people are tryin- to kill youB /ot in a room 1ull o1 people. 7ay8e in t"e 3ar. ADes@ t"ere is. Dou?)e -ot t"at tension 8et%een your eye8ro%s t"at means you?re tryin- not to 1ro%n.C A/o@ 9?m not.C He smoot"e5 "is 1in-er 8et%een my eyes. ADes@ you are.C 9 -lare5 at "im. AAm not.C He smile5. A/o% you are 1ro%nin-.C His 1a3e so8ere5. A="at?s %ron-C 9 si-"e5. 9 steppe5 3loser to "im@ not 1or roman3e 8ut 1or pri)a3y. Vampires "a5 in3re5i8ly -oo5 "earin-@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant <o8ert to kno%. He?5 tattle to Hean2!lau5e. 91 9 %ante5 Hean2!lau5e to kno%@ 9?5 tell "im mysel1. A9t %as ,5%ar5 on t"e p"one.C A="at 5oes "e %antBC <i3"ar5 %as 1ro%nin- no%@ too. ASomeone trie5 to "ire "im to kill me.C A look o1 total astonis"ment 8lossome5 on "is 1a3e@ an5 9 %as -la5 "is 8a3k %as to t"e room. He 3lose5 "is mout"@ opene5 it@ an5 1inally sai5@ A9 %oul5 say you?re ki55in-@ 8ut 9 kno% you?re not. ="y %oul5 anyone %ant to kill youBC A$"ere are plenty o1 people %"o %oul5 like to see me 5ea5@ <i3"ar5. But none o1 t"em "a)e t"e kin5 o1 money t"at?s 8ein- put out 1or t"e "it.C AHo% 3an you 8e so 3alm a8out t"isBC A=oul5 it sol)e anyt"in- i1 9 "a5 "ysteri3sBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A9t?s not t"at.C He seeme5 to t"ink 1or a se3on5. A9t?s t"at you?re not outra-e5 t"at someone?s tryin- to kill you. Dou >ust a33ept it@ almost like it?s normal. 9t isn?t normal.C AAssassins aren?t normal@ e)en 1or me@ <i3"ar5@C 9 sai5. AHust )ampires@ Eom8ies@ an5 %ere%ol)es@C "e sai5. 9 smile5. ADea".C He "u--e5 me ti-"tly an5 %"ispere5@ ALo)in- you 3an 8e )ery s3ary sometimes.C 9 %rappe5 my arms aroun5 "is %aist@ leanin- my 1a3e a-ainst "is 3"est. 9 3lose5 my eyes@ an5 1or >ust a moment 9 8reat"e5 in t"e smell o1 "im. 9t %as more t"an "is a1ters"a)eG it %as t"e smell o1 "is skin@ "is %armt". Him. 'or >ust a moment@ 9 sank a-ainst "im an5 let it all -o. 9 let "is arms 8e my s"elter. 9 kne% t"at a %ell2pla3e5 8ullet %oul5 5estroy it all@ 8ut 1or a 1e% se3on5s@ 9 1elt sa1e. 9llusion is sometimes all t"at keeps us sane.

9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom "im %it" a si-". ALet?s -i)e our re-rets to !at"erine an5 -et out o1 "ere.C He tou3"e5 my 3"eek -ently@ lookin- into my eyes. A=e 3an stay i1 you %ant.C 9 nestle5 my 3"eek a-ainst "is "an5 an5 s"ook my "ea5. A91 t"e s"it "its t"e 1an tomorro%@ 9 5on?t %ant to spen5 toni-"t at a party. 9?5 rat"er -o 8a3k to my apartment an5 3u55le.C He 1las"e5 me t"at smile t"at %arme5 me 5o%n to my toes. ASoun5s like a plan to me.C 9 smile5 8a3k 8e3ause 9 3oul5n?t not smile 8a3k. A9?ll -o tell !at"erine.C A9?ll -et t"e 3oats@C "e sai5. =e 5i5 our )arious tasks an5 le1t early. !at"erine -a)e me a )ery kno%in- smile. 9 %is"e5 s"e %as ri-"t. Lea)in- early to >ump <i3"ar5?s 8ones 8eat t"e "e3k out o1 t"e trut". 7oni3a %at3"e5 us lea)e. 9 kne% t"at s"e an5 <o8ert %oul5 report 8a3k to Hean2!lau5e. 'ine. He kne% 9 %as 5atin- <i3"ar5. 9 "a5n?t lie5 to any8o5y. 7oni3a %as a la%yer at !at"erine?s 1irm21ri-"tenin- t"ou-"t all on its o%n2so s"e "a5 a le-itimate reason to 8e in)ite5. Hean2!lau5e "a5n?t arran-e5 it@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t like 8ein- spie5 on@ no matter "o% it 3ame a8out. $"e %alk to t"e 3ar %as ner)e2ra3kin-. ,)ery s"a5o% %as su55enly a potential "i5in- pla3e. ,)ery noise a 1ootstep. 9 5i5n?t 5ra% my -un@ 8ut my "an5 a3"e5 to 5o it. A4ammit@C 9 sai5@ so1tly. $"e num8ness %as %earin- o11. 9 %asn?t sure it %as an impro)ement. A="at is itBC <i3"ar5 aske5. He %as su55enly s3annin- t"e 5arkness@ not lookin- at me %"ile "e talke5. His nostrils 1lare5 >ust a little@ an5 9 realiEe5 "e %as s3entin- t"e %in5. AHust >umpy. 9 5on?t see anyone out "ere@ 8ut 9?m su55enly lookin- too 5amn "ar5.C A9 5on?t smell anyone 3lose to us@ 8ut t"ey 3oul5 8e 5o%n%in5. $"e only -un 9 smell is yours.C ADou 3an smell my -unBC He no55e5. ADou?)e 3leane5 it re3ently. 9 3an smell t"e oil.C 9 smile5 an5 s"ook my "ea5. ADou are so 8laste5 normal@ sometimes 9 1or-et you turn 1urry on3e a mont".C AKno%in- "o% -oo5 you are at spottin- ly3ant"ropes@ t"at?s ;uite a 3ompliment.C He smile5. A4o you t"ink assassins %oul5 1all 1rom t"e trees i1 9 "el5 your "an5 ri-"t no%BC 9 smile5. A9 t"ink %e?re sa1e 1or t"e moment.C He 3ur)e5 "is 1in-ers aroun5 my "an5@ an5 a tin-le %ent up my arm like "e?5 tou3"e5 a ner)e. He ru88e5 "is t"um8 in small 3ir3les on t"e 8a3k o1 my "an5 an5 took a 5eep 8reat". A9t?s almost ni3e to kno% t"at t"is assassin 8usiness "as unner)e5 you@ too. 9 5on?t %ant you a1rai5@ 8ut sometimes it?s "ar5 to 8e your -uy %"en 9 t"ink you may 8e 8ra)er t"an 9 am. $"at soun5s like ma3"o 3rap@ 5oesn?t itBC 9 stare5 up at "im. A$"ere?s a lot o1 ma3"o 3rap out t"ere@ <i3"ar5. At least you kno% it?s 3rap.C A!an t"is male 3"au)inist %ol1 kiss youBC AAl%ays.C He leane5 "is 1a3e 5o%n%ar5@ an5 9 rose on tiptoe to meet "is mout" %it" mine@ my 1ree "an5 a-ainst "is 3"est 1or 8alan3e. =e 3oul5 kiss %it"out me -oin- on tiptoe@ 8ut <i3"ar5 ten5e5 to -et a 3ri3k in "is ne3k. 9t %as a ;ui3ker kiss t"an normal 8e3ause 9 "a5 t"is it3"in- in t"e mi55le o1 my 8a3k@ ri-"t 8et%een t"e s"oul5er 8la5es. 9 kne% it %as my ima-ination@ 8ut 9 1elt too e*pose5 out in t"e open. <i3"ar5 sense5 it an5 pulle5 a%ay. He %ent aroun5 to t"e 5ri)er?s si5e o1 "is 3ar an5 opene5 "is 5oor@ leanin- a3ross to unlo3k mine. He 5i5n?t open t"e 5oor 1or me. He kne% 8etter t"an t"at. 9 3oul5 open my o%n 8loo5y 5oor. <i3"ar5?s 3ar %as an ol5 7ustan-@ si*ty somet"in-@ a 7a3" #ne. 9 kne% all t"is 8e3ause "e "a5 tol5 me. 9t %as oran-e %it" a 8la3k ra3in- stripe. $"e 8u3ket seats %ere 8la3k leat"er@ 8ut t"e 1ront seat %as small enou-" t"at %e 3oul5 "ol5 "an5s %"en "e %asn?t usin- t"e -ear s"i1t. <i3"ar5 pulle5 out onto 2. Sout". 'ri5ay ni-"t tra11i3 spille5 aroun5 us in a 8ri-"t sparkle o1 li-"ts. ,)ery8o5y out tryinto en>oy t"e %eeken5. 9 %on5ere5 "o% many o1 t"em "a5 assassins a1ter t"em. 9 %as 8ettin- 9 %as one o1 t"e 1e%. ADou?re ;uiet@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ADea".C A9 %on?t ask %"at you?re t"inkin- a8out. 9 3an -uess.C 9 looke5 at "im. $"e 5arkness o1 t"e 3ar %rappe5 aroun5 us. !ars at ni-"t are like your o%n pri)ate %orl5@ "us"e5 an5 5ark@ intimate. $"e li-"ts o1 on3omin- tra11i3 s%ept o)er "is 1a3e@ "i-"li-"tin- it@ t"en lea)in- us in 5arkness. AHo% 5o you kno% 9?m not t"inkin- a8out %"at you?5 look like %it"out your 3lot"es onBC He 1las"e5 me a -rin. A$ease.C 9 smile5. ASorry. /o se*ual innuen5o unless 9?m %illin- to >ump your 8ones.C

A$"at?s your rule@ not mine@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9?m a 8i- 8oy. Gi)e me all t"e se*ual innuen5o you %ant@ 9 3an take it.C A91 9?m not -oin- to sleep %it" you@ it 5oesn?t seem 1air.C ALet me %orry a8out t"at@C "e sai5. A="y@ 7r. Keeman@ are you in)itin- me to make se*ual o)ertures to youBC His smile %i5ene5@ a %"iteness in t"e 5ark. A#"@ please.C 9 leane5 to%ar5 "im as 1ar as t"e seat 8elt %oul5 allo%@ puttin- a "an5 on t"e 8a3k o1 "is seat@ puttin- my 1a3e in3"es 1rom t"e smoot" e*panse o1 "is ne3k. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" in an5 let it out@ slo%ly@ so 3lose to "is skin t"at my o%n 8reat" 3ame 8a3k to me like a %arm 3lou5. 9 kisse5 t"e 8en5 o1 "is ne3k@ runnin- my lips li-"tly up an5 5o%n t"e skin. <i3"ar5 ma5e a small@ 3ontente5 soun5. 9 3urle5 my knees into my seat@ strainin- a-ainst t"e seat 8elt so 9 3oul5 kiss t"e 8i- pulse in "is ne3k@ t"e 3ur)e o1 "is >a%. He turne5 "is 1a3e into me. =e kisse5@ 8ut my ner)es %eren?t t"at -oo5. 9 turne5 "is 1a3e a%ay. ADou %at3" t"e roa5.C He s"i1te5 -ears@ "is upper arm 8rus"in- a-ainst my 8reasts. 9 si-"e5 a-ainst "im@ puttin- my "an5 o)er "is@ "ol5in- it on t"e -ear s"i1t@ keepin- "is arm presse5 a-ainst me. =e staye5 1roEen 1or a se3on5@ t"en "e mo)e5 a-ainst me@ ru88in-. 9 s3oote5 out 1rom un5er "is arm@ settlin- 8a3k into my seat. 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e past t"e pulse in my t"roat. 9 s"i)ere5@ "u--in- mysel1. $"e 1eel o1 "is 8o5y a-ainst mine ma5e pla3es all o)er my 8o5y ti-"ten. A="at?s %ron-BC "e sai5@ "is )oi3e lo% an5 so1t. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A=e 3an?t keep 5oin- t"is.C A91 you stoppe5 8e3ause o1 me@ 9 %as en>oyin- mysel1.C ASo %as 9. $"at?s t"e pro8lem@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 took in a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out@ si-"in-. A9t?s only a pro8lem 8e3ause you make it one@ Anita.C ADea"@ ri-"t.C A7arry me@ Anita@ an5 all t"is 3an 8e yours.C A9 5on?t %ant to marry you >ust so 9 3an sleep %it" you.C A91 it %as only se*@ 9 %oul5n?t %ant you to marry me@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ABut it?s 3u55lin- on t"e 3ou3"@ %at3"in- Sin-in- in t"e <ain. 9t?s eatin- !"inese an5 kno%in- to -et t"at e*tra or5er o1 3ra8 <an-oon. 9 3an or5er 1or 8ot" o1 us at most o1 t"e restaurants in to%n.C AAre you sayin- 9?m pre5i3ta8leBC A4on?t 5o t"at. 4on?t 8elittle it@C "e sai5. 9 si-"e5. A9?m sorry@ <i3"ar5. 9 5i5n?t mean to. 9 >ust ... C 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say 8e3ause "e %as ri-"t. 7y 5ay %as more 3omplete 1or "a)in- 8een s"are5 %it" <i3"ar5. 9 8ou-"t "im a mu- t"at 9 >ust "appene5 to see in a store. 9t "a5 %ol)es on it@ an5 sai5@ A9n Go5?s %il5ness lies t"e "ope o1 t"e %orl52t"e -reat 1res"@ un8li-"te5@ unre5eeme5 %il5erness.C 9t %as a ;uote 1rom Ho"n 7uir. /o spe3ial o33asion@ >ust sa% it@ kne% <i3"ar5 %oul5 like it@ 8ou-"t it. A 5oEen times a 5ay 9?5 "ear somet"in- on t"e ra5io or in 3on)ersation@ an5 9?5 t"ink@ 9 must remem8er an5 tell <i3"ar5. 9t %as <i3"ar5 %"o took me on my 1irst 8ir52%at3"in- trip sin3e 3olle-e. 9 "a5 a 5e-ree in 8iolo-y@ preternatural 8iolo-y. #n3e 9?5 t"ou-"t 9?5 spen5 my li1e as a 1iel5 8iolo-ist like a preternatural )ersion o1 Hane Goo5all. 9?5 en>oye5 t"e 8ir52%at3"in-@ partly 8e3ause "e %as %it" me@ partly 8e3ause 9?5 en>oye5 it years a-o. 9t %as like 9?5 1or-otten t"at t"ere %as li1e outsi5e o1 a -un 8arrel or a -ra)e si5e. 9?5 8een ne3k 5eep in 8loo5 an5 5eat" so lon-G t"en <i3"ar5 3ame alon-. <i3"ar5 %"o %as also ne3k 5eep in stran-e stu11@ 8ut %"o mana-e5 to "a)e a li1e. 9 3oul5n?t t"ink o1 anyt"in- 8etter t"an %akin- up 8esi5e "im@ rea3"in- 1or "is 8o5y 1irst t"in- in t"e mornin-@ kno%in- 9?5 8e 3omin- "ome to "im. Listenin- to "is 3olle3tion o1 <o5-ers an5 Hammerstein@ %at3"in- "is 1a3e %"ile "e %at3"e5 Gene Kelly musi3als. 9 almost opene5 my mout" an5 sai5@ let?s 5o it@ let?s -et marrie5@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 9 lo)e5 <i3"ar5G 9 3oul5 a5mit t"at to mysel1@ 8ut it %asn?t enou-". $"ere %as an assassin a1ter me. Ho% 3oul5 9 in)ol)e a mil52mannere5 >unior "i-" tea3"er in t"at kin5 o1 li1eB He %as one o1 t"e monsters@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t a33ept it. He %as in a 8attle 1or lea5ers"ip o1 t"e lo3al %ere%ol1 pa3k. He?5 8eaten t"e 3urrent pa3k lea5er@ 7ar3us@ t%i3e@ an5 t%i3e re1use5 t"e kill. 91 you 5i5n?t kill@ you 5i5n?t -et to 8e lea5er. <i3"ar5 3lun- to "is morals. !lun- to )alues t"at only %orke5 %"en people %eren?t tryin- to kill you. 91 9 marrie5 "im@ "is 3"an3e at any kin5 o1 normal li1e %as -one. 9 li)e5 in a sort o1 1ree21ire Eone. <i3"ar5 5eser)e5 8etter. Hean2!lau5e li)e5 in t"e same %orl5 t"at 9 5i5. He "a5 no illusions a8out t"e kin5ness o1 stran-ers@ or anyone else 1or t"at matter. $"e )ampire %oul5n?t "e s"o3ke5 at t"e ne%s o1 an assassin. He?5 simply "elp me plan %"at to 5o a8out it. 9t %oul5n?t t"ro% "im@ or not mu3". $"ere %ere ni-"ts %"en 9 t"ou-"t t"at Hean2!lau5e an5 9 5eser)e5 ea3" ot"er.

<i3"ar5 turne5 o11 onto #li)e. =e %ere soon -oin- to 8e at my apartment@ an5 t"e silen3e %as -ettin- a little t"i3k. Silen3es 5on?t usually 8ot"er me@ 8ut t"is one 5i5. A9?m sorry@ <i3"ar5. 9 am truly sorry.C A91 9 5i5n?t kno% you lo)e5 me@ t"is %oul5 8e easier@C "e sai5. A91 it %asn?t 1or t"at 5amne5 )ampire@ you?5 marry me.C A$"at 5amn )ampire intro5u3e5 us@C 9 sai5. AAn5 "e?s re-rettin- it@ 5on?t t"ink "e isn?t@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 looke5 at "im. AHo% 5o you kno% t"atBC He s"ook "is "ea5. AAll you "a)e to 5o is see "is 1a3e %"en %e?re to-et"er. 9 may not like Hean2!lau5e@ an5 9 "ate t"e t"ou-"t o1 you %it" "im@ 8ut %e aren?t t"e only t%o "urtin- "ere. 9t?s a t"reesome@ 5on?t t"ink it?s not.C 9 "u55le5 in my seat@ su55enly misera8le. 9?5 "a)e almost %el3ome5 a "it man appearin- out o1 t"e 5arkness. Killin- 9 un5erstoo5. <elations"ips 3on1use5 me. A5mitte5ly@ t"is relations"ip %as more 3on1usin- t"an most. <i3"ar5 turne5 into t"e parkin- lot o1 my apartment 8uil5in-. He parke5 t"e 3ar an5 turne5 o11 t"e en-ine. =e sat t"ere in t"e 5ark@ t"e only illumination t"e 5istant -lo% o1 a street li-"t. A9 5on?t kno% %"at to say@ <i3"ar5.C 9 stare5 out t"rou-" t"e %in5s"iel5@ 3on3entratin- on t"e si5e o1 t"e 8uil5in-@ too 3o%ar5ly to look at "im %"ile 9 talke5. A9 %oul5n?t 8lame you 1or >ust sayin- to "ell %it" it. 9 %oul5n?t put up %it" t"is kin5 o1 in5e3ision 1rom you@ an5 9 %oul5n?t s"are you %it" anot"er %oman.C 9 1inally looke5 at "im. He %as starin- strai-"t a"ea5@ not lookin- at me. 7y "eart spe5 up. 91 9 %as truly as 8ra)e as 9 t"ou-"t 9 %as@ 9?5 "a)e let "im -o. But 9 lo)e5 "im@ an5 9 %asn?t t"at 8ra)e. $"e 8est 9 3oul5 5o %as not sleep %it" "im. /ot take t"e relations"ip t"at ne*t step 1or%ar5. $"at %as "ar5 enou-". ,)en my sel123ontrol %asn?t limitless. 91 %e?5 8een plannin- a %e55in-@ 9 3oul5 "a)e %aite5. =it" an en5 in si-"t@ my sel123ontrol %oul5 "a)e appeare5 en5less@ 8ut t"ere %as no en5 in si-"t. !"astity %orks 8etter i1 you 5on?t keep testin- it ;uite so o1ten. 9 un8u3kle5 t"e seat 8elt@ unlo3ke5 an5 opene5 t"e 5oor. <i3"ar5 tou3"e5 my s"oul5er 8e1ore 9 3oul5 -et out. AAren?t you -oin- to in)ite me upBC 9 let out a 8reat" 9 "a5n?t realiEe5 9 %as "ol5in- an5 turne5 8a3k to "im. A4o you %ant to 8e in)ite5 upBC He no55e5. A9 5on?t kno% %"y you put up %it" me@C 9 sai5. He smile5. He leane5 into me@ a li-"t 8rus" o1 lips. ASometimes 9?m not sure@ mysel1.C =e -ot out. <i3"ar5 "el5 "is "an5 out to me@ an5 9 took it. A 3ar pulle5 in 8e"in5 us@ 8esi5e my o%n Heep. 9t %as my nei-"8or@ 7rs. Prin-le. S"e "a5 a "u-e tele)ision 8o* tie5 into "er trunk. =e %alke5 to t"e si5e%alk an5 %aite5 1or "er to -et out. S"e %as a tall %oman@ stret3"e5 almost pain1ully t"in %it" a-e. Her sno% %"ite "air %as 5one in a 8un at t"e 8a3k o1 "er "ea5. !ustar5@ "er Pomeranian@ >umpe5 out o1 t"e 3ar an5 stoo5 yappin- at us. He looke5 like a -ol5en po%5er pu11 %it" little 3at 1eet. He 8oun3e5 1or%ar5 on sti11 le-s. He sni11e5 <i3"ar5?s 1oot an5 looke5 up at "im %it" a small -ro%l. 7rs. Prin-le tu--e5 on "is leas". A!ustar5@ 8e"a)e yoursel1.C $"e 5o- ;uiete5@ 8ut 9 t"ink it %as more <i3"ar5?s stea5y -lare t"an 7rs. Prin-le?s a5monis"ments. S"e smile5 at us. S"e "a5 t"e same li-"t in "er eyes t"at !at"erine "a5 "a5. S"e like5 <i3"ar5 an5 ma5e no 8ones a8out it. A=ell@ no%@ t"is is a5)anta-eous. 9 nee5 some stron- youn- arms to 3arry t"at monstrous tele)ision up t"e stairs 1or me.C <i3"ar5 smile5 at "er. AHappy to o8li-e.C He %alke5 aroun5 to t"e trunk an5 starte5 tryin- to un5o t"e knots. A="at?5 you 5o %it" !ustar5 %"ile you s"oppe5BC 9 aske5. A9 3arrie5 "im %it" me. 9?)e spent a -reat 5eal o1 money at t"at store 8e1ore. $"e salesmen 1airly sali)ate %"en 9 3ome t"rou-" t"e 5oors@ so t"ey in5ul-e me.C 9 "a5 to smile. $"ere %as a s"arp t%an- as t"e ropes 8roke. A9?ll "elp <i3"ar5.C 9 %alke5 8a3k to t"e trunk. $"e rope %as an in3" t"i3k an5 1loppe5@ 8roken@ onto t"e pa)ement. 9 raise5 eye8ro%s at "im an5 %"ispere5@ A7y@ my@ Gran5ma@ %"at stron- "an5s you "a)e.C A9 3oul5 3arry t"e tele)ision up alone@ 8ut it mi-"t arouse suspi3ions.C 9t %as a t"irty2in3" %i5e s3reen. ADou 3oul5 really 3arry it up t"e stairs 8y yoursel1BC A,asily@C "e sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. ABut you?re not -oin- to 8e3ause you are a mil52mannere5 s3ien3e tea3"er@ not an alp"a %ere%ol1.C A="i3" is %"y you -et to "elp me@C "e sai5. AAre you "a)in- trou8le un5oin- t"e ropeBC 7rs. Prin-le aske5. S"e?5 %alke5 8a3k to us %it" !ustar5 in to%.

A/o@C 9 sai5@ -i)in- <i3"ar5 a look. A=e?)e -ot t"e rope.C 91 people 1oun5 out <i3"ar5 %as a ly3ant"rope@ "e?5 lose "is >o8. 9t %as ille-al to 5is3riminate@ 8ut it "appene5 all t"e time. <i3"ar5 tau-"t 3"il5ren. He?5 8e 8ran5e5 a monster@ an5 most people 5i5n?t let monsters near t"eir 3"il5ren. 7rs. Prin-le an5 !ustar5 le5 t"e %ay. 9 %ent up 8a3k%ar5s@ sort o1 stea5yin- t"e 8o*@ 8ut <i3"ar5 took all t"e %ei-"t. He %alke5 up t"e stairs like t"e 8o* %ei-"e5 not"in-@ pus"in- %it" "is le-s@ %aitin- 1or me to -o up anot"er step. He ma5e a 1a3e at me@ soun5lessly "ummin- un5er "is 8reat" as i1 "e %as 8ore5. Ly3ant"ropes are stron-er t"an your run2o12t"e2mill "uman 8ein-. 9 kne% t"at@ 8ut it %as still a little unsettlin- to 8e remin5e5. =e ma5e it to t"e "all%ay@ an5 "e let me "a)e some o1 t"e %ei-"t. $"e t"in- %as "ea)y@ 8ut 9 "el5 on@ an5 %e kept mo)in- to%ar5s 7rs. Prin-le?s apartment@ %"i3" %as ri-"t a3ross t"e "all 1rom mine. A9?)e -ot t"e 5oor opene5@C s"e 3alle5. =e %ere at t"e 5oor@ startin- to maneu)er t"rou-"@ %"en !ustar5 5arte5 8et%een us@ un5erneat" t"e 8o*@ trailin- "is leas". 7rs. Prin-le %as trappe5 8e"in5 t"e tele)ision. A!ustar5@ 3ome 8a3k "ere.C <i3"ar5 li1te5 %it" "is 1orearms@ takin- t"e %ei-"t. AGet "im. 9 3an -et insi5e.C 9 let "im preten5 to stru--le insi5e t"e apartment an5 %ent 1or t"e 5o-. 9 e*pe3te5 to "a)e to 3"ase "im 5o%n t"e "all@ 8ut "e %as sni11in- at my 5oor@ %"inin-. 9 knelt an5 -ra88e5 t"e en5 o1 "is leas"@ pullin- "im 8a3k to%ar5s me. 7rs. Prin-le %as at "er 5oor@ smilin-. A9 see you 3au-"t t"e little ras3al.C 9 "an5e5 "er t"e leas". A9?)e -ot to -et somet"in- out o1 my apartment. 9?m sure <i3"ar5 3an "elp you set up t"e $V.C A$"anks a lot@C "e 3alle5 1rom insi5e t"e apartment. 7rs. Prin-le lau-"e5. A9?ll -i)e you 8ot" some i3e5 tea@ unless you "a)e 8etter t"in-s to 5o.C $"ere %as a kno%in- look in "er 8lue eyes t"at ma5e me 8lus". S"e %inke5 at me@ 9 ki5 you not. ="en t"e 5oor %as sa1ely 3lose5 %it" "er an5 <i3"ar5 on t"e ot"er si5e@ 9 %alke5 to%ar5 my apartment. $"ree 5oors 5o%n@ 9 3rosse5 t"e "all%ay. 9 took t"e Bro%ninout an5 3li3ke5 t"e sa1ety o11. 9 ease5 8a3k to%ar5s my 5oor. 7ay8e 9 %as 8ein- paranoi5. 7ay8e !ustar5 "a5n?t smelle5 any8o5y in my apartment. But "e?5 ne)er %"ine5 at my 5oor like t"at 8e1ore. 7ay8e ,5%ar5?s p"one 3all %as makin- me >umpy. But 8etter >umpy t"an 5ea5. Paranoi5 it %as. 9 knelt 8y t"e 5oor an5 took a 8reat"@ lettin- it out slo%ly. 9 took my keys out o1 my >a3ket po3ket le1t2"an5e5. 9 s3run3"e5 5o%n as lo% as 9 3oul5 -et an5 still "a)e a 5e3ent s"ootin- stan3e. 91 t"ere %as a 8a5 -uy in t"ere@ "e?5 pro8a8ly s"oot at 3"est le)el. #n my knees 9 %as a lot s"orter t"an 3"est le)el. 9 pus"e5 t"e key in t"e lo3k. /ot"in- "appene5. $"e apartment %as pro8a8ly empty@ e*3ept 1or my 1is" %on5erin- %"at t"e "ell 9 %as 5oin-. 9 turne5 t"e kno8@ pus"e5 t"e 5oor in%ar5@ an5 a "ole e*plo5e5 out t"rou-" t"e 5oor@ t"un5erin- o)er my "ea5 like a 3annon s"ot. $"ere %as no soun5 1or a se3on5. $"e 5oor s%un- 3lose5 %it" t"e 1or3e o1 t"e s"ot@ an5 t"rou-" t"e "ole in t"e 5oor 9 sa% a man %it" a s"ot-un raise5 to "is s"oul5er. 9 1ire5 on3e t"rou-" t"e "ole. $"e 5oor 8oun3e5 open@ still re)er8eratin- 1rom t"e s"ot-un 8last. 9 t"re% mysel1 onto one si5e@ -un pointe5 t"rou-" t"e open 5oor. $"e s"ot-un 1ire5 a-ain@ s"o%erin- t"e "all%ay %it" 8its o1 %oo5. 9 1ire5 t%i3e more@ "ittin- t"e man in t"e 3"est 8ot" times. He sta--ere5@ 8loo5 8lossomin- on "is 3oat@ an5 1ell strai-"t 8a3k. $"e s"ot-un 1ell to t"e 3arpet near "is 1eet. 9 -ot to my knees@ 8a3k presse5 to t"e %all near my kit3"enette. All 9 3oul5 "ear %as a roarin- in my ears@ t"en 5imly my o%n 8loo5 rus"in- t"rou-" my "ea5. <i3"ar5 %as su55enly t"ere in t"e 5oor%ay@ like a tar-et. AGet 5o%nI He may not 8e aloneIC 9 %asn?t sure "o% lou5 9 %as yellin-. 7y ears %ere still rin-in-. <i3"ar5 3rou3"e5 8esi5e me. 9 t"ink "e sai5 my name@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t "a)e time 1or it. 9 pus"e5 up%ar5@ my 8a3k to t"e %all@ -un in a t%o2"an5e5 -rip. He starte5 to stan5. 9 sai5@ AStay 5o%n.C He 5i5. Point 1or "im. 9 3oul5 see t"at t"ere %as no one in 1ront o1 my apartment. :nless t"ere %as some8o5y "i5in- in t"e 8e5room@ t"e "it man "a5 8een alone. 9 approa3"e5 "im@ slo%ly@ -un pointe5 at "im. 91 "e?5 t%it3"e5@ 9?5 "a)e s"ot a-ain@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t mo)e. $"e s"ot-un %as 8y "is 1eet. 9?5 ne)er seen any8o5y use a -un %it" t"eir 1eet@ so 9 le1t it %"ere it %as. He lay on "is 8a3k@ one arm t"ro%n up o)er "is "ea5@ one 5o%n at "is si5e. His 1a3e %as sla3k %it" 5eat"@ "is eyes %i5e an5 unseein-. 9 5i5n?t really nee5 to 3"e3k 1or a pulse@ 8ut 9 5i5 it any%ay. /ot"in-. $"ere %ere t"ree "oles in "is 3"est. 9?5 "it "im %it" t"e 1irst s"ot@ 8ut it "a5n?t 8een a killin- 8lo%. $"at "a5 nearly 3ost me my li1e. <i3"ar5 3ame up 8e"in5 me. A$"ere?s no one else in t"e apartment@ Anita.C 9 5i5n?t ar-ue %it" "im. 9 5i5n?t ask i1 "e kne% t"is 8y smell or 8y "earin-. 9 5i5n?t 8loo5y 3are. 9 3"e3ke5 t"e 8e5room an5 8at"room >ust to 8e t"orou-" an5 3ame 8a3k out to 1in5 <i3"ar5 starin- 5o%n at t"e 5ea5 man. A="o is "eBC <i3"ar5 aske5. 9t o33urre5 to me t"at 9 3oul5 "ear a-ain. Bully 1or me. 9 still "a5 a 1aint rin-in- in my ears@ 8ut it %oul5 pass. A9 5on?t kno%.C <i3"ar5 looke5 at me. A=as "e t"e ... "itterBC A9 t"ink so.C $"ere %as a "ole in t"e 5oor 8i- enou-" to 3ra%l t"rou-". 9t %as still open. 7rs. Prin-le?s 5oor %as 3lose5@ 8ut t"e 5oor>am8 %as splintere5 like somet"in- "a5 taken a 8i- 8ite out o1 it. 91 s"e?5 8een stan5in- t"ere@ s"e?5 "a)e 8een 5ea5.

9 "ear5 t"e 5istant %ail o1 poli3e sirens. !oul5n?t 8lame t"e nei-"8ors 1or 3allin- t"em. A9?m -oin- to make some p"one 3alls 8e1ore t"e 3ops -et "ere.C A$"en %"atBC "e aske5. 9 looke5 at "im. He %as pale@ t"e %"ites o1 "is eyes s"o%in- >ust a little too mu3". A$"en %e -o %it" t"e ni3e poli3e o11i3ers 5o%n to t"e station to ans%er ;uestions.C A9t %as sel125e1ense.C ADea"@ 8ut "e?s still 5ea5 on my 3arpet.C 9 %alke5 into t"e 8e5room@ sear3"in- 1or t"e p"one. 9 %as "a)in- a little trou8le remem8erin- %"ere 9?5 le1t it@ as i1 it e)er mo)e5 1rom t"e ni-"tstan5. S"o3k is al%ays 1un. <i3"ar5 leane5 in t"e 5oor%ay. A="o are you -oin- to 3allBC A4olp"@ an5 may8e !at"erine.C AA 1rien5ly poli3eman 9 un5erstan5@ 8ut %"y !at"erineBC AS"e?s a la%yer.C A#"@C "e sai5. He -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e 5ea5 man@ %"o %as 8lee5in- all o)er my %"ite 3arpet. A4atin- you is ne)er 8orin-@ 9?ll -i)e you t"at.C AAn5 it?s 5an-erous@C 9 sai5@ A4on?t 1or-et 5an-erous.C 9 5iale5 4olp"?s num8er 1rom memory. A9 ne)er 1or-et you?re 5an-erous@ Anita@C <i3"ar5 sai5. He stare5 at me an5 "is eyes %ere am8er@ t"e 3olor o1 a %ol1?s eyes. His 8east sli5 8e"in5 t"ose eyes@ peerin- out. Pro8a8ly t"e smell o1 1res" 8loo5. 9 stare5 into t"ose alien eyes an5 kne% 9 %asn?t t"e only 5an-erous t"in- in t"e room. #1 3ourse@ 9 %as arme5. $"e 5ea5 man 3oul5 )ou3" 1or t"at. Lau-"ter ti3kle5 t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. 9 trie5 to s%allo% it@ 8ut it spille5 out@ an5 9 %as -i--lin- %"en 4olp" ans%ere5 t"e p"one. Lau-"in- %as 8etter t"an 3ryin-@ 9 -uess. $"ou-" 9?m not sure 4olp" t"ou-"t so.

Chapter Four
9 sat in a strai-"t28a3ke5 3"air at a small@ s3arre5 ta8le in an interro-ation room. #"@ sorry@ inter)ie% room. $"at?s %"at t"ey %ere 3allin- it no%. !all it %"at you %ill@ it still smelle5 like stale s%eat an5 ol5 3i-arettes %it" an o)erlay o1 5isin1e3tant. 9 %as sippin- my t"ir5 3up o1 3o11ee@ an5 my "an5s %ere still 3ol5. 4ete3ti)e Ser-eant <u5olp" Storr leane5 a-ainst t"e 1ar %all. His arms %ere 3rosse5 o)er "is 3"est@ an5 "e %as tryin- to 8e uno8trusi)e@ 8ut %"en you?re si* 1oot ei-"t an5 8uilt like a pro %restler@ t"at?s "ar5. He "a5n?t sai5 a %or5 5urin- t"e inter)ie%. (Hust "ere to o8ser)e.) !at"erine sat 8esi5e me. S"e?5 t"ro%n a 8la3k 8laEer o)er t"e -reen 5ress@ 8rou-"t "er 8rie13ase@ an5 sat %earin- "er la%yer 1a3e. 4ete3ti)e Brans%ell sat a3ross 1rom us. He %as in "is mi52t"irties@ 8la3k "air@ 5ark 3omple3te5@ %it" eyes as 8la3k as "is "air. His name %as ,n-lis"@ 8ut "e looke5 7e5iterranean@ like "e?5 >ust steppe5 o11 t"e oli)e 8oat. His a33ent %as pure mi55le 7issouri. A/o%@ 7s. Blake@ -o o)er it >ust one more time 1or me. Please.C He poise5 "is pen o)er "is note8ook as i1 "e?5 %rite it all 5o%n a-ain. A=e?5 "elpe5 my nei-"8or 3arry up "er ne% tele)ision.C A7rs. ,5it" Prin-le@ yea"@ s"e 3on1irms all t"at. But %"y 5i5 you -o to your apartmentBC A9 %as -oin- to -et a s3re%5ri)er to "elp install t"e tele)ision.C ADou keep a lot o1 tools@ 7s. BlakeBC He %rote somet"in- on "is notepa5. 9 %as 8ettin- it %as a 5oo5le. A/o@ 5ete3ti)e@ 8ut 9?)e -ot a s3re%5ri)er.C A4i5 7rs. Prin-le ask you to -o -et t"is s3re%5ri)erBC A/o@ 8ut s"e?5 use5 it %"en s"e 8ou-"t "er stereo system.C ="i3" %as true. 9 %as tryin- to keep t"e lies to an a8solute minimum. ASo you assume5 s"e?5 nee5 it.C ADes.C A$"en %"atBC He aske5 like "e?5 ne)er "ear5 t"e ans%er 8e1ore. His 8la3k eyes %ere intense an5 empty@ unrea5a8le an5 ea-er at t"e same time. =e %ere 3omin- to t"e part t"at "e 5i5n?t ;uite 8uy. A9 unlo3ke5 my 5oor an5 5roppe5 my keys. 9 s;uatte5 5o%n to pi3k t"em up an5 t"e 1irst s"ot-un 8last roare5 o)er my "ea5. 9 returne5 1ire.C AHo%B $"e 5oor %as 3lose5.C

A9 s"ot t"rou-" t"e "ole in t"e 5oor t"at t"e s"ot-un "a5 ma5e.C ADou s"ot a man t"rou-" a "ole in your 5oor an5 "it "im.C A9t %as a 8i- "ole@ 5ete3ti)e@ an5 9 %asn?t sure 9 "it "im.C A="y 5i5n?t t"e se3on5 s"ot-un 8last take you out@ 7s. BlakeB $"ere %asn?t enou-" le1t o1 t"e 5oor to "i5e 8e"in5. ="ere %ere you@ 7s. BlakeBC A9 tol5 you@ t"e 8last ro3ke5 t"e 5oor in%ar5. 9 "it t"e 1loor@ on my si5e. $"e se3on5 8last %ent o)er me.C AAn5 you s"ot t"e man t%i3e more in t"e 3"est@C 4ete3ti)e Brans%ell sai5. ADes.C He looke5 at me 1or a lon- moment@ stu5yin- my 1a3e. 9 met "is eyes %it"out 1lin3"in-. 9t %asn?t t"at "ar5. 9 %as num8@ empty@ an5 5istant. $"ere %as still a 1ine rin-in- in my ears 1rom 8ein- so 5amn 3lose to t%o s"ot-un 8lasts. $"e rin-in%oul5 1a5e. 9t usually 5i5. ADou kno% t"e man you kille5BC !at"erine tou3"e5 my arm. A4ete3ti)e Brans%ell@ my 3lient "as 8een more t"an "elp1ul. S"e?s tol5 you se)eral times t"at s"e 5i5 not re3o-niEe t"e 5e3ease5.C He 1lippe5 8a3k t"rou-" "is note8ook. ADou?re ri-"t@ 3ounselor. 7s. Blake "as 8een "elp1ul. $"e 5ea5 man %as Hames 4u-an@ Himmy t"e S"ot-un. He?s -ot a re3or5 lon-er t"an you are tall@ 7s. Blake. He?s lo3al mus3le. Someone you 3all %"en you %ant it 3"eap an5 ;ui3k an5 5on?t 3are "o% messy it is.C He stare5 at me %"ile "e talke5@ stu5yin- my eyes. 9 8linke5 at "im. A4o you kno% anyone %"o %oul5 %ant you 5ea5@ 7s. BlakeBC A/ot ri-"t o11"an5@C 9 sai5. He 3lose5 "is note8ook an5 stoo5. A9?m -oin- to re3ommen5 >usti1ia8le "omi3i5e to t"e 4A. 9 5ou8t you?ll see t"e insi5e o1 a 3ourtroom.C A="en 5o 9 -et my -un 8a3kBC 9 aske5. Brans%ell stare5 at me. A="en 8allisti3s is 5one %it" it@ 7s. Blake. An5 9?5 8e 5amn -rate1ul t"at you?re -ettin- it 8a3k at all.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9?)e "ear5 stories a8out you 1rom some o1 t"e 3ops %"o ans%ere5 t"e last 3all 1rom your apartment. $"e one %it" t"e t%o killer Eom8ies.C He s"ook "is "ea5 a-ain. A4on?t take t"is %ron-@ 7s. Blake@ 8ut "a)e you 3onsi5ere5 mo)in- to a ne% >uris5i3tionBC A7y lan5lor5 is pro8a8ly -oin- to su--est t"e same t"in-@C 9 sai5. A9?ll >ust 8et "e is@C Brans%ell sai5. A!ounselor@ Ser-eant Storr.C A$"anks 1or lettin- me sit in on t"is@ Brans%ell@C 4olp" sai5. ADou sai5 s"e %as one o1 yours. Besi5es@ 9 kno% Gross an5 Bra5y. $"ey %ere t"e 1irst o11i3ers on s3ene 1or t"e Eom8ies. $"ey say -oo5 t"in-s a8out "er. 9?)e talke5 to "al1 a 5oEen o11i3ers t"at say 7s. Blake sa)e5 t"eir 8utt or stoo5 s"oul5er to s"oul5er %it" t"em un5er 1ire an5 5i5n?t 8link. 9t 3uts you a "ell o1 a lot o1 sla3k@ Blake@ 8ut t"at sla3k isn?t unlimite5. =at3" your 8a3k@ an5 try not to s"oot up any inno3ent 8ystan5ers.C =it" t"at@ "e le1t. 4olp" stare5 5o%n at me. A9?ll 5ri)e you 8a3k to your pla3e.C A<i3"ar5?s %aitin- 1or me@C 9 sai5. A="at?s -oin- on@ AnitaBC A9 tol5 Brans%ell e)eryt"in- 9 kno%.C !at"erine stoo5 up. AAnita "as ans%ere5 all t"e ;uestions s"e?s -oin- to ans%er toni-"t.C AHe?s a 1rien5@C 9 sai5. AHe?s also a 3op@C !at"erine sai5. S"e smile5. A9sn?t t"at ri-"t@ Ser-eant StorrBC 4olp" stare5 at "er 1or a minute. A$"at is 3ertainly true@ 7s. 7aison2Gillette.C He pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all. He looke5 at me. A9?ll talk to you later@ Anita.C A9 kno%@C 9 sai5. A!ome on@C !at"erine sai5. ALet?s -et out o1 "ere 8e1ore t"ey 3"an-e t"eir min5s.C A4on?t you 8elie)e meBC 9 aske5. A9?m your la%yer. #1 3ourse 9 8elie)e you.C 9 looke5 at "er. S"e looke5 at me. 9 -ot up. =e le1t. 9 %on5ere5 i1 <i3"ar5 %oul5 8elie)e me. Pro8a8ly not.

Chapter Five
<i3"ar5 an5 9 %alke5 to%ar5 "is 3ar@ t"rou-" t"e poli3e station parkin- lot. He "a5n?t sai5 a %or5 to me. He?5 s"aken "an5s %it" !at"erine an5 "ea5e5 1or t"e 3ar. He -ot into "is si5e. 9 sli5 into t"e passen-er si5e. <i3"ar5 starte5 t"e en-ine an5 8a3ke5 out o1 t"e parkin- slot. ADou?re ma5 a8out somet"in-@C 9 sai5. He ease5 out onto t"e street. He al%ays 5ro)e 3are1ully %"en "e %as an-ry. A="at 3oul5 9 possi8ly 8e ma5 a8outBC $"e sar3asm %as t"i3k enou-" to eat %it" a spoon. ADou t"ink 9 kne% t"ere %as a "it man in my apartmentBC He 1las"e5 me a look t"at %as pure ra-e. ADou kne%@ an5 you let me -o insi5e an5 set t"at 5amne5 $V up. Dou -ot me out o1 "arm?s %ay.C A9 %asn?t sure@ <i3"ar5.C A9 8et you "a5 your -un 5ra%n 8e1ore "e 1ire5.C 9 s"ru--e5. A4ammit@ Anita@ you 3oul5 "a)e 8een kille5.C ABut 9 %asn?t.C A$"at?s your ans%er to e)eryt"in-. 91 you sur)i)e@ it?s all ri-"t.C A9t 8eats t"e alternati)e@C 9 sai5. A4on?t make >okes@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ALook@ <i3"ar5@ 9 5i5n?t -o out "untin- t"is -uy. He 3ame to me.C A="y 5i5n?t you tell meBC AAn5 you %oul5 "a)e 5one %"atB Go t"rou-" t"e 5oor 1irstB Dou?5 "a)e taken a 3"est 1ull o1 8u3ks"ot an5 sur)i)e5. Ho% %oul5 you "a)e e*plaine5 t"atB Dou?5 "a)e 8een oute5 as a ly3ant"rope. Dou?5 "a)e lost your >o8@ at t"e )ery least.C A=e 3oul5 "a)e 3alle5 t"e poli3e.C AAn5 tol5 t"em %"atB $"at !ustar5 sni11e5 at t"e 5oorB 91 t"ey "a5 in)esti-ate5@ t"ey?5 "a)e -otten s"ot. $"e -uy %as >umpy as "ell. He s"ot t"rou-" t"e 5oor@ remem8erB He 5i5n?t kno% %"o "e %as 1irin- at.C He turne5 onto #li)e@ s"akin- "is "ea5. ADou s"oul5 "a)e tol5 me.C A="at %oul5 it "a)e 3"an-e5@ <i3"ar5B ,*3ept may8e you?5 "a)e trie5 to play "ero@ an5 i1 you sur)i)e5@ you?5 "a)e lost your 3areer.C A4ammit@ 5ammit.C He smas"e5 "is "an5s into t"e steerin- %"eel o)er an5 o)er. ="en "e looke5 at me@ "is eyes "a5 -one am8er an5 alien. A9 5on?t nee5 you to prote3t me@ Anita.C A4itto@C 9 sai5. Silen3e 1ille5 t"e 3ar like i3e %ater. /o8o5y 8ut t"e 8a5 -uy "a5 5ie5. 9?5 5one t"e ri-"t t"in-. But it %as "ar5 to e*plain. A9t %asn?t t"at you riske5 your li1e@C <i3"ar5 sai5@ Ait %as t"at you -ot ri5 o1 me 8e1ore you 5i5 it. Dou 5i5n?t e)en -i)e me a 3"an3e. 9 "a)e ne)er inter1ere5 %it" you 5oin- your >o8.C A=oul5 you "a)e 3onsi5ere5 t"is part o1 my >o8BC A!loser to your >o8 5es3ription t"an mine@C "e sai5. 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. ADou?re ri-"t. #ne o1 t"e reasons %e?re still 5atin- is you 5on?t pull ma3"o 3rap on me. 9 apolo-iEe. 9 s"oul5 "a)e %arne5 you.C He -lan3e5 at me %it" eyes t"at %ere still pale an5 %ol1is". A4i5 9 >ust %in an ar-umentBC 9 smile5. A9 a5mitte5 9 %as %ron-. 9s t"at t"e same t"in-.C A,*a3tly t"e same t"in-.C A$"en -i)e yoursel1 a point.C He -rinne5 at me. A="y 3an?t 9 stay ma5 at you@ AnitaBC ADou?re a )ery 1or-i)in- person@ <i3"ar5. #ne o1 us "as to 8e.C He pulle5 into my parkin- lot 1or t"e t"ir5 time t"at ni-"t. ADou 3an?t stay at your pla3e toni-"t. $"e 5oor is in pie3es.C A9 kno%.C 91 9?5 8een ki3ke5 out o1 my apartment 8e3ause it %as 8ein- painte5@ 9 "a5 1rien5s 9 3oul5 stay %it"@ or a "otel@ 8ut t"e 8a5 -uys "a5 pro)en t"ey 5i5n?t 3are %"o -ot "urt. 9 3oul5n?t risk any8o5y@ not e)en stran-ers in t"e ne*t room at a "otel.

A!ome "ome %it" me@C "e sai5. He parke5 in an empty spa3e 3losest to t"e stairs. A9 5on?t t"ink t"at?s a -oo5 i5ea@ <i3"ar5.C A$"e s"ot-un 8last %oul5n?t "a)e kille5 me. 9?5 "a)e "eale5@ 8e3ause it %asn?t sil)er s"ot. Ho% many o1 your ot"er 1rien5s 3an say t"atBC A/ot many@C 9 sai5 ;uietly. A9?)e -ot a "ouse set 8a3k in a yar5. Dou %on?t 8e riskin- inno3ent 8ystan5ers.C A9 kno% you "a)e a yar5@ <i3"ar5. 9?)e spent enou-" Sun5ay a1ternoons t"ere.C A$"en you kno% 9?m ri-"t.C He leane5 to%ar5s me an5 "is eyes "a5 8le5 8a3k to t"eir normal 8ro%n. A9 "a)e a -uest room@ Anita. 9t 5oesn?t "a)e to 8e more t"an t"at.C 9 stare5 at "im 1rom in3"es a%ay. 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8o5y like a 1or3e >ust out o1 rea3". 9t %asn?t "is ot"er%orl5ly %ol1 po%ers. 9t %as simply s"eer p"ysi3al attra3tion. 9t %as 5an-erous a-reein- to -o to <i3"ar5?s "ouse. 7ay8e not to my li1e@ 8ut to ot"er t"in-s. 91 Himmy t"e S"ot-un "a5 "a5 a partner insi5e t"e apartment toni-"t@ 9?5 8e 5ea5 no%. 9?5 8een so 8usy 3on3entratin- on killin- "im t"at a se3on5 perp 3oul5 "a)e 8lo%n me a%ay. ,5%ar5 "a5 tol5 "is 3onta3t no 8y no%@ an5 it takes a little %"ile to 1in5 anot"er "itter o1 ,5%ar5?s 3ali8er. So@ instea5 o1 %aitin-@ t"ey "ire5 3"eap an5 lo3al@ takin- t"e 3"an3e t"at 3"eap mi-"t take me out an5 t"ey?5 8e sa)e5 se)eral "un5re5 -ran5. #r may8e t"ey %ante5 me 5ea5 really ;ui3kly 1or some reason t"at 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5. ,it"er %ay@ t"ey %ante5 me 5ea5 pretty 5amn 8a5ly. :sually@ %"en someone %ants you 5ea5 t"at 8a5ly@ t"ey su33ee5. /ot toni-"t or tomorro%@ 8ut unless ,5%ar5 an5 9 3oul5 1in5 out %"o "a5 put t"e 3ontra3t out on me@ t"e line o1 talent %oul5 >ust keep 3omin-. 9 stare5 into <i3"ar5?s 1a3e@ almost 3lose enou-" to kiss. 9 t"ou-"t a8out ne)er seein- "im a-ain. A8out ne)er tou3"in"im a-ain. A8out ne)er satis1yin- t"at -ro%in- "un-er t"at per1ume5 t"e air %"ene)er 9 %as %it" "im. 9 tou3"e5 "is 1a3e@ li-"tly runnin- my 1in-ertips 5o%n "is 3"eek. A#kay.C ADou look so serious. ="at are you t"inkin-@ AnitaBC 9 leane5 in an5 kisse5 "im. ABloo5@ 5eat"@ an5 se*. ="at else is t"ereBC =e -ot out o1 t"e 3ar. 9 1ille5 my automati3 1is" 1ee5er 1ull o1 enou-" 1oo5 1or a %eek. 9n a %eek?s time@ i1 t"e assassin %as still a1ter me@ an5 i1 9 %as still ali)e@ 9?5 "a)e to 3ome 8a3k. All t"e 8a5 -uys "a5 to 5o %as stake out my 1is" tank@ an5 t"ey "a5 me i1 t"ey %ere patient enou-". Some"o% 9 5i5n?t t"ink t"ey %oul5 8e. 9 pa3ke5 a 1e% t"in-s@ in3lu5in- my stu11e5 toy pen-uin@ Si-mun5@ e)ery %eapon 9 o%ne5@ a 1e% 3lot"es@ an out1it 1or tomorro%?s 5ate %it" Hean2!lau5e. Dea"@ pro8a8ly 9 %oul5n?t 8e -oin-@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to 3ome 8a3k to t"e apartment@ not 1or anyt"in-. 9 le1t a messa-e on <onnie?s ma3"ine. =e usually %orke5 out to-et"er on Satur5ay mornin-@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant <onnie in t"e line o1 1ire. S"e %as a pri)ate 5ete3ti)e@ 8ut <onnie %asn?t a s"ooter@ not like 9 %as. S"e "a5 a 3ertain respe3t 1or li1e t"at 3oul5 -et you kille5. <i3"ar5 %aite5 %"ile 9 3"an-e5. Bla3k >eans@ a royal 8lue polo s"irt@ %"ite >o--in- so3ks %it" a 8lue stripe@ 8la3k /ikes@ an5 9 1elt more mysel1. 9 lai5 t"e Bro%nin-?s s"oul5er "olster in my suit3ase. $"e Bro%nin- %as my main -un@ an5 9 misse5 it. 9?5 "a)e misse5 it un5er normal 3ir3umstan3es@ 8ut no% my "an5 a3"e5 1or t"e -un. 9 -uess t"at?s %"at 8a3kup -uns are 1or. $"e 'irestar 9mm is a -oo5 -un an5 1its my "an5 %ell. 7y "an5s are small enou-" t"at a lot o1 9mms are >ust too 8i-. $"e Bro%nin- %as a8out t"e limit o1 a 3om1orta8le -rip. 9 %ore t"e 'irestar in an inter2pants "olster@ set 1or a 1or%ar5 3ross 5ra%@ %"i3" meant you 3oul5 see t"e -un. 9 %asn?t sure 9 3are5 toni-"t. 9 put on %rist s"eat"s an5 8ot" kni)es. $"ese %ere t"e last t%o o1 a 1oursome t"at 9?5 "a5 3ustom ma5e 1or my "an5s@ %it" t"e "i-"est sil)er 3ontent possi8le in t"e steel. 9?5 "a5 to "a)e t%o o1 t"em repla3e5G monsters ate t"em. 9 put t"e t%o ne% kni)es in t"e suit3ase still in t"eir 1elt2line5 8o*. $"ey %ere pretty an5 s"arp enou-" to 3ut your skin i1 you ran a t"um8 alon- t"e e5-e. ="ile 9 %as "a)in- t"e lost kni)es repla3e5@ 9?5 or5ere5 a ne% one. 9t %as nearly a 1oot lon-@ more a s%or5 t"an a kni1e. 9?5 "a5 a leat"er "arness ma5e t"at let me 3arry it 5o%n my spine@ %it" t"e "ilt un5er my "air. 9 "a5n?t use5 it 8e1ore@ 8ut 9?5 seen it in a 3atalo- an5 3oul5n?t resist. 9 "a5 a 4errin-er@ a sa%e52o11 s"ot-un@ t%o 1ull2siEe5@ pump2a3tion s"ot-uns@ a t%el)e -au-e@ an5 a mini2:Ei. $"e 4errin-er@ t"e :Ei@ an5 t"e sa%e52o11 s"ot-un %ere all -i1ts 1rom ,5%ar5. /ot !"ristmas or 8irt"5ay -i1ts. /o@ %e?5 8e out "untin- )ampires to-et"er@ an5 "e?5 -i)e me a ne% toy. 9?5 aske5 1or t"e s"ot-un. $"e 1ull2siEe5 s"ot-uns %oul5n?t pa3k in eit"er t"e suit3ases or t"e -ym 8a-s. 9 put t"em in t"eir in5i)i5ual 3arryin- 3ases@ %it" straps. $"e -ym 8a-s "el5 my )ampire "untin- kit an5 my Eom8ie parap"ernalia. 9 put e*tra ammo in 8ot" 8a-s 1or temporary keepin-. He3k@ 9 s"o)e5 e*tra ammo in t"e suit3ase@ too. Dou 3oul5 ne)er "a)e too mu3". 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 mysel1 in t"e mirror. $"e -un %as pretty o8)ious a-ainst t"e 8ri-"t 8lue o1 t"e s"irt. 9 1inally put a 8la3k >a3ket o)er it@ %"at t"ey 3all a 8oy1rien5?s >a3ket@ 8e3ause it?s sort o1 8i- t"rou-" t"e s"oul5ers an5 8o5y. $"e slee)es rolle5 8a3k to e*pose t"e silky linin-. 9 like5 t"e >a3ket@ an5 %it" one 8utton 1astene5@ it "i5 t"e 'irestar@ t"ou-" not 3ompletely. Dou?5 still 3at3" -limpses o1 it %"en 9 mo)e5@ 8ut may8e people %oul5n?t run s3reamin-. 9 1elt nake5 %it"out t"e Bro%nin-@ %"i3" %as kin5 o1 1unny@ 3onsi5erin- 9 "a5 an :Ei in my suit3ase. But "ey@ 9 slept %it" t"e Bro%nin-.

<i3"ar5 ne)er sai5 a %or5 a8out t"e t%o s"ot-uns. 7ay8e "e %oul5 "a)e 3omplaine5 a8out t"e rest i1 "e?5 seen t"em@ 8ut "e pi3ke5 up one suit3ase@ put one -ym 8a- o)er "is s"oul5er@ one s"ot-un 3arryin- 3ase on t"e same s"oul5er@ an5 let me pi3k up my s"are. A!an you 3arry 8ot" suit3asesBC 9 aske5. ADea"@ 8ut 9?m s"o3ke5 you aske5. $"e last time 9 trie5 to 3arry somet"in- unaske5@ you nearly "an5e5 me my "ea5 in a 8asket.C A9 %ant one "an5 1ree 1or my -un.C AA"@C "e sai5@ Ao1 3ourse.C He took t"e ot"er suit3ase %it"out anot"er %or5. He really is a )ery %ise man. 7rs. Prin-le steppe5 out o1 "er 5oor as %e %ere lea)in-. S"e "a5 !ustar5 in "er arms. He -ro%le5 8rie1ly at <i3"ar5@ an5 s"e "us"e5 "im. A9 t"ou-"t 9 "ear5 you out "ere. Are you all ri-"t@ AnitaBC 9 -lan3e5 at t"e "ole 8y "er 5oor. A9?m 1ine. Ho% F8out youBC S"e "u--e5 !ustar5@ raisin- "is tiny 1urry 8o5y near "er 1a3e. A9?ll 8e all ri-"t. Are you -oin- to 8e 3"ar-e5BC A9t 5oesn?t look like it.C AGoo5.C S"e -lan3e5 at t"e suit3ases. #ne 1or 3lot"es@ one 1or %eapons. A="ere are you -oin-BC A9 t"ink 9?m a little too 5an-erous to 8e aroun5 ri-"t no%.C S"e sear3"e5 my 1a3e like s"e %as tryin- to rea5 my min5. AHo% 8a5 is t"is mess@ AnitaBC ABa5 enou-"@C 9 sai5. S"e -ently tou3"e5 my "air@ ADou 8e )ery 3are1ul out t"ere.C 9 smile5. AAl%ays. Dou take 3are o1 yoursel1@ too.C A!ustar5 an5 9 %ill take 3are o1 ea3" ot"er.C 9 pette5 !ustar5@ ru88in- "is little 1o* ears. A9 o%e you a 8o* o1 5o--ie treats@ 1ur8all.C He li3ke5 my "an5 %it" a tiny@ pink ton-ue. A="en you 3an@ -i)e me your ne% p"one num8er@C s"e sai5. A="en 9 3an@ 9?ll 3ome 8a3k.C S"e smile5@ 8ut "er pale eyes staye5 %orrie5. =e le1t 8e3ause %e "a5 to. 7y ima-ination "as al%ays 8een too -oo5 1or my o%n pea3e o1 min5. 9 "a5 a )ery 3lear ima-e o1 7rs. Prin-le splattere5 a-ainst t"e %all@ t"at lo)ely@ a-in- 1a3e 8lo%n a%ay. 91 s"e "a5 opene5 t"e 5oor at t"e %ron- moment@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e ima-inin- it. $oo 3lose@ too 5amn 3lose.

Chapter Six
<i3"ar5?s "ouse %as a one2story@ "al128ri3k ran3". 9t looke5 like a "ouse 1or 3"il5ren@ an5 7ommy 8akin- 3ookies in t"e kit3"en. 9t %asn?t e)en set t"at 1ar 8a3k o11 t"e roa5@ 8ut it "a5 plenty o1 yar5 on eit"er si5e an5 t"e 8a3kyar5 %as an a3re o1 %oo5s. Dou 3oul5 look out 8ot" t"e si5es an5 t"e 8a3k an5 not see a nei-"8or@ e*3ept in %inter %"en t"e 8are trees re)eale5 5istant -limpses a3ross t"e )alley. 'rom t"e 1ront pi3ture %in5o%@ you 3oul5 see t"e 3orner o1 t"e ne*t "ouse "al1 o8s3ure5 8y o)er-ro%n s"ru8s. /o one "a5 li)e5 in it t"e entire time 9?5 8een )isitin-. $"e pla3e %as a little isolate5. <i3"ar5 like5 t"at@ an5 %"et"er 9 5i5 or not@ 9 nee5e5 it no%. $"e pla3e looke5 like an in)itation 1or an am8us"@ 8ut nei-"8ors %oul5 "a)e 8een 3annon 1o55er. 7ost 8a5 -uys try not to take out inno3ent 8ystan5ers. 9t?s not moral outra-e@ >ust 8a5 1or 8usiness. $"e 3ops ten5 to put t"e "eat on i1 you %aste a lot o1 8ystan5ers. <i3"ar5 "it t"e -ara-e 5oor opener an5 ease5 t"e 7ustan- into t"e -ara-e. His 1our 8y 1our %as alrea5y insi5e. 9 1ollo%e5 "im in my Heep. 9 i5le5 out on t"e street@ %aitin- 1or "im to mo)e t"e 1our 8y 1our out so 9 3oul5 put t"e Heep in. Parkinmy Heep out in 1ront o1 "is "ouse seeme5 like makin- t"e 8a5 -uys? >o8 a little too easy. He pulle5 out. 9 pulle5 in. He parke5 8e"in5 me in t"e 5ri)e%ay an5 %alke5 into t"e -ara-e. 9 unloa5e5 t"e suit3ases@ an5 "e "it t"e 8utton 8y t"e interior 5oor. $"e 5oor opene5 into t"e kit3"en. $"e %alls %ere line5 %it" Ho-art" prints o1 5o-s an5 more mo5ern "untin- s3enes. A =arner Brot"ers 3anister setG Bu-s to $%eety Bir5 sat on t"e o112%"ite 3a8inets. $"e 3ountertops %ere o11 %"ite. $"e 3a8inets li-"t "oney 3olore5 oak. $"ere %ere 5is"es 5rainin- on a to%el 8y t"e sink@ e)en t"ou-" <i3"ar5 "a5 a 5is"%as"er. A -lass@ a 8o%l@ a spoonG "e?5 %as"e5 "is 8reak1ast 5is"es 8e1ore "e le1t 1or %ork t"is mornin-. 9?5 "a)e poure5 %ater in t"em an5 le1t t"em in t"e sink. #1 3ourse@ 9 ne)er ate 8reak1ast. <i3"ar5 %alke5 t"rou-" into t"e li)in- room@ 3arryin- one suit3ase. 9 1ollo%e5@ 3arryin- t"e suit3ase %it" t"e %eapons in it. 9 also "a5 t"e t%o -ym 8a-s.

$"e li)in- room "a5 5eep 1orest -reen 3arpet an5 pale yello% %alls. !artoon lit"o-rap"s took up t"e 1ar %all. $"e near %all %as taken up %it" a %oo5en entertainment 3enter t"at <i3"ar5 "a5 8uilt "imsel1. $"ere %as a lar-e2s3reen $V@ a miniature stereo system t"at ma5e mine soun5 like "ummin- t"rou-" a 3om8@ s"el)es o1 8ooks@ an5 3lose5 5oors t"at "i5 part o1 "is e*tensi)e )i5eo 3olle3tion an5 a portion o1 "is !4s. $"e rest o1 "is 8ooks %ere in t"e 8asement@ set in s"el)es alon- e)ery %all. $"ere %ere still 8o*es "e "a5n?t unpa3ke5 8e3ause "e ran out o1 s"el1 spa3e. $"ere %as a lar-e 3ou3" an5 a "ea)y %oo5 3o11ee ta8le. $"e 3ou3" %as -reen an5 8ro%n@ patterne5 %it" a yello% a1-"an t"ro%n a3ross it t"at "is -ran5mot"er "a5 ma5e. A small anti;ue armoire sat a-ainst t"e 1ar %all. $"ere %as no ot"er 1urniture in t"e room. He?5 set t"e suit3ase in t"e smaller 8e5room. 9t "a5 a t%in 8e5@ a ni-"tstan5@ an5 a lamp. $"e %alls@ t"e 5rapes@ an5 t"e 3o)erlet %"ere all %"ite@ like "e "a5n?t really 5e3i5e5 %"at to 5o %it" t"e room yet. 9 lai5 t"e -ym 8a-s on t"e 8e5@ put t"e suit3ase on t"e 1loor@ an5 stare5 at it all. 7y li1e sittin- in little 8a-s on t"e 3arpet. Seeme5 like t"ere s"oul5 "a)e 8een more. <i3"ar5 3ame up an5 "u--e5 me 1rom 8e"in5@ arms %rappin- aroun5 my s"oul5ers. A9 t"ink t"is is %"ere 9?m suppose5 to ask %"at?s %ron-@ 8ut 9 kno% t"e ans%er alrea5y. 9?m sorry t"e 8a5 -uys in)a5e5 your "ouse.C $"at %as it e*a3tly. $"e 8a5 -uys %ere not suppose5 to 3ome "ome %it" you. 9t s"oul5 "a)e 8een a-ainst t"e rules. 9 kne% it %asn?t@ it "a5 "appene5 8e1ore@ 8ut not like t"is. /ot %"ere 9 kne% 9 3oul5n?t -o 8a3k. ,)en %"en t"is %as o)er@ 9 3oul5n?t risk 7rs. Prin-le an5 my ot"er nei-"8ors a-ain. 9 turne5 in "is arms@ an5 "e loosene5 t"em so 9 3oul5 5o it. 9 "u--e5 "im aroun5 t"e %aist. AHo% 5i5 you kno% t"at %as e*a3tly %"at %as 8ot"erin- meBC He smile5. A9 lo)e you@ Anita.C A$"at?s not an ans%er.C He kisse5 me on t"e 1ore"ea5. ADes@ it is.C He kisse5 me -ently on t"e lips an5 steppe5 8a3k. A9?m -oin- to -et out o1 t"is tie. !"an-e into your >ammies i1 you %ant to.C He le1t@ 3losin- t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 3alle5 a1ter "im. A!an 9 use t"e p"oneBC He ans%ere5 1rom "is 8e5room. A7ake yoursel1 at "ome.C 9 took t"at 1or a yes@ an5 %ent into t"e kit3"en. $"e p"one %as on t"e %all. 9 -ot a 3ar5 out o1 my 1anny pa3k@ %"i3" 9?5 8een 1or3e5 to 3arry like a purse. Dou 3oul5n?t 1asten t"e >a3ket o)er t"e 1anny pa3k@ an5 t"e open >a3ket %oul5 "a)e s"o%n o11 t"e -un. $"e 3ar5 %as %"ite %it" a num8er printe5 in 8la3k s3ript@ not"in- 8ut t"e num8er. 9 5iale5 an5 -ot ,5%ar5?s t%enty21our2 "our ans%erin- ser)i3e. 9 le1t a messa-e@ sayin- to 3all me ASAP@ an5 <i3"ar5?s num8er. <i3"ar5?s ans%erin- ma3"ine sat on t"e 3ounter@ 3onne3te5 8y %ires to t"e %all2mounte5 p"one. $"e messa-e li-"t %as 8linkin-@ 8ut it %asn?t my ma3"ine@ so 9 5i5n?t 3"e3k it. <i3"ar5 3ame into t"e kit3"en. His "air 1ell aroun5 "is s"oul5ers in ti-"t@ 1oamin- %a)es@ 3urlier 1rom t"e 'ren3" 8rai5. His "air %as 8ro%n@ 8ut li-"t o1 almost any kin5 8rou-"t out -ol5en "i-"li-"ts@ "ints o1 8ronEe. He %as %earin- a 1lannel s"irt@ 1orest -reen@ %it" t"e slee)es rolle5 a8o)e "is el8o%s@ s"o%in- t"e 1ine mus3les in "is 1orearms. 9?5 seen t"e s"irt 8e1ore. 9t %as "i-"2;uality 1lannel@ so1t as a 8lanket to tou3". He "a5 on >eans an5 no so3ks. He pa55e5 8are1oot to%ar5s me. $"e p"one ran-. 9t %as nearly one o?3lo3k in t"e mornin-. ="o else 3oul5 it 8e 8ut ,5%ar5B A9? m e*pe3tin- a 3all@C 9 sai5. AHelp yoursel1.C 9 pi3ke5 it up@ an5 it %as ,5%ar5. A="at "appene5BC "e aske5. 9 tol5 "im. ASome8o5y %ants you 5ea5 ;ui3k.C ADea". ="en you sai5 no@ t"ey %ent out an5 8ou-"t some 3"eap lo3al talent.C ADou -et %"at you pay 1or@C ,5%ar5 sai5. A91 t"ere?5 8een t%o o1 t"em@ ,5%ar5@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e "ere.C ADou aren?t -oin- to like my ne%s.C AHo% mu3" %orse 3oul5 it -etBC 9 aske5. A9 ans%ere5 a messa-e >ust 8e1ore yours. $"ey uppe5 t"e o11er to 1i)e "un5re5 t"ousan5 5ollars@ i1 you %ere 5ea5 %it"in t%enty21our "ours.C AS%eet Hesus@ ,5%ar5@ 9?m not %ort" t"at kin5 o1 money.C A$"ey kne% you 8le% a%ay t"eir "itter@ Anita. $"ey kne% t"e "it "a5 1aile5.C AHo%BC 9 aske5.

A9 5on?t kno% yet. 9?m tryin- to 1in5 out %"o?s puttin- up t"e money@ 8ut it?ll take a little time. $"e sa1e-uar5s t"at keep me out o1 it prote3t t"e 3lient@ too.C 9 %as s"akin- my "ea5 8a3k an5 1ort". A="y t%enty21our "ours 1or t"e "itBC ASomet"in-?s "appenin- t"at t"ey %ant you out o1 t"e %ay 1or@ somet"in- 8i-.C ABut %"atBC ADou kno% %"at it is@ Anita. Dou may not 8e a%are t"at you kno%@ 8ut you 5o. Somet"in- %ort" t"is kin5 o1 money t"at you 3oul5 put a stop to. $"ere 3an?t 8e t"at many 3"oi3es.C A9 3an?t t"ink o1 a sin-le t"in-@ ,5%ar5.C A$"ink "ar5er@C "e sai5. A9?ll 8e t"ere as early as 9 3an tomorro%. =at3" your 8a3k. 4on?t 5ri)e your 3ar.C A="y notBC ABom8s@C "e sai5. ABom8s@C 9 repeate5. A'or "al1 a million 5ollars@ Anita@ t"ey?ll -et someone -oo5. A lot o1 pro1essionals %ill 5o you 1rom a ni3e@ sa1e 5istan3e. A 8om8@ a "i-"2po%ere5 ri1le.C ADou?re s3arin- me@C 9 sai5. AGoo5@ may8e you?ll 8e 3are1ul.C A9?m al%ays 3are1ul@ ,5%ar5.C A9 apolo-iEe. Dou?re ri-"t@ 8ut 8e more 3are1ul. 9 5i5n?t e*pe3t t"em to try a lo3al "it.C ADou?re %orrie5@C 9 sai5. He %as ;uiet 1or a se3on5. A=e 3an keep takin- out t"e "itters@ 8ut e)entually %e?)e -ot to -et to t"e man %it" t"e money. As lon- as t"e 3ontra3t?s out t"ere@ some8o5y?ll keep takin- it.C A9t?s >ust too mu3" 5amn money to pass up@C 9 sai5. AA lot o1 pro1essionals %on?t take a "it %it" a time limit on it@C "e sai5. ASome o1 t"e 8est are out o1 t"e runnin- 8e3ause o1 t"e 5ea5line. 9 %on?t take a "it %it" spe3ial 3ir3umstan3es.C A9 "ear a F8ut? 3omin- up@C 9 sai5. He lau-"e5@ ;uietly. A'or "al1 a million 5ollars@ people %ill 8reak t"eir rules.C A/ot 3om1ortin-@C 9 sai5. A/ot meant to 8e@C "e sai5. A9?ll 8e at <i3"ar5?s tomorro% early.C A4o you kno% %"ere it isBC A9 3oul5 1in5 it@ 8ut let?s not play -ames. Gi)e me 5ire3tions.C 9 5i5. A9 %oul5 tell you to stay in5oors@ 8ut you?)e 8een 5atin- <i3"ar5 1or mont"s. A -oo5 "itter %ill 8e a8le to 1in5 you. 9 5on?t kno% i1 you?re sa1er insi5e or on t"e mo)e.C A9?ll pa3k e*tra 1irepo%er an5 8e more paranoi5 t"an usual.C AGoo5. See you tomorro%.C He "un- up@ an5 9 %as le1t "ol5in- t"e 8uEEin- p"one. <i3"ar5 %as starin- at me. A4i5 9 "ear you say t%enty21our "ours 1or t"e "itBC 9 "un- up t"e p"one. A9?m a1rai5 so.C 9 "it t"e messa-e 8utton on "is ma3"ine out o1 "a8it. 9t %"irre5 as it re%oun5. A="y@ 1or Go5?s sakeBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A9 %is" 9 kne%.C ADou mentione5 money t%i3e. Ho% mu3"BC 9 tol5 "im. He sat 5o%n in one o1 t"e kit3"en 3"airs@ lookin- s"o3ke5. !oul5n?t 8lame "im. AAnita@ 5on?t take t"is %ron-. $o me you?re %ort" any amount o1 money@ 8ut %"y %oul5 some8o5y pay "al1 a million 5ollars to kill youBC 'or someone %"o kne% not"in- a8out assassins@ "e?5 -raspe5 t"e 8i- ;uestion ;uite ni3ely. 9 %alke5 o)er to "im. 9 ran my 1in-ertips t"rou-" "is "air. A,5%ar5 says 9 must alrea5y kno% %"at t"e 8i- e)ent is@ t"at 9 %oul5n?t 8e %ort" t"is kin5 o1 money@ %it" t"is kin5 o1 5ea5line@ unless 9 %as alrea5y intimate %it" t"e situation.C He looke5 up at me. ABut you 5on?t kno%@ 5o youBC A/ot a 3lue.C He lai5 "is "an5s on eit"er si5e o1 my %aist@ pullin- me a-ainst "im@ %rappin- "is arms 3ompletely aroun5 my %aist.

$"e messa-e ma3"ine 3li3ke5 to li1e an5 ma5e us 8ot" >ump. =e lau-"e5 ner)ously@ not >ust 1rom 1ear. $"ere %as a "eat to "is eyes as "e stare5 up at me t"at ma5e me %ant to 8lus" or kiss "im. 9 "a5n?t 5e3i5e5 %"i3". $%o "an-2ups@ "is youn-er 8rot"er 4aniel@ sorry <i3"ar5 "a5 3an3ele5 t"eir ro3k 3lim8in- tomorro%. 9 leane5 to%ar5s <i3"ar5. His lips %ere t"e so1test 9?5 e)er kisse5. $"e taste o1 "im %as into*i3atin-. Ho% 3oul5 9 8e t"inkin- o1 -i)in- "im upB $"e last messa-e 8e-an playin-J A<i3"ar5@ t"is is Step"en. #"@ Go5@ pi3k up. Please pi3k up. Please 8e t"ere.C =e 1roEe@ listenin-. A$"ey?re tryin- to -et me to 5o one o1 t"ose mo)ies. <aina %on?t let me lea)e. <i3"ar5@ %"ere are youB $"ey?re 3omin-. 9?)e -ot to -o. #"@ Go5@ <i3"ar5.C $"e p"one 3li3ke5 5ea5. A me3"ani3al )oi3e sai5@ A,n5 o1 messa-es.C <i3"ar5 stoo5 up@ an5 9 let "im. A9 t"ou-"t <aina "a5 stoppe5 makin- porno-rap"i3 mo)ies@C 9 sai5. AS"e promise5 not to make snu11 1ilms@ t"at %as all.C He replaye5 t"e messa-e. $"e time on it %as 12J 3. A$"at?s less t"an an "our a-o@C 9 sai5. A9 3an?t lea)e you alone "ere toni-"t. ="at i1 anot"er killer 3omesBC He pa3e5 in a ti-"t 3ir3le. ABut 9 3an?t a8an5on Step"en.C A9?ll -o %it" you@C 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5@ %alkin- 1or t"e 8e5room. A9 3an sur)i)e t"e -ames t"at t"e pa3k plays@ Anita. Dou?re "uman@ t"ey?ll tear you up.C A$"ey?ll tear you up@ too@ <i3"ar5.C He >ust kept %alkin-. A9 3an "an5le mysel1.C AAre you at least -oin- to 3all some o1 t"e pa3k t"at?s on your si5eB Get some 8a3kupBC He sat 5o%n on "is 8e5@ pullin- on so3ks. He -lan3e5 up at me@ t"en s"ook "is "ea5. A91 9 take my army@ t"is?ll turn into a %ar. People %ill -et kille5.C ABut i1 you -o in alone@ you only en5an-er yoursel1@ is t"at itBC He -lan3e5 up at me. A,*a3tly.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. AAn5 %"at "appens to Step"en i1 you -o out t"ere an5 -et kille5B ="o res3ues "imBC $"at stoppe5 "im 1or a se3on5. He 1ro%ne5@ 1is"in- "is s"oes out 1rom un5er t"e 8e5. A$"ey %on?t kill me.C A="y notBC 9 aske5. ABe3ause i1 7ar3us kills me outsi5e t"e 3"allen-e 3ir3le@ "e 5oesn?t retain lea5ers"ip o1 t"e pa3k. 9t?s like 3"eatin-. $"e pa3k %oul5 turn on "im.C A="at i1 you a33i5entally 5ie5 in a 1i-"t %it" someone elseBC He %as su55enly )ery intereste5 in tyin- "is s"oes. A9 3an "an5le mysel1.C A7eanin- i1 someone else kills you in a le-itimate 1i-"t@ 7ar3us is o11 t"e "ook@ ri-"tBC He stoo5 up. A9 -uess.C A<aina is 7ar3us?s mate@ <i3"ar5. S"e?s a1rai5 you?re -oin- to kill "im. $"is is a trap.C He s"ook "is "ea5 stu88ornly. A91 9 3all in t"e %ol)es on my si5e an5 %e -o o)er t"ere in a mass@ t"ey?ll 8e slau-"tere5. 91 9 -o o)er t"ere alone@ 9 may 8e a8le to talk my %ay t"rou-" it.C 9 leane5 a-ainst t"e 5oor>am8 an5 %ante5 to yell at "im@ 8ut 8it it 8a3k. A9?m -oin- %it" you@ <i3"ar5.C ADou "a)e enou-" pro8lems o1 your o%n.C AStep"en riske5 "is li1e to sa)e mine on3e. 9 o%e "im. 91 you %ant to play politi3ian@ 1ine@ 8ut 9 %ant Step"en sa1e.C AGoin- out %"ere t"e assassin 3an 1in5 you isn?t a smart i5ea@ Anita.C A=e?)e 8een 5atin- 1or mont"s@ <i3"ar5. 91 a pro1essional assassin "its to%n@ it %on?t take "im lon- to 1in5 me "ere.C He -lare5 at me@ >a% ti-"t enou-" t"at 9 3oul5 see t"e small mus3le on t"e si5e. ADou?ll kill someone i1 9 take you.C A#nly i1 t"ey nee5 killin-.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o killin-.C A,)en to sa)e my o%n li1eB ,)en to sa)e Step"en?sBC He looke5 a%ay 1rom me@ t"en 8a3k@ an-er turnin- "is 5ark eyes almost 8la3k. A#1 3ourse you 3an 5e1en5 yoursel1.C A$"en 9?m 3omin-.C

AAll ri-"t@ 1or Step"en?s sake.C He 5i5n?t like sayin- it. A9?ll -et my >a3ket.C 9 -ot t"e mini2:Ei out o1 t"e suit3ase. 9t %as amaEin-ly small. 9 3oul5 "a)e s"ot it %it" one "an5@ 8ut 1or a33ura3y@ 9 nee5e5 t%o. $"ou-" a33ura3y an5 ma3"ine -uns %ere sort o1 mutually e*3lusi)e. Dou pointe5 it a little lo%er t"an you meant to "it an5 "el5 on. Sil)er ammo@ o1 3ourse. 9 sli5 t"e strap o)er my ri-"t s"oul5er. 9t "a5 a little 3lip t"at atta3"e5 to my 8elt at t"e small o1 my 8a3k. $"e 3lip kept t"e :Ei 1rom sli5in- all o)er t"e pla3e@ 8ut le1t enou-" play 1or me to sli5e t"e -un out an5 1ire it. $"e -un ro5e at t"e small o1 my 8a3k@ %"i3" %as irritatin-@ 8ut no matter %"at 9 tol5 <i3"ar5@ 9 %as s3are5@ an5 9 %ante5 at least t%o -uns %it" me. $"e poli3e "a5 t"e Bro%nin-. 9 5i5n?t "a)e a "olster 8ienou-" 1or t"e sa%e52o11@ not to mention it %as ille-al. !ome to t"ink o1 it@ %asn?t t"e ma3"ine -unB 9 "a5 a permit to o%n it@ 8ut t"ey 5i5n?t "an5 out 3arry permits 1or 1ully automati3 %eapons@ not to 3i)ilians@ any%ay. 91 9 -ot 3au-"t %it" it@ 9 mi-"t 8e -oin- to 3ourt a1ter all. 9 put t"e >a3ket on an5 %"irle5 aroun5. $"e >a3ket %as 8ulky enou-" t"at it 5i5n?t s"o%. AmaEin-. $"e 'irestar %as more noti3ea8le in its 1ront25ra% "olster. 7y pulse %as 8eatin- "ar5 enou-" t"at 9 3oul5 1eel it t"rummin- a-ainst my skin. 9 %as s3are5. <i3"ar5 %as -oin- to play politi3s %it" a 8un3" o1 %ere%ol)es. S"apes"i1ters 5i5n?t play politi3s mu3"@ t"ey >ust kille5 you. But 9 o%e5 Step"en@ an5 9 5i5n?t trust <i3"ar5 to sa)e "im. 9?5 5o %"ate)er it took to see "im sa1eG <i3"ar5 %oul5n?t. <i3"ar5 %oul5 "esitate. 9t %oul5 almost surely -et "im kille5 one 5ay. $oni-"t@ 1or t"e 1irst time@ 9 realiEe5 it mi-"t -et me kille5. /o %ay s"oul5 %e %alk into one o1 <aina?s little s"o%s %it"out more people. /o %ay. Hean2!lau5e %oul5 ne)er "a)e tolerate5 <aina an5 7ar3us?s -ames. $"ey?5 8e 5ea5 8y no%@ an5 %e?5 all 8e sa1e. 9 %oul5 "a)e truste5 Hean2!lau5e at my 8a3k toni-"t. He %oul5n?t 1lin3". #1 3ourse@ "e?5 "a)e 8rou-"t "is o%n little army o1 )ampires an5 ma5e it a true 8attle. $"e s"it 3oul5 "it t"e 1an toni-"t an5 8e o)er 8e1ore mornin-. <i3"ar5?s %ay@ %e?5 res3ue Step"en@ sur)i)e@ es3ape@ an5 <aina %oul5 still 8e ali)e. /ot"in- %oul5 8e settle5. 9t may "a)e 8een 3i)iliEe5@ 8ut it %as a 8a5 %ay to stay ali)e. <i3"ar5 %as %aitin- 8y t"e 1ront 5oor@ keys in "an5@ impatient. !oul5n?t 8lame "im. AStep"en 5i5n?t say %"ere "e %as. 4o you kno% %"ere t"ey make t"e 1ilmsBC ADea".C 9 looke5 a ;uestion at "im. A<aina took me to %at3" t"e 1ilmin- a 1e% times. S"e t"ou-"t 9?5 o)er3ome my s"yness an5 >oin in.C ADou 5i5n?t.C 9t %asn?t a ;uestion. A#1 3ourse not. Let?s -o -et Step"en.C He "el5 t"e 5oor 1or me@ an5 >ust t"is on3e 9 5i5n?t tell "im not to.

Chapter Seven
9 e*pe3te5 <i3"ar5 to 5ri)e into t"e 3ity@ to some 5isreputa8le %are"ouse in a see5y se3tion o1 to%n. 9nstea5@ "e 5ro)e 1urt"er into He11erson !ounty. =e 5ro)e 5o%n #l5 Hi-"%ay 21 8et%een so1t@ rollin- "ills@ sil)ere5 in t"e moonli-"t. 9t %as early 7ay@ an5 t"e trees %ere alrea5y t"i3k %it" lea)es. =oo5s "u--e5 t"e si5es o1 t"e roa5. An o33asional "ouse %oul5 8reak out o1 t"e trees@ 8ut 1or t"e most part@ %e %ere alone in t"e 5ark@ as i1 t"e roa5 stret3"e5 out 1ore)er an5 no ot"er "uman "a5 e)er set 1oot on it. A="at?s t"e planBC 9 aske5. <i3"ar5 -lan3e5 at me@ t"en 8a3k to t"e roa5. APlanBC ADea"@ a plan. 91 <aina?s t"ere@ s"e %on?t 8e alone@ an5 s"e %on?t like you takin- Step"en.C A<aina?s t"e alp"a 1emale@ t"e lupa. 9?m not allo%e5 to 1i-"t "er.C A="y notBC AAn alp"a male 8e3omes :l1ri3@ %ol1 kin-@ 8y killin- t"e ol5 lea5er@ 8ut t"e %inner 3"ooses t"e lupa.C ASo <aina 5i5n?t "a)e to 1i-"t 1or "er pla3eBC AS"e 5i5n?t "a)e to 1i-"t to 8e lupa@ 8ut s"e 5i5 "a)e to 1i-"t to 8e t"e most 5ominant 1emale in t"e pa3k.C ADou on3e tol5 me t"at t"e pa3k 3onsi5ers me a 5ominant. ="at?s t"e 5i11eren3e 8et%een 8ein- a 5ominant an5 8ein- an alp"a 1emaleB 9 mean@ 3an 9 8e an alp"aBC AAlp"a is t"e e;ui)alent to 8ein- a master )ampire@ sort o1@C "e sai5. ASo %"at is a 5ominantBC AAnyone not pa3k@ not lukoi@ t"at?s earne5 our respe3t. Hean2!lau5e is a 5ominant. He 3an?t 8e more unless "e 8e3omes pa3k.C ASo you?re alp"a@ 8ut you?re not pa3k lea5er.C A=e "a)e a8out "al1 a 5oEen alp"as@ male an5 1emale. 9 %as 7ar3us?s se3on5 in 3omman5@ "is 'reki.C

A'reki is t"e name o1 one o1 #5in?s %ol)es. ="y %oul5 se3on5 %ol1 8e name5 a1ter somet"in- out o1 myt"olo-yBC A$"e pa3k is )ery ol5@ Anita. Amon- oursel)es@ %e are t"e lukoi. $"ere 3an 8e t%o se3on5s@ 'reki an5 Geri.C A="y t"e "istory lesson an5 t"e ne% )o3a8ularyBC A$o outsi5ers@ %e keep it simple. But 9 %ant you to kno% %"o an5 %"at %e are.C ALukoi is Greek@ ri-"tBC He smile5. ABut 5o you kno% %"ere it?s 1romBC A/o.C AKin- Lykaon o1 Ar3a5ia %as a %ere%ol1. He 5i5n?t try an5 "i5e it. =e 3all oursel)es t"e lukoi in "is memory.C A91 you?re not 'reki anymore@ %"at are youBC A'enrir@ 3"allen-er.C A$"e -iant %ol1 t"at kills #5in at <a-narok.C A9?m impresse5@ not many people %oul5 kno% t"at.C A$%o semesters o1 3omparati)e reli-ion@C 9 sai5. A!an a %oman 8e :l1ri3BC ADes@ 8ut it?s rare.C A="yBC A$"ey?5 "a)e to %in a kno3k25o%n 5ra-2out p"ysi3al 8attle. All t"e po%er in t"e %orl5 %on?t stop someone 1rom poun5inyour 1a3e into t"e -roun5.C 9 %oul5 "a)e like5 to ar-ue@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. He %as ri-"t. /ot 8e3ause 9 %as 1emale. Small men -et t"eir asses ki3ke5@ too. SiEe matters i1 8ot" people are e;ually %ell traine5. A="y 5on?t t"e 1emale alp"as "a)e to 5uke it out to %in t"e top spotBC ABe3ause t"e :l1ri3 an5 "is lupa are a matin- pair@ Anita. He 5oesn?t %ant to -et stu3k %it" a %oman "e 3an?t stan5.C 9 looke5 at "im. A=ait a minute. Dou?re ne*t in line to lea5 t"e pa3k. 91 you su33ee5 7ar3us@ 5o you "a)e to sleep %it" your lupaBC A$e3"ni3ally@ yes.C A$e3"ni3allyBC 9 sai5. A9 %on?t 3"oose one. 9 %on?t sleep %it" someone >ust so t"e pa3k 3an 1eel se3ure.C AGla5 to "ear it@C 9 sai5@ A8ut 5oes t"at >eopar5iEe your stan5in- in t"e pa3kBC He took a 5eep 8reat"@ an5 9 "ear5 it si-" out%ar5. A9 "a)e a lot o1 support amon- t"e pa3k@ 8ut some o1 t"em are 8ot"ere5 8y my morals. $"ey t"ink 9 s"oul5 pi3k a mate.C AAn5 you %on?t@ 8e3ause ... o1 meBC He -lan3e5 at me. A$"at?s a 8i- part o1 it. 9t %oul5n?t 8e only one time@ Anita. An alp"a 3ouple 8in5s 1or li1e. 9t?s like a marria-e. $"ey usually marry ea3" ot"er in real li1e@ not >ust in t"e pa3k.C A9 3an see %"y t"e pa3k lea5er -ets to pi3k "is mate.C A9?)e pi3ke5 my mate@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ABut 9?m not a %ere%ol1.C A/o@ 8ut t"e pa3k 3onsi5ers you a 5ominant.C A#nly 8e3ause 9 kille5 a 1e% o1 t"em@C 9 sai5. A=ell@ t"at 5oes ten5 to impress t"em.C He slo%e5 5o%n. $"ere %as a line o1 pine trees alon- t"e le1t2"an5 si5e o1 t"e roa5@ too re-ular an5 too t"i3k to 8e natural. He turne5 5o%n a -ra)el 5ri)e%ay in t"e mi55le o1 t"em. $"e 5ri)e%ay 3ur)e5 5o%n"ill@ an5 at t"e 8ottom o1 a s"allo% )alley %as a 1arm"ouse. Hills t"i3k %it" trees poure5 out aroun5 t"e "ouse. 91 t"ere "a5 e)er 8een 1iel5s@ t"e 1orest "a5 re3laime5 t"em. $"e 5ri)e%ay opene5 into a small -ra)el lot t"at %as 3ro%5e5 %it" 3ars@ at least a 5oEen o1 t"em. <i3"ar5 >erke5 t"e 3ar into park an5 %as out t"e 5oor 8e1ore 9 3oul5 un8u3kle my seat 8elt. 9 "a5 to run to 3at3" up an5 %as at "is 8a3k >ust as "e 1lun- open t"e 8arn 5oor. $"ere %as a t"i3k %all o1 3lot" "an-in- insi5e t"e 5oor@ not a 3urtain 8ut more a 8arrier. <i3"ar5 pulle5 it asi5e@ an5 li-"t 1loo5e5 out aroun5 us. He stalke5 into t"at li-"t@ an5 9 traile5 a1ter "im. $"ere %ere li-"ts e)ery%"ere@ "an-in- 1rom t"e ra1ters like lar-e@ u-ly 1ruit. A8out t%enty people stoo5 aroun5 t"e open interior o1 t"e 8arn. $%o 3ameras %ere traine5 on a set@ ma5e up o1 t%o %alls an5 a kin-2siEe 8e5. $%o 3ameramen %ere sort o1 5rape5 on t"e 3ameras@ %aitin-. A lon- ta8le t"i3k %it" take2out 8a-s an5 3ol5 piEEa %as set near t"e entran3e. #)er a 5oEen people %ere 3lustere5 aroun5 t"e 1oo5. $"ey -lan3e5 at us as %e entere5. A "an51ul o1 "umans looke5

"urrie5ly a%ay an5 8e-an in3"in- 8a3k. $"e ly3ant"ropes stare5@ t"eir eyes almost motionless@ intent. 9 su55enly kne% %"at it must 1eel like to 8e a -aEelle near a lion pa3k. At least t%o2t"ir5s o1 t"e people in t"e 8arn %ere s"ape2s"i1ters. Pro8a8ly@ t"ey %eren?t all %ere%ol)es. 9 3oul5n?t tell %"at animal t"ey mi-"t 8e 8y lookin-@ 8ut 9 kne% t"ey %ere all s"apes"i1ters. $"eir ener-y 8urne5 t"rou-" t"e air like a "int o1 li-"tnin-. ,)en %it" t"e :Ei@ i1 t"in-s %ent %ron-@ 9 %as in trou8le. 9 %as su55enly an-ry %it" <i3"ar5. =e s"oul5n?t "a)e 3ome alone like t"is. 9t %as too 3areless 1or %or5s. A %oman steppe5 out o1 t"e -roup. S"e "a5 %"at looke5 like an in5ustrial2stren-t" makeup kit on "er s"oul5er. Her 5ark "air %as s"a)e5 3lose to "er "ea5@ lea)in- a )ery pretty 1a3e open an5 3lean@ %it"out a 5rop o1 makeup on it. S"e mo)e5 un3ertainly to%ar5s us as i1 a1rai5 s"e?5 -et 8itten. $"e air )i8rate5 aroun5 "er@ a tiny s"immer@ as t"ou-" reality %as >ust a little less 1irm t"an it s"oul5 8e aroun5 "er. Ly3ant"rope. 9 %asn?t sure %"at 1la)or@ 8ut t"at really 5i5n?t matter. ="ate)er t"e 1la)or@ t"ey %ere 5an-erous. A<i3"ar5@C s"e sai5. S"e steppe5 a%ay 1rom t"e %at3"in- 3ro%5@ small "an5s runnin- up an5 5o%n t"e strap o1 "er 8a-. A="at are you 5oin- "ereBC ADou kno% %"y 9?m "ere@ Hei5i@C "e sai5. A="ere?s Step"enBC A$"ey aren?t -oin- to "urt "im@C s"e sai5. A9 mean@ "is 8rot"er?s "ere. His o%n 8rot"er %oul5n?t let "im -et "urt@ %oul5 "eBC ASoun5s like you?re tryin- to 3on)in3e yoursel1@ not us@C 9 sai5. Her eyes 1li3ke5 to me. ADou must 8e Anita Blake.C S"e -lan3e5 8e"in5 at t"e %at3"ers at "er 8a3k. APlease@ <i3"ar5@ >ust -o.C $"e aura o1 ener-y aroun5 "er %as )i8ratin- "ar5er@ almost a )isi8le s"immer in t"e air. 9t pri3kle5 alon- my skin like ants. <i3"ar5 rea3"e5 out to%ar5s "er. Hei5i 1lin3"e5 8ut stoo5 "er -roun5. <i3"ar5 smoot"e5 "is "an5 >ust a8o)e "er 1a3e@ not ;uite tou3"in- "er skin. As "e mo)e5 "is "an5@ t"e ener-y aroun5 "er ;uiete5@ like %ater 3almin-. A9t?s all ri-"t@ Hei5i. 9 kno% t"e situation 7ar3us "as put you in. Dou %ant to >oin anot"er pa3k@ 8ut "e "as to -i)e permission. $o -et "is permission@ you 5o %"at "e says@ or you?re trappe5. ="ate)er "appens@ 9 %on?t "ol5 it a-ainst you.C $"e an*iety seepe5 a%ay. Her ot"er%orl5ly ener-y ;uiete5 until it %as 8arely t"ere at all. S"e mi-"t "a)e passe5 1or "uman. AVery impressi)e.C A man steppe5 1or%ar5. He %as at least si* 1oot 1our@ may8e an in3" taller@ "is "ea5 8al5 as an e--@ only "is eye8ro%s s"o%in- 5ark a8o)e pale eyes. His 8la3k $2s"irt straine5 o)er t"e mus3les in "is arms an5 3"est@ as i1 t"e s"irt %as t"e skin o1 an inse3t a8out to split an5 let loose t"e monster. ,ner-y 8oile5 o11 "im like summer "eat. He mo)e5 %it" t"e 3on1i5ent strut o1 a 8ully@ an5 t"e po%er 3ra%lin- o)er my skin sai5 "e mi-"t 8e a8le to 8a3k it up. AHe?s ne%@C 9 sai5. A$"is is Se8astian@C <i3"ar5 sai5. AHe >oine5 us a1ter Al1re5 5ie5.C AHe?s 7ar3us?s ne% en1or3er@C Hei5i %"ispere5. S"e steppe5 8a3k@ "al1%ay 8et%een t"e t%o men@ "er 8a3k to t"e 3urtain %e?5 entere5 t"rou-". A9 3"allen-e you@ <i3"ar5. 9 %ant to 8e 'reki.C Hust like t"at@ t"e trap %as sprun-. A=e are 8ot" alp"a@ Se8astian. =e 5on?t "a)e to 5o anyt"in- to pro)e t"at.C A9 %ant to 8e 'reki@ an5 9 nee5 to 8eat you to 5o it.C A9?m 'enrir no%@ Se8astian. Dou 3an 8e 7ar3us?s 'reki %it"out 1i-"tin- me.C A7ar3us says no@ says 9 "a)e to -o t"rou-" you.C <i3"ar5 took a step 1or%ar5. A4on?t 1i-"t "im@C 9 sai5. A9 "a)e to ans%er 3"allen-e.C 9 stare5 at Se8astian. <i3"ar5 is not a small man@ 8ut "e looke5 small 8esi5e Se8astian. <i3"ar5 %oul5n?t 8a3k 5o%n to sa)e "imsel1. But 1or someone else ... AAn5 i1 you -et kille5@ %"ere 5oes t"at lea)e meBC 9 aske5. He looke5 at me t"en@ really looke5 at me. He turne5 8a3k to Se8astian. A9 %ant sa1e passa-e 1or Anita.C Se8astian -rinne5 an5 s"ook "is "ea5. AS"e?s 5ominant. /o sa1e passa-e. S"e takes "er 3"an3es like t"e rest o1 us.C AS"e 3an?t a33ept 3"allen-e@ s"e?s "uman.C A="en you?re 5ea5@ %e?ll make "er one o1 us@C Se8astian sai5. A<aina "as 1or8i55en us to make Anita lukoi@C Hei5i sai5.

$"e -lare t"at Se8astian -a)e "er ma5e "er 3rin-e a-ainst t"e 3urtain 5oor. Her eyes %ere roun5 %it" 1ear. A9s t"at trueBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A9t?s true@C Se8astian -ro%le5. A=e 3an kill "er@ 8ut %e 3an?t make "er pa3k.C He -rinne5@ a 8rie1 1las" o1 teet". ASo %e?ll >ust kill "er.C 9 5re% t"e 'irestar@ usin- <i3"ar5?s 8o5y to s"iel5 t"e mo)ement 1rom t"e ly3ant"ropes. =e %ere in trou8le. ,)en %it" t"e :Ei@ 9 3oul5n?t kill t"em all. 91 <i3"ar5 %oul5 kill Se8astian@ %e mi-"t sal)a-e t"e situation@ 8ut "e?5 try not to kill "im. $"e ot"er s"apes"i1ters %at3"e5 us %it" patient@ ea-er eyes. $"is "a5 8een t"e plan all alon-. $"ere "a5 to 8e a %ay out. 9 "a5 an i5ea. AAre all 7ar3us?s en1or3ers ass"olesBC Se8astian turne5 to me. A=as t"at an insultBC A91 you "a)e to ask@ t"en in5ee5y25o@ it %as.C AAnita@C <i3"ar5 sai5@ lo% an5 3are1ul@ A%"at are you 5oin-BC A4e1en5in- mysel1@C 9 sai5. His eyes %i5ene5@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t take "is -lan3e 1rom t"e 8i- %ere%ol1. <i3"ar5 un5erstoo5. $"ere %as no time to ar-ue a8out it. Se8astian took a step 1or%ar5@ 8i- "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists. He trie5 to step aroun5 <i3"ar5 to -et to me. <i3"ar5 mo)e5 in 1ront o1 "im. He put out "is "an5@ palm out%ar5 like "e "a5 %it" Hei5i@ an5 t"at roilin- ener-y 5ampe5 5o%n@ spillin- out like %ater 1rom a 8roken 3up. 9?5 ne)er seen anyt"in- like it. !almin- Hei5i %as one t"in-. 'or3in- a ly3ant"rope to s%allo% su3" po%er %as somet"in- else. Se8astian took a step 8a3k@ almost a sta--er. ADou 8astar5.C ADou are not stron- enou-" to 3"allen-e me@ Se8astian. 4on?t e)er 1or-et t"at@C <i3"ar5 sai5. His )oi3e %as still 3alm@ %it" t"e 8arest "int o1 an-er un5erneat". 9t %as a reasona8le )oi3e@ a )oi3e 1or ne-otiatin-. 9 stoo5 8e"in5 <i3"ar5 %it" t"e 'irestar "el5 at my si5e@ as uno8trusi)e as 9 3oul5 make it. $"e 1i-"t %as o11@ an5 my little s"o% o1 8ra)a5o "a5n?t 8een nee5e5. 9?5 un5erestimate5 <i3"ar5?s po%er. 9?5 apolo-iEe later. A/o%@ %"ere is Step"enBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A slen5er 8la3k man stalke5 to%ar5s us@ mo)in- like a 5an3er in a s"immerin- %as" o1 "is o%n ener-y. His "air %as 8rai5e5 in s"oul5er2len-t" 3ornro%s %it" 3olore5 8ea5s %orke5 into t"em. His 1eatures %ere small an5 neat@ "is skin a ri3" soli5 8ro%n. ADou may 8e a8le to 3ontrol us one at a time@ <i3"ar5@ 8ut not all at on3e.C ADou %ere ki3ke5 out o1 your last pa3k 1or 8ein- a trou8lemaker@ Hamil@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A4on?t make t"e same mistake t%i3e.C A9 %on?t. 7ar3us %ill %in t"is 1i-"t 8e3ause you are a 1u3kin- 8lee5in- "eart. Dou still 5on?t -et it@ <i3"ar5. =e aren?t t"e Doun- <epu8li3ans.C Hamil stoppe5 a8out ei-"t 1eet 8a3k. A=e are a pa3k o1 %ere%ol)es@ an5 %e aren?t "uman. :nless you a33ept t"at@ you are -oin- to 5ie.C Se8astian steppe5 8a3k to stan5 8esi5e Hamil. $"e rest o1 t"e ly3ant"ropes mo)e5 up 8e"in5 t"e t%o men. $"eir 3om8ine5 ener-y 1lo%e5 out%ar5@ 1illin- t"e room like %arm %ater %it" piran"a in it. $"e po%er 8it alon- my skin like tiny ele3tri3 s"o3ks. 9t rose in my t"roat until it %as "ar5 to 8reat"e@ an5 t"e "air on my "ea5 stoo5 at attention. A=ill you 8e pisse5 i1 9 kill some o1 t"emBC 9 aske5. 7y )oi3e soun5e5 s;ueeEe5 an5 "ars". 9 mo)e5 3loser to <i3"ar5@ 8ut "a5 to step 8a3k. His po%er poure5 o)er me like somet"in- ali)e. 9t %as impressi)e@ 8ut t"ere %ere t%enty ly3ant"ropes on t"e ot"er si5e@ an5 it %asn?t t"at impressi)e. A s3ream s"attere5 t"e silen3e@ an5 9 >umpe5. AAnita@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ADea".C AGo -et Step"en.C A$"at %as "im s3reamin-BC 9 aske5. AGo -et "im.C 9 looke5 at t"e mass o1 ly3ant"ropes an5 sai5@ ADou 3an "an5le t"isBC A9 3an "ol5 t"em.C ADou 3an?t "ol5 us all@C Hamil sai5. ADes@C <i3"ar5 sai5@ A9 3an.C $"e s3ream soun5e5 a-ain@ "i-"er@ more ur-ent. $"e soun5 3ame 1rom 5eeper in t"e 8arn %"ere it "a5 8een 5i)i5e5 into rooms. $"ere %as a makes"i1t "all%ay. 9 starte5 to%ar5s it@ t"en "esitate5. A=ill you 8e pisse5 i1 9 kill peopleBC A4o %"at you "a)e to 5o@C "e sai5. His )oi3e "a5 -ro%n lo%@ %it" an e5-e o1 -ro%l to it. A91 s"e kills <aina %it" a -un@ s"e still %on?t 8e your lupa@C Hamil sai5.

9 -lan3e5 at <i3"ar5?s 8a3k. 9 "a5n?t kno%n 9 %as 8ein- 3onsi5ere5 1or t"e >o8. AGo@ AnitaG no%.C His )oi3e %as 5yin- 5o%n to a -ro%l. He 5i5n?t "a)e to a55@ "urry. 9 kne% t"at part. He mi-"t 8e a8le to stall@ 8ut "e 3oul5n?t 1i-"t t"em all. Hei5i %alke5 to%ar5s me@ 8e"in5 <i3"ar5?s 8a3k. He 5i5n?t turn any attention to "er@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t 3onsi5er "er a 5an-er at all. S"e %asn?t po%er1ul@ 8ut you 5i5n?t "a)e to 8e po%er1ul or e)en stron- to sta8 someone in t"e 8a3k@ 3la% or kni1e@ %"at 5i5 it matterB 9 pointe5 t"e -un at "er. S"e passe5 %it"in in3"es o1 <i3"ar5 an5 "e 5i5 not"in-. 7y -un %as t"e only t"in- -uar5in- "is 8a3k. ,)en no%@ "e truste5 Hei5i. <i-"t t"is minute@ "e s"oul5n?t "a)e truste5 anyone 8ut me. AGa8riel?s %it" <aina@C s"e sai5. S"e sai5 "is name like s"e %as a1rai5 o1 "im. Ga8riel %asn?t e)en a mem8er o1 t"e pa3k. He %as a %ere2leopar5. He %as one o1 <aina?s 1a)orite a3tors@ t"ou-". He?5 appeare5 in "er porno 1li3ks an5 e)en one snu11 1ilm. 9 almost aske5 "er %"o s"e 1eare5 most@ <aina or Ga8riel. But it 5i5n?t matter. 9 %as a8out to 3on1ront t"em 8ot". A$"anks@C 9 sai5 to Hei5i. S"e no55e5. 9 %ent 1or t"e "all%ay an5 t"e soun5 o1 s3reams.

Chapter Eight
9 entere5 t"e "all%ay an5 1ollo%e5 t"e soun5s o1 )oi3es to t"e se3on5 5oor on t"e le1t. 9 "ear5 at least t%o 5i11erent male )oi3es@ so1t@ murmurin-. 9 3oul5n?t make out t"e %or5s. $"e s3reams 3"an-e5 to yellin-. AStop@ please@ stop. /oIC 9t %as a man@ too. :nless t"ey %ere torturin- more t"an one person toni-"t@ it "a5 to 8e Step"en. 9 took a 5eep 8reat"@ let it out@ an5 rea3"e5 1or t"e 5oor %it" my le1t "an5@ -un in my ri-"t. 9 %is"e5 9 kne% t"e layout o1 t"e room. Step"en yelle5@ APlease@ 5on?tIC ,nou-". 9 opene5 t"e 5oor@ s"o)in- it a-ainst t"e %all so 9?5 kno% t"ere %as no one 8e"in5 it. 9 meant to s%eep t"e room@ 8ut %"at 9 sa% on t"e 1loor stoppe5 me 3ol5@ like some kin5 o1 1las"21roEen ni-"tmare. Step"en lay on "is 8a3k@ a %"ite ro8e open@ re)ealin- "is nu5e 8o5y. Bloo5 traile5 5o%n "is 3"est in t"in s3arlet ri88ons@ t"ou-" t"ere %ere no apparent %oun5s. Ga8riel "el5 Step"en?s arms@ pinne5 un5erneat" "is 8o5y@ 8e"in5 "is 8a3k as i1 t"ey mi-"t alrea5y 8e tie5. Step"en?s %aist2len-t" yello% "air spille5 o)er Ga8riel?s leat"er23la5 lap. Ga8riel %as nake5 1rom t"e %aist up@ a sil)er rin- t"rou-" "is ri-"t nipple. His 3urly 8la3k "air "a5 spille5 o)er "is eyes@ an5 %"en "e looke5 up at me@ "e looke5 8lin5. A se3on5 man knelt on t"e 1ar si5e o1 Step"en. !urlin- 8lon5 "air 1ell to "is %aist. He %ore an i5enti3al %"ite ro8e@ 1astene5. ="en "e looke5 at t"e 5oor@ "is slen5er@ nearly pretty 1a3e %as a mirror o1 Step"en?s. Ha5 to 8e "is 8rot"er. He %as "ol5in- a steel kni1e. He %as in mi5sli3e %"en 9 3ame t"rou-" t"e 5oor. 'res" 8loo5 %elle5 1rom Step"en?s skin. Step"en s3reame5. $"ere %as a nake5 %oman 3urle5 o)er Step"en?s 8o5y. S"e stra55le5 "is lo%er 8o5y@ pinnin- "is le-s. Her lon- au8urn "air 1ell like a 3urtain@ "i5in- t"e last in5i-nity 1rom si-"t. <aina raise5 "er "ea5 1rom Step"en?s -roin. Her 1ull lips parte5 in a smile. S"e?5 %orke5 "im to ere3tion. ,)en %it" "is protests@ "is 8o5y "a5 -one on %it"out "im. 9t took a "eart8eat to see it all@ a sort o1 slo%2motion s"ort"an5. 9 sense5 mo)ement to my ri-"t an5 trie5 to turn@ 8ut it %as too late. Somet"in- 1urre5 an5 only "al12"uman slamme5 into me. 9 "it t"e 1ar %all "ar5 enou-" to make it s"u55er. $"e 'irestar %ent spinnin-@ an5 9 1ell@ stunne5@ to t"e 1loor. A %ol1 t"e siEe o1 a pony loome5 o)er me. 9t opene5 >a%s 8ienou-" to 3rus" my 1a3e@ an5 -ro%le5@ a soun5 lo% an5 5eep enou-" to stop my "eart. 9 3oul5 mo)e a-ain@ 8ut t"at 1a3e %as an in3" 1rom my 3"eekG 9 3oul5 1eel its 8reat" on my 1a3e. A line o1 sali)a 1ell 1rom its mout" to -li5e 5o%n t"e e5-e o1 my mout". 9t lo%ere5 its muEEle t"at last in3"@ lips 5ra%n 8a3k like it %as -oin- to take a ni88le. $"e :Ei %as pinne5 8et%een my 8a3k an5 t"e %all. 9 %ent 1or one o1 t"e kni)es@ an5 kne% 9?5 ne)er make it. Human arms 3ur)e5 aroun5 t"e %ol1@ tore it 8a3k@ a%ay 1rom me. <aina stoo5 "ol5in- t"e stru--lin- %ol1 like it %as no e11ort. Her 8eauti1ul nake5 8o5y ripple5 %it" mus3les t"at 5i5n?t s"o% until t"ey %ere use5. A4ra% no 8loo5 1rom "er@ 9 tol5 you t"at.C S"e tosse5 t"e %ol1 into t"e ot"er %all. $"e %all 3ra3ke5 an5 8u3kle5. $"e %ol1 lay still@ eyes rolle5 8a3k into its skull. 9t -a)e me t"e time 9 nee5e5. 9 pulle5 t"e :Ei aroun5 on its strap. ="en <aina turne5 8a3k to me@ 9 %as pointin- it at "er. S"e stoo5 o)er me@ nake5@ per1e3t@ slen5er %"ere s"e %as suppose5 to 8e slen5er@ 3ur)e5 %"ere s"e %as suppose5 to 8e 3ur)e5. But sin3e 9?5 seen "er s3ulpt "er 8o5y at %ill@ 9 %asn?t t"at impresse5. ="en you 3oul5 manipulate your 8o5y like s"e 3oul5@ %"o nee5e5 plasti3 sur-eryB A9 3oul5 "a)e let "er kill you@ Anita. Dou 5on?t seem )ery -rate1ul.C 9 sat on t"e 1loor@ proppe5 a-ainst t"e %all@ not 3ompletely trustin- t"at 9 3oul5 stan5 yet. But t"e :Ei %as pointe5 ni3e an5 stea5y. A$"anks a lot@C 9 sai5@ A/o%@ 8a3k up@ slo%ly@ or 9 %ill 3ut you in "al1.C <aina lau-"e5@ a lo%@ >oyous soun5. ADou are so 5an-erous. So e*3itin-. 4on?t you t"ink so@ Ga8rielBC Ga8riel 3ame to stan5 8esi5e "er. Bot" o1 t"em lookin- 5o%n at me %as too mu3"@ so 9 use5 t"e %all to 8ra3e mysel1 an5 stoo5. 9 3oul5 stan5. Great. 9 %as 8e-innin- to t"ink 9 3oul5 e)en %alk. Better.

ABa3k up@C 9 sai5. Ga8riel steppe5 aroun5 "er@ 8rin-in- "im almost 3lose enou-" to "a)e rea3"e5 out an5 tou3"e5 me. AS"e?s per1e3t 1or anyone %"o?s into pain an5 "as a 5eat" %is".C He rea3"e5 out@ as i1 to run "is 1in-ers 5o%n my 3"eek. 9 pointe5 t"e ma3"ine -un at "is %aist@ 8e3ause it %oul5 ki3k up%ar5. Aim too "i-" an5 you 3an a3tually miss. A$"e last time you pus"e5 me@ Ga8riel@ all 9 "a5 on me %as a kni1e. Dou sur)i)e5 "a)in- me -ut you@ 8ut e)en you 3an?t "eal 1rom a su8ma3"ine -un 8urst. At t"is ran-e@ 9?ll 3ut you in "al1.C A=oul5 you really kill me >ust 1or tryin- to tou3" youBC He seeme5 amuse5@ "is stran-e -rey eyes almost 1e)er 8ri-"t as t"ey peere5 out o1 t"e tan-le o1 "is "air. AA1ter %"at 9 >ust sa%@ you 8et.C 9 stoo5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all. ABa3k up or %e?ll 1in5 out "o% mu3" 5ama-e you 3an take.C $"ey 8a3ke5 up. 9 %as almost 5isappointe5. $"e :Ei %it" sil)er ammo %oul5 5o e*a3tly %"at 9?5 sai5 it %oul5 5o. 9 3oul5 3ut t"em 5o%n@ kill t"em@ no muss@ no 1uss@ >ust a "ell o1 a mess. 9 %ante5 t"em 5ea5. 9 looke5 at t"em 1or a "eart8eat an5 t"ou-"t a8out it@ t"ou-"t a8out pullin- t"e tri--er an5 sa)in- us all a lot o1 trou8le. <aina 8a3ke5 up@ pullin- Ga8riel %it" "er. S"e stare5 at me as s"e mo)e5@ 8a3k to%ar5s t"e %all %"ere t"e pony2siEe5 %ol1 %as sta--erin- to its 1eet. <aina looke5 at me an5 9 sa% t"e kno%le5-e on "er 1a3e o1 "o% 3lose s"e?5 3ome. 9 t"ink until t"at moment s"e "a5n?t realiEe5 9 3oul5 kill "er an5 not lose sleep. Hell@ lea)in- "er ali)e %oul5 3ost me more sleep. A roarin- s3ream 3ame 1rom t"e ot"er room. Ho%lin- )i8rate5 t"rou-" t"e 8arn. $"ere %as a moment o1 8reat"less silen3e@ t"en -ro%ls@ s"rieks. $"e 1loor s"u55ere5 %it" t"e impa3t o1 5istant 8o5ies. <i3"ar5 %as 1i-"tin- %it"out me. <aina smile5 at me. A<i3"ar5 nee5s you@ Anita. Go to "im. =e?ll take 3are o1 Step"en.C A/o t"anks.C A<i3"ar5 3oul5 8e 5yin- %"ile you %aste time.C 'ear 1lo%e5 o)er me in a 3ool %as". S"e %as ri-"t. $"ey?5 lure5 "im "ere to 5ie. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A<i3"ar5 tol5 me to -et Step"en@ an5 t"at?s %"at 9?m -oin- to 5o.C A9 5i5n?t t"ink you took or5ers t"at %ell@C s"e sai5. A9 take t"e ones 9 like.C Step"en "a5 3urle5 onto "is si5e@ pullin- t"e ro8e o)er "is 8o5y. His 8rot"er sat 8esi5e "im@ smoot"in- "is "air an5 murmurin-@ A9t?s all ri-"t@ Step"en. Dou?re not "urt.C ADou sli3e5 "im up@ you son o1 a 8it3".C He sprea5 Step"en?s ro8e@ e*posin- "is 3"est. Step"en trie5 %eakly to 3lose "is ro8e. His 8rot"er slappe5 "is "an5s li-"tly. He %ipe5 "is "an5s a3ross t"e 8loo5y 3"est. $"e skin %as per1e3t. $"e 3ut "a5 "eale5 alrea5y@ %"i3" meant t"at all t"e 8loo5 %as Step"en?s. AGet o11 o1 "im@ ri-"t no%@ or 9 %ill 8lo% you a%ay.C He ease5 8a3k 1rom "im@ eyes %i5e. He 8elie)e5 me. $"at %as -oo5@ 8e3ause it %as true. A!ome on@ Step"en. =e?)e -ot to -o.C He raise5 "is "ea5 an5 looke5 at me@ tears sli5in- 5o%n "is 3"eeks. A9 3an?t stan5.C He trie5 to 3ra%l to me@ 8ut 3ollapse5 on t"e 1loor. A="at 5i5 you -i)e "imBC 9 aske5. ASomet"in- to rela* "im@C <aina sai5. ADou 8it3".C S"e smile5. A,*a3tly.C AGo o)er an5 stan5 8y t"em@C 9 sai5 to t"e 8rot"er. $"e man turne5 a 1a3e to me so like Step"en?s it %as startlin-. A9 %oul5n?t let t"em "urt "im. He?5 en>oy it i1 "e?5 >ust let "imsel1 -o.C AHe is "urt@ you son o1 a 8it3"I /o% -et o)er t"ere@ ri-"t no%@ or 9?9l kill you. 4o you un5erstan5 meB 9 %ill kill you an5 8e "appy a8out it.C He -ot to "is 1eet an5 %ent to stan5 8esi5e Ga8riel. A9 ma5e sure no one "urt "im@C "e sai5 so1tly. $"e %alls s"u55ere5. $"ere %as a soun5 o1 splinterin- %oo5. Someone "a5 8een t"ro%n t"rou-" t"e %all o1 t"e room ne*t to us. 9 "a5 to -et us out o1 t"ere. 9 "a5 to -et to <i3"ar5. But i1 9 %as 3areless@ 9?5 ne)er make it. <i3"ar5 %asn?t t"e only one in 5an-er o1 -ettin- "is t"roat rippe5 out. =it" t"is many ly3ant"ropes in a room so small@ t"ey %ere too 3lose. $"ey 3oul5 >ump me i1 9 %ent to "elp Step"en stan5@ 8ut %it" a ma3"ine -un in my "an5@ 9 %as 8ettin- most o1 t"em %oul5 8e 5ea5 8e1ore t"ey rea3"e5 me. 9t %as a 3om1ortin- t"ou-"t.

9 spotte5 t"e 'irestar in t"e 1ar 3orner. 9 pi3ke5 it up an5 "olstere5 it %it"out "a)in- to look. Pra3ti3e@ pra3ti3e@ pra3ti3e. 9 kept t"e ma3"ine -un out. 9t >ust ma5e me 1eel 8etter. 9 knelt 8y Step"en %it"out takin- my eyes o11 t"e ot"ers. 9t %as "ar5 not to at least -lan3e 5o%n@ 8ut 9 %as too 5amn 3lose to t"em. $"e %ol1 "a5 8een un8elie)a8ly 1ast@ an5 9 5i5n?t t"ink <aina %oul5 sa)e me a se3on5 time. 9 %as lu3ky s"e 5i5n?t %ant me %oun5e5. 9 -ot my arm aroun5 Step"en?s %aist@ an5 "e mana-e5 to t"ro% "is arms aroun5 my ne3k. 9 stoo5@ an5 "e %as almost 5ea5 %ei-"t@ 8ut %e 8ot" mana-e5 to stan5@ an5 %it" my "elp@ Step"en kept "is 1eet. 9 %as -la5 "e %as a8out my siEe. Bi--er %oul5 "a)e 8een "ar5er. His ro8e 1lappe5 open@ an5 "e took one arm 1rom aroun5 my s"oul5ers an5 trie5 to tie it 3lose5@ 8ut "e 3oul5n?t 5o it. He starte5 to take "is ot"er arm o11 my s"oul5ers. ALea)e it@ Step"en@ please. =e?)e -ot to -o no%.C A9 5on?t %ant people to see me.C He stare5 at me 1rom in3"es a%ay@ "is 1a3e )a-ue an5 un1o3use5 1rom t"e 5ru-s@ 8ut a sin-le tear traile5 1rom t"e 3orner o1 one 3orn1lo%er 8lue eye. APlease@C "e sai5. S"it. 9 8ra3e5 "im aroun5 t"e %aist@ an5 sai5@ AGo a"ea5.C 9 stare5 at <aina %"ile "e tie5 "is ro8e@ 3lumsy an5 slo% 1rom t"e 5ru- s"e?5 slippe5 "im. He %as makin- a lo% %"imperin- soun5 5eep in "is 3"est 8y t"e time "e -ot it 3lose5. A9n some %ays you are as sentimental as <i3"ar5@C s"e sai5. ABut you 3oul5 kill us@ all o1 us@ e)en Step"en?s 8rot"er@ an5 1eel not"in-.C 9 met "er "oney 8ro%n eyes an5 sai5@ A9?5 1eel somet"in-.C A="atBC s"e aske5. ASa1er@C 9 sai5. 9 8a3ke5 us to%ar5s t"e open 5oor an5 "a5 to -lan3e 8e"in5 to make sure not"in- %as 3omin- up at me. ="en 9 looke5 8a3k at t"em@ Ga8riel "a5 mo)e5 1or%ar5@ 8ut <aina "a5 a "an5 on "is arm@ stoppin- "im. S"e %as lookin- at me like s"e?5 ne)er really seen me 8e1ore. Like 9?5 surprise5 "er. 9 -uess it %as mutual. 9?5 kno%n s"e %as t%iste5@ 8ut not in my %il5est 5reams %oul5 9 "a)e a33use5 "er o1 rapin- one o1 "er o%n people. Step"en an5 9 steppe5 out into t"e "all@ an5 9 took a 5eep 8reat"@ 1eelin- somet"in- in my 3"est loosen. $"e soun5s o1 1i-"tin- 3ras"e5 o)er us. 9 %ante5 to run to%ar5s t"e 1i-"t. <i3"ar5 %as ali)e@ or t"ey %oul5n?t "a)e still 8een 1i-"tin-. $"ere %as time. $"ere "a5 to 8e. 9 3alle5 to <aina@ A4on?t s"o% your 1a3e out "ere until a1ter %e?re -one@ <aina. or 9?ll s"oot it o11.C $"ere %as no ans%er 1rom t"e room. 9 "a5 to -et to <i3"ar5. Step"en stum8le5 an5 nearly took us 8ot" 5o%n. He "un- 1rom my s"oul5ers@ "is arms pressin- into my ne3k@ t"en "e -ot "is 1eet un5er "im. ADou %it" me. Step"enBC A9?m all ri-"t. Hust -et me out o1 "ere.C His )oi3e soun5e5 %eak@ t"rea5y@ like "e %as losin- 3ons3iousness. 9 3oul5 not 3arry "im an5 s"oot@ or at least 9 5i5n?t %ant to try. 9 -ot a 1irmer -rip on "is %aist an5 sai5@ AStay %it" me@ Step"en@ an5 9?ll -et you out.C He no55e5@ lon- "air spillin- aroun5 "is 1a3e. A#kay.C $"e one %or5 %as almost too so1t to "ear a8o)e t"e 1i-"tin-. 9 steppe5 out into t"e main room@ an5 it %as 3"aos. 9 3oul5n?t see <i3"ar5. $"ere %as >ust a mass o1 8o5ies@ arms@ le-s@ a 3la%e5 1orm rose a8o)e t"e rest@ a man2%ol1 3lose to se)en 1eet tall. He rea3"e5 5o%n an5 5re% <i3"ar5 out o1 t"e mess@ 3la%s 5i--in- into "is 8o5y. <i3"ar5 s"o)e5 a "an5 t"at %as too lon- to 8e "uman@ an5 not 1urry enou-" to 8e %ol1@ un5er t"e %ere%ol1?s t"roat. $"e 3reature -a--e5@ spittin- 8loo5. A %ol1 almost as lon- as <i3"ar5 %as tall leapt upon "is 8a3k. <i3"ar5 sta--ere5@ 8ut 5i5n?t 1all. $"e mout" sank teet" into "is s"oul5er. 'urre5 3la%s an5 "uman "an5s -ra88e5 at "im 1rom e)ery si5e. 'u3k it. 9 1ire5 t"e ma3"ine -un into t"e %oo5en 1loor. 9t %oul5 "a)e looke5 more impressi)e i1 9?5 1ire5 into t"e o)er"ea5 li-"ts@ 8ut 8ullets 3ome 5o%n at t"e same spee5 t"ey -o up@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to 3at3" my o%n ri3o3"et. Hol5in- t"e ma3"ine -un one2"an5e5 %as a trip. 9 "el5 on an5 spraye5 a line 1rom me to t"e 8e5. 9 en5e5 %it" t"e -un pointin- at t"e 1i-"t. ,)eryone "a5 1roEen@ s"o3ke5. <i3"ar5 3ra%le5 out o1 t"e mess@ 8lee5in-. He -ot to "is 1eet@ s%ayin- a 8it@ 8ut mo)in- on "is o%n po%er. 9 3oul5 ne)er "a)e 3arrie5 8ot" "im an5 Step"en@ let alone t"e ma3"ine -un. He stoppe5 in 1ront o1 t"e 3urtain@ %aitin- 1or me to 3ome to "im. Step"en sa--e5 a-ainst me@ arms limp. 9 t"ink "e?5 passe5 out. 9t %as an a-oniEin-ly slo% %alk to <i3"ar5. 91 9 trippe5 an5 %ent 5o%n@ t"ey?5 8e on me. $"ey %at3"e5 me mo)e %it" eyes@ "uman an5 %ol1@ 8ut not"in- 9 3oul5 "a)e talke5 to. $"ey %at3"e5 me like t"ey %on5ere5 %"at 9?5 taste like an5 %oul5 en>oy 1in5in- out. $"e -iant man2%ol1 spoke@ its 1urry >a%s t"i3k an5 stran-e aroun5 "uman %or5s. ADou 3an?t kill us all@ "uman.C He %as ri-"t. 9 raise5 t"e ma3"ine -un a little. A$rue@ 8ut %"o?s -oin- to 8e 1irst in lineBC /o one else mo)e5 as 9 %alke5. ="en 9 rea3"e5 <i3"ar5@ "e took Step"en 1rom me@ 3ra5lin- "im in "is arms like "e %as a 3"il5. Bloo5 seepe5 5o%n "is 1a3e 1rom a 3ut on "is 1ore"ea5. 9t 3o)ere5 "al1 "is 1a3e like a mask. AStep"en is ne)er to 3ome 8a3k "ere@ not e)er@C <i3"ar5 sai5. $"e man2%ol1 spoke a-ain@ ADou are not a killer@ <i3"ar5. $"at is your %eakness. ,)en i1 %e 8rin- Step"en 8a3k "ere@ you %ill not kill us 1or it. Dou %ill "urt us@ 8ut not kill us.C <i3"ar5 5i5n?t say anyt"in-. 9t %as pro8a8ly true. 4amn.

A9?ll kill you@C 9 sai5. AAnita@ you 5on?t un5erstan5 %"at you?re sayin-@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at "im@ t"en 8a3k to t"e %aitin- masses. AKillin- is all t"ey un5erstan5@ <i3"ar5. 91 you aren?t %illin- to kill t"em@ Step"en isn?t sa1e. 9 %ant "im sa1e.C A,nou-" to kill 1or itBC <i3"ar5 aske5. ADea"@C 9 sai5@ Aenou-" to kill 1or it.C $"e %ol1man stare5 at me. ADou are not one o1 us.C A9t 5oesn?t matter. Step"en is o11 limits. $ell <aina i1 "e -ets 5ra--e5 8a3k "ere@ 9?ll "ol5 "er personally responsi8le.C A$ell me yoursel1.C <aina stoo5 in t"e "all%ay@ nake5@ an5 totally 3om1orta8le as i1 s"e?5 8een %earin- t"e 1inest silk. Ga8riel %as at "er 8a3k. A91 anyone 8rin-s Step"en 8a3k "ere@ tries to 1or3e "im into t"e mo)ies@ 9?ll kill you.C A,)en i1 9 "a)e not"in- to 5o %it" it.C 9 smile5@ like 9 %oul5 8elie)e t"at. A,)en i1@ no matter %"o 5oes it@ or %"y@ it?ll 8e your ass on t"e line.C S"e no55e5 "er "ea5@ almost a 8o%. ASo 8e it@ Anita Blake. But kno% t"is@ you "a)e 3"allen-e5 me in 1ront o1 my pa3k. 9 3annot let t"at stan5 unans%ere5. 91 you %ere anot"er s"apes"i1ter@ %e %oul5 5uel@ 8ut your 8ein- "uman poses a pro8lem.C ADou kno% t"is@ 8it3". 9 am "uman@ so i1 you e*pe3t me to 5rop my -un an5 1i-"t you one on one@ you?re 3raEy.C A$"at %oul5 "ar5ly 8e 1air@ %oul5 itBC A9 5i5n?t t"ink you %orrie5 mu3" a8out 8ein- 1air@ a1ter %"at 9 sa% in t"e 8a3k room.C A#"@ t"at@C s"e sai5@ AStep"en %ill ne)er rise in t"e pa3k. $"ere is no more 3"allen-e to "im. He is anyone?s meat t"at is "i-"er in t"e pa3k.C A/ot anymore@C 9 sai5. ADou o11er "im your prote3tionBC s"e aske5. 9?5 8een aske5 t"is ;uestion on3e 8e1ore an5 kne% it meant more t"an it soun5e5 like it 5i5@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t 3are. 9 %ante5 Step"en sa1e@ an5 9?5 5o %"at it took@ killin- or makin- mysel1 a tar-et. Hell@ t"e assassin %oul5 pro8a8ly 1inis" me soon@ any%ay. ADea"@ "e?s un5er my prote3tion.C AHe?s alrea5y un5er my prote3tion@ Anita@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A:ntil you?re %illin- to kill to 8a3k it up@ it 5oesn?t mean a %"ole lot to t"ese people.C ADou %ill kill to support <i3"ar5?s 3laims o1 prote3tionBC <aina aske5. AS"e 5oesn?t un5erstan5 %"at you?re askin-@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9t isn?t a 1air ;uestion unless s"e un5erstan5s it.C A$"en e*plain it to "er@ <i3"ar5@ 8ut not toni-"t. 9t -ro%s late@ an5 i1 %e are to -et any 1ilmin- 5one@ %e must "urry. $ake your little "uman an5 e*plain t"e rules to "er. ,*plain "o% 5eep a "ole s"e?s 5u- "ersel1 toni-"t. ="en s"e un5erstan5s t"e rules@ 3all me. An5 9 %ill t"ink o1 a %ay to make a 5uel 8et%een us as 1air as possi8le. Per"aps 9 3oul5 8lin51ol5 mysel1 or tie one arm 8e"in5 my 8a3k.C 9 starte5 to say somet"in-@ 8ut <i3"ar5 sai5@ A!ome on@ Anita. =e "a)e to -o no%.C He %as ri-"t. 9 3oul5 kill a lot o1 t"em@ 8ut not all. 9 "a5n?t 8rou-"t a spare 3lip 1or t"e ma3"ine -un. 9 "a5n?t t"ou-"t 9?5 nee5 it. Silly me. =e -ot out t"e 5oor %it" me %alkin- 8a3k%ar5s@ rea5y to s"oot anyone %"o stu3k a "ea5 out. /o one 1ollo%e5 us. <i3"ar5 3arrie5 Step"en t"rou-" t"e late sprin- ni-"t an5 5i5n?t look 8a3k@ as i1 "e kne% t"ey %oul5n?t 1ollo%. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor@ an5 "e lai5 Step"en in t"e 8a3kseat. A!an you 5ri)e "omeBC "e aske5. ADea"@ "o% 8a5 are you "urtBC A/ot 8a5@ 8ut 9?5 like to ri5e 8a3k "ere %it" Step"en in 3ase "e %akes up.C 9 3oul5n?t ar-ue %it" t"at. 9 5ro)e. =e %ere sa1e. =e %ere all a3tually still ali)e. But i1 t"ey?5 rus"e5 us@ %e %oul5n?t 8e. /o% t"at %e %ere sa1e@ 9 3oul5 8e ma5. A=ell@ %e sur)i)e5. /o t"anks to your little plan@C 9 sai5. AAn5 no one 5ie5@ t"anks to my little plan@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A#nly 8e3ause 9 %as 8etter arme5 t"an usual.C ADou %ere ri-"t@C "e sai5@ Ait %as a trap. HappyBC ADea"@ 9?m "appy@C 9 sai5. AGla5 to "ear it.C :n5erneat" t"e sar3asm "e %as tire5. 9 3oul5 "ear it in "is )oi3e. A="at are you suppose5 to e*plain to me@ <i3"ar5BC 9 -lan3e5 in t"e rear)ie% mirror 8ut 3oul5n?t see "is 1a3e in t"e 5ark. A<aina 8a3ks up 7ar3us?s or5ers. S"e?s "is lupa. He uses "er to 5o t"in-s "e 5oesn?t appro)e o1@ like torture.C

ASo 9 set mysel1 up as your lupa.C ADes@ 9?m t"e 'enrir. /ormally@ 9?5 alrea5y "a)e a lupa pi3ke5 out. $"e pa3k is 5i)i5e5@ Anita. 9?)e -i)en my prote3tion to my 1ollo%ers so t"at i1 7ar3us tries to "urt t"em@ 9 3ome a1ter "im@ or my 1ollo%ers %ill a3t to prote3t ea3" ot"er %it" my 8lessin-. =it"out a 'enrir or a pa3k lea5er to 8a3k you up@ it?s a sort o1 mutiny to -o a-ainst t"e pa3k lea5er?s or5ers.C A="at?s t"e penalty 1or mutinyBC A4eat" or mutilation.C A9 t"ou-"t you -uys 3oul5 "eal anyt"in- s"ort o1 a 5eat" %oun5.C A/ot i1 you s"o)e 8urnin- metal into it. 'ire puri1ies an5 stops t"e "ealin- pro3ess@ unless you reopen t"e %oun5.C A9t %orks t"at %ay %it" )ampires@ too@C 9 sai5. A9 5i5n?t kno% t"at@C "e sai5@ 8ut not like "e really 3are5. AHo% "a)e you risen to ne*t in line to lea5 an5 not kille5 anyoneB Dou "a5 to 1i-"t a lot o1 5uels to -et to t"e top o1 t"e "eap.C A#nly t"e 1i-"t 1or :l1ri3 "as to 8e to t"e 5eat". All 9 "a5 to 5o %as 8eat t"em all.C A="i3" is %"y you take karate an5 li1t %ei-"ts@ so you?ll 8e -oo5 enou-" to 8eat t"em.C =e?5 "a5 t"is 5is3ussion 8e1ore %"en 9 aske5 i1 li1tin- %ei-"ts %"en you 3oul5 8en3" press a small 3ar %as re5un5ant. He?5 replie5@ not i1 e)eryone you?re 1i-"tin- 3an li1t a 3ar@ too. He "a5 a point. ADes.C ABut i1 you %on?t kill@ t"en your t"reat 5oesn?t "a)e mu3" 8ite@ no pun inten5e5.C A=e?re not animals@ Anita. Hust 8e3ause t"is is t"e %ay it?s al%ays 8een in t"e pa3k 5oesn?t mean t"in-s 3an?t 3"an-e. =e are still people@ an5 t"at means %e 3an 3ontrol oursel)es. 4ammit@ t"ere "as to 8e a 8etter %ay t"an slau-"terin- ea3" ot"er.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A4on?t 8lame it on t"e animals. <eal %ol)es 5on?t kill ea3" ot"er 1or 5ominan3e.C A#nly %ere%ol)es@C "e sai5. He soun5e5 tire5. A9 a5mire your -oals@ <i3"ar5.C ABut you 5on?t a-ree.C A/o@ 9 5on?t a-ree.C His )oi3e 3ame 1rom t"e 5arkness out o1 t"e 8a3kseat. AStep"en 5oesn?t "a)e any %oun5s. ="y %as "e s3reamin-BC 7y s"oul5ers "un3"e5@ an5 9 ma5e mysel1 sit up strai-"t. 9 turne5 onto #l5 Hi-"%ay 21@ an5 trie5 to t"ink o1 a 5eli3ate %ay to tell "im@ 8ut t"ere %as not"in- 5eli3ate a8out rape. 9 tol5 "im %"at 9?5 seen. $"e silen3e 1rom t"e 8a3kseat laste5 a )ery lon- time. 9 %as almost to t"e turno11 1or "is "ouse %"en "e sai5@ AAn5 you t"ink i1 9?5 kille5 a 1e% people alon- t"e %ay@ t"is %oul5n?t "a)e "appene5BC A9 t"ink t"ey?re more a1rai5 o1 <aina an5 7ar3us t"an t"ey are o1 you@ so yea".C A91 you 8a3k my t"reat %it" killin-@ it un5ermines e)eryt"in- 9?)e trie5 to 5o.C A9 lo)e you@ <i3"ar5@ an5 9 a5mire %"at you?re tryin- to 5o. 9 5on?t %ant to un5ermine you@ 8ut i1 t"ey tou3" Step"en a-ain@ 9?ll 5o %"at 9 sai5 9?5 5o. 9?ll kill t"em.C A$"ey?re my people@ Anita. 9 5on?t %ant t"em 5ea5.C A$"ey?re not your people@ <i3"ar5. $"ey?re >ust a 8un3" o1 stran-ers t"at "appen to s"are your 5isease. Step"en is your people. ,)ery s"apes"i1ter %"o t"re% t"eir support to you an5 riske5 7ar3us?s an-er@ t"ey?re your people. $"ey?)e riske5 e)eryt"in- 1or you@ <i3"ar5.C A="en Step"en >oine5 t"e pa3k@ 9 %as t"e one %"o tol5 <aina s"e 3oul5n?t "a)e "im. 9?)e al%ays stoo5 8y "im.C ADour intentions are -oo5@ <i3"ar5@ 8ut t"ey 5i5n?t keep "im sa1e toni-"t.C A91 9 let you kill 1or me@ Anita@ it?s t"e same as 5oin- it mysel1.C A9 5i5n?t ask your permission@ <i3"ar5.C He leane5 on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e seat@ an5 9 realiEe5 "e %asn?t %earin- "is seat 8elt. 9 starte5 to tell "im to put it on@ 8ut 5i5n?t. 9t %as "is 3ar@ an5 "e 3oul5 sur)i)e a trip t"rou-" t"e %in5s"iel5. ADou mean i1 t"ey take Step"en a-ain@ you?ll kill t"em 8e3ause you sai5 you?5 kill t"em@ not 1or me.C AA t"reat?s not %ort" anyt"in- i1 you aren?t %illin- to 8a3k it up@C 9 sai5. ADou?5 kill 1or Step"en. ="yB Be3ause "e sa)e5 your li1eBC

9 s"ook my "ea5. 9t %as "ar5 to e*plain. A/ot >ust t"at. ="en 9 sa% "im toni-"t@ %"at t"ey %ere 5oin- to "im ... He %as 3ryin-@ <i3"ar5. He %as ... #"@ "ell@ <i3"ar5@ "e?s mine no%. $"ere are a "an51ul o1 people t"at 9?5 kill 1or@ kill to keep sa1e@ kill to re)en-e. Step"en?s name -ot a55e5 to t"e list toni-"t.C A9s my name on t"e listBC "e aske5. He reste5 "is 3"in on my s"oul5er o)er t"e seat. He ru88e5 "is 3"eek on my 1a3e an5 9 3oul5 1eel a 1aint 8ear5 stu88le@ s3rat3"y an5 real. ADou kno% it is.C A9 5on?t un5erstan5 "o% you 3an talk a8out killin- so 3asually.C A9 kno%.C A7y 8i5 1or :l1ri3 %oul5 8e stron-er i1 9 %ere %illin- to kill@ 8ut 9?m not sure it %oul5 8e %ort" it.C A91 you %ant to martyr yoursel1 1or "i-" i5eals@ 1ine. 9 5on?t like it@ 8ut 1ine. But 5on?t martyr t"e people %"o trust you. $"ey?re %ort" more t"an any set o1 i5eals. Dou nearly -ot yoursel1 kille5 toni-"t.C ADou 5on?t >ust 8elie)e in somet"in- %"en it?s easy@ Anita. Killin- is %ron-.C A'ine@C 9 sai5@ A8ut you also nearly -ot me kille5 toni-"t. 4o you un5erstan5 t"atB 91 t"ey "a5 rus"e5 us@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e ma5e it out. 9 %ill not -o 5o%n in 1lames 8e3ause you %ant to play Gan5"i.C ADou 3an stay "ome ne*t time.C A4ammit@ t"at isn?t %"at 9?m sayin-@ an5 you kno% it. Dou?re tryin- to li)e in some #EEie an5 Harriet %orl5@ <i3"ar5. 7ay8e li1e use5 to %ork like t"at@ 8ut it 5oesn?t anymore. 91 you 5on?t -i)e up on t"is@ you?re -oin- to -et kille5.C A91 9 really t"ou-"t 9 "a5 to 8e3ome a mur5erer to sur)i)e@ 9 t"ink 9?5 rat"er not sur)i)e.C 9 -lan3e5 at "im. His e*pression %as pea3e1ul@ like a saint. But you only -ot to 8e a saint i1 you 5ie5. 9 looke5 8a3k at t"e roa5. 9 3oul5 -i)e <i3"ar5 up@ 8ut i1 9 le1t "im@ "e %as -oin- to en5 up 5ea5. He?5 "a)e -one in t"ere toni-"t %it"out anyone@ an5 "e %oul5n?t "a)e ma5e it out. $ears 8urne5 at t"e 8a3k o1 my eyes. A9 5on?t kno% i1 9?5 sur)i)e it i1 you 5ie5 on me@ <i3"ar5. 4oesn?t t"at mean anyt"into youBC He kisse5 my 3"eek@ an5 somet"in- %arm an5 li;ui5 seepe5 5o%n my ne3k. A9 lo)e you@ too.C $"ey %ere only %or5s. He %as -oin- to -et kille5 on me. He %as -oin- to 5o e)eryt"in- s"ort o1 sui3i5e. ADou?re 8lee5inon me@C 9 sai5. He si-"e5 an5 leane5 8a3k into t"e 5arkness. A9?m 8lee5in- a lot. $oo 8a5 Hean2!lau5e isn?t "ere to li3k it up.C He ma5e a 8itter soun5 lo% in "is t"roat. A4o you nee5 a 5o3torBC AGet me "ome@ Anita. 91 9 nee5 a 5o3tor@ 9 kno% a %ererat t"at makes "ouse 3alls.C He soun5e5 tire5@ %eary@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t %ant to talk anymore. /ot a8out t"e %oun5s@ or t"e pa3k@ or "is "i-" i5eals. 9 let t"e silen3e -ro% an5 5i5n?t kno% "o% to 8reak it. A so1t soun5 1ille5 t"e ;uiet 5ark@ an5 9 realiEe5 t"at <i3"ar5 %as 3ryin-. He %"ispere5@ A9?m sorry@ Step"en. 9 am so sorry.C 9 5i5n?t say anyt"in- 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t "a)e anyt"in- -oo5 to say. Hust lately 9 "a5 noti3e5 t"at 9 3oul5 kill people an5 not 8link. /o atta3k o1 3ons3ien3e@ no ni-"tmares@ not"in-. 9t %as like some part o1 me "a5 turne5 o11. 9t 5i5n?t 8ot"er me t"at 9 %as a8le to kill so easily. 9t 5i5 8ot"er me t"at it 5i5n?t 8ot"er me. But it "a5 its uses@ like toni-"t. 9 t"ink e)ery last 1urry one o1 t"em "a5 8elie)e5 9?5 5o it. Sometimes@ it %as -oo5 to 8e s3ary.

Chapter Nine
9t %as &J& in t"e mornin- %"en <i3"ar5 3arrie5 t"e still un3ons3ious Step"en into "is 8e5room. Bloo5 "a5 5rie5 t"e 8a3k o1 <i3"ar5?s s"irt to "is skin. AGo to 8e5@ Anita. 9?ll take 3are o1 Step"en.C A9 nee5 to look at your %oun5s@C 9 sai5. A9? m all ri-"t.C A<i3"ar5 ... C He looke5 at me@ "al1 o1 "is 1a3e 3o)ere5 in 5rie5 8loo5@ "is eyes almost %il5. A/o@ Anita@ 9 5on?t %ant your "elp. 9 5on?t nee5 it.C 9 took in a 5eep 8reat" t"rou-" my nose an5 let it out. A#kay@ "a)e it your %ay.C 9 e*pe3te5 "im to apolo-iEe 1or snappin- at me@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. He >ust %alke5 into t"e ot"er room an5 3lose5 t"e 5oor. 9 stoo5 t"ere in t"e li)in- room 1or a minute@ not sure %"at to 5o. 9?5 "urt "is 1eelin-s@ may8e e)en o11en5e5 "is sense o1 male "onor. 'u3k it. 91 "e 3oul5n?t take t"e trut"@ 1u3k "im. People?s li)es %ere at stake. 9 3oul5n?t -i)e <i3"ar5 3om1ortinlies %"en it 3oul5 -et people kille5.

9 %ent into t"e -uest room@ lo3ke5 t"e 5oor@ an5 %ent to 8e5. 9 put on an o)ersiEe5 $2s"irt %it" a 3ari3ature o1 Art"ur !onan 4oyle on it. 9?5 pa3ke5 somet"in- a little se*ier. Des@ 9 a5mit it. 9 3oul5 "a)e sa)e5 mysel1 t"e trou8le. $"e 'irestar %as lumpy un5er t"e pillo%. $"e ma3"ine -un %ent un5er t"e 8e5 %it"in rea3". 9 lai5 an e*tra 3lip 8esi5e it. /e)er t"ou-"t 9?5 nee5 t"at mu3" 1irepo%er@ 8ut 8et%een assassination attempts an5 pa3ks o1 %ere%ol)es@ 9 %as 8e-innin- to 1eel a little inse3ure. ="en 9 s"o)e5 t"e sil)er kni)es "al1 un5er t"e mattress so 9 3oul5 -et to t"em i1 9 "a5 to@ 9 realiEe5 >ust "o% inse3ure 9 %as 1eelin-. But 9 le1t t"e kni)es out. Better inse3ure an5 paranoi5 t"an 5ea5. 9 -ot my stu11e5 toy pen-uin@ Si-mun5@ out o1 t"e suit3ase an5 3u55le5 un5er t"e 3o)ers. 9?5 "a5 some )a-ue i5ea t"at spen5in- t"e ni-"t at <i3"ar5?s "ouse mi-"t 8e romanti3. S"o%s "o% mu3" 9 kne%. =e?5 "a5 t"ree 1i-"ts in one ni-"t@ a re3or5 e)en 1or me. 9t pro8a8ly %asn?t a -oo5 si-n 1or t"e lon-e)ity o1 t"e relations"ip. $"at last t"ou-"t ma5e my 3"est ti-"t@ 8ut %"at %as 9 suppose5 to 5oB Go into t"e ot"er room an5 apolo-iEeB $ell "im "e %as ri-"t %"en "e %asn?tB $ell "im it %as okay to -et "imsel1 kille5 an5 take t"e rest o1 us 5o%n %it" "imB 9t %asn?t okay. 9t %asn?t e)en 3lose to okay. 9 "u--e5 Si-mun5 until "e %as nearly s;ueeEe5 in t%o. 9 re1use5 to 3ry. NuestionJ ="y %as 9 more %orrie5 a8out losin<i3"ar5 t"an a8out t"e assassinsB Ans%erJ Killin- 5i5n?t 8ot"er meG losin- <i3"ar5 5i5. 9 1ell asleep "ol5in- my pen-uin an5 %on5erin- i1 <i3"ar5 an5 9 %ere still 5atin-. ="o %oul5 keep "im ali)e i1 9 %asn?t aroun5B Somet"in- %oke me. 9 8linke5 up into t"e 5ark an5 rea3"e5 un5er my pillo% 1or t"e 'irestar. ="en it %as se3ure in my "an5@ 9 listene5. A kno3k@ someone %as kno3kin- at t"e lo3ke5 8e5room 5oor. So1t@ "esitant. =as it <i3"ar5 3ome to apolo-iEeB $"at %oul5 8e too 3on)enient. 9 t"re% 8a3k t"e 3o)ers@ spillin- Si-mun5 to t"e 1loor. 9 put "im 8a3k in t"e suit3ase@ lo%erin- t"e li5 %it"out 3losin- it@ an5 pa55e5 8are1oot to t"e 5oor. 9 stoo5 to one si5e o1 it@ an5 sai5@ A="o is itBC A9t?s Step"en.C 9 let out a 8reat" 9 "a5n?t kno%n 9 %as "ol5in-. 9 3rosse5 to t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 5oor@ -un still rea5y@ an5 unlo3ke5 t"e 5oor. 9 opene5 it slo%ly@ lookin-@ listenin-@ tryin- to make sure it %as >ust Step"en. He stoo5 outsi5e t"e 5oor %earin- a pair o1 <i3"ar5?s 3ut2o11 s%eat pants. $"e s"orts "un- nearly to "is ankles. A 8orro%e5 $2s"irt 3o)ere5 "is knees. His lon- yello% "air %as tousle5@ like "e?5 8een asleep. A="at?s %ron-BC 9 lo%ere5 t"e -un to my si5e@ an5 "e %at3"e5 me 5o it. A<i3"ar5 %ent out@ an5 9?m a1rai5 to 8e alone.C His eyes %oul5n?t ;uite meet mine %"en "e sai5 t"e last@ 1lin3"in- like "e %as a1rai5 o1 %"at "e?5 see on my 1a3e. A="at 5o you mean "e %ent outB ="ere toBC A$"e %oo5s. He sai5 "e?5 keep %at3" 1or assassins. 4oes "e mean <ainaBC He 5i5 look up t"en@ amaEin- 8lue eyes %i5e@ t"e 8e-innin-s o1 pani3 sli5in- a3ross "is 1a3e. 9 tou3"e5 "is arm@ not sure it %as t"e ri-"t t"in- to 5o. Some people 5on?t %ant to 8e tou3"e5 a1ter a se*ual molestation. 9t seeme5 to 3om1ort Step"en. But "e -lan3e5 8e"in5 "im at t"e empty li)in- room@ ru88in- "is "an5s alon- "is 8are arms. A<i3"ar5 tol5 me to stay in t"e "ouse. He sai5 9 nee5e5 to rest.C He %oul5n?t meet my eyes a-ain. A9?m a1rai5 to 8e alone@ Anita. 9 ...C He "un- "is "ea5@ lon- yello% "air spillin- like a 3urtain to "i5e "is 1a3e. A9 3an?t -et to sleep. 9 keep "earinnoises.C 9 put a 1in-er un5er "is 3"in an5 li1te5 "is 1a3e -ently. AAre you askin- to sleep in "ere %it" meBC His eyes stare5 at me@ %i5e an5 pain21ille5. A<i3"ar5 sai5 9 3oul5.C A<un t"at 8y me a-ain@C 9 sai5. A9 tol5 "im 9 3oul5n?t stan5 to 8e alone. He sai5@ Anita?s "ere@ s"e?ll prote3t you. Go sleep %it" "er.C He looke5 at me@ "is 1a3e a%k%ar5. Somet"in- must "a)e s"o%n on my 1a3e. ADou?re ma5 no%. 9 5on?t 8lame you. 9?m sorry ... 9?ll ...C He starte5 to turn a%ay@ an5 9 3au-"t "is arm. A9t?s okay@ Step"en. 9?m not ma5 at you. <i3"ar5 an5 9 "a5 a ... 5isa-reement@ t"at?s all.C 9 5i5n?t %ant "im to sleep in "ere %it" me. $"e 8e5 %as too small 1or t%o people@ an5 i1 9 %as -oin- to s"are it %it" anyone@ 9?5 "a)e pre1erre5 <i3"ar5@ 8ut t"at %asn?t -oin- to "appen. 7ay8e not e)er at t"e rate %e %ere -oin-. ADou 3an stay in "ere.C 9 5i5n?t a55@ keep your "an5s to yoursel1. His 1a3e %as ra% %it" a nee5 t"at "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" se*. He nee5e5 to 8e "el5@ to 8e tol5 t"e monster un5er t"e 8e5 %asn?t really t"ere. 9 3oul5n?t "elp "im on t"e last. $"e monsters %ere real. But t"e 1irst@ 9 mi-"t mana-e t"at. !ol528loo5e5 killer t"at 9 am@ may8e 9 3oul5 s"are my toy pen-uin %it" "im. A!oul5 you -et an e*tra pillo% 1rom <i3"ar5?s roomBC 9 aske5. He no55e5 an5 1et3"e5 it. He 3lut3"e5 it to "is 3"est like "e?5 "a)e rat"er slept %it" it t"an on it. 7ay8e t"e pen-uin %asn?t su3" a 8a5 i5ea. 9 lo3ke5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 us. 9 3oul5 "a)e mo)e5 into <i3"ar5?s room. 9t %as a 8i--er 8e5@ 8ut it also "a5 a pi3ture %in5o% %it" a 5e3k an5 8ir5 1ee5ers. $"e -uest room only "a5 one small %in5o%. ,asier to 5e1en5. :nless 9 %ante5 to -o out a

%in5o%@ t"ey %ere 8ot" traps@ so %e staye5 in t"e more se3ure room. Besi5es@ 9?5 "a)e "a5 to mo)e all t"e %eapons an5 it %oul5 "a)e 8een 5a%n 8e1ore 9 1inis"e5. 9 pulle5 t"e 3o)ers 8a3k an5 sai5@ ADou 1irst.C 91 somet"in- 3ame t"rou-" t"e 5oor@ 9 %ante5 to 8e t"e 1irst to -reet it@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t say t"at out lou5. Step"en %as >umpy enou-". He 3lim8e5 into 8e5 %it" "is pillo%@ pressin- it a-ainst t"e %all@ 8e3ause t"ere really %asn?t room 1or t%o 1ull2siEe5 pillo%s. He lay on "is 8a3k@ starin- up at me@ "is 3urlin- yello% "air 1allin- aroun5 "is 1a3e an5 8are s"oul5ers like SleepinBeauty. Dou 5i5n?t see many men %it" "air lon-er t"an mine. He %as one o1 t"ose men %"o %as pretty rat"er t"an "an5some@ lo)ely as a 5oll. Starin- up at me %it" "is 8lue eyes@ "e looke5 a8out t%el)e. $"e look on "is 1a3e %as %"at 5i5 it@ like "e %as e*pe3tin- me to ki3k "im@ an5 "e?5 let me 8e3ause "e 3oul5n?t stop me. 9 un5erstoo5 in t"at moment %"at <aina "a5 meant a8out "im 8ein- anyone?s meat. $"ere %as not"in- 5ominant a8out Step"en@ an5 it ma5e me %on5er a8out "is 8a3k-roun5. A8use5 3"il5ren %ill sometimes "a)e t"at ra% look to t"eir eyes. An5 t"ey?ll take a8use@ 8e3ause it?s normal. A="at?s %ron-BC Step"en sai5. 9?5 8een starin-. A/ot"in-@ >ust t"inkin-.C $oni-"t %as not t"e ni-"t to ask i1 "is 1at"er "a5 8eat "im. 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"ro%in- on a pair o1 >eans@ 8ut it %oul5 "a)e 8een un3om1orta8le@ not to mention "ot. 9t %as late sprin-@ t"e "eat "a5n?t set in. 9t %as only se)enty 5e-rees@ 8ut it %asn?t 3ool enou-" to %ear >eans@ espe3ially i1 you "a5 someone else in 8e5 %it" you. Besi5es@ 9 %asn?t sure "o% Step"en %oul5 take me -ettin- 5resse5 to lie 5o%n 8esi5e "im. 7ay8e "e?5 8e insulte5. 9t %as too 3ompli3ate5 1or me. 9 turne5 o11 t"e li-"t an5 3lim8e5 into 8e5 8esi5e "im. 91 eit"er o1 us "a5 8een mu3" 8i--er@ %e?5 "a)e ne)er 1it. Step"en "a5 to roll onto "is si5e as it %as. He 3urle5 a-ainst my 8a3k@ spoonin- "is 8o5y a-ainst mine@ one arm 1lun- a3ross my %aist@ like 9 %as t"e stu11e5 toy. 9 sti11ene5@ 8ut Step"en 5i5n?t seem to noti3e. He 8urie5 "is 1a3e into my 8a3k@ an5 let "is 8reat" out in a si-". 9 lay t"ere in t"e 5ark an5 3oul5n?t sleep. $%o mont"s a-o a1ter 9?5 nearly en5e5 up a )ampire@ 9?5 "a5 trou8le sleepin-. !lose 8rus"es %it" 5eat"@ 9 3oul5 "an5le. !lose 8rus"es %it" 8e3omin- t"e un5ea5@ t"at s3are5 me. But 9 -ot o)er it. 9 %as sleepin- >ust 1ine@ t"ank you )ery mu3"@ until no%. 9 pus"e5 t"e 8utton on my %at3" t"at ma5e it -lo%. 9t %as only +J3 . 9?5 "a5 a8out an "our?s sleep. Great. Step"en?s 8reat"in- 5eepene5@ an5 "is 8o5y rela*e5 a-ainst me a mus3le at a time. He %"impere5 so1tly in "is sleep@ arm 3on)ulsin- aroun5 me@ t"en t"e 5ream passe5 an5 "e lay still an5 %arm. 9 5ri1te5 o11 to sleep@ 3u55lin- Step"en?s arm aroun5 my 8o5y. He %as almost as -oo5 as a stu11e5 toy@ t"ou-" "e 5i5 "a)e a ten5en3y to mo)e at t"e o55 moment. 4ayli-"t spille5 t"rou-" t"e t"in %"ite 5rapes@ an5 at 1irst 9 t"ou-"t t"e li-"t "a5 a%akene5 me. 9 %oke sti11@ in t"e same position t"at 9?5 1allen asleep in@ as i1 9 "a5n?t mo)e5 at all 5urin- t"e ni-"t. Step"en %as still 3urle5 aroun5 me@ a le- o)er my le-s alon- %it" one arm like "e %as tryin- to -et as 3lose to me as "e 3oul5@ e)en in "is sleep. 9 lay t"ere 1or a moment %it" "is 8o5y %rappe5 aroun5 me an5 realiEe5 9?5 ne)er a%akene5 %it" a man 8e1ore. 9?5 "a5 a 1ian36 in 3olle-e an5 9?5 "a5 se* %it" "im@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er spent t"e ni-"t. 9?5 ne)er a3tually slept in t"e same 8e5 %it" a man. 9t %as kin5 o1 o55. 9 lay in t"e 3ir3le o1 %armt" o1 Step"en?s 8o5y an5 %is"e5 it %as <i3"ar5. 9 "a5 a )a-ue 1eelin- t"at somet"in- "a5 a%akene5 me@ 8ut %"atB 9 ease5 out 1rom t"e 3o)ers an5 Step"en?s 3lin-in8o5y. He rolle5 o)er on "is ot"er si5e@ si-"in-@ makin- small protestin- noises. 9 tu3ke5 t"e 3o)ers aroun5 "im an5 took t"e 'irestar out 1rom un5er my pillo%. A33or5in- to my %at3"@ it %as nearly 1 J3 . 9?5 "a5 a8out 1i)e "ours o1 sleep. 9 slippe5 on a pair o1 >eans@ -ot my toot"8rus" an5 some 3lean un5ies an5 so3ks out o1 t"e suit3ase. 9 1ol5e5 e)eryt"in- in a 3lean polo s"irt an5 unlo3ke5 t"e 5oor. 9 kept t"e 'irestar in my "an5. 9?5 put it on t"e top o1 t"e toilet %"ile 9 3leane5 up. 9?5 "a)e 5one t"e same t"inat "ome. Someone passe5 in 1ront o1 t"e 5oor@ talkin-. $%o )oi3es@ one o1 t"em 1emale. 9 lai5 t"e 3lot"es on t"e 1loor@ un3li3ke5 t"e sa1ety on t"e -un@ an5 put my le1t "an5 on t"e 5oorkno8. A=as t"at t"e sa1ety on a -un 9 "ear5BC a man?s )oi3e sai5 1rom t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 5oor. 9 re3o-niEe5 t"e )oi3e. 9 3li3ke5 t"e sa1ety 8a3k in pla3e@ put t"e -un 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 my pants@ an5 slippe5 t"e $s"irt o)er it. Arme5@ 8ut not )isi8ly@ 9 opene5 t"e 5oor. Hason stoo5 t"ere@ -rinnin- at me. He %as a8out my "ei-"t. His 8lon5 "air %as strai-"t an5 8a8y 1ine@ an5 3ut >ust a8o)e "is s"oul5ers. His eyes %ere t"e inno3ent 8lue o1 sprin- skies@ 8ut t"e look in t"em %asn?t inno3ent. He peere5 aroun5 me at Step"en still 3urle5 up in t"e 8e5. A9s it my turn ne*tBC "e aske5. 9 si-"e5@ pi3ke5 up my 3lot"es@ tu3ke5 t"em un5er my arm@ an5 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 me. A="at are you 5oin- "ere@ HasonBC ADou 5on?t soun5 "appy to see me.C He %as %earin- a 1is"net $2s"irt. His >eans %ere 1a5e5 an5 so1t %it" one knee 3ompletely out. He %as t%enty an5 "a5 8een a 3olle-e stu5ent 8e1ore "e?5 >oine5 t"e pa3k. /o% "e %as Hean2!lau5e?s %ol1@ an5 playin- 8o5y-uar5 an5 8reak1ast entree to t"e 7aster Vampire o1 t"e !ity seeme5 to 8e "is only >o8. A9sn?t it a little early in t"e mornin- 1or 1is"netBC A=ait until you see %"at 9?m %earin- to toni-"t?s -ala openin- o1 Hean!lau5e?s 5an3e 3lu8.C

A9 may not 8e a8le to make it@C 9 sai5. He raise5 "is eye8ro%s. ADou spen5 one ni-"t un5er <i3"ar5?s roo1@ an5 you 8reak a 5ate %it" Hean2!lau5e.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5on?t t"ink t"at?s a -oo5 i5ea.C ALook@ neit"er o1 t"em o%n me@ okayC Hason 8a3ke5 up@ "an5s "el5 up in mo3k surren5er. AHey@ 5on?t s"oot t"e messen-er. Dou kno% it %ill piss Hean2!lau5e o11@ an5 you kno% "e?ll t"ink you slept %it" <i3"ar5.C A9 5i5n?t.C He -lan3e5 at t"e 3lose5 5oor. A9 kno% t"at@ an5 9 am s"o3ke5@ Anita@ at your 3"oi3e o1 8e5 partners.C A="en you tell Hean2!lau5e t"at 9 slept %it" Step"en@ you make a8solutely sure "e kno%s %e >ust s"are5 t"e 8e5 an5 not"in- else. 91 Hean2!lau5e -i)es Step"en a "ar5 time 8e3ause o1 your %or5 -ames@ 9?ll 8e an-ry. Dou 5on?t %ant me an-ry@ Hason.C He looke5 at me 1or a "eart8eat or t%o. Somet"in- sli5 8e"in5 "is eyes@ "is 8east stirrin- to li1e@ >ust a tou3". Hason "a5 a small streak o1 %"at Ga8riel "a5 a 8i- streak o1. A 1as3ination %it" 5an-er@ pain@ an5 simply 8ein- an all roun5 pain in t"e ass. Hason %as tolera8le@ not a 8a5 -uy@ all in allG Ga8riel %as per)erte5G 8ut it %as still t"e same personality 1la% 5one small. A1ter %"at 9?5 seen last ni-"t@ 9 %on5ere5 %"at Hason %oul5 "a)e t"ou-"t o1 t"e entertainment. 9 %as almost sure "e?5 "a)e 5isappro)e5@ 8ut not a "un5re5 per3ent sure@ %"i3" tol5 you somet"in- a8out Hason. A4i5 you really 5ra% a ma3"ine -un on <aina an5 Ga8riel last ni-"tBC ADea"@ 9 5i5.C A %oman steppe5 out o1 <i3"ar5?s 8e5room %it" an arm1ul o1 to%els. S"e %as a8out 1i)e 1oot si*@ %it" s"ort 8ro%n "air so 3urly it "a5 to 8e natural. S"e %ore na)y sla3ks an5 a s"ort2slee)e5 s%eater. #pen2toe5 san5als 3omplete5 t"e out1it. S"e looke5 me up an5 5o%n@ sort o1 5isappro)in- or may8e 5isappointe5. ADou must 8e Anita Blake.C AAn5 you areBC ASyl)ie Barker.C S"e o11ere5 a "an5 an5 9 took it. $"e moment 9 tou3"e5 "er skin@ 9 kne% %"at s"e %as. AAre you %it" t"e pa3kBC 9 aske5. S"e took "er "an5 8a3k an5 8linke5 at me. AHo% 3oul5 you tellBC A91 you?re tryin- to pass 1or "uman@ 5on?t tou3" someone %"o kno%s %"at t"ey?re lookin- 1or. Dour po%er pri3kles 5o%n my skin.C A9 %on?t %aste time tryin- to pass t"en.C Her po%er 1loo5e5 o)er me@ pourin- like a 8last o1 "eat %"en you open an o)en 5oor. A9mpressi)e@C 9 sai5@ -la5 my )oi3e %as stea5y. S"e -a)e a small smile. A$"at?s ;uite a 3ompliment@ 3omin- 1rom you. /o%@ 9?)e -ot to -et t"ese to%els to t"e kit3"en.C A="at?s "appenin-BC 9 aske5. Syl)ie an5 Hason e*3"an-e5 -lan3es. S"e s"ook "er "ea5. ADou kne% <i3"ar5 %as "urtBC S"e ma5e it a ;uestion. 7y stoma3" 3len3"e5 ti-"t. AHe sai5 "e?5 8e all ri-"t.C AHe %ill 8e@C s"e sai5. 9 1elt my skin -o pale. A="ere is "eBC AKit3"en@C Hason sai5. 9 5i5n?t run@ it %asn?t t"at 1ar@ 8ut 9 %ante5 to. <i3"ar5 sat at t"e kit3"en ta8le@ s"irtless@ "is 8a3k to me. His 8a3k %as a mass o1 1res" 3la% marks. $"ere %as a 8ite mark in "is le1t s"oul5er %"ere a pie3e o1 1les" %as missin-. 4r. Lillian %as 8lottin- 8loo5 o11 "is 8a3k %it" a kit3"en to%el. S"e %as a small %oman in "er mi521i1ties %it" salt2an52 pepper "air 3ut in a s"ort@ no2nonsense style. S"e?5 treate5 my o%n %oun5s t%i3e 8e1ore@ on3e %"en s"e %as 1urry an5 looke5 like a -iant man2rat. A91 you "a5 3alle5 1or me5i3al attention last ni-"t@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e "a)in- to 5o t"is@ <i3"ar5. 9 5o not en>oy 3ausin- my patients pain.C A7ar3us %as on 3all last ni-"t@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A:n5er t"e 3ir3umstan3es@ 9 t"ou-"t it 8est to -o %it"out.C ADou 3oul5 "a)e let someone 3lean an5 8an5a-e t"e %oun5s.C ADes@ <i3"ar5@ you 3oul5 "a)e let me "elp you@C 9 sai5. He -lan3e5 8a3k o)er "is s"oul5er@ "is "air spillin- aroun5 "is 1a3e. $"ere %as a 8an5a-e on "is 1ore"ea5. A9?5 "a5 enou-" "elp 1or one ni-"t.C A="yB Be3ause 9?m a %oman@ or 8e3ause you kno% 9?m ri-"tBC

Lillian took a small sil)er kni1e to t"e lo%er "al1 o1 a 3la% mark. S"e sli3e5 t"e 8la5e 5o%n t"e %oun5@ reopenin- it. <i3"ar5 took in a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. A="at are you 5oin-BC 9 aske5. ALy3ant"ropes "eal@ 8ut sometimes %it"out me5i3al attention@ %e 3an s3ar. 7ost o1 t"e %oun5s %ill "eal@ 8ut a 1e% o1 t"em are 5eep enou-" t"at "e really nee5s some stit3"in- 8e1ore t"e skin starts to 3lose@ so 9?m "a)in- to reopen some o1 t"e %oun5s an5 a55 a 1e% stit3"es.C Syl)ie "an5e5 4r. Lillian t"e to%els. A$"ank you@ Syl)ie.C A="at are you t%o lo)e8ir5s 1i-"tin- a8outBC Syl)ie aske5. ALet <i3"ar5 tell you@ i1 "e %ants to.C AAnita a-rees %it" you@C <i3"ar5 sai5. AS"e t"inks 9 s"oul5 start killin- people.C 9 %alke5 o)er to %"ere "e 3oul5 see me %it"out strainin-. 9 leane5 a-ainst t"e 3a8inet islan5 an5 trie5 to %at3" "is 1a3e rat"er t"an Lillian?s sli3in- kni1e. A9 5on?t %ant you to start killin- people in5is3riminately@ <i3"ar5. Hust 8a3k your t"reat up. Kill one person an5 t"e rest %ill 8a3k 5o%n.C He -lare5 up at me@ outra-e5. ADou mean make an e*ample o1 one o1 t"emBC Put t"at %ay@ it soun5e5 sort o1 3ol528loo5e5@ 8ut trut" %as trut". ADea"@ t"at?s %"at 9 mean.C A#"@ 9 like "er@C Syl)ie sai5. A9 kne% you %oul5@C Hason sai5. $"ey e*3"an-e5 a -lan3e t"at 9 5i5n?t ;uite -et@ 8ut it seeme5 to amuse t"e "ell out o1 t"em. AAm 9 missin- a >oke "ereBC $"ey 8ot" s"ook t"eir "ea5s. 9 let it -o. <i3"ar5 an5 9 %ere still 1i-"tin-@ an5 9 %as 8e-innin- to t"ink t"is 1i-"t "a5 no en5. He %in3e5 as t"e 5o3tor sli3e5 open anot"er %oun5. S"e %as only a55in- a stit3" "ere an5 t"ere@ 8ut it %as still more t"an 9?5 "a)e %ante5 in my 1les". 9 5i5n?t like stit3"es. A/o painkillersBC 9 aske5. AAnest"esia 5oesn?t %ork %ell on us. =e meta8oliEe it too ;ui3kly@C Lillian sai5. S"e %ipe5 t"e sil)er kni1e on one o1 t"e 3lean to%els an5 sai5@ A#ne o1 t"e 3la% marks 5rops 8elo% your >eans. $ake t"em o11 so 9 3an see.C 9 -lan3e5 at Syl)ie. S"e smile5 at me. A4on?t min5 me. 9 like -irls.C A$"at?s %"at you t%o %ere lau-"in- a8out@C 9 sai5 to Hason. He no55e5@ smilin- "appily. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"e ot"ers %ill 8e "ere soon 1or t"e meetin-. 9 5on?t %ant my ass "an-in- out as e)eryone 3omes in t"e 5oor.C <i3"ar5 stoo5 up. ALet?s 1inis" up in t"e 8e5room.C $"ere %ere a rin- o1 pun3ture %oun5s >ust 8elo% "is 3ollar8one. 9 remem8ere5 t"e man2%ol1 li1tin- %it" its 3la%s last ni-"t. ADou 3oul5 "a)e 8een kille5@C 9 sai5. He -lan3e5 at me. ABut 9 %asn?t. 9sn?t t"at %"at you al%ays sayBC 9 "ate5 "a)in- my o%n %or5s 1e5 8a3k to me. ADou 3oul5 "a)e kille5 Se8astian or Hamil an5 t"e rest %oul5n?t "a)e >umpe5 you.C ADou?)e alrea5y 5e3i5e5 %"o 9 s"oul5 kill.C His )oi3e %as t"i3k %it" an-er. ADea"@C 9 sai5. AS"e?s a3tually makin- pretty -oo5 3"oi3es@C Syl)ie sai5. <i3"ar5 turne5 "is 5ark@ 5ark eyes to "er. ADou stay out o1 t"is.C A91 it %as >ust a lo)ers? ;uarrel@ <i3"ar5@ 9 %oul5@C s"e sai5. S"e %ent to stan5 in 1ront o1 "im. ABut Anita?s not sayinanyt"in- t"at 9 "a)en?t sai5. $"at most o1 us "a)en?t 8e--e5 you to 5o. 'or a 1e% mont"s@ 9 %as %illin- to try it your %ay. 9 "ope5 you %ere ri-"t@ 8ut it isn?t %orkin-@ <i3"ar5. ,it"er you?re alp"a male or you?re not.C A9s t"at a 3"allen-eBC "e aske5. His )oi3e "a5 -ro%n )ery ;uiet. Po%er 1lo%e5 t"rou-" t"e room like a %arm %in5. Syl)ie 8a3ke5 up a step. ADou kno% it?s not.C A4o 9BC "e sai5. $"e po%er in t"e room 8uilt@ -ro%in- like a 1las" o1 ele3tri3ity. $"e "airs on my arms stoo5 to attention. Syl)ie stoppe5 8a3kin- up@ "an5s in 1ists at "er si5es. A91 9 t"ou-"t 9 3oul5 5e1eat 7ar3us@ 9?5 5o it. 91 9 3oul5 prote3t us all@ 9 %oul5. But 9 3an?t 5o it@ <i3"ar5. Dou?re our only 3"an3e.C

<i3"ar5 loome5 o)er "er. 9t %asn?t >ust p"ysi3al siEe. His po%er 1lo%e5 o)er "er@ 1ille5 t"e room@ until it %as almost 3"okin-ly 3lose. A9 %on?t kill >ust 8e3ause you t"ink 9 s"oul5@ Syl)ie. /o one is -oin- to 1or3e me into it. /o one.C He turne5 "is -aEe on me@ an5 it took a lot to meet "is eyes. $"ere %as a 1or3e to t"em@ a 8urnin- %ei-"t. 9t %asn?t a )ampire?s 5ro%nin- po%er@ 8ut it %as somet"in-. 7y skin s"i)ere5 %it" "is po%er@ "is ener-y@ an5 9 5i5n?t turn a%ay. 9 stare5 at t"e %oun5s >ust 8elo% "is ne3k an5 kne% 9?5 3ome 3lose to losin- "im. $"at %as una33epta8le. 9 %alke5 3loser until 9 3oul5 "a)e rea3"e5 out an5 tou3"e5 "im. His ot"er%orl5ly ener-y %"irle5 o)er me until it %as "ar5 to 5ra% a -oo5 8reat". A=e nee5 to talk@ <i3"ar5.C A9 5on?t "a)e time 1or t"is ri-"t no%@ Anita.C A7ake time@C 9 sai5. He -lare5 5o%n at me. A$alk to me %"ile Lillian 1inis"es up. 9?)e -ot people 3omin- o)er 1or a meetin- in a8out 1i1teen minutes.C A="at meetin-BC 9 aske5. A$o 5is3uss t"e 7ar3us situation@C Syl)ie sai5. AHe s3"e5ule5 t"e meetin- 8e1ore last ni-"t?s a5)enture.C <i3"ar5 stare5 at "er@ an5 it %asn?t a 1rien5ly look. A91 9?5 %ante5 "er to kno% a8out t"e meetin-@ 9?5 "a)e tol5 "er.C A="at else "a)en?t you tol5 me <i3"ar5BC He turne5 t"ose an-ry eyes to me. A="at "a)en?t you tol5 meBC 9 8linke5 at "im@ -enuinely puEEle5. A9 5on?t kno% %"at you?re talkin- a8out.C AA s"ot-un 1ires o)er your "ea5 t%i3e an5 you 5on?t kno% %"at 9?m talkin- a8out.C #" t"at. A9 5i5 t"e ri-"t t"in-@ <i3"ar5.C ADou?re al%ays ri-"t@ aren?t youBC 9 looke5 at t"e 1loor an5 s"ook my "ea5. ="en 9 looke5 8a3k at "im@ "e %as still an-ry@ 8ut 9 %as losin- my an-er. A 1irst. $"is %as -oin- to 8e t"e 1i-"t. $"e one t"at en5e5 it. 9 %asn?t %ron-. /o amount o1 talkin- %oul5 3"an-e t"at. But i1 %e %ere -oin- to 8reak up@ %e?5 -o 5o%n in 1lames. ALet?s 1inis" t"is@ <i3"ar5. Dou %ante5 to -o into t"e 8e5room.C He stoo5 up@ 8o5y sti11 %it" an an-er t"at %as 5eeper t"an 9 3oul5 3ompre"en5. 9t %as 3ontrolle5 ra-e@ an5 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 %"ere it %as 3omin- 1rom. 9t %as a 8a5 si-n. ADou sure you 3an stan5 to see me nake5BC His )oi3e %as utterly 8itter@ an5 9 5i5n?t kno% %"y. A="at?s %ron-@ <i3"ar5B ="at 5i5 9 5oBC He s"ook "is "ea5 too )i-orously@ makin- "im %in3e as "is s"oul5er 3au-"t t"e mo)ement. A/ot"in-@ not"in-.C He %alke5 out o1 t"e room. Lillian looke5 at me@ 8ut 1ollo%e5 "im. 9 si-"e5 an5 >oine5 t"em. 9 %asn?t lookin- 1or%ar5 to t"e ne*t 1e% minutes@ 8ut 9 %asn?t -oin- to 3"i3ken out. =e?5 say all t"e u-ly t"in-s an5 make it as nasty as possi8le. $rou8le %as@ 9 5i5n?t "a)e any nasty t"in-s to say. 9t ma5e t"e 1i-"t a lot less 1un 1or me. Hason %"ispere5 as 9 %alke5 8y@ )ery so1tly@ AGo@ Anita@ -o@ Anita.C 9t ma5e me smile. Syl)ie %at3"e5 me %it" 3ool eyes. AGoo5 lu3k.C 9t 5i5n?t soun5 3ompletely sin3ere. A4o you "a)e a pro8lemBC 9?5 "a)e mu3" rat"er 1ou-"t %it" "er t"an <i3"ar5. A91 "e %asn?t 5atin- you@ t"en "e mi-"t 3"oose a mate. 9t %oul5 "elp t"in-s.C ADou %ant t"e >o8BC 9 aske5. ADes@C s"e sai5@ A9 5o@ 8ut se* is inte-ral an5 9?m not up 1or it.C A$"en 9?m not stan5in- in your %ay@C 9 sai5. A/ot in mine@ no@C s"e sai5. ="i3" implie5 t"ere %ere ot"ers@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t -i)e a s"it@ not to5ay. 9 sai5@ A9t is too 5amn early in t"e mornin- 1or 1ur8all politi3s. 91 someone %ants a pie3e o1 me@ tell t"em to -o to t"e 8a3k o1 t"e line.C S"e 3o3ke5 "er "ea5 to one si5e@ like a 3urious 5o-. A9s it a lon- lineBC ALately@ yea".C A9 t"ou-"t all your enemies %ere 5ea5@C Hason sai5. A9 keep makin- ne% ones@C 9 sai5. He smile5. A'an3y t"at.C 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 8e5room. 9?5 "a)e rat"er 1a3e5 <aina a-ain t"an <i3"ar5. 9 almost "ope5 t"e assassin %oul5 >ump out o1 t"e %oo5%ork an5 -i)e me somet"in- to s"oot at. 9t %oul5 "urt less t"an 8reakin- up %it" <i3"ar5.

Chapter Ten
<i3"ar5?s 8e5room %as painte5 pale -reen@ a )i8rant ru- t"ro%n in 1ront o1 t"e 8e5 like a pie3e o1 staine5 -lass. $"e 8e5 %as a "ea)y 1our2poster@ an5 e)en "urt@ "e?5 ma5e t"e 8e5@ pullin- t"e soli5 re5 sprea5 up o)er it. He "a5 t"ree soli5 sprea5s t"at "e rotate5 on t"e 8e5G -reen@ 8lue@ an5 re5. ,a3" 3olor pi3ke5 up a 5i11erent 3olor in t"e ru- an5 t"e paintino)er t"e 8e5. $"e paintin- %as o1 %ol)es in a %inter s3ene. $"e %ol)es %ere lookin- 5ire3tly out o1 t"e pi3ture as i1 you?5 >ust 3ome aroun5 a tree an5 surprise5 t"em. $"ere %as a 5eer 8lee5in- on t"e sno%@ its t"roat torn out. 9t %as an o55 3"oi3e 1or a 8e5room@ 8ut it 1it some"o%. Besi5es@ 9 like5 it. 9t "a5 t"at ;uality t"at all 1ine paintin-s 5o@ as i1 %"en you lea)e t"e room t"e paintin- %ill mo)e@ li1e suspen5e5 an5 3apture5 on 3an)as. $"e -reen sprea5 emp"asiEe5 t"e e)er-reens@ t"e 8lue sprea5 3au-"t t"e %as"e5 8lue o1 t"e sky an5 t"e 8luis" s"a5o%s@ t"e re5 3au-"t t"e stain o1 8loo5 on t"e sno%. <i3"ar5 lay on "is stoma3" a3ross t"e 3rimson 3lot". He %as totally nu5e@ "is >eans t"ro%n on t"e 3orner o1 t"e 8e5. His tanne5 skin looke5 5ark an5 smoot" an5 in3re5i8ly tou3"a8le a-ainst t"e re5 3lot". 9 1elt "eat rise up my 1a3e as my eyes 1ollo%e5 t"e 3ur)e o1 "is 8o5y@ o)er t"e smoot" e*panse o1 "is 8utto3ks. Lillian "a5 >ust 1inis"e5 se%in- up a 3ur)e o1 3la% t"at "a5 spille5 5o%n 1rom "is 8utto3ks. 9 looke5 a%ay. 9?5 seen <i3"ar5 nu5e on3e %"en 9 1irst met "im@ 8ut ne)er sin3e. =e "a5n?t e)en 8een t"inkin- a8out 5atin- t"en. 9 "a5 to look a%ay@ mainly 8e3ause 9 %ante5 to look. 9 %ante5 to see "im like t"at@ an5 it %as too em8arrassin- 1or %or5s. 9 stu5ie5 t"e 3ontents o1 t"e 8uilt2in s"el)es on "is 8e5room %all like 9?5 memoriEe t"em. Bits o1 ;uartE@ a small 8ir5?s nest. $"ere %as a lump o1 1ossiliEe5 3oral as 8i- as my "an5@ a 5ark ri3" -ol5 in 3olor %it" streaks o1 %"ite ;uartE. 9?5 1oun5 it on a 3ampin- trip an5 -i)en it to "im 8e3ause "e 3olle3te5 8its an5 pie3es@ an5 9 5i5n?t. 9 tou3"e5 t"e 8it o1 3oral@ an5 5i5n?t %ant to turn aroun5. ADou sai5 you %ante5 to talk@ t"en talk@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k. Lillian snippe5 t"e 8la3k t"rea5 s"e %as usin- to 3lose "is skin. A$"ere@C s"e sai5. ADou s"oul5n?t e)en "a)e a s3ar.C <i3"ar5 1ol5e5 "is arms on t"e 8e5@ restin- "is 3"in on "is 1orearms. His "air sprea5 aroun5 "is 1a3e@ 1oamin- an5 tou3"a8le. 9 kne% it %as as so1t as it looke5. Lillian -lan3e5 1rom one to t"e ot"er o1 us. A9 8elie)e 9?ll lea)e you t%o alone.C S"e 8e-an puttin- t"in-s into "er 8a-@ %"i3" %as 8ro%n leat"er an5 looke5 more like a 1is"in- ta3kle 8o* t"an anyt"in- else. S"e looke5 at <i3"ar5 an5 8a3k to me. A$ake a pie3e o1 a5)i3e 1rom an ol5 la5y. 4on?t s3re% up.C S"e le1t %it" <i3"ar5 an5 me 8ot" starin- a1ter "er. ADou 3an -et 5resse5 no%@C 9 sai5. He -lan3e5 at "is 3rumple5 >eans@ mo)in- only "is 5ark eyes. His eyes 3ame 8a3k to me@ an5 t"ey %ere as an-ry as 9?5 e)er seen t"em. A="yC 9 3on3entrate5 on meetin- t"ose an-ry eyes an5 trie5 not to stare at "is 8o5y. 9t %as "ar5er t"an 9 %oul5 "a)e a5mitte5 out lou5. ABe3ause its "ar5 to 1i-"t %it" you %"en you?re nake5.C He raise5 up on "is el8o%s@ "air 1allin- 5o%n into "is eyes@ until "e stare5 at me t"rou-" a 3urtain o1 8ro%n -ol5 "air. 9t remin5e5 me o1 Ga8riel@ an5 t"at %as unner)in- as "ell. A9 kno% you %ant me@ Anita. 9 3an smell it.C #"@ t"at ma5e me 1eel 8etter. 9 8lus"e5 1or t"e se3on5 time in 1i)e minutes. ASo@ you?re -or-eous. So %"atB ="at t"e "ell 5oes t"at "a)e to 5o %it" anyt"in-C He raise5 up on all 1ours@ knees@ an5 "an5s. 9 looke5 a%ay so 1ast it ma5e me 5iEEy. APlease put on your >eans.C 9 "ear5 "im sli5e o11 t"e 8e5. ADou 3an?t e)en look at me@ 3an youBC $"ere %as somet"in- a8out t"e %ay "e sai5 it t"at ma5e me %ant to see "is 1a3e@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t turn aroun5. 9 >ust 3oul5n?t. 91 t"is %as t"e last 1i-"t %e e)er "a5@ 9 5i5n?t %ant t"e memory o1 "is 8o5y imprinte5 on my min5. 9t %oul5 8e too 3ruel. 9 1elt "im stan5in- 8e"in5 me. A="at 5o you %ant 1rom me@ <i3"ar5BC ALook at me.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. He tou3"e5 my s"oul5er@ an5 9 >erke5 a%ay. ADou 3an?t e)en stan5 1or me to tou3" you@ 3an youBC 'or t"e 1irst time. 9 "ear5 pain in "is )oi3e@ ra% an5 "urtin-. 9 turne5 t"en. 9 "a5 to see "is 1a3e. His eyes -littere5 %it" uns"e5 tears@ eyes %i5e so t"ey %oul5n?t 1all. He?5 pus"e5 "is "air 8a3k 1rom "is 1a3e@ 8ut it %as alrea5y spillin- 1or%ar5. 7y eyes tra)ele5 5o%n "is mus3ular 3"est@ an5 9 %ante5 to run my "an5s o)er "is nipples@ 5o%n "is slen5er %aist@ an5 lo%er. 9 5re% my eyes 8a3k up to "is 1a3e %it" 1or3e o1 %ill alone@ my 1a3e pale no%@ rat"er t"an 8lus"in-. 9 %as "a)in- trou8le 8reat"in-. 7y "eart %as 8eatin- so "ar5@ it %as "ar5 to "ear.

A9 lo)e it %"en you tou3" me@C 9 sai5. He stare5 5o%n at me@ "is eyes 1ille5 %it" pain. 9 t"ink 9 pre1erre5 t"e an-er. A9 use5 to a5mire you 1or sayin- no to Hean2 !lau5e. 9 kno% you %ant "im@ an5 you keep re1usin-. 9 t"ou-"t it %as )ery moral o1 you.C He s"ook "is "ea5@ one tear sli5 1rom t"e 3orner o1 "is eye@ trailin- in slo% motion 5o%n "is 3"eek. 9 8rus"e5 t"e tear 1rom "is 1a3e %it" my 1in-ertip. He 3au-"t my "an5 in "is@ "ol5in- it a little too "ar5@ 8ut not "urtin-@ only surprisin-. 9t %as also my ri-"t "an5@ an5 5ra%in- t"e -un le1t2"an5e5 %as -oin- to 8e a 8it3". /ot t"at 9 really t"ou-"t 9?5 nee5 t"e -un@ 8ut "e %as a3tin- so stran-ely. <i3"ar5 spoke@ starin- 5o%n at me. ABut Hean2!lau5e?s a monster an5 you 5on?t sleep %it" monsters. Dou >ust kill t"em.C $ears sli5 1rom 8ot" o1 "is eyes an5 9 let t"em 1all. ADou 5on?t sleep %it" me@ eit"er@ 8e3ause 9?m a monster@ too. But you 3an kill us@ 3an?t you@ AnitaB Dou >ust 3an?t 1u3k us.C 9 >erke5 a%ay 1rom "im@ an5 "e let me. He 3oul5 "a)e 8en3" presse5 t"e "ea)y 3"erry %oo5 8e5@ so "e let me -o. 9 5i5n?t like t"at mu3". A$"at %as an u-ly t"in- to say.C ABut it?s true@C "e sai5. A9 %ant you@ <i3"ar5@ you kno% t"at.C ADou %ant Hean2!lau5e@ too@ so t"at?s not )ery 1latterin-. Dou tell me to kill 7ar3us@ like it %oul5 8e easy. 4o you t"ink it %oul5n?t 8ot"er me to kill "im 8e3ause "e?s a monster@ or 8e3ause 9 amBC A<i3"ar5@C 9 sai5. $"is %as an ar-ument 9 "a5n?t seen 3omin-. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say@ 8ut 9 "a5 to say somet"in-. He %as stan5in- t"ere %it" tears 5ryin- on "is 1a3e. ,)en nu5e an5 -or-eous@ "e looke5 lost. A9 kno% it %oul5 8ot"er you to kill 7ar3us. 9 ne)er sai5 it %oul5n?t@C 9 sai5. A$"en "o% 3an you ur-e me to 5o itBC A9 t"ink it?s ne3essary@C 9 sai5. A!oul5 you 5o itB !oul5 you >ust kill "imBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a moment@ t"en no55e5. ADea"@ 9 3oul5.C AAn5 t"at %oul5n?t 8ot"er youBC "e aske5. 9 stare5 strai-"t at "im@ looke5 "im ri-"t in "is pain21ille5 eyes@ an5 sai5@ A/o.C A91 you really mean t"at@ it makes you a 8i--er monster t"an 9 am.C ADea"@ 9 -uess it 5oes.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9t 5oesn?t 8ot"er you@ 5oes it@ kno%in- t"at you 3oul5 take a "uman li1eBC He lau-"e5@ an5 it %as 8itter. A#r 5on?t you 3onsi5er 7ar3us "umanBC A$"e man 9 kille5 last ni-"t %as "uman@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 stare5 at me@ 1res" "orror -ro%in- in "is eyes. AAn5 you slept >ust 1ine 5i5n?t youBC 9 no55e5. APretty -oo5@ 3onsi5erin- you sent Step"en to my 8e5.C A stran-e look passe5 t"rou-" "is eyes@ an5 1or a split se3on5@ 9 sa% "im %on5er. AS%eet Hesus@ you kno% me 8etter t"an t"at.C He looke5 5o%n. A9 kno%. 9t?s >ust t"at 9 %ant you so 8a5ly@ an5 you keep sayin-@ no. 9t makes me 5ou8t e)eryt"in-.C AS"it. 9 am not -oin- to stroke your e-o in t"e mi55le o1 a 1i-"t. Dou sent Step"en to me 8e3ause you %ere ma5. Sai5 9 3oul5 prote3t "im. Ha5 it o33urre5 to you t"at 9?5 ne)er slept2>ust slept2in t"e same 8e5 %it" a man 8e1oreBC A="at a8out your 1ian36 in 3olle-eBC A9 "a5 se* %it" "im@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t sleep o)er@C 9 sai5. A$"e 1irst time 9 %oke up in t"e mornin- %it" a man 3urle5 aroun5 me@ 9 %ante5 it to 8e you.C A9?m sorry@ Anita. 9 5i5n?t kno%. 9 ... C ADou 5i5n?t t"ink. Great. /o%@ %"at?s %it" t"e no 3lot"esB ="at?s -oin- on@ <i3"ar5BC ADou sa% t"e 1i-"t last ni-"t. Dou sa% %"at 9 5i5@ %"at 9 3an 5o.C ASome o1 it@ yea".C He s"ook "is "ea5. ADou %ant to kno% %"y 9 5on?t killB ="y 9 al%ays stop >ust s"ort o1 itBC $"e look in "is eyes %as almost 5esperate@ %il5. A$ell me@C 9 sai5@ so1tly. A9 en>oy it@ Anita. 9 lo)e t"e 1eel o1 my "an5s@ my 3la%s rippin- into 1les".C He "u--e5 "imsel1. A$"e taste o1 1res"@ %arm 8loo5 in my mout" is e*3itin-.C He s"ook "is "ea5 "ar5er@ as i1 "e 3oul5 erase t"e sensation. A9 %ante5 to rip Se8astian apart last ni-"t. 9 3oul5 1eel it@ like an a3"e in my s"oul5ers@ in my arms. 7y 8o5y %ante5 to kill "im@ t"e %ay 9 %ant you.C

He stare5 at me@ still "u--in- "imsel1@ 8ut "is 8o5y %as speakin- 1or "im. $"e t"ou-"t o1 killin- Se8astian 5i5 e*3ite "im@ really e*3ite "im. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5. ADou?re a1rai5 t"at i1 you let -o an5 kille5@ t"at you?5 like t"at@ tooBC He stare5 at me@ an5 t"at %as t"e "orror in "is eyesJ t"e 1ear t"at "e %as a monster@ t"e 1ear t"at 9 %as ri-"t not to tou3" "im@ not to let "im tou3" me. Dou 5on?t 1u3k t"e monsters@ you >ust kill t"em. A4o you en>oy killin-BC "e aske5. 9 "a5 to t"ink a8out t"at 1or a se3on5 or t%o. 'inally@ 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ 9 5on?t en>oy it.C A="at 5oes it 1eel likeBC "e aske5. ALike not"in-. 9 5on?t 1eel anyt"in-.C ADou "a)e to 1eel somet"in-.C 9 s"ru--e5. A<elie1 t"at it %asn?t me. $riump" t"at 9 %as 1aster@ meaner.C 9 s"ru--e5 a-ain. A9t 5oesn?t 8ot"er me to kill people@ <i3"ar5. 9t >ust 5oesn?t.C A4i5 it on3eBC ADes@ it use5 to 8ot"er me.C A="en 5i5 it stop 8ot"erin- youBC A9 5on?t kno%. /ot t"e 1irst 5eat"@ or t"e se3on5@ 8ut %"en it -ets to t"e point t"at you 3an?t keep tra3k o1 t"em all ... 9t eit"er stops 8ot"erin- you or you 1in5 anot"er line o1 %ork.C A9 %ant it to 8ot"er me@ Anita. Killin- s"oul5 mean somet"in- ot"er t"an 8loo5@ an5 e*3itement@ or e)en sur)i)al. 91 it 5oesn?t@ t"en 9?m %ron-@ an5 %e are >ust animals.C His 8o5y rea3te5 to t"e t"ou-"t@ too. An5 "e 5i5 not 1in5 it e*3itin-. He looke5 )ulnera8le an5 a1rai5. 9 %ante5 to tell "im to -et 5resse5@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. He?5 3"osen to 8e nake5 )ery 5eli8erately@ as i1 to pro)e on3e an5 1or all t"at 9 5i5n?t %ant "im@ or t"at 9 5i5. 9 5i5n?t mu3" like tests@ 8ut it %as "ar5 to 8it3" %it" t"e 1ear in "is eyes. He?5 %alke5 a%ay to stan5 in 1ront o1 t"e 8e5. He ru88e5 one "an5 up an5 5o%n t"e opposite arm as i1 "e %ere 3ol5. 9t %as 7ay in Saint Louis. He %asn?t 3ol5@ at least not t"at kin5 o1 3ol5. ADou aren?t animals@ <i3"ar5.C AHo% 5o you kno% %"at 9 amBC An5 9 kne% t"at "e %as askin- t"e ;uestion more o1 "imsel1 t"an o1 me. 9 %alke5 o)er to "im. 9 took t"e 'irestar out o1 t"e 1ront o1 my pants an5 lai5 it on t"e ni-"t stan5 8esi5e "is 3ut -lass lamp. He %at3"e5 me 5o it@ eyes %ary. Almost like "e e*pe3te5 me to "urt "im. 9 %as -oin- to try )ery "ar5 not to 5o t"at. 9 tou3"e5 "is arm@ -ently@ %"ere "e %as ru88in- it. He 1roEe un5er my tou3". ADou are one o1 t"e most moral people 9 "a)e e)er met. Dou 3an kill 7ar3us an5 not 8e3ome a ra)enin- 8east. 9 kno% t"at@ 8e3ause 9 kno% you.C AGa8riel an5 <aina kill an5 look %"at t"ey are.C ADou aren?t like t"em@ <i3"ar5. $rust me on t"at.C A="at i1 9 kill Se8astian or 7ar3us@ an5 9 en>oy it.C His "an5some 1a3e %as ra% %it" terror at t"e t"ou-"t. A7ay8e it %ill 1eel -oo5.C 9 -rippe5 "is arm ti-"ter. ABut i1 it 5oes@ t"ere?s no s"ame in t"at. Dou are %"at you are. Dou 5i5n?t 3"oose it. 9t 3"ose you.C AHo% 3an you say t"ere?s no s"ame in en>oyin- killin- somet"in-. 9?)e "unte5 5eer an5 9 lo)e it. 9 lo)e t"e 3"ase@ an5 t"e kill@ an5 eatin- t"e %arm meat.C As 8e1ore@ t"e t"ou-"t e*3ite5 "im. 9 kept my eyes on "is 1a3e as mu3" as possi8le@ 8ut it %as 5istra3tin-. A,)eryone "as 5i11erent t"in-s t"at 1lip t"eir s%it3"@ <i3"ar5. 9?)e "ear5 %orse. Hell@ 9?)e seen %orse.C He stare5 5o%n at me like "e %ante5 to 8elie)e me an5 %as a1rai5 to. A=orse t"an t"is.C He li1te5 "is ri-"t "an5 1rom its -rip on "is arm@ "e "el5 "is "an5 in 1ront o1 my 1a3e. His po%er pri3kle5 o)er my "an5@ 5o%n my arm@ until 9 -aspe5. 9t %as 1or3e o1 %ill alone t"at kept my "an5 on "is arm. His 1in-ers elon-ate5@ stret3"in- impossi8ly lon- an5 t"in. $"e nails -re% into "ea)y 3la%s. 9t %asn?t a %ol1 "an5@ rat"er "is o%n -ro%n into a 3la%. /ot"in- else "a5 3"an-e5 t"at 9 3oul5 see. #nly t"at one "an5. 9 %as "a)in- trou8le 8reat"in-@ 1or 5i11erent reasons t"an 8e1ore. 9 stare5 at t"e 3la%e5 "an5 an5 realiEe5 1or t"e 1irst time t"at "e %as ri-"t. =at3"in- t"e 8ones in "is "an5 stret3" an5 pop si3kene5 me@ s3are5 me. 9 kept my "an5 on "is arm@ 8ut 9 %as s"akin-. 9 1oun5 my )oi3e@ an5 it s"ook@ too. A9 sa% <aina 5o t"at on3e. 9 t"ou-"t it %asn?t a 3ommon a8ility.C A#nly <aina@ 7ar3us@ an5 9 3an 5o it %it"in our pa3k. =e 3an partially 3"an-e at %ill.C A$"at?s "o% you sta88e5 Se8astian last ni-"t.C He no55e5@ eyes sear3"in- my 1a3e. 9 %as 1i-"tin- to keep it 8lank@ 8ut %"at "e sa% t"ere %asn?t reassurin- enou-". He turne5 a%ay 1rom me@ an5 9 5i5n?t "a)e to see "is eyes to 1eel t"e pain.

9 -ra88e5 "is "an5 an5 %rappe5 my 1in-ers aroun5 t"ose lon-@ t"in 8ones. 9 1elt mus3les un5er my "an5s t"at "a5 ne)er 8een in <i3"ar5?s "an5 8e1ore. 9t took e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 to "ol5 t"at "an5. $o tou3" "im like t"at. ,)eryt"in-. $"e e11ort le1t me s"akin- an5 una8le to meet "is eyes. 9 5i5n?t trust %"at "e?5 see in t"em. He tou3"e5 my 3"in %it" "is ot"er "an5 an5 turne5 me slo%ly to 1a3e "im. He stare5 5o%n at me. A9 3an taste your 1ear@ an5 9 like it. 4o you un5erstan5B 9 like it.C 9 "a5 to 3lear my t"roat to talk. A9 noti3e5@C 9 sai5. He "a5 t"e -ra3e to 8lus". He 8ent slo%ly to kiss me. 9 5i5n?t try to stop "im@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t "elp@ eit"er. 9 usually rose on tiptoe to meet "im "al1%ay. 9 stoo5 t"ere@ too s3are5 to mo)e@ 1or3in- "is tall 8o5y to 8en5 at t"e s"oul5ers@ to 1ol5 5o%n to%ar5s me. $"e lon-@ t"in21in-ere5 "an5 t"at 9 %as "ol5in- 3on)ulse5 aroun5 me@ t"e 3la%s playin- li-"tly on my 8are 1orearm. 9 tense5@ an5 "is po%er poure5 o)er me. 9 "el5 onto "is "an5 %"ile t"e mus3les an5 8ones sli5 8a3k into pla3e. 9 "el5 on %it" 8ot" "an5s %"ile "is "an5 re21orme5 un5er mine. 7y skin s"u55ere5 %it" t"e spill o1 po%er. His lips 8rus"e5 mine@ an5 9 kisse5 "im 8a3k@ almost s%ayin-. 9 let -o o1 "is "an5@ my 1in-ers 8rus"e5 "is 8are 3"est@ playin- o)er "is "ar5ene5 nipples. His "an5s sli5 aroun5 my %aist@ 1in-ers knea5in- up%ar5@ o)er my ri8s@ alon- my spine. He %"ispere5 into my mout"@ ADou?re not %earin- anyt"in- un5er t"is $2s"irt.C A9 kno%@C 9 sai5. His "an5s sli5 un5er t"e s"irt@ 3aressin- my 8a3k@ pressin- our 8o5ies to-et"er. His nake5 8o5y tou3"e5 me@ an5 e)en t"rou-" my >eans@ it ma5e me s"u55er. 9 %ante5 to 1eel "is nake5 1les" a-ainst mine so 8a5ly@ 9 3oul5 1eel it like a "un-er in my skin. 9 slippe5 t"e $2s"irt o11@ an5 "e ma5e a soun5 o1 surprise. He stare5 5o%n at my 8are 8reasts@ an5 "e %asn?t t"e only one e*3ite5. He ran "is "an5s o)er my 8reasts@ an5 %"en 9 5i5n?t stop "im@ "e 5roppe5 to "is knees in 1ront o1 me. He looke5 up at me@ "is 8ro%n eyes 1ille5 %it" a 5ark li-"t. 9 kisse5 "im %"ile "e knelt in 1ront o1 me@ as i1 9?5 eat "im 1rom t"e mout" 5o%n. $"e 1eel o1 "im a-ainst my nake5 1les" %as almost too mu3". He 8roke 1rom t"e kiss an5 ran "is mout" o)er my 8reasts. 9t 8rou-"t a surprise5 moan 1rom my t"roat. $"ere %as a kno3k at t"e 5oor. =e 1roEe. A %oman?s )oi3e t"at 9 5i5n?t re3o-niEe sai5@ A9 5i5n?t 3ome all t"is %ay to listen to you make out@ <i3"ar5. 9?5 like to remin5 you t"at all o1 us "a)e in3re5i8ly -oo5 "earin-.C A/ot to mention sense o1 smell.C $"at %as Hason. A4amn@C "e sai5 so1tly@ "ea5 8urie5 a-ainst me. 9 leane5 my "ea5 o)er "im@ 8uryin- my 1a3e in "is "air. A9 t"ink 9?ll >ust 3lim8 out t"e %in5o%.C He "u--e5 me aroun5 t"e %aist an5 stoo5@ passin- "is "an5s o)er my 8reasts one last time. A9 3an?t tell you "o% lon- 9?)e %ante5 to 5o t"at.C He rea3"e5 1or "is >eans an5 un5erpants still lyin- on t"e 8e5. 9 tou3"e5 "is arm@ 8rin-in- "is attention 8a3k to me. A9 %ant you@ <i3"ar5. 9 lo)e you. 9 %ant you to 8elie)e t"at.C He stare5 at me@ "is 1a3e -re% stran-e an5 solemn. ADou "a)en?t seen me 3"an-e into a %ol1 yet. Dou nee5 to see t"at 8e1ore %e -o any 1urt"er.C $"e t"ou-"t 5i5 not e*3ite me@ an5 9 %as -la5 9 %as t"e -irl@ so it 5i5n?t s"o%. ADou?re ri-"t@ t"ou-" i1 you?5 playe5 your 3ar5s ri-"t@ %e mi-"t "a)e "a5 se* 1irst.C A9t %oul5n?t 8e 1air to you.C ASo you?re sayin- e)en i1 %e?5 8een alone you?5 "a)e stoppe5 an5 s"apes"i1te5.C He no55e5. ABe3ause it %oul5n?t 8e 1air to sleep %it" me until 9?5 seen t"e %"ole pa3ka-eBC A,*a3tly.C ADou are su3" a 8oy s3out@ <i3"ar5.C A9 t"ink 9 >ust lost one o1 my merit 8a5-es@C "e sai5. $"e look on "is 1a3e 8rou-"t a rus" o1 "eat up my ne3k. He -rinne5 an5 slippe5 on "is pants. He %ore 8rie1s. He pulle5 on "is >eans an5 %as 3are1ul Eippin- t"em up. 9 %at3"e5 "im -et 5resse5 %it" a proprietary air. An air o1 anti3ipation. 9 pi3ke5 t"e $2s"irt up 1rom t"e 1loor an5 pulle5 it 8a3k on. <i3"ar5 3ame up 8e"in5 me@ sli5in- "is "an5s un5er t"e s"irt@ 3uppin- a "an5 aroun5 ea3" 8reast@ knea5in- t"em. 9 leane5 8a3k a-ainst "im. He %as t"e one %"o stoppe5@ "u--inme aroun5 t"e %aist@ pi3kin- me an in3" o11 t"e 1loor. He turne5 me aroun5 an5 -a)e me a ;ui3k kiss. A="en you make up your min5 to 5o somet"in-@ you really make up your min5@ 5on?t youBC AAl%ays@C 9 sai5. He took in a 5eep 8reat" t"rou-" "is nose an5 out t"rou-" "is mout". A9?5 try to make it a ;ui3k meetin-@ 8ut ...C

A,5%ar5 s"oul5 8e "ere soon@ so it 5oesn?t matter.C He no55e5@ "is 1a3e 1allin-. A9 almost 1or-ot t"at someone %as tryin- to kill you.C He 3uppe5 my 1a3e in "is "an5s an5 kisse5 me@ eyes sear3"in- my 1a3e. ABe 3are1ul.C 9 tou3"e5 t"e 8an5a-e on "is s"oul5er. ADou@ too.C He pulle5 a 8la3k $2s"irt 1rom a 5ra%er an5 slippe5 it on. He tu3ke5 it into "is >eans@ an5 9 ma5e mysel1 stay a%ay 1rom "im %"ile "e 1um8le5 %it" "is Eipper. AHoin us a1ter you -et 5resse5.C 9 no55e5. ASure.C He le1t@ 3losin- t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im. 9 si-"e5 an5 sat 5o%n on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5. 4amn. 9 5i5n?t %ant to lose <i3"ar5. 9 really 5i5n?t. 9 %ante5 to sleep %it" "im. 9 %asn?t sure "o% 9 1elt a8out seein- "im 3"an-e into 1ull animal 1orm. $"e "an5 t"in- "a5 8ot"ere5 me enou-". ="at i1 9 3oul5n?t take itB ="at i1 it %as too -rossB 4ear Go5@ 9 "ope5 not. 9 "ope5 9 %as a 8etter person t"an t"at. A stron-er person t"an t"at. <i3"ar5 %as a1rai5 t"at i1 "e starte5 to kill@ "e?5 >ust keep killin-. 9t %asn?t a 3ompletely unreasona8le 1ear. 9 "u--e5 mysel1 ti-"t. $"e 1eel o1 "is 8o5y a-ainst mine 3lun- to my skin. $"e 1eel o1 "is mout" on me ... 9 s"i)ere5@ an5 it %asn?t 1ear. 9t %as stupi5 to lo)e <i3"ar5. Ha)in- se* %it" "im %oul5 make it %orse. He %as -oin- to 8e 5ea5 soon i1 "e 5i5n?t kill 7ar3us. Simple as t"at. Hean2!lau5e %oul5 ne)er "a)e en5an-ere5 "imsel1 like t"at. /e)er. Dou 3oul5 al%ays trust Hean2 !lau5e to sur)i)e. 9t %as one o1 "is talents. 9 %as almost sure it %asn?t one o1 <i3"ar5?s. Last ni-"t s"oul5 "a)e pro)e5 to me 8eyon5 any 5ou8t t"at 9 s"oul5 5ump "im. #r t"at "e s"oul5 5ump me. Dou 3oul5 a-ree to 5isa-ree on politi3s@ or e)en reli-ion sometimes@ 8ut you eit"er kille5 people or you 5i5n?t. Homi3i5e %as not somet"in- you 3oul5 8e neutral on. Hean2!lau5e 5i5n?t min5 killin- people. #n3e upon a time@ 9?5 t"ou-"t t"at ma5e "im monstrous. /o% 9 a-ree5 %it" "im. =ill t"e real monster please stan5 upB

Chapter Eleven
l?5 1inally -otten 5resse5@ re5 polo s"irt@ 8la3k >eans@ 8la3k /ikes@ t"e 'irestar 9mm in its inner2pants "olster. $"e -un %as )ery )isi8le a-ainst t"e re5 s"irt@ 8ut "ey@ %"y try to "i5e itB Besi5es@ 9 3oul5 1eel t"e roil o1 po%er >ust outsi5e t"e 5oor. S"apes"i1ters@ not all o1 t"em "appy. Stron- emotions make it "ar5er to "i5e t"eir po%er. <i3"ar5 %as one o1 t"e 8est at "i5in- it t"at 9?5 e)er met. He?5 1oole5 me 1or a %"ile@ ma5e me t"ink "e %as "uman. /o one else "a5 e)er 8een a8le to 5o t"at. 9 looke5 at mysel1 in t"e mirror an5 realiEe5 t"at it %asn?t 1a3in- a room 1ull o1 ly3ant"ropes t"at 8ot"ere5 me@ it %as 1a3ina room 1ull o1 people %"o kne% t"at <i3"ar5 an5 9 "a5 8een makin- out. 9 pre1erre5 5an-er to em8arrassment any 5ay. 9 %as use5 to 5an-er. $"e 8at"room %as >ust o11 t"e li)in- room@ so %"en 9 opene5 t"e 5oor@ t"ey %ere all t"ere@ 3lustere5 on or aroun5 t"e 3ou3". $"ey -lan3e5 at me as 9 steppe5 out@ an5 9 no55e5. AHello.C <a1ael sai5@ AHello@ Anita.C He %as t"e <at Kin-@ t"e %ererats e;ui)alent o1 pa3k lea5er. He %as tall@ 5ark@ an5 "an5some %it" stron- 7e*i3an 1eatures t"at ma5e "is 1a3e seem stern. #nly "is lips "inte5 t"at per"aps t"ere %ere more smiles t"an 1ro%ns in "im. He %as %earin- a s"ort2slee)e5 5ress s"irt t"at le1t t"e 8ran5 on "is arm 8are. $"e 8ran5 %as in t"e s"ape o1 a 3ro%n@ an5 %as t"e mark o1 kin-s"ip. $"ere %as no e;ui)alent mark amon- t"e %ol)es. Bein- a ly3ant"rope meant 5i11erent t"in-s@ 5epen5in- on t"e animalG 5i11erent 3ultures as %ell as 1orms. A9 5i5n?t kno% t"e %ererats %oul5 8e intereste5 in t"e pa3ks? internal s;ua88les@C 9 sai5. A7ar3us is tryin- to uni1y all s"apes"i1ters un5er one lea5er.C ALet me -uess@C 9 sai5@ A"e -ets to 8e lea5er.C <a1ael -a)e a small smile. ADes.C ASo you?)e t"ro%n in %it" <i3"ar5 as t"e lesser e)ilBC 9 ma5e it a ;uestion. A9?)e t"ro%n in %it" <i3"ar5 8e3ause "e is a man o1 "is %or5. 7ar3us "as no "onor. His 8it3" <aina "as seen to t"at.C A9 still t"ink i1 %e kille5 <aina@ 7ar3us mi-"t 8e %illin- to talk %it" us.C $"is 1rom a %oman %"o 9 t"ou-"t 9?5 seen 8e1ore 8ut 3oul5n?t pla3e. S"e sat on t"e 1loor sippin- 3o11ee 1rom a mu-. S"e "a5 s"ort 8lon5 "air@ an5 %as %earin- a pink nylon >o--in- suit@ >a3ket open o)er a pink $2s"irt. 9t %as a >o--in- suit ma5e 1or lookin- at@ not %orkin- out in@ an5 9 remem8ere5 "er. 9?5 seen "er at t"e Lunati3 !a1e@ <aina?s restaurant. Her name %as !"ristine. S"e %asn?t a %ol1@ s"e %as a %ereti-er. S"e %as "ere to speak on 8e"al1 o1 t"e in5epen5ent s"apes"i1ters. $"ose %"o 5i5n?t "a)e enou-" people to "a)e a lea5er. /ot e)ery kin5 o1 ly3ant"ropy %as e;ually 3onta-ious. Dou 3oul5 -et 3ut to pie3es 8y a %ereti-er an5 not -et it. A %ere%ol1 3oul5 8arely 3ut you an5 you -ot 1urry. Almost none o1 t"e 3at28ase5 ly3ant"ropy %as as 3onta-ious as %ol1 an5 rat. /o one kne% %"y. 9t %as >ust t"e %ay it %orke5. <i3"ar5 intro5u3e5 me to a8out 1i1teen ot"ers@ 1irst names only. 9 sai5 "i an5 leane5 a-ainst t"e %all 8y t"e 5oor. $"e 3ou3" %as 1ull@ an5 so %as t"e 1loor. Besi5es@ 9 like5 8ein- out o1 rea3" o1 any s"apes"i1ter 9 5i5n?t kno%. Hust a pre3aution. AA3tually@ 9?)e met !"ristine 8e1ore@C 9 sai5. ADes@C !"ristine sai5@ At"e ni-"t you kille5 Al1re5.C

9 s"ru--e5. ADea".C A="y 5i5n?t you kill <aina last ni-"t %"en you "a5 t"e 3"an3eBC s"e sai5. Be1ore 9 3oul5 ans%er@ <i3"ar5 interrupte5. A91 %e kill <aina@C "e sai5@ A7ar3us %ill "unt us all 5o%n.C A9 5on?t t"ink "e?s up to t"e >o8@C Syl)ie sai5. <i3"ar5 s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ 9 still %on?t -i)e up on 7ar3us.C /o one sai5 anyt"in-@ 8ut t"e looks on t"eir 1a3es %ere enou-". $"ey a-ree5 %it" me. <i3"ar5 %as -oin- to -et "imsel1 kille5 an5 "an- "is 1ollo%ers out to 5ry. Louie 3ame out o1 t"e kit3"en 3arryin- t%o mu-s o1 3o11ee. He smile5 at me. Louie %as <i3"ar5?s 8est 1rien5@ an5 "e?5 -one on a lot o1 "ikin- 5ates %it" us. He %as 1i)e 1oot si*@ %it" eyes 5arker t"an my o%n@ true 8la3k@ not >ust 5arkest 8ro%n. His 8a8y21ine 8la3k "air "a5 8een 3ut re3ently. He?5 %orn it lon- 1or all t"e time 9?5 kno%n "im@ not a 1as"ion statement like <i3"ar5G "e >ust ne)er -ot aroun5 to -ettin- it 3ut. /o% it %as s"ort enou-" t"at "is ears s"o%e5@ an5 "e looke5 ol5er@ more like a pro1essor %it" a 5o3torate in 8iolo-y. He %as a %ererat@ an5 one o1 <a1ael?s lieutenants. He "an5e5 me one o1 t"e mu-s. A$"ese meetin-s "a)e 8een so mu3" more pleasant sin3e <i3"ar5 8ou-"t t"at 3o11eemaker. $"anks to you.C 9 took a 8i- 8reat" o1 3o11ee@ an5 1elt 8etter instantly. !o11ee mi-"t not 8e a 3ure2all@ 8ut it %as 3lose. A9?m not sure e)eryone is "appy to see me.C A$"ey?re s3are5. 9t makes t"em a little "ostile.C Step"en 3ame out o1 t"e -uest room 5resse5 in 3lot"es t"at 1it too %ell to 8e <i3"ar5?s. A 8lue 5ress s"irt@ tu3ke5 into 1a5e5 8lue >eans. $"e only man in t"e room t"at %as 3lose to <i3"ar5?s siEe %as Hason. Hason ne)er min5e5 s"arin- "is 3lot"es. A="y 5oes e)eryone look so -rimBC 9 aske5. Louie leane5 a-ainst t"e %all@ sippin- 3o11ee. AHean2!lau5e %it"5re% "is support o1 7ar3us an5 t"re% in %it" <i3"ar5. 9 3an?t 8elie)e neit"er o1 t"em mentione5 t"at.C A$"ey sai5 somet"in- a8out "a)in- 1orme5 a 8ar-ain@ 8ut t"ey 5i5n?t e*plain.C 9 t"ou-"t a8out %"at "e?5 >ust tol5 me. A7ar3us must 8e pisse5.C $"e smile 1a5e5 1rom "is 1a3e. A$"at is an un5erstatement.C He looke5 at me. ADou 5on?t un5erstan5@ 5o youBC A:n5erstan5 %"atBC 9 aske5. A=it"out Hean2!lau5e?s 8a3kin-@ 7ar3us 5oesn?t stan5 a 3"an3e o1 1or3in- t"e rest o1 t"e s"apes"i1ters un5er "is 3ontrol. His 5reams o1 empire 8uil5in- are 1inis"e5.C A91 "e 5oesn?t stan5 a 3"an3e@ %"y is e)eryone so %orrie5BC Louie -a)e a sa5 smile. A="at 7ar3us 3an?t 3ontrol@ "e "as a ten5en3y to kill.C ADou mean "e?5 start a %arBC ADes.C A/ot >ust %it" <i3"ar5 an5 t"e pa3k@ you mean@ 8ut an all2out %ar %it" all t"e ot"er s"apes"i1ters in to%nBC Louie no55e5. A,*3ept t"e %ereleopar5s. Ga8riel is t"eir lea5er an5 "e si5es %it" <aina.C 9 t"ou-"t a8out it 1or a se3on5 or t%o. AS%eet Hesus@ it %oul5 8e a 8loo58at".C AAn5 t"ere?5 8e no %ay o1 3ontainin- it@ Anita. Some o1 it %oul5 spill o)er onto t"e normal %orl5. $"ere are still t"ree states in t"is 3ountry t"at %ill pay "un5re5s o1 5ollars in 8ounty 1or a 5ea5 s"apes"i1ter@ no ;uestions aske5. A %ar like t"is 3oul5 make t"e pra3ti3e look pra3ti3al.C A4o you t%o "a)e somet"in- 8etter to 5oBC !"ristine aske5. 9 %as 8e-innin- not to like "er. 9t %as s"e t"at kno3ke5 on t"e 5oor an5 interrupte5 <i3"ar5 an5 me. 'rankly@ 1or t"at 9 %as sort o1 -rate1ul. $"e t"ou-"t o1 e)eryone "earin- us -o 1urt"er %oul5 "a)e 8een too em8arrassin- 1or %or5s. Louie mo)e5 8a3k to sit on t"e 1loor %it" t"e ot"ers. 9 staye5 leanin- a-ainst t"e %all@ sippin- my 3o11ee. AAre you -oin- to >oin usBC s"e aske5. A9?m 1ine %"ere 9 am@C 9 sai5. A$oo -oo5 to sit %it" usBC a man in "is late t"irties %it" 5ark 8lue eyes aske5. He %as a8out 1i)e 1oot ei-"tG it %as "ar5 to tell %it" "im sittin- on t"e 1loor. He %as 5resse5 in a suit@ 3omplete %it" tie@ as i1 "e %as on "is %ay to %ork. His name %as /eal. A/ot -oo5 enou-"@C 9 sai5@ Anot -oo5 enou-" 8y "al1.C A="at t"e "ell?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC "e aske5. A9 5on?t like "a)in- a normal "ere.C ALea)e it alone@ /eal@C <i3"ar5 sai5.

A="yB S"e?s lau-"in- at us.C <i3"ar5 -lan3e5 8a3k at me 1rom "is 3orner o1 t"e 3ou3". A!ome >oin us@ AnitaBC Syl)ie %as sittin- 8esi5e <i3"ar5@ not too 3lose@ 8ut still@ t"ere %as not enou-" room 1or me. <a1ael sat on t"e en5 o1 t"e 3ou3"@ spine strai-"t@ ankle proppe5 on one knee. A!ou3" looks 1ull@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 "el5 out "is "an5 to me. A=e?ll make room.C AS"e isn?t e)en pa3k@C Syl)ie sai5. A9 %on?t -i)e up my seat to "er. /o o11ense to you@ Anita@ you 5on?t kno% any 8etter.C Her )oi3e %as matter2o121a3t@ not "ostile@ 8ut t"e look s"e -a)e <i3"ar5 %asn?t e*a3tly 1rien5ly. A/o o11ense taken@C 9 sai5. 9 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 to sit on t"e 3ou3" surroun5e5 8y ly3ant"ropes any%ay. ,)en suppose5ly 1rien5ly ones. ,)eryone in t"e room %as stron-er an5 1aster t"an 9 %as@ >ust a 1a3t. $"e only le- up 9 "a5 %as t"e -un. 91 9 sat ri-"t 8esi5e t"em@ 9?5 ne)er -et it out in time. A9 %ant my -irl1rien5 to sit %it" me@ Syl)ie@ t"at?s all@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9t isn?t meant as a 3"allen-e to your position in t"e lukoi.C His )oi3e soun5e5 patient like "e %as talkin- to a 3"il5. A="at 5i5 you sayBC Syl)ie aske5. S"e looke5 s"o3ke5. A=e are t"e lukoi. Anita kno%s t"at.C ADou s"are5 our %or5s %it" "erBC /eal sai5@ outra-e t"i3k in "is )oi3e. 9 %ante5 to say t"at it %as >ust %or5s@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. ="o says 9?m not -ettin- smarterB A$"ere %as a time %"en s"arin- our se3rets %it" normals 3oul5 -et you a 5eat" senten3e@C Syl)ie sai5. A,)en 7ar3us 5oesn?t allo% t"at anymore.C AHo% mu3" o1 our se3rets 5o you kno%@ "umanBC 9 s"ru--e5. AA 1e% %or5s@ t"at?s all.C Syl)ie stare5 at me. ADou %ant your "uman -irl1rien5 to 3u55le up ne*t to you@ is t"at it@ <i3"ar5BC ADes@C "e sai5. $"ere %as no tra3e o1 an-er in "is )oi3e. Personally@ 9 5i5n?t like t"e %ay s"e?5 sai5 A"uman.C Syl)ie knelt on t"e 3ou3"@ starin- at me. A!ome "uman@ sit %it" us.C 9 stare5 at "er. A="y t"e 3"an-e o1 "eartBC A/ot e)eryt"in- "as to 5o %it" t"e pa3k "ierar3"y. $"at?s %"at <i3"ar5 is al%ays tellin- us. Sit 8y your lo)er. 9?ll s3oot o)er.C S"e 5i5@ 3urlin- up on t"e 3ou3"@ near <a1ael. $"e <at Kin- -lan3e5 at me. He raise5 an eye8ro%@ almost a s"ru-. 9 5i5n?t trust Syl)ie@ 8ut 9 truste5 <a1ael@ an5 9 truste5 <i3"ar5@ at least "ere@ to5ay. 9 realiEe5 t"at 9 %oul5 "a)e truste5 <a1ael last ni-"t. He %oul5n?t "a)e t"e moral ;ualms t"at <i3"ar5 "a5. Poor <i3"ar5 %as like a lone )oi3e 3ryin- in t"e %il5erness. Go5 "elp me@ 9 a-ree5 %it" t"e pa-ans. Louie an5 Step"en %ere 3urle5 on t"e 1loor@ 3lose 8y. 9 %as amon- 1rien5s. ,)en Hason@ -rinnin- up at me@ %oul5n?t let me -et "urt. Hason %as Hean2!lau5e?s %ol1 to 3all@ as %as Step"en. 9 t"ink i1 t"ey let me -et kille5@ t"ey mi-"t not sur)i)e mu3" lon-er t"an 9 5i5. AAnitaBC <i3"ar5 ma5e it a ;uestion. 9 si-"e5 an5 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all. 9 %as amon- 1rien5s@ so %"y %ere t"e mus3les in my 8a3k so ti-"t it "urt to mo)eB Paranoi5B ="o meB 9 %alke5 aroun5 t"e 3ou3"@ 3o11ee mu- in my le1t "an5. Syl)ie patte5 t"e 3ou3"@ smilin-@ 8ut not like s"e meant it. 9 sat 8esi5e <i3"ar5. His arm sli5 o)er my s"oul5ers. 7y ri-"t arm %as presse5 a-ainst "is si5e@ not too ti-"tly. He kne% "o% mu3" 9 "ate5 "a)in- my -un "an5 impe5e5. Leanin- into t"e %armt" o1 "is 8o5y@ 9 rela*e5. $"e ti-"tness in my s"oul5ers ease5. 9 took a sip o1 3o11ee. =e %ere all 8ein- terri8ly 3i)iliEe5. <i3"ar5 put "is lips a-ainst my 1a3e@ an5 %"ispere5@ A$"ank you.C $"ose t%o %or5s earne5 "im a lot o1 8ro%nie points. He kne% %"at it "a5 3ost me to sit 5o%n amon- t"e %ol)es@ rats@ an5 3ats. /ot sittin- %it" "im %oul5 "a)e un5ermine5 "im in 1ront o1 t"e pa3k an5 t"e ot"er lea5ers. 9 %asn?t "ere to make t"e situation %orse. A="o sa)e5 you last ni-"t@ Step"enBC Syl)ie aske5. Her )oi3e %as s%eet@ 1a3e pleasant. 9 5i5n?t trust "er at all. ,)ery eye turne5 to Step"en. He trie5 to "u55le into t"e 1loor@ as i1 "e 3oul5 -o in)isi8le@ 8ut it 5i5n?t %ork. He stare5 at <i3"ar5@ eyes %i5e. AGo a"ea5@ Step"en@ tell t"e trut". 9 %on?t 8e ma5.C

Step"en s%allo%e5. AAnita sa)e5 me.C A<i3"ar5 %as 1i-"tin- a8out t%enty ly3ant"ropes at t"e time@C 9 sai5. AHe tol5 me to -et Step"en@ so 9 5i5.C /eal sni11e5 Step"en@ runnin- "is nose >ust a8o)e t"e ot"er man?s 1a3e an5 ne3k@ 5o%n "is s"oul5er. 9t %asn?t a "uman -esture@ an5 it %as unner)in- in t"e %ell25resse5 man. AHe "as "er s3ent on "is skin.C /eal -lare5 at me. AHe?s 8een %it" "er.C 9 e*pe3te5 an out3ry@ 8ut instea5@ t"e ot"ers 3ro%5e5 aroun5 Step"en@ sni11in- "is skin@ tou3"in- "im@ an5 8rin-in- t"eir 1in-ers 3lose to t"eir o%n 1a3es. #nly Syl)ie@ Hason@ <a1ael@ an5 Louie staye5 sittin-. #ne 8y one@ t"e rest turne5 to <i3"ar5 an5 me. AHe?s ri-"t@C !"ristine sai5. AHer s3ent 3lin-s to "is skin. Dou 5on?t -et t"at mu3" s3ent >ust 8y 3arryin- someone.C <i3"ar5?s "an5 ti-"tene5 on my s"oul5er. 9 -lan3e5 at "is 1a3e. 9t %as 3alm@ only a sli-"t ti-"tness aroun5 t"e eyes 8etraye5 tension. A9 %as patrollin- t"e %oo5s 1or assassins@C <i3"ar5 sai5. AStep"en 5i5n?t %ant to 8e alone. 9 sent "im to Anita.C A=e kno% a8out t"e assassination attempts@C Syl)ie sai5. 9 %i5ene5 my eyes. ADou 5o@ 5o youBC A<i3"ar5 %ants us to "elp prote3t you. 91 %e?re -oin- to take a 8ullet 1or you@ %e nee5 to kno% %"y.C 9 met "er eyes. Her pretty 1a3e %as "ars"@ t"e 8ones in "er 3"eeks stan5in- out. A9?m not askin- anyone to take my 8ullet@C 9 sai5. 9 s3oote5 out 1rom un5er <i3"ar5?s arm@ %"i3" put me 3loser to Syl)ie@ not an impro)ement. <i3"ar5 5i5n?t 1i-"t it. He 5re% "is arm 8a3k. A9 s"oul5 "a)e talke5 to you 8e1ore 9 tol5 t"em.C A4amn strai-"t@C 9 sai5. Syl)ie leane5 "er arms on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 3ou3"@ 8rin-in- "er 1a3e in3"es 1rom mine. AAre you -oin- to 3"astise our %oul528e pa3k lea5er@ "umanBC ADou say "uman like it?s a 8a5 t"in-@ Syl)ie. HealousBC S"e 5re% 8a3k like 9?5 "it "er. A look t"at %as part pain@ part ra-e passe5 a3ross "er 1a3e. A7ost o1 us "ere sur)i)e5 an atta3k@ "uman. =e 5i5 not 3"oose t"is.C Her )oi3e %as 3"okin-ly "ars". 9?5 e*pe3te5 a lot o1 t"in-s 1rom "er@ 8ut not t"e pain o1 a sur)i)or. 9 %as sorry 9?5 ma5e t"e 3ra3k. A9?m sorry. 9 5i5n?t mean anyt"in- personal 8y it.C ADou "a)e no i5ea "o% personal it is.C A$"at?s enou-"@ Syl)ie@C <i3"ar5 sai5. S"e rose on "er knees to meet <i3"ar5?s 1a3e o)er my "ea5. A4on?t you e)en "a)e t"e 8alls to 8e an-ry t"at s"e slept %it" a su8or5inate maleBC A=ait a minute@C 9 sai5. AStep"en an5 9 5i5 not "a)e se*. =e literally slept to-et"er@ not"in- else.C /eal plun-e5 "is 1a3e into Step"en?s 3rot3" an5 sni11e5. 9t %asn?t a "uman -esture. Step"en let "im 5o it@ an5 t"at %asn?t )ery "uman@ eit"er. Hason leane5 in@ sni11in- my le-. 9 put my 3o11ee 3up on my knee@ in 1ront o1 "is 1a3e. A4on?t e)en t"ink it@C 9 sai5. Hason -rinne5 up at me. A!an?t 8lame a -uy 1or tryin-.C A9 3an@C <i3"ar5 sai5 so1tly. Hason smile5 at "im an5 s3oote5 8a3k. /eal raise5 "is 1a3e an5 s"ook "is "ea5. A$"ey 5i5n?t "a)e se*.C AHe sai5 s"e?5 prote3t me@C Step"en sai5. $"e silen3e -re% so t"i3k you 3oul5 "a)e %alke5 on it. A9s t"at %"at you sai5BC Syl)ie aske5. S"e %as starin- at <i3"ar5 like "e?5 5one somet"in- )ery 8a5. <i3"ar5 took a 5eep enou-" 8reat" t"at "is s"oul5ers s"u55ere5. ADes@ t"at?s %"at 9 sai5.C AStep"en@C Syl)ie sai5@ A4i5 you 8elie)e s"e?5 prote3t youB 91 <aina "a5 3ome t"rou-" t"e 5oor@ %oul5 you "a)e truste5 Anita to sa)e youBC Step"en looke5 at t"e 1loor@ t"en up@ "is eyes 5arte5 to <i3"ar5@ t"en to me. His eyes 1inally stoppe5@ starin- at me. AS"e "a5 me sleep near t"e %all so s"e?5 8e in 1ront in 3ase anyt"in- 3ame t"rou-" t"e 5oor.C An5 9?5 t"ou-"t 9?5 8een su8tle. A="at %oul5 you "a)e 5one i1 <aina "a5 3omeBC Syl)ie aske5.

,)eryone %as %at3"in- me@ e*3ept <i3"ar5. $"eir eyes %ere )ery intent@ an5 9 kne% t"e ;uestion meant more t"an it s"oul5 "a)e. A9?5 "a)e kille5 "er.C A/ot >ust s"ot "er or %oun5e5 "erBC !"ristine aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. AS"e -ot "er 1ree pass last ni-"t. 91 s"e 3omes a1ter Step"en a-ain@ 9?ll kill "er.C ADou mean t"at@ 5on?t youBC Syl)ie sai5. A,)ery %or5@C 9 sai5. $"ere %as a "um o1 ener-y in t"e room@ almost as i1 t"ey %ere all s"arin- some telepat"i3 messa-e. 9 5on?t t"ink t"ey %ere@ 8ut somet"in- %as "appenin-. $"e ener-y le)el in t"e room %as risin-@ an5 9 5i5n?t like it. 9 sat t"e 3o11ee mu- on t"e 1loor. 9 %ante5 8ot" my "an5s 1ree. Syl)ie -ra88e5 me aroun5 t"e %aist an5 rolle5 us o11 t"e 3ou3". =e %ere on t"e 1loor %it" "er ri5in- my 8a3k 8e1ore 9 3oul5 rea3t. 9 %ent 1or t"e -un@ an5 "er "an5 %as t"ere 1irst. S"e >erke5 t"e -un out o1 its "olster an5 tosse5 it a%ay. S"e %asn?t 1ast@ s"e %as mira3ulous@ an5 9 %as in 5eeper s"it t"an 9 3oul5 -et out o1. $"e 8en5 o1 "er arm %as tu3ke5 un5er my 3"in like in a stran-le "ol5@ positione5 >ust ri-"t so s"e 3oul5 8la3k me out %it"out killin- me. Her le-s lo3ke5 aroun5 my %aist@ as 3lose as s"e 3oul5 -et an5 not 3lim8 5o%n my s"irt. A "al1 5oEen %ere%ol)es 1lo%e5 8et%een "er an5 <i3"ar5. He %as stan5in-@ "an5s in 1ists at "is si5e. His po%er poure5 t"rou-" t"e room@ 5eeper an5 "i-"er@ until it %as like 8ein- 8urie5 ali)e in some kin5 o1 stati3 3"ar-e. A4on?t@C 9 %"ispere5. 9 %asn?t talkin- to <i3"ar5. 9 1elt somet"in- open insi5e Syl)ie@ a trem8lin-@ )i8ratin- ener-y 1lo%e5 1rom "er skin a3ross my 8o5y. 9t %as almost "ot@ like openin- t"e 5oor to an o)en. ="ere "er skin tou3"e5 me@ 9 s"i)ere5. 9t %as pain1ul@ like small ele3tri3 s"o3ks. A="at are you 5oin-@ Syl)ieBC <i3"ar5 aske5. His )oi3e "a5 -one lo% an5 -ro%lin- 5eepG it 5i5n?t soun5 "uman. 9 e*pe3te5 "is eyes to 8e am8er@ 8ut t"ey %ere t"e same soli5 8ro%n as al%ays. Human eyes@ 8ut t"e look in t"em %as not. $"e 8east stare5 out o1 <i3"ar5?s eyes. 9 kne% in t"at moment t"at "e %as truly 5an-erous. 9 also kne% t"at all t"at impressi)e po%er %oul5n?t sa)e me i1 Syl)ie %ante5 to rip my "ea5 o11. 7y pulse t"u55e5 a-ainst "er arm like a trappe5 8utter1ly. 9 1or3e5 my )oi3e 3alm. A="at?s -oin- onBC A9?m -oin- to make you "is mate.C ADou?re not 3onta-ious in "uman 1orm@C 9 sai5. A<eallyBC s"e sai5. $"e arm aroun5 my t"roat -re% %arm@ pulsin- like a 8eatin- "eart. 9 1elt t"e mus3les sli5e un5er "er skin. A<i3"ar5.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 "i-" an5 %ispy. 'ear %ill 5o t"at to you. <a1ael an5 Louie %ere on t"eir 1eet no%. $"e %ere%ol)es t"at "a5 >oine5 Syl)ie in t"is little protest 1anne5 out to 3o)er t"e rats@ too. 9 3oul5n?t see Step"en. He %as some%"ere 8e"in5 us@ 3rou3"e5 on t"e 1loor@ last 9 sa%. Hason 3rou3"e5 at <i3"ar5?s 1eet@ 1a3in- t"e ot"er %ere%ol)es. But at least ten o1 t"em >ust sat t"ere@ %at3"in-@ not takinsi5es. ADou?)e 8een "ol5in- out on us@C Hason sai5. Syl)ie 1le*e5 t"e arm aroun5 my ne3k. 9 "a5 a -limpse o1 a lon-23la%e5 "an5. A#nly <aina is "i-"er in t"e pa3k t"an 9 am@ Hason.C <i3"ar5 1a3e5 t"e %ere%ol)es. He 8rou-"t "is "an5s up%ar5@ makin- a soot"in- -esture like "e?5 5one at t"e mo)ie set. $"e pri3klin- ener-y in t"e room %ent 5o%n a not3". He %as 1or3in- t"eir po%er 8a3k. AAll it takes is a s3rat3"@ <i3"ar5@C Syl)ie sai5. ADou?ll ne)er rea3" us in time.C A9 1or8i5 t"is@C <i3"ar5 -ro%le5. A/o one is to 8e in1e3te5 a-ainst t"eir %ill. ,spe3ially Anita.C A="yBC Syl)ie sai5. ABe3ause i1 s"e %asn?t "uman@ you %oul5n?t %ant "erB /ot takin- t"e pa3k to your 8e5 is >ust anot"er %ay o1 5enyin- %"at you are@ <i3"ar5.C Somet"in- passe5 o)er "is 1a3e 8e"in5 t"e an-er an5 t"e po%erJ un3ertainty. 9 kne% in t"at moment s"e %as ri-"t. Syl)ie %"ispere5 in my ear@ "er 8reat" %arm on my 1a3e. ASee "is 1a3e.C ADea"@C 9 sai5. AHe a33uses you o1 not 8ein- a8le to sleep %it" "im 8e3ause you t"ink "e?s a monster@ 8ut i1 9 make you one o1 us@ "e %on?t %ant you. He t"inks o1 all o1 us as monsters@ 8ut not -oo5 ol5 <i3"ar5. He?s 8etter t"an t"e rest o1 us.C A9 %ill "urt you@ Syl)ie. 9?ll 8lee5 you@ 5o you un5erstan5@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ABut you %on?t kill me@ %ill youBC s"e sai5. Her arm 1le*e5@ lon- 3la%s ti3kle5 5o%n my 1a3e. 9 put my "an5s on "er arm@ tryin- to "ol5 it a%ay 1rom me@ an5 not su33ee5in-. A9?ll kill you@C 9 sai5.

S"e %ent )ery still a-ainst my 8o5y. A'or 3"an-in- you into one o1 usB 'or losin- you <i3"ar5?s lo)e %"en "e sees you monstrous an5 1urryBC 9 spoke )ery lo%@ )ery 3are1ully. ADou "ate %"at you are@ Syl)ie.C Her arm 3on)ulse5 ti-"t enou-" t"at 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e 1or a se3on5. A9 5on?t "ate %"at 9 am. 9 a33ept %"at 9 am.C Her arm loosene5. 9 took a s"aky 8reat" an5 trie5 a-ain. A9 sa% t"e look on your 1a3e %"en 9 a33use5 you o1 8ein- >ealous. Dou are >ealous o1 me 8ein- "uman@ Syl)ie. Dou kno% you are.C S"e "el5 "er ot"er "an5 up in 1ront o1 my 1a3e@ lettin- me -et a -oo5 look at t"e lon-@ t"in 3la%s. $"e "an5 at my t"roat 3om8e5 3la%s t"rou-" my "air. ADou kno% t"at <aina "as 1or8i55en us to make you lukoi. S"e?s a1rai5 i1 you >oine5 us@ you?5 8e a 8etter 8it3" t"an s"e is.C AHo% 1latterin-@C 9 %"ispere5. 9 looke5 at <i3"ar5 t"rou-" t"e 8a3ks o1 t"e %ere%ol)es. His eyes "a5 -one am8er an5 alien. ,)en no%@ 9 kne%@ "e %oul5n?t kill Syl)ie. ,)en i1 s"e 8le5 me@ in1e3te5 me@ "e %oul5n?t kill "er. 9t %as t"ere in t"e pain on "is 1a3e. $"e 3on1usion repla3in- t"e 1ear. 7ay8e Syl)ie sa% it. 7ay8e s"e?5 ma5e "er point. ="ate)er@ s"e un3urle5 "ersel1 1rom my 8o5y an5 stoo5 3are1ully on t"e ot"er si5e o1 me. 9 s3uttle5 a%ay on all 1ours as 1ast as 9 3oul5 -o. 9t %asn?t pretty@ it %asn?t sli3k@ 8ut it %as e11e3ti)e. 9 3ra%le5 until 9 3ame to t"e 1ar %all. 9 staye5 sittin- a-ainst it@ as 1ar a%ay 1rom e)eryt"in- in t"e room as 9 3oul5 -et. $"e ot"er %ere%ol)es "a5 1a5e5 a%ay. Syl)ie an5 <i3"ar5 stoo5 1a3in- ea3" ot"er. Syl)ie?s eyes "a5 -one a stran-e li;ui5 -rey@ %ol1 eyes. <i3"ar5 1lun- "is po%er out%ar5. 9t ate alon- my skin@ tore a -asp 1rom my t"roat. Syl)ie stoo5 in t"at 1loo5 o1 po%er an5 5i5n?t 1lin3". A$"e po%er is impressi)e@ <i3"ar5@ 8ut it means not"in- as lon- as 7ar3us li)es.C He 8a3k"an5e5 "er@ in a 8lur o1 motion t"at %as too 1ast to 1ollo%. Syl)ie 3areene5 into t"e %all an5 sli5 to t"e 1loor@ stunne5. A9 am pa3k lea5er@C <i3"ar5?s )oi3e roare5@ an5 "e raise5 3la%e5 "an5s to t"e sky. He 1ell to "is knees@ an5 9 5i5n?t -o to "elp. 9 staye5 "u55le5 a-ainst t"e %all@ %is"in- 9?5 pa3ke5 an e*tra -un. <i3"ar5 3rou3"e5 on t"e 1loor@ ro3kin- -ently. He 3urle5 on "is knees into a 8all@ an5 9 1elt "im s%allo% t"e po%er 8a3k. 9 1elt it 5rain a%ay. He staye5 3rou3"e5 on t"e 1loor@ "u--in- "imsel1 1or a lon- time a1ter t"e po%er )anis"e5 1rom t"e room@ "ea5 5o%n@ "is "air "i5in- "is 1a3e. Syl)ie -ot to "er knees an5 3ra%le5 to%ar5s "im. S"e 3rou3"e5 8esi5e "im@ smoot"in- "is "air 8a3k on one si5e. A=e %oul5 1ollo% you any%"ere i1 you %oul5 kill 1or us. S"e %ill kill 1or us. 91 your mate@ your lupa@ %ill kill 1or us@ it mi-"t 8e enou-".C <i3"ar5 raise5 "is "ea5 up %it" a s"u55er. A/o one is to 8e in1e3te5 a-ainst t"eir %ill@ t"at is my %or5@ an5 my or5er.C He raise5 8a3k on "is knees. Syl)ie staye5 3rou3"e5 5o%n@ 1a3e near t"e 1loor@ a si-n o1 a8asement. ABut you %ill not kill to en1or3e it.C A9 %ill kill to prote3t Anita@C <a1ael sai5. ,)eryone looke5 at "im. He met t"eir eyes an5 5i5n?t 8a3k 5o%n. A91 anyone tou3"es "er a-ainst "er %ill@ 9 an5 mine %ill "unt t"em 5o%n.C A<a1ael@C <i3"ar5 sai5@ A5on?t 5o t"is.C He stare5 at <i3"ar5. ADou 8rin- a "uman amon- us@ 8ut you 5o not prote3t "er. Someone "as to.C 9 %ante5 to say 9 3oul5 prote3t mysel1@ 8ut it %asn?t true. 9 %as -oo5@ 8ut 9 %as >ust "uman. 9t %asn?t enou-". A9 3an?t let you 5o my 5irty %ork 1or me@C "e sai5. A9 am your 1rien5@ <i3"ar5@C <a1ael sai5. A9 5o not min5.C Syl)ie "u--e5 t"e -roun5 at <i3"ar5?s 1eet. A=ill you let t"e <at Kin- kill your pa3kB 9s "e our lea5er no%BC He stare5 5o%n at "er@ an5 somet"in- "appene5 to "is 1a3e@ not ot"er%orl5ly@ or %ol1@ 8ut a "ar5ness@ almost a sa5ness passe5 o)er "im. 9 %at3"e5 it@ an5 9 5i5n?t like it. 91 9?5 "a5 my -un@ 9 mi-"t "a)e s"ot Syl)ie 1or makin- t"at look pass o)er "is 1a3e. A9 %ill kill anyone %"o 8reaks my %or5. 9 "a)e spoken@ an5 it is la%.C Syl)ie a8ase5 "ersel1 e)en lo%er@ an5 t"e ot"er %ol)es 3ame 3ro%5in- aroun5@ 3ra%lin- on t"e 1loor@ a8asin- t"emsel)es in 1ront o1 "im. Some o1 t"em li3ke5 "is "an5s@ tou3"e5 "is 8o5y. $"ey mo)e5 aroun5 "im until "e %as nearly "i55en 1rom si-"t.

<i3"ar5 stoo5 up@ %alkin- t"rou-" t"em@ t"eir "an5s 3lin-in- to "is le-s. He 8ent 5o%n an5 pi3ke5 up t"e 'irestar 1rom t"e 1loor an5 %alke5 o)er to me. He looke5 normal enou-"@ all t"e %ol1is" 3"an-es "i55en a%ay. He "an5e5 me t"e -un@ 8utt 1irst. AAre you all ri-"tBC 9 3ra5le5 t"e -un in 8ot" "an5s. ASure.C A9 )alue your "umanity@ Anita. Syl)ie?s ri-"t. Ho% 3an 9 ask you to em8ra3e my 8east@ %"en 9 3an?t 5o it mysel1BC $"e pain on "is 1a3e %as "eartren5in-. A9 %ill kill to keep you sa1e. 4oes t"at make you "appyBC 9 stare5 up at "im. A/o@C 9 sai5. A9 t"ou-"t it %oul5@ 8ut no.C 9 1elt like <a1ael@ 9?5 kill 1or "im. 9?5 kill to keep t"e pain out o1 "is eyes. 9 "olstere5 t"e -un an5 raise5 my ri-"t "an5 to "im. His eyes %i5ene5. He un5erstoo5 t"e -esture. He took my "an5 an5 raise5 me to my 1eet. He 5re% me %it" "im to%ar5s t"e %aitin- %ol)es. 9 "un- 8a3k@ pullin- on "is "an5. A9 sai5 9?5 kill 1or you@ Anita.C His )oi3e %as so1t an5 "ars" at t"e same time. A4on?t you 8elie)e 9?5 5o itBC His eyes %ere utterly sa5. 9t %as like somet"in- insi5e o1 "im t"at "e?5 kept ali)e all t"ese years %as 5ea5 no%. 9 8elie)e5 t"e look in "is eyes. He %oul5 kill to prote3t me@ an5 t"e 5e3ision "a5 3ost "im 5early. $"e %ere%ol)es 3lose5 aroun5 us. 9 %oul5 "a)e sai5 t"ey 3ra%le5 aroun5 us@ 8ut t"at 5i5n?t 3o)er %"at t"ey %ere 5oin-. !ra%lin- %asn?t -ra3e1ul@ or sensuous@ 8ut t"is %as. $"ey mo)e5 like t"ey "a5 mus3les in pla3es t"at people 5i5n?t. $"ey 3ir3le5 us an5 rolle5 t"eir eyes up at us. ="en 9 met t"ose eyes@ t"ey looke5 a%ay@ all e*3ept Syl)ie. S"e met my -aEe an5 "el5 it. 9t %as a 3"allen-e@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure %"at 9 %as suppose5 to 5o a8out it. A "an5 tou3"e5 me@ an5 9 >erke5 a%ay 1rom it. #nly <i3"ar5?s "an5 on mine kept me 1rom -oin- 1or my -un. He "el5 8ot" my "an5s in "is an5 5re% me to "im@ our 8o5ies not ;uite tou3"in-. He met my eyes an5 "el5 t"em. He %asn?t a1rai5. 9 trie5 to rela*@ 8ut it %asn?t %orkin-. A$"is is my lupa. Kno% "er s3ent@ kno% "er skin. S"e "as s"e5 our 8loo5@ an5 s"e5 "er 8loo5 1or us. S"e stan5s as prote3tor 1or t"ose %eaker t"an "ersel1. S"e %ill kill 1or us@ i1 %e ask. S"e is your alp"a.C Syl)ie an5 /eal stoo5 up. $"ey 8ot" mo)e5 out o1 t"e 3ir3le. $"ey stoo5@ starin- at me@ at <i3"ar5. $"e ot"ers 3rou3"e5 on t"e 1loor@ %at3"in-. AS"e is not 5ominant to me@C Syl)ie sai5. AS"e is not e)en one o1 us@C /eal sai5@ A9 %on?t 8o% to "er. 9 3oul5 8reak "er in "al1 %it" one "an5.C He s"ook "is "ea5. AS"e isn?t my alp"a.C A="at?s "appenin-@ <i3"ar5BC 9 aske5. A9 trie5 to 8rin- you into t"e pa3k@ make you one o1 us %it"out 3ontaminatin- you.C A="yBC 9 aske5. A91 you?re -oin- to prote3t Step"en@ t"en you 5eser)e t"e prote3tion o1 t"e pa3k. 91 you?re -oin- to take risks 1or us@ t"en you 5eser)e to "a)e t"e 8ene1its o1 our prote3tion.C A/o o11ense@C 9 sai5@ A8ut 9 "a)en?t 8een too impresse5 %it" your prote3tion so 1ar.C $"e minute 9 sai5 it@ 9 %is"e5 9 "a5n?t. His 1a3e 1ell. ADou ma5e it personal last ni-"t %it" <aina@ Anita. Dou "a)e no i5ea "o% 5an-erous s"e is. 9 %ante5 you to "a)e e)eryone?s prote3tion in 3ase somet"in- "appene5 to me.C 9 looke5 up at "im. ADou %ill kill 7ar3us i1 "e >umps you@ ri-"tB /o more 8ein- s;ueamis".C 9 tou3"e5 "is arm. 9 stu5ie5 "is 1a3e. AAns%er me@ <i3"ar5.C He no55e5@ 1inally. A9 %on?t let "im kill me.C ADou %ill kill "imG promise me.C His >a% ti-"tene5@ t"e mus3le t"rummin-. A9 promise.C A=ell@ "allelu>a"@C Syl)ie sai5. S"e stare5 at me. A9 %it"5ra% my 3"allen-e. Dou aren?t 5ominant to me@ 8ut you 3an 8e "is alp"a 1emale. Dou?re a -oo5 in1luen3e on "im.C S"e steppe5 8a3k into t"e 3ir3le@ 8ut 5i5n?t kneel. A!ome on /eal@C s"e sai5@ Alet it -o.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ s"e isn?t one o1 us. S"e 3an?t 8e. 9 %on?t a3kno%le5-e "er as alp"a.C AAll you "a)e to 5o is pro)e to /eal t"at you?re serious@C Syl)ie sai5. ADou >ust "a)e to make "im "urt a little.C ASin3e "e 3oul5 pro8a8ly sur)i)e a 5ire3t "it %it" a ma3k tru3k@ "o% am 9 suppose5 to "urt "imBC S"e s"ru--e5. A9 5i5n?t t"ink anyone %oul5 3"allen-e you. 9?m sorry@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ADou e*pe3t people to 8e ni3e@ <i3"ar5. 9t?s one o1 your 8est ;ualities an5 -reatest %eaknesses@C 9 sai5. A<e1use t"e 3"allen-e@ Anita.C

A91 9 re1use@ t"en %"atBC A9t?s o)er. Dou %on?t 8e a mem8er o1 t"e pa3k@ 8ut 9 3an or5er t"em to prote3t you 1rom <aina. 9t?s almost as -oo5.C A9 tol5 you@ 9 5on?t %ant anyone 8ein- or5ere5 to take a 8ullet 1or me. Besi5es@ no %ay am 9 )olunteerin- to -o one on one %it" a ly3ant"rope. 9?ll keep my -un@ t"anks any%ay.C $"e 5oor8ell ran-. 9t %as pro8a8ly ,5%ar5. 4amn. 9 looke5 at t"e little -roup@ an5 e)en t"ou-" t"ey %ere in "uman 1orm@ "e?5 kno% %"at t"ey %ere. He %as 8etter at smellin- monsters t"an 9 %as@ at least li)e ones. A91 you -uys 3an tone it 5o%n a 8it@ 9?ll -et t"e 5oor.C A,5%ar5BC <i3"ar5 ma5e it a ;uestion. APro8a8ly@C 9 sai5. He stare5 aroun5 at t"e -roup. A,)ery8o5y up o11 t"e 1loor. He?s anot"er normal.C $"ey -ot to t"eir 1eet@ slo%ly@ almost relu3tantly. $"ey seeme5 almost into*i3ate5@ as i1 t"e po%er in t"e room "a5 5one more 1or t"em t"an 1or me. 9 %ent 1or t"e 5oor. 9 %as "al1%ay to it %"en <i3"ar5 yelle5@ A/oIC 9 5roppe5 to t"e -roun5@ rollin-@ an5 1elt t"e air %"istlin- o)er me %"ere /eal "a5 s%un-. 91 "e?5 8een any -oo5 at 1i-"tin-@ "e?5 "a)e naile5 me. $"e misse5 s%in- put "im o11 8alan3e@ an5 9 1oot2s%ept "im to t"e 1loor@ 8ut "e -ot to "is 1eet a-ain 8e1ore 9 3oul5 stan5@ like t"ere %ere sprin-s in "is spine. 9t %as impressi)e as "ell. AStop it@ /eal@C Syl)ie sai5. AS"e 5i5n?t re1use t"e 3"allen-e. 9t?s my ri-"t.C 9 s3uttle5 8a3k%ar5s@ still on t"e -roun5@ not sure %"at to 5o. $"e 3lose5 5rapes o1 t"e pi3ture %in5o% %ere at my 8a3k i1 9 stoo5 up. 9 %asn?t sure stan5in- up %as my 8est 8et. AGi)e me t"e rules@ ;ui3k@C 9 sai5. A'irst 8loo5@C Syl)ie sai5. AHuman 1orm only.C A91 "e s"apes"i1ts@ you 3an s"oot "im@C <i3"ar5 sai5. AA-ree5@C Syl)ie sai5@ ot"ers murmure5 t"eir a-reement. Pea3"y. /eal leape5 1or me@ lea)in- t"e -roun5 3ompletely@ "an5s outstret3"e5. 9 3ame up on one knee@ -ra88e5 "is >a3ket@ an5 rolle5 on my 8a3k@ lettin- "is amaEin- momentum 3arry us 8ot". 9 s"o)e5 8ot" 1eet into "is stoma3" an5 pus"e5 %it" e)eryt"in- 9 "a5. He 1le% o)er me in a near per1e3t ar3. He?5 set "imsel1 up 1or a te*t8ook tomoe2na-e t"ro%. He smas"e5 t"rou-" t"e %in5o%@ takin- t"e 3urtain %it" "im. 9 rolle5 to my 1eet an5 stare5 at t"e -apin- %in5o%. Broken s"ar5s o1 -lass sprinkle5 onto t"e 3arpet an5 t"e yar5 8eyon5. /eal stru--le5 out o1 t"e 3urtain@ 8loo5 runnin- 5o%n "is 1a3e %"ere t"e -lass "a5 3ut "im. ,5%ar5 %as on t"e -roun5 in a 3om8at stan3e@ -un out. He pointe5 it at /eal@ as "e stru--le5 1ree o1 t"e 3urtain. A4on?t s"oot "im@C 9 sai5. A9 t"ink t"e 1i-"t?s o)er.C /eal stoo5@ ki3kin- 1ree o1 t"e 3lin-in- 3urtain. A9?ll kill you.C 9 5re% t"e 'irestar an5 pointe5 it at "im. A9 5on?t t"ink so.C <i3"ar5 steppe5 up 8esi5e me. AS"e 5re% 1irst 8loo5@ /eal. $"e 1i-"t is o)er@ unless you %ant to 1i-"t me@ too.C AAn5 me@C Syl)ie sai5. S"e steppe5 up on t"e ot"er si5e o1 <i3"ar5. $"e rest o1 t"e pa3k steppe5 up 8e"in5 us. Step"en 3rou3"e5 at my 1eet. AS"e is pa3k no%@C Syl)ie sai5. ADou 1i-"t one o1 us@ an5 you 1i-"t all o1 us.C ,5%ar5 raise5 "is eye8ro%s at me. A="at is -oin- on@ AnitaBC A9 t"ink 9?)e 8een a5opte5@C 9 sai5. /eal -lare5 at me. A4o it@ /eal@C Syl)ie sai5. /eal knelt in t"e -lass an5 t"e 3urtain. $"e 3uts %ere alrea5y 8e-innin- to "eal on "is 1a3e. Glass %asn?t sil)er or t"e 3la%s o1 anot"er monster@ so "e "eale5 almost ma-i3ally. ADou are 5ominant. Dou are alp"a.C $"e %or5s %ere 5ra--e5 1rom "is t"roat. A91 t"is %in5o% "a5n?t 8een "ere@ you 3oul5n?t "a)e 8loo5ie5 me.C A="y 5o you t"ink 9 mo)e5 in 1ront o1 it@ /ealBC 9 aske5. His eyes s;uinte5. ADou planne5 t"isBC 9 no55e5 an5 raise5 my -un sky%ar5. A9?m not >ust anot"er pretty 1a3e.C <i3"ar5 took my le1t "an5@ s;ueeEin- it -ently. A$"at?s t"e Go5?s "onest trut".C 9 put up t"e 'irestar.

,5%ar5 s"ook "is "ea5@ smilin-@ 8ut 5i5n?t put "is -un up. He 5i5 stop pointin- it at anyone. ADou are t"e only person 9 kno% %"o lea5s a more interestin- li1e t"an 9 5o.C Hason patte5 me on t"e 8a3k. A$omorro% ni-"t %e?ll take you out 3"asin- 5eer.C A9 t"ou-"t you?5 3"ase 3ars@C 9 sai5. He -rinne5. A="at 1un is t"atB !ars 5on?t 8lee5.C 9 smile5@ an5 t"en stoppe5. His eyes %ere as inno3ent as sprin- skies@ as >oyous@ an5 starin- into t"em@ 9 %asn?t sure i1 "e %as ki55in- me or not. 9 almost aske5@ 8ut 5i5n?t. 9 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 to kno%.

Chapter Twelve
,5%ar5 %as 1i)e 1oot ei-"t@ %it" 8lon5 "air 3ut )ery s"ort an5 3lose to "is "ea5. He %as 8lue2eye5 an5 t"e epitome o1 =ASP 8ree5in-. He %as also t"e most 5an-erous man 9?5 e)er met@ li)in- or 5ea5. He %as amuse5 as "ell 8y t"e -at"erin- o1 ly3ant"ropes. $"e -roup 8roke up soon a1ter "is arri)al@ mainly 8e3ause all t"e 8usiness "a5 8een taken 3are o1. $"e meetin- "a5 mainly 8een a last25it3" e11ort to 3on)in3e <i3"ar5 to 3ompromise "is morals an5 kill someone. Barrin- t"at@ 1or "im to pi3k a lupa %"o %oul5 kill 1or "im. =e?5 sort o1 kille5 t%o 8ir5s %it" one stone@ pun inten5e5. But 9 %as )ery a%are t"at 9?5 -otten lu3ky %it" /eal. 91 "e?5 "a5 a 8a3k-roun5 in any martial art@ i1 "e?5 kno%n anyt"in- a8out 1i-"tin-@ 9?5 "a)e 8een toast. <i3"ar5 "a5 8oar5e5 up t"e 8roken %in5o% an5 "a5 a 3all in to a -lass repair s"op t"at %as %illin-@ 1or an e*or8itant 1ee@ to 3ome out an5 repair t"e 5ama-e imme5iately. 9?5 o11ere5 to pay 1or t"e 5ama-es sin3e 9 ma5e t"em. ,5%ar5@ <i3"ar5@ an5 9 sat aroun5 t"e kit3"en ta8le. ,5%ar5 an5 9 sippe5 3o11ee. <i3"ar5 5rank tea. #ne o1 "is 1e% serious 1aults %as a total 5islike o1 3o11ee. Har5 to trust a man %"o %on?t 5rink 3o11ee. A="at "a)e you 1oun5 outBC 9 aske5. ,5%ar5 sippe5 "is 3o11ee an5 s"ook "is "ea5. A/ot mu3". $"e 3ontra3t "as 8een pi3ke5 up.C A,)en %it" t"e time limitBC 9 aske5. He no55e5. A="en is t"e t%enty21our "ours upBC 9 aske5. ALet?s say t%o o?3lo3k. 9 -ot t"e o11er a8out one o?3lo3k last ni-"t@ 8ut %e?5 a55 an "our to 8e sa1e.C A$o 8e sa1e@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 t"ink it %as sar3asm. A="at?s %ron- %it" youBC 9 aske5. AAm 9 t"e only one in t"is room %"o?s %orrie5BC APani3kin- %on?t "elp@ <i3"ar5.C He stoo5 up@ emptyin- "is mu- in t"e sink an5 rinsin- it automati3ally. He turne5@ leanin- "is 8utt a-ainst t"e 3a8inets@ arms 3rosse5 o)er "is 3"est. ADou nee5 a 3lear "ea5 to planBC 9 no55e5. ADea".C He stare5 at us. 9 %at3"e5 "im t"inkin- a8out somet"in- serious. He 1inally sai5@ A9 5on?t un5erstan5 "o% t"e t%o o1 you 3an 8e 3alm. 9?m s"o3ke5 t"at someone "as put a 3ontra3t out on Anita. /eit"er o1 you is s"o3ke5.C 9 looke5 at ,5%ar5@ an5 "e looke5 8a3k at me. =e "a5 one o1 t"ose moments o1 per1e3t un5erstan5in-@ an5 9 kne% 9 3oul5n?t e*plain it to <i3"ar5. 9 %asn?t e)en sure 9 3oul5 e*plain it to mysel1. A9?)e staye5 ali)e t"is lon- 8e3ause 9 5on?t rea3t t"e %ay most people rea3t.C ADou?)e staye5 ali)e 8e3ause you?re %illin- to 5o t"in-s ot"er people aren?t.C 9 no55e5. A$"at@ too.C His 1a3e %as )ery serious@ like a little 8oy askin- a8out t"e 1a3ts o1 li1e. ALet me ask one stupi5 ;uestionG t"en 9?ll s"ut up.C 9 s"ru--e5. AAsk a%ay.C AAnita says s"e 5oesn?t en>oy killin-. $"at s"e 1eels not"in- %"en s"e kills.C 9 realiEe5 t"en t"at t"e ;uestion %as -oin- to 8e 1or ,5%ar5. 9 %asn?t sure "o% t"at %oul5 -o o)er. A4o you en>oy killin-BC ,5%ar5 sat )ery still in "is 3"air@ 5rinkin- "is 3o11ee ;uietly. His 8lue eyes %ere as neutral an5 unrea5a8le as any )ampire?s@ an5 in some %ays >ust as 5ea5. 9 %on5ere5 1or t"e 1irst time i1 my eyes e)er looke5 like t"at. A="y 5o you %ant to kno%BC A9 a-ree5 to kill 7ar3us@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9?)e ne)er kille5 anyone.C

,5%ar5 stare5 up at "im. He set "is 3o11ee 5o%n 3are1ully an5 met <i3"ar5?s eyes. ADes.C ADes@ you en>oy killin-BC <i3"ar5 aske5. ,5%ar5 no55e5. <i3"ar5 %as %aitin- 1or "im to e*plain. Dou 3oul5 see it in "is 1a3e. AHe?s ans%ere5 your ;uestion@ <i3"ar5.C ABut 5oes "e en>oy t"e sensation o1 killin-B 9s it p"ysi3alB #r is it t"e plannin- t"at "e en>oysBC ,5%ar5 pi3ke5 up "is 3o11ee. A$"e ;uestion an5 ans%er session is o)er@ <i3"ar5@C 9 sai5. A look "al1%ay 8et%een stu88ornness an5 1rustration 3rosse5 <i3"ar5?s 1a3e. ABut Fyes@? 5oesn?t tell me anyt"in-.C AA1ter you kill 7ar3us@C ,5%ar5 sai5@ Ayou 3an ask t"e ;uestion a-ain.C AAn5 you?ll ans%er itBC <i3"ar5 aske5. ,5%ar5 -a)e t"e 8arest o1 no5s. 'or t"e 1irst time@ 9 realiEe5 t"at ,5%ar5 like5 <i3"ar5. /ot as a 1rien5@ may8e@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t t"ink <i3"ar5 %as a 3omplete %aste o1 time. <i3"ar5 stare5 into ,5%ar5?s 1a3e 1or a lon- time@ t"en s"ook "is "ea5. A#kay.C He sat 8a3k 5o%n. A/o more ;uestions. ="at?s t"e planBC 9 smile5 at "im. A$o keep t"e "itter 1rom killin- me.C A$"at?s your entire planBC <i3"ar5 aske5. AAn5 to take out t"e man %it" t"e money@C ,5%ar5 sai5. AAs lon- as t"e money is out t"ere@ Anita %on?t 8e sa1e.C AAny i5eas "o% to a33omplis" t"isBC <i3"ar5 aske5. ,5%ar5 no55e5 an5 up2en5e5 "is 3o11ee mu-@ 1inis"in- t"e last o1 it. He %ent to t"e 3ounter an5 re1ille5 it@ like "e %as at "ome. He sat 8a3k 5o%n. Goo5 ol? ,5%ar5@ 3om1orta8le %"ere)er "e %as. 9 sat %aitin-@ %at3"in- "im ;uietly. He?5 tell us %"en "e %as rea5y an5 not 8e1ore. <i3"ar5 %as pra3ti3ally 5an3in- in pla3e. A="atBC "e 1inally aske5. ,5%ar5 smile5@ 9 t"ink at <i3"ar5@ or may8e at t"at eternal musi3 t"at only "e 3oul5 "ear. $"e r"yt"m t"at kept "im sel12 3ontaine5 an5 ali)e. A$"e assassin mi-"t 3ome "ere to5ay@ an5 %e?ll take pre3autions 1or t"at. A "er5 o1 s"apes"i1ters %as per1e3t. 9?5 "a)e passe5 on t"e "it mysel1 until t"ey 3leare5 out.C 9 -lan3e5 aroun5 t"e ;uiet kit3"en. $"e spot 8et%een my s"oul5er 8la5es %as it3"in-. ADou t"ink %e?re in 5an-er no%BC A7ay8e.C He 5i5n?t seem too %orrie5. ABut 9 t"ink t"ey?ll "it you toni-"t on your 5ate %it" t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity.C AHo% 5i5 you kno% 9 "a5 a 5ate toni-"tBC ,5%ar5 >ust smile5. A9 kno% t"at t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity is takin- t"e ,*e3utioner to t"e openin- o1 "is 5an3e 3lu8@ 4anse 7a3a8re. 9 kno% t"at you?ll 8e arri)in- in a limo.C A9 5i5n?t e)en kno% t"at@C 9 sai5. He s"ru--e5. A9t %asn?t "ar5 to 1in5 out@ Anita.C A9 %as -oin- to 3an3el my 5ate toni-"t an5 "i5e out.C A91 you stay "ere@ t"e assassin %ill almost 3ertainly 3ome "ere.C 9 -lan3e5 at <i3"ar5. A#"@C 9 sai5. A9 3an take 3are o1 mysel1@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A!oul5 you kill a "uman 8ein-BC 9 aske5. He 8linke5 at me. A="at 5o you meanBC A9 mean i1 someone 3ame at you %it" a -un@ 3oul5 you kill t"emBC A9 sai5 9?5 kill to prote3t you.C A$"at?s not %"at 9 aske5@ <i3"ar5@ an5 you kno% it.C He stoo5 up an5 pa3e5 a small 3ir3le in t"e kit3"en. A91 it %as stan5ar5 ammunition@ it 3oul5n?t kill me.C ADou %oul5n?t kno% %"et"er it %as sil)er ammo until it %as too late@C 9 sai5.

He "u--e5 "is arms@ ran "is "an5s t"rou-" "is lon- "air@ an5 turne5 to me. A#n3e you 5e3i5e to start killin-@ it ne)er stops@ 5oes itBC A/o@C 9 sai5. A9 5on?t kno% i1 9 3oul5 kill a "uman 8ein-.C A$"anks 1or t"e "onesty@C 9 sai5. ABut t"at means you?ll take an assassin into a 3lu8 3ro%5e5 %it" people?B Dou?ll en5an-er all o1 t"em to keep me sa1eBC A9 %oul5 en5an-er almost anyone to keep you sa1e.C ,5%ar5 ma5e a small soun5@ almost a lau-". His 1a3e %as pleasant an5 empty. He sippe5 3o11ee. A="i3" is %"y 9 5on?t %ant <i3"ar5 in t"e line o1 1ire. Dou?ll 8e so 8usy %orryin- a8out "im@ it mi-"t make you 3areless.C ABut all t"ose people@ you 3an?t put t"em in 5an-er@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ,5%ar5 looke5 at me an5 5i5n?t say %"at "e %as t"inkin-. 9 %as -rate1ul 1or t"at. A9 t"ink ,5%ar5 "as a plan 1or t"at@ too@ <i3"ar5.C A9 t"ink t"ey?ll "it you on t"e %ay "ome 1rom t"e 3lu8. ="y %ork in t"e mi55le o1 a 3ro%5 i1 t"ey 5on?t "a)e toB Plant a 8om8 on t"e limo@ or %ait until you?re alone on t"e 5ri)e 8a3k.C A9s t"at %"at you %oul5 5oBC <i3"ar5 aske5. ,5%ar5 looke5 at "im 1or a moment@ t"en no55e5. APro8a8ly. /ot t"e 8om8@ 8ut 9?5 "it t"e limo.C A="y not t"e 8om8BC <i3"ar5 aske5. 9 5i5n?t ask@ 8e3ause 9 kne% t"e ans%er. ,5%ar5?s eyes 1li3ke5 to me. 9 s"ru--e5. ABe3ause 9 like to kill up 3lose an5 personal. =it" a 8om8 t"ere?s no personal risk.C <i3"ar5 stare5 at "im@ stu5yin- "is 1a3e. He 1inally sai5@ A$"ank you 1or ans%erin- t"e ;uestion.C ,5%ar5 a3kno%le5-e5 "im %it" a no5. <i3"ar5 %as -ainin- 8ro%nie points 1rom 8ot" o1 us. But 9 kne% t"at <i3"ar5 "a5 illusions. 91 ,5%ar5 seeme5 to like "im@ <i3"ar5 %oul5 assume ,5%ar5 %oul5n?t kill "im. 9 kne% 8etter. 91 t"e situation 3alle5 1or it@ ,5%ar5 3oul5 pull t"e tri--er on anyone. ALet?s say you?re ri-"t@C 9 sai5. A9 -o on t"e 5ate an5 let t"e "itter make "is mo)e. $"en %"atBC A=e take "im out.C A=ait a minute@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ADou?re 8ettin- t"at t"e t%o o1 you are 8etter t"an a pro1essional assassin. $"at you?ll -et to "im 8e1ore "e -ets to Anita.C =e 8ot" no55e5. A="at i1 you?re not 8etterBC ,5%ar5 looke5 at "im like "e?5 sai5 t"e sun %oul5n?t rise tomorro%. A,5%ar5 %ill 8e 8etter@C 9 sai5. ADou?5 8et your li1e on t"atBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A9 am 8ettin- my li1e on t"at@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 looke5 a tou3" pale. He no55e5. A9 -uess you are. ="at 3an 9 5o to "elpBC ADou "ear5 ,5%ar5@C 9 sai5. ADou stay "ere.C <i3"ar5 s"ook "is "ea5. A9 "ear5@ 8ut surely in a 3ro%5 o1 people e)en Superman %ill nee5 a 1e% more eyes an5 ears. $"e pa3k 3an "elp %at3" your 8a3k.C A9t 5oesn?t 8ot"er you to en5an-er t"emBC ADou sai5 you?5 risk almost anyone to keep me sa1e@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9 1eel t"e same %ay.C A91 t"ey %ant to )olunteer@ t"at?s one t"in-@ 8ut 9 5on?t %ant t"em or5ere5 into it. People aren?t -oo5 8o5y-uar5s i1 t"ey resent 5oin- it.C <i3"ar5 lau-"e5. AVery pra3ti3al. 'or a se3on5 t"ere@ 9 t"ou-"t you %ere really %orrie5 a8out my %ol)es.C APra3ti3al %ill keep me ali)e@ <i3"ar5@ sentimentality %on?t.C A91 %e "a5 some e*tra %at3"ers@ it?5 1ree me up a little@C ,5%ar5 sai5. 9 looke5 at "im. ADou?5 trust monsters to %at3" my 8a3kBC He smile5@ an5 it %asn?t pleasant. A7onsters make e*3ellent 3annon 1o55er.C A$"ey aren?t 3annon 1o55er@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A,)eryone?s 3annon 1o55er@C ,5%ar5 sai5@ Ae)entually.C

A91 9 really t"ou-"t %e %ere en5an-erin- inno3ent 8ystan5ers@ 9 %oul5n?t -o to t"e 3lu8. Dou kno% t"at@ <i3"ar5.C He stare5 at me 1or a se3on5@ t"en no55e5. A9 kno% t"at.C ,5%ar5 ma5e a small soun5 lo% in "is t"roat. A9nno3ent 8ystan5ers.C He s"ook "is "ea5@ smilin-. ALet?s -et 5resse5@C ,5%ar5 sai5. A9 8ou-"t some ne% toys 1or you to use toni-"t.C 9 looke5 at "im. A4an-erous toysBC 9 aske5. A9s t"ere any ot"er kin5BC =e -rinne5 at ea3" ot"er. ADou t%o are en>oyin- t"is@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9t %as almost a33usatory. A91 %e 5i5n?t en>oy it@ %e?5 8ot" 5o somet"in- else@C ,5%ar5 sai5. AAnita 5oesn?t kill people 1or money@ an5 you 5o.C 9 %at3"e5 t"e "umor 5rain 1rom ,5%ar5?s eyes like t"e sun sinkin- 8e"in5 3lou5s@ lea)in- t"em pitiless an5 empty. A$"ink %"at you like@ lo)er8oy@ 8ut Anita 3oul5 "a)e 3"osen anot"er line o1 %ork@ one t"at %oul5n?t put "er in "arm?s %ay. But s"e 5i5n?t. $"ere?s a reason 1or t"at.C AS"e?s not like you.C ,5%ar5 looke5 at me %it" empty eyes. A!loser t"an s"e use5 to 8e.C His )oi3e %as so1t@ almost neutral@ 8ut it ma5e me s"i)er. 9 met "is eyes@ an5 1or t"e 1irst time in a lon- time@ %on5ere5 %"at 9?5 -i)en up to 8e a8le to pull t"e tri--er. $"e same t"in- ,5%ar5 "a5 -i)en up insi5e "imsel1 to 8e a8le to kill so easilyB 9 looke5 up at <i3"ar5 an5 %on5ere5 i1 "e 3oul5 5o it. 91@ %"en t"e 1ur 1le%@ "e 3oul5 really kill anyone. Some people 3oul5n?t. /o s"ame in t"at. But i1 <i3"ar5 8a3ke5 out@ "e %as 5ea5. /ot toni-"t or tomorro%@ 8ut e)entually@ 8e3ause 7ar3us %oul5 see to it. <i3"ar5 "a5 8eaten 7ar3us t%i3e an5 re1use5 t"e kill. 9 5ou8te5 7ar3us %oul5 let "im "a)e anot"er s"ot at it. $"ey?5 taken Step"en last ni-"t@ kno%in%"at <i3"ar5 %oul5 5o. 91 9 "a5n?t 8een %it" "im@ "e mi-"t "e 5ea5 no%. S"it. All 9 "a5 to 5o %as kill t"e assassin 8e1ore "e or s"e kille5 me. $rust <i3"ar5 not to let 7ar3us kill "im. Keep <aina 1rom killin- me. An5 let?s see@ 9 %as sure t"ere %as somet"in- else. #"@ yea"@ 5e3i5e %"et"er 9?m -oin- to sleep %it" <i3"ar5@ an5 i1 9 5i5@ %"at t"at %oul5 mean 1or Hean2!lau5e an5 mysel1. $"ere %ere 5ays %"en my li1e %as too 3ompli3ate5 e)en 1or me.

Chapter Thirteen
'in5in- 5ress2up 3lot"es t"at you 3an "i5e a -un in is a 8it3". 9 a3tually "a5n?t planne5 to 3arry a -un on my 5ate %it" Hean2!lau5e. #1 3ourse@ t"at %as 8e1ore t"e assassin. /o% 9 %asn?t -oin- out %it"out one. 91 9?5 kno%n 9?5 8e nee5in- a -un toni-"t@ 9?5 "a)e %orn t"e little 8la3k 5ress yester5ay an5 sa)e5 t"e pants suit. But %"o kne%@ an5 no% all 9?5 pa3ke5 8esi5es >eans %as t"e 5ress. 9t %as a little 8la3k 5ress %it" >ust enou-" strap to allo% a 8ra@ i1 you %ere 3are1ul. 9?5 8ou-"t a 8la3k 8ra to 8e sa1e. 'las"in- a %"ite 8ra strap in a 8la3k 5ress al%ays looke5 so ta3ky. $"e >a3ket %as a 5eep 8la3k )el)et@ a 8olero 3ut t"at "it me at t"e %aist. Bla3k 8ea5in- e5-e5 t"e 3ollar an5 "em. $"e >a3ket %as "an-in- on t"e 5oorkno8 o1 <i3"ar5?s 3loset. He %as sittin- 1orlornly on t"e 8e5@ %at3"in- me put t"e last tou3"es on my lipsti3k. 9 %as leanin- 1or%ar5@ peerin- at mysel1 in t"e mirror on "is 5resser. $"e skirt %as s"ort enou-" t"at 9 5e3i5e5 to %ear a 8la3k te55y un5er it@ not 1or un5er%ear 8ut to -o o)er my panty "ose@ so e)eryt"in- mat3"e5. <onnie "a5n?t truste5 me not to 8en5 o)er at least on3e toni-"t. S"e %as ri-"t. So e)en i1 9 1or-ot@ t"e te55y 3o)ere5 more t"an most 8at"in- suits. 9?5 "a)e ne)er pi3ke5 out somet"in- so s"ort on my o%n. <onnie %as a 8a5 in1luen3e on me. 91 s"e?5 kno%n 9 %as plannin- to %ear it 1or Hean2!lau5e@ s"e?5 "a)e pro8a8ly 3"osen somet"in- else. S"e 3alle5 "im 1an-1a3e. #r %orse. S"e like5 <i3"ar5. A/i3e 5ress@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A$"anks.C 9 turne5 in 1ront o1 t"e mirror to 3"e3k t"e %ay t"e skirt "un-. 9t %as >ust 1ull enou-" to s%in- %"en 9 mo)e5. $"e 8la3k kni1e s"eat"s on my 1orearms a3tually mat3"e5 t"e 5ress. $"e kni)es ma5e a ni3e tou3" o1 sil)er. $"e %rist s"eat"s almost 3o)ere5 t"e s3ars on my arms. #nly t"e moun5 o1 s3ar tissue at my le1t el8o% %as )isi8le. A )ampire "a5 torn up my arm on3e upon a time. $"e same )amp "a5 8itten t"rou-" my 3ollar8one. $"e s3ars %ere normal 1or me@ 8ut e)ery on3e in a %"ile 9?5 8e out en>oyin- mysel1 an5 3at3" someone lookin-@ starin-. $"ey?5 look "urrie5ly a%ay@ or meet my eyes. 9t %asn?t t"at t"e s3ars %ere a%1ul to look at. $"ey %eren?t t"at 8a52really. But t"ey tol5 a story o1 pain an5 somet"in- out o1 t"e or5inary. $"ey sai5 9?5 8een pla3es t"at most people "a5n?t@ an5 9?5 sur)i)e5. =ort" a stare or t%o@ 9 -uess. $"e 8la3k straps t"at "el5 t"e ne% kni1e 5o%n alon- my spine s"o%e5 a little at t"e s"oul5ers@ 8ut more a3ross t"e 8a3k. $"e "ilt %as "i55en un5er my "air@ 8ut 9 %oul5n?t 8e takin- t"e >a3ket o11. A="y 5i5n?t you %ear t"is last ni-"tBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A$"e pants suit seeme5 more appropriate.C He stare5 at me@ eyes ro)in- o)er my 8o5y more t"an my 1a3e. He s"ook "is "ea5. A'or seein- someone you?re not -ointo sleep %it"@ t"at is a )ery se*y out1it.C

9 "a5 ne)er planne5 on <i3"ar5 seein- t"e 5ress@ at least not on t"e ni-"t 9 %ore it 1or Hean2!lau5e. 9 %asn?t sure %"at to say@ 8ut 9?5 try. A9 trust mysel1 %it" Hean2!lau5e more t"an 9 trust mysel1 %it" you@ so "e -ets t"e s"ort skirt an5 you 5on?t.C $"at %as t"e trut". ADou?re sayin- 9 5on?t -et t"e se*y out1it 8e3ause 9?m so irresisti8leBC ASomet"in- like t"at.C A91 9 ran my "an5s up your le-s@ %oul5 9 1in5 panty "ose or -artersBC He looke5 so solemn@ "urt. =it" e)eryt"in- else -oin- 5o%n@ 9 s"oul5n?t "a)e "a5 to %orry a8out my 8oy1rien5?s "urt 1eelin-s@ 8ut t"ere it %as. Li1e -oes on@ e)en i1 you?re ass 5eep in alli-ators. APanty "ose@C 9 sai5. A=ill Hean2!lau5e 1in5 out %"at kin5 o1 "ose you?re %earin-BC AHe 3oul5 ask@ like you 5i5@C 9 sai5. ADou kno% t"at?s not %"at 9 meant@C "e sai5. 9 si-"e5. A9 5on?t kno% "o% to make t"is easier on you@ <i3"ar5. 91 t"ere?s anyt"in- t"at %oul5 make you 1eel more se3ure a8out t"is@ ask.C $o "is 3re5it@ "e 5i5n?t ask me not to -o. 9 t"ink "e kne% "e %oul5n?t like t"e ans%er. A!ome "ere@C "e sai5 an5 "el5 out "is "an5 to me. 9 %alke5 o)er to "im an5 took "is outstret3"e5 "an5. He sat me on "is lap@ le-s si5e%ays like you?5 sit on Santa. He en3ir3le5 me %it" one arm@ t"en lai5 "is ot"er "an5 on my t"i-". APromise me you %on?t sleep %it" "im toni-"t.C A=it" assassins rea5y to >ump out o1 t"e %oo5%ork@ 9 t"ink t"at?s a sa1e 8et@C 9 sai5. A4on?t >oke@ Anita@ please.C 9 smoot"e5 my "an5 t"rou-" "is "air. He looke5 so serious@ so "urt. A9?)e sai5 no 1or a )ery lon- time@ <i3"ar5. ="y s"oul5 you 8e %orrie5 a8out toni-"tBC A$"e 5ress@C "e sai5. A9 a5mit it?s s"ort@ 8ut ... C He smoot"e5 "is "an5 up my t"i-" until it )anis"e5 un5er t"e skirt. He reste5 "is "an5 >ust 8elo% t"e la3e o1 t"e te55y. ADou?re %earin- lin-erie@ 1or Go5s sakeG you ne)er %ear lin-erie.C 9 %oul5 "a)e e*plaine5 a8out e)eryt"in- mat3"in-@ 8ut some"o% 9 5i5n?t t"ink t"at %oul5 8e 3om1ortin-. A#kay@ 9 %on?t sleep %it" "im toni-"t. 9 "a5n?t planne5 on it to 8e-in %it".C APromise me you?ll 3ome 8a3k an5 sleep %it" me.C He smile5 %"en "e sai5 it. 9 smile5 8a3k an5 sli5 o11 "is lap. ADou?5 "a)e to s"i1t 1irst. 9?5 "a)e to see your 8east. #r so you keep tellin- me.C A9 3oul5 s"i1t %"en you -et 8a3k.C A!oul5 you take "uman 1orm a-ain ;ui3kly enou-" to 5o us any -oo5 toni-"tBC He smile5. A9?m stron- enou-" to 8e :l1ri3@ Anita. #ne o1 t"e t"in-s 9 3an 5o is 3"an-e 1orm almost at %ill. 9 5on?t pass out %"en 9 3"an-e 8a3k to "uman 1orm like most s"apes"i1ters.C AHan5y@C 9 sai5. He smile5. A!ome 8a3k toni-"t@ an5 9?ll 3"an-e 1or you. Syl)ie?s ri-"t. 9 "a)e to a33ept %"at 9 am.C APart o1 t"at is tryin- it out on me@ "u"BC He no55e5. A9 t"ink so.C Starin- into "is solemn eyes@ 9 kne% t"at i1 "e 3"an-e5 1or me toni-"t an5 9 3oul5n?t 5eal %it" it@ it %oul5 5estroy somet"in- insi5e o1 "im. 9 "ope5 9 %as up to it. A="en 9 3ome 8a3k toni-"t@ 9?ll %at3" you s"i1t.C He looke5 -rim as i1 "e e*pe3te5 t"at 9?5 run s3reamin-. AKiss me@ an5 -et out o1 "ere@C "e sai5. 9 kisse5 "im@ an5 "e li3ke5 "is lips. ALipsti3k.C He kisse5 me a-ain. ABut un5erneat" 9 3an still taste you.C AHmmm@C 9 sai5. 9 stare5 5o%n at "im an5 almost 5i5n?t %ant to -o. Almost. $"e 5oor8ell ran-@ an5 9 >umpe5. <i3"ar5 5i5n?t@ as i1 "e?5 "ear5 it 8e1ore 9 "a5. ABe 3are1ul. 9 %is" 9 3oul5 8e %it" you.C A$"ere?ll 8e me5ia all o)er t"e pla3e@C 9 sai5. A=oul5n?t 5o to -et your pi3ture taken %it" a 8un3" o1 monsters. 9t mi-"t 8lo% your 3o)er.C A9?5 8lo% my 3o)er i1 it %oul5 keep you sa1e.C He lo)e5 tea3"in-@ yet 9 8elie)e5 "im. He?5 3ome out o1 t"e 3loset 1or me. A$"anks@ 8ut ,5%ar5?s ri-"t. 9?5 8e so %orrie5 a8out keepin- you ali)e@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e takin- -oo5 3are o1 mysel1.C

ADou 5on?t %orry a8out Hean2!lau5eBC 9 s"ru--e5. AHe 3an take 3are o1 "imsel1. Besi5es@ "e?s alrea5y 5ea5.C <i3"ar5 s"ook "is "ea5. ADou 5on?t really 8elie)e t"at anymore.C A/o@ "e?s 5ea5@ <i3"ar5. $"at 9 kno%. ="ate)er keeps "im ali)e is a 1orm o1 ne3roman3y@ 5i11erent t"an my o%n po%ers@ 8ut still ma-i3.C ADou 3an say it@ 8ut in your "eart you 5on?t 8elie)e it.C 9 s"ru--e5 a-ain. A7ay8e not@ 8ut it?s still t"e trut".C $"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. <i3"ar5 sai5@ ADour 5ate?s "ere.C A9?m 3omin-. /o% 9 "a)e to 1i* my lipsti3k all o)er a-ain.C He %ipe5 1in-ers a3ross "is mout"@ 3omin- a%ay %it" 3rimson stains. AAt least 9?ll 8e a8le to tell i1 you?)e 8een kissin"im. $"is stu11 %ill s"o% up like 8loo5 on "is %"ite s"irt.C 9 5i5n?t ar-ue. Hean2!lau5e al%ays %ore 8la3k an5 %"ite. 9?5 only seen "im in one s"irt t"at %asn?t %"ite. 9t "a5 8een 8la3k. 9 reapplie5 t"e lipsti3k an5 put it in t"e 8ea5e5 8la3k purse on t"e 5resser. $"e purse %as too small e)en 1or t"e 'irestar. 9 5i5 "a)e a 4errin-er@ 8ut e*3ept at 3lose ;uarters@ it %as pretty %ort"less. =it" an assassin 9 mi-"t not %ant to -et t"at 3lose. ,5%ar5 "a5 a solution. He?5 loane5 me "is See23amps .32 autoloa5er. 9t %as a8out t"e same siEe as a small .2+@ only a little %i5er t"an my o%n "an5@ an5 9 "a5 a small "an5. 9t %as a )ery ni3e -un@ an5 1or t"e 3ali8er an5 t"e siEe@ 9?5 ne)er seen 8etter. 9 %ante5 one. ,5%ar5 in1orme5 me t"at "e?5 "a5 to %ait nearly a year 1or t"e -un to 3ome in. 9t %as pretty mu3" a 3ustom or5er. #t"er%ise@ "e?5 "a)e ma5e it a -i1t. 'ine@ 9?5 or5er my o%n2i1 9 sur)i)e5 t"e ni-"t. 91 9 5i5n?t@ %ell@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e or5erin- anyt"in-. 9?5 mana-e5 not to t"ink too mu3" a8out t"at. 9?5 3on3entrate5 on 5ressin-@ puttin- t"e %eapons in pla3e@ <i3"ar5@ anyt"in- 8ut t"at 9 %as puttin- mysel1 out as 8ait 1or someone -oo5 enou-" to earn + @ 5ollars a pop. 9 %as "a)in- to trust t"at ,5%ar5 %oul5 keep me ali)e. Be3ause t"ou-" ,5%ar5 %oul5 "a)e stoppe5 t"e limo an5 1ire5 only %"en "e 3oul5 see my 1a3e@ most "it men %oul5n?t. 7ost pro1essionals pre1er to take you out 1rom a ni3e@ sa1e 5istan3e. A "i-"po%ere5 ri1le 3oul5 8e yar5s or e)en miles a%ay. /ot mu3" 9@ or e)en ,5%ar5@ 3oul5 5o a8out t"at. 9 kne% not"ina8out e*plosi)es. 9 %as -oin- to "a)e to 5epen5 on ,5%ar5 to take 3are o1 any 8om8s. 9 %as puttin- mysel1 in ,5%ar5?s "an5s toni-"t@ trustin- "im like 9?5 ne)er truste5 anyone 8e1ore. S3ary t"ou-"t@ t"at. 9 3"e3ke5 t"e purse a-ainG 94@ lipsti3k@ money@ -un. 9?5 "a)e normally 3arrie5 a small tra)el "air8rus"@ 8ut t"ere %asn?t room. 9 3oul5 li)e %it" messy "air 1or one ni-"t. $"e t"ou-"t ma5e me 3"e3k my "air in t"e mirror an5 run a 8rus" t"rou-" it one last time. 9 "a5 to a5mit t"at it looke5 -reat. 9t %as one o1 my 8est 1eatures. ,)en <onnie 3oul5n?t impro)e on it. 9t %as all natural 3url. ,)en toni-"t 9?5 s"o)e5 "air -oop in it a1ter my s"o%er an5 let it 5ry naturally. 9?5 "a5 a %oman -et an-ry %it" me on3e in !ali1ornia 8e3ause 9 %oul5n?t tell "er %"ere 9?5 -otten my "air perme5. S"e %oul5n?t 8elie)e it %as natural. 9 slippe5 t"e purse o)er my s"oul5ers so t"e t"in strap %ent a3ross my 3"est. 9t 8len5e5 %it" t"e 5ress %ell enou-" t"at it looke5 almost as -oo5 %it" it as %it"out. But t"e purse ro5e at my ri8s@ >ust a little lo%er t"an my s"oul5er "olster. 9 trie5 5ra%in- t"e -un a 3ouple o1 times@ an5 it %asn?t too 8a5. /ot as -oo5 as a "olster@ 8ut %"at %asB 9 slippe5 t"e >a3ket on an5 3"e3ke5 mysel1 in t"e mirror 1or t"e umpteent" time. /eit"er t"e kni)es nor t"e -un s"o%e5. Great. 9 slippe5 my 3ross on last. 9 ma5e sure t"e 3ross %as insi5e t"e 5ress@ t"en put a small pie3e o1 maskin- tape o)er it. $"is %ay 9 kept my 3ross@ 8ut it 5i5n?t spill out o1 my 3lot"es an5 -lo% at Hean2!lau5e. 9 pi3ke5 up t"e 8rus" a-ain an5 put it 5o%n %it"out usin- it. 9 %as stallin-. 9t %asn?t >ust t"e assassin 9 %as a1rai5 o1. 9 %as 5rea5in- t"e moment <i3"ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e met toni-"t. 9 %asn?t sure "o% t"ey %ere -oin- to rea3t@ an5 9 %asn?t up to an emotional 3on1rontation. 9 rarely %as. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 %ent 1or t"e 5oor. <i3"ar5 1ollo%e5 me. 9t %as "is "ouse. 9 3oul5n?t ask "im to "i5e in t"e 8e5room. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 8y t"e tele)ision@ peerin- at t"e s"el)es o1 )i5eos@ as i1 stu5yin- t"e titles. He %as tall an5 slen5er@ t"ou-" not as tall as <i3"ar5. He %ore 8la3k pants an5 a s"ort 8la3k >a3ket@ 3ut >ust at t"e %aist like my o%n. He "a5 on "i-"@ leat"er 8oots t"at 3o)ere5 nearly "is entire le-@ t"e so1t leat"er tops %ere "el5 in pla3e 8y 8la3k straps %it" small sil)er 8u3kles. His 8la3k "air spille5 o)er "is s"oul5ers@ in3"es lon-er t"an %"en 9 1irst met "im. He turne5 at last@ as i1 "e "a5n?t kno%n %e %ere stan5in- t"ere. 9 ma5e a small in)oluntary -asp as "e 1a3e5 me. His s"irt %as re5@ a pure@ 3lear 3rimson t"at 8laEe5 insi5e "is open >a3ket. $"e 3ollar %as "i-"@ "el5 in pla3e 8y t"ree anti;ue >et 8ea5s. $"e s"irt -ape5 open 8elo% t"e 3ollar@ s"o%in- a lar-e o)al o1 "is 3"est. $"e 3ross2s"ape5 8urn s3ar on "is 3"est s"o%e5 in t"e 3ir3le o1 re5 3lot" as i1 it %ere 1rame5 1or )ie%in-. $"e 3ir3le o1 8are skin en5e5 >ust a8o)e t"e 8la3k pants@ %"ere t"e s"irt %as sa1ely tu3ke5 a%ay. $"e s"irt looke5 splen5i1erous a-ainst "is pale skin@ t"e 8la3k %a)y "air@ "is mi5ni-"t 8lue eyes. 9 3lose5 my -apinmout"@ an5 sai5@ ASpi11y@ )ery spi11y.C He smile5. AA"@ ma petite@ al%ays t"e per1e3t t"in- to say.C He -li5e5 a3ross t"e 3arpet in "is ni1ty 8oots@ an5 9 1oun5 mysel1 %antin- "im to take t"e >a3ket o11. 9 %ante5 to see "is "air spill o)er t"at s"irt@ 8la3k o)er re5. 9 kne% it %oul5 look %on5er1ul.

<i3"ar5 3ame up 8e"in5 me. He 5i5n?t tou3" me@ 8ut 9 3oul5 1eel "im stan5in- t"ere. A %arm@ un"appy presen3e at my 8a3k. 9 3oul5n?t 8lame "im. Hean2!lau5e looke5 like an a5)ertisement 1or =et 4reams A<C :s. 9 3oul5n?t 8lame anyone 1or 8ein- >ealous. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 in 1ront o1 me@ 3lose enou-" t"at 9 3oul5 "a)e rea3"e5 out an5 tou3"e5 "im. 9 stoo5 8et%een t"e t%o o1 t"em@ an5 t"e sym8olism %asn?t lost on any o1 us. A="ere?s ,5%ar5BC 9 mana-e5 to ask. 7y )oi3e soun5e5 almost normal. Goo5 1or me. AHe is 3"e3kin- t"e 3ar. 9 8elie)e 1or in3en5iary 5e)i3es@C Hean2!lau5e sai5 %it" a small smile. 7y stoma3" 3len3"e5 ti-"t. Someone really %ante5 me 5ea5 8y mi5ni-"t toni-"t. ,5%ar5 %as s%eepin- t"e 3ar 1or 8om8s. ,)en 1or me@ it 5i5n?t seem ;uite real. A7a petite@ are you %ellBC Hean2!lau5e took my "an5 in "is. ADour "an5 is 3ol5.C A/i3e 3omplaint@ 3omin- 1rom you@C <i3"ar5 sai5. Hean2!lau5e looke5 o)er my s"oul5er at <i3"ar5. A9t %as not a 3omplaint 8ut an o8ser)ation.C His "an5 %as %arm@ an5 9 kne% t"at "e "a5 stolen t"at %armt" 1rom someone. #"@ t"ey?5 8een %illin- enou-". $"ere %ere al%ays people %illin- to 5onate to t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. But still@ "e %as a 8loo5 su3kin- 3orpse@ no matter %"at "e looke5 like. Starin- up at "im@ 9 realiEe5 part o1 me 5i5n?t 8uy t"at anymore. #r may8e 9 >ust 5i5n?t 3are anymore. 4amn. He raise5 my "an5 slo%ly to "is lips@ eyes %at3"in- not me 8ut <i3"ar5. 9 5re% my "an5 out o1 "is. He looke5 at me. A91 you %ant to kiss my "an5@ 1ine@ 8ut 5on?t 5o it >ust to -et on <i3"ar5?s ner)es.C A7y apolo-ies@ ma petite. Dou are ;uite ri-"t.C He looke5 past me to <i3"ar5. A7y apolo-ies to you as %ell@ 7onsieur Keeman. =e are in a ... ti3klis" position. 9t %oul5 8e 3"il5is" to make it %orse %it" -ame playin-.C 9 5i5n?t "a)e to see <i3"ar5?s 1a3e to kno% "e %as 1ro%nin-. ,5%ar5 3ame in an5 sa)e5 us. =e 3oul5 all s"ut up an5 lea)e. Hope1ully. A$"e 3ar?s 3lean@C "e sai5. AGla5 to "ear it@C 9 sai5. ,5%ar5 %as 5resse5 1or t"e e)enin-. A 8ro%n leat"er 3oat "un- to "is ankles an5 mo)e5 like somet"in- ali)e as "e 3ame into t"e room. $"e 3oat "un- stran-ely "ea)y in pla3es. He?5 s"o%n me some o1 "is toys t"at %ere positione5 "ere an5 t"ere. 9 kne% t"ere %as a -arotte "i55en in t"e sti11 %"ite 3ollar o1 "is s"irt. A -arotte %as a little too up2an523lose e)en 1or me. His eyes 1li3ke5 to t"e t%o men in my li1e@ 8ut all "e sai5 %as@ A9?ll 1ollo% t"e limo. 4on?t look aroun5 1or me toni-"t@ Anita. 9?ll 8e t"ere@ 8ut %e 5on?t %ant t"e "itter alerte5 to t"e 1a3t t"at you?)e -ot a 8o5y-uar5.C AA se3on5 8o5y-uar5@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ADour@ "o% 5o you say@ "itter %ill kno% 9 %ill 8e 8y "er si5e.C ,5%ar5 no55e5. ADea"@ i1 t"ey "it t"e limo@ you?ll 8e t"ere. $"ey?ll "a)e to plan on takin- you out@ too@ %"i3" means it?s -ot to 8e serious 1irepo%er.C A9 am 8ot" a 5eterrent an5 an in)itation to up t"e stakes@ is t"at itBC Hean!lau5e aske5. ,5%ar5 looke5 at "im like t"e )ampire "a5 1inally 5one somet"in- interestin-. ,5%ar5 5i5n?t meet "is eyes t"ou-". 9 %as t"e only "uman 9 kne% t"at 3oul5 meet t"e 7aster?s eyes an5 not 8e 8espelle5. Bein- a ne3roman3er "a5 its uses. A,*a3tly.C He sai5 it like "e "a5n?t e*pe3te5 t"e )ampire to -rasp t"e situation. But i1 t"ere %as one t"in- Hean2!lau5e %as -oo5 at@ it %as sur)i)in-. AS"all %e -o t"en@ ma petiteB $"e party a%aits us.C He ma5e a s%eepin- motion %it" "is arms@ 5ire3tin- me to%ar5s t"e 5oor 8ut not takin- my "an5. He -lan3e5 at <i3"ar5@ t"en at me. He %as 8e"a)in- "imsel1 terri8ly %ell. Hean2!lau5e %as a %orl523lass pain in t"e ass. 9t %asn?t like "im to 8e a -oo5 8oy. 9 -lan3e5 at <i3"ar5. AGo on. 91 %e kiss -oo528ye@ it?ll smear your lipsti3k a-ain.C ADou are %earin- ;uite enou-" o1 "er lipsti3k alrea5y@ <i3"ar5@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 'or t"e 1irst time toni-"t@ 9 "ear5 t"at %arm e5-e o1 >ealousy. <i3"ar5 took t%o steps 1or%ar5@ an5 t"e tension le)el in t"e room soare5. A9 3oul5 kiss "er -oo5 ni-"t a-ain@ i1 t"at %oul5 make you "appy.C AStop it@ 8ot" o1 you@C 9 sai5. ABy all means@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AS"e is mine 1or t"e rest o1 t"e e)enin-. 9 3an a11or5 to 8e -enerous.C <i3"ar5?s "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists. $"e 1irst tri3kle o1 po%er ooEe5 t"rou-" t"e room. A9?m lea)in- no%.C 9 ma5e 1or t"e 5oor an5 5i5n?t look 8a3k. Hean2!lau5e 3au-"t up %it" me 8e1ore 9 rea3"e5 t"e 5oor. He rea3"e5 1or t"e 5oorkno8 1irst. an5 t"en release5 it@ lettin- me -et it. A9 5o 1or-et your pen3"ant 1or 5oors@C "e sai5. A9 5on?t@C <i3"ar5 sai5 so1tly.

9 turne5 an5 looke5 at "im stan5in- t"ere in "is >eans@ "is $2s"irt mol5e5 to t"e mus3les o1 "is arms an5 3"est. He %as still 8are1oot@ "is "air a %a)y mass aroun5 "is 1a3e. 91 9?5 8een stayin- "ere@ %e 3oul5 "a)e 3u55le5 on t"e 3ou3" in 1ront o1 one o1 "is 1a)orite mo)ies. =e %ere 8e-innin- to "a)e our 1a)orite mo)ies. son-s@ sayin-s t"at %ere ours. 7ay8e a moonli-"t %alk. His ni-"t )ision %as almost as -oo5 as my o%n. 7ay8e later %e 3oul5 1inis" %"at %e?5 starte5 8e1ore t"e meetin-. Hean2!lau5e sli5 "is 1in-ers t"rou-" mine@ 5ra%in- my attention to "im. 9 stare5 up into t"ose 8lue@ 8lue eyes like a sky 8e1ore a storm@ or sea%ater %"ere t"e ro3ks lie 5eep an5 3ol5. 9 3oul5 tou3" t"ose t"ree 8la3k 8uttons an5 see i1 t"ey %ere really anti;ue 8ea5s. 7y -aEe tra)ele5 5o%n%ar5 to t"e pale -limpse o1 "is 3"est. 9 kne% t"at t"e 3ross2s"ape5 8urn s3ar %as a rou-" sli3kness to t"e tou3". Lookin- at "im ma5e my 3"est ti-"t. He %as so 8eauti1ul. =oul5 my 8o5y al%ays 1eel t"e pull o1 "im@ like a sun1lo%er turnin- to%ar5s t"e li-"tB 7ay8e. But stan5in- t"ere "ol5in- "is "an5@ 9 realiEe5 it %asn?t enou-". Hean2!lau5e an5 9 3oul5 "a)e "a5 a -lorious a11air@ 8ut 9 3oul5 see spen5in- my li1e %it" <i3"ar5. =as lo)e enou-"B ,)en i1 <i3"ar5 kille5 1or sel12preser)ation@ 3oul5 "e really a33ept my 8o5y 3ountB !oul5 9 a33ept "is 8east@ or %oul5 9 8e as "orri1ie5 8y it as "e %as "imsel1B Hean2!lau5e a33epte5 me lo3k@ sto3k@ an5 -un. But 9 5i5n?t a33ept "im. Hust 8e3ause %e 8ot" looke5 at t"e %orl5 t"rou-" 5ark -lasses@ 5i5n?t mean 9 like5 it. 9 si-"e5@ an5 it %asn?t a "appy soun5. 91 t"is %as t"e last time 9 e)er sa% <i3"ar5@ 9 s"oul5 "a)e >umpe5 "is 8o5y an5 -i)en "im a kiss "e %oul5 ne)er 1or-et@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t 5o it. Hol5in- Hean2!lau5e?s "an5@ 9 3oul5n?t 5o it. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een 3ruel to all o1 us. ABye@ <i3"ar5@C 9 sai5. ABe 3are1ul@C "e sai5. He soun5e5 so alone. ALouie an5 you are -oin- to t"e mo)ies toni-"t@ ri-"tBC 9 aske5. He no55e5. AHe s"oul5 8e "ere soon.C AGoo5.C 9 opene5 my mout" to say more@ 8ut 5i5n?t. $"ere %as not"in- to say. 9 %as -oin- %it" Hean2!lau5e. /ot"in- 9 sai5 %oul5 3"an-e t"at. A9?ll %ait up 1or you@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9 %is" you %oul5n?t.C A9 kno%.C 9 le1t@ %alkin- a little too 1ast out to t"e %aitin- limo. 9t %as %"ite. A=ell@ isn?t t"is s"iny an5 8ri-"t@C 9 sai5. A9 t"ou-"t 8la3k looke5 too mu3" like a "earse@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ,5%ar5 "a5 3ome out also. He 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 us. A9?ll 8e t"ere %"en you nee5 me@ Anita.C 9 met "is eyes. A9 kno% you %ill.C He -a)e t"e 8rie1est o1 smiles. ABut >ust in 3ase@ %at3" your 8a3k like a son o1 a 8it3".C 9 smile5. A4on?t 9 al%aysBC He -lan3e5 at t"e )ampire stan5in- 8y t"e open limo 5oor. A/ot as %ell as 9 t"ou-"t you 5i5.C ,5%ar5 %alke5 into t"e 5arkness to%ar5s "is %aitin- 3ar 8e1ore 9 3oul5 t"ink o1 a reply. 9t %as >ust as %ell. He %as ri-"t. $"e monsters "a5 1inally -otten me. Se5u3in- me %as almost as -oo5 as killin- me@ an5 nearly as 3ripplin-.

Chapter Fourteen
$"e name o1 t"e 3lu8@ 4anse 7a3a8re@ 8laEe5 in re5 neon letters nearly ei-"t 1eet "i-". $"e letters %ere 3ur)e5 an5 1lo%e5 at an an-le like some -iant "an5 "a5 >ust 1inis"e5 %ritin- t"em. $"e 3lu8 %as "ouse5 in an ol5 8re%ery %are"ouse. $"e pla3e "a5 stoo5 on t"e <i)er1ront@ 8oar5e5 up an5 a8an5one5 1or years. 9t "a5 8een t"e only eyesore in a line o1 3"i3 restaurants@ 5an3e 3lu8s@ an5 8ars. 7ost o1 t"em %ere o%ne5 8y )ampires. $"e <i)er1ront %as also kno%n as $"e 4istri3t@ or Bloo5 S;uare@ t"ou-" not in polite )ampire 3ompany. 'or some reason@ t"e ni3kname 8u--e5 t"em. ="o kne% %"yB $"e 3ro%5 "a5 spille5 out 1rom t"e si5e%alk into t"e street@ until t"e limo %as stoppe5 8y t"e s"eer %ei-"t o1 people. 9t %as so 8a5 t"at 9 spotte5 a uni1orme5 3op tryin- to ease t"e people 8a3k enou-" 1or t"e 3ars to -et t"rou-". 9 looke5 t"rou-" t"e 5ark tinte5 %in5o%s at t"e press o1 people. =as t"e assassin out t"ereB =as one o1 t"ose %ell25resse5@ smilin- people %aitin- to kill meB 9 opene5 my purse an5 slippe5 t"e See3amp out. Hean2!lau5e eye5 t"e little -un. A/er)ous@ ma petiteBC ADes@C 9 sai5. He looke5 at me@ "ea5 to one si5e. ADes@ you are ner)ous. ="y 5oes one "uman assassin unner)e you so mu3" more t"an all t"e preternatural 3reatures you "a)e 1a3e5BC

A,)eryone else %"o?s %ante5 to kill me@ it %as personal. 9 un5erstan5 personal. ="oe)er t"is is %ants to kill me 8e3ause it?s 8usiness. Hust 8usiness.C ABut %"y is t"at more 1ri-"tenin- to youB Dou %ill 8e >ust as 5ea5@ re-ar5less o1 your assailant?s moti)es.C A$"anks a lot@C 9 sai5. He tou3"e5 my "an5@ as it -rippe5 t"e -un. A9 am tryin- to un5erstan5@ ma petite@ t"at is all.C A9 5on?t kno% e*a3tly %"y it 8ot"ers me. 9t >ust 5oes@C 9 sai5. A9 like to put a 1a3e on my enemies. 91 someone kills you. it s"oul5n?t 8e only 1or money.C ASo killin- 1or "ire o11en5s your moral sensi8ilitiesBC "e aske5. His )oi3e %as )ery 8lan5@ too 8lan5@ as i1 "e %ere lau-"insilently to "imsel1. ADes@ 5ammit@ it 5oes.C ADet you are 1rien5s %it" ,5%ar5.C A9 ne)er sai5 9 %as 3onsistent@ Hean2!lau5e.C ADou are one o1 t"e most 3onsistent people 9 "a)e e)er kno%n@ ma petite.C AHo% 3onsistent 3an 9 8e i1 9?m 5atin- t%o menBC A4o you t"ink 8ein- una8le to 3"oose 8et%een us makes you 1ri)olousBC He leane5 to%ar5s me as "e sai5 it@ "an5 smoot"in- up t"e slee)e o1 my >a3ket. $"e trou8le %as 9 "a5 almost 3"osen. 9 almost tol5 "im@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 'irst. 9 %asn?t a "un5re5 per3ent sure. Se3on5@ Hean2 !lau5e "a5 8la3kmaile5 me into 5atin- "im. 4ate "im or "e?5 kill <i3"ar5. He %ante5 a 3"an3e to %oo me a%ay 1rom <i3"ar5. ="i3" meant really 5atin- "im. As "e put it@ A91 you allo% <i3"ar5 to kiss you@ 8ut not me@ it is not 1air.C Suppose5ly@ i1 9 3"ose <i3"ar5@ Hean!lau5e %oul5 merely step asi5e. 9 t"ink "e %as e-otist enou-" to mean it. $"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity 3oul5n?t ima-ine anyone not 8ein- %on o)er@ e)entually. /ot i1 you "a5 a33ess to "is lo)ely 8o5y. He kept o11erin- it. 9 kept re1usin-. 91 9 3"ose <i3"ar5 o)er "im@ %oul5 "e really 8o% out -ra3e1ully@ or %oul5 "e take us all 5o%n in a 8loo58at"B 9 stare5 into "is 5eep 8lue eyes an5 5i5n?t kno%. 9?5 kno%n "im 1or years. 4ate5 "im 1or mont"s. But "e %as still a mystery to me. 9 >ust 5i5n?t kno% %"at "e %oul5 5o. 9 %asn?t %illin- to pus" t"at 8utton@ not yet. A="at are you t"inkin- a8out so seriously@ ma petiteB 4o not say it is t"e assassin. 9 %oul5 not 8elie)e you.C 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say@ so 9 >ust s"ook my "ea5. His "an5 sli5 o)er my s"oul5ers until 9 %as restin- in t"e 3ur)e o1 "is arm. $"e 1eel o1 "is 8o5y t"at 3lose to mine ma5e my stoma3" 1lutter. He 8ent 1or%ar5 as i1 to kiss me@ an5 9 stoppe5 "im@ t"e 8a3k o1 my le1t "an5 a-ainst "is 3"est. Sin3e 9 %as no% tou3"in- 8are skin@ 9 %asn?t sure t"is "elpe5. ADou 8e"a)e5 yoursel1 t"e entire 5ri)e up "ere. ="at -i)es no%BC 9 aske5. A9 am tryin- to 3om1ort you@ ma petite.C ADea"@ ri-"t@C 9 sai5. He %rappe5 "is ot"er arm aroun5 my %aist@ turnin- my upper 8o5y a-ainst "im. $"e -un %as still in my "an5@ 8ut it 8e-an to seem a%k%ar5. 9 %asn?t -oin- to use it on Hean2!lau5e@ an5 t"e assassin %asn?t 3omin- t"rou-" t"e lo3ke5 5oors. $"at mu3" )iolen3e in a 3ro%5 t"is lar-e %it" 3ops 5ire3tin- tra11i3 seeme5 a little 8ol5 e)en 1or a pro1essional. 9 sli5 my arm a3ross "is 8a3k@ t"e -un still in my "an5. A91 you kiss me@ 9?ll "a)e to re5o my lipsti3k.C He leane5 "is 1a3e 3lose enou-" to kiss@ lips so 3lose to mine "e 3oul5 "a)e 8reat"e5 me in. He %"ispere5 >ust a8o)e my mout". A=e mustn?t "a)e t"at.C He kisse5 my 3"eek@ runnin- "is lips 5o%n t"e e5-e o1 my >a%. 9 tou3"e5 "is 1a3e %it" t"e e5-e o1 t"e -un@ mo)in- "is 1a3e %"ere 9 3oul5 see it. His eyes "a5 -one 5ro%nin- 8lue. A/o ne3kin-@C 9 sai5. 9 meant t"at. 9?5 only )olunteere5 on3e 1or 8loo5 5onation an5 t"at %as %"en "e %as 5yin-. 9 5i5 not s"are 8o5ily 1lui5s %it" t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. He ru88e5 "is 3"eek a-ainst t"e -un. A9 "a5 somet"in- a 8it lo%er in min5.C He 5u3ke5 "is "ea5 to my 3ollar8one@ li3kin- 5o%n my skin. 'or a se3on5 9 %on5ere5 "o% lo% "e %as plannin- on -oin-@ t"en 9 pus"e5 "im o11 o1 me. A9 5on?t t"ink so@C 9 sai5@ "al12lau-"in-. A4o you 1eel 8etter no%@ ma petiteBC 9 stare5 at "im 1or a "eart8eat@ t"en lau-"e5. 9 5i5. ADou are a 5e)ious son o1 a 8it3"@ 5i5 you kno% t"atBC A9?)e 8een tol5 t"at 8e1ore@C "e sai5@ smilin-. $"e poli3e "a5 pus"e5 t"e 3ro%5 8a3k@ an5 t"e limo mo)e5 1or%ar5. ADou 5i5 t"at >ust to 3"eer me up.C 9 soun5e5 almost a33usatory. He %i5ene5 "is eyes. A=oul5 9 5o su3" a t"in-BC

9 stare5 at "im an5 1elt t"e smile sli5e 1rom my 1a3e. 9 really looke5 at "im 1or a moment@ not >ust as t"e %orl5?s -reatest lust o8>e3t@ 8ut as "im@ Hean2!lau5e@ $"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity %as %orrie5 a8out my 1eelin-s. 9 s"ook my "ea5. =as "e 8e3omin- ni3er@ or %as 9 >ust 1oolin- mysel1B A="y so solemn@ ma petiteBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"e usual@ tryin- to 1i-ure out "o% sin3ere you are.C His smile %i5ene5. A9 am al%ays sin3ere@ ma petite@ e)en %"en 9 lie.C A="i3" is %"at makes you so -oo5 at it@C 9 sai5. He no55e5 "is "ea5 on3e@ almost a 8o%. A,*a3tly.C He -lan3e5 a"ea5 o1 us. A=e are a8out to em8ark on a sea o1 me5ia@ ma petite. 91 you 3oul5 put t"e -un upB 9 t"ink t"e press %oul5 1in5 it a 8it mu3".C APressBC 9 sai5. ADou mean lo3al me5iaBC ALo3al@ yes.C A="at aren?t you tellin- meBC A="en t"e 5oor opens@ take my arm an5 smile@ please@ ma petite.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A="at is a8out to "appenBC ADou are a8out to 8e intro5u3e5 to t"e %orl5.C AHean2!lau5e@ %"at are you up toBC A$"is is not my 5oin-@ ma petite. 9 5o not like t"e limeli-"t ;uite t"is mu3". $"e )ampire 3oun3il "as 3"osen me to 8e t"eir representati)e to t"e me5ia.C A9 kno% you "a5 to 3ome out o1 t"e 3asket to t"e lo3al )ampires a1ter you %on your last 3"allen-e@ 8ut isn?t it 5an-erousB 9 mean you?)e 8een preten5in- to 8e some mysterious master?s num8er2one 1lunkie. 9t?s kept you sa1e 1rom outsi5e 3"allen-ers.C A7ost masters use a stalkin- "orse@ ma petite. 9t 3uts 5o%n on 3"allen-es an5 "uman assassins.C A9 kno% all t"at@ so %"y are you -oin- pu8li3BC A$"e 3oun3il 8elie)es t"at skulkin- in t"e s"a5o%s -i)es ammunition to our 5etra3tors. $"ose o1 us %"o %oul5 make -oo5 me5ia 1o55er "a)e 8een or5ere5 into t"e li-"t@ as it %ere.C 9 stare5 at "im. AHo% into t"e li-"tBC APut t"e -un a%ay@ ma petite. $"e 5oorman %ill open t"e 5oor an5 t"ere %ill 8e 3ameras.C 9 -lare5 at "im@ 8ut 9 sli5 t"e See3amp into my purse. A="at "a)e you -otten me into@ Hean2!lau5eBC ASmile@ ma petite@ or at least 5o not 1ro%n.C $"e 5oor opene5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 say anyt"in- else. A man in a tu* "el5 t"e 5oor. $"e 1las" o1 li-"t8ul8s %as 8lin5in-@ an5 9 kne% it "a5 to 8ot"er "is eyes more t"an mine. He %as smilin- as "e "el5 a "an5 8a3k 1or me. 91 "e 3oul5 stare t"at mu3" li-"t in t"e 1a3e %it"out 8linkin-@ 9 3oul5 8e -ra3ious. =e 3oul5 al%ays 1i-"t later. 9 steppe5 out o1 t"e limo an5 %as -la5 9 %as "ol5in- "is "an5. 'las"8ul8s %ere e)ery%"ere like tiny suns 8lastin- o11. $"e 3ro%5 sur-e5 1or%ar5@ mi3rop"ones s"o)e5 at us like kni)es. 91 "e "a5n?t 8een "ol5in- my "an5 ti-"t@ 9?5 "a)e 3ra%le5 8a3k into t"e limo. 9 mo)e5 3loser to "im@ >ust to 8e a8le to keep my 1eet. ="ere t"e "ell %as 3ro%5 3ontrolB A mi3rop"one nearly tou3"e5 my 1a3e. A %oman?s )oi3e yelle5 1rom 1ar too 3lose@ A9s "e -oo5 in 8e5B #r %oul5 t"at 8e 3o11inBC A="atBC 9 sai5. A9s "e -oo5 in 8e5BC $"ere %as a moment o1 near silen3e@ %"ile e)eryone %aite5 1or my ans%er. Be1ore 9 3oul5 open my mout" an5 say somet"in- s3at"in-@ Hean2!lau5e mo)e5 in@ -ra3e1ul as al%ays. A=e 5o not kiss an5 tell@ 5o %e@ ma petiteBC His 'ren3" a33ent %as t"e t"i3kest 9?5 e)er "ear5 it. A7a petite2is t"at your pet name 1or "erBC a man?s )oi3e. A#ui@C "e sai5. 9 looke5 up at "im@ an5 "e leane5 5o%n as i1 to kiss my 3"eek. He %"ispere5@ AGlare at me later@ ma petite. $"ere are 3ameras e)ery%"ere.C 9 %ante5 to say t"at 9 5i5n?t -i)e a 5amn@ 8ut 9 5i5. 9 mean@ 9 t"ink 9 5i5. 9 1elt like a ra88it 3au-"t in "ea5li-"ts. 91 t"e assassin "a5 >umpe5 out %it" a -un at t"at moment@ 9?5 "a)e stoo5 t"ere an5 let "im s"oot me. $"at t"ou-"t@ more t"an anyt"in- else@ 8rou-"t me 8a3k to mysel1@ "elpe5 me to t"ink a-ain. 9 starte5 tryin- to see past t"e li-"ts@ t"e mi3rop"ones@ a 1e% tape re3or5ers@ an5 )i5eo 3ameras. 9 3au-"t at least t%o ma>or net%ork em8lems on t"e 3ameras. S"it.

Hean2!lau5e %as 1iel5in- ;uestions like a pro@ smilin-@ -ra3ious@ t"e per1e3t )ampire 3o)er 8oy. 9 smile5 an5 leane5 into "im@ stan5in- on tiptoe@ puttin- my lips so 3lose to "is ear t"at 9 3oul5 "a)e li3ke5 it@ 8ut 9 %as "opin- t"e mi3rop"ones %oul5n?t pi3k up %"at 9 %as sayin-. 9 %as sure it looke5 3oy an5 -irlis" as "ell@ 8ut "ey@ not"in- %as per1e3t. 9 %"ispere5@ AGet me out o1 "ere no%@ or 9 pull t"e -un an5 3lear a pat" 1or mysel1.C He lau-"e5@ an5 it 1lo%e5 5o%n my skin like 1ur@ %arm@ an5 ti3klis"@ an5 )a-uely o8s3ene. $"e reporters ooo"e5 an5 aa"e5. 9 %on5ere5 i1 Hean2!lau5e?s lau-" %orke5 o11 a re3or5er@ or on )i5eo. $"at %as a 1ri-"tenin- t"ou-"t. A#"@ ma petite@ you nau-"ty -irl.C 9 %"ispere5@ A4on?t e)er 3all me t"at a-ain.C A7y apolo-ies.C He smile5@ %a)e5@ an5 8e-an es3ortin- me t"rou-" t"e press o1 reporters. $%o )ampire 5oormen "a5 3ome out to "elp 3lear our pat". $"ey %ere 8ot" lar-e an5 mus3ular@ an5 neit"er o1 t"em "a5 8een 5ea5 lon-. $"ey looke5 rosy23"eeke5 an5 almost ali)e. $"ey?5 1e5 on someone toni-"t. But t"en@ so "a5 Hean2!lau5e. 9t %as -ettin"ar5er an5 "ar5er 1or me to t"ro% stones at t"e monsters. $"e 5oor opene5@ an5 %e slippe5 insi5e. $"e silen3e %as %on5er1ul. 9 turne5 on "im. AHo% 5are you 5ra- me into t"at kin5 o1 me5ia 3o)era-e.C A9t 5oes not en5an-er you@ ma petite.C AHa5 it o33urre5 to you t"at i1 9 3"ose <i3"ar5 o)er you@ t"at 9 mi-"t not %ant e)ery8o5y in t"e %orl5 to kno% 9 %as 5atina )ampireBC He -a)e a sli-"t smile. AGoo5 enou-" to 5ate@ 8ut not -oo5 enou-" to -o pu8li3 %it"BC A=e?)e -one to e)eryt"in- 1rom t"e symp"ony to t"e 8allet to-et"er. 9?m not as"ame5 o1 you.C A<eallyBC $"e smile %as -one@ repla3e5 8y somet"in- else@ not an-er e*a3tly@ 8ut 3lose. A$"en %"y are you an-ry@ ma petiteBC 9 opene5 my mout"@ t"en 3lose5 it. $rut" %as t"at 9 %oul5 rat"er not "a)e -one ;uite t"is pu8li3@ 8e3ause 9 -uess 9 5i5n?t really 8elie)e 9 3oul5 3"oose Hean2!lau5e. He %as a )ampire@ a 5ea5 man. 9n t"at one moment 9 realiEe5 "o% pre>u5i3e5 9 still %as. He %as -oo5 enou-" to 5ate. Goo5 enou-" to "ol5 "an5s %it"@ an5 may8e a 8it more. But t"ere %as a limit. Al%ays a point %"ere 9 kne% 9?5 say stop 8e3ause "e %as a 3orpse. A 8eauti1ul 3orpse@ 8ut a )ampire is a )ampire. Dou 3oul5n?t really 1all in lo)e %it" one. Dou 3oul5n?t "a)e se* %it" one. /o %ay. 9?5 8roken Hean2!lau5e?s one rule 1or 5atin8ot" o1 t"e 8oys. 9?5 ne)er really -i)en Hean2!lau5e t"e same 3"an3e t"at 9?5 -i)en <i3"ar5. An5 no%@ %it" national tele)ision 3o)era-e@ t"e 8at %as out o1 t"e 8a-. 9t em8arrasse5 me t"at anyone %oul5 t"ink 9 mi-"t a3tually 5ate "im. $"at 9 mi-"t a3tually 3are 1or a %alkin- 5ea5 man. $"e an-er %as"e5 a%ay in t"e kno%le5-e t"at 9 %as a "ypo3rite. 9 5on?t kno% "o% mu3" o1 it s"o%e5 on my 1a3e@ 8ut Hean2!lau5e 3o3ke5 "is "ea5 to one si5e. A$"ou-"ts are 1lyin- a3ross your 1a3e@ ma petite@ 8ut %"at t"ou-"tsBC 9 stare5 up at "im. A9 t"ink 9 o%e you an apolo-y.C His eyes %i5ene5. A$"en t"is is a truly "istori3 o33asion. ="at are you apolo-iEin- 1orBC 9 %asn?t sure "o% to put it into %or5s. ADou?re ri-"tG 9?m %ron-.C He put "is 1in-ers to "is 3"est@ 1a3e %i5e %it" mo3k surprise. ADou a5mit t"at you "a)e treate5 me like some -uilty se3ret@ "i55en a%ay. ,*ile5 1rom your true 1eelin-s %"ile you 3u55le %it" <i3"ar5 an5 "is li)in- 1les".C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A,nou-" alrea5y. See i1 9 e)er -i)e you anot"er apolo-y 1or anyt"in-.C AA 5an3e %oul5 su11i3e@C "e sai5. A9 5on?t 5an3e. Dou kno% t"at.C A$"is is t"e -ran5 openin- o1 my 5an3e 3lu8@ ma petite. Dou are my 5ate. Are you truly -oin- to 5eny me e)en one 5an3eBC Put t"at %ay it soun5e5 petty. A#ne 5an3e.C He smile5@ %i3ke5@ enti3in-. $"e smile t"at t"e serpent must "a)e -i)en ,)e. A9 t"ink %e %ill 5an3e %ell to-et"er@ ma petite.C A9 5ou8t it.C A9 t"ink %e %oul5 5o many t"in-s %ell to-et"er.C AGi)e you one 5an3e an5 you %ant t"e %"ole pa3ka-e. Pus"y 8astar5.C He -a)e a small 8o%@ smilin-@ eyes s"inin-. A 1emale )amp stro5e to%ar5s us. S"e %as in3"es taller t"an Hean2!lau5e@ %"i3" ma5e "er at least si* 1eet tall. S"e %as 8lon5 an5 8lue2eye5@ an5 i1 s"e?5 looke5 any more /or5i3@ s"e?5 "a)e 8een a poster -irl 1or t"e master ra3e. S"e %as %earin- a )iolet 8lue 8o5y suit %it" strate-i3 "oles 3ut out. $"e 8o5y t"at s"o%e5 t"rou-" %as 8roa52s"oul5ere5@ mus3ular@ an5 still mana-e5 to 8e 1ull8reaste5. Leat"er 8oots in t"e e*a3t same 3olor ro5e "er lon-@ mus3ular le-s all t"e %ay up to "er t"i-"s.

AAnita Blake@ t"is is Li).C ALet me -uess@C 9 sai5. AHean2!lau5e 3"ose t"e out1it.C Li) looke5 at me 1rom "er 3onsi5era8le "ei-"t as i1 simply 8ein- tall ma5e "er intimi5atin-. ="en 9 5i5n?t 1lin3"@ s"e smile5. AHe is t"e 8oss.C 9 stare5 up at "er. 9 almost aske5 %"y. 9 3oul5 1eel "er a-e pressin- 5o%n on me like a %ei-"t. S"e %as si* "un5re5 years ol5. $%i3e Hean2!lau5e?s a-e or more. So %"y %asn?t s"e t"e 8ossB 9 3oul5 1eel t"e ans%er alon- my skin like a 3ool %in5. /ot enou-" po%er. S"e %asn?t a master )ampire@ an5 no amount o1 a-e %oul5 3"an-e t"at. A="at are you starin- atBC s"e aske5. S"e looke5 me ri-"t in t"e eyes an5 s"ook "er "ea5. AS"e really is immune to our -aEe.C A$o your -aEe@C 9 sai5. S"e put "er "an5s on "er "ips. A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC A9t means you 5on?t "a)e enou-" >ui3e to 5o me@C 9 sai5. S"e took a step 1or%ar5. AHo% a8out 9 >ust pi3k you up an5 s;ueeEe some >ui3e out o1 youBC Here %as %"ere not "a)in- a -un in a "olster %as -oin- to -et me kille5. 9 3oul5 -et one o1 t"e kni)es out@ 8ut unless 9 %as %illin- 1or "er to 3ome )ery 3lose@ it %oul5n?t "elp. 9 3oul5 slip my "an5 in t"e purseG most people 5i5n?t e*pe3t a -un to 3ome out o1 a purse so small. #1 3ourse@ i1 Li) 3au-"t me -oin- 1or t"e -un@ s"e 3oul5 -et to me 8e1ore 9 3oul5 5ra% it. =it" a "olster 9?5 "a)e trie5 it. 'rom a purse "an-in- 1rom a strap@ 9 5i5n?t t"ink so. Vampires are >ust t"at 1ast. AHo% many )ampire kills 5o you "a)e no%@ AnitaBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. $"e ;uestion surprise5 me@ an5 my ans%er surprise5 me more. A#)er t%enty le-al kills.C AHo% many kills alto-et"er@ ma petiteBC A9 5on?t kno%@C 9 sai5. 9t "a5 to 8e o)er t"irty no%@ 8ut trut"1ully@ 9 5i5n?t remem8er anymore. 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% many li)es 9?5 taken. A 8a5 si-n@ t"at. ALi) is mine@ ma petite. Dou may speak 1reely in 1ront o1 "er.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/e)er a5mit to mur5er in 1ront o1 stran-ers@ Hean2!lau5e. Hust a rule.C Li) looke5 at me. S"e 5i5n?t seem to like %"at s"e sa%. ASo t"is is t"e ,*e3utioner.C S"e s"ook "er "ea5. AS"e?s a little on t"e small si5e@ isn?t s"eBC S"e stalke5 aroun5 me like 9 %as a "orse 1or sale. ="en s"e %as at my 8a3k@ 9 opene5 t"e purse. By t"e time s"e 3ame aroun5 a-ain@ 9 "a5 t"e -un out@ 8e"in5 t"e purse@ uno8trusi)e@ t"ou-" in a pin3" 9 -uess 9 3oul5 "a)e s"ot t"rou-" t"e purse. But %"y@ i1 9 5i5n?t "a)e toB Li) s"ook "er "ea5. AS"e?s pretty@ 8ut s"e?s not )ery impressi)e.C S"e stoo5 8e"in5 Hean2!lau5e@ runnin- "er stron"an5s o)er "is s"oul5ers@ "is arms. S"e en5e5 %it" "er "an5s aroun5 "is %aist@ 1in-ers knea5in- "is 8o5y. 9 %as -ettin- )ery tire5 o1 Li). A9 3an 5o t"in-s t"at no "uman 3an 5o 1or you@ Hean2!lau5e.C ADou are 8ein- ru5e to Anita. 9 %ill not remin5 you o1 it a-ain.C $"ere %as a 3ol5@ e)en t"reat in "is )oi3e. Li) un%rappe5 "ersel1 1rom "im an5 stoo5 8et%een us@ "an5s on "ips. A$"e -reat Hean2!lau5e 5ri)en to 3eli8a3y 8y a "uman. People are lau-"in- 8e"in5 your 8a3k.C A!eli8a3yBC 9 aske5. Hean2!lau5e -lan3e5 at me@ t"en si-"e5. A:ntil you -i)e up your nunnis" %ays@ ma petite@ 9 am playin- monk.C 7y eyes %i5ene5. 9 3oul5n?t "elp it. 9 kne% t"at <i3"ar5 an5 9 "a5 ea3" "a5 one lo)er an5 3"osen 3eli8a3y a1ter%ar5s. But 9?5 ne)er t"ou-"t a8out Hean2!lau5e an5 %"at "e mi-"t 8e 5oin- to satis1y "is nee5s. A8stinen3e %oul5 not "a)e 8een one o1 my 3"oi3es 1or "im. ADou seem surprise5@ ma petite.C A9 -uess anyone %"o e*u5es se* t"e %ay you 5o ... 9 >ust ne)er t"ou-"t a8out it.C ADet i1 you 5is3o)ere5 t"at 9 "a5 8een sleepin- %it" anot"er 1emale@ ali)e or 5ea5@ %"ile %e %ere 5atin-@ %"at %oul5 you 5oBC A4rop you in a "ot minute.C A,*a3tly.C Li) lau-"e5@ a lou5@ unattra3ti)e 8ray o1 soun5. A,)en your "uman 5oesn?t 8elie)e you.C Hean2!lau5e turne5 to "er@ "is eyes a 8laEe o1 sapp"ire 1lame. ADou say t"ey lau-" 8e"in5 my 8a3k.C S"e no55e5@ still lau-"in-. ABut only you are lau-"in- to my 1a3e.C

Her lau-"ter 5ie5 a8ruptly like a turne5 s%it3". S"e stare5 at "im. AA little more su8missi)eness@ Li)@ or is t"is a 3"allen-e to my aut"orityBC S"e looke5 startle5. A/o@ 9 mean ... 9 ne)er meant ... C He >ust looke5 at "er. A$"en you "a5 8est ask my 1or-i)eness@ "a5 you notBC S"e 5roppe5 to one knee. S"e 5i5n?t look a1rai5@ more as i1 s"e?5 5one some "u-e so3ial -a11e an5 no% "a5 to make amen5s. A9 8e- your 1or-i)eness@ 7aster. 9 1or-ot mysel1.C ADes@ you 5i5@ Li). 4o not make it a "a8it.C Li) -ot to "er 1eet@ all smiles@ all 1or-i)en. Hust like t"at. $"e politi3al maneu)erin- %as t"i3k in t"e air. A9t?s only t"at s"e 5oesn?t look nearly as 5an-erous as you painte5 "er.C AAnita@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ As"o% "er %"at you "a)e in your "an5.C 9 mo)e5 t"e purse to one si5e@ 1las"in- t"e -un. A9 3oul5 "a)e your t"roat in my "an5s 8e1ore you 3oul5 point t"at toy@C Li) sai5. A/o@C 9 sai5@ Ayou 3oul5n?t.C A9s t"at a 3"allen-eBC s"e aske5. ASi* "un5re5 years o1 li1e@ plus or minus a 5e3a5e@C 9 sai5. A4on?t t"ro% it a%ay 1or a little -ran5stan5in-.C AHo% 5i5 you kno% my a-eBC 9 smile5. A9 am really not in t"e moo5 to 8lu11 toni-"t@ Li). 4on?t try me.C S"e stare5 at me@ "er e*traor5inary eyes narro%in-. ADou are a ne3roman3er@ not >ust a 3orpse2raiser. 9 3an 1eel you insi5e my "ea5@ almost like anot"er )ampire.C S"e looke5 at Hean2!lau5e. A="y 3oul5n?t 9 1eel "er 8e1oreBC AHer po%er 1lares %"en s"e 1eels t"reatene5@C "e sai5. $"is %as ne%s to me. $o my kno%le5-e@ 9 %asn?t usin- any po%er ri-"t no%. But 9 5i5n?t say it out lou5. /o% %as not t"e time to ask stupi5 ;uestions or e)en smart ones. Li) steppe5 to one si5e@ almost as i1 s"e %as a1rai5. A=e?re openin- in an "our. 9?)e -ot %ork to 5o.C S"e mo)e5 to%ar5s t"e 5oor@ ne)er takin- "er eyes 1rom me. 9 %at3"e5 "er mo)e@ "appy %it" "er rea3tion 8ut not un5erstan5in- it. A!ome@ Anita@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ A9 %ant to s"o% you my 3lu8.C 9 let "im lea5 me into t"e main area o1 t"e 3lu8. $"ey "a5 -utte5 t"e %are"ouse until it rose t"ree stories strai-"t up %it" railin-s aroun5 ea3" 1loor. $"e main 5an3e 1loor %as "u-e@ s"inin- an5 sli3k@ -leamin- in t"e su85ue5 li-"t. $ra3k li-"tin%as "i55en a%ay so it %as "ar5 to tell %"ere t"e li-"t %as 3omin- 1rom. $"in-s "un- 1rom t"e 3eilin-. At 1irst -lan3e 9 t"ou-"t t"ey %ere 8o5ies@ 8ut t"ey %ere manne;uins@ li1e2siEe ru88er 5olls@ 3ras"2test 5ummies. Some %ere nake5@ one %rappe5 in 3ellop"ane@ some in 8la3k leat"er or )inyl. #ne ru88er 5oll %ore a metal 8ikini. $"ey %ere "un- 1rom 3"ains at 5i11erent le)els. 9t %as a mo8ile. A$"at?s 5i11erent@C 9 sai5. AA promisin- ne% artist 5i5 it espe3ially 1or t"e 3lu8.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9t 5oes make a statement.C 9 slippe5 t"e -un 8a3k into my purse 8ut kept t"e purse open. $"at %ay 9 %as a8le to -et to t"e -un surprisin-ly ;ui3kly. Besi5es@ 9 3oul5n?t %alk aroun5 all ni-"t %it" a loa5e5 -un in my "an5. ,)entually@ your "an5 starts 3rampin-@ no matter "o% small t"e -un is. Hean2!lau5e -li5e5 a3ross t"e 5an3e 1loor@ an5 9 1ollo%e5. ALi) %as a1rai5 o1 me. ="yBC He turne5 -ra3e1ully@ smilin-. ADou are t"e ,*e3utioner.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. AS"e sai5 s"e 3oul5 1eel me in "er "ea5 like anot"er )amp. ="at 5i5 s"e meanBC He si-"e5. ADou are a ne3roman3er@ ma petite@ an5 your po%er -ro%s %it" use.C A="y %oul5 t"at s3are a si*2"un5re52year2ol5 )ampireBC ADou are relentless@ ma petite.C A9t?s one o1 my 8est t"in-s.C A91 9 ans%er your ;uestion@ %ill you en>oy my 3lu8 %it" me@ 8e my 5ate until t"e assassin s"o%s upBC A$"anks 1or remin5in- me.C ADou "a5 not 1or-otten.C A/o@ 9 "a5n?t. So@ yea"@ ans%er my ;uestion an5 9?ll play 5ate.C

APlayBC AStop stallin- an5 ans%er t"e ;uestion.C 9 t"ou-"t o1 one ot"er ;uestion 9 %ante5 ans%ere5. A$%o ;uestions.C He raise5 "is eye8ro%s@ 8ut no55e5. AVampires are -i)en po%ers in 1olklore an5 popular myt" t"at %e 5o not possessJ 3ontrollin- %eat"er@ s"apes"i1tin- into animals. /e3roman3ers are suppose5ly a8le to 3ontrol all types o1 un5ea5.C A!ontrolB Dou 5on?t mean >ust Eom8ies@ 5o youBC A/o@ ma petite.C ASo Li)?s a1rai5 9?ll take "er o)erBC ASomet"in- like t"at.C ABut t"at?s 3raEy. 9 3an?t or5er )ampires aroun5.C $"e moment 9 sai5 it@ 9 %is"e5 9 "a5n?t. 9t %asn?t true. 9 "a5 raise5 a )ampire on3e. #n3e. #n3e "a5 8een enou-". Somet"in- must "a)e s"o%n on my 1a3e@ 8e3ause Hean2!lau5e tou3"e5 my 3"eek. A="at is it@ ma petiteB ="at 1ills your eyes %it" su3" ... "orrorBC 9 opene5 my mout" an5 lie5. A91 9 3oul5 or5er )ampires aroun5@ Serep"ina %oul5n?t "a)e 3leane5 my 3lo3k t%o mont"s a-o.C His 1a3e so1tene5. AS"e is 5ea5@ ma petite. =ell an5 truly 5ea5. Dou sa% to t"at.C He leane5 1or%ar5 an5 kisse5 my 1ore"ea5. His lips %ere silken so1t. He 8rus"e5 "is lips a3ross my 1ore"ea5@ mo)in- "is 8o5y in 3loser@ 3om1ortin- me. 9t ma5e me 1eel -uilty as "ell. 9 5i5 still "a)e ni-"tmares a8out Serep"ina@ t"at mu3" %as true. Hust sayin- "er name out lou5 ma5e my stoma3" 3len3". #1 all t"e )ampires 9?5 1a3e5@ s"e?5 3ome t"e 3losest to -ettin- me. /ot killin- me@ t"at %oul5 "appen sooner or later. /o@ s"e "a5 nearly ma5e me one o1 t"em. /early ma5e me %ant to 8e one o1 t"em. S"e "a5 o11ere5 me somet"in- more pre3ious t"an se* or po%er. S"e?5 o11ere5 me pea3e. 9t "a5 8een a lie@ 8ut as lies -o@ it "a5 8een a -oo5 one. ="y not tell Hean2!lau5e t"e trut"B =ell@ it %as none o1 "is 5amn 8usiness. 'rankly@ %"at 9?5 5one 1ri-"tene5 me. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5eal %it" it. 4i5n?t %ant to t"ink a8out it. 4i5n?t %ant to kno% %"at t"e p"ilosop"i3al rami1i3ations o1 raisin- a )ampire 5urin- 5ayli-"t "ours mi-"t 8e. 9 %as )ery -oo5 at i-norin- t"in-s 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5eal %it". A7a petite@ you are trem8lin-.C He pus"e5 me 8a3k 1rom "im to sear3" my 1a3e. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"ere?s an assassin out to kill me@ an5 you ask %"y 9?m trem8lin-.C A9 kno% you too %ell@ ma petite. $"at is not %"y you trem8le.C A9 5on?t like you usin- me like some kin5 o1 8o-eyman 1or )ampires. 9?m not t"at s3ary.C A/o@ 8ut 9 "a)e en3oura-e5 t"e illusion.C 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom "im. ADou mean@ you?)e 8een tellin- ot"er )amps t"at 9 3oul5 3ontrol )ampiresBC AA "int or t%o.C He smile5@ an5 in t"at one simple e*pression@ you >ust kne% "e %as t"inkin- %i3ke5 t"ou-"ts. A="y@ 1or "ea)en?s sakeBC A9 "a)e taken a lesson 1rom our 5iplomati3 <i3"ar5. He "as %on o)er many %ol)es 8y simply promisin- to treat t"em %ell@ not to 1or3e t"em to 5o t"in-s t"ey 5o not %ant to 5o.C ASoBC 9 sai5. A9 "a)e in)ite5 )ampires to >oin my 1lo3k %it" t"e promise not o1 1ear an5 intimi5ation 8ut o1 sa1ety.C ALike Li)BC He no55e5. AHo% 5o you make sure t"ey 5on?t sta-e a pala3e re)oltBC 9 aske5. A$"ere are %ays.C ALike t"reatenin- t"em %it" a ne3roman3er@C 9 sai5. He smile5. A9n5ee5.C A/ot e)eryone %ill 8elie)e it.C A9 kno% 9 5on?t@C a )oi3e sai5.

Chapter Fifteen
9 turne5 to 1in5 anot"er ne% )ampire. He %as tall an5 slen5er %it" skin t"e 3olor o1 3lean %"ite s"eets@ 8ut s"eets 5i5n?t "a)e mus3le mo)in- un5erneat"@ s"eets 5i5n?t -li5e 5o%n t"e steps an5 pa5 -o5like a3ross a room. His "air 1ell past "is s"oul5ers@ a re5 so pure it %as nearly t"e 3olor o1 8loo5. $"e 3olor s3reame5 a-ainst "is paleness. He %as %earin- a 8la3k 1ro3k 3oat like somet"in- out o1 t"e 1. s@ 8ut "is 3"est -leame5 lean an5 nake5 insi5e it. $"e "ea)y 3lot" %as

nearly 3o)ere5 in t"i3k em8roi5ery@ a -reen so )i)i5 it -leame5. $"e em8roi5ery mat3"e5 "is eyes. Green as a 3at?s eyes@ -reen as an emeral5. 'rom t"e %aist 5o%n@ "e %as %earin- -reen ly3ra e*er3ise pants t"at le1t little to t"e ima-ination. A sas" %as tie5 at "is %aist like a pirate 8elt@ 8la3k %it" -reen 1rin-e. Knee2"i-" 8la3k 8oots 3omplete5 t"e out1it. 9 t"ou-"t 9 kne% all t"e 8loo5su3kers in to%n@ 8ut "ere %ere t%o ne% ones in less t"an t%o minutes. AHo% many ne% )ampires are in t"e 3ityBC 9 aske5. AA 1e%@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A$"is is 4amian. 4amian@ t"is is Anita.C A9 1eel silly in t"is out1it@C "e sai5. ABut you look splen5i5@ 5oesn?t "e@ ma petiteBC 9 no55e5. ASplen5i5 is one %ay o1 puttin- it.C Hean2!lau5e %alke5 aroun5 t"e ne% )ampire@ 1li3kin- ima-inary spe3ks o1 lint 1rom t"e 3oat. A4on?t you appro)e@ AnitaBC 9 si-"e5. A9t?s >ust ... C 9 s"ru--e5. A="y 5o you make e)eryone aroun5 you 5ress like t"ey steppe5 out o1 a se*ual 1antasy %it" a "i-" 3ostume 8u5-etBC He lau-"e5@ an5 t"e soun5 %rappe5 aroun5 me@ tu--e5 at t"in-s lo%er t"an "e?5 e)er -otten to tou3". AStop t"at@C 9 sai5. ADou en>oy it@ ma petite.C A7ay8e@ 8ut stop it any%ay.C AHean2!lau5e "as al%ays "a5 a killer 1as"ion sense@C 4amian sai5@ Aan5 se* %as al%ays one o1 "is 1a)orite pastimes@ %asn?t itBC $"ere %as somet"in- a8out t"e %ay "e sai5 t"at last t"at ma5e it not a 3ompliment. Hean2!lau5e 1a3e5 "im. AAn5 yet@ 1or all my 1oppis" %ays@ "ere you are@ in my lan5s@ seekin- my prote3tion.C $"e pupils in 4amian?s eyes %ere s%allo%e5 8y a rus" o1 -reen 1ire. A$"ank you so mu3" 1or remin5in- me.C A<emem8er %"o is master "ere@ 4amian@ or you %ill 8e 8anis"e5. $"e 3oun3il t"emsel)es inter3e5e5 %it" your ol5 master@ res3ue5 you 1rom "er. S"e 5i5 not %ant to -i)e you up. 9 spoke 1or you. 9 ransome5 you 8e3ause 9 remem8er %"at it %as like to 8e trappe5. $o 8e 1or3e5 to 5o t"in-s you 5i5n?t %ant to 5o. $o 8e use5 an5 tormente5.C 4amian stoo5 a little strai-"ter 8ut 5i5n?t look a%ay. ADou?)e ma5e your point. 9 am ... -rate1ul to 8e "ere.C He looke5 a%ay@ t"en to t"e 1loor@ an5 a s"u55er ran t"rou-" "im. A9 am -la5 to 8e 1ree o1 "er.C ="en "e looke5 8a3k up@ "is eyes "a5 returne5 to normal. He mana-e5 a smile t"at 5i5n?t ;uite rea3" "is eyes. A=earin- a 1e% 3ostumes is not t"e %orst t"in- 9?)e e)er 5one.C $"ere %as a sorro% to "is )oi3e t"at ma5e me %ant to ask Hean2!lau5e to let "im 3"an-e into a pair o1 pants@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. Hean2!lau5e %as %alkin- a )ery 1ine line "ere. 4amian %as o)er 1i)e "un5re5 years ol5. He %asn?t a master@ 8ut t"at %as still a "ell o1 a lot o1 po%er. Hean2!lau5e mi-"t 8e a8le to "an5le Li) an5 4amian@ 8ut i1 t"ere %ere more@ 7aster o1 t"e !ity or not@ "e %asn?t up to t"e >o8. ="i3" meant t"ese little 5ominan3e -ames %ere ne3essary. $"e ot"ers 3oul5n?t 8e allo%e5 to 1or-et %"o %as 7aster@ 8e3ause on3e t"ey 5i5@ "e %as 5one 1or. 91 "e?5 aske5 1or my )ote 8e1ore "e put out t"e in)itations@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 no. A 5oor at t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e room opene5. 9t %as a 8la3k 5oor in t"e 8la3k %alls@ an5 it seeme5 almost ma-i3al as a %oman steppe5 out. S"e %as a8out my o%n "ei-"t@ %it" %a)y@ %aist2len-t" 8ro%n "air t"at 1oame5 o)er t"e s"oul5ers o1 "er ankle2len-t" 8la3k 3oat. S"e %as %earin- a pair o1 "ot tur;uoise e*er3ise pants %it" a mat3"in- sports 8ra. !riss3rossin- straps %ent 1rom pants to t"e 8ra@ emp"asiEin- "er small %aist. Bla3k )inyl 8oots rea3"e5 to "er knees@ %it" a small pro>e3tion t"at 3o)ere5 t"e knees. S"e %alke5 5o%n t"e steps an5 stro5e a3ross t"e 1loor %it" a 1rees%in-in%alk t"at %as almost a run. S"e entere5 t"e room like it %as "er room@ or may8e s"e %as "er o%n room@ 3om1orta8le %"ere)er s"e %ent. S"e stoppe5 8y us@ smilin-@ pleasant@ "aEel eyes -reener 8e3ause o1 t"e strip o1 tur;uoise aroun5 "er ne3k. A="at 5o you t"inkBC ADou look lo)ely@ !assan5ra@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ADou look 8etter in yours t"an 9 5o in mine@C 4amian sai5. A$"at?s a matter o1 opinion@C 9 sai5. $"e %oman looke5 at me. Her eyes 1li3ke5 5o%n t"e len-t" o1 4amian?s 8o5y. S"e met my eyes@ an5 %e 8ot" lau-"e5. 4amian looke5 puEEle5. Hean2!lau5e looke5 at me. AS"are your "umor %it" us@ ma petite@ please.C 9 met !assan5ra?s eyes a-ain@ s%allo%e5 anot"er lau-"@ an5 s"ook my "ea5. 9 took a 1e% 5eep 8reat"s. ="en 9 %as pretty sure 9 3oul5 speak %it"out lau-"in-@ 9 sai5@ AGirl "umor@ you %oul5n?t un5erstan5.C AVery 5iplomati3@C !assan5ra sai5. A9?m impresse5.C A91 you kne% "o% "ar5 5iploma3y 3omes to ma petite@ you %oul5 8e e)en more impresse5@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. He "a5 -otten t"e >oke@ as i1 t"ere?5 8een any 5ou8t. 4amian %as 1ro%nin- at us@ still puEEle5. 9t %as >ust as %ell. Hean2!lau5e looke5 1rom !assan5ra to me an5 8a3k a-ain. A4o you t%o kno% ea3" ot"erBC

=e s"ook our "ea5s in unison. A!assan5ra@ Anita. 7y ne%est %ol1@ meet t"e li-"t o1 my li1e. !assan5ra is one o1 your -uar5s 1or t"e ni-"t.C ADou?re )ery -oo5. 9 %oul5n?t "a)e pi3ke5 up on it.C Her smile %i5ene5. A<i3"ar5 sai5 you 5i5n?t kno% "e %as a %ere%ol1 at 1irst@ eit"er.C 9nstantly@ a little spark o1 >ealousy 1lare5. #1 3ourse@ i1 s"e %ere a %ere%ol1 an5 %it" Hean2!lau5e@ t"en s"e %as one o1 <i3"ar5?s 1ollo%ers. ADou %eren?t at t"e meetin-.C AHean2!lau5e nee5e5 me "ere. He 3oul5n?t 5o %it"out 8ot" Hason an5 me.C 9 looke5 at Hean2!lau5e. 9 kne% %"at Hason 5i5 1or "im. He 8le5 Hason %"en "e %oke@ an5 su3kin- 8loo5 %as 5amn 3lose to se* 1or a )ampire. A<eally@C 9 sai5. A4on?t %orry@ ma petite. !assan5ra %on?t s"are 8loo5 %it" me@ eit"er. S"e an5 <i3"ar5 "a)e many similarities. 9 8elie)e t"at <i3"ar5 3"ose "er 1or me 8e3ause s"e 8ears a 3ertain resem8lan3e to you@ not >ust p"ysi3ally@ 8ut a 3ertain >e ne sais ;uoi.C AHe ne sais ;uoi is 'ren3" 1or not"in-@C 9 sai5. A9t means an in5e1ina8le somet"in- t"at is 5i11i3ult to put into %or5s@ ma petite. A ;uality t"at trans3en5s )o3a8ulary.C AHe 5oes talk pretty@ 5oesn?t "eBC !assan5ra sai5. AHe "as "is moments@C 9 sai5. ADou 3an?t 8e 5rainin- Hason e)ery mornin-. ,)en a %ere%ol1 nee5s a little re3oup time.C AStep"en is a %illin- 5onor.C A="y %asn?t Step"en %it" you last ni-"tBC 9 aske5. A9s t"at an a33usationBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. AHust ans%er t"e ;uestion.C AHe "a5 re;ueste5 an e)enin- o11 to spen5 time %it" "is 8rot"er. ="o am 9 to stan5 in t"e %ay o1 1amilial o8li-ationsBC He stare5 at me %"ile "e ans%ere5 like "e %asn?t 3ompletely "appy %it" t"e 3on)ersation. $ou-". /eit"er %as 9. Step"en?s o%n 8rot"er "a5 8etraye5 "im@ a3te5 as 8ait 1or t"e trap. 4amn. A="ere is Step"enBC AHe?s in t"e 8a3k room@C !assan5ra sai5. AHe "elpe5 me -et into t"is t"in-. 9 3oul5n?t rea3" all t"e straps.C S"e 5roppe5 t"e 3oat o11 "er s"oul5ers an5 turne5 so 9 3oul5 see "er 8a3k. $"e straps 1orme5 a ti-"t %e8@ most o1 t"em in pla3es you 3oul5n?t "a)e 1astene5 %it"out "elp. S"e slippe5 t"e 3oat 8a3k on an5 turne5@ lookin- at me. ADou?re takin- t"is alp"a 1emale t"in- seriously@ aren?t youBC 9 s"ru--e5. A9?m serious a8out Step"en?s sa1ety.C !assan5ra no55e5@ 1a3e solemn@ t"ou-"t1ul. A9 like t"at. Sometimes alp"a 1emale is >ust a token position. Hust a %or5 1or t"e pa3k lea5er?s lo)er. 7ost o1 t"em aren?t as a3ti)e as <aina.C S"e ma5e a 1a3e %"en s"e sai5 t"e name@ like s"e?5 taste5 somet"in- 8itter. Hean2!lau5e interrupte5. A9 %ill lea)e you t%o -irls to your 3on)ersation. 9 "a)e t"in-s to atten5 to 8e1ore t"e 3lu8 opens.C He kisse5 t"e 8a3k o1 my "an5 an5 %as -one@ lea)in- us stan5in- in t"e mi55le o1 t"e 3lu8@ alone. 4amian "a5 -one at "is "eels as i1 "e?5 8een aske5. 'or a moment@ 9 %as ner)ous. !assan5ra an5 9 %ere )ery mu3" in t"e open. ALet?s -o o)er t"ere.C 9 motione5 to t"e steps t"at le5 to t"e ne*t le)el. =e sat 5o%n on t"em@ me "a)in- to smoot" my skirts 5o%n. ,)en t"at 5i5n?t "elp. 9 "a5 to keep my 1eet an5 knees to-et"er or 9 %oul5 "a)e 1las"e5 t"e room. Si-". ALet me -uess@C 9 sai5. A<aina %ante5 you 1or "er mo)ies.C AS"e %ants e)eryone t"at is remotely attra3ti)e 1or "er mo)ies. $"ou-" sometimes s"arin- "er 8e5 1or a tryout 3an -et you out o1 it. S"e o11ere5 me to Ga8riel 1or my tryout. $"at 5amn leopar5 is not e)en a pa3k mem8er.C A91 "e %ere@ s"e?5 make "im pa3k lea5er@C 9 sai5. !assan5ra s"ook "er "ea5. AGa8riel 3oul5n?t 5e1eat 7ar3us@ let alone <i3"ar5. He?s t"e lea5er o1 t"e %ereleopar5s only 8e3ause t"ere?s no one stron-er. He?s an alp"a@ 8ut "e?s 1la%e5. 9t makes "im %eak.C ASe*ual per)ersion 5oesn?t al%ays mean you?ll lose a 1i-"t@C 9 sai5. A9t?s not t"at@C !assan5ra sai5. AHe?s into 5an-erous se*. Ly3ant"ropes 3an take a lot o1 5ama-e.C S"e s"i)ere5. A$"e t"in-s "e %ante5 to 5o to me.C S"e looke5 at me@ an5 t"e 1ear s"o%e5 in "er eyes. AHe says you nearly -utte5 "im on3e %"ile "e "a5 you pinne5 to t"e -roun5.C 9 looke5 a%ay. ADea".C !assan5ra tou3"e5 my arm@ an5 t"ere %as no sense o1 po%er. S"e %as e)ery 8it as -oo5 as <i3"ar5 at "i5in- %"at s"e %as. S"e ma5e Syl)ie look like an amateur. $"e tou3" ma5e me turn 8a3k to "er. AHe?s "ot 1or you@ Anita. 9 5i5n?t tell <i3"ar5 8e3ause@ %ell@ 9?m ne% in t"e pa3k. Got into to%n a8out t%o %eeks a-o. 9 %as a1rai5 t"at i1 9 tol5 "im %"at Ga8riel

"a5 sai5 a8out you@ "e mi-"t 5o somet"in- stupi5. But meetin- you@ may8e tellin- you is enou-". Dou 3an 5e3i5e %"et"er <i3"ar5 nee5s to kno%.C S"e looke5 so serious. 9t s3are5 me. A="at 5i5 Ga8riel sayBC !assan5ra took a 5eep 8reat". AHe "as a 1antasy a8out you. He %ants to arm you %it" kni)es an5 let you try to kill "im@ on 1ilm@ %"ile "e rapes you.C 9 stare5 at "er. 9 %ante5 to say@ you?re ki55in-@ 8ut 9 kne% s"e %asn?t. Ga8riel %as >ust t"at t%iste5. AHo% 5oes t"e mo)ie en5 in "is )ersionBC A=it" you 5ea5@C s"e sai5. A="ile "e rapes meBC 9 sai5. S"e no55e5. 9 "u--e5 mysel1@ runnin- my "an5s 5o%n my arms@ tensin- my 8a3k@ 1eelin- t"e %eapons 9 %as 3arryin-. 9 %as arme5. 9 %as sa1e@ 8ut s"it. S"e tou3"e5 my s"oul5er. ADou all ri-"tBC A=ell@ isn?t t"is tou3"in-@C a man?s )oi3e on t"e stairs 8e"in5 us. !assan5ra %as on "er 1eet@ 1a3in- it in an instant. 9 sli5 my "an5 into t"e open purse an5 5re% t"e See3amp out. $"e -un 3au-"t a 8it on t"e 3lot" linin- an5 3ost me a 3ouple o1 se3on5s@ 8ut it %as out an5 rea5y. 9 1elt 8etter. 9?5 t%iste5 on t"e steps@ 3omin- up on one knee@ not 8ot"erin- to stan5. Sometimes@ stan5in- ma5e you a 8etter tar-et. Sa8in stoo5 a8out 1i)e steps a8o)e us. 'ri-"t1ully 3lose 1or neit"er o1 us to "a)e sense5 "im. He %as 5resse5 as 9?5 seen "im in t"e o11i3eG "oo5e5 3loak 3o)erin- "im 1rom "ea5 to toe. 9 3oul5 see un5er t"e 3loak no%. $"ere %ere no 1eet. He %as 1loatin- a8o)e t"e step. A9 %is" you 3oul5 see t"e look on your 1a3e@ 7s. Blake.C 9 s%allo%e5 my pulse 8a3k into my mout" an5 sai5@ A9 5i5n?t kno% you?5 8e "ere toni-"t@ Sa8in.C !assan5ra took a step to%ar5s "im@ a so1t -ro%l ooEin- 1rom "er t"roat. A9 5on?t kno% you@C s"e sai5. A!alm yoursel1@ %ol1. 9 am Hean2!lau5e?s -uest@ aren?t 9@ 7s. BlakeBC ADea"@C 9 sai5. AHe?s a -uest.C 9 stoppe5 pointin- t"e -un at "im@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t put it up. He %as a%1ully 5amn -oo5 to "a)e snu3k up on me an5 a %ere%ol1. ADou kno% "imBC !assan5ra aske5. S"e %as still stan5in- a8o)e me@ 8lo3kin- t"e )ampire?s pat". S"e %as takin- t"is 8o5y-uar5 t"in- )ery seriously. A9?)e met "im.C AHe sa1eBC A/o@C 9 sai5@ A8ut "e?s not "ere to "urt me.C A="o is "e "ere to "urtBC !assan5ra aske5. S"e still "a5n?t -i)en any -roun5. Sa8in ease5 5o%n t"e steps@ 3loak 8illo%in- aroun5 "im in an o55 motion@ like t"e slee)e o1 an amputee. A9 "a)e 3ome to %at3" t"e ni-"t?s entertainment@ not"in- more.C !assan5ra 8a3ke5 up to stan5 a step a"ea5 o1 me. 9 stoo5 8ut still kept t"e -un out. 9 %as >umpier t"an normal. 9 %as also remem8erin- "o% Sa8in "a5 8le5 me 1rom a 5istan3e %it" "is lau-"ter. Keepin- a -un "an5y seeme5 like a -oo5 i5ea. A="ere?s 4omini3BC AHe?s "ere some%"ere.C His "oo5 %as a 3up o1 5arkness@ smoot" an5 empty@ 8ut 9 kne% "e %as %at3"in- me. 9 1elt "is -aEe like a %ei-"t. He staye5 on t"e step >ust a8o)e !assan5ra@ t%o steps a8o)e me. A="o is your lo)ely 3ompanionBC ASa8in@ t"is is !assan5raG !assan5ra@ Sa8in.C A 8la3k2-lo)e5 "an5 sli5 out o1 t"e 3loak. He rea3"e5 to%ar5s !assan5ra as i1 "e?5 3aress "er 1a3e. S"e >erke5 8a3k. A4on?t tou3" me.C His "an5 1roEe in mi5motion. A stillness %as"e5 o)er "im. 9?5 seen ot"er )ampires 1ill %it" t"at utter ;uietness@ 8ut 9?5 t"ou-"t it %as ma5e up o1 )isual 3lues. $"ere %as no )isual 1rom Sa8in@ 8ut t"at same emptiness 1lo%e5 out%ar5. $"e illusion %as almost 8etter t"is %ay as i1 it %as >ust an empty 3loak some"o% "o)erin- on t"e stairs. His )oi3e 3ame out o1 t"at stillness. 9t %as startlin-. A9s my tou3" so repulsi)eBC ADou smell o1 si3kness an5 5eat".C Sa8in 5re% "is "an5 8a3k insi5e "is 3loak. A9 am a )isitin- master. 9t is %it"in my ri-"ts to ask 1or a 8it o1 3ompanions"ip. 9 3oul5 ask 1or you@ %ol1.C !assan5ra -ro%le5 at "im. A/o one?s 1or3in- anyone into anyone?s 8e5@C 9 sai5. ...

AAre you so sure o1 t"at@ 7s. BlakeBC Sa8in aske5. He 1loate5 aroun5 !assan5ra. $"e 3loak 8rus"e5 "er@ an5 s"e s"u55ere5. 9 3oul5n?t smell "imG 9 5i5n?t "a)e a %ere%ol1?s sense o1 smell. But 9?5 seen some o1 %"at %as un5er t"at 3loak. 9t %as %ort" a s"u55er or t%o. A!assan5ra is only on loan to Hean2!lau5e. S"e 8elon-s to t"e pa3k@ so yea"@ 9?m sure.C !assan5ra -lan3e5 8a3k at me. ADou?5 prote3t meBC A9t?s part o1 my >o8 5es3ription no%@ isn?t itBC S"e stu5ie5 my 1a3e. ADes@ 9 suppose it is.C Her )oi3e %as so1t@ t"e -ro%lin- like a 5istant 5ream. S"e looke5 terri8ly normal e*3ept 1or t"e out1it. ADou?)e seen %"at 9 am@ 7s. Blake. 4o you s"u55er at my tou3"BC 9 mo)e5 5o%n a step until 9 %as on t"e 1loor. Better 1ootin- t"an t"e stairs. A9 s"ook your "an5 earlier.C Sa8in 1loate5 to t"e 1loor. $"e 5arkness 1a5e5 1rom insi5e t"e "oo5. He pus"e5 it 8a3k to re)eal t"at -ol5en "air an5 t"at ra)a-e5 1a3e. !assan5ra let out a "iss. S"e 8a3ke5 up until s"e "it t"e 8anister. 9 t"ink Sa8in 3oul5 "a)e pulle5 a -un an5 s"ot "er ri-"t t"at se3on5@ an5 s"e %oul5n?t "a)e rea3te5 in time. He smile5 at "er. His 8eauti1ul mout" pullin- t"e rotte5 1les" loose. AHa)e you ne)er seen anyt"in- like t"isBC S"e s%allo%e5 "ar5 enou-" 1or me to "ear@ like s"e %as tryin- not to t"ro% up. A9?)e ne)er seen anyt"in- so "orri8le.C Sa8in turne5 8a3k to me. His one eye %as still a 3lear@ pure 8lue@ 8ut t"e ot"er "a5 8urst in t"e so3ket in a %elter o1 pus an5 t"inner li;ui5. 9 5i5 my o%n s%allo%in-. ADour eye %as 1ine yester5ay.C A9 tol5 you it %as )irulent@ 7s. Blake. 4i5 you t"ink 9 %as e*a--eratin-BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o.C His -lo)e5 "an5 3ame out o1 "i5in- on3e more. 9 remem8ere5 t"e %ay "is "an5 "a5 s;uis"e5 %"en 9 s"ook it yester5ay. 9 5i5 not %ant "im to tou3" me@ 8ut t"ere %as a look in "is 8eauti1ul eye@ some pain on %"at %as le1t o1 "is 1a3e@ t"at ma5e me "ol5 still. 9 %oul5n?t 1lin3". 9 1elt sorry 1or "im@ pretty stupi5@ 8ut true. $"at 8la3k -lo)e "o)ere5 8esi5e my 1a3e@ not ;uite tou3"in- me. $"e See3amp %as 1or-otten in my "an5. Sa8in?s 1in-ertips 8rus"e5 my 1a3e. $"e -lo)e %as li;ui521ille5@ like some kin5 o1 o8s3ene 8alloon. He stare5 at me. 9 stare5 8a3k. He sprea5 "is "an5 o)er my lo%er >a% an5 presse5. $"ere %ere soli5 t"in-s insi5e t"e -lo)e@ t"i3ker pie3es@ an5 8one@ 8ut it %asn?t a "an5 anymore. #nly t"e -lo)e -a)e it s"ape. A small soun5 3ra%le5 out o1 my t"roat. 9 3oul5n?t stop it. APer"aps 9 s"oul5 ask 1or youBC "e sai5. 9 ease5 8a3k out o1 "is -rip. 9 %as a1rai5 to mo)e too ;ui3kly. A1rai5 t"at su55en mo)ement mi-"t tear o11 t"e -lo)e. 9 5i5 not %ant to see "im spill out in a 1loo5 o1 1oul2smellin- li;ui5. He %as a "orror s"o% enou-" %it"out t"at. Sa8in 5i5n?t try to "ol5 meG may8e "e %as a1rai5 o1 t"e same t"in-. AAre you a8usin- my "ospitality a-ainBC Hean2!lau5e sai5. He stoo5 on t"e 5an3e 1loor@ lookin- at Sa8in. His eyes %ere pure 8lue li-"t. His skin "a5 -one pale an5 smoot" like 3ar)e5 mar8le. ADou "a)e not yet s"o%n me true "ospitality@ Hean2!lau5e. 9t is 3ustomary to o11er me 3ompanions"ip.C A9 5i5n?t t"ink t"ere %as enou-" o1 you le1t to "a)e su3" nee5s@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. Sa8in -rima3e5. A9t is a 3ruel illness. /ot all o1 my 8o5y "as rotte5 a%ay. $"e nee5 remains@ t"ou-" t"e )essel is so -rotes;ue t"at no one %ill tou3" me@ not 8y 3"oi3e.C He s"ook "is "ea5@ an5 t"e skin split on one si5e. Somet"in- 8la3k an5 t"i3ker t"an 8loo5 ooEe5 5o%n t"e si5e o1 "is 1a3e. !assan5ra ma5e a small soun5. 7y 8o5y-uar5 %as a8out to 8e si3k. 7ay8e it smelle5 8a5 to "er. A91 one o1 my people an-ers me enou-" %"ile you are in my territory@ you may "a)e t"em. But 9 3annot -i)e someone to you >ust 8e3ause you %is" it. /ot e)eryone?s sanity %oul5 sur)i)e it.C A$"ere are 5ays@ Hean2!lau5e@ %"en my o%n sanity is in 5ou8t.C Sa8in looke5 1rom !assan5ra to me. A9t %oul5 8reak your %ol1@ 9 t"ink. But your ser)ant@ 9 t"ink s"e %oul5 sur)i)e.C AS"e is o11 limits to you@ Sa8in. 91 you a8use my "ospitality %it" su3" an insult@ 3oun3il e5i3t or no 3oun3il e5i3t@ 9 %ill 5estroy you.C Sa8in turne5 to "im. $"e t%o )ampires stare5 at ea3" ot"er. A$"ere %as a time@ Hean2!lau5e@ %"en no one spoke to me like t"at@ no one s"ort o1 t"e 3oun3il.C A$"at %as 8e1ore@C Hean2!lau5e sai5.

Sa8in si-"e5. ADes@ 8e1ore.C ADou are 1ree to en>oy t"e s"o%@ 8ut 5o not tempt me a-ain@ Sa8in. 9 "a)e no sense o1 "umor %"ere ma petite is 3on3erne5.C ADou s"are "er %it" a %ere%ol1 8ut not %it" me.C A$"at is our 8usiness@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ Aan5 %e %ill ne)er speak o1 t"is a-ain. 91 %e 5o@ it %ill 8e a 3"allen-e 8et%een us@ an5 you are not up to it.C Sa8in -a)e a "al1 8o%@ "ar5 to -et t"e le)era-e 1or it %it"out le-s. ADou are 7aster o1 t"e !ity. Dour %or5 is la%.C $"e %or5s %ere 3orre3t. $"e tone %as mo3kin-. Li) 3ame up to stan5 8e"in5 an5 to one si5e o1 Hean2!lau5e. A9t is time to open t"e 5oors@ 7aster.C 9 t"ink t"at last %as 5eli8erate. Hean2!lau5e usually 3"astise5 "is 1lo3k 1or 3allin- "im master. Hean2!lau5e sai5@ A,)eryone to t"eir pla3es t"en.C His )oi3e soun5e5 stran-le5. A9 %ill 1in5 a ta8le@C Sa8in sai5. A4o so@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. Sa8in raise5 t"e "oo5 8a3k into pla3e. He -li5e5 8a3k up t"e stairs@ "ea5e5 1or t"e ta8les on t"e upper le)el. #r may8e "e?5 >ust 1loat in t"e ra1ters. A7y apolo-ies@ ma petite. 9 8elie)e t"e si3kness "as pro-resse5 to "is min5. Be %ary o1 "im. !assan5ra is nee5e5 1or t"e s"o%. Li) %ill remain %it" you.C 9 looke5 at t"e tall )ampire. AS"e %on?t take a 8ullet 1or me.C A91 s"e 1ails me@ 9 %ill -i)e "er to Sa8in.C Li) pale5@ %"i3" is a neat tri3k 1or a )ampire@ e)en one t"at?s 1e5. A7aster. please.C A/o% 9 8elie)e s"e?ll take a 8ullet 1or me@C 9 sai5. 91 t"e 3"oi3es %ere sleepin- %it" Sa8in or -ettin- s"ot@ 9?5 take t"e 8ullet. 'rom t"e look on Li)?s 1a3e@ s"e a-ree5. Hean2!lau5e le1t to make "is entran3e. !assan5ra met my eyes. S"e %asn?t >ust pale@ s"e %as -reen. S"e >erke5 "er -aEe 1rom mine as i1 a1rai5 o1 %"at 9?5 see. A9 am sorry@ Anita.C S"e %ent 1or t"e 5oor s"e?5 1irst entere5 t"rou-". S"e seeme5 em8arrasse5. Guess 9 3oul5n?t 8lame "er. !assan5ra "a5 1aile5 t"e 8o5y-uar5 test. S"e %as a po%er1ul ly3ant"rope@ 8ut Sa8in "a5 totally unner)e5 "er. S"e?5 "a)e pro8a8ly 8een >ust 1ine i1 t"e )ampire "a5 trie5 )iolen3e@ 8ut "e?5 >ust stoo5 t"ere an5 rotte5 at "er. ="at 5o you 5o %"en t"e monsters start 8ein- piteousB $"e 5oors opene5@ an5 t"e 3ro%5 1lo%e5 in like a ti5al %a)e@ spillin- in a %as" o1 t"un5erous noise. 9 slippe5 t"e -un 8a3k into t"e purse 8ut 5i5n?t s"ut it. Li) %as at my el8o%. ADour ta8le is o)er "ere.C 9 %ent %it" "er 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e alone in t"e >ostlin- 3ro%5. Besi5es@ s"e %as su55enly takin- my sa1ety )ery seriously. !oul5n?t 8lame "er. Sa8in?s 5isease5 8o5y %as a %on5er1ul t"reat. 9?5 "a)e 1elt 8etter i1 9 "a5n?t 8elie)e5 Hean2!lau5e %oul5 5o it. But 9 kne% 8etter. He?5 -i)e Li) to Sa8in. He really %oul5. $"ere %as a look in t"e )ampire?s eyes t"at sai5 s"e kne% it@ too.

Chapter Sixteen
$"e ta8le %as t"e lar-est o1 a strin- o1 small@ 8la3k la3;uer ta8les. 9t 8len5e5 nearly per1e3tly %it" t"e 8la3k %alls. 7y 5ress mat3"e5 t"e 5e3or. 9 %as really -oin- to "a)e to look into somet"in- in a 5i11erent 3olor s3"eme. $"e ta8le %as set a%ay 1rom t"e %all@ near t"e railin- so t"at t"e -ro%in- 3ro%5 3oul5n?t 8lo3k my )ie% o1 t"e 5an3e 1loor. 9t also meant t"at my 8a3k %as e*pose5. 9 "a5 s3oote5 my 3"air so t"at t"e %all %as at my 8a3k@ 8ut 9 %as )ery a%are t"at t"e e5-e o1 t"e railin- 3ur)e5 aroun5 on my ri-"t si5e@ so t"at someone 3oul5 %alk up an5 s"oot me@ relati)ely "i55en 1rom anyone else. #1 3ourse@ Li) %as %it" me. S"e stoo5 at my 8a3k@ arms 3rosse5 o)er "er stoma3". All s"e nee5e5 %as a si-n o)er "er "ea5 t"at 1las"e5 8o5y-uar5. A5mitte5ly@ my purse %as open. $"e -un %as %it"in rea3"@ an5 it %as temptin- to put it in my lap. 9 %as spooke5@ 8ut t"at %asn?t t"e point. =e "a5 a plan. $"e plan 5i5 not in3lu5e t"e assassin 8ein- s3are5 a%ay. 9 tou3"e5 Li)?s arm. S"e 8ent 5o%n. ADou?re suppose5 to 8e uno8trusi)e.C S"e looke5 puEEle5. A9?m suppose5 to keep you sa1e.C

A$"en sit 5o%n an5 preten5 to 8e my 1rien5. $"e trap %on?t %ork i1 9 look like 9?m 8ein- -uar5e5.C S"e knelt 8y meG too 1ar to 8en5 5o%n@ 9 suppose. A9 %ill not risk 8ein- -i)en to Sa8in. 9 5on?t 3are i1 your assassin kno%s 9?m "ere or not.C 9t %as "ar5 to 8lame "er@ 8ut 9 %as %illin- to make t"e e11ort. 9 leane5 into "er. ALook@ eit"er %ork %it" t"e pro-ram@ or -et a%ay 1rom me.C A9 o8ey Hean2!lau5e@ not "is strumpet.C As 1ar as 9 3oul5 remem8er@ 9?5 ne)er 5one anyt"in- in my li1e to 5eser)e 8ein- 3alle5 a strumpet. AHean2!lau5e sai5 i1 you 1aile5 "im@ "e?5 -i)e you to t"e rottin- 3orpse@ ri-"tBC Li) no55e5. Her eyes sear3"e5 t"e 3ro%5 8e"in5 me. S"e really %as tryin- to 5o t"e >o8@ an5 t"e e11ort s"o%e5. AHe 5i5n?t say you?5 8e punis"e5 i1 9 -ot "urt@ 5i5 "eBC Li)?s eyes 1li3ke5 to me. A="at are you sayin-BC A91 you s3are a%ay t"e "itter an5 spoil t"e plan@ t"at?s 1ailure.C S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A/o@ t"at?s not %"at "e meant.C AHe sai5 ne)er to 1ail "im a-ain.C 9 %at3"e5 "er try to %ork out t"e lo-i3. 9 %as 8ettin- t"at lo-i3 %asn?t one o1 "er stron- points. A!le)er@ Anita@ 8ut i1 you -et kille5@ Hean2!lau5e %ill punis" me. Dou kno% "e %ill.C 9 %as %ron-. S"e %as a lot smarter t"an s"e looke5. ABut i1 you spoil our plan@ "e?ll punis" you any%ay.C 'ear 1las"e5 t"rou-" "er eyes. A9?m trappe5.C 9 1elt sorry 1or "er. Pity 1or t%o monsters2no t"ree2in one ni-"t. 9 %as losin- my e5-e. A91 9 5on?t -et kille5@ 9?ll make sure you 5on?t -et punis"e5.C ADou s%ear itBC S"e sai5 t"e p"rase like it meant more. Gi)in- your oat" %as not a 3asual t"in- to "er. A lot o1 )ampires 3ame 1rom times %"en a man?s or a %oman?s %or5 %as t"eir 8on5. A9 -i)e you my %or5.C S"e staye5 kneelin- 1or a moment lon-er@ t"en stoo5. A$ry not to -et kille5.C S"e mo)e5 into t"e 3ro%5@ lea)in- me on my o%n@ like 9?5 aske5. $"e rest o1 t"e ta8les 1ille5 up ;ui3kly. $"e 3ro%5 spille5 aroun5 t"e e5-es o1 t"e room on t"e raise5 area aroun5 t"e 5an3e 1loor. So many people stoo5 at t"e 1en3e5 e5-es t"at i1 t"e ta8le "a5 8een 8y t"e %all@ 9?5 "a)e lost my )ie% o1 t"e 5an3e 1loor. :n5er ot"er 3ir3umstan3es@ 9?5 "a)e appre3iate5 t"e t"ou-"t1ulness. Anot"er 8o5y-uar5 3oul5 3ome alon- at any time. 9 %as rea5y 1or some 3ompany. $"e 3ro%5 1ille5 t"e t%o le)els a8o)e@ stan5in- room only. 9 looke5 1or Sa8in?s 5ark 3loak@ 8ut 5i5n?t see "im. $"e main 5an3e 1loor %as untou3"e5. $"e %ay to t"e 1loor %as 8arre5 8y "al1 a 5oEen )ampires. $"ey "a5 ;uietly 8ut 1irmly motione5 e)ery8o5y 8a3k to t"e si5es o1 t"e room. Bot" male an5 1emale %ere 5resse5 nearly i5enti3ally@ 8la3k ly3ra pants@ 8oots@ an5 8la3k 1is"net s"irts. $"e %omen %ore 8la3k 8ras un5er t"eir s"irts@ 8ut t"at %as t"e only 5i11eren3e. 9 appro)e5. S"ort little skirts or "ot pants 1or t"e %omen %oul5 "a)e pisse5 me o11. $"e t"ou-"t o33urre5 t"at may8e Hean2 !lau5e "a5 5resse5 t"em %it" me in min5. He kne% me too %ell in some %ays an5 5i5n?t "a)e a 3lue in ot"ers. 9 s3anne5 t"e 3ro%5 1or ,5%ar5 an5 1or anyt"in- suspi3ious@ 8ut it %as "ar5 to pi3k out any one person in t"e >ostlin-@ lau-"in- 3ro%5. 9 3oul5n?t spot ,5%ar5. 9 "a5 to >ust trust t"at "e %as t"ere some%"ere. An5 alt"ou-" 9 5i5 trust "im to 8e t"ere@ t"e ti-"tness in my 3"est 5i5n?t ease. ,5%ar5 "a5 3autione5 me to 8e 3asual@ not to look suspi3ious. #ut%ar5ly@ 9 %as tryin-. 9n%ar5ly@ 9 %as almost 5iEEy sear3"in- t"e 3ro%5 an5 t"at pain1ul empty spot to t"e ri-"t an5 almost 8e"in5 me %"ere t"e railin- %ent. 9 put my "an5s in my lap an5 1or3e5 mysel1 to look 5o%n. 91 t"e assassin 3ame no%@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e lookin-@ 8ut 9 "a5 to -et "ol5 o1 mysel1. 91 9 5i5n?t@ 9 %as -oin- to 8e so 8usy >umpin- at s"a5o%s@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e rea5y %"en t"e real t"in- 3ame. 9 %as 8e-innin- to %is" 9?5 let Li) stay. 9 took 5eep@ e)en 8reat"s@ in an5 out@ 3on3entratin- on t"e r"yt"m o1 my o%n 8o5y. ="en 9 3oul5 "ear t"e 8loo5 1lo%ininsi5e my "ea5@ 9 raise5 my 1a3e slo%ly. 9 stare5 3almly out at t"e 3ro%5 an5 t"e 5an3e 1loor. 9 1elt empty@ 5istant@ 3alm. 7u3" 8etter. A )ampire 3ame up to t"e railin- in 1ront o1 my ta8le. =illie 73!oy %as 5resse5 in a suit so "orri8ly -reen it 3oul5 only 8e 3alle5 3"artreuse. Green s"irt@ an5 a %i5e tie %it" Go5Eilla 3rus"in- $okyo on it. /o one %oul5 e)er a33use =illie o1 mat3"in- any 5e3or. 9 smile5. 9 3oul5n?t "elp it. =illie "a5 8een one o1 t"e 1irst )ampires to e)er 3ross t"at line 1rom monster to 1rien5. He s3oote5 one o1 t"e 3"airs aroun5 so "is 8a3k %as to t"e open spa3e. He sat 5o%n like "e "a5n?t 5one it on purpose. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to preten5 to 8e "appy to see "im.

He "a5 to lean a 8it into me to 8e "ear5 o)er t"e 3ro%5?s risin- murmur. 9 3oul5 smell t"e s%eet s3ent o1 t"e -oop "e use5 to sli3k 8a3k "is s"ort "air. Him 8ein- t"is 3lose 5i5n?t e)en make me tense. 9 truste5 =illie more t"an 9 truste5 Hean2!lau5e. AHo% ya 5oin-@ AnitaBC He -rinne5 enou-" to s"o% 1an-. =illie "a5n?t 8een 5ea5 t"ree years yet. He %as one o1 t"e 1e% )amps 9?5 kno%n 8e1ore an5 a1ter 5eat". A9?)e 8een 8etter@C 9 sai5. AHean2!lau5e sai5 %e %ere to 8o5y-uar5 you@ 8ut to keep it 3asual. =e?ll 5ri1t in an5 out. But you looke5 spooke5.C 9 s"ook my "ea5@ smilin-. A$"at o8)iousBC A$o someone %"o kno%s ya@ yea".C =e smile5 at ea3" ot"er. Lookin- into =illie?s 1a3e 1rom in3"es a%ay@ 9 realiEe5 t"at "e %as on my list. $"e list t"at Step"en %as on. 91 someone kille5 =illie@ 9?5 "unt t"em 5o%n. 9t surprise5 me to realiEe t"at any )amp "a5 ma5e t"e list. But =illie "a5@ an5 3ome to t"ink o1 it@ 9 -uess@ so "a5 one ot"er )ampire. Hean2!lau5e appeare5 on t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e 3lu8. Speak o1 t"e 5e)il. A spotli-"t "it "im 1rom some%"ere. 9t "a5 to 8e 3omin- 1rom a 1ly lo1t@ 8ut it %as "i55en a%ay so t"at it %as "ar5 to tell. A per1e3t pla3e 1or a "i-"2po%ere5 ri1le. Stop it@ Anita. Stop tormentin- yoursel1. 9 "a5n?t truly realiEe5 "o% 3ro%5e5 t"e openin- %oul5 8e. ,5%ar5 8y "imsel1 sear3"in- 1or one lone assassin in t"is mass o1 people %oul5 "a)e 8een poor o55s. 7ay8e t"e )amps an5 %ere%ol)es %ere amateurs@ 8ut t"eir e*tra eyes 3oul5n?t "urt. $"e li-"ts 8e-an 5immin- until t"e only illumination %as t"e spotli-"t on Hean2!lau5e. He seeme5 to -lo%. 9 %asn?t sure i1 it %as a tri3k or i1 "e %as makin- "is o%n li-"t 1rom t"e skin out%ar5. Har5 to tell. ="i3"e)er@ 9 %as in t"e 5ark %it" an assassin@ may8e@ an5 9 %as not a "appy 3amper. Hell %it" it. 9 put t"e See3amp in my lap. Better. /ot per1e3t@ 8ut 8etter. $"e 1a3t t"at >ust t"e tou3" o1 a -un in my "an5 ma5e me 1eel 8etter %as pro8a8ly a 8a5 si-n. $"e 1a3t t"at 9 misse5 my o%n -uns %as a %orse one. =illie tou3"e5 my s"oul5er an5 ma5e me >ump enou-" t"at people near us -lan3e5 8a3k. S"it. He %"ispere5@ A9 -ot your 8a3k 3o)ere5. ,asy.C =illie %oul5 make -reat 3annon 1o55er@ 8ut "e %asn?t up to prote3tin- me. He?5 8een a 8it player 8e1ore "e 5ie5@ an5 5yin- "a5n?t 3"an-e5 t"at. 9 realiEe5 i1 t"e s"ootin- starte5 an5 t"e 8a5 -uys %ere usin- sil)er 8ullets@ 9 %as %orrie5 a8out =illie. =orryin- a8out your 8o5y-uar5 is not -oo5. Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e rose t"rou-" t"e 5arkness@ 1illin- it %it" a soun5 t"at 3aresse5 my skin. A %oman stan5in- near t"e ta8le s"i)ere5 as i1 s"e?5 8een tou3"e5. Her 5ate put "is arm aroun5 "er s"oul5ers@ an5 t"ey "u55le5 in t"e 5ark@ surroun5e5 8y Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e. A=el3ome to 4anse 7a3a8re. $"e ni-"t %ill 8e 1ille5 %it" surprises. Some %on5rous.C $%o smaller spotli-"ts "it t"e 3ro%5. !assan5ra appeare5 8alan3e5 on t"e railin- on t"e se3on5 1loor. S"e s%ept t"e 3oat 8a3k@ re)ealin- "er 8o5y@ stalkin- alon- t"e in3"es2%i5e iron 8ar like it %as t"e 1loor@ nearly 5an3in-. =il5 applause 8roke out. $"e se3on5 spot "it 4amian on t"e 1irst 1loor. He -li5e5 out o1 t"e 3ro%5@ s%is"in- t"e em8roi5ere5 3oat aroun5 "im like a small 3ape. 91 "e 1elt silly in t"e out1it@ it 5i5n?t s"o%. He mo)e5 t"rou-" t"e 3ro%5 %it" t"e spotli-"t 1ollo%in- "im. He tou3"e5 a s"oul5er "ere@ ran "is "an5s t"rou-" %aist2 len-t" "air@ put "is arm aroun5 one %oman?s %aist. ,a3" one@ man or %oman@ 5i5n?t seem to min5. $"ey leane5 into "im or %"ispere5 in "is ear. He 3ame to a %oman %it" lon- 8ro%n "air parte5 in t"e mi55le. S"e %as 5resse5 rat"er mo5estly 1or t"e 3ro%5. /a)y 8lue 8usiness skirt an5 >a3ket. Her %"ite 8louse "a5 one o1 t"ose 8i- 8o%s t"at are suppose5 to look like a tie 8ut ne)er 5o. #1 t"e %omen aroun5 4amian@ s"e looke5 t"e most normal. He 3ir3le5 "er so 3losely t"at "is 8o5y 8rus"e5 "er. S"e >erke5 a%ay 1rom e)ery tou3"@ eyes %i5e %it" 1ear 9 3oul5 see@ e)en 1rom a3ross t"e room. 9 %ante5 to say@ ALea)e "er alone@C 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to yell. Hean2!lau5e %oul5n?t allo% anyt"in- ille-al@ at least not in 1ront o1 t"is many %itnesses. Bespellin- a -roup o1 people %asn?t ille-al. 7ass "ypnosis %asn?t permanent. But one on one@ it %as permanent. ="i3" meant t"at 4amian 3oul5 stan5 un5er t"e %oman?s %in5o% an5 3all "er out some 5ark ni-"t@ no time limitation. =illie %as leanin- 1or%ar5 in "is 3"air@ "is 5ark eyes on t"e %oman an5 4amian. He 5i5n?t seem to 8e lookin- 1or assassins ri-"t t"at se3on5. 9 %at3"e5 t"e %oman?s 1a3e -o 8lank o1 all e*pression@ until s"e %as like one asleep. Her empty eyes stare5 at 4amian. He took "er "an5 an5 leane5 a-ainst t"e railin-. He rolle5 8ot" le-s o)er@ en5in- on "is 1eet@ still "ol5in- "er "an5. S"e took t%o "esitant steps to t"e railin- e5-e. He put "is "an5s on "er %aist@ un5er "er >a3ket@ an5 li1te5 "er "i-" in t"e air@ e11ortlessly@ settin- "er 5o%n on t"e 5an3e 1loor in "er sensi8le 8la3k pumps. $"e spotli-"ts on Hean2!lau5e an5 !assan5ra 5ie5 until t"e only li-"t %as t"at on 4amian an5 t"e %oman. He le5 "er to t"e 3enter o1 t"e 5an3e 1loor. S"e %alke5@ lookin- only at "im as i1 t"e rest o1 t"e %orl5 no lon-er e*iste5. 4ammit. ="at 4amian %as 5oin- %as ille-al. 7ost o1 t"e 3ro%5 %oul5n?t pi3k it up. Vampires %ere allo%e5 to use t"eir po%ers 1or entertainment purposes so e)en t"e me5ia@ i1 t"ey %ere insi5e@ %oul5 8e okay %it" it. But 9 kne% t"e

5i11eren3eG 9 kne% t"e la%. Hean2!lau5e "a5 to kno% 9?5 re3o-niEe %"at %as "appenin- 1or %"at it %as. =as s"e an a3tressB A plant 1or t"e s"o%B 9 leane5 into =illie@ 3lose enou-" to 8rus" t"e s"oul5er o1 "is suit. A9s s"e an a3tressBC He turne5 startle5 eyes to me@ an5 9 3oul5 see t"at t"e pupils "a5 8een s%allo%e5 8y t"e 8ro%n o1 "is eyes. 4o%n a lon5ark tunnel t"ere %as a "int o1 1ire. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5 an5 ease5 8a3k 1rom "im@ -la5 o1 t"e -un in my lap. A9t?s real@ isn?t itBC =illie li3ke5 "is lips ner)ously. A91 9 say it is@ you?re -oin- to 5o somet"in- to mess up t"e s"o%. Hean2!lau5e %ill -et ma5 at me. 9 5on?t %ant "im ma5 at me@ Anita.C 9 s"ook my "ea5 8ut 5i5n?t ar-ue %it" "im. 9?5 seen %"at Hean2!lau5e 5i5 to )amps t"at an-ere5 "im. $orture %as puttinit mil5ly. 9 "a5 to 1in5 out %"at %as -oin- on 8ut %it"out 5isruptin- t"in-s an5 5ra%in- more attention to mysel1 t"an 9 %ante5 toni-"t. 4amian stoo5 t"e %oman in t"e 3enter o1 t"e li-"t. He 1o3use5 "er 1a3e on somet"in- %e 3oul5 not see. S"e stoo5 t"ere@ empty an5 %aitin- 1or "is 3omman5s. He stoo5 8e"in5 "er@ 1ol5in- "is arms aroun5 "er %aist@ ru88in- "is 3"eek a-ainst "er "air. He un5i5 t"e 8o% at "er t"roat@ an5 t"e 1irst t"ree 8uttons o1 "er 8louse. He ru88e5 "is lips alon- "er e*pose5 ne3k@ an5 9 3oul5n?t take any more. 91 s"e %as an a3tress@ 1ineG 8ut i1 s"e %as an un%illin- )i3tim@ t"is "a5 to stop. A=illieBC He turne5 to me slo%ly@ relu3tantly. His "un-er ma5e "im %ant to %at3". His 1ear o1 %"at 9 %as a8out to ask ma5e "im slo%er. A="at?s upBC AGo tell Hean2!lau5e t"at t"e s"o% is o)er.C =illie s"ook "is "ea5. A91 9 lea)e your si5e an5 you -et %aste5@ Hean2!lau5e %ill kill me. Slo% an5 pain1ul. 9?m not lea)inyour si5e until 9?m suppose5 to.C 9 si-"e5. 'ine. 9 leane5 o)er t"e railin- an5 motione5 one o1 t"e )ampire %aiters o)er to me. He -lan3e5 o11 in t"e 5ark as i1 "e 3oul5 see Hean2!lau5e@ e)en t"ou-" 9 3oul5n?t@ t"en "e %alke5 o)er to me. A="at is itBC "e %"ispere5. He leane5 in 3lose enou-" t"at 9 3oul5 smell t"e mints on "is 8reat". /early e)ery )ampire 9 kne% use5 8reat" mints. 9 still "a5 t"e See3amp nake5 in my "an5. 9 1i-ure5 9 3oul5 a11or5 to -et up 3lose an5 personal %it" t"e ne% 5ea5@ so 9 leane5 in an5 %"ispere5 8a3k@ A9s s"e an a3tressBC He -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e little ta8leau. AHust a )olunteer 1rom t"e au5ien3e.C AS"e %asn?t a )olunteer@C 9 sai5. $"ere "a5 8een a "al1 5oEen people t"at %oul5 "a)e )olunteere5@ 8ut t"e )ampire "a5 3"osen t"e one %"o %as a1rai5. $"at e*tra little 8it o1 sa5ism2t"ey >ust 3oul5n?t resist it. A$ell Hean2!lau5e t"at i1 "e 5oesn?t stop t"is@ 9 %ill.C He 8linke5 at me. AHust 5o it@C 9 sai5. He %alke5 aroun5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e 5an3e 1loor@ )anis"in- into t"e 5arkness. 9 3oul5 sort o1 1ollo% "im@ more an impression o1 mo)ement t"an anyt"in- else. 9 3oul5n?t see Hean2!lau5e at all. 4amian passe5 "is "an5 a8o)e t"e %oman?s 1a3e@ an5 %"en "is "an5 3ame a%ay@ s"e 8linke5@ a%ake at last. Her "an5s 1le% to "er 8louse@ eyes 1ranti3. A="at?s "appenin-BC Her )oi3e 3arrie5@ t"in %it" 1ear. 4amian trie5 to take "er in "is arms@ 8ut s"e 5re% a%ay@ an5 all "e 3au-"t %as a %rist. S"e straine5 a-ainst "im@ an5 "e "el5 "er easily. ALet me -o@ let me -o@ pleaseIC S"e rea3"e5 out to someone in t"e 3ro%5. AHelp meIC $"e 3ro%5 "a5 -one )ery ;uiet@ ;uiet enou-" t"at 9 3oul5 "ear t"e )oi3e o1 "er suppose5 1rien5@ A,n>oy it. 9t?s >ust part o1 t"e s"o%.C 4amian >erke5 "er aroun5 to 1a3e "im@ "ar5 enou-" t"at t"ere %oul5 8e 8ruises. As soon as "er eyes met "is@ "er 1a3e %ent 8lank. S"e sa--e5 to "er knees@ still "el5 8y one %rist. He raise5 "er to "er 1eet@ -ently no%. He 3laspe5 "er a-ainst "im an5 5re% "er "air to one si5e@ e*posin- a lon- line o1 ne3k. He turne5 in a slo% 3ir3le as i1 t"ey %ere 5an3in-@ s"o%in- "er 8are 1les" to all. =illie leane5 1or%ar5@ ton-ue 5an3in- o)er "is lo%er lip as i1 "e 3oul5 taste "er skin alrea5y. =illie %as my 1rien5@ 8ut it %as -oo5 to remem8er t"at "e %as also a monster. $"e )ampire %aiter %as 3omin- 8a3k. 9 3oul5 see "im mo)in- to%ar5s me. 4amian 3urle5 "is lips@ e*posin- 1an-s. He t"rust "is ne3k 8a3k -i)in- e)eryone a )ie%. 9 sa% "is ne3k mus3les tense an5 %e %ere out o1 time. =illie looke5 up as i1 realiEin- t"e s"it %as "ittin- a 5i11erent 1an@ 8ut t"ere %as no time.

9 s"oute5@ A4on?t 5o it@ 4amian.C 9 pointe5 t"e -un at "is 8a3k@ a8out %"ere t"e "eart %oul5 8e. ="en a )amp -ets aroun5 1i)e "un5re5@ one s"ot to t"e 3"est@ sil)er 8ullets or not@ 5oesn?t al%ays -uarantee a kill. But %e %oul5 8y Go5 1in5 out i1 "e 8it "er. =illie raise5 "is "an5 to%ar5 me. A4on?t@ =illie.C 9 meant it. Hust 8e3ause no8o5y else %as allo%e5 to kill "im@ 5i5n?t mean 9 3oul5n?t. =illie sank 8a3k into "is 3"air. 4amian rela*e5 enou-" to turn "is "ea5 an5 look at me. He turne5 so t"at t"e -irl %as in 1ront o1 "im like a s"iel5. Her "air %as still 8a3k on one si5e@ "er ne3k still e*pose5. He stare5 at me@ runnin- one 1in-er 5o%n "er nake5 1les". 4arinme. A 5im spotli-"t s"one on me@ an5 t"e illumination 8uilt as 9 %alke5 )ery 3are1ully to t"e t%o steps t"at le5 5o%n to t"e 5an3e 1loor. Vaultin- t"e railin- mi-"t "a)e looke5 8etter@ 8ut it ma5e it 5amn "ar5 to "ol5 a tar-et. 9 3oul5 pro8a8ly "a)e ma5e t"e "ea5 s"ot 1rom t"e railin-@ 8ut %it" an un1amiliar -un@ it %as too risky. 9 5i5n?t %ant to a33i5entally s"oot t"e %oman in t"e "ea5. Killin- t"e "osta-e is al%ays 1ro%ne5 upon. $"e )ampire %aiters an5 %aitresses 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o. 91 9?5 8een some s3"mu3k o11 t"e street@ t"ey mi-"t "a)e trie5 to >ump me@ 8ut 9 %as t"eir master?s 8elo)e5@ %"i3" ma5e t"in-s a little sti3ky. 9 kept a sort o1 perip"eral eye on t"em. ADou -uys 8a3k up an5 -i)e me some room2ri-"t no%.C $"ey all -lan3e5 at ea3" ot"er. ADou 5on?t %ant to 3ro%5 me@ 8oys an5 -irls@ so mo)e itIC $"ey mo)e5. ="en 9 %as 3lose enou-" to 1eel 3on1i5ent t"at 9 3oul5 make t"e s"ot@ 9 stoppe5. ALet "er -o@ 4amian.C AS"e %ill not 8e "arme5@ Anita. Hust a little 1un.C AS"e?s un%illin-. $"at?s a-ainst t"e la%@ e)en 1or entertainment purposes@ so let "er -o@ or 9?ll 8lo% your 1u3kin- "ea5 o11.C A=oul5 you really s"oot me in 1ront o1 all t"ese %itnessesBC ADou 8et@C 9 sai5. ABesi5es@ you?re o)er 1i)e "un5re5 years ol5. 9 5on?t t"ink one s"ot to t"e "ea5 %ill kill you@ not permanently at least. But it?ll "urt like "ell an5 may lea)e s3ars. Dou %oul5n?t %ant to spoil t"at 8eauti1ul 1a3e@ no% %oul5 youBC 9 %as -ettin- tire5 o1 "ol5in- one arm out. 9t %asn?t t"at t"e -un %as "ea)y@ 8ut it %as "ar5 to "ol5 a one2"an5e5 pose 1or lon- %it"out startin- to %a)er. 9 5i5n?t %ant to %a)er. He stare5 at me 1or a spa3e o1 "eart8eats. He )ery 3are1ully@ )ery slo%ly li3ke5 t"e si5e o1 t"e %oman?s ne3k@ stran-e -reen eyes starin- at me t"e %"ole time. 9t %as a 5are. 91 "e t"ou-"t 9 %as 8lu11in-@ "e?5 pi3ke5 t"e %ron- -irl. 9 let my 8reat" out until my 8o5y %as ;uiet@ an5 9 3oul5 "ear my pulse in my ears. 9 si-"te5 5o%n my arm@ 5o%n t"e -un@ an5 ... "e %as -one. He?5 mo)e5 so su55enly it startle5 me. 9 mo)e5 my 1in-er o11 t"e tri--er an5 pointe5 t"e -un sky%ar5@ %aitin- 1or my "eart to stop poun5in-. He %as stan5in- >ust at t"e e5-e o1 t"e li-"t@ lea)in- t"e %oman empty21a3e5@ %aitin-. 4amian stare5 at me. AAre you -oin- to interrupt our entertainment e)ery ni-"tBC "e aske5. A9 5on?t like it@C 9 sai5@ A8ut pi3k a )olunteer@ an5 9 "a)e no ;uarrel %it" you.C AA )olunteer@C "e sai5@ turnin- in a 3ir3le to )ie% t"e au5ien3e. $"ey all stare5 at "im. He li3ke5 "is lips@ an5 "an5s %ent up. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 put t"e -un up. 9 took t"e %oman?s "an5. A<elease "er@ 4amian@C 9 sai5. He -lan3e5 8a3k at "er an5 5i5 it. Her eyes 1le% open %i5e@ sear3"in- 1ranti3ally like someone a%akene5 1rom a ni-"tmare to 1in5 it real. 9 patte5 "er "an5. A9t?s all ri-"t. Dou?re sa1e no%.C A="at?s "appenin-B ="at?s "appenin-BC S"e 3au-"t si-"t o1 4amian an5 starte5 so88in- "ysteri3ally. Hean2!lau5e appeare5 on t"e e5-e o1 t"e li-"t. ADou "a)e not"in- to 1ear 1rom us@ 1air la5y.C He -li5e5 to%ar5s us. S"e starte5 s3reamin-. AHe %on?t "urt you@C 9 sai5. A9 promise. ="at?s your nameBC S"e kept s3reamin-. S"e %as taller t"an me@ 8ut 9 tou3"e5 "er 1a3e@ puttin- a "an5 on eit"er si5e@ 1or3in- "er to look at me. A="at?s your nameBC AKaren@C s"e %"ispere5@ Amy name?s Karen.C A=e?re -oin- to %alk o11 t"is 5an3e 1loor@ Karen@ an5 no one %ill "urt you. Dou "a)e my %or5.C S"e no55e5 o)er an5 o)er@ 8reat" 3omin- so 1ast 9 %as a1rai5 s"e %as -oin- to pass out. !assan5ra %alke5 into t"e li-"t@ 8ut staye5 8a3k. A!an 9 "elpC Hean2!lau5e "a5 not mo)e5 sin3e Karen starte5 s3reamin-. He >ust looke5 at me@ an5 9 still 3oul5n?t rea5 "is e*pression.

ADea"@C 9 sai5@ A9 3oul5 use some "elp.C Karen s"ie5 a%ay 1rom "er. AS"e?s not a )ampire@C 9 sai5. S"e let !assan5ra take "er ot"er arm@ an5 %e le5 "er o11 t"e 5an3e 1loor a%ay 1rom t"e li-"t. Hean2!lau5e steppe5 onto 3enter sta-e@ an5 "is )oi3e 1ollo%e5 us into t"e 5arkness. A4i5 you en>oy our little melo5ramaBC $"ere %as a puEEle5 silen3e. His )oi3e %as like 1ur %rappin- t"e 3ro%5 in t"e 5ark@ 8reat"in- in t"eir 1ear@ -i)in- t"em 8a3k 5esire. A=e 5o not tease "ere at 4anse 7a3a8re. ="o %oul5 like to e*perien3e t"e reality o1 4amian?s kissBC Someone %oul5 take "im up on it. Someone al%ays 5i5. 91 anyone 3oul5 sal)a-e t"e s"o% a1ter t"e %oman?s "ysteri3s@ Hean2!lau5e 3oul5. Li) 3ame to "elp@ 9 t"ink. Karen took one look at t"e mus3le28oun5 )amp an5 1ainte5 5ea5 a%ay. S"e %as not a small %oman@ an5 it surprise5 8ot" !assan5ra an5 mysel1. S"e sa--e5 to t"e 1loor. Li) starte5 to 3ome 3loser@ 8ut 9 %a)e5 "er o11. A %oman 1rom t"e 3ro%5 3ame to%ar5s us@ "esitantly. A!an 9 "elpBC s"e aske5. S"e %as a8out t"e same siEe as !assan5ra an5 me@ small@ %it" lon- re55is" "air t"at s%un- to "er %aist@ strai-"t an5 1ine. S"e %as 5resse5 in a pair o1 5ark 8ro%n 5ress sla3ks@ t"e kin5 t"at run lar-e an5 "a)e 3u11s an5 are usually linen. 'or a s"irt s"e %ore only a )est %it" a silk 3amisole un5er it. 9 -lan3e5 at !assan5ra. S"e s"ru--e5. A$"anks@ i1 you 3oul5 take "er 1eet.C !assan5ra 3oul5 "a)e 1lun- t"e %oman a3ross "er s"oul5ers in a 1ireman?s 3arry@ 8ut most ly3ant"ropes 5i5n?t like to s"o% o11 t"eir stren-t". 9 3oul5 "a)e 3arrie5 "er@ too@ e)en i1 s"e %as so 8loo5y tall. 9 3oul5 still "a)e 3arrie5 "er 1or a s"ort 5istan3e@ 8ut not 1ast@ an5 not too 1ar. $"e %oman s"o)e5 "er 3lut3" purse un5er one arm an5 took t"e un3ons3ious %oman?s 1eet. =e -ot mo)in- a little a%k%ar5ly@ 8ut %e mana-e5 to -et a r"yt"m an5 !assan5ra took us to t"e %omen?s rest room. #r 9 s"oul5 say@ loun-e. $"e 1ront part "a5 a 3ou3" an5 a li-"te5 )anity. 9t %as %"ite an5 8la3k@ %it" a mural on t"e %all t"at %as 1rom a %oo53ut t"at 9 kne%@ entitle5 A4emon2Lo)er.C $"e 5emon in t"is )ersion looke5 suspi3iously like Hean2!lau5e@ an5 9 5ou8te5 it %as a33i5ental. =e lai5 Karen on t"e 8la3k 3ou3". $"e %oman %"o %as "elpin- 5ampene5 some paper to%els %it"out 8ein- aske5 an5 8rou-"t t"em 8a3k. 9 lai5 t"em a-ainst Karen?s 1ore"ea5 an5 ne3k. A$"anks.C A9s s"e -oin- to 8e all ri-"tBC t"e %oman aske5. 9 5i5n?t ans%er@ 8e3ause t"at all 5epen5e5 on 4amian. A="at?s your nameBC $"e %oman smile5 almost s"yly. AAna8elle@ Ana8elle Smit".C 9 smile5 up at "er. AAnita Blake. $"is is !assan5ra.C 9 realiEe5 9 5i5n?t kno% "er last name. Hean2!lau5e al%ays 3alle5 "is %ol)es 8y only t"eir 1irst names@ like a pet. A9?m sorry. 9 5on?t kno% your last name.C A!assan5ra is 1ine.C S"e s"ook Ana8elle?s "an5. $"ey smile5 at ea3" ot"er. AS"oul5 %e report %"at "appene5 to t"e poli3eBC Ana8elle aske5. A9 mean t"at )ampire %as -oin- to 1or3e "imsel1 on "er. $"at?s ille-al@ ri-"tBC Karen stirre5 on t"e 3ou3"@ moanin-. ADea"@ it?s ille-al@C 9 sai5. Ana8elle raise5 an interestin- point. 9 3oul5 report it to t"e 3ops. 91 a )ampire a3;uire5 t"ree 3omplaints a-ainst "im or "er@ you 3oul5 -et a 5eat" %arrant issue5@ i1 you -ot t"e ri-"t >u5-e. 9 %oul5 talk to Hean2!lau5e an5 4amian 1irst@ 8ut i1 t"ey 5i5n?t -i)e me t"e ans%ers 9 %ante5@ may8e 9 s"oul5 -o to t"e 3ops. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="at are you t"inkin-BC s"e aske5. A/ot"in- %ort" s"arin-@C 9 sai5. $"e 8at"room 5oor opene5. <aina %alke5 in %earin- a 3ream23olore5 5ress as s"ort as my o%n. $"e 5ark "ose an5 stiletto "i-" "eels ma5e "er le-s -o on 1ore)er. S"e %ore a 1ur >a3ket in a 5usty re5@ pro8a8ly 1o*. S"e %as t"e only s"ape2s"i1ter 9?5 met %"o %ore real 1ur t"at %asn?t "er o%n. S"e?5 pulle5 "er au8urn "air on top o1 "er "ea5 in a so1t 8un %it" loose stran5s o1 "air 3urle5 art1ully aroun5 "er 1a3e an5 ne3k. Karen 3"ose t"at minute to re-ain 3ons3iousness. 9 %asn?t sure s"e %as -oin- to like "er %ake2up 3all. 9 kne% 9 5i5n?t. 9 stoo5. !assan5ra mo)e5 in 1ront o1 me an5 a little to one si5e@ not 8lo3kin- me@ 8ut 3loser to t"e 5an-er t"an 9 %as. 9 %asn?t use5 to anyone -uar5in- me. 9t 1elt o55. 9 3oul5 take 3are o1 mysel1. $"at %as t"e point@ %asn?t itB A="at?s "appenin-BC Ana8elle aske5. Karen %as lookin- aroun5@ eyes -oin- %i5e a-ain. A="ere am 9BC AAna8elle@ 3an you sit %it" Karen@ pleaseBC 9 smile5 %"en 9 aske5@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t take my eyes 1rom <aina. $"e 5oor "a5 3lose5 8e"in5 "er@ an5 t"ere %asn?t enou-" room to maneu)er@ not really. 91 !assan5ra 3oul5 "ol5 "er 1or a e)en a 1e% se3on5s@ 9 3oul5 -et t"e -un out@ 8ut some"o% 9 5i5n?t t"ink <aina "a5 3ome to 1i-"t. 9 t"ink s"e?5 "a)e %orn 5i11erent s"oes.

Ana8elle sat on t"e 3ou3" an5 literally "el5 Karen?s "an5. But s"e %as %at3"in- t"e rest o1 us. Hell@ it mi-"t 8e a 8etter s"o% t"an %"at %as outsi5e. A="at 5o you %ant@ <ainaBC 9 aske5. S"e -a)e a %i5e smile %it" "er lipsti3ke5 mout"@ 8arin- small@ e)en %"ite teet". A9t?s t"e la5ies? room@ isn?t itB 9 3ame to po%5er my nose. An5 to see "o% our 1ri-"tene5 -uest is 5oin-.C S"e took t%o steps into t"e room@ an5 !assan5ra mo)e5 in 1ront o1 "er@ 8lo3kin- "er %ay. <aina stare5 5o%n at "er. ADou 1or-et yoursel1@ %ol1.C Her )oi3e "el5 a lo% e5-e o1 -ro%l. A9 1or-et not"in-@C !assan5ra sai5. A$"en stan5 asi5e@C s"e sai5. A="at 5i5 you mean 8y our -uestBC 9 aske5. S"e smile5 at me. A9 am Hean2!lau5e?s partner in t"is little enterprise. 4i5n?t "e tell youBC 'rom t"e look on "er 1a3e@ s"e kne% t"e ans%er an5 %as en>oyin- it. A9 -uess it slippe5 "is min5@C 9 sai5. A="y aren?t you part o1 t"e s"o% t"enBC A9?m a silent partner@C s"e sai5. S"e pus"e5 past !assan5ra@ 8o5y 8rus"in- t"e smaller %oman. S"e knelt 8y t"e 3ou3". AHo% are you 1eelin-@ my 5earBC Karen stammere5@ A9 >ust %ant to -o "ome.C A#1 3ourse you 5o.C S"e -lan3e5 up an5 smile5. A91 one o1 you %oul5 "elp me -et "er to "er 1eet@ t"ere?s a 3a8 %aitin- to take "er any%"ere s"e %ants to -o at t"e 3lu8?s e*pense. #r 5i5 you %ant to ri5e "ome %it" your 1rien5sBC Karen s"ook "er "ea5. A$"ey aren?t my 1rien5s.C ASo %ise o1 you to realiEe t"at@C <aina sai5. ASo many people put t"eir trust in t"e %ron- people.C S"e stare5 at me %"ile s"e sai5 t"e last. AAn5 t"ey -et "urt@ or %orse.C Ana8elle "a5 mo)e5 a%ay 1rom <aina. S"e %as starin- at all o1 us@ 3lut3"in- "er purse. 9 5on?t t"ink s"e un5erstoo5 e)eryt"in- %e %ere sayin-@ 8ut s"e o8)iously %as not "a)in- a -oo5 time. #ne -oo5 5ee5 an5 s"e %as alrea5y 8einpunis"e5. A!an you stan5B ="y 5on?t you "elp meBC <aina aske5 Ana8elle. A/o@ let !assan5ra "elp you@C 9 sai5. AA1rai5 9 mi-"t eat your ne%1oun5 1rien5BC 9 smile5. ADou?ll eat anyt"in- t"at 3an?t -et a%ay. =e all kno% t"at.C Her 1a3e ti-"tene5@ an-er 1las"in- t"rou-" "er am8er 8ro%n eyes. A9n t"e en5@ Anita@ %e %ill see %"o eats %"at.C S"e "elpe5 t"e %oman to stan5. !assan5ra %"ispere5@ AHean2!lau5e tol5 me to -uar5 you.C A7ake sure s"e -ets into a 3a8 t"at really is -oin- to take "er "ome. $"en you 3an 1ollo% me aroun5 1or t"e rest o1 t"e e)enin-@ okayBC !assan5ra no55e5. AHean2!lau5e %on?t like it.C A9?m not too "appy %it" "im ri-"t no%@ eit"er@C 9 sai5. AA little "elp "ere@C <aina sai5. !assan5ra si-"e5@ 8ut s"e took Karen?s ot"er arm@ an5 t"ey "elpe5 "er t"rou-" t"e 5oor. ="en t"e 5oor 3lose5 8e"in5 t"em@ Ana8elle let out a lon- si-". A="at is -oin- onBC 9 turne5 to t"e li-"te5 mirror@ leanin- my "an5s on t"e )anity top. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9t?s too lon- a story@ an5 t"e less you kno%@ t"e sa1er you?ll 8e.C A9 "a)e to 3on1ess 9 "a)e an ulterior moti)e.C 9 %at3"e5 "er t"rou-" t"e mirror@ an5 s"e looke5 em8arrasse5. A9 5i5n?t >ust "elp out o1 t"e -oo5ness o1 my "eart. 9?m a reporter@ 1reelan3e. A ;uote 1rom t"e ,*e3utioner %oul5 really put me on t"e map. 9 mean 9 3oul5 name my pri3e@ espe3ially i1 you e*plaine5 %"at >ust "appene5 "ere.C 9 8o%e5 my "ea5. AA reporter. /ot e*a3tly %"at 9 nee5e5 toni-"t.C Ana8elle 3ame up 8e"in5 me. A9t %as real on t"e 5an3e 1loor@ %asn?t itB $"at )ampire24amian@ ri-"tB He %as really -ointo 5o "er@ ri-"t t"ere@ as part o1 t"e s"o%.C 9 %at3"e5 "er 1a3e in t"e mirror. S"e %as )i8ratin- %it" ea-erness. S"e %ante5 to tou3" me. Dou 3oul5 see "er "an5s 1lutterin-@ ner)ous. 9t %as a 8i- story i1 9 3orro8orate5 it. 9t %oul5 ser)e Hean2!lau5e ri-"t i1 9 5i5. Somet"in- %ent t"rou-" Ana8elle?s eyes. Some o1 t"e 8ri-"tness leake5 a%ay.

Se)eral t"in-s "appene5 almost simultaneously. Ana8elle >erke5 my purse@ t"e strap 8roke@ s"e took a step 8a3k@ an5 5re% a -un 1rom an inner2pants "olster un5er "er )est. $"e 5oor opene5@ an5 t"ree lau-"in- %omen entere5. $"e %omen s3reame5. Ana8elle looke5 at t"e 5oor 1or >ust a "eart8eat. 9 5re% a kni1e an5 turne5. 9 5i5n?t try an5 %alk t"ose t%o steps to "er. 9 5roppe5 to one knee an5 lun-e5 my 8o5y like a line %it" t"e kni1e as t"e point. $"e kni1e entere5 "er upper stoma3". $"e -un mo)e5 to%ar5s me. 9 use5 my le1t "an5 to s%eep t"e arm a%ay. $"e s"ot %ent %il5@ 3ra3kin- t"e mirror. 9 s"o)e5 t"e kni1e up%ar5@ un5er "er sternum@ s"o)e5 it until t"e "ilt met 1les" an5 8one@ an5 >erke5 t"e 8la5e up an5 si5e%ays. Her "an5 3on)ulse5 on t"e -un an5 anot"er s"ot "it t"e 3arpete5 1loor. $"e silen3er ma5e ea3" s"ot seem mu11le5@ almost anti3lima3ti3. S"e sank to "er knees@ eyes %i5e@ mout" openin- an5 3losin-. 9 ran my "an5 5o%n "er arm an5 took t"e -un 1rom "er. S"e 8linke5 at me@ eyes un8elie)in-@ t"en s"e 1ell a8ruptly as i1 "er strin-s "a5 8een 3ut. S"e t%it3"e5 t%i3e an5 5ie5. ,5%ar5 %as at t"e 5oor@ -un out@ pointe5. He stare5 1rom me to t"e 1res" 3orpse. He took in t"e kni1e still protru5in- 1rom "er 3"est@ t"e -un %it" silen3er in my "an5. He rela*e5@ pointin- t"e -un at t"e 1loor. ASome 8o5y-uar5 9 turne5 out to 8e@ lettin- you -et 5uste5 in t"e la5ies? room.C 9 stare5 up at "im. 9 1elt num8@ 5istant %it" s"o3k. AS"e almost -ot me@C 9 sai5. ABut s"e 5i5n?t@C "e sai5. 9 "ear5 men?s )oi3es s"outin-@ APoli3eI ,)ery8o5y stay %"ere t"ey are. =e?ll 3"e3k it out.C AS"it@C 9 sai5 so1tly an5 %it" 1eelin-. 9 lai5 Ana8elle?s -un 8y "er 8o5y an5 sat 8a3k on t"e 3arpet. 9 %asn?t sure 9 3oul5 stan5 ri-"t t"en. ,5%ar5 "olstere5 "is -un an5 mo)e5 8a3k 1rom t"e 5oor to >oin t"e 3ro%5 t"at %as pus"in- 1or%ar5 to see t"e s"o%. Hust anot"er part o1 t"e anonymous t"ron-. Dea"@ ri-"t. 9 sat t"ere 8esi5e t"e 3orpse an5 trie5 to t"ink o1 somet"in- to tell t"e 3ops. 9 %asn?t sure t"e trut" %as an option 9 3oul5 a11or5 ri-"t no%. 9 8e-an to %on5er i1 9 %as -oin- to see t"e insi5e o1 a >ail toni-"t. =at3"in- t"e 8loo5 soak t"e 1ront o1 Ana8elle?s )est@ it seeme5 likely.

Chapter Seventeen
9 %as sittin- in a strai-"t28a3ke5 3"air in Hean2!lau5e?s o11i3e at 4anse 7a3a8re. 7y "an5s %ere 3u11e5 8e"in5 me. $"ey "a5n?t let me %as" t"e 8loo5 o11 my ri-"t "an5@ an5 it "a5 5rie5 to a ni3e ta3ky su8stan3e. 9 %as use5 to "a)in- 5rie5 8loo5 on me@ 8ut it %as still un3om1orta8le. $"e uni1orme5 o11i3ers "a5 taken t"e ot"er kni1e an5 1oun5 t"e See3amp in my purse. $"ey "a5 not 1oun5 t"e 8i- kni1e in t"e spine s"eat". 9t "a5 8een a sloppy sear3" to "a)e misse5 a kni1e lon-er t"an my 1orearm@ 8ut t"e uni1orm t"at 5i5 it "a5 at 1irst assume5 t"at 9 %as anot"er )i3tim. 9t "a5 s"aken "im to 1in5 out t"at t"e pretty little %oman %as a mur5erer. #"@ e*3use me@ alle-e5 mur5erer. $"e o11i3e "a5 %"ite %alls@ 8la3k 3arpet@ a 5esk t"at looke5 like 3ar)e5 e8ony. $"ere %as a re5 la3;uer s3reen %it" a 8la3k 3astle 5one "i-" on top o1 a 8la3k mountain. $"ere %as a 1rame5 kimono on t"e 1ar %all@ s3arlet %it" 8la3k an5 royal 8lue 5esi-ns. $%o smaller 1rames "el5 1ansJ one %"ite an5 8la3k %it" %"at looke5 like a tea 3eremony painte5 on it@ t"e ot"er 8lue an5 %"ite %it" a 1lo3k o1 3ranes. 9 like5 t"e 3ranes 8est@ an5 9?5 "a5 plenty o1 time to make a 3"oi3e. #ne o1 t"e uni1orms "a5 remaine5 in t"e room %it" me t"e entire time. $"ey?5 5runk 3o11ee an5 not o11ere5 me any. $"e youn-er uni1orm %oul5 "a)e un3u11e5 me@ 8ut "is partner "a5 pretty mu3" t"reatene5 to 8eat t"e s"it out o1 "im i1 "e 5i5 it. $"e partner %as -rey2"aire5 %it" eyes as 3ol5 an5 empty as ,5%ar5?s. His name %as <iEEo. Lookin- at "im@ 9 %as -la5 9?5 put t"e -un on t"e 1loor 8e1ore "e 3ame into t"e room. ="y@ you may ask@ %asn?t 9 at t"e poli3e station 8ein- ;uestione5B Ans%erJ $"e me5ia "a5 8aye5 us. 'our uni1orms "a5 8een enou-" to 3ontrol tra11i3 an5 keep t"e me5ia 1rom mo88in- anyone2until t"ey smelle5 a 8reakin- story. Su55enly@ t"ere %ere 3ameras an5 mi3rop"ones e)ery%"ere@ like mus"rooms a1ter a rain. $"e uni1orms "a5 3alle5 1or 8a3kup an5 8arri3a5e5 t"e mur5er s3ene an5 t"e o11i3e. ,)eryt"in- else "a5 1allen to t"e 3ameras an5 mi3rop"ones. $"ere %as a "omi3i5e 5ete3ti)e stan5in- o)er me2loomin-@ a3tually. 4ete3ti)e Greeley %as >ust un5er si* 1eet tall@ so 8roa52s"oul5ere5 "e looke5 like a 8i- s;uare. 7ost 8la3k people aren?t truly 8la3k@ 8ut Greeley %as 3lose. His 1a3e %as so 5ark it "a5 purple "i-"li-"ts. His 3lose23roppe5 -reyin- "air looke5 like %ool. But 8la3k@ %"ite@ or 8ro%n@ "is 5ark eyes %ere neutral@ se3ret@ 3op eyes. His -aEe sai5 "e?5 seen it all an5 "a5n?t 8een impresse5 8y any o1 it. He 3ertainly %asn?t impresse5 8y me. 91 anyt"in-@ "e looke5 8ore5@ 8ut 9 kne% 8etter. 9?5 seen 4olp" -et t"e same look ri-"t 8e1ore "e poun3e5 on someone an5 tore t"eir ali8i apart. Sin3e 9 5i5n?t "a)e an ali8i@ 9 %asn?t %orrie5 a8out t"at. 9?5 tol5 my story 8e1ore t"ey rea5 me my ri-"ts. A1ter Greeley miran5iEe5 me@ all 9?5 sai5 %as t"at 9 %ante5 a la%yer. 9 %as 8e-innin- to soun5 like a 8roken re3or5@ e)en to me. $"e 5ete3ti)e pulle5 a 3"air aroun5 so "e %as sittin- 1a3in- me. He e)en "unkere5 5o%n tryin- not to 8e so intimi5atin-. A#n3e %e -et a la%yer in "ere@C Greeley sai5@ A%e 3an?t "elp you anymore@ Anita.C He 5i5n?t kno% me %ell enou-" to 3all me 8y my 1irst name@ 8ut 9 let it -o. He %as preten5in- to 8e my 1rien5. 9 kne% 8etter. !ops are ne)er your 1rien5s i1 t"ey suspe3t you o1 mur5er. !on1li3t o1 interest.

A9t soun5s like a 3lear23ut 3ase o1 sel125e1ense. $ell me %"at "appene5@ an5 9?ll 8et %e 3an 5o a 5eal.C A9 %ant my la%yer@C 9 sai5. A#n3e %e in)ol)e a la%yer@ t"e 5eal -oes out t"e %in5o%@C "e sai5. ADou 5on?t "a)e t"e aut"ority to make a 5eal@C 9 sai5. A9 %ant my la%yer.C $"e skin aroun5 "is eyes ti-"tene5G ot"er%ise "e looke5 t"e same@ unmo)e5. But 9 %as pissin- "im o11. !oul5n?t 8lame "im. $"e 5oor to t"e o11i3e opene5. Greeley looke5 up@ rea5y to 8e an-ry at t"e interruption. 4olp" %alke5 insi5e@ 1las"in- "is 8a5-e. His eyes -a)e t"e 8rie1est o1 1li3ks to me@ t"en settle5 soli5ly on Greeley. Greeley stoo5 up. A,*3use me@ Anita. 9?ll 8e ri-"t 8a3k.C He e)en mana-e5 a 1rien5ly smile. He %as puttin- so mu3" e11ort into t"e a3t@ it %as almost a s"ame 9 %asn?t 8uyin- it. Besi5es@ i1 "e %as really 8ein- 1rien5ly@ "e?5 "a)e taken t"e 3u11s o11. Greeley trie5 to -et 4olp" to step outsi5e@ 8ut 4olp" s"ook "is "ea5. A$"e o11i3e is se3ure. $"e rest o1 t"e 3lu8 isn?t.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC Greeley sai5. A9t means your mur5er s3ene@ 3omplete %it" )i3tim@ is 8ein- 1las"e5 on national tele)ision. Dou or5ere5 t"at no one %as to talk to t"e press@ so t"ey?)e 8een spe3ulatin-. Vampires run amok is t"e 3"oi3e rumor.C ADou %ant me to tell t"e me5ia t"at a %oman atta3"e5 to a poli3e s;ua5 is 8ein- 3"ar-e5 %it" mur5erBC ADou "a)e t"ree %itnesses t"at all say 7s. Smit" pulle5 "er -un 1irst. $"at it %as sel15e1ense.C A$"at?s somet"in- 1or t"e assistant 5istri3t attorney to 5e3i5e@C Greeley sai5. 'unny "o% %"en "e %as talkin- to me "e 3oul5 make a 5eal. /o% t"at "e %as talkin- to anot"er 3op@ su55enly t"e A4A %as t"e only one %"o 3oul5 make a 5eal. A!all t"em@C 4olp" sai5. AHust like t"at@C Greeley sai5. ADou %ant to 3ut "er looseBC AS"e?ll make a statement a1ter %e -et "er an5 "er la%yer 5o%n to t"e station.C Greeley ma5e a ru5e soun5 in "is t"roat. ADea"@ s"e?s real "ot 1or "er la%yer.C AGo talk to t"e press@ Greeley.C AAn5 tell t"em %"atBC A$"at )ampires aren?t in)ol)e5. $"at it %as >ust 8a5 timin- t"at t"e mur5er "appene5 at 4anse 7a3a8re.C Greeley -lan3e5 8a3k at me. A9 %ant "er "ere %"en 9 -et 8a3k@ Storr. /o 5isappearin- a3t.C A=e?ll 8ot" 8e "ere.C Greeley -lare5 at me@ all "is an-er an5 1rustration 1illin- "is eyes 1or a se3on5. $"e 1rien5ly mask %as -one. A7ake sure you are. $"e 8rass may %ant you in on t"is@ 8ut t"is is a "omi3i5e 3ase@ my 3ase.C He s"o)e5 a 1in-er at 4olp"@ not ;uite tou3"in- "im. A4on?t 1u3k %it" it.C Greeley pus"e5 past "im an5 s"ut t"e 5oor 1irmly. Silen3e t"i3k enou-" to %alk on 1ille5 t"e room. 4olp" pulle5 a 3"air up in 1ront o1 t"e 5esk@ ne*t to me@ an5 sat 1a3in- me. He 3laspe5 "is 8i- "an5s to-et"er an5 stare5. 9 stare5 8a3k. A$"e t"ree %omen say 7s. Smit" pulle5 "er -un 1irst. S"e rippe5 your purse o11@ so s"e kne% %"ere your -un %as@C "e sai5. A9 1las"e5 it a little too mu3" toni-"t. 7y 1ault.C A9 "ear5 a8out you >oinin- t"e s"o% out t"ere. ="at "appene5BC A9 "a5 to poli3e t"e s"o% a little. $"e %oman 5i5n?t %ant to play. 9t?s ille-al to use preternatural po%ers to 3oer3e anyone into 5oin- somet"in- t"ey 5on?t %ant to 5o.C ADou aren?t a poli3eman@ Anita.C 9t %as t"e 1irst time "e?5 e)er remin5e5 me o1 t"at. :sually@ 4olp" treate5 me like one o1 "is people. He?5 e)en en3oura-e5 me to simply say 9 %as %it" "is s;ua5 so people %oul5 assume 9 %as a 5ete3ti)e. ADou ki3kin- me o11 t"e s;ua5@ 4olp"BC 7y stoma3" %as ti-"t as 9 aske5. 9 )alue5 %orkin- %it" t"e poli3e. 9 )alue5 4olp" an5 Ker8ro%ski an5 t"e rest o1 t"e -uys. 9t %oul5 "urt more t"an 9 %ante5 to a5mit to lose all t"at. A$%o 8o5ies in t%o 5ays@ Anita@ 8ot" o1 t"em normal "umans. $"at?s a lot o1 e*plainin- at "ea5;uarters.C A91 t"ey?5 8een )amps or some ot"er 3reepie23ra%lie@ e)eryone %oul5 look t"e ot"er %ay@ is t"at itBC APi3kin- a 1i-"t %it" me isn?t your 8est 8et ri-"t no%@ Anita.C =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er 1or a se3on5 or t%o. 9 looke5 a%ay 1irst@ an5 no55e5. A="y are you "ere@ 4olp"BC

A9 "an5le t"e me5ia a lot.C ABut you?re lettin- Greeley talk to t"e press.C ADou?)e -ot to tell me %"at?s -oin- on@ Anita.C His )oi3e %as ;uiet@ 8ut 9 kne% 8y t"e ti-"tness aroun5 "is eyes@ t"e %ay "e "el5 "is s"oul5ers@ t"at "e %as an-ry. 9 -uess 9 3oul5n?t 8lame "im. A="at 5o you %ant to "ear@ 4olp"BC 9 aske5. A$"e trut" %oul5 8e ni3e@C "e sai5. A9 t"ink 9 nee5 a la%yer 1irst.C 9 %asn?t -oin- to spill my -uts >ust 8e3ause 4olp" %as my 1rien5. He %as still a 3op@ an5 9 "a5 kille5 someone. 4olp"?s eyes narro%e5. He turne5 to t"e uni1orm still leanin- a-ainst t"e %all. A<iEEo@ -o -et some 3o11ee@ 8la3k@ 1or me. ="at 5o you %ant in yoursBC !o11ee %as 3omin-. $"in-s %ere lookin- up. A$%o su-ars@ one 3ream.C AGet some 1or yoursel1@ <iEEo@ an5 take your time.C #11i3er <iEEo pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all %"ere "e?5 8een leanin-. ADou sure a8out t"is@ Ser-eant StorrBC 4olp" looke5 at "im@ >ust looke5 at "im. <iEEo "el5 "is "an5s out in a sort o1 pus" a%ay -esture. A9 5on?t %ant Greeley ri5in- my ass a8out lea)in- you t%o alone.C AGet t"e 3o11ee@ #11i3er <iEEo. 9?ll take any "eat t"at 3omes 5o%n.C <iEEo le1t@ s"akin- "is "ea5@ pro8a8ly at t"e stupi5ity o1 plain3lot"es 5ete3ti)es. ="en %e %ere alone@ 4olp" sai5@ A$urn aroun5.C 9 stoo5 up an5 o11ere5 "im my "an5s. He un3u11e5 me@ 8ut 5i5n?t pat me 5o%n a-ain. He pro8a8ly assume5 <iEEo "a5 5one it. 9 5i5n?t tell "im a8out t"e kni1e t"ey misse5@ %"i3" %oul5 piss "im o11 i1 "e 1oun5 it later@ 8ut "ey@ 9 3oul5n?t let t"e 3ops 3on1is3ate all my %eapons. Besi5es@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e unarme5 toni-"t. 9 sat 8a3k 5o%n@ resistin- t"e ur-e to ru8 my %rists. 9 %as "eap28i-2)ampire2slayer. /ot"in- 3oul5 "urt me. Dea"@ ri-"t. A$alk to me@ Anita.C A#11 t"e re3or5BC 9 aske5. He stare5 at me@ eyes 1lat an5 unrea5a8le@ -oo5 3op eyes. A9 s"oul5 say no.C ABut@C 9 sai5. A#11 t"e re3or5@ tell me.C 9 tol5 "im. 9 3"an-e5 only one t"in-J t"at an anonymous 3all "a5 alerte5 me to t"e 3ontra3t on me. #t"er t"an t"at@ it %as t"e a8solute trut". 9 t"ou-"t 4olp" %oul5 8e "appy@ 8ut "e %asn?t. AAn5 you 5on?t kno% %"y someone %oul5 put a 3ontra3t out on youBC A'or t"at kin5 o1 money@ %it" a time limit on it@ no.C He stare5 at me@ as i1 tryin- to 5e3i5e "o% mu3" trut" 9 %as tellin- "im. A="y 5i5n?t you tell us a8out t"e anonymous p"one 3all earlierBC He put a lot o1 stress on t"e %or5 anonymous. 9 s"ru--e5. AHa8it@ 9 -uess.C A/o@ you %ante5 to "ot5o- it. 9nstea5 o1 "i5in- out@ you 3ame "ere an5 playe5 8ait. 91 t"e "itter "a5 use5 a 8om8@ you 3oul5 "a)e -otten a lot o1 people "urt.C ABut s"e 5i5n?t use a 8om8@ 5i5 s"e.C He took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%ly. 91 9 "a5n?t kno%n 8etter@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 "e %as 3ountin- to ten. ADou -ot lu3ky@C "e sai5. A9 kno%.C 4olp" stare5 at me. AS"e nearly 5i5 you.C A91 t"ose %omen "a5n?t 3ome in %"en t"ey 5i5@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e talkin- to you no%.C ADou 5on?t seem %orrie5.C AS"e?s 5ea5. 9?m not. ="at?s to %orry a8outBC A'or t"at kin5 o1 money@ Anita@ t"ere?ll 8e someone else tomorro%.C A9t?s a1ter mi5ni-"t@ an5 9?m still ali)e. 7ay8e t"e 3ontra3t %ill 8e 3an3ele5.C A="y t"e time limitBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A91 9 kne% t"at@ 9 mi-"t kno% %"o put t"e "it out on me.C

AAn5 i1 you 1in5 out %"o put t"e money up@ %"at %ill you 5oBC "e aske5. 9 stare5 at "im. #11 t"e re3or5 or not@ 4olp" %as still t"e ultimate 3op. He took "is >o8 )ery seriously. A9?ll turn t"e name o)er to you.C A9 %is" 9 8elie)e5 t"at@ Anita@ 9 really 5o.C 9 -a)e "im my 8est %i5e2eye5@ inno3ent look. A="at 5o you meanBC A!an t"e little -irl routine@ Anita. 9 kno% you too %ell.C A'ine@ 8ut you an5 9 8ot" kno% t"at as lon- as t"e money is out t"ere@ "itters %ill keep 3omin-. 9?m -oo5@ 4olp"@ 8ut no one?s t"at -oo5. ,)entually@ 9?ll lose. :nless t"e money -oes a%ay. /o 3ontra3t@ no more "itters.C =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er. A=e 3an put you in prote3ti)e 3usto5y@C 4olp" sai5. A'or "o% lon-B 'ore)erBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. ABesi5es@ t"e ne*t "itter mi-"t use a 8om8. Dou %ant to risk your peopleB 9 5on?t.C ASo you?ll "unt t"e money man 5o%n an5 kill "im.C A9 5i5n?t say t"at@ 4olp".C ABut t"at?s %"at you?re plannin-@C "e sai5. A4on?t keep askin- t"e ;uestion@ 4olp". $"e ans%er %on?t 3"an-e.C He stoo5@ "an5s -rippin- t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 3"air. A4on?t 3ross t"e line %it" me@ Anita. =e?re 1rien5s@ 8ut 9?m a 3op 1irst.C A9 )alue our 1rien5s"ip@ 4olp"@ 8ut 9 )alue my li1e an5 yours more.C ADou t"ink 9 3an?t "an5le mysel1BC A9 t"ink you?re a 3op@ an5 t"at means you "a)e to play 8y t"e rules. 4ealin- %it" pro1essional "itters@ t"at 3an -et you kille5.C $"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. A,nter@C 4olp" sai5. <iEEo 3ame in %it" a roun5 tray an5 t"ree slen5er 8la3k 3"ina mu-s. $"ere %ere little re5 3o11ee stirrers in ea3" one. <iEEo -lan3e5 1rom 4olp" to me. He stare5 at my un3u11e5 "an5s 8ut 5i5n?t say anyt"in-. He sat t"e tray on t"e 5esk 1ar enou-" 1rom me t"at 9 3oul5n?t "a)e -ra88e5 "im. #11i3er <iEEo looke5 like a t%enty2year man@ an5 "e %as still treatinme like a )ery 5an-erous person. 9 5ou8te5 t"at "e?5 "a)e turne5 "is 8a3k on Ana8elle. 91 s"e "a5n?t -ra88e5 my purse@ s"e 3oul5 "a)e s"ot me in t"e 8a3k. #"@ 9?5 "a)e seen it in t"e mirror@ 8ut 9?5 "a)e ne)er -otten my -un out in time. 9?5 ne)er "a)e let a man@ no matter "o% 1rien5ly or "o% "elp1ul@ 3ome up 8e"in5 me like t"at. 9?5 ma5e t"e same mistake %it" Ana8elle t"at people ma5e %it" me. 9?5 seen a small@ pretty %oman an5 un5erestimate5 "er. 9 %as a 1emale 3"au)inist pi-let. 9t "a5 nearly 8een a 1atal 1la%. 4olp" "an5e5 me t"e mu- t"at "el5 t"e li-"test23olore5 3o11ee. 9t %as too mu3" to "ope t"at t"e 3ream %oul5 8e real@ 8ut eit"er %ay it looke5 %on5er1ul. 9?5 ne)er met 3o11ee t"at %asn?t %on5er1ul. 9t %as >ust a matter o1 "o% %on5er1ul it %as. 9 took a "esitant sip o1 t"e steamin- li;ui5 an5 ma5e appre3iati)e Fmmm? soun5s. 9t %as real 3o11ee an5 real 3ream. AGla5 you like it@C <iEEo sai5. 9 looke5 up at "im. A$"ank you@ #11i3er.C He -runte5 an5 mo)e5 a%ay 1rom us to lean a-ainst t"e ot"er %all. A9 talke5 to $e5 'orrester@ your pet 8ounty "unter. $"e -un in your purse is re-istere5 to "im.C 4olp" sat 8a3k 5o%n@ 8lo%in- on "is 3o11ee. $e5 'orrester %as one o1 ,5%ar5?s aliases. 9t "a5 stoo5 up to poli3e s3rutiny on3e 8e1ore %"en %e en5e5 up %it" 8o5ies on t"e -roun5. He %as@ as 1ar as t"e poli3e kne%@ a 8ounty "unter spe3ialiEin- in preternatural 3reatures. 7ost 8ounty "unters staye5 in t"e =estern states %"ere t"ere %ere still su8stantial 8ounties on s"apes"i1ters. /ot all o1 t"em %ere parti3ularly 3are1ul t"at t"e s"apes"i1ter t"ey kille5 %as really a 5an-er to anyone. $"e only 3riteria some states "a5 %as t"at a1ter 5eat"@ t"e 8o5y %as me5i3ally 3erti1ie5 as a ly3ant"rope. A 8loo5 test %as su11i3ient in most 3ases. =yomin%as t"inkin- o1 3"an-in- its la%s 8e3ause o1 t"ree %ron-1ul 5eat" suits t"at "a5 ma5e it all t"e %ay to t"eir state supreme 3ourt. A9 nee5e5 a -un small enou-" to 1it in t"e purse 8ut %it" stoppin- po%er@C 9 sai5. A9 5on?t like 8ounty "unters@ Anita. $"ey a8use t"e la%.C 9 sippe5 3o11ee an5 staye5 ;uiet. 91 "e kne% >ust "o% mu3" ,5%ar5 a8use5 t"e la%@ "e?5 "a)e lo3ke5 "im up 1or a )ery lon- time. A91 "e?s a -oo5 enou-" 1rien5 to 8ail your ass out o1 t"is kin5 o1 trou8le@ %"y "a)en?t you mentione5 "im 8e1oreB 9 5i5n?t kno% "e e*iste5 until t"at last trou8le you "a5 %it" t"ose s"apes"i1ter poa3"ers.C APoa3"ers@C 9 sai5 an5 s"ook my "ea5. A="at?s %ron-BC 4olp" aske5.

AS"apes"i1ters -et kille5@ an5 its poa3"in-. /ormal people -et kille5@ an5 it?s mur5er.C ADou sympat"iEin- %it" t"e monsters no%@ AnitaBC "e aske5. His )oi3e %as e)en ;uieter@ so still you mi-"t "a)e mistaken it 1or 3alm@ 8ut it %asn?t. He %as pisse5. ADou?re ma5 a8out somet"in- ot"er t"an t"e 8o5y 3ount@C 9 sai5. ADou?re in)ol)e5 %it" t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. 9s t"at "o% you keep -ettin- all t"at insi5e in1o on t"e monstersBC 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. ASometimes.C ADou s"oul5 "a)e tol5 me@ Anita.C ASin3e %"en is my personal li1e poli3e 8usinessBC He >ust looke5 at me. 9 looke5 5o%n into my 3o11ee mu-@ starin- at my "an5s. 9 1inally looke5 8a3k up. 9t %as "ar5 meetin- "is eyes@ "ar5er t"an 9 %ante5 it to 8e. A="at 5o you %ant me to say@ 4olp"B $"at 9 1in5 it em8arrassin- t"at one o1 t"e monsters is my 8oy1rien5B 9 5o.C A$"en 5rop "im.C A91 it %ere t"at easy@ trust me@ 9?5 5o it.C AHo% 3an 9 trust you to 5o your >o8@ AnitaB Dou?re sleepin- %it" t"e enemy.C A="y 5oes e)eryone assume 9?m sleepin- %it" "imB 4oesn?t any8o5y 8ut me 5ate people an5 not "a)e se*BC A9 apolo-iEe 1or t"e assumption@ 8ut you -ot to a5mit a lot o1 people are -oin- to assume t"e same t"in-.C A9 kno%.C $"e 5oor opene5@ an5 Greeley 3ame 8a3k insi5e. His eyes took in t"e "an53u11s 8ein- -one@ t"e 3o11ee. ADou "a)e a ni3e 3"atBC AHo%?5 your statement to t"e press -oBC 4olp" aske5. He s"ru--e5. A9 tol5 t"em 7s. Blake %as 8ein- ;uestione5 in 3onne3tion %it" a 5eat" on t"e premises. $ol5 Fem t"at no )amps %ere in)ol)e5. /ot sure t"ey 8elie)e5 me. $"ey kept %antin- to speak to t"e ,*e3utioner. $"ou-" most o1 t"em %ere 3allin- "er t"e 7aster?s -irl1rien5.C $"at ma5e me 1lin3". ,)en %it" a 3areer o1 my o%n@ 9 %as -oin- to en5 up 8ein- 7rs. Hean2!lau5e in t"e press. He %as more p"oto-eni3 t"an 9 %as. 4olp" stoo5. A9 %ant to take Anita out o1 "ere.C Greeley stare5 at "im. A9 5on?t t"ink so.C 4olp" set "is 3o11ee on t"e 5esk an5 %ent to stan5 ne*t to t"e ot"er 5ete3ti)e. He lo%ere5 "is )oi3e@ an5 t"ere %as a lot o1 "ars" %"isperin-. Greeley s"ook "is "ea5. A/o.C 7ore %"isperin-. Greeley -lare5 at me. AAll ri-"t@ 8ut s"e 3omes 5o%n to t"e station 8e1ore t"e ni-"t is o)er or it?s your ass@ Ser-eant.C AS"e?ll 8e t"ere@C 4olp" sai5. <iEEo %as starin- at all o1 us. ADou?re takin- "er out o1 "ere@ 8ut not to t"e station "ouseBC 9t soun5e5 a33usatory e)en to me. A$"at?s my 5e3ision@ <iEEo@C Greeley sai5. ADou -ot t"atBC His )oi3e -ro%le5 t"e %or5s. Some"o% 4olp" "a5 pulle5 rank@ an5 Greeley 5i5n?t like it. 91 <iEEo %ante5 to make "imsel1 a 3on)enient tar-et 1or t"at an-er@ 1ine. <iEEo 1a5e5 8a3k a-ainst t"e %all@ 8ut "e %asn?t "appy a8out it. A9 -ot t"at.C AGet "er out o1 "ere@C Greeley sai5. A$ry t"e 8a3k. But 9 5on?t kno% "o% you?ll -et past t"e 3ameras.C A=e?ll %alk t"rou-"@C 4olp" sai5. ALet?s -o@ Anita.C 9 set my mu- on t"e 5esk. A="at?s up@ 4olp"BC A9 -ot a 8o5y 1or you to look at.C AA mur5er suspe3t "elpin- %it" anot"er 3ase. =on?t t"e 8rass -et ma5BC A9 3leare5 it@C 4olp" sai5. 9 looke5 at "im@ eyes %i5e. AHo%BC 9 aske5. ADou 5on?t %ant to kno%@C "e sai5. 9 looke5 at "im. He stare5 8a3k. 9 1inally looke5 a%ay 1irst. 7ost o1 t"e time@ %"en people sai5 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno%@ it meant >ust t"e opposite. 9t meant 9 pro8a8ly nee5e5 to kno%. But 1rom a "an51ul o1 people@ 9?5 take t"eir %or5 1or it. 4olp" %as one o1 t"ose people. A#kay@C 9 sai5. ALet?s -o.C

4olp" let me %as" t"e 5rie5 8loo5 o11 my "an5s@ an5 %e %ent.

Chapter Eighteen
9?m not a 8i- one 1or i5le 3"atter@ 8ut 4olp" makes me seem lo;ua3ious. =e 5ro)e 5o%n 2. in silen3e@ t"e "iss o1 t"e %"eels on t"e roa5 an5 t"e t"rum o1 t"e en-ine t"e only soun5s. ,it"er "e?5 turne5 o11 "is ra5io or no8o5y %as 3ommittin- 3rimes in Saint Louis toni-"t. 9 %as 8ettin- t"e ra5io %as o11. #ne o1 t"e -oo5 t"in-s a8out 8ein- a 5ete3ti)e on a task 1or3e is you 5on?t "a)e to listen to t"e ra5io all t"e time@ 8e3ause most o1 t"e 3alls aren?t your pro8lem. 91 4olp" %as nee5e5 some%"ere@ t"ey 3oul5 al%ays 8eep "im. 9 trie5 to "ol5 out. 9 trie5 to make 4olp" talk 1irst@ 8ut a1ter nearly 1i1teen minutes@ 9 8roke. A="ere are %e -oin-BC A!re)e !oeur.C 7y eye8ro%s raise5. A$"at?s a little ups3ale 1or a monster kill.C ADea"@C "e sai5. 9 %aite5 1or moreG t"ere %asn?t any more. A=ell@ t"anks 1or enli-"tenin- me@ 4olp".C He -lan3e5 at me@ t"en 8a3k to t"e roa5. A=e?ll 8e t"ere in a 1e% minutes@ Anita.C APatien3e "as ne)er 8een my stron- suit@ 4olp".C His lips t%it3"e5@ t"en "e smile5. 'inally@ "e lau-"e5@ a s"ort@ a8rupt soun5. A9 -uess not.C AGla5 9 3oul5 li-"ten t"e moo5@C 9 sai5. ADou?re al%ays -oo5 1or a lau-" %"en you?re not killin- people@ Anita.C 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say to t"at. $oo 3lose to t"e trut"@ may8e. Silen3e settle5 o)er t"e 3ar@ an5 9 le1t it alone. 9t %as an easy@ 1rien5ly ;uiet t"is time@ tin-e5 %it" lau-"ter. 4olp" %asn?t ma5 at me anymore. 9 3oul5 stan5 a little silen3e. !re)e !oeur %as an ol5er nei-"8or"oo5 @ 8ut it 5i5n?t look it. $"e a-e s"o%e5 in t"e lar-e "ouses set in lon-@ slopinyar5s. Some o1 t"e "ouses "a5 3ir3ular 5ri)es an5 ser)ants? ;uarters. $"e 1e% "ousin- 5e)elopments t"at "a5 3rept in "ere an5 t"ere 5i5n?t al%ays "a)e 8i- yar5s@ 8ut t"e "ouses "a5 )ariety@ pools@ ro3k -ar5ens. /o 3ookie 3utter "ouses@ not"in- 563lass6. #li)e is one o1 my 1a)orite streets. 9 like t"e mi* o1 -as stations@ 4unkin? 4onuts@ 3ustom or5er >e%elry stores@ 7er3e5es2 BenE 5ealers"ips@ an5 Blo3k8uster 7usi3 an5 Vi5eo. !re)e !oeur isn?t like most ritEy areas@ at %ar %it" t"e peons. $"is part o1 t"e 3ity "as em8ra3e5 8ot" its money an5 its 3ommer3e@ as 3om1orta8le 8uyin- 1ine anti;ues as takin- t"e ki55ies t"rou-" t"e 5ri)e2up line at 7i3key24?s. 4olp" turne5 on a roa5 san5%i3"e5 8et%een t%o -as stations. 9t slope5 s"arply@ makin- me %ant to use t"e 8rake. 4olp" 5i5n?t s"are t"is 5esire@ an5 t"e 3ar 3oaste5 5o%n t"e "ill at a ni3e 3lip. =ell@ "e %as t"e poli3e. /o spee5in- ti3ket@ 9 -uess. =e spe5 past "ousin- 5e)elopments t"at 8ran3"e5 o11 t"e roa5 like true su8ur8ia. $"e "ouses %ere still more 5istin3t@ 8ut t"e yar5s "a5 s"runk@ an5 you kne% t"at most o1 %"at you %ere 5ri)in- past "a5 ne)er "a5 ser)ants? ;uarters. $"e roa5 3lim8e5 >ust a tou3"@ t"en e)ene5 out. 4olp" "it "is turn si-nal %"ile %e %ere still in t"e s"allo% )alley. A taste1ul si-n sai5 !ountrysi5e Hills. Poli3e 3ars 3lo--e5 t"e narro% streets o1 t"e su85i)ision@ li-"ts stro8in- t"e 5arkness. $"ere %as a "u55le o1 people 8ein- "el5 8a3k 8y uni1orme5 poli3e@ people 3lut3"in- li-"t 3oats o)er t"eir >ammies or stan5in- %it" ro8es tie5 ti-"t. $"e 3ro%5 %as small. As %e -ot out o1 t"e 3ar@ 9 sa% a 5rape t%it3" in a "ouse a3ross t"e street. ="y 3ome outsi5e %"en you 3an peek 1rom t"e 3om1ort o1 your o%n "omeB 4olp" le5 me t"rou-" t"e uni1orms an5 t"e t%ist o1 yello% 4o2/ot2!ross tape. $"e "ouse t"at %as t"e 3enter o1 attention %as one story %it" a 8ri3k %all as tall as t"e %alls o1 t"e "ouse 1ormin- an en3lose5 3ourtyar5. $"ere %as e)en a %rou-"t iron -ate to t"e 3ur)e5 entran3e@ )ery 7e5iterranean. ,*3ept 1or t"e 3ourtyar5@ t"e "ouse looke5 like a typi3al su8ur8an ran3". $"ere %as a stone pat" an5 s;uare@ ro3k2e5-e5 8e5s 1ull o1 rose8us"es. 'loo5li-"ts 1ille5 t"e %alle5 -ar5en@ len5in- e)ery petal an5 lea1 its o%n s"a5o%. Someone "a5 -one %ay o)er8oar5 on t"e in-roun5 li-"tin-. ADou 5on?t e)en nee5 a 1las"li-"t in "ere@C 9 sai5. 4olp" -lan3e5 at me. ADou?)e ne)er 8een "ere t"enBC 9 met "is eyes an5 3oul5n?t rea5 t"em. He %as -i)in- me 3op eyes. A/o@ 9?)e ne)er 8een "ere. S"oul5 9 "a)e 8eenBC 4olp" opene5 t"e s3reene5 5oor %it"out ans%erin-. He le5 t"e %ay in@ an5 9 1ollo%e5. 4olp" pri5es "imsel1 on not in1luen3in- "is people@ lettin- t"em 3ome in 3ol5 an5 make t"eir o%n 3on3lusions. But e)en 1or "im@ "e %as 8einmysterious. 9 5i5n?t like it. $"e li)in- room %as narro% 8ut lon- %it" a $V an5 )i5eo 3enter at t"e en5 o1 it. $"e room %as so t"i3k %it" 3ops t"ere %as 8arely room to stan5. ,)ery mur5er s3ene -ets more attention t"an it nee5s. 'rankly@ 9 %on5er i1 more e)i5en3e is lost %it" all t"e tra11i3 t"an is 1oun5 %it" all t"e 8usy "an5s. A mur5er 3an make a 3op?s 3areer@ espe3ially t"at >ump 1rom uni1orm to plain3lot"es. 'in5 t"e 3lue or t"e e)i5en3e@ s"ine at t"e 3riti3al time@ an5 people noti3e. But it?s more t"an t"at.

7ur5er is t"e ultimate insult@ t"e last %orst t"in- you 3an 5o to anot"er "uman 8ein-. !ops 1eel t"at@ may8e more t"an t"e rest o1 us. $"e 3ops parte5 8e1ore 4olp"@ eyes s"i1tin- to me. 7ost o1 t"e eyes %ere male@ an5 a1ter t"e 1irst -lan3e@ almost all o1 t"em 5i5 t"e 1ull 8o5y look. Dou kno% t"e look. $"e one t"at i1 t"e 1a3e an5 top mat3"@ t"ey >ust "a)e to see i1 t"e le-s are as -oo5 as t"e rest. 9t %orks in re)erse@ too. But any man t"at starts at my 1eet an5 en5s %it" my 1a3e "as lost e)ery 8ro%nie point "e e)er "a5. $%o s"ort "all%ays le5 strai-"t o11 t"e li)in- room at ri-"t an-les@ a 5inin- room 5ire3tly o11 o1 t"e 1irst room. An open 5oor re)eale5 3arpete5 stairs lea5in- to a 1inis"e5 8asement. !ops %ere tra)elin- up an5 5o%n t"e stairs like ants %it" 8its o1 e)i5en3e in plasti3 8a--ies. 4olp" le5 me 5o%n one o1 t"e "all%ays@ an5 t"ere %as a se3on5 li)in- room %it" a 1irepla3e. 9t %as smaller an5 more 8o*like@ 8ut t"e 1ar %all %as entirely 8ri3k@ %"i3" ma5e it seem %armer@ 3oEier. $"e kit3"en s"o%e5 to t"e le1t t"rou-" an open 5oor%ay. $"e top "al1 o1 t"e %all %as a pass2t"rou-"@ open like a %in5o% so you 3oul5 %ork in t"e kit3"en an5 still talk to people in t"e li)in- room. 7y 1at"er?s "ouse "a5 a pass2t"rou-". $"e ne*t room %as o8)iously ne%. $"e %alls still "a5 t"at ra% paint look o1 1res" 3onstru3tion. Sli5in- -lass 5oors ma5e up t"e le1t2"an5 %all. A "ot tu8 took up most o1 t"e 1loor spa3e. =ater still 3lun- in 8ea5s to its sli3k sur1a3e. $"ey?5 1inis"e5 t"e "ot tu8 8e1ore t"ey?5 painte5 t"e room. Priorities. A "all%ay so rou-"e5 out it still "a5 t"at "ea)y plasti3 t"ey put 5o%n 1or %orkers to %alk on le5 a%ay 1rom t"e tu8. $"ere %as anot"er lar-er 8at"room@ not ;uite 1inis"e5@ an5 a 3lose5 5oor at t"e en5 o1 t"e "all. $"e 5oor %as 3ar)e5@ ne% %oo5@ li-"t23olore5 oak. 9t %as t"e 1irst 3lose5 5oor 9?5 seen insi5e t"e "ouse. $"at %as kin5 o1 ominous. ,*3ept 1or t"e 3ops@ 9 "a5n?t seen a 5amn t"in- out o1 pla3e. 9t looke5 like a ni3e upper2mi55le23lass "ouse. A 1amily kin5 o1 "ouse. 91 9?5 %alke5 strai-"t into 3arna-e@ 9?5 "a)e 8een all ri-"t@ 8ut t"is lon- 8uil5up "a5 ti-"tene5 my stoma3"@ 1ille5 me %it" 5rea5. ="at "a5 "appene5 in t"is ni3e "ouse %it" its ne% "ot tu8 an5 8ri3k 1irepla3eB ="at "a5 "appene5 t"at nee5e5 my kin5 o1 e*pertiseB 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. 9 %ante5 to lea)e 8e1ore 9 sa% some ne% "orror. 9?5 seen enou-" 8o5ies alrea5y t"is year to last a li1etime. 4olp" put "is "an5 on t"e 5oorkno8. 9 tou3"e5 "is arm. A9t?s not ki5s@ is itBC 9 aske5. He -lan3e5 o)er "is s"oul5er at me. /ormally@ "e %oul5n?t "a)e ans%ere5. He?5 "a)e sai5 somet"in- 3rypti3 like@ ADou?ll see in a minute.C $oni-"t@ "e sai5@ A/o@ it?s not ki5s.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" t"rou-" my nose an5 let it out slo%ly t"rou-" my lips. AGoo5.C 9 smelle5 5amp plaster@ 1res" 3ement@ an5 un5erneat" t"at@ 8loo5. $"e s3ent o1 1res"ly spille5 8loo5@ 1aint@ >ust 8e"in5 t"e 5oor. ="at 5oes 8loo5 smell likeB 7etalli3@ almost arti1i3ial. 9t isn?t really mu3" o1 a smell all 8y itsel1. $"e smell %on?t make you si3k@ it?s %"at -oes %it" it. =e all kno% in some an3ient part o1 oursel)es t"at 8loo5 is t"e t"in-. =it"out it@ %e 5ie. 91 %e 3an steal enou-" o1 it 1rom our enemies@ %e steal t"eir li)es. $"ere?s a reason t"at 8loo5 "as 8een asso3iate5 %it" almost e)ery reli-ion on t"e planet. 9t?s primal stu11@ an5 no matter "o% sanitiEe5 %e make our %orl5@ part o1 us still re3o-niEes t"at. 4olp" "esitate5@ "an5 still on t"e 5oorkno8. He 5i5n?t look at me %"ile "e spoke. A$ell me %"at you t"ink o1 t"e s3ene@ t"en 9 "a)e to take you 8a3k 1or a statement. Dou un5erstan5 t"at.C A9 un5erstan5@C 9 sai5. A91 you?re lyin- to me@ Anita@ a8out any o1 t"is@ tell me toni-"t. $%o 8o5ies in t%o 5ays takes a lot o1 e*plainin-.C A9 "a)en?t lie5 to you@ 4olp".C At least not mu3"@ 9 a55e5 in my "ea5. He no55e5 %it"out turnin- aroun5 an5 opene5 t"e 5oor. He %ent in 1irst an5 turne5 so "e 3oul5 %at3" my 1a3e as 9 entere5 t"e room. A="at?s %ron-@ 4olp"BC 9 aske5. ASee 1or yoursel1@C "e sai5. All 9 3oul5 see at 1irst %as pale -rey 3arpet an5 a 8ureau %it" a lar-e mirror a-ainst t"e ri-"t2"an5 %all. A 3luster o1 3ops 8lo3ke5 my )ie% o1 t"e rest o1 t"e room. $"e 3ops steppe5 asi5e at a no5 1rom 4olp". 4olp" ne)er took "is eyes 1rom me@ my 1a3e. 9?5 ne)er seen "im so intent on my rea3tion 8e1ore. 9t ma5e me ner)ous. $"ere %as a 8o5y on t"e 1loor. A man@ sprea52ea-le5@ pinne5 at %rists an5 ankles %it" kni)es. $"e kni)es "a5 8la3k "ilts. He lay in t"e mi55le o1 a lar-e re5 3ir3le. $"e 3ir3le "a5 "a5 to 8e lar-e so t"e 8loo5 5i5n?t leak out an5 spoil it. Bloo5 "a5 soake5 into t"e pale 3arpet@ sprea5 a3ross it like a re5 ruin. $"e man?s 1a3e %as turne5 a%ay 1rom me. All 9 3oul5 see %as s"ort 8lon5 "air. His 3"est %as 8are@ so sli3k %it" 8loo5 it looke5 like a re5 s"irt. $"e kni)es "el5 "im in pla3e. $"ey "a5n?t 8een %"at kille5 "im. /o@ %"at "a5 kille5 "im %as a -apin- "ole in "is lo%er 3"est >ust 8elo% t"e ri8s. 9t %as like a re52line5 3a)e 8i- enou-" to plun-e 8ot" "an5s into. A$"ey took "is "eart@C 9 sai5. 4olp" looke5 at me. ADou kno% t"at 1rom t"e 5oor%ayBC A9?m ri-"t@ aren?t 9BC A91 you %ere -oin- to take "is "eart out@ %"y not -o strai-"t 5o%nBC

A91 you %ante5 "im to sur)i)e@ like "eart sur-ery@ you?5 "a)e to 8reak t"e ri8s an5 -o 5o%n t"e "ar5 %ay. But t"ey %ante5 "im 5ea5. 91 all you %ant is t"e "eart@ -oin- un5er t"e ri8s is easier.C 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 8o5y. 4olp" mo)e5 a"ea5 o1 me@ %at3"in- my 1a3e. A="atBC 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. AHust tell me a8out t"e 8o5y@ Anita.C 9 stare5 at "im. A="at is your pro8lem toni-"tBC A/o pro8lem.C 9t %as a lie. Somet"in- %as up@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t press it. 9t %oul5n?t "a)e 5one me any -oo5. ="en 4olp" 5e3i5es not to s"are in1ormation@ "e 5oesn?t s"are@ perio5. $"ere %as a kin-2siEe 8e5 %it" purple satin s"eets an5 more pillo%s t"an you kne% %"at to 5o %it". $"e 8e5 %as rumple5 as i1 it "a5 8een use5 1or somet"in- ot"er t"an sleepin-. $"ere %ere 5ark stains on t"e s"eets@ nearly 8la3k. A9s t"at 8loo5BC A=e t"ink so@C 4olp" sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at t"e 8o5y. A'rom t"e mur5erBC A="en you?re 1inis"e5 lookin- at t"e 8o5y@ %e?ll 8a- t"e s"eets an5 -et t"em 5o%n to t"e la8.C A su8tle "int to -et on %it" t"e >o8. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 8o5y an5 trie5 to i-nore 4olp". $"at %as easier t"an it soun5e5. $"e 8o5y sort o1 stole t"e s"o%. $"e 3loser 9 -ot@ t"e more 5etails 9 3oul5 see@ an5 t"e more 9 5i5n?t %ant to see. :n5er all t"at 8loo5 %as a ni3e 3"est@ mus3ular 8ut not too mu3" o1 a -oo5 t"in-. $"e "air %as 3ut )ery s"ort@ 3urly an5 8lon5. $"ere %as somet"in- na--in-ly 1amiliar a8out t"at "ea5. $"e 8la3k 5a--ers "a5 sil)er %ire 3urle5 aroun5 t"em. $"ey?5 8een s"o)e5 to t"eir "ilts in t"e 1les"@ 8ones "a5 8roken %"en t"ey?5 8een 5ri)en in. $"e re5 3ir3le %as 5e1initely 8loo5. !a8alisti3 sym8ols ran roun5 t"e insi5e o1 t"e 3ir3le@ tra3e5 in 8loo5. 9 re3o-niEe5 some o1 t"em@ enou-" to kno% t"at %e %ere 5ealin- %it" some 1orm o1 ne3roman3y. 9 kne% t"e sym8ols t"at stoo5 1or 5eat" an5 t"e sym8ols t"at %at3"e5 a-ainst it. 'or some reason@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to enter t"e 3ir3le. 9 %alke5 3are1ully aroun5 t"e e5-e o1 it until 9 3oul5 see t"e 1a3e. =it" my 8a3k leanin- a-ainst t"e %all 9 stare5 into t"e %i5e eyes o1 <o8ert t"e )ampire. 7oni3a?s "us8an5. $"e soon2to28e 5a55y. AS"it@C 9 sai5 so1tly. ADou kno% "imBC 4olp" aske5. 9 no55e5. A<o8ert. His name?s <o8ert.C $"e 5eat" sym8ols ma5e sense i1 you %ere -oin- to sa3ri1i3e a )ampire. But %"yB ="y like t"isB 9 took a step 1or%ar5 an5 "it t"e 3ir3le. 9 stoppe5 5ea5. 9t %as like a million inse3ts 3ra%le5 an5 s%arme5 o)er my 8o5y. 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. 9 steppe5 8a3k o11 t"e 8loo5 line. $"e sensation stoppe5. 9 3oul5 still 1eel it like a memory on my skin@ in my "ea5@ 8ut 9 %as okay no%. 9 took a 5eep 8reat"@ let it out slo%ly@ an5 steppe5 1or%ar5 a-ain. 9t %asn?t like "ittin- a %all. 9t %as more like "ittin- a 8lanket@ a 5ro%nin-@ su11o3atin-@ ma--ot23ra%lin- 8lanket. 9 trie5 to %alk 1or%ar5@ trie5 to mo)e past t"e 3ir3le@ an5 3oul5n?t. 9 sta--ere5 8a3k 1rom it. 91 t"e %all "a5n?t 8een t"ere@ 9?5 "a)e 1allen. 9 let mysel1 sli5e 5o%n until 9 %as sittin- %it" my knees tu3ke5 up. 7y toes %ere in3"es 1rom t"e 3ir3le. 9 5i5 not %ant to tou3" it a-ain. 4olp" %alke5 t"rou-" t"e 3ir3le like it %asn?t t"ere an5 knelt 8esi5e me@ part o1 "im still in t"e 3ir3le. AAnita@ %"at?s %ron-BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?m not sure.C 9 stare5 up at "im. A9t?s a 3ir3le o1 po%er@ an5 9 3an?t 3ross it.C He -lan3e5 8a3k at "is o%n 8o5y partially insi5e t"e 3ir3le. A9 3an.C ADou?re not an animator. 9?m not a %it3"@ an5 9 5on?t kno% a lot o1 o11i3ial ma-i3@ 8ut some o1 t"e sym8ols are eit"er 5eat" sym8ols or may8e sym8ols o1 prote3tion 1rom t"e 5ea5.C 9 stare5 up at "im@ my skin still s"i)erin- 1rom tryin- to 3ross t"e line. A ne% "orror sprea5 t"rou-" my min5. A9t?s a spell to 8ot" 3ontain an5 keep out t"e 5ea5@ an5 9 3an?t 3ross it.C He stare5 5o%n at me. A="at e*a3tly 5oes t"at mean@ AnitaBC A9t means@C sai5 a 1emale )oi3e@ At"at s"e 5i5n?t 3reate t"e 3ir3le.C

Chapter Nineteen
A %oman stoo5 >ust insi5e t"e 5oor. S"e %as tall@ slen5er@ 5resse5 in a purple skirt suit %it" a %"ite man2tailore5 s"irt. S"e %alke5 into t"e room %it" an ea-erness t"at ma5e me kno3k a8out ten years o11 "er a-e. S"e looke5 t"irty@ 8ut s"e %asn?t. $%enty2somet"in- an5 1ull o1 "ersel1. Pro8a8ly aroun5 my o%n a-e@ 8ut t"ere %as a s"iny ne%ness to "er t"at 9?5 lost years a-o.

4olp" stoo5@ o11erin- me a "an5 up. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A:nless you %ant to 3arry me@ 9 3an?t stan5 yet.C AAnita@ t"is is 4ete3ti)e <eynol5s@C "e sai5. He 5i5n?t soun5 entirely "appy a8out it. <eynol5s %alke5 aroun5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3ir3le as 9 "a5@ 8ut s"e %as 3omin- 1or a 8etter )ie% o1 me. S"e en5e5 up on t"e opposite si5e 1rom 4olp". S"e stare5 5o%n at me@ smilin-@ ea-er. 9 stare5 up at "er@ skin still >umpin- 1rom tryin- to 1or3e my %ay past t"e 3ir3le. S"e leane5 5o%n an5 %"ispere5@ ADou?re 1las"in- t"e room@ 5ear.C A$"at?s %"y t"e un5er%ear mat3"es@C 9 sai5. S"e looke5 surprise5. $"ere %as no %ay 1or me to stret3" my le-s out %it"out tou3"in- t"e 3ir3le a-ain@ so i1 9 %ante5 to ;uit 1las"in- t"e room@ 9 "a5 to stan5 up. 9 "el5 my "an5 up to 4olp". AHelp me up@ 8ut %"ate)er you 5o@ 5on?t let me 1all into t"at t"in-.C 4ete3ti)e <eynol5s took my ot"er arm %it"out 8ein- in)ite5@ 8ut 1rankly@ 9 nee5e5 t"e "elp. 7y le-s 1elt like spa-"etti. $"e moment s"e tou3"e5 me@ t"e "air on my 8o5y stoo5 at attention. 9 >erke5 a%ay 1rom "er an5 %oul5 "a)e 1allen into t"e 3ir3le i1 4olp" "a5n?t 3au-"t me. A="at?s %ron-@ AnitaBC 4olp" aske5. 9 leane5 into "im an5 trie5 to 8reat"e slo%ly an5 e)enly. A9 3an?t take anymore ma-i3 ri-"t t"is moment.C AGet "er a 3"air 1rom t"e 5inin- room@C 4olp" sai5. He 5i5n?t speak to anyone in parti3ular@ 8ut a uni1orm le1t t"e room@ pro8a8ly to -et t"e 3"air. 4olp" pi3ke5 me up %"ile %e %aite5. Sin3e 9 3oul5n?t stan5@ it %as "ar5 to protest@ 8ut 9 1elt like a 5amn 1ool. A="at?s on your 8a3k@ AnitaBC 4olp" aske5. 9?5 1or-otten a8out t"e kni1e in t"e spine s"eat". 9 %as sa)e5 1rom "a)in- to ans%er 8y t"e uni1orm 8rin-in- one o1 t"e strai-"t28a3ke5 3"airs into t"e room. 4olp" ease5 me into t"e 3"air. A4i5 4ete3ti)e <eynol5s try a spell on youBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. ASomeone e*plain %"at >ust "appene5.C An un"ealt"y 1lus" 3rept up <eynol5?s pale ne3k. A9 trie5 to rea5 "er aura@ sort o1.C A="yBC 4olp" aske5. AHust 3urious. 9?)e rea5 a8out ne3roman3ers 8ut ne)er met one 8e1ore.C 9 looke5 up at "er. A91 you %ant to 5o any more e*periments@ 4ete3ti)e@ ask 1irst.C S"e no55e5@ lookin- youn-er@ more unsure o1 "ersel1. A9 am sorry.C A<eynol5s@C 4olp" sai5. S"e looke5 at "im. ADes@ sir.C AGo stan5 o)er t"ere.C S"e -lan3e5 at 8ot" o1 us an5 no55e5. ADes@ sir.C S"e %alke5 o)er to stan5 8y t"e ot"er 3ops. S"e trie5 to 8e non3"alant a8out it@ 8ut s"e kept lookin- o)er at us. ASin3e %"en 5o you "a)e a %it3" on t"e payrollBC 9 aske5. A<eynol5s is t"e 1irst 5ete3ti)e e)er %it" preternatural a8ilities. S"e -ot "er pi3k o1 assi-nments. S"e %ante5 to >oin our s;ua5.C 9 %as "appy to "ear "im 3all it AourC s;ua5. AS"e sai5 9 5i5n?t 5ra% t"e 3ir3le. 4i5 you really t"ink 9?5 5one t"atBC 9 pointe5 at t"e 8o5y. He stare5 5o%n at me. ADou 5i5n?t like <o8ert.C A91 9 kille5 e)eryone 9 5i5n?t like@ Saint Louis %oul5 8e littere5 %it" 8o5ies@C 9 sai5. A="y else 5i5 you 5ra- me 5o%n "ereB S"e?s a %it3". S"e pro8a8ly kno%s more a8out t"e spell t"an 9 5o.C 4olp" stare5 5o%n at me. A,*plain.C A9 raise t"e 5ea5@ 8ut 9?m not a traine5 %it3". 7ost o1 %"at 9 5o is >ust@C 9 s"ru--e5@ Asort o1 natural a8ility. 9 stu5ie5 8asi3 ma-i3 t"eory in 3olle-e@ 8ut 1or only a 3ouple o1 3lasses@ so i1 you %ant 1ee58a3k on a 5etaile5 spell like t"is one@ 9 3an?t "elp you.C A91 <eynol5s "a5n?t 8een "ere@ %"at %oul5 you "a)e su--este5 %e 5oBC A'in5 a %it3" to un5o t"e spell 1or you.C He no55e5. AAny t"ou-"ts on %"o or %"yBC He >a88e5 "is t"um8 8e"in5 "is 8a3k at t"e 8o5y.

AHean2!lau5e ma5e <o8ert a )ampire. $"at?s a stron- 8on5. 9 t"ink t"e spell %as to pre)ent "im 1rom kno%in- %"at %as "appenin-.C A!oul5 <o8ert "a)e alerte5 "is master 1rom t"is 1ar a%ayBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at. 9 %asn?t sure. A9 5on?t kno%. 7ay8e. Some master )ampires are 8etter at telepat"y t"an ot"ers. 9?m not sure "o% -oo5 Hean2!lau5e is %it" ot"er )ampires.C A$"is setup took a %"ile@C 4olp" sai5. A="y kill "im like t"isBC AGoo5 ;uestion@C 9 sai5. 9 "a5 a nasty i5ea. A9t?s a %eir5 %ay to 5o it@ 8ut t"is mi-"t 8e a 3"allen-e to Hean2!lau5e?s 3ontrol o)er "is territory.C AHo% soBC 4olp" "a5 "is little note8ook out no%@ pen poise5. 9t %as almost like ol5 times. A<o8ert 8elon-e5 to "im@ an5 no% some8o5y?s kille5 "im. !oul5 8e a messa-e.C He -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e 8o5y. ABut %"o is t"e messa-e meant 1orB 7ay8e <o8ert pisse5 someone o11@ an5 it %as personal. 91 it %as a messa-e 1or your 8oy1rien5@ %"y not kill "im at Hean2!lau5e?s 3lu8B $"at?s %"ere "e %orke5@ ri-"tBC 9 no55e5. A="oe)er 5i5 t"is 3oul5n?t "a)e pulle5 o11 somet"in- so ela8orate at t"e 3lu8@ %it" ot"er )ampires aroun5. /o %ay. $"ey nee5e5 pri)a3y. $"ey mi-"t "a)e nee5e5 t"e spell >ust to keep Hean2!lau5e or some ot"er )amp 1rom ri5in- to t"e res3ue.C 9 t"ou-"t a8out it. ="at 5i5 9 really kno% a8out <o8ertB /ot mu3". 9 kne% "im as Hean2!lau5e?s 1lunkie. 7oni3a?s 8oy1rien5@ no% "us8an5. A soon2to28e 5a55y. ,)eryt"in- 9 kne% a8out "im %as t"rou-" ot"er people?s per3eptions o1 "im. He?5 8een kille5 in "is o%n 8e5room@ an5 all 9 3oul5 t"ink o1 %as t"at it %as a messa-e 1or Hean2 !lau5e. 9 %as t"inkin- o1 "im like a 1lunkie 8e3ause Hean2!lau5e treate5 "im t"at %ay. Be3ause "e %asn?t a master )ampire@ no one %oul5 %ant to kill "im 1or "is o%n sake. GeeE@ 9 %as a3tually t"inkin- o1 <o8ert like a 5isposa8le 3ommo5ity. =e 3oul5 al%ays make more. ADou?)e t"ou-"t o1 somet"in-@C 4olp" sai5. A/ot really. 7ay8e 9?)e 8een "an-in- aroun5 )ampires too lon-. 9?m 8e-innin- to t"ink like one o1 t"em.C A,*plain@C 4olp" sai5. A9 assume5 t"at <o8ert?s 5eat" %as 3onne3te5 to "is master. 7y 1irst t"ou-"t %as t"at no one %oul5 kill <o8ert 1or "is o%n sake@ 8e3ause "e %asn?t important enou-" to kill. 9 mean@ killin- <o8ert %on?t make you 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ so %"y 5o itBC 4olp" looke5 at me. ADou?re 8e-innin- to %orry me@ Anita.C A=orry@ "ell@C 9 sai5@ A9?m 8e-innin- to s3are me.C 9 trie5 to look at t"e mur5er s3ene 1res"@ not like a )ampire. ="o %oul5 -o to t"is mu3" trou8le to kill <o8ertB 9 5i5n?t "a)e t"e 1aintest i5ea. A,*3ept 1or t"is 8ein- a 3"allen-e to Hean2!lau5e?s aut"ority@ 9 "a)e no i5ea %"y anyone %oul5 kill <o8ert. 9 -uess 9 5on?t really kno% t"at mu3" a8out "im. 9t 3oul5 8e one o1 t"e "ate -roups@ Humans 'irst or Humans A-ainst Vampires. But t"ey?5 "a)e to "a)e some "ea)y ma-i3al kno%"o%@ an5 eit"er -roup %oul5 stone a %it3" as 1ast as stake a )ampire. $"ey 3onsi5er t"em 8ot" 5e)il spa%n.C A="y %oul5 t"e "ate -roups sin-le out t"is )ampireBC AHis %i1e?s pre-nant@C 9 sai5. AAnot"er )ampireBC 4olp" aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHuman.C 4olp"?s eyes %i5ene5 >ust a 1ra3tion. 9t %as t"e most surprise 9?5 e)er seen 1rom "im. 4olp"@ like most 3ops@ 5oesn?t ru11le easily. APre-nantB An5 t"e )ampire is t"e 1at"erBC ADes@C 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. ADea"@ t"at mi-"t earn "im a starrin- roll on t"e "ate -roup "it para5e. $ell me a8out )ampire repro5u3tion@ Anita.C A'irst@ 9 nee5 to 3all Hean2!lau5e.C A="yBC A=arn "im@C 9 sai5. A9 a-ree t"is pro8a8ly is somet"in- personal to <o8ert. Dou?re ri-"t. Humans 'irst espe3ially %oul5 kill "im in a "eart8eat@ 8ut >ust in 3ase@ 9 %ant to %arn Hean2!lau5e.C 9 "a5 anot"er t"ou-"t. A7ay8e t"at?s %"y someone %ante5 me 5ea5.C A="at 5o you meanBC A91 t"ey %ant to "arm Hean2!lau5e@ killin- me %oul5 8e a -oo5 %ay to 5o it.C A9 t"ink "al1 a million 5ollars is a little steep 1or 8umpin- o11 someone?s -irl1rien5.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A$"at kin5 o1 money is personal@ Anita. Someone?s a1rai5 o1 you@ not your toot"y 8oy1rien5.C A$%o "ire5 killers in t%o 5ays@ 4olp"@ an5 9 still 5on?t kno% %"y.C 9 stare5 up at "im. A91 9 5on?t 1i-ure t"is t"in- out@ 9?ll 8e 5ea5.C

He tou3"e5 my s"oul5er. A=e?ll "elp you. !ops are -oo5 1or some t"in-s@ e)en i1 t"e monsters %on?t talk to us.C A$"anks@ 4olp".C 9 patte5 "is "an5. A4i5 you really 8elie)e <eynol5s %"en s"e sai5 9 3oul5 "a)e 5one t"isBC He strai-"tene5@ t"en met my eyes. A'or a se3on5@ yes. A1ter t"at@ it %as a matter o1 listenin- to my 5ete3ti)e. =e "ire5 "er so s"e 3oul5 "elp out on t"e preternatural stu11. 9t %oul5 8e stupi5 to i-nore "er on "er 1irst 3ase.C /ot to mention 5emoraliEin-@ 9 t"ou-"t. A#kay@ 8ut 5i5 you really t"ink 9 %as 3apa8le o1 5oin- t"atBC 9 motione5 to%ar5s t"e 8o5y. A9?)e seen you stake )amps@ Anita. 9?)e seen you 5e3apitate t"em. ="y not t"isBC ABe3ause <o8ert %as ali)e %"ile t"ey 3ar)e5 open "is 3"est. :ntil t"ey remo)e5 "is "eart@ "e %as ali)e. Hell@ %"en t"ey took "is "eart@ 9?m not sure "o% lon- "e mi-"t "a)e li)e5. Vampires are stran-e %"en it 3omes to 5eat" %oun5s. Sometimes t"ey lin-er.C A9s t"at %"y t"ey 5i5n?t take "is "ea5B So "e?5 su11er moreBC A7ay8e@C 9 sai5. AHean2!lau5e nee5s to 8e tol5@ in 3ase it is a t"reat@C 9 repeate5. A9?ll "a)e someone 3all.C ADou 5on?t trust me to tell "imBC ALea)e it alone@ Anita.C 'or on3e 9 5i5 %"at "e aske5. ,)en a year a-o 9 %oul5n?t "a)e truste5 anyone 5atin- a )ampire. 9?5 "a)e assume5 t"ey %ere 3orrupt. Sometimes@ 9 still assume5 t"at. A'ine@ >ust 3all "im no%. Be 8a5 i1 Hean2!lau5e -ot %aste5 %"ile %e %ere 5e8atin- %"o s"oul5 %arn "im.C 4olp" motione5 one o1 t"e uni1orms o)er. He s3ri88le5 somet"in- in "is note8ook@ tore t"e pa-e out@ 1ol5e5 it@ an5 "an5e5 it to t"e uni1orm. A$ake t"is to 4ete3ti)e Perry.C $"e uni1orm le1t@ note in "an5. 4olp" -lan3e5 8a3k at "is notes. A/o%@ tell me a8out )ampire repro5u3tion.C He stare5 at %"at "e?5 %ritten in "is note8ook. A,)en sayin- t"at soun5s %ron-.C A/e%ly 5ea5 males o1ten "a)e le1to)er sperm 1rom 8e1ore 5eat". $"at?s t"e most 3ommon. 4o3tors re3ommen5 you %ait si* %eeks 8e1ore se* a1ter you?)e 8e3ome a )ampire@ sort o1 like a1ter a )ase3tomy. $"ose 8a8ies are usually "ealt"y. Bein- 1ertile is a lot rarer in ol5er )amps. 'rankly@ until 9 sa% <o8ert an5 "is %i1e at a party@ 9 5i5n?t kno% )amps as ol5 as "e is 3oul5 make 8a8ies.C AHo% ol5 %as <o8ertBC AA 3entury an5 some 3"an-e.C A!an 1emale )amps -et pre-nantBC "e aske5. ASometimes %it" t"e ne%ly 5ea5 it "appens@ 8ut t"e 8o5y spontaneously a8orts or rea8sor8s t"e 8a8y. A 5ea5 8o5y 3an?t -i)e li1e.C 9 "esitate5. A="atBC 4olp" aske5. A$"ere "a)e 8een t%o reporte5 3ases o1 an ol5er 1emale )ampire -i)in- 8irt".C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9t %asn?t pretty@ an5 it 3ertainly %asn?t "uman.C A4i5 t"e 8a8ies sur)i)eBC A'or a %"ile@C 9 sai5. A$"e 3ase t"at?s t"e 8est 5o3umente5 %as 1rom t"e early 19 s. Ba3k %"en 4r. Henry 7ulli-an %as tryin- to 1in5 a 3ure 1or )ampirism in t"e 8asement o1 #l5 Saint Louis !ity Hospital. #ne o1 "is patients "a5 -i)en 8irt". 7ulli-an t"ou-"t it %as a si-n t"at li1e %as returnin- to "er 8o5y. $"e 8a8y "a5 8een 8orn %it" a 1ull set o1 pointe5 teet" an5 8een more 3anni8al t"an )ampire. 4o3tor 7ulli-an 3arrie5 a s3ar on "is %rist 1rom t"e 5eli)ery until t"e 5ay "e 5ie5@ %"i3" %as a8out t"ree years later %"en one o1 "is patients 3rus"e5 "is 1a3e.C 4olp" stare5 5o%n at "is note8ook. A9 %rite it all 5o%n. But 1rankly@ t"is is one 8it o1 in1ormation 9 "ope 9 ne)er "a)e to use. $"ey kille5 t"e 8a8y@ 5i5n?t t"eyBC ADes@C 9 sai5. ABe1ore you ask@ t"e 1at"er %as not mentione5. $"e impli3ation is t"at t"e 1at"er %as "uman an5 may e)en "a)e 8een 4r. 7ulli-an "imsel1. Vampires 3an?t make 8a8ies %it"out a "uman partner@ as 1ar as %e kno%.C A/i3e to kno% "umans are -oo5 1or somet"in- 8esi5es 8loo5@C "e sai5. 9 s"ru--e5. A9 -uess.C $rut"1ully t"e t"ou-"t o1 -i)in- 8irt" to a 3"il5 %it" se)ere Vla5 syn5rome s3are5 t"e "ell out o1 me. 9 ne)er planne5 on "a)in- se* %it" Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut i1 it e)er 3ame up@ %e %ere 5e1initely takin- pre3autions. /o spontaneous se*@ unless it in3lu5e5 a 3on5om. Somet"in- must "a)e s"o%n on my 1a3e@ 8e3ause "e aske5@ APenny 1or your t"ou-"ts.C AHust -la5 9 "a)e "i-" moral stan5ar5s@ 9 -uess. Like 9 sai5@ until 9 sa% <o8ert an5 "is %i1e@ 9 t"ou-"t a )ampire o)er a 3entury %as sterile. An5 3onsi5erin- t"e len-t" o1 time you?5 "a)e to keep t"e )amp?s 8o5y temperature upC29 s"ook my

"ea52A9 5on?t see "o% it 3oul5 8e a33i5ental. But t"ey 8ot" 3laime5 it %as. S"e "asn?t e)en -otten t"eir ammo results 8a3k yet.C AAmmo test 1or %"atBC "e aske5. AVla5 syn5rome@C 9 sai5. A9s s"e "ealt"y enou-" to stan5 up un5er t"is kin5 o1 ne%sBC "e aske5. 9 s"ru--e5. AS"e looke5 1ine@ 8ut 9?m no e*pert. 9?5 say s"e s"oul5n?t 8e tol5 o)er t"e p"one@ an5 s"e pro8a8ly s"oul5n?t 8e alone. 9 >ust 5on?t kno%.C AAre you 1rien5s %it" t"e %i1eBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ an5 5on?t e)en ask. 9 am not -oin- to "ol5 7oni3a?s "an5 %"ile s"e 3ries o)er "er 5ea5 "us8an5.C AAll ri-"t@ all ri-"t@ it?s outsi5e your >o8 5es3ription. 7ay8e 9?ll let <eynol5s 5o it.C 9 -lan3e5 at t"e youn- %oman. S"e an5 7oni3a pro8a8ly 5eser)e5 ea3" ot"er@ 8ut ... AHean2!lau5e mi-"t kno% %"o 7oni3a?s 1rien5s are. 91 "e 5oesn?t@ 9 kno% o1 one. !at"erine 7aison2Gillete an5 7oni3a %ork to-et"er.C A7oni3a is a la%yerBC 4olp" sai5. 9 no55e5. AGreat@C "e sai5. AHo% mu3" are you tellin- Hean2!lau5e a8out t"isBC 9 aske5. A="yBC 4olp" aske5. ABe3ause 9 %ant to kno% "o% mu3" 9 3an tell "im.C ADou 5on?t 5is3uss on-oin- "omi3i5e 3ases %it" t"e monsters@C "e sai5. A$"e )i3tim %as "is 3ompanion 1or o)er a 3entury. He?s -oin- to %ant to talk a8out it. 9 nee5 to kno% %"at you?re tellin"im so 9 %on?t let somet"in- slip 8y a33i5ent.C ADou 5on?t "a)e a pro8lem %it""ol5in- in1ormation 1rom your 8oy1rien5BC A/ot on a "omi3i5e. ="oe)er 5i5 t"is is at t"e )ery least a %it3"@ an5 may8e somet"in- s3arier. 9t?s pro8a8ly one o1 t"e monsters@ one %ay or anot"er. So %e 3an?t tell t"e monsters all t"e 5etails.C 4olp" looke5 at me lon- an5 stea5y@ t"en no55e5. AKeep 8a3k t"e "eart an5 t"e sym8ols use5 in t"e spell.C AHe?ll "a)e to kno% a8out t"e "eart@ 4olp"@ or "e?ll -uess. Hea5 or "eart@ t"ere isn?t a lot else t"at?ll kill a 3entury2ol5 )amp.C ADou sai5 you?5 %it""ol5 in1ormation@ Anita.C A9?m tellin- you %"at %ill %as" an5 %"at %on?t@ 4olp". Keepin- 8a3k t"e "eart 1rom t"e )amps %on?t %ork 8e3ause t"ey?ll -uess. $"e sym8ols@ 1ine@ 8ut e)en t"ere@ Hean2!lau5e?s -oin- to "a)e to "a)e to %on5er %"y "e 5i5n?t 1eel <o8ert 5ie.C ASo %"at 3an %e %it""ol5 1rom your 8oy1rien5BC A$"e e*a3t sym8ols use5 in t"e spell. $"e kni)es.C 9 t"ou-"t a8out it 1or a moment. AHo% t"ey -ot t"e "eart out. 7ost people %ill still -o t"rou-" t"e ri8s to tear out a "eart. $"ey see all t"e "ospital s"o%s on $V an5 t"ey 5on?t t"ink a8out 5oin- it 5i11erently.C ASo i1 %e -et a suspe3t@ %e ask "o%?5 you -et t"e "eart outBC 9 no55e5. A$"e 3raEies %ill start talkin- a8out stakes. #r 8e )a-ue.C A#kay@C "e sai5. 4olp" looke5 at me. A91 anyone "ate5 t"e monsters@ 9 t"ou-"t it %as you. Ho% 3an you 5ate one o1 t"emBC 9 met "is eyes t"is time@ not 1lin3"in-. A9 5on?t kno%.C He 3lose5 "is note8ook. AGreeley?s pro8a8ly %on5erin- %"ere 9 took you.C A="at 5i5 you %"isper to "imB 9 %oul5 "a)e 8et money t"at "e?5 "a)e "el5 on to me.C A$ol5 "im you %ere a suspe3t in anot"er mur5er. Sai5 9 %ante5 to %at3" your rea3tion.C AAn5 "e 8ou-"t t"atBC 4olp" -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e 8o5y. A!lose to t"e trut"@ Anita.C He "a5 me t"ere. AGreeley 5i5n?t seem to like me )ery mu3"@C 9 sai5. ADou?5 >ust kille5 a %oman@ Anita. $en5s to -i)e a 8a5 1irst impression.C He "a5 a point. A4o 9 nee5 to "a)e !at"erine meet us 5o%n at t"e stationBC 9 aske5. ADou?re not un5er arrest@C 4olp" sai5.

A9?5 still like !at"erine to meet us at t"e station.C A!all "er.C 9 stoo5. 4olp" tou3"e5 my arm. A=ait.C He turne5 to t"e ot"er 3ops. A,)ery8o5y %ait outsi5e 1or a minute.C $"ere %ere some -lan3es@ 8ut no one ar-ue5@ t"ey >ust %ent. $"ey?5 all %orke5 %it" 4olp" 8e1ore@ an5 no one present outranke5 "im. ="en %e %ere alone 8e"in5 3lose5 5oors@ "e sai5@ AGi)e it up.C A="atBC ADou?)e -ot some kin5 o1 1reakin- 8la5e 5o%n your 8a3k. Let?s see it.C 9 si-"e5 an5 rea3"e5 un5er my "air to t"e "ilt. 9 5re% t"e kni1e out. 9t took a %"ile. 9t %as a lon- kni1e. 4olp" "el5 out "is "an5. 9 "an5e5 it to "im. He 8alan3e5 it on "is open "an5s an5 -a)e a lo% %"istle. AHesus@ %"at %ere you plannin- to 5o %it" t"isBC 9 >ust looke5 at "im. A="o 1riske5 you at t"e 3lu8BC A<iEEo?s partner@C 9 sai5. AHa)e to "a)e a talk %it" "im.C 4olp" looke5 up at me. ABe a 8a5 t"in- to miss on someone %"o mi-"t use it. 9s it t"e only %eapon "e misse5BC ADep.C He stare5 at me. ALean on t"e 8ureau@ Anita.C 7y eye8ro%s raise5. ADou?re -oin- to pat me 5o%nBC ADea".C 9 t"ou-"t a8out ar-uin- 8ut 5e3i5e5 not to. $"ere %ere no more %eapons to 1in5. 9 leane5 on t"e 8ureau. 4olp" lai5 t"e kni1e on t"e 3"air an5 sear3"e5 me. 91 t"ere?5 8een anyt"in- to 1in5@ "e?5 "a)e 1oun5 it. 4olp" %as t"orou-" in e)eryt"in"e 5i5@ met"o5i3al. 9t %as one o1 t"e t"in-s t"at ma5e "im a -reat 3op. 9 looke5 at "im in t"e mirror %it"out turnin- aroun5. ASatis1ie5BC ADea".C He "an5e5 t"e kni1e 8a3k to me@ "ilt 1irst. 9 must "a)e looke5 as surprise5 as 9 1elt. ADou?re -i)in- it 8a3k to meBC A91 you?5 lie5 to me a8out it 8ein- your last %eapon@ 9?5 "a)e kept it an5 e)eryt"in- 9 1oun5.C He took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. ABut 9 %on?t take your last %eapon@ not %it" a 3ontra3t out on you.C 9 took t"e kni1e an5 res"eat"e5 it. 9t %as a lot "ar5er puttin- it 8a3k t"an -ettin- it out. 9 1inally "a5 to use t"e mirror to sort o1 5ire3t me. A9 take it it?s a ne% %eaponBC 4olp" aske5. ADea".C 9 1lippe5 my "air out o)er t"e s"eat" an5 presto@ you 3oul5n?t see it. 9 %as really -oin- to "a)e pra3ti3e %it" it more. 9t %as too -oo5 a "i5in- pla3e not to use more o1ten. AAny ot"er impressions o1 t"e s3ene 8e1ore 9 take you 8a3kBC A=as t"ere 1or3e5 entryBC A/o.C ASomeone "e kne% t"en@C 9 sai5. A7ay8e.C 9 -lan3e5 at <o8ert?s still 1orm. A!oul5 %e 1inis" t"is 5is3ussion in anot"er roomBC A$"is one 8ot"er youBC A9 kne% "im@ 4olp". 9 mi-"t not "a)e like5 "im@ 8ut 9 kne% "im.C 4olp" no55e5. ADou 3an 1inis" tellin- me all a8out it in t"e nursery.C 9 looke5 at "im. 9 3oul5 1eel mysel1 -oin- pale. 9 %as not up to seein- %"at 7oni3a %oul5 "a)e 5one %it" a nursery. ADou?re 5e)elopin- a mean streak@ 4olp".C A!an?t seem to -et past t"e 1a3t you?re 5atin- t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ Anita. Hust 3an?t s"ake it.C ADou %ant to punis" me 8e3ause 9?m 5atin- a )ampireBC He looke5 at me@ a lon- sear3"in- look. 9 5i5n?t look a%ay. A9 %ant you to not 5ate "im.C

ADou?re not my 5a5.C A4oes your 1amily kno%BC 9 5i5 look a%ay t"en. A/o.C A$"ey?re !at"oli3@ aren?t t"eyBC A9 am not -oin- to "a)e t"is 5is3ussion %it" you@ 4olp".C ADou nee5 to "a)e it %it" someone@C "e sai5. A7ay8e@ 8ut not %it" you.C ALook at "im@ Anita. Look at "im@ an5 tell me you 3oul5 sleep %it" t"at.C A4rop it@C 9 sai5. A9 3an?t.C =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er. 9 %as not -oin- to stan5 "ere an5 e*plain my relations"ip %it" Hean2!lau5e to 4olp". 9t %asn?t any o1 "is 8usiness. A$"en %e "a)e a pro8lem.C $"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. A/ot no%@C 4olp" sai5. A!ome in@C 9 sai5. $"e 5oor opene5. Goo5y. Ker8ro%ski %alke5 in. ,)en 8etter. 9 kne% 9 %as -rinnin- like an i5iot@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t seem to stop. $"e last time 9?5 seen "im "a5 8een t"e 5ay "e -ot out o1 t"e "ospital. He?5 8een nearly -utte5 8y a s"apes"i1ter@ a %ereleopar5 t"e siEe o1 a pony. His atta3ker "a5 8een not a ly3ant"rope 8ut a s"apes"i1tin- %it3". $"at %as %"y Ker8ro%ski %asn?t turnin- 1urry on3e a mont". $"e %it3" "a5 3la%e5 "im up "orri8ly. 9?5 kille5 it. 9?5 "el5 my "an5s o)er "is stoma3" an5 presse5 "is intestines 8a3k into "is 8o5y. 9 still "a5 t"e s3ars 1rom t"e same monster. Ker8ro%ski?s "air is normally 3urly an5 a mess@ 8la3k -oin- -rey. He?5 3ut it s"ort enou-" t"at it staye5 in pla3e. 7a5e "im look more serious@ more -ro%n2up@ less like Ker8ro%ski. His suit %as 8ro%n an5 looke5 like "e?5 slept in it. His tie %as me5ium 8lue an5 mat3"e5 not"in- t"at "e %as %earin-. ABlake@ lon- time no see.C 9 3oul5n?t "elp mysel1G 9 %alke5 o)er an5 "u--e5 "im. $"ere are 8ene1its to 8ein- a -irl. $"ou-"@ 8e1ore <i3"ar5 3ame into my li1e@ 9 mi-"t "a)e resiste5 t"e ur-e. <i3"ar5 %as 8rin-in- out my 1eminine si5e. Ker8ro%ski "u--e5 me a%k%ar5ly@ lau-"in-. A9 al%ays kne% you %ante5 my 8o5y@ Blake.C 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom "im. ADou %is".C He eye5 me up an5 5o%n@ eyes -litterin- %it" lau-"ter. A91 you 5ress up like t"at e)ery ni-"t@ 9 mi-"t lea)e Katie 1or you. 91 t"at skirt %as any s"orter@ it?5 8e a lamp s"a5e.C ,)en %it" t"e teasin-@ 9 %as -la5 to see "im. AHo% lon- "a)e you 8een 8a3k on 1ull 5utyBC A/ot lon-. 9 sa% you on t"e ne%s %it" your 8oy1rien5.C A/e%sBC 9 sai5. 9?5 1or-otten a8out t"e me5ia 8litE Hean2!lau5e an5 9 "a5 %alke5 t"rou-". AHe sure %as pretty 1or a 5ea5 -uy.C AS"it.C A="atBC 4olp" aske5. A9t %as national me5ia@ not >ust lo3al.C ASoBC A7y 1at"er 5oesn?t kno%.C Ker8ro%ski lau-"e5. AHe 5oes no%.C AS"it.C A9 -uess you?ll "a)e t"at talk %it" your 1at"er a1ter all@C 4olp" sai5. $"ere must "a)e 8een somet"in- in 4olp"?s )oi3e or my 1a3e@ 8e3ause t"e "umor 1a5e5 1rom Ker8ro%ski?s 1a3e. A="at?s up@ you t%oB Dou look like someone steppe5 on your puppy.C 4olp" looke5 at me. 9 looke5 at "im. AP"ilosop"i3al 5i11eren3es@C 9 sai5 1inally. 4olp" 5i5n?t a55 anyt"in-. 9 "a5n?t really e*pe3te5 "im to. A#kay@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. He kne% 4olp" %ell enou-" not to pry. 7e alone@ "e?5 "a)e 8u--e5 t"e "ell out o1 me@ 8ut not 4olp". A#ne o1 t"e nearest nei-"8ors is a serious ri-"t2%in- )ampire "ater@C "e sai5. $"at -ot our attention. A,*plain@C 4olp" sai5.

A4el8ert Spal5in- an5 "is %i1e 4ora sat on t"e 3ou3"@ "ol5in- "an5s. S"e o11ere5 me i3e5 tea. He o8>e3te5 to me sayint"at <o8ert "a5 8een mur5ere5. Sai5 you 3oul5n?t kill t"e 5ea5.C Ker8ro%ski 5u- a %rinkle5 note8ook out o1 "is suit po3ket. He 1lippe5 some pa-es@ trie5 to smoot" t"e pa-e 5o%n@ -a)e up@ an5 ;uote5. A/o% t"at someone "as 5estroye5 t"at t"in-@ t"e %oman s"oul5 a8ort t"at monster s"e?s 3arryin-. 9 5on?t 8elie)e in a8ortion normally@ 8ut t"is is a8omination@ pure a8omination.C AHumans A-ainst Vampires@ at t"e )ery least@C 9 sai5@ A7ay8e e)en Humans 'irst.C A7ay8e "e >ust 5oesn?t like li)in- ne*t 5oor to a )ampire@C 4olp" sai5. Ker8ro%ski an5 9 looke5 at "im. A4i5 you ask 7r. Spal5in- i1 "e 8elon-e5 to eit"er o1 t"e "ate -roupsBC 4olp" aske5. AHe "a5 HAV?s ne%sletters s3attere5 on "is 3o11ee ta8le@ -a)e me one.C AGreat@ A 9 sai5@ Ae)an-eliEin- "atemon-ers.C AHAV 5oesn?t a5)o3ate t"is kin5 o1 )iolen3e@C 4olp" sai5. $"e %ay "e sai5 it ma5e me %on5er %"at mailin- list 4olp" %as on. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9 %oul5n?t 8elie)e t"e %orst o1 "im >ust 8e3ause "e 5i5n?t like me 5atin- t"e %alkin- 5ea5. A 1e% mont"s 8a3k@ 9?5 "a)e 1elt t"e same %ay. AHumans 'irst 5oes@C 9 sai5. A=e?ll 1in5 out i1 7r. Spal5in- is a mem8er o1 Humans 'irst@C 4olp" sai5. ADou also nee5 to 1in5 out i1 t"e Spal5in-s "a)e any ma-i3al talent@C 9 sai5. AHo%BC 4olp" sai5. A9 3oul5 meet t"em@ 8e in t"e same room %it" t"em. $o 8e sure@ 9 mi-"t "a)e to tou3" t"em@ s"ake "an5s.C A9 s"ook 7r. Spal5in-?s "an5@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. A9t %as like s"akin- any8o5y else?s "an5.C ADou?re a -reat 3op@ Ker8ro%ski@ 8ut you?re almost a null. Dou 3oul5 s"ake t"e -ran5 "i-" poo"28a"?s "an5 an5 not -et more t"an a t%in-e. 4olp"?s a 3omplete null.C A="at?s a nullBC 4olp" aske5. AA ma-i3al null. Someone %"o "as no ma-i3al or psy3"i3 a8ility. 9t?s %"at let you 3ross t"e 8loo5 3ir3le an5 kept me out.C ASo you?re sayin- 9 "a)e some ma-i3al a8ilityBC Ker8ro%ski aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou?re a tiny 8it sensiti)e. Pro8a8ly one o1 t"ose people %"o -et "un3"es t"at turn out to 8e ri-"t.C A9 -et "un3"es@C 4olp" sai5. A9?ll 8et your "un3"es are 8ase5 on e*perien3e@ years o1 poli3e %ork. Ker8ro%ski %ill make a leap o1 lo-i3 t"at makes no sense@ 8ut pro)es to 8e true. Am 9 %ron-BC $"ey looke5 at ea3" ot"er@ t"en at me@ t"en 8ot" no55e5. AKer8ro%ski "as "is moments@C 4olp" sai5. ADou %ant to 3ome s"ake t"e Spal5in-s? "an5sBC Ker8ro%ski aske5. A4ete3ti)e <eynol5s 3an 5o it. 9t?s one o1 t"e reasons you 8rou-"t "er on 8oar5@ ri-"tBC $"ey looke5 at ea3" ot"er a-ain. Ker8ro%ski -rinne5. A9?ll -et <eynol5s an5 -o 8a3k o)er.C He stoppe5 at t"e 5oor. AKatie?s 8een a1ter me to in)ite you o)er 1or 5inner@ meet t"e ki5s@ a real 5omesti3 a11air.C He stare5 at me %it" "is 8ro%n eyes -uileless 8e"in5 5arkrimme5 -lasses. A9 %as -oin- to tell you to 8rin- <i3"ar5@ 8ut i1 you?re 5atin- !ount 4ra3ula no%@ -uess t"at?5 8e a%k%ar5.C He stare5 at me@ askin- %it"out askin-. A9?m still seein- <i3"ar5@ you pus"y son o1 a 8it3".C He smile5. AGoo5. Brin- "im o)er a %eek 1rom Satur5ay. Katie?ll 1i* "er 1amous mus"room 3"i3ken.C A91 9 %as only 5atin- Hean2!lau5e@ %oul5 t"e in)itation still in3lu5e my 8oy1rien5BC A/o@C "e sai5. AKatie?s a little ner)ous. 9 5on?t t"ink s"e?5 8e up to meetin- !ount 4ra3ula.C AHis name?s Hean2!lau5e.C A9 kno%.C He s"ut t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im@ an5 4olp" an5 9 %ere alone %it" t"e 8o5y on3e more. $"e ni-"t %as not lookinup. A="at are %e "untin- 1or@ AnitaBC 9 %as a3tually relie)e5 t"at 4olp" %as talkin- 8usiness. 9?5 "a5 enou-" personal 3"it3"at to last t"e ni-"t. A7ore t"an one mur5erer.C A="yBC 9 looke5 up at "im. A9 5on?t kno% i1 t"ere?s enou-" "umans in t"e %orl5 to pin a )ampire to t"e 1loor like t"at. ,)en i1 it %as ot"er )ampires or s"apes"i1ters@ it?5 take more t"an one. 9?5 say t%o 8ein-s %it" a8normal stren-t" to "ol5@ an5 a t"ir5 to put in t"e kni)es. 7ay8e more to "ol5@ may8e more to 5o t"e spell. 9 5on?t kno%@ 8ut at least t"ree.C

A,)en i1 t"ey %ere )ampiresBC 4olp" aske5. 9 no55e5. A:nless one )amp %as stron- enou-" to "a)e min5 3ontrol o)er <o8ert.C 9 looke5 5o%n at t"e 8o5y@ 3are1ul not to tou3" t"e 3ir3le. 9 1or3e5 mysel1 to stare at %"at "a5 8een 5one to "im. A/o@ on3e t"ey starte5 puttin- kni)es in "im@ 9 5on?t t"ink any min5 3ontrol %oul5 %ork. A "uman@ yea"@ t"ey 3oul5 "a)e 5one t"is to a "uman an5 ma5e "im smile %"ile t"ey 5i5 it@ 8ut not anot"er )amp. 4i5 any o1 t"e nei-"8ors see or "ear anyt"in-B 9 mean t"e Spal5in-s may 8e in)ol)e5@ so t"ey?5 lie@ 8ut someone "a5 to see or "ear somet"in-. He 5i5n?t -o ;uietly.C A$"ey say no@C 4olp" sai5. He sai5 it like "e kne% some or all o1 t"em "a5 lie5. #ne o1 t"e t"in-s 3ops learn 1irst is t"at e)eryone lies. Some people to "i5e t"in-s@ some people >ust 1or t"e "ell o1 it@ 8ut e)eryone lies. Assume t"at e)eryone is "i5in- somet"in-@ it sa)es time. 9 stare5 at <o8ert?s 1a3e@ "is mout" "al12open@ sla3k. $"ere %ere ru88e5 marks at ea3" 3orner o1 "is mout"@ a sli-"t re55enin-. A4i5 you noti3e t"e marks 8y "is mout"BC ADes@C 4olp" sai5. AAn5 you %eren?t -oin- to mention t"em to meBC ADou %ere a suspe3t.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou 5i5n?t really 8elie)e t"at. Dou?re >ust playin- all t"e 5etails 3lose to your 3"est@ like al%ays. 9 -et tire5 o1 puttin- t"e pie3es to-et"er %"en you?)e alrea5y 5one it.C ASo@ %"at 5o you make o1 t"e marksBC "e aske5@ "is )oi3e neutral. ADou kno% 5amn %ell %"at 9 make o1 t"em. He may "a)e 8een -a--e5 %"ile t"ey 5i5 t"is to "im. $"e nei-"8ors really mi-"t not "a)e "ear5 anyt"in-. But t"at still 5oesn?t say "o% t"e killers -ot into t"e "ouse. 91 )ampires %ere in)ol)e5@ t"ey 3oul5n?t 3ross t"e t"res"ol5 %it"out an in)itation. <o8ert %oul5n?t "a)e in)ite5 stran-e )amps into "is "ouse@ so someone %it" t"em "a5 to 8e kno%n@ or "uman@ or at least not )ampire.C A!oul5 a "uman 3ross t"e t"res"ol5 an5 in)ite )ampires insi5eBC ADes@C 9 sai5. 4olp" %as makin- notes@ not lookin- at me. ASo %e?re lookin- 1or a mi*e5 -roup@ at least one )amp@ at least one not )amp@ at least one %it3" or ne3roman3er.C ADou -ot t"at last 1rom <eynol5s@C 9 sai5. ADou 5isa-reeBC A/o@ 8ut sin3e 9?m t"e only ne3roman3er in to%n@ it "as to 8e outsi5e talent.C $"e moment 9 sai5 it@ 9 realiEe5 t"at outsi5e talent %as in to%n no%. 4omini3 4umare. AHo"n Burke 3oul5n?t 5o itBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at. AHo"n?s a )au5un priest@ 8ut t"is isn?t )oo5oo. 9 5on?t kno% i1 "is kno%le5-e o1 t"e ar3ane stret3"es t"is 1ar. 9 also 5on?t kno% i1 "e?s po%er1ul enou-" to "a)e 5one t"is@ e)en %it" t"e kno%le5-e.C AAre you po%er1ul enou-"BC 9 si-"e5. A9 5on?t kno%@ 4olp". 9?m sort o1 ne% at ne3roman3y. 9 mean@ 9?)e raise5 t"e 5ea5 1or years@ 8ut not t"is 1ormally.C 9 motione5 at t"e 8o5y. A9?)e ne)er seen a spell like t"is.C He no55e5. AAnyt"in- elseBC 9 "ate5 5ra--in- 4omini3 into it@ 8ut it %as too 8loo5y 8i- a 3oin3i5en3e t"at a po%er1ul ne3roman3er "its to%n an5 a )amp -ets taken out %it" ne3roman3y. 91 "e %as inno3ent@ 9?5 apolo-iEe. 91 "e %asn?t inno3ent@ it %as a 5eat" penalty 3ase. A4omini3 4umare is a ne3roman3er. He >ust -ot into to%n.C A!oul5 "e "a)e 5one t"isBC 4olp" aske5. A9 only met t"e man on3e@ 4olp".C AGi)e me an opinion@ Anita.C 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"e 1eel o1 4omini3 in my "ea5. His o11er to tea3" me ne3roman3y. $"e 8i- t"in- %as t"at killin- <o8ert an5 lea)in- t"e 8o5y 1or us to 1in5 %as stupi5. 4omini3 4umare 5i5n?t strike me as a stupi5 man. AHe 3oul5 "a)e. He?s a )ampire?s "uman ser)ant@ so it -i)es you t%o o1 your mi*e5 -roup.C A4i5 t"e )ampire kno% <o8ertBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/ot to my kno%le5-e.C ADou -ot a num8er %"ere %e 3an rea3" 7r. 4umareBC A9 3an 3all our ni-"t se3retary an5 -et it 1or you.C AGreat.C 4olp" stare5 5o%n at "is notes. A9s 4umare your 8est suspe3tBC

9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at. ADea"@ 9 -uess "e is.C ADou -ot any proo1BC AHe?s a ne3roman3er@ an5 t"is %as 5one 8y someone %it" kno%le5-e o1 ne3roman3y.C 9 s"ru--e5. A$"e same reason %e suspe3te5 you@C 4olp" sai5. He almost smile5 %"en "e sai5 it. APoint taken@C 9 sai5. APre>u5i3e5 little me.C 4olp" 3lose5 "is note8ook. A9?ll take you 5o%n 1or your statement t"en.C A'ine. /o% 3an 9 3all !at"erineBC A$"ere?s a p"one in t"e kit3"en.C Ker8ro%ski opene5 t"e 5oor. A$"e %i1e?s "ere@ an5 s"e?s pretty "ysteri3al.C A="o?s %it" "erBC 4olp" aske5. A<eynol5s.C $"rou-" t"e open 5oor@ 9 "ear5 a %oman talkin-@ >ust 8elo% t"e le)el o1 s3reamin-. A<o8ert@ my "us8an5@ 5ea5B He 3an?t 8e 5ea5. He 3an?t 8e 5ea5. 9 "a)e to see "im. Dou 5on?t un5erstan5 %"at "e is. He isn?t 5ea5.C $"e )oi3e %as 3omin3loser. AS"e?s 5oesn?t nee5 to see t"is@ Anita.C 9 no55e5. 9 %alke5 out t"e 5oor an5 3lose5 it ti-"tly 8e"in5 me. 9 3oul5n?t see 7oni3a yet@ 8ut 9 3oul5 "ear "er. Her )oi3e risin-@ -ro%in- t"inner %it" pani3. ADou 5on?t un5erstan5. He isn?t really 5ea5.C 9 %as 8ettin- t"at 7oni3a %oul5n?t take my %or5 1or <o8ert 8ein- %ell an5 truly 5ea5. 9 -uess i1 it %as Hean2!lau5e lyinin t"ere@ 9 %oul5n?t@ eit"er. 9?5 "a)e to see 1or mysel1. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 %alke5 1or%ar5 to meet t"e -rie)in- %i5o%. 4amn. $"is ni-"t >ust kept -ettin- 8etter an5 8etter.

Chapter Twenty
$"e "ospital room %as so1t mau)e %it" paintin-s o1 1lo%ers on t"e %all. $"e 8e5 "a5 a mau)e 8e5sprea5 an5 pink s"eets. 7oni3a lay in t"e 8e5 "ooke5 up to an 9V an5 t%o 5i11erent kin5s o1 monitors. A strap a3ross "er 8elly monitore5 t"e 3ontra3tions. Grate1ully@ t"e lines "a5 -one 1lat. $"e ot"er monitor %as t"e 8a8y?s "eart8eat. $"e soun5 "a5 s3are5 me at 1irstG too 1ast@ like t"e "eart o1 a small 8ir5. ="en t"e nurses assure5 me t"e "eart8eat %as normal@ 9 rela*e5. A1ter nearly t%o "ours@ t"e 1ranti3 8eat "a5 8e3ome a 3om1ortin- soun5 like %"ite noise. 7oni3a?s au8urn "air %as plastere5 in %et ten5rils to "er 1ore"ea5. Her 3are1ul makeup %as smeare5 a3ross "er 1a3e. $"ey "a5 8een 1or3e5 to -i)e "er a se5ati)e@ t"ou-" it %asn?t -reat 1or t"e 8a8y. S"e "a5 1allen into a li-"t@ almost 1e)eris" sleep. Her "ea5 turne5@ eyes 1li3kin- 8e"in5 "er li5s@ mout" %orkin-@ 3au-"t in some 5ream@ a )ery 8a5 5ream pro8a8ly@ a1ter t"e ni-"t s"e?5 "a5. 9t %as almost t%o o?3lo3k@ an5 9 still "a5 to -o to t"e station an5 make my statement to 4ete3ti)e Greeley. !at"erine %as on "er %ay to take my pla3e at 7oni3a?s 8e5si5e. 9?5 8e -la5 to see "er. 9 "a5 little 3res3ent nail marks on my ri-"t "an5. 7oni3a "a5 3lun- to it like it %as all t"at %as "ol5in- "er to-et"er. At t"e %orst o1 t"e 3ontra3tions@ %"en it looke5 like 7oni3a %oul5 lose "er 8a8y as %ell as "er "us8an5@ "er lon-@ painte5 nails "a5 8itten into me@ an5 only %"en 8loo5 tri3kle5 5o%n my "an5 in 1ine 3rimson lines 5i5 a nurse say somet"in-. ="en 7oni3a 3alme5 5o%n@ t"ey "a5 insiste5 on messin- %it" t"e %oun5s. $"ey?5 use5 t"e 3artoon 8an5a-es t"ey kept 1or t"e 8a8ies@ so t"at my "an5 %as 3o)ere5 in 7i3key 7ouse an5 Goo1y. $"ere %as a tele)ision on a s"el1 on t"e %all@ 8ut 9 "a5n?t turne5 it on. $"e only soun5s %ere t"e %"irr o1 air 3ir3ulatint"rou-" t"e )ents an5 t"e 8a8y?s "eart8eat. A uni1orme5 3op stoo5 outsi5e t"e 5oor. 91 <o8ert "a5 8een kille5 8y a "ate -roup@ t"en 7oni3a an5 t"e 8a8y %ere possi8le tar-ets. 91 "e?5 8een kille5 1or personal reasons@ 7oni3a mi-"t kno% somet"in-. ,it"er %ay@ s"e %as in 5an-er. So t"ey?5 put a -uar5 on "er. 'ine %it" me@ sin3e all 9 "a5 le1t %as a kni1e. 9 %as really missin- my -uns. $"e p"one on t"e 8e5si5e ta8le ran-@ an5 9 1lun- mysel1 out o1 t"e 3"air@ s3ram8lin- 1or it@ terri1ie5 t"at it %oul5 %ake 7oni3a. 9 3uppe5 t"e re3ei)er a-ainst my mout" an5 spoke ;uietly %"ile my pulse poun5e5. ADesBC AAnitaBC 9t %as ,5%ar5. AHo% 5i5 you kno% %"ere 9 %asBC AAll t"at matters is t"at i1 9 3an 1in5 you@ so 3an someone else.C A9s t"e 3ontra3t still onBC ADes.C A4amn. ="at a8out t"e time 5ea5lineBC A,*pan5e5 to 1orty2ei-"t "ours.C

A=ell@ s"it. Aren?t t"ey 5etermine5.C A9 t"ink you s"oul5 -o un5er-roun5 1or a %"ile@ Anita.C ADou mean "i5eBC ADea".C A9 t"ou-"t you %ante5 me to 8e 8ait.C A91 you stay out as 8ait@ %e nee5 more 8o5y-uar5s. $"e %ere%ol)es an5 )amps are monsters@ 8ut t"ey?re still amateurs. =e?re pro1essionals@ it?s %"at -i)es us our e5-e. 9?m -oo5@ 8ut 9 3an?t 8e e)ery%"ere.C ALike 1ollo%in- me into t"e %omen?s >o"n@C 9 sai5. 9 "ear5 "im si-". A9 let you 5o%n.C A9 %as 3areless@ too@ ,5%ar5.C ASo you a-reeBC A$o "i5in-B Dea". Dou -ot some pla3e in min5BC AAs a matter o1 1a3t@ 9 5o.C A9 5on?t like t"e tone in your )oi3e@ ,5%ar5.C A9t?s t"e most se3ure pla3e in to%n an5 "as 8uilt2in 8o5y-uar5s.C A="ereBC $"at one %or5 soun5e5 suspi3ious e)en to me. A!ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5@C "e sai5. ADou "a)e -ot to 8e out o1 your 1reakin- min5.C A9t?s t"e 7aster?s 5aytime retreat@ Anita. 9t?s a 1ortress. Hean2!lau5e?s seale5 up t"e tunnel %e 3ame t"rou-" to -et /ikolaos. 9t?s se3ure.C ADou %ant me to spen5 t"e 5ay 8e55e5 5o%n %it" )ampires. 9 5on?t t"ink so.C ADou -oin- 8a3k to <i3"ar5?s "ouseBC ,5%ar5 aske5. AHo% sa1e are you -oin- to 8e t"ereB Ho% sa1e %ill you 8e any%"ere a8o)e -roun5BC A4ammit@ ,5%ar5.C A9?m ri-"t@ an5 you kno% it.C 9 %ante5 to ar-ue@ 8ut "e %as ri-"t. $"e !ir3us %as t"e most se3ure pla3e 9 kne%. Hell@ t"e pla3e "a5 5un-eons. But t"e i5ea o1 )oluntarily sleepin- t"ere ma5e my skin 3ra%l. AHo% 3an 9 rest surroun5e5 8y )ampires@ e)en 1rien5ly onesBC AHean2!lau5e?s o11ere5 you "is 8e5. Be1ore you -et ma5@ "e?ll sleep in "is 3o11in.C A$"at?s %"at "e says no%@C 9 sai5. A9?m not %orrie5 a8out your )irtue@ Anita. 9?m %orrie5 a8out keepin- you ali)e. An5 9?m a5mittin- t"at 9 3an?t keep you sa1e. 9?m -oo5. 9?m t"e 8est money 3an 8uy@ 8ut 9?m only one person. #ne person@ no matter "o% -oo5@ isn?t enou-".C $"at %as s3ary. ,5%ar5 a5mittin- t"at "e %as in o)er "is "ea5. 9 ne)er t"ou-"t 9?5 li)e to see it. !ome to t"ink o1 it@ 9 almost "a5n?t. A#kay@ 9?ll 5o it@ 8ut 1or "o% lon-BC ADou "i5e out@ an5 9?ll 3"e3k some t"in-s. 91 9 5on?t "a)e to -uar5 you@ 9 3an 5o more.C AHo% lon-BC AA 5ay@ may8e t%o.C A="at i1 %"oe)er it is 1in5s out 9?m at t"e !ir3usBC A$"ey mi-"t try 1or you@C ,5%ar5 sai5. His )oi3e %as )ery matter2o121a3t %"en "e sai5 it. AAn5 i1 t"ey 5oBC A91 you@ a "al1 5oEen )ampires@ an5 almost t"at many %ere%ol)es 3an?t "an5le t"e a3tion@ t"en 9 5on?t t"ink it matters.C ADou?re >ust 3om1ortin- as "ell.C A9 kno% you@ Anita. 91 9 %as any more 3om1ortin-@ you mi-"t re1use to "i5e.C A$%enty21our "ours@ ,5%ar5@ t"en 9 %ant anot"er plan. 9 am not -oin- to "i5e at t"e 8ottom o1 a "ole an5 %ait 1or people to kill me.C AA-ree5. 9?ll pi3k you up a1ter you make your statement to t"e 3ops.C A="ere 5o you -et your in1ormationBC

He lau-"e5@ 8ut it %as "ars". A91 9 kno% %"ere you?ll 8e@ so 5oes someone else. 7i-"t ask your 3op 1rien5s i1 t"ey "a)e a spare )est.C ADou mean a 8ulletproo1 )estBC A!oul5n?t "urt.C AAre you tryin- to s3are meBC ADes.C ADou?re 5oin- a -oo5 >o8.C A$"anks. 4on?t 3ome out o1 t"e poli3e station until 9 3ome in an5 -et you. A)oi5 8ein- in t"e open i1 you 3an.C ADou really t"ink someone else %ill try to "it me toni-"tBC A=e?re plannin- 1or %orst23ase s3enarios 1rom no% on@ Anita. /o more 3"an3es. 9?ll see you t"en.C He "un- up 8e1ore 9 3oul5 say anyt"in- else. 9 stoo5 t"ere "ol5in- t"e p"one@ s3are5. 9n all t"e pani3 %it" 7oni3a an5 "er 8a8y@ 9?5 almost 1or-otten t"at someone %as tryin- to kill me. Pro8a8ly not a -oo5 t"in- to 1or-et. 9 starte5 to "an- t"e p"one up@ 8ut 5iale5 <i3"ar5?s num8er instea5. He ans%ere5 on t"e se3on5 rin-@ %"i3" meant "e?5 8een %aitin- up. 4amn. A<i3"ar5@ it?s me.C AAnita@ %"ere are youBC His )oi3e soun5e5 relie)e5@ t"en 3autious. A9 mean@ are you 3omin- 8a3k "ere toni-"tBC $"e ans%er %as no@ 8ut not 1or t"e reasons "e 1eare5. 9 tol5 "im %"at "a5 "appene5@ t"e s"ortest possi8le )ersion. A="ose i5ea %as it t"at you stay %it" Hean2!lau5eBC $"ere %as a "int o1 an-er in "is )oi3e. A9 am not stayin- %it" Hean2!lau5e. 9 am stayin- at t"e !ir3us.C AAn5 t"e 5i11eren3e is %"atBC ALook@ <i3"ar5@ 9 am too tire5 to ar-ue %it" you a8out t"is. ,5%ar5 su--este5 it@ an5 you kno% "e likes Hean2!lau5e e)en less t"an you 5o.C A9 5ou8t t"at@C "e sai5. A<i3"ar5@ 9 5i5 not 3all you to 1i-"t. 9 3alle5 to tell you %"at?s "appenin-.C A9 appre3iate t"e 3all.C 9?5 ne)er "ear5 "im soun5 so sar3asti3. A4o you %ant your 3lot"esBC A4amn@ 9 "a5n?t e)en t"ou-"t a8out t"at.C A9?ll 8rin- t"em to t"e !ir3us.C ADou 5on?t "a)e to 5o t"at@ <i3"ar5.C ADou 5on?t %ant me toBC A/o@ 9?5 lo)e to "a)e my stu11@ an5 not >ust t"e 3lot"es i1 you -et my 5ri1tBC A9?ll 8rin- it all.C A$"anks.C A9?ll pa3k a 8a- 1or mysel1.C A4o you t"ink t"at?s a -oo5 i5eaBC A9?)e staye5 at t"e !ir3us 8e1ore. <emem8er@ 9 use5 to 8e one o1 Hean2!lau5e?s %ol)es.C A9 remem8er. S"oul5 you ask Hean2!lau5e?s permission 8e1ore you in)ite yoursel1 o)erBC A9?ll p"one 1irst. :nless you 5on?t %ant me t"ere toni-"t.C His )oi3e %as )ery ;uiet. A91 it?s okay %it" Hean2!lau5e@ it?s 1ine %it" me. 9 3oul5 use t"e moral support.C He let out a 8reat" like "e?5 8een "ol5in- it. AGreat. Great@ 9?ll see you t"ere.C A9 "a)e to -i)e a statement to t"e 3ops a8out t"e in3i5ent at 4anse 7a3a8re. 9t 3oul5 take a 3ouple o1 "ours@ so 5on?t rus".C AA1rai5 Hean2!lau5e %ill "urt meBC He %as ;uiet 1or a moment. A#r are you a1rai5 9?ll "urt "imBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at. A=orrie5 a8out you.C AGla5 to "ear it@C "e sai5@ an5 9 3oul5 "ear "im smile. $"e reason 9 %as %orrie5 a8out <i3"ar5 is "e %asn?t a killer. Hean2!lau5e %as. <i3"ar5 mi-"t start a 1i-"t@ 8ut Hean2 !lau5e %oul5 1inis" it. 9 5i5n?t say any o1 t"is out lou5. <i3"ar5 %oul5n?t "a)e appre3iate5 it.

A9?m lookin- 1or%ar5 to seein- you toni-"t@C "e sai5. A,)en at t"e !ir3usBC AAny%"ere. Lo)e you.C ALo)e you@ too.C =e "un- up. /eit"er o1 us "a5 sai5 -oo528ye@ a 'reu5ian slip@ per"aps. 9 %as 8ettin- t"at <i3"ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e %oul5 1in5 somet"in- to 1i-"t a8out@ an5 9 %as really too tire5 to mess %it" it. But i1 9?5 tol5 <i3"ar5 to stay a%ay@ "e %oul5 "a)e assume5 9 %ante5 to 8e alone %it" Hean2!lau5e@ %"i3" %as 3ertainly not true. So t"ey?5 "a)e t"eir little 1i-"t. 'rankly@ 9 "a5 my o%n 1i-"t all pi3ke5 out@ one in)ol)in- me@ Hean2!lau5e@ an5 4amian. $"ey?5 8roken t"e la% at 4anse 7a3a8re@ 8roken it enou-" t"at %it" t"e ri-"t >u5-e@ 9 mi-"t "a)e -otten a %arrant o1 e*e3ution on 4amian. =e 3oul5 "a)e one -reat 8i- -lorious kno3k25o%n@ 5ra-2out 1i-"t. 9 %on5ere5 %"ere e)ery8o5y %oul5 sleep@ an5 %it" %"o.

Chapter Twenty-one
!ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5 is a 3om8ination o1 tra)elin- 3arni)al@ 3ir3us@ an5 one o1 t"e lo%er run-s o1 "ell. #ut 1ront@ 1an-e5 3lo%ns 5an3e a8o)e t"e li-"ts t"at spell t"e name. Posters stret3" t"e si5es o1 t"e 8uil5in-@ pro3laimin-@ A=at3" Eom8ies rise 1rom t"e -ra)e. See t"e Lamia2"al12snake@ "al12%oman.C $"ere is no tri3kery at t"e !ir3us@ e)eryt"in- a5)ertise5 is a8solutely real. 9t is one o1 t"e 1e% )ampire tourist attra3tions t"at %el3ome 3"il5ren. 91 9?5 "a5 a ki5@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e 8rou-"t t"e little tyke near t"e pla3e. ,)en 9 5i5n?t 1eel sa1e. ,5%ar5 "a5 pi3ke5 me up outsi5e t"e poli3e station@ >ust like "e sai5 "e %oul5. 7y statement "a5 taken t"ree "ours@ not t%o. $"e only reason 9 -ot out t"at soon %as Bo8@ !at"erine?s "us8an5 an5 1ello% la%yer@ "a5 1inally tol5 t"em to 3"ar-e me or let me -o. $rut"1ully@ 9 t"ou-"t t"ey mi-"t 3"ar-e me. But 9 "a5 t"ree %itnesses sayin- t"e killin- %as sel125e1ense@ %itnesses t"at 9?5 ne)er met 8e1ore toni-"t. $"at "elpe5. $"e 4A usually 5i5n?t 3"ar-e on sel125e1ense 3ases. :sually. ,5%ar5 took me into t"e !ir3us t"rou-" a si5e 5oor. $"ere %ere no li-"ts to mark it as spe3ial@ 8ut t"ere %as also no 5oorkno8 on t"e outsi5e o1 t"e steel rein1or3e5 5oor. ,5%ar5 kno3ke5. $"e 5oor opene5@ an5 in %e %ent. Hason 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 us. 9 "a5 misse5 "im earlier at 4anse 7a3a8re. 9 3ertainly %oul5 "a)e remem8ere5 t"e out1it. He %as %earin- a slee)eless plasti3 s"irt@ mol5e5 to "is 8o5y. $"e pants %ere "al1 3rinkly 8lue 3lot" t"at looke5 like 3olore5 1oil@ %it" o)al plasti3 %in5o%s@ e*posin- "is t"i-"@ 3al1@ an5 as "e turne5@ one 8utto3k. 9 s"ook my "ea5@ smilin-. APlease tell me Hean2!lau5e 5i5n?t make you %ear t"at out %"ere people 3oul5 see you.C Hason -rinne5 at me an5 turne5 so "e 1las"e5 "is 8utt at me. A4on?t you like itBC A9? m not sure@C 9 sai5. A4is3uss 1as"ion later@ in a more se3ure pla3e@C ,5%ar5 sai5. He -lan3e5 at t"e 5oor to our ri-"t t"at le5 into t"e main part o1 t"e !ir3us. 9t %as ne)er lo3ke5@ t"ou-" it "a5 a si-n a8o)e t"e 5oor a8out aut"oriEe5 personnel only. =e %ere stan5in- in a stone room %it" an ele3tri3 li-"t 5an-lin- 1rom t"e 3eilin-. 9t %as a stora-e area. A t"ir5 5oor %as set in t"e 1ar %all. Be"in5 it %as a stair%ay an5 t"e net"er re-ions %"ere t"e )ampires staye5 5urin- t"e 5ay. A9?ll 8e un5er-roun5@ literally@ soon enou-"@ ,5%ar5.C ,5%ar5 looke5 at me 1or a lon- moment. ADou promise5 to "i5e out 1or t%enty21our "ours. /o -oin- outsi5e 1or any reason. 4on?t e)en -o into t"e main part o1 t"e !ir3us %"en it?s open to t"e pu8li3. Hust stay 5o%nstairs.C AAye@ aye@ !aptain.C A$"is isn?t a >oke@ Anita.C 9 tu--e5 at t"e 8ulletproo1 )est 9?5 put o)er my 5ress. 9t %as too lar-e 1or me@ "ot@ an5 un3om1orta8le. A91 9 t"ou-"t it %as 1unny@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e %orn t"is.C A9?ll 8rin- you some armor t"at 1its %"en 9 3ome 8a3k.C 9 met "is pale 8lue eyes an5 sa% somet"in- 9?5 ne)er seen 8e1ore. He %as %orrie5. ADou t"ink t"ey?re -oin- to kill me@ 5on?t youBC He 5i5n?t look a%ay. He 5i5n?t 1lin3". But %"at 9 sa% in "is 1a3e ma5e me %is" "e "a5. A="en 9 3ome 8a3k tomorro%@ 9?ll "a)e "elp %it" me.C A="at kin5 o1 "elpBC A7y kin5.C A="at 5oes t"at meanBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A$%enty21our "ours means t"at you "i5e until 5a%n tomorro%@ Anita. =it" lu3k@ 9?ll "a)e a name 1or us@ an5 %e 3an kill "im. 4on?t 8e 3areless %"ile 9?m -one.C

9 %ante5 to say somet"in- 3asual@ >okin-@ like A9 5i5n?t kno% you 3are5@C 8ut 9 3oul5n?t. 9 3oul5n?t >oke starin- into "is serious eyes. A9?ll 8e 3are1ul.C He no55e5. ALo3k t"e 5oor 8e"in5 me.C He %ent outsi5e an5 Hason lo3ke5 t"e 5oor. Hason leane5 a-ainst t"e 5oor 1or a se3on5. A="y 5oes "e s3are meBC ABe3ause you?re not stupi5@C 9 sai5. He smile5. A$"anks.C ALet?s -et 5o%nstairs@C 9 sai5. A/er)ousBC A9t?s 8een a lon- ni-"t@ Hason. /o -ames.C He pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e 5oor an5 sai5@ ALea5 t"e %ay.C 9 opene5 t"e 5oor to t"e stone stair%ay@ %"i3" le5 5o%n%ar5. 9t %as %i5e enou-" 1or us to %alk a8reast. 9n 1a3t@ t"ere %as almost room 1or a t"ir5@ as i1 t"e stair%ay "a5 8een 8uilt 1or %i5er t"in-s t"an "uman 8o5ies. Hason 3lose5 t"e 5oor %it" a resoun5in- t"ank. 9t ma5e me >ump. He starte5 to say somet"in-@ 8ut t"e look on my 1a3e stoppe5 "im. ,5%ar5?s partin- 3omments "a5 unner)e5 me. 91 9 5i5n?t kno% 8etter@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 9 %as s3are5. /a%. Hason %alke5 5o%n t"e steps a"ea5 o1 me@ e*a--eratin- "is %alk >ust a tou3" to s"o% o11 "is 5erriere. ADou 3an 3ut t"e peep s"o%@C 9 sai5. ADou 5on?t like t"e )ie%BC He leane5 a-ainst t"e %all@ "an5s presse5 8e"in5 "im@ s"o%in- o11 "is 3"est. 9 lau-"e5 an5 %alke5 past "im@ 3li3kin- my nails 5o%n "is s"irt. 9t %as soli5 an5 "ar5 as a 8eetle?s 3arapa3e. A9s t"at as un3om1orta8le as it looksBC He 1ell into step 8esi5e me. A9t?s not un3om1orta8le. $"e la5ies at 4anse 7a3a8re like5 it a lot.C 9 -lan3e5 at "im. A9 8et t"ey 5i5.C A9 like 1lirtin-.C A/o >oke.C He lau-"e5. A'or someone %"o 5oesn?t 1lirt@ you "a)e a lot o1 -uys a1ter you. A7ay8e 8e3ause 9 5on?t 1lirt@C 9 sai5. Hason %as ;uiet as %e %alke5 to t"e 8en5 in t"e stairs. ADou mean 8e3ause you?re a 3"allen-e@ t"ey keep 3ominaroun5BC ASomet"in- like t"at.C 9 3oul5n?t see aroun5 t"e 8en5 o1 t"e stairs. 9 "ate5 not 8ein- a8le to see aroun5 3orners. But t"is time 9 %as in)ite5G 9 "a5n?t 3ome to kill any8o5y. $"e )amps ten5e5 to 8e a lot 1rien5lier %"en you %eren?t tryin- to kill t"em. A9s <i3"ar5 "ere yetBC A/ot yet.C He -lan3e5 8a3k at me. A4o you t"ink it?s a -oo5 i5ea to "a)e t"em 8ot" "ere at t"e same timeBC A/o@C 9 sai5@ Aa8solutely not.C A=ell@ at least %e all a-ree it?s a 8a5 i5ea@C "e sai5. $"e 5oor at t"e 8ottom o1 t"e stairs %as iron 8oun5@ ma5e o1 a "ea)y@ 5ark %oo5. 9t looke5 like a portal to anot"er time2a time %"en 5un-eons %ere in )o-ue@ an5 kni-"ts res3ue5 la5ies 1air or slau-"tere5 a 1e% peasants an5 no one min5e5@ e*3ept may8e t"e peasants. Hason 5re% a key out o1 "is pants po3ket. He unlo3ke5 t"e 5oor an5 pus"e5. 9t opene5 on %ell2oile5 "in-es. ASin3e %"en 5i5 you -et a keyBC 9 aske5. A9 li)e "ere no%.C A="at a8out 3olle-eBC He s"ru--e5. A9t 5oesn?t seem )ery important anymore.C ADou plan on 8ein- Hean2!lau5e?s lap2%ol1 1ore)erBC A9?m "a)in- a -oo5 time@C "e sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 1i-"t like "ell to stay 1ree o1 "im@ an5 you >ust -i)e in. 9 5on?t un5erstan5 t"at at all.C ADou "a)e a 3olle-e 5e-ree@ ri-"tBC "e aske5.

ADea".C A9 5on?t. But "ere %e 8ot" are@ en5in- up in t"e same pla3e.C He "a5 me t"ere. Hason motione5 me t"rou-" t"e 5oor %it" a lo% 1louris" t"at "a5 imitation Hean2!lau5e %ritten all o)er it. Hean2!lau5e ma5e it seem 3ourtly an5 real. Hason meant it 1or a >oke. $"e 5oor le5 into Hean2!lau5e?s li)in- room. $"e 3eilin- stret3"e5 up into 5arkness@ 8ut silken 5rapes "un- in 8la3k an5 %"ite 1ol5s t"at 1orme5 3lot" %alls on t"ree si5es. $"e 1ourt" si5e %as 8are stone@ painte5 %"ite. A %"ite stone 1irepla3e looke5 ori-inal@ %"i3" 9 kne% it %asn?t. $"e mantlepie3e %as 8la3k2)eine5 %"ite mar8le. A sil)er 1irepla3e s3reen "i5 t"e "eart". $"ere %ere 1our 3"airs in 8la3k an5 sil)er -roupe5 aroun5 a %oo5 an5 -lass 3o11ee ta8le. A 8la3k )ase sat on t"e ta8le 1ille5 %it" %"ite tulips. 7y "i-" "eels sank into t"e t"i3k@ 8la3k 3arpet. $"ere %as one ot"er a55ition to t"e room t"at stoppe5 me in my tra3ks. A paintin- "un- a8o)e t"e 1irepla3e. $"ree people 5resse5 in t"e style o1 t"e 1( s. $"e %oman %ore %"ite an5 sil)er %it" a s;uare 8o5i3e s"o%in- ;uite a 8it o1 563olleta-e@ "er 8ro%n "air style5 in 3are1ul rin-lets. S"e "el5 a re5 rose loosely in one "an5. A man stoo5 8e"in5 "er@ tall an5 slen5er@ %it" 5ark -ol5 "air in rin-lets o)er "is s"oul5ers. He "a5 a musta3"e an5 a Van5yke 8ear5@ so 5ark -ol5 t"ey %ere almost 8ro%n. He %ore one o1 t"ose 1loppy "ats %it" 1eat"ers an5 %as 5resse5 in %"ite an5 -ol5. But it %as t"e ot"er man %"o ma5e me %alk to%ar5s t"e paintin-. He %as seate5 >ust 8e"in5 t"e %oman. He %as 5resse5 in 8la3k %it" sil)er em8roi5ery an5 a %i5e la3e 3ollar an5 la3e 3u11s. He "el5 a 1loppy 8la3k "at %it" a sin-le %"ite 1eat"er an5 a sil)er 8u3kle a3ross "is lap. Bla3k "air 1ell in rin-lets o)er "is s"oul5ers. He %as 3lean s"a)en@ an5 t"e artist "a5 mana-e5 to 3apture t"e sinkin- 8lue o1 "is eyes. 9 stare5 at Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e painte5 "un5re5s o1 years 8e1ore 9 %as 8orn. $"e ot"er t%o %ere smilin-. #nly "e %as solemn an5 per1e3t@ 5ark to t"eir li-"tness. He %as like t"e s"a5o% o1 5eat" 3ome to t"e 8all. 9 kne% Hean2!lau5e %as 3enturies ol5@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er "a5 su3" o8)ious proo1@ ne)er "a5 it s"o)e5 in my 1a3e. $"e portrait 8ot"ere5 me 1or anot"er reason. 9t ma5e me %on5er i1 Hean2!lau5e "a5 lie5 a8out "is a-e. A soun5 ma5e me turn. Hason "a5 slumpe5 into one o1 t"e 3"airs. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 8e"in5 me. He?5 taken o11 "is >a3ket an5 "is 3urlin- 8la3k "air spille5 a3ross t"e s"oul5ers o1 "is 3rimson s"irt. $"e s"irt 3u11s %ere lon- an5 ti-"t at t"e %rist@ "el5 8y t"ree anti;ue >et 8ea5s >ust like t"e "i-" ne3k o1 t"e s"irt. =it"out t"e >a3ket to 5istra3t t"e eye@ t"e pale o)al o1 skin 1rame5 8y t"e re5 3lot" -leame5. $"e 3lot" 3o)ere5 "is nipples 8ut le1t "is 8elly 8utton 8are an5 5re% t"e eye to t"e top o1 "is 8la3k pants. #r may8e it >ust 5re% me. 9t %as a 8a5 i5ea to 8e "ere. He %as >ust as 5an-erous as t"e assassin@ may8e more. 4an-erous in %ays 9 "a5 no %or5s 1or. He -li5e5 to%ar5s me in "is 8la3k 8oots. 9 %at3"e5 "im %alk 3loser like a 5eer 3au-"t in "ea5li-"ts. 9 e*pe3te5 "im to 1lirt or ask "o% 9 like5 t"e paintin-. 9nstea5@ "e sai5@ A$ell me o1 <o8ert. $"e poli3e sai5 "e %as 5ea5@ 8ut t"ey kno% not"in-. Dou "a)e seen t"e 8o5y. 9s "e truly 5ea5BC His )oi3e %as t"i3k %it" 3on3ern@ %orry. 9t 3au-"t me 3ompletely o11 -uar5. A$"ey took "is "eart.C A91 it is only a stake t"rou-" t"e "eart@ "e mi-"t sur)i)e i1 it %as remo)e5.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"e "eart %as taken out 3ompletely. =e 3oul5n?t 1in5 it in t"e "ouse or t"e yar5.C Hean2!lau5e stoppe5. He slumpe5 su55enly into one o1 t"e 3"airs@ starin- at not"in-@ or not"in- 9 3oul5 see. A$"en "e is truly -one.C His )oi3e "el5 sorro% t"e %ay it sometimes "el5 lau-"ter@ so t"at 9 1elt "is %or5s like a 3ol5@ -rey rain. ADou treate5 <o8ert like 5irt. ="y all t"is %eepin- an5 %ailin-BC He looke5 at me. A9 am not %eepin-.C ABut you treate5 "im 8a5ly.C A9 %as "is master. 91 9 "a5 treate5 "im kin5ly@ "e %oul5 "a)e seen it as a si-n o1 %eakness. He %oul5 "a)e 3"allen-e5 me an5 9 %oul5 "a)e kille5 "im. 4o not 3riti3iEe t"in-s t"at you 5o not un5erstan5.C $"ere %as an-er in t"at last senten3e@ enou-" to 8rus" "eat alon- my skin. /ormally@ it %oul5 "a)e pisse5 me o11@ 8ut toni-"t ... A9 apolo-iEe. Dou?re ri-"t. 9 5on?t un5erstan5. 9 5i5n?t t"ink you -a)e a 5amn a8out <o8ert unless "e 3oul5 1urt"er your po%er.C A$"en you 5o not un5erstan5 me at all@ ma petite. He %as my 3ompanion 1or o)er a 3entury. A1ter a 3entury@ 9 %oul5 mourn e)en an enemy?s passin-. <o8ert %as not my 1rien5@ 8ut "e %as mine. 7ine to punis"@ mine to re%ar5@ mine to prote3t. 9 "a)e 1aile5 "im.C He stare5 up at me@ eyes -one 8lue an5 alien. A9 am -rate1ul to you 1or seein- to 7oni3a. $"e last t"in- 9 3an 5o 1or <o8ert is to ten5 "is %i1e an5 3"il5. $"ey %ill %ant 1or not"in-.C He stoo5 su55enly in one smoot" motion. A!ome@ ma petite. 9 %ill s"o% you to our room.C 9 5i5n?t like t"e our@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t ar-ue. $"is ne%@ impro)e5@ emotional Hean2!lau5e "a5 me 3on1use5. A="o are t"e ot"er t%o in t"e paintin-BC He -lan3e5 at it. AHulianna an5 As"er. S"e %as "is "uman ser)ant. $"e t"ree o1 us tra)ele5 to-et"er 1or nearly t%enty years.C

Goo5. He 3oul5n?t -i)e me some 8ulls"it a8out t"e 3lot"in- 8ein- 3ostumes no%. ADou?re too youn- to "a)e 8een a 7usketeer.C He stare5 at me@ 1a3e 3are1ully 8lank@ -i)in- not"in- a%ay. A="ate)er 5o you mean@ ma petiteBC A4on?t e)en try. $"e 3lot"in- is 1rom t"e 1( s@ aroun5 t"e time o1 4umas?s $"e $"ree 7usketeers. ="en %e 1irst met@ you tol5 me you %ere t%o "un5re5 an5 ten. ,)entually@ 9 1i-ure5 out you %ere lyin-@ t"at you %ere 3loser to t"ree "un5re5.C A91 /ikolaos "a5 kno%n my true a-e@ s"e mi-"t "a)e kille5 me@ ma petite.C ADea"@ t"e ol5 7aster o1 t"e !ity %as a real 8it3". But s"e?s 5ea5. ="y still lieBC ADou mean %"y am 9 lyin- to youBC "e sai5. 9 no55e5. ADea"@ t"at?s %"at 9 mean.C He smile5. ADou are a ne3roman3er@ ma petite. 9 %oul5 "a)e t"ou-"t you 3oul5 >u5-e my a-e %it"out my "elp.C 9 trie5 to rea5 "is 1a3e an5 3oul5n?t. ADou?)e al%ays 8een "ar5 to rea5G you kno% t"at.C ASo -la5 9 3an 8e a 3"allen-e in some area.C 9 let t"at -o. He kne% e*a3tly "o% mu3" o1 a 3"allen-e "e %as@ 8ut 1or t"e 1irst time in a lon- time@ 9 %as 8ot"ere5. $ellina )amp?s a-e %as one o1 my talents@ not an e*a3t s3ien3e to 8e sure@ 8ut one 9 %as -oo5 at. 9?5 ne)er 8een o11 8y t"is mu3". AA 3entury ol5er@ my@ my.C AAre you so sure t"at it is only a 3enturyBC 9 stare5 at "im. 9 let "is po%er 8eat a3ross my skin@ rolle5 t"e 1eel o1 it aroun5 in my "ea5. APretty sure.C He smile5. A4o not 1ro%n so@ ma petite. Bein- a8le to "i5e my a-e is one o1 my talents. 9 preten5e5 to 8e a "un5re5 years ol5er %"en As"er %as my 3ompanion. 9t allo%e5 us 1ree5om to %an5er t"rou-" t"e lan5s o1 ot"er masters.C A="at ma5e you stop tryin- to pass 1or ol5erBC AAs"er nee5e5 "elp@ an5 9 %as not master enou-" to "elp "im.C He looke5 up at t"e portrait. A9 ... "um8le5 mysel1 to -ain "im ai5.C A="yBC A$"e !"ur3" "a5 a t"eory t"at )ampires 3oul5 8e 3ure5 8y "oly items. $"ey 8oun5 As"er %it" "oly items an5 sil)er 3"ains. $"ey use5 "oly %ater on "im@ 5rop 8y 5rop@ tryin- to sa)e "is soul.C 9 stare5 up at t"at "an5some@ smilin- 1a3e. 9?5 8een 8itten 8y a master )ampire on3e upon a time an5 "a5 t"e %oun5 3leanse5 %it" "oly %ater. 9t "a5 1elt like a re52"ot 8ran5 %as 8ein- s"o)e5 into my skin@ like all t"e 8loo5 in my 8o5y "a5 turne5 to 8oilin- oil. 9 "a5 )omite5 an5 s3reame5 an5 t"ou-"t mysel1 )ery 8ra)e 1or not passin- out alto-et"er. $"at "a5 8een one 8ite mark@ one 5ay. Ha)in- %"at amounte5 to a3i5 5rippe5 on you until you 5ie5 %as in t"e top 1i)e %ays not to -o out. A="at "appene5 to t"e -irl@ HuliannaBC AS"e %as 8urne5 as a %it3".C A="ere %ere youBC A9 "a5 taken a s"ip to see my mot"er. S"e %as 5yin-. 9 %as on my %ay 8a3k %"en 9 "ear5 As"er?s 3all. 9 3oul5 not -et t"ere in time. 9 s%ear 8y all t"at is "oly or un"oly t"at 9 trie5. 9 res3ue5 As"er@ 8ut "e ne)er 1or-a)e me.C AHe?s not 5ea5BC 9 aske5. A/o.C AHo% "urt %as "eBC A:ntil 9 met Sa8in 9 t"ou-"t As"er?s s3ars t"e %orst in>ury 9?5 e)er kno%n a )ampire to sur)i)e.C A="y 5i5 you "an- t"e paintin- i1 it 8ot"ers you t"is mu3"BC He si-"e5 an5 looke5 at me. AAs"er sent it as a present@ to 3on-ratulate me 1or 8e3omin- 7aster o1 t"e !ity. $"e t"ree o1 us %ere 3ompanions@ almost 1amily. As"er an5 9 %ere true 1rien5s@ 8ot" masters@ 8ot" o1 near e;ual po%er@ 8ot" in lo)e %it" Hulianna. S"e %as 5e)ote5 to "im@ 8ut 9 "a5 "er 1a)or as %ell.C ADou mean a m6na-e Z troisBC He no55e5. AAs"er 5oesn?t "ol5 a -ru5-eBC A#"@ no@ "e "ol5s a -ru5-e. 91 t"e 3oun3il %oul5 allo% it@ "e %oul5 "a)e 3ome %it" t"e pi3ture an5 "a5 "is re)en-e.C A$o kill youBC

Hean2!lau5e smile5. AAs"er al%ays "a5 a stron- sense o1 irony@ ma petite. He petitione5 t"e 3oun3il 1or your li1e@ not mine.C 7y eyes %i5ene5. A="at 5i5 9 e)er 5o to "imBC A9 kille5 "is "uman ser)antG "e kills mine. Husti3e.C 9 stare5 8a3k up at t"e "an5some 1a3e. A$"e 3oun3il sai5 noBC A9n5ee5.C ADou "a)e any ot"er ol5 enemies runnin- aroun5BC Hean2!lau5e -a)e a %eak smile. A7any@ ma petite@ 8ut none in to%n at t"e moment.C 9 looke5 up at t"ose smilin- 1a3es. 9 5i5n?t kno% ;uite "o% to p"rase it@ 8ut sai5 it any%ay. ADou all look so youn-.C A9 am p"ysi3ally t"e same@ ma petite.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A7ay8e youn- isn?t t"e %or5 9 %ant. 7ay8e nai)e.C He smile5. ABy t"e time t"is paintin- %as ma5e@ ma petite@ nai)e %as not a %or5 t"at 5es3ri8e5 me@ eit"er.C A'ine@ "a)e it your %ay.C 9 looke5 at "im@ stu5yin- "is 1a3e. He %as 8eauti1ul@ 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- in "is eyes t"at %asn?t in t"e paintin-@ some le)el o1 sorro% or terror. Somet"in- 9 "a5 no %or5 1or@ 8ut it %as t"ere >ust t"e same. A )ampire may not %rinkle up@ 8ut li)in- a 3ouple o1 3enturies lea)es its mark. ,)en i1 it?s only a s"a5o% in t"e eyes@ a ti-"tness aroun5 t"e mout". 9 turne5 to Hason@ %"o %as still slumpe5 in t"e 3"air. A4oes "e -i)e t"ese little "istory lessons o1tenBC A#nly to you@C Hason sai5. ADou ne)er ask ;uestionsBC 9 aske5. A9?m >ust "is pet. Dou 5on?t ans%er ;uestions 1or your pet.C AAn5 t"at 5oesn?t 8ot"er youBC Hason smile5. A="y s"oul5 9 3are a8out t"e paintin-B $"e %oman?s 5ea5@ so 9 3an?t "a)e se* %it" "er. ="y s"oul5 9 3areBC 9 1elt Hean2!lau5e mo)e past me@ 8ut 3oul5n?t 1ollo% %it" my eyes. His "an5 %as a 8lur. $"e 3"air 3lattere5 to t"e 1loor@ spillin- Hason %it" it. Bloo5 s"o%e5 at "is mout". A/e)er speak o1 "er a-ain in su3" a manner.C Hason tou3"e5 t"e 8a3k o1 "is "an5 to "is mout" an5 3ame a%ay %it" 8loo5. A="ate)er you say.C He li3ke5 t"e 8loo5 o11 "is "an5 %it" lon- slo% mo)ements o1 "is ton-ue. 9 stare5 1rom one to t"e ot"er o1 t"em. ADou are 8ot" 3raEy.C A/ot 3raEy@ ma petite@ merely not "uman.C ABein- a )ampire 5oesn?t -i)e you t"e ri-"t to treat people like t"at. <i3"ar5 5oesn?t 8eat people up.C A="i3" is %"y "e %ill ne)er "ol5 t"e pa3k.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC A,)en i1 "e s%allo%s "is "i-" morals an5 kills 7ar3us@ "e %ill not 8e 3ruel enou-" to 1ri-"ten t"e rest. He %ill 8e 3"allen-e5 a-ain an5 a-ain. :nless "e 8e-ins slau-"terin- people@ "e %ill e)entually 5ie.C ASlappin- people aroun5 %on?t keep "im ali)e@C 9 sai5. A9t %oul5 "elp. $orture %orks %ell@ 8ut 9 5ou8t t"at <i3"ar5 %oul5 "a)e t"e stoma3" 1or it.C A9 3oul5n?t stoma3" it.C ABut you litter t"e -roun5 %it" 8o5ies@ ma petite. Killin- is t"e 8est 5eterrent o1 all.C 9 %as too tire5 to 8e "a)in- t"is 3on)ersation. A9t?s &J3 in t"e mornin-. 9 %ant to -o to 8e5.C Hean2!lau5e smile5. A="y@ ma petite@ you are not usually so ea-er.C ADou kno% %"at 9 mean@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e took a -li5in- step to%ar5s me. He 5i5n?t tou3" me@ 8ut "e stoo5 )ery 3lose an5 looke5 at me. A9 kno% e*a3tly %"at you mean@ ma petite.C $"at 8rou-"t "eat in a rus" up my ne3k. $"e %or5s %ere inno3ent. He ma5e t"em soun5 intimate@ o8s3ene. Hason ri-"te5 t"e 3"air an5 stoo5@ li3kin- t"e 8loo5 o11 t"e 3orner o1 "is mout". He sai5 not"in-@ merely %at3"e5 us like a %ell2traine5 5o-@ seen an5 not "ear5.

Hean2!lau5e took a step 8a3k. 9 1elt "im mo)e@ 8ut 3oul5n?t 1ollo% it %it" my eyes. $"ere "a5 8een a time only mont"s a-o t"at it %oul5 "a)e looke5 like ma-i3@ like "e?5 >ust appeare5 a 1e% 1eet a%ay. He "el5 "is "an5 out to%ar5s me. A!ome@ ma petite. Let us retire 1or t"e 5ay.C 9?5 "el5 "is "an5 8e1ore@ so %"y %as 9 le1t stan5in-@ starin-@ like "e %as o11erin- me t"e 1or8i55en 1ruit t"at on3e taste5 %oul5 3"an-e e)eryt"in-B He %as nearly 1our "un5re5 years ol5. Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e 1rom all t"ose lon- years a-o %as smilin- 5o%n at me@ an5 t"ere "e stoo5 %it" almost t"e same smile. 91 9?5 e)er nee5e5 proo1@ 9 "a5 it. He?5 stru3k Hason 5o%n like a 5o- "e 5i5n?t mu3" like. An5 still "e %as so 8eauti1ul@ it ma5e my 3"est a3"e. 9 %ante5 to take "is "an5. 9 %ante5 to run my "an5s o)er t"e re5 s"irt@ e*plore t"at open o)al o1 1les". 9 1ol5e5 my "an5s o)er my stoma3" an5 s"ook my "ea5. His smile %i5ene5 until a "int o1 1an- s"o%e5. ADou "a)e "el5 my "an5 8e1ore@ ma petite. ="y is toni-"t any 5i11erentBC His )oi3e "el5 an e5-e o1 mo3kery. AHust s"o% me t"e room@ Hean2!lau5e.C He let "is "an5 5rop to "is si5e@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t seem o11en5e5. 91 anyt"in-@ "e seeme5 please5@ %"i3" irritate5 me. ABrin- <i3"ar5 t"rou-" %"en "e arri)es@ Hason@ 8ut announ3e "im 8e1ore "e 3omes. 9 5on?t %ant to 8e interrupte5.C AAnyt"in- you say@C Hason sai5. He smirke5 at us@ at me@ a kno%in- look on "is 1a3e. 4i5 e)eryone an5 t"eir %ol1 8elie)e 9 %as sleepin- %it" Hean2!lau5eB #1 3ourse@ may8e it %as a 3ase o1 t"e la5y protestin- too mu3". 7ay8e. AHust 8rin- <i3"ar5 to t"e room %"en "e 3omes@C 9 sai5. ADou %on?t 8e interruptin- anyt"in-.C 9 -lan3e5 at Hean2!lau5e %"ile 9 sai5 t"e last. He lau-"e5@ t"at %arm tou3"a8le soun5 o1 "is t"at %o)e o)er my skin like silk. A,)en your resistan3e to temptation -ro%s t"in@ ma petite.C 9 s"ru--e5. 9 %oul5 "a)e like5 to ar-ue@ 8ut "e?5 smell a lie. ,)en a run2o12t"e2mill %ere%ol1 3an smell 5esire. Hason %asn?t run2o12t"e2mill. So e)eryone in t"e room kne% 9 %as "ot 1or Hean2!lau5e. So %"atB A/o is one o1 my 1a)orite %or5s@ Hean2!lau5e. Dou s"oul5 kno% t"at 8y no%.C $"e lau-"ter 1a5e5 1rom "is 1a3e@ lea)in- "is 8lue@ 8lue eyes -leamin-@ 8ut not %it" "umor. Somet"in- 5arker an5 more sure o1 itsel1 looke5 out "is eyes. A9 sur)i)e on "ope alone@ ma petite.C Hean2!lau5e parte5 t"e 8la3k an5 %"ite 5rapes to re)eal t"e 8are@ -rey stones t"at t"e room %as ma5e o1. A lar-e "all%ay stret3"e5 5eeper into t"e la8yrint". $or3"li-"t -leame5 8eyon5 t"e ele3tri3ity o1 t"e li)in- room. He stoo5 t"ere@ 8a3klit a-ainst t"e 1lame an5 t"e so1t mo5ern li-"ts. Some tri3k o1 li-"t an5 s"a5o% plun-e5 "al1 "is 1a3e into 5arkness an5 8rou-"t a pinpri3k -lo% to "is eyes. #r may8e it %asn?t a tri3k o1 t"e li-"t. 7ay8e it %as >ust "im. AS"all %e -o@ ma petiteBC 9 %alke5 into t"at outer 5arkness. He 5i5n?t try to tou3" me as 9 mo)e5 past "im. 9?5 "a)e -i)en "im a 8ro%nie point 1or resistin- t"e ur-e@ e*3ept 9 kne% "im too %ell. He %as >ust 8i5in- "is time. $ou3"in- me no% mi-"t piss me o11. Later@ it mi-"t not. ,)en 9 3oul5n?t -uarantee %"en t"e moo5 %oul5 8e ri-"t. Hean2!lau5e mo)e5 a"ea5 o1 me. He -lan3e5 8a3k o)er "is s"oul5er. AA1ter all@ ma petite@ you 5o not kno% t"e %ay to my 8e5room.C A9?)e 8een t"ere on3e@C 9 sai5. A!arrie5 un3ons3ious an5 5yin-. 9t "ar5ly 3ounts.C He -li5e5 5o%n t"e "all. He put a little e*tra s%ay to "is %alk@ some%"at like Hason "a5 5one on t"e stairs@ 8ut %"ere it "a5 8een 1unny %it" t"e %ere%ol1@ Hean2!lau5e ma5e it utterly se5u3ti)e. ADou >ust %ante5 to %alk in 1ront so 9?5 "a)e to stare at your 8utt.C He spoke %it"out turnin- aroun5. A/o one makes you stare at me@ ma petite@ not e)en me.C An5 t"at %as t"e trut". $"e "orri8le trut". 91 in some 5ark part o1 my "eart 9 "a5n?t 8een attra3te5 to "im 1rom t"e 8e-innin-@ 9?5 "a)e kille5 "im lon- a-o. #r trie5 to. 9 "a5 more le-al )ampire kills t"an any ot"er )ampire "unter in t"e 3ountry. $"ey 5i5n?t 3all me t"e ,*e3utioner 1or not"in-. So "o% 5i5 9 en5 up 8ein- sa1er in t"e 5ept"s o1 t"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5 %it" t"e monsters t"an a8o)e -roun5 %it" t"e "umansB Be3ause some%"ere alon- t"e line@ 9 5i5n?t kill t"e monster 9 s"oul5 "a)e. $"at parti3ular monster %as -li5in- up t"e "all%ay a"ea5 o1 me. An5 "e still "a5 t"e 3utest 8utt 9?5 e)er seen on a 5ea5 man.

Chapter Twenty-two
Hean2!lau5e leane5 one s"oul5er a-ainst t"e %all. He?5 alrea5y opene5 t"e 5oor. He motione5 me insi5e %it" a -ra3e1ul s%eep o1 "is "an5.

7y "i-" "eels sank into t"e 5eep@ %"ite 3arpet. ="ite %allpaper %it" tiny sil)er 5esi-ns -ra3e5 t"e %alls. $"ere %as a %"ite 5oor in t"e le1t2"an5 %all near t"e 8e5. $"e 8e5 "a5 %"ite satin s"eets. A 5oEen 8la3k an5 %"ite pillo%s %ere -roupe5 at t"e "ea5 o1 t"e 8e5. A 1an o1 8la3k an5 %"ite 5rapes 1ell 1rom t"e 3eilin-@ 1ormin- a partial 3anopy o)er t"e 8e5. $"e 8la3k la3;uer )anity an5 3"est o1 5ra%ers still sat in opposite 3orners. $"e %allpaper an5 t"e 5oor %ere ne%. Guess %"i3" 8ot"ere5 me more. A="ere 5oes t"e 5oor -oBC A$"e 8at"room.C He 3lose5 t"e outer 5oor an5 %alke5 past me to sit on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5. $"ere %ere no 3"airs. AA 8at"room. $"at %asn?t "ere last time@C 9 sai5. A/ot in its present 1orm@ 8ut it %as "ere >ust t"e same.C He leane5 8a3k on "is el8o%s. $"e mo)ement straine5 t"e 3lot" o1 "is s"irt@ e*posin- as mu3" skin as t"e s"irt %oul5 allo%. $"e line o1 5ark "air t"at starte5 lo% on "is 8elly peeke5 >ust a8o)e t"e 3lot". $"e room %as -ettin- %armer. 9 un5i5 t"e )el3ro 1astenin-s on t"e 8ulletproo1 )est an5 sli5 it o)er my "ea5. A="ere 5o you %ant me to put t"isBC AAny%"ere you like@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as so1t an5 more intimate t"an t"e %or5s t"emsel)es. 9 %alke5 aroun5 to t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e 8e5@ a%ay 1rom "im@ an5 lai5 t"e )est a3ross t"e satin s"eets. He lay 8a3k a-ainst t"e s"eets@ "is 8la3k "air 1ramin- "is pale 1a3e to per1e3tion. =armer@ it %as 5e1initely -ettin- %armer in "ere. A7in5 i1 9 1res"en upBC A="ate)er 9 "a)e is yours@ ma petite. Dou s"oul5 kno% t"at 8y no%.C 9 8a3ke5 into t"e 5oor an5 opene5 it %it" a 1eelin- o1 relie1. 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor %it"out really lookin- at t"e 8at"room. ="en 9 looke5 up@ 9 let out a silent %o%. $"e room %as lon- an5 narro%. 9t "a5 a 5ou8le sink an5 mirrors %it" roun5 %"ite li-"t8ul8s e5-in- it. $"e sinks %ere 8la3k mar8le %it" %"ite )eins runnin- t"rou-". ,)ery 1au3et@ e)ery metal e5-e@ -leame5 sil)er. $"e 1loor %as 8la3k 3arpetin-. A "al1 %all o1 sil)er an5 mirrore5 panels "i5 t"e 8la3k stool a-ainst a 8la3k %all. Anot"er "al1 %all -ra3e5 t"e ot"er si5e. $"en t"ere %as t"e 8at"tu8. $"ree mar8le steps le5 up to a 8la3k 8at"tu8@ 8i- enou-" 1or 1our people. $"e 1au3et %as a sil)er s%an %it" outsprea5 %in-s. $"ere %as no %ay to take a s"o%er@ %"i3" %as my pre1erre5 met"o5@ an5 t"e s%an %as a 8it mu3"@ 8ut ot"er t"an t"at@ it %as lo)ely. 9 sat 5o%n on t"e 3ool mar8le e5-in-. 9t %as nearly 1i)e in t"e mornin-. 7y eyes 8urne5 1rom la3k o1 sleep. $"e a5renaline rus" o1 nearly -ettin- kille5 "a5 lon- sin3e 1a5e5. ="at 9 %ante5 %as to 8e 3om1orte5@ "el5@ yes@ se* %as in t"ere some%"ere@ 8ut t"at %asn?t my "i-"est priority toni-"t. 9 t"ink 8ot" <i3"ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e %oul5 say it %as ne)er my "i-"est priority@ 8ut t"at %as t"eir pro8lem. #kay@ it %as our pro8lem. 91 it "a5 8een <i3"ar5 stret3"e5 out on t"e 8e5 in t"e ne*t room@ 9 %oul5 "a)e >umpe5 "im toni-"t. But it %asn?t <i3"ar5@ an5 on3e <i3"ar5 -ot "ere@ %e?5 8e sleepin- in Hean2!lau5e?s 8e5. Seeme5 pretty ta3ky to "a)e se* 1or t"e 1irst time in your ot"er 8oy1rien5?s 8e5. But it %asn?t >ust t"e 8oys su11erin- 1rom se*ual tension@ 9 %as 5ro%nin-@ too. =as <i3"ar5 ri-"tB =as t"e 1a3t t"at Hean2!lau5e %asn?t "uman t"e only t"in- keepin- me out o1 "is 8e5B /o. #r at least 9 5i5n?t t"ink so. #ut o1 <i3"ar5?s 8e5B $"e ans%er@ sa5ly@ %as yes@ may8e. 9 1res"ene5 up an5 3oul5n?t "elp 3"e3kin- mysel1 in t"e mirror. $"e makeup "a5 1a5e5 a little@ 8ut t"e liner still ma5e my lar-e@ 5ark eyes stan5 out in 5ramati3 3ontrast. $"e 8lus" %as almost -one@ an5 t"e lipsti3k "a5 lon- a-o )anis"e5. 9 "a5 lipsti3k in my purse. 9 3oul5 1res"en t"at at least. But 1res"enin- my lipsti3k %as like a5mittin- 9 3are5 %"at Hean2!lau5e t"ou-"t o1 me. 9 5i5 3are. $"at %as t"e truly s3ary part. 9 5i5 not put on more lipsti3k. 9 %alke5 8a3k into t"e 8e5room as is@ let "im make o1 it %"at "e %oul5. He %as leanin- on one el8o%@ %at3"in- me as 9 3ame t"rou-" t"e 5oor. A7a petite@ you are 8eauti1ul.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. APretty@ 9?ll -i)e you@ 8ut not 8eauti1ul.C He 3o3ke5 "is "ea5 to one si5e@ sen5in- a %a)e o1 "air o)er one s"oul5er. A="o tol5 you you %ere not 8eauti1ulBC 9 leane5 a-ainst t"e 5oor. A="en 9 %as a little -irl@ my 1at"er %oul5 3ome up 8e"in5 my mot"er. He %oul5 %rap "is arms aroun5 "er %aist@ 8ury "is 1a3e in "er "air@ an5 say@ FHo% is t"e most 8eauti1ul %oman in t"e %orl5 to5ayB? He sai5 it at least on3e a 5ay. S"e %oul5 lau-" an5 tell "im not to 8e silly@ 8ut 9 a-ree5 %it" "im. $o me@ s"e %as t"e most 8eauti1ul %oman in t"e %orl5.C AS"e %as your mot"er. All little -irls t"ink t"at o1 t"eir mot"er.C A7ay8e@ 8ut t%o years a1ter s"e 5ie5@ 4a5 remarrie5. He marrie5 Hu5it"@ %"o %as tall an5 8lon5 an5 8lue2eye5@ an5 not"in- like my mot"er. 91 "e "a5 really 8elie)e5 my mot"er %as t"e most 8eauti1ul %oman in t"e %orl5@ %"y 5i5 "e marry some /or5i3 i3e prin3essB ="y 5i5n?t "e marry someone small an5 5ark like my mot"erBC A9 5on?t kno%@ ma petite@C "e sai5 ;uietly. AHu5it" "a5 a 5au-"ter only a 3ouple o1 years youn-er t"an me. $"en t"ey "a5 Hos" to-et"er an5 "e %as as 8lon5 an5 8lue2eye5 as t"e rest o1 t"em. 9 looke5 like a small 5ark mistake in t"e 1amily p"otos.C

ADour skin is almost as pale as mine@ ma petite.C ABut 9 "a)e my mot"er?s eyes an5 "air. 7y "air isn?t 8runette@ it?s 8la3k. A %oman aske5 Hu5it" on3e in 1ront o1 me i1 9 %as a5opte5. Hu5it" sai5@ no@ 9 %as 1rom "er "us8an5?s 1irst marria-e.C Hean2!lau5e sli5 o11 t"e 8e5. He mo)e5 to%ar5s me@ an5 9 "a5 to look at t"e 1loor. 9 %ante5 8a5ly to 8e "el5@ to 8e 3om1orte5. 91 it "a5 8een <i3"ar5@ 9?5 "a)e -one to "im. But it %asn?t <i3"ar5. Hean2!lau5e tou3"e5 my 3"eek an5 raise5 my 1a3e until 9 "a5 to look at "im. A9 "a)e li)e5 1or o)er t"ree "un5re5 years. 9n t"at time@ t"e i5eal o1 8eauty "as 3"an-e5 many times. Lar-e 8reasts@ small@ t"in@ 3ur)e5@ tall@ s"ort@ t"ey "a)e all 8een t"e "ei-"t o1 8eauty at one time or anot"er. But in all t"at time@ ma petite@ 9 "a)e ne)er 5esire5 anyone t"e %ay 9 5esire you.C He leane5 to%ar5s me@ an5 9 5i5n?t mo)e a%ay. His lips 8rus"e5 mine in a -entle kiss. He took t"at one last step to press our 8o5ies to-et"er@ an5 9 stoppe5 "im@ one "an5 on "is 3"est@ 8ut all 9 met %as 8are skin. $"e sli3kness o1 "is 3ross2s"ape5 8urn s3ar met my 1in-ertips. 9 mo)e5 my "an5 an5 1oun5 "is "eart 8eatin- a-ainst my palm. /ot an impro)ement. He 5re% 8a3k@ a 8reat"@ an5 %"ispere5 into my mout"@ A$ell me no@ ma petite@ an5 9 %ill stop.C 9 "a5 to s%allo% t%i3e 8e1ore 9 3oul5 speak. A/o.C Hean2!lau5e steppe5 a%ay 1rom me. He lay 8a3k on t"e 8e5 as "e "a5 earlier@ proppe5 on "is el8o%s@ "is le-s 1rom t"e knees "un- o11 t"e 8e5. He stare5 at me@ 5arin- me to 3ome >oin "im@ 9 t"ink. 9 %asn?t t"at stupi5. $"ere %as some 5ark part o1 me t"at %as tempte5. Lust "as less lo-i3 t"an lo)e@ sometimes@ 8ut it?s easier to 1i-"t. A9 "a)e playe5 t"e mortal 1or you t"ese many mont"s. 9 t"ou-"t in 7ar3" %"en you "el5 my nake5 8o5y@ %"en you s"are5 8loo5 %it" me@ t"at it %oul5 8e a 3"an-in- point 1or us. $"at you %oul5 -i)e in to your 5esire an5 a5mit your 1eelin-s 1or me.C A 8urnin- %as" o1 3olor 3rept up my 1a3e. 9 "a5 no -oo5 e*3use 1or t"e 1oreplay t"at -ot out o1 "an5. 9 %as %eak@ so sue me. A9 -a)e you 8loo5 8e3ause you %ere 5yin-. 9?5 "a)e ne)er 5one it ot"er%ise. Dou kno% t"at.C He stare5 at me. 9t %asn?t )ampire tri3ks t"at ma5e me %ant to look a%ay. 9t %as a ra% "onesty t"at 9?5 ne)er seen in "is 1a3e 8e1ore. A9 kno% t"at no%@ ma petite. ="en %e returne5 1rom Branson@ you t"re% yoursel1 into <i3"ar5?s arms as t"ou-" "e %ere a li1eline. =e 3ontinue5 to 5ate@ 8ut you 5re% a%ay. 9 1elt it an5 5i5 not kno% "o% to stop it.C He sat up on t"e 8e5@ "an5s 3laspe5 in "is lap. A look o1 1rustration an5 3on1usion passe5 o)er "is 1a3e. A9 "a)e ne)er "a5 anot"er %oman 5eny me@ ma petite.C 9 lau-"e5. A#"@ your e-o isn?t 8i-.C A9t is not e-o@ ma petite@ it is t"e trut".C 9 leane5 a-ainst t"e 8at"room 5oor an5 t"ou-"t a8out t"at one. A/o one in almost t"ree "un5re5 years "as e)er sai5 no to youBC ADou 1in5 t"at so "ar5 to 8elie)eBC A91 9 3an 5o it@ so 3an t"ey.C He s"ook "is "ea5. ADou 5o not appre3iate "o% )ery "ars" your stren-t" o1 %ill is@ ma petite. 9t is impressi)e. Dou "a)e no i5ea "o% impressi)e.C A91 9?5 1allen into your arms t"e 1irst time %e met@ or e)en t"e 5oEent" time %e met@ you?5 "a)e 8e55e5 me@ 8le5 me@ an5 5umpe5 me.C 9 %at3"e5 t"e trut" o1 my %or5s 1ill "is 1a3e. 9 "a5n?t realiEe5 until t"is moment "o% mu3" 3ontrol "e kept o)er "is 1a3ial e*pressions@ "o% it %as t"e la3k o1 rea3tion t"at ma5e "im seem more ot"er%orl5ly t"an "e %as. ADou are ri-"t@C "e sai5. A91 you "a5 -i--le5 an5 1a%ne5 o)er me@ 9 %oul5 not "a)e -i)en you a se3on5 -lan3e. Dour partial immunity to my po%ers %as t"e 1irst attra3tion. But it %as your stu88ornness t"at intri-ue5 me. Dour 1lat re1usal o1 me.C A9 %as a 3"allen-e.C ADes.C 9 stare5 into "is su55enly open 1a3e. 'or t"e 1irst time@ 9 t"ou-"t 9 mi-"t see t"e trut" in "is eyes. AGoo5 t"in- 9 resiste5. 9 5on?t like 8ein- use5 an5 tosse5 asi5e.C A#n3e you %ere only a 3"allen-e@ somet"in- to 8e 3on;uere5. $"en 9 8e3ame intri-ue5 8y your -ro%in- po%ers. 9 sa% possi8ilities t"at 9 3oul5 use you to stren-t"en my position i1 only you %oul5 >oin %it" me.C Somet"in- like pain passe5 o)er "is 1a3e@ an5 9 %ante5 to ask i1 it %as real. 91 any o1 t"is %as real@ or i1 it %as only anot"er a3t. 9 truste5 Hean2!lau5e to 5o %"ate)er it took to stay ali)e. 9 5i5n?t trust "im to tell t"e trut" sittin- on a sta3k o1 Bi8les. A9 sa)e5 your ass enou-" times. 9?m your 5e3lare5 "uman ser)ant. ="at more 5o you %antBC

ADou@ ma petite.C He stoo5@ 8ut 5i5n?t 3ome 3loser. A9t is no lon-er 3"allen-e or t"e promise o1 po%er t"at makes me look to you.C 7y pulse %as su55enly t"u55in- in my t"roat@ an5 "e "a5n?t 5one a 5amn t"in-. A9 lo)e you@ Anita.C 9 stare5 at "im@ my eyes -ro%in- %i5e. 9 opene5 my mout"@ 3lose5 it. 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e "im. He lie5 so easily@ so %ell. He %as t"e master o1 manipulation. Ho% 3oul5 9 8elie)e "im no%B A="at 5o you %ant me to sayBC He s"ook "is "ea5@ an5 "is 1a3e 1ell 8a3k into its normal lines. $"at 8eauti1ul per1e3tion t"at %as %"at passe5 1or or5inary. But 9 kne% no% t"at e)en t"is %as a mask@ "i5in- "is 5eeper emotions. AHo% 5i5 you 5o t"atBC AA1ter se)eral 3enturies o1 8ein- 1or3e5 to s3"ool your 1a3e into pleasant@ unrea5a8le lines@ you lose t"e kna3k o1 anyt"inelse. 7y sur)i)al "as 5epen5e5 on my e*pression more t"an on3e. 9 %is" you un5erstoo5 t"e e11ort t"at little 5isplay o1 "umanity 3ost me.C A="at 5o you %ant me to say@ Hean2!lau5eBC ADou lo)e me a little@ t"at 9 am sure o1.C 9 s"ru--e5. A7ay8e@ 8ut a little isn?t enou-".C ADou lo)e <i3"ar5 a lot@ 5on?t youBC 9 met "is eyes an5 %ante5 to lie@ to sa)e "is 1eelin-s@ 8ut t"ose kin5s o1 lies "urt more t"an t"e trut". ADea".C ADet@ you "a)e not ma5e your 3"oi3e. Dou "a)e not tol5 me to lea)e t"e t%o o1 you to matrimonial 8liss. ="y is t"atBC ALast time %e "a5 t"is talk@ you sai5 you?5 kill <i3"ar5.C A91 t"at is all t"at is stoppin- you@ ma petite@ "a)e no 1ear. 9 %ill not kill <i3"ar5 merely 8e3ause you -o to "is 8e5 an5 not mine.C ASin3e %"enBC 9 aske5. A="en 9 t"re% my support to <i3"ar5@ 7ar3us 8e3ame my enemy. $"at 3annot 8e 3"an-e5.C He leane5 "is s"oul5er a-ainst t"e 5ark %oo5en 8e5post 3losest to me. A9 "a5 t"ou-"t to petition anot"er pa3k. $"ere is al%ays an am8itious alp"a male out t"ere some%"ere. Someone %"o %oul5 like "is o%n pa3k 8ut eit"er t"rou-" sentimentality or la3k o1 stren-t" is 5oome5 to play se3on5 1ore)er. 9 3oul5 kill <i3"ar5 an5 8rin- someone else in to kill 7ar3us.C 9 listene5 to "is plan tol5 so matter2o121a3tly. A="at 3"an-e5 your min5BC ADou.C A!ome a-ainBC ADou lo)e "im@ ma petite. Dou truly lo)e "im. His 5eat" %oul5 5estroy somet"in- insi5e o1 you. ="en Hulianna 5ie5@ 9 t"ou-"t 9 %oul5 ne)er 1eel 1or anyone a-ain. An5 9 5i5n?t@ until 9 met you.C ADou %on?t kill <i3"ar5 8e3ause it %oul5 "urt meBC A#ui.C ASo 9 3oul5 tell <i3"ar5 %"en "e -ets "ere t"at 9?)e 3"osen "im@ an5 you %oul5 let us -o o11@ -et marrie5@ %"ate)erBC A9sn?t t"ere one "ur5le to your marria-e 8esi5es mysel1BC "e aske5. A="atBC ADou must see "im 3"an-e into %ol1 1orm.C Hean2!lau5e smile5 an5 s"ook "is "ea5. A91 <i3"ar5 %as "uman@ you %oul5 meet at t"e 5oor %it" a smile an5 a yes. But you 1ear %"at "e is. He is not "uman enou-" 1or you@ ma petite.C AHe isn?t "uman enou-" 1or "imsel1@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e raise5 "is eye8ro%s. ADes@ <i3"ar5 runs 1rom "is 8east@ as you "a)e run 1rom me. But <i3"ar5 s"ares a 8o5y %it" "is 8east. He 3annot outrun it.C A9 kno% t"at.C A<i3"ar5 is still runnin-@ ma petite. An5 you run %it" "im. 91 you %ere se3ure t"at you 3oul5 a33ept "im@ all o1 "im@ you %oul5 "a)e 5one it 8y no%.C AHe keeps 1in5in- e*3uses not to 3"an-e 1or me.C AHe 1ears your rea3tion@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9t?s more t"an t"at@C 9 sai5. A91 9 3an em8ra3e "is 8east@ 9?m not sure "e?ll 8e a8le to a33ept me.C Hean2!lau5e 3o3ke5 "is "ea5 to one si5e. A9 5o not un5erstan5.C AHe "ates %"at "e is so 8a5ly. 9 t"ink i1 9 3an a33ept "is 8east@ "e %on?t ... "e %on?t lo)e me anymore.C

ABein- a8le to em8ra3e "is 8east %oul5 make you %"at ... per)erseBC 9 no55e5. A9 t"ink so.C ADou are trappe5 on t"e "orns o1 a nasty 5ilemma@ ma petite. He %ill not make lo)e to you or marry you until you "a)e seen an5 a33epte5 "is 8east. Det i1 you a33ept it@ you 1ear "e %ill turn 1rom you.C ADea".C He s"ook "is "ea5. A#nly you 3oul5 3"oose t%o men in one "uman li1etime t"at are t"is 3on1usin-.C A9 5i5n?t 5o it on purpose.C He pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e 8e5. He stoppe5 t%o small steps 1rom me@ starin- 5o%n. A9 trie5 to play t"e mortal 1or you@ ma petite. But <i3"ar5 is mu3" 8etter at 8ein- "uman t"an 9 am. 9 "a)e not 8een truly "uman 1or so )ery lon-. 91 9 3annot 8e t"e 8etter man@ let me 8e t"e 8etter monster.C 7y eyes narro%e5. A="at?s t"at suppose to meanBC A9t means@ ma petite@ t"at Hason tol5 me o1 %"at "appene5 t"is a1ternoon. 9 kno% "o% 3lose you an5 <i3"ar5 3ame.C Ho% mu3" "a5 t"e ly3ant"ropes 8een a8le to "earB 7ore t"an 9 %as 3om1orta8le %it"@ t"at %as 1or sure. A9 >ust lo)e 8einspie5 on.C A4o not 8e 1lippant@ ma petite@ please.C 9t %as t"e please t"at -ot me. A9?m listenin-.C A9 tol5 you on3e t"at i1 <i3"ar5 3oul5 tou3" you an5 9 3oul5 not@ it %oul5 not 8e 1air. $"at is still true.C 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e 5oor. He?5 steppe5 o)er t"e line. AAre you askin- me to let you tou3" me %"ere <i3"ar5 tou3"e5 meBC He smile5. ASu3" ri-"teous in5i-nation@ ma petite. But "a)e no 1ear. 'or3in- mysel1 upon you in su3" a %ay %oul5 sma3k o1 rape. 9 "a)e ne)er 8een intereste5 in su3" t"in-s.C 9 took a step 8a3k@ puttin- a little spa3e 8et%een us. :nless 9 %as really an-ry@ it %as ne)er -oo5 to -et t"at 3lose. ASo@ %"at are you sayin-BC ADou "a)e al%ays 1or8i55en me to use )ampire tri3ks@ as you 3all t"em@ %it" you.C He "el5 a "an5 up 8e1ore 9 3oul5 say it. A9 5o not mean 8espellin- you %it" my eyes. 9 am not e)en sure t"at is possi8le anymore. 9 3annot 8e "uman@ ma petite. 9 am a )ampire. Let me s"o% you t"at "as pleasures 8eyon5 "umanity.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o %ay.C AA kiss@ ma petite@ t"at is all 9 ask. A 3"aste kiss.C AAn5 t"e 3at3" isBC 9 aske5. His eyes %ere soli5@ sparklin- 8lue. His skin -lo%e5 like ala8aster un5er li-"ts. A9 5on?t t"ink so@C 9 sai5. A91 you %ere truly sure o1 <i3"ar5@ 9 %oul5 lea)e you to "im. But 5oes t"e 1a3t t"at 9 lo)e you not earn me so mu3" as a kissBC He -li5e5 to%ar5s me. 9 8a3ke5 up@ 8ut t"e 5oor %as ri-"t t"ere@ an5 t"ere %as no%"ere to -o. He %as like a li)in- s3ulpture@ all i)ory an5 sapp"ire@ too 8eauti1ul 1or %or5s. $oo 8eauti1ul to tou3". His "an5s smoot"e5 o)er my 1orearms@ alon- my "an5s. 9 -aspe5. Po%er rus"e5 alon- my skin in a smoot" %as"@ like air 5an3in- o)er my 8o5y. 9 must "a)e tense5 up 8e3ause Hean2!lau5e sai5@ A9t %ill not "urt@ t"at 9 promise.C AHust a kiss@C 9 %"ispere5. AHust a kiss@C "e %"ispere5. His 1a3e lo%ere5 to%ar5s mine. His lips 8rus"e5 mine@ -ently@ slo%ly. $"e po%er 1lo%e5 a3ross "is lips into my mout". 9 t"ink 9 stoppe5 8reat"in- 1or a se3on5. 7y skin 1elt like it %as meltin- a%ay an5 9 %oul5 sink into "is 8o5y@ into t"at s"inin- po%er. ALooks like 9 -ot "ere >ust in time.C 9t %as <i3"ar5 in t"e 5oor%ay. 9 s"o)e5 my "an5 into Hean2!lau5e?s 3"est an5 pus"e5 "im a%ay "ar5 enou-" 1or "im to stum8le. 9 %as -aspin- 1or air like 9?5 8een 5ro%nin-. 7y skin pulse5 an5 8eat %it" t"e po%er t"at still 3ra%le5 o)er me@ into me. A<i3"ar5@C 9 %"ispere5. 9 %ante5 to say t"at it %asn?t %"at it looke5 like@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t -et enou-" air. Hean2!lau5e turne5@ smilin-. He kne% e*a3tly %"at to say. A<i3"ar5@ "o% -oo5 o1 you to >oin us. Ho% 5i5 you -et past my %ol1BC A9t %asn?t t"at "ar5.C 9 stare5 at 8ot" o1 t"em. 9 %as still "a)in- trou8le 8reat"in-. 9t 1elt like e)ery ner)e in my 8o5y "a5 8een tou3"e5 all at on3e. $"e line 8et%een pleasure an5 pain %as 5amn narro%@ an5 9 %asn?t sure %"i3" si5e t"is %ent on. $"e li-"t %as seepin- a%ay 1rom Hean2!lau5e@ lea)in- "im pale@ lo)ely@ almost "uman.

<i3"ar5 stoo5 5ire3tly insi5e t"e 5oor. His eyes -lo%e5 not %it" inner li-"t 8ut %it" an-er@ an an-er t"at ma5e "is eyes 5an3e@ ti-"tene5 t"e mus3les a3ross "is s"oul5ers an5 5o%n "is arms so t"at t"e e11ort s"o%e5 1rom a3ross t"e room. 9?5 ne)er 8een so a%are o1 "o% p"ysi3ally lar-e "e %as. He seeme5 to 1ill more spa3e t"an "e s"oul5 "a)e. $"e 1irst skin2 pri3klin- rus" o1 "is po%er s%irle5 o)er me. 9 took a 5eep@ s"akin- 8reat" an5 starte5 %alkin- to%ar5s "im. $"e 3loser 9 -ot@ t"e t"i3ker t"e po%er@ until a8out si* 1eet 1rom "im@ it %as like steppin- into a nearly soli5 mass o1 pulsin-@ )i8ratin- ener-y. 9 stoo5 t"ere@ tryin- to s%allo% my "eart 8a3k into my t"roat. He %as 5resse5 in >eans an5 a -reen 1lannel %ork s"irt %it" slee)es rolle5 o)er "is 1orearms. His "air 1ell loose roun5 "is s"oul5ers in a %a)y mass. 9?5 seen "im like t"is a "un5re5 times@ 8ut su55enly it %as all 5i11erent. 9 "a5 ne)er 8een a1rai5 o1 <i3"ar5@ not really. /o%@ 1or t"e 1irst time@ 9 sa% t"at t"ere %as somet"in- to 1ear. Somet"in- s%am 8e"in5 "is eyes@ "is 8east@ "e 3alle5 it. 9t %as t"ere no% >ust 8e"in5 t"ose true@ 8ro%n eyes. A monster %aitin- to 8e set loose. A<i3"ar5@C 9 sai5 an5 "a5 to 3ou-" to 3lear my t"roat@ A%"at?s %ron- %it" youBC A$omorro% is t"e 1ull moon@ Anita. Stron- emotions aren?t -oo5 ri-"t no%.C <a-e t"inne5 "is 1a3e@ ma5e t"ose lo)ely 3"eek8ones "i-" an5 ti-"t. A91 9 "a5n?t interrupte5@ %oul5 you "a)e 8roken your promise to meBC AHe still 5oesn?t kno% %"at kin5 o1 "ose 9?m %earin-@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 smile5@ some o1 t"e tension easin- a%ay. A$oo smoot" 1or -arters@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. APanty "ose@ t"ou-" t"ey 3oul5 8e 3rot3"less@ o1 t"at 9 am not sure.C <i3"ar5 snarle5. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at Hean2!lau5e. A4on?t "elp me.C He smile5 an5 no55e5. He?5 leane5 "is 8a3k on one o1 t"e 8e5posts@ 1in-ers playin- o)er t"e 8are skin o1 "is 3"est. 9t %as su--esti)e@ an5 "e meant it to 8e. 4amn "im. A lo%@ 8ass -ro%l 8rou-"t my attention 8a3k to <i3"ar5. He stalke5 to%ar5s t"e 8e5 as i1 ea3" mo)ement "urt. $"e tension san- t"rou-" t"e 8uil5in- po%er. =as 9 -oin- to -et to see "im 3"an-e "ere an5 no%B 91 "e 3"an-e5@ t"ere?5 8e a 1i-"t@ an5 1or t"e )ery 1irst time@ 9 %as %orrie5 1or Hean2!lau5e?s sa1ety@ as %ell as <i3"ar5?s. A4on?t 5o t"is@ <i3"ar5@ please.C He %as starin- past me at Hean2!lau5e. 9 5i5n?t 5are look 8e"in5 to see %"at mis3"ie1 t"e )ampire %as 5oin-G 9 "a5 my "an5s 1ull %it" t"e %ere%ol1 in 1ront o1 me. Somet"in- 1li3kere5 a3ross "is 1a3e. 9 %as sure Hean2!lau5e "a5 5one somet"in- 8e"in5 my 8a3k. <i3"ar5 ma5e a soun5 more animal t"an "uman an5 rus"e5 1or t"e 8e5. 9 5i5n?t mo)e out o1 t"e %ay. 9 stoo5 my -roun5@ an5 %"en "e %as e)en %it" me@ mo)in- past me@ 9 t"re% my 8o5y into "im an5 t"re% "im in a nearly per1e3t s"oul5er roll. His momentum 5i5 t"e rest. 7ay8e i1 9?5 let -o o1 "is arm@ %e 3oul5 "a)e a)oi5e5 t"e rest@ 8ut 9 ma5e t"e 3lassi3 mistake. 9 5i5n?t t"ink <i3"ar5 %oul5 really "urt me. He -ra88e5 t"e arm t"at %as "ol5in- "im an5 1lun- me a3ross t"e room. He %as 1lat on "is 8a3k an5 5i5n?t "a)e mu3" le)era-e@ an5 t"at %as all t"at sa)e5 me. 9 %as air8orne 1or >ust a se3on5 an5 rolle5 alon- t"e 3arpet %"en 9 "it. $"e %orl5 %as still spinnin- %"en my "an5 %ent 1or t"e kni1e. 9 3oul5n?t "ear anyt"in- 8ut t"e 8loo5 rus"in- in my o%n "ea5@ 8ut 9 kne%@ 9 kne% "e %as 3omin-. He tou3"e5 my arm@ rolle5 me o)er@ an5 9 lai5 t"e sil)er 8la5e a-ainst "is ne3k. He 1roEe@ 8ent o)er@ tryin-@ 9 t"ink@ to "elp me stan5. <i3"ar5 an5 9 stare5 at ea3" ot"er 1rom in3"es a%ay. $"e an-er %as -one 1rom "is 1a3e. His eyes %ere normal@ as lo)ely as e)er@ 8ut 9 kept t"e kni1e a-ainst t"e smoot" skin o1 "is ne3k@ 5implin- it so "e kne% 9 meant 8usiness. He s%allo%e5 3are1ully. A9 5i5n?t mean to "urt you@ Anita. 9 am so sorry.C ABa3k o11@C 9 sai5. AAre you "urtBC ABa3k o11@ <i3"ar5. /o%IC ALet me "elp you.C He 8ent 3loser@ an5 9 presse5 t"e 8la5e in "ar5 enou-" to 5ra% a tri3kle o1 8loo5. ALet -o o1 me@ <i3"ar5.C He let -o an5 mo)e5 slo%ly a%ay. He looke5 puEEle5 an5 "urt. He tou3"e5 t"e 8loo5 at "is ne3k as i1 "e 5i5n?t kno% %"at it %as. ="en "e %as out o1 rea3"@ 9 let mysel1 sa- a-ainst t"e 3arpet. /ot"in- %as 8roken@ o1 t"at 9 %as sure@ an5 9 %asn?t 8lee5in-. 91 "e?5 t"ro%n me into a %all %it" t"at mu3" 1or3e@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een a 5i11erent story. 9?5 8een 5atin- "im 1or se)en mont"s@ nearly slept %it" "im more t"an on3e@ an5 in all t"at time@ 9 "a5n?t 1ully appre3iate5 %"at 9 %as playin%it". A7a petite@ are you all ri-"tBC Hean2!lau5e %as stan5in- at t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5. He %as %at3"in- <i3"ar5 3losely as "e mo)e5 to%ar5s me.

A9?m all ri-"t@ 9?m all ri-"t.C 9 -lare5 up at "im. A="at 5i5 you 5o 8e"in5 my 8a3k to piss "im o11BC Hean2!lau5e looke5 em8arrasse5. A9 5i5 tease 7onsieur Keeman. Per"aps 9 e)en %ante5 a 1i-"t. Healousy is a 1oolis" emotion. Ho% %as 9 to kno% you %oul5 not mo)e out o1 t"e %ay o1 a 3"ar-in- %ere%ol1BC A9 5on?t 8a3k up@ not 1or anyone.C 9 almost lau-"e5. A$"ou-" ne*t time@ may8e 9?ll make an e*3eption.C A9 5i5n?t mean to "urt you@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ABut seein- you to-et"er like t"at ... Kno%in- you?re %it" "im isn?t t"e same t"in- as "a)in- it ru88e5 in my 1a3e.C His an-er "a5 )anis"e5 t"e moment "e?5 "urt me. Horror at %"at "e?5 5one@ 1ear 1or my sa1ety@ sanity returnin- in a rus". A=e %ere only kissin-@ <i3"ar5@ not"in- else@ no matter %"at "e %ants you to 8elie)e.C A9 %as su55enly so >ealous. 9?m sorry.C A9 kno% it %as an a33i5ent@ <i3"ar5. 9?m >ust -la5 t"ere %asn?t a %all 3loser.C A9 3oul5 "a)e "urt you 8a5ly.C He took a step to%ar5s me@ "an5s rea3"in-@ an5 stoppe5 "imsel1. AAn5 you %ant me to let t"e 8east loose enou-" to kill. 4on?t you un5erstan5 "o% "ar5 9 1i-"t to 3ontrol itBC A9 un5erstan5 8etter t"an 9 5i5 a 1e% minutes a-o@C 9 sai5. ADour 8a-s are in t"e "all%ay. 9?ll 8rin- t"em in@ t"en 9?ll -o.C $"is %as t"e look 9?5 8een 5rea5in-. $"is 3rus"e5@ puppy 5olook. $"e an-er "a5 8een easier to 5eal %it"@ i1 more 5an-erous. A4on?t -o.C $"ey 8ot" looke5 at me. AHean2!lau5e sta-e5 t"is.C 9 "el5 a "an5 up 8e1ore "e 3oul5 protest. A#"@ 9 kno% you en>oye5 yoursel1@ 8ut you still %ante5 <i3"ar5 to see us to-et"er. Dou %ante5 to pi3k a 1i-"t. Dou %ante5 to s"o% me "e %as as mu3" a monster as you are. Dou su33ee5e5 on all 3ounts 8eauti1ully. /o%@ -et out.C ADou are t"ro%in- me out o1 my o%n 8e5roomBC He looke5 amuse5. ADea".C 9 stoo5 up an5 %as only a little %o88ly on t"e "i-" "eels. Hean2!lau5e si-"e5. A9 am to 8e rele-ate5 1ore)er to my 3o11in t"en@ to ne)er kno% t"e >oy o1 your 3ompany 1or my slum8er.C ADou 5on?t -o to sleep@ Hean2!lau5e. Dou 5ie. 7ay8e 9 lust a1ter your %arm@ 8reat"in- 8o5y@ 8ut 9?m not up to t"e 1ull pa3ka-e yet.C He smile5. AVery %ell@ ma petite. 9 %ill lea)e you an5 7onsieur Keeman to 5is3uss t"e last 1e% minutes. 9 %oul5 ask one t"in-.C AAn5 t"at isBC 9 aske5. A$"at you not make lo)e in my 8e5 %"en 9 3annot >oin you.C 9 si-"e5. A9t %oul5 8e pretty ta3ky to make lo)e %it" <i3"ar5 in your 8e5. 9 t"ink you?re sa1e on t"at one.C Hean2!lau5e -lan3e5 at <i3"ar5. His eyes seeme5 to take in e)ery in3" o1 "im@ lin-erin- on t"e open %oun5 at "is ne3k@ t"ou-" may8e t"at %as >ust my ima-ination. A91 anyone 3oul5 %it"stan5 t"e temptation@ it is you@ ma petite.C Hean2!lau5e looke5 at me@ "is 1a3e unrea5a8le. A9 am sorry you %ere nearly "urt. 9 5i5 not mean 1or t"at to "appen.C ADou al%ays "a)e -oo5 intentions@C 9 sai5. He si-"e5@ t"en smile5. He -lan3e5 at <i3"ar5. APer"aps 9 am not t"e 8etter monster@ a1ter all.C AGet out@C 9 sai5. He le1t@ still smilin-. He 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im@ an5 9 %as le1t %it" "is po%er 5an3in- o)er my skin@ t"e 1eel o1 "is lips an5 "an5s on my 8o5y. 9t %as only a kiss. 'oreplay. But e)en t"e rus" o1 a5renaline@ o1 nearly 8ein- t"ro%n into a %all@ 3oul5n?t 3"ase a%ay t"e a1tere11e3ts. <i3"ar5 stoo5 starin- at me@ as i1 "e 3oul5 sense t"e po%er some"o%. A9?ll -o -et t"e 8a-s@C "e sai5. He 3oul5 "a)e sai5 so many t"in-s@ 8ut t"at %as sa1est. He %ent to -et t"e 8a-s@ an5 9 sat 5o%n on t"e 8e5. <i3"ar5 3oul5 "a)e kille5 me. Hean2!lau5e %oul5 ne)er "a)e lost 3ontrol like t"at. 9 %ante5 <i3"ar5 to em8ra3e "is 8east@ 8ut may8e@ >ust may8e@ 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 %"at t"at meant.

Chapter Twenty-three
9 sat on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5@ %aitin- 1or <i3"ar5 to 3ome 8a3k into t"e room. 7y skin %as >umpin- 1rom Hean2!lau5e?s partin- -i1t. #nly a kiss@ an5 <i3"ar5 "a5 nearly torn into Hean2!lau5e an5 me. ="at %oul5 <i3"ar5 "a)e 5one i1 "e?5 3au-"t us 5oin- somet"in- truly las3i)iousB 9t %as 8etter not to 1in5 out. <i3"ar5 set my suit3ase an5 8ot" 8a-s insi5e t"e 5oor. He %ent out an5 3ame 8a3k %it" "is small o)erni-"t 8a-.

He stoo5 t"ere@ >ust insi5e t"e 5oor@ starin- at me. 9 stare5 8a3k. Bloo5 still tri3kle5 5o%n "is t"roat 1rom %"ere 9?5 3ut "im. /eit"er o1 us seeme5 to kno% %"at to say. $"e silen3e -re% until it %as so t"i3k it 8e-an to "a)e %ei-"t. A9?m sorry 9 "urt you@C "e sai5. A9?)e ne)er lost 3ontrol like t"at 8e1ore.C He took a step into t"e room. ABut seein- you %it" "im ... C He "el5 out "is "an5s@ t"en let t"em 1all to "is si5es@ "elplessly. A9t %as only a kiss@ <i3"ar5. $"at?s all.C A9t?s ne)er only a kiss %it" Hean2!lau5e.C 9 3oul5n?t ar-ue t"at. A9 %ante5 to kill "im@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9 noti3e5.C ADou?re sure you?re all ri-"tBC AHo%?s your ne3kBC 9 aske5. He tou3"e5 t"e %oun5 an5 3ame a%ay %it" 1res" 8loo5. ASil)er 8la5e@ it %on?t "eal imme5iately.C He 3ame to stan5 in 1ront o1 me@ lookin- 5o%n@ so 3lose t"at t"e le-s o1 "is >eans nearly 8rus"e5 my knees. 9t %as almost too 3lose. $"e lin-erin- 8rus" o1 Hean2!lau5e?s po%er ma5e my skin a3"e. <i3"ar5?s nearness ma5e it %orse. 91 9 stoo5 up@ our 8o5ies %oul5 tou3"@ "e %as t"at 3lose. 9 staye5 sittin-@ tryin- to s%allo% t"e last 8its o1 Hean2!lau5e?s kiss. 9 %asn?t sure %"at %oul5 "appen i1 9 tou3"e5 <i3"ar5 no%. 9t 1elt almost like %"ate)er Hean2!lau5e "a5 5one rea3te5 to <i3"ar5?s 8o5y. #r may8e it %as me. 7ay8e 9 %as 8e3omin- t"at nee5y. 7ay8e my 8o5y %as tire5 o1 sayin- no. A=oul5 you really "a)e kille5 meBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A!oul5 you "a)e plun-e5 t"at 8la5e "omeBC 9 stare5 up at "im an5 %ante5 to lie to t"e sin3erity in "is eyes@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. ="ate)er %e %ere 5oin- %it" ea3" ot"er@ %"ate)er %e meant to ea3" ot"er@ it 3oul5n?t 8e 8ase5 on lies. ADes.C AHust like t"at@C "e sai5. 9 no55e5. AHust like t"at.C A9 sa% it in your eyes. !ol5@ 5ispassionate@ like someone else %as lookin- out. 91 9 %as sure 9 3oul5 kill 3ol5ly@ it %oul5n?t s3are me so mu3".C A9 %is" 9 3oul5 promise you t"at you %oul5n?t en>oy it@ 8ut 9 3an?t.C A9 kno% t"at.C He stare5 at me. A9 3oul5n?t kill you. /ot 1or any reason.C A9t %oul5 5estroy somet"in- in me to lose you@ <i3"ar5@ 8ut my 1irst rea3tion is to prote3t mysel1 at all 3osts. So@ i1 %e e)er "a)e anot"er misun5erstan5in- like %e 5i5 toni-"t@ 5on?t "elp me up@ 5on?t 3ome 3lose to me@ until 9?m sure you?re not -oin- to eat me. #kayBC He no55e5. A#kay.C $"e ener-y rus" t"at Hean2!lau5e "a5 -i)en me %as 1a5in-@ 3almin-. 9 stoo5 up@ an5 <i3"ar5?s 8o5y tou3"e5 mine. 9 1elt an instant rus" o1 %arm ener-y t"at "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" t"e )ampire. <i3"ar5?s aura en)elope5 me like a 8reat" o1 %arm air. His arms sli5 8e"in5 my 8a3k. 9 sli5 my "an5s aroun5 "is %aist an5 lai5 my 3"eek a-ainst "is 3"est. 9 listene5 to t"e 5eep t"ro88in- o1 "is "eart@ runnin- my "an5s o)er t"e so1tness o1 t"e 1lannel s"irt. $"ere %as a measure o1 3om1ort in <i3"ar5?s arms t"at simply %asn?t t"ere %"en Hean2!lau5e "el5 me. He ran "is "an5s t"rou-" my "air@ puttin- one on eit"er si5e o1 my 1a3e. He pulle5 me 8a3k until "e 3oul5 see my 1a3e. He 8ent to%ar5s me@ lips parte5. 9 stret3"e5 on tiptoe to meet "im. A )oi3e sai5@ A7aster.C <i3"ar5 turne5 %it" me still in "is arms@ so %e 3oul5 see t"e 5oor. Hason 3ra%le5 a3ross t"e %"ite 3arpet@ 5rippin3rimson 5rops as "e mo)e5. A7y Go5@ %"at "appene5 to youBC 9 aske5. A9 "appene5 to "im@C <i3"ar5 sai5. He %alke5 o)er to t"e 3ra%lin- man. A="at 5o you mean@ you "appene5 to "imBC Hason a8ase5 "imsel1 at <i3"ar5?s 1eet@ 1a3e presse5 to t"e 3arpet. A9?m sorry.C <i3"ar5 knelt an5 raise5 Hason to a sittin- position. Bloo5 ran 5o%n "is 1a3e 1rom a 3ut a8o)e "is eyes. 9t %as 5eep an5 %oul5 nee5 stit3"es. ADou t"re% "im into a %allBC 9 aske5. AHe trie5 to stop me 1rom rea3"in- you.C A9 3an?t 8elie)e you 5i5 t"is.C

<i3"ar5 looke5 up at me. ADou %ant me to 8e pa3k lea5er. Dou %ant me to 8e alp"a. =ell@ t"is is %"at it takes.C He s"ook "is "ea5. ADou s"oul5 see your 1a3e. Dou look so 5amne5 outra-e5. Ho% 3an you %ant me to kill anot"er "uman 8einan5 8e upset 8y a little rou-" an5 tum8leBC 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. AHean2!lau5e sai5 t"at killin- 7ar3us %oul5n?t 8e enou-". $"at you?5 "a)e to 8e %illin- to terroriEe t"e pa3k to rule it.C AHe?s ri-"t.C <i3"ar5 %ipe5 t"e 8loo5 o11 Hason?s 1a3e. $"e 3ut %as alrea5y 8e-innin- to 3lose. He put "is 8loo5y 1in-ers into "is mout" an5 li3ke5 t"em 3lean. 9 stoo5 t"ere@ 1roEen@ starin-@ like an un%illin- %itness to a 3ar 3ras". <i3"ar5 8ent 3lose to Hason?s 1a3e. 9 t"ou-"t 9 kne% %"at "e %as -oin- to 5o@ 8ut 9 "a5 to see it to 8elie)e it. He li3ke5 t"e %oun5. He ran "is ton-ue o)er t"e open %oun5 like a 5o- %ill 5o. 9 turne5 a%ay. $"is 3oul5n?t 8e my <i3"ar5@ my sa1e@ 3om1ortin- <i3"ar5. ADou 3an?t stan5 to %at3"@ 3an youBC "e aske5. A4i5 you t"ink t"at killin- %as t"e only t"in- 9 "a5 re1use5 to 5oBC His )oi3e ma5e me turn 8a3k. $"ere %as a smu5-e o1 8loo5 on "is 3"in. A=at3" it all@ Anita. 9 %ant you to see %"at it takes to 8e alp"i3. $"en you tell me i1 it?s all %ort" it. 91 you 3an?t stoma3" it@ 5on?t e)er ask me to 5o it a-ain.C $"e look in "is eyes ma5e it a 3"allen-e. 9 un5erstoo5 3"allen-es. 9 sat on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5. AGo to it. 9?m all yours.C <i3"ar5 8rus"e5 t"e "air on one si5e@ e*posin- t"e %oun5 on "is ne3k. A9 am alp"a an5 9 1ee5 t"e pa3k. 9 spille5 your 8loo5@ an5 no% 9 -i)e it 8a3k to you.C $"e %arm rus" o1 "is po%er spille5 t"rou-" t"e room. Hason stare5 up at "im@ "is eyes rolle5 almost to %"ite. A7ar3us 5oesn?t 5o t"is.C ABe3ause "e 3an?t@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9 3an. 'ee5 on my 8loo5@ on my apolo-y@ my po%er@ an5 ne)er stan5 a-ainst me a-ain.C $"e air %as so t"i3k %it" po%er it %as "ar5 to 8reat"e. Hason rose on "is knees an5 put "is mout" o)er t"e %oun5@ tentati)ely at 1irst@ as i1 a1rai5 "e?5 8e turne5 a%ay or "urt. ="en <i3"ar5 5i5n?t say anyt"in-@ Hason presse5 "is mout" to t"e open %oun5 an5 5rank. His >a% mus3les %orke5@ "is t"roat s%allo%e5. #ne "an5 slippe5 8e"in5 <i3"ar5?s 8a3k@ one "an5 on "is s"oul5er. 9 %alke5 aroun5 t"em until 9 3oul5 see <i3"ar5?s 1a3e. His eyes %ere 3lose5@ "is 1a3e pea3e1ul. He must "a)e 1elt me %at3"in- "im@ 8e3ause "e opene5 "is eyes. $"ere %as an-er t"ere@ an-er at me@ partly. 9t %asn?t only a8out killin7ar3us@ it %as a8out -i)in- up pie3es o1 "is "umanity. 9 "a5n?t un5erstoo5 t"at@ not until no%. He tou3"e5 Hason?s s"oul5ers. A,nou-".C Hason presse5 "imsel1 "ar5er a-ainst t"e %oun5@ like a nursin- puppy. <i3"ar5 pulle5 "im 1or3i8ly o11 o1 "is ne3k. A "i3ky "a5 alrea5y sprea5 aroun5 t"e %oun5. Hason lay 8a3k@ "al123ra5le5 in <i3"ar5?s arms. He li3ke5 t"e e5-es o1 "is mout"@ -ettin- t"e last 5rops o1 8loo5. He -i--le5 an5 rolle5 a%ay 1rom <i3"ar5@ to kneel on t"e 1loor. He ru88e5 "is 1a3e alon- <i3"ar5?s le-. A9?)e ne)er 1elt anyt"in- like t"at. 7ar3us 3an?t s"are po%er like t"at. 4oes any8o5y else in t"e pa3k kno% you 3an s"are 8loo5BC A$ell t"em@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A$ell t"em all.C ADou really are -oin- to kill 7ar3us@ aren?t youBC Hason aske5. A91 "e -i)es me no ot"er 3"oi3e@ yes. /o%@ -o@ Hason@ your ot"er master is %aitin-.C Hason stoo5@ an5 almost 1ell. He ri-"te5 "imsel1@ ru88in- "is "an5s 5o%n "is le-s an5 arms as i1 "e %as 8at"in- in somet"in- 9 3oul5n?t see. 7ay8e it %as t"e %arm@ ru11lin- po%er t"at "e trie5 to tie aroun5 "imsel1. He lau-"e5 a-ain. A91 you?ll 1ee5 me@ you 3an "it me into a %all anytime.C AGet out@C <i3"ar5 sai5. Hason -ot out. <i3"ar5 %as still kneelin- on t"e 1loor. He looke5 up at me. A4o you un5erstan5 no% %"y 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5o t"isBC ADes@C 9 sai5. A7ay8e i1 7ar3us kno%s 9 3an s"are 8loo5@ my po%er@ "e?ll 8a3k 5o%n.C ADou?re still "opin- not to kill "im@C 9 sai5. A9t?s not only t"e killin-@ Anita. 9t?s e)eryt"in- t"at -oes %it" it. 9t?s %"at 9 >ust 5i5 %it" Hason. A "un5re5 t"in-s@ none o1 t"em )ery "uman.C He looke5 at me@ an5 t"ere %as a sorro% in "is 8ro%n eyes t"at 9 "a5 ne)er seen 8e1ore. 9 un5erstoo5 su55enly. A9t isn?t t"e killin- e*a3tly@ is itB #n3e you take o)er t"e pa3k 8y 8loo5 an5 8rute 1or3e@ you "a)e to keep t"e pa3k %it" 8loo5 an5 8rute 1or3e.C A,*a3tly. 91 9 3oul5 1or3e 7ar3us out some"o%@ i1 9 3oul5 make "im 8a3k 5o%n@ t"en 9?5 "a)e room to 5o t"in-s 5i11erently.C He 3ame to stan5 in 1ront o1 me@ "is 1a3e ea-er. A9?)e 8rou-"t nearly "al1 t"e pa3k eit"er to my si5e or at least to 8e neutral. $"ey aren?t 8a3kin- 7ar3us anymore. /o one?s e)er 5i)i5e5 a pa3k like t"is %it"out 5eat"s.C A="y 3an?t you split into t%o pa3ksBC

He s"ook "is "ea5. A7ar3us %oul5 ne)er allo% it. $"e pa3k lea5er -ets a tit"e 1rom e)ery mem8er. 9t %oul5 3ut not >ust "is po%er 8ut "is money.C ADou -ettin- money no%BC 9 aske5. A,)eryone?s still tit"in- to 7ar3us. 9 5on?t %ant t"e money@ an5 it?s >ust one more 1i-"t. 9 t"ink tit"in- s"oul5 8e a8olis"e5.C 9 %at3"e5 t"e li-"t in "is 1a3e@ t"e plans@ t"e 5reams. He %as 8uil5in- a po%er 8ase o1 1airness an5 8oy s3out )irtues %it" 3reatures t"at 3oul5 rip out your t"roat an5 eat you a1ter%ar5s. He 8elie)e5 "e 3oul5 5o it. =at3"in- "is "an5some@ ea-er 1a3e@ 9 almost 8elie)e5 it@ too. A9 t"ou-"t you 3oul5 kill 7ar3us an5 t"at %oul5 8e it. But it %on?t 8e@ %ill itBC A<aina %ill see to it t"at 9?m 3"allen-e5. :nless 9 put t"e 1ear o1 me into t"em.C AAs lon- as <aina is ali)e@ s"e?ll 8e trou8le.C A9 5on?t kno% %"at to 5o a8out <aina.C A9 3oul5 kill "er@C 9 sai5. $"e look on "is 1a3e %as enou-". AHust ki55in-@C 9 sai5. Sort o1. <i3"ar5 %oul5n?t a-ree %it" t"e ultimate pra3ti3ality@ 8ut i1 "e %as -oin- to 8e sa1e@ <aina "a5 to 5ie. !ol528loo5e5@ 8ut true. A="at are you t"inkin-@ AnitaBC A$"at may8e you?re ri-"t an5 t"e rest o1 us are %ron-.C AA8out %"atBC A7ay8e you s"oul5n?t kill 7ar3us.C <i3"ar5?s eyes %i5ene5. A9 t"ou-"t you %ere an-ry %it" me 1or not killin- 7ar3us.C A9t?s not killin- 7ar3us. 9t?s en5an-erin- e)ery8o5y 8y not killin- 7ar3us.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5on?t see t"e 5i11eren3e.C A$"e 5i11eren3e is t"at killin- is a means to an en5@ not an en5 in itsel1. 9 %ant you ali)e. 7ar3us -one. $"e pa3k mem8ers t"at 1ollo% you sa1e. 9 5on?t %ant you to "a)e to torture t"e pa3k to keep your pla3e. 91 %e 3an a33omplis" all t"at %it"out you "a)in- to kill anyone@ 9?m okay %it" t"at. 9 5on?t t"ink t"ere?s an option t"at 5oesn?t in)ol)e killin-. But i1 you 3an 3ome up %it" one@ 9?ll support you.C He stu5ie5 my 1a3e. AAre you tellin- me t"at you t"ink 9 s"oul5n?t kill no%BC ADea".C He lau-"e5@ 8ut it %as %it" more irony t"an "umor. A9 5on?t kno% %"et"er to yell at you or "u- you.C A9 a11e3t a lot o1 people t"at %ay@C 9 sai5. ALook@ %"en %e %ent to res3ue Step"en@ you s"oul5 "a)e 3alle5 a 1e% people. Gone into t"e situation 1rom a position o1 stren-t"@ %it" t"ree or 1our lieutenants at your 8a3k. $"ere is a 3ompromise 8et%een playin- Sir Lan3elot an5 8ein- Vla5 t"e 9mpaler.C He sat 5o%n on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5. ABein- a8le to 1ee5 po%er t"rou-" my 8loo5 is a rare talent. 9t?s impressi)e@ 8ut it %on?t 8e enou-". 9?5 "a)e to "a)e some ma>or s3ary stu11 to -et 7ar3us an5 <aina to 8a3k 5o%n. 9?m po%er1ul@ Anita@ really po%er1ul.C He sai5 it like it %as simply t"e trut"@ no e-o@ no pri5e. ABut it?s not t"at kin5 o1 po%er1ul.C 9 sat 5o%n 8esi5e "im. A9?ll 5o anyt"in- 9 3an@ <i3"ar5. Hust promise me you %on?t 8e 3areless.C He smile5@ 8ut it 5i5n?t rea3" "is eyes. A9 %on?t 8e 3areless i1 you?ll kiss me.C =e kisse5. $"e taste o1 "im %as %arm an5 sure@ 8ut un5erneat" it %as t"e s%eet salt o1 8loo5@ an5 Hason?s a1ters"a)e. 9 5re% a%ay 1rom "im. A="at?s %ron-BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. $ellin- "im 9 3oul5 taste ot"er people?s 8loo5 in "is mout" %as not -oin- to 8e "elp1ul. =e %ere -oin- to %ork so "e 5i5n?t "a)e to 5o t"in-s like t"at. 9t %asn?t "is 8east t"at %oul5 steal "is "umanity@ it %as a t"ousan5 smaller t"in-s. A!"an-e 1or me@C 9 sai5. A="atBC A!"an-e 1or me@ "ere@ no%.C He stare5 at me@ as i1 tryin- to rea5 somet"in- in my 1a3e. A="y no%BC ALet me see all o1 you@ <i3"ar5@ t"e %"ole pa3ka-e.C A91 you 5on?t %ant Hean2!lau5e s"arin- t"e 8e5@ you 5on?t %ant a %ol1 in 8e5 %it" you@ eit"er.C ADou %oul5n?t you 8e trappe5 in %ol1 1orm until mornin-@ you sai5 so earlier.C A/o@ 9 %oul5n?t@C "e sai5 so1tly.

A91 you 3"an-e toni-"t@ an5 9 3an a33ept it@ %e 3an make lo)e. =e 3an start plannin- t"e %e55in-.C He lau-"e5. A!an 9 kill 7ar3us 8e1ore 9 "a)e to kill Hean2!lau5eBC AHean2!lau5e promise5 not to "urt you@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 %ent )ery still. ADou?)e alrea5y talke5 to "im a8out t"isBC 9 no55e5. A="y %asn?t "e an-ry %it" meBC AHe sai5 "e?5 step asi5e i1 "e 3oul5n?t %in me@ so "e?s steppin- asi5e.C 9 5i5n?t a55 t"e part a8out Hean2!lau5e lo)in- me. Sa)e it 1or later. A!all your 8east@ <i3"ar5.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9t isn?t >ust my 8east@ Anita. 9t?s t"e lukoi@ t"e pa3k. Dou "a)e to see t"em@ too.C A9?)e seen t"em.C He s"ook "is "ea5. ADou "a)en?t seen us at t"e lupanar. #ur pla3e o1 po%er. =e?re real t"ere@ no pretense@ not e)en to oursel)es.C A9?)e >ust tol5 you t"at 9 %ant to marry you. 4i5 you pi3k up on t"atBC 9 aske5. <i3"ar5 stoo5. A9 %ant to marry you@ Anita@ more t"an almost anyt"in- in t"e %orl5. 9 %ant you so 8a5ly my 8o5y a3"es %it" it. 9 5on?t trust mysel1 to 8e "ere toni-"t.C A=e?)e mana-e5 to stay 3"aste so 1ar@C 9 sai5. ABy t"e skin o1 our teet".C He pi3ke5 up "is o)erni-"t 3ase. A$"e lukoi 3all se* t"e killin- 5an3e.C ASoBC A=e use t"e same p"rase 1or 8attles o1 su33ession.C A9 still 5on?t un5erstan5 t"e pro8lem.C He stare5 at me. ADou %ill. Go5 "elp us 8ot". Dou %ill.C $"ere %as somet"in- so sa5@ so %ist1ul a8out "im su55enly@ t"at 9 5i5n?t %ant to let "im -o. $omorro% "e?5 1a3e 7ar3us@ an5 >ust 8e3ause "e?5 a-ree5 to kill 5i5n?t mean "e 3oul5. ="en t"e moment 3ame@ 9 5i5n?t trust "im not to 1lin3". 9 5i5n?t %ant to lose "im. AStay %it" me@ <i3"ar5. Please.C A9t %oul5n?t 8e 1air to you.C A4on?t 8e su3" a 1ri--in- 8oy s3out.C He smile5 an5 -a)e a )ery 8a5 Popeye imitation@ A9 am %"at 9 am.C He 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im. 9 5i5n?t e)en -et to kiss "im -oo528ye.

Chapter Twenty-four
9 %oke to 5arkness an5 someone 8en5in- o)er me. 9 3oul5n?t really see@ 8ut 9 1elt somet"in- in t"e air a8o)e me like a %ei-"t. 7y "an5 sli5 un5er t"e pillo% an5 3ame out %it" t"e 'irestar. 9 s"o)e5 t"e -un into %"oe)er it %as@ an5 t"ey %ere -one like a 5ream. 9 sli5 o11 t"e 8e5@ pressin- my 8a3k a-ainst t"e %all@ makin- mysel1 as small a tar-et as possi8le. A )oi3e 3ame out o1 t"e 5arkness. 9 aime5 1or it@ strainin- my ears 1or soun5s o1 more intru5ers. A9t?s !assan5ra. $"e li-"t s%it3" is a8o)e you. 9?ll stay ri-"t "ere %"ile you turn on t"e li-"ts.C Her )oi3e %as lo%@ e)en@ t"e sort o1 )oi3e you use5 1or 3raEy people@ or people %"o "a5 -uns pointe5 at you. 9 s%allo%e5 past my pulse an5 s3oote5 my 8a3k up t"e %all. 9 s%ipe5 my le1t "an5 up t"e %all until it "it t"e s%it3" plate@ t"en 9 knelt 8a3k 5o%n@ 1in-ers tou3"in- t"e s%it3". ="en 9 %as as 1ar 5o%n as 9 3oul5 -et an5 still turn on t"e li-"t@ 9 "it it. Li-"t 1lare5. $"ere %as a moment o1 5aEElin- 8lin5ness %"ile 9 "unkere5 on t"e 1loor@ -un pointe5 8lin5ly. ="en 9 3oul5 see@ !assan5ra stoo5 near t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5@ "an5s out to eit"er si5e@ starin- at me. Her eyes %ere a little too %i5e. $"e la3e on "er Vi3torian ni-"t-o%n 1luttere5 %it" "er 8reat". Des@ Vi3torian ni-"t-o%n. S"e looke5 5eli3ate@ 5oll2like. 9?5 aske5 "er last ni-"t i1 Hean2!lau5e pi3ke5 out t"e -o%n. /o@ s"e?5 pi3ke5 it out. ,a3" to t"eir o%n. S"e stoo5 on t"e 3arpet@ 1roEen@ starin-. AAnita@ are you all ri-"tBC Her tone sai5 s"e 5i5n?t t"ink so. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 pointe5 t"e -un at t"e 3eilin-. ADea"@ 9?m all ri-"t.C A!an 9 mo)eBC 9 stoo5@ "ol5in- t"e -un at my si5e. A4on?t try to tou3" me %"en 9?m in a soun5 sleep. Say somet"in- 1irst.C

A9?ll remem8er t"at@C s"e sai5. A7ay 9 mo)eBC ASure. ="at?s upBC 9 aske5. A<i3"ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e are outsi5e.C 9 3"e3ke5 my %at3". 9t %as one o?3lo3k in t"e a1ternoon. 9?5 "a5 nearly si* "ours o1 sleep. #r %oul5 "a)e "a5 i1 !assan5ra an5 9 "a5n?t talke5 1or an "our. 9 "a5n?t "a5 a sleep2o)er in years@ an5 1rankly@ -irl or no@ s"e %as still a ly3ant"rope t"at 9?5 met only t"at ni-"t. 9t 1elt stran-e to trust "er at my 8a3k as my 8o5y-uar5. 9?)e ne)er 8een too 1on5 o1 sleepin- %it" stran-ers. 9t?s not se*ual. 9t?s plain suspi3ion. Bein- 5eeply asleep is as "elpless as most o1 us -et. A="at 5o t"ey %antBC A<i3"ar5 sai5 "e "as a plan.C 9 5i5n?t nee5 to ask %"at plan. $"ere %as only one t"in- on "is min5 t"e 5ay o1 t"e 1ull moonJ 7ar3us. A$ell t"em 9?m -ettin- 5resse5 1irst.C 9 %ent 1or my suit3ase. !assan5ra pa55e5 to t"e 5oor. S"e opene5 it only a 3ra3k@ speakin- so1tly. S"e 3lose5 it 1irmly 8e"in5 "er an5 3ame 8a3k to me. S"e looke5 puEEle5. 9n t"e ni-"t-o%n %it" a puEEle5 1ro%n on "er 1a3e@ s"e looke5 a8out t%el)e. 9 knelt 8y t"e suit3ase@ 3lot"es in my "an5s@ lookin- up at "er. A="at no%BC AHean2!lau5e sai5 not to 8ot"er -ettin- 5resse5.C 9 stare5 at "er 1or a "eart8eat. ADea"@ ri-"t. 9?m -ettin- 5resse5. $"ey 3an >ust 8loo5y %ell %ait t"at lon-.C S"e no55e5 an5 %ent 8a3k to t"e 5oor. 9 %ent 1or t"e 8at"room. 9 stare5 at mysel1 in t"e mirror. 9 looke5 as tire5 as 9 1elt. 9 8rus"e5 teet"@ took 3are o1 ne3essities@ an5 %is"e5 1or a s"o%er. 9t %oul5 "a)e "elpe5 %ake me up. 9 3oul5 "a)e run a 8at"@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure t"e 8oys %oul5 last t"at lon-. Besi5es@ a 8at" %as somet"in- 9 5i5 to -et rea5y 1or 8e5@ not 1or %akin- up. 9 nee5e5 somet"in- stimulatin-@ not somet"in- soot"in-. <i3"ar5 "a5 a plan@ 8ut Hean2!lau5e %as %it" "im. $"at meant t"at t"e )ampire "a5 "elpe5 3ome up %it" t"e plan. 9t %as a s3ary t"ou-"t. $oni-"t <i3"ar5 %oul5 1i-"t 7ar3us. He 3oul5 8e 5ea5 8y tomorro%. $"e t"ou-"t ma5e my 3"est ti-"t. $"ere %as a pressure 8e"in5 my eyes t"at "a5 more to 5o %it" tears t"an anyt"in- else. 9 3oul5 li)e %it" <i3"ar5 o11 some%"ere. 9t %oul5 "urt i1 "e %asn?t %it" me@ 8ut 9?5 sur)i)e. 9 mi-"t not sur)i)e "is 5eat". 9 lo)e5 <i3"ar5. 9 really lo)e5 "im. 9 5i5n?t %ant to -i)e "im up. /ot 1or anyt"in-. Hean2!lau5e %as 8ein- a per1e3t -entleman@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t trust it. Ho% 3oul5 9B He al%ays "a5 a 5oEen 5i11erent reasons 1or e)eryt"in- "e 5i5. ="at %as t"e planB $"e ;ui3ker 9 5resse5@ t"e ;ui3ker 9?5 1in5 out. 9?5 pretty mu3" >ust -ra88e5 stu11 out o1 t"e suit3ase. Dou 3an mi* an5 mat3" almost all t"e 3lot"in- 9 o%n. 4ark 8lue >eans@ na)y 8lue polo s"irt@ %"ite >o--in- so3ks. 9 "a5n?t 5resse5 to impress anyone. /o% t"at 9 %as a little more a%ake@ 9 %is"e5 9?5 3"osen somet"in- a little less pra3ti3al. Lo)e makes you %orry a8out stu11 like t"at. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor. <i3"ar5 stoo5 8y t"e 8e5. $"e si-"t o1 "im stoppe5 me in my tra3ks. His "air %as 8rus"e5 until it 1ell like a 1rot"y mass aroun5 "is s"oul5ers. He %as %earin- not"in- 8ut a pair o1 silky un5ers"orts@ royal purple. $"ey %ere slit "i-" on ea3" si5e@ -i)in- -limpses o1 "is t"i-"s as "e turne5 to%ar5s me. ="en 9 3oul5 3lose my mout" an5 talk@ 9 sai5@ A="y are you 5resse5 like t"atBC Hean2!lau5e leane5 one s"oul5er a-ainst t"e %all. He %as %earin- a 8la3k ankle2len-t" ro8e e5-e5 %it" 8la3k 1ur. His "air min-le5 %it" t"e 1ur 3ollar until it %as "ar5 to tell %"ere one 8la3kness en5e5 an5 t"e ot"er 8e-an. His pale ne3k an5 a trian-le o1 "is 3"est s"o%e5 almost per1e3tly %"ite a-ainst t"e 1ur. ADou look like you?)e >ust steppe5 out o1 t%o 5i11erent porno mo)ies. !assan5ra sai5 somet"in- a8out a plan. ="at?s t"e planBC <i3"ar5 -lan3e5 at Hean2!lau5e. $"ey e*3"an-e5 a look 8et%een t"em t"at sai5 8etter t"an %or5s t"at t"ey?5 8een plottin- 8e"in5 my 8a3k. <i3"ar5 sat on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5. $"e s"orts 3lun- a little too 3lose 1or 3om1ort an5 9 "a5 to look a%ay@ so 9 looke5 at Hean2!lau5e. /ot 3om1ortin-@ 8ut at least most o1 "im %as 3o)ere5. A4o you remem8er some mont"s a-o@ 8e1ore !"ristmas@ %"en %e a33i5ently set o11 some sort o1 ma-i3al ener-y in your apartmentBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. A9 remem8er@C 9 sai5. A7onsieur Keeman an5 9 8elie)e t"at t"e t"ree o1 us 3oul5 s"are po%er@ 8e3ome a trium)irate.C 9 looke5 1rom one to t"e ot"er. A,*plain.C A$"ere is a link 8et%een mysel1 an5 %ol)es. $"ere is a link 8et%een you@ my little ne3roman3er@ an5 t"e 5ea5. Lust an5 lo)e "a)e al%ays "el5 a ma-i3al ener-y. 9 3an s"o% you in5i)i5ual spells t"at 3an use t"e link 8et%een )ampire an5 t"eir animal@ 8et%een ne3roman3er an5 )ampire. =e s"oul5 not 8e surprise5 t"at t"ere is po%er 8et%een us.C

A7ake your point@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e smile5. A9 8elie)e %e 3oul5 3all up enou-" po%er to 8a3k 5o%n a 3ertain :l1ri3. 9 kno% 7ar3us. He %ill not 1i-"t i1 "e 8elie)es "e "as no "ope o1 %innin-.C AHean2!lau5e?s ri-"t@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A91 9 3an s"ine %it" enou-" po%er@ 7ar3us %ill 8a3k 5o%n.C AHo% 5o you kno% %e 3an e)en 3all t"is %"ate)er2it2is up a-ainBC 9 aske5. A9 "a)e 5one some resear3"@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A$"ere are t%o 3ases o1 master )ampires %"o 3oul5 3all animals@ %"o t"en ma5e one o1 t"ose animals in %ere21orm a sort o1 "uman ser)ant.C ASoBC A9t means t"at t"ere is a 3"an3e o1 my 8ein- a8le to 8in5 you 8ot".C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o %ay@ no )ampire marks. Been t"ere@ 5one t"at@ 5i5n?t like it.C A$"ere %ere no marks on eit"er o1 you in 4e3em8er@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9 t"ink it %ill %ork %it"out any no%.C A="y are t"e t%o o1 you 5resse5 like t"atBC <i3"ar5 looke5 em8arrasse5. A9t %as all 9 8rou-"t. 9 t"ou-"t %e %ere -oin- to 8e s"arin- t"e 8e5 last ni-"t.C 9 motione5 at t"e s"orts. A$"ose %oul5 not "a)e "elpe5 us stay 3"aste@ <i3"ar5.C Heat 3rept up "is 1a3e. A9 kno%G sorry.C A$ell me t"ere is no lin-erie in your suit3ase@ ma petite.C A9 ne)er sai5 t"ere %asn?t.C <onnie "a5 talke5 me into an out1it >ust in 3ase 9 -a)e in to <i3"ar5. S"e %as %illin- 1or me to 8e5 "im 8e1ore t"e %e55in- i1 it %oul5 kno3k Hean2!lau5e out o1 t"e runnin-. A="o?5 you 8uy it 1orBC <i3"ar5 aske5 ;uietly. ADou@ 8ut 5on?t 5istra3t me. ="y t"e ni3e >ammiesBC A<i3"ar5 an5 9 "a)e ma5e an attempt or t%o on our o%n to 3all t"e po%er. 9t 5oes not %ork %it" only t"e t%o o1 us. His 5islike o1 me "as ren5ere5 it useless.C A9s t"is true@ <i3"ar5BC He no55e5. AHean2!lau5e says %e nee5 our t"ir5G %e nee5 you.C A="at?s %it" t"e 3lot"esBC ALust an5 an-er %ere %"at 5re% t"e po%er t"e 1irst time@ ma petite. =e "a)e our an-er. =e are missin- our lust.C A=ait >ust a 5amn minute.C 9 stare5 1rom one to t"e ot"er o1 t"em. AAre you sayin- %e 8e3ome a m6na-e Z troisBC A/o@C <i3"ar5 sai5. He stoo5 up. He %alke5 to%ar5s me in "is little s"orts@ 1las"in- t"e room. A/o se*@ 9 promise you t"at. ,)en 1or t"is@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e a-ree5 to s"arin- you %it" "im.C 9 ran my 1in-ertips 5o%n t"e silk o1 "is s"orts@ li-"tly@ almost like 9 %as a1rai5. A$"en %"y t"e 3ostumesBC A=e?re runnin- out o1 time@ Anita. 91 t"is is -oin- to %ork@ it?s -ot to %ork 1ast.C He -rippe5 my arms@ "is "an5s %arm on my skin. ADou sai5 you?5 "elp me %it" a plan. $"is is t"e plan.C 9 5re% a%ay 1rom "im slo%ly an5 turne5 to Hean2!lau5e. AAn5 %"at 5o you -et out o1 itBC ADour "appiness. /o %ol1 %ill 3"allen-e <i3"ar5 i1 %e are a true trium)irate.C A7y "appiness@ ri-"t.C 9 stu5ie5 "is 3alm@ lo)ely 1a3e@ an5 "a5 an i5ea. ADou taste5 Hason@ 5i5n?t youB Dou taste5 t"e po%er t"at "e su3ke5 o11 o1 <i3"ar5@ 5i5n?t youB 4i5n?t you@ you son o1 a 8it3"BC 9 %alke5 to%ar5s "im as 9 talke5@ 1i-"tinan ur-e to "it "im %"en 9 -ot t"ere. A="at o1 it@ ma petiteBC 9 stoo5 ri-"t in 1ront o1 "im@ t"ro%in- t"e %or5s into "is 1a3e. A="at 5o you -ain 1rom all t"isB An5 5on?t -i)e me 3rap a8out my "appiness. 9?)e kno%n you too lon-.C His 1a3e %as at its mil5est@ its most 5isarmin-. A9 %oul5 -ain enou-" po%er t"at no master )ampire@ s"ort o1 t"e 3oun3il itsel1@ %oul5 5are 3"allen-e me.C A9 kne% it. 9 kne% it. Dou 5on?t 5o anyt"in- %it"out a 5oEen ulterior moti)es.C A9 8ene1it in e*a3tly t"e same %ay 7onsier Keeman 8ene1its. =e %oul5 8ot" se3ure our po%er 8ases.C A'ine@ %"at 5o 9 -et out o1 itBC A="y@ 7onsieur Keeman?s sa1ety.C AAnita@C <i3"ar5 sai5 so1tly. He tou3"e5 my s"oul5er. 9 %"irle5 to 1a3e "im. 7y an-ry %or5s 5ie5 at t"e look on "is 1a3e. So serious@ so solemn.

He -rippe5 my s"oul5ers@ one "an5 3uppin- t"e si5e o1 my 1a3e. ADou 5on?t "a)e to 5o t"is i1 you 5on?t %ant to.C A4o you un5erstan5 %"at "e?s su--estin-@ <i3"ar5B =e %oul5 ne)er 8e 1ree o1 "im.C 9 tou3"e5 "is "an5 %"ere "e "el5 my 1a3e. A4on?t tie us to "im like t"is@ <i3"ar5. #n3e "e -ets a pie3e o1 you@ "e ne)er lets -o.C A91 you really 8elie)e5 "e %as e)il@ you %oul5 "a)e kille5 "im a lon- time a-o an5 8een 1ree o1 "im.C 91 9 5i5n?t 5o t"is@ an5 <i3"ar5 5ie5 toni-"t@ %oul5 9 8e a8le to li)e %it" itB 9 leane5 into "im@ pressin- my 1a3e a-ainst "is 3"est@ 8reat"in- in "is s3ent. /o. 91 "e 5ie5 an5 9 3oul5 "a)e sa)e5 "im@ 9?5 ne)er 8e ri5 o1 t"e -uilt. Hean2!lau5e 3ame to stan5 near us. A9t may "a)e 8een one o1 t"ose 1reakis" a33i5ents t"at 3annot 8e 5upli3ate5 un5er 3ontrolle5 3on5itions@ ma petite. 7a-i3 is o1ten like t"at.C 9 turne5 my 1a3e an5 looke5 at "im@ 3"eek still presse5 to <i3"ar5?s 8are 3"est@ "is arms %rappe5 aroun5 my 8a3k. A/o )ampire marks on eit"er o1 us@ ri-"tBC A9 promise. $"e only t"in- 9 %oul5 ask is t"at none o1 us 8a3k a%ay. =e nee5 a true i5ea o1 "o% mu3" po%er %e 3an 3all. 91 it is not mu3"@ t"en it is moot@ 8ut i1 it is as 9 8elie)e@ t"en it %ill sol)e a -reat many pro8lems.C ADou manipulati)e 8astar5.C A9s t"at a yesBC "e aske5. ADes@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 "u--e5 me. 9 let "is arms "ol5 me@ 3om1ort me@ 8ut it %as Hean2!lau5e?s eyes 9 met. $"ere %as a look on "is 1a3e t"at %as "ar5 to 5es3ri8e. $"e 5e)il must look like t"at a1ter you?)e si-ne5 on t"e 5otte5 line an5 -i)en a%ay your soul. Please5@ ea-er@ an5 a little "un-ry.

Chapter Twenty-five
ADou an5 7onsieur Keeman "a)e a ni3e )isit. 9 %ill take my turn in t"e 8at"room@ t"en >oin you.C Hust "earin- "im say it out lou5 ma5e me %ant to re1use. But 9 5i5n?t. AAre you sure t"is isn?t >ust your ela8orate %ay o1 1ormin- us into a m6na-e Z troisBC A=oul5 9 8e so 5e)iousBC ADea".C He lau-"e5@ an5 t"e soun5 s"i)ere5 o)er my skin like an i3e 3u8e 5roppe5 5o%n my spine. A9 %ill lea)e you t%o alone.C He 8rus"e5 past us into t"e 8at"room. 9 stalke5 a1ter "im an5 3au-"t t"e 5oor 8e1ore it 3oul5 3lose. He looke5 at me t"rou-" t"e openin-. ADes@ ma petiteBC A$"ere 8etter 8e somet"in- un5er t"at ro8e 8esi5es skin.C He smile5 %i5e enou-" to s"o% >ust a "int o1 1an-. A=oul5 9 8e so 3ru5e@ ma petiteBC A9 5on?t kno%.C He no55e5 an5 3lose5 t"e 5oor. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 turne5 to 1a3e t"e ot"er man in my li1e. <i3"ar5?s 3lot"es lay 1ol5e5 on my suit3ase. He mo)e5 to%ar5s me. $"e s"orts %ere slit "i-" enou-" t"at 9 3oul5 see almost a 3lear line 1rom 1oot to %aist. 91 %e %ere truly alone@ 9 %oul5 "a)e -one to "im. ="at s"oul5 "a)e 8een romanti3 %as su55enly 3"okin-ly a%k%ar5. 9 %as )ery a%are o1 t"e soun5s o1 runnin- %ater 1rom t"e 8at"room. Hean2!lau5e planne5 to >oin us. S%eet Hesus. <i3"ar5 still looke5 s3rumptious %it" "is "air 1allin- a3ross one eye. He "a5 stoppe5 mo)in- 3loser. He 1inally s"ook "is "ea5. A="y is t"is su55enly so a%k%ar5BC A9 t"ink t"e 8i--est reason is in t"e 8at"room -ettin- rea5y to >oin us.C He lau-"e5 an5 s"ook "is "ea5 a-ain. A9t 5oesn?t usually take us t"is lon- to 8e in ea3" ot"er?s arms.C A/o@C 9 sai5. At t"is rate@ %e %ere -oin- to 8e starin- at ea3" ot"er like "i-" s3"ool ki5s at a 5an3e %"en Hean2!lau5e 3ame 8a3k out. A7eet me "al1%ay@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 smile5. AAl%ays.C He %alke5 to meet me. $"e mus3les in "is stoma3" ripple5 as "e mo)e5. 9 %as su55enly sorry t"at 9 %as %earin- >eans an5 a polo s"irt. 9 %ante5 "im to see me in t"e lin-erie 9?5 8ou-"t. 9 %ante5 "is "an5s to run o)er t"e silk an5 my 8o5y un5erneat". <i3"ar5 an5 9 stoppe5 in3"es a%ay 1rom ea3" ot"er@ neit"er one tou3"in-. 9 3oul5 smell "is a1ters"a)e 1aintly. 9 %as 3lose enou-" to 1eel t"e %armt" o1 "is 8o5y. 9 %ante5 to run my "an5s o)er "is 8are 3"est. 9 %ante5 to run my "an5s 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 t"ose silk s"orts. $"e t"ou-"t %as so real 9 3rosse5 my arms to keep my "an5s 8usy.

<i3"ar5 leane5 o)er me. He ran "is lips o)er my eye8ro%s@ kisse5 my eyeli5s e)er so -ently. He rea3"e5 my mout"@ an5 9 rose on tiptoe to meet "im. He sli5 "is arms aroun5 me. 9 1ell a-ainst "im@ my "an5s sear3"in- "is 8o5y@ my mout" pressin- a-ainst "is. He 8ent an5 sli5 "is arms un5er my 8utt@ li1tin- me until our 1a3es %ere e)en. 9 8roke t"e kiss an5 starte5 to say@ APut me 5o%n@C 8ut starin- at "is 1a3e 1rom an in3" a%ay@ 9 3oul5n?t say it. 9 %rappe5 my le-s aroun5 "is %aist. He 8ra3e5 "is le-s to 3at3" "is 8alan3e. 9 kisse5 "im@ an5 t"e 1irst 8rus" o1 po%er 8roke o)er me in a line o1 skin2pri3klin-@ 8elly2ti3klin- %armt". <i3"ar5 ma5e a small soun5 in "is t"roat t"at %as more -ro%l t"an moan. He knelt on t"e 1loor %it" me still ri5in- "im@ an5 %"en "e took me to t"e 1loor@ 9 5i5n?t stop "im. He raise5 "is upper 8o5y o)er me@ 8ra3in- %it" "is arms@ "is lo%er 8o5y presse5 a-ainst me. ="en "e stare5 5o%n at me@ "is eyes "a5 -one %ol1is". Somet"in- must "a)e s"o%n on my 1a3e 8e3ause "e turne5 "is "ea5 so 9 %oul5n?t see. 9 raise5 up un5erneat" "im@ -ra88e5 a "an51ul o1 "is t"i3k "air@ an5 turne5 "is "ea5 8a3k to me none too -ently. ="et"er it %as t"e pain or somet"in- else@ "e turne5 8a3k %it" a snarl. 9 5i5n?t 1lin3". 9 5i5n?t look a%ay. <i3"ar5 lo%ere5 "is 1a3e to%ar5s mine@ an5 9 lay 8a3k on t"e 1loor. His mout" "o)ere5 o)er mine. $"ere %as a 8rus" o1 %armt" as our mout"s met@ as i1 9 %as tastin- "is ener-y@ "is essen3e. $"e 8at"room 5oor opene5. $"e soun5 1roEe me@ makin- my eyes sli5e to%ar5s t"e open 5oor. <i3"ar5 "esitate5 1or a se3on5@ mout" un3ertain a8o)e mine@ t"en "e kisse5 t"e e5-e o1 my 3"in@ runnin- "is lips 5o%n my ne3k. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 in t"e 5oor%ay@ 5resse5 in 8la3k silk pa>amas. $"e lon-slee)e5 top %as un8uttone5 so t"at it 1anne5 aroun5 "is nake5 upper 8o5y as "e mo)e5. $"e look on "is 1a3e@ in "is eyes@ pani3ke5 me. 9 patte5 <i3"ar5?s s"oul5er. He?5 %orke5 "is %ay to t"e 8ase o1 my ne3k an5 %as nuEElin- t"e 3ollar o1 my polo s"irt@ as i1 "e?5 put "is 1a3e insi5e t"e s"irt. He raise5 t"ose startlin- am8er %ol1 eyes to me@ an5 t"e only t"in- 9 3oul5 rea5 on "is 1a3e %as 5esire@ almost a "un-er. His po%er 8reat"e5 alon- my skin like a line o1 "ot %in5. 7y pulse t"u55e5 a-ainst t"e skin o1 my t"roat until 9 t"ou-"t it %oul5 8urst t"e skin. A="at?s %ron- %it" you@ <i3"ar5BC A$oni-"t is t"e 1ull moon@ ma petite. His 8east 3alls to "im.C Hean2!lau5e pa55e5 a3ross t"e 3arpet to%ar5s us. ALet me up@ <i3"ar5.C <i3"ar5 %ent to "is "an5s an5 knees@ lea)in- me to s;uirm out 1rom un5er "im. 9 stoo5@ an5 "e knelt in 1ront o1 me@ %rappin- "is arms aroun5 my %aist. A4on?t 8e a1rai5.C A9?m not a1rai5 o1 you@ <i3"ar5.C 9 stare5 at Hean2!lau5e. <i3"ar5 ran "is "an5s 5o%n my ri8s@ 1in-ers 5i--in- into t"e 1les" as i1 "e %ere massa-in- my 8a3k. 9t 8rou-"t my attention 8a3k to "im. A9 %oul5 ne)er "urt you %illin-ly. Dou kno% t"at.C 9 5i5 kno% t"at. 9 no55e5. A$rust me no%.C His )oi3e %as so1t an5 5eep@ %it" a roll o1 8ass to it t"at %asn?t normal. He starte5 pullin- my s"irt out o1 my pants. A9 %ant to tou3" you@ smell you@ taste you.C Hean2!lau5e pa55e5 aroun5 us@ not 3omin- any 3loser. He 3ir3le5 us like a s"ark. His mi5ni-"t 8lue eyes %ere still "uman@ more "uman lookin- t"an <i3"ar5?s. <i3"ar5 raise5 my s"irt 1ree o1 my pants@ pus"in- it 8a3k until "e e*pose5 my stoma3". He ran "is "an5s o)er my 8are skin an5 9 s"u55ere5@ 8ut it %asn?t se*@ or not only se*. $"at %arm@ ele3tri3 po%er o1 "is 1lo%e5 1rom "is "an5s a3ross my skin. 9t %as like "a)in- a lo%2le)el 3urrent tra3in- o)er me. 9t 5i5n?t ;uite "urt@ 8ut it mi-"t i1 it 5i5n?t stop. #r it mi-"t 1eel )ery -oo5@ 8etter t"an anyt"in- else. 9 %asn?t sure %"i3" t"ou-"t s3are5 me more. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 >ust out o1 rea3"@ %at3"in-. $"at t"ou-"t s3are5 me@ too. <i3"ar5 put "is "an5s on eit"er si5e o1 my e*pose5 %aist@ "ol5in- t"e s"irt up@ 5rape5 o)er "is %rists. Hean2!lau5e took t"at last step@ pale "an5 outstret3"e5. 9 ti-"tene5 up@ 1ear o)erri5in- t"e remains o1 5esire. He let "is "an5 1all 8a3k %it"out tou3"in- us. <i3"ar5 li3ke5 my stoma3"@ a ;ui3k@ %et motion. 9 stare5 5o%n at "im@ an5 "e stare5 8a3k %it" 8ro%n eyes. Human eyes. A9 %on?t let anyt"in- "appen to you@ Anita.C 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at it "a5 3ost "im to s%allo% "is 8east 8a3k 5o%n insi5e@ 8ut 9 kne% it "a5n?t 8een easy. $"ere %ere many lesser ly3ant"ropes %"o 3oul5 not -o 8a3k on3e t"ey starte5 to 3"an-e. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een more reassurin- i1 "is true 8ro%n eyes "a5n?t "el5 a 5arkness all t"eir o%n. But it %asn?t "is 8east@ it %as somet"in- more 8asi3@ more "umanJ se*. ,)en lust 5oesn?t 3o)er t"at look in a man?s eyes. Hean2!lau5e %as stan5in- 8e"in5 me. 9 3oul5 1eel "im. =it"out tou3"in- me at all@ 9 3oul5 1eel "is po%er@ like a 3ool@ seekin- %in5. He 8rus"e5 "is 1a3e a-ainst my "air. 7y "eart %as 8eatin- so lou5ly 9 3oul5n?t "ear anyt"in- 8ut t"e t"un5erin- o1 my o%n 8loo5 in my "ea5. Hean2!lau5e 8rus"e5 my "air to one si5e. His lips tou3"e5 my 3"eek an5 "is po%er 8urst o)er me in a ;uiet rus"@ 3ool as a %in5 1rom t"e -ra)e. 9t 1lo%e5 t"rou-" me@ seekin- <i3"ar5?s %armt". $"e t%o ener-ies "it@ min-le5 insi5e me. 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. 9 1elt t"at t"in- insi5e me t"at 3oul5 3all t"e 5ea5 1rom t"e -ra)e2ma-i3@ 1or la3k o1 a 8etter %or529 1elt it 3oil an5 1lare a-ainst t"em 8ot".

9 trie5 to pull a%ay 1rom <i3"ar5@ 8ut "is 1in-ers 5u- into my ri8s. Hean2!lau5e?s arms ti-"tene5 aroun5 my s"oul5ers. ABuil5 t"e po%er@ 5o not 1i-"t it@ ma petite.C 9 1ou-"t t"e pani3@ my 8reat" 3omin- in ;ui3k -asps. 9 %as -oin- to "yper)entilate an5 pass out i1 9 3oul5n?t -et a "an5le on it. 9 ro5e t"e po%er an5 my o%n 1ear@ an5 9 %as losin-. <i3"ar5?s mout" 8it -ently at my stoma3". His mout" su3kin- my skin. Hean2!lau5e?s lips tou3"e5 my ne3k@ ni88lin-ently. His arms 3ra5le5 me a-ainst "is 3"est. <i3"ar5 %as a -ro%in- %armt" at my %aist. Hean2!lau5e like some 3ool 1ire at my 8a3k. 9 %as 8ein- eaten 1rom 8ot" en5s like a pie3e o1 %oo5 -oin- up in 1lames. $"e po%er %as too mu3". 9t "a5 to -o some%"ere. 9 "a5 to 5o somet"in- %it" it or it %as -oin- to 8urn me ali)e. 7y le-s 8u3kle5@ an5 only <i3"ar5?s an5 Hean2!lau5e?s "an5s on me kept me 1rom 1allin-. $"ey lo%ere5 me to t"e 1loor@ still 3ra5le5 in t"eir arms. 7y s"oul5er tou3"e5 t"e -roun5@ t"en my "an5@ an5 9 kne% %"at 9 3oul5 5o %it" t"e po%er. 9 1elt it sur-e t"rou-" t"e -roun5@ seekin-@ seekin- t"e 5ea5. 9 rolle5 onto my stoma3". Hean2!lau5e?s "an5s %ere on my s"oul5ers@ "is 1a3e 8rus"in- mine. <i3"ar5?s "an5s %ere un5er my s"irt tou3"in- my 8a3k@ roamin- "i-"er@ 8ut it %as all se3on5ary. 9 "a5 to 5o somet"in- %it" t"e po%er. 9 1oun5 t"e 5ea5 9 nee5e5@ an5 it 5i5n?t %ork. $"e po%er 3ontinue5 to 8uil5 until 9 %oul5 "a)e s3reame5 i1 9 3oul5 "a)e -otten enou-" air. A step@ an in-re5ient@ somet"in- %as missin-. 9 rolle5 onto my 8a3k@ starin- up at 8ot" o1 t"em. $"ey stare5 5o%n at me. Hean2!lau5e?s eyes "a5 -one soli5@ mi5ni-"t 8lue. $"ey 8ot" leane5 to%ar5s me at on3e. <i3"ar5 %ent 1or my mout"@ Hean2!lau5e %ent 1or my ne3k. <i3"ar5?s kiss %as almost a 8urnin-. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e 8rus" o1 1an-s as Hean2!lau5e 1ou-"t not to 8ite me. $emptation %as e)ery%"ere. Someone?s "an5 %as un5er my s"irt@ an5 9 %asn?t sure %"ose it %as anymore. $"en 9 realiEe5 it %as 8ot" o1 t"em. ="at %as one t"in- 9 nee5e5 1or raisin- t"e 5ea5B Bloo5. 9 must "a)e sai5 it out lou5J ABloo5.C Hean2!lau5e raise5 up@ starin- at me 1rom in3"es a%ay. His "an5 %as >ust 8elo% my 8reast. 9?5 -ra88e5 "is %rist %it"out t"inkin- a8out it. A="at@ ma petiteBC ABloo5 to 1inis" it. =e nee5 8loo5.C <i3"ar5 raise5 "is 1a3e up like a 5ro%nin- man. A="atBC A9 3an -i)e you 8loo5@ ma petite.C Hean2!lau5e leane5 into me. 9 stoppe5 "im %it" a "an5 on "is 3"est@ at t"e same time t"at <i3"ar5 put a "an5 on "is s"oul5er. $"e po%er poure5 o)er us in a searin- %as"@ an5 9 %as seein- %"ite spots. ADou %on?t use me to sink 1an-s into "er 1or t"e 1irst time@C <i3"ar5 -ro%le5 it at "im. His an-er 1e5 t"e ma-i3 an5 9 s3reame5. AGi)e me 8loo5@ or -et o11 me.C 9 "el5 up my o%n %rist 8et%een t"em. A9 5on?t "a)e a kni1e@ someone 5o it.C <i3"ar5 leane5 o)er me. He s%ept "is "air 8a3k 1rom one si5e o1 "is ne3k. AHere?s your 8loo5.C Hean2!lau5e 5i5n?t ar-ue. He leane5 into "im@ lips 5ra%n 8a3k. 9 %at3"e5 in a sort o1 slo% motion as "e 8it t"e si5e o1 <i3"ar5?s ne3k. <i3"ar5 tense5@ a "iss o1 8reat" as t"e 1an-s sank "ome. Hean2!lau5e?s mout" seale5 o)er "is skin@ su3kin-@ t"roat %orkin-. $"e po%er roare5 t"rou-" me@ raisin- e)ery "air on my 8o5y@ 3reepin- t"rou-" my skin until 9 t"ou-"t 9?5 3ome apart. 9 sent it all out%ar5 to t"e 5ea5 t"at 9?5 1oun5. 9 1ille5 t"em up an5 still t"ere %as too mu3" po%er. 9 rea3"e5 out%ar5@ out%ar5@ an5 1oun5 %"at 9 %as lookin- 1or. $"e po%er le1t us in a 3ool@ 8urnin-@ rus". 9 lay -aspin- on t"e 1loor. Hean2!lau5e lay on my le1t@ proppe5 on one el8o%. Bloo5 staine5 "is lips@ tri3klin- 5o%n "is 3"in. <i3"ar5 lay on "is stoma3" to my ri-"t@ pinnin- my arm un5erneat" "is 3"eek. His 3"est rose an5 1ell in -reat -asps@ s%eat -listenin- alon- "is spine. $"e %orl5 %as -ol52e5-e5@ almost 1loatin-. Soun5 returne5 slo%ly@ an5 it %as like 9 %as listenin- 5o%n a lon- tu8e. Hean2!lau5e li3ke5 t"e 8loo5 1rom "is lips@ %ipin- a s"akin- "an5 a3ross "is 3"in@ li3kin- t"e "an5 3lean. He lay 5o%n 8esi5e me@ one "an5 a3ross my stoma3"@ "is "ea5 3ra5le5 on my s"oul5er. His 8are 3"est an5 stoma3" lay a3ross my arm. His skin %as almost "ot@ 1e)eris". He?5 ne)er 1elt like t"at 8e1ore. His "eart poun5e5 a-ainst my skin like a 3apti)e 8ir5. His "air 1ell a-ainst my 1a3e. 9t smelle5 o1 some e*oti3 s"ampoo an5 o1 "im. He -a)e a s"aky lau-" an5 sai5@ A9t %as -lorious 1or me@ %as it -oo5 1or you@ ma petiteBC 9 s%allo%e5@ an5 %as too tire5 to e)en lau-". A$rust you to kno% >ust %"at to say.C <i3"ar5 raise5 "imsel1 up on "is el8o%s. Bloo5 tri3kle5 5o%n "is ne3k %"ere t%o neat 1an- marks s"o%e5. 9 tou3"e5 t"e 8ite mark@ an5 my 1in-ers 3ame a%ay staine5 3rimson. A4oes it "urtBC 9 aske5. A/ot really.C He -ra88e5 my %rist@ -ently@ li3kin- t"e 8loo5 o11 my 1in-ers@ su3kin- t"em 3lean. Hean2!lau5e?s stran-ely %arm "an5 3aresse5 my stoma3" un5er my s"irt. He un5i5 t"e 8utton o1 my pants. A4on?t e)en t"ink it@C 9 sai5.

A$oo late@ ma petite.C He 8ent an5 kisse5 me. 9 3oul5 taste t"e metalli3 s%eetness o1 <i3"ar5?s 8loo5 on "is ton-ue. 9 rose up to meet "im@ pus"in- at "is mout". 9?5 aske5 1or t"e 8loo5@ not eit"er o1 t"em. $"e trut" %as@ %e %eren?t 5one %it" t"e 8loo5lettin- to5ay. ="ate)er 9?5 3alle5 1rom t"e -ra)e "a5 to 8e put 8a3k. $"at %oul5 take 8loo5@ 1res" 8loo5. $"e only ;uestion %as %"o %oul5 5onate it an5 "o% %oul5 it 8e -at"ere5. #"@ one more ;uestion@ "o% mu3" 8loo5 %oul5 %e nee5B

Chapter Twenty-six
Hean2!lau5e?s 1in-ertips sli5 alon- t"e e5-e o1 my pants. <i3"ar5 -ra88e5 "is %rist. An-er 1lare5 1rom 8ot" o1 t"em@ an5 t"at s"are5 po%er 1li3kere5 to li1e. ADou %on?t use t"is as an e*3use to -et into "er pants@ eit"er@C <i3"ar5 sai5. His )oi3e %as t"i3k an5 5ark %it" more t"an an-er. His "an5 ti-"tene5 on Hean2!lau5e?s %rist. Hean2!lau5e 8alle5 "is "an5 into a 1ist an5 8ent "is arm at t"e el8o%. !on3entration an5 an-er tou3"e5 8ot" t"eir 1a3es. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e trem8lin- e11ort t"rou-" t"eir 3"ests. $"eir an-er pri3kle5 alon- my skin. 9t %as too soon to 5o all t"is s"it o)er a-ain. ADou 3an arm2%restle later@ 8oys@ %e?)e -ot to -o see %"at 9 raise5 1rom t"e 5ea5.C $"ere %as a 1ra3tion o1 "esitation@ t"en t"ey 8ot" looke5 5o%n at me. $"eir arms %ere still strainin- a-ainst ea3" ot"er. <i3"ar5?s 1a3e s"o%e5 t"e e11ort. Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e "a5 -one 8lank an5 3urious@ as i1 it %as no e11ort to "ol5 o11 a %ere%ol1. But 9 3oul5 1eel t"e 1ine trem8lin- t"rou-" "is 8o5y. 9llusion %as all %it" Hean2!lau5e. =it" <i3"ar5 it %as all ner)e en5in-s an5 reality. A="at 5i5 you say@ ma petiteBC AS"e sai5 s"e raise5 t"e 5ea5@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ADep@ so -et o11 me. Dou 3an 1i-"t later@ 8ut ri-"t no%@ %e nee5 to 3"e3k on %"at 9 5i5.C A=e 5i5@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. He ease5 a%ay 1rom <i3"ar5@ an5 a1ter a se3on5@ <i3"ar5 release5 "is "an5. A="at %e 5i5@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 stoo5@ t"e mus3les in "is 8are le-s mo)in- un5er t"e skin@ an5 it %as "ar5 not to tou3" t"em@ 1eel t"e mo)ement o1 "im. He o11ere5 me a "an5 up. AGi)e me a minute@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 as i1 5ra%n to "is 1eet 8y strin-s. He o11ere5 me a "an5@ too. $"ey stoo5 -larin- at ea3" ot"er. $"eir an-er playe5 t"rou-" t"e air like in)isi8le sparks. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9 seeme5 to 8e more %orse 1or %ear t"an eit"er o1 t"em@ poor "uman t"at 9 %as. 9?5 "a)e a3tually taken a "an5 up@ %"i3" %as rare 1or me. 9 si-"e5@ -ot my 1eet un5er me@ an5 stoo5 %it"out "elp 1rom eit"er o1 t"em. ABe"a)e yoursel)es@C 9 sai5. A!an?t you 1eel %"at?s in t"e airB An-er %orks >ust 1ine to 3all %"ate)er it is@ so stop it. =e may "a)e to 5o it a-ain to lay to rest %"at %e?)e alrea5y 3alle5 1rom t"e -ra)e.C Hean2!lau5e looke5 instantly rela*e5@ at ease. He -a)e a lo% 8o%. AAs you like@ ma petite.C <i3"ar5 rotate5 "is ne3k@ tryin- to loosen "is s"oul5ers. His "an5s %ere still 8alle5 into 1ists@ 8ut "e no55e5. A9 5on?t un5erstan5 "o% %"at %e 5i5 3alle5 Eom8ies.C A9 3an a3t as a 1o3us 1or ot"er animators. 9t?s a %ay to 3om8ine po%ers an5 raise an ol5er Eom8ie or more t"an one or t%o Eom8ies. 9 5on?t kno% "o% to 5o anyt"in- else 8ut raise t"e 5ea5@ so %"en you s"o)e5 t"at mu3" po%er in my 1a3e ... C 9 s"ru--e5. A9 5i5 %"at 9 kno% "o% to 5o.C A4i5 you raise all o1 /ikoloas?s ol5 3emeteryBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. A91 %e?re lu3ky@C 9 sai5. He put "is "ea5 to one si5e@ puEEle5. <i3"ar5 looke5 5o%n at "imsel1. A!an 9 -et some pants onBC 9 smile5. ASeems a s"ame@C 9 sai5@ A8ut yea".C A9 %ill 1et3" my ro8e 1rom t"e 8at"room@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AHelp yoursel1@C 9 sai5. A/o 3omment a8out "o% it is a s"ame t"at 9 am -ettin- 5resse5BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A!ruel@ ma petite@ )ery 3ruel.C 9 smile5 an5 -a)e "im a little 8o%. He returne5 t"e smile@ 8ut t"ere %as a 3"allen-e to "is eyes as "e %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 8at"room.

<i3"ar5 %as sli5in- into "is >eans. 9 %at3"e5 "im Eip t"em up an5 8utton t"em into pla3e. 9t %as 1un >ust to %at3" "im 5ress. Lo)e makes t"e smallest mo)ements 1as3inatin-. 9 %alke5 past "im@ to%ar5s t"e 5oor@ lea)in- "im to put a s"irt on i1 "e %as -oin- to. $"e only %ay to i-nore "im %as to >ust not look. $"e same t"eory %orke5 %it" Hean2!lau5e most o1 t"e time. 9 %alke5 to t"e 5oor. 7y "an5 %as rea3"in- 1or t"e kno8 %"en <i3"ar5 -ra88e5 me 1rom 8e"in5@ li1tin- me o11 my 1eet@ 3arryin- me 8a3k 1rom t"e 5oor. 7y 1eet %ere literally 5an-lin- o11 t"e -roun5. A="at t"e "ell are you 5oin-B Put me 5o%n.C A7y %ol)es are 3omin-@C "e sai5@ as i1 t"at e*plaine5 e)eryt"in-. APut me 5o%n.C He lo%ere5 me enou-" 1or my 1eet to tou3" t"e 1loor@ 8ut "is arms staye5 %rappe5 aroun5 me@ as i1 "e %as a1rai5 9?5 -o 1or t"e 5oor. His 1a3e %as 5istant@ listenin-. 9 "ear5 not"in-. A "o%l e3"oe5 up t"e 3orri5or an5 raise5 t"e "airs on my arms. A="at?s -oin- on@ <i3"ar5BC A4an-er@C "e almost %"ispere5 it. A9s it <aina an5 7ar3usBC He %as still listenin- to t"in-s 9 3oul5 not "ear. He pus"e5 me 8e"in5 "im an5 %ent to t"e 5oor@ still s"irtless@ %earinnot"in- 8ut "is >eans. 9 ran 1or t"e 8e5 an5 t"e %eapons. 9 -ot t"e 'irestar out 1rom un5er t"e pillo%. A4on?t -o out t"ere empty2"an5e5@ 5ammit.C 9 5ra--e5 t"e :Ei out 1rom un5er t"e 8e5. A 3"orus o1 "o%ls %ent up. <i3"ar5 1lun- t"e 5oor open an5 ra3e5 5o%n t"e "all%ay. 9 3alle5 "is name@ 8ut "e %as -one. Hean2!lau5e 3ame out o1 t"e 8at"room in "is 8la3k@ 1ur2line5 ro8e. A="at is it@ ma petiteBC A!ompany.C 9 slippe5 t"e :Ei?s strap a3ross my 3"est. $"e soun5s o1 snarlin- %ol)es 3ame 5istant. Hean2!lau5e ran past me@ t"e lon- ro8e 1lyin- out 8e"in5 "im. He ran like a 5ark %in5. ="en 9 -ot out to t"e 3orri5or@ "e %as no%"ere in si-"t. 9 %as -oin- to 8e t"e last one t"ere. 4ammit.

Chapter Twenty-seven
<unnin- 1ull tilt to%ar5s a 1i-"t %as not t"e 8est %ay to stay ali)e. !aution %as 8etter. 9 kne% t"at@ an5 it 5i5n?t matter. /ot"in- mattere5 8ut -ettin- t"ere in time. 9n time to sa)e t"em. $"em. 9 5i5n?t 5%ell on t"atG 9 ran@ t"e 'irestar -rippe5 ti-"tly in my ri-"t "an5@ t"e :Ei in my le1t. 9 %as runnin- like an i5iot@ 8ut at least 9 %as arme5. A roarin- s"out t"un5ere5 o11 t"e %alls a"ea5. 4on?t ask me "o%@ 8ut 9 kne% it %as <i3"ar5. 9 5i5n?t t"ink 9 3oul5 run any 1aster. 9 %as %ron-. 9 spille5 into t"e open@ 8reat" 3omin- in t"roat23losin- -asps@ not lookin- le1t or ri-"t. 91 someone "a5 "a5 a -un@ t"ey 3oul5 "a)e 8lo%n me a%ay. <i3"ar5 stoo5 in t"e mi55le o1 t"e room@ a Eom8ie "el5 at arm?s len-t" a8o)e "is "ea5. A %ol1 t"e siEe o1 a pony "a5 pinne5 anot"er Eom8ie to t"e 1loor@ sa)a-in- it. Step"en stoo5 at <i3"ar5?s 8a3k in "uman 1orm@ 8ut 3rou3"e5 an5 rea5y to 1i-"t. !assan5ra stoo5 8a3k 1rom t"em. S"e turne5 to me as 9 ski55e5 into t"e room. $"ere %as a look on "er 1a3e t"at 9 3oul5n?t ;uite rea5@ an5 5i5n?t "a)e time to puEEle o)er. Hean2!lau5e %as at t"e 1ar le1t@ a%ay 1rom t"e %ere%ol)es. He %as starin- at me@ too. 9 3oul5n?t rea5 "is 1a3e@ 8ut "e %as in no 5an-er. He "a5n?t %a5e5 into t"e Eom8ies. He kne% 8etter. <i3"ar5 5i5n?t. $"e room "a5 8een a narro% re3tan-le@ 8ut t"e 1ar %all "a5 8laste5 out%ar5@ s3atterin- ru88le a3ross t"e 1loor. 9t looke5 like t"e Eom8ies "a5 3ra%le5 out 1rom 8e"in5 t"e %all. A -ra)eyar5 t"at 9@ at least@ "a5n?t kno%n %as t"ere. $"e 5ea5 stoo5 in 1ront o1 t"e ruins. $"eir eyes s"i1te5 to me as 9 sa% t"em@ an5 9 1elt t"e %ei-"t o1 t"eir -aEe like a 8lo% to my "eart. $"e 1ear 1or e)eryone?s sa1ety %as -one@ %as"e5 a%ay in a rus" o1 an-er. A<i3"ar5@ put it 5o%n@ please@ it %on?t "urt you. !all Hason o11 t"e ot"er one.C 9t "a5 to 8e Hason unless t"ere %as anot"er %ere%ol1 5o%n "ere. An5 i1 it %as someone else@ %"ere %as HasonB <i3"ar5 turne5 "is "ea5 to look at me@ t"e Eom8ie@ on3e a "uman male@ still "el5 e11ortlessly a8o)e "is "ea5. A$"ey atta3ke5 Hason.C A$"ey %oul5n?t "a)e 5one anyt"in- %it"out or5ers. Hason >umpe5 t"e -un.C A$"ey 5i5n?t atta3k us@C !assan5ra sai5. A$"ey starte5 pourin- out o1 t"e %all. Hason 3"an-e5 an5 atta3ke5 t"em.C

$"e -iant %ol1 "a5 opene5 t"e Eom8ie?s stoma3" an5 %as tearin- at intestines. 9?5 "a5 enou-". AGra8 t"e %ol1@C 9 sai5. $"e Eom8ie un5er "im lo3ke5 its arms aroun5 t"e %ol1?s 1ore;uarters. $"e %ol1 sank teet" into t"e 3orpse?s t"roat an5 tore it out in a spurt o1 5ark 1lui5 an5 1les". $"e rest o1 t"e Eom8ies@ some%"ere 8et%een si*ty an5 ei-"ty@ sur-e5 to%ar5 t"e %ol1. ALet "im up@ Hason@ or 9?ll s"o% you %"at it?s like to 8e atta3ke5 8y Eom8ies.C <i3"ar5 8ent "is el8o% an5 tosse5 t"e Eom8ie a%ay 1rom "im. $"e 8o5y tum8le5 t"rou-" t"e air an5 lan5e5 in t"e mass o1 %aitin- Eom8ies. $"ey 1ell like 8o%lin- pins@ e*3ept t"at t"ese 8o%lin- pins -ot to t"eir 1eet@ t"ou-" one lost an arm in t"e pro3ess. <i3"ar5 3rou3"e5 8y "is %ol)es. ADou?re atta3kin- usBC He soun5e5 outra-e5. APull your %ol1 o11 my Eom8ie an5 it stops "ere.C ADou t"ink you 3an take usBC !assan5ra sai5. A=it" t"is many 5ea5@ 9 kno% 9 3an@C 9 sai5. Step"en?s 1a3e 3rumple5@ almost like "e?5 3ry. ADou?5 "urt us.C S"it@ 9?5 1or-otten. 9 %as t"eir lupa no%. 9?5 t"reatene5 to kill <aina i1 s"e "urt Step"en a-ain@ an5 "ere 9 %as a8out to 1ee5 "im to Eom8ies. $"ere %as a lo-i3 -ap some%"ere. A91 9?m suppose5 to prote3t you all@ t"en you "a)e to o8ey me@ ri-"tB So Hason -ets t"e 1u3k o11 my Eom8ie or 9 8eat t"e "ell out o1 "im. 9sn?t t"at pa3k proto3olBC <i3"ar5 turne5 to me. $"ere %as a look on "is 1a3e 9?5 ne)er seen 8e1oreJ an-er an5 arro-an3e@ or somet"in- 3lose to it. A9 5on?t t"ink Hason really e*pe3te5 you to 5eman5 "is o8e5ien3e. 9 5on?t t"ink any o1 us 5i5.C A$"en you 5on?t kno% me )ery %ell@C 9 sai5. A7es amies@ i1 %e kill ea3" ot"er@ %on?t 7ar3us 8e please5.C =e all turne5 to Hean2!lau5e. 9 sai5@ AStop.C All t"e Eom8ies stoppe5 at on3e like a 1reeEe 1rame. #ne tum8le5 to t"e 1loor@ 3au-"t in mi5s"u11le@ rat"er t"an take t"at last partial step. Kom8ies %ere terri8ly literal. $"e -iant %ol1 tore anot"er pie3e out o1 t"e Eom8ie. $"e 5ea5 man ma5e a small in)oluntary 3ry. A4ra- Hason o11 o1 it no%@ or %e are -oin- to 5o t"is 5an3e. 'u3k 7ar3us. 9?ll %orry a8out it later.C A#11 o1 "im@ Hason@ no%@C <i3"ar5 sai5. $"e %ol1 reare5 8a3k@ tearin- at t"e Eom8ie?s arm. Bone 3ra3ke5. $"e %ol1 %orrie5 t"e arm like a terrier %it" a 8one. Bloo5 an5 t"i3ker 1lui5s 1le% in a spray. <i3"ar5 -ra88e5 t"e %ol1 8y t"e s3ru11 o1 t"e ne3k@ >erkin- it o11 its 1eet. He -ra88e5 t"e 1ront o1 its 1urry t"roat an5 turne5 it to 1a3e "im. $"e mus3les in "is arms 3or5e5 %it" t"e e11ort. $"e %ol1?s 3la%s s3ram8le5 in t"e air %"ile it stran-le5. $"e massi)e 3la%s rake5 <i3"ar5?s 8are skin. Bloo5 1lo%e5 in t"in 3rimson lines. He t"re% t"e %ol1 a3ross t"e room into t"e %aitin- 5ea5. A/e)er 5iso8ey me a-ain@ Hason@ ne)erIC His )oi3e %as lost in a -ro%lin- t"at turne5 into a "o%l. He t"re% 8a3k "is "ea5 an5 8aye5. $"e soun5 rose 1rom "is "uman t"roat. !assan5ra an5 Step"en e3"oe5 "im. $"eir "o%ls 1ille5 t"e room %it" a stran-e@ rin-in- son-. 9 realiEe5 t"en t"at <i3"ar5 mi-"t a)oi5 killin- 7ar3us@ 8ut "e?5 ne)er 3ontrol t"e lukoi %it"out 8rutality. He %as alrea5y 3asual a8out it. Almost as 3asual as Hean2!lau5e. Ba5 si-n or -oo5 si-nB 9 %asn?t sure. Hason s3ram8le5 out o1 t"e 5ea5. He turne5 pale -reen %ol1 eyes to me@ as i1 %aitin- 1or somet"in-. A4on?t look at me@C 9 sai5@ A9?m pisse5 %it" you@ too.C Hason stalke5 to%ar5s me on pa%s 8i--er a3ross t"an my "an5s. $"e 1ur at "is ne3k rose in a pri3klin- 8rus". His lips 3urle5 8a3k 1rom "is teet" in a silent -ro%l. 9 pointe5 t"e 'irestar at "im. A4on?t 5o it@ Hason.C He kept 3omin-@ ea3" step so sti11 an5 1ull o1 tension t"at it looke5 ro8oti3. He -at"ere5 "is 8o5y@ le-s s;uirmin- into position 1or a leap. 9 %asn?t -oin- to let "im 1inis" t"e mo)ement. 91 "e?5 8een in "uman 1orm@ 9?5 "a)e aime5 to %oun5@ 8ut in %ol1 1orm@ 9 %asn?t takin- any 3"an3es. #ne s3rat3" an5 9?5 8e alp"a 1emale 1or real. 9 si-"te5 5o%n t"e 8arrel an5 1elt t"at ;uietness 1ill me. 9 1elt not"in- %"ile 9 stare5 5o%n t"e -un at "im. /ot"in- 8ut a 3ool@ %"ite emptiness. AStop it@ 8ot" o1 youIC <i3"ar5 -ro%le5. He %alke5 to%ar5s us. 9 kept my eyes on t"e %ol1 8ut "a5 a perip"eral sense o1 <i3"ar5 mo)in- 3loser. He kept 3omin-@ easin- "imsel1 8et%een Hason an5 me. 9 "a5 to aim t"e -un sky%ar5 to keep 1rom pointin- it at "is 3"est. He stare5 at me@ "is 1a3e t"ou-"t1ul. ADou %on?t nee5 t"e -un.C He kno3ke5 t"e -reat %ol1 to t"e 1loor %it" "is 1ist. $"e %ol1 lay stunne5. #nly t"e rise an5 1all o1 its 3"est s"o%e5 it %as still ali)e. ="en "e turne5 8a3k to me@ "is eyes %ere am8er@ an5 no lon-er "uman. ADou are my lupa@ Anita@ 8ut 9 am still :l1ri3. 9 %on?t let you 5o to me %"at <aina "as 5one to 7ar3us. 9 lea5 t"is pa3k.C $"ere %as a "ar5ness to "is )oi3e t"at %as ne%. 9?5 5is3o)ere5 "is male e-o at last.

Hean2!lau5e lau-"e5@ a "i-"@ 5eli-"te5 soun5 t"at ma5e me s"i)er. <i3"ar5 "u--e5 "is 8are arms as i1 "e 1elt it@ too. A4on?t you realiEe 8y no%@ <i3"ar5@ t"at ma petite is eit"er your e;ual or your masterB S"e kno%s no ot"er %ay to 8e.C He 3ame to stan5 8y us. He looke5 amuse5 as "ell. A9 %ant "er to 8e my e;ual@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ABut not %it"in t"e pa3k@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. <i3"ar5 s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ 9 mean ... /o@ Anita is my e;ual.C A$"en %"at are you 8it3"in- a8outBC 9 sai5. He -lare5 at me %it" "is alien eyes. A9 am :l1ri3@ not you.C ALea5@ an5 9?ll 1ollo%@ <i3"ar5.C 9 steppe5 3lose to "im@ almost tou3"in-. ABut lea5@ <i3"ar5@ really lea5@ or -et out o1 t"e %ay.C

Chapter Twenty-eight
AAs amusin- as t"is is@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ Aan5 8elie)e me@ ma petite@ <i3"ar5@ it is amusin-. =e 5o not "a)e time 1or t"is parti3ular ar-ument@ not i1 <i3"ar5 stan5s any "ope o1 not 8ein- 1or3e5 to kill toni-"t.C =e 8ot" -lare5 at "im@ an5 "e -a)e t"at -ra3e1ul s"ru- t"at meant e)eryt"in- an5 not"in-. A=e must 3all t"e ma-i3 a-ain@ 8ut t"is time@ <i3"ar5 nee5s to try an5 pull some o1 it into "imsel1. He nee5s to 5o somet"in- t"at %oul5 impress "is pa3k. $"is@C "e motione5 to t"e Eom8ies@ At"ou-" impressi)e@ looks too mu3" like Anita?s %ork.C ADou?)e -ot a su--estion@ 9 take it.C APer"aps@C "e sai5. His eyes turne5 )ery serious t"en@ t"e "umor 5yin- a%ay until "is 1a3e %as lo)ely an5 8lank. ABut 1irst@ 9 t"ink 9 "a)e a ;uestion or t%o 1or you@ mysel1@ ma petite. 9 t"ink it is not only <i3"ar5 t"at you are emas3ulatin- to5ay.C A="at are you talkin- a8outBC 9 aske5. He 3o3ke5 "is "ea5 to one si5e. APer"aps you "onestly 5o not kno%BC He soun5e5 surprise5. A$"ere is a small "all%ay to t"e ri-"t. Look insi5e it.C 9 3oul5 see t"e ar3"%ay at t"e top o1 t"e "all@ 8ut t"e Eom8ies 1ille5 t"e spa3e@ "i5in- t"e rest 1rom )ie%. A7o)e 1or%ar5@C 9 sai5. $"e Eom8ies mo)e5 like a sin-le or-anism@ t"eir 5ea5 eyes %at3"in- my 1a3e as i1 9 %ere all t"at mattere5. $o t"em@ 9 %as. $"e Eom8ies mo)e5 like a s"am8lin- 3urtain. 9 3oul5 see t"e smaller "all%ay no%@ an5 t"e 1i-ures %aitin- insi5e. AStop@C 9 sai5. $"e Eom8ies stoppe5 as i1 9?5 "it a s%it3". Li)@ t"e 8lon5 8oun3er 1rom 4anse 7a3a8re@ stoo5 >ust insi5e t"e smaller "all%ay. S"e %as still 5resse5 in "er )iolet 8o5y suit. Her e*traor5inary )iolet eyes stare5 at me@ empty@ %aitin-. 7y pulse t"u55e5 in my t"roat. $"ere %ere ot"er 1i-ures 8e"in5 "er. <i3"ar5 sai5 so1tly@ A$"is isn?t possi8le.C 9 5i5n?t ar-ue %it" "im. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een too "ar5. ABrin- t"em out@ ma petite@ let us see %"o you "a)e 3alle5 1rom t"eir 3o11ins.C His )oi3e %as %arm %it" t"e 8e-innin-s o1 an-er. A="at?s eatin- youBC He lau-"e5@ 8ut it %as 8itter. A9 t"reatene5 my people %it" t"is@ 8ut you sai5 not"in-. Dou 5i5 not tell me you 3oul5 truly raise )ampires like any ot"er Eom8ie.C A9?)e only 5one it on3e 8e1ore.C A9n5ee5@C "e sai5. A4on?t -et all pissy on me.C A9 s"all -et pissy i1 9 %ant to@C "e sai5. A$"ese are my people@ my 3ompanions@ an5 you "a)e t"em %alkin- aroun5 like puppets. 9 1in5 t"at most 5is;uietin-.C ASo 5o 9@C 9 sai5. 9 looke5 8a3k at t"e )ampires. Li)@ %"o "a5 8een so animate5 last ni-"t@ stoo5 t"ere like a %ell2 preser)e5 Eom8ie. /o. /o@ 9?5 ne)er "a)e mistaken "er 1or a Eom8ie. 9 3oul5 1eel a 5i11eren3e. But t"ere s"e stoo5@ t"at mus3ular 8o5y %aitin- 1or my ne*t or5er. $"ere %ere ot"ers 8e"in5 "er. 9 3oul5n?t see "o% many. $oo many. A!an you put my )ampires 8a3k@ ma petiteBC 9 3ontinue5 to look at Li)@ a)oi5in- Hean2!lau5e?s eyes. A9 5on?t kno%.C He tou3"e5 my 3"in@ turnin- me to 1a3e "im. He stu5ie5 my 1a3e@ eyes sear3"in-@ as i1 some "int o1 trut" mi-"t s"o% t"rou-". 9 let an-er 1ill my 1a3e@ an-er %as al%ays a -reat t"in- to "i5e 8e"in5.

A="at 5i5 you 5o %it" t"e last )ampire you raise5@ ma petiteBC 9 pulle5 a%ay 1rom "im. He -ra88e5 my arm un8elie)a8ly 1ast. $oo 1ast to see. ="at "appene5 ne*t %as simply automati3. He "el5 my ri-"t upper arm@ 8ut 9 3oul5 still 8en5 at t"e el8o% an5 point t"e 'irestar at "im. $"e :Ei in my le1t "an5 pointe5 at "im@ too. He 3oul5 "a)e 3rus"e5 my arm 8e1ore 9 1ire5 one -un@ 8ut not 8ot". But 1or t"e 1irst time@ starin5o%n t"e 8arrel o1 a -un at "im %as pro8lemati3. $"e sas" o1 "is ro8e "a5 3ome loose an5 9 3oul5 see a trian-le o1 pale 1les". 9 3oul5 see %"ere "is "eart %oul5 8e. 9 3oul5 8lo% "is "eart out "is 8a3k an5 se)er "is spine. An5 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5o it. 9 5i5n?t %ant to splatter t"at 8eauti1ul 8o5y all o)er t"e %all. 4amn. <i3"ar5 3ame 3loser. He 5i5n?t tou3" eit"er o1 us. He >ust stare5 1rom one to t"e ot"er. A9s "e "urtin- you@ AnitaBC A/o@C 9 sai5. A$"en s"oul5 you 8e pointin- a -un at "imBC AHe s"oul5n?t 8e tou3"in- me@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5?s )oi3e %as )ery mil5. AHe >ust 1inis"e5 tou3"in- you a lot more t"an t"is@ Anita.C A="y are you "elpin- "imBC AHe "elpe5 me. Besi5es@ i1 you kill "im o)er somet"in- small an5 stupi5@ you?ll ne)er 1or-i)e yoursel1.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. Some o1 t"e tension ease5 %it" t"e 8reat". 9 lo%ere5 t"e :Ei. Hean2!lau5e release5 my arm. 9 pointe5 t"e 'irestar at t"e 1loor an5 looke5 at <i3"ar5. $"ere %as somet"in- in "is eyes@ e)en t"e %ol1?s am8er eyes@ t"at %as all too "uman. Pain. He kne% "o% mu3" Hean2!lau5e meant to me. 9t %as t"ere in "is eyes. $"at one 3omment sai5 t"at "e un5erstoo5 my relations"ip %it" t"e )ampire@ may8e 8etter t"an 9 5i5. 9 %ante5 to apolo-iEe to "im@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure "e?5 un5erstan5 %"at it %as 1or. 9 %asn?t e)en sure 9 3oul5 e*plain it. 91 you lo)e someone@ truly lo)e t"em@ you s"oul5 ne)er 3ause t"em pain. /e)er 1ill t"eir eyes %it" somet"in- so 3lose to -rie1. A9?m sorry 9 -ot ma5 at you earlier. Dou %ant %"at?s 8est 1or t"e pa3k@ 9 kno% t"at.C ADou still t"ink 9?m a 1ool to %ant a 8loo5less 3oup@C "e sai5. 9 stoo5 on tiptoe an5 kisse5 "im -ently. A/ot a 1ool@ >ust nai)e@ terri8ly nai)e.C AVery tou3"in-@ ma petite. An5 9 5o appre3iate your inter1eren3e on my 8e"al1@ <i3"ar5@ 8ut t"ese are my people. 9 promise5 t"em 3ertain 1ree5oms %"en t"ey >oine5 me. 9 ask a-ain. !an you put t"em 8a3k as t"ey %ereBC 9 turne5 to Hean2!lau5e@ one "an5 still 8alan3in- a-ainst <i3"ar5?s 3"est. A9 5on?t kno%.C A$"en you "a5 8etter 1in5 out@ ma petite.C 9t soun5e5 too mu3" like a t"reat 1or my taste@ 8ut ... t"ere %as a 1i-ure 8e"in5 Li) t"e 8oun3er t"at 9 3oul5n?t take my eyes o11 o1. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e %aitin- )ampires. 9 opene5 my mout"@ 8ut no soun5 3ame out. 7y stoma3" 3len3"e5 into a "ar5 lump@ my 3"est %as ti-"t. 9 1inally sai5 itJ A=illie 73!oy@ 3ome to me.C =illie %alke5 out 1rom 8e"in5 t"e tall 8lon5 )ampire. He %as %earin- t"e same 3"artreuse suit "e?5 "a5 on at 4anse 7a3a8re. His 8ro%n eyes seeme5 to see me@ 8ut t"ey %ere empty o1 t"at spark t"at %as =illie. He %asn?t "ome. 9t %as like %at3"in- a puppet mo)in-@ an5 9 %as t"e puppet master. 9 taste5 somet"in- 8itter at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. 7y eyes %ere "ot an5 ti-"t. 9 %asn?t sure i1 9 %as -oin- to t"ro% up or 3ry 1irst. 9 stoppe5 "im a8out t%o 1eet 1rom me. !lose enou-" t"at 9 3oul5n?t preten5 or %is" it a%ay. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5@ an5 tears "ot enou-" to s3al5 ran 5o%n my 1a3e. A9 5i5n?t %ant to kno% t"is@C 9 %"ispere5. Hean2!lau5e 3ame to stan5 8esi5e me. A=illie@C "e sai5@ "is )oi3e )i8rate5 t"rou-" t"e room. =illie?s 8o5y t"rumme5 to t"e soun5 like a tunin- 1ork stru3k. A=illie@ look at me.C $"e 8lank@ 1amiliar 1a3e turne5 slo%ly to%ar5s "is master. Somet"in- 1li3kere5 t"rou-" t"e eyes 1or a momentG somet"inmo)e5 t"at 9 "a5 no name 1or. A$"is "as possi8ilities@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A=illie@C 9 sai5@ Alook at me.C 7y )oi3e %asn?t nearly as impressi)e as t"e )ampire?s@ 8ut =illie turne5 to me. A/o@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ Alook at me@ =illie.C =illie "esitate5. A=illie@C 9 sai5@ A3ome to me.C 9 "el5 out a "an5 an5 "e took a step to%ar5s me. Hean2!lau5e sai5@ AStop@ =illie@ 5o not -o to "er.C =illie "esitate5@ almost turnin- to Hean2!lau5e. 9 3on3entrate5 on t"at 3url o1 po%er insi5e o1 me@ t"at t"in- t"at allo%e5 me to raise t"e 5ea5 an5 let it %as" o)er me@ 1lo% out o1 me. 9 3alle5 =illie?s 8o5y to me an5 not"in- Hean2!lau5e 3oul5 5o %oul5 -et "im to turn a%ay 1rom me. <i3"ar5 sai5@ AStop it@ 8ot" o1 you. He isn?t a 5oll.C

AHe isn?t ali)e@ eit"er@C 9 sai5. AHe 5eser)es 8etter t"an t"is@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 a-ree5. 9 turne5 to Hean2!lau5e. AHe?s mine@ Hean2!lau5e. $"ey?re all mine. ="en ni-"t 1alls@ t"ey %ill 8e yours a-ain@ 8ut t"eir empty s"ells are mine.C 9 steppe5 3lose to "im@ an5 t"at s%irl o1 po%er las"e5 out. He took a "issin- 8reat" an5 8a3ke5 up. Hol5in- "is "an5 as i1 9?5 stru3k "im. A/e)er 1or-et %"at 9 am an5 %"at 9 3an 5o. /o more t"reats 8et%een us@ e)er@ or it %ill 8e t"e last t"reat.C He stare5 at me@ an5 1or >ust a se3on5@ t"ere %as a 1las" o1 somet"in- 9 "a5n?t seen 8e1oreJ 1ear. 'ear o1 me 1or t"e 1irst time. Goo5. =illie stare5 at me %it" empty@ %aitin- eyes. He %as 5ea5@ %ell an5 truly 5ea5. $ears 1lo%e5 5o%n my 1a3e@ ti-"t an5 "ar5. Poor =illie@ poor me. He %asn?t "uman. All t"ese mont"s o1 8ein- "is 1rien5 an5 "e %as 5ea5. Hust 5ea5. 4amn. A="at "appene5 to t"e 1irst )ampire you raise5@ ma petiteB ="y 5i5n?t you put it 8a3k into its 3o11inBC A t"ou-"t sli5 8e"in5 "is eyes. 9 %at3"e5 t"e i5ea 1orm@ an5 1all 1rom "is lips. AHo% 5i5 7onsieur Bou)ier -et t"e lo%er "al1 o1 "is 8o5y melte5 a%ayBC 7a-nus Bou)ier "a5 8een Serep"ina?s mortal ser)ant. 9t "a5 8een "is >o8 to keep me near Serep"ina?s 3o11in until s"e rose to 1inis" me o11. 9 s3ru88e5 at my 1a3e@ tryin- to -et ri5 o1 t"e tears. Al%ays ruins t"e e11e3t %"en you 3ry. ADou kno% t"e ans%er@C 9 sai5. 7y )oi3e soun5e5 straine5 an5 small. ASay it alou5@ ma petite@ let me "ear it 1rom your o%n lips.C A9 1eel like 9?m missin- part o1 t"is 3on)ersation@C <i3"ar5 sai5@ A="at are you t%o talkin- a8outBC A$ell "im@ ma petite.C A$"e )ampire -ra88e5 7a-nus aroun5 t"e %aist an5 "el5 on. 9?5 planne5 on it slo%in- "im 5o%n@ not"in- else. 9 -ot to t"e 5oor an5 ran outsi5e. $"e sunli-"t "it t"e )ampire an5 it 8urst into 1lames. 9 e*pe3te5 7a-nus to -o 8a3k insi5e@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. He kept 3omin-@ 5ra--in- "er into t"e li-"t.C Sayin- it 1ast 5i5n?t make it any 8etter. 9 stoo5 in t"e mi55le o1 t"e 5ea5 9 "a5 3alle5@ "u--in- mysel1. 9 still "a5 5reams a8out Serep"ina. Still sa% 7a-nus rea3"in- out to me@ 8e--in- me to sa)e "im. 9 3oul5 "a)e s"ot "im an5 ne)er lost a moment?s sleep@ 8ut 8urnin- "im ali)e %as torture. 9 5i5n?t 5o torture. /ot to mention t"at ,llie Nuinlan "a5 alrea5y risen as a )ampire@ %"i3" ma5e "er le-ally ali)e. 9?5 kille5 t"em 8ot"@ an5 it "a5n?t 8een pretty. <i3"ar5 %as lookin- at me@ a look o1 somet"in- 3lose to "orror on "is 1a3e. ADou 8urne5 t"e man an5 t"e )ampire ali)eBC 9 %at3"e5 t"e 8ro%n in "is eyes s%im 8a3k to t"e sur1a3e. $"e entire s"ape o1 t"e eye 3"an-e5 %"ile 9 %at3"e5. 9t looke5 almost like it s"oul5 "urt. 91 it 5i5 "urt@ "e ne)er s"o%e5 it. A9 5i5n?t plan it@ <i3"ar5. 9 5i5n?t %ant it to "appen@ 8ut 9 %oul5 "a)e 5one anyt"in- to es3ape Serep"ina. Anyt"in-.C A9 5on?t un5erstan5 t"at.C A9 kno%@C 9 sai5. A$"ere is no s"ame in sur)i)in-@ ma petite.C 9 turne5 to Hean2!lau5e. $"ere %as no s"o3k on "is 1a3e. 9t %as lo)ely an5 unrea5a8le as a 5oll?s. A$"en %"y 3an?t 9 rea5 your 1a3e ri-"t no%BC Li1e 1lo%e5 8a3k into "is 1a3e@ 1ille5 "is eyes@ mo)e5 8e"in5 "is skin until "e %as t"ere@ starin- at me. $"e look in "is eyes %asn?t %"at 9 e*pe3te5. 'ear %as still t"ere an5 surprise@ 8ut un5erneat" %as %orry. ABetterBC "e aske5. ADes.C 9 1ro%ne5. A="at?s %orryin- youBC He si-"e5. AAll "onesty is e)entually punis"e5@ 8ut not usually t"is ;ui3kly.C AAns%er me@ Hean2!lau5e.C His eyes %ent past me to t"e %ere%ol)es %aitin- at <i3"ar5?s 8a3k. A/o one must speak o1 %"at "as "appene5 "ere@ not to anyone.C A="y notBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A9t %oul5 em8arrass ma petite.C A$"at?s true@C 9 sai5@ A8ut t"at?s not %"at you mean. Dou 5on?t min5 em8arrassin- me. Hell@ t"is story %oul5 make a -reat t"reat 1or all your )ampires. 9t?5 s3are t"e "ell out o1 t"em.C A$"at@ ma petite@ is t"e point.C 9 si-"e5. AStop 8ein- o8tuse an5 >ust tell us.C A9 5o not %ant t"is@C "e %a)e5 at t"e )ampires@ A3omin- to t"e attention o1 t"e )ampire 3oun3il.C A="y notBC <i3"ar5 an5 9 aske5 to-et"er.

APut simply@ ma petite@ t"ey %ill kill you.C A9?m your re-istere5 "uman ser)ant@C 9 sai5@ Ayou sai5 you 5i5 t"at to keep me sa1e.C A'or t"is t"ey %ill 3ome an5 see 1or t"emsel)es@ ma petite. ="oe)er t"ey sen5 %ill kno% instantly t"at you 5o not 8ear my marks. Dou are my ser)ant in name only. $"at %ill not 8e enou-" 1or t"em. =it"out any 8in5in- 8et%een us@ t"ey %ill not trust you.C ASo t"ey?ll kill "er@ >ust like t"atBC <i3"ar5 aske5. He mo)e5 3loser to me as i1 "e?5 tou3" me@ 8ut "is "an5s "esitate5 a8o)e my s"oul5ers. =it"out lookin- at "im@ 9 sai5@ A#ne story a8out 8urnin- people ali)e an5 you 5on?t %ant to tou3" me. Dou pre>u5i3e5 little %ere%ol1@ you.C 9 trie5 to keep my )oi3e li-"t 8ut a "ars" e5-e 3rept in. His "an5s -rippe5 my s"oul5ers ti-"tly. A9t really 8ot"ers you@ %"at you 5i5@ 5oesn?t itBC 9 turne5 to see "is 1a3e@ "is "an5s still on my s"oul5ers. A#1 3ourse it 8ot"ers me. 9 5i5n?t >ust kill 7a-nus@ 9 torture5 "im to 5eat". ,llie Nuinlan 5i5n?t 5eser)e to 8e 8urne5 ali)e.C 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 trie5 to step a%ay 1rom "im. He sli5 "is arms a3ross my 8a3k@ "ol5in- me -ently a-ainst "im. A9?m sorry you "a5 to 5o it.C He tou3"e5 my "air %it" one "an5@ t"e ot"er still a-ainst my 8a3k. ADour eyes are "aunte5 8y it@ 8y %"at you 5i5. 4on?t take t"is %ron-@ 8ut it makes me 1eel 8etter to see t"at pain in your eyes.C 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom "im. A4i5 you t"ink 9 3oul5 kill someone 8y torture an5 1eel not"in-BC He met my eyes 8ut it seeme5 like it %as an e11ort. A9 %asn?t sure.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. Hean2!lau5e took my le1t "an5G t"e ot"er %as still "ol5in- t"e 'irestar. He turne5 me to 1a3e "im. He raise5 my "an5 to%ar5s "is lips as "e 8o%e5 slo%ly to%ar5s me. He spoke as "e mo)e5@ A$"ere is not"in- t"at you 3oul5 e)er 5o t"at %oul5 make me not 5esire t"e tou3" o1 your 8o5y.C He kisse5 my "an5. His lips lin-ere5 a little lon-er t"an %as polite. His ton-ue li3ke5 a3ross my skin@ an5 9 pulle5 a%ay. A9t s3ares you t"at 9 3an raise )ampires like t"is.C APer"aps@ ma petite@ 8ut 9 "a)e 1ri-"tene5 you 1or years an5 yet you are still "ere.C He "a5 a point. 9 stare5 at =illie. ALet?s see i1 %e 3an put e)eryone 8a3k %"ere t"ey 8elon-.C 9 "ope5 9 3oul5 5o it. 9 %ante5 =illie 8a3k@ e)en i1 it %as only a lie. He %alke5@ "e talke5@ it %as still =illie. #r may8e@ 9 >ust %ante5 it to 8e =illie. 7ay8e 9 nee5e5 it to 8e =illie.

Chapter Twenty-nine
A$ake me to t"e 3o11in room@C 9 sai5. A="yBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. $"ere %as somet"in- in t"e %ay "e sai5 t"at one %or5 t"at ma5e me stare at "im. ABe3ause 9 aske5.C AHo% %oul5 my 1lo3k 1eel i1 9 allo%e5 t"e ,*e3utioner to enter t"eir pri)ate 3"am8er %"ile t"ey slept "elplessBC A9?m not -oin- to kill any8o5y to5ay@ not on purpose.C A9 5o not like t"e %ay you sai5 t"at@ ma petite.C A:n3ontrolle5 po%er is unpre5i3ta8le@ Hean2!lau5e. All sorts o1 unpleasant t"in-s 3an "appen. 9 nee5 to see %"ere t"e )ampires %ill 8e restin-. 9 %ant to try an5 put t"em 8a3k in a 3ontrolle5 manner.C A="at sorts o1 unpleasant t"in-sBC <i3"ar5 aske5. 9t %as a -oo5 ;uestion. Sin3e 9 %as pretty mu3" 1lyin- 8lin5@ 9 5i5n?t "a)e a -oo5 ans%er. A9t takes less po%er to put 8a3k t"an it 5oes to raise. 91 %e >ust 3all it up %il5 an5 try to %ill t"em 8a3k ... C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou 3oul5 e*tin-uis" t"eir li1e 1or3e@C !assan5ra sai5. 9 looke5 at "er. A="at 5i5 you sayBC ADou?re -oin- to put t"em 8a3k in t"eir 3o11ins as you %oul5 a Eom8ie@ 8ut %it" a Eom8ie you %ill it to 8e 5ea5 a-ain@ 3orre3tBC 9 "a5n?t really t"ou-"t o1 it t"at %ay@ 8ut s"e %as ri-"t. A91 you %ill t"e )ampires 8a3k in t"eir 3o11ins@ you?re in e11e3t %illin- t"em 5ea5 a-ain like a Eom8ie@ ri-"tBC ADea".C ABut you 5on?t %ant t"em permanently 5ea5.C 7y "ea5 %as 8e-innin- to "urt. A/o@ 9 5on?t %ant t"em permanently 5ea5.C

AHo% 5o you kno% so )ery mu3" a8out ne3roman3y@ !assan5raBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. A9 "a)e a master?s 5e-ree in ma-i3al t"eory.C A$"at must 8e use1ul on a resume@C 9 sai5. A/ot in t"e least@C s"e sai5@ A8ut it mi-"t 8e use1ul no%.C A4i5 you kno% your ne%est pa3k mem8er %as so %ell2e5u3ate5@ <i3"ar5BC Hean2!lau5e aske5. ADes@C "e sai5@ Ait?s one o1 t"e reasons 9 -a)e "er permission to mo)e "ere.C APermission to mo)e "ereBC 9 sai5. A="y 5i5 s"e nee5 your permissionBC AA %ere%ol1 "as to -et t"e permission o1 t"e lo3al pa3k lea5er 8e1ore t"ey 3an enter a ne% territory. 91 t"ey 5on?t@ it?s 3onsi5ere5 a 3"allen-e to "is aut"ority.C A4i5 s"e "a)e to ask your permission or 7ar3us?sBC ABot"@C !assan5ra sai5. A7ost %ere%ol)es %on?t 3ome near Saint Louis %"ile t"is po%er stru--le is -oin- on.C A="y 5i5 you 3ome@ t"en@ my %ol1BC Hean2!lau5e aske5. A9 like5 %"at 9 "ear5 a8out <i3"ar5. He?s tryin- to 8rin- t"e pa3k into t"e t%entiet" 3entury.C A4i5 you 3ome plannin- to 8e "is lupaBC 9 aske5. Des@ a little t%in-e o1 >ealousy "a5 reare5 its u-ly "ea5. !assan5ra smile5. A7ay8e@ 8ut t"e >o8?s 1ille5. 9 3ame "ere to a)oi5 1i-"tin-@ not to start it.C ADou "a)e 3ome to t"e %ron- pla3e@ 9 1ear@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. S"e s"ru--e5. A91 9 %aite5 until t"e 8attle %as o)er an5 it %as sa1e@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e %ort" mu3"@ %oul5 9BC ADou 3ame to 1i-"t at 7onsieur Keeman?s si5eBC A9 3ame 8e3ause 9 a-ree %it" %"at "e?s tryin- to 5o.C ADou 5on?t appro)e o1 killin-BC 9 aske5. A/ot really.C A="y@ <i3"ar5@ you "a)e 1oun5 a kin5re5 spirit@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ smilin-@ an5 1ar too please5. A!assan5ra 8elie)es in t"e san3tity o1 li1eG a lot o1 people 5o@C <i3"ar5 sai5. He %oul5n?t look at me. A91 s"e?s a 8etter mat3" 1or you t"an 9 am@ 9 %on?t stan5 in your %ay.C He turne5 to me@ a look o1 astonis"ment on "is 1a3e. AAnita ... C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9?m in lo)e %it" you.C ADou?5 -et o)er it@C 9 sai5. 7y 3"est %as ti-"t %it" t"e o11er@ 8ut 9 meant it. <i3"ar5 an5 9 "a5 a 8asi3 1un5amental 5i11eren3e o1 opinion. 9t %asn?t -oin- a%ay. #ne o1 us %as -oin- to "a)e to 3ompromise@ an5 it %asn?t -oin- to 8e me. 9 3oul5n?t ;uite meet <i3"ar5?s eyes@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t take it 8a3k. He steppe5 in 1ront o1 me@ an5 all 9 3oul5 see %as "is 8are 3"est. $"ere %as a s3rat3" >ust 8elo% "is le1t nipple@ 8loo5 5ryin- on "is skin in 5arkenin- strin-s. He tou3"e5 my 3"in@ raisin- my 1a3e until 9 met "is eyes. He stu5ie5 my 1a3e like "e?5 ne)er seen it 8e1ore. A9 %oul5 ne)er -et o)er losin- you@ Anita. /e)er.C A/e)er?s a lon- time to tie yoursel1 to a killer.C ADou 5on?t "a)e to 8e a killer@C "e sai5. 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom "im. A91 you?re "an-in- aroun5 me %aitin- 1or me to so1ten up an5 8e3ome t"is -oo5 little -irl@ you mi-"t as %ell lea)e no%.C He -ra88e5 my arms@ pullin- me a-ainst "is 8o5y. A9 %ant you@ Anita@ all o1 you.C He kisse5 me@ arms lo3ke5 8e"in5 my 8a3k@ raisin- me up a-ainst "im. 9 sli5 my "an5s 8e"in5 "is 8a3k@ 'irestar still in one "an5. 9 presse5 my 8o5y a-ainst "is "ar5 enou-" to kno% "e %as "appy to see me. =e 3ame up 1or air@ an5 9 pulle5 8a3k@ 8ut not out o1 "is arms@ "al12lau-"in-. 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 Hean2!lau5e stan5into one si5e. $"e look on "is 1a3e %ipe5 t"e smile 1rom my lips. 9t %asn?t >ealousy. 9t %as "un-er. 4esire. =at3"in- us to-et"er "a5 e*3ite5 "im. 9 5re% 8a3k 1rom <i3"ar5 an5 1oun5 8loo5 on my "an5s. 9t %as "ar5 to tell on t"e na)y 8lue s"irt 8ut t"ere %ere %et spots %"ere 9?5 presse5 mysel1 a-ainst t"e 8loo5y s3rat3"es. Some o1 t"e %oun5s %ere 5eep enou-" t"at t"ey %ere still seepin- 8loo5. <i3"ar5 %as lookin- at Hean2!lau5e@ too@ no%. 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom <i3"ar5@ "ol5in- up t"e 8loo5y "an5. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e )ampire@ an5 "is eyes staye5 on t"e 1res" 8loo5@ not on me. 9 stoppe5 less t"an a 1oot 1rom "im@ my "an5 "el5 out in 1ront o1 "is 1a3e. A="i3" %oul5 you rat"er "a)e ri-"t no%@ se* or 8loo5BC

His eyes 1li3ke5 to my 1a3e@ 8a3k to my "an5@ t"en to my 1a3e. 9 %at3"e5 t"e e11ort it took 1or "im to keep eye 3onta3t. AAsk <i3"ar5 %"i3" "e %oul5 rat"er "a)e >ust a1ter "e 3"an-es into a %ol1@ se* or 1res" meatBC 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at <i3"ar5. A="at?s your 3"oi3eBC AHust a1ter t"e 3"an-e@ meat.C He sai5 it like 9 s"oul5 "a)e kno%n t"e ans%er. 9 turne5 8a3k to t"e )ampire. 9 sli5 t"e 'irestar into t"e 1ront o1 my pants@ an5 mo)e5 t"e 8loo5y "an5 to%ar5s "is lips. Hean2!lau5e -ra88e5 my %rist. A4o not tease me@ ma petite. 7y 3ontrol is not 8oun5less.C A tremor ran t"rou-" "is arm an5 5o%n "is "an5. He looke5 a%ay@ eyes 3lose5. 9 tou3"e5 "is 1a3e %it" my ri-"t "an5@ turnin- "im 8a3k to 1a3e me. A="o says 9?m teasin-BC 9 sai5 so1tly. A$ake us to t"e 3o11in room.C Hean2!lau5e sear3"e5 my 1a3e. A="at 5o you o11er me@ ma petiteBC ABloo5@C 9 sai5. AAn5 se*BC "e aske5. A="i3" %oul5 you rat"er "a)e@ ri-"t t"is minuteBC 9 stare5 at "im@ %illin- t"e trut" in "is 1a3e. He -a)e a s"aky lau-". ABloo5.C 9 smile5@ an5 pulle5 my %rist a%ay. A<emem8er@ it %as your 3"oi3e.C A look passe5 o)er "is 1a3e t"at %as a mi*ture o1 surprise an5 irony. A$ou3"6@ ma petite@ 8ut 9 am 8e-innin- to "a)e "opes t"at t"is %ill not 8e t"e last time 9 am -i)en t"e 3"oi3e.C $"ere %as a "eat to "is )oi3e@ "is eyes@ >ust stan5in- t"is 3lose to "is 8o5y@ t"at ma5e me s"i)er. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at <i3"ar5. He %as %at3"in- us. 9 e*pe3te5 to see >ealousy or an-er@ 8ut all 9 3oul5 rea5 in "is eyes %as nee5. Lust. 9 %as pretty sure t"at <i3"ar5?s 3"oi3e ri-"t t"is minute %oul5 8e se*@ 8ut t"e t"ou-"t o1 a little 8loo5 t"ro%n in 5i5n?t seem to %orry "im. 9n 1a3t@ it seeme5 to e*3ite "im. 9 %as 8e-innin- to %on5er i1 t"e %ere%ol1 an5 )ampire s"are5 similar tastes in 1oreplay. $"e t"ou-"t s"oul5 "a)e s3are5 me@ 8ut it 5i5n?t. $"at %as a )ery@ )ery 8a5 si-n.

Chapter Thirty
$"e last time 9?5 8een in t"e 3o11in room un5er !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5@ 9?5 3ome to slay t"e 3urrent 7aster o1 t"e !ity. 9?5 3ome to slay e)ery )ampire in t"e pla3e. 7y@ "o% t"in-s "a5 3"an-e5. $ra3k li-"tin- in soli5 %"ite 1i*tures 3lun- to t"e %alls@ 3astin- so1t "alos o1 li-"t on ea3" o1 se)en 3o11ins. $"ree o1 t"e 3o11ins %ere empty@ t"eir li5s proppe5 open. All o1 t"e 3o11ins %ere mo5ern@ ne%@ roomy. $"ey %ere all a ri3" )arnis"e5 oak@ staine5 nearly 8la3k. Sil)er "an5les -ra3e5 t"e %oo5. $"e satin linin-s o1 t"e open 3o11ins %ere 5i11erent 3olorsG %"ite@ 8lue@ re5. $"e 3o11in %it" t"e re5 interior "el5 a s%or5 in a spe3ially ma5e si5e s"eat"J a 1reakin- t%o2"an5e5 s%or5 as lon- as 9 %as tall. A pair o1 t"e u-liest 1uEEy 5i3e 9?5 e)er seen %ere suspen5e5 1rom t"e %"ite satin 3o11in. 9t "a5 to 8e =illie?s. $"e 8lue satin "el5 a small e*tra pillo%. Stan5in- o)er t"e 3o11in@ t"e smell o1 "er8s rose musty@ )a-uely s%eet. 9 tou3"e5 t"e small pillo% an5 1oun5 it 1ille5 %it" 5rie5 "er8s. AHer8s 1or s%eet 5reams@C 9 sai5 to no one in parti3ular. A9s t"ere some purpose to you "an5lin- t"eir personal 8elon-in-s@ ma petiteBC 9 looke5 at "im. A="at keepsakes 5o you "a)e in your 3o11inBC He >ust smile5. A="y all t"e same 3o11insBC A91 you 3ame in "ere to kill us@ %"ere %oul5 you startBC 9 looke5 aroun5 at t"e i5enti3al 3o11ins. A9 5on?t kno%. 91 someone 3omes in@ t"ey 3an?t tell %"o?s t"e ol5est or %"o?s t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. 9t 3o)ers your ass 8ut en5an-ers t"e rest.C A91 someone 3omes to kill us@ ma petite@ it is to e)eryone?s 8ene1it i1 t"e ol5est are not kille5 1irst. $"ere is al%ays a 3"an3e t"at one o1 t"e ol5er ones 3oul5 a%aken in time to sa)e t"e rest.C 9 no55e5. A="y t"e e*tra2%i5e@ e*tra2"i-" interiorsBC A=oul5 you %ant to spen5 eternity on your 8a3k@ ma petiteBC He smile5 an5 3ame to stan5 8esi5e me@ leanin- "is 8utt a-ainst t"e open 3o11in@ arms 3rosse5 o)er "is 3"est. A$"ere are so many ot"er more 3om1orta8le positions.C 9 1elt "eat rise up my 1a3e. <i3"ar5 >oine5 us. AAre you t%o -oin- to e*3"an-e %itty repartee or are %e -oin- to 5o t"isBC He leane5 on t"e 3lose5 en5 o1 t"e 3o11in@ 1orearms restin- on it. $"ere %as a 8loo5y s3rat3" on "is ri-"t upper arm. He seeme5 at "ome. Hason@ still 1urry an5 8i- enou-" to ri5e@ pa55e5 o)er t"e stone 1loor@ nails 3li3kin-. $"e %ol1?s "ea5 %as "i-" enou-" t"at it li3ke5 <i3"ar5?s 8loo5y arm %"ile still on all 1ours. $"ere %ere moments %"en 9 1elt <i3"ar5 %as too normal to 1it into my li1e. $"is %asn?t one o1 t"em.

ADea"@ %e?re -oin- to 5o it@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 stoo5@ runnin- "is 1in-ers t"rou-" "is t"i3k "air@ -ettin- it out o1 "is 1a3e@ an5 s"o%in- "is 3"est o11 to -oo5 a5)anta-e. 'or t"e 1irst time@ 9 %on5ere5 i1 "e?5 5one it on purpose. 9 sear3"e5 "is 1a3e 1or t"at e5-e o1 teasin- t"at Hean2 !lau5e "a5@ t"at kno%le5-e t"at e)en t"at simple mo)ement tou3"e5 me. $"ere %as not"in-. <i3"ar5?s 1a3e %as -uileless@ "an5some@ empty o1 ulterior moti)es. 9 e*3"an-e5 -lan3es %it" Hean2!lau5e. He s"ru--e5. A91 you 5o not un5erstan5 "im@ 5o not look to me. 9 am not in lo)e %it" "im.C <i3"ar5 looke5 puEEle5. A4i5 9 miss somet"in-BC He stroke5 un5er t"e %ol1?s t"roat@ pressin- t"e "ea5 a-ainst "is 3"est. $"e %ol1 ma5e a "i-" %"imperin- soun5 o1 pleasure. Gla5 to 8e 8a3k in t"e pa3k lea5er?s -oo5 -ra3es@ 9 -uess. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/ot really.C A="y are %e "ereBC Step"en aske5. He %as as 3lose to t"e 5oor as "e 3oul5 -et an5 not 8e outsi5e t"e room. His s"oul5ers %ere "un3"e5. He %as s3are5@ 8ut o1 %"atB !assan5ra stoo5 near Step"en@ insi5e t"e room@ 3loser to us. Her 1a3e %as 8lan5@ unrea5a8le e*3ept 1or a 3ertain %ariness aroun5 t"e eyes. $"ey 8ot" %ore >eans %it" o)ersiEe5 s"irts. Step"en?s %as a man?s pale 8lue 5ress s"irt. !assan5ra "a5 an o)ersiEe5 $2s"irt a 5ull pine -reen %it" a %ol1?s "ea5 5one lar-e %it" "u-e@ yello% eyes. A="at?s %ron-@ Step"enBC <i3"ar5 aske5. Step"en 8linke5 an5 s"ook "is "ea5. A=e all "ear5 Anita tell Hean2!lau5e s"e?5 nee5 more 8loo5@ 1res" 8loo5@C !assan5ra sai5. S"e looke5 at me %"ile s"e 1inis"e5 t"e t"ou-"t. A9 t"ink Step"en?s %orrie5 %"ere t"e 1res" 8loo5?s 3omin- 1rom.C A9?m not into "uman sa3ri1i3e@C 9 sai5. ASome people 5on?t 3onsi5er a ly3ant"rope "uman@C !assan5ra sai5. A9 5o@C 9 sai5. S"e looke5 at me@ >u5-in- my %or5s. Some ly3ant"ropes 3oul5 tell i1 you %ere lyin-. 9 %as 8ettin- s"e %as one o1 t"em. A$"en %"ere are you -oin- to -et t"e 8loo5BC 9t %as a -oo5 ;uestion. 9 %asn?t sure 9 "a5 a -oo5 ans%er. A9 5on?t kno%@ 8ut it %on?t take a 5eat".C AAre you sureBC s"e aske5. 9 s"ru--e5. A91 it takes a 5eat" to put t"em 8a3k@ t"ey?re 5ea5. 9?m not -oin- to kill any8o5y else to 8rin- t"em 8a3k.C 9 looke5 at t"e t"ree %aitin- )ampires a1ter 9 sai5 it. Li)@ =illie@ an5 surprisin-ly@ 4amian. <aisin- t"e )ampires %as impressi)e enou-"@ raisin- one as po%er1ul as 4amian %as 5o%nri-"t s3ary. He %asn?t a master )arnpire@ ne)er %oul5 8e@ 8ut "e?5 "a)e 1ri-"tene5 me in a 1air 1i-"t. /o% "e stoo5 5resse5 only in t"e -reen ly3ra pants an5 t"e pirate sas". His upper 8o5y -leame5 like mus3le5 mar8le un5er t"e -lo% o1 t"e li-"ts. His -reen eyes stare5 at me %it" a patient %aitint"at only t"e truly 5ea5 3an mana-e. ADou are s"i)erin-@ ma petite.C A=e raise t"e po%er a-ain@ t"en %e nee5 8loo5.C 9 looke5 at Hean2!lau5e an5 <i3"ar5. A91 <i3"ar5 "as to 1i-"t 7ar3us toni-"t@ 9?m not sure "e s"oul5 8e t"e one %"o supplies t"is roun5 o1 8loo5.C Hean2!lau5e 3o3ke5 "is "ea5 to one si5e. 9 e*pe3te5 "im to say somet"in- irritatin-@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. 7ay8e e)en a )ery ol5 5o- 3oul5 learn ne% tri3ks. AHe is not sinkin- 1an-s into you@C <i3"ar5 sai5. An-er ma5e "is 8ro%n eyes 5ark an5 sparklin-@ "e %as lo)ely %"en "e %as an-ry. $"at aura o1 ener-y 1lare5 aroun5 "im@ 3lose enou-" to 3reep 5o%n my 8are skin. ADou 3an?t 5onate t%i3e t"is 3lose to-et"er@ %it" 7ar3us %aitin- 1or you@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 -ra88e5 me 8y t"e upper arms. ADou 5on?t un5erstan5@ Anita. 'ee5in- is like se* to "im.C A-ain@ 9 "al12e*pe3te5 Hean2!lau5e to 3"ime in@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. 9 "a5 to say it. 4amn. A9t %on?t 8e t"e 1irst time "e?s 5one it@ <i3"ar5.C <i3"ar5?s 1in-ers 5u- into my arms. A9 kno% t"at. 9 sa% t"e 1an- marks on your %rist. But remem8er@ you %eren?t un5er any min5 3ontrol t"at time.C A9 remem8er@C 9 sai5. A9t "urt like "ell.C <i3"ar5 5re% me to "im %it" "is "an5s still "ol5in- only my upper arms@ 5re% me to tiptoe as i1 "e?5 5ra- me to "is 1a3e. A=it"out min5 3ontrol@ it?s like rape@ not t"e real t"in-. 9t?ll 8e real t"is time.C ADou?re "urtin- me@ <i3"ar5.C 7y )oi3e %as 3alm@ stea5y@ 8ut t"e look on "is 1a3e s3are5 me. $"e intensity in "is "an5s@ "is 1a3e@ "is 8o5y@ %as unner)in-. He ease5 5o%n@ 8ut 5i5n?t take "is "an5s a%ay. A$ake 8loo5 1rom Hason or !assan5ra.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"at mi-"t %ork or it mi-"t not. 91 t"e 8loo5 3omes 1rom one o1 us@ 9 kno% it?ll %ork. Besi5es@ s"oul5 you 8e o11erin- up ot"er people?s 8loo5 %it"out askin- t"em 1irstBC

4ou8t sli5 8e"in5 "is eyes@ an5 "e let me -o. His lon- "air 1ell 1or%ar5@ "i5in- "is 1a3e. ADou say you?)e 3"osen me. $"at you?re in lo)e %it" me. $"at you 5on?t %ant to "a)e se* %it" "im. /o%@ you tell me you %ant "im to 1ee5 o11 o1 you. $"at?s as 8a5 as se*.C He stalke5 t"e room@ pa3in- aroun5 t"e %aitin- )ampires@ s%in-in- 8a3k in an a-itate5 stri5e t"at 1ille5 t"e room %it" a %arm@ 3reepin- po%er. A9 5i5n?t say 9 %ante5 to 1ee5 "im@C 9 sai5. He stoppe5 in t"e mi55le o1 t"e room@ starin- at me. ABut you 5o@ 5on?t youBC A/o@C 9 sai5@ an5 it %as true. A9?)e ne)er 8een intereste5 in t"at.C AS"e speaks t"e trut"@C Hean2!lau5e sai5 at last. ADou stay out o1 t"is@C <i3"ar5 sai5@ pointin- a 1in-er at "im. Hean2!lau5e -a)e a small 8o% an5 1ell silent. He %as 8e"a)in- "imsel1 1ar too %ell. 7a5e me ner)ous. #1 3ourse@ <i3"ar5 %as "a)in- enou-" o1 a 1it 1or 8ot" o1 t"em. A$"en let me 1ee5 "im a-ain.C A9sn?t it se*ual 1or you@ tooBC 9 aske5. <i3"ar5 s"ook "is "ea5. A9t %as you 9 %as lookin- at@ Anita@ not "im. A little pain is 1ine.C 9t %as my turn to s"ake my "ea5. AAre you truly sayin- t"at lettin- "im sink 1an-s into my 8o5y %oul5 8ot"er you as mu3" as sinkin- ... C 9 let t"e t"ou-"t 5ie unspoken. A9 see 5onatin- 8loo5 as t"e lesser e)il@ <i3"ar5. 4on?t youBC ADes@C "e "isse5. His po%er %as 1illin- t"e room like %arm@ ele3tri3 %ater. 9 3oul5 almost rea3" out an5 -ra8 it. A$"en %"at are you 8it3"in- a8outBC 9 sai5. A=e %oul5n?t "a)e 5one it t"e 1irst time@ 8ut you %ante5 me to 5o it. Dou %ante5 us to 5o it.C 9 stalke5 to%ar5s "im@ 1inally an-ry mysel1. ADou 5on?t %ant to kill 7ar3us@ 1ine@ 8ut t"is is t"e pri3e. Dou %ant enou-" po%er to 3o% t"e rest o1 t"e pa3k %it"out losin- your "umanity@ -reat@ 8ut t"at kin5 o1 po%er isn?t 1ree.C 9 stoo5 in 1ront o1 "im@ so 3lose t"at "is po%er 5an3e5 o)er my skin like 1ine nee5les@ like se* t"at ro5e t"at e5-e 8et%een pleasure an5 pain. A9t?s too late to 8a3k out no%. =e are not -oin- to stran5 =illie an5 t"e ot"ers 8e3ause you?re -ettin- 3ol5 1eet.C 9 took t"at last step@ puttin- our 8o5ies so 3lose to-et"er t"at a 5eep 8reat" %oul5 "a)e ma5e t"em tou3". 9 lo%ere5 my )oi3e to a %"isper@ t"ou-" 9 kne% e)eryt"in- in t"e room %oul5 still "ear me. A9t isn?t t"e 8loo5 t"at 8ot"ers you. ="at 8ot"ers you is t"at you en>oye5 it.C 9 lo%ere5 my )oi3e until it %as almost a mo)ement o1 lips %it" only a 8reat" o1 soun5. AHean2!lau5e isn?t >ust se5u3in- me@ "e?s se5u3in- us.C <i3"ar5 stare5 5o%n at me@ an5 t"e look in "is true 8ro%n eyes %as lost@ "opeless. A little 8oy %"o?s 5is3o)ere5 t"e monster un5er t"e 8e5 is a3tually real@ an5 it?s s3re%in- 7ommy. Hean2!lau5e?s po%er ease5 t"rou-" t"e room@ min-lin- %it" <i3"ar5?s ele3tri3 %armt" like a 3ool %in5 1rom t"e -ra)e. =e 8ot" turne5 an5 looke5 at t"e )ampire. He %as smilin- e)er so sli-"tly. He un5i5 "is ro8e an5 let it 1all to t"e 1loor. He -li5e5 to%ar5s us@ %earin- not"in- 8ut "is silk pa>amas an5 a kno%in- smile. His o%n po%er makin- "is lon- "air 1lare roun5 "is 1a3e like a small %in5. <i3"ar5 tou3"e5 my s"oul5ers an5 e)en t"at 3"aste tou3" sent a line o1 %arm@ s"i)erin- ener-y alon- my skin. $"e po%er %as t"ere 1or t"e 3allin-@ >ust 8elo% t"e sur1a3e. =e 5i5n?t nee5 all t"e se*ual 3"ara5es. Hean2!lau5e rea3"e5 a pale "an5 out to%ar5s me. 9 met "is "an5 %it" mine@ an5 t"at one tou3" %as enou-". $"at 3ool@ 8urnin- po%er 1lo%e5 o)er me@ t"rou-" me@ into <i3"ar5. 9 "ear5 <i3"ar5 -asp. Hean2!lau5e starte5 to mo)e 1or%ar5@ like "e?5 press "is 8o5y a-ainst mine. 9 "el5 "im a%ay 1rom me %it" t"e "an5 t"at %as ent%ine5 in "is@ strai-"t2armin- "im. A9t?s "ere@ Hean2!lau5e@ 3an?t you 1eel itBC He no55e5. ADour po%er 3alls to me@ ma petite.C <i3"ar5?s "an5s sli5 o)er my s"oul5ers@ "is 1a3e 8rus"in- my "air. A/o% %"atBC A=e ri5e t"e po%er t"is time@ it 5oesn?t ri5e us.C AHo%BC <i3"ar5 %"ispere5. Hean2!lau5e looke5 at me %it" eyes t"at %ere 5eep as any o3ean an5 as 1ull o1 se3rets. A9 8elie)e ma petite "as a plan.C ADea"@C 9 sai5@ A9 "a)e a plan.C 9 looke5 1rom one to t"e ot"er o1 t"em. A9?m -oin- to 3all 4omini3 4umare an5 see i1 "e kno%s "o% to put )ampires 8a3k in t"eir 3o11ins.C 4omini3 "a5 8een 3leare5 o1 <o8ert?s mur5er. He "a5 an airti-"t ali8i. He?5 8een %it" a %oman. ,)en i1 "e "a5n?t 8een@ 9 mi-"t "a)e aske5 1or "is "elp. 9 %ante5 to sa)e =illie more t"an 9 %ante5 to re)en-e <o8ert. A stran-e e*pression 3rosse5 Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e. ADou@ askin- 1or "elp@ ma petiteB $"at is unusual.C 9 5re% a%ay 1rom 8ot" o1 t"em. =e 3oul5 -et t"e po%er 8a3k@ 9 %as pretty 3ertain o1 t"at. 9 looke5 at =illie?s empty 1a3e an5 t"e 1uEEy 5i3e "an-in- 1rom "is 3o11in. A91 9 make a mistake@ =illie?s -one. 9 %ant "im 8a3k.C $"ere %ere times %"en 9 t"ou-"t t"at it %asn?t Hean2!lau5e %"o "a5 3on)in3e5 me t"at )ampires %eren?t al%ays monsters. 9t %as =illie an5 4ea5 4a)e@ e*23op an5 8ar o%ner. 9t %as a "ost o1 lesser )ampires t"at seeme5@ o33asionally@ like ni3e -uys. Hean2!lau5e %as a lot o1 t"in-sG ni3e %as not one o1 t"em.

Chapter Thirty-one
4omini3 4umare s"o%e5 up %earin- a pair o1 8la3k 5ress sla3ks an5 a 8la3k leat"er >a3ket unEippe5 o)er a -rey silk $2 s"irt. He looke5 more rela*e5 %it"out Sa8in lookin- on@ like an employee on "is 5ay o11. ,)en t"e neatly trimme5 Van5yke 8ear5 an5 musta3"e seeme5 less 1ormal. 4omini3 %alke5 aroun5 t"e t"ree )ampires 9?5 raise5. =e?5 mo)e5 8a3k out into t"e ru88le2stre%n main area@ so "e 3oul5 see t"e Eom8ies an5 t"e )ampires all at on3e. He pa3e5 aroun5 t"e )ampires@ tou3"in- t"em "ere an5 t"ere. He -rinne5 at me@ teet" 1las"in- in "is 5ark 8ear5. A$"is is mar)elous@ truly mar)elous.C 9 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to 1ro%n at "im. A'or-i)e me i1 9 5on?t s"are your ent"usiasm. !an you "elp me put t"em 8a3k t"e %ay t"ey %ereBC A$"eoreti3ally@ yes.C A="en people start usin- t"e %or5 t"eoreti3ally@ it means t"ey 5on?t kno% "o% to 5o somet"in-. Dou 3an?t "elp me@ 3an youBC A/o%@ no%@C 4omini3 sai5. He knelt 8y =illie@ starin- up at "im@ stu5yin- "im like a 8u- un5er a 8ios3ope. A9 5i5n?t say 9 3oul5n?t "elp. 9t?s true t"at 9?)e ne)er seen t"is 5one. An5 you say you?)e 5one t"is 8e1ore.C He stoo5 up@ 8rus"in- o11 t"e knees o1 "is pants. A#n3e.C A$"at time %as %it"out t"e trium)irateBC 4omini3 aske5. 9?5 "a5 to tell "im. 9 un5erstoo5 enou-" a8out ritual ma-i3 to kno% t"at i1 %e %it""el5 "o% %e?5 -otten t"is mu3" po%er@ anyt"in- 4omini3 "elpe5 us 3ome up %it" %oul5n?t %ork. 9t %oul5 8e like tellin- t"e poli3e it %as a 8ur-lary %"en it %as really a mur5er. $"ey?5 8e tryin- to sol)e t"e %ron- 3rime. ADea"@ t"e 1irst time %as >ust me.C ABut 8ot" times in 5ayli-"t "oursBC "e aske5. 9 no55e5. A$"at makes sense. =e 3an only raise Eom8ies a1ter t"e souls "a)e 1lo%n. 9t %oul5 make sense t"at )ampires 3an only 8e raise5 5urin- t"e 5ay. ="en 5arkness 1alls@ t"eir souls return.C 9 %asn?t e)en -oin- to try an5 ar-ue a8out %"et"er or not )ampires "a5 souls. 9 %asn?t as sure o1 t"e ans%er as 9 use5 to 8e. A9 3an?t raise Eom8ies 5urin- 5ayli-"t "ours. Let alone )ampires@C 9 sai5. 4omini3 motione5 at all t"e %aitin- 5ea5 o1 8ot" kin5s. ABut you 5i5 it.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"at?s not t"e point. 9?m not suppose5 to 8e a8le to 5o it.C AHa)e you e)er trie5 to raise normal Eom8ies 5urin- 5ayli-"t "oursBC A=ell@ no. $"e man %"o traine5 me sai5 it %asn?t possi8le.C ASo you ne)er trie5@C 4omini3 sai5. 9 "esitate5 8e1ore ans%erin-. ADou "a)e trie5@C "e sai5. A9 3an?t 5o it. 9 3an?t e)en 3all t"e po%er un5er t"e li-"t o1 t"e sun.C A#nly 8e3ause you 8elie)e you 3an?t@C 4omini3 sai5. A<un t"at 8y me a-ain.C ABelie1 is one o1 t"e most important aspe3ts o1 ma-i3.C ADou mean@ i1 9 5on?t 8elie)e 9 3an raise Eom8ies 5urin- t"e 5ay@ 9 3an?t.C A,*a3tly.C A$"at 5oesn?t make sense@C <i3"ar5 sai5. He leane5 a-ainst one o1 t"e inta3t %alls. He?5 8een )ery ;uiet %"ile 9 talke5 ma-i3 %it" 4omini3. Hason@ still in %ol1 1orm@ lay at "is 1eet. Step"en "a5 3leare5 some o1 t"e 8roken stones an5 sat 8esi5e t"e %ol1. AA3tually@C 9 sai5@ Ait 5oes. 9?)e seen people %it" a lot o1 ra% talent t"at 3oul5n?t raise anyt"in-. #ne -uy %as 3on)in3e5 it %as a mortal sin so "e >ust 8lo3ke5 it out. But "e s"one %it" po%er %"et"er "e %ante5 to a33ept it or not.C AA s"apes"i1ter 3an 5eny "is po%er all "e %ants@ 8ut t"at 5oesn?t keep "im 1rom 3"an-in-@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9 8elie)e t"at is %"y ly3ant"ropy is re1erre5 to as a 3urse@C 4omini3 sai5. <i3"ar5 looke5 at me. $"e e*pression on "is 1a3e %as elo;uent. AA 3urse.C

ADou?ll "a)e to 1or-i)e 4omini3@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AA "un5re5 years a-o@ it ne)er o33urre5 to anyone t"at ly3ant"ropy 3oul5 8e a 5isease.C A!on3ern 1or <i3"ar5?s 1eelin-sBC 9 aske5. AHis "appiness is your "appiness@ ma petite.C Hean2!lau5e?s ne% -entlemanly 8e"a)ior %as 8e-innin- to 8u- me. 9 5i5n?t trust "is 3"an-e o1 "eart. !assan5ra sai5@ A91 Anita 5i5n?t 8elie)e s"e 3oul5 raise t"e 5ea5 5urin- 5ayli-"t "ours@ t"en "o% 5i5 s"e 5o itBC S"e "a5 >oine5 in t"e metap"ysi3al 5is3ussion like it %as a -ra5uate 3lass in ma-i3al t"eory. 9?5 met people like "er in 3olle-e. $"eorists %"o "a5 no real ma-i3 o1 t"eir o%n. But t"ey 3oul5 sit aroun5 1or "ours 5e8atin- %"et"er a t"eoreti3al spell %oul5 %ork. $"ey treate5 ma-i3 like "i-"er p"ysi3s@ a pure s3ien3e %it"out any true %ay o1 testin-. Hea)en 1or8i5 t"e i)ory to%er ma-i3ians s"oul5 a3tually try out t"eir t"eories in a real spell. 4omini3 %oul5 "a)e 1it in %ell %it" t"em@ e*3ept "e "a5 "is o%n ma-i3. ABot" o33asions %ere e*treme situations@C 4omini3 sai5. A9t %orks on t"e same prin3iple t"at allo%s a -ran5mot"er to li1t a tru3k o11 "er -ran53"il5. 9n times o1 -reat nee5@ %e o1ten tou3" a8ilities 8eyon5 t"e e)ery5ay.C ABut t"e -ran5mot"er 3an?t li1t a 3ar at %ill@ >ust 8e3ause s"e 5i5 it on3e@C 9 sai5. AHmm@C 4omini3 sai5@ Aper"aps t"e analo-y is not per1e3t@ 8ut you un5erstan5 %"at 9 am sayin-. 91 you say you 5o not@ you are merely 8ein- 5i11i3ult.C $"at almost ma5e me smile. ASo you?re sayin- t"at 9 3oul5 raise t"e 5ea5 in 5ayli-"t i1 9 8elie)e5 9 3oul5.C A9 8elie)e so.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?)e ne)er "ear5 o1 any animator 8ein- a8le to 5o t"at.C ABut you are not merely an animator@ Anita@C 4omini3 sai5. ADou are a ne3roman3er.C A9 "a)e ne)er "ear5 o1 a ne3roman3er t"at 3oul5 raise t"e 5ea5 in 8roa5 5ayli-"t@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 4omini3 s"ru--e5 -ra3e1ully. 9t remin5e5 me o1 Hean2!lau5e. 9t takes a 3ouple "un5re5 years to make a s"ru- pretty. A9 5on?t kno% a8out 8roa5 5ayli-"t@ 8ut >ust as some )ampires 3an %alk aroun5 5urin- t"e 5ay@ as lon- as t"ey are su11i3iently s"eltere5@ 9 8elie)e t"e same prin3iple %oul5 apply to ne3roman3ers.C ASo you 5on?t 8elie)e Anita 3oul5 raise t"e 5ea5 at "i-" noon out o1 5oors@ eit"erBC !assan5ra sai5. 4omini3 s"ru--e5 a-ain. $"en "e lau-"e5. ADou "a)e 3au-"t me@ my stu5ious 8eauty. 9t may %ell 8e possi8le 1or Anita to 5o e*a3tly t"at@ 8ut e)en 9 "a)e ne)er "ear5 o1 su3" a t"in-.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ALook@ %e 3an e*plore t"e ma-i3al impli3ations later. <i-"t no%@ 3an you "elp me 1i-ure a %ay to put t"e )ampires 8a3k %it"out s3re%in- t"em upBC A4e1ine s3re%in- t"em up@C 4omini3 sai5. A4o not >oke@ 4omini3@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ADou kno% pre3isely %"at s"e means.C A9 %ant to "ear it 1rom "er lips.C Hean2!lau5e looke5 at me an5 -a)e a 8arely per3epti8le s"ru-. A="en 5arkness 1alls@ 9 %ant t"em to rise as )ampires. 9?m a1rai5 i1 9 5o t"is %ron-@ t"ey?ll >ust 8e 5ea5@ permanently.C ADou surprise me@ Anita. Per"aps your reputation as t"e s3our-e o1 t"e lo3al )ampire popula3e is e*a--erate5.C 9 stare5 at "im. Be1ore 9 3oul5 say somet"in- t"at soun5e5 like 8ra--in-@ Hean2!lau5e spoke. A9 %oul5 t"ink %"at s"e "as 5one to5ay is proo1 enou-" o1 "o% )ery mu3" s"e 5eser)es "er reputation.C 4omini3 an5 t"e )ampire stare5 at ea3" ot"er. Somet"in- seeme5 to pass 8et%een t"em. A 3"allen-e@ a kno%le5-e@ somet"in-. AS"e %oul5 make an amaEin- "uman ser)ant i1 only some )ampire 3oul5 tame "er@C 4omini3 sai5. Hean2!lau5e lau-"e5. $"e soun5 1ille5 t"e room %it" e3"oes t"at s"i)ere5 an5 5an3e5 a3ross t"e skin. $"e lau-"ter s%ept t"rou-" my 8o5y@ an5 1or t"e 8rie1est moment@ 9 3oul5 1eel somet"in- tou3" me 5eep insi5e %"ere no "an5 8elon-e5. 9n anot"er 3onte*t Hean2!lau5e mi-"t "a)e ma5e it se*ualG no% it %as simply 5istur8in-. A4on?t e)er 5o t"at a-ain@C <i3"ar5 sai5. He ru88e5 "is 8are arms as i1 "e %ere 3ol5 or tryin- to erase t"e memory o1 t"at in)asi)e lau-"ter. Hason trotte5 o)er to Hean2!lau5e@ to 8utt "is "ea5 a-ainst t"e )ampire?s "an5. He?5 like5 it. 4omini3 -a)e a little 8o%. A7y apolo-ies@ Hean2!lau5e@ you "a)e ma5e your point. 91 you %is"e5 to@ you 3oul5 3ause t"e 5ama-e t"at my master 3ause5 8y a33i5ent at your o11i3e.C A7y o11i3e@C 9 sai5. Personally@ 9 5i5n?t t"ink t"at Hean2!lau5e 3oul5 3ause 5ama-e %it" >ust "is )oi3e. 9?5 8een in situations %"ere i1 "e 3oul5 "a)e 5one it@ "e %oul5 "a)e. /o sense tellin- 4omini3 t"at@ t"ou-". 4omini3 -a)e an e)en lo%er 8o% in my 5ire3tion. ADour o11i3e@ o1 3ourse.C A!an %e 3ut t"e -ran5stan5in-BC 9 sai5. A!an you "elp usBC

A9 am more t"an %illin- to try.C 9 %alke5 up to "im@ pi3kin- my %ay o)er t"e 8roken stones. ="en 9 %as stan5in- as 3lose as %as polite an5 may8e an in3" or so more@ 9 sai5@ A$"ese t"ree )ampires are not an e*periment. $"is is not some -ra5uate stu5y in ma-i3al metap"ysi3s. Dou o11ere5 to tea3" me ne3roman3y@ 4omini3. 9 t"ink you?re not up to t"e >o8. Ho% 3an you tea3" me %"en 9 3an 5o t"in-s you 3an?tB :nless@ o1 3ourse@ you 3an raise )ampires 1rom t"eir 3o11insBC 9 stare5 into "is 5ark eyes t"e entire time 9 spoke@ %at3"in- t"e an-er narro% "is eyes@ ti-"ten "is lips. His e-o %as as 8ias 9?5 "ope5. 9 kne% "e %oul5n?t 5isappoint me. 4omini3 %oul5 5o "is 8est 1or us no%. His pri5e %as at stake. A$ell me e*a3tly "o% you 3alle5 t"e po%er@ Anita@ an5 9 %ill 8uil5 you a spell t"at s"oul5 %ork2i1 you "a)e t"e 3ontrol to make it %ork.C 9 smile5 at "im@ an5 9 ma5e sure it %as >ust t"is si5e o1 3on5es3en5in-. ADou 3ome up %it" it@ 9 3an pull it o11.C He smile5. AArro-an3e is not a 8e3omin- trait in a %oman.C A9 1in5 it a )ery 8e3omin- trait@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A91 it?s 5eser)e5. 91 you "a5 >ust raise5 t"ree )ampires 1rom t"eir 5aytime rest@ %oul5n?t you 8e arro-ant@ 4omini3BC His smile %i5ene5. ADes@ 9 %oul5 8e.C $rut" %as@ 9 5i5n?t 1eel arro-ant. 9 %as s3are5. S3are5 t"at 9?5 s3re%e5 =illie up an5 "e %oul5 ne)er rise a-ain. 9 1elt 8a5 too@ a8out Li) an5 4amian. 9t %asn?t a matter o1 likin- t"em or notG 9 5i5n?t mean to 5o it. Dou s"oul5n?t e*tin-uis" someone?s li1e 1or3e 8y a33i5ent. 91 9 1elt "al1 as se3ure as my %or5s to 4omini3@ %"y 5i5 my stoma3" "urtB

Chapter Thirty-two
4omini3@ !assan5ra@ an5 9 3ame up %it" a spell. $"e part o1 t"e plan t"at %as my i5ea %as )ery simple. 9 "a5 put Eom8ies 8a3k in t"eir -ra)es 1or years. 9 %as -oo5 at it. As 1ar as 9 %as a8le@ 9 %as -oin- to treat t"is like >ust anot"er >o8J layin- t"e 5ea5 to rest@ not"in- spe3ial. Lay t"e Eom8ies 1irst@ %orry a8out t"e )amps later. 9 "a5 !assan5ra 1et3" one o1 my kni)es an5 a %rist s"eat" 1rom t"e 8e5room. 91 9?5 8een a3tin- as a 1o3us 1or anot"er animator@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e let "im sink teet" into me@ so %"y 5i5 t"e 8loo5 "a)e to 3ome 1rom Hean2!lau5e 5rinkin- itB 9t 5i5n?t@ or 9 5i5n?t t"ink it 5i5. 4omini3 a-ree5 %it" me@ 8ut "e %asn?t a "un5re5 per3ent sure. So Eom8ies 1irst. $"ey?5 8e t"e pra3ti3e. 91 t"e kni1e 5i5n?t %ork@ %e?5 -o to 1an-s@ 8ut %"at little normal3y %as le1t to me@ 9 %as -oin- to 3lin- to. 9?5 sent Step"en 1or a 8o%l to "ol5 t"e 8loo5. He?5 returne5 %it" a small@ -ol5en 8o%l. 9 %on5ere5 i1 t"e siEe %as 5eli8erate@ to en3oura-e me not to spill too mu3" 8loo5. 'or a %ere%ol1@ Step"en 5i5n?t seem to like 8loo5 )ery mu3". $"e 8o%l %as polis"e5 to a s"ine so 8ri-"t it almost -lo%e5. $"e insi5e s"o%e5 t"e 5imple5 8lo%s o1 "ammer %ork. Beaten -ol5@ an5 9 kne% as soon as 9 tou3"e5 it@ it %as ol5. ="y 5oes e)eryone t"ink you "a)e to "a)e somet"in- spe3ial to "ol5 t"e 8loo5B $upper%are %oul5 "a)e %orke5. =e stoo5 in t"e ru88le2stre%n room %"ere t"e Eom8ies %aite5@ patient as only t"e 5ea5 3an 8e. Some o1 t"e eyes t"at %at3"e5 me %ere sunken like t"e 8lin5 eyes o1 5ea5 1is"@ a 1e% skulls %ere empty@ an5 e)en %it"out eyes@ t"ey all seerne5 to 8e lookin- at me. 9 stoo5@ kni1e strappe5 to my le1t %rist@ 1a3in- t"em. <i3"ar5 stoo5 to my le1t@ Hean2!lau5e to my ri-"t. $"ey %eren?t tou3"in- me@ 8y my re;uest. 4omini3 "a5 aske5 1or enou-" 5etails o1 t"e 1irst trium)irate t"at 9?5 8een em8arrasse5. He a-ree5 %it" me t"at t"e po%er %as pro8a8ly t"ere %it"out us "a)in- to 3ra%l all o)er ea3" ot"er. A-reein- to t"at alone earne5 "im 8ro%nie points. A1ter all@ t"e plan %as to raise t"e ma-i3 toni-"t in 1ront o1 t"e %"ole pa3k. 9 5i5n?t really %ant to 8e "a)in- se* in 1ront o1 t"at many stran-ers. All ri-"t@ it %asn?t e*a3tly se*@ 8ut it %as 3lose enou-" t"at 9 5i5n?t %ant an au5ien3e. $"e -lo% %as 1a5in-. Starin- at t"e partially rottin- Eom8ies@ it %as "ar5 to re-ain t"e moo5. A7y Eom8ies usually "ol5 to-et"er 8etter t"an t"is@C 9 sai5. A91 you "a5 pulle5 t"is mu3" po%er 1rom t%o ot"er ne3roman3ers@ t"e Eom8ies %oul5 8e 8etter@C 4omini3 sai5. APer"aps it %as t"e la3k o1 3ontrol@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 9 turne5 an5 looke5 at "im. A9 t"ink 4omini3 means t"at some o1 t"e po%er t"at raise5 t"em %as taken 1rom a 5ea5 man.C A4o you 8elie)e 9 am a 5ea5 man@ ma petiteBC 9 stare5 into t"at lo)ely 1a3e an5 no55e5. A$"e )ampires 9 raise5 are >ust 3orpses. ="ate)er you are@ it?s a 1orm o1 ne3roman3y. /e3roman3y only %orks %"en you start %it" a 5ea5 8o5y.C He 3o3ke5 "is "ea5 to one si5e. A9 "ear your %or5s@ ma petite@ 8ut 9 5o not t"ink you 8elie)e t"em@ not 3ompletely.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t kno% %"at 9 8elie)e anymore.C AA3tually@C 4omini3 sai5@ A9 5on?t 8elie)e it matters t"at Hean2!lau5e is a )ampire. 9 t"ink it is more t"at neit"er "e nor <i3"ar5 kno% anyt"in- o1 raisin- t"e 5ea5. $"at is your talent alone. 9 t"ink %it" pra3ti3e@ you 3oul5 3"annel t"e po%er into per1e3t Eom8ies@ 8ut in a %ay@ Hean2!lau5e is ri-"t. $"e %il5ness o1 it@ t"e la3k o1 3ontrol@ ma5e t"e Eom8ies less per1e3t.C

Somet"in- must "a)e s"o%n on my 1a3e@ 8e3ause "e sai5@ ADou "a5 too many t"in-s to 3ontrol to pay attention to all t"e 5etails. 9 t"ink you instin3ti)ely let t"e Eom8ies -o@ 8e3ause it %as t"e part you %ere most sure o1. Dou "a)e e*3ellent instin3ts.C A$"anks@ 9 -uess@C 9 sai5. He smile5. A9 kno% time is -ro%in- s"ort. As %e 3an see 1rom Hean2!lau5e?s presen3e@ not all )ampires sleep until 1ull 5ark. 9 1ear t"at i1 one o1 t"e )ampires passes its %akin- "our@ t"at "e or s"e %ill 8e lost. But 9 %oul5 ask Anita to 5o one t"in- 1or me t"at "as not"in- to 5o %it" "er pro8lem@ 8ut e)eryt"in- to 5o %it" mine.C A="at pro8lemBC 9 aske5. ASa8in@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 4omini3 no55e5. ASa8in?s time is runnin- s"ort.C ASa8in@ t"e )ampire at t"e 3lu8BC !assan5ra aske5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. A="at 5o you nee5@ 4omini3B 7ake it ;ui3k@ an5 9?m your -irl.C 4omini3 smile5. A$"ank you@ Anita. !on3entrate on one o1 your Eom8ies. $ry to 8rin- it 3loser to per1e3tion.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. AHeal one o1 your Eom8ies@ ma petite.C ADou 3an?t "eal t"e 5ea5@C 9 sai5@ A8ut 9 3an make t"em more li1elike.C 4omini3 no55e5. A$"at %oul5 5o )ery ni3ely.C A9 usually 5o t"at 5urin- t"e initial rus" o1 po%er. 9?)e ne)er trie5 to 1i55le %it" my 5ea5 on3e t"ey %ere raise5.C APlease try@C 4omini3 sai5. A=e 3oul5 raise t"e po%er 8et%een t"e t"ree o1 us@ t"en try it@C 9 sai5. 4omini3 s"ook "is "ea5. A9 am not sure %"at t"at %oul5 5o to t"e spell. 9 t"ink it %oul5 8e takin- a -reat risk %it" your 3ompanions.C 9 stare5 at "im 1or a "eart8eat or t%o. ADou?5 risk lea)in- Sa8in to rot to sa)e our 1rien5sBC ADou aske5 1or my "elp@ Anita. 9 t"ink you are not a %oman %"o asks 1or "elp o1ten. 9t %oul5 8e poor payment o1 su3" a 3ompliment i1 9 let you risk your 1rien5s 1or mine. 91 you 3an "eal your 5ea5 3ol5@ as it %ere@ so 8e it. 91 you 3annot@ %e %ill pro3ee5 to sa)e t"ese t"ree )ampires.C AA )ery "onora8le sentiment@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A$"ere are moments %"en "onor is all t"at is le1t@C 4omini3 sai5. $"e )ampire an5 t"e man seeme5 to "a)e a moment o1 near per1e3t un5erstan5in-. A %ealt" o1 "istory@ i1 not s"are5@ t"en similar@ passe5 8et%een t"em. 9 %as o55 %oman out. 9 looke5 to <i3"ar5 an5 %e "a5 our o%n moment o1 per1e3t un5erstan5in-. =e )alue5 our mortal li1e span. $"e 1atalism in 4omini3?s )oi3e "a5 8een 1ri-"tenin-. Ho% ol5 %as "eB 9 3oul5 usually tell %it" a )ampire@ 8ut ne)er %it" a "uman ser)ant. 9 5i5n?t ask. $"ere %as a %ei-"t o1 years in 4omini3?s 8ro%n eyes t"at ma5e me a1rai5 to ask. 9 looke5 at Hean2!lau5e?s lo)ely 1a3e an5 %on5ere5 i1 9 %oul5 8e as "onora8le@ or %oul5 9 "a)e riske5 anyone@ e)eryone@ to "eal "imB $o see Hean2!lau5e 5ea5 %oul5 8e one t"in-@ 8ut rotte5 a%ay like Sa8in ... 9t %oul5 8e %orse t"an 5eat" in many %ays. #1 3ourse@ Sa8in %as 5yin-. Po%er1ul as "e %as@ "e 3oul5n?t "ol5 "imsel1 to-et"er 1ore)er. #r may8e "e 3oul5. 7ay8e 4omini3 3oul5 se% "im up in a 8i- sa3k@ like t"e -lo)es t"e )ampire %ore on "is "an5s. 7ay8e Sa8in 3oul5 -o on li)in- e)en a1ter "e?5 8een re5u3e5 to so mu3" li;ui5. /o% t"at %as a "i5eous t"ou-"t. 9 stare5 at t"e stan5in- 5ea5. $"ey looke5 8a3k. #ne o1 t"e Eom8ies %as almost inta3t. Grey skin 3lun- to t"e 8ones@ more like 3lay t"an 1les". #ne 8lue eye stare5 at me. $"e ot"er eye "a5 s"ri)ele5 like a raisin. 9t remin5e5 me o1 %"at "a5 "appene5 to Sa8in?s eye. 9t %oul5 make more sense to say 9 tou3"e5 t"e eye an5 "eale5 it. #r t"at 9 t"ou-"t at it an5 smoot"e5 t"e 1les" like 3lay. 9t %asn?t like t"at. 9 stare5 at t"e Eom8ie. 9 tou3"e5 t"at spark insi5e me t"at allo%e5 me to raise t"e 5ea5. 9 5re% t"at part o1 me out%ar5@ 3oa*e5 it like 1ee5in- a small 1lame@ an5 t"re% it out%ar5 into t"at one Eom8ie. 9 %"ispere5@ ALi)e@ li)e.C 9?5 %at3"e5 it 8e1ore@ 8ut it ne)er 3ease5 to amaEe me. $"e 1les" 1ille5 out@ plumpin-@ smoot"in-. A %arm 1les" tone sprea5 like "eat a3ross t"e -rey skin. $"e 5ry@ stra%like "air -re% an5 3urle5@ 8ro%n an5 so1t. $"e 5ea5 eye 8le% up like a small 8alloon@ 1illin- t"e so3ket. $%o -oo5 eyes looke5 8a3k at me. ,)en t"e tattere5 3lot"in- men5e5 itsel1. He %ore a )est %it" a -ol5 %at3" 3"ain. His 3lot"es %ere a "un5re5 years or more out o1 5ate. A9 am most impresse5@C 4omini3 sai5. A91 you 3"an-e5 "is 3lot"es@ "e 3oul5 pass 1or "uman.C 9 no55e5. A9 make -reat Eom8ies@ 8ut t"at %on?t "elp your master.C A!all one o1 t"e )ampires 1rom t"e 3o11in room.C A="yBC 9 aske5.

4omini3 5re% a small sil)er kni1e 1rom a s"eat" at "is 8a3k. 9 "a5n?t kno%n "e "a5 a %eapon. !areless o1 me. A="at are you -oin- to 5o %it" t"atBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. A=it" your permission@ 9 %ill 3ut one o1 t"e )ampires an5 ask Anita to "eal t"e %oun5.C Hean2!lau5e 3onsi5ere5 t"e re;uest@ t"en no55e5. AA small 3ut.C 4omini3 8o%e5. A#1 3ourse.C $"e )amps 3oul5 "eal a small 3ut on t"eir o%n e)entually. 91 9 3oul5n?t "eal it@ no "arm 5one. $"ou-" 9 %asn?t sure t"e )ampires %oul5 a-ree %it" me. AAnita@C 4omini3 sai5. 9 3alle5@ A4amian@ 3ome to me.C Hean2!lau5e raise5 "is eye8ro%s at my 3"oi3e@ 9 t"ink. 91 "e e*pe3te5 me to 3all =illie@ "e 5i5n?t un5erstan5. =illie %as my 1rien5. ,)en 5ea5@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to see "im 3ut up. 4amian "a5 trie5 to min52rape a %oman toni-"t at t"e 3lu8. Let "im -et 3ut up >ust a little. 4amian %alke5 in@ starin- until "e 1oun5 me. His 1a3e %as still 8lank an5 empty. ,mptier t"an sleep@ empty as only 5eat" 3an make it. A4amian@ stop.C $"e )ampire stoppe5. His eyes %ere t"e -reenest 9?5 e)er seen. Greener t"an !at"erine?s@ more 3at t"an "uman. 4omini3 steppe5 in 1ront o1 4amian. He stare5 at t"e )ampire. He lai5 t"e sil)er 8la5e a-ainst t"e pale 3"eek an5 pulle5 t"e point 5o%n%ar5@ s"arply. Bloo5 1lo%e5 5o%n t"at per1e3t paleness in a t"in 3rimson %as". $"e )ampire ne)er rea3te5@ not e)en to 8link. AAnita@C 4omini3 sai5. 9 stare5 at 4amian@ no@ 4amian?s s"ell. 9 1lun- po%er at "im@ into "im. 9 %ille5 "im to li)e. $"at %as t"e %or5 9 %"ispere5 to "im. $"e 8loo5 slo%e5@ t"en stoppe5. $"e 3ut knit to-et"er seamlessly. 9t %as ... easy. 4omini3 %ipe5 t"e 8loo5 a%ay %it" a "an5ker3"ie1 "e?5 5ra%n 1rom "is >a3ket po3ket. 4amian?s pale 3"eek %as 1la%less on3e more. 9t %as !assan5ra %"o sai5 it 1irst@ AS"e 3oul5 "eal Sa8in.C 4omini3 no55e5. AS"e >ust mi-"t.C He turne5 to me %it" a look o1 triump"@ elation. ADou %oul5 nee5 t"e po%er o1 your trium)irate to raise Sa8in 5urin- "is 5ayli-"t slum8er@ 8ut on3e raise5@ 9 t"ink you 3oul5 "eal "im.C AA s"allo% 3ut is one t"in-@C 9 sai5. ASa8in is a ... mess.C A=ill you tryBC A91 %e 3an put t"ese t"ree )amps 8a3k un"arme5@ yea"@ 9?ll try.C A$omorro%.C 9 no55e5. A="y notBC A9 3annot %ait to tell Sa8in %"at 9 "a)e seen "ere to5ay. He "as 8een %it"out "ope 1or so lon-. But 1irst@ %e must put your 1rien5s 8a3k. 9 %ill "elp you all 9 3an.C 9 smile5. A9 kno% enou-" o1 ma-i3@ 4omini3@ to kno% t"at all you 3an 5o is a5)ise 1rom t"e si5elines.C ABut it %ill 8e )ery -oo5 a5)i3e@C "e sai5 %it" a smile. 9 8elie)e5 "im. 'or Sa8in?s sake@ "e %ante5 us to su33ee5. A#kay@ let?s 5o it.C 9 "el5 my "an5s out to <i3"ar5 an5 Hean2 !lau5e. $"ey took my "an5s 5uti1ully enou-"@ an5 it %as pleasant "ol5in- t"eir "an5s. Bot" o1 t"em %ere %arm an5 lo)ely@ 8ut t"ere %as no instant ma-i3. /o spark. 9 realiEe5 t"at in some stran-e %ay@ t"e se*ual interplay took t"e pla3e o1 t"e ritual. <ituals aren?t a8solutely ne3essary to most ma-i3@ 8ut t"ey ser)e as a %ay to 1o3us@ to prepare yoursel1 1or t"e a3t o1 3astin- a spell. 9 "a5 no 8loo5 3ir3le to %alk. 9 "a5 no sa3ri1i3e to kill. 9 "a5 no parap"ernalia to use. All 9 "a5 %as t"e t%o men stan5in- in 1ront o1 me@ my o%n 8o5y@ an5 t"e kni1e at my %rist. 9 turne5 a%ay 1rom 8ot" o1 t"em. A/ot"in-?s "appenin-@C 9 sai5. A="at 5o you e*pe3t to "appenBC 4omini3 aske5. 9 s"ru--e5. ASomet"in-. 9 5on?t kno%.C ADou are tryin- too "ar5@ Anita. <ela*@ let t"e po%er 3ome to you.C 9 rotate5 my s"oul5ers@ tryin- to ease t"e tension. 9t 5i5n?t %ork. A9 really %is" you "a5n?t remin5e5 me t"at some o1 t"e )amps 3oul5 rise 8e1ore 5ark. 9t?s late a1ternoon@ an5 %e?re un5er-roun5. 9t 3oul5 alrea5y 8e too late.C A$"inkin- like t"at is not "elp1ul@C 4omini3 sai5.

Hean2!lau5e %alke5 up to me@ an5 e)en 8e1ore "e tou3"e5 me@ t"ere %as a rus" o1 po%er like a spill o1 %armt" o)er my skin. A4on?t tou3" me@C 9 sai5. 9 1elt "im "esitate 8e"in5 me. A="at is %ron-@ ma petiteBC A/ot"in-.C 9 turne5 to 1a3e "im. 9 "el5 my "an5 >ust a8o)e "is 8are 3"est an5 t"at line o1 %armt" tra)ele5 1rom "is skin to mine. 9t %as as i1 "is 8o5y 8reat"e5 a-ainst me. A4o you 1eel t"atBC He 3o3ke5 "is "ea5 to one si5e. A7a-i3.C AAura@C 9 sai5. 9 "a5 to 1i-"t an ur-e to -lan3e at 4omini3@ like lookin- to a 3oa3" to see i1 t"is %as t"e play "e %ante5. 9 %as a1rai5 to look a%ay@ to lose t"at t"rea5. 9 "el5 my "an5 out to <i3"ar5. A=alk to%ar5s me@ 8ut 5on?t tou3" me.C He looke5 puEEle5 8ut 5i5 %"at 9 aske5. ="en my "an5 %as >ust a8o)e "is skin@ t"at same line o1 %armt" 3ame up@ like a small@ 3apti)e %in5. 9 3oul5 1eel t"eir ener-y 8reat"in- a-ainst my skin@ one to ea3" "an5. 9 3lose5 my eyes an5 3on3entrate5 on t"e sensation. $"ere. 9 3oul5 1eel a 5i11eren3e@ sli-"t@ almost in5is3erni8le@ 8ut t"ere. $"ere %as a pri3klin-@ almost ele3tri3 trem8le to <i3"ar5. Hean2!lau5e %as 3ool an5 smoot". All ri-"t@ %e 3oul5 tou3" auras@ so %"atB ="ere 5i5 t"at -et usB 9 presse5 my "an5s su55enly 1or%ar5@ t"rou-" t"e ener-y@ a-ainst t"eir 8o5ies. 9 1or3e5 t"at ener-y 8a3k into t"em@ an5 -ot a -asp 1rom 8ot" o1 t"em. $"e s"o3k o1 it ran up my arms an5 9 8o%e5 my "ea5@ 8reat"in- t"rou-" t"e rus" o1 po%er. 9 raise5 my 1a3e up to meet t"eir eyes. 9 5on?t kno% %"at s"o%e5 on my 1a3e@ 8ut %"ate)er it %as@ <i3"ar5 5i5n?t like it. He starte5 to take a step 8a3k. 9 5u- 1in-ernails into "is stoma3" >ust enou-" to -et "is attention. A4on?t 8reak t"e 3onne3tion.C He s%allo%e5. His eyes %ere %i5e an5 t"ere %as somet"in- 3lose to 1ear in t"em@ 8ut "e staye5 put. 9 turne5 to Hean2 !lau5e. He 5i5n?t look s3are5. He looke5 as 3alm an5 3ontrolle5 as 9 1elt. AVery -oo5@ Anita.C 4omini3?s )oi3e 3ame so1t@ lo%. A!om8ine t"eir po%er as i1 t"ey %ere simply t%o ot"er animators. Dou are a3tin- as 1o3us. Dou?)e 5one t"at 8e1ore. Dou?)e lai5 t"e 5ea5 to rest a t"ousan5 times. $"is is only one more time.C A#kay@ 3oa3"@C 9 %"ispere5. A="atBC <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/ot"in-.C 9 steppe5 8a3k 1rom t"em slo%ly@ "an5s e*ten5e5 to%ar5s t"em. $"e po%er traile5 8et%een us like t%o ropes. $"ere %as not"in- to see@ 8ut 1rom t"e look on <i3"ar5?s 1a3e@ %e all 1elt it. 9 uns"eat"e5 t"e kni1e an5 pi3ke5 up t"e -ol5en 8o%l %it"out lookin- 5o%n@ my -aEe on t"e t%o o1 t"em. $"ere %as a 5i11eren3e 8et%een t"is an5 3om8inin- %it" ot"er animators@ t"ere %as lust. Lo)e. Somet"in-. ="ate)er it %as@ it a3te5 like 1uel@ or -lue. 9 "a5 no %or5s 1or %"at it %as@ 8ut it %as t"ere %"en 9 looke5 at t"em. 9 "el5 t"e -ol5 8o%l in my le1t "an5@ kni1e in t"e ri-"t. 9 %alke5 8a3k to t"em. AHol5 t"e 8o%l 1or me@ one "an5 apie3e.C A="yBC <i3"ar5 aske5. ABe3ause 9 sai5 so.C He looke5 like "e %ante5 to ar-ue. 9 lai5 t"e 1lat o1 t"e 8la5e a-ainst "is lips. A91 you ;uestion e)eryt"in- 9 say@ it spoils my 3on3entration.C 9 took t"e kni1e a%ay 1rom "is mout". A4on?t 5o t"at a-ain@C "e sai5@ )oi3e so1t@ almost "ars". 9 no55e5. A'ine.C 9 "el5 my %rist o)er t"e empty 8o%l an5 5re% t"e kni1e 5o%n t"e skin in one s"arp mo)ement. Bloo5 %elle5 out o1 t"e 3ut@ 1allin- in t"i3k 5rops@ splas"in- 5o%n t"e si5es an5 8ottom o1 t"e -leamin- -ol5 8o%l. Des@ it 5i5 "urt. ADour turn@ <i3"ar5.C 9 kept my %rist o)er t"e 8o%lG no nee5 to %aste t"e 8loo5. A="at 5o 9 5oBC APut your %rist o)er t"e 8o%l.C He "esitate5@ t"en 5i5 %"at 9 aske5. He put "is arm o)er t"e 8o%l@ "an5 8alle5 into a 1ist. 9 turne5 "is "an5 o)er to e*pose t"e un5ersi5e o1 "is arm. 9 stea5ie5 "is "an5 %it" my still 8lee5in- "an5. $"e 8o%l %a)ere5 %"ere "is 1ree "an5 %as still "ol5in- it %it" Hean2!lau5e. 9 looke5 up at "is 1a3e. A="y 5oes t"is 8ot"er you more t"an Hean2!lau5e tastin- youBC He s%allo%e5. AA lot o1 t"in-s 5on?t 8ot"er me %"en 9?m t"inkin- a8out se*.C ASpoken like someone %it" only one W 3"romosome@C 9 sai5. 9 5re% t"e kni1e 5o%n "is skin in one 1irm 8ite@ %"ile "e %as still lookin- at my 1a3e. $"e only t"in- t"at kept "im 1rom pullin- a%ay %as my "ol5 on "im. He 5i5n?t stru--le a1ter t"at initial surprise. He %at3"e5 "is 8loo5 splas" into t"e 8o%l@ min-lin- %it" mine. $"e 8ottom o1 t"e 8o%l %as "i55en 1rom si-"t@ 3o)ere5 in %arm 8loo5. 9 release5 "is "an5 an5 "e "el5 "is 8lee5in- %rist o)er t"e 8o%l. AHean2!lau5eBC 9 sai5.

He "el5 "is o%n slen5er %rist out to me %it"out 8ein- aske5. 9 stea5ie5 "is %rist as 9 "a5 <i3"ar5?s. 9 met "is 5ark 8lue eyes 8ut t"ere %as no 1ear t"ere@ not"in- 8ut per"aps a mil5 3uriosity. 9 3ut "is %rist an5 t"e 8loo5 %elle5 3rimson a-ainst "is %"ite skin. His 8loo5 splas"e5 into t"e 8o%l. 9t %as all re5. Human@ ly3ant"rope@ an5 )ampire. Dou 3oul5n?t tell %"o %as %"o 8y >ust lookin-. =e all 8lee5 re5. $"ere still %asn?t enou-" 8loo5 to %alk a 3ir3le o1 po%er aroun5 t"e si*ty or so Eom8ies. $"ere %as no %ay s"ort o1 a true sa3ri1i3e to -et t"at mu3" 8loo5. But %"at 9 "a5 in my "an5s %as a )ery potent ma-i3 3o3ktail. 4omini3 t"ou-"t it %oul5 8e enou-". 9 "ope5 so. A soun5 8rou-"t my attention a%ay 1rom t"e 8loo5@ an5 t"e -ro%in- %armt" o1 po%er. Step"en an5 Hason %ere 3rou3"e5 near us@ one in "uman 1orm@ one %ol1@ %it" nearly i5enti3al looks in t"eir eyesJ "un-er. 9 looke5 past t"em to !assan5ra. S"e %as stan5in- "er -roun5@ 8ut "er "an5s %ere 8alle5 into 1ists@ an5 a s"een o1 s%eat -leame5 on "er upper lip. $"e look on "er 1a3e %as near pani3. 4omini3 stoo5 smilin- an5 una11e3te5. He %as t"e only ot"er "uman in t"e room. Hason -ro%le5 at us@ 8ut it %asn?t a real -ro%l. $"ere %as a r"yt"m to t"e noise. He %as tryin- to talk. Step"en moistene5 "is lips. AHason %ants to kno% i1 %e 3an li3k t"e 8o%lBC 9 looke5 at Hean2!lau5e an5 <i3"ar5. $"e looks on t"eir 1a3es %ere enou-". AAm 9 t"e only one in t"is room not lustina1ter t"e 8loo5BC A,*3ept 1or 4omini3@ 9 1ear so@ ma petite.C A4o %"at you "a)e to 5o@ Anita@ 8ut 5o it ;ui3k. 9t?s 1ull moon@ an5 1res" 8loo5 is 1res" 8loo5@C <i3"ar5 sai5. $"e t%o ot"er )amps 9?5 raise5 s"u11le5 to%ar5s me. $"eir eyes still empty o1 personality@ like %ell2ma5e 5olls. A4i5 you 3all t"emBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A/o@C 9 sai5. A$"e 8loo5 3alle5 t"em@C 4omini3 sai5. $"e )ampires 3ame into t"e room. $"ey 5i5n?t look at me t"is time. $"ey looke5 at t"e 8loo5@ an5 t"e moment t"ey sa% it@ somet"in- 1lare5 in t"em. 9 1elt it. Hun-er. /o one %as "ome@ 8ut t"e nee5 %as still t"ere. 4amian?s -reen eyes stare5 at t"e 8o%l %it" t"e same "un-er. His "an5some 1a3e t"inne5 5o%n to somet"in- 8eastial an5 primiti)e. 9 li3ke5 my lips an5 sai5@ AStop.C $"ey 5i5@ 8ut t"ey stare5 at t"e 1res"ly spille5 8loo5@ ne)er raisin- t"eir eyes to me. 91 9 "a5n?t 8een "ere to stop t"em@ t"ey mi-"t "a)e 1e5. 'e5 like re)enants@ animalisti3 )ampires t"at kno% not"in- 8ut t"e "un-er an5 ne)er re-ain t"eir "umanity or t"eir min5s. 7y "eart t"u55e5 into my t"roat at t"e t"ou-"t o1 %"at 9?5 almost loose5 upon some unsuspe3tin- person. $"e "un-er %oul5n?t "a)e 5i11erentiate5 8et%een "uman an5 ly3ant"rope. =oul5n?t t"at "a)e 8een a 1ine 1i-"tB 9 took t"e 8loo5y 8o%l@ 3ra5lin- it a-ainst my stoma3"@ t"e kni1e still in my ri-"t "an5. A4o not 8e a1rai5@C 4omini3 sai5. ALay t"e Eom8ies to rest as you "a)e a t"ousan5 times o)er t"e years. 4o t"at an5 t"at alone.C A#ne step at a time@ ri-"tBC 9 sai5. A9n5ee5@C "e sai5. 9 no55e5. A#kay.C ,)eryone 8ut t"e t"ree )ampires looke5 at me as i1 t"ey 8elie)e5 9 kne% %"at 9 %as 5oin-. 9 %is"e5 9 5i5. ,)en 4omini3 looke5 3on1i5ent. But "e 5i5n?t "a)e to put si*ty Eom8ies 8a3k in t"e -roun5 %it"out a 3ir3le o1 po%er. 9 5i5. 9 "a5 to %at3" my step on t"e ru88le2stre%n 1loor. 9t %oul5n?t 5o to 1all an5 spill all t"is 8loo5@ all t"is po%er. Be3ause t"at?s %"at it %as. 9 3oul5 1eel Hean2!lau5e an5 <i3"ar5 at my 8a3k like t%o 8rai5s o1 a rope t%istin- insi5e me as 9 mo)e5. 4omini3 "a5 sai5 t"at 9 %oul5 8e a8le to 1eel 8ot" o1 t"e men. ="en 9?5 aske5 1or spe3i1i3s a8out "o% 9 %oul5 8e a8le to 1eel t"em@ "e "a5 -one )a-ue. 7a-i3 %as too in5i)i5ualisti3 1or e*a3tness. 91 "e tol5 me one %ay an5 it 1elt anot"er@ it %oul5 "a)e ma5e me 5ou8t. He?5 8een ri-"t. 9 stirre5 t"e kni1e t"rou-" t"e 8loo5 an5 1lun- 8loo5 on t"e %aitin- Eom8ies %it" t"e 8la5e. #nly a 1e% 5rops 1ell on t"em@ 8ut e)ery time t"e 8loo5 tou3"e5 one@ 9 3oul5 1eel it@ a s"o3k o1 po%er@ a >olt. 9 en5e5 in t"e 3enter o1 t"e on3e %alle5 room@ surroun5e5 8y t"e Eom8ies. ="en t"e 8loo5 tou3"e5 t"e last one@ a s"o3k ran t"rou-" me t"at tore a -asp 1rom my t"roat. 9 1elt t"e 8loo5 3lose roun5 t"e 5ea5. 9t %as similar to 3losin- a 3ir3le o1 po%er@ 8ut it %as like t"e 3losure %as insi5e me@ rat"er t"an outsi5e. ABa3k@C 9 sai5@ A8a3k into your -ra)es@ all o1 you. Ba3k into t"e -roun5.C

$"e 5ea5 s"u11le5 aroun5 me@ positionin- t"emsel)es like sleep%alkers in a -ame o1 musi3al 3"airs. As ea3" one rea3"e5 its pla3e@ it lay 5o%n@ an5 t"e ra% eart" poure5 o)er t"em all like %ater. $"e eart" s%allo%e5 t"em 8a3k an5 smoot"e5 o)er t"em as i1 a -iant "an5 "a5 3ome to neaten e)eryt"in- up. 9 %as alone in t"e room %it" t"e eart" still t%it3"in- like a "orse t"i3k %it" 1lies. ="en t"e last ripple "a5 5ie5 a%ay@ 9 looke5 out o1 t"e 8laste5 %all at t"e ot"ers. Hean2!lau5e an5 <i3"ar5 stoo5 at t"e openin- o1 t"e %all. $"e t"ree %ere%ol)es 3lustere5 aroun5 t"em. ,)en !assan5ra "a5 knelt on t"e -roun5 8esi5e t"e %ol1 t"at %as Hason. 4omini3 stoo5 8e"in5 t"em@ %at3"in-. He %as -rinnin- at me like a prou5 papa. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"em@ my le-s a tou3" ru88ery@ an5 9 stum8le5@ splas"in- 8loo5 5o%n t"e si5e o1 t"e 8o%l. !rimson 5rops 1ell onto t"e s%ept eart". $"e %ol1 %as su55enly t"ere@ li3kin- t"e -roun5 3lean. 9 i-nore5 it an5 kept %alkin-. Vampires ne*t. ,)eryone mo)e5 to let me pass as i1 t"ey %ere a1rai5 to tou3" me. ,*3ept 1or 4omini3. He 3ro%5e5 almost too 3lose. 9 1elt "is o%n po%er 3ra3kle 8et%een us@ s"i)erin- o)er my skin@ 5o%n t"e ropes o1 po%er t"at 8oun5 me to <i3"ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e. 9 s%allo%e5 an5 sai5@ ABa3k up.C A7y apolo-ies.C He mo)e5 8a3k until 9 3oul5n?t 1eel "im ;uite so ti-"tly. AGoo5 enou-"BC 9 no55e5. $"e t"ree )ampires %aite5 %it" "un-ry eyes. 9 sprinkle5 t"em %it" t"e 3oolin- 8loo5. $"ey t%it3"e5 %"en t"e 8loo5 tou3"e5 t"em@ 8ut t"ere %as no rus" o1 po%er. /ot"in-. S"it. 4omini3 1ro%ne5. A$"e 8loo5 is still %arm. 9t s"oul5 %ork.C Hean2!lau5e mo)e5 3loser. 9 3oul5 1eel it %it"out turnin- aroun5. 9 3oul5 1eel "im 3omin- 5o%n t"e line o1 po%er 8et%een us like a 1is" 8ein- reele5 in. ABut it is not %orkin-@C "e sai5. A/o@C 9 sai5. A$"ey are lost t"en.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. =illie %as starin- at t"e 8o%l o1 8loo5. $"e look %as 1eral@ pure "un-er. 9?5 t"ou-"t t"at t"e %orst t"int"at 3oul5 "appen %oul5 8e 1or =illie to simply lie 5o%n in "is 3o11in an5 8e truly 5ea5. 9 %as %ron-. Ha)in- =illie 3ra%l out o1 "is 3o11in 3ra)in- not"in- 8ut 8loo5@ kno%in- not"in- 8ut "un-er@ %oul5 8e %orse. 9 %oul5 not loose "im@ not yet. AAny 8ri-"t i5easBC 9 aske5. A'ee5 t"em t"e 8loo5 in t"e 8o%l@C 4omini3 sai5@ A8ut "urry 8e1ore it -ro%s 3ol5er.C 9 5i5n?t ar-ueG t"ere %as no time. 9 %ipe5 t"e kni1e on my >eans an5 s"eat"e5 it. 9?5 "a)e to 3lean it an5 t"e s"eat" later@ 8ut 9 nee5e5 my "an5s 1ree. 9 5ippe5 my 1in-ertips into t"e 8loo5. 9t %as still %arm@ 8ut 8arely. $"e eyes %ere still 8ro%n as t"ey 1ollo%e5 my "an5@ 8ut it %asn?t =illie lookin- out o1 t"em. 9t >ust %asn?t. 9 li1te5 t"e -ol5 8o%l to =illie?s mout" an5 sai5@ A=illie@ 5rink.C His t"roat mo)e5@ s%allo%in- 1uriously@ an5 9 1elt t"at 3li3k. He %as mine a-ain. AStop@ =illie.C He stoppe5@ an5 9 took t"e 8o%l a%ay 1rom "im. He 5i5n?t -ra8 1or it. He 5i5n?t mo)e at all. His eyes %ere 8lank an5 empty a8o)e "is 8loo5y mout". AGo 8a3k to your 3o11in@ =illie. <est until ni-"t1all. Ba3k to your 3o11in to rest.C He turne5 an5 %alke5 8a3k 5o%n t"e "all%ay. 9?5 "a)e to trust "e %as -oin- 8a3k to t"e 3o11in. 9?5 3"e3k later. #ne 5o%n@ t%o to -o. Li) le1t like a -oo5 little puppet. $"e 8loo5 %as -ettin- pretty lo% 8y t"e time 9 raise5 it to 4amian?s lips. He 5rank at it@ "is pale t"roat s%allo%in-. $"e 8loo5 passe5 5o%n "is t"roat an5 somet"in- 8rus"e5 me. Somet"in- t"at %asn?t my ma-i3. Somet"in- else. 4amian?s 3"est rose in a -reat 8reat" like a man stru--lin- 8a3k 1rom 5ro%nin-. An5 t"at somet"in- t"rust me 8a3k%ar5s@ 3ast out my po%er@ turne5 it 8a3k on me. 9t %as like a 5oor slamme5@ 8ut it %as more t"an t"at. A 1or3e t"rust at me@ "it me@ an5 t"e %orl5 s%irle5 aroun5. 7y )ision %as eaten a%ay in -reyness an5 %"ite spots. 9 "ear5 my o%n "eart8eat impossi8ly lou5. $"e t"u55in- 3"ase5 me 5o%n into t"e 5arkness@ t"en e)en t"at %as lost.

Chapter Thirty-three
9 %oke@ starin- up at t"e %"ite 5rapes a8o)e Hean2!lau5e?s 8e5. $"ere %as a 5amp %as"3lot" 1ol5e5 o)er my 1ore"ea5 an5 )oi3es ar-uin-. 9 lay t"ere 1or a 1e% se3on5s@ >ust 8linkin-. 9 3oul5n?t remem8er "o% 9?5 -otten "ere. 9 remem8ere5 t"e sensation o1 8ein- 3ast out o1 4amian. 9?5 8een 3ast out like an intru5er@ somet"in- to 8e prote3te5 a-ainst. $"e 1or3e t"at tou3"e5 me "a5n?t 8een e)il. 9?5 1elt e)il 8e1ore@ an5 t"at %asn?t it. But it 3ertainly "a5n?t 8een a 8ene1i3ent 1or3e@ eit"er. 7ore neutral@ may8e. $"e )oi3es %ere Hean2!lau5e an5 <i3"ar5. $"e ar-ument %as a8out me. Bi- surprise. AHo% 3an you let "er 5ie %"en you 3oul5 sa)e "erBC <i3"ar5 aske5.

A9 5o not 8elie)e s"e is 5yin-@ 8ut e)en i1 s"e %as@ %it"out "er permission@ 9 %ill ne)er a-ain in)a5e "er min5.C A,)en i1 s"e %as 5yin-BC ADes@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9 5on?t un5erstan5 t"at.C ADou 5on?t "a)e to un5erstan5 it@ <i3"ar5. Anita %oul5 a-ree %it" me.C 9 8rus"e5 t"e ra- 1rom my "ea5. 9 %ante5 to sit up@ 8ut it seeme5 too mu3" e11ort. <i3"ar5 sat 5o%n on t"e 8e5@ takin- my "an5. 9 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 "im to@ 8ut 9 %as still too %eak to stop "im. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 8e"in5 "im@ %at3"in- me. His 1a3e %as 8lank an5 per1e3t@ a mask. AHo% 5o you 1eelBC <i3"ar5 aske5. 9 "a5 to s%allo% 8e1ore 9 3oul5 speak. A/ot sure.C 4omini3 %alke5 into )ie%. He "a5@ %isely@ staye5 out o1 t"e ar-ument. Besi5es@ "e %as alrea5y a )ampire?s "uman ser)ant. ="at %as "e -oin- to sayB $"at t"e mark %as e)il@ or t"at it %as no 8i- 5eal. Lies eit"er %ay. A9 am )ery -la5 to see you a%ake.C A9t t"rust me out@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. A9n5ee5.C A="at t"rust "er outBC <i3"ar5 aske5. 4omini3 looke5 at me. 9 s"ru--e5. A="en t"e po%er t"at animates t"e )ampire returne5 an5 1oun5 Anita still insi5e t"e 8o5y@ t"e po%er 3ast "er out.C <i3"ar5 1ro%ne5. A="yBC A9 s"oul5n?t "a)e 8een t"ere.C A4i5 t"e soul return as you tou3"e5 itBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. A9?)e 1elt t"e 8rus" o1 a soul 8e1ore@ t"at %asn?t it.C Hean2!lau5e looke5 at me. 9 looke5 8a3k. He %as t"e one %"o looke5 a%ay 1irst. <i3"ar5 tou3"e5 my "air %"ere it "a5 -otten %et 1rom t"e ra-. A9 5on?t 3are i1 it %as a soul or t"e 8o-eyman. 9 t"ou-"t 9?5 lost you.C A9 al%ays seem to sur)i)e@ <i3"ar5@ no matter %"o else 5ies.C He 1ro%ne5 at t"at. 9 let "im. A9s 4amian all ri-"tBC 9 aske5. AHe seems to 8e@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A="at %ere you t%o ar-uin- a8outBC A4omini3@ 3oul5 you lea)e us no%BC Hean2!lau5e aske5. 4omini3 smile5. AGla5ly. 9 am ea-er to speak %it" Sa8in. $omorro%@ you an5 <i3"ar5 3an raise "im@ an5 you@ AnitaC2"e tou3"e5 my 1a3e li-"tly2A3an "eal "im.C 9 5i5n?t like "im tou3"in- me@ 8ut t"ere %as almost a re)eren3e in "is 1a3e. 9t ma5e it "ar5 to yell at "im. A9?ll 5o my 8est@C 9 sai5. A9n all t"in-s@ 9 t"ink.C =it" t"at@ "e 8i5 us a -oo5 5ay an5 le1t. ="en t"e 5oor 3lose5 8e"in5 "im@ 9 repeate5 my ;uestion. A="at %ere you t%o ar-uin- a8outBC <i3"ar5 -lan3e5 8e"in5 at Hean2!lau5e@ t"en 8a3k to me. ADou stoppe5 8reat"in- 1or a 1e% se3on5s. /o "eart8eat@ eit"er. 9 t"ou-"t you %ere 5yin-.C 9 looke5 at Hean2!lau5e. A$ell me.C A<i3"ar5 %ante5 me to -i)e you t"e 1irst mark a-ain. 9 re1use5.C ASmart )ampire@C 9 sai5.

He s"ru--e5. ADou "a)e ma5e yoursel1 )ery 3lear@ ma petite. 9 %ill not 8e a33use5 o1 1or3in- mysel1 upon you a-ain. /ot in any sense.C A4i5 someone 5o !P<BC ADou starte5 8reat"in- on your o%n@C <i3"ar5 sai5. He s;ueeEe5 my "an5. ADou s3are5 me.C 9 5re% my "an5 out o1 "is. ASo you o11ere5 me to "im as "is "uman ser)ant.C A9 t"ou-"t %e?5 a-ree5 to 8e a tria5 o1 po%er. 7ay8e 9 5on?t un5erstan5 %"at t"at means.C 9 %ante5 to sit up 8ut still %asn?t sure 9 3oul5 5o it@ so 9 "a5 to 8e 3ontent %it" 1ro%nin- up at "im. A9?ll s"are po%er %it" you 8ot"@ 8ut 9 %on?t let Hean2!lau5e mark me. 91 "e e)er 1or3es "imsel1 on me a-ain@ 9?ll kill "im.C Hean2!lau5e no55e5. ADou %ill try@ ma petite. 9t is a 5an3e 9 5o not %is" to 8e-in.C A9?m -oin- to let "im mark me 8e1ore 9 lea)e 1or t"e pa3k toni-"t@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 stare5 up at "im. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC AHean2!lau5e 3an?t 3ome toni-"t. He isn?t a mem8er o1 t"e pa3k. 91 %e?re >oine5@ 9 3an still 3all t"e po%er.C 9 stru--le5 to sit up@ an5 i1 <i3"ar5 "a5n?t 3au-"t me@ 9?5 "a)e 1allen. 9 lay 3ra5le5 in "is arms@ 5i--in- 1in-ers into "is arms@ tryin- to make "im listen to me. ADou 5on?t %ant to 8e "is ser)ant 1or all eternity@ <i3"ar5.C A$"e >oinin- o1 master an5 animal is not t"e same as 8et%een master an5 ser)ant@ ma petite. 9t is not ;uite as intimate.C 9 3oul5n?t see t"e )ampire o)er <i3"ar5?s 8roa5 s"oul5ers. 9 trie5 to pus" mysel1 up@ an5 <i3"ar5 "a5 to "elp me. A,*plain@C 9 sai5. A9 %ill not 8e a8le to taste 1oo5 t"rou-" <i3"ar5@ as 9 3oul5 t"rou-" you. 9t is a minor si5e e11e3t@ 8ut in trut" one 9 miss. 9 en>oye5 tastin- soli5 1oo5 a-ain.C A="at elseBC A<i3"ar5 is an alp"a %ere%ol1. He is an e;ui)alent po%er to mine in some %ays. He %ill "a)e more 3ontrol o)er my enterin- "is 5reams@ "is t"ou-"ts. He %oul5 8e a8le to keep me out@ as it %ere.C AAn5 9 3oul5n?t@C 9 sai5. He looke5 5o%n at me. A,)en t"en@ 8e1ore you "a5 e*plore5 your po%ers o1 ne3roman3y@ you %ere "ar5er to 3ontrol t"an you s"oul5 "a)e 8een. /o%@C "e s"ru--e5@ Ano% 9 am not sure %"o %oul5 8e master an5 %"o %oul5 8e ser)ant.C 9 sat up on my o%n. 9 %as 1eelin- >ust a ta5 8etter. A$"at?s %"y you 5i5n?t mark me %"ile you "a5 t"e 3"an3e an5 <i3"ar5 to take t"e 8lame. A1ter %"at 9 5i5 to5ay@ you?re a1rai5 t"at 9?5 8e t"e master an5 you?5 8e my ser)ant. $"at?s it@ isn?t itBC He smile5 so1tly. APer"aps.C He sat on t"e 8e5 on t"e ot"er si5e o1 <i3"ar5. A9 "a)e not %orke5 1or o)er t%o "un5re5 years to 8e 7aster o1 my o%n lan5s to -i)e up my 1ree5om to anyone@ e)en you@ ma petite. Dou %oul5 not 8e a 3ruel master@ 8ut you %oul5 8e an e*a3tin- one.C A9t?s not pure master an5 ser)ant. 9 kno% t"at 1rom Ale>an5ro. He 3oul5n?t 3ontrol me@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t 3ontrol "im@ eit"er.C A4i5 you tryBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. $"at stoppe5 me. 9 "a5 to t"ink a8out it. A/o.C ADou simply kille5 "im@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. He "a5 a point. A=oul5 9 really 8e a8le to or5er you aroun5BC A9 "a)e ne)er "ear5 o1 anot"er )ampire 3"oosin- a ne3roman3er o1 your po%er as "uman ser)ant.C A="at a8out 4omini3 an5 Sa8inBC 9 aske5. A4omini3 is no mat3" 1or you@ ma petite.C A91 9 a-ree5 to t"e 1irst mark@ %oul5 you 5o it or notBC 9 aske5. <i3"ar5 trie5 to "u- me to "is 3"est@ 8ut 9 mo)e5 a%ay. 9 "a5 to put 8ot" arms 5o%n to prop mysel1 up@ 8ut 9 %as sittin- on my o%n. Hean2!lau5e si-"e5@ lookin- 5o%n at t"e 1loor. A91 %e truly >oine5@ no one 3oul5 stan5 a-ainst us. $"at mu3" po%er is )ery temptin-.C He looke5 up su55enly@ lettin- me see "is eyes. ,motions rolle5 a3ross "is 1a3e. ,*3itement@ 1ear@ lust@ an5 1inally@ >ust %eariness. A=e 3oul5 8e 8oun5 to-et"er 1or all eternity. Boun5 to-et"er in a t"ree2%ay stru--le 1or po%er. 9t is not a pleasant t"ou-"t.C AHean2!lau5e tol5 me t"at "e %oul5 not 8e my master@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A=e %oul5 8e partners.C AAn5 you 8elie)e5 "imBC 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 no55e5@ lookin- terri8ly earnest. 9 si-"e5. AHesus@ <i3"ar5@ 9 3an?t lea)e you alone 1or a minute.C A9t is not a lie@ ma petite.C

ADea"@ ri-"t.C A91 it?s a lie@C <i3"ar5 sai5@ A9?ll kill "im.C 9 stare5 at "im. ADou 5on?t mean t"at.C ADes@ 9 5o.C Somet"in- mo)e5 t"rou-" "is 8ro%n eyes@ somet"in- lo% an5 5ark an5 in"uman. A#n3e you 5e3i5e to kill someone@ it 8e3omes easier to kill ot"ers@ 5oesn?t itBC 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 5i5n?t 1lin3" or look a%ay. ADes@ it 5oes@ 8ut t"at?s not it. 9 %on?t 8e anyone?s ser)ant. /ot Hean2!lau5e?s@ not yours@ not 7ar3us?s@ not <aina?s.C A4o you un5erstan5 t"at on3e you?re 8oun5 to "im@ t"at "urtin- "im 3an "urt youB Killin- "im 3an kill youBC A9? 5 rat"er 8e 5ea5 t"an trappe5.C 9 %at3"e5 t"e a8solute 3ertainty in "is eyes. He meant it. ADou?ll kill 7ar3us toni-"t@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 looke5 at me@ an5 an e*pression passe5 o)er "is 1a3e t"at 9?5 ne)er seen 8e1ore@ a 1ier3eness t"at 1ille5 "is eyes an5 sent "is po%er s"i)erin- t"rou-" t"e room. A91 "e 5oesn?t 8a3k 5o%n@ 9?ll kill "im.C 'or t"e 1irst time@ 9 8elie)e5 "im.

Chapter Thirty-four
$"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. <i3"ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e spoke at t"e same time. A,nter.C A!ome in.C $"ey stare5 at ea3" ot"er as t"e 5oor opene5. ,5%ar5 %alke5 in. His 3ool 8lue eyes took in t"e t"ree o1 us at a -lan3e. A="at "appene5 to youBC ALon- story@C 9 sai5. A9t %asn?t t"e assassin i1 t"at?s %"at you?re %orrie5 a8out.C A9 %asn?t. Dour %ol)es are -uar5in- my 8a3kup. $"ey %oul5n?t let me 8rin- "im in %it"out some8o5y?s appro)al.C He looke5 at Hean2!lau5e an5 <i3"ar5. A$"ey %eren?t a8solutely 3lear on %"ose permission 9 %as suppose5 to -et.C He 5i5n?t smile %"ile "e sai5 it@ 8ut 9 kne% "im %ell enou-" to see t"e s"a5o% o1 "umor on "is 1a3e. A$"is is my "ome@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9t is my permission t"at is nee5e5.C 9 sli5 to t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5 an5 1oun5 9 3oul5 sit up. $"e mo)ement put me 8et%een t"e t%o men. <i3"ar5 "o)ere5 3lose to "elp me i1 9 1ell onto my 1a3e. Hean2!lau5e >ust sat t"ere@ not tou3"in- me@ not o11erin- to. 9n many %ays@ "e un5erstoo5 me 8etter t"an <i3"ar5 5i5@ 8ut t"en "e?5 kno%n me lon-er. 9 %as sort o1 an a3;uire5 taste. Hean2!lau5e stoo5 up. A9 %ill -o es3ort your -uest in.C A9 8etter -o %it" you@C ,5%ar5 sai5. AHarley 5oesn?t kno% you@ 8ut "e?ll kno% %"at you are.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC 9 aske5. A91 a stran-e )ampire %alke5 up to you in t"is pla3e an5 sai5 1ollo% me@ %oul5 you 5o itBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at. APro8a8ly not.C ,5%ar5 smile5. A/eit"er %oul5 Harley.C ,5%ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e le1t to 1et3" ,5%ar5?s 1rien5. 9 trie5 stan5in- %"ile t"ey %ere -one@ >ust to see i1 9 3oul5 5o it. 9 al%ays like to meet ne% people@ espe3ially ne% "ire5 mus3le@ on my 1eet. <i3"ar5 trie5 to "elp me@ an5 9 pulle5 a%ay. 9 "a5 to -ra8 1or t"e %all to keep 1rom 1allin-. A9 %as tryin- to "elp@C "e sai5. A4on?t try so "ar5.C A="at is t"e matter %it" youBC A9 5on?t like 8ein- "elpless@ <i3"ar5.C ADou aren?t super%oman.C 9 -lare5 at "im. A9 1ainte5@ 1or Go5?s sake. 9 ne)er 1aint.C ADou 5i5n?t 1aint@C "e sai5. A="ate)er it %as t"re% you out o1 4amian. 9 %as still tie5 to you %"en it "appene5@ Anita. 9 1elt it 8rus" me.C He s"ook "is "ea5@ "u--in- "is arms to "is 3"est. ADou 5i5n?t 1aint.C 9 leane5 my 8a3k a-ainst t"e %all. A9t s3are5 me@ too.C A4i5 itBC He 3ame to stan5 in 1ront o1 me. ADou 5on?t seem s3are5.C AAre you s3are5 a8out >oinin- %it" Hean2!lau5eBC A$"at 8ot"ers you more t"an me killin- 1or t"e 1irst time toni-"t@ 5oesn?t itBC

ADea".C $"e 5oor opene5 8e1ore %e 3oul5 3ontinue t"e 3on)ersation. 9t %as >ust as %ell. =e?5 1oun5 somet"in- else %e 5isa-ree5 on. Lettin- someone tie t"emsel)es to my min5@ my soul@ 1ri-"tene5 me a lot more t"an killin- someone. $"e man t"at 1ollo%e5 ,5%ar5 5i5n?t look t"at impressi)e. He %as slen5er@ only a 3ouple o1 in3"es taller t"an ,5%ar5. He "a5 3urly 8ro%nis" re5 "air re3e5in- in a so1t 3ir3le to nearly t"e mi55le o1 "is "ea5. He slou3"e5 e)en %"en "e %alke5@ an5 9 3oul5n?t tell i1 it %as "a8it or some sort o1 spinal pro8lem. Bro%n $2s"irt o)er 8la3k 3or5uroy pants@ an5 sneakers. ,)eryt"in- looke5 like it "a5 3ome 1rom t"e Sal)ation Army. He %ore a pat3"e5 leat"er a)iator?s >a3ket t"at mi-"t "a)e 8een ori-inal =orl5 =ar 99 issue. :n5er t"e >a3ket@ 9 -ot a -limpse o1 -uns. He %as %earin- a 5ou8le s"oul5er "olster so t"at "e "a5 a 9 millimeter un5er 8ot" arms. 9?5 seen "olsters like it@ 8ut ne)er kne% anyone %"o a3tually %ore one. 9 t"ou-"t t"ey %ere mostly 1or s"o%. Very 1e% people are e;ually -oo5 %it" 8ot" "an5s. $"ere %as a 3riss3ross o1 straps 8eneat" t"e $2s"irt t"at 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5@ 8ut 9 kne% it %as 1or 3arryinsomet"in- let"al. He "a5 a 5u11el 8a- in one "an5@ 3ramme5 1ull an5 8i- enou-" to 3arry a 8o5y in. He %asn?t e)en strainin-. Stron-er t"an "e looke5. 9 met "is eyes last. $"ey %ere pale an5 -reyis" -reen %it" las"es so -in-ery re5 t"ey %ere almost in)isi8le. $"e look in t"e eyes %as t"e emptiest 9?5 e)er seen in anot"er "uman 8ein-. 9t %as as i1 %"en "e looke5 at me@ "e %asn?t seein- me at all. 9t %asn?t like "e %as 8lin5. He sa% somet"in-@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure %"at "e sa%. /ot me. /ot a %oman. Somet"inelse. $"at one look %as enou-". 9 kne% t"at t"is man %alke5 in a 3ir3le o1 "is o%n 3reation. Sa% a )ersion o1 reality t"at %oul5 sen5 t"e rest o1 us s3reamin-. But "e 1un3tione5@ an5 "e 5i5n?t s3ream. A$"is is Harley@C ,5%ar5 sai5. He intro5u3e5 us all@ as i1 it %as an or5inary meetin-. 9 stare5 at Harley?s pale eyes an5 realiEe5 t"at "e s3are5 me. 9t "a5 8een a lon- time sin3e anot"er "uman 8ein1ri-"tene5 me >ust 8y enterin- a room. <i3"ar5 o11ere5 "is "an5@ an5 Harley simply looke5 at it. 9 %ante5 to e*plain to <i3"ar5 %"y "e s"oul5n?t "a)e ma5e t"e -esture@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure 9 3oul5. 9 5i5 not o11er to s"ake "an5s. A9 1oun5 out t"e name o1 t"e money man 8e"in5 t"e attempts on your li1e@C ,5%ar5 sai5. He sai5 it %it"out pream8le. $"ree o1 us stare5 at "im. Harley@ 5is;uietly@ kept starin- at me. A="at 5i5 you sayBC 9 aske5. A9 kno% %"o %e "a)e to kill.C A="oBC 9 aske5. A7ar3us 'let3"er. $"e "ea5 o1 our lo3al %ere%ol1 pa3k.C He smile5@ please5 %it" "imsel1@ on t"e e11e3t t"e ne%s %as "a)in- on <i3"ar5. ADou?re sureBC <i3"ar5 sai5. AA8solutely sureBC ,5%ar5 no55e5@ stu5yin- <i3"ar5?s 1a3e. A4oes "e "ate you enou-" to kill AnitaBC A9 5i5n?t t"ink so.C <i3"ar5 turne5 to me@ t"e look on "is 1a3e stri3ken@ "orri1ie5. A7y Go5@ 9 ne)er 5reamt "e?5 5o somet"in- like t"is. ="yBC AHo% %ell %oul5 you "a)e 1ou-"t toni-"t %it" ma petite 5ea5BC Hean2!lau5e aske5. <i3"ar5 stare5 at "im so o8)iously o)er%"elme5 8y t"e 5astar5liness o1 %"at 7ar3us "a5 5one t"at 9 %ante5 to pat "is "ea5 an5 tell "im it %as all ri-"t. 9 nearly -et kille5 t%i3e an5 9 %ante5 to 3om1ort "im. Lo)e is >ust plain stupi5 sometimes. A9t?s all so 3on)enient@C ,5%ar5 sai5@ %it" a "appy lilt to "is )oi3e. A="at 5o you meanBC <i3"ar5 aske5. AHe means you are suppose5 to kill "im toni-"t@ <i3"ar5@ so %e 5on?t "a)e to@C 9 sai5. A9 >ust 3an?t 8elie)e t"at 7ar3us %oul5 5o somet"in- so ... C A,)il@C 9 su--este5. He no55e5. A9t %oul5 seem more <aina?s sort o1 i5ea t"an 7ar3us?s@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9t?s t%iste5 enou-" 1or "er@C 9 sai5. A7ar3us 3oul5 "a)e sai5 no@C <i3"ar5 sai5. He ran "is "an5s t"rou-" "is "air@ 3om8in- it 8a3k 1rom "is 1a3e. His "an5some 1a3e %as set in )ery stu88orn lines. A$"is "as -ot to stop. He?ll 5o anyt"in- s"e asks@ anyt"in-@ an5 s"e?s 3raEy.C 7y eyes 1li3ke5 to Harley. 9 3oul5n?t "elp it. He 3au-"t my look an5 smile5. 9 5i5n?t kno% e*a3tly %"at "e %as t"inkin-@ 8ut it %asn?t pleasant an5 it %asn?t pretty. Ha)in- Harley as 8a3kup ma5e me %on5er i1 9 %as on t"e ri-"t si5e. A,5%ar5@ 3an 9 talk to you a minute in pri)ateBC 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e t"is o8)ious@ 8ut Harley %as 8ot"erin- me t"at mu3".

9 %alke5 a%ay 1rom t"e ot"ers an5 ,5%ar5 traile5 8e"in5. 9t %as kin5 o1 ni3e to %alk a3ross t"e room@ lo%er my )oi3e@ an5 kno% t"e person 9 %as %"isperin- a8out %oul5n?t "ear me. Bot" Hean2!lau5e an5 <i3"ar5 %oul5. ,5%ar5 looke5 at me@ an5 t"ere %as t"at same tou3" o1 amusement to "im@ as i1 "e kne% %"at 9 %as -oin- to say an5 t"ou-"t it %as a "oot. A="y 5oes "e keep lookin- at meBC ADou mean HarleyBC ADou kno% 5amn %ell %"o 9 mean@C 9 sai5. AHe?s only lookin-@ Anita. /o "arm.C ABut %"y meBC ADou?re a -irl may8eBC AStop it@ ,5%ar5. ="ate)er "e?s t"inkin-@ it isn?t se*@ an5 i1 it is@ 9 5on?t %ant to kno% t"e 5etails.C ,5%ar5 stare5 at me. AAsk "im.C A="atBC AAsk "im %"y "e?s starin- at you.C AHust like t"atBC He no55e5. AHarley %ill pro8a8ly -et a ki3k out o1 it.C A4o 9 %ant to kno%BC 9 aske5. A9 5on?t kno%. 4o youBC 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%ly. ADou?re strin-in- me alon- "ere@ ,5%ar5. ="at?s t"e 5ealBC A91 somet"in- "appens to me 5urin- t"e 1i-"tin-@ Harley nee5s at least one ot"er person t"at "e?ll min5.C A7in5BC AHe?s a8solutely relia8le@ Anita. He?ll stay at my 8a3k@ ne)er 1lin3"@ an5 kill anyone 9 tell "im to@ 8ut "e?s not -oo5 %it"out spe3i1i3 or5ers. An5 "e 5oesn?t take or5ers 1rom >ust e)ery8o5y.C ASo you 5esi-nate5 meBC ,5%ar5 s"ook "is "ea5. A9 tol5 "im to pi3k someone in t"e room.C A="y meBC AAsk "im.C A'ine.C 9 %alke5 8a3k to%ar5s t"e ot"ers@ an5 ,5%ar5 1ollo%e5 me. Harley %at3"e5 us like "e %as seein- ot"er t"in-s. 9t %as too 5amne5 unner)in-. A="y are you starin- at meBC 9 aske5. His )oi3e %as ;uiet@ as i1 "e ne)er yelle5. ADou?re t"e s3ariest mot"er1u3ker in t"e room.C A/o% 9 kno% you 3an?t see.C A9 see %"at?s t"ere@C "e sai5. A="at t"e "ell is %ron- %it" youBC A/ot"in-.C 9 trie5 to t"ink o1 a 8etter ;uestion an5 1inally aske5@ A="at 5o you see %"en you look at e)ery8o5y in t"e roomBC A$"e same t"in- you seeJ monsters.C A="y 5o 9 t"ink t"e monsters 9 see in t"e room aren?t t"e same ones you seeBC He smile5@ a 8are upturnin- o1 lips. A$"ey may look 5i11erent@ 8ut t"ey?re still monsters. $"ey?re all monsters.C He %as a 3ar523arryin-@ ru88er2room2rentin- psy3"oti3. By t"e time most people -ot to t"e point %"ere t"ey %eren?t seein- reality@ t"ey %ere so 1ar -one t"at t"ere %as no -oin- 8a3k. Sometimes 5ru- t"erapy "elpe5@ 8ut %it"out it@ t"e %orl5 %as a 1ri-"tenin-@ o)er%"elmin- pla3e. Harley 5i5n?t look 1ri-"tene5 or o)er%"elme5. He looke5 3alm. A="en you look at ,5%ar5@ "e al%ays looks t"e same to you. 9 mean you re3o-niEe "imBC Harley no55e5. ADou?5 re3o-niEe me@C 9 sai5. A91 9 make an e11ort to memoriEe you@ yes.C A$"at?s %"y you %ere starin-.C

ADes@C "e sai5. A="at "appens i1 ,5%ar5 an5 9 8ot" -o 5o%nBC Harley smile5@ 8ut "is eyes s"i1te5 to one si5e as i1 somet"in- lo% to t"e -roun5 an5 rat"er small "a5 run a3ross t"e room. $"e mo)ement %as so natural t"at 9 looke5. /ot"in-. AHarley@C 9 sai5. He looke5 8a3k at me@ 8ut "is eyes %ere >ust a little "i-"er up t"an my 1a3e s"oul5 "a)e 8een. ADes@C "e sai5@ "is )oi3e so ;uiet. A="at "appens i1 ,5%ar5 an5 9 are 8ot" kille5BC Harley stare5 at me. His eyes s"i1te5 to my 1a3e 1or >ust a se3on5@ as i1 t"e 1o- "a5 3leare5. A$"at %oul5 8e 8a5.C

Chapter Thirty-five
$"ere %oul5 8e no 8a3kin- 5o%n 1or 7ar3us toni-"t. He "a5 to 5ie@ one %ay or anot"er. <i3"ar5 %asn?t ar-uin- anymore. But t"ere %as still t"e 3"an3e t"at <aina %oul5 lea5 a re)olt o1 t"e ot"er lukoi. $"eir loyalty %as 5i)i5e5 enou-" 1or a %ar@ e)en %it" 7ar3us 5ea5. Hean2!lau5e 3ame up %it" a solution. =e?5 put on a 8etter s"o%. A 8etter s"o% t"an <aina an5 7ar3usB He "a5 to 8e ki55in-. <i3"ar5 a-ree5 to let Hean2!lau5e 3ostume "im up 1or t"e ni-"t. As "is lupa@ t"at meant 9 "a5 to -et 5resse5 up@ too. Hean2!lau5e took <i3"ar5 o11 to 5ress "im. He sent !assan5ra %it" a %"ite 3ar58oar5 3lot"es 8o* to me. S"e %as suppose5 to "elp me 3"an-e@ s"e sai5. 9 opene5 t"e 8o* an5 all t"at %as in it %as a pile o1 8la3k leat"er straps. 9 ki5 you not. 9 5re% it out o1 t"e 8o* an5 it 5i5n?t impro)e. A9 5on?t kno% "o% to -et into t"is@ e)en i1 9 %as %illin- to.C A9?ll -et Step"en@C !assan5ra sai5. A9 5on?t %ant to un5ress in 1ront o1 Step"en.C AHe?s a stripper@C s"e sai5. AHe 5resse5 me last ni-"t at 4anse 7a3a8re@ remem8er.C S"e patte5 my "an5. AHe?ll 8e a per1e3t -entleman.C 9 sat 5o%n on t"e 8e5 an5 s3o%le5 at t"e 5oor. 9 %as not %earin- t"is 3rap. An "our later@ Step"en an5 !assan5ra %ere turnin- me in 1ront o1 t"e 8at"room mirrors so 9 3oul5 see mysel1. 9t "a5 8een em8arrassin- at 1irst "a)in- a man "elp s;ueeEe me into t"e t"in-@ 8ut !assan5ra %as ri-"t. Step"en %as not only a per1e3t -entleman@ "e simply 5i5n?t seem to 8e mo)e5 at all 8y t"e 1a3t t"at 9 %as mostly nake5. 9t %as like "a)in- t%o -irl1rien5s "elp me. #ne >ust "appene5 not to 8e a -irl. $"e top %as mostly a leat"er 8ra %it" linin- 1or 3om1ort. 9t %as one o1 t"ose t"at li1te5 an5 s"o%e5 your 3lea)a-e to a8solute 8est a5)anta-e. But it %as ti-"t an5 "el5 in pla3e. /ot"in- %as 1allin- out. 7y 3ross %as )isi8le@ t"ou-". 9 tape5 it. 9?5 peel t"e tape %"en 9 le1t t"e !ir3us. =ere%ol)es on t"e menu toni-"t@ not )amps. $"e 8ottom %as sort o1 leat"er s"orts@ e*3ept t"at %"ere t"e s"orts stoppe5@ straps took o)er. 9 %oul5n?t 8e 3au-"t 5ea5 or ali)e in somet"in- like t"is@ not e)en to make a -oo5 s"o% o1 t"in-s 1or <i3"ar5@ e*3ept t"at t"ere %ere e*tras. $%o leat"er s"eat"s 3o)ere5 my upper arms@ 3omplete %it" a kni1e apie3e. $"e kni)es %ere "i-" ;uality@ "i-" sil)er 3ontent. 91 t"e "ilts %ere a little ela8orate 1or my taste@ t"e 8alan3e %as -oo5@ an5 t"at?s %"at 3ounte5. $%o more s"eat"s 3o)ere5 my lo%er arms %it" t%o more kni)es@ smaller@ 8alan3e5 more 1or t"ro%in-@ t"ou-" t"ey 8ot" "a5 "ilts an5 %eren?t true t"ro%in- kni)es. $"e 8ul-e un5er Harley?s $2s"irt "a5 8een t"ro%in- kni)es@ t"e real 73!oy@ slen5er an5 inno3ent lookin- until you sa% t"em use5. $"ere %as a leat"er 8elt aroun5 t"e top o1 t"e s"orts t"at my Bro%nin-?s s"oul5er "olster 1it on ni3ely. ,5%ar5 "a5 8ou-"t me a ne% Bro%nin-. 9t %asn?t my )ery o%n -un@ 8ut it %as still ni3e to "a)e. Harley "a5 1is"e5 a 3lip2on "olster 1or t"e 'irestar out o1 "is 5u11el. $"e small 3lip2on ro5e to one si5e o1 my %aist 1or a 3ross 5ra%. $"e straps 5o%n my le-s "a5 small sil)er loops@ s"eat"s@ t%o more kni)es@ one on ea3" t"i-". /o kni1e s"eat"s 8elo% t"e knees 8e3ause 8oots 3ame %it" t"e out1it. Hean2!lau5e "a5 1inally -otten me out o1 my /ikes. $"e 8oots %ere so1t 8la3k sue5e %it" "eels only a tou3" "i-"er t"an 9 %oul5 "a)e like5. A tiny stoppere5 )ial 1it in small loops >ust 8elo% t"e top o1 ea3" 8oot. 9 "el5 one up to t"e li-"t@ an5 kne% %"at it %as. Holy %ater. A ni3e -i1t 1rom my )ampire 8oy1rien5@ "e"B 9 stare5 at mysel1 in t"e mirror. AHo% lon- "as Hean2!lau5e 8een plannin- t"is out1itBC AA little %"ile@C Step"en sai5. He %as kneelin- 8y me@ tu--in- t"e straps into pla3e. A=e all "a5 a runnin- 8et t"at "e?5 ne)er -et you to %ear it.C A="o?s %eBC AHis 1lunkies.C Step"en stoo5 up@ steppe5 8a3k@ an5 no55e5. ADou look amaEin-.C A9 look like a 8iker slut 1rom "ell meets sol5ier o1 1ortune pinup.C

A$"at@ too@C Step"en sai5. 9 turne5 to !assan5ra. ABe "onest.C ADou look 5an-erous@ Anita. Like some8o5y?s %eapon.C 9 stare5 in t"e mirror@ s"akin- my "ea5. ASome8o5y?s se* toy@ you mean.C AA 5ominatri* may8e@ 8ut no8o5y?s toy@C !assan5ra sai5. ="y 5i5n?t t"at make me 1eel 8etterB !assan5ra "a5 insiste5 on "elpin- me %it" my makeup. S"e %as a -reat 5eal more skille5 at it t"an 9. Dears o1 pra3ti3e@ s"e?5 sai5. 7y "air %as ti-"t an5 3urlin-@ 1allin- >ust 8elo% my s"oul5ers no%. 9t nee5e5 a 3ut. But 1or toni-"t@ t"e "air %as per1e3t. $"e 1a3e %as still pretty. 7akeup is a %on5er1ul t"in-. But t"e out1it strippe5 a%ay t"e pretense. 9 looke5 like %"at 9 %asJ somet"in- t"at %oul5 kill you 8e1ore it %oul5 kiss you. =e %alke5 out o1 t"e 8at"room an5 1oun5 ,5%ar5 an5 Harley %aitin- 1or us. $"ey "a5 8rou-"t t%o strai-"t28a3ke5 3"airs to sit on t"e %"ite 3arpet@ 1a3in- t"e 8at"room 5oor. 9 1roEe as ,5%ar5 stare5 at me. He 5i5n?t say a %or5@ >ust sat t"ere %it" a sort o1 "al12smile on "is 1a3e. A=ell@ say somet"in-@ 5ammit.C A9 %oul5 say it isn?t you@ 8ut in a %ay@ it is.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat". ADea".C Harley stare5 at me %it" )a3ant eyes. He %as smilin-@ 8ut not at t"e out1it. Smilin- at some internal musi3 or )ision t"at only "e 3oul5 per3ei)e. $"ere %as a lon- leat"er 3oat on t"e 8e5. A#ne o1 t"e )ampires 5roppe5 it o11@C ,5%ar5 sai5. A$"ou-"t you mi-"t %ant somet"in- to 3o)er up %it" until t"e 8i- un)eilin-.C ADou?re en>oyin- t"is@ aren?t youBC A9?5 1eel 8etter i1 9 3oul5 -uar5 your 8a3k.C ADou?re -oin- to 5o t"at %it" a ri1le 1rom t"e 3losest "ill@ remem8er.C A/i-"t )ision an5 s3ope@ 1ine@ 8ut 9 3an?t kill t"em all 1rom a 5istan3e.C ADou 3oul5n?t kill t"em all i1 you %ere >o"nny on t"e spot@ eit"er@C 9 sai5. A/o@ 8ut 9?5 1eel 8etter.C A=orrie5 a8out meBC He s"ru--e5. A9?m your 8o5y-uar5. 91 you 5ie un5er my prote3tion@ t"e ot"er 8o5y-uar5s %ill make 1un o1 me.C 9t took me a se3on5 to realiEe "e %as makin- a >oke. Harley looke5 8a3k at "im %it" an almost surprise5 look. 9 5on?t t"ink eit"er o1 us "ear5 "umor 1rom ,5%ar5 mu3". 9 %alke5 to%ar5s ,5%ar5. $"e leat"er ma5e t"at little 3reakin- soun5 it makes. 9 stoppe5 in 1ront o1 "im@ le-s a little apart@ starin- 5o%n at "im. He %i5ene5 "is eyes a little. ADes.C A9 3an?t ima-ine anyone makin- 1un o1 you@ ,5%ar5.C He tou3"e5 one o1 t"e leat"er straps. A91 9 %ent aroun5 5resse5 like t"is@ t"ey mi-"t.C 9 "a5 to smile. ADou pro8a8ly %oul5 8e 5resse5 like t"is i1 you %ere -oin- to 8e 5o%n in t"e 3learin- %it" us toni-"t.C He turne5 pale 8lue eyes to me. A9?)e %orn %orse t"an t"is@ Anita. 9?m a 1ine a3tor %"en 9 "a)e to 8e.C $"e "umor 5raine5 a%ay 1rom "is 1a3e@ lea)in- somet"in- 1eral an5 5etermine5 8e"in5. ,5%ar5 %oul5 still 5o t"in-s t"at 9 %oul5n?t@ still "a5 1e%er rules t"an 9 5i5@ 8ut in some %ays@ ,5%ar5 %as a mirror 1or me. A %arnin- o1 %"at 9 %as 8e3omin-@ or may8e a pre)ie%. <i3"ar5 %oul5 "a)e sai5 it %as a %arnin-. 9 "a5n?t ma5e up my min5 yet. $"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. <i3"ar5 3ame in %it"out %aitin- 1or an in)itation. He %as s3o%lin-@ 8ut t"e -rumpy look 1a5e5 %"en "e -ot a -oo5 look at me. His eyes %i5ene5. A9 %as -oin- to 3ome in an5 3omplain a8out my out1it.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A91 9 3omplain@ %ill you >ust s"oot meBC A smile sprea5 a3ross "is 1a3e. A/o lau-"in-@C 9 sai5. $"e smile -ot %i5er. His )oi3e %as a little 3"oke5@ 8ut "e mana-e5@ A=on5er1ul. Dou look %on5er1ul.C $"ere are only t%o t"in-s you 3an 5o %"en you?re 5resse5 like Bar8ie 4oes Bon5a-eG you 3an 8e em8arrasse5 or you 3an 8e a--ressi)e. Guess %"at my 3"oi3e %as. 9 stalke5 to%ar5s "im@ puttin- a little e*tra s%ay into my %alk. $"e 8oots ma5e it easier@ some"o%@ -i)in- >ust t"e ri-"t roll. 9 put into my eyes@ my 1a3e@ %"at t"e out1it promise5J se*@ )iolen3e@ "eat.

$"e "umor 1a5e5 1rom <i3"ar5?s 1a3e@ repla3e5 8y an ans%erin- "eat an5 a "esitation@ like "e %asn?t e*a3tly sure %e s"oul5 8e 5oin- t"is in pu8li3. He %as %earin- 8la3k leat"er pants %it" so1t sue5e 8oots t"at %ere almost a mat3" to my o%n. His "air "a5 8een sli3ke5 8a3k@ tie5 o11 %it" a 8la3k ri88on. His s"irt %as silk an5 a )i8rant 8lue@ some%"ere 8et%een tur;uoise an5 royal. 9t looke5 splen5i5 a-ainst "is tanne5 skin. 9 stoppe5 >ust in 1ront o1 "im@ le-s apart. 9 stare5 up at "im@ 5e1yin- "im to t"ink it %as 1unny. 9 put a 1in-er to "is lips@ trailin- my 1in-ertip 5o%n "is 3"eek@ "is ne3k@ 3aressin- t"e e5-e o1 "is 3ollar8one@ tra3in- t"e skin until it )anis"e5 5o%n t"e 8uttone5 1ront o1 "is s"irt. 9 stalke5 to t"e 8e5@ 1et3"in- t"e leat"er 3oat. 9 t"re% it o)er one s"oul5er so t"at it traile5 5o%n like a limp 8o5y@ not "i5in- mu3" o1 t"e out1it. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 stoo5 1or >ust a moment 1rame5 in it. A!omin-BC 9 sai5. 9 %alke5 a%ay %it"out %aitin- 1or an ans%er. $"e look on "is 1a3e %as enou-". He looke5 like 9?5 "it "im 8et%een t"e eyes %it" a sle5-e"ammer. Great. /o% all 9 "a5 to 5o %as try t"e out1it out on Hean2!lau5e@ an5 %e 3oul5 -o.

Chapter Thirty-six
$"e 7ay %oo5s %ere a %arm@ 3lose 5arkness. <i3"ar5 an5 9 stoo5 outsi5e t"e 8arn %"ere <aina s"ot 5irty pi3tures. $"e pa3k meetin- pla3e %as amon- t"e trees aroun5 t"e 1arm"ouse. $"ere %ere so many 3ars t"at t"ey %ere parke5 on e)ery 8it o1 spare -roun5@ some so 3lose to t"e %oo5s t"at t"ey tou3"e5 t"e trees. $"ere may "a)e 8een a 1ull moon up t"ere some%"ere@ 8ut t"e 3lou5s %ere so t"i3k@ t"e 5arkness so 3omplete@ t"at it %as like stan5in- insi5e a 3a)e. ,*3ept t"is 3a)e "a5 mo)ement. A small ooEin- %in5 traile5 t"rou-" t"e t"i3k@ ni-"t2 5arkene5 lea)es. 9t %as like some in)isi8le -iant traile5 1in-ertips t"rou-" t"e trees@ 8en5in- t"em@ rattlin- t"e lea)es@ -i)in- mo)ement to t"e ni-"t t"at ma5e my s"oul5ers ti-"t. 9t %as like t"e ni-"t itsel1 %as ali)e in a %ay t"at 9?5 ne)er seen 8e1ore. <i3"ar5?s "an5 %as %arm an5 sli-"tly moist. He?5 5ampene5 t"at 3reepin- ener-y so t"at it %asn?t un3om1orta8le to tou3" "im. 9 appre3iate5 t"e e11ort. His leat"er 3loak %"ispere5 as "e mo)e5 3loser. 9t %as tie5 a3ross "is 3"est@ 3o)erinonly one s"oul5er. $"e 3loak@ 3om8ine5 %it" t"e 1ull slee)es o1 t"e 8rilliant 8lue s"irt@ ma5e t"e %"ole out1it seem anti;ue. <i3"ar5 pulle5 on my "an5@ 8rin-in- me a-ainst "is 8o5y@ into t"e 3ir3le o1 "is arms@ t"e 8rus" o1 t"e leat"er 3loak. $"e 3lou5s sli5 apart an5 su55enly %e %ere 8at"e5 in a t"i3k@ sil)er -lo%. <i3"ar5 %as starin- out%ar5. He seeme5 to 8e listenin- to somet"in- t"at 9 3oul5n?t "ear. His "an5s 3on)ulse5 aroun5 my "an5s@ an almost pain1ul s;ueeEe. He stare5 5o%n at me as i1 >ust remem8erin- 9 %as t"ere. He smile5. A!an you 1eel itBC A="atBC A$"e ni-"tBC 9 starte5 to ans%er@ no@ t"en stoppe5. 9 looke5 aroun5 at t"e "urryin- %oo5s@ t"e 1eelin- o1 mo)ement. A$"e %oo5s seem more ali)e toni-"t.C His smile %i5ene5@ a 8rie1 1las" o1 teet"@ almost a snarl. ADes.C 9 trie5 to pull a%ay@ 8ut "is "an5s ti-"tene5. ADou?re 5oin- it@C 9 sai5. 7y "eart %as su55enly t"u55in- in my t"roat. 9?5 t"ou-"t to 8e a1rai5 o1 a lot o1 t"in-s toni-"t@ 8ut not o1 <i3"ar5. A=e?re suppose5 to s"are po%er. $"at?s %"at 9?m 5oin-. But it "as to 8e my po%er@ Anita. $"e pa3k %on?t 8e impresse5 %it" Eom8ies.C 9 s%allo%e5 past my 8eatin- "eart an5 1or3e5 mysel1 to stan5 )ery still. 7a5e mysel1 return t"e -rip o1 "is "an5s. 9 "a5n?t t"ou-"t %"at it %oul5 mean. 9 %asn?t -oin- to 8e in 3"ar-e. /ot my po%er 8ut "is. 9 %as -oin- to 8e 1uel 1or "is 1ire@ not t"e ot"er %ay aroun5. A9t?s Hean2!lau5e?s mark@C 9 sai5. A$"at?s %"at?s 5oin- it.C A=e "ope5 it %oul5 %ork t"is %ay@C <i3"ar5 sai5. An5 9 kne% t"at t"e %e "e %as re1errin- to 5i5n?t in3lu5e me. AHo% 5oes it %orkBC ALike t"is.C $"at trem8lin- ener-y 8roke o)er "is skin like a rus" o1 %armt". 9t plun-e5 t"rou-" "is "an5s into my "an5. 9t ro5e like a %a)e o)er my 8o5y@ an5 e)ery%"ere it tou3"e5@ t"e "air an5 skin o1 my 8o5y raise5 an5 s"i)ere5. AAre you all ri-"tBC ASure@C 8ut my )oi3e %as a 8reat"less %"isper. He took me at my %or5. Some 8arrier %ent 5o%n@ an5 <i3"ar5?s ener-y 3ras"e5 into me like a 1ist. 9 remem8ere5 1allin-@ an5 t"e 1eel o1 <i3"ar5?s arms aroun5 my %aist@ 3at3"in- me@ t"en it %as like 9 %as else%"ere. 9 %as e)ery%"ere. 9 %as o)er t"ere in t"e trees@ starin- at us %it" eyes t"at trie5 to turn an5 see me@ 8ut 9 %asn?t t"ere. 9t %as like t"e %in5 t"at opene5 insi5e me %"en 9 %alke5 a 3emetery@ e*3ept it %asn?t po%er t"at %as sprea5in- out%ar5. 9t %as me. 9 1las"e5

t"rou-" a 5oEen eyes@ 8rus"e5 8o5ies@ some 1urre5@ some still skinne5. 9 "urrie5 out%ar5@ out%ar5@ an5 tou3"e5 <aina. 9 kne% it %as "er. Her po%er las"e5 out like a s"iel5@ 3astin- me a%ay 1rom "er@ 8ut not 8e1ore 9 1elt "er 1ear. <i3"ar5 3alle5 me 8a3k@ t"ou-" 3all implies a )oi3e. 9 slippe5 8a3k insi5e mysel1 in a rus" o1 3urlin- -ol5en ener-y. 9 3oul5 see t"e 3olor 8e"in5 my eyes@ t"ou-" t"ere %as a3tually not"in- to see. 9 opene5 my eyes@ t"ou-" 9 %asn?t a "un5re5 per3ent sure t"at t"ey?5 8een 3lose5. $"at -ol5en ener-y %as still t"ere@ s%irlin- insi5e@ alon- my skin. 9 3urle5 my "an5s o)er <i3"ar5?s s"oul5ers an5 1elt an ans%erin- ener-y in "im. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to ask %"at 9 "a5 >ust e*perien3e5. 9 kne%. 9t %as %"at it meant@ at least 1or someone as po%er1ul as <i3"ar5@ to 8e alp"a. He 3oul5 1lin- "is essen3e out%ar5 an5 tou3" "is pa3k. 9t %as "o% "e kept t"e %ere%ol1 1rom 3"an-in- 1orm t%o 5ays a-o. 9t %as "o% "e 3oul5 s"are 8loo5. 7ar3us 3oul5n?t 5o it@ 8ut <aina 3oul5. Hean2!lau5e?s po%er@ e)en my o%n po%er@ ne)er 1elt so ali)e. 9t %as like 9 %as 5ra%in- ener-y 1rom t"e trees@ t"e %in5@ like 8ein- plu--e5 into a )ast 8attery@ as i1 t"ere %as enou-" ma-i3 to -o on 1ore)er. 9 "a5 ne)er 1elt anyt"in- like it. A!an you runBC <i3"ar5 aske5. $"e ;uestion meant more t"an >ust t"e %or5s@ an5 9 kne% t"at. A#"@ yea".C He smile5@ an5 it %as >oyous. He took my "an5 an5 1lun- us into t"e trees. ,)en i1 "e?5 8een "uman@ 9 3oul5n?t "a)e kept up %it" <i3"ar5 in a 5ea5 run. $oni-"t@ "e 5i5n?t run so mu3" as 1lo%e5 into t"e %oo5s. 9t %as like "e "a5 sonar tellin"im %"ere e)ery 8ran3"@ e)ery tree root@ e)ery 1allen trunk %oul5 8e. 9t %as like t"e trees mo)e5 a%ay 1rom "im like %ater@ or may8e mo)e5 into "im like somet"in- else t"at 9 "a5 no %or5s 1or. He pulle5 me %it" "im. /ot >ust %it" "is "an5@ 8ut %it" "is ener-y. 9t %as like "e?5 entere5 me an5 tie5 us to-et"er some"o%. 9t s"oul5 "a)e 8een intrusi)e an5 1ri-"tenin-@ 8ut it %asn?t. =e spille5 into t"e -reat 3learin- an5 <i3"ar5?s po%er 1ille5 it@ 1lo%e5 o)er t"e ly3ant"ropes like a 1ire sprin-in- 1rom one 5ry 8ran3" to anot"er. 9t 1ille5 t"em an5 ma5e t"em turn to "im. #nly 7ar3us@ <aina@ Hamil@ Se8astian@ an5 !assan5ra %ere untou3"e5. #nly t"ey kept "im out 8y 1or3e o1 %ill. He s%ept e)eryone else 8e1ore "im@ an5 9 kne% t"at part o1 %"at let "im 5o t"at %as me. 4istant as a 5ream or a "al12remem8ere5 ni-"tmare@ %as Hean2!lau5e@ 5o%n t"at t%istin- po%er t"at %as almost 8urie5 un5er <i3"ar5?s s"inin- li-"t. 9 1elt e)ery mo)ement. 9t %as like t"e %orl5 %as su55enly 3rystalline@ almost like t"e e11e3t 1rom an a5renaline rus"@ or s"o3k@ %"ere e)eryt"in- seems 3ar)e5 an5 "ar52e5-e5 an5 terri8ly@ 1ri-"t1ully 3lear. 9t %as like 8ein- 5ippe5 in reality@ as i1 anyt"in- else %oul5 1ore)er 8e a 5ream. 9t %as almost pain1ul. 7ar3us sat in a 3"air t"at "a5 8een 3ar)e5 1rom ro3k so lon- a-o t"e e5-es %ere roun5e5 %it" %eat"er an5 "an5s an5 8o5ies. 9 kne% t"at t"is 3learin- "a5 8een t"e meetin- pla3e 1or t"e lukoi 1or a )ery lon- time. 7ar3us %ore a 8ro%n satin2lapele5 tu*. $"e s"irt %as o1 -ol5 3lot"@ not -ol5 lam6@ 8ut t"e real 5eal@ as i1 t"ey?5 melte5 5o%n >e%elry an5 8eaten "im out a s"irt. <aina 3urle5 on t"e e5-e o1 t"e stone 3"air. Her lon- au8urn "air %as 5one in an ela8orate s%irl o1 so1t 3urls on top o1 "er "ea5@ 5o%n alon- "er 1a3e. A -ol5 3"ain 3ut a3ross "er 1ore"ea5 %it" a 5iamon5 t"e siEe o1 my t"um8 in it. 7ore 5iamon5s 8urne5 like %"ite 1ire at "er t"roat. S"e %as a8solutely nake5 e*3ept 1or a sprinklin- o1 -ol5 8o5y -litter@ 5one t"i3k enou-" on "er nipples to make t"em seem metalli3. A 5iamon5 anklet -littere5 on "er ri-"t ankle. $"ree -ol5 3"ains ro5e lo% on "er "ips@ an5 t"at %as it. An5 9?5 3omplaine5 a8out my out1it. A=el3ome@ <i3"ar5@ Anita@C 7ar3us sai5. A=el3ome to our "appy 1amily.C His )oi3e %as 5eep an5 t"i3k. 9t 1lo%e5 %it" its o%n e5-e o1 po%er@ 8ut it %asn?t enou-". 9t %oul5 ne)er 8e enou-". <i3"ar5 3oul5 "a)e %orn "is >eans an5 $2s"irt@ an5 still "e %oul5 "a)e %on t"em o)er. $"ere are t"in-s 8eyon5 3lot"in- t"at make a kin-. A7ar3us@ <aina.C <i3"ar5 release5 my "an5 slo%ly@ an5 as "e pulle5 a%ay@ t"e tie remaine5. 9t %as a s"a5o% o1 t"e %ay 9?5 8oun5 <i3"ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e?s auras to me@ 8ut more. He took a 1e% steps a%ay to stan5 a little in 1ront o1 me. 9 3oul5 1eel "im like a lar-e@ s"immerin- t"in-. His ener-y %as amaEin-. $"e 3losest t"in- 9?5 e)er 1elt %as t"e po%er o1 a 4aoine Si5"e@ a 1airie o1 t"e "i-"est 3ourt. ADou nau-"ty 8oy@C <aina sai5. ADou?)e ma5e "er one o1 us.C A/o@C <i3"ar5 sai5@ As"e is %"at s"e al%ays "as 8eenJ "ersel1.C A$"en "o% 3an you ri5e "er po%erB Ho% 3an s"e ri5e yoursBC <aina pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e 3"air@ stalkin- alon- t"e -roun5 in 1ront o1 it@ pa3in- like a 3a-e5 animal. A="at "a)e you 5one@ <i3"ar5BC 7ar3us aske5. AS"e is my mate.C A<aina@ test it@C 7ar3us sai5. <aina smile5@ most unpleasant@ an5 stalke5 o)er t"e open -roun5. S"e s%aye5@ trans1ormin- %alkin- into a se5u3ti)e 5an3e. 9 1elt "er po%er toni-"t. Her se* ro5e t"e air like t"e t"reat o1 li-"tnin-@ pri3klin- alon- t"e skin@ 5ryin- out t"e mout". 9 1elt e)ery male %at3" "er@ e)en <i3"ar5. 9 5i5n?t resent it. Hell@ 9 %at3"e5 "er. S"e %as ma-ni1i3ent in "er s"eer@ nake5 lust. 9t %as like se* 1or <aina %as po%er@ literally. 9 slippe5 o11 t"e lon-@ 8la3k 3oat an5 let it 1all to t"e -roun5. $"ere %as a 3olle3ti)e -asp 1rom t"e "uman t"roats. 9 tra3e5 my "an5s o)er t"e 8are skin o1 my %aist@ trailin- 5o%n my leat"er23la5 t"i-"s. 9 lau-"e5. A lou5@ >oyous 8ark o1 noise. 9t %as <aina. 9 %as ri5in- "er po%er@ 5an3in- alon- t"e e5-e o1 "er ener-y.

9 stalke5 to%ar5s "er@ not %aitin-@ 8ut meetin- "er in t"e mi55le o1 t"e 3ir3le. =e mo)e5 aroun5 ea3" ot"er@ an5 9 3oul5 mat3" "er 5an3e. 9 pulle5 "er aura o1 se* an5 )iolen3e into me@ pulle5 it like a "an5 rea3"in- in%ar5 an5 stealin- 8its o1 "er. 'ear %i5ene5 "er eyes@ 8rou-"t "er 8reat" 1aster. S"e kne% "o% to prote3t "ersel1 a-ainst anot"er %ere%ol1@ 8ut my 8ran5 o1 po%er %as >ust 5i11erent enou-" t"at s"e 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o %it" me. 9?5 ne)er 5one anyt"in- like t"is 8e1ore@ 5i5n?t un5erstan5 e*a3tly %"at 9 %as 5oin-@ until <aina 8a3ke5 o11. S"e 5i5n?t run 8a3k to 7ar3us@ 8ut t"e s"ine %as -one. S"e slunk 8a3k %it" "er tail 8et%een "er le-s@ an5 9 3oul5 taste "er insi5e my min5 like 9?5 li3ke5 "er skin. 9 turne5 8a3k to <i3"ar5 an5 stalke5 to%ar5s "im in t"e "i-"2"eele5 8oots. 9 1elt e)ery man %at3"in-. 9 kne% it. 9 %rappe5 it aroun5 me an5 t"re% it all 8a3k into <i3"ar5. He stoo5 almost 1roEen@ "is 5ark eyes 1ille5 %it" a "eat t"at %as part se*@ part ener-y@ part somet"in- else. An5 1or t"e 1irst time@ 9 un5erstoo5 t"at somet"in- else. 9 "ear5 t"at musi3@ 1elt it 5an3e insi5e my 8o5y. 9 -ra88e5 t"e leat"er 3loak an5 pulle5 "im 5o%n to me. =e kisse5 an5 it 8urne5@ as i1 more t"an 1les" %as min-lin-. 9 release5 "im a8ruptly@ an5 my eyes 5i5n?t -o to "is 1a3e 8ut 1ell lo%er. =it"out tou3"in- "im@ 9 kne% "e %as "ar5 an5 rea5y. 9 3oul5 still 1eel t"e pa3k@ 5istant@ 8ut tou3"a8le. Hason?s -reat %ol1 "ea5 8rus"e5 my t"i-". 9 5u- my 1in-ers into t"at t"i3k 1ur an5 kne% t"at i1 <i3"ar5 an5 9 ma5e lo)e@ t"e pa3k %oul5 kno% it. Here toni-"t@ t"ey?5 8e alon- 1or t"e ri5e. 9t %oul5n?t >ust 8e se*. 9t %oul5 8e ma-i3. An5 it 5i5n?t seem s"ame1ul or pa-an or %ron-. ADou 3an?t let t"em 5o t"is@C <aina sai5. 7ar3us pus"e5 "imsel1 to "is 1eet. He seeme5 tire5. A/o@ 9 5on?t suppose 9 3an.C He looke5 at <aina@ nake5@ 8eauti1ul@ 1ear1ul. ABut it is not your 8loo5 t"at %ill 8e spille5 toni-"t@ is it@ my lo)eBC $"e irony %as t"i3k enou-" to %alk on@ an5 1or t"e 1irst time@ 9 realiEe5 t"at 7ar3us kne% %"at <aina %as@ may8e "a5 al%ays kno%n. <aina %ent to "er knees in 1ront o1 "im@ "an5s 3lut3"in- at "is le-s. S"e ru88e5 "er 3"eek alon- "is t"i-"@ one "an5 smoot"in- perilously 3lose to "is -roin. ,)en no%@ it %as %"at s"e kne% 8est. Se* an5 pain. He tou3"e5 "er "air -ently. He stare5 5o%n at "er@ an5 t"e nake5 ten5erness on "is 1a3e ma5e me %ant to look a%ay. 9t %as a terri8ly intimate look@ more intimate t"an se*@ more po%er1ul. $"e 1ool lo)e5 "er. 91 "e "a5n?t 8een payin- to kill me@ 9?5 "a)e 1elt sorry 1or "im. 7ar3us steppe5 a%ay 1rom <aina. He 8e-an %alkin- a3ross t"e 3learin-. His po%er opene5 like a 5oor@ 1lo%in- like ele3tri3 %ater a3ross t"e %ol)es@ a3ross me. He un5i5 "is tie@ opene5 t"e 1irst 1e% 8uttons o1 "is s"irt. A/o more preliminaries@ <i3"ar5. Let us 5o t"is.C A9 kno% you trie5 to "a)e Anita kille5@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 7ar3us stoppe5 in mi5motion. His small@ sure 1in-ers "esitate5. Surprise 3"ase5 a3ross "is 1a3e@ t"en 3"an-e5 into a smile. ADou "a)e surprise5 me t%i3e toni-"t@ <i3"ar5. Let?s see i1 you 3an make it t"ree.C A9 %ill kill you toni-"t@ 7ar3usG you kno% t"at.C 7ar3us s"ru--e5 out o1 "is >a3ket. ADou 3an try.C <i3"ar5 no55e5. A9?5 planne5 on -i)in- you t"e 3"an3e to >ust lea)e.C A9 trie5 to "a)e your mate kille5. Dou 3an?t lea)e me ali)e no%.C He un5i5 t"e 3u11s o1 "is s"irt. A/o@ 9 3an?t.C <i3"ar5 un5i5 t"e 3loak?s tie@ lettin- it 1all to t"e 1loor. He pulle5 "is s"irt out o1 "is pants an5 sli5 it o)er "is "ea5 in one ;ui3k mo)ement. $"e moonli-"t ma5e s"a5o%s on t"e mus3les o1 "is arms an5 3"est. 9 su55enly 5i5n?t %ant "im to 5o it. 9 3oul5 s"oot 7ar3us@ an5 it %oul5 all 8e 5one. <i3"ar5 %oul5 ne)er 1or-i)e me@ 8ut "e?5 8e ali)e. $"ey %oul5n?t kill ea3" ot"er %it" po%er. $"ey?5 use 3la%s an5 teet" 1or t"e killin-. All <i3"ar5?s trem8lin-@ ea-er po%er %oul5n?t keep "im 1rom -ettin- "is t"roat rippe5 out.

Chapter Thirty-seven
<i3"ar5 turne5 to me@ %earin- only t"e leat"er pants an5 t"e 8oots. 7ar3us "a5 aske5 t"at t"ey not strip 5o%n@ sai5 somet"in- a8out sa)in- an ol5 man?s 5i-nity. Bulls"it. $"ere %as somet"in- in t"e air t"at 9 5i5n?t like@ as i1 7ar3us "a5 kno%n %"at %as 3omin- an5 "e %as rea5y. AAs a3kno%le5-e5 :l1ri3@ 7ar3us -ets to 3"oose t"e 1orm %e 1i-"t in@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A="at 1orm 5i5 "e 3"ooseBC <i3"ar5 raise5 "is "an5 in 1ront o1 my 1a3e. A$ou3" my "an5.C He ma5e it soun5 so serious 1or su3" a small re;uest. 9 tou3"e5 t"e 8a3k o1 "is "an5 li-"tly. AGrip my palm@ Anita.C 9 %rappe5 my 1in-ers aroun5 t"e lo%er part o1 "is "an5. Be1ore 9 3oul5 look to "is 1a3e or ask a ;uestion@ 9 1elt it. ,ner-y %elle5 up "is "an5 like oil up t"e %i3k o1 a lamp. His skin 1lo%e5 un5er my "an5. 9 1elt t"e 8ones len-t"enin-. 9 1elt "is 8o5y -i)e as i1 t"e 8oun5aries t"at 3on1ine5 "im to skin an5 8one an5 1les" "a5 5issol)e5. 9t 1elt almost like "e %oul5 s3atter "imsel1 out%ar5 like 9?5 5one earlier@ 8ut it %asn?t "is essen3e t"at %as rea3"in- out%ar5. 9t %as "is 8o5y.

He "el5 up "is ot"er "an5@ an5 9 took it. 9 lo3ke5 my 1in-ers in "is an5 1elt "is 8ones -ro% a3ross my skin@ %at3"e5 3la%s 1orm as "is 1les" 1lo%e5 like 3lay. 4istant as a s3ream@ 9 kne% 9 s"oul5 "a)e 8een s3are5 or si3kene5. $"e po%er 1lo%e5 5o%n "is s"i1tin- "an5s to my "an5s@ 1lo%in- 8et%een us like 3ool 1ire. He stoppe5 %"en "is "an5s %ere "uman 3la%s %it" talons t"at 3oul5 "a)e rippe5 me apart. $"e po%er 5i5n?t stop a8ruptlyG it %asn?t like turnin- o11 a s%it3". 9t %as like turnin- o11 a 1au3et@ slo%in- t"e 1lo% 5o%n to a tri3kle@ a 5rop@ t"en not"in-. 9 %as on my knees an5 "a5n?t remem8ere5 -ettin- t"ere. <i3"ar5 knelt in 1ront o1 me@ "an5s still 3laspe5 in mine. 9t took me t%o tries to 8e a8le to talk. AHo% 3an you stop like t"atBC He 5re% "is ne%ly 1orme5 "an5s 3are1ully out o1 my "an5s. 9 s"i)ere5 as t"e tips o1 "is 3la%s traile5 o)er my skin. A!ontrollin- t"e 3"an-e is %"at separates t"e s"eep 1rom t"e %ol)es@C "e sai5. 9t took me a se3on5 to realiEe "e?5 ma5e a >oke. He leane5 into me an5 %"ispere5@ A91 9 lose 3ontrol in t"e 1i-"t@ or i1 9?m losin-@ 9?ll s"i1t 3ompletely. 9 %ant you to 3ome tou3" me@ i1 9 ask you.C A="yBC His 8reat" %as %arm a-ainst my 3"eek. He %rappe5 "is arms aroun5 me@ "el5 me in t"e 3ir3le o1 "is 8o5y@ 3la%s playinalon- t"e leat"er straps o1 t"e out1it. A9 %ant you to 1eel t"e rus" o1 po%er. 9 %ant you to kno% %"at it 3an 8e like 8et%een us.C His arms ti-"tene5. A91 9?m losin-@ you 3an ri5e t"e po%er an5 use it to -et my %ol)es out o1 "ere. $"e ot"ers %ill kill anyone t"ey t"ink is 5isloyal.C 9 pus"e5 a%ay enou-" to see "is 1a3e. AHo% 3an 9 use t"e po%er to 5o t"atBC ADou?ll kno%.C He kisse5 my 1ore"ea5 e)er so -ently. ASa)e t"em@ Anita. Promise me.C A9 promise.C He stoo5@ my "an5s slippin- o)er "is 8o5y as "e -ot to "is 1eet. 9 3au-"t one o1 "is "an5s. 7y "an5 sli5 5o%n t"e lon-@ 3ur)e5 3la%. 9t %as as "ar5 an5 soli5 an5 unreal as it looke5. 9?5 1elt "is 8o5y s"i1t@ an5 yet@ starin- up at <i3"ar5?s "an5some 1a3e an5 t"ose monstrous "an5s@ it %as >arrin-. Still@ 9 "el5 on. 9 5i5n?t %ant to let "im -o. A!are1ul o1 t"e 3la%s@ Anita. 9?m not in "uman 1orm anymore.C He meant t"at a s3rat3" mi-"t make me 1urry@ mi-"t not. Har5 to tell. But it %as enou-" to make me let -o. /o matter "o% -oo5 <i3"ar5 1elt@ 9 %asn?t rea5y to t"ro% "umanity 3ompletely 8e"in5 me. <i3"ar5 stare5 5o%n at me@ an5 t"ere %as a %orl5 in "is eyes o1 t"in-s unsai5@ t"in-s un5one. 9 opene5 my mout"@ 3lose5 it. A4o you "a)e t"is mu3" 3ontrol o)er e)ery 8o5y partBC He smile5. ADes.C 9 %as so s3are5 9 3oul5n?t speak. 9?5 ma5e my last >oke. $"e only t"in- le1t %as trut". 9 raise5 up@ puttin- my "an5s on "is le-s 1or support an5 kisse5 t"e 8a3k o1 "is "an5. $"e skin %as still as so1t@ still smelle5 an5 taste5 like <i3"ar5@ t"e 8ones un5erneat" 1elt like someone else. A4on?t -et kille5.C He smile5. $"ere %as a sa5ness in "is eyes t"at %as 8ottomless. ,)en i1 "e %on t"is 1i-"t@ it %oul5 3ost "im 5early. 7ur5er@ t"at?s "o% "e %oul5 see it. /o matter "o% >usti1ie5. 7oral "i-" -roun5 is 5an5y@ 8ut it?ll -et you kille5. <aina kisse5 7ar3us -oo528ye@ pressin- "er 8o5y so ti-"tly a-ainst "im@ it %as like s"e %as tryin- to %alk t"rou-" "im@ part "im like a 3urtain an5 slip insi5e. S"e pus"e5 "im a%ay %it" a ri3"@ t"roaty lau-". 9t %as t"e kin5 o1 lau-"ter t"at ma5e you turn your "ea5 in 8ars. A >oyous@ sli-"tly %i3ke5 soun5. <aina stare5 a3ross t"e 3learin- at me@ t"e lau-"ter still sparklin- in "er eyes@ on "er 1a3e. #ne look %as enou-". S"e %as -oin- to kill me i1 s"e 3oul5. Sin3e 9 %as pretty mu3" t"inkin- t"e same t"in- a8out "er@ 9 -a)e "er a little no5 an5 a salute. =e?5 see %"o %as 5ea5 3ome mornin-. 9t mi-"t 8e me@ 8ut some%"ere on t"e lists o1 t"e 5ea5 %oul5 8e <aina. $"at 9 3oul5 almost promise. 7ar3us raise5 "is 3la%e5 "an5s o)er "is "ea5. He turne5 in a slo% 3ir3le. A$%o alp"as 1i-"t 1or you "ere toni-"t. #ne o1 us %ill lea)e t"is 3ir3le ali)e. #ne o1 us %ill 1ee5 you toni-"t. 4rink o1 our 8loo5@ eat o1 our 1les". =e are pa3k. =e are lukoi. =e are one.C Hason t"re% "is "ea5 8a3k an5 "o%le5@ so 3lose to me t"at 9 >umpe5. 'urre5 t"roats e3"oe5 "im@ "uman t"roats >oinint"e 3"orus. 9 stoo5 alone amon- t"e pa3k an5 5i5 not >oin in. ="en t"e last e3"o 1a5e5 o11 in t"e rollin-@ %oo5e5 "ills@ 7ar3us sai5@ A4eat" 8et%een us t"en@ <i3"ar5.C A9 o11ere5 you li1e@ 7ar3us. Dou 3"ose 5eat".C 7ar3us smile5. A9 suppose 9 5i5.C 7ar3us >umpe5 strai-"t at "im@ no 1eintin-@ no pra3ti3e@ >ust a 8lur o1 spee5. <i3"ar5 rolle5 to t"e -roun5@ up an5 a%ay@ 3omin- to "is 1eet. $"ree t"in lines 8le5 a3ross "is 8elly. 7ar3us 5i5n?t -i)e "im a 3"an3e to re3o)er. He 3o)ere5 t"e 5istan3e 8et%een t"em like a 8a5 5ream. 9 3oul5n?t e)en keep tra3k o1 it %it" my eyes. 9?5 seen ly3ant"ropes mo)e 8e1ore@ an5 9?5 t"ou-"t t"ey %ere 1ast@ 8ut 7ar3us %as 8reat"takin-.

He slas"e5 <i3"ar5@ 1or3in- "im 8a3k to%ar5s t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3learin- %"ere <aina stoo5. <i3"ar5 %asn?t 8ein- "urt@ 8ut t"e 1lurry o1 atta3ks 1or3e5 "im 8a3k%ar5s@ kept "im 1rom atta3kin-. 9 nee5e5 to ask a ;uestion. 9 looke5 5o%n at Hason. He turne5 pale %ol1 eyes to me. A91 anyone else "elps 7ar3us@ it?s 3"eatin-@ ri-"tBC 9t 1elt )a-uely stupi5 talkin- to somet"in- t"at looke5 like an animal@ 8ut t"e look in t"ose eyes %asn?t animal. 9 %asn?t sure it %as "uman@ 8ut it %asn?t animal. $"e %ol1 no55e5 its "ea5. A%k%ar5ly. <i3"ar5?s 8a3k %as almost %it"in <ama?s rea3". Hamil@ t"e 8la3k %ere%ol1 1rom t%o ni-"ts a-o@ "a5 >oine5 "er. Se8astian %as alrea5y at "er si5e. S"it. A91 t"ey 3"eat@ 3an 9 s"oot t"emBC ADes@C !assan5ra >oine5 us@ %alkin- up t"rou-" t"e pa3k like a %arm@ pri3klin- %in5. 9 -ot t"e 1irst real 8rus" o1 "er po%er an5 kne% s"e 3oul5 "a)e 8een lupa i1 s"e %ante5 to 8e. 9 pulle5 t"e Bro%nin- out@ an5 it 1elt o55 in my "an5s@ as i1 9 5i5n?t nee5 it. 9 %as 3"annelin- more o1 t"e pa3k t"an 9 kne% i1 9 5i5n?t %ant my -un. A 5an-erous amount more. 9 %rappe5 my 1in-ers aroun5 t"e 8utt o1 t"e Bro%nin-@ 5i--in- my "an5 aroun5 it@ remem8erin- t"e 1eel o1 it. $"e sensory memory 8rou-"t it 8a3k to me@ pus"e5 some o1 t"e -lo% o1 po%er a%ay. 9 5i5n?t see a %eapon@ 8ut <i3"ar5?s 8a3k %as to <aina an5 Se8astian. 9 raise5 t"e Bro%nin-@ not aimin-@ not yet. 9 yelle5@ ABe"in5 you.C 9 sa% <i3"ar5?s 8a3k spasm. He 3ollapse5 to "is knees. ,)eryt"in- slo%e5 5o%n@ 3ar)e5 in 3rystal. Se8astian?s "an5 mo)e5 %it" a 1las" o1 sil)er 8la5e. 9 %as alrea5y aimin- at "im. 7ar3us?s 3la% 5re% 8a3k 1or a 5o%n%ar5 s%ipe at <i3"ar5?s unprote3te5 t"roat. 9 pulle5 t"e tri--er an5 turne5 t"e -un to%ar5s 7ar3us@ 8ut it %oul5 8e too slo%@ too late. $"e top o1 Se8astian?s "ea5 e*plo5e5. 9 "a5 a 1ra3tion o1 a se3on5 to %on5er %"at ammunition ,5%ar5 "a5 put in t"e -un. $"e 8o5y starte5 to 1all 8a3k%ar5s. 7ar3us?s 3la% 3ame s%eepin- 5o%n@ an5 <i3"ar5 5ro)e "is "an5 un5er t"e arm@ into 7ar3us?s upper stoma3". 7ar3us stoppe5@ 1roEe 1or a se3on5@ as t"e 3la%s 5u- into "is stoma3"@ up un5er "is ri8s. <i3"ar5?s "an5 %ent into 7ar3us?s 8o5y past t"e %rist. 9 kept t"e Bro%nin- pointe5 at <aina in 3ase s"e -ot any i5eas a8out pi3kin- up t"e kni1e. 7ar3us 5ro)e "is 3la%s into <i3"ar5?s 8a3k. <i3"ar5 tu3ke5 "is 1a3e an5 ne3k a-ainst t"e ot"er man?s 8o5y@ prote3tin"imsel1 1rom t"e 3la%s. 7ar3us s"u55ere5. <i3"ar5 8roke a%ay 1rom "im@ 8rin-in- "is 8loo5y "an5 out o1 7ar3us?s 3"est. He tore t"e still28eatin- "eart out o1 "is 3"est an5 1lun- it to t"e %ol)es. $"ey 1ell on t"e morsel %it" small yips an5 -ro%lin-. <i3"ar5 3ollapse5 to "is knees 8esi5e 7ar3us?s 8o5y. Bloo5 poure5 5o%n "is lo%er 8a3k %"ere t"e kni1e "a5 -one in. 9 %alke5 to "im@ t"e -un still pointe5 at <aina. 9 knelt@ still keepin- a 8ea5 on "er. A<i3"ar5@ are you all ri-"tBC 9t %as a stupi5 t"in- to ask@ 8ut %"at else %as 9 suppose5 to sayB APut up t"e -un@ Anita. 9t?s o)er.C AS"e trie5 to kill you@C 9 sai5. A9t?s o)er.C He turne5 "is 1a3e to me@ an5 "is eyes %ere alrea5y -one. His )oi3e 1ell to%ar5s a -ro%l. APut it a%ay.C 9 stare5 up at <aina an5 kne% i1 9 5i5n?t kill "er no%@ 9?5 "a)e to kill "er later. AS"e?ll see us 5ea5@ <i3"ar5.C <i3"ar5?s "an5 %as su55enly t"ere@ 1aster t"an 9 3oul5 see. He "it my "an5@ an5 t"e -un %ent spinnin-. 7y "an5 %as num8. 9 trie5 to 8a3k a%ay@ 8ut "e -ra88e5 me@ %rappin- "is 3la%e5 "an5s aroun5 my upper arms. A/o more killin- ... toni-"t.C He t"re% 8a3k "is "ea5 an5 "o%le5. His mout" %as 1ull o1 1an-s. 9 s3reame5. A<i5e t"e po%er@ Anita. <i5e it or run.C His "an5s 3on)ulse5 aroun5 my arms. 9 8a3kpe5ale5@ 5u- my "eels in@ an5 trie5 to -et loose. He 3ollapse5 on top o1 me@ too "urt 1or t"e stru--le@ too 1ar -one to 1i-"t t"e 3"an-e. His po%er roare5 o)er me@ into me. 9 3oul5n?t see anyt"in- 8ut t"e -lo% o1 po%er 8e"in5 my eyes. 91 9 3oul5 "a)e 8reat"e5@ 9?5 "a)e s3reame5 a-ain@ 8ut t"ere %as not"in- 8ut t"e 1or3e o1 "is po%er@ an5 it sprea5 out%ar5 1rom "im like a ro3k in %ater. $"e %a)es tou3"e5 t"e pa3k@ an5 %"ere it tou3"e5@ 1ur 1lo%e5. <i3"ar5 s"i1te5 an5 took e)eryone %it" "im. ,)eryone. 9 1elt <aina stru--le ne*t to us. 9 1elt "er 1i-"t it. Hear5 "er s"riek@ 8ut in t"e en5 s"e 1ell to t"e -roun5 an5 3"an-e5. 9 "el5 onto <i3"ar5?s arms@ an5 1ur 1lo%e5 un5er my "an5s like %ater. 7us3le 1orme5 an5 s"i1te5@ 8ones 8roke an5 reknit. 7y lo%er 8o5y %as trappe5 un5erneat" "im. !lear li;ui5 -us"e5 1rom "is 8o5y@ pourin- o)er me in a near s3al5in- %a)e. 9 s3reame5 an5 stru--le5 to -et out 1rom un5erneat" "im. An5 t"e po%er ro5e me 5o%n@ 1ille5 me up@ until 9 t"ou-"t my skin %oul5n?t "ol5@ 3oul5n?t "ol5 it. 'inally@ "e rose o11 me@ not a %ol1@ 8ut man2%ol1@ 3o)ere5 in 1ur t"e 3olor o1 3innamon an5 -ol5. His -enitalia "un- lar-e an5 1ull un5erneat" "im. He stare5 at me %it" am8er eyes an5 o11ere5 me a 3la%e5 "an5 as "e rose on t%o sli-"tly 8ent le-s. 9 i-nore5 t"e "an5 an5 s3oote5 8a3k%ar5s. 9 -ot to my 1eet@ a little unstea5y@ an5 stare5. $"e %ol1 1orm %as a3tually taller t"an "is "uman s"ape@ a8out se)en 1eet@ mus3le5@ an5 monstrous. $"ere %as not"in- le1t o1 <i3"ar5. But 9 kne% "o%

-oo5 it "a5 1elt to let loose t"e 8east. 9 "a5 1elt it rise out o1 "im like a se3on5 min5@ soul@ risin- up%ar5@ out%ar5@ 1illin"im@ spillin- out o1 "is skin. 7y 8o5y %as still tin-lin- %it" t"e 8rus" o1 "is 8east. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e t"i3k so1tness o1 "is 1ur un5er my 1in-ertips like a sensory memory t"at %oul5 "aunt me. 7ar3us?s )ery "uman2lookin- 8o5y lay on t"e -roun5 at <i3"ar5?s 1eet. $"e s3ent o1 1res" 8loo5 ran t"rou-" "im@ ran t"rou-" t"em all. 9 1elt it t"rill t"rou-" my 8o5y. 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e 5ea5 man an5 %ante5 to -o 5o%n to my knees an5 1ee5. 9 "a5 a stron- )isual ima-e o1 tearin- 1les"@ %arm )is3era. 9t %as a memory. 9t >erke5 me 8a3k a step. 9 stare5 at t"e man2%ol1. 9 stare5 at <i3"ar5 an5 s"ook my "ea5. A9 3an?t 1ee5. 9 %on?t.C He spoke@ 8ut it %as t%iste5 an5 -uttural. ADou?re not in)ite5. =e %ill 1east@ t"en "unt. Dou 3an %at3". Dou 3an >oin t"e "unt@ or you 3an -o.C 9 8a3ke5 a%ay slo%ly. A9?m -oin-.C $"e pa3k %as 3reepin- 3loser@ -i-anti3 %ol)es mostly@ 8ut "ere an5 t"ere %ere man2%ol)es@ %at3"in- me %it" alien eyes. 9 3oul5n?t see t"e Bro%nin- t"at <i3"ar5 "a5 kno3ke5 1rom my "an5. 9 5re% t"e 'irestar an5 starte5 to 8a3k a%ay. A/o one %ill "urt you@ Anita. Dou are lupa. 7ate.C 9 stare5 into t"e 3ool eyes o1 t"e nearest %ol1. A<i-"t no%@ 9?m >ust 1oo5@ <i3"ar5.C ADou re1use5 t"e po%er@C "e sai5. He %as ri-"t. 9n t"e en5@ 9?5 pani3ke5 an5 "a5n?t -otten t"e 1ull 5ose. A="ate)er.C 9 ease5 t"rou-" t"e %ol)es@ 8ut t"ey 5i5n?t mo)e. 9 %alke5 out@ 8rus"in- t"rou-" 1ur like %a5in- t"rou-" a 1ur 3oat 1a3tory. ,)ery 8rus" o1 8reat"in-@ li)inanimal s3are5 me. Pani3 3lim8e5 at my t"roat@ an5 9 still "a5 enou-" -lo% le1t to kno% t"at my 1ear e*3ite5 t"em. $"e more s3are5 9 -ot@ t"e more 9 smelle5 like 1oo5. 9 kept t"e -un rea5y@ 8ut 9 kne% i1 t"ey %ent 1or me@ 9 %as 5ea5. $"ere %ere too many o1 t"em. $"ey %at3"e5 me %alk. $"ey stu88ornly re1use5 to mo)e@ 1or3in- me to 8rus" t"eir 1urre5 8o5ies. 9 realiEe5 t"ey %ere usin- me 1or a sort o1 appetiEer@ my 1ear to spi3e t"eir 1oo5@ t"e 8rus" o1 my "uman 8o5y to 1la)or t"eir 3"ase. ="en 9 passe5 t"e last 1urre5 8o5y@ t"e soun5 o1 tearin- 1les" 8rou-"t my "ea5 aroun5. 9 3oul5n?t stop mysel1 in time. <i3"ar5?s muEEle %as raise5 sky%ar5@ sli3k %it" 8loo5@ t"ro%in- 5o%n a pie3e o1 meat t"at 9 trie5 not to re3o-niEe. 9 ran. $"e %oo5s t"at 9?5 -li5e5 t"rou-" %it" <i3"ar5?s "elp su55enly 8e3ame an o8sta3le 3ourse. 9 ran@ an5 trippe5@ an5 1ell@ an5 ran some more. 9 1inally -ot 8a3k to t"e parkin- lot. 9 "a5 5ri)en 8e3ause no8o5y 8ut me %as -oin- "ome toni-"t. $"ey?5 stay "ere an5 "a)e a moonli-"t >am8oree. ,5%ar5 an5 Harley "a5 %at3"e5 all o1 it 1rom a near8y "ill %it" ni-"t s3opes. 9 %on5ere5 %"at t"ey t"ou-"t o1 t"e s"o%.

Chapter Thirty-eight
,5%ar5 ma5e me promise to -o 8a3k to t"e !ir3us 1or one more ni-"t. 7ar3us %as 5ea5@ so t"ere %as no more money@ 8ut i1 someone else "a5 taken t"e 3ontra3t@ t"ey mi-"t not kno% t"at yet. 9t %oul5 8e a s"ame to -et kille5 a1ter all t"e e11ort %e?5 put in to sa)e me. 9 %alke5 all t"e %ay 5o%n t"e 5amn stairs to t"e iron8oun5 5oor 8e1ore 9 realiEe5 9 5i5n?t "a)e a key@ an5 no8o5y %as e*pe3tin- me. $"e 3lear li;ui5 t"at "a5 -us"e5 out o1 <i3"ar5?s 8o5y "a5 5rie5 to a sti3ky@ )is3ous su8stan3e some%"ere 8et%een 8loo5 an5 -lue. 9 nee5e5 a 8at". 9 nee5e5 3lean 3lot"es. 9 nee5e5 to stop seein- <i3"ar5?s mout" %"ile "e ate pie3es o1 7ar3us. $"e "ar5er 9 trie5 not to 1las" on it@ t"e 3learer t"e ima-e -ot. 9 8an-e5 on t"e 5oor until my "an5s stun-@ t"en 9 ki3ke5 it. /o one 3ame. AS"itIC 9 s3reame5 at no one an5 e)eryone. AS"itIC $"e 1eel o1 "is 8o5y on top o1 mine. His 8ones an5 mus3le sli5in- on top o1 me like a 8a- o1 snakes. $"e %arm rus" o1 po%er@ an5 t"at moment %"en 9 "a5 %ante5 to 5rop to my knees an5 1ee5. ="at i1 9 "a5 s%allo%e5 t"e po%er %"oleB ="at i1 9 "a5n?t 8a3ke5 o11B =oul5 9 "a)e 1e5 on 7ar3usB =oul5 9 "a)e 5one t"at an5 en>oye5 itB 9 s3reame5 %or5lessly@ sma3kin- my "an5s into t"e 5oor@ ki3kin- it@ 8eatin- on it. 9 3ollapse5 to my knees@ stin-in- palms presse5 a-ainst t"e %oo5. 9 leane5 my "ea5 a-ainst t"e 5oor an5 3rie5. A7a petite@ %"at "as "appene5BC Hean2!lau5e stoo5 8e"in5 me on t"e stairs. A<i3"ar5 is not 5ea5. 9 %oul5 1eel it.C 9 turne5 an5 presse5 my 8a3k a-ainst t"e 5oor. 9 %ipe5 at t"e tears on my 1a3e. AHe?s not 5ea5@ not e)en 3lose.C A$"en %"at is %ron-BC He 3ame 5o%n t"e steps like "e %as 5an3in-@ too -ra3e1ul 1or %or5s@ e)en a1ter an e)enin- spent %it" s"apes"i1ters. His s"irt %as a 5eep@ ri3" 8lue@ not ;uite 5ark enou-" to 8e na)y@ t"e slee)es %ere 1ull@ %it" %i5e 3u11s@ t"e 3ollar "i-" 8ut so1t@ almost as i1 it %ere a s3ar1. 9?5 ne)er seen "im in 8lue o1 any s"a5e. 9t ma5e "is mi5ni-"t 8lue eyes seem 8luer@ 5arker. His >eans %ere 8la3k an5 ti-"t enou-" to 8e skin@ t"e 8oots %ere knee2"i-"@ %it" a trailine5-e o1 8la3k leat"er t"at 1loppe5 as "e mo)e5. He knelt 8esi5e me@ not tou3"in- me@ almost like "e %as a1rai5 to. A7a petite@ your 3ross.C

9 stare5 5o%n at it. 9t %asn?t -lo%in-@ not yet. 9 %rappe5 my "an5 aroun5 t"e 3ross an5 >erke5@ snappin- t"e 3"ain. 9 1lunit a%ay. 9t 1ell a-ainst t"e %all@ -lintin- sil)er in t"e 1aint li-"t. AHappyBC Hean2!lau5e looke5 at me. A<i3"ar5 li)es. 7ar3us is 5ea5. !orre3tBC 9 no55e5. A$"en %"y t"e tears@ ma petiteB 9 5o not t"ink 9 "a)e e)er seen you 3ry.C A9 am not 3ryin-.C He tou3"e5 my 3"eek %it" one 1in-ertip an5 3ame a%ay %it" a sin-le tear trem8lin- on t"e en5 o1 "is 1in-er. He raise5 it to "is lips@ t"e tip o1 "is ton-ue li3ke5 it o11 "is skin. ADou taste like your "eart "as 8roken@ ma petite.C 7y t"roat 3"oke5 ti-"t. 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e past t"e tears. $"e "ar5er 9 trie5 not to 3ry@ t"e 1aster t"e tears 1lo%e5. 9 "u--e5 mysel1@ an5 my "an5s tou3"e5 t"e sti3ky -unk t"at 3o)ere5 me. 9 "el5 my "an5s a%ay 1rom my 8o5y like 9?5 tou3"e5 somet"in- un3lean. 9 stare5 at Hean2!lau5e %it" my "an5s "el5 out in 1ront o1 me. A7on 4ieu@ %"at "as "appene5BC He trie5 to "u- me@ 8ut 9 pus"e5 "im a%ay. ADou?ll -et it all o)er you.C He stare5 at t"e t"i3k@ 3lear -unk on "is "an5. AHo% 5i5 you -et t"is 3lose to a s"apes"i1tin- %ere%ol1BC An i5ea 1lo%e5 a3ross "is 1a3e. A9t?s <i3"ar5. Dou sa% "im 3"an-e.C 9 no55e5. AHe 3"an-e5 on top o1 me. 9t %as ... #"@ Go5@ o"@ Go5@ o"@ Go5.C Hean2!lau5e pulle5 me into "is arms. 9 pus"e5 at "im. ADou?ll ruin your 3lot"es.C A7a petite@ ma petite@ it?s all ri-"t. 9t is all ri-"t.C A/o@ it?s not.C 9 sa--e5 a-ainst "im. 9 let "im %rap me in "is arms. 9 3lut3"e5 at "im@ "an5s 5i--in- into t"e silk o1 "is s"irt. 9 8urie5 my 1a3e a-ainst "is 3"est an5 %"ispere5@ AHe ate 7ar3us. He ate "im.C AHe?s a %ere%ol1@ ma petite. $"at?s %"at t"ey 5o.C 9t %as su3" an o55 t"in- to say@ an5 so terri8ly true@ t"at 9 lau-"e52an a8rupt@ almost an-ry soun5. $"e lau-"ter 5ie5 in 3"okin-@ an5 t"e 3"okin- 8e3ame so8s. 9 "el5 onto Hean2!lau5e like "e %as t"e last sane t"in- in t"e %orl5. 9 8urie5 mysel1 a-ainst "im an5 %ept. 9t %as like somet"in- 5eep insi5e me "a5 8roken@ an5 9 %as 3ryin- out 8its o1 mysel1 onto "is 8o5y. His )oi3e 3ame to me 5imly@ as i1 "e "a5 8een speakin- 1or a lon- time@ 8ut 9 "a5n?t "ear5. He %as speakin- 'ren3"@ so1tly@ %"isperin- it into my "air@ strokin- my 8a3k@ ro3kin- me -ently. 9 lay in "is arms@ ;uiet. 9 "a5 no more tears le1t. 9 1elt empty an5 li-"t@ num8. Hean2!lau5e smoot"e5 my "air 8a3k 1rom my 1ore"ea5. He 8rus"e5 "is lips a3ross my skin@ like <i3"ar5 "a5 5one earlier toni-"t. ,)en t"at t"ou-"t 3oul5n?t make me 3ry a-ain. 9t %as too soon. A!an you stan5@ ma petiteBC A9 t"ink so.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 5istant@ stran-e. 9 stoo5@ still in t"e 3ir3le o1 "is arms@ leanin- a-ainst "im. 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom "im -ently. 9 stoo5 on my o%n@ a little s"aky@ 8ut 8etter t"an not"in-. His 5ark 8lue s"irt %as plastere5 to "is 3"est@ 3o)ere5 %it" %ere%ol1 -oop an5 tears. A/o% %e 8ot" nee5 a 8at"@C 9 sai5. A$"at 3an 8e arran-e5.C APlease@ Hean2!lau5e@ no se*ual innuen5o until a1ter 9?m 3lean.C A#1 3ourse@ ma petite. 9t %as 3ru5e o1 me toni-"t. 7y apolo-ies.C 9 stare5 at "im. He %as 8ein- 1ar too ni3e. Hean2!lau5e %as a lot o1 t"in-s@ 8ut ni3e %asn?t one o1 t"em. A91 you?re up to somet"in-@ 9 5on?t %ant to kno% a8out it. 9 3an?t "an5le any 5eep@ 5ark plots toni-"t@ okayBC He smile5 an5 -a)e a lo%@ s%eepin- 8o%@ ne)er takin- "is eyes o11 me. $"e %ay you 8o% on t"e >u5o mat %"en you?re a1rai5 t"e person may poun5 you i1 you look a%ay. 9 s"ook my "ea5. He %as up to somet"in-. /i3e to kno% t"at not e)eryone "a5 su55enly 8e3ome somet"in- else. #ne t"in- 9 3oul5 al%ays 5epen5 on %as Hean2!lau5e. Pain in t"e ass t"at "e %as@ "e al%ays seeme5 to 8e t"ere. 4epen5a8le in "is o%n t%iste5 %ay. Hean2!lau5e 5epen5a8leB 9 must "a)e 8een more tire5 t"an 9 t"ou-"t.

Chapter Thirty-nine
Hean2!lau5e opene5 t"e 8e5room 5oor an5 steppe5 insi5e@ us"erin- me t"rou-" %it" a s%eep o1 -ra3e1ul "an5s. $"e 8e5 stoppe5 me. $"ere?5 8een a 3"an-e o1 8e55in-. <e5 s"eets 3o)ere5 t"e 8e5. !rimson 5rapes 1orme5 a "al1 3anopy o)er t"e nearly 8la3k %oo5. $"ere %ere still a 5oEen pillo%s on t"e 8e5 an5 t"ey %ere all s3reamin-@ 8rilliant re5. ,)en a1ter t"e ni-"t 9?5 "a5@ it %as eye23at3"in-.

A9 like t"e ne% 5e3or@ 9 -uess.C A$"e linens nee5e5 to 8e 3"an-e5. Dou are al%ays 3omplainin- t"at 9 s"oul5 use more 3olor.C 9 stare5 at t"e 8e5. A9?ll stop 3omplainin-.C A9 %ill run your 8at".C He %ent into t"e 8at"room %it"out a sin-le >oke or ris;u6 3omment. 9t %as almost unner)in-. ="oe)er "a5 3"an-e5 t"e s"eets "a5 also remo)e5 t"e 3"airs t"at ,5%ar5 an5 Harley "a5 use5. 9 5i5n?t %ant to sit on t"e 3lean s"eets still 3o)ere5 in %"ate)er t"e "ell 9 %as 3o)ere5 in. 9 sat 5o%n on t"e %"ite 3arpet an5 trie5 not to t"ink. /ot t"inkin- is a lot "ar5er t"an it soun5s. 7y t"ou-"ts kept 3"asin- ea3" ot"er@ like a %ere%ol1 3"asin- its tail. $"e ima-e tore a lau-" 1rom my t"roat@ an5 on t"e en5 o1 it a soun5 like a so8 or a moan. 9 put t"e 8a3k o1 my "an5 a-ainst my mout". 9 5i5n?t like t"at soun5 3omin- out o1 me. 9t soun5e5 "opeless@ 8eaten. 9 %as not 8eaten@ 5ammit@ 8ut 9 %as "urt. 91 %"at 9 1elt "a5 8een an a3tual %oun5@ 9?5 "a)e 8een 8lee5in- to 5eat". $"e 8at"room 5oor opene5 at lon- last. A pu11 o1 %arm@ moist air 1lo%e5 aroun5 Hean2!lau5e. He "a5 taken o11 "is s"irt@ an5 t"e 3ross2s"ape5 8urn s3ar marre5 t"e per1e3tion o1 "is 3"est. He "el5 "is 8oots in one "an5@ a to%el as s3arlet as t"e s"eets in t"e ot"er. A9 %as"e5 up in t"e sink %"ile t"e tu8 1ille5.C He %alke5 8are1oot a3ross t"e %"ite 3arpetin-. A9?m a1rai5 9 use5 t"e last 3lean to%el. 9 %ill 1et3" you more.C 9 took my "an5 a%ay 1rom my mout" an5 no55e5. 9 1inally mana-e5 to say@ A'ine.C 9 stoo5 8e1ore "e 3oul5 o11er to "elp me up. 9 5i5n?t nee5 any "elp. Hean2!lau5e mo)e5 to one si5e. His 8la3k "air lay in nearly ti-"t 3urls a3ross "is pale s"oul5ers@ 3urle5 1rom t"e "umi5ity o1 t"e 8at"room. 9 i-nore5 "im as mu3" as it %as "umanly possi8le an5 %alke5 insi5e. $"e room %as %arm an5 misty@ t"e 8la3k mar8le tu8 1ull o1 8u88les. He o11ere5 me a 8la3k la3;uer tray 1rom t"e )anity top. S"ampoos@ soap@ 8at" 3rystals@ an5 %"at looke5 like oils %ere -roupe5 on t"e tray. AGet out so 9 3an un5ress.C A9t took t%o people to 5ress you toni-"t@ ma petite. =on?t you nee5 "elp -ettin- un5resse5BC His )oi3e %as utterly 8lan5. His 1a3e so still@ "is eyes so inno3ent@ it ma5e me smile. 9 si-"e5. A91 you -et t"e t%o straps in 8a3k@ 9 t"ink 9 3an mana-e t"e rest. But no monkey 8usiness.C 9 "el5 my "an5s o)er t"e 8ra 8e3ause one strap %oul5 loosen it. $"e ot"er strap@ as 1ar as 9 3oul5 tell@ %as t"e pi)ot point 1or t"e rest o1 t"e out1it. His 1in-ers mo)e5 to t"e top strap. 9 %at3"e5 "im in t"e 1o--e5 mirror. $"e strap 3ame un8u3kle5@ an5 t"e leat"er -a)e %it" a small si-". He mo)e5 to t"e se3on5 strap %it"out so mu3" as an e*tra 3aress. He un5i5 it an5 took a step 8a3k. A/o monkey 8usiness@ ma petite.C He 8a3ke5 out o1 t"e room@ an5 9 %at3"e5 "im -o like a p"antom in t"e mist23o)ere5 mirrors. ="en t"e 5oor %as s"ut@ 9 starte5 on t"e rest o1 t"e straps. 9t %as like peelin- mysel1 to -et t"e -oo2soake5 leat"er o11. 9 put t"e tray o1 8at" a33essories on t"e tu8 e5-e an5 slippe5 into t"e %ater. $"e %ater %as "ot@ >ust t"is si5e o1 too "ot. 9 sank into it up to my 3"in@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t rela*. $"e -unk 3lun- to my 8o5y in pat3"es. 9 "a5 to -et it o11 me. 9 sat up in t"e tu8 an5 starte5 s3ru88in-. $"e soap smelle5 like -ar5enia. $"e s"ampoos smelle5 like "er8s. $rust Hean2!lau5e not to 8uy a name 8ran5 1rom t"e -ro3ery store. 9 %as"e5 my "air t%i3e@ sinkin- un5er t"e %ater an5 3omin- up 1or air. 9 %as s3ru88e5 an5 )irtuous@ or at least 3lean. $"e mirrors "a5 3leare5 an5 9 "a5 only mysel1 to stare at. 9?5 %as"e5 o11 all t"e 3are1ul makeup. 9 smoot"e5 my t"i3k@ 8la3k "air 8a3k 1rom my 1a3e. 7y eyes %ere enormous an5 nearly 8la3k. 7y skin so pale@ it %as almost %"ite. 9 looke5 s"o3ke5@ et"ereal@ unreal. $"ere %as a so1t kno3k on t"e 5oor. A7a petite@ may 9 3ome inBC 9 -lan3e5 5o%n at mysel1. $"e 8u88les %ere still "ol5in-. 9 5re% a pile o1 t"em a little 3loser to my 3"est an5 sai5@ A!ome in.C 9t took a lot o1 e11ort not to "un3" 5o%n in t"e %ater. 9 sat up strai-"t@ trustin- in t"e 8u88les. Besi5es@ 9 %oul5 not "u55le. So 9 %as nake5 in a tu8 o1 8u88le 8at". So %"at. /o one 3an em8arrass you unless you let t"em. Hean2!lau5e 3ame in %it" t%o t"i3k@ re5 to%els. He 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im %it" a small smile. A=e %oul5n?t %ant to let t"e "ot air out.C 9 narro%e5 my eyes 8ut sai5@ A9 -uess not.C A="ere 5o you %ant t"e to%elsB HereBC He starte5 to lay t"em on t"e )anity. A9 3an?t rea3" t"em t"ere@C 9 sai5. AHereBC He lai5 t"em on top o1 t"e stool. He stoo5 t"ere@ starin- 5o%n at me@ still %earin- not"in- 8ut t"e 8la3k >eans. His 1eet %ere startlin-ly pale a-ainst t"e 8la3k 3arpet. AStill too 1ar a%ay.C He sat 5o%n on t"e e5-e o1 t"e tu8@ pla3in- t"e to%els on t"e 1loor. He stare5 5o%n at me as i1 "e 3oul5 %ill t"e 8u88les a%ay. A9s t"is 3lose enou-"BC

A7ay8e a little too 3lose@C 9 sai5. He traile5 1in-ertips o)er t"e 8u88les at t"e e5-e o1 t"e tu8. A4o you 1eel 8etter no%@ ma petiteBC A9 sai5 no se*ual innuen5o@ remem8er.C AAs 9 remem8er@ you sai5 no se*ual innuen5o until a1ter you %ere 3lean.C He smile5 at me. ADou?re 3lean.C 9 si-"e5. A$rust you to 8e literal.C He traile5 "is 1in-ers in t"e %ater. He turne5 "is s"oul5er enou-" t"at 9 3oul5 see t"e %"ip s3ars on "is 8a3k. $"ey %ere sli3k an5 %"ite@ an5 9 su55enly "a5 an ur-e to tra3e t"em %it" my 1in-ers. He turne5 8a3k to 1a3e me. He %ipe5 "is %et 1in-ers a3ross "is 3"est@ trailin- s"inin- lines o1 moisture a3ross t"e 1lat sli3kness o1 t"e 8urn s3ar@ 5o%n alon- "is 8elly. His 1in-ers playe5 %it" t"e line o1 5ark "air t"at )anis"e5 into "is pants. 9 3lose5 my eyes an5 let out a si-". A="at is t"e matter@ ma petiteBC 9 1elt "im leanin- o)er me. AAre you 1aintBC 9 opene5 my eyes. He "a5 leane5 "is entire upper 8o5y a3ross t"e tu8@ ri-"t arm on t"e 1ar rim@ t"e le1t near my s"oul5er. His "ip %as so 1ar o)er t"e %ater t"at i1 9?5 tou3"e5 "is 3"est@ "e?5 "a)e 1allen in. A9 5on?t 1aint@C 9 sai5. His 1a3e leane5 5o%n o)er mine. ASo -la5 to "ear it.C He kisse5 me li-"tly@ a 8rus" o1 lips@ 8ut e)en t"at small mo)ement ma5e my stoma3" >erk. 9 -aspe5 an5 pus"e5 "im a%ay. He 1ell into t"e tu8@ -oin- 3ompletely un5er@ only "is 1eet sti3kin- out. He lan5e5 on my nake5 8o5y@ an5 9 s3reame5. He 3ame up 1or air@ "is lon-@ 8la3k "air streamin- aroun5 "is 1a3e@ a3ross "is s"oul5ers. He looke5 as surprise5 as 9?5 e)er seen "im. He 3ra%le5 o11 me@ mainly 8e3ause 9 %as s"o)in- at "im. He stru--le5 to "is 1eet. =ater streame5 5o%n "is 8o5y. He stare5 5o%n at me. 9 %as "u55le5 a-ainst t"e si5e@ starin- up at "im@ pisse5. He s"ook "is "ea5 an5 lau-"e5. $"e soun5 1ille5 t"e room@ playe5 alon- my skin like a "an5. A9 "a)e 8een a la5y?s man 1or nearly t"ree "un5re5 years@ Anita. ="y is it only %it" you t"at 9 am a%k%ar5BC A7ay8e it?s a "int@C 9 sai5. APer"aps.C 9 stare5 up at "im. He stoo5 t"ere@ knee 5eep in 8u88le 8at". He %as soakin- %et an5 s"oul5 "a)e 8een ri5i3ulous@ 8ut "e %asn?t. He %as 8eauti1ul. AHo% 3an you 8e so 5amn 8eauti1ul %"en 9 kno% %"at you areBC He knelt in t"e %ater. $"e 8u88les 3o)ere5 "is %aist@ so "e looke5 nake5. =ater traile5 5o%n "is 3"est in 1ine 8ea5s. 9 %ante5 to run my "an5s o)er "im. 9 %ante5 to li3k t"e %ater o11 "is skin. 9 5re% my le-s to my 3"est an5 lo3ke5 my arms aroun5 t"em@ not trustin- mysel1. He mo)e5 to%ar5s me. $"e %ater slos"e5 an5 3urle5 aroun5 my nake5 8o5y. He staye5 kneelin-@ so 3lose t"at "is >eans 8rus"e5 my "u55le5 le-s. $"e 1eel o1 "im in t"e %ater@ t"at 3lose@ ma5e me "i5e my 1a3e a-ainst my knees. $"e poun5in- o1 my "eart -a)e me a%ay. 9 kne% "e 3oul5 taste my nee5 on t"e air. A$ell me to -o@ ma petite@ an5 9 %ill -o.C 9 1elt "im lean o)er me@ "is 1a3e >ust a8o)e my %et "air. Slo%ly@ 9 raise5 my 1a3e. He pla3e5 a "an5 on t"e tu8 e5-e@ one arm on eit"er si5e o1 me@ 8rin-in- "is 3"est 5an-erously 3lose to my 1a3e. 9 %at3"e5 t"e %ater 8ea5 on "is skin@ t"e %ay t"at "e sometimes %at3"e5 8loo5 on mineJ a nee5 almost too o)er%"elminto 5eny@ an ur-e so 3omplete t"at 9 5i5n?t %ant to say no. 9 un3len3"e5 my arms 1rom my knees an5 leane5 1or%ar5. 9 %"ispere5@ A4on?t -o.C 9 tou3"e5 "an5s to "is %aist@ tentati)e@ as i1 it s"oul5 8urn@ 8ut "is skin %as 3ool un5er t"e sli3kness o1 %ater. !ool an5 smoot" to t"e tou3". 9 -lan3e5 up at "is 1a3e an5 kne% t"at t"ere %as somet"in- 3lose to 1ear on my o%n 1a3e. His 1a3e %as lo)ely@ an5 un3ertain@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o ne*t. 9t %as a look 9 ne)er t"ou-"t to see on Hean2 !lau5e?s 1a3e %"en 9 %as nake5 in "is arms. 9 kept my eyes on "is 1a3e as 9 mo)e5 my mout" to%ar5s "is stoma3". 9 ran my ton-ue o)er "is skin@ a ;ui3k@ tentati)e mo)ement. He si-"e5@ eyes 1lutterin- s"ut@ 8o5y almost sa--in-. 9 presse5 my mout" a-ainst "is skin@ 5rinkin- t"e %ater o11 o1 "im. 9 3oul5n?t rea3" "is 3"est. 9 mo)e5 to my knees@ "an5s stea5yin- me a-ainst "is slen5er %aist. $"e air %as 3ool a-ainst my nake5 8reasts. Kneelin- "a5 8are5 t"em. 9 1roEe@ su55enly unsure. 9 %ante5 5esperately to see "is 1a3e an5 %as a1rai5 to look up. His 1in-ertips 8rus"e5 my s"oul5ers@ sli5in- 5o%n t"e %et skin. 9 s"i)ere5 an5 -lan3e5 up. $"e look on "is 1a3e 3au-"t my 8reat" in my t"roat. $en5erness@ nee5@ amaEement.

ADou are so 8eauti1ul@ ma petite.C He put "is 1in-ertips to my lips 8e1ore 9 3oul5 protest. ADou are 8eauti1ul. #n t"is 9 5o not lie.C His 1in-ers mo)e5 a3ross my lips@ 5o%n my 3"in. He sli5 "is "an5s to my s"oul5ers@ 5o%n my 8a3k@ in slo%@ teasin- lines. His "an5s stoppe5 on eit"er si5e o1 my %aist@ mirrorin- my "an5s on "is o%n %aist. A/o% %"atBC 7y )oi3e %as a little 8reat"less. A="ate)er you like@ ma petite.C 9 massa-e5 my "an5s a-ainst "is %aist@ 1eelin- t"e 1les" un5erneat"@ 1eelin- "im un5er my "an5s. 9 sprea5 my "an5s %i5e@ splayin- my 1in-ers tense a-ainst "is skin@ 5ra--in- my "an5s up "is ri8s. He knea5e5 "is 1in-ers into my %aist@ pressin- "is "an5s a-ainst my ri8s. He in3"e5 "is "an5s up%ar5 alon- my si5es. Stron- 1in-ers presse5 into my skin >ust enou-" to make me si-". He stoppe5 %it" "is t"um8s 8elo% my 8reasts. His tou3" %as 1eat"er li-"t@ almost not tou3"in- at all. But t"at one small 8rus" o1 "is skin a-ainst my 8reasts ma5e my 8o5y rea3t@ ti-"tenin-@ nipples "ar5enin-. 7y 8o5y %ante5 "im. =ante5 "im so 8a5ly t"at my skin 1elt lar-e an5 a3"in- %it" t"e t"ou-"t o1 it. 7y o%n "an5s %ere presse5 a-ainst "is 3"est. 9 realiEe5 t"at "e %as still mirrorin- me@ %aitin- 1or me to mo)e. 9 stare5 up into "is 1a3e. 9 sear3"e5 t"at 8eauty@ t"ose 5ark eyes. $"ere %as no pull to t"em@ no po%er@ e*3ept t"e t"i3k 8la3k line o1 "is las"es@ an5 t"e ri3" 3olor like t"e sky >ust 8e1ore 5arkness s%allo%s t"e %orl5 %"en you t"ink all is 8la3k@ 8ut t"ere in t"e %est is a s"a5e o1 8lue@ 5ark an5 ri3" as ink. Beauty "a5 its o%n po%er. 9 sli5 my "an5s up "is 3"est@ 1in-ers 8rus"in- a3ross "is nipples. 9 stare5 at "is 1a3e %"ile 9 5i5 it@ "eart poun5in- in my t"roat@ 8reat" 3omin- too 1ast. His "an5s sli5 up%ar5@ 3uppin- my 8reasts. $"e tou3" o1 "is "an5s ma5e me -asp. He s3oote5 lo%er in t"e %ater@ still tou3"in- me. He 8ent o)er my 8reasts an5 lai5 a -entle kiss on t"em. He li3ke5 t"e %ater o11 my skin@ lips %orkin- -ently. 9 s"u55ere5 an5 "a5 to stea5y mysel1 on "is 8are s"oul5ers. All 9 3oul5 see %as "is lon-@ 5ark "air 8ent o)er me. 9 3au-"t si-"t o1 us in t"e mirrors. 9 %at3"e5 "is mout" 3lose o)er my 8reast@ 1elt "im take me into "is mout" as 1ar as "e 3oul5. 'an-s presse5 a-ainst my 8reast. 'or a se3on5 9 t"ou-"t t"ey %oul5 sink into my 1les"@ 5ra% 8loo5 in a 1ine "ot line@ 8ut "e 5re% 8a3k. He 5roppe5 to all 1ours in t"e %ater@ %"i3" ma5e me taller@ allo%e5 me to look 5o%n into "is 1a3e. $"ere %as no un3ertainty in "is 1a3e no%. His eyes %ere still lo)ely@ still "uman@ 8ut t"ere %as a kno%le5-e in t"em no%@ a -ro%in- 5arkness. Se*@ 1or %ant o1 a 8etter %or5@ 8ut t"at look in a man?s eyes is too primiti)e 1or )o3a8ulary. 9t?s t"e 5arkness %e all "a)e insi5e o1 us@ peekin- out. $"at part o1 us t"at %e trap in our 5reams an5 5eny in 5ayli-"t "ours. He staye5 3rou3"e5 in t"e %ater %it" t"at 1eral li-"t in "is eyes@ an5 9 %ent to "im. 9 kisse5 "im@ li-"t@ a 8rus" o1 lips. 9 1li3ke5 my ton-ue alon- "is lips an5 "e opene5 "is mout" 1or me. 9 3uppe5 "is 1a3e 8et%een my "an5s an5 kisse5 "im@ taste5 "im@ e*plore5 "im. He 3ame up out o1 t"e %ater %it" a soun5 8et%een a moan an5 a 3ry. His arms lo3ke5 8e"in5 my 8a3k an5 "e rolle5 us in t"e %ater like a s"ark. =e 3ame up -aspin-. He pus"e5 a%ay 1rom me to lean a-ainst t"e 1ar e5-e o1 t"e tu8. 9 %as 8reat"in- so "ar5 9 %as trem8lin-. 7y pulse t"u55e5 at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat. 9 3oul5 taste it on my ton-ue@ almost roll t"e 8eatin- pulse in my mout" like 3an5y. 9 realiEe5 it %asn?t >ust my "eart 9 %as "earin-. 9t %as Hean2!lau5e?s. 9 3oul5 see t"e pulse in "is ne3k like somet"in- ali)e an5 separate@ 8ut it %asn?t only my eyes t"at 3oul5 see it. 9 3oul5 1eel it like it %as my o%n. 9 "a5 ne)er 8een so a%are o1 t"e 8loo5 3oursin- t"rou-" my 8o5y. $"e pulsin- %armt" o1 my o%n skin. $"e t"i3k pumpin- o1 my "eart. 7y li1e t"un5erin- insi5e me. Hean2!lau5e?s 8o5y pulse5 in time to mine. 9t %as like "e %as ri5in- my pulse@ my 8loo5. 9 1elt "is nee5@ an5 it %asn?t >ust se*@ 8ut 1or t"e 1irst rime@ 9 un5erstoo5 it %asn?t >ust t"e 8loo5@ eit"er. 9t %as all o1 me. He %ante5 to %arm "imsel1 in my 8o5y@ like "ol5in- "an5s to a 1lame@ -at"erin- my %armt"@ my li1e@ to "im. 9 1elt "is stillness@ a 5ept" o1 ;uiet t"at not"in- li)in- 3oul5 tou3"@ like a still pool o1 %ater "i55en a%ay in t"e 5ark. 9n one 3rystalline moment@ 9 realiEe5 t"at@ 1or me@ t"is %as part o1 t"e attra3tionJ 9 %ante5 to plun-e my "an5s into "is stillness@ into t"at ;uiet pla3e o1 5eat". 9 %ante5 to em8ra3e it@ 3on1ront it@ 3on;uer it. 9 %ante5 to 1ill "im up %it" a 8urnin- %as" o1 li1e@ an5 9 kne% in t"at moment t"at 9 3oul5 5o it@ 8ut only at t"e pri3e o1 5rinkin- in some o1 t"at still@ 5ark %ater. A7y 5eepest apolo-ies@ ma petite@ you "a)e almost un5one me.C He sank into t"e %ater@ leanin- a-ainst t"e e5-e o1 t"e tu8. A9 5i5 not 3ome "ere to 1ee5@ ma petite. 9 am sorry.C 9 1elt "is "eart8eat -oin- a%ay 1rom me@ pullin- a%ay 1rom me. 7y pulse slo%e5. $"e only "eart t"u55in- in my ears %as my o%n. He stoo5@ %ater 5rippin- 5o%n "is 8o5y. A9 %ill -o@ ma petite.C He si-"e5. ADou ro8 me o1 my "ar52%on 3ontrol. #nly you 3an 5o t"at to me@ only you.C 9 3ra%le5 t"rou-" t"e %ater to%ar5s "im an5 let t"e 5arkness 1ill my eyes. A4on?t -o@C 9 sai5. He %at3"e5 me %it" a look t"at %as part amaEement@ part amusement@ part 1ear@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t trust me2or 5i5n?t trust "imsel1. 9 knelt at "is 1eet@ runnin- my "an5s up t"e soake5 3lot" o1 "is >eans. 9 5u- my nails li-"tly into t"e 3lot" o)er "is t"i-"s an5 stare5 up at "im. 7y 1a3e %as 5an-erously 3lose to pla3es 9 "a5 ne)er tou3"e5 8e1ore@ not e)en %it" my "an5s. $"is

3lose@ 9 3oul5n?t "elp noti3in- t"at "e %as stret3"e5 "ar5 an5 1irm un5er t"e ti-"t@ "ea)y 3lot". 9 "a5 a terri8le ur-e to lay my 3"eek o)er "is -roin. 9 ran my "an5 li-"tly o)er "im@ 8arely tou3"in-. $"at small tou3" 8rou-"t a so1t -roan 1rom "im. He stare5 5o%n at me like a 5ro%nin- man. 9 met "is eyes. A/o teet"@ no 8loo5.C He no55e5 slo%ly. He trie5 t%i3e 8e1ore "e 1oun5 "is )oi3e. AAs my la5y %is"es.C 9 lai5 my 3"eek a3ross "im@ 1eelin- "im 1irm an5 lar-e a-ainst my skin. 9 1elt "is %"ole 8o5y tense. 9 ru88e5 my 1a3e a-ainst "im like a 3at. A small soun5 es3ape5 "im. 9 looke5 up. His eyes %ere 3lose5@ "is "ea5 t"ro%n 8a3k. 9 -ra88e5 t"e %aist8an5 o1 "is >eans an5 use5 it to pull mysel1 to my 1eet. =ater ran 5o%n my 8o5y@ su5s 3lun- to my skin. His "an5s en3ir3le5 my %aist@ 8ut "is eyes %ent lo%er. He met my -aEe an5 smile5. 9t %as t"e smile "e al%ays "a5. $"at smile t"at sai5 "e %as t"inkin- %i3ke5 little t"ou-"ts@ t"in-s you?5 only 5o in t"e 5ark on a 5are. 'or t"e 1irst time@ 9 %ante5 e)eryt"in- t"at smile promise5. 9 tu--e5 at "is >eans. A#11.C He unsnappe5 t"e >eans 3are1ully. He peele5 t"e %et 3lot" a%ay 1rom "is 8o5y. 91 t"ere?5 8een un5er%ear@ 9 ne)er sa% it. $"e >eans en5e5 up on t"e 3arpet. He %as some"o% su55enly nu5e. He %as like 3ar)e5 ala8aster@ e)ery mus3le@ e)ery 3ur)e o1 "is 8o5y pale an5 per1e3t. $ellin- "im "e %as 8eauti1ul %as re5un5ant. Sayin- -olly -ee %"iE seeme5 too un3ool. Gi--lin- %as out. 7y )oi3e 3ame small an5 stran-le5@ "oarse %it" all t"e %or5s 9 3oul5n?t 1in5. ADou?re not 3ir3um3ise5.C A/o@ ma petite. 9s t"at a pro8lemBC 9 5i5 %"at 9?5 %ante5 to 5o sin3e 9 1irst sa% "im. 9 %rappe5 my 1in-ers aroun5 "im@ s;ueeEin- -ently. He 3lose5 "is eyes@ s"u55erin-@ stea5yin- "is "an5s on my s"oul5ers. A/ot a pro8lem@C 9 sai5. He pulle5 me a-ainst "im su55enly@ pressin- our nake5 8o5ies to-et"er. $"e 1eel o1 "im "ar5 an5 1irm a-ainst my stoma3" %as almost o)er%"elmin-. 9 5u- 1in-ers into "is 8a3k to keep my su55enly %eak knees 1rom -i)in- out. 9 kisse5 "is 3"est. 9 rose on tiptoe an5 kisse5 "is s"oul5ers@ "is ne3k. 9 ran my ton-ue alon- "is skin an5 taste5 "im@ rollin- t"e s3ent o1 "im@ t"e 1eel o1 "im in my mout". =e kisse5@ a nearly inno3ent 8rus" o1 lips. 9 lo3ke5 my "an5s 8e"in5 "is ne3k@ ar3"in- my 8o5y a-ainst "im. He ma5e a small soun5 lo% in "is t"roat. He sli5 5o%n my 8o5y@ arms lo3ke5 8e"in5 my 8a3k@ "ol5in- me a-ainst "im as "e le1t my arms an5 le1t me stan5in-@ starin- 5o%n at "im. He li3ke5 my stoma3" %it" ;ui3k@ %et 1li3ks o1 "is ton-ue. His "an5s playe5 alon- my 8utto3ks@ teasin-. He li3ke5 8a3k an5 1ort" %"ere stoma3" en5e5 an5 lo%er t"in-s 8e-an. His 1in-ers sli5 8et%een my le-s. 9 -aspe5. A="at are you 5oin-BC He rolle5 "is eyes up%ar5@ mout" still presse5 lo% on my stoma3". He raise5 "is 1a3e >ust enou-" to speak. ADou may "a)e t"ree -uesses@ ma petite@C "e %"ispere5. He put a "an5 on ea3" o1 my t"i-"s an5 sprea5 my le-s %i5er. His "an5 sli5 o)er me@ e*plorin- me. 7y mout" %as su55enly 5ry. 9 li3ke5 my lips an5 sai5@ A9 5on?t t"ink my le-s %ill "ol5.C He ran "is ton-ue 5o%n my "ip. A="en t"e time 3omes@ ma petite@ 9 %ill "ol5 you.C He kisse5 "is %ay 5o%n my t"i-". His 1in-er sli5 insi5e o1 me. 7y 8reat" 1ell out%ar5 in a si-". He kisse5 t"e insi5e o1 my t"i-"s@ runnin- "is ton-ue@ "is lips alon- my skin. $"e 1eel o1 "is 1in-ers 8et%een my le-s ti-"tene5 my 8o5y@ an5 9 3oul5 1eel t"e 8e-innin-s o1 somet"in- lar-e an5 o)er%"elmin-. He stoo5@ "an5 still 8et%een my le-s. He 8ent an5 kisse5 me@ lon- an5 slo%. $"e mo)ement o1 "is "an5 mat3"e5 "is mout". Slo% an5 lin-erin-@ teasin- alon- my 8o5y. ="en "is 1in-ers plun-e5 insi5e me@ 9 3rie5 out@ s"u55erin- a-ainst "im. He le1t me stan5in- in t"e %ater@ alone an5 s"i)erin-@ 8ut not 1rom 3ol5. 9 3oul5n?t e)en t"ink enou-" to ask %"ere?5 "e -one. He appeare5 in 1ront o1 me %it" a 3on5om in "is "an5 like "e?5 plu3ke5 it 1rom t"e air. He tra3e5 t"e 1oil 5o%n my 8o5y. 9 tou3"e5 "im %"ile "e un%rappe5 it. 9 "el5 "im in my "an5s an5 1elt t"e )el)et smoot"ness o1 "im. $"e skin %as un8elie)a8ly so1t. He 5re% "imsel1 -ently out o1 my "an5s %it" a s"akin- lau-". ="en "e %as rea5y@ "e pi3ke5 me up@ "an5s on t"e 8a3ks o1 my t"i-"s. He presse5 "imsel1 a-ainst me %it"out enterin-@ ru88in- "imsel1 %"ere "is "an5 "a5 tou3"e5. 9 %"ispere5@ APlease.C He sprea5 my le-s an5 ease5 insi5e o1 me. Slo%ly@ so slo%ly as i1 "e %ere a1rai5 "e?5 "urt me@ 8ut it 5i5n?t "urt. ="en "e %as s"eat"e5 insi5e me@ "e looke5 at me. $"e look on "is 1a3e %as "auntin-. ,motions 1lo%e5 o)er "is 1a3e. $en5erness@ triump"@ nee5. A9 "a)e %ante5 t"is 1or so lon-@ ma petite@ so )ery lon-.C He ease5 in an5 out@ slo%ly@ almost tentati)ely. 9 %at3"e5 "is 1a3e until t"e play o1 emotions %as too mu3"@ too "onest. $"ere %as somet"in- like pain in "is eyes@ somet"in- t"at 9 5i5n?t e)en 3ome 3lose to un5erstan5in-.

$"e mo)ements o1 "is "ips %ere still slo%@ 3are1ul. 9t %as amaEin-@ 8ut 9 %ante5 more. 9 8rou-"t my mout" up to "is an5 sai5@ A9 %on?t 8reak.C 9 presse5 my mout" to "is "ar5 enou-" to 1eel t"e press o1 1an-s. He %ent to "is knees in t"e %ater@ pressin- me a-ainst t"e si5e o1 t"e tu8. His mout" 1e5 at mine@ an5 t"ere %as a small@ s"arp pain. S%eet 3opper 8loo5 1ille5 my mout"@ 1ille5 "is mout"@ an5 "e plun-e5 insi5e o1 me@ "ar5 an5 1ast. 9 %at3"e5 "im in t"e mirrors. =at3"e5 "is 8o5y 3omin- in an5 out o1 mine. 9 -at"ere5 "im in my arms@ in my le-s. 9 "el5 "im to me@ 1eelin- "is 8o5y plun-in- insi5e o1 mine. 'elt "is nee5. Someone %as makin- a "i-" moanin- soun5@ an5 it %as me. 9 %rappe5 my le-s aroun5 "is %aist. $"e mus3les in my lo%er a85omen spasme5@ ti-"tene5. 9 presse5 my 8o5y a-ainst Hean2!lau5e as i1 9 %oul5 3lim8 t"rou-" "im@ into "im. 9 -ra88e5 a "an51ul o1 "is lon- "air an5 %at3"e5 "is 1a3e 1rom in3"es a%ay. =at3"e5 "is 1a3e %"ile "is 8o5y pumpe5 into mine. $"e emotions %ere -one. His 1a3e %as almost sla3k %it" nee5. Bloo5 spille5 5o%n t"e 3orner o1 my mout"@ an5 "e li3ke5 it a%ay@ "is 8o5y ti-"tenina-ainst me. He slo%e5 t"e r"yt"m o1 "is 8o5y. 9 1elt t"e e11ort strain t"rou-" "is arms an5 8a3k. He slo%e5. ,)ery time "e t"rust into me@ it %as like 9 3oul5 1eel it into t"e mi55le o1 my 3"est. As i1 "e?5 -ro%n impossi8ly lar-e %it"in me. 7y 8o5y spasme5 aroun5 "im@ ti-"tene5 like a "an5. He 3rie5 out@ an5 "is 8o5y lost its r"yt"m. He plun-e5 insi5e me 1aster@ "ar5er@ as i1 "e %oul5 mel5 our 8o5ies to-et"er@ %el5 us into one 1les"@ one 8o5y. A %a)e o1 pleasure 8urst o)er me in a skin2tin-lin-@ 8o5y2s%eepin- rus". 9t 8urst o)er me like a rus" o1 3ool 1lame@ an5 still "e %as not 5one. ,)ery t"rust o1 "is 8o5y rea3"e5 insi5e o1 me an5 3aresse5 t"in-s t"at s"oul5 ne)er "a)e 8een a8le to 8e tou3"e5. 9t %as as i1 "is 8o5y 3oul5 rea3" t"e pla3es "is )oi3e 3oul5 tou3"@ as i1 it %ere more t"an "is 8o5y t"at plun-e5 insi5e o1 me. $"e %orl5 8e3ame 1or a moment a s"inin- %"iteness@ a meltin- t"in-. 9 5u- 1in-ers into Hean2!lau5e?s 8a3k. /oises 1ell 1rom my mout" t"at %ere too primiti)e 1or s3reams. ="en 9 realiEe5 9 %as 5ra%in- 8loo5 on "is 8a3k@ 9 s3rat3"e5 my o%n arms. 9 "a5n?t aske5 %"at "e t"ou-"t a8out pain. 9 3u55le5 aroun5 "im@ lettin- "im "ol5 t"e 1ull %ei-"t o1 my 8o5y. He 3lim8e5 up t"e e5-e o1 t"e tu8@ li1tin- me out o1 t"e %ater. He 3ra%le5 on all 1ours to t"e raise5 area aroun5 t"e tu8 %it" me "an-in- onto "im. He lo%ere5 "is 8o5y an5 9 mo)e5 a%ay 1rom "im. He sli5 out o1 me an5 %as still as "ar5 an5 rea5y as %"en "e "a5 starte5. 9 looke5 at "im. ADou 5i5n?t 3ome.C A9 "a)e not %aite5 t"is lon- to en5 it so ;ui3kly.C He lo%ere5 "imsel1 in a sort o1 pus"2up an5 ran "is ton-ue 5o%n one o1 t"e s3rat3"es on my arm. He rolle5 "is ton-ue aroun5 "is lips. A91 you 5i5 t"is 1or my 8ene1it@ 9 appre3iate it. 91 you 5i5 it to keep 1rom 5ama-in- me@ it %as not ne3essary. 9 5o not min5 a little pain.C A7e@ eit"er.C He sli5 "is 8o5y a3ross mine. A9 noti3e5 t"at.C He kisse5 me slo%ly. He lay 8esi5e me@ t"en s3oote5 until "e %as lyin- on "is 8a3k an5 9 %as almost 8a3k in t"e tu8.C9 %ant to %at3" you mo)e@ ma petite. 9 %ant you a8o)e me.C 9 stra55le5 "is %aist an5 sli5 slo%ly o)er "im. 9t %as 5eeper 1rom t"is an-le@ s"arper some"o%. His "an5s mo)e5 up my 8o5y@ o)er my 8reasts. He lay 8a3k un5erneat" me. His lon-@ 3urlin-@ 8la3k "air %as almost 3ompletely 5ry. 9t 1anne5 out aroun5 "is 1a3e in a t"i3k@ so1t %a)e. $"is %as %"at 9 %ante5. Seein- "im like t"is. 'eelin- "im insi5e me. A7o)e 1or me@ Anita.C 9 mo)e5 1or "im. 9 ro5e "is 8o5y. He ti-"tene5 insi5e me@ an5 9 -aspe5. 9 %at3"e5 us in t"e mirrors. =at3"e5 my "ips s%ayin- a8o)e "im. A7a petite@C "e %"ispere5@ Alook into my eyes. Let it 8e 8et%een us as it al%ays 3oul5 "a)e 8een.C 9 stare5 into "is 5ark 8lue eyes. $"ey %ere lo)ely@ 8ut t"ey %ere >ust eyes. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 3an?t.C ADou must let me insi5e your min5@ as you let me insi5e your 8o5y.C He spasme5 insi5e o1 me@ an5 it %as "ar5 to t"ink. A9 5on?t kno% "o%@C 9 sai5. ALo)e me@ Anita@ lo)e me.C 9 stare5 5o%n at "im an5 5i5. A9 5o lo)e you.C A$"en let me in@ ma petite. Let me lo)e you.C 9 1elt it like a 5rape 8ein- pulle5 a%ay. 9 1elt "is eyes@ an5 t"ey %ere su55enly 5ro%nin- 5eep@ an en5less mi5ni-"t 8lue o3ean t"at some"o% mana-e5 to 8urn. 9 %as a%are o1 my 8o5y. 9 3oul5 1eel Hean2!lau5e insi5e my 8o5y. 9 3oul5 1eel "im like a 8rus" o1 silk insi5e my min5. $"e or-asm "it me une*pe3te5ly@ opene5 my min5 to "im more t"an 9?5 planne5. 'lun- me %i5e open an5 1allin- into "is eyes. He 3rie5 out un5erneat" me@ an5 9 realiEe5 9 3oul5 still 1eel my 8o5y@ 1eel my "an5s on "is 3"est@ 1eel my pel)is ri5in- "im. 9 opene5 my eyes an5 1or a 5iEEyin- se3on5 9 sa% "is 1a3e -o sla3k@ t"at moment o1 total a8an5on. 9 3ollapse5 on top o1 "im@ trailin- my "an5s 5o%n "is arms@ 1eelin- "is "eart poun5 a-ainst my 3"est. =e lay ;uietly 1or a 1e% moments@ restin-@ "ol5in- ea3" ot"er@ t"en 9 sli5 o11 "im@ 3urlin- 8esi5e "im. ADou 3an?t "ol5 me %it" your eyes anymore. ,)en i1 9 let you@ 9 3an still 8reak t"e "ol5 at any time.C ADes@ ma petite.C

A4oes t"at 8ot"er youBC He li1te5 a lo3k o1 my "air@ runnin- it 8et%een "is 1in-ers. ALet us say it 5oes not 8ot"er me as mu3" as it mi-"t "a)e a 1e% "ours a-o.C 9 raise5 up on one el8o% so 9 3oul5 see "is 1a3e. A7eanin- %"atB $"at no% t"at 9?)e "a5 se* %it" you@ 9?m not 5an-erousBC He stare5 up at me. 9 3oul5n?t rea5 "is eyes. ADou %ill al%ays 8e 5an-erous@ ma petite.C He raise5 up%ar5@ 8en5in- at t"e %aist@ 8rin-in- "is lips a-ainst mine in a -entle kiss. He mo)e5 8a3k 1rom me >ust enou-" to speak@ proppin- "imsel1 on one arm. A$"ere %as a time %"en you %oul5 "a)e taken my "eart %it" stake or -un.C He took my "an5 in "is an5 raise5 it to%ar5s "is mout". A/o% you "a)e taken it %it" t"ese 5eli3ate "an5s an5 t"e s3ent o1 your 8o5y.C He kisse5 t"e 8a3k o1 my "an5 e)er so -ently. He lay 8a3k@ 5ra%in- me %it" "im. A!ome@ ma petite@ en>oy your 3on;uest.C 9 "el5 my 1a3e 8a3k@ a)oi5in- a kiss. ADou aren?t 3on;uere5@C 9 sai5. A/or@ ma petite@ are you.C He ran "is "an5s up my 8a3k. A9 am 8e-innin- to realiEe t"at you %ill ne)er 8e 3on;uere5@ an5 t"at is t"e -reatest ap"ro5isia3 o1 all.C AA 3"allen-e 1ore)er@C 9 sai5. A'or all eternity@C "e %"ispere5. 9 let "im 5ra% me 5o%n into a kiss@ an5 part o1 me %as still not sure i1 9?5 5one a -oo5 t"in- or a 8a5 t"in-. But >ust 1or toni-"t@ 9 5i5n?t 3are.

Chapter Forty
9 %oke surroun5e5 8y 8loo5re5 s"eets@ nake5@ an5 alone. Hean2!lau5e "a5 kisse5 me -oo528ye an5 -one to "is 3o11in. 9 5i5n?t ar-ue. 91 9?5 a%akene5 to "im 3ol5 an5 5ea5 8esi5e me ... Let?s >ust say 9?5 "a5 all t"e s"o3k 9 3oul5 "an5le 1rom my 8oy1rien5s 1or a%"ile. Boy1rien5. $"at %as a %or5 1or someone %"o %alke5 you to your 3lass. 9t 5i5n?t seem t"e ri-"t %or5 a1ter last ni-"t. 9 lay t"ere@ 3lut3"in- t"e ra% silk s"eets to my 3"est. 9 3oul5 smell Hean2!lau5e?s 3olo-ne on t"e s"eets@ on my skin@ 8ut more t"an t"at@ 9 3oul5 smell "im. 9 3u55le5 t"at s3ent to me@ rolle5 in it. He sai5 "e lo)e5 me an5 1or a time last ni-"t@ 9 8elie)e5 "im. 9n t"e li-"t o1 5ay@ 9 %asn?t so sure. Ho% stupi5 %as it to "al128elie)e t"e )ampire lo)e5 meB /ot nearly as stupi5 as "al12lo)in- "im. But 9 still lo)e5 <i3"ar5. #ne ni-"t o1 -reat se* 5i5n?t 3"an-e t"at. 9 t"ink 9 "a5 "ope5 it %oul5. Lust may 5ie t"at easily@ 8ut lo)e 5oesn?t. $rue lo)e is a mu3" "ar5er 8east to kill. $"ere %as a so1t kno3k on t"e 5oor. 9 "a5 to rea3" un5er t%o re5 pillo%s 8e1ore 9 3ame out %it" t"e 'irestar. 9 "el5 it at my si5e an5 sai5@ A!ome in.C A man entere5 t"e room. He %as tall@ mus3ular@ %it" "air s"a)e5 on eit"er si5e@ t"e 8a3k le1t in a lon- ponytail. 9 pointe5 t"e -un at "im an5 3lut3"e5 t"e s"eets to my 3"est. A9 5on?t kno% you.C His eyes %ent %i5eG "is )oi3e s"ook@ A9?m ,rnie@ 9?m suppose5 to ask i1 you %ant 8reak1ast.C A/o@C 9 sai5. A/o%@ -et out.C He no55e5@ eyes on t"e -un. He "esitate5 in t"e 5oor%ay@ e)en starin- 5o%n t"e 8arrel o1 a -un. 9 ma5e a -uess. A="at 5i5 Hean2!lau5e tell you to 5oBC 9t %as amaEin- "o% many people %ere more a1rai5 o1 Hean2!lau5e t"an o1 me. 9 pointe5 t"e -un at t"e 3eilin-. AHe sai5 9 %as to 8e at your 5isposal@ anyt"in- you %ant. He sai5 9 %as to make t"at )ery 3lear to you.C A9t?s 3lear. /o%@ -et out.C He still "esitate5. 9?5 "a5 enou-". A,rnie@ 9 am sittin- "ere nake5 in a 8e5@ an5 9 5on?t kno% you. Get out or 9?m -oin- to s"oot you on prin3iple.C 9 aime5 t"e -un at "im 1or 5ramati3 emp"asis. ,rnie ran 1or it@ lea)in- t"e 5oor open. Great. /o% 9 "a5 t"e 3"oi3e o1 %alkin- to t"e 5oor nake5 an5 3losin- it@ or 5rapina kin-2siEe s"eet aroun5 me an5 stum8lin- to t"e 5oor an5 3losin- it. S"eet. 9 %as sittin- on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5@ %it" t"e s"eet in 1ront o1 me an5 most o1 my 8a3ksi5e not 3o)ere5@ -un still 3lut3"e5 in one "an5@ %"en <i3"ar5 appeare5 in t"e 5oor%ay. He %as 5resse5 in >eans@ %"ite $2s"irt@ >eans >a3ket@ an5 %"ite tennis s"oes. His "air 1oame5 aroun5 "is 1a3e in a mass o1 -ol5en 8ro%n %a)es. A 3la% "a5 3au-"t "im a3ross t"e 1a3e@ lea)in- an-ry re5 %elts t"at 3"ase5 a3ross t"e entire le1t si5e o1 "is 1a3e. $"e in>ury looke5 5ays ol5. 9t "a5 to "a)e "appene5 a1ter 9 le1t last ni-"t. He "a5 my leat"er 3oat in one "an5 an5 t"e Bro%nin- in t"e ot"er. He >ust stoo5 t"ere in t"e 5oor%ay. 9 sat on t"e 8e5. /eit"er o1 us sai5 anyt"in-. 9 %asn?t sli3k an5 sop"isti3ate5 enou-" 1or t"is. ="at 5o you say to 8oy1rien5 A %"en "e 1in5s you nake5 in t"e 8e5 o1 8oy1rien5 BB ,spe3ially i1 8oy1rien5 A turne5 into a monster t"e ni-"t 8e1ore an5 ate someone. 9 8et 7iss 7anners 5i5n?t 3o)er t"is at all.

ADou slept %it" "im@ 5i5n?t youBC His )oi3e %as lo%@ almost so1t@ as i1 "e %as tryin- )ery "ar5 not to yell. 7y -ut ti-"tene5. 9 %as not rea5y 1or t"is 1i-"t. 9 %as arme5@ 8ut 9 %as nake5. 9 %oul5 "a)e tra5e5 t"e -un 1or 3lot"es in a "ot se3on5. A9 %oul5 say it?s not %"at it looks like@ 8ut it is.C 7y attempt at "umor 5i5 not %ork. He stro5e into t"e room like an approa3"in- storm@ "is an-er ri5in- 8e1ore "im in a 3ra3klin- %a)e. $"e po%er poure5 o)er me an5 9 %ante5 to s3ream. AStop leakin- all o)er me.C 9t stoppe5 "im@ almost literally in mi5motion. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC ADour po%er@ aura@ it?s rainin- all o)er me. Stop it.C A="yB 4oes it 1eel -oo5B :ntil you pani3ke5 last ni-"t@ it 1elt -oo5@ 5i5n?t itBC 9 s"o)e5 t"e 'irestar un5er t"e pillo% an5 stoo5@ 3lut3"in- t"e s"eet to me. ADea"@ it 1elt -oo5 until you s"apes"i1te5 on top o1 me. 9 %as 3o)ere5 in t"at 3lear -unk@ t"i3k %it" it.C $"e memory %as ne% enou-" t"at 9 s"u55ere5 an5 looke5 a%ay 1rom "im. ASo you 1u3ke5 Hean2!lau5e. #"@ t"at makes per1e3t sense.C 9 looke5 at "im an5 1elt an ans%erin- an-er. 91 "e %ante5 to 1i-"t@ "e?5 3ome to t"e ri-"t pla3e. 9 "el5 up my ri-"t "an5. 9t %as 3o)ere5 in a %on5er1ul multi3olore5 8ruise. ADou 5i5 t"is %"en you kno3ke5 my -un a%ay.C A$"ere?5 8een enou-" killin-@ Anita. /o one else "a5 to 5ie.C A4o you really t"ink t"at <aina is >ust -oin- to let you take o)erB /o %ay. S"e?ll see you 5ea5 1irst.C He s"ook "is "ea5@ "is 1a3e set in stu88orn lines. A9 am :l1ri3 no%. 9?m in 3ontrol. S"e?ll 5o %"at 9 say.C A/o8o5y 8osses <ainaG not 1or lon-. Has s"e o11ere5 to 1u3k you yetBC ADes@C "e sai5. $"e %ay "e sai5 it stoppe5 me@ 8rou-"t my 8reat" up s"ort. A4i5 you@ a1ter 9 le1tBC A9t %oul5 ser)e you ri-"t i1 9 "a5.C 9 3oul5n?t meet "is eyes on t"at one. A91 you make "er lupa@ s"e?ll let it -o. S"e >ust 5oesn?t %ant to lose "er po%er 8ase.C 9 1or3e5 mysel1 to look up@ to meet "is eyes. A9 5on?t %ant <aina.C Somet"in- passe5 o)er "is 1a3e so ra%@ t"at it 8rou-"t tears to my eyes. A9 %ant you.C ADou 3an?t %ant me no%@ not a1ter last ni-"t.C A9s t"at %"y you slept %it" Hean2!lau5eB 4i5 you t"ink it %oul5 keep you sa1e 1rom meBC A9 %asn?t t"inkin- t"at 3learly@C 9 sai5. He lai5 t"e 3oat an5 t"e -un on t"e 8e5. He -rippe5 t"e en5 o1 t"e 8e5. $"e %oo5 -roane5 un5er t"e stren-t" o1 "is "an5s. He >erke5 8a3k 1rom it as i1 "e "a5n?t meant to 5o it. ADou slept %it" "im in t"is 8e5. <i-"t "ere.C He put "is "an5 o)er "is eyes as i1 "e %as tryin- to erase an ima-e insi5e "is "ea5. He s3reame5 %or5lessly. 9 took a step to%ar5s "im@ "an5 out@ an5 stoppe5. Ho% 3oul5 9 3om1ort "imB ="at 3oul5 9 say to make t"is 8etterB /ot a 5amn t"in-. He >erke5 at t"e 8ottom s"eet@ tu--in- it until it 3ame loose. He -ra88e5 t"e top mattress an5 pulle5 it o11 t"e 8e5. He -ra88e5 t"e 8ottom o1 t"e 8e5 an5 li1te5. 9 s3reame5@ A<i3"ar5IC $"e 8e5 %as anti;ue soli5 oak@ an5 "e tosse5 it on its si5e like it %as a toy. He pulle5 t"e 8ottom s"eet o11. $"e silk tore %it" a soun5 like skin peelin- 8a3k. He %as on "is knees %it" t"e 8ut3"ere5 silk in "is "an5s. He "el5 "is "an5s out to me an5 t"e s"eets 1ell a%ay like 8loo5. <i3"ar5 -ot to "is 1eet@ a little unstea5y. He 3au-"t "imsel1 a-ainst t"e 8e5 an5 took a step to%ar5s me. $"e 'irestar an5 t"e Bro%nin- %ere some%"ere on t"e 1loor in t"e %elter o1 re5 silk an5 tosse5 mattress. 9 8a3ke5 a%ay until 9 "it t"e 3orner@ an5 9 "a5 no%"ere else to -o. 9 %as still 3lut3"in- t"e s"eet aroun5 me like it %as some kin5 o1 prote3tion. 9 "el5 out a "an5 to%ar5s <i3"ar5@ as i1 t"at %oul5 "elp. A="at 5o you %ant 1rom me@ <i3"ar5B ="at 5o you %ant me to sayB 9?m sorry. 9 am sorry t"at 9 "urt you. 9?m sorry t"at 9 3an?t "an5le %"at 9 sa% last ni-"t. 9?m sorry.C He stalke5 to%ar5s me@ not sayin- anyt"in-@ "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists. 9 realiEe5 t"at 9 %as a1rai5 o1 <i3"ar5. $"at 9 %asn?t sure %"at "e?5 5o %"en "e rea3"e5 me@ an5 9 %asn?t arme5. Part o1 me 1elt like 9 5eser)e5 to 8e "it at least on3e@ t"at 9 o%e5 t"at to "im. But a1ter seein- %"at "e?5 5one to t"e 8e5@ 9 %asn?t sure 9?5 sur)i)e it.

<i3"ar5 -ra88e5 t"e 1ront o1 t"e s"eet@ 8allin- it in "is 1ist@ >erkin- me a-ainst "im. He use5 t"e s"eet to raise me to tiptoe. He kisse5 me. 'or a se3on5 9 1roEe. Hittin-@ yellin-@ t"at 9?5 e*pe3te5@ 8ut not t"is. His mout" 8ruise5 a-ainst my lips@ 1or3in- my mout" open. $"e moment 9 1elt "is ton-ue@ 9 >erke5 my "ea5 8a3k. <i3"ar5 put a "an5 on t"e 8a3k o1 my "ea5 like "e?5 1or3e me to kiss "im. $"e ra-e in "is 1a3e %as 1ri-"tenin-. A/ot -oo5 enou-" to kiss no%BC A9 sa% you eat 7ar3us last ni-"t.C He let me -o so su55enly 9 1ell to t"e 1loor@ stum8lin- o)er t"e s"eet. 9 trie5 to -et to my knees@ 8ut my le-s "a5 tan-le5. $"e s"eet slippe5 o)er one 8reast. 9 stru--le5 to 3o)er mysel1. ,m8arrasse5 at last. A$%o ni-"ts a-o@ you let me tou3" t"em@ su3k t"em. /o% 9 3an?t e)en see t"em.C A4on?t 5o t"is@ <i3"ar5.C He %ent to all 1ours in 1ront o1 me@ so %e?5 8e on eye le)el. A4on?t 5o %"atB 4on?t 8e ma5 t"at you let t"e )ampire 1u3k youBC He 3ra%le5 1or%ar5 until our 1a3es %ere almost tou3"in-. ADou 1u3ke5 a 3orpse last ni-"t@ Anita. 4i5 it 1eel -oo5BC 9 stare5 at "im 1rom in3"es a%ay@ not em8arrasse5 anymore. 9nstea5@ 9 %as -ettin- pisse5. ADea"@ it 5i5.C He >erke5 8a3k 1rom me like 9?5 "it "im. His 1a3e 3rumple5@ an5 "is eyes sear3"e5 t"e room 1ranti3ally. A9 lo)e you.C He looke5 up su55enly@ eyes %i5e an5 pain21ille5. A9 lo)e you.C 9 kept my eyes )ery %i5e so t"e tears in t"em %oul5n?t 1all out an5 run 5o%n my 3"eeks. A9 kno%@ an5 9?m sorry.C He turne5 a%ay 1rom me@ still kneelin-. He slappe5 "is "an5s a-ainst t"e 1loor. He poun5e5 "is "an5s into t"e 1loor o)er an5 o)er until 8loo5 smeare5 on t"e %"ite 3arpet. 9 -ot to my 1eet. 9 "o)ere5 o)er "im@ a1rai5 to tou3" "im. A<i3"ar5@ <i3"ar5@ 5on?t@ please 5on?t.C $"e tears 1ell an5 9 3oul5n?t stop t"em. 9 knelt 8esi5e "im. ADou?re "urtin- yoursel1. Stop itIC 9 -ra88e5 "is %rists@ "el5 "is 8lee5in- "an5s in mine. He stare5 at me@ an5 t"e look on "is 1a3e %as ra%@ "uman. 9 tou3"e5 "is 1a3e@ -ently tra3in- t"e 3la% marks. He leane5 into me@ tears spillin- 5o%n "is 3"eeks. $"e look in "is eyes "el5 me immo8ile. His lips 8rus"e5 mine@ so1t. 9 5i5n?t 1lin3"@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t kiss "im 8a3k@ eit"er. He mo)e5 8a3k 1rom me@ >ust enou-" to see my 1a3e 3learly. AGoo528ye@ Anita.C He -ot to "is 1eet. 9 %ante5 to say so mu3"@ 8ut none o1 it %oul5 "elp. /ot"in- %oul5 make it 8etter. /ot"in- %oul5 erase %"at 9?5 seen last ni-"t or "o% it "a5 ma5e me 1eel. A<i3"ar5 ... 9 ... 9?m sorry.C ASo am 9.C He %alke5 to t"e 5oor. He "esitate5 %it" "is "an5 on t"e 5oorkno8. A9?ll al%ays lo)e you.C 9 opene5 my mout"@ 8ut no soun5 3ame. $"ere %as not"in- le1t to say 8ut@ A9 lo)e you@ <i3"ar5@ an5 9 am sorrier t"an 9 kno% "o% to say.C He opene5 t"e 5oor an5 steppe5 t"rou-" it %it"out lookin- 8a3k. ="en t"e 5oor 3lose5 8e"in5 "im@ 9 sat on t"e 1loor@ "u55le5 in t"e silk s"eet. 9 3oul5 smell Hean2!lau5e?s 3olo-ne on t"e silk@ 8ut 9 3oul5 smell <i3"ar5 no%@ too. His a1ters"a)e 3lun- to t"e s"eets@ to my mout". Ho% 3oul5 9 let "im -o like t"isB Ho% 3oul5 9 3all "im 8a3kB 9 sat on t"e 1loor an5 5i5 not"in-@ 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o.

Chapter Forty-one
9 3alle5 ,5%ar5?s ans%erin- ser)i3e an5 le1t a messa-e. 9 3oul5n?t stay %"ere 9 %as. 9 3oul5n?t stay "ere starin- at t"e %re3ke5 8e5room an5 remem8erin- <i3"ar5?s %oun5e5 eyes. 9 "a5 to -et out. 9 "a5 to 3all 4omini3 an5 tell "im 9 %asn?t 3omin-. $"e tria5 o1 po%er 5i5n?t %ork %it"out at least t%o o1 us on t"e spot. Hean2!lau5e %as in "is 3o11in an5 <i3"ar5 %as out o1 t"e pi3ture. 9 %asn?t sure %"at %oul5 "appen %it" our little trium)irate no%. 9 5i5n?t see <i3"ar5 stan5inaroun5 %at3"in- me -rope Hean2!lau5e@ i1 9 %asn?t -ropin- "im@ too. 9 3oul5n?t 8lame "im on t"at. Stran-ely@ t"e t"ou-"t o1 "im sleepin- %it" <aina still ma5e me see -reen. 9 "a5 no ri-"t to 8e >ealous o1 "im no%@ 8ut 9 %as. Go 1i-ure. 9 5resse5 in 8la3k >eans@ a 8la3k@ s"ort2slee)e5 8louse@ an5 a 8la3k 8laEer. 9 "a5 to %ork toni-"t@ an5 Bert %oul5 ki3k a 1it a8out me %earin- 8la3k. He t"ou-"t it -a)e t"e %ron- ima-e. S3re% "im. $oni-"t@ 8la3k 1it my moo5. $"e Bro%nin- in its s"oul5er "olster@ 'irestar in t"e :n3le 7ike?s si5eki3k "olster@ a kni1e on ea3" arm@ an5 a kni1e 5o%n my spine. 9 %as rea5y 1or %ork. 9 %as -oin- to -i)e ,5%ar5 ten more minutes@ an5 t"en 9 %as out o1 t"ere. 91 t"ere %as still an assassin lurkin- aroun5@ 9?5 almost "a)e %el3ome5 "im or "er. $"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. 9 si-"e5. A="o is itBC

A!assan5ra.C A!ome in.C S"e opene5 t"e 5oor@ 3au-"t one si-"t o1 t"e %re3ke5 8e5@ an5 -rinne5. A9?)e "ear5 o1 rou-" se*@ 8ut t"is is ri5i3ulous.C S"e %as %earin- a lon-@ %"ite 5ress t"at 1ell nearly to "er ankles. ="ite "ose an5 %"ite 3an)as 1lats 3omplete5 t"e out1it. S"e looke5 li-"t an5 summery %it" "er lon- "air trailin- 5o%n "er 8a3k. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A<i3"ar5 5i5 it.C $"e smile le1t "er 1a3e. AHe 1oun5 out you slept %it" Hean2!lau5eBC A4oes e)eryone kno%BC 9 aske5. A/ot e)eryone.C S"e %alke5 into t"e room@ s"uttin- t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "er. S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A4i5 "e "urt youBC AHe 5i5n?t "it me@ i1 t"at?s %"at you mean@ 8ut 9 1eel pretty s"itty.C !assan5ra %alke5 to t"e 8e5@ starin- up at it. S"e -ra88e5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e 1rame. S"e pulle5 %it" one "an5 an5 stea5ie5 %it" t"e ot"er. S"e pulle5 se)eral "un5re5 poun5s o1 %oo5 an5 metal aroun5 like it %as not"in-. S"e settle5 t"e 8e5 -ently to t"e 3arpet. 9 raise5 an eye8ro%. A$"at %as impressi)e.C S"e smile5@ almost s"yly. A#ne o1 t"e 1rin-e 8ene1its o1 8ein- a ly3ant"rope is t"at you 3an pretty mu3" li1t anyt"in- you %ant.C A9 see t"e appeal o1 t"at.C A9 kne% you %oul5@C s"e sai5. S"e starte5 pi3kin- up t"e pillo%s an5 rippe5 s"eets. 9 >oine5 "er. A=e s"oul5 pro8a8ly put t"e mattress 8a3k 1irst@C s"e sai5. A#kay. Dou nee5 "elpBC S"e lau-"e5. A9 3an li1t it@ 8ut it?s a%k%ar5.C ASure.C 9 -ra88e5 t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e mattress. !assan5ra 3ame up 8esi5e me@ li1tin- t"e mattress %it" "er le1t "an5. A look passe5 o)er "er 1a3e. A9 am sorry.C A9 meant %"at 9 sai5 a8out you an5 <i3"ar5 earlier. 9 %ant "im to 8e "appy@C 9 sai5. A$"at?s )ery 1latterin-. 9 like you@ Anita. 9 like you a lot. 9 %is" 9 5i5n?t.C 9 "a5 time to 1ro%n at "er@ t"en "er 5eli3ate 1ist 3ame out o1 no%"ere@ a 8lur o1 spee5 t"at smas"e5 into my 1a3e. 9 1elt mysel1 1all 8a3k%ar5s. 9 smas"e5 into t"e 1loor an5 3oul5n?t sa)e my "ea5 1rom t"at e*tra sma3k a-ainst t"e 3arpet. 9t 5i5n?t "urt. 9 5i5n?t 1eel a 5amn t"in- %"en 8la3kness 3lose5 o)er me.

Chapter Forty-two
9 rose out o1 t"e 5arkness slo%ly@ 5ra--in- up%ar5s like 8ein- a%akene5 1rom 5eep sleep. 9 %asn?t sure %"at %oke me. 9 3oul5n?t remem8er -oin- to sleep. 9 trie5 to roll o)er an5 3oul5n?t. 9 %as su55enly )ery a%ake@ eyes %i5e@ 8o5y strainin-. 9?5 8een tie5 up 8e1oreG it %as one o1 my least 1a)orite t"in-s. 9 "a5 a 1e% moments o1 pure pani3. 9 8u3ke5 a-ainst t"e ropes t"at tie5 me at t"e %rists an5 ankles. 9 1ou-"t@ pullin- until 9 realiEe5 t"at t"e knots %ere -ettin- ti-"ter as 9 stru--le5. 9 1or3e5 mysel1 to lie )ery still. 7y "eart poun5e5 in my ears so lou5ly t"at 9 3oul5n?t "ear anyt"in- else. 7y %rists %ere tie5 o)er my "ea5 at an an-le s"arp enou-" to s;ueeEe my s"oul5er 8la5es an5 put strain all t"e %ay 5o%n to my %rists. ,)en raisin- my "ea5 t"e little 8it 9 nee5e5 to see my ankles %as pain1ul. 7y ankles %ere tie5 to-et"er to t"e 1oot o1 an un1amiliar 8e5. 9 rolle5 my "ea5 8a3k an5 sa% t"e rope t"at tie5 my %rists to t"e "ea5 o1 t"e 8e5. $"e rope %as 8la3k an5 so1t@ an5 i1 9 "a5 to -uess@ 9?5 say it %as %o)en silk. 9t looke5 like somet"in- Hean2!lau5e mi-"t "a)e lyin- aroun5 in a 3loset some%"ere. 9 3onsi5ere5 it 1or only a split se3on5@ t"en reality steppe5 into t"e room@ an5 my "eart stoppe5 1or >ust a se3on5. Ga8riel 3ame to t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5. He %as %earin- 8la3k leat"er pants so ti-"t t"ey looke5 poure5 on@ an5 "i-" 8la3k 8oots t"at ro5e "is t"i-"s all t"e %ay up@ %it" straps at t"e top to "ol5 t"e so1t leat"er in pla3e. He %as nake5 1rom t"e %aist up@ a sil)er rin- t"rou-" "is le1t nipple an5 anot"er t"rou-" t"e e5-e o1 "is 8elly 8utton. 7ore sil)er mar3"e5 up "is ears to t"e 3ur)e@ -litterin- as "e %alke5 aroun5 t"e 8e5. His lon-@ t"i3k 8la3k "air 1ell a3ross "is 1a3e@ 1ramin- "is pale@ storm -rey eyes. He %alke5 aroun5 8e"in5 t"e "ea58oar5@ out o1 si-"t@ t"en slo%ly 8a3k into 1rame. 7y "eart "a5 starte5 8eatin- a-ain. 9t %as 8eatin- so "ar5 9 %as -oin- to 3"oke on it. $"ey?5 taken t"e Bro%nin- an5 'irestar@ "olsters an5 all. $"e %rist s"eat"s %ere -one. 9 tense5 my 8a3k an5 3oul5 still 1eel t"e 8a3k s"eat". ="en 9 put my "ea5 8a3k@ 9 5i5n?t 1eel t"e kni1e?s "an5le. 9 -uess 9 %as -rate1ul t"ey "a5n?t strippe5 me to -et t"e s"eat". $"e %ay Ga8riel %as 3ir3lin- t"e 8e5@ 9 %as 8ettin- %e?5 -et to t"at. 9 trie5 to talk@ 3oul5n?t@ s%allo%e5@ an5 trie5 a-ain. A="at?s -oin- onBC 7y )oi3e soun5e5 amaEin-ly 3alm. ,)en to me.

A %oman?s lau-"@ "i-" an5 ri3"@ 1ille5 t"e room. But o1 3ourse@ it %asn?t a room. =e %ere at t"e 1arm %"ere t"ey ma5e 5irty mo)ies. $"e room 9 %as tie5 in "a5 only t"ree %alls. $"e li-"ts "un- a8o)e me %ere 5ea5@ not on yet. <aina stalke5 into si-"t on "i-"@ spike5 "eels t"e 3olor o1 8loo5. S"e %as %earin- %"at looke5 like a re5 leat"er te55y t"at le1t most o1 "er lon- le-s an5 "ips 8are. AHello@ Anita@ you?re lookin- %ell.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" in t"rou-" my nose an5 let it out slo%ly. 7y "eart slo%e5 a 8it. Goo5. ADou s"oul5 talk to <i3"ar5 8e1ore you 5o anyt"in- 5rasti3. $"e position o1 lupa >ust opene5 up to5ay.C S"e 3o3ke5 "er "ea5 to one si5e@ puEEle5. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC AS"e slept %it" Hean2!lau5e.C !assan5ra 3ame to stan5 on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 1ake room@ 8a3k to t"e %all. S"e looke5 like s"e?5 al%ays looke5. 91 s"e 1elt un3om1orta8le "a)in- 8etraye5 me to <aina@ it 5i5n?t s"o%. 9 "ate5 "er a lot 1or t"at. AAren?t you -oin- to sleep %it" 8ot" o1 t"emBC <aina aske5. AHa5n?t planne5 on it@C 9 sai5. ,)ery time 9 opene5 my mout" an5 no8o5y tou3"e5 me@ 9 -ot a little 3almer. 91 <aina "a5 5one t"is to -et me out o1 t"e %ay@ t"en s"e 5i5n?t nee5 to -o any 1urt"er. 91 it %as re)en-e 1or 7ar3us@ 9 %as in 5eep s"it. <aina sat 5o%n on t"e en5 o1 t"e 8e5 near my 1eet. 9 tense5 %"en s"e 5i5 itG 9 3oul5n?t "elp mysel1. S"e noti3e5 an5 lau-"e5. A#"@ you are -oin- to 8e a lot o1 1un.C ADou 3an 8e alp"a 1emale. 9 5on?t %ant t"e >o8@C 9 sai5. <aina si-"e5@ runnin- "er "an5 alon- my le-@ massa-in- t"e mus3le in my upper t"i-"@ almost a8sently like you?5 pet a 5o-. A<i3"ar5 5oesn?t %ant me@ Anita. He t"inks 9?m 3orrupt. He %ants you.C S"e s;ueeEe5 my t"i-" until 9 t"ou-"t s"e %as -oin- to -ro% 3la%s an5 tear out t"e mus3le. S"e 1or3e5 a small soun5 out o1 my t"roat 8e1ore s"e stoppe5. A="at 5o you %antBC ADour pain.C S"e smile5 %"en s"e sai5 it. 9 turne5 my "ea5 to !assan5ra. $"ere "a5 to 8e someone sane in t"is room. A="y are you "elpin- t"emBC A9 am Sa8in?s %ol1.C 7y eyes narro%e5. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC <aina 3ra%le5 up on t"e 8e5@ lyin- 8esi5e me@ insinuatin- "er 8o5y a-ainst mine@ one 1in-er tra3in- o)er my stoma3". 9t %as an i5le -esture@ as i1 s"e %asn?t really 3on3entratin-. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e "ere %"en s"e starte5 3on3entratin-. A!assan5ra %as a plant 1rom t"e )ery 8e-innin-@ %eren?t you 5earBC !assan5ra no55e5@ 3omin- to stan5 8esi5e t"e 8e5. Her "aEel eyes %ere 3alm@ too 3alm. ="ate)er s"e %as 1eelin- %as t"ere 8e"in5 t"at pretty 1a3e@ 3are1ully 3ontrolle5. $"e tri3k %as@ %as t"ere anyt"in- 8e"in5 t"at 1a3e t"at 3oul5 "elp meB A4omini3@ Sa8in@ an5 9 are a trium)irate. =e are %"at you an5 <i3"ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e 3oul5 "a)e 8een.C 9 5i5n?t like "er usin- t"e past tense. ADou?re t"e %oman "e -a)e up 1res" 8loo5 1orBC A9 8elie)e in t"e san3tity o1 li1e. 9 t"ou-"t 9 )alue5 t"at a8o)e all. =at3"in- Sa8in?s -ol5en 8eauty rot a%ay "as 3on)in3e5 me ot"er%ise. 9 %ill 5o anyt"in-@ anyt"in- to "elp "im re3o)er.C Somet"in- like pain 3rosse5 "er eyes an5 s"e looke5 a%ay. ="en s"e looke5 8a3k@ "er 1a3e %as 1or3i8ly 8lank@ t"e e11ort trem8lin- 5o%n "er "an5s. S"e noti3e5 an5 "u--e5 "er "an5s to "er arms. S"e smile5@ 8ut it %asn?t a "appy smile. A9 "a)e to make it up to "im@ Anita. 9 am sorry t"at you an5 yours "a)e 8e3ome entan-le5 in our pro8lems.C AHo% am 9 3au-"t up in itBC <aina sli5 "er arm o)er my stoma3"@ puttin- "er 1a3e )ery near mine. A4omini3 "as a spell to 3ure Sa8in o1 t"e rottin5isease. A trans1er o1 ma-i3al essen3e@ you mi-"t say. All "e nee5e5 %as e*a3tly t"e ri-"t 5onor.C S"e leane5 in so 3lose t"at only my turnin- my "ea5 kept our lips 1rom tou3"in-. S"e %"ispere5 a-ainst my skin@ 8reat" %arm@ AA per1e3t 5onor. A )ampire %"o s"ares Sa8in?s po%ers e*a3tly@ a per1e3t mat3"@ an5 a ser)ant@ eit"er alp"a %ere%ol1@ or ne3roman3er@ 8oun5 to t"at same )ampire.C 9 turne5 an5 looke5 at "er. 9 3oul5n?t "elp it. S"e kisse5 me@ pressin- "er mout" a-ainst mine@ tryin- to 1or3e "er ton-ue insi5e. 9 8it "er lip "ar5 enou-" t"at 9 taste5 8loo5. S"e >erke5 8a3k %it" a startle5 s3ream. S"e put "er "an5 to "er mout" an5 stare5 5o%n at me. A$"at is -oin- to 3ost you 5early.C 9 spit "er 8loo5 at "er. 9t spattere5 alon- my 3"in. 9t %as a stupi5 t"in- to "a)e 5one. 7akin- "er an-rier %as not "elp1ul@ 8ut %at3"in- t"e 8loo5 5rip 5o%n "er lo)ely 1a3e "a5 almost 8een %ort" it. AGa8riel@ entertain 7s. Blake.C $"at -ot my attention. Ga8riel sli5 onto t"e 8e5@ 1ol5in- "imsel1 a-ainst me as <aina "a5 5one on t"e ot"er si5e. He %as taller@ si* 1eet@ so "e 5i5n?t 1it ;uite as %ell@ 8ut %"at "e la3ke5 in mat3"in- siEe "e ma5e up 1or in te3"ni;ue. He stra55le5 my 8o5y an5 leane5 o)er me in a sort o1 pus"2up@ 8rin-in- "is mout" 3lose an5 3loser. He li3ke5 my 8loo5y 3"in@ one ;ui3k 1li3k o1 "is ton-ue. 9 >erke5 my "ea5 a%ay.

He -ra88e5 my 3"in %it" one "an5@ 1or3in- me to look at "im. He "el5 my 3"in like a )ise@ 1in-ers 5i--in- in %"en 9 stru--le5. $"e stren-t" in "is 1in-ers %as enou-" to 3rus" my >a% i1 "e s;ueeEe5. He li3ke5 t"e 8loo5 o11 my 3"in an5 lips in slo%@ lin-erin- li3ks. 9 s3reame5@ t"en mentally 3urse5 mysel1. $"is %as %"at t"ey %ante5. Pani3 %oul5 not "elp. Pani3 %oul5 not "elp. 9 kept repeatin- it o)er an5 o)er until 9 stoppe5 pullin- at t"e ropes. 9 %oul5 not lose it@ not yet@ not yet. !assan5ra 3ra%le5 up on t"e 8e5. 9 3oul5 only see "er %"ite 5ress out o1 t"e 3orner o1 my eye. Ga8riel still "el5 me immo8ile. ALet -o o1 "er 1a3e so s"e 3an look at me.C Ga8riel -lan3e5 at "er an5 "isse5. A lo%@ rollin- -ro%l tri3kle5 out 1rom 8e"in5 "er lips. A9?m in t"e moo5 1or a 1i-"t toni-"t@ kitty@ 5on?t make it easy 1or me.C AAren?t you e*pe3te5 at t"e 3eremonyBC <aina sai5. A4oesn?t 4omini3 nee5 you t"ere 1or it to %orkBC !assan5ra reare5 8a3k@ an5 t"e )oi3e t"at 3ame %as lo% an5 1ell 1rom "er "uman lips %it" e11ort. A9 %ill speak %it" Anita 8e1ore 9 -o@ or 9 %ill not -o.C <aina 3ame to stan5 on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 8e5. ADou?ll ne)er 1in5 anot"er master )ampire %"o mat3"es your master as per1e3tly as Hean2!lau5e. /e)er. Dou?5 >eopar5iEe "is one 3"an3e at a 3ureBC A9 %ill 5o as 9 %is" on t"is one t"in-@ <aina@ 1or 9 am alp"a. ="en <i3"ar5 is -one@ 9 %ill lea5 t"e pa3k. 4o not 1or-et t"at.C A$"at %asn?t our 8ar-ain.C A#ur 8ar-ain %as t"at you %oul5 kill t"e ,*e3utioner 8e1ore %e arri)e5 in to%n. Dou 1aile5.C A7ar3us "ire5 t"e 8est. ="o kne% s"e %oul5 8e so "ar5 to killBC A9 5i5@ t"e 1irst time 9 met "er. Dou are al%ays un5erestimatin- ot"er %omen@ <ainaG it is one o1 your %eaknesses.C !assan5ra leane5 to%ar5s <aina. ADou trie5 to kill <i3"ar5 8e1ore 4omini3 3oul5 use "im in t"e spell.C AHe %as -oin- to kill 7ar3us.C !assan5ra s"ook "er "ea5. ADou pani3ke5@ <aina. Dou an5 7ar3us. /o% 7ar3us is 5ea5@ an5 you 3an?t "ol5 t"e pa3k. $oo many o1 t"em "ate you. An5 many o1 t"em lo)e <i3"ar5@ or at least a5mire "im.C 9 %ante5 to ask %"ere Hean2!lau5e an5 <i3"ar5 %ere@ 8ut 9 %as a1rai5 9 kne%. A 3eremony@ sa3ri1i3e@ 8ut t"ey nee5e5 !assan5ra to make it %ork. 9 5i5n?t %ant "er to rus" o11. ADou %ere 4omini3?s ali8i@C 9 sai5. A/ot t"at 9?m 3omplainin-@ 8ut %"y am 9 still ali)eBC !assan5ra looke5 5o%n at me. AGa8riel an5 <aina %ant you on 1ilm. 91 you %oul5 -i)e me your %or5 t"at you %oul5 seek no re)en-e a-ainst any o1 us 1or t"e 5eat"s o1 your t%o men@ t"en 9 %oul5 1i-"t to see you -o 1ree.C 9 starte5 to open my mout" an5 promise. S"e %a)e5 a 1in-er in 1ront o1 my mout". A/o lies@ Anita@ not 8et%een us.C A$oo late 1or t"at@C 9 sai5. !assan5ra no55e5. A$rue@ an5 t"at -rie)es me. :n5er ot"er 3ir3umstan3es@ %e mi-"t "a)e 8een 1rien5s.C ADea".C #1 3ourse@ t"at ma5e it "urt all t"e more. /ot"in- ru8s salt in t"e %oun5s like 8etrayal. <i3"ar5 3oul5 pro8a8ly 3ompare notes %it" me ri-"t no%. A="ere are <i3"ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5eBC S"e stare5 5o%n at me. A,)en no% you t"ink you 3an sa)e t"em@ 5on?t youBC 9 %oul5 "a)e s"ru--e5@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t. A9t %as a t"ou-"t.C ADou %ere a lure an5 a "osta-e 1or t"e t%o men@C !assan5ra sai5. Ga8riel "a5 settle5 on top o1 me@ 8o5y pressin- alon- t"e len-t" o1 my 8o5y. He %as "ea)y. Dou ne)er noti3e5 "o% "ea)y a man %as %"en you %ere en>oyin- yoursel1. He "a5 sunk 5o%n@ so t"at "is 1eet traile5 o11 t"e 8e5@ an5 "e 3oul5 1ol5 "is arms a3ross my 3"est. His 3"in reste5 on "is arms@ an5 "e stare5 at me like t"at@ like "e kne% "e "a5 all 5ay@ all ni-"t@ all t"e time in t"e %orl5. A9 am )ery surprise5 t"at you 8roke up %it" <i3"ar5 to5ay@ Anita@C <aina sai5. A=e sent "im a lo3k o1 your "air %it" a note sayin- %e?5 sen5 a "an5 ne*t. He 3ame alone an5 tol5 no one@ as %e "a5 sai5 to 5o. He really is a 1ool.C 9t soun5e5 like somet"in- <i3"ar5 %oul5 5o@ 8ut it surprise5 me@ any%ay. ADou 5i5n?t -et Hean2!lau5e to "an5 "imsel1 o)er 1or a lo3k o1 my "air.C <aina mo)e5 %"ere 9 3oul5 see "er 8etter an5 smile5 5o%n. Her lip %as alrea5y 8e-innin- to "eal. AVery trueG %e 5i5n?t e)en try. Hean2!lau5e %oul5 "a)e kno%n %e meant to kill you@ re-ar5less. He?5 "a)e 3ome %it" all "is )ampires@ all t"e %ol)es t"at are loyal to "im. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een a 8loo58at".C AHo% 5i5 you -et "im t"enBC

A!assan5ra 8etraye5 "im. 4i5n?t you@ !assan5raBC !assan5ra >ust looke5 at us. A91 <i3"ar5 "a5n?t 8roken %it" you@ you mi-"t "a)e 8een a8le to 3ure Sa8in. Seekin- your ai5 %as ori-inally only an e*3use to enter Hean2!lau5e?s territory@ 8ut you %ere more po%er1ul t"an 4omini3 1irst t"ou-"t. Dou surprise5 us 8y 8earin- none o1 t"e )ampire?s marks. Dou %ere suppose5 to 8e part o1 t"e sa3ri1i3e@ 8ut %it"out at least t"e 1irst mark@ it %ill not %ork.C Hurra" 1or me. ADou sa% me "eal 4amian?s 3ut an5 t"e Eom8ie. 9 3an "eal Sa8in. Dou kno% 9 3an@ !assan5ra. Dou sa% it.C S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A$"e si3kness "as mo)e5 insi5e Sa8in. His 8rain is -oin-. 91 you "a5 3ure5 "im to5ay@ it %oul5 8e moot. But "e must 8e sane 1or t"e spell to %ork. ,)en one more 5ay mi-"t 8e too late.C A91 you kill <i3"ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e@ 9 %on?t "a)e t"e po%er to "eal Sa8in. 91 4omini3 3ame "ere plannin- to sa3ri1i3e all t"ree o1 us@ t"en t"e spell must nee5 all t"ree o1 us to %ork.C Somet"in- 1li3kere5 a3ross "er 1a3e. 9 %as ri-"t. A4omini3?s not sure it %ill %ork %it"out a "uman ser)ant in t"e loop@ is "eBC !assan5ra s"ook "er "ea5. A9t "as to 8e toni-"t.C A91 you kill t"em 8ot" an5 it 5oesn?t 3ure Sa8in@ you?)e 5estroye5 t"e only real 3"an3e "e "as. #ur trium)irate 3an 3ure "im. Dou kno% it 3an.C A9 kno% no su3" t"in-. Dou %oul5 promise me t"e moon itsel1 i1 you t"ou-"t it %oul5 sa)e you all.C A$"at?s true@ 8ut 9 still t"ink %e 3an 3ure "im. 91 you kill <i3"ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e@ t"e 3"an3e is -one. Let us at least try. 91 it 5oesn?t %ork@ you 3an sa3ri1i3e t"em tomorro%. 9?ll let Hean2!lau5e -i)e me t"e 1irst mark. =e?ll eit"er 3ure Sa8in tomorro% or %e?ll 8e t"e per1e3t sa3ri1i3e 1or 4omini3?s spell.C 9 %ille5 "er to listen to me. $o 8elie)e me. A=ill Sa8in 8e a8le to rea5 "is part o1 t"e spell tomorro% ni-"tBC <aina aske5. S"e mo)e5 in )ery 3lose to !assan5ra. A#n3e "is 8rain is rotte5 a%ay@ t"ere %ill 8e not"in- le1t to 5o 8ut lo3k "im in a 8o* %it" 3rosses on it. Hi5e "im a%ay.C !assan5ra?s "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists. A 1ine trem8lin- ran t"rou-" "er 8o5y. <a% 1ear s"o%e5 on "er 1a3e. <aina turne5 to me almost 3on)ersationally. ASa8in %on?t 5ie@ you un5erstan5. He?ll melt 5o%n into a little pu55le o1 slime@ 8ut "e %on?t 5ie. =ill "e@ !assan5raBC A/o@C !assan5ra almost s"oute5. A/o@ "e %on?t 5ie. He?ll >ust -o insane. He?ll still "a)e all t"e po%ers o1 t"e trium)irate@ 8ut "e?ll 8e ma5. =e?ll "a)e to lo3k "im a%ay an5 pray t"at 4omini3?s spells 3an "ol5 "is po%er in 3"e3k. 91 %e 3an?t "ol5 "is po%ers prisoner@ t"e 3oun3il %ill 1or3e us to 8urn "im ali)e. #nly t"at %oul5 8e sure 5eat".C ABut i1 you 5o t"at@C <aina sai5@ Ayou an5 4omini3 %ill 5ie@ as %ell. All t"ose )ampire marks 5ra--in- you 5o%n to "ell %it" "im.C ADes@C !assan5ra sai5@ Ayes.C S"e stare5 at me@ an-er an5 "elplessness in "er 1a3e. AAm 9 suppose5 to 1eel sorry 1or youBC 9 aske5. A/o@ Anita@ you?re >ust suppose5 to 5ie@C s"e sai5. 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5 an5 trie5 to t"ink o1 somet"in- use1ul. 9t %as "ar5 to 5o %it" Ga8riel lyin- on top o1 me@ 8ut i1 9 5i5n?t t"ink o1 somet"in-@ %e %ere all 5ea5. !assan5ra startle5 as i1 someone "a5 tou3"e5 "er. A pri3kle o1 ener-y s%ept o)er my 8o5y 1rom "er@ raisin- -oose 8umps %"ere it tou3"e5. Ga8riel ran "is 1in-ertips o)er t"e skin o1 my arms@ makin- t"e -oose1les" stay >ust a little lon-er. A9 must -o@C !assan5ra sai5. ABe1ore t"e ni-"t is o)er@ you may %is" you %ere 8ein- sa3ri1i3e5.C S"e looke5 1rom Ga8riel to <aina. AA slit t"roat %oul5 8e ;ui3ker.C 9 a-ree5 %it" "er@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure %"at to say. =e %ere 5is3ussin- 5i11erent %ays to kill me. /one o1 t"em seeme5 parti3ularly -oo5 3"oi3es. !assan5ra stare5 5o%n at me. A9 am sorry.C A91 you?re really sorry@C 9 sai5@ Auntie me an5 -i)e me a %eapon.C S"e smile5 %ist1ully. ASa8in "as or5ere5 me not to.C ADou al%ays 5o %"at you?re tol5BC 9 aske5. A#n t"is one t"in-@ yes. 91 you?5 %at3"e5 Hean2!lau5e?s 8eauty rot 8e1ore you@ you?5 5o anyt"in- to "elp "im.C A="o?re you tryin- to 3on)in3e@ me or youBC S"e s%aye5 sli-"tly@ an5 9 1elt t"e roll o1 po%er out o1 "er 8o5y an5 alon- mine. Ga8riel li3ke5 my arm. A9 must -o. $"e 3ir3le %ill 8e 3lose5 soon.C S"e stare5 5o%n at me@ at Ga8riel runnin- "is ton-ue up my arm. A9 am truly sorry@ Anita.C A91 you?re lookin- 1or 1or-i)eness@ pray. Go5 may 1or-i)e youG 9 %on?t.C

!assan5ra stare5 5o%n at me 1or anot"er "eart8eat. ASo 8e it. Goo528ye@ Anita.C S"e ran in a 8lur o1 %"ite@ like a 1ast2 1or%ar5 -"ost. AGoo5@C <aina sai5@ Ano% %e 3an set up t"e li-"ts an5 make some test s"ots.C $"e li-"ts spran- into a 5aEElin8ri-"tness. 9 3lose5 my eyes a-ainst t"e -lare. Ga8riel mo)e5 up my 8o5y@ an5 9 opene5 my eyes. A=e %ere -oin- to strip you nake5 an5 tie you sprea52ea-le5@ 8ut !assan5ra %oul5n?t let us. But no% s"e?s too 8usy %it" t"e spell.C He put a "an5 on eit"er si5e o1 my "ea5@ pinnin- some o1 my "air. A=e 5i5 makeup on your 1a3e %"ile you %ere out. =e 3an make t"e 8o5y makeup part o1 t"e s"o%. ="at 5o you t"inkBC 9 trie5 to t"ink o1 anyt"in- use1ul. Anyt"in- at all. /ot"in- 3ame to min5. He leane5 o)er me@ 8rin-in- "is 1a3e 3lose an5 3loser. He opene5 "is mout" enou-" to s"o% 1an-s. /ot )ampire 1an-s 8ut small leopar5 1an-s. <i3"ar5 "a5 tol5 me on3e t"at Ga8riel spent too mu3" time in animal 1orm so "e 5i5n?t 3ome 3ompletely 8a3k anymore. Great. Ga8riel kisse5 me@ li-"tly@ t"en "ar5er@ 1or3in- "is ton-ue in my mout". He 5re% 8a3k 1rom me. ABite me.C He kisse5 me@ t"en raise5 "is lips 8a3k >ust enou-" to %"isper@ ABite me.C Pain e*3ite5 Ga8riel. 9 5i5n?t %ant "im more e*3ite5@ 8ut %it" "is ton-ue "al1%ay 5o%n my t"roat@ it %as "ar5 not to -i)e "im %"at "e %ante5. He ran "is "an5 o)er my 8reasts@ s;ueeEin- "ar5 enou-" to make me -asp. ABite me@ an5 9?ll stop.C 9 8it "is lip. 9 8it "im until "e pulle5 8a3k@ t"e 1les" strainin- 8et%een us. Bloo5 poure5 1rom "is mout" to mine. 9 let -o an5 spit 8loo5 into "is 1a3e. He %as 3lose enou-" t"at it splattere5 in a re5 rain. He lau-"e5@ %ipin- "is 1in-ers on t"e 8loo5y lip@ puttin- t"em in "is mout"@ su3kin- t"e 8loo5 o11 o1 t"em. A4o you kno% "o% 9 8e3ame a %ereleopar5BC "e aske5. 9 looke5 at "im. He slappe5 me li-"tly@ 3asually. Star8ursts e*plo5e5 a3ross my )ision. AAns%er me@ Anita.C ="en 9 3oul5 1o3us@ 9 aske5@ A="at %as t"e ;uestionBC A4o you kno% "o% 9 8e3ame a %ereleopar5BC 9 5i5n?t %ant to play t"is -ame. 9 5i5n?t %ant to parti3ipate in Ga8riel?s i5ea o1 pillo% talk@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e "it a-ain@ eit"er. 9t %oul5n?t take mu3" 1or "im to kno3k me un3ons3ious. 91 9 e)er %oke up a-ain@ 9 %oul5 8e in %orse s"ape t"an 9 %as no%. Har5 to 8elie)e@ 8ut true. A/o@C 9 sai5. A9?)e al%ays like5 pain@ e)en %"en 9 %as "uman. 9 met ,liEa8et". S"e %as a %ereleopar5. =e 1u3ke5@ 8ut 9 %ante5 "er to 3"an-e %"ile %e 5i5 it. S"e sai5 s"e %as a1rai5 s"e?5 kill me.C He leane5 o)er me. Bloo5 5rippe5 1rom "is lip in slo%@ "ea)y 5rops. 9 8linke5@ turnin- my 1a3e@ tryin- to keep t"e 8loo5 out o1 my eyes. A9 almost 5ie5.C 9 "a5 turne5 my "ea5 3ompletely to t"e si5e@ %"ile "is 8loo5 5roppe5 on t"e si5e o1 my 1a3e. A=as t"e se* %ort" itBC He leane5 5o%n an5 8e-an to li3k t"e 8loo5 o1t my 1a3e. ABest se* 9 e)er "a5.C A s3ream starte5 in my t"roat. 9 s%allo%e5 it@ an5 it "urt -oin- 5o%n. $"ere "a5 to 8e a %ay out o1 t"is. $"ere "a5 to "e. A man?s )oi3e sai5@ ALie on top o1 "er like you?re -oin- to 5o 1or t"e s"ot@ an5 let?s -et some li-"t rea5in-s.C 9 realiEe5 t"at t"ere %as a 3re% "ere. A 5ire3tor@ a 3ameraman@ a 5oEen people s3urryin- aroun5@ not "elpin- me. Ga8riel 5re% a kni1e out o1 "is "i-"@ 8la3k 8oot. $"e "ilt %as 8la3k@ 8ut t"e 8la5e "a5 a "i-" sil)er s"een. 9 %at3"e5 t"at kni1e@ 3oul5n?t "elp mysel1. 9?5 8een s3are5 8e1ore@ 8ut not like t"is. $"e 1ear 8urne5 at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat@ t"reatene5 to spill out in s3reams. 9t %asn?t t"e si-"t o1 t"e 8la5e t"at 1ri-"tene5 me. A moment a-o 9?5 "a)e 5one anyt"in- to "a)e "im 3ut t"e ropes. /o% 9 %oul5 "a)e -i)en anyt"in- 1or "im not to 3ut t"e ropes. Ga8riel put "is "an5 on my stoma3" an5 sli5 one knee 8et%een my tie5 le-s. $"ere %asn?t a lot o1 -i)e. 9 %as -rate1ul. He t%iste5 "is upper 8o5y an5 rea3"e5 5o%n%ar5 %it" t"e kni1e. 9 kne% %"at "e %as -oin- to 5o 8e1ore 9 1elt t"e ropes -i)e at my ankles. He 3ut my 1eet loose an5 3ollapse5 "is lo%er 8o5y a-ainst me at almost t"e same time. /o time to stru--le@ no time to take a5)anta-e. He?5 5one t"is 8e1ore. He %i--le5 "is "ips a-ainst me@ sprea5in- my le-s %i5e enou-" t"at 9 3oul5 1eel "im a-ainst me t"rou-" t"e >eans. 9 5i5n?t s3ream@ 9 %"impere5 an5 "ate5 it. 7y 1a3e %as presse5 into "is nake5 3"est >ust a8o)e "is pier3e5 nipple. His 3"est "air %as 3oarse@ s3rat3"y a-ainst my 3"eek. His 8o5y 3o)ere5 me almost 3ompletely. $"ey 3oul5n?t "a)e seen mu3" more t"an my "an5s an5 my le-s 1rom t"e 3amera. 9 "a5 a )ery stran-e i5ea. ADou?re too tall@C 9 sai5. Ga8riel "a5 to raise up a little to look 5o%n at my 1a3e. A="atBC

A$"e 3amera %ill ne)er see anyt"in- 8ut your 8a3ksi5e. Dou?re too tall.C He 3ra%le5 8a3k%ar5s@ raisin- "imsel1 in a little pus"2up position. He looke5 t"ou-"t1ul. He turne5 aroun5 %it"out -ettino11 o1 me. A'rank@ 3an you see "er at allBC A/ope.C AS"it@C Ga8riel sai5. He stare5 5o%n at me@ t"en smile5. A4on?t -o any%"ere. 9?ll 8e ri-"t 8a3k.C He sli5 o11 me. =it" my 1eet 1ree@ 9 3oul5 sit up. 7y "an5s %ere still a8o)e my "ea5@ 8ut 9 3oul5 "u55le a-ainst t"e "ea58oar5. 9t %as an immense impro)ement. Ga8riel@ <aina@ an5 t%o men in s3ru11y 3lot"es %ere talkin- in a "u55le5 -roup. 9 3au-"t snat3"es o1 t"e 3on)ersation. A7ay8e i1 %e "an- "er 1rom t"e 3eilin-BC A=e?ll "a)e to 3"an-e t"e room setup 1or t"at.C 9 "a5 8ou-"t some time@ 8ut time 1or %"atB $"ere %as a lon- ta8le near t"e room. 7y %eapons %ere on it@ lai5 in neat lines like props. ,)eryt"in- 9 nee5e5 %as ri-"t t"ere@ 8ut "o% 3oul5 9 -et to itB <aina %asn?t -oin- to "an5 me a kni1e so 9 3oul5 3ut mysel1 loose. /o@ <aina %oul5n?t@ 8ut may8e Ga8riel %oul5. He %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 8e5@ mo)in- as i1 "e "a5 more mus3les@ more somet"in-@ t"an a "uman 5i5. He mo)e5 like a 3at@ i1 a 3at 3oul5 %alk on t%o le-s. He knelt on t"e 8e5 an5 starte5 untyin- t"e rope 1rom t"e "ea58oar5@ 8ut lea)in- my %rists 8oun5. A="y not 3ut t"e ropeBC 9 aske5. A'rank -ot pisse5 t"at 9 3ut t"e 1irst one. $"is is real silk. 9t?s e*pensi)e.C A/i3e to kno% t"at 'rank?s 1is3ally responsi8le.C Ga8riel -ra88e5 my 1a3e@ 1or3in- me to meet "is eyes. A=e?re -oin- to 3"an-e t"e room an5 tie you stan5in- up. 9?m -oin- to 1u3k you until you -o %it" me insi5e you@ t"en 9?m -oin- to 3"an-e an5 9?ll rip you apart. Dou may e)en sur)i)e like 9 sur)i)e5.C 9 s%allo%e5 an5 spoke )ery 3are1ully. A9s t"at really your 1antasy@ Ga8rielBC ADes.C A/ot your 8est 1antasy@C 9 sai5. A="atBC A<apin- me %"ile 9?m "elpless isn?t your i5ea o1 "ot se*.C He -rinne5@ 1las"in- 1an-s. A#"@ yes it is.C 4on?t pani3. 4on?t pani3. 4on?t pani3. 9 leane5 into "im@ an5 "e release5 my 1a3e so 9 3oul5 5o it@ 8ut "e >erke5 t"e rope up ti-"t@ makin- sure my "an5s staye5 in si-"t. He "a5 5e1initely 5one t"is 8e1ore. 9 1or3e5 mysel1 to lean into "is nake5 3"est@ my tie5 "an5s presse5 a-ainst "is skin. 9 leane5 my 1a3e to%ar5s "im an5 %"ispere5@ A4on?t you %ant a 8la5e insi5e you %"ile you 5o itBC 9 tou3"e5 t"e sil)er rin- in "is nipple@ pulle5 on it until t"e 1les" 8o%e5 out%ar5 an5 "e -a)e a little -asp. A4on?t you %ant t"e 1eel o1 sil)er 8urnin- up insi5e you %"ile you?re s"o)in- yoursel1 insi5e o1 meBC 9 %ent up on my knees so our 1a3es %oul5 8e 3loser to-et"er. A4on?t you %ant to kno% 9?m tryin- to kill you %"ile you 1u3k meB Dour 8loo5 pourin- o)er my 8o5y %"ile you 1u3k me@ isn?t t"at your 1antasyBC 9 %"ispere5 t"e last a-ainst "is lips. Ga8riel "a5 -one )ery@ )ery still. 9 3oul5 see t"e pulse in "is t"roat t"u55in- a-ainst t"e skin. His "eart 8eat 1ast an5 "ar5 a-ainst my "an5s. 9 >erke5 t"e rin- out o1 "is nipple an5 "e let out a lo% moan. Bloo5 tri3kle5 5o%n "is 3"est. 9 raise5 t"e rin-@ an5 "e let t"e rope -o so 9 3oul5 mo)e my "an5s. 9 raise5 t"e 8loo5y rin- 8et%een our lips@ almost as i1 %e?5 8ot" kiss it. ADou?ll only "a)e one 3"an3e to 1u3k me@ Ga8riel. #ne %ay or anot"er@ <ainy %ill see me 5ea5 toni-"t. Dou?ll ne)er -et anot"er 3"an3e at me.C $"e tip o1 "is ton-ue 3urle5 out an5 3au-"t t"e rin-@ li3kin- it 1rom my 1in-ers. He rolle5 it in "is mout" an5 8rou-"t it 8a3k out@ 3lean an5 1ree o1 8loo5. He "el5 it out to me on t"e tip o1 "is ton-ue. 9 pi3ke5 t"e rin- o11 an5 %rappe5 my 1in-ers aroun5 it. ADou >ust %ant me to -i)e you a kni1e@C "e sai5. A9 %ant to s"o)e a sil)er 8la5e so 5eep insi5e you t"at t"e "ilt 8ruises your 1les".C He s"u55ere5@ 8reat" es3apin- in a lon- si-". ADou?ll ne)er 1in5 anyone else like me@ Ga8riel. Play %it" me@ Ga8riel@ an5 9?ll 8e t"e 8est se* you e)er "a5.C ADou?ll try an5 kill me@C "e sai5. 9 sli5 my 1in-ers alon- t"e top o1 "is leat"er pants. A#"@ yea"@ 8ut "a)e you e)er really 8een in 5an-er o1 5yin- sin3e t"at 1irst time %it" ,liEa8et"B Sin3e s"e s"apes"i1te5 un5erneat" you@ "a)e you e)er 1eare5 1or your li1e 5urin- se*B 4i5 you e)er ri5e t"at t"in@ s"inin- line 8et%een pleasure an5 5eat" a-ainBC

He turne5 a%ay 1rom me@ not meetin- my eyes. 9 tou3"e5 "is 1a3e %it" my 8oun5 "an5s@ turne5 "im 8a3k to me. A<ainy "asn?t let you@ "as s"eB Hust like s"e %on?t let you toni-"t. Dou?re alp"a@ Ga8riel@ 9 3an 1eel it. 4on?t let "er steal t"is 1rom you. 4on?t let "er steal me 1rom you.C Ga8riel stare5 at me@ our 8o5ies tou3"in-@ 1a3es 3lose enou-" to kiss. ADou?ll kill me.C A7ay8e@ or you?ll kill me.C ADou mi-"t sur)i)e@C "e sai5@ A9 5i5.C AAre you still 1u3kin- ,liEa8et"@ no% t"at you sur)i)e5BC 9 kisse5 "im so1tly@ runnin- my teet" alon- "is skin. A,liEa8et" 8ores me.C A=oul5 you 8ore me@ Ga8rielB 91 9 sur)i)e@ %oul5 you 8e 8orin-BC A/o@C "e %"ispere5. 9 kne% 9 "a5 "im@ >ust like t"at. 9 eit"er "a5 t"e 8e-innin-s o1 a 8rilliant plan@ or 9?5 8ou-"t mysel1 some time@ some options. 9t %as an impro)ement. $"e real ;uestion %as "o% mu3" time 5i5 Hean2!lau5e an5 <i3"ar5 "a)eB Ho% lon- until 4omini3 3ut t"em openB 91 9 3oul5n?t -et t"ere in time@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to -et t"ere at all. 91 t"ey 8ot" 5ie5@ 9 almost %ante5 Ga8riel to 1inis" me. Almost.

Chapter Forty-three
$"ey kept me tie5 to t"e 8e5@ 8ut Ga8riel slippe5 t"e kni)es 8a3k in t"e %rist s"eat"s. He "el5 t"e 8i- kni1e t"at %ent 5o%n alon- my spine up to t"e li-"t. 9 t"ou-"t "e %oul5n?t -i)e it 8a3k@ 8ut in t"e en5@ "e s%ept my "air to one si5e an5 slippe5 it into t"e s"eat". A4on?t 3ut t"e ropes until 9?m in t"e s"ot. 9 %ant t"e 3amera to kno% %"y you?re s3are5. Promise not to spoil it.C AGi)e me a -un an5 9?ll %ait until you?re on top o1 me to pull t"e tri--er.C He smile5 an5 %a)e5 a 1in-er in my 1a3e like you?5 s3ol5 a 3"il5. A:"@ u"@ u". /o rou-" stu11.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. A!an?t 8lame a -irl 1or tryin-.C Ga8riel lau-"e5@ "i-" an5 ner)ous. A/o@ 3an?t 8lame you 1or tryin-.C =e "a5 li-"ts@ 3amera@ all %e nee5e5 %as a3tion. Ga8riel "a5 %ipe5 t"e 8loo5 o11 "is 3"est an5 put t"e sil)er rin- 8a3k into "is 1les". =e %ere startin- o)er 1or t"e 3amera. $"ey?5 e)en 3leane5 t"e 8loo5 o11 my mout" an5 1res"ene5 t"e makeup. 9t %as t"e youn- %oman@ Hei5i@ t"e ly3ant"rope t"at 5i5 t"e makeup. Her eyes %ere too %i5e. Her "an5s s"ook %"en s"e tou3"e5 me. S"e %"ispere5 as s"e 5a88e5 at my 1a3e. ABe 3are1ul %"en "e kisses you. He ate a -irl?s ton-ue out on3e.C A!an you -et me a -unBC S"e s"i)ere5@ eyes rollin- %"ite an5 pani3ke5. S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A<aina?5 kill me.C A/ot i1 s"e?s 5ea5.C Hei5i s"ook "er "ea5 o)er an5 o)er an5 8a3ke5 o11 t"e 8e5. 7ost o1 t"e rest o1 t"e 3re% %alke5 out. ="en t"e 5ire3tor realiEe5 t"ey %ere -oin- to lose too many people to run t"in-s@ "e o11ere5 8onuses. Bi- 8onuses@ an5 a 1e% people staye5. $"e rest le1t. $"ey 5i5n?t 5o snu11 1ilms. $"ey %oul5n?t %at3" Ga8riel kill me@ 8ut t"ey %oul5n?t stop it@ eit"er. 7ay8e one o1 t"em %oul5 3all t"e poli3e. 9t %as a ni3e t"ou-"t@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t pin any "opes on it. Po%er rus"e5 o)er me in a skin2pri3klin- %a)e. 9t tu--e5 at somet"in- lo% an5 5eep in my 8o5y. $"e sensation %as -one almost as soon as it 3ame@ 8ut a smell lin-ere5 o)er my skin like 9?5 %alke5 t"rou-" some8o5y?s -"ost. 9 smelle5 <i3"ar5?s a1ters"a)e. <i3"ar5 %as tryin- to tell me somet"in-@ eit"er on purpose or 8e3ause "e %as 8ein- 5ri)en 8y 1ear. ,it"er %ay@ time %as runnin- out. 9 "a5 to sa)e t"em. 9 "a5 to. $"ere %as no ot"er 3"oi3e. Sa)in- t"em meant 8rin-inGa8riel in 3lose enou-" to kill "im. !lose to me. A mi*e5 8lessin- at 8est. AGet on %it" it@C 9 sai5. ADou are terri8ly ea-er 1or someone %"o?s a8out to 5ie a truly "orri8le 5eat"@C <aina sai5. 9 smile5. 9 ma5e t"e smile e)eryt"in- Ga8riel %ante5 it to 8e@ 3on1i5ent@ 5an-erous@ se*ual. A9 5on?t plan to 5ie.C Ga8riel?s 8reat" si-"e5 out%ar5. ALet?s 5o it.C <aina s"ook "er "ea5 an5 steppe5 8a3k out o1 t"e s"ot. A'u3k "er@ Ga8riel@ make "er 3ry out your name 8e1ore you kill "er.C A7y pleasure@C "e %"ispere5. He stalke5 onto t"e 1loor o1 t"e 1ake 8e5room. 9 uns"eat"e5 a %rist kni1e an5 3ut t"e rope t"at "el5 me to t"e "ea58oar5. 7y %rists %ere still 8oun5. 9 %at3"e5 "im %"ile 9 turne5 t"e 8la5e to 3ut 8et%een my "an5s. He 3oul5 "a)e >umpe5 me t"en@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. He -li5e5 aroun5 t"e 8e5 %"ile 9 3ut my "an5s loose.

He en5e5 on "is knees 8esi5e t"e 8e5@ starin- at me. 9 8a3ke5 a%ay 1rom "im@ kni1e in my ri-"t "an5. 9 %as -oin- to -et o11 t"e 5amn 8e5. Ga8riel 3ra%le5 up on t"e 8e5 as 9 3ra%le5 o11 it. He mimi3ke5 my mo)ements 8ut ma5e t"em -ra3e1ul an5 pain1ully slo%. He s"immere5 %it" 3ontaine5 ener-y. He %asn?t 5oin- a 5amn t"in- 8ut 3ra%lin- a3ross a 8e5@ 8ut t"e promise o1 )iolen3e an5 se* ro5e t"e air like li-"tnin-. He %as 1aster t"an me. His rea3" %as almost t%i3e mine. He %as 3ertainly stron-er t"an 9 %as. $"e only t"in- 9 really "a5 -oin- 1or me %as t"e 1a3t t"at 9 planne5 on killin- "im as ;ui3kly as possi8le@ an5 "e planne5 on rapin- me 1irst. 9t meant 9 %as %illin- to 5o t"in-s "e %asn?t. At least at 1irst. 91 it %asn?t o)er ;ui3kly@ 9 %as sunk. 9 5roppe5 to one knee an5 8ra3e5 mysel1@ %it" a 8la5e in ea3" "an5. He %ante5 to 3ome in 3lose. He e)en %ante5 to 8e "urt@ so no 1eintin-@ no tryin- ea3" ot"er?s skill. 9?5 make "im 3ome to me@ an5 9?5 3ut "im up. Po%er 3urle5 insi5e my stoma3". 9t 8urst o)er me in a %a)e o1 sensations. $"e smell o1 t"e summer %oo5s %as so stronit %as 3"okin-. 'or a se3on5@ 9 3oul5n?t see t"e room. 9 "a5 a -limpse o1 some%"ere else@ 3"aoti3 8its an5 pie3es like a >i-sa% puEEle t"ro%n a3ross t"e -roun5. 9 3ame a%ay %it" t"ree t"ou-"tsG 1ear@ "elplessness@ an5 nee5. 7y )ision 3leare5 to Ga8riel 1ro%nin- 5o%n at me. A="at is %ron- %it" you@ AnitaB 4i5 !assan5ra "it you a little too "ar5BC 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 took a s"aky 8reat". AAre you all talk an5 no 8ite@ Ga8rielBC He smile5@ a slo%@ laEy -rin t"at s"o%e5 "is 1an-s. He %as su55enly t"ere. 9 slas"e5 out %it"out t"inkin-@ pure rea3tion@ no t"ou-"t. He leape5 a%ay@ an5 8loo5 seepe5 5o%n "is stoma3" in a t"in@ 3rimson line. He ru88e5 "is 1in-ers in t"e 8loo5 slo%ly@ sensuously@ t"en li3ke5 t"em %it" lon-@ slo% ton-ue mo)ements. Playin- 1or t"e 3amera. He 3ra%le5 onto t"e 8e5 an5 %rappe5 t"e %"ite s"eets aroun5 "is 8o5y@ rollin- in t"em until "e %as tan-le5. He leane5 o)er 8a3k%ar5s@ e*posin- "is ne3k. Almost %it"in rea3" o1 me. A!ome play@ Anita.C 9t %as temptin-@ an5 it %as meant to 8e@ 8ut 9 kne% 8etter. 9?5 seen <i3"ar5 rip s"eets earlier like t"ey %ere paper. A9?m stayin- "ere@ Ga8riel. Dou?re -oin- to "a)e to 3ome to me.C He rolle5 onto "is stoma3". A9 t"ou-"t 9?5 -et to 3"ase you. $"is isn?t any 1un.C 9 smile5. A!ome 3loser@ an5 it?ll 8e a lot o1 1un.C He rose onto "is knees. $"e s"eets %ere smeare5 %it" 8loo5 as "e 3ra%le5 out o1 t"em. Ga8riel %as >ust su55enly t"ere@ too 1ast 1or me to see it. He %as 8y me an5 past me 8e1ore 9 3oul5 rea3t. 9 1ell 8a3k on my 8utt@ tryin- 5esperately to keep "im in si-"t. But "e stoo5 t"ere@ >ust out o1 rea3". A se3on5 later@ a s"arp pain ran t"rou-" my ri-"t arm. 9 -lan3e5@ an5 1oun5 8lee5in- 3la% marks on my upper arm. He raise5 one "an5 in 1ront o1 "is 1a3e@ an5 3la%s spran- out 1rom un5er "is 1in-ernails. A7eo%@C "e sai5. 9 trie5 to s%allo% my 8eatin- "eart an5 3oul5n?t. $"is meant t"at e)en i1 "e 5i5n?t kill me@ a mont" 1rom no% 9 mi-"t 8e sproutin- 1ur. 9t %asn?t a s3ream t"at you 3oul5 "ear %it" your ears. 9t %asn?t a soun5. 9 "a5 no %or5s 1or it@ 8ut 9 1elt <i3"ar5 s3ream insi5e me. His po%er poure5 o)er me@ an5 5o%n t"at lon- line 9 1elt Hean2!lau5e. Somet"in- ti-"t an5 pain1ul "el5 "im 5o%n. 9 trie5 to -et to my 1eet an5 stum8le5. A="at?s %ron-@ AnitaB 9 5i5n?t "urt you t"at 8a5ly.C 9 s"ook my "ea5@ an5 -ot to my 1eet. He %asn?t -oin- to 3ome to me. <i3"ar5 %as -ro%in- 5esperate. 9 rea3"e5 out%ar5 %it" t"at 1lare o1 po%er an5 9 3oul5 1eel 4omini3?s spell. He?5 8een s"iel5in- it some"o%@ 8ut "e 3oul5n?t "i5e 1rom me. $"e spell %as -ro%in-. $"e time o1 sa3ri1i3e %as 3omin-. 9 5i5n?t "a)e time 1or Ga8riel to play %it" me. AStop playa3tin-@ Ga8riel@ or 5on?t you %ant meBC His eyes narro%e5. ADou?re up to somet"in-.C ADou 8et. /o%@ 1u3k me@ Ga8riel@ i1 you?)e -ot t"e 8alls 1or it.C 9 put my 8a3k to t"e %all an5 "ope5 it %oul5 8e enou-"@ an5 kne% it %oul5n?t 8e. 9 t"re% a t"rea5 o1 po%er 8a3k to <i3"ar5@ "opin- "e?5 -et t"e "int an5 not interrupt 1or t"e ne*t 1e% minutes. 91 "e 5istra3te5 me at t"e %ron- time@ it %oul5 8e all o)er. Ga8riel stalke5 in 1ront o1 me@ 5arin- me to 3ome out 1rom t"e %all an5 -et "im. 9 5i5 %"at "e t"ou-"t 9 %oul5 5o. 9 trie5 1or "im an5 "e >ust %asn?t t"ere. 9t %as like tryin- to 3ut air. He slas"e5 out %it" one "an5 an5 sli3e5 t"e 8a3k o1 my le1t "an5 open. 9 slas"e5 at "im %it" my ri-"t "an5@ tryin- to "ol5 onto t"e le1t2"an5 kni1e. He "it t"e "an5 a-ain@ not %it" 3la%s 8ut 8a3k"an5e5. 7y "an5 spasme5@ an5 t"e kni1e %ent spinnin-. His 8o5y "it mine 1ull out@ slammin- me to t"e 1loor. 9 s"o)e5 t"e ri-"t2"an5 kni1e into "is stoma3" 8e1ore my 8a3k "it t"e -roun5. But s"o)in- t"e kni1e in meant 9 took t"e 1ull 1or3e o1 t"e 1all. 9t stunne5 me 1or a "eart8eat. A "eart8eat %as all "e nee5e5. He ran "is "an5s un5er my arms@ not tryin- to pin t"em@ 8ut 1or3in- t"em up a%ay 1rom t"e kni1e in "is stoma3". He pinne5 me to t"e 1loor %it" "is 8o5y. 9 e*pe3te5 "im to 5ra% out t"e 8la5e@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. He presse5 t"e "ilt a-ainst my

8o5y an5 pus"e5. He s"o)e5 t"e 8la5e into "im up to t"e "ilt an5 kept pressin-. $"e "ilt 8ruise5 a-ainst my stoma3" an5 "e -roun5 it into 8ot" o1 us. He s"u55ere5 o)er me. He raise5 "is upper 8o5y o11 me@ pinnin- me %it" "is lo%er 8o5y@ snu--lin- it 8et%een my le-s so 9 3oul5 1eel "im@ "ar5 an5 1irm. He pulle5 t"e 8la5e out in a 8urst o1 3rimson an5 plun-e5 it 5o%n%ar5 so 1ast my arms %ere only "al1%ay up to prote3t my 1a3e %"en t"e 8la5e 8it into t"e 3arpet. He 5ro)e t"e 8la5e "ilt 5eep into t"e ply%oo5 1loor@ so 3lose to my "ea5 t"at it pinne5 my "air on one si5e. He un5i5 t"e 8utton on my >eans. He %asn?t e)en tryin- to 3ontrol my "an5s@ 8ut 9 only "a5 one kni1e le1t. 91 9 lost it@ 9 3oul5n?t kill "im. =e %ere a8out to 1in5 out >ust "o% -oo5 my ner)es %ere. <i3"ar5?s po%er 1lo%e5 o)er me a-ain@ 8ut it %asn?t t"e same. 9t %as less 1ranti3@ more as i1 "e %as tryin- to %"isper somet"in- to me@ o11er me somet"in-. $"en 9 realiEe5 %"at it %as. $"e 1irst mark. Hean2!lau5e an5 <i3"ar5@ 1or it %as t"ey@ 3oul5n?t 5o it no% %it"out my permission. 9 %as too po%er1ul to 8e 1or3e5@ at least psy3"i3ally. Ga8riel kept my le-s pinne5 %it" "is "ips an5 -ra88e5 t"e 1ront o1 my >eans@ 1in-ers pointin- out%ar5@ a%ay 1rom my 8o5y. His 3la%s spran- out t"rou-" t"e 3lot"@ an5 "e rippe5 up%ar5@ sli3in- t"e 3lot" nearly to my pu8i3 8one. 9 s3reame5 an5 let <i3"ar5 5o me. Better t"e monster you kno% t"an t"e monster a8out to -o 5o%n your pants. A line o1 %armt" ran t"rou-" my 8o5y. 9t "a5 8een e)en simpler %"en Hean2!lau5e 5i5 it on "is o%n@ on3e upon a time. ,)en kno%in- %"at it %as@ it 5i5n?t 1eel like mu3". But 9 1elt 8etter instantlyG 3learer2"ea5e5@ more ... somet"in-. Ga8riel "esitate5 on top o1 me. A="at t"e "ell %as t"atBC $"e skin o1 "is 8are arms %as pri3kle5 %it" -oose1les". He?5 -otten a taste o1 t"e po%er. A4i5n?t 1eel a t"in-@C 9 sai5. 9 tu--e5 on t"e kni1e in t"e 1loor@ pullin- at it. Ga8riel rippe5 my >eans in 8ot" "an5s@ an5 t"ey split 5o%n t"e mi55le@ lea)in- not"in- 8et%een "im an5 me 8ut my panties an5 "is leat"er pants. 9 %as at a 8a5 an-le 1or t"e kni1e an5 it %as only "al1%ay out %"en "e sli5 "is "an5 5o%n my panties. 9 s3reame5. 9 s3reame5@ A<i3"ar5IC $"e po%er 1lo%e5 o)er me. =it" Hean2!lau5e@ 9 "a5 %at3"e5 "is 8urnin- 8lue eyes enter me. =it" <i3"ar5 as 1o3us@ t"ere %as not"in- to see@ 8ut smells@ t"e 1orest@ "is skin@ Hean2!lau5e?s per1ume. 9 3oul5 taste t"em 8ot" in my mout" like 5rinkin- t%o stron- %ines one mout"1ul a1ter anot"er. Ga8riel?s "an5 1roEe 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 my 8o5y. He %as starin- 5o%n at me. A="at 5i5 you >ust 5oBC His )oi3e %as a %"isper. A4i5 you t"ink rapin- me %oul5 8e easyBC 9 lau-"e5@ an5 it unner)e5 "im. 9 sa% somet"in- 3lose to 1ear in "is storm -rey eyes. He?5 mo)e5 "is "an5. /ot "a)in- "im 5o%n my un5er%ear %as too 8i- an impro)ement 1or %or5s. 9 ne)er %ante5 "im to tou3" me like t"at a-ain. /e)er. 9 "a5 t%o 3"oi3es. 9 3oul5 8lu11 an5 "ope 9 3oul5 run@ or 9 3oul5 reinitiate se* an5 kill "im. $"e se3on5 mark 5i5n?t -i)e me t"at mu3" more po%er. 9n 1a3t@ it -a)e t"e 8oys more pull on my po%er t"an t"e ot"er %ay aroun5. So@ se* it %as. A="at?s %ron-BC <aina aske5 out o1 3amera ran-e. AGa8riel?s -ettin- 3ol5 1eet@C 9 sai5. 9 raise5 up on my el8o%s. $"e kni1e "e?5 s"o)e5 in t"e 1loor "el5 my "air pinne5@ an5 9 kept raisin- up@ tearin- a "unk o1 my "air out. 9t %as a small pain@ 8ut 9 kne% it %oul5 appeal to Ga8riel. 9t 5i5. 9 %as sittin- up %it" my le-s on eit"er si5e o1 "is t"i-"s. He pi3ke5 me up@ "an5s sli5in- o)er my un5ies@ 3uppin- my 8utto3ks. He leane5 8a3k on "is knees@ supportin- my %ei-"t. He %at3"e5 me@ an5 9 sa% somet"in- sli5e t"rou-" "is eyes@ 1elt it trem8le t"rou-" "is "an5s. 'or t"e 1irst time@ "e t"ou-"t 9 really mi-"t kill "im@ an5 it turne5 "im on. 'ear %as t"e rus". He kisse5 t"e si5e o1 my 1a3e -ently. AGo 1or t"e last kni1e@ Anita. Go 1or it.C He leane5 into me %"ile "e sai5 it@ 8itin-ently 5o%n my 1a3e. 9 1elt t"e pressure o1 "is 1an-s 5o%n my >a%line@ onto my ne3k. He set "is teet" into t"e si5e o1 my ne3k@ 8earin- 5o%n@ "ar5 an5 "ar5er@ a slo%@ 8uil5in- pressure. His ton-ue li3ke5 a3ross t"e skin. 9 5i5n?t -o 1or t"e kni1e. 9 ran my "an5s t"rou-" "is t"i3k "air@ pulle5 it 8a3k 1rom "is 1a3e. His teet" 3ontinue5 to press into my skin. His "an5s sli5 insi5e my un5er%ear@ 3uppin- my 8are 8utto3ks. 9 sti11ene5@ t"en 1or3e5 mysel1 to rela*. $"is %oul5 %ork. 9t "a5 to %ork. 9 tra3e5 my 1in-ers alon- "is 1a3e. His teet" 8it in enou-" to 5ra% t"e 1irst 1aint 8loo5. 9 -aspe5@ an5 "is 3la%s 5u- into me. 9 ran my 1in-ers alon- eit"er si5e o1 "is 1a3e@ tra3in- "is 3"eeks@ "is eye8ro%s. He 3ame up 1or air@ eyes %i5e an5 un1o3use5@ lips "al12parte5. 9 3aresse5 "is 1a3e an5 pulle5 "im in 1or a kiss. 9 tra3e5 "is t"i3k eye8ro%s. As "e kisse5 me@ "e 3lose5 "is eyes@ an5 9 put my t"um8s o)er "is eyeli5s. His eyelas"es 1luttere5 a-ainst my skin. 9 s"o)e5 my t"um8s into 8ot" eyes@ 5i--in-@ tryin- to s"o)e my t"um8s into "is 8rain an5 out t"e ot"er si5e. Ga8riel reare5 8a3k@ s"riekin-. His 3la%s rippe5 up my 8a3k. 9 -aspe5 8ut 5i5n?t "a)e time 1or s3reamin-. 9 5re% t"e 8ikni1e 1rom t"e 8a3k s"eat". <aina s3reame5 instea5. 9 s"o)e5 t"e 8la5e un5er Ga8riel?s ri8s. 9 s"o)e5 it into "is "eart. He trie5 to 1all 8a3k%ar5s@ 8ut my %ei-"t pinne5 "is knees@ so "is 8a3k 8o%e5 8a3k%ar5s@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t 1all. 9 s"o)e5 t"e 8la5e t"rou-" "im. 9 1elt t"e tip o1 it 8urst out t"e ot"er si5e.

<aina %as su55enly t"ere@ -ra88in- me 8y t"e "air@ 1lin-in- me o11 "im. 9 1le% t"rou-" t"e air@ smas"e5 into t"e 1ake %all@ an5 kept -oin-. $"e %all splintere5. 9 lay on my stoma3"@ relearnin- "o% to 8reat"e. 7y pulse %as so lou5 in my "ea5. 9 %as 5ea1 1or a 1e% se3on5s. 7y 8o5y stoppe5 8ein- num8 in sta-es@ an5 let me kno% it %as s3rape5 an5 8ruise5@ 8ut not"in- %as 8roken. 9t s"oul5 "a)e 8een. $%o marks an5 9 %as su55enly Anita t"e "uman 8atterin- ram. ="en it "appene5 t"e 1irst time@ 9 "a5n?t appre3iate5 it. /o% 9 5i5. 9 %asn?t "urt 8a5ly@ "urra"@ 8ut 9 still "a5 to -et past <aina. ,)ery8o5y else %oul5 1ol5 an5 run 1or 3o)er i1 s"e %ere 5ea5. Nuestion %as@ "o% to -et "er t"ereB 9 looke5 up an5 realiEe5 9 %as ri-"t ne*t to t"e prop ta8le %it" my -uns on it. =ere t"ey loa5e5B 91 9 %ent 1or t"em an5 t"ey %eren?t@ <aina %as -oin- to kill me. #1 3ourse@ i1 9 >ust lay "ere an5 8le5@ s"e?5 kill me any%ay. 9 "ear5 "er "i-" "eels 3omin- my %ay. 9 pus"e5 to my knees@ my 1eet@ an5 %ent 1or t"e ta8le. S"e still 3oul5n?t see me t"rou-" t"e partial %all@ 8ut s"e 3oul5 "ear me. S"e rus"e5 up "er si5e o1 t"e %all in t"ose ri5i3ulous "i-" "eels. 9 -ra88e5 1or t"e 'irestar an5 rolle5 o)er t"e ta8le as 9 mo)e5. 9 en5e5 on my 8a3k@ starin- up as s"e leapt o)er t"e ta8le. 9 "it t"e sa1ety %it" my t"um8 an5 pulle5 t"e tri--er. $"e -un e*plo5e5 in my "an5 an5 took "er in t"e upper stoma3". $"e 8ullet seeme5 to slo% "er in mi5motion@ an5 9 "a5 time 1or anot"er s"ot@ "i-"er up in t"e 3"est. <aina 3ollapse5 to "er knees@ "oney 8ro%n eyes %i5e %it" s"o3k. S"e rea3"e5 out one "an5@ an5 9 s3oote5 8a3k%ar5s@ still on my 8utt an5 lo%er 8a3k. 9 %at3"e5 "er eyes -o@ t"at li-"t sli5in- a%ay. S"e slumpe5 o)er on "er si5e@ "er lon- "air spillin- like au8urn %ater a3ross t"e 1loor. $"e 3re% "a5 "i-"taile5 it. #nly Hei5i %as 3rou3"e5 8y t"e %all@ 3ryin-@ 3o)erin- "er ears as i1 a1rai5 to lea)e or stay. 9 -ot to my 1eet@ usin- t"e prop ta8le 1or support. 9 3oul5 see Ga8riel?s 8o5y no%. Bloo5 an5 3lear 1lui5 1lo%e5 5o%n "is 1a3e 1rom "is eyes. His 8o5y still "a5n?t 1allen. 9t knelt in a stran-e paro5y o1 li1e@ as i1 "e %oul5 open "is eyes an5 it %oul5 all 8e preten5. ,5%ar5 3ame in t"rou-" t"e 3o)ere5 5oor. He "a5 a s"ot-un at "is s"oul5er. Harley 1ollo%e5 at "is si5e %it" a ma3"ine -un. He sur)eye5 t"e room an5 1inally 3ame 8a3k to me. A9s Anita in t"is roomBC ADes@C ,5%ar5 sai5. A9 3an?t re3o-niEe "er@C Harley sai5. AHol5 your 1ire. 9?ll -o 1in5 "er 1or you.C He %alke5 to%ar5s me@ eyes takin- it all in. AHo% mu3" o1 t"is 8loo5 is yoursBC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHo%?5 you 1in5 meBC A9 trie5 to return your messa-e. /o8o5y kne% %"ere you?5 -one. $"en no8o5y kne% %"ere <i3"ar5 "a5 -one@ or Hean2 !lau5e@ or <aina.C 9 1elt <i3"ar5 s3ream t"rou-" me an5 9 5i5n?t 1i-"t it t"is time@ 9 let t"e s3ream 3ome out my mout". 91 ,5%ar5 "a5n?t 3au-"t me@ 9 %oul5 "a)e 1allen. A=e?)e -ot to -et to Hean2!lau5e an5 <i3"ar5. <i-"t no%IC ADou 3an?t e)en %alk@C "e sai5. 9 -ra88e5 "is s"oul5ers. AHelp me@ an5 9?ll run.C ,5%ar5 5i5n?t ar-ueG "e simply no55e5 an5 sli5 one arm aroun5 my %aist. Harley "an5e5 my kni)es an5 t"e Bro%nin- to ,5%ar5. 9 %as in3"es a%ay@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t try to tou3" me. He looke5 past me as i1 9 %asn?t t"ere. 7ay8e@ 1or "im@ 9 %asn?t. 9 3ut t"e le-s o1 my >eans o11@ %"i3" le1t me in not"in- 8ut un5er%ear an5 /ikes 1rom t"e %aist 5o%n@ 8ut 9 3oul5 run no%@ an5 %e nee5e5 to run. 9 3oul5 1eel it. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e po%er -ro%in- on t"e summer ni-"t. 4omini3 %as preparin- t"e 8la5e. 9 3oul5 taste it. 9 praye5 as %e ran. Praye5 t"at %e?5 8e in time.

Chapter Forty-four
=e ran. 9 ran until 9 t"ou-"t my "eart %oul5 8urst@ >umpin- trees an5 5o5-in- t"in-s in t"e 5ark only "al121elt an5 not seen at all. Bran3"es an5 %ee5s rake5 my le-s in t"in s3rat3"es. A 8ran3" 3au-"t my 3"eek an5 sent me stum8lin-. ,5%ar5 3au-"t me. Harley sai5@ A="at is t"atBC $"ere %as a 8ri-"t@ %"ite -lo% t"rou-" t"e trees. 9t %asn?t 1ire. A!rosses@C 9 sai5. A="atBC Harley aske5. A$"ey?)e "un- Hean2!lau5e %it" 3rosses.C As t"e %or5s le1t my mout"@ 9 kne% t"ey %ere t"e trut". 9 ran to%ar5s t"e -lo%. ,5%ar5 an5 Harley 1ollo%e5. 9 spille5 out to t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3learin- %it" t"em at my 8a3k. 9 raise5 t"e Bro%nin- %it"out t"inkin- a8out it. 9 "a5 a se3on5 to take it all in. <i3"ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e %ere 8oun5 so t"i3k %it" 3"ains t"at t"ey 3oul5 8arely mo)e@ let alone es3ape. A 3ross "a5 8een t"ro%n aroun5 Hean2!lau5e?s ne3k. 9t -lo%e5 like a 3apti)e star@ restin- on t"e 1ol5s o1 3"ain. Someone "a5 8lin51ol5e5 "im as i1 a1rai5 t"e -lo% %oul5 "urt "is eyes. ="i3" %as o55@ sin3e t"ey meant to kill "im. !onsi5erate mur5erers.

<i3"ar5 %as -a--e5. He?5 mana-e5 to %ork one "an5 1ree@ an5 "e an5 Hean2!lau5e %ere tou3"in- 1in-ertips@ straininto retain t"at tou3". 4omini3 stoo5 o)er t"em in a %"ite 3eremonial ro8e. $"e "oo5 %as t"ro%n 8a3k@ "is arms %i5e@ "ol5in- a s"ort s%or5 "al1 t"e len-t" o1 my 8o5y. He "el5 somet"in- 5ark in "is ot"er "an5. Somet"in- t"at pulse5 an5 seeme5 to li)e. 9t %as a "eart. <o8ert t"e )ampire?s "eart. Sa8in sat in 7ar3us?s stone 3"air@ 5resse5 as 9?5 seen "im last@ "oo5 up@ "i5in- in t"e s"a5o%s. !assan5ra %as a s"inin%"iteness on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 3ir3le o1 po%er@ 1ormin- t"e last point o1 a trian-le %it" "er t%o men. 7y t%o men lay 8oun5 on t"e -roun5. 9 pointe5 t"e Bro%nin- at 4omini3 an5 1ire5. $"e 8ullet le1t t"e -un. 9 "ear5 it@ 9 sa% it@ 8ut it 5i5n?t -o near 4omini3. 9t 5i5n?t seem to -o any%"ere. 9 8le% my 8reat" out an5 trie5 a-ain. 4omini3 stare5 at me. His 5ark28ear5e5 1a3e %as 3alm@ totally una1rai5. ADou are o1 t"e 5ea5@ Anita Blake@ neit"er you@ nor anyt"in- o1 yours may pass t"is 3ir3le. Dou "a)e 3ome only to %at3" t"em 5ie.C ADou?)e lost@ 4omini3@ %"y kill t"em at all@ no%BC A=e %ill ne)er 1in5 %"at %e nee5 a-ain@C t"e ne3roman3er sai5. Sa8in spoke@ "is )oi3e t"i3k@ a%k%ar5@ as i1 talkin- %as "ar5. A9t must 8e toni-"t.C He pus"e5 to "is 1eet an5 s"o)e5 t"e "oo5 8a3k. His 1les" %as almost 3ompletely -one@ only stra--les o1 "air an5 ra%@ putre1yin- tissue %ere le1t. 4ark li;ui5 ooEe5 1rom "is mout". 7ay8e "e 5i5n?t "a)e one more ni-"t o1 sanity. But t"at %asn?t my pro8lem. A$"e )ampire 3oun3il "as 1or8i55en any o1 you to 1i-"t ea3" ot"er until Bre%ster?s La% is eit"er passe5 or )ote5 5o%n. $"ey?ll kill you 1or 5iso8eyin- t"em.C 9 %as "al1 -uessin- on t"is@ 8ut 9?5 8een aroun5 enou-" masters o1 t"e 3ity to kno% "o% )ery seriously t"ey took 5iso8e5ien3e. $"e 3oun3il %as@ in 1a3t@ t"e 8i--est@ 8a55est@ master o1 t"e 3ity aroun5. $"ey %oul5 8e less 1or-i)in-@ not more. A9 %ill take t"at 3"an3e@C Sa8in sai5@ e)ery %or5 3are1ul@ s"o%in- t"e e11ort it took to speak. A4i5 !assan5ra tell you a8out my o11erB 91 %e 3an?t 3ure you tomorro%@ 9?ll let Hean2!lau5e mark me. $oni-"t you only "a)e part o1 %"at you nee5 1or t"e spell. Dou nee5 me@ Sa8in@ one %ay or anot"er@ you nee5 me.C 9 5i5n?t tell t"em 9 %as alrea5y marke5. $"ey o8)iously "a5n?t 1elt it. 91 t"ey kne% 9 %as alrea5y marke5@ all 9 3oul5 o11er %as to 5ie toni-"t %it" t"e 8oys. 4omini3 s"ook "is "ea5. A9 "a)e sear3"e5 Sa8in?s 8o5y@ Anita. $omorro% %ill 8e too late. $"ere %ill 8e not"in- to sa)e.C He 5roppe5 to "is knees 8esi5e <i3"ar5. ADou 5on?t kno% t"at 1or sure@C 9 sai5. He lai5 t"e still28eatin- "eart on top o1 <i3"ar5?s 8are 3"est. A4omini3@ pleaseIC 9t %as too late 1or lies. A9?m marke5@ 4omini3. =e?re t"e per1e3t sa3ri1i3e. #pen t"e 3ir3le@ an5 9?ll 3ome insi5e.C He looke5 at me. A91 t"is is true@ t"en you are all 1ar too 5an-erous to trust. $"e t"ree o1 you to-et"er %it"out t"e 3ir3le %oul5 o)er%"elm us. Dou see@ Anita@ 9 "a)e 8een part o1 a true trium)irate 1or 3enturies. Dou "a)e no 5reams o1 t"e po%er you 3an tou3". Dou an5 <i3"ar5 are more po%er1ul t"an !assan5ra an5 9. Dou %oul5 "a)e 8een a 1or3e to 8e re3kone5 %it". $"e 3oun3il itsel1 mi-"t "a)e 1eare5 you.C He lau-"e5. A$"ey may 1or-i)e us 1or t"at alone.C He spoke %or5s t"at 3urle5 po%er o)er me. 9 %alke5 to t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3ir3le an5 tou3"e5 it. 9t %as like my skin trie5 to 3ra%l o11 my 8ones. 9 1ell 1or%ar5 an5 sli5 5o%n somet"in- t"at 3oul5n?t 8e t"ere. Hean2!lau5e s"rieke5. 9t "urt too mu3" 1or me to s3ream. 9 lay 3urle5 8y t"e 3ir3le@ an5 e)en %"en 9 8reat"e5@ 9 3oul5 taste 5eat"@ ol5@ rottin- 5eat" in my mout". ,5%ar5 knelt 8y me. A="at is itBC A=it"out your ot"er parts@ you 5o not "a)e t"e po%er to 1or3e t"is 3ir3le@ Anita.C 4omini3 -ot to "is 1eet@ raisin- t"e s%or5 t%o2"an5e5 1or a 5o%n%ar5 8lo%. 4olp" "a5 passe5 t"e 3ir3le earlier in t"e room %"ere t"ey "a5 taken <o8ert?s "eart. 9 -ra88e5 ,5%ar5?s s"irt. ADou pass t"e 3ir3le. /o%. An5 kill t"at son o1 a 8it3".C A91 you 3an?t@ "o% 3an 9BC ADou?re not ma-i3@ t"at?s "o%.C 9t %as one o1 t"ose rare moments %"en you un5erstan5 "o% -reat trust 3an 8e. ,5%ar5 kne% not"in- a8out t"e 3eremony@ yet "e 5i5n?t ar-ue. He a33epte5 %"at 9 sai5@ an5 simply 5i5 it. 9 %asn?t a "un5re5 per3ent sure it %oul5 %ork@ mysel1@ 8ut it "a5 to. 4omini3 8rou-"t t"e s%or5 5o%n. 9 s3reame5. ,5%ar5 3rosse5 t"e 3ir3le like it %asn?t t"ere. $"e s%or5 8it into <i3"ar5?s 3"est@ pinnin- t"e 8eatin- "eart to "is 8o5y. $"e pain o1 t"e 8la5e 5ro)e me to my knees. 9 1elt it enter <i3"ar5?s 8o5y. $"en 9 1elt not"in-@ like a s%it3" "a5 8een turne5 o11. ,5%ar5?s s"ot-un 8last took 4omini3 in t"e 3"est.

4omini3 5i5n?t 1all. He stare5 at t"e "ole in "is 3"est an5 t"en at ,5%ar5. He pulle5 t"e s%or5 out o1 <i3"ar5?s 3"est an5 sli5 t"e still28eatin- "eart o11 it. He 1a3e5 ,5%ar5 %it" t"e s%or5 in one "an5 an5 t"e "eart in t"e ot"er. ,5%ar5 1ire5 a-ain@ an5 !assan5ra leapt on "is 8a3k. Harley 3rosse5 t"e 3ir3le t"en. He -ra88e5 !assan5ra aroun5 t"e %aist an5 pulle5 "er o11 o1 ,5%ar5. $"ey 1ell@ rollin- to t"e -roun5. A -un soun5e5@ an5 !assan5ra?s 8o5y >erke5@ 8ut "er 5ainty 1ist 3ame up an5 smas"e5 5o%n%ar5. ,5%ar5 1ire5 t"e s"ot-un until 4omini3?s 1a3e )anis"e5 in a spray o1 8loo5 an5 8ones@ an5 "e 1ell slo%ly to "is knees. His outstret3"e5 "an5 spille5 t"e "eart onto t"e -roun5 8esi5e <i3"ar5?s terri8ly still 8o5y. Sa8in le)itate5 up%ar5. A9 %ill "a)e your soul 1or t"at@ mortal.C 9 ran my 1in-ers o)er t"e 3ir3le an5 it %as still t"ere. ,5%ar5 starte5 to turn t"e s"ot-un to%ar5s t"e )ampire. $"e nake5 "eart pulse5 an5 s"immere5 in t"e 3ross?s -lare. A$"e "eart@ s"oot t"e "eartIC ,5%ar5 5i5n?t "esitate. He turne5 an5 s"ot t"e "eart@ e*plo5in- it into so mu3" meat. Sa8in "it "im a se3on5 later an5 "e %ent 1lyin-. He en5e5 up )ery still on t"e -roun5 %it" Sa8in on top o1 "im. 9 pus"e5 my "an5 1or%ar5. 9t met empty air. 9 1ire5 t%o2"an5e5 at Sa8in as 9 %alke5 to%ar5s "im. 9 put t"ree s"ots into "is 3"est@ 1or3in- "im to "is 1eet@ 8a3k 1rom ,5%ar5. Sa8in raise5 a "an5 in 1ront o1 "is skeletal 1a3e@ almost a plea5in- -esture. 9 stare5 5o%n t"e 8arrel o1 t"e -un into "is one -oo5 eye an5 pulle5 t"e tri--er. $"e 8ullet took "im >ust a8o)e t"e 3rum8lin- remains o1 "is nose. 9t ma5e a ni3e 8ie*it %oun5 like it %as suppose5 to@ spatterin- 8loo5 an5 8rains on t"e -rass. Sa8in 3ollapse5 8a3k%ar5s onto t"e -rass. 9 1ire5 t%o more s"ots into "is skull until it looke5 like 9?5 5e3apitate5 "im. A,5%ar5BC 9t %as Harley. He %as stan5in- o)er !assan5ra?s )ery still@ )ery 5ea5 8o5y. His eyes sear3"e5 %il5ly 1or t"e one person "e re3o-niEe5. AHarley@ it?s me@ it?s Anita.C He s"ook "is "ea5@ as i1 9 %as a 8uEEin- 1ly. A,5%ar5@ 9 still see monsters. ,5%ar5IC He raise5 t"e ma3"ine -un at me@ an5 9 kne% 9 3oul5n?t let "im 1ire. /o@ it %as more t"an t"at@ or less. 9 raise5 t"e Bro%nin- an5 1ire5 8e1ore 9?5 "a5 time to t"ink. $"e 1irst s"ot sent "im to "is knees. A,5%ar5IC He s;ueeEe5 o11 a roun5 o1 1ire t"at %ent in3"es a8o)e t"e men?s "ea5s. 9 1ire5 anot"er into "is 3"est@ an5 put one t"rou-" "is "ea5 8e1ore "e 1ell. 9 approa3"e5 "im@ -un at t"e rea5y. 91 "e?5 t%it3"e5@ 9?5 "a)e s"ot "im a-ain. He 5i5n?t t%it3". 9 kne% not"in- a8out Harley e*3ept "e %as -enuinely 3raEy an5 )ery -oo5 %it" %eapons. /o% 9?5 ne)er kno% 8e3ause ,5%ar5 5i5n?t )olunteer in1ormation. 9 ki3ke5 t"e ma3"ine -un out o1 Harley?s 5ea5 "an5 an5 %ent 1or t"e ot"ers. ,5%ar5 %as sittin- up@ ru88in- t"e 8a3k o1 "is "ea5. He %at3"e5 me %alk a%ay 1rom Harley?s 8o5y. A4i5 you 5o itBC 9 1a3e5 "im. ADes.C A9?)e kille5 people 1or less.C ASo "a)e 9@C 9 sai5@ A8ut i1 %e?re -oin- to 1i-"t@ 3an %e un3"ain t"e 8oys 1irstB 9 5on?t 1eel <i3"ar5 anymore.C 9 3oul5n?t say t"e %or5 5ea5 out lou5@ not yet. ,5%ar5 -ot to "is 1eet@ a little s"aky@ 8ut stan5in-. A=e?ll 1i-"t later.C ALater@C 9 sai5. ,5%ar5 %ent to sit 8y "is 1rien5. 9 %ent to sit 8y my lo)er an5 my ot"er 8oy1rien5. 9 "olstere5 t"e Bro%nin-@ slippe5 t"e 3ross o11 Hean2!lau5e?s ne3k@ an5 t"re% it spinnin- into t"e %oo5s. $"e 5arkness %as su55enly )el)et an5 intense. 9 8ent to un5o "is 3"ains an5 one o1 t"e links %ent spinnin- 8y my "ea5. AS"it@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e sat up@ s%eepin- t"e 3"ains 5o%n "is 8o5y like a s"eet. He slippe5 o11 t"e 8lin51ol5 last. 9 %as alrea5y 3ra%lin- to <i3"ar5. 9?5 seen t"e s%or5 pier3e "is "eart. He "a5 to 8e 5ea5@ 8ut 9 sear3"e5 1or t"e 8i- pulse in "is ne3k@ an5 9 1oun5 it. 9t 8eat a-ainst my "an5 like a %eak t"ou-"t@ an5 9 slumpe5 1or%ar5 %it" relie1. He %as ali)e. $"ank you@ Go5. Hean2!lau5e knelt on t"e ot"er si5e o1 <i3"ar5?s 8o5y. A9 t"ou-"t you 3oul5 not 8ear "is tou3"@ t"at is %"at "e tol5 me 8e1ore t"ey -a--e5 "im. $"ey %ere a1rai5 "e %oul5 3all "is pa3k to ai5 "im. 9 "a)e alrea5y 3alle5 Hason an5 my )ampires. $"ey %ill 8e "ere soon.C A="y 3an?t 9 1eel "im in my "ea5BC A9 am 8lo3kin- it. 9t is a 1ear1ul %oun5@ an5 9 am 8etter pra3ti3e5 at 5ealin- %it" su3" t"in-s.C 9 pulle5 t"e -a- 1rom <i3"ar5?s mout". 9 tou3"e5 "is lips -ently. $"e t"ou-"t o1 "o% 9?5 re1use5 to kiss "im earlier t"at 5ay 8it at me. AHe?s 5yin-@ isn?t "eBC Hean2!lau5e 8roke <i3"ar5?s 3"ains@ more 3are1ully t"an "is o%n. 9 "elpe5 "im 3lear t"em 1rom <i3"ar5?s limp 8o5y. <i3"ar5 lay on t"e -roun5 in t"e 8loo5staine5 %"ite $2s"irt 9?5 last seen "im in. He %as >ust su55enly <i3"ar5 a-ain. 9 3oul5n?t ima-ine t"e 8east 9?5 seen. 9 su55enly 5i5n?t 3are. A9 3an?t lose "im@ not like t"is.C

A<i3"ar5 is 5yin-@ ma petite. 9 1eel "is li1e slippin- a%ay.C 9 stare5 up at "im. ADou?re still keepin- me 1rom 1eelin- it@ aren?t youBC A9 am prote3tin- you.C $"ere %as a look on "is 1a3e t"at 9 5i5n?t like. 9 tou3"e5 "is arm. His skin %as 3ool to t"e tou3". A="yBC He turne5 a%ay. 9 >erke5 "im "ar5@ 1or3e5 "im to look at me. A="yBC A,)en %it" only t%o marks@ <i3"ar5 3an try an5 5rain us 8ot" to stay ali)e. 9 am pre)entin- t"at.C ADou?re prote3tin- us 8ot"BC 9 aske5. A="en "e 5ies@ 9 3an prote3t one o1 us@ ma petite@ 8ut not 8ot".C 9 stare5 at "im. ADou?re sayin- t"at %"en "e 5ies@ you?re 8ot" -oin- to 5ieBC A9 1ear so.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o. /ot 8ot" o1 you. /ot all at on3e. 4ammit@ you?re not suppose5 to 8e a8le to 5ie.C A9 am sorry@ ma petite.C A/o@ %e 3an s"are po%er >ust like %e 5i5 to raise t"e Eom8ies@ t"e )ampires@ like %e 5i5 toni-"t.C Hean2!lau5e slumpe5 su55enly 5o%n%ar5@ one "an5 on <i3"ar5?s 8o5y. A9 %ill not 5ra- you to t"e -ra)e %it" me@ ma petite. 9 %oul5 rat"er t"ink o1 you ali)e an5 %ell.C 9 5u- my 1in-ers into Hean2!lau5e?s arm. 9 tou3"e5 <i3"ar5?s 3"est. A s"u55erin- 8reat" ran up my arm 1rom "im. A9?ll 8e ali)e@ 8ut 9 %on?t 8e %ell. 9?5 rat"er 5ie t"an lose you 8ot".C He stare5 at me 1or a lon- se3on5. ADou 5o not kno% %"at you are askin-.C A=e are a trium)irate no%. =e 3an 5o t"is@ Hean2!lau5e. =e 3an 5o t"is@ 8ut you "a)e to s"o% me "o%.C A=e are po%er1ul 8eyon5 my %il5est 5reams@ ma petite@ 8ut e)en %e 3annot 3"eat 5eat".C AHe o%es me one.C Hean2!lau5e 1lin3"e5 as i1 in pain. A="o o%es youBC A4eat". A A7a petite ... C A4o it@ Hean2!lau5e@ 5o it. ="ate)er it is@ %"ate)er it takes. 4o it@ pleaseIC He slumpe5 on top o1 <i3"ar5@ "ea5 8arely raise5. A$"e t"ir5 mark. 9t %ill eit"er 8in5 us 1ore)er@ or kill us all.C 9 o11ere5 "im my %rist. A/o@ ma petite@ i1 it is to 8e our only time@ 3ome to me.C He lay "al1 on <i3"ar5?s 8o5y@ arms open 1or me. 9 lay in t"e 3ir3le o1 "is arms@ an5 realiEe5 %"en 9 tou3"e5 "is 3"est t"ere %as no "eart8eat. 9 turne5 an5 stare5 into "is 1a3e 1rom in3"es a%ay. A4on?t lea)e me.C His mi5ni-"t 8lue eyes 1ille5 %it" 1ire. He s%ept my "air to one si5e an5 sai5@ A#pen 1or me@ ma petite@ open 1or us 8ot".C 9 5i5@ s%eepin- my min5 open@ 5roppin- e)ery -uar5 9?5 e)er "a5. 9 1ell 1or%ar5@ impossi8ly 1or%ar5@ 5o%n a lon-@ 8la3k tunnel to%ar5s a 8urnin- 8lue 1ire. Pain 3ut t"e 5arkness like a %"ite kni1e@ an5 9 "ear5 mysel1 -asp. 9 1elt Hean2!lau5e?s 1an-s sink into me@ "is mout" sealin- o)er my 1les"@ su3kin- me@ 5rinkin- me. A %in5 s%ept t"rou-" t"e 1allin- 5arkness@ 3at3"in- me like a net 8e1ore 9 tou3"e5 t"at 8lue 1ire. $"e %in5 smelle5 o1 -ro%in- eart" an5 t"e musty s3ent o1 1ur. 9 1elt somet"in- elseJ sorro%. <i3"ar5?s sorro%. His mournin-. /ot o1 "is 5eat"@ 8ut o1 my loss. 4ea5 or ali)e@ "e?5 lost me@ an5 amon- "is many 1aults %as a loyalty t"at %ent 8eyon5 reason. #n3e in lo)e@ "e %as a man to stay t"ere@ re-ar5less o1 %"at t"e %oman 5i5. A kni-"t errant in e)ery sense o1 t"e %or5. He %as a 1ool@ an5 9 lo)e5 "im 1or it. Hean2!lau5e 9 lo)e5 in spite o1 "imsel1. <i3"ar5 9 lo)e5 8e3ause o1 %"o "e %as. 9 %oul5n?t lose "im. 9 %rappe5 "is essen3e like %in5in- mysel1 in a s"eet@ e*3ept t"at 9 "a5 no 8o5y. 9 "el5 "im in my min5@ my 8o5y@ an5 let "im 1eel t"e lo)e@ my sorro%@ re-ret. Hean2!lau5e %as t"ere@ too. 9 "al12e*pe3te5 "im to protest@ to sa8ota-e it@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. $"at 8lue 1ire spille5 up%ar5 t"rou-" t"e tunnel to meet us@ an5 t"e %orl5 e*plo5e5 into s"apes an5 ima-es t"at %ere too 3on1usin-. Bits an5 pie3es o1 memory@ sensations@ t"ou-"ts@ like t"ree separate >i-sa% puEEles s"aken an5 tosse5 into t"e air@ an5 e)ery pie3e t"at tou3"e5 1orme5 a pi3ture. 9 pa55e5 t"rou-" t"e 1orest on 1our 1eet. $"e smells alone %ere into*i3atin-. 9 sank 1an-s into a 5ainty %rist@ an5 it %asn?t mine. 9 %at3"e5 t"e pulse un5erneat" a %oman?s ne3k an5 t"ou-"t o1 8loo5@ %arm 1les"@ an5 1ar2o11 an5 5istant se*. $"e memories 3ame 1ast@ t"en 1aster@ 1lo%in- like some sort o1 3arni)al ri5e. Bla3kness -aine5 on t"e ima-es@ like ink 1illin%ater. ="en t"e 5arkness ate e)eryt"in-@ 9 1loate5 1or an impossi8le se3on5@ t"en %ent out like a 3an5le 1lame. /ot"in-. 9 5i5n?t e)en "a)e time to 8e s3are5.

Chapter Forty-five
9 %oke in a pastel pink "ospital room. A nurse in a mat3"in- pink smo3k smile5 5o%n at me. 'ear pumpe5 like 1ine 3"ampa-ne. ="ere %as <i3"ar5B ="ere %as Hean2!lau5eB ="at 9 1inally mana-e5 to ask@ %as@ AHo% 5i5 9 -et "ereBC ADour 1rien5 8rou-"t you.C S"e motione5 %it" "er "ea5. ,5%ar5 sat in a 3"air 8y t"e 1ar %all@ lea1in- t"rou-" a ma-aEine. He looke5 up an5 our eyes met. His 1a3e -a)e a%ay not"in-. A,5%ar5BC A7y 1rien5s 3all me $e5@ Anita@ you kno% t"at.C He "a5 t"at -oo5 o1 8oy smile t"at 3oul5 only mean "e %as preten5in- to 8e $e5 'orrester. 9t %as "is only le-al i5entity t"at 9?5 e)er met. ,)en t"e 3ops t"ou-"t "e %as t"is $e5 person. A/urse@ 3an %e "a)e a 1e% minutes aloneBC $"e nurse smile5@ looke5 3uriously 1rom one to t"e ot"er o1 us@ an5 le1t@ still smilin-. 9 trie5 to -ra8 ,5%ar5?s "an5 an5 1oun5 my le1t "an5 %as tape5 to a 8oar5 an5 stu3k %it" an 9V. 9 -ra88e5 at "im %it" my ri-"t "an5@ an5 "e "el5 it. AAre t"ey ali)eBC He smile5@ a mere t%it3" o1 lips. ADes.C A relie1 like 9?5 ne)er kno%n 1lo%e5 t"rou-" my 8o5y. 9 3ollapse5 8a3k a-ainst t"e 8e5@ %eak. A="at "appene5BC ADou 3ame in su11erin- 1rom ly3ant"rope s3rat3"es an5 a )ery nasty )ampire 8ite. He almost 5raine5 you 5ry@ Anita.C A7ay8e t"at?s %"at it took to sa)e us.C A7ay8e@C ,5%ar5 sai5. He sat on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5. His >a3ket -ape5 enou-" to 1las" "is s"oul5er "olster an5 -un. He 3au-"t me lookin-. A$"e poli3e a-ree t"at t"e monsters mi-"t "ol5 a -ru5-e. $"ere?s e)en a 3op outsi5e your 5oor.C =e %eren?t "ol5in- "an5s no%. He stare5 5o%n at me an5 somet"in- )ery 3ol5 passe5 o)er "is 1a3e. A4i5 you "a)e to kill HarleyBC 9 starte5 to say yes@ 8ut 9 stoppe5 mysel1. 9 replaye5 it in my min5. 'inally. 9 looke5 up at "im. A9 5on?t kno%@ ,5%ar5. ="en you %ere kno3ke5 out@ "e 3oul5n?t see you anymore. 9 trie5 to talk to "im@ 8ut "e 3oul5n?t "ear me. He starte5 to raise t"e ma3"ine -un.C 9 met ,5%ar5?s empty 8lue eyes. A9 s"ot "im. Dou sa% t"e 8o5y. 9 e)en put one t"rou-" "is "ea5. A 3oupe 5e -ra3e.C A9 kno%.C His 1a3e@ "is )oi3e -a)e not"in- a%ay. 9t %as like %at3"in- a manne;uin talk@ e*3ept t"at t"is manne;uin %as arme5 an5 9 %asn?t. A9t ne)er o33urre5 to me not to s"oot@ ,5%ar5. 9 5i5n?t e)en "esitate.C ,5%ar5 took a 5eep 8reat" t"rou-" "is nose an5 let it out t"rou-" "is mout". A9 kne% t"at?s %"at "a5 "appene5. 91 you?5 lie5 to me@ 9?5 "a)e kille5 you.C He %alke5 a%ay to stan5 at t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5. A="ile 9?m unarme5BC 9 trie5 to make li-"t o1 it@ 8ut it 5i5n?t %ork. A!"e3k your pillo%.C 9 sli5 my "an5 un5er an5 3ame up %it" t"e 'irestar. 9 "el5 it in my lap@ layin- it on my s"eet3o)ere5 le-s. A="at no%BC ADou o%e me a li1e.C 9 looke5 up at t"at. A9 sa)e5 your li1e last ni-"t.C A#ur li)es 5on?t 3ount@ %e?5 8a3k ea3" ot"er up@ no matter %"at.C A9 5on?t kno% %"at you?re talkin- a8out t"en.C A#33asionally 9?ll nee5 "elp@ like Harley. /e*t time 9 nee5 "elp@ 9?ll 3all you.C 9 %ante5 to ar-ue 8e3ause 9 %asn?t entirely sure %"at mess ,5%ar5 %oul5 5ra- me into@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. Lookin- into "is empty eyes@ "ol5in- t"e -un "e?5 put un5er my pillo%@ 9 kne% "e?5 5o it. 91 9 re1use5 "is 8ar-ain@ "is tra5e as it %ere@ "e?5 pull 5o%n on me@ an5 %e?5 1in5 out on3e an5 1or all %"o %as 8etter. 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e -un in my "an5s. A9?)e alrea5y -ot t"e -un outG all 9 "a)e to 5o is point.C ADou?re in>ure5. Dou nee5 t"e e5-e.C His "an5 "o)ere5 near t"e 8utt o1 "is -un. 9 lai5 t"e -un on t"e s"eets 8esi5e me@ an5 looke5 at "im. 9 lay 8a3k on t"e pillo%s. A9 5on?t %ant to 5o t"is@ ,5%ar5.C A$"en@ %"en 9 3all@ you?ll 3omeBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out it 1or anot"er 8rie1 se3on5@ t"en sai5@ ADea"@ 9?ll 3ome.C He smile5@ "is $e5 (-oo5 o1 8oy) 'orrester smile. A9?ll ne)er 1in5 out "o% -oo5 you really are until you 5ra% 5o%n on me.C A=e 3an li)e %it" t"at@C 9 sai5. ABy t"e %ay@ %"y t"e in)itation to 3ome monster "untin- no%B An5 5on?t tell me it?s a8out Harley.C

ADou kille5 "im@ Anita. Dou kille5 "im %it"out t"inkin- a8out it. ,)en no%@ t"ere?s no re-ret in you@ no 5ou8t.C He %as ri-"t. 9 5i5n?t 1eel 8a5 a8out it. S3ary@ 8ut true. ASo you in)ite5 me to 3ome play 8e3ause 9?m no% as mu3" o1 a so3iopat" as you are.C A#"@ 9?m a mu3" 8etter so3iopat"@C "e sai5. A9?5 ne)er let a )ampire sink "is 1an-s into my ne3k. An5 9 %oul5n?t 5ate t"e terminally 1urry.C A4o you 5ate anyone@ e)erBC He >ust smile5 t"at irritatin- smile t"at meant "e %asn?t -oin- to ans%er. But "e 5i5. A,)en 4eat" "as nee5s.C ,5%ar5 5atin-B $"at %as somet"in- 9 "a5 to see.

Chapter Forty-six
9 -ot out o1 t"e "ospital %it" no permanent s3ars. $"at %as a s%it3". <i3"ar5 "a5 tou3"e5 t"e %oun5s Ga8riel -a)e me@ "is 1a3e )ery serious. /o one "a5 to say it out lou5. 9n a mont"@ %e?5 kno%. $"e 5o3tors o11ere5 to put me in one o1 t"e s"apes"i1ter "al1%ay "ouses (rea5 prisons) 1or t"e 1irst2time 1urry. 9t "as to 8e )oluntary@ 8ut on3e you si-n yoursel1 in@ it?s almost impossi8le to si-n yoursel1 out. 9 tol5 t"em 9?5 take 3are o1 it mysel1. $"ey s3ol5e5 me@ an5 9 tol5 t"em to -o to "ell. 9 spent t"e ni-"t o1 my 1irst 1ull moon %it" <i3"ar5 an5 t"e pa3k@ %aitin- to see i1 9 %as -oin- to >oin t"e killin- 5an3e. 9 5i5n?t. ,it"er 9?5 -otten in3re5i8ly lu3ky or >ust as a )ampire 3an?t 3at3" ly3ant"ropy@ neit"er 3oul5 9. <i3"ar5 %oul5n?t "a)e mu3" to 5o %it" me a1ter t"at. 9 3an?t 8lame "im. 9 still lo)e "im. 9 t"ink "e still lo)es me. 9 lo)e Hean2!lau5e@ too. But it?s not t"e same kin5 o1 lo)e. 9 3an?t e*plain it@ 8ut 9 miss <i3"ar5. 'or 8rie1 moments in Hean2!lau5e?s arms@ 9 1or-et. But 9 miss <i3"ar5. $"e 1a3t t"at %e are 8ot" 8oun5 to Hean2!lau5e 5oesn?t "elp. <i3"ar5 "as a33i5entally in)a5e5 my 5reams t%i3e. Ha)in"im t"at 3lose to me is too pain1ul 1or %or5s. <i3"ar5 1ou-"t it@ 8ut "e 1inally a-ree5 to let Hean2!lau5e tea3" "im enou-" 3ontrol so t"at "e 5oesn?t leak all o)er 8ot" o1 us. He talks to Hean2!lau5e more t"an "e talks to me. $"e trium)irate is useless. <i3"ar5 is too an-ry at me. $oo 1ull o1 sel12loat"in-. 9 5on?t kno% "o% "e?s 5oin- %it" t"e pa3k. He?s 1or8i55en anyone to speak o1 pa3k 8usiness %it" me@ 8ut "e "asn?t 3"osen a ne% alp"a 1emale. =illie 73!oy an5 t"e rest o1 t"e )ampires 9 a33i5entally raise5 seem 1ine. Bi- relie1 t"ere. 7oni3a?s 8a8y is 5ue in Au-ust. Her ammo 3ame 8a3k 3lean. /o Vla5 syn5rome. S"e seems to t"ink 9?m "er 1rien5 no%. 9?m not@ 8ut 9 "elp out sometimes. Hean2!lau5e is playin- t"e -oo5 master an5 takin- 3are o1 "er an5 t"e 8a8y. 7oni3a keeps talkin- a8out me 8a8ysittin-. 9 "ope s"e?s ki55in-. Auntie Anita@ s"e 3alls me. Ga- me %it" a spoon. 'unnier still@ is :n3le Hean2!lau5e. 7y 5a5 sa% me on tele)ision in Hean2!lau5e?s arms. He 3alle5 an5 le1t a )ery %orrie5 messa-e on my ans%erinma3"ine. 7y 1amily are 5e)out !at"oli3s. $"ere is no su3" t"in- as a -oo5 )ampire to t"em. 7ay8e t"ey?re ri-"t. 9 5on?t kno%. !an 9 still 8e t"e s3our-e o1 )ampire kin5 %"en 9?m sleepin- %it" t"e "ea5 8loo5su3kerB Dou 8et.

Burnt 0%%erin!s (1999)

4or my !ran'mot er5 Laura Gentry5 ) o at #6 11 7 tau! t me t at you $oul' 8e small5 %emale5 an' still 8e tou! . A$kno)le'!ments $o my 8rot"er2in2la%@ #11i3er S"a%n Holsapple@ %"o s"oul5 "a)e 8een mentione5 in t"ese pa-es lon- a-o. $"anks 1or 1ire1i-"ter in1o to Paty !o3krum@ %"o amon- "er many talents is also a )olunteer 1ire1i-"ter. $o Bonnee Pierson@ also a )olunteer 1ire1i-"ter. $o 'loren3e Bra5ley@ mem8er o1 t"e Birmin-"am 'ire an5 <es3ue Ser)i3e 4epartment. S"e 5oes t"is 1ire1i-"tin- stu11 1or a li)in-. $"anks also to 4a)e !o3krum@ %"o 3ame up %it" t"e 3olor 1or As"er?s eyes. As al%ays to my %ritin- -roup@ t"e Alternate HistoriansJ $om 4rennan@ /. L. 4re%@ 4e8ora" 7illitello@ <ett 7a3P"erson@ 7arella San5s@ S"aron S"inn@ an5 7ark Summer. 9 %oul5 8e lost %it"out you -uys. Here?s t"e a55ress 1or t"e ne%sletterJ Lauren K. Hamilton 'an !lu8@ 22 #l5 Hi-"%ay 21@ Suite 1(2@ 9mperial@ 7# (3 +2. 9 look at e)ery pie3e o1 mail personally@ %"i3" e*plains t"e slo% response time. 9?ll 8e -ettin- "elp soon@ %"i3" s"oul5 spee5 t"in-s up. 'or t"ose on t"e in1ormation super "i-"%ay@ "ere?s my e2mail a55ressJ Lauren K ari3ia.3om 9 5on?t rea5 t"e 3omputer messa-es. Someone else "an5les all t"e te3"ie stu11.

Chapter One
7ost people 5on?t stare at t"e s3ars. $"ey?ll look@ o1 3ourse@ t"en 5o t"e eye sli5e. Dou kno%@ t"e ;ui3k look@ t"en 5rop t"e -aEe@ t"en >ust "a)e to "a)e t"at se3on5 look. But t"ey make it ;ui3k. $"e %oun5s aren?t like 1reak s"o% 8a5@ 8ut t"ey are interestin-. !aptain Pete 73Kinnon@ 1ire1i-"ter an5 arson in)esti-ator@ sat a3ross 1rom me@ 8i- "an5s %rappe5 aroun5 a -lass o1 i3e5 tea t"at our se3retary@ 7ary@ "a5 8rou-"t in 1or "im. He %as starin- at my arms. /ot t"e pla3e most men look. But it %asn?t se*ual. He %as starin- at t"e s3ars an5 5i5n?t seem a 8it em8arrasse5 a8out it. 7y ri-"t arm "a5 8een sli3e5 open t%i3e 8y a kni1e. #ne s3ar %as %"ite an5 ol5. $"e se3on5 %as still pink an5 ne%. 7y le1t arm %as %orse. A moun5 o1 %"ite s3ar tissue sat at t"e 8en5 o1 my arm. 9?5 "a)e to li1t %ei-"ts 1or t"e rest o1 my li1e or t"e s3ars %oul5 sti11en an5 9?5 lose mo8ility in t"e arm@ or so my p"ysi3al t"erapist "a5 sai5. $"ere %as a 3ross2s"ape5 8urn mark@ a little 3rooke5 no% 8e3ause o1 t"e ra--e5 3la% marks t"at a s"apes"i1te5 %it3" "a5 -i)en me. $"ere %ere one or t%o ot"er s3ars "i55en un5er my 8louse@ 8ut t"e arm really is t"e %orst. Bert@ my 8oss@ "a5 re;ueste5 t"at 9 %ear my suit >a3ket or lon-2slee)e5 8louses in t"e o11i3e. He sai5 t"at some 3lients "a5 e*presse5 reser)ations a8out my a" ... o33upationally a3;uire5 %oun5s. 9 "a5n?t %orn a lon-2slee)e5 8louse sin3e "e ma5e t"e re;uest. He?5 turne5 t"e air 3on5itioner up a little 3ol5er e)ery 5ay. 9t %as so 3ol5 to5ay 9 "a5 -oose 8umps. ,)eryone else %as 8rin-in- s%eaters to %ork. 9 %as s"oppin- 1or mi5ri11 tops to s"o% o11 my 8a3k s3ars. 73Kinnon "a5 8een re3ommen5e5 to me 8y Ser-eant <u5olp" Storr@ 3op an5 1rien5. $"ey?5 playe5 1oot8all in 3olle-e to-et"er@ an5 8een 1rien5s e)er sin3e. 4olp" 5i5n?t use t"e %or5 A1rien5C li-"tly@ so 9 kne% t"ey %ere 3lose. A="at "appene5 to your armBC 73Kinnon aske5 1inally.

A9?m a le-al )ampire e*e3utioner. Sometimes t"ey -et pesky.C 9 took a sip o1 3o11ee. APesky@C "e sai5 an5 smile5. He sat "is -lass on t"e 5esk an5 slippe5 o11 "is suit >a3ket. He %as nearly as %i5e t"rou-" t"e s"oul5ers as 9 %as tall. He %as a 1e% in3"es s"ort o1 4olp"?s si* 1oot ei-"t@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t miss it 8y mu3". He %as only in "is 1orties@ 8ut "is "air %as 3ompletely -rey %it" a little %"ite startin- at t"e temples. 9t 5i5n?t make "im look 5istin-uis"e5. 9t ma5e "im look tire5. He "a5 me 8eat on s3ars. Burn s3ars 3ra%le5 up "is arms 1rom "is "an5s to 5isappear un5er t"e s"ort slee)es o1 "is %"ite 5ress s"irt. $"e skin %as mottle5 pinkis"@ %"ite@ an5 a stran-e s"a5e o1 tan like t"e skin o1 some animal t"at s"oul5 s"e5 re-ularly. A$"at must "a)e "urt@C 9 sai5. A9t 5i5.C He sat t"ere meetin- my eyes %it" a lon- stea5y look. ADou sa% t"e insi5e o1 a "ospital on some o1 t"at.C ADea".C 9 pus"e5 t"e slee)e up on my le1t arm an5 s"o%e5 t"e s"iny pla3e %"ere a 8ullet "a5 -raEe5 me. His eyes %i5ene5 >ust a 8it. A/o% t"at %e?)e pro)en %e?re 8i- tou-" "e2men@ 3an you >ust 3ut to t"e 3"aseB ="y are you "ere@ !aptain 73KinnonBC He smile5 an5 5rape5 "is >a3ket o)er t"e 8a3k o1 "is 3"air. He took t"e tea o11 my 5esk an5 sippe5 it. A4olp" sai5 you %oul5n?t like 8ein- siEe5 up.C A9 5on?t like passin- inspe3tions.C AHo% 5o you kno% you passe5BC 9t %as my turn to smile. A=omen?s intuition. /o%@ %"at 5o you %antBC A4o you kno% %"at t"e term 1ire8u- meansBC AAn arsonist@C 9 sai5. He looke5 e*pe3tantly at me. AA pyrokineti3@ someone %"o 3an 3all 1ire psy3"i3ally.C He no55e5. ADou e)er seen a real pyroBC A9 sa% 1ilms o1 #p"elia <yan@C 9 sai5. A$"e ol5 8la3k2an52%"ite onesBC "e aske5. ADea".C AS"e?s 5ea5 no%@ you kno%.C A/o@ 9 5i5n?t kno%.C ABurne5 to 5eat" in "er 8e5@ spontaneous 3om8ustion. A lot o1 t"e 1ire8u-s -o up t"at %ay@ as i1 %"en t"ey?re ol5 t"ey lose 3ontrol o1 it. Dou e)er see one o1 t"em in personBC A/ope.C A="ere?5 you see t"e 1ilmsBC A$%o semesters o1 Psy3"i3 Stu5ies. =e "a5 a lot o1 psy3"i3s 3ome in an5 talk to us@ 5emonstrate t"eir a8ilities@ 8ut pyrokineti3s is su3" a rare a8ility@ 9 5on?t t"ink t"e pro1 3oul5 1in5 one.C He no55e5 an5 5raine5 t"e rest o1 "is tea in one lon- s%allo%. A9 met #p"elia <yan on3e 8e1ore s"e 5ie5. /i3e la5y.C He starte5 to turn t"e i3e21ille5 -lass roun5 an5 roun5 in "is lar-e "an5s. He stare5 at t"e -lass an5 not at me %"ile "e talke5. A9 met one ot"er 1ire8u-. He %as youn-@ in "is t%enties. He?5 starte5 8y settin- empty "ouses on 1ire@ like a lot o1 pyromania3s. $"en "e 5i5 8uil5in-s %it" people in t"em@ 8ut e)ery8o5y -ot out. $"en "e 5i5 a tenement@ a real 1iretrap. He set e)ery e*it on 1ire. Kille5 o)er si*ty people@ mostly %omen an5 3"il5ren.C 73Kinnon stare5 up at me. $"e look in "is eyes %as "aunte5. A9t?s still t"e lar-est 8o5y 3ount 9?)e e)er seen at a 1ire. He 5i5 an o11i3e 8uil5in- t"e same %ay@ 8ut misse5 a 3ouple o1 e*its. $%enty2t"ree 5ea5.C AHo%?5 you 3at3" "imBC AHe starte5 %ritin- to t"e papers an5 t"e tele)ision. He %ante5 3re5it 1or t"e 5eat"s. He set 1ire to a 3ouple o1 3ops 8e1ore %e -ot "im. =e %ere %earin- t"ose 8i- sil)er suits t"at t"ey %ear to oil ri- 1ires. He 3oul5n?t -et t"em to 8urn. =e took "im 5o%n to t"e poli3e station@ an5 t"at %as t"e mistake. He set it on 1ire.C A="ere else 3oul5 you "a)e taken "imBC 9 aske5. He s"ru--e5 massi)e s"oul5ers. A9 5on?t kno%@ some%"ere else. 9 %as still in t"e suit@ an5 9 "el5 onto "im. $ol5 "im %e?5 8urn up to-et"er i1 "e 5i5n?t stop it. He lau-"e5 an5 set "imsel1 on 1ire.C 73Kinnon sat "is -lass )ery 3are1ully on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 5esk. A$"e 1lames %ere t"is so1t 8lue 3olor almost like a -as 1ire@ 8ut paler. 4i5n?t 8urn "im@ 8ut some"o% it set my suit on 1ire. $"e 5amn t"in- is rate5 1or somet"in- like (@ 5e-rees@ an5 it starte5 to melt. Human skin 8urns at 12 5e-rees@ 8ut

some"o% 9 5i5n?t melt into a pu55le@ >ust t"e suit. 9 "a5 to strip it o11 %"ile "e lau-"e5. He %alke5 out t"e 5oor an5 "e 5i5n?t t"ink anyone %oul5 8e stupi5 enou-" to -ra8 "im.C 9 5i5n?t say t"e o8)ious. 9 let "im talk. A9 ta3kle5 "im in t"e "all%ay an5 slamme5 "im into a %all a 3ouple o1 times. 'unny t"in-@ %"ere my skin tou3"e5 "im@ it 5i5n?t 8urn. 9t %as like t"e 1ire 3ra%le5 o)er a spa3e an5 starte5 on my arms@ so my "an5s are 1ine.C 9 no55e5. A$"ere?s a t"eory t"at a pyro?s aura keeps t"em 1rom 8urnin-. ="en you tou3"e5 "is skin@ you %ere too 3lose to "is o%n aura@ "is o%n prote3tion@ to 8urn.C He stare5 at me. A7ay8e t"at is %"at "appene5@ 8e3ause 9 t"re% "im "ar5 up a-ainst t"e %all o)er an5 o)er. He %as s3reamin-@ F9?ll 8urn you. 9?ll 8urn you ali)e.? $"en t"e 1ire 3"an-e5 3olor to yello%@ normal@ an5 "e starte5 to 8urn. 9 let "im -o an5 %ent 1or t"e 1ire e*tin-uis"er. =e 3oul5n?t put t"e 1ire on "is 8o5y out. $"e e*tin-uis"ers %orke5 on t"e %alls@ e)eryt"in- else@ 8ut it %oul5n?t %ork on "im. 9t %as as i1 t"e 1ire %as 3ra%lin- out o1 "is 8o5y 1rom 5eep insi5e. =e?5 5ampen some o1 t"e 1lames@ 8ut t"ere %as >ust more o1 it until "e %as ma5e o1 1ire.C 73Kinnon?s eyes %ere 5istant an5 "orror21ille5 as i1 "e %as still seein- it. AHe 5i5n?t 5ie@ 7s. Blake@ not like "e s"oul5 o1. He s3reame5 1or so lon- an5 %e 3oul5n?t "elp "im. !oul5n?t "elp "im.C His )oi3e traile5 o11. He >ust sat t"ere starin- at not"in-. 9 %aite5 an5 1inally sai5@ -ently@ A="y are you "ere@ !aptainBC He 8linke5 an5 sort o1 s"ook "imsel1. A9 t"ink %e?)e -ot anot"er 1ire8u- on our "an5s@ 7s. Blake. 4olp" sai5 t"at i1 anyone 3oul5 "elp us 3ut t"e loss o1 li1e@ it %as you.C APsy3"i3 a8ility isn?t te3"ni3ally preternatural. 9t?s >ust talent like t"ro%in- a -reat 3ur)e 8all.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A="at 9 sa% 5ie on t"e 1loor o1 t"e station t"at 5ay %asn?t "uman. 9t 3oul5n?t "a)e 8een "uman. 4olp" says you?re t"e monster e*pert. Help me 3at3" t"is monster 8e1ore "e kills.C AHe or s"e "asn?t kille5 yetB 9t?s >ust property 5ama-eBC 9 aske5. He no55e5. A9 3oul5 lose my >o8 1or 3omin- to you. 9 s"oul5 "a)e 8u3ke5 t"is up t"e line an5 -otten permission 1rom t"e 3"ain o1 3omman5@ 8ut %e?)e only lost a 3ouple o1 8uil5in-s. 9 %ant to keep it t"at %ay.C 9 took in a slo% 8reat" an5 let it out. A9?ll 8e "appy to "elp@ !aptain@ 8ut 9 "onestly 5on?t kno% %"at 9 3an 5o 1or you.C He pulle5 out a t"i3k 1ile 1ol5er. AHere?s e)eryt"in- %e?)e -ot. Look it o)er an5 3all me toni-"t.C 9 took t"e 1ol5er 1rom "im an5 sat it in t"e mi55le o1 my 5esk 8lotter. A7y num8er?s in t"e 1ile. !all me. 7ay8e it?s not a 1ire8u-. 7ay8e it?s somet"in- else. But %"ate)er it is@ 7s. Blake@ it 3an 8at"e in 1lames an5 not 8urn. 9t 3an %alk t"rou-" a 8uil5in- an5 s"e5 1ire like sprinklin- %ater. /o a33elerant@ 7s. Blake@ 8ut t"e "ouses "a)e -one up as i1 t"ey?)e 8een soake5 in somet"in-. ="en %e -et t"e %oo5 in t"e la8@ it?s 3lean. 9t?s like %"ate)er is 5oin- t"is 3an 1or3e t"e 1ire to 5o t"in-s it s"oul5n?t 5o.C He -lan3e5 at "is %at3". A9?m runnin- late. 9?m %orkin- on -ettin- you on t"is o11i3ially@ 8ut 9?m a1rai5 t"ey?ll %ait until people are 5ea5. 9 5on?t %ant to %ait.C A9?ll 3all you toni-"t@ 8ut it may 8e late. Ho% late is too late to 3allBC AAny time@ 7s. Blake@ any time.C 9 no55e5 an5 stoo5. 9 o11ere5 my "an5. He s"ook it. His -rip %as 1irm@ soli5@ 8ut not too ti-"t. A lot o1 male 3lients t"at %ante5 to kno% a8out t"e s3ars s;ueeEe5 my "an5 like t"ey %ante5 me to 3ry Aun3le.C But 73Kinnon %as se3ure. He "a5 "is o%n s3ars. 9?5 8arely sat 8a3k 5o%n %"en t"e p"one ran-. A="at is it@ 7aryBC A9t?s me@C Larry sai5. A7ary 5i5n?t t"ink you?5 min5 "er puttin- me strai-"t t"rou-".C Larry Kirklan5@ )ampire e*e3utioner trainee@ %as suppose5 to 8e o)er at t"e mor-ue stakin- )ampires. A/ope. ="at?s upBC A9 nee5 a ri5e "ome.C $"ere %as >ust t"e sli-"test "esitation to "is )oi3e. A="at?s %ron-BC He lau-"e5. A9 s"oul5 kno% 8etter t"an to 8e 3oy %it" you. 9?m all stit3"e5 up. $"e 5o3 says 9?ll 8e 1ine.C A="at "appene5BC 9 aske5. A!ome pi3k me up an5 9?ll tell all.C $"en t"e little son o1 a -un "un- up on me. $"ere %as only one reason 1or "im to not %ant to talk to me. He?5 5one somet"in- stupi5 an5 -otten "urt. $%o 8o5ies to stake. $%o 8o5ies t"at %oul5n?t "a)e risen 1or at least anot"er ni-"t. ="at 3oul5 "a)e -one %ron-B As t"e ol5 sayin-oes@ only one %ay to 1in5 out. 7ary res3"e5ule5 my appointments. 9 -ot my s"oul5er "olster 3omplete %it" Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er out o1 t"e top 5esk 5ra%er an5 slippe5 it on. Sin3e 9?5 stoppe5 %earin- my suit >a3ket in t"e o11i3e@ 9?5 put t"e -un in t"e 5ra%er@ 8ut outsi5e

t"e o11i3e an5 al%ays a1ter 5ark 9 %ore a -un. 7ost o1 t"e 3reatures t"at "a5 s3arre5 me up %ere 5ea5. $"e ma>ority 9?5 5one personally. Sil)er2plate5 8ullets are a %on5er1ul t"in-.

Chapter Two
Larry sat )ery 3are1ully in t"e passen-er seat o1 my Heep. 9t?s "ar5 to sit in a 3ar %"en your 8a3k "as 1res" stit3"es in it. 9?5 seen t"e %oun5. 9t %as one s"arp pun3ture an5 one lon-@ 8loo5y s3rape. $%o %oun5s@ really. He %as still %earin- t"e 8lue $2s"irt "e?5 starte5 in@ 8ut t"e 8a3k o1 it %as 8loo5y an5 ra--e5. 9 %as impresse5 "e?5 kept t"e nurses 1rom 3uttin- it o11 o1 "im. $"ey "a5 a ten5en3y to 3ut o11 3lot"in- t"at stoo5 in t"eir %ay. Larry straine5 a-ainst t"e seat 8elt@ tryin- to 1in5 a 3om1orta8le position. His s"ort re5 "air "a5 8een 1res"ly 3ut@ ti-"t enou-" to "is "ea5 t"at you almost 5i5n?t noti3e t"e 3urls. He %as 1i)e 1oot 1our@ an in3" taller t"an me. He?5 -ra5uate5 %it" a 5e-ree in preternatural 8iolo-y t"is 7ay. But %it" t"e 1re3kles an5 t"at little pain %rinkle 8et%een "is 3lear 8lue eyes@ "e looke5 3loser to si*teen t"an t%enty2one. 9?5 8een so 8usy %at3"in- "im s;uirm t"at 9?5 misse5 t"e turno11 to 922. . =e %ere stu3k on Ballas until %e -ot to #li)e. 9t %as >ust 8e1ore lun3"@ an5 #li)e %oul5 8e pa3ke5 %it" people tryin- to s"o)e 1oo5 in t"eir mout"s an5 rus" 8a3k to %ork. A4i5 you take your pain pillBC 9 aske5. He trie5 to sit )ery still@ one arm 8ra3e5 on t"e e5-e o1 t"e seat. A/o.C A="y notBC ABe3ause stu11 like t"at kno3ks me out. 9 5on?t %ant to sleep.C AA 5ru--e5 sleep isn?t t"e same t"in- as re-ular sleep@C 9 sai5. A/o@ t"e 5reams are %orse@C "e sai5. He "a5 me t"ere. A="at "appene5@ LarryBC A9?m amaEe5 you?)e %aite5 t"is lon- to ask.C ASo am 9@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to ask in 1ront o1 t"e 5o3tor. 91 you start askin- ;uestions o1 t"e patient@ t"e 5o3s ten5 to %an5er o11 an5 treat some8o5y else. 9 %ante5 to kno% 1rom t"e 5o3tor %"o stit3"e5 you up >ust "o% serious it %as.C AHust a 1e% stit3"es@C "e sai5. A$%enty@C 9 sai5. A,i-"teen@C "e sai5. A9 %as roun5in- up.C A$rust me@C "e sai5. ADou 5on?t nee5 to roun5 up.C He -rima3e5 as "e sai5 it. A="y 5oes t"is "urt so mu3"BC "e aske5. 9t mi-"t "a)e 8een a r"etori3al ;uestion@ 8ut 9 ans%ere5 it any%ay. A,)ery time you mo)e an arm or a le- you use mus3les in your 8a3k. 7o)in- your "ea5 an5 mus3les in your s"oul5ers makes mus3les in your 8a3k mo)e. Dou ne)er appre3iate your 8a3k until it -oes out on you.C AGreat@C "e sai5. A,nou-" stallin-@ Larry. $ell me %"at "appene5.C =e %ere stoppe5 8e"in5 a lon- line o1 tra11i3 lea5in- up to t"e li-"t on #li)e. =e %ere stu3k 8et%een t%o small strip malls. $"e one on our le1t "a5 1ountains an5 V. H.?s $ea an5 Spi3e@ %"ere 9 -ot all my 3o11ee. $o our ri-"t %as Streetsi5e <e3or5s an5 a !"inese 8u11et. 91 you 3ame up Ballas at lun3" time@ you al%ays "a5 plenty o1 time to stu5y t"e s"ops on eit"er si5e. He smile5@ t"en -rima3e5. A9 "a5 t%o 8o5ies to stake. Bot" )amp )i3tims t"at 5i5n?t %ant to rise as )ampires.C A$"ey "a5 5yin- %ills@ 9 remem8er. Dou?)e 8een 5oin- most o1 t"ose lately.C He no55e5@ t"en 1roEe in mi52-esture. A,)en no55in- my "ea5 "urts.C A9t?ll "urt more tomorro%.C AGee@ t"anks@ 8oss. 9 nee5e5 to kno% t"at.C 9 s"ru--e5. ALyin- to you %on?t make it "urt less.C AAny8o5y e)er tell you your 8e5si5e manner su3ksBC ALots o1 people.C He ma5e a small "mp" soun5. A$"at 9 8elie)e. Any%ay@ 9?5 1inis"e5 t"e 8o5ies an5 %as pa3kin- up. A %oman rolle5 in anot"er 8o5y. Sai5 it %as a )amp %it" no 3ourt or5er atta3"e5.C 9 -lan3e5 at "im@ 1ro%nin-. ADou 5i5n?t 5o a 8o5y %it"out paper%ork@ 5i5 youBC

He 1ro%ne5 8a3k. A#1 3ourse not. 9 tol5 t"em@ no 3ourt or5er@ no 5ea5 )ampire. Stakin- a )amp %it"out a 3ourt or5er is mur5er@ an5 9?m not -oin- to 8e up on 3"ar-es 8e3ause someone s3re%e5 t"e paper%ork. 9 tol5 t"em 8ot" t"at in no un3ertain terms.C A$"emBC 9 aske5. 9 ease5 up t"e line o1 tra11i3@ a little 3loser to t"e li-"t. A$"e ot"er mor-ue atten5ant "a5 3ome 8a3k in. $"ey %ent out in sear3" o1 t"e mispla3e5 paper%ork. 9 %as le1t %it" t"e )ampire. 9t %as mornin-. He %asn?t -oin- any%"ere.C He trie5 to look a%ay an5 not meet my eyes@ 8ut it "urt. He en5e5 up starin- at me@ an-ry. A9 %ent out 1or a 3i-arette.C 9 looke5 at "im an5 "a5 to slam on t"e 8rakes %"en t"e tra11i3 >ust stoppe5. Larry %as 1lun- into t"e seat 8elt. He -roane5@ an5 %"en "e %as 1inis"e5 %rit"in- on t"e seat@ "e sai5@ ADou 5i5 t"at on purpose.C A/o@ 9 5i5n?t@ 8ut may8e 9 s"oul5 "a)e. Dou le1t a )ampire 8o5y alone. A )ampire t"at mi-"t "a)e "a5 enou-" kills to 5eser)e a 3ourt or5er o1 e*e3ution@ alone in t"e mor-ue.C A9t %asn?t >ust t"e 3i-arette@ Anita. $"e 8o5y %as >ust lyin- t"ere on t"e -urney. 9t %asn?t 3"aine5 or strappe5. $"ere %ere no 3rosses any%"ere. 9?)e 5one e*e3utions. $"ey plaster t"e )amps %it" sil)er 3"ains an5 3rosses until it?s "ar5 to 1in5 t"e "eart. 9t >ust 5i5n?t look ri-"t. 9 %ante5 to talk to t"e me5i3al e*aminer. S"e "as to appro)e all )ampires 8e1ore e*e3ution@ or some8o5y 5oes. Besi5es t"e 7, smokes. 9 1i-ure5 %e 3oul5 "a)e one to-et"er in "er o11i3e.C AAn5@C 9 sai5. AS"e %asn?t in@ an5 9 %ent 8a3k to t"e mor-ue. ="en 9 -ot t"ere@ t"e %oman atten5ant %as tryin- to poun5 a stake t"rou-" t"e )amp?s 3"est.C 9t %as lu3ky %e %ere at a 5ea5 stop in tra11i3. 91 %e?5 8een mo)in-@ 9?5 "a)e plo%e5 into someone. 9 stare5 at "im. ADou le1t your )ampire kit unatten5e5.C He mana-e5 to look em8arrasse5 an5 an-ry at t"e same time. A7y kit 5oesn?t in3lu5e s"ot-uns like yours 5oes@ so 9 1i-ure5@ %"o %oul5 8ot"er it.C AA lot o1 people %ill steal t"in-s out o1 t"e 8a- 1or sou)enirs@ Larry.C $ra11i3 starte5 to 3reep 1or%ar5 an5 9 "a5 to %at3" t"e roa5 instea5 o1 "is 1a3e. A'ine@ 1ine@ 9 %as %ron-. 9 kno% 9 %as %ron-. 9 -ra88e5 "er aroun5 t"e %aist an5 pulle5 "er o11 t"e )ampire.C His eyes sli5 5o%n%ar5@ not lookin- at me. $"is %as t"e part t"at 8ot"ere5 "im@ or t"e part "e t"ou-"t %oul5 8ot"er me. A9 turne5 my 8a3k on "er to 3"e3k t"e )ampire. $o make sure s"e "a5n?t "urt "im.C AS"e 5i5 your 8a3k@C 9 sai5. =e in3"e5 1or%ar5. =e %ere no% trappe5 8et%een 4airy Nueen an5 Kentu3ky 'rie5 !"i3ken on one si5e@ an5 an 9n1initi 3ar 5ealers"ip an5 a -as station on t"e ot"er. $"e s3enery %as not impro)in-. ADea"@ yea". S"e must "a)e t"ou-"t 9 %as 5o%n 1or t"e 3ount 8e3ause s"e le1t me an5 %ent 8a3k to t"e )ampire. 9 5isarme5 "er@ 8ut s"e %as still tryin- to -et to t"e )ampire %"en t"e ot"er atten5ant 3ame in. 9t took 8ot" o1 us to pin "er. S"e %as 3raEy@ mani3.C A="y 5i5n?t you 5ra% your -un@ LarryBC His -un %as sittin- in "is )ampire kit 8e3ause a s"oul5er "olster an5 "is 8a3k %oun5 5i5 not mi*. But "e %ent arme5. 9?5 taken "im out to t"e s"ootin- ran-e@ an5 out on )ampire "unts until 9 truste5 "im not to s"oot "is 1oot o11. A91 9?5 5ra%n my -un@ 9 mi-"t "a)e s"ot "er.C A$"at?s sort o1 t"e point@ Larry.C A9t?s e*a3tly t"e point@C "e sai5. A9 5i5n?t %ant to s"oot "er.C AS"e 3oul5 "a)e kille5 you@ Larry.C A9 kno%.C 9 -rippe5 t"e steerin- %"eel ti-"t enou-" to mottle my skin@ %"ite an5 pink. 9 let out a lon- 8reat" an5 trie5 not to yell. ADou o8)iously 5on?t kno%@ or you %oul5 "a)e 8een more 3are1ul.C A9?m ali)e@ an5 s"e?s not 5ea5. $"e )ampire 5i5n?t e)en -et a s3rat3". 9t %orke5 out all ri-"t.C 9 pulle5 out onto #li)e an5 starte5 3reepin- to%ar5s 2. . =e nee5e5 to "ea5 nort" to%ar5s St. !"arles. Larry "a5 an apartment o)er t"ere. 9t %as a8out a t%enty2minute 5ri)e@ -i)e or take. His apartment looke5 out o)er a lake %"ere -eese neste5 in t"e sprin- an5 3on-re-ate5 in t"e %inter. <i3"ar5 Keeman@ >unior "i-" s3ien3e tea3"er@ alp"a %ere%ol1@ an5 at t"at time@ my 8oy1rien5@ "a5 "elpe5 "im mo)e in. <i3"ar5 "a5 really like5 t"e -eese nestin- >ust un5er t"e 8al3ony. So "a5 9. ALarry@ you are -oin- to "a)e to -et o)er t"is s;ueamis"ness or you?re -oin- to -et kille5.C A9?ll keep 5oin- %"at 9 t"ink is ri-"t@ Anita. /ot"in- you 3an say %ill 3"an-e my min5.C A4ammit@ Larry. 9 5on?t %ant to "a)e to 8ury you.C A="at %oul5 you "a)e 5oneB S"ot "erBC

A9 %oul5n?t "a)e turne5 my 8a3k on "er@ Larry. 9 3oul5 "a)e pro8a8ly 5isarme5 "er or kept "er 8usy until t"e ot"er atten5ant arri)e5. 9 %oul5n?t "a)e "a5 to s"oot "er.C A9 let t"in-s -et out o1 3ontrol@C "e sai5. ADour priorities %ere s3re%e5. Dou s"oul5 "a)e neutraliEe5 t"e t"reat 8e1ore you 3"e3ke5 on t"e )i3tim. Ali)e@ you 3oul5 "elp t"e )amp. 4ea5@ you?re >ust anot"er )i3tim.C A=ell@ at least 9?)e -ot a s3ar you 5on?t "a)e.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou?ll "a)e to try "ar5er i1 you %ant a s3ar 9 5on?t "a)e.C ADou let a "uman s"o)e one o1 your o%n stakes into your 8a3kBC A$%o "umans %it" multiple 8ites@ %"at 9 use5 to 3all "uman ser)ants@ 8e1ore 9 kne% %"at t"e term really meant. 9 "a5 one pinne5 an5 %as sta88in- "im. $"e %oman 3ame at my 8a3k.C ASo yours %asn?t a mistake@C "e sai5. 9 s"ru--e5. A9 3oul5 "a)e s"ot t"em %"en 9 1irst sa% t"em@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t kill "umans as easily 8a3k t"en. 9 learne5 my lesson. Hust 8e3ause it 5oesn?t "a)e 1an-s 5oesn?t mean it 3an?t kill you.C ADou use5 to 8e s;ueamis" a8out s"ootin- "uman ser)antsBC Larry aske5. 9 turne5 onto 2. . A/o one?s per1e3t. ="y 5i5 t"e %oman "a)e a "ar52on to kill t"e )ampireBC He -rinne5. ADou?re -oin- to lo)e t"is one. S"e?s a mem8er o1 Humans 'irst. $"e )ampire %as a 5o3tor in t"e "ospital. He?5 tu3ke5 "imsel1 into a linen 3loset. 9t %as %"ere "e al%ays slept t"e 5ay a%ay i1 "e?5 "a5 to stay too late in t"e "ospital to 5ri)e "ome. S"e >ust poppe5 "im on a -urney an5 %"eele5 "im 5o%n to t"e mor-ue.C A9?m surprise5 s"e 5i5n?t >ust pus" "im out into t"e sunli-"t. $"e last sunli-"t o1 t"e 5ay %orks as %ell as noon5ay.C A$"e linen 3loset "e use5 %as on t"e 8asement 1loor >ust in 3ase someone opene5 t"e 5oor at t"e %ron- time o1 5ay. /o %in5o%s. S"e %as a1rai5 someone %oul5 see "er 8e1ore s"e 3oul5 -et "im up in t"e ele)ator an5 outsi5e.C AS"e really t"ou-"t you %oul5 >ust stake "imBC A9 -uess so. 9 5on?t kno%@ Anita. S"e %as 3raEy@ really 3raEy. S"e spit at t"e )ampire an5 us. Sai5 %e?5 all rot in "ell. $"at %e "a5 to 3leanse t"e %orl5 o1 t"e monsters. $"e monsters %ere -oin- to ensla)e us all.C Larry s"i)ere5@ t"en 1ro%ne5. A9 t"ou-"t Humans A-ainst Vampires %as 8a5 enou-"@ 8ut t"is splinter -roup@ Humans 'irst@ is -enuinely s3ary.C AHAV tries to %ork %it"in t"e la%@C 9 sai5. AHumans 'irst 5oesn?t e)en preten5 to 3are. $"ey 3laime5 t"ey stake5 t"at )ampire mayor in 7i3"i-an.C A!laime5B Dou 5on?t 8elie)e t"emBC A9 t"ink someone near an5 5ear to "is "ouse"ol5 5i5 it.C A="yBC A$"e 3ops sent me a 5es3ription an5 some p"otos o1 t"e se3urity pre3autions "e?5 taken. Humans 'irst may 8e ra5i3al@ 8ut t"ey 5on?t seem )ery %ell or-aniEe5 yet. Dou?5 "a)e "a5 to plan an5 8e )ery lu3ky to -et to t"at )ampire 5urin- t"e 5ay. He %as like a lot o1 t"e ol5 ones@ )ery serious a8out "is 5aytime sa1ety. 9 t"ink %"oe)er 5i5 it is "appy to let t"e ri-"t2 %in- ra5i3als take t"e 8lame.C ADou tell t"e poli3e %"at you t"inkBC ASure. $"at?s %"y t"ey aske5.C A9?m surprise5 t"ey 5i5n?t "a)e you 3ome 5o%n an5 see it in person.C 9 s"ru--e5. A9 3an?t -o personally to e)ery preternatural 3rime. Besi5es@ 9?m te3"ni3ally a 3i)ilian. !ops are sort o1 leery a8out in)ol)in- 3i)ilians in t"eir 3ases@ 8ut more importantly@ t"e me5ia %oul5 8e all o)er it. $"e ,*e3utioner Sol)es Vampire 7ur5er.C Larry -rinne5. A$"at?s a mil5 "ea5line 1or you.C A:n1ortunately@C 9 sai5. AAlso@ 9 t"ink t"e killer is a "uman. 9 t"ink it?s >ust someone "e %as 3lose to. 9t?s like any %ell2 planne5 mur5er e*3ept 1or t"e )i3tim 8ein- a )ampire.C A#nly you %oul5 make a lo3ke52room )ampire mur5er soun5 or5inary@C Larry sai5. 9 "a5 to smile. A9 -uess so.C 7y 8eeper %ent o11@ an5 9 >umpe5. 9 pulle5 t"e 5amn t"in- o11 my skirt an5 "el5 it %"ere 9 3oul5 see t"e num8er. 9 1ro%ne5 at it. A="at?s %ron-B 9s it t"e poli3eBC A/o. 9 5on?t re3o-niEe t"e num8er.C ADou 5on?t -i)e out your 8eeper num8er to stran-ers.C A9?m a%are o1 t"at.C AHey@ 5on?t -et -rumpy at me.C

9 si-"e5. ASorry.C Larry %as slo%ly %earin- me 5o%n on my a--ression t"res"ol5. He %as@ 8y s"eer repetition@ tea3"inme to 8e ni3er. Any8o5y else an5 9 %oul5 "a)e 1e5 t"em t"eir "ea5 in a 8asket. But Larry mana-e5 to pus" my 8uttons >ust ri-"t. He 3oul5 3aution me to 8e ni3er an5 9 5i5n?t slu- "im. $"e 8asis o1 many a su33ess1ul relations"ip. =e %ere only minutes 1rom Larry?s apartment. 9?5 tu3k "im into 8e5 an5 ans%er t"e 3all. 91 it %asn?t t"e poli3e or a Eom8ie2raisin-@ 9 %as -oin- to 8e pisse5. 9 "ate5 8ein- 8eepe5 %"en it %asn?t important. $"at?s %"at 8eepers are 1or@ ri-"tB 91 it %asn?t important stu11@ 9 %as -oin- to rain all o)er some8o5y?s para5e. =it" Larry asleep@ 9 3oul5 8e as nasty as 9 %ante5 to 8e. 9t %as almost a relie1.

Chapter Three
="en Larry %as sa1ely tu3ke5 in 8e5 %it" "is 4emorol@ so 5eeply asleep t"at not"in- s"ort o1 an eart";uake %oul5 "a)e %oken "im@ 9 ma5e my p"one 3all. 9 still 5i5n?t "a)e t"e 1aintest i5ea %"o it %as@ %"i3" 8ot"ere5 me. 9t %asn?t >ust in3on)enient@ it %as unner)in-. ="o %as -i)in- out my pri)ate num8ers an5 %"yB $"e p"one 5i5n?t e)en 1inis" a rin- 8e1ore it %as pi3ke5 up. $"e )oi3e on t"e ot"er en5 %as male@ so1t@ an5 pani3ke5. AHello@ "ello.C All my irritation )anis"e5 in a %as" o1 somet"in- )ery 3lose to 1ear. AStep"en@ %"at?s %ron-BC 9 "ear5 "im s%allo% on "is en5 o1 t"e p"one. A$"ank Go5.C A="at?s "appene5BC 9 ma5e my )oi3e )ery 3lear@ )ery 3alm@ 8e3ause 9 %ante5 to yell at "im@ to 1or3e "im to tell me %"at t"e "ell %as -oin- on. A!an you 3ome 5o%n to St. Louis :ni)ersity HospitalBC $"at -ot my attention. AHo% 8a5 are you "urtBC A9t?s not me.C 7y "eart sli5 up into my t"roat@ an5 my )oi3e 3ame out s;ueeEe5 an5 ti-"t. AHean2!lau5e.C $"e moment 9 sai5 it@ 9 kne% it %as silly. 9t %as >ust a1ter noon. 91 Hean2!lau5e "a5 nee5e5 a 5o3tor@ t"ey %oul5 "a)e "a5 to 3ome to "im. Vampires 5i5 not tra)el %ell in 8roa5 5ayli-"t. ="y %as 9 so %orrie5 a8out a )ampireB 9 "appene5 to 8e 5atin- "im. 7y 1amily@ 5e)out !at"oli3s@ are simply t"rille5. Sin3e 9?m still a little em8arrasse5 a8out it@ it?s "ar5 to 5e1en5 mysel1. A9t?s not Hean2!lau5e. 9t?s /at"aniel.C A="oBC Step"en?s 8reat" %ent out in a lon-2su11erin- si-". AHe %as one o1 Ga8riel?s people.C ="i3" %as anot"er %ay o1 sayin- "e %as a %ereleopar5. Ga8riel "a5 8een t"e leopar5s? lea5er@ t"eir alp"a@ until 9 kille5 "im. ="y "a5 9 kille5 "imB 7ost o1 t"e %oun5s "e?5 -i)en me "a5 "eale5. 9t %as one o1 t"e 8ene1its o1 t"e )ampire marks. 9 5i5n?t s3ar ;uite so easily anymore. But t"ere %as a 3url o1 s3ars "i-" up on my 8utto3ks an5 lo%er 8a3k@ 1aint@ almost 5ainty@ 8ut 9 %oul5 al%ays "a)e a little remin5er o1 Ga8riel. A remin5er t"at "is 1antasy "a5 8een to rape me@ to make me 3ry out "is name@ t"en kill me. $"ou-" kno%in- Ga8riel@ "e pro8a8ly "a5n?t 8een so pi3ky on %"en 9 5ie5@ a1ter@ or 5urin-2eit"er %oul5 "a)e %orke5 1or "im. As lon- as 9 %as still %arm. 7ost ly3ant"ropes aren?t into 3arrion. 9 soun5e5 3asual a8out it@ e)en in my o%n "ea5. But my 1in-ers tra3e5 alon- my 8a3k as i1 9 3oul5 1eel t"e s3ars t"rou-" my skirt. Ha5 to 8e 3asual a8out it. Ha5 to 8e. #r you start s3reamin-@ an5 you 5on?t stop. A$"e "ospital 5oesn?t kno% /at"aniel?s a s"apes"i1ter@ 5o t"eyBC 9 sai5. He lo%ere5 "is )oi3e. A$"ey kno%. He?s "ealin- too 1ast 1or t"em not to kno%.C ASo %"y %"isperBC ABe3ause 9?m out in t"e %aitin- room on a pay p"one.C $"ere %as a soun5 on t"e ot"er en5 like "e?5 "a5 to take t"e re3ei)er a%ay 1rom "is mout". He muttere5@ A9?ll 8e o11 in >ust a minute.C He 3ame 8a3k on. A9 nee5 you to 3ome 5o%n@ Anita.C A="yBC APlease.C ADou?re a %ere%ol1@ Step"en. ="at are you 5oin- 8a8ysittin- one o1 t"e kitty3atsBC A9?m one o1 t"e names in "is %allet in 3ase o1 emer-en3ies. /at"aniel %orks at Guilty Pleasures.C AHe?s a stripperBC 9 ma5e it a ;uestion 8e3ause "e 3oul5 "a)e 8een a %aiter@ 8ut it %asn?t likely. Hean2!lau5e o%ne5 Guilty Pleasures@ an5 "e %oul5 ne)er "a)e %aste5 a s"apes"i1ter o112sta-e. $"ey %ere too 5amne5 e*oti3. ADes.C A$"e t%o o1 you nee5 a ri5eBC 9t %as my 5ay 1or it@ 9 -uess. ADes@ an5 no.C

$"ere %as somet"in- in "is )oi3e t"at 9 5i5n?t like. An unease@ a tension. 9t %asn?t like Step"en to 8e 3a-ey. He 5i5n?t play -ames. He >ust talke5. AHo% 5i5 /at"aniel -et "urtBC 7ay8e i1 9 aske5 8etter ;uestions@ 9?5 -et 8etter ans%ers. AA 3ustomer -ot too rou-".C AAt t"e 3lu8BC A/o. Anita@ please@ t"ere?s no time. !ome 5o%n an5 make sure "e 5oesn?t -o "ome %it" Kane.C A="o t"e "ell is KaneBC AAnot"er o1 Ga8riel?s people. He?s 8een pimpin- t"em out sin3e Ga8riel 5ie5. But "e?s not prote3tin- t"em like Ga8riel 5i5. He isn?t alp"a.C APimpin- t"em outB ="at are you talkin- a8outBC Step"en?s )oi3e rose "i-" an5 1ar too 3"eer1ul. AHello@ Kane. Ha)e you seen /at"aniel yetBC 9 3oul5n?t really "ear t"e ans%er@ >ust t"e 8uEE o1 all t"e people in t"e %aitin- room. A9 5on?t t"ink t"ey %ant "im to -o >ust yet. He?s "urt@C Step"en sai5. Kane must "a)e steppe5 )ery 3lose to t"e p"one@ )ery 3lose to Step"en. A lo%@ -ro%lin- )oi3e 3ame t"rou-" t"e %ire. AHe?ll -o "ome %"en 9 say "e -oes "ome.C Step"en?s )oi3e "el5 an e5-e o1 pani3. A9 5on?t t"ink t"e 5o3tors %ill like t"at.C A9 5on?t -i)e a s"it. ="o are you talkin- toBC 'or "is )oi3e to 8e t"at 3lear "e "a5 to "a)e Step"en pinne5 a-ainst t"e %all. $"reatenin- "im@ %it"out sayin- anyt"inspe3i1i3. $"e -ro%lin- )oi3e %as su55enly )ery 3lear. He?5 taken t"e p"one 1rom Step"en. A="o is t"isBC AAnna Blake@ an5 you must 8e Kane.C He lau-"e5@ an5 it soun5e5 too lo%@ as i1 "is t"roat %ere sore. A$"e %ol)es? "uman lupa. #"@ 9?m so s3are5.C Lupa %as t"e %or5 t"e %ere%ol)es use5 1or t"eir lea5er?s mate. 9 %as t"e 1irst "uman so "onore5. 9 %asn?t e)en 5atint"eir :l1ri3 anymore. =e?5 8roken up a1ter 9 sa% "im eat some8o5y. Hey@ a -irl?s -ot to "a)e some stan5ar5s. AGa8riel %asn?t s3are5 o1 me eit"er. Look %"ere it -ot "im@C 9 sai5. Kane %as ;uiet 1or a "an51ul o1 "eart8eats. He 8reat"e5 o)er t"e p"one like a 5o- pante5@ "ea)y@ 8ut not like "e %as 5oin- it on purpose@ more like "e 3oul5n?t "elp it. A/at"aniel is mine. Keep o11 o1 "im.C AStep"en isn?t one o1 yours@C 9 sai5. A4oes "e 8elon- to youBC 9 3oul5 "ear 3lot" mo)in-. A sense o1 mo)ement on t"e ot"er en5 o1 t"e p"one t"at 9 5i5n?t like. AHe is sooo pretty. Ha)e you taste5 t"ese so1t lipsB Has t"is lon- yello% "air s%ept o)er your pillo%BC 9 kne% %it"out seein- it t"at "e %as tou3"in- Step"en@ 3aressin- "im to mat3" t"e %or5s. A4on?t tou3" "im@ Kane.C A$oo late.C 9 -rippe5 t"e p"one ti-"t an5 1or3e5 my )oi3e 3alm@ e)en. AStep"en?s un5er my prote3tion@ Kane. 4o you un5erstan5 meBC A="at %oul5 you 5o to keep your pet %ol1 sa1e@ AnitaBC ADou 5on?t %ant to pus" t"at 8utton@ Kane. Dou really 5on?t.C He lo%ere5 "is )oi3e to an almost pain1ul %"isper. A=oul5 you kill me to keep "im sa1eBC 9 usually "a)e to meet someone at least on3e 8e1ore t"reatenin- to kill t"em@ 8ut 9 %as a8out to make an e*3eption. ADea".C He lau-"e5@ lo% an5 ner)ous. A9 see %"y Ga8riel like5 you. So tou-"@ so sure o1 yoursel1. Sooo 5an-erous.C ADou soun5 like a 8a5 imitation o1 Ga8riel.C He ma5e a soun5 t"at %as some%"ere 8et%een a "iss an5 a 8a". AStep"en s"oul5n?t "a)e inter1ere5.C A/at"aniel?s "is 1rien5.C A9 am all t"e 1rien5 "e nee5s.C A9 5on?t t"ink so.C A9 am takin- /at"aniel %it" me@ Anita. 91 Step"en tries to stop me@ 9?ll "urt "im.C ADou "urt Step"en@ 9 "urt you.C ASo 8e it.C He "un- up.

S"it. 9 ran 1or my Heep. 9 %as t"irty minutes a%ay@ t%enty i1 9 pus"e5 it a lot. $%enty minutes. Step"en %asn?t 5ominant. He %as a )i3tim. But "e %as also loyal. 91 "e t"ou-"t /at"aniel s"oul5n?t -o %it" Kane@ "e?5 try an5 keep "im. He %oul5n?t 1i-"t 1or "im@ 8ut "e mi-"t t"ro% "is 8o5y in 1ront o1 t"e 3ar. 9 "a5 no 5ou8ts at all t"at Kane %oul5 5ri)e ri-"t o)er "im. Best 3ase s3enario. =orst 3ase s3enario %as Kane %oul5 take 8ot" Step"en an5 /at"aniel. 91 Kane a3te5 as mu3" like Ga8riel as "e talke5@ 9?5 rat"er "a)e taken my 3"an3es %it" t"e 3ar.

Chapter Four
7y se3on5 emer-en3y room in less t"an t%o "ours. 9t %as a re52letter 5ay e)en 1or me. Goo5 ne%s %as t"at none o1 t"e in>uries %ere mine. Ba5 ne%s %as t"at t"at mi-"t 3"an-e. Alp"a or not@ Kane %as a s"apes"i1ter. $"ey %ere a8le to 8en3"press me5ium2siEe elep"ants. 9 %as not -oin- to arm2%restle "im. /ot only %oul5 9 lose@ 8ut "e?5 pro8a8ly pull t"e arm out o1 my so3ket an5 eat it. 7ost ly3ant"ropes like5 to try an5 pass 1or "uman. 9 %asn?t sure Kane s%eate5 little 5etails like t"at. Det 9 5i5n?t %ant to kill Kane i1 9 5i5n?t "a)e to. 9t %asn?t mer3y. 9t %as t"e t"ou-"t t"at "e mi-"t 1or3e me to 5o it in pu8li3. 9 5i5n?t %ant to -o to >ail. $"e 1a3t t"at t"e punis"ment %orrie5 me more t"an t"e 3rime sai5 somet"in- a8out my moral state. Some 5ays 9 t"ou-"t 9 %as 8e3omin- a so3iopat". Some 5ays 9 t"ou-"t 9 %as alrea5y t"ere. 9 3arrie5 sil)er2plate5 8ullets in my -un at all times. Sil)er %orke5 on "umans@ as %ell as on most supernatural 8ein-s. ="y keep s%it3"in- to normal ammo t"at only 5i5 "umans an5 a )ery 1e% 3reaturesB But a 1e% mont"s a-o 9?5 met a 1airie t"at "a5 5amn near kille5 me. Sil)er 5i5n?t %ork on 1airies@ 8ut normal lea5 5i5. So 9?5 taken to keepin- a spare 3lip o1 re-ular 8ullets in t"e -lo)e 3ompartment. 9 peele5 o11 t"e 1irst t%o roun5s o1 my sil)er 3lip an5 repla3e5 t"em %it" lea5. ="i3" meant 9 "a5 t%o 8ullets to 5is3oura-e Kane %it"@ 8e1ore 9 kille5 "im. Be3ause@ make no mistake@ i1 "e kept 3omina1ter 9?5 pumpe5 "im 1ull o1 t%o GlaEer Sa1ety <oun5s@ %"i3" "urt a "ell o1 a lot e)en i1 you 3oul5 "eal t"e 5ama-e@ t"e 1irst sil)er 8ullet %as not -oin- to 8e aime5 to %oun5. 9t %asn?t until 9 %as -oin- t"rou-" t"e 5oors 9 realiEe5 t"at 9 5i5n?t kno% /at"aniel?s last name. Step"en?s name %asn?t -oin- to "elp me. 4amn. $"e %aitin- room %as pa3ke5. =omen %it" 3ryin- 8a8ies@ 3"il5ren ra3in- t"rou-" t"e 3"airs 8elon-in- to no one@ a man %it" a 8loo5y ra- aroun5 "is "an5@ people %it" no )isi8le in>ury starin- 5ully into spa3e. Step"en %as no%"ere in si-"t. S3reams@ t"e soun5 o1 8reakin- -lassG metal 3lanke5 to t"e 1loor. A nurse ran out o1 t"e 1ar "all%ay. AGet more se3urity@ no%IC A nurse 8e"in5 t"e a5mittan3e 5esk pun3"e5 8uttons on t"e p"one. !all it a "un3" 8ut 9 %as 8ettin- 9 kne% %"ere Step"en an5 Kane %ere. 9 1las"e5 my 94 at t"e nurse. A9?m %it" t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam. !an 9 "elpBC $"e nurse 3lut3"e5 my arm. ADou?re a 3opBC A9?m %it" t"e poli3e@ yes.C Pre)ari3ation at its 8est. As a 3i)ilian atta3"e5 to a poli3e s;ua5 you learn "o% to 5o t"at. A$"ank Go5.C S"e starte5 to pull me to%ar5s t"e noise. 9 pulle5 my arm 1ree an5 took out my -un. Sa1ety o11@ pointe5 at t"e 3eilin-@ rea5y to -o. =it" normal ammo 9 %oul5n?t "a)e pointe5 at t"e 3eilin-@ not %it" a "ospital 1ull o1 patients a8o)e me@ 8ut GlaEer Sa1ety <oun5s aren?t 3alle5 sa1ety roun5s 1or not"in-. $"e 8a3k area %as like e)ery emer-en3y area 9?5 e)er 8een in. !urtains "un- 1rom metal tra3ks so you 3oul5 make lots an5 lots o1 little in5i)i5ual e*aminin- rooms. A "an51ul o1 3urtains %ere 3lose5@ 8ut patients %ere sittin- up@ starint"rou-" t"e 3urtains@ %at3"in- t"e s"o%. A %all 5i)i5e5 t"e room 5o%n t"e mi55le to t"e 3orri5or@ so t"ere %asn?t mu3" to see. A man %earin- -reen sur-i3al s3ru8s %ent 1lyin- t"rou-" t"e air 1rom aroun5 t"at %all. He sma3ke5 into t"e opposite %all@ sli5 5o%n it "ea)ily@ an5 lay )ery still. $"e nurse %it" me ran to%ar5s "im@ an5 9 let "er -o. ="at lay 8eyon5@ %"at %as tossin- 5o3tors aroun5 like toys@ %asn?t a >o8 1or a "ealer. 9t %as a >o8 1or me. $%o more 1i-ures in sur-i3al s3ru8s lay on t"e 1loor@ one male@ one 1emale. $"e %oman %as a%ake@ eyes %i5e. Her %rist %as at a &+ 5e-ree an-le@ 8roken. S"e sa% my 94 3lippe5 to my >a3ket. AHe?s a s"i1ter. Be 3are1ul.C A9 kno% %"at "e is@C 9 sai5. 9 lo%ere5 t"e -un >ust a tou3". Her eyes 1lin3"e5@ an5 it %asn?t pain. A4on?t s"oot up my trauma 3enter.C A$ry not to@C 9 sai5 an5 mo)e5 past "er. Kane steppe5 out into t"e 3orri5or. 9?5 ne)er seen Kane 8e1ore@ 8ut %"o else 3oul5 it 8eB He %as 3arryin- someone in "is arms. 9 t"ou-"t at 1irst@ a %oman@ 8e3ause t"e "air %as lon- an5 s"inin- 8ro%n@ 8ut t"e e*pose5 8a3k an5 s"oul5ers %ere too mus3ular@ too male. 9t "a5 to 8e /at"aniel. He 1it easily into t"e taller man?s arms. Kane %as a8out si* 1oot@ stret3"e5 tall an5 t"in. He %ore only a 8la3k leat"er )est on "is t"in@ pale upper 8o5y. His "air %as 3otton2%"ite@ 3ut s"ort on t"e si5es %it" t"e top lon- in mousse5 spikes. He opene5 "is mout" an5 snarle5 at me. He "a5 1an-s@ upper an5 lo%er@ like a -reat 3at. S%eet Hesus.

9 pointe5 t"e -un at "im an5 let out t"e air in my 8o5y until 9 %as still an5 ;uiet. 9 %as aimin- 1or a line o1 s"oul5er a8o)e /at"aniel?s still 1orm. At t"is 5istan3e 9?5 "it it. A9?ll only ask on3e@ Kane. Put "im 5o%n.C AHe?s mine@ mineIC He took stri5in- steps 5o%n t"e "all%ay@ an5 9 1ire5. $"e 8ullet spun "im "al1%ay aroun5@ an5 sta--ere5 "im to "is knees. $"e s"oul5er 9?5 "it stoppe5 %orkin-@ an5 /at"aniel sli5 out o1 "is arms. Kane -ot to "is 1eet %it" t"e smaller man tu3ke5 un5er "is -oo5 arm like a 5oll. $"e 1les" o1 "is s"oul5er %as alrea5y reknittin-@ re8uil5in- itsel1 like a 1ast21or%ar5 pi3ture o1 a 1lo%er 8loomin-. Kane 3oul5 "a)e trie5 to rus" past me@ to use "is spee5@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. He >ust 3ame %alkin- to%ar5s me as i1 "e 5i5n?t 8elie)e 9?5 5o it. He s"oul5 "a)e 8elie)e5. $"e se3on5 lea5 8ullet took "im s;uare in t"e 3"est. Bloo5 e*plo5e5 out o1 "is pale skin. He 1ell onto "is 8a3k@ spine 8o%in-@ stru--lin- to 8reat"e %it" a "ole t"e siEe o1 a 1ist in "is 3"est. 9 %ent 1or "im@ not runnin-@ 8ut "urryin-. 9 %alke5 %i5e aroun5 "im@ out o1 arm?s rea3"@ an5 3ame up a little 8e"in5 "im@ an5 to t"e si5e. $"e s"oul5er 9?5 s"ot %as still limp@ "is ot"er arm trappe5 un5er /at"aniel?s 8o5y. Kane -aspe5 up at me@ 8ro%n eyes %i5e. ASil)er@ Kane@ t"e rest o1 t"e 8ullets are sil)er. 9?ll make it a "ea5 s"ot an5 8lo% your 1reakin- 8rains all o)er t"is ni3e 3lean 1loor.C He 1inally mana-e5 to -asp out@ A=on?t.C Bloo5 1ille5 "is mout" an5 spille5 5o%n "is 3"in. 9 pointe5 t"e -un at "is 1a3e@ a8out eye8ro% le)el. 91 9 pulle5 t"e tri--er@ "e %as -one. 9 stare5 5o%n at t"is man 9?5 ne)er met 8e1ore. He looke5 youn-@ no%"ere 3lose to t"irty. A -reat emptiness 1ille5 me. 9t %as like stan5in- in t"e mi55le o1 %"ite noise. 9 1elt not"in-. 9 5i5n?t %ant to kill "im@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t 3are i1 9 5i5. 9t 5i5n?t matter to me. 9t only mattere5 to "im. 9 let t"at kno%le5-e 1ill my eyes. $"at 9 5i5n?t -i)e a 5amn one %ay or t"e ot"er. 9 let "im see it@ 8e3ause "e %as a s"apes"i1ter@ an5 "e?5 un5erstan5 %"at 9 %as s"o%in- "im. 7ost people %oul5n?t. 7ost sane people any%ay. 9 sai5@ ADou are -oin- to lea)e /at"aniel alone. ="en t"e poli3e arri)e@ you are -oin- to 5o e)eryt"in- t"ey tell you to 5o. /o ar-uments@ no 1i-"tin-@ or 9 %ill kill you. 4o you un5erstan5 me@ KaneBC ADes@C "e sai5@ an5 more 8loo5 1lo%e5 in a "ea)y line 1rom "is mout". He starte5 to 3ry. $ears %elle5 5o%n "is 8loo5staine5 1a3e. !ryin-B $"e 8a5 -uys aren?t suppose5 to 3ry. A9?m so -la5 you?)e 3ome@C "e sai5. A9 trie5 to take 3are o1 t"em@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t. 9 trie5 to 8e Ga8riel@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t 8e "im.C His s"oul5er "a5 "eale5 enou-" t"at "e 3o)ere5 "is eyes %it" "is "an5 so %e 3oul5n?t see "im 3ry@ 8ut "is )oi3e %as t"i3k %it" tears@ as %ell as 8loo5. A9?m so -la5 you?)e 3ome to us@ Anita. 9?m so -la5 %e?re not alone anymore.C 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. 4enyin- t"at 9 %as -oin- to 8e t"eir lea5er seeme5 a 8a5 i5ea %it" 8o5ies litterin- t"e area. 91 9 re1use5 "is o11er@ "e mi-"t -et nasty a-ain an5 9?5 "a)e to kill "im. 9 realiEe5 su55enly %it" somet"in- like a p"ysi3al >olt t"at 9 5i5n?t %ant to kill "im. =as it t"e tearsB 7ay8e. But it %as more t"an t"at. 9t %as t"e 1a3t t"at 9?5 kille5 t"eir alp"a@ t"eir prote3tor@ an5 ne)er -i)en a t"ou-"t %"at t"at mi-"t 5o to t"e rest o1 t"e %ereleopar5s. 9t "a5 ne)er o33urre5 to me t"at t"ere %as no se3on5 in 3omman5@ no one to 1ill Ga8riel?s pla3e. 9 3ertainly 3oul5n?t 8e t"eir alp"a. 9 5i5n?t turn 1urry on3e a mont". But i1 it %oul5 keep Kane 1rom tearin- up any more 5o3tors@ 9 3oul5 play alon- 1or a %"ile. By t"e time t"e 3ops arri)e5@ Kane %as "eale5. He?5 3urle5 aroun5 /at"aniel?s un3ons3ious 8o5y like it %as a te55y 8ear@ still 3ryin-. He stroke5 /at"aniel?s "air an5 muttere5 o)er an5 o)er@ AS"e?ll keep us sa1e. S"e?ll keep us sa1e. S"e?ll keep us sa1e.C 9 t"ink t"e As"eC %as me@ an5 9 %as in %ay o)er my "ea5.

Chapter Five
Step"en lay in t"e narro% "ospital 8e5. His 3urly 8lon5 "air %as lon-er t"an mine@ s%eepin- a3ross t"e %"ite pillo%. An-ry re5 an5 pink s3ars 3riss3rosse5 "is 5eli3ate 1a3e. He looke5 like "e?5 8een s"o)e5 t"rou-" a %in5o%@ %"i3" is e*a3tly %"at "a5 "appene5. Step"en@ %"o 5i5n?t out%ei-" me 8y t%enty poun5s@ "a5 stoo5 "is -roun5. Kane "a5 1inally s"o)e5 "im t"rou-" a %ire2mes" sa1ety %in5o%. Like s"o)in- someone t"rou-" a %ire 3"eese -rater. 91 it "a5 8een a "uman 8ein-@ t"ey?5 8e 5ea5. ,)en Step"en %as "urt@ 8a5ly "urt. But "e %as "ealin-. 9 3oul5n?t literally see t"e s3ars 1a5in-. 9t %as like tryin- to %at3" a 1lo%er 8loom. Dou kne% it "appene5@ 8ut you ne)er -ot to see it. 9?5 -lan3e 8a3k at "im@ an5 t"ere?5 8e one less s3ar. 9t %as unner)in- as "ell. /at"aniel %as in t"e ot"er 8e5. His "air %as lon-er t"an Step"en?s. =aist len-t"@ 9 %as 8ettin-. Har5 to >u5-e sin3e 9?5 only seen "im prone. 9t %as t"e 5arkest o1 au8urns@ almost 8ro%n 8ut not. 9t %as a ri3"@ 5eep ma"o-any. $"e "air lay on t"e %"ite s"eets like t"e pelt o1 an animal@ t"i3k an5 s"inin-. He %as pretty rat"er t"an "an5some@ an5 3oul5n?t "a)e 8een more t"an 1i)e 1oot si*. $"e "air "elpe5 t"e illusion o1 1emininity. But "is s"oul5ers %ere 5isproportionately 8roa5@ part %ei-"tli1tin-@ 8ut part -eneti3s. He "a5 -reat s"oul5ers@ 8ut t"ey 8elon-e5 on someone a8out "al1 a 1oot taller. He "a5 to 8e ei-"teen to strip at Guilty Pleasures. His 1a3e %as

slen5er@ >a% too smoot". He mi-"t "a)e 8een ei-"teen@ 8ut "e %asn?t mu3" o)er. 7ay8e some5ay "e?5 -ro% into t"e s"oul5ers. =e %ere in a semipri)ate room on t"e isolation %ar5. $"e 1loor t"at most "ospitals kept 1or ly3ant"ropes@ )amps@ an5 ot"er preternatural 3itiEens. Anyt"in- t"ey t"ou-"t mi-"t 8e 5an-erous. Kane %oul5 "a)e 8een 5an-erous. But t"e 3ops "a5 3arte5 "im a%ay@ %oun5s nearly "eale5. His 1les" "a5 pus"e5 my 8ullets out onto t"e 1loor like re>e3te5 8its o1 or-an. 9 5i5n?t t"ink %e nee5e5 t"e isolation %ar5 1or Step"en an5 /at"aniel. 9 3oul5 8e %ron- on /at"aniel@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t t"ink so. 9 truste5 Step"en?s >u5-ment 8etter t"an t"at. /at"aniel "a5n?t re-aine5 3ons3iousness. 9?5 aske5 %"at "is in>uries %ere@ an5 t"ey tol5 me@ 8e3ause t"ey still t"ou-"t 9 %as a 3op@ an5 9?5 sa)e5 t"eir asses. Gratitu5e is a %on5er1ul t"in-. Someone "a5 pretty mu3" -utte5 /at"aniel. 9 5on?t mean >ust 3ut open "is -ut %it" a kni1e. 9 mean opene5 "im up an5 let "is intestines 1all onto t"e 1loorG t"ey 1oun5 8its o1 5e8ris on "is intestines. $"ere %ere si-ns o1 se)ere trauma to ot"er parts o1 t"e 8o5y. He?5 8een se*ually a8use5. An5 yes@ a prostitute 3an 8e rape5. All it takes is sayin- no. /o one@ not e)en a ly3ant"rope@ %oul5 a-ree to 8ein- rape5 %"ile t"eir insi5es %ere spillin- onto t"e 1loor. $"e rape 3oul5 "a)e 8een 1irst@ t"en t"ey trie5 to kill "im. 9t %as a tou3" less si3k 5one in t"at or5er. A tou3". $"ere %ere marks on "is %rists an5 ankles like "e?5 8een 3"aine5. $"e marks %ere ru88e5 8loo5y like "e?5 stru--le5@ an5 t"ey %eren?t "ealin-. ="i3" meant t"at t"ey?5 use5 3"ains %it" a "i-" sil)er 3ontent so it %oul5 "urt an5 not >ust "ol5. ="oe)er "a5 5one t"is to "im kne% a"ea5 o1 time t"ey?5 8e -ettin- a ly3ant"rope. $"ey %ere prepare5. ="i3" raise5 some )ery interestin- ;uestions. Step"en sai5 Ga8riel "a5 8een pimpin- t"e %ereleopar5s out. 9 un5erstoo5 %"y people %oul5 %ant somet"in- as e*oti3 as a %ereleopar5. 9 kne% t"at sa5omaso3"ism e*iste5. S"apes"i1ters 3oul5 take a "ell o1 a lot o1 5ama-e. So t"e 3om8ination e)en ma5e a 3ertain sense. But t"is %as 8eyon5 se* -ames. 9?5 ne)er "ear5 o1 anyt"in- t"is 8rutal outsi5e o1 a serial2killer 3ase. 9 3oul5n?t lea)e t"em alone@ unprote3te5. ,)en %it"out t"e t"reat o1 se*ual mur5erers@ t"ere %as still t"e %ereleopar5s. Kane mi-"t "a)e 3rie5 an5 kisse5 my 1eet@ 8ut t"ere %ere ot"ers. 91 t"ey "a5 no pa3k stru3ture@ no alp"a@ t"ey "a5 no one to tell t"em to lea)e /at"aniel alone. =it"out a lea5er it mi-"t 8e a matter o1 "a)in- to 8a3k 5o%n or kill ea3" o1 t"em in5i)i5ually. /ot a pleasant t"ou-"t. <eal leopar5s 5on?t s%eat %"o?s in 3"ar-e mu3". $"ey 5on?t "a)e pa3k stru3tures@ 8ut s"apes"i1ters aren?t animals@ t"ey?re people. ="i3" meant no matter "o% solitary an5 un3ompli3ate5 t"e animal 1orm@ t"e people "al1 %ill 1in5 a %ay to s3re% t"in-s up. 91 Ga8riel "a5 "an52pi3ke5 "is people@ 9 3oul5n?t trust t"at t"ey %oul5n?t 3ome an5 try 1or /at"aniel a-ain. Ga8riel "a5 8een one si3k kitty@ an5 Kane "a5n?t impresse5 me mu3" eit"er. ="o you -onna 3all 1or rein1or3ementsB $"e lo3al %ere%ol1 pa3k@ o1 3ourse. Step"en %as a mem8er o1 t"eir pa3k. $"ey o%e5 "im prote3tion. $"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. 9 took t"e Bro%nin- out an5 "el5 it on my lap un5erneat" t"e ma-aEine 9?5 8een rea5in-. 9?5 mana-e5 to 1in5 a t"ree2mont"2ol5 3opy o1 /ational =il5li1e@ %it" an arti3le on Ko5iak 8ears. $"e ma-aEine "i5 t"e -un ni3ely. A="o is itBC A9t?s 9r)in-.C A!ome in.C 9 le1t t"e -un out@ >ust in 3ase some8o5y %oul5 try to pus" in 8e"in5 "im. 9r)in- Gris%ol5 %as a %ere%ol1 an5 a reporter. 'or a reporter "e %as a -oo5 -uy@ 8ut "e %asn?t as 3are1ul as 9 %as. ="en 9 sa% "e %as alone@ t"en 9 %oul5 put t"e -un up. 9r)in- pus"e5 t"e 5oor open@ smilin-. His 1riEEy 8ro%n "air en3ir3le5 "is "ea5 like a 8ro%n "alo %it" t"e 8al5 spot -leamin- in t"e mi55le. Glasses per3"e5 on a small nose. He %as s"ort an5 -a)e t"e impression o1 8ein- roun5 %it"out 8ein- 1at. He looke5 like anyt"in- 8ut a 8i- 8a5 %ol1. He 5i5n?t e)en look mu3" like a reporter@ %"i3" %as one o1 t"e t"in-s t"at ma5e "im su3" a -reat inter)ie%er 8ut %oul5 pro8a8ly al%ays keep "im 1rom 8ein- on23amera material. He %orke5 1or t"e St. Louis Post24ispat3"@ an5 "a5 inter)ie%e5 me many times. He 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im. 9 put up t"e -un. His eyes %i5ene5. He spoke lo%@ 8ut not in a %"isper. AHo%?s Step"enBC AHo% 5i5 you -et in "ereB $"ere?s suppose5 to 8e a 3op on t"e 5oor.C AGee@ Blake@ 9?m -la5 to see you too.C A4on?t mess %it" me@ 9r)in-. $"ere?s suppose5 to 8e a -uar5 out t"ere.C AHe?s talkin- to a )ery pretty nurse at t"e 5esk.C A4ammit.C 9 %as not a real 3op@ so 9 3oul5n?t -o aroun5 yellin- at t"em@ 8ut it %as temptin-. $"ere %as a la% 1loatinaroun5 =as"in-ton t"at mi-"t -i)e )ampire "unters 1e5eral 8a5-es soon. Sometimes 9 t"ou-"t it %as a 8a5 i5ea. Sometimes@ 9 5i5n?t. A$alk to me 1ast 8e1ore 9 -et ki3ke5 out. Ho% is Step"enBC 9 tol5 "im. ADou 5on?t 3are a8out /at"anielBC

He looke5 un3om1orta8le. ADou kno% t"at Syl)ie is 5e 1a3to pa3k lea5er %"ile <i3"ar5 is out o1 to%n %orkin- on "is master?s 5e-ree@ ri-"tBC 9 si-"e5. A/o@ 9 5i5n?t kno%.C A9 kno% you?re not talkin- to <i3"ar5 sin3e you 8roke up@ 8ut 9?5 t"ink someone else %oul5 "a)e mentione5 it.C AAll t"e ot"er %ol)es 3reep aroun5 me like t"ere?s 8een a 5eat". /o one talks a8out <i3"ar5 to me@ 9r)in-. 9 t"ou-"t "e?5 1or8i55en t"em to talk to me.C A/ot to my kno%le5-e.C A9?m surprise5 you 5i5n?t 3ome in "ere askin- 1or a story.C A9 3an?t 5o t"is story@ Anita. 9t?s too 3lose to "ome.C ABe3ause you kno% Step"enBC ABe3ause e)eryone in)ol)e5 is a s"apes"i1ter an5 9?m >ust a mil52mannere5 reporter.C ADou really t"ink you?5 lose your >o8 i1 t"ey 1oun5 outBC AHo8@ "ell. ="at %oul5 my mot"er sayBC 9 smile5. ASo you 3an?t play 8o5y-uar5.C He 1ro%ne5. ADou kno%@ 9 "a5n?t t"ou-"t a8out t"at. ="en one o1 t"e pa3k -ot "urt in pu8li3 %"ere it 3oul5n?t 8e "i55en@ <aina al%ays use5 to ri5e to t"e res3ue. =it" "er 5ea5@ 9 5on?t t"ink %e "a)e any alp"as t"at aren?t "i5in- %"at t"ey are. /o one 9?5 trust to -uar5 Step"en@ any%ay.C <aina "a5 8een t"e %ol1 pa3k?s ol5 lupa 8e1ore 9 took t"e >o8. $e3"ni3ally t"e ol5 lupa 5oesn?t "a)e to 5ie to step 5o%n@ unlike t"e :l1ri3@ or Kin- =ol1. But <aina "a5 8een Ga8riel?s playmate. $"ey?5 s"are5 3ertain "o88ies@ like makinporno-rap"i3 snu11 1ilms starrin- s"apes"i1ters an5 "umans. S"e?5 8een "elpin- 1ilm %"ile Ga8riel trie5 to rape me. #"@ yea"@ <aina "a5 ma5e it a real pleasure to pun3" "er ti3ket. A$"at?s t"e se3on5 time you?)e i-nore5 /at"aniel@C 9 sai5. A="at -i)es@ 9r)in-BC A9 tol5 you Syl)ie is in 3"ar-e until <i3"ar5 -ets 8a3k in to%n.C ASoBC AS"e?s 1or8i55en any o1 us to "elp t"e %ereleopar5s in any %ay.C A="yBC A<aina use5 t"e %ereleopar5s in "er porno mo)ies a lot@ alon- %it" t"e %ol)es.C A9?)e seen one o1 t"e 1ilms. 9 %asn?t impresse5. Horri1ie5@ 8ut not impresse5.C 9r)in- looke5 )ery serious. AS"e also let Ga8riel an5 t"e 3ats punis" %ay%ar5 pa3k mem8ers.C APunis"BC 9 ma5e it a ;uestion. 9r)in- no55e5. ASyl)ie %as one o1 t"e ones %"o -ot punis"e5@ more t"an on3e. S"e "ates t"em all@ Anita. 91 <i3"ar5 "a5n?t 1or8i5 it@ s"e?5 "a)e use5 t"e pa3k to "unt t"e leopar5s 5o%n an5 kill t"em all.C A9?)e seen %"at Ga8riel an5 <aina t"ou-"t %as 1un an5 -ames. 9 t"ink 9?m on Syl)ie?s si5e 1or on3e.C ADou 3leane5 "ouse 1or us@ you an5 <i3"ar5. <i3"ar5 kille5 7ar3us an5 no% "e?s :l1ri3@ pa3k lea5er. Dou kille5 <aina 1or us@ an5 no% you?re our lupa.C A9 s"ot "er@ 9r)in-. A33or5in- to pa3k la%@ so 9?m tol5@ usin- a -un ne-ates t"e 3"allen-e. 9 3"eate5.C ADou?re not lupa 8e3ause you kille5 <aina. Dou?re lupa 8e3ause <i3"ar5 pi3ke5 you as "is mate.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A=e aren?t 5atin- anymore@ 9r)in-.C ABut <i3"ar5 "asn?t pi3ke5 a ne% lupa@ Anita. :ntil "e 5oes@ t"e >o8?s yours.C <i3"ar5 %as tall@ 5ark@ "an5some@ "onest@ trut"1ul@ 8ra)e. He %as per1e3t e*3ept 1or 8ein- a %ere%ol1. ,)en t"at "a5 8een 1or-i)a8le@ or so 9 t"ou-"t. :ntil 9 sa% "im in a3tion. Sa% t"e %"ole en3"ila5a. $"e meat "a5 8een ra% an5 s;uirmin-@ t"e sau3e a little 8loo5y. /o% 9 %as 5atin- >ust Hean2!lau5e. 9 %asn?t sure "o% mu3" o1 an impro)ement 5atin- t"e "ea5 )ampire o1 t"e 3ity %as o)er 5atin- t"e "ea5 %ere%ol1@ 8ut 9?5 ma5e my 3"oi3e. 9t %as Hean2!lau5e?s pale@ pale "an5s t"at "el5 my 8o5y. His 8la3k "air t"at 3urle5 o)er my pillo%. His mi5ni-"t28lue eyes t"at 9 stare5 into %"ile %e ma5e lo)e. Goo5 -irls 5o not "a)e premarital se*@ espe3ially %it" t"e un5ea5. 9 5i5n?t t"ink -oo5 -irls "a5 re-rets a8out e*28oy1rien5 A@ %"en t"ey?)e 3"osen 8oy1rien5 B. 7ay8e 9?5 8een %ron-. <i3"ar5 an5 9 a)oi5e5 ea3" ot"er %"en %e 3oul5. ="i3" "a5 8een 1or most o1 t"e last si* %eeks. /o% "e %as out o1 to%n. ,asy to a)oi5 ea3" ot"er no%. A9 %on?t ask %"at you?re t"inkin- a8out@C 9r)in- sai5. A9 t"ink 9 kno%.C A4on?t 8e so 5amn smart@C 9 sai5.

He sprea5 "is "an5s %i5e. A#33upational "aEar5.C $"at ma5e me lau-". ASo Syl)ie?s 1or8i55en anyone to "elp t"e leopar5s. ="ere 5oes t"at lea)e Step"enBC AHe %ent a-ainst "er 5ire3t or5ers@ Anita. 'or someone as lo% in t"e pa3k stru3ture as Step"en@ t"at took -uts. But Syl)ie %on?t 8e impresse5. S"e?ll tear "im up@ an5 s"e %on?t allo% anyone to 3ome 5o%n an5 8a8y2sit t"em. 9 kno% "er t"at %ell.C A9 3an?t 5o t"is t%enty21our "ours a 5ay@ 9r)in-.C A$"ey?ll "eal in a 5ay or so.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A9 3an?t sit "ere 1or t%o 5ays.C He looke5 a%ay 1rom me an5 %ent to stan5 8esi5e Step"en?s 8e5. He stare5 5o%n at t"e sleepin- man@ "an5s 3laspe5 in 1ront o1 "im. 9 %alke5 o)er to t"em. 9 tou3"e5 9r)in-?s arm. A="at aren?t you tellin- meBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5on?t kno% %"at you mean.C 9 turne5 "im aroun5@ ma5e "im 1a3e me. A$alk to me@ 9r)in-.C ADou aren?t a s"apes"i1ter@ Anita. Dou aren?t 5atin- <i3"ar5 anymore. Dou nee5 to -et out o1 our %orl5@ not 1urt"er into it.C He looke5 so serious@ solemn@ t"at it s3are5 me. A9r)in-@ %"at?s %ron-BC He >ust s"ook "is "ea5. 9 -ra88e5 "im 8y 8ot" arms an5 resiste5 t"e ur-e to s"ake "im. A="at are you "i5in-BC A$"ere is a %ay 1or you to -et t"e pa3k to -uar5 Step"en an5 e)en /at"aniel.C 9 took a step 8a3k. A9?m listenin-.C ADou outrank Syl)ie.C A9?m not a s"apes"i1ter@ 9r)in-. 9 %as t"e ne% pa3k lea5er?s -irl1rien5. 9?m not e)en t"at anymore.C ADou?re more t"an t"at@ Anita@ an5 you kno% it. Dou?)e kille5 some o1 us. Dou kill easily an5 %it"out remorse. $"e pa3k respe3ts t"at.C AGee@ 9r)in-@ %"at a rousin- en5orsement.C A4o you 1eel 8a5ly a8out killin- <ainaB 4i5 you lose sleep o)er Ga8rielBC A9 kille5 <aina 8e3ause s"e %as tryin- to kill me. 9 kille5 Ga8riel 1or t"e same reason@ sel1preser)ation. So no@ 9 5i5n?t lose any sleep.C A$"e pa3k respe3ts you@ Anita. 91 you 3oul5 1in5 some pa3k mem8ers t"at are alrea5y oute5 as s"i1ters an5 3on)in3e t"em t"at you?re s3arier t"an Syl)ie@ t"ey?5 -uar5 t"em@ 8ot" o1 t"em.C A9 am not s3arier t"an Syl)ie@ 9r)in-. 9 3an?t 8eat t"em to a pulp. S"e 3an.C ABut you 3an kill t"em.C He sai5 it )ery ;uietly@ %at3"in- my 1a3e@ sear3"in- my e*pression. 9 opene5 my mout"@ 3lose5 it. A="at are you tryin- to -et me to 5o@ 9r)in-BC He s"ook "is "ea5. A/ot"in-. 'or-et 9 sai5 it. 9 s"oul5n?t "a)e sai5 it. Get more 3ops in "ere an5 -o "ome@ Anita. Hust -et out o1 it %"ile you 3an.C A="at?s -oin- on@ 9r)in-B 9s Syl)ie a pro8lemBC He looke5 at me. His usually 3"eer1ul eyes@ solemn@ t"ou-"t1ul. He s"ook "is "ea5. A9?)e -ot to -o@ Anita.C 9 -ra88e5 "is arm. ADou -o no%"ere until you tell me %"at?s "appenin-.C He turne5 8a3k to me slo%ly@ relu3tantly. 9 let -o o1 "is arm an5 steppe5 8a3k. A$alk.C ASyl)ie "as 3"allen-e5 e)eryone "i-"er in t"e pa3k t"an s"e is@ an5 %on.C 9 looke5 at "im. ASoBC A4o you un5erstan5 "o% unusual it is 1or a %oman to 1i-"t "er %ay to se3on5 in 3omman5. S"e?s a8out 1i)e 1oot si*@ small28one5. Ask "o% s"e?s %innin-.C ADou?re 8ein- 3oy@ 9r)in-. $"at?s not like you. 9?m not -oin- to play $%enty Nuestions %it" you. Hust tell me.C AS"e kille5 t"e 1irst t%o people s"e 1ou-"t. S"e 5i5n?t "a)e to. S"e 3"ose to. $"e ne*t t"ree 3"allen-es s"e ma5e >ust a-ree5 s"e %as 5ominant to t"em. $"ey 5i5n?t %ant to risk 8ein- kille5.C AVery pra3ti3al@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. ASyl)ie?s al%ays 8een t"at. S"e 1inally pi3ke5 one o1 t"e inner 3ir3le to 1i-"t. S"e?s too small to 8e one o1 t"e en1or3ersG 8esi5es 9 t"ink s"e %as a1rai5 o1 Hamil@ an5 S"an-24a.C

AHamilB <i3"ar5 5i5n?t 5ri)e "im outB But "e %as one o1 7ar3us?s an5 <aina?s 1lunkies.C 9r)in- s"ru--e5. A<i3"ar5 t"ou-"t t"e transition %oul5 -o smoot"er i1 "e kept some o1 t"e ol5 -uar5 in po%er.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHamil s"oul5 "a)e 8een 5ri)en out or kille5.C A7ay8e@ 8ut a3tually Hamil seems to support <i3"ar5. 9 t"ink it really surprise5 "im %"en "e %asn?t kille5 instantly. <i3"ar5 "as earne5 "is loyalty.C A9 5i5n?t kno% Hamil "a5 any loyalty@C 9 sai5. A/one o1 us 5i5. Syl)ie 1ou-"t an5 %on t"e pla3e o1 Geri@ se3on5 in 3omman5.C AS"e kill 1or itBC ASurprisin-ly@ no.C A#kay@ so Syl)ie?s tearin- up t"e pa3k. S"e?s se3on5 in 3omman5. Great@ so %"atBC A9 t"ink s"e %ants to 8e :l1ri3@ Anita. 9 t"ink s"e %ants <i3"ar5?s >o8.C 9 stare5 at "im. A$"ere?s only one %ay to 8e :l1ri3@ 9r)in-.C A$o kill t"e ol5 kin-@C 9r)in- sai5. ADea"@ 9 t"ink Syl)ie kno%s t"at.C A9 "a)en?t seen "er 1i-"t@ 8ut 9?)e seen <i3"ar5 1i-"t. He out%ei-"s "er 8y a "un5re5 poun5s@ a "un5re5 poun5s o1 mus3le@ an5 "e?s -oo5. S"e 3an?t 8eat "im in a 1air 1i-"t@ 3an s"eBC A9t?s like <i3"ar5 is %oun5e5@ Anita. $"e "eart?s -one out o1 "im. 9 t"ink i1 s"e 3"allen-e5 an5 really %ante5 it@ s"e?5 %in.C A="at are you tellin- meB $"at "e?s 5epresse5BC 9 aske5. A9t?s more t"an t"at. Dou kno% "o% mu3" "e "ates 8ein- one o1 t"e monsters. He?5 ne)er kille5 anyone until 7ar3us. He 3an?t 1or-i)e "imsel1.C AHo% 5o you kno% all t"isBC A9 listen. <eporters make -oo5 listeners.C =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er. A$ell me t"e rest.C 9r)in- looke5 5o%n@ t"en up. AHe 5oesn?t 5is3uss you %it" me. $"e only t"in- "e sai5 %as t"at e)en you 3oul5n?t a33ept %"at "e %as. ,)en you@ t"e ,*e3utioner@ %ere "orri1ie5.C 9t %as my turn to look 5o%n. A9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e.C A=e 3an?t 3"an-e "o% %e 1eel@C 9r)in- sai5. 9 met "is eyes. A9 %oul5 i1 9 3oul5.C A9 8elie)e you.C A9 5on?t %ant <i3"ar5 5ea5.C A/one o1 us 5o. 9?m a1rai5 o1 %"at Syl)ie %oul5 5o %it"out anyone to stop "er.C He motione5 to t"e ot"er 8e5. A'irst or5er o1 8usiness %oul5 8e "untin- 5o%n all t"e %ereleopar5s. =e?5 slau-"ter t"em.C 9 took in a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. A9 3an?t 3"an-e "o% 9 1eel a8out %"at 9 sa%@ 9r)in-. 9 sa% <i3"ar5 eat 7ar3us.C 9 pa3e5 t"e small room@ s"akin- my "ea5. A="at 3an 9 5o to "elpBC A!all t"e pa3k an5 5eman5 t"at t"ey a3kno%le5-e you as lupa. 7ake some o1 t"em 3ome "ere an5 -uar5 8ot" o1 t"em a-ainst Syl)ie?s e*press or5ers. But you "a)e to -i)e t"em your prote3tion. Dou "a)e to promise t"em t"at s"e %on?t "urt t"em@ 8e3ause you?ll see to it t"at s"e 3an?t.C A91 9 5o t"at an5 Syl)ie 5oesn?t like it@ 9?ll "a)e to kill "er. 9t?s like 9?m settin- "er up to 8e kille5. $"at?s a little preme5itate5 e)en 1or me.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9?m askin- you to 8e our lupa. $o 8e <i3"ar5?s lupa. $o s"o% Syl)ie t"at i1 s"e keeps pressin-@ <i3"ar5 may not kill "er@ 8ut you %ill.C 9 si-"e5. AS"it.C A9?m sorry@ Anita. 9 %oul5n?t "a)e sai5 anyt"in-@ 8ut ... C A9 nee5e5 to kno%@C 9 sai5. 9 "u--e5 "im@ an5 "e sti11ene5 in surprise@ t"en "u--e5 me 8a3k. A="at %as t"at 1orBC A'or tellin- me. 9 kno% <i3"ar5 %on?t like it.C $"e smile 1a5e5 1rom "is 1a3e. A<i3"ar5 "as punis"e5 t%o pa3k mem8ers sin3e "e took o)er. $"ey 3"allen-e5 "is aut"ority@ 8i- time@ an5 "e nearly kille5 t"em 8ot".C A="atBC 9 aske5.

AHe sli3e5 t"em up@ Anita. He %as like someone else@ somet"in- else.C A<i3"ar5 5oesn?t 5o t"in-s like t"at.C AHe 5oes no%@ not all t"e time. 7ost o1 t"e time "e?s 1ine@ 8ut t"en "e snaps an5 -oes into a ra-e. 9 5on?t %ant to 8e any%"ere near "im %"en "e loses it.C AHo% 8a5 "as "e -ottenBC 9 aske5. AHe?s -ot to a33ept %"at "e is@ Anita. He?s -ot to em8ra3e "is 8east@ or "e?s -oin- to 5ri)e "imsel1 ma5.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 3an?t "elp "im lo)e "is 8east@ 9r)in-. 9 3an?t a33ept it eit"er.C 9r)in- s"ru--e5. A9t?s not so 8a5 8ein- 1urry@ Anita. $"ere are %orse t"in-s ... like 8ein- t"e %alkin- 5ea5.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. AGet out@ 9r)in-@ an5 t"anks 1or tellin- me.C A9 "ope you?re still t"ank1ul in a %eek.C A7e@ too.C 9r)in- -a)e me some p"one num8ers an5 le1t. 4i5n?t %ant anyone to stay too lon-. People mi-"t suspe3t "im o1 8einmore t"an >ust a reporter. /o one seeme5 to %orry a8out my reputation. 9 raise5 Eom8ies@ sle% )ampires@ an5 %as 5atint"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. 91 people 8e-an to suspe3t me o1 8ein- a s"apes"i1ter@ %"at t"e "ell 5i11eren3e %oul5 it makeB $"ree names o1 su8missi)e pa3k mem8ers %"o 9r)in- t"ou-"t %ere tou-" enou-" to play 8o5y-uar5 an5 %eak enou-" to 8e 8ullie5. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5o t"is. $"e pa3k %as 8ase5 on o8e5ien3eJ punis"ment an5 re%ar5@ mostly punis"ment. 91 t"e pa3k mem8ers 9 3alle5 re1use5 me@ 9 "a5 to punis" t"em@ or 9 %asn?t lupa@ %asn?t stron- enou-" to 8a3k <i3"ar5. #1 3ourse@ "e pro8a8ly %oul5n?t 8e -rate1ul. He seeme5 to "ate me no%. 9 5i5n?t 8lame "im. He?5 "ate me inter1erin-. But it %asn?t >ust <i3"ar5. 9t %as Step"en. He?5 sa)e5 my li1e on3e an5 9 still "a5n?t returne5 t"e 1a)or. He %as also one o1 t"ose people t"at %as e)eryone?s )i3tim@ until to5ay. Dea"@ Kane "a5 nearly kille5 "im@ 8ut t"at %asn?t t"e point. He?5 put 1rien5s"ip a8o)e pa3k loyalty. ="i3" meant t"at Syl)ie 3oul5 %it"5ra% pa3k prote3tion 1rom "im. He?5 8e like t"e %ereleopar5s@ any8o5y?s meat. 9 3oul5n?t let t"at "appen to "im@ not i1 9 3oul5 stop it. Step"en mi-"t en5 up 5ea5. <i3"ar5 mi-"t en5 up 5ea5. 9 mi-"t "a)e to kill Syl)ie. 9 mi-"t "a)e to maim or kill a 1e% pa3k mem8ers to make my point. 7i-"t@ mi-"t@ mi-"t. 4amn. 9?5 ne)er kille5 8e1ore e*3ept in sel125e1ense or 1or re)en-e. 91 9 put my "at in t"e rin-@ it %oul5 8e preme5itate5@ 3ol52 8loo5e5 mur5er. 7ay8e not in a te3"ni3al sense@ 8ut 9 kne% %"at 9 %oul5 8e startin- in motion. 9t %as like 5ominoes. $"ey all staye5 strai-"t an5 neat until you "it one o1 t"emG t"en t"ere %as no stoppin- t"em. 9 %oul5 en5 up %it" a pretty pattern on t"e 1loorJ <i3"ar5 soli5ly in po%er@ Step"en an5 t"e %ereleopar5s sa1e@ Syl)ie 8a3ke5 5o%n@ or 5ea5. $"e 1irst t"ree t"in-s %ere -oin- to "appen. 9t %as Syl)ie?s 3"oi3e "o% t"e last 8it turne5 out. Hars"@ 8ut true. #1 3ourse@ t"ere %as one ot"er option. Syl)ie 3oul5 kill me. $"at %oul5 sort o1 open t"in-s up 1or "er a-ain. Syl)ie %asn?t e*a3tly rut"less@ 8ut s"e 5i5n?t let anyone -et in "er %ay. =e s"are5 t"at trait. /o@ 9 am not rut"less. 91 9 %as@ 9?5 "a)e >ust 3alle5 Syl)ie into a meetin- an5 s"ot "er on t"e spot. 9 %asn?t ;uite so3iopat" enou-" to 5o it. 7er3y %ill -et you kille5@ 8ut sometimes it?s all t"at makes us "uman. 9 ma5e t"e 3alls. 9 3"ose a man?s name 1irst@ Ke)in@ no last name. His )oi3e %as t"i3k %it" sleep@ -ru11@ like "e smoke5. A="o t"e "ell is t"isBC AGra3ious@C 9 sai5@ A)ery -ra3ious.C A="o is t"isBC A9t?s Anita Blake. 4o you kno% %"o 9 amBC ="en tryin- to 8e t"reatenin-@ less is more. 7e an5 !lint ,ast%oo5. He %as ;uiet 1or nearly t"irty se3on5s@ an5 9 let t"e silen3e 8uil5. His 8reat" "a5 spe5 up. 9 3oul5 almost 1eel "is pulse ;ui3kenin- o)er t"e p"one. He ans%ere5 like "e %as use5 to stran-e p"one 3alls an5 pa3k 8usiness. ADou?re our lupa.C AVery -oo5@ Ke)in@ )ery -oo5.C !on5es3en5in- is also -oo5. He 3ou-"e5 to 3lear "is t"roat. A="at 5o you %antBC A9 %ant you to 3ome 5o%n to St. Louis :ni)ersity Hospital. Step"en an5 /at"aniel "a)e 8een "urt. 9 %ant you to -uar5 t"em 1or me.C A/at"aniel@ "e?s one o1 t"e %ereleopar5s.C A$"at?s ri-"t.C ASyl)ie?s 1or8i55en us to "elp t"e %ereleopar5s.C A9s Syl)ie your lupaBC Nuestions are -reat@ 8ut only i1 you kno% t"e ans%ers. 91 you ask ;uestions an5 t"e ans%ers surprise you@ you look silly. Har5 to 8e t"reatenin- %"en you look ill2in1orme5. He %as ;uiet 1or a se3on5. A/o.C A="o isBC

9 "ear5 "im s%allo%. ADou are.C A4o 9 outrank "erBC ADou kno% you 5o.C A$"en -et your 8utt 5o%n "ere@ an5 5o %"at 9 ask.C ASyl)ie %ill "urt me@ lupa. S"e really %ill.C A9?ll see t"at s"e 5oesn?t.C ADou?re >ust <i3"ar5?s "uman -irl1rien5. Dou 3an?t 1i-"t Syl)ie@ not an5 li)e.C ADou?re ri-"t@ Ke)in. 9 3an?t 1i-"t Syl)ie@ 8ut 9 3an kill "er.C A="at 5o you meanBC A91 s"e "urts you 1or "elpin- me@ 9?ll kill "er.C ADou 3an?t mean t"at.C 9 si-"e5. ALook@ Ke)in@ 9?)e met Syl)ie. $rust me %"en 9 say t"at 9 3oul5 point a -un at "er "ea5 an5 pull t"e tri--er. 9 3an an5 %ill kill Syl)ie i1 s"e 1or3es me to. /o >okes@ no 8lu11s@ no -ames.C 9 listene5 to my )oi3e as 9 sai5 it. 9 soun5e5 tire5@ almost 8ore5@ an5 so serious it %as almost 1ri-"tenin-. AAll ri-"t@ 9?ll 5o it@ 8ut i1 you let me 5o%n s"e may kill me.C ADou "a)e my prote3tion@ Ke)in@ an5 9 kno% %"at t"at means in t"e pa3k.C A9t means 9 "a)e to a3kno%le5-e you as 5ominant to me@C "e sai5. A9t also means t"at i1 anyone 3"allen-es you@ 9 3an "elp you 1i-"t your 8attles. Seems like a 1air tra5e.C Silen3e 1ille5 t"e p"one lines a-ain. His 8reat"in- "a5 slo%e5@ 5eepene5. APromise me you %on?t -et me kille5.C A9 3an?t promise t"at@ Ke)in@ 8ut 9 3an promise t"at i1 Syl)ie kills you@ 9?ll kill "er 1or you.C Silen3e@ s"orter t"is time. A9 8elie)e you %oul5. 9?ll 8e at t"e "ospital in 1orty minutes or less.C A$"anks@ 9?ll 8e %aitin-.C 9 "un- up an5 ma5e t"e ot"er t%o 3alls. $"ey 8ot" a-ree5 to 3ome 5o%n. 9?5 5ra%n a line in t"e san5 %it" Syl)ie on one si5e an5 me on t"e ot"er. S"e %asn?t -oin- to like it@ not one little 8it. !oul5n?t 8lame "er. 91 our pla3es %ere re)erse5@ 9?5 "a)e 8een pisse5. But s"e s"oul5 "a)e le1t <i3"ar5 alone. 9r)in- "a5 sai5 it %as like <i3"ar5 %as %oun5e5@ like t"e "eart "a5 -one out o1 "im. 9?5 "elpe5 put t"at %oun5 t"ere. 9?5 3ut "is "eart into tiny little pie3es an5 5an3e5 on t"em. /ot 5eli8erately. 7y intentions %ere -oo5@ 8ut you kno% %"at t"ey say a8out -oo5 intentions. 9 3oul5n?t lo)e <i3"ar5@ 8ut 9 3oul5 kill 1or "im. Killin- %as t"e more pra3ti3al o1 t"e t%o -i1ts. An5 lately 9?5 8e3ome )ery@ )ery pra3ti3al.

Chapter Six
Ser-eant <u5olp" Storr s"o%e5 up 8e1ore t"e 8a8y2sittin- %ere%ol)es 3oul5 arri)e. 9?5 3alle5 "im mysel1. He %as t"e man in 3"ar-e o1 t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam@ <P9$@ or <9P. A lot o1 people 3all us <9P@ 1or <est in Pea3e. Hey@ at least t"ey kno% %"o %e are. 4olp" is si* 1oot ei-"t@ 8uilt like a pro2%restler@ 8ut it isn?t >ust p"ysi3al siEe t"at makes "im impressi)e. He?5 taken a s;ua5 t"at "a5 8een meant as a >oke to appease t"e li8erals an5 ma5e it %ork. <P9$ "a5 sol)e5 more preternatural 3rimes in t"e last t"ree years t"an any ot"er poli3e unit. 9n3lu5in- t"e 'B9. 4olp" "a5 e)en 8een in)ite5 up to le3ture at Nuanti3o. /ot 8a5 1or someone %"o?5 8een -i)en "is 3omman5 as a punis"ment. 4olp" %asn?t e*a3tly an optimist@ 1e% 3ops are@ 8ut -i)e "im lemons an5 "e ma5e 5amn 1ine lemona5e. He 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im an5 stare5 5o%n at me. A$"e 5o3tor sai5 my 5ete3ti)e %as in "ere. 9 >ust see you.C A9 ne)er sai5 9 %as a 5ete3ti)e. 9 sai5 9 %as %it" t"e s;ua5. $"ey assume5 t"e rest.C He s"ook "is "ea5. His 8la3k "air a3tually "i5 t"e tops o1 "is ears. He %as o)er5ue 1or a "air 3ut. A91 you %ere playin- 3op@ %"y 5i5n?t you yell at t"e uni1orm t"at %as suppose5 to 8e on t"is 5oorBC 9 smile5 up at "im. A9 t"ou-"t 9?5 lea)e t"at to you. 9 assume "e kno%s t"at "e %as a 8a5 8oy.C A9 took 3are o1 it@C 4olp" sai5. He staye5 stan5in- at t"e 5oor. 9 staye5 sittin- in my 3"air. 9?5 a3tually mana-e5 not to pull my -un on "im. 9 %as "appy a8out t"at. He %as starin- at me "ar5 enou-" to "urt %it"out 1las"in- a -un at "im. A="at?s -oin- on@ AnitaBC ADou kno% e)eryt"in- 9 kno%@C 9 sai5.

AHo% 5i5 you "appen to 8e Ho"nny2on2t"e2spotBC AStep"en 3alle5 me.C A$ell me@C "e sai5. 9 tol5 "im. 9 e)en put in t"e part a8out t"e pimpin-. 9 %ante5 t"at stoppe5. $"e 3ops are pretty -oo5 at stoppin- 3rime@ i1 you tell t"e trut". 9 le1t out a 1e% t"in-s@ like me "a)in- kille5 t"e %ereleopar5s? ol5 alp"a. 9t %as t"e only t"in- 9 le1t out. 'or me@ it %as almost t"e same as 8ein- "onest. 4olp" 8linke5 at me an5 took it all 5o%n in "is trusty note8ook. AAre you sayin- t"at our )i3tim allo%e5 someone to 5o t"is to "imBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t t"ink it?s t"at simple. 9 t"ink "e %ent t"ere kno%in- t"ey?5 3"ain "im up. He kne% t"ere?5 8e se* an5 pain@ 8ut 9 5on?t t"ink "e kne% t"ey?5 3ome t"is 3lose to killin- "im. $"e 5o3tors a3tually "a5 to -i)e "im 8loo5. His 8o5y %as -oin- into s"o3k 1aster t"an it 3oul5 1i* itsel1.C A9?)e "ear5 o1 %ereanimals "ealin- 1rom %orse %oun5s t"an t"is@C 4olp" sai5. 9 s"ru--e5. ASome people "eal 8etter t"an ot"ers e)en amon- t"e s"apes"i1ters. /at"aniel is pretty lo% in t"e po%er stru3ture@ so 9?m tol5. 7ay8e part o1 8ein- %eak is not "ealin- as %ell.C 9 sprea5 my "an5s %i5e. A9 5on?t kno%.C 4olp" sear3"e5 8a3k t"rou-" "is notes. ASomeone 5roppe5 "im o11 at t"e emer-en3y entran3e %rappe5 in a s"eet. /o one sa% anyt"in-. He >ust appeare5.C A/o one e)er sees anyt"in-@ 4olp". 9sn?t t"at t"e ruleBC $"at earne5 me a small smile. 9t %as ni3e to see t"e smile. 4olp" %asn?t too "appy %it" me lately. He?5 only re3ently 1oun5 out t"at 9 %as 5atin- t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. He 5i5n?t like it. He 5i5n?t trust anyone t"at so3ialiEe5 %it" t"e monsters. !oul5n?t 8lame "im. ADea"@ t"at?s t"e rule. Are you tellin- me e)eryt"in- you kno% a8out t"is@ AnitaBC 9 raise5 a "an5 in a s3out?s salute. A=oul5 9 lie to youBC A91 it suite5 your purpose@ yes.C =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er. $"e silen3e -re% t"i3k enou-" to %alk on. 9 let it sit t"ere. 91 4olp" t"ou-"t 9 %as -oin- to 8reak 1irst@ "e %as %ron-. $"e strain 8et%een us %asn?t t"is 3ase. 9t %as "is 5isappro)al o1 my 3"oi3e o1 5ates. His 5isappointment in me %as al%ays t"ere no%. Pressin-@ %ei-"te5@ %aitin- 1or me to apolo-iEe or say@ s"u3ks@ >ust ki55in-. $"e 1a3t t"at 9 %as 5atin- a )ampire ma5e "im trust me less. 9 un5erstoo5. $%o mont"s a-o@ e)en less@ an5 9?5 "a)e 1elt t"e same %ay. But "ere 9 %as 5atin- %"o@ an5 %"at@ 9 %as 5atin-. 4olp" an5 9@ 8ot"@ "a5 to 5eal %it" it. An5 yet@ "e %as my 1rien5@ an5 9 respe3te5 "im. 9 e)en a-ree5 %it" "im@ 8ut i1 9 3oul5 e)er -et out o1 t"is 5amn "ospital@ 9 "a5 a 5ate %it" Hean2!lau5e toni-"t. <e-ar5less o1 my 5ou8ts a8out <i3"ar5@ morals in -eneral@ an5 t"e %alkin- 5ea5@ 9 %ante5 t"e 5ate. $"e t"ou-"t o1 Hean2!lau5e %aitin- 1or me ma5e my 8o5y ti-"t an5 %arm. ,m8arrassin-@ 8ut true. 9 5on?t t"ink anyt"in- s"ort o1 -i)in- up Hean2!lau5e %oul5 "a)e satis1ie5 4olp". 9 %asn?t sure t"at %as an option anymore 1or a lot o1 reasons. So 9 sat an5 looke5 at 4olp". He stare5 8a3k. $"e silen3e -re% t"i3ker %it" ea3" ti3k o1 t"e 3lo3k. A kno3k on t"e 5oor sa)e5 us. $"e o11i3er@ no% attenti)ely on t"e 5oor@ %"ispere5 somet"in- to 4olp". 4olp" no55e5 an5 3lose5 t"e 5oor. $"e look "e -a)e me %as e)en less 1rien5ly@ i1 t"at %as possi8le. A#11i3er =ayne says t"at t"ere are t"ree relati)es o1 Step"en?s out "ere. He also says t"at i1 t"ey?re all relati)es@ "e?ll eat "is -un.C A$ell "im to pu3ker up@C 9 sai5. A$"ey?re 1ello% pa3k mem8ers. =ere%ol)es 3onsi5er t"at 3loser t"an 1amily.C ABut le-ally it?s not 1amily@C 4olp" sai5. AHo% many o1 your men you %ant to lose %"en t"e ne*t s"apes"i1ter 3omes t"rou-" t"at 5oorBC A=e 3an s"oot t"em >ust as -oo5 as you 3an@ Anita.C ABut you still "a)e to -i)e t"em a %arnin- 8e1ore you s"oot t"em@ 5on?t youB Dou still "a)e to treat t"em like people instea5 o1 monsters or you en5 up in 1ront o1 t"e re)ie% 8oar5.C A=itnesses say you -a)e Kane@ no last name@ a %arnin-.C A9 %as 1eelin- -enerous.C ADou %ere s"ootin- "im in 1ront o1 %itnesses. $"at al%ays makes you -enerous.C =e %ent 8a3k to starin- at ea3" ot"er. 7ay8e it %asn?t >ust 5atin- a )ampire. 7ay8e it %as t"e 1a3t t"at 4olp" %as t"e ultimate 3op an5 "e %as 8e-innin- to suspe3t t"at 9 %as killin- people@ mur5erin- people. People %"o "urt me or t"reatene5 me 5i5 "a)e a ten5en3y to )anis". /ot many@ 8ut enou-". An5 less t"an t%o mont"s a-o 9?5 kille5 t%o people %"ere t"e 8o5ies 3oul5n?t 8e "i55en. Sel125e1ense 8ot" times. /e)er sa% t"e insi5e o1 a 3ourtroom. Bot" assassins %it" re3or5s lon-er t"an 9 %as tall. $"e %oman?s 1in-erprints "a5 8een t"e ans%er to se)eral politi3al killin-s t"at 9nterpol "a5 lyin- aroun5. Bi-2time 8a5 -uys t"at no one really mourne5@ at least not t"e 3ops. But it 1e5 4olp"?s suspi3ions. Hell@ it 5i5 e)eryt"in- 8ut 3on1irm t"em.

A="y?5 you re3ommen5 me to Pete 73Kinnon@ 4olp"BC He 5i5n?t ans%er 1or so lon-@ 9 t"ou-"t "e %asn?t -oin- to@ 8ut 1inally "e sai5@ ABe3ause you?re t"e 8est at %"at you 5o@ Anita. 9 may not al%ays appro)e o1 your met"o5s@ 8ut you "elp sa)e li)es@ put a%ay t"e 8a5 -uys. Dou?re 8etter on a mur5er s3ene t"an some o1 t"e 5ete3ti)es on my s;ua5.C 'or 4olp"@ t"is %as a spee3". 9 opene5 my mout"@ 3lose5 it@ t"en sai5@ A$"anks@ 4olp". !omin- 1rom you@ t"at?s a 8i3ompliment.C ADou >ust spen5 too mu3" time %it" t"e 5amn monsters@ Anita. 9 5on?t mean %"o you 5ate. 9 mean all o1 it. Dou?)e playe5 8y t"eir rules so lon-@ sometimes you 1or-et %"at it?s like to 8e normal.C 9 smile5. A9 raise t"e 5ea5 1or a li)in-@ 4olp". 9?)e ne)er 8een normal.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A4on?t purposely misun5erstan5 %"at 9?m sayin-@ Anita. 9t?s not t"e 1ur or t"e 1an-s t"at make you a monster@ not al%ays. Sometimes@ it?s >ust %"ere you 5ra% t"e line.C A$"e 1a3t t"at 9 play %it" monsters is %"at makes me )alua8le to you@ 4olp". 91 9 playe5 it strai-"t@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e as -oo5 "elpin- you sol)e preternatural 3rimes.C ADea"@ sometimes 9 %on5er i1 9?5 le1t you alone@ not -otten you to 3onsult %it" us@ i1 you?5 8e ... so1ter.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. AAre you sayin- you 8lame yoursel1 1or %"at 9?)e 8e3omeBC 9 trie5 to lau-" it o11@ 8ut "is 1a3e stoppe5 me. AHo% o1ten 5i5 you -o to t"e monsters on one o1 my 3asesB Ho% o1ten 5i5 you "a)e to make 8ar-ains %it" t"em to "elp put a%ay a 8a5 -uyB 91 9?5 le1t you alone ...C 9 stoo5 up. 9 rea3"e5 out to "im@ t"en let my "an5 1all 8a3k %it"out tou3"in- "im. A9?m not your 5au-"ter@ 4olp". Dou?re not my keeper. 9 "elp t"e poli3e 8e3ause 9 like it. 9?m -oo5 at it. An5 %"o else you -onna 3allBC He no55e5. ADea"@ %"o elseB $"e s"i1ters outsi5e 3an 3ome in an5 ... )isit t"e patients.C A$"anks@ 4olp".C He took in a lon- 8reat" an5 let it out in a 8i- rus" o1 air. A9 sa% t"e %in5o% t"at your 1rien5 Step"en -ot s"o)e5 t"rou-". 91 "e?5 8een "uman@ "e?5 8e 5ea5. 9t?s >ust lu3k t"at no 3i)ilians %ere kille5.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 t"ink Kane %as 8ein- 3are1ul o1 t"e "umans@ at least. =it" t"e stren-t" "e "as@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een easier to kill t"an to maim.C A="y %oul5 "e "a)e 3are5BC ABe3ause "e?s in >ail@ an5 "e -ets a 8ail "earin-.C A$"ey %on?t let "im out@C 4olp" sai5. AHe 5i5n?t kill anyone@ 4olp". Sin3e %"en "a)en?t you seen someone not -et 8ail 1or assault an5 8atteryBC ADou t"ink like a 3op@ Anita. 9t?s %"at makes you -oo5.C A9 t"ink like a 3op an5 like a monster. $"at?s %"at makes me -oo5.C He no55e5@ 3lose5 "is note8ook an5 slippe5 it into an inner po3ket o1 "is >a3ket. ADea"@ t"at?s %"at makes you -oo5.C He le1t %it"out anot"er %or5. He sent in t"e t"ree %ere%ol)es an5 3lose5 t"e 5oor. Ke)in %as tall@ 5ark@ s3ru11y an5 smelle5 like 3i-arettes. Lorraine %as neat an5 prim like a se3on52-ra5e s3"ooltea3"er. S"e smelle5 o1 ="ite Linen per1ume an5 8linke5 ner)ously at me. $e55y@ "is pre1eren3e not mine@ %ei-"e5 aroun5 t"ree "un5re5 poun5s@ most o1 it mus3le. He?5 8uEEe5 "is "air 5o%n to a 1ine 5ark pri3kle@ an5 "is "ea5 looke5 too small 1or "is massi)e 8o5y. $"e men looke5 s3ary@ 8ut it %as Lorraine?s "an5s"ake t"at le1t po%er )i8ratin- 5o%n my skin. S"e looke5 like a s3are5 ra88it an5 "a5 enou-" po%er to 8e t"e 8i- 8a5 %ol1. =it"in t%enty minutes 9 %as 1ree to lea)e. $"e mismat3"e5 trio o1 %ere%ol)es "a5 5i)i5e5 t"e s"i1ts so t"at one o1 t"em %oul5 8e %it" t"e 8oys at all times. 4i5 9 trust t"e ne% %ol)es to -uar5 t"emB Dea". Be3ause i1 t"ey a8an5one5 t"eir posts an5 let Step"en -et kille5@ 9 really %oul5 kill t"em. 91 t"ey trie5 t"eir 8est an5 %ere simply not stron- enou-"@ 1ine@ 8ut i1 t"ey >ust -a)e up ... 9?5 -i)en Step"en@ an5 no%@ /at"aniel@ my prote3tion. 9 %asn?t ki55in-. 9 ma5e sure t"at all o1 t"em kne% t"at. Ke)in sai5 it 8est@ A91 Syl)ie s"o%s up@ %e?ll sen5 "er to you.C ADou 5o t"at.C He s"ook "is "ea5@ playin- %it" an unlit 3i-arette. 9?5 tol5 "im "e 3oul5n?t smoke it@ 8ut e)en tou3"in- it seeme5 to 3om1ort "im. ADou?)e pisse5 in "er pon5. 9 "ope you 3an 3lean it up.C 9 smile5. A,lo;uent@ Ke)in@ )ery elo;uent.C A,lo;uent or not@ Syl)ie is -oin- to 8ust your ass i1 s"e 3an.C $"e smile %i5ene5. 9 3oul5n?t "elp it. ALet me %orry a8out my o%n ass. 7y >o8 is to keep your ass out o1 t"e slin-@ not mine.C

$"e t"ree %ere%ol)es looke5 at me. $"ere %as somet"in- on all t"eir 1a3es@ almost t"e same e*pression@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t rea5 it. ABein- lupa is more t"an >ust 1i-"tin- 1or 5ominan3e@C sai5 Lorraine in a small )oi3e. A9 kno% t"at@C 9 sai5. A4o youBC s"e aske5@ an5 t"ere %as somet"in- 3"il5like in t"e ;uestion. A9 t"ink so.C ADou kill us i1 %e 1ail you@C Ke)in sai5@ A8ut %ill you 5ie 1or usB =ill you risk t"e same pri3e you ask us to payBC 9 like5 Ke)in 8etter %"en "e %asn?t 8ein- elo;uent. 9 stare5 at t"ese t"ree stran-ers. People 9?5 >ust met. =oul5 9 risk my li1e 1or t"emB !oul5 9 ask t"em to risk t"eir li)es 1or me i1 9 %asn?t %illin- to return t"e 1a)orB 9 looke5 at t"em@ really looke5 at t"em. Lorraine?s small "an5s 3lut3"in- "er purse so ti-"tly "er "an5s s"ook. $e55y@ %"o stare5 at me %it" 3alm@ a33eptin- eyes@ 8ut t"ere %as a 3"allen-e in t"em@ an intelli-en3e t"at you mi-"t miss i1 you >ust looke5 at t"e 8o5y. Ke)in@ %"o looke5 like "e s"oul5 8e in an alley lookin- 1or a 1i*@ or in a 8ar 5rinkin- up "is s"are o1 %"iskey. $"ere %as somet"in- un5erneat" t"e 3yni3ism. 9t %as 1ear. 'ear t"at 9?5 8e like all t"e rest. A user %"o 5i5n?t -i)e a 5amn a8out t"em. <aina "a5 8een t"at@ an5 no% Syl)ie. $"e pa3k %as suppose5 to 8e t"eir re1u-e@ t"eir prote3tion@ not t"e t"in- t"ey 1eare5 most. $"eir %arm@ ele3tri3 po%er 1ille5 t"e room@ 1lo%e5 out o1 t"em@ 5an3in- o)er my 8o5y. $"ey %ere ner)ous@ s3are5. Stronemotions ma5e most s"apes"i1ters leak po%er. 91 you %ere sensiti)e to it@ you?5 1eel it. 9?5 1elt it a lot o)er t"e years. $"is time %as 5i11erent some"o%. 9 5i5n?t >ust sense t"e po%er@ my 8o5y rea3te5 to it. /ot merely a s"i)erin- o1 skin@ a line o1 -oose 8umps@ 8ut somet"in- 5eeper. 9t %as almost se*ual@ 8ut t"at %asn?t it eit"er. 9t %as as i1 t"e po%er "a5 1oun5 a part o1 me@ 3aresse5 a part o1 me@ t"at 9 ne)er kne% %as t"ere. $"eir po%er 1ille5 me@ tou3"e5 somet"in-@ an5 9 1elt it@ %"ate)er it %as@ open up like a s%it3" 8ein- t"ro%n. A rus" o1 %arm ener-y %elle5 up insi5e o1 my 8o5y an5 sprea5 out t"rou-" my skin@ as i1 e)ery pore o1 my 8o5y %as emittin- a %arm line o1 air. 9t 8rou-"t a so1t -asp to my t"roat. 9 kne% t"e taste o1 t"e po%er@ an5 it %asn?t Hean2!lau5e. 9t %as <i3"ar5. Some"o%@ 9?5 tappe5 into <i3"ar5?s po%er. 9 %on5ere5 i1 "e 1elt it all t"e %ay out o1 state@ stu5yin- 1or "is 5e-ree. Si* %eeks a-o to sa)e 8ot" t"eir li)es@ 9?5 let Hean2!lau5e 8in5 t"e t"ree o1 us to ea3" ot"er. $"ey %ere 5yin-@ an5 9 3oul5n?t let t"em -o. <i3"ar5 "a5 in)a5e5 my 5reams 8y a33i5ent@ 8ut mostly Hean2!lau5e "a5 kept us apart 8e3ause anyt"in- else %as too pain1ul. $"is %as t"e 1irst time 9?5 1elt <i3"ar5?s po%er sin3e t"en. $"e 1irst time 9 kne% 1or 3ertain t"at t"e tie %as still t"ere@ still stron-. 7a-i3 is like t"at. ,)en "ate 3an?t kill it. 9 su55enly "a5 t"e %or5s@ %or5s 9 3oul5n?t "a)e kno%n. A9 am lupa@ 9 am t"e all2mot"er@ 9 am your -uar5ian@ your re1u-e@ your pea3e. 9 %ill stan5 %it" you a-ainst all "arm. Dour enemies are my enemies. 9 s"are 8loo5 an5 1les" %it" you. =e are lukoi@ %e are pa3k.C $"e %armt" 3ut o11 a8ruptly. 9 sta--ere5. #nly $e55y?s "an5 kept me 1rom 1allin- to t"e 1loor. AAre you all ri-"tBC "e aske5 in a )oi3e as 5eep an5 impressi)e as t"e rest o1 "im. 9 no55e5. A9?m 1ine@ 9?m 1ine.C As soon as 9 3oul5@ 9 steppe5 8a3k. <i3"ar5 "a5 1elt t"e pull "un5re5s o1 miles a%ay@ an5 "e?5 3ut me o11. He?5 slamme5 t"e 5oor s"ut %it"out kno%in- %"at 9 %as 5oin-@ or %"y. A rus" o1 ra-e 5an3e5 5o%n insi5e my "ea5 like a silent s3ream. He %as so an-ry. =e %ere 8ot" 8oun5 to Hean2!lau5e. 9 %as "is "uman ser)ant an5 <i3"ar5 %as "is %ol1. 9t %as a pain1ul intima3y. ADou aren?t lukoi@C Lorraine sai5. ADou aren?t a s"apes"i1ter. Ho% 5i5 you 5o t"atBC 9 smile5. A$ra5e se3ret.C $rut" %as@ 9 5i5n?t kno%. 9?5 "a)e to ask Hean!lau5e toni-"t. 9 "ope5 "e 3oul5 e*plain it. He %as only t"e t"ir5 master )ampire in t"eir lon- "istory to "a)e 8oun5 8ot" a mortal an5 a s"apes"i1ter into a sin-le 8on5. 9 suspe3te5 stron-ly t"at t"ere %asn?t a manual@ an5 t"at Hean2!lau5e %in-e5 it more o1ten t"an 9 %ante5 to kno%. $e55y %ent 5o%n on "is knees. ADou are lupa.C $"e ot"er t%o 1ollo%e5 "im. $"ey a8ase5 t"emsel)es like -oo5 little su8missi)e %ol)es@ t"ou-" Ke)in 5i5n?t like it@ an5 neit"er 5i5 9. But 9 %asn?t sure "o% mu3" %as 1orm an5 "o% mu3" %as ne3essary. 9 %ante5 t"em su8missi)e 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t %ant to "a)e to 1i-"t any8o5y@ or kill any8o5y. So 9 let t"em 3ra%l on t"e 1loor an5 run t"eir "an5s alon- my le-s@ an5 sni11 my skin like 5o-s. ="i3" is %"en t"e nurse 3ame in. ,)ery8o5y -ot up o11 t"e 1loor. 9 trie5 to e*plain an5 1inally stoppe5. $"e nurse >ust stoo5 t"ere starin- at all o1 us@ a stran-e 1roEen smile on "er 1a3e. S"e 1inally 8a3ke5 out %it"out 5oin- a 5amn t"in-. A9?ll sen5 4o3tor =ilson in to 3"e3k on t"em.C S"e no55e5 "er "ea5 too o1ten an5 too rapi5ly an5 s"ut t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "er. 91 s"e?5 8een %earin- "eels@ 9?5 "a)e 8et %e 3oul5 "a)e "ear5 "er run. So mu3" 1or not 8ein- one o1 t"e monsters.

Chapter Seven
$u3kin- in t"e 8a8y2sittin- %ere%ol)es ma5e me late 1or my 5ate. $akin- time to rea5 73Kinnon?s 1ile ma5e me later@ 8ut i1 t"ere %as a 1ire toni-"t@ it?5 8e em8arrassin- not to 8e prepare5. 9 learne5 t%o t"in-s 1rom t"e 1ile. #ne@ t"at all t"e 1ires "a5 8een starte5 a1ter 5ark@ %"i3" ma5e me t"ink instantly o1 )ampires. ,*3ept t"at )ampires 3oul5n?t start 1ires. 9t %asn?t one o1 t"eir a8ilities. 9n 1a3t 1ire %as one o1 t"e t"in-s t"ey 1eare5 most. #"@ 9?5 seen a 1e% )amps t"at 3oul5 3ontrol

e*istin- 1lames to a small e*tent. 7ake a 3an5le 1lame rise or 1all@ parlor tri3ks@ 8ut 1ire %as t"e element o1 purity. Purity an5 t"e )amps 5i5n?t mi*. $"e se3on5 t"in- 9 learne5 1rom t"e 1ile %as t"at 9 5i5n?t kno% mu3" a8out 1ires in -eneral or arson in parti3ular. 9 %as -oin- to nee5 a 8ook or a -oo5 le3ture. Hean2!lau5e "a5 ma5e reser)ations at 4emi3"e?s@ a )ery ni3e restaurant. 9?5 "a5 to run "ome@ to my ne% rente5 "ouse@ to 3"an-e. 9t "a5 put me late enou-" t"at 9?5 arran-e5 to meet "im at t"e restaurant. $"e trou8le %it" 1an3y 5ates %as %"ere to put my %eapons. =omen?s 5ress 3lot"es are t"e ultimate 3"allen-e to 3on3eale52%eapon 3arry. 'ormals "i5 more 8ut ma5e -ra88in- t"e %eapon "ar5er. Anyt"in- 1orm21ittin- ma5e it 5i11i3ult. $oni-"t 9 %as %earin- a spa-"etti2strap 1ormal %it" slits so "i-" on eit"er si5e@ 9?5 "a5 to make sure t"at t"e "ose %ere a mat3"in- o1128la3k@ an5 t"e un5er%ear %as la3y an5 8la3k. 9 kne% mysel1 %ell enou-" to kno% t"at sometime 5urin- t"e e)enin- 9?5 1or-et an5 1las" t"e un5ies. An5 i1 9 "a5 to -o 1or t"e -un@ 9?5 3ertainly 1las". So %"y %ear itB Ans%erJ 9 "a5 a 'irestar 9mm pistol tu3ke5 insi5e a 8elly8an5. $"e 8elly8an5 %as an elasti3 strap t"at %ent o)er t"e un5er%ear@ 8ut un5er t"e outer%ear. 9t %as 5esi-ne5 to %ear un5er a 8utton25o%n 5ress s"irt. Pull t"e s"irt up %it" t"e 1ree "an5@ pull t"e -un out@ an5 )iola@ start s"ootin-. $"e 8elly8an5 5i5n?t %ork %ell un5er most 1ormals@ 8e3ause you "a5 yar5s o1 3lot" to raise 8e1ore you 3oul5 -et to t"e -un. 9t %as 8etter t"an not"in-@ 8ut only i1 t"e 8a5 -uy %as patient. But t"is 5ress@ all 9 "a5 to 5o %as put my "an5 up t"rou-" one o1 t"e slits. 9 "a5 to pull t"e -un out@ 5o%n@ an5 out 1rom un5er t"e 5ress@ so it still %asn?t speey@ 8ut it %asn?t 8a5. $"e 8elly8an5 also 5i5 not %ork %it" an espe3ially 1orm1ittin- 5ress. /o8o5y -ains %ei-"t in t"e s"ape o1 a -un. 9?5 a3tually 1oun5 a strapless 8ra t"at mat3"e5 t"e 8la3k panties@ so on3e 9 took o11 t"e -un an5 5ress@ 9 %as %earinlin-erie. $"e s"oes %ere "i-"er "eels t"an 9?5 normally a33ept@ 8ut it %as eit"er t"at or "em t"e 5ress. Sin3e 9 re1use to se%@ "eels it %as. $"e one ma>or 5ra%8a3k to t"e spa-"etti straps %as t"at it s"o%e5 o11 all my s3ars. 9?5 t"ou-"t a8out 8uyin- a little 3o)er2 up >a3ket@ 8ut t"is %asn?t a 5ress t"at %as meant 1or a >a3ket. So s3re% it. Hean2!lau5e "a5 seen t"e s3ars 8e1ore@ an5 t"e 1e% people ru5e enou-" to -i)e se3on5 -lan3es 3oul5 "a)e an eye1ul. 9 %as -ettin- pretty -oo5 at makeup@ eye s"a5o%@ 8lus"er@ lipsti3k. $"e lipsti3k %as re52)ery@ )ery re5. But 9 "a5 t"e 3olorin- 1or it. Pale skin@ 8la3k 3urly "air@ pure 8ro%n eyes. 9 %as all 3ontrasts an5 stron- 3olors t"e 8ri-"t re5 lipsti3k mat3"e5. 9 %as 1eelin- pretty spi11y until 9 -ot a -limpse o1 Hean2!lau5e. He %as sittin- at t"e ta8le@ %aitin- 1or me. 9 3oul5 see "im 1rom t"e entry%ay@ t"ou-" t"e maitre 5? %as t%o people a"ea5 o1 me. 9 5i5n?t min5. 9 en>oye5 t"e )ie%. Hean2!lau5e?s "air is 8la3k an5 3urly@ 8ut "e?5 5one somet"in- to it so it %as strai-"t an5 1ine@ 1allin- past "is s"oul5ers@ 3urle5 un5er at t"e en5s. His 1a3e seeme5 e)en more 5eli3ate@ like 1ine por3elain. He %as 8eauti1ul@ not "an5some. 9 %asn?t sure %"at sa)e5 "is 1a3e 1rom 8ein- 1eminine2some line o1 "is 3"eek@ 8en5 o1 "is >a%@ somet"in-. Dou %oul5 ne)er mistake "im 1or anyt"in- ot"er t"an male. He %as 5resse5 in royal 8lue@ a 3olor 9?5 ne)er seen "im in. A s"ort >a3ket o1 a s"inin-@ almost metalli3 3lot" %as o)erlai5 %it" 8la3k la3e in a pattern o1 1lo%ers. $"e s"irt %as "is typi3al 1rille5@ Z la 1( ?s s"irt@ 8ut it %as a ri3"@ )i8rant 8lue@ 5o%n to t"e moun5 o1 ru11les t"at 3lim8e5 up "is ne3k to 1rame "is 1a3e an5 spill out t"e slee)es o1 t"e >a3ket to 3o)er t"e upper "al1 o1 "is slen5er %"ite "an5s. He "el5 an empty %ine-lass in "is "an5@ spinnin- t"e stem o1 t"e -lass 8et%een "is 1in-ers@ %at3"in- t"e li-"t spill t"rou-" t"e 3rystal. He 3oul5n?t 5rink %ine more t"an a sip at a time an5 mourne5 it. $"e maitre 5? le5 me t"rou-" t"e ta8les to%ar5s "im. He looke5 up@ an5 seein- "is 1a3e 1ull2on ma5e my 3"est ti-"t@ an5 it %as su55enly "ar5 to 8reat"e. $"e 8lue so 3lose to "is 1a3e ma5e "is eyes 8luer t"an 9?5 e)er seen t"em@ not t"e 3olor o1 mi5ni-"t skies@ 8ut 3o8alt 8lue@ t"e 3olor o1 a -oo5 sapp"ire. But no >e%el e)er "a5 t"at %ei-"t o1 intelli-en3e@ o1 5ark kno%le5-e. $"e look in "is eyes as "e %at3"e5 me %alk to%ar5s "im ma5e me s"i)er. /ot 3ol5@ not 1ear. Anti3ipation. 9n t"e "eels@ an5 %it" t"e slits on 8ot" si5es o1 t"e 5ress@ t"ere %as an art to %alkin-. Dou "a5 to sort o1 t"ro% yoursel1 into it@ a slin-28a3k@ slou3"in-@ "ips%in-in- %alk@ or t"e 5ress %rappe5 aroun5 your le-s an5 t"e "eels t%iste5 at your ankles. Dou "a5 to %alk like you kne% you 3oul5 %ear it an5 look %on5er1ul. 91 you 5ou8te5 yoursel1@ "esitate5@ you?5 1all to t"e 1loor an5 turn into a pumpkin. A1ter years o1 my not 8ein- a8le to %ear "eels an5 5ress 3lot"es@ Hean2!lau5e "a5 tau-"t me in a mont" %"at my stepmot"er 3oul5n?t tea3" me in t%enty years. He stoo5@ an5 9 5i5n?t min5@ t"ou-" on3e upon a time 9?5 pisse5 o11 a prom 5ate 8y stan5in- e)ery time t"at "e 5i5 1or t"e ot"er -irls at t"e ta8le. #ne@ 9?5 mello%e5 sin3e t"enG t%o@ 9 3oul5 see t"e rest o1 Hean2!lau5e?s out1it. $"e pants %ere 8la3k linen@ 3lin-in- smoot" an5 per1e3t to "is 8o5y@ so 1orm 1ittin- t"at 9 kne% t"ere %as not"in- un5er t"e pants 8ut "im. Bla3k 8oots 3lim8e5 "is le-s to t"e knees. $"e 8oots %ere so1t@ 3repe2like leat"er@ %rinkle5 an5 petta8le. He -li5e5 to%ar5s me@ an5 9 stoo5 t"ere %at3"in- "im 3ome. 9 %as still "al1 a1rai5 o1 "im. A1rai5 o1 "o% mu3" 9 %ante5 "im. 9 %as like a ra88it 3au-"t in "ea5li-"ts@ 1roEen@ %aitin- 1or 5eat" to 3ome. But 5i5 t"e ra88it?s "eart 8eat 1ast an5 1asterB 4i5 its 8reat" 3ome like a 3"okin- t"in- into its t"roatB =as t"ere an ea-er rus" to t"e 1ear@ or %as t"ere >ust 5eat"B He %rappe5 "is arms aroun5 me@ 5ra%in- me 3lose. His pale "an5s %ere %arm as t"ey sli5 o)er my 8are arms. He?5 1e5 on someone toni-"t@ 8orro%e5 t"eir %armt". But t"ey?5 8een %illin-@ e)en ea-er. $"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity ne)er %ent 8e--in- 1or 5onors. Bloo5 %as a8out t"e only 8o5ily 1lui5 9 %oul5n?t s"are %it" "im. 9 sli5 my "an5s o)er t"e silk o1 "is s"irt@ un5erneat" t"e s"ort >a3ket. 9 %ante5 to mol5 my 8o5y a-ainst "is stolen %armt". 9 %ante5 to run my "an5s o)er t"e

rou-"ness o1 t"e linen@ 3ontrastin- it to t"e smoot"ness o1 t"e silk. Hean2!lau5e %as al%ays a sensual 1east@ ri-"t 5o%n to "is 3lot"in-. He kisse5 my lips li-"tly. =e?5 learne5 t"at t"e lipsti3k 3ame o11. $"en "e tilte5 my "ea5 to one si5e an5 8reat"e5 alonmy 1a3e@ 5o%n my ne3k. His 8reat" %as like a line o1 1ire alon- my skin. He spoke %it" "is lips >ust a8o)e t"e 8i- pulse in my ne3k. ADou are lo)ely toni-"t@ ma petite.C He presse5 "is lips a-ainst my skin@ so1tly. 9 let out a s"u55erin- 8reat" an5 5re% 8a3k 1rom "im. 9t %as a -reetin- amon- t"e )ampires to plant a li-"t kiss a8o)e t"e 8i- pulse in t"e t"roat. 9t %as a -esture reser)e5 1or t"e )ery 3losest 1rien5s. 9t s"o%e5 -reat trust an5 a11e3tion. $o re1use it meant you %ere an-ry or 5istrust1ul. 9t still seeme5 too intimate 1or pu8li3 3onsumption to me@ 8ut 9?5 seen "im use it %it" ot"ers an5 seen 1i-"ts start %it" a re1usal. 9t %as an ol5 -esture >ust 3omin- 8a3k into )o-ue. 9n 1a3t@ it %as 8e3omin- a 3"i3 -reetin- amon- entertainers an5 ot"ers o1 t"e same ilk. Better t"an kissin- t"e air near someone?s 1a3e@ 9 -uess. $"e maitre 5? "el5 my 3"air. 9 %a)e5 "im o11. 9t %asn?t 1eminism@ 8ut la3k o1 -ra3e. 9 ne)er mana-e5 to 8e s3oote5 un5er a ta8le %it"out t"e 3"air 8an-in- my le-s or 8ein- so 1ar 1rom t"e ta8le 9 "a5 to 1inis" s3ootin- 1or%ar5 on my o%n. So t"e "e3k %it" it@ 9?5 5o it mysel1. Hean2!lau5e %at3"e5 me stru--le into my 3"air@ smilin-@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t o11er to "elp. 9?5 1inally 8roken "im o1 t"at at least. He sat 5o%n in "is o%n 3"air %it" a -ra3e1ul 1all. 9t %as an almost 1oppis" mo)ement@ 8ut "e %as like a 3at. ,)en at rest t"ere %as t"e potential o1 mus3le un5er skin@ a p"ysi3al presen3e t"at %as utterly mas3uline. 9 use5 to t"ink it %as )ampire tri3kery. But it %as "im@ >ust "im. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="at?s %ron-@ ma petiteBC A9 1elt pretty spi11y until 9 sa% you. /o% 9 1eel like one o1 t"e u-ly stepsisters.C He tut2tutte5 at me. ADou kno% you are lo)ely@ ma petite. S"all 9 1ee5 your )anity 8y tellin- you "o% mu3"BC A9 %asn?t 1is"in- 1or 3ompliments.C 9 -esture5 at "im an5 s"ook my "ea5 a-ain. ADou look amaEin- toni-"t.C He smile5@ 5ippin- "is "ea5 to one si5e so "is "air s%ept 1or%ar5. A7er3i@ ma petite.C A9s t"e "air perme5 strai-"tBC 9 aske5. A9t looks -reat@C 9 a55e5 "astily@ an5 it 5i5@ 8ut 9 "ope5 it %asn?t as permanent as a perm. 9 lo)e5 "is 3urls. A91 it %as@ %"at %oul5 you sayBC A91 it %as@ you?5 "a)e >ust sai5 so. /o% you?re teasin- me.C A=oul5 you mourn t"e loss o1 my 3urlsBC "e aske5. A9 3oul5 return t"e 1a)or@C 9 sai5. He %i5ene5 "is eyes in mo3k "orror. A/ot your 3ro%nin- -lory@ ma petite@ mon 4ieu.C He %as lau-"in- at me@ 8ut 9 %as use5 to it. A9 5i5n?t kno% you 3oul5 -et linen t"at ti-"t@C 9 sai5. His smile %i5ene5. AAn5 9 5i5 not kno% you 3oul5 "i5e a -un un5er su3" a ... slen5er 5ress.C AAs lon- as 9 5on?t "u- any8o5y@ t"ey?ll ne)er kno%.C AVery true.C A %aiter 3ame an5 aske5 i1 %e %ante5 5rinks. 9 or5ere5 %ater an5 !oke. Hean2!lau5e 5e3line5. 91 "e 3oul5 "a)e or5ere5 anyt"in-@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een %ine. Hean2!lau5e 8rou-"t "is 3"air o)er to sit almost 8esi5e me. ="en 5inner 3ame@ "e?5 mo)e 8a3k to "is pla3e settin-@ 8ut pi3kin- out t"e meal %as part o1 t"e ni-"t?s entertainment. 9t "a5 taken me se)eral 5inner 5ates to realiEe %"at Hean2 !lau5e %ante52no@ almost nee5e5. 9 %as Hean2!lau5e?s "uman ser)ant. 9 8ore t"ree o1 "is marks. #ne o1 t"e si5e e11e3ts o1 t"e se3on5 mark %as t"at "e 3oul5 take sustenan3e t"rou-" me. So i1 %e?5 8een on a lon- sea )oya-e@ "e %oul5n?t "a)e "a5 to 1ee5 o11 o1 any "umans on t"e 8oat. He 3oul5 li)e t"rou-" me 1or a time. He 3oul5 also taste 1oo5 t"rou-" me. 'or t"e 1irst time in nearly 1our "un5re5 years "e 3oul5 taste 1oo5. 9 "a5 to eat it 1or "im@ 8ut "e 3oul5 en>oy a meal. 9t %as tri)ial 3ompare5 to some o1 t"e ot"er t"in-s "e?5 -aine5 t"rou-" t"e 8on5in-@ 8ut it %as t"e t"in- t"at seeme5 to please "im most. He or5ere5 1oo5 %it" a 3"il5like -lee an5 %at3"e5 me eat@ tastin- it as 9 5i5. 9n pri)ate "e?5 roll on "is 8a3k like a 3at@ "an5s presse5 to "is mout" as i1 tryin- to 5rain e)ery taste. 9t %as t"e only t"in- "e 5i5 t"at %as 3ute. He %as -or-eous@ sensual@ 8ut rarely 3ute. 9?5 -aine5 1our poun5s in si* %eeks eatin- %it" "im. He sli5 "is arm o)er t"e 8a3k o1 my 3"air@ an5 %e rea5 t"e menu to-et"er. He leane5 3lose enou-" 1or "is "air to 8rus" my 3"eek. $"e smell o1 "is per1ume@ o"@ sorry@ 3olo-ne@ 3aresse5 my skin. $"ou-" i1 %"at Hean2!lau5e %ore %as 3olo-ne@ t"en Brut %as 8u- spray. 9 mo)e5 my "ea5 a%ay 1rom t"e 3aress o1 "is "air@ mainly 8e3ause t"e 1eel o1 "im t"is 3lose %as all 9 3oul5 t"ink a8out. 7ay8e i1 9?5 taken "im up on "is in)itation to li)e %it" "im at t"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5@ some o1 t"is "eat %oul5 "a)e 5issipate5. But 9?5 rente5 a "ouse in re3or5 time in t"e mi55le o1 no%"ere so my nei-"8ors %oul5n?t -et s"ot up@ %"i3" is

%"y 9 mo)e5 out o1 my last apartment. 9 "ate5 t"e "ouse. 9 %asn?t a "ouse kin5a -al. 9 %as a 3on5o kin5 o1 -al. But 3on5os "a5 nei-"8ors@ too. $"e la3e o)erlay on "is >a3ket %as s3rat3"y a-ainst my nearly 8are s"oul5ers. He put "is "an5 on my s"oul5er@ smoot"in- "is 1in-ertips a3ross my skin. His le- 8rus"e5 my t"i-"@ an5 9 realiEe5 9 "a5n?t "ear5 a 5amn t"in- "e?5 sai5. 9t %as em8arrassin-. He stoppe5 talkin- an5 looke5 at me@ -aEe5 at me 1rom in3"es a%ay %it" t"ose e*traor5inary eyes. A9 "a)e 8een e*plainin- my menu 3"oi3es to you. Ha)e you "ear5 any o1 itBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. ASorry.C He lau-"e5@ an5 it "o)ere5 o)er my skin like "is 8reat"@ %arm an5 sli5in- o)er my 8o5y. 9t %as a )ampire tri3k 8ut lo% on t"e s3ale@ an5 "a5 8e3ome pu8li3 1oreplay 1or us. 9n pri)ate %e 5i5 ot"er t"in-s. He %"ispere5 a-ainst my 3"eek. A/o apolo-ies@ ma petite. Dou kno% it pleases me t"at you 1in5 me ... into*i3atin-.C He lau-"e5 a-ain@ an5 9 pus"e5 "im a%ay. AGo sit on your si5e o1 t"e ta8le. Dou?)e 8een "ere lon- enou-" to kno% %"at you %ant.C He mo)e5 "is 3"air 5uti1ully 8a3k to "is pla3e settin-. A9 "a)e %"at 9 %ant@ ma petite.C 9 "a5 to look 5o%n an5 not meet "is eyes. Heat 3rept up my ne3k into my 1a3e@ an5 9 3oul5n?t stop it. A91 you mean %"at 5o 9 %ant 1or 5inner@ t"at is a 5i11erent ;uestion@C "e sai5. ADou are a pain in t"e ass@C 9 sai5. AAn5 so many ot"er pla3es@C "e sai5. 9 5i5n?t t"ink 9 3oul5 8lus" more. 9 %as %ron-. AStop it.C A9 lo)e t"e 1a3t t"at 9 3an make you 8lus". 9t is 3"armin-.C $"e tone in "is )oi3e ma5e me smile in spite o1 mysel1. A$"is is not a 5ress to 8e 3"armin- in. 9 %as tryin- 1or se*y an5 sop"isti3ate5.C A!an you not 8e 3"armin- as %ell as se*y an5 sop"isti3ate5B 9s t"ere some rule a8out 8ein- all t"reeBC ASli3k@ )ery sli3k@C 9 sai5. He %i5ene5 "is eyes@ tryin- 1or inno3ent an5 1ailin-. He %as many t"in-s@ 8ut inno3ent %asn?t one o1 t"em. A/o%@ let?s start ne-otiatin- on 5inner@C 9 sai5. ADou make it soun5 like a 3"ore.C 9 si-"e5. ABe1ore you 3ame alon-@ 9 t"ou-"t 1oo5 %as somet"in- you ate so you %oul5n?t 5ie. 9 %ill ne)er 8e as enamore5 o1 1oo5 as you are. 9t?s almost a 1etis" %it" you.C AHar5ly a 1etis"@ ma petite.C AA "o88y@ t"en.C He no55e5. APer"aps.C ASo >ust tell me %"at you like on t"e menu@ an5 %e?ll ne-otiate.C AAll t"at is re;uire5 is t"at you taste %"at is or5ere5. Dou 5o not "a)e to eat it.C A/o@ no more o1 t"is tastin- s"it. 9?)e -aine5 %ei-"t. 9 ne)er -ain %ei-"t.C ADou "a)e -aine5 1our poun5s@ so 9 am tol5. $"ou-" 9 "a)e sear3"e5 5ili-ently 1or t"is p"antom 1our poun5s an5 3annot 1in5 t"em. 9t 8rin-s your %ei-"t up to a -ran5 total o1 one "un5re5 an5 ten poun5s@ 3orre3tC A$"at?s ri-"t.C A#"@ ma petite@ you are -ro%in- -ar-antuan.C 9 looke5 at "im@ an5 it %as not a 1rien5ly look. A/e)er tease a %oman a8out "er %ei-"t@ Hean2!lau5e. At least not an Ameri3an t%entiet"23entury one.C He sprea5 "is "an5s %i5e. A7y 5eepest apolo-ies.C A="en you apolo-iEe@ try not to smile at t"e same time. 9t ruins t"e e11e3t@C 9 sai5. His smile %i5ene5 until a "int o1 1an- peeke5 out. A9 %ill try to remem8er t"at 1or t"e 1uture.C $"e %aiter returne5 %it" my 5rinks. A=oul5 you like to or5er@ or 5o you nee5 a 1e% minutesBC Hean2!lau5e looke5 at me. AA 1e% minutes.C $"e ne-otiation 8e-an.

$%enty minutes later 9 nee5e5 a re1ill on my !oke@ an5 %e kne% %"at %e %ante5. $"e %aiter returne5@ pen poise5@ "ope1ul. 9?5 %on on t"e appetiEer@ so %e %eren?t "a)in- one. 9?5 -i)en up t"e sala5@ an5 let "im "a)e t"e soup. Potato2leek soup@ "ey@ it %asn?t a "ar5s"ip. =e 8ot" %ante5 t"e steak. A$"e petite 3ut@C 9 tol5 t"e %aiter. AHo% %oul5 you like t"at prepare5BC AHal1 %ell25one@ "al1 rare.C $"e %aiter 8linke5 at me. A,*3use me@ ma5amBC A9t?s an ei-"t2oun3e 3ut@ ri-"tBC He no55e5. A!ut it in "al1@ an5 3ook 1our oun3es o1 it %ell25one@ an5 1our oun3es o1 it rare.C He 1ro%ne5 at me. A9 5on?t t"ink %e 3an 5o t"at.C AAt t"ese pri3es you s"oul5 8rin- t"e 3o% out an5 "a)e a ritual sa3ri1i3e at t"e ta8le. Hust 5o it.C 9 "an5e5 "im t"e menu. He took it. Still 1ro%nin-@ "e turne5 to Hean2!lau5e. AAn5 you@ sirBC Hean2!lau5e -a)e a small smile. A9 %ill not 8e or5erin- 1oo5 toni-"t.C A=oul5 you like %ine %it" 5inner@ t"en@ sirBC He ne)er misse5 a 8eat. A9 5o not 5rink2%ine.C 9 3ou-"e5 !oke all o)er t"e ta8le3lot". $"e %aiter 5i5 e)eryt"in- 8ut -i)e me t"e Heimli3". Hean2!lau5e lau-"e5 until tears traile5 1rom t"e 3orners o1 "is eyes. Dou 3oul5n?t really tell it in t"is li-"t@ 8ut 9 kne% t"at t"e tears %ere tin-e5 re5. Kne% t"at t"ere %oul5 8e pinkis" stains on t"e linen napkin %"en "e %as 5one 5a88in- "is eyes. $"e %aiter 1le5 %it"out "a)in- -otten t"e >oke. Starin- a3ross t"e ta8le at t"e smilin- )ampire@ 9 %on5ere5 i1 9 -ot t"e >oke or %as t"e 8utt o1 t"e >oke. $"ere %ere ni-"ts %"en 9 %asn?t sure %"i3" %ay t"e -ra)e 5irt 3rum8le5. But %"en "e put "is "an5 out to me a3ross t"e ta8le@ 9 took it. 4e1initely@ t"e 8utt o1 t"e >oke.

Chapter Eight
4essert %as rasp8erry23"o3olate 3"eese3ake. A triple t"reat to any 5iet plan. $rut"1ully@ 9 pre1erre5 my 3"eese3ake strai-"t. 'ruit@ e*3ept 1or stra%8erries@ an5 3"o3olate >ust mu55ie5 t"e pure 3ream 3"eese taste. But Hean2!lau5e like5 it@ an5 5essert took t"e pla3e o1 t"e %ine 9?5 re1use5 to or5er %it" 5inner. 9 "ate5 t"e taste o1 al3o"ol. So Hean2!lau5e?s 3"oi3e o1 5essert. Besi5es@ t"e restaurant 5i5 not ser)e plain 3"eese3ake. /ot artisti3 enou-"@ 9 -uess. 9 ate all t"e 3"eese3ake@ 3"ase5 t"e last 3"o3olate 3url a3ross t"e plate@ an5 pus"e5 it a%ay. 9 %as 1ull. Hean2!lau5e "a5 lai5 "is arm a3ross t"e ta8le3lot"@ reste5 "is 3"eek on "is arm@ an5 3lose5 "is eyes@ s%oonin-@ tryin- to sa)or e)ery last taste. He 8linke5 at me@ as i1 3omin- out o1 a tran3e. He spoke@ "ea5 still restin- on "is arm@ ADou "a)e le1t some %"ippe5 3ream@ ma petite.C A9?m 1ull@C 9 sai5. A9t is real %"ippe5 3ream. 9t melts on t"e ton-ue an5 -li5es a3ross t"e palate.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 am 5one. 91 9 eat any more@ 9?ll 8e si3k.C He -a)e a lon-2su11erin- si-" an5 sat 8a3k up. A$"ere are ni-"ts %"en 9 5espair o1 you@ ma petite.C 9 smile5. A'unny@ 9 t"ink t"e same t"in- a8out you sometimes.C He no55e5 "is "ea5@ makin- a small 8o%. A$ou3"6@ ma petite@ tou3"6.C He stare5 o11 past my s"oul5er an5 sti11ene5. $"e smile 5i5n?t 1a5e 1rom "is 1a3e. 9t %as %ipe5 3lean. His 1a3e %as its 8lank unrea5a8le mask. An5 9 kne% %it"out turninaroun5 t"at someone %as 8e"in5 me@ someone "e 1eare5. 9 mana-e5 to 5rop my napkin@ an5 pi3ke5 it up %it" my le1t "an5. =it" my ri-"t "an5 9 5re% t"e 'irestar. ="en 9 sat 8a3k up@ t"e -un %as in my "an5 in my lap. $"ou-" s"ootin- up 4emi3"e?s seeme5 like a 8a5 i5ea. But "ey@ it %oul5n?t 8e t"e 1irst 8a5 i5ea 9?5 "a5. 9 turne5 to see a 3ouple %alkin- to%ar5s us t"rou-" t"e ta8les an5 3rystal. $"e %oman looke5 tall until you -ot a -limpse o1 t"e "eels s"e %as %earin-. Stiletto@ 1our in3"es. 9?5 "a)e 8roken my ankle tryin- to %alk in t"em. $"e 5ress %as %"ite@ s;uare ne3ke5@ 1orm21ittin-@ an5 more e*pensi)e t"an my entire out1it@ e)en i1 you t"re% in t"e -un. Her "air %as a %"ite2 8lon5 so pale it mat3"e5 t"e 5ress an5 t"e simple %"ite mink stole 3urle5 aroun5 "er s"oul5ers. $"e "air %as pile5 in a moun5 atop "er "ea5 %it" a sparkle o1 sil)er an5 t"e 3rystal 1ire o1 5iamon5s to 1rame t"e "air like a 3ro%n. S"e %as 3"alk2%"ite@ an5 5espite t"e e*pert makeup 9 kne% s"e "a5n?t 1e5 yet toni-"t.

$"e man %as "uman@ t"ou-" t"ere %as a t"rummin- ener-y to "im t"at ma5e me %ant to take 8a3k t"e "uman part. He %as tanne5 t"at %on5er1ul ri3" 8ro%n t"at oli)e skin 3an mana-e. His "air %as a lu*uriant 3urlin- 8ro%n@ s"a)e5 s"ort on t"e si5es@ 8ut 5one so it 1ell in 3urls near "is eyes. $"e eyes %ere pure 8ro%n an5 %at3"e5 Hean2!lau5e stea5ily@ >oyously@ 8ut it %as a 5ark >oy. He %as 5resse5 in a %"ite linen suit@ 3omplete %it" silk tie. $"ey stoppe5 at our ta8le like 9 kne% t"ey %oul5. $"e man?s "an5some 1a3e %as all 1or Hean2!lau5e. 9 mi-"t as %ell "a)e not 8een t"ere. He "a5 )ery stron- 1eatures@ 1rom "i-" 3"eek8ones to an almost2"ooke5 nose. An in3" eit"er 5ire3tion an5 "is 1a3e %oul5 "a)e 8een "omely. 9nstea5@ it %as strikin-@ 3ompellin-@ "an5some in an utterly mas3uline %ay. Hean2!lau5e stoo5@ "an5s loose at "is si5e@ 1a3e 8eauti1ul an5 empty. AD)ette@ it "as 8een a lon- time.C S"e smile5 %on5er1ully. AA )ery lon- time@ Hean2!lau5e. Dou remem8er Balt"asarBC S"e tou3"e5 t"e man?s arm@ an5 "e o8li-in-ly sli5 it aroun5 "er %aist. He plante5 a 3"aste kiss on "er pale 3"eek. He looke5 at me t"en 1or t"e 1irst time. 9t %asn?t a look 9?5 e)er -otten 1rom a man. 91 it "a5 8een a %oman@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 s"e %as >ealous. $"e )ampire?s ,n-lis" %as per1e3t. Her a33ent %as pure 'ren3". A#1 3ourse@ 9 remem8er "im@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A$ime spent %it" Balt"asar %as al%ays memora8le.C $"e man turne5 8a3k to Hean2!lau5e t"en. ABut not memora8le enou-" to keep you %it" us.C He@ too@ soun5e5 'ren3"@ 8ut t"ere %as an un5er3urrent o1 some ot"er lan-ua-e. 9t %as like mi*in- 8lue an5 re5 an5 -ettin- purple. A9 am master o1 my o%n territory. 9t is %"at e)eryone 5reams o1@ is it notBC ASome 5ream o1 a seat on t"e 3oun3il@C D)ette sai5. Her )oi3e %as still mil5ly amuse5@ 8ut t"ere %as an un5er3urrent no%@ like s%immin- in 5ark %ater %"en you kno% t"ere are s"arks. A9 5o not aspire to su3" lo1ty "ei-"ts@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A<eallyBC D)ette sai5. A$ruly@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. S"e smile5@ 8ut "er eyes staye5 5istant an5 empty. A=e s"all see.C A$"ere is not"in- to see@ D)ette. 9 am 3ontent %"ere 9 am.C A91 t"at is so@ you "a)e not"in- to 1ear 1rom us.C A=e "a)e not"in- to 1ear re-ar5less@C 9 sai5. 9 smile5 %"en 9 sai5 it. Bot" o1 t"em looke5 at me as i1 9 %as a 5o- t"at "a5 5one an interestin- tri3k. 9 %as really 8e-innin- not to like eit"er o1 t"em. AD)ette an5 Balt"asar are en)oys o1 t"e 3oun3il@ ma petite.C ABully 1or t"em@C 9 sai5. AS"e 5oesn?t seem )ery impresse5 %it" us@C D)ette sai5. S"e turne5 1ull21a3e to me. Her eyes %ere -reyis"2-reen@ %it" tiny 1le3ks o1 am8er 5an3in- roun5 t"e pupils. 9 1elt "er try to su3k me un5er %it" t"ose eyes@ an5 it 5i5n?t %ork. Her po%er raise5 -oose 8umps on my skin@ 8ut s"e 3oul5n?t 3apture me %it" "er eyes. S"e %as po%er1ul@ 8ut s"e %asn?t a master )ampire. 9 3oul5 1eel "er a-e like an a3"e in my skull. A t"ousan5 years@ at least. $"e last )amp 9?5 met %"o %as t"at ol5 "a5 3leane5 my 3lo3k. But /ikolaos "a5 8een 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ an5 D)ette %oul5 ne)er 8e t"at. 91 a )amp "a5n?t attaine5 master status in a t"ousan5 years@ s"e@ or "e@ %as ne)er -oin- to. A )amp -aine5 po%er an5 a8ilities %it" a-e@ 8ut t"ere %as a limit. D)ette "a5 rea3"e5 "ers. 9 stare5 into "er eyes@ let "er po%er ti3kle a3ross my skin@ an5 %asn?t impresse5. S"e 1ro%ne5. A9mpressi)e.C A$"anks@C 9 sai5. Balt"asar steppe5 aroun5 "er an5 %ent to one knee in 1ront o1 me. He put one "an5 on t"e 8a3k o1 my 3"air an5 leane5 into me. 91 D)ette %asn?t a master@ t"en "e %asn?t "er "uman ser)ant. #nly a master )ampire 3oul5 make a "uman ser)ant. ="i3" meant "e 8elon-e5 to someone else. Someone 9 "a5n?t met yet. ="y 5i5 9 -et t"e 1eelin- 9?5 8e meetint"at someone soonB A7y master is a 3oun3il mem8er@C Balt"asar sai5. ADou "a)e no i5ea %"at kin5 o1 po%er "e %iel5s.C AAsk me i1 9 3are.C An-er 1lare5 a3ross "is 1a3e@ 5arkenin- "is eyes@ makin- "is -rip on my 3"air ti-"t. He lai5 "is "an5 on my le- >ust a8o)e my knee an5 starte5 to s;ueeEe. 9?5 playe5 %it" t"e monsters lon- enou-" to kno% %"at supernatural stren-t" 1eels like. His 1in-ers 5u- into my 1les"@ an5 9 kne% "e 3oul5 keep s;ueeEin- until mus3le poppe5 an5 "e 8are5 my 8ones to t"e air. 9 -ra88e5 "is silk tie an5 pulle5 "im 3lose@ an5 s"o)e5 t"e 8arrel o1 t"e 'irestar into "is 3"est. 9 %at3"e5 t"e surprise 3"ase a3ross "is 1a3e 1rom in3"es a%ay. ABet 9 3an 8lo% a "ole in your 3"est 8e1ore you 3an 3rus" my le-.C ADou %oul5n?t 5are.C A="y notBC 9 aske5.

A tou3" o1 1ear 1lo%e5 t"rou-" "is eyes. A9 am t"e "uman ser)ant o1 a 3oun3il mem8er.C A/ot impresse5@C 9 sai5. A$ry 5oor num8er t%o.C He 1ro%ne5 at me. A9 5on?t un5erstan5.C AGi)e "er a 8etter reason not to kill you@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A91 you s"oot me "ere in 1ront o1 %itnesses@ you %ill -o to >ail.C 9 si-"e5. A$"ere is t"at.C 9 >erke5 "im 3lose enou-" t"at our 1a3es almost tou3"e5. A$ake your "an5 o11 my knee@ slo%ly@ an5 9 %on?t pull t"is tri--er. Keep "urtin- me@ an5 9?ll take my 3"an3es %it" t"e poli3e.C He stare5 at me. ADou %oul5 5o it@ you really %oul5 5o it.C A9 5on?t 8lu11@ Balt"asar. <emem8er t"at 1or 1uture re1eren3e@ an5 may8e 9 %on?t "a)e to kill you.C His "an5 ease5@ t"en mo)e5 slo%ly a%ay 1rom me. 9 let "im mo)e 8a3k@ "is tie sli5in- t"rou-" my "an5 like a 1is"in- line. 9 ease5 8a3k in my 3"air. $"e -un "a5 ne)er ma5e it out 1rom un5er t"e ta8le3lot". =e?5 8een t"e soul o1 5is3retion. $"e %aiter 3ame o)er any%ay. A9s t"ere a pro8lemBC A/o pro8lem@C 9 sai5. APlease 8rin- our 3"e3k@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A<i-"t a%ay@C t"e %aiter sai5. He %at3"e5 a little ner)ously %"ile Balt"asar -ot to "is 1eet. Balt"asar smoot"e5 5o%n t"e %rinkles in "is linen pants@ 8ut t"ere?s only so mu3" you 3an 5o %it" linen. 9t really isn?t meant to 8e knelt in. ADou "a)e %on t"e 1irst roun5@ Hean2!lau5e. Be 3are1ul t"at it 5oes not 8e3ome a Pyrr"i3 )i3tory.C D)ette sai5. S"e an5 Balt"asar le1t %it"out e)er takin- a ta8le. Guess t"ey %eren?t "un-ry. A="at?s -oin- onBC 9 aske5. Hean2!lau5e sat 8a3k 5o%n. AD)ette is a 3oun3il toa5y. Balt"asar is t"e "uman ser)ant o1 one o1 t"e most po%er1ul 3oun3il mem8ers.C A="y are t"ey "ereBC A9 8elie)e it is 8e3ause o1 7r. #li)er.C 7r. #li)er "a5 8een t"e ol5est )ampire 9?5 e)er met. $"e ol5est one 9?5 e)er "ear5 "inte5 at. He?5 8een a million years ol5@ no >oke@ a million years@ -i)e or take. 'or all t"ose %it" a "ea5 1or pre"istory@ yes@ t"at 5oes mean "e %asn?t Homo Sapiens. Homo ere3tus@ an5 a8le to %alk aroun5 5urin- t"e 5ay@ t"ou-" 9 ne)er sa% "im 3ross 5ire3t sunli-"t. He?5 8een t"e only )amp to e)er 1ool me 1or e)en a 1e% moments into t"inkin- "e %as "uman@ %"i3" is ni3ely ironi3@ sin3e "e %asn?t "uman at all. He?5 "a5 a plan to take out Hean2!lau5e@ take o)er t"e )amps in t"e area@ an5 1or3e t"em to slau-"ter "umans. #li)er "a5 t"ou-"t a slau-"ter like t"at %oul5 1or3e t"e aut"orities to make )amps ille-al a-ain. He t"ou-"t )ampires %oul5 sprea5 too ;ui3kly %it" le-al ri-"ts an5 take o)er t"e "uman ra3e. 9?5 sort o1 a-ree5 %it" "im. His plan mi-"t "a)e %orke5 i1 9 "a5n?t kille5 "im. Ho% 9 mana-e5 to kill "im is a lon- story@ 8ut 9?5 en5e5 up in a 3oma. A %eek un3ons3ious@ -one@ so 3lose to 5eat" t"at t"e 5o3tors 5i5n?t kno% "o% 9 sur)i)e5. #1 3ourse@ t"ey "a5n?t 8een too 3lear on %"y 9 %as in a 3oma to 8e-in %it"@ an5 no one 1elt like e*plainin- )ampire marks an5 Homo ere3tus )ampires. 9 stare5 at Hean2!lau5e. A$"e 3raEy son o1 8it3" t"at trie5 to take you out last Hallo%eenBC A#ui.C A="at a8out "imBC AHe %as a 3oun3il mem8er.C 9 almost lau-"e5. A/o %ay. He %as ol5@ ol5er t"an sin@ 8ut "e %asn?t t"at po%er1ul.C A9 tol5 you "e a-ree5 to limit "is po%ers@ ma petite. 9 5i5 not kno% %"o an5 %"at "e %as at 1irst@ 8ut "e %as t"e 3oun3il mem8er kno%n as t"e ,art"mo)er.C A,*3use meBC AHe 3oul5 3ause t"e eart" to s"ake 8y "is po%er alone.C A/o %ay@C 9 sai5. ADes %ay@ ma petite. He a-ree5 not to 3ause t"e eart" to s%allo% t"e 3ity 8e3ause it %oul5 8e 8lame5 on an eart";uake. He %ante5 t"e 8loo5lettin- to 8e 8lame5 on )ampires. Dou remem8er "is plan %as to 5ri)e )ampires 8a3k to 8ein- ille-al. An eart";uake %oul5 not 5o t"at. A 8loo58at" %oul5. /o one@ not e)en you@ 8elie)es t"at a mere )ampire 3an 3ause an eart";uake.C A4amn strai-"t@ 9 5on?t.C 9 stare5 at "is 3are1ul 1a3e. ADou?re serious.C A4ea5ly serious@ ma petite.C 9t %as too mu3" to take in all at on3e. ="en in 5ou8t i-nore an5 8e terri8ly unimpresse5. ASo %e took out a 3oun3il mem8er@ so %"atBC

He s"ook "is "ea5. A$"ere is no 1ear in you@ ma petite. 4o you un5erstan5 %"at 5an-er %e are all inBC A/o@ an5 %"at 5o you mean t"e F5an-er %e are all in?B ="o else is in 5an-er 8esi5es usBC AAll our people@C "e sai5. A4e1ine Fall@? A 9 sai5. AAll my )ampires@ anyone t"at t"e 3oun3il 3onsi5ers ours.C ALarryBC 9 aske5. He si-"e5. APer"aps.C AS"oul5 9 3all "imB =arn "imB Ho% mu3" 5an-erBC A9 am not sure. /o one "as e)er slain a 3oun3il mem8er an5 not taken t"eir pla3e.C A9 kille5 "im@ not you.C ADou are my "uman ser)ant. $"e 3oun3il sees all t"at you 5o as an e*tension o1 my a3tions.C 9 stare5 at "im. ADou mean anyone 9 kill is your killBC He no55e5. A9 %asn?t your ser)ant %"en 9 kille5 #li)er.C A9 %oul5 keep t"at 8it o1 kno%le5-e to oursel)es.C A="yBC A$"ey may not kill me@ ma petite@ 8ut a )ampire "unter %"o kille5 a 3oun3il mem8er %oul5 8e e*e3ute5. $"ere %oul5 8e no trial@ no "esitation.C A,)en t"ou-" 9?m your "uman ser)ant no%BC A$"at mi-"t sa)e you. 9t is one o1 our most strin-ent la%s not to 5estroy anot"er?s ser)ant.C ASo t"ey 3an?t kill me 8e3ause 9?m your ser)ant.C ABut t"ey 3an "arm you@ ma petite. $"ey 3an "arm you so )ery mu3" t"at you may %is" 1or 5eat".C ADou mean tortureBC A/ot in a tra5itional sense. But t"ey are masters at 1in5in- t"at %"i3" terri1ies you most an5 usin- it a-ainst you. $"ey %ill use your 5esires a-ainst you an5 t%ist e)eryt"in- you are into a s"ape o1 t"eir 3"oosin-.C A9?)e met master )ampires t"at 3oul5 sense your "eart?s 5esire an5 use it a-ainst you.C A,)eryt"in- you "a)e seen o1 us 8e1ore@ ma petite@ is like a 5istant 5ream. $"e 3oun3il is t"e reality. $"ey are t"e ni-"tmare on %"i3" %e are all 8ase5. $"e t"in- t"at e)en %e 1ear.C AD)ette an5 Balt"asar 5i5n?t seem t"at s3ary to me.C He looke5 at me. $"ere %as no e*pression on "is 1a3e. 9t %as a mask@ smoot"@ pleasant@ "i55en. A91 t"ey 5i5 not 1ri-"ten you@ ma petite@ it is only 8e3ause you 5o not kno% t"em. D)ette is a toa5y o1 t"e 3oun3il 8e3ause t"ey are po%er1ul enou-" to -i)e "er a rea5y supply o1 )i3tims.C AVi3timsB Dou aren?t talkin- a8out "uman prey@ are youBC A9t 3an 8e "uman. But D)ette is 3onsi5ere5 per)erte5 e)en 8y ot"er )ampires.C 9 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 to kno%@ 8ut ... APer)erte5 in %"at %aysC He si-"e5 an5 looke5 5o%n at "is "an5s. $"ey lay )ery still on t"e ta8le3lot". 9t %as like "e %as pullin- a%ay 1rom me. 9 3oul5 see t"e %alls 3li3kin- 8a3k into pla3e. He %as re8uil5in- "imsel1 into Hean2!lau5e@ 7aster o1 t"e !ity. 9t %as a s"o3k to realiEe t"at t"ere "a5 8een a 3"an-e. 9t "a5 8een so -ra5ual t"at 9 "a5n?t realiEe5 t"at %it" me@ on our 5ates@ "e %as 5i11erent. 9 5on?t kno% i1 "e %as more "imsel1 or more %"at "e t"ou-"t 9 %ante5 "im to 8e@ 8ut "e %as more Arela*e5@C less -uar5e5. =at3"in- "im put on "is pu8li3 1a3e %"ile 9 sat a3ross 1rom "im %as almost 5epressin-. AD)ette lo)es t"e 5ea5.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. ABut s"e?s a )ampire. $"at?s re5un5ant.C He stare5 at me@ an5 it %asn?t a 1rien5ly look. A9 %ill not sit "ere an5 5e8ate %it" you@ ma petite. Dou s"are my 8e5. 91 9 %ere a Eom8ie@ you %oul5 not tou3" me.C A$"at?s true.C 9t took me a "an51ul o1 se3on5s to un5erstan5 %"at "e?5 >ust sai5. AAre you tellin- me t"at D)ette likes to "a)e se* %it" Eom8ies@ real rottin- 3orpsesBC AAmon- ot"er t"in-s@ yes.C 9 3oul5n?t keep t"e 5is-ust o11 my 1a3e. AGoo5 Lor5@ t"at?s ne3rop"ilia3.C ... C =or5s 1aile5 me. $"en 9 1oun5 a %or5. AS"e?s a

AS"e %ill use a 5ea5 8o5y i1 not"in- else is a)aila8le@ 8ut "er true >oy is t"e rotte5 animate5 3orpse. S"e %oul5 1in5 your talent most appealin-@ ma petite. Dou 3oul5 raise "er an unen5in- stream o1 partners.C A9 %oul5n?t raise t"e 5ea5 1or "er amusement.C A/ot initially@C "e sai5. A/o@ not un5er any 3ir3umstan3es.C A$"e 3oun3il "as a %ay o1 1in5in- 3ir3umstan3es t"at 3an 1or3e you to 5o almost anyt"in-.C 9 %at3"e5 "is 1a3e an5 %is"e5 9 3oul5 rea5 it. But 9 un5erstoo5. He %as "i5in- 1rom t"em@ alrea5y. AHo% 5eep is t"e "ole %e?re inBC A4eep enou-" to 8ury us all@ i1 t"e 3oun3il 3"ooses.C A7ay8e 9 s"oul5n?t "a)e put t"e -un up@C 9 sai5. APer"aps not@C "e sai5. $"e 3"e3k 3ame. =e pai5. =e le1t. 9 ma5e a stop at t"e la5ies? room on t"e %ay out an5 retrie)e5 t"e -un. Hean2!lau5e took my 3ar keys@ so 9 %oul5n?t "a)e to "an5le anyt"in- 8ut t"e -un. 9t %as a s"ort %alk 1rom 8at"room to 5oor. Bla3k -un a-ainst a 8la3k 5ress. ,it"er no one noti3e5@ or no one %ante5 to -et in)ol)e5. ="at else %as ne%B

Chapter Nine
$"e parkin- lot %as a 5ark e*panse o1 s"inin- 8la3kness %it" pools o1 li-"t spotli-"tin- -leamin- 3ars. Ha-uars@ Vol)os@ an5 7er3e5es %ere t"e 5ominant spe3ies in t"e lot. 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 my Heep at t"e 1ar en5 o1 a line. 9 lost si-"t o1 it as %e %alke5 8et%een t"e 3ars. Hean2!lau5e "el5 my 3ar keys 3uppe5 in "is "an5 so t"ey 5i5n?t rattle as "e mo)e5. =e %eren?t "ol5in- "an5s@ or anyt"in- else no%. 9 "a5 t"e 'irestar in a t%o2"an5e5 -rip@ pointe5 at t"e -roun5@ 8ut rea5y. 9 %as s3annin- t"e parkin- lot. 7y eyes 1li3kin- 8a3k an5 1ort". 9 %asn?t 3oy a8out it. A 3op %oul5 "a)e kno%n %"at 9 %as 5oin- 1rom yar5s a%ay. 9 %as sear3"in- 1or 5an-er@ sear3"in- 1or tar-ets. 9 1elt 8ot" silly an5 ner)ous. $"e skin a3ross my 8are s"oul5ers %as tryin- to 3ra%l 5o%n my spine. 9t %as silly@ 8ut 9?5 "a)e 1elt 8etter in >eans an5 a s"irt. 7ore se3ure. A9 5on?t t"ink t"ey?re out "ere@C 9 sai5 so1tly. A9?m sure you are ri-"t@ ma petite. D)ette an5 Balt"asar "a)e 5eli)ere5 t"eir messa-e an5 run 8a3k to t"eir masters.C 9 -lan3e5 at "im 8e1ore turnin- my attention 8a3k to t"e parkin- lot. A$"en %"y am 9 in 3om8at mo5eBC ABe3ause t"e 3oun3il tra)els %it" an entoura-e. =e "a)e not seen t"e last o1 t"em toni-"t@ ma petite. #1 t"at@ 9 3an promise you.C AGreat.C =e 3ame aroun5 t"e last 3ars 8et%een us an5 my Heep. $"ere %as a man leanin- a-ainst t"e Heep. $"e 'irestar %as >ust su55enly pointin- at "im. /o t"inkin-@ >ust paranoia2o"@ sorry@ 3aution. Hean2!lau5e 1roEe 8esi5e me@ utterly motionless. $"e ol5 )ampires 3an 5o t"at2>ust seem to stop@ stop 8reat"in-@ stop mo)in-@ stop e)eryt"in-. As i1@ i1 you looke5 a%ay@ t"ey mi-"t >ust 5isappear. $"e man leane5 on t"e 8a3k o1 my Heep in pro1ile. He %as in t"e mi55le o1 li-"tin- a 3i-arette. Dou?5 "a)e t"ou-"t "e "a5n?t seen us@ 8ut 9 kne% 8etter. 9 %as pointin- a -un at "im. He kne% %e %ere t"ere. $"e mat3" 1lare5@ s"o%in- one o1 t"e most per1e3t pro1iles 9?5 e)er seen. His "air s"one -ol5en in t"e li-"t@ s"oul5er2len-t"@ t"i3k %a)es to 1rame "is 1a3e. He tosse5 t"e mat3" to t"e pa)ement %it" a pra3ti3e5 1li3k o1 "is "an5. He took t"e 3i-arette 1rom "is mout" an5 raise5 "is 1a3e sky%ar5. $"e street li-"t playe5 alon- "is 1a3e an5 -ol5en "air. He 8le% t"ree per1e3t smoke rin-s an5 lau-"e5. $"at lau-" traile5 5o%n my spine as i1 "e?5 tou3"e5 me. 9t ma5e me s"i)er@ an5 9 %on5ere5 "o% t"e "ell 9?5 t"ou-"t "e %as "uman. AAs"er@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. $"at one %or5 %as spoken %it"out emotion@ empty o1 meanin-. But it %as all 9 3oul5 5o not to look at Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e. 9 kne% %"o As"er %as@ 8ut only 8y reputation. As"er an5 "is "uman ser)ant@ Hulianna "a5 tra)ele5 %it" Hean2!lau5e a3ross ,urope 1or a 3ouple o1 5e3a5es. $"ey?5 8een a m6na-e Z trois@ t"e 3losest t"in- Hean2 !lau5e "a5 "a5 to a 1amily sin3e "e 8e3ame a )ampire. Hean2!lau5e "a5 8een 3alle5 a%ay to "is 5yin- mot"er?s 8e5si5e. As"er an5 Hulianna "a5 8een taken 8y t"e !"ur3". <ea5 %it3"2"unters. As"er turne5 an5 -a)e us "is ri-"t pro1ile. $"e street li-"t t"at "a5 3aresse5 t"e per1e3tion o1 "is le1t si5e seeme5 "ars" no%. $"e ri-"t si5e o1 "is 1a3e looke5 like melte5 3an5le %a*. Burn s3ars@ a3i5 s3ars@ "oly %ater. Vampires 3oul5n?t "eal 5ama-e 5one 8y "oly o8>e3ts. $"e priests "a5 "a5 a t"eory t"at t"ey 3oul5 8urn t"e 5e)il out o1 As"er one 5rop o1 "oly %ater at@ a time. 9 kept t"e -un on "im@ soli5@ no %a)erin-. 9?5 seen %orse@ re3ently. 9?5 seen a )ampire %"ose 1a3e "a5 rotte5 a%ay on one si5e. An eye "a5 8een rollin- in a 8are so3ket. !ompare5 to t"at@ As"er %as a GN 3o)er 8oy. $"e t"in- t"at ma5e t"e s3arrin- %orse some"o% %as t"at t"e rest o1 "im %as so per1e3t. 9t ma5e it %orse some"o%@ more o8s3ene. $"ey?5 le1t

"is eyes pure@ an5 t"e mi5line o1 "is 1a3e@ so "is nose@ t"e 1ullness o1 "is mout"@ sat in a sea o1 s3ars. Hean2!lau5e "a5 sa)e5 "im 8e1ore t"e Eealots kille5 "im@ 8ut Hulianna "a5 8een 8urne5 as a %it3". As"er ne)er 1or-a)e Hean2!lau5e 1or t"e 5eat" o1 t"e %oman t"ey 8ot" lo)e5. 9n 1a3t@ last 9?5 "ear5@ "e %as askin- 1or my 5eat". He %oul5 kill Hean2!lau5e?s "uman ser)ant as re)en-e. $"e 3oun3il "a5 re1use5 "im up until no%. AStep a%ay 1rom t"e Heep@ slo%ly@C 9 sai5. A=oul5 you s"oot me 1or leanin- a-ainst your 3arBC He soun5e5 amuse5@ pleasant. $"e tone in "is )oi3e@ t"e %ay "e 3"ose "is %or5s@ remin5e5 me o1 Hean2!lau5e %"en 9?5 1irst met "im. As"er pus"e5 to "is 1eet usin- >ust "is 8o5y. He 8le% a smoke rin- at me an5 lau-"e5 a-ain. $"e soun5 slit"ere5 a3ross my skin like t"e tou3" o1 1ur@ so1t an5 1eelin-2o"@ so sli-"tly2o1 5eat". 9t %as Hean2!lau5e?s lau-"@ an5 t"at %as unner)in- as "ell. Hean2!lau5e took a 5eep@ s"u55erin- 8reat" an5 steppe5 1or%ar5. He 5i5n?t 8lo3k my line o1 si-"t t"ou-"@ an5 "e 5i5n?t tell me to put t"e -un 5o%n. A="y are you "ere@ As"erBC His )oi3e "el5 somet"in- 9?5 sel5om "ear5@ re-ret. A9s s"e -oin- to s"oot meBC AAsk "er yoursel1. 9 am not t"e one "ol5in- t"e -un.C ASo it is true. Dou 5o not 3ontrol your o%n ser)ant.C A$"e 8est "uman ser)ants are t"ose t"at 3ome %illin-ly to your "an5. Dou tau-"t me t"at@ As"er you an5 Hulianna.C As"er t"re% t"e 3i-arette on t"e -roun5. He took t%o ;ui3k steps 1or%ar5. A4on?t@C 9 sai5. His "an5s %ere 8alle5 into 1ists at "is si5e. His an-er ro5e t"e ni-"t like 3lose li-"tnin-. A/e)er@ ne)er say "er name a-ain. Dou 5on?t 5eser)e to speak "er name.C Hean2!lau5e -a)e a s"allo% 8o%. AAs you %is". /o%@ %"at 5o you %ant@ As"erB Anita %ill -ro% impatient soon.C As"er stare5 at me. He looke5 at me 1rom "ea5 to toe@ 8ut it %asn?t se*ual@ t"ou-" t"at %as in t"ere. 9t %as like "e %as lookin- me o)er@ like 9 %as a 3ar "e %as t"inkin- o1 8uyin-. His eyes %ere a stran-e s"a5e o1 pale 8lue. A=oul5 you really s"oot meBC He turne5 "is "ea5 so t"at 9 3oul5n?t see t"e s3ars. He kne% e*a3tly "o% t"e s"a5o%s %oul5 1all. He -a)e a smile t"at %as suppose5 to melt me into my so3ks. 9t 5i5n?t %ork. A!ut t"e 3"arm an5 -i)e me a reason not to kill you.C He turne5 "is "ea5 so t"at a s"eet o1 -ol5en "air spille5 o)er t"e ri-"t si5e o1 "is 1a3e. 91 my ni-"t )ision "a5 8een %orse@ it mi-"t "a)e "i55en t"e s3ars. A$"e 3oun3il e*ten5s t"eir in)itation to Hean2!lau5e@ 7aster o1 t"e !ity o1 St. Louis@ an5 "is "uman ser)ant@ Anita Blake. $"ey re;uest your presen3e t"is ni-"t.C ADou may put up t"e -un@ ma petite. =e are sa1e until %e see t"e 3oun3il.C AHust like t"at@C 9 sai5. ALast 9 "ear5@ As"er "ere %ante5 to kill me.C A$"e 3oun3il re1use5 "is re;uest@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A#ur "uman ser)ants are too pre3ious to us 1or t"em to a-ree.C AVery true@C As"er sai5. $"e t%o )ampires stare5 at ea3" ot"er. 9 e*pe3te5 t"em to try )ampiri3 po%ers on ea3" ot"er@ 8ut t"ey 5i5n?t. $"ey >ust stoo5 t"ere@ lookin- at one anot"er. $"eir 1a3es -a)e not"in- a%ay@ 8ut i1 t"ey?5 8een people an5 not monsters@ 9?5 "a)e tol5 t"em to "u- an5 make up. Dou 3oul5 1eel t"eir pain on t"e air. 9 realiEe5 somet"in- 9 "a5n?t 8e1ore. $"ey "a5 lo)e5 ea3" ot"er on3e. #nly lo)e 3an turn to su3" 8itter re-ret. Hulianna "a5 8een t"eir link@ 8ut it "a5n?t >ust 8een "er t"ey lo)e5. 9t %as time to put t"e -un up@ 8ut irritatin-ly@ 9?5 "a)e to 1las" t"e parkin- lot. 9 %as really -oin- to "a)e to in)est in more 5ressy pants suits. 4resses >ust su3ke5 1or 3on3eale5 3arry. $"ere %as no one else 8ut t"e t"ree o1 us in t"e parkin- lot. 9 turne5 my 8a3k on 8ot" o1 t"em an5 raise5 t"e 5ress enou-" to put up t"e -un. APlease@ 5on?t 8e mo5est on my a33ount@C As"er sai5. 9 smoot"e5 t"e 5ress into pla3e 8e1ore 9 turne5 aroun5. A4on?t 1latter yoursel1.C He smile5@ an5 t"e look on "is 1a3e %as amuse5@ 3on5es3en5in-@ an5 somet"in- else. $"at Asomet"in- elseC 8ot"ere5 me. A7o5est. =ere you also 3"aste 8e1ore our 5as"in- Hean2!lau5e 1oun5 youBC A$"at?s enou-"@ As"erC Hean2!lau5e sai5. AS"e %as a )ir-in 8e1ore youBC He ma5e it a ;uestion an5 t"en t"re% "is "ea5 8a3k an5 lau-"e5. He lau-"e5 until "e "a5 to lean a-ainst t"e Heep to stea5y "imsel1. ADou@ %aste5 on a )ir-in. 9t is simply too per1e3t.C A9 %asn?t a )ir-in@ not t"at it?s any o1 your 5amn 8usiness.C

$"e lau-"ter stoppe5 so a8ruptly@ it %as startlin-. He sli5 5o%n to t"e -roun5@ sittin- on t"e 5ark pa)ement. He stare5 up at me t"rou-" a 3urtain o1 -ol5en "air. His eyes looke5 stran-e an5 pale. A/ot )ir-inal@ 8ut 3"aste.C A9?)e "a5 enou-" -ames 1or one ni-"t@C 9 sai5. A$"e -ames are >ust 8e-innin-@C "e sai5. A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC 9 aske5. A9t means@ ma petite@ t"at t"e 3oun3il a%ait us. $"ey %ill "a)e many -ames 1or us to play@ none o1 t"em pleasant.C As"er rose to "is 1eet like "e?5 8een pulle5 8y strin-s. He stoo5@ 8rus"in- "imsel1 o11. He settle5 "is 8la3k o)er3oat more soli5ly into pla3e. 9t %as "ot 1or a lon- 3oat. /ot t"at "e %oul5 ne3essarily 3are@ 8ut it %as o55. Vamps usually trie5 to 8len5 in 8etter t"an t"at. 7a5e me %on5er %"at %as un5erneat" t"e 3oat. Dou 3oul5 "i5e a pretty 8i- -un un5er an ankle2len-t" 3oat. 9?5 ne)er met a )ampire t"at 3arrie5 a -un@ 8ut t"ere %as al%ays a 1irst time. Hean2!lau5e "a5 sai5 %e %ere sa1e until %e rea3"e5 t"e 3oun3il@ 8ut t"at 5i5n?t mean As"er 3oul5n?t pull a %eapon t"en an5 8lo% us a%ay. 9t "a5 8een 8eyon5 3areless to put up my -un %it"out pattin- As"er 5o%n 1irst. 9 si-"e5. A="at is %ron-@ ma petiteBC As"er %as a )ampire. Ho% mu3" more 5an-erous 3oul5 "e 8e %it" a -unB But 9 3oul5n?t 5o it. ALet me test my un5erstan5in-. 9s As"er -oin- to ri5e in t"e 3ar %it" us to t"e meetin-BC A9 must@ to -i)e you 5ire3tions@C As"er sai5. A$"en lean a-ainst t"e Heep.C He 1ro%ne5 at me in an amuse5@ 3on5es3en5in- sort o1 %ay. A,*3use meBC A9 5on?t 3are i1 you?re t"e se3on5 3omin- o1 t"e Anti3"rist@ you 3an?t sit 8e"in5 me in my o%n 3ar until 9 kno% you?re not 3arryin- a %eapon.C A7a petite@ "e is a )ampire. 91 "e is sittin- 8e"in5 you in a 3ar@ "e is 3lose enou-" to kill you %it"out a -un.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou?re ri-"t. 9 kno% you?re ri-"t@ 8ut t"e point isn?t lo-i3@ Hean2!lau5e. $"e point is t"at 9 simply 3an?t let "im in t"e 3ar 8e"in5 me %it"out kno%in- %"at?s un5er t"e 3oat. 9 >ust 3an?t.C 9t %as true. Paranoi5@ 8ut still true. Hean2!lau5e kne% me 8etter t"an to ar-ue. AVery %ell@ ma petite. As"er %oul5 you 8e so kin5 as to 1a3e to%ar5s t"e Heep.C As"er smile5 8rilliantly at 8ot" o1 us@ 1las"in- 1an-. ADou %ant to pat me 5o%nB 9 3oul5 rip you into pie3es %it" my 8are "an5s@ an5 you?re %orrie5 9 "a)e a -unBC He 3"u3kle5@ a lo%@ skin2pri3klin- soun5. A$"at is so )ery 3ute.C !uteB 7eB AHust 5o it@ please.C He turne5 to 1a3e t"e Heep@ still lau-"in- so1tly. AHan5s on t"e "oo5@ 1eet apart.C 9 -ot out t"e -un one more time. 7ay8e 9 s"oul5 >ust 3arry it on a 3"ain aroun5 my ne3k. 9 presse5 t"e 8arrel into "is spine. 9 1elt "im sti11en un5er my "an5s. ADou are serious a8out t"is.C AA8solutely@C 9 sai5. A'eet 1urt"er apart.C He s"i1te5@ 8ut it %asn?t enou-". 9 ki3ke5 "is 1eet apart until "is 8alan3e %as o1123enter an5 starte5 sear3"in- "im one2"an5e5. A4ominant@ )ery 5ominant. 4oes s"e like to 8e on topBC 9 i-nore5 "im. 7ore surprisin-@ so 5i5 Hean2!lau5e. ASlo%er@ slo%er. Hasn?t Hean2!lau5e tau-"t you not to rus"BC He 5re% in a 8reat" at t"e appropriate moment. A#oo"@ t"at?s ni3e.C Des@ it %as em8arrassin-@ 8ut 9 sear3"e5 "im top to 8ottom. $"ere %asn?t a 5amn t"in- to 1in5. But 9 1elt 8etter. 9 steppe5 8a3k until 9 %as out o1 rea3" an5 put t"e -un up. He %as %at3"in- o)er "is s"oul5er. A4o t"e panties mat3" t"e 8raBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou 3an stan5 up no%.C He staye5 a-ainst t"e 3ar. A4on?t you nee5 to strip2sear3" meBC A9n your 5reams@C 9 sai5. He stoo5@ smoot"in- "is 3oat 8a3k into pla3e. ADou "a)e no i5ea %"at 9 5ream@ Anita.C 9 3oul5n?t rea5 t"e look on "is 1a3e@ 8ut t"e look %as enou-". 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno% %"at As"er sa% %"en "e 3lose5 "is eyes at t"e 8reak o1 5ay. AS"all %e -oBC Hean2!lau5e sai5.

AAre you so ea-er to t"ro% your li1e a%ayBC As"er aske5. $"e an-er returne5 %it" a rus"@ 3"asin- out t"e amuse5 teasin-allant. A$"e 3oun3il %ill not kill me toni-"t@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AAre you so sureBC A9t is t"eir o%n la%s t"at "a)e 1or8i55en t"ose o1 us in t"e :nite5 States to 1i-"t amon-st oursel)es until t"e la% "as passe5 or 1aile5 to pass in =as"in-ton. $"e 3oun3il %ants us to remain le-al in t"is 3ountry. 91 t"ey 8reak t"eir o%n rules@ no one else %ill o8ey t"em.C As"er turne5 1ull 1a3e into t"e li-"t. A$"ere are %orse t"in-s t"an 5eat"@ Hean2!lau5e.C Hean2!lau5e si-"e5. A9 5i5 not 5esert you@ As"er. ="at 3an 9 say to 3on)in3e you o1 t"e trut"B Dou 3an taste t"e trut" in my %or5s. 9 3ame to you as soon as 9 kne%.C ADou "a)e "a5 3enturies to 3on)in3e yoursel1 o1 %"at you %ant t"e trut" to 8e@ Hean2!lau5e. =antin- it to 8e true 5oesn?t make it so.C ASo 8e it@ As"er. But 9 %oul5 un5o %"ate)er you t"ink 9 "a)e 5one@ i1 9 3oul5. 9 %oul5 8rin- "er 8a3k i1 9 3oul5.C As"er "el5 up "is "an5 as i1 "e 3oul5 pus" t"e t"ou-"t a%ay. A/o@ no@ noI Dou kille5 "er. Dou let "er 5ie. Dou let "er 8urn to 5eat". 9 1elt "er 5ie@ Hean!lau5e. 9 %as "er master. S"e %as so a1rai5. $o t"e last s"e t"ou-"t you %oul5 3ome sa)e "er. 9 %as "er master an5 9 kno% t"at "er last %or5s %ere your name.C Hean2!lau5e turne5 "is 8a3k on As"er. $"e ot"er )ampire 3lose5 t"e 5istan3e 8et%een t"em in t%o stri5in- steps. He -ra88e5 Hean2!lau5e?s arm an5 s%un- "im aroun5. $"e street li-"t s"o%e5 tears on Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e. He %as 3ryin1or a %oman %"o "a5 8een 5ea5 o)er t%o "un5re5 years. 9t %as a lon- time 1or tears. ADou ne)er tol5 me t"at 8e1ore@C Hean2!lau5e sai5 so1tly. As"er pus"e5 "im a%ay "ar5 enou-" t"at "e stum8le5. ASa)e your tears@ Hean2!lau5e. Dou?ll nee5 t"em 1or yoursel1 an5 1or "er. $"ey?)e promise5 me my re)en-e.C Hean2!lau5e tou3"e5 t"e 8a3k o1 "is "an5 to t"e tears. ADou 3an?t kill "er. $"ey %on?t allo% t"at.C As"er smile5@ an5 it %as most unpleasant. A9 5on?t %ant "er li1e@ Hean2!lau5e. 9 %ant your pain.C He %alke5 aroun5 me@ 3ir3lin- like a s"ark. 9 mo)e5 %it" "im an5 kne% "e %as too 3lose. 91 "e rus"e5 me@ 9?5 ne)er -et t"e -un out in time. ADou?)e 1inally -i)en me %"at 9 nee5 to "urt you@ Hean2!lau5e. Dou lo)e someone else at last. Lo)e is ne)er 1ree@ Hean2 !lau5e. 9t is t"e most e*pensi)e emotion %e "a)e@ an5 9 am -oin- to see t"at you pay in 1ull.C He stoo5 in 1ront o1 Hean2 !lau5e@ "an5s in 1ists 8y "is si5e. He %as trem8lin- %it" t"e e11ort not to strike out. Hean2!lau5e "a5 stoppe5 3ryin-@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure "e?5 1i-"t 8a3k. 9n t"at moment 9 realiEe5 "e 5i5n?t %ant to "urt As"er. Guilt is a many splen5ore5 t"in-. Pro8lem %as@ As"er %ante5 to "urt "im. 9 steppe5 8et%een t"em. 9 took a step 1or%ar5. As"er %as eit"er -oin- to "a)e to step 8a3k or %e?5 8e tou3"in-. He steppe5 8a3k@ starin- 5o%n at me as i1 9?5 >ust appeare5. He?5 1or-otten me 1or >ust a se3on5. ALo)e isn?t t"e most e*pensi)e emotion@ As"er.C 9 sai5. 9 took anot"er step 1or%ar5@ an5 "e retreate5 anot"er step. AHate is. Be3ause "ate %ill eat you up insi5e an5 5estroy you@ lon- 8e1ore it kills you.C AVery p"ilosop"i3al@C "e sai5. AP"ilosop"y?s -reat@C 9 sai5. ABut remem8er t"isJ 5on?t e)er t"reaten us a-ain. Be3ause i1 you 5o@ 9?ll kill you. Be3ause 9 5on?t -i)e a 1u3k a8out your torture5 past. /o%@ s"all %e -oBC As"er stare5 at me 1or a 1e% "eart8eats. ABy all means. 9 3annot %ait to intro5u3e you to t"e 3oun3il.C He meant it to 8e ominous@ an5 it %as. 9 5i5n?t %ant to -o an5 meet t"e 8o-eymen o1 )ampirekin5@ 8ut %e %ere -oin-. #ne t"in- 9?5 learne5 a8out master )ampires. Dou 3an run@ 8ut not 1ar enou-". Dou 3an e)en "i5e@ 8ut not 1ore)er. ,)entually@ t"ey 3at3" you. An5 master )ampires 5on?t like to 8e kept %aitin-.

Chapter Ten
9 5ro)e. As"er -a)e 5ire3tions. He also "un- on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e seat. 9 5i5n?t ask "im to 8u3kle up 1or sa1ety. Hean2!lau5e sat in t"e passen-er seat ne*t to me@ silent@ not lookin- at As"er or me. ASomet"in-?s %ron-@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at "im. ADou mean 8esi5es t"e 3oun3il 3omin- to to%nBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A!an?t you 1eel itBC A9 5on?t 1eel anyt"in-.C A$"at is t"e pro8lem.C He turne5 as 1ar as t"e seat 8elt %oul5 let "im an5 met As"er?s eyes. A="at is "appenin- to my peopleBC

As"er sat so "is 1a3e s"o%e5 per1e3tly in t"e rear)ie% mirror@ as i1 "e %ante5 me to see "im. He smile5. His %"ole 1a3e mo)e5 %"en "e smile5. $"e s3arre5 skin "a5 mus3les un5erneat". ,)eryt"in- seeme5 to %ork >ust 1ine e*3ept 1or t"e s3ars. $"e look on "is 1a3e %as smu-@ sel12satis1ie5. $"e kin5 o1 >oy t"at 3ats -et 1rom tormentin- mi3e. A9 5o not kno% %"at is "appenin- to t"em@ 8ut you s"oul5. Dou are2a1ter all27aster o1 t"e !ity.C A="at?s -oin- on@ Hean2!lau5eB ="at else is %ron-BC 9 aske5. A9 s"oul5 8e a8le to 1eel my people@ ma petite. 91 9 3on3entrate@ it is like ... 8a3k-roun5 noise. 9 3an 1eel t"e e88 an5 1lo% o1 t"em. 9n e*treme 5uress 9 3an 1eel t"eir pain@ t"eir 1ear. /o% 9 am 3on3entratin-@ an5 it is like a 8lank %all.C ABalt"asar?s master "as kept you 1rom "earin- t"e 3ries o1 your )ampires@C As"er sai5. Hean2!lau5e?s "an5 las"e5 out in a 8lur o1 spee5 t"at %as almost ma-i3al. He -ra88e5 As"er?s 3oat 3ollar@ t%istin- it into a 3"okin- rin-. A92"a)e25one2not"in-2%ron-. $"ey "a)e no ri-"t to "arm my people.C As"er 5i5n?t try to -et a%ay. He >ust stare5 at "im. A$"ere is an empty seat on t"e 3oun3il 1or t"e 1irst time in o)er 1our t"ousan5 years. ="oe)er empties t"at seat takes t"at seat. $"at is t"e la% o1 su33ession.C Hean2!lau5e release5 As"er slo%ly. A9 5on?t %ant it.C ADou s"oul5n?t "a)e kille5 t"e ,art"mo)er@ t"en.C AHe %oul5 "a)e kille5 us@C 9 sai5. A!oun3il?s pri)ile-e@C As"er sai5. A$"at?s ri5i3ulous@C 9 sai5. ADou?re sayin- 8e3ause %e 5i5n?t roll o)er an5 5ie@ %e?re -oin- to 8e kille5 no%BC A/o one "as 3ome "ere plannin- to kill anyone@C As"er sai5. ABelie)e me@ t"at %as my )ote@ 8ut 9 %as t"e minority. $"e 3oun3il >ust %ants to make sure t"at Hean2!lau5e isn?t tryin- to set up "is o%n little 3oun3il.C Hean2!lau5e an5 9 8ot" looke5 at "im. 9 "a5 to s%in- my attention 8a3k to t"e roa5 8e1ore 9 %as rea5y to stop 8einastonis"e5. ADou are 8a88lin-@ As"er@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A/ot e)eryone is "appy %it" t"e 3urrent 3oun3il?s rules. Some say t"ey are ol521as"ione5.C APeople "a)e 8een sayin- t"at 1or 1our "un5re5 years@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ADes@ 8ut until no% t"ere %as no alternati)e. Some see your re1usal o1 t"e 3oun3il seat as a 8lo% 1or a ne% or5er.C ADou kno% %"y 9 5i5 not take it.C As"er lau-"e5@ a lo% roll t"at playe5 alon- my skin. A="ate)er 5o you mean@ Hean2!lau5eBC A9 am not po%er1ul enou-" to "ol5 a 3oun3il seat. $"e 1irst 3"allen-er %oul5 sense t"at an5 kill me@ t"en t"ey %oul5 "a)e my 3oun3il seat. 9 %oul5 8e a stalkin-"orse.C ADet you kille5 a 3oun3il mem8er. Ho% 5i5 you mana-e t"at@ Hean2!lau5eBC He leane5 on t"e 8a3k o1 my seat. 9 3oul5 1eel "im. He pi3ke5 up a 3url o1 my "air@ an5 9 >erke5 my "ea5 a%ay. A="ere t"e "ell are %e -oin-B Dou %ere suppose5 to -i)e 5ire3tions@C 9 sai5. A$"ere is no nee5 1or 5ire3tions@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A$"ey "a)e taken t"e !ir3us.C A="atBC 9 stare5 at "im@ an5 t"e only t"in- t"at kept t"e Heep 1rom s%er)in- %as lu3k. A="at 5i5 you sayBC A4on?t you un5erstan5 yetB $"e $ra)eler@ Balt"asar?s master@ 8lo3ke5 my po%ers an5 t"e po%ers o1 my )ampires@ an5 kept t"em 1rom rea3"in- out to me.C ADour %ol)es. Dou s"oul5 "a)e 1elt somet"in- 1rom your %ol)es. $"ey?re your animal to 3all@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e turne5 to As"er. A#nly one )ampire 3oul5 "a)e kept my %ol)es 1rom 3allin- out 1or "elp. $"e 7aster o1 Beasts.C As"er reste5 "is 3"in on t"e 8a3k o1 my seat. 9 1elt "im no5. AGet o11 my seat@C 9 sai5. He raise5 "is "ea5 8ut 5i5n?t really mo)e 8a3k. A$"ey must t"ink me po%er1ul in5ee5 to sen5 t%o 3oun3il masters@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. As"er ma5e a "ars" soun5. A#nly you@ Hean2!lau5e@ %oul5 8e arro-ant enou-" to 8elie)e t"at t%o 3oun3il masters 3ame to t"is 3ountry >ust 1or you.C A91 not to tea3" me a lesson@ t"en %"y are t"ey "ereBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. A#ur 5ark ;ueen %is"e5 to kno% "o% t"is le-ality is %orkin- 1or t"e )ampires in t"e States. =e "a)e tra)ele5 1rom Boston to /e% #rleans to San 'ran3is3o. S"e 3"ose %"at 3ities %e %oul5 )isit@ an5 in %"at or5er. #ur 5ark ;ueen le1t St. Louis@ an5 you 1or last.C A="y %oul5 s"e 5o t"atBC Hean2!lau5e aske5.

A$"e Nueen o1 /i-"tmares 3an 5o anyt"in- s"e likes@C As"er sai5. AS"e says -o to Boston@ %e -o.C A91 s"e sai5@ %alk out into t"e sunli-"t@ %oul5 you 5o itBC 9 aske5. 9 -lan3e5 at "im. He %as 3lose enou-" t"at turnin- my "ea5 %as enou-"@ no mirror nee5e5. His 1a3e %as 8lank an5 8eauti1ul@ empty. APer"aps@C "e sai5. 9 turne5 8a3k to t"e roa5. ADou?re 3raEy@ you?re all 3raEy.C A$oo true@C As"er sai5. He sni11e5 my "air. AStop t"at.C ADou smell o1 po%er@ Anita Blake. Dou reek o1 t"e 5ea5.C He tra3e5 "is 1in-ers alon- my ne3k. 9 s%er)e5 t"e Heep purpose1ully@ sen5in- "im sli5in- aroun5 t"e 8a3k seat. A4on?t tou3" me.C A$"e 3oun3il t"ou-"t %e %oul5 1in5 you stu11e5 %it" po%er. Bloate5 %it" ne%21oun5 a8ilities@ yet you seem mu3" t"e same. But s"e is 5i11erent. S"e is ne%. An5 t"ere is t"at %ere%ol1. Des@ t"at :l1ri3@ <i3"ar5 Keeman. Dou "a)e "im 8oun5 to you@ as %ell.C As"er pulle5 "imsel1 8a3k up to t"e seats@ t"ou-" not so 3lose to me. A9t is your ser)ants %"o "a)e t"e po%er. /ot you.C A9s Pa5ma anyt"in- %it"out "is animalsBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. AVery true@ t"ou-" 9 mi-"t not say so in 1ront o1 "im.C He leane5 on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e seats a-ain@ not tou3"in- me t"is time. ASo you a5mit it is your ser)ants %"o "a)e -i)en you t"e po%er to take a 3oun3il mem8er.C A7y "uman ser)ant an5 my %ol1 are merely e*tensions o1 my po%er. $"eir "an5s are my "an5sG t"eir 5ee5s@ my 5ee5s. $"at is 3oun3il la%. So %"at 5oes it matter %"ere my po%er 3omes 1romBC ANuotin- 3oun3il la%@ Hean2!lau5e. Dou "a)e -ro%n 3autious sin3e last %e met.C A!aution "as ser)e5 me %ell@ As"er.C ABut "a)e you "a5 any 1unBC 9t %as a stran-e ;uestion 3omin- 1rom someone %"o %as suppose5 to "ate Hean2!lau5e. ASome@ an5 you@ As"er "o% 1ares it %it" youB Are you still ser)in- t"e 3oun3il@ or 5i5 you 3ome alon- on t"is mission to torment meBC ADes@ to 8ot" ;uestions.C A="y "a)e you not 1le5 t"e 3oun3ilBC A7any aspire to ser)e t"em@C As"er sai5. ADou 5i5n?t.C APer"aps re)en-e "as 3"an-e5 my aspirations.C Hean2!lau5e lai5 "is "an5 on As"er?s arm. A7a petite is ri-"t. Hatre5 is a 3ol5 1ire@ an5 it -i)es no %armt".C As"er >erke5 8a3k@ sli5in- as 1ar 8a3k as t"e seat %oul5 let "im. 9 -lan3e5 in my rear)ie% mirror. He %as "u55le5 in t"e 5ark@ "u--in- "imsel1. A="en 9 see you %eep 1or your 8elo)e5@ 9 %ill "a)e all t"e %armt" 9 nee5.C A=e?ll 8e at t"e !ir3us soon@C 9 sai5. A="at?s t"e planBC A9 am not sure t"ere is a plan. =e must assume t"ey "a)e all our people in t"rall. So it %ill 8e only %"at t"e t%o o1 us 3an 5o alone.C AAre %e -oin- to try an5 take t"e !ir3us 8a3k@ or %"atBC As"er lau-"e5. A9s s"e seriousBC AAl%ays@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A'ine. ="at are %e suppose5 to 5oBC ASur)i)e i1 you 3an@C As"er sai5. AS"ut up@C 9 sai5. A$"is is %"at 9 nee5 to kno%@ Hean2!lau5e. 4o %e -o in t"ere ki3kin- 8utt@ or 3ra%lin-BC A=oul5 you 3ra%l to t"em@ ma petiteBC A$"ey "a)e =illie@ Hason@ an5 %"o kno%s "o% many ot"ers. So@ yea"@ i1 it %oul5 keep t"em sa1e@ 9?5 5o a little 3ra%lin-.C A9 5o not t"ink you %oul5 8e )ery -oo5 at it@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9?m not.C ABut no@ no 3ra%lin- toni-"t. =e are not stron- enou-" to retake t"e !ir3us@ 8ut %e -o in@ as you say@ ki3kin- 8utt.C A4ominantBC 9 ma5e it a ;uestion. A#ui.C

AHo% 5ominantBC ABe a--ressi)e@ 8ut not 1oolis". Dou may %oun5 anyone you are 3apa8le o1 "urtin-@ 8ut 5o not kill. =e 5o not %ant to -i)e t"em an e*3use.C A$"ey t"ink you?)e starte5 a re)olution@ Hean2!lau5e@C As"er sai5 1rom t"e 5arkness. ALike all re)olutionaries@ 5ea5 you 8e3ome a martyr. $"ey 5on?t %ant you 5ea5.C Hean2!lau5e turne5 so "e 3oul5 see t"e ot"er )ampire. A$"en %"at 5o t"ey %ant@ As"erB $ell me.C A$"ey "a)e to make an e*ample o1 you. Surely you see t"at.C A91 9 "a5 planne5 on 1or-in- a se3on5 3oun3il in Ameri3a@ yes@ 9 %oul5 see t"eir point. But 9 kno% my limitations. 9 3annot "ol5 a 3oun3il seat a-ainst all 3omers. 9t %oul5 8e a 5eat" senten3e. 9 %ant simply to 8e le1t alone.C As"er si-"e5. A9t is too late 1or t"at@ Hean2!lau5e. $"e 3oun3il is "ere@ an5 t"ey %ill not 8elie)e your protestations o1 inno3en3e.C ADou 8elie)e "im@C 9 sai5. He %as ;uiet 1or a 1e% se3on5s@ t"en sai5@ ADes@ 9 8elie)e "im. $"e one t"in- Hean2!lau5e "as al%ays 5one %ell is sur)i)e. !"allen-in- t"e 3oun3il is not a -oo5 %ay to 5o t"at.C As"er sli5 1or%ar5 a-ainst t"e seats@ puttin- "is 1a3e )ery near mine. A<emem8er@ Anita@ t"at all t"ose years a-o@ "e %aite5 to sa)e me. =aite5 until "e kne% "e %oul5n?t 8e 3au-"t. =aite5 until "e 3oul5 sa)e me at t"e least risk to "imsel1. =aite5 until Hulianna %as 5ea5@ 8e3ause it %as too -reat a risk to take.C A$"at is not true@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. As"er i-nore5 "im. ABe 3are1ul t"at "e 5oes not %ait to sa)e you.C A9 5on?t %ait aroun5 1or any8o5y to sa)e me@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e stare5 out t"e %in5o% at t"e passin- 3ars. He %as s"akin- "is "ea5 -ently@ 8a3k an5 1ort"@ 8a3k an5 1ort". A9 tire o1 you alrea5y@ As"er.C ADou tire o1 me 8e3ause 9 speak t"e trut".C Hean2!lau5e turne5 an5 1a3e5 "im. A/o@ 9 tire o1 you 8e3ause you remin5 me o1 "er@ an5 t"at on3e@ a )ery lon- time a-o@ 9 %as almost "appy.C $"e t%o )ampires stare5 at ea3" ot"er. ABut no% you "a)e a se3on5 3"an3e@C As"er sai5. ADou 3oul5 "a)e a se3on5 3"an3e@ too@ As"er. 91 you %oul5 only let t"e past -o.C A$"e past is all 9 "a)e.C AAn5 t"at is not my 1ault@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. As"er sli5 8a3k into t"e 5arkness@ "u55lin- a-ainst t"e seat. 9 t"ou-"t Hean2 !lau5e "a5 %on t"e ar-ument 1or no%. But >ust 3all it a 1eelin-G 9 5i5n?t t"ink t"e 1i-"t %as o)er.

Chapter Eleven
$"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5 is in a 3on)erte5 %are"ouse. 'rom t"e 1ront it looks like a 3arni)al %it" posters promotin- t"e 1reak s"o%@ an5 5an3in- 3lo%ns t%irlin- on top o1 t"e -lo%in- si-n. 'rom t"e 8a3k@ it?s >ust 5ark. 9 pulle5 t"e Heep into t"e small parkin- lot reser)e5 1or employees. 9t %as small 8e3ause most o1 t"e "elp li)e5 at t"e !ir3us. /o nee5 1or a 3ar i1 you ne)er le1t. Here %as "opin- %e?5 8e nee5in- our 3ar. 9 turne5 o11 t"e en-ine@ an5 silen3e s%irle5 into t"e 3ar. Bot" )ampires "a5 sunk into t"at utter stillness t"at ma5e me "a)e to -lan3e at t"em to make sure t"ey %ere still t"ere. 7ammals 3an 1reeEe@ 8ut a ra88it 1roEen %aitin- 1or t"e 1o* to pass is a )i8ratin- t"in-. 9t 8reat"es 1ast an5 1aster. 9ts "eart poun5s. Vampires are more like snakes. A snake %ill put a len-t" o1 its 8o5y out@ t"en 1reeEe. $"ere is no sense o1 mo)ement stoppe5. /o sense t"at mo)ement %ill 3ontinue. 9n t"at moment o1 1roEen time a snake seems unreal@ more like a %ork o1 art@ somet"in- 3ar)e5 rat"er t"an somet"in- ali)e. Hean2!lau5e seeme5 to "a)e 1allen into a %ell o1 silen3e %"ere mo)ement@ e)en 8reat"@ %as 1or8i55en. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at As"er. He sat in t"e 8a3k seat. :tterly still@ a per1e3t -ol5en presen3e@ 8ut not ali)e. $"e silen3e 1ille5 t"e Heep like i3y %ater. 9 %ante5 to 3lap my "an5s@ yell@ anyt"in- to make noise@ to startle t"em into 8ein- a-ain. But 9 kne% 8etter. All 9?5 -et %oul5 8e a 8link an5 a look. A look t"at %asn?t "uman an5 may8e ne)er "a5 8een. $"e soun5 o1 my 5ress a-ainst t"e up"olstery %as lou5. A=ill t"ey pat me 5o%n 1or %eaponsBC 7y )oi3e seeme5 1lat in t"e 3"ar-e5 silen3e. Hean2!lau5e 8linke5 -ra3e1ully@ t"en turne5 "is ne3k to look at me. $"e look %as pea3e1ul rat"er t"an empty. 9 "a5 8e-un to %on5er i1 t"e stillness %as a 1orm o1 me5itation 1or t"e )ampires. 7ay8e i1 %e li)e5 t"rou-" t"e ni-"t 9?5 ask. A$"is is a 3"allen-e@ ma petite. $"ey %ill let us 8e 5an-erous. $"ou-" 9 %oul5 not 1launt your %eaponry. Dour little -un is 1ine.C

9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 %as t"inkin- o1 more.C He raise5 "is eye8ro%s. A7oreBC 9 turne5 to look at As"er. He 8linke5 an5 raise5 "is eyes to me. 9 "it t"e 5ome li-"t an5 sa% "is eyes? true 3olor 1or t"e 1irst time. $"ey %ere 8lue. But t"at 5i5n?t 5o t"em >usti3e. $"ey %ere as pale a 8lue as Hean2!lau5e?s %ere a 5ark 8lue. Pale@ 3ol5@ 8lue@ t"e startlin- 3olor o1 a Husky?s eyes. But it %asn?t >ust t"e eyes@ it %as t"e "air. 9t "a5 looke5 -ol5en@ 8ut t"e normal -ol5 o1 a 5ark 8lon5. 9n t"e truer li-"t o1 t"e 3ar@ 9 realiEe5 it %asn?t >ust illusion an5 5im li-"t@ it %as -ol5. His "air %as t"e truest -ol5 9?5 e)er seen outsi5e o1 a 8ottle or a 3an o1 metalli3 paint. $"e 3om8ination o1 "air an5 eyes %as amaEin-. ,)en %it"out t"e s3ars "e %oul5n?t "a)e looke5 real. 9 -lan3e5 1rom one )ampire to t"e ot"er. Hean2!lau5e %as t"e more 8eauti1ul@ an5 it %asn?t t"e s3ars. As"er %as >ust a tra3e more "an5some t"an "e %as pretty. A$"e same )amp ma5e you 8ot"@ ri-"tBC 9 aske5. Hean2!lau5e no55e5. As"er >ust stare5 at me. A="ere?5 s"e -oBC 9 aske5. A:nnaturally2Beauti1ul2Stu5s2<2:sBC As"er let out a "ars" 8ark o1 lau-"ter. He 5ra--e5 "is 1in-ers 5o%n t"e s3arre5 si5e o1 "is 1a3e@ makin- t"e skin stret3"@ 5ra%in- it a%ay 1rom "is eye so you 3oul5 see t"e pale inner 1les" o1 t"e eye so3ket. He emp"asiEe5 e)eryt"in- into a kin5 o1 "i5eous mask. A4o you t"ink 9 am 8eauti1ul@ AnitaBC He release5 t"e skin@ an5 it snappe5 8a3k into pla3e@ resilient@ per1e3t in its o%n %ay. 9 looke5 at "im. A="at 5o you %ant me to say@ As"erBC A9 %ant you to 8e terri1ie5. 9 %ant to see on your 1a3e %"at 9?)e seen on e)ery 1a3e 1or t"e last t%o "un5re5 years25is-ust@ 5erision@ "orror.C ASorry@C 9 sai5. He leane5 into t"e seats@ s"o%in- t"e s3ars to t"e li-"t. He seeme5 to "a)e an innate sense o1 %"at any li-"t %oul5 5o to t"e %oun5s@ to kno% >ust "o% t"e s"a5o%s %oul5 1all. Dears o1 pra3ti3e@ 9 -uess. 9 >ust looke5 at "im. 9 met "is pale@ per1e3t eyes@ -aEe5 on t"e t"i3k %a)es o1 -ol5en "air@ t"e 1ullness o1 "is lips. 9 s"ru--e5. A="at 3an 9 sayB 9?m a "air an5 eye person@ an5 you "a)e -reat "air an5 amaEin- eyes.C As"er t"re% "imsel1 8a3k into "is seat. He -aEe5 at us 8ot"@ an5 t"ere %as su3" ra-e in "is eyes. Su3" "orri8le ra-e t"at it s3are5 me. A$"ere@C "e sai5. A$"ere@ you?re a1rai5 o1 me. 9 3an see it@ smell it@ taste it.C He smile5@ please5 %it" "imsel1@ triump"ant some"o%. A$ell "im %"at you 1ear@ ma petite.C 9 -lan3e5 at Hean2!lau5e@ t"en 8a3k at As"er. A9t?s not t"e s3ars@ As"er. 9t?s your "atre5 t"at?s 1ri-"tenin-.C He leane5 1or%ar5@ an5 9 t"ink %it"out meanin- to@ "is "air spille5 aroun5 "is 1a3e@ 3amou1la-in- "im. 9t "a5 t"e look o1 lon- "a8it@ lon- 3om1ort. ADes@ my "atre5 is 1ri-"tenin-. $erri1yin-. An5 remem8er@ Anita Blake@ t"at t"e "atre5 is all 1or you an5 your master.C 9 kne% "e meant Hean2!lau5e@ an5 9 3oul5n?t ar-ue %it" t"e title anymore@ t"ou-" sometimes 9 %ante5 to. AHatre5 makes us all u-ly@C 9 sai5. He "isse5 at me@ an5 t"ere %as not"in- "uman in t"e -esture. 9 -a)e "im a 8ore5 look. A!ome o11 it@ As"er. Been t"ere@ 5one t"at. 91 you %ant to play 8i-28a52)ampire@ -et in line.C He strippe5 "is o)er3oat o11 in an a8rupt@ )iolent mo)ement. A 8ro%n t%ee5 suit >a3ket en5e5 up 3rumple5 on t"e seat. He turne5 "is "ea5 so 9 3oul5 see t"at t"e s3ars mar3"e5 5o%n "is ne3k into t"e 3ollar o1 "is %"ite 5ress s"irt. He starte5 un8uttonin- t"e s"irt. 9 -lan3e5 at Hean2!lau5e. His 1a3e %as impassi)e@ un"elp1ul. 9 %as on my o%n. So %"at else %as ne%B A/ot t"at 9 5on?t appre3iate t"e o11er@ 8ut 9 5on?t usually let a man strip 5o%n on t"e 1irst 5ate.C He snarle5 at me. He 8are5 "is 3"est to t"e li-"t@ s"irt still 3are1ully tu3ke5 into "is pants. $"e s3ars 5ri88le5 5o%n "is 1les" like someone "a5 5ra%n a 5i)i5in- line 5o%n t"e 3enter o1 "is 8o5y. #ne "al1 pale an5 per1e3t@ t"e ot"er "al1 monstrous. $"ey?5 8een more 3are1ul o1 "is 1a3e an5 ne3k. $"ey "a5 not 8een 3are1ul o1 "is 3"est. $"e s3ars 3ut 5eep runnels. $"e skin so melte5 t"at it 5i5n?t e)en look real anymore. $"e s3ars 1lo%e5 5o%n "is stoma3" into t"e 8elte5 top o1 "is pants. 9 stare5 8e3ause t"at?s %"at "e %ante5 me to 5o. ="en 9 3oul5 1inally meet "is eyes@ 9 "a5 no %or5s le1t. 9?5 "a5 "oly %ater poure5 on a )ampire 8ite 8e1ore. !leanse5@ t"ey 3alle5 it. $orture %as anot"er %or5 1or it. 9?5 3ra%le5 an5 3urse5 an5 )omite5. 9 3oul5n?t ima-ine t"e pain "e?5 sur)i)e5. His eyes %ere %i5e an5 1ier3e an5 1ear1ul. A$"e s3ars -o all t"e %ay 5o%n@C "e sai5.

$"at le1t a trail o1 )isuals t"at 9?5 8een tryin- to a)oi5. 9 t"ou-"t o1 a lot o1 t"in-s to sayJ A=o%@C 8ut it seeme5 too >unior "i-" s3"ool an5 3ruelG AsorryC %as totally ina5e;uate. 9 sprea5 my "an5s %i5e@ kneelin- on t"e seat lookin- at "im. A9 aske5 you on3e 8e1ore@ As"er. ="at 5o you %ant me to sayBC He pus"e5 "imsel1 as 1ar a%ay 1rom me as "e 3oul5@ 8a3k a-ainst t"e Heep?s 5oor. A="y 5oesn?t s"e look a%ayB ="y 5oesn?t s"e "ate meB ="y isn?t s"e 5is-uste5 %it" t"is 8o5yBC Like "e %as 5is-uste5. 9t "un- unsai5 on t"e air@ 8ut it %as t"ere in "is eyes@ in t"e %ay "e "el5 "imsel1. :nspoken@ t"e %or5s "un- in t"e air %it" t"e %ei-"t an5 pus" o1 t"un5er. He yelle5@ A="y 5on?t 9 see in "er eyes %"at 9 see in e)eryone?s eyesBC ADou 5o not see "orror in my eyes@ mon ami@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A/o@C As"er sai5@ A9 see %orse. 9 see pityIC He opene5 t"e 3ar 5oor %it"out turnin- aroun5. 9 %oul5 "a)e sai5 "e 1ell out o1 t"e 3ar@ 8ut t"at isn?t true. He 1loate5 up%ar5 8e1ore "e 3oul5 tou3" t"e -roun5. $"ere %as a 8a3k%as" o1 %in5 t"at s%ept o)er me like a storm@ an5 "e %as -one.

Chapter Twelve
=e sat in silen3e 1or a 1e% se3on5s@ 8ot" o1 us starin- at t"e open 5oor. 'inally@ 9 "a5 to 1ill t"e silen3e. A7y@ people 5o 3ome an5 -o ;ui3kly "ere.C Hean2!lau5e 5i5n?t -et t"e mo)ie re1eren3e. <i3"ar5 %oul5 "a)e -otten it. He like5 t"e A=iEar5 o1 #E.C Hean2!lau5e ans%ere5 me seriously@ AAs"er al%ays %as )ery -oo5 at 1lyin-.C Someone 3"u3kle5. $"e soun5 ma5e me rea3" 1or t"e 'irestar. $"e )oi3e %as 1amiliar 8ut t"e tone %as ne%G arro-ant@ pro1oun5ly arro-ant. ASil)er 8ullets %on?t kill me anymore@ Anita. 7y ne% master "as promise5 me t"at.C Li) appeare5 in t"e open 3ar 5oor@ peerin- in at us@ mus3ular arms proppe5 on t"e si5es o1 t"e 5oor. S"e smile5 8roa5ly enou-" to 1las" 1an-s. ="en you pass t"e 1i)e2"un5re5 mark like Li)@ you only 1las" 1an-s %"en you %ant to. S"e %as -rinnin- like t"e !"es"ire 3at@ )ery please5 a8out somet"in-. S"e %ore a 8la3k sports 8ra an5 "i-"23ut >o--in- s"orts so t"at all t"at 8o5y28uil5in- mus3le -leame5 in t"e street li-"ts. S"e %as one o1 t"e )amps t"at Hean2!lau5e "a5 in)ite5 into "is territory re3ently. S"e %as suppose5 to 8e one o1 "is )ampire lieutenants. A="at 3anary 5i5 you eatBC 9 aske5. S"e 1ro%ne5 at me. A="atBC A$"e 3at t"at ate t"e 3anary@C 9 sai5. S"e 3ontinue5 to 1ro%n. Li)?s ,n-lis" is per1e3t@ no a33ent o1 any kin5. Sometimes 9 1or-et t"at it?s not "er 1irst lan-ua-e. A lot o1 t"e )amps "a)e lost t"eir ori-inal a33ents 8ut t"ey still 5on?t un5erstan5 all t"e slan-. But@ "ey@ 9 8et Li) kne% some Sla)i3 slan- t"at 9?5 ne)er "ear5. AAnita is askin- %"y you are so please5 %it" yoursel1@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ A8ut 9 t"ink 9 alrea5y kno% t"e ans%er.C 9 -lan3e5 at "im@ t"en 8a3k at Li). 9 "a5 t"e 'irestar out 8ut not pointe5. S"e %as suppose5 to 8e on our si5e. 9 %as -ettin- t"e 1eelin- t"at mi-"t "a)e 3"an-e5. A4i5 Li) say@ "er ne% masterBC 9 aske5. AS"e 5i5@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 9 raise5 t"e -un an5 pointe5 it at "er. S"e lau-"e5. 9t %as unner)in-. S"e 3ra%le5 into t"e 8a3k seat@ still lau-"in-. Very unner)in-. Li) may "a)e 8een si* "un5re5 years ol5 an5 some 3"an-e@ 8ut s"e %asn?t po%er1ul. !ertainly not po%er1ul enou-" to lau-" o11 sil)er ammo. ADou kno% 9?ll s"oot you@ Li). So %"at?s t"e >okeBC A!an you not 1eel it@ ma petiteB $"e 5i11eren3e in "er.C 9 stea5ie5 my "an5 on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e seat@ -un pointe5 at "er impressi)e 3"est. 9 %as less t"an t%o 1eet 1rom "er@ at t"is 5istan3e t"e 8ullet %oul5 take out "er "eart. S"e %asn?t %orrie5. S"e s"oul5 "a)e 8een. 9 3on3entrate5 on Li). $rie5 to roll "er po%er in my min5. 9?5 5one "er 8e1ore@ kne% %"at s"e 1elt like in my "ea5. #r t"ou-"t 9 5i5. Her po%er 8eat alon- my skull@ "umme5 5o%n my 8ones. 9 3oul5 1eel "er po%er like a t"rummin- note so 5eep an5 lo% it %as almost pain1ul. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%ly. 9 kept t"e -un pointe5 at "er. A91 9 pull t"is tri--er@ Li)@ e)en %it" t"e 8oost in po%er you?ll 5ie.C Li) looke5 at Hean2!lau5e. 9t %as a lon-@ sel12satis1ie5 look. ADou kno% 9 %on?t 5ie@ Hean2!lau5e.C A#nly t"e $ra)eler 3oul5 make su3" an e*tra)a-ant promise@ an5 "ope to keep it@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ADou are a little too 1eminine 1or "is tastes@ unless "e "as 3"an-e5.C

Her 1a3e %as 5is5ain1ul. AHe is a8o)e su3" petty 5esires. He o11ere5 me only po%er an5 9 a33epte5.C Hean2!lau5e s"ook "is "ea5. A91 you truly 8elie)e t"e $ra)eler a8o)e t"e 5esires o1 t"e 8o5y@ t"en "e "as 8een )ery ... 3are1ul aroun5 you@ Li).C AHe is not like t"e ot"ers@C s"e sai5. Hean2!lau5e si-"e5. A#n t"at 9 %ill not ar-ue@ Li). But 8e 3are1ul t"at "is po%er 5oes not 8e3ome a55i3ti)e.C ADou seek to 1ri-"ten me@ 8ut it %ill not %ork@ Hean2!lau5e. His po%er is like not"in- 9 "a)e e)er 1elt 8e1ore@ an5 "e 3an s"are it. 9 3an 8e %"at 9 %as meant to 8e.C AHe 3an 1ill you to 8urstin- %it" "is po%er@ Li)@ it %ill not make you a master. 91 "e "as promise5 you t"at@ t"en "e "as lie5 to you.C S"e "isse5 at "im. ADou %oul5 say anyt"in- to sa)e yoursel1 toni-"t.C He s"ru--e5. APer"aps.C A9 t"ou-"t Li) took an oat" o1 loyalty to you@C 9 sai5. A#ui.C A$"en %"at?s -oin- onBC A$"e 3oun3il %ill 8e )ery 3are1ul to o8ser)e t"e rules@ ma petite. $"e !ir3us is a pu8li3 8usiness@ t"us t"e 3oun3il mi-"t "a)e 3rosse5 t"e t"res"ol5 unin)ite5. 9nstea5@ t"ey 1oun5 someone to in)ite t"em insi5e.C 9 stare5 at t"e smirkin- )amp in t"e 8a3k o1 my Heep. AS"e 8etraye5 usBC ADes@C "e sai5 so1tly. He tou3"e5 my s"oul5er. A4o not kill "er@ ma petite. $"e 8ullet %oul5 enter@ 8ut t"e $ra)eler %oul5 not allo% "er 5eat". Dou %oul5 simply %aste a 8ullet.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. AS"e 8etraye5 you@ all o1 you.C A91 t"ey 3oul5 not "a)e 8ri8e5 someone@ t"ey %oul5 "a)e torture5 someone else into 8etrayin- us. 9 mu3" pre1er t"is met"o5@C "e sai5. 9 stare5 5o%n t"e 8arrel o1 t"e -un at Li)?s smilin- 1a3e. 9 3oul5 "a)e pulle5 t"e tri--er an5 not %orrie5 a8out it. S"e?5 5one all t"e 5ama-e s"e 3oul5 5o. 9t %asn?t like 9?5 8e killin- "er to sa)e us. 9 5i5n?t %ant@ or not %ant@ to pull t"e tri--er. 9 simply t"ou-"t s"e 5eser)e5 to 5ie 1or 8etrayin- us. /ot an-er@ or e)en outra-e@ >ust -oo5 8usiness. 9t %as a 8a5 pre3e5ent to allo% anyone to 8etray you an5 sur)i)e. 9t set a 8a5 e*ample. 9 realiEe5 %it" an almost p"ysi3al >olt t"at killin- "er meant not"in- to me. Hust -oo5 8usiness. S%eet Hesus. 9 put up t"e -un. 9 5i5n?t %ant to kill anyone t"at 3ol5ly. Killin- 5i5n?t 8ot"er me@ 8ut it s"oul5 mean somet"in-. Li) leane5 8a3k in t"e seat@ -rinnin-@ please5 9?5 seen t"e 1utility o1 s"ootin- "er. 91 s"e only realiEe5 %"y 9 "a5n?t 5one it@ s"e mi-"t still "a)e 8een s3are5 o1 me@ 8ut s"e %as "i5in- 8e"in5 t"e po%er o1 t"is $ra)eler. !on1i5ent t"at it %as s"iel5 enou-" a-ainst anyt"in-. 91 s"e pisse5 me o11 enou-" toni-"t@ may8e %e?5 test t"e t"eory. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 91 9 %as -oin- to meet t"e 8o-eymen o1 )ampirekin5 9 nee5e5 more %eapons. 9 "a5 my %rist s"eat"s@ 3omplete %it" sil)er kni)es@ in t"e -lo)e 3ompartment. 9 o1ten 3arrie5 t"em in t"e Heep %"en 9 %ore somet"in- 9 3oul5n?t %ear t"em %it"@ like t"e 5ress. /e)er kne% %"en you?5 nee5 a -oo5 kni1e. A9?ll tell t"em a8out any %eapons 9 see@C s"e sai5. 9 1inis"e5 8u3klin- t"e kni)es in pla3e. AD)ette an5 Balt"asar kno% 9 "a)e t"e -un. 9?m not tryin- to 8e su8tle "ere@ >ust prepare5.C 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 steppe5 out. 9 s3anne5 t"e 5arkness 1or more 3ompany@ t"ou-" t"e really ol5 ones 3oul5 "i5e almost in plain si-"t. Some )ampires "a5 3"ameleons 8eat all to "ell %"en it 3ame to 8len5in- %it" t"eir surroun5in-s. 9?5 seen one t"at 3oul5 %rap "imsel1 in s"a5o%s@ t"en 1lin- t"em asi5e like a 3loak. 9t "a5 8een impressi)e. Li) s3oote5 out o1 t"e 3ar to stan5 near me. S"e?5 li1te5 a 1e% too many %ei-"ts to 3ross "er arms 3om1orta8ly 8ut s"e %as tryin-. $ryin- 1or t"at non3"alant 8o5y-uar5 look. S"e %as si* 1eet tall an5 8uilt like a 8ri3k out"ouseG s"e 5i5n?t "a)e to try "ar5 to look intimi5atin-. Hean2!lau5e -ot out o1 t"e 3ar on my si5e@ puttin- "imsel1 8et%een t"e t%o o1 us. 9 %asn?t sure %"o "e %as prote3tin-G "er or me. He "a5 As"er?s lon- 3oat in "is arms. A9 su--est@ ma petite@ t"at you %ear t"is to 3o)er t"e %eapons.C A9?ll tell t"em a8out t"e kni)es@C Li) sai5. A91 t"e %eapons are in plain si-"t@ it is more o1 a 3"allen-e@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ASomeone mi-"t 1eel 3ompelle5 to take t"em 1rom you.C A$"ey 3an try@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e "an5e5 me t"e 3oat@ 5rape5 a3ross "is arms. APlease@ ma petite.C 9 took it 1rom "im. He 5i5n?t say ApleaseC o1ten. 9 slippe5 t"e 8la3k 3oat on. 9 %as remin5e5 o1 t%o t"in-s. #ne@ it %as too 5amn "ot to %ear a 3oat. $%o@ As"er %as si* 1oot or more@ t"e 3oat %as "u-e. 9 starte5 rollin- up t"e slee)es.

AAnita@C Li) sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at "er. S"e looke5 serious no%@ "er stron- /or5i3 1a3e 8lank an5 unrea5a8le. ALook into my eyes.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="at 5o you -uys 5o@ sit aroun5 %at3"in- ol5 4ra3ula mo)ies an5 stealin- t"e 5ialo-ueBC Li) took a t"reatenin- step 1or%ar5. 9 >ust stare5 up at "er. ASa)e t"e 8i-28a52)arnpire routine@ Li). =e?)e 5one t"is an5 you 3an?t roll me %it" your eyes.C A7a petite@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ A5o as s"e asks.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A="yBC Suspi3ious@ %"o meB ABe3ause i1 t"e $ra)eler?s e*tra po%er 3an 8espell you t"rou-" Li)?s eyes@ it %oul5 8e 8etter to kno% "ere in relati)e sa1ety t"an insi5e amon- our -reater 1oes.C He "a5 a point@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t like it. 9 s"ru--e5. A'ine.C 9 stare5 at "er 1a3e@ into "er 8lue eyes@ t"ou-" t"e 3olor %as a little %as"e5 out 1rom t"e street li-"t. Li) turne5G a spill o1 yello% li-"t 1rom t"e open 3ar 5oor "it "er eyes an5 ma5e t"em t"at amaEin- )iolet28lue@ almost purple. Her eyes %ere "er 8est 1eature an5 9?5 ne)er "a5 any trou8le meetin- t"at 1lo%er2petal -aEe. 9 still 3oul5. /ot e)en a t%in-e. Li)?s "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists. S"e spoke@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t t"ink s"e %as talkin- to eit"er o1 us@ ADou promise5 me. Promise5 me enou-" po%er to roll "er min5.C $"ere %as a rus" o1 %in5@ 3ol5 enou-" to make me s"i)er an5 "u55le into t"e lon- 3oat. Li) lau-"e5@ a lou5 8ray o1 soun5. S"e raise5 "er arms to t"e 3ol5 %in5 as i1 it %ere %rappin- "er aroun5 like 5rapes in t"e 8reeEe. $"e 3ol5 %in5 raise5 t"e "airs on t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k@ 8ut it %asn?t t"e temperature@ it %as t"e po%er in it. A/o%@C Li) sai5@ Alook into my eyes@ i1 you 5are.C ALittle 8etter on t"e 5ialo-ue@C 9 sai5. AAre you a1rai5 to meet my -aEe@ ,*e3utionerBC $"e 3ol5 %in5 t"at "a5 3ome 1rom no%"ere 5ie5@ t"en 1a5e5@ a last i3y 3aress. 9 %aite5 until t"e summer "eat sli5 o)er me like plasti3 %rap@ %aite5 until s%eat traile5 5o%n my spineG t"en 9 looke5 up. #n3e upon a time 9?5 a)oi5e5 lookin- any )amp in t"e eyes. 9?5 "a5 some natural immunity@ 8ut e)en t"e lesser )amps %ere 5an-erous. $"eir -aEe %as one tri3k t"at almost all o1 t"em "a5 to a lesser@ or -reater@ e*tent. 7y po%ers "a5 -ro%n@ an5 t"e )ampire marks "a5 3in3"e5 it. 9 %as pretty mu3" immune to )ampire -aEe. So %"y %as 9 a1rai5 no%B 9 met Li)?s )iolet -aEe soli5@ no 1lin3"in-. At 1irst t"ere %as not"in- 8ut t"eir e*traor5inary 3olor. A tension %ent out o1 me@ my s"oul5ers loosene5. $"ey %ere >ust eyes. $"en it %as as i1 t"e )iolet o1 "er eyes %as %ater@ an5 9 %as somet"in- t"at skate5 o)er t"e sur1a3e tension@ until somet"in- rose 1rom "er eyes an5 pulle5 me 5o%n. Al%ays 8e1ore it "a5 8een like 1allin-@ 8ut no% somet"in- "a5 me@ somet"in- 5ark@ an5 stron-. 9t su3ke5 me un5er like %ater un5er i3e. 9 s3reame5@ an5 las"e5 out. Las"e5 out a-ainst t"at 3ol5 1ilm o1 i3e@ rea3"e5 1or a sur1a3e t"at %asn?t p"ysi3al@ %asn?t e)en metap"ori3al@ 8ut 9 1ou-"t to rise. 'ou-"t a-ainst t"e pull o1 t"at 5arkness. 9 3ame to mysel1@ kneelin- on t"e parkin- lot %it" Hean2!lau5e?s "an5 -raspe5 in mine. A7a petite@ ma petite@ are you all ri-"tBC 9 >ust s"ook my "ea5. 9 5i5n?t trust my )oi3e yet. 9?5 1or-otten "o% mu3" 9 "ate5 8ein- rolle5 8y t"eir -aEe. 'or-otten "o% "elpless 9 1elt. 7y o%n po%er %as makin- me 3areless aroun5 t"e 5amn t"in-s. Li) leane5 a-ainst t"e si5e o1 t"e Heep. S"e seeme5 tire5@ too. A9 almost "a5 you.C 9 1oun5 my )oi3e. ADou 5i5n?t "a)e anyt"in-. 9t %asn?t your eyes 9 %as 8ein- su3ke5 into. 9t %as "is.C S"e s"ook "er "ea5. AHe promise5 me t"e po%er to 5o you@ Anita. $o take your min5.C 9 let Hean2!lau5e "elp me to my 1eet@ %"i3" tells you "o% s"aky 9 %as 1eelin-. A$"en "e lie5@ Li). 9t?s not your po%er@ it?s "is.C ADou 1ear me no%@C s"e sai5. A9 3an 1eel your 1ear in my "ea5.C 9 no55e5. ADea"@ 9?m s3are5. 91 t"at makes you "appy@ t"en lau-" it up.C 9 starte5 8a3kin- a%ay 1rom "er. 7ore %eapons. 9 nee5e5 more %eapons. A9t 5oes make me "appy@C s"e sai5. ADou?ll ne)er kno% "o% "appy it makes me.C AHis po%er "as le1t you@ Li)@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9t %ill return@C s"e sai5.

9 %as on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e Heep. 9 %as "ea5e5 1or t"e 8a3k o1 it@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e %it"in tou3"in- ran-e o1 Li) ri-"t t"is se3on5. 9?5 8roken 1ree@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to keep pus"in- my lu3k. A$"e po%er may return@ Li)@ 8ut Anita "as 8roken "is 8on5 %it" you. S"e "as pus"e5 "is po%er asi5e.C A/o@C Li) sai5. AHe "as 3"osen to let "er -o.C Hean2!lau5e lau-"e5 an5 it 3"ase5 alon- my 8o5y@ an5 9 kne% t"at Li) 1elt it@ too. A$"e $ra)eler %oul5 "a)e kept ma petite@ i1 "e 3oul5 "a)e "el5 "er. But "e 3oul5 not. S"e is too 8i- a 1is" e)en 1or "is net.C ALiarIC Li) sai5. 9 le1t Li) an5 Hean2!lau5e to ar-ue 8et%een t"emsel)es. 9?5 8roken 1ree o1 t"e $ra)eler?s po%er@ 8ut it "a5n?t 8een pretty@ or easy. $"ou-" 3ome to t"ink o1 it@ as soon as 9 starte5 to stru--le@ it "a5 8roken. $"e sa5 trut" %as 9 "a5n?t trie5 to s"iel5 mysel1. 9?5 stare5 into Li)?s eyes empty an5 %aitin-@ 3on1i5ent t"at s"e 3oul5n?t roll me. 9t "a5 8een stupi5. /o2 arro-ant. Sometimes t"ere isn?t a %"ole lot o1 5i11eren3e 8et%een t"e t%o. 9 %alke5 to t"e rear o1 t"e Heep. 9 3ra%le5 in t"e 3ar-o area. ,5%ar5@ assassin o1 t"e un5ea5@ "a5 persua5e5 me to let an a3;uaintan3e o1 "is remo5el my Heep. $"e %"eel %ell on one si5e %as no% a se3ret 3ompartment. 9nsi5e %as my e*tra Bro%nin- an5 e*tra ammo. 9?5 1elt silly %"en "e?5 talke5 me into it. 9 5i5n?t 1eel silly no%. 9 opene5 t"e 3ompartment an5 1oun5 a surprise. A mini2:Ei 3omplete %it" s"oul5er strap. $"ere %as a note tape5 to t"e -un. ADou 3an ne)er "a)e too mu3" 1irepo%er.C He "a5n?t si-ne5 it@ 8ut it %as ,5%ar5. He?5 starte5 "is 3areer as a normal assassin@ 8ut "umans 8e3ame too easy so "e s%it3"e5 to monsters. He 5i5 lo)e a 3"allen-e. 9 "a5 anot"er mini2:Ei at "ome. 9t "a5 8een a -i1t 1rom ,5%ar5@ too. He "a5 t"e 8est toys. 9 took o11 t"e 3oat an5 sli5 t"e :Ei?s strap a3ross my 3"est. ="en 9 slippe5 t"e 3oat 8a3k on@ t"e :Ei "un- at my 8a3k. /ot per1e3t 8ut not too noti3ea8le. $"e se3on5 Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er %as in t"e 3ompartment@ too. 9 put it in my po3ket an5 t%o e*tra 3lips o1 ammo in t"e ot"er po3ket. ="en 9 sli5 to t"e -roun5@ t"e 3oat "un- 1unny@ 8ut it %as so 8i- on me t"at it %asn?t 3onspi3uous. $"e )ampires %eren?t ar-uin- anymore. Li) leane5 a-ainst t"e Heep lookin- sullen@ as i1 Hean2!lau5e "a5 "a5 t"e last %or5@ or %on t"e ar-ument. 9 stoo5 %at3"in- "er. 9 %ante5 to s"oot "er. /ot 8e3ause s"e?5 8etraye5 us@ 8ut 8e3ause s"e?5 s3are5 me. /ot a -oo5 enou-" reason. Besi5es@ it "a5 8een my o%n 3arelessness t"at let "er s3are me. 9 trie5 not to punis" ot"er people 1or my mistakes. A9 3an?t let you -o unpunis"e5@ Li)@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A$"e 3oun3il %oul5 see it as a %eakness.C S"e >ust looke5 at "im. AHit me i1 it %ill make you 1eel 8etter@ Hean2!lau5e.C S"e pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e Heep an5 3rosse5 t"e 5istan3e 8et%een t"em %it" t"ree lon- stri5es. S"e li1te5 "er 3"in like a 8ully 5arin- you to take t"e 1irst s%in-. He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ Li).C He tou3"e5 "er 1a3e -ently. A9 "a5 somet"in- else in min5.C He 3aresse5 "er 1a3e@ ru88in"is "an5 alon- "er 3"eek. S"e si-"e5@ ru88in- "er 1a3e a-ainst "is palm. Li) "a5 8een tryin- to -et into Hean2!lau5e?s pants sin3e s"e "it to%n. S"e?5 ne)er "i55en "er plan to sleep "er %ay to t"e top. S"e?5 8een )ery ... 1rustrate5 t"at "e %oul5n?t 3ooperate. S"e lai5 a -entle kiss on "is palm. A$"in-s 3oul5 "a)e 8een so 5i11erent i1 it %eren?t 1or your pet "uman.C 9 %alke5 up 8e"in5 t"em an5 it %as like 9 %asn?t t"ere. $"ey %ere in some pri)ate pla3e t"at >ust "appene5 to 8e in plain si-"t. A/o@ Li)@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ Ait %oul5 not "a)e 8een 5i11erent. 9t %as not Anita t"at kept you 1rom my 8e5@ it %as you.C His "an5 3lose5 on "er t"roat. His 1in-ers 3on)ulse5 in "er 1les". He ma5e a s"arp mo)ement an5 tore t"e 1ront o1 "er t"roat out. Li) 3ollapse5 to t"e pa)ement@ 3"okin-@ 8loo5 1lo%in- in a 3rimson %as" 5o%n "er 1ront@ out o1 "er mout". S"e rolle5 onto "er 8a3k@ "an5s 3la%in- at "er t"roat. 9 3ame to stan5 8esi5e "im an5 stare5 5o%n at "er. 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 "er spine 5eep in t"e %oun5. Her eyes %ere %i5e@ pain21ille5@ 1ri-"tene5. Hean2!lau5e %as %ipin- "is "an5 o11 on a silk "an5ker3"ie1 "e?5 pulle5 1rom some%"ere. He?5 1lun- t"e -o88ets o1 1les" to t"e pa)ement@ %"ere t"ey lay lookin- small an5 not important enou-" to 5ie o)er. =e 8ot" %at3"e5 "er %rit"in- on t"e pa)ement. Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e %as t"at empty mask "e %ore@ 8eauti1ul an5 5istant@ like tryin- to 5ra% 3om1ort 1rom t"e moon. 9 5i5n?t "a)e a mirror@ an5 my 1a3e %oul5 ne)er 8e "is lo)ely per1e3tion@ 8ut it %as >ust as empty. 9 %at3"e5 Li) 1lop on t"e pa)ement an5 1elt no pity. /o 3ol5 %in5 3ame to sa)e "er. 9 t"ink t"at surprise5 Li)@ 8e3ause s"e rea3"e5 1or Hean2!lau5e. <ea3"e5 1or "im@ 8e--in- %it" "er eyes 1or "im to "elp "er. He %as motionless@ sunk into t"at -reat %aitin- stillness@ as i1 "e %as %illin"imsel1 to )anis". 7ay8e it 5i5 8ot"er "im to %at3" "er 5ie. 91 s"e?5 8een "uman@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een pretty 1ast. But s"e %asn?t "uman@ an5 it %asn?t 1ast. S"e %asn?t 5yin-. 9 %asn?t sure it %as pity@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t >ust stan5 t"ere an5 %at3" anyone in su3" pain@ su3" terror.

9 pulle5 t"e Bro%nin- out o1 t"e 3oat po3ket an5 pointe5 it at "er "ea5. A9?m -oin- to en5 t"is.C AS"e %ill "eal@ ma petite. 9t is a %oun5 t"at "er o%n )ampire 8o5y %ill "eal@ in time.C A="y isn?t "er ne% master "elpin- "erBC 9 aske5. ABe3ause "e kno%s s"e %ill "eal %it"out "is ai5.C A/o %aste5 ener-y@ "u"BC ASomet"in- like t"at@C "e sai5. 9t %as "ar5 to tell t"rou-" t"e 8loo5@ 8ut it 5i5 look as i1 t"e %oun5 %as 1illin- inG t"ere %as >ust so mu3" to 1ill in. A=e o11er our t"roat@ or %rist@ or t"e 8en5 o1 our el8o% to ea3" ot"er as a 1ormal -reetin-. $"e lesser o11er up t"eir 1les" to t"e -reater as an a3kno%le5-ment o1 po%er. 9t is a pretty t"in-@ a polite t"in-@ 8ut t"is is t"e reality@ ma petite. Li) o11ere5 me "er t"roat an5 9 took it.C 9 stare5 into "er %i5e@ %i5e eyes. A4i5 s"e kno% t"is %as a possi8ilityBC A91 s"e 5i5 not@ t"en s"e is a 1ool. Su3" )iolen3e is ne)er 3on5one5 unless t"e lesser )ampire ;uestions t"e aut"ority o1 t"e -reater )ampire. S"e ;uestione5 my 5ominan3e o)er "er. $"is is t"e pri3e.C Li) turne5 onto "er si5e@ 3ou-"in-. Her 8reat" rattle5 in "er t"roat in a pain1ul -asp. $"in-s %ere re21ormin-. S"e %as 8reat"in- a-ain. ="en s"e "a5 enou-" air to speak@ s"e sai5@ A4amn you@ Hean2!lau5e.C $"en s"e 3ou-"e5 8loo5. Dummy. Hean2!lau5e "el5 "is "an5 out to me. He?5 %ipe5 it o11@ 8ut you ne)er -et t"e 8loo5 out 1rom aroun5 t"e 1in-ernails %it"out soap an5 %ater. 9 "esitate5@ t"en took "is "an5. =e?5 -et 8loo5ier 8e1ore t"e ni-"t %as o)er@ it %as almost -uarantee5. =e %alke5 to%ar5s t"e !ir3us. $"e 3oat 8illo%e5 8e"in5 me like a 3ape. $"e :Ei 8oun3e5 li-"tly a-ainst my 8a3k. 9?5 a55e5 one e*tra t"in- 1rom t"e -lo)e 3ompartment. A lon- sil)er 3"ain %it" a 3ross on it. 9?5 -otten lon-er 3"ains %"en 9 starte5 5atin- Hean2!lau5e. $"e s"orter ones spille5 out o1 my 3lot"in- at a%k%ar5 moments. 9 %as loa5e5 1or 8ear@ u"@ )ampire@ an5 rea5y to -o kill somet"in-. ,5%ar5 %oul5 "a)e 8een prou5.

Chapter Thirteen
$"e si5e 5oor o1 t"e !ir3us "as no "an5le. $"e only %ay in is i1 someone opens t"e 5oor. Se3urity measures. Hean2 !lau5e kno3ke5@ an5 t"e 5oor s%un- in%ar5 at "is tou3". #pen@ %aitin-@ e*pe3tin- us. #minous. $"e 5oor opene5 into a small stora-e room %it" a 8are li-"t 8ul8 "an-in- 1rom t"e 3eilin-. A stark room %it" a 1e% 8o*es a-ainst one %all. A 5oor to t"e ri-"t le5 into t"e main part o1 t"e !ir3us@ %"ere people %ere usually ri5in- t"e 'erris %"eel an5 eatin- 3otton 3an5y. A smaller 5oor le5 o11 to t"e le1t. $"ere %ere no 8ri-"t li-"ts an5 3otton 3an5y in t"at 5ire3tion. $"e li-"t s%un- 8a3k an5 1ort" as i1 someone "a5 >ust "it it. $"e nake5 8ul8 ma5e t"e s"a5o%s t"i3ker@ an5 t"e li-"t 5an3e until it %as "ar5 to tell s"a5o% 1rom li-"t. Somet"in- -linte5 on t"e le1t"an5 5oor. Somet"in- atta3"e5 to its sur1a3e. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at it %as@ e*3ept it -linte5 5ully in t"e stran-e li-"t. 9 s"o)e5 t"e 5oor 1lat a-ainst t"e %all >ust to make sure no one %as 8e"in5 it. $"en 9 put my 8a3k to t"e 5oor an5 traine5 t"e Bro%nin- on t"e room. AStop t"e 8ul8 1rom s%in-in-@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e rea3"e5 up an5 tou3"e5 t"e 8ul8. He "a5 to stan5 on tiptoe to 5o it. ="oe)er "a5 set it s%in-in- %as o)er si* 1eet. A$"e room is empty@ ma petite@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A="at?s on t"e 5oorBC 9t %as 1lat an5 t"in@ an5 my min5 3oul5n?t make a s"ape out o1 it. ="ate)er it %as@ it %as "ammere5 to t"e 5oor %it" sil)er nails. Hean2!lau5e let out a lon- si-". A7on 4ieu.C 9 3rosse5 t"e room %it" t"e Bro%nin- pointe5 t%o2"an5e5 at t"e 1loor. Hean2!lau5e sai5 t"e room %as empty. 9 truste5 t"at@ 8ut 9 truste5 me more. Li) sta--ere5 to t"e 5oor. $"e 1ront o1 "er 8o5y %as 3o)ere5 %it" 8loo5@ 8ut "er t"roat %as per1e3t. 9 %on5ere5 i1 t"e $ra)eler "a5 "elpe5 "er a1ter %e %alke5 a%ay. S"e 3ou-"e5@ an5 3leare5 "er t"roat so )iolently it soun5e5 pain1ul. A9 %ante5 to see your 1a3es %"en you sa% t"e 7aster o1 Beasts? 3ompromise@C s"e sai5. A$"e $ra)eler re1use5 to let "im an5 "is people -reet you in person. $"is is t"e 7aster o1 Beasts? 3allin- 3ar5. Ho% 5o you like itBC S"e soun5e5 ea-er in a pre5atory@ unpleasant sort o1 %ay. ="at t"e 1u3k %as on t"e 5oorB ,)en stan5in- ne*t to it@ 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at it %as. $"in ri)ulets o1 8loo5 %ere seepin- 5o%n t"e 5oor 1rom it. $"e s%eet metalli3 s3ent o1 8loo5 %arme5 t"e stale air. $"e t"in- %as almost paper t"in@ 8ut "a5 a 3onsisten3y more like plasti3. 9t 3urle5 at t"e e5-es@ strainin- a-ainst t"e 1i)e sil)er nails.

9 su55enly "a5 an a%1ul i5ea. So a%1ul@ my eyes 3oul5n?t see it e)en a1ter 9?5 t"ou-"t it. 9 took t"ree steps 8a3k 1rom t"e t"in- an5 trie5 to see t"e sil"ouette. $"ereG t"ereG t%o arms@ t%o le-s@ s"oul5ers. 9t %as a "uman skin. #n3e 9 1oun5 t"e s"ape o1 it@ 9 3oul5n?t stop seein- it. 9 kne% t"at %"en 9 3lose5 my eyes toni-"t t"at it %oul5 "aunt me. $"at t"in stret3"e5 t"in- t"at use5 to 8e a person. A="ere are t"e "an5s an5 1eetBC 9 aske5. 7y )oi3e soun5e5 stran-e@ 5istant@ almost unatta3"e5. 7y lips an5 1in-ertips tin-le5 %it" t"e pure "orror o1 it. A9t is merely t"e 8a3k o1 someone?s 8o5y@ not t"e entire skin@ ma petite. Besi5es@ it is "ar5 to take t"e li)in- skin o11 o1 1in-ers an5 toes %"en your )i3tim is still stru--lin-@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. His )oi3e %as utterly 1lat@ 3are1ully empty. AStru--lin-B Dou mean %"oe)er t"is %as@ %as ali)eBC ADou are t"e poli3e e*pert@ ma petite.C A9t %oul5n?t 8e 8lee5in- t"is mu3" i1 t"ey "a5n?t 8een ali)e@C 9 sai5. ADes@ ma petite.C He %as ri-"t. 9 5i5 kno% t"at. But t"e si-"t o1 a "uman skin naile5 to a 5oor "a5 t"ro%n me. 9t %as a 1irst@ e)en 1or me. AS%eet Hesus@ 5o t"e sil)er nails mean t"e )i3tim %as )ampire or ly3ant"ropeBC A7ost likely@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A4oes t"at mean t"ey?re still ali)eBC He looke5 at me. His look mana-e5 to 8e empty an5 elo;uent all at t"e same time. A$"ey %ere ali)e %"en t"e skin %as remo)e5. 91 )ampire@ or ly3ant"rope@ t"e mere remo)al o1 t"e skin %oul5 not 8e su11i3ient to kill t"em.C A s"u55er ran t"rou-" me 1rom "ea5 to 1eet. 9t %asn?t e*a3tly 1ear. 9t %as "orror. Horror at t"e 3asualness o1 it@ t"e 3allousness o1 it. AAs"er mentione5 Pa5ma. 9s "e t"e Beast 7asterBC A$"e 7aster o1 Beasts@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ADou 3annot kill "im 1or t"is in5is3retion@ ma petite.C ADou?re %ron-@C 9 sai5. $"e "orror %as t"ere like a 3oatin- o1 i3e un5erneat" my skin@ 8ut o)er t"at %as an-er. <a-e. An5 un5er t"e ra-e %as 1ear. 'ear o1 anyone t"at %oul5 skin anot"er person ali)e >ust to make a point. $ol5 you somet"ina8out a person. $ol5 you "o% 1e% rules t"ey "a5. $ol5 me@ in no un3ertain terms@ t"at 9 s"oul5 kill "im as soon as 9 sa% "im. A=e 3annot punis" t"em 1or t"is toni-"t@ ma petite. $oni-"t is a8out sur)i)al 1or all o1 us. <emem8er t"at an5 3ur8 your an-er.C 9 stare5 at t"e t"in- on t"e 5oor. A9 am %ay past an-er.C A$"en 3ur8 your ra-e. =e must sa)e t"e rest o1 our people.C A91 t"ey?re ali)e.C A$"ey %ere ali)e %"en 9 3ame upstairs to %ait 1or you@C Li) sai5. A="o?s skin is itBC 9 aske5. S"e lau-"e5@ an5 it %as "er usual 8ray. All "eale5@ all 8etter. AGuess@C s"e sai5. A91 you -uess ri-"t@ 9?ll tell you@ 8ut only i1 you -uess ri-"t.C 9t took more 3ontrol t"an %as pretty not to point t"e Bro%nin- at "er. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o -ames@ Li)@ not %it" you. $"e real -ames 5on?t e)en 8e-in until %e -et 5o%nstairs.C A=ell sai5@ ma petite. Let us -o 5o%n.C A/o@C Li) sai5. A/o@ you?ll -uess. Dou?ll -uess %"o it is. 9 %ant to see your 1a3e. 9 %ant to see t"e pain in your eyes %"ile you t"ink a8out ea3" o1 your 1rien5s@ Anita. 9 %ant to %at3" t"e "orror on your 1a3e %"ile you pi3ture it "appenin- to ea3" o1 t"em.C A="at 5i5 9 e)er 5o to you@ Li)BC ADou stoo5 in my %ay@C s"e sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 pointe5 t"e -un at "er. A$"ree strikes an5 you?re out@ Li).C S"e 1ro%ne5. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC ABetrayin- us %as one. $ryin- to roll me %it" your eyes %as num8er t%o. $"at %as partly my 1ault@ so 9 %oul5 "a)e let it -o. But you took an oat" to prote3t all o1 Hean2!lau5e?s people. Dou s%ore to use t"at %on5er1ul 8o5y@ t"at stren-t"@ to prote3t t"ose %eaker t"an yoursel1. ="oe)er 8elon-s to t"at skin %as someone you s%ore to prote3t. 9nstea5@ you 8etraye5 t"em. 4eli)ere5 t"em o)er to "ell. Strike t"ree@ Li).C ADou 3an?t kill me@ Anita. $"e $ra)eler %ill "eal me@ no matter %"at you 5o.C 9 s"ot "er in t"e ri-"t knee3ap. S"e 1ell to t"e 1loor@ "ol5in- t"e s"attere5 le-@ %rit"in-@ s3reamin-. 9 1elt mysel1 smile@ most unpleasant. A9 "ope it "urts@ Li). 9 "ope it "urts like "ell.C

$"e temperature in t"e room 5roppe5 like a stone. 9t 1elt 3ol5 enou-" t"at 9 "al1 e*pe3te5 to see my 8reat". Li)?s s3reams stoppe5@ an5 s"e stare5 up at me %it" "er )iolet eyes. 91 looks 3oul5 "a)e kille5@ 9?5 "a)e 5roppe5 on t"e spot. ADou 3annot "arm me@ Anita. 7y master %ill not allo% it.C Li) -ot to "er 1eet %it" t"e 1aintest o1 limps. S"e %alke5 to t"e 5oor %it" its a%1ul 8ur5en. S"e stret3"e5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e t"in-@ s"o%in- "oles in t"e skin t"at "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" t"e skinnin- pro3ess. A9 1e5 on "im %"ile t"ey torture5 "im. 9 5rank "is 8loo5 %"ile "e s3reame5.C Her 1in-ers 3ame a%ay staine5 %it" 8loo5. S"e li3ke5 t"em 3lean@ sli5in- "er 1in-ers in an5 out o1 "er mout". AHmm@ tasty.C All 9 "a5 to 5o %as -uess %"o it %as@ an5 s"e?5 tell me. All 9 "a5 to 5o %as play "er -ame. 9 s"ot "er in t"e ot"er knee. S"e 3ollapse5 to t"e 1loor@ s"riekin-. A4on?t you un5erstan5B Dou 3an?t "urt me.C A#"@ 9 t"ink 9 3an@ Li)@ 9 t"ink 9 3an.C 9 s"ot t"e ri-"t knee a-ain. S"e lay on "er 8a3k@ s3reamin-@ -ra88in- at "er s"attere5 knees@ an5 re3oilin-@ 8e3ause "er o%n tou3" "urt. $"e $ra)eler?s po%er raise5 t"e "air on my 8o5y in a s"i)er o1 -oose 8umps. He really %as -oin- to "eal "er. 91 9 %asn?t -oin- to kill "er@ 9 nee5e5 to 8e some%"ere else 8e1ore s"e 3oul5 %alk. 9 kne% Li) %ell enou-" to kno% t"at %"en s"e 3oul5 stan5 s"e %as -oin- to 8e pisse5. /ot t"at 9 8lame5 "er. 9n 1a3t@ i1 9 >ust stoo5 t"ere lon- enou-" 1or "er to -et to "er 1eet@ it?5 8e sel125e1ense. #1 3ourse@ it?5 8e preme5itate5 sel125e1ense. A!ome@ ma petite@ let "er 8e. $"e $ra)eler 5oes not -i)e "is 8lessin-s so easily a se3on5 time@ or %oul5 t"is 8e t"e t"ir5B He %ill "eal "er at "is o%n pa3e no%. A 8lessin- an5 a punis"ment rolle5 into one. As most o1 t"e 3oun3il?s -i1ts are %ont to 8e.C He opene5 t"e 5oor t"at le5 5o%nstairs. His "an5 3ame a%ay %it" 8loo5 on it. He "el5 t"e "an5 out in 1ront o1 "im like "e 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o %it" it. He 1inally %alke5 t"rou-" t"e 5oor@ %ipin- "is "an5 alon- t"e %all@ smearin- t"e 8loo5 5o%n t"e stones in a 1aint 3rimson line. A$"e lon-er %e 5elay@ t"e more tortures t"ey %ill t"ink o1.C =it" t"at 3om1ortin- line "e starte5 5o%n t"e steps. 9 -a)e one last -lan3e to Li). S"e lay on "er si5e@ 3ryin-@ s"riekin-. S"e %as s"riekin- t"at s"e %as -oin- to see me 5ea5. 9 s"oul5 "a)e s"ot "er in t"e "ea5 until "er 8rains leake5 on t"e 1loor. 91 9 %as truly rut"less@ 9 %oul5 "a)e. But 9 5i5n?t. 9 le1t "er ali)e an5 s3reamin- t"reats. ,5%ar5 %oul5 "a)e 8een so 5isappointe5.

Chapter Fourteen
$"e steps lea5in- un5er-roun5 %ere taller t"an normal@ as i1 %"ate)er t"ey %ere ori-inally 5esi-ne5 1or %asn?t ;uite "uman. 9 ki3ke5 t"e 5oor s"ut@ 5i5n?t %ant to tou3" t"e 8loo5. $"e 5oor 3ut Li) o11 in mi5 s3ream. 9 3oul5 still "ear "er )ery 1aintly@ like t"e "i-" 8uEEin- o1 an inse3t@ 8ut t"e 5oor %as almost soun5proo1. /ee5e5 somet"in- to mu11le t"e s3reams 1rom 8elo%. #1 3ourse@ toni-"t t"ere %as only silen3e on t"e stairs. A silen3e so 5eep t"at it )i8rate5 in my ears. Hean2!lau5e mo)e5 in a 8oneless -ra3e@ like a 8i- 3at@ 5o%n t"e a%k%ar5 steps. 9 "a5 to %rap t"e en5 o1 t"e 3oat o)er my le1t arm to keep 1rom trippin- o)er it. ,)en t"en@ 9 5i5n?t -li5e 5o%n t"e stairs. 9n t"ree2in3" "eels 9 sort o1 limpe5. Hean2!lau5e %aite5 at t"e 8en5 o1 t"e stairs >ust 8e1ore t"e lan5in-. A9 3oul5 3arry you@ ma petite.C A/o@ t"anks.C 91 9 took t"e s"oes o11@ t"e 5ress %oul5 8e so lon- 9?5 nee5 to "ol5 it up. 9 nee5e5 one "an5 1ree 1or a -un. 91 my 3"oi3es %ere 8ein- slo% an5 "a)in- a -un 5ra%n@ or 8ein- 1ast an5 "a)in- my "an5s 1ull o1 5ress ... 9?5 8e slo%. $"e stairs stret3"e5 empty@ %i5e enou-" to 5ri)e a small 3ar 5o%n. $"e 5oor at t"e 8ase o1 t"e stairs %as soli5 oak@ iron 8oun5 like t"e 5oor to a 5un-eon. $oni-"t@ not a 8a5 analo-y. Hean2!lau5e pulle5 on t"e "ea)y 5oor@ an5 it s%un- open. 9t %as usually kept lo3ke5. He turne5 to me. A$"e 3oun3il 3an 5eman5 t"at 9 -reet e)ery )ampire %it"in t"ese %alls@ 1ormally.C ADou mean like you 5i5 %it" Li)BC 9 aske5. He -a)e a )ery small smile. A91 9 5o not a3kno%le5-e t"eir 5ominan3e o)er me@ t"en per"aps.C A="at i1 you 5o a3kno%le5-e t"emBC 9 aske5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A91 %e "a5 -one to t"e 3oun3il 1or ai5 o1 some kin5@ t"en 9 %oul5 not 1i-"t. 9 %oul5 simply a3kno%le5-e t"eir superiority an5 8e 5one %it" it. 9 am not stron- enou-" to 8e 3oun3il. 9 kno% t"at.C He smoot"e5 "is "an5s 5o%n t"e ru11les "is s"irt@ a5>ustin- t"e 3u11s on "is >a3ket so t"e ru11les at "is %rists s"o%e5 to 8est a5)anta-e. He o1ten 1usse5 %it" "is 3lot"es %"en "e %as ner)ous. #1 3ourse@ "e 1usse5 %it" "is 3lot"es %"en "e %asn?t ner)ous@ too. A9 "ear a F8ut? 3omin-@C 9 sai5. He smile5 at me. A#ui@ ma petite. But t"ey "a)e 3ome to us. $"ey "a)e in)a5e5 our lan5s. Harme5 our people. 91 %e a3kno%le5-e t"em as -reater t"an oursel)es %it"out a stru--le@ t"ey may set up a ne% master in my pla3e. $"ey may take all 9 "a)e -aine5.C A9 t"ou-"t t"e only %ay to step 5o%n as master %as to 5ie.C A$"ey %oul5 3ome to t"at@ e)entually.C A$"en %e -o in ki3kin- 8utt.C

ABut %e 3annot %in 8y )iolen3e@ ma petite. ="at %e 5i5 %it" Li) %as to 8e e*pe3te5. S"e "a5 to 8e punis"e5. But in a stru--le to kill or 8e kille5@ t"e 3oun3il %ill %in.C 9 1ro%ne5 up at "im. A91 %e 3an?t >ust say t"ey?re 8i--er an5 8a55er t"an %e are@ an5 %e 3an?t 1i-"t t"em@ %"at 3an %e 5oBC A=e play t"e -ame@ ma petite.C A="at -ameBC A$"e -ame t"at 9 mastere5 at 3ourt so lon- a-o. 9t is a t"in- o1 5iploma3y@ 8ra)a5o@ insults.C He raise5 my le1t "an5 to "is lips an5 lai5 a -entle kiss on it. ADou %ill 8e )ery -oo5 at part o1 t"e -ame@ an5 )ery 8a5 at ot"ers. 4iploma3y is not your stron- suit.C ABra)a5o an5 insults are t%o o1 my 8est t"in-s.C He smile5@ still "ol5in- my "an5. A9n5ee5@ ma petite@ in5ee5. Put t"e -un a%ay. 9 am not sayin- 5o not use it@ 8ut "a)e a 3are %"o you s"oot. /ot e)eryt"in- you %ill meet toni-"t 3an 8e "arme5 8y sil)er 8ullets.C He 3o3ke5 "is "ea5 to one si5e as i1 t"inkin-. A$"ou-" 3ome to t"at@ 9?)e ne)er seen anyone try to kill a 3oun3il mem8er %it" mo5ern sil)er ammunition.C He smile5. A9t mi-"t %ork.C He s"ook "is "ea5 as i1 to ri5 "imsel1 o1 t"e ima-e. ABut i1 it 3omes to tryin- to slay t"e 3oun3il 8y 8ullets@ t"en all is lost an5 all t"at %ill 8e le1t is to take as many o1 t"em %it" us as %e 3an.C ALet?s sa)e as many o1 our people as %e 3an@ too@C 9 sai5. ADou 5on?t un5erstan5 t"em@ ma petite. 91 %e are 5ea5@ t"ere %ill 8e no mer3y 1or t"ose %"o are loyal to us. Any -oo5 re)olution kills t"e loyalists 1irst.C He tou3"e5 t"e 8a3k o1 my ri-"t "an5 li-"tly@ remin5in-. 9 still "a5 t"e -un out. Some"o%@ 9 >ust 5i5n?t %ant to put it a%ay. But 9 5i5. 9 put t"e sa1ety on. 9 5i5n?t %ant t"em to kno% t"e -un %as t"ere@ so 9 3oul5n?t keep "ol5in- it. 9 put t"e sa1ety on 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t %ant to s"oot mysel1 in t"e le-. 9t %oul5 8e em8arrassin- as %ell as pain1ul an5 pro8a8ly %oul5n?t impress t"e 3oun3il one little 8it. 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 At"e -ame@C 8ut 9?5 "un- aroun5 )ampires lon- enou-" to kno% t"at i1 you 3oul5 impress t"em@ sometimes you %alke5 out ali)e. #1 3ourse@ sometimes t"ey kille5 you any%ay. Sometimes a s"o% o1 8ra)a5o >ust earne5 you a slo%er 5eat"@ like it 5i5 %it" some Ameri3an 9n5ian tri8es t"at only torture5 enemies t"ey t"ou-"t %ort"y o1 t"e "onor. An "onor 9 3oul5 5o %it"out. But sometimes in t"e mi5st o1 8ein- tormente5 you 3oul5 -et a%ay. 91 t"ey >ust tore your t"roat out@ all options %ere o)er. =e %ere 5e1initely -oin- 1or impressi)e. 91 %e 3oul5n?t impress t"em@ %e?5 kill t"em. 91 %e 3oul5n?t kill t"em ... t"ey?5 kill us. Li) "a5 >ust 8een t"e 8e-innin- o1 t"e e)enin-?s entertainment. $"e li)in- room %as a 8are stone room on3e a-ain. Hean2!lau5e?s e11orts at re5e3oratin- lay in piles o1 8la3k an5 %"ite 3lot" an5 8roken %oo5. $"e only t"in- untou3"e5 %as t"e portrait a8o)e t"e 1alse 1irepla3e. Hean2!lau5e@ Hulianna@ an5 an uns3arre5 As"er -aEe5 5o%n at t"e ruins. 9 e*pe3te5 an unpleasant surprise to 8e %aitin- 1or us. $"ere %as only =illie 73!oy stan5in- in 1ront o1 t"e 3ol5 1irepla3e. He "a5 "is 8a3k to us@ "an5s 3laspe5 8e"in5 "im. His pea2-reen suit 3las"e5 %it" "is sli3ke528a3k 8la3k "air. #ne slee)e %as torn an5 8loo5staine5. He turne5 to%ar5s us. Bloo5 seepe5 1rom a -as" on "is 1ore"ea5. He 5a88e5 at it %it" a "an5ker3"ie1 3o)ere5 in 5an3in- skeletons. 9t %as silk an5 "a5 8een a -i1t 1rom "is -irl1rien5@ a 3entury2ol5 )amp %"o "a5 re3ently >oine5 us. Hanna" %as as tall@ le--y@ an5 lo)ely as =illie %as s"ort@ 8a5ly 5resse5@ an5 %ell ... =illie. He smile5 at us. ASo -oo5 o1 you to >oin us.C A!an t"e sar3asm@C 9 sai5. A="ere is e)ery8o5yBC 9 starte5 %alkin- to%ar5s "im@ 8ut Hean!lau5e stoppe5 me %it" a "an5 on my arm. =illie?s smile %as almost -entle. He stare5 at Hean2!lau5e %it" a look o1 e*pe3tan3y. 9t %as an e*pression 9?5 ne)er seen on =illie?s 1a3e. 9 -lan3e5 at Hean2!lau5e?s per1e3t mask o1 a 1a3e@ 3lose5 an5 3are1ul. /o21ear1ul. A="at?s -oin- onBC 9 aske5. A7a petite@ may 9 intro5u3e t"e $ra)eler.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC =illie lau-"e5@ an5 it %as t"e same irritatin- 8ray "e?5 al%ays "a5@ 8ut it en5e5 in a lo%@ 3"u3klin- -ro%l t"at raise5 t"e "airs at t"e 8ase o1 my ne3k. 9 looke5 at "im an5 kne% t"e s"o3k s"o%e5 on my 1a3e. 9 "a5 to s%allo% 8e1ore 9 3oul5 talk@ e)en t"en 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. A=illieBC AHe 3an no lon-er ans%er your 3all@ ma petite.C =illie stoo5 t"ere starin- at me. He "a5 8een an a%k%ar5 person ali)e. 4ea5@ "e "a5n?t 8een mu3" 8etter. He "a5n?t 8een 5ea5 lon- enou-" to master t"at ot"er%orl5ly mo)ement t"at t"e ot"ers "a5. He %alke5 to%ar5s us in a %a)e o1 "is o%n li;ui5 -ra3e. 9t %asn?t =illie. AS"it@C 9 sai5 so1tly. A9s it permanentBC $"e stran-er in =illie?s 8o5y lau-"e5 a-ain. A9 am merely 8orro%in- "is 8o5y. 9 8orro% a -reat many 8o5ies@ 5on?t 9@ Hean2 !lau5eBC

9 1elt Hean2!lau5e 5ra% me 8a3k%ar5s. He 5i5n?t %ant to -et 3loser. 9 5i5n?t ar-ue. =e 8a3ke5 up. 9t %as o55 8ein8a3ke5 up 8y =illie. /ormally@ "e %as one o1 t"e least s3ary )amps 9 kne%. /o%@ tension san- 5o%n Hean2!lau5e?s "an5. 9 3oul5 taste "is "eart 8eatin- in my o%n "ea5. He %as a1rai5@ an5 t"at ma5e me a1rai5. $"e $ra)eler stoppe5@ "an5s on "ips@ lau-"in-. AA1rai5 9 %ill use you as my "orse@ Hean2!lau5eB 91 you are truly stronenou-" to "a)e slain t"e ,art"mo)er@ t"en you s"oul5 8e stron- enou-" to %it"stan5 me.C A9 am 3autious 8y nature@ $ra)eler. $ime "as not lessene5 t"e "a8it.C ADou al%ays 5i5 "a)e a smoot" ton-ue in your "ea5 an5 so many ot"er pla3es.C 9 1ro%ne5 at t"e 5ou8le2enten5re@ not sure 9 3au-"t t"e meanin-@ not sure 9 %ante5 to. ALet =illie -o.C AHe is not 8ein- "arme5@C t"e )ampire sai5. AHe is still insi5e t"e 8o5y@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AHe still 1eels@ still sees. Dou "a)e only pus"e5 "im asi5e@ $ra)eler@ not repla3e5 "im.C 9 -lan3e5 at Hean2!lau5e. His 1a3e s"o%e5 not"in-. ADou say t"at like you kno% 1rom personal e*perien3e.C AHean2!lau5e %as one o1 my 1a)orite 8o5ies@ on3e upon a time. Balt"asar an5 9 en>oye5 "im )ery mu3".C Balt"asar %alke5 out o1 t"e 1ar "all%ay as i1 "e?5 8een %aitin- 1or "is 3ue. 7ay8e "e "a5. He %as smilin-@ 8ut it %as more a 8arin- o1 teet" t"an pleasure. He stro5e into t"e room lookin- ele-ant an5 ro-uis" in "is %"ite suit. He stoo5 8e"in5 =illie@ "an5s on t"e s"orter man?s t"in s"oul5ers. =illie@ t"e $ra)eler@ leane5 8a3k a-ainst Balt"asar?s 3"est. $"e 8i--er man %rappe5 "is arms aroun5 "im. $"ey %ere a 3ouple. A=ill "e kno% %"at t"ey?re 5oin- %it" "is 8o5yBC 9 aske5. ADes@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A=illie 5oesn?t like men.C A/o@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. 9 s%allo%e5 an5 trie5 to t"ink reasona8ly@ an5 >ust 3oul5n?t. Vampires 3oul5 not take o)er anot"er )ampire?s 8o5y. 9t %asn?t possi8le. 9t >ust %asn?t. But 9 looke5 at =illie?s 1amiliar 1a3e %it" a stran-er?s t"ou-"ts 1lo%in- t"rou-" "is 8ro%n eyes an5 kne% it %as true. $"ose 8ro%n eyes smile5 into mine. 9 5roppe5 my -aEe. 91 t"e $ra)eler 3oul5 5o me t"rou-" Li)?s eyes %"en "e %asn?t insi5e "er@ t"en "e?5 su3k me 5o%n no% 1or sure. 9t "a5 8een a lon- time sin3e 9 "a5 "a5 to pra3ti3e t"e tri3k o1 starin- at a 1a3e %it"out meetin- t"e eyes. 9t %as like ta- %it" t"e )amp tryin- to 3apture my -aEe@ an5 me a)oi5in- it. 9t %as irritatin-@ an5 s3ary. Hean2!lau5e "a5 sai5 t"at )iolen3e %oul5n?t sa)e us toni-"t. He %asn?t ki55in-. 91 a )amp "a5 8een "ol5in- =illie a-ainst "is %ill@ 1or3in- "im se*ually@ 9?5 "a)e s"ot "im. But it %as =illie?s 8o5y@ an5 "e?5 -et it 8a3k. S"ootin- it 1ull o1 "oles %as a 8a5 i5ea. ="at 9 nee5e5 %as a -oo5 i5ea. A4oes t"e $ra)eler like %omenBC 9 aske5. AAre you o11erin- yoursel1 in "is pla3eBC t"e )ampire aske5. A/o@ >ust %on5erin- "o% you?5 like it i1 t"e ta8les %ere turne5.C A/o one else "as my a8ility to s"are a 8o5y@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. A=oul5 you like it i1 someone 1or3e5 you to "a)e se* %it" a %omanBC =illie?s 1a3e 3o3ke5 to one si5e@ an5 t"e e*pression %as alien to "im. $"e sense o1 ot"erness %as stron- enou-" to make my skin 3ra%l. A9 "a)e ne)er 1elt t"e 5ra% o1 a %oman?s 8o5y.C ADou?5 1in5 it 5istaste1ul@C 9 sai5. =illie@ t"e $ra)eler@ no55e5. ADes.C A$"en let =illie -o. Pi3k someone %"o %oul5n?t min5 so mu3".C $"e $ra)eler snu--le5 into Balt"asar?s arms an5 lau-"e5 at me. AAre you appealin- to my sense o1 mer3yBC 9 s"ru--e5. A9 3an?t s"oot you. Dou?re 3oun3il. 9 %as "opin- t"at %oul5 mean you "a5 more rules t"an t"e rest o1 t"em. Guess 9 %as %ron-.C He looke5 at Hean2!lau5e. A4oes your "uman ser)ant 5o all your talkin- no%BC AS"e 5oes %ell enou-"@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A91 s"e seeks to appeal to my sense o1 1air play@ t"en you "a)e tol5 "er not"in- a8out your time %it" us at 3ourt.C Hean2!lau5e kept my le1t "an5 3laspe5 loosely in "is@ 8ut "e steppe5 a%ay 1rom me. 9 1elt "im 5ra% "imsel1 strai-"ter as i1 "e?5 8een "un3"e5 >ust a little@ "u55le5 aroun5 "is pani3. 9 kne% "e %as still a1rai5@ 8ut "e "a5 rallie5. Bra)e Hean2 !lau5e. 9 %asn?t t"at a1rai5 yet. But t"en@ 9 5i5n?t kno% any 8etter. A9 5o not 5%ell upon t"e past@C Hean2!lau5e sai5.

AHe is as"ame5 o1 us@C Balt"asar sai5@ ru88in- "is 1a3e a-ainst =illie?s. He plante5 a so1t kiss a-ainst =illie?s temple. A/o@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. AHe 1ears us.C A="at 5o you %ant o1 me@ $ra)elerB ="y "as t"e 3oun3il in)a5e5 my lan5s an5 taken my people "osta-eBC =illie?s 8o5y pus"e5 a%ay 1rom Balt"asar to stan5 >ust in 1ront o1 t"e taller man. =illie normally looke5 smaller t"an "e %as@ sort o1 "un3"e5 an5 ra88ity@ 8ut no% "e looke5 slim an5 3ertain o1 "imsel1. $"e $ra)eler "a5 -i)en =illie t"e -ra3e an5 assuran3e "e ne)er "a5 on "is o%n. ADou sle% t"e ,art"mo)er 8ut 5i5 not 3ome to take "is 3oun3il seat. $"ere is no ot"er %ay to rise to t"e 3oun3il e*3ept t"rou-" t"e 5eat" o1 anot"er. =e "a)e a )a3an3y t"at only you 3an 1ill@ Hean2!lau5e.C A9 5o not %ant it@ nor am 9 po%er1ul enou-" to keep it.C A91 not po%er1ul enou-"@ t"en "o% 5i5 you slay #li)erB He %as a 1ri-"tenin- 1or3e o1 nature.C $"e $ra)eler %alke5 to%ar5s us %it" Balt"asar in "is %ake. AHo% 5i5 you slay "imBC Hean2!lau5e 5i5n?t 8a3k up t"is time. His "an5 ti-"tene5 on mine@ 8ut "e stoo5 "is -roun5. AHe a-ree5 not to 3all t"e eart" a-ainst me.C $"e )ampire an5 "is ser)ant 3ir3le5 us like s"arks. #ne 3ir3lin- le1t@ t"e ot"er ri-"t@ so it %as "ar5 to keep an eye on 8ot" o1 t"em. A="y %oul5 "e limit "is po%ersBC AHe "a5 -one ro-ue@ $ra)eler. #li)er %is"e5 to 8rin- 8a3k t"e 5ays %"en )ampires %ere ille-al. An eart";uake mi-"t "a)e 5estroye5 t"e 3ity@ 8ut it %oul5 not "a)e 8een 8lame5 on a )ampire. He %ante5 to possess my )ampires an5 3ause a 8loo5 8at" t"at %oul5 8rin- us 8a3k to 8ein- "unte5. #li)er 1eare5 %e %oul5 5estroy all t"e "umans e)entually@ an5 t"us oursel)es. He t"ou-"t %e %ere too 5an-erous to 8e allo%e5 le-al ri-"ts an5 1ree5om.C A=e re3ei)e5 your report@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. He stoppe5 8y me. Balt"asar stoppe5 on t"e ot"er si5e@ 3losest to Hean2 !lau5e. $"ey %ere mirrorin- ea3" ot"er. 9 %asn?t sure i1 it %as t"e )ampire 3ontrollin- "is ser)ant or >ust 3enturies o1 pra3ti3e. A9 kne% #li)er?s i5eas.C 9 5re% 8a3k a-ainst Hean2!lau5e. A9s it >ust )amps or 3an "e take o)er "umans@ tooBC ADou are sa1e 1rom "is intrusion@ ma petite.C AGreat@C 9 sai5. 9 stare5 at t"e $ra)eler@ an5 it %as 1ri-"tenin- "o% easily 9 %as 8e-innin- to t"ink o1 t"is 8o5y as t"e $ra)eler an5 not =illie. A="y 5i5n?t you stop #li)er@ t"enBC 9 aske5. $"e $ra)eler si5le5 3loser an5 3loser until only t"e 8arest in3" kept us 1rom tou3"in-. AHe %as 3oun3il. !oun3il 3annot 1i-"t to t"e 5eat" amon- oursel)es. An5 not"in- s"ort o1 true 5eat" %oul5 "a)e stoppe5 "im.C ADou let "im 3ome "ere@ kno%in- %"at "e planne5 to 5o@C 9 sai5. A=e kne% "e "a5 le1t t"e 3ountry 8ut not %"ere "e 1le5 to or %"at "is plans %ere.C $"e $ra)eler raise5 a "an5 to%ar5s my 1a3e. Balt"asar 5i5 t"e same on "is si5e 1or Hean2!lau5e. =illie?s small "an5 "o)ere5 near my 1a3e. ADou "a5 5e3lare5 "im ro-ue@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AAny )ampire t"at 1oun5 "im 3oul5 slay "im %it"out )iolatin- our la%s. $"at is %"at ro-ue means.C $"e $ra)eler tra3e5 t"e 8arest o1 tou3"es 5o%n my 1a3e. A trem8lin-@ tentati)e tou3". ASo you t"ou-"t %e %oul5 not 3ome to your 5oor 8e3ause you "a5 sa)e5 us t"e trou8le o1 "untin- "im 5o%n oursel)es.C A#ui.C Balt"asar "a5 stoppe5 3aressin- Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e. He 3ame to stan5 8y "is master. He %at3"e5 t"e smaller man sli5e "is "an5 alon- my 1a3e. Balt"asar seeme5 puEEle5@ surprise5. Somet"in- %as "appenin-@ an5 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at it %as. $"e $ra)eler 3uppe5 my 3"in in "is "an5. He turne5 my 1a3e to "im. He sli5 "is "an5 o)er my >a%@ 8e"in5 my ne3k@ to run 1in-ers in my "air. 9 pulle5 a%ay 1rom "im. A9 t"ou-"t you 5i5n?t like -irls.C A9 5on?t.C He stoo5 t"ere@ starin- at me. ADour po%er is amaEin-.C His "an5 las"e5 out too ;ui3k to see@ too ;ui3k to rea3t. He "a5 a "an51ul o1 my "air@ an5 "is eyes@ =illie?s eyes@ met mine. 9 %as s"iel5in- mysel1 t"is time@ prepare5@ 8ut my "eart still 1ell to my 1eet. 9 %aite5 1or t"at 3ol5 8la3kness to pull me un5er. /ot"in- "appene5. =e stoo5 t"ere@ in3"es apart@ an5 t"ey %ere >ust eyes. 9 3oul5 1eel "is po%er 8eatin- 5o%n "is arm like a mar3" o1 i3y 1in-ers@ 8ut it %asn?t enou-". He lai5 "is "an5s on eit"er si5e o1 my 1a3e almost as i1 "e %ere -oin- to kiss me. #ur 1a3es %ere so 3lose t"at "is ne*t %or5s seeme5 intimate@ e)en t"ou-" t"ey %eren?t. A9 3oul5 1or3e my -aEe upon you@ Anita@ 8ut it %oul5 8e an e*pen5iture o1 po%er t"at 9 mi-"t re-ret 8e1ore 5a%n. Dou "a)e in>ure5 Li) t%i3e t"is ni-"t. 9 am "ealin- "er@ 8ut t"at too takes po%er.C He steppe5 8a3k 1rom me@ "u--in- "imsel1 as i1 "e?5 -otten more 1rom tou3"in- me t"an >ust t"e 1eel o1 skin. He took t"ree -li5in- steps to put "imsel1 1a3e to 1a3e %it" Hean2!lau5e. AHer po%er is a "ea5y t"in-. Somet"in- to %rap aroun5 your 3ol5 skin an5 %arm your "eart 1or all eternity.C

Hean2!lau5e let out a slo% 8reat". AS"e is my "uman ser)ant.C A9n5ee5@C sai5 t"e $ra)eler. AA "un5re5 years a-o 9 3oul5 in)a5e you %it"out tou3"in- your 1air skin. /o% 9 3annot. Has s"e -i)en you t"is po%erBC He rea3"e5 to%ar5s Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e as "e "a5 mine. 9 pulle5 Hean2!lau5e 8a3k@ out o1 rea3"@ an5 steppe5 8et%een t"em. AHe?s mine@ no s"arin-.C Hean2!lau5e sli5 "is arm aroun5 me@ "ol5in- me loosely at "is si5e. A91 you %oul5 lea)e us in pea3e@ 9 %oul5 let Balt"asar an5 any person you 3"ose use me@ 8ut 9 %ill not %illin-ly 8e your "orse e)er a-ain@ $ra)eler.C =illie?s 8ro%n eyes stare5 up at Hean2!lau5e. $"ere %as a s"re%5ness@ a 1ri-"tenin- intensity@ in t"ose 1amiliar eyes. A9 am 3oun3il. Dou are not. Dou %ill "a)e no 3"oi3e in t"e matter.C AAre you sayin- t"at i1 "e took t"e 3oun3il seat@ t"en you 3oul5n?t "urt "imBC 9 aske5. A91 "e is po%er1ul enou-" to "ol5 a 3oun3il seat@ t"en 9 s"oul5 not 8e a8le to in)a5e "is lo)ely 8o5y@ e)en %ere my lips presse5 to "im.C ALet me test my un5erstan5in- "ere. 91 "e takes t"e 3oun3il seat@ you?ll still try an5 1or3e yoursel1 on "im@ 8e3ause i1 you 3an 1or3e "im@ t"en "e?s not po%er1ul enou-" to 8e 3oun3ilB But i1 "e 5oesn?t take t"e seat@ you?ll 5o it any%ay.C $"e $ra)eler smile5 8eauti1ully at me@ 5eli-"t s"inin- 1rom "is eyes@ =illie?s eyes. ANuite true.C A="y is e)eryt"in- %it" you people a 1reakin- !at3"222B Dou 5on?t 5o 8usiness. Dou >ust 5o torture@C 9 sai5. AAre you >u5-in- usBC "e aske5. His )oi3e %as su55enly lo%er an5 5eeper t"an =illie?s t"roat s"oul5 "a)e 8een a8le to "ol5. He took t"at last step 1or%ar5@ an5 9 %as su55enly tou3"in- t"em 8ot". $"eir po%er 1lare5 o)er meG it %as like 8einin t"e mi55le o1 t%o 5i11erent 1ires@ 8ut it 5i5n?t 8urn. $"e $ra)eler?s po%er %as like Hean2!lau5e?s@ 3ool an5 s%immin-@ a 8reat" o1 mortality@ t"e tou3" o1 t"e -ra)e. $"e po%er pulle5 a -asp 1rom my t"roat an5 raise5 e)ery "air on my 8o5y. ABa3k o11IC 9 trie5 to s"o)e "im a%ay 1rom us@ 8ut "e -ra88e5 my %rist too ;ui3k to stop@ almost too ;ui3k to see. $"e 1eel o1 "is 8are skin on mine sent a %a)e o1 num8in- 3ol5 t"rou-" my 8o5y@ like a spear o1 i3e. He >erke5 me a%ay 1rom Hean2!lau5e. Hean2!lau5e 3au-"t my ot"er %rist. $"e moment "is "an5 tou3"e5 my skin@ t"e 3ol5 1a5e5. His po%er s%ept t"rou-" me like a 1loo5 o1 %arm %ater@ an5 it %asn?t "is po%er. 9 kne% t"e taste o1 t"is %armt". 9t %as <i3"ar5. Hean2!lau5e %as 5ra%in- on <i3"ar5?s po%er as 9?5 5one earlier. He 3"ase5 t"e $ra)eler?s po%er out o1 me like summer "eat on i3e. 9t %as t"e $ra)eler %"o release5 me. He steppe5 8a3k ru88in- "is "an5 on "is 3oat@ as i1 it "urt. AHean2!lau5e@ you "a)e 8een a )ery nau-"ty 8oy.C Hean2!lau5e 5re% me a-ainst "im@ one "an5 restin- a-ainst my ne3k so t"at "is 1in-ers tou3"e5 my skin. $"at ele3tri3 %armt" %as still t"ere playin- o)er "is skin an5 mine@ an5 9 kne% in t"at moment t"at <i3"ar5 "a5 1elt our ur-en3y@ our nee5.

Chapter Fifteen
A noise turne5 us all to t"e 1ar "all%ay. 9 5i5n?t re3o-niEe t"e man. He %as tall@ slen5er@ 5ark2skinne5@ may8e Hispani3@ may8e somet"in- more e*oti3. He %ore not"in- 8ut a pair o1 8la3k satin pants %it" sil)er em8roi5ery alon- t"e le-s. He %as 5ra--in- =illie?s la5y lo)e@ Hanna"@ 8y one arm. Her mas3ara "a5 run in 8la3k tears 5o%n "er 1a3e. Her e*pensi)e "air3ut still 1rame5 "er 1a3e@ still 8rou-"t your eyes to "er stron- 3"eek8ones an5 1ull lips. But "er 1a3e %as like a mask no%@ 8la3k tears@ an5 8ur-un5y lipsti3k smeare5 a3ross "er lo%er 1a3e like a %oun5. $"e $ra)eler sai5@ A="y "a)e you 8rou-"t "er "ere@ 'ernan5oBC A7y 1at"er is as mu3" 3oun3il as you are@ $ra)eler.C A9 5o not 5ispute t"at.C ADet you 1or8i5 "im 3ome to t"is 1irst meetin-.C A91 "e is 3oun3il@ t"en let "im 8en5 me to "is %ill.C $"e $ra)eler?s )oi3e %as mo3kin-. A=e are all 3oun3il@ 8ut %e are not all e;ual.C 'ernan5o smile5. He -ra88e5 Hanna"?s 8ea5e5 8lue 5ress an5 tore it 5o%n "er 8a3k. S"e s3reame5. $"e $ra)eler s%aye5@ puttin- a "an5 to "is 1a3e. A9?m -oin- to 1u3k "er@C 'ernan5o sai5. Balt"asar stro5e to%ar5s t"em@ 8ut t%o leopar5s t"e siEe o1 ponies 3ra%le5 1rom t"e "all%ay. #ne 8la3k@ one yello% spotte5@ 8ot" 8i- enou-" to tear "im to pie3es. $"ey -ro%le5 lo% an5 5eep@ mo)in- on "u-e pa55e5 1eet 8et%een Balt"asar an5 'ernan5o.

'ernan5o -ra88e5 Hanna" aroun5 t"e %aist@ pullin- "er 5ress o)er "er "ips to e*pose pale 8lue -arters. S"e turne5 an5 slappe5 "im "ar5 enou-" t"at "e ro3ke5 8a3k. S"e %as as 1eminine as t"ey 3ome@ 8ut s"e %as also a )ampire an5 3oul5 "a)e t"ro%n "im into t"e soli5 stone %all so t"at "e stu3k t"ere. 'ernan5o "it "er 8a3k. Bloo5 spattere5 1rom "er mout" in s"inin- 8ea5s. S"e sat "al12stunne5 on t"e 1loor. 'ernan5o?s po%er 8oile5 t"rou-" t"e room as i1 "e?5 8een "ol5in- it in 3"e3k until no%. S"apes"i1ter. 4i5 "e mat3" t"e leopar5s t"at -uar5e5 "is 8a3kB 7ay8e@ 8ut it 5i5n?t matter %"at 1la)or "e %as. He pi3ke5 Hanna" up 8y t"e 1ront o1 "er 5ress@ 5ra--in- "er to "er knees. He 5re% "is "an5 8a3k to "it "er a-ain. 9 pulle5 t"e Bro%nin- out o1 t"e 3oat po3ket. =illie 3ollapse5 to "is knees on t"e 1loor. He stare5 up an5 sai5@ AAn-el2 1an-s.C He trie5 to stan5 an5 3oul5n?t. Hean2!lau5e pi3ke5 "im up un5er t"e arms an5 raise5 "im easily. 'ernan5o "it Hanna" a-ain. A 3asual slap t"at ro3ke5 "er "ea5 8a3k an5 rolle5 "er eyes to %"ite. AHe must truly lo)e you to 1i-"t o11 t"e $ra)eler?s tou3" e)ery time "e sees you a8use5.C Hean2!lau5e?s "an5 on my arm 8rou-"t me 8a3k to mysel1. 9 "a5 t"e Bro%nin- pointe5 at 'ernan5o. 9 "a5 to let out a 8reat" to keep 1rom pullin- t"e tri--er. $"e sa1ety %as o11@ an5 9 5i5n?t remem8er 5oin- it. ="y 'ernan5o an5 not t"e kittiesB $"e %ereleopar5s 3oul5 3lose t"e 5istan3e in t"e 8link o1 an eye@ 8ut 9 kne% %"o t"e alp"a %as. $ake out t"e lea5er@ an5 t"e 3ats mi-"t -o play some%"ere else. Hean2!lau5e supporte5 =illie %it" one arm@ t"e ot"er still li-"tly on my arm@ as i1 a1rai5 %"at 9?5 5o. A'ernan5o@C "e sai5@ Ayou?)e 5one %"at you set out to 5o. $"e $ra)eler is 1or3e5 out@ an5 it %ill take "im a little time to 1in5 a se3on5 "ost. Dou 3an let Hanna" -o.C 'ernan5o -rinne5 at us@ %"ite teet" 8ri-"t in "is 5ark 1a3e. A9 5on?t t"ink so.C He 5ra--e5 Hanna" to "er 1eet@ arms aroun5 "er %aist@ pinnin- "er arms to "er si5es. He trie5 to kiss "er. S"e turne5 "er "ea5 an5 s3reame5. =illie %as stan5in- on "is o%n no%. He pus"e5 a%ay 1rom Hean2!lau5e. A/o@ 9 %on?t let you "urt "er.C $"e 8la3k leopar5 5roppe5 to its 8elly@ 3ra%lin- 3loser to =illie@ to us. A91 %e?re -oin- to take t"em out@ %e "a)e to 5o it no%@C 9 sai5. 'ernan5o 1irst@ t"en one o1 t"e leopar5s@ i1 9 "a5 time. 91 not ... one pro8lem at a time. A/ot yet@ ma petite. 'ernan5o?s 1at"er@ Pa5ma@ %ill not %aste pre3ious time tormentin- t"e little ones. $"e $ra)eler %ill return too soon 1or t"at.C A$"e $ra)eler %on?t let me taste "er on3e "e returns@C 'ernan5o sai5. He kept Hanna" presse5 to "is 8o5y %it" one arm an5 raise5 "er 5ress %it" t"e ot"er. A4oes "e seriously t"ink %e?re -oin- to stan5 "ere %"ile "e rapes "erBC 9 aske5. A7y 1at"er is t"e 7aster o1 Beasts. Dou %on?t stop me@ 1or 1ear o1 "is %rat".C ADou >ust 5on?t -et it@ 5o you@ 'ernan5oBC 9 pointe5 t"e -un )ery stea5ily at "is "ea5. A9 5on?t -i)e a 1u3k %"o your 5a55y is. Let -o o1 "er@ an5 tell your 1urry 8u55ies to 8a3k o11 or 9?m -oin- to make your 5a55y a )ery un"appy )ampire.C ADou 5on?t %ant me un"appy.C $"e )oi3e 3ause5 my eyes to 1li3k to t"e "all%ay 8eyon5@ 8ut t"e -un 5i5n?t mo)e. $"e )ampire in t"e 5oor%ay %as 9n5ian@ as in 1rom 9n5ia. He %as e)en %earin- one o1 t"ose lon- 3om8o 3oat2tuni3 t"in-s. 9t %as -ol5 an5 %"ite an5 s"immere5 on t"e e5-e o1 my )ision as "e %alke5 1urt"er into t"e room. 9 kept my si-"ts on "is son. #ne monster at a time. Hean2!lau5e let "is "an5 5rop a%ay 1rom my arm. He steppe5 8e"in5 me an5 to one si5e@ 3are1ul not to 8lo3k my s"ot. APa5ma@ 7aster o1 Beasts@ -reetin-s an5 %el3ome to my "ome.C AHean2!lau5e@ 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ -reetin-s. Dour "ospitality "as 8een 8eyon5 my %il5est e*pe3tations.C He lau-"e5 t"en@ 8ut it %as >ust a lau-". $"eatri3al an5 annoyin-@ e)en sinister@ 8ut it 5i5n?t make my skin >ump. A$ell "im to let Hanna" -o@C 9 sai5. ADou must 8e Hean2!lau5e?s "uman ser)ant@ Anita Blake.C ADea"@ ni3e to meet you. /o% tell your son to let -o o1 our )ampire@ or 9?m -oin- to put a really 8i- "ole in "im.C ADou %oul5n?t 5are "arm my son.C 9t %as my turn to lau-"@ s"ort@ a8rupt@ an5 not )ery 1unny. ADour son sai5 almost t"e same t"in-. Dou are 8ot" so %ron-.C A91 you kill my son@ 9 %ill kill you. 9 %ill kill you all.C A'ine@ let me test my un5erstan5in-. 91 "e 5oesn?t let "er -o@ %"at?s "e -oin- to 5o %it" "erBC 'ernan5o lau-"e5@ an5 it %as lo% an5 "issin-. $"e lau-" %as enou-". Some%"ere in t"at lo)ely 8o5y %as 8la3k 1ur an5 8i- 8utton eyesG %ererat. A9 %ill "a)e "er 8e3ause t"e $ra)eler "as 1or8i55en it@ an5 my 1at"er "as -i)en "er to me.C A/o@C =illie sai5. He took a step 1or%ar5 8ut Hean2!lau5e stoppe5 "im. A/o@ =illie@ t"is is not your 1i-"t.C 'ernan5o sli5 "is "an5 o)er Hanna"?s -roin. #nly Hean2!lau5e?s "an5 on =illie?s arm kept "im 1rom rus"in- t"e s"apes"i1ters.

Hanna" sai5@ A7aster@ "elp me.C AHe 3an?t "elp you@ 3"il5@C Pa5ma sai5. AHe 3an?t "elp any o1 you.C 9 aime5 t%o in3"es to t"e ri-"t o1 'ernan5o?s "ea5. $"e s"ot e3"oe5 in t"e 8i- room. $"e 8ullet 8it into t"e stone %all. ,)eryone 1roEe. A$"e ne*t 8ullet -oes in 'ernan5o?s skull.C ADou %oul5n?t 5are@C Pa5ma sai5. ADou keep sayin- t"at. Let?s -et somet"in- strai-"t@ Beast 7aster. 'ernan5o is not rapin- Hanna". /o %ay. 9?ll kill "im 1irst.C A$"en 9 %ill kill you@C Pa5ma sai5. A'ine@ 8ut t"at %on?t 8rin- 8a3k your son@ no% %ill itBC 9 let t"e 8reat" out o1 my 8o5y an5 1elt t"at stillness spill t"rou-" me. A4e3i5e@ Beast 7aster@ 5e3i5e.C A9 am t"e 7aster o1 Beasts@C "e sai5. A9 5on?t 3are i1 you?re Santa !laus. He lets "er -o or "e 5ies.C AHean2!lau5e@ 3ontrol your ser)ant.C A91 you 3an 3ontrol "er@ Pa5ma@ 8e my -uest. But take -reat 3are. Anita ne)er 8lu11s. S"e %ill kill your son.C A4e3i5e@C 9 sai5 so1tly@ A25e3i5e25e3i5e25e3i5e25e3i5e.C 9 %ante5 to s"oot "im. 9 really 5i5@ 8e3ause 9 kne% as surely as 9 %as stan5in- t"ere t"at i1 9 5i5n?t s"oot "im no%@ 9?5 "a)e to s"oot "im later. He %as too arro-ant to lea)e it alone@ too 8lin5e5 8y "is o%n po%er to lea)e Hanna" alone@ an5 "e 3oul5n?t "a)e "er. $"at %as a line "e 3oul5 not 3ross an5 li)e. ALet "er -o@ 'ernan5o@C Pa5ma sai5. A'at"er@C t"e man soun5e5 s"o3ke5. AS"e %ill pull t"e tri--er@ 'ernan5o. S"e %ants to pull it. 4on?t you@ AnitaBC ADea"@ 9 5o.C ASil)er 8ullets@ 9 assume@C Pa5ma sai5. A/e)er lea)e "ome %it"out t"em@C 9 sai5. ALet "er -o@ 'ernan5o. ,)en 9 3annot sa)e you 1rom a sil)er 8ullet.C A/o@ s"e?s mine. Dou promise5.C A9?5 listen to your 5a5@ 'ernan5o.C A4o you 5iso8ey me@ my sonBC $"ere %as a tone in Pa5ma?s )oi3e t"at sent a rus" o1 %arm air t"rou-" t"e room. $"e 8e-innin-s o1 an-er. Somet"in- %as 1lun- o)er my skin@ a 8a3k%as" o1 po%er@ 8ut it %asn?t )ampiri3 po%er@ not e*a3tly. He %asn?t tryin- to 3ontrol Hean2!lau5e. 9t "a5 a taste o1 %armer 8loo5@ an ele3tri3 5an3e t"at sai5 ly3ant"rope. ="i3" %asn?t really possi8le. A )ampire 3an?t 8e a ly3ant"rope@ an5 )i3e2)ersa. 'ernan5o 3rin-e5@ 3lut3"in- Hanna" to "im like a 5oll@ "i5in- "is 1a3e in "er yello% "air. A/o@ 'at"er@ 9 %oul5 ne)er 5iso8ey you.C A$"en 5o as 9 say.C 'ernan5o 1lun- Hanna" 8a3k%ar5s. S"e s3ram8le5 to =illie. He took "er in "is arms@ tou3"in- t"e 8loo5 on "er 1a3e@ 8lottin- at it %it" t"e silken "an5ker3"ie1. 9 lo%ere5 t"e -un. 'ernan5o pointe5 a 5ark "an5 at me. A7ay8e 9?ll ask 1or you to 8e my pet.C A$ou-" talk@ rat28oy. Let?s see i1 you?re man enou-" to 8a3k it up.C 9 %as 8aitin- "im. 9 realiEe5 t"at 9 %ante5 "im to rus" me. 9 %ante5 an e*3use to kill "im. /ot -oo5. /ot -oo5. 9 "a5 to 3alm 5o%n or 9 %as -oin- to -et us kille5. $"e 8la3k leopar5@ taller at t"e s"oul5ers t"an my %aist@ starte5 3reepin- to%ar5s me. 9t %as 8elly to t"e -roun5@ mus3les tense5 an5 ripplin-. $"e -un >ust s"i1te5 to it. A4on?t try it.C A,liEa8et"@C Pa5ma sai5. $"e name startle5 me. 9?5 seen ,liEa8et" in "uman 1orm on3e@ sort o1 1rom a 5istan3e. S"e %as one o1 t"e lo3al %ereleopar5s. 9?5 assume5@ until t"at moment@ t"at t"e leopar5s %ere part o1 t"e entoura-e t"at Pa5ma "a5 8rou-"t %it" "im. 91 ,liEa8et" %as lo3al@ t"e ot"er leopar5 mi-"t 8e@ too. $"e only t"in- 9 %as sure o1 %as t"at it %asn?t Kane or /at"aniel. #t"er t"an t"at@ it 3oul5 "a)e 8een any8o5y. But Kane a3kno%le5-in- me as "is alp"a "a5 sa)e5 "im 1rom 8ein- "ere. 91 Kane "a5 8een alp"a@ t"en 8eatin- "im %oul5 "a)e -i)en me all t"e leopar5s@ an5 none o1 t"em %oul5 "a)e 8een "ere. #r t"at %as t"e t"eory. =it" me 8ein- merely "uman an5 not a ly3ant"rope@ t"e 7aster o1 Beasts mi-"t still "a)e 3alle5 t"e kitties. But 9 %oul5 "a)e trie5 to keep t"em sa1e. 9 %on5ere5 i1 ,liEa8et" "a5 trie5.

S"e snarle5 at "im@ at me@ at e)eryone. Her 1an-s %ere i)ory2%"ite@ an5 at less t"an ten 1eet@ impressi)e as "ell. $"is 3lose@ e)en a real leopar5 mi-"t "a)e -otten to me 8e1ore 9 3oul5 1ire a killin- s"ot. Dou aren?t suppose5 to "unt 8i- -ame %it" a "an5-un. $"e leopar5 took anot"er 8elly 3ra%l 1or%ar5. A,liEa8et".C $"at one %or5 1lun- out%ar5 8urne5 alon- my skin an5 ma5e me -asp. $"e leopar5 3ame up s"ort like s"e?5 "it t"e en5 o1 "er leas". S"e rolle5 on t"e 1loor@ stru--lin-@ slas"in- t"e air. AS"e "ates you@ Anita@C Pa5ma sai5. His )oi3e %as normal no%@ 3on)ersational@ 8ut %"ate)er "e %as 5oin- to t"e %ereleopar5 %as still "appenin-. 9 3oul5 1eel it like ants mar3"in- 5o%n my skin. Ants %it" re5 "ot pokers in t"eir little "an5s. 9 -lan3e5 at Hean2!lau5e@ %on5erin- i1 "e 3oul5 1eel it. His 1a3e %as 8lank@ empty@ unrea5a8le. 91 "e 1elt t"e pain@ it 5i5n?t s"o%. 9 %asn?t sure a5mittin- 9 3oul5 1eel it %as a -oo5 i5ea. AStop it@C 9 sai5. AS"e %oul5 kill you i1 9 let "er. Dou kille5 t"e one s"e lo)e5@ t"eir lea5er. S"e %oul5 "a)e "er re)en-e.C ADou?)e ma5e your point. Let "er -o.C A7er3y 1or one %"o "ates you soBC He -li5e5 into t"e room@ slippere5 1eet 8arely tou3"in- t"e 1loor@ as i1 "e ro5e al%ays on tiny 3urrents o1 "is o%n po%er. 9 s"oul5 "a)e 8een sensin- "is )ampire po%ers. But "e %as almost a 8lank@ as i1 somet"in- %as keepin- "im in 3"e3k or prote3tin- me. 9 -lan3e5 at Hean!lau5e a-ain. =as "e po%er1ul enou-" to keep us sa1e no%B Ha5 t"e trium)irate "elpe5 "im t"at mu3"B His 1a3e tol5 me not"in-@ an5 9 5i5n?t 5are ask@ not in 1ront o1 t"e 7aster o1 Beasts. $"e leopar5 lay on its si5e@ pantin- "ea)ily. 9t %at3"e5 me %it" pale -reen eyes@ an5 it %as not a 1rien5ly look. A="en 9 3alle5 t"em@C Pa5ma sai5. As"e trie5 to 8ar-ain %it" me. $"ey "a)e no alp"a an5 yet s"e trie5 to 8ar-ain. ,liEa8et" %oul5 8rin- t"e leopar5s %it"out a stru--le to 5o %it" as 9 like@ i1 9 %oul5 let "er kill you. Help "er kill you.C $"e Beast 7aster motione5 8e"in5 "im@ an5 a small@ slen5er %oman steppe5 up 8esi5e "im@ like s"e?5 8een %aitin- in t"e "all%ay 1or "is 3all. Like a %ell2traine5 5o-. S"e %as nu5e e*3ept 1or a ne3kla3e t"at must "a)e %ei-"e5 1i)e poun5s an5 8urne5 %it" 5iamon5s. Her skin %as t"at pale s"a5e o1 5ark t"at says A1ri3an2Ameri3an )ia 9relan5. Bruises 5e3orate5 "er 1a3e@ runnin- in purple stains 5o%n "er 8o5y. S"e %as one o1 t"e most 8eauti1ul %omen 9?5 e)er seen@ e)en %it" t"e 8ruises. S"e %as per1e3tly proportione5 1rom 1ore"ea5 to slen5er 1eet. Her eyes %ere 8ro%n an5 1li3ke5 1rom t"e leopar5 on t"e 1loor to Hean2!lau5e to t"e rat2man. Ba3k an5 1ort"@ 8a3k an5 1ort"@ until 1inally s"e settle5 on me. S"e plea5e5 %it" "er eyes@ an5 9 5i5n?t nee5 %or5s to kno% t"at s"e %as sayin-@ Help me. $"at 9 un5erstoo5@ 8ut %"y meB A="en ,liEa8et" 3ame@ s"e 8rou-"t t"e ot"ers %it" "er. 9 3"ose Vi)ian as my present to mysel1.C Pa5ma stroke5 "er "air a8sently@ t"e %ay you?5 pet a 5o-. A9 %ill -i)e "er a -i1t 1or e)ery "arm 9 5o "er. S"e %ill 8e ri3"@ i1 s"e sur)i)es.C $"e air aroun5 "er trem8le5 like t"e %as" o1 "eat o11 a summer roa5. Anot"er %ereleopar5 t"at 9?5 ne)er met. Ho% many o1 t"em %ere t"ereB Ho% many people "a5 ,liEa8et" 5eli)ere5 o)er to t"e 8a5 -uysB A="at is t"is@ a 1at"er2son rape outin-BC 9 aske5. Pa5ma 1ro%ne5 at me. A9 -ro% tire5 o1 you@ Anita Blake.C A9t?s mutual@C 9 sai5. A=e 1or3e5 t"e $ra)eler out o1 "is "ost 8o5y@ 8ut "is po%er still s"iel5s you. He %as to keep you 1rom sensin- your )ampires? 5istress. /o% "e seems to 8e prote3tin- you 1rom t"e 1ull rus" o1 my po%ers. A pity. Dou %oul5 trem8le at t"e 1eel o1 t"em.C Hean2!lau5e tou3"e5 my s"oul5er li-"tly. $"e tou3" %as enou-". 9 %asn?t "ere to tra5e 3le)er repartee %it" t"e 7aster o1 Beasts. Killin- "im soun5e5 like a really -oo5 i5ea@ 8ut 9?)e met ol5er )amps t"at you 3oul5n?t take out %it" sil)er 8ullets. 9t %oul5 8e >ust my lu3k t"at Pa5ma %as one o1 t"em. Pa5ma 3alle5 t"e leopar5s to "im. $"e yello% one rolle5 aroun5 "is ankles like a 8i- kitty23at. ,liEa8et" sat like a %ell2 traine5 5o-. =illie an5 Hanna" %ere o8li)ious to t"e room. He tou3"e5 "er -ently@ as i1 s"e %ere -lass. $"ey kisse5@ an5 t"at one 3"aste tou3" o1 lips sai5 it all@ ten5erness@ lo)e. =illie an5 Hanna" %ere >ust plain -one on ea3" ot"er. 9t %as 8eauti1ul. ADou see %"y 9 -a)e "er to my son. Su3" an-uis" "er a8use %oul5 "a)e 3ause5 t"em 8ot". But t"e $ra)eler nee5e5 t"eir 8o5ies.C 9 stare5 at "im. 9t %as 8a5 enou-" %"en 9 t"ou-"t t"e 3"oi3e %as >ust 8e3ause Hanna" %as 8lon5 an5 lo)ely@ 8ut to kno% it %as 5eli8erate 3ruelty an5 not >ust lust2t"at ma5e it %orse. ADou son o1 a 8it3"@C 9 sai5. AAre you tryin- to make me an-ryBC Pa5ma sai5. Hean2!lau5e tou3"e5 me a-ain. AAnita@ please.C

He rarely use5 my real name. ="en "e 5i5@ it %as eit"er )ery serious or somet"in- 9 %oul5n?t like. $"is time it %as 8ot". 9 5on?t kno% %"at 9 %as a8out to say@ 8e3ause su55enly t"e $ra)eler li1te5 "is s"iel5. Pa5ma?s po%er 3ras"e5 o)er us. 9t t"un5ere5 o)er me@ 1illin- my "ea5@ s3ram8lin- e)ery t"ou-"t 9 "a5. 9 1ell to my knees like 9?5 8een "it 8y a "ammer 8et%een t"e eyes. Hean2!lau5e staye5 stan5in-@ 8ut 9 1elt "im s%ay 8esi5e me. Pa5ma lau-"e5. AHe 3annot re2enter anot"er "ost an5 maintain "is s"iel5.C A )oi3e 3ame like a %in5 easin- t"rou-" t"e room. 9 %asn?t sure i1 9 "ear5 t"e )oi3e out lou5 or i1 it %as >ust in my "ea5. AHe %ill nee5 "is po%ers in t"e "all%ay. 9 3"ose to li1t t"e s"iel5. ,nou-" -ames@ Pa5ma. Let "im see %"at lies 8eyon5.C $"ere %as a s3ent %it" t"e %or5sG 1res" turne5 eart"@ t"e smell o1 roots pulle5 1rom t"e -roun5. 9 3oul5 almost 1eel t"e 3rum8le o1 ri3" 8la3k soil 8et%een my "an5s. 9 s;ueeEe5 my "an5s aroun5 t"e Bro%nin- until t"ey s"ook@ an5 9 still 3oul5n?t s"ake t"e sense o1 eart" 8et%een my "an5s on t"e -un. ,)en starin- at t"e -un@ seein- it %as 3lean@ 5i5n?t make it -o a%ay. A="at?s "appenin-BC 9 aske5. Surprise5 an5 please5 t"at 9 3oul5 1orm a 3o"erent senten3e. A$"ey are 3oun3il@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A$"ey "a)e taken o11@ "o% %oul5 you say@ t"e -lo)esBC AS"it@C 9 sai5. Pa5ma lau-"e5. He stare5 at me@ an5 9 kne% "e %as 3on3entratin- >ust 1or little o1 me. His po%er slamme5 o)er me@ into me. 9t %as "al1%ay 8et%een puttin- your "an5 on a li)e ele3tri3 %ire an5 s"o)in- t"e same "an5 into 1ire. $"e ele3tri3 "eat ate t"rou-" my 8o5y. $"e "eat -at"ere5 in t"e 3enter o1 me. 9t 1le*e5 like a 1ist -ro%in- lar-er@ lar-er. 91 "e sprea5 "is 1in-ers insi5e me@ "e?5 tear me apart@ 8urst me 1rom t"e insi5e out %it" >ust "is po%er. 9 s3reame5.

Chapter Sixteen
A 3ool tou3" sli5 o)er t"e "eat. A %in5@ 3ool an5 ease1ul as 5eat"@ s%ept o)er my 8o5y. $"e %in5 8le% my "air 8a3k 1rom my 1a3e. Blesse5 3oolness 1ille5 me. Hean2!lau5e?s "an5s 3aresse5 my s"oul5ers. He %as kneelin- on t"e 1loor@ 3ra5linme in "is arms. 9 5i5n?t remem8er 1allin-. His skin %as 3ool to t"e tou3". 9 kne% t"at some"o% "e %as t"ro%in- "is "ar52 %on %armt" a%ay. His %armt" to 3ool t"e 1ire. $"at a%1ul pressure insi5e o1 me ease5@ t"en s"rank. 9t %as like Hean2!lau5e %as a %in5 8lo%in- out Pa5ma?s 1ire. But it 3ost "im. 9 1elt "is "eart slo%. $"e 8loo5 in "is )eins 1lo%e5 slo% an5 slo%er. $"e %armt" t"at mimi3ke5 li1e %as lea)in"im@ an5 5eat" seepe5 insi5e to 1ill its pla3e. 9 turne5 in "is arms so 9 3oul5 see "is 1a3e. $"e 1a3e %as pale an5 per1e3t@ an5 you?5 ne)er "a)e kno%n@ >ust 8y %at3"in-@ %"at it "a5 3ost "im to sa)e me. Hanna" turne5 to us@ "er 8attere5 1a3e set in 3alm lines. A7y apolo-ies@ Hean2!lau5e. 7y 3ompatriot "as let your ser)ant?s 5e1ian3e 8est "is >u5-ment.C =illie steppe5 a%ay 1rom Hanna"@ s"akin- "is "ea5. A4amn you@ 5amn you.C Hanna"?s -rey eyes turne5 to "im@ an-ry. A4o not tempt me@ little one. Dou 3annot tra5e insults %it" me an5 sur)i)e.C A=illie@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. $"ere %as no po%er to t"e %or5@ >ust a %arnin-. 9t %as enou-". =illie steppe5 8a3k. Hean2!lau5e looke5 at t"e $ra)eler in "is ne% 8o5y. A91 "e "a5 kille5 Anita@ 9 mi-"t "a)e 5ie5 %it" "er. 9s t"at %"y you "a)e truly 3omeB $o kill usBC A9 s%ear it is not.C ="ere "e?5 ma5e =illie -li5e@ Hanna" %as a%k%ar5 on "er stiletto "eels. He 5i5n?t 1all@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t -li5e eit"er. 9t %as almost "eartenin-. He %asn?t per1e3t. A$o pro)e my sin3erity@C "e sai5@ Atake your %armt" 8a3k 1rom your ser)ant. =e %ill not stop you.C AHe t"rust me out@C Pa5ma sai5. AHo% 3an you allo% "im to -ro% stron- a-ainBC ADou soun5 a1rai5@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. A9 5o not 1ear "im@C Pa5ma sai5. A$"en let "im 1ee5.C 9 leane5 into Hean2!lau5e?s 3"est@ restin- my 3"eek a-ainst t"e moun5 o1 silken ru11les on t"e 1ront o1 "is s"irt. His "eart "a5 stoppe5 8eatin-. He %asn?t e)en 8reat"in-. He?5 use5 too mu3" o1 "imsel1 up. 9 %at3"e5 Pa5ma 1rom t"e sa1ety o1 Hean2!lau5e?s arms an5 kne% 9 %oul5 kill "im. 9 kne% t"at Pa5ma %ante5 us 5ea5. 9?5 1elt it. /o one as po%er1ul as "e lost 3ontrol t"at 8a5ly. He?5 nearly kille5 me@ us@ an5 it %oul5 all "a)e 8een a tra-i3 a33i5ent. Bulls"it. $"e Bro%nin- lay %"ere 9?5 5roppe5 it@ 8ut 9?5 taste5 Pa5ma?s po%er no%. Sil)er mi-"t not 8e enou-" to kill "im. =oun5in- "im seeme5 like a really 8a5 i5ea. Kill or lea)e "im t"e "ell alone@ like any 8i- pre5ator. 4on?t 1u3k %it" it unless you 3an 1inis" t"e >o8.

A'ee5 1rom your ser)ant@C Pa5ma sai5. A9 %ill not stop you. $"e $ra)eler "as spoken.C $"at last "el5 a tou3" o1 8itterness. !oun3il mem8er or not@ Pa5ma 1eare5 t"e $ra)eler@ or "e?5 "a)e 1ou-"t "im more. !ompatriots 8ut not e;uals. 9 knelt@ -rippin- Hean2!lau5e?s arms t"rou-" t"e rou-" la3e an5 t"e -litterin- material o1 "is >a3ket. His arms 1elt reassurin-ly soli5@ real. A="at ... C He stoppe5 me %it" 1in-ers on my lips@ a 5eli3ate tou3". A9t is not 8loo5 t"at 9 nee5@ Pa5ma. 9t is "er %armt". 9t is only a lesser master t"at must take 8loo5 1rom "is ser)ants.C Pa5ma?s 1a3e "a5 -one empty@ 8lank. ADou "a)e not lost your kna3k o1 insultin- %it"out 8ein- insultin-@ Hean2!lau5e.C 9 stare5 up at Hean2!lau5e@ e)en kneelin- "e %as taller. His )oi3e ease5 t"rou-" my min5. A/o ;uestions@ ma petite@ or t"ey %ill kno% you are not %"olly mine.C Sin3e 9 "a5 a lot o1 ;uestions@ t"at pretty mu3" su3ke5. But i1 9 3oul5n?t ask 5ire3t ;uestions@ t"ere %ere ot"er %ays. A4oes t"e Beast 7aster "a)e to sink 1an- to >ump2start "is "eartBC A#ui@ ma petite.C AHo% ... )ul-ar@C 9 sai5. 9t %as one o1 t"e most 3i)iliEe5 insults 9?5 e)er 3ome up %it". 9t %orke5@ too. Pa5ma "isse5 at us. A4o not test my patien3e too 1ar@ Hean2!lau5e. $"e $ra)eler is not t"e "ea5 o1 t"e 3oun3il. Dou "a)e enou-" enemies "ere no% t"at a )ote mi-"t not -o your %ay. Press me too "ar5 an5 9 %ill 1or3e a )ote.C A'or3e a )ote to %"at en5BC Hean2!lau5e aske5. A$"e $ra)eler "as promise5 t"at you are not "ere to kill me. ="at else %oul5 you )ote upon@ 7aster o1 Beasts.C AGet on %it" it@ Hean2!lau5e.C Pa5ma?s )oi3e %as lo% %it" a soun5 t"at %as almost a -ro%l. 9t soun5e5 more animal t"an )ampire. Hean2!lau5e tou3"e5 my 1a3e -ently@ turnin- me to look at "im. ALet us s"o% t"e 7aster o1 Beasts "o% it is 5one@ ma petite.C 9 5i5n?t really like t"e soun5 o1 t"at. But 9 kne% one t"in- 1or 3ertain@ Hean2!lau5e nee5e5 "is stren-t" 8a3k. He?5 ne)er 8e a8le to repeat t"e tri3k o1 t"rustin- out a 3oun3il mem8er %"en "e %as so 3ol5@ so 5raine5. A4o it@C 9 sai5. 9 "a5 to trust "im. $rust "im not to "urt me. $rust "im not to 5o somet"in- a%1ul or em8arrassin-. 9 realiEe5 t"at 9 5i5n?t trust "im. $"at no matter "o% mu3" 9 lo)e5 "is 8o5y@ 9 kne% "e %as ot"er. 9 kne% t"at %"at "e t"ou-"t o1 as okay %as not ne3essarily okay at all. He smile5. A9 %ill 8at"e in your %armt"@ ma petite. <oll you aroun5 me until my "eart 8eats only 1or you. 7y 8reat" %ill -ro% %arm 1rom your kiss.C He 3uppe5 my 1a3e 8et%een t"e 3"ille5 skin o1 "is "an5s an5 kisse5 me. His lips %ere )el)et@ "is tou3" li-"t@ 3aressin-. His "an5s sli5 up t"e si5es o1 my 1a3e@ 1in-ers -li5in- t"rou-" my "air ne*t to t"e s3alp@ knea5in-@ massa-in-. He kisse5 my 1ore"ea5 an5 s"u55ere5. 9 trie5 to kiss "im a-ain@ an5 "e 5re% 8a3k. A<emem8er@ ma petite@ i1 any o1 your 1air 8o5y tou3"es mine too mu3"@ it %ill 5ea5en. 4o not 8e so ea-er to lose t"e s%eet sensation o1 your lips 1or t"e ni-"t.C 9 %ent )ery still in "is arms@ t"inkin- a8out %"at "e?5 >ust sai5. Bo5ies tou3"in-@ 8are skin nee5e5@ may8eB But i1 any part tou3"e5 too lon- or too 1or3e1ully@ my skin %oul5 5ea5en@ 8ut only 1or t"e ni-"t. Hean2!lau5e %as really )ery -oo5 at -i)in- in1ormation %it"out seemin- to. 7a5e me %on5er "o% o1ten "e?5 "a5 to 5o it in t"e past. He slippe5 t"e 3oat o11 my s"oul5ers until it "un- nearly to my %aist. He ran "is "an5s o)er my skin@ knea5in- "is 1in-ers into me. His "an5s %ere %arm. He sli5 "is "an5s o)er t"e 3oat@ -rippin- my arms t"rou-" it@ 8ut no 8are skin. He kisse5 my t"roat 8utter1ly li-"t@ "is 1a3e ru88in- up my ne3k@ my 3"eek. He 5re% 8a3k 1rom me %it" a ;ui3k rus" o1 8reat". 9 put my "an5 o)er "is "eart@ an5 t"ere %as not"in-. 9 3aresse5 "is 1a3e@ tou3"in- t"e 8i- pulse in "is t"roat. /ot"in-. 9 %ante5 to ask %"at %e %ere 5oin- %ron-@ 8ut 5i5n?t 5are. 4i5n?t %ant t"e 8a5 -uys to kno% %e 5i5n?t 5o t"in-s like t"is mu3". Se* %e 5i5@ t"e ot"er%orl5ly )ampire s"it %e skippe5 i1 9 3oul5 mana-e it. He starte5 un8uttonin- "is s"irt. 9 looke5 at "im@ eyes a little %i5e. He 8are5 a 3ir3le o1 "is stoma3". 9 >ust looke5 at t"at -limpse o1 pale skin. A="atBC 9 aske5. A$ou3" me@ ma petite.C 9 -lan3e5 at t"e %at3"in- )ampires. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o 1oreplay in 1ront o1 t"e 8a5 -uys.C A9 3oul5 simply take 8loo5@ i1 you %oul5 pre1er@C "e sai5 so1tly. He sai5 it as i1 %e 5i5 it e)ery ni-"t. =e?5 5one it t%i3e )oluntarily on my part. #n3e "a5 8een to sa)e "is li1e. $"e se3on5 time "a5 8een to sa)e "im an5 <i3"ar5. 9 5i5 not %ant to 5onate 8loo5. Sometimes 9 t"ou-"t 8loo5lettin- %as more intimate t"an se* to a )ampire. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5o t"at in 1ront o1 3ompany eit"er. 9 stare5 up at "im@ -ettin- an-ry. He %as askin- me to 5o )ery intimate t"in-s in 1ront o1 stran-ers. 9 5i5n?t like it@ an5 "e kne% 9 %oul5n?t like it. So %"y "a5n?t "e %arne5 meB Ha5 "e really not t"ou-"t %e?5 "a)e to 5o t"is toni-"tB

AS"e is an-ry %it" you@C Pa5ma sai5. A9s s"e truly t"at mo5estBC He soun5e5 5ou8t1ul. A!oul5 it 8e t"at you 3annot truly 5o %"at you say you 3an 5oBC Hanna"?s 8o5y stoo5 le-s apart 8alan3in- on t"e un1amiliar "i-" "eels. AAre you as %eak as Pa5maB Hust anot"er 8loo5su3kerBC $"e $ra)eler s"ook "is "ea5@ Hanna"?s "air sli5in- a3ross t"e s"oul5ers o1 "er ruine5 5ress. A="at else "a)e you 8een 8lu11in- a8out@ Hean2!lau5eBC A4amn you all to "ell@C 9 sai5. 9 sli5 my "an5s insi5e Hean2!lau5e?s s"irt@ 1in-ers sli5in- o)er "is stoma3". He %as 3ol5 to t"e tou3". 4ammit. 9 pulle5 "is s"irt out o1 "is pants@ none too -ently@ an5 ran my "an5s o)er "is skin. 9 knea5e5 my 1in-ers alon- t"e mus3les o1 "is 8a3k@ an5 3oul5 1eel "eat rise up my t"roat into my 1a3e. :n5er ot"er 3ir3umstan3es@ in t"e pri)a3y o1 a 8e5room@ it "a5 possi8ilities. /o%@ it %as >ust em8arrassin-. He 5re% my arms out. A!are1ul@ ma petite@ or your "an5s %ill -ro% 3ol5.C 7y 1in-ertips %ere 3ol5 as i1 9?5 8een outsi5e %it"out -lo)es. 9 stare5 up at "im 1or a se3on5 or t%o. A91 9 3an?t tou3" you %it" my "an5s@ %"at 5o you su--est 9 useBC Pa5ma su--este5 somet"in- e*pli3it enou-" to make me point a 1in-er at "im. ADou stay out o1 t"is.C He lau-"e5 at me. AS"e is truly em8arrasse5. Ho% terri8ly pre3ious. As"er sai5 s"e %as a )ir-in 8e1ore you. 9 5i5 not 8elie)e "im@ until no%.C 9 let my "ea5 5rop to my 3"est. 9 %as not -oin- to say it. 9 5i5 not o%e t"e )ampire 3oun3il a run5o%n on my lo)e li1e. Hean2!lau5e?s "an5 mo)e5 into )ie%. He ne)er tou3"e5 me@ 8ut >ust t"e mo)ement o1 "is "an5 8rou-"t my 1a3e up to meet "is -aEe. A9 %oul5 not ask t"is o1 you "ere an5 no%@ i1 it %ere not ne3essary. Dou must 8elie)e t"at.C Lookin- into "is 8lue@ 8lue eyes@ 9 5i5 8elie)e "im. Stupi5@ 8ut true. A="at 5o you %ant me to 5oBC He raise5 "is 1in-ers an5 put t"em >ust a8o)e my lips@ so 3lose t"at i1 9 8reat"e5 in@ "e?5 "a)e "a5 to tou3" me. A:se your lo)ely mout" o)er my "eart. 91 our 8on5 is as stron- as 9 8elie)e it to 8e@ t"ere are s"ort3uts@ ma petite.C 9 si-"e5 an5 pulle5 "is s"irt up@ 8arin- "is 3"est. 9n pri)ate 9 lo)e5 runnin- my ton-ue o)er t"e 3ross2s"ape5 8urn s3ar on "is 3"est. But t"is %asn?t pri)ate. Hell %it" it. 9 lai5 my lips a-ainst t"e 3ool skin o1 "is stoma3"@ an5 li3ke5 a ;ui3k@ %et line up "is 3"est. He 5re% in a s"arp "iss o1 8reat". Ho% 3oul5 "e 8e 8reat"in- an5 not "a)e a "eart8eatB /o ans%er to t"at@ 8ut 9?5 seen it 8e1ore. Vampires t"at 8reat"e5 8ut 5i5 not "a)e a pulse. 9 ran my ton-ue o)er t"e smoot"ness o1 t"e 3ross2s"ape5 8urn s3ar@ en5in- %it" a kiss o)er "is "eart. 9 1elt my lips -ro% 3ol5. 9t %asn?t t"e tin-lin- 3ol5 o1 %inter@ t"ou-". 9t %as >ust as "e?5 sai5. His 8o5y stealin- my %armt". 7y li1e seepina%ay into "im. 9 knelt 8a3k a%ay 1rom "im@ li3kin- my lips@ tryin- to 1eel t"em. AHo%?s t"atBC He lau-"e5@ an5 t"e soun5 sli5 5o%n my 8a3k like an i3e 3u8e@ ru88e5 purpose1ully an5 lon- to t"e 8ase o1 my spine. 9 s"u55ere5. ADou?re 1eelin- 8etter.C He li1te5 me su55enly@ "an5s on my t"i-"s. 9 let out a surprise5 yip@ puttin- my "an5s on "is s"oul5ers 1or 8alan3e. He %rappe5 "is arms aroun5 my le-s an5 stare5 up at me. $"e pupil in "is eyes "a5 8le5 a%ay to a s"inin- 8lue 1ire. 9 1elt "is "eart8eat in my t"roat. His pulse ra3e5 t"rou-" my 8o5y. He let me sli5e slo%ly t"rou-" "is arms. AKiss me@ ma petite@ as %e are meant to kiss. 9 am %arm an5 sa1e to tou3".C A=arm 8ut ne)er sa1e@C 9 sai5. 9 starte5 to kiss "im %"en 9 %as in3"es a8o)e "is 1ore"ea5 an5 3ontinue5 t"e kiss as 9 sli5 5o%n "is 8o5y. He kisse5 me like "e %oul5 eat me 1rom t"e mout" 5o%n. 'an-s presse5 "ar5 an5 s"arp@ an5 "e "a5 to 5ra% a%ay or 5ra% 8loo5. $"e kiss le1t me 8reat"less@ tin-lin-@ 8ut not %it" 3ol5. 9 realiEe5 t"at "e?5 -otten a 8uEE 1rom 5rinkin- in my %armt". $"at it "a5 1elt -oo5 in a more t"an pra3ti3al %ay. $rust "im to make a )irtue out o1 ne3essity. A/o% t"at you "a)e your 1ull po%ers on3e a-ain@C t"e $ra)eler sai5@ A9 %ill 8e lea)in- you. Dou 5ro)e Pa5ma out %it"out my ai5. Surely you 3an 5e1en5 yoursel1 a-ain.C AHe 8este5 you@ as %ell@C Pa5ma sai5. Hanna"?s 1a3e looke5 at us. ADes@ "e 5i5. 9 %oul5 e*pe3t not"in- less 1rom t"e master t"at sle% t"e ,art"mo)er.C Hanna" turne5 8a3k to Pa5ma. AAn5 "e 5i5 %"at you 3annot. He re-aine5 "is %armt" %it" "is "uman ser)ant %it"out 5ra%in- "er 8loo5. A tri3k t"at any true master 3an a33omplis".C A,nou-" o1 t"is@C Pa5ma sai5. He soun5e5 an-ry. Ha)in- to s"are 8loo5 %it" your "uman ser)ant seeme5 to 8e a real 1au* pas. A$"e ni-"t %anes. /o% t"at you are at 1ull stren-t"@ Hean!lau5e@ sear3" 1or your people. See %"o 5oes not ans%er your 3all.C A9 %ill lea)e you no%@ Hean2!lau5e. 9 %ill a%ait you 8eyon5.C Hanna" su55enly sa--e5. =illie 3au-"t "er an5 lo%ere5 "er -ently to t"e 1loor. ASear3"@ Hean2!lau5e@ sear3" 1or your people@C Pa5ma sai5. Hean2!lau5e stoo5@ 5ra%in- me %it" "im. His pupils s%am t"rou-" t"e s"inin- 8lue o1 "is eyes. His eyes settle5 into t"eir normal 3olor. He stare5 past me@ past Pa5ma. 9 5i5n?t t"ink

"e %as seein- anyt"in- in t"e room. His po%er 3rept 1rom "is "an5s a3ross my skin. 9 t"ink i1 9 "a5n?t 8een tou3"in- "im@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e 1elt a t"in-. $"e 1aintest s"immer o1 ener-y@ as i1 t"is %as a small t"in- to 5o. He 8linke5 an5 looke5 at Pa5ma. A4amian.C 4amian %as one o1 Hean2!lau5e?s lieutenants. Like Li)@ "e %as o)er 1i)e "un5re5@ 8ut %oul5 ne)er 8e a master. 9n 4amian?s 3ase it %as o)er a t"ousan5 years@ 8ut %oul5 ne)er 8e a master. 9t %as a 1ri-"tenin- amount o1 time to "a)e a3;uire5 so little po%er. 4on?t -et me %ron-@ 4amian %as po%er1ul. 'or a 1i)e2"un5re52year2ol5 "e %as s3ary. 'or a t"ousan5 years "e %as a 8a8y. A 5an-erous@ 3arni)orous 8a8y@ 8ut still 4amian "a5 a3;uire5 all t"e po%er "e mi-"t e)er "a)e. He 3oul5 li)e until t"e sun e*pan5e5 an5 s%allo%e5 t"e eart"@ an5 "e?5 8e no more po%er1ul t"an "e "a5 8een at 5usk to5ay. He %as one o1 t"e 1e% )amps to e)er 1ool me 3ompletely a8out "is a-e. 9?5 un5erestimate5 "is a-e 8y o)er "al1. 9?5 >u5-e5 8y po%er an5 %as >ust 8e-innin- to learn t"at po%er %as not t"e only t"in- to >u5-e 8y. Hean2!lau5e "a5 8ar-aine5 %it" 4amian?s ol5 master 1or "is 1ree5om to 3ome "ere an5 play se3on5 8anana. A="at "a)e you 5one to 4amianBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. A9@ not"in-@ 8ut is "e 5ea5BC Pa5ma smile5 an5 took Vi)ian?s "an5. A$"at is a ;uestion only "is master may ans%er.C He %alke5 5o%n t"e "all%ay@ lea5in- t"e %ereleopar5 8y t"e "an5. Vi)ian looke5 8a3k at me@ %at3"in- me %it" %i5e@ 1ri-"tene5 eyes until t"ey %ere lost to si-"t. $"e 8la3k leopar5 lin-ere5@ %at3"in- me. 9 spoke 8e1ore 9 t"ou-"t@ instin3t almost. AHo% 3oul5 you "a)e -i)en t"em o)er to t"at t"in-BC S"e snarle5 at me@ tail t%it3"in-. ADou are %eak@ ,liEa8et". Ga8riel kne% t"at an5 5espise5 you 1or it.C S"e let out a 3ou-"in- roar. Pa5ma?s )oi3e 3ut a3ross t"e soun5 like a kni1e 8la5e. A,liEa8et"@ 3ome to me no% or 9 s"all 8e )ery an-ry.C $"e leopar5 -a)e me a last snarl an5 pa55e5 out o1 si-"t. A4i5 Ga8riel tell you s"e %as %eak@ ma petiteBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. AS"e %oul5n?t "a)e 8rou-"t t"em "ere i1 s"e %ere stron-er. He 3alle5 an5 s"e 3ame@ 8ut s"e s"oul5 "a)e 3ome alone.C APer"aps s"e 5i5 "er 8est@ ma petite.C A$"en "er 8est isn?t -oo5 enou-".C 9 looke5 at Hean2!lau5e?s 3are1ul@ unrea5a8le 1a3e. His 8o5y %as still@ 3alm. 9 lai5 my "an5 a8o)e "is "eart un5erneat" "is s"irt. His "eart %as poun5in-. ADou t"ink 4amian?s 5ea5@C 9 sai5. A9 kno% "e is 5ea5.C He stare5 5o%n at me. A="et"er it is permanent@ t"at is t"e ;uestion.C A4ea5 is 5ea5@C 9 sai5. He lau-"e5 t"en an5 "u--e5 me to "im. A#"@ ma petite@ you a8o)e all s"oul5 kno% t"at is not true.C A9 t"ou-"t you sai5 t"ey 3oul5n?t kill us toni-"t@C 9 sai5. ASo 9 t"ou-"t@C "e sai5. Great. ,)ery time 9 t"ou-"t 9 un5erstoo5 t"e rules@ t"ey 3"an-e5. ="y %as it t"at t"e 5amn rules al%ays seeme5 to 3"an-e 1or t"e %orseB

Chapter Seventeen
=illie 3ame o)er to us@ lea5in- Hanna" 8y t"e "an5. A$"ank you@ master@ Anita.C $"ere %ere -as"es in "is t"in 1a3e@ part o1 t"e initial 1i-"t 1or t"e !ir3us@ 9 -uess. $"ey %ere alrea5y "ealin-. He looke5 a%1ul@ e)en more like t"e %alkin- 5ea5 t"an usual. ADou look like "ell@C 9 sai5. He -rinne5 at me@ 1las"in- 1an-. He "a5n?t 8een 5ea5 t"ree years yet. 9t takes a little pra3ti3e to smile %it"out 1las"in1an-. A9?m okay.C He looke5 at Hean2!lau5e. A9 trie5 to stop t"em. =e all 5i5.C Hean2!lau5e "a5 tu3ke5 "is s"irt 8a3k in "is pants. He smoot"e5 "is "an5s 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 t"e s"irt an5 tou3"e5 =illie?s s"oul5er. ADou 1ou-"t t"e 3oun3il@ =illie. =in or lose@ you 5i5 %ell.C A$"anks@ master.C Hean2!lau5e usually 3orre3te5 anyone %"en t"ey 3alle5 "im master@ 8ut toni-"t@ 9 -uess %e %ere -oin- 1ormal. A!ome@ %e must atten5 4amian.C He o11ere5 me "is %rist@ an5 %"en 9 5i5n?t kno% ;uite %"at "e %ante5@ "e lai5 my 1in-ertips o)er t"e pulse. ADou tou3" me as i1 you %ere takin- my pulse.C A9s t"ere some si-ni1i3an3e to t"isBC

A9t s"o%s t"at you are more t"an my ser)ant or my 8e5 partner. 9t s"o%s 9 3onsi5er you an e;ual.C A="at %ill t"e 3oun3il t"ink a8out t"atBC 9 aske5. A9t %ill 1or3e t"em to ne-otiate not only %it" me@ 8ut %it" you. 9t %ill 3ompli3ate t"in-s 1or t"em an5 -i)e us more options.C 9 reste5 my "an5 on "is %rist. His pulse %as stea5y un5er my 1in-ers. A!on1usion to our enemies@ e"BC He no55e5@ makin- it almost a 8o%. A9n5ee5@ ma petite@ in5ee5.C 9 %alke5 8esi5e "im to%ar5s t"e "all%ay@ my ri-"t "an5 in my po3ket on t"e Bro%nin-@ %"i3" 9?5 res3ue5 1rom t"e 1loor. ="en %e -ot a 3lear )ie% o1 t"e "all%ay@ Hean2!lau5e?s pulse spe5 un5er my 1in-ers. 4amian lay on "is si5e 3urle5 aroun5 a s%or5. Bloo5 "a5 soake5 aroun5 t"e 8la5e into t"e 5ark material o1 t"e )est "e %ore as a s"irt. $"e point 3ame out "is 8a3k. He?5 8een spitte5. Har5 to 8e a "un5re5 per3ent sure@ 8ut it looke5 like a "eart 8lo%. $"ere %as a ne% )ampire stan5in- 8esi5e "im. He "el5 a t%o2"an5e5 s%or5 in "is "an5s@ point 5o%n@ like a 3ane. 9 re3o-niEe5 t"e s%or5. 9t %as t"e one 4amian slept %it" in "is 3o11in. $"e ne% )amp %as tall@ si* 1oot si* or more@ 8roa52s"oul5ere5. His "air %as 3ut like a 8o%l o1 yello% rin-lets aroun5 "is 1a3e@ lea)in- "is ears 8are. He %ore a %"ite tuni3@ %"ite trousers@ %"ite on %"ite in layers. He stoo5 ri-i5@ at attention@ like a sol5ier. A=arri3k@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9 "a5 "ope5 you es3ape5 D)ette?s ten5er mer3ies.C $"e tall )ampire looke5 at us. His eyes 1li3ke5 to my "an5 on Hean2!lau5e?s %rist. He 5roppe5 to one knee an5 "el5 4amian?s s%or5 a3ross "is "an5s. He 8o%e5 "is "ea5 an5 o11ere5 t"e s%or5 to us. AHe 1ou-"t %ell. 9t "a5 8een too lonsin3e 9 "a5 su3" an opponent. 9 1or-ot mysel1 an5 sle% "im. 9 %oul5 not "a)e %is"e5 5eat" on su3" a %arrior. His 1inal 5eat" is a -reat loss.C Hean2!lau5e took t"e s%or5 1rom t"e )ampire?s "an5s. ASa)e your apolo-ies@ =arri3k. 9 3ome to sa)e 4amian@ not to 8ury "im.C =arri3k raise5 pale 8lue eyes to us. ABut 9 "a)e pier3e5 "is "eart. 91 you %ere t"e master t"at "a5 ma5e "im@ t"en t"ere %oul5 8e a 3"an3e@ 8ut you 5i5 not 3all "im 1rom "is -ra)e to "is se3on5 li1e.C ABut 9 am 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ an5 4amian took a 8loo5 oat".C =arri3k lai5 t"e s%or5 on t"e -roun5 near 4amain?s still 1orm. ADour 8loo5 may 3all to "im. 9 pray t"at it %ill 8e enou-".C 9 stare5 at "im. 9?5 ne)er "ear5 a )ampire say A9 pray.C Vampires@ 1or o8)ious reasons@ 5i5n?t pray a lot. 9 mean@ %"o %as -oin- to ans%erB #"@ yea"@ t"ere %as t"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e@ 8ut t"ey %ere more a "umanist reli-ion@ sort o1 /e% =a)ey. 9?m not sure t"ey talke5 mu3" a8out Go5. 4amian?s "air %as nearly 8loo52re5@ a startlin- 3olor a-ainst t"e ala8aster %"iteness o1 "is skin. 9 kne% "is eyes %ere a -reen t"at any 3at %oul5 en)y@ 8ut toni-"t "is eyes %ere 3lose5@ an5 i1 t"in-s %ent 8a5ly@ t"ey?5 ne)er open a-ain. Hean2!lau5e knelt 8esi5e 4amian. He lai5 "is "an5 on 4amian?s 3"est@ near t"e s%or5. A91 9 pull out t"e s%or5 an5 "is "eart 5oes not 8eat@ "is eyes 5o not open@ t"en "e is -one. #ne 3"an3e@ an5 one 3"an3e only. =e 3oul5 put "im in a "ole some%"ere 1or a "un5re5 years an5 until t"e s%or5 %as pulle5 out o1 "is "eart@ t"ere %oul5 still 8e a 3"an3e. 91 %e 5o it "ere an5 no%@ %e risk losin- "im 1ore)er.C $"at last 8it o1 lore is %"y you ne)er e)er remo)e a stake 1rom a 3orpse?s "eart no matter "o% 5ea5 it appears to 8e. 9 knelt 8esi5e t"em. A9s t"ere a ritual 1or itBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 %ill in)oke t"e 8loo5 oat" "e took. $"at %ill "elp 3all "im 8a3k@ 8ut =arri3k is 3orre3t. 9 5i5 not make 4amian. 9 am not "is true master.C A/o@ "e?s ol5er t"an you are 8y a8out si* "un5re5 years.C 9 looke5 5o%n at t"e )ampire@ spitte5 on t"e s%or5@ lyin- in a pool o1 "is o%n 5ark 8loo5. He %as %earin- a pair o1 5ress pants t"at mat3"e5 t"e )est. =it"out a 3onser)ati)e s"irt un5er t"e )est it looke5 stran-ely eroti3. 9 3oul5 still 1eel 4amian in my "ea5. His po%er@ t"e 8eat an5 t"e pulse o1 3enturies 1lo%e5 t"rou-" "im. He %asn?t 5ea5@ or at least not 3ompletely 5ea5. 9 3oul5 still 1eel "is aura@ somet"in-. A9 3an still 1eel 4amian@C 9 sai5. A="at 5o you mean@ ma petiteBC 9 "a5 a "orri8le 3ompulsion to tou3" 4amian. $o run my "an5s o)er "is 8are arms. 9 %asn?t into ne3rop"5ia@ no matter "o% 3lose 9 %alke5 t"e e5-e. ="at %as -oin- onB A9 3an 1eel "im. His ener-y in my "ea5. 9t?s like 3omin- on a 1res" 3orpse 8e1ore t"e soul "as le1t t"e 8o5y. He?s still inta3t@ 9 t"ink.C =arri3k %as lookin- at me. AHo% 3an you kno% t"atBC 9 rea3"e5 out to%ar5s 4amian an5 stoppe5 mysel1@ "an5s 3urlin- into 1ists. 7y "an5s a3"e5 to tou3" "im@ not se*ual e*a3tly 8ut like seein- a really 1ine s3ulpture. 9 %ante5 to tra3e t"e lines o1 "is 8o5y@ to 1eel t"e 1lo% an5 e88 o1 "im. $o ... A="at is %ron-@ ma petiteBC

9 tou3"e5 my 1in-ertips to 4amian?s arm@ as i1 a1rai5 "e %oul5 8urn. 7y "an5 sli5 o)er "is 3ool 1les"@ almost %it"out me %antin- it to. $"e 1or3e t"at animate5 4amian?s 8o5y 1lo%e5 t"rou-" "is 3oolin- skin@ 1lo%e5 o)er my "an5@ 5o%n my arm@ mar3"e5 in -oose 8umps a3ross my 8o5y. 9 -aspe5. A="at are you 5oin-@ ma petiteBC Hean2!lau5e %as ru88in- "is arms as i1 "e@ too@ 1elt it. =arri3k put out a "an5 to%ar5s me like "e %as "ol5in- "is "an5 in 1ront o1 1ire@ not sure i1 "e 3oul5 or s"oul5 tou3". He pulle5 8a3k@ ru88in- "is "an5 on "is pants. A9t is true. Dou are a ne3roman3er.C ADou ain?t seen not"in- yet@C 9 %"ispere5. 9 turne5 to Hean2!lau5e. A="en you pull out t"e s%or5@ t"e tri3k is -oin- to 8e to keep t"e po%er 1rom lea)in- %it" t"e openin- o1 t"e %oun5. $o keep@ 1or la3k o1 a 8etter %or5@ "is soul 1rom 1leein-@ ri-"tBC Hean2!lau5e %as %at3"in- me@ as i1 "e?5 ne)er really seen me 8e1ore. /i3e to kno% 9 3oul5 still surprise "im. A9 5o not kno%@ ma petite. 9 am not a %it3" or a stu5ent o1 ma-i3al metap"ysi3s. 9 %ill in)oke t"e oat"@ speak t"e ritual@ an5 "ope "e sur)i)es.C ASometimes %"en 9 3all a Eom8ie 1rom t"e -ra)e@ it?s easier to 3all t"em a se3on5 time.C 9 sli5 my "an5s 5o%n to "ol5 4amian?s limp "an5@ 8ut it %asn?t enou-". 7y po%er an5 t"e po%er insi5e t"e )ampire nee5e5 a more imme5iate tou3" t"an mere "an5s. AHe is not a Eom8ie@ ma petite.C A=arri3k sai5 you "a5n?t 3alle5 4amian 1rom t"e -ra)e@ 8ut 9 "a)e.C #n3e upon a time@ nearly 8y a33i5ent 9 "a5 raise5 t"ree o1 Hean2!lau5e?s )ampires. 9t %as %"en "e@ <i3"ar5@ an5 9 1irst in)oke5 t"e trium)irate. $"e po%er "a5 8een so o)er%"elmin- t"at 9?5 raise5 e)ery true 3orpse near us as a Eom8ie@ 8ut t"ere "a5 8een too mu3" po%er. 9?5 1e5 it to t"e )ampires an5 t"ey?5 risen 1or me. /e3roman3ers %ere rumore5 to 8e a8le to 3all all manner o1 5ea5 to 5o t"eir 8i55in-. But t"at %as le-en5. As 1ar as 9 kne%@ 9 %as t"e only li)in- ne3roman3er to pull o11 t"is parti3ular tri3k. A="at are you askin-@ ma petiteBC 9 3ra%le5 aroun5 4amian?s 8o5y. $"e 8loo5 %as 3ool t"rou-" my "ose. 7y "an5 traile5 up "is arm@ ne)er losin- 3onta3t %it" "is 8o5y@ %it" t"at po%er 3urle5 insi5e o1 "im. $"e po%er t"at animate5 "im "a5 t"rust me out on3e@ 3ast me out@ "urt me. But it %as like on3e "a)in- 8rus"e5 ea3" ot"er@ %e %ere linke5. ADou?re linke5 to 4amian@ 8ut you?re also linke5 to me. 9 3an 1eel 4amian in my "ea5. 9 5on?t kno% i1 it?s a link@ 8ut it?s somet"in-. :se it@C 9 sai5. ADou mean 5ra% on your po%er to "elp stren-t"en my "ol5 on "imBC Hean!lau5e sai5. ADea".C 9 5ra--e5 4amian into my lap@ on "is si5e@ t"e s%or5 still spittin- "im. ="en Hean2!lau5e sa% %"at 9 %as 5oin-@ "e "elpe5 me. 9 3ra5le5 4amian on "is si5e@ s"oul5ers in my lap@ "is "ea5 restin- on my arm. 9 sli5 my "an5 5o%n "is 3"est@ sear3"in- 1or "is "eart@ an5 1oun5 t"e 8la5e instea5. 9t "a5 pier3e5 "is "eart. ,)en %it" my "elp@ e)en %it" Hean2 !lau5e?s "elp@ i1 "e "a5n?t 8een o)er 1i)e "un5re5@ "e?5 8e 5ea5. 'i)e "un5re5 seeme5 to 8e an a-e %"ere )amps -aine5 a -reat 5eal o1 po%er. Bein- o)er a t"ousan5 3oul5 only "elp "im. 9 3oul5 1eel "im@ t"rou-" my 8o5y@ my "ea5. $"rou-" t"e -ro%in- po%er@ 9 realiEe5 9?5 turne5 my 8a3k to t"e "all%ay. 9t %as "ar5 to t"ink@ 8ut 9 sai5@ A4o %e "a)e a tru3e until %e raise "imBC ADou mean %ill t"ey atta3k us %"ile %e sa)e "imBC ADes.C A9 %ill -uar5 you@C =arri3k sai5. He stoo5 an5 took 4amian?s s%or5. A9sn?t t"at a 3on1li3t o1 interestBC 9 aske5. A91 "e 5oes not rise@ 9 %ill 8e punis"e5 1or killin- "im. 9t is not >ust sorro% at my o%n 3arelessness t"at prompts me to "elp you. 9 1ear %"at my mistress %ill 5o.C Hean2!lau5e stare5 5o%n at 4amian. APa5ma %is"es to kill us 1or t"e po%er t"e trium)irate "as -i)en us@ ma petite. /o% t"at "e kno%s you "a)e 3alle5 4amian 1rom "is 3o11in like a Eom8ie@ "e %ill 1ear you e)en more.C A9s =arri3k -oin- to tell "imBC Hean2!lau5e -a)e a -entle smile. A$"ere is no nee5 1or =arri3k to tell@ is t"ere@ $ra)elerBC A )oi3e si-"e5 aroun5 us. A9 am "ere.C 9 stare5 up at t"e air@ at not"in-. ADou little son o1 8it3"@ you?re an ea)es5ropper.C =illie stum8le5. Hanna" >erke5 8a3k 1rom "im. A9 am many t"in-s@ Anita.C =illie turne5 to us %it" t"at an3ient intelli-en3e 8urnin- in "is eyes. A="y "a)e you %it""el5 t"is in1ormation 1rom us@ Hean2!lau5eBC ADou see us as a t"reat %it"out t"is 8it o1 in1ormation@ $ra)eler. 4o you 8lame me 1or "i5in- it 1rom youBC He -a)e a small smile t"at %as 8ot" -entle an5 3on5es3en5in-. A/o@ 9 suppose 9 5on?t.C Hean2!lau5e -rippe5 t"e "ilt o1 t"e s%or5. He put "is "an5 on 4amian?s 3"est to 8ra3e "imsel1. His 1in-ers 8rus"e5 my "an5. ADou mi-"t %is" to mo)e your "an5@ ma petite. $"e s%or5 is s"arp.C

9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?m -oin- to make "is "eart 8eat. 9 3an?t 5o t"at i1 9?m not tou3"in- it.C Hean2!lau5e turne5 "is "ea5 to one si5e@ lookin- at me. A$"e ma-i3 -rips you@ ma petite@ an5 you 1or-et yoursel1. At least use your le1t "an5.C He %as ri-"t. $"e ma-i3@ 1or la3k o1 a 8etter %or5@ %as 8uil5in-. 9?5 ne)er 1elt my o%n po%er so stron-ly outsi5e o1 a 8loo5 sa3ri1i3e. #1 3ourse@ t"ere %as plenty o1 8loo5@ >ust none t"at 9?5 spilt mysel1. But 9 3oul5 sense 4amian?s "eart insi5e "is 3"est. 9t %as almost as i1 9 3oul5 "a)e rea3"e5 insi5e an5 3aresse5 t"e mus3le. Like 9 %as not seein- it@ 8ut 1eelin- it@ an5 t"at %asn?t it eit"er. 9 "a5 no %or5 1or it. 9t %asn?t tou3" or si-"t@ 8ut 9 3oul5 1eel it >ust t"e same. 9 pulle5 my ri-"t "an5 a%ay an5 slippe5 my le1t o)er 4amian?s still "eart. AAre you rea5y@ ma petiteBC 9 no55e5. Hean2!lau5e rose on "is knees. A9 am t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. 7y 8loo5 you "a)e 5runk. 7y 1les" you "a)e tou3"e5. Dou are mine@ 4amian. Dou -a)e yoursel1 %illin- to me. !ome to me no%@ 4amian. <ise to me no%. !ome to my "an5.C He ti-"tene5 "is -rip on t"e 8la5e. 9 1elt 4amian?s 8o5y s"i1t 8oneless as t"e 5ea5. 9 1elt "is "eart@ 3aresse5 it an5 it %as 3ol5@ 5ea5. A9 am master o1 your "eart@ 4amian@C Hean!lau5e sai5. A9 %ill it to 8eat.C A=e %ill make it 8eat@C 9 sai5. 7y )oi3e soun5e5 5istant@ stran-e@ not like my )oi3e at all. Po%er 8reat"e5 t"rou-" me@ t"rou-" 4amian@ into Hean2!lau5e. 9 1elt it sprea5in- out%ar5 an5 kne% t"at e)ery 3orpse in t"e pla3e %oul5 1eel t"e rus". A/o%@C 9 %"ispere5. Hean2!lau5e looke5 at me one last time@ t"en turne5 all "is attention to 4amian. He yanke5 t"e 8la5e out in one "ars" motion. 4amian?s essen3e trie5 to 1ollo% t"e 8la5e out@ trie5 to slip a%ay t"rou-" t"e %oun5. 9 1elt it sli5in- a%ay. 9 3alle5 to it@ presse5 it into t"e 5ea5 1les"@ an5 it %asn?t enou-". 9 mo)e5 my "an5 o)er "is "eart. $"e sli5in- 8la5e sli3e5 my "an5. Bloo5@ 1res" an5 %arm an5 "uman@ 1lo%e5 o)er t"e %oun5. $"e t"in- insi5e 4amian "esitate5. 9t staye5 to taste my 8loo5. 9t %as enou-". 9 5i5n?t 3aress "is "eart. 9 smas"e5 it@ 1ille5 it %it" t"e po%er t"at 3ra%le5 o)er us. $"e "eart t"u55e5 a-ainst "is 3"est so t"at 9 1elt it in my 8ones. His spine 8o%e5@ raisin- "im out o1 my lap@ t"ro%in- "is "ea5. His mout" opene5 in a silent s3ream. His eyes 1le% open %i5e. He slumpe5 8a3k into my lap. He stare5 up at me@ %i5e2eye5@ 1ri-"tene5. He -ra88e5 my arm. He trie5 to talk an5 3oul5n?t speak past t"e t"un5erin- o1 t"e pulse in "is t"roat. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e 8loo5 in "is 8o5y@ t"e 8eat o1 "is "eart@ t"e rus" o1 "im. He rea3"e5 out to Hean2!lau5e@ -ra88in- t"e slee)e o1 "is >a3ket. He 1inally %"ispere5@ A="at "a)e you 5one to meBC ASa)e5 you@ mon ami@ sa)e5 you.C 4amian slumpe5 su55enly. His 8o5y 8e-an to ;uiet. 9 8e-an to lose t"e sense o1 "is pulse@ t"e taste o1 "is "eart. 9t sli5 slo%ly a%ay an5 9 let it -o. But 9 %as almost sure 9 3oul5 "a)e "el5 it. 9 3oul5 "a)e kept t"e 1eel an5 rus" o1 "is 8o5y. 9 3oul5 "a)e ma5e it rise an5 1all to my tou3". 9 %as almost sure. 9 ran my "an5 t"rou-" "is t"i3k re5 "air an5 kne% temptation@ an5 it %as only sli-"tly tin-e5 %it" se*. 9 raise5 my still 8lee5in- "an5 %"ere 9 3oul5 see it. 9t %asn?t mu3" o1 a 3utG t%o@ t"ree stit3"es an5 9?5 8e 1ine. 9t "urt@ 8ut not enou-". 9 ran t"e still 8lee5in- "an5 t"rou-" "is "air. $"e t"i3kness o1 "is "air sli5 a3ross t"e open %oun5@ a8ra5in- it. $"e pain %as su55enly s"arper@ a3"in- an5 nauseatin-. ,nou-" pain to 8rin- me 8a3k to mysel1. 4amian stare5 up at me@ a1rai5. A1rai5 o1 me.

Chapter Eighteen
A7y "o% terri8ly impressi)e.C 9 turne5@ 4amian still in my lap. D)ette %as stalkin- 5o%n t"e "all%ay to%ar5s us. S"e?5 lost t"e mink stole@ an5 t"e %"ite 5ress %as )ery simple@ )ery ele-ant@ )ery !"anel. $"e rest o1 t"e s3ene %as pure 7ar;uis 5e Sa5e. Hason@ %ere%ol1@ 1lunky@ sometimes )oluntary appetiEer to t"e un5ea5@ %as %it" "er. He %as 5resse5 in a 3ross 8et%een 8la3k leat"er pants an5 skin2ti-"t 3"aps. Bare skin s"o%e5 at "is t"i-"s@ an5 %"at looke5 like a leat"er t"on- 3o)ere5 "is -roin. Aroun5 "is ne3k %as a metal2stu55e5 5o- 3ollar %it" a leas" atta3"e5 to it. D)ette %as "ol5in- t"e leas". 'res" 8ruises mar3"e5 5o%n "is 1a3e@ ne3k@ arms. $"ere %ere 3uts on "is lo%er 3"est an5 stoma3" t"at looke5 like 3la% marks. His "an5s %ere 8oun5 8e"in5 "is 8a3k@ arms pulle5 so ti-"t to "is 8o5y t"at t"at alone "a5 to "urt. D)ette stoppe5 a8out ei-"t 1eet 1rom us@ posin-. S"e s"o)e5 Hason "ar5 enou-" in t"e 8a3k 1or "im to let out a small soun5@ 1or3in- "im to "is knees. S"e 5re% t"e leas" ti-"t so "e %as almost "an-in-. S"e smoot"e5 "er "an5 t"rou-" "is yello% "air@ a5>ustin- it@ like "e %as a8out to -et "is pi3ture taken. AHe?s my -i1t %"ile 9?m "ere. 4o you like t"e %rappin-BC A!an you sit upBC 9 aske5 4amian. A9 t"ink so.C He rolle5 o11 my lap@ sittin- up 3are1ully@ as i1 e)eryt"in- %asn?t %orkin- ;uite ri-"t yet.

9 -ot to my 1eet. AHo% you 5oin-@ HasonBC A9?m okay@C "e sai5. D)ette >erke5 t"e leas" ti-"ter@ so "e 3oul5n?t talk. 9 realiEe5 t"at t"e insi5e o1 t"e 3ollar "a5 metal spikes on it@ a 3"oke 3ollar. Great. AHe is my %ol1@ D)ette. 7ine to prote3t. Dou 3annot "a)e "im@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9 "a)e alrea5y "a5 "im@C s"e sai5. ABut 9 %ill "a)e "im a-ain. 9 "a)e not "urt "im yet. $"e 8ruises are not my 5oin-. He -ot t"at in 5e1ense o1 t"is pla3e. 9n 5e1ense o1 you. Ask "im yoursel1.C S"e ease5 t"e 3ollar@ an5 t"en t"e leas" itsel1. Hason took a lon- 8reat" an5 looke5 at us. A4i5 s"e "urt youBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. A/o@C "e sai5. ADou "a)e s"o%n -reat restraint@C Hean2!lau5e sai5 to D)ette. A#r "a)e your tastes 3"an-e5 sin3e last %e em8ra3e5BC S"e lau-"e5. A#"@ no@ my tastes are t"e same as t"ey al%ays %ere. 9 %ill torment "im no% in 1ront o1 you an5 you %ill 8e po%erless to stop me. $"is %ay 9 torment se)eral people 1or t"e pri3e o1 one.C S"e smile5. S"e looke5 8etter t"an s"e "a5 at t"e restaurant. /ot ;uite so pale. A="o?5 you 1ee5 o11 o1BC 9 aske5. Her eyes 1li3ke5 to me. ADou?ll see soon enou-".C S"e turne5 "er attention to =arri3k. He 5i5n?t e*a3tly 3rin-e@ 8ut "e seeme5 su55enly smaller@ less s"inin-. A=arri3k@ you 1aile5 me.C =arri3k stoo5 a-ainst t"e %all@ 4amian?s s%or5 still in "is "an5. A9 5i5 not mean to "urt "im@ mistress.C A#"@ 9 5on?t mean t"at. Dou -uar5e5 t"em %"ile t"ey 8rou-"t "im 8a3k.C ADou sai5 9 %oul5 8e punis"e5 i1 "e 5ie5.C ASo 9 5i5@ 8ut %oul5 you really "a)e use5 t"at -reat s%or5 on meBC He 5roppe5 to "is knees. A/o@ mistress.C A$"en "o% 3oul5 you -uar5 t"emBC =arri3k s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5i5 not t"ink ... C ADou ne)er 5o.C S"e pulle5 Hason in a-ainst "er le-s@ 3ra5lin- "is 1a3e a-ainst "er t"i-". A=at3"@ Hason@ %at3" an5 see %"at 9 5o to 8a5 little 8oys.C =arri3k -ot to "is 1eet@ puttin- "is 8a3k to t"e %all. He 5roppe5 t"e s%or5@ 3latterin- on t"e stones. APlease@ mistress@ please 5o not 5o t"is.C D)ette took in a 5eep 8reat"@ "ea5 8a3k@ eyes 3lose5@ 3aressin- Hason?s 1a3e. S"e %as anti3ipatin-. A="at?s s"e -oin- to 5oBC 9 aske5. A=at3"C %as all Hean2!lau5e %oul5 say. =arri3k %as kneelin- 3lose enou-" 1or me to tou3". ="ate)er %as a8out to "appen@ %e %ere -oin- to "a)e a rin-si5e seat. ="i3" %as t"e point@ 9 suppose. =arri3k stare5 at t"e 1ar %all@ past us@ i-norin- us as mu3" as "e 3oul5. A %"ite 1ilm sprea5 a3ross "is pale 8lue eyes@ until t"ey %ere 3lou5y@ 8lin5. 91 9 "a5n?t 8een stan5in- %it"in arm?s rea3"@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een too su8tle to see. His eyes 3ollapse5 in%ar5@ 3rum8lin- %it" rot. His 1a3e %as still per1e3t@ stron-@ "eroi3@ like an en-ra)in- o1 St. Geor-e@ 8ut "is eyes %ere empty@ rottin- "oles. $"i3k -reenis" pus traile5 5o%n "is 3"eeks@ like t"i3k tears. A9s s"e 5oin- t"at to "imBC 9 aske5. ADes@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ almost too so1t to "ear. =arri3k ma5e a small soun5 lo% in "is t"roat. Bla3k 1lui5 8urst 1rom "is mout"@ pourin- 5o%n "is lips. He trie5 to s3ream@ an5 all t"at 3ame out %as a 5eep@ 3"okin- -ur-le. He 1ell 1or%ar5 onto "an5s an5 knees. $"e pus21ille5 li;ui5 poure5 1rom "is mout"@ eyes@ ears. 9t 1lo%e5 in a pu55le o1 li;ui5 t"i3ker t"an 8loo5. 9t s"oul5 "a)e stunk@ 8ut as so o1ten "appene5 %it" )ampires t"at rotte5@ t"ere %as no o5or. =arri3k )omite5 "is o%n rottin- internal or-ans onto t"e 1loor. =e all 8e-an to mo)e 8a3k 1rom t"e %i5enin- pool. 4i5n?t %ant to step in it. 9t %oul5n?t 5o us any "arm@ 8ut e)en t"e ot"er )ampires steppe5 8a3k 1rom it. =arri3k 3ollapse5 onto "is si5e. His %"ite 3lot"es %ere nearly 8la3k %it" -ore. But un5erneat" t"e mess "e %as still %"ole. His 8o5y %as untou3"e5. His "an5 rea3"e5 out 8lin5ly. 9t %as a "elpless -esture. A -esture t"at sai5 8etter t"an %or5s t"at it "urt@ an5 "e %as still in t"ere. Still 1eelin-. Still t"inkin-.

AS%eet Hesus@C 9 sai5. ADou s"oul5 see %"at 9 3an 5o %it" my o%n 8o5y.C D)ette?s )oi3e 5ra--e5 our attention 8a3k to "er. S"e %as still stan5in- t"ere@ 3ra5lin- Hason a-ainst "er le-. S"e %as a %"ite@ -leamin- 1i-ure@ e*3ept 1or "er "an5. 'rom t"e el8o% 5o%n a -reen rot "a5 starte5. Hason noti3e5 it. He starte5 to s3ream@ an5 s"e yanke5 t"e 3ollar too ti-"t 1or spee3". S"e 3aresse5 "is 1a3e %it" "er rottin- "an5@ lea)in- a smear o1 somet"in- t"i3k an5 5ark an5 all too real. Hason %ent %il5. He tore a%ay 1rom "er. S"e pulle5 on t"e 3ollar until "is 1a3e turne5 pink@ t"en re5. He 1ou-"t to stay a%ay 1rom "er. 'ou-"t like a 1is" on a "ook. His 1a3e turne5 purplis"@ an5 still "e %oul5n?t 3ome to "er rottin- "an5. Hason 3ollapse5 to t"e 1loor. He %as a8out to 3"oke "imsel1 into un3ons3iousness. AHe "as taste5 t"e pleasures o1 rottin1les" 8e1ore %it" ot"er )ampires@ "a)en?t you@ HasonB He is so a1rai5. 9t is %"y Pa5ma -a)e "im to me.C D)ette starte5 to 3lose t"e 5istan3e 8et%een "ersel1 an5 Hason?s prone 8o5y. A9 5ou8t "is min5 %ill sur)i)e e)en a ni-"t. 9sn?t it 5eli3iousBC A=e are so not 5oin- t"is@C 9 sai5. 9 took t"e Bro%nin- out o1 my po3ket an5 s"o%e5 it to "er. A4on?t tou3" "im.C ADou are a 3on;uere5 people@ Anita. 4on?t you -rasp t"at yetBC s"e aske5. A!on;uer t"is@C 9 sai5. 9 raise5 t"e Bro%nin- to%ar5s "er. Hean2!lau5e tou3"e5 my arm. APut a%ay your -un@ ma petite.C A=e 3an?t let "er "a)e Hason.C AS"e %ill not "a)e Hason@C "e sai5. He stare5 5o%n t"e "all%ay at D)ette. AHason is mine. 7ine in e)ery %ay. 9 %ill not s"are "im %it" you@ an5 it is a-ainst t"e rules o1 "ospitality t"at you 5o somet"in- to one o1 my people t"at %ill 3ause permanent 5ama-e. Breakin- "is min5 is a-ainst 3oun3il la%.C APa5ma 5oesn?t t"ink so@C D)ette sai5. ABut you are not Pa5ma.C Hean2!lau5e -li5e5 to%ar5s t"em. His po%er 8e-an to 1ill t"e "all%ay like 3ool risin- %ater. ADou %ere my toy 1or o)er a "un5re5 years@ Hean2!lau5e. 4o you really t"ink you 3an stan5 a-ainst me no%BC 9 1elt "er las" out@ like a kni1e strikin-@ 8ut "er po%er met Hean2!lau5e?s an5 1a5e5. 9t %as like s"e %as strikin- at mist. His po%er 5i5n?t 1i-"t 8a3k. 9t a8sor8e5. Hean2!lau5e steppe5 up@ almost tou3"in- "er@ an5 >erke5 t"e leas" out o1 "er "an5. S"e tou3"e5 "is 1a3e %it" "er rottin1les"@ smearin- t"in-s %orse t"an 8loo5 5o%n "is 3"eek. Hean2!lau5e lau-"e5@ an5 it %as 8itter@ like s%allo%in- 8roken -lass. 9t "urt to "ear t"e soun5. A9 "a)e seen you at your %orst@ D)ette. $"ere is not"in- ne% you 3an s"o% me.C S"e 5roppe5 "er "an5s to "er si5e an5 stare5 up at "im. A$"ere are more 5eli-"ts up a"ea5. Pa5ma an5 t"e $ra)eler a%ait you.C S"e 5i5n?t kno% t"at t"e $ra)eler %as alrea5y amon- us. =illie?s 8o5y remaine5 ;uiet@ not -i)in- t"e $ra)eler a%ay. 9nterestin-. D)ette "el5 up "er "an5@ an5 it %as smoot" an5 per1e3t on3e more. ADou are 3on;uere5@ Hean2!lau5e. Dou >ust 5on?t kno% it yet.C Hean2!lau5e "it "er@ a 8lur o1 spee5 t"at sent "er 3areenin- alon- t"e 1loor to en5 in a not so ele-ant 8un5le a-ainst t"e %all. A9 may 8e 3on;uere5@ D)ette@ 8ut not 8y you. /ot 8y you.C

Chapter Nineteen
Hean2!lau5e untie5 Hason?s "an5s an5 tore t"e 3ollar 1rom aroun5 "is ne3k. Hason "u55le5 into a little 8all on t"e 1loor. He %as makin- small noises in "is t"roat more primiti)e t"an %or5s an5 more piteous. D)ette "a5 -otten to "er "i-" "eels an5 le1t us. =arri3k %as "ealin-@ i1 t"at %as t"e ri-"t %or5. He sat up@ still 3o)ere5 in t"e remains o1 "is o%n 8o5ily 1lui5s@ 8ut "is eyes %ere 3lear an5 8lue@ an5 "e looke5 %"ole. $"e $ra)eler in =illie?s 8o5y %alke5 up to stan5 8y Hean2!lau5e. ADou "a)e impresse5 me more t"an on3e t"is ni-"t.C A9 5i5 none o1 it to impress@ $ra)eler. $"ese are my people. $"ese are my lan5s. 9 5e1en5 t"em. 9t is not a -ame.C He pro5u3e5 t%o "an5ker3"ie1s 1rom some%"ere. He "an5e5 me one. A'or your "an5@ ma petite.C He starte5 to %ipe t"e -oop o11 Hason?s 1a3e %it" t"e ot"er "an5ker3"ie1. 9 stare5 5o%n at my le1t "an5. Bloo5 %as runnin- in a ni3e stea5y line 5o%n my "an5. 9?5 1or-otten a8out it@ %at3"in=arri3k rot. Some "orrors %ere %orse t"an pain. 9 took t"e 8it o1 8lue silk 1rom Hean2!lau5e. A$"anks.C 9 %rappe5 t"e makes"i1t 8an5a-e aroun5 t"e %oun5@ 8ut 3oul5n?t tie it one2"an5e5. $"e $ra)eler trie5 to "elp me tie t"e 8an5a-e. 9 pulle5 a%ay 1rom "im. A9 o11er you ai5@ not "arm.C A/o t"anks.C

He smile5@ an5 a-ain it %as not =illie?s t"ou-"ts t"at sli5 o)er "is 1a3e. A9t upsets you so mu3" t"at 9 in"a8it t"is 8o5y. ="yBC AHe?s my 1rien5@C 9 sai5. A'rien5s"ip. Dou 3laim 1rien5s"ip %it" t"is )ampire. He is not"in-. A po%er not to 8e re3kone5 %it".C AHe?s not my 1rien5 8e3ause "e?s po%er1ul or not po%er1ul. He?s >ust my 1rien5.C A9t "as 8een a )ery lon- time sin3e someone "as in)oke5 1rien5s"ip in my presen3e. $"ey %ill 8e- 1or mer3y@ 8ut ne)er on t"e -roun5s o1 1rien5s"ip.C Hean2!lau5e stoo5. A/o one else %oul5 "a)e t"ou-"t o1 it.C A/o one else %oul5 "a)e 8een so nai)e@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. A9t is a 1orm o1 nai)et6@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A$"at is true@ 8ut "o% lon- "as it 8een@ $ra)eler@ sin3e someone@ anyone@ "a5 t"e 3oura-e to 8e nai)e 8e1ore t"e 3oun3ilB $"ey 3ome 8e1ore you askin- 1or po%er@ sa1ety@ )en-ean3e@ 8ut not 1rien5s"ip@ not loyalty. /o@ t"at t"ey %ill not ask o1 t"e 3oun3il.C =illie?s "ea5 5i5 t"at little turn to one si5e a-ain@ as i1 t"e $ra)eler %ere t"inkin-. A4oes s"e o11er me 1rien5s"ip or ask it o1 meBC 9 starte5 to ans%er@ 8ut Hean2!lau5e 8eat me to it. A!an you o11er true 1rien5s"ip %it"out askin- 1or it in returnBC 9 opene5 my mout" to say t"at 9?5 sooner 8e 1rien5s %it" a "un-ry 3ro3o5ile@ 8ut Hean2!lau5e tou3"e5 my arm -ently. 9t %as enou-". =e %ere %innin-. 4on?t 8lo% it. A'rien5s"ip@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. A/o% t"at is in5ee5 somet"in- 9 "a)e not 8een o11ere5 sin3e 9 took my seat upon t"e 3oun3il.C 9 spoke t"en@ %it"out t"inkin- 1irst. A$"at must 8e )ery lonely.C He lau-"e5@ an5 it %as t"at same eerie mi*ture o1 =illie?s lou5 8ray an5 a slit"erin- 3"u3kle. AS"e is like a %in5 t"rou-" a %in5o% lon- 3lose5@ Hean2!lau5e. A mi*ture o1 3yni3ism@ nai)et6@ an5 po%er.C He tou3"e5 my 1a3e@ an5 9 let "im. He 3uppe5 t"e si5e o1 my 1a3e in "is "an5 in an almost 1amiliar -esture. AS"e 5oes "a)e a 3ertain ... 3"arm.C His "an5 traile5 5o%n my 1a3e@ 1in-ertips lin-erin- a-ainst my 3"eek. He 5roppe5 "is "an5 su55enly@ 1in-ers ru88ina-ainst ea3" ot"er as i1 "e %ere tryin- to 1eel some in)isi8le somet"in-. He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 an5 t"is 8o5y %ill a%ait you in t"e torture room.C He ans%ere5 me 8e1ore 9 3oul5 e)en say no. A9 5o not plan to "arm t"is 8o5y@ Anita@ 8ut 9 5o nee5 it to %alk a8out. 9 %ill lea)e t"is "ost i1 t"ere is one t"at you %oul5 pre1er 9 take.C He turne5 an5 stare5 at t"e rest o1 t"e -roup. His -aEe 3ame to rest at last on 4amian. A9 3oul5 take t"is one. Balt"asar %oul5 en>oy t"at@ 9 t"ink.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o.C A9s t"is one also your 1rien5BC 9 -lan3e5 at 4amian. A/ot my 1rien5@ no@ 8ut "e?s still mine.C $"e $ra)eler turne5 "is "ea5 to one si5e@ starin- at me. AHe 8elon-s to you@ "o%B 9s "e your lo)erBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o.C ABrot"erB !ousinB An3estorBC A/o@C 9 sai5. A$"en "o% is "e ... yoursBC 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% to e*plain it. A9 %on?t -i)e 4amian to you to sa)e =illie. Dou sai5 it yoursel1. Dou?re not "urtin- "im.C AAn5 i1 9 %asB =oul5 you tra5e 4amian?s sa1ety 1or your 1rien5BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?m not -oin- to 5e8ate t"is %it" you.C A9 am merely tryin- to 5is3ern "o% important your 1rien5s are to you@ Anita.C 9 s"ook my "ea5 a-ain. 9 5i5n?t like %"ere t"is 3on)ersation %as -oin-. 91 9 sai5 t"e %ron- t"in-@ t"e $ra)eler %as -oin- to start 3uttin- =illie up. 9 3oul5 see it 3omin-. 9t %as a trap@ an5 e)eryt"in- 9 t"ou-"t to say le5 ri-"t into it. Hean2!lau5e interrupte5@ A7a petite )alues "er 1rien5s.C $"e $ra)eler "el5 up a "an5. A/o@ s"e must ans%er t"is one "ersel1. 9t is "er loyalty t"at 9 %is" to un5erstan5@ not yours.C He stare5 at me 1rom less t"an a 1oot a%ay@ un3om1orta8ly 3lose. AHo% important are your 1rien5s to you@ AnitaB Ans%er t"e ;uestion.C 9 t"ou-"t o1 one ans%er t"at mi-"t not lea5 %"ere t"e $ra)eler %ante5 to -o. A9mportant enou-" to kill 1or@C 9 sai5. His eyes 1le% %i5e. His mout" opene5 in amaEement. AAre you t"reatenin- meBC 9 s"ru--e5. ADou aske5 a ;uestion. 9 ans%ere5 it.C

He t"re% "is "ea5 8a3k an5 lau-"e5. A#"@ %"at a man you %oul5 "a)e ma5e.C 9?5 spent enou-" time aroun5 ma3"o -uys to kno% it %as a 3ompliment@ a sin3erely meant one. $"ey ne)er un5erstoo5 t"e implie5 insult. An5 as lon- as %e %eren?t 3uttin- up people 9 3are5 1or@ 9 %asn?t -oin- to point it out. A$"anks@C 9 sai5. His 1a3e 8lanke5 instantly@ t"e "umor -one like a 8a5 memory. #nly "is eyes@ =illie?s eyes@ %ere still ali)e@ -litterin- %it" a 1or3e t"at 3rept alon- my skin like a 3"ill %in5. He o11ere5 me "is arm like Hean2!lau5e "a5 5one earlier. 9 -lan3e5 at Hean2!lau5e. He -a)e t"e 8arest o1 no5s. 9 pla3e5 my still 8lee5in- "an5 on t"e $ra)eler?s %rist. His pulse 8eat "ar5 an5 1ast a-ainst my "an5. 9t 1elt like t"e small %oun5 "a5 a se3on5 "eart8eat@ poun5in- in r"yt"m to "is pulse. $"e 8loo5 1lo%e5 1aster out o1 t"e 3ut@ 3alle5 8y "is po%er. 9t 5rippe5 in a ti3klin- line 5o%n my arm to t"e el8o% to 1all insi5e t"e arm o1 t"e 3oat@ soakin- into t"e 5ark 3lot". Bloo5 sprea5 o)er "is %rist in 3rimson ri)ulets. 7y 8loo5. 7y o%n "eart spe5 up@ 1ee5in- t"e 1ear@ 5ri)in- t"e 8loo5 1aster. 9 kne% in t"at moment t"at "e 3oul5 stan5 t"ere an5 8lee5 me to 5eat" out o1 t"at small %oun5. $"at "e 3oul5 %aste all t"e 8loo5 in me@ all t"e po%er in me@ to make a point. 7y "eart %as t"u55in- in my ears. 9 kne% 9 s"oul5 mo)e my "an5@ 8ut 9 >ust ne)er seeme5 to -et aroun5 to mo)in- it@ as i1 somet"in- %as inter1erin- %it" t"e s3reamin- in my "ea5@ 8e1ore it 3oul5 rea3" my "an5. Hean2!lau5e rea3"e5 out to me@ 8ut t"e $ra)eler spoke 8e1ore "e 3oul5 tou3" us. A/o@ Hean2!lau5e. 9 a3kno%le5-e "er as a po%er to 8e re3kone5 %it" i1 s"e 3an 8reak t"is "ol5 on "er o%n.C 7y )oi3e %as 8reat"y@ rus"e5@ as i1 9?5 8een runnin-@ 8ut 9 3oul5 talk@ t"ink@ 9 >ust 3oul5n?t mo)e my "an5. A="at 5o 9 -et out itBC He lau-"e5@ please5 %it" "imsel1. 9 t"ink 9?5 1inally aske5 a ;uestion "e %as 3om1orta8le %it". A="at 5o you %antBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at as t"e pulse in my "an5 8eat 1ast an5 1aster. Bloo5 %as 8e-innin- to soak t"e $ra)eler?s slee)e@ =illie?s slee)e. 9 %ante5 =illie 8a3k. ASa1e passa-e 1or me an5 all my people an5 1rien5s.C He t"re% "is "ea5 8a3k an5 roare5 %it" lau-"ter. $"e lau-"ter stoppe5 in mi5motion like a 8a5ly ma5e 1ilm. He turne5 -litterin- eyes to me. ABreak t"is "ol5@ Anita@ an5 9 %ill -rant you %"at you ask@ 8ut i1 you 1ail to 8reak it@ %"at 5o 9 -ainBC 9t %as a trap@ an5 9 kne% it@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% to -et out o1 it. 91 "e kept 8lee5in- me 9?5 pass out 1rom 8loo5 loss@ an5 it %oul5 all 8e o)er. ABloo5@C 9 sai5. He smile5. A9 "a)e t"at no%.C AA %illin- 5rink 1rom me. Dou 5on?t "a)e t"at.C A$emptin- 8ut not enou-".C Grey spots %ere sprea5in- a3ross my )ision. 9 %as s%eatin- an5 )a-uely nauseous. 9t took a lon- time to pass out 1rom 8loo5 loss@ 8ut "e %as spee5in- it up. 9 3oul5n?t t"ink %"at to o11er "im. 9 %as "a)in- trou8le t"inkin- at all. A="at 5o you %antBC Hean2!lau5e let out a si-"@ as i1 9?5 sai5 t"e %ron- t"in-. A$"e trut".C 9 3ollapse5 slo%ly to my knees@ an5 only "is "an5 on my el8o% kept me upri-"t. 7y )ision %as -oin- in lar-e -rey2%"ite splot3"es. 9 %as 5iEEy@ an5 it %as only -oin- to -et %orse. A="at trut"BC A="o really kille5 t"e ,art"mo)erB $ell me t"at an5 you are 1ree.C 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5@ an5 %"ispere5@ A'u3k you.C 9 sli5 to t"e -roun5 still "ol5in- onto "im@ still 8lee5in-. He 8ent o)er me@ 8ut t"rou-" my ruine5 )ision it %as >ust =illie. =illie?s s"arp2an-le5 1a3e. =illie %it" "is lou5 suits an5 %orse ties. =illie %"o lo)e5 Hanna" %it" a -entle 5e)otion t"at ma5e my t"roat ti-"t. 9 rea3"e5 out an5 tou3"e5 t"at 1a3e@ ran my tin-lin1in-ertips t"rou-" "is sli3ke528a3k "air@ 3ra5le5 "is >a% in my "an5@ an5 %"ispere5@ A=illie@ 3ome to me.C $"ere %as a >olt like a s"i)er o1 ele3tri3ity@ an5 9 3oul5 see. 7y 8o5y still 1elt num8 an5 5istant@ 8ut my )ision %as 3lear. 9 looke5 into t"ose -litterin- eyes an5 t"ou-"t o1 =illie. $"ere@ 5eep insi5e %as an ans%erin- s3ream. A=illie@ 3ome to me.C 7y )oi3e %as stron-er t"is time. $"e $ra)eler sai5@ A="at are you 5oin-BC 9 i-nore5 "im. =illie %as one o1 t"e ot"er )ampires 9?5 a33i5ently 3alle5 1rom t"eir 3o11ins@ like 4amian. An5 may8e@ >ust may8e@ "e %as mine in more t"an 1rien5s"ip. A=it" 8loo5 9 3all you@ =illie 73!oy. <ise an5 3ome to me.C $"e t"ir5 "eart8eat in my "an5 slo%e5. $"e $ra)eler %as t"e one tryin- to -et a%ay no%@ tryin- to 8reak t"e "ol5 "e "a5 1or-e5@ 8ut it %as a t%o2e5-e5 8la5e. 9t 3ut 8ot" %ays@ an5 9 %ante5 to make my point 5eep an5 s"arp. A!ome to me@ =illie. <ise to my )oi3e@ my "an5@ my 8loo5. <ise an5 ans%er me. =illie 73!oy@ 3ome no%IC 9 %at3"e5 =illie spill into t"ose eyes like %ater 1illin- a 3up. 9 1elt t"e $ra)eler 1or3e5 out. 9 t"rust "im out@ s"o)e5 "im a%ay@ an5 slamme5 a 5oor t"at 9 "a5n?t kno%n 9 "a5 in my "ea5. 9n =illie?s 8o5y. 9 1or3e5 t"e $ra)eler out@ an5 "e spun s"riekininto t"e 5arkness.

=illie stare5 at me@ an5 it %as "im@ 8ut t"ere %as a look in "is eyes 9?5 ne)er seen 8e1ore. A="at %oul5 you "a)e o1 me@ masterBC 9 3ollapse5 on t"e 1loor@ 3ryin-. 9 %ante5 to say@ A9?m not your master@C 8ut t"e %or5s 5ie5 in my t"roat@ s%allo%e5 8y a )el)et 5arkness t"at ate my )ision an5 t"en t"e %orl5.

Chapter Twenty
9?5 1allen asleep %it" my "ea5 in my 1at"er?s lap. He stroke5 my "air. 9 snu--le5 a-ainst "is lap@ my 3"eek restin- on "is 8are t"i-". Bare t"i-"B 9 %as su55enly a%ake@ pus"in- to a sittin- position 8e1ore 9 3oul5 really see. Hason sat leanina-ainst a stone %all. 9t %as "is lap 9?5 %oken up in. He -a)e me a )ery %atere525o%n )ersion o1 "is usual 3ome2"it"er smile@ 8ut it le1t "is eyes 3ol5 an5 tire5. He %asn?t up to leerin- at me toni-"t. $"in-s are rou-" %"en Hason stops teasin-. Hean2!lau5e an5 Pa5ma %ere ar-uin- in 'ren3". $"ey stoo5 on eit"er si5e o1 a %oo5en ta8le. A man %as 8oun5 1a3e2 5o%n to t"e ta8le %it" sil)er 8an5s at %rist@ ankles@ an5 ne3k. Ban5s t"at %ere 8olte5 to t"e ta8le itsel1. He %as nu5e@ 8ut more t"an "is 3lot"es %ere missin-. $"e entire 8a3k o1 "is 8o5y %as one ra% 8loo5y mess. 9?5 1oun5 t"e o%ner o1 t"e skin on t"e 5oor. <a1ael?s 5arkly "an5some 1a3e %as sla3k@ un3ons3ious. 9 "ope5 "e staye5 t"at %ay 1or a lon- time. <a1ael@ t"e <at Kin-@ %as "ea5 o1 t"e se3on52lar-est an5 stron-est 8an5 o1 s"apes"i1ters in t"e 3ity. He %as no one?s toy. ="at t"e "ell %as "e 5oin- "ere like t"isB A="at is <a1ael 5oin- "ereBC 9 aske5 Hason. He ans%ere5@ )oi3e tire5@ 5ra--in-@ A$"e 7aster o1 Beasts %ants t"e %ererats. <a1ael %asn?t stron- enou-" not to 3ome %"en 3alle5@ 8ut "e %as stron- enou-" to not 8rin- any o1 t"e ot"er rats. He 5eli)ere5 "imsel1 o)er like a sa3ri1i3e.C Hason leane5 "is "ea5 8a3k a-ainst t"e %all@ eyes 3lose5. A$"ey 3oul5n?t 8reak "im. $"ey 3oul5n?t 8reak Syl)ie eit"er.C ASyl)ieBC 9 stare5 aroun5 t"e room. 9t %as t%enty 8y t%enty@ not t"at 8i-. S"e %as a3ross t"e room 3"aine5 to t"e %all. S"e sa--e5 in t"e 3"ains@ 1ull %ei-"t on "er %rists@ un3ons3ious. 7ost o1 "er %as "i55en 1rom )ie% 8y t"e ta8le t"at <a1ael %as 3"aine5 to. S"e 5i5n?t look "urt. A="y is s"e "ereBC A$"e 7aster o1 Beasts 3alle5 t"e %ol)es@ too. <i3"ar5 %asn?t "ere to ans%er@ so Syl)ie 3ame. S"e prote3te5 t"e rest o1 us@ >ust like <a1ael 5i5 1or "is people.C A="at are Hean2!lau5e an5 t"e Beastie2Boy ar-uin- a8outBC A$"e $ra)eler -rante5 us our 1ree5om@ 8ut t"ey 5on?t %ant to in3lu5e <a1ael in t"e 8ar-ain. $"e 7aster o1 Beasts says t"e <at Kin- is not our people@ nor our 1rien5.C AHe?s my 1rien5@C 9 sai5. He smile5 %it"out openin- "is eyes. A9 kne% you?5 say t"at.C 9 -ot to my 1eet@ pus"in- a-ainst t"e %all. 9 %as a little unstea5y@ 8ut not 8a5. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e ar-uin- )ampires. $"e 'ren3" %as "ot an5 1urious. Hean2!lau5e turne5 to me. A7a petite@ you are a%ake.C His ,n-lis" %as "ea)ily a33ente5. 9t o1ten %as a1ter "e?5 8een speakin- a lot o1 'ren3". Pa5ma "el5 up a "an5. A/o@ 5o not in1luen3e "er.C Hean2!lau5e -a)e a s%eepin- 8o%. AAs you like.C 9 %ante5 to tou3" <a1ael. 9 3oul5 see "is 8a3k risin- an5 1allin-@ 8ut 9 %oul5n?t really 8elie)e "e %as okay until 9 tou3"e5 "im. 7y "an5s sort o1 "o)ere5 o)er "im@ 8ut t"ere %as almost no pla3e le1t to tou3" t"at %asn?t ra% an5 "urtin-. 9 1inally tou3"e5 "is "air@ t"en 5re% 8a3k. 9 5i5n?t %ant to %ake "im. :n3ons3ious %as 8etter t"an anyt"in- else ri-"t no%. A="o is t"is one to youBC Pa5ma aske5. AHe?s <a1ael@ t"e <at Kin-. He?s my 1rien5.C Hanna" %alke5 in t"rou-" t"e open 5un-eon 5oor. $"e moment s"e appeare5@ 9 kne% it %as t"e $ra)eler. He leane5 t"at )ery 1eminine 8o5y a-ainst t"e si5e o1 t"e 5oor an5 mana-e5 to look mas3uline. ADou 3annot 8e 1rien5s %it" e)ery monster in t"e 3ity.C 9 stare5 up at "im. A=ant to 8etBC He s"ook "is "ea5@ Hanna"?s 8lon5 "air 8oun3in- 8a3k an5 1ort" >ust like in t"e s"ampoo 3ommer3ial. He lau-"e5@ an5 it %as -irlis". A#"@ no@ Anita Blake@ 9 %ill not 8ar-ain %it" you a-ain t"is ni-"t.C He starte5 5o%n t"e steps. He?5 taken o11 t"e "i-" "eels@ an5 -li5e5 5o%n t"e stairs in sto3kin- 1eet. ABut t"ere %ill 8e ot"er ni-"ts.C A9 aske5 1or sa1e passa-e an5 you -a)e it@C 9 sai5. ADou 3an?t "urt us anymore.C A9 -a)e sa1e passa-e 1or toni-"t only@ Anita.C A9 5o not remem8er a time limit 8ein- pla3e5 on your promise@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. $"e $ra)eler %a)e5 t"e o8>e3tion a%ay. A9t %as un5erstoo5.C

A/ot 8y me@C 9 sai5. He stoppe5 on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e ta8le@ 8y Pa5ma. He stare5 at me %it" Hanna"?s -rey eyes an5 1ro%ne5. AAnyone else %oul5 "a)e kno%n t"at 9 meant toni-"t alone.C AAs you yoursel1 "a)e sai5@ $ra)eler@ s"e is not anyone@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AHe is one 3oun3il mem8er. He 3annot 8ar-ain 1or all@C Pa5ma sai5. AHe 3an 1or3e us to let you -o toni-"t@ 8ut t"e rest "e 3annot 5o. He 3annot 1ree you all %it"out a )ote o1 all represente5 "ere.C A$"en "is promise means not"in-@C 9 sai5. A91 9 "a5 5reamt t"at you meant sa1ety 1or our entire stay@C t"e $ra)eler sai5@ A9 %oul5 "a)e aske5 1or more t"an merely t"e trut" o1 t"e ,art"mo)er?s 5eat".C A=e ma5e a 5eal. 9 kept my en5 o1 it@C 9 sai5. He trie5 to 3ross "is arms o)er "is 3"est@ 8ut "a5 to settle 1or "is stoma3"@ arms 3ra5lin- t"e 8reasts. =omen are >ust not 5esi-ne5 to look tou-". ADou "a)e -i)en me yet anot"er pro8lem@ Anita. 9t mi-"t 8e %ise to not 8e so pro8lemati3.C A$"reaten all you %ant@C 9 sai5@ A8ut 1or toni-"t you 3an?t tou3" us.C A4o not let it -o to your "ea5.C His )oi3e "a5 3ra%le5 5o%n a 1e% o3ta)es@ 5ra--in- out o1 Hanna"?s t"roat. 9 mo)e5 aroun5 to stan5 at <a1ael?s "ea5@ %antin- to stroke "is "air an5 not 5arin- to. $ears presse5 like a "an5 a-ainst t"e 8a3k o1 my eyes. A:n3"ain "im. He -oes %it" us@ or your %or5 is %ort" s"it@ $ra)eler.C A9 %ill not -i)e "im up@C Pa5ma sai5. ADou %ill 5o as you are tol5@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. 9 turne5 a%ay 1rom t"e si-"t o1 <a1ael?s 8ut3"ere5 8o5y. 9 also 5i5n?t %ant t"e 8a5 -uys to see me 3ry. $urnin- a%ay 1rom <a1ael -a)e me a 8etter )ie% o1 Syl)ie. ="at 9 sa% stoppe5 me in my tra3ks. Her pants %ere 5o%n aroun5 "er ankles@ s"oes still on. 9 took a step to%ar5s "er@ t"en anot"er@ an5 %as almost runnin8y t"e time 9 -ot to "er. 9 sli5 to my knees 8esi5e "er. Bloo5 staine5 "er t"i-"s. Her "an5s %ere 8alle5 into 1ists@ eyes s;ueeEe5 ti-"t. S"e %as %"isperin- somet"in-@ )ery so1tly@ o)er an5 o)er. 9 tou3"e5 "er arm an5 s"e 1lin3"e5. Her )oi3e rose >ust enou-" 1or me to "ear t"e one %or5@ A/o@ no@ no.C #)er an5 o)er an5 o)er like a mantra. 9 %as 3ryin-. 9?5 8een talkin- a8out puttin- a 8ullet in Syl)ie earlier to5ay. /o% 9 %as 3ryin- 1or "er. Some 8i- tou-" so3iopat" 9 turne5 out to 8e. 9 "a5 my pro8lems %it" Syl)ie@ 8ut t"is ... S"e 5i5n?t e)en like men un5er t"e 8est o1 3ir3umstan3es. 9t ma5e %"at t"ey?5 5one %orse some"o%@ more insultin-. #r may8e it %as >ust t"at 9 remem8ere5 "er as so prou5@ so 3on1i5ent an5 1ull o1 "ersel1. $o see "er like t"is %as almost more t"an 9 3oul5 8ear. ASyl)ie@ Syl)ie@ it?s Anita.C 9 %ante5 to pull "er 3lot"es 8a3k in pla3e@ 8ut %as a1rai5 to tou3" "er a-ain until 9 %as sure s"e kne% it %as me. ASyl)ie@ 3an you "ear meBC Hason 3ame to stan5 %it" us. ALet me try.C AS"e %on?t %ant a man to tou3" "er.C A9 %on?t tou3" "er.C He knelt on t"e ot"er si5e o1 "er. A9 smell like pa3k. Dou 5on?t.C He )ery 3are1ully sli5 "is arm in 1ront o1 "er 1a3e@ tryin- not to tou3" "er. ASmell t"e pa3k@ Syl)ie. Kno% t"e 3om1ort o1 our tou3".C S"e stoppe5 sayin- no@ 8ut t"at %as it. S"e %oul5n?t e)en open "er eyes. 9 stoo5 up an5 1a3e5 t"e room. A="o 5i5 t"isBC AS"e 3oul5 "a)e stoppe5 it at any time@C Pa5ma sai5@ A-i)en me t"e pa3k an5 it %oul5 all "a)e 8een o)er. S"e 3oul5 "a)e -one 1ree.C 9 s3reame5@ A=H# 494 $H9SIC A9 5i5@C Pa5ma sai5. 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e 1loor@ an5 %"en 9 3ame 8a3k up@ t"e :Ei %as pointe5 at "im. A9?m -oin- to 3ut you in "al1.C A7a petite@ you %ill "it <a1ael an5 per"aps me.C A ma3"ine -un %as not ma5e 1or one tar-et in a 3ro%5@ 8ut "e?5 sur)i)e t"e Bro%nin-. 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHe 5ies. 'or t"is@ "e 5ies.C $"e $ra)eler steppe5 8esi5e Pa5ma. A=oul5 you slay t"is 8o5yBC He sprea5 "is "an5s %i5e an5 steppe5 in 1ront o1 Pa5ma. A=oul5 you kill your =illie?s la5y lo)eBC $ears "ot enou-" to s3al5 traile5 5o%n my 3"eeks. A4amn you@ 5amn you all.C APa5ma 5i5 not personally rape your 1rien5@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. AAny unskille5 man 3an rape@ 8ut it takes a true artist to skin a li)e s"apes"i1ter.C A="o t"enBC 7y )oi3e %as >ust a little 3almer. 9 %asn?t -oin- to use t"e ma3"ine -un@ an5 %e all kne% it. 9 5roppe5 t"e :Ei@ lettin- it sli5e 8a3k un5er t"e 3oat. 9 %rappe5 my "an5 aroun5 t"e Bro%nin- an5 t"ou-"t a8out it.

Hean2!lau5e starte5 %alkin- to%ar5s me. He kne% me too %ell. A7a petite@ %e all %alk out o1 "ere in sa1ety at least t"is ni-"t. Dou "a)e -i)en us t"is. 4o not 5estroy us all 1or )en-ean3e no%.C 'ernan5o %alke5 t"rou-" t"e 5oor@ an5 9 kne%. He mi-"t not 8e t"e only one@ 8ut "e?5 8een one o1 t"em. He smirke5 at me. A$"e $ra)eler %oul5n?t let me "a)e Hanna".C 9 starte5 to trem8le@ a 1ine ;ui)erin- t"at starte5 in my arms an5 sprea5 a3ross my s"oul5ers an5 5o%n my 8o5y. 9?5 ne)er %ante5 to kill anyone as 8a5ly as 9 %ante5 to kill "im ri-"t t"at se3on5. He -li5e5 5o%n t"e steps in "is 8are 1eet@ "an5s ro)in- a3ross "is 3"est@ playin- in t"e line o1 "air t"at starte5 on "is 8elly. <u88in- "is "an5s alon- t"e silk o1 "is pants. A7ay8e 9?ll "a)e you 3"aine5 to a %all@C "e sai5. 9 1elt a smile stret3" a3ross my 1a3e. 9 spoke )ery 3learly@ )ery 3are1ully@ 8e3ause i1 9 5i5n?t@ 9 %as -oin- to s3ream@ an5 i1 9 lost 3ontrol o1 my )oi3e@ 9 %as -oin- to s"oot "im. 9 kne% t"at >ust as surely as 9 %as stan5in- t"ere. A="o "elpe5 youBC Pa5ma stoppe5 "is son@ 5ra%in- "im into t"e 3ir3le o1 "is arms. 9 sa% real 1ear on t"e master )ampire?s 1a3e. His son %as still too arro-ant or too stupi5 to un5erstan5. A9 5i5 it mysel1.C A lau-" t"at %as 8itter enou-" to 3"oke me 3ame out. ADou 3oul5n?t 5o t"is mu3" 5ama-e on your o%n. ="o "elpe5 youBC $"e $ra)eler tou3"e5 'ernan5o?s s"oul5er. A#t"ers@ unname5 ot"ers. 91 t"e %oman 3an tell you@ let "er. 91 not@ you 5o not nee5 to kno%. Dou %ill not 8e "untin- t"em@ ,*e3utioner.C A/ot toni-"t@C 9 sai5. $"e trem8lin- %as ;uietin-. $"at 3ol5@ i3y 3enter o1 my soul@ t"e pla3e %"ere 9?5 -i)en up a pie3e o1 mysel1@ sprea5 out%ar5. 9 %as 3alm@ 5ea5ly 3alm. 9 3oul5 "a)e s"ot t"em all an5 not 8linke5. ABut you sai5 it yoursel1@ $ra)elerJ t"ere %ill 8e ot"er ni-"ts.C Hason %as talkin- in a lo% )oi3e an5 Syl)ie %as ans%erin-. 9 -lan3e5 at "er. S"e %asn?t 3ryin-. Her 1a3e %as pale an5 stran-ely sti11@ as i1 e)eryt"in- %as "el5 insi5e@ ti-"t an5 "ar5. Hason un5i5 t"e lo3ks on t"e 3"ains an5 s"e sli5 5o%n t"e %all. He trie5 to "elp "er pull up "er pants@ 8ut s"e pus"e5 "im a%ay. 9 knelt 8esi5e "er. ALet me "elp@ please.C Syl)ie trie5 to pull t"e pants up "ersel1@ 8ut "er "an5s %eren?t %orkin- ri-"t. S"e kept 1um8lin- an5 1inally 3ollapse5 to t"e 1loor in tears. 9 starte5 to 5ress "er@ an5 s"e let me. S"e "elpe5 %"ere s"e 3oul5@ 8ut "er "an5s %ere s"akin- so 8a5ly@ s"e 3oul5n?t 5o mu3". Her pants %ere pink linen. 9 3oul5n?t 1in5 t"e un5er%ear. 9t %as -one. 9 kne% s"e?5 8een %earin- some@ 8e3ause Syl)ie %oul5n?t -o %it"out. S"e %as a la5y@ an5 la5ies 5i5n?t 5o t"at. ="en e)eryt"in- %as 3o)ere5@ s"e 1inally met my eyes. $"e look in "er 8ro%n eyes ma5e me %ant to look a%ay@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 91 s"e 3oul5 "a)e t"at mu3" pain in "er 1a3e@ t"e least 9 3oul5 5o %as look at it. /o 1lin3"in-. 9?5 e)en stoppe5 3ryin-. A9 5i5n?t -i)e t"em t"e pa3k@C s"e sai5. A9 kno%@C 9 sai5. 9 %ante5 to tou3" "er@ reassure "er@ an5 %as a1rai5 to. S"e 3ollapse5 1or%ar5@ so88in-G not 3ryin-@ 8ut so88in- like s"e?5 3ry out 8its an5 pie3es o1 "ersel1 on t"e 1loor. 9 put my arms aroun5 "er@ tentati)ely. S"e sa--e5 a-ainst me@ "ol5in- me. 9 "el5 "er "al1 in my arms@ "al1 in my lap@ ro3kin- "er slo%ly. 9 leane5 o)er ne*t to "er ear an5 8reat"e5 a soun5 into it@ AHe?s 5ea5. $"ey?re all 5ea5.C S"e ;uiete5 slo%ly@ t"en looke5 up at me. ADou s%ear itBC A9 s%ear it.C S"e "u55le5 a-ainst me an5 sai5 so1tly@ A9 %on?t kill <i3"ar5.C AGoo5@ 8e3ause 9?5 "ate to kill you no%.C S"e lau-"e5@ an5 it turne5 it into more 3ryin-@ 8ut so1ter no%@ ;uieter@ not ;uite so 5esperate. 9 looke5 up at t"e ot"ers. $"e men@ 5ea5 an5 ali)e@ %ere starin- at me. A<a1ael 3omes %it" us@ no more 5e8atin-.C Pa5ma no55e5. AVery %ell.C 'ernan5o turne5 to "im. A'at"er@ you 3an?t let "er 5o t"is. $"e %ol)es@ yes@ 8ut not t"e <at Kin-.C AHus"@ 'ernan5o.C AHe 3annot 8e allo%e5 to li)e@ i1 "e 5oes not su8mit.C ADou %eren?t rat enou-" to 8e 5ominant to "im@ %ere you@ 'ernan5oBC 9 sai5. AHe?s stron-er t"an you?ll e)er 8e@ an5 you "ate "im 1or it.C 'ernan5o took a step to%ar5s me. Pa5ma an5 t"e $ra)eler 8ot" "el5 "im 8a3k@ a "an5 on ea3" s"oul5er. Hean2!lau5e steppe5 8et%een us. ALet us 8e on our %ay@ ma petite. $"e ni-"t -ro%s lon-.C

$"e $ra)eler steppe5 a%ay 1rom 'ernan5o slo%ly. 9 %asn?t sure %"o "e truste5 least@ me or t"e rat28oy. He starte5 un1astenin- t"e 3"ains t"at "el5 <a1ael in pla3e. $"e %ererat %as still un3ons3ious@ o8li)ious to "is 1ate. 9 -ot to my 1eet@ an5 Syl)ie 3ame %it" me. S"e pus"e5 a%ay 1rom me@ trie5 to %alk an5 nearly 1ell. 9 3au-"t "er@ an5 Hason 3au-"t "er ot"er arm. 'ernan5o lau-"e5. Syl)ie stum8le5. S"e looke5 like s"e?5 8een slappe5. $"e lau-"ter 3ut more t"an any %or5s. 9 lai5 my lips a-ainst "er 3"eek@ 3ra5le5 "er 1a3e a-ainst mine %it" my 1ree "an5@ lips 8y "er ear. AHe?s 5ea5@ remem8er t"at.C S"e leane5 into me 1or a moment@ t"en no55e5. S"e strai-"tene5 an5 let Hason "elp "er %alk to%ar5s t"e stairs. Hean2!lau5e li1te5 <a1ael in "is arms as -ently as "e 3oul5@ 8alan3in- t"e man o)er "is s"oul5ers. <a1ael -roane5@ "an5s spasmin-@ 8ut "is eyes staye5 s"ut. 9 stare5 at t"e $ra)eler. ADou?ll nee5 to 1in5 anot"er "orse to ri5e@C 9 sai5. AHanna" 3omes %it" us.C A#1 3ourse@C "e sai5. A/o%@ $ra)eler@C 9 sai5. Arro-an3e sprea5 a3ross "is 1a3e. 9t %as a look 9?5 ne)er seen on Hanna"?s 1a3e 8e1ore. A4o not let one a3t o1 ma-i3al 8ra)a5o make you 1oolis"@ Anita.C 9 smile5 an5 kne% it %asn?t pleasant. 9t %as 8itter an5 arro-ant an5 an-ry. A7y patien3e is all -one toni-"t@ $ra)eler. Get out o1 "er no%@ or ... C 9 s"o)e5 t"e Bro%nin- into 'ernan5o?s -roin. $"ey %ere all "u55le5 t"at 3lose. 'ernan5o?s eyes %i5ene5@ 8ut "e %asn?t nearly as a1rai5 as "e s"oul5 "a)e 8een. 9 presse5 t"e 8arrel in a little "ar5erG makes most men 8a3k up. He -a)e a small -runt 8ut leane5 into me@ 1a3e 8en5in- to%ar5s me. He %as -oin- to try an5 kiss me. 9 lau-"e5. 9 lau-"e5 %"ile "is lips "o)ere5 o)er my mout" an5 t"e -un presse5 into "is 8o5y. 9t %as t"e lau-"ter@ not t"e -un@ t"at ma5e "im 5ra% 8a3k. Hanna" 3ollapse5 to "er knees. $"e $ra)eler "a5 -one. Someone nee5e5 to "elp "er to t"e stairs. 9 t"ou-"t o1 =illie an5 "e 3ame. He "elpe5 "er to "er 1eet %it"out lookin- at me. 9 kept my eyes on t"e 8a5 -uys. #ne pro8lem at a time. A="y are you lau-"in-BC 'ernan5o aske5. ABe3ause you are too 1u3kin- stupi5 to sur)i)e.C 9 5re% 8a3k 1rom t"em@ t"e -un still pointe5 at "im. A9s "e your only sonBC 9 aske5. A7y only 3"il5@C Pa5ma sai5. A7y 3on5olen3es@C 9 sai5. /o@ 9 5i5n?t s"oot "im. But starin- into 'ernan5o?s an-ry eyes@ 9 kne% t"ere?5 8e ot"er opportunities. Some people seek 5eat" t"rou-" 5esperation. Some people 1all into it out o1 stupi5ity. 91 'ernan5o %ante5 to 1all@ 9 %as more t"an "appy to 3at3" "im.

Chapter Twenty-one
<a1ael lay on an e*aminin- ta8le. =e %ere not in t"e "ospital. $"e ly3ant"ropes "a5 a makes"i1t emer-en3y room in t"e 8asement o1 a 8uil5in- t"at t"ey o%ne5. 9?5 "a5 my o%n %oun5s ten5e5 t"ere on3e. /o% <a1ael lay on "is stoma3" "ooke5 up to an 9V loa5e5 %it" li;ui5s an5 painkillers. Painkillers 5i5n?t al%ays %ork %ell on ly3ant"ropes 8ut "ey@ t"ey "a5 to try somet"in-. He?5 re-aine5 3ons3iousness in t"e Heep. He "a5n?t s3reame5@ 8ut t"e small s;ueeEe5 %"imperin-s t"at 3la%e5 1rom "is t"roat e)ery time 9 "it a 8ump %ere more t"an enou-". 4r. Lillian %as a small %oman %it" salt2an52pepper "air 3ut in a no2nonsense style. S"e %as also a %ererat. S"e turne5 to me. A9?)e ma5e "im as 3om1orta8le as 9 3an.C A=ill "e "ealBC S"e no55e5. ADes. $"e real 5an-er %it" t"is type o1 in>ury on3e you sur)i)e t"e s"o3k an5 8loo5 loss is in1e3tion. =e 3an?t -et in1e3tions.C ALet?s "ear it 1or t"e terminally 1urry@C 9 sai5. S"e smile5 an5 patte5 my s"oul5er. A9 kno% "umor is your %ay o1 5ealin- %it" stress@ 8ut 5on?t try it on <a1ael toni-"t. He %ants to speak %it" you.C A9s "e ... BC A=ell enou-"@ no@ 8ut "e is my kin- an5 "e %on?t let me put "im un5er until "e?s spoken %it" you. 9?ll -o look in on our ot"er patient %"ile you "ear %"ate)er "e t"inks is so important.C 9 tou3"e5 "er arm 8e1ore s"e 3oul5 mo)e past me. AHo% is Syl)ieBC

Lillian %oul5n?t look at me@ t"en 1inally s"e 5i5. AP"ysi3ally@ s"e?ll "eal@ 8ut 9?m not a t"erapist. 9?m not e;uippe5 to 5eal %it" t"e a1tere11e3ts o1 an atta3k like t"is. 9 %ant "er to stay "ere 1or t"e ni-"t@ 8ut s"e?s insistin- t"at s"e -o %it" you.C 7y eyes %i5ene5. A="yBC Lillian s"ru--e5. A9 t"ink s"e 1eels sa1e %it" you. 9 t"ink s"e 5oesn?t 1eel sa1e "ere.C $"e ol5er %oman %as su55enly lookin- )ery intently at my 1a3e. A9s t"ere a reason s"e s"oul5n?t 1eel sa1e "ereBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at. AHa)e t"e %ereleopar5s e)er 8een treate5 "ereBC ADes@C s"e sai5. A4amn.C A="y s"oul5 t"at matterB $"is is a neutral pla3e. =e "a)e all a-ree5 to t"at.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A'or toni-"t you?re sa1e@ 8ut anyt"in- t"at ,liEa8et" kne%@ t"e 7aster o1 Beasts kno%s. By tomorro% t"is may not 8e a sa1e "a)en.C A4o you kno% t"at 1or sureBC s"e aske5. A/o@ 8ut 9 5on?t kno% 1or sure t"at you %ill 8e sa1e eit"er.C S"e no55e5. AVery %ell. $ake Syl)ie %it" you@ t"en@ 8ut <a1ael must stay "ere at least 1or one ni-"t. 9 %ill make plans to mo)e "im 8y tomorro%.C S"e looke5 aroun5 at all t"e me5i3al e;uipment. A=e 3an?t take it all@ 8ut %e?ll 5o %"at %e 3an. /o% -o talk to our kin-.C S"e le1t t"e room. 9 %as su55enly alone in t"e "us" o1 t"e 8asement. 9 looke5 at <a1ael. $"ey?5 arran-e5 a sort o1 tent o1 a s"eet o)er "is 8o5y@ 3o)ere5 8ut not tou3"in-. $"e nake5 skin %as 3o)ere5 in sal)e 8ut no 8an5a-es. Anyt"in- t"ey 3oul5 put on it %oul5 "urt %orse t"an not"in-. $"ey %ere treatin- it sort o1 like a 8urn. 9 5i5n?t kno% e)eryt"in- t"ey?5 5one to treat "im 8e3ause 9?5 8een o11 -ettin- my "an5 stit3"e5 up part o1 t"e time. 9 %alke5 aroun5 t"e ta8le so t"at <a1ael %oul5n?t "a)e to mo)e "is "ea5 to look at me. 7o)in- %as 8a5. His eyes %ere 3lose5@ 8ut "is 8reat"in- %as 1ast an5 ra--e5. He %asn?t asleep. ALillian sai5 you %ante5 to talk to me.C He 8linke5 an5 looke5 at me. His eyes rolle5 at an a%k%ar5 an-le. He trie5 to mo)e "is "ea5@ an5 a soun5 3ame 1rom lo% in "is 3"est. 9?5 ne)er "ear5 a soun5 ;uite like it. 9 5i5n?t %ant to "ear it a-ain. A4on?t mo)e@ please.C 9 1oun5 a little stool %it" %"eels on it an5 8rou-"t it o)er. =it" me sittin-@ %e %ere nearly t"e same "ei-"t. ADou s"oul5 let "er pump you 1ull o1 5ru-s. Dou nee5 to sleep i1 you 3an.C A'irst@C "e sai5@ A9 must kno% "o% you 1ree5 me.C He took a 5eeper 8reat"@ an5 t"e pain passe5 o)er "is 1a3e in a 1lin3"in%a)e. 9 looke5 a%ay@ t"en 8a3k. /o 1lin3"in-. A9 8ar-aine5 1or you.C A="at ... C His "an5s spasme5@ an5 "e 3lose5 "is 1ull lips into a ti-"t2presse5 line. ="en "e spoke a-ain@ "is )oi3e %as lo%er@ more 3are1ul@ as i1 e)en a normal speakin- )oi3e "urt. A="at 5i5 you -i)e up 1or meBC A/ot"in-.C AHe %oul5 not ... "a)e -i)en me up so easily.C <a1ael stare5 at me@ "is 5ark eyes %illin- me to tell "im t"e trut". He t"ou-"t 9 %as lyin-@ t"at %as %"y "e 3oul5n?t rest. He t"ou-"t 9?5 5one somet"in- no8le an5 a%1ul to sa)e "im. 9 si-"e5 an5 tol5 "im a )ery a88re)iate5 )ersion o1 t"e ni-"t. 9t %as t"e easiest %ay to e*plain. ASee@ it 5i5n?t 3ost any e*tra to t"ro% you in.C He almost smile5. A$"e %ererats %ill remem8er %"at you 5i5 toni-"t@ Anita. 9 %ill remem8er.C A7ay8e %e 5on?t -o s"oppin- to-et"er or e)en out to t"e s"ootin- ran-e@ 8ut you are my 1rien5@ <a1ael. 9 kno% t"at i1 9 3alle5 you 1or "elp@ you?5 3ome.C ADes@C "e sai5. ADes@ 9 %oul5.C 9 smile5 at "im. A9?ll -o -et Lillian no%@ okayBC He 3lose5 "is eyes an5 some pie3e o1 tension 1lo%e5 out o1 "im. 9t %as almost as i1 no% "e 3oul5 1inally -i)e "imsel1 o)er to t"e pain. ADes@ yes.C 9 sent Lillian into "im an5 %ent to 1in5 Syl)ie. S"e %as in a small room %"ere Lillian "a5 "ope5 s"e 3oul5 -et some sleep. Syl)ie "a5 8een >oine5 8y "er la5y 1rien5@ si-ni1i3ant ot"er@ lo)er@ %"ate)er. Hason "a5 3alle5 "er. 9 "a5n?t kno%n s"e e*iste5. G%en?s )oi3e 3ame )ery 3learly 5o%n t"e "all%ay. ADou "a)e to tell "er@ Syl)ie@ you "a)e to.C 9 3oul5n?t "ear Syl)ie?s ans%er@ 8ut t"en t"e "i-" "eels %eren?t ;uiet. $"ey kne% 9 %as 3omin-. 9 steppe5 in t"rou-" t"e open 5oor to 1in5 G%en lookin- at me@ an5 Syl)ie 5e3i5e5ly not. $"e %"ite pillo% 1rame5 "er )ery s"ort@ )ery 3urly 8ro%n "air. S"e %as t"ree in3"es taller t"an me 8ut mana-e5 to look 1ra-ile in t"e small 8e5.

G%en sat in a strai-"t28a3ke5 3"air 8esi5e t"e 8e5@ "ol5in- Syl)ie?s "an5 in 8ot" o1 "er o%n. G%en "a5 lon- so1tly %a)in- 8lon5 "air an5 8i- 8ro%n eyes in a 5eli3ate 1a3e. ,)eryt"in- a8out "er %as 5ainty@ 1eminine@ like a pale@ 1inely ma5e 5oll. But t"e intensity in "er 1a3e@ t"e intelli-en3e in "er eyes@ %as a )i8ratin- t"in-. G%en %as a psy3"olo-ist. S"e %oul5 "a)e 8een a 3ompellin- person e)en %it"out t"e tri3kle o1 ly3ant"ropi3 ener-y t"at traile5 aroun5 "er like per1ume. A="at 5o you nee5 to tell meBC 9 sai5. AHo% 5o you kno% 9 %as re1errin- to youBC G%en sai5. A!all it a "un3".C S"e patte5 Syl)ie?s "an5. A$ell "er.C Syl)ie turne5 "er "ea5 8ut still %oul5n?t meet my eyes. 9 leane5 a-ainst t"e %all an5 %aite5. $"e ma3"ine -un presse5 into t"e small o1 my 8a3k@ 1or3in- me to lean mostly s"oul5ers a-ainst t"e 3in5er8lo3k %all. ="y "a5n?t 9 taken some o1 t"e %eapons o11B Lay a -un 5o%n some%"ere@ an5 t"at?s %"en you?ll nee5 it most. 9 truste5 t"e $ra)eler to keep "is %or5@ 8ut not enou-" to 8et my li1e on it. Silen3e spille5 into t"e small room until t"e %"irr o1 t"e air 3on5itioner %as as lou5 as t"e 8loo5 in your o%n ears. Syl)ie 1inally looke5 at me. A$"e 7aster o1 Beasts or5ere5 Step"en?s 8rot"er to rape me.C S"e looke5 5o%n@ t"en up a-ain@ an-er spillin- into "er eyes. AGre-ory re1use5.C 9 5i5n?t 8ot"er to "i5e t"e surprise on my 1a3e. A9 t"ou-"t Gre-ory %as one o1 t"e stars o1 <aina?s porno 1ilms.C AHe %as@C Syl)ie sai5 so1tly. ="at 9 %ante5 to ask %as@ %"en 5i5 "e -et to 8e s;ueamis"B 8ut t"at seeme5 3ru5e. A4i5 "e su55enly -ro% a 3ons3ien3eBC 9 aske5. A9 5on?t kno%.C S"e %as starin- at t"e s"eet@ "ol5in- onto G%en?s "an5s like t"ere %as %orse to 3ome. AHe re1use5 to "elp torture me. $"e 7aster o1 Beasts sai5 "e?5 punis" "im. Gre-ory still re1use5. He sai5 t"at Kane "a5 tol5 "im t"at Anita %as t"eir ne% alp"a. $"at all 8ar-ains ma5e t"rou-" ,liEa8et" %eren?t 8in5in-. $"at "e nee5e5 to 5eal %it" you 1or t"em.C Syl)ie %it"5re% "er "an5 1rom G%en?s an5 stare5 up at me. Her 8ro%n eyes %ere 1urious@ 8ut it %asn?t me s"e %as an-ry %it". ADou 3an?t 8e t"eir lea5er an5 our lupa. Dou 3an?t 8e 8ot". He %as lyin-.C 9 si-"e5. AA1rai5 not.C ABut@ "o% ... A ALook@ it?s late@ an5 %e?re all tire5. Let?s >ust 5o t"e s"ort )ersion. 9 kille5 Ga8riel@ te3"ni3ally t"at makes me t"e %ereleopar5s? lea5er. Kane a3kno%le5-e5 me a1ter 9 put a 3ouple o1 non2sil)er 8ullets in "im.C A="y 5i5n?t you kill "imBC Syl)ie aske5. A9t?s sort o1 my 1ault. 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 %"at lea)in- t"em %it"out a lea5er %oul5 mean. Someone s"oul5 "a)e tol5 me t"at t"ey %ere meat 1or any8o5y %it"out a lea5er.C A9 %ante5 t"em to su11er@C Syl)ie sai5. A9 %as tol5 you %ante5 t"em all 5ea5@ t"at i1 you "a5 your %ay@ t"e pa3k %oul5 "a)e "unte5 t"em 5o%n an5 kille5 t"em all.C ADes@C s"e sai5@ Ayes. 9 %ant t"em all 5ea5.C A9 kno% t"ey "elpe5 punis" you an5 ot"er pa3k mem8ers.C S"e s"ook "er "ea5@ "an5s in 1ront o1 "er eyes. 9t took me a se3on5 to realiEe s"e %as 3ryin-. ADou 5on?t un5erstan5. $"ere?s a 1ilm o1 me out t"ere. A 1ilm o1 t"e leopar5s rapin- me.C S"e 8rou-"t "er "an5s 5o%n an5 stare5 at me %it" tear2 1ille5 eyes. $"e ra-e an5 pain in "er 1a3e %as ra%. A9 %as outspoken a-ainst <aina an5 7ar3us. 9t %as my punis"ment. <aina %ante5 to make an e*ample o1 me 1or t"e ot"ers. 9t %orke5@ too. ,)eryone %as s3are5 a1ter t"at.C 9 opene5 my mout"G 3lose5 it@ t"en sai5@ A9 5i5n?t realiEe.C A/o% 5o you see %"y 9 %ant t"em 5ea5BC ADes@C 9 sai5. AGre-ory "a5 rape5 me on3e. ="y %oul5n?t "e 5o it a-ainB ="y 5i5 "e re1use to "urt me toni-"tBC A91 "e really 8elie)es t"at 9?m "is lea5er@ t"en "e kno%s %"at 9?5 5o to "im.C A4i5 you mean it in t"e roomB 4i5 you mean it a8out us killin- t"em allBC A#"@ yea"@C 9 sai5@ A9 meant it.C A$"en Gre-ory %as ri-"t.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "er. A="at 5o you meanBC AHe sai5 you %ere t"eir l6opar5e lionn6@ t"eir rampant leopar5.C

A9 5on?t kno% t"e term@C 9 sai5. G%en ans%ere5. AL6opar5e lionn6 is a term 1rom 'ren3" "eral5ry. 9t?s a leopar5@ or e)en a lion@ rampant in a3tion on a 3rest. 9t sym8oliEes 8ra)e an5 -enerous %arriors "a)in- 5one some 8ra)e 5ee5. 9n t"is 3ase it means a prote3tor@ e)en an a)en-er. Ga8riel %as a lion passant@ a sleepin- lion. He le5 8ut 5i5 not prote3t. 9n e11e3t@ Gre-ory 5i5 not merely re1use to "arm Syl)ie@ "e also tol5 t"e 7aster o1 Beasts t"at i1 "e %as "arme5@ you %oul5 sa)e "im.C AHo% 3an 9 8e t"eir l6opar5e %"at2you23all2it i1 9?m not a leopar5BC AL6opar5e lionn6@C Syl)ie sai5. AHo% 3an you 8e lupa an5 neit"er 8e %ol1 nor our :l1ri3?s lo)erBC S"e "a5 me t"ere. 'res" tears streame5 5o%n Syl)ie?s 1a3e. APa5ma trie5 to -et Vi)ian@ "is personal pet %"ile "e?s "ere@ to 5o t"in-s to me. Sai5 9 like5 %omen@ an5 may8e t"at %oul5 loosen my ton-ue. S"e re1use5@ an5 s"e -a)e t"e same reason t"at Gre-ory 5i5.C 9 remem8ere5 Vi)ian starin- at me@ "er 1ri-"tene5 eyes plea5in- 1or me to "elp "er. AS"it@ you mean s"e really e*pe3te5 me to res3ue "er toni-"t.C Syl)ie >ust no55e5. G%en sai5@ ADes.C AS"it.C A9 "onestly 5i5n?t t"ink o1 it until a1ter %e %ere in t"e Heep. 9 s%ear 9 5i5n?t t"ink o1 it sooner@C Syl)ie sai5. ABut 9 5i5n?t say anyt"in-@ 8e3ause 9 %ante5 t"em to su11er. 9 3an?t stop "atin- t"em >ust like t"at. 4o you un5erstan5BC 9 5i5. ASyl)ie@ you an5 9 "a)e one t"in- in 3ommon. =e are 8ot" )in5i3ti)e as "ell. So@ yea"@ 9 un5erstan5@ 8ut %e 3an?t lea)e t"em t"ere like t"at@ not i1 t"ey %ere e*pe3tin- to 8e sa)e5.C S"e %ipe5 at t"e tears. ADou 3an?t -o up a-ainst t"em toni-"t. =e 3an?t 5o anymore toni-"t.C A9?m not plannin- to 1i-"t anymore toni-"t@ Syl)ie.C ABut you?re plannin- somet"in-.C S"e soun5e5 %orrie5. 9 smile5. ADea".C G%en stoo5. A4on?t 8e 1oolis"@ Anita.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A'oolis". 9?m %ay past 1oolis".C 9 stoppe5 in t"e 5oor%ay an5 turne5 8a3k. ABy t"e %ay@ Syl)ie@ 5on?t 3"allen-e <i3"ar5@ e)er.C Her eyes %i5ene5. AHo% 5i5 you kno%BC 9 s"ru--e5. A4oesn?t matter. ="at 5oes matter is t"at 9?ll kill you i1 you kill "im.C A9t %oul5 8e a 1air 1i-"t.C A9 5on?t 3are.C ADou "a)en?t seen "im@ Anita. He?s on t"e e5-e. Dou 3an 1or8i5 me 1rom 3"allen-in- "im@ 8ut t"ere are ot"ers@ an5 t"ey %on?t 8e nearly as -oo5 1or t"e pa3k as 9 am.C A$"en make it 3arte 8lan3"e@C 9 sai5. A91 anyone kills <i3"ar5@ 9?ll e*e3ute t"em. /o 3"allen-e@ no 1air 1i-"t@ 9?ll >ust take t"em out.C ADou 3an?t 5o t"at@C Syl)ie sai5. A#"@ 9 t"ink 9 3an. 9?m lupa@ remem8er.C A91 you 1or8i5 1i-"ts o1 su33ession@C G%en sai5@ Ayou?re un5erminin- <i3"ar5. Dou?re sayin- in e11e3t t"at you 5on?t 8elie)e "e 3an really lea5 t"e pa3k.C A9?)e 8een tol5 8y t%o pa3k mem8ers to5ay t"at <i3"ar5 is out o1 3ontrol@ 5amn near sui3i5al. $"at "e?s pulle5 "is sel12 "atre5@ "is loat"in- o1 "is 8east@ an5 my re>e3tion@ 5o%n aroun5 "is ears. 9 %on?t let "im 5ie 8e3ause 9 3"ose someone else. 9n a 1e% mont"s %"en "e?s "ealt"ier@ t"en 9?ll step 5o%n. 9?ll let "im take 3are o1 "imsel1@ 8ut not ri-"t no%.C A9?ll pass t"e %or5@C G%en sai5. ADou 5o t"at.C ADou?re -oin- to try an5 8rin- out t"e leopar5s toni-"t@ aren?t youBC Syl)ie sai5. 9 kept seein- t"e 8ruises on Vi)ian?s 8o5y. $"e plea5in- in "er eyes. A$"ey e*pe3te5 me to sa)e t"em@ an5 9 5i5n?t.C ADou 5i5n?t kno%@C G%en sai5. A9 kno% no%@C 9 sai5. ADou 3an?t sa)e e)eryone@C Syl)ie sai5. A,)eryone nee5s a "o88y.C 9 starte5 to %alk out a-ain@ 8ut G%en 3alle5 me 8a3k. 9 turne5 in t"e 5oor%ay. A$ell "er t"e rest@C G%en sai5 so1tly.

Syl)ie %oul5n?t look at me. S"e spoke starin- 5o%n at t"e s"eet. A="en Vi)ian re1use5 to "urt me@ t"ey 3alle5 in Li).C S"e looke5 up@ tears -litterin- in "er eyes. AS"e use5 t"in-s on me. 4i5 t"in-s to me.C Syl)ie 3o)ere5 "er 1a3e %it" "er "an5s an5 rolle5 onto "er si5e@ 3ryin-. G%en met my eyes. $"e look on "er 1a3e %as 1ri-"tenin- in its "atre5. ADou nee5 to kno% %"o to kill.C 9 no55e5. AS"e %on?t lea)e St. Louis ali)e.C AAn5 t"e ot"er oneB $"e 3oun3il mem8er?s sonBC G%en aske5. AHim eit"er@C 9 sai5. APromise it@C s"e sai5. A9 alrea5y "a)e@C 9 sai5. 9 %alke5 out t"en@ sear3"in- 1or a p"one. 9 %ante5 to talk to Hean2!lau5e 8e1ore 9 5i5 anyt"in-. Hean2!lau5e "a5 taken e)eryone else to my "ouse. $"ey %ere 8oar5in- up t"e 8asement %in5o%s so t"at t"e )amps 3oul5 8e tu3ke5 sa1ely a%ay 8e1ore 5a%n. $"e $ra)eler "a5 re1use5 to let t"em take t"eir 3o11ins. Besi5es@ "a)e you e)er trie5 to rent a tru3k on a %eeken5 a1ter mi5ni-"tB ="at %as 9 -oin- to 5o a8out t"e %ereleopar5sB 4amne5 i1 9 kne%.

Chapter Twenty-two
Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e 1loate5 o)er t"e p"one@ my p"one@ my "ouse. He?5 ne)er 8een t"ere 8e1ore. A="at "as "appene5@ ma petiteB Hason ma5e it soun5 ur-ent.C 9 tol5 "im a8out t"e %ereleopar5s. He %as ;uiet 1or so lon-. 9 "a5 to say somet"in-. A$alk to me@ Hean2!lau5e.C AAre you a3tually t"inkin- o1 en5an-erin- us all 1or t"e sake o1 t%o people@ one o1 %"om you "a)e ne)er met 8e1ore@ an5 t"e ot"er %"o you on3e 5es3ri8e5 as a %aste o1 skinBC A9 3an?t lea)e t"em t"ere i1 t"ey e*pe3te5 me to "elp t"em.C A7a petite@ ma petite@ you "a)e a sense o1 no8lesse o8li-e t"at 5oes you 3re5it. But %e 3annot sa)e t"em. $omorro% e)enin- t"e 3oun3il %ill 3ome 1or us@ an5 %e may not e)en 8e a8le to sa)e oursel)es.C AAre t"ey "ere to kill usBC APa5ma %oul5 kill us i1 "e 3oul5. He is t"e %eakest o1 t"e 3oun3il. an5 9 t"ink "e 1ears us.C A$"e $ra)eler?s t"e one %e "a)e to 3on)in3e.C 9 sai5. A/o@ ma petite@ t"e 3oun3il are se)en in num8er@ al%ays an o55 num8er so t"at a )ote may settle a ;uestion. Pa5ma an5 t"e $ra)eler %ill )ote a-ainst one anot"er@ t"is is true. 9t "as 8een true 1or 3enturies. But D)ette is "ere to )ote in t"e pla3e o1 "er lor5@ 7orte 5?Amour. S"e "ates Pa5ma 8ut s"e may "ate me more. 'or t"at matter@ Balt"asar 3oul5 persua5e t"e $ra)eler a-ainst us@ an5 %e are lost.C A="at a8out e)ery8o5y elseB 4o t"ey represent any8o5yBC AAs"er speaks 1or Belle 7orte. Beauti1ul 4eat". 9t is "er line t"at 9 am 5es3en5e5 1rom@ as is "e.C AHe "ates your -uts@C 9 sai5. A=e are sunk.C A9 8elie)e t"e 3"oi3e o1 1our %as )ery 5eli8erate. $"ey %is" me to take a 3oun3il seat@ so 9 am t"e 1i1t" )ote.C A91 t"e $ra)eler )otes %it" you@ an5 D)ette "ates Pa5ma more t"an s"e "ates you ... C A7a petite@ i1 9 a3t as a )otin- mem8er o1 t"e 3oun3il@ t"en t"ey %ill e*pe3t me to return to 'ran3e an5 take my pla3e on t"e 3oun3il.C A'ran3eBC 9 sai5. He lau-"e5@ an5 it slit"ere5 o)er t"e p"one like a s%arm tou3". A9t is not lea)in- our 1air 3ity t"at 1ri-"tens me@ ma petite. 9t is "ol5in- t"e seat. 91 t"e trium)irate %ere 1ully 1orme5 per"aps@ per"aps@ it %oul5 "e possi8le to appear 1ri-"teninenou-" to 1or3e %oul528e 3"allen-ers to 3"oose anot"er.C AAre you sayin- %it"out t"e 1ourt" mark@ t"e trium)irate is uselessBC Silen3e on "is en5@ so lon- an5 5eep@ t"at 9 sai5@ AHean2!lau5eBC A9 am "ere@ ma petite. $"e 1ourt" mark %ill not make our trium)irate 1un3tional unless <i3"ar5 "eals "imsel1.C ADou mean "is "atre5 o1 me.C AHis >ealousy o1 us to-et"er@ yes@ t"at is a pro8lem@ 8ut not t"e only one@ ma petite. His loat"in- o1 "is 8east is so intense@ it %eakens "im. =eaken any link in a 3"ain an5 it may snap.C A4i5 you kno% a8out %"at?s 8een "appenin- in t"e pa3kBC

A<i3"ar5 "as 1or8i55en any o1 t"e %ol)es to tell me anyt"in- %it"out "is permission. 9 8elie)e you are un5er t"e same restri3tion. 9t is@ an5 9 ;uote@ none o1 my 5amn 8usiness.C A9?m surprise5 you 5i5n?t 1or3e Hason to tell you any%ay.C AHa)e you seen <i3"ar5 %it"in t"e last mont"BC A/o.C A9 "a)e. He is on t"e e5-e@ ma petite. 9 5i5 not nee5 Hason to tell me. 9t is plain 1or all to see. His torment %ill 8e )ie%e5 as a %eakness amon- t"e pa3k. =eakness attra3ts t"em like 8loo5 to a ... )ampire. $"ey %ill 3"allen-e "im e)entually.C A9?)e "a5 t%o lukoi tell me t"at t"ey 5on?t t"ink <i3"ar5 %ill 1i-"t. $"at "e?ll >ust let someone kill "im. 4o you 8elie)e t"atBC ASui3i5e 8y simply not 5e1en5in- "imsel1 "ar5 enou-". Hmm.C He %as ;uiet a-ain@ t"en 1inally sai5@ A9 "a5 not t"ou-"t o1 su3" a t"in-. 91 9 "a5@ ma petite@ 9 %oul5 "a)e tol5 you o1 my 3on3erns. 9 5o not %is" <i3"ar5 "arm.C ADea"@ ri-"t.C AHe is our t"ir5@ ma petite. 9t is in my o%n interest to make "im "ealt"y an5 "appy. 9 nee5 "im.C ALike you nee5 me@C 9 sai5. He lau-"e5 lo% an5 5eep@ an5 e)en o)er t"e p"one 9 3oul5 1eel it ti3klin- alon- my 8o5y. A#ui@ ma petite. <i3"ar5 must not 5ie. But to 3ure "is 5espair "e must em8ra3e "is 8east. 9 3annot "elp "im 5o t"at. 9 "a)e trie5 an5 "e %ill not "ear me. He takes %"at limite5 "elp "e nee5s to keep "imsel1 1rom in)a5in- your 5reams@ or you "is@ 8ut 8eyon5 t"at "e %ants not"in- 1rom us. /ot"in- "e %ill a5mit.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC 9 aske5. A9t is your ten5er mer3ies t"at "e nee5s@ ma petite@ not mine.C A$en5er mer3iesBC 9 ma5e it a ;uestion. A91 you 3oul5 a33ept "is 8east@ 3ompletely@ it %oul5 mean somet"in- to "im.C A9 3an?t@ Hean2!lau5e. 9 %is" 9 3oul5@ 8ut 9 3an?t. 9 sa% "im eat 7ar3us. 9 ... C 9?5 only seen <i3"ar5 s"apes"i1t on3e. He?5 8een in>ure5 1rom t"e 1i-"t %it" 7ar3us. He "al123ollapse5 %it" me un5erneat" "im. 9?5 8een trappe5 un5er "im %"ile 1ur 1lo%e5@ mus3les 1orme5 an5 s"i1te5@ 8ones 8roke an5 reknit. !lear li;ui5 "a5 -us"e5 1rom "is po%er@ pourin- o)er me in a near2s3al5in- %a)e. 7ay8e i1 9?5 >ust 8een %at3"in-@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een 5i11erent. But trappe5 un5er "im@ 1eelin- "is 8o5y 5o t"in-s on top o1 me t"at 8o5ies %ere ne)er meant to 5o ... it "a5 8een too mu3". 91 <i3"ar5 "a5 "an5le5 it 5i11erently@ i1 9 "a5 seen "im 3"an-e in a ni3e 3alm %ay 1rom a 5istan3e@ t"en 8uilt up to t"e %"ole ri5e@ may8e@ may8e. But it "a5 "appene5@ an5 9 3oul5n?t 1or-et it. 9 3oul5 still 3lose my eyes an5 see "is man%ol1 s"ape -ulpin- 5o%n a re5@ 8loo5y pie3e o1 7ar3us. 9 leane5 my 8a3k a-ainst t"e %all@ 3ra5lin- t"e re3ei)er. 9 %as ro3kin- e)er so sli-"tly. 9t remin5e5 me o1 Hason in t"e "all%ay. 9 ma5e mysel1 stan5 )ery still. 9 %ante5 to 1or-et. 9 %ante5 to 8e a8le to a33ept <i3"ar5. But 9 3oul5n?t. A7a petite@ are you all ri-"tBC A'ine@ 9?m 1ine.C Hean2!lau5e let t"at -o. He really %as -ettin- smarter@ at least a8out me. A9 5o not %is" to 3ause you 5istress.C A9?)e 5one %"at 9 3an 1or <i3"ar5 on my en5.C 9 tol5 Hean2!lau5e %"at 9?5 tol5 t"e %ere%ol)es. ADou surprise me@ ma petite. 9 t"ou-"t you %ante5 not"in- more to 5o %it" t"e lukoi.C A9 5on?t %ant <i3"ar5 to 5ie 8e3ause 9 8roke "is "eart.C ADou %oul5 1eel responsi8le i1 "e 5ie5 no%@ is t"at itBC ADea".C He took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it si-" o)er t"e p"one. 9t ma5e me s"i)er@ 1or no parti3ular reason. AHo% 8a5ly 5o you %is" to "elp t"e %ereleopar5sBC A="at kin5 o1 ;uestion is t"atBC AAn important one@C "e sai5. A="at are you %illin- to risk 1or t"emB ="at %oul5 you en5ure 1or t"emBC ADou "a)e somet"in- spe3i1i3 in min5@ 5on?t youBC APa5ma mi-"t -i)e up Vi)ian in e*3"an-e 1or you. Gre-ory?s 1ree5om 3oul5 8e %on i1 %e -a)e t"em Hason.C A9 noti3e you?re not tra5in- yoursel1 in@C 9 sai5. APa5ma %oul5 not %ant me@ ma petite. He is neit"er a lo)er o1 men nor o1 ot"er )ampires in parti3ular. He pre1ers "is 3ompanions %arm an5 1emale.C A="y Hason t"enBC AA %ere%ol1 1or a %ereleopar5 mi-"t 8e an a33epta8le tra5e to "im.C

A/ot to me. =e are not tra5in- one "osta-e 1or anot"er@ an5 9 am 3ertainly not -i)in- mysel1 to t"at monster.C ADou see@ ma petite@ you %ill not en5ure t"at. Dou %ill not risk Hason to sa)e Gre-ory. 9 ask a-ain@ %"at %ill you risk 1or t"emBC A9?ll risk my li1e@ 8ut only i1 9?)e -ot a -oo5 3"an3e o1 -ettin- out ali)e. /o se*@ a8solutely not. /o tra5in- one "osta-e 1or anot"er. /o8o5y else -ets skinne5 ali)e or rape5. Ho%?s t"at 1or parametersBC APa5ma an5 'ernan5o %ill 8e 5isappointe5@ 8ut t"e ot"ers mi-"t a-ree. 9 %ill 5o t"e 8est 9 3an %it"in t"e limits you "a)e -i)en me.C A/o rape@ no maimin-@ no a3tual inter3ourse@ no "osta-es@ 5oes t"at really tie your "an5s t"at mu3"BC A="en %e "a)e sur)i)e5 all t"is@ ma petite@ an5 t"e 3oun3il "as -one "ome@ 9 %ill tell you stories o1 my time at 3ourt. 9 "a)e seen spe3ta3les t"at e)en in t"e tellin- %oul5 -i)e you ni-"tmares.C A/i3e to kno% you t"ink %e?re -oin- to sur)i)e.C A9 am "ope1ul@ yes.C ABut not 3ertain@C 9 sai5. A/ot"in- is 3ertain@ ma petite@ not e)en 5eat".C He "a5 me t"ere. 7y 8eeper %ent o11. 9t pulle5 a -asp 1rom my t"roat. /er)ous@ %"o meB AAre you all ri-"t@ ma petiteBC A7y 8eeper %ent o11@C 9 sai5. 9 3"e3ke5 t"e num8er. 9t %as 4olp". A9t?s t"e poli3e. 9 nee5 to return t"e 3all.C A9 %ill 8e-in ne-otiations %it" t"e 3oun3il@ ma petite. 91 t"ey ask too mu3"@ 9 %ill let your leopar5s remain %"ere t"ey are.C APa5ma %ill kill Vi)ian no% t"at "e t"inks s"e 8elon-s to me. He mi-"t "a)e kille5 "er 8e1ore@ 8ut it %oul5 "a)e 8een 8y a33i5ent. 91 %e 5on?t -et "er out o1 t"ere@ "e?ll 5o it on purpose.C A#ne meetin- %it" "im an5 you are so sure o1 t"isBC ADou t"ink 9?m %ron-BC 9 aske5. A/o@ ma petite@ 9 t"ink you are e*a3tly ri-"t.C AGet t"em out o1 t"ere@ Hean2!lau5e. 7ake t"e 8est 5eal you 3an.C A9 "a)e your permission to use your name in t"isBC ADea".C 7y 8eeper %ent o11 a se3on5 time. 4olp"@ impatient as usual. A9?)e -ot to -o@ Hean2!lau5e.C AVery %ell@ ma petite. 9 %ill 8ar-ain 1or us all@ t"en.C ADou 5o t"at@C 9 sai5. A=ait ... C ADes@ ma petite.C ADou aren?t -oin- to -o 8a3k to t"e !ir3us in person toni-"t@ are youB 9 5on?t %ant you in t"ere alone@C 9 sai5. A9 %ill use t"e p"one@ i1 you pre1er@C "e sai5. A9 5o.C ADou 5on?t trust t"em@C "e sai5. A/ot "ar5ly.C A=ise 8eyon5 your years@C "e sai5. ASuspi3ious 8eyon5 my years@ you mean.C A$"at as %ell@ ma petite. 91 t"ey %ill not ne-otiate o)er t"e p"oneBC "e aske5. A$"en let it -o.C ADou sai5 you %ere %illin- to risk your li1e@ ma petite.C A9 5i5n?t say 9 %as %illin- to risk yours.C AA"@C "e sai5. AHe t? aime@ ma petite.C A9 lo)e you@ too@C 9 sai5. He "un- up 1irst@ an5 9 5iale5 t"e poli3e. Here %as "opin- %"ate)er 4olp" "a5 in min5 %as some ni3e strai-"t1or%ar5 poli3e %ork. Dea"@ ri-"t.

Chapter Twenty-three
$"e )i3tim "a5 8een rus"e5 to a "ospital 8y t"e time 9 arri)e5 at Burnt #11erin-s. 9t?s one o1 my 1a)orites o1 t"e ne%er )ampire 8usinesses. 9t %as 1ar 1rom t"e )ampire 5istri3t. $"e only ot"er )amp 8usinesses %ere 8lo3ks@ miles a%ay. As you %alke5 t"rou-" t"e 5oors t"ere %as a poster 1rom t"e 19. ?s mo)ie Burnt #11erin-s@ #li)er <ee5 an5 Bette 4a)is starin- 5o%n at you. $"ere %as a li1e siEe %a*%ork o1 !"ristop"er Lee as 4ra3ula in t"e 8ar. $"ere %as one %all %it" 1rame5 3ari3atures o1 "orror stars o1 t"e si*ties an5 se)enties@ 1loor to 3eilin-@ no ta8les allo%e5 to o8stru3t t"e )ie%. 9t %asn?t un3ommon to see 3lusters o1 )isitors tryin- to i5enti1y %"o %as %"o. At mi5ni-"t %"oe)er "a5 t"e most 3orre3t -uesses -ot a 1ree 5inner 1or t%o. $"e pla3e %as pure s3"lo3k. Some o1 t"e %aiters %ere real )amps@ 8ut ot"ers %ere >ust %anna8es. 'or some it %as >ust a >o8@ an5 t"ey spe3ialiEe5 in plasti3 Hallo%een teet" an5 >okes. 'or ot"ers it %as t"eir 3"an3e to preten5. $"ey "a5 5ental 3aps o)er t"eir 3anines an5 %orke5 )ery "ar5 at 8ein- t"e real t"in-. #t"er %aiters or %aitresses %ere 5resse5 up as mummies@ t"e %ol1 man@ 'rankenstein?s monster. $o my kno%le5-e t"e only real monsters %ere t"e )amps. 91 a s"apes"i1ter %ante5 to 3ome out o1 t"e 3loset@ t"ere %as 8etter money to 8e ma5e in more e*oti3 lo3ales. $"e pla3e %as al%ays pa3ke5. 9 %asn?t sure %"et"er Hean2!lau5e %as sorry "e "a5n?t t"ou-"t o1 it 1irst or i1 "e %as simply em8arrasse5 8y it. 9t %as a little 563lass6 1or "im. 7e@ 9 lo)e5 it. 'rom t"e "aunte5 "ouse soun5tra3k to t"e Bela Lu-osi 8ur-ers@ e*tra rare unless ot"er%ise re;ueste5. Bela %as one o1 t"e 1e% e*3eptions to t"e ( ?s an5 . ?s mo)ie 5e3or. Har5 to "a)e a "orror t"eme restaurant %it"out t"e ori-inal mo)ie 4ra3ula. Dou "a)en?t li)e5 until you?)e 8een t"ere on a 'ri5ay ni-"t 1or S3ary Karaoke. 9 took <onnie. Veroni3a (<onnie) Sims is a pri)ate 5ete3ti)e an5 my 8est 1rien5. =e "a5 a 8last. But 8a3k to t"e 8o5y. All ri-"t@ not a 8o5y@ a )i3tim. But i1 t"e 8arten5er "a5n?t 8een 1ast %it" a 1ire e*tin-uis"er@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een a 8o5y. 4ete3ti)e !li)e Perry %as t"e man in 3"ar-e. He?s tall@ slen5er@ sort o1 4enEel =as"in-ton %it"out t"e 8roa5 s"oul5ers. He?s one o1 t"e most polite people 9?)e e)er met. 9?)e ne)er "ear5 "im yell@ an5 only seen "im lose "is 3omposure on3e2 %"en a lar-e %"ite 3op "a5 pointe5 a -un at t"e Ani--er 5ete3ti)e.C ,)en t"en 9 %as t"e one %"o pointe5 my -un at t"e ro-ue 3op. 9 %as t"e one t"at %as rea5y to s"oot %"ile Perry %as still tryin- to talk t"e situation 5o%n. 7ay8e 9 o)errea3te5. 7ay8e 9 5i5n?t. /o one 5ie5. He turne5 %it" a smile@ so1t )oi3e. A7s. Blake@ -oo5 to see you.C AGoo5 to see you@ too@ 4ete3ti)e Perry.C He al%ays a11e3te5 me t"is %ay. He %as so polite@ so so1t2spoken t"at 9 1ell into t"e same pattern. 9 %as ne)er t"is ni3e to anyone else. =e %ere in t"e 8ar %it" its li1e2siEe %a*%ork o1 !"ristop"er Lee as 4ra3ula loomin- o)er us. $"e 8arten5er %as a )amp name5 Harry %"o "a5 lon- au8urn "air an5 a sil)er stu5 in "is nose. He looke5 )ery youn-@ )ery 3uttin- e5-e@ an5 3oul5 pro8a8ly remem8er t"e Hamesto%n 3"arter@ t"ou-" "is Britis" a33ent s"o%e5 "e %as ne%er to t"e 3ountry t"an t"e 1( ?s. He %as polis"in- t"e 8ar like "is li1e 5epen5e5 on it. ,)en %it" "is ni3e 8lank 1a3e@ 9 3oul5 tell "e %as ner)ous. !oul5n?t 8lame "im@ 9 -uess. Harry %as part o%ner as %ell as 8arten5er. A %oman "a5 8een atta3ke5 in t"e 8ar 8y a )ampire patron. Very 8a5 1or 8usiness. $"e %oman "a5 t"ro%n a 5rink in "is 1a3e an5 lit "im %it" "er li-"ter. 9n-enious in an emer-en3y. Vamps 8urn really %ell. But t"e ;uiet 8ar in a 1amily2oriente5 tourist trap 5i5n?t seem t"e pla3e 1or su3" e*treme measures. 7ay8e s"e pani3ke5. A=itnesses all say s"e seeme5 1rien5ly until "e -ot a little too 3lose@C Perry sai5. A4i5 "e 8ite "erBC Perry no55e5. AS"it@C 9 sai5. ABut s"e lit "im up@ Anita. He?s 8a5ly 8urne5. He may not make it. ="at 3oul5 s"e "a)e t"ro%n on "im to -et t"ir525e-ree 8urns so ;ui3klyBC AHo% ;ui3klyBC He 3"e3ke5 "is notes. ASe3on5s an5 "e %ent up.C 9 aske5 Harry. A="at %as s"e 5rinkin-BC He 5i5n?t ask %"o@ >ust sai5@ AStrai-"t S3ot3". Best %e "a5 in t"e pla3e.C AHi-" al3o"ol 3ontentBC He no55e5. A$"at %oul5 "a)e 8een enou-"@C 9 sai5. A#n3e you -et a )amp 8urnin-@ t"ey 8urn until t"ey?re put out. $"ey?re )ery 3om8usti8le.C ASo s"e 5i5n?t 3ome in "ere %it" some sort o1 a33elerantBC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. AS"e 5i5n?t nee5 it. ="at 9 5on?t like is t"e 1a3t t"at s"e kne% to li-"t t"e 5rink. 91 "e?5 8een "uman an5 -otten out o1 "an5@ s"e?5 "a)e t"ro%n t"e 5rink an5 yelle5 1or "elp.C

AHe 5i5 8ite "er@C Perry sai5. A91 s"e "a5 t"at mu3" pro8lem %it" a )ampire sinkin- 1an- in "er@ s"e %oul5n?t "a)e 8een 3u55lin- %it" "im in a 8ar. Somet"in-?s o11 a8out t"is.C ADes@C "e sai5@ A8ut 9 5on?t kno% %"at. 91 t"e )ampire sur)i)es@ "e?s -oin- to 8e up on 3"ar-es.C A9?5 like to see t"e %oman.C A4olp" took "er to t"e emer-en3y room to -et t"e 8ite ten5e5. He?s -ot "er 5o%n at our "ea5;uarters. He sai5 to 3ome on 5o%n i1 you t"ink you nee5 to see "er.C 9t %as late@ an5 9 %as tire5@ 8ut 5ammit@ somet"in- %as %ron-. 9 %alke5 o)er to t"e 8ar. A=as s"e trollin- 1or )amps@ HarryBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A!ame in to use t"e p"one@ t"en sat 5o%n. S"e?s a 8eauty. 4i5n?t take lon- 1or someone to "it on "er. Hust 8a5 lu3k it %as a )ampire.C ADea"@C 9 sai5@ A8a5 lu3k.C He kept polis"in- t"e 8ar in small roun5 3ir3les@ %"ile "is eyes %at3"e5 me. A91 s"e sues us@ it?ll ruin us.C AS"e %on?t sue@C 9 sai5. A$ell t"at to t"e !rematorium in Boston. A %oman -ot 8it t"ere an5 sue5 t"em out o1 8usiness. $"ey "a5 pi3kets -oinoutsi5e.C 9 patte5 "is "an5@ an5 "e %ent utterly still un5er my tou3". His skin "a5 t"at "ar5 almost %oo5en 1eel t"at )amps 3an "a)e %"en t"ey aren?t tryin- to 8e "uman. 9 met "is 5ark eyes@ an5 "is 1a3e %as as immo8ile an5 unrea5a8le as -lass. A9?ll -o talk to t"e suppose5 )i3tim.C He >ust looke5 at me. A9t %on?t "elp@ Anita. S"e?s "uman. =e?re not. /ot"in- t"ey 5o in =as"in-ton %ill 3"an-e t"at.C 9 took my "an5 a%ay an5 resiste5 an ur-e to %ipe it on my 5ress. 9 ne)er like5 t"e %ay )amps 1elt %"en t"ey %ent "ar5 an5 ot"er%orl5ly. $"ey 5i5n?t 1eel like 1les" t"en@ almost plasti3 like a 5olp"in@ 8ut "ar5er@ as i1 t"ere %as no mus3le un5erneat"@ not"in- 8ut soli5ness like a tree. A9?ll 5o %"at 9 3an@ Harry.C A=e?re monsters@ Anita. =e?ll al%ays 8e monsters. 9?)e really en>oye5 8ein- a8le to %alk t"e streets like e)eryone else@ 8ut it %on?t last.C A7ay8e@ may8e not@C 9 sai5. ALet?s take 3are o1 t"is pro8lem 8e1ore %e 8orro% anot"er one@ okayBC He no55e5 an5 %alke5 a%ay to sta3k -lasses. A$"at %as )ery 3om1ortin- o1 you@C Perry sai5. Anyone else on t"e s;ua5 %oul5 "a)e sai5 it %asn?t like me to 8e 3om1ortin-. #1 3ourse@ anyone else %oul5 "a)e alrea5y -i)en me a "ar5 time a8out t"e 5ress. 9 %as -oin- to "a)e to -o 5o%n to <P9$ "ea5;uarters. 4olp" %oul5 8e t"ere an5 Ker8ro%ski@ pro8a8ly. $"ey?5 kno% >ust %"at to say a8out t"e 5ress.

Chapter Twenty-four
$"ree o?3lo3k 1oun5 me at t"e "ea5;uarters 1or t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam. Anot"er s;ua5 "a5 8uttons ma5e up 1or us %it" t"e a88re)iation <9P 8lee5in- 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 t"e 8utton in re5 or -reen@ your 3"oi3e. Ker8ro%ski "an5e5 t"em out@ an5 %e all %ore t"em@ e)en 4olp". $"e 1irst )ampire %e kille5 a1ter t"e 8uttons arri)e5 3ame t"rou-" t"e mor-ue %it" one o1 t"e 8uttons pinne5 to its s"irt. /e)er 5i5 1in5 out %"o 5i5 it. 7y money %as on Ker8ro%ski. Ker8ro%ski met me on t"e steps lea5in- into t"e s;ua5 room. A91 t"at 5ress %as slit any "i-"er@ it?5 8e a s"irt@C "e sai5. 9 looke5 "im up an5 5o%n. His pale 8lue s"irt %as 3omin- untu3ke5 1rom a pair o1 5ark -reen 5ress sla3ks@ "is tie so loose@ it looke5 like a 8ulky ne3kla3e. AHeeE@ Ker8ro%ski@ is Katie ma5 at youBC He 1ro%ne5. A/o@ %"yBC 9 motione5 at t"e tie t"at mat3"e5 neit"er s"irt nor sla3ks. AS"e let you %ear t"is out %"ere people 3oul5 see you.C He -rinne5. A9 5resse5 in t"e 5ark.C 9 tou3"e5 t"e 8la3k21i-ure5 tie. A$"at 9 8elie)e.C But it 5i5n?t 1aEe "im. He pus"e5 t"e 5oor open to t"e s;ua5 room %it" a 1louris". He 8eame5 at me. ABeauty 8e1ore a-e.C 9t %as my turn to 1ro%n. A="at are you up to@ Ker8ro%skiBC He -a)e me inno3ent eyes. A7e@ up to somet"in-BC

9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 %alke5 t"rou-" t"e 5oor. $"ere %as a stu11e5 toy pen-uin on e)ery 5esk. ,)eryone ans%ere5 p"ones@ 1ile5@ %orke5 on t"eir 3omputers. /o one pai5 me any attention. Hust t"e pen-uins sittin- on e)ery 5esk. 9t "a5 8een almost a year sin3e 4olp" an5 Ker8ro%ski "a5 seen my pen-uin 3olle3tion. $"e teasin- 5i5n?t start ri-"t a%ayG 9 t"ou-"t 9 %as sa1e. ="en Ker8ro%ski -ot 8a3k o11 si3k lea)e a1ter t"e ne% year@ t"e pen-uins "a5 starte5 s"o%in- up at e)ery 3reme s3ene. #n my 3ar seat@ in my trunk. $"ey must "a)e spent a 3ouple o1 "un5re5 5ollars on t"e t"in-s 8y no%. 9 still 5i5n?t kno% "o% to rea3t. 9-nore itB Preten5 t"at t"ere %eren?t a 5oEen Pen-uins sittin- aroun5 t"e roomB !olle3t t"em as 9 %ent t"rou-" t"e room an5 take t"em "omeB Get ma5B 91 9 3oul5 "a)e 1i-ure5 out t"e rea3tion t"at %oul5 stop t"e >oke@ 9?5 "a)e -i)en it to t"em. So 1ar@ 9?5 trie5 i-norin- an5 3olle3tin-. /eit"er stoppe5 it. 9n 1a3t@ it seeme5 to 8e -ettin- %orse. 9 suspe3te5 t"at t"ey %ere 8uil5in- to some -ran5 3lima*. 9 "a5 no i5ea %"at an5 %asn?t sure 9 e)er %ante5 to 1in5 out. AGla5 to see e)ery8o5y?s so ener-eti3 at t"ree A.7.C A/o e11ort too -reat@ no "our too late@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. A="ere?s 4olp"BC A9n t"e inter)ie% room %it" our )i3tim.C $"ere %as somet"in- a8out t"e %ay "e sai5 it t"at ma5e me look at "im. A4olp" 3alle5 "er t"e Fsuppose5? )i3tim o)er t"e p"one. ="y 5oesn?t anyone 8elie)e "erBC He smile5. A4olp" %oul5 8e ma5 i1 9 spoile5 it.C He 3rooke5 "is 1in-er at me. A!ome alon-@ little -irl. =e "a)e someone %e %ant you to meet.C 9 s3o%le5 at "im. A91 t"is is some ela8orate >oke@ 9 am -oin- to 8e pisse5.C He "el5 t"e 5oor 1or me. A4i5 %e interrupt your 5ate %it" !ount 4ra3ulaBC A/one o1 your 5amn 8usiness.C A 3"orus o1 Aooo"sC %ent t"rou-" t"e s;ua5 room. 9 %ent t"rou-" t"e 5oor %it" e)eryone 3allin- a1ter me. Some o1 t"e su--estions %ere ru5e@ one p"ysi3ally impossi8le e)en %it" a )ampire. Se*ual "arassment or >ust 8ein- one o1 t"e -uys@ it %as al%ays a t"in line. 9 peeke5 8a3k t"rou-" t"e 5oor an5 sai5@ ADou?re all >ust >ealous.C $"at 8rou-"t more 3at3alls. Ker8ro%ski %as %aitin- on t"e stairs 1or me. A9 5on?t kno% %"et"er you?ll 1las" me more le- i1 9 %alk in 1ront o1 you@ lookin8a3k@ or 8e"in5 you. 9 t"ink in 1ront.C APus" it too 1ar@ Ker8ro%ski@ an5 9?ll tell Katie on you.C AS"e kno%s 9?m a le3".C He %alke5 5o%n t"e stairs lookin- 8a3k at me. 9 %alke5 5o%n t"e stairs an5 let t"e 5ress 1all %"ere it mi-"t. ="en you %ear a 5ress slit nearly to your "ips@ e)en i1 it is to "a)e a -un "an5y@ you are eit"er 3om1orta8le %it" men lookin- or you %ear somet"in- else. AHo% 5i5 you e)er 3on)in3e Katie to 5ate you@ let alone marry youBC A9 -ot "er 5runk@C "e sai5. 9 lau-"e5. A9?ll ask "er ne*t time 9?m o)er 1or 5inner.C He -rinne5. AS"e?ll -i)e you t"is 3o3k2an528ull story a8out somet"in- romanti3 an5 stupi5. 4on?t 8elie)e "er.C He stoppe5 in 1ront o1 t"e 1irst inter)ie% room an5 kno3ke5 so1tly. 4olp" opene5 t"e 5oor. He 1ille5 t"e 5oor%ay )ery 3ompletely. He isn?t >ust tall@ "e?s 8ulky like a pro2%restler. His tie %as knotte5 per1e3tly@ %"ite2star3"e5 3ollar ti-"t to "is ne3k. His -rey 5ress sla3ks still "a5 a s"arp 3rease. His only 3on3ession to t"e "eat an5 t"e lateness o1 t"e "our %as t"e lon- %"ite slee)es o1 "is s"irt. /o >a3ket. 9 3oul5 3ount on one "an5 t"e times 9?5 seen 4olp" in s"irt slee)es. All 3ops per1e3t a 8ore5 1a3e or a 8lank 1a3e@ some e)en a mil5ly amuse5 1a3e But t"ey all e)entually "a)e a 1a3e t"at keeps e)eryt"in- insi5e. An emptiness settles in t"eir eyes t"at keeps all t"eir se3rets. 4olp" -a)e -reat 8lank 1a3e %"en ;uestionin- suspe3ts. $"e look on "is 1a3e no% %as an-ry. 9?5 ne)er seen "im so o8)iously pisse5 ;uestionin- a suspe3t. A="at?s upBC 9 aske5. He 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im@ steppin- into t"e "all%ay. He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5on?t kno% %"y t"is one?s -ettin- to me.C A$ell me@C 9 sai5. His eyes 1li3ke5 to my 3lot"in-@ as i1 "e?5 >ust noti3e5. $"e 1ro%n so1tene5 into somet"in- 3lose to a smile. ASome8o5y "as 8e3ome a 8a5 in1luen3e on your %ar5ro8e.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A9?)e -ot a -un in a 8elly8an5@ okayB =it" t"e slits@ it?s easier to -et to.C 9 %oul5 ne)er "a)e e*plaine5 my 5ress to Ker8ro%ski@ 8ut to 4olp" ... A#o"@C Ker8ro%ski sai5. A'las" us@ 1las" us.C 4olp"?s smile %i5ene5 enou-" t"at "is eyes %ere s"iny. A91 you?re -oin- to 1las" t"at mu3" le-@ at least it?s in a -oo5 3ause.C

9 3rosse5 my arms o)er my stoma3". A9s t"ere really a suspe3t in t"ere or 5i5 you 3all me 5o%n "ere >ust to yank my 3"ainBC $"e smile 1a5e5@ an5 t"e an-ry 1ro%n returne5. AS"e?s not t"e suspe3t. S"e?s t"e )i3tim. 9 kno% you talke5 to Perry at t"e s3ene@ 8ut 9 %ant you to "ear "er story@ t"en tell me %"at you t"ink.C =it" t"at@ "e opene5 t"e 5oor. $"at %as 4olp"@ ne)er like5 to in1luen3e "is people. But 1rankly@ it %as a little a8rupt. 9 5i5n?t "a)e time to put my pro1essional 1a3e on. 9 ma5e eye 3onta3t %it" t"e %oman %"ile 9 still looke5 sort o1 surprise5. 9 "a5 an impression o1 "u-e 8lue eyes@ silky 8lon5 "air@ 5eli3ate 1eatures@ an5 yet s"e %as tall. ,)en %it" "er sittin- 5o%n@ 9 3oul5 tell t"at. Very 1e% %omen 3an 8e 8ot" tall an5 5ainty@ 8ut s"e pulle5 it o11. A7s. Vi3ki Pier3e@ t"is is Anita Blake. 9?5 like you to tell "er your story.C 7s. Pier3e 8linke5 8i- 8lue eyes@ tears %ellin- in t"em2not 1allin-@ min5 you@ 8ut -litterin-. S"e 5a88e5 at t"em %it" a Kleene*. $"ere %as a 8an5a-e on t"e si5e o1 "er ne3k. ASer-eant Storr@ 9?)e tol5 you %"at "appene5. 9?)e tol5 you an5 tol5 you.C A sin-le tear sli5 5o%n "er 3"eek. A9?m so tire5@ an5 it?s 8een su3" a traumati3 ni-"t. 4o 9 "a)e to tell it all o)er a-ainBC S"e leane5 to%ar5s "im in t"e 3"air@ arms "el5 prote3ti)ely in 1ront o1 "er@ almost plea5in- %it" "im. A lot o1 men %oul5 "a)e 8u3kle5 un5er t"e s%eet pressure o1 t"ose eyes. $oo 8a5 t"e per1orman3e %as %aste5 on 4olp". AHust one more time 1or 7s. Blake@C "e sai5. S"e looke5 past me to Ker8ro%ski. APlease@ 9?m so tire5.C Ker8ro%ski leane5 a-ainst t"e %all. AHe?s t"e 8oss.C S"e?5 trie5 usin- "er %omanly %iles@ 8ut it %asn?t %orkin-. S"e s%it3"e5 to sisterly unity %it" only a 8link o1 "er 8a8y 8lues. ADou?re a %oman. Dou kno% "o% it is@ 8ein- so alone amon- all t"ese2A "er )oi3e 5roppe5 to a "us"2A men.C S"e stare5 5o%n at t"e ta8le top@ t"en 8a3k up %it" real tears trailin- 5o%n "er per1e3t skin. 9t %as an #s3ar2%ort"y per1orman3e. 9 %ante5 to applau5@ 8ut 9?5 try sympat"y 1irst. $"ere %as al%ays time 1or sar3asm later. 9 %alke5 aroun5 t"e ta8le to "er an5 leane5 a-ainst it %it"out really sittin-. 9 %as only in3"es 1rom "er@ 5e1initely an in)asion o1 personal spa3e. 9 patte5 "er s"oul5er an5 smile5@ t"ou-" 9 %asn?t a -oo5 enou-" a3tress 1or it to rea3" my eyes. ADou?re not alone no%@ 7s. Pier3e. 9?m "ere. Please >ust tell me your story.C AAre you a la%yerBC s"e aske5. 91 s"e aske5 1or a la%yer an5 %as insistent@ t"e inter)ie% %as o)er. 9 knelt in 1ront o1 "er@ takin- "er still trem8lin- "an5s in mine. 9 stare5 up at "er. 9 3oul5n?t mana-e to look sympat"eti3 8ut 9 %as intereste5. 9 -a)e "er all my attention. 9 stare5 at "er 1a3e like 9?5 memoriEe it an5 sai5@ APlease@ Vi3ki@ let me "elp you.C Her "an5s "a5 -one )ery still un5er mine. S"e stare5 at me %it" "er 8i- eyes like a 5eer t"at "a5 s3ente5 t"e -un@ 8ut t"ou-"t i1 it "el5 )ery still@ t"e -un %oul5n?t 1ire. S"e no55e5 almost to "ersel1 more t"an to me. S"e -rippe5 my "an5s@ an5 "er 1a3e %as utterly sin3ere. A9 "a5 3ar trou8le@ an5 9 %ent into t"e 8ar si5e o1 a restaurant to use t"e p"one.C S"e 5u3ke5 "er "ea5@ not meetin- my eyes. A9 kno% 9 s"oul5n?t "a)e -one in t"ere. A %oman in a 8ar alone is >ust askin- 1or trou8le. But t"ere %eren?t any p"ones any%"ere else.C ADou "a)e a ri-"t to -o any%"ere you %ant@ anytime you %ant@ Vi3ki. Bein- a %oman 5oesn?t take a%ay t"at ri-"t.C 9 5i5n?t "a)e to preten5 to soun5 outra-e5. S"e looke5 at me a-ain@ eyes stu5yin- my 1a3e. 9 3oul5 almost see t"e %"eels in "er "ea5 turnin-. S"e t"ou-"t s"e "a5 me. Go5@ s"e %as youn-. Her 1in-ers ti-"tene5 on my "an5s@ a 1ine tremor -oin- up "er arms. A9 3alle5 a 1rien5 o1 mine to 3ome look at t"e 3ar. 9?m in 3olle-e an5 5on?t "a)e a lot o1 money@ so 9 5i5n?t %ant to 3all a -ara-e ri-"t a%ay@ not until my 1rien5 "a5 seen t"e 3ar. 9 "ope5 "e 3oul5 1i* it.C S"e %as )olunteerin- too mu3" in1ormation. Alrea5y >usti1yin- "ersel1. #r may8e s"e?5 >ust tol5 t"e story too many times. /a%. A9?5 "a)e 5one t"e same t"in-@C 9 sai5. An5 9 mi-"t "a)e. S"e s;ueeEe5 my "an5s an5 leane5 to%ar5s me@ a little ea-er@ -ettin- into "er story. A$"ere %as t"is man at t"e 8ar. He seeme5 ni3e. =e talke5@ an5 "e aske5 me to sit %it" "im. 9 tol5 "im 9 %as %aitin- 1or my 1rien5. He sai5@ 1ine@ %e?5 >ust talk.C A-ain s"e looke5 5o%n. AHe sai5 9 "a5 t"e most 8eauti1ul skin "e?5 e)er seen.C S"e looke5 8a3k at me@ eyes %i5e. A9 mean@ it %as so romanti3.C 9t %as so re"earse5. AGo on.C A9 let "im 8uy me a 5rink. 9 kno% 9 s"oul5n?t "a)e.C S"e 5a88e5 at "er eyes. A9 aske5 i1 "e min5e5 me smokin-@ an5 "e sai5 no.C $"ere %as a 1ull as"tray at "er el8o%. /eit"er 4olp" nor Ker8ro%ski smoke5@ %"i3" meant little Vi3ki %as 5amn near a 3"ain smoker. AHe "a5 "is arm aroun5 me an5 leane5 in to kiss me@ 9 t"ou-"t.C $"e tears 3ame 1aster@ s"e "un3"e5 o)er a little@ 8a3k s"akin-. AHe 8it me@ on t"e ne3k. 9 s%ear until t"at se3on5 9 5i5n?t realiEe "e %as a )ampire.C S"e looke5 at me@ 1rom in3"es a%ay )i8ratin- %it" sin3erity. 9 patte5 "er arm. AA lot o1 people 3an?t tell )ampires 1rom "umans. ,spe3ially i1 t"ey?)e 1e5 1irst.C

S"e 8linke5 at me. A'e5 1irstBC A91 a )ampire is 1ull o1 8loo5@ t"en "e looks more "uman.C S"e no55e5. A#".C A="at 5i5 you 5o %"en "e 8it youBC A9 t"re% my 5rink at "im an5 lit it %it" my li-"ter.C ALit itBC 9 sai5@ A9t@ t"e li;uor@ or it@ t"e )ampireBC ABot"@C s"e sai5. 9 no55e5. AVamps are )ery 3om8usti8le. He 8urne5 real -oo5@ 5i5n?t "eBC A9 5i5n?t kno% "e?5 -o up in 1lames like "e 5i5@C s"e sai5. AA person >ust 5oesn?t 8urn like t"at.C A/o@C 9 sai5@ At"ey 5on?t.C A9 starte5 to s3ream an5 run a%ay 1rom "im. 7y 1rien5 3ame in t"e 5oor t"en. People %ere s"outin- an5 s3reamin-. 9t %as a%1ul.C 9 stoo5 up. A9 8et it %as.C S"e stare5 up me@ 8lue eyes sin3ere 8ut not 1ull o1 "orror 1or %"at s"e?5 5one. $"ere %as no remorse. S"e -rippe5 my arm su55enly@ )ery ti-"t@ as i1 s"e 3oul5 %ill me to un5erstan5. A9 "a5 to prote3t mysel1.C 9 pla3e5 my "an5 o)er "ers an5 smile5. A="at ma5e you t"ink o1 li-"tin- t"e li;uor on3e you?5 t"ro%n itBC A9 remem8ere5 t"at )ampires %ere a1rai5 o1 1ire.C ABut i1 you t"re% a 5rink in a "uman?s 1a3e an5 lit it@ it %oul5 only 8urn until t"e li;uor %as -one. A %"oos" an5 it %oul5 8e all o)er. A "uman %oul5 lea)e you alone a1ter t"at@ t"ou-" t"ey?5 8e "urt. =eren?t you a1rai5 t"at you?5 >ust make t"e )ampire more an-ryBC ABut )ampires are )ery 3om8usti8le@ you sai5 it yoursel1@C Vi3ki sai5. 7y smile %i5ene5. ASo you kne% "e?5 -o up in 1lamesBC ADes@C s"e sai5@ 3lut3"in- me@ %illin- me to un5erstan5 "er pli-"t. 4olp" sai5@ A9 t"ou-"t you 5i5n?t kno% t"e )ampire %oul5 -o up in 1lames@ 7s. Pier3e.C A9 5i5n?t@ not until "e 8urne5 like t"at@C s"e sai5. 9 patte5 "er "an5. ABut@ Vi3ki 5ear@ you >ust sai5 you kne% "e %as 3om8usti8le.C ABut you sai5 it 1irst.C AVi3ki@ you >ust sai5 you kne% "e?5 -o up in 1lames %"en you lit "im up.C A9 5i5n?t.C 9 no55e5. ADes@ you 5i5.C S"e 5re% "er "an5s a%ay 1rom me@ sittin- )ery strai-"t in "er 3"air. ADou are tryin- to 3on1use me.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ Vi3ki@ you?re 5oin- t"at all on your o%n.C 9 mo)e5 a%ay 1rom "er %"ile still maintainin- eye 3onta3t. A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC s"e aske5. A little 8it o1 an-er peeke5 t"rou-" "er "elpless25amsel a3t. A="at restaurant %as itBC 9 aske5 as i1 9 "a5n?t 8een t"ere t%enty minutes earlier. 9nterro-ations are so o1ten repetiti)e. A="atBC s"e aske5. A="at %as t"e name o1 t"e 8arBC A9 5on?t remem8er.C A4olp"BC 9 aske5. ABurnt #11erin-s@C "e sai5. 9 lau-"e5. AA notorious )ampire "an-out.C A9t?s not in t"e )ampire 5istri3t@C s"e sai5. AHo% %as 9 to kno% t"at it %as a )ampire 8arBC AHo% a8out t"e pi3ture o1 !"ristop"er Lee as 4ra3ula on t"e si-n outsi5eBC 9 sai5. A9t %as ;uite late an5 not"in- else %as open.C A9n :ni)ersity !ity on 4elmar on a 'ri5ay ni-"tB !ome on@ Vi3ki. Dou 3an 5o 8etter t"an t"at@C 9 sai5. S"e tou3"e5 t"e 8an5a-e on "er ne3k %it" a 5eli3ate@ trem8lin- "an5. AHe 8it me.C Her )oi3e s"ook@ an5 more tears traile5 5o%n "er 1a3e.

9 %alke5 8a3k to "er. 9 put a "an5 on eit"er si5e o1 "er 3"air an5 leane5 my 1a3e into "ers. ADou?re lyin-@ Vi3ki.C S"e 8urst into tears@ "i5in- "er 1a3e. 9 put a 1in-er un5er "er 3"in an5 li1te5 "er 1a3e. A4amn@ you?re -oo5@ 8ut not -oo5 enou-".C S"e >erke5 a%ay 1rom me@ stan5in- so su55enly@ t"e 3"air 3ras"e5 to t"e 1loor. A9 %as atta3ke5@ an5 you?re makin- me 1eel like t"e 8a5 -uy. Dou?re a %oman. 9 t"ou-"t you?5 un5erstan5.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A!an t"e uni)ersal sister"oo5 appeal@ Vi3ki. 9t 5on?t %as".C S"e >erke5 t"e 8an5a-e 1rom "er ne3k an5 t"re% it to t"e 1loor. ALook@ look %"at "e 5i5 to meIC 91 s"e e*pe3te5 me to 1lin3"@ s"e "a5 t"e %ron- -irl. 9 %alke5 up to "er@ turnin- "er "ea5 to one si5e. 9t %as )ampire 1anmarks@ pretty 1res". A neat@ ni3e 8ite@ 8ut t"ere %as no 8ruisin-@ no "i3key mark sprea5in- a3ross "er 3reamy 1les". 9t %as >ust t%o neat 1an- marks. 9 steppe5 8a3k 1rom "er. ADou t"re% your 5rink into "is 1a3e as soon as "e 8it youBC ADes@ 9 5i5n?t %ant "im tou3"in- me.C AA 1ilt"y )ampire@C 9 sai5. AA %alkin- 3orpse.C S"e "a5 a point. A$"ank you@ Vi3ki@ t"ank you 1or talkin- to me.C 9 %alke5 to t"e 5oor an5 motione5 4olp" to 1ollo%. Ker8ro%ski staye5 8e"in5 %it" 7s. Pier3e. 4olp" 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 us. A="at 5i5 you see in t"e 8ite t"at 9 5i5n?tBC "e aske5. A91 a )amp plun-es 1an- into you 8ut 5oesn?t "a)e time to 1ee5 mu3"@ it lea)es a "i3key. Hust like a "uman su3kin- on your ne3k. $"e 1an-s aren?t "ollo%@ t"ey >ust pier3e t"e skin so t"at t"e )amp 3an su3k t"e 8loo5. #ne o1 t"e reasons t"ey?re so small. 91 t"e )amp 1ee5s lon- enou-"@ "e takes 8loo5 a%ay 1rom t"e area an5 you 5on?t -et markin-. /o %ay 5i5 a ;ui3k 8ite an5 su3k lea)e "er 3lean like t"at. S"e "a5 someone else 5o it a"ea5 o1 time@ an5 it took a lot more time t"an a 1e% se3on5s.C A9 kne% s"e %as lyin-@C 4olp" sai5@ an5 s"ook "is "ea5. ABut 9 t"ou-"t s"e?5 t"ro%n more on "im t"an a 5rink. 9 t"ou-"t s"e?5 3ome into t"e 8ar %it" some sort o1 a33elerant.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A#n3e you -et a )amp 8urnin-@ t"ey 8urn until t"ey?re put out or 8urne5 to as". Dou may -et a 1e% 8one 1ra-ments le1t@ 8ut )amps 8urn more 3ompletely t"an any "uman. 4ental re3or5s %on?t e)en "elp you.C A$"e 8arten5er use5 a 1ire e*tin-uis"er 1rom 8e"in5 t"e 8ar. =itnesses say "e %as ;ui3k.C 9 no55e5. ADea"@ -oo5 o1 Harry. 9t?s a mira3le t"e )amp is still ali)e. 9 kno% t"ere?s some "ar53ore opposition to a )ampire 8usiness outsi5e t"e )ampire 5istri3t. $"ere?s a petition an5 some sort o1 3ity meetin- s3"e5ule5. 7s. Pier3e %ill make a -reat %itness to t"e 5an-ers o1 )ampires 8ein- outsi5e t"e 5istri3t.C A$"e restaurant o%ner sai5 t"e 8a5 pu8li3ity 3oul5 ruin "im.C 9 no55e5. A#"@ yea". 9t 3oul5 also 8e a personal moti)e a-ainst t"e )ampire. /ot little 7iss Blue ,yes 8ut someone s"e kno%s t"at %ante5 "im 5ea5.C AS"e 3oul5 8e a mem8er o1 Humans 'irst. $"ey?5 lo)e all t"e )amps to 8urn.C AA 1anati3al )ampire "ater %oul5n?t let a )amp 5o t"eir ne3k like t"at. /o. Humans 'irst mi-"t "a)e pai5 "er to 5is3re5it t"e 8ar. S"e may 8e a mem8er o1 Humans A-ainst Vampires@ HAV@ or e)en Humans 'irst@ 8ut s"e 5oesn?t really 8elie)e. $"e 8ite pro)es t"at.C A!oul5 t"e )amp "a)e 3apture5 "er min5BC A9 5on?t t"ink so@ 8ut 9?)e -ot some 8etter ;uestions 1or your ot"er %itnesses no%.C ASu3" asBC "e aske5. AAre t"ey sure t"e )ampire in ;uestion e)en -ot a taste o1 "erB Are t"ey positi)e t"at "e 8it "erB Ask t"em i1 s"e smelle5 o1 8loo5 %"en s"e 3ame in.C A,*plain@C 4olp" sai5. A91 s"e 3ame in %it" t"e 8ite@ t"en some o1 t"em mi-"t "a)e smelle5 it. 7i-"t not@ t"e %oun5 %as pretty 3lean@ %"i3" %as pro8a8ly %"y t"e )amp 5i5 it t"at %ay. 91 "e?5 >ust 8itten "er an5 8rou-"t t"e 8loo5 to t"e sur1a3e@ t"e )amps %oul5 "a)e all s3ente5 it.C 4olp" %as %ritin- it all 5o%n in "is trusty note8ook. ASo a )amp?s in)ol)e5BC AHe may not kno% %"at s"e %as plannin- to 5o. 9?5 3"e3k 1or a )amp 8oy1rien5@ may8e@ or at least one s"e?s 5ate5. Boy1rien5 may 8e too stron- a %or5 1or 7s. Pier3e. 9?5 see i1 s"e "as some 8a3k-roun5 in a3tin-. !"e3k out "er ma>or in 3olle-e@ may8e.C AAlrea5y 5one@C 4olp" sai5. AS"e?s -ot a 8a3k-roun5 in t"eater arts.C 9 smile5. A="y 5i5 you nee5 meB Dou "a5 it all sol)e5.C

A$"e 8ite@ t"e 1a3t t"at )ampires 8urn t"at easily ... C He s"ook "is "ea5. A/one o1 t"is s"it is in t"e literature.C A$"e 8ooks aren?t 5esi-ne5 1or poli3e %ork@ 4olp".C A7ay8e you s"oul5 5o a 8ook@C "e sai5. ADea"@ ri-"t. 4o you "a)e enou-" to -et a %arrant 1or "er 8ank re3or5sBC A91 9?m 3are1ul %"at >u5-e 9 ask@ may8e.C ADou kno%@ e)en i1 s"e is 3"ar-e5 an5 3on)i3te5@ t"e 5ama-e is 5one. $"e petition an5 t"e meetin- are s3"e5ule5 1or ne*t %eek. All t"ey?ll "a)e is rumors o1 an atta3k@ an5 it %ill -ro% in t"e tellin-.C 4olp" no55e5. A/ot"in- %e 3an 5o a8out t"at.C ADou 3oul5 -o 5o%n t"ere an5 tell t"em %"at you?)e learne5 a8out Vi3ki in t"ere.C A="y 5on?t you 5o itBC ABe3ause 9?m t"e %"ore o1 Ba8ylon to t"e ri-"t2%in-ers. 9?m 8o11in- t"e "ea5 8loo5su3ker. $"ey %oul5n?t 8elie)e a 5amn t"in- 9 sai5.C A9 5on?t "a)e time to atten5 3i)i3 meetin-s@ Anita.C ADou t"ink t"e )ampire 8usinesses s"oul5 8e se-re-ate5BC 9 aske5. A4on?t -o t"ere@ Anita. Dou %on?t like t"e ans%ers.C 9 5roppe5 it. 4olp" t"ou-"t )ampires %ere monsters t"at t"e pu8li3 nee5e5 to 8e prote3te5 1rom. 9 e)en a-ree5 %it" "im to an e*tent. But 9 %as sleepin- %it" one o1 t"e monsters. 9t ma5e it "ar5 to stay on t"e same 8an5%a-on as 4olp". =e a-ree5 to 5isa-ree. 9t kept t"e pea3e an5 kept us %orkin- to-et"er. A91 you "ate )amps so mu3"@ %"y 5i5n?t you 8uy 7s. Pier3es storyBC 9 aske5. ABe3ause 9?m not stupi5@C 4olp" sai5. ASorry@C 9 sai5. ASorry t"at 9 t"ou-"t e)en 1or a se3on5 t"at personal 1eelin-s mi-"t inter1ere %it" your >o8. Dou?5 ne)er allo% it@ %oul5 youBC He smile5. A9 5on?t kno%. Dou?re not in >ail yet.C A91 you "a5 proo1 o1 %ron-5oin-@ 9 mi-"t 8e.C ADou mi-"t@C "e sai5. $"e smile 1a5e5 1rom "is 1a3e. His eyes %ent empty@ 3op eyes. A="at "appene5 to your "an5BC 9 -lan3e5 5o%n at t"e 8an5a-e5 "an5 as i1 it "a5 >ust appeare5. AKit3"en a33i5ent@C 9 sai5. AKit3"en a33i5ent@C "e sai5. ADea".C A="at "appene5BC ASli3e5 my "an5 %it" a kni1e.C A="at %ere you 5oin-BC "e aske5. 9 ne)er 3ook at "ome. 4olp" kne% t"at. ASli3in- a 8a-el.C 9 -a)e empty eyes 8a3k to "im. #n3e@ not lon- a-o@ my 1a3e s"o%e5 e)eryt"in-. ,)ery t"ou-"t plain to see@ 8ut not no%. 9 stare5 at 4olp"?s suspi3ious 1a3e an5 kne% my 1a3e -a)e "im not"in-. #nly t"e 8lankness itsel1 %as a 3lue t"at 9 %as lyin-. But "e kne% 9 %as lyin-. 9 %asn?t -oin- to %aste "is time or mine 8y 3omin- up %it" a really -oo5 lie. ="y 8ot"erB =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er. A$"ere?s 8loo5 on your "ose@ Anita. $"at must "a)e 8een some 8a-el@C "e sai5. A9t %as@C 9 sai5@ t"en 3oul5n?t "elp smilin-. A9 %oul5 "a)e sai5 9 %as mu--e5@ 8ut you?5 %ant me to 1ill out a report.C He si-"e5. ADou little s"it. Dou?re %rappe5 up in somet"in- else ri-"t no%. <i-"t t"is minute.C His lar-e "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists nearly t"e siEe o1 my 1a3e. A9?5 yell at you@ 8ut it %oul5n?t 5o any -oo5. 9?5 t"ro% you in a 3ell o)erni-"t.C He lau-"e5@ an5 it %as 8itter. A'or %"at?s le1t o1 t"e ni-"t@ 8ut 9 5on?t "a)e any 3"ar-es@ 5o 9BC A9 "a)en?t 5one anyt"in-@ 4olp".C 9 raise5 t"e in>ure5 "an5. A9 %as 5oin- a 1a)or 1or a 1rien5@ raisin- some 5ea5. 9 -ot 3ut 1or more 8loo5. $"at?s it.C A$"e trut"BC "e aske5. 9 no55e5. ADea".C A="y 5i5n?t you >ust tell meBC "e aske5. ABe3ause it %as a 1a)or@ no money. 91 Bert 1in5s out 9?m raisin- t"e 5ea5 1or 1ree@ "e?ll "a)e a "eart atta3k. He?ll 8elie)e t"e 8a-el story.C 4olp" lau-"e5. AHe %on?t ask "o% you -ot "urt. He 5oesn?t %ant to kno%.C 9 no55e5. AVery true.C

AHust in 3ase t"e kit3"en -ets any "otter@ remem8er to 3all i1 you nee5 "elp.C A9?ll keep it in min5@ 4olp".C ADou 5o t"at.C He put up "is note8ook. A$ry not to kill anyone t"is mont"@ Anita. ,)en in 3lear sel125e1ense you pile up too many 8o5ies@ an5 you?re -oin- to -et lo3ke5 up.C A9 "a)en?t kille5 anyone in o)er si* %eeks2"ell@ nearly se)en. 9?m 3uttin- 5o%n.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A$"e last t%o %ere t"e only t%o %e?)e e)er 8een a8le to pro)e@ Anita. Bot" sel125e1ense. #ne %it" %itnesses out t"e ass@ 8ut %e?)e ne)er 1oun5 Harol5 Gaynor?s 8o5y. Hust "is %"eel3"air in t"at 3emetery. 4omin-a Sal)a5or is still missin-.C 9 smile5 at "im. APeople say t"e seQora %ent 8a3k to Sout" Ameri3a.C A$"ere %as 8loo5 all o)er t"at 3"air@ Anita.C A=as t"ereBC ADour lu3k is -oin- to run out@ an5 9 %on?t 8e a8le to "elp you.C A9 5i5n?t ask 1or "elp@C 9 sai5. ABesi5es@ i1 t"e ne% la% -oes t"rou-"@ 9?ll "a)e a 1e5eral 8a5-e.C ABein- a 3op@ no matter %"at kin5@ 5oesn?t mean you 3an?t 8e arreste5.C 9t %as my turn to si-". A9?m tire5@ an5 9?m -oin- "ome. Goo5 ni-"t@ 4olp".C He looke5 at me 1or anot"er se3on5 or t%o@ t"en sai5@ AGoo5 ni-"t@ Anita.C He %alke5 8a3k into t"e inter)ie% room an5 le1t me stan5in- in t"e "all. 4olp" "a5 ne)er 8een t"is -rumpy 8e1ore "e 1oun5 out 9 %as 5atin- Hean2!lau5e. 9 %asn?t sure "e %as a%are o1 "o% mu3" "is attitu5e "a5 3"an-e5 to%ar5s me@ 8ut 9 3ertainly %as. A little un5ea5 nookie an5 "e 5i5n?t trust me anymore@ not 3ompletely. 9t ma5e me sa5 an5 an-ry. ="at %as really "ar5 %as t"e 1a3t t"at less t"an t%o mont"s a-o 9?5 "a)e a-ree5 %it" 4olp". Dou 3an?t trust anyone %"o sleeps %it" t"e monsters. But "ere 9 %as@ 5oin- it. 7e@ Anita Blake@ turne5 into 3o11in 8ait. Sa5@ )ery sa5. 9t %asn?t any o1 4olp"?s 8usiness %"o 9 5ate5. But 9 3oul5n?t 8lame "im 1or t"e attitu5e. 9 5i5n?t like it@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t 8it3" a8out it. #kay@ 9 3oul5 8it3"@ 8ut it %asn?t 1air o1 me to 5o it. 9 %alke5 out %it"out -oin- t"rou-" t"e main s;ua5 room a-ain. 9 %on5ere5 "o% lon- t"ey?5 keep t"e pen-uins on t"eir 5esks %aitin- 1or me to 3ome 8a3k. $"e t"ou-"t o1 all t"ose sillylookin- toy 8ir5s sittin- 1orlornly %aitin- 1or me to return 8rou-"t a smile to my 1a3e. But it 5i5n?t last. 9t %asn?t >ust t"at 4olp" mistruste5 me. He %as a )ery -oo5 3op@ a -oo5 in)esti-ator. 91 "e really starte5 5i--in-@ "e mi-"t -et proo1. Hea)en kne% 9?5 5one enou-" unsan3tione5 kills to put me in prison. 9?5 use5 my animatin- po%ers to kill "umans. 91 it 3oul5 8e pro)e5@ it %as an automati3 5eat" senten3e. A 5eat" senten3e 1or someone %"o "a5 use5 ma-i3 to kill %as not t"e same sort o1 senten3e as@ say@ an a*e mur5erer -ot. A -uy 3oul5 3"op up "is 1amily an5 spen5 t"e ne*t 1i1teen years on 5eat" ro% %it" appeals. $"ere are no appeals 1or ma-i32 in5u3e5 mur5er. $rial@ 3on)i3tion@ 5eat" %it"in si* %eeks@ usually less. $"e prisons are a1rai5 o1 ma-i3 an5 5on?t like to keep %it3"es an5 su3" aroun5 lon-. $"ere %as a sor3erer in 7aine %"o 3alle5 5o%n 5emons %"ile in "is 3ell. Ho% anyone le1t "im alone lon- enou-" 1or t"at parti3ular ritual@ 9 5on?t kno%. $"e people %"o "a5 -oo1e5 all en5e5 up 5ea5@ so t"ey 3oul5n?t 8e ;uestione5. $"ey ne)er 5i5 1in5 t"e "ea5s. ,)en 9 3oul5n?t raise enou-" o1 t"em as Eom8ies to -et t"em to talk or %rite 5o%n %"at "a5 "appene5. 9t %as a mess. $"e sor3erer es3ape5@ 8ut %as later re3apture5 %it" t"e "elp o1 a 3o)en o1 %"ite %it3"es an5@ stran-ely@ a -roup o1 Satanists. /o8o5y %"o per1orms ma-i3 likes it %"en someone -oes ro-ue. 9t -i)es us all a 8a5 name. $"e last %it3" 8urne5 ali)e 8y a mo8 in t"is 3ountry %as only in 19+3. Her name %as A-nes Simpson. 9?5 seen t"e 8la3k2an52%"ite p"otos o1 "er 5eat". Anyone %"o stu5ie5 preternatural anyt"in- "a5 to "a)e "er pi3ture in at least one te*t8ook. $"e p"oto t"at staye5 %it" me %as one in %"i3" "er 1a3e %as untou3"e5@ pale@ e)en 1rom a 5istan3e terror plain on "er 1a3e. Her lon- 8ro%n "air mo)in- in t"e "eat 8ut not yet 8urnin-. #nly "er ni-"t-o%n an5 ro8e "a5 3au-"t 1ire. Her "ea5 t"ro%n 8a3k@ s3reamin-. $"e p"oto %on t"e PulitEer PriEe. $"e rest o1 t"e p"otos aren?t seen as o1ten. A pro-ression o1 p"oto-rap"s t"at en5s %it" "er 8urne5 an5 8la3kene5 an5 5ea5. Ho% anyone 3oul5 stan5 t"ere an5 keep takin- pi3tures@ 9 5on?t kno%. 7ay8e t"e PulitEer PriEe %as a 3"arm a-ainst ni-"tmares. $"en a-ain@ may8e not.

Chapter Twenty-five
9 pulle5 into t"e lot o1 t"e apartment 8uil5in- %it" its se3ret "ospital in t"e 8asement. 9t %as nearly 1i)e. 4a%n presse5 like a 3ool "an5 a-ainst t"e %in5. $"e sky %as -rey@ 3au-"t 8et%een 5arkness an5 li-"t. $"at trem8lin- e5-e %"ere t"e )ampires are still mo)in-@ an5 you 3an -et your t"roat rippe5 out moments 1rom sunrise. A ta*i 5re% up in 1ront o1 t"e 8uil5in-. A tall %oman %it" )ery s"ort 8lon5 "air -ot out. S"e %as %earin- a )ery s"ort skirt an5 a leat"er >a3ket@ no s"oes. Kane -ot out ne*t. Someone "a5 pai5 "is 8ail@ an5 it %asn?t me. ="i3" meant "e "a5 8een in t"e Beast 7aster?s ten5er 3are. Hust lu3k t"at "e "a5n?t 8een part o1 Syl)ie?s torment. 91 "e?5 re1use5@ "e?5 "a)e 8een "urt %orse t"an "e appeare5 to 8e. 91 "e?5 5one it@ 9?5 "a)e "a5 to kill "im. $"at %oul5 "a)e 8een 5amne5 a%k%ar5.

He sa% me %alkin- to%ar5s t"em. 9 put t"e lon- 3oat an5 its %eaponry 8a3k on. Kane %a)e5 to me@ smilin-. He %as %earin- not"in- 8ut s"iny 8la3k )inyl pants@ ti-"t enou-" to 8e skin@ an5 8oots. #"@ an5 a nipple rin-. 7ustn?t 1or-et t"e >e%elry. $"e tall %oman stare5 at me. S"e 5i5n?t look "appy to see me. /ot "ostile e*a3tly@ 8ut not please5. $"e 5ri)er sai5 somet"in-@ an5 s"e -ot a %a5 o1 8ills out o1 "er >a3ket po3ket an5 pai5 "im. $"e ta*i 5ro)e a%ay. Vi)ian@ t"e Beast 7aster?s pet %"ile "e staye5 "ere@ "a5n?t -otten out. Gre-ory@ Step"en?s 8rot"er %it" "is ne% 3ons3ien3e@ "a5n?t -otten out eit"er. 9 %as s"ort at least t%o %ereleopar5s. ="at %as -oin- onB Kane %alke5 to%ar5s me like %e %ere ol5 1rien5s. A9 tol5 you@ !"erry@ s"e?s our alp"a@ our l6opar5e lionn6. 9 kne% s"e?5 sa)e us.C He 5roppe5 to "is knees in 1ront o1 me. 7y ri-"t "an5 %as in my po3ket@ -rippin- t"e Bro%nin-@ so "e "a5 to settle 1or my le1t "an5. 9?5 spent enou-" time aroun5 t"e %ere%ol)es to kno% t"at 8ein- alp"a %as a tou3"ie21eelie sort o1 t"in-. Like t"e animals t"ey sometimes %ere@ s"apes"i1ters seeme5 to nee5 t"e reassuran3e o1 tou3". So 9 5i5n?t 1i-"t it@ 8ut 9 5i5 let t"e sa1ety o11 t"e Bro%nin-. Kane took my "an5 -ently@ almost re)erently. He lai5 "is 3"eek a-ainst my knu3kles@ t"en rolle5 "is 1a3e 1rom si5e to si5e like a 3at 3"in2markin- me. His ton-ue -a)e one slo% li3k to t"e 8a3k o1 my "an5@ an5 9 -ently %it"5re% it. 9t took a lot o1 %illpo%er not to %ipe my "an5 on t"e 3oat. $"e tall %oman@ !"erry 9 presume5@ >ust looke5 at me. AS"e 5i5n?t sa)e all o1 us.C Her )oi3e %as an almost startlin- lo% 3ontralto. 9t purre5@ e)en in "uman 1orm. A="ere are Vi)ian an5 Gre-oryBC 9 aske5. S"e pointe5 8a3k t"e %ay t"ey?5 3ome. ABa3k t"ere@ t"ey?re still 8a3k t"ere.C A$"e 5eal %as t"at all my people -ot out.C Kane 8oun3e5 to "is 1eet. $"e mo)ement %as so ;ui3k it 3au-"t my "eart an5 my t"roat@ an5 my 1in-er %ent 1rom tri--er2 -uar5 to tri--er. 9 set t"e sa1ety on t"e Bro%nin- an5 ease5 my "an5 out. $"ey %eren?t -oin- to "urt me 8ut i1 Kane kept 8oun3in- aroun5 like a punk )ersion o1 $i--er 9 mi-"t a33i5ently 1ire t"e -un. 7y ner)es %ere usually 8etter t"an t"is. A$"e 7aster o1 Beasts sai5 t"at anyone %"o %is"e5 to a3kno%le5-e your 5ominan3e 3oul5 lea)e@ i1 t"ey 3oul5 %alk out. But "e?5 alrea5y ma5e sure t"at Gre-ory an5 Vi)ian 3oul5n?t %alk.C Somet"in- 3ol5 an5 ti-"t 1ille5 my stoma3". A="at 5o you meanBC AVi)ian %as un3ons3ious %"en %e le1t.C !"erry looke5 at t"e -roun5 %"en s"e spoke t"e ne*t %or5s. AGre-ory trie5 to 3ra%l a1ter us@ 8ut "e %as "urt too 8a5ly.C S"e raise5 "er eyes@ an5 t"ere %ere tears trem8lin- in t"em. S"e kept "er eyes )ery %i5e. AHe 3rie5 a1ter us. Be--e5 us not to lea)e "im.C S"e %ipe5 at t"e tears %it" an an-ry s%ipe o1 "er "an5. ABut 9 le1t "im. 9 le1t "im s3reamin-@ 8e3ause 9 %ante5 out o1 t"ere more t"an anyt"in- else in t"e %orl5. ,)en i1 it meant lea)inmy 1rien5s to 8e torture5 an5 kille5 an5 rape5.C S"e "i5 "er 1a3e %it" 8ot" "er "an5s an5 3rie5. Kane 3ame up 8e"in5 "er an5 "u--e5 "er. AGa8riel 3oul5 ne)er keep us all sa1e eit"er. S"e 5i5 "er 8est.C ALike "ell@C 9 sai5. Kane looke5 at me. He ru88e5 "is 3"eek a-ainst t"e si5e o1 !"erry?s ne3k@ 8ut "is eyes %ere serious. He %as -la5 to 8e ali)e@ 8ut "e "a5n?t %ante5 to lea)e t"em. A9?m -oin- to make a p"one 3all.C 9 %alke5 into t"e 8uil5in- an5 a1ter a 1e% se3on5s t"ey 1ollo%e5 me. 9 use5 t"e same p"one 9?5 3alle5 Hean2!lau5e on earlier. 9 only "a5 moments 8e1ore true 5a%n@ an5 "e %oul5 8e 5o%n 1or t"e 3ount. He ans%ere5 t"e p"one like "e?5 8een e*pe3tin- t"e 3all. A#ui@ ma petite.C AGre-ory an5 Vi)ian 5i5n?t make it. 9 t"ou-"t you ne-otiate5 1or t"em.C A$"e ot"ers 1or3e5 Pa5ma to a-ree@ 8ut "e set up one rule@ t"at %"oe)er %is"e5 to lea)e "a5 to %alk out. 9 kne% %"at "e meant to 5o@ 8ut it %as t"e 8est 8ar-ain 9 3oul5 make. Please 8elie)e t"at.C A'ine@ 8ut 9 %on?t lea)e t"em. 91 t"ey 3an split "airs t"is 1inely@ so 3an %e.C A="at 5o you plan@ ma petiteBC A9?m -oin- 8a3k an5 "elp t"em %alk out. Pa5ma 5i5n?t say anyt"in- a8out %alkin- out un5er t"eir o%n po%er@ 5i5 "eBC A/o.C Hean2!lau5e -a)e a lon- si-". A4a%n is 1ri-"t1ully near@ ma petite. 91 you must 5o t"is t"in-@ %ait at least t%o "ours. $ime enou-" 1or e)en t"e most po%er1ul o1 us to 8e asleep@ 8ut 5o not %ait mu3" lon-er. 9 5o not kno% "o% mu3" sleep t"e 3oun3il mem8ers nee5. $"ey may a%aken )ery early.C A9?ll %ait t%o "ours.C A9 %ill sen5 some o1 t"e %ol)es to you. =it" Pa5ma asleep t"ey %ill 8e use1ul to you.C A'ine.C A9 must -o.C $"e p"one %ent 5ea5@ an5 9 1elt t"e sun 8urst a8o)e t"e "oriEon. 9 1elt it like a -reat %ei-"t@ an5 1or >ust an instant 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e@ my 8o5y 1elt "ea)y@ so "ea)y. $"en t"e sensation %as -one@ an5 9 kne% t"at Hean2!lau5e %as -one 1or t"e 5ay. ,)en %it" t"ree s"are5 marks@ 9?5 ne)er 1elt anyt"in- like t"at 8e1ore. 9 kne% "e prote3te5 me 1rom t"in-s t"at t"e t"ir5 mark %oul5 let me 1eel. He e)en prote3te5 <i3"ar5. #1 t"e t"ree o1 us@ Hean2!lau5e kne% more a8out

t"e marks@ "o% to use t"em@ "o% not to use t"em@ an5 %"at t"ey really meant. 7ont"s into it all@ an5 9 "a5n?t aske5 many ;uestions. Sometimes@ 9 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 to kno%. <i3"ar5 seeme5 e;ually relu3tant@ a33or5in- to Hean2!lau5e. $"e )ampire >ust seeme5 patient %it" us@ like a parent %it" a 8a3k%ar5 3"il5. !"erry leane5 a-ainst t"e %all@ arms 3rosse5 o)er "er stoma3". S"e %asn?t %earin- anyt"in- un5er t"e leat"er >a3ket. Her eyes %ere 3autious@ like s"e?5 8een 5isappointe5 o1ten an5 8a5ly. ADou?re -oin- in a1ter t"em. ="yBC Kane %as sittin- 8y "er le-s@ 8a3k a-ainst t"e %all. ABe3ause s"e?s our alp"a.C !"erry s"ook "er "ea5. A="y %oul5 you risk yoursel1 1or t%o people you 5on?t kno%B 9 a33epte5 your 5ominan3e 8e3ause 9 %ante5 out o1 t"ere@ 8ut 9 5on?t 8elie)e it. ="y %oul5 you -o 8a3k in t"ereBC 9 %asn?t sure "o% to e*plain it. A$"ey e*pe3t me to sa)e t"em.C ASoBC s"e sai5. ASo@ 9?m -oin- to try.C A="yBC 9 si-"e5. ABe3ause ... 8e3ause 9 remem8er Vi)ian?s plea5in- eyes an5 t"e 8ruises on "er 8o5y. Be3ause Gre-ory 3rie5 an5 s3reame5 1or you not to lea)e "im. Be3ause Pa5ma %ill "urt t"em %orse no% t"an "e %oul5 "a)e 8e1ore@ 8e3ause "e t"inks t"at 8y "urtin- t"em@ "e "urts me.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?m -oin- to 1in5 a 8e5 1or a 3ouple o1 "ours. 9 su--est you 5o t"e same. But you 5on?t "a)e to 3ome %it" me. $"is t"in- is stri3tly )olunteer.C A9 5on?t %ant to -o 8a3k t"ere@C s"e sai5. A$"en 5on?t@C 9 sai5. A9?ll 3ome@C Kane sai5. 9t almost ma5e me smile. ASome"o% 9 kne% you %oul5.C

Chapter Twenty-six
9 lay in t"e narro% "ospital 8e5 in one o1 t"e spare rooms. $"e e)enin- 5ress %as 1ol5e5 on t"e room?s only 3"air. $"e 3"air %as s"o)e5 up un5er t"e 5oorkno8. 'limsy lo3k. $"e 3"air %oul5n?t keep out someone truly 5etermine5@ 8ut it %oul5 -i)e me a 1e% se3on5s to aim. 9?5 s"o%ere5 an5 t"ro%n t"e 8loo52soake5 "ose a%ay. 9 %as %earin- >ust my panties. $"ey 5i5n?t e)en "a)e a spare "ospital -o%n. 9 1ell asleep in a stran-e 8e5 %it" s"eets 3lut3"e5 to my nake5 8reasts@ an5 t"e 'irestar un5er my pillo%. $"e ma3"ine -un %as un5er t"e 8e5. 9 5i5n?t t"ink 9?5 nee5 it@ 8ut %"ere else %as 9 -oin- to stas" itB 9 %as 5reamin-. Somet"in- a8out 8ein- lost in an a8an5one5 "ouse@ sear3"in- 1or kittens. $"e kittens %ere 3ryin-@ an5 t"ere %ere snakes in t"e 5ark@ eatin- t"e kittens. Dou 5i5n?t "a)e to 8e 'reu5 to interpret t"is one. $"e moment 9 t"ou-"t t"at 3learly@ t"at it %as a 5ream an5 %"at it meant@ t"e 5ream melte5 a%ay an5 le1t me a%ake in t"e 5ark. 9 %oke starinup%ar5s@ s"eets spille5 5o%n my 8o5y so t"at 9 %as nearly nu5e in t"e 8la3kness. 9 3oul5 1eel my 8o5y pulsin-. 9t %as like 9?5 8een runnin- a ra3e in my sleep. $"ere %as s%eat un5er my 8reast. Somet"in- %as %ron-. 9 pulle5 t"e s"eet up o)er me as 9 sat up@ e)en t"ou-" 9 %asn?t 3ol5. As a 3"il5 9?5 t"ou-"t t"at t"e monsters in t"e 3loset an5 un5er t"e 8e5 3oul5n?t -et me i1 9 %as 3o)ere5. A1ter %akin- 1rom a ni-"tmare 9 still rea3"e5 1or t"e s"eet@ no matter "o% "ot it %as. #1 3ourse@ 9 %as in a 8asement %it" air23on5itionin-. 9t %asn?t "ot. So %"y 5i5 my 8o5y 1eel almost 1e)ere5B 9 rea3"e5 un5er t"e pillo% an5 -ot t"e 'irestar out. 9 1elt 8etter %it" it -rippe5 in my "an5. 91 9?5 >ust 8een spooke5 8y a 5ream@ 9 %as -oin- to 1eel silly. 9 sat in t"e 5ark an5 straine5 to "ear anyt"in- 8e1ore 9 "it t"e li-"ts. 91 t"ere %as someone out in t"e "all@ t"ey?5 see t"e li-"t un5er t"e 5oor. 91 t"ey %ere tryin- to am8us" me@ 9 5i5n?t %ant t"em to see t"e li-"t. /ot yet. 9 1elt somet"in- 3omin- 5o%n t"e "all%ay to%ar5s me. A roil o1 ener-y@ "eat@ t"at playe5 o)er my 8o5y like a "an5. 9t %as like a storm %as rus"in- to%ar5s me@ %it" t"at pri3klin- 8rus" o1 li-"tnin- -ro%in- like %ei-"t in t"e room. 9 3li3ke5 t"e sa1ety o11 on t"e 'irestar@ an5 su55enly kne% %"o it %as. 9t %as <i3"ar5. <i3"ar5 stri5in- to%ar5s me. <i3"ar5 3ominlike an an-ry storm. 9 3li3ke5 t"e sa1ety 8a3k on 8ut 5i5n?t put up t"e -un. He %as ma5. 9 3oul5 1eel it. 9?5 seen "im toss a soli5 oak 1our poster kin-2siEe 8e5 aroun5 like it %as not"in- %"en "e %as an-ry. 9?5 keep t"e -un@ >ust in 3ase. 9 5i5n?t like keepin- it@ 8ut t"e moral 5ilemma 5i5n?t 8ot"er me enou-" to put it a%ay. 9 "it t"e li-"ts. 9 sat 8linkin- in t"e su55en 8ri-"tness@ a "ar5 knot 1ormin- in my stoma3". 9 5i5 not %ant to see "im. 9 "a5n?t kno%n %"at to say to "im sin3e t"e ni-"t 9?5 1irst slept %it" Hean!lau5e. $"e ni-"t 9?5 run 1rom <i3"ar5@ run 1rom %"at "e %as on t"e ni-"t o1 t"e 1ull moon. <un 1rom t"e si-"t o1 "is 8east.

9 pa55e5 8are1oot to t"e 3"air an5 -at"ere5 my 3lot"es up. 9 %as stru--lin- into t"e strapless 8ra@ -un 8esi5e me on t"e 8e5@ %"en 9 smelle5 "is a1ter2s"a)e. 9 1elt t"e air mo)e un5er t"e 5oor an5 kne% it %as "is 8o5y 5isruptin- t"e 3urrents o1 air. His a1ters"a)e %asn?t t"at stron-. 9 s"oul5n?t "a)e smelle5 it. 9 kne% su55enly as i1 it "a5 8een %"ispere5 in my ear t"at <i3"ar5 3oul5 smell me t"rou-" t"e 5oor@ t"at "e kne% 9?5 %orn #s3ar 5e la <enta par1ume 1or Hean2!lau5e. 9 1elt "is 1in-ertips press to eit"er si5e o1 t"e 5oor in a small pus" up motion@ 1elt "im 5ra% a 8reat" an5 s3ent my 8o5y 5eep into "im. ="at t"e "ell %as -oin- onB =e?5 8een 8oun5 1or t%o mont"s@ an5 9?5 ne)er 1elt anyt"in- like t"is@ not %it" <i3"ar5@ an5 not %it" Hean2!lau5e. <i3"ar5?s )oi3e@ a3"in-ly 1amiliarJ AAnna@ 9 nee5 to talk to you.C $"e an-er %as in "is )oi3eG in "is 8o5y@ ra-e. He %as like t"un5er presse5 a-ainst t"e 5oor. A9?m -ettin- 5resse5@C 9 sai5. 9 "ear5 "im pa3e in 1ront o1 t"e 5oor. A9 kno%. 9 3an 1eel you in t"ere. ="at?s "appenin- to usBC $"at %as a loa5e5 ;uestion i1 e)er 9?5 "ear5 one. 9 %as %on5erin- i1 "e 3oul5 1eel my "an5s as 9?5 1elt "is a moment a-o. A=e "a)en?t 8een t"is 3lose at 5a%n sin3e %e %ere 8oun5. Hean2!lau5e isn?t "ere to a3t as a 8u11er.C 9 "ope5 t"at %as it. $"e only alternati)e 9 3oul5 t"ink o1 %as t"at t"e 3oun3il "a5 5one somet"in- to our marks. 9 5i5n?t t"ink t"at %as it@ t"ou-". But %e %oul5n?t kno% 1or sure until %e 3oul5 ask Hean2!lau5e. 4amn. <i3"ar5 trie5 t"e 5oor "an5le. A="at?s takin- so lon-BC A9?m almost 5one@C 9 sai5. 9 slippe5 t"e 5ress on. 9t %as a3tually t"e easiest pie3e o1 3lot"in- to -et into. $"e s"oes %ere not 3om1orta8le %it"out "ose@ 8ut 9 %oul5 "a)e 1elt e)en less prepare5 8are1oot. !an?t e*plain it@ 8ut s"oes make me 1eel 8etter. 9 mo)e5 t"e 3"air an5 unlo3ke5 t"e 5oor. 9 steppe5 8a3k@ a little too ;ui3k@ until 9 %as on t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e room. 9 put my "an5s 8e"in5 me@ still "ol5in- t"e -un. 9 5i5n?t t"ink "e?5 "urt me@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er 1elt "im like t"is. His an-er %as like a 8urnin- knot in my -ut. He opene5 t"e 5oor 3are1ully@ as i1 "e %as "a)in- to t"ink 8e1ore ea3" mo)ement. His 3ontrol %as a trem8lin- line 8et%een "is ra-e an5 me. He %as si* 1oot one@ 8roa52s"oul5ere5@ %it" "i-"2s3ulpte5 3"eek8ones@ an5 a %i5e so1t mout". $"ere %as a 5imple in "is 3"in@ an5 "e %as alto-et"er too "an5some. His eyes %ere still per1e3t 3"o3olate 8ro%nG only t"e pain in t"em %as ne%. His "air 1ell in t"i3k %a)es aroun5 "is s"oul5ers@ a 8ro%n so 1ull o1 -ol5 an5 3opper "i-"li-"ts t"at t"ere s"oul5 "a)e 8een a 5i11erent %or5 1or it. Bro%n is a 5ull %or5@ an5 "is "air %as not 5ull. 9?5 lo)e5 runnin- my "an5s t"rou-" "is "air@ -ra88in- 1ist1uls o1 it %"en %e kisse5. He %as %earin- a 8loo52re5 tank top t"at le1t "is mus3ular s"oul5ers an5 arms 8are. 9 kne% t"at e)ery in3" o1 "im you 3oul5 see@ an5 %"at you 3oul5 not@ %as tanne5 a ni3e so1t 8ro%n. But it %asn?t really tanne5@ >ust "is natural skin 3olor. 7y "eart %as 8eatin- in my t"roat@ 8ut it %asn?t 1ear. He stare5 at me in t"e 8la3k 5ress. 'a3e s3ru88e5 3lean o1 makeup@ my "air un3om8e5@ an5 9 1elt "is 8o5y rea3t to t"e si-"t o1 me. 9 1elt it like a t%ist in my o%n 8o5y. 9 "a5 to 3lose my eyes to keep 1rom lookin- at "is >eans to see i1 %"at 9 %as 1eelin- %as )isi8le. ="en 9 opene5 my eyes@ "e "a5n?t mo)e5. He >ust stoo5 t"ere in t"e mi55le o1 t"e room@ "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists@ 8reat"ina little too "ar5. His eyes %ere %il5@ s"o%in- too mu3" %"ite like a "orse a8out to 8olt. 9 1oun5 my )oi3e 1irst. ADou sai5 you %ante5 to talk@ so talk.C 9 soun5e5 8reat"less. 9t %as like 9 3oul5 1eel <i3"ar5?s "eart@ "is 3"est risin- an5 1allin-@ like it %as my o%n. 9?5 "a5 moments o1 t"is %it" Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut ne)er %it" <i3"ar5. 91 %e?5 still 8een seein- ea3" ot"er@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een intri-uin-. /o%@ it %as >ust 3on1usin-. He rela*e5 "is "an5s@ 1le*in- t"em@ 1i-"tin- not to make 1ists. AHean2!lau5e sai5 "e %as prote3tin- us 1rom ea3" ot"er. Keepin- us 1rom -ettin- too 3lose until %e %ere rea5y. 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e "im@ until no%.C 9 no55e5. A9t?s a%k%ar5.C He smile5@ an5 s"ook "is "ea5@ 8ut t"e smile ne)er took t"e an-er out o1 "is eyes. AA%k%ar5B 9s t"at all it is to you@ AnitaB Hust a%k%ar5BC ADou 3an 1eel %"at 9?m 1eelin-@ ri-"t no%@ <i3"ar5. Ans%er your o%n 5amn ;uestion.C He 3lose5 "is eyes an5 presse5 "is "an5s to-et"er in 1ront o1 "is 3"est. He presse5 "is palms to-et"er until "is arms trem8le5 %it" t"e e11ort an5 t"e mus3les 3or5e5@ strainin- a-ainst "is skin all t"e %ay up to "is s"oul5ers. 9 1elt "im %it"5ra% 1rom me. $"ou-" t"at 5oesn?t 3o)er "o% it 1elt. 9t %as like "e 8uilt a %all 8et%een us. He %as raisinmental s"iel5s 8et%een us. Someone "a5 to. 9 "a5n?t t"ou-"t to try. $"e si-"t an5 1eel o1 "im in my min5 "a5 turne5 me into a pulsin- "ormone. 9t %as too em8arrassin- 1or %or5s. 9 %at3"e5 "is 8o5y rela*@ a mus3le at a time@ until "e opene5 "is eyes@ slo%ly@ almost sleepily@ "is 8o5y ;uiet@ at pea3e. 9?5 ne)er 8een t"at -oo5 at me5itation. He lo%ere5 "is arms an5 looke5 at me. ABetterBC 9 no55e5. ADes@ t"ank you.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A4on?t t"ank me. 9t %as eit"er 3ontrol it or run s3reamin-.C

=e stoo5 t"ere@ starin- at ea3" ot"er. $"e silen3e %as un3om1orta8ly t"i3k. A="at 5o you %ant@ <i3"ar5BC He -a)e a 3"okin- lau-" t"at 8rou-"t "eat in a rus" up my 1a3e. ADou kno% %"at 9 meant@C 9 sai5. ADes@C "e sai5@ A9 kno% %"at you meant. Dou in)oke5 your status as lupa %"ile 9 %as out o1 to%n.C ADou mean prote3tin- Step"enBC He no55e5. ADou "a5 no ri-"t to -o a-ainst Syl)ie?s e*press or5ers. S"e %as t"e one 9 le1t in 3"ar-e@ not you.C AS"e?5 remo)e5 pa3k prote3tion 1rom "im. 4o you kno% %"at t"at meansBC ABetter t"an you 5o@C "e sai5. A=it"out prote3tion o1 a 5ominant you?re any8o5y?s meat t"at %ants you@ like t"e %ereleopar5s a1ter you kille5 Ga8riel.C 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all. A91 you "a5 tol5 me %"at %as "appenin- to t"em@ <i3"ar5@ 9?5 "a)e "elpe5 t"em.C A=oul5 youBC "e aske5. He motione5 to t"e -un in my "an5. A#r %oul5 you >ust "a)e kille5 t"emBC A/o@ t"at?s %"at Syl)ie %ante5 to 5o@ not me.C But 9 stoo5 t"ere %it" t"e -un in my "an5 an5 5i5n?t kno% a -ra3e1ul %ay to put it 5o%n. A9 kno% "o% mu3" you "ate s"apes"i1ters@ Anita. 9 5i5n?t t"ink you?5 -i)e a 5amn@ an5 no one else 5i5 eit"er or t"ey?5 "a)e tol5 you. $"ey all t"ou-"t you %oul5n?t 3are. 9 mean i1 you 3oul5 re>e3t someone you suppose5ly lo)e5 8e3ause t"ey turne5 into a monster on3e a mont"@ %"at 3"an3e 5i5 stran-ers "a)eBC He %as 8ein- 5eli8erately 3ruel. 9?5 ne)er seen "im 5o anyt"in- >ust to "urt@ >ust to try an5 5i- t"e kni1e in a little 5eeper. 9t %as petty@ an5 t"at %as one t"in- <i3"ar5 %as not. ADou kno% me 8etter t"an t"at@C 9 sai5. A4o 9BC "e sai5. He sat 5o%n on t"e 8e5@ -ra88in- t%o "an51uls o1 s"eet. He raise5 t"e 3lot" to "is 1a3e an5 took a lon5eep 8reat". He %at3"e5 me %it" an-ry eyes %"ile "e 5i5 it. A$"e smell o1 you still mo)es me like some kin5 o1 5ru-@ an5 9 "ate you 1or it.C A9 >ust spent a 1e% minutes insi5e your "ea5@ remem8er. Dou 5on?t "ate me@ <i3"ar5. 9t?5 8e less pain1ul i1 you 5i5.C He 3rumple5 t"e s"eet in "is lap@ "an5s 8allin- t"e 3lot" into ti-"t 1ists. ALo)e 5oesn?t 3on;uer all@ 5oes itBC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ it 5oesn?t.C He stoo5 in an almost )iolent mo)ement@ pa3in- t"e room in a ti-"t 3ir3le. He 3ame to stan5 in 1ront o1 me. $"ere %as no Ama-i3C no%@ >ust t%o people. But it %as still "ar5 to stan5 so 3lose to "im. Still "ar5 to kno% 9 %asn?t allo%e5 to tou3" "im anymore. 4ammit@ it s"oul5n?t "a)e 8een t"is "ar5. 9?5 ma5e my 3"oi3e. ADou %ere ne)er my lo)er@ no% you?re not e)en my -irl1rien5. Dou are not a s"apes"i1ter. Dou 3annot 8e my lupa.C AAre you really an-ry t"at 9 prote3te5 Step"enBC ADou or5ere5 pa3k mem8ers to -uar5 "im an5 a %ereleopar5. Dou tol5 t"em you?5 kill t"em i1 t"ey 5i5n?t o8ey you. Dou 5on?t "a)e t"at ri-"t.C ADou -a)e me t"at ri-"t %"en you ma5e me lupa.C 9 "el5 up a "an5 to keep "im 1rom interruptin-. AAn5 %"et"er you like it or %"et"er you 5on?t@ it %as a -oo5 t"in- t"at 9 "a5 some 3lout to t"ro% aroun5. Step"en mi-"t 8e 5ea5 no% i1 9 "a5n?t 8een t"ere 1or "im. An5 Kane %oul5 "a)e 3ause5 an e)en %orse mess at t"e "ospital. Ly3ant"ropes 5on?t nee5 any more 8a5 press.C A=e?re monsters@ Anita. Dou 3an?t "a)e -oo5 press i1 you?re a monster.C ADou 5on?t 8elie)e t"at.C ADou 8elie)e %e?re monsters@ Anita. Dou pro)e5 t"at. Dou?5 rat"er sleep %it" a 3orpse t"an let me tou3" you.C A="at 5o you %ant me to say@ <i3"ar5B $"at 9?m sorry 9 3oul5n?t 3opeB 9 am sorry. $"at 9?m still em8arrasse5 t"at 9 ran to Hean2!lau5e?s 8e5B 9 am. $"at 9 t"ink less o1 mysel1 1or not 8ein- a8le to lo)e you e)en a1ter %"at 9 sa% you 5o to 7ar3usBC ADou %ante5 me to kill 7ar3us.C AHe %as -oin- to kill you i1 you 5i5n?t. So yea"@ 9 %ante5 you to kill 7ar3us. But 9 5i5n?t tell you to eat "im.C A="en a pa3k mem8er is kille5 in a 5ominan3e stru--le@ %e all 1ee5. 9t?s a %ay to a8sor8 t"eir ener-y. 7ar3us an5 <aina aren?t really -one as lon- as t"e pa3k remains.C ADou ate <aina@ tooBC A="ere 5i5 you t"ink t"e 8o5ies %entB 4i5 you t"ink your 1rien5s on t"e poli3e 1or3e "a5 "i55en all t"e 3orpsesBC A9 t"ou-"t Hean2!lau5e "a5 arran-e5 it.C AHe 5i5@ 8ut it %as t"e pa3k t"at 5i5 t"e 5irty %ork. $"e )ampires 5on?t 3are a8out a 8o5y on3e it?s 3ol5. 91 t"e 8loo5 isn?t %arm@ t"ey 5on?t %ant it.C

9 almost aske5 i1 "e pre1erre5 %arm 1les" to 3ol5@ 8ut 5i5n?t. 9 5i5n?t really %ant to kno%. $"is entire 3on)ersation %as -oin- no%"ere t"at 9 %ante5 to 8e. 9 looke5 at t"e %at3" on my %rist. A9?)e -ot to -o@ <i3"ar5.C AGo res3ue your %ereleopar5s.C 9 looke5 at "im. ADes.C A$"at?s %"y 9?m "ere. 9?m your 8a3kup.C A=as t"at Hean2!lau5e?s i5eaBC ASyl)ie tol5 me t"at Gre-ory re1use5 to "arm "er. <e-ar5less o1 %"at t"ey 5i5 un5er Ga8riel@ t"ey?re ly3ant"ropes an5 %e "elp our o%n e)en i1 t"ey aren?t lukoi.C A4o t"e %ereleopar5s "a)e a 1an3y name 1or t"emsel)esBC 9 aske5. He no55e5. A$"ey 3all t"emsel)es par5. $"e %ere%ol)es are t"e lukoi. $"e leopar5s are t"e par5.C 9 %alke5 past "im@ s"oul5er 8rus"in- "is 8are arm. $"at one tou3" raise5 t"e "airs on my 8o5y like "e?5 tou3"e5 somet"in- mu3" more personal. But 9?5 -et use5 to it. 9?5 ma5e my 3"oi3e@ an5 no matter "o% 3on1use5 9 %as@ 9 %asn?t t"at 3on1use5. So 9 still luste5 a1ter <i3"ar5@ e)en lo)e5 "im. 9?5 pi3ke5 t"e )ampire@ an5 you 3an?t "a)e your )ampire an5 your %ere%ol1@ too. 9 -ot t"e ma3"ine -un out 1rom un5er t"e 8e5 an5 sli5 t"e strap a3ross my 3"est. AHean2!lau5e sai5 t"at %e %eren?t suppose5 to kill any8o5y@C <i3"ar5 sai5. AHe kne% you %ere 3omin- "ereBC 9 aske5. He no55e5. 9 smile5@ 8ut it %asn?t "appy. AHe 5i5n?t tell youBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A/o.C =e %ere le1t lookin- at ea3" ot"er a-ain. ADou 3an?t trust "im@ Anita@ you kno% t"at.C ADou?re t"e one %"o let "im -i)e you t"e 1irst mark )oluntarily. ="at 9 5i5@ <i3"ar5@ 9 5i5 to sa)e your li)es@ 8ot" o1 you. 91 you really t"ou-"t "e %as so 5amn untrust%ort"y@ %"y?5 you 8in5 us to "imBC <i3"ar5 looke5 a%ay t"en@ an5 spoke )ery so1tly@ A9 5i5n?t t"ink 9?5 lose you.C AGo %ait in t"e "all@ <i3"ar5.C A="yBC A9?)e -ot to 1inis" -ettin- 5resse5.C His -aEe sli5 to my le-s@ )ery %"ite a-ainst t"e 8la3kness o1 t"e 5ress an5 t"e "eels. AHose@C "e sai5@ so1tly. AA ne% "olster@ a3tually@C 9 sai5. A$"e "ose -ot tras"e5 last ni-"t. /o%@ please -et out.C He 5i5. He 5i5n?t e)en make a last 3uttin- remark. 9t %as an impro)ement. ="en "e 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 "im@ 9 sat 5o%n on t"e 8e5. 9 5i5 not %ant to 5o t"is. Goin- 8a3k in 1or t"e leopar5s %as a 8a5 i5ea. Goin- in %it" <i3"ar5 as 8a3kup %as %orse. But %e?5 5o it. 9 3oul5n?t tell "im to stay "ome. Besi5es@ 9 nee5e5 t"e 8a3kup. /o matter "o% emotionally pain1ul it %as to 8e aroun5 "im@ "e %as one o1 t"e most po%er1ul s"apes"i1ters 9?5 e)er met. 91 "e "a5n?t 8een 3ripple5 8y a 3ons3ien3e t"e siEe o1 <"o5e 9slan5@ "e?5 "a)e 8een 5an-erous. #1 3ourse@ 7ar3us %oul5 pro8a8ly "a)e sai5 <i3"ar5 %as plenty 5an-erous >ust as "e %as. An5 "e?5 8e ri-"t.

Chapter Twenty-seven
<i3"ar5 5ro)e "is & W & to t"e !ir3us. 9 sat 8esi5e "im@ 8ut in some %ays 9 mi-"t as %ell not "a)e 8een t"ere at all. He ne)er looke5 at me@ let alone spoke. But t"e tension in "is 8o5y %as enou-". He kne% 9 %as t"ere. !"erry an5 Kane ro5e in t"e 8a3k seat. 9t "a5 surprise5 me %"en !"erry sli5 into t"e 3ar. Her eyes 1las"e5 %"ite@ eyeli5s 1lutterin- like a ner)ous ti3. S"e looke5 like s"e %as -oin- to 1aint. Kane %as "is usual sel1G smilin-@ eyes se3ret. His usual sel1B $"at %as almost 1unny. 9?5 kno%n "im less t"an t%enty21our "ours. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at t"e "ell %as AusualC 1or "im. !"erry "a5 sunk 5o%n on t"e seat@ "u--in- "ersel1. S"e %as slo%ly 3urlin- into a little 8all. 9?5 kno%n "er less time t"an 9?5 kno%n Kane@ 8ut t"is %asn?t normal 1or any8o5y. 9 turne5 as 1ar as t"e seat 8elt %oul5 allo% an5 sai5@ A="at?s %ron-@ !"erryBC Her eyes rolle5 to me@ t"en 3lose5@ ti-"t. S"e s"ook "er "ea5 an5 "u55le5 1urt"er into "ersel1. $"ere %as a 1res" 8ruise 1ormin- on "er 3"eek. S"e mi-"t "a)e "a5 it %"en 9 1irst sa% "er. 9 >ust %asn?t sure. AKane@ %"at?s %ron- %it" "erBC

AS"e?s s3are5@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as neutral@ 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- in "is 1a3e t"at %as an-ry. A9 tol5 "er t"is %as stri3tly )oluntary. S"e 5oesn?t "a)e to 3ome.C A$ell t"at to 7r. 7a3"o@C "e sai5. He %as starin- at t"e 8a3k o1 <i3"ar5?s "ea5. 9 turne5 in t"e seat until 9 %as starin- at "is pro1ile. He %oul5n?t look at me. A="at?s -oin- on@ <i3"ar5BC AS"e?s 3omin-@C "e sai5@ )oi3e )ery ;uiet. A="yBC ABe3ause 9 sai5 so.C ABulls"it.C He -lan3e5 at me t"en. He trie5 1or it to 8e a 3ool look@ 8ut it %as an-ry. ADou?re my lupa@ 8ut 9 am still :l1ri3. 7y %or5 is still la%.C A'u3k t"at. Dou are not 5ra--in- "er into t"is 8e3ause you?re ma5 at me.C $"e mus3le in "is >a% 3len3"e5 ti-"t enou-" 1or me to see it. A$"ey 8ot" 5eserte5 t"eir people. /o% t"ey are 8ot" -ointo make it ri-"t.C His )oi3e %as still ;uiet@ lo%@ an5 3are1ul@ like i1 "e %asn?t )ery 3are1ul "e?5 lose 3ontrol. He spoke like people talk %"en t"ey %ant to yell. ALook at "er@ <i3"ar5. S"e?ll 8e %orse t"an useless. S"e?ll >ust 8e one more )i3tim %e "a)e to keep sa1e.C He s"ook "is "ea5. ADou 5on?t lea)e one o1 your o%n 8e"in5@ not 1or any reason. 9t?s t"e la%.C APa3k la%@ 8ut s"e?s not pa3k.C A:ntil you stop 8ein- my lupa@ Anita@ %"at 8elon-s to you@ 8elon-s to me.C ADou arro-ant pri3k.C He smile5@ 8ut it %as >ust a 8arin- o1 teet"@ more snarl t"an "umor. A,)eryone "as to 5o somet"in- to take t"e e5-e o11.C 9t took me a se3on5 to realiEe %"at "e meant@ t"en 9 %as em8arrasse5. But 9?5 8e 5amne5 i1 9?5 sit t"ere an5 e*plain t"at 9 "a5n?t meant it literally. He kne% 9 "a5n?t meant it literally. He %as tryin- to em8arrass me. 'u3k it. A4i5 you "it !"erryBC He %as su55enly )ery intereste5 in t"e roa5@ 8ut "is "an5s smoot"e5 on t"e steerin- %"eel. He 5i5n?t like t"at "e?5 "it "er. /eit"er 5i5 9. ADou %ante5 me to 8e stron-. =ell@ you -ot your %is".C A$"ere is a 5i11eren3e 8et%een 8ein- stron- an5 8ein- 3ruel@ <i3"ar5.C A<eallyB 9 ne)er 3oul5 tell t"e 5i11eren3e.C 9 t"ink t"at last %as meant 1or me. But you 3an only make me 1eel -uilty 1or so lon-@ an5 t"en 9 >ust -et ma5. A'ine@ i1 %"at 8elon-s to me 8elon-s to you@ t"en it %orks t"e ot"er %ay too.C He -lan3e5 at me@ 1ro%nin-. A="at 5o you meanBC 9 like5 t"e unease in "is 1a3e. 9 en>oye5 turnin- "is lo-i3 8a3k on "im. 9n my o%n %ay@ 9 %as >ust as an-ry at "im as "e %as at me. 9 5i5n?t "a)e "is moral "i-" -roun5@ 8ut 9 "a5n?t turne5 3anni8al eit"er. 7ay8e 9 5i5 "a)e some moral "i-" -roun5@ a1ter all. A91 you 3an 1or3e !"erry to -o %it" us@ t"en 9 3an or5er t"e pa3k to -uar5 Step"en. 9 3an or5er t"em to 5o any 5amn t"in9?m 5ominant enou-" to make t"em 5o.C A/o@C "e sai5. A="y notBC 9 aske5. ABe3ause 9 sai5 so.C 9 lau-"e5 t"en@ an5 e)en to me it soun5e5 8it3"y. He s3reame5@ a lon- ra--e5 yell o1 1rustration an5 an-er. AGo5@ Anita@ Go5.C A=e?re -oin- to 3ut ea3" ot"er up i1 %e 5on?t %ork somet"in- out@C 9 sai5. He -lan3e5 at me a-ain. His eyes %eren?t an-ry anymore. $"ey %ere almost pani32stri3ken. ADou?re sleepin- %it" t"e )ampire. $"ere?s not"in- to %ork out.C A$"e t"ree o1 us are 8oun5 to ea3" ot"er 1or %"at 3oul5 8e a )ery@ )ery lon- trine@ <i3"ar5. =e?re -oin- to "a)e to 1in5 a %ay to li)e to-et"er.C He lau-"e5@ an5 it %as 8itter. ALi)e to-et"erB Dou %ant a "ouse 1or t"ree %it" Hean2!lau5e 5o%n in t"e 8asement an5 me 3"aine5 out in t"e yar5BC A/ot e*a3tly@ 8ut you 3an?t keep "atin- yoursel1 like t"is.C A9t?s not me 9 "ate. 9t?s you.C

9 s"ook my "ea5. A91 t"at %ere true@ 9?5 lea)e you alone. But you "ate your 8east an5 your 8east is you.C He pulle5 in 1ront o1 t"e !ir3us. A=e?re "ere.C He turne5 o11 t"e en-ine an5 silen3e 1ille5 t"e 3ar. A!"erry 3an %ait "ere.C A$"ank you@ <i3"ar5@C 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A4on?t t"ank me@ Anita.C He smoot"e5 "is "an5s o)er "is 1a3e into "is "air@ 3om8in- "is 1in-ers t"rou-" it. $"e -esture s"o%e5 "is arms an5 3"est to %on5er1ul a5)anta-e. He?5 ne)er 8een a%are o1 "o% mu3" t"e simplest t"in- "e 5i5 "a5 mo)e5 me. A4on?t t"ank me.C He -ot out o1 t"e 3ar. 9 tol5 !"erry to stay lo%. 9 5i5n?t %ant t"em to -et any i5eas a8out takin- "er %"ile %e %ere insi5e res3uin- t"e ot"ers. 9t %oul5 sort o1 5e1eat t"e purpose o1 t"e entire trip. Kane kisse5 "er on t"e 1ore"ea5 t"e %ay you?5 3alm a 3"il5. He tol5 "er e)eryt"in- %oul5 8e all ri-"t@ t"at 9?5 keep t"em sa1e. Go5@ 9 "ope5 "e %as ri-"t.

Chapter Twenty-eight
A man "a5 %alke5 up to meet <i3"ar5. He?5 8een %aitin- 1or "im. 9 rea3"e5 in t"e 3oat po3ket an5 3li3ke5 o11 t"e sa1ety on t"e Bro%nin- 8e3ause 9 kne% "im. Kane@ %"o %as )ery 3lose 8e"in5 me aske5@ A9s somet"in- %ron-BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHello@ Hamil.C AHello@ Anita.C He %as >ust s"y o1 si* 1eet@ %earin- a %"ite tank top almost t"e t%in o1 t"e one <i3"ar5 %ore. ,*3ept t"at Hamil "a5 3ut out t"e ne3k@ arms@ an5 3"oppe5 out t"e mi55le o1 t"e s"irt so t"at "is slen5er %aist an5 3o88lestone a8s s"o%e5. $"e %"ite tank top %as in startlin- 3ontrast to t"e ri3" soli5 8ro%n o1 "is skin. His "air %as %aist2len-t"@ %orke5 in t"in 3orn ro%s intert%ine5 %it" 8ri-"t 8ea5s. He %as %earin- %"ite s%eat pants an5 looke5 like "e?5 >ust 3ome 1rom t"e -ym. $"e last time 9?5 seen Hamil "e?5 8een tryin- to kill <i3"ar5. A="at are you 5oin- "ereBC ,)en to me it 5i5n?t soun5 1rien5ly. He smile5@ a ;ui3k 8arin- o1 teet". A9?m <i3"ar5?s en1or3er.C ASoBC A$"ey allo%e5 us ea3" one 8a3kup@ plus t"e %ereleopar5s@C <i3"ar5 sai5. He spoke %it"out lookin- at me@ starin- at t"e 1ront o1 t"e !ir3us risin- into t"e 8ri-"t sunli-"t. A9?m s"ort one %ereleopar5 an5 a 8a3kup@C 9 sai5. He 5i5 look at me t"en. His 1a3e %as as 3lose5 an5 -uar5e5 as 9?5 seen it. A9 t"ou-"t Hean2!lau5e "a5 tol5 you@ an5 you?5 >ust 5e3i5e5 a-ainst any 8a3kup.C A9?5 take 8a3kup into "ell@ <i3"ar5. Dou kno% t"at.C A4on?t 8lame me i1 your 8oy1rien5 1or-ot to mention it.C AHe pro8a8ly t"ou-"t you?5 mention it.C He >ust looke5 at me %it" "is an-ry eyes. A9s t"ere anyt"in- else you 1or-ot to tell meBC AHe >ust sai5 to tell you@ 5on?t kill anyone.C AHe mention anyone in parti3ular not to killBC 9 aske5. <i3"ar5 1ro%ne5 t"en. AAs a matter o1 1a3t@ "e 5i5.C He sai5 t"e ne*t in a 8a5 'ren3" a33ent. A$ell ma petite not to kill 'ernan5o no matter %"at t"e pro)o3ation.C 9t 8rou-"t a ti-"t smile to my 1a3e. A'ine.C Hamil %as starin- at me. A$"e look on your 1a3e@ 8a8e. $"at is t"e most e)il little smile 9?)e e)er seen. ="at 5i5 t"is 'ernan5o 5o to youBC A$o me personally@ not"in-.C AHe rape5 your Geri@ your se3on5 in 3omman5@C Kane sai5. Bot" o1 t"e %ere%ol)es stare5 at "im@ a su55en 1las" o1 "ostility t"at ma5e Kane step 8a3k. He mo)e5 a little 8e"in5 me@ %"i3" 5i5n?t ;uite %ork sin3e "e %as nearly a 1oot taller. Har5 to 3o%er 8e"in5 someone %"o?s s"orter t"an you are. AHe rape5 Syl)ieBC <i3"ar5 aske5. 9 no55e5. AHe "as to 8e punis"e5@C <i3"ar5 sai5.

9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 tol5 Syl)ie 9?5 kill "im. $"at %e?5 kill t"em all.C AAllBC <i3"ar5 ma5e it a ;uestion. AAll@C 9 sai5. He looke5 a%ay t"en@ not meetin- my eyes. He aske5 %it"out turnin- aroun5@ AHo% manyBC A$%o t"at s"e?s tol5 me a8out. $"ere may 8e more@ 8ut i1 t"ere is@ s"e?s not rea5y to talk a8out it yet.C ADou?re sure t"ere %as more t"an >ust t"is 'ernan5oBC <i3"ar5 looke5 at me@ eyes "ope1ul@ almost like "e %ante5 me to tell "im it %asn?t really as 8a5 as it seeme5. A9t %as -an- rape@ <i3"ar5. $"ey took -reat pri5e in tellin- me t"at.C A="o %as t"e se3on5 oneBC "e aske5. He aske5. 9 ans%ere5. ALi).C He 8linke5 at me. AS"e?s a %oman.C A9?m a%are o1 t"at.C He >ust stare5 at me. AHo%BC 9 raise5 eye8ro%s at "im. ADou really %ant me to -et t"at te3"ni3alBC <i3"ar5 s"ook "is "ea5. He looke5 ill. Hamil 5i5n?t. He met my eyes %it"out 1lin3"in-@ "is 1a3e t"inne5 into ti-"t an-ry lines. A91 t"ey 3an take one o1 our "i-"est %ol)es an5 use "er like t"at@ t"en t"e pa3k?s t"reat means not"in-.C A$"at@ too@C 9 sai5. ABut 9?m not -oin- to kill someone >ust to keep t"e pa3k?s rep in -oo5 repair.C A$"en %"yBC Hamil sai5. 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a se3on5. ABe3ause 9 -a)e my %or5 9?5 5o it. $"ey 5u- t"eir -ra)e %"en t"ey tou3"e5 "er. All 9?m 5oin- is 1illin- in t"e 5irt.C A="yBC Hamil sai5. ADou "ate5 Syl)ie.C 9t seeme5 important to "im t"at 9 ans%er@ as i1 t"e ;uestion meant more t"an it s"oul5 "a)e@ at least to "im. A$"ey 5i5n?t 8reak "er. All t"at t"ey 5i5 to "er@ an5 t"ey 3oul5n?t 8reak "er. S"e 3oul5 "a)e stoppe5 t"e torture 8y -i)inup t"e pa3k. S"e 5i5n?t -i)e t"em up.C 9 trie5 to put it all into %or5s. A$"at kin5 o1 loyalty an5 stren-t" 5eser)es t"e same in return.C A="at 5o you kno% a8out loyaltyBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A$"at?s it@C 9 sai5. 9 turne5 to "im an5 poke5 a 1in-er in "is 3"est. A=e 3an "a)e one kno3k25o%n2-lorious 1i-"t a1ter %e sa)e Gre-ory an5 Vi)ian. $"ey -an-2rape5 Syl)ie. 4o you really t"ink t"ey?re 5oin- less to t%o s"apes"i1ters t"at t"ey t"ou-"t "a5 no alp"a to prote3t t"emBC 9 %as spittin- e)ery %or5 into "is 1a3e@ )oi3e s;ueeEe5 ti-"t an5 lo%@ 8e3ause i1 9 let -o@ 9?5 8e s3reamin-. A=e are -oin- to -et t"em out an5 take t"em some pla3e sa1e. ="en %e 5o all t"at@ t"en you 3an -o 8a3k to 8ein- pisse5 at me. Dou 3an %rap your >ealousy an5 sel12"atre5 aroun5 us 8ot" until %e 3"oke. But ri-"t t"is se3on5@ %e "a)e %ork to 5o. #kayBC He looke5 at me 1or a "eart8eat or t%o@ t"en -a)e t"e 8arest o1 no5s. A#kay.C AGreat@C 9 sai5. 9?5 a8an5one5 my purse at t"e "ospital@ 8ut 9 "a5 t"e key to t"e 1ront 5oor in my 3oat po3ket alon- %it" 94. ="at else 5i5 a -irl nee5B ADou "a)e a key to t"e 1ront 5oorBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A4rop it@ <i3"ar5@C 9 sai5. ADou?re ri-"t. Dou?re ri-"t@ an5 9?m %ron-. 9 "a)en?t 8een payin- attention to 8usiness 1or t%o mont"s. Syl)ie tol5 me t"at. 9 5i5n?t listen. 7ay8e i1 9 "a5@ s"e ... 7ay8e i1 9?5 8een listenin-@ s"e %oul5n?t "a)e -otten "urt.C AHesus@ <i3"ar5@ 5on?t pull anot"er -uilt trip on me. Dou 3oul5 8e Attila t"e Hun@ an5 t"e 3oun3il %oul5 still "a)e 3ome. /o s"o% o1 stren-t" %oul5 "a)e kept t"em out.C A="at %oul5 "a)eBC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"ey are t"e 3oun3il@ <i3"ar5. $"e stu11 o1 ni-"tmares. /i-"tmares 5on?t 3are "o% stron- you are.C A="at 5o t"ey 3are a8outBC "e aske5. 9 s"o)e5 t"e key into t"e lo3k. AS3arin- you.C $"e 8i- 5ou8le 5oors pus"e5 in%ar5. 9 5re% t"e Bro%nin- out o1 my po3ket. A=e aren?t suppose5 to kill any8o5y@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9 remem8er@C 9 sai5@ 8ut 9 kept t"e -un out. 9 3oul5n?t kill any8o5y@ 8ut Hean2!lau5e "a5n?t sai5 9 3oul5n?t maim someone. 9t mi-"t not 8e as satis1yin-@ 8ut %"en you nee5 to 8a3k up your t"reat@ someone %rit"in- on t"e 1loor in pain is almost as -oo5 as a 8o5y. Sometimes it?s 8etter.

Chapter Twenty-nine
9 stoo5 %it" my 8a3k to t"e 3lose5 5oor@ t"e ot"ers 1anne5 out aroun5 me. So1t 1iltere5 li-"t 3ame 5o%n 1rom t"e "i-"@ "i-" %in5o%s. $"e mi5%ay looke5 5ark an5 tire5 in t"e mornin- sunli-"t. $"e 'erris %"eel to%ere5 o)er t"e "aunte5 "ouse an5 mirror maEe an5 t"e -ame 8oot"s. 9t %as a 3omplete tra)elin- 3arni)al t"at 5i5n?t tra)el. 9t smelle5 like it %as suppose toJ 3otton 3an5y@ 3orn 5o-s@ 1unnel 3akes. $%o men steppe5 out o1 t"e "u-e 3ir3us tent t"at took up one entire 3orner. $"ey %alke5 to%ar5s us si5e 8y si5e. $"e taller man %as a8out si* 1oot@ s;uare2s"oul5ere5@ %it" "air t"at %as some%"ere 8et%een 8lon5 an5 8ro%n. $"e "air %as strai-"t@ t"i3k@ an5 >ust lon- enou-" to trail t"e e5-e o1 "is s"irt 3ollar. ="ite 5ress s"irt tu3ke5 into %"ite >eans@ 3omplete %it" %"ite 8elt. He %ore %"ite loa1ers@ no so3ks. He looke5 like "e s"oul5 "a)e 8een %alkin- alon- a 8ea3" in a 3re5it3ar5 3ommer3ial@ e*3ept 1or "is eyes. ,)en 1rom a 5istan3e t"ere %as somet"in- o55 a8out "is eyes. $"ey %ere oran-is". People 5i5n?t "a)e eyes t"at 3olor. $"e se3on5 man %as a8out 1i)e 1oot se)en@ %it" 5ark -ol5 "air 3ut )ery s"ort. A 8ro%nis" musta3"e -ra3e5 "is upper lip an5 3ur)e5 8a3k to meet 8ro%nis" si5e8urns. /o8o5y "a5 %orn a musta3"e like t"at sin3e t"e 10 ?s. His %"ite pants %ere ti-"t an5 sli5 into polis"e5 8la3k 8oots. A %"ite )est an5 a %"ite s"irt peeke5 out 1rom 8eneat" a re5 >a3ket. He looke5 like "e s"oul5 "a)e 8een ri5in- to t"e "oun5s@ 3"asin- small 1urre5 animals. His eyes %ere a ni3e normal 8ro%n. But t"e 1irst man?s eyes >ust -ot stran-er t"e 3loser "e 3ame to us. His eyes %ere yello%2not am8er@ not 8ro%n2yello% %it" oran-e spikes ra5iatin- 1rom t"e pupil like a pin%"eel o1 3olor. $"ey %ere not "uman eyes@ no %ay@ no "o%. 91 it "a5n?t 8een 1or t"e eyes@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e re3o-niEe5 "im as a ly3ant"rope@ 8ut t"e eyes -a)e it a%ay. 9?5 seen pi3tures o1 ti-ers %it" eyes like t"at. $"ey stoppe5 a little 5istan3e 1rom us. <i3"ar5 mo)e5 up 8esi5e me@ Kane an5 Hamil at our 8a3ks. =e all stoo5 lookin- at ea3" ot"er. 91 9 "a5n?t kno%n 8etter. 9?5 "a)e sai5 t"at t"e t%o men looke5 un3om1orta8le or em8arrasse5. $"e smaller man sai5@ A9 am !aptain $"omas !ars%ell. Dou must 8e <i3"ar5 Keeman.C His )oi3e %as Britis" an5 upper2 3rust@ 8ut not too upper23rust. <i3"ar5 took a step 1or%ar5. A9?m <i3"ar5 Keeman. $"is is Anita Blake@ Hamil@ an5 Kane.C A9 am Gi5eon@C t"e man %it" t"e eyes sai5. His )oi3e %as almost pain1ully lo%@ as i1 e)en in "uman spee3" "e -ro%le5. $"e soun5 %as so lo% t"at it ma5e my spine t"rum. A="ere are Vi)ian an5 Gre-oryBC 9 sai5. !aptain $"omas !ars%ell 8linke5 an5 looke5 at me. He 5i5n?t look "appy a8out t"e interruption. A/ear8y.C A'irst@C sai5 Gi5eon@ A%e nee5 your -un@ 7iss Blake.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t t"ink so.C $"ey e*3"an-e5 -lan3es. A=e 3annot allo% you to -o 1or%ar5 %it" a -un in your "an5@ 7iss Blake@C !ars%ell sai5. A,)ery time someone %ants to take my -un@ it means eit"er t"ey 5on?t trust me or t"ey?re plannin- to 5o somet"in- 9 5on?t like.C APlease@C Gi5eon sai5 in "is -ra)elly )oi3e. ASurely you must un5erstan5 our relu3tan3e. Dou 5o "a)e a 3ertain reputation.C AAnnaBC <i3"ar5 sai5@ "al12;uestion@ "al12somet"in- else. 9 3li3ke5 t"e sa1ety on t"e -un an5 "el5 it out to Gi5eon. 9 "a5 t%o more -uns an5 t%o kni)es le1t. $"ey 3oul5 "a)e t"e Bro%nin-. Gi5eon took t"e -un 1rom me an5 steppe5 8a3k to stan5 8esi5e !ars%ell. A$"ank you@ 7iss Blake.C 9 no55e5. ADou?re %el3ome.C AS"all %e -oBC !ars%ell sai5. He o11ere5 me "is arm as i1 "e %ere es3ortin- me to 5inner. 9 stare5 at "im@ t"en 8a3k at <i3"ar5. 9 raise5 my eye8ro%s@ tryin- to ask %"at "e t"ou-"t %it"out askin-. He -a)e a "al12s"ru-. 9 sli5 my le1t arm t"rou-" !ars%ell?s arm. ADou?re 8ein- )ery 3i)iliEe5 a8out t"is@C 9 sai5. A$"ere is no reason to lose all -oo5 manners >ust 8e3ause t"in-s "a)e 8e3ome ... some%"at e*treme.C 9 let "im lea5 me to%ar5s t"e tent. Gi5eon 1ell into step %it" <i3"ar5. $"ey %ere almost t"e same "ei-"t@ an5 t"e roil o1 ener-y t"at 3ame o11 t"em ma5e t"e "air on my ne3k stan5 up. $"ey %ere tryin- ea3" ot"er?s po%er@ tastin- ea3" ot"er %it"out 5oin- anyt"in- at all 8ut lo%erin- t"eir "ar52%on 3ontrol. Hamil an5 Kane 8rou-"t up t"e rear like -oo5 sol5iers. =e %ere almost at t"e tent %"en !ars%ell stoppe5@ "an5 ti-"tenin- on my arm. 9 sli5 my ri-"t "an5 8e"in5 my 8a3k@ un5er t"e 3oat@ tou3"in- t"e ma3"ine -un.

A$"ere is somet"in- "ea)y on your 8a3k@ 7iss Blake. Somet"in- t"at is not a purse.C His -rip on my le1t arm -re% ti-"ter@ not "urtin-@ 8ut 9 kne% "e %oul5n?t let -o@ not %it"out a 1i-"t. 9 s%un- t"e ma3"ine -un aroun5 on its strap %it" my ri-"t "an5 an5 put t"e 8arrel into "is 3"est@ not s"o)in-@ >ust t"ere@ like "is "an5 on my ot"er arm. A,)ery8o5y 8e 3alm@C 9 sai5. $"e ot"er men %ere su55enly )ery@ )ery still. A=e are -oin- to -i)e you your people@ 7iss Blake@C Gi5eon -ro%le5. A$"ere is no nee5 1or t"is.C A$"omas "ere aske5 %"at 9 "a5 on my 8a3k. 9?m s"o%in- "im.C ADou 5o not kno% me %ell enou-" to 3all me 8y my !"ristian name@ 7iss Blake@C !ars%ell sai5. 9 8linke5 at "im. $"ere %as no 1ear in "im. He %as "uman2one pull on t"e tri--er an5 "e %as -one28ut t"ere %as no 1ear. 9 stare5 into "is 8ro%n eyes an5 sa% only ... sa5ness. A tire5 sorro% as i1 "e?5 almost %el3ome it. 9 s"ook my "ea5. ASorry@ !aptain !ars%ell.C A=e 3annot possi8ly let you -o insi5e t"e tent %it" t"is %eapon.C His )oi3e %as )ery 3alm@ matter o1 1a3t. ABe reasona8le@ Anita@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A91 t"in-s %ere re)erse5@ you?5 %ant t"em %it"out %eapons.C $"e trou8le %as 9 "a5 to take o11 t"e 3oat to take o11 t"e ma3"ine -un. 91 9 took o11 t"e 3oat@ t"ey?5 see t"e kni)es. 9 5i5n?t %ant to lose t"e kni)es. #1 3ourse@ 9?5 still "a)e t"e 'irestar. 9 let t"e ma3"ine -un sli5e 8a3k out o1 si-"t. A9?ll "a)e to remo)e my 3oat.C !ars%ell release5 my arm 3autiously an5 steppe5 8a3k@ still 3lose enou-" to -ra8 me. 9 stare5 at "is 3are1ul 3lot"in-. $"e >a3ket %as too tailore5 1or a s"oul5er "olster@ t"e pants "a5 no po3kets@ 8ut "e 3oul5 "a)e "a5 somet"in- at t"e small o1 "is 8a3k. A9?ll remo)e my 3oat i1 you remo)e yours@C 9 sai5. A9 "a)e no %eapons@ 7iss Blake.C A<emo)e your 3oat an5 9?ll 8elie)e you.C He si-"e5 an5 sli5 out o1 t"e re5 >a3ket@ t"en turne5 in a 1ull 3ir3le@ arms sprea5 to "is si5es. AAs you see@ no %eapons.C $o 8e really sure 9?5 nee5 to pat "im 5o%n@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant "im returnin- t"e 1a)or@ so 9 let it -o. 9 slippe5 out o1 t"e 3oat an5 %at3"e5 "is eyes %i5en at t"e %rist s"eat"s. A7iss Blake@ 9 am impresse5 an5 5isappointe5.C 9 let t"e 3oat 1all to t"e 1loor an5 slippe5 t"e strap o)er my "ea5. 9 "ate5 -i)in- up t"e ma3"ine -un@ 8ut ... 9 5i5 un5erstan5. $"ey?5 8een 5oin- a%1ul t"in-s to Gre-ory an5 Vi)ian. 9 %oul5n?t ne3essarily trust me %it" a -un i1 9 %ere in t"eir pla3e. 9 took t"e 3lip out o1 t"e -un an5 "an5e5 t"e %eapon to !ars%ell. His eyes %i5ene5 a little. A'ear1ul t"at 9 %ill turn on you an5 your 1rien5sBC 9 s"ru--e5. A!an?t 8lame a -irl 1or 8ein- 3autious.C He smile5@ an5 it almost rea3"e5 "is eyes. A/o@ 9 suppose 9 3annot.C 9 sli5 one o1 t"e kni)es out o1 its s"eat" an5 "an5e5 it to "im "ilt21irst. He %a)e5 it a%ay. ADou may keep your kni)es@ 7iss Blake. $"ey %ill only 8e prote3tion i1 someone -ets )ery 3lose@ )ery personal. 9 t"ink a la5y s"oul5 8e allo%e5 to 5e1en5 "er "onor.C 4amn@ "e %as 8ein- ni3e@ -entlemanly. 91 9 kept t"e se3on5 "an5-un an5 "e 1oun5 out later@ "e mi-"t not 8e so ni3e. A4amn@C 9 sai5. !ars%ell 1ro%ne5. A9 "a)e one more -un.C A9t must 8e )ery %ell 3on3eale5@ 7iss Blake.C 9 si-"e5 a-ain. A9n3on)eniently so@ yes. 4o you %ant it or notBC He -lan3e5 8a3k at Gi5eon@ %"o no55e5. ADes@ please@ 7iss Blake.C A,)ery8o5y turn t"eir 8a3ks.C Amuse5 or 8emuse5 looks all aroun5. A9 "a)e to raise t"e 5ress an5 1las" t"e room to -et t"e -un. 9 5on?t %ant anyone peekin-.C All ri-"t@ it %as stupi5 an5 >u)enile@ 8ut 9 still 3oul5n?t >ust raise t"e 5ress in 1ront o1 1i)e men. 7y 5a55y 8rou-"t me up 8etter t"an t"at. !ars%ell turne5 %it"out 8ein- aske5 a se3on5 time. 9 -ot some )ery amuse5 looks@ 8ut e)eryone turne5@ e*3ept 1or Gi5eon. A9 %oul5 8e a poor 8o5y-uar5 i1 9 allo%e5 you to s"oot us in t"e 8a3k %"ile %e %ere 5e1en5in- your mo5esty.C He "a5 a point.

AAll ri-"t@ 9?ll turn my 8a3k.C ="i3" 9 5i5@ 1is"in- t"e -un out 1or t"e last time. $"e 8elly8an5 %as a -oo5 i5ea@ 8ut t"e 'irestar %as -oin- in t"e ot"er 3oat po3ket %"en 9 -ot it 8a3k. 9 %as tire5 o1 messin- %it" it. 9 "an5e5 t"e -un to Gi5eon. He took it@ still lookin- amuse5. A9s t"at e)eryt"in- e*3ept 1or t"e kni)esBC ADes@C 9 sai5. ADour %or5 o1 "onorBC 9 no55e5. A7y %or5.C He no55e5@ too@ as i1 t"at %as enou-". 9 kne% alrea5y t"at !ars%ell %as someone?s "uman ser)ant. He %as t"e -enuine arti3le@ a Britis" sol5ier o1 Nueen Vi3toria?s army. But until t"at moment 9 "a5n?t kno%n t"at Gi5eon %as as ol5. Ly3ant"ropes 5on?t a-e t"at slo%ly. He %as -ettin- "elp 1rom some%"ere or "e %as more t"an >ust a s"apes"i1ter. ALy3ant"rope@C 9 sai5@ A8ut %"at else are youBC He smile5 t"en@ 1las"in- small 1an-s top an5 8ottom. $"e only ot"er ly3ant"rope 9?5 seen %it" 1an-s like t"at "a5 8een Ga8riel. Dou -et t"in-s like t"at i1 you spen5 too mu3" time in animal 1orm. AGuess@C "e sai5 in a %"isper so lo% an5 rum8lin- it ma5e me s"i)er. !ars%ell sai5@ A7ay %e turn aroun5@ 7iss BlakeBC ASure@C 9 sai5. He sli5 "is >a3ket 8a3k on@ smoot"in- it in pla3e@ an5 o11ere5 me "is arm on3e more. AS"all %e@ 7iss BlakeBC AAnita@ my name?s Anita.C He smile5. A$"en you may 3all me $"omas.C He sai5 it as i1 "e 5i5n?t let a lot o1 people 3all "im 8y "is 1irst name. 9t ma5e me smile. A$"ank you@ $"omas.C He tu3ke5 my arm more se3urely in t"e 3rook o1 "is o%n. A9 5o %is" ... Anita@ t"at our meetin- 3oul5 8e un5er 8etter 3ir3umstan3es.C 9 met "is sa5 eyes an5 sai5@ A="at?s "appenin- to my people %"ile you 5elay me "ere %it" your polite smilesBC He si-"e5. A9 am "opin- "e %ill 8e 1inis"e5 8e1ore %e %alk in upon t"em.C A look almost like pain 3rosse5 "is 1a3e. A9t is not a si-"t 1it 1or a la5y.C 9 trie5 to pull my arm 1ree@ an5 "e -rippe5 it more ti-"tly. His eyes %eren?t sa5 anymore. $"ey %ere 1ull o1 somet"in- 9 3oul5n?t rea5. AKno% t"at t"is is not my 3"oi3e.C ALet -o o1 me@ $"omas.C He let me 5ra% my arm 1ree o1 "im. 9 %as su55enly a1rai5 o1 %"at %as insi5e t"e tent. 9?5 ne)er spoken %it" Vi)ian@ an5 Gre-ory %as a per)erte5 pie3e o1 s"it@ 8ut 9 su55enly 5i5n?t %ant to see %"at "a5 "appene5 to t"em. Gi5eon sai5@ A$"omas@ s"oul5 s"e ... BC ALet "er@C "e sai5. AS"e "as only t"e kni)es.C 9 5i5n?t e*a3tly run@ 8ut 9 %as 3lose %"en 9 rea3"e5 t"e 3lose5 1lap o1 t"e tent. 9 "ear5 <i3"ar5 say@ AAnita ... C 9 1elt "im 3omin- up 8e"in5 me@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ait. 9 1lun- t"e 1lap asi5e an5 steppe5 insi5e. $"e tent "a5 >ust one rin-@ t"e 3enter rin-. Gre-ory lay in a nake5 "eap in t"e 3enter o1 t"at rin-@ "an5s 8oun5 8e"in5 "is 8a3k %it" t"i3k -rey tape. His 8o5y %as a mass o1 8ruises an5 3uts. 9 3oul5 see 8one -listenin- in "is le-s@ >a--e5 an5 %et %"ere t"ey?5 8roken "is le-s. !ompoun5 1ra3tures are )ery nasty t"in-s. $"at %as %"y "e 3oul5n?t %alk out on "is o%n po%er. $"ey?5 8roken "is le-s. $"ere %as a small soun5 t"at 5re% me 5o%n t"e aisle to t"e railin- aroun5 t"e rin-. Vi)ian an5 'ernan5o %ere in t"e rin-@ too. 9?5 misse5 t"em 8e3ause t"ey %ere too 3lose to t"e si5e o1 t"e railin-@ "i55en 1rom )ie%. Vi)ian raise5 "er 1a3e up 1rom t"e -roun5@ tape a3ross "er mout"@ one eye 8loo5y an5 s%ollen s"ut. 'ernan5o s"o)e5 "er 1a3e 8a3k to t"e -roun5@ s"o%in- "er "an5s 8oun5 %it" tape. S"o%in- %"at "e %as 5oin- to "er. He 5re% "imsel1 out o1 "er@ %et an5 1inis"e5 at last. He patte5 "er 8are 8utt@ -i)in- "er a small slap. A$"at %as ni3e.C 9 %as alrea5y %alkin- to%ar5s t"em a3ross t"e san5 o1 t"e rin-. ="i3" means 9?5 -otten o)er t"e railin- in spike "eels an5 a 1loor2len-t" skirt. 9 5i5n?t remem8er 5oin- it. 'ernan5o stoo5@ 1astenin- "is pants@ smilin- at me. A91 you "a5n?t 8ar-aine5 1or "er 1ree5om@ 9?5 "a)e ne)er 8een allo%e5 to tou3" "er. 7y 1at"er 5oesn?t s"are.C 9 kept %alkin-. 9 "a5 one o1 t"e kni)es out@ "el5 to t"e si5e o1 t"e 5ress. 9 %asn?t sure i1 "e?5 noti3e5@ or i1 9 3are5. 9 "el5 my empty le1t "an5 out to "im. ADou?re a 8i- man %"en t"e la5y?s tie5 an5 -a--e5. Ho% are you %"en t"e la5y?s arme5BC He smile5@ an5 it %as mo3kin-. He tou3"e5 Vi)ian %it" "is 1oot@ 3asually@ like you?5 poke a 5o-. AS"e?s 8eauti1ul 8ut a little too su8missi)e 1or my tastes. 9 like t"em %it" a little more 1i-"t to t"em like your %ol128it3".C He 1inis"e5 1astenin- "is pants@ runnin- "is "an5s up "is 3"est as i1 remem8erin-. A!?t?une 8onne 8ourre.C

9 kne% enou-" 'ren3" to kno% t"at "e?5 sai5 Syl)ie %as a -oo5 lay. 9 8alan3e5 t"e kni1e. 9t %asn?t ma5e 1or t"ro%in-@ 8ut in a pin3" it?5 5o. $"ere %as t"e 1aintest s"a5o% in "is eyes@ as i1 1or t"e 1irst time "e realiEe5 t"at t"ere %as no one "ere to sa)e "imG t"en somet"in- leape5 o)er t"e railin-s. A 8lur o1 spee5 an5 motion t"at "it 'ernan5o "ar5 enou-" to roll "im a3ross t"e -roun5. ="en t"ey 3ame up@ <i3"ar5 %as on top o1 "im. 9 yelle5@ A4on?t kill "im@ <i3"ar5I 4on?t kill "imIC 9 ran 1or t"em@ 8ut Hamil -ot t"ere 1irst. Hamil knelt 8y <i3"ar5@ -ra88in- "is arm@ sayin- somet"in- to "im. <i3"ar5 -ra88e5 Hamil 8y t"e t"roat an5 1lun- "im a3ross t"e rin-. 9 ran to Hamil@ kneelin8esi5e "im@ 8ut it %as too late. His t"roat %as 3rus"e5. His eyes %ere %i5e@ 1ri-"tene5G "e trie5 to 8reat"e 8ut it %asn?t %orkin-. His le-s spasme5@ spine 8o%in-@ as "e 1ou-"t to 8reat". He -ra88e5 my "an5@ "is eyes s3reamin- at me. $"ere %as not"in- 9 3oul5 5o. ,it"er "e?5 "eal it or "e?5 5ie. 9 s3reame5@ AS"it@ <i3"ar5@ "elp "imIC <i3"ar5 plun-e5 "is "an5 into 'ernan5o?s stoma3". He 5i5n?t "a)e 3la%s yet. 9t %as only "uman 1in-ers 5i--in- in t"e 1les"@ sear3"in- 1or t"e "eart. He %as stron- enou-" t"at "e?5 5i- it out unless %e stoppe5 "im. 9 stoo5 an5 Hamil?s "an5 sli5 out o1 mine. He let me -o@ 8ut "is eyes %oul5 "aunt me. 9 ran 1or <i3"ar5@ s3reamin- "is nameJ A<i3"ar5IC He looke5 at me %it" am8er %ol1 eyes in "is "uman 1a3e. He rea3"e5 to%ar5s me %it" one 8loo5y "an5@ an5 t"e mental s"iel5s t"at kept us sa1e 1rom one anot"er 3ras"e5. 7y )ision %ent 8la3k@ an5 %"en 9 3oul5 see a-ain@ 9 %as kneelin- in t"e rin-. 9 3oul5 1eel my 8o5y 8ut 9 3oul5 also 1eel <i3"ar5?s 1in-ers pus"in- t"eir %ay t"rou-" t"i3k 1les". $"e 8loo5 %as %arm 8ut t"ere %asn?t enou-" o1 it. He %ante5 to use teet" to open t"e 8elly an5 %as 1i-"tin- t"e ur-e. $"omas knelt 8esi5e me. A:se your marks to 3alm "im 8e1ore "e kills 'ernan5o.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. 7y 1in-ers %ere tearin- t"rou-" 1les". 9 "a5 to press my "an5s a-ainst my eyes to remem8er %"at 8o5y 9 %as in. 9 1oun5 my )oi3e an5 t"at "elpe5 separate us. Helpe5 me kno% %"o 9 %as@ %"at 9 %as. AS"it@ 9 5on?t kno% "o%.C A$"en take "is ra-e@ "is 8east.C $"omas tou3"e5 my "an5s@ -rippin- t"em ti-"t@ not to "urt 8ut to "elp me an3"or mysel1 in t"is 8o5y. 9 -rippe5 "is "an5s an5 stare5 into "is 1a3e like a 5ro%nin- %oman. A9 5on?t kno% "o%@ $"omas.C He ma5e an e*asperate5 soun5. AGi5eon %ill "a)e to inter)ene until you 3an 3alm "im.C 9t %as almost a ;uestion. 9 no55e5. Sure@ 9?5 8een a8out to kill 'ernan5o mysel1@ 8ut 9 kne% t"at i1 %e kille5 "im@ %e %oul5 ne)er see anot"er 5a%n. Pa5ma %oul5 kill us. Kill us all. 9 kept lookin- at $"omas?s 1a3e@ 8ut 9 1elt Gi5eon -ra8 <i3"ar5. 'elt "im pull "im o11 'ernan5o. <i3"ar5 t%iste5 an5 "it Gi5eon@ kno3kin- "im to t"e -roun5@ t"en leape5 on "im. $"ey rolle5 o)er an5 o)er on t"e -roun5@ ea3" tryin- to -et on top. $"e only t"in- t"at kept it 1rom 8ein- a killin- 1i-"t %as t"at 8ot" "el5 onto t"eir "uman 1orms an5 still trie5 to 1i-"t like t"ey "a5 3la%s. But <i3"ar5?s 8east %as -ro%in- insi5e "im. 91 "e s"i1te5@ s"ort o1 killin- "im %e?5 ne)er keep "im 1rom killin- someone else. $"omas tou3"e5 my 1a3e@ an5 9 realiEe5 t"at 9 "a5n?t 8een seein- "is 1a3e. 9 %as seein- Gi5eon?s stran-e eyes 1rom in3"es a%ay as my "an5s trie5 to 3rus" "is t"roat. But t"ey %eren?t my "an5s. AHelp me@C 9 sai5. AHust open to "is 8east@C $"omas sai5. ASimply open an5 it %ill 1ill you. $"e 8east is seekin- a 3"annel o1 es3ape. Gi)e it one an5 it %ill 1lo% into you.C 9 kne% in t"at instant t"at $"omas an5 Gi5eon %ere part o1 a trium)irate >ust like %e %ere. A9?m not a ly3ant"rope@C 9 sai5. A9t 5oes not matter. 4o it@ or %e %ill "a)e to kill "im.C 9 s3reame5 an5 5i5 %"at "e sai5. But it %asn?t >ust openin- to it. 9 rea3"e5 out to t"at ra-e. $"at po%er t"at "e 3alle5 "is 8east 3ame at my tou3". 9 smelle5 like "ome to it@ some"o%@ an5 it poure5 into me@ o)er me@ t"rou-" me@ like a 8lin5instorm o1 "eat an5 po%er. 9t %as similar to t"e times 9?5 raise5 po%er %it" <i3"ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut t"is time t"ere %as no spell to use t"e po%er on. /o%"ere 1or t"e 8east to run. 9t trie5 to 3ra%l out my skin@ trie5 to e*pan5 insi5e my 8o5y@ 8ut t"ere %as no 8east to 3all. 9 %as empty 1or it@ an5 it ra-e5 insi5e me. 9 1elt it -ro%in- until 9 t"ou-"t 9 %oul5 8urst apart in 8loo5y 1ra-ments. $"e pressure 8uilt an5 8uilt an5 "a5 no%"ere to -o. 9 s3reame5@ one lon-@ ra--e5 s"riek a1ter anot"er@ as 1ast as 9 3oul5 -et 8reat". 9 1elt <i3"ar5 3ra%lin- to%ar5s me@ 1elt "is "an5s an5 le-s mo)e o)er t"e -roun5@ 1elt t"e mus3les in "is 8o5y t"at turne5 3ra%lin- into a sensuous art@ a stalkint"in-. He appeare5 a8o)e me@ >ust "is 1a3e@ starin- 5o%n. His lon- "air 1ell aroun5 "is 1a3e like a s"a5o%in- 3urtain. Bloo5 -listene5 at t"e 3orner o1 "is mout". 9 1elt "im %ant to li3k t"e 8loo5 a%ay 8ut stop "imsel1@ an5 8oun5 t"is 3losely@ 9 kne% %"y "e stoppe5. 'or me. 'ear t"at 9 %oul5 t"ink "e %as monstrous. His po%er %as still tryin- to 1in5 a %ay out o1 my 8o5y. 9t %ante5 t"e 8loo5@ too. 9t %ante5 to li3k t"e 8loo5 o11 "is 1a3e an5 taste at "is mout". =ante5 to %rap t"e %armt" o1 "is 8o5y aroun5 itsel1 an5 8e3ome one. His po%er 3rie5 out like a 1rustrate5 lo)er 1or "im to open "is arms@ "is 8o5y@ "is min5@ to it@ an5 em8ra3e it. <i3"ar5 -a)e it a name apart 1rom "imsel1@ "is 8east@ 8ut it %asn?t separate. 9n t"at moment 9 realiEe5 %"y <i3"ar5 ran so "ar5 an5 so lon- 1rom t"e po%er.

9t %as "im. Hust as t"e 1urre5 s"ape o1 "im %as pulle5 1rom t"e matter o1 "is o%n "uman 8o5y@ so t"e ra-e@ t"e 5estru3tion@ %as pulle5 1rom "is )ery "uman psy3"e. His 8east %as 1orme5 o1 t"at part o1 our 8rains %e 8ury@ only 5ra--in- into our 3ons3iousness in t"e %orst o1 our ni-"tmares. /ot t"e 5reams %"ere %e are "unte5 8y t"e monsters@ 8ut t"e 5reams %"ere %e are t"e monsters. =e raise 8loo5y "an5s to t"e sky an5 s3ream@ not 1rom 1ear@ 8ut 1rom >oy. $"e pure >oy o1 slau-"ter. $"e 3at"arti3 moment %"en %e plun-e our "an5s into t"e "ot 8loo5 o1 our enemies an5 t"ere is no 3i)iliEe5 t"ou-"t to stop us 1rom 5an3in- on t"eir -ra)es. $"e po%er 1lare5 insi5e me like a "an5 strokin- 1rom t"e insi5e out@ rea3"in- out to%ar5s "im as "e knelt o)er me. 'ear 1ille5 "is eyes@ an5 it %asn?t 1ear 1or me or o1 me. 9t %as t"e 1ear t"at t"e 8east %as t"e reality an5 t"at all t"e 3are1ul morals@ e)eryt"in- "e %as or e)er "a5 8een@ %as t"e lie. 9 stare5 up at "im. A<i3"ar5@C 9 %"ispere5@ A%e?re all 3reatures o1 li-"t an5 5arkness. ,m8ra3in- your 5arkness %on?t kill t"e li-"t. Goo5ness is stron-er t"an t"at.C He 5roppe5 1rom "is knees@ 1lat to t"e -roun5@ only proppin- "imsel1 on "is el8o%s. His "air 8rus"e5 my 1a3e on eit"er si5e@ an5 9 "a5 to 1i-"t t"e ur-e to ru8 my 1a3e 8a3k an5 1ort" in it. $"is 3lose 9 3oul5 smell "is skin@ a1ters"a)e@ 8ut un5erneat" t"at %as "im. $"e %arm s3ent t"at %as "is 8o5y. 9 %ante5 to tou3" t"at %armt"@ to %rap my mout" aroun5 it an5 try an5 "ol5 it 1ore)er. 9 %ante5 "im. $"e po%er 1lare5 at t"e t"ou-"t@ primiti)e t"ou-"ts e*3ite5 it@ ma5e it "ar5er to 3ontrol. He %"ispere5@ 8loo5 still tri3klin- 1rom "is mout"@ AHo% 3an you say -oo5ness is stron-erB 9 %ant to li3k t"e 8loo5 o11 my o%n 8o5y. 9 %ant to press my 8lee5in- mout" onto yours. 9 %ant you to 1ee5 o11 my %oun5. $"at is e)il.C 9 tou3"e5 "is 1a3e@ t"e 8arest tra3e o1 1in-ertips@ an5 e)en t"at ma5e po%er >ump 8et%een us. A9t?s not e)il@ <i3"ar5. 9t >ust isn?t )ery 3i)iliEe5.C Bloo5 %as 8uil5in- into a sin-le trem8lin- 5rop on t"e e5-e o1 "is 1a3e. 9t 1ell a-ainst my skin an5 it %as 8urnin- "ot. His po%er 1lare5 up%ar5 an5 took me %it" it. 9t %ante5 to29 %ante5 to2li3k t"e 8loo5 o11 <i3"ar5?s 1a3e. Part o1 me %as still sayin- no %"ile 9 raise5 my "ea5 >ust enou-" to run lips@ my ton-ue@ an5 li-"tly my teet" alon- "is 1a3e. 9 lay 8a3k 5o%n %it" t"e salty taste o1 "im in my mout" an5 %ante5 more. $"e more s3are5 me. 9 %as >ust as s3are5 o1 t"is part o1 "im@ o1 me@ as "e %as. $"at %as %"y 9 ran 1rom "im t"e ni-"t o1 t"e 1ull moon. 9t %asn?t t"at "e ate 7ar3us@ t"ou-" t"at "a5n?t "elpe5@ or t"at "e?5 "an5le5 it all so 8a5ly. $"e memory t"at "aunte5 %as t"e moment 9?5 8een 3arrie5 a%ay 8y t"e pa3k?s po%er@ an5 1or >ust an instant 9?5 %ante5 to 5rop to my knees an5 1ee5 %it" t"em. 9 %as a1rai5 t"at <i3"ar5?s 8east %oul5 take %"at %as le1t o1 my "umanity. 9 %as a1rai5 1or t"e same reason <i3"ar5 %as a1rai5. But %"at 9?5 sai5 %as true. 9t %asn?t e)il@ >ust not )ery "uman. He lai5 "is lips a-ainst mine in a trem8lin- kiss. A soun5 3ame 1rom lo% in "is t"roat@ an5 "e %as su55enly pressin- "is mout" a-ainst mine@ until it eit"er 8ruise5 or 9 opene5 my mout" to "im. 9 opene5@ an5 "is ton-ue plun-e5 insi5e me@ "is lips 1ee5in- on mine. $"e 3ut insi5e "is mout" 1ille5 my mout" %it" t"e taste o1 "im@ salty@ s%eet. 9 "el5 "is 1a3e in my "an5s@ my mout" sear3"in- "is@ an5 it %asn?t enou-". A small "i-" keenin- soun5 3ra%le5 out o1 my mout" into "is. $"e soun5 %as ma5e up o1 nee5@ 1rustration@ a 5esire t"at %asn?t 3i)iliEe5 an5 ne)er "a5 8een. =e?5 8een playin- #EEie an5 Harriet@ 8ut %"at %e %ante5 1rom ea3" ot"er %as more Hustler an5 Pent"ouse. =e mo)e5 to our knees@ mout"s still presse5 to-et"er. 7y "an5s sli5 o)er "is 3"est@ "is 8a3k@ an5 somet"in- 5eep insi5e me 3li3ke5 an5 rela*e5. Ho% 3oul5 9 e)er 8e t"is 3lose to "im an5 not tou3" "imB His po%er trie5 to spill out%ar5@ 8ut 9 "el5 it 8a3k. 9 "el5 it like 9 3oul5 "ol5 my o%n ma-i3@ lettin- it 8uil5 until 9 3oul5n?t "ol5 any lon-er. <i3"ar5?s "an5s sli5 up my le-s 1in5in- t"e la3e top o1 t"e 8la3k panties. His 1in-ers tra3e5 my nake5 spine an5 9 %as un5one. $"e po%er spille5 up%ar5@ out%ar5@ 1illin- us 8ot". 9t 1lare5 o)er us in a rus"in- %a)e o1 "eat an5 li-"t@ until my )ision s%am in pie3es@ an5 %e 8ot" 3rie5 out %it" one )oi3e. His 8east sli5 insi5e o1 "im. 9 1elt it 3ra%l out o1 me@ pulle5 like a lar-e@ t"i3k strin-@ spillin- insi5e o1 <i3"ar5@ 3oilin- into "is 8o5y. 9 e*pe3te5 to 1eel t"e last 8it o1 it spill 8et%een us@ like 5rainin- t"e last 5rop o1 %ine 1rom a 3up@ 8ut t"at 5rop remaine5. Some%"ere in t"at rus" o1 po%er@ 9?5 1elt <i3"ar5 take 3ontrol o1 "is 8east an5 sen5 t"at pulsin- %armt" out%ar5 into Hamil. 9 %oul5n?t "a)e kno%n "o% to 5o it@ 8ut <i3"ar5 5i5. 9?5 1elt Hamil "eal un5er t"e t"un5erin- rus" o1 po%er. <i3"ar5 knelt %it" me in "is arms@ my 1a3e presse5 to "is 3"est. His "eart 8eat a-ainst my 3"eek like a li)in- t"in-. S%eat "a5 8roken o)er "is 8o5y in a li-"t 5e%. 9 li3ke5 t"e s%eat 1rom "is 3"est an5 stare5 up at "im. His eyes %ere "ea)y2li55e5@ 5aEe5. Dou?5 almost "a)e mistaken t"e look 1or sleep@ 8ut not ;uite. He 3uppe5 "is "an5s on 8ot" si5es o1 my 1a3e. $"e %oun5 on "is mout" %as "eale5. $"e rus" o1 po%er@ "is 8east@ "a5 "eale5 it. He lo%ere5 "is so1t lips to mine an5 >ust 8arely 8rus"e5 my mout". A="at are %e -oin- to 5oBC 9 "el5 "is "an5s a-ainst my 1a3e. A=e?re -oin- to 5o %"at %e 3ame to 5o.C A$"en %"atBC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5@ ru88in- my 1a3e a-ainst "is "an5s. ASur)i)e 1irst@ <i3"ar5. =orry a8out t"e ni3eties later.C Somet"in- 1ille5 "is eyes %it" a su55en rus" o1 pani3. AHamil@ 9 3oul5 "a)e kille5 "im.C ADou also "eale5 "im.C He let t"at take some o1 t"e pani3 1rom "is 1a3e@ 8ut "e still -ot to "is 1eet an5 %ent to "is 1allen en1or3er. An apolo-y at t"e )ery least %as nee5e5. 9 3oul5n?t really ar-ue %it" t"at.

9 staye5 kneelin-@ not sure 9 3oul5 %alk yet@ 1or a )ariety o1 reasons. A/ot t"e %ay Gi5eon an5 9 %oul5 "a)e 5one it@C $"omas sai5@ A8ut in a pin3" it %ill 5o.C 9 1elt "eat rus" up my 1a3e. ASorry.C A4on?t apolo-iEe@C Gi5eon -ro%le5. A9t %as a lo)ely s"o%.C He 3ra%le5 to%ar5s us@ one arm 3ra5le5 a-ainst "is 8o5y. Bloo5 5rippe5 5o%n t"e arm an5 s"oul5er. $"e re5 s"o%e5 8rilliantly a-ainst t"e %"ite s"irt. 9 "a5 a8solutely no 5esire to li3k t"e 8loo5 o11 "is 8o5y. 9 %as -rate1ul 1or t"at. A<i3"ar5 5i5 t"atBC 9 aske5. AHe %as 8e-innin- to 3"an-e 1orm %"en you 3alle5 "im. Dou 5rank "is 8east an5 "e 3alme5.C He sat leanin- to one si5e@ 8lee5in- a little pu55le on t"e 1loor@ 8ut "e ne)er aske5 1or "elp@ not 8y %or5 or e*pression. But $"omas rea3"e5 out to "im. $ou3"e5 "is s"oul5er in a neutral@ almost 8rot"erly -esture. $"eir po%er stren-t"ene5 in a skin2pri3klin- rus" t"at ooEe5 o)er me like a 3ol5 %in5@ 8ut i1 9 "a5n?t 8een a8le to sense it@ 9?5 "a)e ne)er kno%n. A9s t"is >ust ,uropean reser)eBC 9 aske5@ Aor are <i3"ar5 an5 9 5oin- somet"in- terri8ly %ron-BC $"omas smile5@ 8ut it %as Gi5eon %"o ans%ere5. ADou 5o not"in- %ron-. 9n 1a3t@ 9 1eel ;uite 3"eate5.C He patte5 $"omas?s "an5 an5 smile5 1las"in- 1an-s. A$"ere are %ays to s"are po%er t"at are ;uieter@ an5 less ... s"o%y. But 1or to5ay you 5i5 %"at nee5e5 to 8e 5one. 9t %as a 5esperate t"in- an5 3alle5 1or 5esperate measures.C 9 let it -o. /o nee5 to e*plain "o% o1ten 8ein- aroun5 <i3"ar5 en5e5 in su3" A5esperate measures.C A3ross t"e rin- Hamil sat up %it" <i3"ar5?s "elp. Kane "a5 untie5 8ot" t"e %ereleopar5s. He?5 le5 Vi)ian o)er to Gre-ory. $"ey 8ot" knelt 8y "im@ Vi)ian "u--in- Kane an5 3ryin-. 9 -ot my 1eet un5er me an5 1oun5 t"at 9 3oul5 %alk. Great. <i3"ar5 -ot t"ere 8e1ore 9 5i5. He stroke5 Gre-ory?s tan-le5 "air out o1 "is 1a3e until t"e %ereleopar5 looke5 up at "im. A=e "a)e to set t"ese le-s.C Gre-ory no55e5@ lips in a t"in ti-"t line t"at remin5e5 me o1 !"erry. A=e nee5 a "ospital 1or t"is@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 looke5 up at me. A$"e le-s "a)e alrea5y 8e-un to reknit like t"is. Anita. ,)ery minute t"e 8ones are out o1 ali-nment is anot"er minute t"at t"ey "eal@ 8a5ly.C 9 stare5 5o%n at Gre-ory?s le-s. He %as totally nu5e@ 8ut t"e %oun5s %ere so 1ear1ul t"at it %asn?t em8arrassin-G it %as >ust piteous. His le-s 1rom t"e knees 5o%n 8ent t"e %ron- %ay. 9 "a5 to 3lose my eyes an5 look a%ay. 91 it "a5 8een a 3orpse@ 9 3oul5 "a)e looke5 at it@ 8ut Gre-ory %as still 8lee5in-@ still "urtin-. 7a5e it %orse some"o%. 9 looke5 8a3k. ADou mean t"e le-s %oul5 "eal like t"atBC ADes@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 stare5 5o%n into Gre-ory?s 1ri-"tene5 eyes. $"ey %ere still t"e surprise5 3orn1lo%er28lue o1 Step"en?s. $"ey looke5 e)en 8luer 1rom t"e mask o1 8loo5 t"at 3o)ere5 "is 1a3e. 9 trie5 to t"ink o1 somet"in- to say@ 8ut "e spoke 1irst. His )oi3e %as t"in@ s3rat3"y@ as i1 "e?5 s3reame5 until "e %as "oarse. A="en you le1t %it"out me t"e 1irst time@ 9 t"ou-"t you %ere -oin- to let t"em keep me.C 9 knelt 8esi5e "im. ADou?re not somet"in- to keep. Dou?re a person. Dou 5eser)e to 8e treate5 ... C $o say@ A8etter t"an t"isC seeme5 too o8)ious. 9 trie5 to "ol5 "is "an5 t"e %ay you?5 3om1ort a 3"il5@ 8ut t%o o1 t"e 1in-ers %ere 8roken so 8a5ly@ 9 5i5n?t e)en kno% "o% to tou3" "im. Vi)ian spoke 1or t"e 1irst time. A9s "e 5ea5BC Her )oi3e %as 8reat"y@ "usky@ some%"ere 8et%een t"at o1 a little -irl an5 a se5u3tress. S"e %oul5 8e -reat on t"e p"one. $"e look in "er eyes %as neit"er 3"il5is" nor se5u3ti)eG it %as 1ri-"tenin-. S"e stare5 past us to %"ere 'ernan5o lay@ an5 "er "atre5 %as a "ot@ s3al5in- t"in-. /ot t"at 9 8lame5 "er. 9 %ent to 3"e3k on our little rapist. Gi5eon an5 $"omas -ot to "im 1irst. 9 noti3e5 t"at t"ey "a5n?t -one near "im until 9 5i5. ="y 5i5 9 t"ink t"at t"ey 5i5n?t like "im mu3" 8etter t"an %e 5i5B 'ernan5o >ust "a5 a %ay o1 pissin- people o11. 9t seeme5 to 8e "is only talent. His 8are stoma3" %as a 8loo5y mess %"ere <i3"ar5 "a5 trie5 to 5i- "is intestines out@ 8ut t"e %oun5 %as "ealin-. 'illinitsel1 in like a 1ast21or%ar5 motion pi3ture. Dou 3oul5 a3tually see "is 8o5y re8uil5 itsel1. AHe?ll li)e@C 9 sai5. ,)en to me@ 9 soun5e5 5isappointe5. ADes@C $"omas sai5@ an5 t"at one %or5 soun5e5 as 5isappointe5 as 9 1elt. He )isi8ly s"ook "imsel1@ an5 turne5 sa5 8ro%n eyes to me. A91 "e "a5 5ie5@ t"en Pa5ma %oul5 "a)e 5estroye5 t"e 3ity@ seekin- you. 7ake no mistake@ Anita@ Pa5ma lo)es "is son@ 8ut more t"an t"at@ "e is "is only son. $"e only 3"an3e "e "as o1 "a)in- an "eir.C A9 %oul5n?t t"ink a )ampire %oul5 s%eat t"at@C 9 sai5. AHe 3omes 1rom a time an5 a 3ulture %"ere a son is an in3re5i8ly important t"in-. /o matter "o% lon- %e li)e or %"at %e are in t"e en5@ %e start out as people. =e ne)er ;uite lose all t"at %e %ere 5urin- li1e. 9t "aunts us o)er t"e 3enturies@ our "umanity.C ADou?re "uman.C He smile5 an5 s"ook "is "ea5. A#n3e@ per"aps.C

9 opene5 my mout" to ask somet"in-@ 8ut "e "el5 "is "an5 up. A91 t"ere is time@ Gi5eon an5 9 %oul5 en>oy speakin- %it" you an5 <i3"ar5 at len-t" on %"at a trium)irate 3an 8e@ 8ut no%@ you must lea)e 8e1ore 'ernan5o a%akes. 4urin5ayli-"t "ours "e is in 3"ar-e o1 us.C 7y eyes %i5ene5@ an5 9 looke5 at Gi5eon. ABut "e?s not alp"a enou-" to take on Gi5eon.C APa5ma is a "ars" master@ Anita. =e o8ey or %e su11er.C A="i3" is %"y@C Gi5eon sai5@ Ayou must all lea)e as soon as possi8le. ="at t"e petit 8[tar5 %oul5 or5er us to 5o to you i1 "e a%oke no% is 8est le1t unsai5.C He "a5 a point. Gre-ory s3reame5@ a "i-" s"riekin-@ t"at en5e5 in %"imperin-. <i3"ar5 "a5 sai5 t"e le-s "a5 8e-un to "eal@ 8ent 8a3k%ar5s. 9 su55enly realiEe5 %"at t"at meant. A91 t"e le-s "a5 "eale5 8roken@ Gre-ory %oul5 "a)e 8een 3ripple5@C 9 sai5. ADes@C Gi5eon sai5. A9t %as Pa5ma?s i5ea o1 punis"ment.C 'ernan5o -roane5@ eyes still s"ut. =e "a5 to -et out o1 "ere. A9 nee5 my -uns 8a3k@C 9 sai5. $"ey 5i5n?t e)en ar-ue. $"ey >ust -a)e t"em all 8a3k. ,it"er t"ey truste5 me or t"ey 1i-ure5 9 %oul5n?t s"oot 'ernan5o %"ile "e %as un3ons3ious. $"ey %ere ri-"t@ t"ou-" "e?5 earne5 it. 9?5 kille5 people 1or a lot less t"an %"at t"e rat28oy "a5 5one@ a lot less. Gre-ory "a5 mer3i1ully passe5 out. <i3"ar5 "el5 "im as 3are1ully as "e 3oul5 in "is arms. $"ey?5 1oun5 %oo5 1rom some%"ere an5 use5 <i3"ar5?s s"irt to tie t"e makes"i1t splints to Gre-ory?s le-s. Vi)ian leane5 "ea)ily on Kane as i1 "er le-s %eren?t ;uite %orkin-. S"e %as also tryin- to 3o)er "er lo%er e*tremities. So "urt s"e 3oul5 8arely %alk an5 s"e %as em8arrasse5 a8out "er nu5ity. =e %ere sort o1 out o1 3lot"es to o11er "er. $"e 3oat 9?5 8rou-"t %as in t"e outer area. $"omas sa)e5 t"e 5ay 8y -i)in- "er "is spi11y re5 >a3ket. 9t %as lar-e on "er an5 3o)ere5 enou-". Hust makin- it outsi5e t"e tent to t"e mi5%ay ma5e my s"oul5ers rela* a not3". 9 pi3ke5 up t"e 3oat an5 put a -un in ea3" po3ket. $"e ma3"ine -un %as alrea5y a3ross my 3"est. $"omas "el5 t"e 5oor 1or us. 9 %ent t"rou-" last. A$"ank you@C 9 sai5. =e 8ot" kne% 9 5i5n?t mean t"e 5oor. ADou are most %el3ome.C He 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 us@ an5 9 "ear5 it lo3k. 9 stoo5 in t"e "ot summer sunli-"t an5 1elt my 8o5y sink into t"e "eat. 9t %as -oo5 to 8e outsi5e in t"e 5ayli-"t. But ni-"t %as 3omin-@ an5 9 still 5i5n?t kno% %"at pri3e Hean2!lau5e "a5 8ar-aine5 a%ay to -et Vi)ian an5 Gre-ory out o1 t"ere. But t"e t"ou-"t o1 Gre-ory?s lo)ely 8o5y 5eli8erately 3ripple5 1ore)er@ an5 Vi)ian passe5 aroun5 like so mu3" meat@ ma5e me -la5 %e?5 8ar-aine5. 9 %oul5n?t say t"at %"ate)er t"e pri3e@ it %oul5 8e %ort" it@ 8ut 3lose. Hean2!lau5e "a5 sai5 no rape@ no a3tual inter3ourse@ no maimin-@ no skinnin- ali)e. $"e list "a5 seeme5 sa1er an5 more 3omplete an "our a-o.

Chapter Thirty
=e pulle5 into t"e 5ri)e%ay o1 my rente5 "ouse %it" t%o %oun5e5 %ereleopar5s@ t%o un%oun5e5 %ereleopar5s@ t%o )ery silent %ere%ol)es@ a partri5-e in a pear tree@ an5 enou-" e;uipment 1or <i3"ar5 to ri- up a pair o1 tra3tion splints in my 8e5room. Gre-ory nee5e5 to 8e in tra3tion splints 1or t%enty21our "ours a33or5in- to 4r. Lillian. $"e "ospital %as 8eine)a3uate5. 91 'ernan5o %as in 3"ar-e 1or t"e 5ay@ t"e e)a3uation %asn?t >ust a pre3aution@ it %as a ne3essity. $"e rat28oy "a5n?t %ante5 to 1ree <a1ael@ an5 "e?5 3ertainly %ant re)en-e on <i3"ar5 1or 8eatin- "im@ so 8ot" t"e %ererats an5 t"e %ere%ol)es %ere in 5an-er. $"e t"ou-"t o1 %"at "e?5 5o i1 "e -ot "is pa%s 8a3k on Gre-ory an5 Vi)ian %as too s3ary to t"ink a8out. $"e 8est %e 3oul5 5o %as keep t"em %it" us an5 try not to 8e any%"ere 'ernan5o %oul5 t"ink to -o. 9 %as "al12trustin- $"omas an5 Gi5eon to keep t"e rat28oy 1rom sear3"in- too "ar5. 9 5on?t usually trust people t"at easily@ 8ut Gi5eon "a5 3alle5 "im t"e petit 8[tar5. $"e little 8astar5. $"ey 5i5n?t like "im any 8etter t"an %e 5i5. Har5 to 8elie)e@ 8ut may8e true. Besi5es@ %"ere 3oul5 %e -o %"ere %e?5 8e sa1eB =e 3oul5n?t -o to a "otel. $"at %oul5 en5an-er e)eryone in t"e pla3e. Same t"in- %it" most "ouses. #ne o1 t"e main t"in-s 9?5 8een lookin- 1or in a rental %as isolation. 'rankly@ 9 like5 a little 3ity aroun5 me@ 8ut my li1e "a5 turne5 into a 1ree21ire Eone lately. /o apartments@ no 3on5os@ no nei-"8or"oo5sG somet"in- %it" lots o1 -roun5 an5 no nei-"8ors to -et s"ot up %as %"at 9?5 %ante5. 9 -ot it. $"ou-" t"e isolation %as a8out all 9?5 -otten t"at 9 %ante5. $"e "ouse %as too 8i- 1or >ust me. 9t %as a "ouse t"at 3rie5 out 1or a 1amily =it" %alks in t"e %oo5s an5 a 5o- runnin3ir3les aroun5 t"e ki55ies. <i3"ar5 "a5 ne)er seen t"e "ouse. 9 %oul5 "a)e 8een more 3om1orta8le %it" "im seein- it 8e1ore %e?5 "a5 our little make2out@ o"@ um"@ make2up session. Be1ore Hean2!lau5e "a5 inter1ere5@ <i3"ar5 an5 9 "a5 8een en-a-e5. =e?5 8een plannin- t"e kin5 o1 1uture t"at %ent %it" t"is kin5 o1 "ouse. 9 5on?t kno% i1 <i3"ar5 "a5 %oken up an5 smelle5 t"e 8loo52soake5 3o11ee@ 8ut 9 "a5. $"e 1uture t"at in3lu5e5 a pi3ket 1en3e an5 2.+ 3"il5ren >ust %asn?t in t"e 3ar5s 1or me. 9 5i5n?t t"ink it %as in t"e 3ar5s 1or "im eit"er@ 8ut 9 %asn?t -oin- to 8urst "is 8u88le. /ot as lon- as "is 8u88le 5i5n?t in3lu5e me. 91 it 5i5 ... %e "a5 a pro8lem. $"e "ouse "a5 a me5ium2siEe5 re3tan-ular 1lo%er 8e5 t"at -ot 1ull sun almost all 5ay. 9t "a5 8een a rose -ar5en@ 8ut t"e last o%ners "a5 5u- up t"e plants an5 trie5 to take t"em %it" t"em. 9t looke5 like t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e moon@ 3omplete %it" 3raters. 9t "a5 looke5 so 8arren t"at 9?5 spent a %eeken5 plantin- t"e 5amn t"in-. <ose moss 1or t"e 8or5er >ust 8e3ause 9 lo)e5 t"e 8ri-"t little 1lo%ers. Kinnias 8e"in5 t"at 8e3ause t"e 1lo%er 3olors e3"oe5 ea3" ot"er. 9t %as a riot o1 3olor@

not"in- su8tle. Butter1lies an5 "ummin-8ir5s %ere attra3te5 to t"e Einnias. 9?5 plante5 3osmos 8e"in5 t"e Einnias@ to%erin-@ 1eat"ery an5 tan-le5 at t"e same time@ %it" lo)ely pale open 1lo%ers t"at t"e 8utter1lies lo)e5 an5 t"e "ummin-8ir5s %eren?t so 1on5 o1. $"e 3olors o1 t"e 3osmos %ere a little too pastel 3ompare5 %it" t"e ot"er 3olors@ 8ut "ey@ it still %orke5. 9n t"e 1all t"e 3osmos %oul5 "a)e see5 "ea5s 1or t"e -ol51in3"es. $"e 1lo%er 8e5 "a5 8een some sort o1 a5mission to mysel1 t"at 9 mi-"t 8e "ere a%"ile. $"at 9 3oul5n?t -o 8a3k to an apartment or a 3on5o. $"at my li1e 5i5n?t allo% me t"e lu*ury o1 3lose nei-"8ors. <i3"ar5 "a5 remarke5 as %e 5ro)e up@ A/i3e 1lo%ers.C A9 3oul5n?t >ust lea)e it 8are.C He ma5e a non3ommittal noise. /early t"ree mont"s a%ay 1rom ea3" ot"er an5 e)en %it"out t"e marks@ "e kne% me %ell enou-" to kno% %"en not to say somet"in-. 9t 8u--e5 me t"at 9 "a5 8een una8le to lea)e t"e 1lo%er 8e5 8arren an5 rippe5. 9 "ate5 t"e 1a3t t"at 9?5 8een 5ri)en to make it pretty. /o@ 9 am not 3om1orta8le %it" my 1eminine si5e. <i3"ar5 an5 Hamil 3arrie5 Gre-ory in on t"e stret3"er t"at t"e "ospital "a5 loane5 us. Lillian "a5 pumpe5 t"e %ereleopar5 so 1ull o1 painkillers t"at "e %as 1eelin- no pain. 9 %as -rate1ul 1or t"at. A%ake@ "e "a5 a ten5en3y to %"imper an5 s3ream. Stran-ely@ !"erry turne5 out to 8e a nurse. S"e?5 taken one look at Gre-ory an5 su55enly turne5 into a pro1essional. A layer o1 3on1i5en3e an5 3ompeten3e 3ra%le5 out o1 no%"ere. S"e %as like a 5i11erent person. #n3e Gre-ory let "er tou3" "im@ 5i5n?t re>e3t "er "elp@ !"erry %as 3alm. $"ou-" trut"1ully@ it %asn?t until 4r. Lillian "a5 seeme5 to trust !"erry t"at 9 5i5@ too. Lillian %as 3on1i5ent t"at s"e 3oul5 "elp us put Gre-ory into tra3tion an5 not in>ure "im 1urt"er. 9 truste5 Lillian?s opinion@ 8ut 9 still 5i5n?t trust !"erry. 9 mi-"t not "a)e appro)e5 o1 <i3"ar5 sma3kin- "er aroun5@ 8ut 9 a-ree5 t"at anyone %"o le1t you 8e"in5 to 5ie %asn?t trust%ort"y. /o s"ame in 8ein- %eak@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er trust "er at my 8a3k. Vi)ian %oul5n?t let Kane 3arry "er into t"e "ouse@ e)en t"ou-" %alkin- %as o8)iously pain1ul. S"e 3lun- to my arm %it" 8ot" "er small "an5s. $rut"1ully@ "er "an5s %eren?t any smaller t"an my o%n@ 8ut some"o% s"e seeme5 1ra-ile. 9t %asn?t siEe@ or e)en >ust t"e rape@ 8ut somet"in- a8out Vi)ian "ersel1. ,)en %rappe5 in t"e 8orro%e5 re5 3oat an5 a s3ru11y 8lue ro8e t"at Lillian "a5 loane5 "er@ Vi)ian looke5 5eli3ate@ 1eminine@ lo)ely in an almost et"ereal sort o1 %ay. 9t?s "ar5 to look lo)ely an5 et"ereal %it" "al1 your 1a3e s%ollen ti-"t %it" 8ruises@ 8ut s"e mana-e5 it. S"e stum8le5 on t"e ro3k %alk%ay to t"e "ouse. 9 3au-"t "er@ 8ut "er knees 8u3kle5 an5 9 3ame 5amn near 5roppin- "er on t"e ro3ks. Kane trie5 to "elp me@ 8ut Vi)ian let out a small soun5 an5 "i5 "er 1a3e a-ainst my s"oul5er. #n3e %e "it t"e 3ar s"e "a5n?t %ante5 any man to tou3" "er. 9t "a5 8een Kane %"o untie5 "er@ 8ut it seeme5 to 8e me s"e looke5 upon as "er res3uer. #r may8e 9 %as >ust t"e only 1emale res3uer@ an5 1emale %as sa1e ri-"t no%. 9 si-"e5 an5 no55e5 my "ea5. Kane 8a3ke5 o11. 91 9?5 8een in >o--in- s"oes or e)en 1lats@ 9?5 "a)e >ust 3arrie5 Vi)ian into t"e "ouse@ 8ut 9 %as %earin- t"ree in3" spike "eels. 9 3oul5 not 3arry someone nearly my o%n 8o5y %ei-"t %earin- t"ese s"oes. 91 9 ki3ke5 t"e s"oes o11@ t"en t"e 5ress %oul5 8e so lon- 9?5 trip. 9 %as 8e-innin- to really "ate t"is out1it. AVi)ian.C S"e 5i5n?t respon5. AVi)ianBC S"e %as still sli5in- to%ar5s t"e -roun5. 9 8ra3e5 my le-s 1ar enou-" apart to -et as mu3" le)era-e as 9 %as -oin- to -et in t"e s"oes@ an5 %as rea5y 1or "er %"en "er le-s 3ollapse5 3ompletely. 9 mi-"t "a)e 8een a8le to 3arry "er in a 1iremen?s23arry e)en %it" t"e "eels@ 8ut 9?5 seen "er 8o5y an5 t"ere %ere 5eep 8ruises on "er stoma3". Slin-in- "er o)er my s"oul5ers %oul5 "urt. 9 mana-e5 to li1t "er in my arms@ 8ut 9 kne% 8etter t"an to try an5 %alk. AGet !"erry@C 9 sai5. Kane no55e5 an5 %ent into t"e "ouse. 9 stoo5 t"ere "ol5in- Vi)ian@ %aitin- 1or "elp to arri)e. $"e Huly sun 8eat 5o%n on my 8a3k t"rou-" t"e 8la3k 3oat. S%eat tri3kle5 5o%n my spine. !i3a5as 1ille5 t"e "eat %it" t"eir 8uEEin- son-. $"ere %as a small army o1 8utter1lies 1ee5in- on t"e 1lo%ers. 4on?t tell@ 8ut 9 5rank at least one 3up o1 3o11ee e)ery 5ay out "ere %at3"in- t"e stupi5 t"in-s. 9t %as all )ery pi3tures;ue@ 8ut 9 %as -ettin- impatient. Ho% lon- 5i5 it take 1or Kane to tell !"erry to -et "er 8utt out "ereB #1 3ourse@ may8e s"e %as 8usy %it" Gre-ory an5 "is 1ear1ul in>uries. 91 s"e %as@ it 3oul5 8e a %"ile. 9t %asn?t t"at 9 3oul5n?t stan5 t"ere "ol5in- "er. 9t %as t"at 9 1elt stupi5 %earin- "eels so "i-" t"at 9 3oul5n?t 3arry "er into t"e "ouse. 9t ma5e me 1eel -irlis" in t"e %orst %ay. 9 trie5 to %ait 8y 3ountin- "o% many 5i11erent spe3ies o1 8utter1lies %ere )isi8le. $i-er s%allo%tail@ spi3e8rus" s%allo%tail@ -reater 1rittilary@ -iant sulp"ur@ 8la3k s%allo%tail@ re5spotte5 purple@ an5 painte5 la5y. A trio o1 tiny 8lue "airstreaks spun into t"e air like -litterin- 8its o1 sky. Beauti1ul@ 8ut %"ere t"e "ell %as !"erryB ,nou-" o1 t"is. 9 starte5 )ery 3are1ully 1or%ar5@ my ankle t%iste5 an5 9 "a5 to t"ro% mysel1 8a3k%ar5 to keep 1rom 5umpin- Vi)ian to t"e ro3ks. 9 en5e5 up on my 8utt in t"e 1lo%er 8e5@ 3rus"in- t"e 8or5er o1 rose moss 1lat an5 takin- a 1e% Einnias %it" me. $"e 3osmos to%ere5 o)er me@ some o1 t"em as tall as si* 1eet. Vi)ian -a)e a small moan@ 8linkin- "er one -oo5 eye open. A9t?s all ri-"t@C 9 soot"e5. A9t?s all ri-"t.C 9 sat t"ere "ol5in- "er@ "al1 ro3kin- "er@ %it" my 8utt in t"e 1lo%ers an5 my 1eet almost strai-"t out in 1ront o1 me. 9?5 mana-e5 to keep 7y 1eet t"rou-" )ampires@ s"apes"i1ters@ "uman ser)ants@ an5 arsonists@ 8ut a pair o1 "i-" "eels "a5 set me 8a3k on my ass. Vanity@ t"y name is %oman. $"ou-" %"oe)er %rote t"at "a5 ne)er seen an issue o1 GN. A ti-er s%allo%tail nearly as 8i- as my outstret3"e5 "an5 1luttere5 near my 1a3e. 9t %as pale yello% %it" s"arp 8ro%n stripes on its %in-s. 9t "o)ere5 o)er Vi)ian@ t"en 1inally settle5 on my "an5. Butter1lies %ill li3k t"e s%eat 1rom your skin 1or

t"e salt@ 8ut usually you "a)e to "ol5 still 1or it. 91 you mo)e@ t"ey 1loat a%ay. $"is inse3t seeme5 5etermine5. 9ts pro8os3is is not mu3" t"i3ker t"an a strai-"t pin@ a lon- 3ur)e5 tu8e@ 8ut you 3an 1eel it like a ti3klin- line. 9t %as may8e t"e t"ir5 time in my li1e t"at 9?5 "a5 a 8utter1ly 1ee5 o11 my skin. 9 5i5n?t try to 3"ase it a%ay. 9t %as 3ool. 9ts %in-s pulse5 up an5 5o%n )ery slo%ly as it 1e5@ its tiny 1eet almost %ei-"tless a-ainst my "an5. !"erry %alke5 out t"e 5oor@ eyes %i5enin- %"en s"e sa% me. AAre you "urtBC 9 s"ook my "ea5@ still 3are1ul not to s3are a%ay t"e 8utter1ly. AHust 3an?t -et t"e le)era-e to -et 8a3k up.C !"erry knelt 8y us@ an5 t"e 8utter1ly -li5e5 a%ay. S"e %at3"e5 it 1or a moment. A9?)e ne)er seen a 8utter1ly 5o t"at.C A9t %as a1ter t"e salt in my skin. Butter1lies %ill 1ee5 on 5o-s"it or spoile5 1ruit@ too@C 9 sai5. !"erry ma5e a 1a3e. A$"anks 1or ruinin- anot"er i5ylli3 ima-e.C S"e took Vi)ian out o1 my arms@ %o88lin- on one knee. Vi)ian moane5 in "er arms as !"erry stoo5@ tryin- to -et t"e 8alan3e o1 it all. Li1tin- isn?t >ust stren-t". 9t?s 8alan3e@ an5 an un3ons3ious 8o5y is not t"e 8est t"in- 1or 8alan3e. ADou nee5 a "an5 upBC s"e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5@ -ettin- to my knees. !"erry took me at my %or5 an5 >ust %alke5 to%ar5s t"e "ouse. S"e %as smarter t"an 9?5 1irst t"ou-"t. #1 3ourse@ i1 9?5 spent t"e ni-"t in Pa5ma?s ten5er 3are@ may8e 9 %oul5n?t "a)e ma5e a -oo5 1irst impression eit"er. 9 %as tryin- to 1lu11 up t"e 3rus"e5 1lo%ers %"en t"e 8utter1ly 3ame 1lutterin- 8a3k. =it" it "o)erin- aroun5 my 1a3e 9 1elt t"e 1irst pri3klin- 8rus" o1 po%er. 91 it "a5 8een 5ark@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 A)ampire@C 8ut it %as 8roa5 5ayli-"t. 9 stoo5 up an5 slippe5 t"e Bro%nin- out o1 t"e 3oat po3ket. $"e 8ri-"t yello%2an528ro%n inse3t 8atte5 at my 1a3e %it" paper2t"in %in-s. ="at "a5 8een 1un a moment 8e1ore %as su55enly ominous. 'or t"e 1irst time in my li1e 9 8rus"e5 a 8utter1ly a%ay as i1 it "a5 8een somet"in- loat"some. An5 may8e it %as. 9 am not implyin- t"at t"e 8utter1ly %as literally a )ampire. $"ey 3oul5n?t s"ape3"an-e@ not to my kno%le5-e. #1 3ourse@ t"ey 3oul5n?t 8e out in 1ull 5ayli-"t eit"er. $"ey %ere t"e 3oun3il. 4i5 9 really kno% %"at t"ey %ere 3apa8le o1B $"e 8utter1ly 1loate5 a%ay 1rom me to%ar5s t"e %oo5s on t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e 5ri)e%ay. 9t 1luttere5 8a3k an5 1ort"@ 8a3k an5 1ort"@ like it %as %aitin- 1or me. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9 1elt silly "ol5in- t"e -un %it" >ust t"e 8utter1ly t"ere 8y t"e %oo5s. But somet"in- else %as out t"ere. 9 stoo5 in t"e summer "eat@ 1eelin- t"e sun 8eat 5o%n on t"e top o1 my "ea5. 9 s"oul5 "a)e 8een sa1e. At least 1rom )ampires. 9t %asn?t 1air t"at t"ey 3"an-e5 t"e rules. 9 %as a8out to -o into t"e "ouse an5 yell 1or 8a3kup@ %"en 9 sa% a 1i-ure. $all %it" a t"i3k "oo5e5 3loak pulle5 aroun5 "im. ,)en %it" t"e 3loak 9 kne% it %as a "im. S"oul5ers t"at 8roa5 an5 t"at "ei-"t@ an5 9 e)en kne% it %as =arri3k. ,*3ept it 3oul5n?t 8e "im. He %asn?t e)en 3lose to po%er1ul enou-" to 8e out in 5ayli-"t. 9 stare5 at t"at tall s"ape in t"e s"immerin- %"ite 3loak. He stoo5 so still@ as i1 "e %ere 3ar)e5 1rom mar8le. ,)en 7r. #li)er@ t"e ol5est )amp 9?5 e)er seen "a5 a)oi5e5 5ire3t sunli-"t. But t"ere =arri3k stoo5 like a -"ost t"at "a5 learne5 t"e tri3k o1 %alkin- a8out in 5ayli-"t. #1 3ourse@ "e %asn?t %alkin-. He stoo5 in t"e %a)erin- s"a5o%s o1 t"e trees. He 5i5n?t try an5 3ome out into t"e 5ire3t li-"t o1 t"e 3learin-. 7ay8e "e 3oul5n?t. 7ay8e t"at t"in 8an5 o1 s"a5e %as all t"at kept "im 1rom 8urstin- into 1lames. 7ay8e. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s "im. 9 stret3"e5 my senses@ 8ut "is %as t"e only po%er 9 1elt. 9t 3oul5 8e a trap@ an am8us"@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t t"ink so. 91 t"ey meant to trap me@ it %oul5n?t "a)e 8een t"is 8latant. But >ust in 3ase@ 9 stoppe5 a -oo5 5istan3e 8a3k 1rom t"e %oo5s. 91 9 sa% any mo)ement 9?5 yell 1or "elp an5 run 1or t"e "ouse. 7i-"t e)en -et o11 a s"ot or t%o. =arri3k stoo5 %it" "is "ea5 8o%e5 so lo%@ t"e "oo5 3ompletely "i5 "is 1a3e. He stoo5 immo8ile@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t kno% 9 %as t"ere. #nly t"e %in5 makin- a so1t 1ol5in- line in t"e %"ite 3lot" s"o%e5 any mo)ement. He %as like a statue %it" a 3lot" t"ro%n o)er it. $"e lon-er "e stoo5 t"ere motionless@ t"e more eerie it seeme5. 9 "a5 to 1ill t"e silen3e. A="at 5o you %ant@ =arri3kBC A s"i)er %ent t"rou-" "im an5 "e raise5 "is "ea5 slo%ly. <ot "a5 sprea5 a3ross t"at stron- 1a3e. His skin %as -reen an5 8la3k as i1 t"at t"in layer o1 tissue %ere "ol5in- in 3enturies o1 5eat". ,)en "is 8lue eyes "a5 5ulle5 %it" a 1ilm@ like a 1is" t"at "a5 8een 5ea5 too lon- to eat. 7y mout" %as "an-in- open. Dou?5 t"ink a1ter %"at 9?5 seen D)ette 5o to "im@ it %oul5n?t "a)e s"o3ke5 me@ 8ut it 5i5. Some si-"ts you 5on?t -ro% >a5e5 a8out. A9s D)ette punis"in- youBC 9 aske5. A/o@ no@ my pale mistress sleeps in "er 3o11in. S"e kno%s not"in- o1 t"is )isit.C His )oi3e %as t"e only t"in- t"at remaine5 Anormal.C $"e )oi3e %as still stron- an5 1irm. 9t 5i5n?t mat3" %"at %as "appenin- to "is 8o5y. A="at?s "appenin- to you@ =arri3kBC A="en t"e sun rose 9 5i5 not 5ie. 9 t"ou-"t it %as a si-n 1rom Go5. $"at He %as -i)in- me permission to en5 t"is 1oul e*isten3e. $"at He "a5 -i)en me t"e 3"an3e to %alk into t"e li-"t 1or one last time. 9 %alke5 into t"e risin- sun an5 5i5 not 8urn@ 8ut t"is "appene5.C He raise5 "is "an5s out o1 t"e 3loak@ s"o%in- me t"e -reyin- 1les". $"e 1in-ernails %ere 8la3kene5@ e)en t"e en5s o1 t"e 1in-ers seeme5 s"ri)ele5. A=ill it "ealBC 9 aske5.

He smile5 an5 e)en %it" t"at "orri1i3 )isa-e@ it %as a smile 1ull o1 "ope. His rotte5 1a3e s"o%e5 a li-"t t"at "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" )ampire po%ers. $"e 8utter1ly "o)ere5 a8o)e "is 1a3e. AGo5 %ill 3all me to "is arms soon. 9 am a1ter all a 5ea5 man.C 9 3oul5n?t ar-ue %it" "im t"ere. A="y 5i5 you 3ome "ere@ =arri3kBC A se3on5 8utter1ly >oine5 t"e 1irst@ t"en a t"ir5. $"ey 1luttere5 a8o)e "is "ea5 like a 3arousel. =arri3k smile5 up at t"em. A9 "a)e 3ome to %arn you. Pa5ma 1ears Hean2!lau5e an5 your trium)irate. He %ill see you 5ea5 i1 "e 3an.C A$"at?s not ne%s@C 9 sai5. A#ur master@ 7orte 5?Amour@ "as -i)en D)ette or5ers to 5estroy you all.C $"at %as ne%s. A="yBC 9 aske5. A9 5on?t 8elie)e t"at any o1 t"e 3oun3il truly 8elie)es t"at Hean2!lau5e means to set up "is o%n ri)al 3oun3il in t"is 3ountry. But t"ey all see "im as a part o1 t"is ne% le-al )ampirism. $"ey see "im as part o1 a 3"an-e t"at may s%eep a%ay our ol5 e*isten3e. $"e ol5 ones %"o "a)e po%er enou-" to 8e 3om1orta8le 5o not %ant any 3"an-e in our status ;uo. ="en t"e )ote is taken@ Anita@ t"ere %ill 8e t%o a-ainst you.C A="o else -ets to )oteBC 9 aske5. AAs"er "as t"e pro*y 1or "is mistress@ Belle 7orte@ Beauti1ul 4eat". He "ates Hean2!lau5e %it" a 1ine@ 8urnin- "ate like sunli-"t t"rou-" -lass. 9 5o not t"ink you 3an 3ount upon "is "elp.C ASo t"ey "a)e all 3ome to kill us@C 9 sai5. A91 t"ey "a5 3ome merely to kill you@ Anita@ t"ey %oul5 "a)e 5one so 8y no%.C A$"en 9?m 3on1use5@C 9 sai5. APa5ma?s 1ear is too stron-@ 8ut 9 8elie)e our master %oul5 8e 3ontent i1 Hean2!lau5e -a)e up "is seat o1 po%er "ere an5 >oine5 t"e 3oun3il as "e %as meant to.C A$"e 1irst 3"allen-er t"at 3omes alon- %ill take "im out@C 9 sai5. A/o t"anks.C ASo Hean2!lau5e keeps sayin-@C =arri3k sai5. A9 am 8e-innin- to t"ink t"at "e un5erestimates "imsel1@ an5 you.C AHe?s 3autious@ an5 so am 9.C A "ost o1 8utter1lies "a5 1orme5 a8o)e "is "ea5. $"ey 1luttere5 aroun5 "im in a multi3olore5 3lou5. #ne lan5e5 on "is "an5@ 8ri-"t %in-s 1annin- so1tly as it 1e5 o11 t"e rottin- 1les". His po%er t"rumme5 alon- my 8o5y. 9t %asn?t 3oun3il2le)el po%er@ 8ut it %as master2le)el. =arri3k %as a master )ampire@ an5 "e "a5n?t 8een last ni-"t. AAre you 8orro%in- po%er 1rom someone elseBC A'rom Go5@C "e sai5. #1 3ourse. A$"e lon-er %e are a%ay 1rom our master@ t"e %eaker D)ette -ro%s@ an5 t"e stron-er 9 -ro%. $"e Holy 'ire o1 Go5?s eternal li-"t "as entere5 my 8o5y on3e more. Per"aps He %ill 1or-i)e me 1or my %eakness. 9 1eare5 5eat"@ Anita. 9 1eare5 t"e punis"ment o1 "ell more t"an 9 1eare5 D)ette. But 9 %alk in t"e li-"t. 9 8urn %it" Go5?s po%er on3e more.C Personally 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e Go5 "a5 a pri)ate torture 3"am8er@ Hell %as 8ein- 3ut o11 1rom Go5@ 3ut o11 1rom "is po%er@ "is ener-y@ Him. =e %alke5 t"rou-" "is po%er e)ery 5ay o1 our li)es until it %as like %"ite noise@ somet"in- %e i-nore5 or 1aile5 to "ear. But some"o% le3turin- =arri3k on t"e 1a3t t"at "e?5 let D)ette torture "im 1or 3enturies 8e3ause "e 1eare5 eternal 5amnation@ %"i3" 9 5i5n?t in 1a3t 8elie)e e*iste5@ seeme5 pointless. /ay@ 3ruel. A9?m "appy 1or you@ =arri3k.C A9 %oul5 ask one 8oon o1 you@ Anita.C AA 8oon is a 1a)or@ ri-"tBC 9 aske5. 4i5n?t %ant to a-ree to somet"in- an5 8e %ron-. ADes@C "e sai5. AAsk.C A4o you "a)e a 3ross upon youBC 9 no55e5. AS"o% me@ please.C 9 5i5n?t t"ink t"is %as a -oo5 i5ea@ 8ut ... 9 pulle5 t"e sil)er 3"ain up until t"e 3ross sparkle5 in t"e sunli-"t. 9t 5i5n?t -lo%. 9t >ust 5an-le5. =arri3k smile5. A$"e Holy !ross 5oes not re>e3t me.C 9 5i5n?t "a)e t"e "eart to tell "im t"at t"e 3ross 5i5n?t al%ays -lo% aroun5 all )ampires. 9t seeme5 to %ait 1or one t"at meant me "arm@ t"ou-" t"ere %ere e*3eptions 8ot" %ays. 9@ like =arri3k@ 5i5n?t ;uestion Go5?s %is5om. 9 1i-ure5 He kne% %"at He %as 5oin-@ an5 i1 He 5i5n?t@ 9 really 5i5n?t %ant to kno%.

=arri3k %alke5 to t"e e5-e o1 t"e tree line. He stoo5 t"ere in t"e %"ite 3loak %it" its 8la3k linin-@ "esitatin-. 9 %at3"e5 t"e stru--le on "is 1a3e. He %ante5 to 3ross into t"at last 8an5 o1 pure sunli-"t an5 %as a1rai5 to. 9 5i5n?t 8lame "im. He stret3"e5 out "is "an5 to t"e trem8lin- e5-e o1 soli5 -ol5en li-"t@ t"en 1ell 8a3k. A7y 3oura-e an5 my 1ait"@ t"ey still 1ail me. 9 am still not %ort"y. 9 s"oul5 stri5e into t"e li-"t an5 -ra8 t"e Holy !ross an5 "ol5 it una1rai5.C He 3o)ere5 "is 1a3e %it" "is 5arkene5 "an5s. $"e 8utter1lies lit on e)ery in3" o1 nake5 skin@ %in-s 1annin-. $"ere %as not"in- to see 8ut t"e %"ite 3loak an5 t"e 1lutterin- inse3ts. 'or a moment t"e illusion %as per1e3t t"at t"e 8utter1lies %ere all t"at %as insi5e t"e 3loak. =arri3k sprea5 "is "an5s slo%ly@ 3are1ully@ so as not to 5istur8 t"e inse3ts. He smile5. A9 "a)e "ear5 t"e masters speak o1 3allin- t"eir animals 1or 3enturies 8ut "a)e ne)er un5erstoo5 until no%. 9t is a %on5rous 8on5.C He seeme5 "appy %it" "is Aanimal.C 7e@ 9?5 "a)e 8een a little 5isappointe5. A 8utter1ly %asn?t -oin- to 8e mu3" 5e1ense a-ainst t"e sort o1 animals t"at most )amps 3oul5 3all. But@ "ey@ as lon- as =arri3k %as "appy@ %"o %as 9 to 8it3"B AD)ette ma5e me s%ear an oat" to Go5 on some o1 "er se3rets. 9 "a)e not 8etraye5 my %or5@ or my oat".C AAre you sayin- t"ere are t"in-s 9 s"oul5 kno% t"at you "a)en?t tol5 meBC 9 aske5. A9 "a)e tol5 you all 9 am 1ree to tell@ Anita. D)ette %as al%ays 3le)er. S"e manipulate5 me all t"ose years a-o to 8etray all 9 "el5 5ear. S"e 8oun5 me %it" oat"s 8e1ore %e arri)e5 on your s"ores. 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 it at t"e time@ 8ut 9 5o no%. S"e kne% 9 %oul5 see you as a person o1 "onor. A person %"o prote3ts t"e %eak@ an5 5oes not a8an5on "er 1rien5s. Dou make t"e 3oun3il?s talk o1 "onor an5 responsi8ility seem a pale pretense.C Sayin- t"anks 5i5n?t seem enou-"@ 8ut it %as all 9 "a5. A$"ank you@ =arri3k.C A,)en %"en 9 %as ali)e t"ere %as a )ast 5i11eren3e 8et%een t"e no8les t"at truly le5 an5 ten5e5 t"eir people?s nee5s@ an5 t"ose %"o >ust took 1rom t"em.C A9t "asn?t 3"an-e5 t"at mu3"@C 9 sai5. A9 am sorry to "ear t"at@C "e sai5. He -lan3e5 up%ar5@ may8e at t"e sun@ may8e at somet"in- 9 3oul5n?t see. AAs t"e sun approa3"es its Eenit" 9 1eel %eaker.C A4o you nee5 a pla3e to rest 1or t"e 5ayBC 9 aske5. $"e moment 9 sai5 it@ 9 %asn?t sure 9 s"oul5 "a)e ma5e t"e o11er. 4i5 9 really trust "im 5o%n in t"e 8asement %it" Hean2!lau5e an5 t"e -an-@ %it"out me to %at3" "im e)ery minuteB /ot e*a3tly. A91 t"is %oul5 8e my last 5ay in t"e 5ayli-"t@ t"en 9 %oul5 not lose it 8y "i5in-. 9 %ill %alk in your 5eli-"t1ul %oo5s@ t"en 9 %ill 5i- amon- t"e 5eep lea)es. 9 "a)e "i55en amon- t"e lea)es 8e1ore. $"ey 1all t"i3k an5 5eep in t"e "ollo%s.C 9 no55e5. A9 kno%. Some"o% 9 1i-ure5 you 1or a 3ity 8oy.C A9 "a)e li)e5 in a 3ity 1or many years@ 8ut my 1irst 5ays %ere amon- trees t"i3ker an5 more lus" t"an t"ese. 7y 1at"er?s lan5s %ere 1ar 1rom any 3ity. $"ou-" t"at "as 3"an-e5. $"ere are no trees no% %"ere 9 1is"e5 an5 "unte5 as a 8oy. 9t is all -one. D)ette allo%e5 me a trip "ome@ in "er 3ompany. 9 %is" 9 "a5 not -one. 9t "as tainte5 my memories@ an5 ma5e t"em seem like some 5reams.C A$"e -oo5 stu11 is as real as t"e 8a5 stu11@C 9 sai5. A4on?t let D)ette take t"at 1rom you.C He smile5@ t"en s"i)ere5. $"e 8utter1lies %"irle5 into t"e air like autumn lea)es 1lun- into t"e sky. A9 must -o.C He mo)e5 o11 t"rou-" t"e trees@ 1ollo%e5 8y a line o1 ea-er 8utter1lies. 9 lost si-"t o1 t"e %"ite 3loak as "e %alke5 5o%n t"e 1ar si5e o1 a "ill@ 8ut t"e 8utter1lies traile5 a1ter "im like tiny )ultures markin- t"e line o1 5eat".

Chapter Thirty-one
9 3rosse5 t"e yar5@ t"e 5ri)e%ay@ an5 %as 8a3k on t"e si5e%alk %"en t"e soun5 o1 a 3ar 3omin- 5o%n t"e -ra)el 5ri)e%ay turne5 me aroun5. 9t %as <onnie. S"it. 9?5 1or-otten to 3all "er an5 3an3el our mornin- >o-. Veroni3a (<onnie) Sims %as a pri)ate 5ete3ti)e an5 my 8est 1rien5. =e %orke5 out to-et"er at least on3e a %eek@ usually on Satur5ay mornin-s. Sometimes %e %ent to t"e -ymG sometimes %e ran. 9t %as Satur5ay mornin-@ an5 9?5 1or-otten to 3an3el. 9 "el5 t"e -un alon- my si5e@ "i55en in t"e 3oat. /ot t"at s"e?5 3are. 9t %as >ust automati3. 91 you %ere pri)ile-e5 enou-" to 8e allo%e5 a 3arry permit 1or your -un@ you 5i5n?t 1las" it aroun5. 4eli8erately 1las"in- your -un in pu8li3 %it"out >ust 3ause is 3alle5 A8ran5is"mentC an5 3an -et your permit re)oke5. 9t?s like a ne% )ampire 1las"in- 1an-s. 9t?s a si-n o1 an amateur. 9 %as 1eelin- -uilty t"at 9?5 ma5e <onnie 3ome all t"e %ay out "ere 1or not"in-@ %"en 9 realiEe5 s"e %asn?t alone. Louie 'ane@ 4r. Louis 'ane@ %"o tau-"t 8iolo-y at =as" :. %as %it" "er. $"ey spille5 out o1 t"e 3ar to-et"er@ lau-"in-@ "ol5in"an5s as soon as t"e 3ar %asn?t 8et%een t"em. $"ey %ere 8ot" 5resse5 1or >o--in-. His s"irt %as untu3ke5@ 3omin5o%n lo% enou-" on "is 1i)e21oot2si* 1rame t"at "is s"ort2s"orts 8arely s"o%e5. His 8la3k "air %as 3ut s"ort an5 neat@ an5 5i5n?t mat3" t"e o)ersiEe5 $2s"irt. <onnie %as %earin- a pair o1 la)en5er 8iker?s s"orts t"at s"o%e5 "er lon- le-s to per1e3tion. A 3rop2top $2s"irt in t"e same 3olor s"o%e5 1las"es o1 1lat stoma3" as s"e %alke5 to%ar5s me. S"e ne)er 5resse5 t"is ni3ely >ust to -o e*er3ise %it" me. Her s"oul5er2len-t" 8lon5 "air %as 1res"ly %as"e5@ 8lo%25rie5@ an5 s"iny. $"e only t"in- missin- %as makeup@

8ut s"e 5i5n?t nee5 it. Her 1a3e -lo%e5. Her -rey eyes "a5 t"at tin-e o1 8lue t"ey -et %"en s"e %ears t"e ri-"t 3olor out1it. S"e?5 3"osen t"e 3olor@ an5 Louie "a5 eyes only 1or "er. 9 stoo5 t"ere %at3"in- t"em %alk "an5 an5 "an5 up t"e si5e%alk an5 %on5ere5 %"en t"ey?5 noti3e me. $"ey 8ot" looke5 up almost startle5@ as i1 9?5 appeare5 out o1 t"in air. <onnie "a5 t"e -ra3e to look em8arrasse5@ 8ut Louie >ust seeme5 3ontent. 9 "appene5 to kno% 1or a 1a3t t"at t"ey %ere "a)in- se*@ 8ut >ust %at3"in- t"em to-et"er %oul5 "a)e 8een enou-". His 1in-ers playe5 li-"tly o)er "er knu3kles as t"ey stoo5 lookin- at me. 9 %asn?t sure t"ey %ere in lo)e@ 8ut lust@ t"at 9 %as sure o1. <onnie looke5 me up an5 5o%n. AA little o)er5resse5 1or >o--in-@ aren?t youBC 9 1ro%ne5. ASorry@ 9 1or-ot to 3all. 9 >ust -ot "ome.C A="at "appene5BC Louie aske5. He still "el5 <onnie?s "an5@ 8ut e)eryt"in- else 3"an-e5. He %as su55enly alert@ taller some"o%@ 8la3k eyes sear3"in- my 1a3e@ noti3in- 1or t"e 1irst time t"e 8an5a-e on my "an5 an5 ot"er si-ns o1 %ear@ ADou smell like 8loo5@ an5C2"is nostrils 1lare52Asomet"in- %orse.C 9 %on5ere5 i1 "e 3oul5 smell =arri3k?s rotte5 1les" on my s"oes@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t ask. 9 5i5n?t really %ant to kno%. He %as one o1 <a1ael?s lieutenants@ an5 9 %as surprise5 "e 5i5n?t kno% %"at "a5 8een "appenin-. AHa)e you -uys 8een out o1 to%nBC $"ey 8ot" no55e5@ an5 <onnie?s smile %as -one no%@ too. A=e %ere up at t"e 3a8in.C $"e 3a8in "a5 8een part o1 "er 5i)or3e settlement 1rom a t%o2year marria-e t"at en5e5 )ery 8a5ly. But it %as a -reat 3a8in. ADea"@ it?s ni3e up t"ere.C A="at?s "appene5BC Louie aske5 a-ain. ALet?s -o insi5e. 9 3an?t t"ink o1 a )ersion s"ort enou-" not to nee5 3o11ee.C $"ey 1ollo%e5 me into t"e "ouse@ still tou3"in-@ 8ut some o1 t"e -lo% "a5 leake5 a%ay. 9 seeme5 to "a)e t"at e11e3t on people. Har5 to 8e 8ri-"t an5 s"iny in t"e mi55le o1 a kill Eone. Gre-ory %as lyin- on my 3ou3"@ still 5ru--e5 into 8liss1ul un3ons3iousness. Louie stoppe5 in "is tra3ks. #1 3ourse@ may8e it %asn?t >ust t"e %ereleopar5. $"ere %as a lar-e Persian ru- un5erneat" my %"ite 3ou3" an5 3"air. 9t %asn?t my ru-. $"ere %ere 8ri-"t pillo%s on t"e %"ite 1urniture t"at e3"oe5 t"e 3olors o1 t"e ru-. $"e 3olors %ere like >e%els in t"e early mornin- sunli-"t. <onnie sai5@ AStep"en.C S"e e)en %ent 1or%ar5 as i1 to tou3" "im@ 8ut Louie pulle5 "er 8a3k. A9t?s not Step"en.C AHo% 3an you tellBC 9 aske5. A$"ey 5on?t smell t"e same.C <onnie %as >ust starin-. A$"is is Gre-oryBC Louie no55e5. A9 kne% t"ey %ere i5enti3al t%ins 8ut ... C ADea"@C 9 sai5. A9 "a)e -ot to -et out o1 t"is 5ress@ 8ut let me make one t"in- 3lear. Gre-ory is mine no%. He?s a -oo5 -uy. /o a8usin- "im.C Louie turne5 to me@ an5 "is 8la3k eyes "a5 8le5 a3ross t"e pupil so t"at "is eyes %ere like 8la3k 8uttons@ rat?s eyes. AHe torture5 "is o%n 8rot"er.C A9 %as t"ere@ Louie. 9 sa% it.C A$"en "o% 3an you 5e1en5 "imBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9t "as 8een a lon- ni-"t@ Louie. Let?s >ust say t"at %it"out Ga8riel to 1or3e t"e %ereleopar5s to 8e e)il@ t"ey?)e 8een 3"oosin- 5i11erent pat"s. He re1use5 to torture one o1 t"e %ol)es@ an5 t"at?s %"y t"ey 8roke "is le-s.C $"e look on Louie?s 1a3e sai5 "e 5i5n?t 8elie)e it. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 ma5e s"ooin- motions. AGo in t"e kit3"en@ make 3o11ee. Let me slip out o1 t"is 5amn 5ress an5 9?ll tell you e)eryt"in-.C <onnie pulle5 "im to%ar5s t"e kit3"en@ 8ut "er eyes %at3"e5 me@ 1ull o1 ;uestions. 9 mout"e5@ ALaterC to "er@ an5 s"e %ent into t"e kit3"en. 9 truste5 "er to keep Louie 8usy until 9 -ot 3"an-e5. 9 5i5n?t really t"ink t"at "e?5 "arm Gre-ory@ 8ut t"e %ereleopar5s "a5 pisse5 o11 so many people. Better to 8e sa1e t"an sorry. <i3"ar5 %as up on a stepla55er 5rillin- "oles in t"e 3eilin- a8o)e my 8e5. So mu3" 1or my se3urity 5eposit. 7y 8e5room %as t"e only one on t"e 1irst 1loor. 9?5 -i)en it up so t"ey %oul5n?t "a)e to -et Gre-ory up t"e stairs. Little 1lakes o1 3eilin3o)ere5 "is 8are torso in a 1ine %"ite po%5er. He looke5 )ery "an5ymannis" in >ust >eans. !"erry an5 Kane %ere on t"e 8e5@ "ol5in- pie3es o1 t"e tra3tion apparatus 1or "im@ "elpin- "im measure. $"e 5rill stoppe5@ an5 9 aske5@ A="ere?s Vi)ianBC AG%en took "er to see Syl)ie@C <i3"ar5 sai5. His eyes %ere )ery neutral as "e looke5 at me@ )oi3e 3are1ul. =e "a5n?t sai5 mu3" to ea3" ot"er sin3e our moment in t"e rin-. A/i3e to "a)e a traine5 t"erapist in t"e "ouse@C 9 sai5.

!"erry an5 Kane %ere 8ot" %at3"in- me. $"ey remin5e5 me o1 -ol5en retrie)ers in t"e o8e5ien3e rin-@ eyes earnest@ intent on e)ery %or5 an5 -esture. 9 5i5n?t really like people lookin- at me like t"at. 7a5e me ner)ous. A9 >ust 3ame in to -et 3lot"es. 9 %ant out o1 t"is 5ress.C 9 mo)e5 past t"em to t"e 3"est o1 5ra%ers. Hean2!lau5e "a5 8een 8usy in "ere@ too. 9t >ust %asn?t as o8)iously not my taste. At t"e 1ar en5 %as a 8ay %in5o% 3omplete %it" %in5o% seat. 9t %as 1ull to o)er1lo%in- %it" my toy pen-uin 3olle3tion. $"ere %as a ne% pen-uin sittin- on t"e 8e5 %it" a lar-e re5 8o% on its ne3k an5 a 3ar5 leanin- a-ainst its 1urry 8elly. Bits o1 3eilin- "a5 alrea5y raine5 5o%n on its 8la3k 1ur. $"e 5rill stoppe5@ an5 <i3"ar5 sai5@ AGo a"ea5@ 3"e3k t"e 3ar5. $"at?s %"at "e meant 1or you to 5o.C 9 looke5 up at "im@ an5 t"ere %as still an-er in "is eyes an5 pain@ 8ut un5erneat" t"at t"ere %as somet"in- else. Somet"in- 9 "a5 no %or5s 1or@ or per"aps 5i5n?t %ant %or5s 1or. 9 took t"e pen-uin o11 t"e 8e5@ 5ustin- it o11@ an5 opene5 t"e 3ar5 %it" my 8a3k to "im. $"e 5rill 5i5n?t start up a-ain. 9 3oul5 1eel "im %at3"in- me %"ile 9 rea5 t"e 3ar5. 9t sai5@ ASomet"in- to sleep %it" %"en 9 am not %it" you.C 9t %as si-ne5 simply %it" an ele-ant H. 9 s"o)e5 t"e 3ar5 8a3k in t"e en)elope an5 turne5 to 1a3e <i3"ar5@ pen-uin 3lut3"e5 to my stoma3". His e*pression %as )ery 3are1ul@ as neutral as "e 3oul5 mana-e it. He looke5 at me@ 1i-"tin- to keep "is 1a3e empty an5 1inally 1ailin-. A ra%ness spille5 into "is eyes@ o1 nee5 an5 %or5s an5 t"in-s unsai5. Kane an5 !"erry 8a3ke5 o11 t"e 8e5@ -li5in- to%ar5s t"e 5oor. $"ey 5i5n?t lea)e@ 8ut t"ey ma5e a point o1 not stan5in8et%een us. 9 5i5n?t t"ink %e %ere -oin- to "a)e a 1ull2out 8attle@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t 8lame t"em 1or -ettin- out o1 t"e %ay. ADou 3an rea5 t"e note i1 you %ant. But 9?m not sure it %ill "elp.C He ma5e a small a8rupt soun5@ not ;uite a lau-". AS"oul5 you 8e o11erin- your 8oy1rien5?s lo)e letters to your e*2 8oy1rien5BC A9 5on?t %ant to "urt you@ <i3"ar5. 9 really 5on?t. 91 seein- t"e note %ill make it 8etter@ you 3an see it. ,*3ept 1or t"at 1irst time@ 9?)e ne)er 5one anyt"in- you 5i5n?t kno% a8out. 9 5on?t inten5 to start no%.C 9 %at3"e5 t"e mus3les in "is >a% 3len3" until t"e tension s%elle5 "is ne3k an5 s"oul5ers. He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5on?t %ant to see it.C A'ine.C 9 turne5 aroun5@ pen-uin an5 3ar5 in one arm@ an5 opene5 t"e 5resser 5ra%er. 9 -ra88e5 %"at %as on top@ not really payin- attention. 9 >ust %ante5 out o1 t"e su55enly silent room@ a%ay 1rom t"e %ei-"t o1 <i3"ar5?s eyes. A9 "ear5 someone 3ome in %it" you@C "e sai5@ )oi3e ;uiet. A="o %as itBC 9 turne5@ pen-uin an5 3lot"es 3lut3"e5 in a mass. ALouie an5 <onnie.C <i3"ar5 1ro%ne5. A4i5 <a1ael sen5 LouieBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"ey %ere o11 in a lo)e nest to-et"er. Louie 5oesn?t kno% %"at?s 8een "appenin-. He seems really pisse5 at Gre-ory. 9s it personal@ or %"at "e 5i5 to Step"enBC AStep"en@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ALouie is )ery loyal to "is 1rien5s.C $"ere %as somet"in- in t"e %ay "e sai5 t"at last t"at seeme5 to imply t"at may8e not e)eryone in t"e "ouse %as as loyal. #r may8e 9 %as >ust rea5in- t"in-s into an ot"er%ise inno3ent statement. 7ay8e. Guilt is a many2splen5ore5 t"in-. But meetin- <i3"ar5?s true28ro%n eyes@ 9 5i5n?t t"ink 9 %as "earin- anyt"in- "e 5i5n?t mean 1or me to "ear. 91 9?5 kno%n %"at to say to "im@ 9?5 "a)e sent t"e %ereleopar5s out o1 t"e room so %e 3oul5 talk. But Go5 "elp me i1 9 kne% %"at to say. :ntil 9 "a5 time to t"ink a8out t"in-s@ t"e talk 3oul5 %ait. 9n 1a3t@ it "a5 8etter %ait. 9 "a5n?t e*pe3te5 to still 8e a8le to 1eel somet"in- 1or <i3"ar5@ or "im 1or me. 9 %as sleepin- %it" anot"er man@ in lo)e %it" anot"er man. 9t 3ompli3ate5 t"in-s. Hust t"inkin- t"at ma5e me smile an5 s"ake my "ea5. A="at?s so 1unnyBC "e aske5. His eyes %ere so "urt@ so 3on1use5. A'unnyBC 9 sai5. A/ot"in-@ <i3"ar5@ a8solutely not"in-.C 9 1le5 to t"e 5o%nstairs 8at"room to 3"an-e. $"is %as t"e 8i--est 8at"room in t"e "ouse@ t"e one t"at "a5 a sunken mar8le tu8. 9t %asn?t as 8i- as t"e one Hean2!lau5e "a5 at t"e !ir3us@ 8ut it %as 3lose. ="ite 3an5les en3ir3le5 t"e "ea5 an5 1oot o1 t"e tu8. :ntou3"e5@ 1res"@ ne%@ %aitin- 1or ni-"t1all. He?5 3"osen peppermint 3an5les. He lo)e5 s3ente5 3an5les t"at smelle5 eata8le. His 1oo5 1etis" %as s"o%in-. $"ere %as a se3on5 3ar5 tape5 to t"e stem o1 a sil)er 3an5lesti3k. $"ere %as not"in- on t"e outsi5e o1 t"e en)elope@ 8ut 3all it a "un3". 9 opene5 it. $"e note sai5@ A91 %e %ere alone@ ma petite@ 9 %oul5 "a)e you li-"t t"em at 5usk. An5 9 %oul5 >oin you. He r\)e 5e toi.C $"e last %as 'ren3" 1or A9 5ream o1 you.C $"is one %asn?t e)en si-ne5. He %as su3" a 3on1i5ent little t"in-. A33or5in- to "im@ 9 %as t"e only %oman in nearly 1our "un5re5 years to e)er turn "im 5o%n. An5 e)en 9 "a5 1inally lost t"e 8attle. Har5 not to 8e 3on1i5ent %it" a tra3k re3or5 like t"at. $rut"1ully@ 9?5 "a)e lo)e5 to 1ill t"e tu8@ li-"t t"e 3an5les@ an5 8een %aitin- nake5 an5 %et 1or "im to rise 1or t"e ni-"t. 9t soun5e5 like a )ery@ )ery -oo5 time. But %e "a5 a "ouse 1ull o1 -uests@ an5 i1 <i3"ar5 %as stayin- t"e ni-"t. %e %ere -oin- to 8e"a)e oursel)es. 91 <i3"ar5 "a5 5umpe5 me 1or anot"er %oman. 9 %oul5n?t "a)e taken it ;uite as 8a5ly as "e %as takin- it@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t "a)e staye5 in a "ouse an5 listene5 to "im "a)e se* %it" t"e ot"er %oman. ,)en my ner)e %asn?t t"at stron-. 9 3ertainly %asn?t -oin- to put <i3"ar5 into t"at position. /ot on purpose. 9 "a5 to make t%o trips 8a3k an5 1ort" into t"e 8e5room 1rom t"e 8at"room. 'irst@ 9 1or-ot a normal 8ra. A strapless 8ra %as >ust not meant to 8e %orn t"is lon-. Se3on5@ 9 tra5e5 t"e s"orts 9?5 -ra88e5 1irst 1or >eans.

9 %as )ery a%are o1 <i3"ar5 %at3"in- me as 9 3ame an5 %ent. Kane an5 !"erry %at3"e5 8ot" o1 us like ner)ous 5o-s t"at e*pe3t to 8e ki3ke5. $"e tension %as t"i3k enou-" to %alk on an5 t"e leopar5s 3oul5 1eel it. $"e tension %as more t"an p"ysi3al a%areness. 9t %as like "e %as t"inkin- )ery "ar5@ an5 9 3oul5 1eel it@ a 8uil5in- pressure t"at "a5 a le3ture at t"e en5 o1 it@ or a 1i-"t. 9 en5e5 up 5resse5 in a pair o1 ne% >eans in t"at %on5er1ul 5ark 8lue 3olor t"at ne)er lasts@ a royal 8lue tank top@ %"ite >o--in- so3ks@ an5 %"ite /ikes %it" a 8la3k s%oos". 9 s"o)e5 most o1 t"e ol5 3lot"es into t"e 5irty 3lot"es "amper an5 1ol5e5 t"e 5ress on top o1 it. $"e 5ress %as@ o1 3ourse@ A5ry 3lean only.C 9 tu3ke5 t"e 'irestar 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 t"e >eans. 9 "a5 an inner pants "olster 1or it@ 8ut it %as in t"e 8e5room. 9 5i5n?t %ant it 8a5ly enou-" to -o 8a3k in t"ere ri-"t t"is se3on5. 9 1elt like 9 %as temptin- 1ate e)ery time <i3"ar5 an5 9 passe5 ea3" ot"er. ,)entually@ "e?5 insist on talkin-@ an5 9 %asn?t rea5y. 7ay8e 1or t"is parti3ular talk@ 9 %oul5 ne)er 8e rea5y. 9 1ol5e5 t"e 8orro%e5 3oat o)er my arm %it" t"e Bro%nin- "an-in- "ea)y in one po3ket. $"e ma3"ine -un 9 kept on my s"oul5er like a purse. ="en t"e 8e5room 3leare5 out@ 9?5 put t"e ma3"ine -un in t"e 3loset. $"e tri3k a8out "a)in- t"is many loa5e5 -uns is t"at you 5on?t 5are lea)e t"em lyin- aroun5. Ly3ant"ropes are -reat in a 1i-"t@ 8ut most o1 t"em 5on?t seem to kno% one en5 o1 a -un 1rom t"e ot"er. $"ere?s somet"in- a8out a -un >ust lyin- aroun5@ espe3ially one as ni1ty as a su8ma3"ine -un t"at tempts people. $"ere is an almost p"ysi3al it3" to pi3k it up@ point it@ -o 8an-28an-. Dou eit"er make a -un sa1e@ unloa5e5 or lo3ke5 up@ or you keep it on your 8o5y %"ere you 3an 3ontrol it. $"ose are t"e rules. 4e)iatin- 1rom t"e rules is %"at lets ei-"t2year2ol5 ki5s 8lo% t"e "ea5s o11 t"eir 8a8y sisters. 9 %ent into t"e li)in- room. Gre-ory %as -one 1rom t"e 3ou3". 9 starte5 to assume "e?5 8een 3arrie5 to t"e 8e5room@ t"en %alke5 into t"e 8e5room to make sure. Be 5amn silly to let Gre-ory -et snat3"e5 1rom my li)in- room an5 not noti3e it. !"erry an5 <i3"ar5 %ere tu3kin- "im into t"e 8e5 %it" Kane?s "elp. Gre-ory "a5 %oken enou-" t"at "e %as %"imperin-. <i3"ar5 3au-"t me peekin- in t"e 5oor%ay. AHust makin- sure Gre-ory %as all ri-"t@C 9 sai5. A/o@ you %ere makin- sure t"at t"e 8a5 -uys "a5n?t -otten "im@C "e sai5. 9 looke5 5o%n@ t"en up. ADea"@C 9 sai5. =e mi-"t "a)e sai5 more@ 8ut Gre-ory %oke up as t"ey put "is le-s in tra3tion. He starte5 s3reamin-. Ly3ant"ropes meta8oliEe5 5ru-s in3re5i8ly ;ui3kly. !"erry rea5ie5 a nee5le 1ull o1 a 3lear li;ui5. 9 1le5. 9 5on?t like nee5les. But trut"1ully@ 9 5i5n?t %ant <i3"ar5 to le3ture me o)er t"e -uns. His 8ein- a ly3ant"rope %asn?t our only pro8lem. <i3"ar5 t"ou-"t 9 kille5 too easily. 7ay8e "e %as ri-"t@ 8ut 9?5 sa)e5 "is ass more t"an on3e %it" my ;ui3k tri--er 1in-er. An5 "e?5 en5an-ere5 me more t"an on3e %it" "is s;ueamis"ness. 9 %ent 8a3k 5o%n t"e stairs@ s"akin- my "ea5. ="y 5i5 %e e)en 8ot"erB =e "a5 too many important areas t"at %e 5isa-ree5 on. 9t %oul5n?t %ork. So %e luste5 a1ter ea3" ot"er@ e)en lo)e5 ea3" ot"er. 9t %asn?t enou-". 91 %e 3oul5n?t 1in5 a %ay to 3ompromise on t"e rest o1 it@ %e?5 >ust en5 up 3uttin- ea3" ot"er apart. Better to >ust make t"e 8reak as 3leanly as possi8le. 7y "ea5 a-ree5 %it" t"e lo-i3. #t"er 8o5y parts %eren?t so sure. 9 1ollo%e5 t"e smell o1 3o11ee into t"e kit3"en. 9t %as a lo)ely kit3"en@ i1 9 e)er 3ooke5 or entertaine5. 9t %as all 5ark %oo5 3a8inets %it" a lar-e islan5 in t"e mi55le %it" "ooks a8o)e it 1or 3ookin- pots an5 pans. 9 5i5n?t o%n enou-" kit3"en stu11 to 1ill one %"ole 3a8inet let alone t"e rest o1 t"e -leamin- e*panse. #1 all t"e rooms in t"e ne% "ouse t"is %as t"e one t"at ma5e me 1eel most like a stran-er. 9t %as so not %"at 9 %oul5 "a)e 3"osen. <onnie an5 Louie %ere sittin- at my small t%o2seater kit3"en ta8le. 9t sat on a raise5 plat1orm in a t"ree2si5e5 8ay o1 %in5o%s. $"e area %as meant 1or a 1ullsiEe5 5inin- room ta8le. 7y little 8reak1ast2nook set looke5 like a temporary measure. ,*3ept 1or t"e 1lo%ers. $"e 1lo%ers took up most o1 t"e small ta8le. $"e 1lo%ers %ere anot"er a55ition. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to 3ount to kno% t"at t"ere %ere a 5oEen %"ite roses an5 one lone re5 one. Hean2!lau5e "a5 8een sen5inme %"ite roses 1or years@ 8ut e)er sin3e %e ma5e lo)e 1or t"e 1irst time t"ere "a5 8een a t"irteent" rose. <e5@ 3rimson@ a spot o1 passion lost in a sea o1 %"ite purity. $"ere %as no 3ar5@ 8e3ause t"ere %as no nee5 1or a 3ar5. Hamil leane5 a-ainst t"e %all near <onnie an5 Louie@ sippin- 3o11ee. He stoppe5 talkin- %"en 9 entere5 t"e room@ %"i3" meant "e?5 pro8a8ly 8een talkin- a8out me. 7ay8e not@ 8ut t"e silen3e %as t"i3k@ an5 <onnie %as )ery 8usy not lookinat me. Louie looke5 at me a little too "ar5. Dep@ Hamil "a5 8een spillin- t"e 8eans. 9 5i5n?t e)en %ant to kno% 8e1ore 9 "a5 some 3a11eine in me. 9 poure5 3o11ee into a mu- t"at sai5 A=arnin-J $"e Sur-eon General "as 5etermine5 t"at 8ot"erin- me 8e1ore 9?)e "a5 my 1irst 3up o1 3o11ee is "aEar5ous to your "ealt".C $"e mu"a5 8een at t"e o11i3e until my 8oss a33use5 me o1 t"reatenin- t"e 3lients. 9 "a5n?t pi3ke5 out a ne% mu- yet. 9 "a5 to 1in5 somet"in- suita8ly irritatin-. $"ere %as a sparklin- ne% espresso ma3"ine on t"e 3a8inet 8y t"e 3o11eemaker@ %it" anot"er 3ar5. 9 took a sip o1 3o11ee an5 opene5 t"is one. ASomet"in- to %arm your 8o5y an5 1ill t"is empty 3uisine.C $"e last %as 'ren3" 1or Akit3"en.C He o1ten 5i5 t"at in notes@ as i1 e)en a1ter a "un5re5 years in t"is 3ountry "e still sometimes 1or-ot t"e 3orre3t ,n-lis" p"rase. His spee3" %as 1la%less@ 8ut many people speak a se3on5 lan-ua-e 8etter t"an t"ey %rite it. #1 3ourse@ it 3oul5 8e "is 8a3k"an5e5 %ay o1 tea3"in- me 'ren3". 9t %as %orkin-. He?5 %rite a note@ an5 9?5 "unt "im 5o%n an5 ask %"at it meant. Ha)in- 'ren3" s%eet2not"in-s %"ispere5 in your ear is -reat@ 8ut a1ter a %"ile you %on5er e*a3tly %"at "e?s %"isperin-@ so 9 aske5. $"ere "a5 8een ot"er lessons@ 8ut not"in- mu3" t"at 9 3oul5 s"are in pu8li3.

A/i3e 1lo%ers@C <onnie sai5. Her )oi3e %as neutral@ 8ut s"e?5 ma5e "ersel1 )ery 3lear on t"e su8>e3t o1 Hean2!lau5e. S"e t"ou-"t "e %as a pus"y 8astar5. S"e %as ri-"t. S"e t"ou-"t "e %as e)il. 9 5i5n?t a-ree on t"at one. 9 sat 5o%n at t"e 1ar en5 o1 t"e o3ta-on@ 8a3k to t"e %all@ "ea5 8elo% t"e le)el o1 t"e %in5o%s. A9 5on?t nee5 any more le3tures to5ay@ <onnie. #kayC S"e s"ru--e5 an5 sippe5 "er 3o11ee. ADou?re a 8i- -irl@ Anita.C A$"at?s ri-"t@ 9 am.C 9t soun5e5 petulant e)en to me. 9 settle5 t"e su8ma3"ine -un 8esi5e me on t"e 1loor %it" t"e 3oat. 9 8reat"e5 in t"e 3o11ee@ 8la3k an5 t"i3k. Sometimes 9 a55e5 3ream an5 su-ar@ 8ut 1or t"e 1irst 3up o1 t"e 5ay@ 8la3k %oul5 5o. AHamil?s 8een 1illin- us in@C Louie sai5. A4i5 you an5 <i3"ar5 a3tually raise po%er in t"e mi55le o1 t"e !ir3usBC 9 took a sip o1 3o11ee 8e1ore ans%erin-. AApparently.C A$"ere is no e;ui)alent amon- t"e %ererats 1or t"e %ol)es? lupa@ 8ut is it 3ommon to 8e a8le to 3all po%er like t"atBC <onnie %as -lan3in- 8a3k an5 1ort" 1rom one to t"e ot"er o1 us. Her eyes %ere a little %i5e. 9?5 8een tellin- "er %"at %as "appenin- in my li1e. S"e?5 8een "an-in- aroun5 %it" me an5 t"e monsters lon- enou-" to meet Louie@ 8ut it %as still a stran-e ne% %orl5 1or "er. Sometimes 9 t"ou-"t s"e?5 8e 8etter o11 keepin- 1urt"er a%ay 1rom t"e monsters@ 8ut like s"e?5 sai5@ %e %ere 8ot" 8i- -irls. Sometimes s"e e)en 3arrie5 a -un. S"e 3oul5 make "er o%n 5e3isions. Hamil ans%ere5@ A9 "a)e 8een a %ere%ol1 1or o)er ten years. $"is is my t"ir5 pa3k. 9 "a)e ne)er e)en "ear5 o1 a lupa t"at 3oul5 "elp "er :l1ri3 raise po%er outsi5e o1 t"e lupanar@ our pla3e o1 po%er. 7ost lupas 3an?t e)en 5o t"at. <aina %as t"e 1irst 9?5 met t"at 3oul5 3all po%er %it"in t"e lupanar. S"e 3oul5 5o small po%ers %it"out t"e 1ull moon to 8oost "er po%er@ 8ut not"in- like %"at 9 1elt to5ay.C AHamil says you "elpe5 <i3"ar5 raise enou-" po%er to "eal "im@C Louie sai5. 9 s"ru--e5@ 3are1ully so t"e 3o11ee %oul5n?t spill. A9 "elpe5 <i3"ar5 3ontrol "is 8east. 9t raise5 ... somet"in-. 9 5on?t kno%. Somet"in-.C A<i3"ar5 %ent into one o1 "is ra-es@ an5 you "elpe5 8rin- "im 8a3kBC Louie aske5. 9 looke5 at "im t"en. ADou?)e seen "im %"en "e loses 3ontrolBC He no55e5. A#n3e.C $"e memory ma5e me s"i)er. A#n3e is enou-".C ABut you "elpe5 "im 3ontrol it.C AS"e 5i5@C Hamil sai5. He soun5e5 please5. Louie looke5 at "im an5 s"ook "is "ea5. A="at?s -oin- onBC 9 aske5. A9?)e 8een tellin- <i3"ar5 t"at "e %on?t -et 8etter unless "e -ets you 3ompletely out o1 "is system. 9 t"ou-"t "e "a5 to 1or-et you to "eal "imsel1.C ADou soun5 like you?)e 3"an-e5 your min5@C 9 sai5. A91 you 3an "elp <i3"ar5 re-ain 3ontrol o1 "is 8east@ t"en "e nee5s you. 9 5on?t 3are %"at arran-ement you %ork out@ Anita. But i1 "e 5oesn?t 5o somet"in- soon@ "e?s -oin- to en5 up 5ea5. $o stop t"at 1rom "appenin-@ 9?5 5o almost anyt"in-.C 'or t"e 1irst time 9 realiEe5 t"at Louie 5i5n?t like me anymore. He %as <i3"ar5?s 8est 1rien5. 9 -uess 9 3oul5n?t 8lame "im. 91 "e?5 5umpe5 <onnie as 8a5ly as 9?5 5umpe5 <i3"ar5@ 9?5 8e pisse5@ too. A,)en en3oura-in- <i3"ar5 to see me a-ainBC 9 ma5e it a ;uestion. A9s t"at %"at you %antBC 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 %oul5n?t meet "is eyes. A9 5on?t kno%. =e?re 8oun5 to ea3" ot"er 1or eternity. $"at?s a lon- time to 8it3" at ea3" ot"er.C <i3"ar5 appeare5 in t"e 5oor%ay. AA )ery lon- time@C "e sai5@ Ato %at3" you in "is arms.C He 5i5n?t soun5 8itter t"en. He soun5e5 tire5. His t"i3k "air an5 mus3ular upper 8o5y %ere 3o)ere5 in 1ine %"ite 5ust. ,)en "is >eans %ere 3oate5. He looke5 like somet"in- out o1 a porno mo)ie %"ere t"e "an5y2man 3onsoles t"e lonely "ouse%i1e. He %alke5 o)er to stan5 in 1ront o1 t"e roses. A'ore)er to see %"ite roses %it" your name on t"em.C He tou3"e5 t"e sin-le re5 rose@ an5 smile5. A/i3ely sym8oli3.C His "an5 3lose5 aroun5 t"e 3rimson 1lo%erG %"en "e opene5 "is "an5@ re5 petals s3attere5 a3ross t"e ta8le. A 5rop o1 8loo5 1ell to t"e pale ta8le top. He?5 1oun5 a t"orn. <onnie?s eyes %ere %i5e@ starin- at t"e ruine5 rose. S"e -lan3e5 at me@ eye8ro%s raise5@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t e)en kno% %"at e*pression to -i)e "er in return. A$"at %as 3"il5is"@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 turne5 to me@ "an5 stret3"e5 out to%ar5s me. A$oo 8a5 our ot"er t"ir5 isn?t "ere to li3k t"e 8loo5 o11.C 9 1elt an unpleasant smile 3url my lips@ an5 spoke 8e1ore 9 3oul5 stop mysel1@ or may8e 9 %as >ust tire5 o1 tryin-. A$"ere are at least t"ree people in t"is room t"at %oul5 lo)e to li3k t"e 8loo5 o11 your skin@ <i3"ar5. 9?m not one o1 t"em.C

He 8alle5 "is "an5 into a 1ist. ADou are su3" a 8it3".C A=oo1@ %oo1@C 9 sai5. Louie stoo5. AStop it@ 8ot" o1 you.C A9 %ill i1 "e %ill@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 >ust turne5 a%ay@ speakin- %it"out lookin- at anyone. A=e 3"an-e5 t"e s"eets on t"e 8e5. But 9?m still a mess.C He opene5 "is "an5. Bloo5 "a5 sprea5 alon- t"e lines in "is "an5 like a ri)er 1ollo%in- its 8anks. He turne5 to me %it" an-ry eyes. A!an 9 use one o1 t"e 8at"rooms to 3lean upBC He raise5 t"e "an5 slo%ly to "is mout" an5 li3ke5 t"e 8loo5 )ery slo%ly@ )ery 5eli8erately@ o11 "is skin. <onnie ma5e a small soun5@ almost a -asp. 9 mana-e5 not to 1aintG 9?5 seen t"e s"o% 8e1ore. A$"ere?s a 1ull 8at" %it" s"o%er upstairs. 4oor a3ross t"e "all 1rom t"e 8e5room.C He put one 1in-er in "is mout" in slo% motion@ like "e?5 >ust eaten some 1in-erli3kin? -oo5 3"i3ken. His eyes ne)er mo)e5 1rom my 1a3e. 9 %as -i)in- my 8est 8lank look@ empty@ not"in-. ="ate)er "e %ante5 1rom me@ 8lankness %as not it. A="at a8out t"e 1an3y tu8 5o%nstairsBC "e aske5. AHelp yoursel1@C 9 sai5. 9 sippe5 3o11ee@ t"e pi3ture o1 non3"alan3e. ,5%ar5 %oul5 "a)e 8een prou5. A=oul5n?t Hean2!lau5e 8e upset i1 9 use5 your pre3ious tu8B 9 kno% "o% mu3" you 8ot" like %ater.C Someone "a5 tol5 "im t"at %e?5 ma5e lo)e in t"e tu8 at t"e !ir3us. 9?5 "a)e lo)e5 to kno% %"o an5 "urt t"em. Heat rose up my 1a3eG 9 3oul5n?t stop it. AA rea3tion at last@C "e sai5. ADou?)e em8arrasse5 me@ "appyBC He no55e5. ADes@ yes 9 am.C AGo take your s"o%er@ <i3"ar5@ or your 8at". Li-"t t"e 5amn 3an5les@ "a)e a 8all.C AAre you -oin- to >oin meBC $"ere %as a time %"en 9?5 %ante5 an in)itation like t"at 1rom <i3"ar5 more t"an almost anyt"in- in t"e %orl5. $"e an-er in "is )oi3e %"en "e sai5 it 8rou-"t somet"in- )ery 3lose to tears to my eyes. 9 %asn?t e*a3tly 3ryin-@ 8ut it "urt. <onnie stoo5@ an5 Louie put a "an5 on "er arm. ,)eryone stoo5 or sat an5 trie5 to preten5 t"ey %eren?t %itnessinsomet"in- pain1ully personal. A 3ouple o1 5eep 8reat"s an5 9 %as okay. 9 %asn?t a8out to let "im see me 3ry. /o %ay. A9 5i5n?t >oin Hean2!lau5e in t"e tu8@ <i3"ar5. He >oine5 me. 7ay8e i1 you "a5n?t 8een su3" a 1ri--in- 8oy s3out@ it?5 8e you 9 %as %it" ri-"t no% an5 not "im.C A=as one -oo5 1u3k all it %oul5 "a)e takenB =as it >ust t"at easy 1or youBC 9 pus"e5 to my 1eet@ 3o11ee slos"in- 5o%n my "an5 onto t"e 1loor. 9 set t"e mu- on t"e ta8le@ %"i3" put me %it"in tou3"in5istan3e o1 <i3"ar5. <onnie an5 Louie "a5 mo)e5 8a3k 1rom t"e ta8le@ -i)in- us room. 9 t"ink t"ey?5 "a)e le1t t"e room i1 t"ey "a5 8een sure %e %oul5n?t 3ome to 8lo%s. Hamil "a5 set "is 3o11ee 5o%n as i1 "e %as -ettin- rea5y to >ump in an5 sa)e us 1rom oursel)es. But it %as too late to sa)e us@ 1ar too late. ADou 8astar5@C 9 sai5. A9t took us 8ot" to -et %"ere %e are@ <i3"ar5.C A$"ree o1 us@C "e sai5. A'ine@C 9 sai5. 7y eyes %ere "ot@ my t"roat ti-"t. A7ay8e one -oo5 1u3k %oul5 "a)e 5one it. 9 5on?t kno%. 4o your "i-" i5eals keep you %arm at ni-"t@ <i3"ar5B 4oes your moral "i-" -roun5 make you less lonelyBC He took t"at last step t"at put us almost tou3"in-. His an-er 1lo%e5 o)er me like an ele3tri3 3urrent. ADou 3"eate5 on me@ 8ut you "a)e "im in your 8e5@ an5 9 "a)e no one.C A$"en 1in5 someone@ <i3"ar5@ 1in5 anyone@ 8ut let it -o. Let it t"e 1u3k -o.C He steppe5 8a3k so a8ruptly@ it ma5e me s%ay. He le1t t"e room stri5in-@ "is ra-e trailin- a1ter "im like t"e smell o1 5istur8in- per1ume. 9 stoo5 t"ere 1or a se3on5@ t"en sai5@ AGet out@ e)eryone out.C $"e men le1t@ 8ut <onnie staye5. 9 %oul5n?t "a)e 3rie5@ "onest@ 8ut s"e tou3"e5 my s"oul5ers@ "u--e5 me 1rom 8e"in5@ an5 %"ispere5@ A9?m so sorry.C 9 3oul5 "a)e %it"stoo5 anyt"in- e*3ept sympat"y. 9 3rie5 %it" my "an5s 3o)erin- my 1a3e@ still "i5in-@ still "i5in-.

Chapter Thirty-two
$"e 5oor8ell ran-. 9 mo)e5 as i1 to ans%er it@ 8ut <onnie sai5@ ALet someone else -et it.C Kane 3alle5 1rom t"e li)in- room. A9?ll -et it.C ="i3" ma5e me %on5er %"ere Hamil an5 Louie %ere. !om1ortin- <i3"ar5@ may8eB 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom <onnie@ s3ru88in- at my 1a3e. A="o 3oul5 it 8e out "ereB =e?re in t"e mi55le o1 no%"ere.C Hamil an5 Louie %ere su55enly 8a3k in t"e room. ,it"er t"ey?5 "ear5 me@ or t"ey %ere >ust as suspi3ious as 9 %as. 9 pi3ke5 t"e ma3"ine -un o11 t"e 1loor an5 stoo5 in t"e 5oor%ay %it" t"e -un "el5 at my le1t si5e@ out o1 si-"t. $"e 'irestar %as in my ri-"t "an5@ also out o1 si-"t. Louie an5 Hamil mo)e5 into t"e li)in- room to eit"er si5e. A4on?t 3ross my line o1 si-"t@C 9 sai5. $"ey 8ot" mo)e5 a little 1art"er apart. <onnie sai5@ A9 5i5n?t 8rin- my -un.C A$"e Bro%nin- is in t"e 3oat on t"e 1loor.C Her -rey eyes %ere >ust a tou3" %i5e@ "er 8reat"in- >ust a little 1ast@ 8ut s"e no55e5 an5 %ent 1or t"e -un. Kane %as lookin- 8a3k at me %it" %i5e eyes. He looke5 a ;uestion at me@ an5 9 no55e5. He 3"e3ke5 t"e peep"ole. ALooks like a 5eli)ery -uy %it" 1lo%ers.C A#pen it@C 9 sai5. Kane 5i5@ 8lo3kin- my )ie% o1 t"e man. $"e man?s )oi3e %as too so1t to "ear. Kane turne5 8a3k to me. ASays you "a)e to si-n 1or t"e 1lo%ers.C A="o are t"ey 1romBC $"e man peere5 aroun5 Kane@ raisin- "is )oi3e to say@ AHean2!lau5e.C AHust a minute.C 9 lai5 t"e ma3"ine -un on t"e 1loor out o1 si-"t an5 kept t"e 'irestar "i55en 8e"in5 my le- as 9 mo)e5 1or t"e 5oor. Hean2!lau5e kept me supplie5 %it" 1lo%ers@ 8ut "e usually %aite5 1or t"e ol5 ones to start to 5ie@ or at least 1a5e. #1 3ourse@ "e "a5 turne5 on t"e romanti3 o)ertime to5ay. He %as a small man@ "ol5in- t"e 8o* o1 roses in "is arm@ "is le1t "an5 on top o1 t"e 8o* %it" a 3lip8oar5 an5 a pen3il %it" one o1 t"ose strin-s on it. Kane steppe5 a%ay 1rom t"e 5oor to let me mo)e up@ 8ut 9 -ot my 1irst look in t"e little plasti3 %in5o% o1 t"e 8o*. Dello% roses. 9 stoppe5 mo)in- 1or%ar5 an5 trie5 to smile. ADou?ll nee5 a tip. =ait t"ere %"ile 9 -et my purse.C $"e man?s eyes 1li3ke5 aroun5 t"e room@ %at3"in- Hamil mo)e up to "is le1t an5 Louie to "is ri-"t. 9 steppe5 to one si5e tryin- not to 8e 5ire3tly in 1ront o1 "im. He 1ollo%e5 me %it" t"e 8o*@ %it" "is "an5 un5er t"e 8o*. Hamil "a5 t"e 8est an-le. 9 ma5e "is name a ;uestion@ AHamilBC ADesC %as all "e sai5@ 8ut it %as enou-". A9 5on?t nee5 a tip@C t"e man sai5@ A8ut 9?m runnin- 8e"in5. !oul5 you >ust si-n 1or it so 9 3oul5 -et -oin-BC ASure@C 9 sai5. Hamil "a5 pi3ke5 up %"at %as -oin- on@ 8ut Kane %as still lookin- puEEle5. <onnie %as some%"ere 8e"in5 me. 9 5i5n?t 5are look 1or "er@ 8ut 9 mo)e5 >ust a little more o112line an5 t"e man 1ollo%e5 me %it" t"e "an5 9 3oul5n?t see@ %it" t"e "an5 t"at Hamil "a5 3on1irme5 "a5 a -un in it. 9 %as almost e)en %it" Louie. He?5 stoppe5 mo)in-@ %aitin- 1or me to 3ome to "im. He?5 1i-ure5 it out@ too. Great@ no% %"atB 9t %as <onnie %"o 5e3i5e5 it. A4rop t"e -un@ or 9 5rop you.C Her )oi3e 3on1i5ent23ertain. 9 spare5 a -lan3e to see "er stan5in- 1eet apart@ Bro%nin- in a t%o2"an5e5 -rip pointe5 at t"e man in t"e 5oor%ay. Hamil yelle5@ AAnitaIC 9 turne5 an5 pointe5 t"e 'irestar in one mo)ement. $"e man %as alrea5y raisin- t"e "an5 an5 t"e 8o*. 9 -ot a -limpse o1 t"e -un. He i-nore5 <onnie 3ompletely@ pointin- t"e -un at me. 91 "e?5 >ust 1ire5 1rom "is "ip@ "e?5 "a)e "a5 time 1or one s"ot@ 8ut "e trie5 1or a 8etter s"ootin- stan3e an5 t"at %as t"at. Kane 1inally rea3te5@ %"en %"at "e s"oul5 "a)e 5one %as stay out o1 t"e %ay@ %"i3" >ust -oes to s"o% t"at super stren-t" an5 super spee5 are not enou-". Dou -ot to kno% %"at to 5o %it" it. He slappe5 t"e 8o* an5 3lip8oar5 out o1 t"e man?s "an5@ makin- "is 1irst s"ot rin- into t"e 1loor. <onnie?s 1irst s"ot %ent %i5e into t"e 5oor>am8. Kane %as 8lo3kin- my line o1 1ire. 9 %at3"e5 t"e -un 3ome 8a3k up@ pointe5 to%ar5s <onnie t"is time. Kane -ra88e5 1or t"e -un@ an5 t"e -un %ent o11 t%i3e more. Kane?s 8o5y >erke5@ 1allin- in slo% motion to t"e 1loor. 9 "a5 t"e -un pointe5 so t"at %"en Kane?s 8o5y 3leare5 t"e %ay@ 9 %as rea5y. <onnie?s se3on5 s"ot took t"e man in t"e s"oul5er@ pus"in- "im 8a3k%ar5s. He 1ire5 at me@ slumpe5 in t"e 5oor%ay. His 8ullet %ent %i5e. 7ine 5i5n?t.

Bloo5 8lossome5 on "is 3"est. He stare5 at me@ eyes %i5e an5 almost puEEle5@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t un5erstan5 %"at %as "appenin- to "im. ,)en %it" t"at 1irst tou3" o1 5eat" 1illin- "is eyes@ "e starte5 to raise t"e -un@ tryin- 1or one last s"ot. $%o s"ots %ent o11 like t"un5erous e3"oes. 7y s"ot took "im in t"e 3"est. <onnie?s s"ot took t"e top o1 "is "ea5 o11. GlaEer Sa1ety <oun5s %ill 5o t"at to unprote3te5 1les". 9 %alke5 up to t"e man@ -un pointe5 at "im@ rea5y to s"oot "im a-ain@ 8ut it %as o)er. His 3"est %as a mass o1 8loo5@ an5 "is "ea5 looke5 like someone "a5 s3alpe5 "im an5 -one a little too 5eep. Hea)ier 1lui5s t"an 8loo5 %ere leakin- all o)er my por3" step. <onnie 3ame up 8esi5e me@ -un pointe5 at "im. S"e took one look an5 stum8le5 outsi5e@ nearly trippin- o)er t"e 5ea5 man?s le-s. S"e 1ell into t"e -rass@ ret3"in- an5 3ryin-. Kane >ust lay t"ere@ 8lee5in-. Louie %as 3"e3kin- "is pulse. AHe?s 5yin-.C He %ipe5 t"e 8loo5 on "is $2s"irt an5 %ent out into t"e sunli-"t to take 3are o1 <onnie. 9 stare5 5o%n at Kane?s pale 3"est. #ne 8ullet "a5 taken "im lo% in t"e lun-s. <e5 8u88les 1ille5 t"e %oun5@ makin- t"at "orri8le soun5 t"at su3kin- 3"est %oun5s make t"at says@ %it"out a me5i3 or a 5o3tor@ t"e person is 5ea5. Hust a matter o1 %"en@ not i1.

Chapter Thirty-three
=e?5 3alle5 t"e am8ulan3e an5 1oun5 t"at t"ey %eren?t 3omin- ri-"t a%ay. $oo many ot"er emer-en3ies a"ea5 o1 us. 9t %as Louie %"o prie5 t"e p"one out o1 my "an5s an5 apolo-iEe5 to t"e ni3e operator. !"erry ran to t"e kit3"en. 9 3oul5 "ear "er openin- an5 s"uttin- 5ra%ers@ 3a8inets 8an-in-. 9 %alke5 into t"e kit3"en. S"e %as stan5in- in t"e mi55le o1 t"e room %it" a 5ra%er pulle5 all t"e %ay out in one "an5. Her eyes %ere almost %il5. Be1ore 9 3oul5 say anyt"in-@ s"e sai5@ A9 nee5 a Kiplo3 8a-@ maskin- tape@ an5 s3issors.C 9 5i5n?t ask stupi5 ;uestions. 9 opene5 t"e small 5ra%er 8esi5e t"e sto)e an5 "an5e5 "er t"e tape an5 s3issors. $"e Kiplo3 8a-s %ere one o1 t"e 1e% t"in-s in t"e roomy pantry 3loset. !"erry snat3"e5 t"em 1rom my "an5s an5 "ea5e5 1or t"e li)in- room. 9 "a5 no i5ea %"at s"e "a5 in min5@ 8ut s"e "a5 t"e me5i3al trainin-. 9 5i5n?t. 91 it %oul5 -i)e Kane a 1e% more minutes@ t"en 9 %as 1or it. $"e am8ulan3e %oul5 3ome e)entually. $"e tri3k %as "a)in- "im ali)e 1or it to matter. As 1ar as 9 3oul5 tell@ s"e 5i5n?t use t"e s3issors. S"e tape5 t"e 8a- o)er "is 3"est@ plasterin- it %it" tape e*3ept 1or one 3orner. 9t %as )ery o8)iously meant to 8e le1t t"at %ay@ 8ut 9 "a5 to ask. A="y is t"e one 3orner untape5BC S"e ans%ere5 %it"out lookin- up 1rom "er patient. A$"e open 3orner lets "im 8reat"e@ 8ut %"en "e su3ks in air t"e 8a3ollapses an5 seals t"e %oun5. 9t?s 3alle5 an in3lusi)e 8an5a-e.C S"e soun5e5 as i1 s"e %as le3turin-. 9 %on5ere5@ not 1or t"e 1irst time@ %"at !"erry %as like outsi5e t"e monster stu11. S"e %as almost like t%o 5i11erent people. 9?5 ne)er meant anyone@ monster or not@ %"o seeme5 so 5i)i5e5. A=ill it keep "im ali)e lon- enou-" 1or t"e am8ulan3e to -et "ereBC 9 aske5. S"e 1inally looke5 up at me2eyes )ery serious. A9 "ope so.C 9 no55e5. 9t %as 8etter t"an 9 3oul5 "a)e 5one. 9 %as -reat at puttin- "oles in people. /ot so -oo5 at keepin- t"em ali)e. <i3"ar5 8rou-"t a 8lanket an5 1ol5e5 it o)er Kane?s le-s@ lettin- !"erry take t"e upper part o1 t"e 8lanket to 1i* t"e %ay s"e %ante5 aroun5 t"e %oun5. <i3"ar5 %as %earin- not"in- 8ut a to%el aroun5 "is %aist "is tanne5 skin 8ea5e5 %it" %ater as i1 "e "a5n?t e)en taken time to 5ry o11. $"e to%el 3lun- in a smoot" ti-"t line to "is 8utt as "e 1ol5e5 t"e ;uilt o)er Kane. His t"i3k "air "un- in "ea)y stran5s@ so %et t"at %ater tri3kle5 1rom it in 1ine lines 5o%n "is 8a3k. He stoo5 up@ an5 t"e to%el 1las"e5 a lot o1 t"i-". A9 "a)e lar-er to%els@C 9 sai5. He 1ro%ne5 at me. A9 "ear5 -uns"ots. 9 %asn?t really %orrie5 a8out t"e siEe o1 t"e to%el.C 9 no55e5. ADou?re ri-"t. Sorry.C 7y an-er %it" <i3"ar5 seeme5 to s"rink in 5ire3t proportion to "is 3lot"es. 91 "e really %ante5 to %in t"e %ar@ all "e "a5 to 5o %as strip. 9?5 "a)e put up a %"ite 1la- an5 applau5e5. ,m8arrassin-@ 8ut almost true. He ran "is "an5 t"rou-" "is "air@ smoot"in- it 8a3k 1rom "is 1a3e an5 s;ueeEin- out t"e e*3ess %ater. $"at small mo)ement s"o%e5 "is arms an5 3"est to %on5er1ul a5)anta-e. He ar3"e5 "is 8a3k >ust a little@ %"i3" stret3"e5 t"e rest o1 "is 8o5y in one lon- mus3le5 line. 9t %as t"e 8a3k ar3" t"at 5i5 it. 9 kne% "e %as s"o%in- "is 8o5y o11 on purpose. He?5 al%ays seeme5 un3ons3ious o1 t"e e11e3t "is 8o5y "a5 on me until no%. /o%@ starin- into "is an-ry eyes@ 9 kne% "e?5 s"o%n me "is 8o5y )ery 5eli8erately. His %ay o1 sayin-@ %it"out %or5s@ see %"at you passe5 on@ see %"at you lost. 91 it "a5 >ust 8een t"e -reat 8o5y 9?5 lost out on@ it %oul5n?t "a)e "urt so mu3".

9 misse5 Sun5ay a1ternoons %at3"in- ol5 musi3als. Satur5ay "ikin- t"rou-" t"e %oo5s@ 8ir5%at3"in-@ or entire %eeken5s o1 ra1tin- on t"e 7erame3. 9 misse5 "earin- a8out "is 5ay at s3"ool. 9 misse5 "im. $"e 8o5y %as >ust a )ery ni3e 8onus. 9 %asn?t sure t"ere %ere enou-" roses in t"e %orl5 to make me 1or-et %"at <i3"ar5 "a5 almost 8een to me. He stalke5 a%ay to%ar5s t"e stairs an5 "is interrupte5 s"o%er. 91 9?5 8een as stron- o1 %ill as 9 like5 to t"ink@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e %at3"e5 "im %alk a%ay. 9 "a5 a su55en )i)i5 ima-e o1 li3kin- %ater o11 "is 3"est an5 >erkin- t"at tiny %"ite to%el a%ay. $"e ima-e %as 3lear enou-" t"at 9 "a5 to turn a%ay an5 take a 1e% 5eep 8reat"s. He %asn?t mine anymore. 7ay8e "e ne)er "a5 8een. A9 5on?t mean to interrupt t"e stu5 %at3"@C Hamil sai5@ A8ut %"o is t"e 5ea5 -uy@ an5 %"y 5i5 "e try to kill youBC 91 9 t"ou-"t 9?5 8een em8arrasse5 8e1ore@ 9 %as %ron-. $"e 1a3t t"at 9?5 let t"e s"it %it" <i3"ar5 5istra3t me 1rom t"e mu3" more )ital ;uestion o1 t"e %oul528e mur5erer >ust pro)e5 t"at 9 %asn?t up on my -ame. 9t %as too 3areless 1or %or5s. $"e sort o1 3arelessness t"at 3an -et you kille5. A9 5on?t kno% "im@C 9 sai5. Louie li1te5 t"e s"eet t"at someone "a5 t"ro%n o)er "im. A9 5on?t re3o-niEe "im eit"er.C APlease@C <onnie sai5. S"e %as lookin- some%"ere 8et%een -rey an5 -reen a-ain. Louie let t"e s"eet 1all 8a3k@ 8ut it %as 1latter some"o% an5 3lun- to t"e top o1 "is "ea5. $"e 8loo5 soake5 up t"e 3otton like oil to a %i3k. <onnie ma5e a small soun5 an5 ran 1or t"e 8at"room. Louie %at3"e5 "er run out. 9 %at3"e5 "im %at3" "er. He 3au-"t me lookin- an5 sai5@ AS"e?s kille5 people 8e1ore.C $"e implie5 A%"y is t"is %orseBC %ent unsai5. A#n3e 8e1ore@C 9 sai5. He stoo5 up. A4i5 s"e rea3t like t"isBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 t"ink it %as t"e si-"t o1 "is 8rains leakin- all o)er t"e por3" t"at 5i5 it.C G%en %alke5 into t"e room. AA lot o1 people %"o 3an take t"e si-"t o1 8loo5 5on?t like to see ot"er t"in-s leakin- out.C A$"ank you@ 7s. $"erapist@C Hamil sai5. S"e turne5 to "im like a small 8lon5 storm@ "er ot"er%orl5ly ener-y spiralin- t"rou-" t"e room. ADou are a "omop"o8i3 8astar5.C 9 raise5 eye8ro%s. A9 miss somet"in-BC AHamil is one o1 t"ose men %"o 8elie)es t"at e)ery les8ian is >ust a "eterose*ual %oman %aitin- 1or t"e ri-"t man. He %as persistent enou-" to me t"at Syl)ie ki3ke5 "is ass.C ASu3" lan-ua-e 1rom a traine5 t"erapist@C Hason sai5. He?5 rus"e5 up 1rom t"e 8asement %"ere t"e )ampires %ere store5 1or t"e 5ay %"en t"e s"ootin- starte5. ="en t"e e*3itement 5ie5 5o%n@ "e?5 -one 8a3k to 3"e3k on e)ery8o5y. AAll ;uiet 5o%n 8elo%BC 9 aske5. He -a)e me t"at -rin o1 "is t"at mana-e5 to 8e 8ot" mis3"ie)ous an5 >ust a tou3" e)il. ANuiet as a tom8.C 9 -roane5 8e3ause "e e*pe3te5 it. But t"e smile le1t my 1a3e 8e1ore it le1t "is. A!oul5 it 8e t"e 3oun3ilBC 9 aske5. A!oul5 %"at 8e t"e 3oun3ilBC Louie aske5. A="oe)er sent t"e "it man@C 9 sai5. A4o you really t"ink "e %as a "it manBC Hamil aske5. ADou mean %as "e a pro1essional assassinBC Hamil no55e5. A/o@C 9 sai5. A="y %asn?t "e a pro1essionalBC G%en aske5. A/ot -oo5 enou-"@C 9 sai5. A7ay8e "e %as a )ir-in@C Hamil sai5. ADou mean a 1irst timerBC ADes.C A7ay8e.C 9 -lan3e5 at t"e s"eet23o)ere5 lump. AHe pi3ke5 t"e %ron- 3areer.C A91 it "a5 8een some su8ur8an "ouse%i1e or an in)estment 8anker@ "e?5 "a)e 5one okay@C Hamil sai5. ASoun5s like you kno%.C He s"ru--e5. A9?)e 8een an en1or3er sin3e 9 %as 1i1teen. 7y t"reat?s not %ort" anyt"in- unless 9?m %illin- to kill.C

AHo% 5oes <i3"ar5 1eel a8out t"atBC 9 aske5. Hamil s"ru--e5 a-ain. A<i3"ar5?s 5i11erent@ 8ut i1 "e %asn?t@ t"en 9?5 8e 5ea5. He?5 "a)e kille5 me ri-"t a1ter "e kille5 7ar3us. 9t?s stan5ar5 op 1or a ne% :l1ri3 to kill t"e ol5 lea5er?s en1or3ers.C A9 %ante5 you 5ea5.C He smile5 an5 it %as ti-"t@ 8ut not alto-et"er unpleasant. A9 kno% %"at you %ante5. Dou?re 3loser to 8ein- one o1 us t"an "e is sometimes.C A9 >ust 5on?t "a)e a lot o1 illusions@ Hamil. $"at?s all.C ADou t"ink <i3"ar5?s morality is an illusionBC AHe nearly 3rus"e5 your t"roat earlier to5ay. ="at 5o you t"inkBC A9 t"ink "e also "eale5 me. 7ar3us an5 <aina 3oul5n?t "a)e 5one t"at.C A=oul5 t"ey "a)e "urt you t"at 8a5ly 8y a33i5entBC 9 aske5. He smile5@ a ;ui3k 8arin- o1 teet". A91 <aina "a5 -one 1or my t"roat@ it %oul5n?t "a)e 8een 8y a33i5ent.C A#n a %"im@C G%en sai5@ A8ut not 8y a33i5ent.C $"e %ere%ol)es all "a5 a moment o1 per1e3t un5erstan5in-. /one o1 t"em mourne5 <aina@ not e)en Hamil@ %"o "a5 sort o1 8een on "er si5e. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 >ust 5on?t t"ink t"e 3oun3il %oul5 sen5 out some amateur %it" a -un. $"ey?)e -ot enou-" 5aytime mus3le to 5o t"e >o8 %it"out "irin- outsi5ers.C A$"en %"oBC Hamil aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5 a-ain. A9 %is" 9 kne%.C <onnie 3ame 8a3k into t"e li)in- room. =e all %at3"e5 "er as s"e ma5e "er s"aky %ay 8a3k to t"e 3ou3". S"e sat 5o%n@ eyes re52rimme5 1rom 3ryin- an5 ot"er t"in-s. Louie 8rou-"t "er a -lass o1 %ater. S"e sippe5 it )ery slo%ly an5 looke5 at me. 9 e*pe3te5 "er to talk a8out t"e 5ea5 man. 7ay8e to a33use me o1 8ein- a "orri8le 1rien5. But s"e?5 5e3i5e5 to i-nore t"e 5ea5 8o5y an5 %ork on t"e li)e ones. A91 you "a5 slept %it" <i3"ar5 %"en you 1irst starte5 5atin-@ all t"is pain 3oul5 "a)e 8een a)oi5e5.C ADou?re so sure o1 t"at@C 9 sai5. 9 let <onnie 3"an-e t"e su8>e3t. S"e nee5e5 somet"in- else to 3on3entrate on. 9?5 "a)e pre1erre5 t"e topi3 to 8e somet"in- 8esi5es my lo)e li1e@ 8ut ... 9 o%e5 "er. ADes@C s"e sai5@ At"e %ay you look at "im@ Anita. $"e %ay "e looks at you %"en "e?s not 8ein- 3ruel. Dea"@ 9?m sure.C Part o1 me a-ree5 %it" "er@ part o1 me ... A$"ere?5 still 8e Hean2!lau5e.C S"e ma5e an impatient soun5. A9 kno% you. 91 you?5 "a5 se* %it" <i3"ar5 1irst@ you still %oul5n?t 8e sleepin- %it" t"at 5amn )ampire. Dou t"ink se* is a 3ommitment.C 9 si-"e5. =e?5 "a5 t"is talk 8e1ore. ASe* s"oul5 mean somet"in-@ <onnie.C A9 a-ree@C s"e sai5. ABut i1 9 "a5 your s3ruples@ 9?5 still >ust 8e "ol5in- "an5s %it" Louie. =e?re "a)in- a %on5er1ul time.C ABut %"ere is it -oin-BC S"e 3lose5 "er eyes an5 leane5 "er "ea5 a-ainst t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 3ou3". AAnna@ you make your li1e "ar5er t"an it "as to 8e.C S"e opene5 "er eyes an5 mo)e5 >ust "er "ea5 so s"e 3oul5 look at me an5 still slump. A="y 3an?t a relations"ip >ust 8e %"at it isB ="y 5oes e)eryt"in- %it" you "a)e to 8e so 5amn seriousBC 9 1ol5e5 my arms o)er my stoma3" an5 stare5 at "er. 91 9 t"ou-"t 9 %as -oin- to stare "er 5o%n@ 9 %as %ron-. 9 looke5 a%ay 1irst. A9t is serious or s"oul5 8e.C A="yBC s"e sai5. 9 %as 1inally re5u3e5 to s"ru--in-. 91 9 "a5n?t 8een "a)in- se* %it" a )ampire out o1 %e5lo3k@ 9?5 "a)e "a5 some moral "i-" -roun5 to stan5 on. As it %as@ 9 "a5 not"in- to 1i-"t 8a3k %it". 9?5 8een )irtuous 1or so lon-@ 8ut %"en 9 lost it@ 9 lost it 8i- time. 'rom 3eli8a3y to 1u3kin- t"e un5ea5. 91 9?5 still 8een !at"oli3@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een enou-" to -et me e*3ommuni3ate5. #1 3ourse@ 8ein- an Animator %as enou-" to -et me e*3ommuni3ate5. Lu3ky 1or me 9 %as Protestant. ADou %ant some a5)i3e 1rom your Auntie <onnieBC $"at ma5e me smile@ a small smile@ 8ut it %as 8etter t"an not"in-. A="at a5)i3eBC AGo upstairs an5 >oin t"at man in t"e s"o%er.C 9 looke5 at "er@ suita8ly s3an5aliEe5. $"e 1a3t t"at 9?5 8een pretty mu3" 1antasiEin- a8out 5oin- >ust t"at not ten minutes a-o only ma5e it more em8arrassin-. ADou sa% "im in t"e kit3"en@ <onnie. 9 5on?t t"ink "e?s in a 3o2e5 s"o%er sort o1 moo5.C

A look 3ame into "er eyes t"at su55enly ma5e me 1eel youn- or may8e nai)e. ADou strip o11 an5 surprise "im@ an5 "e %on?t ki3k you out. Dou 5on?t -et t"at kin5 o1 an-er %it"out "eat. He %ants you as 8a5ly as you %ant "im. Hust -i)e into it@ -irl1rien5.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. S"e si-"e5. A="y notBC AA t"ousan5 t"in-s@ 8ut mainly@ Hean2!lau5e.C A4ump "im@C s"e sai5. 9 lau-"e5. ADea"@ ri-"t.C A9s "e really t"at -oo5B So -oo5 t"at you 3oul5n?t -i)e "im upBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute an5 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. 9t 1inally 8oile5 5o%n to one t"in-@ an5 9 sai5 it out lou5. A9?m not sure t"ere are enou-" %"ite roses in t"e %orl5 to make me 1or-et <i3"ar5.C 9 "el5 up a "an5 8e1ore s"e 3oul5 interrupt. ABut 9?m not sure t"ere are enou-" 3oEy a1ternoons in all eternity to make me 1or-et Hean2!lau5e.C S"e sat up strai-"t on t"e 3ou3"@ starin- at me. A look almost o1 sorro% 1ille5 "er eyes. ADou mean t"at@ 5on?t youBC ADea"@C 9 sai5. <onnie s"ook "er "ea5. AHesus@ Anita@ you are s3re%e5.C $"at ma5e me lau-"@ 8e3ause s"e %as ri-"t. 9t %as eit"er 3ry or lau-" a8out it@ an5 <i3"ar5 "a5 -otten all t"e tears "e %as -ettin- 1rom me 1or one 5ay.

Chapter Thirty-four
$"e p"one ran-@ an5 9 >umpe5. /o% t"at t"e 5an-er %as o)er@ 9 3oul5 8e >umpy. 9 %ent into t"e kit3"en an5 pi3ke5 up t"e p"one. Be1ore 9 3oul5 e)en ans%er@ 9 "ear5 4olp"?s )oi3e. AAnita@ you okayBC A$"e poli3e -rape)ine is e)en 1aster t"an 9 t"ou-"t@C 9 sai5. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC 9 tol5 "im %"at 9?5 tol5 t"e 911 operator. A9 5i5n?t kno%@C 4olp" sai5. A$"en %"y 5i5 you %ant to kno% i1 9 %as okayBC A/early e)ery )ampire2o%ne5 8usiness or "ouse in t"e 3ity %as "it a8out t"e same time t"is mornin-. $"ey 1ire28om8e5 t"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e@ an5 %e?)e "a5 one2onone "its on non2)amps all o)er t"e 3ity.C 'ear rus"e5 t"rou-" me like 1ine 3"ampa-ne@ useless a5renaline %it" no%"ere to -o. 9 "a5 a lot o1 1rien5s t"at %ere un5ea5@ not >ust Hean2!lau5e. A4ea5 4a)e?s@ "as it 8een "itBC A9 kno% 4a)e resents 8ein- ki3ke5 o11 t"e 1or3e a1ter "e ... 5ie5@ 8ut %e take 3are o1 our o%n. His 8ar?s -ot a uni1orme5 -uar5 until %e 1in5 out %"at t"e "ell is -oin- on. =e -ot t"e arsonist 8e1ore "e 3oul5 5o more t"an smoke up an outsi5e %all.C 9 kne% t"at only t"e 8a5 )amps %ere at t"e !ir3us@ 8ut 4olp" 5i5n?t. He mi-"t 1in5 it stran-e i1 9 5i5n?t ask. A$"e !ir3usBC A$"ey 5e1en5e5 t"emsel)es a-ainst a 3ouple o1 arsonists. ="y 5i5n?t you ask a8out t"e lo)e o1 your li1e@ 1irst@ AnitaB 9sn?t "e "omeBC 4olp" aske5 like "e alrea5y kne%@ %"i3" 3oul5 mean "e kne% or it 3oul5 mean "e %as 1is"in-. But 9 %as pretty sure t"e 3oun3il 1lunkies %oul5n?t "a)e tol5 t"e %"ole trut". Hal12trut"@ it %as. AHean2!lau5e staye5 o)er last ni-"t.C $"e silen3e t"is time %as e)en t"i3ker t"an 8e1ore. 9 let it 8uil5 into somet"in- t"i3k an5 unpleasant enou-" to 3"oke on. 9 5on?t kno% "o% lon- %e listene5 to ea3" ot"er 8reat"e@ 8ut it %as 4olp" %"o 8roke 1irst. ALu3ky 1or "im. 4i5 you kno% t"is %as 3omin-BC $"at 3au-"t me o11 -uar5. 91 "e t"ou-"t 9?5 "el5 out on somet"in- t"is 8i-@ no %on5er "e %as pisse5 at me. A/o@ 4olp"@ 9 s%ear 9 "a5 no i5ea.C A4i5 your 8oy1rien5BC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a se3on5. A9 5on?t t"ink so@ 8ut 9?ll ask "im %"en "e -ets up. A4on?t you mean %"en "e rises 1rom t"e 5ea5BC ADea"@ 4olp"@C 9 sai5@ At"at?s %"at 9 mean.C ADou t"ink "e 3oul5 "a)e kno%n a8out all t"is s"it an5 not tol5 youBC APro8a8ly not@ 8ut "e "as "is moments.C ADet you still 5ate "im ... 9 >ust 5on?t un5erstan5 t"at@ Anita.C

A91 9 3oul5 e*plain it so t"at it ma5e sense to you@ 4olp"@ 9 %oul5@ 8ut 9 3an?t.C He si-"e5. ADou -ot any i5eas %"y someone?s "ittin- all t"e monsters to5ayBC ADou mean@ %"y monsters or %"y t"is 5ateBC 9 aske5. A,it"er@C "e sai5. ADou?)e -ot some suspe3ts in 3usto5y@ ri-"tBC ADes.C A$"ey "a)en?t talke5.C A#nly to ask 1or a la%yer. A lot o1 t"em en5e5 up 5ea5 like yours.C AHumans A-ainst Vampires@ or Humans 'irst@ may8e@C 9 sai5. A=oul5 eit"er o1 t"em "it s"i1tersBC 7y stoma3" 3len3"e5 into a ni3e ti-"t knot. A="at 5o you meanBC AA man %alke5 into a 8ar in t"e loop %it" a su8ma3"ine -un %it" sil)er ammo.C 'or a minute 9 t"ou-"t 4olp" meant t"e Lunati3 !a1e@ <aina?s ol5 restaurant@ 8ut it %asn?t an openly ly3ant"rope "an-out. 9 trie5 to t"ink %"at %as up t"ere t"at %as openly s"i1ter. A$"e Leat"er 4enBC 9 ma5e it a ;uestion. ADea"@C "e sai5. $"e Leat"er 4en %as t"e only 8ar in t"e 3ountry@ to my kno%le5-e@ t"at %as a "an-out 1or sa5omaso3"isti3 -ay men %"o "appene5 to 8e s"apes"i1ters. 9t %as a triple t"reat to any "atemon-er. AGeeE@ 4olp"@ i1 it %asn?t "appenin- %it" e)eryt"in- else@ 9?5 say it 3oul5 8e almost any ri-"t2%in- 1ruit3ake. 4i5 you -et t"e ma3"ine -unner ali)eBC A/ope@C 4olp" sai5. A$"e sur)i)ors ate "im.C ABet t"ey 5i5n?t@C 9 sai5. A$"ey use5 teet" to kill "im@ Anita. $"at?s eatin- "im in my 8ook.C 9?5 seen s"apes"i1ters eat people@ not >ust atta3k t"em@ 8ut sin3e most o1 t"ose %ere ille-al kills@ i.e. mur5ers@ 9 let 4olp" %in t"e 1i-"t. He %as still %ron-@ 8ut "ar5 to s"o% "im my proo1 %it"out -ettin- people in trou8le. A="ate)er you say@ 4olp".C He %as ;uiet 1or lon- enou-" t"at 9 "a5 to say@ ADou still t"ereBC A="y 5o 9 t"ink you?re "ol5in- 8a3k on me@ AnitaBC A=oul5 9 5o t"atBC A9n a "eart8eat@C "e sai5. His askin- a8out t"e 5ate "a5 tri--ere5 some )a-ue memory. A$"ere is somet"in- a8out to5ay?s 5ate.C A="at is itBC "e aske5. A9 5on?t kno%2somet"in-. 4o you nee5 me to 3ome inBC ASin3e almost all t"is s"it is preternatural2relate5@ e)ery uni1orm an5 "is K9 is askin- 1or us. So yea"@ %e nee5 e)ery8o5y in t"e 1iel5 to5ay. $"ey?)e 8een "ittin- t"e monster isolation %ar5s o1 most o1 t"e ma>or "ospitals.C AHesus@ Step"en@C 9 sai5. AHe?s all ri-"t@ t"ey all are@C 4olp" sai5. AA -uy %it" a 9mm trie5 1or t"em. $"e 3op at t"e 5oor -ot "it.C AHe all ri-"tBC 9 aske5. AHe?ll li)e.C 4olp" 5i5n?t soun5 "appy@ an5 it %asn?t >ust t"e "itter or a %oun5e5 3op. A="at "appene5 to t"e s"ooterBC 9 aske5. He lau-"e5@ an a8rupt@ "ars" soun5. A#ne o1 Step"en?s F3ousins? t"re% "im up a-ainst a %all so "ar5@ "is skull 3ra3ke5. /urses say t"e s"ooter %as a8out to put a roun5 ri-"t 8et%een t"e uni1orm?s eyes %"en "e %as ... stoppe5.C ASo Step"en?s 3ousin sa)e5 t"e 3op?s li1e@C 9 sai5. ADea"@C 4olp" sai5. ADou 5on?t soun5 "appy a8out t"at.C ALea)e it alone@ Anita.C ASorry. ="at 5o you %ant me to 5oBC A$"e 5ete3ti)e in 3"ar-e is Pa5-ett. He?s a -oo5 3op.C A/o small praise 3omin- 1rom you@C 9 sai5. A="y 5o 9 "ear a F8ut? 3omin-BC

ABut@C 4olp" sai5@ A"e -ets 1reake5 aroun5 t"e monsters. Someone nee5s to -o 5o%n t"ere an5 "ol5 "is "an5 so "e 5oesn?t -et 3arrie5 a%ay %it" t"e mur5erous s"apes"i1ters.C ASo 9?m a 8a8ysitterBC A9t?s your party@ Anita. 9 3an sen5 someone else. 9 t"ou-"t you?5 %ant t"is one.C A9 5o@ an5 t"anks.C A4on?t stay all 5ay@ Anita. 7ake it as ;ui3k as you 3an. Pete 73Kinnon >ust 3alle5 me to ask i1 "e 3oul5 8orro% you.C A=as t"ere anot"er arsonBC ADes@ 8ut it %asn?t "is 1ire8u-. 9 tol5 you t"ey 8om8e5 t"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e.C ADea".C A7al3olm is in t"ere@C "e sai5. AS"it@C 9 sai5. 7al3olm %as t"e un5ea5 Billy Gra"am@ 1oun5er o1 t"e 1astest2-ro%in- 5enomination in t"e 3ountry. 9t %as t"e )ampire 3"ur3"@ 8ut "umans 3oul5 >oin. 9n 1a3t@ t"ey %ere en3oura-e5. $"ou-" "o% lon- t"ey staye5 "uman %as 5e8ata8le. A9?m surprise5 "is 5aytime retreat %as t"at o8)ious.C A="at 5o you meanBC A7ost master )amps spen5 a lot o1 time an5 ener-y "i5in- t"eir 5aytime a55ress so t"at s"it like t"is 5oesn?t "appen to t"em. 9s "e 5ea5BC ADou are amusin- as "ell to5ay@ Anita.C ADou kno% %"at 9 mean@C 9 sai5. A/o one kno%s. 73Kinnon?s -oin- to 3all you %it" more 5etails. Hospital 1irst@ t"en "is s3ene. ="en you -et 5one t"ere 3all me. 9?ll 1i-ure out %"ere to sen5 you ne*t.C AHa)e you 3alle5 LarryBC ADou t"ink "e?s up to t"is mu3" solo a3tionBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a se3on5. AHe kno%s "is preternatural stu11.C 4olp" sai5@ A9 "ear a F8ut? 3omin-.C 9 lau-"e5. A=e "a)e %orke5 to-et"er too 5amn lon-. Dea"@ 8ut "e?s not a s"ooter. An5 9 5on?t t"ink t"at?s -oin- to 3"an-e.C AA lot o1 -oo5 3ops aren?t s"ooters@ Anita.C A!ops 3an -o t%enty21i)e years an5 ne)er 3lear leat"er. Vampire e*e3utioners 5on?t "a)e t"at lu*ury. =e -o in planninto kill t"in-s. $"e t"in-s %e?re plannin- to kill kno% t"at.C A91 all you "a)e is a "ammer@ Anita@ e)ery pro8lem 8e-ins to look like a nail.C A9 rea5 7assa5 Ayoo8@ too@ 4olp". 9 5on?t use my -un as t"e only solution.C ASure@ Anita. 9?ll 3all Larry.C 9 %ante5 to say@ A5on?t -et "im kille5@C 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 4olp" %oul5n?t -et "im kille5 on purpose@ an5 Larry %as a -ro%nup. He?5 earne5 t"e ri-"t to take "is 3"an3es like e)eryone else. But it "urt somet"in- insi5e o1 me to kno% "e?5 8e out t"ere to5ay %it"out me as 8a3kup. $"ey 3all it 3uttin- t"e apron strin-s. 9t 1eels more like amputatin- 8o5y parts. 9 su55enly remem8ere5 %"y to5ay?s 5ate %as important. A$"e 4ay o1 !leansin-@C 9 sai5. A="atBC 4olp" sai5. A$"e "istory 8ooks 3all it t"e 4ay o1 !leansin-. $"e )ampires 3all it t"e 9n1erno. $%o "un5re5 years a-o t"e !"ur3" >oine5 1or3es %it" t"e military in Germany@ ,n-lan5@ o"@ "ell@ almost e)ery ,uropean 3ountry e*3ept 'ran3e2an5 8urne5 out e)ery )ampire or suspe3te5 )ampire sympat"iEer in a sin-le 5ay. $"e 5estru3tion %as 3omplete an5 a lot o1 inno3ent people %ent up in t"e 1lames. But t"e 1ire a33omplis"e5 t"eir -oal@ a lot 1e%er )ampires in ,urope.C A="y 5i5n?t 'ran3e >oin %it" e)eryoneBC ASome "istorians t"ink t"e Kin- o1 'ran3e "a5 a )ampire mistress. $"e 'ren3" <e)olutionaries put out propa-an5a t"at t"e no8ility %ere all )ampires at one point@ %"i3" %asn?t true o1 3ourse. Some say t"at?s %"y t"e -uillotine %as so popular. 9t kills 8ot" t"e li)in- an5 t"e un5ea5.C Some%"ere 5urin- t"e mini2le3ture 9 realiEe5 t"at 9 3oul5 ask Hean2!lau5e. 91 "e misse5 t"e 'ren3" <e)olution@ it %asn?t 8y mu3". 'or all 9 kne%@ "e?5 1le5 t"e <e)olution 8y 3omin- to t"is 3ountry. ="y "a5n?t 9 t"ou-"t to askB Be3ause it still 1reake5 me out t"at t"e man 9 %as sleepin- %it" %as nearly t"ree "un5re5 years ol5er t"an 9 %as. $alk a8out a -eneration -ap. So sue me i1 9 trie5 to 8e as normal in some areas as possi8le. Askin- my lo)er a8out e)ents t"at "appene5 %"en Geor-e =as"in-ton an5 $"omas He11erson %ere still ali)e %as 5e1initely not normal.

AAnita@ are you all ri-"tBC ASorry@ 4olp"@ 9 %as ... t"inkin-.C A4o 9 %ant to kno% a8out %"atBC APro8a8ly not@C 9 sai5. He let it -o. /ot more t"an a "an51ul o1 mont"s a-o 4olp" %oul5 "a)e pus"e5 until "e t"ou-"t 9?5 tol5 "im e)eryt"ina8out e)eryt"in-. But i1 %e %ere -oin- to stay 3o2%orkers@ let alone 1rien5s@ some t"in-s %ere 8est le1t unsai5. #ur relations"ip 3oul5n?t sur)i)e 1ull 5is3losure. 9t ne)er "a5@ 8ut 9 5on?t t"ink 4olp" un5erstoo5 t"at until re3ently. A4ay o1 !leansin-@ okay.C A91 you talk to any )ampires@ 5on?t 3all it t"at. !all it t"e 9n1erno. $"e ot"er p"rase is like 3allin- t"e He%is" Holo3aust a ra3ial 3leansin-.C ADou?)e ma5e your point@C "e sai5. A<emem8er %"ile you?re out t"ere 5oin- poli3e %ork t"at you?re still on someone?s "it para5e.C AGee@ 4olp"@ you 5o lo)e me.C A4on?t pus" it@C "e sai5. A=at3" your o%n 8a3k@ 4olp". Anyt"in- "appens to you@ Ker8ro%ski?s in 3"ar-e.C 4olp"?s 5eep lau-"ter %as t"e last t"in- 9 "ear5 8e1ore t"e p"one 3li3ke5 5ea5. 9 5on?t t"ink in t"e nearly 1i)e years 9?5 kno%n 4olp" t"at "e?5 e)er sai5 -oo58ye on t"e p"one. $"e p"one ran- as soon as 9 put it 5o%n. 9t %as Pete 73Kinnon. AHi@ Pete. Hust -ot o11 t"e p"one %it" 4olp". He tol5 me you %ante5 me 5o%n at t"e main 8ran3" o1 t"e !"ur3".C AHe tell you %"yBC ASomet"in- a8out 7al3olm.C A=e?)e -ot nearly e)ery "uman mem8er o1 "is !"ur3" s3reamin- 1or us to make sure t"eir 8i- 3"eese 5i5n?t -et toaste5. But %e opene5 t"e 1loor up to 3"e3k on some )amps on t"e %est si5e an5 t"ey %eren?t in 3o11ins. $%o o1 t"em %ent up in smoke. 91 %e let 7al3olm -et 3ooke5@ tryin- to sa)e "im ... Let?s >ust say 9 5on?t %ant to 5o t"e paper %ork.C A="at 5o you %ant me to 5oBC 9 seeme5 to 8e askin- t"at a lot lately. A=e nee5 to kno% i1 it?s sa1e to lea)e "im alone until "e 3an rise on "is o%n@ or i1 %e nee5 to 1i-ure out "o% to res3ue "im. Vampires 3an?t 5ro%n@ 3an t"eyBC 9 t"ou-"t t"e last %as a stran-e ;uestion. A,*3ept 1or "oly %ater@ )amps 5on?t "a)e any pro8lem %it" %ater.C A,)en runnin- %aterBC "e aske5. ADou?)e 8een 5oin- your "ome%ork. 9?m impresse5@C 9 sai5. A9?m 8i- into sel12impro)ement. ="at a8out runnin- %aterBC A$o my kno%le5-e@ %ater isn?t a 5eterrent@ runnin- or ot"er%ise. ="y 5o you askBC ADou?)e ne)er 8een to a 8uil5in- a1ter a 1ire@ "a)e youBC "e aske5. A/o@C 9 sai5. A:nless t"e 8asement is airti-"t@ it?ll 8e 1ull o1 %ater. A lot o1 %ater.C !oul5 )ampires 5ro%nB 9t %as a -oo5 ;uestion. 9 %asn?t sure. 7ay8e t"ey 3oul5@ an5 t"at %as %"y some o1 t"e 1olklore talke5 a8out runnin- %ater. #r may8e it %as like sayin- t"at )ampires 3oul5 s"ape3"an-e@ not true at all. A$"ey 5on?t al%ays 8reat"e@ so 9 5on?t t"ink t"ey?5 5ro%n. 9 mean@ i1 a )ampire %oke %it" "is 3o11in un5er%ater@ 9 t"ink t"ey 3oul5 >ust not 8reat"e an5 -et out o1 t"e %ater. But@ trut"1ully@ 9?m not a "un5re5 per3ent sure.C A!an you tell i1 "e?s okay %it"out -oin- 5o%n t"ereBC A$rut" is@ 9?m not sure. 9?)e ne)er trie5 anyt"in- like t"at.C A=ill you tryBC 9 no55e5@ realiEe5 "e 3oul5n?t see it@ an5 sai5@ ASure@ 8ut you?re se3on5 on my list@ not 1irst.C AAll ri-"t@ 8ut "urry. $"e me5ia is all o)er t"is t"in-. Bet%een t"em an5 t"e !"ur3" mem8ers@ %e are not "a)in- a -oo5 time.C AAsk t"em i1 7al3olm is t"e only )amp 5o%n t"ere. Ask t"em i1 t"e 8asement is steel2rein1or3e5.C A="y %oul5 it 8eBC AA lot o1 t"e 8asements %"ere )amps sleep "a)e 3on3rete 3eilin-s rein1or3e5 %it" steel 8eams. $"e 3"ur3"?s 8asement 5oesn?t "a)e any %in5o%s@ so it 3oul5 mean t"at t"e lo%er area %as spe3ially 5esi-ne5 %it" )amps in min5. 9 t"ink you?5 nee5 to kno% t"at e)en i1 you 5e3i5e to open t"e 1loor up.C

A=e 5o.C A$ake some o1 t"e 8it3"in- 1ait"1ul asi5e an5 ask t"em ;uestions. Dou nee5 to kno% t"e ans%ers eit"er %ay@ an5 it?ll at least -i)e t"em t"e illusion t"at somet"in-?s "appenin- until 9 3an -et t"ere.C A$"at is t"e 8est i5ea 9?)e "ear5 in t%o "ours.C A$"anks. 9?ll 8e t"ere as soon as 9 3an@ promise.C 9 "a5 a t"ou-"t. A=ait@ Pete. 4oes 7al3olm "a)e a "uman ser)antBC AA lot o1 t"e people "ere "a)e )ampire 8ites.C A/o@C 9 sai5. A9 mean a true "uman ser)ant.C A9 t"ou-"t t"at %as >ust a "uman %it" one or t%o )ampire 8ites.C ASo 5i5 9 on3e@C 9 sai5. AA "uman %it" >ust a 3ouple o1 8ites is %"at t"e )amps 3all a <en1iel5@ as in t"e 3"ara3ter 1rom t"e no)el 4ra3ula.C 9?5 aske5 Hean2!lau5e %"at t"ey 3alle5 t"em 8e1ore t"e 8ook 3ame out. He?5 sai5@ Asla)es.C Ask a silly ;uestion. A="at?s a "uman ser)ant@ t"enBC Pete aske5. 9t remin5e5 me o1 4olp". AA "uman %"o?s 8oun5 to t"e )ampire 8y somet"in- 3alle5 marks. 9t?s sort o1 mysti3al an5 ma-i3al s"it@ 8ut it -i)es t"e ser)ant an5 t"e )amp a tie t"at %e 3oul5 use to see i1 7al3olm is okay.C A!an any )ampire "a)e a ser)antBC A/o@ only a master )ampire@ an5 not e)en all o1 t"em. 9?)e ne)er "ear5 o1 7al3olm "a)in- one@ 8ut "e 3oul5 i1 "e %ante5 to. Ask t"e 1ait"1ul@ t"ou-" 9 t"ink i1 "e "a5 one@ t"e ser)ant %oul5 8e yellin- lou5er t"an t"e rest. 9t?s still %ort" a s"ot. 91 you sol)e it 8e1ore 9 -et t"ere@ 3all. 4olp" says t"ere?s plenty o1 ot"er s"it to -o aroun5.C AHe?s not ki55in-. $"e 3ity is -oin- nuts. So 1ar %e?)e mana-e5 to 3ontain t"e 1ires to >ust a 1e% 8uil5in-s@ 8ut i1 t"e 3raEies keep t"is up@ it?s -oin- to -et out o1 "an5. $"ere?s no tellin- "o% mu3" o1 t"e 3ity 3oul5 -o up.C A=e nee5 to kno% %"o?s 8e"in5 t"is@C 9 sai5. ADes@ %e 5o@C Pete sai5. AGet "ere as soon as you 3an.C He soun5e5 so sure 9 3oul5 "elp. 9 %is"e5 9 %as as 3ertain. 9 %asn?t sure 9 3oul5 5o s"it in 8roa5 5ayli-"t. 9?5 8een tol5 on3e t"at t"e only reason 9 3oul5n?t raise t"e 5ea5 at "i-" noon %as t"at 9 t"ou-"t 9 3oul5n?t. 9 %as a8out to put it to t"e test. 9 still 5i5n?t t"ink 9 3oul5 5o it. 4ou8t is t"e -reatest enemy o1 any ma-i3 or psy3"i3 a8ility. Sel125ou8t is a sel121ul1illin- prop"e3y. A9?ll 8e t"ere as soon as 9 3an.C AGreat. 9 %on?t lie. 9?m relie)e5 t"at some8o5y %it" )ampire e*perien3e is -oin- to 8e on2site. $"e 3ops are startin- to -et some trainin- on "o% to "an5le t"e preternatural@ 8ut no one trains 1iremen 1or t"is kin5 o1 s"it.C 9t "a5 ne)er o33urre5 to me t"at 1iremen "a)e to 5eal %it" t"e monsters almost as mu3" as t"e poli3e. $"ey 5on?t "unt t"em 5o%n@ 8ut t"ey enter t"eir "ouses. $"at 3an 8e >ust as 5an-erous@ 5epen5in- on i1 t"e monster in ;uestion realiEes you?re t"ere to "elp or not. A9?ll 8e t"ere@ Pete.C A=e?ll 8e %aitin-. See ya.C ABye@ Pete.C =e "un- up. 9 %ent 1or my s"oul5er "olster an5 a 5i11erent s"irt. $"e s"oul5er "olster %oul5 3"a1e %it" >ust a tank top on.

Chapter Thirty-five
9 3"an-e5 into a na)y polo s"irt an5 5i5n?t run into <i3"ar5. $"e %ater "a5 stoppe5 runnin-@ 8ut "e "a5n?t 3ome out. 9 5i5 not %ant to see "im a-ain@ espe3ially not "al1 nake5. 9 %ante5 a%ay 1rom "im. Lu3ky 1or me t"e s"it "a5 "it t"e 1an@ pro1essionally speakin-. Poli3e %ork@ lots o1 it@ may8e enou-" to keep me out o1 t"e "ouse all 5ay. 'ine %it" me. $"e am8ulan3e arri)e5@ an5 Kane %as loa5e5 in. !"erry %ent %it" "im. 9 1elt -uilty not -oin- %it" "im@ 8ut s"e 3oul5 5o more -oo5 t"an 9 3oul5. $"e poli3e "a5 still not s"o%n up 1or t"e 3orpse. 9 "ate5 lea)in- t"e ot"ers to talk to t"e 3ops %it"out me@ 8ut 9 "a5 to -o. $"e 1a3t t"at 9 %as relie)e5 to -o 3ause5 me a 1e% moments o1 -uilt@ 8ut not mu3". <onnie "a5 -one 8a3k to sittin- on t"e 3ou3". S"e aske5 >ust 8e1ore 9 %alke5 out t"e 5oor@ AAm 9 -oin- to >ail toni-"tBC 9 knelt in 1ront o1 "er@ takin- "er stran-ely 3ol5 "an5s in mine. A<onnie@ you 5i5n?t kill "im.C A9 s"ot t"e top o1 "is "ea5 o11. ="at kin5 o1 ammo 5o you "a)e in t"at -un o1 yours any%ayBC A9 s"ot "im t%i3e in t"e 3"est. $"ere isn?t enou-" le1t o1 "is "eart to s3rape up %it" a spoon@C 9 sai5. S"e 3lose5 "er eyes. AHis 8rains are leakin- out all o)er t"e por3". 4on?t tell me t"at %oul5n?t "a)e kille5 "im all 8y itsel1.C 9 si-"e5 an5 patte5 "er "an5s. APlease@ <onnie@ you 5i5 %"at you "a5 to 5o. 7ay8e it %ill take a me5i3al e*aminer to 5e3i5e %"i3" 8ullet 5i5 "im in@ 8ut %"en t"e 3ops -et "ere@ make sure you 5on?t take 3re5it.C

A9?)e 8een "ere 8e1ore@ Anita@ remem8er. 9 kno% %"at to say an5 %"at not to say.C S"e looke5 at me an5 it %asn?t an entirely 1rien5ly look. 9 release5 "er "an5s an5 stoo5. A9?m sorry@ <onnie.C A9?)e only s"ot t%o people an5 8ot" times 9 %as %it" you.C ABot" times you 5i5 it to sa)e my li1e@C 9 sai5. S"e looke5 up at me %it" 8leak eyes. A9 kno%.C 9 tou3"e5 "er 1a3e an5 %ante5 to pat "er on t"e "ea5 or somet"in-@ 3om1ort "er t"e %ay you?5 3om1ort a 3"il5@ 8ut s"e %asn?t a 3"il5. A9 am sorry t"is "appene5@ <onnie. $ruly@ 8ut %"at else 3oul5 you "a)e 5oneBC A/ot"in-@C s"e sai5@ Aan5 t"at makes me %on5er i1 9?m in t"e ri-"t 8usiness.C Somet"in- insi5e o1 me ti-"tene5. A4on?t you mean@ %on5erin- i1 you "a)e t"e ri-"t 1rien5sB $"is 5i5n?t "appen 8e3ause o1 your 8usiness. 9t "appene5 8e3ause o1 mine.C S"e -rippe5 my "an5 ti-"t. ABest 1rien5s@ Anita@ 1ore)er.C A$"anks@ <onnie@ more t"an you?ll e)er kno%. 9 5on?t t"ink 9?5 e)er -et o)er losin- you as a 1rien5@ 8ut 5on?t 5e3i5e to stay %it" me 8e3ause o1 loyalty. $"ink a8out it@ <onnie@ really t"ink a8out it. 7y li1e 5oesn?t seem to 8e -ettin- any sa1er. 91 anyt"in-@ it?s -ettin- more 5an-erous. Dou mi-"t %ant to t"ink a8out %"et"er you %ant to 8e in t"e line o1 1ire.C Hust makin- t"e o11er ma5e my eyes 8urn. 9 s;ueeEe5 "er "an5 an5 turne5 a%ay 8e1ore s"e 3oul5 see t"at t"e s3our-e o1 )ampirekin5 %as tearin- up. S"e 5i5n?t 3all me 8a3k an5 pro1ess un5yin- 1rien5s"ip. 9?5 "al1 %ante5 "er to@ 8ut t"e ot"er "al1 %as -la5 s"e %as really t"inkin- a8out it. 91 <onnie -ot "ersel1 kille5 8e3ause o1 me@ 9 >ust mi-"t pull t"e -uilt 5o%n o)er my ears an5 3ra%l into a "ole. 9 3au-"t <i3"ar5 %at3"in- me 1rom t"e 5oor%ay 8elo% t"e stairs. 7ay8e "e an5 9 3oul5 s"are a "ole to-et"er. $"at?5 8e punis"ment enou-". A="at?s "appene5 no%BC "e aske5. He?5 5rie5 "is "air into a s"inin- mass o1 %a)es t"at sli5 o)er t"e top o1 "is s"oul5ers as "e mo)e5 into t"e room. He?5 put "is >eans 8a3k on an5 1oun5 a s"irt t"at 1it "im. 9t %as a lar-e $2s"irt %it" a 3ari3ature o1 Art"ur !onan 4oyle on it. 9 use5 it 1or sleepin-. 9t %as a little snu- on <i3"ar5 t"rou-" t"e s"oul5ers an5 3"est. /ot small@ min5 you@ >ust ti-"t. #n me t"e s"irt "un- nearly to my knees. ASee you 1oun5 t"e 8lo% 5ryer an5 t"e $2s"irt 5ra%er. Help yoursel1@C 9 sai5. AAns%er my ;uestion@C "e sai5. AAsk Hamil. He?s -ot all t"e 5etails.C A9 aske5 you@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9 5on?t "a)e time to stan5 "ere an5 tell it t%i3e. 9?)e -ot to -o to %ork.C APoli3e or )ampireBC ADou use5 to ask t"at 8e3ause you %orrie5 more i1 9 %as out on a )ampire e*e3ution. Dou %ere al%ays relie)e5 i1 it %as >ust poli3e %ork. ="y t"e "ell 5o you %ant to kno% no%@ <i3"ar5B ="at 5o you 3areBC 9 %alke5 out %it"out %aitin- 1or an ans%er. 9 "a5 to step o)er t"e 5ea5 man on my por3". 9 "ope5 t"e 3ops -ot t"ere soon. 9t %as a typi3al Huly 5ay in St. Louis2"ot an5 3laustop"o8i3ally "umi5. $"e 8o5y %oul5 start to smell i1 it 5i5n?t -et 3arrie5 a%ay soon. Hust anot"er o1 t"e many >oys o1 summer. 7y Heep %as in t"e -ara-e@ %"ere it s"oul5 "a)e 8een. 9?5 let Hean2!lau5e use it to 1erry e)eryone "ere. $"ou-" "e "a5n?t 5ri)en. 9?5 ne)er met an ol5er )amp t"at 5ro)e. $"e ol5er ones ten5e5 to 8e a 8it te3"nop"o8i3. 9 %as a3tually 8a3kin- out o1 t"e -ara-e %"en 9 sa% <i3"ar5 in t"e rear)ie% mirror. He looke5 an-ry. 9 t"ou-"t )ery seriously a8out >ust 3ontinuin- out. He?5 mo)e. But >ust in 3ase "e?5 8e stupi5 enou-" not to@ 9 %aite5 1or "im to 3ome up to t"e 5ri)er?s2si5e %in5o%. 9 presse5 t"e 8utton an5 t"e %in5o% %"irre5 5o%n like it %as suppose5 to. A="atBC 9 aske5. 9 let t"at one %or5 8e as "ostile as "is eyes. A$"ree o1 my pa3k in 5an-er. $"ree o1 my people may 8e un5er arrest@ an5 you 5i5n?t tell me.C A9?m takin- 3are o1 it@ <i3"ar5.C A9t?s my >o8 to take 3are o1 my %ol)es.C ADou %ant to -o 5o%n t"ere in person an5 announ3e t"at you?re t"eir :l1ri3B Dou 3an?t e)en -o 5o%n t"ere an5 8e t"eir 1rien5 8e3ause t"at mi-"t >eopar5iEe your pre3ious se3ret.C He -rippe5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e %in5o% "ar5 enou-" 1or "is 1in-ers to -ro% pale. A7ost pa3k lea5ers "a)e se3ret i5entities@ Anita. Dou kno% t"at.C A<aina %as your pu8li3 alp"a@ <i3"ar5. S"e %oul5 "a)e -one 5o%n to t"e "ospital 1or t"em. But s"e?s 5ea5. Dou 3an?t -o. ="o?s le1tBC

Somet"in- poppe5 in t"e 5oor. A9 %ill 8e pisse5 i1 you 8reak my 3ar@C 9 sai5. He mo)e5 "is "an5s slo%ly as i1 "e nee5e5 somet"in- to "ol5 >ust to keep "is "an5s 8usy. A4on?t -et too 3om1orta8le as lupa@ Anita. 9 am -oin- to repla3e you.C =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er 1rom less t"an a 1oot a%ay. #n3e "e?5 "a)e 3ome out to t"e 3ar 1or one last -oo58ye kiss. /o% it %as one last 1i-"t. A'ine@ 8ut until you 1in5 someone else@ 9?m all you?)e -ot. /o% 9?)e -ot to -o an5 see i1 9 3an keep our %ol)es out o1 >ail.C A$"ey %oul5n?t 8e in poli3e 3usto5y i1 you "a5n?t put t"em in "arm?s %ay.C He "a5 me t"ere. A91 9 "a5n?t put -uar5s on Step"en an5 /at"aniel@ t"ey?5 8e 5ea5 ri-"t no%.C 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 starte5 easin- t"e Heep 8a3k. <i3"ar5 steppe5 out o1 t"e %ay so 9 3oul5 5o it %it"out riskin- "is toes. He stoo5 t"ere an5 %at3"e5 me 5ri)e a%ay. 91 "e?5 aske5@ 9 %oul5 "a)e 1oun5 "im a s"irt@ 8ut it %oul5n?t "a)e 8een t"at one. #ne@ it %as a 1a)oriteG t%o@ it remin5e5 me o1 a parti3ular %eeken5. $"ere?5 8een a S"erlo3k Holmes mo)ie marat"on@ starrin- Basil <at"8one. /ot my 1a)orite@ mainly 8e3ause t"ey make 4r. =atson out to 8e a 8u11oon@ 8ut still -oo5. 9 %ore t"e s"irt t"at %eeken5 e)en t"ou-" it %as too 8i- to %ear outsi5e t"e "ouse. $"e 1as"ion poli3e 5i5n?t -et me@ 8ut <i3"ar5 lo)e5 t"e s"irt. Ha5 "e >ust -ra88e5 a s"irt an5 not e)en remem8ere5B #r "a5 "e %orn it to remin5 me o1 %"at 9?5 -i)en upB 9 t"ink 9 pre1erre5 it as a )in5i3ti)e -esture. 91 "e 3oul5 %ear t"e s"irt an5 not remem8er t"at %eeken5@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. =e?5 mana-e5 to spill pop3orn all o)er me an5 t"e 3ou3". <i3"ar5 %oul5n?t let me -et up an5 5ust mysel1 o11. He?5 insiste5 on 3leanin- me up "imsel1. !leanin- up seeme5 to in)ol)e no "an5s at all an5 a lot o1 mout". 91 t"e memory meant not"in- to "im@ t"en may8e %e?5 ne)er 8een in lo)e. 7ay8e it "a5 all 8een lust an5 9 >ust 3on1use5 t"e t%o. Go5@ 9 "ope5 not.

Chapter Thirty-six
Anot"er 3rime s3ene@ anot"er s"o%. At least@ t"e 8o5y "a5 8een remo)e5. $"at %as an impro)ement 1rom my "ouse. 9?5 le1t t"ree %ere%ol)es 8e"in5 to -uar5 Step"en an5 /at"aniel. $%o o1 t"ose %ere%ol)es %ere in t"e "all%ay. Lorraine %as still 5resse5 like t"e i5eal se3on52-ra5e s3"ool tea3"er e*3ept 1or t"e "an53u11s@ %"i3" 5i5n?t seem to mat3" t"e out1it. S"e %as sittin- in one o1 t"ose strai-"t8a3ke5 3"airs t"at all "ospitals seem to "a)e. $"is one %as in a "orri5 oran-e 3olor %"i3" mat3"e5 none o1 t"e so1t pastel %alls. S"e %as so88in- %it" "er "an5s 3o)erin- "er 1a3e. Her %rists looke5 small in t"e "an53u11s. $e55y knelt 8esi5e "er like a small %ei-"tli1tin- mountain@ pattin- "er t"in 8a3k. $"ere %as a uni1orme5 3op on eit"er si5e o1 t"em@ at attention. #ne o1 t"e uni1orms "a5 "is "an5 sort o1 3asually restinon t"e 8utt o1 "is -un. $"e strap t"at "el5 t"e -un in t"e "olster %as alrea5y unsnappe5. 9t pisse5 me o11. 9 %alke5 up to t"e 3op in ;uestion@ %ay too 3lose@ in)a5in- t"e "ell out o1 "is personal spa3e. ABetter snap up t"e %eapon t"ere@ #11i3er@ 8e1ore someone takes it a%ay 1rom you.C He 8linke5 pale eyes at me. A7a?amBC A:se your "olster t"e %ay it?s meant to 8e use5 or -et a%ay 1rom t"ese people.C A="at?s t"e pro8lem "ere. 7ur5o3kBC A tall@ lanky man %it" a "ea51ul o1 5ark 3urls %alke5 to%ar5s us. His suit "un- so loose on "is t"in 8o5y t"at it looke5 8orro%e5. His 1a3e %as taken up 8y a "u-e pair o1 8lue eyes. ,*3ept 1or t"e "ei-"t@ "e looke5 like a t%el)e2year2ol5 %"o "a5 8orro%e5 "is 5a55y?s 3lot"es. A9 5on?t kno%@ sir@C 7ur5o3k sai5@ eyes 1ront. 9 %as 8ettin- t"at "e?5 8een in t"e military or %ante5 to 8e. He >ust "a5 t"at taste to "im o1 a %anna8e. $"e tall man turne5 to me. A="at seems to 8e t"e pro8lem@ 4ete3ti)e ... BC He le1t a lon- 8lank spa3e 1or me to put a name in. ABlake@ Anita Blake. 9?m %it" t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam.C He "el5 out a lar-e2knu3kle5 "an5 to me. He pumpe5 my "an5 a little too )i-orously 8ut "e 5i5n?t s;ueeEe "ar5. He %asn?t tryin- to test me@ >ust -la5 to see me. His tou3" ma5e my skin tin-le. He %as psy3"i3. A 1irst amon- t"e poli3e 9?5 met@ e*3ept 1or a %it3" t"ey?5 "ire5 on purpose. ADou must 8e 4ete3ti)e Pa5-ett@C 9 sai5. He no55e5 an5 5roppe5 my "an5@ smilin- %on5er1ully. Smilin- ma5e "im look e)en youn-er. 91 "e "a5n?t 8een nearly 4olp"?s "ei-"t@ "e?5 "a)e "a5 real trou8le %it" 8ein- aut"oritati)e. But a lot o1 people mistake "ei-"t 1or in 3"ar-e. 9?)e stru--le5 a-ainst t"e opposite rea3tion most o1 my li1e. He put a "an5 a3ross my s"oul5ers an5 le5 me a%ay 1rom t"e %ere%ol)es. 9 5i5n?t mu3" 3are 1or t"e "an5 on my s"oul5ers. 91 9?5 8een a -uy@ "e %oul5n?t "a)e 5one it. 9 let "im "er5 me to one si5e@ t"en steppe5 out o1 t"e 3ir3le o1 "is arm. 4i5n?t make a point o1 it@ >ust 5i5 it. ="o says 9 "a)en?t mello%e5B A'ill me in@C 9 sai5.

He 5i5. 9t %as pretty mu3" %"at 4olp" "a5 tol5 me. $"e only a55ition %as t"at it "a5 8een Lorraine %"o slamme5 t"e man into t"e %all@ %"i3" e*plaine5 "er tears. S"e pro8a8ly t"ou-"t s"e?5 8e -oin- to >ail. 9 3oul5n?t promise s"e %oul5n?t 8e. 91 s"e?5 8een a "uman 1emale t"at "a5 >ust sa)e5 a poli3eman?s li1e 8y ina5)ertently killin- a 8a5 -uy@ s"e %oul5n?t -o to >ail@ not to5ay. But s"e %asn?t "uman@ an5 t"e la% isn?t e)en2"an5e5@ or 8lin5@ no matter %"at %e?5 like to 8elie)e. ALet me test my un5erstan5in- "ere@C 9 sai5. A$"e o11i3er on t"e 5oor %as 5o%n. $"e s"ooter "a5 t"e -un pointe5 at t"e o11i3er?s "ea5 an5 %as a8out to 5eli)er t"e 3oup 5e -r[3e %"en t"e %oman 5i)e5 into "im. Her momentum 3arrie5 t"em 8ot" 8a3k into t"e 1ar %all@ %"ere "e "it "is "ea5. $"at a8out ri-"tBC Pa5-ett -lan3e5 at "is notes. ADea"@ t"at?s a8out ri-"t.C A="y is s"e in "an53u11sBC His eyes %i5ene5@ an5 "e -a)e me "is 8est little 8oy smile. 4ete3ti)e Pa5-ett %as a 3"armer. 4i5n?t matter t"at "e looke5 like a s3are3ro%@ "e %as a33ustome5 to -ettin- 8y on 3"arm. At least %it" %omen. 9 %as 8ettin- "is a3t "a5 %orke5 e)en less %ell on Lorraine. AS"e?s a ly3ant"rope@C "e sai5 smilin-@ as i1 t"at e*plaine5 it all. AS"e tell you t"atBC 9 aske5. He looke5 startle5. A/o.C ADou assume5 s"e %as a s"apes"i1ter 8e3ause %"yBC $"e smile %ilte5@ repla3e5 8y a 1ro%n t"at ma5e "im look petulant rat"er t"an an-ry. AS"e t"re% a man into a %all "ar5 enou-" to 3ra3k "is skull.C ALittle ol5 la5ies li1t 3ars o11 t"eir -ran53"il5ren. 4oes t"at make t"em ly3ant"ropesBC A/o@ 8ut ... C His 1a3e 3lose5 5o%n@ 5e1ensi)e. A9?m tol5 you 5on?t like s"apes"i1ters mu3"@ Pa5-ett.C AHo% 9 1eel personally 5oesn?t inter1ere %it" my >o8.C 9 lau-"e5@ an5 it startle5 "im. APa5-ett@ "o% %e 1eel personally al%ays a11e3ts our >o8. 9 3ame "ere pisse5 8e3ause 9?5 "a5 a 1i-"t %it" an e*28oy1rien5@ so 9 -ot in 7ur5o3k?s 1a3e a8out "is "olster. ="y 5on?t you like ly3ant"ropes@ Pa5-ettBC A$"ey -i)e me t"e 3reeps@ okay.C 9 "a5 an i5ea. ALiterallyBC 9 aske5. A="at 5o you mean@ literallyBC A4oes 8ein- aroun5 s"apes"i1ters a3tually make your skin 3reepBC He -lan3e5 up to%ar5s %"ere t"e ot"er 3ops %ere 3lustere5. He 8ent 1or%ar5 an5 lo%ere5 "is )oi3e@ an5 9 kne% 9 %as ri-"t. A9t?s like 8u-s 3ra%lin- on my skin e)ery time 9?m aroun5 t"em.C He 5i5n?t look t%el)e no%. $"e 1ear an5 t"e loat"inin "is 1a3e s"o%e5 lines t"at put "im 3loser to t"irty t"an t%enty. ADou?re 1eelin- t"eir ener-y@ t"eir aura.C He >erke5 8a3k 1rom me. A$"e "ell 9 am.C ALook@ Pa5-ett@ 9 kne% you %ere psy3"i3 t"e se3on5 9 s"ook your "an5.C ADou?re 1ull o1 s"it@C "e sai5. He %as s3are5@ s3are5 o1 "imsel1. A4olp"?s put t"e %or5 out 1or any 3ops t"at "a)e talent in t"is area. ="y 5i5n?t you applyBC A9 am not a 1reak@C "e sai5. AA"@ t"e trut" 3omes out. Dou?re not a1rai5 o1 ly3ant"ropes. Dou?re a1rai5 o1 you.C He raise5 a lar-e 1ist@ not to "it me@ 8ut >ust some%"ere 1or "is an-er to -o@ ADou 5on?t kno% anyt"in- a8out me.C A$"ey make my skin 3ra%l@ too@ Pa5-ett.C $"at 3alme5 "im@ a little. AHo% 3an you stan5 to 8e near t"emBC 9 s"ru--e5. ADou -et use5 to it.C He s"ook "is "ea5@ almost s"i)erin-. A9?5 ne)er -et use5 to t"is.C A$"ey aren?t 5oin- it on purpose@ 4ete3ti)e. Some s"apes"i1ters are 8etter at "i5in- %"at t"ey are t"an ot"ers@ 8ut all o1 t"em -i)e o11 more ener-y 5urin- stron- emotions. $"e more you ;uestione5 t"em@ t"e more 5istresse5 t"ey -ot@ t"e more ener-y t"ey -a)e o11@ an5 t"e 3reepier you 1elt.C A9 "a5 t"e %oman in a room alone an5 9 t"ou-"t my skin %as -oin- to 3ra%l o11 my 8o5y.C A=ait@ aloneB 4i5 you 7iran5iEe "erBC He no55e5.

A4i5 s"e tell you anyt"in-BC He s"ook "is "ea5. A/ot a 5amn %or5.C A="at a8out t"e ot"ersBC A$"e men 5i5n?t 5o anyt"in-.C AAre t"ey 1ree to -oBC A$"e 8i- one %on?t lea)e "er an5 t"e ot"er one is in t"e room %it" t"e t%o in>ure5 ones. Says "e 3an?t lea)e t"em un-uar5e5. 9 tol5 "im t"at %e 3oul5 take 3are o1 it. He sai5@ apparently not.C 9 a-ree5 %it" Ke)in. ADou?)e -ot %itnesses t"at say s"e 5i5n?t mean to "urt t"e man. He isn?t e)en 5ea5 yet. ="y is s"e still "ere in "an53u11sBC AS"e "as alrea5y kille5 one man to5ay. 9 t"ink t"at?s enou-"@C "e sai5. A$%o t"in-s@ 4ete3ti)e. 'irst@ s"e 3oul5 snap t"ose 3u11s any time s"e %ante5 to. Se3on5@ i1 s"e %ere "uman@ you?5 "a)e let "er -o "ome 8y no%.C A$"at?s not true@C "e sai5. 9 looke5 at "im. He trie5 to stare me 5o%n@ 8ut "e 1lin3"e5 1irst. He sai5@ lookin- at a spot a8o)e my "ea5@ A$"e man is 5yin-. 91 9 let "er -o@ s"e 3oul5 skip out.C ASkip out on %"atB S"e sa% a 3op a8out to -et "is "ea5 8lo%n o11 an5 >umpe5 an arme5 man to sa)e "im. S"e 5i5n?t 3ut "im up. S"e pus"e5 "im into a %all. $rust me@ 4ete3ti)e@ i1 s"e?5 meant to kill "im@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een a more t"orou-" >o8. S"e riske5 "er li1e to sa)e one o1 your o%n.C AS"e 5i5n?t risk anyt"in-. Bullets 5on?t "urt ly3ant"ropes.C ASil)er 8ullets 5o. $"ey %ork >ust like real ammo on a "uman. ,)ery "it t"at t"ey?)e in)esti-ate5 to5ay "a5 sil)er ammo@ Pa5-ett. Lorraine 3oul5 "a)e 8een kille5@ 8ut s"e 5i5n?t "esitate. 91 s"e "a5@ %e?5 "a)e a 5ea5 3op on our "an5s. Ho% many 3itiEens %oul5 risk t"eir li)es to sa)e a 3opBC He 1inally looke5 at me@ eyes so an-ry t"ey?5 5arkene5 t%o s"a5es o1 8lue. ADou?)e ma5e your point.C AHa)e 9BC He no55e5. ADes.C He %alke5 8a3k 5o%n to%ar5s t"e %aitin- uni1orms an5 t"e so88in- %ere%ol1. A:n3u11 "er.C 7ur5o3k sai5@ ASirBC A4o it@ 7ur5o3k@C Pa5-ett sai5. He 5i5n?t ;uestion it a-ain@ >ust knelt in 1ront o1 Lorraine an5 unlo3ke5 t"e 3u11s. His partner on t"e ot"er si5e unsnappe5 "is "olster an5 took t%o 8i- steps 8a3k. 9 let it -o. =e %ere %innin-@ no nee5 to 1i-"t. As soon as "er "an5s %ere 1ree@ Lorraine t"re% "ersel1 at me. 9 kne% s"e 5i5n?t mean any "arm@ 8ut 9 3oul5 "ear t"e leat"er 3learin- 5o%n t"e "all%ay. 9 raise5 my )oi3e an5 sai5@ A9t?s okay@ -uys. S"e?s okay. ,ase 5o%n.C Lorraine %as on "er knees@ arms lo3ke5 aroun5 my le-s@ so88in- 1ull out@ lou5 an5 messy. 9 "el5 a "an5 pointe5 palm out to eit"er en5 o1 t"e "all%ay. $e55y stoo5 an5 "al1 t"e -uns s%i)ele5 to 3o)er "im. =e %ere on t"e )er-e o1 "a)in- t"in-s -o really %ron-. APa5-ett@ -et "ol5 o1 your men.C 9 spare5 a -lan3e5 8a3k at "im an5 1oun5 "is -un out@ pointe5 at $e55y. S"it. APa5-ett@ put up your -un an5 t"ey?ll 1ollo% your lea5.C AHa)e "im sit 5o%n@C Pa5-ett sai5@ )oi3e e)en an5 )ery serious. A$e55y@C 9 sai5 so1tly@ Asit 8a3k 5o%n@ )ery slo%ly@ no su55en mo)es.C A9 "a)en?t 5one anyt"in-@C "e sai5. A4oesn?t matter@ >ust 5o it@ please.C He sat 8a3k 5o%n un5er t"e %at3"1ul eyes o1 "al1 a 5oEen -uns. He put "is 8i- "an5s on "is knees@ palms 5o%n s"o%in"e %as unarme5. Like "e?5 "a5 pra3ti3e tryin- to look "armless. A/o% put your -un up@ 4ete3ti)e@C 9 sai5. Pa5-ett looke5 at me 1or a se3on5. 9 t"ou-"t "e %asn?t -oin- to 5o it. 9 looke5 into t"ose 8i- 8lue eyes an5 sa% somet"in- 5an-erous. A 1ear so 5eep an5 %i5e t"at "e nee5e5 to 5estroy t"e t"in- "e 1eare5. He put t"e -un up@ 8ut t"at one moment o1 nake5ness in "is eyes "a5 8een enou-". 9?5 talk to 4olp" an5 see i1 Pa5-ett "a5 any s"apes"i1ter kills to "is 3re5it. 9?5 almost "a)e 8et t"at "e 5i5. !leare5 o1 3"ar-es 5i5n?t al%ays mean inno3ent. 9 patte5 t"e top o1 Lorraine?s "ea5. A9t?s all ri-"t. ,)eryt"in-?s all ri-"t.C 9 "a5 to -et t"em out o1 "ere. $"e -oo5 -uys %ere almost as 8i- a t"reat as t"e 8a5 ones. S"e looke5 up at me@ eyes pu11y@ nose runnin-. <eal 3ryin- is like real se*. 91 you really 5o it@ it isn?t pretty. A9 5i5n?t mean to "urt "im@C s"e %"ispere5.

A9 kno%.C 9 -lan3e5 at t"e poli3e up an5 5o%n t"e "all%ay. Some o1 t"em a)oi5e5 my eyes. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 "elpe5 "er stan5. A9?m takin- t"em into Step"en an5 /at"aniel?s room %it" me@ 4ete3ti)e Pa5-ett. Any o8>e3tionsBC He >ust s"ook "is "ea5. AGreat. !ome on@ $e55y.C A9 3an stan5 upBC "e aske5. 9 looke5 at Pa5-ett. ADou t"ink you an5 your people 3an "ol5 t"e <am8o routineBC A91 "e 8e"a)es "imsel1@ sure.C Pa5-ett %asn?t tryin- to 8e 3"armin- anymore. 9 t"ink "e %as em8arrasse5 a8out t"e s"o%. 9 kne% "e %as still an-ry@ may8e at me@ may8e at "imsel1. 9 5i5n?t 3are as lon- as "e 5i5n?t start s"ootin-. ADou -ot a uni1orm insi5e t"e roomBC 9 aske5. He -a)e one 3urt no5. A9s "e as tri--er2"appy as t"e rest o1 you@ or 3an 9 open t"e 5oor %it"out 8ein- s"ot atBC Pa5-ett stro5e to t"e 5oor an5 kno3ke5 on it. ASmit"@ it?s Pa5-ett. 4ete3ti)e 3omin- in.C He opene5 t"e 5oor %it" a 1louris" an5 us"ere5 Lorraine an5 me in. 9 looke5 at t"e youn- uni1orm seate5 >ust insi5e t"e 5oor. Ke)in %as slumpe5 5o%n in a 3"air a3ross 1rom "im@ an unlit 3i-arette in t"e 3orner o1 "is mout". $"e %ere%ol1 looke5 at me@ an5 one look %as enou-"2not a "appy 3amper. 9t %asn?t >ust ni3otine %it"5ra%al eit"er. 9 "al12pus"e5 Lorraine into t"e room@ t"en %alke5 8a3k to $e55y. 9 "el5 my le1t "an5 out to "im@ an5 "e took it. 9 "elpe5 "im stan5@ t"ou-" "e 5i5n?t nee5 t"e "elp. A$"ank you@C "e sai5@ an5 "e 5i5n?t mean 1or "elpin- "im stan5 up. A/o pro8lem@C 9 sai5. 9 es3orte5 "im 8a3k to t"e room. #n3e t"ey %ere 8ot" sa1ely insi5e@ 9 turne5 to Pa5-ett. A=e nee5 to talk. 9?5 pre1er pri)ate i1 9 3oul5 8e -uarantee5 no one %ill -et s"ot %"ile 9?m -one.C ADou okay in "ere@ Smit"BC "e aske5. $"e youn- 3op sai5@ A9?m 1ine. 9 like animals.C $"e look on $e55y?s 1a3e %as s3ary e)en to me. $"at ot"er%orl5ly ener-y %as risin- like a %arm@ stin-in- ti5e. A91 t"e ni3e poli3eman 8e"a)es "imsel1@ t"en so 5o t"e rest o1 you@C 9 sai5. $e55y stare5 ri-"t at me. A9 kno% "o% to 1ollo% or5ers.C AGreat@ s"all %e 1in5 some pla3e pri)ate@ 4ete3ti)e Pa5-ettBC His 8reat" %as 3omin- 1ast@ almost a pant. He %as 1eelin- t"e risin- ener-y@ too. A=e 3an talk ri-"t "ere. 9?m not lea)inone o1 my men alone %it" t"ese t"in-s.C A9?m okay@ 8oss@C t"e youn- 3op sai5. ADou?re not a1rai5BC Pa5-ett aske5. 9t %as a ;uestion t"at 3ops sel5om ask ea3" ot"er. $"ey ask@ are you all ri-"t. $"ey a5mit to 8ein- ner)ous. /e)er s3are5. #11i3er Smit"?s eyes %i5ene5 a little@ 8ut "e s"ook "is "ea5. A9 kno% !rossman. He?s a -oo5 -uy. S"e sa)e5 "is li1e.C Smit" sat up a little strai-"ter in "is 3"air@ sai5 so1tly@ A$"ese aren?t t"e 8a5 -uys.C A ti3 starte5 in Pa5-ett?s 3"eek. He opene5 "is mout"@ 3lose5 it@ t"en turne5 a8ruptly on "is "eel an5 le1t. $"e 5oor sli5 s"ut 8e"in5 "im. =e all stoo5 in t"e su55enly t"i3k silen3e. Step"en sai5@ AAnita.C He "el5 "is "an5 out to me. His 1a3e %as 1la%less@ no s3ars@ no marks o1 any kin5. 9 took "is "an5 an5 smile5. A9 kno% you -uys "eal 1ast@ 8ut it?s still impressi)e. Dou looke5 pretty 8a5 last time 9 sa% you.C A9 looke5 %orse@C a so1t male )oi3e sai5. /at"aniel %as a%ake in t"e ot"er 8e5. His lon- au8urn "air "un- like a s"inin3urtain aroun5 "is 1a3e@ may8e lon-er t"an %aist2len-t". 9?5 ne)er seen a man %it" "air t"at lon-. 9 3oul5n?t see "is 1a3e 8e3ause 9 %as too 8usy starin- at "is eyes. $"ey %ere t"e 3olor o1 lila3s@ a %on5er1ul pale la)en5er t"at %as a -enuine s"o%2stopper. 9t took me a 1e% se3on5s o1 starin- to 8e a8le to see t"e rest o1 "is 1a3e. He looke5 a 1e% years ol5er a%ake t"an "e "a5 un3ons3ious2nineteen instea5 o1 si*teen@ may8e. He still looke5 5ra%n an5 tire5@ ill@ 8ut t"ere %as a )ast impro)ement. ADea"@ you looke5 %orse@C 9 sai5. Step"en turne5 to #11i3er Smit" like t"ey %ere ol5 1rien5s. A!an %e "a)e a 1e% minutes aloneBC Smit" looke5 at me. A#kay %it" youBC 9 no55e5. He stoo5. A9 5on?t kno% "o% Pa5-ett?s -oin- to like it@ so i1 you %ant to e*3"an-e se3ret 3o5es or anyt"in-@ make it 1ast.C A$"anks@C 9 sai5.

A4on?t mention it.C He stoppe5 in 1ront o1 Lorraine 8e1ore "e le1t. A$"ank you. !rossman "as a %i1e an5 t%o 5au-"ters. 9 kno% t"ey?5 t"ank you i1 t"ey 3oul5.C Lorraine 8lus"e5 an5 no55e5@ mum8lin-@ ADou?re %el3ome.C Smit" le1t@ an5 9 %alke5 o)er to /at"aniel?s 8e5. A/i3e to meet you %"ile you?re 3ons3ious.C He trie5 to smile@ 8ut t"e e11ort s"o%e5. He "el5 out "is le1t "an5 to me@ t"e ri-"t "an5 %as still "ooke5 up to an 9V 5rip. 9 took "is "an5. His -rip %as trem8lin-ly %eak. He 5re% my "an5 to%ar5s "is mout" as i1 to kiss it. 9 let "im 5o it. $"e e11ort ma5e "is "an5 s"ake. He presse5 "is lips to my "an5@ eyes 3lose5@ almost as i1 "e %ere restin-. 'or a se3on5 9 t"ou-"t "e?5 passe5 out@ 8ut "is ton-ue 1li3ke5 out@ a ;ui3k %etness. 9 >erke5 8a3k@ 1i-"tin- t"e ur-e to %ipe my "an5 on my >eans. A$"anks@ a "an5s"ake %oul5 "a)e 8een 1ine.C He 1ro%ne5 up at me. ABut you?re our l6opar5e lionn6@C "e sai5. ASo people keep tellin- me@C 9 sai5. He turne5 "is "ea5 so "e 3oul5 see Step"en. ADou lie5 to me.C $ears trem8le5 in "is pale@ pale eyes. AS"e %on?t 1ee5 us.C 9 looke5 at Step"en. A9 "a)e misse5 part o1 t"is 3on)ersation@ "a)en?t 9BC AHa)e you seen <i3"ar5 s"are 8loo5 %it" t"e pa3kBC 9 starte5 to say no@ t"en@ A9 sa% "im let Hason 1ee5 o11 o1 a kni1e %oun5 on3e. Hason seeme5 almost 5ru--e5 1rom it.C Step"en no55e5. A$"at?s it. Ga8riel 3oul5 s"are 8loo5.C 7y eyes %i5ene5. A9 5i5n?t t"ink "e %as stron- enou-" to 5o t"at.C A/eit"er 5i5 %e.C $"is 1rom Ke)in. He 3ame to stan5 near me@ 3i-arette trans1erre5@ still unlit@ to "is le1t "an5. A9t?s 8een )ery interestin- listenin- to /at"aniel talk a8out Ga8riel. /at"aniel %as a55i3te5 to "eroin an5 a street %"ore %"en Ga8riel res3ue5 "im@ -a)e "im a se3on5 li1e.C ABully 1or "im@ -ettin- "im o11 5ru-s@ 8ut Ga8riel still pimpe5 "im out. $o a si3ker 3lientele.C Ke)in patte5 /at"aniel?s le- un5er t"e s"eet@ a 3asual -esture@ like you?5 pat a 5o-. ABut /at "ere likes it@ 5on?t you@ 8oyBC /at"aniel looke5 at "im an5 sai5 so1tly@ ADes.C APlease@ tell me you 5i5n?t en>oy 8ein- -utte5.C He 3lose5 "is eyes. A/o@ not t"at. But until t"en it %as ... C A$"at?s all ri-"t@C 9 sai5. Somet"in- o33urre5 to me. AHa)e you tol5 t"e poli3e %"o 5i5 t"is to youBC AHe 5oesn?t kno%@C Ke)in sai5. He put t"e e)er2present 3i- 8a3k in "is mout"@ as i1 >ust t"e taste o1 t"e paper %as s%eet. A="at 5o you mean@ "e 5oesn?t kno%BC 9 aske5. Step"en ans%ere5@ AKane 3"aine5 an5 8lin51ol5e5 "im@ t"en le1t. $"at %as t"e 5eal. /at"aniel ne)er sa% t"em.C A$"emBC 9 ma5e it a ;uestion. Step"en no55e5. A$"em.C 9 took in a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%ly. A4o you remem8er anyt"in- uni;ue or 5i11erent t"at mi-"t "elp i5enti1y t"emBC APer1ume like -ar5enias@ an5 a si3kly smell.C Great@ 9 t"ou-"t@ t"at %as "elp1ul. He looke5 1ull at me@ an5 su55enly "is eyes %eren?t >ust 5ull %it" illness. 9 realiEe5 t"ey %ere 5ull %it" e*perien3e. 9t %ent 8eyon5 >a5e5@ as i1 /at"aniel "a5 looke5 into t"e lo%er run-s o1 "ell. He?5 li)e5 to tell t"e tale@ 8ut "e "a5n?t really sur)i)e5@ not inta3t. A9 remem8er t"e per1ume. 9?5 re3o-niEe it a-ain i1 9 smelle5 it.C A#kay@ /at"aniel@ okay.C 9n t"e 8ottom o1 t"e a%1ul emptiness o1 "is eyes %as pani3. He %as s3are5@ un8elie)a8ly s3are5. 9 patte5 "is "an5@ an5 %"en "is 1in-ers 3urle5 aroun5 mine@ 9 "el5 on. A/o one %ill e)er "urt you like t"at a-ain@ /at"aniel. 9 promise you t"at.C ADou?ll take 3are o1 meBC He looke5 up at me %it" a nee5 in "is eyes t"at %as so ra%@ so primiti)e@ 9 %oul5 "a)e promise5 "im anyt"in- to 3"ase t"at look a%ay. ADes@ 9?ll take 3are o1 you.C His %"ole 8o5y rela*e5. A tension runnin- out o1 "im like %ater 1rom a 3ra3ke5 3up. 9 1elt it run 5o%n "is arm into "is "an5 into me like a >olt o1 ener-y. 9t ma5e me >ump@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t pull a%ay. He smile5 up at me@ lyin- 8a3k a-ainst t"e pillo%s. He looke5 a little 8etter some"o%@ stron-er.

9 sli5 my "an5 out o1 "is slo%ly@ an5 "e let me -o. Great. 9 turne5 to t"e rest o1 t"e room. A=e nee5 to -et you all out o1 "ere.C A9 3oul5 -o "ome no%@C Step"en sai5@ A8ut /at"aniel still 3an?t 8e mo)e5.C A9 5on?t trust t"e 3ops %it"out me "ere to a3t as a 8u11er.C APa5-ett is )ery a1rai5 o1 us@C $e55y sai5. 9 no55e5. A9 kno%.C A'ee5 me@C /at"aniel sai5. AGi)e me your stren-t"@ an5 9 %ill -o %it" you.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im@ t"en looke5 8a3k at Step"en. AHe?s not seriously su--estin- 9 open a )ein 1or "im@ is "eBC A<i3"ar5 3oul5 5o it@C Step"en sai5. A<i3"ar5 3oul5n?t 1ee5 one o1 t"e leopar5s@C Lorraine sai5@ Aonly us.C A<aina 3oul5 "a)e 1u3ke5 "im 8a3k to "ealt"@C Ke)in sai5. $"at earne5 "im a lon- stare 1rom me. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC A<aina 3oul5 s"are ener-y %it"out s"arin- 8loo5@C "e sai5. His 1a3e re-istere5 8ot" 5istaste an5 lust@ as i1 "e?5 en>oye5 some o1 <aina?s s"o%s in spite o1 "imsel1. AS"e?5 run "er "an5s o)er you@ t"en "er 8o5y. 9t al%ays en5e5 %it" "er 1u3kinyou. $"e more "urt you starte5 out@ t"e 8etter s"e like5 it@ 8ut you?5 8e "eale5 %"en s"e %as 1inis"e5.C 9 turne5 to Step"en@ 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e it. He no55e5. A9?)e seen "er 5o it.C ADou?re not su--estin- t"at s"e ... C Lorraine let t"e a%1ul t"ou-"t -o unsai5@ 8ut 9 %as %it" "er. A9 am not openin- a )ein@ an5 9 am most 3ertainly not -oin- to "a)e se* %it" "im.C ADou 5on?t %ant me.C /at"aniel?s )oi3e %as tear21ille5@ "eart8roken. A9t?s not"in- personal@C 9 sai5. A9?m >ust not into 3asual se*.C $"is entire 3on)ersation %as too %eir5 e)en 1or me. A$"en /at"aniel "as to stay "ere at least anot"er t%enty21our "ours@C Ke)in sai5. He rolle5 t"e 3i-arette 8et%een "is 1in-ers %"ile "e talke5. Step"en no55e5. A$"at?s %"at t"e 5o3tor sai5. =e aske5 %"en "e tol5 me 9 3oul5 -o "ome to5ay.C A4on?t lea)e me@ Step"en.C /at"aniel rea3"e5 out a3ross t"e spa3e 8et%een t"em@ as i1 "e 3oul5 tou3" "im. A9 %on?t lea)e you alone@ /at"aniel@ not %it"out someone to take 3are o1 you.C $e55y spoke. AHust 8e3ause it en5e5 in se* 1or <aina 5oesn?t mean it "as to en5 t"at %ay.C =e all looke5 at "im. A="at 5o you meanBC Ke)in aske5. A,)eryt"in- en5e5 in se* 1or <aina. But it %as t"e tou3"in- t"at "eale5. 9 t"ink my in>uries %ere "eale5 8e1ore %e -ot 5o%n to 8asi3s.C Hust listenin- to "im talk like t"at %it" a si*ty2in3" 3"est o1 pure mus3le ma5e my 8rain "urt. 9t %as like 1in5in- out your -ol5en retrie)er talke5. Dou >ust 5i5n?t e*pe3t to -et 8rains in su3" a 8ulky pa3ka-e. Ke)in s"ru--e5. A9 5on?t kno%. All 9 kno% is s"e "eale5 me. 9 5on?t remem8er %"en 9 %as 8etter. 9 >ust remem8er "er.C A9s t"ere anyone in t"is room t"at 5i5n?t sleep %it" <ainaBC 9 aske5. $"e only person %"o raise5 t"eir "an5 %as Lorraine@ an5 kno%in- <aina@ t"at "a5 8een 5e8ata8le. AS%eet Hesus.C A9 t"ink Anita 3oul5 "eal "im %it"out se*@ >ust 8are skin@C $e55y sai5. 9 starte5 to say no@ t"en remem8ere5 s"arin- ener-y %it" Hean2!lau5e. Bare skin "a5 8een important t"ere@ too. 7ay8e it %as t"e same. A4i5 <aina seem to 1eel tire5 a1ter "ealin- youBC All t"e men s"ook t"eir "ea5s. $"e 3onsensus %as it seeme5 to ener-iEe "er@ not %eaken "er. #1 3ourse@ t"at %as <aina an5 s"e "a5 8een an unusual puppy e)en 1or a %ere%ol1. 9 5i5n?t %ant to lea)e /at"aniel "ere@ not e)en %it" %ere%ol)es to -uar5 "im. 9 5i5n?t trust Pa5-ett. $"ere %as also no -uarantee t"at t"e Eealots@ %"oe)er t"ey %ere@ %oul5n?t try 1or anot"er "it. ,it"er %e all %ent or %e all staye5. 9 "a5 more 3rime s3enes to )isit. 9 3oul5n?t sit "ere all 8loo5y 5ay. A#kay@ let?s try it@ 8ut 9 5on?t "a)e t"e 1aintest i5ea "o% to 8e-in.C /at"aniel settle5 8a3k into t"e pillo%s %it" somet"in- like a smile o1 e*pe3tation on "is 1a3e. Like a 3"il5 %"o?s a8out to -et t"e i3e 3ream "e %as promise5. $rou8le %as@ 9 %as t"e i3e 3ream.

Chapter Thirty-seven
Ke)in put a 3"air un5er t"e 5oor "an5le an5 %e %ere as se3ure as %e %ere likely to -et. 9?5 tol5 Smit"@ %"o %as no% mannin- t"e 5oor@ t"at 9 nee5e5 to -et a 1eel 1or t"in-s@ an5 9?5 8e 5one %"en 9 %as 5one. 9 %as 8ein- treate5 like a

5ete3ti)e@ so t"e uni1orms %oul5 stay out. $"e only %orry %as Pa5-ett. He?5 only stay out until "is e-o re3o)ere5. 9 "al1 e*pe3te5 "im to try an5 8ar-e in on us. $"e only t"in- t"at mi-"t sa)e us 1rom "im %as t"e 1a3t t"at "e?5 %ant to 8reak t"e 5oor in 8e3ause "e?5 8e sensin- %"at %e %ere 5oin-@ an5 "e %oul5n?t %ant to a5mit t"at. 9 stoo5 8y t"e 8e5. /at"aniel looke5 up at me %it" a look t"at %as so trustin-@ it ma5e me ner)ous. 9 turne5 a%ay an5 1oun5 e)eryone else lookin- at me@ too. A#kay@ -uys@ no% %"atB 9?)e ne)er e)en seen t"is 5one.C $"ere %as an e*3"an-e o1 looks all t"e %ay aroun5. Step"en sai5@ A9 5on?t kno% i1 %e 3an e*plain it to you.C 9 no55e5. A9 kno%@ ma-i3 is like t"at. Dou eit"er -et it@ or you 5on?t.C A9s t"is ma-i3BC $e55y aske5. A#r is it >ust psy3"i3 a8ilityBC A9?m not sure t"ere is a 5i11eren3e@C 9 sai5. ASometimes 9 t"ink t"e only 5i11eren3e is t"at psy3"i3 a8ility is somet"in- you 5o %it"out t"inkin- a8out it@ an5 ma-i3 re;uires a ritual to -et your >ui3es -oin-.C ADou 5o more o1 t"is kin5 o1 s"it t"an %e 5o@C Ke)in sai5. A=e?re >ust %ere%ol)es@ not %it3"es.C A9?m not a %it3". 9?m a ne3roman3er.C He s"ru--e5. ASame 5i11 to me.C He sat 5o%n in t"e 3"air "e?5 starte5 out in@ 3rus"in- t"e 3i-arette into t"e palm o1 "is "an5 as i1 it %ere lit an5 "is 1les" %ere an as"tray. He s3o%le5 up at me. 9 5i5n?t kno% "im %ell enou-" to 8e sure@ 8ut "e seeme5 ner)ous. 7e@ too. 9 only kne% t%o %ays to raise ener-yJ ritual or se*. $"e se* took t"e pla3e o1 ritual %"en 9 %as %it" Hean2!lau5e or <i3"ar5. But 9 "a5 no 8on5 %it" /at"aniel. /o marks@ no emotion@ not"in-. 9 %asn?t "is l6opar5e lionn6@ not really. 9t %as all lies. 9 3oul5n?t 5o t"is %it"out some 1eelin- to%ar5s "im. Pity %asn?t enou-". $e55y loome5 up 8e"in5 me. A="at?s %ron-@ AnitaBC 9 %oul5 "a)e %alke5 a3ross t"e room an5 %"ispere5@ 8ut 9 kne% /at"aniel %oul5 "ear any%"ere in t"e small room. A9 nee5 some emotion to %ork 1rom@ somet"in-.C A,motionBC "e aske5. A9 5on?t kno% /at"aniel. 9 5on?t 1eel anyt"in- 1or "im e*3ept pity@ o8li-ation. /eit"er o1 t"ose is enou-" to e)en -et starte5.C A="at 5o you nee5BC His eyes %ere )ery serious. $"e intelli-en3e in t"em %as almost tou3"a8le. 9 trie5 to put it into %or5s an5 en5e5 up sayin-@ A9 nee5 somet"in- to take t"e pla3e o1 a ritual.C A<aina 5i5n?t use a ritual@C Ke)in sai5 1rom t"e 3"air. AS"e use5 se*. Se* 3an take t"e pla3e o1 t"e ritual.C ADou raise5 po%er at t"e lupanar t"at one ni-"t %it" <i3"ar5@C Step"en sai5. ADou 5i5n?t "a)e se*@ 8ut you still raise5 po%er.C ABut 9 ... 9 %ante5 <i3"ar5 se*ually. 9t?s a sort o1 ener-y all o1 its o%n.C A/at"aniel is "an5some@C Step"en sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9t?s ne)er 8een t"at easy 1or me. 9 nee5 more t"an a pretty 1a3e.C Step"en sli5 out o1 t"e 8e5 in one o1 t"ose %raparoun5 -o%ns@ 8ut it 5i5n?t -ape as "e mo)e5. 9t %as %rappe5 aroun5 "im like a s"eet@ more 3lot" t"an "e nee5e5@ >ust like it %oul5 "a)e 8een on me. #ne siEe ne)er really 1its all. He trie5 to take my "an5@ an5 9 %oul5n?t let "im. ALet me "elp you.C A4e1ine "elp.C Suspi3ious@ %"o meB He smile5@ an5 it %as almost 3on5es3en5in-. $"e smile men -et aroun5 -irls %"en t"ey?re 5oin- somet"in- sort o1 3ute an5 -irlis". $"e smile alone pisse5 me o11. A="at is your pro8lemBC 9 aske5. ADou@C "e sai5 so1tly. ADou kno% 9 %oul5 ne)er "urt you@ 5on?t youBC 9 looke5 into "is 3orn1lo%er28lue eyes an5 no55e5. A/e)er on purpose.C 9 sai5. A$"en trust me no%. Let me "elp you 3all t"e po%er.C AHo%BC 9 aske5. He took my "an5 in 8ot" o1 "is@ an5 t"is time 9 let "im. He 5re% my "an5 to /at"aniel. He reste5 my 1in-ertips on /at"aniel?s 1ore"ea5. His skin %as 3ool. Hust t"e tou3" o1 "is skin@ an5 you kne% "e %asn?t %ell. APet "im@C Step"en sai5. 9 looke5 at "im@ s"akin- my "ea5. 9 5re% my "an5 8a3k@ A9 5on?t t"ink so.C /at"aniel starte5 to say somet"in-@ 8ut Step"en put "is 1in-ers a3ross "is mout". A/o@ /at"aniel.C 9t %as almost like "e kne% %"at t"e ot"er man %as -oin- to say. But "e 3oul5n?t kno%@ not 1or sure@ 3oul5 "eB 9 mi-"t "a)e 8elie)e5 it i1 /at"aniel %as pa3k@ 8ut "e %asn?t.

A!lose your eyes@C Step"en sai5. A:"2"u"@C 9 sai5. A=e 5on?t "a)e time 1or t"is@C Ke)in sai5. AHe?s ri-"t@C $e55y sai5. A9 un5erstan5 your natural relu3tan3e@ 8ut t"e poli3e are -oin- to kno3k on t"e 5oor e)entually.C 91 /at"aniel 3oul5n?t lea)e %it" us@ t"at meant lea)in- people 8e"in5 to -uar5 "im@ %"i3" put people in 5an-er a-ain. 91 %e %ere all some%"ere to-et"er@ at least %e %oul5n?t 8e en5an-erin- inno3ent poli3emen@ t"ou-" most 3ops %oul5 %in3e at 8ein- 3alle5 inno3ent. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 8le% it out. A'ine@ %"at?s your i5eaBC A!lose your eyes@C Step"en sai5. 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. He looke5 patient@ lon-2su11erin- e)en@ an5 9 3lose5 my eyes. He took my "an5 in "is@ an5 it %asn?t until "e 8e-an to -ently open my 1ist t"at 9 realiEe5 9?5 3len3"e5 up. He starte5 to massa-e my "an5. 9 sai5@ AStop t"at.C A$"en loosen up@C "e sai5. A9t %on?t "urt.C A9?m not a1rai5 it %ill "urt@C 9 sai5. He mo)e5 aroun5 to stan5 in 8a3k o1 me@ so 3lose t"e "em o1 "is -o%n 8rus"e5 my le-s. ABut you?re still a1rai5.C His )oi3e "a5 5roppe5 almost to a %"isper. A!an you use t"at 1ear to 3all po%erBC 7y pulse %as "ammerin- in my t"roat@ an5 9 %as a1rai5@ 8ut it %asn?t t"e ri-"t kin5 o1 1ear. $"e 1ear t"at o)er%"elms you in t"e mi5st o1 an emer-en3y 3an 3all po%er almost %it"out e11ort. $"is %as t"e kin5 o1 1ear t"at keeps you 1rom >umpinout o1 per1e3tly -oo5 airplanes e)en t"ou-" you?5 5e3i5e5 to 5o it. /ot an un"ealt"y 1ear@ 8ut it %oul5 "ol5 you 8a3k. A/o@C 9 sai5. A$"en let -o o1 t"e 1ear@C "e sai5. He tou3"e5 my arms -ently an5 sat me on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5. /at"aniel ma5e a small protestin- soun5@ as i1 it "a5 "urt. 9 opene5 my eyes an5 Step"en sai5@ A!lose t"em.C 9t %as t"e 3losest t"in- to an or5er 9?5 e)er "ear5 "im -i)e. 9 3lose5 t"em. He took my "an5s an5 lai5 t"e tips o1 my 1in-ers on eit"er si5e o1 /at"aniel?s 1a3e. A$"e skin >ust o)er t"e temples is so so1t.C He 5re% my 1in-ers in a so1t 1eat"ery line 5o%n /at"aniel?s 1a3e@ 1in-ers -li5in- on eit"er si5e@ as i1 9 %ere 8lin5 an5 tryin- to memoriEe "is 1eatures. He sli5 my "an5s into /at"aniel?s "air. 9t %as silken@ un8elie)a8ly so1t. His "air "a5 t"e te*ture o1 satin. 9 8alle5 my "an5s into t"at so1t %armt"@ lo%ere5 my 1a3e to%ar5s "is "air an5 smelle5 it. $"ere %as a 1aint me5i3inal smell. 9 8urie5 my 1a3e in t"e satin 8rus" o1 "is "air an5 1oun5 "is s3ent un5er it all. He smelle5 like )anilla@ an5 un5er t"at %as t"e s3ent o1 %oo5 an5 1iel5 an5 1ur. He %asn?t pa3k@ 8ut t"e s3ent %as similar. He smelle5 like "ome. Somet"in- 3li3ke5 5eep insi5e me@ like a s%it3" 8ein- t"ro%n. 9 opene5 my eyes an5 kne% %"at to 5o@ "o% to 5o it@ %ante5 to 5o it. Like a 5istant t"ou-"t@ 9 realiEe5 t"at Step"en?s "an5s "a5 1allen a%ay lon- a-o. 9 stare5 5o%n into /at"aniel?s lila3 eyes an5 8ent to%ar5s t"at amaEin- -aEe. 9 tou3"e5 "is lips %it" mine@ a 3"aste kiss@ an5 t"at one so1t 8rus" 8rou-"t t"e Po%er in a %arm@ skin2tin-lin- rus". 9t spille5 out o1 me like %ater@ %arm@ soot"in-@ 1illin-. But po%er alone %asn?t enou-". 9t nee5e5 5ire3tion@ -ui5an3e@ an5 9 kne% "o% to 5o it@ as i1 9?5 5one it 8e1ore. 9 5i5n?t ;uestion it@ 5i5n?t %ant to. 9 trie5 to run my "an5 5o%n "is 3"est@ 8ut t"e -o%n 3o)ere5 "im. He %as like Step"en@ like me@ small. $"e -o%n %as 1astene5 in 1ront@ not in 8a3k. 7y "an5 sou-"t t"e openin- an5 sli5 alon- 8are skin. Sli5 until 9 1elt t"e in3ision. 9 stra55le5 /at"aniel?s le-s. He ma5e anot"er small "urtin- soun5 an5 9 like5 it. 9 rose up on my knees so only t"e si5es o1 my le-s tou3"e5 "is 8o5y. 9 sli5 t"e s"eet 5o%n aroun5 "is 8o5y an5 opene5 t"e -o%n@ e*posin- "im. $"e stit3"es %ere a t"in 5ark line a3ross t"e paleness o1 "is skin t"at ran nearly 1rom one "ip to t"e ot"er. A 1ear1ul %oun5@ a killin%oun5. He %ore not"in- 8elo% t"e %aist. Hospitals are al%ays strippin- us 5o%n@ lea)in- us as )ulnera8le as possi8le. $"e si-"t o1 "im nake5 s"oul5 "a)e stoppe5 me in my tra3ks. 4imly@ it s"o3ke5 me. 9 "a5n?t e*pe3te5 it@ 8ut it %as too late. $"e po%er 5i5n?t 3are. 9 ran my 1in-ers li-"tly o)er t"e stit3"es. /at"aniel 3rie5 out@ only "al1 1rom pain. He %as "al12ere3t 8e1ore 9 lo%ere5 my 1a3e to t"e stit3"es. 9 li3ke5 t"e %oun5 like a 5o- %oul5@ lon-@ slo% 3aresses. He %as more t"an "al12ere3t %"en 9 raise5 my 1a3e to see "is eyes starin- 5o%n at me. 9 kne% in t"at moment t"at 9 3oul5 "a)e "im@ t"at "e %ante5 me to take t"at last step. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e ot"ers in t"e room like a "um o1 ener-y@ a )i8ratin- 8a3k5rop to t"e ener-y insi5e me. 9?5 ne)er 8een intereste5 in 3asual se*@ 8ut t"e smell an5 1eel o1 /at"aniel?s 8o5y %as almost o)er%"elmin-. 9?5 ne)er 8een so tempte5 8y a stran-er. But temptation is >ust temptin-. Dou 5on?t "a)e to -i)e in. 9 rose on my knees o)er "im@ pla3in- my "an5s on t"e smoot" 8ones o1 "is "ips@ 5ra%in- my "an5s to%ar5s t"e mi55le o1 t"e in3ision. ="en my "an5s tou3"e5@ 9 put

one on top o1 t"e ot"er an5 presse5. /ot %it" mus3le or 1les" 8ut %it" po%er. 9 t"rust t"at %arm@ risin- po%er into "is 8o5y. He -aspe5@ spine 8o%in- un5erneat" me@ "an5s -ra88in- my arms@ 1in-ers 3on)ulsin- a-ainst my 8are skin. 9t %as like smoot"in- out t"e imper1e3tions in a Eom8ie e*3ept t"is 1les" %as %arm an5 ali)e@ an5 9 3oul5n?t see %"at 9 %as 1i*in- %it" my eyes. But 9 3oul5 1eel it. 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8o5y smoot" an5 1irm@ 3aressin- pla3es t"at no "an5 %as meant to tou3". <ollin- t"em 8et%een my 1in-ers@ 1illin- "im up %it" t"e risin-@ rus"in- "eat insi5e me. 9t spille5 5o%n my arms@ my "an5s@ into "im. $"e "eat sprea5 t"rou-" "is 8o5y@ t"rou-" my 8o5y@ until it %as like 1e)er@ runnin- o)er t"e skin@ t"rou-" t"e 8o5y@ 1ormin- our 8o5ies into a sin-le t"in- o1 "eat an5 1les"@ an5 a rus" o1 po%er t"at >ust kept 8uil5in-. 9t 8uilt until 9 3lose5 my eyes@ 8ut e)en t"e 5arkness %as s"ot %it" 8ri-"tness@ %"ite 1lo%ers e*plo5in- on my )ision. 7y 8reat" 3ame in pants@ too ;ui3k@ too s"allo%. 9 opene5 my eyes an5 %at3"e5 /at"aniel?s 1a3e. His 8reat"in- mat3"e5 mine. 9 1or3e5 us slo%er@ 1or3e5 "is 8reat"in- to slo%. 9 3oul5 1eel "is "eart as i1 9 3aresse5 it@ "el5 in my "an5s. 9 3oul5 tou3" any part o1 "im. 9 3oul5 "a)e any part o1 "im. 9 3oul5 smell t"e 8loo5 un5er "is skin an5 %ante5 a taste. He %as "eale5 %"en 9 lo%ere5 mysel1 on top o1 "im@ presse5 my mout" to "is. 9 turne5 "is 1a3e to one si5e an5 ate 5o%n t"e si5e o1 "is ne3k until 9 1elt t"e pulse un5er "is skin. 9 li3ke5 t"e skin@ 8ut it %asn?t enou-". 9 lai5 my mout" o)er t"e 8eatin- pulse@ 8it -ently into t"e skin until 9 3oul5 "ol5 t"e t"ro88in- o1 "im in my mout". 9 %ante5 to 8ite 5o%n "ar5er an5 "ar5er until 8loo5 1lo%e5. 9 %ante5 it. 4imly@ 9 kne% t"at Hean2!lau5e "a5 a%akene5 1or t"e 5ay. 9t %as "is "un-er t"at 9 1elt@ "is nee5. But it %asn?t "is nee5 t"at "a5 me stra55lin- /at"aniel?s 8o5y. 9t %asn?t e)en mine. 9 remem8ere5 /at"aniel?s 8o5y@ an5 9?5 ne)er met "im 8e1ore. 9 kne% t"e taste o1 "im. $"e 1eel o1 "im as only an ol5 lo)er 3an. /ot my memories. /ot my ener-y. 9 sli5 o11 /at"aniel@ trie5 to 3ra%l out o1 t"e 8e5@ an5 1ell to my knees. 9 3oul5n?t stan5@ not yet. <i3"ar5 "a5 sai5 as lon- as t"e pa3k e*iste5@ <aina %asn?t -one. 9 "a5n?t un5erstoo5 %"at "e meant@ until no%. 9 %as 3"annelin- t"e 8it3" 1rom "ell@ 3"annelin- "er@ an5 "a)in- a )ery -oo5 time 5oin- it. But 9 kne% somet"in- else@ somet"in- t"at <ama "a5n?t 5one. !oul5n?t 8lame "er 1or t"is one. 9 kne% "o% to "eal /at"aniel?s 8o5y@ 8ut 9 also kne% "o% to tear it apart. Anyt"in- t"at you 3an 1i*@ you 3an 8reak. ="en 9 "el5 "is "eart in my metap"ysi3al "an5@ 9?5 "a5 a split se3on5@ a 5ark ur-e@ to 3lose t"at "an5@ to 3rus" t"at pulsin-@ t"ro88in- mus3le until 8loo5 1lo%e5 an5 "is li1e stoppe5. A moment@ t"e 8link o1 an eye@ o1 an ur-e so e)il@ it s3are5 e)en me. 9?5 "a)e like5 to 8lame t"e 8it3" 1rom "ell@ 8ut somet"in- tol5 me t"at t"is little 8it o1 5arkness %as all mine. Step"en?s "an5 on my mout" %as all t"at kept me 1rom s3reamin- out lou5.

Chapter Thirty-eight
Step"en?s "an5 "el5 t"e s3reams to a %"imper. He "el5 me a-ainst "is 8o5y@ "ar5@ as i1 a1rai5 o1 %"at 9?5 5o i1 9 -ot loose. 9 %asn?t so sure mysel1. <unnin- seeme5 like -oo5 i5ea. <unnin- until 9 outran t"e t"ou-"t o1 it@ t"e 1eel o1 it@ all out o1 me. But like <i3"ar5@ 9 3oul5n?t run 1rom mysel1. $"at t"ou-"t ma5e me stop stru--lin- an5 >ust sit in t"e 3ir3le o1 Step"en?s arms. AAre you all ri-"tBC "e aske5 so1tly. 9 no55e5. His "an5 sli5 a%ay 1rom my mout"@ slo%ly@ as i1 "e %asn?t sure 9?5 "ear5 "im or un5erstoo5 "im. 9 sa--e5 a-ainst "im@ almost sli5in- to t"e 1loor. He stroke5 my 1a3e@ o)er an5 o)er@ like you?5 3om1ort a si3k 3"il5. He 5i5n?t ask %"at %as %ron-. /one o1 t"em 5i5. /at"aniel knelt 8esi5e us. He 5i5n?t >ust look "eale5@ "e looke5 "ealt"y. He %as smilin-@ "an5some in a 8oyis"@ un1inis"e5 sort o1 %ay. 91 you 3ut t"e "air an5 3"an-e5 t"e eyes@ "e looke5 like "e s"oul5 "a)e 8een playin- "al18a3k on t"e "i-"s3"ool 1oot8all team an5 5atin- t"e "ome3omin- prin3ess. $"e 1a3t t"at 9?5 almost -one 5o%n on "im t%o minutes a-o 8rou-"t a rus" o1 "eat t"at ma5e me "i5e my 1a3e a-ainst Step"en?s s"oul5er. 9 5i5 not %ant to look into t"at yout"1ul@ "an5some 1a3e an5 realiEe "o% 3lose 9?5 3ome to 5oin- "im. $"e 1a3t t"at 9 3oul5 still remem8er "is 8o5y in 5etails t"at 9?5 personally ne)er tou3"e5@ 5i5n?t "elp. <aina %as -one@ 8ut not 1or-otten. 9 1elt mo)ement. $"e )i8ratin- ener-y o1 t"e s"apes"i1ters %as -ettin- 3loser. 9 kne% %it"out lookin- t"at t"ey %ere 3ro%5in- aroun5 me. $"e ener-y ti-"tene5 like a 3ir3le 5ra%in- 3lose5. 9t %as "ar5 to 8reat"e. 9 1elt someone?s 3"e3k 8rus" my 1a3e. 9 mo)e5 my "ea5 enou-" to see Ke)in in3"es 1rom me. 9?5 e*pe3te5 /at"aniel. $e55y?s lar-e "an5s stroke5 5o%n my 8are arms. He 8rou-"t "is "an5s to "is 1a3e. ADou smell like pa3k.C Lorraine %as on "er 8a3k starin- up at me %it" eyes -one stran-e an5 %ol1is". AS"e smells like <aina.C S"e rolle5 "er 1a3e so t"at "er lips 8rus"e5 t"e knee o1 my >eans. 9 kne% t"at i1 9 allo%e5 it@ %e 3oul5 sleep in one 8i- 3ommunal "eap like a litter o1 puppies@ t"at tou3"in- %as part o1 %"at kept t"e pa3k to-et"er@ like t"e mutual -roomin- t"at primates 5o. $ou3"in-@ 3om1ortin-. it 5i5n?t "a)e to 8e se*ual. $"at "a5 8een <aina?s 3"oi3e. $"ey %ere %ol)es 8ut t"ey %ere also people an5 t"at ma5e t"em primates. $%o animals really@ not >ust one.

Ke)in lai5 "is "ea5 in my lap@ 3"eek restin- on my le-. 9 3oul5n?t see "is eyes@ to tell i1 t"ey?5 -one %ol1 on me. His )oi3e 3ame t"i3k an5 lo%. A/o% 9 5o nee5 a 3i-arette.C 9t ma5e me lau-". #n3e 9 starte5 lau-"in-@ 9 3oul5n?t stop. 9 lau-"e5 until tears ran 5o%n my 1a3e. $"e %ere%ol)es ran t"eir "an5s up an5 5o%n me@ 1a3es ru88in- my 8are skin. $"ey %ere takin- my s3ent@ rollin- in t"e lin-erin- s3ent o1 <aina. 7arkin- me %it" t"eir s3ent. Step"en kisse5 my 3"eek@ t"e %ay you?5 kiss your sister. AAre you all ri-"tBC 9t %as "ar5 to remem8er@ 8ut 9 t"ink "e?5 aske5 t"at 8e1ore. 9 no55e5. ADes.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 tinny an5 5istant. 9 realiEe5 9 %as on t"e e5-e o1 s"o3k. /ot -oo5. Step"en s"ooe5 t"e %ol)es a%ay 1rom me. $"ey mo)e5 lan-uorously@ as i1 t"e ener-y %e?5 raise5 "a5 8een some sort o1 5ru-@ or may8e se* %as a 8etter analo-y. 9 5i5n?t kno%. 9 %asn?t e)en sure 9 %ante5 to kno%. A<i3"ar5 sai5 t"at <aina %asn?t truly -one as lon- as t"e pa3k li)e5. 9s t"is %"at "e meantBC 9 aske5. ADes@C Step"en sai5@ At"ou-" 9?)e ne)er "ear5 o1 a non2pa3k mem8er 8ein- a8le to 5o %"at you >ust 5i5. $"e spirits o1 t"e 5ea5 s"oul5 only 8e a8le to enter lukoi.C ASpirits o1 t"e 5ea5@C 9 sai5. ADou mean you 5on?t "a)e a 1an3y name 1or t"emBC A$"ey are munin@C Step"en sai5. $"at almost starte5 me lau-"in- a-ain. A7emory@ #5in?s ra)en.C He no55e5. ADes.C A="at e*a3tly %as it@ is itB 9t %asn?t a -"ost. 9 kno% %"at a -"ost 1eels like.C ADou?)e 1elt one o1 t"em@C Step"en sai5. A9t?s t"e 8est e*planation 9 3an -i)e you.C A9t?s ener-y@C $e55y sai5. A,ner-y is neit"er 3reate5 nor 5estroye5. 9t e*ists. =e "a)e t"e ener-y o1 e)eryone t"at "as e)er 8een pa3k.C ADou 5on?t mean all lukoi@ 5o youBC A/o@C "e sai5@ A8ut 1rom t"e 1irst mem8er o1 our pa3k to no%@ %e "a)e t"em all.C A/ot all@C Lorraine sai5. He no55e5. ASometimes one o1 us %ill 8e lost to a33i5ent an5 t"e 8o5y 3annot 8e re3o)ere5 an5 s"are5. $"en all t"ey %ere@ all t"eir kno%le5-e@ t"eir po%er@ is lost to us.C Ke)in "a5 -one 8a3k to t"e 3"air@ still sittin- on t"e 1loor@ leanin- "is s"oul5ers a-ainst t"e 3"air seat. ASometimes@C "e sai5@ A%e 5e3i5e not to 1ee5. 9t?s sort o1 like e*3ommuni3ation. $"e pa3k re>e3ts you in 5eat" as in li1e.C A="y 5i5n?t you re>e3t <ainaB S"e %as a t%iste5 sa5isti3 8it3".C A9t %as <i3"ar5?s 3"oi3e@C $e55y sai5. ABy re>e3tin- "er 8o5y t"at last time@ "e t"ou-"t it %oul5 "a)e an-ere5 some o1 t"e ot"er pa3k mem8ers %"o aren?t %"ole"earte5ly on "is si5e yet. He %as ri-"t@ 8ut ... no% %e "a)e "er insi5e us.C AS"e?s po%er1ul@C Lorraine sai5@ an5 s"e s"i)ere5. APo%er1ul enou-" to possess a lesser %ol1.C A#l5 %i)es? tales@C Ke)in sai5. AS"e?s 5ea5. Her po%er sur)i)es 8ut only %"en 3alle5.C A9 5i5n?t 3all "er@C 9 sai5. A=e mi-"t "a)e@C Step"en sai5 so1tly. He lay 8a3k on t"e 1loor@ "an5s 3o)erin- "is eyes as i1 it %as too "orri8le to look at. A="at 5o you meanBC A9 mean t"at %e?)e ne)er seen anyone 8ut <aina 5o %"at you >ust 5i5. 9 %as t"inkin- a8out "er@ remem8erin-.C ASo %as 9@C Ke)in sai5. ADes@C $e55y sai5. He "a5 mo)e5 8a3k to t"e 1ar %all@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t trust "imsel1 near me. Lorraine "a5 mo)e5 8a3k %it" "im@ sittin- so t"at t"eir 8o5ies tou3"e5 li-"tly. A 3om1ortin- 3loseness. A9@ too@ %as t"inkina8out "er. Gla5 s"e %as not "ere. Happy it %as Anita.C S"e "u--e5 "er arms as i1 3ol5@ an5 $e55y put a mus3ular arm aroun5 "er@ "u--in- "er 3lose@ restin- "is 3"in in "er "air. A9 %asn?t t"inkin- a8out <aina@C /at"aniel sai5. He 3ra%le5 to%ar5s me. A4on?t tou3" me@C 9 sai5. He rolle5 onto "is 8a3k@ 1or all t"e %orl5 like a 8i- pussy 3at %antin- its 8elly ru88e5. He stret3"e5@ strainin- 1rom toes to 1in-er tips. He lau-"e5 an5 rolle5 onto "is stoma3"@ proppe5 on "is el8o%s. He looke5 up at me@ lon-@ ri3" 8ro%n "air like a 3urtain a3ross "is 1a3e. His lila3 eyes stare5 out at me@ 1eral an5 almost 1ri-"tenin-. He lay 5o%n in a pool o1 "air an5 ener-y. His -aEe staye5 on my 1a3e@ an5 9 realiEe5 "e %as 8ein- play1ul. /ot e*a3tly se5u3ti)e@ 8ut play1ul. 9t %as 5i11erent an5 almost more 5istur8in-. /at"aniel mana-e5 to 8e 3"il5like@ 3atlike@ an5 still 8e an a5ult. Dou 5i5n?t kno% %"et"er to pat "im on t"e "ea5@ ru8 "is 8elly@ or kiss "im. All t"ree seeme5 to 8e up 1or -ra8s. 9t %as too 3on1usin- 1or me.

9 use5 t"e 1ar 8e5 to -et to my 1eet. ="en 9 %as sure 9 3oul5 %alk %it"out 1allin- 5o%n@ 9 let -o o1 t"e 8e5. 9 s%aye5 >ust a tou3"@ 8ut not too 8a5. 9 3oul5 %alk. Great@ 8e3ause 9 %ante5 out o1 "ere. A="at 5o you %ant us to 5oBC Step"en aske5. AGo to my "ouse. Hean2!lau5e?s t"ere@ an5 <i3"ar5 %as t"ere.C A="at a8out "imBC Ke)in aske5. /at"aniel raise5 "is "ea5 enou-" to look at us all. He sai5 not"in-@ aske5 1or not"in-@ 8ut 9 3oul5 taste "is pulse in my mout". 9 kne% "e %as s3are5. S3are5 to 8e le1t alone a-ain. 9 "ope5 t"is empat"y %it" me %asn?t permanent. 9 "a5 ;uite enou-" men runnin- aroun5 in my "ea5 %it"out a55in- anot"er one. A$ake "im %it" you@C 9 sai5. A$"e leopar5s are mine as you are mine.C AHe is to 8e prote3te5 an5 treate5 as pa3kBC Ke)in aske5. 9 ru88e5 my temples. 9 %as -ettin- a "ea5a3"e. ADes@ yes. 9?)e -i)en "im my prote3tion. Any o1 t"e leopar5s t"at %ant my prote3tion 3an "a)e it.C AAs our lupa t"at 8in5s us to prote3t t"em@C Lorraine sai5@ Ae)en to -i)e our li1e 1or t"em. =ill t"ey 5o t"e sameBC 9 %asn?t -ettin- a "ea5a3"e@ 9 "a5 one. /at"aniel rolle5 to "is 1eet in a mo)ement t"at %as too -ra3e1ul to 8e real an5 almost too ;ui3k to see. He sat on t"e 1oot o1 Step"en?s 8e5@ %at3"in- me %it" 8ri-"t@ ea-er eyes. He sai5@ A7y 8o5y is yours. 7y li1e@ i1 you %ant it@ is yours to take.C He sai5 it almost matter2o121a3tly2no@ >oyously@ like it %as a -oo5 t"in-. 9 stare5 at "im. A9 5on?t %ant anyone?s li1e@ /at"aniel@ 8ut i1 t"e pa3k is %illin- to risk t"eir li)es to prote3t you@ 9 e*pe3t you to 5o t"e same.C A9 %ill 5o anyt"in- you %ant@C "e sai5. AAll you "a)e to 5o is tell me.C He 5i5n?t say@ Aask me.C He sai5@ Atell me.C 9?5 ne)er "ear5 it p"rase5 ;uite like t"at. 9t implie5 "e 5i5n?t "a)e t"e ri-"t to say no. 9 aske5@ A4oes e)eryone "ere kno% t"ey "a)e t"e ri-"t to ar-ue a point %it" meB 9 mean@ %"en 9 say >ump@ you 5on?t >ust say "o% "i-"@ ri-"tBC A=e 5on?t@C Step"en sai5. His 1a3e %as -uar5e5@ 3are1ul. AHo% a8out youBC 9 aske5@ turnin- to /at"aniel. He rose to "is knees@ leanin- "is upper 8o5y out to%ar5s me@ 8ut %it" 8ot" "an5s still on t"e 8e5 railin-. He 5i5n?t try to tou3" me@ >ust -et 3loser. AHo% a8out me@ %"atBC "e aske5. ADou 5o un5erstan5 t"at you "a)e t"e ri-"t to re1use meB $"at my %or5 is not like 1rom on "i-"BC AHust tell me %"at you %ant me to 5o@ Anita@ an5 9?ll 5o it.C AHust like t"at@ no ;uestions@ you?ll >ust 5o itBC He no55e5. AAnyt"in-.C A9s t"is a 3ustom amon- t"e leopar5s@ t"e par5BC 9 aske5. A/o@C Step"en sai5@ Ait?s >ust /at"aniel?s %ay.C 9 s"ook my "ea5@ literally %a)in- my "an5s in t"e air as i1 9?5 >ust erase it all. A9 5on?t "a)e time 1or t"is. He?s "eale5. $ake "im %it" you.C A4o you %ant me to %ait in your roomBC /at"aniel aske5. A91 you nee5 to rest@ "elp yoursel1 to a 8e5. 9 %on?t 8e t"ere.C He smile5 "appily an5 9 "a5 t"e o55est 1eelin- t"at %"at 9 %as sayin- %asn?t %"at "e %as "earin-. 9 %ante5 out o1 t"e room@ a%ay 1rom t"em all. 9?5 tell Pa5-ett 9 %as sen5in- t"em all to a sa1e "ouse@ an5 "e?5 8uy it 8e3ause "e %ante5 o11 t"is 5etail. He %ante5 a%ay 1rom t"em more t"an 9 5i5. $"e 5o3tor %as amaEe5 at /at"aniel?s re3o)ery. $"ey release5 "im@ t"ou-" t"ey starte5 talkin- a8out %antin- to run more tests. 9 )etoe5 t"at. =e "a5 pla3es to -o@ people to meet. $"ey all pile5 into Ke)in?s an5 $e55y?s 3ars@ an5 9 %ent 1or my Heep. Happy to 8e ri5 o1 t"em 1or a %"ile. Happy e)en i1 it meant anot"er 3rime s3ene. Happy e)en i1 9 still 5i5n?t kno% "o% to tell i1 7al3olm %as ali)e 5o%n t"ere in t"e 5ark. /at"aniel %at3"e5 me t"rou-" t"e 8a3k %in5o% o1 t"e 3ar@ "is lila3 -aEe on me until t"e 3ar turne5 a 3orner. He?5 8een lost@ an5 no% "e t"ou-"t "e?5 8een 1oun5. But i1 "e e*pe3te5 me to 8e more t"an 1rien5s@ "e %as still lost.

Chapter Thirty-nine
9 1elt like s"it an5 5i5n?t "a)e a 8ruise to s"o% 1or it. 9 3on3entrate5 on t"e ne*t pro8lem@ pus"in- %"at 9?5 5one@ an5 almost 5one@ to t"e 8a3k 8urner. /ot"in- 9 3oul5 5o a8out it until 9 talke5 to <i3"ar5 an5 Hean2!lau5e. 9?5 %orrie5 a8out

tyin- mysel1 to t"e )ampire@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er really %orrie5 a8out 8ein- tie5 to t"e %ere%ol1. 9 s"oul5 "a)e kno%n 9?5 -et s"it 1rom 8ot" si5es. 9 -ot 8eepe5 t"ree times in a8out t"ree minutes. 73Kinnon 1irst@ 4olp" se3on5@ an5 an unkno%n num8er. $"e unkno%n num8er 3alle5 8a3k t%i3e in ten minutes. 4amn. 9 pulle5 o11 into a ser)i3e station. 9 3alle5 4olp" 1irst. AAnita.C AHo% 5o you al%ays kno% it?s meBC A9 5on?t@C "e sai5. A="at?s upBC A=e nee5 you at a ne% lo3ation.C A9?m on my %ay to t"e 3"ur3" site 1or 73Kinnon.C APete?s "ere %it" me.C A$"at soun5s ominous.C A=e?)e -ot a )amp on "is %ay to t"e "ospital@C "e sai5. A9n "is 3o11inBC A/o.C A$"en "o% ... BC AHe %as on t"e stairs 3o)ere5 in 8lankets. $"ey 5on?t t"ink "e?s -oin- to make it. But t"is is one o1 t"e "al1%ay "ouses 1or t"e !"ur3". =e?)e -ot a t%o28iter "ere t"at says t"e )amp %e took %as t"e -uar5ian 1or t"e youn-er )amps still insi5e. S"e seems %orrie5 a8out %"at t"e )amps %ill 5o %"en t"ey %ake an5 t"e -uar5ian isn?t t"ere to 3alm t"em 5o%n or 1ee5 t"em.C A'ee5 t"emBC 9 aske5. ASays t"at t"ey ea3" take a small 5rink 1rom t"e -uar5ian to start t"e ni-"t. =it"out it@ s"e says t"e "un-er -ro%s too stron-@ an5 t"ey may 8e 5an-erous.C A9sn?t s"e a 1ont o1 in1ormation.C AS"e?s s3are5@ Anita. S"e?s -ot t%o 1reakin- )ampire 8ites on "er ne3k@ an5 s"e?s s3are5.C AS"it@C 9 sai5. A9?m on my %ay@ 8ut 1rankly@ 4olp"@ 9 5on?t kno% %"at you %ant me to 5o.C ADou?re t"e )ampire e*pert@ you tell me.C A little "ostility t"ere. A9?ll t"ink a8out it on t"e %ay. 7ay8e 9?ll "a)e 3ome up %it" a plan 8y t"e time 9 -et t"ere.C ABe1ore t"ey 8e3ame le-al@ %e?5 "a)e >ust 8urne5 t"em out oursel)es.C ADea"@C 9 sai5@ At"e -oo5 ol5 5ays.C ADea"@C "e sai5. 9 5on?t t"ink "e -ot t"e sar3asm. But %it" 4olp" it %as al%ays "ar5 to tell. 9 5iale5 t"e t"ir5 num8er. Larry ans%ere5@ AAnita.C His )oi3e soun5e5 straine5@ pain21ille5. A="at?s %ron-BC 9 aske5@ my t"roat su55enly ti-"t. A9?m all ri-"t.C ADou 5on?t soun5 all ri-"t@C 9 sai5. A9?)e >ust 8een mo)in- aroun5 too mu3" %it" t"e stit3"es an5 stu11. 9 nee5 to take a pain pill@ 8ut 9 %on?t 8e a8le to 5ri)e.C ADou nee5 a li1tBC He %as ;uiet 1or a se3on5 or t%o@ t"en@ ADes.C 9 kne% "o% mu3" it "a5 3ost "im to 3all me. $"is %as one o1 "is 1irst times in t"e 1iel5 on a poli3e >o8 %it"out me. $"e 1a3t t"at "e nee5e5 my "elp 1or anyt"in- must "a)e -ripe5 "is ass. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8u--e5 t"e "ell out o1 me. 9n 1a3t@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e 3alle5. 9?5 "a)e tou-"e5 it out@ until 9 passe5 out. $"is %asn?t a 3riti3ism o1 Larry@ it %as a 3riti3ism o1 me. He %as >ust smarter t"an 9 %as sometimes. $"is %as one o1 t"ose times. A="ere are youBC He -a)e me t"e a55ress@ an5 it %as 3lose. Lu3ky us. A9?m less t"an 1i)e minutes a%ay@ 8ut 9 3an?t take you "ome. 9?m on my %ay to anot"er 3rime s3ene.C AAs lon- as 9 5on?t "a)e to 5ri)e@ 9?ll 8e okay. 9t?s startin- to take all my attention >ust to stay on t"e roa5. $ime to stop 5ri)in- %"en it?s t"is "ar5.C ADou really 5o "a)e a "i-"er %is5om s3ore t"an 9 5o.C A="i3" means you %oul5n?t "a)e aske5 1or "elp yet@C "e sai5.

A=ell ... yea".C A="en %oul5 you "a)e aske5 1or "elpBC A="en 9 5ro)e o11 t"e roa5 an5 "a5 to 3all a to% tru3k.C He lau-"e5 an5 took a s"arp 8reat" as i1 it "urt. A9?ll 8e %aitin- 1or you.C A9?ll 8e t"ere.C A9 kno%@C "e sai5. A$"anks 1or not sayin- you tol5 me so.C A9 %asn?t e)en t"inkin- it@ Larry.C AHonestBC A!ross my "eart an5 ... C A4on?t say it.C ADou -ettin- superstitious on me@ LarryBC He %as ;uiet 1or a spa3e o1 "eart8eats. A7ay8e@ or may8e it?s >ust 8een a lon- 5ay.C A9t?ll 8e a lon-er ni-"t@C 9 sai5. A$"anks@C "e sai5. AHust %"at 9 %ante5 to "ear.C He "un- up t"en %it"out sayin- -oo58ye. 7ay8e 9?5 traine5 4olp" ne)er to say -oo58ye. 7ay8e 9 %as al%ays t"e 8earer o1 8a5 ti5in-s@ an5 e)eryone %ante5 to -et o11 t"e p"one %it" me as soon as possi8le. /a%.

Chapter Forty
9 e*pe3te5 Larry to 8e sittin- in "is 3ar. He %asn?t. He %as leanin- a-ainst it. ,)en 1rom a 5istan3e 9 3oul5 tell "e %as in pain@ 8a3k sti11@ tryin- not to mo)e any more t"an ne3essary. 9 pulle5 in 8esi5e "im. :p 3lose "e looke5 %orse. His %"ite 5ress s"irt %as smeare5 %it" 8la3k soot. His summer2%ei-"t 5ress pants %ere 8ro%n@ so t"ey?5 sur)i)e5 a little 8etter. A 8la3k smu5-e ran a3ross "is 1ore"ea5 to "is 3"in. $"e 8la3kness outline5 one o1 "is 8lue eyes so t"at it seeme5 5arker@ like a sapp"ire surroun5e5 8y ony*. $"e look in "is eyes %as 5ull@ as i1 t"e pain "a5 5raine5 "im. AHesus@ you look like s"it@C 9 sai5. He almost smile5. A$"anks@ 9 nee5e5 t"at.C A$ake a pill@ -et in t"e Heep.C He starte5 to s"ake "is "ea5@ stoppe5 in mi52motion an5 sai5@ A/o@ i1 you 3an 5ri)e@ 9 3an -o to t"e ne*t 5isaster.C ADou smell like someone set your 3lot"es on 1ire.C ADou look pristine@C "e sai5@ an5 "e soun5e5 resent1ul. A="at?s %ron-@ LarryBC A#t"er t"an my 8a3k 1eels like a re52"ot poker is 8ein- s"o)e5 up itBC ABesi5es t"at@C 9 sai5. A9?ll tell you in t"e 3ar.C :n5erneat" t"e sulkiness@ "e soun5e5 tire5. 9 5i5n?t ar-ue %it" "im@ >ust starte5 %alkin- 1or t"e Heep. A 1e% steps an5 9 realiEe5 "e %asn?t keepin- up. 9 turne5 an5 1oun5 "im stan5in- )ery still@ eyes 3lose5@ "an5s in 1ists at "is si5es. 9 %alke5 8a3k to "im. A/ee5 a "an5BC He opene5 "is eyes@ smile5@ AA 8a3k@ a3tually. Han5s %ork 1ine.C 9 smile5 an5 took "is arm -ently@ "al1 e*pe3tin- "im to tell me not to@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. He %as "urtin-. He took a sti11 step@ an5 9 stea5ie5 "im. =e ma5e slo% 8ut sure pro-ress to t"e Heep. His 8reat" %as 3omin- in small@ s"allo% pants 8y t"e time 9 -ot "im aroun5 to t"e passen-er si5e 5oor. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor@ %asn?t sure "o% to -et "im insi5e. 9t %as -oin- to "urt any %ay 9 3oul5 5o it. AHust let me "ol5 your arm. 9 3an 5o it mysel1@C "e sai5. 9 o11ere5 my arm. He -ot a 5eat" -rip on it an5 sat 5o%n. He ma5e a small "issin- noise 8et%een "is teet". ADou sai5 it %oul5 "urt %orse t"e se3on5 5ay. ="y are you al%ays ri-"tBC AHar5 to 8e per1e3t@C 9 sai5@ A8ut it?s a 8ur5en 9?)e learne5 to 3ope %it".C 9 -a)e "im my 8est 8lan5 1a3e. He smile5@ t"en starte5 to lau-"@ t"en almost 5ou8le5 o)er %it" pain@ %"i3" "urt more. He en5e5 up %rit"in- on t"e seat 1or a 1e% se3on5s. ="en "e 3oul5 sit still a-ain@ "e -ra88e5 t"e 5as"8oar5 until "is 1in-ers turne5 3olors. AGo5@ 5on?t make me lau-".C

ASorry@C 9 sai5. 9 -ot t"e aloe2an52lanolin Ba8y =ipes 1rom t"e trunk o1 my 3ar. $"ey %ere -reat 1or -ettin- 8loo5 o11. $"ey?5 pro8a8ly %ork on soot. 9 "an5e5 "im t"e %ipes an5 "elpe5 "im 8u3kle "is seat 8elt. Des@ "is %oun5s %oul5 "a)e "urt less i1 "e "a5n?t "a5 t"e 8elt@ 8ut no one ri5es %it" me %it"out a seat 8elt. 7y mom %oul5 8e ali)e to5ay i1 s"e?5 8een %earin- a 8elt. A$ake a pill@ Larry. Sleep in t"e 3ar. 9?ll take you "ome a1ter t"is ne*t s3ene.C A/o@C "e sai5@ an5 "e soun5e5 so stu88orn@ so 5etermine5@ t"at 9 kne% 9 3oul5n?t talk "im out o1 it. So %"y tryB AHa)e it your %ay@C 9 sai5. ABut %"at "a)e you 8een 5oin- t"at you look like you?)e 8een tryin- to "i5e your spotsBC He mo)e5 >ust "is eyes to look at me@ 1ro%nin-. A<ollin- in soot@C 9 sai5. A4on?t you e)er %at3" 4isney mo)ies or rea5 3"il5ren?s 8ooksBC He -a)e a small smile. A/ot lately. 9?)e "a5 t"ree 1ire s3enes %"ere 9 >ust "a5 to 3on1irm t"e )amps %ere 5ea5. $%o o1 t"e s3enes 9 3oul5n?t 1in5 anyt"in-@ >ust as"es. $"e t"ir5 one looke5 like 8la3k sti3ks. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o@ Anita. 9 trie5 to 3"e3k 1or a pulse. 9 kno% t"at %as stupi5. $"e skull >ust e*plo5e5 into as"es all o)er me.C He %as sittin- )ery sti11@ )ery 3ontrolle5@ yet "is 8o5y -a)e t"e impression o1 "un3"in- 1rom pain@ a)oi5in- t"e 8lo% o1 %"at "e?5 seen to5ay. ="at 9 %as a8out to say %oul5n?t "elp t"in-s. AVamps 8urn to as"es@ Larry. 91 t"ere %ere skeletal remains le1t@ it %asn?t )ampire.C He looke5 at me t"en@ t"e su55en mo)ement 8rin-in- tears to "is eyes. ADou mean t"at %as "umanBC APro8a8ly29?m not sure@ 8ut pro8a8ly.C A$"anks to me %e?ll ne)er kno% 1or sure. =it"out t"e 1an-s in t"e skull you 3an?t tell t"e 5i11eren3e.C A$"at?s not entirely true. $"ey 3an 5o 4/A. $"ou-" trut"1ully 9?m not sure %"at t"e 1ire 5oes to 4/A samplin-. 91 t"ey 3an -at"er it@ t"ey 3an at least kno% i1 it?s "uman or )amp.C A91 it?s "uman@ 9?)e 5estroye5 any 3"an3e t"ey "a)e o1 usin- 5ental re3or5s@C "e sai5. ALarry@ i1 t"e skull %as t"at 1ra-ile@ 9 5on?t t"ink anyt"in- 3oul5 "a)e sa)e5 it. 9t 3ertainly %oul5n?t "a)e stoo5 up to 5ental imprintin-.C AAre you sureBC "e aske5. 9 li3ke5 my lips an5 %ante5 to lie. A/ot a "un5re5 per3ent.C ADou?5 "a)e kno%n it %as "uman. Dou %oul5n?t "a)e tou3"e5 it@ t"inkin- it %as ali)e@ %oul5 youBC 9 let silen3e 1ill t"e 3ar. AAns%er me@C "e sai5. A/o@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e 3"e3ke5 1or a pulse. 9 %oul5 "a)e assume5 it %as "uman remains.C A4ammit@ Anita@ 9?)e 8een 5oin- t"is 1or o)er a year@ an5 9?m still makin- stupi5 mistakes.C A/ot stupi5@ >ust mistakes.C A="at?s t"e 5i11eren3eBC "e aske5. 9 %as t"inkin- t"at %"at "e?5 5one to -et "is 8a3k rippe5 up %as a stupi5 mistake@ 8ut 5e3i5e5 not to say it out lou5. ADou kno% t"e 5i11eren3e@ Larry. ="en you -et o)er 1eelin- sorry 1or yoursel1@ you?ll kno% t"e 5i11eren3e.C A4on?t 8e 3on5es3en5in-@ Anita.C $"e an-er in "is )oi3e stun- more t"an t"e %or5s. 9 5i5n?t nee5 t"is to5ay. 9 really 5i5n?t. ALarry@ 9?5 lo)e to soot"e your e-o an5 make it all 8etter@ 8ut 9 am all out o1 su-arplums an5 puppy25o- tails. 7y 5ay "asn?t 8een e*a3tly a 8arrel o1 lau-"s eit"er.C A="at?s %ron-BC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A!ome on. 9?m sorry. 9?ll listen.C 9 %asn?t e)en sure %"ere to start@ an5 9 %asn?t rea5y to tell any8o5y a8out %"at "a5 "appene5 in t"e "ospital room@ least o1 all Larry. A9 5on?t e)en kno% %"ere to start@ Larry.C A$ry@C "e sai5. A<i3"ar5 is 8ein- nasty.C ABoy1rien5 trou8le@C "e sai5G "e soun5e5 almost amuse5. 9 -lan3e5 at "im. A4on?t 8e 3on5es3en5in-@ Larry.C ASorry.C

A9t?s not >ust t"at. Be1ore t"is emer-en3y 3ame up@ t"ey %ante5 me at t"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e. 7al3olm is 8e55e5 in t"e 8asement. His 1ollo%ers %ant "im to 8e res3ue5. $"e 1iremen %ant to kno% i1 t"ey 3an lea)e "im until ni-"t1all %"en "e?ll rise on "is o%n.C ASoBC Larry aske5. ASo@ 9 5on?t "a)e t"e 1aintest i5ea "o% to 1in5 out i1 7al3olm is ali)e or 5ea5.C He stare5 at me. ADou?re ki55in-.C A=is" 9 %as.C ABut you?re a ne3roman3er@C "e sai5. A9 raise Eom8ies an5 an o33asional )amp@ 8ut 9 3an?t raise a master )amp o1 7al3olm?s po%er. Besi5es@ %"at i1 9 3oul5B =oul5 t"at pro)e "e %as ali)e or pro)e "e %as 5ea5B 9 mean i1 9 3oul5 raise "im@ it mi-"t >ust mean "e %as rea5y to 8e a Eom8ie. Hell@ Hean2!lau5e?s a%ake 1or t"e 5ay@ may8e 7al3olm is@ too.C AA )ampire Eom8ieBC Larry sai5. 9 s"ru--e5. A9 5on?t kno%. 9?m t"e only person %"o 3an raise )amps like Eom8ies@ t"at 9 kno% o1. $"ere aren?t a lot o1 8ooks on t"e su8>e3t.C A="at a8out Sa8itiniBC ADou mean t"e ma-i3ianBC AHe raise5 Eom8ies as part o1 "is a3t@ an5 "e "a5 )ampires t"at 5i5 "is 8i55in-. 9?)e rea5 eye%itness a33ounts o1 it.C A'irst@ "e 5ie5 in 100 . A little 8e1ore my time. Se3on5@ t"e )ampires %ere >ust 5upes %"o %ent alon- %it" "im. 9t %as a %ay 1or )ampires %"o %oul5 "a)e normally 8een kille5 on si-"t to %alk 1reely amon- t"e people. Sa8itini an5 "is pet )ampires@ t"ey 3alle5 t"em.C A/o one?s e)er pro)e5 t"at "e %as a 1rau5@ Anita.C A'ine@ 8ut "e?s 5ea5 an5 "e 5i5n?t lea)e any 5iaries 8e"in5.C A<aise "im an5 ask@C Larry sai5. 9 stare5 at "im lon- enou-" t"at 9 "a5 to "it t"e 8rakes 1ast to keep 1rom rammin- a 3ar in 1ront o1 me. A="at 5i5 you sayBC A<aise Sa8itini an5 1in5 out i1 "e 3oul5 raise )ampires like you 3an. He?s >ust a little o)er a "un5re5 years 5ea5. Dou?)e raise5 Eom8ies a lot ol5er t"an t"at.C ADou misse5 t"e 3ase last year %"ere a )au5un priestess "a5 raise5 a ne3roman3er. $"e Eom8ie -ot 3ompletely out o1 3ontrol an5 starte5 killin- people.C ADou?)e tol5 me a8out it@ 8ut t"e priestess 5i5n?t kno% %"at "e %as. 91 you kne% -oin- in@ you 3oul5 take pre3autions.C A/o@C 9 sai5. A="y notBC "e sai5. 9 opene5 my mout"@ 3lose5 it@ 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t "a)e a -oo5 ans%er. A9 5on?t appro)e o1 raisin- t"e 5ea5 1or 3uriosity?s sake. Dou kno% "o% mu3" money 9?)e 8een o11ere5 to raise 5ea5 3ele8ritiesBC A9?5 still like to kno% %"at really "appene5 to 7arilyn 7onroe@C "e sai5. A="en "er 1amily 3omes an5 asks@ may8e 9?ll 5o it. But 9 am not raisin- t"e poor %oman 8e3ause a ta8loi5 %a)e5 money at our 8oss.C A=a)e5 a lot o1 money at our 8oss@C Larry sai5. A,nou-" money t"at "e sent Hamison out to try it. He 3oul5n?t raise "er. $oo lon- 5ea5 %it"out a 8i--er sa3ri1i3e.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHamison is a %eenie.C A,)eryone else at Animators 9n3. turne5 it 5o%n.C A9n3lu5in- you@C 9 sai5. He s"ru--e5. A9 mi-"t raise "er an5 ask "o% s"e 5ie5@ 8ut not in 1ront o1 3ameras. $"e poor %oman %as "oun5e5 ali)e. 4ea5@ s"e?s still 8ein- "oun5e5. 4oesn?t seem 1air.C ADou?re a -oo5 -uy@ Larry.C A/ot -oo5 enou-" to kno% t"at )ampires 8urn to as" an5 skeletal remains are "uman.C A4on?t start@ Larry. 9t?s >ust e*perien3e. 9 s"oul5 "a)e tol5 you 8e1ore you %ent out to5ay. $rut"1ully@ you?re -ettin- so -oo5 at t"e >o8@ 9 5i5n?t t"ink to tell you.C ADou assume5 9 kne%BC "e sai5. ADea".C

A9 "a)e noti3e5 t"e 5aily le3tures "a)e 8een in s"ort supply lately. 9 use5 to take more notes at %ork %it" you t"an 9 e)er 5i5 in 3olle-e.C A/ot so many notes lately@ "u"BC 9 sai5. A/o@ 9 "a5n?t really t"ou-"t a8out it@ 8ut no.C He -rinne5 su55enly an5 it lit up "is eyes@ 3"ase5 a%ay t"e "orrors o1 t"e 5ay. 'or a moment "e %as t"e 8ri-"teye5@ optimisti3 ki5 %"o "a5 1irst s"o%n up on my 5oorstep. ADou mean 9?m 1inally learnin- "o% to 5o t"e >o8BC ADea"@C 9 sai5@ Ayou are. 9n 1a3t@ i1 you %ere ;ui3ker on t"e tri--er@ 9?5 say you %ere -oo5 at it. 9t?s >ust "ar5 to learn e)eryt"in-@ Larry. Somet"in- 3omes up an5 you 1in5 out you really 5on?t kno% %"at t"e "ell?s -oin- on a1ter all.C ADou@ tooBC "e sai5. A7e@ too.C He took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. A9?)e seen you surprise5 a time or t%o@ Anita. ="en t"e monsters -et so stran-e t"at you 5on?t kno% %"at?s -oin- eit"er@ it usually -ets real nasty@ real 1ast.C He %as ri-"t. 9 %is"e5 "e %asn?t@ 8e3ause ri-"t no% 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at t"e "ell %as -oin- on. 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 %"at "a5 "appene5 %it" /at"aniel. 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% t"e marks %orke5 %it" <i3"ar5. 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% to 1in5 out i1 7al3olm %as still amon- t"e un5ea5@ or i1 "e?5 3rosse5 into t"at more permanent state o1 true 5eat". 9n 1a3t 9 "a5 so many ;uestions an5 so 1e% ans%ers t"at 9 >ust %ante5 to -o "ome. 7ay8e Larry an5 9 3oul5 8ot" take a pain pill an5 sleep until tomorro%. Surely tomorro% %oul5 8e a 8etter 5ay. Go5@ 9 "ope5 so.

Chapter Forty-one
$"e "ouse %as still smokin- %"en %e -ot t"ere. $"in -reyis" %isps o1 smoke rose 1rom t"e 8la3kene5 8eams like miniature -"osts. Some tri3k o1 t"e 1ire "a5 le1t t"e "i-" 3upola on top o1 t"e 8uil5in- inta3t. $"e lo%er stories %ere -utte5 an5 8la3kene5@ 8ut t"e 3upola rose like a %"ite 8ea3on a8o)e t"e %re3k. 9t looke5 like a 8la3k2toot"e5 -iant "a5 taken a -reat 8ite out o1 t"e "ouse. $"e 1ire tru3k took up most o1 t"e narro% street. $"ere %as a sprea5 o1 %ater seepin- alon- t"e street like a s"allo% lake. 'ire1i-"ters %a5e5 t"rou-" t"e %ater@ rollin- up miles o1 "ose o)er t"eir s"oul5ers. A uni1orme5 poli3e o11i3er stoppe5 us %ell 8a3k 1rom t"e a3tion. 9 ease5 5o%n my %in5o% an5 1las"e5 my 94. 9t %as a little plasti3 3lip2on 3ar5 an5 looke5 o11i3ial@ 8ut it %asn?t a 8a5-e. Sometimes t"e uni1orms %oul5 let me t"rou-"@ an5 sometimes t"ey "a5 to -o ask permission. Bre%ster?s La% %as -oinaroun5 =as"in-ton an5 %oul5 -i)e )amp e*e3utioners %"at amounte5 to 1e5eral mars"al status. 9 %asn?t sure "o% 9 1elt a8out t"at. 9t takes a "ell o1 a lot more to make a 3op t"an >ust a 8a5-e@ 8ut 1or me personally 9?5 lo)e to "a)e "a5 a 8a5-e to 1las". AAnna Blake@ Larry Kirklan5@ to see Ser-eant Storr.C $"e o11i3er 1ro%ne5 at t"e 94. A9?ll "a)e to 3lear t"is %it" someone.C 9 si-"e5. A'ine@ %e?ll %ait "ere.C $"e uni1orm %ent o11 in sear3" o1 4olp"@ an5 %e %aite5. ADou use5 to ar-ue %it" t"em@C Larry sai5. 9 s"ru--e5. A$"ey?re >ust 5oin- t"eir >o8.C ASin3e %"en "as t"at stoppe5 you 1rom 8it3"in-BC 9 looke5 at "im. He %as smilin-@ %"i3" sa)e5 "im 1rom t"e s3at"in- 3ome8a3k 9 "a5 rea5y. Besi5es@ it %as ni3e to see "im smilin- a8out anyt"in- ri-"t no%. ASo 9?m mello%in-2a little. So %"atBC $"e smile %i5ene5 to a -rin@ a s"it2eatin- -rin@ my un3le %oul5 "a)e 3alle5 it. 9t %as like t"e ne*t t"in- out o1 "is mout" %as almost too 1unny to say. 9 %as 8ettin- 9 %oul5n?t t"ink it %as 1unny at all. A9s it 8ein- in lo)e %it" Hean2!lau5e t"at?s mello%e5 you or t"e re-ular se*BC 9 smile5 s%eetly. ASpeakin- o1 re-ular se*@ "o% is 4ete3ti)e $ammyBC He 8lus"e5 1irst. 9 %as "appy. $"e uni1orm %as %alkin- 5o%n t"e %et street to%ar5s us %it" 4ete3ti)e $ammy <eynol5s in to%. #"@ li1e %as -oo5. A=ell@ i1 it isn?t your little su-arplum no%@C 9 sai5. Larry sa% "er t"en. $"e re5 1lus" 8ri-"tene5 to somet"in- t"e 3olor o1 ra% 1lame@ re55er t"an "is "air. His 8lue eyes %ere a little 8ul-y %it" t"e e11ort to 8reat"e. $"e soot "a5 8een %ipe5 a%ay@ %"i3" sa)e5 "is 1a3e 1rom lookin- like a re55is" 8ruise. ADou %on?t say anyt"in-@ %ill you@ AnitaB $ammy 5oesn?t like to 8e tease5.C A="o 5oesBC 9 sai5.

A9?m sorry@C "e sai5@ speakin- )ery 1ast 8e1ore t"ey 3oul5 -et to us. A9 apolo-iEe. 9t %ill ne)er "appen a-ain. Please 5o not em8arrass me in 1ront o1 $ammy.C A=oul5 9 5o t"at to youBC A9n a "ot se3on5@C "e sai5. APlease 5on?t.C $"ey %ere almost at t"e 3ar. A4on?t pull my le- an5 9 %on?t pull yours@C 9 %"ispere5. A4eal@C "e sai5. 9 ease5 5o%n t"e %in5o%@ smilin-. A4ete3ti)e <eynol5s@ "o% -oo5 to see you.C <eynol5s 1ro%ne5 8e3ause 9 %as sel5om -la5 to see "er. S"e %as a %it3" an5 t"e 1irst poli3e 5ete3ti)e e)er %it" preternatural a8ilities 8eyon5 psy3"i3 -i1ts. But s"e %as youn-@ 8ri-"t@ s"iny@ an5 trie5 >ust a little too "ar5 to 8e my 1rien5. S"e %as >ust sooo 1as3inate5 %it" t"e 1a3t t"at 9 raise5 t"e 5ea5. S"e %ante5 to kno% all a8out it. 9?5 ne)er "a5 a %it3" make me 1eel like su3" a 5amne5 1reak. 7ost %it3"es %ere ni3e un5erstan5in- souls. Per"aps it %as t"e 1a3t t"at <eynol5s %as a !"ristian %it3"@ a mem8er o1 t"e 'ollo%ers o1 t"e =ay. A se3t -oin- 8a3k to t"e Gnosti3s@ %"o em8ra3e5 almost all ma-i3al a8ility. $"ey %ere all 8ut %ipe5 out 5urin- t"e 9n;uisition 5ue to t"e 1a3t t"at t"eir 8elie1s 5on?t allo% t"em to "i5e t"eir li-"t un5er a 8us"el@ 8ut t"ey sur)i)e5. 'anati3s "a)e a %ay o1 5oin- t"at. <eynol5s %as tall@ slen5er@ %it" strai-"t 8ro%n "air 1allin- aroun5 "er s"oul5ers@ an5 eyes t"at 9 %oul5 "a)e sai5 %ere "aEel 8ut s"e 3alle5 -reen. Greyis"2-reen %it" a lar-e 3ir3le o1 pale 8ro%n aroun5 t"e pupil. !ats "a)e -reen eyes. 7ost people 5on?t. S"e?5 trie5 to 8e my 1rien5@ an5 %"en 9 %oul5n?t tell "er a8out raisin- t"e 5ea5@ s"e?5 turne5 to Larry. He?5 8een relu3tant at 1irst 1or t"e same reasons 9 %as@ 8ut s"e "a5n?t o11ere5 me se*. 9t pus"e5 Larry o)er t"e e5-e an5 into "er arms. 9?5 "a)e 3omplaine5 a8out "is 3"oi3e o1 s%eeties i1 9?5 any moral "i-" -roun5 to stan5 on. 9t %asn?t t"e %it3" part t"at 8ot"ere5 me or t"e 3op. 9t %as t"e reli-ious21anati3 part. But %"en you s"are t"e s"eets %it" t"e %alkin- 5ea5@ you 5on?t -et a lot o1 room to 8it3". 9 smile5 s%eetly at "er. <eynol5?s 1ro%n 5eepene5. 9?5 ne)er 8een t"is "appy to see "er 8e1ore. AGoo5 to see you@ too@ Anita.C Her -reetin- %as 3autious@ 8ut seeme5 sin3ere. Al%ays %illin- to turn t"e ot"er 3"eek. A -oo5 little !"ristian. 9 %as 8e-innin- to %on5er i1 9 %as still a -oo5 !"ristian. 9 5i5n?t 5ou8t Go5. 9 5ou8te5 me. Ha)in- premarital se* %it" a )ampire "a5 s"aken my 1ait" in a lot o1 t"in-s. S"e 8ent "er 1i)e 1oot ten 1rame to peer in t"e %in5o% past me at Larry. AHi@ Larry.C Her smile %as -enuine@ too. Her eyes sparkle5 %it" it. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e %a)es o1 lust@ i1 not lo)e@ -oin- 1rom "er to "im like a %arm@ em8arrassin- 3urrent. $"e 8lus" "a5 le1t Larry?s 1a3e milk2pale %it" t"e sprinklin- o1 1re3kles like 8ro%n ink spots. He turne5 lar-e 8lue eyes to "er@ an5 9 5i5n?t like t"e %ay "e looke5 at "er. 9 %asn?t sure it %as >ust lust on Larry?s part. 7ay8e it %asn?t 1or <eynol5s@ eit"er@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %orry a8out "er 1eelin-s t"e %ay 9 5i5 Larry?s. A4ete3ti)e <eynol5s@C "e sai5. =as it my ima-ination or %as "is )oi3e >ust a tou3" 5eeperB /a". ALarry.C $"at one %or5 %as 1ull o1 too mu3" %armt". A="ere 5o you %ant us to parkBC 9 aske5. S"e 8linke5 "aEel eyes at me@ as i1 1or a se3on5 s"e?5 1or-otten 9 %as t"ere. AAny%"ere 8a3k "ere.C AGreat.C S"e steppe5 8a3k an5 let me park@ 8ut "er eyes lin-ere5 on Larry. 7ay8e it %as more t"an lust. 4amn. =e parke5. Larry un5i5 "is seat 8elt 3are1ully@ -rima3in-. 9?5 -otten t"e 5oor 1or "im at t"e -as station. ADou %ant me to -et t"e 5oorBC He turne5 sti11ly to%ar5s t"e 5oor@ tryin- to keep "is upper 8o5y immo8ile. He stoppe5 %it" "is "an5 on t"e "an5le. His 8reat" 3ame in little -asps. ADes@ please.C 7e@ 9?5 "a)e -otten t"e 5oor mysel1@ >ust 1rom pure stu88ornness. Larry really %as t"e %iser o1 t"e t%o o1 us. 9 "el5 t"e 5oor 1or "im an5 o11ere5 "im a "an5. 9 pulle5@ "e pus"e5 %it" "is le-s@ an5 %e -ot "im stan5in-. He starte5 to "un3" 1rom t"e pain@ 8ut t"at 8ent "is 8a3k@ %"i3" ma5e t"e pain %orse. He en5e5 stan5in- as strai-"t as "e 3oul5. leanin- a-ainst t"e Heep@ tryin- to -et "is 8reat" 8a3k. Pain %ill lea)e you 8reat"less. <eynol5s %as su55enly 8esi5e us. A="at?s %ron-BC ADou tell "er. 9?ll -o talk to 4olp".C ASure@C Larry sai5@ )oi3e straine5. He nee5e5 to 8e in 8e5@ kno3ke5 out on painkillers. 7ay8e "e %asn?t t"at mu3" smarter t"an me. 9t %asn?t "ar5 to spot 4olp". Pete 73Kinnon %as stan5in- %it" t"em. 9t %as like %alkin- to%ar5s t%o small mountains. 4olp"?s 5ark suit looke5 1res"ly presse5@ %"ite s"irt 3risp@ tie knotte5 a-ainst t"e 3ollar. He 3oul5n?t "a)e 8een out in t"e "eat lon-. ,)en 4olp" s%eats.

AAnita@C "e sai5. A4olp".C A7s. Blake@ ni3e to see you a-ain@C Pete 73Kinnon sai5. 9 smile5. AGoo5 to kno% someone?s "appy to see me.C 91 4olp" -ot t"e 5i-@ "e i-nore5 it. A,)eryone?s %aitin- 1or you.C A4olp" al%ays %as a man o1 1e% %or5s@C Pete sai5. 9 -rinne5 at "im. AGoo5 to kno% it?s not"in- personal.C 4olp" 1ro%ne5 at us. A91 you t%o are t"rou-"@ %e?)e -ot %ork to 5o.C Pete an5 9 -rinne5 at ea3" ot"er an5 1ollo%e5 4olp" a3ross t"e %et street. 9 %as "appy to 8e 8a3k in my /ikes. 9 3oul5 %alk as -oo5 as any o1 t"e men@ in t"e ri-"t s"oes. A tall@ t"in 1ireman %it" a -rey musta3"e %at3"e5 me stri5e a3ross t"e street. He %as still %earin- "elmet an5 3oat in t"e Huly "eat. 'our ot"ers "a5 strippe5 5o%n to $2s"irts %it" >ust t"e ru88ery2lookin- pants on. Someone "a5 spraye5 t"em 5o%n %it" a %ater. $"ey looke5 like an a5 1or a 8ee13ake %et $2s"irt 3ontest. $"ey %ere 5rinkin- Gatora5e an5 %ater like t"eir li)es 5epen5e5 on it. A4i5 a Gatora5e tru3k >ust roll 8y or is t"is some ar3ane post21ire ritualBC 9 aske5. Pete ans%ere5@ A9t?s 5amne5 "ot in a 1ire %it" 1ull -ear on. Dou 5e"y5rate. =ater to re"y5rate an5 Gatora5e 1or t"e ele3trolytes so you 5on?t pass out 1rom t"e "eat.C AA"@C 9 sai5. $"e 1ireman %"o?5 8een rollin- up t"e "ose 3ame o)er to us. A 5eli3ate trian-le o1 1a3e peere5 out 1rom un5er t"e "elmet. !lear -rey eyes met my -aEe. $"ere %as a li1t to t"e 3"in@ a %ay t"at s"e "el5 "ersel1 t"at %as a 3"allen-e. 9 re3o-niEe5 t"e symptoms. 9 "a5 my o%n mountain2siEe5 3"ip on my s"oul5er. 9 1elt like apolo-iEin- 1or assumin- s"e %as a man@ 8ut 5i5n?t. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een insultin-. Pete intro5u3e5 me to t"e tall man. A$"is is !aptain 'ulton. He?s 9n3i5ent !omman5er on t"is site.C 9 o11ere5 my "an5 %"ile "e %as still t"inkin- a8out it. His "an5 %as lar-e@ 8i-2knu3kle5. He s"ook "an5s like "e %as a1rai5 to s;ueeEe too "ar5@ an5 5roppe5 3onta3t as soon as "e 3oul5. 9 8et t"at "e %as >ust please5 as pun3" to "a)e a 1emale 1ireperson on "is unit. He intro5u3e5 t"e 1ireperson in ;uestion. A!orporal $u3ker.C S"e o11ere5 "er "an5. S"e "a5 a ni3e 1irm "an5s"ake an5 eye 3onta3t so sin3ere it %as a--ressi)e. 9 smile5. A/i3e not to 8e t"e only %oman on t"e s3ene 1or a 3"an-e.C $"at 8rou-"t a )ery small smile to "er 1a3e. S"e -a)e t"e 8arest o1 no5s an5 steppe5 8a3k@ lettin- "er 3aptain take o)er. AHo% mu3" 5o you kno% a8out a 1ire s3ene@ 7iss BlakeBC A9t?s 7s. Blake@ an5 not mu3".C He 1ro%ne5 at t"e 3orre3tion. 9 1elt 4olp" s"i1t 8esi5e me@ un"appy %it" me. His 1a3e %oul5n?t s"o% it@ 8ut 9 3oul5 almost 1eel "im %illin- me not to 8e a pain in t"e 8utt. ="o@ meB !orporal $u3ker %as starin- at me@ eyes %i5e@ 1a3e )ery still as i1 s"e %as tryin- not to lau-". #ne o1 t"e ot"er 1iremen >oine5 us. His 5amp $2s"irt 3lun- to a stoma3" t"at "a5 re;uire5 1ar too many sit2ups@ 8ut 9 en>oye5 t"e )ie% any%ay. He %as tall@ 8roa52s"oul5ere5@ 8lon5@ an5 looke5 like "e s"oul5 "a)e 8een 3arryin- a sur18oar5 or )isitin- Bar8ie in "er 7ali8u 5ream "ouse. $"ere %as a smear o1 soot on "is smilin- 1a3e@ an5 "is eyes %ere re52rimme5. He o11ere5 "is "an5 %it"out 8ein- intro5u3e5. A9?m =ren.C /o rank@ >ust "is name. !on1i5ent. He "el5 my "an5 >ust a little lon-er t"an ne3essary. 9t %asn?t o8no*ious@ >ust intereste5. 9 5roppe5 my eyes. /ot out o1 s"yness@ 8ut 8e3ause some men mistake 5ire3t eye 3onta3t as a 3ome2on. 9 "a5 a8out as mu3" 8ee13ake on my plate as 9 3oul5 "an5le %it"out a55in- amorous 1iremen. !aptain 'ulton 1ro%ne5 at =ren. A4o you "a)e any ;uestions@ 7s. BlakeBC He emp"asiEe5 t"e 7s. so it soun5e5 like t"ree E?s at t"e en5. ADou?)e -ot a 8asement 1ull o1 )ampires t"at you nee5 to res3ue %it"out e*posin- t"em to sunli-"t or -ettin- any o1 your people eaten@ ri-"tBC He stare5 at me 1or a se3on5 or t%o. A$"at?s t"e -ist o1 it.C A="y 3an?t you >ust lea)e t"em in t"e 8asement until 1ull 5arkBC 9 aske5. A$"e 1loor 3oul5 3a)e in at any minute@C "e sai5. A="i3" %oul5 e*pose t"em to sunli-"t an5 kill t"em@C 9 sai5.

He no55e5. A4olp" sai5 one )amp %as 3o)ere5 %it" 8lankets@ an5 rus"e5 to t"e "ospital. 9s t"at %"y you t"ink t"e ot"ers may not 8e in t"eir 3o11insBC He 8linke5. A$"ere?s also a )ampire on t"e stairs lea5in- 5o%n. 9t?s ... C His -aEe 1ell@ t"en 3ame up su55enly to -ra8 mine@ an-ry. A9?)e seen 8urn )i3tims 8ut not"in- ;uite like t"is.C AAre you sure it?s a )ampireBC ADes@ %"yBC ABe3ause )amps e*pose5 to sunli-"t or 1ire usually 8urn 3ompletely 5o%n to as" an5 a 1e% 8one 1ra-ments.C A=e 5ouse5 it %it" %ater@C =ren sai5. A$"ou-"t it %as a person at 1irst.C A="at 3"an-e5 your min5BC 9t %as "is turn to look a%ay. A9t mo)e5. 9t %as like t"ir525e-ree 8urns 5o%n to 3artila-e an5 mus3le@ 8one@ an5 it "el5 out its "an5 to us.C His 1a3e looke5 pale@ "aunte5. A/o person 3oul5 "a)e 5one t"at. =e kept 3oatin- it %it" %ater@ t"inkinmay8e %e 3oul5 sa)e it@ 8ut it stoppe5 mo)in-.C ASo you assume5 it %as 5ea5BC 9 aske5. All t"ree o1 t"em e*3"an-e5 -lan3es. !aptain 'ulton sai5@ ADou mean it mi-"t not 8e 5ea5BC 9 s"ru--e5. A/e)er un5erestimate a )amp?s a8ility to sur)i)e@ !aptain.C A=e?)e -ot to -o 8a3k in t"ere an5 -et it to a "ospital@C =ren sai5. He turne5 as i1 "e?5 %alk 8a3k into t"e "ouse. 'ulton 3au-"t "is arm. A!an you tell i1 t"e )ampire is ali)e or 5ea5BC 'ulton aske5. A9 t"ink so.C ADou t"inkBC A9?)e ne)er "ear5 o1 a )amp sur)i)in- 1ire. So yea"@ 9 t"ink 9 3an tell i1 it?s ali)e. 91 9 sai5 ot"er%ise@ 9?5 8e lyin-. 9 try not to 5o t"at %"en it?s important.C He no55e5 t%i3e@ 8riskly@ as i1 "e?5 ma5e up "is min5 a8out me. A$"e arsonist t"re% a33elerant all o)er t"e 1loor t"at %e?re -oin- to 8e %alkin- on top o1@ an5 on3e %e?re 5o%n in t"e 8asement t"at same 1loor %ill 8e a8o)e us.C ASoBC A$"at 1loor is not -oin- to "ol5@ 7s. Blake. 9?m -oin- to make t"is a stri3tly )oluntary >o8 1or my people.C 9 looke5 up into "is serious 1a3e. AHo% likely is t"e 1loor to 1all an5 "o% soonBC A/o %ay o1 kno%in-. 'rankly@ 9?m surprise5 it "asn?t 3a)e5 in 8y no%.C A9t?s a "al1%ay "ouse 1or t"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e. 91 it?s like t"e last 8asement 9 sa% at a Li1er?s pla3e@ t"e 3eilin- is 3on3rete rein1or3e5 %it" steel 8eams.C A$"at %oul5 e*plain %"y it "asn?t 1allen in@C 'ulton sai5. ASo %e?re sa1e@ ri-"tBC 9 aske5. 'ulton looke5 at me an5 s"ook "is "ea5. A$"e "eat 3oul5 "a)e %eakene5 t"e 3on3rete@ or e)en %eakene5 t"e tensile stren-t" o1 t"e steel 8eams.C ASo it 3oul5 still 1all 5o%n@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. A=it" us in it.C Great. ALet?s 5o it.C 'ulton -ra88e5 my arm an5 -rippe5 it too ti-"t. 9 stare5 at "im@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t 1lin3" an5 "e 5i5n?t let me -o. A4o you un5erstan5 t"at %e 3oul5 8e 8urie5 ali)e 5o%n t"ere or 3rus"e5 to 5eat"@ or e)en 5ro%ne5 i1 t"ere?s enou-" %aterBC ALet -o o1 me@ !aptain 'ulton.C 7y )oi3e %as ;uiet@ stea5y@ not an-ry. Point 1or me. 'ulton release5 me an5 steppe5 8a3k. His eyes looke5 a little %il5. He %as spooke5. A9 >ust %ant you to un5erstan5 %"at 3oul5 "appen.C AS"e un5erstan5s@C 4olp" sai5. 9 "a5 an i5ea. A!aptain 'ulton@ "o% 5o you 1eel a8out sen5in- your people in to a potential 5eat"trap to sa)e a 8un3" o1 )ampiresBC Somet"in- passe5 t"rou-" "is 5ark eyes. A$"e la% says t"ey?re people. Dou 5on?t lea)e people "urt or trappe5.C ABut@C 9 prompte5. ABut my men are %ort" more to me t"an a 8un3" o1 3orpses.C

A/ot lon- a-o 9?5 "a)e 8rou-"t t"e mars"mallo%s an5 %ieners 1or t"e roast@C 9 sai5. A="at 3"an-e5 your min5BC 'ulton aske5. AKept meetin- too many "uman 8ein-s t"at %ere as monstrous as t"e monsters. 7ay8e not as s3ary@ 8ut >ust as e)il.C APoli3e %ork %ill ruin your )ie% o1 your 1ello% man@C 4ete3ti)e $ammy sai5. S"e an5 Larry "a5 >oine5 us at last. 9t "a5 taken Larry a lon- time to 3ross t"ose yar5s. He %as 1ar too "urt to insist on -oin- insi5e t"e "ouse. Goo5. A9?ll -o in 8e3ause it?s my >o8@ 8ut 9 5on?t "a)e to like it@C 'ulton sai5. A'ine@ 8ut i1 %e 5o "a)e a 3a)e2in@ %e 8etter -et 5u- out 8e1ore ni-"t1all@ 8e3ause %it"out t"e )amp 3"aperone %e?ll 8e 1a3in- a 8asement 1ull o1 ne% )amps t"at may not "a)e per1e3t 3ontrol o)er t"eir "un-er.C His eyes %i5ene5@ s"o%in- too mu3" %"ite. 9 %oul5 "a)e 8et money t"at 'ulton "a5 "a5 a 3lose en3ounter o1 t"e 1an-e5 kin5 on3e upon a time. $"ere %ere no s3ars on "is ne3k@ 8ut t"at 5i5n?t pro)e anyt"in-. Vamps 5i5n?t al%ays -o 1or t"e ne3k@ no matter %"at t"e mo)ies say. Bloo5 1lo%s near t"e sur1a3e in lots o1 pla3es. 9 tou3"e5 "is arm li-"tly. $ension san- 5o%n "is mus3les like a strin- pulle5 too ti-"t. A="o?5 you loseBC A="atBC He seeme5 to 8e "a)in- trou8le 1o3usin- on me. A="o 5i5 t"e )ampires take a%ay 1rom youBC He stare5 at me@ 5ark eyes 1o3usin- on me. ="ate)er "orri8le ima-e %as 1loatin- 8e"in5 "is eyes retreate5. His 1a3e %as almost normal %"en "e sai5@ A=i1e@ 5au-"ter.C 9 %aite5 1or "im to say more@ 8ut t"e silen3e -at"ere5 roun5 us in a still@ 5eep pool ma5e up o1 all t"e "orror in t"ose t%o %"ispere5 %or5s. =i1e@ 5au-"ter. Bot" lost. /o2taken. AAn5 no% you "a)e to -o into t"e 5ark an5 sa)e some 8loo5su3kers an5 risk yoursel1 an5 your people. $"at really su3ks.C He took a 5eep 8reat" t"rou-" "is nose an5 let it out slo%ly. 9 %at3"e5 "im -ain 3ontrol o1 "imsel1@ %at3"e5 "im 8uil5 "is 5e1enses 8a3k pie3e 8y pie3e. A9 %ante5 to let it 8urn %"en 9 1oun5 out %"at %as insi5e.C ABut you 5i5n?t@C 9 sai5. ADou 5i5 your >o8.C ABut t"e >o8?s not 5one@C "e sai5 so1tly. ALi1e?s a 8it3"@C 9 sai5. AAn5 t"en you 5ie@C Larry 1inis"e5 1or me. 9 turne5 an5 1ro%ne5 at "im@ 8ut it %as "ar5 to ar-ue. $o5ay@ "e %as ri-"t.

Chapter Forty-two
$"e t%o28iter@ as 4olp" so poeti3ally put it@ %as a small %oman in "er t"irties. Her 8ro%n "air %as 8a3k in a ti-"t ponytail lea)in- "er ne3k an5 t"e )ampire 8ites pain1ully )isi8le. Vampire 1reaks@ people %"o >ust like5 )amps 1or se*ual turn2ons@ "i5 t"eir 1an- marks unless at one o1 t"eir "an-outs. Human mem8ers o1 t"e !"ur3" o1 ,ternal Li1e almost al%ays ma5e sure t"e 8ites %ere )isi8le. Hair %orn >ust ri-"t@ s"ort slee)es i1 t"e marks %ere at %rist or el8o% 8en5. $"ey %ere prou5 o1 t"e 8ites@ sa% t"em as si-ns o1 sal)ation. $"e upper set o1 1an- marks %ere lar-er@ t"e skin re55er an5 more torn. Someone "a5n?t 8een neat %it" t"eir 1oo5. $"e se3on5 mark %as almost 5ainty@ sur-i3ally neat. $"e t%o28iter?s name %as !aroline@ an5 s"e stoo5 "u--in- "ersel1 as i1 s"e %ere 3ol5. Sin3e you 3oul5 pro8a8ly 1ry e--s on t"e si5e%alk@ 9 5i5n?t t"ink s"e %as 3ol5@ or at least not t"at kin5 o1 3ol5. ADou %ante5 to see me@ !arolineBC S"e no55e5@ "ea5 8o88in- up an5 5o%n like one o1 t"ose 5o-s you use5 to see in t"e 8a3ks o1 3ars. ADes@C s"e sai5@ )oi3e 8reat"y. S"e stare5 at 4olp" an5 73Kinnon@ t"en 8a3k at me. $"e look %as enou-". S"e %ante5 pri)a3y. A9?m -oin- to take !aroline 1or a little %alk. 91 t"at?s okayBC 4olp" no55e5. 73Kinnon sai5@ A$"e <e5 !ross "a)e 3o11ee an5 so1t 5rinks.C He pointe5 to a small tru3k %it" a 3amper s"ell. <e5 !ross )olunteers -i)in- 3o11ee an5 3om1ort to t"e 3ops an5 1iremen. Dou 5i5n?t see t"em at e)ery 3rime s3ene@ 8ut t"ey "it t"eir s"are. 4olp" 3au-"t my -aEe an5 -a)e a )ery small no5. He %as trustin- me to ;uestion "er %it"out "im@ trustin- me to 8rin"im 8a3k any in1o t"at pertaine5 to t"e 3rime. $"e 1a3t t"at "e still truste5 me t"at mu3" ma5e t"e 5ay a little 8ri-"ter. /i3e t"at somet"in- 5i5. 9t %as also ni3e to 8e 5oin- somet"in- use1ul. 4olp" "a5 8een "ot to -et me to t"e s3ene. /o% e)eryt"in- %as stalle5. 'ulton >ust %asn?t ea-er to risk "is people 1or 3orpses. But t"at %asn?t it. 91 t"ere?5 8een si* "umans 5o%n t"ere@ %e?5 "a)e alrea5y 8een suite5 up an5 -oin- in. But t"ey %eren?t "uman@ an5 no matter %"at t"e la% sai5@ it ma5e a 5i11eren3e. 4olp" %as ri-"t@ 8e1ore A55ison ). !lark@ t"ey?5 "a)e -otten a 1ire 3re% in "ere to make sure it 5i5n?t sprea5 to t"e ot"er "ouses@ 8ut t"ey?5 "a)e let it 8urn. Stan5ar5 operatin- pro3e5ure.

But t"at %as 1our years a-o@ an5 t"e %orl5 "a5 3"an-e5. #r so %e tol5 oursel)es. 91 t"e )amps %eren?t in 3o11ins an5 t"e roo1 3ollapse5@ t"ey %oul5 8e e*pose5 to sunli-"t@ an5 t"at %oul5 8e it. $"e 1iremen "a5 use5 an a*e on t"e %all ne*t to t"e stairs so 9 3oul5 see t"e se3on5 )amp 3orpse. 9t %as 3rispy23rittere5 8ut not 5ust. 9 "a5 no e*planation 1or %"y t"e 8o5y "a5 remaine5 so inta3t. 9 %asn?t e)en a "un5re5 per3ent sure t"at 3ome ni-"t1all it %oul5n?t "eal. 9t2e)en 9 still 5i5 it. But t"e 8o5y %as so 8a5ly 8urne5@ like 8la3k sti3ks an5 8ro%n leat"er@ t"e mus3les in t"e 1a3e "a5 pulle5 a%ay lea)int"e teet"@ 3omplete %it" 1an-s@ in a -rima3e t"at looke5 like pain. 'iremen =ren "a5 e*plaine5 to me t"at t"e mus3les 3ontra3t %it" t"e "eat enou-" to 8reak 8ones sometimes. Hust %"en you t"ink you kno% e)ery a%1ul t"in- a8out 5eat"@ you 1in5 out you?re %ron-. 9 "a5 to t"ink o1 t"e 8o5y as an AitC or 9 3oul5n?t look at it. !aroline "a5 kno%n t"e )ampire. 9 t"ink s"e %as "a)in- a lot more trou8le t"inkin- o1 t"e 8o5y as an it. S"e -ot a so1t 5rink 1rom t"e ni3e <e5 !ross la5y. ,)en 9 -ot a !oke@ %"i3" meant it %as pretty 5amn "ot 1or me to pass on t"e 3o11ee. 9 le5 "er to t"e 1ront yar5 o1 a nei-"8orin- "ouse %"ere no one "a5 3ome out to 3"e3k t"e s3ene. $"e 5rapes %ere all 3lose5@ 5ri)e%ay empty. ,)eryone -one 1or t"e 5ay. $"e only si-n o1 li1e %as a trian-ular rose 8e5 an5 a 8la3k s%allo%tail 8utter1ly 1loatin- o)er it. Pea3e1ul. 'or a moment 9 %on5ere5 i1 t"e 8utter1ly %as one o1 =arri3k?s pets@ 8ut t"ere %as no 1eel o1 po%er. 9t %as >ust a 8utter1ly 1loatin- like a tiny tissue2paper kite o)er t"e yar5. 9 sat 5o%n on t"e -rass. !aroline >oine5 me@ smoot"in- "er pale 8lue s"orts 5o%n in 8a3k as i1 s"e %as more a33ustome5 to %earin- skirts. S"e took a 5rink o1 so5a. /o% t"at s"e "a5 me to "ersel1@ s"e 5i5n?t seem to kno% "o% to start. 9t mi-"t "a)e %orke5 8etter i1 9?5 %aite5 1or "er to 8e-in@ 8ut my patien3e "a5 8een use5 up lon- a-o. 9t %asn?t one o1 my 3ar5inal )irtues to 8e-in %it". A="at 5i5 you %ant to tell meBC 9 aske5. S"e sat "er 3an o1 so5a 3are1ully on t"e -rass@ t"in "an5s smoot"in- alon- t"e "em o1 "er s"orts. S"e "a5 pale pink nail polis" on "er s"ort nails t"at mat3"e5 t"e pink stripes in "er tank top. Better t"an pale 8lue@ 9 -uess. A!an 9 trust youBC s"e aske5 in a )oi3e as 1ra-ile an5 pale as s"e seeme5. 9 "ate 8ein- aske5 ;uestions like t"at. 9 %asn?t in t"e moo5 to lie. A7ay8e. 9t 5epen5s on %"at you %ant to trust me %it".C !aroline looke5 a little startle5@ as i1 s"e?5 e*pe3te5 me to >ust say@ sure. A$"at %as )ery "onest o1 you. 7ost people lie %it"out t"inkin- a8out it.C Somet"in- in t"e %ay s"e sai5 it ma5e me t"ink t"at !aroline "a5 8een lie5 to o1ten@ 8y people s"e?5 truste5. A9 try not to lie@ !aroline@ 8ut i1 you "a)e in1ormation t"at?ll "elp us "ere@ you nee5 to tell me.C 9 took a 5rink o1 my o%n so5a an5 trie5 to appear 3asual@ 1or3e5 my 8o5y not to tense up@ not to s"o% "o% mu3" 9 %ante5 to simply s3ream at "er until s"e tol5 me %"ate)er it %as. S"ort o1 torture@ you 3an?t make people talk@ not really. !aroline %ante5 to tell me "er se3rets. 9 >ust "a5 to 8e 3alm an5 let "er 5o it. 91 9 %as o)erea-er or a8usi)e@ s"e?5 eit"er 1ol5 an5 tell all@ or 3lam up an5 let us rot. Dou ne)er kne% %"i3" %ay it %oul5 -o@ so you try patien3e 1irst. Dou 3an al%ays 8ro%8eat t"em later. A9?)e 8een t"e "uman liaison 1or t"is "al1%ay "ouse 1or t"ree mont"s no%. $"e -uar5ian %"o o)ersa% t"e youn-er ones %as Giles. He %as stron- an5 po%er1ul@ 8ut "e %as trappe5 in "is 3o11in until true 5arkness. $"en t%o ni-"ts a-o "e %oke in t"e mi55le o1 t"e 5ay. $"e 1irst time 1or "im. $"e one on t"e stairs "as to 8e one o1 t"e youn-er )ampires.C S"e looke5 at me@ 8ro%n eyes %i5e. S"e leane5 into me@ lo%erin- "er so1t )oi3e e)en 1urt"er. 9 "a5 to lean into "er >ust to 3at3" "er )oi3e@ 3lose enou-" t"at my "air 8rus"e5 "er s"oul5er. A/one o1 t"e youn-er ones "as 8een 5ea5 t%o years. 4o you un5erstan5 %"at t"at meansBC A9t means t"at t"ey s"oul5n?t "a)e risen 5urin- 5ayli-"t "ours. 9t means t"at t"e one on t"e stairs s"oul5 "a)e 8een 8urnt to as"es.C A,*a3tly@C s"e sai5. S"e soun5e5 relie)e5 to 1inally 1in5 someone %"o un5erstoo5. A=as t"is early %akin- restri3te5 to your "al1%ay "ouseBC S"e s"ook "er "ea5@ %"isperin- no%. =e "a5 our "ea5s to-et"er like 1irst2-ra5ers talkin- in 3lass. 9 %as 3lose enou-" to see t"e 1ine re5 lines in "er eyes. !aroline "a5 8een losin- sleep o)er somet"in-. A,)ery "ouse an5 all t"e 3"ur3"es %ere su55enly "a)in- )ampires rise early. $"e "un-er seeme5 %orse on t"e youn- ones.C Her "an5 %ent to "er ne3k an5 t"e messy %oun5. A$"ey %ere "ar5er to 3ontrol@ e)en 8y t"e -uar5ians.C AAnyone "a)e any t"eories as to %"y t"is %as "appenin-BC 9 aske5. A7al3olm t"ou-"t someone %as inter1erin- %it" t"em.C 9 "a5 se)eral 3an5i5ates 1or %"o mi-"t 8e inter1erin- %it" t"e )amps@ 8ut %e %eren?t "ere to -et my ans%ers. =e %ere "ere to -et !aroline?s ans%ers. AHe "a)e any i5eas a8out %"oBC ADou kno% a8out our illustrious )isitorsBC s"e aske5@ )oi3e e)en lo%er@ as i1 s"e %ere a1rai5 to say t"e last. A91 you mean t"e Vampire !oun3il@ 9?)e met t"em.C S"e >erke5 8a3k 1rom me t"en@ s"o3ke5. A7et t"em@C s"e sai5. ABut 7al3olm "as not met t"em yet.C 9 s"ru--e5. A$"ey pai5 t"eir ... respe3ts to t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity 1irst.C

A7al3olm sai5 t"ey %oul5 3onta3t us %"en t"ey %ere rea5y. He sa% t"eir 3omin- as a si-n t"at t"e rest o1 )ampirekin5 %as rea5y to em8ra3e t"e true 1ait".C 9 %asn?t a8out to sit t"ere an5 tell "er %"y t"e 3oun3il "a5 really 3ome to to%n. 91 t"e !"ur3" 5i5n?t kno%@ t"ey 5i5n?t nee5 to kno%. A9 5on?t t"ink t"e 3oun3il t"inks mu3" a8out reli-ion@ !aroline.C A="y else %oul5 t"ey 3omeBC 9 s"ru--e5. A$"e 3oun3il "as its reasons.C See@ not a lie@ 3rypti3 as "ell@ 8ut not a lie. S"e seeme5 to a33ept t"e statement. 7ay8e s"e %as use5 to 3rypti3 8ulls"it. A="y %oul5 t"e 3oun3il %ant to "urt usBC A7ay8e t"ey 5on?t see it as "urtin-.C A91 t"e 1iremen -o 5o%n in t"ere to sa)e t"e youn- ones an5 t"ey %ake %it"out a -uar5ian ... C S"e 5re% "er knees to "er 3"est@ "u--in- "er le-s. A$"ey?ll rise like re)enants@ min5less 8easts@ until t"ey?)e 1e5. People 3oul5 8e 5ea5 8e1ore t"ey 3ome to t"emsel)es.C 9 tou3"e5 "er s"oul5er. ADou?re s3are5 o1 t"em@ aren?t youBC 9?5 ne)er met a "uman 3"ur3" mem8er %"o %as s3are5 o1 )ampires@ espe3ially not one t"at %as 5onatin- 8loo5 as a "uman liaison. S"e lo%ere5 t"e ne3kline o1 "er tank top until 9 3oul5 see t"e tops o1 "er small 8reasts. $"ere %as a 8ite mark on t"e pale 1les" o1 one 8reast t"at looke5 more like a 5o- 8ite t"an one ma5e 8y a )ampire. $"e 1les" "a5 8ruise5 8a5ly@ as i1 t"e )amp "a5 8een pulle5 o11 "er almost as soon as "e?5 starte5 su3kin-. AGiles "a5 to pull "im o11 o1 me. He "a5 to restrain "im. Lookin- into "is 1a3e@ 9 kne% t"at i1 Giles "a5n?t 8een t"ere@ "e?5 "a)e kille5 me. /ot to 8rin- me o)er or em8ra3e me@ 8ut >ust 8e3ause 9 %as 1oo5.C S"e let "er top sli5e 8a3k o)er t"e %oun5@ "u--in- "ersel1 ti-"t@ s"i)erin- in t"e "ot Huly suns"ine. AHo% lon- "a)e you 8een %it" t"e !"ur3"@ !arolineBC A$%o years.C AAn5 t"is is t"e 1irst time you?)e 8een s3are5BC S"e no55e5. A$"ey?)e 8een )ery 3are1ul aroun5 you@ t"en.C A="at 5o you meanBC s"e aske5. 9 un8ent my le1t arm@ s"o%in- t"e s3ars. A$"e moun5 o1 s3ar tissue at t"e 3rook is %"ere a )amp -na%e5 on me. He 8roke t"e arm. 9 %as lu3ky not to lose t"e use o1 it.C A="at a8out t"atBC S"e tou3"e5 t"e 3la% marks t"at traile5 5o%n t"e lo%er part o1 t"e arm. AS"apes"i1te5 %it3".C AHo% 5i5 t"e 3ross -et 8urne5 into your armBC AHumans %it" a 1e% 8ites like you t"ou-"t it %as amusin- to 8ran5 me %it" t"e 3ross. Hust amusin- t"emsel)es until t"eir master rose 1or t"e ni-"t.C Her eyes %ere %i5e. ABut t"e )ampires in t"e !"ur3" aren?t like t"at. =e aren?t like t"at.C AAll )amps are like t"at@ !aroline. Some o1 t"em 3ontrol it 8etter t"an ot"ers@ 8ut t"ey still "a)e to 1ee5 o11 "umans. Dou 3an?t really respe3t somet"in- t"at you see as 1oo5.C ABut you are %it" t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. 4o you 8elie)e t"at o1 "imBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at an5 ans%ere5 trut"1ully. ASometimes.C S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A9 t"ou-"t 9 kne% %"at 9 %ante5. ="at 9 %as -oin- to 5o 1or all eternity. /o% 9 5on?t kno% anyt"in-. 9 1eel so ... lost.C $ears traile5 out o1 "er %i5e eyes. 9 put my arm a3ross "er s"oul5ers@ an5 s"e leane5 into me@ 3lin-in- to me %it" "er small@ 3are1ully painte5 "an5s. S"e 3rie5 soun5lessly@ only t"e s"akiness o1 "er 8reat"in- 8etrayin- "er. 9 "el5 "er an5 let "er 3ry. 91 9 took t"e ni3e 1iremen 5o%n into t"e 5arkness an5 si* ne%ly 5ea5 )ampires rose as re)enants@ eit"er t"e 1iremen %ere 5ea5 or 9?5 8e 1or3e5 to kill t"e )ampires. ,it"er %ay@ not a %in2%in situation. =e nee5e5 to 1in5 out i1 t"e )amps %ere ali)e@ nee5e5 some 3ontrol o)er t"em. 91 t"e 3oun3il %as 3ausin- t"e pro8lems@ may8e t"ey 3oul5 "elp 1i* it. ="en 8i- 8a5 )ampires 3ome to to%n to kill me@ 9 5on?t -enerally turn to t"em 1or "elp. But %e %ere tryin- to sa)e )ampires li)es "ere@ not >ust "uman. 7ay8e t"ey?5 "elp. 7ay8e t"ey %oul5n?t@ 8ut it 3oul5n?t "urt to ask. All ri-"t@ it 3oul5 "urt to ask@ an5 pro8a8ly %oul5.

Chapter Forty-three
,)en o)er t"e p"one@ 9 3oul5 tell Hean2!lau5e %as s"o3ke5 at my i5ea o1 turnin- to t"e 3oun3il 1or "elp. !all it a -uess. He %as literally spee3"less. 9t %as nearly a 1irst. A="y not ask 1or t"eir "elpBC A$"ey are t"e 3oun3il@ ma petite@C "e sai5@ )oi3e almost 8reat"y %it" emotion. A,*a3tly@C 9 sai5. A$"ey are t"e lea5ers o1 your people. Lea5ers"ip 5oesn?t >ust mean pri)ile-es. 9t "as a pri3e ta-.C A$ell t"at to your politi3ians in =as"in-ton in t"eir t"ree2t"ousan525ollar suits@C "e sai5. A9 5i5n?t say t"at %e 5i5 any 8etter. $"at?s 8esi5e t"e point. $"ey?)e "elpe5 make t"is pro8lem. $"ey 3an@ 8y Go5@ "elp 1i* it.C 9 "a5 a 8a5 t"ou-"t. A:nless t"ey?re 5oin- it on purpose@C 9 sai5. He -a)e a lon- si-". A/o@ ma petite@ it is not on purpose. 9 5i5 not realiEe t"at it %as "appenin- to t"e ot"ers.C A="y isn?t it "appenin- to our )ampiresBC 9 t"ink "e lau-"e5. A#ur )ampires@ ma petiteBC ADou kno% %"at 9 mean.C ADes@ ma petite@ 9 kno% %"at you mean. 9 "a)e 8een prote3tin- our people.C A4on?t take t"is %ron-@ 8ut 9?m surprise5 you "a5 t"e >ui3e to keep t"e 3oun3il 1rom messin- %it" your people.C A9n trut"@ ma petite@ so am 9.C ASo you?re more po%er1ul t"an 7al3olm no%BC A9t %oul5 appear so@C "e sai5 ;uietly. 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a minute. ABut %"y t"e early risin-B ="y t"e in3rease5 "un-erB ="y %oul5 t"e 3oun3il %ant t"at to 8e "appenin-BC A$"ey 5o not %ant it@ ma petite. 9t is merely a si5e e11e3t o1 t"eir pro*imity.C A,*plain@C 9 sai5. A$"eir )ery presen3e %ill -i)e unprote3te5 )ampires e*tra po%erJ early risin-@ per"aps ot"er -i1ts. $"e more )ora3ious appetite an5 la3k o1 3ontrol o1 t"e youn-er ones 3oul5 mean t"at t"e 3oun3il "as 5e3i5e5 not to 1ee5 %"ile in my territory. 9 kno% t"e $ra)eler 3an take ener-y t"rou-" lesser )ampires %it"out possessin- t"em.C ASo "e takes part o1 t"e 8loo5 t"ey 5rinkBC A#ui@ ma petite.C AAre t"e ot"ers 1ee5in-BC 9 aske5. A91 all o1 t"e !"ur3"?s mem8ers are e*perien3in- t"is 5i11i3ulty@ 9 %oul5 t"ink not. 9 t"ink t"e $ra)eler "as 1oun5 a %ay to 5rain ener-y 1or all o1 t"em@ t"ou-" 9 3annot ima-ine D)ette -oin- 1or e)en a ni-"t %it"out 3ausin- pain to someone.C AS"e "as =arri3k to pi3k on.C $"e moment 9 sai5 it@ 9 realiEe5 9 "a5n?t "a5 a 3"an3e to tell Hean2!lau5e a8out =arri3k?s little 5aytime e*3ursion@ or "is %arnin-. Hean2!lau5e "a5 %oken 1rom "is sleep %"ile 9 %as at t"e "ospital surroun5e5 8y %ereanimals. Sin3e t"en 9?5 8een mo)in- 1rom one emer-en3y to anot"er. A=arri3k 3ame to )isit me %"ile you %ere out 1or t"e 5ay@C 9 sai5. A="at 5o you mean@ ma petiteBC 9 tol5 "im. All o1 it. He %as silent. #nly "is so1t 8reat"in- let me kno% "e %as still t"ere. 'inally@ "e spoke. A9 kne% t"at D)ette -aine5 po%er t"rou-" "er master@ 8ut 9 5i5 not realiEe "e %as 5ampenin- =arri3k?s a8ilities.C He lau-"e5 su55enly. APer"aps t"at is %"y 9 5i5 not realiEe 9 %as a master )ampire %"ile 9 %as %it" t"e 3oun3il t"at 1irst time. Per"aps my master@ too@ %as pre)entin- my po%ers 1rom 8lossomin-.C A4oes =arri3k?s %arnin- 3"an-e our plansBC 9 aske5. A=e are 3ommitte5 to a 1ormal entertainment@ ma petite. 91 %e re1use to pay t"e pri3e 1or your %ereleopar5s@ t"en %e %ill -i)e Pa5ma an5 D)ette t"e )ery e*3use t"ey nee5 to 3"allen-e us. Breakin- 1ait" on3e your %or5 is -i)en is an almost un1or-i)a8le sin amon- us.C A9?)e en5an-ere5 us@C 9 sai5. A#ui@ 8ut 8ein- %"o you are@ you 3oul5 not 5o less. =arri3k a master )ampire@ %"o %oul5 "a)e t"ou-"t itB He "as 8een D)ette?s playt"in- 1or so )ery lon-.C AHo% lon-BC 9 aske5. Hean2!lau5e %as ;uiet 1or a "eart8eat or t%o@ t"en@ AHe %as a kni-"t o1 t"e !rusa5es@ ma petite.C

A="i3" 3rusa5eB $"ere %ere se)eral@C 9 sai5. ASo ni3e to talk to someone %"o kno%s t"eir "istory@ ma petite. But you "a)e 8een near "im. ="at a-e is "eBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out it. A/ine "un5re5@ -i)e or take.C A="i3" %oul5 meanBC A9 5on?t like 8ein- ;uiEEe5@ Hean2!lau5e. $"e 'irst !rusa5e in t"e late 1 A,*a3tement.C ASo D)ette %as ol5 e)en t"en@C 9 sai5. A4o you not kno% "er a-eBC AS"e?s a t"ousan5 years ol5. But it?s a so1t one t"ousan5. 9?)e met )amps "er a-e t"at s3are5 t"e "ell out o1 me. S"e 5oesn?t.C ADes@ D)ette is terri1yin- 8ut not 8e3ause o1 "er a-e@ or "er po%er. S"e 3an li)e until t"e en5 o1 t"e %orl5 an5 s"e %ill ne)er 8e a master amon- us.C AAn5 t"at -ripes "er ass@C 9 sai5. A!ru5ely 8ut a33urately put@ ma petite.C A9?m -oin- to ask t"e $ra)eler 1or "elp.C A=e "a)e 8ar-aine5 1or all t"e ai5 %e %ill e)er -et 1rom t"em@ ma petite. 4o not put yoursel1 1urt"er in t"eir 5e8t. 9 8e- t"is o1 you.C ADou?)e ne)er 8e--e5 anyt"in- o1 me@C 9 sai5. A$"en "ee5 me no%@ ma petite. 4o not 5o t"is.C A9?m not -oin- to 8ar-ain@C 9 sai5. He let out a 8reat" as i1 "e?5 8een "ol5in- it. AGoo5@ ma petite@ )ery -oo5.C A9?m >ust -oin- to ask.C A7a petite@ ma petite@ %"at "a)e 9 >ust tol5 youBC ALook@ %e?re tryin- to sa)e )ampire li)es "ere@ not >ust "uman. Vampires are le-al in t"is 3ountry. 9t 5oesn?t >ust mean you -et pri)ile-es. 9t 3omes %it" a pri3e. #r it s"oul5.C ADou are -oin- to appeal to t"e 3oun3il?s sense o1 >usti3eBC He 5i5n?t 8ot"er to keep t"e in3re5ulity out o1 "is )oi3e. 9n 1a3t@ "e playe5 on it. Put t"at %ay it soun5e5 silly@ 8ut ... A$"e 3oun3il is partially to 8lame 1or %"at?s "appenin-. $"ey?)e en5an-ere5 t"eir o%n people. Goo5 lea5ers 5on?t 5o t"at.C A/o one "as e)er a33use5 t"em o1 8ein- -oo5 lea5ers@ ma petite. $"ey >ust are. 9t is not a ;uestion o1 -oo5 or 8a5. =e 1ear t"em@ an5 t"at is enou-".C ABulls"it. $"at isn?t enou-". 9t isn?t e)en 3lose to enou-".C He si-"e5. APromise me only t"at you %ill not 8ar-ain %it" t"em. 7ake your re;uest 8ut 5o not o11er t"em anyt"in- 1or t"eir ai5. Dou must s%ear t"is to me@ ma petite. Please.C 9t %as t"e ApleaseC t"at 5i5 it@ an5 t"e 1ear in "is )oi3e. A9 promise. 9t?s t"eir >o8 to 5o t"is. Dou 5on?t 8ar-ain to -et someone to 5o %"at t"ey?re suppose5 to 5o in t"e 1irst pla3e.C ADou are a %on5rous 3om8ination o1 3yni3ism an5 nai)et6@ ma petite.C ADou t"ink it?s nai)e to e*pe3t t"e 3oun3il to "elp t"e )ampires o1 t"is 3ityBC A$"ey %ill ask %"at is in it 1or t"em@ ma petite. ="at %ill you sayBC A9?ll tell t"em it?s t"eir 5uty@ an5 3all t"em "onorless 8astar5s i1 t"ey 5on?t 5o it.C He 5i5 lau-" t"en. A9 %oul5 pay to "ear t"is 3on)ersation.C A=oul5 it "elp 1or you to listen inBC A/o. 91 t"ey suspe3t it is my i5ea@ t"ey %ill 5eman5 a pri3e. #nly you@ ma petite@ 3oul5 8e t"is nai)e 8e1ore t"em an5 "ope to 8e 8elie)e5.C 9 5i5n?t t"ink o1 mysel1 as nai)e@ an5 it 8u--e5 me t"at "e 5i5. #1 3ourse@ "e %as nearly t"ree 3enturies ol5er t"an 9 %as. 7a5onna pro8a8ly seeme5 nai)e to "im. A9?ll let you kno% "o% it -oes.C A#"@ t"e $ra)eler %ill make )ery 3ertain t"at 9 kno% t"e out3ome.C AAm 9 a8out to -et you in trou8leBC s.C

A=e are alrea5y in trou8le@ ma petite. 9t 3annot -et mu3" 5eeper.C A=as t"at meant to 8e 3om1ortin-BC 9 aske5. A:n peu@C "e sai5. A$"at meant Fa little@? ri-"tBC A#ui@ ma petite. Vous 5ispose a appren5re.C AStop it@C 9 sai5. AAs you like.C He lo%ere5 "is )oi3e to a se5u3ti)e %"isper@ as i1 it %asn?t alrea5y t"e )oi3e o1 %et 5reams. A="at %ere you 5oin- %"en 9 a%oke to5ayBC 9?5 almost 1or-otten a8out my little "ospital a5)enture. /o% it 3ame rus"in- 8a3k "ar5 enou-" to 8rin- "eat to my 1a3e. A/ot"in-.C A/o@ no@ ma petite@ t"at is not 3orre3t. Dou %ere most 3ertainly 5oin- somet"in-.C A4i5 Step"en an5 /at"aniel arri)e at t"e "ouseBC A$"ey 5i5.C AGreat. 9?ll talk to you later.C ADou re1use to ans%er my ;uestionBC A/o@ 9 >ust 5on?t kno% a s"ort )ersion t"at 5oesn?t make me 1eel like a slut. 9 5on?t "a)e time 1or a lon-er )ersion ri-"t no%. So@ 3an you %aitBC A9 %ill %ait 1or all eternity@ i1 my la5y asks it.C A!an t"e 3rap@ Hean2!lau5e.C A91 9 %is" you lu3k %it" t"e 3oun3il@ %oul5 t"at please you moreBC ADea"@ yea".C A9t is all ri-"t to 8e a la5y@ Anita. 9t is not a 8a5 t"in- 8ein- a %oman.C ADou try 8ein- one@ t"en talk to me@C 9 sai5. 9 "un- up. A7y la5yC soun5e5 like my 5o-. #%ners"ip. 9 %as "is "uman ser)ant. S"ort o1 killin- "im@ 9 3oul5n?t 3"an-e t"at. But 9 5i5n?t 8elon- to "im. 91 9 8elon-e5 to any8o5y@ 9 8elon-e5 to me. An5 t"at %as "o% 9 %as -oin- to approa3" t"e 3oun3il@ as meJ Anita Blake@ )ampire e*e3utioner@ poli3e liaison 1or t"e monsters. $"ey %oul5n?t listen to Hean2!lau5e?s "uman ser)ant@ 8ut t"ey mi-"t listen to me.

Chapter Forty-four
$"omas ans%ere5 t"e p"one at t"e !ir3us. A$"ey "a)e you 5oin- 1lunky %orkBC 9 aske5. A,*3use meBC "e sai5. ASorry@ t"is is Anita Blake.C He %as ;uiet 1or a se3on5@ t"en@ A9?m sorry@ %e are not open 1or 8usiness until ni-"t1all.C A9s 'ernan5o t"ereBC ADes@ t"at?s ri-"t. /i-"t1all.C A9 nee5 to talk to t"e $ra)eler@ $"omas. 9?m askin- t"is on poli3e 8usiness@ not as Hean2!lau5e?s "uman ser)ant. =e?)e -ot some )ampires in trou8le@ an5 9 t"ink "e 3an "elp.C ADes@ %e 5o take reser)ations@C "e sai5. 9 -a)e "im t"e num8er o1 4olp"?s 3ar p"one. A=e 5on?t "a)e a lot o1 time@ $"omas. 91 "e %on?t "elp me@ 9?)e -ot to -o in %it" 3ops an5 1iremen on my o%n.C A9 look 1or%ar5 to seein- you toni-"t.C He "un- up. Li1e %oul5 8e so mu3" easier i1 'ernan5o %ere 5ea5. Besi5es@ 9?5 promise5 Syl)ie %e?5 kill "im. 9 al%ays trie5 to keep my promises. 4olp" %as leanin- in t"e 5oor %antin- to kno% %"at %as takin- so lon-@ %"en t"e p"one ran-. 9 looke5 at "im. He no55e5 an5 mo)e5 a%ay. 9 pi3ke5 up. ADes.C A9 am tol5 you nee5e5 to speak %it" me.C 9 %on5ere5 %"ose lips "e %as usin-@ %"ose 8o5y. A$"ank you 1or 3allin- me 8a3k@ $ra)eler.C A little politeness 3oul5n?t "urt.

A$"omas %as surprisin-ly elo;uent on your 8e"al1. ="at 5o you %is" o1 meBC 9 e*plaine5 as 8rie1ly as possi8le. AAn5 %"at 5o you %is" me to 5o a8out t"is pro8lem o1 yoursBC ADou 3an stop takin- ener-y t"rou-" t"em. $"at %oul5 "elp.C A$"en 9 must 1ee5 on li)e "umans. 9s t"ere someone you %oul5 o11er in t"eir pla3e 1or ea3" o1 useC A/o@ no o11ers@ no 8ar-ains. $"is is poli3e 8usiness@ $ra)eler. 9?m speakin- %it" t"e aut"ority o1 "uman la% 8e"in5 me@ not Hean2!lau5e.C A="at is "uman la% to meB $o usBC A91 %e -o 5o%n t"ere an5 t"ey atta3k us@ 9?ll en5 up killin- some o1 t"em. $"ey may kill poli3emen@ 1iremen. $"at?s 8a5 pu8li3ity %it" Bre%ster?s La% to 8e 5e3i5e5 t"is 1all. $"e 3oun3il "as stoppe5 all )ampires in t"is 3ountry 1rom 1i-"tinamon-st t"emsel)es until t"e la% is 1inaliEe5. Surely slau-"terin- poli3emen is 1or8i55en@ tooBC A9t is@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as so 3are1ul. He -a)e me not"in-. 9 3oul5n?t tell i1 "e %as an-ry or amuse5 or -a)e a 5amn eit"er %ay. A9?m askin- you to "elp me sa)e t"e li)es o1 your )ampires.C A$"ey 8elon- to t"is !"ur3" o1 yours. $"ey are not mine@C "e sai5. ABut t"e 3oun3il is t"e o)erall lea5ers"ip o1 t"e )ampires@ ri-"tBC A=e are t"eir ultimate la%.C 9 5i5n?t like t"e p"rasin-@ 8ut 9 plo%e5 a"ea5. ADou 3oul5 1in5 out 3ase 8y 3ase i1 t"e )ampires %ere ali)e or 5ea5 in t"e 8urne52out 8uil5in-s. Dou 3oul5 keep t"e )amps 1rom risin- early an5 atta3kin- us "ere.C A9 t"ink you o)erestimate my po%ers@ Anita.C A9 5on?t t"ink so@C 9 sai5. A91 Hean2!lau5e %ill supply us %it" ... 1oo5@ 9 %ill 8e more t"an "appy to 3ease 8orro%in- 1rom t"e ot"ers.C A/o@ you -et not"in- 1or t"is@ $ra)eler.C A91 you -i)e me not"in-@ 9 -i)e you not"in-@C "e sai5. A4ammit@ t"is isn?t a -ame.C A=e are )ampires@ Anita. 4o you not un5erstan5 %"at t"at meansB =e are apart 1rom your %orl5. ="at "appens to you 5oes not a11e3t us.C ABulls"it. Some 1anati3s are out "ere tryin- to 5upli3ate t"e 9n1erno all o)er a-ain. $"at a11e3ts you. $"omas an5 Gi5eon "a)e "a5 to repel in)a5ers %"ile you slept. 9t 5oes a11e3t you.C A9t 5oesn?t matter. =e are in your %orl5@ 8ut not o1 it@C "e sai5. ALook@ t"at may "a)e %orke5 in t"e 1+ ?s or %"ene)er@ 8ut t"e minute )ampires 8e3ame le-al 3itiEens@ it 3"an-e5. A )ampire -ot taken to t"e "ospital in an am8ulan3e. $"ey are 5oin- t"eir 8est to keep "im ali)e@ %"ate)er t"e "ell t"at means 1or you -uys. 'iremen are riskin- t"eir li)es to -o into 8urne52out 8uil5in-s to sa)e )ampires. $"e 1anati3s are tryin- to kill you@ 8ut t"e rest o1 us "umans are tryin- to sa)e you.C A$"en you are 1ools@C "e sai5. A7ay8e@C 9 sai5@ A8ut %e poor "umans "a)e taken oat"s to prote3t an5 ser)e. =e "onor our promises.C AAre you implyin- 9 5o notBC A9?m sayin- t"at i1 you 5on?t "elp us "ere@ to5ay@ t"en you aren?t %ort"y to 8e 3oun3il. Dou aren?t lea5ers. Dou?re >ust parasites 1ee5in- on t"e 1ear o1 your 1ollo%ers. $rue lea5ers 5on?t lea)e t"eir people to 5ie@ not i1 t"ey 3an sa)e t"em.C AParasites. 7ay 9 tell t"e rest o1 t"e 3oun3il your so "i-" opinion o1 usBC He %as an-ry no%. 9 3oul5 "ear it like "eat a3ross t"e line. ADea"@ tell t"em all. But mark me on t"is@ $ra)eler@ )ampires 3an?t >ust -ain pri)ile-es %it" le-al 3itiEens"ip. $"ey also -ain responsi8ilities to t"e "uman la% t"at ma5e t"em le-al.C A9s t"at soBC ADea"@ t"at?s so. $"is mysterious Fin your %orl5 8ut not a part o1 it? may "a)e %orke5 in t"e past. But %el3ome to t"e t%entiet" 3entury@ 8e3ause t"at?s %"at le-al status means. #n3e you?re 3itiEens %"o pay ta*es@ o%n 8usinesses@ marry@ in"erit@ "a)e 3"il5ren@ you 3an?t "i5e in some 3rypt some%"ere an5 3ount t"e 5e3a5es. Dou are a part o1 our %orl5 no%.C A9 %ill t"ink upon %"at you "a)e sai5@ Anita Blake.C A="en 9 -et o11 t"e p"one %it" you@ 9?m -oin- insi5e t"e "ouse. =e?re -oin- to start 8rin-in- out t"e )amps in 8o5y 8a-s to prote3t t"em in 3ase t"e 1loor 3a)es in. 91 t"ey rise as re)enants %"ile %e?re 5oin- it@ it?ll 8e a 8loo58at".C

A9 am a%are o1 t"e pro8lems@C "e sai5. AAre you a%are t"at it?s t"e presen3e o1 t"e 3oun3il t"at?s -i)in- t"em t"e ener-y to possi8ly rise t"is early in t"e 5ayBC A9 3annot 3"an-e t"e e11e3t our presen3e "as on t"e lesser )ampires. 91 t"is 7al3olm %is"es to 3laim t"e status o1 master@ t"en it is "is 5uty to keep "is people sa1e. 9 3annot 5o it 1or "im.C A!an?t or %on?tBC 9 aske5. A!an?t@C "e sai5. Hmmm. A7ay8e 9 "a)e o)erestimate5 your po%ers. 7y apolo-ies i1 9 "a)e.C AA33epte5@ an5 9 un5erstan5 "o% rare it is 1or you to apolo-iEe 1or anyt"in-@ Anita.C $"e p"one %ent 5ea5. 9 "it t"e 8utton t"at turne5 o11 t"e 8uEEin- line. 4olp" %alke5 8a3k as 9 -ot out o1 t"e 3ar. A=ellBC 4olp" aske5. 9 s"ru--e5. ALooks like %e -o in %it"out )ampire 8a3kup.C ADou 3an?t 5epen5 on t"em@ Anita@ not 1or 8a3kup.C He took my "an5@ somet"in- "e?5 ne)er 5one@ s;ueeEin- it. A$"is is all you 3an 3ount on. #ne "uman to anot"er. $"e monsters 5on?t -i)e a s"it a8out us. 91 you t"ink t"ey 5o@ t"en you are 1oolin- yoursel1.C He 5roppe5 my "an5 an5 %alke5 a%ay 8e1ore 9 3oul5 t"ink o1 a 3ome8a3k. Hust as %ell. A1ter talkin- to t"e $ra)eler@ 9 %asn?t sure 9 "a5 one.

Chapter Forty-five
An "our later 9 %as 5resse5 in a HaEar5ous 7aterials suit2HaE27at 1or s"ort. 9t %as 8ulky@ to say t"e least@ an5 turne5 into a porta8le sauna in t"e St. Louis "eat. Hea)y tape %as %rappe5 aroun5 my el8o%s an5 %rists@ se3urin- t"e seal 8et%een -lo)es an5 slee)es. 9?5 %alke5 out o1 t"e 8oots t%i3e@ so t"ey tape5 my le-s@ too. 9 1elt like an astronaut %"o "a5 -one to t"e %ron- tailor. 9nsult to in>ury@ t"ere %as a Sel12!ontaine5 Breat"in- Apparatus@ S!BA@ strappe5 to my 8a3k. A55 :n5er%ater an5 you -ot S!:BA@ 8ut %e %eren?t plannin- to -o un5er%ater. 9 %as -rate1ul 1or t"at. $"ere %as a mask t"at 3o)ere5 t"e entire 1a3e instea5 o1 a mout"pie3e %it" re-ulator@ 8ut ot"er t"an t"at@ it %as 5amn 3lose to S!:BA -ear. 9 "a5 my 5i)in- 3erti1i3ation. Got it 8a3k in 3olle-e an5 keep it up5ate5. 91 you let it sli5e@ you "a)e to take t"e %"ole 5amn trainin- 3ourse o)er a-ain. :p5atin- %as less pain1ul. 9 %as 5elayin- puttin- on t"e mask as lonas possi8le. 4ue to a 5i)in- a33i5ent in 'lori5a@ 9?)e -ot 3laustrop"o8ia no%. /ot 8a5 enou-" 1or ele)ators to 8e a pro8lem@ 8ut en3lose5 in t"e suit@ %it" a mask a8out to 3o)er my 1a3e an5 t"e HaE27at "elmet -oin- o)er my entire "ea52 9 %as pani3kin- an5 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o a8out it. A4o you really t"ink all t"is is ne3essaryBC 9 aske5 1or t"e 5oEent" time. 91 t"ey?5 >ust -i)e me a re-ular 1ire "elmet %it" t"e S!BA@ 9 3oul5 "an5le it. A91 you -o in %it" us@ yes@C !orporal $u3ker sai5. Her t"ree in3"es o1 e*tra "ei-"t 5i5n?t "elp mu3". =e 8ot" looke5 like %e %ere %earin- "an52me25o%ns. A$"ere?s t"e possi8ility o1 5isease 3ontamination i1 t"ere are 8o5ies 1loatin- in t"e 8asement@C Lieutenant =ren sai5. A=ill t"ere really 8e t"at mu3" %ater in t"e 8asementBC $"ey e*3"an-e5 -lan3es. ADou?)e ne)er 8een in a "ouse a1ter a 1ire@ "a)e youBC $u3ker aske5. A/o.C ADou?ll un5erstan5 on3e %e?re in@C s"e sai5. ASoun5s ominous.C A9t?s not meant to@C s"e sai5. $u3ker 5i5n?t "a)e mu3" o1 a sense o1 "umor@ an5 =ren "a5 too mu3". He?5 8een entirely too soli3itous %"ile %e %ere %ri--lin- into t"e suits. He?5 ma5e sure "e tape5 me up an5 %as e)en no% %astin- a 8rilliant smile on me. But it %as not"in- too o)ert. /ot"in- o8)ious enou-" 1or me to say@ look 9 "a)e a 8oy1rien5. 'or all 9 kne%@ "e %as al%ays like t"is an5 9?5 look an ass 1or takin- it personally. APut t"e mask on@ an5 9?ll "elp you 1it t"e "oo5 o)er it@C =ren sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. AHust -i)e me a re-ular "elmet an5 9?ll use t"e S!BA.C A91 you 1all in t"e %ater %it"out t"e "oo5 seale5@ Anita@ you mi-"t as %ell not "a)e t"e suit at all.C A9?ll take my 3"an3es@C 9 sai5. $u3ker sai5@ ADou "a5 trou8le %alkin- 1rom t"e HaE27at tru3k to "ere. Dou?ll -et 8etter %it" pra3ti3e@ 8ut in 5eep %ater@ e)en %e?ll "a)e trou8le keepin- our 1eet.C

9 s"ook my "ea5 a-ain. 7y "eart %as poun5in- so "ar5@ 9 %as "a)in- trou8le 8reat"in-. 9 put t"e mask on my 1a3e. 9 took a 8reat"@ an5 t"at "orri8le soun5 8e-an. 9t %as like 4art" Va5er 8reat"in- e*3ept it %as yours. 9n t"e %ater@ in t"e 5ark@ your 8reat" %as t"e only soun5. 9t 3oul5 8e3ome t"un5erously lou5 %"ile you %aite5 to 5ie. AStrap nee5s ti-"tenin-@C =ren sai5. He starte5 to a5>ust t"e strap as i1 9 %ere 1i)e an5 8ein- 8un5le5 o11 to play in t"e sno%. A9 3an 5o it.C 7y )oi3e 3ame o)er t"e open ra5io line in t"e mask. He raise5 "is -lo)e5 "an5s sky%ar5@ still smilin-. He %as a "ar5 man to insult@ 8e3ause 9?5 8een tryin-. He "a5 t"is sort o1 3"eer1ul -oo5%ill t"at seeme5 to 5e1le3t e)eryt"in-. /e)er trust people %"o smile 3onstantly. $"ey?re eit"er sellinsomet"in- or not )ery 8ri-"t. =ren 5i5n?t strike me as stupi5. 9nsult to in>ury@ 9 3oul5n?t -et t"e strap a5>uste5 on t"e 5amne5 mask. 9 al%ays "ate5 tryin- to %ork %it" anyt"in- 8ulkier t"an sur-i3al -lo)es. 9 pulle5 t"e mask o11 an5 my 1irst 8reat" o1 real air %as too lou5@ too lon-. 9 %as s%eatin-@ an5 it %asn?t >ust t"e "eat. 9 "a5 t"e Bro%nin- an5 t"e 'irestar lyin- on t"e si5e o1 t"e 1ire tru3k. $"ere %ere enou-" po3kets on t"e outsi5e o1 t"e suit to "ol5 "al1 a 5oEen -uns. 9 "a5 a sa%e52o11 s"ot-un 1rom my )ampire kit in a makes"i1t pa3k a3ross my 8a3k. Dea"@ it?s ille-al@ 8ut 4olp" "a5 8een %it" me on3e upon a time %"en %e %ent a1ter a re)enant )ampire. $"ey %ere like P!P usersJ immune to pain@ stron-er e)en t"an a normal )amp. A 1or3e o1 "ell %it" 1an-s. 9 s"o%e5 "im t"e s"ot-un 8e1ore 9 -ot it out. He okaye5 it. =e?5 en5e5 %it" t%o 5ea5 se3urity -uar5s an5 one rookie o11i3er sprea5 all o)er t"e "all%ay t"e last time. At least 4olp" an5 "is men "a5 sil)er ammo no%. He an5 Ker8ro%ski nearly -ettin- kille5 8e3ause t"ey 5i5n?t "a)e it %as %"at pus"e5 t"e paper%ork t"rou-". 9 -a)e t"em a 8o* o1 ammo 1or !"ristmas 8e1ore t"ey -ot o11i3ial sil)er ammo. 9 ne)er %ante5 to %at3" any o1 t"em 8lee5 t"eir li)es a%ay 1or la3k o1 it. 9?5 le1t t"e kni)es in t"eir %rist s"eat"s. !arryin- nake5 8la5es in t"e po3kets o1 a suit t"at %as air2an5 %ater2ti-"t seeme5 sort o1 5e1eatist. 91 9 lost 8ot" "an5-uns an5 "a5 to s3ram8le 1or t"e kni)es un5er t"e suit@ t"en %e %ere pro8a8ly toast. /o nee5 to %orry a8out it. 7y sil)er 3ross "un- nake5 aroun5 my ne3k. 9t %as t"e 8est 5eterrent 9 "a5 a-ainst 8a8y )amps. $"ey 3oul5n?t 1or3e t"eir %ay past a 8are 3ross@ not %"en it %as 8a3ke5 up 8y 1ait". 9?5 only met one )amp t"at 3oul5 1or3e "is %ay past a 8laEin- 3ross an5 "arm me. An5 "e %as 5ea5. 'unny "o% so many o1 t"em en5e5 up t"at %ay. $u3ker 3ame o)er to me. A9?ll "elp you a5>ust t"e mask.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ALea)e me till last. $"e less time 9?m in t"is -et2up t"e 8etter.C S"e li3ke5 "er lips@ starte5 to say somet"in-@ stoppe5@ t"en sai5@ AAre you all ri-"tBC /ormally@ 9 %oul5 "a)e sai5 sure@ 8ut t"ey %ere 5epen5in- on me@ may8e 1or t"eir li)es. Ho% s3are5 %as 9B S3are5. A/ot e*a3tly@C 9 sai5. ADou?re 3laustrop"o8i3@ aren?t youBC s"e sai5. 9 must "a)e looke5 surprise5@ 8e3ause s"e sai5@ AA lot o1 people %ant to 8e 1iremen@ 8ut in t"e mi55le o1 a 1ire %it" t"e mask 5o%n an5 smoke so t"i3k you 3an?t see your "an5 in 1ront o1 your eyes@ you 5on?t %ant to 8e 3laustrop"o8i3.C 9 no55e5. A9 3an un5erstan5 t"at.C A$"ere?s a part o1 trainin- %"ere t"ey 3o)er your eyes 3ompletely an5 make you 5o t"e e;uipment 8y tou3" as i1 t"e smoke "a5 8la3ke5 out t"e %orl5. Dou learn %"o 5oesn?t like it 3lose.C A9 3oul5 take t"e suit %it"out t"e S!BA. 9t?s t"e 3om8ination o1 t"e suit an5 listenin- to mysel1 8reat"e. 9 "a5 a 5i)ina33i5ent >ust a1ter 3olle-e.C A!an you 5o t"isBC /o a33usations@ >ust "onesty. 9 no55e5. A9 %on?t lea)e you stran5e5.C A$"at?s not %"at 9 aske5@C s"e sai5. =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er. AGi)e me a 1e% minutes. 9 >ust 5i5n?t un5erstan5 %"at HaE27at %as. 9?ll 8e okay.C ADou sureBC 9 no55e5. S"e 5i5n?t say anyt"in- else@ >ust %alke5 a%ay to let me -at"er my s3attere5 %its. =ren "a5 1inally %an5ere5 o)er to talk to 'ulton. =ren an5 $u3ker %ere -oin- in 8e3ause t"ey %ere 8ot" parame5i3s an5 %e mi-"t nee5 t"eir me5i3al trainin-. Also@ 1rankly@ 9 5i5n?t %ant 'ulton in t"e 5ark %it" me an5 a 8un3" o1 )amps. He %as simply too 1reake5. 9 5i5n?t 8lame "im@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant "im at my 8a3k eit"er. #1 3ourse@ i1 9?5 8een %at3"in- me s%eat an5 stru--le to 8reat"e 3almly@ 9 mi-"t not %ant me in t"ere. 4ammit. 9 3oul5 5o t"is. 9 "a5 to 5o t"is. 4ete3ti)e $ammy <eynol5s 3ame slo--in- up in "er o%n suit. $"ey 5i5n?t "a)e one 8i- enou-" to 1it 4olp"@ so s"e %as my arme5 8a3kup. #"@ >oy. 9 3oul5n?t sen5 t"em in %it" $ammy as t"eir only 8a3kup. $ammy "a5 mana-e5 to -et "er s"oul5er ri- o)er t"e suit. S"e "a5 one o1 t"ose t"at >ust ro5e a3ross t"e s"oul5ers@ no 8elt to put t"rou-" straps. ="en 9?5 8een s"oppin-@ all t"e "olsters t"at >ust 3rosse5 t"e s"oul5ers mo)e5 aroun5 on me

too mu3". Part o1 it is "a)in- narro% s"oul5ers. 9?5 "a)e "a5 to "a)e t"e "olster 3ut 5o%n. 9 5on?t 8uy t"in-s t"at "a)e to 8e 1usse5 %it". /ot 5resses or "olsters. <eynol5s smile5 at me. ALarry?s really 5isappointe5 t"at "e 3an?t 3ome alon-.C A9? m relie)e5@C 9 sai5. S"e 1ro%ne5 at me. A9 t"ou-"t you?5 %ant "im to 8a3k you up.C ADea"@ 8ut a -un 3an?t "elp "im i1 t"e 3eilin- 3a)es in on us.C ADou t"ink it %illBC s"e aske5. 9 s"ru--e5. 9?5 3on3entrate5 on -ettin- suite5 up@ on small 5etails@ on =ren?s ;uiet teasin-. 9?5 mana-e5 not to 5%ell on t"e t"ou-"t t"at %e %ere a8out to %alk a3ross a 1loor t"at mi-"t 3ollapse un5erneat" us@ t"en %alk un5er it an5 %ait 1or it to 3ollapse on top o1 us@ %"ile %a5in- t"rou-" %ater 1ull o1 3o11ins an5 )ampires. ="at 3oul5 8e 8etterB ALet?s >ust say 9?m 3autious.C AAn5 you 5on?t %ant to risk Larry.C A$"at?s ri-"t. 9 5on?t like t"e i5ea o1 Larry -ettin- "urt@ 8y anyt"in-.C 9 stare5 at "er %"ile 9 sai5 it. S"e 8linke5 "aEel eyes at me@ t"en smile5. A/eit"er 5o 9@ Anita@ neit"er 5o 9.C 9 no55e5 an5 let it -o. 9?5 5one my parentin- 8it. 9 %asn?t e)en sure %"y 9 5i5n?t trust $ammy@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. =omen?s intuition@ or may8e 9 >ust 5i5n?t trust mu3" o1 any8o5y anymore. 7ay8e. $u3ker 3ame 8a3k to us. A$ime to suit up.C S"e looke5 ri-"t at me. 9 no55e5. 9 let "er "elp me a5>ust t"e mask o)er my 1a3e. 9 3lose5 my eyes an5 3on3entrate5 on my 8reat"in-2in@ out@ in@ out. 9n 5i)in- i1 you 8reat"e5 too 1ast@ you 3oul5 8lo% your lun-s. /o% it %as >ust a %ay to keep 1rom "yper)entilatin-. S"e 1itte5 t"e suit?s "oo5 o)er my "ea5. 9 %at3"e5 "er 5o it an5 kne% my eyes %ere a little too %i5e. =ren?s 3"eer1ul )oi3e 3ame o)er t"e ra5io in t"e mask. ABreat"e normally@ Anita.C A9 am 8reat"in- normally@C 9 sai5. 9t soun5e5 o55 to 8e a8le to talk normally %"ile my o%n 8reat"in- %as %"eeEin-@ lou5 an5 ominous in my ears. =it" a re-ulator in@ you 3oul5n?t talk@ t"ou-" 9?5 learne5 you 3oul5 s3ream %it" a re-ulator 3len3"e5 8et%een your teet". Soun5s e3"o like a son o1 a 8it3" un5er %ater. =it" t"e "elmet o)er t"e mask@ )isi8ility %as not t"e 8est. 9 pra3ti3e5 turnin- my "ea5@ seein- >ust "o% 8i- t"e 8lin5 spots %ere. 7y perip"eral )ision %as almost -one. $ammy?s )oi3e 3ame o)er t"e ra5io. A9t?s "ar5 to see in t"is t"in-.C ADou?ll -et use5 to it@C $u3ker sai5. A9 "ope %e?re not in t"is -et2up lon- enou-" to -et use5 to it@C 9 sai5. A91 %e say Frun@? run like "ell@C $u3ker sai5. ABe3ause t"e 1loor %ill 8e 3a)in- in@ ri-"tBC 9 sai5. 9 t"ink s"e no55e5@ 8ut it %as "ar5 to tell t"rou-" t"e layers. A<i-"t.C A'ine@ 8ut %"en %e -et to t"e stairs@ 9 "a)e to take t"e lea5@ an5 i1 9 say Frun like "ell@? it means t"e )ampires are -oin- to eat us.C =ren an5 $u3ker e*3"an-e5 -lan3es. ADou tell us to run@C =ren sai5@ A%e?ll ask "o% 1ast.C AA-ree5@C $u3ker sai5. AGreat@C 9 sai5. $rut"1ully@ it %as a 5amn relie1 not to "a)e to ar-ue %it" anyone. /o 5e8ate. ="at a relie1. 91 9 "a5n?t 8een s%eatin- like a pi-@ listenin- to my o%n 8reat"in- e3"oin- "orri1i3ally like $"e $ell2$ale Heart@ "a)in- to relearn "o% to %alk in metal2line5 8oots@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 %orkin- %it" t"e 1ire 5epartment %as a 8reak. But it %asn?t. 9?5 "a)e rat"er rappelle5 5o%n on ropes %it" Spe3ial 'or3es into a 1ree21ire Eone t"an s"u11le alon- in t"e mummy suit tryin- not to lose it. 9t %as >ust a p"o8ia@ 5ammit. /ot"in- %as %ron-. /ot"in- %as "urtin- me. 7y 8o5y 5i5n?t 8elie)e t"e lo-i3. P"o8ias are like t"at. <eason 5oesn?t mo)e t"em. =ren steppe5 onto t"e 1loor. 9t ma5e a noise like a -iant -roanin- in its sleep. He 1roEe@ t"en stompe5 "is 1eet so "ar5 9 t"ou-"t my pulse %as -oin- to spill out my mout". AS"oul5n?t %e 8e ;uieterBC 9 aske5. =ren?s )oi3e 3ame in my ear. A=alk e*a3tly %"ere 9 %alk. 4on?t 5e)iate@ 5on?t sprea5 out.C A="yBC 9 aske5. AHust 8e3ause t"e 1loor is soli5 %"ere 9?m %alkin- 5oesn?t mean it?s soli5 any%"ere else.C A#"@C 9 sai5.

9 %ent ri-"t 8e"in5 =ren@ so 9 -ot a 3loseup )ie% o1 "is little stompin- 5an3e. 9t %as not 3om1ortin-. $u3ker 3ame 8e"in5 me@ t"en 4ete3ti)e <eynol5s 8rin-in- up t"e rear. 9?5 -i)en e)ery8o5y a 3ross to put in t"e po3kets o1 t"eir suits. ="y %asn?t e)eryone %earin- one like 9 %asB Be3ause $u3ker an5 =ren %ere 3arryin- a pa3k o1 opa;ue 8o5y 8a-s apie3e. Plan %as to put t"e )amps in t"e 8a-s an5 take t"em 8a3k up. 9nsi5e an am8ulan3e in t"e 8o5y 8a-s t"ey?5 8e sa1e until ni-"t1all. 91 %e pulle5 t"is o11 an5 t"e 3eilin5i5n?t 3ollapse 8e1ore 5arkness@ 9 %as -oin- to 8e pisse5. As lon- as it 5i5n?t 1all %"ile %e %ere 5o%n "ere. $"at 9 3oul5 pass on. 9 %alke5 %"ere =ren %alke5@ reli-iously. $"ou-" 9 5i5 "a)e to say@ A,)en out o1 t"is suit my stri5e isn?t as 8i- as yours. 9n t"e suit 9?m 5amne5 near 3ripple5. !an 9 take smaller stepsBC AHust as lon- as t"e steps are 5ire3tly in line %it" mine@ yes@C =ren sai5. <elie1. $"e 1loor %as 3o)ere5 %it" 5e8ris. /ails %ere e)ery%"ere in t"e 8la3kene5 8oar5s. 9 un5erstoo5 t"e metal insoles no%. 9 %as -rate1ul 1or t"em@ 8ut it 5i5n?t make t"em any easier to %alk in. $"ere %as a line to one si5e -oin- 5o%n a "ole in t"e 1loor. 9t %as a "ar5 su3tion "ose atta3"e5 to a lou5 pump some 5istan3e a%ay. $"ey %ere 5rainin- t"e %ater out o1 t"e 8asement. 91 t"e pla3e %as %aterti-"t@ it 3oul5 8e 1ull to t"e 3eilin-. !om1ortin- t"ou-"t. 'ulton "a5 3alle5 in a HaE27at tanker 1or t"e %ater. He seeme5 to 8e treatin- )ampirism like a 3onta-ious 5isease. 9t %as 3onta-ious 8ut not in t"e %ay "e seeme5 to t"ink. But "e %as 9n3i5ent !omman5er. 9 %as learnin- t"at t"at title e;uate5 %it" Go5 at a 1ire s3ene. Dou 3oul5n?t ar-ue %it" Go5. Dou 3oul5 -et ma5 at "im@ 8ut it 5i5n?t 3"an-e anyt"in-. 9 3on3entrate5 on mo)in- my 1eet. =at3"in- 1or 5e8ris. Steppin- in =ren?s 1ootsteps. 9 let t"e %orl5 sli5e a%ay e*3ept 1or mo)in- 1or%ar5. 9 %as a%are o1 t"e sun 8eatin- 5o%n@ s%eat tri3klin- 5o%n my spine@ 8ut it %as all 5istant. $"ere %as not"in- 8ut mo)in- 1or%ar5@ no t"inkin- re;uire5. 7y 8reat"in- %as normal %"en 9 8umpe5 into =ren?s 8a3k. 9 1roEe@ a1rai5 to mo)e. =as somet"in- %ron-B A="at?s upBC 9 aske5. AStairs@C "e sai5. #"@ 9 t"ou-"t. 9 %as suppose5 to take t"e lea5 no%. 9 %asn?t rea5y. $rut"1ully@ 9 %asn?t sure "o% -oo5 9 3oul5 %alk on stairs in t"e 5amn suit. 9 >ust "a5n?t appre3iate5 "o% "ar5 it %oul5 8e to %alk in it. AStairs are t"e most 5an-erous part o1 a 8uil5in- like t"is@C =ren sai5. A91 anyt"in- is -oin- to 3ollapse it?ll 8e t"e stairs.C AAre you tryin- to make us 1eel 8etterBC <eynol5s aske5. AHust prepare5@C "e sai5. A9?ll test t"e 1irst 1e% steps. 91 it seems soli5@ 9?ll mo)e 8a3k an5 let Blake take it.C He %asn?t teasin- anymore. He %as all 8usiness@ an5 %e %ere su55enly on a lastname 8asis. A=at3" t"e 8o5y on t"e stairs@C "e sai5. He mo)e5 onto t"e 1irst step@ stompin- "ar5 enou-" t"at 9 >umpe5. $"e 8o5y on t"e stairs %as 8la3k@ 3"ar3oale5. $"e mout" -ape5 open in a soun5less s3ream. Dou "a5 to look 3lose to see t"e 1an-s. <eal )amp 1an-s >ust aren?t t"at 8i-. $en5ons %ere stret3"e5 nake5 lookin- like t"ey?5 snap i1 you tou3"e5 t"em. $"e 8o5y looke5 1ra-ile@ as i1 one tou3" an5 it %oul5 8e 5ust. 9 remem8ere5 Larry an5 t"e skull t"at "a5 turne5 to po%5er at "is tou3". $"is 8o5y looke5 tou-"er t"an t"at@ 8ut not 8y mu3". !oul5 it 8e ali)eB =as t"ere some spark insi5e it t"at %it" ni-"t1all it %oul5 mo)e@ li)eB 9 5i5n?t kno%. 9t s"oul5 "a)e 8een as". 9t s"oul5 still "a)e 8een 8urnin- in t"e sunli-"t@ no matter "o% mu3" %ater t"ey poure5 on it. =ren?s )oi3e startle5 me. ADou 3an take t"e lea5 no%@ Anita.C 9 looke5 5o%n t"e steps an5 1oun5 =ren se)eral steps 8elo%@ almost "al1%ay. $"e 5arkness 5o%n 8elo% spille5 aroun5 "is 1eet like a pool. He %as 1ar enou-" 5o%n t"at a really am8itious )amp mi-"t "a)e -ra88e5 a le- an5 pulle5 "im 5o%n. 9 "a5n?t 8een 3on3entratin-. 7y 1ault. A!ome 8a3k up@ =ren@C 9 sai5. He 5i5@ an5 "e %as o8li)ious to t"e possi8le 5an-er. 4amn. A$"e stairs are 3on3rete@ %"i3" makes it sa1er. Dou s"oul5 8e okay.C A4o 9 still "a)e to stomp e)ery stepBC A9t?5 8e sa1er@C "e sai5. A91 9 1eel it -oin-@ 9 yellBC ADes@C "e sai5. He 8rus"e5 past me. 9 stare5 5o%n into t"e Sty-ian 5ept"s. A9 nee5 a "an5 1or t"e railin- in t"is suit. A "an5 1or t"e -un. 9?m out o1 "an5s 1or a 1las"li-"t@C 9 sai5. A9 3an try an5 s"ine a li-"t in 1ront o1 you@ 8ut it %on?t 8e %"ere you nee5 it. A4on?t %orry a8out it@ unless 9 ask.C 9t took me o)er a minute@ may8e t%o@ to 1um8le t"e Bro%nin- out o1 its po3ket. $"e -un %as 5e1initely -oin- in one "an5. 9 "a5 to use t%o "an5s to 3li3k o11 t"e sa1ety in t"e 8ulky -lo)es. 9 sli5 my "an5 insi5e t"e tri--er -uar5 on t"e tri--er. 9?5 ne)er "a)e 3arrie5 a -un like t"is normally. But my -lo)e5 1in-er 5i5n?t %ant to

1it insi5e t"e tri--er -uar5. 9 %as rea5y to -o no%. 91 9 put sa1ety 1irst@ 9?5 ne)er -et a s"ot o11 in time. 9?5 pra3ti3e5 %it" %inter -lo)es on@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er 5reame5 o1 "a)in- to s"oot )amps in a HaE27at suit. Hell@ 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at a HaE27at suit %as until to5ay. A="at?s t"e "ol5upBC 'ulton?s )oi3e. 9?5 1or-otten "e %as monitorin- e)eryt"in- %e sai5. Like 8ein- spie5 on. A$"ese 5amn -lo)es aren?t e*a3tly ma5e 1or s"ootin-.C A="at?s t"at meanBC "e aske5. A9t means@ 9?m rea5y to -o 5o%n no%@C 9 sai5. 9 kept t"e Bro%nin- pointe5 up an5 a little 1or%ar5. 91 9 1ell in t"e suit an5 a33i5ently 1ire5 a s"ot@ 9 %as -oin- to try )ery "ar5 not to s"oot anyone 8e"in5 me. 9 %on5ere5 i1 4ete3ti)e $ammy "a5 "er -un out. 9 %on5ere5 "o% -oo5 a s"ot s"e %as. Ho% %as s"e in an emer-en3yB 9 sai5 a s"ort prayer t"at %e %oul5n?t 8e 1in5in- out@ -ot a 5eat" -rip on t"e 8anister@ an5 stompe5 t"e 1irst step. 9t 5i5n?t 1all 5o%n. 9 stare5 a"ea5 into t"e t"i3k 8la3kness at t"e mi55le o1 t"e stairs. $"e sunli-"t 3ut a3ross t"e 5arkness like a kni1e. AHere %e -o@ 8oys an5 -irls@C 9 sai5. An5 5o%n %e %ent.

Chapter Forty-six
=ater lappe5 at t"e last 1e% steps. $"e 8asement "a5 turne5 into a lake. =ren?s 1las"li-"t passe5 o)er t"e 5ark %ater like a tiny sear3"li-"t. $"e %ater %as a soli5 8la3kness@ "ol5in- all its se3rets 3lose an5 ;uiet. A 3o11in 1loate5 a8out ten 1eet 1rom t"e stairs@ 8o88in- -ently in t"e 5ark@ 5ark %ater. ,)en o)er t"e %"eeEin- an5 %"oos" o1 my o%n 8reat"in-@ 9 3oul5 "ear t"e %ater lappin-. $"ere %as t"e soun5 o1 %oo5 ru88in- to-et"er like 8oats tie5 up at a 5o3k. 9 pointe5@ an5 =ren?s li-"t 1ollo%e5 my "an5. $%o 3o11ins %ere 8umpina-ainst one anot"er near t"e 1ar %all. A$"ree 3o11ins )isi8le@ 8ut t"ere s"oul5 8e 1our more. #ne 1or t"e -uar5ian@ one 1or t"e )amp on t"e stairs@ an5 t%o more.C 9 took t"at last step into t"e %ater. ,)en t"rou-" t"e suit 9 3oul5 1eel t"e li;ui5 like a 5istant 3oolness@ a li;ui5 %ei-"t lappin- at my ankles. $"e 1eel o1 t"e %ater %as enou-" to spee5 my 8reat"in-@ sen5 my "eart poun5in- in my t"roat. ADou?re -oin- to "yper)entilate@C =ren sai5. ASlo% your 8reat"in-.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%ly@ 3ountin- to make it slo%er. A 3ount o1 1i1teen@ t"en anot"er 8reat". ADou okayBC "e aske5. A="at?s -oin- onBC 'ulton aske5. A/ot"in-@C =ren sai5. A9?m okay@C 9 sai5. A="at?s "appenin-BC 'ulton sai5. A=e?re missin- 1our 3o11ins. $%o 3oul5 "a)e sunk@ 8ut %e still "a)e t%o missin-. Hust %on5erin- %"ere t"ey are@C 9 sai5. ABe 3are1ul 5o%n t"ere@C "e sai5. ALike a )ir-in on "er %e55in- ni-"t@C 9 %"ispere5. Someone lau-"e5. Al%ays -oo5 to 8e amusin-. 9 trie5 stompin- on t"e ne*t step@ knee25eep in %ater@ an5 my 1eet %ent out 1rom un5er me. 9 %as su55enly sli5in- 5o%n t"e steps@ only my -rip on t"e 8anister keepin- me 1rom -oin- un5er. 9 sat in %ater up to my 3"in@ 1eelin- stupi5 an5 s3are5. A 3om8ination 9?m not 1on5 o1. =ren 3ame to stan5 o)er me@ li-"t sli5in- o)er t"e %ater %"ile "e "elpe5 me to my 1eet. 9 nee5e5 t"e "elp. 9 raise5 t"e Bro%nin- 5rippin- %et into t"e li-"t. A=ill your -un %ork no%BC "e aske5. A9 3oul5 1ire it un5er%ater an5 it %oul5 still %ork@C 9 sai5. 9t still amaEes me "o% many people t"ink a little %ater ruins a -un. Dou "a)e to 3lean it really %ell a1ter%ar5s 8ut 5urin- t"e s"ootin-@ %ater is 1ine. $"e 5ays o1 "a)in- to keep your po%5er 5ry are lon- past. 9 ease5 5o%n t"e remainin- steps an5 sli5 slo%ly 5o%n into t"e 3ool %ater. 7y 8reat"in- -re% ra--e5. 'u3k it@ 9 %as s3are5. 'lat21oote5 in t"e %ater@ 9 3oul5 "a)e -one 1or t"e 1las"li-"t in one o1 t"e po3kets@ or 9 3oul5 "a)e sli5 t"e s"ot-un out o1 t"e 8a- a3ross my 8a3k. But 8e1ore 9 starte5 3"an-in- -uns@ 9?5 let 4ete3ti)e $ammy -et 5o%n "ere %it" "er -un to 3o)er me. 9 still 5i5n?t kno% "o% -oo5 s"e %as@ 8ut it %as 8etter t"an not"in-. $"e %ater sli5 aroun5 my upper 3"est@ not ;uite armpit 5ept"@ 8ut almost. 9 sli5 )ery 3are1ully out into t"e %ater@ more s%immin- t"an %alkin-@ -un "el5 t%o2"an5e5 an5 rea5y. #r as rea5y as you 3an 8e "al121loatin- in a 8orro%e5 astronaut suit.

9 5i5n?t like t"e 1a3t t"at %e %ere missin- t%o 3o11ins %it" )amps insi5e t"em. $"ey pro8a8ly >ust sank@ 8ut my -ut %as tense@ %aitin- 1or "an5s to sli5e o)er my ankles@ an5 yank me un5er. 7y 1oot 8rus"e5 somet"in- soli5@ an5 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e 1or a se3on5. 7y 1oot s3oote5 a-ainst it. Paint 3an may8e. 9 -uess e)en )amps "a)e 3rap in t"eir 8asement >ust like t"e rest o1 us. A9?)e -ot some 5e8ris o)er "ere@C 9 sai5. ADou soun5 like a real 1iremen@C =ren sai5. A!o11inBC 4ete3ti)e $ammy aske5 1rom t"e stairs. S"e sli5 into t"e %ater last. A/o@ >ust a 3an o1 some kin5.C $"e 3o11in "a5 almost 1loate5 to me. /o e11ort. 9 put a "an5 out to tou3" it@ keepin- it 1loatin- -ently in t"e small %a)es. A="en =ren an5 $u3ker -et up to t"e 3o11in@ 9?m -oin- to 8a3k o11. !o)er me %"ile 9 pull out t"e s"ot-un.C ADou -ot it@C $ammy sai5. S"e "a5 "er 1las"li-"t an5 -un in t%o "an5s@ one a8o)e t"e ot"er@ so t"e li-"t mo)e5 %it" t"e 8arrel o1 "er -un. S"e %as s%eepin- t"e %ater 1or mo)ement. Hust seein- "er 5o t"at ma5e t"e tension in my s"oul5ers ease a 8it. A4on?t open t"e 3o11in until 9?m rea5y@C 9 sai5. 9 "a5 a moment to realiEe t"at 9 %asn?t %orrie5 a8out my 8reat"in-. $"e su11o3atin- 3loseness "a5 re3e5e5 un5er t"e pure a5renaline rus" o1 8ein- 3"est25eep in %ater %it" )ampires all aroun5. 9 3oul5 8e p"o8i3 later@ a1ter %e sur)i)e5. =ren an5 $u3ker took eit"er en5 o1 t"e 3o11in. ,)en t"ey %ere "a)in- trou8le mo)in- in t"e %ater in 1ull suits. A9?m -oin1or t"e s"ot-un no%@ <eynol5s.C ADou?re 3o)ere5@C s"e sai5. 9 8a3ke5 o11 an5 s%un- t"e 8a- aroun5. 9 "a5 a moment to 5e3i5e %"et"er to try to put t"e Bro%nin- 8a3k in a pants po3ket or in t"e 8a- %"ere t"e s"ot-un %as no%. 9 3"ose t"e 8a-. 9 kept t"e 8a- in 1ront t"ou-"@ %"ere 9 3oul5 put a "an5 in i1 9 nee5e5 t"e -un. 9 s%un- t"e s"ot-un aroun5@ settlin- t"e 8utt o1 it a-ainst my s"oul5er. 9 8ra3e5 mysel1 as mu3" as 9 3oul5 in t"e %ater an5 sai5@ A#pen it.C $u3ker stea5ie5 it@ an5 =ren s%un- t"e li5 8a3k. He 3rosse5 my line o1 1ire %"ile "e 5i5 it. ADou?)e 3rosse5 my line o1 si-"t@ =ren.C A="atBC A7o)e to your ri-"t@C 9 sai5. He 5i5 it %it"out any more ;uestions 8ut t"at one 5elay 3oul5 "a)e 8een enou-" to -et "im "urt or 5ea5. $"e )ampire lay on "er 8a3k@ lon- "air sprea5 aroun5 "er pale 1a3e@ one "an5 3laspe5 on "er 3"est like a sleepin- 3"il5. A#kay to mo)e "erBC =ren aske5. AStay out o1 my line o1 1ire an5 you 3an 5o anyt"in- you %ant@C 9 sai5. ASorry@C "e sai5. ,)en o)er t"e mikes "e soun5e5 em8arrasse5. 9 5i5n?t "a)e time to soot"e "is e-o. 9 %as too 8usy %at3"in- 1or )amps. 9 kept my attention mainly on t"e one in t"e open 3o11in@ 8ut 9 "a5 no perip"eral )ision in t"e suit. 7y "earin- %as 3ut in "al1 or more. 9 1elt totally unprepare5. A="y aren?t our 3rosses -lo%in-BC <eynol5s aske5 1rom >ust 8e"in5 me. A$"ey 5on?t -lo% aroun5 5ea5 8o5ies@C 9 sai5. =ren an5 $u3ker %ere "a)in- trou8le -ettin- t"e 8o5y into t"e 8a-. =ren 1inally t"re% t"e 8o5y a3ross one s"oul5er an5 $u3ker starte5 s;uirmin- t"e le-s into t"e 8a-. $"e )ampire lay utterly limp a3ross =ren?s 8a3k. Her lon- "air traile5 into t"e %ater@ turnin- 8la3k as it a8sor8e5 t"e %ater. ="en t"ey sli5 "er t"e last 8it into t"e 8a-@ 9 -ot a -limpse o1 "er 5eat"2 pale 1a3e@ stran5s o1 %et "air 3lin-in- to it@ like a 5ro%nin- )i3tim. $u3ker Eippe5 t"e 8a- an5 sai5@ A$"ere?s %ater in t"e 8a-. 9 5on?t kno% "o% to a)oi5 it.C =ren -ot t"e 8o5y as 8alan3e5 as "e 3oul5 an5 starte5 1or t"e stairs. A$"is is -oin- to take a lon- time %it" >ust t%o o1 us 3arryin-@C "e sai5. 'ulton?s )oi3e 3ame o)er t"e ra5ios. A=e?)e -ot t%o more suits@ 7s. Blake. 9s it sa1e to sen5 more men 5o%nBC ASpeakin- as one o1 t"e sa3ri1i3ial lam8s@C 9 sai5@ Ayea". ="y s"oul5 %e "a)e all t"e 1unBC =ren -ot to t"e stairs an5 starte5 3lim8in- up@ one "an5 on t"e 8anister. He trie5 to 5o t"e little stompin- routine like %e 5i5 on t"e %ay 5o%n an5 nearly 1ell 8a3k into t"e %ater. A9?m >ust -oin- up t"e stairs. 91 t"ey 3ollapse@ try not to lea)e me 8urie5 until my air runs out.C A4o our 8est@C 9 sai5. A$"anks@C "e sai5@ sar3asm tra)elin- >ust 1ine o)er t"e mikes. $u3ker "a5 isolate5 one o1 t"e ot"er 3o11ins. <eynol5s slo--e5 o)er to stea5y it %"ile $u3ker -ot t"e li5. S"e 5i5n?t "a)e enou-" "ei-"t to s%in- it 8a3k ni3ely like =ren "a5. S"e >ust s"o)e5. $"e li5 1ell 8a3k sma3kin- t"e ot"er 3o11in %it" a lou5@ e3"oin- t"unk. $"e soun5 ma5e t"e tips o1 my 1in-ers tin-le.

AS"it@C <eynol5s 8reat"e5. A,)eryt"in- okayBC 'ulton aske5. ADea"@C 9 sai5@ A>ust a little 3ase o1 ner)es.C ADou okay 5o%n t"ere@ $u3kerBC "e aske5. A9t %as me@C <eynol5s sai5. ASorry.C $"e se3on5 )amp %as male %it" s"ort 8ro%n "air an5 a sprinklin- o1 1re3kles still 3lin-in- to "is %"ite skin. He %as o)er si* 1oot. He %as -oin- to 8e e)en "ar5er to 8a-. $u3ker 3ame up %it" t"e i5ea o1 5ra--in- t"e 3o11in to t"e stairs an5 usin- t"e stairs to "elp le)era-e t"e 8o5y. Soun5e5 -oo5 to me. $"e 8ottom o1 t"e stairs %asn?t in sunli-"t@ so t"e )amp s"oul5n?t min5. <eynol5s an5 $u3ker "a5 5ra--e5 t"e 3o11in to t"e 1oot o1 t"e stairs 8y t"e time =ren 3ame 8a3k 5o%n. He lai5 an unEippe5 8a- o)er t"e len-t" o1 t"e 8o5y. A91 <eynol5s an5 $u3ker stea5y t"e 3o11in@ 9 t"ink 9 3an >ust roll "im into t"e 8a-.C ASoun5s like a plan to me@C $u3ker sai5. S"e steppe5 lo%er in t"e %ater. <eynol5s looke5 to me@ an5 9 sai5@ ASure.C S"e mo)e5 to t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 3o11in@ "er -un not pointe5 at anyt"inanymore@ 1las"li-"t "el5 8eam25o%n into t"e %ater like a 5istant -ol5en 8all o1 li-"t in t"e 5ark pool. =ren leane5 in o)er t"e 8o5y to roll it on its si5e. ADou?re in my line o1 si-"t a-ain@ =ren@C 9 sai5. ASorry@C "e sai5@ 8ut "is arms %ere "al1 un5er t"e 8o5y@ rollin- it. He 5i5n?t mo)e out o1 t"e %ay. A7o)e@ 5ammit@C 9 sai5. A9?)e almost -ot "im in t"e 8a-.C $"e )ampire?s "ea5 spasme5. 9t "appens sometimes e)en in t"eir Asleep@C 8ut 9 5i5n?t like it no%. A4rop "im an5 step 8a3k =ren@ no%.C 7y 3ross an5 <eynol5s?s 3ross 1lare5 to li1e like t%o small %"ite suns. =ren 5i5 %"at 9 aske5@ 8ut it %as too late. $"e )ampire turne5 on "im@ mout" %i5e@ 1an-s strainin-. 9t 8it into t"e suit %it" a lou5 "iss o1 release5 air. $"ey %ere too 3lose to trust t"e s"ot-un. A<eynol5s@ it?s yours@C 9 sai5. =ren s3reame5. <eynol5s?s -un ma5e sparks in t"e near 5arkness. $"e )ampire >erke5 8a3k 1rom =ren@ a "ole in its 1ore"ea5. But it %asn?t 5ea5@ not e)en 3lose. <e)enants 5on?t 5ie t"at easy. 9 1ire5 into t"at pale 1a3e. $"e 1a3e e*plo5e5 into 8loo5 an5 8its o1 meatG small "ea)y pie3es raine5 5o%n into t"e %ater %it" so1t plops. 9t 1ell 8a3k a-ainst t"e raise5 3o11in li5@ "ea5 -one@ "an5s still spasmin- in t"e %"ite satin interior. Le-s ki3kin-. =ren 1ell to "is 8utt on t"e stairs. $u3ker %as sayin-@ A=ren@ =ren@ ans%er me.C A9?m "ere@C "e sai5@ )oi3e "oarse. A9?m "ere.C 9 3ame t%o 3are1ul steps 3loser on t"e %ater23o)ere5 stairs an5 put anot"er s"ell in t"e )ampire?s 3"est@ 8lo%in- a "ole in it an5 t"e 3o11in li5 8e"in5 it. 9 pumpe5 anot"er s"ell in t"e s"ot-un an5 sai5@ A:p t"e stairs@ no%IC 9 knelt 8y =ren@ "an5 un5er "is arm@ t"e ot"er 1ull o1 s"ot-un. #)er t"e rin-in- in my ears 1rom t"e -uns 9 "ear5 $u3ker say@ ASomet"in- 8rus"e5 my le-.C A#ut@ no%IC 9 trie5 to 1or3e t"em up t"e stairs %it" my )oi3e. 9 5ra--e5 =ren to "is 1eet an5 pus"e5 "im up t"e stairs. He 5i5n?t nee5 mu3" ur-in-. ="en "e rea3"e5 sunli-"t@ "e turne5 8a3k@ %aitin- 1or t"e rest o1 us. <eynol5s %as almost %it" us. $%o %et@ 5rippin- arms 3ame up on eit"er si5e o1 $u3ker. 9 yelle5@ A$u3kerIC $"e arms 3lose5 an5 s"e %as su55enly air8orne@ 8a3k%ar5s@ un5er t"e %ater. 9t 3lose5 o)er "er like a 8la3k 1ist. $"ere?5 ne)er 8een anyt"in- to s"oot at. Her )oi3e %as 3rystalline o)er t"e ra5io@ 8reat"in- so ra--e5 it "urt to "ear it. A=renI Help meIC 9 sli5 5o%n t"e steps@ 1allin- into t"e %ater@ lettin- t"e 8la3kness 3lose o)er me. 7y 3ross 1lare5 t"rou-" t"e %ater like a 8ea3on. 9 sa% mo)ement 8ut %asn?t sure it %as "er. 9 1elt mo)ement in t"e %ater se3on5s 8e1ore arms -ra88e5 me 1rom 8e"in5. $eet" tore into t"e suit@ "an5s rippin- t"e "elmet o11 like %et paper. 9t rolle5 me in t"e %ater@ an5 9 let it. 9 let its ea-er "an5s 3arry me aroun5 until 9 s"o)e5 t"e s"ot-un a-ainst its 3"in an5 1ire5. 9 %at3"e5 its "ea5 )anis" in a 3lou5 o1 8loo5 8y t"e -lo% o1 my 3ross. 9 still "a5 t"e 8reat"in- mask on@ %"i3" %as %"y 9 %asn?t 5ro%nin-. $u3ker?s s3reams %ere 3ontinuous no%. Her s3reamin- %as e)ery%"ere@ in t"e ra5io@ in t"e %ater@ e3"oin- an5 3onstant. 9 stoo5 up@ t"e remnants o1 t"e suit sli5in- 5o%n my 8o5y. 9 lost some o1 t"e e3"oes o1 $u3ker?s s3reams. $"e %ater %as 3on5u3tin- t"e s3reams like an ampli1ier.

<eynol5s an5 =ren %ere 8ot" in t"e %ater. A 8a5 i5ea. He %as stru--lin- to%ar5s somet"in-@ an5 9 sa% it. $u3ker?s HaE2 7at suit %as 1loatin- on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 8asement. He t"re% "imsel1 into t"e %ater tryin- to s%im to "er. <eynol5s %as tryin- to stay %it" "im@ -un in "an5. Her 3ross %as 8lin5in-ly 8ri-"t. 9 yelle5 o)er t"e ra5io@ A,)eryone outI #ut@ 5ammit@ outIC /o one %as listenin-. $u3ker?s s3reams stoppe5 a8ruptly. ,)eryone else s3reame5 more. ,)eryone 8ut me. 9 %ent ;uiet. S3reamin- %oul5n?t "elp. $"ere %ere at least t"ree )amps 5o%n "ere %it" us. $"ree re)enants. =e %ere -oin- to 5ie i1 %e staye5 5o%n "ere. $"e )ampire e*plo5e5 out o1 t"e %ater in 1ront o1 me. $"e s"ot-un 1ire5 8e1ore 9 realiEe5 9?5 5one it. $"e )ampire?s 3"est e*plo5e5@ an5 it -ra88e5 1or me any%ay. 9 "a5 time to >a3k anot"er s"ell in@ 8ut not to 1ire. At moments like t"is t"e %orl5 -oes too 1ast an5 too slo%. Dou 3an?t stop anyt"in- 1rom "appenin-@ 8ut you 3an see it all in e*3ru3iatin- 5etail. $"e )ampire?s 1in-ers 5u- into my s"oul5ers@ pain1ully ti-"t@ "ol5in- me still %"ile "e reare5 8a3k to strike. 9 "a5 a -limpse o1 1an-s 1rame5 8y a 5ark 8ear5. 7y 3ross?s -lo% %as almost 1ranti3ally 8ri-"t@ "i-"li-"tin- t"e )ampire?s 1a3e like a Hallo%een 1las"li-"t. 9 1ire5 t"e s"ot-un strai-"t up un5er t"e 3"in@ no time to 8ra3e@ >ust to pull t"e tri--er. $"e "ea5 e*plo5e5 in a re5 rain all o)er my 1a3e mask. 9 %as 8lin5e5 8y 8loo5 an5 t"i3ker t"in-s. $"e re3oil o1 t"e s"ot-un sat me 5o%n in t"e %ater. 9 %ent un5er %it"out kno%in- i1 t"e t"in- %as still 3omin- or i1 it %as 5ea5. 9 stru--le5 to t"e sur1a3e. $"e %ater "a5 streake5 t"e 1a3e mask 3lean o1 8loo5@ 8ut "ea)ier t"in-s 3lun- to it@ so 9 %as still 8lin5. 9 >erke5 t"e mask o11 my 1a3e. losin- t"e ra5io 8ut -ainin- my )ision. $"e )ampire %as 1loatin- in 1ront o1 me@ not 1a3e 5o%n@ or 1a3e up. 'a3eless. Goo5y. ="en <eynol5s?s -un 1ire5@ t"e s"ots soun5e5 stran-e@ an5 9 realiEe5 9 %as 5ea1 in t"e ear 9?5 1ire5 t"e s"ot-un ne*t to. $"e )ampire?s 8o5y rea3te5 to t"e 8ullets@ sta--erin-@ 8ut not stoppin-. S"e %as "ittin- it 1ull mi55le 8o5y like t"ey tea3" you on t"e ran-e. 9 yelle5@ AHea5 s"ot.C S"e raise5 t"e -un@ an5 t"e -un 3li3ke5 empty. 9 t"ink s"e %as -oin- 1or e*tra ammo in a po3ket %"en t"e t"in- >umpe5 "er an5 t"ey 8ot" )anis"e5 into t"e %ater. 9 sli5 out o1 %"at remaine5 o1 t"e suit. ,)en %it" t"e tape5 >oints it slippe5 o11 me like a s"e5 skin. 9 e*3"an-e5 "an5s to keep t"e s"ot-un rea5y an5 5i)e5 into t"e %ater. S%immin- %as 1aster@ an5 i1 t"ere %as anyt"in- to 3at3"@ 9?5 3au-"t it 8y no%. $"e 3ross lit my %ay like a 8ea3on. But it %as <eynol5s?s 3ross t"at 9 s%am 1or. $"at %as my 8ea3on. 9 "a5 se3on5s to rea3" "er or it %as all o)er. 9 "a5 a sense o1 mo)ement a se3on5 8e1ore t"e last )amp slamme5 into me. 9 turne5@ startin- to point t"e s"ot-un at it@ an5 it -ra88e5 t"e -un. 9 t"ink it %as >ust -ra88in- anyt"in-@ 8ut it tore t"e -un 1rom my "an5 an5 -ra88e5 1or me. S"e %as almost pretty %it" "er lon- pale "air streamin- 8e"in5 "er like a mermai5 strai-"t out o1 a 1airy story. $"e 3ross ma5e "er skin -lo% as s"e rea3"e5 1or me. 9 "a5 a kni1e rea5y an5 s"o)e5 it up un5er "er 3"in. 9t sli5 in easily 8ut 5i5n?t rea3" t"e 8rain. 9t %asn?t a killin- 8lo%@ not e)en 3lose. S"e stoo5 in t"e %ater@ "an5s 3la%in- at t"e kni1e. 9 5on?t t"ink it %as pain. S"e >ust 3oul5n?t open "er mout" enou-" to 1ee5. 9 s"o)e5 t"e se3on5 8la5e un5er "er ri8s@ up into "er "eart. Her 8o5y s"u55ere5@ eyes impossi8ly %i5e. Her mout" opene5 enou-" 1or me to see my kni1e 8la5e impalin- "er. S"e s3reame5 %or5lessly an5 "it me %it" t"e 8a3k o1 "er "an5. $"e only t"in- t"at kept me 1rom 8ein- air8orne %as t"e %ater. 9t a8sor8e5 some o1 t"e s"o3k. 9 1ell 8a3k%ar5s@ an5 t"e %ater 3lose5 o)er me. 9 "a5 a se3on5 o1 1loatin-@ t"en 9 trie5 to 8reat"e@ -ot a mout"1ul o1 %ater an5 sta--ere5 to my 1eet@ 3ou-"in-@ 1allin- 5o%n as soon as 9 stoo5. 9 -ot my 1eet un5er me an5 1elt somet"in- %armer on my 1a3e t"an %ater. 9 %as 8lee5in-. 7y )ision %as -oin- -rey %it" little %"ite 1lo%ers in it. $"e )ampire %as still 3omin- 1or me %it" my last t%o kni)es in its 8o5y. $"ere %as no more s3reamin- 1rom a3ross t"e room. 9 3oul5n?t see t"at 1ar@ 8ut it 3oul5 only mean one t"in-. <eynol5s@ =ren@ an5 $u3ker %ere -one. 9 %as 8a3kin- up in t"e %ater. 9 trippe5 o)er somet"in- an5 %ent 5o%n@ %ater pourin- o)er me. 9t %as "ar5er to -et up t"is time@ slo%er. 9?5 trippe5 o)er t"e HaE27at suit@ an5 t"e 8a- %it" t"e Bro%nin- in it. 7y )ision %as 1ull o1 "oles. 9t %as like %at3"in- t"e )ampire t"rou-" a stro8e li-"t. 9 3lose5 my eyes@ 8ut t"e %"ite 1lo%ers ate t"e 8a3k o1 my eyeli5s. 9 let mysel1 sink into t"e %ater an5 1oun5 t"e 8a- 8y my 1oot. =as 9 "ol5in- my 8reat"@ or "a5 9 >ust stoppe5 8reat"in-B 9 3oul5n?t remem8er. 9 -ot t"e Bro%nin- out %it"out openin- my eyes. 9 5i5n?t nee5 to see to use it. S"e -ra88e5 a "an51ul o1 my "air an5 5ra--e5 me to t"e sur1a3e. 9 1ire5 as 9 3ame up@ 8lo%in- "oles in "er 8o5y like a Eipper until 9 3ame to t"at pale 1a3e. S"e put a "an5 out@ o)er t"e muEEle o1 t"e -un@ an5 t"at 5eli3ate "an5 8le% into 8its o1 8one@ a 8loo5y stump. 9 1ire5 into t"at 1a3e until it %as a re5 ruin an5 9 %as 5ea1 in 8ot" ears. $"e )ampire 1ell 8a3k%ar5s into t"e %ater@ an5 9 sli5 to my knees. $"e %ater poure5 o)er me. 9 trie5 to pus" to t"e sur1a3e a-ain an5 3oul5n?t. 9 t"ink 9 -ot one last mout"1ul o1 air@ t"en t"e -rey an5 %"ite spots %ere e)ery%"ere. 9 3oul5n?t see t"e -lo% o1 t"e 3ross or t"e 8la3k %ater. ="en 5arkness s%allo%e5 my )ision@ it %as smoot" an5 per1e3t. 9 "a5 a moment o1 1loatin-@ a 5im t"ou-"t t"at 9 s"oul5 8e s3are5@ t"en not"in-.

Chapter Forty-seven
9 %oke up on t"e -rass %"ere !aroline an5 9 "a5 8een sittin-. Vomitin- %ater an5 8ile@ 1eelin- like s"it@ 8ut ali)e. Ali)e %as -oo5. Almost as -oo5 %as 4ete3ti)e $ammy <eynol5s stan5in- o)er me@ %at3"in- t"e ,7$s %ork on me. Her arm

%as tape5 to "er si5e@ an5 s"e %as 3ryin-. $"en not"in-@ like someone 3"an-e5 t"e 3"annel@ an5 9 %oke up to a 5i11erent s"o%. Hospital t"is time@ an5 9 %as a1rai5 9?5 5reame5 <eynol5s@ an5 t"at s"e %as really 5ea5. Larry sat in a 3"air 8y my 8e5@ "ea5 8a3k@ asleep or kno3ke5 out on painkillers. 9 took "is presen3e as a si-n 9 "a5n?t "allu3inate5 <eynol5s. 91 "is s%eetie "a5 8een 5ea5@ 9 5i5n?t t"ink "e?5 8e sittin- "ere@ at least not asleep. He 8linke5 a%ake@ eyes un1o3use5@ 1rom 5ru-s 9 t"ink. AHo% are youBC ADou tell me.C He smile5@ trie5 to stan5 an5 "a5 to take a 5eep 8reat" 8e1ore "e 3oul5 5o it. A91 9 %asn?t "urt@ 9?5 8e out "elpin- $ammy res3ue )amps ri-"t no%.C Somet"in- ti-"t in my 3"est loosene5. AS"e is ali)e@ t"en. 9 t"ou-"t 9?5 5reame5 it.C He 8linke5 at me. ADea"@ s"e?s ali)e. So is =ren.C AHo%BC 9 aske5. He -rinne5 at me. AA )ampire kno%n as t"e $ra)eler seems a8le to in"a8it 8o5ies o1 ot"er )amps. Says "e?s a mem8er o1 t"eir 3oun3il an5 "e?s "ere to "elp. Says you enliste5 "is ai5.C Larry %as %at3"in- me )ery 3losely@ t"e painkillers sli5ina%ay 1rom "is eyes as "e trie5 to %ill me to tell t"e trut". A$"at?s essentially it@C 9 sai5. AHe took o)er t"e 8o5y o1 t"e )amp atta3kin- $ammy an5 =ren. He sa)e5 t"em. S"e s"o)e5 "er arm into t"e )amp?s mout"@ an5 it?s 8roken@ 8ut it?ll "eal.C A="at a8out =renBC A#kay@ 8ut "e?s pretty 8roken up o)er $u3ker.C AS"e 5i5n?t make it@C 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. AS"e %as torn up@ nearly yanke5 in "al1. All t"at %as "ol5in- "er to-et"er %as t"e HaE27at suit.C ASo you 5i5n?t "a)e to stake "er@C 9 sai5. A$"e )amps 5i5 t"e >o8 t"emsel)es@C "e sai5. A$"ey -ot $u3ker?s 8o5y up 8ut not t"e )amps you 5i5 in. $"ey?re still 5o%n t"ere.C 9 looke5 at "im. ALet me -uess@ it 3a)e5 in25i5n?t itBC A/ot 1i)e minutes a1ter t"ey pulle5 $u3ker?s 8o5y out@ an5 lai5 you on t"e -rass@ t"e %"ole t"in- %ent. $"e )amp 8o5y t"at t"e $ra)eler %as usin- starte5 to 8urn. 9?)e ne)er seen one o1 t"em 8urn 8e1ore. 9t %as impressi)e an5 s3ary. $"e ru88le 3o)ere5 t"e )amp. $"ey 3oul5n?t 5i- "im out until 5ark 8e3ause t"at %oul5 "a)e e*pose5 "im to sunli-"t a-ain. He 5u"is o%n %ay out %"ile t"ey %ere still -ettin- starte5.C AHe atta3k anyoneBC 9 aske5. Larry s"ook "is "ea5. AHe seeme5 pretty 3alm.C ADou %ere t"ereBC ADep.C 9 let it -o. /o sense %orryin- o)er %"at mi-"t "a)e "appene5 i1 t"e )amp "a5 3la%e5 "is %ay to 1ree5om pisse5. 9 also 1oun5 it )ery interestin- t"at t"e $ra)eler 3oul5n?t stan5 t"e sunli-"t@ an5 =arri3k 3oul5. Sur)i)in- sunli-"t@ e)en 5im sunli-"t@ %as t"e rarest o1 talents amon- t"e %alkin- 5ea5. #r may8e =arri3k %as ri-"t. 7ay8e it %as Go5?s -ra3e. ="o %as 9 to kno%B A9s it my ima-ination or are you >ust mo)in- 8etter@ %it" less painBC 9 aske5. A9t?s 8een anot"er t%enty21our "ours. 9?m startin- to "eal.C A,*3use meBC 9 sai5. ADou?)e 8een out 1or o)er a 5ay. 9t?s late Sun5ay a1ternoon.C AS"it@C 9 sai5. Ha5 Hean2!lau5e met %it" t"e 3oun3il %it"out meB Ha5 t"e A5inner@C %"ate)er it %as@ alrea5y "appene5B AS"it@C 9 sai5 a-ain. Still 1ro%nin-@ "e sai5@ A9?)e -ot a messa-e 1rom t"e $ra)eler 1or you. $ell me %"y you su55enly look so s3are5 an5 9?ll -i)e it to you.C AHust -i)e it to me@ Larry@ please.C Still 1ro%nin-@ "e sai5@ A$"e 5inner is postpone5 until you 1eel %ell enou-" to atten5.C 9 settle5 8a3k a-ainst t"e pillo%s an5 3oul5n?t keep t"e relie1 o11 my 1a3e@ my 8o5y. A="at t"e "ell is -oin- on@ AnitaBC

7ay8e it %as t"e 3on3ussion. 7ay8e it %as t"e 1a3t t"at 9 5i5n?t like to lie to Larry 1a3e to 1a3e. ="ate)er it %as@ 9 tol5 "im trut". 9 tol5 "im all o1 it. 9 tol5 "im a8out <i3"ar5 an5 t"e marks. He kne% a8out t"at@ 8ut not %"at 9?5 5is3o)ere5 re3ently. 9 le1t out a 1e% t"in-s@ 8ut not mu3". ="en 9 %as 5one@ "e sat 8a3k in t"e 3"air lookin- stunne5. A=ell@ say somet"in-.C He s"ook "is "ea5. AS%eet 7ary 7ot"er o1 Go5@ 9 5on?t kno% %"ere to start. Hean2!lau5e "a5 a press 3on1eren3e last ni-"t %it" t"e $ra)eler at "is si5e. $"ey talke5 a8out )ampire an5 "uman unity in t"e 1a3e o1 t"is a%1ul e)ent.C A="ose 8o5y 5i5 t"e $ra)eler useBC 9 aske5. Larry s"i)ere5. A$"at is one o1 t"e 3reepiest )amp po%ers 9 "a)e e)er seen. He use5 some )amp 1rom 7al3olm?s !"ur3". 7al3olm %as at t"e press 3on1eren3e. too. $"e $ra)eler use5 "is po%ers to "elp res3ue t"e ot"er )amps@ in3lu5in7al3olm.C A="o a3te5 as intepreter %"ile t"e sun %as upBC 9 aske5. ABalt"asar@ "is "uman ser)ant.C ABalt"asar as a pu8li3 ser)ant@ t"at is 3reepy@C 9 sai5. Larry 1ro%ne5. AHe tol5 me "e "a5 a t"in- 1or men %it" re5 "air. =as "e ki55in-BC 9 lau-"e5@ an5 it ma5e my "ea5 "urt. 9 %as su55enly )ery a%are o1 a -ro%in- "ea5a3"e@ as i1 it "a5 8een t"ere all t"e time@ >ust maske5 8y 5ru-s. 7o5ern 3"emistry@ t"ere is no su8stitute. APro8a8ly not@ 8ut 5on?t %orry. Dou?re not on t"e menu.C A="o isBC Larry aske5. A9 5on?t kno% yet. Has 4olp" 1oun5 out %"o?s 8e"in5 t"e 8om8in-s an5 stu11BC ADes.C He sai5 t"at one %or5 like it %as enou-". A$ell me or 9 %ill -et out o1 t"is 8e5 an5 "urt you.C A9t %as Humans 'irst. $"e poli3e rai5e5 t"eir "ea5;uarters earlier to5ay@ -ot most o1 t"e lea5ers.C A$"at is %on5er1ul.C 9 1ro%ne5@ %"i3" "urt@ t"en 3lose5 my eyes an5 sai5@ AHo% 5i5 Humans 'irst kno% %"ere all t"e monsters %ereB $"ey "it pri)ate "omes@ se3ret 5aytime lairs. $"ey s"oul5n?t "a)e kno%n %"ere e)eryone %as.C 9 "ear5 t"e 5oor open a moment 8e1ore 4olp"?s )oi3e sai5@ A$"e )ampires "a5 a traitor in t"eir mi5st.C AHey@ 4olp".C AHey@ yoursel1. Goo5 to see you a%ake.C AGoo5 to 8e a%ake@C 9 sai5. A="at traitorBC A<emem8er Vi3ki Pier3e2an5 "er little s3ene at Burnt #11erin-sBC A9 remem8er.C AS"e "a5 a 8oy1rien5 t"at %as %it" Humans 'irst. S"e -a)e "im up %"en %e ;uestione5 "er a se3on5 time.C A="y?5 you 8rin- "er inBC ASeems s"e -ot pai5 1or "er little a3tin- assi-nment. =e t"reatene5 to 3"ar-e "er %it" assault an5 attempte5 mur5er. S"e 1ol5e5 like a 3"eap 3ar5 ta8le.C A="at 5oes little 7iss Blue ,yes "a)e to 5o %it" a )ampire traitorBC AS"e?s 8een 5atin- Harry@ t"e 8arten5er an5 part o%ner o1 Burnt #11erin-s.C 9 %as 3on1use5. A$"en %"y sta-e t"e s3ene at "is 8usinessB ="y -i)e "imsel1 -rie1BC AHer "uman 8oy1rien5 %ante5 to pay "er to 5o it. S"e 5i5n?t %ant "im to kno% s"e %as seein- Harry. Harry %ent alon%it" it 8e3ause "e t"ou-"t it %oul5 look 1unny i1 "is pla3e %as t"e only )amp2o%ne5 8usiness not "it 8y t"e 1anati3s.C ASo Harry kne% %"at s"e %as usin- t"e in1ormation 1orBC 9 sai5. 9 %as 1in5in- it "ar5 to 8elie)e t"at any )amp %oul5 5o it@ let alone one as ol5 as Harry. AHe kne%. He took "is 3ut o1 t"e money@C 4olp" sai5. A="yBC A="en %e 1in5 "im@ %e?ll ask.C ALet me -uess. He?s )anis"e5.C 4olp" no55e5. A4on?t tell your 8oy1rien5@ Anita.C A$"e )ampires may 8e your only "ope o1 3at3"in- Harry no%.C ABut %ill t"ey turn "im o)er to us or kill "imBC

9 looke5 a%ay@ not meetin- "is eyes. A$"ey?re -oin- to 8e pretty pisse5.C A9 3an?t 8lame t"em 1or t"at@ 8ut 9 %ant "im ali)e@ Anita. 9 nee5 "im ali)e.C A="yBC A=e 5i5n?t -et e)ery mem8er o1 Humans 'irst. 9 5on?t %ant t"em out t"ere %it" some ne% nasty surprise %aitin-.C ADou "a)e Vi3ki. =on?t s"e tell youBC AS"e aske5 1or a la%yer@ 1inally@ an5 no% s"e?s su55enly 5e)elope5 amnesia.C A4amn.C A=e nee5 "im to tell us i1 t"ere?s one last 8i- nasty 3omin- our %ay.C ABut you 3an?t 1in5 "im@C 9 sai5. A$"at?s ri-"t.C ADou 5on?t %ant me to tell Hean2!lau5e.C AGi)e us t%enty21our "ours to lo3ate Harry. 91 %e 1ail@ t"en you 3an put out a )ampire all2points. Be1ore t"ey kill "im@ try to -et in1ormation 1rom "im.C ADou say t"at like 9?ll 8e t"ere %"en "e 5ies@C 9 sai5. 4olp" >ust looke5 at me. 9 met "is eyes t"is time. A9 5on?t kill 1or Hean2!lau5e@ 4olp"@ no matter %"at t"e street says.C A9 %is" 9 8elie)e5 t"at@ Anita. Dou 5on?t kno% "o% mu3" 9 %is"e5 9 8elie)e5 t"at.C 9 lay 8a3k a-ainst t"e pillo%s. ABelie)e %"at you like@ 4olp". Dou %ill any%ay.C He %alke5 out t"en %it"out anot"er %or5@ as i1 %"at "e %ante5 to say %as too pain1ul@ too 1inal. 4olp" kept pus"ina-ainst us@ a-ainst me. 9 %as 8e-innin- to %orry t"at "e %as -oin- to keep pus"in- until "e pus"e5 us apart. =e?5 8e %orkin- to-et"er 8ut %e %oul5n?t 8e 1rien5s. $"e "ea5a3"e %as -ettin- %orse@ an5 it %asn?t >ust t"e 5ru-s %earin- o11.

Chapter Forty-eight
9 %as -i)en a 3lean 8ill o1 "ealt". $"e 5o3tors %ere amaEe5 at my re3uperati)e po%ers. 91 only t"ey kne%. Pete 73Kinnon 3alle5 late in t"e 5ay. He?5 1oun5 t"at t"ere %ere 1ires similar to t"ose set 8y our 1ire8u- in /e% #rleans an5 San 'ran3is3o. 9t took a moment 1or me to remem8er %"y t"ose parti3ular 3ities %ere important. ="en 9 remem8ere5@ 9 aske5@ AHo% a8out BostonBC A/o@ no 1ires in Boston. ="yBC 9 5on?t t"ink "e 8elie)e5 me %"en 9 sai5@ Anot"in-@C 8ut unlike 4olp"@ "e let it -o. 9 %asn?t rea5y to point t"e 1in-er at t"e Vampire !oun3il. Hust 8e3ause t"e mysterious 1ires "appene5 in 3ities t"ey?5 8een )isitin- 5i5n?t mean it "a5 to 8e t"em. $"ere?5 8een no 1ires in Boston. Hust 8e3ause t"ere %ere no% mysterious 1ires in St. Louis@ an5 t"e 3oun3il %as "ere@ 5i5n?t pro)e anyt"in-. Dea"@ an5 t"e ,aster Bunny 8rin-s me -oo5ies e)ery year. 9 tol5 Hean2!lau5e a8out my suspi3ions. ABut %"y %oul5 t"e 3oun3il %is" to 8urn empty 8uil5in-s@ ma petiteB 91 one o1 t"em 3oul5 3all 1ire to t"eir "an5s@ t"ey %oul5 not %aste it on empty real estate. /ot unless t"e real estate 8ein- 8urne5 -aine5 t"em somet"in-.C ADou mean a 1inan3ial moti)eBC 9 sai5. He s"ru--e5. APer"aps@ t"ou-" a personal moti)e %oul5 suit t"em 8etter.C A9 3an?t 1in5 out mu3" more in1ormation %it"out -i)in- t"e 3oun3il up to t"e aut"orities as suspe3ts@C 9 sai5. He seeme5 to t"ink a8out t"at 1or a se3on5 or t%o. APer"aps you 3oul5 %ait upon 3ommittin- a8solute sui3i5e 1or us until a1ter %e "a)e sur)i)e5 t"is e)enin-.C ASure@C 9 sai5. $rue 5arkness 1oun5 me in a s"ort 1orm21ittin- 8la3k )el)et 5ress %it" a V2ne3k an5 no slee)es. $"e %aist o1 t"e 5ress %as open la3e. 7y skin s"o%e5 pale an5 enti3in- t"rou-" it. Bla3k t"i-"2"i-" "ose t"at a3tually 3ame up a 8it "i-"er t"an mi52t"i-"@ like all t"e %ay up until t"e 8la3k la3e stret3" top 8rus"e5 a-ainst t"e 8la3k satin panties %it" t"eir la3e e5-in-s. $"e "ose %ere a siEe too lar-e. Hean2!lau5e "a5 pur3"ase5 t"em@ an5 5one it 5eli8erately. 9?5 trie5 t"i-""i-"s 8e1ore an5 "a5 to a-ree t"at t"e lon-er len-t" %as more 1latterin- 1or my s"orter le-s. 9t sort o1 1rame5 t"e ri-"t area. 91 %e?5 8een plannin- e*tra3urri3ular a3ti)ities@ 9?5 "a)e lo)e5 to see "is 1a3e %"en 9 %as stan5in- in not"in- 8ut t"e sto3kin-s. As it %as@ it %as >ust 1rustratin-@ an5 a little s3ary. 9?5 )etoe5 t"e "i-" )el)et "eels "e?5 pi3ke5 out. 9nstea5 9 use5 my o%n 8la3k pumps. /ot as spi11y. 7ay8e not e)en more 3om1orta8le@ 8ut t"e "eels %ere lo% enou-" t"at 9 3oul5 run in t"em@ or 3arry 1aintin- %ereleopar5s i1 t"e nee5 arose.

ADou are per1e3tion@ ma petite@ e*3ept 1or t"e s"oes.C A'or-et it@C 9 sai5. ADou?re lu3ky to "a)e -otten me in t"e "ose. $"e t"ou-"t t"at 9?m 5ressin- >ust in 3ase t"e rest o1 t"e party sees my un5er%ear is >ust 3reepy.C ADou talke5 to t"e $ra)eler o1 pri3e an5 responsi8ility. =ell@ toni-"t %e pay t"e pri3e 1or your %ereleopar5s. Are you re-rettin- it no%BC Gre-ory %as still trusse5 up in my 8e5room@ pale an5 1ra-ile lookin-. Vi)ian %as tu3ke5 in a -uest room speakin- in monosylla8les. A/o@ no 9 5on?t re-ret it.C A$"en let us -at"er t"e rest o1 our party an5 8e on our %ay.C But "e 5i5n?t mo)e. He staye5 lyin- on "is stoma3" on t"e %"ite 3ou3"@ "ea5 restin- on "is 1ol5e5 "an5s. 91 it "a5 8een anyone else@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 t"ey %ere spra%le5 on t"e 3ou3"@ 8ut Hean2!lau5e 5i5 not spra%l. He pose5@ "e loun-e5@ 8ut "e 5i5 not spra%l. He lay 1ull len-t"@ "is lon- 8o5y stret3"e5 out@ only t"e tips o1 "is 8la3k 8oots o)er t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3ou3". He %as %earin- an out1it 9?5 seen 8e1ore@ 8ut repetition 5i5n?t make it less lo)ely. 9 lo)e5 "is 3lot"esG lo)e5 %at3"in- "im 5ress@ an5 un5ress. A="at are you t"inkin-BC 9 aske5. A9 %is" %e %ere stayin- "ome toni-"t. 9 %ant to un5ress you one pie3e o1 3lot"in- at a time@ en>oyin- your 8o5y 8et%een e)ery un)eilin-.C Hust t"e su--estion ma5e my 8o5y ti-"t. A7e@ too@C 9 sai5@ an5 knelt on t"e 1loor in 1ront o1 "im. 9 1ol5e5 t"e s"ort skirt un5er so it %oul5n?t %rinkle or ri5e up. He 5i5n?t tea3" me t"at@ my Gran5ma Blake 5i5@ o)er a li1etime o1 Sun5ay 3"ur3" ser)i3es %"ere %"at 9 looke5 like seeme5 more important t"an t"e sermon. 9 lai5 my 3"in on t"e 3ou3" near "is 1a3e. 7y "air spillin- aroun5 me@ 8rus"in- t"e si5es o1 "is 1ol5e5 "an5s@ 3urlina-ainst "is 1a3e. A4o your un5ies look as ni3e as mineBC 9 aske5. ABrus"e5 silk@C "e sai5 so1tly. 9 "a5 a sensory memory so stron- it ma5e me s"i)er. $"e 1eel o1 "im t"rou-" t"e t"i3k silk@ t"e almost li)in- te*ture t"at t"e 8rus"e5 1a8ri3 "a5 o)er t"e "ar5ness o1 "is 8o5y. 9 "a5 to 3lose my eyes to keep 1rom lettin- "im see it in my 1a3e. $"e ima-e %as so )i)i5 it ma5e me 3len3" my "an5s. 9 1elt "im mo)e a se3on5 8e1ore "e kisse5 my 1ore"ea5. He spoke %it" "is lips still tou3"in- my skin. ADour t"ou-"ts 8etray you@ ma petite.C 9 raise5 my 1a3e up%ar5@ sli5in- "is lips 5o%n my 1a3e. He %as utterly passi)e as 9 mo)e5 a-ainst "im@ until our lips met. $"en "is mout" presse5 a-ainst mine@ lips an5 ton-ue %orkin-. /eit"er o1 us use5 our "an5s@ only our mout"s tou3"in-. #ur 1a3es presse5 to-et"er. A!an 9 3ut inBC $"e 1amiliar )oi3e %as so "ea)y %it" an-er t"at it ma5e me 5ra% 8a3k 1rom Hean2!lau5e. <i3"ar5 stoo5 at t"e en5 o1 t"e 3ou3" starin- 5o%n at us. 9 "a5n?t "ear5 "im 3ome up. Ha5 Hean2!lau5eB 9 %as 8ettin- "e "a5. Some"o% 9 ne)er t"ou-"t t"at e)en in t"e t"roes o1 passion Hean2!lau5e %oul5 e)er let anyone sneak up on "im. #r may8e 9 >ust 5i5n?t t"ink 9 %as t"at 5istra3tin-. Poor sel12esteem@ %"o meB 9 sat 8a3k on my "eels an5 looke5 up at <i3"ar5. He %as 5resse5 in a 8la3k tu*@ 3omplete %it" tails. His lon- "air sli3ke5 8a3k into a ponytail so ti-"t it -a)e t"e illusion o1 s"ort "air. Dou al%ays kne% <i3"ar5 %as "an5some 8ut it %as only %"en you -ot ri5 o1 t"e "air t"at you realiEe5 "o% per1e3t "is 1a3e %as. $"e "i-"2s3ulpte5 3"eek8ones@ t"e 1ull mout"@ t"e 5imple. He stare5 5o%n at me %it" t"at "an5some@ 1amiliar 1a3e@ an5 "e looke5 arro-ant. He kne% t"e e11e3t "e "a5 on me@ an5 %ante5 to turn t"e kni1e a little more. Hean2!lau5e sat up on t"e 3ou3"@ "is mout" smeare5 %it" my lipsti3k. $"e re5 so )i)i5 a-ainst "is pale skin it looke5 like t"e surprise5 s3arlet o1 8loo5. He ran "is ton-ue aroun5 t"e outsi5e o1 "is mout"@ t"en ran "is 1in-er a3ross "is upper lip@ slo%ly@ until it 3ame a%ay re5. He put t"e 1in-er in "is mout" an5 su3ke5 t"e lipsti3k o11 o1 it@ )ery slo%ly@ )ery 5eli8erately. His eyes %ere on me@ 8ut t"e s"o% %as 1or <i3"ar5. 9 %as 8ot" -rate1ul 1or it@ an5 an-ry a8out it. He kne% <i3"ar5 %as tryin- to "urt me@ so "e %as "urtin- <i3"ar5. But "e %as also 8aitin- "im@ ru88in- t"e pro)er8ial salt in t"e %oun5. $"e look on <i3"ar5?s 1a3e %as so ra% 9 "a5 to look a%ay. A$"at?s enou-"@ Hean2!lau5e@C 9 sai5@ At"at?s enou-".C Hean2!lau5e looke5 amuse5. AAs you like@ ma petite.C <i3"ar5 looke5 5o%n at me a-ain. 9 met "is eyes. 7ay8e t"ere %as somet"in- in my 1a3e t"at %as too ra% to look at@ too. He turne5 a8ruptly an5 le1t t"e room. AGo 1res"en your tasty lipsti3k@ t"en %e must lea)e.C Hean2!lau5e?s )oi3e "el5 re-ret@ t"e %ay it sometimes "el5 >oy@ or se*.

9 took "is "an5@ raisin- it -ently to my mout". AAre you still 1ri-"tene5 o1 t"em@ e)en a1ter all t"e -oo5 pu8li3ityB Surely i1 t"ey %ere plannin- to kill us@ t"ey %oul5n?t "a)e appeare5 on 3amera %it" you.C 9 tou3"e5 "is le-@ runnin- my 1in-ers o)er t"e 3lot"@ 1eelin- "is t"i-" un5erneat". A$"e $ra)eler s"ook "an5s %it" t"e mayor o1 St. Louis@ 1or "ea)en?s sake.C He tou3"e5 my 1a3e@ 3ra5lin- my 3"eek in "is "an5. A$"e 3oun3il "as ne)er 8e1ore trie5 to 8e@ %"at you %oul5 3all@ mainstream. 9t is t"eir 1irst 1oray into a )ery ne% arena. But t"ey "a)e 8een t"e stu11 o1 ni-"tmares 1or t"ousan5s o1 years@ ma petite. #ne 5ay o1 "uman politi3s 5oes not make t"em into somet"in- else.C ABut ... C He tou3"e5 1in-ers to my lips. A9t is a -oo5 si-n@ ma petite. $"at 9 %ill a-ree to@ 8ut you 5o not kno% t"em as 9 5o. Dou "a)e not seen t"em at t"eir %orst.C 7y min5 1las"e5 on <a1ael?s ra%@ 8loo5y 8o5yG Syl)ie sa--in- in t"e 3"ains@ )oi3e small an5 8rokenG t"e si-"t o1 'ernan5o usin- Vi)ian. A9?)e seen t"em 5o some pretty a%1ul t"in-s sin3e t"ey "it to%n@C 9 sai5. ADou set up t"e rules@ Hean2!lau5e. $"ey 3an?t maim us@ or rape us@ or kill us. ="at?s le1tBC He kisse5 me li-"tly on t"e lips@ an5 stoo5@ o11erin- me "is "an5. 9 took it@ let "im pull me to my 1eet. He %as %earin- "is amuse5 mask@ t"e one t"at on3e upon a time 9?5 t"ou-"t %as "is normal 1a3e. /o% 9 kne% it meant "e %as "i5in- t"in-s. He looke5 like t"at a lot %"en "e %as s3are5 an5 5i5n?t %ant people to kno%. ADou?re s3arin- me@C 9 sai5 so1tly. He smile5. A/o@ ma petite@ t"ey %ill 5o t"at 1or me@ 1or us all.C =it" t"at 3om1ortin- s"ot@ "e %ent o11 to roun5 up t"e ot"ers. 9 %ent 1or my purse an5 t"e tasty lipsti3k. $"e 3oun3il "a5 lai5 5o%n some 3on5itions o1 t"eir o%n. /o %eapons toni-"t. ="i3" %as %"y 9 %as 5resse5 like 9 %asG one -lan3e %as enou-" to kno% 9 %asn?t 3arryin- anyt"in-. Hean2 !lau5e t"ou-"t t"is %oul5 keep t"em 1rom "a)in- an e*3use to pat me 5o%n. ="en 9 aske5 %"at t"e 8i- 5eal %as@ all "e %oul5 say %as@ ADou 5on?t %ant to -i)e t"em a reason to tou3" you@ ma petite. $rust me on t"is.C 9 5i5 trust "im. 9 5i5n?t %ant any o1 t"e 3oun3il tou3"in- me@ e)er. 9t %as -oin- to 8e a lon- ni-"t.

Chapter Forty-nine
="at "a5 on3e 8een Hean2!lau5e?s li)in- room an5 /ikolaos?s t"rone room 8e1ore t"at@ "a5 8een turne5 into a 8an;uet room. $"ey?5 1oun5 a ta8le t"at %as o)er ten 1eet lon-. ="at you 3oul5 see o1 t"e ta8le %as "ea)y 3la%e5 1eet %it" lions? mout"s 3ar)e5 in 8ol5 relie1. A ta8le3lot" so t"i3k %it" -ol5 em8roi5ery t"at it s"immere5 un5er t"e li-"ts 3o)ere5 t"e ta8le. 91 t"ey "a5 meant 1or us to a3tually eat o11 it@ 9?5 "a)e 8een %orrie5 %e?5 tras" it@ 8ut t"ere %as no 1oo5. $"ere %ere no 3"airs. $"ere %ere no plates. $"ere %ere %"ite linen napkins %it" -ol5 rin-s@ 3rystal %ine-lasses@ an5 one o1 t"ose in5ustrial2siEe %armers %it" 8lue -as 1lames un5er its -leamin- sur1a3e. $"ere %as a man "an-in- 8y "is %rists@ 1eet 5an-lin- "elplessly o)er t"e -leamin- ta8le. He %as "an-in- 5ire3tly o)er t"e empty %armin- pan. His name %as ,rnie. His mus3ular upper 8o5y %as 8are. A -a- 3ut a3ross "is 1a3e@ trappin- part o1 "is lon- ponytail. His "air %as s"a)e5 to not"in- on eit"er si5e o1 "is 1a3e. $"e 3oun3il "a5n?t 5one it as torture. He?5 5one it to "imsel1. He %as one o1 Hean2 !lau5e?s ne%est "an-ers2on@ a "uman %"o %ante5 to 8e a )ampire an5 %as ser)in- "is apprenti3es"ip a3tin- as a sort o1 mai5 an5 erran5 8oy. /o%@ apparently@ "e %as t"e appetiEer. <i3"ar5@ Hean2!lau5e@ an5 9 stoo5 %it" Hamil@ 4amian@ Hason@ an5 surprisin-ly@ <a1ael@ at our 8a3ks. $"e <at Kin- "a5 insiste5 on a33ompanyin- us. 9 "a5n?t ar-ue5 too "ar5. =e %ere allo%e5 one person apie3e plus Hason. D)ette "a5 re;ueste5 "im espe3ially. By takin- "im@ %e -aine5 a %ere%ol1@ 8ut "is 8lue eyes %ere %i5e an5 "is 8reat"in- a little too ;ui3k. D)ette %as Hason?s i5ea o1 "ell@ an5 "ell "a5 sent out an in)itation. ,rnie stare5 at us all@ ki3kin- "is 1eet an5 stru--lin-@ tryin- to talk t"rou-" t"e -a-. 9 t"ink "e %as tryin- to say@ AGet me 5o%n@C 8ut 9 3oul5n?t s%ear to it. A="at is t"e meanin- o1 t"isBC Hean2!lau5e sai5. His )oi3e 1ille5 t"e "u-e room@ "issin- an5 tum8lin- until t"e s"a5o%s -a)e "is %or5s 8a3k in "ars"@ si8ilant e3"oes. Pa5ma steppe5 out o1 t"e 1ar "all%ay. He %as 5resse5 in a suit t"at -littere5 as -ol5 as t"e ta8le3lot". He %as e)en %earin- a -ol5en tur8an %it" pea3o3k 1eat"ers an5 a sapp"ire 8i--er t"an my t"um8. He looke5 like someone "a5 3alle5 5o%n to 3entral 3astin- 1or a ma"ara>a. ADou "a)e o11ere5 us no "ospitality at all@ Hean2!lau5e. 7al3olm an5 "is people "a)e o11ere5 us re1res"ment. But you@ t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ "a)e o11ere5 us not"in-.C He motione5 up%ar5 at ,rnie. A$"is one %alke5 in %it"out our permission. He sai5 "e %as yours.C Hean2!lau5e %alke5 until "e stoo5 8y t"e ta8le an5 3oul5 look up into ,rnie?s 1a3e. ADou 3ame "ome t%o 5ays early 1rom your 1amily )isit. $"e ne*t time@ i1 t"ere is a ne*t time@ 3all 1irst.C ,rnie stare5 at "im@ eyes %i5e@ makin- small "mmm soun5s t"rou-" t"e -a-. He ki3ke5 "is le-s enou-" t"at "e starte5 to s%in-. AStru--lin- %ill >ust make your s"oul5ers "urt more@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ABe at pea3e.C As "e sai5 it@ ,rnie slo%ly -re% limp. Hean2!lau5e "a5 3apture5 "im %it" "is eyes an5 %as lullin- "im to@ i1 not sleep@ pea3e. $"e tension 5raine5 1rom "im@ an5 "e stare5 at Hean2!lau5e@ 8ro%n eyes empty@ %aitin-. At least "e %asn?t s3are5 anymore.

Gi5eon an5 $"omas 3ame up to stan5 on eit"er si5e o1 Pa5ma. $"omas %as in 1ull uni1orm@ 8oots polis"e5 like a 8la3k mirror. $"e "elmet %as %"ite %it" a lon- tassel on top t"at %as pro8a8ly "orse"air. $"e 3oat %as re5@ t"e 8uttons 8rass@ %"ite -lo)es@ e)en a s%or5. Gi5eon %as pretty 3lose to nake5. A %"ite t"on- %as all "e %ore on "is 8o5y. 9t 8arely 3o)ere5 "im. A "ea)y -ol5 3ollar en3ruste5 %it" small 5iamon5s an5 "u-e emeral5s 3o)ere5 almost "is entire ne3k. His 3are1ully 3om8e5 -ol5en "air 1anne5 o)er it. A 3"ain le5 1rom t"e 3ollar to $"omas?s "an5s. Pa5ma put "is "an5 out@ an5 $"omas -a)e t"e 3"ain to "im. /eit"er $"omas nor Gi5eon e*3"an-e5 so mu3" as a -lan3e. $"ey?5 seen t"e s"o% 8e1ore. $"e only t"in- t"at kept me 1rom makin- some s3at"in- remark %as t"at 9?5 pretty mu3" -i)en my %or5 to let Hean2 !lau5e 5o t"e talkin- toni-"t. He t"ou-"t 9 mi-"t say somet"in- to piss someone o11. ="o meB Hean2!lau5e %alke5 aroun5 t"e ta8le. <i3"ar5 an5 9 1ell t%o steps 8a3k@ mirrorin- Pa5ma an5 "is pets. $"e sym8olism %asn?t lost on anyone. $"in- %as@ <i3"ar5 an5 9 %ere preten5in-. 9 5i5n?t t"ink t"e ot"ers %ere. A9 suppose you mean to slit "is t"roat into t"e %armer@ t"en ser)e "is 8loo5 to allBC Hean!lau5e sai5. Pa5ma smile5 an5 -a)e a -ra3ious no5 o1 "is "ea5. Hean2!lau5e lau-"e5 t"at %on5er1ully tou3"a8le lau-" o1 "is. A91 you really meant to 5o t"at@ 7aster o1 Beasts@ you?5 "a)e "un- "im 8y "is ankles.C <i3"ar5 an5 9 5i5 e*3"an-e -lan3es 8e"in5 "is 8a3k. 9 turne5 an5 looke5 at ,rnie?s pea3e1ully "an-in- 1i-ure. Ho% "a5 Hean2!lau5e kno%n you?5 "a)e to "an- "im 8y "is anklesB Ask a silly ;uestion. AAre you sayin- %e are 8lu11in-BC Pa5ma aske5. A/o@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ Amerely -ran5stan5in-.C Pa5ma smile5@ an5 it almost rea3"e5 "is eyes. ADou al%ays 5i5 play t"e -ame %ell.C Hean2!lau5e -a)e a small 8o%@ ne)er takin- "is eyes 1rom t"e ot"er )ampire. A9 am "onore5 t"at you t"ink %ell o1 me@ 7aster o1 Beasts.C Pa5ma -a)e a s"arp lau-". AA "oneye5 ton-ue@ 7aster o1 t"e !ity.C $"e "umor 5ie5 a8ruptly@ -one@ poo1. His 1a3e %as su55enly "ars"@ empty@ e*3ept 1or an-er. ABut t"e point remains you "a)e 8een a poor "ost. 9 "a)e 1e5 t"rou-" my ser)ants.C He sli5 a 5ark "an5 3aressin-ly 5o%n Gi5eon?s 8are s"oul5er. $"e %ereti-er ne)er rea3te5. 9t %as as i1 Pa5ma %ere not t"ere. #r may8e as i1 "e@ Gi5eon@ %ere not t"ere. ABut t"ere are ot"ers %"o are not so 8lesse5 as 9. $"ey "un-er@ Hean2!lau5e. $"ey stan5 in your territory as your -uests an5 kno% "un-er.C A$"e $ra)eler %as 1ee5in- t"em@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9 t"ou-"t "e %as 1ee5in- you as %ell.C A9 5o not nee5 "is 3ast2o11 ener-y@C Pa5ma sai5. AHe %as sustainin- t"e ot"ers until t"at oneC2"e pointe5 at me %it" "is 1ree "an52Atol5 "im to stop.C 9 starte5 to say somet"in-@ almost aske5 permission@ an5 t"ou-"t@ s3re% it. AAske5 "im to stop@C 9 sai5. A/o one tells t"e $ra)eler %"at to 5o.C $"ere@ t"at %as so 5iplomati3@ my teet" "urt. His lau-"ter entere5 t"e room a"ea5 o1 "im. $"e $ra)eler?s ne% 8o5y %as youn-@ male@ "an5some@ an5 so ne%ly 5ea5 "e still "a5 a -oo5 tan. Balt"asar 3ame at "is si5e@ "an5s sli5in- o)er t"e ot"er man?s 8o5y possessi)ely. A ne% toy to e*plore. 9?5 8een tol5 t"at 7al3olm %as loanin- t"e $ra)eler a 3"ur3" mem8er. 9 %on5ere5 i1 7al3olm really kne% %"at t"e $ra)eler an5 Balt"asar %ere 5oin- %it" t"e 8o5y. 9 %oul5 "a)e sai5 t"ey %ere 8ot" %earin- to-as@ 8ut t"at %asn?t ;uite it. $"e $ra)eler %ore a ri3" purple 3lot" pinne5 at one s"oul5er %it" a ru8y2an52-ol5 8roo3". His le1t s"oul5er %as 8are@ s"o%in- t"e smoot" tanne5 skin to -oo5 a5)anta-e. $"e -arment %as -at"ere5 at t"e %aist %it" t%o %o)en re5 3or5s. 9t 1ell nearly to "is ankles@ -i)in- -limpses o1 san5als tie5 aroun5 "is ankles. Balt"asar %ore re5 %it" an amet"yst2an52sil)er 8roo3" at one s"oul5er. His 8are s"oul5er s"o%e5 >ust enou-" 3"est to pro)e "e %as mus3ular@ as i1 t"ere?5 8een any 5ou8t. $"e re5 -arment %as 8oun5 at t"e %aist %it" purple 3or5s. ADou -uys look like t"e Bo88sey $%ins@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e 3leare5 "is t"roat. 9 stoppe5 talkin-@ 8ut i1 e)eryone "a5 su3" ni1ty 3lot"es@ 9 %asn?t sure 9 3oul5 stop mysel1 1rom makin- remarks. 9 mean@ it %as >ust too easy. $"e $ra)eler t"re% "is "ea5 8a3k an5 lau-"e5. 9t %as a >oyous lau-" %it" an e5-e un5erneat" like t"e "issin- o1 snakes. He turne5 8ro%n eyes to me@ 8ut 5o%n in t"e 5ept"s it %as "im. 9?5 "a)e kno%n "im no matter %"ose eyes "e %as lookin- out o1. Balt"asar %as a3tually s"orter t"an t"e ne% 8o5y 8y an in3" or t%o. He stoo5 3lose enou-" 1or t"e $ra)eler to take "im un5er "is arm@ like a tall man %ill %alk %it" a %oman@ 3ra5le5 a-ainst "is 8o5y@ prote3te5. A9 sa)e5 your "umans to5ay@ Anita. 9 sa)e5 many )ampires. 9s t"at not enou-" 1or youBC

AHean2!lau5eBC 9 ma5e "is name a ;uestion. He let "is 8reat" out in a lon- si-". A9t %as pointless to make you promise. Be yoursel1@ ma petite@ 8ut try not to 8e too insultin-.C He steppe5 8a3k so t"at %e %ere all e)en %it" ea3" ot"er. 7ay8e "e "a5n?t like5 t"e sym8olism eit"er. A9?m t"rille5 t"at you sa)e5 my 1rien5s to5ay@C 9 sai5. A9?m e3stati3 t"at you sa)e5 all t"e trappe5 )ampires. But you -ot a lot o1 -oo5 press out o1 it %it"out any risk to yoursel1. 9 t"ou-"t you a-ree5 t"at you -uys nee5e5 to mo5erniEe a little@ 3ome into t"e t%entiet" 3entury.C ABut 9 5o a-ree@ Anita@ 9 5o a-ree.C $"e $ra)eler ru88e5 "is 3"eek a-ainst Balt"asar?s 1a3e@ starin- at me "ar5 enou-" t"at 9 %as -la5 "e %asn?t "eterose*ual. A$"en %"at is t"is me5ie)al s"itBC 9 >a88e5 a t"um8 8a3k%ar5s at ,rnie. His eyes 1li3ke5 to t"e man@ t"en 8a3k to me. A9 %oul5 "a)e let it -o@ 8ut t"e ot"ers )ote5 an5 it is true t"at Hean2!lau5e "as 8een a la* "ost.C Hean2!lau5e tou3"e5 my arm. A91 you "a5 3ome at my in)itation or e)en re;ueste5 permission to enter my territory@ 9 %oul5 "a)e 8een more t"an "appy to -rant you "untin- ri-"ts. $"ou-" you %ill 1in5 one o1 t"e ot"er 8ene1its to le-ality is an amaEin- num8er o1 %illin- )i3tims. People %ill e)en pay you to ;uen3" your t"irst on t"eir 8o5ies.C A9t is an ol5 la% amon- us@C $"e $ra)eler sai5@ Anot to 1ee5 in anot"er?s lan5s %it"out t"eir permission. 9 sustaine5 t"e ot"ers@ 8ut t"en your "uman ser)ant s"o%e5 me t"at my po%ers %ere "a)in- serious si5e e11e3ts on your lo3al population.C He steppe5 a%ay 1rom Balt"asar@ 3omin- %it"in tou3"in- 5istan3e o1 Hean2!lau5e. ABut none o1 your )ampires %ere a11e3te5. 9 3oul5 not steal t"eir ener-y@ or -i)e t"em e*tra ener-y. Dou pre)ente5 t"at. $"at "as surprise5 me more t"an anyt"in- else you "a)e 5one@ Hean2!lau5e. 9t sma3ks o1 a po%er t"at 9 %oul5 ne)er "a)e 3re5ite5 you %it"@ not no%@ not a t"ousan5 years 1rom no%.C He pa3e5 to stan5 in 1ront o1 <i3"ar5. An5 t"e ne% 8o5y %as still taller@ si* 1oot 1our at least. He stoo5 so 3lose t"at t"e purple 3lot" 8rus"e5 t"e len-t" o1 <i3"ar5?s 8o5y. He mo)e5 aroun5 "im so 3losely t"at t"e 3lot" ne)er stoppe5 tou3"in-@ sli5in- o)er t"e tailore5 tu* like a 3lot" "an5. APa5ma "as not -aine5 su3" po%er 1rom "is >oinin-.C He en5e5 stan5in- 8et%een Hean2!lau5e an5 <i3"ar5. He raise5 a "an5 to stroke <i3"ar5?s 1a3e@ an5 <i3"ar5 3au-"t "is %rist. A$"at?s enou-"@C <i3"ar5 sai5. $"e $ra)eler 5re% "is %rist slo%ly 5o%n%ar5 so t"at "is "an5 8rus"e5 <i3"ar5?s. He turne5 to Balt"asar %it" a smile. A="at 5o you t"inkBC A9 t"ink Hean2!lau5e is a lu3ky man@C Balt"asar sai5. A re5 1lus" 3rept up <i3"ar5?s 1a3e@ "is "an5s 3urle5 into 1ists. He %as pla3e5 in t"e position usually reser)e5 1or %omen. 91 you 5eny t"at you?re sleepin- %it" someone@ t"ey %on?t 8elie)e you. $"e "ar5er you 5eny it@ t"e surer e)eryone is t"at you?re -uilty. <i3"ar5 %as smarter t"an 9 %as. He 5i5n?t try to 5eny it. He >ust turne5 an5 looke5 at t"e $ra)eler. He stare5 "im nearly eye to eye an5 sai5@ AGet a%ay 1rom me.C All t"e 8a5 -uys lau-"e5. /one o1 us 5i5. :s in3lu5e5 Gi5eon an5 $"omas@ stran-ely enou-". ="at %ere t"ey 5oin- %it" Pa5maB ="at series o1 e)ents "a5 trappe5 t"em %it" "imB 91 %e all sur)i)e5@ may8e 9?5 -et a 3"an3e to ask t"em@ 8ut it %as 5ou8t1ul. 91 %e kille5 Pa5ma@ t"ey %oul5 pro8a8ly 5ie@ too. 91 Pa5ma kille5 us@ %ell@ t"ere you -o. $"e $ra)eler %alke5 o)er to me in a 3lou5 o1 purple 3lot". A="i3" 8rin-s us to you@ Anita.C His ne% 8o5y to%ere5 o)er me@ o)er a 1oot taller@ 8ut "ey@ you -et use5 to it. A="atBC 9 sai5@ starin- up at "im. He lau-"e5 a-ain. He %as so 5amn "appy. 9 realiEe5 %"at it %as2a1ter-lo%. He an5 Balt"asar "a5 8een polis"in- t"e 1amily >e%els. 9 stare5 up into t"at smilin- 1a3e an5 sai5@ A9s t"is ne% 8o5y 5ou8le2>ointe5 or somet"in-@ or 5oes Balt"asar >ust like a 3"an-e o1 menuBC $"e lau-"ter 1a5e5 1rom "is eyes@ "is 1a3e@ like t"e sun sinkin- 8elo% t"e "oriEon. ="at %as le1t %as 3ol5 an5 5istant an5 not"in- you 3oul5 talk to. 7ay8e 9 5i5 talk too mu3". Hean2!lau5e tou3"e5 my s"oul5ers an5 mo)e5 me 8a3k. He starte5 to mo)e in 1ront o1 me@ 8ut 9 stoppe5 "im. A9 pisse5 "im o11. 4on?t prote3t me 1rom "im.C Hean2!lau5e let me stay in 1ront@ 8ut at some unseen si-nal t"e rest o1 our entoura-e mo)e5 up@ 1annin- out 8e"in5 us. D)ette an5 =arri3k 3ame out o1 t"e "all%ay %it" Li). ADou all look -oo5 enou-" to eat.C S"e lau-"e5 at "er o%n >oke. S"e %as 5resse5 in a simple %"ite 1ormal. Her 8are s"oul5ers %ere %"iter t"an t"e 3lot". As soon as 9 sa% "er@ 9 kne% s"e "a5n?t 1e5. Slee)es t"at %ere not atta3"e5 to t"e 5ress 3o)ere5 "er 1rom armpit to %rist. $"e 1itte5 8o5i3e 1lare5 into a 1ull %"ite skirt %it" layers t"at %ere mirrore5 in t"e layers o1 t"e stran-e unatta3"e5 slee)es. Her %"ite28lon5 "air 1ell in 8rai5e5 loops an5 %"orls aroun5 "er 1a3e. /o perio5 3ostume 1or D)ette@ only t"e 3uttin- e5-e o1 1as"ion %oul5 5o. Her

makeup %as >ust a little 5ark a-ainst t"e paper %"iteness o1 "er skin@ 8ut it %as "ar5 to -et t"at un5erstate5 look %"en you %ere so terri8ly 5raine5. =arri3k %ore a %"ite suit %it" one o1 t"ose roun5 3ollars so t"ere %as no pla3e to put a tie. 9t %as a lo)ely suit t"at mat3"e5 D)ette?s 5ress so %ell@ t"ey looke5 like t"e top o1 a 1as"ion %e55in- 3ake. D)ette %ore t"e 5ress like it "a5 8een ma5e >ust 1or "er. =arri3k looke5 3"okin-ly un3om1orta8le. Li) -lare5 at all o1 us impartially. S"e %as 5resse5 in a 8lue 1ormal t"at %as meant 1or a %oman %it" so1ter e5-es an5 less mus3le. 9t "a5 8een 3ut 5o%n or up 1or "er@ an5 s"e %ore it 8a5ly. $"is %as t"e 1irst time 9?5 seen Li) sin3e 9 learne5 t"at s"e?5 "elpe5 torture Syl)ie. 9 e*pe3te5 to re-ret not "a)in- kille5 "er %"en 9 "a5 t"e 3"an3e. But t"ere %as an un3ertainity in "er eyes@ an unease in "er 8o5y@ t"at sai5@ may8e@ s"e?5 seen anot"er si5e o1 t"e 3oun3il sin3e t"en. S"e %as a1rai5. 9 %as -la5. ADou look like you?re %earin- "an52me25o%ns@ Li)@C 9 sai5. ALike someone?s poor relati)e.C AHas t"e $ra)eler -i)en you to D)ette as "er "an5mai5enBC Hean2!lau5e aske5. AHas "e -i)en you a%ay so ;ui3klyBC AD)ette merely "elpe5 me 5ress@C s"e sai5@ "ea5 "i-"@ 8ut "er "an5s %ere tryin- to smoot" t"e 5ress into pla3e. /ot"in"elpe5. ADou "a5 mu3" more attra3ti)e out1its in your o%n 3loset@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ABut no 5resses@C D)ette sai5. A'or a 1ormal o33asion you must "a)e 5resses 1or t"e %omen.C S"e smile5 s%eetly. 9t ma5e me re-ret %earin- a 5ress. A9 kno% %"at you 5i5 to Syl)ie@ Li). 9 %as re-rettin- not 8lo%in- your "ea5 o11 %"en 9 5i5 your knees. But you kno% %"at@ Li)@ a 1e% years %it" t"e 3oun3il an5 you may 8e re-rettin- it too.C A9 re-ret not"in-@C s"e sai5. But t"ere %as a ti-"tness aroun5 t"e eyes@ a 1li3ker t"rou-" t"ose lo)ely eyes. Somet"in- "a5 spooke5 "er -oo5 an5 soli5. Part o1 me %ante5 to kno% %"at "a5 8een 5one to "er@ 8ut it %as enou-" >ust to see "o% s3are5 s"e %as. A9?m -la5 you?re en>oyin- yoursel1@ Li)@C 9 sai5. As"er %alke5 out in t"e mi55le o1 t"e s3ene. His "air "a5 8een pulle5 8a3k in a ti-"t 8rai5. His "air %as still nearly t"e 3olor o1 t"e metalli3 t"rea5 in t"e ta8le3lot"@ an uneart"ly 3olor e)en i1 "e?5 8een "uman. $"e "air pulle5 8a3k le1t t"e s3ars on "is 1a3e nake5. 9t %as "ar5 not to look at t"em@ "ar5 not to stare. $"e rest o1 t"e out1it 5i5n?t make it any easier. His nake5 upper 8o5y %as a %on5erment o1 3ontrasts. 9t %as like "is 1a3e@ "al1 an-eli3 8eauty@ "al1 melte5 ni-"tmare. His pants %ere 8la3k leat"er %it" a line o1 8are 1les" s"o%in- 1rom "ip to mi523al1@ %"ere 8oots 3o)ere5 t"e rest. $"e 1les" -limpse5 on t"e ri-"t si5e o1 "is t"i-" %as s3arre5. $"e s3ars seeme5 to stop a8out mi52t"i-". 9t le1t t"e 8i- ;uestion. Ha5 "is torturers ma5e "im a eunu3" or le1t "im %"oleB 9t %as like a 3ar 3ras". Dou %ante5 to kno%@ an5 you 5i5n?t. AHean2!lau5e@ Anita@ so -oo5 o1 you to >oin us.C He ma5e t"e polite %or5s a mo3kery@ 1illin- t"em %it" a "issin- %armt" o1 t"reat. ADour presen3e is t"e same pleasure it "as al%ays 8een@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. $"ose %or5s %ere 8lank@ utterly neutral@ 3ompliment or sni5e put5o%n. 9t %as t"e listener?s 3"oi3e. As"er -li5e5 to%ar5s us@ a smile 3urlin- "is per1e3t lips. A-ain 8ot" si5es o1 "is mout" %orke5. $"e mus3les %ere still %"ole un5erneat" all t"e s3ars. He 3ame to stan5 5ire3tly in 1ront o1 me. He %as a8out t%o steps 3loser t"an %as 3om1orta8le@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t 8a3k up or 3omplain. 9 >ust met "is smile %it" one o1 my o%n. /eit"er smile tou3"e5 our eyes. A4o you like my out1it@ AnitaBC AA little a--ressi)e@ 5on?t you t"inkBC He tra3e5 a 1in-ertip 5o%n t"e la3e at my %aist. $"e 1in-ertip sli5 insi5e t"e open la3e@ tou3"in- my 8are skin. 9t 8rou-"t a small -asp 1rom my t"roat. ADou 3an tou3" me@ any%"ere you like@C "e sai5. 9 mo)e5 "is "an5. A9 3an?t return t"e o11er@ sorry.C A9 t"ink you 3an@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. 9 looke5 at "im. A/o@C 9 sai5. A9 3an?t.C AHean2!lau5e %as )ery 3lear on your rules@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. AAs"er nee5s to 1ee5. 9t is %it"in t"e rules 1or "im to 1ee5 o11 o1 you@ Anita. He %oul5 pre1er to sink somet"in- else into you@ 8ut "e %ill "a)e to 8e 3ontent %it" 1an-s.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t t"ink so.C A7a petite@C Hean2!lau5e sai5 so1tly. 9 5i5n?t like t"e %ay "e sai5 my name. 9 turne5@ an5 one look %as enou-". ADou "a)e -ot to 8e ki55in- me.C He steppe5 3lose@ takin- me to one si5e. A$"e -ui5elines you -a)e me sai5 not"in- a-ainst s"arin- 8loo5.C 9 stare5 up at "im. A4o you really %ant "im to 1ee5 o11 o1 meBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A9t is not a matter o1 %ant@ ma petite. But i1 t"ey 3annot torture us or rape us@ %e lea)e t"em little else.C

A91 you %is" to tra5e 8a3k one o1 my %ereleopar5s@C Pa5ma sai5@ AVi)ian. per"aps@ 9 %oul5 -rant you sa1e passa-e 1or t"e return o1 my so s%eet Vi)ian.C 'ernan5o entere5 t"e room as i1 on 3ue. He %as 8ruise5 8ut %alkin-. 7ore?s t"e pity. He %as %earin- a >e%ele5 )est an5 somet"in- like "arem pants. $"e Ara8ian /i-"ts may8e@ instea5 o1 a ma"ara>a. A4i5 'ernan5o tell you "e rape5 "erBC A9 kno% %"at my son "as 5one.C A$"at 5oesn?t spoil "er 1or youBC 9 aske5. Pa5ma looke5 at me. A="at 9 5o %it" "er on3e s"e is mine a-ain is no 3on3ern o1 yours@ "uman.C A/o %ay@C 9 sai5. A$"en you "a)e no 3"oi3e. Dou must 1ee5 one o1 us. 91 t"ere is one amon- us %"o %oul5 please you more@ someone ... less "i5eous@ %e 3oul5 arran-e somet"in-. Per"aps 9 3oul5 take you mysel1. Amon- our o%n people only D)ette 1in5s As"er attra3ti)e@ 8ut t"en "er tastes "a)e al%ays run to t"e stran-e an5 -rotes;ue.C As"er?s 1a3e 8etraye5 not"in-@ 8ut 9 kne% "e?5 "ear5. He %as meant to "ear. He?5 spent t"e last t%o 3enturies 8eintreate5 like a 3ir3us 1reak. /o %on5er "e %as 3ranky. A9?5 let As"er sink t"e %"ole t"in- into me 8e1ore 9?5 let you tou3" me.C Surprise s"o%e5 1or a "eart8eat on Pa5ma?s 1a3e@ t"en arro-an3e. But "e "a5n?t like5 t"e insult. Goo5y. APer"aps 8e1ore t"e ni-"t is o)er@ Anita@ you %ill -et your %is".C /ot 3om1ortin-@ 8ut As"er %as "a)in- trou8le lookin- at me@ as i1 "e %ere a1rai5. /ot o1 me@ e*a3tly@ 8ut t"at t"is %as some ela8orate -ame to "urt "im. He "a5 t"at 3asual tension t"at )i3tims -et %"en t"ey are slappe5 too o1ten 1or too many 5i11erent t"in-s. Hean2!lau5e %"ispere5@ A$"ank you@ ma petite.C 9 t"ink "e %as relie)e5. 9 t"ink "e?5 t"ou-"t 9 mi-"t -o 5o%n in 1lames rat"er t"an su8mit. Be1ore Pa5ma "a5 ma5e "is little >oke@ 9 %oul5 "a)e put up more o1 a 1i-"t. 9 %as -oin- to 5o t"is. 91 9 5re% t"e line "ere an5 re1use5@ t"at meant %e 1ou-"t t"em. =e %oul5 lose. 91 5onatin- a little 8loo5 %oul5 keep us all ali)e 3ome mornin-@ 9 3oul5 spare it. A leopar5 s3reame5. 9t raise5 t"e "airs on my arms. $%o leopar5s pa55e5 into t"e room@ >e%ele5 3ollars sparklin- aroun5 t"eir ne3ks. $"e 8la3k one@ ,liEa8et" 9 assume5@ snarle5 at me as t"ey %ent past. $"e leopar5s %ere >ust leopar52siEe@ not as tall as a Great 4ane 8ut lon-er. $"ey pa3e5 like )el)et o)er mus3le@ t"eir ener-y an5 an-er 1illin- t"e room@ pri3klin- alon- t"e ot"er s"apes"i1ters like a 5ru-. $"e leopar5s spra%le5 at Pa5ma?s 1eet. 9 1elt <i3"ar5?s po%er s%ell. 9t 1lo%e5 out o1 "im in a soot"in- %as"@ %illin- t"e leopar5s ;uiet@ 3allin- t"em 8a3k to "uman 1orm. Pa5ma sai5@ A/o@ no@ t"ey are mine. 9 %ill keep t"em in %"ate)er 1orm 9 3"oose@ "o%e)er lon- 9 3"oose.C A$"ey %ill 8e-in to lose "uman 3"ara3teristi3s@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A,liEa8et" is a nurse. S"e 3annot 5o "er >o8 i1 s"e "as 1an-s or eyes t"at 5o not 3"an-e 8a3k.C AS"e "as no ot"er >o8 t"an to ser)e me@C Pa5ma sai5. <i3"ar5 took a step 1or%ar5. Hean2!lau5e tou3"e5 "is s"oul5er. AHe is 8aitin- us@ mon ami.C <i3"ar5 s"ook "is "an5 o11@ 8ut no55e5. A9 5on?t t"ink t"e 7aster o1 Beasts 3oul5 stop me i1 9 1or3e5 t"em 8a3k to "uman 1orm.C A9s t"at a 3"allen-eBC Pa5ma aske5. A$"e %ereleopar5s 5on?t 8elon- to you@ <i3"ar5@C 9 sai5. A$"ese t%o 5on?t 8elon- to any8o5y@C "e sai5. A$"ey 3an 8e mine i1 t"ey %ant to 8e@C 9 sai5. A/o@C Pa5ma sai5. A/o@ 9 %ill -i)e up not"in- else. /o one else to you.C He steppe5 8a3k a-ainst t"e %all@ 5ra--inGi5eon %it" "im 8y t"e >e%ele5 3ollar. $"omas 1ollo%e5 almost as 3losely. AAs"en take "er.C As"er trie5 to -ra8 my arm@ 8ut 9 8a3ke5 up. AHol5 your "orses. Hasn?t anyone tol5 you anti3ipation a55s to t"e e*perien3eBC A9 "a)e 8een anti3ipatin- t"is 1or o)er t%o "un5re5 years@ ma 3"erie. 91 anti3ipation a55s@ t"en it %ill 8e %on5rous in5ee5.C 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom "is ea-er eyes an5 %ent to Hean2!lau5e. AAny a5)i3eBC AHe %ill try to make it rape@ ma petite.C He stoppe5 me 8e1ore 9 3oul5 say anyt"in-. A/ot a3tual rape@ 8ut t"e e11e3t is surprisin-ly similar. 7ake it a se5u3tion@ i1 you 3an. $urn ne3essity into a pleasure. 9t %ill 8e t"e last t"in- "e e*pe3ts@ an5 it %ill unner)e "im.C AHo% unner)e5BC 9 aske5. A$"at %ill 5epen5@ 9 t"ink@ upon "o% stron- your ner)e is.C

9 -lan3e5 8a3k at As"en $"e ea-erness on "is 1a3e %as 1ri-"tenin-. 9 %as sorry "e?5 8een pi3ke5 on 1or 3enturies@ 8ut it %asn?t my 1ault. A9 5on?t t"ink it?s t"at -oo5.C <i3"ar5 "a5 8een listenin-. He 3ame 3lose enou-" to %"isper@ ADou?re 5onatin- 8loo5 to one )ampire@ %"at?s one moreBC A7a petite an5 9 5o not "a)e to s"are 8loo5 to s"are po%er@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. <i3"ar5 1ro%ne5 at "im@ t"en at me. AStill "ol5in- 8a3kB 4on?t you kno% "o% to -i)e yoursel1 3ompletely to anyoneBC Hean2!lau5e?s 1a3e %as )ery neutral@ 8lank an5 8eauti1ul. 9 looke5 1rom "is impassi)e 1a3e to <i3"ar5?s an-ry one@ an5 s"ook my "ea5. A91 9 3oul5 1in5 someone else to 1ill our t"ir5 spot@ 9 %oul5@ <i3"ar5. But %e?re stu3k %it" ea3" ot"er@ so stop 8ein- su3" an ass.C 9 pus"e5 past "im "ar5 enou-" 1or "im to stum8le@ an5 it %as all 9 3oul5 5o not to slap "im as 9 %ent 8y. Bein- nasty in pri)ate %as one t"in-. 4oin- it in 1ront o1 t"e 8a5 -uys %as a-ainst t"e rules.

Chapter Fifty
As"er 5ra--e5 me to a 3orner@ an5 t"e ot"ers -at"ere5 aroun5 on t"e 1loor like story time in elementary s3"ool. #r may8e s"o%2an52tell %as a 8etter analo-y. He >erke5 me rou-"ly a-ainst "im@ one "an5 in my "air 3ontrollin- my "ea5. He kisse5 me rou-"ly enou-" to 8ruise unless 9 opene5 my mout". 9 5i5 8etter t"an t"at. 9 3lose5 my eyes an5 'ren3" kisse5 "im@ runnin- my ton-ue 8et%een "is 1an-s. 9?5 per1e3te5 t"e art o1 'ren3" kissin- a )ampire %it"out 8lee5in-@ an5 apparently 9 %as -oo5 at it 8e3ause As"er 5re% 8a3k 1irst. $"ere %as a look o1 astonis"ment@ total an5 3omplete. He 3oul5n?t "a)e looke5 more surprise5 i1 9?5 slappe5 "im. /o@ less surprise5. He e*pe3te5 t"e slap. Hean2!lau5e %as ri-"t. 91 9 3oul5 >ust outmaneu)er As"en 8e 8ol5er t"an "e %as@ "e mi-"t ne)er sink 1an- into me. 9t %as %ort" a try. 9 5i5n?t e)en let Hean2!lau5e 1ee5 o11 o1 me. 9 %asn?t sure it %as t"e lesser e)il@ 8ut a -irl?s -ot to 5ra% t"e line some%"ere. As"er put "is 1a3e so near mine@ our noses almost tou3"e5. ALook at me@ -irl@ look at me. Dou 5on?t %ant to tou3" t"is.C $"e startlin- pale 8lue o1 "is eyes@ almost a %"ite28lue@ 1rame5 8y -ol5en eyelas"es@ %as lo)ely. 9 3on3entrate5 on t"e eyes. A:n5o your "air@C 9 sai5. He pus"e5 me a%ay 1rom "im@ "ar5 enou-" t"at 9 stum8le5. 9 %as pissin- "im o11@ stealin- "is re)en-e. !an?t rape t"e %illin-. 9 %ent to "im@ stalkin- aroun5 "im@ "al1 %is"in- 1or t"e "eels Hean2!lau5e "a5 %ante5 me to %ear. As"er?s 8a3k %as pure an5 untou3"e5. #nly a 1e% 5ri88lin- s3ars %"ere t"e "oly %ater "a5 traile5 5o%n "is si5e. 9 ran my "an5s up t"at smoot" skin@ an5 "e >umpe5 as i1 9?5 8it "im. He %"irle5@ -ra88in- my arms@ "ol5in- me a%ay 1rom "im. He sear3"e5 my 1a3e almost 1ranti3ally. ="ate)er "e sa%@ it 5i5n?t please "im. He mo)e5 "is "an5s up%ar5 until "e "el5 my %rists@ t"en pla3e5 one o1 my "an5s on t"e s3arre5 si5e o1 "is 3"est. A9t?s easy to 3lose your eyes an5 preten5. ,asy to tou3" t"at %"i3" is not spoile5.C He presse5 my "an5 a-ainst t"e rou-" ri5-es t"at "a5 8een "is 3"est. A$"is is t"e reality. $"is is %"at 9 li)e %it" e)ery ni-"t@ %"at 9 %ill li)e %it" 1or all eternity@ %"at "e 5i5 to me.C 9 steppe5 in 3lose@ pressin- my upper arm a-ainst t"e s3ars@ as %ell as my "an5s. $"e skin %as rou-"@ ri5-e5@ like 1roEen@ 1les"y %ater. 9 looke5 up nto "is 1a3e 1rom in3"es a%ay@ an5 sai5@ AHean2!lau5e 5i5 not 5o t"is to you. 7en %"o are lon- 5ea5 5i5 t"is to you.C 9 rose up on tiptoe an5 kisse5 "is s3arre5 3"eek. He 3lose5 "is eyes@ an5 a sin-le tear sli5 1rom "is eye to trail 5o%n t"at rou-" 3"eek. 9 kisse5 t"e tear a%ay@ an5 %"en "e opene5 "is eyes@ t"ey %ere su55enly startlin-ly 3lose. 9n "is eyes 9 sa% a 1ear@ loneliness@ a nee5 so o)er%"elmin- t"at it "a5 eaten "is "eart as surely as t"e "oly %ater "a5 eaten "is skin. 9 %ante5 to take a%ay t"e "urt 9 sa% in "is eyes. 9 %ante5 to "ol5 "im in my arms until t"e pain ease5. 9 realiEe5 in t"at moment t"at it %asn?t me. 9t %as Hean2!lau5e. He %ante5 to "eal As"er?s pain. He %ante5 to take a%ay t"at a%1ul emptiness. 9 looke5 at As"er t"rou-" a 1ilm o1 emotions t"at 9?5 ne)er "a5 1or "im@ a patina o1 nostal-ia 1or 8etter ni-"ts@ o1 lo)e an5 >oy an5 %arm 8o5ies in t"e 3ol5 5arkness. 9 kisse5 my %ay 5o%n "is 3"in@ 3are1ul to tou3" only t"e s3ars@ i-norin- t"e per1e3t skin as 9?5 i-nore5 t"e %oun5e5 skin earlier. Stran-ely@ "is ne3k %as %"ole@ untou3"e5. 9 kisse5 "is 3ollar 8one an5 its %"ite ri5-e o1 s3ars. His "an5s ease5 8ut 5i5n?t release me. 9 pulle5 out o1 "is -rip as 9 mo)e5 5o%n "is 8o5y@ one so1t kiss at a time. 9 ran my ton-ue a3ross "is 8elly %"ere it )anis"e5 into "is pants. He s"u55ere5. 9 mo)e5 to t"e open skin on "is "ip an5 %orke5 5o%n. ="en t"e s3ars en5e5 at mi52t"i-"@ so 5i5 9. 9 stoo5@ an5 "e %at3"e5 me@ %at3"e5 me almost a1rai5 o1 %"at 9 %oul5 5o ne*t. 9 "a5 to stan5 on tiptoe to rea3" 8e"in5 "im to t"e 8rai5 o1 "is "air. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een easier 1rom 8e"in5@ 8ut "e?5 "a)e taken it as a re>e3tion. 9 3oul5n?t turn a%ay 1rom t"e s3ars@ not e)en i1 t"at %asn?t %"at 9 %as 5oin- at all. 9 loosene5 t"e 8rai5. 9 separate5 t"e stran5s o1 "air@ t"en "a5 to lean my 8o5y a-ainst "is >ust to stea5y mysel1 %"ile 9 3om8e5 my 1in-ers t"rou-" t"e -ol5en stran5s. $"ere is somet"in- )ery personal to tou3"in- a person?s "air in t"e ri-"t situation. 9 took my time@ en>oyin- t"e 1eel o1 it@ t"e e*traor5inary 3olor@ t"e t"i3k ri3"ness o1 it 8et%een my 1in-ers. ="en "is "air 1ell in %a)es aroun5 "is s"oul5ers@ 9 lo%ere5 mysel1 1lat21oote5. 7y 3al)es %ere 3rampe5@ too lon- on point. 9 put into my eyes %"at 9 sa%@ t"at "e %as 8eauti1ul.

As"er kisse5 me on t"e 1ore"ea5@ a li-"t tou3". He "el5 me a-ainst "im 1or a moment@ t"en steppe5 8a3k. A9 3annot 3apture you %it" my eyes. =it"out t"at or t"e t"roes o1 passion@ it %oul5 only 3ause you pain. 9 3an 1ee5 on anyone. ="at 9 sa% in your 1a3e@ no one else 3oul5 -i)e me.C He looke5 out at Hean2!lau5e. $"ey stare5 at ea3" ot"er 1or a lonmoment@ t"en As"er steppe5 out o1 t"e 3ir3le@ an5 9 ma5e my %ay 8a3k to Hean2!lau5e. 9 sat 5o%n 8esi5e "im@ knees tu3ke5 un5er@ skirt smoot"e5 8a3k. He "u--e5 me an5 kisse5 me on t"e 1ore"ea5 as As"er "a5 5one. 9 %on5ere5 i1 "e %as tryin- to taste As"er?s mout" on my skin. $"e t"ou-"t 5i5n?t 8ot"er me. 7ay8e it s"oul5 "a)e@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t ask "im. 9 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 to kno%. $"e $ra)eler 3ame to "is 1eet as i1 8y ma-i3@ >ust su55enly stan5in-. A9 5on?t t"ink %e 3oul5 8e more astonis"e5 i1 Anita "a5 3on>ure5 a 5ra-on 1rom t"in air. S"e "as tame5 our As"er an5 pai5 no 8loo5 1or it.C He -li5e5 to t"e open 1loor spa3e. AD)ette is not so easily sate5.C He smile5 at "er as s"e rose to "er 1eet. AAre you@ my 5earBC S"e ran "er "an5s t"rou-" Hason?s "air as s"e -li5e5 past. He >umpe5 as i1 s"e?5 stun- "im@ %"i3" amuse5 t"e "ell out o1 "er. S"e %as still lau-"in- %"en s"e turne5 %it" a s%oos" o1 %"ite skirts an5 "el5 "er arms out to "im. A!ome to me@ Hason.C He "u55le5 in on "imsel1@ 3urlin- into a little 8all o1 arms an5 el8o%s an5 knees. He >ust s"ook "is "ea5. ADou are my 3"oi3e@ my spe3ial one@C D)ette sai5. ADou are not stron- enou-" to re1use me.C An a%1ul t"ou-"t o33urre5 to me. 9 %as %illin- to 8et t"at Hean2!lau5e "a5n?t 3o)ere5 rottin- on people as a no2no. Hason mi-"t not re3o)er 1rom anot"er em8ra3e 1rom t"e messily 5ea5. 9 leane5 into Hean2!lau5e an5 aske5@ ADou 5i5 3o)er torture@ no outri-"t torture@ ri-"tBC A#1 3ourse@C "e sai5. 9 stoo5. ADou 3an 1ee5 on "im@ 8ut you 3an?t rot on "im.C S"e turne5 3ool eyes to me. ADou "a)e no say in t"is.C AHean2!lau5e ne-otiate5 1or no torture. <ottin- on Hason %"ile you 1ee5 is torture to "im. Dou kno% t"at. 9t?s %"y you %ant "im.C A9 %ant my 8it o1 %ere%ol1 8loo5@ an5 9 %ant it e*a3tly t"e %ay 9 like it 8est@C s"e sai5. <i3"ar5 sai5@ ADou 3an 1ee5 o11 o1 me.C ADou 5on?t kno% %"at you?re o11erin-@ <i3"ar5@C 9 sai5. A9 kno% t"at Hason is mine to prote3t@ an5 "e 3an?t en5ure t"is.C He -ot to "is 1eet@ splen5i5 in "is ne% tu*. AHas Hason tol5 you %"at "appene5 to "im in BransonBC 9 aske5. Hason "a5 8een "a)in- a 1or3e5 tryst %it" t%o 1emale )amps %"en t"ey 8e-an to rot. $"ey turne5 into lon-25ea5 3orpses %"ile "e %as still lyin- nake5 %it" t"em. 9t %as "is %orse ni-"tmare@ almost a p"o8ia no%. 9?5 %itnesse5 t"e e)ent@ e)en "a5 t"ose 5ea5 "an5s on my 8o5y %"en 9 %a5e5 in to to res3ue "im. 9 3oul5n?t 8lame "im 1or 8ein- terri1ie5. AHason tol5 me@C <i3"ar5 sai5. AHearin- a8out it isn?t t"e same t"in- as 8ein- t"ere@ <i3"ar5.C Hason "a5 "i55en "is 1a3e a-ainst "is knees. He %as sayin- somet"in- lo%. 9 "a5 to kneel to "ear it. He %as sayin-@ A9?m sorry@ 9?m sorry@ 9?m sorry@C o)er an5 o)er an5 o)er. 9 tou3"e5 "is arm@ an5 "e s3reame5@ eyes %i5e@ mout" open in astonis"ment. A9t?s okay@ Hason. 9t?s okay.C <i3"ar5 %as ri-"t. Hason 3oul5n?t 5o t"is. 9 no55e5. ADou?re ri-"t@ <i3"ar5.C A/o@C Pa5ma sai5. A/o@ t"e =ol1 Kin- is mine. 9 %ill not s"are "im.C A9 %ill take not"in- less t"an a s"apes"i1ter@C D)ette sai5. Hamil stoo5. <i3"ar5 sai5@ A/o@ it?s my >o8 to prote3t Hason@ not yours@ Hamil.C A9t?s my >o8 to prote3t you@ :l1ri3.C <i3"ar5 s"ook "is "ea5 an5 starte5 un5oin- t"e 8la3k 8o% tie. He un5i5 t"e top 1e% 8uttons on t"e pleate5 s"irt@ 8arint"e stron-@ per1e3t line o1 "is ne3k. A/o@C D)ette sai5. S"e stampe5 "er 1oot@ "an5s on "ips. AHe is not a1rai5. 9 %ant someone %"o?s a1rai5.C 9n my "ea5 9 t"ou-"t@ "e %ill 8e a1rai5. He?ll 8e )ery a1rai5. /oti3e 9 %asn?t >umpin- up an5 o11erin- mysel1 in Hason?s pla3e. 9?5 seen t"is parti3ular s"o%. 9 "a5 no 5esire to star in it. AAn5 9 "a)e my o%n plans 1or t"e :l1ri3@C Pa5ma sai5. $"e $ra)eler tske5 at t"em like nau-"ty 3"il5ren. A9t is a 1air o11er@ D)ette. $"e :l1ri3 "imsel1 1or one o1 "is lesser %ol)es.C A9t is not t"e poten3y o1 t"e 8loo5 9 %ant. 9t is t"e terror.C

A9t is too -enerous an o11er 1or someone %"o is not 3oun3il@C Pa5ma sai5. A4o t"ey al%ays s;ua88le like t"isBC 9 aske5. A#ui@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. /ear2eternal li1e@ 1ri-"tenin- po%er@ an5 t"ey %ere petty. Ho% 5isappointin-. Ho% typi3al. 9 tou3"e5 Hason?s 1a3e@ ma5e "im look at me. His 8reat" %as 3omin- in s"ort -asps. 9 tou3"e5 "is "an5sG "is skin %as 3ol5. AHason@ i1 s"e 5i5n?t rot on you@ 3oul5 you let "er 1ee5BC He s%allo%e5 t%i3e 8e1ore "e 3oul5 talk. A9 5on?t kno%.C A trut"1ul ans%er. He %as terri1ie5. A9?ll -o %it" you.C He looke5 at me t"en@ looke5 at me an5 not at t"e s3reamin- in "is "ea5. AS"e %on?t like t"at.C A'u3k "er. S"e 3an take it or lea)e it.C $"at -ot me t"e -"ost o1 a smile. He -rippe5 my "an5s %"ere t"ey lay on top o1 "is. He no55e5. 9 looke5 at Hean2!lau5e still sittin- 8y us. ADou?re not 8ein- mu3" "elp.C A9 too "a)e seen t"e s"o%@ ma petite.C He %as e3"oin- my t"ou-"ts so 3losely@ 9 %on5ere5 %"ose t"ou-"ts %ere %"i3". But %"at "e %as sayin- %as 1ri-"tenin-. He %oul5n?t o11er "imsel1 to D)ette@ not >ust to sa)e Hason. 9 stoo5 up@ 5ra%in- Hason to "is 1eet. He 3lun- to my "an5 like a ki5 on t"e 1irst 5ay o1 kin5er-arten a1rai5 7ommy %oul5 lea)e "im alone %it" t"e 8ullies. A91 you -i)e your %or5 o1 "onor t"at you %on?t rot on "im@ you 3an 1ee5 o11 o1 "im.C A/o@C D)ette sai5. A/o@ t"at spoils it all.C A9t?s your 3"oi3e@C 9 sai5. ADou 3an "a)e <i3"ar5@ i1 Pa5ma %ill let you@ 8ut "e %on?t 8e a1rai5. Dou 3an rot on "im t"ou-"@ 8ut you %on?t -et Hason?s "orror o1 you.C 9 mo)e5 so s"e 3oul5 see "im 3learly. Hason 1lin3"e5 8ut staye5 stan5in-@ 8ut "e %oul5n?t or 3oul5n?t meet "er eyes. He stare5 at me. 9 t"ink "e %as a3tually lookin- 5o%n my 5ress. But 1or on3e 9 5i5n?t make "im stop. 4istra3tion %as >ust %"at "e nee5e5. Kno%in- Hason@ 9 %asn?t surprise5 t"at a peek2a28oo s"o% %as %"at "e 3"ose. D)ette li3ke5 "er lips. 'inally@ s"e no55e5. 9 le5 Hason to%ar5s "er. He %as 5resse5 1or "is o%n peek2a28oo s"o%. He %as %earin- a pair o1 leat"er pants 5ye5 a 8lue t%o s"a5es 5arker t"an "is eyes. $"e pants looke5 painte5 on@ sli5in- seamlessly into 8oots 5ye5 to mat3". He %ore no s"irt@ only a )est t"at mat3"e5 t"e pants@ 1astene5 %it" t"ree leat"er t"on-s. He stum8le5 as %e entere5 t"e 3leare5 spa3e. D)ette -li5e5 to%ar5s "im@ an5 "e "un- 8a3k. #nly my "an5 kept "im 1rom 8oltin-. A,asy@ Hason@ easy.C He >ust kept s"akin- "is "ea5@ strainin- a-ainst my "ol5 on "is %rist. He %asn?t e*a3tly stru--lin-@ 8ut "e %asn?t 3ooperatin- eit"er. A9t?s too mu3" to ask@C <i3"ar5 sai5. AHe is my %ol1@ an5 9 %ill not see "im tormente5.C 9 looke5 at <i3"ar5@ prou5@ arro-ant. AHe?s my %ol1@ too.C 9 release5 Hason?s %rist slo%ly an5 put a "an5 on eit"er si5e o1 "is 1a3e. A91 t"is is too mu3" to ask@ say so@ an5 %e?ll 5o somet"in- else.C He -rippe5 my %rists@ an5 9 %at3"e5 "im 3olle3t "imsel1. 9 %at3"e5 "is "ar5%on 3ontrol 1ill "is eyes@ "is 1a3e. A4on?t lea)e me.C A9?m ri-"t "ere.C A/o@C D)ette sai5@ Ayou 3annot "ol5 "is "an5 %"ile 9 1ee5.C 9 turne5 to "er@ Hason so 3lose our 8o5ies tou3"e5 %it"out "an5s. A$"en it?s o)er. Dou 5on?t tou3" "im.C A'irst you tame As"er. /o% you seek to tame me. Dou "a)e not"in- 9 %ant@ Anita.C A9 "a)e Hason.C S"e "isse5 at me@ all t"at 3are1ul 8eauty 8reakin- 5o%n an5 s"o%in- t"e 8east insi5e. S"e snat3"e5 at "im aroun5 me@ an5 "e >erke5 8a3k. S"e pa%e5 at "im like a 3at@ an5 9 kept my 8o5y 8et%een t"em@ mo)in- us into t"e 3enter o1 t"e 3ir3le. 9 1elt Hason?s 8a3k "it t"e %all@ an5 9 -ra88e5 D)ette?s arm. A'eel "is terror@ D)ette. 9 3an 1eel "is "eart poun5in- a-ainst my 8a3k. 7y "ol5in- "is "an5 %on?t make "im una1rai5. /ot"in- 9 3oul5 5o %oul5 make "im not 1ear your tou3".C Hason "i5 "is 1a3e a-ainst my 8a3k@ "an5s sli5in- aroun5 my %aist. 9 patte5 "is arm. His 8o5y %as one t"ro88in- 8eat as "is "eart@ "is 8loo5@ pumpe5 t"rou-" "is 8o5y so "ar5 9 3oul5 1eel it. His terror ro5e t"e air like a "ot@ in)isi8le mist. AA-ree5@C s"e sai5. S"e 8a3ke5 a%ay to t"e 3enter o1 t"e 3leare5 1loor. S"e "el5 one pale "an5 out to us. A!ome@ Anita@ 8rin- our priEe.C

9 sli5 in "is arms until 9 %as lea5in- "im 8y t"e "an5 a-ain. His palms %ere s%eatin-. 9 le5 "im to stan5 %it" "is 8a3k to "er. He -rippe5 my "an5s in 8ot" o1 "is. His "an5s trem8le5. He stare5 at my 1a3e as i1 it %ere t"e only t"in- le1t in t"e %orl5. D)ette tou3"e5 "is 8a3k. He %"impere5. 9 5re% "im into me until our arms %ere tou3"in-@ our 1a3es only in3"es apart. 9 "a5 no %or5s o1 3om1ort. 9 3oul5 o11er not"in- 8ut a "an5 to "ol5 an5 somet"in- else to t"ink a8out. D)ette traile5 "er 1in-ers aroun5 "is s"oul5ers until s"e 3ame to t"e t"on-s t"at tie5 t"e )est. Her "an5s 8rus"e5 t"e 1ront o1 my 8o5y as s"e 1um8le5 %it" t"e ties. 9 starte5 to step 8a3k@ an5 Hason?s "an5s san- %it" tension. 9 staye5 %"ere 9 %as@ 8ut my o%n pulse %as 8eatin- in my t"roat. 9 %as a1rai5 o1 "er@ too@ a1rai5 o1 %"at s"e %as. S"e "a5 to sli5e "er "an5 aroun5 "is %aist to -et t"e last tie@ mol5in- "er 8o5y a-ainst "is 8a3k. S"e li3ke5 "is ear@ a ;ui3k 1li3k o1 "er pale pink ton-ue. He 3lose5 "is eyes@ 8o%in- "is "ea5 until our 1ore"ea5s tou3"e5. ADou 3an 5o t"is@C 9 sai5. He no55e5 "is "ea5@ eyes still 3lose5@ 1ore"ea5 still tou3"in- mine. D)ette ran "er "an5s up "is 8a3k un5er t"e )est@ t"en 3ur)e5 t"em aroun5 to "is nake5 3"est@ runnin- "er nails 5o%n "is 1les" in a ;ui3k rus". Hason -aspe5@ an5 9 realiEe5 in t"at instant t"at it %asn?t >ust 1ear. He "a5 slept %it" "er 8e1ore "e kne% %"at s"e %as. S"e kne% "is 8o5y@ kne% "o% to 8rin- "im to passion as only a lo)er 3an. S"e?5 use t"at a-ainst "im no%. Hason 5re% "is 1a3e 8a3k 1rom mine. He looke5 at me@ an5 "e seeme5 lost. S"e s"o)e5 t"e )est up aroun5 "is s"oul5ers an5 li3ke5 a lon- %et line up "is spine. He turne5 "is 1a3e 1rom me@ so 9 %oul5n?t see "is eyes. A9t?s all ri-"t i1 some o1 it 1eels -oo5@ Hason.C He turne5 8a3k to me@ an5 t"ere %ere ot"er t"in-s in "is eyes 8esi5e 1ear. 9?5 8een more 3om1orta8le %it" t"e 1ear@ 8ut "e %as t"e one "urtin-. D)ette knelt an5 5i5 somet"in- lo% on "is 8a3k %it" "er mout". His knees 8u3kle5 su55enly@ takin- us 8ot" to t"e 1loor. 9 en5e5 up 1lat on my 8a3k %it" Hason on top o1 me. 9 "a5 one le- 1ree@ %"i3" %as a "elp an5 a "in5ran3e@ sin3e it put "im per1e3tly on top o1 me. 9 3oul5 tell "is 8o5y %as "appy to 8e t"ere. 9 %asn?t sure a8out t"e rest o1 "im. He %as makinsmall soun5s lo% in "is t"roat. 9 s3oote5 out 1rom un5er "im enou-" so t"at "is -roin %asn?t pressin- mine an5 9 3oul5 sit up to see %"at D)ette "a5 5one to "im. $"ere %ere 1an-s marks lo% on "is 8a3k near t"e spine. $"e 8loo5 8ea5e5 on t"e 8lue leat"er like it "a5 8een S3ot3"2-ar5e5. His arms lo3ke5 aroun5 my %aist. A4on?t lea)e me@ please.C His 3"eek %as presse5 a-ainst my %aist. $"e tension in "is 8o5y ma5e my "eart t"u5. A9 %on?t lea)e you@ Hason.C 9 stare5 at D)ette o)er "is 8o5y. S"e %as kneelin- %it" t"e %"ite skirt poole5 aroun5 "er@ as i1 a %an5erin- p"oto-rap"er %oul5 8e 3omin- 8y. S"e smile5@ an5 it rea3"e5 "er eyes@ 1illin- t"em %it" a 5ark@ >oyous li-"t. S"e %as en>oyin- t"e "ell out o1 "ersel1. ADou?)e 1e5. 9t?s o)er@C 9 sai5. A$"at %asn?t a 1ee5in-@ an5 you kno% it. 9?)e taste5 "im@ 8ut 9 "a)en?t 1e5.C 9t "a5 8een %ort" a try. S"e %as ri-"t. 9 kne% s"e "a5n?t 1e5. A$"en >ust 5o it@ D)ette.C A91 you "a5 let me rot@ t"en it %oul5 8e ;ui3ker@ 8ut 9 %ant "is terror an5 "is pleasure. $"at takes lon-er.C Hason ma5e a small soun5@ like a 3"il5 3ryin- in t"e 5ark. 9 looke5 out at <i3"ar5. He %as still stan5in-@ 8ut "e %asn?t an-ry %it" me no%. $"ere %as real pain in "is eyes. He?5 "a)e rat"er it 8e "im t"an Hason. Like a true kin- "e?5 "a)e taken t"e pain. 9 smelle5 1orest@ ri3" an5 -reen@ lea1 mol5 so %et an5 ne% it ma5e my t"roat ti-"t. 9 stare5 at <i3"ar5 an5 kne% %"at "e %as su--estin-. =e?5 "a5 our little 1i-"t a8out t"e munin. He?5 truly t"ou-"t 9 %as sa1e 1rom t"em 8e3ause 9 %asn?t a s"apes"i1ter. He "a5n?t kno%n t"e marks 9 s"are5 %it" "im %oul5 put me at risk. But no% it "a5 possi8ilities. /ot 3"annelin- <aina@ 9 ne)er %ante5 to 5o t"at a-ain@ 8ut t"e po%er o1 t"e pa3k. $"eir %armt"@ t"eir tou3"2t"at 3oul5 "elp. 9 3lose5 my eyes an5 1elt t"e mark open like 3urtains partin- in my 8o5y. Hason raise5 "is "ea5@ starin- up at me. His nostrils 1lare5@ s3entin- me@ s3entin- t"e po%er. D)ette rippe5 t"e )est 5o%n "is 8a3k like it %as paper. Hason -aspe5. S"e li3ke5 alon- "is 8o5y@ t"en su55enly "er mout" 3lose5 o)er "is ri8s. 9 sa% t"e mus3les in "er >a% tense as Hason?s 8o5y spasme5 a-ainst me. He 3ollapse5 a-ainst me@ "an5s s3ram8lin- alon- t"e 1loor as i1 "e 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o %it" "is t"em@ or %it" "is 8o5y.

D)ette 5re% 8a3k lea)in- neat re5 "oles. Bloo5 5rippe5 1rom t"e %oun5. S"e li3ke5 "er lips an5 smile5 at me. A4oes it "urtBC 9 aske5 Hason. ADes@C "e sai5@ Aan5 no.C 9 starte5 to raise "im up. D)ette put a "an5 in t"e mi55le o1 "is 8a3k. A/o@ 9 %ant "im on t"e -roun5. 9 %ant "im 8elo% me.C 9 smelle5 t"e s"arp musk o1 1ur. Hason trie5 to look at me@ 8ut D)ette 1or3e5 "is "ea5 5o%n into my lap. S"e use5 "im to support "er 8o5y %"ile s"e peere5 into my 1a3e. A="at are you 5oin-BC A9 am "is lupa. 9 3all t"e pa3k to "is ai5.C A$"ey 3annot "elp "im@C s"e sai5. ADes@C 9 sai5@ At"ey 3an.C 9 sli5 5o%n@ %ri--lin- un5er Hason?s 8o5y. $"e little 8la3k 5ress en5e5 up a8out %aist le)el. ,)eryone %as -ettin- a -reat )ie% o1 t"e "ose an5 un5ies. Goo5 t"at e)eryt"in- mat3"e5. But 9 3oul5 see Hason?s 1a3e. 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8o5y a little more t"an 9 %ante5 to. But it %as "is eyes 9 %ante5@ "is 1a3e. 9 %ante5 "im lookin- at me. 9?5 ne)er trie5 missionary position %it" a man e*a3tly my "ei-"t. $"e eye 3onta3t %as in3re5i8ly intimate. He -a)e a ner)ous lau-". A9?)e "a5 1antasies like t"is.C A'unny@C 9 sai5. A9 "a)en?t.C A#o"@ too 3ruel.C His spine 8o%e5@ 8o5y pressin- a-ainst mine. D)ette "a5 taken anot"er taste. $"e 1ear %as 8a3k in 1ull 1or3e@ 1illin- "is eyes %it" pani3. A9?m "ere. =e?re "ere.C He 3lose5 "is eyes an5 took a 5eep 8reat". He 5re% in t"e s3ent o1 lea)es@ an5 1ur@ an5 5ark pla3es 1ull o1 8o5ies t"at all smelle5 like pa3k. An5 D)ette stru3k a-ain. Hason s3reame5@ an5 9 raise5 mysel1 up enou-" to see t"at t"e )ampire "a5 pulle5 a strip o1 skin loose so it 1lappe5. Bloo5 poure5 5o%n "is skin. Hean2!lau5e 3ame to t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3ir3le. A$"at is torture@ not 1ee5in-. 9t stops "ere.C A/o@C D)ette sai5@ A9 %ill 1ee5.C A$"en 1ee5@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ A8ut 5o it ;ui3kly 8e1ore our patien3e is at an en5.C S"e 3ra%le5 up "is 8o5y@ puttin- "er %ei-"t on top o1 "is@ -rin5in- me into t"e 1loor. $"e leat"er stit3"in- o)er "is -roin %as -roun5 so "ar5 a-ainst me t"at it "urt. His 8reat" 3ame in ;ui3k pants@ 1ast an5 1aster. He %as -oin- to "yper)entilate. ALook at me@C 9 sai5. D)ette >erke5 "is "ea5 8a3k 8y t"e "air. A/o@ look at me. Be3ause 9 %ill "urt you@ Hason. 9 %ill "aunt your 5reams.C A/o@C 9 sai5. $"e po%er s%elle5 insi5e o1 me@ an5 9 spit po%er into "er pale 1a3e. Bloo5 1le% in a lon-@ s"allo% 3ut 5o%n "er 3"eek. ,)eryt"in- 1roEe. D)ette raise5 a "an5 to "er 8lee5in- 3"eek. AHo% 5i5 you 5o t"atBC A91 9 sai5 9 %asn?t really sure@ %oul5 you 8elie)e meBC A/o@C s"e sai5. A$"en 8elie)e t"is@ 8it3". 'inis" t"is no% or 9 %ill 3ut you up.C 9 8elie)e5 it %"en 9 sai5 it@ e)en t"ou-" 9 %asn?t sure 9 3oul5 e)er repeat t"e per1orman3e. #nly master )ampires 3oul5 3ause 3uts like t"at 1rom a 5istan3e. 9?5 ne)er e)en seen Hean2 !lau5e 5o it. D)ette 8elie)e5 me. S"e leane5 3lose enou-" t"at t"e 8loo5 1rom t"e 3ut 5rippe5 onto Hason?s 8lon5 "air. AAs you like@ putain@ 8ut kno% t"is@ 9 %ill not put "im un5er. 'or t"is2A s"e s"o%e5 t"e 3ut to me 8y a turn o1 "er 1a3e2A"e %ill su11er.C AAin?t it al%ays t"e %ay@C 9 sai5. S"e 1ro%ne5 at me@ not t"e response s"e %as e*pe3tin- apparently. 9 put a "an5 on eit"er si5e o1 Hason?s 1a3e@ 1or3e5 "is eyes to meet mine. $"ere %as puEElement un5er t"e 1ear no%@ 8e3ause Hason kne% 9?5 ne)er 5one anyt"in- like %"at "a5 >ust "appene5 to D)ette. But %e 3oul5n?t say@ -olly@ -ee %"iE@ "o%?5 9 5o t"at in 1ront o1 t"e 8a5 -uysB D)ette s"i1te5 until "er 8o5y %as presse5 alon- t"e len-t" o1 Hason?s. He mo)e5 a-ainst me. $"ere %as not"in- 8et%een Hason an5 me 8ut t"e leat"er o1 "is pants an5 some satin. 7y 8o5y rea3te5. 9t %as my turn to 3lose my eyes so "e %oul5n?t see. 7ay8e it %as t"e p"ysi3al rea3tion@ 8ut 9 %as su55enly 5ro%nin- in t"e s3ent o1 1ur@ an5 t"e %arm@ 3lose kno%le5-e o1 "is 8o5y. $"e munin %as "ere in a %arm@ 8uil5in- rus". 9 li1te5 my 1a3e an5 kisse5 "im. $"e moment our lips tou3"e5@ t"e po%er 1lo%e5 8et%een us. 9t %as a 8in5in- o1 a 5i11erent sort@ 8etter t"an %it" /at"aniel@ an5 9 kne% %"y. /at"aniel %asn?t pa3k. Hason 5i5n?t kiss me 8a3k at 1irstG t"en "e sank into my mout"@ into t"e %arm po%er@ an5 t"e po%er -re% until 9 3oul5 1eel it like a small "ot %in5 a3ross my 8o5y@ a3ross our 8o5ies. $"e po%er 1lo%e5 o)er D)ette an5 ma5e "er 3ry out. S"e

plun-e5 1an-s into Hason?s ne3k. He s3reame5 into my mout"@ 8o5y sti11enin-@ 8ut t"e pain ro5e on t"e %arm@ 8uil5inpo%er an5 %as %as"e5 a%ay. 9 3oul5 1eel D)ette?s mout" like a sip"on@ su3kin- t"e po%er a%ay. 9 t"rust it into "er an5 sent "er reelin- 1rom us@ 5runk on more t"an 8loo5. 'ree5 o1 D)ette?s 8o5y@ Hason mo)e5 a-ainst me. He kisse5 me as i1 "e?5 3lim8 insi5e an5 pull me aroun5 "im@ an5 9 kisse5 "im 8a3k. 9?5 %el3ome5 <ama?s munin@ an5 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% to turn it o11. 9 1elt "is lo%er 8o5y rea3t@ 1elt "im 3ome@ an5 t"at %as enou-" to "elp me s%im 8a3k into 3ontrol. ="at a ni3e em8arrassin- moment to 8e 5ri)in- a-ain. Hason 3ollapse5 on top o1 me@ pantin-@ 8ut not 1rom 1ear. 9 turne5 my 1a3e a%ay so t"at 9 %oul5n?t 3at3" a -limpse o1 anyone -at"ere5 aroun5 us. D)ette lay on "er si5e near us@ 3urle5 into a 8all@ 8loo5 trailin- 5o%n "er 3"in. S"e li3ke5 t"e 8loo5@ almost "al1"earte5ly as i1 e)en t"at small e11ort %ere too mu3". S"e spoke 'ren3" to meJ AHe re)e 5e toi.C 9?5 "ear5 a )ersion o1 t"is 8e1ore 1rom Hean2!lau5e. S"e sai5 s"e?5 5ream o1 us. 9 "ear5 mysel1 say@ A="y 5o t"e 'ren3" al%ays kno% e*a3tly %"at to say at times like t"isBC Hean2!lau5e knelt 8esi5e us. A9t is -eneti3@ ma petite.C AA"@C 9 sai5. 9 "a5 trou8le meetin- "is eyes %it" Hason still spra%le5 a3ross my 8o5y. AHason@C 9 sai5@ tappin- "is 8are s"oul5er. He sai5 not"in-@ >ust rolle5 o11 me to lie on t"e 1loor@ 3loser to D)ette t"an 9?5 "a)e e)er t"ou-"t "e?5 8e %illin- to -et. 9 su55enly realiEe5 t"at my skirt %as still up aroun5 my %aist. Hean2!lau5e "elpe5 me sit up %"ile 9 %i--le5 t"e 5ress 5o%n. <i3"ar5 knelt %it" us. 9 e*pe3te5 a s3at"in- remark. 9?5 3ertainly -i)en "im enou-" ammo 1or one. He surprise5 me 8y sayin-@ A<aina@ -one@ 8ut not 1or-otten.C 9 sai5@ A/o >oke.C A9?m sorry@ Anita. ="en you tol5 me@ 9 5i5n?t realiEe it %as an almost 3omplete mel5in-. 9 un5erstan5 %"y you?re a1rai5 o1 it no%. $"ere are t"in-s you 3an 5o to keep it 1rom "appenin- a-ain. 9 %as too an-ry at you to 8elie)e it %as t"is 8a5.C A look 3rosse5 "is 1a3e@ part pain@ part 3on1usion. A9 am sorry 1or t"at.C A91 you 3an keep t"at 1rom "appenin- a-ain@ apolo-y a33epte5.C Pa5ma %as su55enly loomin- o)er us. ADou an5 9 %ill 5an3e ne*t@ :l1ri3. A1ter t"e s"o% your lupa -a)e us@ 9 am more ea-er t"an e)er to taste you.C <i3"ar5 -lan3e5 at me@ t"en at Hason an5 D)ette@ 8ot" still lyin- on t"e -roun5 as i1 any mo)ement %as too mu3". A9 5on?t t"ink 9?m t"at -oo5.C A9 t"ink you un5erestimate yoursel1@ %ol1@C Pa5ma sai5. He o11ere5 <i3"ar5 a "an5@ 8ut "e stoo5 on "is o%n. $"e t%o men %ere almost t"e same "ei-"t. $"ey stare5 at ea3" ot"er@ an5 9 3oul5 alrea5y 1eel t"e po%er 1larin- 8et%een t"em@ testinea3" ot"er. 9 lay a-ainst Hean2!lau5e?s 3"est an5 3lose5 my eyes. AGet me out o1 "ere 8e1ore t"ey start. 9 3an?t stan5 to 8e near t"is mu3" po%er so soon.C He "elpe5 me to stan5@ an5 %"en my le-s %oul5n?t "ol5 me@ "e s3oope5 me up in "is arms@ "ol5in- me e11ortlessly. He >ust stoo5 t"ere "ol5in- me@ as i1 e*pe3tin- me to protest. 9 put my arms aroun5 "is ne3k an5 sai5@ AHust 5o it.C He smile5@ an5 it %as %on5rous. A9 "a)e %ante5 to 5o t"is 1or a )ery lon- time.C =as it romanti3 to 8e 3arrie5 in "is arms at lastB Des. But %"en Hason mana-e5 to sta--er 1rom t"e 1loor@ t"e 1ront o1 "is 8lue leat"er pants %as staine5@ an5 t"at %asn?t romanti3 at all.

Chapter Fifty-one
Pa5ma an5 <i3"ar5 1a3e5 ea3" ot"er >ust out o1 rea3". ,a3" %as lettin- "is po%er out like a lure at t"e en5 o1 a line@ to see %"o took t"e 8ait 1irst. <i3"ar5?s po%er %as as it al%ays %as@ an ele3tri3 "eat. But Pa5ma?s po%er %as similar. 7ore t"an any ot"er )amp 9?5 8een aroun5@ "is po%er %as %arm@ ali)e@ 1or la3k o1 a 8etter %or5. 9t 5i5 not "a)e t"e ele3tri3 s"immer o1 <i3"ar5?s@ 8ut it "a5 "eat. $"eir po%er 1ille5 t"e room as i1 t"e )ery air %ere 3"ar-e5 %it" t"eir ener-y. 9t %as e)ery%"ere an5 no%"ere. <i3"ar5?s po%er 8it alon- my skin@ 5re% a -asp 1rom my t"roat t"at Hean2!lau5e e3"oe5. Pa5ma?s po%er 1lare5 alon- t"e skin like 8ein- too 3lose to an open 1lame. $"e t%o ener-ies 3om8ine5 %ere almost pain1ul. <a1ael 3ame to stan5 8esi5e us. Hean2!lau5e %as still "ol5in- me in "is arms@ %"i3" lets you kno% "o% s"itty 9 %as 1eelin-. $"e <at Kin- %ore a )ery or5inary na)y 8lue suit@ %"ite s"irt@ un5erstate5 tie. His 8la3k loa1ers %ere polis"e5 to a -loss@ 8ut "e 3oul5 "a)e 8een -oin- any%"ere@ 1rom a 8usiness meetin- to a 1uneral. Dea"@ it "a5 t"e look o1 one o1 t"ose suits t"at only 3ame out 1or 5eat"s an5 marria-es.

A$"ey 1eel e)enly mat3"e5@C "e sai5@ A8ut it is a lie.C He sai5 it so1tly as i1 >ust talkin- to us@ 8ut %e %ere 3lose enou-" t"at <i3"ar5 3oul5 "ear. AHe 5i5 mu3" t"e same %it" meG t"en "e 3rus"e5 me.C AHe 5i5n?t 3rus" you@C 9 sai5. ADou %on.C A#nly 8e3ause you res3ue5 me.C A/o@C 9 sai5. ADou 5i5n?t -i)e "im t"e %ererats. Dou %on.C 9 tou3"e5 Hean2!lau5e?s s"oul5er@ an5 "e put me 5o%n. 9 3oul5 stan5. Dippee. AVery impressi)e@ :l1ri3@C Pa5ma sai5@ A8ut let?s see >ust "o% impressi)e you 3an 8e@ s"all %eB $"ank you@ <a1ael@ 1or spoilin- t"e surprise. 9 %ill return t"e 1a)or some5ay.C $"e -lo)es@ as t"ey say@ %ere o11. Pa5ma?s po%er t"un5ere5 t"rou-" t"e room. 9 sta--ere5@ an5 only Hean2!lau5e?s "an5 kept me 1rom -oin- to my knees. <i3"ar5 s3reame5 an5 5i5 1all to "is knees. =e %ere >ust -ettin- t"e 8a3k%as" o1 Pa5ma?s po%er. <i3"ar5 %as -ettint"e 1ull treatment. 9 e*pe3te5 "im to 5o %it" <i3"ar5 %"at "e?5 5one %it" me@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. He "a5 ot"er plans. A!"an-e 1or me@ <i3"ar5. 9 like my 1oo5 %it" 1ur.C <i3"ar5 s"ook "is "ea5. His )oi3e 3ame out stran-le5@ as i1 t"e %or5s %ere 8ein- 5ra--e5 t"rou-" "is t"roat. A/e)er.C A F/e)er? 3an 8e a )ery lon- time@C Pa5ma sai5. 9 1elt "is po%er like inse3ts mar3"in- o)er my skin@ ants %it" re52"ot pokers takin- 8ites. 9t %as %"at "e?5 5one to t"e %ereleopar5@ ,liEa8et"@ %"en "e punis"e5 "er. <i3"ar5 5i5n?t %rit"e on t"e 1loor like s"e "a5. He sai5@ A/o.C He -ot "is 1eet un5er "im an5 took a sta--erin- step to%ar5s t"e )ampire. $"e 8urnin- -ot %orse@ t"e re52"ot 8ites 3loser to-et"er like a 3ontinuous s"eet o1 tiny 1ires. 9 ma5e a small soun5@ an5 still <i3"ar5 stoo5. He took anot"er sta--erin- step. $"e rus" o1 po%er stoppe5 so a8ruptly t"at t"e a8sen3e o1 pain 8rou-"t <i3"ar5 to "is knees nearly at Pa5ma?s 1eet. His 8reat"in- %as lou5 in t"e su55en silen3e. APain %ill not 8rin- you to me@C Pa5ma sai5. AS"all %e 5ispense %it" t"e -ames@ :l1ri3B S"all 9 1ee5 no%BC AHust -et it o)er %it"@C <i3"ar5 sai5. Pa5ma smile5@ an5 t"ere %as somet"in- in "is smile t"at 9 5i5n?t like. As i1 "e "a5 e)eryt"in- un5er 3ontrol@ an5 e)eryt"in- %as -oin- as planne5. He stoo5 8e"in5 <i3"ar5 an5 5roppe5 -ra3e1ully to "is knees. He smoot"e5 "is "an5 5o%n t"e si5e o1 <i3"ar5?s ne3k@ turnin- "is "ea5 to t"e si5e 1or a -oo5 3lean strike. #ne arm sli5 a3ross <i3"ar5?s 3"est@ pinnin- "im to "is 8o5yG t"e ot"er "an5 presse5 "is 1a3e to one si5e. Pa5ma leane5 o)er "im an5 %"ispere5 somet"in- in "is ear. A spasm ran t"e len-t" o1 <i3"ar5?s 8o5y. He trie5 to 8reak 1ree o1 Pa5ma@ 8ut t"e )ampire %as amaEin-ly ;ui3k. He sli5 8ot" arms un5er <i3"ar5?s@ 1in-ers 3laspe5 8e"in5 <i3"ar5?s ne3k. A 3lassi3 1ull /elson. <i3"ar5?s stru--les en5e5 %it" "im on t"e -roun5 an5 t"e )ampire on top o1 "im. 91 it "a5 8een a %restlin- mat3"@ <i3"ar5 %oul5 "a)e 8een pinne5@ lost. But no re1eree %as 3omin- to say Atime.C A="at?s "appenin-BC 9 aske5. A9 %arne5 <i3"ar5@C <a1ael sai5@ A8ut "e?s al%ays 8een so stron-.C A="atBC 9 aske5. AHe is 3allin- <i3"ar5?s 8east@ ma petite@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A9 "a)e seen "im 5o it 8e1ore.C <i3"ar5?s 8o5y spasme5 so )iolently@ "is "ea5 "it a-ainst t"e 1loor %it" a s"arp 3ra3k. He rolle5 on "is si5e@ 8ut t"e )ampire staye5 on "im@ %"isperin-@ %"isperin-. A4i5 "e mana-e to 3all your 8east like t"isBC 9 aske5 <a1ael. ADes.C 9 looke5 at "im. He stare5 at t"e s"o%@ not meetin- my eyes. AHe 3alle5 my 8east like %ater pourin- o)er my skin@ t"en 5raine5 it a%ay. He 5i5 it o)er an5 o)er@ until 9 passe5 out. 9 %oke as you 1oun5 me on t"e ra3k@ 8ein- skinne5.C His )oi3e %as neutral as "e tol5 it all@ as i1 it %ere a story a8out someone else. AHelp "im@C 9 sai5@ turnin- to Hean2!lau5e. A91 9 enter t"at 3ir3le@ Pa5ma %ill use it as an e*3use to 3"allen-e me. 91 it is a 5uel@ 9 %ill lose.C AHe?s 8aitin- you@ t"en@C 9 sai5. AHe is also en>oyin- "imsel1@ ma petite. Breakin- t"e stron- is "is -reatest >oy in t"is e*isten3e.C A s3ream poure5 1rom <i3"ar5?s mout". A s3ream t"at en5e5 in a "o%l. A9?m -oin- to "elp "im.C AHo%@ ma petiteBC

APa5ma 3an?t 3"allen-e me to a 5uel@ an5 "e 3an?t 3all my 8east. $ou3" makes t"e marks stron-er@ ri-"tBC A#ui.C 9 smile5 an5 starte5 %alkin- to%ar5s <i3"ar5. Hean2!lau5e 5i5n?t try to stop me. /o one 5i5. <i3"ar5 "a5 mana-e5 to -et to "is knees %it" t"e )ampire still mol5e5 to "is 8a3k. <i3"ar5?s eyes %ere am8er %ol1 eyes@ an5 "e %as 3lose to pani3kin-. $"is near@ 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8east like a "u-e s"ape >ust 8elo% t"e sur1a3e o1 some 5ark lake. ="en it 8roke t"e sur1a3e@ it %oul5 take "im %it" it. <a1ael seeme5 to "a)e a33epte5 "is loss@ 8ut <i3"ar5 %oul5n?t. <i3"ar5 %oul5 take t"e 5e1eat an5 8eat "imsel1 %it" it. A="at are you 5oin-@ "umanBC Pa5ma aske5@ starin- up at me. A9?m "is lupa an5 "is t"ir5. 9?m 5oin- my >o8.C 9 "el5 <i3"ar5?s 1a3e in my "an5s@ an5 t"at %as enou-". $"e p"ysi3al tou3" %as all it took to stren-t"en "is 3ontrol. 9 1elt "is "eart slo%@ t"e pulsin- o1 "is 8o5y ease. 9 1elt t"at -reat s"ape sink 8a3k into t"e 5ept"s. <i3"ar5 5re% on my mark like a 5ro%nin- man %it" a rope@ 3oilin- it aroun5 "imsel1. A/o@C Pa5ma sai5. AHe is mine.C 9 smile5 at "im. A/o@ "e?s mine. ="et"er %e like it or %"et"er %e 5on?t@ "e?s mine.C <i3"ar5?s eyes 8le5 8a3k to t"eir normal 8ro%n@ an5 "e mout"e5 t"e %or5s@ A$"ank you.C Pa5ma stoo5 in a rus"@ so ;ui3k it %as almost like ma-i3. He -ra88e5 my %rist@ "ar5 enou-" to 8ruise@ an5 9 sai5@ ADou 3an?t 3"allen-e me@ 8e3ause 9?m not a )ampire. Dou 3an?t 1ee5 o11 o1 me@ 8e3ause 9 3an only play )i3tim on3e toni-"t@ an5 As"er %as my on3e.C <i3"ar5 lay on t"e 1loor@ one arm 8ra3e5 so "e %asn?t a3tually lyin- 5o%n@ 8ut 9 "a5 a 1las" o1 "o% 8one2%eary "e %as@ so tire5@ so %eak. ADou kno% our rules %ell@ Anita@C Pa5ma sai5. He >erke5 me 3lose to "im@ 8o5ies almost tou3"in-. ADou are not )ampire@ or 1oo5@ 8ut you are still "is lupa.C ADou -oin- to try an5 3all my 8eastBC 9 sai5. ADou 3an?t 3all %"at?s not t"ere.C A9 1elt your po%er %it" t"e little %ere%ol1.C He raise5 my "an5 to "is 1a3e an5 sni11e5 alon- my skin like "e %as smellinsome e*oti3 per1ume. ADou smell o1 pa3k@ Anita. $"ere is somet"in- in you to 3all. ="ate)er it is@ 9 %ill "a)e it.C AS"e is not part o1 t"e 8ar-ain@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. AS"e inter1ere5@C Pa5ma sai5. A$"at makes "er part o1 t"is 8a33"anal. 4o not %orry. 9 %ill not "urt "er. $oo mu3".C He leane5 into me an5 spoke lo%@ so1t. 9t %as 'ren3"@ an5 9 5i5n?t speak enou-" 'ren3" to 1ollo% it. 9 3au-"t t"e %or5 1or %ol1@ an5 po%er@ an5 moon@ an5 9 1elt t"e po%er rise insi5e o1 me. 9t %as too soon a1ter Hason. $"e po%er %as too 3lose to t"e sur1a3e@ too near. Pa5ma 3alle5 to it@ an5 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% to stop it. $"e po%er 8urst o)er my skin in a "ot %as". 7y knees 8u3kle5 an5 "e 3au-"t me@ as 9 3ollapse5 a-ainst "is 8o5y. <i3"ar5 tou3"e5 my le-@ 8ut it %as too late. He trie5 to stren-t"en my 3ontrol@ as 9?5 5one 1or "im@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t "a)e any 3ontrol yet. Pa5ma 3alle5 an5 t"e munin ans%ere5. 9 %as 3"annelin- <aina 1or t"e se3on5 time in an "our. $"e po%er 1ille5 my skin@ an5 9 stoo5@ pressin- my 8o5y into Pa5ma@ starin- at "im 1rom in3"es a%ay. $"e po%er %ante5 to tou3" someone@ anyone. 9t 5i5n?t 3are. 9 3are5@ an5 9 "a5 enou-" 3ontrol t"is time to re1use it. 9 sai5@ A/o.C 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom "im@ 1allin- to t"e -roun5 as 9 5i5 it. Pa5ma 1ollo%e5 me@ tou3"in- my "air@ my 1a3e@ as 9 3ra%le5 a%ay 1rom "im. A$"e po%er is se*ual in nature@ a matinur-e per"aps. Ho% )ery interestin-.C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ ALea)e "er alone@ 7aster o1 Beasts.C He lau-"e5. A="at 5o you t"ink %oul5 "appen i1 9 kept 3allin- "er 8eastB 4o you t"ink s"e %oul5 -i)e inB 4o you t"ink s"e %oul5 1u3k meBC A=e %ill not 1in5 out@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A91 you inter1ere %it" my 1un@ t"en it is 3"allen-e 8et%een us.C A$"at is %"at you "a)e %ante5 all alon-.C Pa5ma lau-"e5 a-ain. ADes@ 9 t"ink you s"oul5 8e kille5 1or t"e ,art"mo)er?s 5eat". But 9 3annot kill you >ust 1or t"at. $"e 3oun3il "as )ote5 t"at 5o%n.C ABut i1 you kill me in a 5uel@ t"en no one %ill 8lame you@ is t"at itBC A$"at is it.C 9 "u55le5 on t"e 1loor@ "u--in- mysel1@ tryin- to s%allo% t"e po%er 8a3k@ 8ut it %asn?t -oin- any%"ere. <i3"ar5 3ra%le5 to me@ tou3"in- my 8are arm. 9 re3oile5 1rom "im as i1 "is tou3" "a5 8urne5@ 8e3ause 9 %ante5 "im@ %ante5 "im in a %ay so ra% an5 primiti)e it ma5e my 8o5y "urt. A4on?t tou3" me@ please.C AHo% 5i5 you -et ri5 o1 it last timeBC

ASe* or )iolen3e@ t"e munin lea)es a1ter se* or )iolen3e.C #r "ealin-@ 9 t"ou-"t. $"ou-" t"at "a5 8een se*@ too@ in a %ay. Pa5ma?s po%er ro5e o)er us like a tank@ a tank %it" a spike5 trea5. =e 8ot" s3reame5@ an5 Hean2!lau5e s3reame5 %it" us. Bloo5 poure5 1rom "is mout" in a re5 rus"@ an5 9 kne% %"at Pa5ma "a5 5one. 9?5 1elt "im try to 5o it to me. He?5 s"o)e5 "is po%er into Hean2!lau5e an5 opene5 it@ 8urst somet"in- insi5e o1 "im. Hean2!lau5e 1ell to "is knees@ 8loo5 spatterin- t"e %"ite s"irt. 9 %as on my 1eet %it"out t"inkin-@ stan5in- 8et%een Pa5ma an5 Hean2!lau5e. $"e po%er 8urne5 alon- my skin. 7y an-er 1e5 it as i1 it truly %ere a 8east. AGet out o1 my %ay@ "uman@ or 9 %ill kill you 1irst@ an5 t"en your master.C 9t %as like stan5in- insi5e an in)isi8le %all o1 1ire an5 pain to 8e t"is 3lose to Pa5ma no%. He?5 %eakene5 <i3"ar5@ t"en me@ 5one somet"in- to t"e marks. =it"out us@ Hean2!lau5e 3oul5 not %in. 9 stoppe5 1i-"tin- t"e ener-y insi5e me. 9 em8ra3e5 it@ 1e5 it@ an5 it spille5 out o1 my mout" in a lau-" t"at raise5 t"e "airs on my arms. 9t %asn?t my lau-". 9t %as a lau-" 9?5 ne)er t"ou-"t to "ear t"is si5e o1 "ell. Pa5ma -ra88e5 me@ a "an5 on ea3" arm@ li1tin- me o11 my 1eet. A9 am allo%e5 to kill you i1 you inter1ere %it" a 5uel.C 9 kisse5 "im@ a so1t 8rus" o1 lips. He %as so startle5 1or a se3on5@ "e >ust 1roEeG t"en "e kisse5 me 8a3k@ lo3kin- "is arms 8e"in5 my 8a3k@ still %it" my 1eet 5an-lin- o11 t"e -roun5. He raise5 "is 1a3e enou-" to say@ A,)en i1 you 1u3k me "ere an5 no%@ it %on?t sa)e "im.C $"at lau-" spille5 1rom my lips@ an5 9 1elt a 5arkness 1ill my eyes. $"at 3ol5@ %"ite part o1 me %"ere t"ere %as not"in- 8ut stati3 an5 silen3e@ t"e pla3e %"ere 9 kille5@ opene5 up insi5e my "ea5@ an5 <aina 1ille5 it. 9 remem8ere5 t"e 1eel o1 /at"aniel?s "eart in my "an5s@ t"e moment 9?5 realiEe5 9 3oul5 kill "im@ t"at 9 %ante5 to kill "im@ more t"an 9 %ante5 to "eal "im. So mu3" easier to kill. 9 lo3ke5 my arms aroun5 Pa5ma?s ne3k an5 kisse5 "is mout". 9 s"o)e5 t"e po%er into "im like a s%or5. His 8o5y sti11ene5@ arms openin-@ 8ut 9 %as "ol5in- on no%. His "eart %as sli3k an5 "ea)y. 9t 8eat a-ainst t"e po%er like a 1is" in a net. 9 3rus"e5 t"e po%er aroun5 it. He 1ell to "is knees an5 s3reame5 into my mout". Bloo5 1lo%e5 in a %arm -us"@ 1illinmy mout" %it" t"e %arm salty rus" o1 it. Han5s pulle5 at me@ trie5 to tear me a%ay 1rom Pa5ma. 9 3lun- to "im@ le-s %rappe5 aroun5 "is %aist@ arms aroun5 "is ne3k. ABa3k o11 or 9?ll s"atter "is "eart. Ba3k o11 no%IC $"omas 1ell to "is knees 8esi5e us@ 8loo5 tri3klin- 5o%n "is 3"in. ADou?ll kill me an5 Gi5eon.C 9 5i5n?t %ant to kill t"em. $"e po%er 8e-an to sli5e a%ay@ 8urie5 in re-ret. A/o@C 9 sai5 it out lou5. 9 1e5 t"e po%er on my an-er@ my outra-e. $"e munin s%elle5 an5 1ille5 me. 9 s;ueeEe5 Pa5ma?s "eart2-ently@ slo%ly. 9 lai5 my 1a3e a-ainst "is 3"eek an5 %"ispere5@ A="y aren?t you 1i-"tin- 8a3k@ 7aster o1 BeastsB ="ere is t"at lar-e@ 8urnin-@ po%er o1 yoursBC $"ere %as no ans%er 8ut "is la8ore5 8reat"in-. 9 s;ueeEe5 a little ti-"ter. He -aspe5. A=e 3oul5 5ie to-et"er@C "e sai5 in a )oi3e %et %it" "is o%n 8loo5. 9 ru88e5 my 3"eek a-ainst "is 1a3e. $"e 8loo5 1rom "is lips smeare5 alon- our skin. 9?5 al%ays kno%n t"at 8loo5 %as a turn2on 1or ly3ant"ropes 8ut 9?5 ne)er 1ully appre3iate5 t"e appeal. 9t %asn?t so mu3" t"e 1eel o1 t"e 8loo5 as t"e smell o1 it. Hot@ s%eet@ 1latly metalli3@ an5 un5erneat"@ t"e s3ent o1 1ear. He %as so )ery a1rai5. 9 3oul5 smell it@ 1eel it. 9 raise5 8a3k 1rom "im enou-" to see "is 1a3e. 9t %as a mask o1 8loo5. Part o1 me %as "orri1ie5. Part o1 me %ante5 to li3k "im 3lean like a 3at %it" a 8o%l o1 3ream. 9nstea5 9 -a)e "is "eart a little e*tra s;ueeEe an5 %at3"e5 t"e 8loo5 1lo% 1aster 1rom "is mout". His po%er 8uilt in a %arm %as". A9 %ill kill you 8e1ore 9 5ie@ lupa.C 9 "el5 "im an5 1elt "is po%er 8e-in to 8uil5@ still %eakene5@ 8ut enou-" to 5o t"e >o8. AAre you still a -oo5 Hin5uBC 9 aske5. His eyes s"o%e5 3on1usion. AHo% mu3" 8a5 karma "a)e you a33umulate5 t"is turn o1 t"e %"eelBC 9 -a)e a ;ui3k li3k o)er "is mout" an5 "a5 to put my 1ore"ea5 a-ainst "is an5 3lose my eyes to keep 1rom 5oin- %"at t"e munin %ante5. ="at <aina %oul5 "a)e 5one i1 s"e?5 8een "ere. A="at %oul5 8e punis"ment enou-" 1or your e)il 5ee5s in t"e ne*t rein3arnation@ Pa5maB Ho% many li)es %oul5 it take to 8alan3e t"is one turnBC 9 5re% 8a3k enou-" to see "is 1a3e. 9 "a5 enou-" 3ontrol a-ain not to 3lean "is 1a3e %it" my ton-ue. Lookin- into "is eyes@ 9 kne% 9 %as ri-"t. He 1eare5 5eat" an5 %"at %oul5 3ome a1ter. A="at %oul5 you 5o to sa)e yoursel1@ Pa5maB ="at %oul5 you -i)eB ="o %oul5 you -i)eBC 9 %"ispere5 t"at last. He %"ispere5 8a3k@ AAnyt"in-.C AAnyoneBC 9 aske5. He >ust looke5 at me.

Hean2!lau5e %as sittin- up@ 3ra5le5 in <i3"ar5?s arms. A9t is still a 5uel until one is 5ea5. 9t is %it"in our ri-"ts to insist on 1inis"in- t"is.C AAre you so ea-er to 5ieBC t"e $ra)eler sai5. A$"e 5eat" o1 one is t"e 5eat" o1 all.C He stoo5 a8o)e us an5 a little 8a3k as i1 "e 5i5n?t %ant to 8e too 3losely asso3iate5 %it" us. $oo 8loo5y@ too primiti)e@ too mortal. A$"at is a ;uestion 1or Pa5ma to ans%er@ not me@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. A="at is your pri3eBC Pa5ma aske5. A/o more punis"ment 1or #li)er?s 5eat". He lost a 5uel@ it is as simple as t"at.C Hean2!lau5e 3ou-"e5@ an5 more 8loo5 spattere5 1rom "is lips. AA-ree5@C Pa5ma sai5. AA-ree5@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. A9 ne)er %ante5 t"em 5ea5 8e3ause o1 t"e ,art"mo)er?s 5eat"@C D)ette sai5. AA-ree5.C As"er sai5@ A$"e ,art"mo)er earne5 "is 5eat". A-ree5.C Hean2!lau5e "el5 "is "an5 out to me. A!ome@ ma petite. =e "a)e our sa1ety.C 9 s"ook my "ea5@ layin- a kiss on Pa5ma?s 1ore"ea5@ -entle@ 3"aste. A9 promise5 Syl)ie t"at e)eryone %"o rape5 "er %oul5 5ie.C Pa5ma?s 8o5y >erke5@ rea3tion at last. A$"e %oman you 3an "a)e@ 8ut not my son.C A4o you a-ree to t"at@ $ra)elerB Dou@ %"o Li) 3alls master no%. 4o you -i)e "er up so easilyBC A=ill you kill "im i1 9 re1useBC "e aske5. A9 -a)e Syl)ie my %or5@C 9 sai5. An5 9 kne% t"at %oul5 mean somet"in- to t"em. A$"en Li) is yours to 5o %it" as you see 1it.C A7aster@C s"e sai5. ASilen3e@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. ASee@ Li)@ t"ey?re >ust monsters.C 9 stare5 5o%n into Pa5ma?s 8loo5y 1a3e an5 %at3"e5 1ear 1ill "is eyes like %ater pourininto a -lass. 9 %at3"e5 "im look into my 1a3e an5 see t"e emptiness. /o@ 1or t"e 1irst time 9 %ante5 to kill. /ot 1or re)en-e@ or sa1ety@ or e)en my %or5@ 8ut >ust 8e3ause 9 3oul5. Be3ause in some 5ark part o1 me it %oul5 8e a pleasure to 3rus" "is "eart an5 %at3" 5ark 8loo5 pour 1rom "im. 9?5 "a)e like5 to 8lame it on <aina?s munin@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure. 7ay8e it %as >ust me. 7ay8e it al%ays "a5 8een. Hell@ may8e it %as one o1 t"e 8oys. 9 5i5n?t kno% an5 it 5i5n?t matter. 9 let t"e t"ou-"t 1ill my 1a3e an5 eyes. 9 let Pa5ma see@ an5 1ear 1ille5 "is 1a3e@ "is eyes@ 8e3ause "e un5erstoo5. A9 %ant 'ernan5o@C 9 sai5 so1tly. AHe is my son.C ASomeone must 5ie 1or "is 3rimes@ Pa5ma. 9 %oul5 rat"er it %ere "im@ 8ut i1 you %on?t -i)e "im to me@ t"en 9?ll take you in "is pla3e.C A/o@C D)ette sai5. A=e "a)e 8een more t"an -enerous "ere. =e "a)e let you kill a 3oun3il mem8er an5 -o unpunis"e5. =e "a)e -i)en you 8a3k your traitor an5 our ne% toy. =e o%e you not"in- else.C 9 looke5 at Pa5ma 8ut 9 spoke 1or t"e $ra)eler?s ears. A91 you "a5 >ust insulte5 t"e )ampires o1 t"is 3ity@ t"en it %oul5 8e o)er an5 you %oul5 o%e us not"in-. But %e are lukoi an5 not )ampires. Dou 3alle5 our Geri to your "an5 an5 s"e 3ame. Dou trie5 to 8reak "er@ an5 %"en s"e %oul5 not 8en5 you torture5 "er. Dou torture5 "er %"en you kne% it %oul5 not -i)e you t"e lukoi. Dou 5is"onore5 "er 1or no reason@ ot"er t"an t"at you 3oul5. Dou 5i5 it 8e3ause you e*pe3te5 no reprisal. $"e 7aster o1 Beasts t"ou-"t our pa3k %as 8eneat" noti3e. Pa%ns in a lar-er -ame.C 9 release5 "is "eart@ 8e3ause i1 9 "a5n?t@ t"e munin %oul5 "a)e kille5 "im. 9 s"o)e5 t"e po%er 5eeper into "im. 9 s"o)e5 it "ar5 an5 1ast until "e s3reame5. Gi5eon an5 $"omas e3"oe5 t"e s3ream. Pa5ma 3ollapse5 8a3k%ar5s onto t"e 1loor %it" me ri5in- "is 8o5y. 9 rose up@ "an5s 1lat o)er "is 3"est@ le-s stra55lin- "is 8o5y. A=e are t"e $"ronos <okke@ t"e $"rone <o3k people@ an5 %e are no one?s pa%ns.C 'ernan5o knelt >ust outsi5e t"e 3ir3le. A'at"er@C "e sai5. AHis li1e or yours@ Pa5ma. His li1e or yours.C Pa5ma 3lose5 "is eyes an5 %"ispere5@ AHis.C A'at"erI Dou 3an?t -i)e me to "er. $o t"emIC ADour %or5 o1 "onor t"at "e is ours to punis" as %e see 1it@ e)en unto 5eat"@C 9 sai5. Pa5ma no55e5. A7y %or5.C 4amian@ Hason@ an5 <a1ael >ust su55enly appeare5 aroun5 'ernan5o. He rea3"e5 out to "is 1at"er. A9 am your son.C

Pa5ma %oul5 not look at "im. ,)en %"en 9 3ra%le5 o11 "im@ "e 3urle5 on "is si5e a%ay 1rom 'ernan5o. 9 %ipe5 8loo5 o11 my 3"in %it" t"e 8a3k o1 my "an5. $"e munin %as lea)in-@ 5rainin- a%ay. 9 3oul5 taste 8loo5 all t"e %ay 5o%n. 9 rolle5 onto my si5e an5 t"re% up. Bloo5 5oes not impro)e t"e se3on5 time aroun5. Hean2!lau5e rea3"e5 out to me an5 9 %ent to "im. $"e moment "is 3ool "an5 tou3"e5 mine 9 1elt 8etter. /ot a lot@ 8ut some. <i3"ar5?s "an5 tou3"e5 my 1a3e -ently. 9 let t"em 5ra% me into t"e 3ir3le o1 t"eir arms. Hean2!lau5e seeme5 to -ain stren-t" >ust 1rom my tou3". He sat up a little strai-"ter. 9 -lan3e5 o)er to 1in5 Gi5eon an5 $"omas 5oin- mu3" t"e same %it" Pa5ma. Bloo5 poure5 1rom all o1 t"em@ 8ut only Pa5ma?s eyes %ere still "aunte5 8y 1ear. 9?5 pus"e5 "im to t"e e5-e o1 t"e a8yss. Pus"e5 us 8ot". 9?5 8een raise5 !at"oli3 an5 9 %asn?t sure t"ere %ere enou-" Hail 7arys in t"e %orl5 to 3o)er %"at %as "appenin- to me lately.

Chapter Fifty-two
'ernan5o trie5 to make a 8reak 1or it 8ut "e %as outmanne5. #r %oul5 t"at 8e out2monstere5B $"ey 8oun5 "im %it" sil)er 3"ains an5 -a--e5 "im. $"e last %as to stop "is 3onstant 8e--in-. He >ust 3oul5n?t 8elie)e "is 1at"er "a5 8etraye5 "im. Li) 5i5n?t 1i-"t. S"e seeme5 to take it almost resi-ne5ly. ="at seeme5 to surprise "er most %as t"e 1a3t t"at 9 5i5n?t kill t"em 8ot" %"ere t"ey stoo5. But 9 "a5 ot"er plans 1or t"em. $"ey?5 insulte5 t"e pa3k. 9t %oul5 8e pa3k >usti3e. $"at %as sort o1 a -roup a3ti)ity. 7ay8e %e?5 in)ite t"e %ererats an5 "a)e a 3ross spe3ies >am8oree. ="en t"ey %ere le5 a%ay@ a silen3e so 5eep an5 %i5e t"at it t"un5ere5 in t"e ears 1ille5 t"e room. D)ette steppe5 into t"at silen3e. S"e %as smilin- an5 lo)ely@ 1res" an5 8eauti1ul on Hason?s 8loo5 an5 our min-le5 po%er. AHean2!lau5e must still ans%er 1or "is traitorous %ays@C s"e sai5. A="at are you 8a88lin- a8outBC t"e $ra)eler sai5. A7y master@ 7orte 5? Amour@ "as a33use5 "im o1 tryin- to start anot"er 3oun3il in t"is 3ountry. A 3oun3il t"at %ill steal our po%er an5 make us 8ut lau-"a8le puppets.C $"e $ra)eler %a)e5 it a%ay. AHean2!lau5e is -uilty o1 many t"in-s 8ut t"at is not one o1 t"em.C D)ette smile5@ an5 t"e smile %as enou-". S"e %as -oin- to say somet"in- 8a5. A="at say you@ Pa5maB 91 "e is a traitor@ t"en %e 3an e*e3ute "im 1or it. He 3an 8e an e*ample to all ot"ers %"o %oul5 5are usurp t"e 3oun3il?s po%er.C Pa5ma %as still on t"e -roun5@ 3ra5le5 in t"e arms o1 "is t%o ser)ants. He still %asn?t 1eelin- too -oo5. He stare5 at our little -roup. =e %ere still "u55le5 on t"e 1loor@ too. $"e si* o1 us %ere not -oin- to 8e 5an3in- toni-"t. $"e look in Pa5ma?s eyes sai5 it all. 9?5 "umiliate5 "im@ s3are5 t"e "ell out o1 "im@ an5 1or3e5 "im to -i)e up "is only son to sure 5eat". He smile5@ an5 it %asn?t pretty. A91 t"ey are traitors@ t"en t"ey must 8e punis"e5.C APa5ma@C t"e $ra)eler sai5@ Ayou kno% t"is is 1alse.C A9 5i5 not say t"ey %ere traitors@ $ra)eler. 9 sai5 i1 t"ey %ere traitors. 91 t"ey are traitors@ t"en t"ey must 8e punis"e5. ,)en you must a-ree to t"at.C ABut t"ey are not traitors@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. A9 use my master?s pro*y to 3all a )ote@C D)ette sai5. A9 t"ink 9 kno% %"at t"ree o1 t"e )otes %ill 8e.C As"er 3ame to stan5 near Hean2!lau5e an5 us. A$"ey are not traitors@ D)ette. $o say so is a lie.C ALies are )ery interestin- t"in-s. 4on?t you t"ink ... HarryBC S"e "el5 out "er "an5 as i1 it %ere a si-nal an5 Harry t"e 8arten5er >oine5 "er. 9 5i5n?t t"ink 9 3oul5 8e surprise5 anymore toni-"t. 9 %as %ron-. A9 see t"at you kno% Harry@C D)ette sai5. A$"e poli3e are lookin- 1or you@ Harry@C 9 sai5. A9 kno%@C "e sai5. At least "e "a5 trou8le meetin- my eyes. 4i5n?t make me 1eel mu3" 8etter@ 8ut a little. A9 kne% Harry %as one o1 your line@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ A8ut "e is truly one o1 yours.C A#ui.C A="at is t"e meanin- o1 t"is@ D)etteBC t"e $ra)eler sai5. AHarry leake5 t"e in1ormation to t"ose a%1ul 1anati3s so t"ey %oul5 kill monsters.C A="yBC t"e $ra)eler aske5. A7y ;uestion e*a3tly@C 9 sai5. A7y master is 1ri-"tene5 o1 3"an-e@ like many o1 t"e ol5 ones. 7akin- us le-al is t"e most s%eepin- 3"an-e %e?)e e)er 8een t"reatene5 %it". He 1ears it. He %ants it stoppe5.C ALike #li)er@C 9 sai5. A,)a3tement.C

ABut t"e )ampire killin-s 5i5n?t stop it@C 9 sai5. A91 anyt"in-@ it?s -i)en t"e pro2)amp lo88y a 8oost.C ABut no%@C s"e sai5@ A%e s"all "a)e our re)en-e@ a re)en-e so 8loo5y an5 a%1ul t"at it %ill turn e)eryone a-ainst us.C ADou 3annot 5o t"is@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. APa5ma "as -i)en me t"e key. $"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity is %eak@ "is link to "is ser)ants %eaker still. He %oul5 8e easily kille5 no% i1 someone %oul5 3"allen-e "im.C ADou@C t"e $ra)eler sai5@ Ayou 3oul5 3"allen-e Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut you 3oul5 ne)er 8e 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ D)ette. Dou %ill ne)er "a)e enou-" po%er on your o%n to 8e a master )ampire. Dour master?s po%er "as ma5e you try to rise a8o)e your station.C A9t is true t"at 9 %ill ne)er 8e a master@ 8ut t"ere is a master "ere %"o "ates Hean2!lau5e an5 "is ser)ant. As"er.C S"e sai5 "is name like it %as planne5. He looke5 at "er@ 8ut "e seeme5 startle5. ="ate)er s"e planne5@ "e 5i5n?t kno% a8out it. He stare5 5o%n at Hean2 !lau5e. ADou %ant me to kill "im %"ile "e is too %eak to 1i-"tBC ADes@C s"e sai5. A/o@C As"er sai5@ A9 5o not %ant Hean2!lau5e?s pla3e@ not like t"is. Beatin- "im in a 1ar 5uel is one t"in-@ 8ut t"is is ... trea3"ery.C A9 t"ou-"t you "ate5 "im@C D)ette sai5. A9 5o@ 8ut "onor means somet"in- to me.C A9mplyin- 9 suppose t"at it 5oesn?t to meBC S"e s"ru--e5. ADou?re ri-"t. 91 9 3oul5 8e master o1 t"is 3ity@ 9 %oul5 5o it. But 9 3oul5 li)e anot"er t"ousan5 years an5 9 %ill ne)er 8e a master. But it is not "onor t"at stops you. 9t?s "er.C S"e pointe5 at me. A$"ere must 8e some al3"emy in you t"at 9 5o not see@ Anita. Dou 8e%it3" e)ery )ampire t"at 3omes near you an5 e)ery s"apes"i1ter.C ADou?)e "a5 a 8i- taste an5 5on?t seem too taken %it" me@C 9 sai5. A7y tastes run to t"in-s e)en more e*oti3 t"an you@ animator.C A91 As"er %ill not take t"e 3ity as 7aster@ t"en you 3annot 3ontrol t"e 3ity?s )ampires. Dou 3annot make t"em 5o some terri8le 5ee5 to t"e "umans@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. A9 5i5 not trust As"er?s "atre5 to make our plan %ork. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een use1ul to "a)e 3ontrol o1 t"e 3ity?s )ampires 8ut it is not ne3essary. $"e 3arna-e "as alrea5y 8e-un@C D)ette sai5. =e %ere all silent@ starin- at "er@ all o1 us t"inkin- one t"in-. 9 sai5 it out lou5. A="at 5o you mean@ it?s alrea5y 8e-unBC A$ell t"em@ =arri3k@C s"e sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. S"e si-"e5. A'ine@ 9 %ill tell t"em. =arri3k %as a "oly %arrior 8e1ore 9 1oun5 "im. He 3oul5 3all t"e 1ire o1 Go5 to "is "an5s@ 3oul5n?t youBC He %oul5n?t look at any o1 us. He stoo5 t"ere@ t"is "u-e 1i-ure in s"inin- %"ite@ "ea5 5o%n like a little 8oy %"o?s 8een 3au-"t playin- "ooky. ADou set t"e 1ires in /e% #rleans an5 San 'ran3is3o@ an5 "ere. ="y no 1ires in BostonBC 9 aske5. A9 tol5 you 9 8e-an to 1eel stron-er t"e lon-er 9 %as a%ay 1rom our s"are5 master. 9n Boston 9 %as still %eak. 9t %asn?t until /e% #rleans t"at 9 1elt Go5?s -ra3e return to me 1or t"e 1irst time in nearly a t"ousan5 years. 9 %as 5runk on it at 1irst. 9 %as 5eeply as"ame5 t"at 9 8urne5 5o%n a 8uil5in-. 9 5i5 not mean to@ 8ut it 1elt so %on5er1ul@ so pure.C A9 3au-"t "im at it@C D)ette sai5. A9 tol5 "im to 5o it ot"er pla3es@ e)ery%"ere %e %ent. 9 tol5 "im to kill people@ 8ut e)en torture %oul5n?t make "im 5o t"at.C He 5i5 look up t"en. A9 ma5e sure no one %as in>ure5.C ADou?re a pyrokineti3@C 9 sai5. He 1ro%ne5. A9 %as -i)en a -i1t 1rom Go5. 9t %as t"e 1irst si-n o1 "is 1a)or to return to me. Be1ore@ 9 t"ink 9 1eare5 t"e Holy 'ire. 'eare5 it %oul5 5estroy me. But 9 5o not 1ear my o%n 5estru3tion no%. S"e %is"es me to use Go5?s -i1ts 1or e)il use. S"e %ante5 me to 8urn 5o%n your sta5ium %it" all t"e people insi5e toni-"t.C 9 sai5@ A=arri3k@ %"at "a)e you 5oneBC He %"ispere5@ A/ot"in-.C D)ette "ear5 "im. S"e %as su55enly 8esi5e us@ %"ite skirts s%in-in-. S"e -ra88e5 "is 3"in an5 1or3e5 "im to look at "er. A$"e entire point to 8urnin- t"e ot"er 8uil5in-s %as to lea)e a trail o1 e)i5en3e t"at %oul5 3ulminate in toni-"t?s little sa3ri1i3e. A little 8urnt o11erin- to our master. Dou 8urne5 t"e sta5ium as %e planne5.C He s"ook "is "ea5@ 8lue eyes %i5e@ 8ut not 1ri-"tene5.

S"e "it "im "ar5 enou-" to lea)e "er "an5 in a re5 outline on "is 3"eek. ADou "oly2rollin- 8astar5. Dou ans%er to t"e same master t"at 9 ans%er to. 9 %ill rot t"e skin 1rom your 8ones 1or t"is.C =arri3k stoo5 )ery strai-"t. Dou 3oul5 see "im preparin- 1or t"e torment to 3ome. He stoo5 s"inin- an5 %"ite an5 "e looke5 like a "oly %arrior. $"ere %as a pea3e in "is 1a3e t"at %as lo)ely to look upon. D)ette?s po%er sur-e5 1or%ar5 an5 9 -ot >ust t"e 1aintest 8a3k%as". But =arri3k stoo5 t"ere untou3"e5@ pure. /ot"in"appene5. D)ette turne5 to all o1 us. A="o is "elpin- "imB ="o is prote3tin- "im 1rom meBC 9 realiEe5 %"at %as "appenin-. A/o one?s "elpin- "im@ D)ette@C 9 sai5. AHe is a master )ampire an5 you 3an?t "urt "im anymore.C A="at are you talkin- a8outB He is mine. 7ine to 5o %it" as 9 see 1it. He "as al%ays 8een mine.C A/ot anymore@C 9 sai5. =arri3k smile5 an5 it %as 8eati1i3. AGo5 "as 1ree5 me 1rom you@ D)ette. He "as 1inally 1or-i)en me 1or my 1all 1rom -ra3e. 7y lustin- a1ter your %"ite 1les" t"at le5 me to "ell. 9 am 1ree o1 it. 9 am 1ree o1 you.C A/o@C s"e sai5. A/oIC A9t seems our 8rot"er 3oun3il mem8er %as limitin- =arri3k?s po%ers@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. AAs "e %as -i)in- you po%er@ D)ette@ "e %as keepin- it 1rom =arri3k.C A$"is is not possi8le@C s"e sai5. A=e %ill 8urn t"is 3ity to t"e -roun5 an5 take 3re5it 1or it. =e %ill s"o% t"em %e are monsters.C A/o@ D)ette@C =arri3k sai5. A=e %ill not.C A9 5on?t nee5 you 1or t"is@C s"e sai5. A9 3an 8e monster enou-" on my o%n. 9?m sure t"ere is a reporter out t"ere some%"ere t"at 9 3an em8ra3e. 9?ll rot in 1ront o1 "is 3ameras@ on "im. 9 %ill not 1ail our master. 9 %ill 8e t"e monster "e %ants us to 8e. $"e monsters %e truly are.C S"e "el5 out "er "an5 to Harry. A!ome@ let us -o 1in5 )i3tims in )ery pu8li3 pla3es.C A=e 3annot allo% t"is@C t"e $ra)eler sai5. A/o@C Pa5ma sai5. He pus"e5 to "is 1eet %it" Gi5eon an5 $"omas?s "elp. A=e 3annot allo% t"is.C A/o@C =arri3k sai5@ A%e 3annot allo% "er to tempt anyone else. 9t is enou-".C A/o@ it is not enou-". 9t %ill ne)er 8e enou-". 9 %ill 1in5 someone to take your pla3e at my si5e@ =arri3k. 9 3an make anot"er o1 you. Someone %"o %ill ser)e me 1or all time.C He s"ook "is "ea5 slo%ly. A9 3annot allo% you to steal anot"er man?s soul in my pla3e. 9 %ill not ransom anot"er man into t"e "ell o1 your em8ra3e.C A9 t"ou-"t it %as "ell you 1eare5@C D)ette sai5. A!enturies o1 %orry t"at you?ll roast in punis"ment 1or your 3rimes.C S"e poute5 at "im@ e*a--eratin- "er )oi3e. A!enturies o1 listenin- to you %"ine a8out your purity an5 your 1all 1rom -ra3e@ an5 t"e punis"ment t"at a%aite5 you.C A9 no lon-er 1ear my punis"ment@ D)ette.C ABe3ause you t"ink you?)e 8een 1or-i)en@C s"e sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A#nly Go5 kno%s i1 9 am truly 1or-i)en@ 8ut i1 9 am to 8e punis"e5@ t"en 9 %ill "a)e earne5 it. As %e all "a)e. 9 3annot allo% you to put anot"er in my pla3e.C S"e 3ame to "im@ trailin- 1in-ers a3ross "is %"ite tuni3. 9 lost si-"t o1 "er 8e"in5 "is 8roa5 8a3k@ an5 %"en s"e 3ame 8a3k aroun5 s"e %as rottin-. S"e traile5 5e3ayin- "an5s 5o%n "is %"ite suit lea)in- 8la3k an5 -reen -lo8s@ slimy trails like o8s3ene slu-s. S"e lau-"e5 at "im %it" a 1a3e 3o)ere5 in sores. <i3"ar5 %"ispere5@ A="at is "appenin- to "erBC AD)ette?s "appenin-@C 9 sai5. ADou?ll return to 'ran3e %it" me. Dou?ll 3ontinue to ser)e me e)en t"ou-" you?re a master no%. 91 anyone %oul5 make su3" a sa3ri1i3e@ it is you@ =arri3k.C A/o@ no@C "e sai5. A91 9 %ere truly stron- an5 %ort"y o1 Go5?s -ra3e@ t"en per"aps 9 %oul5 return %it" you@ 8ut 9 am not t"at stron-.C S"e %rappe5 "er rottin- arms aroun5 "is %aist an5 smile5 up at "im. Her 8o5y %as runnin- to ruin@ leakin- 5ark 1lui5s o)er "er %"ite 5ress. Her ri3" pale "air %as 5ryin- out 8e1ore our eyes@ turnin- to 3rinklin- stra%. A$"en kiss me@ =arri3k@ one last time. 9 must 1in5 your repla3ement 8e1ore 5a%n.C He en3ir3le5 "er %it" "is %"ite ro8e5 arms@ "u--in- "er a-ainst "is tall 8o5y. A/o@ D)ette@ no.C He stare5 5o%n at "er an5 t"ere %as somet"in- almost like ten5erness on "is 1a3e. A'or-i)e me@C "e sai5. He "el5 "is "an5s out in 1ront o1 "im. Blue 1ire spran- 1rom "is "an5s@ a stran-e pale 3olor@ paler e)en t"an -as 1lame. D)ette turne5 "er rottin- 1a3e to look 8e"in5 "er at t"e 1ire. ADou %oul5n?t 5are@C s"e sai5.

=arri3k 3lose5 "is arms aroun5 "er. Her 5ress 3au-"t 1irst. S"e s3reame5@ A4on?t 8e stupi5@ =arri3kI Let me -oIC He "el5 on@ an5 %"en t"e 1ire "it "er 1les" s"e %ent like s"e?5 8een 5ouse5 in kerosene. S"e 8urne5 %it" a 8lue li-"t. S"e s3reame5@ an5 stru--le5@ 8ut "e "a5 "er pinne5 to "is 3"est. S"e 3oul5n?t e)en 8eat at t"e 1lames %it" "er "an5s. $"e 1ire 8at"e5 =arri3k in a nim8us o1 8lue@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t 8urn. He stoo5 t"ere yello% an5 %"ite surroun5e5 in 8lue 1ire@ an5 "e 5i5 look like a saint. Somet"in- "oly an5 %on5er1ul an5 terri8le to 8e"ol5. He stoo5 t"ere s"inin- an5 D)ette 8e-an to 8la3ken an5 peel in "is arms. He smile5 at us. AGo5 "as not 1orsaken me. #nly my 1ear kept me in t"rall to "er all t"ese years.C D)ette t%iste5 in "is arms@ trie5 to -et a%ay@ 8ut "e "el5 "er ti-"t. He 5roppe5 to "is knees@ 8o%in- "is "ea5 %"ile s"e 1ou-"t "im. S"e 8urne5@ skin peelin- 8a3k 1rom "er 8ones@ an5 still s"e s3reame5. $"e sten3" o1 8urnin- "air an5 3ookin- 1les" 1ille5 t"e room@ 8ut t"ere %as almost no smoke@ >ust "eat 8uil5in-. 7akin- e)eryone in t"e room mo)e 8a3k 1rom t"em. 'inally@ mer3i1ully@ D)ette stoppe5 mo)in-@ stoppe5 s3reamin-. 9 t"ink =arri3k %as prayin- %"ile s"e s"rieke5 an5 %rit"e5 an5 8urne5. $"e 8lue 1lames roare5 almost to t"e 3eilin-@ t"en 3"an-e5 3olor. $"ey 8e3ame pure yello%2oran-e@ t"e 3olor o1 or5inary 1lame. 9 remem8ere5 73Kinnon?s story o1 "o% t"e 1ire8u- "a5 8urne5 on3e t"e 1ire 3"an-e5 3olor. A=arri3k@ =arri3k@ let "er -o. Dou?ll 8urn %it" "er.C =arri3k?s )oi3e 3ame one last time. A9 5o not 1ear Go5?s em8ra3e. He 5eman5s sa3ri1i3e@ 8ut "e is mer3i1ul.C He ne)er s3reame5. $"e 1ire 8e-an to eat at "im@ 8ut "e ne)er ma5e a soun5. 9n t"at silen3e %e "ear5 a 5i11erent )oi3e. A "i-"pit3"e5 s3reamin-@ lo% an5 %or5less@ pitiless@ "opeless. D)ette %as still ali)e. Someone 1inally aske5 i1 t"ere %as a 1ire e*tin-uis"er. Hason sai5@ A/o@ t"ere isn?t.C 9 looke5 at "im a3ross t"e room@ an5 "e met my -aEe. =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er an5 9 kne% t"at "e kne% e*a3tly %"ere t"e 1ire e*tin-uis"er %as. Hean2!lau5e@ %"ose "an5 9 %as still "ol5in-@ kne% %"ere it %as. Hell@ 9 kne% %"ere it %as. /one o1 us %ent runnin-. =e let "er 8urn. =e let t"em 8ot" 8urn. =arri3k 9 %oul5 "a)e sa)e5 i1 9 3oul5 "a)e@ 8ut D)ette2Burn@ 8a8y@ 8urn.

Chapter Fifty-three
$"e 3oun3il %ent "ome. =e "a5 t"e %or5 o1 t%o mem8ers t"at %e %oul5 not 8e 8ot"ere5 a-ain. 9 %asn?t sure 9 truste5 t"em@ 8ut it %as t"e 8est %e %ere -oin- to -et. <i3"ar5 an5 9 are meetin- re-ularly %it" Hean2!lau5e@ learnin- "o% to 3ontrol t"e marks. 9 still 3an?t 3ontrol t"e munin@ 8ut 9?m %orkin- on it@ an5 <i3"ar5 is "elpin- me. =e?re tryin- to 8e less nasty to one anot"er. He?s -one out o1 state 1or t"e rest o1 t"e summer to 1inis" %ork on "is master?s 5e-ree in preternatural 8iolo-y. Har5 to %ork on t"e marks 1rom t"at 8i- a 5istan3e. He?s approa3"e5 t"e lo3al pa3k t"ere 1or possi8le lupa 3an5i5ates. 9 5on?t kno% "o% 9 1eel a8out t"at. 9?m not e)en sure it?s <i3"ar5 t"at 9 %oul5 miss. 9t?s t"e pa3k@ t"e lukoi. Dou 3an al%ays 1in5 anot"er 8oy1rien5@ 8ut a ne% 1amily@ espe3ially one t"is stran-e@ t"at?s a rare -i1t. All t"e %ereleopar5s "a)e 3ome on 8oar5 my 8an5%a-on@ e)en ,liEa8et". Surprise@ surprise. $"e leopar5s 3all me t"eir /imir2<a@ leopar5 ;ueen. 7e an5 $arEan@ "u"B 9 -a)e 'ernan5o an5 Li) to Syl)ie. #t"er t"an a 1e% pie3es t"at Syl)ie kept 1or sou)enirs@ t"ey?re 8ot" -one. /at"aniel %ante5 to mo)e in %it" me. 9?m payin- 1or "is apartment. He seems lost %it"out someone to or-aniEe "is li1e. Kane@ %"o re3o)ere5 1rom "is -uns"ot %oun5s@ says t"at /at"aniel nee5s a master or a mistress@ t"at "e?s %"at t"e S ] 7 3ro%5 3all a pet. $"e term means someone %"o is a step 8elo% sla)e@ someone %"o 3an?t 1un3tion alone. 9?5 ne)er "ear5 o1 su3" a t"in-@ 8ut it seems to 8e true@ at least 1or /at"aniel. /o@ 9 5on?t kno% %"at 9?m -oin- to 5o %it" "im. Step"en an5 Vi)ian are 5atin-. $rut"1ully@ 9?5 8e-un to assume Step"en like5 -uys. S"o%s "o% mu3" 9 kno%. As"er staye5 in St. Louis. Here@ stran-ely@ "e?s amon- 1rien5s. He an5 Hean2!lau5e reminis3e a8out t"in-s 9?5 only rea5 a8out in "istory 8ooks or seen in mo)ies. 9 su--este5 As"er see a plasti3 sur-eon. He in1orme5 me t"at t"e 8urns 3oul5 not 8e "eale5 8e3ause t"ey %ere 3ause5 8y a "oly o8>e3t. 9 sai5@ %"at 5oes it "urt to askB ="en "e -ot o)er t"e s"o3kini5ea t"at mo5ern te3"nolo-y mi-"t 8e a8le to 5o somet"in- "is o%n %on5er1ul 8o5y 3oul5 not@ "e aske5. $"e 5o3tors are "ope1ul. Hean2!lau5e an5 9 5i5 3"risten t"e 8at"tu8 at my ne% "ouse. Pi3ture %"ite 3an5les -lo%in- e)ery%"ere@ t"e li-"t -leamin- on "is nake5 3"est. $"e petals o1 t%o 5oEen re5 roses 1loatin- on t"e sur1a3e o1 t"e %ater. $"at?s %"at 9 3ame "ome to one mornin- at a8out t"ree A.7. =e playe5 until 5a%n@ %"en 9 tu3ke5 "im into my 8e5. 9 staye5 %it" "im until t"e %armt" le1t "is 8o5y an5 my ner)e 8roke. <i3"ar5 is ri-"t. 9 3an?t -i)e mysel1 3ompletely to Hean2!lau5e. 9 3an?t let "im 1ee5. 9 3an?t truly s"are a 8e5. He is@ no matter "o% lo)ely@ t"e %alkin- 5ea5. 9 keep s"yin- a%ay 1rom anyt"in- t"at remin5s me too stron-ly o1 t"at 1a3t@ like 8loo525rinkin- an5 lo% 8o5y temperatures. Hean2!lau5e 3ertainly "as t"e keys to my li8i5o@ 8ut my "eart ... . !an a %alkin- 3orpse "ol5 t"e keys to my "eartB /o. Des. 7ay8e. Ho% t"e "ell s"oul5 9 kno%B

Blue 3oon (9:::)

A3kno%le5-ments $o my "us8an5@ Gary@ %"o 1irst took me into t"e "ills o1 $ennessee. $o my %ritin- -roup@ t"e Alternate HistoriansJ $om 4rennan@ /. L. 4re%@ 4e8ora" 7illitello@ <ett 7a3P"erson@ 7arella San5s@ S"aron S"inn@ an5 7ark Sumner@ an5 our ne%est mem8er@ =. A-ustus ,lliot@ %"o misse5 t"e 3riti;ue o1 t"is 8ook 8y a 1e% mont"s. Here?s to t"e 8est %ritin- -roup 9?)e e)er 8een a part o1.

Chapter One
9 %as 5reamin- o1 3ool 1les" an5 s"eets t"e 3olor o1 1res" 8loo5. $"e p"one s"attere5 t"e 5ream@ lea)in- only 1ra-ments@ a -limpse o1 mi5ni-"t 8lue eyes@ "an5s -li5in- 5o%n my 8o5y@ "is "air 1lun- a3ross my 1a3e in a s%eet@ s3ente5 3lou5. 9 %oke in my o%n "ouse@ miles 1rom Hean2!lau5e %it" t"e 1eel o1 "is 8o5y 3lin-in- to me. 9 1um8le5 t"e p"one 1rom t"e 8e5si5e ta8le an5 mum8le5@ AHello.C AAnita@ is t"at youBC 9t %as 4aniel Keeman@ <i3"ar5?s 8a8y 8rot"er. 4aniel %as t%enty21our an5 3ute as a 8u-?s ear. Ba8y 5i5n?t really 3o)er it. <i3"ar5 "a5 8een my 1ian36 on3e upon a time2until 9 3"ose Hean2!lau5e o)er "im. Sleepin- %it" t"e ot"er man put a real 3rimp in our so3ial plans. /ot t"at 9 8lame5 <i3"ar5. /o@ 9 8lame5 mysel1. 9t %as one o1 t"e 1e% t"in-s <i3"ar5 an5 9 still s"are5. 9 s;uinte5 at t"e -lo%in- 5ial o1 t"e 8e5si5e 3lo3k. 3J1 A.7. A4aniel@ %"at?s %ron-BC /o one 3alls at ten a1ter t"e %it3"in"our %it" -oo5 ne%s. He took a 5eep 8reat"@ as i1 preparin- "imsel1 1or t"e ne*t line. A<i3"ar5?s in >ail.C 9 sat up@ s"eets sli5in- in a 8un5le to my lap. A="at 5i5 you sayBC 9 %as su55enly %i5e a%ake@ "eart t"u55in-@ a5renaline pumpin-. A<i3"ar5 is in >ail@C "e repeate5. 9 5i5n?t make "im say it a-ain@ t"ou-" 9 %ante5 to. A="at 1orBC 9 aske5. AAttempte5 rape@C "e sai5. A="atBC 9 sai5. 4aniel repeate5 it. 9t 5i5n?t make any more sense t"e se3on5 time 9 "ear5 it. A<i3"ar5 is like t"e ultimate Boy S3out@C 9 sai5. A9?5 8elie)e mur5er 8e1ore 9?5 8elie)e rape.C A9 -uess t"at?s a 3ompliment@C "e sai5. ADou kno% %"at 9 meant@ 4aniel. <i3"ar5 %oul5n?t 5o somet"in- like t"at.C A9 a-ree@C "e sai5.

A9s "e in Saint LouisBC 9 aske5. A/o@ "e?s still in $ennessee. He 1inis"e5 up "is re;uirements 1or "is master?s 5e-ree an5 -ot arreste5 t"at ni-"t.C A$ell me %"at "appene5.C A9 5on?t e*a3tly kno%@C "e sai5. A="at 5o you meanBC 9 aske5. A$"ey %on?t let me see "im@C 4aniel sai5. A="y notBC A7om -ot in to see "im@ 8ut t"ey %oul5n?t let all o1 us in.C AHas "e -ot a la%yerBC 9 aske5. AHe says "e 5oesn?t nee5 one. He says "e 5i5n?t 5o it.C APrison is 1ull o1 people %"o 5i5n?t 5o it@ 4aniel. He nee5s a la%yer. 9t?s "is %or5 a-ainst t"e %oman?s. 91 s"e?s lo3al an5 "e isn?t@ "e?s in trou8le.C AHe?s in trou8le@C 4aniel sai5. AS"it@C 9 sai5. A$"ere?s more 8a5 ne%s@C "e sai5. 9 t"re% t"e 3o)ers 8a3k an5 stoo5@ 3lut3"in- t"e p"one. A$ell me.C A$"ere?s -oin- to 8e a 8lue moon t"is mont".C He sai5 it )ery ;uietly@ no e*planation@ 8ut 9 un5erstoo5. <i3"ar5 %as an alp"a %ere%ol1. He %as "ea5 o1 t"e lo3al pa3k. 9t %as "is only serious 1la%. =e?5 8roken up a1ter 9?5 seen "im eat some8o5y. ="at 9?5 seen "a5 sent me runnin- to Hean2!lau5e?s arms. 9?5 run 1rom t"e %ere%ol1 to t"e )ampire. Hean2!lau5e %as 7aster o1 t"e !ity o1 Saint Louis. He %as 5e1initely not t"e more "uman o1 t"e t%o. 9 kno% t"ere isn?t a lot to 3"oose 1rom 8et%een a 8loo5su3ker an5 a 1les"2eater@ 8ut at least a1ter Hean2!lau5e 1inis"e5 1ee5in-@ t"ere %eren?t 3"unks 8et%een "is 1an-s. A small 5istin3tion 8ut a real one. A 8lue moon meant a se3on5 1ull moon t"is mont". $"e moon 5oesn?t a3tually turn 8lue most o1 t"e time@ 8ut it is %"ere t"e ol5 sayin- 3omes 1rom2on3e in a 8lue moon. 9t "appens a8out e)ery t"ree years or so. 9t %as Au-ust@ an5 t"e se3on5 1ull moon %as only 1i)e 5ays a%ay. <i3"ar5?s 3ontrol %as )ery -oo5@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er "ear5 o1 any %ere%ol1@ e)en an :l1ri3@ a pa3k lea5er@ %"o 3oul5 1i-"t t"e 3"an-e on t"e ni-"t o1 t"e 1ull moon. /o matter %"at 1la)or o1 animal you 3"an-e5 into@ a ly3ant"rope %as a ly3ant"rope. $"e 1ull moon rule5 t"em. A=e "a)e to -et "im out o1 >ail 8e1ore t"e 1ull moon@C 4aniel sai5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 %as "i5in- %"at "e %as. He tau-"t >unior "i-" s3ien3e. 91 t"ey 1oun5 out "e %as a %ere%ol1@ "e?5 lose "is >o8. 9t %as ille-al to 5is3riminate on t"e 8asis o1 a 5isease@ espe3ially one as 5i11i3ult to 3at3" as ly3ant"ropy@ 8ut t"ey?5 5o it. /o one %ante5 a monster tea3"in- t"eir ki55ies. /ot to mention t"at t"e only person in <i3"ar5?s 1amily %"o kne% "is se3ret %as 4aniel. 7om an5 Pop Keeman 5i5n?t kno%. AGi)e me a num8er to 3onta3t you at@C 9 sai5. He 5i5. ADou?ll 3ome 5o%n t"en@C "e sai5. ADea".C He si-"e5. A$"anks. 7om is raisin- "ell@ 8ut it?s not "elpin-. =e nee5 someone "ere %"o un5erstan5s t"e le-al system.C A9?ll "a)e a 1rien5 3all you %it" t"e name o1 a -oo5 lo3al la%yer 8e1ore 9 -et t"ere. Dou may 8e a8le to arran-e 8ail 8y t"e time 9 arri)e.C A91 "e?ll see t"e la%yer@C 4aniel sai5. A9s "e 8ein- stupi5BC 9 aske5. AHe t"inks t"at "a)in- t"e trut" on "is si5e is enou-".C 9t soun5e5 like somet"in- <i3"ar5 %oul5 say. $"ere %as more t"an one reason %"y %e?5 8roken up. He 3lun- to i5eals t"at "a5n?t e)en %orke5 %"en t"ey %ere in )o-ue. $rut"@ >usti3e@ an5 t"e Ameri3an %ay 3ertainly 5i5n?t %ork %it"in t"e le-al system. 7oney@ po%er@ an5 lu3k %ere %"at %orke5. #r "a)in- someone on your si5e t"at %as part o1 t"e system. 9 %as a )ampire e*e3utioner. 9 %as li3ense5 to "unt an5 kill )ampires on3e a 3ourt or5er o1 e*e3ution "a5 8een issue5. 9 %as li3ense5 in t"ree states. $ennessee %as not one o1 t"em. But 3ops@ as a -eneral rule@ %oul5 treat an e*e3utioner 8etter t"an a 3i)ilian. =e riske5 our li)es an5 usually "a5 a "i-"er kill 3ount t"an t"ey 5i5. #1 3ourse@ t"e kills 8ein)amps@ some people 5i5n?t 3ount t"em as real kills. Ha5 to 8e "uman 1or it to 3ount. A="en 3an you -et "ereBC 4aniel aske5. A9?)e -ot some t"in-s to 3lear up "ere@ 8ut 9?ll see you to5ay 8e1ore noon.C A9 "ope you 3an talk some sense into <i3"ar5.C

9?5 met t"eir mot"er2more t"an on3e2so 9 sai5@ A9?m surprise5 t"at !"arlotte 3an?t talk sense to "im.C A="ere 5o you t"ink "e -ets t"is Ftrut" %ill set you 1ree? 8itBC 4aniel aske5. AGreat@C 9 sai5. A9?ll 8e t"ere@ 4aniel.C A9?)e -ot to -o.C He "un- up su55enly as i1 a1rai5 o1 8ein- 3au-"t. His mom "a5 pro8a8ly 3ome into t"e room. $"e Keemans "a5 1our sons an5 a 5au-"ter. $"e sons %ere all si* 1eet or a8o)e. $"e 5au-"ter %as 1i)e nine. $"ey %ere all o)er t%enty2one. An5 t"ey %ere all s3are5 o1 t"eir mot"er. /ot literally s3are5@ 8ut !"arlotte Keeman %ore t"e pants in t"e 1amily. #ne 1amily 5inner an5 9 kne% t"at. 9 "un- up t"e p"one@ turne5 on t"e lamp@ an5 starte5 to pa3k. 9t o33urre5 to me %"ile 9 %as t"ro%in- t"in-s into a suit3ase to %on5er %"y t"e "ell 9 %as 5oin- t"is. 9 3oul5 say t"at it %as 8e3ause <i3"ar5 %as t"e ot"er t"ir5 o1 a trium)irate o1 po%er t"at Hean2!lau5e "a5 1or-e5 8et%een t"e t"ree o1 us. 7aster )ampire@ :l1ri3@ or %ol1 kin-@ an5 ne3roman3er. 9 %as t"e ne3roman3er. =e %ere 8oun5 so ti-"tly to-et"er t"at sometimes %e in)a5e5 ea3" ot"er?s 5reams 8y a33i5ent. Sometimes not so a33i5entally. But 9 %asn?t ri5in- to t"e res3ue 8e3ause <i3"ar5 %as our t"ir5. 9 3oul5 a5mit to mysel1@ i1 to no one else@ t"at 9 still lo)e5 <i3"ar5. /ot t"e same %ay 9 lo)e5 Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut it %as >ust as real. He %as in trou8le@ an5 9 %oul5 "elp "im i1 9 3oul5. Simple. !ompli3ate5. Hurt1ul. 9 %on5ere5 %"at Hean2!lau5e %oul5 t"ink o1 me 5roppin- e)eryt"in- to -o res3ue <i3"ar5. 9t 5i5n?t really matter. 9 %as -oin-@ an5 t"at %as t"at. But 9 5i5 spare a t"ou-"t 1or "o% t"at mi-"t make my )ampire lo)er 1eel. His "eart 5i5n?t al%ays 8eat@ 8ut it 3oul5 still 8reak. Lo)e su3ks. Sometimes it 1eels -oo5. Sometimes it?s >ust anot"er %ay to 8lee5.

Chapter Two
9 ma5e p"one 3alls. 7y 1rien5 !at"erine 7aison2Gillette %as an attorney. S"e?5 8een %it" me on more t"an one o33asion %"en 9 "a5 to make a statement to t"e poli3e a8out a 5ea5 8o5y t"at 9 "elpe5 make 5ea5. So 1ar@ no >ail time. Hell@ no trial. Ho% 5i5 9 a33omplis" t"isB 9 lie5. Bo8@ !at"erine?s "us8an5@ ans%ere5 on t"e 1i1t" rin-@ )oi3e so "ea)y %it" sleep it %as almost unintelli-i8le. #nly t"e 8ass -ro%l let me kno% %"i3" o1 t"em it %as. /eit"er o1 t"em %oke -ra3e1ully. ABo8@ t"is is Anita. 9 nee5 to speak %it" !at"erine. 9t?s 8usiness.C ADou at a poli3e stationBC "e aske5. See@ Bo8 kne% me. A/o@ 9 5on?t nee5 a la%yer 1or me t"is time.C He 5i5n?t ask ;uestions. He >ust sai5@ AHere?s !at"erine. 91 you t"ink 9 "a)e no 3uriosity at all@ you?re %ron-@ 8ut !at"erine %ill 1ill me in a1ter you "an- up.C A$"anks@ Bo8@C 9 sai5. AAnita@ %"at?s %ron-BC !at"erine?s )oi3e soun5e5 normal. S"e %as a 3riminal attorney %it" a pri)ate 1irm. S"e %as %akene5 a lot at o55 "ours. S"e 5i5n?t like it@ 8ut s"e re3o)ere5 %ell. 9 tol5 "er t"e 8a5 ne%s. S"e kne% <i3"ar5. Like5 "im a lot. 4i5n?t un5erstan5 %"y in "ell 9?5 5umpe5 "im 1or Hean2 !lau5e. Sin3e 9 3oul5n?t tell "er a8out <i3"ar5 8ein- a %ere%ol1@ it %as sort o1 "ar5 to e*plain. He3k@ e)en i1 9 3oul5 "a)e mentione5 t"e %ere%ol1 part@ it %as "ar5 to e*plain. A!arl Belisarius@C s"e sai5 %"en 9 %as 1inis"e5. AHe?s one o1 t"e 8est 3riminal attorneys in t"at state. 9 kno% "im personally. He?s not as 3are1ul a8out "is 3lients as 9 am. He?s -ot some 3lients t"at are kno%n 3riminal 1i-ures@ 8ut "e?s -oo5.C A!an you 3onta3t "im an5 -et "im starte5BC 9 aske5. ADou nee5 <i3"ar5?s permission 1or t"is@ Anita.C A9 3an?t talk <i3"ar5 into takin- on a ne% attorney until 9 see "im. $ime?s al%ays pre3ious on a 3rime@ !at"erine. !an Belisarius at least start t"e %"eels in motionBC A4o you kno% i1 <i3"ar5 "as an attorney no%BC A4aniel mentione5 somet"in- a8out "im re1usin- to see "is la%yer@ so 9 assume so.C AGi)e me 4aniel?s num8er@ an5 9?ll see %"at 9 3an 5o@C s"e sai5. A$"anks@ !at"erine@ really.C S"e si-"e5. A9 kno% you?5 -o to t"is mu3" trou8le 1or any o1 your 1rien5s@ you?re >ust t"at loyal. But are you sure your moti)es are >ust 1rien5ly in t"isBC A="at are you askin- meBC

ADou still lo)e "im@ 5on?t youBC A/o 3omment@C 9 sai5. !at"erine -a)e a so1t lau-". A/o 3omment. Dou?re not t"e one un5er suspi3ion "ere.C ASays you@C 9 sai5. A'ine@ 9?ll 5o %"at 9 3an on t"is en5. Let me kno% %"en you -et t"ere.C A=ill 5o@C 9 sai5. 9 "un- up an5 3alle5 my main >o8. Vampire killin- %as only a si5eline. 9 raise5 t"e 5ea5 1or Animators 9n3.@ t"e 1irst animatin- 1irm in t"e 3ountry. =e %ere also t"e most pro1ita8le. Part o1 t"at %as 5ue to our 8oss@ Bert Vau-"n. He 3oul5 make a 5ollar sit up an5 sin-. He 5i5n?t like t"at my "elpin- t"e poli3e on preternatural 3rimes %as takin- more an5 more o1 my time. He %oul5n?t like me -oin- out o1 to%n 1or an in5e1inite perio5 o1 time on personal 8usiness. 9 %as -la5 it %as t"e %ee "ours an5 "e %oul5n?t 8e t"ere to yell at me in person. 91 Bert kept pus"in- me@ 9 %as -oin- to "a)e to ;uit@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to. 9 "a5 to raise Eom8ies. 9t %asn?t like a mus3le t"at %oul5 %it"er i1 you 5i5n?t use it. 9t %as an inate a8ility 1or me. 91 9 5i5n?t use it@ t"e po%er %oul5 leak out on its o%n. 9n 3olle-e t"ere "a5 8een a pro1essor %"o 3ommitte5 sui3i5e. /o one "a5 1oun5 t"e 8o5y 1or t"e t"ree 5ays t"at it usually takes 1or t"e soul to lea)e t"e area. #ne ni-"t@ t"e s"am8lin- 3orpse "a5 3ome to my 5orm room. 7y roommate -ot a room s%it3" ne*t 5ay. S"e "a5 no sense o1 a5)enture. 9 %oul5 raise t"e 5ea5@ one %ay or anot"er. 9 "a5 no 3"oi3e. But 9 "a5 enou-" reputation t"at 9 3oul5 -o 1reelan3e. 9?5 nee5 a 8usiness mana-er@ 8ut it %oul5 %ork. $rou8le is@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to lea)e. Some o1 t"e people %"o %orke5 at Animators 9n3. %ere amon- my 8est 1rien5s. Besi5es@ 9 "a5 "a5 a8out as mu3" 3"an-e as 9 3oul5 "an5le 1or one year. 9@ Anita Blake@ s3our-e o1 t"e un5ea52t"e "uman %it" more )ampire kills t"an any ot"er )ampire e*e3utioner in t"e 3ountry2%as 5atin- a )ampire. 9t %as almost poeti3ally ironi3. $"e 5oor8ell ran-. $"e soun5 ma5e my "eart pulse in my t"roat. 9t %as an or5inary soun5@ 8ut not at 3J&+ in t"e mornin-. 9 le1t my partially pa3ke5 suit3ase on t"e unma5e 8e5 an5 %alke5 into t"e li)in- room. 7y %"ite 1urniture sat on top o1 a 8rilliant oriental ru-. !us"ions t"at 3au-"t t"e 8ri-"t 3olors %ere pla3e5 3asually on t"e 3ou3" an5 3"air. $"e 1urniture %as mine. $"e ru- an5 3us"ions "a5 8een -i1ts 1rom Hean2!lau5e. His sense o1 style %oul5 al%ays 8e 8etter t"an mine. ="y ar-ueB $"e 5oor8ell ran- a-ain. 9t ma5e me >ump 1or no -oo5 reason e*3ept it %as insistent an5 it %as an o55 "our an5 9 %as alrea5y keye5 up 1rom t"e ne%s a8out <i3"ar5. 9 %ent to t"e 5oor %it" my 1a)orite -un@ a Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er 9mm@ in "an5@ sa1ety o11@ pointe5 at t"e 1loor. 9 %as almost at t"e 5oor %"en 9 realiEe5 9 %as %earin- not"in- 8ut my ni-"t-o%n. A -un@ 8ut no ro8e. 9 "a5 my priorities in or5er. 9 stoo5 t"ere@ 8are1oot on t"e ele-ant ru-@ 5e8atin- %"et"er to -o 8a3k 1or t"e ro8e or a pair o1 >eans. Somet"in-. 91 9?5 8een %earin- one o1 my usual e*tra2lar-e $2s"irts@ 9?5 "a)e >ust ans%ere5 t"e 5oor. But 9 %as %earin- a 8la3k satin ni-"tie %it" spa-"etti straps. 9t "un- almost to my knees. #ne siEe 5oes not 1it all. 9t 3o)ere5 e)eryt"in- 8ut %asn?t e*a3tly ans%erin-2t"e25oor attire. S3re% it. 9 3alle5@ A="o is itBC Ba5 -uys usually 5i5n?t rin- t"e 5oor8ell. A9t is Hean2!lau5e@ ma petite.C 7y mout" 5roppe5 open. 9 3oul5n?t "a)e 8een more surprise5 i1 it "a5 8een a 8a5 -uy. ="at %as "e 5oin- "ereB 9 3li3ke5 t"e sa1ety on t"e -un an5 opene5 t"e 5oor. $"e satin ni-"tie "a5 8een a -i1t 1rom Hean2!lau5e. He?5 seen me in less. =e 5i5n?t nee5 t"e ro8e. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 t"ere "e %as. 9t %as like 9 %as a ma-i3ian an5 "a5 t"ro%n asi5e t"e 3urtain to s"o% my lo)ely assistant. $"e si-"t o1 "im 3au-"t my 8reat" in my t"roat. His s"irt %as a 3onser)ati)e 8usiness 3ut %it" 1astene5 3u11s an5 a simple 3ollar. 9t %as re5 %it" t"e 3ollar an5 3u11s a soli5 almost satiny s3arlet. $"e rest o1 t"e s"irt %as some s"eer 1a8ri3 so t"at "is arms@ 3"est@ an5 %aist %ere 8are 8e"in5 a s"een o1 re5 3lot". His 8la3k "air 3urle5 8elo% "is s"oul5ers@ 5arker@ ri3"er some"o% a-ainst t"e re5 o1 t"e s"irt. ,)en "is mi5ni-"t 8lue eyes seeme5 8luer 1rame5 8y re5. 9t %as one o1 my 1a)orite 3olors 1or "im to %ear@ an5 "e kne% it. He?5 t"rea5e5 a re5 3or5 t"rou-" t"e 8elt loops o1 "is 8la3k >eans. $"e 3or5 1ell in knots 5o%n one si5e o1 "is "ip. $"e 8la3k 8oots 3ame almost to t"e tops o1 "is le-s@ en3asin- "is lon-@ slen5er le-s in leat"er 1rom toe to nearly -roin. ="en 9 %as a%ay 1rom Hean2!lau5e@ a%ay 1rom "is 8o5y@ "is )oi3e@ 9 3oul5 8e em8arrasse5@ s3rat3"y %it" 5is3om1ort t"at 9 %as 5atin- "im. ="en 9 %as a%ay 1rom "im@ 9 3oul5 talk mysel1 out o1 "im2almost. But ne)er %"en 9 %as %it" "im. ="en 9 %as %it" "im@ my stoma3" 5roppe5 to my 1eet an5 9 "a5 to 1i-"t )ery "ar5 not to say t"in-s like -olly. 9 settle5 1or ADou look spe3ta3ular@ as al%ays. ="at are you 5oin- "ere on a ni-"t t"at 9 tol5 you not to 3omeBC ="at 9 %ante5 to 5o %as to t"ro% mysel1 aroun5 "im like a 3oat an5 "a)e "im 3arry me o)er t"e t"res"ol5 3lin-in- to "im like a monkey. But 9 %asn?t -oin- to 5o t"at. 9t la3ke5 a 3ertain 5i-nity. Besi5es@ it sort o1 s3are5 me "o% mu3" 9 %ante5 "im2 an5 "o% o1ten. He %as like a ne% 5ru-. 9t %asn?t )ampire po%ers. 9t %as -oo5@ ol521as"ione5 lust. But it %as still s3ary@ so 9 "a5 set up some parameters. <ules. He 1ollo%e5 t"em most o1 t"e time. He smile5@ an5 it %as t"e smile 9?5 -ro%n to 8ot" lo)e an5 5rea5. $"e smile sai5 "e %as t"inkin- %i3ke5 t"ou-"ts@ t"in-s t"at t%o or more 3oul5 5o in 5arkene5 rooms@ %"ere t"e s"eets smelle5 o1 e*pensi)e per1ume@ s%eat@ an5 ot"er 8o5ily

1lui5s. $"e smile "a5 ne)er ma5e me 8lus" until %e starte5 "a)in- se*. Sometimes all "e "a5 to 5o %as smile@ an5 "eat rus"e5 up my skin like 9 %as t"irteen an5 "e %as my 1irst 3rus". He t"ou-"t it %as 3"armin-. 9t em8arrasse5 me. ADou son o1 a 8it3"@C 9 sai5 so1tly. $"e smile %i5ene5. A#ur 5ream %as interrupte5@ ma petite.C A9 kne% it %asn?t an a33i5ent t"at you %ere in my 5reams@C 9 sai5. 9t 3ame out "ostile@ an5 9 %as please5. Be3ause t"e "ot summer %in5 %as 8lo%in- t"e s3ent o1 "is 3olo-ne a-ainst my 1a3e. ,*oti3@ %it" an un5er3urrent o1 1lo%ers an5 spi3e. 9 almost "ate5 to %as" my s"eets 1or 1ear o1 losin- t"e s3ent o1 "im sometimes. A9 aske5 you to %ear my -i1t so 9 3oul5 5ream o1 you. Dou kne% %"at 9 meant to 5o. 91 you say ot"er@ t"en you are lyin-. 7ay 9 3ome inBC He?5 8een in)ite5 in o1ten enou-" t"at "e 3oul5 "a)e 3rosse5 my t"res"ol5 %it"out t"e in)itation@ 8ut it "a5 8e3ome a -ame %it" "im. A 1ormal a3kno%le5-ment e)ery time "e 3rosse5 t"at 9 %ante5 "im. 9t irritate5 me an5 please5 me@ like so mu3" a8out Hean2!lau5e. ADou mi-"t as %ell 3ome in.C He %alke5 past me. 9 noti3e5 t"e 8la3k 8oots %ere la3e5 up t"e 8a3k 1rom "eel to top. $"e 8a3k o1 "is 8la3k >eans 1it smoot" an5 ti-"t so t"ere %as no nee5 to -uess %"at "e %asn?t %earin- un5er t"em. He spoke %it"out turnin- aroun5. A4o not soun5 so -rumpy@ ma petite. Dou "a)e t"e a8ility to 8ar me 1rom your 5reams.C He turne5 t"en@ an5 "is eyes %ere 1ull o1 a 5ark li-"t t"at "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" )ampire po%ers. ADou %el3ome5 me %it" more t"an open arms.C 9 8lus"e5 1or t"e se3on5 time in less t"an 1i)e minutes. A<i3"ar5 is in >ail in $ennessee@C 9 sai5. A9 kno%@C "e sai5. ADou kno%BC 9 sai5. AHo%BC A$"e lo3al 7aster o1 t"e !ity 3alle5 to tell me. He %as )ery mu3" a1rai5 t"at 9 %oul5 t"ink it %as "is 5oin-. His %ay o1 5estroyin- our trium)irate.C A91 "e %as -oin- to 5estroy us@ it %oul5 8e a mur5er 3"ar-e@ not attempte5 rape@C 9 sai5. A$rue@C Hean2!lau5e sai5@ t"en lau-"e5. $"e lau-"ter traile5 o)er my 8are skin like a small@ pri)ate %in5. A="oe)er 1rame5 our <i3"ar5 5i5 not kno% "im %ell. 9 %oul5 8elie)e mur5er o1 <i3"ar5 8e1ore rape.C 9t %as almost e*a3tly %"at 9?5 sai5. ="y %as t"at unner)in-B AAre you -oin- 5o%n to $ennesseeBC A$"e master@ !olin@ "as 1or8i55en me to enter "is lan5s. $o 5o so no% %oul5 8e an a3t o1 a--ression@ i1 not outri-"t %ar.C A="y s"oul5 "e 3areBC 9 aske5. AHe 1ears my po%er@ ma petite. He 1ears our po%er@ %"i3" is %"y "e "as ma5e you persona non -rata in "is territory as %ell.C 9 stare5 at "im. ADou are ki55in-@ 9 "ope. He?s 1or8i55en eit"er o1 us to "elp <i3"ar5BC Hean2!lau5e no55e5. AAn5 "e e*pe3ts us to 8elie)e it?s not "is 5oin-BC 9 sai5. A9 8elie)e "im@ ma petite.C ADou 3oul5 tell "e %asn?t lyin- o)er t"e p"oneBC 9 aske5. ASome master )ampires 3an lie to ot"er master )ampires@ t"ou-" 9 5o not t"ink !olin is su3" a po%er. But t"at is not %"y 9 8elie)e "im.C A="y t"enBC A$"e last time you an5 9 tra)ele5 to anot"er )ampire?s lan5s@ %e sle% "er.C AS"e %as tryin- to kill us@C 9 sai5. A$e3"ni3ally@C "e sai5@ As"e "a5 set all o1 us 1ree sa)e you. Dou s"e %is"e5 to make a )ampire.C ALike 9 sai5@ s"e %as tryin- to kill me.C He smile5. A#"@ ma petite@ you %oun5 me.C A!ut t"e 3rap. $"is !olin 3an?t really 8elie)e t"at %e are >ust -oin- to lea)e <i3"ar5 to rot.C AHe "as t"e ri-"t to 5eny us sa1e passa-e@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ABe3ause %e kille5 anot"er master in "er o%n territoryBC 9 aske5. AHe 5oesn?t nee5 -roun5s 1or "is re1usal@ ma petite. He merely "as to re1use.C AHo% 5o you )ampires -et anyt"in- a33omplis"e5BC

ASlo%ly@C Hean2!lau5e sai5. ABut remem8er@ ma petite@ %e "a)e t"e time to 8e patient.C A=ell@ 9 5on?t@ an5 <i3"ar5 5oesn?t.C ADou 3oul5 "a)e eternity i1 you %oul5 8ot" a33ept t"e 1ourt" mark@C "e sai5@ )oi3e ;uiet@ neutral. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A<i3"ar5 an5 9 8ot" )alue %"at little is le1t o1 our "umanity. Besi5es@ eternity my ass@ t"e 1ourt" mark %oul5n?t make us immortal. 9t >ust means t"at %e li)e as lon- as you 5o. Dou?re "ar5er to kill t"an %e are@ 8ut not t"at mu3" "ar5er.C He sat 5o%n on t"e 3ou3"@ 1ol5in- "is le-s un5er "im. 9t %asn?t an easy position@ %earin- t"at mu3" leat"er. 7ay8e t"e 8oots %ere so1ter t"an t"ey looke5. /a%. He reste5 "is el8o%s on t"e 3ou3" arm@ leanin- "is 3"est out%ar5. $"e s"eer re5 3lot" 3o)ere5 "is 3"est 3ompletely an5 le1t not"in- to t"e ima-ination. His nipples presse5 a-ainst t"e t"in 1a8ri3. $"e re5 "aEe o1 3lot" ma5e t"e 3ross2s"ape5 8urn s3ar look almost 8loo5y. He raise5 "imsel1 up%ar5 %it" "is "an5s proppe5 on t"e 3ou3" arm like a mermai5 on a ro3k. 9 e*pe3te5 "im to tease or say somet"in- se*ual. 9nstea5@ "e sai5@ A9 3ame to tell you o1 <i3"ar5?s imprisonment in person.C He %at3"e5 my 1a3e )ery 3losely. A9 t"ou-"t it mi-"t upset you.C A#1 3ourse it upsets me. $"is !olin -uy@ )ampire@ %"ate)er t"e "ell "e is@ is 3raEy i1 "e t"inks "e?s -oin- to keep us 1rom "elpin- <i3"ar5.C Hean2!lau5e smile5. AAs"er is ne-otiatin- e)en as %e speak to try an5 allo% you to enter !olin?s territory.C As"er %as "is se3on5 8anana@ "is )ampire lieutenant. 9 1ro%ne5. A="y me an5 not youBC ABe3ause you are mu3" 8etter %it" poli3e matters t"an 9 am.C He t"re% one lon-@ leat"er23la5 le- o)er t"e 3ou3" arm an5 slit"ere5 o)er it to "is 1eet. 9t %as like %at3"in- a lap 5an3e %it"out a lap. $o my kno%le5-e@ Hean2!lau5e "a5 ne)er strippe5 at Guilty Pleasures@ t"e )ampire strip 3lu8 "e o%ne5@ 8ut "e 3oul5 "a)e. He "a5 a %ay o1 makin- e)en t"e smallest mo)ement se*ual an5 )a-uely o8s3ene. Dou al%ays 1elt like "e %as t"inkin- %i3ke5 t"ou-"ts@ t"in-s you 3oul5n?t say in mi*e5 3ompany. A="y 5i5n?t you >ust 3all an5 tell me all t"isBC 9 sai5. 9 kne% t"e ans%er@ or at least part o1 it. He seeme5 to 8e as enamore5 o1 my 8o5y as 9 %as o1 "is. Goo5 se* 3uts 8ot" %ays. $"e se5u3er 3an 8e3ome t"e se5u3e5@ %it" t"e ri-"t )i3tim. He -li5e5 to%ar5s me. A9 t"ou-"t t"is %as ne%s to 8e 5eli)ere5 1a3e2to21a3e.C He stoppe5 >ust in 1ront o1 me@ so 3lose t"at t"e sli-"tly 1ull "em o1 my ni-"tie 8rus"e5 "is t"i-"s. He -a)e a small mo)ement o1 "is 8o5y an5 t"e satin e5-e o1 t"e ni-"tie mo)e5 -ently a-ainst my 8are le-s. 7ost men %oul5 "a)e "a5 to use t"eir "an5s to -et t"at kin5 o1 mo)ement. #1 3ourse@ Hean2!lau5e "a5 "a5 1our "un5re5 years to per1e3t "is te3"ni;ue. Pra3ti3e makes per1e3t. A="y 1a3e2to21a3eBC 9 aske5@ my )oi3e a little 8reat"y. A smile 3urle5 "is lips. ADou kno% %"y@C "e sai5. A9 %ant to "ear you say it@C 9 sai5. His 8eauti1ul 1a3e 1ell into 8lank@ 3are1ul lines@ only "is eyes "el5 t"e "eat like a 8anke5 1ire. A9 3oul5 not let you lea)e %it"out tou3"in- you one last time. 9 %ant to 5o t"e %i3ke5 5an3e 8e1ore you lea)e.C 9 lau-"e5@ 8ut it %as tense@ ner)ous. 7y mout" %as su55enly 5ry. 9 %as "a)in- trou8le not starin- at "is 3"est. $"e A%i3ke5 5an3eC %as "is pet eup"emism 1or se*. 9 %ante5 to tou3" "im@ 8ut i1 9 5i5@ 9 %asn?t sure %"ere it %oul5 stop. <i3"ar5 %as in trou8le. 9?5 8etraye5 "im on3e %it" Hean2!lau5eG 9 %oul5n?t let "im 5o%n a-ain. A9 nee5 to pa3k@C 9 sai5. 9 turne5 a8ruptly an5 starte5 %alkin- to%ar5s t"e 8e5room. He 1ollo%e5 me. 9 put my -un on t"e 8e5si5e ta8le 8esi5e t"e p"one@ -ot so3ks out o1 t"e 5ra%er@ an5 starte5 tossin- t"em into t"e suit3ase@ tryin- to i-nore Hean2!lau5e. He 5oesn?t i-nore easily. He lay on t"e 8e5 8esi5e t"e suit3ase@ proppe5 on one el8o%@ lon- le-s stret3"e5 t"e len-t" o1 t"e 8e5. He looke5 1ear1ully o)er5resse5 a-ainst my %"ite s"eets. He %at3"e5 me mo)e aroun5 t"e room@ mo)in- >ust "is eyes. He remin5e5 me o1 a 3atJ %at3"1ul@ per1e3tly at ease. 9 %ent into t"e near8y 8at"room to -et toiletries. 9 "a5 a man?s s"a)in- kit 8a- t"at 9 kept all t"e small stu11 in. 9 %as tra)elin- out o1 to%n more an5 more lately. 7i-"t as %ell 8e or-aniEe5 a8out it. Hean2!lau5e %as lyin- on "is 8a3k@ lon-@ 8la3k "air spillin- like a 5ark 5ream on my %"ite pillo%. He -a)e a sli-"t smile as 9 entere5 t"e room. He "el5 a "an5 out to me. AHoin me@ ma petite.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A91 9 >oin you@ %e?ll -et 5istra3te5. 9?m -oin- to pa3k an5 -et 5resse5. =e 5on?t "a)e time 1or anyt"inelse.C He 3ra%le5 to%ar5s me o)er t"e 8e5@ mo)in- in a rollin- -li5e like "e "a5 mus3les in pla3es "e %asn?t suppose5 to "a)e t"em. AAm 9 so unappealin-@ ma petiteB #r is your 3on3ern 1or <i3"ar5 so o)er%"elmin-BC ADou kno% e*a3tly "o% appealin- you are to me. An5 yes@ 9 am %orrie5 a8out <i3"ar5.C

He sli5 o11 t"e 8e5@ 1ollo%in- at my "eels. He -li5e5 in a sort o1 -ra3e1ul slo% motion %"ile 9 "urrie5 to an5 1ro@ 8ut "e pa3e5 me@ mat3"in- ea3" o1 my ;ui3k steps %it" "is easy ones. 9t %as like 8ein- 3"ase5 8y a )ery slo% pre5ator@ one t"at "a5 all t"e time in t"e %orl5 8ut kne% in t"e en5 it %oul5 3at3" you. $"e se3on5 time 9 almost ran into "im@ 9 1inally sai5@ A="at is your pro8lemB Nuit 1ollo%in- me aroun5. Dou?re makin- me ner)ous.C $rut" %as@ "is 8o5y 8ein- so 3lose ma5e my skin >ump. He sat 5o%n on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5 an5 si-"e5@ A9 5on?t %ant you to -o.C $"at stoppe5 me in my tra3ks. 9 turne5 an5 stare5 at "im. A="y@ 1or "ea)en?s sakeBC A'or 3enturies 9 "a)e 5reame5 o1 "a)in- enou-" po%er to 8e sa1e. ,nou-" po%er to "ol5 my lan5s an5 1inally@ at lonlast@ "a)e some sense o1 pea3e. /o% 9 1ear t"e )ery man %"o 3oul5 make my am8itions 3ome true.C A="at are you talkin- a8outBC 9 3ame to stan5 in 1ront o1 "im@ arms 1ull o1 s"irts an5 "an-ers. A<i3"ar5G 9 1ear <i3"ar5.C $"ere %as a look in "is eyes t"at 9?5 sel5om seen. He %as unsure o1 "imsel1. 9t %as a )ery normal@ "uman e*pression. 9t looke5 totally at o55s %it" t"e ele-ant man in "is peeka8oo s"irt. A="y %oul5 you 8e a1rai5 o1 <i3"ar5BC 9 aske5. A91 you lo)e <i3"ar5 more t"an you lo)e me@ 9 1ear you %ill lea)e me 1or "im.C A91 you "a)en?t noti3e5@ <i3"ar5 "ates me ri-"t no%. He talks more to you t"an to me.C AHe 5oes not "ate you@ ma petite. He "ates t"at you are %it" me. $"ere is a -reat 5i11eren3e 8et%een t"e t%o "atre5s.C Hean2!lau5e stare5 up at me almost mourn1ully. 9 si-"e5. AAre you >ealous o1 <i3"ar5BC He looke5 5o%n at t"e toes o1 "is e*pensi)e 8oots. A9 %oul5 8e a 1ool i1 9 %ere not.C 9 trans1erre5 t"e 8louses to one arm an5 tou3"e5 "is 1a3e. 9 turne5 "is 1a3e up to mine. A9?m sleepin- %it" you@ not <i3"ar5@ remem8erBC ADet@ "ere 9 am@ ma petite. 9 am 5resse5 1or your 5reams an5 you 5o not e)en o11er me a kiss.C His rea3tion surprise5 me. Hust %"en 9 t"ou-"t 9 kne% "im. AAre you "urt t"at 9 5i5n?t -i)e you a "ello kissBC APer"aps@C "e sai5 )ery so1tly. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 tosse5 t"e 8louses in t"e -eneral 5ire3tion o1 t"e suit3ase. 9 8umpe5 "is knees %it" my le-s until "e opene5 "is le-s an5 let me stan5@ pressin- my 8o5y t"e len-t" o1 "is. 9 put my "an5s on "is s"oul5ers. $"e s"eer re5 3lot" %as rou-"er te*ture5 t"an it looke5@ not so1t. AHo% 3an anyone as -or-eous as you are 8e inse3ureBC He %rappe5 "is arms aroun5 my %aist@ snu--lin- me a-ainst "im. He s;ueeEe5 "is le-s a-ainst me. $"e leat"er o1 t"e 8oots %as so1ter t"an it looke5@ more supple. =it" "is arms aroun5 me an5 "is le-s s;ueeEin- a-ainst me@ 9 %as e11e3ti)ely trappe5. But 9 %as a %illin- 3apti)e@ so it %as okay. A="at 9 %ant to 5o is -o 5o%n on my knees an5 li3k t"e 1ront o1 t"is ni1ty s"irt. 9 %ant to kno% >ust "o% mu3" o1 you 9 3an su3k t"rou-" t"e 3lot".C 9 raise5 my eye8ro%s at "im. He lau-"e5 so1t an5 lo%. $"e soun5 raise5 -oose 8umps up an5 5o%n my 8o5y@ ti-"tenin- my nipples an5 ot"er pla3es. His lau-"ter %as a tou3"a8le@ intrusi)e t"in-. He 3oul5 5o t"in-s %it" "is )oi3e t"at most men 3oul5n?t 5o %it" t"eir "an5s. Det "e %as a1rai5 9?5 lea)e "im 1or <i3"ar5. He reste5 "is 1a3e on my 3"est@ 3ra5le5 8et%een my 8reasts. He ru88e5 "is 3"eeks so1tly 8a3k an5 1ort" a-ainst me@ makin- t"e satin sli5e a-ainst me@ until my 8reat" 3ame 1aster. 9 si-"e5 an5 leane5 my 1a3e o)er "im@ 1ol5in- our 8o5ies to-et"er. A9 5on?t plan to lea)e you 1or <i3"ar5. But "e?s in trou8le@ an5 t"at 3omes 8e1ore se*.C Hean2!lau5e raise5 "is 1a3e to me@ our arms so entan-le5 t"at "e almost 3oul5n?t mo)e. AKiss me@ ma petite@ t"at is all. Hust a kiss to tell me t"at you lo)e me.C 9 lai5 my lips a-ainst "is 1ore"ea5. A9 t"ou-"t you %ere more se3ure t"an t"is.C A9 am@C "e sai5@ A%it" e)eryone 8ut you.C 9 pulle5 8a3k enou-" to stu5y "is 1a3e. ALo)e s"oul5 make you 1eel more se3ure not less.C ADes@C "e sai5 ;uietly@ Ait s"oul5. But you lo)e <i3"ar5@ too. Dou try not to lo)e "im@ an5 "e tries not to lo)e you. But lo)e is not so easily slain2or so easily arouse5.C 9 8ent o)er "im. $"e 1irst kiss %as a mere 8rus" o1 lips like satin ru88in- a-ainst my mout". $"e se3on5 kiss %as "ar5er. 9 8it li-"tly alon- "is upper lip@ an5 "e ma5e a small soun5. He kisse5 me 8a3k@ "an5s sli5in- to eit"er si5e o1 my 1a3e. He kisse5 me as i1 "e %ere 5rinkin- me 5o%n@ tryin- to li3k t"e last 5rops 1rom t"e 8ottle o1 some 1ine %ine@ ten5er@ ea-er@ "un-ry. 9 3ollapse5 a-ainst "im@ "an5s sli5in- o)er "im as i1 e)en my "an5s %ere "un-ry 1or t"e 1eel o1 "im. 9 1elt "is 1an-s@ s"arp@ 8ruisin- a-ainst my lips an5 ton-ue. $"ere %as a ;ui3k@ s"arp pain an5 t"e s%eet 3opper taste o1 8loo5. He ma5e a small inarti3ulate soun5 an5 rolle5 o)er me. 9 %as su55enly on t"e 8e5 %it" "im a8o)e me. His eyes %ere one soli5 -lo%in- 8lue@ t"e pupils -one in a rus" o1 5esire.

He trie5 to turn my "ea5 to one si5e@ nuEElin- at my ne3k. 9 turne5 my 1a3e into "is@ 8lo3kin- "im. A/o 8loo5@ Hean2 !lau5e.C He %ent almost limp on top o1 me@ 1a3e 8urie5 in t"e rumple5 s"eets. APlease@ ma petite.C 9 pus"e5 at "is s"oul5er. AGet o11 o1 me.C He rolle5 onto "is 8a3k@ starin- at t"e 3eilin-@ 3are1ully not lookin- at me. A9 3an enter e)ery ori1i3e o1 your 8o5y %it" e)ery part o1 me@ 8ut you re1use me t"e last 8it o1 yoursel1.C 9 -ot o11 t"e 8e5 3are1ully@ not sure my knees %ere stea5y. A9 am not 1oo5@C 9 sai5. A9t is so mu3" more t"an mere 1ee5in-@ ma petite. 91 only you %oul5 allo% me to s"o% you "o% )ery mu3" more.C 9 -ra88e5 t"e pile o1 8louses an5 starte5 takin- t"em o11 t"e "an-er an5 1ol5in- t"em in t"e suit3ase. A/o 8loo5G t"at is t"e rule.C He rolle5 onto "is si5e. A9 "a)e o11ere5 you all t"at 9 am@ ma petite@ yet you %it""ol5 yoursel1 1rom me. Ho% 3an 9 not 8e >ealous o1 <i3"ar5BC ADou?re -ettin- se*. He?s not e)en -ettin- 5ates.C ADou are mine@ 8ut you are not mine@ not 3ompletely.C A9?m not a pet@ Hean2!lau5e. People aren?t suppose5 to 8elon- to ot"er people.C A91 you 3oul5 1in5 a %ay to lo)e <i3"ar5?s 8east@ you %oul5 not "ol5 8a3k 1rom "im. Him you %oul5 -i)e yoursel1 to.C 9 1ol5e5 t"e last 8louse. A4amn it@ Hean2!lau5e@ t"is is stupi5. 9 3"ose you. All ri-"tB 9t?s a 5one 5eal. ="y are you so %orrie5BC ABe3ause t"e moment "e %as in trou8le@ you 5roppe5 e)eryt"in- to run to "is si5e.C A9?5 5o t"e same 1or you@C 9 sai5. A,*a3tly@C "e sai5. A9 "a)e no 5ou8t t"at you lo)e me in your %ay@ 8ut you lo)e "im@ too.C 9 Eippe5 up t"e suit3ase. A=e are not "a)in- t"is ar-ument. 9?m sleepin- %it" you. 9 am not -oin- to 5onate 8loo5 >ust to make you 1eel more se3ure.C $"e p"one ran-. As"er?s 3ulture5 )oi3e@ so like Hean2!lau5e?sJ AAnita@ "o% are you t"is 1ine summer e)enin-BC A9?m 1ine@ As"er. ="at?s upBC A7ay 9 speak %it" Hean2!lau5eBC "e aske5. 9 almost ar-ue5@ 8ut Hean2!lau5e "a5 "is "an5 out 1or t"e p"one. 9 -a)e t"e p"one to "im. Hean2!lau5e spoke in 'ren3"@ %"i3" "e an5 As"er "a5 a "a8it o1 5oin-. 9 %as -la5 t"at "e "a5 someone to speak "is nati)e ton-ue %it"@ 8ut my 'ren3" >ust %asn?t up to 1ollo%in- t"e 3on)ersation. 9 suspe3te5 stron-ly t"at sometimes t"e )ampires spoke in 1ront o1 me like you %oul5 speak in 1ront o1 a 3"il5 t"at 5oesn?t "a)e enou-" -ro%n2up talk to 1ollo% t"e 3on)ersation. 9t %as ru5e an5 3on5es3en5in-@ 8ut t"ey %ere 3enturies2ol5 )ampires@ an5 sometimes t"ey >ust 3oul5n?t "elp t"emsel)es. He s%it3"e5 to ,n-lis"@ talkin- 5ire3tly to me. A!olin "as re1use5 you entran3e to "is territory. He "as re1use5 entran3e to any o1 my people.C A!an "e 5o t"atBC 9 aske5. Hean2!lau5e no55e5. A#ui.C A9 am -oin- 5o%n t"ere to "elp <i3"ar5. Arran-e it@ Hean2!lau5e@ or 9?ll -o 5o%n t"ere %it"out arran-ements 8ein- ma5e.C A,)en i1 it?s %arBC "e aske5. AS"it@C 9 sai5. A!all t"e little son o1 a 8it3" an5 let me talk to "im.C Hean2!lau5e raise5 "is eye8ro%s 8ut no55e5. He "un- up on As"er@ t"en 5iale5 a num8er. He sai5@ A!olin@ t"is is Hean2 !lau5e. Des@ As"er tol5 me %"at you "a)e 5e3i5e5. 7y "uman ser)ant@ Anita Blake@ %is"es to speak %it" you.C He listene5 1or a moment. A/o@ 9 5o not kno% %"at s"e %is"es to say to you.C He "an5e5 me t"e p"one an5 settle5 8a3k a-ainst t"e "ea58oar5 o1 t"e 8e5 as i1 %at3"in- a s"o%. AHello@ !olinBC A$"is is "e.C His a33ent %as pure 7i55le Ameri3an. 9t ma5e "im soun5 less e*oti3 t"an some o1 t"em. A7y name?s Anita Blake.C A9 kno% %"o you are@C "e sai5. ADou?re t"e ,*e3utioner.C ADea"@ 8ut 9?m not 3omin- 5o%n t"ere 1or an e*e3ution. 7y 1rien5 is in trou8le. 9 >ust %ant to "elp "im.C AHe is your t"ir5. 91 you enter my lan5s@ t"en t%o o1 your trium)irate %ill 8e %it"in my territory. Dou are too po%er1ul to 8e allo%e5 entran3e.C

AAs"er sai5 you also 5enie5 a33ess to any o1 our people@ is t"at trueBC ADes@C "e sai5. A="y@ 1or Go5?s sakeBC A$"e !oun3il@ t"e rulers o1 all )ampire kin5@ itsel1 1ears Hean2!lau5e. 9 %ill not "a)e you in my lan5s.C A!olin@ look@ 9 5on?t %ant your po%er 8ase. 9 5on?t %ant your lan5s. 9 "a)e no 5esi-ns upon you %"atsoe)er. Dou?re a master )ampire. Dou 3an taste t"e trut" in my %or5s.C ADou mean %"at you say@ 8ut you are t"e ser)ant. Hean2!lau5e is t"e master.C A4on?t take t"is %ron-@ !olin@ 8ut %"y %oul5 Hean2!lau5e %ant your lan5sB ,)en i1 "e %as plannin- some sort o1 G"en-is Ka"n in)asion@ your lan5s are t"ree territories a%ay 1rom us. 91 "e %as -oin- to try 3on;uerin- someone@ "e?5 pi3k lan5 ne*t 5oor.C A7ay8e t"ere?s somet"in- "ere "e %ants@C !olin sai5@ an5 9 3oul5 "ear t"e 1ear in "is )oi3e. $"at %as rare %it" a master )amp. $"ey %ere usually 8etter at "i5in- t"eir emotions. A!olin@ 9?ll s%ear any oat" you %ant t"at %e 5on?t %ant anyt"in- 1rom you. =e >ust nee5 1or me to 3ome 5o%n t"ere an5 -et <i3"ar5 out o1 >ail. #kayBC A/o@C "e sai5. A91 you 3ome 5o%n "ere unin)ite5@ it is %ar 8et%een us@ an5 9 %ill kill you.C ALook@ !olin@ 9 kno% you?re a1rai5.C As soon as 9 sai5 it@ 9 kne% 9 s"oul5n?t "a)e. AHo% 5o you kno% %"at 9 1eelBC $"e 1ear rose a not3"@ 8ut t"e an-er rose 1aster. AA "uman ser)ant t"at 3an taste a master )ampire?s 1ear2an5 you %on5er %"y 9 5on?t %ant you in my lan5s.C A9 3an?t taste your 1ear@ !olin. 9 "ear5 it in your )oi3e.C ALiarIC 7y s"oul5ers %ere 8e-innin- to ti-"ten. 9t 5oesn?t usually take mu3" to piss me o11@ an5 "e %as %orkin- at it. AHo% are %e suppose5 to "elp <i3"ar5@ i1 you %on?t let us sen5 anyone 5o%n t"ereBC 7y )oi3e %as 3alm@ 8ut 9 3oul5 1eel my t"roat ti-"tenin-@ my )oi3e -oin- >ust a little lo%er %it" t"e e11ort not to yell. A="at "appens to your t"ir5 is not my 3on3ern. Prote3tin- my lan5s an5 my people@ t"at is my 3on3ern.C A91 anyt"in- "appens to <i3"ar5 8e3ause o1 t"is 5elay@ 9 3an make it your 3on3ern@C 9 sai5@ )oi3e still ;uiet. ASee@ alrea5y t"e t"reats 8e-in.C $"e ti-"tness in my s"oul5ers spille5 up my ne3k an5 3ame out my mout". AListen@ you little pip2s;ueak@ 9 am 3omin5o%n t"ere. 9 am not lettin- your paranoia "urt <i3"ar5.C A=e %ill kill you t"en@C "e sai5. ALook@ !olin@ stay out o1 my %ay@ an5 9?ll stay out o1 yours. Dou 1u3k %it" me@ an5 9 %ill 5estroy you@ 5o you un5erstan5 meB 9t?s only %ar i1 you start it@ 8ut i1 you start somet"in-@ 8y Go5 9 %ill 1inis" it.C Hean2!lau5e %as motionin- 1or t"e p"one rat"er 5esperately. =e %restle5 1or t"e re3ei)er 1or a 1e% se3on5s %"ile 9 3alle5 !olin an anti;uate5 politi3ian@ an5 %orse. Hean2!lau5e apolo-iEe5 to t"e empty@ 8uEEin- p"one. He "un- t"e p"one up an5 looke5 at me. $"e look %as elo;uent. A9 %oul5 say 9 am spee3"less@ ma petite@ or t"at 9 5on?t 8elie)e t"at you >ust 5i5 t"at@ 8ut 9 5o 8elie)e it. $"e ;uestion isJ 4o you un5erstan5 %"at you "a)e >ust 5oneBC A9 am -oin- to res3ue <i3"ar5. 9 3an -o aroun5 !olin or o)er "im. 9t?s "is 3"oi3e.C Hean2!lau5e si-"e5. AHe is %it"in "is ri-"ts to see it as t"e 8e-innin- o1 a %ar. But !olin is )ery 3autious. He %ill 5o one o1 t%o t"in-s. He %ill eit"er %ait an5 see i1 you initiate "ostilities@ or "e %ill try an5 kill you as soon as you set 1oot on "is lan5s.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="at %as 9 suppose5 to 5oBC A9t 5oesn?t matter no%. ="at?s 5one is 5one@ 8ut it 3"an-es t"e tra)el arran-ements. Dou 3an still take my pri)ate >et@ 8ut you %ill "a)e 3ompany.C AAre you 3omin-BC 9 aske5. A/o. 91 9 arri)e5 %it" you@ !olin %oul5 8e 3ertain t"at %e "a5 3ome to kill "im. /o@ 9 %ill stay "ere@ 8ut you %ill "a)e an entoura-e o1 -uar5s.C A/o%@ %ait a minute@C 9 sai5. He "el5 up "is "an5. A/o@ ma petite. Dou "a)e 8een )ery ras". <emem8er@ i1 you 5ie@ <i3"ar5 an5 9 may 5ie@ as %ell. $"e 8in5in- t"at makes us a trium)irate -i)es po%er@ 8ut it 5oes not 3ome %it"out a pri3e. 9t is not merely your o%n li1e t"at you are riskin-.C $"at stoppe5 me. A9 "a5n?t t"ou-"t o1 it t"at %ay@C 9 sai5.

ADou %ill nee5 an entoura-e no% t"at 8e1its a "uman ser)ant o1 mine@ an5 an entoura-e t"at is stron- enou-" to 1i-"t !olin?s people@ i1 nee5 8e.C A="o 5o you "a)e in min5BC 9 aske5@ su55enly suspi3ious. ALea)e t"at to me.C A9 5on?t t"ink so@C 9 sai5. He stoo5@ an5 "is an-er las"e5 t"rou-" t"e room like a s3al5in- %in5. ADou "a)e en5an-ere5 yoursel1 an5 me an5 <i3"ar5. Dou "a)e en5an-ere5 e)eryt"in- %e "a)e or "ope to "a)e %it" your temper.C A9t %oul5 "a)e 3ome 5o%n to an ultimatum in t"e en5@ Hean2!lau5e. 9 kno% )ampires. Dou %oul5 "a)e ar-ue5 an5 8ar-aine5 1or a 5ay or t%o@ 8ut in t"e en5@ it %oul5 "a)e 3ome 5o%n to t"is.C AAre you so sureBC "e aske5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. A9 "ear5 t"e 1ear in !olin?s )oi3e. He?s s3are5 s"itless o1 you. He?5 "a)e ne)er a-ree5 to us 3omin- 5o%n.C A9t is not >ust me "e 1ears@ ma petite. Dou are t"e ,*e3utioner. Doun- )ampires are tol5 i1 t"ey are 1oolis"@ you %ill 3ome an5 slay t"em in t"eir 3o11ins.C ADou?re makin- t"at up@C 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ ma petite@ you are t"e 8o-eyman o1 )ampirekin5.C A91 9 see !olin@ 9?ll try not to s3are "im more t"an 9 alrea5y "a)e.C ADou %ill see "im@ ma petite@ one %ay or t"e ot"er. He %ill eit"er arran-e a meetin- %"en "e sees you mean "im no "arm@ or "e %ill 8e t"ere %"en t"ey atta3k.C A=e "a)e to -et <i3"ar5 out 8e1ore t"e 1ull moon. =e?)e only -ot 1i)e 5ays. =e 5i5n?t "a)e time to 5o t"is slo%ly.C A="o are you tryin- to 3on)in3e@ ma petite@ me or yoursel1BC 9 "a5 lost my temper. 9t "a5 8een stupi5. 9ne*3usa8le. 9 "a5 a temper@ 8ut 9 %as usually 8etter at 3ontrollin- it t"an t"at. A9?m sorry@C 9 sai5. Hean2!lau5e -a)e a )ery inele-ant snort. A/o% s"e?s sorry.C He 5iale5 t"e p"one. A9 %ill "a)e As"er an5 t"e ot"ers pa3k.C AAs"erBC 9 sai5. AHe?s not -oin- %it" me.C ADes@ "e is.C 9 opene5 my mout" to protest. He pointe5 one lon-@ pale 1in-er at me. A9 kno% !olin an5 "is people. Dou nee5 an entoura-e t"at is impressi)e %it"out 8ein- too 1ri-"tenin-@ an5 yet i1 t"e %orst "appens@ t"ey must 8e a8le to 5e1en5 you an5 t"emsel)es. 9 %ill pi3k %"o -oes an5 %"o stays.C A$"at?s not 1air.C A$"ere is no time 1or 1airness@ ma petite. Dour pre3ious <i3"ar5 sits 8e"in5 8ars an5 t"e 1ull moon is approa3"in-.C He let "is "an5 1all to "is lap. A91 you %is" to take some o1 your %ereleopar5s %it" you@ t"at %oul5 8e %el3ome. As"er an5 4amian %ill nee5 1oo5 %"ile t"ey are a%ay. $"ey 3annot "unt %it"in !olin?s territory. $"at %oul5 8e taken as an a3t o1 "ostility.C ADou %ant me to )olunteer some o1 t"e %ereleopar5s as %alkin- pro)isionsBC A9 am -oin- to supply some %ere%ol)es as %ell@C "e sai5. A9?m lupa 1or t"e pa3k as %ell as /imir2ra 1or t"e leopar5s. Dou nee5 to run t"e %ol)es 8y me@ too.C <i3"ar5 "a5 ma5e me lupa o1 t"e %ere%ol)es %"en %e %ere 5atin-. Lupa is o1ten >ust anot"er %or5 1or t"e "ea5 %ol1?s -irl1rien5@ t"ou-" usually it?s anot"er %ere%ol1@ not a "uman. $"e %ereleopar5s 3ame to me 8y 5e1ault. 9 kille5 t"eir last lea5er an5 1oun5 out t"at e)eryone else %as pretty mu3" 8eatin- t"e "ell out o1 t"em. =eak s"ape2s"i1ters %it"out a 5ominant to prote3t t"em en5 up as anyone?s meat. 9t %as my 1ault@ sort o1@ t"at t"ey %ere 8ein- "urt@ so 9 e*ten5e5 my prote3tion o)er t"em. 7y prote3tion@ sin3e 9 %asn?t a %ereleopar5@ 3onsiste5 o1 my t"reat. 7y t"reat %as t"at 9?5 kill anyone %"o messe5 %it" t"em. $"e monsters in to%n must "a)e 8elie)e5 it@ 8e3ause t"ey le1t t"e leopar5s alone. :se enou-" sil)er 8ullets on enou-" monsters@ an5 you -et a reputation. Hean2!lau5e put t"e re3ei)er up to "is ear. A9t is -ettin- so t"at a person 3annot insult a monster in Saint Louis %it"out ans%erin- to you@ ma petite.C 91 9 "a5n?t kno%n 8etter@ 9?5 say Hean2!lau5e %as an-ry %it" me. 9 -uess@ t"is on3e@ 9 3oul5n?t 8lame "im.

Chapter Three
$"e pri)ate >et %as like a lon- %"ite e-- %it" 1ins. #kay@ it %as lon-er t"an an e-- an5 more pointy at t"e en5s@ 8ut it seeme5 >ust as 1ra-ile. Ha)e 9 mentione5 9 "a)e t"is little p"o8ia a8out 1lyin-B 9 sat in my 3om1y@ 1ully s%i)el@ 1ully re3lina8le 3"air )ery upri-"t@ seat28elte5 in@ 1in-ernails 5i--in- into t"e 3us"ione5 arms. 9 "a5 purpose1ully turne5 t"e seat

a%ay 1rom one o1 t"e many roun5 %in5o%s so 9 3oul5n?t see out t"e si5e nearest me. :n1ortunately@ t"e plane %as so narro% t"at 9 3au-"t -limpses on t"e opposite si5e %in5o%s o1 1lu11y 3lou5s an5 3lear 8lue sky. Har5 to 1or-et you?re t"ousan5s o1 1eet a8o)e t"e -roun5 %it" only a t"in s"eet o1 metal 8et%een you an5 eternity %"en 3lou5s keep 1loatinpast t"e %in5o%. Hason ploppe5 5o%n in t"e seat ne*t to me@ an5 9 let out a little yip. He lau-"e5. A9 3an?t 8elie)e you?re t"is s3are5 o1 1lyin-.C He pus"e5 "is 3"air %it" "is 1eet@ makin- it spin aroun5@ slo%ly@ like a ki5 %it" 4a55y?s o11i3e 3"air. His t"in 8lon5 "air %as 3ut >ust a8o)e "is s"oul5ers@ no 8an-s. His eyes %ere t"e same pale 8lue as t"e sky %e %ere 1lyin- t"rou-". He %as e*a3tly my "ei-"t@ 1i)e t"ree@ %"i3" ma5e "im s"ort@ espe3ially 1or a man. He ne)er seeme5 to min5. He %ore an o)ersiEe5 $2s"irt an5 a pair o1 >eans so 1a5e5 t"ey %ere almost %"ite. He %ore t%o "un5re5 5ollar >o--in- s"oes@ t"ou-" 9 kne% 1or a 1a3t "e ne)er >o--e5. He?5 turne5 t%enty2one t"is summer. He?5 in1orme5 me t"at "e %as a Gemini@ an5 "e %as no% le-al 1or e)eryt"in-. ,)eryt"in- 3oul5 3o)er a lot o1 -roun5 1or Hason. He %as a %ere%ol1@ 8ut "e 3urrently li)e5 %it" Hean2!lau5e an5 playe5 mornin- appetiEer or e)enin- sna3k 1or t"e )ampire. S"apes"i1ter 8loo5 "as a 8i--er ki3k to it@ more po%er. Dou 3an 5rink less o1 it t"an "uman 8loo5 an5 1eel a "ell o1 a lot 8etter@ or so 9?)e o8ser)e5. He 1lun- "imsel1 up 1rom t"e 3"air an5 1ell to "is knees in 1ront o1 me. A!ome on@ Anita. ="at?s to %orryBC ALea)e me alone@ Hason. 9t?s a p"o8ia. 9t "as no lo-i3. Dou 3an?t talk me out o1 it@ so >ust -o a%ay.C He spran- to "is 1eet so 1ast it %as almost ma-i3al. A=e?re per1e3tly sa1e.C He starte5 >umpin- up an5 5o%n on t"e 1loor on t"e plane. ASee@ soli5.C 9 yelle5@ AKaneIC Kane appeare5 8esi5e me. He %as a8out si* 1eet tall@ stret3"e5 lon- an5 t"in as i1 t"ere %asn?t enou-" 1les" to 3o)er "is 8ones. His "air "a5 8een 5ye5 a s"o3kin- yello%@ like neon 8utter3ups@ s"a)e5 on t"e si5es an5 -elle5 into small@ sti11 spikes on top. He %ore 8la3k )inyl pants@ like a sli3k se3on5 skin@ an5 a mat3"in- )est@ no s"irt. S"iny 8la3k 8oots 3omplete5 t"e out1it. ADou ran-BC "e aske5 in a )oi3e t"at %as almost pain1ully 5eep. 91 a s"apes"i1ter spen5s too mu3" time in animal 1orm@ some o1 t"e p"ysi3al 3"an-es 3an 8e permanent. Kane?s -ra)elly )oi3e an5 t"e 5ainty upper an5 lo%er 1an-s in "is "uman mout" sai5 "e?5 spent a little too mu3" time as a leopar5. $"e )oi3e 3oul5 "a)e passe5 1or "uman@ 8ut t"e 1an-s2 t"e 1an-s -a)e it a%ay. AGet Hason a%ay 1rom me@ please@C 9 sai5 t"rou-" -ritte5 teet". Kane looke5 5o%n at t"e smaller man. Hason stoo5 "is -roun5. Kane mo)e5 t"ose last t%o steps to 3lose t"e 5istan3e 8et%een t"em. $"ey stoo5 t"ere@ presse5 3"est to 3"est@ eyes lo3ke5. Dou 3oul5 su55enly 1eel t"at skin23ra%lin- ener-y t"at let you kno% t"at "uman %as not %"at t"ey %ere. S"it. 9 "a5n?t meant to start a 1i-"t. Kane lo%ere5 "is 1a3e to%ar5 t"e s"orter man@ a lo% -ro%l tri3klin- out o1 "is 3lose5 lips. A/o 1i-"tin-@ 8oys@C 9 sai5. Kane plante5 a 8i-@ %et kiss on Hason?s mout". Hason >erke5 8a3k@ lau-"in-. ADou 8ise*ual son o1 a 8it3".C A/o%@ i1 t"at isn?t t"e pot 3allin- t"e kettle 8la3k@C Kane sai5. Hason >ust -rinne5 an5 %an5ere5 o11@ t"ou-" t"ere %asn?t a lot o1 room to %an5er any%"ere. 9 also "a)e a tou3" o1 3laustrop"o8ia. 9 -ot it 1rom a 5i)in- a33i5ent@ 8ut 9?)e noti3e5 it?s %orse sin3e 9 %oke up one mornin- trappe5 in a 3o11in %it" a )ampire 9 5i5n?t like. 9 -ot a%ay@ 8ut 9 like en3lose5 spa3es less an5 less. Kane sli5 into t"e seat 8esi5e me. $"e s"iny 8la3k )est -ape5 o)er "is t"in@ pale 3"est@ -i)in- a -limpse o1 a sil)er nipple rin-. Kane patte5 my knee@ an5 9 let "im. He %as al%ays tou3"in- people@ not"in- personal. A lot o1 s"apes"i1ters %ere tou3"y2 1eely@ as i1 t"ey %ere animals instea5 o1 people an5 "a5 1e%er p"ysi3al 8oun5aries@ 8ut Kane "a5 turne5 to 3asual tou3" into an art 1orm. 9 1inally realiEe5 t"at "e tou3"e5 ot"ers as a sort o1 se3urity 8lanket. He trie5 to play t"e 5ominant pre5ator@ 8ut "e %asn?t. :n5erneat" t"e s"o% o1 teasin- 3on1i5en3e@ "e kne% it. He -ot really tense i1 "e %as in a so3ial situation %"ere "e "a5 to stan5 alone@ literally %it"out t"e tou3" o1 ot"er 1les". So 9 let "im tou3" me %"en 9?5 "a)e 8it3"e5 at anyone else. A=e?ll 8e on t"e -roun5 soon@C "e sai5. $"e "an5 le1t my knee. He un5erstoo5 t"e rules. 9 let "im tou3" me %"en "e "a5 no 8usiness 5oin- it@ 8ut no lon-@ lin-erin- 3aresses. 9 %as "is tou3"stone %"en "e %as ner)ous@ not "is -irl1rien5. A9 kno%@C 9 sai5. He smile5. ABut you 5on?t 8elie)e me.C ALet?s >ust say 9?ll rela* %"en %e a3tually lan5.C

!"erry >oine5 us. S"e %as tall an5 slen5er@ %it" strai-"t@ naturally 8lon5 "air 3ut )ery@ )ery s"ort an5 3lose to a stron-@ trian-ular 1a3e. $"e eye s"a5o% %as -ray@ t"e eyeliner so 8la3k it looke5 like 3rayon. $"e lipsti3k %as 8la3k. $"e makeup %asn?t t"e 3olors 9?5 "a)e 3"osen 1or "er@ 8ut it 5i5 mat3" "er 3lot"es. Bla3k 1is"net sto3kin-s@ )inyl miniskirt@ 8la3k -o2-o 8oots@ an5 a 8la3k la3e 8ra un5erneat" a 1is"net s"irt. S"e?5 a55e5 t"e 8ra 1or my 8ene1it. Le1t to "er o%n 5e)i3es@ %"en s"e %asn?t %orkin- as a nurse@ s"e %ent pretty mu3" topless. S"e?5 8een a nurse until t"ey 1oun5 out s"e %as a %ereleopar5G t"en s"e?5 8een t"e )i3tim o1 8u5-et 3uts. 7ay8e it %as 8u5-et 3uts@ 8ut t"en a-ain@ may8e it %asn?t. 9t %as ille-al to 5is3riminate a-ainst someone 8e3ause t"ey "a5 a 5isease@ 8ut no one %ants a %ereanyt"in- treatin- t"e si3k. People seem to t"ink ly3ant"ropes 3an?t 3ontrol t"emsel)es aroun5 1res"ly spille5 8loo5. Some o1 t"e ne%er s"apes"i1ters %oul5 8e in trou8le@ 8ut !"erry %asn?t ne%. S"e?5 8een a -oo5 nurse@ an5 no% s"e?5 ne)er 8e a nurse a-ain. S"e %as 8itter a8out it an5 "a5 turne5 "ersel1 into t"e slut 8ri5e 1rom Planet W@ as i1 e)en in "uman 1orm@ s"e %ante5 people to kno% %"at s"e %as no%J 5i11erent@ ot"er. $rou8le %as@ s"e looke5 like a t"ousan5 ot"er teens an5 early t%enties %"o also %ante5 to 8e 5i11erent an5 stan5 out. A="at "appens on3e %e lan5BC !"erry aske5 in a purrin-@ 3ontralto )oi3e. 9?5 t"ou-"t "er )oi3e "a5 8een t"e pro5u3t o1 too mu3" 1ur time@ like Kane?s teet"@ 8ut nope@ !"erry >ust "a5 t"is %on5er1ul@ 5eep@ se*y )oi3e. S"e?5 "a)e 5one -oo5 p"one se*. S"e sat on t"e -roun5 at our 1eet@ knees out@ ankles 3rosse5@ makin- t"e s"ort skirt ri5e up enou-" to s"o% t"e "ose %ere t"i-" "i-" 8ut still mana-in- to 3o)er t"e rest. $"ou-" in a skirt t"at s"ort@ 9 %as "opin- s"e %as %earinun5ies. 9?5 "a)e ne)er "a)e 8een a8le to %ear somet"in- t"at s"ort an5 not 1las". A9 3onta3t <i3"ar5?s 8rot"er an5 -o to t"e >ail@C 9 sai5. A="at 5o you %ant us to 5oBC Kane aske5. AHean2!lau5e sai5 t"at "e ma5e arran-ements 1or rooms@ so you -uys -o to t"e rooms.C $"ey e*3"an-e5 a -lan3e. 9t %as more t"an an or5inary -lan3e. A="atBC 9 aske5. A#ne o1 us %ill nee5 to -o %it" you@C Kane sai5. A/o@ 9?m -oin- to -o in t"ere 1las"in- my e*e3utioner?s li3ense. 9?m 8etter o11 on my o%n.C A="at i1 t"e master o1 t"is 3ity "as "is people %aitin- 1or you in to%nBC Kane aske5. AHe?ll kno% you?re -oin- to t"e >ail to5ay.C !"erry no55e5. A9t 3oul5 8e an am8us".C $"ey "a5 a point@ 8ut ... ALook@ not"in- personal@ -uys@ 8ut you look like t"e top "al1 o1 an S an5 7 %e55in- 3ake. !ops 5on?t like people %"o look sort o1 ...C 9 %asn?t sure "o% to say it %it"out 8ein- insultin-. !ops %ere meat2an52potatoes people. $"ey %eren?t impresse5 8y t"e e*oti3. $"ey?5 seen it all an5 3leane5 up t"e mess. 7ost o1 t"e e*oti3 t"at t"ey sa% %ere 8a5 -uys. A1ter a %"ile@ poli3emen seem to t"ink anyt"in- e*oti3 is a 8a5 -uyG >ust sa)es time. 91 9 %alke5 into t"e poli3e station %it" $%ee5le2punk an5 $%ee5le2slut@ it %as -oin- to raise t"e 3op?s antennae. $"ey?5 kno% 9 %asn?t e*a3tly %"at 9 %as 3laimin- to 8e@ an5 t"at %oul5 3ompli3ate t"in-s. =e nee5e5 to make t"in-s easier@ not "ar5er. 9 %as 5resse5 in )ampire e*e3utioner 3asual. /e% 8la3k >eans@ not 1a5e5@ 3rimson s"ort2slee)e5 5ress s"irt@ 8la3k suit >a3ket@ 8la3k /ikes@ 8la3k 8elt so t"e loops o1 my s"oul5er "olster "a5 somet"in- to "an- on. $"e Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er sat un5er my le1t arm@ a 1amiliar ti-"tness. 9 %as 3arryin- t"ree 8la5es. A sil)er kni1e in a %rist s"eat" on ea3" arm an5 a 8la5e in a s"eat" 5o%n my spine. $"e "an5le stu3k up "i-" enou-" t"at my "air "a5 to "i5e it@ 8ut my "air %as t"i3k an5 5ark enou-" to 5o t"e >o8. $"e last 8la5e %as like a small s%or5. 9?5 use5 it only on3e 1or real to pin a %ereleopar5 t"rou-" t"e "eart. $"e tip "a5 pus"e5 out "is 8a3k. A sil)er 3ross un5er t"e 8louse 1or true emer-en3ies@ an5 9 %as pa3ke5 1or %ere8ear@ or almost anyt"in- else. 9 "a5 a spare 3lip o1 normal 8ullets in my 1anny pa3k >ust in 3ase 9 met up %it" a ro-ue 1airie. Sil)er 5i5n?t %ork a-ainst t"em. A9?ll -o %it" you.C /at"aniel sli5 in 8e"in5 !"erry@ pressin- "imsel1 a-ainst t"e %all o1 t"e plane an5 my le-s. #ne 8roa5 s"oul5er reste5 a-ainst my >eans in a ni3e@ soli5 %ei-"t. $"ere %as a3tually no %ay 1or "im to sit t"ere an5 not tou3" me. He %as al%ays tryin- to tou3" me@ an5 "e %as -oo5 enou-" at it t"at 9 3oul5n?t al%ays 8it3" a8out it@ like no%. A9 5on?t t"ink so@ /at"aniel@C 9 sai5. He "u--e5 "is knees to "is 3"est an5 aske5@ A="y notBC He %as 5resse5 normally enou-" in >eans an5 a tu3ke52in $2 s"irt@ 8ut t"e rest o1 "im ... His "air %as a 5eep@ nearly ma"o-any au8urn. He?5 tie5 it 8a3k in a loose ponytail@ 8ut t"e "air 1ell like silken %ater to "is knees. /at"aniel -aEe5 up at me %it" eyes t"e pale purple o1 ,aster e-- -rass. ,)en i1 "e 3ut t"e "air@ t"e eyes %oul5 "a)e -i)en "im trou8le. He %as s"ort 1or a man@ an5 %as also t"e youn-est o1 us@ nineteen. 9 suspe3te5 stron-ly t"at "e %as in t"e mi55le o1 a -ro%t" spurt. Some5ay@ t"at s"ort 8o5y %as -oin- to mat3" "is s"oul5ers@ %"i3" %ere 8roa5 an5 )ery mas3uline. He %as a stripper at Guilty Pleasures@ a %ereleopar5@ an5 on3e "e?5 8een a male prostitute. 9?5 put a stop to t"at. 91 you?re -oin- to 8e leopar5 ;ueen@ you mi-"t as %ell rule. $"e rule %as t"at none o1 t"e leopar5s %ere %"ores. Ga8riel@ t"eir ol5 alp"a@ "a5 pimpe5 t"em out. S"apes"i1ters 3an take a lot o1 5ama-e an5 sur)i)e. Ga8riel "a5 1i-ure5 out a %ay to make t"at pay. He pimpe5 "is kitties out to t"e S an5 7 set. People %"o like5 to -i)e pain "a5 pai5 a lot o1 money 1or /at"aniel@ on3e upon a time. $"e 1irst time 9?5 e)er seen "im %as in t"e "ospital a1ter a 3lient "a5 -otten 3arrie5 a%ay an5 nearly kille5 "im. A5mitte5ly@ t"is %as a1ter Ga8riel "a5 8een kille5. $"e %ereleopar5s "a5 trie5 to keep up t"e 3lient list %it"out anyone to prote3t t"em 1rom t"e 3lients.

Kane "a5 trie5 to take Ga8riel?s pla3e as pimp an5 8a52ass kitty@ 8ut "e "a5n?t 8een stron- enou-" to 1ill t"e 8ill. He?5 let /at"aniel nearly 5ie an5 "a5n?t 8een a8le to prote3t "im. /at"aniel 3oul5 8en3"2press a -ran5 piano@ 8ut "e %as a )i3tim. He like5 pain an5 %ante5 someone to 8e in 3"ar-e o1 "im. He %ante5 a master an5 %as tryin- )ery "ar5 1or me to take t"e >o8. =e mi-"t "a)e %orke5 somet"in- out@ 8ut 8ein- "is master2or mistress2seeme5 to in3lu5e se*@ an5 t"at 9 %as not up 1or. A9?ll -o@C Hason sai5. He sat 5o%n 8esi5e !"erry an5 lai5 "is "ea5 on "er s"oul5er@ snu--lin-. !"erry mo)e5 a%ay 1rom "im@ 3u55lin- 3loser to /at"aniel. 9t %asn?t se*@ e*a3tly@ it %as t"at t"e %ereanimals ten5e5 to -et up 3lose an5 personal %it" t"eir o%n kin5. 9t %as 3onsi5ere5 somet"in- o1 aso3ial -a11e to 3u55le up to a 5i11erent sort o1 animal. But Hason 5i5n?t 3are. !"erry %as 1emale@ an5 "e 1lirte5 %it" anyt"in- t"at %as 1emale. /ot"in- personal@ >ust "a8it. Hason %i--le5 "is 8utt until !"erry %as presse5 8et%een "im an5 /at"aniel. A9?)e -ot a suit in my lu--a-e. A ni3e@ normal@ 8lue suit. 9?ll e)en %ear a tie.C !"erry -ro%le5 at "im. 9t soun5e5 all %ron-@ 3omin- 1rom t"at pretty 1a3e. 9 am not one o1 t"ose %omen %"o %ants to re5o ot"er %omen. 9 5on?t 3are mu3" 1or makeup or 3lot"es. But !"erry ma5e me %ant to -i)e "er "ints. 91 s"e %as pretty in t"e Bri5e o1 'rankenstein makeup@ s"e?5 "a)e 8een a kno3kout in somet"in- t"at mat3"e5 "er skin tone. 9 smile5. A$"anks@ Hason. /o%@ -i)e !"erry some 8reat"in- room.C He presse5 "imsel1 e)en 3loser. AKane -a)e me a kiss to make me mo)e.C A7o)e@ or 9?ll 8ite your nose o11.C S"e -a)e an e*pression t"at %as "al12snarl@ "al12smile@ a t"reatenin- 1las" o1 teet". A9 t"ink s"e means it@C 9 sai5. Hason lau-"e5 an5 stoo5 in one o1 t"ose li-"tnin-21ast mo)ements t"at t"ey %ere all 3apa8le o1. He %ent to stan5 8e"in5 my seat@ leanin- "is 1orearms on it. A9?ll "i5e 8e"in5 you until it?s sa1e@C "e sai5. AGet o11 t"e 8a3k o1 my seat@C 9 sai5. He mo)e5 "is arms 8ut staye5 stan5in- 8e"in5 me. AHean2!lau5e t"ou-"t you mi-"t "a)e to take some o1 us into poli3e situations. =e 3an?t all look like 3olle-e stu5ents an5 porn stars.C $"e porn star 3omment %as sa5ly a33urate 1or all t"ree o1 t"e %ereleopar5s. Anot"er -oo5 i5ea o1 Ga8riel?s "a5 8een to star "is people in porno 1ilms. Ga8riel 5i5 "is o%n s"are o1 starrin- roles. He %as ne)er one to ask o1 "is kitties %"at "e %asn?t %illin-2nay@ ea-er2to 5o "imsel1. He?5 8een a si3k son o1 a 8it3"@ an5 "e?5 ma5e sure t"at "is %ereleopar5s %ere as si3k as "e %as. /at"aniel "a5 -i)en me a -i1t 8o* o1 t"ree o1 "is mo)ies. He su--este5 %e %at3" t"em to-et"er. 9 sai5 t"anks@ 8ut no t"anks. 9 kept t"e tapes mainly 8e3ause 9 %asn?t sure %"at to 5o %it" t"em. 9 mean@ "e?5 -i)en me a -i1t. 9 %as raise5 not to 8e ru5e. $"ey %ere %ay in t"e 8a3k o1 my )i5eo 3a8inet@ "i55en 8e"in5 a sta3k o1 4isney tapes. An5 no@ 9 "a5 not %at3"e5 t"em on3e 9 %as alone. $"e air slappe5 a-ainst t"e plane@ makin- it s"u55er. $ur8ulen3e@ >ust tur8ulen3e. ADou?re a3tually pale@C !"erry sai5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. Hason kisse5 t"e top o1 my "ea5. ADou kno% you?re a3tually 3ute %"en you?re s3are5.C 9 turne5 )ery slo%ly in t"e seat an5 stare5 at "im. 9 %oul5 "a)e like5 to say 9 stare5 at "im until "is smile 1a5e5 a%ay@ 8ut %e 5i5n?t "a)e t"at kin5 o1 time. Hason %oul5 -rin on "is %ay into "ell. A4on?t tou3" me.C $"e -rin %i5ene5. His eyes sparkle5 %it" it. A="o meBC 9 si-"e5 an5 settle5 8a3k into t"e seat. 9t %as -oin- to 8e a )ery lon- 3ouple o1 5ays.

Chapter Four
Porta8y Air1iel5 is small. 9 -uess t"at?s %"y it?s 3alle5 an air1iel5 instea5 o1 an airport. $"ere %ere t%o small run%ays an5 a 3luster o1 8uil5in-s@ i1 t"ree 3oul5 8e 3alle5 a 3luster. But it %as 3lean an5 neat as a pin@ an5 t"e settin- %as post3ar5 per1e3t. $"e air1iel5 sat in t"e mi55le o1 a %i5e@ -reen )alley surroun5e5 on t"ree si5es 8y t"e -entle slopes o1 t"e Smokey 7ountains. #n t"e 1ourt" si5e@ 8e"in5 t"e 8uil5in-s@ %as t"e rest o1 t"e )alley. 9t slope5 s"arply 5o%n@ lettin- us kno% t"at t"e )alley %e %ere stan5in- in %as still part o1 t"e mountains. $"e to%n o1 7yerton@ $ennessee@ stret3"e5 8elo% us in air so 3lean it sparkle5 like someone "a5 5uste5 t"e 3lou5s %it" -roun5 5iamon5s. =or5s 3ame to min5 like pristine@ 3rystalline. $"at %as t"e main reason one o1 t"e last remainin- %il5 8an5s o1 Lesser Smokey 7ountain $rolls li)e5 in t"e area. <i3"ar5 %as 1inis"in- up "is master?s 5e-ree in 8iolo-y. He?5 8een stu5yin- t"e trolls e)ery summer 1or 1our years 8et%een tea3"in- 1ull time. $akes lon-er to -et your master?s 5e-ree part time. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" o1 t"e 3lean@ 3lean air. 9 3oul5 see %"y <i3"ar5 %oul5 %ant to spen5 "is summers "ere. 9t %as e*a3tly t"e kin5 o1 pla3e "e?5 en>oy. He %as into out5oorsy stu11 in a 8i- %ay. <o3k 3lim8in-@ "ikin-@ 1is"in-@ 3ampin-@

3anoein-@ 8ir52%at3"in-2pretty mu3" anyt"in- you 3oul5 5o outsi5e %as "is i5ea o1 1un. #"@ 3a)in-@ too. $"ou-" 9 -uess@ te3"ni3ally@ you?re not outsi5e i1 you?re insi5e a 3a)e. ="en 9 sai5 t"at <i3"ar5 %as a Boy S3out@ 9 5i5n?t mean >ust "is moral 1i8er. A man %alke5 to%ar5s us. He %as almost per1e3tly roun5 in t"e mi55le@ %earin- a pair o1 3o)eralls %it" oil on t"e knees. ="ite "air stu3k out 1rom un5erneat" a 8ille5 3ap. His -lasses %ere 8la3k2rimme5 an5 s;uare. He %ipe5 "is "an5s on a ra- as "e %alke5. $"e look on "is 1a3e %as polite@ 3urious. His eyes 1li3ke5 1rom me to t"e rest o1 t"e -uys as t"ey 1ile5 out o1 t"e plane. $"en "is eyes 1li3ke5 to t"e 3o11ins t"at %ere 8ein- unloa5e5 1rom t"e stora-e 3ompartment. As"er %as in one. 4amian %as in t"e ot"er. As"er %as t"e more po%er1ul o1 t"e t%o@ 8ut "e %as se)eral "un5re5 years youn-er. 4amian "a5 8een a Vikin- %"en "e %as ali)e@ an5 9 5on?t mean t"e 1oot8all team. He?5 8een a 3ar523arryin-@ s%or52%iel5in-@ marau5in- rai5er. #ne ni-"t "e?5 rai5e5 t"e %ron- 3astle@ an5 s"e took "im. 91 s"e "a5 a name@ 9?)e ne)er "ear5 it. S"e %as a master )ampire an5 ruler o1 "er lan5s@ t"e e;ui)alent to 7aster o1 t"e !ity %"en t"ere is no 3ity in a "un5re5 miles. S"e took 4amian on a summer ni-"t o)er a t"ousan5 years a-o@ an5 s"e kept "im. A t"ousan5 years@ an5 "e 1elt no more po%er1ul in my "ea5 t"an a )ampire "al1 "is a-e. 9?5 un5erestimate5 "is a-e 8y "un5re5s o1 years@ 8e3ause part o1 me >ust 3oul5n?t a33ept t"at you 3oul5 e*ist t"at lon- an5 not 8e more po%er1ul@ s3arier. 4amian %as s3ary 8ut not a millennium %ort" o1 s3ary. He?5 ne)er 8e more t"an "e %asJ a t"ir5 or 1ourt" 8anana 1or all eternity. Hean2!lau5e 8ar-aine5 1or 4amian?s 1ree5om %"en "e 3ame to 8e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. He ransome5 4amian. 9 ne)er kne% %"at it 3ost Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut 9 kne% t"at it "a5n?t 8een 3"eap. S"e "a5 not %ante5 to -i)e up "er 1a)orite %"ippin- 8oy. $"e man sai5@ A9?5 s"ake your "an5@ 8ut 9?)e 8een %orkin- on t"e planes. 7r. /iley?s man is %aitin- in t"e 8uil5in-.C 9 1ro%ne5. A7r. /ileyBC He 1ro%ne5 t"en. AAren?t you 7r. /iley?s peopleB 7ilo sai5 you?5 8e 3omin- in to5ay.C He looke5 8a3k@ an5 a tall man steppe5 out o1 t"e 8uil5in-. His skin %as t"e 3olor o1 3o11ee@ t%o 3reams. His "air %as 3ut in a %e5-e@ lea)in- "is ele-ant@ s3ulpte5 1a3e 8are an5 una5orne5. He %as %earin- a suit t"at 3ost more t"an most 3ars. He stare5 at me@ an5 e)en 1rom a 5istan3e 9 1elt t"e 5ea5 %ei-"t o1 "is eyes. All "e nee5e5 %as a si-n o)er "is "ea5 t"at sai5 7us3le. A/o@ %e?re not 7r. /iley?s people.C $"at "e?5 ma5e t"e mistake ma5e me %on5er %"o 7r. /iley %as. A )oi3e 3alle5@ A$"ese are t"e people 9?)e 8een e*pe3tin-@ ,5.C 9t %as Hamil@ one o1 <i3"ar5?s en1or3ers. $"e en1or3ers %ere Sk^ll an5 Hati a1ter t"e %ol)es t"at 3"ase t"e sun an5 moon in /orse myt"olo-y. ="en t"ey 3at3" t"em@ it %ill 8e t"e en5 o1 t"e %orl5. $ells you somet"in- a8out %ere%ol1 so3iety t"at t"eir en1or3ers %ere name5 a1ter 3reatures t"at %oul5 8rin- a8out t"e en5 o1 e)eryt"in-. Hamil %as Sk^ll 1or <i3"ar5?s pa3k@ %"i3" meant "e %as "ea5 en1or3er. He %as tall an5 slen5er in t"e %ay a 5an3er is slen5er@ all mus3les an5 s"oul5ers plane5 5o%n to a smoot"@ -ra3e1ul ma3"ine o1 1les". He %as %earin- a %"ite slee)eless men?s un5ers"irt an5 loose@ tailore5 %"ite pants %it" a )ery s"arp 3u11 rolle5 at t"e en5 o1 t"e pants le-s. Bla3k suspen5ers -ra3e5 "is upper 8o5y an5 mat3"e5 t"e "i-"ly polis"e5 8la3k s"oes. A %"ite linen >a3ket %as t"ro%n o)er one s"oul5er. His 5ark skin -leame5 a-ainst t"e %"iteness o1 "is 3lot"es. His "air %as nearly %aist len-t" in 3ornro%s %it" %"ite 8ea5s %o)en t"rou-" t"e 8rai5s. Last time 9?5 seen "im@ t"e 8ea5s "a5 8een multi3olore5. ,5 1li3ke5 a look 8a3k at Hamil. A91 you say so@C "e sai5. He %ent 8a3k to t"e main 8uil5in-@ lea)in- us to oursel)es. Pro8a8ly >ust as %ell. A9 5i5n?t kno% you %ere "ere@ Hamil@C 9 sai5. A9?m <i3"ar5?s 8o5y-uar5. ="ere else %oul5 9 8eBC He "a5 a point. A="ere %ere you t"e ni-"t "is 8o5y %as suppose5ly atta3kin- t"is %omanBC AHer name is Betty S3"a11er.C AHa)e you talke5 to "erBC His eyes %i5ene5. AS"e?s alrea5y 3rie5 rape on3e on a 1ine@ upstan5in- %"ite 8oy. /o@ 9 "a)en?t talke5 to "er.C ADou 3oul5 try an5 8len5 in a little.C A9?m one o1 only t%o 8la3k men 1or a8out + miles@C "e sai5@ A$"ere?s no %ay 1or me to 8len5 in@ Anita@ so 9 5on?t try.C $"ere %as an un5er3urrent o1 real an-er t"ere. 9 %on5ere5 i1 Hamil "a5 8een "a)in- trou8le %it" t"e lo3als. 9t seeme5 likely. He %asn?t >ust A1ri3an Ameri3an. He %as tall@ "an5some@ an5 at"leti3 lookin-. $"at alone %oul5 "a)e -otten "im on t"e re5ne3k "it para5e. $"e lon- 3ornro% "air an5 t"e killer 1as"ion sense raise5 t"e ;uestion t"at "e mi-"t )iolate t"e last %"ite male 8astion o1 "omop"o8ia. 9 kne% t"at Hamil like5 -irls@ 8ut 9 %as almost %illin- to 8et some o1 t"e lo3als "a5n?t 8elie)e5 t"at. A9 assume t"at is t"e ot"er A1ri3an Ameri3an -uy.C 9 %as 3are1ul not to point at 7ilo. He %as %at3"in- us@ 1a3e e*pressionless@ 8ut too intense. 7us3le re3o-niEes mus3le@ an5 "e %as pro8a8ly %on5erin- a8out Hamil >ust as %e %ere %on5erin- a8out "im. ="at %as pro1essional mus3le 5oin- out "ere in t"e 8ooniesB Hamil no55e5. ADea"@ t"at?s t"e ot"er one.C AHe 5oesn?t 8len5 in@ eit"er@C 9 sai5. A="o is "eBC AHis name is 7ilo Hart. He %orks 1or a -uy name5 'rank /iley %"o is suppose5 to arri)e to5ay.C

ADou an5 "e sit 5o%n an5 "a)e a talkBC A/o@ 8ut ,5 is >ust 1ull o1 ne%s.C A="y 5oes 'rank /iley nee5 a 8o5y-uar5BC AHe?s ri3"@C Hamil sai5 as i1 t"at e*plaine5 it@ an5 may8e it 5i5. AHe?s 5o%n "ere 5oin- some lan5 spe3ulation.C A,5 t"e plane me3"ani3 tell you all t"isBC Hamil no55e5. AHe likes to talk@ e)en to me.C AGee@ an5 9 t"ou-"t you %ere >ust anot"er pretty 1a3e.C Hamil smile5. A9?ll 5o my >o8 %"en <i3"ar5 lets me.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC A9t means i1 "e?5 let me %at3" o)er "im like a -oo5 Sk^ll is suppose5 to@ t"is rape 3"ar-e %oul5 ne)er "a)e "appene5. 9?5 "a)e 8een a %itness@ an5 it %oul5n?t 8e >ust "er %or5 a-ainst "is.C A7ay8e 9 s"oul5 talk to 7s. S3"a11er@C 9 sai5. ABa8e@ you >ust rea5 my min5.C ADou kno%@ Hamil@ you?re t"e only person %"o e)er 3alls me 8a8e. $"ere?s a reason 1or t"at.C His smile %i5ene5. A9?ll try to remem8er t"at.C A="at "appene5 to <i3"ar5@ HamilBC ADou mean 5i5 "e 5o itBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ 9 kno% "e 5i5n?t 5o it.C AHe 5i5 5ate "er@C Hamil sai5. 9 looke5 at "im. A="at are you sayin-BC A<i3"ar5?s 8een tryin- to 1in5 a repla3ement 1or you.C ASoBC ASo@ "e?s 8een 5atin- anyt"in- t"at mo)es.C AHust 5atin-BC 9 aske5. Hamil s%irle5 "is >a3ket 1rom "is s"oul5er to one arm@ smoot"in- t"e 3lot" an5 not lookin- at me. AAns%er t"e ;uestion@ Hamil.C He looke5 at me@ almost smilin-@ t"en si-"e5. A/o@ not >ust 5atin-.C 9 "a5 to ask. AHe?s 8een sleepin- aroun5BC Hamil no55e5. 9 stoo5 t"ere@ t"inkin- a8out t"at 1or a se3on5 or t%o. <i3"ar5 an5 9 "a5 ea3" 8een 3eli8ate 1or years@ separate 5e3isions. 9?5 3ertainly 3"an-e5 my li1estyle. 4i5 9 really t"ink "e?5 stay 3"aste %"en 9 "a5n?tB =as it any o1 my 8usiness %"at "e 5i5B /oG no@ it %asn?t. 9 1inally s"ru--e5. AHe?s not my 8oy1rien5 anymore@ Hamil. An5 "e?s a 8i- 8oy.C 9 s"ru--e5 a-ain@ not really sure "o% 9 1elt a8out <i3"ar5 sleepin- aroun5. $ryin- )ery "ar5 not to 1eel anyt"in- a8out it@ 8e3ause it 5i5n?t matter "o% 9 1elt. <i3"ar5 "a5 "is o%n li1e to li)e@ an5 it 5i5n?t in3lu5e me@ not in t"at %ay. A9?m not "ere to poli3e <i3"ar5?s se* li1e.C Hamil no55e5 almost to "imsel1. AGoo5. 9 %as %orrie5.C A="at@ you t"ou-"t 9?5 t"ro% a 1it an5 storm o11@ lea)in- "im to "is >ust 5essertsBC ASomet"in- like t"at@C "e sai5. A4i5 "e "a)e se* %it" t"e %oman %"o?s ma5e t"e a33usationBC A91 you mean inter3ourse@ no. S"e?s "uman@C "e sai5. A<i3"ar5 5oesn?t 5o "umans. He?s a1rai5 t"ey?re too 1ra-ile.C A9 t"ou-"t you >ust sai5 "e?5 8een sleepin- %it" 7s. S3"a11er.C AHa)in- se*@ 8ut not 5oin- t"e 5irty 5ee5.C 9 %asn?t a )ir-in. 9 kne% t"ere %ere alternati)es@ 8ut ... A="y alternati)e met"o5s %it" "umansB ="y not >ust ... 5o itBC A4oin- t"e %il5 t"in- 3an release our 8east early. Dou 5on?t %ant to kno% %"at "appens %"en you?re %it" a "uman %"o 5oesn?t kno% %"at you are@ an5 you s"i1t on top o1 t"em@ insi5e t"em.C A s"a5o% 3rosse5 "is 1a3e@ an5 "e looke5 a%ay. ADou soun5 like t"e )oi3e o1 e*perien3e@C 9 sai5.

He looke5 slo%ly 8a3k at me@ an5 t"ere %as somet"in- in "is 1a3e t"at %as su55enly 1ri-"tenin-@ like lookin- up an5 realiEin- t"at t"e 8ars 8et%een you an5 t"e lion at t"e Eoo aren?t t"ere anymore. A$"at is none o1 your 8usiness.C 9 no55e5. ASorry@ you?re ri-"t. Dou?re a8solutely ri-"t. 9t %as too personal.C But it %as interestin- in1ormation. $"ere "a5 8een a point %"ere 9?5 pretty mu3" 8e--e5 <i3"ar5 to stay t"e ni-"t. $o "a)e se* %it" me. He?5 sai5 no 8e3ause it %oul5n?t 8e 1air until 9 sa% "im 3"an-e into %ere%ol1 1orm. 9 nee5e5 to 8e a8le to a33ept t"e %"ole pa3ka-e. 9 "a5n?t 8een a8le to 5o t"at on3e t"e pa3ka-e 8le5 an5 %rit"e5 all o)er me. But no% 9 %on5ere5 i1 part o1 "is "esitation "a5 8een simply 1ear o1 "urtin- me. 7ay8e. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9t 5i5n?t matter. Business. 91 9 3on3entrate5 really "ar5@ may8e 9 3oul5 stay on tra3k. =e %ere "ere to -et "im out o1 >ail@ not to %orry a8out %"y %e 8roke up. A=e 3oul5 use a little "elp "ere %it" t"e lu--a-e@C Hason 3alle5. He "a5 t%o suit3ases un5er ea3" arm. Kane an5 !"erry %ere 3arryin- one 3o11in. $"ey looke5 like pall8earer 8ooken5s. /at"aniel %as lyin- on "is 8a3k on t"e ot"er 3o11in. He?5 taken o11 "is s"irt an5 un8oun5 "is "air. His "an5s %ere 1ol5e5 a3ross "is stoma3"@ eyes 3lose5. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"et"er "e %as playin- 5ea5 or tryin- to -et a tan. AA little "elp "ere@C Hason sai5@ ki3kin- "is 1oot to%ar5s t"e rest o1 t"e lu--a-e. $%o suit3ases an5 a "u-e trunk still sat un3laime5. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"em. AHesus@ only one o1 t"ose suit3ases is mine. ="o?s t"e 3lot"es"orseBC Kane an5 !"erry put t"e 3o11in -ently on t"e $arma3. AHust one suit3ase is mine@C Kane sai5. A$"ree o1 t"em are mine@C !"erry sai5. S"e soun5e5 )a-uely em8arrasse5. A="o 8rou-"t t"e trunkBC AHean2!lau5e sent it@C Hason sai5. AHust in 3ase %e 5o meet %it" t"e lo3al master. He %ante5 us to make a -oo5 s"o% o1 it.C 9 1ro%ne5 at t"e trunk. APlease tell me t"ere?s not"in- in t"ere t"at Hean2!lau5e plans on me %earin-.C Hason -rinne5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t %ant to see it.C A7ay8e you?ll -et lu3ky@C Hason sai5. A7ay8e t"ey?ll try to kill you instea5.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. ADou?re >ust 1ull o1 "appy t"ou-"ts.C A7y spe3iality@C "e sai5. /at"aniel turne5 "is "ea5 an5 looke5 at me@ "an5s 3laspe5 a3ross "is 8are stoma3". A9 3an li1t t"e 3o11in@ 8ut it?s not 8alan3e5 ri-"t 1or 3arryin-. 9 nee5 "elp.C ADou 3ertainly 5o@C 9 sai5. He 8linke5 up at me@ one "an5 raise5 to 8lo3k t"e sun. 9 mo)e5 until my 8o5y 8lo3ke5 t"e sun an5 "e 3oul5 look at me %it"out s;uintin-. He smile5 up at me. A="at?s %it" t"e 3o11in sun8at"in-BC 9 aske5. $"e smile %ilte5 aroun5 t"e e5-es@ t"en 1a5e5 3ompletely. A9t?s t"e s3ene in t"e 3rypt@C "e sai5 as i1 t"at e*plaine5 e)eryt"in-. 9t 5i5n?t. A9 5on?t kno% %"at you?re talkin- a8out.C He raise5 >ust "is s"oul5ers an5 "ea5 o11 t"e 3o11in like "e %as 5oin- stoma3" 3run3"es. His a8s 8un3"e5 ni3ely %it" t"e e11ort. ADou really "a)en?t %at3"e5 my mo)ies@ "a)e youBC ASorry@C 9 sai5. He sat up t"e rest o1 t"e %ay@ smoot"in- "is "air 8a3k %it" 8ot" "an5s in a pra3ti3e5 -esture. He slippe5 a sil)er 3lasp aroun5 t"e "air an5 1lippe5 t"e tail o1 au8urn "air 8e"in5 "is 8a3k. A9 t"ou-"t sil)er >e%elry 8urne5 %"en it tou3"e5 a ly3ant"rope?s skin@C 9 sai5. He %i--le5 "is "air@ settlin- t"e sil)er 3lasp se3urely a-ainst "is ne3k. A9t 5oes@C "e sai5. AA little pain makes t"e %orl5 -o roun5@ 9 -uess.C He >ust stare5 at me %it" "is stran-e eyes. He %as only nineteen@ 8ut t"e look on "is 1a3e %as ol5er@ mu3" ol5er. $"ere %ere no lines on t"at smoot" skin@ 8ut t"ere %ere s"a5o%s in t"ose eyes t"at not"in- %oul5 e)er erase. !osmeti3 sur-ery 1or t"e soul %as %"at "e nee5e5. Somet"in- to take t"e terri8le 8ur5en o1 kno%le5-e t"at "a5 ma5e "im %"at "e %as. Hason limpe5 o)er to us@ loa5e5 %it" suit3ases. A#ne o1 "is mo)ies is a8out a )ampire %"o 1alls in lo)e %it" an inno3ent youn- "uman.C ADou?)e seen it@C 9 sai5.

He no55e5. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 pi3ke5 up a suit3ase. ADou -ot a 3ar 1or usBC 9 aske5 Hamil. AA )an@C "e sai5. AGreat. Pi3k up a suit3ase@ an5 s"o% me t"e %ay.C A9 5on?t 5o lu--a-e.C A91 %e all "elp@ %e 3an loa5 t"e )an in "al1 t"e time. 9 %ant to see <i3"ar5 as soon as possi8le@ so -ra8 somet"in- an5 stop 8ein- su3" a 1reakin- prima 5onna.C Hamil stare5 at me 1or a lon-@ slo% 3ount@ t"en sai5@ A="en <i3"ar5 repla3es you as lupa@ 9 %on?t "a)e to take s"it 1rom you.C A'ine@ 8ut until t"en@ "op to it. Besi5es@ t"is isn?t -i)in- you s"it@ Hamil. ="en 9 -i)e you s"it@ you?ll kno% it.C He -a)e a lo% 3"u3kle. He slippe5 "is >a3ket 8a3k on an5 pi3ke5 up t"e trunk. 9t s"oul5 "a)e taken t%o stron- men to li1t it. He 3arrie5 it like it %ei-"e5 not"in-. He %alke5 o11 %it"out a 8a3k%ar5 -lan3e@ lea)in- me to -et t"e last suit3ase. Kane an5 !"erry pi3ke5 t"e 3o11in 8a3k up an5 %alke5 a1ter "im. Hason s"u11le5 a1ter t"em. A="at a8out meBC /at"aniel sai5. APut your s"irt 8a3k on an5 stay %it" t"e 3o11in. =oul5n?t 5o to "a)e someone make o11 %it" 4amian.C A9 kno% %omen %"o %oul5 pay me to take t"e s"irt o11@C "e sai5. A$oo 8a5 9?m not one o1 t"em@C 9 sai5. ADea"@C "e sai5@ Atoo 8a5.C He pi3ke5 "is s"irt up o11 t"e -roun5. 9 le1t "im sittin- on t"e 3o11in in t"e mi55le o1 t"e $arma3@ s"irt %a55e5 in "is "an5s. He looke5 sort o1 1orlorn in a stran-e@ ma3a8re %ay. 9 1elt )ery sorry 1or /at"aniel. He?5 "a5 a rou-" li1e. But it %asn?t my 1ault. 9 %as payin- 1or "is apartment so "e 5i5n?t "a)e to turn tri3ks to make en5s meet@ t"ou-" 9 kne% ot"er strippers at Guilty Pleasures %"o mana-e5 to make en5s meet on t"eir salary. 7ay8e /at"aniel %asn?t -oo5 %it" money. Bi- surprise t"ere. $"e )an %as lar-e@ 8la3k@ an5 looke5 sinister. $"e sort o1 t"in- serial killers 5ri)e in ma5e21or2$V mo)ies. Serial killers 5i5 5ri)e )ans in real li1e@ 8ut t"ey ten5e5 to 8e pale 3olors %it" rust spots. Hamil 5ro)e. !"erry an5 9 ro5e up 1ront %it" "im. $"e lu--a-e an5 e)eryone else %ent in t"e 8a3k. 9 e*pe3te5 !"erry to ask me to sit in t"e mi55le 8e3ause 9 %as at least 1i)e in3"es s"orter t"an s"e %as@ 8ut s"e 5i5n?t. S"e >ust 3ra%le5 into t"e )an@ in t"e mi55le@ %it" t"ose lon- le-s tu3ke5 up in 1ront o1 t"e 5as"8oar5. $"e roa5 %as %ell pa)e5@ almost no pot"oles@ an5 i1 you "el5 your 8reat"@ t%o 3ars 3oul5 pass ea3" ot"er %it"out s3rapin- paint. $rees "u--e5 t"e roa5 on eit"er si5e. But on one si5e@ you 3au-"t -limpses o1 an amaEin- 5rop2o11@ an5 on t"e ot"er si5e@ t"ere %as >ust ro3ky 5irt. 9 pre1erre5 t"e 5irt. $"e trees %ere t"i3k enou-" t"at t"e illusion o1 sa1ety %as t"ere@ 8ut t"e trees 1ell a%ay like a -reat@ -reen 3urtain@ an5 you 3oul5 su55enly see 1or miles. $"e illusion %as -one@ an5 you realiEe5 >ust "o% "i-" up %e %ere. #kay@ it %asn?t like <o3ky 7ountain "i-"@ 8ut it %oul5 5o t"e >o8 i1 t"e )an %ent o)er t"e e5-e. 'allin- 1rom "i-" pla3es is one o1 my least 1a)orite t"in-s to 5o. 9 5on?t 3lut3" t"e up"olstery like in t"e airplane@ 8ut 9?m a 1latlan5er at "eart an5 %oul5 8e -la5 to 8e in t"e lo%er )alley. A4o you %ant me to 5rop you at t"e poli3e station or take you to t"e 3a8ins 1irstBC Hamil aske5. APoli3e. 4i5 you say 3a8insBC He no55e5. A!a8ins.C A<usti3 li)in-BC 9 aske5. A/o@ t"ank Go5@C "e sai5. A9n5oor plum8in-@ 8e5s@ ele3tri3ity@ t"e %orks@ i1 you aren?t too parti3ular a8out t"e 5e3or.C A/ot a 1as"ion plateBC A/ot "ar5ly@C "e sai5. !"erry sat )ery still 8et%een us@ "an5s 1ol5e5 in "er lap. 9 realiEe5 s"e %asn?t %earin- "er seat 8elt. 7y mot"er %oul5 8e ali)e to5ay i1 s"e?5 8een %earin- "ers@ so 9?m pi3ky a8out it. ADou?re not %earin- your seat 8elt@C 9 sai5. !"erry looke5 at me. A9?m s;uas"e5 enou-" %it"out t"e seat 8elt@C s"e sai5. A9 kno% you 3oul5 sur)i)e a trip t"rou-" t"e %in5s"iel5@C 9 sai5@ A8ut "a)in- you "eal t"at mu3" 5ama-e %oul5 sort o1 8lo% your 3o)er.C AAm 9 suppose5 to 8e playin- "umanBC s"e aske5. 9t %as a -oo5 ;uestion. A'or t"e to%ns1olk@ yea".C S"e 1astene5 "er seat 8elt %it"out any more ar-uin-. $"e %ereleopar5s "a5 taken me to "eart as t"eir /imir2ra. $"ey %ere so -la5 to "a)e someone a3t as prote3tor@ e)en i1 it %as >ust a "uman@ t"at t"ey 5i5n?t 8it3" mu3". ADou s"oul5 "a)e tol5 me %e %ere tryin- to 8len5 in. 9?5 "a)e 5resse5 5i11erently.C ADou?re ri-"tG 9 s"oul5 "a)e sai5 somet"in-.C $rut"1ully@ it "a5n?t o33urre5 to me until >ust t"at moment.

$"e roa5 spille5 5o%n into %"at passe5 1or 1latlan5 "ere. $"e trees %ere so t"i3k t"at it %as almost 3laustrop"o8i3. $"ere %as still a -entle s%ell to t"e lan5@ lettin- you kno% you %ere 5ri)in- o)er t"e toes o1 mountains. A4o you %ant us to %ait 1or you outsi5e t"e stationBC Hamil aske5. A/o@ you -uys sort o1 stan5 out.C AHo% are you -oin- to -et to t"e 3a8insBC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t kno%. $a*iBC He looke5 at me@ t"e look %as elo;uent. A9n 7yerton@ 9 5on?t t"ink so.C A4amn@C 9 sai5. A4ri)e us to t"e 3a8ins t"en. 9?ll take t"e )an 8a3k into to%n.C A=it" HasonBC Hamil sai5. 9 no55e5. A=it" Hason.C 9 looke5 at "im. A="y is e)eryone so soli3itous o1 meB 9 mean@ 9 kno% t"ere may 8e pro8lems@ 8ut you -uys are 8ein- a%1ul 3autious.C 9 sat up strai-"ter in t"e seat an5 stare5 at t"e si5e o1 Hamil?s 1a3e. He %as %at3"int"e roa5 like "is li1e 5epen5e5 on it. A="at aren?t you -uys tellin- meBC He "it "is turn si-nal an5 %aite5 1or a pi3kup tru3k to -o past@ t"en turne5 le1t 8et%een yet more trees. A9t?ll take lon-er to -et to t"e 3a8ins.C AHamil@ %"at is -oin- onBC !"erry trie5 "er 8est to sink into t"e seat@ 8ut %"en you?re mo5el tall an5 in t"e mi55le@ it?s "ar5 to play in)isi8le. $"at one 8o5y mo)ement tol5 me s"e kne%@ too. $"at t"ey 8ot" kne% somet"in- 9 5i5n?t. 9 looke5 at "er. A!"erry@ tell me %"at?s -oin- on.C S"e si-"e5 an5 sat up a little strai-"ter. A91 anyt"in- "appens to you@ Hean2!lau5e?s -oin- to kill us.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "er. A9 5on?t un5erstan5.C AHean2!lau5e 3oul5n?t 3ome "ere "imsel1@C Hamil sai5. A9t %oul5 8e seen as an a3t o1 %ar. But "e?s %orrie5 a8out you. He tol5 us all t"at i1 %e let you -et kille5@ an5 "e sur)i)es your 5eat"@ "e?ll kill us@ all o1 us.C He %at3"e5 t"e roa5 as "e talke5@ turnin- onto a -ra)el roa5 t"at %as so narro% t"at trees 8rus"e5 t"e si5es o1 t"e )an. A4e1ine all@C 9 sai5. AAll o1 us@C Hamil sai5. A=e?re your 8o5y-uar5s.C A9 t"ou-"t you %ere <i3"ar5?s 8o5y-uar5BC 9 sai5. AAn5 you?re "is lupa@ "is mate.C A91 you?re a real 8o5y-uar5@ you 3an?t -uar5 t%o people. Dou 3an only -uar5 one at a time.C A="yBC !"erry aske5. 9 looke5 at Hamil. He 5i5n?t ans%er@ so 9 5i5. ABe3ause you 3an?t take a 8ullet 1or more t"an one person@ an5 t"at?s %"at a 8o5y-uar5 5oes.C Hamil no55e5. ADea"@ t"at?s %"at a 8o5y-uar5 5oes.C ADou really t"ink anyone?s -oin- to 8e s"ootin- at AnitaBC A$"e 8ullet?s a metap"or@C Hamil sai5. ABut it 5oesn?t matter. Bullet@ kni1e@ 3la%s@ %"ate)er it is@ 9 take it.C He pulle5 into a %i5e -ra)el turnaroun5 an5 a "u-e 3learin-. $"ere %ere small@ %"ite@ 8o*y 3a8ins s3attere5 aroun5 t"e 3learin- like a 7otel ( t"at "a5 8een 3ut into pie3es. $"ere %as a neon si-n@ pale in t"e sunli-"t@ t"at sai5 Blue 7oon !a8ins. AAnita is our /imir2ra. S"e?s suppose5 to prote3t us@ not t"e ot"er %ay aroun5.C 9 a-ree5 %it" "er. 9?5 pi3ke5 Kane an5 !"erry not 1or t"eir 8o5y-uar5in- a8ility 8ut 8e3ause t"ey 5i5n?t min5 s"arin- 8loo5 %it" t"e )ampires. ,)en amon- t"e %ereleopar5s@ most o1 t"em 5i5n?t like 5onatin-. $"ey seeme5 to t"ink 8ein- a 8loo5 3o3ktail 1or t"e )amps %as %orse t"an se* 1or money. 9 %asn?t sure 9 a-ree5 %it" t"em@ 8ut 9 %asn?t a8out to 1or3e t"em to 5o it i1 t"ey 5i5n?t %ant to. 9 5i5n?t 5onate 8loo5@ an5 9 %as sleepin- %it" one o1 t"e un5ea5. A/o@C 9 sai5. A9 5i5n?t a-ree to t"is. 9 3an take 3are o1 mysel1@ t"ank you )ery mu3".C 9 opene5 t"e 5oor@ an5 Hamil rea3"e5 a3ross an5 -ra88e5 my arm. His "an5 looke5 )ery 5ark a-ainst t"e paleness o1 my arm. 9 turne5 )ery slo%ly an5 looke5 at "im. 9t %as not a 1rien5ly look. ALet -o o1 me.C AAnita@ please@ you are one o1 t"e tou-"est "umans 9?)e e)er met. Dou are t"e most 5an-erous "uman 1emale 9?)e e)er seen.C His "an5 s;ueeEe5 >ust enou-" 1or me to 1eel t"e immense stren-t" in it. He 3oul5 pro8a8ly 5ea5li1t an elep"ant i1 it 5i5n?t %i--le too mu3". He 3oul5 3ertainly 3rus" my arm. ABut you are "uman@ an5 t"e t"in-s you?re up a-ainst aren?t.C 9 stare5 at "im. !"erry sat )ery still 8et%een us@ "al12pinne5 8y Hamil?s 8o5y ALet -o o1 me@ Hamil.C

His "an5 ti-"tene5. 9t %as -oin- to 8e a "ell o1 a 8ruise. AHust t"is on3e@ Anita@ stay in t"e 8a3k-roun5@ or you?re -oin- to -et us all kille5.C Hamil?s 8o5y %as e*ten5e5 a3ross t"e seat@ a3ross !"erry. 9 %as on t"e e5-e o1 t"e seat@ 8utt "al1 in t"e air. /eit"er "e nor 9 %ere 8alan3e5 )ery %ell. His -rip %as on t"e mi55le o1 my 1orearm@ not a -oo5 pla3e to "ol5 on. A="at you 1uEE8alls keep 1or-ettin- is t"at stren-t" isn?t enou-". Le)era-e@ t"ere?s t"e ti3ket.C He 1ro%ne5 at me@ o8)iously puEEle5. His "an5 ti-"tene5 >ust t"is si5e o1 serious in>ury. ADou 3an?t 1i-"t t"is@ Anita.C A="at 5o you %ant me to sayB :n3leBC Hamil smile5. A:n3le@ okay@ yea"@ say un3le. A5mit t"at >ust t"is on3e you 3an?t take 3are o1 yoursel1.C 9 pus"e5 mysel1 out o1 t"e )an@ tu3kin- my le-s so "e %as su55enly tryin- to "ol5 my entire 8o5y %ei-"t %it" a one2 "an5e5 -rip on my 1orearm. 7y arm slippe5 t"rou-" "is 1in-ers. 9 let mysel1 1all to t"e -roun5@ -oin- 1or t"e lon- 8la5e 5o%n my 8a3k@ not %orryin- a8out tryin- to stan5. 7y ri-"t "an5 %ent 1or t"e Bro%nin-@ 8ut 9 kne% 9 %oul5n?t make it in time. 9 %as trustin- t"at Hamil %asn?t -oin- to kill me. =e %ere -ran5stan5in-. 91 9 %as %ron- on t"at@ 9 %as a8out to 5ie. Hamil spille5 o)er t"e seat@ arms rea3"in- 1or me@ trustin- in "is o%n %ay t"at 9 %oul5n?t 8lo% "is "ea5 o11. He kne% 9 "a5 t"e -un. He %as treatin- me like a s"apes"i1ter %"o kne% t"e rules. Dou 5i5n?t kill o)er small stu11. Dou 8le5 ea3" ot"er@ 8ut you 5i5n?t kill. 9 sli3e5 "is arm open 1rom a nearly prone position. $"ere %as a moment o1 utter surprise on "is 1a3e. He "a5n?t kno%n a8out t"e t"ir5 8la5e or its len-t"@ an5 -ettin- sli3e5 open is al%ays a s"o3k. He >erke5 8a3k%ar5s out o1 si-"t like someone "a5 pulle5 "im@ 8ut 9 kne% 8etter. He %as >ust t"at 1ast. 9 "a5 time to -et to one knee 8e1ore "e 8oun5e5 onto t"e "oo5 o1 t"e )an@ 3rou3"e5 like t"e pre5ator "e %as. 9 "a5 t"e Bro%nin- pointe5 at "im. 9 -ot to my 1eet@ -un ni3e an5 stea5y on t"e mi55le o1 "is 8o5y. Stan5in- 5i5n?t "elp t"in-s. 9 5i5n?t s"oot 8etter stan5in-. But some"o% 9 %ante5 to 8e on my 1eet. Hamil %at3"e5 me 8ut ma5e no mo)e to stop me. 7ay8e "e %as a1rai5 to try. /ot o1 t"e -un 8ut o1 "imsel1. 9 "a5 "urt "im. Bloo5 %as splas"in- all o)er t"ose pretty %"ite 3lot"es. His entire 8o5y )i8rate5 %it" t"e 5esire to 3lose t"e 5istan3e 8et%een us. He %as pisse5@ an5 it %as 1our ni-"ts until 1ull moon. He pro8a8ly %oul5n?t kill me@ 8ut 9 %asn?t -oin- to test t"e t"eory. He 3oul5 8reak my ne3k %it" one 8lo%. Hell@ "e 3oul5 e*plo5e my skull like an e--. /o more 3"an3es. 9 pointe5 t"e Bro%nin- at "im one2"an5e5@ kni1e still in my le1t. A4on?t 5o it@ Hamil. 9?5 "ate to lose you o)er somet"in- t"is stupi5.C A lo% -ro%l tri3kle5 1rom "is lips. $"e soun5 alone raise5 t"e "air at t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k. $"e ot"ers %ere out o1 t"e 8a3k o1 t"e )an. 9 "a5 a sense o1 mo)ement. A,)eryone stay 8a3k@C 9 sai5. AAnita@C Hason sai5@ )oi3e )ery 3alm@ no teasin-@ no >okes. AAnita@ %"at?s -oin- onBC AAsk 7r. 7a3"o t"ere.C !"erry spoke 1rom "er seat insi5e t"e )an. S"e "a5n?t mo)e5. AHamil %as tryin- to e*plain to Anita "o% s"e 3oul5n?t "an5le "ersel1 a-ainst s"apes"i1ters an5 )ampires.C S"e sli5 )ery slo%ly to%ar5s t"e e5-e o1 t"e seat. 9 kept my -aEe on Hamil@ 8ut my perip"eral )ision %as -oo5 enou-" to 3at3" t"e spots o1 8loo5 all o)er t"e %"ite skin. AStay in t"e )an@ !"erry. 4on?t press me.C S"e stoppe5 s3ootin- alon- t"e seat an5 >ust sat t"ere. AHamil %ante5 "er to take a 8a3kseat %"en t"e a3tion starts.C AS"e is still "uman@C Hamil -ro%le5. AS"e is still %eak.C !"erry?s 5eep@ 3aressin- )oi3e sai5@ AS"e 3oul5 "a)e sli3e5 your t"roat open instea5 o1 your arm. S"e 3oul5 "a)e s"ot you in t"e "ea5 %"en you rea3"e5 1or "er.C A9 still 3an@C 9 sai5@ Ai1 you 5on?t tone it 5o%n.C Hamil lay nearly 1lat on t"e "oo5@ 1in-ers splaye5. His entire 8o5y trem8le5 %it" tension. Somet"in- lurke5 8e"in5 t"at "uman 8o5y@ s%immin- up t"rou-" "is eyes. His 8east pus"e5 a-ainst "is 1les" like a le)iat"an s%immin- >ust 8elo% t"e %ater@ so you 3au-"t a 5ark -limpse o1 somet"in- "u-e an5 o)er%"elmin-ly alien. 9?5 turne5 my 8o5y in sil"ouette@ my le1t "an5 %it" t"e kni1e 8e"in5 my 8a3k@ t"e 8a3k o1 my "an5 restin- li-"tly on t"e top o1 my 8utt. 9?5 1allen into t"e stan3e 9 use5 at t"e s"ootin- ran-e %"en 9 %as s"ootin- tar-ets. $"e -un %as pointe5 at "is "ea5 no%@ 8e3ause "e?5 lo%ere5 "is 8o5y mass until it %as t"e 8i--est tar-et. 9?5 sa)e5 Hamil?s li1e on3e. He %as a -oo5 man to "a)e at <i3"ar5?s 8a3k@ e)en i1 "e 5i5n?t al%ays like me. 9 5i5n?t al%ays like "im@ so %e %ere e)en. But 9 respe3te5 "im@ an5 until no%@ 9 t"ou-"t "e respe3te5 me. His little s"o% in t"e )an sai5 "e still t"ou-"t o1 me as a -irl. #n3e upon a time@ it "a5 8ot"ere5 me more to kill people. 7ay8e it %as years o1 killin- )ampires. $"ey looke5 "uman. But some%"ere alon- t"e %ay@ it >ust 5i5n?t 8ot"er me to pull t"e tri--er. 9 stare5 at Hamil?s 1a3e@ looke5 "im ri-"t in t"e eyes@ an5 1elt t"at stillness 1ill me. 9t %as like stan5in- in t"e mi55le o1 a 8uEEin- 1iel5 o1 %"ite noise. 9 3oul5 still "ear an5 see@ 8ut it all 1ell a%ay so t"ere %as not"in- 8ut t"e -un an5 Hamil an5 t"e emptiness. 7y 8o5y 1elt li-"t an5 rea5y. 9n my saner moments@ 9 %orrie5 t"at 9 %as 8e3omin- a so3iopat". But ri-"t no%@ t"ere %as not"in- 8ut a )ery 3alm kno%le5-e t"at 9?5 5o it. 9?5 pull t"e tri--er an5 %at3" "im 5ie at my 1eet. An5 1eel not"in-.

Hamil %at3"e5 my 1a3e@ an5 9 sa% t"e tension 8e-in to leak out o1 "im. He staye5 )ery still until t"at )i8ratin- ener-y 5ie5 5o%n an5 t"at a%1ul loomin- presen3e o1 "is 8east sli5 8elo% t"e sur1a3e on3e more. $"en "e )ery@ )ery slo%ly sat 8a3k on "is knees@ still %at3"in- my 1a3e. 9 kept t"e -un pointe5 on "im. 9 kne% "o% 1ast t"ey 3oul5 mo)e@ 1ast as a %ol1@ may8e 1aster. Like not"in- t"is si5e o1 "ell. ADou really %oul5 5o it@C "e sai5. ADou?5 kill me.C ADou 8et.C He took a 5eep 8reat"@ an5 it s"u55ere5 5o%n "is 8o5y@ remin5in- me stran-ely o1 a 8ir5 settlin- its 1eat"ers. A9t?s o)er@C "e sai5. ADou?re lupa. Dou outrank me.C 9 lo%ere5 t"e -un 3are1ully@ still lookin- at "im@ still tryin- to keep a 1eel 1or %"ere e)eryone else %as stan5in-. APlease tell me t"at t"is %asn?t some sort o1 5ominan3e 3rapBC Hamil -a)e a smile t"at %as almost em8arrasse5. A9 t"ou-"t 9 %as tryin- to make a point@ 8ut 9 %asn?t. 9?)e spent t"e last mont" 5o%n "ere "a)in- to e*plain to t"e lo3al pa3k "o% %e en5e5 up %it" a "uman lupa. Ho% 9?m outranke5 8y a "uman %oman.C 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 pointe5 t"e -un at t"e -roun5. ADou stupi5 son o1 a 8it3". Dour pri5e is %oun5e5 t"at 9?m "i-"er in t"e pa3k t"an you are.C He no55e5. ADea".C ADou -uys >ust 5ri)e me 3raEy@C 9 sai5. 9 %as almost yellin-. A=e 5o not "a)e time 1or ma3"o 8ulls"it.C Kane leane5 a-ainst t"e )an near !"erry. He %as )ery 3are1ul to keep "is "an5s 5o%n an5 mo)e slo%ly@ no su55en mo)es. ADou 3oul5n?t "a)e taken Hamil %it"out t"e kni1e an5 t"e -un. Dou %on?t al%ays "a)e t"em %it" you.C A9s t"at a t"reatBC 9 aske5. He raise5 "is "an5s up%ar5. AHust an o8ser)ation.C AHey@ 1olks.C A man steppe5 out o1 one o1 t"e 3a8ins. He %as tall@ t"in@ %it" s"oul5erlen-t" -rey "air an5 a 5arker musta3"e. $"e "air an5 t"e lines in "is 1a3e sai5 "e %as o)er 1i1ty. $"e 8o5y t"at s"o%e5 1rom t"e $2s"irt an5 >eans looke5 lean an5 youn-er. He?5 1roEen in t"e 5oor%ay@ "an5s on t"e %oo5en e5-es o1 t"e 5oor>am8. A,asy t"ere@ little la5y.C 9 pointe5 t"e -un at "im@ 8e3ause un5er t"at 3alm e*terior t"ere %as enou-" po%er to raise -oose 8umps on my skin@ an5 "e %asn?t e)en tryin-. A$"is is Verne@C Hamil sai5. AHe o%ns t"e 3a8ins.C 9 lo%ere5 t"e -un to t"e -roun5. AHe t"e lo3al :l1ri3@ or 5o t"ey "a)e somet"in- s3arier "i5in- in t"e %oo5sBC Verne lau-"e5 an5 starte5 %alkin- to%ar5s us. He mo)e5 in an almost 3lumsy roll like "is arms an5 le-s %ere too lon1or "is 8o5y@ 8ut it %as 5e3epti)e. He %as playin- "uman 1or me. 9 %asn?t 1oole5. ADou spotte5 me pretty 5amn ;ui3k t"ere@ little la5y.C 9 put t"e Bro%nin- up 8e3ause to keep it out %oul5 8e ru5e. 9 %as "ere as "is -uest in more t"an one %ay. Besi5es@ 9 "a5 to trust someone enou-" to put t"e -un up. 9 3oul5n?t keep it nake5 in my "an5 t"e entire trip. 9 still "a5 t"e nake5 8la5e@ 3omplete %it" 8loo5. 9t nee5e5 to 8e 3leane5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 s"eat"e it. 9?5 -umme5 up a 3ouple o1 smaller s"eat"s 1rom not 3leanin- t"em %ell enou-". A/i3e to meet you@ Verne@ 8ut 5on?t 3all me little la5y.C 9 starte5 to %ipe t"e 8loo5 on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8la3k >a3ket. Bla3k?s -oo5 1or t"at. A4on?t you e)er -i)e an in3"BC Hamil aske5. 9 -lan3e5 at "im. $"ere %as 8loo5 all o)er "is ni3e %"ite 3lot"es. A/o@C 9 sai5. 9 motione5 "im o)er to me. He 1ro%ne5. A="atBC A9 %ant to use your s"irt to %ipe t"e 8loo5 o11 t"e 8la5e.C He >ust stare5 at me. A!ome on@ Hamil. $"e s"irt is alrea5y ruine5.C Hamil pulle5 t"e s"irt o)er "is "ea5 in one smoot" motion. He t"re% t"e s"irt at me@ an5 9 3au-"t it one2"an5e5. 9 starte5 3leanin- t"e 8la5e %it" t"e unstaine5 part o1 t"e s"irt. Verne lau-"e5. He "a5 one o1 t"ose 5eep@ rollin- 3"u3kles t"at mat3"e5 "is -ra)elly )oi3e. A/o %on5er <i3"ar5?s 8een "a)in- su3" a "ar5 time 1in5in- a repla3ement 1or you. Dou are a soli5@ 3ast2iron@ 8all28ustin- 8it3".C 9 looke5 at "is smilin- 1a3e. 9 t"ink it %as a 3ompliment. Besi5es@ trut" %as trut". 9 %asn?t 5o%n "ere to %in 7iss !on-eniality. 9 %as 5o%n "ere to res3ue <i3"ar5 an5 to stay ali)e. Bit3" %as >ust a8out t"e ri-"t spee5 1or t"at.

Chapter Five
$"e outsi5e o1 t"e 3a8ins %ere %"ite an5 looke5 sort o1 3"eap. $"e interiors %eren?t "oneymoon 3a8ins@ 8ut t"ey %ere amaEin-ly roomy. $"ere %as a ;ueen2siEe 8e5 in t"e one 9 %as -i)en. $"ere %as a 5esk a-ainst one %all %it" a rea5inlamp. $"ere %as an e*tra 3"air in 1ront o1 a pi3ture %in5o%. $"e 3"air %as 8lue plus" an5 3om1orta8le. 9t sat on a small t"ro% ru- t"at looke5 "omema5e an5 %as %o)en in s"a5es o1 8lue. $"e %oo5s %ere "ar5%oo5 an5 polis"e5 to a "oneye5 -leam. $"e 8e5?s 3om1orter %as royal 8lue. $"ere %as a 8e5si5e ta8le@ 3omplete %it" a lamp an5 a p"one. $"e %alls %ere pale 8lue. $"ere %as e)en a paintin- o)er t"e 8e5. 9t %as a repro5u3tion o1 Van Go-"?s Starry /i-"t. 'rankly@ any o1 Van Go-"?s %ork 5one a1ter "e starte5 -oin- seriously nuts 3reeps me out. But it %as a -oo5 3"oi3e 1or a 8lue room. 'or all 9 kne%@ t"e ot"er 3a8ins "a5 mata5ors 5one on )el)et@ 8ut t"is %as okay. $"e 8at"room %as stan5ar5 %"ite %it" a small %in5o% "i-" o)er t"e 8at"tu8. $"e 8at"room looke5 like stan5ar5 motel issue e*3ept 1or a 8lue 8o%l o1 potpourri t"at smelle5 like musk an5 -ar5enia. Verne "a5 in1orme5 me t"at t"is %as t"e lar-est 3a8in le1t. 9 nee5e5 t"e 1loor spa3e. $%o 3o11ins take up a lot o1 room. 9 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 to "a)e As"er an5 4amian in my room permanently@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t "a)e time to ar-ue. 9 %ante5 to -o see <i3"ar5 as soon as possi8le. =e 3oul5 al%ays ar-ue a8out %"o -ot t"e )amps as 8unk mates a1ter 9 sa% <i3"ar5. 9 ma5e t"ree p"one 3alls 8e1ore %e %ent to t"e >ail. $"e 1irst %as to t"e num8er t"at 4aniel "a5 -i)en me@ to let "im kno% %e %ere in to%n. /o one ans%ere5. $"e se3on5 3all %as to !at"erine to let "er kno% 9?5 arri)e5 sa1ely. 9 -ot "er ma3"ine. $"e t"ir5 3all %as to t"e la%yer t"at !at"erine "a5 re3ommen5e5@ !arl Belisarius. A %oman %it" a )ery -oo5 p"one )oi3e ans%ere5. ="en s"e 1oun5 out %"o 9 %as@ s"e %as sort o1 e*3ite5@ %"i3" puEEle5 me. S"e 1or%ar5e5 me to Belisarius?s 3ell p"one. Somet"in- %as up@ %"i3" %as pro8a8ly 8a5. A 5eep@ ri3"@ male )oi3e ans%ere5@ ABelisarius "ere.C AAnna Blake. 9 assume t"at !at"erine 7aison2Gillette tol5 you %"o 9 am.C AHust a moment@ 7s. Blake.C He pus"e5 a 8utton an5 t"ere %as silen3e. 9 %as on "ol5. ="en "e 3ame 8a3k on t"e p"one@ 9 3oul5 "ear %in5 an5 tra11i3. He?5 steppe5 outsi5e. A9 am )ery -la5 to "ear 1rom you@ 7s. Blake. ="at t"e 1u3k is -oin- onBC A,*3use meBC 9 sai5@ tone less t"an 1rien5ly. AHe %on?t see me. !at"erine -a)e me t"e impression t"at "e nee5e5 a la%yer. 9 tra)ele5 to t"is -o5less pie3e o1 real estate@ an5 "e %on?t see me. He says "e 5i5n?t "ire me.C AS"it@C 9 sai5 so1tly. A9?m sorry@ 7r. Belisarius.C 9 "a5 a t"ou-"t. A4i5 you tell "im t"at 9 "ire5 you on "is 8e"al1BC A=ill t"at make a 5i11eren3eBC A$rut"1ully@ 9 5on?t kno%. ,it"er it?ll "elp@ or "e?ll tell you to -o to "ell.C AHe?s alrea5y 5one t"at. 9 am not 3"eap@ 7s. Blake. ,)en i1 "e re1uses my ser)i3es@ someone "as to pay 1or t"e 5ay.C A4on?t %orry@ 7r. Belisarius. 9?ll take 3are o1 it.C A4o you "a)e t"at kin5 o1 moneyBC AHo% mu3" are %e talkin- a8outBC 9 aske5. He mentione5 a 1ee. 9 5i5 my 8est not to %"istle in "is ear. 9 3ounte5 slo%ly to 1i)e an5 sai5@ 3almly@ ADou?ll -et your money.C ADou "a)e t"at kin5 o1 moneyB 9 took !at"erine?s %or5 1or a lot o1 t"in-s on t"is. 'or-i)e me i1 9?m startin- to 8e suspi3ious.C A/o@ 9 un5erstan5. <i3"ar5?s -i)in- you a "ar5 time@ so you?re -i)in- me one.C He -a)e a rou-" lau-". AAll ri-"t@ 7s. Blake@ all ri-"t. 9?ll try not to pass t"e 8u3k@ 8ut 9 %ant some assuran3es. !an you pay my 1eeBC A9 raise t"e 5ea5 1or a li)in-@ 7r. Belisarius. 9t?s a rare talent. 9 3an pay your 1ee.C An5 9 3oul5@ 8ut it sort o1 "urt to 5o it. 9 %asn?t raise5 poor@ 8ut 9 %as raise5 to appre3iate t"e )alue o1 a 8u3k@ an5 Belisarius %as a little outsi5e o1 outra-eous. ASen5 %or5 to <i3"ar5 t"at 9 "ire5 you. !all me 8a3k i1 it makes a 5i11eren3e. He may re1use to see eit"er o1 us.C ADou?re payin- a -reat 5eal o1 money@ 7s. Blake@ espe3ially i1 9 take t"e 3ase. 9 assume5 you an5 7r. Keeman %ere 3lose in some %ay.C A9t?s a lon- story@C 9 sai5. A=e?re sort o1 "atin- ea3" ot"er ri-"t no%.C AA lot o1 money 1or someone you "ate@C "e sai5. A4on?t you start@ too@C 9 sai5. He lau-"e5 a-ain. His lau-" %as more normal t"an "is spee3"@ almost a 8ray. 7ay8e "e 5i5n?t pra3ti3e "is lau-" 1or t"e 3ourtroom. 9 kne% "e pra3ti3e5 t"at ri3"@ rollin- )oi3e.

A9?ll sen5 t"e messa-e@ 7s. Blake. Hope1ully@ 9?ll 8e 3allin- you 8a3k.C A!all me e)en i1 "e says no. At least 9?ll kno% %"at to e*pe3t %"en 9 3ome 5o%n to t"e >ail.C ADou?ll 3ome 5o%n e)en i1 "e re1uses to see youBC Belisarius aske5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. A9 look 1or%ar5 to meetin- you@ 7s. Blake. Dou intri-ue me.C A9 8et you say t"at to all t"e -irls.C A$o )ery 1e%@ 7s. Blake.C He "un- up. Hason 3ame out o1 t"e 8at"room as 9 "un- up. He %as %earin- t"e suit. 9?5 ne)er seen "im in anyt"in- e*3ept $2s"irts an5 >eans or leat"er an5 less. 9t %as o55 to see "im stan5in- t"ere in a na)y 8lue suit@ %"ite s"irt@ an5 a t"in %"ite tie %it" a taste1ully small 5esi-n runnin- t"rou-" it. ="en you looke5 3lose@ t"e tie %as silk an5 t"e print %as tiny 1leur 5is lis. 9 kne% %"o "a5 pi3ke5 out t"e tie. $"e suit %as a 8etter 3ut t"an most o11 t"e ra3k@ 8ut Hean2!lau5e "a5 ruine5 me 1or o11 t"e ra3k no matter "o% ni3e t"e 1it. He 8uttone5 t"e 1irst 8utton on t"e >a3ket an5 smoot"e5 "is "an5s t"rou-" "is 8lon5 "air. AHo% 5o 9 lookBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. ALike a person.C He -rinne5. ADou soun5 surprise5.C 9 smile5. A9?)e >ust ne)er seen you look like a -ro%n2up.C He 1ake poute5 at me@ lip pus"e5 out. ADou?)e seen me nearly nake5 an5 9 5i5n?t look -ro%n2upBC 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 smile5 in spite o1 mysel1. 9?5 3"an-e5 my 3lot"es in t"e 8e5room %"ile "e 3"an-e5 in t"e 8at"room. 9 1oun5 a 1e% 5ark spots o1 8loo5 on t"e re5 8louse. As it 5rie5@ it %oul5 turn 8la3k an5 look e)en %orse@ %"i3" %as %"y t"e 8louse %as soakin- in t"e sink. <e5 s"o%s 8loo5 no matter %"at people say. $"e 8la3k >eans "a5 es3ape5 unstaine5 as 1ar as 9 3oul5 tell. A 1e% spots o1 8loo5 are "ar5 to 1in5 on 8la3k. Bla3k or na)y 8lue "i5es 8loo5 8est. 9 -uess a really 5ark 8ro%n %oul5 %ork@ 8ut 9 5on?t o%n mu3" 8ro%n@ so 9 5on?t kno% 1or sure. $"e 1res" 8louse %as a pale@ almost i3y@ la)en5er. 9t "a5 8een a -i1t 1rom my stepmot"er@ Hu5it". ="en 9 opene5 t"e 8o* at !"ristmas an5 sa% t"e pale 8louse@ 9 assume5 s"e 8ou-"t me yet anot"er pie3e o1 3lot"in- t"at %oul5 look 8etter on "er 8lon5 i3e prin3ess 8o5y t"an on my 5arker one. But t"e pure@ 3lear 3olor a3tually looke5 pretty spi11y. 9?5 e)en 8een -ra3ious enou-" to tell Hu5it" 9 %as %earin- it. 9 t"ink it %as t"e 1irst -i1t in ten years t"at 9 "a5n?t e*3"an-e5. 9 %as still 1or 0 in t"e -i1t 5epartment 1or "er. #"@ %ell. Bla3k 5ress pants %it" a 8elt %i5e enou-" 1or t"e Bro%nin- an5 %i5er t"an %as 1as"iona8le@ 8la3k 1lats@ an5 9 %as rea5y. 9?5 a55e5 >ust a tou3" o1 makeupJ eye s"a5o%@ mas3ara@ a "int o1 8lus"@ an5 lipsti3k. 9 trie5 not to t"ink %"y 9?5 5resse5 up. 9t %asn?t 1or t"e lo3al 3ops. Hason an5 9 %ere pro8a8ly 8ot" o)er5resse5 1or t"e lo3als. #1 3ourse@ i1 %e?5 s"o%n up in >eans an5 $2s"irts@ %e?5 "a)e 8een un5er5resse5. $"e only really -oo5 t"in- to %ear to meet poli3e is a uni1orm an5 a 8a5-e. Anyt"in- else an5 you are not in t"e 3lu8. $"ere %as a la% 8ein- 5is3usse5 in =as"in-ton@ 4.!.@ ri-"t no% t"at mi-"t -i)e )ampire e*e3utioners %"at amounte5 to 1e5eral mars"al status. 9t %as 8ein- pus"e5 "ar5 8y Senator Bre%ster@ %"ose 5au-"ter "a5 -otten mun3"e5 8y a )ampire. #1 3ourse@ "e %as also pus"in- to re)oke )ampires? ri-"ts as le-al 3itiEens. 'e5eral status 1or e*e3utioners@ may8e. <e)okin- )amps? le-al ri-"ts. 9 5i5n?t t"ink so. Some )ampires %oul5 "a)e to 5o somet"in- pretty -ruesome to -i)e t"e anti)amp lo88y t"at mu3" pus". 9n 7ar3"@ )ampire e*e3utioners "a5 8een o11i3ially li3ense5. 9t %as a state li3ense 8e3ause mur5er %as a state@ not a 1e5eral@ 3rime. But 9 un5erstoo5 t"e nee5 1or 1e5eral status 1or )ampire e*e3utioners. =e 5i5n?t >ust kill@ %e "unte5. But on3e %e 3rosse5 out o1 our li3ense5 area@ %e %ere on s"aky -roun5. $"e 3ourt or5er %as )ali5 as lon- as t"e state %e 3rosse5 into a-ree5 to an e*tra5ition or5er. $"e e*tra5ition or5er %as t"en use5 to )ali5ate t"e ori-inal or5er o1 e*e3ution. 7y pre1eren3e %as to -et a se3on5 or5er o1 e*e3ution e)ery time 9 3rosse5 a state line. But t"at took time@ an5 sometimes you?5 lose t"e )amp to yet anot"er >uris5i3tion an5 "a)e to start all o)er a-ain. #ne enterprisin- )ampire 3rosse5 se)enteen states 8e1ore "e %as 1inally 3au-"t an5 kille5. $"e -eneral run@ i1 t"ey run@ is may8e t%o or t"ree. ="i3" is %"y most )ampire e*e3utioners are li3ense5 in more t"an one state. 9n our o%n %ay@ %e "a)e territories@ sort o1 like )ampires. =it"in t"at territory@ %e kill. #utsi5e o1 it@ it?s someone else?s >o8. But t"ere are only ten o1 us@ an5 t"at?s not a lot 1or a 3ountry %it" one o1 t"e lar-est )ampire populations in t"e %orl5. =e aren?t 3onstantly 8usy. 7ost o1 us "a)e 5ay >o8s. 9 mean@ i1 t"e )ampires "a5 8een 8a5 enou-" to keep us "oppin-@ t"en t"ey?5 ne)er "a)e ma5e le-al status. But t"e more )amps you -et in an area@ t"e "i-"er your 3rime rate. Hust like %it" "umans. Ha)in- to stop e)ery time you le1t your li3ense5 area ma5e it "ar5er to 5o our >o8s. Ha)in- no real status as a poli3e o11i3er ma5e it impossi8le to enter an in)esti-ation unless in)ite5. Sometimes %e %eren?t in)ite5 in until t"e 8o5y 3ount %as pretty 5amn "i-". 7y lar-est 8o5y 3ount 1or a )ampire %as t%enty2t"ree. $%enty2t"ree 5ea5 8e1ore %e 3au-"t "im. $"ere "a5 8een "i-"er 8o5y 3ounts. Ba3k in t"e 1i1ties@ Geral5 7allory@ sort o1 t"e -ran51at"er o1 t"e 8usiness@ "a5 slain a kiss o1 )ampires t"at took out o)er a "un5re5. A kiss o1 )ampires is like a -a--le o1 -eeseG it?s t"e -roup name. Poeti3@ ain?t itB

$"e p"one ran-. 9 pi3ke5 it up an5 it %as Belisarius. AHe?ll see us to-et"er. 9?ll try to "a)e somet"in- to tell you 8y t"e time you -et "ere.C He "un- up. 9 took a 8i- 8reat" in t"rou-" my nose an5 let it out in a rus" t"rou-" my mout". A="at?s %ron-BC Hason aske5. A/ot"in-.C ADou?re ner)ous a8out seein- <i3"ar5@C "e sai5. A4on?t 8e so 5amme5 smart.C He -rinne5. ASorry.C ALike "ell@C 9 sai5. ALet?s -o.C =e %ent.

Chapter Six
$"e 5ri)e to 7yerton took lon-er t"an it "a5 to 8e3ause 9 %as 5ri)in- an un1amiliar )an on )ery narro% roa5s. 9t ma5e me ner)ous. Hason 1inally sai5@ A!an 9 5ri)e@ pleaseB =e?ll -et t"ere 8e1ore 5ark.C AS"ut up@C 9 sai5. He s"ut up@ smilin-. =e 5i5 1inally 5ri)e into 7yerton. $"e to%n 3onsiste5 o1 a main street t"at %as pa)e5 an5 looke5 suspi3iously like a t%o2 lane "i-"%ay %it" 8uil5in-s "u--in- t"e e5-es. $"ere %as a stopli-"t %it" a se3on5@ mu3" smaller -ra)el roa5 spillinre5 3lay 5ust a3ross t"e 8la3ktop. $"e to%n?s only stopli-"t ma5e you noti3e t"e t%o 1ast21oo5 restaurants an5 a mom2 an52pop 5iner t"at a3tually "a5 a 8i--er 3ro%5 t"an t"e 4airy Nueen. ,it"er t"e 1oo5 %as -oo5@ or t"e 4airy Nueen %asn?t. Hamil "a5 -i)en me 5ire3tions to t"e poli3e station. He sai5 to 5ri)e 5o%n t"e main street@ turn ri-"t. Dou 3an?t miss it. ="ene)er someone says t"at@ it means one o1 t%o t"in-s. ,it"er t"ey?re ri-"t an5 it?s o8)ious@ or it?s "i55en an5 you?ll ne)er 1in5 it %it"out a 5etaile5 map %"ere W marks t"e spot. 9 turne5 ri-"t at t"e stopli-"t. $"e )an "it a pot"ole an5 rolle5 like a -reat 8east trea5in- %ater. 9 %is"e5 9 "a5 my Heep. $"e -ra)el roa5 %as t"e true main street o1 t"e to%n. Buil5in-s %it" a raise5 %oo5en si5e%alk in 1ront o1 t"em line5 one si5e o1 t"e street. 9 spotte5 a -ro3ery store an5 a %oo5%orker?s s"op sellin- "an5ma5e 1urniture. $"ey "a5 a ro3kin3"air out in 1ront t"at still "a5 rou-" -rey 8ark on parts o1 t"e %oo5en 1rame. Very rusti3. Very ni1ty. Anot"er s"op sol5 "er8s an5 "omema5e >ellies@ t"ou-" t"is %asn?t t"e time o1 year 1or it. Houses line5 t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e street. $"ey %eren?t t"e ne%er 7i5%estern look t"at "as taken o)er lar-e parts o1 t"e Sout". $"e "ouses %ere mostly one story on 3in5er 8lo3ks or re5 ro3k 8ases. $"ey %ere 3o)ere5 %it" si5e s"in-les runnin- stron-ly to o112%"ite an5 -rey. #ne yar5 "a5 a "er5 o1 3erami3 5eer an5 a 3rop o1 la%n -nomes so t"i3k@ it looke5 like t"ey s"oul5 8e sellin- t"em. $"ere %ere mountains at t"e en5 o1 t"e street an5 trees like a t"i3k@ -reen 3urtain. =e %ere a8out to 5ri)e 8a3k into t"e 1orest@ an5 9 "a5n?t seen anyt"in- t"at looke5 like a poli3e station. Great. A9t "as to 8e ri-"t "ere@C Hason sai5. 9 3"e3ke5 my rear)ie% mirror@ no tra11i3@ an5 stoppe5. A="at 5o you see t"at 9 5on?tBC 9 aske5. AS"an-24a@C "e sai5. 9 looke5 at "im. A,*3use meBC A#n t"e por3" at t"e en5 o1 t"e street.C 9 looke5 %"ere "e %as lookin-. A tall man sat slumpe5 in a la%n 3"air. He %as %earin- a %"ite $2s"irt@ >eans@ no s"oes@ an5 a 8ille5 3ap pulle5 lo%. His tan stoo5 out stron-ly a-ainst t"e %"iteness o1 t"e s"irt. Lar-e "an5s "el5 a 3an o1 so5a or may8e 8eer. Hust an early2mornin- pi3k2me2up. A$"at?s S"an-24a. He?s our pa3k?s se3on5 en1or3er. He?s Hati to Hamil?s Sk^ll.C A". $"e li-"t 5a%ne5. AHe?s -uar5in- <i3"ar5@ so t"e poli3e station "as to 8e near8y.C Hason no55e5. 9 looke5 at t"e slumpe5 1i-ure. He 5i5n?t look parti3ularly alert at 1irst -lan3e. He almost 8len5e5 into t"e s3ene until you realiEe5 t"e $2s"irt %as spotless an5 ne%. $"e >eans "a5 3reases as i1 t"ey?5 8een irone5 an5 you realiEe5 t"ou-" "e %as tanne5@ t"e skin 3olorin- %asn?t >ust 1rom t"e sun. But it %asn?t until "e mo)e5 "is "ea5 )ery slo%ly an5 looke5 strai-"t at us t"at 9 realiEe5 >ust "o% -oo5 t"e a3t %as. ,)en 1rom a 5istan3e t"ere %as an intensity in "is -aEe t"at %as almost unner)in-. 9 kne% %e su55enly "a5 "is 1ull attention an5 all "e?5 5one %as mo)e "is "ea5. AS"it@C 9 sai5.

ADea"@C Hason sai5. AS"an-24a?s ne%. He trans1erre5 in 1rom San 'ran3is3o Bay pa3k. /o one 1ou-"t "im %"en "e 3ame in as Hati. /o one %ante5 t"e >o8 t"at 8a5ly.C Hason pointe5 a3ross t"e street. A9s t"at itBC 9t %as a lo%@ one2story 8uil5in- ma5e o1 %"ite2painte5 3in5er 8lo3ks. $"ere %as a small@ -ra)el parkin- lot out 1ront 8ut no 3ars. $"e )an took up most o1 t"e parkin- lot. 9 parke5 as 3lose to t"e si5e as 9 3oul5@ "earin- t"e so1t s%is" o1 tree 8ran3"es alon- t"e top o1 t"e )an. $"ere %as pro8a8ly a poli3e 3ar out t"ere somepla3e t"at %oul5 8e parkin- 8esi5e me. 9 t"ink t"ey "a5 room. $"ere %as a small %oo5en si-n@ ele-antly 3ar)e5@ "an-in- 8esi5e t"e 5oor. 9t rea5@ Poli3e Station. $"at %as it@ t"e only "int. !oul5n?t miss it2Hamil "a5 a sense o1 "umor. #r may8e "e %as still pisse5 t"at 9?5 3ut "im. !"il5is". =e -ot out. 9 1elt S"an-24a?s -aEe on me. He %as yar5s a%ay@ 8ut t"e po%er o1 "is attention 3rept 5o%n my skin@ raisint"e "air on my arms. 9 -lan3e5 "is %ay@ an5 1or a se3on5@ our eyes met. $"e "air at t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k stoo5 to attention. Hason 3ame to stan5 8esi5e me. ALet?s -o insi5e.C 9 no55e5@ an5 %e %alke5 to t"e 5oor. A91 9 5i5n?t kno% 8etter@ 9?5 say S"an-24a 5oesn?t like me.C AHe?s loyal to <i3"ar5@ an5 you?)e "urt "im28a5ly.C 9 -lan3e5 at "im. ADou 5on?t seem ma5 at me. Aren?t you loyal to <i3"ar5BC A9 %as t"ere t"e ni-"t <i3"ar5 1ou-"t 7ar3us. S"an-24a %asn?t.C AAre you sayin- 9 %as ri-"t to lea)e <i3"ar5BC A/o. 9?m sayin- 9 un5erstan5 %"y you 3oul5n?t "an5le it.C A$"anks@ Hason.C He smile5. ABesi5es@ may8e 9 "a)e 5esi-ns on your 8o5y.C AHean2!lau5e %oul5 kill you.C He s"ru--e5. A="at?s li1e %it"out a little 5an-erBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. Hason -ot to t"e 5oor 1irst 8ut 5i5n?t try to open it 1or me. He kne% me 8etter t"an t"at. 9 opene5 t"e mostly -lass 5oors. 9 -uess t"e 5oors %ere also a 3lue. ,)eryt"in- else on t"e street "a5 5oors like you?5 see on a "ouse. $"e -lass 5oors %ere mo5ern 8usiness 5oors. $"e interior %as painte5 %"ite@ in3lu5in- t"e lon- 8arlike 5esk a3ross 1rom t"e 5oor. $"ere %ere some %ante5 posters ta3ke5 to a 8ulletin 8oar5 to t"e le1t o1 t"e 5oor an5 a ra5io system 8e"in5 t"e 5esk@ 8ut ot"er t"an t"at@ it 3oul5 "a)e 8een t"e re3eption room 1or a 5entist. $"e -uy sittin- 8e"in5 t"e 5esk %as 8i-. ,)en sittin- 5o%n@ you "a5 a sense o1 siEe. His s"oul5ers %ere almost as 8roa5 as 9 %as tall. His "air %as )ery s"ort an5 still 3urle5 in ti-"t rin-lets. He?5 "a)e "a5 to s"a)e "is "ea5 to -et ri5 o1 t"e 3urls. 7y e*e3utioner?s li3ense is in a ni3e 1ake2leat"er 3arryin- 3ase. 9t "a5 my pi3ture on it an5 looke5 5amne5 o11i3ial@ 8ut it %asn?t a 8a5-e. 9t %asn?t e)en a li3ense -oo5 in t"is state. But it %as all 9 "a5 to 1las"@ so 9 1las"e5 it. 9 %ent in@ "ol5in- t"e li3ense out in 1ront@ 8e3ause 9 %as 8rin-in- a -un into a poli3e station. !ops ten5e5 not to like t"at. A9?m Anita Blake@ )ampire e*e3utioner.C $"e 3op mo)e5 >ust "is eyesG "is "an5s %ere "i55en 8e"in5 t"e 5esk. A=e 5i5n?t 3all 1or an e*e3utioner.C A9?m not "ere on o11i3ial 8usiness@C 9 sai5. 9 stoo5 in 1ront o1 t"e 5esk. 9 starte5 to put t"e li3ense a%ay@ 8ut "e "el5 "is "an5 out 1or it@ an5 9 -a)e it to "im. He stu5ie5 t"e li3ense %"ile "e aske5@ A="y are you "ereBC A9?m a 1rien5 o1 <i3"ar5 Keeman.C His -rey eyes 1li3ke5 up t"en. 9t %asn?t a 1rien5ly look. He tosse5 t"e li3ense 8a3k on top o1 t"e 5esk. 9 pi3ke5 it up. A9s t"ere a pro8lem@ #11i3er ... C 9 rea5 "is nameplate@ A ... 7ai5enBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o pro8lem e*3ept t"at your 1rien5 is a 5amne5 rapist. 9 ne)er un5erstan5 %"y t"e meanest son o1 a 8it3" in t"e %orl5 al%ays seems to "a)e a -irl1rien5.C A9?m not "is -irl1rien5@C 9 sai5. A9?m e*a3tly %"at 9 sai5 9 %asJ "is 1rien5.C 7ai5en stoo5@ an5 "e looke5 e)ery in3" o1 "is si*21oot2plus 1rame. He %asn?t >ust tallG "e %as 8ulky. He?5 pro8a8ly 8een a %restler or a 1oot8all player in "i-" s3"ool. $"e mus3le "a5 starte5 to melt into a -eneral 8ulk@ an5 "e %as 3arryin- a8out t%enty poun5s aroun5 t"e %aist t"at "e 5i5n?t nee5@ 8ut 9 %asn?t 1oole5. He %as 8i- an5 tou-" an5 use5 to it. $"e -un aroun5 "is %aist mat3"e5 t"e rest o1 "im. 9t %as a 3"rome2plate5 !olt Pyt"on lon- 8arrel %it" "ea)y 8la3k 3ustom -rips. Goo5 1or "untin- elep"ants@ a little mu3" 1or s3arin- 5runks on a Satur5ay ni-"t. A="o are youBC He pointe5 a t"um8 at Hason.

AHust a 1rien5@C Hason sai5. He smile5@ tryin- to look "armless. He %asn?t as -oo5 at lookin- "armless as 9 %as@ 8ut "e %as 3lose. Besi5e #11i3er 7ai5en %e 8ot" looke5 sort o1 1ra-ile. AHer 1rien5@ or Keeman?sBC Hason -a)e a 8i-@ -oo52"umore5 smile. A9?m e)eryone?s 1rien5.C 7ai5en 5i5n?t smile. He >ust looke5 at Hason@ -i)in- "im a 3ol5@ "ar5 stare out o1 t"ose 5ark -rey eyes. 7ai5en 5i5n?t "a)e any 8etter lu3k starin- Hason 5o%n t"an 9 5i5. Hason kept smilin-. 7ai5en kept starin-. 9 1inally tou3"e5 Hason?s arm e)er so li-"tly. 9t %as enou-". He 5roppe5 "is eyes@ 8linke5@ 8ut t"e smile ne)er 1altere5. But it %as enou-" 1or 7ai5en to 1eel "e?5 %on t"e starin- 3ontest. 7ai5en lum8ere5 out 1rom 8e"in5 t"e 5esk. He mo)e5 like "e %as a%are t"at "e %as 8i-@ like in "is o%n ears@ t"e eart" trem8le5 as "e mo)e5. He %as 8i-@ 8ut "e %asn?t t"at 8i-. #1 3ourse@ 9 %asn?t -oin- to point it out to "im. A se3on5 man 3ame out o1 a small 5oor to t"e ri-"t o1 t"e 5esk. He %as %earin- a pale tan suit t"at 1it "im like an ele-ant -lo)e. $"e %"ite s"irt %as ri88e5 5o%n t"e 1ront@ an5 "e "a5 one o1 t"ose strin- ties %it" a "unk o1 -ol5 at "is t"roat. His eyes %ere lar-e@ 8la3k@ an5 surprise5 %"en t"ey sa% me. His "air %as 3ut )ery s"ort@ 8ut stylis". $"e "an5 "e e*ten5e5 1or me to s"ake "a5 a 5iamon5 pinkie rin- an5 a 3olle-e 3lass rin- on it. A!oul5 t"is )ision o1 lo)eliness 8e t"e in1amous 7s. BlakeBC 9 smile5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 stop mysel1. ADou must 8e Belisarius.C He no55e5. A!all me !arl.C A9?m Anita@ an5 t"is is Hason.C He s"ook "an5s %it" Hason@ still smilin-@ still pleasant. He turne5 to 7ai5en. A7ay %e -o see my 3lient no%BC A$"e t%o o1 you 3an -o@ 8ut not "im.C 7ai5en >erke5 anot"er t"um8 at Hason. AS"eri11 sai5 let t"e t%o o1 you in. /o one sai5 anyt"in- a8out any8o5y else.C Hason opene5 "is mout". 9 tou3"e5 "is arm. A$"at?s 1ine.C AAn5 t"e -un stays out "ere@C "e sai5. 9 5i5n?t %ant to -i)e up t"e -un@ 8ut it ma5e me t"ink 8etter o1 7ai5en t"at "e?5 spotte5 it. ASure@C 9 sai5. 9 pulle5 t"e Bro%nin- out 1rom un5er t"e >a3ket. 9 "it t"e sli5e an5 spille5 t"e 3lip into my ot"er "an5. 9 >a3ke5 t"e -un open to s"o% t"e 3"am8er %as empty an5 "an5e5 t"e %"ole s"ootin- mat3" to 7ai5en. A4i5n?t trust me to unloa5 it 1or youBC A9 1i-ure5 t"e Bro%nin- mi-"t 8e too small 1or your "an5s. <e;uires 1ine motor skills.C ADou -i)in- me s"itBC "e sai5. 9 no55e5. ADea"@ 9?m -i)in- you s"it.C He smile5 t"en. He looke5 t"e Bro%nin- o)er 8e1ore "e put it in a 5esk 5ra%er alon- %it" t"e 3lip. A/ot a 8a5 -un i1 you 3an?t "an5le anyt"in- 8i--er.C He lo3ke5 t"e 5ra%er2anot"er 8ro%nie point 1or 7ai5en. A9t?s not siEe t"at 3ounts@ 7ai5en. 9t?s per1orman3e.C His smile %i5ene5 to a -rin. ADour 1rien5 still "as to %ait out "ere.C A9 sai5 t"at %as 1ine. 9 meant it.C 7ai5en no55e5 an5 le5 t"e %ay 8a3k t"rou-" t"e 5oor t"at Belisarius "a5 3ome out o1. $"ere %ere t%o 5oors in t"e mi55le o1 t"e lon-@ %"ite "all%ay. #ne sai5@ La5ies@ t"e ot"er@ 7en. A9?5 "ope5 you 3omin- out o1 t"is 5oor meant you %ere )isitin- <i3"ar5.C A9?m a1rai5 not. 7r. Keeman "as not relente5.C A<elente5@C 7ai5en sai5@ Arelente5. /o%@ t"at?s a ni3e la%yer %or5.C A<ea5in- impro)es your )o3a8ulary@ #11i3er 7ai5en. Dou s"oul5 try it sometime. $"ou-" 9 suppose you 3an -et 8y %it" >ust lookin- at t"e pi3tures.C A#o"@ 9?m 3ut to t"e ;ui3k on t"at one@C 7ai5en sai5. A91 you 3ut us@ 5o %e not 8lee5BC Belisarius aske5. 7ai5en s"o3ke5 t"e "ell out o1 me 8y -i)in- t"e ne*t lineJ A91 you ti3kle us@ 5o %e not lau-"BC Belisarius 3lappe5 so1tly. A$ou3"6@ #11i3er 7ai5en.C ABi- an5 %ell rea5@C 9 sai5. A9?m impresse5.C He pulle5 a 3"ain out o1 "is po3ket %it" keys on t"e en5 o1 it. A4on?t tell t"e ot"er 3ops. $"ey?5 t"ink 9 %as a sissy.C 9 looke5 up at "im@ all t"e %ay up at "im. A9t?s not rea5in- S"akespeare t"at makes you a sissy@ 7ai5en. 9t?s t"at 5amn -un. #nly pansies 3arry t"at mu3" "ar5%are.C

He unlo3ke5 t"e 5oor at t"e en5 o1 t"e "all%ay. AGot to 3arry somet"in- 8i-@ 7s. Blake. Balan3es me out %"en 9 run.C $"at ma5e me lau-". He opene5 t"e 5oor an5 us"ere5 us t"rou-". He lo3ke5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 us an5 %ent 5o%n a lon%"ite stret3" o1 "all%ay %it" t%o 3lose5 5oors on eit"er si5e. A=ait "ere. 9?ll -o make sure your 8oy1rien5 is rea5y to see you.C AHe?s not my 8oy1rien5@C 9 sai5. 9t %as 8e3omin- automati3@ like an in)oluntary re1le*. 7ai5en smile5 an5 unlo3ke5 t"e 5oor at t"e 1ar en5. He )anis"e5 t"rou-" it. ADou an5 #11i3er 7ai5en seem to "a)e "it it o11@ 7s. Blake.C A!ops 5is" out a lot o1 s"it. $ri3k is@ 5on?t take it personally@ an5 5is" 8a3k.C A9?ll remem8er t"at ne*t time.C 9 looke5 up Belisarius. A9t mi-"t not %ork 1or you. Dou?re a la%yer@ an5 you?re %ealt"y.C AAn5 9?m not an attra3ti)e %oman@C "e sai5. A$"at@ too@ t"ou-" t"at 3an %ork a-ainst me %it" poli3emen.C Belisarius no55e5. 7ai5en steppe5 8a3k t"rou-" t"e 1ar 5oor. He %as smilin- like somet"in- "a5 amuse5 t"e "ell out o1 "im. 9 %as 8ettin- 9 %asn?t -oin- to t"ink it %as 1unny. A9 tol5 Keeman t"at 1or a 1u3kin- per)ert@ "e "a5 a 3ute -irl1rien5.C A9?ll 8et t"at?s not %"at you sai5@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. A9 aske5 "im %"y@ %it" a ni3e pie3e o1 ass like you 1or "is -irl1rien5@ "e "a5 to -o out an5 rape some8o5y.C A="at?5 "e sayBC 9 aske5@ 1a3e as 8lank as 9 3oul5 make it. AHe sai5 you?re not "is -irl1rien5.C 9 no55e5. ASee@ 9 tol5 you so.C 7ai5en opene5 t"e 5oor %i5e an5 motione5 us t"rou-". A<in- t"e 8uEEer %"en you %ant out.C =e steppe5 t"rou-"@ an5 "e sai5@ A,n>oy@C as "e lo3ke5 us in. $"ey must "a)e -otten a 5eal on %"ite paint 8e3ause t"e entire room %as %"ite@ e)en t"e 1loor. 9t %as like stan5in- in t"e mi55le o1 a 8liEEar5. $%o 8unks@ one on top t"e ot"er@ t"e 8ars on a small %in5o%@ e)en t"e toilet an5 sink %ere %"ite. $"e only 3olor %as t"e 8ars t"at 1orme5 a t"ree2si5e5 3a-e. <i3"ar5 sat on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 8ars lookin- at us. He %as sittin- on t"e lo%er 8unk. His "air 1ell in t"i3k %a)es@ nearly "i5in- "is 1a3e. 9n t"e stark %"iteness o1 t"e o)er"ea5 li-"ts@ t"e "air looke5 5arker t"an its normal "oney 8ro%n@ almost 3"estnut. He %as %earin- a pale -reen 5ress s"irt untu3ke5@ slee)es rolle5 8a3k o)er mus3ular 1orearms. His 5ark 8ro%n 5ress sla3ks %ere %rinkle5 1rom 8ein- slept in. He un1ol5e5 "is si*21oot2one2in3" 8o5y 1rom t"e 8unk. $"e 5ress s"irt stret3"e5 ti-"tly a3ross "is s"oul5ers an5 upper arms. He?5 8ulke5 up a little sin3e last 9?5 seen "im@ an5 "e?5 8een pretty mus3ular to 8e-in %it". #n3e upon a time@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een my -reat pleasure to "a)e peele5 t"at s"irt o11 an5 seen %"at %as un5erneat"@ to "a)e run my "an5s o)er t"at lo)ely 3"est an5 t"ose stron- arms. But t"at %as t"en@ an5 t"is %as a %"ole ne% 8all -ame@ one t"at 9 really 3oul5n?t %in. <i3"ar5 3ame to stan5 at t"e 8ars@ "an5s %rappin- aroun5 t"em. A="at are you 5oin- "ere@ AnitaBC His )oi3e %asn?t as an-ry as 9 1eare5 it %oul5 8e. He soun5e5 almost or5inary@ an5 some ti-"tness in t"e 3enter o1 my 8o5y rela*e5. Belisarius steppe5 a%ay 1rom us. He sat at t"e ta8le outsi5e t"e 3ell an5 8e-an sprea5in- papers out o1 "is 8rie13ase. He trie5 to look )ery 8usy an5 -i)e us as mu3" pri)a3y as "e 3oul5. 9t %as a ni3e -esture. A9 "ear5 you %ere in trou8le.C ASo you 3ame to res3ue meBC "e ma5e it a ;uestion. His soli5 8ro%n eyes stare5 at me@ sear3"in- my 1a3e. His "air "a5 1allen into "is eyes. He smoot"e5 it 8a3k 1rom "is 1a3e in an a3"in-ly 1amiliar -esture. A9 3ame to "elp.C A9 5on?t nee5 your "elp. 9 5i5n?t 5o it.C Belisarius interrupte5. ADou?)e 8een 3"ar-e5 %it" rape@ 7r. Keeman.C 9 turne5 an5 looke5 at Belisarius. A9 t"ou-"t it %as attempte5 rape.C A9?)e 8een rea5in- t"e 1ile %"ile 9 %as %aitin-. #n3e 9 "a5 7r. Keeman?s permission to a3t as "is la%yer@ 9 -ot a33ess to t"e re3or5s. $"e rape kit %as ne-ati)e 1or semen@ 8ut t"ere %as e)i5en3e o1 penetration. Penetration is enou-" to 3onstitute rape.C A9 ne)er "a5 inter3ourse %it" "er@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9t ne)er -ot t"at 1ar.C ABut you 5i5 5ate "er@C 9 sai5. He looke5 at me. ADes@ 9 5i5.C $"ere %as a little an-er in "is )oi3e no%. 9 let it -o. 9?5 pro8a8ly 8e -rumpy@ too@ i1 9 %ere in >ail on trumpe52up 3"ar-es. Hell@ 9?5 8e -rumpy e)en i1 9 "a5 5one it.

A$"e pro8lem@ 7r. Keeman@ is t"at %it"out semen samples@ you 3an?t really pro)e 3on3lusi)ely t"at you 5i5n?t )iolate 7s. S3"a11er. 91 t"is is a 1rame@ it?s a -oo5 one. Dou 5ate5 t"e %oman more t"an on3e. S"e %ent out %it" you an5 3ame "ome 8eaten up.C He pa-e5 t"rou-" one o1 t"e 1iles. A$"ere %as )a-inal 8ruisin-@ some tearin-. 91 s"e %asn?t rape5@ it %as still )ery rou-".C ABe3ky sai5 s"e like5 it rou-"@C <i3"ar5 sai5 ;uietly. A="en 5i5 "o% rou-" s"e like5 se* 3ome up in 3on)ersationBC 9 aske5. He met my eyes@ no 1lin3"in-@ rea5y to 8e an-ry i1 9 %as an-ry. A="en s"e %as tryin- to -et me to -o to 8e5 %it" "er.C A="at e*a3tly 5i5 s"e sayBC Belisarius aske5. <i3"ar5 s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5on?t remem8er e*a3tly@ 8ut 9 tol5 "er 9 %as a1rai5 9?5 "urt "er. S"e sai5 i1 9 like5 it rou-"@ s"e %as my -irl.C 9 %alke5 a%ay 1rom "im to stan5 lookin- at t"e 3lose5 5oor. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e "ere 1or t"is. 9 turne5 aroun5@ an5 "e %as alrea5y starin- at me@ alrea5y meetin- my -aEe. A9s t"is %"y you %ante5 to see 8ot" o1 us at on3eB So 9?5 "ear all t"e 5etailsBC He -a)e a "ars" soun5@ almost lau-"ter@ 8ut 8itter. A stran-e look passe5 o)er "is 1a3e. #n3e 9 3oul5 "a)e rea5 "is e)ery t"ou-"t on "is 1a3e@ in "is eyes. /o% 9 5i5n?t kno% "im. Sometimes 9 t"ou-"t 9?5 ne)er kno%n "im@ t"at %e?5 8ot" 8een 1oolin- oursel)es. A91 you %ant 5etails@ 9 3an -i)e you 5etails. /ot a8out Betty@ 8ut t"ere?s Lu3y an5 !arrie an5 7ira. ,spe3ially Lu3y an5 7ira. 9 3an -i)e you 5etails on t"em.C A9 "ear5 you?5 8een a 8usy 8oy@C 9 sai5. 7y )oi3e %as so1ter t"an 9 %ante5 it to 8e@ 8ut normal. 9 %asn?t -oin- to 3ry. A="o tol5 you to 3ome 5o%n "ere@ AnitaB ="o 5iso8eye5 meBC $"at 1irst pri3klin- roil o1 ener-y 3rept t"rou-" t"e room. Sometimes you 3oul5 1or-et %"at <i3"ar5 really %as. He %as 8etter at "i5in- it t"an any ly3ant"rope 9 kne%. 9 -lan3e5 at Belisarius. He seeme5 o8li)ious. Goo5@ "e %asn?t sensiti)e to it. But 9 %as. $"e po%er 3rept o)er my skin like a %arm %in5. A/o one 5iso8eye5 you@ <i3"ar5.C ASomeone tol5 you.C His "an5s 1le*e5 on t"e 8ars@ ru88in- o)er an5 o)er. 9 kne% "e 3oul5 "a)e rippe5 t"em out o1 t"e 1loor. He 3oul5 "a)e kno3ke5 a "ole t"rou-" t"e 8a3k %all i1 "e %ante5 to. $"e 1a3t t"at "e %as still in t"is 3a-e %as only 8e3ause "e 5i5n?t %ant out 8a5ly enou-" to 8lo% "is 3o)er. A mil52mannere5 >unior "i-" s3ien3e tea3"er 3oul5 not 8en5 steel 8ars. 9 leane5 3lose to t"e 8ars@ lo%erin- my )oi3e. His ot"er%orl5ly ener-y 8reat"e5 alon- my skin. A4o you really %ant to 5is3uss t"is no%@ in 1ront o1 a stran-erBC <i3"ar5 leane5 in so 3lose "is 1ore"ea5 presse5 a-ainst t"e 8ars. AHe?s my la%yer. 4oesn?t "e nee5 to kno%BC 9 leane5 in so 3lose 9 3oul5 "a)e tou3"e5 "im t"rou-" t"e 8ars. 9 %ante5 to tou3" "im. He 5i5n?t seem ;uite real t"is %ay. ADou really are a 8a8e in t"e %oo5s on t"is one@ aren?t youBC A9?)e ne)er 8een arreste5 8e1ore@C "e sai5. A/o@ t"at %as al%ays my >o8.C He almost smile5. Some o1 t"at ener-y leake5 a%ay. His 8east sli5in- a%ay insi5e t"at per1e3t 3amou1la-e. 9 tou3"e5 t"e 3ool@ metal 8ars@ sli5in- my "an5s >ust 8elo% "is. A9 8et you t"ou-"t you mi-"t 8e )isitin- me like t"is some5ay@ 8ut not t"e ot"er %ay aroun5.C He -a)e a small smile. ADea"@ an5 9?5 8ake you a 3ake %it" a 1ile in it.C 9 smile5. ADou 5on?t nee5 a 1ile@ <i3"ar5.C 9 sli5 my "an5s o)er "is. He S;ueeEe5 my 1in-ers -ently. ADou nee5 a -oo5 la%yer@ an5 9 8rou-"t you one.C He steppe5 a%ay 1rom t"e 8ars. A="y 5o 9 nee5 a la%yer %"en 9?m inno3entBC Belisarius ans%ere5@ ADou?)e 8een 3"ar-e5 %it" rape. $"e >u5-e "as re1use5 you 8ail. Son@ i1 %e 3an?t 8reak "er story@ you?re lookin- at t%o to 1i)e years@ i1 %e?re lu3ky. $"e pi3tures are in t"e 1ile. S"e %as 8eat up pretty 8a5. S"e?s a pretty little 8lon5 t"in-. S"e?ll 3ome into 3ourt 5resse5 like e)eryone?s 1a)orite se3on5 -ra5e tea3"er. $"e one you "a5 a 3rus" on t"at smelle5 like 9)ory soap.C He stoo5 up an5 starte5 %alkin- to%ar5s us as "e talke5. A=e?ll 3ut your "air2A A!ut "is "airBC 9 e*3laime5. Belasarius 1ro%ne5 at me. A!ut your "air@ 5ress you up ni3e. 9t "elps t"at you?re "an5some an5 %"ite@ 8ut you?re still a 8i-@ stron-2lookin- man.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9t?s not you %e "a)e to pro)e inno3ent@ 7r. Keeman. 9t?s 7s. S3"a11er %e "a)e to pro)e -uilty.C <i3"ar5 1ro%ne5. A="at 5o you meanBC A=e "a)e to make "er look like t"e %"ore o1 Ba8ylon. But 1irst@ 9?ll 1ile a motion t"at no 8ail is e*3essi)e 1or a 1irst o11ense. Hell@ you 5on?t e)en "a)e a tra11i3 ti3ket. 9?ll -et you 8ail.C AHo% lon- %ill it takeBC 9 aske5.

Belisarius looke5 at me a little too "ar5. A9s t"ere a time limit 9?m not a%are o1BC <i3"ar5 an5 9 looke5 at ea3" ot"er as i1 on 3ue. $"en "e sai5@ ADes@C an5 9 sai5@ A/o.C A=ell@ %"i3" is it@ 8oys an5 -irls@ yes or noB 9s t"ere somet"in- 9 nee5 to kno% "ereBC <i3"ar5 looke5 at me@ t"en sai5@ A/o@ 9 -uess not.C Belisarius 5i5n?t like it@ 8ut "e let it -o. A#kay@ ki55ies. 9?ll take your %or5 1or it@ 8ut i1 t"is pie3e o1 in1ormation t"at 9 5on?t nee5 to kno% 3omes up an5 8ites me on t"e ass@ 9 %ill not 8e amuse5.C A9t %on?t@C 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A91 it 5oes@ 9 %ill lea)e 7r. Keeman "i-" an5 5ry. Dou %ill 8e 1in5in- yoursel1 a ne% la%yer 1aster t"an you 3an say penitentiary.C A9 5i5n?t 5o anyt"in- %ron-@C <i3"ar5 sai5. AHo% 3an t"is 8e "appenin-BC A="y %oul5 s"e 3ry rape on youBC 9 aske5. ASome8o5y 5i5 it@C Belisarius sai5. A91 not you@ t"en %"oBC <i3"ar5 s"ook "is "ea5. ABetty 5ates a lot. 9 kno% o1 at least t"ree ot"er men@ mysel1.C A=e?ll nee5 t"eir names.C A="yBC "e aske5. ASon@ i1 you are -oin- to ar-ue %it" me e)ery step o1 t"e %ay@ t"is %on?t %ork.C A9 >ust 5on?t %ant to 5ra- anyone else into t"is.C A<i3"ar5@C 9 sai5@ Ayou are in trou8le "ere. Let !arl 5o "is >o8@ please.C <i3"ar5 looke5 at me. ADou 5roppe5 e)eryt"in- to ri5e to my res3ue@ "u"BC 9 smile5. APretty mu3".C He s"ook "is "ea5. AHo%?5 Hean2!lau5e 1eel a8out t"atBC 9 looke5 a%ay@ not meetin- "is eyes. AHe %asn?t t"rille5@ 8ut "e %ants you out o1 >ail.C A9?ll >ust 8et "e 5oes.C ALook@ ki55ies@ %e 5on?t "a)e a lot o1 time "ere. 91 you t%o 3an?t 3ur8 t"e personal stu11@ may8e Anita "ere s"oul5 lea)e.C 9 no55e5. A9 a-ree. Dou?re -oin- to "a)e to tell "im 5etails a8out 7s. S3"a11er t"at 9 5on?t %ant to "ear. An5 you nee5 to 8e a8le to talk 1reely a8out "er.C AAre you >ealousBC <i3"ar5 aske5. 9 took in a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out. 9 %oul5 "a)e like5 to "a)e sai5 no@ 8ut "e 3oul5 smell a lie. 9?5 8een 5oin- okay until "e?5 ma5e t"at 3ra3k a8out Betty 8ein- "is -irl 1or t"e rou-" stu11. $"at "a5 8u--e5 me. A9 "a)e no ri-"t to 8e >ealous o1 you@ <i3"ar5.C ABut you are@ aren?t youBC "e aske5. He %at3"e5 my 1a3e %"ile "e aske5 it. 9 "a5 to 1or3e mysel1 to meet "is eyes %"ile 9 ans%ere5. 9 %ante5 to 5unk my "ea5@ an5 9 3oul5n?t stop t"e rus" o1 3olor up my 1a3e. ADea"@ 9?m >ealous. HappyBC He no55e5. ADes.C A9?m out o1 "ere.C 9 %rote t"e p"one num8er o1 t"e 3a8in on Belisarius?s note8ook an5 presse5 t"e 8uEEer to 8e let out. A9?m -la5 you 3ame@ Anita@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 kept my 8a3k turne5 to t"e 5oor@ "opin- 7ai5en %oul5 "urry. A9 %is" 9 3oul5 say t"e same@ <i3"ar5.C $"e 5oor opene5. 9 es3ape5.

Chapter Seven
AHa)e 1un )isitin- your 8oy1rien5BC 7ai5en aske5 as "e 1ollo%e5 me 5o%n t"e "all. 9 %aite5 at t"e se3on5 lo3ke5 5oor. AHe?s not my 8oy1rien5.C A,)eryone keeps sayin- t"at.C 7ai5en unlo3ke5 t"e 5oor an5 "el5 it open. A7ay8e it?s a 3ase o1 t"e la5y protestin- too mu3".C A$ake your li8rary 3ar5 an5 s"o)e it@ 7ai5en.C A#o"@C "e sai5@ At"at %as nasty. =on5er i1 9 3an t"ink o1 a 3ome8a3k "al1 t"at -oo5.C

ALet me "a)e my -un@ 7ai5en.C He lo3ke5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 us. Hason %as sittin- in t"e little ro% o1 3"airs a3ross 1rom t"e 5esk. He looke5 up. A!an %e -o "ome no%BC A=asn?t #11i3er 7ai5en entertainin-BC 9 aske5. AHe %oul5n?t let me play %it" "is "an53u11s@C Hason sai5. 7ai5en %ent 8e"in5 t"e 5esk an5 unlo3ke5 t"e 5ra%er. He 8rou-"t out t"e Bro%nin-@ slippe5 t"e 3lip 8a3k in it@ an5 pulle5 t"e sli5e 8a3k@ %"i3" >a3ke5 a s"ell into t"e 3"am8er. He 3"e3ke5 t"e sa1ety an5 "an5e5 it to me@ 8utt 1irst. ADou t"ink 7yerton?s 5an-erous enou-" to nee5 to 3arry one in t"e 3"am8erBC 9 aske5. 7ai5en looke5 at me. 9t %as a lon- look as i1 "e %ere tryin- to tell me somet"in-. ADou ne)er kno%@C "e sai5 1inally. =e stoo5 starin- at ea3" ot"er 1or a 1e% 1roEen moments@ t"en 9 put t"e Bro%nin- in t"e "olster %it" t"e 8ullet rea5y to -o@ t"ou-" 9 3"e3ke5 t"e sa1ety t%i3e. 4i5n?t usually -o aroun5 %it" a li)e roun5 in t"e 3"am8er. 7a5e me ner)ous. 7a5e me more ner)ous t"at 7ai5en mi-"t 8e tryin- to %arn me. #1 3ourse@ "e mi-"t >ust 8e yankin- my 3"ain. Some 3ops@ espe3ially small to%n ones@ ten5e5 to -i)e me -rie1. Bein- a )ampire e*e3utioner ma5e some o1 t"em %ant to tra5e ma3"o s"it %it" me@ like -ettin- me to 3arry a li)e roun5 in t"e 3"am8er. AHa)e a ni3e 5ay@ Blake.C ADou@ too@ 7ai5en@C 9 sai5. 9 "a5 t"e 5oor open@ Hason at my 8a3k@ %"en 7ai5en sai5@ ABe 3are1ul out t"ere.C His eyes %ere -uar5e5. $"ere %as not"in- to rea5 on "is 1a3e. 9 am not a su8tle person@ 8i- surprise. ADou -ot somet"into say@ 7ai5enBC 9 aske5. A9?m -oin- to 8e takin- my lun3" 8reak a1ter you lea)e.C 9 looke5 at "im. A9t?s ten o?3lo3k in t"e mornin-. Little early 1or lun3"@ 5on?t you t"inkBC AHust t"ou-"t you?5 like to kno% 9 %on?t 8e "ere.C A9?ll try an5 s;uel3" my 5isappointment@C 9 sai5. He 1las"e5 a ;ui3k -rin@ t"en stoo5. A9 -otta lo3k t"e 5oor 8e"in5 you@ sin3e 9?m lea)in- t"e 5esk unatten5e5.C ALo3kin- Belasarius in %it" <i3"ar5BC A9 %on?t 8e -one t"at lon-@C "e sai5. He opene5 t"e 5oor 1or us@ %aitin- 1or us to -o outsi5e. A9 5on?t like -ames@ 7ai5en. ="at t"e 1u3k is -oin- onBC He %asn?t smilin- %"en "e sai5@ A91 t"e 1an3y la%yer -ets 8ail 1or your 8oy1rien5@ 9?5 lea)e to%n.C ADou?re not su--estin- "e >ump 8ail@ are you@ #11i3erBC AHis 1amily "as 8een "ere almost 1rom t"e 1irst ni-"t "e %as taken into 3usto5y. Be1ore t"at@ it %as t"e s3ientists t"at "e?s 8een %orkin- %it". A lot o1 ni3e@ upstan5in- 3itiEens stan5in- aroun5 1or %itnesses. But t"e ni3e upstan5in- 3itiEens %on?t 8e "ere 1ore)er.C 7ai5en an5 9 looke5 at ea3" ot"er. 9 stoo5 t"ere 1or a minute@ %on5erin- i1 "e?5 stop "intin- an5 >ust tell me %"at t"e "ell %as -oin- on. He 5i5n?t. 9 no55e5 at "im. A$"anks@ 7ai5en.C A4on?t t"ank me@C "e sai5. He lo3ke5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 us. 7y "an5 %asn?t on t"e 8utt o1 t"e Bro%nin-@ 8ut it %as sort o1 3lose to it. 9t?5 8e silly to 5ra% t"e -un on a ni3e Au-ust mornin- in a to%n %it" a population lo%er t"an most 3olle-e 5orms. A="at %as t"at all a8outBC Hason aske5. A91 %e 5on?t -et <i3"ar5 out@ "e?s -oin- to -et "urt. $"e only reason "e "asn?t 8een yet is t"at t"ere "a)e 8een too many %itnesses. $oo many people to ask ;uestions.C A91 t"e 3ops are in on it@C Hason sai5@ A%"y %oul5 7ai5en %arn usBC AHe?s not "appy a8out 8ein- in on it@ may8e. #"@ "ell@ 9 5on?t kno%. But it means t"at someone %ante5 <i3"ar5 in >ail 1or a reason.C A pi3kup tru3k pulle5 a3ross t"e street in 1ront o1 t"e little -rey "ouse t"at S"an-24a %as 3ampe5 out in. 'our men >umpe5 out o1 t"e 8a3k. $"ere %as at least one more in t"e 3a8. He sli5 out o1 si-"t@ an5 t"ey 1orme5 a semi3ir3le at t"e 8ase o1 t"e por3". #ne o1 t"em "a5 a 8ase8all 8at. A=ell@ %ell@C Hason sai5. ADou t"ink i1 %e 8an- on t"e 5oors an5 yell 1or poli3e "elp@ %e?ll -et itBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A7ai5en 5i5 "elp us. He %arne5 us.C A9?m all %arm an5 3oEy %it" t"e e11ort@C Hason sai5.

ADea"@C 9 sai5. 9 starte5 %alkin- a3ross t"e street. Hason 1ollo%e5 a 3ouple o1 steps 8e"in5. 9 %as t"inkin- as "ar5 as 9 3oul5. 9 "a5 a -un an5 t"ey mi-"t not. But i1 9 kille5 some8o5y@ 9?5 8e 8unkin- %it" <i3"ar5. 7yerton?s le-al system 5i5n?t seem to take to %ell to stran-ers. S"an-24a stoo5 on t"e por3"@ lookin- 5o%n at t"e men. He?5 taken o11 t"e 8ille5 3ap. His 8la3k "air %as 3ut )ery s"ort on t"e si5es an5 lon-er on top. $"e "air %as s"iny %it" -el 8ut s;uas"e5 1lat 1rom t"e 3ap. He stoo5 8alan3e5 on "is 8are 1eet@ lon- arms loose at "is si5es. He %asn?t in a 1i-"tin- stan3e yet@ 8ut 9 kne% t"e si-ns. His eyes 1li3ke5 to us@ an5 9 kne% "e?5 seen us. $"e t"u-s "a5n?t yet. Amateur t"u-s. 4i5n?t mean t"ey %eren?t 5an-erous@ 8ut it meant you mi-"t 8e a8le to 8lu11 t"em. Pro1essional mus3le ten5e5 to 3all a 8lu11. A small@ el5erly %oman 3ame t"rou-" t"e s3reen 5oor to stan5 ne*t to S"an-24a. S"e leane5 "ea)ily on a 3ane@ "er 8a3k 8o%e5. Her -rey an5 %"ite "air %as 3ut )ery s"ort an5 perme5 in one o1 t"ose ti-"t "air5os t"at el5erly %omen seem so 1on5 o1. S"e %ore an apron o)er a pink "ouse5ress. Her knee2"i-" "ose %ere rolle5 5o%n o)er 1uEEy slippers. Glasses per3"e5 on a small nose. S"e s"ook a 8ony 1ist at t"e men. ADou 8oys -et o11 my property.C $"e man %it" t"e 8ase8all 8at sai5@ A/o%@ 7illie@ t"is "as -ot not"in- to 5o %it" you.C A$"is is my -ran5son you?re t"reatenin-@C s"e sai5. AHe ain?t "er -ran5son@C anot"er man sai5. He %as %earin- a 1a5e5 1lannel s"irt open like a >a3ket. AAre you 3allin- me a liar@ 7el !ooperBC t"e %oman aske5. A9 5i5n?t say t"at@C 7el sai5. 91 %e?5 8een somepla3e more pri)ate@ 9?5 "a)e >ust %oun5e5 one o1 t"em. 9t %oul5 "a)e -otten t"eir attention an5 3alle5 t"e 1i-"t o11. But 9?5 "a)e 8et almost any amount o1 money t"at i1 9 s"ot one o1 t"em@ t"e mysterious s"eri11 %oul5 ri5e to t"eir res3ue. 7ay8e t"e plan %as to -et more o1 us in >ail. 9 %as too ne% on t"e s3ene to e)en make an e5u3ate5 -uess. Hason an5 9 %alke5 up onto t"e -rass. 7el %as t"e 3losest to us. He turne5@ s"o%in- a staine5 un5ers"irt an5 a 8eer -ut 8eneat" t"e 1lannel s"irt. #o"@ 3"armin-. A="o t"e "ell are youBC "e aske5. A=ell@ aren?t you >ust 7r. Smoot".C He took a mena3in- step to%ar5s me. 9 smile5 at "im. He 1ro%ne5 at me. AAns%er t"e 1u3kin- ;uestion@ -irlie. ="o are youBC A4oesn?t matter %"o s"e is@C t"e one %it" t"e 8ase8all 8at sai5. A$"is isn?t any o1 "er 8usiness. Lea)e it alone@ or you?ll -et %"at "e?s -oin- to -et.C He motione5 %it" "is "ea5 at S"an-24a. A9 -et to t"e 8eat t"e 3rap out o1 you@ tooBC 9 sai5. A#"@ -oo5y.C Base8all Bat 1ro%ne5 at me@ too. 9 "a5 t%o o1 t"em puEEle5. !on1usion to my enemies. $"e %oman s"ook a 8ony 1ist at t"em a-ain. ADou -et o11 my property@ or 9 %ill 3all S"eri11 =ilkes.C #ne o1 t"e men lau-"e5@ an5 anot"er sai5@ A=ilkes %ill 8e alon-. ="en %e?re 1inis"e5.C Base8all Bat sai5@ A!ome 5o%n o11 t"at por3"@ 8oy@ or %e?re 3omin- up a1ter you.C He %as i-norin- me. He %as i-norin- Hason. $"ey %eren?t >ust amateur mus3le. $"ey %ere stupi5 amateur mus3le. S"an-24a?s )oi3e %as surprisin-ly 5eep@ )ery 3alm. $"ere %as no 1ear in it28i- surprise28ut t"ere %as an un5er3urrent o1 ea-erness@ as i1 un5er t"at 3almness "e %as it3"in- to "urt t"em. A91 9 3ome 5o%n o11 t"is por3"@ you %ill not en>oy it.C $"e man %it" t"e 8ase8all 8at %"eele5 "is %eapon o1 3"oi3e in a ;ui3k@ pro1essional 3ir3le. He use5 it like "e kne% "o%. 7ay8e "e?5 playe5 8all in "i-" s3"ool. A#"@ 9?ll en>oy it@ !"ina 8oy.C A!"ina 8oy@C Hason sai5. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to see "is 1a3e to kno% "e %as smilin-. A/ot )ery ori-inal is itBC 9 3ommente5. A/ope.C 7el turne5 to%ar5s us@ an5 anot"er man mo)e5 %it" "im. AAre you makin- 1un o1 usBC 9 no55e5. A#"@ yea".C ADou t"ink 9 %on?t "it you 8e3ause you?re a -irlBC 7el aske5. 9t %as temptin- to say@ A/o@ 9 t"ink you %on?t "it me 8e3ause 9 "a)e a -un@C 8ut 9 5i5n?t say it. #n3e you pull a -un in a 1i-"t@ you?)e pus"e5 t"e )iolen3e le)el to a "ei-"t %"ere 5eat" is a )ery real possi8ility. 9 5i5n?t %ant anyone 5ea5 %it" t"e 3ops %aitin- to ri5e 5o%n an5 s%eep us up. 4i5n?t %ant to -o to >ail. 9 "a)e a 8la3k 8elt in >u5o. But 7el?s 3ompanion %as almost as 8i- as #11i3er 7ai5en@ an5 not "al1 as pretty. $"ey 8ot" out%ei-"e5 me an5 Hason 8y a "un5re5 poun5s apie3e@ or more. $"ey?5 8een 8i- most o1 t"eir li)es. $"ey t"ou-"t it ma5e t"em tou-". :p until t"is moment@ it pro8a8ly "a5. 9n 1a3t@ it still mi-"t. 9 %asn?t -oin- to stan5 t"ere an5 tra5e 8lo%s %it" t"em. 9?5 loose. ="ate)er 9 %as -oin- to 5o

"a5 to 8e ;ui3k an5 take my opponent out imme5iately. Anyt"in- less@ an5 9 stoo5 a )ery -oo5 3"an3e o1 -ettin- seriously "urt. 9?5 8et on me a-ainst any 8a5 -uy my siEe. $rou8le %as@ as usual@ none o1 t"e 8a5 -uys %ere my siEe. $"ere %as a ti-"tness in my -ut@ a ner)ous trem8le. 9 realiEe5 %it" somet"in- 3lose to s"o3k t"at 9 %as more a1rai5 ri-"t no% t"an 9 "a5 8een %it" Hamil in t"e tru3k. $"is %asn?t a 5ominan3e -ame %it" rules. /o one %as -oin- to say un3le %"en someone %as 8lee5in-. S3are5B ="o@ meB But it "a5 8een a lon- time sin3e 9?5 stoo5 up to t"e 8a5 -uys %it"out pullina %eapon. =as 9 8e3omin- too 5epen5ent on "ar5%areB 7ay8e. Hason an5 9 mo)e5 8a3k@ sli5in- a little a%ay 1rom ea3" ot"er. Dou nee5 room to 1i-"t. $"e t"ou-"t o33urre5 t"at 9?5 ne)er really seen Hason 1i-"t. He 3oul5 "a)e t"ro%n t"e pi3kup tru3k t"ey 3ame in a3ross t"e street@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t kno% i1 "e kne% "o% to 1i-"t. 91 you t"ro% "uman 8ein-s aroun5 like toys@ people 3an -et 8a5ly "urt. 9 5i5n?t %ant Hason in >ail@ eit"er. A4on?t kill anyone@C 9 sai5. Hason smile5@ 8ut it %as >ust a 8arin- o1 teet". AGee@ you?re no 1un.C $"at 1irst pri3kle o1 ener-y t"at sai5 s"apes"i1ter 8reat"e5 alon- my 8o5y. 7el "a5 8een mo)in- 1or%ar5 in a 1lat21oote5@ untraine5 mo)ement. /o martial arts@ no 8o*in-@ >ust 8i-. $"e ot"er -uy %as in a stan3e. He kne% %"at "e %as 5oin-. Hason 3oul5 "eal a 8roken >a% in less t"an a 5ayG 9 3oul5n?t. 9 %ante5 7el. But "e?5 stoppe5 mo)in- 1or%ar5. $"ere %ere -oose 8umps on "is "airy arms. A="at t"e "ell %as t"atBC He %as 8i- an5 stupi5@ 8ut "e %as psy3"i3 enou-" to 1eel a s"apes"i1ter. 9nterestin-. A="o t"e "ell are %eB ="at t"e "ell %as t"atB 7el@ you nee5 8etter ;uestions@C 9 sai5. A'u3k you@C "e sai5. 9 smile5 an5 motione5 "im 1or%ar5 %it" 8ot" "an5s. A!ome an5 -et it@ 7el@ i1 you t"ink you?re man enou-".C He let out a roar an5 ran at me. He literally ran at me %it" "is 8ee1y arms %i5e like "e %as -oin- to 5o a 8ear "u-. $"e 8i--er -uy %it" "im rus"e5 Hason. 9 "a5 a sense o1 mo)ement an5 kne% S"an-24a %asn?t on t"e por3" anymore. $"ere %as no time to 8e a1rai5. /o time to t"ink. Hust to mo)e. $o 5o %"at 9?5 5one a t"ousan5 times in pra3ti3e in t"e 5o>o@ 8ut ne)er in real li1e. /e)er 1or real. 9 5u3ke5 7el?s outstret3"e5 arms an5 5i5 t%o t"in-s almost simultaneouslyJ 9 3au-"t "is le1t arm as "e %ent past an5 s%ept "is le-s out 1rom un5er "im. He 1ell "ea)ily to "is knees@ an5 9 -ot a >oint lo3k on "is arm. 9 really "a5n?t 5e3i5e5 to 8reak t"e arm. A >oint lo3k on an el8o% "urts enou-" t"at most people %ill ne-otiate a1ter you pro)e >ust "o% mu3" it "urts. 7el 5i5n?t -i)e me time. 9 3au-"t a 1las" o1 t"e 8la5e. 9 8roke "is arm. 9t ma5e a t"i3k %et soun5@ 1loppin- loose like a 3"i3ken %in- 8ent 8a3k%ar5s. He s"rieke5. S3reamin- 5i5n?t 3o)er t"e soun5. $"e 8la5e %as in "is ot"er "an5@ 8ut "e seeme5 to "a)e 1or-otten it 1or t"e moment. A4rop t"e kni1e@ 7el@C 9 sai5. He trie5 to -et to "is 1eet@ one knee "ypere*ten5e5 to t"e si5e. 9 ki3ke5 t"e knee an5 "ear5 it -i)e a 5eep@ lo% pop. A 8one 8reakin- is a 3risp@ s"arp soun5. A >oint 5oesn?t 8reak as 3lean@ 8ut it 8reaks easier. He 1ell on t"e -roun5@ %rit"in-@ s3reamin-. A$"ro% t"e kni1e a%ay@ 7elIC 9 %as yellin- at "im. $"e kni1e %ent air8orne@ lost a3ross t"e 1en3e into t"e ne*t yar5. 9 steppe5 a%ay 1rom 7el@ >ust in 3ase "e "a5 anot"er surprise. ,)ery8o5y else "a5 8een 8usy@ too. $"e 8i- one t"at "a5 atta3ke5 Hason %as lyin- in a "eap 8y t"e pi3kup tru3k. $"ere %as a 1res" 5ent in t"e si5e o1 t"e tru3k@ as i1 "e?5 8een t"ro%n into t"e si5e o1 it. He pro8a8ly "a5. A t"ir5 man lay in a 3rumple5 "eap at t"e 1oot o1 t"e por3" steps. He %asn?t mo)in-. Anot"er man %as tryin- to 3ra%l a%ay@ one le- 5an-lin- 8e"in5 "im like a 8roken tail. He %as 3ryin-. S"an-24a %as tryin- to 8reak t"rou-" t"e man %it" t"e 8ase8all 8at?s 5e1enses. Hason %as 1i-"tin- a tall@ t"in man %it" mus3les 3or5e5 alon- "is 8are arms. He %as in a lo% 1i-"tin- stan3e@ $ae K%on 4o or >u>itsu. S"an-24a took t%o 8lo%s on ea3" arm 1rom t"e 8ase8all 8at@ t"en "e took t"e 8at a%ay 1rom "im. He 8roke t"e 8at into t%o lar-e pie3es. $"e man turne5 to run. S"an-24a starte5 to sta8 "im in t"e 8a3k %it" t"e 8roken en5 o1 t"e 8at. 9 yelle5@ A4on?t kill "im.C S"an-24a 1lippe5 t"e 8roken %oo5 in "is "an5 an5 smas"e5 t"e un8roken en5 a-ainst t"e man?s skull. He %ent to "is knees so su55enly it %as startlin-. $"e tall man 1i-"tin- Hason 3rept 1or%ar5 in a 1ast 3ra8 mo)ement t"at looke5 sort o1 silly@ 8ut "is 1oot las"e5 out an5 Hason "a5 to t"ro% "imsel1 8a3k onto t"e -roun5. Hason ki3ke5 at "im@ 8ut t"e tall man leape5 o)er t"e ki3k so "i-" an5 so -ra3e1ully t"at "e seeme5 to 1loat in t"e air 1or a moment. Sirens %aile5@ 3omin- ;ui3kly 3loser. Base8all Bat 1ell 1or%ar5 onto "is 1a3e. He ne)er trie5 to 3at3" "imsel1. He %as out 1or t"e 3ount.

$"e only one o1 t"e 8a5 -uys stan5in- %as t"e tall man. Hason s3ram8le5 to "is 1eet ;ui3kly enou-" to stay >ust a"ea5 o1 t"e pun3"es an5 ki3ks@ 8ut not %ell enou-" to "urt "im 8a3k. Super stren-t" 5oes not mean super skill. S"an-24a starte5 to mo)e in to "elp. Hason looke5 at S"an-24a@ an5 t"at %as all t"e tall man nee5e5. He lan5e5 a ki3k to t"e si5e o1 Hason?s "ea5 t"at stunne5 "im an5 le1t "im on "is knees on t"e -roun5. $"e man turne5 an5 9 sa% t"e roun5"ouse ki3k 3omin-. 9t %as a ki3k t"at 3oul5 snap someone?s ne3k. 9 %as 3loser t"an S"an-4a. 9 5i5n?t e)en t"ink a8out it. 9 mo)e5 1or%ar5 an5 kne% it %oul5n?t 8e in time. But t"e tall man sa% t"e mo)ement. He s%it3"e5 "is attention 1rom Hason to me. 9 %as su55enly in a 5e1ensi)e stan3e. He re)erse5 t"e ki3k@ an5 9 mana-e5 to a)oi5 it 8e3ause "e %as o11 8alan3e. $"ere %ere t%o poli3e 3ars ski55in- 5o%n t"e street to%ar5s us. S"an-24a stoppe5 mo)in- 1or%ar5. 9 t"ink %e 8ot" t"ou-"t t"e 1i-"t %as o)er. $"e tall man t"ou-"t ot"er%ise. $"e ki3k %as >ust a 8lur o1 motion. 9 -ot one arm up in a partial 8lo3k. 7y arm %ent num8 an5 t"e ne*t t"in- 9 kne%@ 9 %as 1lat on my 8a3k starin- up at t"e sky. 9t 5i5n?t e)en "urt. He 3oul5 "a)e mo)e5 in an5 kille5 me@ 8e3ause 1or a se3on5@ 9 3oul5n?t mo)e. $"ere %as no soun5 1or t"at 1roEen se3on5@ >ust me on t"e -rass@ 8linkin- up%ar5. $"en 9 3oul5 "ear my 8loo5 poun5in- in my ears. 9 took a 5eep -aspin8reat" an5 9 3oul5 "ear "uman )oi3es a-ain. A man?s )oi3e yelle5@ A'reeEe@ mot"er1u3kerIC 9 trie5 to say@ A!olor1ul@C 8ut no soun5 3ame out. 9 3oul5 taste 8loo5 in my mout". 7y 1a3e 5i5n?t "urt t"at mu3" yetG 9 %as sort o1 num8. 9 opene5 my mout" >ust to see i1 9 3oul5. 9 3oul5. 7y >a% %asn?t 8roken. Great. 9 raise5 one arm up%ar5 an5 mana-e5 to say@ AHelp me up.C Hason sai5@ A$"ey?)e -ot -uns pointe5 at us.C 7illie 3ame 5o%n o11 t"e por3" %it" "er 3ane. S"e looke5 1unny 1rom my an-le@ like a 1uEEy1oote5 -iant. A4on?t you 8e pointin- -uns at my -ran5son an5 "is 1rien5s. $"ese men atta3ke5 t"em.C AAtta3ke5 t"emBC sai5 a man?s )oi3e. ALooks like your F-ran5son? an5 "is 1rien5s atta3ke5 t"em.C 9 1um8le5 my 94 out o1 my >a3ket po3ket an5 "el5 it up in t"e air. 9 3oul5 pro8a8ly "a)e sat up on my o%n@ 8ut sin3e 9?5 taken a "it@ 9 mi-"t as %ell use it. 9 %as "urt@ an5 t"e more "urt t"e 3ops t"ou-"t 9 %as@ t"e less likely %e?5 8e -oin- to >ail. 91 only t"e 8a5 -uys "a5 8een "urt@ t"en %e?5 "a)e all en5e5 up in >ail on assault 3"ar-es or %orse. 9 "a5n?t 3"e3ke5 1or pulses in at least t%o o1 t"e t"u-s. $"ey?5 8een lyin- a%1ully still. $"is %ay %e 3oul5 all press assault 3"ar-es. $"ey 3oul5 put us all in >ail@ or none in >ail. #r t"at %as t"e plan. As plans -o@ 9?5 "a5 8etter ones. 9 %as lu3ky my >a% %asn?t 8roken. AAnita Blake@ )ampire e*e3utioner@C 9 sai5. $"e announ3ement %oul5 "a)e "a5 a little more oomp" i1 9 "a5n?t 8een 1lat on my 8a3k@ 8ut "ey@ you 5o %"at you 3an. 9 5i5 roll onto one si5e. 7y mout" "a5 1ille5 %it" enou-" 8loo5 t"at 9 eit"er "a5 to spit or s%allo%. 9 spat onto t"e -rass. ,)en rollin- onto my si5e ma5e t"e %orl5 spin. 9 %on5ere5 1or a se3on5 or t%o i1 9 %as -oin- to spit up more on t"e -rass t"an >ust 8loo5. $"e nausea passe5@ lea)in- me %orrie5 a8out a 3on3ussion. 9?5 "a5 t"em 8e1ore@ an5 t"ey usually ma5e me si3k to my stoma3". 9 3oul5n?t see 7illie anymore@ 8ut 9 3oul5 "ear "er. ADou put up t"ose -uns@ Billy =ilkes@ or 9 %ill tan your "i5e %it" my 3ane.C A/o%@ 7iss 7illie@C t"e male )oi3e sai5. 9 repeate5 %"o 9 %as an5 sai5@ A9 nee5 some "elp to stan5. !an my people "elp me up@ pleaseBC $"e male )oi3e@ S"eri11 =ilkes 9 presume5@ soun5e5 a little un3ertain@ 8ut sai5@ A$"ey 3an mo)e.C Hason -ra88e5 t"e arm t"at %as "ol5in- my 94 up in t"e air. He looke5 5o%n at me an5 pulle5 me to my 1eet. 9t %as too ;ui3k an5 9 5i5n?t "a)e to preten5 t"at t"e %orl5 %ent spinnin-. ="en my knees 8u3kle5@ 9 5i5n?t 1i-"t it. 9 sli5 to my knees an5 S"an-24a took my ot"er arm. Bet%een t"e t%o o1 t"em@ t"ey -ot me stan5in- an5 1a3in- t"e 3ops. S"eri11 =ilkes %as a8out 1i)e 1oot ei-"t@ an5 "e %as %earin- a pale 8lue Smokey t"e Bear "at an5 a mat3"in- uni1orm. He looke5 trim an5 in s"ape like "e %orke5 out an5 took it seriously. $"e -un at "is si5e %as a ten mil Beretta. 9t %as "olstere5. $"e 5ay %as lookin- up. He stare5 at me %it" eyes a 5ark@ soli5@ trust%ort"y 8ro%n. He took t"e "at o11 an5 %ipe5 s%eat 1rom "is 1ore"ea5. His "air %as a pale salt an5 pepper an5 ma5e me put "is a-e at o)er 1orty. AAnna Blake@ 9?)e "ear5 o1 you. ="at are you 5oin- in our to%nBC 9 spat anot"er mout"1ul o1 8loo5 into t"e -rass an5 mana-e5 to stan5 more t"an sa- 8et%een S"an-24a an5 Hason. $rut" %as@ 9 3oul5 "a)e stoo5 on my o%n. But all t"e 8a5 -uys %ere on t"e -roun5. ,)en t"e one t"at "a5 ki3ke5 me %as 5o%n 1or t"e 3ount. S"an-24a must "a)e steppe5 in a1ter 9 %ent 5o%n. 9 kne% Hason 3oul5n?t "a)e taken t"e tall man. A9 3ame to see a 1rien5 in your >ail2<i3"ar5 Keeman.C A'rien5BC "e ma5e it a ;uestion. ADea"@ 1rien5.C $"ere %ere t%o 5eputies 8e"in5 =ilkes. $"ey %ere 8ot" o)er si* 1eet tall. #ne o1 t"em "a5 a s3ar t"at %ent 1rom eye8ro% to >a% on one si5e. Ha--e5G more a 8roken 8ottle t"an a kni1e. $"e ot"er 5eputy "a5 a s"ot-un in "is "an5s. 9t %asn?t

pointe5 at us@ 8ut it %as t"ere. S3ar1a3e sni3kere5 at me. $"e one %it" t"e s"ot-un >ust stare5 %it" eyes as empty an5 pitiless as a 5oll?s. 7ai5en %as stan5in- 8e"in5 t"e ot"ers@ "an5s in 1ront@ one "an5 3laspin- "is opposite %rist. His 1a3e %as 8lank@ 8ut t"ere %as an e5-e aroun5 "is mout" t"at sai5 "e %as tryin- not to smile. A=e?)e -ot to run you all in 1or assault@C =ilkes sai5. AGreat@C 9 sai5@ A9 3an?t %ait to press 3"ar-es.C He looke5 at me@ "is eyes >ust a tou3" %i5e. ADou?re t"e only ones stan5in-@ 7s. Blake. 9 5on?t t"ink you "a)e -roun5s to press 3"ar-es.C 9 leane5 a little "ea)ier a-ainst Hason. A tri3kle o1 8loo5 ran 1rom t"e 3orner o1 my mout". 9 3oul5 1eel my eye alrea5y startin- to s%ell. 9?)e al%ays 8een a 8lee5er i1 you "it me in t"e 1a3e. 9 kne% 9 looke5 piti1ul. A$"ey atta3ke5 us@ an5 %e %ere 1or3e5 to 5e1en5 oursel)es.C 9 let my knees sli5e out 1rom un5er me. S"an-24a 3au-"t me an5 li1te5 me easily in "is arms. 9 3lose5 my eyes an5 3urle5 a-ainst "is 3"est. AS"it@C =ilkes sai5. ALook at t"at poor little -irl@ Billy =ilkes@C 7illie sai5. ADou -oin- to take "er 8e1ore Hu5-e Henry. ="at 5o you t"ink "e?s -oin- to 5o to t"e rest o1 t"ese "ooli-ansB He?s -ot a 5au-"ter a8out "er a-e.C AS"it@C =ilkes sai5 a-ain %it" more 1or3e. ALet?s -et e)ery8o5y 5o%n to t"e "ospital. =e?ll sort it out t"ere.C AAm8ulan3e is on its %ay@C 7ai5en sai5. A#ne %on?t 8e enou-"@C =ilkes sai5. 7ai5en lau-"e5 lo% an5 5eep. A$"ere aren?t enou-" am8ulan3es in t"e 3ounty 1or t"is many 8o5ies.C A$"ere %oul5 "a)e 8een enou-" 1or t"ree@C =ilkes sai5. 9 tense5 in S"an-24a?s arms. He ti-"tene5 aroun5 me@ one "an5 presse5 a-ainst t"e si5e o1 my "ea5 1irmly enou-" t"at raisin- up %oul5 "a)e "urt my 1a3e. 9 let t"e 8reat" ease out o1 my 8o5y an5 3on3entrate5 on 8ein- still@ 8ut 9?5 remem8er %"at =ilkes "a5 sai5. =e?5 see %"o -ot t"e am8ulan3e ri5e ne*t time.

Chapter Eight
9t took one am8ulan3e@ one pi3kup tru3k@ t%o s;ua5 3ars@ Santa?s slei-"@ an5 me ri5in- in t"e )an 1or e)eryone to -et to t"e "ospital. #kay@ not Santa?s slei-"@ 8ut %e 5i5 look like a para5e. /early si* "ours later@ %e %ere 8a3k in 7yerton in t"e only interro-ation room t"ey "a5. 9?5 8een t"e only one o1 t"e in>ure5 t"at -ot to lea)e t"e "ospital. $"e -uy t"at Hason "a5 t"ro%n into t"e tru3k mi-"t "a)e permanent spine 5ama-e. $"ey?5 kno% %"en t"e s%ellin- %ent 5o%n. $%o o1 t"e t"ree t"at S"an-24a "a5 kno3ke5 un3ons3ious "a5 re-aine5 3ons3iousness. $"ey "a5 3on3ussions 8ut %oul5 re3o)er. $"e t"ir5 %as still out 1or t"e 3ount@ an5 t"e 5o3tors %ere talkin- a8out s%ellin- o1 t"e 8rain an5 skull 1ra3tures. S"an-24a "a5 also 5one t"e 8a5 -uy %it" t"e 3ompoun5 1ra3ture. 9 only "a5 7el to my 3re5it@ 8ut "e %as in %orse s"ape t"an t"e 3ompoun5 1ra3ture. 9t takes a "ell o1 a lot o1 %ork to "eal a >oint 8reak. Sometimes you ne)er re3o)er 1ull use o1 t"e lim8. 9 1elt sort o1 8a5 a8out t"at@ 8ut "e "a5 pulle5 t"e kni1e. Belisarius "a5 8een a 8usy little la%yer. He?5 not only arran-e5 8ail 1or <i3"ar5@ 8ut "e?5 also 8een representin- us 1or t"e last "our or so. <i3"ar5 %as a 1ree man@ temporarily. 91 Belisarius 3oul5 keep t"e rest o1 us out o1 >ail@ "e %as %ort" t"e money. =ilkes 5i5n?t %ant to arrest us@ 8ut "e %ante5 to take our 1in-erprints. 9 5i5n?t "a)e a pro8lem %it" t"at until S"an-24a 5i5. He really 5i5n?t %ant "is prints taken@ %"i3" ma5e 8ot" =ilkes an5 me suspi3ious. But i1 S"an-24a %oul5n?t 5o it@ t"en none o1 us %oul5. 9 tol5 =ilkes i1 "e %ante5 our prints@ "e "a5 to 3"ar-e us %it" somet"in-. He seeme5 relu3tant to 5o t"at. 7ay8e it %as 8e3ause 9?5 use5 my one p"one 3all to 3onta3t a 3op 9 kne%@ %"o in turn "a5 3onta3te5 an 'B9 a-ent 9 kne%. Ha)in- a 3all 1rom t"e 1e5s ma5e =ilkes >umpy as "ell. $"e 8a5 -uys "a5 am8us"e5 us a3ross 1rom t"e poli3e station. Dou 5i5n?t 5o a planne5 atta3k ri-"t ne*t 5oor to t"e 3ops unless you %ere pretty sure t"ey %oul5n?t spoil t"e 1un. $"e 8a5 -uys "a5 kno%n t"e poli3e %oul5n?t "elp us. $"ey?5 sai5 as mu3" 5urin- t"e 1i-"t@ 3"allen-in- 7illie to 3all =ilkes@ like it %oul5n?t "elp. But =ilkes?s rea3tion to t"e 3all 1rom t"e 1e5s sort o1 3lin3"e5 it 1or me. Poli3emen are )ery territorial. /o 1e5eral la%s "a5 8een 8roken. $"e 'B9 "a5 no 8usiness in a simple assault 3ase. =ilkes s"oul5 "a)e 8een pisse5@ an5 "e %asn?t. #"@ "e ma5e noises like "e %as an-ry@ an5 "e %as@ 8ut "e s"oul5 "a)e raise5 "ell@ an5 "e 5i5n?t. His rea3tion to e)eryt"in- %as >ust a little 8it o112a little 8it less 3on)in3in- t"an it s"oul5 "a)e 8een. 9 %as 8ettin- "e %as 5irty. 9 >ust 3oul5n?t pro)e it yet. #1 3ourse@ it %asn?t my >o8 to pro)e it. 9?5 3ome 5o%n "ere to -et <i3"ar5 out o1 >ail@ an5 %e?5 5one t"at. =ilkes 1inally aske5 to speak %it" me alone. Belisarius 5i5n?t like it@ 8ut "e le1t %it" t"e ot"ers. 9 sat at t"e little ta8le an5 looke5 at =ilkes.

9t %as t"e 3leanest interro-ation room 9?5 e)er 8een in. $"e ta8le %as pale pine an5 looke5 "an5ma5e. $"e %alls %ere %"ite an5 3lean. ,)en t"e linoleum on t"e 1loor %as "ospital 8ri-"t. 9 5i5n?t t"ink 7yerton -ot a lot o1 use 1or t"e room. 9t?5 pro8a8ly starte5 li1e as a stora-e 3loset. 9t "a5 8een almost too small to "ol5 1i)e o1 us@ 8ut t"ere %as room 1or t%o. =ilkes pulle5 a 3"air out an5 sat a3ross 1rom me. He 3laspe5 "is "an5s in 1ront o1 "im an5 looke5 at me. $"ere %as a 8an5 aroun5 "is "ea5 %"ere t"e "air "a5 8een presse5 1lat 1rom t"e "at. $"ere %as a plain -ol5 %e55in- 8an5 on "is le1t "an5 an5 one o1 t"ose %at3"es t"at >o--ers use@ 8i- an5 8la3k an5 utilitarian. Sin3e 9 "a5 t"e la5y?s )ersion o1 t"e same %at3" on my le1t %rist@ it %as "ar5 to 3riti3iEe. A="atBC 9 sai5. ADou -oin- to -i)e me t"e silent treatment until 9 s3ream 1or mer3yBC He -a)e a )ery small smile. A7a5e some p"one 3alls a8out you@ Blake. $"ere?s a lot o1 talk t"at you?ll 8en5 t"e la% i1 you nee5 to. $"at may8e you?)e mur5ere5 people.C 9 >ust looke5 at "im. 9 3oul5 1eel my 1a3e t"innin- out@ 8lankin-. #n3e upon a time@ e)ery emotion 9?5 1elt "a5 playe5 alonmy 1a3e@ 8ut t"at %as a %"ile a-o. 9?5 per1e3te5 my 8lank 3op stare@ an5 it s"o%e5 not"in-. A9s t"ere a point to t"is 3on)ersationBC 9 aske5. $"e smile t"is time %as 8i--er. A9 >ust like to kno% %"o 9?m 5ealin- %it"@ Blake@ t"at?s all.C AGoo5 to 8e t"orou-"@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. A9 -ot 3alls 1rom a Saint Louis 3op@ a 1e5@ an5 a state 3op. $"e state 3op says you?re a pain in t"e ass an5 %ill 8en5 t"e la% si* %ays to Sun5ay.C ABet t"at %as 'reemount@C 9 sai5. AS"e?s still pisse5 a8out a 3ase %e %orke5 to-et"er.C He no55e5@ smilin- pleasantly. A$"e 1e5 sort o1 "inte5 t"at i1 you %ere 5etaine5@ "e mi-"t 1in5 a reason to "a)e t"e lo3al 1e5eral o11i3e to 3ome take a look aroun5.C 9 smile5. ABet you really en>oye5 t"at.C His 8ro%n eyes %ent "ar5 an5 5ark. A9 5on?t %ant t"e 1ee8ies 5o%n "ere messin- in my pon5.C A9?ll 8et you 5on?t@ =ilkes.C His 1a3e ti-"tene5@ lettin- me see >ust "o% an-ry "e %as. A="at t"e 1u3k 5o you 3areBC 9 leane5 a3ross t"e ta8le on my el8o%s. ADou s"oul5 8e more 3are1ul %"o you 5o a 1rame2up >o8 on@ =ilkes.C AHe?s a 1u3kin- >unior "i-" s3ien3e tea3"er. Ho% %as 9 suppose5 to kno% "e %as s"a3kin- up %it" t"e 1u3kin,*e3utionerBC A=e?re not s"a3kin- up@C 9 sai5 automati3ally. 9 sat 8a3k in my seat. A="at 5o you %ant@ =ilkesB ="y t"e pri)ate talkBC He ran "is "an5 t"rou-" "is salt2an52pepper "air@ an5 1or t"e 1irst time@ 9 realiEe5 "o% ner)ous "e %as. He %as s3are5. ="yB ="at t"e "ell %as "appenin- in t"is tiny to%nB A91 t"e rape 3"ar-es 5isappear@ Keeman is 1ree to lea)e to%n. Dou an5 e)ery8o5y -o %it" "im. /o "arm@ no 1oul.C A sport?s metap"or2oo"@ 9 %as all a2tin-le. A9 5i5n?t 3ome 5o%n "ere to sni11 aroun5 your mess@ =ilkes. 9?m not a 3op. 9 3ame 5o%n "ere to -et <i3"ar5 out o1 trou8le.C AHe?s out o1 trou8le i1 "e lea)es.C A9?m not "is keeper@ =ilkes. 9 3an?t promise %"at <i3"ar5 %ill 5o.C A="y 5oes a s3"ooltea3"er "a)e 8o5y-uar5sBC =ilkes aske5. 9 s"ru--e5. A="y 5o you %ant t"e s3"ooltea3"er out o1 t"e %ay 8a5 enou-" to 1rame "im 1or rapeBC A=e?)e all -ot our se3rets@ Blake. Dou make sure "e lea)es to%n an5 takes "is assassins %it" "im@ an5 %e 3an all keep our se3rets.C 9 looke5 at my "an5s sprea5 on t"e smoot" ta8letop. 9 looke5 8a3k up@ met "is eyes. A9?ll talk to <i3"ar5@ see %"at 9 3an 5o. But 9 3an?t promise anyt"in- until a1ter 9?)e talke5 to "im.C A7ake "im listen@ Blake. Keeman is so 3lean "e s;ueaks@ 8ut you an5 9 kno% t"e s3ore.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADea"@ 9 kno% t"e s3ore@ an5 9 kno% %"at people say a8out me.C 9 stoo5 up. He stoo5 up. =e looke5 at ea3" ot"er. A9 5on?t al%ays pay attention to t"e letter o1 t"e la%@ t"at?s true. #ne o1 t"e reasons <i3"ar5 an5 9 aren?t 5atin- anymore is t"at "e is so 1u3kin- s;ueakin- 3lean it makes my teet" "urt. But %e "a)e one t"in- in 3ommon.C A="at?s t"atBC =ilkes aske5. APus" us@ an5 %e pus" 8a3k. <i3"ar5 usually 1or moral -roun5s@ 8e3ause it?s t"e ri-"t t"in- to 5o. 7e@ 8e3ause 9 am >ust t"at unpleasant.C A:npleasant@C =ilkes sai5. A7el !ooper may ne)er %alk ri-"t a-ain or "a)e t"e 1ull use o1 "is le1t arm.C

AHe s"oul5n?t "a)e pulle5 a kni1e on me@C 9 sai5. A91 t"ere "a5n?t 8een %itnesses@ %oul5 you "a)e kille5 "imBC 9 smile5@ an5 e)en to me@ it 1elt like a stran-e smile@ not "umorous@ unpleasant may8e. A9?ll talk to <i3"ar5. Hope1ully@ %e?ll 8e out o1 your "air 8e1ore tomorro% ni-"t.C A9 %asn?t al%ays a small2to%n 3op@ Blake. 4on?t let t"e surroun5in-s 1ool you. 9 %ill not let you an5 your people 1u3k %it" me.C A'unny@C 9 sai5. A9 %as t"inkin- t"e )ery same t"in-.C A=ell@C =ilkes sai5@ A%e kno% %"ere %e stan5.C A9 -uess %e 5o@C 9 sai5. A9 "ope 3ome 5ark tomorro% you an5 your 1rien5s are on your %ay out o1 to%n.C 9 stare5 into "is 8ro%n eyes. 9?5 looke5 into s3arier eyes@ 8lanker@ more 5ea5. He 5i5n?t "a)e t"e eyes o1 a pro1essional killer. He 5i5n?t e)en "a)e -oo5 3op eyes. 9 3oul5 see t"e 1ear s"iny an5 almost pani3ke5 aroun5 t"e e5-es. /o@ 9?5 seen s3arier eyes. But t"at 5i5n?t mean "e %oul5n?t kill me i1 "e -ot t"e 3"an3e. 7ake e)en a -oo5 man s3are5 enou-"@ an5 you ne)er kno% %"at "e?ll 5o. 7ake a 8a5 man s3are5@ an5 you are in trou8le. =ilkes pro8a8ly "a5n?t kille5 any8o5y yet or t"ey %oul5n?t "a)e 1rame5 <i3"ar5 1or rape. $"ey?5 "a)e 1rame5 "im 1or mur5er or >ust kille5 "im. So =ilkes "a5n?t sli5 3ompletely 5o%n into t"e a8yss. But on3e you em8ra3e t"e s3reamin- 5arkness@ e)entually@ you kill. 7ay8e =ilkes 5i5n?t kno% t"at yet@ 8ut i1 %e pus"e5 "ar5 enou-"@ "e?5 1i-ure it out.

Chapter Nine
By t"e time 9 -ot 8a3k to t"e 3a8ins@ it %as a1ter se)en. 9t %as Au-ust@ so it %as still 5ayli-"t@ 8ut you 3oul5 tell it %as late. $"ere %as a so1tness to t"e li-"t@ a tire5ness to t"e "eat as i1 t"e 5ay itsel1 %as ea-er 1or ni-"t. #r may8e it %as >ust me t"at %as tire5. 7y 1a3e "urt. At least 9 "a5n?t "a5 to "a)e stit3"es in my mout". $"e ,7S -uy on t"e am8ulan3e "a5 sai5 9?5 nee5 a 3ouple o1 stit3"es. ="en 9 -ot to t"e "ospital@ t"e 5o3tor sai5 9 5i5n?t. A )ery 8ri-"t spot 1or me. 9?m sort o1 p"o8i3 a8out nee5les. But 9?)e taken stit3"es %it" no painkiller an5 t"at ain?t 1un@ eit"er. Hamil %as stan5in- in 1ront o1 t"e 3a8ins. He?5 3"an-e5 into 8la3k >eans an5 a $2s"irt %it" a smiley 1a3e on it. $"e $2s"irt %as 3ut a3ross t"e mi55le so "is a8s s"o%e5. $"ou-" my 5an3e 3ar5 %as 1ull o1 attra3ti)e men@ Hamil 5i5 "a)e one o1 t"e ni3est stoma3"s 9?5 e)er seen. $"e mus3les stoo5 out un5er t"e ti-"t smoot"ness o1 "is skin like s"in-les on a roo1. 9t 5i5n?t e)en look real. Some"o%@ 9 5i5n?t t"ink you nee5e5 3o88lestone a8s to 8e a -oo5 8o5y-uar5. But "ey@ e)eryone nee5s a "o88y. A9?m sorry 9 misse5 t"e 1un@C "e sai5. He tou3"e5 my 8ruise5 lip -ently. 9t still ma5e me %in3e. A9?m surprise5 you let anyone mark you.C AS"e 5i5 it on purpose@C S"an-24a sai5. Hamil looke5 at "im. AAnna preten5e5 to 1aint@C Hason sai5. AS"e looke5 really piti1ul.C Hamil looke5 8a3k at me. 9 s"ru--e5. A9 5i5n?t let someone ki3k me in t"e 1a3e on purpose. But on3e 9 %as 5o%n@ 9 5i5 play up "o% "urt 9 %as. $"is %ay@ %e 3oul5 press our o%n assault 3"ar-es.C A9 5i5n?t t"ink you lie5 t"at %ell@C Hamil sai5. ALi)e an5 learn@C 9 sai5. A="ere?s <i3"ar5B 9 nee5 to talk to "im.C Hamil -lan3e5 8e"in5 "im at one o1 t"e 3a8ins@ t"en 8a3k to me. $"ere %as a look on "is 1a3e t"at 9 3oul5n?t rea5. AHe?s 3leanin- up. He?s 8een in t"e same 3lot"es 1or t%o 5ays.C 9 stare5 at "is so23are1ul 1a3e@ tryin- to 1i-ure out %"at "e %asn?t tellin- me. A="at?s -oin- on@ HamilBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A/ot"in-.C A4on?t -i)e me -rie1@ Hamil. 9 nee5 to talk to <i3"ar52no%.C AHe?s in t"e s"o%er.C 9 s"ook my "ea5@ an5 it ma5e my "ea5 "urt. AS3re% t"is. ="at 3a8in is "e inBC Hamil s"ook "is "ea5. AGi)e "im a 1e% minutes.C ALon-er@C S"an-24a sai5@ "is )oi3e )ery 8lan5. Hason looke5 1rom one to t"e ot"er o1 t"em@ eyes >ust a tou3" %i5e.

A="at is -oin- onBC 9 aske5. $"e 3a8in 5oor 8e"in5 Hamil opene5. A %oman appeare5 in t"e 5oor%ay. <i3"ar5 "a5 "er arms an5 seeme5 to 8e tryinto pus" "er@ -ently 8ut 1irmly@ out t"e 5oor. $"e %oman turne5 an5 sa% me. S"e "a5 pale 8ro%n "air in one o1 t"ose "air5os t"at seem artless an5 simple yet a3tually take "ours to 5o. S"e pulle5 a%ay 1rom <i3"ar5 an5 stalke5 to%ar5s us. /o@ to%ar5s me. Her 5ark eyes %ere all 1or me. ALu3y@ 5on?t@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9 >ust %ant to smell "er@C Lu3y sai5. 9t %as t"e kin5 o1 3omment a 5o- mi-"t make i1 it 3oul5 speak. Smell me@ not see me. =e primates ten5 to 1or-et t"at a lot o1 ot"er mammals 3onsi5er smell more important t"an )ision. Lu3y an5 9 "a5 time to stu5y ea3" ot"er as s"e %alke5 to%ar5s me. S"e %as only a little taller t"an me@ may8e 1i)e 1oot si*. Her %alk %as an e*a--erate5 s%ay so t"at t"e s"ort@ plum23olore5 skirt 8louse5 aroun5 "er an5 you -ot -limpses o1 t"e "ose an5 -arters s"e %as %earin- un5erneat". S"e %as 3arryin- a pair o1 8la3k "eels 8ut %alke5 to%ar5s us in a -ra3e1ul@ almost tiptoe mo)ement. Her 8louse %as a paler purple@ un8uttone5 so t"at you -limpse5 enou-" o1 t"e 8ra to kno% it %as 8la3k an5 mat3"e5 t"e rest o1 t"e un5ies t"at you 3oul5 see. An5 eit"er t"e 8ra %as a %on5er8ra or s"e %as@ %ell@ sta3ke5. S"e %as %earin- more makeup t"an 9 e)er %ore@ 8ut it %as %ell2applie5 an5 ma5e "er skin look smoot" an5 per1e3t. Her 5ark lipsti3k %as smeare5. 9 -lan3e5 8e"in5 "er at <i3"ar5. He %as %earin- a pair o1 8lue >eans an5 not"in- else. =ater still 8ea5e5 on "is nake5 3"est. His t"i3k "air 3lun- to "is 1a3e an5 s"oul5ers in %et stran5s. He "a5 "er 5ark lipsti3k smeare5 a3ross "is mout" like a plum23olore5 8ruise. =e looke5 at ea3" ot"er@ an5 9 5on?t t"ink eit"er o1 us kne% %"at to say. $"e %oman kne% e*a3tly %"at to say. ASo you?re <i3"ar5?s "uman 8it3".C 9t %as so "ostile@ it ma5e me smile. S"e 5i5n?t like t"e smile. S"e steppe5 into me so 3lose@ 9?5 "a)e to step 8a3k to keep t"e e5-e o1 "er skirt 1rom 8rus"inmy le-s. 91 9?5 "a5 any 5ou8t %"at s"e %as@ t"is 3lose@ "er po%er 5an3e5 o)er my skin like inse3ts s%armin- o)er my 8o5y. S"e %as po%er1ul. 9 s"ook my "ea5. ALook@ 8e1ore %e -et into any ar3ane %ere%ol1 s"it or %orse@ personal s"it@ 9 nee5 to talk to <i3"ar5 a8out >ail an5 %"y t"e lo3al 3ops %ent to t"e trou8le o1 1ramin- "im 1or rape.C S"e 8linke5 at me. A7y name is Lu3y =inston. <emem8er it.C 9 looke5 into "er pale 8ro%n eyes 1rom in3"es a%ay. 9 %as 3lose enou-" to see t"e small imper1e3tions in "er eyeliner. <i3"ar5 "a5 mentione5 a Lu3y in >ail. He 3oul5n?t 8e 5atin- t%o o1 t"em@ 3oul5 "eB ALu3y2<i3"ar5 mentione5 you@C 9 sai5. S"e 8linke5 a-ain@ 8ut t"is time s"e %as puEEle5. S"e took a step 8a3k 1rom me to -lan3e at <i3"ar5. ADou mentione5 me to "erBC <i3"ar5 no55e5. S"e 8a3ke5 up an5 looke5 on t"e )er-e o1 tears. A$"en %"y ... C 9 -lan3e5 1rom one to t"e ot"er o1 t"em. ="y %"at@ is %"at 9 %ante5 to ask. But 9 5i5n?t. 9?5 8een en>oyin- 5islikin- Lu3y. 91 s"e 3rie5@ it mi-"t spoil my 1un. 9 put my "an5s up like 9 %as surren5erin- an5 steppe5 aroun5 "er. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s <i3"ar5 8e3ause %e "a5 to talk@ 8ut seein- Lu3y in "er -arters an5 "ose "a5 taken a lot o1 t"e 1un out o1 it. 9t %as none o1 my 8usiness %"at "e 5i5. 9 %as sleepin- %it" Hean2!lau5e. 9 %as all out o1 stones to t"ro%. So %"y %as 9 "a)in- su3" a "ar5 time not 8ein- pisse5B 7ay8e t"at %as a ;uestion 8etter le1t unans%ere5. <i3"ar5 steppe5 8a3k out o1 t"e 5oor%ay so 9 3oul5 %alk past "im. He 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 me@ leanin- a-ainst it. =e %ere su55enly alone@ really alone@ an5 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. He leane5 a-ainst t"e 5oor %it" "is "an5s 8e"in5 "is 8a3k. =ater 8ea5e5 on "is nake5 upper 8o5y. He?5 al%ays "a5 a ni3e 3"est@ 8ut "e "a5 8een li1tin- %ei-"ts sin3e last 9?5 seen "im %it"out "is s"irt. His upper 8o5y %as almost a--ressi)ely mas3uline@ t"ou-" still s"ort o1 t"at o)er5one look t"at 8o5y8uil5ers stri)e so "ar5 1or. He %as slumpe5 a-ainst t"e 5oor. 9t ma5e "is stoma3" mus3les 8un3". #n3e upon a time@ 9 3oul5 "a)e "elpe5 "im 5ry o11. His "air %as startin- to 5ry in a %a)y mass. 91 "e 5i5n?t 5o somet"in- soon@ "e?5 "a)e to %et it an5 start o)er. ALu3y 5ra- you out o1 t"e s"o%er %it"out a to%elBC $"e moment 9 sai5 it@ 9 %is"e5 9 "a5n?t. 9 put my "an5 up an5 sai5@ A9?m sorry. 9t?s none o1 my 8usiness. 9 5on?t "a)e t"e ri-"t to 8e 3atty %it" you.C He smile5@ almost sa5ly. A9 t"ink t"at?s t"e se3on5 time 9?)e e)er "ear5 you a5mit you %ere %ron-.C A#"@ 9?m %ron- a lot. 9 >ust 5on?t a5mit it out lou5.C $"at ma5e "im smile a-ain@ an5 it %as almost "is normal smile. $"at 8ri-"t 1las" o1 per1e3t teet" in t"e permanent tan o1 "is 1a3e. 7ost people t"ou-"t <i3"ar5 %as tanne5. 9 kne% it %as skin 3olor 8e3ause 9?5 seen t"e %"ole pa3ka-e. He %as

%"ite 8rea5@ all 7i55le Ameri3an@ %it" a 1amily t"at ma5e t"e =altons look un1rien5ly@ 8ut a -eneration or so 8a3k %as somet"in- not so %"ite 8rea5. <i3"ar5 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e 5oor. He %alke5 to%ar5s me on "is 8are 1eet. 9 %as more a%are t"an %as polite o1 t"e line o1 "air runnin- 5o%n t"e 3enter o1 "is lo%er a85omen. 9 turne5 a%ay an5 sai5@ A="y 5i5 t"ey %ant you in >ailBC Business@ 3on3entrate on 8usiness. A9?m not sure@C "e sai5. A7ay 9 -et a to%el an5 1inis" 5ryin- o11 %"ile %e talkBC A9t?s your 3a8in. Help yoursel1@C 9 sai5. He 5isappeare5 into t"e 8at"room. 9 %as le1t to look aroun5. $"e 3a8in %as almost i5enti3al to mine e*3ept t"at it %as yello% an5 it %as more li)e5 in. $"e 3"eer1ul 3om1orter %as pus"e5 onto t"e 1loor in a sunny "eap. $"e %"ite s"eets %ere %rinkle5. <i3"ar5 %as almost 1anati3al a8out makin- t"e 8e5. Some"o% Lu3y 5i5n?t strike me as t"e neat type. 9 %as 8ettin- s"e "a5 musse5 t"e 8e5. #1 3ourse@ t"ere %as a %et spot on one si5e@ so may8e s"e?5 "a5 "elp. 9 passe5 my "an5 o)er t"e 5amp s"eets. ,)en t"e pillo% %as %et as i1 t"at t"i3k %et "air "a5 lai5 a3ross it. 7y t"roat 1elt ti-"t@ an5 i1 9 "a5n?t kno%n 8etter@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 t"ere %ere tears in my eyes. /a%@ surely not. 9 mean 9?5 8een t"e one t"at 5umpe5 <i3"ar5. ="y s"oul5 9 3ryB $"e print a8o)e t"e 8e5 %as anot"er Van Go-"@ Sun1lo%ers t"is time. 9 %on5ere5 i1 e)ery 3a8in "a5 a Van Go-" print in a 3olor t"at mat3"e5 t"e 5e3or. Dea"@ may8e i1 9 3on3entrate5 on t"e room?s 1urnis"in-s@ 9 %oul5n?t keep %on5erin- i1 Lu3y "a5 looke5 up at t"e meltin- sun1lo%ers %"ile <i3"ar5 ... 9 3ut t"at parti3ular )isual o11. 9 5i5n?t nee5 to -o t"ere2e)er. 4i5 9 really t"ink t"at <i3"ar5 %as -oin- to stay 3"aste %"ile 9 8o11e5 Hean2!lau5eB 4i5 9 really e*pe3t "im to >ust %ait aroun5B 7ay8e 9 "a5. Stupi5@ 8ut may8e true. $"e 8at"room 5oor %as still 3lose5. 9 3oul5 "ear %ater runnin-. =as "e takin- anot"er s"o%erB 7ay8e "e %as >ust %ettin- 5o%n "is "air. 7ay8e. #r may8e "e %as 3leanin- o11. Se* %as ne)er as neat as t"e mo)ies ma5e it. <eal se* %as messy. Goo5 se* %as messier. $"ree mont"s %it" Hean2!lau5e@ an5 9 %as a se* e*pert. 9t %as almost 1unny. 9?5 8een 3"aste until "e 3ame alon-. /ot )ir-inal. 7y 1ian36 in 3olle-e "a5 taken 3are o1 t"at. 9?5 1allen into my 1ian36?s arms %it" t"e trust t"at only 1irst lo)e 3an -i)e you. 9t %as one o1 t"e last nai)e t"in-s 9 e)er 5i5. <i3"ar5 an5 9 "a5 8een en-a-e5@ 8rie1ly. But %e?5 ne)er "a5 se*. =e?5 8ot" 8een 3"aste sin3e our 1irst e*perien3e in 3olle-e %it" ot"er people. Hust a personal 3"oi3e t"at %e 8ot" s"are5. 7ay8e i1 %e?5 -i)en in to t"at lust@ t"ere %oul5n?t 8e so mu3" "eat le1t 8et%een us. #1 3ourse@ lately@ %e?5 8een mostly 1i-"tin-. <i3"ar5 "a5 8een too kin5"earte5@ too ten5er@ too s;ueamis" to rule t"e %ol1 pa3k. He?5 "a5 a 3"an3e to kill t"e ol5 :l1ri3@ 7ar3us@ t%i3eG an5 t%i3e <i3"ar5 re1use5 t"e kill. /o kill@ no ne% :l1ri3. 9 ur-e5 "im to kill 7ar3us. An5 a1ter "e 5i5 it@ 9 5umpe5 "im. :n1air@ %asn?t itB #1 3ourse@ 9 "a5n?t tol5 "im to eat 7ar3us@ >ust to kill "im. ="at?s a little 3anni8alism 8et%een 1rien5sB $"e %ater %as still runnin- in t"e 8at"room. 91 9 "a5n?t 8een a1rai5 "e?5 ans%er 5rippin- %et in not"in- 8ut a to%el@ 9?5 "a)e kno3ke5 an5 aske5 "im to "urry. But 9?5 seen enou-" o1 7r. Keeman 1or one 5ay. Less %as 5e1initely more. $"ere %ere pi3tures pinne5 a8o)e t"e 5esk. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"em. 9?5 "a5 one semester o1 Primate Stu5iesJ /ort" Ameri3an. =e?5 all 3alle5 it troll 3lass. $"e Lesser Smokey 7ountain $roll is one o1 t"e smallest o1 t"e /ort" Ameri3an trolls. $"ey a)era-e 8et%een t"ree an5 a "al1 1eet to 1i)e 1eet. $"ey are mostly )e-etarians 8ut %ill supplement t"eir 5iet %it" 3arrion an5 inse3ts. 9 let all t"e stats run t"rou-" my "ea5 as 9 %alke5 to%ar5s t"e pi3tures. $"ey %ere 3o)ere5 in 8la3kis" 1ur 1rom "ea5 to 1oot. !rou3"e5 in t"e trees@ "u55le5 to-et"er@ t"ey looke5 like tall 3"impanEees or slen5er -orillas@ 8ut t"ere %ere pi3tures o1 t"em %alkin-. $"ey %ere 3ompletely 8ipe5al. $"e only primate e*3ept man t"at %alke5 upri-"t. $"e 3lose2up s"ots o1 1a3es %ere startlin-. $"eir 1a3es %ere more 1urry t"an t"e -reat apes an5 more manlike. Some early t"eories "a5 sai5 trolls %ere t"e missin- link 8et%een man an5 ape. $"ere "a5 8een at least t%o 1amous 3ases o1 3ir3uses in t"e early 19 s t"at toure5 %it" trolls 8ut liste5 t"em as %il5 men. Ameri3an settlers "a5 8een killin- trolls 1or 3enturies. By t"e early 19 s@ t"ey?5 8een rare enou-" to 8e o55ities. $%o t"in-s "appene5 in 191 t"at sa)e5 t"e trolls 1rom utter 5estru3tion. #neJ a s3ienti1i3 arti3le %as pu8lis"e5 t"at sai5 t"at t"e trolls use5 tools an5 8urie5 t"eir 5ea5 %it" 1lo%ers an5 personal arti3les. $"e s3ientist )ery 3are1ully 5i5 not pro>e3t anyt"in- 8eyon5 t"e 8asi3 1in5in-s@ 8ut t"e ne%spapers 5i5. $"ey 5e3lare5 t"at trolls 8elie)e5 in an a1terli1e@ t"at t"ey 8elie)e5 in Go5. An e)an-eli3al minister name5 Simon Barkley 1elt t"at Go5 spoke to "im. He %ent out an5 3apture5 a troll an5 trie5 to 3on)ert "im to !"ristianity. He %rote a 8ook a8out "is e*perien3es %it" Peter (t"e troll)@ an5 it 8e3ame a 8est2seller. Su55enly@ trolls %ere a 3ause 36l_8re. #ne o1 my 8iolo-y pro1s "a5 kept a 8la3k2an52%"ite p"oto o1 Peter t"e $roll up in "is o11i3e. Peter "a5 "is "ea5 8o%e5 an5 "is "an5s 3laspe5. He %as e)en %earin- 3lot"es@ t"ou-" 7inister Barkley %as al%ays 5istresse5 t"at %it"out 3onstant super)ision@ Peter 5isro8e5. 9 %asn?t sure "o% -oo5 a time Peter "a5 %it" Barkley@ 8ut "e sa)e5 "is spe3ies 1rom almost 3ertain e*tin3tion. Peter "a5 8een a /ort" Ameri3an !a)e $roll@ t"e only spe3ies on t"is 3ontinent smaller t"an t"e Lesser Smokey. Barkley "a5 8een mo)e5 8y t"e spirit o1 Go5@ 8ut "e "a5n?t 8een stupi5. $"ere "a5 still 8een Greater Smokey 7ountain $rolls in t"ose

5ays@ ei-"t to t%el)e 1eet tall an5 3arni)orous. Barkley "a5n?t trie5 to sa)e one o1 t"em. Pro8a8ly >ust as %ell. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een a real 5o%ner i1 t"e troll "a5 eaten Barkley instea5 o1 prayin- 1or "im. $rolls %ere t"e 1irst prote3te5 spe3ies in Ameri3a. $"e Greater Smokey 7ountain $roll %as not prote3te5. 9t %as "unte5 to e*tin3tionG 8ut t"en@ it pulle5 up lar-e trees an5 8eat t"e tourists to 5eat" an5 su3ke5 t"e marro% 1rom t"eir 8ones. Har5 to -et -oo5 press t"at %ay. $"ere %as still a troll so3iety 3alle5 Peter?s 'rien5s. ,)en t"ou-" it %as ille-al to kill trolls@ any trolls@ 1or any reason@ it still "appene5. Hunters poa3"e5 t"em. $"ou-" starin- into t"ose too2"uman 1a3es@ 9 5on?t kno% "o% t"ey 5i5 it. /ot >ust 1or a trop"y. <i3"ar5 steppe5 out o1 t"e 8at"room in a rus" o1 %arm air. He %as still %earin- t"e >eans@ 8ut no% t"ere %as a to%el on "is "ea5 an5 a 8lo%25ryer in one "an5. He "a5 re%et "is "air@ t"ou-" "e seeme5 to "a)e -otten all o1 "im in t"e s"o%er to 5o it. 7er3i1ully@ "e?5 5rie5 "is 3"est an5 arms o11. His arms looke5 amaEin-ly stron-. 9 kne% "e 3oul5 "a)e tosse5 aroun5 small elep"ants@ re-ar5less o1 "o% mus3ular "e looke5@ 8ut t"e mus3les "elpe5 remin5 me. P"ysi3ally@ "e %as a pleasure to -aEe upon. But it ma5e me %on5er %"y "e?5 8een spen5in- t"e e*tra time on "is 8o5y. <i3"ar5 5i5n?t usually s%eat t"at kin5 o1 t"in-. 9 pointe5 at t"e pi3tures. A$"ese are -reat.C 9 smile5 an5 meant it. #n3e upon a time@ 9?5 en)isione5 spen5in- my li1e in t"e 1iel5 5oin- t"is kin5 o1 %ork. A sort o1 preternatural Hane Goo5all. $"ou-" trut"1ully@ primates "a5n?t 8een my main area o1 interest. 4ra-ons@ may8e@ or lake monsters. /ot"in- t"at %oul5n?t eat me i1 it -ot t"e 3"an3e. But t"at "a5 8een lon- a-o 8e1ore Bert@ my 8oss@ re3ruite5 me to raise t"e 5ea5 an5 slay )ampires. Sometimes@ e)en t"ou-" <i3"ar5 %as ol5er t"an 9 %as 8y t"ree years@ "e ma5e me 1eel ol5. He %as still tryin- to "a)e a li1e ami5 all t"e stran-e s"it. 9?5 -i)en up on anyt"in- 8ut t"e stran-e s"it. Dou 3oul5n?t 5o 8ot" e;ually %ell2or 9 3oul5n?t. A9?ll take you up to see t"em@ i1 you?5 like@C "e sai5. A9?5 lo)e to@ i1 it %oul5n?t upset t"e trolls.C A$"ey?re pretty a33ustome5 to )isitors. !arrie24r. #nslo%2"as starte5 allo%in- small -roups o1 tourists to 3ome an5 take pi3tures.C He?5 mentione5 a !arrie in t"e same 8reat" %it" Lu3y. =as t"is t"e same %omanB AAre you -uys t"at "ar5 up 1or moneyBC 9 aske5. He sat 5o%n on t"e si5e o1 t"e 8e5 an5 plu--e5 in t"e 8lo%25ryer. ADou?re al%ays s"ort o1 money on a pro>e3t like t"is@ 8ut it?s not money %e nee5. 9t?s -oo5 press.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A="y 5o you nee5 -oo5 pressBC AHa)e you 8een rea5in- t"e ne%spaper latelyBC "e aske5. He remo)e5 t"e to%el 1rom "is "ea5. His "air %as 5ark an5 8ro%n %it" moisture@ "ea)y@ as i1 t"ere %as still %ater to 8e s;ueeEe5 1rom it. ADou kno% 9 5on?t rea5 t"e ne%spaper.C ADou 5i5n?t o%n a tele)ision@ eit"er@ 8ut you 5o no%.C 9 leane5 my 8utt a-ainst t"e e5-e o1 "is 5esk@ as 1ar a%ay 1rom "im as 9 3oul5 -et an5 not lea)e t"e room. 9?5 8ou-"t t"e tele)ision so t"at "e an5 9 3oul5 %at3" ol5 mo)ies an5 )i5eos. A9 5on?t %at3" mu3" tele)ision anymore.C AHean2!lau5e not a 1an o1 mus3ialsBC <i3"ar5 aske5@ an5 t"ere %as t"at e5-e to "is )oi3e t"at 9?5 "ear5 in t"e last 1e% %eeksJ an-ry@ >ealous@ "urt@ 3ruel. 9t %as almost a relie1 to "ear it. His an-er ma5e e)eryt"in- easier. AHean2!lau5e?s not mu3" o1 a %at3"er. He?s more a 5oer.C <i3"ar5?s 1a3e t"inne5 out@ an-er makin- "is "i-"@ s3ulpte5 3"eek8ones stan5 out un5erneat" "is skin. ALu3y isn?t mu3" o1 a %at3"er@ eit"er@C "e sai5@ )oi3e lo% an5 3are1ul. 9 lau-"e5@ an5 it %asn?t a "appy soun5. A$"anks 1or makin- t"is easier@ <i3"ar5.C He stare5 5o%n at t"e 1loor@ "is %et "air tu3ke5 to one si5e so "is 1a3e %as in 1ull pro1ile. A9 5on?t %ant to 1i-"t@ Anita. 9 really 5on?t.C A!oul5 "a)e 1oole5 me@C 9 sai5. He looke5 up@ an5 "is 3"o3olate 8ro%n eyes %ere 5ark %it" more t"an >ust 3olor. A91 9?5 %ante5 a 1i-"t@ 9 3oul5 "a)e >ust -i)en in to Lu3y. Let you 1in5 us in t"e 8e5 to-et"er.C ADou?re not mine@ anymore@ <i3"ar5. ="y s"oul5 it 8ot"er me %"at t"e "ell you 5oBC A$"at is t"e ;uestion@ isn?t itBC He stoo5 an5 starte5 %alkin- to%ar5s me. A="y 5i5 t"ey 1rame youBC 9 aske5. A="y 5i5 t"ey %ant you in >ailBC A$"at?s you@ Anita. All 8usiness.C AAn5 you let yoursel1 -et 5istra3te5@ <i3"ar5. Dou 5on?t keep your eye on t"e 8all.C GeeE@ a sports metap"or. 7ay8e it %as 3onta-ious.

A'ine@C "e sai5@ an5 t"at one %or5 %as so an-ry t"at it almost "urt. A$"e troll 8an5 t"at %e?re stu5yin- "as 8roken into t%o 8an5s. $"eir 8irt" rate is so lo% t"at t"ey 5on?t 5o t"at )ery o1ten. 9t?s t"e 1irst re3or5e5 o11s"oot 1or a /ort" Ameri3an troll troop in t"is 3entury.C A$"is is all 1as3inatin-@ 8ut %"at 5oes it "a)e to 5o %it" anyt"in-BC AHust s"ut up an5 listen@C "e sai5. 9 5i5. $"at %as a 1irst. A$"e se3on5 smaller troop mo)e5 out o1 t"e park. $"ey?)e 8een on pri)ate lan5 1or a little o)er a year. $"e 1armer %"o o%ne5 t"e lan5 %as okay %it" t"at. 9n 1a3t@ "e %as sort o1 please5. !arrie 8rou-"t "im up to see t"e 1irst troll 8a8y 8orn on "is lan5@ an5 "e 3arrie5 t"e pi3ture in "is %allet.C 9 looke5 at "im. ASoun5s -reat.C A$"e 1armer@ 9)an Greene@ 5ie5 a8out si* mont"s a-o. His son %as not a nature lo)er.C AA"@C 9 sai5. ABut trolls are a se)erely en5an-ere5 spe3ies. An5 t"ey?re not like t"e snail 5arter@ or t"e )el)et28a3k toa5. $"ey?re a 8i-@ s"o%y animal. $"e son trie5 to sell t"e lan5@ an5 %e -ot it stoppe5 le-ally.C ABut t"e son %asn?t "appy %it" t"at@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 smile5. A/ot "ar5ly.C ASo "e took you to 3ourt@C 9 sai5. A/ot e*a3tly@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A=e e*pe3te5 "im to 5o t"at. 9n 1a3t@ %e s"oul5 "a)e kno%n somet"in- %as %ron- %"en "e 5i5n?t keep us tie5 up in 3ourt.C A="at 5i5 "e 5oBC 9 aske5. $"e an-er %as leakin- a%ay as <i3"ar5 talke5. He al%ays "a5 to %ork really "ar5 to stay an-ry. 7e@ it %as one o1 my 8est t"in-s. He retrie)e5 t"e to%el 1rom t"e 8e5 an5 starte5 5ryin- "is "air %"ile "e talke5. AGoats starte5 5isappearin- 1rom a lo3al 1armer.C AGoatsBC 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 peere5 at me t"rou-" a 3urtain o1 %et "air. AGoats.C ASome8o5y?s 8een rea5in- too mu3" FBilly Goat Gru11@? A 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 %rappe5 t"e to%el more 1irmly aroun5 "is "ea5 an5 sat 5o%n on t"e 8e5. A,*a3tly@C "e sai5. A/o one %"o really kne% anyt"in- a8out trolls %oul5 "a)e taken -oats. ,)en t"e ,uropean Lesser $rolls t"at 5o "unt %ill take your 5o8e1ore t"ey?ll take your -oat.C ASo it %as a setup@C 9 sai5. ADea"@ 8ut t"e ne%spapers -ot "ol5 o1 it. =e %ere still okay until t"e 5o-s an5 3ats starte5 5isappearin-.C A$"ey -ot smarter@C 9 sai5. A$"ey listene5 to !arrie?s inter)ie%s %"ere s"e 5is3usse5 1oo5 pre1eren3es@C "e sai5. 9?5 3ome to stan5 at t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5. A="y are t"e lo3al 3ops intereste5 in some lan5 s;ua88leBC A=ait@ it -ets %orse@C "e sai5. 9 pi3ke5 up t"e spille5 3om1orter an5 sat on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8e5 %it" it 8un5le5 in my lap. AHo% %orseBC AA man?s 8o5y %as 1oun5 t%o %eeks a-o. 9t %as >ust one o1 t"ose "orri8le "ikin- a3i5ents at 1irst. He 1ell o11 t"e mountain. 9t "appens@C <i3"ar5 sai5. AHa)in- seen some o1 t"e mountains@ 9?m not surprise5@C 9 sai5. ABut some"o% t"e 8o5y %as liste5 as a troll kill.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A9t?s not like a s"ark kill@ <i3"ar5. Ho% 5i5 t"ey tell a troll 5i5 itBC AA troll 5i5n?t 5o it@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 no55e5. A#1 3ourse not@ 8ut %"at %as t"eir proo1@ 1alse or ot"er%iseBC A!arrie trie5 to -et t"e 3oroner?s report. But it %as leake5 to t"e ne%spapers 1irst. $"e man "a5 8een 8eaten to 5eat" an5 "a5 8ites out o1 "is 8o5y 1rom animals. $roll 8ites.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. AAny8o5y %"o 5ies in t"ese mountains is -oin- to "a)e animal 8ites on t"e 8o5y. $rolls are kno%n s3a)en-ers.C A/ot a33or5in- to S"eri11 =ilkes@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A="at 5oes t"e s"eri11 -et out o1 t"isBC

A7oney@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A4o you kno% t"at 1or sureBC 9 aske5. ADou mean@ 3an 9 pro)e itBC 9 no55e5. A/o. !arrie?s 8een tryin- to see i1 t"ere?s a paper trail@ 8ut so 1ar@ not"in-. S"e?s 8een 3"asin- aroun5@ tryin- to -et me out o1 >ail 1or t"e last 1e% 5ays.C A9s s"e t"e same !arrie you mentione5 as a -irl1rien5 in >ailBC 9 aske5. <i3"ar5 no55e5. AA"a@C 9 sai5. A4i5 you >ust say@ a"aBC "e aske5. ADes@ an5 9 apolo-iEe 1or it@ 8ut %"at 8etter %ay to keep !arrie 1rom %orkin- on t"e mystery t"an to put "er 8oy1rien5 in >ail.C A9?m not "er 8oy1rien5 anymore@C "e sai5. 9 "urrie5 past t"at little 8it o1 kno%le5-e. A9s it 3ommon kno%le5-e t"at you?re not an item anymoreBC A/ot really.C A$"en t"at may e*plain %"y t"ey %ante5 you in >ail. $"ey 1rame5 you 1or rape 8e3ause so 1ar@ =ilkes isn?t %illin- to kill.C ADou t"ink t"at %ill 3"an-eBC <i3"ar5 aske5. 9 tou3"e5 my s%ollen lip. AHe?s alrea5y starte5 uppin- t"e )iolen3e le)el.C <i3"ar5 leane5 a3ross t"e 8e5 until "is 1in-ertips tou3"e5 t"e 8ruises on my 1a3e. 9t %as a tentati)e tou3" like a 8utter1ly?s %in-. A4i5 =ilkes 5o t"isBC 7y "eart %as su55enly 8eatin- 1aster. A/o@C 9 sai5@ A=ilkes %as )ery 3are1ul to only s"o% up a1ter all t"e 8a5 -uys nee5e5 an am8ulan3e.C <i3"ar5 smile5@ 1in-ers tra3in- t"e e5-e o1 my 1a3e@ >ust 8eyon5 t"e 8ruises. AHo% many o1 t"em 5i5 you "urtBC 7y pulse %as 8eatin- so "ar5@ 9 %as a1rai5 "e 3oul5 see it >umpin- in my t"roat. AHust one.C <i3"ar5 s3oote5 >ust a little 3loser to me@ "an5 still trailin- up an5 5o%n my 3"eek. A="at 5i5 you 5o to "imBC 9 5i5n?t kno% %"et"er to mo)e a%ay or 3u55le my a3"in- 1a3e a-ainst t"e 3ool %armt" o1 "is "an5. A9 8roke "is arm an5 le- at t"e >oint.C A="y 5i5 you 5o t"atBC <i3"ar5 aske5. AHe %as t"reatenin- S"an-24a@ an5 "e pulle5 a kni1e on me.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 8reat"y. <i3"ar5 leane5 in 3lose@ t"en 3loser. He pulle5 t"e ri5i3ulous to%el 1rom "is "ea5@ an5 "is t"i3k "air 1ell in 3"ille5@ %et stran5s aroun5 "is 1a3e@ a-ainst my skin. His lips %ere so 3lose to my mout"@ 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8reat". 9 stoo5@ steppin- 8a3k 1rom "im@ t"e 3om1orter still 8un5le5 in my arms. 9 let it 1all to t"e 1loor@ an5 %e stare5 at ea3" ot"er. A="y not@ AnitaB Dou %ant me. 9 3an 1eel it@ smell it@ taste your pulse on my ton-ue.C A$"anks 1or t"at )isual@ <i3"ar5.C ADou still %ant me a1ter mont"s in "is 8e5. Dou still %ant me.C A$"at 5oesn?t make it ri-"t.C 9 sai5. ALoyal to Hean2!lau5e no%BC "e aske5. AHust tryin- not to 1u3k up any %orse t"an 9 alrea5y "a)e@ <i3"ar5. $"at?s all.C A<e-rettin- your 3"oi3eBC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o 3omment.C He stoo5 an5 starte5 to%ar5s me. 9 put a "an5 out@ an5 "e stoppe5. $"e %ei-"t o1 "is -aEe %as almost tou3"a8le@ as i1 9 3oul5 1eel %"at "e %as t"inkin-@ an5 it %as personal an5 intimate@ an5 t"in-s %e?5 ne)er 5one 8e1ore. AS"eri11 =ilkes says -et out o1 4o5-e 8y 5ark tomorro%@ take our 8o5y-uar5s %it" us@ an5 "e?ll >ust 1or-et e)eryt"in-. $"e rape 3"ar-es %ill )anis"@ an5 you 3an -o 8a3k to your normal li1e.C A9 3an?t 5o t"at@ Anita. $"ey?re talkin- a8out "untin- t"e trolls 5o%n %it" -uns an5 5o-s. 9?m not lea)in- until 9 kno% t"e trolls are sa1e.C 9 si-"e5. AS3"ool starts in less t"an t%o %eeks. Are you -oin- to stay "ere an5 lose your >o8BC A4o you really t"ink =ilkes %ill let it -o t"at lon-BC <i3"ar5 aske5.

A/o@C 9 sai5. A9 t"ink "e or some o1 "is men %ill start killin- people 1irst. =e nee5 to 1in5 out %"y t"is lan5 is so )alua8le.C A91 it?s minerals@ Greene "asn?t 1ile5 t"e report@ %"i3" means "e 5oesn?t nee5 -o)ernment permission an5 5oesn?t nee5 partners.C A="at 5o you mean permission an5 partnersBC A91 "e?5 1oun5@ say@ emeral5s on lan5 t"at 8or5ere5 t"e national park@ t"en "e?5 "a)e to 1ile t"e 3laim an5 try to -et permission to pla3er mine ne*t to t"e park. 91 "e?5 1oun5 somet"in- t"at nee5e5 8lastin- an5 "ar5 minin- like may8e lea5 or somet"in-@ t"en "e mi-"t nee5 partners to "elp "im 1inan3e it. $"en "e?5 nee5 to 1ile a 3laim to s"o% t"e prospe3ti)e partners.C A="en 5i5 you start stu5in- -eolo-yBC 9 aske5. He smile5. A=e?)e 8een tryin- to 1i-ure out %"at is on t"e lan5 t"at is %ort" t"is mu3" trou8le. 7inerals seeme5 t"e lo-i3al 3"oi3e.C 9 no55e5. AA-ree5@ 8ut eit"er it?s not minerals or it?s somet"in- pri)ate@ an5 "e 5oesn?t "a)e to s"are t"at in1o@ ri-"tBC A,*a3tly.C A9 nee5 to speak %it" !arrie an5 t"e ot"er 8iolo-ists@C 9 sai5. A$omorro%@C "e sai5. A="y not toni-"tBC ADou sai5 it outsi5eJ ar3ane %ere%ol1 s"it.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC 9 aske5. A9t means t"at %e?re 1our ni-"ts 1rom t"e 1ull moon@ an5 you?re my lupa.C A9 "ear5 you?)e 8een takin- appli3ants 1or t"e >o8@C 9 sai5. He smile5@ an5 it %asn?t nearly em8arrasse5 enou-". ADou may 1in5 it stran-e@ 8ut a lot o1 %omen 1in5 me attra3ti)e.C ADou kno% 9 5on?t 1in5 t"at stran-e@C 9 sai5. ABut you?re still %it" Hean2!lau5e@C "e sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?m out o1 "ere@ <i3"ar5. 9?ll stay aroun5 an5 try to keep you 1rom 8ein- kille5 or -ettin- any o1 our pa3k kille5@ 8ut let?s 5rop t"e personal stu11.C He 3lose5 t"e 5istan3e 8et%een us@ an5 9 put my "an5s up to keep "im 1rom tou3"in- me. 7y "an5s en5e5 up presse5 to "is 8are 3"est. His "eart t"u55e5 a-ainst my "an5s like a trappe5 animal. A4on?t 5o t"is@ <i3"ar5.C A9 trie5 "atin- you@ an5 9 3an?t.C He put "is "an5s o)er mine@ "ol5in- t"em a-ainst t"e "ar5 smoot"ness o1 "is 3"est. A$ry "ar5er.C But it %as a %"isper. He leane5 o)er me@ an5 9 5re% 8a3k. A91 you 5on?t 5ry your "air@ you?re -oin- to "a)e to %et it 5o%n a-ain.C A9?ll risk it.C He kept mo)in- to%ar5s me@ lips "al1 parte5. 9 steppe5 8a3k@ pullin- my "an5s out o1 "is@ an5 "e let me. He %as stron- enou-" t"at "e 5i5n?t "a)e to let me@ an5 t"at still 8ot"ere5 me. 9 8a3ke5 to%ar5s t"e 5oor. AStop tryin- to lo)e me@ <i3"ar5.C A9 "a)e trie5.C A$"en stop tryin- an5 >ust 5o it.C $"e 5oor %as presse5 a-ainst my 8a3k. 9 -ra88e5 t"e 5oorkno8 %it"out turnin- aroun5. ADou ran 1rom me t"at ni-"t. Dou ran 1rom me to Hean2!lau5e. Dou pulle5 "is 8o5y aroun5 you like a s"iel5 to keep me a%ay.C 9 opene5 t"e 5oor@ 8ut "e %as >ust su55enly t"ere@ "ol5in- it "al123lose5. 9 starte5 tu--in- on t"e 5oor@ an5 it %as like pullin- a-ainst a %all@ immo8ile. His one "an5 presse5 1lat on t"e 5oor@ a-ainst t"e pull o1 my entire 8o5y@ an5 9 3oul5n?t 8u5-e "im. 9 "ate5 t"at a lot. A4amn it@ <i3"ar5@ let me -o.C A9 t"ink you?re more a1rai5 o1 "o% mu3" you lo)e me t"an you are o1 Hean2!lau5e. At least %it" "im you kno% you?re not in lo)e.C $"at %as it. 9 %e5-e5 my 8o5y in t"e 5oor enou-" so "e 3oul5n?t 3lose it on me@ 8ut 9 stoppe5 tu--in- on it. 9 looke5 up at "im@ at e)ery -or-eous in3" o1 "im. A9 may not lo)e Hean2!lau5e in t"e same %ay 9 lo)e you.C He smile5.

A4on?t -et 3o3ky@C 9 sai5. A9 5o lo)e Hean2!lau5e. But lo)e isn?t enou-"@ <i3"ar5. 91 lo)e %ere enou-"@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e %it" Hean2!lau5e no%. 9?5 8e %it" you.C 9 looke5 into "is 8i-@ 8ro%n eyes an5 sai5@ ABut 9?m not %it" you@ an5 lo)e isn?t enou-". /o%@ -et a%ay 1rom t"is 5amne5 5oor.C He steppe5 8a3k@ "an5s at "is si5e. ALo)e 3an 8e enou-"@ Anita.C 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 steppe5 out on t"e steps. $"e 5arkness %as t"i3k an5 tou3"a8le 8ut not yet soli5. A$"e last time you listene5 to me@ you kille5 1or t"e 1irst time@ an5 you "a)en?t re3o)ere5 1rom it. 9 s"oul5 "a)e >ust s"ot 7ar3us 1or Dou.C A9?5 "a)e ne)er 1or-i)en you 1or t"at@C "e sai5. 9 -a)e a "ars" soun5 t"at %as almost a lau-". ABut at least you %oul5n?t 8e "atin- yoursel1. 9?5 8e t"e monster@ not you.C His "an5some 1a3e %as su55enly )ery solemnG all t"e li-"t 1le5 1rom it. A="ate)er 9 5o@ %"ere)er 9 -o@ Anita@ 9 am t"e monster. Dou le1t me 8e3ause o1 %"at 9 am.C 9 steppe5 5o%n onto t"e -roun5@ starin- up at "im. $"ere %as no li-"t insi5e t"e 3a8in@ an5 <i3"ar5 stoo5 in a 5arker s"a5o% t"an t"e 3omin- ni-"t. A9 t"ou-"t you sai5 9 le1t you 8e3ause 9 %as a1rai5 o1 "o% mu3" 9 lo)e5 you.C He looke5 3on1use5 1or a se3on5@ not kno%in- "o% to 5eal %it" "is o%n lo-i3 t"ro%n 8a3k into "is 1a3e. He 1inally looke5 at me. A4o you kno% %"y you le1t meBC 9 %ante5 to say@ ABe3ause you ate 7ar3us@C 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 9 3oul5n?t say it starin- into "is 1a3e@ so rea5y to 8elie)e t"e %orst o1 "imsel1. He %asn?t my pro8lem anymore@ so %"y 5i5 9 3are "o% "urt "is e-o %asB Goo5 ;uestion. 9 %as out o1 -oo5 ans%ers. Besi5es@ may8e t"ere %as some trut" to %"at <i3"ar5 %as sayin-. 9 5i5n?t kno% anymore. A9?m -oin- to -o to my 3a8in@ no%@ <i3"ar5. 9 5on?t %ant to talk a8out t"is anymore.C AA1rai5BC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 ans%ere5 %it"out turnin- aroun5. A$ire5.C 9 kept %alkin-@ kno%in- "e %as %at3"in- me. $"e parkinarea %as empty. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"ere Hamil an5 t"e ot"ers "a5 -one@ an5 9 5i5n?t 3are. 9 nee5e5 some alone time. 9 %alke5 t"rou-" t"e so1t@ summer 5arkness. $"ere %as a spill o1 stars o)er"ea5@ -litterin- an5 e5-e5 8y t"e 5ark s"apes o1 lea)es. 9t %as -oin- to 8e a 8eauti1ul e)enin-. Some%"ere o11 in t"e 5istan3e@ a "i-"@ 3lear "o%l ro5e t"e 3omin- 5ark. <i3"ar5 "a5 sai5 somet"in- a8out ar3ane %ere%ol1 s"it. =e %ere -oin- to "a)e a moonli-"t >am8oree. Go5@ 9 "ate5 parties.

Chapter Ten
9 leane5 a-ainst t"e 5oor o1 my 3a8in@ eyes 3lose5@ 8reat"in- in t"e 3ool air. 9?5 turne5 t"e air23on5itionin- on 1or my t%o -uests. $"e 3o11ins sat in t"e mi55le o1 t"e 1loor 8et%een t"e 5esk an5 t"e 8e5. :n5er t"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5@ 5eep un5er-roun5@ neit"er 4amian nor As"er slept until 1ull 5ark. 9 "a5n?t 8een sure i1 t"ey %oul5 a8o)e-roun5 or not. So t"e air. $"ou-"@ a3tually@ it "a5 8een partly sel1is". Vampires in a 3lose5@ "ot spa3e ten5e5 to smell@ %ell@ like )ampires. $"ey 5i5n?t smell like 5ea5 8o5ies. 9t %as like t"e smell o1 snakes@ an5 yet t"at %asn?t it@ eit"er. 9t %as a ne3k2ru11lin- smell. $"i3k@ musky@ more reptile t"an mammal. $"e smell o1 )ampires. Ho% 3oul5 9 8e sleepin- %it" one o1 t"emB 9 opene5 my eyes. 9t %as 5ark in t"e 3a8in@ 8ut t"ere %as still a 1aint pus" o1 illumination t"rou-" t"e t%o %in5o%s. A 1aint tou3" o1 li-"t a-ainst t"e -leamin- 1eet o1 t"e 3o11ins. Ha5 t"at small tou3" o1 natural li-"t 8een enou-" to keep 8ot" )ampires 3omatose@ 5ea5 in t"eir 3o11ins@ %aitin- 1or true 5arkB Somet"in- "a5@ 8e3ause 9 kne% t"at t"ey %ere still an5 %aitin- insi5e t"e 3o11ins. A small amount o1 3on3entration@ an5 9 kne% t"ey %ere still 5ea5 to t"e %orl5. 9 stro5e 8et%een t"e 3o11ins into t"e 8at"room@ 3lose5 an5 lo3ke5 t"e 5oor. $"e 5arkness seeme5 too soli5. 9 turne5 on t"e li-"t. 9t %as %"ite an5 "ars" a1ter t"e 5arkness. 9 %as le1t 8linkin- in t"e 8ri-"tness. Gettin- a -oo5 look at mysel1 in t"e mirror %as almost startlin-. 9 "a5n?t really seen t"e 8ruises yet. $"e 3orner o1 my le1t eye %as a %on5er1ul s"a5e o1 purple 8la3k@ s%ollen@ pu11y. Seein- it ma5e it "urt %orse@ like seein- 8loo5 1rom a 3ut t"at 5oesn?t stin- until you noti3e it. 7y le1t 3"eek %as a %on5er1ul s"a5e o1 -reenis" 8ro%n. 9t %as t"at si3kly -reen t"at usually takes 5ays to a33omplis". 7y lo%er lip %as pu11y. Dou 3oul5 still see t"e e5-e o1 5arkene5 skin %"ere it "a5 8le5. 9 ran my ton-ue insi5e my mout" an5 3oul5 1eel t"e ri5-e %"ere my 3"eek "a5 8een 1or3e5 a-ainst my teet"@ 8ut it %as "eale5. 9 stare5 into t"e mirror an5 realiEe5 as sore an5 a%1ul as it looke5@ it %asn?t as 8a5 as it s"oul5 "a)e 8een. 9t took me a 1e% moments o1 starin- to 1i-ure it out. ="en 9 5i5 1inally realiEe %"at %as "appenin-@ a rus" o1 1ear ran t"rou-" my 8o5y 1rom my toes to t"e top o1 my "ea5. 9 1elt almost 1aint. 9 %as "ealin-. 9 %as "ealin- 5ays %ort" o1 in>ury in only "ours. At t"is rate@ t"e 8ruises %oul5 8e almost -one 8y tomorro%. 9 s"oul5 "a)e 8een %earin- t"e 1i-"t marks 1or 5ays@ a %eek at least. ="at t"e "ell %as "appenin- to meB 9 1elt 4amian %ake in "is 3o11in. 9 1elt it like a sta8 t"rou-" my 8o5y. 9t sta--ere5 me a-ainst t"e sink. 9 kne% "e %as "un-ry@ an5 9 kne% t"at "e sense5 me near at "an5. 9 %as Hean2!lau5e?s "uman ser)ant@ 8oun5 8y marks t"at only 5eat" %oul5 8reak. But 4amian %as mine. 9?5 raise5 "im an5 anot"er )ampire@ =illie 73!oy@ more t"an on3e. 9?5 3alle5 t"em 1rom t"eir 3o11ins 5urin- 5ayli-"t "ours@ sa1ely un5er-roun5@ 8ut t"e sun "a5 8een 8urnin- 8ri-"t %"en 9 5i5 it. #ne

ne3roman3er "a5 sai5 it ma5e per1e3t sense. =e 3oul5 only raise Eom8ies a1ter t"e souls "a5 1le5 t"e 8o5ies@ so 9 3oul5 only raise )amps %"en t"eir souls "a5 1le5 1or t"e 5ay. 9 %asn?t e)en -oin- to 5e8ate t"e )ampires an5 soul issue. 7y li1e %as 3ompli3ate5 enou-" %it"out reli-ious 5is3ussions. 9 kno%@ 9 kno%@ 9 %as >ust 5elayin- t"e ine)ita8le. 91 9 staye5 %it" Hean2!lau5e@ 9 %as -oin- to "a)e to 1a3e t"e %"ole issue. /o "i5in-. But not toni-"t. <aisin- 4amian "a5 1or-e5 some kin5 o1 link 8et%een us. 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 it an5 5i5n?t "a)e anyone to ask a5)i3e o1. 9 %as t"e 1irst ne3roman3er in se)eral "un5re5 years t"at 3oul5 raise )ampires like Eom8ies. 9t s3are5 me. 9t s3are5 4amian more. 'rankly@ 9 5i5n?t 8lame "im. =as As"er a%ake@ tooB 9 3on3entrate5 on "im@ sent t"at po%er@ ma-i3@ %"ate)er t"e "ell it %as@ out%ar5. 9t 8rus"e5 "im@ an5 "e 1elt me. He %as a%ake an5 a%are o1 me. As"er %as a master )ampire. /ot as po%er1ul as Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut a master@ nonet"eless. $"at -a)e "im 3ertain a8ilities t"at 4amian@ %"o %as 8y 1ar t"e el5er o1 t"e t%o@ %oul5 ne)er "a)e. =it"out t"e link 8et%een us@ 4amian %oul5n?t "a)e sense5 me sear3"in- 1or "im. 9 %ante5 a 1e% minutes to 8e alone an5 t"ink@ an5 9 %asn?t -oin- to -et it. 9 5i5n?t make t"em 3all 1or me. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 stoo5 1rame5 in t"e li-"t@ 8linkin- out into t"e t"i3k 5arkness. $"e )ampires stoo5 like pale s"a5o%s in t"e -loom. 9 "it t"e o)er"ea5 li-"t. As"er t"re% "is "an5 up to prote3t "is eyes 1rom t"e li-"t@ 8ut 4amian >ust 8linke5 at me. 9 %ante5 t"em to 3o%er 8a3k 1rom t"e li-"t. 9 %ante5 t"em to look monstrous@ 8ut t"ey 5i5n?t. 4amian %as a -reen2eye5 re5"ea5@ 8ut t"at 5i5n?t really 3o)er it. His "air 1ell like a re5 3urtain aroun5 "is upper 8o5y@ t"e "air so re5 it looke5 like spille5 8loo5 a-ainst t"e -reen silk o1 "is s"irt. $"e s"irt %as a paler -reen t"an "is eyes. $"ey %ere like li;ui5 1ire@ i1 1ire 3oul5 8urn -reen. 9t %asn?t )ampire po%ers t"at ma5e "is eyes -leam. 9t %as natural 3olor@ as i1 "is mot"er "a5 1oole5 aroun5 %it" a 3at. As"er %as a 8lue2eye5 8lon5@ 8ut a-ain@ t"at 5es3ription 5i5n?t 5o "im >usti3e. $"e %a)es o1 "is s"oul5er2len-t" "air %ere -ol5en. 9 5on?t mean 8lon5@ 9 mean -ol5. His "air %as almost metalli3 in its -litterin- 8rillian3e. His eyes %ere a 8lue so pale@ t"ey %ere almost %"ite@ like t"e eyes o1 a "usky. He %as %earin- a %"ite 5ress s"irt@ untu3ke5 o)er 3"o3olate 8ro%n 5ress pants. Leat"er loa1ers@ no so3ks@ 3omplete5 "is 3lot"es. 9?5 spent too mu3" time aroun5 Hean2!lau5e to 3all it an out1it. 91 you 3oul5 stop starin- at t"e eyes an5 "air lon- enou-" to see t"eir 1a3es@ As"er %as t"e "an5somer o1 t"e t%o. 4amian %as "an5some@ 8ut t"ere %as a len-t" o1 >a%@ a less per1e3t slope to t"e nose2small imper1e3tions t"at mi-"t -o unnoti3e5 i1 you "a5n?t "a5 As"er 1or 3omparison. As"er %as 8eauti1ully "an5some like a me5ie)al 3"eru8. Hal1 o1 "im@ any%ay. Hal1 o1 As"er?s 1a3e %as t"e 8eauty t"at 5re% a master )ampire to "im 3enturies a-o. $"e ot"er "al1 %as 3o)ere5 in s3ars. Holy %ater s3ars. $"e s3ars starte5 a8out an in3" 1rom t"e mi5line o1 "is 1a3e so "is eyes@ nose@ an5 t"ose 1ull@ per1e3t lips remaine5 untou3"e5@ 8ut t"e rest %as like melte5 %a*. His ne3k %as pale an5 per1e3t@ 8ut 9 kne% t"at t"e s3ars 3ontinue5 at "is s"oul5ers. His upper 8o5y %as %orse t"an t"e 1a3e@ t"e s3ars rou-" an5 pitte5. But like t"e 1a3e@ only "al1 o1 "is 8o5y %as s3arre5. $"e ot"er "al1 %as still lo)ely. 9 kne% t"at t"e s3ars tou3"e5 "is upper t"i-"@ 8ut 9 "a5 ne)er seen "im 3ompletely nu5e. 9 "a5 to take "is %or5 t"at t"e s3ars 3o)ere5 t"e spa3e 8et%een. 9t "a5 8een implie5 t"ou-" ne)er state5 t"at "e %as still 3apa8le o1 se* 8ut %as s3arre5. 9 5i5n?t kno% 1or sure@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. A="ere are your 8o5y-uar5sBC As"er aske5. A7y 8o5y-uar5sB Dou mean Hason an5 t"e 'ur8allsBC As"er no55e5. His -ol5en "air 1ell 1or%ar5 o)er t"e s3arre5 si5e o1 "is 1a3e. 9t %as an ol5 "a8it. $"e "air "i5 t"e s3ars2or almost "i5 t"e s3ars. He 3oul5 use t"e s"a5o%s t"e same %ay. He al%ays seeme5 to kno% >ust %"ere t"e li-"t %oul5 "it "im. !enturies o1 pra3ti3e. A9 5on?t kno% %"ere t"ey are@C 9 sai5. A9 >ust 1inis"e5 talkin- to <i3"ar5. 9 -uess t"ey t"ou-"t %e nee5e5 pri)a3y.C A4i5 you nee5 t"e pri)a3yBC As"er aske5. He looke5 strai-"t at me@ usin- t"e s3ars an5 8eauty 1or a 5ou8le e11e3t. He 5i5n?t look "appy 1or some reason. A9t?s none o1 your 5amn 8usiness@C 9 sai5. 4amian sat at t"e 1oot o1 t"e 3are1ully ma5e 8e5. He smoot"e5 pale@ lon-21in-ere5 "an5s a3ross t"e 8lue 3o)erlet. A/ot in t"is 8e5@ you 5i5n?t@C "e sai5. 9 3ame to stan5 8esi5e t"e 8e5 an5 stare 5o%n at "im. A91 one more )ampire or %ere2anyt"in- tells me t"ey 3an smell se*@ 9 am -oin- to s3ream.C 4amian 5i5n?t smile. He?5 ne)er 8een a real "appy 3amper@ 8ut lately %as e)en more serious t"an usual. He >ust sat t"ere@ lookin- up at me. Hean2!lau5e or e)en As"er %oul5 "a)e smile5@ tease5. 4amian >ust looke5 at me %it" eyes t"at "el5 sorro% t"e %ay ot"ers? "el5 lau-"ter.

9 rea3"e5 out to tou3" "is s"oul5er an5 "a5 to s%eep 8a3k a lo3k o1 "is "air to rea3" it. He >erke5 8a3k 1rom my tou3" as i1 it "a5 "urt. He pus"e5 to "is 1eet an5 %ent to stan5 near t"e 5oor. 9 %as le1t %it" my "an5 out@ puEEle5. A="at?s %ron- %it" you@ 4amianBC As"er 3ame to stan5 8esi5e me. He reste5 "is "an5s li-"tly on my s"oul5ers. ADou are ;uite ri-"t@ Anita. ="at you 5o %it" 7onsieur Keeman is none o1 my 8usiness.C 9 sli5 my "an5s o)er "is@ sli5in- my 1in-ers to intert%ine %it" "is. 9 remem8ere5 t"e 1eel o1 "is 3ool skin a-ainst mine. 9 leane5 my 8a3k a-ainst "im@ pullin- "is arms aroun5 me@ an5 9 %asn?t tall enou-". 9t %asn?t my memory. 9t %as Hean2 !lau5e?s. As"er an5 "e "a5 8een 3ompanions 1or o)er t%enty years@ on3e upon a time. 9 si-"e5 an5 starte5 to pull a%ay. As"er leane5 "is 3"in on t"e top o1 my "ea5. ADou nee5 someone?s arms t"at you 5on?t 1eel t"reatene5 8y.C 9 leane5 a-ainst "im@ eyes 3lose5@ an5 1or >ust a moment let "im "ol5 me. A$"e only reason t"is 1eels so -oo5 is t"at 9?m remem8erin- someone else?s pleasure.C As"er -ently kisse5 t"e top o1 my "ea5. ABe3ause you see me t"rou-" t"e nostal-ia o1 Hean2!lau5e?s memories@ you are t"e only %oman in o)er t%o "un5re5 years %"o 5oesn?t treat me like a 3ir3us 1reak.C 9 leane5 my 1a3e a-ainst t"e 8en5 o1 "is arm. ADou are 5e)astatin-ly "an5some@ As"er.C He smoot"e5 t"e "air 1rom my 8ruise5 3"eek. A$o you@ per"aps.C He leane5 o)er me an5 lai5 t"e so1test o1 kisses on my 3"eek. 9 pulle5 a%ay 1rom "im@ -ently@ almost relu3tantly. ="at 9 remem8ere5 o1 As"er %as simpler t"an anyt"in- 9 %as tryin- to pull o11 in t"is li1etime. As"er 5i5n?t try to "ol5 me. A91 you %ere not alrea5y in lo)e %it" t%o ot"er men@ t"e %ay you look at me mi-"t 8e enou-".C 9 si-"e5. A9?m sorry@ As"er 9 s"oul5n?t tou3" you like t"at. 9t?s >ust ... C 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% to put it into %or5s. ADou treat me like an ol5 lo)er@C As"er sai5. ADou 1or-et an5 tou3" me as i1 you?5 tou3"e5 me 8e1ore %"en it is al%ays t"e 1irst time. 4o not apolo-iEe 1or t"at@ Anita. 9 en>oy it. /o one else %ill tou3" me so 1reely.C AHean2!lau5e %ill@C 9 sai5. A$"ese are "is memories.C As"er smile5 an5 it %as almost sorro%1ul. AHe is loyal to you an5 to 7onsieur Keeman.C AHe?s turne5 you 5o%nBC 9 aske5 an5 %is"e5 9 "a5n?t. As"er smile 8ri-"tene5@ t"en 5imme5. A91 you %oul5 not s"are "im %it" anot"er %oman@ %oul5 you truly s"are "im %it" anot"er manBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a se3on5 or t%o. A=ell@ no.C 9 1ro%ne5 up at "im. A="y 5o 9 1eel like apolo-iEin- 1or t"atBC ABe3ause you s"are %it" Hean2!lau5e an5 mysel1 t"e memories o1 Hulianna an5 t"e t%o o1 us. =e %ere a )ery "appy m6na-e Z trois 1or almost lon-er t"an you "a)e 8een ali)e.C Hulianna "a5 8een As"er?s "uman ser)ant. S"e?5 en5e5 up 8urne5 as a %it3" 8y t"e same people t"at "a5 s3arre5 As"er. Hean2!lau5e 3oul5n?t sa)e t"em 8ot". 9 %asn?t sure t"at eit"er o1 t"em "a5 truly 1or-i)en Hean2!lau5e 1or t"is o)ersi-"t. 4amian sai5@ A91 9?m not interruptin-@ 9 nee5 to 1ee5.C He %as stan5in- 8y t"e 5oor@ "u--in- "imsel1 as i1 "e %ere 3ol5. ADou %ant me to open t"e 5oor an5 yell 5innerBC 9 aske5. A9 %ant permission to -o 1ee5@C "e sai5. 9 1ro%ne5 at t"e p"rasin- 8ut sai5@ AGo 1in5 one o1 our %alkin- 5onors an5 "elp yoursel1. Hust our people@ t"ou-". =e 3an?t "unt "ere.C 4amian no55e5@ stan5in- up strai-"ter as i1 "e?5 8een "un3"e5 in upon "imsel1. 9 3oul5 1eel t"at "e %as "un-ry@ 8ut it %asn?t "un-er t"at ma5e "im "u55le. A9 %ill not "unt.C AGoo5@C 9 sai5. He "esitate5@ %it" "is "an5 on t"e 5oorkno8. His 8a3k %as to me@ 8ut "is )oi3e 3ame lo%@ A7ay 9 -o an5 1ee5BC 9 -lan3e5 at As"er. A9s "e talkin- to youBC As"er s"ook "is "ea5. A9 t"ink not.C ASure@ "elp yoursel1.C 4amian opene5 t"e 5oor an5 slippe5 outsi5e. He le1t t"e 5oor sli-"tly a>ar. A="at is "is pro8lem latelyBC 9 aske5. A9 t"ink "e must ans%er t"at ;uestion@C As"er sai5. 9 turne5 an5 looke5 at "im. A4oes t"at mean you 3an?t ans%er t"e ;uestion or %on?t ans%er itBC

As"er smile5 an5 "is 1a3e mo)e5 1reely@ e)en t"e s3arre5 skin. He %as "a)in- 3onsultations %it" a plasti3 sur-eon in Saint Louis. /o one "a5 e)er trie5 to repair "oly %ater 5ama-e on )amps@ so t"ey 5i5n?t kno% i1 it %oul5 %ork@ 8ut t"e 5o3tors %ere "ope1ul. Hope1ul 8ut 3autious. $"e 1irst operation %as still mont"s a%ay. A9t means@ Anita@ t"at some 1ears are )ery personal.C AAre you sayin- 4amian?s a1rai5 o1 meBC 9 5i5n?t try to keep t"e astonis"ment out o1 my )oi3e. A9 am sayin- t"at you must speak to "im 5ire3tly i1 you %ant ans%ers.C 9 si-"e5. AGreat@ >ust %"at 9 nee5. Anot"er 3ompli3ate5 male in my li1e.C As"er lau-"e5@ an5 it sli5 alon- my 8are arms like a tou3"@ raisin- -oose1les". $"e only ot"er )ampire t"at 3oul5 5o t"at to me %as Hean2!lau5e. AStop t"at@C 9 sai5. He -a)e a lo%@ s%eepin- 8o%. A7y most sin3ere apolo-ies.C ABulls"it@C 9 sai5. AGo -et 5inner. 9 t"ink t"e %ere%ol)es are plannin- some sort o1 party or 3eremony.C ADou nee5 one o1 us %it" you at all times@ Anita.C A9 "ear5 Hean2!lau5e?s ultimatum.C 9 looke5 at "im an5 3oul5n?t keep t"e surprise o11 my 1a3e. ADou t"ink "e?5 really kill you i1 somet"in- "appene5 to meBC As"er >ust looke5 at me %it" "is pale@ pale eyes. ADour li1e means more to "im t"an mine 5oes@ Anita. 91 it 5i5 not@ "e %oul5 8e in my 8e5 an5 not yours.C He "a5 a point@ 8ut ... A9t %oul5 kill somet"in- insi5e o1 "im to kill you personally.C ABut "e %oul5 5o it@C As"er sai5. A="yB Be3ause "e sai5 "e?5 5o itBC A/o@ 8e3ause "e %oul5 al%ays %on5er i1 9 allo%e5 you to 5ie as re)en-e 1or "is 1ailure to prote3t Hulianna.C #". 9 opene5 my mout" to say more@ an5 t"e p"one ran-. 4aniel?s )oi3e 3ame lo% an5 pani3ke5@ 8a3ke5 8y 3ountry musi3. AAnita@ %e?re out at t"e Happy !o%8oy on t"e main "i-"%ay. !an you 3ome 5o%nBC A="at?s %ron-@ 4anielBC A7om?s tra3ke5 5o%n t"e %oman %"o a33use5 <i3"ar5. S"e?s 5etermine5 to make "er stop lyin-.C AAre t"ey 1i-"tin- yetBC 9 aske5. ADellin-.C ADou out%ei-" "er 8y o)er a "un5re5 poun5s@ 4aniel. Hust toss "er o)er your s"oul5er an5 -et "er out o1 t"ere. S"e?ll only make t"in-s %orse.C AS"e?s my mot"er. 9 3an?t 5o t"at.C AS"it@C 9 sai5. As"er aske5@ A="at "as "appene5BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?ll 8e t"ere@ 4aniel@ 8ut you?re 8ein- a %imp.C A9?5 rat"er take on e)ery -uy in t"e 8ar t"an my mot"er@C "e sai5. A91 s"e makes a 8i- enou-" s3ene@ you may -et your 3"an3e.C 9 "un- up. A9 3annot 8elie)e t"is.C A="atBC As"er aske5 a-ain. 9 e*plaine5 as ;ui3kly as 9 3oul5. 4aniel an5 7rs. Keeman %ere stayin- at a near8y motel. <i3"ar5 "a5n?t %ante5 t"em at t"e 3a8ins %it" so many s"apes"i1ters runnin- aroun5. /o% 9 %is"e5 %e?5 kept t"em 3loser to "ome. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een ni3e to "a)e 3"an-e5 out o1 t"e 8loo52splattere5 8louse@ 8ut %e %ere out o1 time. /o rest 1or t"e %i3ke5. $"e real tri3k %as %"at to 5o %it" <i3"ar5. He?5 %ant to 3ome alon-@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant "im any%"ere near 7iss Betty S3"a11er. Le-ally@ "e 3oul5 enter t"e 8ar an5 sit 5o%n 8esi5e "er. $"ere %as no 3ourt or5er to stay a%ay. But i1 t"e s"eri11 realiEe5 %e %eren?t -ettin- out o1 to%n@ "e?5 look 1or any e*3use to -et <i3"ar5 8a3k 8e"in5 8ars. 9 5i5n?t t"ink <i3"ar5 %oul5 "a)e nearly as pleasant a se3on5 )isit as "e "a5 a 1irst. $"eir am8us" to5ay "a5 8a3k1ire5. $"ey?5 8e 1rustrate5 an5 s3are5. $"ey?5 "urt <i3"ar5 t"is time. Hell@ t"ey mi-"t "urt "is mot"er. !"arlotte Keeman an5 9 %ere -oin- to "a)e to "a)e a little talk. !ome to t"ink o1 it@ 9 %as %it" 4aniel. 9?5 "a)e rat"er 1a3e5 a 1ull28lo%n 8ar 1i-"t t"an "a)e a talk %it" "is mot"er. At least s"e?5 ne)er 8e my mot"er2in2la%. 91 9 %as -oin- to "a)e to pun3" "er out toni-"t@ t"at %as almost 3om1ortin-.

Chapter Eleven
<i3"ar5 an5 9 3ompromise5. He 3ame alon- an5 s%ore to stay in t"e 3ar. 9 8rou-"t alon- S"an-24a@ Hamil@ an5 Hason to make sure "e staye5 in t"e 3ar@ t"ou-" i1 pus" 3ame to s"o)e@ 9 %asn?t sure t"ey?5 listen to me o)er <i3"ar5@ not e)en i1 it %as 1or "is o%n -oo5. 9t %as t"e 8est 9 3oul5 5o. Some ni-"ts t"at "as to 8e enou-"@ 8e3ause t"at?s all you?)e -ot. $"e Happy !o%8oy@ %"i3" %as one o1 t"e %orst names 1or a 8ar 9?5 e)er "ear5@ %as on t"e main "i-"%ay. 9t %as a t%o2 story 8uil5in- t"at %as suppose5 to look like a lo- 3a8in an5 mana-e5 not to. 7ay8e it %as t"e neon "orse %it" its 3o%8oy ri5er on t"e si-n. $"e li-"ts -a)e t"e illusion t"at t"e "orse %as -oin- up an5 5o%n@ alon- %it" t"e 3o%8oy?s arm an5 "at. He 5i5n?t look parti3ularly "appy ri5in- t"e neon "orse@ 8ut t"en may8e t"at %as >ust me. 9 3ertainly %asn?t "appy to 8e "ere. <i3"ar5 "a5 5ri)en "is 1our28y21our. He?5 1inally -otten aroun5 to 8lo%25ryin- "is "air. 9t %as a t"i3k@ %a)y 1oam aroun5 "is 1a3e an5 s"oul5ers. 9t looke5 so so1t@ you %ante5 to plun-e your "an5s into it. #r a-ain@ may8e t"at %as >ust me. He?5 a55e5 a plain -reen $2s"irt@ tu3ke5 into "is >eans@ an5 %"ite >o--in- s"oes. Hamil an5 S"an-24a %ere ri5in- s"ot-un in t"e mi55le seat. Hamil %as still %earin- "is 3ut2o11 smiley $2s"irt@ 8ut S"an-2 4a "a5 3"an-e5. He %as all in 8la3k 1rom "is so1t leat"er loa1ers to "is 8elte5 5ress sla3ks@ to t"e silk $2s"irt an5 tailor 3ut >a3ket. His s"ort 8a3k "air %as -elle5 into a 3rop o1 spikes on top o1 "is "ea5. He looke5 rela*e5 an5 at "ome in t"e 3lot"es an5 t"e "air. He %oul5 also look utterly out o1 pla3e at t"e Happy !o%8oy. #1 3ourse@ 8ein- o)er si* 1eet tall an5 !"inese put "im 8e"in5 t"e -ame %"en it 3ame to 8len5in- in "ere. 7ay8e "e@ like Hamil@ %as tire5 o1 tryin- to pass. $"at %as %"y Hason@ still in "is -ro%n2up 8lue suit@ %as %it" us. /at"aniel "a5 %ante5 to 3ome@ 8ut "e %asn?t ol5 enou-" to -o into a 8ar. 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% -oo5 Kane %as in a stress situation yet@ an5 !"erry al%ays ma5e me 1eel )a-uely prote3ti)e@ so Hason it %as. A91 you?re not out in 1i1teen minutes@ %e?re 3omin- in@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A$"irty minutes@C 9 sai5. 9 5i5 not %ant <i3"ar5 near 7s. Betty S3"a11er. A'i1teen@C "e sai5@ )oi3e )ery ;uiet@ )ery lo%@ )ery serious. 9 kne% t"at tone o1 )oi3e. 9?5 -otten all t"e 3ompromise 9 %as -oin- to -et. A'ine@ 8ut remem8er t"at i1 you -o to >ail toni-"t@ your mom may -o %it" you.C His eyes %i5ene5. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC A="at %oul5 !"arlotte 5o i1 s"e sa% "er little 8oy 8ein- 5ra--e5 a%ay to >ailBC He t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a se3on5@ t"en 8o%e5 "is "ea5. He lai5 "is 1ore"ea5 on t"e steerin- %"eel. AS"e?5 put up a 1i-"t 1or me.C A,*a3tly@C 9 sai5. He raise5 "is 1a3e an5 looke5 at me. A9?ll 8e"a)e 1or "er sake.C 9 smile5. A9 kne% it %asn?t 1or mine.C 9 -ot out o1 t"e 3ar 8e1ore "e 3oul5 ans%er t"at one. Hason settle5 into step 8esi5e me. He?5 strai-"tene5 "is tie an5 8uttone5 t"e 1irst 8utton on t"e >a3ket. He?5 also trie5 to sli3k 8a3k "is 8a8y21ine "air@ 8ut it es3ape5 all e11orts in tiny %isps. His "air %as )ery strai-"t an5 )ery 1ine@ an5 it %oul5 "a)e looke5 8etter eit"er mu3" s"orter or mu3" lon-er. But "ey@ it %asn?t my "air. =e %ere 8ot" 3ar5e5 at t"e 5oor 8y a mus3ular -uy in a 5ark 8lue $2s"irt. $"e 3ro%5 %as 5i)i5e5 almost 5o%n t"e mi55le. $"ere %as t"e ti-"t >eans@ 3o%8oy 8oots 3ro%5@ an5 t"e s"ort skirts@ 8usiness >a3kets 3ro%5. $"ere %as some intermin-lin-. Some o1 t"e %omen in 3o%8oy 8oots "a5 s"ort skirts. Some o1 t"e 8usiness >a3kets %ere %earin- >eans. 9t %as t"e only al3o"ol 1or a t%enty2mile ra5ius@ an5 it ser)e5 1oo5. ="ere else %ere you -oin- to -o on a 'ri5ay ni-"tB 9?5 "a)e rat"er -one 1or a moonlit %alk@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t 5rink. !ome to t"ink o1 it@ 9 5i5n?t 5an3e@ eit"er@ t"ou-" Hean2!lau5e %as %orkin- on 8ot". !orruption at e)ery turn. $"ere %as a li)e 8an5 playin- 3ountry musi3 so lou5ly it mi-"t as %ell "a)e 8een "ar5 ro3k. A "aEe o1 3i-arette smoke 1loate5 o)er e)eryt"in- like a late2ni-"t 1o-. $"e entran3e %as on a little raise5 plat1orm so you 3oul5 look aroun5 8e1ore plun-in- into t"e sea o1 8o5ies. !"arlotte is a3tually an in3" or t%o s"orter t"an 9 am@ so 9 5i5n?t 8ot"er s3annin- 1or "er. 9 looke5 1or 4aniel. Ho% many si*21oot2tall@ tanne5 -uys %it" %a)y@ s"oul5er2len-t" "air 3oul5 t"ere 8eB 7ore t"an you?5 t"ink. 9 1inally spotte5 "im near t"e 8ar 8e3ause "e %as %a)in- to me. He?5 also tie5 "is lon- "air 8a3k in a )ery ti-"t ponytail@ %"i3" %as %"y s3annin- 1or t"e "air "a5n?t %orke5. His "air %as nearly i5enti3al to <i3"ar5?s e*3ept it %as a more soli5 8ro%n@ a ri3" 3"estnut. His skin %as t"e same tanne5 s"a5e as "is 8rot"er?s. $"e same "i-"@ s3ulpte5 3"eek8ones@ soli5 8ro%n eyes@ e)en t"e 5imple in t"e 3"in. <i3"ar5 %as a little 8roa5er t"rou-" t"e s"oul5ers an5 3"est@ >ust p"ysi3ally more imposin-@ 8ut ot"er t"an t"at@ t"e 1amily resem8lan3e %as almost s3ary. All t"e 8rot"ers looke5 like t"at. $"e t%o ol5est "a5 3ut t"eir "air@ one o1 t"em %as almost a 8lon5@ an5 t"e 1at"er %as -oin- a little -rey@ 8ut t"e 1i)e Keeman men in one room %as a testosterone treat. An5 t"e matriar3" o1 t"is pile o1 mas3uline pul3"ritu5e %as stan5in- a8out si* 1eet 1rom "er son. !"arlotte Keeman "a5 s"ort 8lon5 "air t"at 1rame5 a 1a3e t"at looke5 at least ten years youn-er t"an 9 kne% s"e %as. S"e %as %earin- a 8utter yello% suit >a3ket o)er 5ress sla3ks. S"e %as also pokin- "er 1in-er into t"e 3"est o1 a tall 8lon5 %oman.

$"e se3on5 %oman "a5 a mane o1 3urle5 8lon5 "air@ 8ut 9 %as 8ettin- t"at neit"er t"e 3olor nor t"e 3url %ere real. 9t "a5 to 8e Betty S3"a11er@ an5 t"e name 5i5n?t suit "er. S"e looke5 like someone name5 'arra" or $i11any. 9 %a5e5 into t"e 3ro%5 %it" Hason 8e"in5 me. $"e 3ro%5 %as t"i3k enou-" t"at 9 stoppe5 sayin- e*3use me a8out "al1%ay a3ross t"e room an5 >ust starte5 pus"in-. A tall man in a plai5 %ork s"irt stoppe5 me %it" a "an5 on my s"oul5er. A!an 9 8uy you a 5rink@ little la5yBC 9 rea3"e5 8a3k an5 -ot Hason?s "an5. 9 raise5 it %"ere it %as )isi8le. A$aken. Sorry.C $"ere %as more t"an one reason 9?5 %ante5 to 8rin- Hason %it" me to a 8ar on a 'ri5ay ni-"t. He stare5 5o%n at Hason@ %ay 5o%n@ makin- a s"o% o1 "o% )ery tall "e %as. A4on?t you %ant somet"in- a little 8i--erBC A9 like t"em small@C 9 sai5@ my 1a3e )ery serious. A9t makes oral se* easier.C =e le1t "im spee3"less. Hason %as lau-"in- so "ar5@ "e 3oul5 8arely keep "is 1eet. 9 pulle5 "im t"rou-" t"e 3ro%5 8y t"e "an5. Hol5in- "is "an5 seeme5 to 8e "int enou-" 1or t"e rest o1 t"e 3ruisin- males. $"e 3ro%5 %as 3learin- aroun5 t"e 8ar. People "a5 mo)e5 8a3k to 1orm a semi3ir3le aroun5 !"arlotte@ Betty@ an5 4aniel. He "a5 steppe5 up 8e"in5 "is mot"er@ layin- a "an5 on eit"er s"oul5er tryin- to pull "er 8a3k. S"e s"ru--e5 "im o11 rat"er )iolently an5 i-nore5 "im. He let "er 5o it. !"arlotte -ot up in t"e %oman?s 1a3e. 9 %as 3lose enou-" to 3at3" a %or5 or t%o a8o)e t"e 8an5@ ALiar ... %"ore ... my son ... rapist ... C $o "ear e)en t"at mu3"@ !"arlotte %as s3reamin- at t"e %oman. Betty %as tall@ 8ut t"e spike2"eele5 8oots put "er at si* 1eet. $"e >eans %ere painte5 on@ t"e 8louse %as mi5ri11@ an5 t"ere %as no 8ra. S"e "a5 small enou-" 8reasts t"at s"e 3oul5 -et a%ay %it" it@ 8ut it %as still noti3ea8le an5 meant to 8e. S"e looke5 like a 3o%8oy "ooker. <i3"ar5 "a5 5ate5 "er. 9t ma5e me t"ink %orse o1 "im. $%o lar-e -uys %earin- $2s"irts t"at mat3"e5 t"e -uy %"o "a5 3ar5e5 us at t"e 5oor %ere at t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3ro%5. 9 t"ink t"ey %ere sort o1 puEEle5 8y !"arlotte. S"e %as tiny an5 1emale an5 "a5n?t "it anyone yet. S"e also looke5 ol5er t"an t"e -eneral 3ro%5@ t"ou-" not really like anyone?s mot"er. Betty "a5 1inally "a5 enou-". S"e %as s3reamin- 8a3k %or5s like@ AHe 5i5@ rapist@ 8astar5.C 9 let -o o1 Hason?s "an5 an5 steppe5 up 8esi5e t"em. $"ey 8ot" looke5 at me. !"arlotte %as t"e most startle5. Her lar-e@ "oney28ro%n eyes %ent %i5e. S"e sai5@ AAnna@C as i1 no one "a5 tol5 "er 9 %as in to%n. 9 smile5. AHi@ !"arlotte. !an %e talk outsi5eBC 9 "a5 to put my 1a3e nearly ne*t to "ers to 8e "ear5. S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A$"is is t"e %"ore t"at?s lie5 a8out <i3"ar5.C 9 no55e5. A9 kno%. Let?s take it outsi5e@ t"ou-".C !"arlotte s"ook "er "ea5 a-ain. A9 am not lea)in- until s"e tells t"e trut". <i3"ar5 5i5 not rape "er.C =e %ere yellin-@ %it" our 1a3es almost tou3"in-@ to 8e "ear5. A#1 3ourse@ "e 5i5n?t@C 9 sai5. A=ater is %et@ t"e sky is 8lue@ an5 <i3"ar5 isn?t a rapist.C !"arlotte stare5 at me. ADou 8elie)e "im.C 9 no55e5. A9 -ot "im out on 8ail. He?s %aitin- to see you outsi5e.C Her eyes %ent e)en %i5er@ t"en s"e smile5@ an5 it %as 8eauti1ul. 9t %as one o1 t"ose smiles t"at ma5e you 1eel %arm 5o%n to your toes. !"arlotte %as like t"at. ="en s"e %as "appy@ e)eryone aroun5 "er %as "appy. ="en s"e %asn?t "appy ... %ell@ t"at spille5 o)er@ too. S"e yelle5 in my ear@ ALet?s -o see <i3"ar5.C 9 turne5 to -o t"rou-" t"e 3ro%5 an5 "ear5 a -asp. 9 turne5 to see Betty S3"a11er %earin- t"e 5rippin- remnants o1 a 8eer. Betty slappe5 !"arlotte. !"arlotte returne5 t"e 1a)or 8ut %it" a 3lose5 1ist. Betty %as su55enly on "er 8utt in t"e 1loor@ 8linkin- up at us. $"e 8oun3ers mo)e5 in@ as !"arlotte mo)e5 in to 1inis" t"e >o8. 9 t"re% !"arlotte o)er my s"oul5er. S"e %ei-"e5 more t"an s"e looke5 like s"e 5i5@ an5 s"e %as stru--lin-. :nlike most %omen@ s"e %as -oo5 at stru--lin-. 9 5i5n?t %ant to "urt !"arlotte@ 8ut s"e %asn?t returnin- t"e 1a)or. S"e ki3ke5 me in t"e knee an5 9 5umpe5 "er onto t"e 1loor "ar5. S"e lay t"ere 1or a se3on5@ 8reat" kno3ke5 out o1 "er@ starin- up at me. 4aniel mo)e5 1or%ar5 to "elp "er up@ an5 9 stoppe5 "im %it" a "an5 on "is 3"est. A/o.C $"e 8an5 "a5 1allen silent %it" a last t%an-y -uitar strin-. 9nto t"e su55en silen3e@ my )oi3e soun5e5 lou5@ ADou 3an %alk out o1 "ere on your o%n@ or you 3an 8e 3arrie5 out un3ons3ious@ !"arlotte. Dour 3"oi3e@ 8ut you are lea)in-.C 9 %ent 5o%n on one knee@ 3are1ully@ 8e3ause !"arlotte 5i5n?t 1i-"t like a -irl. 9 lo%ere5 my )oi3e 1or "er ears alone. A<i3"ar5 %ill 3ome in "ere in >ust a 1e% minutes to see %"at?s %ron-. 91 "e -ets near "er a-ain@ t"e lo3al 3ops %ill re)oke "is 8ail an5 lo3k "im up a-ain.C 9t %as only partially true. Le-ally@ "e "a5 e)ery ri-"t to enter t"e 8ar@ 8ut 9 %as 8ettin- t"at !"arlotte 5i5n?t kno% t"at. 7ost la%a8i5in- 3itiEens %oul5n?t "a)e.

!"arlotte looke5 at me 1or a se3on5 lon-er@ t"en o11ere5 me a "an5. 9 "elpe5 "er stan5@ still 3autious. S"e "a5 a "ell o1 a temper on3e it -ot starte5. A5mitte5ly@ it took a lot to -et "er t"is ma5@ 8ut on3e s"e rea3"e5 it@ it %as e)ery man 1or "imsel1. S"e let me "elp "er to "er 1eet %it"out tryin- to slu- me. An impro)ement. =e ma5e our %ay t"rou-" t"e 3ro%5 %it" 4aniel an5 Hason trailin- 8e"in5 us. /o one 3ro%5e5 us as %e %ent 1or t"e 5oor. $"ey stare5@ 8ut 5i5n?t 3ro%5. $"e 8oun3er at t"e 5oor sai5@ AS"e 5oesn?t 3ome 8a3k in "ere.C !"arlotte opene5 "er mout" to say somet"in-@ an5 9 -rippe5 "er s"oul5er. A4on?t %orry. S"e %on?t.C He looke5 at !"arlotte 8ut no55e5. 9 let "er -et a8out t"ree -oo5 steps a"ea5 o1 me as %e rea3"e5 t"e parkin- lot. !all it an instin3t. S"e %"irle5@ an5 9 t"ink %oul5 "a)e "it me@ 8ut 9 %as out o1 rea3". S"e stare5 at me %it" t"ose 8i- "oney28ro%n eyes@ ma5e some"o% paler 8y t"e "alo-en lamps. A4on?t you e)er lay "an5s on me a-ain@C s"e sai5. ABe"a)e like <i3"ar5?s mot"er an5 not "is outra-e5 -irl1rien5@ an5 9 %on?t.C AHo% 5are youIC s"e sai5. S"e mo)e5 3loser. 9 mo)e5 a%ay. 9 5i5n?t really %ant to "a)e a 1ist1i-"t in t"e parkin- lot o1 a 8ar %it" <i3"ar5?s mot"er. A91 anyone s"oul5 8e tryin- to 8eat t"e s"it out o1 7s. Pero*i5e Blon5@ it s"oul5 8e me.C $"at stoppe5 "er 3ol5. S"e stoo5 strai-"t an5 looke5 at me. 9 3oul5 almost see "er sanity returnin-. ABut you aren?t 5atin"im anymore. ="y s"oul5 you 3areBC A$"at is t"e si*ty21our t"ousan5 5ollar ;uestion@ isn?t itBC 9 sai5. !"arlotte smile5 su55enly. A9 kne% you 3oul5n?t resist my 8oy. /o one 3oul5.C A91 "e keeps 5atin- e)eryt"in- in si-"t@ 9 mi-"t.C S"e 1ro%ne5. A9 3an?t 8elie)e "e e)er 5ate5 t"at t"in-@C s"e sai5. =e 8ot" turne5 an5 %at3"e5 <i3"ar5 %alk to%ar5s us. $"ere %ere nearly i5enti3al looks on our 1a3es. =e 5isappro)e5 o1 7s. S3"a11er2a lot. Her 1irst %or5s %ere@ A9 3annot 8elie)e you 5ate5 t"at %oman. S"e is a %"ore.C <i3"ar5 looke5 em8arrasse5@ more t"an 9?5 -otten 1rom "im. A9 kno% %"at s"e is.C A4i5 you "a)e se* %it" "erBC A7ot"erIC A4on?t you mot"er me@ <i3"ar5 Alari3 Keeman.C AAlari3@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 spare5 me a 1ro%n@ t"en turne5 8a3k to "is mot"er. A/o@ 9 ne)er slept %it" Betty.C He %as sayin- "e?5 ne)er "a5 inter3ourse %it" "er. !"arlotte %oul5 take it to mean t"at no se* at all "a5 "appene5@ >ust like 9 "a5. 9 remem8ere5 %"at Hamil "a5 sai5 a8out alternati)es@ 8ut 9 kept ;uiet. 9 5i5n?t %ant to upset !"arlotte@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. A=ell@ at least t"at s"o%s 8etter sense@C !"arlotte sai5. S"e %alke5 up to "im an5 smoot"e5 t"e 1ront o1 "is $2s"irt@ t"en 8o%e5 "er "ea5@ an5 9 realiEe5 s"e %as 3ryin-. 9 3oul5n?t "a)e 8een more surprise5 i1 s"e?5 8itten "im@ may8e less. <i3"ar5?s entire 1a3e 3rumple5 into "elpless lines. He looke5 at me as i1 1or "elp@ an5 9 8a3ke5 up. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9 %as no 8etter aroun5 3ryin- %omen t"an "e %as@ may8e less. He "u--e5 "er to "im. 9 "ear5 "er murmur@ A9 %as so %orrie5 a8out you in t"at a%1ul >ail.C 9 8a3ke5 up out o1 ears"ot@ an5 4aniel >oine5 me. He 5i5n?t seem ea-er to >oin t"em@ eit"er. #1 3ourse@ !"arlotte 5i5n?t "a)e to 3ry to unman 4aniel. A$"anks@ Anita@C "e sai5. 9 looke5 up at "im. He %as %earin- a re5 tank top t"at %as almost a t%in o1 one <i3"ar5 "a5. 'or all 9 kne%@ it %as t"e same one. He looke5 tanne5 an5 "an5some an5 )ery -ro%n2up. ADou?re asserti)e aroun5 e)eryone 8ut your parents. ="y is t"atBC He s"ru--e5. A9sn?t e)eryone like t"atBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o.C Hason mo)e5 up 8esi5e us. He e3"oe5 meJ A/o.C $"en "e lau-"e5. A#1 3ourse@ my mot"er %oul5 ne)er "a)e -otten into a 1i-"t in a 8ar@ no matter %"at 9 5i5. S"e?s mu3" too ... 5e3orous.C A4e3orous@C 9 sai5.

A7y last roommate "a5 a %or52a25ay 3alen5ar@C Hason sai5. ADou?)e 8een rea5in- a-ain@C 9 sai5. He "un- "is "ea5@ lookin- a8as"e5@ t"en -a)e me rolle5 eyes an5 a -rin. 9t %as su3" a mi* o1 s"ame an5 utter 3uteness t"at 9 lau-"e5. A9 3an?t 5onate 8loo5 an5 "a)e se* t%enty21our "ours a 5ay. $"ere?s no tele)ision at t"e !ir3us o1 t"e 4amne5.C A91 t"ere %asBC 9 aske5. A9?5 still rea5@ 8ut 5on?t tell anyone.C 9 put an arm aroun5 "is s"oul5ers. ADour se3ret is sa1e %it" me.C 4aniel put "is arm aroun5 Hason 1rom t"e ot"er si5e an5 sai5@ A=on?t 8reat"e a %or5 o1 it.C =e %alke5 to%ar5s t"e 1our28y21our@ arm in arm. A91 Anita %as in t"e mi55le@ t"is %oul5 8e per1e3t@C Hason sai5. 4aniel >ust stoppe5 in "is tra3ks@ starin- at Hason. 9 pulle5 a%ay 1rom 8ot" o1 t"em. ADou >ust 5on?t kno% %"en to stop@ 5o you@ HasonBC He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o.C <i3"ar5 %alke5 o)er to us. He sent 4aniel to t"eir mot"er@ an5 4aniel 5i5n?t ar-ue %it" t"e or5er. He sent Hason on to t"e 3ar@ an5 Hason 5i5n?t ar-ue. 9 stoo5 lookin- up at "is su55enly serious 1a3e@ %on5ere5 %"at my or5ers %ere -oin- to 8e@ an5 8et 9 %oul5 ar-ue %it" t"em. A="at?s upBC 9 aske5. A9?ll "a)e to -o %it" 4aniel an5 my mot"er to 3alm "er.C A9 "ear a 8ut 3omin-@C 9 sai5. He smile5. ABut t"ere?s a 3eremony to meet my lupa toni-"t. 9t?s 3ustomary 8e1ore t%o pa3ks s"are a 1ull moon t"at t"ey 8e 1ormally intro5u3e5.C AHo% 1ormallyBC 9 aske5. A9 5i5n?t pa3k 1or 1ormal.C $"e smile %i5ene5 into t"at %on5rous smile t"at %as "is mot"er?s. 9t "a5 t"at same utter -oo5 "umor to it. !onta-ious. A9 5on?t mean t"at kin5 o1 1ormal@ Anita. 9 mean t"ere are rites to o8ser)e.C A<ites@ as in %"atBC 9 aske5. 9 soun5e5 suspi3ious@ e)en to me. He "u--e5 me@ spontaneously@ not -irl1rien528oy1rien5@ 8ut >ust a "appy2to2see2you "u-. A9 "a)e misse5 you@ Anita.C 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom "im. A9 make a suspi3ious 3omment an5 you say you?)e misse5 me. 9 5on?t -et t"at@ <i3"ar5.C A9 lo)e all o1 you@ Anita@ e)en t"e suspi3ious parts.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ASti3k to 8usiness@ <i3"ar5. ="at ritesBC $"e smile 1a5e5@ t"e -oo5 "umor 5yin- 1rom "is eyes. He looke5 su55enly sa5 an5 9 %ante5 to take it 8a3k@ to "a)e "im smile at me a-ain. But 9 5i5n?t. =e %eren?t an item anymore@ an5 "e?5 8een 5atin- little 7iss S3"a11er@ t"e 3o%-irl "ooker. 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 t"at at all. S"e puEEle5 me e)en more t"an Lu3y. A9 "a)e to -o %it" my mot"er 1or a %"ile. Hamil an5 S"an-24a 3an e*plain %"at you "a)e to 5o as my lupa toni-"t.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A#ne o1 t"e 8o5y-uar5s stays %it" you@ <i3"ar5. 9 5on?t 3are %"i3" one it is@ 8ut you 5on?t -o out t"ere alone.C A7om %ill not un5erstan5 a 3"aperone t"at isn?t 1amily@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A4on?t -o all momma?s 8oy on me@ <i3"ar5. 9?)e "a5 enou-" o1 t"at 1rom 4aniel 1or one ni-"t. ,*plain it any %ay you like@ 8ut you aren?t lea)in- "ere %it"out 8a3kup.C He stare5 5o%n at me@ an5 "is "an5some 1a3e %as serious@ arro-ant. A9 am :l1ri3@ Anita. /ot you.C ADea"@ you?re :l1ri3@ <i3"ar5. Dou?re in 3"ar-e@ 1ine@ t"en 5o a -oo5 >o8 o1 it.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC A9t means t"at i1 t"e 8a5 -uys 1in5 you out alone toni-"t@ t"ey mi-"t not %ait to 1in5 out i1 you?re lea)in- tomorro%. #ne o1 t"em mi-"t -et a little ea-er an5 try to "urt you.C A91 it?s not sil)er 8ullets@ t"ey 3an?t kill me.C AAn5 "o% are you -oin- to e*plain to your mot"er t"at you sur)i)e5 a s"ot-un 8last to t"e 3"estBC 9 aske5. He -lan3e5 8a3k at "er an5 4aniel. ADou 3ut ri-"t to t"e 8one@ 5on?t you@C 9 sai5. A9t sa)es time@C 9 sai5. He turne5 8a3k to me. An-er "a5 5arkene5 "is eyes@ t"inne5 out "is 1a3e. A9 lo)e you@ Anita@ 8ut sometimes 9 5on?t like you )ery mu3".C

A9t?s not me you 5on?t like@ <i3"ar5@ not on t"is issue. Dou?re terri1ie5 t"at i1 7ommy 4earest 1in5s out you?re a s"apes"i1ter@ s"e?ll t"ink you?re a monster.C A4on?t 3all "er t"at.C ASorry@C 9 sai5. ABut it?s still t"e trut". 9 t"ink you?re un5erratin- !"arlotte. Dou?re "er son@ an5 s"e lo)es you.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 5on?t %ant "er to kno%.C A'ine@ 8ut 3"oose a 8o5y-uar5. ="y not tell your mom t"at "e?s 8a3kup in 3ase t"e poli3e try to make trou8leB 9t?s t"e trut".C AAs 1ar as it -oes@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A$"e 8est lies are al%ays at least partially true@ <i3"ar5.C ADou?re mu3" 8etter at lyin- t"an 9 am@C "e sai5. 9 looke5 1or an-er in t"e %or5s@ 8ut t"ere %as not"in-. 9t %as >ust a statement o1 1a3t t"at le1t "is eyes empty an5 sa5. 9 %as tire5 o1 apolo-iEin-@ so 9 5i5n?t. A4o you %ant to take t"eir 3ar an5 9 3an 5ri)e t"e 1our28y21our 8a3k to t"e 3a8insBC He no55e5. A9?ll take S"an-24a %it" me. He 5oesn?t like you mu3".C A9 t"ou-"t "e mi-"t "a)e %arme5 up to me sin3e t"e 1i-"t t"is a1ternoon@C 9 sai5. AHe still t"inks you 8etraye5 me@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 5i5n?t e)en try to tou3" t"at one. A'ine@ 9?ll take Hason an5 Hamil %it" me. $"ey 3an -i)e me lessons in %ere%ol1 eti;uette.C AHason %on?t 8e mu3" "elp. He?s ne)er 8een part o1 a "ealt"y pa3k.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC 9 aske5. A9t means t"at 8e3ause our ol5 lupa %as su3" a sa5isti3 8it3"@ %e %ere all a1rai5 o1 ea3" ot"er. A normal pa3k is mu3" more tou3"y21eely@ more 3asual %it" ea3" ot"er.C AHo% tou3"yBC 9 aske5. He smile5@ almost sa5ly. A$alk to Hamil. He?ll tea3" you an5 Hason@ too.C He seeme5 to t"ink a8out t"at. A="at a8out t"e %ereleopar5s@ an5 t"e )ampiresBC A9 alrea5y aske5 Verne. $"ey are our -uests toni-"t.C A#ne 8i- "appy 1amily@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 looke5 at me. 9t %as a lon-@ sear3"in- look. 9t took a lot to meet "is eyes an5 not to 1lin3". A9t 3oul5 8e@ Anita@ it really 3oul5 8e.C =it" t"at@ "e turne5 an5 %alke5 to "is mot"er an5 8rot"er. 9 %at3"e5 "im -o an5 %asn?t sure %"at to make o1 "is last 3omment. 9 use5 to %on5er %"y "e put up %it" me@ 8ut a1ter meetin- "is mot"er@ 9 kne%. 9t "a5 taken me t"ree Sun5ay 5inners to realiEe %"y !"arlotte an5 9 %ere eit"er in per1e3t a-reement or on opposite en5s o1 any 5is3ussion. =e %ere too mu3" alike. A 1amily@ like a pa3k@ 3an only "a)e so many alp"as or it tears itsel1 apart. #nly <i3"ar5?s 8rot"er@ Glenn@ is 3urrently marrie5@ an5 "is %i1e an5 !"arlotte 8utt "ea5s 3onstantly. Aaron is a %i5o%er. 9?m tol5 t"e 1i-"ts 8et%een !"arlotte an5 Aaron?s 5e3ease5 %i1e %ere le-en5ary. $"ey?5 all -one out an5 marrie5 someone like mom. Glenn?s %i1e@ t"ou-" 1ull28loo5e5 /a)a>o@ %as still petite@ an5 tou-". $"e Keeman men seeme5 to "a)e a %eakness 1or small an5 tou-". Be)erly@ as t"e only -irl an5 t"e el5est@ %as %on5er1ully 5ominant. S"e an5 !"arlotte "a5 almost not sur)i)e5 "er teena-e years@ a33or5in- to Glenn an5 Aaron. Be) "a5 settle5 5o%n@ -one to 3olle-e@ marrie5@ an5 %as pre-nant %it" "er 1i1t" 3"il5. S"e "a5 1our 8oys an5 %as tryin- one last time 1or a -irl. 9?5 pai5 attention to <i3"ar5?s 1amily 8e3ause 9?5 t"ou-"t t"ey %ere -oin- to 8e my in2la%s. $"at 5i5n?t seem likely to "appen no%. #"@ %ell. 9 "a5 enou-" pro8lems %it" my o%n 1amily. ="o nee5e5 a se3on5 oneB

Chapter Twelve
,)eryone %as in my room -ettin- a lesson in %ere%ol1 eti;uette. 9 sat on t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5 %it" !"erry per3"e5 8esi5e me. S"e?5 %as"e5 o11 t"e 8la3k makeup@ an5 "er 1a3e %as pale an5 youn- %it" a 5ustin- o1 -ol5en 1re3kles a3ross "er 3"eeks. 9 kne% s"e %as my a-e@ t%enty21i)e@ 8ut %it"out makeup@ s"e looke5 youn-er. Like "er o%n youn-er more inno3ent sister. $"e ne% 3lot"es a55e5 to t"e illusion. S"e?5 3"an-e5 into a 1a5e5 pair o1 >eans an5 an o)ersiEe5 $2s"irt. !lot"es you %oul5n?t min5 s"ape3"an-in- in. $"is 3lose to t"e 1ull moon@ sometimes you -ot 3arrie5 a%ay an5 3"an-e5 early. So 9?m tol5. So 9?)e seen. Kane leane5 a-ainst t"e 1ar %all@ %earin- not"in- 8ut a pair o1 >eans %it" t"e knees %orn a%ay to "oles. He?5 kept t"e nipple rin-. 9t looke5 )ery noti3ea8le a-ainst "is 8are 3"est.

Hason %as %earin- s"orts t"at "a5 starte5 li1e as a pair o1 >eans. $"e e5-es %ere ra--e5 %it" strin-s like "e?5 pi3ke5 at t"em. $"e only ot"er t"in- "e %as %earin- %as an ol5er pair o1 >o--in- s"oes@ no so3ks. He lay on "is stoma3"@ "ea5 pointe5 to%ar5s us@ %it" one o1 my pillo%s 8un5le5 un5er "is 3"in@ knees 8ent@ 1eet ki3kin- slo%ly in t"e air %"ile "e listene5 to Hamil. Hamil pa3e5 8a3k an5 1ort" in 1ront o1 us in "is little smiley s"irt. He?5 ki3ke5 "is s"oes o11 8y t"e 5oor an5 pa3e5 on smoot"@ 5ark 1eet. ,)en >ust %alkin- "e -a)e o11 an ener-y like a lo%2le)el 3urrent. $"e moon %as nearly 1ull@ an5 ener-y %as easy to 3ome 8y. =e?5 trie5 to in3lu5e /at"aniel in t"e le3ture@ 8ut %e 3oul5n?t 1in5 "im. 9 5i5n?t like t"at mu3". 9?5 8een rea5y to man a 1ull2 s3ale sear3"@ 8ut Kane "a5 seen "im -oin- o11 %it" one o1 t"e 1emale %ere%ol)es. $"e impli3ation seeme5 to 8e t"at t"ey?5 -one o11 1or a little one on one. So@ no sear3"@ 8ut 9 %asn?t "appy a8out it. 9 %asn?t e)en sure e*a3tly %"y 9 %asn?t "appy a8out it@ 8ut 9 %asn?t. /at"aniel nee5e5 to kno% some ru5imentary -reetin-s 8e3ause "e %as mine. /o one "a5 e)er met a lupa t"at %as also /imir2ra 1or a leopar5 par5@ 8ut Verne "a5 5e3i5e5 t"e leopar5s %oul5 8e in3lu5e5 8e3ause t"ey %ere mine. So t"ey nee5e5 t"e little -reetin-s le3ture. 9?5 sent 4amian an5 As"er out to 1in5 /at"aniel. /o one in Verne?s pa3k e*pe3te5 t"e )ampires to 8e part o1 t"e o11i3ial -reetin-. 9n 1a3t@ it "a5 8een re;ueste5 t"at t"ey not tou3" any o1 t"e %ere%ol)es unless o11ere5. Stron-ly re;ueste5. So it %as >ust t"e 1our o1 us %at3"in- Hamil pa3e. He 1inally stoppe5 in 1ront o1 me. AStan5 up.C 9t soun5e5 1ar too mu3" like an or5er 1or my taste@ 8ut 9 stoo5@ lookin- up at "im. A<i3"ar5 says you "a)e a 5e-ree in 8iolo-y.C /ot t"e openin- 9 %as e*pe3tin-@ 8ut 9 no55e5. APreternatural 8iolo-y@ yea".C AHo% mu3" 5o you kno% a8out natural %ol)esBC A9?)e 8een rea5in- 7e3"@C 9 sai5. Hamil?s eyes %i5ene5 >ust a 8it. AL. 4a)i5 7e3"BC ADea"@ you seem surprise5. He is one o1 t"e lea5in- aut"orities on %ol1 8e"a)ior.C A="y "a)e you 8een rea5in- "imBC Hamil aske5. 9 s"ru--e5. A9?m lupa o1 a %ere%ol1 pa3k@ 8ut 9?m not a %ere%ol1. $"ere are no -oo5 8ooks on %ere%ol)es@ so t"e 8est 9 3oul5 5o %as resear3" real %ol)es.C A="at else "a)e you rea5BC "e aske5. A#1 =ol)es an5 7en@ 8y Barry Holstun LopeE. A 1e% ot"er 8ooks@ 8ut t"ose %ere t"e t%o 8est 9?)e 1oun5.C Hamil smile5@ a ;ui3k 8arin- o1 teet". ADou "a)e >ust ma5e my >o8 a lot easier.C 9 1ro%ne5 up at "im. A$"e 1ormal -reetin- is like one 1rien5ly %ol1 -reetin- anot"er. $"e point is to -et t"e nose 8a3k "ere@C "e tou3"e5 t"e "air 8e"in5 my ear@ -ently. A4o you ru8 t"e 3"eek alon- t"e ot"er person?s 3"eek like a real %ol1 %oul5 5oB 9 mean in "uman 1orm@ you 5on?t "a)e any -lan5s on t"e 3"eek to "elp you s3ent mark anot"er %ol1.C He looke5 5o%n at me@ solemn almost@ no55in-. ADes@ you 5o ru8 3"eeks e)en in "uman 1orm. $"en you 8ury your nose in t"e "air 8e"in5 t"e ear.C AHo% 8i- is Verne?s pa3kBC 9 aske5. A'i1ty2t%o %ol)es@C Hamil sai5. 9 raise5 eye8ro%s at "im. APlease tell me t"at 9 5on?t "a)e to ru8 1a3es %it" e)ery sin-le one o1 t"em.C Hamil smile5@ 8ut it le1t "is eyes serious. He %as t"inkin- somet"in-. 9 %ante5 to kno% %"at it %as. A/ot %it" all o1 t"em@ >ust t"e alp"as.C AHo% manyBC A/ine@C "e sai5. A4oa8le@ 9 -uess.C 9 looke5 up into "is t"ou-"t1ul 1a3e an5 >ust aske5@ A="at are you t"inkin- so "ar5 a8out@ HamilBC He 8linke5 at me. A="at2A A4on?t tell me it?s not"in-. Dou %ent all solemn an5 t"ou-"t1ul a8out 1i)e minutes a-o. ="at -i)esBC He stare5 5o%n at me. $"e 3on3entration in "is 5ark eyes %as almost tou3"a8le. A9?m impresse5 t"at you 8ot"ere5 to resear3" natural %ol)es.C A$"at?s t"e t"ir5 time you?)e use5 t"e term natural %ol)es. 9?)e ne)er "ear5 it 8e1ore.C Hason rolle5 o11 t"e 8e5 to "is 1eet. A=e are real %ol)es part o1 t"e time. =e?re >ust not natural.C

9 looke5 to Hamil@ an5 "e no55e5. ASo 3allin- you -uys real %ol)es is an insultBC ADes@C Hamil sai5. AAnyt"in- else to %at3" 1orBC 9 aske5. Hamil looke5 at Hason. $"ey e*3"an-e5 a look t"at ma5e me 1eel e*3lu5e5. Like t"ere %as some unpleasant surprise 3omin- an5 no one %as tellin- me. A="atBC 9 sai5. ALet?s >ust 5o t"e -reetin-@C Hamil sai5. A="at are you -uys "i5in- 1rom meBC Hason lau-"e5. AHust tell "er.C A lo% -ro%l tri3kle5 1rom Hamil?s "uman t"roat. $"e soun5 alone raise5 t"e "air on my arms. A9 am Sk^ll@ an5 you "a)e no name amon- t"e lukoi. Dour )oi3e is only t"e %in5 outsi5e our 3a)e.C Hason took a 1e% steps 3loser. A$"e trees t"emsel)es 8o% 8e1ore t"e %in5@C "e sai5. 9t soun5e5 %ay too 1ormal 1or Hason. AGoo5@C Hamil sai5@ Ayou 5o kno% some lukoi p"rases.C A=e %ere a1rai5 to tou3" ea3" ot"er@C Hason sai5@ Anot to talk to ea3" ot"er.C Kane pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all@ mo)in- 8et%een t"em@ stan5in- 3lose to me. A$"e moon is risin-. $ime is passin-.C 9 1ro%ne5 at all o1 t"em. A9 1eel like you?re speakin- in 3o5e an5 9 5on?t kno% "o% to 3ra3k it.C AApparently@ %e "a)e some p"rases in 3ommon@C Hamil sai5@ A8et%een t"e lukoi an5 t"e par5.C AGreat@ t"e %ol)es an5 t"e leopar5s s"are some 3ommon -roun5. /o% %"atBC AGreet me@C Hamil sai5. A:"2u"@C 9 sai5@ A9?m lupa. Dou?re >ust t"e Sk^ll@ t"e mus3le. 9 outrank you@ so you o11er me your 1a3e an5 t"roat 1irst.C AS"e is your lupa@ an5 our /imir2ra@ %"i3" is an e;ui)alent rank to your :l1ri3@ s"e "as t"e ri-"t to ask@C Kane sai5. Hamil -ro%le5 at "im. Kane mo)e5 8e"in5 me@ as i1 usin- me 1or a s"iel5. 9t %oul5 "a)e %orke5 8etter i1 "e "a5n?t 8een nearly ten in3"es taller t"an me. AS"e re1uses you@C Hamil sai5. ADou stan5 alone 8e1ore me.C A/o %ay@C 9 sai5. AKane is mine. Dou aren?t -oin- to use "im 1or some ma3"o 5ominant 3rap.C Hamil s"ook "is "ea5. AHe mo)e5 into you@ 8ut you 5i5n?t tou3" "im.C 9 1ro%ne5 up at "im. ASoBC Hamil si-"e5. AAll your rea5in- "as tol5 you not"in- a8out us.C A$"en e*plain it to me@C 9 sai5. Hason sai5@ A="en Kane mo)e5 in 3lose to you@ "e %as askin- 1or your prote3tion@ 8ut you 5i5n?t tou3" "im. $"at?s seen as a re>e3tion o1 "is petition 1or prote3tion.C !"erry %as still sittin- )ery still on t"e 8e5@ "an5s 3laspe5 in "er lap. A9t?s one o1 t"e rules t"at %orks t"e same 1or t"e %ol)es an5 1or us.C 9 -lan3e5 8e"in5 me at t"em. AHo% 5o t"e t%o o1 you kno% all t"isBC A=it" <aina an5 7ar3us in 3"ar-e@ %e all -ot to 5o a lot o1 petitionin- 1or prote3tion@C Hason sai5. AGa8riel spent a lot o1 time %it" <aina@C !"erry sai5. A=e@ t"e %ereleopar5s@ -ot to spen5 a lot o1 time %it" t"e %ol)es.C ASo %"en Kane mo)e5 up 3lose@ %"at %as 9 suppose5 to 5oBC A4o you %ant to prote3t "im a-ainst meBC Hamil sai5. 9 stare5 up at t"at tall@ mus3ular 8o5y. ,)en i1 "e "a5n?t 8een a ly3ant"rope@ "e?5 "a)e s3are5 me in a 1air 1i-"t. #1 3ourse@ nature "a5 ma5e sure t"ere %oul5 8e no 1air 1i-"t. Hamil out%ei-"e5 me 8y a "un5re5 poun5s or more. His rea3" %as t%i3e mine. His upper 8o5y stren-t" ... %ell@ enou-" sai5. $"ere %as no su3" t"in- as a 1air 1i-"t 8et%een t"e t%o o1 us. $"at %as %"y 9 1elt per1e3tly 3om1orta8le usin- %eapons. ADea"@C 9 sai5@ A9 %ant to prote3t Kane a-ainst you. 91 t"at?s %"at it takes.C A$"en tou3" "im@C Hamil sai5. 9 1ro%ne5 a-ain. A!an you 8e a little more spe3i1i3BC

A$"e tou3" is %"at?s important@C Hamil sai5@ Anot %"ere or "o%.C Kane %as stan5in- at my 8a3k. 9 mo)e5 8a3k%ar5s until my 8a3k tou3"e5 "is 8o5y. #ur 8o5ies ma5e a ni3e soli5 line. A,nou-"BC 9 aske5. Hamil s"ook "is "ea5. A'or Go5?s sake@ >ust tou3" "im.C He motione5 to Hason. AAsk 1or my prote3tion.C Hason 3ame to "is si5e %it" a smile. He stoo5 )ery 3lose 8ut %as 3are1ul not to tou3". Hamil put an arm a3ross "is s"oul5ers@ o8)iously prote3ti)e@ almost a "u-. A$"ere@ t"at?s it.C A4oes it "a)e to 8e >ust like t"at@ or 3an 9 tou3" "im any%"ere t"at?s noti3ea8leBC Hamil ma5e a small soun5 8et%een an ump" an5 a -ro%l. ADou are makin- t"is too 3ompli3ate5.C A/o@C 9 sai5@ Ayou are. Hust ans%er t"e ;uestion.C A/o@ it 5oesn?t "a)e to 8e >ust like t"is@ 8ut it?s 8est i1 you -et in t"e "a8it o1 makin- t"e o11er look normal to people.C A="yBC 9 aske5. A="at i1 Kane %ere runnin- 1rom me in pu8li3B He sees you t"rou-" t"e 3ro%5@ 3omes up to you. All you "a)e to 5o is preten5 to "u- "im@ or e)en kiss "im. 9 kno% you?)e -i)en "im your prote3tion an5 none o1 t"e "umans aroun5 us kno% anyt"in- is %ron-.C 9 %asn?t sure "o% 9 1elt a8out not 8ein- in3lu5e5 %it" t"e ot"er "umans@ 8ut 9 let it -o. 9 5re% Kane out 1rom 8e"in5 me %it" a "an5 aroun5 "is %aist. 9?5 "a)e 8een more 3om1orta8le i1 "e?5 8een %earin- a s"irt@ 8ut "ey@ t"at %as my "an-up@ not "is. 9 ma5e it my le1t arm@ lea)in- my ri-"t 1ree. 9 also mo)e5 8a3k enou-" so t"at my -un %asn?t presse5 up a-ainst "is 8o5y. Ha)in- my arm aroun5 Kane?s %aist@ stan5in- a little apart@ ma5e t"e -un un5er my arm )ery o8)ious. $"ere %ere a lot o1 5i11erent %ays to make t"reats. AHappyBC 9 aske5. Hamil no55e5 on3e )ery 3urtly. Hason steppe5 a%ay 1rom "im@ 3loser to Kane an5 me. AHamil?s >ust ma5 t"at Kane tol5 you "e "a5 to 5o a su8missi)e -reetin-.C AAn5 you?)e remin5e5 "er@C Hamil sai5. A#o"@C Hason sai5@ A9?m so s3are5.C A roil o1 po%er pri3kle5 t"rou-" t"e room. 9 %at3"e5 Hamil?s 8ro%n eyes 8lee5 to a ri3" yello%. He stare5 at Hason %it" %ol1 eyes. ADou %ill 8e.C !"erry sli5 o11 t"e 8e5@ kneelin- 8e"in5 me. S"e rea3"e5 a "an5 up to me@ an5 9 took it. S"e li3ke5 a ;ui3k ton-ue a3ross my "an5@ a -reetin- t"at only t"e leopar5s use5@ t"en one slen5er "an5 %ent to my le-@ "ol5in- onto my pants like a small@ s"y 3"il5. S"e seeme5 to t"ink somet"in- 8a5 %as a8out to "appen. 9 "al1 e*pe3te5 Hason to 3ome to me like t"e %ereleopar5s "a5@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. He mo)e5 1art"er into t"e room@ a%ay 1rom Hamil@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t ask 1or "elp. A="at?s t"e 8i- 5ealBC 9 aske5. AHamil >ust o11ers me "is 3"eek 1irst@ ri-"tBC A#"@ no@C Hason sai5@ Amu3" more 1un t"an t"at.C $"at ma5e me 1ro%n 8e3ause 9 kne% %"at Hason?s i5ea o1 1un %as. A7ay8e 9 aske5 1or somet"in- 9 5on?t un5erstan5.C ABut you 5i5 ask@C Hamil sai5@ Aan5 as our lupa it is your ri-"t.C 9 %as 8e-innin- to suspe3t 9?5 ma5e a 1au* pas. $"at 9?5 aske5 somet"in- o1 Hamil "e 5i5n?t %ant to -i)e an5 9 pro8a8ly %oul5n?t like re3ei)in-. A91 you "a5n?t 8een su3" an ass"ole %"en %e 1irst -ot "ere@ Hamil@ 9?5 pro8a8ly let t"is -o.C ABut...C "e sai5. ABut 9 5on?t 8a3k 5o%n@ not to you.C A/ot to anyone@C Hason sai5 so1tly. $"at@ too. A91 9 re1use@ it?s 3"allen-e 8et%een us@C Hamil sai5. A'ine@ 8ut remem8er@ you?)e "a5 your last 1ree pass 1or t"e %eeken5@ Hamil.C He no55e5. A9 see t"e -un.C A$"en %e un5erstan5 ea3" ot"er@C 9 sai5. A=e un5erstan5 ea3" ot"er@C "e sai5. Hamil 3lose5 t"e 5istan3e 8et%een us@ eyes still an eerie s"a5e o1 yello%. A4on?t -et 3ute@ Hamil.C He -a)e a ;ui3k 8arin- o1 teet". A9 am 5oin- %"at you aske5@ Anita.C Kane mo)e5 8e"in5 me@ "an5s on my s"oul5ers@ 8ut -i)in- me more room to mo)e. !"erry "u55le5 a-ainst my le-s. /eit"er o1 t"em mo)e5 a%ay. 9 took t"at as a -oo5 si-n. 9 "ope5 9 %as ri-"t.

Hamil tou3"e5 my 1a3e )ery li-"tly %it" t"e tips o1 "is 1in-ers. A91 %e %ere in pu8li3@ it %oul5 8e t"is.C He 8ent 5o%n%ar5 an5 it looke5 like "e %as -oin- to kiss me. He 5i5. A so1t 8rus" o1 lips@ 1in-ers still "ol5in- my 1a3e. He 5re% 8a3k 1rom me. ="en "e opene5 "is eyes@ t"ey %ere still t"at ri3"@ -ol5en yello%. 9t %as a startlin- 3olor a-ainst t"e 5arkness o1 "is skin. 9 "a5 >ust stoo5 t"ere t"rou-"out@ too startle5 to kno% %"at to 5o. /eit"er t"e leopar5s nor Hason 3alle5 1oul@ so Hamil %as 5oin- %"at 9?5 1or3e5 "im to 5o. Pro8a8ly. 91 it "a5 8een Hason@ 9?5 suspe3te5 some sort o1 ploy to steal a kiss@ 8ut Hamil 5i5n?t play t"ose kin5s o1 -ames. He staye5 %it" "is "an5s still 3ra5lin- my 1a3e. ABut toni-"t %on?t 8e in pu8li3. Bet%een oursel)es %"en no one %at3"es ...C He 5i5n?t 1inis" t"e senten3e. He >ust leane5 o)er me a-ain. His ton-ue ran a3ross my lo%er lip. 9 >erke5 8a3k. He let "is "an5s 1all to "is si5es. ADou rea5 t"e %ol1 8ooks@ Anita@ 9 am a su8missi)e %ol1 8e--in- a 5ominant?s attention.C A9t?s a )ariation o1 1oo5 8e--in- 8y pups@C 9 sai5. A9n t%o a5ult %ol)es@ it?s a ritual o1 li3kin- an5 8itin- -ently at t"e mout" o1 t"e 5ominant %ol1 8y t"e su8or5inate.C Hamil no55e5. ADou?)e ma5e your point@C 9 sai5. A$"e -reetin- 9 am tryin- to tea3" you is like our )ersion o1 a "an5s"ake. Dou 8ot" o11er your 1a3es at t"e same time. 9t?s more like a kiss.C AS"o% me@C 9 sai5. He leane5 into me a-ain@ 8ut t"is time "e 5i5n?t try to tou3" my mout". He ru88e5 "is 3"eek alon- mine@ ru88in- "is 1a3e a3ross my ear until "is 1a3e %as 8urie5 in t"e "air 8e"in5 my ear. His mo)ement "a5 put my 1a3e a-ainst "is "air. His "air %as in 3ornro%s@ an5 t"e te*ture %as rou-" an5 so1t at t"e same time. Hamil spoke %it" "is mout" still a-ainst my "air@ ADou "a)e to 8ury your 1a3e in t"e "air an5 smell t"e skin.C He 8urro%e5 "is 1a3e into my "air until "e "a5 to 8e tou3"in- skin. 9 "ear5 "im 8reat"in- in air. His 8reat" %as almost "ot a-ainst my skin. 9 trie5 to return t"e 1a)or@ 8ut "a5 to raise on tiptoe@ one "an5 a-ainst "is 3"est 1or 8alan3e. Kane sli5 a%ay 1rom me@ an5 9 use5 my ot"er "an5 on "is s"oul5er. $"e 3ornro%s ma5e it easier to put my 1a3e ne*t to t"e skin o1 "is s3alp. $"e 8rai5s mo)e5 aroun5 my 1a3e like small t"in ropes. 9 3oul5 smell "is "air strai-"tener@ "is 3olo-ne@ an5 un5er all t"at %as "im. $"e moment "is s3ent "it me@ 9 1elt a rus" o1 po%er@ an5 it %asn?t "is. 9 su55enly kne% t"at <i3"ar5 %as sittin- on a 8e5@ "ol5in- "is mot"er. 9 1elt "im look up as i1 "e?5 see me stan5in- at t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5. But 9 %as miles a%ay@ stan5in- at t"e 1oot o1 a 5i11erent 8e5. =e 5re% in t"e ri3" %arm smell o1 Hamil?s skin@ an5 <i3"ar5?s po%er 8roke o)er me in a mar3" o1 -oose 8umps. Hamil 5re% 8a3k 1rom me@ "an5s still on my s"oul5ers. His nostrils 1lare5 %"ile "e 5re% in s3ent. A<i3"ar529 smell our :l1ri3. Ho%BC Kane presse5 a-ainst my 8a3k@ ru88in- "is 1a3e a-ainst my "air. !"erry "a5 3urle5 "ersel1 aroun5 my le- like a 1etus. AS"e is your lupa. Boun5 to your :l1ri3.C Hamil steppe5 8a3k 1rom me@ somet"in- )ery 3lose to 1ear on "is 1a3e. AS"e 3annot 8e 8oun5 to <i3"ar5. S"e is not lukoi.C 9 mo)e5 to%ar5s "im@ an5 Kane %ent to "is knees 8e"in5 me. !"erry let me -o@ "an5s sli5in- a%ay relu3tantly. $"ey "u55le5 to-et"er@ "ol5in- ea3" ot"er. 9 spare5 t"em a -lan3e an5 aske5@ ADou -uys all ri-"tBC Kane no55e5. A9 sa% you 3all t"e po%er o1 t"e marks on3e 8e1ore@ 8ut 9?)e ne)er 8een tou3"in- you %"en you 3alle5 t"e :l1ri3?s po%er. 9t?s a rus".C !"erry >ust stare5 at me@ eyes -one lar-e in a pale 1a3e. A4on?t 9 kno% it@C Hason sai5. He %as still a3ross t"e room@ "u--in- "is nake5 3"est@ "an5s ru88in- up an5 5o%n "is 8are arms as i1 "e %ere 3ol5. He %asn?t 3ol5. 9 turne5 8a3k to Hamil. A9 am 8oun5 to <i3"ar5. 9t isn?t t"e same kin5 o1 8on5in- t"at "e?5 "a)e %it" anot"er ly3ant"rope@ 8ut it is a 8on5.C ADou are Hean2!lau5e?s "uman ser)ant@C Hamil sai5. 9 "ate5 t"e term@ 8ut it %as a33urate@ te3"ni3ally any%ay. ADes@ 9 am@ >ust as <i3"ar5 is Hean2!lau5e?s %ol1 to 3all.C AHe 3annot 3all our :l1ri3 like a 5o-. <i3"ar5 5oes not ans%er to t"e )ampire?s %"ims.C A7e@ eit"er@C 9 sai5. ASometimes 9 t"ink Hean2!lau5e may "a)e 8itten o11 more t"an "e 3an 5rink %it" t"e t%o o1 us.C

$"e 5oor to t"e 3a8in opene5@ no kno3k@ no preliminaries. As"er steppe5 t"rou-" %it" /at"aniel in "is arms. He %as 8un5le5 into As"er?s suit >a3ket. ="at 9 3oul5 see o1 "is le-s %ere pale an5 8are. 9 ran 1or%ar5. A="at "appene5BC As"er lai5 /at"aniel on t"e 8e5 on "is 8a3k@ trappin- t"e >a3ket un5er "is 8o5y. He %as nu5e e*3ept 1or t"e >a3ket. /at"aniel trie5 to 3url up onto "is si5e into a 8all@ 8ut As"er stoppe5 "im@ tryin- to smoot" "is le-s 5o%n@ to make "im lie still. ALie still@ /at"aniel.C A9t "urtsIC His )oi3e %as stran-le5@ t%iste5 ti-"t %it" pain. 9 knelt 8y t"e 8e5@ tou3"in- "is 1a3e. He looke5 at me@ eyes so %i5e t"ey 1las"e5 %"ite. His mout" opene5 an5 a small moan es3ape5 "im. His "an5 3la%e5 at t"e 8e5sprea5 as i1 "e nee5e5 to "ol5 somet"in-@ anyt"in-. 9 -a)e "im my "an5 an5 "is -rip %as so ti-"t 9 "a5 to remin5 "im not to 3rus" my "an5. He muttere5@ ASorry@C t"en "is spine 8o%e5@ 8o5y t%istin-. /ormally@ seein- /at"aniel 3ompletely nu5e %oul5 "a)e em8arrasse5 me. /o% 9 %as too s3are5 to 8e em8arrasse5. $"ere %ere 8lee5in- 3uts on "is 3"est@ 8ut t"ey looke5 s"allo%. /ot"in- seeme5 %ron- enou-" 1or t"is kin5 o1 pain. !"erry 5isappeare5 into t"e 8at"room. 9 5i5n?t t"ink you %ere t"at s;ueamis" i1 you %ere a nurse. A="o 5i5 t"isBC 9 aske5. AHe is our messa-e 1rom t"e lo3al )ampires@C As"er sai5. A="at messa-eBC /at"aniel t%iste5 on t"e 8e5@ "is ot"er "an5 -ra88in- at my arm. $%o slo% tears traile5 5o%n "is 3"eeks. A$"ey kept askin- me %"y %e?5 3ome "ere.C He t"re% "is "ea5 8a3k an5 1ort"@ an5 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 somet"in- on "is ne3k. 9 -ot one "an5 1ree an5 mo)e5 all t"at lon-@ au8urn "air so 9 3oul5 see "is ne3k. A )ampire 8ite s"o%e5 in t"e smoot" 1les" o1 "is ne3k. $"e 8ite %as 3lean@ neat@ 8ut t"e skin %as sli-"tly 5arker t"an it s"oul5 "a)e 8een. A4i5 one o1 you 5o t"isBC 9 aske5. A9 took 8loo5 1rom t"e 8en5 o1 "is arm@C As"er sai5. A$"at is !olin?s 5oin-.C /at"aniel?s 8o5y ease5 a-ainst t"e 8e5@ t"e spasm or %"ate)er passin-. A9 tol5 t"em %e %ere "ere to res3ue <i3"ar5. 9 tol5 t"em t"e trut"@ o)er an5 o)er.C His "an5 3on)usle5 aroun5 mine@ eyes 3losin- as i1 "e %ere ri5in- a %a)e o1 pain. A1ter a 1e% se3on5s@ "e opene5 "is eyes@ "is "an5 easin- aroun5 mine. A$"ey %oul5n?t 8elie)e me.C !"erry 3ame out o1 t"e 8at"room. S"e trie5 to pus" me -ently 8ut 1irmly out o1 t"e %ay@ 8ut /at"aniel 3lut3"e5 at my "an5. !"erry settle5 1or makin- me kneel 8y t"e "ea5 o1 t"e 8e5. He 3oul5 still "ol5 my "an5@ 8ut 9 %as out o1 t"e %ay. S"e 8e-an to e*plore t"e %oun5s on "is 3"est. S"e %as )ery su8missi)e@ almost untrust%ort"ily so@ 8ut let someone 8e in>ure5 an5 it %as like a 5i11erent !"erry rose to t"e o33asion. S"e 8e3ame /urse !"erry@ as i1 t"e leat"er2slut21rom2"ell %as "er se3ret i5entity. A4o you "a)e a 1irst ai5 kit in t"is 3a8inBC s"e aske5. A/o@C 9 sai5. A9?)e -ot one in my suit3ase in t"e ot"er 3a8in@C !"erry sai5. A9?ll -et it@C Hason o11ere5. He starte5 1or t"e 5oor. A=ait@C 9 sai5. AHamil@ -o %it" "im. 9 5on?t %ant anyone else taken toni-"t.C /o one ar-ue5 %it" me. 9t %as a 1irst. $"e t%o %ere%ol)es >ust %ent 1or t"e 5oor. 4amian "a5 to mo)e out o1 t"e %ay 1or t"em to lea)e. He s"ut t"e 5oor 8e"in5 t"em an5 leane5 a-ainst it. His eyes "a5 -one a 5ro%nin-@ soli5 -reen@ like emeral5 1ire. His pale skin %as takin- on t"at translus3ent@ almost -lo%in- ;uality t"at t"e )amps -et %"en t"eir "umanity 8e-ins to 1ol5 a%ay. Stron- emotions %ill 5o t"at to t"e lesser )ampsJ 1ear@ lust@ an-er. 9 looke5 at As"er. He %as ... normal. He stoo5 >ust 8a3k 1rom t"e 8e5@ t"at "an5some@ tra-i3@ 1a3e 8lank an5 empty. 9t %as so like t"e e*pression Hean2!lau5e use5 %"en "e %as "i5in- somet"in-. A9 t"ou-"t !olin %as eit"er suppose5 to atta3k us 5ire3tly or lea)e us alone@C 9 sai5. A/o one sai5 anyt"in- a8out t"is kin5 o1 s"it.C A9t %as ... une*pe3te5@C As"er sai5. A=ell@ e*plain it to me.C 4amian pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e 5oor@ stalkin- into t"e room@ e)ery mo)ement ti-"t %it" an-er. A$"ey torture5 "im 8e3ause t"ey en>oye5 it. $"ey?re )ampires@ 8ut t"ey 1e5 o11 more t"an >ust 8loo5.C A="at are you sayin-@ 4amianBC A$"ey 1e5 o11 "is 1ear.C 9 looke5 1rom "is -lo%in- 1a3e to As"er@ t"en 8a3k to 4amian. ADou mean literally@ 5on?t youBC 4amian no55e5. A$"e one %"o 8rou-"t me o)er %as like t"at. S"e 3oul5 1ee5 o11 o1 1ear as i1 it %ere 8loo5. S"e?5 -o 1or 5ays 1ee5in- o11 o1 terror@ t"en su55enly s"e?5 take 8loo5. But s"e 5i5n?t >ust 1ee5@ s"e slau-"tere5. S"e?5 3ome 8a3k to

t"e 3"am8er 3o)ere5 in 8loo5@ sli3k %it" it. $"en s"e?5 make me ... C His )oi3e traile5 o11. He looke5 at me@ "is eyes %ere 8e-innin- to look like nake5 -reen 1lame@ as i1 "is po%er %ere eatin- t"e 8ones o1 "is eye so3kets. A9 1elt it %"en %e met !olin. 9 smelle5 it. He?s like "er. He?s a ni-"t "a-@ a mora.C A="at t"e "ell is a ni-"t "a- or a moraB An5 %"at 5o you mean@ you met !olinB 9 t"ou-"t you res3ue5 /at"aniel.C A/o@ t"ey -a)e "im 8a3k to us@C As"er sai5. A91 %e 5i5 not see "im@ t"e messa-e %oul5 not 8e 3omplete.C !"erry interrupte5 us. AHis pulse is t"rea5y@ "is skin is 3lammy. He?s -oin- into s"o3k. $"e 3uts on "is 3"est are s"allo%. ,)en t%o )ampire 8ites in one ni-"t s"oul5n?t put "im into s"o3k. =e "eal 8etter t"an t"is.C A$"ere is a t"ir5 8ite@C As"er sai5. $"rou-" it all@ "is )oi3e "a5 8een utterly 3alm@ as i1 not"in- tou3"e5 "im. !"erry looke5 5o%n t"e len-t" o1 /at"aniel?s 8o5y@ t"en tou3"e5 "is t"i-". S"e mo)e5 "is le-s apart. A#1 3ourse@ t"e 1emoral artery. ="y is t"e skin 5is3olore5 on 8ot" 8itesBC S"e tou3"e5 t"e skin o1 "is inner t"i-". A$"e skin 1eels almost 3ol5.C /at"aniel %rit"e5 on t"e 8e5. He let -o o1 my "an5@ rea3"in- 1or me as i1 "e %ante5 a "u-. He -ra88e5 one arm@ an5 a "an51ul o1 my 8louse. His eyes %ere %il5. A9t "urts.C A="at "urtsBC 9 aske5. A$"e 8ites are 3ontaminate5@C As"er sai5. A="at 5o you mean@ 3ontaminate5BC A$"ink o1 it as a poison.C AHe?s a %ereanimal@ t"ey?re immune to poisons@C 9 sai5. A/ot t"is one@C As"er sai5. A="at kin5 o1 poison is itBC !"erry sai5. $"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. Hason sai5@ A9t?s us.C 4amian looke5 at me. His eyes "a5 3alme5 5o%n to a so1t -lo%@ "is skin almost 8a3k to t"e milky per1e3tion t"at passe5 1or normal. 9 no55e5. He opene5 t"e 5oor. Hason 3ame in %it" a 1irst ai5 kit 8i--er t"an most o)erni-"t 8a-s. 7ay8e !"erry "a5 8een a Girl S3out in anot"er li1e. Hamil 1ollo%e5 8e"in5 Hason like a 5ark@ solemn s"a5o%. A$"e kin5 o1 poison t"at not"in- in t"at little 8a- %ill stop@C As"er sai5. 9 stare5 up at "im@ su55enly realiEin- %"at "e?5 >ust sai5. ADou mean "e?s -oin- to ... C 9 3oul5n?t e)en say it. A4ie@C As"er sai5 in t"at same utterly 3alm@ almost mil5ly amuse5 )oi3e t"at "e?5 8een usin- sin3e t"ey 1irst %alke5 into t"e 3a8in. 9 stoo5@ /at"aniel?s "an5s 3lin-in- to me. 9 looke5 at !"erry an5 s"e mo)e5 in to "elp me 5ra% 1ree o1 "im. 9 %ante5 to say t"in-s to As"er t"at 9 5i5n?t %ant /at"aniel to "ear. Kane 3ra%le5 onto t"e 8e5 on t"e ot"er si5e. /at"aniel -ra88e5 "is "an5 an5 "el5 on. Anot"er spasm t"re% /at"aniel %rit"in- on t"e 8e5. Kane an5 !"erry "el5 "im 5o%n@ let "im use t"at 3rus"in- stren-t" on t"eir "an5s. $"e t%o %ereleopar5s stare5 at me %"ile /at"aniel t"ras"e5@ eyes rollin- 8a3k into "is "ea5. Kane an5 !"erry %at3"e5 me. 9 %as t"eir /imir2ra@ t"eir leopar5 ;ueen. 9 %as suppose5 to prote3t t"em@ not 5ra- t"em into s"it like t"is. 9 turne5 a%ay 1rom t"eir a33usin-@ e*pe3tant eyes an5 mo)e5 %it" As"er to t"e 5oor. A="at 5o you mean "e?s -oin- to 5ieBC ADou?)e seen t"e kin5 o1 )ampires t"at rot an5 re21orm t"emsel)esBC ADea". SoBC A#ne o1 t"em 8it /at"aniel.C A9?)e 8een 8itten 8y one o1 t"em. Hason?s 8een 8itten 8y one o1 t"em. /ot"in- like t"is "appene5 to us.C 9 -lan3e5 8a3k an5 1oun5 Hason "ol5in- /at"aniel?s "an5 %"ile !"erry starte5 3leanin- t"e 3"est %oun5s. Some"o% 9 5i5n?t t"ink 8an5a-in- t"e 3uts %as -oin- to "elp. Hamil an5 4amian >oine5 us. =e stoo5 in a little 3ir3le@ talkin-@ %"ile /at"aniel s3reame5. As"er sai5@ A9t is one o1 t"e rarest o1 talents. 9 t"ou-"t t"at only 7orte 5? Amour@ Lo)er o1 4eat"@ t"e 3oun3il mem8er 3oul5 5o t"is. !olin 3"ose "is messa-es 3are1ully. $"e slas"es are "arm 1rom a 5istan3e %it" >ust a 1le*in- o1 po%er.C AHean2!lau5e 3an?t 3ause "arm 1rom a 5istan3e@C 9 sai5. A/o@ an5 no one else 3an sprea5 3orruption 1rom t"eir 8ite. /o one else in t"is 3ountry.C ADou keep sayin- 3orruption@C Hamil sai5. A="at 5oes t"at mean e*a3tlyBC

!"erry 3ame to us %it" %"ite -uaEe pa5s in "er "an5s. Her pale 1re3kles stoo5 out like ink on "er su55enly pale skin. $"ere %as yello% an5 -reen puss on t"e -auEe. A$"is 3ame out o1 t"e 3"est %oun5s@C s"e sai5 ;uietly. A="at t"e "ell is itBC =e all looke5 at As"er@ e)en 4amian. But 9 %as t"e one %"o sai5 it out lou5@ AHe?s rottin-. He?s 5e3ayin- %"ile "e?s still ali)e.C As"er no55e5. A$"e 3orruption is in "is 8loo5. 9t %ill sprea5 an5 t"en "e %ill rot.C 9 looke5 8a3k to t"e 8e5. Hason %as speakin- lo% an5 so1tly to /at"aniel@ strokin- "is "ea5 like you?5 3om1ort a si3k 3"il5. Kane %as lookin- at me. A$"ere "as to 8e somet"in- %e 3an 5o@C 9 sai5. As"er?s 1a3e %as as 3lose5 an5 3are1ul as 9?5 e)er seen it. #ne o1 Hean2!lau5e?s memories o1 As"er %ent t"rou-" me so 1or3e1ully t"at my 1in-ertips tin-le5 %it" it. 9t %asn?t a memory o1 any one e)ent. 9 re3o-niEe5 t"e set o1 As"er?s s"oul5ers. 9 kne% "is 8o5y lan-ua-e %it" a 1amiliarity 8uilt up o1 years o1 o8ser)ation. 7ore years t"an 9?5 8een ali)e. A="at are you "i5in-@ As"erBC 9 aske5. He looke5 at me@ pale@ pale eyes 8lank@ empty@ line5 %it" t"ose amaEin- -ol5en eyelas"es like s"inin- la3e. He smile5. $"e smile %as e)eryt"in- it s"oul5 "a)e 8eenJ >oyous@ sensual@ %el3omin-. $"at smile %ent t"rou-" my "eart like a kni1e. 9 remem8ere5 t"at 1a3e %"ole an5 per1e3t. 9 remem8ere5 %"en t"at smile "a5 ma5e me 3at3" my 8reat". 9 s"ook my "ea5. $"e p"ysi3al mo)ement "elpe5. 9 s"ook o11 t"e memories. $"ey 1a5e5@ 8ut it 5i5n?t 3"an-e %"at 9?5 seen@ %"at 9 kne%. ADou kno% "o% to sa)e "im@ 5on?t youBC AHo% 8a5ly 5o you %ant to sa)e "im@ AnitaBC His )oi3e %asn?t neutral no%@ it %as almost an-ry. A9 8rou-"t "im 5o%n "ere@ As"er@ 9 put "im in 5an-er. 9?m suppose5 to prote3t "im.C A9 t"ou-"t "e %as suppose5 to 8e your 8o5y-uar5@C As"er sai5. AHe?s %alkin- 1oo5@ As"er. Dou kno% t"at. /at"aniel 3an?t e)en -uar5 "imsel1.C As"er let out "is 8reat" in a lon- si-". A/at"aniel is a pomme 5e stin-.C A="at t"e "ell are you talkin- a8outBC A9t means apple o1 8loo5. 9t is a so8ri;uiet amon- t"e !oun3il 1or %illin- 1oo5.C 4amian 1inis"e5 t"e t"ou-"t. A$"e )ampire t"at 1ee5s 1rom a pomme 5e sun- is 5uty 8oun5 to prote3t t"em@ like a s"ep"er5 keepin- t"e %ol1 1rom "is s"eep.C 4amian looke5 at As"er %"ile "e sai5 it@ an5 it %as not a 1rien5ly look. $"ey %ere 1i-"tin- a8out somet"in-@ 8ut t"ere %as no time. 9 tou3"e5 As"er?s arm. 9t 1elt sti11@ %oo5en@ not e)en ali)e. He %as 5ra%in- a%ay 1rom me@ a%ay 1rom t"e room@ a%ay 1rom %"at %as "appenin-. He %as -oin- to let /at"aniel 5ie %it"out e)en tryin-. :na33epta8le. 9 ma5e mysel1 -rip t"at %oo5en@ unali)e arm. 9 "ate5 it %"en Hean2!lau5e 1elt like t"is. 9t %as a remin5er o1 %"at "e %as@ an5 %"at "e %asn?t. A4on?t let "im 5ie@ not like t"is. Please@ mon 3"ar5onneret.C He >umpe5 like 9?5 "it "im %"en 9 use5 t"e ol5 ni3kname t"at Hean2!lau5e "a5 use5 so many years a-o. 9t meant literally@ my -ol51in3"@ %"i3" soun5e5 silly in ,n-lis". But t"e look on As"er?s 1a3e %asn?t silly. 9t %as almost s"o3ke5. A/o one "as 3alle5 me t"at in o)er t%o "un5re5 years.C His arm so1tene5 un5er my "an5@ 1eelin- %arm@ ali)e a-ain. A9 5on?t 8e- o1ten@ 8ut 1or t"is 9 %ill.C AHe means so mu3" to youBC As"er aske5. AHe?s e)eryone?s )i3tim@ As"er. Someone "as to -i)e a 5amn a8out "im. Please mon2A He put "is 1in-ers o)er my lips. A4on?t say it@ Anita@ 5on?t e)er say it a-ain unless you mean it. 9 %ill sa)e "im@ Anita@ 1or you.C 9 1elt like 9 %as missin- somet"in-. 9 3oul5 remem8er Hean2!lau5e?s pet name 1or As"en 8ut 9 3oul5n?t remem8er %"y As"er %as a1rai5 to try to "eal /at"aniel. As 9 %at3"e5 "im %alk to t"e 8e5@ -ol5en "air trailin- like a -litterin- )eil a3ross "is s"oul5ers@ t"at missin- memory seeme5 )ery important. As"er "el5 "is "an5 out to 4amian. A!ome@ my 8rot"er@ or 5oes t"e 1ame5 3oura-e o1 t"e Vikin-s 1ail you no%BC A9 %as slau-"terin- your an3estors 8e1ore you %ere a -leam in your -reat -ran55a55y?s eye.C AS"it@ t"is is 5an-erous@ isn?t itBC 9 aske5. As"er knelt 8esi5e t"e 8e5. He looke5 8a3k at me@ t"e -ol5en "air sli5in- o)er t"e s3arre5 si5e o1 "is 1a3e@ "i5in- it. He knelt@ all -ol5en per1e3tion@ an5 smile5@ 8ut it %as 8itter. A=e 3an take t"e 3orruption into oursel)es@ 8ut i1 %e are not po%er1ul enou-"@ it %ill enter us@ an5 %e %ill 5ie@ 8ut your pre3ious %ereleopar5 %ill 8e sa)e5 eit"er %ay.C 4amian 3ra%le5 onto t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e 8e5@ mo)in- Kane a%ay 1rom "is spot 8y /at"aniel?s "ea5. /at"aniel "a5 stoppe5 s3reamin-. He lay )ery still@ skin pale@ s"iny %it" s%eat. His 8reat" 3ame in s"allo% pants. $"e %oun5s on "is 3"est %ere ooEin- pus. $"ere %as a smell in t"e room no%@ 1aint 8ut -ro%in-. $"e 8ite on "is ne3k still seeme5 soli5@ 8ut t"e skin o1 "is ne3k %as a 5eep 8la3kis" -reen like a 8ruise t"at %as killin- 5eep.

AAs"er@C 9 sai5. He looke5 at me@ one "an5 runnin- alon- /at"aniel?s 8are t"i-". A4amian?s not a master.C A9 3annot sa)e your leopar5 8y mysel1@ Anita. ="o %oul5 you sa)eB ="i3" %ill you sa3ri1i3eBC 9 looke5 at 4amian. His -reen eyes %ere "uman a-ain. He looke5 )ery mortal@ 3urle5 8esi5e /at"aniel. A4on?t make me 3"oose.C ABut it is a 3"oi3e@ Anita. 9t is a 3"oi3e.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A4o you %ant me to sa)e "imBC 4amian aske5. 9 met "is -aEe@ an5 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. AHis pulse is )ery %eak@C !"erry sai5. A91 you?re -oin- to 5o somet"in-@ you 8etter 5o it soon.C A4o you %ant me to sa)e "imBC 4amian aske5 a-ain. /at"aniel?s 1ast@ -aspin- 8reat" %as t"e only soun5 in t"e su55en silen3e. $"ey all looke5 at me. =aite5 1or me to 5e3i5e. An5 9 3oul5n?t 5e3i5e. 9 1elt my "ea5 no5@ almost as i1 9 %asn?t 5oin- it. 9 no55e5. $"e )ampires 8e-an to 1ee5.

Chapter Thirteen
A 1ee5in- takes lon-er in real li1e t"an it 5oes in t"e mo)ies. ,it"er it?s too ;ui3k or t"ey 5o a 1a5e like a 19+ s se* s3ene. =e all stoo5 aroun5 t"e room an5 %at3"e5. $"e room %as ;uiet enou-" t"at you 3oul5 "ear t"e )ampires makin- small@ %et noises as t"ey 1e5. !"erry knelt 8y t"e "ea5 o1 t"e 8e5. S"e 3"e3ke5 /at"aniel?s %rist pulse perio5i3ally. $"e rest o1 us "a5 mo)e5 1art"er a%ay. 9 en5e5 up on t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e room@ leanin- my 8utt on t"e 5esk. 9 %as %orkin- )ery "ar5 at not lookin- at t"e 8e5. ,)eryone mo)e5 aroun5 t"e room@ restless@ em8arrasse5@ 9 t"ou-"t. Hason 3ame to stan5 8esi5e me@ leanin- on t"e 5esk. A91 9 5i5n?t kno% "is li1e %as at stake@ 9?5 8e >ealous.C 9 looke5 at "im@ tryin- to tell i1 "e %as teasin-. $"ere %as a look in "is eyes@ a "eat@ t"at sai5 "e %as not. 9t ma5e me look o)er at %"at %as "appenin-. 4amian "a5 5ra%n /at"aniel?s 8o5y into "is arms@ "is lap@ so t"at "e 3ra5le5 t"e smaller man almost t"e 1ull len-t" o1 "is 8o5y. Parts o1 4amian?s 8o5y %ere lost to si-"t 8e"in5 /at"aniel?s nake5 8o5y. His arm 3ra5le5 t"e smaller man?s 3"est a-ainst t"e -reen silk s"irt. $"e pus "a5 soake5 into t"e 3lot" in 8la3kenin- streaks. /at"aniel?s 1a3e %as presse5 8y one pale "an5 into t"e )ampire?s s"oul5er. 4amian "a5 3ome 1rom 8e"in5 1or t"e ne3k strike. Dou 3oul5 see t"e top o1 "is 8loo5re5 "air@ "is mout" lo3ke5 o)er t"e %oun5. ,)en 1rom %"ere 9 stoo5@ 9 3oul5 see 4amian?s >a%s s%allo%in-. As"er %as still kneelin- on t"e 1loor@ one o1 /at"aniel?s pale le-s 1lun- out%ar5 so "is 1oot "un- in empty air. As"er?s 1a3e %as 8urie5 in t"e man?s inner t"i-"@ so 3lose to t"e -roin t"at /at"aniel?s sla3k -enitalia tou3"e5 t"e si5e o1 "is 1a3e. As"er mo)e5 "is "ea5 sli-"tly an5 a spill o1 -ol5en "air 1lun- o)er /at"aniel?s -roin. 9t 5i5n?t "i5e it so mu3" as "a)e "im peekin- out t"rou-" it. A 8lus" 1lo%e5 o)er my 1a3e so "ar5 an5 1ast 9 %as almost 5iEEy. 9n turnin- a%ay@ 9 3au-"t a -limpse o1 mysel1 in t"e room?s only mirror. 7y 1a3e %as 8urnin-. 7y eyes looke5 %i5e an5 surprise5. 9t %as >unior "i-" all o)er a-ain@ stum8linon 3ouples un5er t"e 8lea3"ers@ "earin- t"eir lau-"ter 3"ase me into t"e ni-"t. 9 stare5 at mysel1 in t"e mirror an5 -ot a -rip. 9 %as not 1ourteen anymore. 9 %as not a 3"il5. 9 %as not a )ir-in. 9 3oul5 5o t"is %it" a mo5i3um o1 -ra3e. !oul5n?t 9B Hamil "a5 mo)e5 to t"e 1art"est 3orner o1 t"e room. He %as sittin- t"ere@ arms tu3ke5 aroun5 "is knees@ 1a3e set in "ars" lines@ an-ry. He %asn?t en>oyin- t"e s"o%@ eit"er. Kane "a5 mo)e5 8a3k to lean a-ainst t"e %all@ arms 3rosse5. He %as lookin- at t"e 1loor as i1 t"ere %as somet"in- )ery interestin- on it. Hason %as still sittin- a-ainst t"e 5esk@ %at3"in- t"e s"o%. 9 looke5 at "im %it"out turnin- aroun5. ADou 5o realiEe t"at you?re t"e only one %"o seems to 8e en>oyin- t"e )ie%.C He s"ru--e5@ -rinnin-. A9t?s a ni3e )ie%.C 9 raise5 my eye8ro%s. A4on?t tell me you?re -ay.C A4on?t tell me you 3are@C "e replie5. 7y eye8ro%s %ent up a little 1art"er. A7y "eart is 8reakin-. 9?ll "a)e to 8urn all my lin-erie.C 9 kept %at3"in- "is 1a3e. He %as smilin- 8ut not like it %as a >oke.

AAre you sayin- all t"at teasin- is >ust an a3tBC 9 aske5. A#"@ no@ 9 like %omen. But@ Anita@ almost none o1 t"e )ampires in Hean2!lau5e?s inner 3ir3le are %omen. 9?)e 8een a3tinas a pomme 5e san- 1or t%o years. $"at?s a lot o1 1an-s sinkin- into your 8o5y.C A9s it really t"at 3lose to se*BC 9 aske5. $"e "umor le1t "is 1a3e an5 "e >ust looke5 at me. ADou?)e really ne)er 8een rolle5 3ompletely 8y a )amp@ "a)e youB 9 mean 9 kne% you "a5 partial immunity e)en 8e1ore t"e marks@ 8ut 9 t"ou-"t someone some%"ere %oul5 "a)e -otten to you.C A/ope@C 9 sai5. ASometimes 9?m not sure@ 8ut it may 8e 8etter t"an se*@ an5 almost e)eryone %"o?s 8een 5oin- me "as 8een a -uy.C ASo you?re 8ise*ualBC A91 %"at t"ey?re 5oin- no% 3ounts as se*@ yea". 91 it 5oesn?t t"en ...C "e lau-"e5@ an5 t"e soun5 %as so a8rupt in t"e silen3e t"at 9 sa% Kane an5 Hamil >ump. A91 t"is 5oesn?t 3ount as se*@ let?s >ust say t"at F%"ere no man "as -one 8e1ore? no lon-er applies.C 4amne5 i1 9 5i5n?t %ant to ask %"o it "a5 8een. 7ay8e 9 %oul5 "a)e aske5@ 8ut !"erry spoke an5 t"e moment %as -one. AHis pulse is stron-er. Losin- t"is mu3" 8loo5@ "e s"oul5 8e -ettin- %eaker@ 8ut "e?s not.C As"er 5re% 8a3k 1rom t"e %oun5. A=e are not so mu3" 5rinkin- 8loo5 as 5ra%in- out t"e 3orruption.C He stoo5 one "an5 un5er /at"aniel?s t"i-". He mo)e5 t"e le- 8a3k onto t"e 8e5@ strai-"tenin- "is lim8s as i1 "e %ere a sleepin- 3"il5. A moment 8e1ore@ it "a5 8een utterly se*ualG no% t"ere %as somet"in- in t"e %ay As"er a3te5 t"at %as ten5er@ 3are1ul. 4amian pulle5 a%ay 1rom t"e %oun5. $"ere %as a spot on "is lip@ not re5@ 8ut 8la3k. 9 %on5ere5 i1 it "a5 taste5 8a5. He %ipe5 t"e spot a%ay %it" t"e 8a3k o1 "is "an5. 91 it "a5 8een pure 8loo5 "e?5 "a)e li3ke5 it o11. So it "a5n?t 8een pleasant. He 3ra%le5 out 1rom un5er /at"aniel@ layin- "im 3are1ully on "is 8a3k. He 5re% 3o)ers o)er /at"aniel as "e mo)e5 o11 t"e 8e5. !"erry "a5 "er 1irst ai5 kit open. S"e re3leane5 t"e 3"est %oun5s %it" anti8a3terial antisepti3. $"e 1irst 1e% sterile 3lot"s 3ame a%ay smeare5 %it" pus. =e?5 all mo)e5 ne*t to t"e 8e5 %it"out realiEin- it. $"e smell %as stron-er "ere@ unpleasant@ 8ut 1a5in-. ="en t"e skin an5 %oun5s %ere 3ompletely 3leane5@ t"e 1les" %as %"ole@ an5 8ri-"t re5 8loo5 %elle5 into t"e slas"es. !"erry 1las"e5 t"e room a smile so %arm an5 8ri-"t t"at you "a5 to smile 8a3k. AHe?s -oin- to 8e all ri-"t.C S"e soun5e5 surprise5@ an5 9 %on5ere5 "o% 3lose it "a5 8een. Someone 5re% a "issin- 8reat". 9 turne5 to t"e soun5. 4amian %as 8a3kin- up. He %as starin- at "is "an5s. $"at pale@ milky skin %as turnin- 5ark@ a 8la3kness 1lo%in- un5er t"e skin. $"e 1les" o1 "is "an5s 8e-an to peel 8a3k %"ile %e %at3"e5.

Chapter Fourteen
AS"it@C 9 sai5. 4amian "el5 "is "an5s out to me like a 3"il5 t"at "a5 8urne5 its "an5. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"i3" %as %orse@ t"e terror in "is 1a3e or t"e almost resi-ne5 look in "is eyes. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@C 9 sai5@ 8ut my )oi3e %as so1t. A/o@C 9 sai5 it a-ain@ lou5er@ stron-er. ADou 3annot stop it@C As"er sai5. 4amian stare5 at t"e 5arkenin- 1les" o1 "is "an5s@ so1t "orror on "is 1a3e. AHelp me@C "e sai5@ an5 "e looke5 to me. 9 stare5 5o%n at "im an5 5i5n?t "a)e t"e 1aintest i5ea "o% to sa)e "im. A="at 3an %e 5oBC 9 sai5. A9 kno% you are a33ustome5 to ri5in- in on your %"ite stee5 an5 sa)in- t"e 5ay@ Anita@ 8ut some 8attles 3annot 8e %on@C As"er sai5. 4amian "a5 -one to "is knees starin- at "is "an5s. He rippe5 "is s"irt o11 in pie3es@ lea)in- remnants o1 t"e slee)es on "is arms. $"e rottin- 1les" %as "al1%ay to "is el8o%s. A 1in-ernail split an5 1ell to t"e 1loor %it" a 8urst o1 somet"in- 5ark an5 noisome. $"e smell %as 8a3k@ s%eet an5 si3kly. A9 "eale5 4amian on3e o1 a 1a3ial 3ut@C 9 sai5. 4amian ma5e a soun5 8et%een a lau-" an5 somet"in- more 8itter. A9 5i5n?t ni3k mysel1 s"a)in-@ Anita.C He s"i1te5 "is -aEe 1rom t"e peelin- 1les" o1 "is "an5s to me. A,)en you 3an?t "eal t"is.C 9 5roppe5 to my knees in 1ront o1 "im@ rea3"in- out to tou3" "is "an5s. 4amian >erke5 a%ay. A4on?t tou3" meIC 9 put my "an5s o)er "is "an5s. $"e skin 1elt almost "ot to t"e tou3"@ as i1 t"e 3orruption %ere 3ookin- "im 1rom t"e insi5e out. $"e skin %as so1t as i1@ i1 9 presse5 too "ar5 t"e skin %oul5 -i)e %ay like a rotte5 spot in an apple.

7y t"roat %as ti-"t. A4amian@ 9?m ... sorry.C 4ear Go5@ it %as an ina5e;uate %or5. A t"ousan5 years o1 Ali1eC an5 "e?5 -i)en it up 1or me. He %oul5 ne)er "a)e taken su3" a risk i1 9 "a5 not aske5. 9t %as my 1ault. $"e look in "is eyes %as -rate1ul@ an5 pain21ille5. He pulle5 "is "an5s -ently out 1rom un5er mine. !are1ul not to press too "ar5 a-ainst my "an5s. 9 t"ink %e %ere 8ot" a1rai5 my 1in-ers %oul5 sink t"rou-" "is skin an5 into t"e 1les" insi5e. His 1a3e t%iste5 in pain@ an5 a small soun5 es3ape5 "is lips. 9 remem8ere5 /at"aniel?s 3ries o1 "o% it "a5 "urt. $"e en5s o1 "is 1in-ers 8urst like o)erripe 1ruit@ spillin- somet"in- 8la3k an5 -reenis" onto t"e 1loor. 9t spattere5 my arm. $"e smell %as -ro%in- in si3kenin- %a)es. 9 5i5n?t s%ipe at t"e 5rops on my arm 8ut 9 %ante5 to. 9 %ante5 to slap at t"em like a spi5er@ s"riekin-. 7y )oi3e "el5 some o1 t"e strain 9 %as tryin- to keep o11 my 1a3e. A9?)e -ot to at least try to "eal you.C AHo%BC As"er aske5. AHo% 5o@ e)en you@ 8e-in to "eal t"isBC 4amian ma5e a lo% %"imperin- soun5. His 8o5y s"u55ere5@ 1a3e 5u3kin-@ ne3k t%istin-@ an5 1inally "e s3reame5. =or5less@ "opeless. AHo%BC As"er aske5 a-ain. A9 5on?t kno%@C an5 9 %as s3reamin-@ too. A#nly "is ori-inal master@ t"e one %"o sa)e5 "im 1rom t"e -ra)e@ %oul5 "a)e any 3"an3e o1 "ealin- "im.C 9 looke5 at As"er. A9 3alle5 4amian 1rom "is 3o11in on3e. 9t %as a33i5ental@ 8ut "e ans%ere5 to my 3all. 9 kept "is ... soul@ %"ate)er@ 1rom 1leein- "is 8o5y on3e. =e are 8oun5 to-et"er@ a little.C AHo% 5i5 you 3all "im 1rom "is -ra)eBC As"er aske5. A/e3roman3y@C 9 sai5@ A9 am a ne3roman3er@ As"er.C A9 kno% not"in- o1 ne3roman3y@C "e sai5. $"e smell s%elle5 stron-er. 9 8reat"e5 t"rou-" my mout"@ 8ut t"at >ust put t"e o5or on t"e 8a3k o1 my ton-ue. 9 %as almost a1rai5 to look at 4amian. 9 turne5 slo%ly like a 3"ara3ter in a "orror mo)ie@ %"ere you >ust kno% t"e monster is ri-"t 8e"in5 you@ an5 you 5elay lookin- 8e3ause you kno% it %ill 8last your sanity 1ore)er. But some t"in-s are %orse t"an any ni-"tmare. $"e rot "a5 mo)e5 past "is el8o%s. /ake5 8one s"o%e5 t"rou-" t"e 8a3k o1 "is "an5. $"e smell "a5 5ri)en all 8ut t"e t"ree o1 us 8a3k. 9 staye5 kneelin- in t"e rottin- 1lui5 o1 4amian?s 8o5y. As"er staye5 3lose@ 8ut only 9 %as still %it"in tou3"in- 5istan3e. A91 9 %ere "is master@ %"at %oul5 9 5oBC ADou %oul5 5rink "is 8loo5@ take t"e 3orruption into yoursel1 as %e 5i5 1or /at"aniel.C A9 5i5n?t t"ink )amps 1e5 on ea3" ot"er.C A/ot 1or 1oo5@C As"er sai5@ A8ut t"ere are many reasons to s"are 8loo5. 'oo5 is only one o1 t"em.C 9 stare5 at 4amian@ %at3"in- t"e 8la3kness sprea5 un5er "is skin like ink. 9 3oul5 a3tually see it s%immin- un5erneat" "is 1les". A9 3an?t 5rink t"e 3orruption a%ay@C 9 sai5. ABut 9 3oul5@C 4amian?s )oi3e 3ame 8reat"y %it" pain. A/oIC As"er sai5. He took a t"reatenin- step to%ar5s us. 9 3oul5 1eel "is po%er 1larin- out 1rom "im like a %"ip. 4amian 1lin3"e5@ 8ut looke5 up at t"e ot"er )ampire. He "el5 "is "an5s out to As"er@ plea5in-. A="at is -oin- onBC 9 aske5@ lookin- 1rom one to t"e ot"er o1 t"em. As"er s"ook "is "ea5@ 1a3e an-ry@ 8ut ot"er%ise unrea5a8le. 9 %at3"e5 "is 1eatures smoot" an5 -ro% 8lank. He %as "i5in- somet"in-. A/o@C 9 sai5@ -ettin- to my 1eet. A/o@ you tell me %"at 4amian meant.C /eit"er spoke. A$ell meIC 9 s3reame5 it into As"er?s 3alm 1a3e. He >ust stare5 at me@ 1a3e as 3lose5 an5 impassi)e as a 5oll?s. A4ammit@ one o1 you tell me %"at 4amian meant. Ho% 3oul5 "e 5rink a%ay "is o%n 3orruptionBC A91 ...C 4amian starte5. A/o@C As"er sai5@ pointin- a 1in-er at "im. ADou are not my master@C 4amian sai5. A9 must ans%er.C AS"ut up@ As"er@C 9 sai5. AS"ut t"e 1u3k up an5 let "im talk.C A=oul5 you "a)e "er risk all 1or youBC As"er aske5. A9t 5oes not "a)e to 8e "er. #nly someone %it" more t"an "uman 8loo5@C 4amian sai5. A$ell me@C 9 sai5@ Ano%.C

4amian spoke in a rus"e5 %"isper@ )oi3e e5-e5 %it" pain. A91 9 5rank 8loo5 1rom one po%er1ul ... enou-". 9 mi-"t 8e a8le ...C He s"u55ere5@ stru--lin-@ t"en 3ontinue5 in a )oi3e t"at %as %eaker t"an >ust a moment 8e1ore. A7i-"t 8e a8le to take in enou-" po%er to ... 3ure mysel1.C ABut i1 t"e one "e takes 8loo5 1rom is not stron- enou-" mysti3ally to take t"e 3orruption into "imsel1@ t"en t"ey %ill 5ie as 4amian is 5yin- no%@C As"er sai5. A9?m sorry@C Hason sai5@ A8ut 3ount me out.C A7e@ too@C Kane sai5. Hamil %as a3ross t"e room "u--in- "is arms. He >ust s"ook "is "ea5. !"erry knelt 8y t"e 8e5. S"e sai5 not"in-@ eyes "u-e@ 1a3e terri1ie5. 9 1inally turne5 8a3k to As"en A9t "as to 8e me. 9 3an?t ask anyone else to take t"e risk.C As"er -ra88e5 t"e 8a3k o1 my "air in a mo)ement so 1ast 9 "a5n?t seen it 3omin-. He t%iste5 my 1a3e 8a3k to look at 4amian. A9s t"is "o% you %ant to 5ie@ AnitaB 9s itB 9s itIC 9 spoke t"rou-" -ritte5 teet". ALet -o o1 me@ As"er. /o%IC He release5 me slo%ly. A4on?t 5o t"is@ Anita. Please@ 5on?t. $"e risk is too -reat.C AHe?s ri-"t@C 4amian?s )oi3e 3ame in a 8are %"isper@ so lo% 9 %as surprise5 9 3oul5 "ear it at all. ADou 3oul5 3ure me 8ut kill ... yoursel1.C $"e rot "a5 sprea5 up "is arms an5 %as -li5in- like some mali-nant 1or3e un5erneat" "is 3ollar8ones. His 3"est %as like -lo%in- i)ory@ an5 9 3oul5 1eel "is "eart t"u55in- in "is 3"est. 9 3oul5 1eel it like a se3on5 "eart8eat in my o%n "ea5. A )ampire?s "eart 5i5n?t al%ays 8eat@ 8ut it %as 8eatin- no%. 9 %as so s3are5 9 3oul5 taste somet"in- 1lat an5 metalli3 in my mout". 7y 1in-ertips tin-le5 %it" t"e 5esire to run. 9 3oul5n?t stay in t"is room an5 %at3" 4amian melt 5o%n into a stinkin- pu55le@ 8ut part o1 my 8rain %as s3reamin- at me to run. <un some%"ere 1ar a%ay %"ere 9 %oul5n?t "a)e to %at3" an5 9 3ertainly %oul5n?t "a)e to let t"ose rottin- "an5s tou3" me. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9 stare5 at 4amian@ not at t"e rottin- 1les"@ 8ut at "is 1a3e@ "is eyes. 9 stare5 into t"ose s"inin- -reen eyes like 8its o1 emeral5 1ire. 9t %as ironi3 t"at as parts o1 "im 3orrupte5 an5 slot"e5 a%ay@ t"at %"at %as le1t "a5 8e3ome its most 8eauti1ul. His skin %as polis"e5 i)ory %it" a 5ept" o1 li-"t like some %"ite >e%el. His "air seeme5 to -lo% like spun ru8ies@ an5 t"ose eyes@ t"ose emeral5 eyes ... 9 stare5 at "im@ ma5e mysel1 see "im. 9 s%ept my "air to one si5e@ e*posin- my ne3k. A4o it.C 9 5roppe5 my "an5@ an5 t"e "air mo)e5 8a3k to "i5e my ne3k. AAnita@C "e sai5. A4o it@ 4amian@ 5o it. /o%@ please@ 8e1ore 9 lose my ner)e.C He 3ra%le5 to me. He s%ept t"e "air asi5e %it" a "an5 -one 8la3kene5 1les" an5 8one. He le1t a trail o1 somet"in- "ea)y an5 t"i3k on my s"oul5er. 9 3oul5 1eel t"at t"i3kness sli5in- 5o%n my s"irt like a snail. 9 3on3entrate5 on t"e so1t -lo% o1 "is skin@ t"e imper1e3t slope o1 "is nose %"ere someone 3enturies a-o "a5 8roken t"at per1e3t pro1ile. But it %asn?t enou-". 9 turne5 my "ea5 to one si5e so "e %oul5n?t "a)e to tou3" me more t"an ne3essary. 9 sa% "is "ea5 tense 1or t"e strike an5 9 3lose5 my eyes. 9t %as s"arp like nee5les an5 it 5i5n?t -et 8etter. 4amian %asn?t stron- enou-" to roll me %it" "is eyes. $"ere %oul5 8e no ma-i3 to take a%ay t"e pain. His mout" lo3ke5 a-ainst t"e %oun5 an5 "e 8e-an to 1ee5. 9 t"ou-"t 9?5 "a)e to try an5 1or3e my po%er into "im or lo%er my s"iel5s an5 let "im insi5e my po%er@ let "im 5rink it a%ay. But moments a1ter "is teet" pier3e5 my skin@ somet"in1lare5 8et%een us. Po%er@ 8on5@ ma-i3. 9t raise5 e)ery "air on my 8o5y. 4amian 3u55le5 a-ainst t"e 1ront o1 me@ pressin- our 3"ests to one anot"er@ an5 t"e po%er 8urst o)er us in a rus" t"at 1ille5 t"e room %it" si-"in-. 4istantly 9 realiEe5 t"at t"ere %as a %in5 an5 it %as 3omin- 1rom us. A %in5 1or-e5 o1 t"e 3ool tou3" o1 )ampire an5 t"e 3"ill 3ontrol o1 ne3roman3y. A %in5 1or-e5 o1 us. 4amian %as like a 1ee5in- t"in- at my t"roat. $"e po%er took t"e pain@ turne5 it into somet"in- else. 9 1elt "is mout" at my t"roat@ 1elt "im s%allo%in- my 8loo5@ my li1e@ my po%er. 9 -at"ere5 it all into us an5 t"rust it 8a3k into 4amian. 9 1e5 it into "im %it" my 8loo5. 9 )isualiEe5 "is skin %"ole an5 per1e3t. 9 1elt t"e po%er spill 5o%n "is 8o5y. 9 1elt us pus" out t"e ot"er. 9 3oul5 1eel it 1lo%in- out o1 us@ not onto t"e 1loor 8ut into t"e 1loor@ past t"e 1loor@ into t"e -roun5 8elo%. =e %ere e*or3isin- it@ ri55inoursel)es o1 it. 9t %as no more. $"e t%o o1 us knelt 8at"e5 in po%er. A %in5 traile5 4amian?s "air a3ross my 1a3e@ an5 9 kne% t"e %in5 %as us. 9t %as 4amian %"o 5re% 8a3k@ trailin- po%er 8et%een us like t"e 8roken s"re5s o1 some 5ream. He knelt in 1ront o1 me@ li1tin- "is "an5s to my 1a3e. $"ey %ere "eale5@ un5er t"e remnants o1 t"at 8la3k ooEe@ "is "an5s %ere "eale5. His arms "eale5. He 3ra5le5 my 1a3e in "is "an5s an5 kisse5 me. $"e po%er %as still t"ere. 9t 1lo%e5 o)er us@ t"rou-" "is mout"@ in a line o1 ener-y t"at 8urne5. 9 5re% 8a3k 1rom 4amian?s kiss. 9 mana-e5 to sit up.

AAnita.C 9 looke5 at 4amian. A$"ank you@C "e sai5. 9 no55e5. ADou?re %el3ome.C A/o%@C As"er sai5@ A9 t"ink it is time 1or s"o%ers all aroun5.C He stoo5@ pants 3o)ere5 in 8la3k -oop. 9t %as on "is "an5s@ too@ an5 9 3oul5n?t remem8er %"en "e?5 tou3"e5 4amian or t"e 1loor. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e stu11 3lin-in- to my 8are 8a3k %"ere 4amian "a5 tou3"e5 me. 7y pants %ere soake5 %it" it 1rom t"e knees 5o%n. $"e 3lot"es %oul5 "a)e to 8e 8urne5 or at least t"ro%n a%ay. $"is %as one o1 t"e reasons 9 kept a pair o1 3o)eralls in my Heep to put on o)er my 3lot"es at 3rime s3enes an5 some Eom8ie raisin-s. #1 3ourse@ 9 "a5n?t e*pe3te5 to -et t"is messy 8e1ore 9?5 e)en le1t t"e 5amn 3a8in. AS"o%ers soun5 -reat@C 9 sai5. ADou 1irst.C A7ay 9 su--est t"at you -o 1irst. A "ot s"o%er is a %on5er1ul lu*ury@ 8ut 1or 4amian an5 me it is a lu*ury@ not a ne3essity.C AGoo5 point@C 9 sai5. 7y "air "a5 kept t"e stu11 1rom soakin- to my s3alp@ 8ut 9 3oul5 1eel it %"en 9 tou3"e5 my "air. 9t. 9 kept sayin-@ Ait.C 9 %as s"yin- a%ay 1rom t"e 1a3t t"at AitC %as 4amian?s 8o5y rotte5 an5 leake5 out upon t"e 1loor. Sometimes %"en it?s too "orri8le you "a)e to 5istan3e yoursel1 1rom it. Lan-ua-e is a -oo5 %ay to 5o t"at. Vi3tims 8e3ome an AitC )ery ;ui3kly@ 8e3ause sometimes it?s too "orri8le e)en to say@ A"e@C or As"e.C ="en you?re s3rapin- pie3es o1 someone?s lo)e5 one o11 your "an5s@ it "as to 8e an Ait.C Has to 8e@ or you run s3reamin-. So@ 9 %as 3o)ere5 in 8la3k@ -reenis" it. 9 %as"e5 my "an5s t"orou-"ly enou-" so 9 3oul5 5i- t"rou-" my suit3ase %it"out 3ontaminatin- t"e 3lot"es. 9?5 pi3ke5 out >eans an5 a polo s"irt. As"er appeare5 8e"in5 me. 9 looke5 up at "im. A="atBC 9 aske5. 9t soun5e5 ru5e e)en to me. A9 mean@ %"at no%BC As"er re%ar5e5 me %it" a smile. A=e %ill "a)e to meet !olin toni-"t.C 9 no55e5. A#"@ yea". He is 5e1initely on my 5an3e 3ar5 1or toni-"t.C He smile5 an5 s"ook "is "ea5. A=e 3annot kill "im@ Anita.C 9 stare5 at "im. ADou mean %e 3an?t@ as in it?s too "ar5 a >o8 or %e 3an?t@ as in %e s"oul5n?t 5o itBC APer"aps 8ot"@ 8ut 3ertainly t"e latter.C 9 stoo5. AHe sent /at"aniel to us to 5ie.C 9 looke5 into t"e suit3ase@ not seein- it@ >ust not %antin- to look up. $"ere %as a rim o1 8la3kness at t"e 8ase o1 my 1in-ernails t"at t"e s3ru88in- at t"e sink "a5n?t li1te5. $"ere "a5 8een a moment %"en t"e po%er 8roke 8et%een us@ an5 9 kne% it %oul5 %ork@ 8ut until t"at se3on5 ... 9 "a5 trie5 )ery "ar5 not to t"ink a8out it. 9t %as only a1ter 9?5 -one into t"e 8at"room to 3lean my "an5s o11 t"at 9 starte5 to s"ake. 9?5 staye5 in t"e 8at"room until my "an5s %ere stea5y. $"e 1ear %as un5er 3ontrol@ all t"at %as le1t %as an-er. A9 5o not t"ink anyone %as meant to 5ie@ Anita. 9 t"ink it %as a test.C AA test o1 %"atBC 9 aske5. AHo% mu3" po%er %e truly "a)e. 9n a %ay it %as a 3ompliment. He %oul5 ne)er "a)e 3ontaminate5 /at"aniel i1 "e t"ou-"t %e "a5 no "ope o1 sa)in- "im.C AHo% 3an you 8e so sureBC ABe3ause@ to kill a pomme 5e san- o1 anot"er master )ampire is a mortal insult. =ars "a)e 8e-un o)er less.C ABut "e kno%s %e 3an?t make %ar on "im %it"out t"e !oun3il "untin- us 5o%n.C A="i3" is %"y %e 3annot kill "im.C As"er "el5 up "is "an5@ %"i3" stoppe5 me %it" my mout" open. 9 3lose5 it. A$"e last master you kille5 %as t"reatenin- your li1e 5ire3tly. Dou kille5 "er to prote3t yoursel1. Sel125e1ense is allo%e5. But !olin "as not o11ere5 us personal )iolen3e.C A$"at is 3uttin- it pretty 5amn 3lose@ As"er.C He -a)e a -ra3e1ul no5. A#ui.C ASo i1 %e kill "im t"e !oun3il 3omes 8a3k to to%n an5 3leans our 3lo3k.C Sli-"t 1ro%n lines s"o%e5 8et%een "is eyes. 9 5on?t t"ink "e un5erstoo5 t"e slan-. A$"ey %ill kill us@C "e sai5. 9?5 met some o1 t"e !oun3il@ an5 9 kne% "e %as ri-"t. Hean2!lau5e "a5 enemies on t"e !oun3il an5 no% so 5i5 9. /o@ 9 5i5 not %ant to -i)e t"e ni-"tmares o1 all )ampirekin5 an e*3use to 3ome 8a3k to St. Louis an5 %ipe us out. A="at 3an %e 5oB Be3ause@ mark me on t"is@ As"er@ t"ey %ill pay 1or %"at t"ey 5i5 to /at"aniel.C A9 a-ree. 91 %e 5o not"in- to a)en-e t"e insult@ it %ill 8e )ie%e5 as a si-n o1 %eakness an5 !olin may 3ome a-ainst us an5 kill us.C

A="y is e)eryt"in- so 5amne5 3ompli3ate5 %it" you -uysBC 9 aske5. A="y 3oul5n?t !olin >ust 8elie)e %e?5 3ome 5o%n "ere to res3ue <i3"ar5BC ABe3ause %e 5i5n?t lea)e to%n.C /at"aniel?s )oi3e 3ame t"in 8ut stea5y 1rom t"e 8e5. He 8linke5 lila3 eyes at me. !"erry "a5 8an5a-e5 "is 3"est an5 t"e ne3k %oun5 %as 3o)ere5 %it" a lar-e pie3e o1 tape5 -auEe. 9 assume5 t"e t"i-" %oun5 %as similarly 3o)ere5@ 8ut t"e 8e5sprea5 3o)ere5 "im 1rom t"e %aist 5o%n. A="en <i3"ar5 -ot out o1 >ail@ !olin e*pe3te5 us to lea)e to%n. ="en %e 5i5n?t@ "e t"ou-"t %e meant to take o)er "is territory.C 9 %ent to stan5 8y t"e 8e5. AKane sai5 you %ent o11 %it" one o1 Verne?s %ere%ol)es. Ho% 5i5 t"e )amps -et "ol5 o1 youBC A7ira@C "e sai5. A,*3use meBC 9 sai5. A$"e %ere%ol1?s name is 7ira.C He looke5 a%ay 1rom me as i1 "e 5i5n?t %ant to look me in t"e 1a3e %"ile "e talke5. AS"e took me "ome. =e "a5 se*. $"en s"e le1t t"e room. ="en s"e 3ame 8a3k t"e )ampires %ere %it" "er.C He looke5 up at me. 9 1oun5 mysel1 starin- 5o%n into "is eyes an5 t"e nee5 in t"em %as so ra% it ma5e me 1lin3". A$"ere %ere too many o1 t"em 1or you to 1i-"t@ /at"aniel@C 9 sai5. A9t?s okay.C A'i-"tBC He lau-"e5@ an5 it %as so 8itter it "urt >ust to "ear it. A$"ere %as no 1i-"t. 9 %as alrea5y 3"aine5 5o%n.C 9 1ro%ne5. A="yBC He let out a lon- si-". AAnita@ Anita@ Go5.C He put one arm a3ross "is eyes. Kane 3ame to t"e res3ue@ sort o1. ADou kno% t"at /at"aniel is a su8missi)eBC 9 no55e5. A9 kno% "e likes to 8e tie5 up an5 ...C $"e li-"t 5a%ne5. A#"@ okay. 9 -et it. 7ira in)ite5 you "ome 1or some S an5 7 se*.C A4 an5 S@ 5ominan3e an5 su8mission@C Kane sai5@ A8ut yea".C 9 took a 5eep 8reat"@ mistake. $"e room still stank o1 8o5ily 1lui5s@ t"e unpleasant kin5. ASo s"e %rappe5 you up like a present an5 -a)e you to t"emBC ADes@C "e sai5@ so1tly. A$"e se* "a5 8een -oo5. S"e %as a -oo5 top.C A$opBC 9 aske5. A4ominant@C Kane sai5. A". /at"aniel 3urle5 onto "is si5e@ 5ra%in- t"e 8e5sprea5 aroun5 "im. A$"e master@ !olin@ pai5 "er to 8rin- one o1 us to t"em. Anyone o1 us. 9t 5i5n?t matter %"o. 9t 3oul5 "a)e 8een Hason@ or Kane@ or !"erry. #ne o1 t"eir animals@ "e sai5.C He "u55le5 5o%n into t"e 8lankets@ eyes 1lutterin- s"ut@ t"en open@ t"en s"ut. 9 looke5 at !"erry. A9s "e alri-"tBC A9 -a)e "im somet"in- to "elp "im sleep. 9t %on?t last lon-. #ur meta8olisms are too 1ast@ 8ut "e?ll -et may8e "al1 an "our@ an "our i1 %e?re lu3ky.C A91 you?re not -oin- to take a s"o%er@ 9?5 like to@C 4amian sai5. A/o@ 9?m -ettin- in.C ABut you 3an?t %ear %"at you?)e pi3ke5 out@C As"er sai5. 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC AHean2!lau5e sent a trunk o1 3lot"es >ust 1or t"is o33asion@C "e sai5. A#"@ no@C 9 sai5@ Ano more leat"er an5 la3e s"it.C A9 a-ree %it" you@ Anita@C As"er sai5. A91 %e %ere simply -oin- to kill t"em it %oul5n?t matter %"at %e %ore@ 8ut %e are puttin- on a s"o% as mu3" as anyt"in-. Appearan3e %ill matter.C A=ell@ s"it@C 9 sai5. A'ine@ 9?ll 5ress up@ %e %on?t kill anyone@ 8ut you 8etter 3ome up %it" somet"in- t"at %e 3an 5o to t"em. $"ey 3an?t a8use our people like t"is an5 >ust %alk a%ay.C A$"ey %ill e*pe3t retri8ution@ Anita. $"ey are %aitin- 1or it.C 9 looke5 at /at"aniel 3u55le5 so 5eep in t"e 8lankets t"at only t"e top o1 "is "ea5 s"o%e5. A$"is retri8ution 8etter 8e -oo5@ As"er.C A9 %ill 5o my 8est.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou 5o t"at.C 9 %ent into t"e s"o%er %it"out any 3lot"es to put on 8e3ause t"e trunk %as in t"e ot"er 3a8in. 9 1i-ure5 %it" 8ot" 3o11ins in my room 9 5i5n?t nee5 t"e trunk. 9?5 really "ope5 %e %oul5n?t 8e openin- t"e 5amn t"in-. 9 "ate5 5ressin- up in normal 5ressy 3lot"es. Hean2!lau5e?s i5ea o1 5ressin- up %as al%ays %orse.

Chapter Fifteen
9t took t"ree roun5s o1 s"ampoo to -et my "air 3lean. $"e stu11 on my 8o5y 5i5n?t seem to %ant to 3ome o11 unless 9 s3ru88e5. $"ere is t"at point in t"e mi55le o1 t"e 8a3k t"at you >ust 3an?t 5o yoursel1. 9t is one o1 t"e 1e% areas t"at marrie5 people "a)e an e5-e on us sin-le 1olk. 9 1inally "a5 to turn t"e s"o%er on as "i-" as it %oul5 -o an5 >ust let it poun5 t"e mi55le o1 my 8a3k. $"e stu11 1inally slou-"e5 o11 an5 1loate5 5o%n t"e 5rain. $"e stu11 3lun- like not"in- 9?5 e)er "a5 to 3lean o11 8e1ore. $"at in3lu5e5 real rottin- 3orpses an5 Eom8ies. /one o1 it "a5 e)er 8een as tou-" to -et ri5 o1 as 4amian?s ... 1lui5s. !"erry %as t"e one %"o kno3ke5 on t"e 5oor an5 8rou-"t in a pile o1 3lot"es. 9 5i5n?t like any o1 t"em. $oo mu3" leat"er 1or my taste. 9t took t%o trips 8a3k an5 1ort"@ %rappe5 in not"in- 8ut a to%el@ to 1in5 3lot"es t"at 9 %as %illin- to %ear. $"ere %as one re5 leat"er 8o5ysuit t"at seeme5 to 8e not"in- 8ut straps. 9t mi-"t 8e interestin- 1or pri)ate use >ust 8et%een Hean2!lau5e an5 mysel1@ 8ut %earin- it in pu8li3 %as 5e1initely out. 9 en5e5 up in a s"ort2slee)e5@ 8la3k )el)et@ mi5ri11 top %it" su3" a lo% ne3kline t"at it took a spe3ial 8ra un5er it >ust so t"e 8ra 5i5n?t s"o%. Hean2!lau5e "a5 kin5ly pa3ke5 t"e 8ra. 9t %as one o1 t"ose upli1tin- ones@ an5 i1 t"ere %as one t"inmy 3"est 5i5n?t nee5@ it %as more li1tG 8ut it %as also t"e only 8ra 9 "a5 a33ess to t"at plun-e5 lo% enou-" t"at it 5i5n?t s"o% %it" t"e s"irt. $"ere %as a )el)et 5ress t"at %oul5 "a)e nee5e5 t"e 8ra 1or its ne3kline@ too. Hean2!lau5e "a5 8een a 8usy little )ampire. ,)eryt"in- 1it per1e3tly@ i1 you %ere %illin- to %ear it. 9 pi3ke5 a leat"er skirt as t"e lesser o1 e)ils. $"ere %as a pair o1 t"i-"2"i-" 8la3k 8oots t"at Eippe5 in t"e 8a3k. $"e tops o1 t"e 8oots %ere %i5e an5 sti11 an5 open at t"e 8a3k. $"e 1ronts o1 t"e 8oots 3ame up to t"e a8solute limit o1 my le-s@ 8rus"in- my -roin at o55 moments i1 9 %alke5 %ron-. $"e 8oots "a5 to "a)e 8een 3ustom2ma5e 1or me. 9 5i5n?t remem8er Hean2!lau5e e)er measurin- me 1or s"oes. He?5 "el5 pretty mu3" e)ery in3" o1 me in "is "an5s at one point or anot"er. Apparently@ t"at "a5 8een enou-". But t"e leat"er skirt "a5 8elt loops 1or my s"oul5er "olster@ an5 t"e )el)et mi5ri11 "a5 enou-" slee)es t"at t"e s"oul5er straps 5i5n?t 5i- into any 8are 1les". $"e si5e straps 1elt a little stran-e a-ainst my 8are si5es %"en 9 mo)e5@ 8ut it %as 5oa8le. #1 3ourse@ t"ere %as no %ay to %ear an inner2pants "olster in t"e skirt. 9 "a5 a55e5 t"e spine s"eat" 5o%n my 8a3k an5 8ot" %rist s"eat"s. $"e spine s"eat" s"o%e5 un5erneat" t"e mi5ri11@ 8ut "ey@ t"ey e*pe3te5 us to 8e arme5. 'rankly@ 9 %ante5 a se3on5 -un %it" me. #ne o1 t"e -oo5 t"in-s a8out 1lyin- on Hean2 !lau5e?s pri)ate >et as oppose5 to an airline %as t"at 9 "a5 se)eral -uns to 3"oose 1rom. 9t %as a mini2:Ei on a s"oul5er strap. 9t "a5 a 3lip t"at atta3"e5 to t"e 8a3k o1 t"e skirt so it 5i5n?t s%in- aroun5 too mu3"@ 8ut you 3oul5 pull it out into t"e open %it" one "an5. ="en 9 put it on@ As"er?s only 3omment "a5 8een@ A=e 3an?t kill t"em@ Anita.C 9 looke5 at t"e %eapons t"at 9?5 lai5 out on one o1 t"e last 3lean spa3es o1 1loor. $"ere %as an Ameri3an 4errin-er@ a se3on5 Bro%nin- Hi2Po%er@ a sa%e52o11 s"ot-un@ an5 one pump2a3tion s"ot-un. 9 looke5 up at "im. A9 5i5n?t 8rin- e)eryt"in- 9 "a5.C ASo -la5 to "ear it@C "e sai5. ABut t"e ma3"ine -un is a killin- %eapon@ not"in- more.C A$"e reason 9?m in t"is out1it is 8e3ause you sai5 %e nee5 to make a -oo5 s"o%. =ell@ %e 3an?t 3ause "arm 1rom a 5istan3e. =e 3an?t sprea5 3orruption %it" any o1 your 8ites. ="at t"e "ell are %e -oin- to 5o@ As"erB ="at 3an %e possi8ly 5o t"at %ill impress t"emBC 9 s%un- t"e :Ei into my le1t "an5@ pointin- it at t"e 3eilin-. A91 t"ere?s anyone %it" "im toni-"t t"at %e 3an kill@ 9?ll kill t"em %it" t"is.C AAn5 you t"ink t"at %ill impress or 1ri-"ten !olinBC AHa)e you e)er seen a )ampire 3ut in "al1 8y one o1 t"eseBC 9 aske5. As"er seeme5 to t"ink a8out t"at 1or a 1e% se3on5s as i1 "e?5 seen so many "orri8le t"in-s t"at "e >ust %asn?t sure. 'inally@ "e s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ 9 "a)e not.C A=ell@ 9 "a)e.C 9 let t"e -un s%in- 8a3k to t"e small o1 my 8a3k. A9t impresse5 me.C A4i5 you 5o itBC "e aske5@ "is )oi3e so1t. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ >ust sa% it 5one.C Hamil knelt 8esi5e me. He %as %earin- somet"in- t"at "a5 starte5 li1e as a 8la3k $2s"irt 8ut "a5 8een 3ut so se)erely at t"e ne3k@ arms@ an5 mi5ri11 t"at it looke5 more like a %is"1ul t"ou-"t t"an a s"irt. 9t 3o)ere5 "is nipples@ an5 t"at %as a8out it. But "is upper 8o5y %as mus3ular an5 impressi)e nearly 8are. =e %ere -oin- 1or impressi)e toni-"t. He?5 -otten to keep "is 8la3k >eans an5 9 %as >ealous. But Hamil 5i5n?t 8elon- to Hean2!lau5e@ so t"ere?5 8een no time to "a)e some pie3e o1 leat"er spe3ially ma5e. $rut"1ully@ 9 "a5n?t 8een a "un5re5 per3ent 3ertain Hamil %as e)en -oin- to 3ome %it" us. /ot only %as Hamil 3omin- 8ut so %as <i3"ar5. Surprise@ surprise. Hamil took an armloa5 o1 3lot"es 1or <i3"ar5 to 3"oose 1rom. S"an-24a %as 3omin- alon- as %ell@ an5 "e nee5e5 to 3"an-e $"ou-" "e@ like Hamil@ "a5 ne)er 8elon-e5 to Hean2 !lau5e intimately enou-" to "a)e spe3ially ma5e 3lot"es. So it %as %"ate)er t"ey 3oul5 1in5 in "is suit3ase. Happy "untin-.

Chapter Sixteen
4amian "a5 re1use5 to s"are a s"o%er %it" As"en e)en t"ou-" t"ey %ere 8ot" 5irty an5 %oul5 nee5 someone to "elp s3rape t"e stu11 1rom t"e "ar5er2to2rea3" pla3es. 9?5 su--este5 t"ey s"are a s"o%er 8e3ause t"ey %ere 8ot" -uys. 9 kne% t"at As"er %as 8ise*ual@ 8ut 9 still "a5 a "ar5 time %rappin- my 7i5%estern up8rin-in- aroun5 t"e 1a3t t"at it 5i5n?t matter %"at se* As"er s"are5 a s"o%er %it"@ "e sa% 8ot" as se*ual o8>e3ts. 9 kne% it@ an5 it 5i5n?t really 8ot"er me@ 8ut e)ery on3e in a %"ile@ t"e kno%le5-e surprise5 me. 9 5on?t kno% %"y. As"er 3ame out o1 t"e s"o%er %it" not"in- 8ut a to%el knotte5 at "is %aist. 4amian %ent into t"e s"o%er. $"e last o1 t"e ni-"t. Hason "a5 "elpe5 As"er s3rape t"e "ar5er2to2rea3" pla3es. Hason 5i5n?t tease t"e )ampire. He >ust %ent in@ "elpe5 "im 3lean up@ an5 -ot out. 9?5 a3tually %on5ere5@ a1ter Hason?s little 3on1ession@ i1 "e %oul5 tease men t"e same %ay "e tease5 %omen. Apparently not. $"e s3ars on As"er?s 3"est %ere )ery )isi8le. As "e %alke5@ t"e s3ars on "is ri-"t t"i-" 1las"e5 1rom t"e to%el. $"e rest o1 "im %as a pale -ol5en per1e3tion. He?5 on3e kno%n %"at it %as like to %alk into any room an5 "a)e people -asp at "is 8eauty. People still -aspe5@ 8ut not 1or t"e same reasons. Kane an5 !"erry %ere 8ein- )ery 3are1ul not to look at "im. $"ey kept t"eir 1a3es 8lank@ 8ut t"eir 5is3om1ort s3reame5 "o% t"ey 1elt. As"er?s 1a3e %as 8lan5@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t noti3e@ 8ut 9 kne% "e 5i5. Hason 5i5n?t look a%ay. He?5 pulle5 on a pair o1 leat"er pants 8ut %aite5 on t"e s"irt an5 8oots 8e3ause "e still "a5 to "elp 4amian 1lake t"e -unk o11 "is skin. He sat on one o1 t"e 3o11ins@ s%in-in- "is 8are 1eet@ lookin- at me. His eyes 1li3ke5 to t"e )ampire@ t"en 8a3k to me. #"@ "ell. ="o 5ie5 an5 ma5e me 5en mot"erB Dou?5 t"ink "an-in- aroun5 %it" t"is many preternatural stu5ly -uys %oul5 mean t"ere %as a lot o1 se*@ an5 se*ual tension %as in t"e air a lot@ 8ut more t"an se*@ %as pain. 9 5on?t kno% i1 it %as 8e3ause 9 %as a -irl@ or %"at@ 8ut 9 en5e5 up 5oin- a "ell o1 a lot more "an5"ol5in- t"an any o1 t"e -uys. 7ay8e it %as a -irl t"in-. 9 3ertainly 5i5n?t t"ink o1 mysel1 as parti3ularly 3ompassionate. So %"y %as it me %alkin- a3ross t"e 1loor to t"e )ampireB As"er %as kneelin- in 1ront o1 t"e trunk. His 8a3k %as smoot" an5 almost per1e3t@ only a 1e% trailin- s3ars %"ere t"e "oly %ater "a5 5rippe5 5o%n "is si5e. His -ol5en "air "un- t"i3k an5 %et@ %ater trailin- in sil)er lines 5o%n "is 8a3k. $"ere %eren?t enou-" to%els@ so t"e -uys %ere 1or-oin- a se3on5 to%el 1or t"e "air. 9 took t"e to%el 9?5 use5 1or my "air 1rom t"e 8a3k o1 t"e 5esk 3"air. 9?5 put it t"ere so it 3oul5 5ry. 9 %ent to "im an5 put a "an5 on "is s"oul5er. He 1lin3"e5@ lo%erin- "is "ea5@ tryin- to -et t"e %et "air to 3o)er "is s3arre5 1a3e. $"e -esture %as automati3@ no t"inkin- re;uire5@ an5 it "urt my "eart to see "im 5o it. 91 %e?5 8een lo)ers@ 9?5 "a)e li3ke5 t"e %ater o11 "is 3"est@ 3aressin- my ton-ue 5o%n t"e 5eep s3ars@ may8e e)en sli5 a "an5 un5er t"e to%el. But %e %eren?t lo)ers@ an5 9?5 ne)er seen "im nu5e. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at %as un5er t"e to%el. He?5 tol5 me on3e t"at "e %as still 1ully 1un3tional@ 8ut t"at 5i5n?t really tell me %"at "e looke5 like un5er t"e to%el. An5 as 3om1orta8le as 9 %as %it" "im@ 9 %asn?t sure 9 %ante5 to kno%. 91 it %as as 8a5 as "is 3"est@ 9 %as almost sure 9 5i5n?t %ant to see. Des@ 9 a5mit t"ere %as a small part o1 me t"at 5i5 %ant to kno% 1or s"eer 3uriosity?s sake. 9 5i5 t"e 8est 9 3oul5. 9 lai5 my 1a3e a-ainst t"e rou-"ness o1 "is ri-"t 3"eek. A="at are you -oin- to %earBC He si-"e5 an5 leane5 "is 1a3e into me. #ne "an5 tou3"e5 my "an5@ sli5in- my arm a3ross "is 5amp 3"est. A9 t"ink %e s"all nee5 to s"o3k t"em. 9 s"all %ear )ery little.C 9 mo)e5 8a3k enou-" to see "is 1a3e. He kept my "an5 presse5 to "is 3"est@ restin- on t"e smoot" per1e3tion o1 "is le1t si5e. ADou sure a8out t"atBC He smile5 8ut 8linke5 at t"e same time so 9 3oul5n?t rea5 "is eyes. He patte5 my "an5 an5 let me -o. A9 am a33ustome5 to t"e e11e3t 9 "a)e on people@ ma 3"erie. 9 "a)e "a5 3enturies to use it to my a5)anta-e.C 9 stoo5 an5 5rape5 t"e to%el o)er "is s"oul5ers. ADou?ll nee5 t"is 1or your "air.C He -ra88e5 t"e en5s o1 t"e to%el like a s"a%l@ pressin- t"e 3lot" to "is nose an5 mout". A9t smells o1 t"e s%eet s3ent o1 your skin.C 9 tou3"e5 a stran5 o1 t"at "ea)y@ -ol5 "air. ADou say t"e ni3est t"in-s.C 9 stare5 5o%n into t"at 1a3e@ into t"e 1roste5 8lue o1 "is eyes@ an5 1elt somet"in- lo% in my 8o5y ti-"ten. A su55en 1le*in- o1 lust t"at ma5e me 3at3" my 8reat". Sometimes it "appens. Sometimes it?s >ust a -esture@ a turn o1 t"e "ea5@ an5 you 3at3" your 8reat"@ your 8o5y rea3ts on a le)el t"at you 3an?t 3ontrol. ="en it "appens@ you preten5 it 5i5n?t@ you "i5e it. Hea)en 1or8i5 t"at t"e o8>e3t o1 su3" instant 5esire s"oul5 kno% %"at you?re t"inkin-. But toni-"t@ 9 let it s"o% in my eyes. 9 let "im see "o% "e mo)e5 me. He took my "an5 an5 lai5 a -entle kiss a-ainst my skin. A7a 3"erie. A Hason 3ame to stan5 near us@ leanin- a-ainst t"e nearest 3o11in as "e?5 leane5 a-ainst t"e 5esk. A4amn@C "e sai5. A="atBC 9 aske5. ADou?)e seen me nake5@ or almost. =e?)e 8een up 3lose an5 )ery personal.C He si-"e5. AAn5 you 5i5n?t look at me like t"at.C

AHealousBC 9 aske5. He seeme5 to t"ink a8out t"at 1or a se3on5@ t"en no55e5. ADea"@ 9 t"ink 9 am.C As"er lau-"e5 an5 it %as tou3"a8le@ 3aressa8le@ like a 1eat"er trailin- 5o%n your skin "el5 8y a kno%le5-ea8le "an5. A9n t"at smoot"@ per1e3t 8o5y@ in t"e 1ull 8loom o1 your yout"@ ali)e an5 8reat"in-@ an5 you are >ealous o1 me. Ho% lo)ely.C A kno3k on t"e 5oor sa)e5 us 1rom 1urt"er 5is3ussion. 9 5re% t"e Bro%nin- an5 put my 8a3k to t"e %all near t"e 5oor. A="o is itBC A9t?s Verne.C 9 parte5 t"e 5rape an5 looke5 out. He seeme5 to 8e alone. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 us"ere5 "im insi5e. $"e moment "is 8a3k %as to me@ 9 presse5 t"e -un 8arrel into "is 8a3k an5 ki3ke5 t"e 5oor 3lose5. He 1roEe. A="at?s upBC "e aske5. ADou tell us@C 9 sai5. AAnita@C As"er sai5. A/o@ "e?s t"e :l1ri3. He?s suppose5 to "a)e "is pa3k un5er soli5 3ontrol.C 9 1elt "is ri8s e*pan5 t"rou-" t"e -un 8arrel. A9 3an smell t"e s"it in t"e 3arpet@ t"e s"eets. !olin pay a )isitBC 9 s"o)e5 t"e 8arrel ti-"t enou-" into "is 8a3k to lea)e a 8ruise. AHe le1t a present.C AHe -a)e us one o1 "is presents on3e@C Verne sai5. A9 kno% %"at 9?m smellin- in "ere 8e3ause 9 "el5 ,rin?s "an5 %"ile "e rotte5 to 5eat".C A="y s"oul5 9 8elie)e youBC 9 aske5. A91 you "a)e a pro8lem %it" !olin?s people@ %"y pull a -un on meBC A#ne o1 your %ol)es lure5 /at"aniel a%ay an5 5eli)ere5 "im to t"e )ampires.C A-ain 9 1elt t"e mo)ement t"rou-" t"e -un 8arrel as "e turne5 "is "ea5 to look at t"e 8e5. A="y isn?t "e 5ea5BC A$"at?s our 8usiness@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. A="i3" o1 my %ol)es 5eli)ere5 your 3at to !olinBC A7ira@C 9 sai5. AS"it@C "e sai5. A9 kne% s"e %as pisse5 t"at <i3"ar5 "a5 stoppe5 seein- "er@ 8ut 9 ne)er t"ou-"t s"e?5 -o o)er to t"e )ampires.C As"er %alke5 to us. ABy rules o1 "ospitality@ you 3an 8e "el5 responsi8le 1or t"e a3tions o1 your pa3k.C A="at 3an 9 5o to make up 1or t"is 8rea3" o1 proto3olBC $"e %or5s soun5e5 %ay too 1ormal 1or Verne?s 5o%n2"ome 5ra%l. 9 leane5 into "im 8e3ause t"e -un 3oul5n?t -et any 3loser %it"out -oin- into "is 8o5y. Ha5 to make my point some"o%. AHo% 5o 9 kno% you 5i5n?t tell "er to 5o itBC A9 tol5 you %"at "e 5i5 to ,rin. !olin sai5 %e %ere -ettin- a8o)e oursel)es@ 1or-ettin- t"at )ampires are more po%er1ul t"an any animal. Ho% t"e "ell 5i5 you 3ure your leopar5BC AHis name?s /at"aniel@C 9 sai5. Verne took a 5eep 8reat"@ let it out slo%ly. AHo% 5i5 you 3ure /at"anielBC 9 1li3ke5 my eyes past Verne?s 8o5y to As"er. He -a)e t"e sli-"test o1 no5s@ an5 9 8a3ke5 up enou-" steps t"at 9?5 8e out o1 rea3" in 3ase Verne %as upset a8out t"e -un. But 9 kept t"e -un pointe5 at "im@ 8e3ause 9 %as still 3loser t"an ten 1eet. ,)en a normal man arme5 %it" >ust a kni1e 3an 3lose t"at 5istan3e ;ui3ker t"an most people 3an un"olster a -un. AAt -reat risk to oursel)es@C As"er sai5. AHo%BC Verne aske5. He mo)e5 to%ar5s t"e 8e5 as i1 9 %as o1 no importan3e. As"er tol5 "im "o% %e?5 "eale5 /at"aniel. AAn5 neit"er o1 you %ere poisone5 8y itBC Verne aske5. A4amian %as a11e3te5@C As"er sai5. Verne sear3"e5 t"e room. ADou mean t"e re52"aire5 )ampireBC As"er no55e5. A9 3an "ear "im in t"e 8at"room. He s"oul5 8e 5ea5.C ADes@ "e s"oul5 8e@C As"er sai5. Verne turne5 an5 looke5 at me t"en. A#ur )ar-amor sai5 s"e 1elt your po%er toni-"t. Sai5 you 3on>ure5 up some sort o1 spell.C A9 5on?t kno% t"e term )ar-amor@C 9 sai5.

AA pa3k?s %ise %oman or %ise man@ a %it3" usually@ 8ut not al%ays. Sometimes >ust a psy3"i3. 7ost pa3ks 5on?t 8ot"er %it" t"em anymore. Ho% 5i5 you sa)e t"e )ampire on3e "e starte5 to rotBC 9 "olstere5 t"e Bro%nin-. #ne@ 9 3oul5n?t keep t"e -un nake5 in my "an5s 1ore)erG t%o@ 9 %as 8e-innin- to 8elie)e Verne. A9?m a ne3roman3er@ Verne. 4amian?s a )ampire. 9 "eale5 "im.C His eyes narro%e5. AHust like t"atBC 9 lau-"e5. A/o@ not >ust like t"at. =e 5amn near 5i5n?t sa)e "im@ 8ut %e 5i5 it.C A!oul5 you 3ure one o1 my peopleBC A4i5 !olin 5o one o1 your people toni-"tBC 9 aske5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ 8ut i1 %e stan5 %it" you a-ainst "im@ "e %ill.C A="y %oul5 you stan5 %it" us on t"isBC 9 aske5. ABe3ause 9 "ate t"at 8loo5su3kin- son o1 a 8it3".C A91 t"at?s true@ t"en 7ira 8roke pa3k la%@C Hason sai5. Verne no55e5. A/ormally@ 9?5 ki3k "er ass. S"e 5iso8eye5 me@ 8ut s"e in>ure5 you. Dour -rie)en3e takes pre3e5en3e.C He -lan3e5 at As"er@ t"en at me@ as i1 "e %asn?t a "un5re5 per3ent sure %"o to ask permission o1. A="at 3an my pa3k 5o to make t"is ri-"t 8et%een usBC 9 looke5 at "im@ "ea5 to one si5e. 9 5i5n?t like t"e i5ea t"at one o1 "is %ol)es "a5 8etraye5 /at"aniel. 9t ma5e me not trust "im. But 9 un5erstoo5 %"y 7ira %as pisse5. <i3"ar5 "a5 5umpe5 "er. A %oman s3orne5 an5 all t"at. A'irst@ 5elay t"e -reetin- 3eremony@C 9 sai5. A=e?re -oin- to 8e ass 5eep in )ampiresG t"ere %on?t 8e time 1or anyt"in- else toni-"t.C Verne no55e5. A4one.C AAn5 9 %ant 7ira?s "ea5 in a 8asket@C 9 sai5. A=e nee5 a pla3e to meet !olin@C As"er sai5. A#ur lupanar is rea5y 1or 3ompany@C Verne sai5. A7ost -enerous@C As"er sai5. 9t %as -enerous. 7ay8e too -enerous. ADou un5erstan5 t"at %e aren?t -oin- to kill !olin 1or t"is. $"at %"ate)er "appens toni-"t2unless "e atta3ks us@ 1or3es us to 5e1en5 oursel)es2%e?ll 8e lea)in- in a 1e% 5ays@ an5 !olin %ill still 8e 7aster o1 t"e !ity.C ADou mean i1 9 "elp you "urt "im@ "e may "ol5 a -ru5-eBC Verne sai5. 9 no55e5. ADea".C A,rin %as a -oo5 ki5. He %asn?t e)en one o1 t"e youn- ones t"at "a5 -one up a-ainst t"e )ampires. $"ey pi3ke5 "im 8e3ause "e %as one o1 my %ol)es.C A/at"aniel sai5 t"at 7ira "a5 8een pai5 to 8rin- one o1 our animals to !olin@C 9 sai5. A9t soun5s like "im.C Verne?s "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists@ an5 "is po%er mo)e5 t"rou-" t"e 3a8in like a line o1 "eat. A9?)e %ante5 "im to pay 1or %"at "appene5 to ,rin 1or ten years@ 8ut 9 "a)en?t "a5 t"e po%er to -o up a-ainst "im.C ADou 5on?t %ant "im 5ea5BC 9 aske5@ an5 9 soun5e5 surprise5. A!olin@ 1or t"e most part@ lea)es us alone. But 8etter yet@ "e 3an?t 3all %ol)es. 91 %e kill "im@ a ne% master %ill mo)e in@ may8e one t"at 3an 3ontrol %ol)es. 7ay8e one t"at is a 8i--er@ meaner son o1 a 8it3". 4ea5 %oul5 8e -reat@ 8ut not until 9 kno% %"at it %oul5 3ost my pa3k.C A$"e 5e)il you kno% or t"e 5e)il you 5on?t@C 9 sai5. Verne looke5 at me 1or a se3on5@ t"en no55e5. ADes.C AGreat@C 9 sai5@ Alet?s turn up t"e 1ire un5er t"is parti3ular 5e)il an5 roast "is 3o>Snes.C 'or one o1 t"e 1e% times on t"is trip@ e)eryone seeme5 to 8e in a-reement. 9 %as use5 to killin- )ampires@ not punis"int"em@ 8e3ause 9?5 learne5 a lon- time a-o t"at you eit"er kille5 monsters or le1t t"em t"e 1u3k alone. #n3e you pull on t"eir tail@ metap"ori3ally speakin-@ you?re >ust ne)er ;uite sure "o% t"ey?re -oin- to rea3t. Sorry@ 3an3el t"at. 9 kne% e*a3tly "o% !olin %oul5 rea3t. $"e ;uestion %as "o% mu3" 8loo5 %oul5 8e spille5 an5 3oul5 %e possi8ly pull t"is o11 %it"out -ettin- some o1 our people kille5. 9 5i5n?t -i)e a 5amn i1 %e kille5 some o1 !olin?s people@ in 1a3t@ 9 %as sort o1 lookin- 1or%ar5 to it.

Chapter Seventeen
9 %alke5 t"rou-" a %orl5 o1 sil)ere5 moon s"a5o%s an5 t"e 8la3k outlines o1 trees. $"e 8oots %ere lo%2"eele5 enou-" an5 t"ey 1it %ell enou-" t"at t"ey a3tually %eren?t 8a5 1or %alkin- t"rou-" t"e %oo5s. 9t %asn?t t"e 1it o1 anyt"in- t"at ma5e it un3om1orta8le to 8e out in t"e %oo5sG it %as t"e "eat an5 t"e noise. $"ere %as s%eat at t"e 8en5 o1 my knees un5erneat" t"e nylons an5 t"e leat"er. 9?5 a55e5 a leat"er >a3ket@ 8orro%e5 1rom Hason. $"e >a3ket "i5 t"e mini2:Ei an5 t"e 8i- leat"er purse 9 "a5 slun- o)er one s"oul5er. $"e purse %as !"erry?s an5 "a5 a 3an o1 aerosol "air spray in it. 9 "a5 a -ol5en li-"ter in t"e po3ket o1 t"e >a3ket. $"e li-"ter 8elon-e5 to As"er. 9t %as too "ot to 8e %earin- t"e >a3ket. All t"at leat"er 3rinkle5 an5 si-"e5 e)ery time 9 mo)e5. :n5er ot"er 3ir3umstan3es@ it mi-"t "a)e 8een interestin-G as it %as@ it %as irritatin-. 9mportant sa1ety tipJ 4on?t try to sneak up on people in ne% leat"er. At least not people %it" supernatural "earin-. #1 3ourse@ %e %eren?t sneakin- up on any8o5y toni-"t. $"e )ampires kne% %e %ere 3omin-. Verne?s people "a5 5eli)ere5 t"e messa-e. #n3e <i3"ar5 arri)e5 on t"e s3ene@ my suspi3ious nature %as i-nore5. 91 Verne sai5 "e tol5 t"e )amps %"ere to meet an5 %"y@ t"en o1 3ourse <i3"ar5 8elie)e5 "im. $rut"1ully@ so 5i5 9@ 8ut it still 8u--e5 me "o% easily <i3"ar5 a33epte5 Verne?s %or5. #1 3ourse@ <i3"ar5 "a5 8een )isitin- %it" Verne?s pa3k 1or se)eral years e)ery summer. He kne% t"em as 1rien5s. 9 respe3te5 1rien5s"ipG 9 >ust 5i5n?t al%ays trust it. #kay@ 9 5i5n?t trust ot"er people?s 1rien5s. 9 truste5 my o%n@ 8e3ause 9 truste5 my o%n >u5-ment. ="i3" meant@ 9 -uess@ t"at 9 still 5i5n?t trust <i3"ar5?s >u5-ment. /o@ 9 5i5n?t. $"inkin- o1 "im %as enou-". 9 3oul5 1eel "im o11 to my le1t like a %arm presen3e mo)in- t"rou-" t"e summer ni-"t. 9 "a5 a moment o1 1eelin- "im %alkin-. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e r"yt"m o1 "is 8o5y as "e mo)e5. 9 %as almost 5iEEy@ stum8lin-@ as 9 pulle5 a%ay 1rom t"e ima-e. Kane took my arm. ADou all ri-"tBC 9 no55e5 an5 pulle5 a%ay. 9 5i5n?t kno% "im t"at %ell yet. 91 9 "a5 a 3"oi3e@ 9 %asn?t t"at tou3"y21eely %it" people 9 5i5n?t kno%. But t"e moment 9 pulle5 a%ay@ 9 1elt "im s"rink 8a3k. 9 kne% %it"out any ma-i3 at all t"at 9?5 "urt "is 1eelin-s. 9 %as "is /imir2ra@ "is leopar5 ;ueen@ an5 9 %as suppose5 to like "im@ or at least not 5islike "im. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"et"er apolo-iEin- %oul5 make it %orse or 8etter@ so 9 sai5 not"in-. Kane mo)e5 o11 t"rou-" t"e %oo5s@ lea)in- me to mysel1. He %as %earin- t"e leat"er pants@ )est@ an5 8oots "e?5 %orn on t"e plane. 'unny "o% Kane?s personal %ar5ro8e %as >ust 1ine 1or toni-"t. <i3"ar5 stoppe5 mo)in- an5 stare5 at me a3ross t"e yar5s t"at separate5 us. He %as 5resse5 all in 8la3kJ leat"er pants an5 a silk s"irt t"at 3lun- to "is ne%@ impro)e5@ mus3ular upper 8o5y. He?5 8een li1tin- %ei-"ts sin3e Hean2!lau5e last measure5 "im 1or s"irts. He stoo5 t"ere all in 8la3k@ a 3olor 9?5 ne)er seen "im in. $"e moonli-"t %as stron- enou-" t"at 9 3oul5 see "is 1a3e in 8ol5 "i-"li-"tsG only t"e eyes %ere lost to s"a5o%@ as i1 "e %ere 8lin5. ,)en 1rom "ere@ 9 3oul5 1eel "im like a line o1 "eat in my 8o5y. ,arlier@ As"er "a5 ma5e t"in-s in my 8o5y -o lo% an5 ti-"t. But no%@ stan5in- in t"e "ot@ summer %oo5s@ %at3"in- t"e -leam o1 moonli-"t re1le3tin- o11 t"e silk an5 leat"er on <i3"ar5?s 8o5y@ seein- "is "air sli5e like a so1t 3lou5 aroun5 "is s"oul5ers@ it ma5e my 3"est ti-"t@ 3loser to tears t"an to lust@ 8e3ause "e %asn?t mine anymore. ="et"er 9 like5 it or not@ %"et"er 9 %ante5 it or not@ 9 %oul5 al%ays re-ret not "a)in- 8een %it" <i3"ar5. 9?5 "a5 ot"er opportunities in t"e past 1or 8ein- %it" ot"er -uys in intimate settin-s@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er re-rette5 sayin- no 8e1ore. 9n 1a3t@ 9 al%ays 1elt like 9?5 5o5-e5 a 8ullet. #nly <i3"ar5 ma5e me re-ret. He starte5 %alkin- to%ar5s me. 9t ma5e me look a%ay as i1 %e?5 8een at a resturant or somet"in-@ an5 9?5 8een 3au-"t starin- at my e*. 9 remem8ere5 a ni-"t >ust a1ter 3olle-e %"en 9?5 8een in a resturant %it" some 1rien5s@ an5 seen my e*2 1ian36 %it" "is ne% -irl1rien5. He?5 %alke5 to%ar5s us as i1 "e?5 intro5u3e me to "er. 9?5 1le5 to t"e la5ies? room an5 "i5 out until one o1 my -irl1rien5s 3ame an5 tol5 me t"e 3oast %as 3lear. 'our years a-o@ 9?5 run 1or 3o)er 8e3ause "e "a5 5umpe5 me an5 5i5n?t seem to miss me. /o% 9 stoo5 my -roun5 8ut not 8e3ause 9 "a5 5umpe5 <i3"ar5. 9 stoo5 my -roun5 8e3ause my pri5e %oul5n?t let me "urry a%ay t"rou-" t"e trees an5 preten5 9 "a5n?t run a%ay. 9 %asn?t mu3" into runnin- lately. So 9 stoo5 t"ere in t"e sil)ere5 5ark@ my "eart 8eatin- in my t"roat@ an5 %aite5 1or "im to 3ome to me. Hamil an5 S"an-24a stoo5 to-et"er in t"e 5ark@ %at3"in- 8ut not 1ollo%in- "im@ as i1 "e?5 tol5 t"em to stay put. ,)en 1rom "ere@ 9 3oul5 tell S"an-24a 5i5n?t like it. As 1ar as 9 3oul5 see@ S"an-24a "a5n?t 3"an-e5 3lot"es. He %as still in "is all2 8la3k@ totally mono3"rome5 tailore5 suit@ s"irt@ an5 a33essories. <i3"ar5 3ame to stan5 a8out t%o 1eet in 1ront o1 me. He >ust looke5 5o%n at me an5 sai5 not"in-. 9 3oul5n?t rea5 "is e*pression@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to rea5 "is min5 a-ain. 9 8roke 1irst@ 8a88lin-. A9?m sorry a8out t"at@ <i3"ar5. 9 5i5n?t mean to in)a5e you like t"at. 9?m not )ery -oo5 at 3ontrollint"e marks yet.C A$"at?s all ri-"t@C "e sai5. ="y is it t"at )oi3es in t"e 5ark 3an soun5 so mu3" more intimateB ADou okay %it" As"er?s plan 1or toni-"tBC 9 aske5@ more 1or somet"in- to say %"ile "e stare5 5o%n at me t"an 1or anyt"inelse.

Verne "a5 learne5 t"rou-" 7ira t"at !olin 8elie)e5 t"at As"er %as "is repla3ement. Bot" masters %ere o1 an e;ui)alent a-e. !olin %as more po%er1ul@ 8ut mu3" o1 t"at e*tra po%er 3oul5 "a)e 8een 1rom t"e ties t"at ma5e "im 7aster o1 t"e !ity. 9t %as t"e 1irst time 9?5 e)er 8een tol5 t"at >ust 8ein- 7aster o1 t"e !ity -a)e you e*tra po%er. Li)e an5 learn. A9 un5erstan5 t"at As"er "as to 3on)in3e !olin t"at "e 5oesn?t %ant t"e >o8@C <i3"ar5 sai5. As"er "a5 5e3i5e5 t"at t"e %ay to 5o t"at %as to 3on)in3e !olin "e %as in1atuate5 %it" me an5 %it" Hean2!lau5e. 9 %asn?t sure "o% 9 1elt a8out t"e plan@ really. But %e all a-ree5@ e)en <i3"ar5@ t"at t"e lo3al )amps %oul5n?t 8elie)e t"at ties o1 1rien5s"ip an5 nostal-ia ma5e As"er "appy %"ere "e %as. Vampires are like people in one respe3t@ t"ey?ll 8elie)e a se*ual e*planation 8e1ore an inno3ent one. ,)en 5eat" 5oesn?t 3"an-e t"e "uman trait o1 8ein- %illin- to 8elie)e t"e %orst o1 a person rat"er t"an t"e 8est. A9t?s none o1 my 8usiness %"at you 5o or %"o you 5o it %it"@ remem8erBC His )oi3e %as a -reat 5eal more neutral t"an "is %or5s. A9 %as em8arrasse5 in t"e 8at"room. Dou 3au-"t me o11 -uar5.C A9 remem8er@C 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5. A91 %e?re suppose5 to 1launt our po%er toni-"t@ t"at means %e nee5 to use t"e marks.C A7ira tol5 t"em t"at you %ere inter)ie%in- ne% lupas. $"ey kno% %e?re not an item@C 9 sai5. A=e 5on?t "a)e to s"o% t"em 5omesti3 8liss@ Anita@ >ust po%er.C He "el5 out "is "an5 to me. 9 stare5 at it. $"e last time "e?5 le5 me t"rou-" summer %oo5s "a5 8een t"e ni-"t "e kille5 7ar3us. $"e ni-"t %"en e)eryt"in- "a5 -one %ron-. A9 5on?t t"ink 9 3an take anot"er stroll t"rou-" t"e %oo5s@ <i3"ar5.C His "an5 3lose5 into a 1ist. A9 kno% 9 "an5le5 it 8a5ly t"at ni-"t@ Anita. Dou?5 ne)er seen me s"apes"i1t@ an5 9 s"i1te5 on top o1 you@ %"ile you 3oul5n?t -et a%ay. 9?)e t"ou-"t a8out t"at. 9 3oul5n?t "a)e 3"osen a %orse %ay to intro5u3e you to %"at 9 %as. 9 kno% t"at no%@ an5 9?m sorry 9 s3are5 you.C S3are5 5i5n?t ;uite 3o)er it@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t say it out lou5. He %as apolo-iEin-@ an5 9 %as -oin- to a33ept it. A$"ank you@ <i3"ar5. 9 5i5n?t mean to "urt you. 9 >ust ... C A!oul5n?t "an5le it@C "e sai5. 9 si-"e5. A!oul5n?t "an5le it.C He "el5 "is "an5 out to me. A9?m sorry@ Anita.C A7e@ too@ <i3"ar5.C He -a)e a small smile. A/o ma-i3@ Anita@ >ust your "an5 in mine.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ <i3"ar5.C AA1rai5BC "e aske5. 9 stare5 up at "im. A="en %e nee5 to 5ra% t"e marks@ %e 3an tou3"G 8ut not "ere@ not no%.C He rea3"e5 up to tou3" my 1a3e@ an5 9 "ear5 t"e silk o1 "is s"irt rip. He lo%ere5 "is arm an5 put t"ree 1in-ers in t"e rippe5 seam. A$"at?s t"e t"ir5 time t"at?s "appene5.C He sprea5 t"e seam on t"e ot"er arm@ puttin- "is %"ole "an5 in it. He turne5 an5 s"o%e5 me "is 8a3k. $"e seams at t"e s"oul5ers "a5 pulle5 apart on 8ot" si5es like mout"s. 9 -i--le5@ an5 9 5on?t 5o t"at o1ten. ADou look like t"e 9n3re5i8le Hulk.C He 1le*e5 "is arms an5 s"oul5ers like a 8o5y8uil5er. $"e look o1 mo3k 3on3entration on "is 1a3e ma5e me lau-". $"e silk rippe5 %it" an almost %et soun5. Silk soun5s t"e 3losest to 1les" o1 any 3lot" %"en you tear itG only leat"er soun5s more ali)e un5er a 8la5e. His tanne5 1les" s"o%e5 pale t"rou-" t"e 8la3k 3lot"@ as i1 some in)isi8le kni1e %ere slas"in- rips in it. He strai-"tene5 up. #ne slee)e "a5 rippe5 so 8a5ly at t"e s"oul5er t"at it 1lappe5 aroun5 "is upper arm. $"e seams at t"e top o1 "is 3"est %ere like t%in smiles. A9 1eel a 5ra1t@C "e sai5. He turne5 an5 s"o%e5 me "is 8a3k. $"e s"irt "a5 peele5 o11 "is 8a3k@ "an-in- in tatters. A9t?s tras"e5@C 9 sai5. A$oo mu3" %ei-"t li1tin- sin3e 9 %as measure5 1or t"e s"irt.C ADou are perilously 3lose to 8ein- too mus3ular@C 9 sai5. A!an you e)er 8e too mus3ularBC "e aske5. ADes@ you 3an@C 9 sai5. ADou 5on?t like itBC "e aske5. He %a55e5 "is "an5s into t"e 1ront o1 t"e s"irt an5 pulle5. $"e silk tore into 8la3k s"re5s@ rippin- like a so1t s3ream. He tosse5 t"e silk at me. 9 3au-"t it 8y re1le*@ not t"inkin-. He -ra88e5 %"at %as le1t o1 t"e s"irt a3ross "is s"oul5ers an5 pulle5 it o)er "is "ea5@ e*posin- e)ery in3" o1 "is 3"est@ "is s"oul5ers. He straine5 "is arms up%ar5@ makin- t"e mus3les mol5 a-ainst "is skin 1rom stoma3" to s"oul5er.

9t 5i5n?t >ust make me 3at3" my 8reat"@ it ma5e me 3at3" an5 "ol5@ 1or-ettin- to 8reat"e 1or a 1e% se3on5s@ so t"at %"en 9 5i5 remem8er@ my 8reat" 3ame out in a s"aky -asp. So mu3" 1or 8ein- 3ool an5 sop"isti3ate5. He lo%ere5 "is arms an5 all t"at %as le1t %ere t"e slee)es. He pulle5 t"em o11 like a stripper remo)in- lon- -lo)es an5 let t"e 8its o1 silk 1all to t"e -roun5. He stoo5 lookin- at me@ nu5e 1rom t"e %aist up. AAm 9 suppose5 to applau5 or say@ F7y@ my@ 7r. Keeman@ %"at 8i- s"oul5ers you "a)e?B 9?m a%are t"at you "a)e a -reat 8o5y@ <i3"ar5. Dou 5on?t "a)e to ru8 my 1a3e in it.C He mo)e5 into me until "e %as stan5in- so 3lose t"at a "ar5 t"ou-"t %oul5 "a)e ma5e us tou3". A="at a -oo5 i5ea@C "e sai5. 9 1ro%ne5 at "im@ 8e3ause 9 %asn?t 1ollo%in-. A="at?s a -oo5 i5eaBC A<u88in- your 1a3e in my 8o5y@C "e sai5@ "is )oi3e so lo% t"at it %as almost a %"isper. 9 8lus"e5 an5 "ope5 "e 3oul5n?t see it in t"e 5ark. A9t?s an e*pression@ <i3"ar5. Dou kno% 9 5i5n?t mean it.C A9 kno%@C "e sai5@ A8ut it?s still a -oo5 i5ea.C 9 steppe5 8a3k. AGo a%ay@ <i3"ar5.C ADou 5on?t kno% t"e %ay to t"e lupanar@C "e sai5. A9?ll 1in5 it on my o%nG t"anks@ any%ay.C He starte5 to rea3" out to tou3" my 1a3e@ an5 9 almost stum8le5 8a3kin- up. He 1las"e5 me a ;ui3k smile an5 %as -one@ runnin- t"rou-" t"e trees. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e roil o1 po%er like %in5 in a sail. He ro5e t"e ener-y o1 t"e %oo5s@ t"e ni-"t@ t"e moon o)er"ea5@ an5 i1 9 %ante5 to@ 9 3oul5 -o alon- 1or t"e ri5e. 9 stoo5 t"ere@ "u--in- my arms@ 3on3entratin- e)eryt"in9 "a5 on 8lo3kin- "im out@ 3uttin- t"e po%er 8et%een us. ="en 9 1elt alone an5 lo3ke5 %it"in my o%n skin a-ain@ 9 opene5 my eyes. Hason %as stan5in- so 3lose it ma5e me >ump. 9t also ma5e me realiEe "o% 3areless 9?5 8een. A4amn@ Hason@ you s3are5 me.C ASorry. 9 t"ou-"t someone s"oul5 stay 8e"in5 an5 make sure no )ampires ma5e o11 %it" you.C A$"anks@ 9 mean t"at.C ADou all ri-"tBC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?m 1ine.C He -rinne5@ an5 t"ere %as almost enou-" moonli-"t to see t"e lau-"ter in "is eyes. AHe?s -ettin- 8etter at it@C Hason sai5. AGettin- 8etter at %"atBC 9 aske5. ABein- :l1ri3BC ASe5u3in- you@C Hason sai5. 9 stare5 at "im. ADou kno% "o% 9 %as >ealous o1 t"e %ay you looke5 at As"erBC 9 no55e5. A$"e %ay you look at <i3"ar5 ... C He >ust s"ook "is "ea5. A9t?s somet"in-.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 let it out slo%ly. A9t 5oesn?t matter.C A9t matters@C "e sai5. A9t 5oesn?t make you "appy@ 8ut it matters.C An5 to t"at@ t"ere %asn?t a 5amn t"in- 9 3oul5 say. =e starte5 %alkin- t"rou-" t"e %oo5s in t"e -eneral 5ire3tion e)eryone else "a5 8een -oin-. =e 5i5n?t nee5 no stinkin- 5ire3tions.

Chapter Eighteen
=e 1oun5 t"e lupanar@ an5 %e 5i5n?t nee5 5ire3tions. =e "a5 Hason?s nose an5 my a8ility to sense t"e 5ea5. 9?5 assume5 t"at all lupanars %ere t"e same@ 8ut yar5s a%ay 1rom t"is one@ 9 kne% 9 %as %ron-. ="ate)er lay up a"ea5 "a5 5eat" mi*e5 in %it" itJ ol5 5eat". 9t 1elt almost like a restless -ra)e. Sometimes you?5 8e out in t"e %oo5s an5 1in5 one. An ol5 -ra)e %"ere someone %as 8urie5 %it"out rites@ >ust a s"allo% "ole in t"e -roun5. $"e 5ea5 5on?t mu3" 3are 1or s"allo% "oles. 9t nee5s to 8e 5eep an5 %i5e or t"ey -et restless. !remation takes 3are o1 all o1 it@ a3tually. 9?5 ne)er met a -"ost o1 someone %"o "a5 8een 3remate5. =e 3oul5 see t"e so1t s"ine o1 lanterns t"rou-" t"e trees %"en Hason stoppe5@ tou3"in- my arm 1or attention. A9 5on?t like %"at 9?m smellin-@C "e sai5. A="at 5o you meanBC 9 aske5. AA 8o5y a8o)e-roun5 1or a lon- time.C

AA Eom8ieBC 9 ma5e it a ;uestion. He s"ook "is "ea5. A/o@ 5rier@ ol5er t"an t"at.C =e 8ot" looke5 at ea3" ot"er. 9 %as pretty sure %e %ere 8ot" t"inkin- t"e same t"in-. <ottin- )ampire. 9 realiEe5 t"at 9 %as 3lut3"in- "is arm@ an5 "e %as 3lut3"in- mine. =e stoo5 in t"e 5ark like 3"il5ren %on5erin- i1 t"at noise %as really a monster or i1 it %as t"e %in5. /eit"er o1 us took t"at ne*t step to 1in5 out. 91 %e?5 "a5 3o)ers@ %e?5 "a)e 8een un5er t"em. 91 %e?5 -one in t"ere >ust to kill t"em@ 9?5 "a)e 8een all ri-"t. A slas"2an528urn operation %as my style lately. ,)ery time %e approa3"e5 t"e )amps on t"eir o%n territory 8y t"eir o%n rules@ %e -ot "urt. 9 realiEe5 su55enly "o% mu3" 9 5i5 not %ant to %alk into t"at pla3e an5 ne-otiate %it" t"e monsters. 9 %ante5 to press a -un un5er !olin?s 3"in an5 pull t"e tri--er. 9 %ante5 5one %it" it. 9 5i5 not %ant to %alk in t"ere an5 -i)e "im po%er o)er me t"rou-" some an3ient rules o1 "ospitality amon- t"e terminally anemi3. 4amian 3ame -li5in- t"rou-" t"e trees. He %as 5resse5 in t"e stan5ar5 uni1orm o1 8la3k leat"er pants so ti-"t you kne% t"at not"in- else %as un5er t"em 8ut )ampire. But "e %as %earin- a 8la3k silk $2s"irt %it" a s3oope5 ne3k. 9t looke5 almost like a %oman?s s"irt. His s"oul5er2len-t" "air "elpe5 t"e illusion o1 1eminity@ 8ut t"e 3"est an5 s"oul5ers t"at peeke5 out o1 t"e s"irt ruine5 t"e e11e3tJ mas3uline@ 5e1initely mas3uline. Hason %as %earin- an almost i5enti3al out1it@ e*3ept t"e s"irt an5 pants %ere satin. $"ou-" t"e knee2"i-" 8oots %ere i5enti3al. 'or t"e 1irst time@ 9 realiEe5 t"at Hason %as 8roa5er t"rou-" t"e s"oul5ers t"an 4amian. Ha5 t"at >ust "appene5 re3entlyB 9 looke5 1rom t"e %ere%ol1 to t"e )ampire an5 s"ook my "ea5. $"ey -ro% up so 1ast. ="at 9 sai5 out lou5 %as@ ADou -uys look like 8a3kup sin-ers 1or a Got"i3 8an5.C A,)eryone?s %aitin- 1or you@C 4amian sai5. 9 realiEe5 t"at 9 still 5i5n?t %ant to -o. 9 1elt Hason s"ake "is "ea5. A/o@C "e sai5. ADou?re a1rai5@C 4amian sai5. Hason no55e5. 9 1ro%ne5. Hason an5 9 %ere 8ot" usually 8ra)er t"an t"is@ no matter %"at nasty t"in-s %ere in t"e ne*t room2or t"e ne*t 3learin-@ as t"e 3ase may 8e. A="at?s up@ 4amianB ="at?s "appenin-BC A9 tol5 you %"at !olin %as.C ADou 3alle5 "im a ni-"t "a-. He 3an 1ee5 o11 1ear. =as t"at suppose5 to 8e a 3lueBC 9 aske5. AHe 3an also 3ause 1ear in ot"ers@C 4amian sai5. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 1or3e5 mysel1 to rela* my "ol5 on Hason?s arm. He kept "is 5eat" -rip. A$"at makes sense@C 9 sai5. A$"ey 3an al%ays -uarantee a meal t"at %ay@ ri-"tBC 4amian no55e5. ABut "e also en>oys it. 'ear is like a 5ru- to a ni-"t "a-. 7y ol5 master sai5 it %as 8etter t"an 8loo5@ 8e3ause s"e 3oul5 %alk t"rou-" a %orl5 o1 1ear. 91 s"e 5esire5 it@ s"e 3oul5 mo)e t"rou-" a %orl5 t"at trem8le5@ e)er so sli-"tly@ at "er passin-.C AAn5 t"at?s %"at !olin is 5oin- toni-"tBC 9 sai5. Hason 5roppe5 "is "an5 1rom my arm. He staye5 3lose enou-" t"at our arms 8rus"e5@ 8ut %e %eren?t "u55lin- in t"e 5ark like ra88its. A9 3an usually tell %"en a )amp is 5oin- min5 stu11 on me. He?s -oo5.C A$"is is 5i11erent 1rom t"e ot"er master2le)el po%ers@ Anita. 7y 1irst master sai5 it %as like 8reat"in- to a "uman@ somet"in- you 5i5 %it"out t"inkin- a8out it. S"e 3oul5 intensi1y it@ 8ut s"e 3oul5 ne)er really stop it. A lo% le)el 5rea5 surroun5e5 "er at all times.C A=as s"e s3ary in 8e5BC Hason aske5. 9 t"ink "e meant it as a >oke. $"e look on 4amian?s 1a3e e)en 8y moonli-"t %asn?t 1unny. ADes@C "e sai5. ADes@ s"e %as.C He looke5 at me@ an5 t"ere %as an intensity in "is 1a3e t"at 9 5i5n?t like. He a3tually rea3"e5 out to me@ t"en let "is "an5 5rop. He 1inally sai5. ASome o1 t"e masters 3an 1ee5 o11 o1 ot"er t"in-s@ not >ust 1ear. A A="at elseBC 9 aske5. As"er 8reat"e5 t"rou-" my min5@ an5 "e must "a)e 5one t"e same to 4amian@ 8e3ause %e 8ot" >umpe5. His )oi3e 3ame like a %"isper in a near8y room@ almost as i1 it %as soun5 %it"out %or5s. AHurry.C $"ere %as no more talk. =e "urrie5. $"e lantern li-"t s"one t"rou-" t"e trees like small@ yello% moons. 4amian -li5e5 t"rou-" t"at last line o1 trees into t"e 3learin-. 9 5i5n?t -li5e. 9 stum8le5 o)er t"e outer e5-e o1 t"e 3learin-. $"ere %as a po%er 3ir3le in t"is lan5 so ol5 an5 %alke5 so o1ten t"at it %as like a 3urtain %aitin- to 8e 5ra%n aroun5 t"e lupanar. 9t %oul5 take almost no po%er to 8rin%"ate)er %as "ere ali)e.

="en 9 ;uit seein- %it" t"at inner )ision an5 looke5 out into t"e 3learin-@ 9 stoppe5 %alkin-. 9 >ust stoo5 an5 stare5. Hason stoo5 an5 stare5 %it" me. Bet%een t"e t%o o1 us@ %e %ere -ettin- pretty >a5e5@ 8ut t"e lupanar o1 t"e #ak $ree !lan %as %ort" a stare or t%o. 9t %as a "u-e 3learin- %it" an oak tree in t"e 3enter o1 it@ 8ut t"at %as like sayin- t"e ,mpire State Buil5in- is tall. $"e tree %as like some -reat sprea5in- -iant. A "un5re5 1eet tall@ risin- up an5 up. $"ere %as a 8o5y "an-in- 1rom one o1 t"e lo%er 8ran3"es. 9t %as mostly skeleton %it" 5rie5 8its o1 ten5on "ol5in- one arm out. $"e ot"er arm "a5 5isinte-rate5@ 1allin- to t"e -roun5. $"ere %ere 8ones e)ery%"ere un5er t"e tree. ="ite 8ones@ yello%e5 8ones@ 8ones so ol5 t"ey %ere -rey 1rom 8ein- %eat"ere5. A 3arpet o1 8ones stret3"e5 out 1rom 8eneat" t"e tree@ 1illin- t"e 3learin-. $"e %in5 pi3ke5 up@ "urryin- t"rou-" t"e 1orest. 9t sent t"e lea)es on t"e oak rustlin- an5 %"isperin-. $"e rope on t"e skeleton 3reake5 as it s%un- in t"e %in5. An5 %it" t"at one 3reak@ my eyes %ent 8a3k to t"e tree@ 8e3ause t"ere %ere 5oEens o1 3reakin- ropes. 7ost o1 t"em %ere empty no%@ 8roken or eaten to ra--e5 en5s@ 8ut t"ose ropes 3reake5 an5 mo)e5 %it" t"e %in5@ up an5 up. 9 1ollo%e5 t"e ropes up to t"e top o1 t"e tree as 1ar as 9 3oul5 look in t"e 5ark 8y moonli-"t. $"e tree "a5 to 8e o)er a "un5re5 years ol5@ an5 t"ere %ere ra--e5 8its o1 rope at its top. $"ey?5 8een "an-in- 8o5ies on t"is tree 1or a )ery lon- time. $"e skeleton rotate5 su55enly in t"e -ro%in- %in5@ >a% -apin-@ empty so3kets re1le3tin- t"e lantern li-"t 1or a se3on5. $"e ten5ons at t"e >a% -a)e %ay@ an5 t"e >a% "un-@ s%in-in- on one si5e@ like a 8roken "in-e. 9 "a5 a "orri8le ur-e to run a3ross t"at 8oneyar5 an5 yank t"e >a% a%ay@ or reatta3" it@ anyt"in- so t"at 8it o1 8one %oul5 stop %a--lin- in t"e %in5. A7y Go5@C Hason %"ispere5. All 9 3oul5 5o %as no5. 9 %asn?t ren5ere5 spee3"less o1ten@ 8ut 9 "a5 no %or5s 1or t"is. 4amian "a5 stoppe5 an5 mo)e5 8a3k to stan5 8y us. He seeme5 to 8e %aitin-@ as i1 "e %ere our es3ort. 9 1inally tore my -aEe a%ay 1rom t"e tree an5 its a%1ul 8ur5en. $"ere %ere 8en3"es 1ormin- t"ree si5es o1 a 5is3onne3te5 trian-le. $"ere %as enou-" room 8et%een ea3" 8en3" t"at no one %as un5uly 3ro%5e5@ yet t"e 3learin- 1elt 3ro%5e5@ almost as i1 t"e air itsel1 %as t"i3k %it" t"in-s unseen@ "urryin- to an5 1ro@ 8rus"in- past me in a rus" o1 -oose1les". A4i5 you 1eel t"atBC 9 aske5. Hason looke5 at me. A'eel %"atBC 9 -uess not. $"at meant %"ate)er %as 3ro%5in- so 3lose in t"e air %asn?t somet"in- t"at a s"apes"i1ter %oul5 pi3k up on. So %"at %as itB $"ere %as a )ampire starin- at me 1rom %"ere "e sat on t"e near 8en3". His "air %as 8ro%n@ 3ut s"ort so "is ne3k %as pale an5 8are. His eyes seeme5 )ery 5ark@ may8e 8ro%n@ may8e 8la3k. He smile5@ an5 9 1elt "is po%er rus" o)er me. He %as tryin- to 3apture me %it" "is eyes. :sually@ 9 %oul5 "a)e trie5 to stare "im 5o%n@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t like %"at 9 %as 1eelin- in t"is pla3e. Po%er@ an5 it %asn?t )ampires. 9 looke5 a%ay 1rom "is eyes@ stu5yin- t"e pale 3ur)e o1 "is 3"eek. His lips %ere 1ull@ %it" an upper lip t"at %as set in a per1e3t 8o%@ )ery 1eminine. $"e rest o1 t"e 1a3e %as all points an5 an-lesG t"e 3"in s"arp@ t"e nose too lon-. 9t %as a 1a3e t"at %oul5 8e "omely e*3ept 1or t"at mout" an5 t"ose lon-2las"e5 eyes@ 5ark an5 5ro%nin- 5eep as 8la3k mirrors. 9 5i5n?t stare too lon- at t"ose eyes. 9 %as 1eelin- unstea5y@ as i1 t"e -roun5 un5er my 1eet %asn?t ;uite soli5. <i3"ar5 s"oul5 "a)e tol5 me a8out t"e lupanar. Someone s"oul5 "a)e prepare5 me. Later@ 9?5 8e an-ry t"at no one "a5G no%@ 9 %as >ust tryin- to 1i-ure out %"at to 5o a8out it. 91 Verne?s 3lan %ere pra3ti3in- "uman sa3ri1i3e@ t"en it "a5 to 8e stoppe5. 4amian mo)e5 in 1ront o1 me@ 8lo3kin- my )ie% o1 t"e et"ers. A="at?s %ron-@ AnitaBC 9 looke5 at "im. $"e only t"in- t"at kept me 1rom losin- it ri-"t t"en in 1ront o1 t"e ot"er )ampires %as <i3"ar5. He?5 "a)e ne)er tolerate5 "uman sa3ri1i3e. #"@ "e mi-"t "a)e 3ome 5o%n "ere on3e@ t"en ne)er returne5@ an5 not 3alle5 t"e poli3e@ 8ut "e %oul5 ne)er "a)e returne5 year a1ter year. He simply %oul5n?t "a)e appro)e5. 7ay8e t"is %as t"e %ay Verne?s 3lan treate5 its 5ea5. 91 it %as anyt"in- else@ 9?5 3all in t"e state 3ops@ 8ut not toni-"t. /ot unless t"ey 5ra--e5 out a s3reamin- )i3tim. 91 t"ey 5i5 t"at@ t"en all 8ets %ere o11. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="at 3oul5 possi8ly 8e %ron-BC 9 sai5. 9 %alke5 into t"e 3learin-@ -oin- 1or our o%n little -roup. 9t looke5 as i1 all t"ree -roups "a5 t"e same amount o1 people. $"at %as pretty typi3al o1 a meet 8et%een preternatural -roups. Dou al%ays ne-otiate5 your entoura-e. <i3"ar5 stoo5 an5 3ame to meet me. 9 took "is "an5 %"en "e o11ere5 it@ 8ut stran-ely@ ri-"t at t"at moment@ 9 5i5n?t 3are i1 "e %as %earin- "is s"irt or not. 9 %as an-ry at "im. An-ry at "im 1or not preparin- me 1or t"is pla3e. 7ay8e "e t"ou-"t t"at not"in- s"o3ke5 me anymore@ or may8e ... o"@ "ell@ 9 5i5n?t kno%@ 8ut "e?5 s3re%e5 up a-ain. So 9 let "im "ol5 my "an5@ an5 t"e tou3" o1 "is 1les" meant not"in-. 9 %as too 3on1use5 an5 %orkin- too "ar5 on "ol5inmy temper to 8e se5u3e5 ri-"t t"en. A$ake t"e >a3ket o11@ 3"il5G let?s -et a look at %"at you?)e -ot@C a )oi3e sai5. 9 turne5@ slo%ly@ to look at t"e o%ner o1 t"at )oi3e. $"e )ampire "a5 "air t"at 9 %oul5 "a)e 3alle5 -ol5en i1 9 "a5n?t "a5 As"er?s "air to 3ompare it to. $"e "air %as 3ut s"ort@ all o)er. His eyes 3oul5 "a)e 8een 8lue or -rey in t"e un3ertain li-"t. $"e 1a3e "a5 1roEen 8e1ore "e?5 e)er "it t%enty. Still youn- enou-" t"at "is 1a3e %as t"in an5 smoot"@ as i1 "e?5 5ie5 8e1ore "e?5 8een a8le to -ro% a 5e3ent 8ear5.

He "a5 t"e 1a3e o1 a 3"il5 on a tall@ -an-ly 1rame@ as i1 "e?5 8een a%k%ar5 in li1e. He %asn?t a%k%ar5 as "e stoo5. He 3ame to "is 1eet in a mo)ement so smoot" it looke5 like 5an3in-. He stoo5@ an5 t"e 8la3k2eye5 )amp stoo5 %it" "im@ 3omin- to "is si5e in a motion o1 lon- pra3ti3e like t"ey %ere t%o parts o1 a %"ole. $"ere %as one "uman %oman amon- t"e ei-"t o1 t"em. S"e looke5 like pure /ati)e Ameri3an %it" %aist2len-t" "air t"at %as as true 8la3k as my o%n. Hers %as strai-"t an5 t"i3k. Her skin %as a 5ark 8ro%n@ 1a3e almost s;uare@ %it" lar-e@ 8ro%n eyes t"at "a5 las"es so t"i3k t"at e)en 1rom a 5istan3e t"ey %ere noti3ea8le. 91 s"e %ore any makeup@ 9 3oul5n?t tell. S"e %as one o1 t"ose %omen t"at is strikin- rat"er t"an 8eauti1ul@ too stron1eature5 1or 3on)entional prettiness@ 8ut you %oul5n?t 1or-et t"e 1a3e on3e you sa% it. A!ome on@ -irl@ strip o11@C t"at youn- 1a3e sai5. A=e?)e seen most e)eryt"in- e)ery8o5y else "as. 9 %ill 8e mi-"ty 5isappointe5 i1 9 5on?t -et to see your -oo5ies@ too.C $"e %oman?s 1a3e remaine5 mar)elously 8lank@ 8ut t"ere %as a ti-"tness to t"ose stron- s"oul5ers@ a sli-"t turn to t"at lon- line o1 ne3k. S"e 5i5n?t seem to 8e en>oyin- t"e s"o%. <i3"ar5?s "an5 ti-"tene5 aroun5 mine. 9 t"ou-"t at 1irst "e %as tryin- to %arn me not to -et ma5@ 8ut one -lan3e at "is 1a3e@ an5 it %as t"e ot"er %ay aroun5. He %as -ettin- pisse5. $"e ni-"t %oul5 -o 5o%n"ill pretty 5amn 1ast i1 9 %as suppose5 to 8e t"e 3alm one. AAre you al%ays t"is o11ensi)e@ or am 9 -ettin- a spe3ial treatBC 9 aske5. He lau-"e5@ 8ut it %as >ust a lau-"@ or5inary@ "uman. He 3oul5n?t 5o t"e )oi3e tri3ks t"at Hean2!lau5e an5 e)en As"er 3oul5 5o. #1 3ourse@ !olin "a5 ot"er talents. 9?5 seen t"ose ot"er talents 3ar)e5 in /at"aniel?s 3"est. As"er stoo5. He?5 starte5 t"e e)enin- %earin- satin a pale i3y 8lue only t%o s"a5es 5arker t"an "is %"ite28lue eyes. $"e >a3ket "a5 5arker 8lue em8roi5ery at t"e slee)es an5 lapels. 9t 1astene5 %it" one o1 t"ose 3lot" loops o)er a lar-e@ silk3o)ere5 8utton. $"e pants mat3"e5 t"e >a3ket per1e3tly. He?5 trie5 t"e >a3ket on %it" no s"irt. His 3"est "a5 8een )ery )isi8le. $"e s3ars "a5 seeme5 "ars"er a-ainst t"e so1t 8lue 3lot". He?5 stare5 at "imsel1 in t"e room?s only mirror 1or a lon- time. He?5 1inally put a %"ite silk s"irt on un5er t"e >a3ket. /o% t"at %"ite s"irt %as in tatters. 9t looke5 like -i-anti3 3la%s "a5 rippe5 at it. His 3"est s"o%e5 )ery plainly t"rou-" t"e ruine5 3lot". $"ere %as no 8loo5. 9?5 only seen t"ree )ampires t"at 3oul5 3ause "arm 1rom a 5istan3e. #ne o1 t"em "a5 8een a mem8er o1 t"eir 3oun3il. But none o1 t"em "a5 "a5 t"e 5eli3a3y o1 3ontrol to s"re5 3lot" so 3lose to 1les" an5 not 5ra% 8loo5. =e %ere 5eep into t"e pissin- 3ontest. So 1ar@ !olin %as %innin-. 9 looke5 at S"an-24a an5 Hamil@ stan5in- >ust 8e"in5 t"e 8en3". $"ey looke5 untou3"e5@ un"arme5. ASome 8o5y-uar5s@C 9 sai5. A=e?re not "ere to -uar5 )ampires@C S"an-24a sai5. 9 looke5 at Hamil. He s"ru--e5. Great@ >ust -reat. Kane %as stan5in- e)en 1art"er 8e"in5 t"e %ol)es. He 5i5n?t look any %orse 1or %ear@ eit"er@ 8ut "e also looke5 lost@ like t"e lone teetotaler at a %ine tastin-. A=as 9 suppose5 to stop "imBC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ Kane. /ot you.C 9 spare5 a -lan3e at <i3"ar5@ %on5erin- %"y "e?5 >ust let e)eryone stan5 aroun5. As"er 9 un5erstoo5. Askin- 1or "elp %as a si-n o1 %eakness. A<emo)e t"e >a3ket@ or 9?ll remo)e it 1or you@C !olin sai5. A!olin@ you?)e ma5e your point.C $"e %oman?s )oi3e %as surprisin-ly 5eep@ a ri3"@ smoky alto. !olin patte5 "er "an5@ smile5@ 8ut "is %or5s %eren?t -entle. A9 %ill tell you %"en my point "as 8een ma5e@ /ikki.C He mo)e5 a%ay 1rom "er t"en@ 5ismisse5 "er@ an5 t"e pain o1 t"at 5ismissal s"o%e5. 'or a moment@ an-er 1lare5 in t"ose 5ark eyes@ an5 9 1elt "er po%er. Her po%er@ not "is. S"e %as a %it3" or a psy3"i3 or somet"in- 9 "a5 no %or5 1or. Human in t"e same %ay 9 %as "umanJ 8arely. $"e an-er )anis"e5 8e"in5 t"at 5ark@ stoi3 1a3e@ 8ut 9 kne% %"at 9?5 seen. S"e 5i5n?t lo)e "im@ nor "e "er. But s"e %as "is "uman ser)ant@ 8oun5 1or all eternity@ 1or 8etter or %orse. ADou %ant to see %"at?s un5er t"e >a3ket@C 9 sai5@ A3ome o)er "ere an5 "elp me out o1 it. 9t?5 8e t"e -entlemanly t"in- to 5o.C AAnita@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 patte5 "is arm. A9t?s okay@ <i3"ar5. !"ill.C $"e look on "is 1a3e %as enou-". He 5i5n?t trust me to 8e"a)e. 'unny@ in our o%n %ays@ neit"er o1 us truste5 t"e ot"er. 9 looke5 at As"er. =e s"are5 no marks. =e 3oul5n?t rea5 ea3" ot"er?s t"ou-"ts. But %e 5i5n?t nee5 to. =e %ere -ettinour 8utts ki3ke5 8e3ause t"e %ere%ol)es %eren?t "elpin- us. 9 looke5 o)er at t"e ei-"t %ere%ol)es t"at %ere lo3al. Verne sat on t"e 8en3" %it" "is %ol)es poise5 aroun5 "im. $%o o1 t"em %ere in 1ull %ol1 1orm@ e*3ept t"ey %ere t"e siEe o1 ponies@ 8i--er t"an any normal -rey %ol1. Verne %as still in "is $2 s"irt an5 >eans. /o one "a5 5resse5 up 8ut us. ,)en t"e ot"er )ampires %ere >ust in suits an5 5resses.

9?5 ne)er seen t"is many )ampires 5resse5 so ... or5inarily. 7ost o1 t"em "a5 a sense o1 style@ or at least t"eater. $"ey put on a -oo5 s"o%. #1 3ourse@ in t"e presen3e o1 t"e 8one25rape5 tree %"o nee5e5 a 8etter s"o%B #1 3ourse@ t"e lupanar %as suppose5 to 8e our s"o%pla3e@ not !olin?s. A-ain@ 9 %on5ere5 i1 %e 3oul5 trust Verne as 1ar as <i3"ar5 t"ou-"t %e 3oul5. 9 %alke5 a little into t"e 3enter o1 t"e trian-le ma5e 8y t"e t"ree 8en3"es. 9 %aite5 1or !olin to >oin me. He >ust stoo5 t"ere ne*t to t"e 8la3k2eye5 )amp@ smilin-. A/o% %"y %oul5 9 %aste t"e ener-y to %alk e)en a 1e% yar5s %"en 9 3an un5ress you 1rom "ereBC 9 smile5 an5 9 ma5e it mo3kin-. AS3are5 to -et too 3loseBC A9 a5mit you are a 5eli3ate little t"in-@ 8ut appearan3es are o1ten 5e3ei)in-. 9 "a)e use5 t"is yout"1ul 1a3e o1 mine more t"an on3e to 1ool t"e un%ary. 9 am not t"e un%ary@ Anita Blake.C He e*ten5e5 a pale "an5@ an5 9 1elt t"e po%er t"rill o)er my skin 8e1ore it slas"e5 t"rou-" t"e 1ront o1 t"e )el)et top. $"e 3ross spille5 out o1 t"e )el)et like a 3apti)e star set 1ree. $"e 3ross 1lare5 %"ite an5 9 %as 3are1ul to look si5e%ays 1rom it. 9t 8urne5 like ma-nesium@ so 8ri-"t it %as almost pain1ul. !rosses -lo% aroun5 )amps@ 8ut t"ey 5on?t -lo% like small superno)as unless you are in serious trou8le. 9?5 ne)er "a5 one -lo% like t"is %"en 9 %asn?t a1rai5 yet. 9?5 al%ays assume5 t"e 3ross rea3te5 to my le)el o1 1ear like a "oly moo5 rin-. $oni-"t@ 1or t"e 1irst time@ 9 realiEe5 t"at it may "a)e 8een my 1ait" t"at ena8le5 it to -lo%@ 8ut on3e t"e 1ait" %as in pla3e@ somet"in- else took o)er. /ot my %ill@ 8ut t"ine. !olin?s )ampires rea3te5 >ust as t"ey %ere suppose5 to. $"ey 3o%ere5@ t"ro%in- t"eir arms or t"eir >a3kets or in one 3ase@ a skirt@ in 1ront o1 t"eir eyes. Hi5in- 1rom t"e li-"t. ,*3ept 1or !olin an5 t"e 8la3k2eye5 )amp. ="y %as 9 not surprise5 t"at t"ose t%o %ere ol5 enou-" an5 po%er1ul enou-" to 1a3e t"e 3rossB $"ey %eren?t "appy a8out it. $"ey %ere prote3tin- t"eir eyes@ s;uintin- a-ainst t"e li-"t@ 8ut t"ey %eren?t 3o%erin-. ASlas" me a-ain@ 1an-28oy@ see %"at else 1alls out.C He 5i5 %"at 9 aske5. 9 really "a5n?t t"ou-"t "e?5 try. He slas"e5 at me t"rou-" t"e air@ 8ut t"e po%er 1ell a%ay like %ater partin- aroun5 a ro3k. A91 you %ant to "urt me@ !olin@ you?re -oin- to "a)e to -et up 3lose an5 personal.C A9 3oul5 "a)e /ikki rip it 1rom your t"roat.C A9 t"ou-"t you %ere "ot s"it@ !olin. #r is t"at >ust %"en you "a)e youn- men tie5 up an5 "elplessB 9s t"at %"at you nee5 to 1eel like a 8i- 8a5 )ampireB Someone tie5 up an5 "elpless@ or is it youn- men t"at 5oes it 1or youBC !olin sai5 one %or5J ABarna8y.C $"e 8la3k2eye5 )ampire mo)e5 in 1ront o1 !olin@ 3loser to t"e 3ross. But "e stoppe5@ una8le to 3ome 3loser. $"en@ o)er t"e -lo% o1 t"e 3ross@ 9 %at3"e5 Barna8y?s 1a3e 8e-in to rot. $"at smoot" 1les" slou-"e5 a%ay@ sli5in- in %et -o88ets o1 1les" 5o%n "is 1a3e@ until ten5ons -listene5 %etly an5 8one s"o%e5 as "is nose 3ollapse5@ s"o%in- "is 1a3e like a skull 3o)ere5 8y rotte5 t"in-s. He limpe5 to%ar5s me@ one "an5 "el5 out@ an5 it remin5e5 me o1 4amian?s "an5s earlier in t"e ni-"t. $"e 1les" 8urstinin a stinkin- %a)e o1 8la3kness. ,*3ept t"ere %as no smell. $"e last )amp 9?5 seen %"o 3oul5 rot at %ill "a5 also 8een a8le to 3ontrol t"e smell@ like a ma-i3al 5eo5orant. 91 it "a5 8een a 1i-"t@ 9?5 "a)e 5ra%n a -un an5 8lo%n "im a%ay 8e1ore "e took t"e 3ross@ 8ut t"is %as a 3ontest o1 %ills more t"an anyt"in-. 91 "e %as )ampire enou-" to tou3" my 3ross@ t"en 9 "a5 to 8e 8ra)e enou-" to let "im 5o it. 9 "ope5 "e 5i5n?t press it 8et%een our 8o5ies. 9?5 "a5 one )ampire 5o t"at@ an5 a se3on5 5e-ree 8urn on my 8reast %asn?t my i5ea o1 1un. $"e 3ross 8urne5 8ri-"ter an5 8ri-"ter as "e 3ame 1or me. 9 "a5 to turn my "ea5 a%ay 1rom t"e li-"tG it %as so 8ri-"t it "urt me to look at it. 9 kne% it "urt t"e )ampire more. 9 1elt t"at rotte5 "an5 sli5e a3ross my 3"est@ lea)in- somet"in- %et an5 semisoli5 to sli5e 8et%een my 8reasts. He -ra88e5 t"e 3"ain an5 not t"e 3ross@ smart )ampire. He >erke5 t"e 3"ain an5 it 8roke. $"e 3ross s%un- into "is arm@ an5 t"e sil)er 8urne5 %it" a 1lame as %"ite an5 pure as t"e li-"t "a5 8een. $"e )ampire s3reame5 an5 t"re% t"e 3ross@ %"i3" spun in a -litterin- ar3 like a tiny 3omet until it %as s%allo%e5 8y t"e 5ark. As my eyes a5>uste5 to t"e 5im lantern li-"t on3e more@ 9 sai5@ A4on?t %orry a8out it@ Barna8y@ 9?)e -ot e*tras.C He?5 1allen to "is knees@ 3ra5lin- "is arm. He %as still a %alkin- rotte5 ni-"tmare@ 8ut t"e 1les" o1 "is "an5 "a5 8la3kene5. ABut not e)eryone "as your 1ait"@C !olin sai5. A-ain@ >ust like in t"e 1orest@ 9 5i5n?t 1eel "is )ampire po%ers rea3" out@ 8ut 9 %as su55enly a1rai5. /o% t"at 9 kne% %"at it %as@ it %asn?t as 8a5@ 8ut it %as 5i11erent 1rom any ot"er a8ility 9?5 e)er sense5. Nuieter some"o%@ an5 more 1ri-"tenin- 8e3ause o1 it. ABarna8y@ t"e youn- 8lon5 %ere%ol1 is )ery a1rai5 o1 you. He?s taste5 your kin5 8e1ore.C Barna8y -ot to "is 1eet an5 trie5 to mo)e aroun5 me. 9 steppe5 in 1ront o1 "im. AHason is un5er my prote3tion.C ABarna8y %on?t "urt "im@ >ust play %it" "im a little.C

9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 -a)e Hason my %or5 t"at 9 %oul5n?t let t"e )ampire t"at 5i5 /at"aniel tou3" "im.C ADour %or5BC !olin sai5. ADou?re a mo5ern Ameri3an. Dour %or5 means not"in-.C A7y %or5 means somet"in- to me@C 9 sai5. A9 5on?t -i)e it li-"tly.C A9 3an taste t"e trut" o1 your %or5s@ 8ut 9 say t"at Barna8y s"all play@ %it" your youn- 1rien5@ an5 you 3annot stop "im %it"out 8reakin- tru3e. ="oe)er 8reaks tru3e 1irst %ill "a)e t"e !oun3il to ans%er to.C 9 kept mo)in- %it" Barna8y so t"at "e %as slo%ly 8a3kin- me up@ 8ut 9 kept -ettin- in "is %ay. A!olin@ you 3an 1eel 1ear@ so 9?m tol5. Dou 3an 1eel "o% )ery a1rai5 "e is o1 your 1rien5 "ere.C A#"@ yes@ 9 %ill 1east toni-"t.C ADou 3oul5 8reak "is min5@C 9 sai5. Someone tou3"e5 my 8a3k an5 9 >umpe5. 9t %as As"er. 9?5 8een 8a3ke5 up all t"e %ay to t"e 8en3". <i3"ar5 an5 "is 8o5y-uar5s "a5 mo)e5 aroun5 Hason. $"ey mi-"t not prote3t As"er@ 8ut t"ey %oul5 prote3t Hason. Barna8y mo)e5 to one si5e@ tryin- to -et aroun5 me. 9 %as 1or3e5 to >ump on an5 o)er t"e 8en3" to put mysel1 in "is %ay a-ain. 9 put my le1t "an5 a-ainst t"at 5e3ayin- 3"est. $"e ri-"t %as on t"e 8utt o1 t"e Bro%nin-. 9 ma5e sure "e sa% it. !olin spoke. $"ou-" Barna8y?s 8o5y s"oul5 "a)e 8lo3ke5 "is )ie%@ it %as almost as i1 "e 3oul5 see t"rou-" t"e ot"er )ampire?s eyes. A91 you s"oot one o1 my )ampires@ t"en you %ill "a)e 8roken tru3e.C ADou sent /at"aniel 8a3k to us 5yin-. As"er sai5 it %as a 3ompliment o1 sorts@ t"at you truly t"ou-"t %e 3oul5 3ure "im.C AAn5 you 5i5@ 5i5n?t youBC !olin sai5. ADea"@C 9 sai5. A=ell@ let me pay you t"e same 3ompliment. 9 t"ink i1 9 s"oot Barna8y point28lank@ "e?ll sur)i)e it. 9?)e s"ot rottin- )amps 8e1ore@ an5 t"eir 3lot"es took more 5ama-e t"an t"ey 5i5.C ADou 3an taste t"e trut" in "er %or5s@C As"er sai5. AS"e 8elie)es "e?ll li)e@ %"i3" means it is not a 8rea3" o1 tru3e.C AS"e 8elie)es it@ 8ut s"e "opes 1or "is 5eat"@C !olin sai5. ABreakin- t"e min5 o1 one o1 our entoura-e@C As"er sai5@ A%ill 8reak t"e tru3e@ as %ell.C A9 5o not a-ree@C !olin sai5. A$"en %e?)e -ot a stalemate@C 9 sai5. A9 t"ink not@C !olin sai5. He turne5 to Verne. AVerne@ earn your keep. Strip t"e youn- one o1 "is prote3tors.C Verne stoo5 an5 "is %ol)es 1lo%e5 aroun5 "im. $"ey mo)e5 into t"e 3learin- on a roil o1 ener-y t"at ma5e t"e nape o1 my ne3k 5an3e an5 my "an5 -o 1or a -un. <i3"ar5 sai5@ AVerne.C But Verne %asn?t lookin- at <i3"ar5. He %as lookin- at me. He %as 3arryin- a small 3o)ere5 8asket in "is "an5s. 9 5i5n?t %ait to 1in5 out %"at "e "a5 in t"e 8asket. 9 pointe5 t"e -un at "is 3"est.

Chapter Nineteen
A,ase 5o%n@ -irl@C Verne sai5. A9t?s a present.C 9 kept t"e -un ni3e an5 stea5y on t"e 3enter o1 "is 8o5y. ADea"@ ri-"t.C A="en you see %"at it is@ you?ll kno% t"at %e aren?t on "is si5e.C A4on?t pi3k t"e %ron- si5e@ puppy 5o-@C !olin sai5. A#r 9 %ill make you )ery@ )ery sorry.C Verne looke5 at t"e )ampire. 9 %at3"e5 "is eyes 8lee5 1rom "uman to %ol1 %"ile "e "el5 t"at 8asket out to me. But "e kept t"ose an-ry@ 1ri-"tenin- eyes on !olin. ADou "a)e no animal to 3all@C Verne sai5@ in a )oi3e -one rou-" an5 -ro%lin- lo%. ADou 5are to stan5 in our pla3e o1 po%er an5 t"reaten us. Dou are less t"an t"e %in5 outsi5e our 3a)e. Dou are not"in- "ere.C AS"e is not one o1 you@ eit"er@C !olin sai5. AS"e is lupa o1 t"e $"ronnus <oke !lan.C AS"e is "uman.C AS"e stan5s 8et%een you an5 a %ere%ol1. $"at?s lupa enou-" 1or me.C Barna8y "a5 8a3ke5 o11. 9 5on?t kno% i1 "e t"ou-"t 9?5 >ump t"e -un an5 s"oot "im or i1 !olin "a5 %"ispere5 a ne% plan in "is rottin- skull. 9 %asn?t sure 9 e)en 3are5. $"ere %as a -lo8 o1 somet"in- "ea)y an5 %et sli5in- 5o%n into t"e 8ra. 9t %as like 1eelin- a tear sli5e 5o%n your 3"eek 8ut %orse@ so mu3" %orse. 9?5 resiste5 t"e ur-e to %ipe it a%ay %it" Barna8y

starin- me 5o%n. As soon as "e 3rept 8a3k to !olin@ 9 use5 my le1t "an5 to s3oop t"e le1to)er part out an5 1lin- it on t"e -roun5. A="at?s t"e matter@ AnitaB $oo up 3lose an5 personal 1or youBC 9 %ipe5 my "an5 on t"e leat"er skirt an5 smile5. A'u3k you@ !olin.C Verne steppe5 into t"e 3enter o1 t"e trian-le alone. His %ol)es staye5 "u55le5 in 1ront o1 t"e 1ar 8en3". He 3ame to stan5 a 3ouple o1 yar5s in 1ront o1 our 8en3" %it" t"at 8asket in "is "an5s. 9 -lan3e5 at As"er. He s"ru--e5. <i3"ar5 no55e5 like 9 %as suppose5 to -o meet "im. A present@ Verne "a5 3alle5 it. 9 %ent to meet "im. He knelt@ settin- t"e 8asket on t"e -roun5 8et%een us. He staye5 kneelin-. 9 knelt@ too@ 8e3ause "e seeme5 to e*pe3t it. He >ust kept lookin- at me %it" t"ose %ol1is" eyes. He still looke5 like an a-in- Hell?s An-el@ 8ut t"ose eyes ... 9 %on5ere5 i1 9 %oul5 e)er -et use5 to seein- %ol1 eyes in a "uman 1a3e. Pro8a8ly not. 9 raise5 t"e "in-e5 li5 o1 t"e small 8asket. A 1a3e@ a "ea5@ looke5 up at me. 9 s3ram8le5 to my 1eet. $"e Bro%nin- >ust appeare5 in my "an5. 9 pointe5 it at Verne@ t"en t"e -roun5@ t"en presse5 t"e 1lat o1 t"e 8arrel to my 1ore"ea5. 9 1oun5 my )oi3e@ 1inally. A="at is t"atBC ADou sai5 you %ante5 7ira?s "ea5 in a 8asket. $"at i1 %e -a)e you t"at@ it %oul5 make it ri-"t 8et%een our t%o 3lans.C 9 took a s"arp 8reat" an5 8le% it out. 9 looke5 5o%n into t"e 8asket@ still stan5in-@ still "ol5in- t"e -un like t"e 3om1ort o8>e3t it %as. $"e mout" %as open in a soun5less s3ream@ t"e eyes "al1 3lose5 as i1 t"ey?5 3au-"t "er nappin-@ 8ut 9 kne% t"ey "a5n?t. Someone "a5 simply 3lose5 t"e eyes a1ter t"ey took "er "ea5. ,)en 5ea5@ like t"is@ t"e 8ones o1 t"e 1a3e %ere 5eli3ate@ an5 you kne% at least t"e 1a3e "a5 8een pretty. 9 1or3e5 mysel1 to put up t"e -un. 9t 3oul5n?t "elp me no%. 9 5roppe5 8a3k to my knees@ starin- at it. 9 1inally looke5 up at Verne. 9 %as s"akin- my "ea5 o)er an5 o)er. 9 looke5 into "is 1a3e an5 trie5 to rea5 somet"in- in it t"at 9 3oul5 yell at or talk to. But t"e e*pression %as alien@ an5 it %asn?t >ust t"e eyes. Dou?5 t"ink a1ter all t"is time@ 9 %oul5 stop 1or-ettin- t"at t"ey %eren?t "uman. But 9 "a5. 9?5 8een pisse5@ an5 9?5 spoken as i1 9 %as talkin- to anot"er "uman 8ein-@ 8ut 9 "a5n?t 8een. 9?5 8een speakin- to %ere%ol)es@ an5 9?5 1or-otten t"at. 9 "ear5 someone %"isperin-@ an5 it %as me. 9 %as %"isperin-@ A$"is is my 1ault. $"is is my 1ault.C 9 starte5 to put my le1t "an5 in 1ront o1 my 1a3e@ an5 9 3au-"t a %"i11 o1 Barna8y?s rotte5 1les". 9t %as enou-". 9 3ra%le5 to one si5e an5 )omite5. 9 knelt on all 1ours@ %aitin- 1or it to pass. ="en 9 3oul5 speak@ 9 sai5@ A4on?t any o1 you people un5erstan5 t"e termB 9t?s >ust a 1u3kin- e*pressionIC <i3"ar5 %as t"ere@ kneelin- 8y me. He tou3"e5 my 8a3k -ently. ADou tol5 "im %"at you %ante5@ Anita. S"e "a5 8etraye5 t"e pa3k?s "onor. 9t 3an 3arry a 5eat" penalty. All you "elpe5 t"em 3"oose %as t"e met"o5 o1 e*e3ution.C 9 -lan3e5 si5e%ays at "im. 9 "a5 a "orri8le ur-e to 3ry. A9 5i5n?t mean it@C 9 %"ispere5. He no55e5. A9 kno%.C $"ere %as a look in "is eyes o1 su3" sorro%@ o1 a s"are5 kno%le5-e o1 "o% many times you ne)er really meant %"at you sai5@ 8ut t"e monsters %ere listenin-@ an5 t"ey al%ays took you at your %or5.

Chapter Twenty
A9 t"ou-"t you %ere tou-"@ 7iss Blake.C <i3"ar5 "elpe5 me stan5 an5 9 let "im. 9 leane5 a-ainst "im 1or a se3on5@ my 1ore"ea5 a-ainst t"e smoot" skin o1 "is arm. 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom "im an5 stoo5 on my o%n. 9 met !olin?s eyes. $"ey %ere 5e1initely -rey@ not 8lue. A9 kno% %e?re suppose5 to -o t"rou-" all t"e proto3ol an5 %altE 1or a %"ile@ !olin. But t"e last o1 my patien3e is sittin- in t"at 8asket. So state your -rie)an3e an5 let?s all -et t"e 1u3k out o1 "ere.C He smile5. ASo ten5er"earte5@ may8e your reputation is >ust talk a1ter all.C 9 smile5 t"en an5 s"ook my "ea5. A7ay8e it is@ 8ut sin3e %e?re not suppose5 to kill ea3" ot"er toni-"t@ !olin@ it 5oesn?t matter.C !olin %alke5 a%ay 1rom me. He %ent to stan5 3loser to "is o%n people 8ut 1a3e5 As"er. 9 "a5 8een 5ismisse5 as "is o%n "uman ser)ant "a5 8een 5ismisse5. A9 %ill not 8e repla3e5@ As"er.C A9 "a)e not 3ome to repla3e you@C As"er sai5@ )oi3e empty@ neutral. A="y %oul5 Hean2!lau5e sen5 a master almost e*a3tly my a-e into my lan5s a-ainst my e*press or5ersBC A9 3oul5 "a)e "i55en %"at 9 %as@C As"er sai5. ABut Hean2!lau5e t"ou-"t you %oul5 misinterpret t"at. 9 3ame in "i5innot"in-.C ABut still you 3ame@C !olin sai5. A9 3annot 3"an-e %"at "as "appene5@C As"er sai5. A="at %oul5 satis1y us allBC

ADour 5eat"@C !olin sai5. ,)ery8o5y %ent )ery still@ as i1 %e?5 all 3au-"t our 3olle3ti)e 8reat"s. 9 starte5 to say somet"in- an5 <i3"ar5 tou3"e5 my s"oul5er. 9 3lose5 my mout" an5 let As"er talk@ 8ut it %as "ar5. As"er lau-"e5 t"at %on5er1ul tou3"a8le lau-". ABreakin- t"e tru3e@ aren?t you@ !olinBC A/ot i1 9 kill a ri)al sent to supplant me. $"en 9 am merely prote3tin- mysel1 an5 makin- an e*ample 1or ot"er am8itious )ampires.C ADou kno% 9 "a)e not 3ome to supplant you@C As"er sai5. A9 kno% not"in- o1 t"e kin5.C A9 am 3ontent %"ere 9 am.C A="yBC !olin aske5. ADou 3oul5 8e t"e master o1 a 3ity some%"ere 1ar 1rom t"eir trium)irate. ="y %oul5 you 8e 3ontent %it" lessBC As"er -a)e a )ery small smile. A9 pre1er -entler persuasions o)er po%er.C !olin s"ook "is "ea5. A9 "a)e 8een tol5 you are in lo)e %it" "er@ an5 %it" Hean2!lau5e "imsel1. 9 "a)e 8een tol5 t"at you are 8e55in- t"em 8ot" an5 t"at is %"y t"e :l1ri3 seeks a ne% lupa.C A91 "e %oul5 only 3ooperate@ it 3oul5 8e a "appy 1oursome@C As"er sai5. <i3"ar5@ startle5 8esi5e me@ sti11ene5. 9t %as my turn to tou3" "is arm an5 keep "im 1rom sayin- %"at "e %as t"inkin-. A9 "a)e 8een tol5 many t"in-s@C !olin sai5. A7y people "a)e %at3"e5 you 1rom a1ar. =e 8elie)e you are enamore5 o1 t"e -irl an5 o1 Hean2!lau5e. =e are a%are o1 your "istory to-et"er. =e e)en 8elie)e t"at a lo)er o1 men like yoursel1 %oul5 5o t"eir :l1ri3 i1 "e %oul5 let you. ="at %e 5o not 8elie)e is t"at you are 8e55in- any o1 t"em. =e 8elie)e t"at t"is is a pat"eti3 story to sa)e yoursel1.C 9 starte5 %alkin- to As"er. $"e plan %as t"at %e %oul5 put on a mil5 s"o% o1 pettin-. 9?5 %arne5 "im it 8etter 8e mil5@ 8ut 9 ne)er -ot t"e 3"an3e. $"ere %as mo)ement in t"e 5ark. 4oEens o1 )ampires appeare5 out o1 t"e 5arkness@ en3ir3lin- t"e 3learin-. !olin "a5 8een 5istra3tin- us %"ile t"e )ampires mo)e5 up to 1lank us@ an5 neit"er As"er nor 9@ nor any o1 t"e %ereanimals "a5 sense5 t"em. ALet us "a)e As"er an5 t"e rest o1 you may -o 1ree.C ADou are 8reakin- t"e tru3e no%@C As"er sai5. He soun5e5 3alm@ empty@ as i1 !olin "a5n?t >ust 5eman5e5 "is 5eat". Verne stro5e 1or%ar5. A$"is is our lupanar. =e 3an 3lose it to all stran-ers.C A/ot %it"out your )ar-amor. Dou le1t "er sa1e at "ome >ust in 3ase t"in-s %ent %ron-. So prote3ti)e o1 your "uman pet. 9 3ounte5 on it.C He raise5 an arm as i1 summonin- "is people. A/o one you "a)e %it" you is %it3" enou-" to in)oke t"e 3ir3le.C A91 you kill As"er it %ill 8reak tru3e.C A9 %ill not "arm Hean2!lau5e?s trium)irate. 9 merely remo)e a ri)al.C $"e )ampires mo)e5 up t"rou-" t"e trees. $"ey 5i5n?t "urry. $"ey mo)e5 like soli5 s"a5o%s@ slo%@ as i1 t"ey "a5 all ni-"t to ti-"ten t"e 3ir3le an5 take us. AAs"erBC 9 aske5 %it"out takin- my -aEe 1rom t"ose slo%ly mena3in- 1i-ures. A#ui.C A4oes t"is 8reak tru3eBC A#ui.C AGreat@C 9 sai5. 9 1elt "im mo)e to%ar5s me@ 8ut 9 "a5 eyes only 1or t"e outer 5ark an5 t"at e)er2s"rinkin- 3ir3le. 9 pi3ke5 one )ampire out. 7ale@ slen5er@ youn-is" in appearan3e. He %ore no s"irt. His 3"est %as a pale@ almost -lo%in- %"iteness in t"e 5arkness. A="at is it@ ma 3"erieBC As"er %as stan5in- )ery 3lose to me no%. 9 mo)e5 "im to one si5e %it" my le1t arm an5 8rou-"t t"e mini2:Ei out %it" my ri-"t. s%in-in- it aroun5 my 8o5y@ s"ootin- 8e1ore 9?5 a3tually pointe5 so t"e 8ullets 3ut a3ross t"e )ampire?s le-s@ makin- "im >erk. 9 -ra88e5 it %it" 8ot" "an5s an5 1ou-"t t"e -un to spray it 8a3k an5 1ourt" a3ross "is 8o5y. 9 %as s3reamin- as 9 5i5 it@ %or5less@ not to soun5 mena3in-. Dou 3oul5n?t "ear t"e s3reams o)er t"e ma3"ine -un. 9 s3reame5 8e3ause 9 3oul5n?t "elp mysel1@ 8e3ause t"e tension@ t"e "orror@ somet"in- 3ame up my "an5 1rom t"e -un an5 out my mout". $"e 8loo5 t"at spraye5 1rom "is 8o5y %as 8la3k 1rom 5istan3e an5 ni-"t. 9t looke5 like "is 8o5y %as torn in "al1 8y some -iant "an5. His upper 8o5y 1ell slo%ly to one si5e. His lo%er 8o5y 3ollapse5 to its knees. $"e 3ir3le o1 )ampires "a5 1roEen or "a5 5i)e5 1or 3o)er. $"e silen3e %as t"un5erous. 7y o%n la8ore5 8reat"in- seeme5 pain1ully lou5. 7y )oi3e 3ame 8reat"y@ 8ut 3lear@ a s"out@ A/o8o5y mo)e@ no8o5y 1u3kin- mo)eIC

/o one mo)e5. As"er?s )oi3e 8roke t"e stillness. A=e 3an all %alk a%ay 1rom "ere toni-"t@ !olin.C A9mpressi)ely )iolent@C !olin sai5@ A8ut 9 t"ink you are mistaken. Poor Ar3"ie %ill not 8e %alkin- any%"ere.C A7y apolo-ies to Ar3"ie@C 9 sai5. A9 must "a)e payment 1or "im@ 7iss Blake.C ADou 3an 8ill me.C A#"@ 9 inten5 to@ 7iss Blake. 9 inten5 to take it out o1 your "i5e.C AHo% many o1 your people 5o you %ant me to kill toni-"t@ !olinB 9?)e -ot lots more 8ullets.C ADou 3annot kill t"em all@ 7iss Blake.C ADea"@ 8ut 9 3an kill a8out a "al1 5oEen an5 %oun5 t%i3e t"at many. 9 5on?t see t"em linin- up 1or it@ !olin.C 9 8a5ly %ante5 to see "is 1a3e@ 8ut 9 kept my attention on t"e )amps in t"e trees. $"ey "a5n?t mo)e5. $"e )ampires alrea5y insi5e t"e lupanar %ere someone else?s pro8lem. 7y >o8 %as keepin- t"e ot"ers at a 5istan3e. 9 t"ink As"er kne% t"e 5i)ision o1 la8or. 9 >ust "ope5 <i3"ar5 5i5. A9 5on?t kno% "o% Hean2!lau5e runs "is territory@ 8ut 9 kno% "o% 9 run mine. ="at you 1ail to appre3iate@ 7iss Blake@ is t"at not"in- you 3an 5o to t"em %ill make t"em 1ear you more t"an t"ey alrea5y 1ear me.C A4eat" is t"e ultimate t"reat@ !olin@ an5 9 5on?t 8lu11.C A/eit"er 5o 9.C 9 1elt somet"in- mo)e out t"rou-" t"e trees. Po%er mo)in- 1rom !olin to t"ose %aitin- 1i-ures. 9 starte5 to turn t"e -un 1rom t"e 5arkness to !olin@ 8ut As"er tou3"e5 my arm. AHe is mine. =at3" t"e ot"ers.C 9 sli5 t"e -un a 1ra3tion 8a3k to t"e still 1orms. ADou -et t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity an5 9 -et all t"e rest. Soun5s 1air.C <i3"ar5 mo)e5 up 8esi5e me. ADou 5on?t -et all o1 t"em@C "e sai5. 9 %ante5 to ask i1 "e %oul5 kill t"em. 91 "e %oul5 use t"at preternatural stren-t" to snap spines an5 tear t"eir 8o5ies apart %it" "is 8are "an5s as 9 "a5 5one %it" t"e ma3"ine -un. But 9 5i5n?t ask. Ho% -oo5 <i3"ar5?s t"reat %as %as 8et%een "im an5 "is 3ons3ien3e. $"e only t"in- t"at 8ot"ere5 me a8out <i3"ar5?s 3ons3ien3e %as t"at 9 3oul5n?t 3ount on "im 1or a sin-le kill toni-"t. He?5 "urt people an5 toss t"em aroun5@ 8ut i1 "e %oul5n?t kill@ t"at meant t"at "e 3oul5n?t a33ount 1or any o1 t"em. $"ere %ere o)er a "un5re5 8a5 -uys@ )ampires@ an5 only ei-"t o1 us. Si*teen i1 9 3oul5 3ount Verne@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t kno% i1 9 3oul5 3ount on "im an5 "is people. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een ni3e to 8e a8le to trust <i3"ar5 at my 8a3k@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t. $"e )ampires out in t"e 5ark 8e-an to rot. /ot all o1 t"em@ 8ut 5amn near "al1. 9?5 ne)er seen so many. 'or a )ampire to rot@ it means t"at t"e )amp t"at ma5e t"em %as t"e same kin5 o1 3reature. ="i3" meant t"at Barna8y "a5 ma5e "al1 o1 !olin?s people. /o 7aster o1 t"e !ity %oul5 allo% any su8or5inate to "a)e su3" po%er. But t"e proo1 %as starin- me in t"e 1a3e %it" eye so3kets -one to 8la3k 5rippin- ruin. ADou "a)e 8een )ery 8ol5@ !olin@ to s"are your po%er %it" your se3on5 to t"is 5e-ree@C As"er sai5. ABarna8y is my ri-"t "an5@ my se3on5 eye. $o-et"er %e are a stron-er master t"an eit"er o1 us %oul5 8e apart.C AAs are Hean2!lau5e an5 9@C As"er sai5. ABut Barna8y is a 3orruptor. He 8rin-s t"at to t"e 5an3e@C !olin sai5. A="at 5o you 8rin- to Hean2!lau5e?s 5an3e@ As"erBC 'ear 8reat"e5 t"rou-" t"e lupanar. 9 s"i)ere5 as it pri3kle5 5o%n my skin@ ti-"tene5 my 3"est@ an5 trie5 to stop my 8reat" in my t"roat. A/i-"t "a-@C 4amian spoke@ "is )oi3e a "iss. He spit on t"e -roun5 in t"e -eneral 5ire3tion o1 !olin@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t %alk any 3loser. A9 smell your 1ear@ 4amian. 9 3an taste it like ri3"@ nutty ale on t"e 8a3k o1 my ton-ue@C !olin sai5. ADour master must "a)e 8een a 1ine pie3e o1 %ork.C 4amian mo)e5 8a3k a step@ t"en stoppe5. ADou ask %"y As"er is 3ontent to remain %it" Hean2!lau5e %"en "e 3oul5 -o else%"ere an5 8e "is o%n master. 7ay8e "e is tire5 as 9 am tire5 o1 t"e stru--le. $"e in21i-"tin-. $"e 1u3kin- politi3s. Hean2!lau5e ransome5 me 1rom my master. 9 am not a master )ampire@ nor %ill 9 e)er 8e. 9 "a)e no spe3ial po%ers. Det@ Hean2!lau5e 8ar-aine5 1or me. 9 ser)e "im not out o1 1ear 8ut out o1 -ratitu5e.C ADou make Hean2!lau5e soun5 %eak. $"e !oun3il 5oes not 1ear %eaklin-s@ yet t"ey 1ear "im@C !olin sai5. A!ompassion is not %eakness@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A#nly t"ose %it"out 3ompassion t"ink ot"er%ise.C 9 -lan3e5 at "im@ 8ut "e %as lookin- at t"e )ampires@ not me. $"e 1a3t t"at 9 1elt it %as a personal remark to me %as >ust me 8ein- o)erly sensiti)e. A!ompassion.C !olin s"ook "is "ea5. He t"re% 8a3k "is "ea5 an5 lau-"e5. 9t %as sort o1 unner)in-. 9 kept my attention on t"e outer 5arkness an5 t"e %aitin- )amps@ 8ut it %as "ar5 not to %at3" t"e lau-"in- )ampire. Har5 not to ask %"at %as so 1unny.

A!ompassion@C !olin sai5 a-ain. A/o% t"at is not a %or5 9 %oul5 "a)e use5 1or Hean2!lau5e. Has "e 1allen in lo)e %it" "is "uman ser)antB 9 5o not t"ink lo)e is t"e pat" to Hean2!lau5e?s "eart. 9s it se*BC He raise5 "is )oi3e an5 3alle5 to me. A9s t"at it@ 7iss BlakeB Has t"e se5u3er 1inally 8een se5u3e5B Are you t"at -oo5 a pie3e o1 ass@ 7iss BlakeBC $"at ma5e my s"oul5ers "un3". But 9 kept my eye on t"e ot"er )ampires@ t"e ma3"ine -un "el5 in 8ot" "an5s. AA la5y 5oesn?t kiss an5 tell@ !olin.C $"at ma5e "im lau-" a-ain. AHean2!lau5e %oul5 ne)er 1or-i)e me i1 9 kille5 t"e 8est pie3e o1 ass "e?s 1oun5 in 3enturies. 9 say a-ain@ -i)e me As"er@ an5 t"e 8lon5 %ol1. As"er?s li1e an5 t"e %ol1?s 1ear at Barna8y?s "an5s. $"at is t"e pri3e 1or sa1e passa-e t"rou-" my lan5s.C 9t %as my turn to lau-"@ a so1t@ "ars" soun5. A'u3k you.C A9 take it t"at is a no@C "e sai5. A/o@C 9 sai5. 9 %at3"e5 t"e )ampires out in t"e 5ark. $"ey "a5n?t mo)e5@ 8ut some"o% t"ere %as a sense o1 mo)ement@ an in3rease5 ener-y. 9t %as not"in- 9 3oul5 start s"ootin- a8out@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t like it. A4oes 7iss Blake speak 1or all o1 youBC !olin aske5. ADou 3an?t "a)e Hason to torture@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A9 %oul5 not %illin-ly -i)e up my li1e@C As"er sai5. A$"e "uman ser)ant speakin- 1or all. Ho% )ery stran-e. But i1 t"e ans%er is no@ t"en t"e ans%er is no.C As"er yelle5@ AAnitaIC 9 starte5 to rotate t"e -un 8a3k to%ar5s t"em@ 8ut somet"in- slas"e5 5o%n my 1a3e@ o)er one eye. 9t ma5e me "esitate@ one "an5 -oin- o)er my eye@ "ol5in- it. 9 "a5 time to t"ink@ stupi5@ an5 start to lo%er my "an5@ start to raise t"e -un 8a3k up@ an5 a )ampire slamme5 into me@ takin- us 8ot" to t"e -roun5. 9 %as 1lat on my 8a3k %it" a %oman on top o1 me@ mout" %i5e@ 1an-s snappin- at my 1a3e like a 5o-. 9 pulle5 t"e tri--er %it" t"e muEEle presse5 to "er 8o5y. $"e 8ullets e*plo5e5 out "er 8a3k in a rain o1 8loo5 an5 t"i3ker 8its. Her 8o5y 5an3e5 on top o1 mine@ t%it3"in-@ >erkin-. 9 "a5 to pus" "er 8o5y o11 o1 me@ an5 %"en 9 3oul5 sit up@ it %as too late. $"e )ampires %ere insi5e t"e lupanar an5 t"e 1i-"tin- %as >oine5. 9 3oul5n?t see out o1 my ri-"t eye. 9t %as too 1ull o1 8loo5@ an5 more kept pourin- 5o%n. A 1i-ure appeare5 in 1ront o1 me an5 9 1ire5 up t"e len-t" o1 its 8o5y until t"e 8ullets e*plo5e5 its "ea5 in a 8urst o1 splatterin- rain. 9 3lose5 my ri-"t eye an5 5i5 my 8est to i-nore it. /ursin- t"e %oun5 %as -oin- to -et me kille5. 9 looke5 aroun5 1or t"e ot"ers. Verne tore t"e "ea5 o11 a )ampire an5 sent it spinnin- into t"e 5ark. <i3"ar5 %as at t"e 3enter o1 a mo8@ almost lost to si-"t %it" 8o5ies "an-in- o11 "im. As"er %as 3o)ere5 in 8loo5@ 1a3in- !olin. $"ere %ere %ere%ol)es e)ery%"ere in %ol1 or man%ol1 1orm. $%o )amps 3ame 1or me an5 si-"t2seein- %as o)er. #ne o1 t"em %as rottin- 5o%n to 8ones@ t"e ot"er %as soli5. 9 s"ot t"e soli5 one 1irst 8e3ause "e@ 9 %as sure@ 9 3oul5 kill. <ottin- )amps 5on?t also 5ie 1rom 8ullets. $"e soli5 one 1ell to "is knees in a spray o1 8loo5@ 1a3e split in "al1 like a ripe melon. $"e rottin- )amp >umpe5 me in a 8lur o1 spee5 an5 %e %ent tum8lin- a3ross t"e -roun5 as 9 trie5 to 8rin- t"e -un up. $"e mout" stret3"e5 a8o)e my 1a3e@ nake5 ten5ons strainin- 8et%een t"e 8ones o1 "is 3"eeks@ 1an-s 3ame 1or my 1a3e. 9 1ire5 into t"e 8o5y@ 8ut t"e -un %as at a 8a5 an-le an5 misse5 anyt"in- )ital. All 9 -ot 1or my trou8les %as t"e s3ream o1 a %ol1@ an5 9 kne% t"at 9?5 s"ot someone t"at %as on our si5e. S"it. 9 turne5 my "ea5 an5 t"e 1an-s sank t"rou-" t"e leat"er >a3ket into my s"oul5er. 9 s3reame5@ my "an5 1um8lin- 1or t"e >a3ket po3ket an5 my 8a3kup 3ross. A rotte5 "an5 3aresse5 my 1a3e@ sli5in- o)er t"e %oun5 a8o)e my eye. $"e leat"er >a3ket a3te5 as a sort o1 armor@ keepin- t"e 1an-s 1rom -ettin- a -oo5 lo3k on my s"oul5er. $"e mout" %orrie5 at my s"oul5er like a 5o- %it" a 8one@ tryin- to 5i- t"rou-" t"e t"i3k leat"er into t"e 1les" 8eyon5. 9t "urt@ 8ut not as mu3" as it %as -oin- to "urt i1 9 5i5n?t 5o somet"in-. $"e 3ross 1lare5 to li1e like a 3apti)e star@ 8ut t"e )amp "a5 its 1a3e 8urie5 in t"e leat"er. 9t 3oul5n?t see t"e 3ross. 9 s%unt"e 3ross 8y t"e 3"ain into its 8are skull. Smoke rose 1rom t"e 8one@ an5 t"e )ampire >erke5 its 1a3e 8a3k 1rom me@ nake5 teet" opene5 in a s3ream. 9 s"o)e5 t"e 3ross in its 1a3e@ an5 t"ose teet" snappe5 at it like a 5o- tellin- you to stay a%ay. But t"ose teet" 3au-"t t"e 3"ain@ an5 8it t"rou-" it. $"ere %as a moment %"ere e)en %it"out most o1 t"e 1les" le1t on t"e skull 9 3oul5 see surprise on its 1a3e. 9 1lun- my arms a3ross my 1a3e an5 "ear5 t"e 5ull e*plosion@ t"e spatter o1 5e8ris. $"ere %as a s"arp pain in my "an5@ an5 %"en 9 3oul5 look@ 9 "a5 a 8one s"ar5 in my le1t "an5. 9 pulle5 t"e s"ar5 out@ an5 only t"en 5i5 9 8lee5. $"e )ampire %as >ust so mu3" mess s3attere5 aroun5 me. $"e 3ross lay on t"e -roun5 still -lo%in-@ smoke risin- o11 its sur1a3e as i1 t"e metal "a5 8een 1res"ly ma5e an5 ;uen3"e5 in t"e 8loo5 o1 t"e )ampire. 9 starte5 to pi3k it up 8y t"e 3"ain@ an5 /ikki@ !olin?s "uman ser)ant@ %as stan5in- o)er me. 9 3au-"t t"e 5ull 1las" o1 "er kni1e an5 rolle5 a%ay@ 3omin- to one knee %it" t"e Bro%nin- in one "an5. S"e %as ri-"t a8o)e me %aitin- 1or an un5er"an5 strike@ 8ut 9 %asn?t stan5in-@ an5 s"e 5i5n?t "a)e time to 3"an-e "er strike. 9 starte5 to pull t"e tri--er an5 a %ere%ol1 8arrele5 into "er@ took t"em 8ot" o11 into t"e 5ark. S"it. ="at %as 9 suppose5 to 5o@ yell AmineC like in a )olley8all -ameB 9 "ear5 Hason yellin-. He %as stan5in- only a8out a yar5 a%ay %it" 8ot" arms stu3k t"rou-" t"e 3"est o1 a rottin)ampire. He %as pullin- 5esperately on "is arms@ 8ut t"ey seeme5 trappe5@ 3au-"t on t"e ri8s. $"e )ampire 5i5n?t seem

to min5. 9t li3ke5 "is 1a3e@ an5 "e s3reame5. Anot"er rotter %as on "is 8a3k@ ri5in- "im@ "ea5 8a3k 1or a strike. 9 si-"te5 5o%n my arm at t"e "ea5 an5 1ire5. $"e "ea5 >erke5 8a3k@ an5 8rains spille5 out a "ole on t"e ot"er si5e in a 5ark -us"@ 8ut t"e )ampire turne5 its "ea5 slo%ly an5 looke5 at me. 9 1ire5 into t"at 3alm 1a3e t"ree more times in a ti-"t 3luster 8e1ore t"e "ea5 3ollapse5 in upon itsel1 like an empty e--s"ell. $"e )ampire 1ell a%ay 1rom Hason. 9 %alke5 to%ar5s Hason an5 t"e ot"er )ampire. /o% it %as t"e )ampire %"o %as stru--lin- to -et 1ree o1 Hason@ 8ut t"ey %ere ent%ine5 like 8umpers a1ter a 3ar %re3k. 9 put t"e -un 8arrel un5er t"e )ampire?s 3"in@ my ot"er "an5 o)er Hason?s eyes to prote3t t"em@ an5 1ire5. 9t took t"ree s"ots 1or t"e 8rain to 8e 5estroye5 an5 t"e 8o5y to -o limp. 9 mo)e5 my "an5 1rom Hason?s eyes@ an5 "e looke5 past me@ eyes %i5enin-. 9 %as alrea5y turnin- 8e1ore "e 3oul5 yell@ ABe"in5 youIC $"e 8lo% 3ame 8e1ore 9?5 1inis"e5 t"e turn. 7y s"oul5er an5 arm %ent num8. 7y "an5 opene5 an5 t"e Bro%nin- slippe5 out %"ile 9 %as still tryin- to see %"at "a5 "it me. 9 5i)e5 1or t"e -roun5@ rollin- on my -oo5 s"oul5er an5 3ame up to my knee to see /ikki "ol5in- a )ery 8i- sti3k. 9 %as lu3ky s"e?5 lost t"e kni1e some%"ere. 9 starte5 to 5ra% t"e 8i- kni1e 5o%n my 8a3k@ 8ut 9 %as usin- my le1t "an5@ 8e3ause my ri-"t still %asn?t %orkin-. Le1t2 "an5e5 9 %as slo%er@ an5 /ikki %as un8elie)a8ly 1ast. S"e mo)e5 in a 8lur o1 motion t"at %as 8eyon5 "uman. S"e %as on me@ slas"in- t"e air %it" t"e 3lu8@ an5 9 -a)e up tryin- to 5ra% a kni1e@ an5 %orke5 >ust at not 8ein- "it. $"e atta3k %as so ;ui3k@ so sa)a-e@ t"at 9 5i5n?t "a)e time to stan5. All 9 3oul5 5o %as roll on t"e -roun5 8arely a"ea5 o1 ea3" 8lo%. $"e >a--e5 en5 o1 t"e 8ran3" sank into t"e -roun5 ne*t to my 1a3e. S"e stru--le5 1or a se3on5 to 1ree it@ an5 9 ki3ke5 "er in t"e knee. 9t ma5e "er sta--er@ 8ut 5i5n?t 5islo3ate it@ or s"e?5 "a)e s3reame5. 9t 5i5 1or3e "er 8a3k 1rom t"e 3lu8. 9 rolle5 a%ay@ tryin- to -et to my 1eet. S"e -ra88e5 me@ an5 li1te5 me o)er "er "ea5 like s"e %as 8en3"2pressin- me. $"e ne*t t"in- 9 kne% 9 %as air8orne. 9 "it t"e -roun5 >ust s"ort o1 t"e oak@ 1allin- into t"e 8ones 8eneat" t"e tree "ar5 enou-" t"at some o1 t"em s"attere5. $"e >olt o1 po%er t"at ran t"rou-" me 1rom "an5s to knees 5ro)e %"at air 9 "a5 le1t 1rom my 8o5y. 9 lay t"ere "al12stunne5@ not >ust 1rom 8ein- t"ro%n a3ross t"e 3learin-@ 8ut 1rom t"e po%er roarin- a3ross my 8o5y 1rom t"e 8ones. 9t %as 5eat" ma-i3@ an5 t"ou-" 5i11erent 1rom mine@ it re3o-niEe5 me@ re3o-niEe5 my po%er. 9 kne% as 9 lay in t"e 8ones t"at 9 3oul5 8rin- t"e 3ir3le to li1eB But %"at %oul5 "appen %"en t"e %ar5s 1lare5 to li1eB $"is pa3k %ors"ippe5 #5in. 91 9 set t"e 3ir3le o1 po%er %oul5 it 3ount as a "oly pla3eB =oul5 it su55enly 8e like stan5in- insi5e a 3"ur3"B 9t "a5 possi8ilities i1 9 3oul5 %arn As"er an5 4amian. 9 -ot pain1ully to my knees an5 1oun5 t"at %e %ere losin-. ,)ery%"ere 9 looke5 our people %ere 8urie5 un5er piles o1 )ampires. As"er an5 4amain %ere still stan5in- 1ree@ 8ut 8ot" %ere 8lee5in- an5 !olin an5 Barna8y %ere pressin- t"e atta3k. <i3"ar5 %as 3ompletely lost to si-"t e*3ept 1or one arm -one lon- %it" 3la%s. Verne %as stan5in- %it" anot"er %ere%ol1 in "uman 1orm. 9t %as a %oman s"orter t"an 9 %as %it" s"ort 5ark "air t"at tou3"e5 "er s"oul5ers@ 5resse5 in a t"i-"2lon- $2s"irt an5 pants. S"e looke5 small 8esi5e Verne@ 8ut s"e %as t"e only one o1 "is people still stan5in-. $"e ot"ers %ere 5ea5 or 5yin- on t"e -roun5. 7y ri-"t "an5 %as %orkin- a-ain@ >ust stunne5 not 5islo3ate5. Lu3ky me. 9 5re% a kni1e 1rom one o1 t"e %rist s"eat"s. 9t %asn?t a 8la5e 3onse3rate5 to ritual@ 8ut it %oul5 "a)e to 5o. 9 %ante5 to %"isper to As"er an5 4amian 1or t"em to 1ly@ 8ut it %as too 1ar a%ay to %"isper@ an5 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% to talk 5ire3tly to eit"er o1 t"eir min5s. 9 5i5 t"e only t"in- 9 3oul5 t"ink o1@ 9 yelle5. 9 yelle5@ AAs"er@ 4amianIC $"ey turne5 startle5 1a3es to me. 9 raise5 t"e kni1e so t"ey 3oul5 see it@ an5 s3reame5@ A'ly@ 5amn it@ 1lyIC /ikki %as almost to t"e 8one 3ir3le. 9 s3reame5@ A'lyIC As"er -ra88e5 4amian?s %rist@ an5 9 "a5 to turn a%ay 8e1ore 9 3oul5 see t"em sa1e. 9 "a5 moments to try an5 make t"is %ork. /ikki "a5 a po%er similar to mine. 91 s"e 1i-ure5 out %"at 9 %as tryin- to 5o s"e?5 stop me i1 s"e 3oul5. 9 presse5 my "an5s to t"e tree trunk an5 t"e po%er 8reat"e5 t"rou-" me. 9t %as ma-i3 t"at "a5 8een 8uilt %it" 5eat"@ an5 t"at %as my spe3iality. $"e moment 9 tou3"e5 t"e tree 9 kne% t"at it %asn?t "uman sa3ri1i3e@ 8ut t"at t"is %as %"ere t"eir munin -at"ere5. $"e spirits o1 t"eir 5ea5 %ere "ere in t"e 8ones@ t"e tree@ t"e -roun5. $"ey 1ille5 t"e air %it" a %"isperin-@ titterin-@ noise t"at only 9 3oul5 "ear. $"e lukoi 3onsume t"eir 5ea5@ at least part o1 t"em@ an5 t"e eatin- o1 t"eir 1les" puts t"em into some sort o1 an3estral memory. 7unin t"ey 3all t"em a1ter #5in?s ra)en@ 7emory. $"ey aren?t -"osts@ 8ut t"ey are t"e spirits o1 t"e 5ea5@ an5 9 %as a ne3roman3er. $"e munin like5 me. $"ey ease5 aroun5 me like a 3ool 3aress o1 %in5@ ent%inin- like p"antom 3ats. 9 3oul5 3"annel t"e munin@ sort o1 like a me5ium at a sean3e@ 8ut more@ an5 %orse. $"e only munin 9?5 e)er 3"annele5 "a5 8een <aina@ t"e %i3ke5 8it3" o1 t"e east. But %"en s"e 3ame@ it %as like a 8atterin- ram. Stan5in- t"ere in t"e mi55le o1 "un5re5s@ t"ousan5s o1 munin@ 9 kne% 9 3oul5 open to t"em. But it %oul5 8e like openin- a 5oor@ an in)itation. 9 3oul5 %allo% in t"e past@ li)e ot"er li)es. 9t %as a %"isper o1 se5u3tion. <aina 3ame like a rapist@ an o)er%"elmin- 1or3e. /ot a s"arin-@ 8ut a takin-. Ho%e)er t"ey?5 tie5 t"eir munin to t"is pla3e it %as 8loo5 ma-i3@ 5eat" ma-i3. 9 3ut t"e palm o1 my "an5 an5 presse5 it to t"e tree. 9 praye5@ an5 sprinkle5 8loo5 on t"e 8ones at my 1eet. $"e 3ir3le o1 po%er snappe5 into pla3e %it" a rus" t"at raise5 my skin as i1 it %oul5 3ra%l o11 my 1les". 9 in)oke5 t"e 3ir3le. 9 3alle5 t"e %ar5s. 9 %ors"ippe5@ an5 it %as enou-". S"rieks@ s3reams 1ille5 t"e ni-"t. $"e )ampires %ent up in 1lames. $"ey ran@ 8urnin-@ 1or t"e e5-e o1 t"e %ar5 an5 all %"o ma5e it a3ross e*plo5e5 in a rain o1 8urnin- 8its an5 pie3es.

9 1elt 4amian a8o)e me@ an5 As"er. /one o1 t"e )ampires le1t 8e"in5 trie5 to 5o anyt"in- 8ut run. 7ost 1ell into 8urnin"eaps on t"e -roun5 %it"out takin- anot"er step. Anyone un5er a "un5re5 5ie5 %"ere t"ey stoo5. $"e 9n5ian %oman "a5 3ome to stan5 on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 8one 3ir3le. S"e stare5 at me %"ile t"e )ampires s3reame5 an5 5ie5@ an5 t"e stink o1 8urnin- 1les" an5 "air %as t"i3k enou-" to 3"oke. Her 1a3e s"o%e5 not"in-. S"e?5 res3ue5 t"e 3lu8. 'inally s"e sai5@ A9 s"oul5 kill you.C 9 no55e5. ADes@ you s"oul5@ 8ut your allies are 5ea5 an5 your master "as 1lo%n a%ay. 9?5 -et out %"ile t"e -ettin-?s -oo5@ i1 9 %ere you.C S"e no55e5 an5 t"re% t"e 3lu8 to t"e -roun5. A!olin an5 Barna8y li)e@ an5 %e %ill see you a-ain@ Anita.C A9 look 1or%ar5 to it@C 9 sai5. 9 %as "opin- t"at s"e %oul5n?t noti3e t"at my 8a3k %as presse5 a-ainst t"e tree@ 8e3ause 9 %asn?t sure 9 3oul5 stan5 on my o%n. /ikki no55e5@ an5 starte5 to %alk a%ay into t"e 5ark@ past t"e tree an5 t"e 8ones. S"e spoke somet"in- t"en steppe5 t"rou-" t"e %ar5. ="en s"e steppe5 t"rou-"@ t"e ma-i3 ;uen3"e5@ s%allo%e5 8a3k into t"e eart". S"e looke5 at me 1rom t"e 5ark on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e ;uiete5 3ir3le. =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er 1or a lon- moment@ an5 9 kne% t"at i1 %e met a-ain s"e %oul5 kill me i1 s"e 3oul5. S"e %as !olin?s "uman ser)ant. 9t %as "er >o8. 9 sli5 5o%n t"e tree until 9 %as sittin- in t"e 8ones. 7y le-s %ere too %eak to "ol5 me an5 a 1ine trem8lin- "a5 starte5 in my "an5s. 9 -aEe5 out into t"e lupanar@ -aEe5 out o)er my "an5i%ork. Some o1 t"e 8o5ies still 8urne5@ 8ut no )ampire mo)e5 %it"in t"e 3ir3le. $"e )ampires %ere 5ea5. All o1 t"em.

Chapter Twenty-one
Anot"er 1i-"t@ anot"er s"o%er. <ottin- )ampire %as not an o5or you %ante5 to %ear to 8e5. 7y "air %as still 5amp %"en 9 3alle5 Hean2!lau5e to 1ill "im in on %"at %e?5 5one. #kay@ on %"at 9?5 5one. 9 tol5 "im t"e s"ortest )ersion possi8le. His response@ ADou 5i5 %"atBC 9 repeate5 it. Silen3e on t"e ot"er en5 o1 t"e p"one. 9 3oul5n?t e)en "ear "im 8reat"e. AHean2!lau5e@ you still t"ereBC A9 am "ere@ ma petite.C He si-"e5. ADou "a)e surprise5 me on3e a-ain. 9 5i5 not see t"is 3omin-.C ADou 5on?t soun5 "appy@C 9 sai5. ADou kno% t"e ne%s 3oul5 8e %orse. =e 3oul5 all 8e 5ea5.C A9 5i5 not t"ink !olin %oul5 8e so 1oolis".C ALi)e an5 learn@C 9 sai5. A!olin %as ri-"t to 1ear you@ ma petite.C A9 tol5 !olin %"at %oul5 "appen i1 "e messe5 %it" us. He pus"e5 t"e 8utton@ not me.C A="o are you tryin- to 3on)in3e@ ma petite@ me or yoursel1BC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a moment. A9 5on?t kno%.C AAre you a5mittin- you %ere %ron-BC His )oi3e "el5 mil5 amusement. A/o.C 9 trie5 to t"ink "o% to say it. 'inally@ 9 sai5@ A=e %ere losin-@ Hean2!lau5e. $"ey %ere -oin- to kill us. 9 "a5 to 5o somet"in-. 9 %asn?t e)en sure it %oul5 %ork.C 9 "el5 t"e p"one@ an5 %is"e5 t"at "e %ere "ere to "ol5 me. 9 "ate5 t"e t"ou-"t t"at 9 %ante5 "im like t"at. $"at 9 %ante5 anyone like t"at. 9 "ate5 nee5in- people. $"ey all "a5 a ten5en3y to 5ie on me. But 9?5 "a)e -i)en a -reat 5eal 1or a pair o1 3om1ortin- arms ri-"t at t"at moment. A7a petite@ ma petite@ %"at is %ron-BC 9 motione5 As"er o)er to t"e p"one. A$alk to your se3on5 8anana. Ask As"er i1 t"ere %ere ot"er options. 91 t"ere %ere ot"er options@ 9 3oul5n?t see t"em.C A$"ere is somet"in- in your )oi3e@ ma petite. Somet"in- 1ra-ile.C He %"ispere5 t"e last %or5. 9 >ust no55e5@ an5 "an5e5 t"e p"one to As"er. 9 %alke5 a%ay 1rom it "u--in- mysel1 ti-"t. 'ra-ile@ "e sai5. S3are5@ more like. 9?5 s3are5 mysel1 toni-"t. Somet"in- in t"e po%er 9 release5 "a5 e*tin-uis"e5 t"e tor3"es aroun5 t"e lupanar. $"ose o1 us still stan5in- "a5 mo)e5 8y t"e li-"t o1 8urnin- 3orpses. 9t "a5 8een a s3ene ri-"t out o1 4ante?s 9n1erno@ an5 9 "a5 5one it. $"e po%er insi5e o1 me "a5 5one t"is t"in-. Dea"@ s3are5 a8out 3o)ere5 it. 4amian 3ame up to me. He %"ispere5@ AHason?s 3ryin- in t"e s"o%er.C 9 si-"e5. Great@ >ust %"at 9 nee5e5@ anot"er 3risis. But 9 5i5n?t ask ;uestions. 9 >ust kno3ke5 on t"e 5oor o1 t"e 8at"room. AHason@ you all ri-"tBC He 5i5n?t ans%er me. AHasonBC

A9?m all ri-"t@ Anita.C His )oi3e@ e)en o)er t"e s"o%er soun5e5 straine5. 9?5 ne)er really "ear5 "im 3ry 8e1ore@ 8ut t"at?s %"at it soun5e5 like@ a )oi3e t"i3k %it" tears. 9 presse5 t"e top o1 my "ea5 to t"e 5oor an5 si-"e5. 9 5i5 not nee5 t"is toni-"t. But Hason %as my 1rien5@ an5 %"o else %as 9 -oin- to sen5 in to 3om1ort "imB 4amian "a5 3ome to me %it" it. Kane 5i5n?t seem t"e "an52"ol5in- type@ an5 !"erry@ %ell ... i1 9 %as -oin- to sen5 anot"er %oman into 3om1ort "im@ it seeme5 3o%ar5ly. As"erB /a%. 9 kno3ke5 on t"e 5oor a-ain. AHason@ 3an 9 3ome in 1or a minuteBC Silen3e. 91 "e?5 8een 1eelin- any%"ere near okay@ "e?5 "a)e ma5e some kin5 o1 >oke a8out me 1inally seein- "im in t"e s"o%er. $"at "e 5i5n?t tease me at all %as a 8a5 si-n. AHason@ 3an 9 3ome in ... pleaseBC A!ome in@C "e sai5 1inally. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor an5 t"e %arm air 1o--e5 aroun5 me. 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor 8e"in5 me. $"e room %as so1t an5 t"i3k %it" %armt". 9t %as "ot@ t"e moisture 8ea5in- on e)ery sur1a3e as i1 "e?5 3ranke5 t"e s"o%er up to as "ot as it %oul5 -o. Hot as it %oul5 -o %as enou-" to s3al5 t"e 1les" 1rom your 8ones@ i1 you %ere "uman. $"e li-"t le1t "is s"a5o% on t"e %"ite s"o%er 3urtain. He %asn?t stan5in-. He %as sittin- on t"e 1loor o1 t"e s"o%er@ "u55le5. 9 mo)e5 t"e to%el 1rom t"e li5 o1 t"e stool an5 sat 5o%n %it" it in my lap. A="at?s %ron-BC He took a 5eep so88in- 8reat"@ an5 e)en o)er t"e s"o%er 9 3oul5 "ear "im %eepin-. !ryin- 5i5n?t 3o)er it@ %eepin-. 9 %ante5 to see "im %"ile 9 talke5 to "im@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to see "im nake5. !"oi3es@ 3"oi3es. A$alk to me@ Hason. ="at?s %ron-BC A9 3an?t -et it o11 me. 9 3an?t -et 3lean.C ADou mean metap"ori3ally speakin- or literallyBC 9 aske5. A9t?s all o)er me an5 9 3an?t -et it o11.C 9 %as 8ein- a 3o%ar5 an5 a pru5e. 9 rea3"e5 a "an5 1or t"e 3urtain an5 slo%ly 5re% it 8a3k until 9 3oul5 see "im %it"out splas"in- t"e entire 8at"room %it" %ater. Hason "a5 "is knees 5ra%n up ti-"t to "is 3"est@ arms lo3ke5 aroun5 t"em. $"e "eat 1rom t"e %ater %as enou-" to make me 5ra% 8a3k. His skin "a5 turne5 a ni3e 3"erry pink 8ut t"at %as it. 9?5 "a)e "a5 8listers or %orse 8y no%. $"ere %ere 3lin-in- pat3"es o1 8la3k -oo on "is 8a3k. $"e 8a3k o1 one arm "a5 a pat3" on it. He?5 s3ru88e5 an5 8oile5 "imsel1 nearly ra% an5 3oul5n?t -et 3lean. He stare5 strai-"t a"ea5 at t"e 1au3ets@ ro3kin- e)er so sli-"tly. A9 %as okay until 9 -ot in t"e s"o%er an5 it %oul5n?t 3ome o11. $"en 9 kept seein- t"ose t%o )ampires in Branson. 9 t"ou-"t a8out D)ette@ %at3"in- "er rot. But it?s t"e t%o in Branson. 9 3an still 1eel t"eir "an5s on me@ Anita. Sometimes 9 still %ake up in t"e mi55le o1 t"e 5ay in a 3ol5 s%eat@ remem8erin-.C 9n Branson@ 7issouri %e?5 taken on t"e lo3al 7aster o1 t"e !ity. S"e?5 "a5 t%o youn- %omen t"at s"e %as -oin- to torture unless %e -a)e "er some o1 us to torture. $"ey?5 su--este5 t"at i1 Hason ma5e lo)e to t%o o1 t"e 1emale )amps t"ey %oul5 let one o1 t"e -irls -o. 9 t"ink "e?5 en>oye5 it@ at 1irst@ 8ut t"en t"ey?5 starte5 to rot. Hason "a5 stru--le5 a%ay 1rom t"em@ 3ra%lin- a-ainst t"e %all. His 8are 3"est %as 3o)ere5 in 8its o1 t"eir 1les". A stran5 o1 somet"in- t"i3k an5 "ea)y sli5 slo%ly 5o%n "is ne3k onto "is 3"est. He 8atte5 at it like you %oul5 s%at at a spi5er t"at you 1oun5 3ra%lin- alon- your skin. He %as presse5 into t"e 8la3k %all %it" "is pants nearly to "is t"i-"s. $"e 8lon5 rolle5 o11 "er 8a3k an5 3ra%le5 to%ar5s "im@ rea3"in- a "an5 out t"at %as not"in- 8ut 8ones %it" 8its o1 5rie5 1les". S"e seeme5 to 8e 5e3ayin- in 5ry -roun5. $"e 8runette %as %et. S"e lay 8a3k on t"e 1loor@ an5 some 5ark 1lui5 rus"e5 out 1rom "er to pool 8eneat" "er 8o5y. S"e?5 un5one "er o%n leat"er s"irt@ an5 "er 8reasts %ere like "ea)y 8a-s o1 1lui5. A9?m rea5y 1or you@C t"e 8runette sai5. Her )oi3e %as still 3lear an5 soli5. /o "uman )oi3e s"oul5 "a)e 3ome out o1 t"ose rottin- lips. $"e 8lon5 -ra88e5 Hason?s arm an5 "e s3reame5. 9 s"ook my "ea5 tryin- to 3lear t"e memory. 9t "a5 "aunte5 my 5reams 1or a %"ile >ust %itnessin- it. But 1or Hason it "a5 8e3ome "is pri)ate p"o8ia. #ne o1 t"e !oun3il?s 1lunkies "a5 8een one o1 t"e rottin- ones. S"e?5 torture5 "im@ too@ 8e3ause s"e like5 "o% )ery@ )ery a1rai5 "e %as o1 "er. D)ette?s little torment "a5 only "appene5 a8out t%o mont"s a-o. $oni-"t?s 1un an5 -ames "a5 8een 1ar too 3lose to "ome. 9 took o11 t"e %rist s"eat"s an5 lai5 t"em on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e stool. $"e 1a3t t"at 9 %as %earin- t"e %rist s"eat"s %"en 9 s"oul5 "a)e 8een -ettin- rea5y 1or 8e5 sai5 somet"in- a8out my o%n paranoia. $"e "eat 1rom t"e %ater as 9 rea3"e5 1or t"e kno8 %as almost 1ri-"tenin-. Dears o1 8ein- tol5@ 5on?t tou3"@ "ot. 9 kne% t"at 1ire kille5 %ereanimals@ 8ut apparently "eat 5i5n?t. 9 turne5 t"e kno8 until t"e temperature %as somet"in- 9 3oul5 tou3".

Hason starte5 to s"i)er almost as soon as t"e %ater 8e-an to 3ool. 'rankly@ 9 %as amaEe5 t"at t"e 3a8in?s "ot %ater "eater "a5 kept up t"is lon-. $"e 1loor %as %et an5 t"e %ater soake5 into t"e le-s o1 my >eans. 9 "a5 anot"er pair 9 3oul5 3"an-e into. 9 1oun5 t"e 8ar o1 soap 8ut t"e %as"ra- %as 8la3k. 9 t"re% it into t"e sink an5 -ot t"e last 3lean one. 9?5 "a)e to remem8er to ask 1or e*tra to%els. 9 s"oul5 "a)e 5one t"at any%ay. Hason 1inally looke5 at me@ a slo% turnin- o1 "is "ea5. His 8lue eyes looke5 almost -lassy@ as i1 "e %ere slippin- into "is o%n )ersion o1 s"o3k. A9 3an?t -o t"rou-" it a-ain@ Anita. 9 3an?t.C 9 soape5 t"e 3lean %as"ra- until it s;uis"e5 %"ite su5s. 9 tou3"e5 "is 8a3k an5 "e 1lin3"e5. 9 %oul5 "a)e -i)en almost anyt"in- in t"at moment i1 "e "a5 -ra88e5 1or me@ or tease5@ or e)en ma5e a pass. Anyt"in- to let me kno% "e %as okay. 9nstea5 "e sat t"ere nake5 an5 %et an5 misera8le. 9t ma5e my t"roat ti-"t@ 8ut 5amn it i1 9 3rie5@ 9 %as a1rai5 9 %oul5n?t stop. 9 %as in "ere to 3om1ort Hason not to make "im 3om1ort me. =orse yet@ 9 3oul5n?t -et it o11 "is 8a3k. 9t "a5 8een "ar5 enou-" to -et o11 my o%n skin@ 8ut t"e e*tra "our Hason "a5 sat aroun5 %aitin- 1or me to 1inis" my s"o%er "a5 turne5 t"e 1lui5 into -lue. 9 1inally resorte5 to usin- my 1in-ernails@ -la5 t"at 9?5 re1use5 !"erry?s o11er o1 1in-ernail polis". 9 %oul5 "a)e 3"ippe5 it all to "ell. 9 s3rape5 it o11 a pie3e at a time %it" my 1in-ers %"ile t"e "ot %ater ran an5 Hason s"i)ere5. But it %asn?t t"e 3ol5 t"at ma5e "im s"i)er. 9 %as so "ot in t"e moist "eat@ 9 5i5n?t 1eel %ell. 9?5 3leane5 e)eryt"in- 8ut one last pat3" lo% on "is 8a3k@ )ery lo%. 9t %as like t"e 1lui5 "a5 soake5 into t"e 8an5 o1 "is pants@ lo% enou-" t"at t"e 3ur)e o1 8utto3ks starte5 >ust 8elo% t"e pat3". 9 %as s;ueamis" a8out t"at one. Be3ause@ t"ou-" Hason seeme5 una%are t"at "e %as nu5e@ 9 %as )ery a%are o1 it. 9 %as also "a)in- trou8le keepin- t"e o)ersiEe5 $2s"irt 9?5 put on 1or 8e5 1rom -ettin- %et. /ormally 9 %oul5n?t "a)e 3are5 8ut 9?5 1or-otten to pa3k a se3on5 ni-"ts"irt. 9 1inally turne5 t"e s"o%er o11 an5 a5>uste5 t"e temperature on t"e 1au3ets so 9 "a5 %ater %it"out "a)in- to try an5 5o5-e t"e s"o%er. 9 mo)e5 8a3k to Hason an5 starte5 peelin- t"at last pat3" o11 "is skin. 9 trie5 talkin- to -et my min5 o11 o1 %"ere my "an5s %ere. A=e kille5 all t"e )ampires@ Hason. 9t?s okay.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A/ot Barna8y. =e misse5 "im@ an5 "e %as t"eir 3reator. 9 3an?t stan5 t"e t"ou-"t o1 "im tou3"in- me@ Anita. 9 3an?t 5o t"is a-ain.C A$"en -o "ome@ Hason. $ake t"e >et an5 -et out.C A9 %on?t 5esert you@C "e sai5. His -aEe staye5 on my 1a3e 1or a moment. AAn5 it?s not >ust 8e3ause Hean2!lau5e %oul5n?t like it.C A9 kno% t"at@C 9 sai5. ABut all 9 3an 5o is s%ear to you t"at i1 it is %it"in my po%er to prote3t you 1rom Barna8y@ 9 %ill.C 9 %as leanin- )ery 3lose to "im@ my arm 5o%n t"e len-t" o1 "is 8a3k. 9?5 1inally -otten o)er t"e em8arrassment %it" t"e s"eer 3on3entration o1 pryin- t"e 5rie5 8its 1rom "is 8o5y. 9t %as like 5isse3tin- t"at 1ro- in "i-" s3"ool. 9t %as -ross until t"e tea3"er tol5 me to 3ut out t"e 8rain. $"en 9 -ot so intereste5 in s3rapin- t"e skull a%ay@ e)er so 3are1ully@ so as not to 5ama-e t"e 8rain@ t"at 9 1or-ot t"e smell@ t"e poor piti1ul 1ro-@ an5 >ust 3on3entrate5 on -ettin- t"e 8rain out in one pie3e. 7y la8 partner an5 9 %ere t"e only pair to -et t"e 8rain out %"ole. Hason turne5 "is "ea5 to%ar5s me@ 8rus"in- my "air %it" "is 1a3e. ADou smell like !"erry?s 8ase makeup.C 9 spoke %it"out lookin- up. A9 5on?t o%n any 8ase so s"e put some o1 "ers on me earlier. S"e %ears 8ase t"at is %ay too pale 1or "er@ so it %orks 1or me. 9 t"ou-"t 9 -ot all o1 it o11.C AHmm@C "e sai5. His mout" %as )ery 3lose to my ear. 9 1roEe in mi52mo)ement. 7y 8o5y presse5 a-ainst "is 8a3k@ my "an5 tou3"in- t"e smoot" skin >ust a8o)e "is 8utto3ks. $"ere %as a tension no% t"at "a5n?t 8een t"ere. 7y pulse spe5 up %it" t"e a%areness o1 "is 8o5y@ 8e3ause 9 su55enly kne% "e %as a%are o1 me. 9 -ot t"e last pie3e o1 5rie5 -oop o11 "is skin an5 took a 5eep 8reat". 9 starte5 to lean 8a3k an5 kne% t"at "e %as -oin- to try somet"in-. Part o1 me %as ner)ous a8out it an5 part o1 me %as relie)e5. 9t %as Hason a1ter all@ an5 "e %as nake5@ an5 9 %as 3lose@ an5 it %as Hason. 91 "e?5 let t"e opportunity pass@ 9?5 "a)e kno%n "e %as "urt 8eyon5 anyt"in- 9 3oul5 1i*. His arm sli5 aroun5 my %aist@ an5 "e use5 t"at in3re5i8le spee5 t"at t"ey %ere 3apa8le o1. 9 1elt "im li1t me an5 %e %ere >ust su55enly on t"e 1loor %it" "im on top. 9t %as "is le-s on my le-s t"at pinne5 me. He use5 "is arms to keep "is 8o5y raise5 enou-" t"at "is -roin 5i5n?t press into me@ %"i3" o1 3ourse meant my )ie% o1 "is 8o5y %as uno8stru3te5. A mi*e5 8lessin-. He 8e-an to lean "is 1a3e 5o%n 1or a kiss. 9 put a "an5 on "is 3"est an5 stoppe5 t"e mo)ement. AStop it@ Hason.C A$"e last time 9 5i5 t"is you s"o)e5 a -un in my ri8s an5 sai5 you?5 s"oot me i1 9 stole a kiss.C A9 meant it@C 9 sai5. ADou?re arme5@C "e sai5@ A9?m not "ol5in- your "an5s 5o%n.C 9 si-"e5. ADou kno% my rule. 9 5on?t point a -un at anyone unless 9 plan to s"oot t"em. Dou?re my 1rien5 no%@ Hason. 9?m not -oin- to s"oot you 1or stealin- a kiss. Dou kno% it@ 9 kno% it.C

He smile5 an5 leane5 in 3loser. 7y "an5 %as on "is 3"est 8ut my "an5 >ust kept -ettin- 3loser to my o%n 3"est. ABut 9 also 5on?t %ant you to kiss me. 91 you?re really my 1rien5@ you %on?t 5o it. Dou?ll >ust let me up.C His 1a3e %as >ust a8o)e mine so 3lose it %as "ar5 to 1o3us on "is eyes. A="at i1 9 trie5 1or more t"an a kissBC He mo)e5 "is 1a3e so "is mout" %as "o)erin- o)er my 3"est. 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8reat" >ust a8o)e t"e so1t line %"ere my 8reasts 8e-an. A4on?t pus" it@ Hason. 91 9 s"oot you in t"e ri-"t spot@ it %on?t kill you@ you?ll 8e "urt@ 8ut you?ll "eal.C He raise5 "is 1a3e 8a3k up to me. He -rinne5@ an5 starte5 to roll o11 o1 me. $"e 5oor opene5 an5 <i3"ar5 %as >ust su55enly stan5in- t"ere starin- 5o%n at us. Per1e3t@ >ust per1e3t.

Chapter Twenty-two
A=oul5 you 8elie)e 9 slippe5BC Hason aske5. A/o@C <i3"ar5 sai5. $"at one %or5 %as )ery 3ol5. AGet o11 o1 me@ Hason.C He rolle5 to one si5e 8ut ma5e no mo)e to -ra8 1or a to%el. <i3"ar5 t"re% t"e to%el at "im. Hason 3au-"t it@ an5 "is eyes sparkle5 %it" t"e e11ort not to smile. Hason "a5 a streak in "im t"at ma5e "im en>oy yankin- someone?s 3"ain. He like5 to stir t"e pot an5 see %"at "appene5. Some5ay "e %as -oin- to 5o it %it" t"e %ron- person@ an5 "e %as -oin- to -et "urt. But not toni-"t. AGet out@ Hason. 9 nee5 to talk to Anita.C Hason stoo5 an5 %rappe5 t"e to%el aroun5 "is %aist. 9?5 sat up 8ut "a5n?t stoo5 up. Hason o11ere5 me "is "an5. 9 almost ne)er let a man "elp me stan5@ sit@ or 5o mu3" o1 anyt"in-. 9 took Hason?s "an5@ an5 "e -a)e it t"at little e*tra pull t"at ma5e me 8ump into "im %"en 9 -ot to my 1eet. ADou %ant me to -oBC "e aske5. 9 mo)e5 a step 8a3k 8ut let "im keep my "an5. A9?ll 8e all ri-"t@C 9 sai5. Hason -rinne5 up at <i3"ar5 as "e %alke5 out t"e 5oor. <i3"ar5 3lose5 t"e 5oor@ leanin- a-ainst it. 9 %as e11e3ti)ely trappe5 an5 "e %as an-ry enou-" t"at t"e room 1ille5 %it" pri3klin- ener-y. A="at %as all t"at a8outBC "e aske5. A9t?s none o1 your 8usiness anymore@ is itBC 9 aske5. A,arlier to5ay 9 t"ou-"t you turne5 me 5o%n 8e3ause you %ere 8ein- loyal to Hean2!lau5e.C A9 turne5 you 5o%n 8e3ause it %as t"e ri-"t t"in- to 5o.C 9 %ent to t"e sink an5 starte5 tryin- to 3lean t"e 8its o1 8la3k 3ru5 out 1rom un5er my 1in-ernails. A91 Hean2!lau5e 1in5s out you?re 5oin- Hason@ "e?5 "urt "im@ may8e kill "im.C AAre you -oin- to tell on usB <un "ome tattlin- to our masterBC 9 looke5 at "im in t"e mirror %"en 9 sai5 it. 7y re%ar5 %as t"at "e 1lin3"e5. A little too 3lose to "ome@ t"at 3omment. A="y HasonBC "e aske5. A4o you really 8elie)e t"at 9?m "a)in- se* %it" HasonBC 9 turne5 an5 use5 t"e sli-"tly 5amp to%el to 5ry my "an5s. <i3"ar5 >ust looke5 at me. AHesus@ <i3"ar5@ >ust 8e3ause you?re >umpin- e)eryt"in- in si-"t 5oesn?t mean 9 am.C 9 sat 5o%n on t"e 3lose5 stool an5 trie5 to 8lot my >eans 5ry %it" t"e to%el. ASo you?re not sleepin- %it" "imBC $"e to%el %as not "elpin- t"e >eans. A/o@ 9?m not.C 9 t"re% t"e to%el in t"e 3orner. A9 3an?t 8elie)e you?5 e)en ask.C A91 you?5 1oun5 me on t"e 1loor %it" a nake5 %oman on top o1 me@ you?5 "a)e t"ou-"t t"e same t"in-@C "e sai5. Hmm@ "e "a5 me t"ere. AAll t"e %omen 9?5 1in5 you %it" %oul5 8e stran-ers %"o are eit"er 5atin- you@ 1u3kin- you@ or 8ot". ="at you sa% on t"e 1loor %as Hason 8ein- Hason. Dou kno% "o% "e is.C ADou use5 to t"reaten to s"oot "im i1 "e tou3"e5 you.C 9 stoo5. A4o you really %ant me to s"oot "im 8e3ause "e ma5e a passB 9 t"ou-"t one o1 our main pro8lems %as t"at you t"ou-"t 9 s"ot 1irst an5 aske5 ;uestions later. 9 t"ink you 3alle5 me 8loo5t"irsty.C 9 pus"e5 past "im an5 %"ere our skin tou3"e5 po%er 1lare5 like an in)isi8le 1lame. He mo)e5 8a3k 3lut3"in- "is arm like it "a5 "urt. But 9 kne% it "a5n?t "urt. 9t "a5 1elt %on5er1ul@ a rus" o1 po%er to make your "air stan5 on en5. 9t %as little tou3"es like t"at t"at let us 8ot" kno% %"at it 3oul5 8e 8et%een us.

9 %alke5 out. So t"ere %as po%er 8et%een us@ so t"ere %as "eat@ so %"atB 9t 5i5n?t 3"an-e t"e 1a3t t"at 9 %as sleepin%it" Hean2!lau5e. 9t 5i5n?t 3"an-e t"e 1a3t t"at <i3"ar5 %as sleepin- aroun5. $"e 1a3t t"at 9 %as >ealous o1 "is -irl1rien5s an5 "e %as >ealous o1 any man "e t"ou-"t 9 mi-"t 8e "a)in- se* %it" %as >ust a nasty 3osmi3 >oke. =e?5 -et o)er it.

Chapter Twenty-three
$"ere %ere t"ree people in my 8e5G none o1 t"em %ere me. !"erry an5 Kane "a5 3urle5 up aroun5 /at"aniel like 1les"y se3urity 8lankets. 9?5 8een in1orme5 t"at t"e p"ysi3al 3loseness o1 your -roup@ %"ate)er t"e animal 1la)or@ %as "ealin8ot" emotionally an5 p"ysi3ally. <i3"ar5 "a5 8a3ke5 up t"is 8it o1 %erelore@ so t"e %ereleopar5s -ot t"e 8e5@ 8e3ause /at"aniel "a5 "ysteri3s at t"e t"ou-"t o1 8ein- %it"out me. So t"e %ereleopar5s -ot t"e 8e5@ an5 9 -ot t"e 1loor. 9 mana-e5 to -et a 8lanket an5 a pillo% to -o %it" my 8it o1 3arpet. =e %ere in a ne% 3a8in. Verne %as -oin- to try to 3lean t"e ol5 3a8in@ 8ut t"e 8e5 an5 3arpet %ere pro8a8ly a lost 3ause. 9 apolo-iEe5 1or t"at@ 8ut Verne seeme5 to t"ink 9 3oul5 5o no %ron-. He %as ti3kle5 pink@ purple@ an5 8lue t"at 9?5 1rie5 !olin?s )amps. 9 %as not so "appy. <e)en-e 3an 8e a )ery s3ary t"in-. 91 someone "a5 5one to Hean2!lau5e?s )amps %"at 9 5i5 to !olin?s )amps@ 9?5 ... %e?5 "a)e kille5 t"em. $"e 8at"room 5oor opene5 an5 3lose5 ;uietly. 9 sat up@ "u--in- t"e 8lanket aroun5 me. Hason t"rea5e5 "is %ay 8et%een t"e t%o 3o11ins. He %as %earin- a pair o1 silk 8o*ers. He?5 put t"em on last ni-"t in t"e 8at"room an5 3ome out %it"out a %or5. 9?5 still 8een tryin- to 3on)in3e t"e %ereleopar5s t"at t"ey 3oul5n?t all sleep nake5. Hason "a5 %ante5 to sleep %it" t"em@ a55in- "is ot"er%orl5ly ener-y to t"eirs@ 8ut t"ey re1use5 "im. /ot 8e3ause "e %as %ol1 instea5 o1 leopar5@ 8ut 8e3ause !"erry 5i5n?t trust "im to keep "is "an5s to "imsel1. Hason pause5 in 1ront o1 t"e 8e5@ starin- 5o%n at t"e pile o1 sleepin- %ereleopar5s. He ran "is "an5s t"rou-" "is sleep2 tousle5 "air. His "air %as strai-"t enou-" an5 8a8y 1ine enou-" t"at "is "an5s 3oul5 smoot" t"e "air into pla3e. He staye5 near t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5@ starin- 5o%n. 9 1inally stoo5@ %rappin- t"e 8lanket aroun5 me. 9 %as %earin- an o)ersiEe5 sleepin- s"irt t"at "it me at mi53al1. #ne siEe 5oes not 1it all@ 8ut it %as still ni-"t3lot"es@ an5 9 %ante5 somet"in- 8et%een me an5 anyone else. At "eart@ 9 am a pru5e. 9 %ent to stan5 ne*t to Hason@ 3o)ere5 s"oul5er to 1oot in t"e 8lanket. 9t %asn?t Hason 9 5i5n?t trust. 9t %as e)eryone else %"o ma5e me un3om1orta8le. !"erry lay on "er 8a3k@ s"eets tan-le5 aroun5 "er knees. S"e %as %earin- a pair o1 re5 8ikini un5er%ear stret3"e5 ti-"t a3ross narro% "ips. Her %aist %as )ery lon- so t"at s"e -ot "ei-"t 1rom t"ere as %ell as t"ose lon- le-s. Her 8reasts %ere small an5 1irm. S"e si-"e5 an5 rolle5 one s"oul5er@ makin- t"e 1les" o1 one 8reast mo)e@ settlin- 3loser to t"e 8e5. $"e nipple ti-"tene5 as i1 somet"in- in t"e mo)ement or t"e 5ream %as e*3itin-. #r may8e s"e %as >ust 3ol5. 9 -lan3e5 at Hason. He %as -aEin- at "er like "e %as memoriEin- e)ery 3ur)e@ t"e %ay "er 8reast spille5 to t"e si5e. His eyes %ere almost so1t as "e looke5 at "er. 7ore t"an lust@ may8eB #r t"e %ay you look at a really 1ine %ork o1 art@ a5mirin- it 8e3ause you?re not allo%e5 to tou3". /eit"er o1 t"e ot"ers %ere -i)in- nearly as -oo5 a s"o%. /at"aniel %as %rappe5 in a 8all@ "ea5 presse5 to !"erry?s %aist. He %as so 8oun5 in 3o)ers t"at all you 3oul5 see %as t"e top o1 "is "ea5. He %"impere5 in "is sleep@ an5 !"erry?s "an5 tou3"e5 t"e top o1 "is "ea5@ "er ot"er arm 1lin-in- out into spa3e@ eyes still 3lose5@ still asleep. But e)en in "er sleep@ s"e rea3"e5 1or "im@ 3om1orte5 "im. Kane lay on t"e ot"er si5e o1 /at"aniel@ spoonin- "is 8o5y a-ainst t"e smaller man?s. But t"e 3o)ers "a5 8een 5ra--e5 o11 "im@ s"o%in- t"e 8lue 8ikinis "e %as %earin-. $"e un5er%ear looke5 suspi3iously like !"erry?s@ as i1 s"e?5 "a5 to -i)e "im somet"in- to %ear to 8e5. Hason "a5 eyes only 1or !"erry?s slen5er 1orm. 9 %as surprise5 t"at s"e 3oul5n?t 1eel t"e %ei-"t o1 "is -aEe@ e)en in "er sleep. 9 "el5 t"e ;uilt in pla3e %it" one "an5 an5 tou3"e5 "is %rist %it" t"e ot"er. 9 3rooke5 my 1in-er at "im an5 le5 t"e %ay to t"e 1ar 3orner o1 t"e room@ as 1ar a%ay 1rom t"e 8e5 as %e 3oul5 -et. 9 leane5 a-ainst t"e %all to t"e si5e o1 t"e %in5o%. Hason leane5 a-ainst t"e %all 3lose enou-" t"at "is s"oul5er 8rus"e5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e ;uilt. 9 5i5n?t protest 8e3ause %e %ere %"isperin-. Besi5es@ a1ter a%"ile@ 3omplainin- a8out e)eryt"int"at Hason 5i5 >ust -ot tiresome. 9t %asn?t really personal. He pus"e5 "is lu3k %it" e)eryone. A4i5 you sense anyone t"e last %at3"BC He s"ook "is "ea5@ leanin- so 3lose t"at 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8reat" a-ainst my 3"eek. A$"ey?re a1rai5 o1 you a1ter last ni-"t.C 9 turne5 to look at "im an5 "a5 to mo)e my "ea5 8a3k a little to 8e a8le to 1o3us on "is eyes. AA1rai5 o1 meBC His 1a3e %as )ery serious. A4on?t 8e 3oy@ Anita. ="at you 5i5 last ni-"t %as impressi)e@ an5 you kno% it.C 9 "u--e5 t"e 8lanket aroun5 my s"oul5ers an5 looke5 at t"e -roun5. A1ter t"e rus" o1 po%er "a5 1a5e5 last ni-"t@ 9?5 8een 3ol5. 9?5 8een 3ol5 all ni-"t. 9t %as nearly ninety 5e-rees outsi5e. $"e air 3on5itioner %as %"irrin-@ an5 9 %as 3ol5.

:n1ortunately@ it %asn?t t"e kin5 o1 3ol5 t"at 8lankets or "eat or e)en anot"er %arm 8o5y 3oul5 3"ase a%ay. 9?5 s3are5 mysel1 last ni-"t. Lately@ t"at took a lot. 9?5 seen t"e 8urnin- )ampires in my 5reams. $"ey?5 3"ase5 me %it" 1lame23o)ere5 arms. $"eir mout"s opene5 in s3reams@ 1an-s leakin- 1ire like 5ra-on?s 8reat". $"e 8urnin- )amps "a5 o11ere5 me 7ira?s "ea5. $"e "ea5 "a5 talke5 in its 8asket@ askin-@ A="yBC Be3ause 9 %as 3areless 5i5n?t seem like a -oo5 enou-" ans%er. 9 ran 1rom t"e 5yin- )ampires all ni-"t lon-@ one 5ream a1ter anot"er@ or may8e it %as >ust one lon-@ 8roken 5ream. ="o kno%sB ,it"er %ay@ it "a5n?t 8een rest1ul. <i3"ar5 "a5 turne5 to me last ni-"t %it" t"e )ampire 8o5ies still -lo%in- like 8anke5 1ires. He?5 looke5 at me@ an5 9?5 1elt "is re)ulsion@ "is "orror at %"at 9?5 5one@ like a kni1e t"rou-" my "eart. 91 t"in-s "a5 8een re)erse5 an5 9?5 8een t"e %ere%ol1 an5 "e?5 8een t"e "uman@ "e?5 "a)e 8een >ust as si3kene5 a1ter t"e s"o% %it" 7ar3us as 9 "a5 8een. /o@ more so. $"e only reason <i3"ar5 "un- aroun5 %it" monsters %as t"e 1a3t t"at "e %as one. <i3"ar5 "a5 -one o11 to "is 3a8in %it" Hamil an5 S"an-24a. S"an-24a an5 Hamil "a5n?t 8een "orri1ie5G t"ey?5 8een impresse5. $"ou-" S"an-24a "a5 sai5@ A$"ey?ll kill us all 1or t"is.C As"er "a5 5isa-ree5. A!olin is a lesser master t"an Hean2!lau5e@ yet "e 5eman5e5 t"e li1e o1 Hean2!lau5e?s se3on5@ me@ an5 t"e sanity o1 one o1 "is %ol)es@ Hason. He o)ersteppe5 "is 8oun5s. Anita merely remin5e5 "im o1 t"at.C S"an-24a "a5 looke5 at t"e 8la3kene5 3orpses@ slo%ly turnin- to piles o1 as". ADou t"ink any master )ampire %ill allo% t"is to -o unans%ere5BC As"er s"ru--e5. A9t is no 5is-ra3e to lose a-ainst someone %"o "as met t"e !oun3il an5 sur)i)e5.C ABesi5es@C Hamil sai5@ A"e?ll 8e s3are5 no%. He %on?t 3ome a-ainst Anita 1a3e2to21a3e a-ain.C As"er no55e5. A,*a3tlyG "e 1ears "er no%.C AHis "uman ser)ant@ /ikki@ 3oul5 "a)e ena8le5 t"e %ar5s >ust like 9 5i5@C 9 sai5. A9 8elie)e@C As"er sai5@ At"at i1 "is ser)ant "a5 po%er so similar to your o%n@ s"e %oul5 not "a)e merely %arne5 "im.C AS"e?5 "a)e trie5 to keep me 1rom settin- t"e ma-i3 1ree@C 9 sai5. ADes@C As"er sai5. AS"e lie5@C 9 sai5. As"er smile5 an5 tou3"e5 my 3"eek. AHo% 3an you 8e so 3yni3al an5 8e surprise5 %"en people lieBC $o t"at@ t"ere %as no ans%er. ="at 9?5 5one %as >ust 8e-innin- to sink in t"en. /o%@ in t"e li-"t o1 mi55ay@ not mornin-2 %e?5 mana-e5 to sleep t"e mornin- a%ay29 %as 3ol5 %it" t"e kno%le5-e t"at %"at 9?5 5one last ni-"t "a5n?t use5 po%er 1rom eit"er <i3"ar5 or Hean2!lau5e. ="at 9?5 5one last ni-"t "a5 8een all me. 9?5 "a)e 8een a8le to 5o it %it"out a sin-le )ampire mark or a 5rop o1 e*tra po%er. 9 "ate5 it %"en 9 5i5 somet"in- so in"uman an5 3oul5n?t 8lame anyone else 1or it. 7a5e me 1eel like a 1reak. Hason tou3"e5 my s"oul5er. 9 looke5 at "im. $"ere must "a)e 8een somet"in- in my 1a3e@ 8e3ause t"e -rin 1a5e5 1rom "is. His eyes "el5 t"at %orl52%eary sorro% t"at peeke5 t"rou-" e)ery on3e in a%"ile. A="at?s %ron-BC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou sa% %"at 9 5i5 last ni-"t. 9 5i5 it. /ot Hean2!lau5e. /ot <i3"ar5. 7e. Hust little ol5 me.C He put "is "an5s on my s"oul5ers an5 turne5 me to look at "im 1ull 1a3e. ADou sa)e5 me last ni-"t@ Anita. Dou put yoursel1 8et%een me an5 t"ose t"in-s. 9?ll ne)er 1or-et t"at@ e)er.C 9 trie5 to look a%ay@ an5 "e s"ook me -ently until 9 looke5 at "im. =e %ere e*a3tly t"e same "ei-"t@ so it %asn?t like lookin- up at "im@ >ust at "im. All t"e teasin- %as -one. ="at %as le1t 8e"in5 %as somet"in- more serious@ more -ro%nup@ less Hason. ADou kille5 to sa)e us last ni-"t. /one o1 us %ill 1or-et t"at. Verne an5 "is %ol)es %on?t 1or-et t"at.C A!olin %on?t 1or-et it@ eit"er@C 9 sai5. AHe?ll 3ome a1ter us.C Hason s"ook "is "ea5. AAs"er an5 Hamil are ri-"t. He?s s3are5 s"itless o1 you no%. He %on?t 3ome near you.C 9 -ra88e5 "is arms@ lettin- t"e ;uilt sli5e to t"e 1loor. ABut "e?ll "urt t"e rest o1 you. He?ll try an5 take you@ Hason. He?ll -i)e you to Barna8y. He?ll 8reak you >ust to "urt me.C A#r "e?ll kill As"er@C Hason sai5. A9 kno%.C He smile5@ an5 it %as almost "is usual -rin. A="y 5o you t"ink %e 8ot" staye5 in "ere %it" you last ni-"tB 9@ 1or one@ %ante5 your prote3tion.C ADou kno% you "a)e it@C 9 sai5. $"e smile so1tene5. A9 kno%.C He tou3"e5 my 1a3e -ently. A="at?s %ron-B 9 mean really %ron-B ="y 5o you look so ... tormente5 to5ayBC A="at 9 5i5 last ni-"t %asn?t )ery "uman@ Hason. 9 1elt <i3"ar5?s "orror. 9 1elt "im t"ink o1 me as a monster@ an5 "e?s ri-"t.C Hason "u--e5 me. 9 sti11ene5 at 1irst@ an5 "e starte5 to let me -o@ t"en 9 rela*e5 a-ainst "im. 9 let "im "ol5 me@ %rappinmy o%n arms aroun5 "is 8a3k. 9 8urie5 my 1a3e a-ainst "is ne3k an5 "a5 a "orri8le ur-e to 3ry.

$"ere %as a so1t soun5 1rom 8e"in5 us. 9 raise5 my "ea5 to look. $"e %ereleopar5s %ere 3lim8in- o11 t"e 8e5@ -li5into%ar5s us on "uman 1eet 8ut mo)in- as i1 t"ere %ere mus3les in t"eir le-s an5 "ips an5 torsos t"at 5i5n?t e*ist in mine. Kane an5 !"erry %rit"e5 an5 -li5e5@ nearly nake5@ to%ar5s us. !"erry "el5 /at"aniel?s "an5@ lea5in- "im like a 3"il5. But "e 5i5n?t look like a 3"il5 as "e pa55e5 to%ar5s us@ nake5. :n5ies %oul5 "a)e "urt t"e upper t"i-" %oun5. /o%@ as "e 3ame to%ar5s us@ it %as 3lear t"at "e %asn?t 3ompletely un"appy to see me. #r may8e it %as %akin- up ne*t to !"erry@ or may8e it %as >ust a -uy t"in-. ,it"er %ay@ 9 5i5n?t like it. 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom Hason. He 5i5n?t 1i-"t it@ >ust steppe5 8a3k. He %at3"e5 t"e %ereleopar5s 3ome@ 8ut 9 5on?t t"ink "e %as %orrie5 a8out it. 9n 1a3t@ 9 3oul5 1eel "is ener-y pri3kle alon- my skin. Stron- emotions like lust %ill make a s"apes"i1ter?s ener-y rise. $"e moment 9 t"ou-"t it@ 9 looke5 %it"out t"inkin-. Hason %as "appy to see !"erry@ )ery "appy. 9 looke5 a%ay@ 8lus"in-. 9 turne5 my 8a3k on all o1 t"em@ arms "u--in- my si5es. Someone tou3"e5 my s"oul5er. 9 1lin3"e5. A9t?s me@ Anita@C Hason sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. He "u--e5 me 1rom 8e"in5@ arms )ery 3are1ully a3ross my s"oul5ers an5 no lo%er. A9?m not sorry you kille5 t"em@ Anita. 9?m >ust sorry you 5i5n?t kill Barna8y.C ASomeone else is -oin- to pay 1or my 8ra)a5o@ Hason. Like 7ira last ni-"t. 9 5o t"in-s@ say t"in-s@ aroun5 you -uys@ an5 it all -oes %ron-.C Kane mo)e5 aroun5 in 1ront o1 me. 9 stare5 up at "im %it" Hason?s arms still aroun5 my s"oul5ers like a 8ulky ne3kla3e. Kane?s 8ro%n eyes %ere as serious as 9?5 seen t"em on t"is trip. He rea3"e5 out to tou3" my 1a3e@ an5 only Hason?s arms ti-"tenin- e)er so sli-"tly kept me 1rom 8a3kin- a%ay or sayin-@ A4on?t.C $ou3"in- 5i5n?t mean t"e same t"in- to ly3ant"ropes as it 5i5 to t"e rest o1 Ameri3an so3iety. 9 %oul5 say "uman@ 8ut t"ere %ere a lot o1 3ountries t"at %ere more into 3asual tou3"in- t"an ours. Kane?s 1in-ers traile5 5o%n my 3"eek %"ile "e stu5ie5 my 1a3e@ 1ro%nin-. AGa8riel %as our %"ole %orl5. He an5 ,liEa8et" ma5e us@ 3"ose us. As 8a5 as you t"ink "e %as@ Ga8riel sa)e5 most o1 us. 9 %as a >unkie@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t allo% 5ru-s in "is par5.C He leane5 into me@ sni11in- alon- my skin@ ru88in- "is 3"eek so t"at 9 3oul5 1eel t"e 1ine stu88le alon- "is >a%. A/at"aniel %as a street %"ore. Ga8riel pimpe5 "im out 8ut not to >ust any8o5y@ not to e)ery8o5y.C !"erry %as on "er knees. S"e took my "an5@ ru88in- "er 1a3e a-ainst my skin like a 3at s3ent2markin-. A9 lost a le- in a "it2an52run a33i5ent. Ga8riel o11ere5 me my le- 8a3k. He 3ut it o11 a8o)e t"e stump@ an5 %"en 9 s"i1te5@ t"e le- -re% 8a3k.C Kane lai5 a -entle kiss on my 1ore"ea5. AHe 5i5 3are 1or us in "is o%n@ t%iste5 %ay.C ABut "e ne)er riske5 "is li1e 1or us@C !"erry sai5. S"e starte5 li3kin- my "an5@ a-ain 1or all t"e %orl5 like a 3at. S"e stoppe5 li3kin- me se3on5s 8e1ore 9 tol5 "er to stop. 7ay8e s"e sense5 my tension. ADou riske5 your li1e to sa)e /at"aniel. Dou riske5 t"e li)es o1 your )ampires 1or "im.C Kane 3ra5le5 my 1a3e in "is "an5s@ leanin- 8a3k so "e 3oul5 see my 1a3e. ADou lo)e As"er. ="y %oul5 you risk "im 1or /at"anielBC 9 5re% 8a3k -ently 1rom t"eir "an5s until 9 %as stan5in- alone near t"e 5oor. 9 %asn?t -oin- to make a 8reak 1or it@ 9 >ust nee5e5 some room. /at"aniel 3rou3"e5 in t"e mi55le o1 t"e room. He %as t"e only one %"o "a5n?t tou3"e5 me. A9 5on?t lo)e As"er@C 9 sai5. A=e 3an smell your 5esire 1or "im@C Kane sai5. #"@ -reat. A9 5i5n?t say 9 5i5n?t t"ink "e %as 3ute. 9 sai5 9 5i5n?t lo)e "im.C 7y eyes sli5 to t"e 3o11in. 9 kne% "e 3oul5n?t "ear me@ 8ut ... Hason %as leanin- a-ainst t"e %all@ -rinnin- at me@ arms 3rosse5 o)er "is 3"est. $"e look on "is 1a3e %as enou-". A9 5on?t lo)e "im.C !"erry an5 Kane stare5 at me@ %earin- almost i5enti3al e*pressions@ neit"er o1 %"i3" 9 3oul5 rea5. ADou 3are 1or "im@C !"erry sai5. 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at@ t"en no55e5. A#kay@ 9 3are 1or "im.C A="y %oul5 you risk "im 1or /at"anielBC s"e aske5. S"e %as still on "er knees. S"e %ent to all 1ours as s"e spoke. Her 8reasts "un- 5o%n@ mo)in- as s"e 3ra%le5 to%ar5s me. 9?5 ne)er "a5 a nake5 %oman 3ra%l to%ar5s me@ e)er. /ake5 men@ 8ut not nake5 %omen. 9t 8ot"ere5 me. Homop"o8i3B ="o meB A/at"aniel is mine to prote3t. 9?m "is /imir2ra@ ri-"tBC

!"erry kept 3ra%lin- to%ar5s me. Kane "a5 5roppe5 to all 1ours an5 %as >oinin- "er. 7us3les mo)e5 un5er t"e skin o1 t"eir s"oul5ers@ t"eir arms@ mus3les t"at s"oul5n?t "a)e 8een t"ere. $"ey mo)e5 1or%ar5 in a %a)e o1 -ra3e an5 mus3le5 potential@ like )iolen3e 3ontaine5 insi5e skin. ,*3ept 1or /at"aniel. He staye5 3rou3"e5 an5 immo8ile@ as i1 %aitin- 1or some si-nal. 9 looke5 past t"e on3omin- %ereleopar5s to Hason. A="at?s -oin- onBC A$"ey %ant to un5erstan5 you.C A$"ere?s not"in- to un5erstan5@C 9 sai5. A!olin "urt /at"aniel 8e3ause "e 3oul5@ like you?5 a8use a 5o- you 5i5n?t like. /o one a8uses my 1rien5s. 9t?s not allo%e5.C !"erry "a5 %aite5 1or Kane so t"at t"ey mo)e5 in tan5em to%ar5s me@ a nearly mat3"e5 pair. $"ey %ere almost to me@ almost %it"in tou3"in- ran-e@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant t"em to tou3" me. Somet"in- %as -oin- on@ an5 9 5i5n?t like it. A/at"aniel isn?t your 1rien5@C Hason sai5. A9t %asn?t 1rien5s"ip t"at ma5e you risk As"er.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. AStop "elpin- me.C Kane an5 !"erry looke5 up at me@ an5 9 t"ink t"ey %oul5 "a)e tou3"e5 me 8ut %eren?t sure o1 t"eir %el3ome. AGa8riel sai5 "e 3are5 1or us@C Kane sai5@ A8ut "e riske5 not"in-. He sa3ri1i3e5 not"in-.C He raise5 up on "is knees@ 3lose enou-" t"at "is ot"er%orl5ly ener-y presse5 like a %arm %in5 a-ainst my 8are le-s. ADou riske5 your li1e 1or one o1 us last ni-"t. ="yBC !"erry raise5 up on "er knees@ an5 a-ain it %as like an e3"o. $"eir po%er presse5 a-ainst me like a -reat@ %arm "an5. $"eir intensity@ t"eir nee5@ 1ille5 t"eir eyes. An5 9 realiEe5 1or t"e 1irst time t"at it %asn?t >ust /at"aniel t"at %as nee5y. 9t %as all o1 t"em. $"ey "a5 no "ome@ no lo)e@ no 3are. A9t %asn?t 1rien5s"ip@C Kane sai5. A$"e %ol1 is ri-"t.C ADou aren?t "a)in- se* %it" /at"aniel@C !"erry sai5. 9 stare5 at t"em@ at t"ose ea-er 1a3es. ASometimes you 5o t"in-s >ust 8e3ause it?s t"e ri-"t t"in- to 5o@C 9 sai5. ADou riske5 As"er an5 4amian@ t"en you riske5 yoursel1@C Kane sai5. A="yB ="yBC A="y 5i5 you prote3t me last ni-"tBC Hason aske5. A="y 5i5 you stan5 8et%een me an5 Barna8yBC ADou?re my 1rien5@C 9 sai5. Hason smile5. A/o%@ 9 am@ 8ut t"at %asn?t %"y you prote3te5 me. Dou?5 "a)e 5one t"e same 1or Kane.C 9 1ro%ne5 at Hason. A="at 5o you %ant me to say@ HasonBC A$"e real reason %"y you prote3te5 me. $"e same reason you riske5 so mu3" 1or /at"aniel. /ot 1rien5s"ip@ or se*@ or lo)e.C A$"en %"yBC 9 aske5. ADou kno% t"e ans%er@ Anita.C 9 looke5 1rom "im to t"e t%o kneelin- %ereleopar5s. 9 "ate5 puttin- it into %or5s@ 8ut Hason %as ri-"t. A/at"aniel is mine no%. He?s on t"e list o1 people t"at 9?ll prote3t. He?s mine@ an5 no one 3an "urt "im %it"out ans%erin- to me. Hason?s mine. Dou?re all mine@ an5 no one "urts %"at?s mine. 9t?s not allo%e5.C 9t soun5e5 so arro-ant sayin- it out lou5. 9t soun5e5 me5ie)al@ 8ut it %as still true. Some t"in-s >ust are trueG you 5on?t "a)e to )oi3e t"em@ t"ey >ust are. An5 some%"ere alon- t"e %ay@ 9?5 starte5 3olle3tin- people. 7y people. 9t use5 to mean 1rien5s@ 8ut lately@ it meant more t"an t"at@ or less. 9t meant people like /at"aniel. =e 3ertainly %eren?t 1rien5s@ 8ut "e %as mine@ >ust t"e same. Starin- 5o%n into Kane an5 !"erry?s 1a3es@ it %as like 9 3oul5 see all t"e 5isappointments@ t"e small 8etrayals@ t"e sel1is"ness@ t"e pettiness@ t"e 3ruelty. 9 %at3"e5 it 1ill t"eir eyes. $"ey?5 seen so mu3" o1 it t"at t"ey simply 3oul5n?t un5erstan5 kin5ness or "onorG or %orse@ t"ey >ust 5i5n?t trust it. A91 you mean t"at@C Kane sai5@ A%e?re yours. Dou 3an "a)e all o1 us.C AHa)eBC 9 ma5e it a ;uestion. A$"ey mean se*@C Hason sai5. He %asn?t smilin- no%. 9 %asn?t sure %"y. He?5 8een en>oyin- t"e s"o% a moment 8e1ore. A9 5on?t %ant to "a)e se* %it" eit"er o1 you@ any o1 you@C 9 a55e5 "astily. 4i5n?t %ant to "a)e any misun5erstan5in-s. APlease@C !"erry sai5@ Aplease 3"oose one o1 us.C 9 looke5 at t"em. A="y 5o you %ant me to "a)e se* %it" one o1 youBC ADou lo)e some o1 t"e %ol)es@C Kane sai5. ADou 1eel true 1rien5s"ip 1or t"em. Dou 1eel none o1 t"at 1or us.C ABut you 1eel lust@C !"erry sai5. A/at"aniel 5istur8s you 8e3ause you 1in5 "im attra3ti)e.C $"at 3ut a little too 3lose to "ome. ALook@ -uys@ 9 5on?t sleep %it" people >ust 8e3ause 9 1in5 t"em attra3ti)e.C A="y notBC Kane aske5.

9 si-"e5. A9 5on?t 5o 3asual se*. 91 you 5on?t un5erstan5 t"at@ 9?m not sure 9 3an e*plain it to you.C AHo% 3an %e trust you i1 you 5on?t %ant anyt"in- 1rom usBC !"erry sai5. 9 5i5n?t "a)e an ans%er 1or t"at one. 9 looke5 at Hason. A!an you "elp me out "ereBC He pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e %all. A9 t"ink so@ 8ut you may not like it.C A,*plain@C 9 sai5. A$"e pro8lem is t"at t"ey?)e ne)er really "a5 a /imir2ra@ not 1or real. Ga8riel %as an alp"a@ an5 "e %as po%er1ul@ 8ut "e %asn?t a /imir2ra>@ eit"er.C A#ne o1 t"e %ere%ol)es 5es3ri8e5 Ga8riel as a lion passant@ a passi)e leopar5@ one t"at "a5 po%er 8ut 5i5n?t prote3t@C 9 sai5. A$"e par5 3alle5 me a l6opar5e lionne@ one t"at prote3ts@ 8e1ore t"ey promote5 me to /imir2ra.C A=e 3alle5 Ga8riel leopar5 lionne@C Kane sai5@ A8e3ause "e %as all %e kne%@ 8ut t"e %ol)es %ere ri-"t@ "e %as a lion passant.C AGreat@C 9 sai5@ Aso it?s settle5.C A/o@C !"erry sai5. A91 Ga8riel tau-"t us anyt"in-@ it %as t"at you 3an?t trust anyone unless t"ey %ant somet"in- 1rom you. Dou 5on?t "a)e to lo)e us@ 8ut pi3k one o1 us 1or a lo)er.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o. 9 mean t"anks 1or t"e in)itation@ 8ut no t"anks.C A$"en "o% 3an %e trust youBC !"erry aske5@ )oi3e almost a %"isper. ADou 3an trust "er@C Hason sai5. A9t?s Ga8riel t"at you 3oul5n?t trust. He?s t"e one t"at 3on)in3e5 you t"at se* %as so 5amne5 important. Anita isn?t e)en sleepin- %it" our :l1ri3@ 8ut Kane sa% "er last ni-"t. He sa% %"at s"e 5i5 to prote3t me.C AS"e 5i5 it to prote3t "er )ampire. $"e one s"e 3ares 1or@C Kane sai5. A9 5on?t 1eel 1or 4amian t"e %ay 9 1eel 1or As"er@ 8ut 9 riske5 my li1e 1or "im last ni-"t@C 9 sai5. $"e leopar5s 1ro%ne5 up at me. A9 kno%@C Kane sai5@ Aan5 9 5on?t un5erstan5 t"at. ="y 5i5n?t you let "im 5ieBC A9?5 aske5 "im to risk "is li1e to sa)e /at"aniel. 9 try ne)er to ask o1 ot"ers %"at 9?m not %illin- to 5o mysel1. 91 4amian %as %illin- to risk "is li1e@ t"en 9 3oul5n?t 5o less.C $"e leopar5s %ere lost. 9t s"o%e5 in t"eir 1a3es@ t"e tension t"at 1lo%e5 t"rou-" t"eir po%er@ as it 8reat"e5 alon- my skin. AAm 9 yoursBC /at"aniel aske5. His )oi3e soun5e5 small an5 lost. 9 looke5 past t"e ot"ers to "im. He %as still 3rou3"e5@ "u55le5 in t"e mi55le o1 t"e 1loor. He %as "u55le5 in aroun5 "imsel1. His lon-@ lon- "air "a5 spille5 aroun5 "im@ a3ross "is 1a3e. His 1lo%er2petal eyes stare5 out at me t"rou-" t"at 3urtain o1 "air@ like "e %as starin- out t"rou-" 1ur. 9?5 seen ot"er ly3ant"ropes t"at 5i5 t"at@ "i5 8e"in5 t"eir "air@ an5 stare5. !rou3"e5 t"ere@ "e %as su55enly 1eral an5 )a-uely unreal. He 8rus"e5 t"e "air 8a3k 1rom one si5e@ re)ealin- a line o1 arm an5 3"est. His 1a3e %as su55enly youn-@ open@ an5 ra% %it" nee5. A9 %on?t let anyone else "urt you@ /at"aniel@C 9 sai5. A sin-le tear sli5 5o%n "is 1a3e. A9?m so tire5 o1 not 8elon-in- to anyone@ Anita. So tire5 o1 8ein- anyone?s meat t"at %ante5 me. So tire5 o1 8ein- s3are5.C ADou 5on?t "a)e to 8e s3are5 anymore@ /at"aniel. 91 it?s %it"in my po%er to keep you sa1e@ 9 %ill.C A9 8elon- to you no%BC 9 5i5n?t like t"e p"rasin-@ 8ut %at3"in- "im 3ry@ one 3rystalline tear at a time@ 9 kne% t"at no% %asn?t t"e time to ;ui88le o)er semanti3s. 9 "ope5 9 %asn?t si-nin- up 1or more up23lose2an52personal 3are t"an 9 %ante5@ 8ut 9 no55e5. ADes@ /at"aniel@ you 8elon- to me.C =or5s alone rarely impresse5 s"apes"i1ters. 9t %as like part o1 t"em 5i5n?t un5erstan5 %or5s. 9 "el5 out my "an5 to "im. A!ome@ /at"aniel@ 3ome to me.C He 3ra%le5 to me@ not in t"at %il5@ mus3ular -ra3e@ 8ut "ea5 5o%n@ 3ryin-@ 1a3e "i55en 8y "is "air. He %as so88in- 1ull out 8y t"e time "e rea3"e5 me. He "el5 one "an5 up to me 8lin5@ not lookin- at me. Kane an5 !"erry "a5 mo)e5 to eit"er si5e@ lettin- "im 3ome 3lose to me. 9 took /at"aniel?s "an5 an5 %on5ere5 %"at to 5o %it" it. S"akin- it %asn?t enou-"@ kissin- it seeme5 %ron-. 9 ra3ke5 my 8rain 1or anyt"in- on leopar5s an5 >ust 8lanke5. $"e one t"in- t"at t"e leopar5s 5i5 most o1ten %as li3k ea3" ot"er. 9 3oul5n?t t"ink o1 anyt"in- else. 9 raise5 /at"aniel?s "an5 to my mout"@ 8en5in- o)er to press my mout" to t"e 8a3k o1 "is "an5. 9 li3ke5 "is skin@ one ;ui3k mo)ement@ an5 t"e taste o1 "im %as 1amiliar. 9 kne% in t"at moment t"at <aina "a5 li3ke5 t"is skin@ ran lips@ ton-ue@ teet"@ 5o%n t"is 8o5y. $"e munin %elle5 up insi5e o1 me@ an5 9 1ou-"t it. $"e munin %ante5 to 8ite "is "an5@ to 5ra% 8loo5 an5 lap it like a 3at %it" 3ream. $"e ima-ery %as too repulsi)e to me. 7y o%n "orror "elpe5 me 3"ase <aina a%ay. 9 pus"e5 "er 5o%n insi5e

me an5 realiEe5 t"at s"e ne)er really le1t me anymore. $"at %as %"y s"e 3ame so ;ui3kly an5 so easily. 9 1elt "er "i5ininsi5e me like a 3an3er %aitin- to sprea5. 9 stoo5 t"ere %it" t"e taste o1 /at"aniel?s skin in my mout" an5 5i5 %"at <aina "a5 ne)er 5oneJ 9 -a)e 3om1ort. 9 raise5 /at"aniel?s "ea5 -ently until 9 3oul5 3ra5le "is 1a3e 8et%een my "an5s. 9 kisse5 "is 1ore"ea5@ 9 kisse5 t"e salty taste o1 tears 1rom "is 3"eeks. He 1ell a-ainst me %it" a so8@ arms lo3ke5 aroun5 my le-s@ presse5 a-ainst me. $"ere %as a moment %"en <aina trie5 to 1lare to li1e as /at"aniel?s -roin presse5 a-ainst my 8are le-s. 9 rea3"e5 out to <i3"ar5@ 5ra%in- on t"e mark 8et%een us. His po%er 3ame to my 3all like a %arm 8rus" o1 1ur. 9t "elpe5 3"ase a%ay t"at a%1ul@ stin-in- presen3e. 9 o11ere5 my "an5s to t"e ot"er leopar5s. $"ey presse5 t"eir 1a3es to my skin@ 3"in markin- me like 3ats@ li3kin- me as i1 9 %ere a kitten. 9 stoo5 t"ere %it" t"e t"ree %ereleopar5s presse5 to me@ 8orro%in- <i3"ar5?s po%er to keep <aina at 8ay. But it %as more t"an t"at. <i3"ar5?s po%er 1ille5 me@ %as"e5 t"rou-" me into t"e leopar5s. 9 %as like t"e %oo5 in t"e 3enter o1 a 1ire. <i3"ar5 %as t"e 1lame@ an5 t"e %ereleopar5s %arme5 t"emsel)es a-ainst t"at "eat. $"ey took it into t"emsel)es@ 8at"e5 in it@ %rappe5 it aroun5 t"emsel)es like a promise. Stan5in- t"ere@ 3au-"t 8et%een <i3"ar5?s po%er@ t"e %ereleopar5s? nee5s@ an5 t"at a%1ul tou3" o1 <aina@ like some 1oul per1ume@ 9 praye5J 4ear Go5@ 5on?t let me 1ail t"em.

Chapter Twenty-four
$"e -reetin- 3eremony t"at "a5 8een interrupte5 last ni-"t %as 8a3k on 1or toni-"t. #ne t"in- a8out t"e monstersJ Dou "a)e to o8ser)e t"e rules. $"e rules sai5 %e nee5e5 a -reetin- 3eremony@ %ell@ 8y -olly@ %e?5 "a)e one. Ven-e1ul )ampires@ or 3rooke5 3ops@ or "ell 1reeEin- o)er@ i1 t"ere %as a rite to 8e per1orme5@ or a 3eremony to 8e "a5@ you %ent a"ea5 %it" it. $"e )ampires %ere %orse a8out 8ein- 3ulture5 %"ile t"ey tore your t"roat out@ 8ut t"e %ere%ol)es %eren?t 1ar 8e"in5. 7e@ 9?5 "a)e or5ere5 takeout an5 sai5@ AHell %it" itG let?s try to sol)e t"e mystery.C But 9 %asn?t in 3"ar-e. ,)en 3rispy2 3ritterin- o)er t%enty )amps last ni-"t 5i5n?t make me top 5o- or top anyt"in- else@ t"ou-" Verne?s in)itation "a5 8een )ery@ )ery polite. !olin %asn?t t"e only one %"o %as s3are5 o1 me no%. ,*e3utin- almost all o1 !olin?s )amps meant t"at Verne?s pa3k %as in 3"ar-e no%. $"ey "a5 t"e personnel to keep !olin 1rom makin- more )amps. Apparently@ i1 t"ere %as no tie 8et%een )ampires an5 %ereanimals in an area@ t"en %"oe)er "a5 t"e stren-t" 3oul5 rule o)er t"e ot"ers. :ntil last ni-"t@ !olin "a5 kept t"e %ol)es in lineG no% t"e s"oe %as on t"e ot"er 1oot@ an5 1rom t"e look in Verne?s eyes@ t"e s"oe %as -oin- to pin3". 9t %as one o1 t"ose "ot Au-ust ni-"ts t"at is utterly still. $"e %orl5 sits in t"e 3lose@ "ot 5arkness as i1 "ol5in- its 8reat"@ %aitin- 1or a 3ool 8reeEe t"at ne)er 3omes. But t"ere %as mo)ement un5er t"e trees. /o %in5@ 8ut mo)ement. People 3rept amon- t"e trees. /o@ not people@ %ere%ol)es. ,)eryone %as still in "uman 1orm@ 8ut you %oul5n?t "a)e mistaken t"em 1or "uman. $"ey ease5 t"rou-" t"e trees like -li5in- s"a5o%s@ mo)in- t"rou-" t"e s3attere5 un5er8rus" almost soun5lessly. 91 t"ere "a5 8een e)en t"e smallest 8reeEe to stir t"e trees@ t"ey %oul5 "a)e 8een soun5less. But a 8rus" o1 t%i-@ a 3run3" o1 lea1@ a rustle o1 -reen lea)es@ an5 you "ear5 t"em. #n a ni-"t like toni-"t@ e)en t"e small soun5s 3arrie5. A t%i- snappe5 o11 to my le1t@ an5 9 >umpe5. Hamil tou3"e5 my arm@ an5 9 >umpe5 a-ain. A4amn@ 8a8e@ you?re >umpy toni-"t.C A4on?t 3all me 8a8e.C His smile 1las"e5 in t"e 5arkness. ASorry.C 9 ru88e5 my "an5s alon- my arms. ADou 3an?t 8e 3ol5@C "e sai5. A9?m not.C 9t %asn?t 3ol5 t"at %as trailin- up an5 5a%n my skin like inse3ts mar3"in-. A="at?s %ron-BC Hason aske5. 9 stoppe5 in t"e 5ark %oo5s@ knee25eep in some tall@ le--y %ee5. 9 s"ook my "ea5@ sear3"in- t"e 5arkness. Dea"@ t"ere %ere se)eral 5oEen %ere%ol)es slinkin- aroun5@ 8ut it %asn?t t"e s"apes"i1ters t"emsel)es t"at %ere 1reakin- me out. 9t %as ... it %as like "earin- )oi3es in a 5istant room. 9 3oul5n?t un5erstan5 %"at t"ey %ere sayin-@ 8ut 9 3oul5 "ear t"em2 "ear t"em in my "ea5. 9 kne% %"at it %asG it %as t"e munin. $"e munin in t"e lupanar. $"e munin 3alle5 to me@ %"ispere5 a3ross my skin. $"ey %ere ea-er 1or me to 3ome@ %aitin- 1or me. S"it. Kane stare5 out into t"e 5ark. He %as stan5in- 3lose enou-" t"at 9 "ear5 "im 5ra% a 8reat" an5 kne% "e %as s3entint"e %in5. $"ey %ere all turne5 out into t"e ni-"t@ e)en /at"aniel. He seeme5 more 3on1i5ent t"an 9?5 e)er seen "im@ more 3om1orta8le in "is o%n skin@ no pun inten5e5. #ur little 3eremony t"is a1ternoon "a5 meant somet"in- to all t"ree o1 t"e leopar5s. 9 still %asn?t sure %"at@ e*a3tly@ it meant to me.

$"ey %ere all %earin- ol5 >eans@ $2s"irts@ t"in-s you %oul5n?t min5 s"apes"i1tin- in@ 8e3ause one ni-"t 3loser to t"e 1ull moon@ a33i5ents "appene5. /o@ not a33i5ents. 9 %oul5 -et to %at3" some o1 t"em lose t"eir "uman s"apes toni-"t. 9 realiEe5 t"at 9 really 5i5n?t %ant to see it. /ot really. As"er an5 4amian %ere not "ere. $"ey "a5 -one to spy or ne-otiate %it" !olin an5 "is remainin- )amps. 9?5 t"ou-"t t"is %as a really 8a5 i5ea@ 8ut As"er "a5 assure5 me t"at it %as e*pe3te5. $"at "e as Hean2!lau5e?s se3on5 %oul5 3arry t"e messa-e t"at 9@ %e@ "a5 spare5 !olin an5 "is se3on5 in 3omman5@ Barna8y. =e "a5 allo%e5 "is "uman ser)ant to %alk 1rom t"e 3ir3le. =e "a5 8een -enerous@ an5 %e 5i5n?t "a)e to 8e. By t"eir la%s@ !olin "a5 o)ersteppe5 "is 8oun5s. He %as t"e lesser )ampire@ an5 %e 3oul5 "a)e taken e)eryt"in- 1rom "im. #1 3ourse@ t"e trut" %as t"at !olin an5 Barna8y "a5 es3ape5. $"e only person %e allo%e5 to es3ape %as !olin?s "uman ser)ant. But As"er assure5 me t"at "e 3oul5 lie to !olin an5 t"at t"e 7aster o1 t"is !ity %oul5 ne)er realiEe it %as a lie. $"ere %as a ti-"tness in my -ut at t"e t"ou-"t o1 4amian an5 As"er out t"ere alone %it" !olin an5 3ompany. $"e )amps "a5 rules 1or e)eryt"in-@ 8ut t"ey "a5 a ten5en3y to 8en5 t"e rules until t"ey %ere >ust t"is si5e o1 8reakin-. !lose enou-" to -et As"er an5 4amian "urt. But As"er "a5 8een so 3on1i5ent@ an5 toni-"t 9 %as playin- lupa. #ne monster at a time@ 9 -uess. Anot"er t"in- t"at %as makin- me ner)ous %as no -uns. Kni)es %ere okay@ t"ey su8stitute5 1or 3la%s@ 8ut no -uns. 7ar3us "a5 8een t"e same %ay. /o :l1ri3 %ort" "is salt %oul5 let you 8rin- a -un into t"eir inner san3tum. 9 un5erstoo5 it. 8ut 9 5i5n?t "a)e to like it. A1ter %"at 9?5 5one 1or Verne last ni-"t@ 9 t"ou-"t t"e re;uest 1or no -uns %as 5o%nri-"t ru5e. <i3"ar5 "a5 in1orme5 me t"at my killin- o1 !olin?s )amps insi5e t"e lupanar %oul5 8e our -i1t@ t"e -i1t t"at t"e )isitin:l1ri3 an5 lupa -a)e to t"e resi5ent pa3k. $"e -i1t %as usually a 1res"ly kille5 animal@ >e%elry 1or t"e lupa@ or somet"in- mysti3al. 4eat"@ >e%elry@ or ma-i3G it soun5e5 like Valentine?s 4ay. 9?5 put >eans on to prote3t my le-s 1rom t"e un5er8rus"@ e)en t"ou-" it %as "ot enou-" 1or my knees to s%eat. $"e only one o1 us %earin- s"orts %as Hason. 91 "is le-s %ere -ettin- s3rat3"e5 up@ "e 5i5n?t seem to min5. He %as also t"e only one not %earin- a s"irt o1 some kin5. 9?5 put on a royal 8lue tank top so at least t"e top o1 me %oul5 8e 3ool. 9t 5i5 lea)e t"e kni)es sort o1 )isi8le@ t"ou-". $"e 8i- kni1e 5o%n my spine %as still in)isi8le unless you looke5 really "ar5 at my 8a3k. $"e tank top %as t"in material@ an5 you 3oul5 see t"e s"eat"@ t"ou-" not in t"e 5ark. 9 "a5 my usual %rist s"eat"s an5 sil)er 8la5es on my 1orearms. $"ey %ere )ery )isi8le a-ainst my skin. 9 "a5 a ne% kni1e in my po3ket. 9t %as a 1our2in3" s%it3"8la5e %it" a sa1ety lo3k. 4i5n?t %ant to sit 5o%n an5 sta8 mysel1. $"is is one o1 t"ose 8la5es t"at 3omes strai-"t out. Des@ it is ille-al. 9t "a5 8een a -i1t 1rom a 1rien5 %"o 5i5n?t s%eat le-alities mu3". So %"y "a)e a 1our2in3"er t"at is ille-al to 3arry in most statesB Be3ause at si* in3"es@ it %asn?t 3om1orta8le to sit 5o%n %it" it in my po3ket. So ni3e to "a)e 1rien5s t"at kno% your siEe. 9 %as also %earin- a sil)er 3ru3i1i*. 9 5i5n?t plan on meetin- any 8a5 )amps toni-"t@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t trust !olin not to try somet"in-. 91 "e kne% enou-" a8out t"e -reetin- 3eremony to kno% 9 %oul5n?t 8e allo%e5 a -un@ no% is %"en "e %oul5 >ump me. $"ere %ere so1t -rey s"a5o%s un5er t"e trees. $"e moon an5 stars %ere 8ri-"t some%"ere o)er"ea5. But %"ere %e stoo5@ t"e trees %ere a soli5 5arkness 8et%een us an5 t"e sky. 9 1elt almost 3laustrop"o8i3 stan5in- t"ere in t"e 5ark. A9 5on?t smell anyt"in- 8ut ot"er lukoi@C Hason sai5. ,)ery8o5y a-ree5. /ot"in- 8ut us s"apes"i1ters toni-"t. /o one 8ut me seeme5 to 8e a8le to 1eel t"at %"isperin- e3"o. 9 %as t"e only ne3roman3er in t"e 8un3"@ so t"e spirits o1 t"e 5ea5 like5 me 8etter. A=e nee5 to 8e at t"e meetin- pla3e 8e1ore t"e 3eremony -oes any 1urt"er@C Hamil sai5. 9 looke5 at "im. ADou mean t"ey?)e starte5 t"e 3eremony alrea5yBC A$"e 3all "as 8een -i)en@C Hason sai5. He sai5 it like 3all s"oul5 "a)e 8een in 3apital letters. A="at 5o you mean t"e 3all "as 8een -i)enBC A$"ey?)e sa3ri1i3e5 an animal an5 smeare5 8loo5 on t"e tree@ sort o1 %"at you 5i5 last ni-"t@C Hason sai5. 9 ru88e5 my arms. A9 %on5er i1 t"at?s %"y 9?m sensin- t"e munin.C A="en %e smear 8loo5 on t"e ro3k t"rone@ our spirit sym8ol@ it 5oesn?t make t"e munin 3ome@C Hason sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?)e 8een in your lupanar@ HasonG t"is one is 5i11erent. $"eir ma-i3 is 5i11erent 1rom yours.C 9 1elt somet"in- 3reepin- t"rou-" t"e trees. A roil o1 ener-y t"at ma5e my "eart skip a 8eat@ an5 t"en 8eat 1aster@ as i1 9?5 8een runnin-. AHesus@ %"at %as t"atBC AS"e?s 1eelin- t"e 3all@C Hason sai5. A$"at?s impossi8le@C Hamil sai5. AS"e isn?t lukoi.C He sta88e5 a 1in-er at !"erry@ Kane@ an5 /at"aniel. A$"ey 5on?t 1eel it. $"ey?re s"apes"i1ters@ an5 t"ey 5on?t 1eel t"e 3all to t"e lupanar.C !"erry looke5 at us@ t"en s"ook "er "ea5. AHe?s ri-"t. 9 1eel somet"in- like a )a-ue 8uEE t"rou-" t"e %oo5s@ 8ut it?s not"in- 8i-.C /at"aniel an5 Kane a-ree5 %it" "er.

7y skin rus"e5 a3ross my 8o5y like it %as -oin- to try to 3ra%l a%ay un5er its o%n po%er. 9t %as 3reepy as "ell. A="at is "appenin- to meBC AS"e is 1eelin- t"e 3all@C Hason sai5. A$"at is not possi8le@C Hamil sai5. ADou keep sayin- t"at a8out "er@ Hamil@ an5 you keep 8ein- %ron-@C Hason sai5. A lo%@ -ro%lin- snarl tri3kle5 1rom Hamil?s mout". AStop it@ 8ot" o1 you@C 9 sai5. 9 looke5 8e"in5 me 1art"er into t"e trees until t"ere %as not"in- 8ut a %all o1 5arkness s"ot 8y 1aint moonli-"t. Hason %as ri-"t. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e ma-i3. 9t %as ritual ma-i3@ an5 it %as 5eat" ma-i3. Ly3ant"ropes? po%er 3omes 1rom li1e. $"ey are t"e most ali)e preternatural 3reatures 9?)e e)er 8een aroun5@ more like 1airies t"an "umans@ sometimes. But t"is lupanar ran on 5eat" as %ell as li1eG it 3alle5 to me t%i3e. #n3e t"rou-" <i3"ar5?s marksG se3on5 t"rou-" my ne3roman3y. 9 %is"e5 <i3"ar5 %ere "ere. He?5 -one to "a)e 5inner %it" "is 1amily. S"an-24a "a5 -one %it" "im at my insisten3e. S"eri11 =ilkes "a5 to kno% %e %eren?t lea)in- to%n 8y no%. 9t %asn?t >ust t"e lo3al )ampires %e "a5 to %orry a8out. <i3"ar5 "a5 3alle5 on t"e telep"one@ sayin- t"ey %ere runnin- late@ to start %it"out "im. His mot"er >ust "a5n?t un5erstoo5 %"y "e 3oul5n?t stay lon-er. All o1 t"e Keeman men %ere so pussy %"ippe52a"@ "enpe3ke5@ sorry. 9 starte5 t"rou-" t"e trees@ an5 t"ey 1ollo%e5 me. 9 3lim8e5 on top o1 a 1allen lo-. Dou ne)er step 5ire3tly o)er a lo-. Dou ne)er kno% i1 t"ere?s a snake on t"e ot"er si5e. Step on t"e lo-@ t"en o)er. $oni-"t it %asn?t snakes 9 %as %orrie5 a8out. 9 mo)e5 slo%ly@ pi3kin- my %ay t"rou-" t"e trees. 7y ni-"t )ision is e*3ellent 1or a "uman@ an5 9 3oul5 "a)e -one 1aster. 9 %ante5 to -o 1aster. 9 %ante5 to 1lin- mysel1 t"rou-" t"e trees an5 run. 9 5i5n?t@ 8ut it %as 1or3e o1 %ill alone t"at kept me %alkin-. 9t %asn?t >ust t"e 5eat" 9 %as pi3kin- up on. 9t %as t"at %arm risin- ener-y t"at %as pure ly3ant"rope. 9 kne% 9 3oul5 sense some o1 t"is %it" <i3"ar5 "ol5in- my "an5. =e?5 5one it 8e1ore on a 1ull moon@ 8ut ne)er %it" me alone. /e)er >ust me mo)in- t"rou-" t"e 5arkness tryin- to 8reat"e past t"e 8eatin- o1 my "eart an5 t"e rus" o1 someone else?s po%er. 9 %"ispere5@ A<i3"ar5@ %"at "a)e you 5one to meBC 7ay8e it %as "is name@ may8e it %as >ust t"inkin- o1 "im@ 8ut 9 su55enly 1elt "im sittin- in t"e 3ar. 9 "a5 a moment o1 seein- 4aniel 5ri)in-. 9 3oul5 smell 4aniel?s a1ters"a)e. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e %arm ti-"tness o1 <i3"ar5?s 3"est. 9 pulle5 a%ay an5 %as le1t sta--erin-. 91 9 "a5n?t "a5 a tree to "u-@ 9?5 "a)e 1allen to my knees. 91 t"at moment o1 s"arin- "it <i3"ar5 as "ar5 as it "it me@ 9 %as -la5 "e %asn?t 5ri)in-. AAnita@ are you all ri-"tBC Hason tou3"e5 my s"oul5er. An5 po%er 1lo%e5 8et%een us in a "ot@ skin3reepin- rus". 9 turne5 to "im an5 it 1elt like 9 %as mo)in- in slo% motion. 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e past t"e po%er an5 t"e sensations t"at 1ille5 my min5. 9ma-es@ 1las"es@ like %at3"in- a room t"rou-" stro8e li-"t. A 8e5@ %"ite s"eets@ t"e smell o1 se* so 1res" it %as "ot an5 musky. 7y "an5s restin- on a smoot" 3"est. A man?s 3"est. $"at %arm@ rollin- po%er t"at %as pure ly3ant"rope@ pure 8east@ 1ille5 my 8o5y@ like t"e man un5erneat" me. S"arp@ pleasant@ e*3itin-. $"e po%er spille5 out my 1in-ertips@ pullin- 3la%s 1rom my "an5s like kni)es uns"eat"in-. $"e 8east pus"e5 at t"e smoot" skin o1 my 8o5y@ trie5 to slip out an5 o)er%"elm me. But 9 "el5 it@ ti-"tene5 my 8o5y aroun5 it@ an5 let only my "an5s turn monstrous. !la%s sli3e5 t"at smoot" 3"est. Bloo5@ "ot an5 1res" enou-" to taste on our ton-ues. Hason stare5 up at me 1rom t"e 8e5@ still pinne5 8y my 8o5y@ our 8o5y@ an5 "e s3reame5. He?5 %ante5 t"is. !"osen it. An5 still "e s3reame5. 9 1elt "is 1les" -i)e un5er 3la%s. $"ose "an5s stru3k a-ain an5 a-ain@ until t"e %"ite s"eets %ere spon-y %it" 8loo5 an5 "e lay motionless un5erneat" us. 91 "e sur)i)e5@ "e %oul5 8e one o1 us. 9 remem8ere5 not 3arin- i1 "e li)e5 or i1 "e 5ie5@ not really. 9t %as t"e se*@ t"e pain@ t"e >oy o1 it all t"at mattere5. ="en 9 3oul5 1eel my 8o5y a-ain@ Hason an5 9 %ere kneelin- in t"e lea)es. His "an5s %ere still on my arms. Someone %as s3reamin-@ an5 it %as me. Hason stare5 at me %it" a 1a3e almost 8lank %it" "orror. He?5 s"are5 t"e ri5e@ 8ut it %asn?t "is memory. 9t %asn?t <i3"ar5?s memory@ or mine. 9t %as <aina?s. S"e %as 5ea5 8ut not 1or-otten. S"e %as %"y 9 1eare5 t"e munin. 9 %as a ne3roman3er %it" ties to t"e %ol)es. $"e munin like5 me. <aina?s munin like5 me 8est o1 all. A="at?s %ron-BC !"erry sai5. S"e tou3"e5 me@ an5 it opene5 somet"in- insi5e o1 me a-ain. 9t %el3ome5 <aina 8a3k %it" a rus" t"at le1t me s3reamin-. But 9 1ou-"t it t"is time. 'ou-"t it 8e3ause 9 5i5 not %ant to see !"erry t"e %ay <aina %oul5 see "er. Hason %oul5n?t 3are. !"erry %oul5 3are. 9 %oul5 3are. $"ere %as a rus" o1 sensationsJ skin 5amp %it" s%eat@ "an5s %it" lon-@ polis"e5 nails on my 8reasts@ t"ose -rey eyes starin- up at me@ mout" open@ sla3k@ s"oul5er2len-t" yello% "air a-ainst a pillo%. <aina on top a-ain. 9 s3reame5 an5 pulle5 a%ay 1rom t"em 8ot". $"e ima-es 5ie5 as i1 a plu- "a5 8een pulle5. 9 s3ram8le5 t"rou-" t"e lea)es on all 1ours@ eyes s"ut ti-"t. 9 en5e5 sittin-@ "u--in- my knees to my 3"est@ 1a3e 8urie5 a-ainst my le-s. 9 s;ueeEe5 my eyes so ti-"t t"at 9 8e-an seein- %"ite snakes a-ainst my eyeli5s. 9 "ear5 someone mo)e t"rou-" t"e 3run3"in- lea)es. 9 1elt t"em "o)erin- o)er me. A4on?t tou3" me@C 9 sai5. 9t %as almost anot"er s3ream. 9 "ear5 %"oe)er it %as kneel in t"e 5ry lea)es 8e1ore Hamil?s )oi3e 3ame. A9 %on?t tou3" you. Are you still -ettin- t"e memoriesBC He 5i5n?t ask i1 9 %as seein- t"e memories. 9 1oun5 t"e p"rasin- stran-e. 9 s"ook my "ea5 %it"out lookin- up.

A$"en it?s o)er@ Anita. #n3e t"e munin lea)e@ t"ey?re -one until 3alle5 a-ain.C A9 5i5n?t 3all "er.C 9 raise5 my 1a3e slo%ly an5 opene5 my eyes. $"e summer ni-"t seeme5 8la3ker some"o%. A9t %as <aina a-ainBC "e ma5e it a ;uestion. ADes.C He knelt as 3lose as "e 3oul5 -et %it"out tou3"in- me. ADou s"are5 t"e memories %it" Hason an5 %it" !"erry.C 9 %asn?t sure i1 it %as a ;uestion or a statement@ 8ut 9 ans%ere5 itJ ADea".C A9t %as a 1ull )isual@C Hason sai5. He %as sittin- %it" "is 8are 8a3k a-ainst a tree. !"erry "a5 "er "an5s presse5 to "er 1a3e. S"e spoke@ 1a3e "i55en. A9 3ut my "air a1ter t"at ni-"t@ a1ter %"at s"e 5i5 to me. #ne ni-"t %it" "er %as t"e pri3e 1or not "a)in- to 5o one o1 t"eir porno mo)ies.C S"e >erke5 "er "an5s a%ay 1rom "er 1a3e@ 3ryin-. AGo5@ 9 3an smell <aina?s s3ent.C S"e ru88e5 "er "an5s a-ainst "er >eans@ o)er an5 o)er@ as i1 s"e?5 tou3"e5 somet"in- 8a5 an5 %as tryin- to %ipe it a%ay. A="at t"e 1u3k %as t"atBC 9 aske5. A9?)e 3"annele5 <aina 8e1ore@ 8ut it %asn?t like t"at. 9?)e -ot -limpses o1 memories@ 8ut not a 1ull28lo%n mo)ie. /ot"in- like t"at@ e)er.C AHa)e you 8een tryin- to learn to 3ontrol t"e muninBC Hamil aske5. AHust to -et ri5 o1 it@ t"em@ %"ate)er.C Hamil mo)e5 3loser to me@ stu5yin- my 1a3e as i1 lookin- 1or somet"in-. A91 you %ere lukoi@ 9?5 tell you@ you 3an?t >ust turn t"e munin o11. 91 you "a)e t"e po%er to 3all t"em@ t"en you must learn to 3ontrol t"em@ not >ust s"ut t"em out. Be3ause you 3an?t s"ut t"em out. $"ey?ll seek a %ay into you@ t"rou-" you.C AHo% 5o you kno% so mu3"BC 9 aske5. A9 kne% a %ere%ol1 %"o 3oul5 3all t"e munin. S"e "ate5 it. S"e trie5 to s"ut t"em out. 9t 5i5n?t %ork.C AHust 8e3ause it 5i5n?t %ork 1or your 1rien5 5oesn?t mean 9 3an?t 5o it.C 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8reat" %arm a-ainst my 1a3e. ABa3k o11@ Hamil.C He s3oote5 8a3k@ 8ut "e %as still 3loser t"an 9 %ante5 "im to 8e. He sat 8a3k in t"e lea)es. AS"e %ent 3raEy@ Anita. $"e pa3k "a5 to e*e3ute "er.C His eyes %ent past me into t"e 5arkness. 9 turne5 to see %"at "e %as lookin- at. $%o 1i-ures stoo5 in t"e 5arkness. #ne %as a %oman %it" lon-@ pale "air an5 a lon-@ %"ite 5ress like somet"in- out o1 a 19+ s "orror mo)ie. 91 you %ere playin- t"e )i3tim. But s"e stoo5 )ery strai-"t@ )ery 3ertain@ as i1 s"e %ere an3"ore5 to t"e -roun5 like a tree. $"ere %as somet"in- almost 1ri-"t1ully 3on1i5ent a8out "er. $"e man %it" "er %as tall@ slen5er@ an5 tanne5 5ark enou-" t"at "e looke5 8ro%n in t"e 5ark. His "air %as s"ort an5 a paler 8ro%n t"an "is skin. 91 t"e %oman seeme5 3alm@ "e seeme5 ner)ous. He -a)e o11 ener-y in a roilin- 8at" t"at 8reat"e5 alon- my skin an5 ma5e t"e ni-"t seem "otter. AAre you %ellBC t"e %oman aske5. AS"e s"are5 t"e munin %it" t%o o1 us@C Hamil sai5. ABy a33i5ent@ 9 take it@C t"e %oman sai5. S"e soun5e5 1aintly amuse5. 9 %as not amuse5. 9 -ot to my 1eet@ a little unstea5y@ 8ut stan5in-. A="o are youBC A7y name is 7arianne. 9 am t"e )ar-amor 1or t"is 3lan.C 9 remem8ere5 Verne an5 !olin talkin- a8out a )ar-a2somet"in- last ni-"t. AVerne mentione5 you last ni-"t. !olin sai5 "e?5 le1t you at "ome to keep you sa1e.C AA -oo5 %it3" is "ar5 to 1in5@C s"e sai5@ smilin-. 9 looke5 at "er. ADou 5on?t 1eel =i33an.C A-ain@ 9 kne% s"e smile5 at me. Her pea3e1ul 3on5es3ension -rate5 on my ner)es. AA psy3"i3 t"en@ i1 you pre1er t"e term.C A9?5 ne)er "ear5 t"e term )ar-amor 8e1ore last ni-"t@C 9 sai5. A9t?s rare@C s"e sai5. A7ost pa3ks 5on?t "a)e one anymore. !onsi5ere5 too ol521as"ione5.C ADou aren?t lukoi@C 9 sai5. Her "ea5 3o3ke5 to one si5e@ an5 t"e smile %as -one@ as i1 9?5 1inally 5one somet"in- %ort"%"ile. AAre you so sureBC 9 trie5 to -et a sense o1 %"at "a5 ma5e me so sure s"e %as "uman@ or at least not lukoi. S"e "a5 "er o%n ener-y. S"e %as psy3"i3 enou-" 1or me to noti3e. =e?5 "a)e re3o-niEe5 ea3" ot"er %it"out any intro5u3tions. =e mi-"t not "a)e kno%n t"e e*a3t 1la)or o1 ea3" ot"er?s a8ilities@ 8ut %e?5 "a)e re3o-niEe5 a kin5re5 or ri)al spirit. ="ate)er po%er mo)e5 "er@ it %asn?t ly3ant"ropy. ADea"@ 9?m sure you?re not lukoi@C 9 sai5. A="yBC s"e aske5.

ADou 5on?t taste like a s"apes"i1ter.C S"e lau-"e5 t"en@ an5 it %as a ri3"@ musi3al soun5 t"at mana-e5 to 8e %"olesome an5 eart"y all at t"e same time. A9 like your 3"oi3e o1 senses. 7ost "umans %oul5 "a)e sai5 9 5i5n?t 1eel ri-"t. 'eel is su3" an impre3ise %or5@ 5on?t you t"inkBC 9 s"ru--e5. A7ay8e.C A$"is is <olan5. He is my 8o5y-uar5 1or t"is ni-"t. =e poor "umans must 8e %at3"e5 o)er 1or 1ear t"at some o)erEealous s"apes"i1ter mi-"t lose 3ontrol an5 "arm us.C ASome"o% 9 5on?t t"ink you are t"at easy a prey@ 7arianne.C S"e lau-"e5 a-ain. A="y@ t"ank you@ 3"il5.C Her 3allin- me 3"il5 ma5e me a55 a8out ten years to "er a-e. S"e 5i5n?t look it. 9t %as 5ark@ 8ut s"e still 5i5n?t look it. A!ome@ Anita. =e %ill es3ort you to t"e lupanar.C S"e "el5 out "er "an5 to me like 9 %as suppose5 to take it an5 8e le5 like a 3"il5. 9 looke5 to Hamil. 9 "ope5 some8o5y kne% %"at %as -oin- on@ 8e3ause 9 %as lost. A9t?s all ri-"t@ Anita. $"e )ar-amor is neutral. S"e ne)er 1i-"ts or takes si5es in 3"allen-es. $"at?s "o% s"e 3an 8e "uman an5 run %it" t"e pa3k.C AAre %e in)ol)e5 in a 3"allen-e or a 1i-"t t"at 9 5on?t kno% a8outBC 9 aske5. A/o@C Hamil sai5@ 8ut "e soun5e5 un3ertain. 7arianne interprete5 1or me %it"out 8ein- aske5. A9ntro5u3in- t%o outsi5e 5ominants to a pa3k 3an lea5 to 1i-"tin-. Ha)in- someone as po%er1ul as <i3"ar5 is raisin- t"e "a3kles on our youn-er %ol)es. Ha)in- "im sleepin- %it" our pa3k?s only t%o 5ominant 1emales makes it %orse.C ADou mean %e may -et into a pissin- 3ontest@C 9 sai5. AA 3olor1ul p"rase@ 8ut a33urate enou-"@C s"e sai5. A#kay@ no% %"atBC 9 aske5. A/o%@ <olan5 an5 9 es3ort you all to t"e lupanar. $"e rest o1 you may -o a"ea5. Dou kno% t"e %ay@ Hamil.C A9 5on?t t"ink so@C 9 sai5. A/o to %"atBC 7arianne aske5. A4o 9 look like Little <e5 <i5in- Hoo5BC 9 sai5. A9?m not takin- a stroll in t"e %oo5s %it" t%o stran-ers. #ne o1 t"em a %ere%ol1 an5 t"e ot"er a ... 9 5on?t kno% %"at you are yet@ 7arianne. But 9 5on?t %ant to 8e alone %it" t"e t%o o1 you.C AVery %ell@C s"e sai5. ASome or all may stay. 9 %as t"inkin- t"at you mi-"t like pri)a3y to speak %it" anot"er "uman tie5 to t"e lukoi. Per"aps 9 %as %ron-.C A$omorro% in t"e li-"t o1 5ay@ %e 3an talk. $oni-"t@ let?s >ust take it easy.C AAs you like@C s"e sai5. A-ain@ s"e "el5 out "er "an5 to me. A!ome. Let us talk as %e all troop to t"e lupanar as one 8i-@ "appy 1amily.C ADou?re makin- 1un o1 me no%@C 9 sai5. A$"at %on?t put you on my A2list.C A9 make 1un o1 e)eryone a little@C s"e sai5. A9 mean no "arm 8y it.C S"e %a--le5 "er "an5 at me. A!ome@ 3"il5@ t"e moon is passin- a8o)e us. $ime %astes a%ay.C 9 %alke5 to%ar5s "er %it" my 1i)e 8o5y-uar5s at my 8a3k. 9 5i5n?t take "er "an5@ t"ou-". 9 %as 3lose enou-" to see t"e 3on5es3en5in- smile 3learly no%. Anita Blake@ t"e 1amous )ampire "unter@ a1rai5 o1 some 8a3k3ountry %ise%oman. 9 smile5. A9?m 3autious 8y nature an5 paranoi5 8y pro1ession. Dou?)e o11ere5 me your "an5 t%i3e no% %it"in >ust a 1e% minutes. Dou 5on?t strike me as someone %"o 5oes anyt"in- %it"out a reason. ="at -i)esBC S"e put "er "an5s on "er "ips an5 tske5 at me. A9s s"e al%ays t"is 5i11i3ultBC A=orse@C Hason sai5. 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. ,)en i1 "e 3oul5n?t see it in t"e 5ark@ it ma5e me 1eel 8etter. AAll 9 %ant@ 3"il5@ is to tou3" your "an5 an5 -et a sense o1 "o% po%er1ul you are 8e1ore %e let you insi5e t"e 8oun5aries o1 our lupanar a-ain. A1ter %"at you 5i5 last ni-"t@ some o1 our pa3k 1ear you %it"in t"e 8oun5aries o1 our lupanar. $"ey seem to t"ink you %ill steal our po%er.C A9 3an tap into it@C 9 sai5@ A8ut 9 3an?t steal it.C ABut t"e munin alrea5y rea3" out to you. 9 1elt you 3all your munin. 9t tra)ele5 t"rou-" t"e po%er %e "a)e 3alle5 toni-"t in t"e lupanar. 9t 5istur8e5 it like plu3kin- on a t"rea5 o1 a spi5er?s %e8. =e 3ame to see %"at %e "a5 3au-"t@ an5 i1 it %ere too 8i- to eat@ %e %oul5 3ut it loose an5 not take it "ome.C

A$"e spi5er metap"or %orke5 1or may8e t%o senten3es@ t"en you lost me@C 9 sai5. A$"e lupanar is our pla3e o1 po%er@ Anita. 9 nee5 to -et a sense o1 %"at you are 8e1ore you enter it t"is ni-"t.C $"e lau-"ter %as -one 1rom "er )oi3e. S"e %as su55enly )ery serious. A9t is not >ust our prote3tion 9 am t"inkin- o1@ 3"il5. 9t is yours. $"ink@ 3"il5@ %"at %oul5 "appen to you i1 t"e munin %it"in our 3ir3le ro5e you one a1ter anot"erB 9 nee5 to make sure you 3an 3ontrol at least t"at %ell.C Hust "earin- "er say it ma5e my stoma3" ti-"t %it" 1ear. A#kay.C 9 "el5 out my "an5 to "er like %e %ere -oin- to s"ake "an5s@ 8ut 9 -a)e "er my le1t "an5. 91 s"e 5i5n?t like it@ s"e 3oul5 re1use it. A#11erin- t"e le1t "an5 is an insult@C s"e sai5. A$ake it or lea)e it@ )ar-amor. =e 5on?t "a)e all ni-"t.C A$"at is more true t"an you kno%@ little one.C S"e put "er "an5 out as i1 to tou3" mine 8ut stoppe5 %it" "er "an5 >ust a8o)e mine. S"e sprea5 "er "an5 a8o)e my skin. 9 mirrore5 "er. S"e %as tryin- to -et a sense o1 my aura. $%o 3oul5 play at t"at -ame. ="en 9 raise5 my "an5s up in 1ront o1 my 8o5y@ s"e mirrore5 me. =e stoo5 1a3in- ea3" ot"er@ "an5s sprea5 %i5e@ not ;uite tou3"in-. S"e %as tall@ 1i)e21oot2se)en or 1i)e21oot2ei-"t. 9 5i5n?t t"ink t"ere %ere "i-" "eels un5er t"at lon- 5ress. Her aura %as %arm a-ainst my skin. 9t "a5 a %ei-"t to it@ as i1 9 3oul5 "a)e %rappe5 "er aura in my "an5s like 5ou-". 9?5 ne)er met anyone %it" su3" %ei-"t to t"eir aura. 9t 3on1irme5 my 1irst sense o1 "er. Soli5. S"e pus"e5 1or%ar5 su55enly@ %rappin- "er 1in-ers aroun5 my "an5. S"e 1or3e5 my aura 8a3k in upon itsel1 like a kni1e t"rust. 9t ma5e me -asp@ 8ut a-ain@ 9 kne% %"at %as "appenin-. 9 pus"e5 8a3k an5 1elt "er %a)er. S"e smile5@ 8ut it %asn?t 3on5es3en5in- no%. 9t %as almost as i1 s"e %ere please5. $"e "air at t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k trie5 to 3ra%l 5o%n my spine. APo%er1ul@C s"e sai5. AStron-.C 9 spoke aroun5 a ti-"tness in my t"roat. ADou@ too.C A$"ank you@C s"e sai5. 9 1elt "er po%er@ "er ma-i3@ mo)e o)er me@ t"rou-" me@ like a rus" o1 %in5. S"e pulle5 a%ay so a8ruptly it sta--ere5 8ot" o1 us. =e %ere le1t stan5in- a 1oot a%ay 1rom ea3" ot"er@ 8reat"in- "ar5 like %e?5 8een runnin-. 7y "eart t"u55e5 in my t"roat like a trappe5 t"in-. An5 9 3oul5 taste "er pulse on t"e 8a3k o1 my ton-ue. /o@ 9 3oul5 "ear it. 9 3oul5 "ear it like a small ti3kin- 3lo3k. But it %asn?t "er pulse. 9 smelle5 <i3"ar5?s a1ters"a)e like a 3lou5 t"at 9 "a5 %alke5 t"rou-". ="en t"e marks %ere %orkin- t"rou-" <i3"ar5@ it %as o1ten s3ent t"at let me kno% %"at %as "appenin-. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at "a5 3ause5 t"em to a3t up. 7ay8e t"e po%er o1 t"e ot"er ly3ant"ropes or t"e 3loseness o1 t"e 1ull moon. ="o kne%B But somet"in- "a5 opene5 me to "im. 9 %as 3"annelin- more t"an t"e s%eet smell o1 "is 8o5y. A="at is t"at soun5BC 9 aske5. A4es3ri8e it@C 7arianne sai5. ALike a 3li3kin-@ so1t@ almost me3"ani3al.C A9?)e -ot an arti1i3ial )al)e in my "eart@C s"e sai5. A9t 3an?t 8e t"at.C A="y notB ="en 9 lean 1or%ar5 to t"e mirror to apply eyeliner@ 9 3an "ear it t"rou-" my open mout"@ e3"oin- a-ainst t"e mirror.C ABut 9 3an?t "ear it@C 9 sai5. ABut you are@C s"e sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9 %as losin- t"e sense o1 "er. S"e %as pullin- a%ay 1rom me@ puttin- up s"iel5s. 9 5i5n?t 8lame "er@ 8e3ause@ 1or >ust a se3on5 9 3oul5 1eel "er "eart 8eatin-@ limpin- alon-. $"e soun5 "a5n?t ma5e me sorry 1or "er or empat"eti3. $"e soun5 e*3ite5 me. 9 1elt it pull t"in-s 5eep insi5e my 8o5y. 9t %as almost se*ual. S"e?5 8e slo%@ an easy kill. 9 looke5 at t"is tall@ 3on1i5ent %oman@ an5 1or a split se3on5 all 9 sa% %as 1oo5. 'u3k.

Chapter Twenty-five
=e 1ollo%e5 7arianne an5 "er -uar5@ <olan5@ t"rou-" t"e 5arkene5 trees. 9?5 "a)e 3au-"t t"at 5amn 5ress on e)ery t%ian5 5ea51all. 7arianne 1loate5 t"rou-" t"e %oo5s as i1 t"e trees t"emsel)es let "er an5 t"e 5ress pass -ently t"rou-". <olan5 pa3e5 at "er arm@ -li5in- t"rou-" t"e %oo5s like %ater 5o%n a %ell2%orn 3"annel. Hamil@ /at"aniel@ an5 Kane mo)e5 >ust as -ra3e1ully. 9t %as t"e rest o1 us t"at %ere "a)in- trou8le.

7y e*3use %as t"at 9 %as "uman. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at Hason an5 !"erry?s e*3use %as. 9 trie5 to step on a lo- an5 misse5. 9 en5e5 up on my stoma3"@ arms s3rapin- alon- t"e rou-" 8ark. 9 stra55le5 it like a "orse an5 3oul5n?t seem to -et my leo)er t"e ot"er si5e. !"erry trippe5 on somet"in- in t"e lea)es an5 1ell to "er knees. 9 %at3"e5 "er -et to "er 1eet an5 trip o)er t"e same 5amn t"in-. $"is time s"e staye5 on "er knees@ "ea5 5o%n. Hason 1ell in a tan-le o1 5ry tree roots at t"e en5 o1 t"e lo- 9 %as sittin- on. He 1ell on "is 1a3e an5 3urse5. ="en "e -ot to "is 1eet@ t"ere %as a s3rape on "is 3"est 5eep enou-" to s"o% 8loo5@ 8la3k in t"e moonli-"t. 9t remin5e5 me o1 %"at <aina "a5 5one to "im. S"e?5 3ut "is 3"est to ra-s@ an5 t"ere %asn?t a s3ar on "im 1rom it. 9 3lose5 my eyes an5 leane5 o)er t"e lo-@ restin- my 1orearms on it. 7y anus "urt. 9 raise5 mysel1 slo%ly an5 looke5 at t"em. 9?5 s3rape5 t"em up enou-" so t"at 8loo5 %as slo%ly 1illin- t"e %oun5s in spots. Great. Hason leane5 a-ainst t"e en5 o1 t"e lo-@ 1ar enou-" a%ay t"at %e %oul5n?t tou3". 9 t"ink %e %ere all still a1rai5 o1 t"at. 4i5n?t %ant a repeat. A="at?s %ron- %it" usBC Hason aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t kno%.C 7arianne %as >ust su55enly t"ere. 9 "a5n?t "ear5 "er 3ome up. =as 9 losin- timeB =as 9 t"at out o1 itB ADou 3ast out t"e munin 8e1ore it %as rea5y to release you.C ASoBC 9 sai5. ASo@ t"at takes ener-y@C s"e sai5. A'ine@ t"at e*plains me stum8lin- aroun5. ="at a8out t"emB ="y 5o t"ey 1eel like s"itBC S"e -a)e a )ery small smile. ADou are not t"e only one %"o 1ou-"t t"e munin@ Anita. 9t %as you %"o 3alle5 it@ an5 i1 you "a5 not 8een %illin- to 1i-"t it@ t"en t"e ot"er t%o %oul5 "a)e 8een "elpless 8e1ore it@ 8ut t"ey 1ou-"t it as %ell. $"ey stru--le5 a-ainst t"e memories. $"at 3osts.C ADou soun5 like you kno%@C 9 sai5. A9 3an 3all t"e munin. $"ese 3"aoti3 1las"es are %"at "appens %"en you "a)e a munin t"at "unts you@ an5 t"at you 5o not %ant to em8ra3e.C AHo% 5i5 you kno% it %as 3"aoti3BC 9 aske5. A9 3au-"t a -limpse or t%o o1 %"at you sa%. $"e merest tou3"@C s"e sai5. A="y 5on?t you 1eel a%1ulBC 9 aske5. A9 5i5 not stru--le. 91 you simply allo% t"e munin to ri5e you@ it passes mu3" more ;ui3kly an5 relati)ely painlessly.C 9 "al12lau-"e5 at "er. A$"at soun5s like t"e ol5 a5)i3e o1 lie 8a3k@ 3lose your eyes@ an5 it?ll 8e o)er soon.C S"e turne5 "er "ea5 to one si5e@ lon- "air sli5in- o)er "er s"oul5ers like a pale -"ost. A,m8ra3in- t"e munin 3an 8e pleasant or unpleasant@ 8ut t"is munin "unts you@ Anita. 7ost o1 t"e time@ a munin t"at tries to 8on5 %it" a pa3k mem8er 5oes so out o1 lo)e or s"are5 sorro%.C 9 >ust looke5 at "er. A9t isn?t lo)e t"at moti)ates t"is one.C A/o@C s"e sai5@ A9 1elt 8ot" t"e stren-t" o1 "er personality an5 "er "atre5 o1 you. S"e 3"ases you out o1 spite.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/ot >ust spite. ="at little is le1t o1 "er en>oys t"e -ame. S"e?s "a)in- a really -oo5 time %"en 9 3"annel "er.C 7arianne no55e5. ADes. But i1 you %oul5 em8ra3e "er instea5 o1 1i-"tin-@ you 3oul5 pi3k an5 3"oose amon- t"e memories. Stron- ones %ill 3ome easiest@ 8ut you 3oul5 3ontrol more o1 %"at 3omes an5 "o% stron-ly it 3omes. 91 you %oul5 truly 3"annel "er@ as you put it@ t"en t"e ima-es %oul5 8e less like a mo)ie an5 more ... like %earin- a -lo)e.C A,*3ept t"at 9?m t"e -lo)e@C 9 sai5@ Aan5 "er personality o)er%"elms mine. /o t"anks.C A91 you 3ontinue to 1i-"t t"is munin@ it %ill -et %orse. 91 you %ill 3ease stru--lin- an5 meet "er e)en part%ay@ t"e munin %ill lose some o1 its stren-t". Some 1ee5 o11 o1 lo)e. $"is one 1ee5s o11 o1 1ear an5 "atre5. =as t"is t"e ol5 lupaB $"e one you kille5BC ADea"@C 9 sai5. 7arianne s"i)ere5. A9 ne)er met <aina@ 8ut e)en t"at small tou3" o1 "er makes me -la5 s"e?s 5ea5. S"e %as e)il.C AS"e 5i5n?t see "ersel1 t"at %ay@C 9 sai5. AS"e sa% "ersel1 as more neutral t"an e)il.C 9 sai5 it like 9 kne%@ an5 9 5i5 kno%. 9 kne% 8e3ause 9?5 %orn "er essen3e like a 5ress more t"an on3e. AVery 1e% people see t"eir o%n a3tions as truly e)il@C 7arianne sai5. A9t is le1t to t"eir )i3tims to 5e3i5e %"at is e)il an5 %"at is not.C Hason raise5 "is "an5. A,)il.C !"erry e3"oe5 "im. A,)il.C

/at"aniel an5 Kane an5 e)en Hamil@ raise5 t"eir "an5s. 9 raise5 my "an5@ too. A9t?s unanimous@C 9 sai5. 7arianne lau-"e5@ an5 a-ain@ it %as a soun5 e;ually at "ome in t"e kit3"en or t"e 8e5room. Ho% s"e mana-e5 to 8e 8ot" %"olesome an5 su--esti)e in t"e same 8reat" puEEle5 me. #1 3ourse@ a lot o1 t"in-s puEEle5 me a8out 7arianne. A=e?ll 8e late@C <olan5 sai5. His )oi3e %as 5eeper t"an 9 t"ou-"t it %oul5 8e@ lo% an5 3are1ul@ almost too ol5 1or "is 8o5y. He looke5 pea3e1ul enou-"@ 8ut 9 3oul5 look at "im %it" t"in-s ot"er t"an my eyes. Dou 3oul5n?t see it@ 8ut you 3oul5 1eel it. He %as a mass o1 ner)ous ener-y. 9t 5an3e5 alon- "is skin@ 8reat"in- out into t"e 5ark like an in)isi8le 3lou5@ "ot@ almost tou3"a8le@ like steam. A9 kno%@ <olan5@C s"e sai5. A9 kno%.C A=e 3oul5 3arry t"em@C Hamil sai5. A t"rill o1 po%er 1lo%e5 t"rou-" t"e trees. 9t 3au-"t at my "eart as i1 some in)isi8le "an5 "a5 tou3"e5 me. A=e must -o@C <olan5 sai5. A="at is your pro8lemBC 9 aske5. <olan5 looke5 at me %it" eyes t"at %ere a ni3e@ soli5 5arkness. ADou are@C "e sai5. He spoke in a lo% )oi3e@ an5 it soun5e5 like a t"reat. Hamil mo)e5 8et%een us so t"at my )ie% o1 <olan5 %as almost 3ompletely 8lo3ke5@ an5 9 assume5@ "is )ie% o1 me. A/o%@ 3"il5ren@C 7arianne sai5@ Aplay ni3ely.C A=e %ill miss t"e 3eremony entirely i1 t"ey 5o not "urry@C <olan5 sai5. A91 you %ere a true lupa@C 7arianne sai5@ Ayou 3oul5 5ra% ener-y 1rom your %ol)es an5 -i)e it in return like a -reat re3y3lin- 8attery.C 9t soun5e5 like s"e?5 -i)en t"is le3ture 8e1ore. 9 -uess e)ery pa3k nee5s a tea3"er. 9 kno% ours nee5e5 one sorely. 9 %as 8e-innin- to realiEe t"at %e %ere like 3"il5ren t"at "a5 8een raise5 8y ne-le3t1ul parents. =e %ere -ro%n2up@ 8ut %e 5i5n?t kno% "o% to 8e"a)e. ADou?re psy3"i3 enou-" t"at you mi-"t 8e a8le to 5o it in a small %ay %it"out 8ein- lukoi@C 7arianne sai5. A9 5on?t t"ink 9?5 3all 8ein- a ne3roman3er t"e same t"in- as 8ein- psy3"i3@C Hamil sai5. 7arianne s"ru--e5. A9t?s all mu3" more alike t"an most people %is" to a3kno%le5-e. 7any reli-ious -roups are 3om1orta8le %it" psy3"i3 a8ility 8ut not %it" ma-i3. But 3all it %"at you %ill@ it?s eit"er t"at or %e 3all some more %ol)es an5 t"ro% you a3ross our s"oul5ers.C $"e real trou8le %as t"at 9 only kne% t%o %ays to 3all po%er. #ne %as ritual. t"e ot"er %as se*. 9?5 realiEe5 a 1e% mont"s a-o t"at se* 3oul5 take t"e pla3e o1 ritual 1or me. /ot al%ays@ an5 9 "a5 to 8e attra3te5 to t"e person in)ol)e5@ 8ut sometimes. 9 5i5n?t really %ant to a5mit to stran-ers t"at se*ual ener-y %as one o1 t"e %ays 9 per1orme5 ma-i3. ,)en t"ou-" no a3tual se* %as in)ol)e5@ it %as still em8arrassin-. Besi5es@ 5oin- anyt"in- se*ual seeme5 like puttin- out t"e %el3ome mat 1or <aina?s munin. Ho% 3oul5 9 e*plain all t"is to 7arianne %it"out soun5in- like a slutB 9 3oul5n?t t"ink o1 a %ay to e*plain it t"at 5i5n?t make me soun5 8a5@ so 9 %asn?t -oin- to try. AGo on %it"out us@ 7arianne. =e?ll -et t"ere on our o%n. $"anks@ any%ay.C S"e stampe5 "er 1oot un5er t"at 1lo%in- -o%n. A="y are you so relu3tant to try@ AnitaBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A=e 3an 5is3uss ma-i3al metap"ysi3s tomorro%. <i-"t no%@ %"y 5on?t you take your %ol1 an5 -o. =e?ll -et t"ere@ slo% 8ut sure.C ALet?s -o@C <olan5 sai5. 7arianne looke5 to "im@ t"en 8a3k to me. A9 %as tol5 to see i1 you %ere a 5an-er to us@ an5 you are not@ 8ut 9 5on?t like lea)in- you out "ere like t"is. $"e t"ree o1 you are %eak.C A=e?ll -et o)er it@C 9 sai5. S"e 3o3ke5 "er "ea5 to one si5e a-ain@ "air s%eepin- like a %"ite )eil to 1rame "er 1a3e. AAre you plannin- some sort o1 ma-i3 t"at you 5on?t %is" me to seeBC A7ay8e@C 9 sai5. $rut" %as@ no. /o %ay %as 9 )oluntarily tou3"in- Hason or !"erry a-ain@ not toni-"t. But i1 7arianne t"ou-"t %e %ere -oin- to 5o somet"in- mysti3al 8ut pri)ate@ s"e mi-"t -o a%ay. 9 %ante5 "er to -o a%ay. S"e stoo5 lookin- at me 1or nearly a 1ull minute@ t"en 1inally smile5@ 5im in t"e moonli-"t. AVery %ell@ 8ut 5o "urry. $"e ot"ers %ill -ro% impatient to -reet <i3"ar5?s "uman lupa. Dou "a)e e)eryone?s 3uriosity pi;ue5.C AGla5 to "ear it. $"e sooner you -o@ t"e sooner %e 3an start.C S"e turne5 %it"out anot"er %or5 an5 starte5 o11 t"rou-" t"e trees. <olan5 traile5 "er@ t"en took t"e lea5. =e all stoo5 aroun5 %aitin- 1or 7arianne?s %"ite 5ress to -ro% 5istant an5 -"ostlike t"rou-" t"e 1orest. 'inally@ Hason sai5@ AStart %"atBC

A/ot"in-@C 9 sai5. A9 >ust %ante5 t"em -one.C A="yBC Hamil aske5. 9 s"ru--e5. A9 5on?t %ant to 8e 3arrie5 like a sa3k o1 potatoes.C 9 starte5 %alkin-@ slo% 8ut sure@ to%ar5s t"e lupanar. Hamil 1ell into step 8esi5e me. A="y not try %"at s"e %as su--estin-BC 9 %alke5 3are1ully@ payin- a lot more attention to my 1eet t"an 9 usually 5i5. ABe3ause outsi5e o1 raisin- t"e 5ea5@ 9?m still an amateur. 9t %ill pro8a8ly take less time 1or us to %alk to t"e lupanar t"an 1or me to 5o somet"in- mysti3al.C Hason a-ree5 %it" me@ %"i3" ma5e me 1ro%n at "im@ 8ut it %as still true. 9 %as like someone %it" a loa5e5 -un t"at 5i5n?t kno% "o% to s"oot. 9 %oul5 8e stru--lin- to 1i-ure out "o% to un5o t"e sa1ety %"ile t"e 8a5 -uys s"ot me a million times. A8out t%o mont"s a-o@ t"e only ot"er ne3roman3er 9?5 e)er met "a5 o11ere5 to tea3" me real ne3roman3y@ not t"is )oo5oo 5a88lin- 9 %as 5oin-. He?5 en5e5 up 5ea5 8e1ore "e 3oul5 tea3" me mu3" o1 anyt"in-. 'unny "o% many people en5e5 up 5ea5 a1ter t"ey met me. /o@ 9 5i5n?t kill "im. !"erry stum8le5 an5 %ent 5o%n a-ain. Kane an5 /at"aniel %ere >ust su55enly t"ere@ one on eit"er si5e o1 "er. $"ey "elpe5 "er stan5@ "u--in- ea3" ot"er 1or a moment. !"erry slippe5 a "an5 aroun5 t"e %aist o1 8ot" men@ leanin- "er "ea5 1or a se3on5 on Kane?s s"oul5er. $"ey %alke5 t"is %ay t"rou-" t"e trea3"erous 5ark@ !"erry leanin- "ea)ily on "er 1ello% %ereleopar5s. $"ere %as a 3amara5erie 8et%een t"em t"at "a5n?t 8een t"ere 8e1ore. Ha5 9 5one t"atB Ha5 >ust "a)in- someone to prote3t t"em 1or-e5 some sort o1 8on5B #r "a5 it 8een <i3"ar5?s pri3klin- ener-yB 9 "a5 a lot o1 ;uestions an5 5i5n?t e)en kno% i1 t"ere %as anyone %"o %oul5 kno%. 7ay8e 7arianne %oul5 kno%@ i1 9 5e3i5e5 9 3oul5 trust "er. Hamil o11ere5 me "is arm. 9 %a)e5 "im a%ay. 9 kne% t"at <aina "a5 slept %it" "im@ an5 9 5i5 not %ant t"e memory. AHelp Hason@C 9 sai5. Hamil looke5 at me 1or a se3on5@ t"en %ent an5 o11ere5 "is arm to Hason@ %"o re1use5 t"e o11er. A91 Anita 5oesn?t nee5 "elp@ neit"er 5o 9.C A4on?t 8e a "ar5 3ase@C 9 sai5. A/o%@ t"at?s t"e pot 3allin- t"e kettle 8la3k@C Hason sai5. A91 9 o11ere5 you my arm@ you?5 take it@C 9 sai5. AAn e*3use to "an- all o)er a pretty -irlB Sure.C $"en "e seeme5 to t"ink a8out it. ABut may8e not toni-"t. 9 3an?t 3all t"e munin@ 8ut t"ere?s somet"in- in t"e air toni-"t.C He s"i)ere5@ ru88in- "is "an5s alon- "is 8are arms. A#1 all t"e memories <aina "a5 o1 me@ %"y t"at oneBC =e %ere 8ot" slo%ly %alkin- as %e talke5. A$"e t"ree t"in-s <aina like5 8est %ere se* an5 )iolen3e an5 terroriEinpeople. 7akin- you lukoi "it all "er 8uttons.C Hason stum8le5@ 1ell to "is knees@ an5 >ust staye5 t"at %ay 1or a se3on5 or t%o. 9 %aite5 %it" "im@ %on5erin- i1 9 s"oul5 o11er to "elp "im up. A9 kno% you %on5ere5 %"y 9 ne)er 5i5 any o1 "er porno mo)ies.C A9 -uess. 9 mean you?re not e*a3tly t"e s"y type.C He looke5 up at me@ an5 e)en 8y moonli-"t@ t"ere %as a sorro% in "is 1a3e t"at %as 5eeper an5 %i5er t"an most people e)er sa%. He %as too youn- 1or t"e look in "is eyes@ 8ut t"ere it %as. 9nno3en3e lost. A9?ll al%ays remem8er t"e look on "er 1a3e %"en s"e kille5 me.C AS"e 5i5n?t kill you@ Hason.C AS"e trie5. 9t 5i5n?t matter to "er %"et"er 9 li)e5 or 5ie5. 9t really 5i5n?t.C $"at one s"are5 memory@ an5 9 3oul5n?t ar-ue %it" "im. <aina?s pleasure "a5 8een more important to "er t"an "is li1e. Like a serial killer. Hason "un3"e5 in upon "imsel1. ABut s"e %as my sponsor@ an5 9 "a5 to stay %it" "er until my pro8ation perio5 %as o)er. ="en 9 3oul5@ 9 -ot a%ay.C A9s t"at %"y you %ent to stay %it" Hean2!lau5e@ as "is lap%ol1B $o es3ape <ainaBC Hason no55e5. APartly.C He looke5 up su55enly an5 -rinne5. A#1 3ourse@ Hean2!lau5e is %ay 3ool.C 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 o11ere5 "im my "an5. A$"ink %e 3an risk itBC "e aske5. A9 t"ink so. 9?m not 1eelin- parti3ularly muninis" ri-"t no%.C He took my "an5 an5 it %as >ust a "an5. His "an5 in mine. 9 "elpe5 "im stan5. an5 "e sta--ere5 >ust a 8it on "is 1eet@ %"i3" ma5e me %o88le. =e 3lun- to ea3" ot"er 1or a se3on5 like t%o 5runks lea)in- a party. 9 "u--e5 "im@ an5 "e "u--e5 me 8a3k. 9t %as ;ui3k. He pulle5 a%ay 1irst@ an5 looke5 almost em8arrasse5. A4on?t tell anyone 9 5i5n?t take my 3"an3e to -rope you %"en it %as your i5ea.C 9 patte5 "im on t"e 8a3k. A/ot a soul.C

He -a)e me "is usual -rin@ an5 %e starte5 t"rou-" t"e %oo5s@ %alkin- 3lose enou-" to 3at3" ea3" ot"er i1 %e 1ell. A 8reeEe 8le% t"rou-" t"e trees@ rustlin- e)eryt"in-. $"e %oo5s %ere su55enly ali)e %it" soun5. 9 turne5 my 1a3e to t"e %in5@ "opin- it %oul5 8e 3ool@ 8ut it %as "ot like t"e air 1rom an o)en. Hason?s 8a8y 1ine "air mo)e5 -ently in t"e 8reeEe. 9 "ear5 "im take a 5eep 8reat"@ t"en "e tou3"e5 my arm. He spoke lo%. A9 smell t"e man t"at 9 t"re% into t"e tru3k yester5ay.C =e kept %alkin- as i1 not"in- %ere %ron-. AAre you sureBC 9 aske5. 9 sa% "is nostrils 1lare as "e teste5 t"e air. AHe smelle5 like peppermint Li1esa)ers an5 3i-arettes.C AA lot o1 people smell like peppermint an5 3i-arettes@C 9 sai5. =e kept mo)in-@ "is "an5 on my arm no%. A9 also smell -un oil.C Great. Hamil %as %aitin- 1or us >ust up a"ea5. $"e t"ree %ereleopar5s %aite5 amon- t"e trees. Hamil 3ame 8a3k to us@ smilin-@ an5 en)elope5 8ot" o1 us in a 8i-@ "earty "u-. ADou -uys are so 5amne5 slo% toni-"t.C He "u--e5 us a-ainst "im an5 %"ispere5@ A9 smell t%o@ may8e t"ree@ to our le1t.C A#ne o1 t"em is a -uy 9 8eat up yester5ay@C Hason sai5@ smilin- as i1 %e %ere talkin- a8out somet"in- else entirely. A<e)en-e may8eBC He ma5e it a ;uestion. AHo% 1ar a%ay are t"eyBC 9 aske5. He 5re% 8a3k %it" a 8i- )ery un2Hamil -rin. He %"ispere5@ AA 1e% yar5s. 9 3an smell t"e -uns.C 9 en3ir3le5 "is slen5er %aist %it" my arm an5 %"ispere5 a-ainst "is 3"est. A=e 5on?t "a)e any -uns. Any su--estionsBC Hason leane5 in@ lau-"in-@ an5 sai5@ A9 5on?t 1eel -oo5 enou-" to outrun t"em.C 9 patte5 "is arm. A7e@ eit"er.C A91 t"ey?re "ere 1or re)en-e@C Hamil sai5@ At"en may8e@ t"ey?ll settle 1or >ust t"e t%o o1 you.C 9 5re% 8a3k 1rom "im. 9 %asn?t sure 9 like5 "is reasonin-. ASoBC ADou stay "ere an5 make out. $"ey mo)e up to -et you@ an5 9 -et t"em.C A$"ey?)e -ot -uns. Dou 5on?t.C A9?ll sen5 Kane an5 !"erry to t"e ot"ers. $"ey?ll 8rin- rein1or3ements. But %e 3an?t let t"em 1ollo% us to t"e lupanar. =e 3an?t take 5an-er t"ere.C ASome %ere%ol1 ruleBC 9 aske5. ADes@C "e sai5. AAll ri-"t@C 9 sai5. ABut 5on?t let t"em kill me@ okayBC A="at a8out meBC Hason sai5. ASorry. Him eit"er.C Hamil leane5 into 8ot" o1 us. A9 su--est t"e t%o o1 you -et a lot more 3oEy@ 1ast@ or t"ey?re not -oin- to 8uy it.C 9 trans1erre5 my arm to Hason?s %aist@ 8ut sai5@ AHo% lon- "a)e t"ey 8een %at3"in-BC A7ake t"em t"ink you?re 5runk@ >ust in 3ase t"ey sa% t"e s3reamin-. 7ake out@ 8ut -et on t"e -roun5 as soon as possi8le in 3ase t"ey >ust 5e3i5e to s"oot you.C =it" t"at 3om1ortin- t"ou-"t@ Hamil %ent 8a3k to t"e ot"ers. He %alke5 a%ay into t"e 5ark %it" t"e %ereleopar5s. Kane looke5 at me as t"ey %alke5 a%ay@ 8ut 9 no55e5 on3e@ an5 t"at seeme5 to satis1y "im. He turne5 an5 let Hamil lea5 "im a%ay. 9 really %as -oin- to "a)e to 1in5 t"e leopar5s a true alp"a. $"ey %ere all so 5amn su8missi)e. Hason pus"e5 me up a-ainst a tree. A=at3" it@C 9 sai5. He -rinne5 at me. A=e %ant it to look real@ 5on?t %eBC A9 t"ou-"t %e "a5 a moment o1 real 1rien5s"ip 8on5in- 8a3k t"ere@C 9 sai5. Hason leane5 in to%ar5s me as i1 "e %ere -oin- to kiss me. AHust 8e3ause %e?re 1rien5s 5oesn?t mean t"at 9 5on?t %ant to sleep %it" you.C He kisse5 me@ a so1t 8rus" o1 lips. 9 1ro%ne5 at "im@ not kissin- 8a3k. APlease tell me t"at you 5on?t %ant to sleep %it" all your 1emale 1rien5s.C He put a "an5 on eit"er si5e o1 my "ea5@ proppin- "imsel1 a-ainst t"e tree. A="at 3an 9 sayB 9?m a -uy.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"at?s not an e*3use.C He leane5 "is %"ole 8o5y into me in a sort o1 stan5in- pus"2up. $"e mus3les in "is arms s%elle5 %it" t"e e11ort. AHo% a8out 8e3ause it?s me.C

9 smile5. A$"at 9?ll 8uy.C 9 put my "an5s on "is %aist. He %as leanin- a-ainst me 8ut not too "ar5. He 3oul5 "a)e 8een takin- a lot more a5)anta-e o1 t"e situation t"an "e %as. 9 realiEe5 t"at "e %as 8ein- a -entleman. $"ere %as a time not lon- a-o t"at Hason %oul5n?t "a)e ma5e t"e e11ort. =e %ere 1rien5s. But %e nee5e5 to -et 5o%n on t"e -roun5@ an5 t"is %asn?t -ettin- us t"ere. 9 -lan3e5@ as 3asually as 9 3oul5@ at t"e ot"ers. 9 3oul5 still see Kane@ an5 !"erry?s "air -leame5 t"rou-" t"e trees. 9 "a5 a sense t"at Hamil an5 /at"aniel %as still %it" t"em@ 8ut it %as all t"at 8lon5 "air t"at ma5e t"em so )isi8le. 91 t"e 8a5 -uys "a5 a "i-"2po%ere5 ri1le@ t"ey 3oul5 s"oot us 8ot" t"rou-" t"e tree. #n3e t"e ot"ers -ot out o1 si-"t@ t"ey mi-"t 5o >ust t"at. 9 sli5 my "an5s up Hason?s 3"est. $"e skin %as so1t@ 8ut un5erneat"@ "e %as )ery 1irm. 9 kne% %"at t"at smoot" 1les" 1elt like s"re55in- un5er 3la%s. 9t %asn?t t"e munin 3omin- 8a3k. 9t %as >ust me 1las"in- on t"e )ision. 9 8alle5 my "an5s into 1ists an5 1or3e5 my "an5s to "is 1a3e. 9 5i5n?t %ant to 5o anyt"in- t"at %oul5 remin5 eit"er o1 us o1 %"at %e?5 >ust s"are5. $"ere %as al%ays t"e e*tra 5an-er t"at it 3oul5 8rin- <aina 8a3k. /o@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e 3"annelin- <aina %it" arme5 -oons in t"e %oo5s. 9 3ra5le5 Hason?s 1a3e in my "an5s@ mo)in- >ust my "ea5 to%ar5s "im. As 9 leane5 into "im@ "e leane5 more into me. 9 %as su55enly )ery a%are t"at "is 8o5y %as presse5 5o%n t"e len-t" o1 mine. 9t ma5e me "esitate@ 8ut %"en "is lips 8rus"e5 mine@ 9 kisse5 "im. 9 ran my "an5 8a3k t"rou-" "is "air@ until 9 "a5 a "an51ul o1 it. 9 %"ispere5 into "is mout"@ A=e nee5 to -et on t"e -roun5 as soon as possi8le.C He kisse5 me "ar5er@ "an5s 5roppin- to my 8elt. He sli5 "is 1in-ertips insi5e t"e 8elt@ an5 knelt in 1ront o1 me@ pullin- me 5o%n %it" "im. 9 let "im. He 1ell 8a3k into t"e lea)es an5 pulle5 me 5o%n on top o1 "im. 9 proppe5 mysel1 on my s3rape5 1orearms a-ainst "is 3"est@ sort o1 startle5. 9 >ust %asn?t a -oo5 enou-" a3tress 1or t"is. 9 3oul5 1eel "is "eart t"u55in- un5er my "an5s. He rolle5 me su55enly@ an5 9 let out a little yip o1 surprise. He en5e5 )ery 1irmly on top@ an5 9 5i5n?t like it. A9 %ant on top@C 9 sai5. He put "is lips ne*t to my 3"eek. A91 t"ey s"oot us@ 9 3an take a 8ullet 8etter t"an you 3an.C He ru88e5 "is 3"eek alon- my 1a3e@ an5 9 realiEe5 "e %as 5oin- t"e %ere%ol1 -reetin-. 7ay8e it %as t"eir )ersion o1 a "an5s"ake@ 8ut 9?5 ne)er 8een tempte5 to s"ake "an5s %"ile makin- out. 9 %"ispere5 into "is ear@ %"i3" %as )ery 3lose to my mout"@ A4o you "ear t"emBC ADes.C He raise5 "is 1a3e enou-" to kiss me. AHo% 3loseBC 9 kisse5 "im 8a3k@ 8ut %e %ere 8ot" listenin-@ strainin- to "ear. Here %e %ere@ lyin- on top o1 ea3" ot"er@ 8o5ies per1e3tly mat3"e5 up@ an5 %e %ere 8ot" ti-"t enou-" t"at 9 3oul5 1eel t"e mus3les alon- "is 8a3k knottin-. AA 1e% yar5s@C "e sai5. A$"ey?re -oo5.C He reste5 "is 3"eek a-ainst mine. A$"ey mo)e ;uietly.C A/ot ;uiet enou-"@C 9 %"ispere5. A!an you "ear t"emBC "e aske5. A/o.C =e %ere 8ot" >ust starin- at ea3" ot"er. /eit"er o1 us %as makin- mu3" o1 an e11ort to kiss or anyt"in- else. 9 3oul5 1eel t"at "is 8o5y %as "appy to 8e presse5 up a-ainst mine@ 8ut it %as all se3on5ary. 7en %it" -uns %ere 3omin-. 7en %"o 5i5n?t like us )ery mu3". 9 stare5 up into "is eyes 1rom in3"es a%ay. 9 kne% t"ey %ere pale 8lue@ 8ut 8y moonli-"t t"ey looke5 almost sil)er. ADou?re not -oin- to 5o anyt"in- stupi5 like s"iel5 my 8o5y %it" yours.C He pus"e5 >ust a little %it" "is "ips an5 -rinne5. A="y 5o you t"ink 9?m on topBC $"e -rin an5 t"e "ip mo)ement %ere to 5istra3t me 1rom "o% )ery serious "is eyes %ere. AGet o11 o1 me@ Hason.C A/ope@C "e sai5. He proppe5 "imsel1 up on "is arms@ pressin- into me@ leanin- o)er like %e %ere kissin-. A$"ey?re almost "ere.C 9 sli5 a kni1e out 1or eit"er "an5. He %"ispere5 a-ainst my mout". A=e?re suppose5 to look "elpless@ remem8erB Bait 5oesn?t -o arme5.C 9 3oul5 1eel "o% )ery smoot" "is 3"eek %as@ smell "is 3olo-ne. 9 stare5 past t"e pale "alo o1 "is "air. A=e >ust trust t"at Hamil an5 t"e rest %ill sa)e us@ is t"at itBC He li3ke5 my 3"in@ t"en my mout". 9 realiEe5 "e %as 5oin- t"e su8missi)e -reetin-. He %as 8e--in- me to -o alon-. His ton-ue %as )ery %et an5 )ery %arm. AStop li3kin- me@ an5 9?ll 5o it@C 9 sai5. He lau-"e5@ 8ut it %as "i-" %it" an e5-e o1 tension to it. 9 3oul5n?t res"eat" t"e kni)es %it" "im presse5 on top o1 me@ so 9 lai5 t"em 5o%n in t"e lea)es. 9 kept my "an5s on t"em@ li-"tly@ 8ut trie5 to rela* an5 look "armless. =it" Hason presse5 on top o1 me@ kissin- 5o%n my ne3k@ it %as easy to look "elpless. $"e rela*e5 part %asn?t -oin- to "appen.

9 "ear5 t"em no%@ mo)in- t"rou-" t"e 5ry lea)es. $"ey %ere ;uiet. 91 9 "a5n?t 8een listenin- 1or it@ 9 mi-"t "a)e t"ou-"t it %as %in5@ an animal mo)in- t"rou-" t"e un5er-ro%t". But it %asn?t. 9t %as men mo)in- "ea)y an5 se3reti)ely t"rou-" t"e 1orest. Huntin-. $"ey %ere "untin-. $"ey %ere "untin- Hason an5 me. 9 sa% t"e 1irst one roun5 t"e tree@ an5 9 %asn?t a -oo5 enou-" a3tress to look surprise5. 9 >ust stare5 up at "im %it" Hason on top o1 me@ still kissin- t"e si5e o1 my ne3k. He?5 looke5 8i- yester5ay. 'rom 1lat on my 8a3k@ "e %as enormous@ like a t%o2le--e5 tree. $"e ri1le in "is "an5 looke5 lon- an5 8la3k an5 "ostile. He 5i5n?t point it at us@ >ust "el5 it in t"e 3rook o1 one arm. A 8i- smile split "is pale 1a3e. 9 "ear5 t"e se3on5 man 8e1ore "e tou3"e5 Hason?s s"oul5er %it" t"e tip o1 a 5ou8le28arrele5 s"ot-un. $"e moment 9 sa% t"e s"ot-un@ 9 kne% t"ey?5 3ome to kill us. Dou 5i5n?t -o a1ter people %it" s"ot-uns i1 you >ust meant to s3are t"em@ not as a -eneral rule@ any%ay. 91 it %ere sil)er s"ot at t"is ran-e@ "e 3oul5 "a)e kille5 8ot" o1 us. 9 %asn?t s3are5 yet. 9 %as pisse5. ="ere t"e "ell %as our 8a3kupB Hason raise5 "is 1a3e slo%ly. $"e s"ot-un tappe5 "is 3"eek almost -ently. A7y 8rot"er 7el sen5s "is re-ar5s.C 9 rolle5 my eyes to look past t"e s"ot-un. $"e man %as %earin- a 8la3k $2s"irt %it" a Harley lo-o on it. His 8elly "un- out o)er "is 8elt. $"ere %as a 1amily resem8lan3e. 9 sai5 )ery 3almly@ ea3" %or5 3are1ul 8ut not s3are5@ A="at 5o you %antBC 7el?s 8rot"er lau-"e5. $"e 1irst man >oine5 "im. $"ey stoo5 o)er us %it" t"e -uns an5 lau-"e5. /ot a -oo5 si-n. ="ere t"e 1u3k %as HamilB AGet o11 o1 "er real slo%@C t"e 1irst man sai5. $"e ri1le %as at "is s"oul5er no%@ snu--le5 a-ainst "is 3"in like "e kne% %"at "e %as 5oin-. Hason leane5 o)er me until 9 %as as "i55en as 9 3oul5 -et un5er "is 8o5y. Bein- s"ort ma5e it "ar5 1or "im to s"iel5 me 3ompletely. 9 tol5 "im. AGet o11 o1 me.C A/o@C "e sai5. He?5 seen t"e s"ot-un@ too. An5 9 realiEe5 "e un5erstoo5 %"at it meant. 9 %as not -oin- to let "im 5ie a "ero. 9 %as 3ertainly not -oin- to let "im 5ie 8y spatterin- "is 8rains all o)er me. Some t"in-s you re3o)er 1rom. Some t"in-s you 5on?t. =ipin- Hason?s 8rains o11 my 1a3e mi-"t 8e one o1 t"e latter. 9 let -o o1 t"e kni1e in my ri-"t "an5@ lettin- t"e 8la5e lie in t"e lea)es. 9t took e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 not to ti-"ten my -rip on t"e one in my le1t. 9 trie5 to keep my "an5 )ery still. 9n t"e 5ark@ t"ey mi-"t not noti3e. $"ey "a5n?t@ so 1ar. AGet o11 o1 "er@C t"e man repeate5@ Aor 9 %ill s"oot you 8ot" %"ere you lay.C A#11@ Hason@C 9 sai5 so1tly. He mo)e5 enou-" so %e 3oul5 see ea3" ot"er?s eyes. 9 looke5 to my ri-"t at t"e ri1leman. $"en 9 tou3"e5 my 3"est an5 looke5 at 7el?s 8rot"er. 9 %as tryin- to tell "im t"at t"e ri1le %as "is pro8lem an5 t"e s"ot-un %as mine. 9 "ope5 "e un5erstoo5. ,it"er "e 5i5@ or "e "a5 "is o%n plan@ 8e3ause "e raise5 )ery slo%ly an5 -ot to "is knees. 9 sat up@ not too 1ast@ not too slo%. 9 kept my le1t "an5 in t"e lea)es@ kni1e -rippe5 ti-"tly. $"e ri1leman sai5@ AHan5s on your "ea5@ 8oy.C Hason 5i5n?t ar-ue. He >ust 3laspe5 "is "an5s on "is "ea5 like "e?5 5one it 8e1ore. /o one tol5 me to put my "an5s on my "ea5@ so 9 5i5n?t. 91 %e %ere lu3ky@ t"ey?5 treat me like a -irl. $"e ri1leman "a5 8een un3ons3ious %"en 9 "urt 7el. $"e one %it" t"e s"ot-un "a5n?t 8een t"ere. ="at "a5 7el tol5 t"emB $"e ri1leman sai5@ A<emem8er me@ ass"oleBC A9s "e askin- you or meBC 9 aske5. 9 s3oote5 in t"e lea)es a little 3loser to t"e -uy %it" t"e s"ot-un. A4on?t -et 3ute@ 3"i3kie@C t"e ri1leman sai5. A=e 3ame "ere 1or 8ot" o1 you@ 8ut 9 %ant my pie3e o1 t"is one 1irst.C Hason 1li3ke5 "is eyes to me. ADou must 8e losin- some o1 your 3"arm@ Anita. He %ants a pie3e o1 me instea5 o1 you.C $"e ri1leman "a5 t"e ri1le aime5 )ery stea5ily at t"e mi55le o1 Hason?s 3"est. 91 it %ere sil)er ammo@ "e %as -one. $"e ri1leman sai5@ A!"u3k.C !"u3k@ t"e one %it" t"e s"ot-un@ -ra88e5 my le1t arm. 9 opene5 my "an5 an5 let t"e kni1e 1all 8e1ore "e raise5 my "an5 1ree o1 t"e lea)es. $"e ri1le %as too stea5y on Hason 1or me to try sta88in- !"u3k. 91 9 %ere lu3ky@ 9?5 -et anot"er 3"an3e. 91 9 %asn?t@ 9 %as -oin- to 3ome 8a3k an5 "aunt Hamil. !"u3k?s "an5s %ere 8i- an5 meaty. $"i3k 1in-ers 5u- into my arm enou-" t"at i1 9 li)e5@ 9?5 8e 8ruise5. A91 you 5on?t 5o e*a3tly %"at 9 say@ your -irl1rien5 -ets it.C

9 %ante5 to say@ A="o %rites your 5ialo-ueBC 8ut 9 5i5n?t. $"e s"ot-un "o)ere5 a8out an in3" 1rom my 3"eek. Pretty 3lear %"at it %as. 9 3oul5 smell t"e oil in t"e -un 8arrels. 9t "a5 8een 3leane5 re3ently. /i3e to kno% o1 !"u3k took 3are o1 "is %eapon. $"e ri1leman 5i5 t%o t"in-s almost at on3eJ He steppe5 1or%ar5 an5 re)erse5 "is -un. $"e ri1le 8utt smas"e5 into Hason?s 3"in. Hason s%aye5 8ut 5i5n?t 1all. $"e ri1le sta88e5 at "im a-ain@ 3at3"in- "im "i-" on one 3"eek8one. Bloo5 spille5 in a 8la3k line. 9 must "a)e mo)e5@ 8e3ause t"e s"ot-un %as su55enly presse5 a-ainst my 3"eek. A4on?t 5o it@ 8it3".C 9 s%allo%e5 an5 spoke )ery 3are1ully %it" t"e 3ool metal a-ainst my 1a3e. A4o %"atBC AAnyt"in-@C "e sai5. He >erke5 my arm 1or emp"asis@ -rin5in- t"e s"ot-un into my 3"eek. $"e ri1leman sai5@ A$"e 5o3 sai5 you 3oul5 "a)e 8roken my spine. Sai5 9 %as lu3ky. 9 am -oin- to "urt you@ ass"ole@ t"en 9?m -oin- to kill you. 91 you take it like a man@ 9?ll let t"e -irl -o. Dou %imp out@ an5 9 5o you 8ot".C He smas"e5 t"e ri1le into Hason?s mout". Bloo5 an5 somet"in- "ea)ier 1le% s"inin- in t"e moonli-"t. $"e 8eatin- 8e-an in earnest. 9?5 seen people "urt on t"e >u5o mat. 9?5 -one to martial arts tournaments. 9?5 e)en 8een kno3ke5 out a 3ouple o1 times 1or real 8y 8a5 -uys. But 9?5 ne)er seen a real 8eatin-@ not like t"is. 9t %as met"o5i3al@ t"orou-"@ pro1essional. Hason ma5e no mo)e to prote3t "imsel1. He ne)er 3rie5 out. He >ust knelt in t"e lea)es an5 took it. His 1a3e %as 3o)ere5 in 8loo5. His eyes 1luttere5@ an5 9 kne% "e %as 3lose to passin- out. 9 "a5 to 5o somet"in- 8e1ore "e lost it. $"rou-" it all@ !"u3k "a5 kept t"e s"ot-un presse5 to my 1a3e so "ar5 9 kne% 9?5 "a)e t"e imprint o1 it on my skin. He ne)er %a)ere5@ ne)er -a)e me any 3"an3e to 5o anyt"in-. 9 %as 8e-innin- to t"ink t"at !"u3k %asn?t an amateur. 9?5 -i)en up on Hamil or anyone else. 9t %as >ust t"e 1our o1 us in t"e 5arkene5 %oo5s. Hust t"e sma3k o1 t"e ri1le "ittin- 1les". $"e soun5 o1 t"e ri1leman?s -runt o1 e11ort as "e trie5 to make Hason 3ry out. Hason 1inally slippe5 to "is si5e. He trie5 to keep "is "an5s up@ 8ut "e 3oul5n?t. He leane5 on "is arms in t"e lea)es. $"ere %as a 1ine@ )isi8le trem8lin- in "is upper 8o5y. He %as 1i-"tin- to stay upri-"t. ABe- me to stop@C t"e ri1leman sai5. ABe- me@ an5 may8e 9?ll >ust s"oot you. Be- me to stop@ or 9 %ill 1u3kin- 8eat you to 5eat".C 9 8elie)e5 "im. 9 t"ink Hason 5i5@ too@ 8e3ause "e >ust s"ook "is "ea5. He kne% i1 "e -a)e t"e man %"at "e %ante5@ "e %oul5 1inis" it. 9 1elt somet"in-@ a pri3klin- rus" o1 %armt". 9t %as <i3"ar5. He %as out t"ere some%"ere. He opene5 t"e mark insi5e my 8o5y. 9t 1lo%e5 o)er my skin an5 a3ross !"u3k?s "an5. A="at t"e 1u3k %as t"atBC "e aske5. 9 5i5n?t mo)e or say anyt"in-. AAns%er me@ 8it3"@ you tryin- some ma-i3 s"it on meBC He pus"e5 t"e s"ot-un in e)en "ar5er. 91 "e kept it up@ "e %as >ust -oin- to s"o)e it t"rou-" my 3"eek. A=asn?t me@C 9 sai5. He >erke5 me to my knees@ an5 t"e s"ot-un %asn?t presse5 into me anymore. 9t %as pointe5 out into t"e 5arkness 1or >ust a se3on5. 9t %as one o1 t"ose moments. ,)eryt"in- slo%e5 5o%n@ as i1 9 "a5 all t"e time in t"e %orl5 to 5ra% t"e 8i- kni1e 5o%n my 8a3k. $"e kni1e 3leare5 t"e s"eat". $"e s"ot-un an5 !"u3k turne5 8a3k to%ar5s me. 9 use5 t"e momentum o1 5ra%in- t"e 8la5e to s%in- it 5o%n an5 a3ross. 9 1elt t"e tip 3at3" !"u3k?s t"roat@ an5 kne% it %asn?t a killin- 8lo%. Somet"in- 1ell 1rom t"e trees a8o)e us. A s"a5o% only a little more soli5 t"an t"e rest. $"e s"ot-un?s 8arrels %ere like t%o 5ark tunnels pointe5 at my 1a3e. 9 "ear5 t"e ri1le 8e"in5 me@ 8ut t"ere %as no time to look 1or Hason. $"ere %as >ust t"e -un pointe5 at my 1a3e@ t"e s"a5o% t"at 9 5i5n?t "a)e time to look up an5 see. $"e s"a5o% 1ell 8et%een us. $"e s"a5o% "a5 1ur. $"e s"ot-un e*plo5e5 on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"at 1urre5 s"a5o%. $"e ly3ant"rope sta--ere5 8a3k%ar5s 8ut 5i5n?t 1all. $"e s"ot-un e*plo5e5 a-ain@ 8ot" 8arrels. Be1ore t"e e3"oes 5ie5@ 9 %as s3ram8lin- t"rou-" t"e lea)es@ aroun5 t"e ly3ant"rope. !"u3k?s eyes %ere %il5@ s"o%in- %"ite@ 8ut "e "a5 t"e s"ot-un 8roken 5o%n a3ross "is le1t arm. $"e t%o spent s"ells %ere -one an5 t%o more %ere 8ein- s"o)e5 into t"e 8ree3". He %as -oo5. 9 s"o)e5 t"e 8la5e >ust un5er "is 8i- s"iny 8elt 8u3kle. A s"u55er ran t"rou-" "im@ 8ut "e sli5 t"e s"ells insi5e t"e 8ree3". 9 s"o)e5 t"e 8la5e in until it -rate5 on 8one@ spine or pel)i3 -ir5le@ %"o kne%. He slappe5 t"e 8ree3" 3lose5 a-ainst "is arm like "e %as skeet s"ootin-. 9 pulle5 t"e 8la5e out o1 "is 8o5y in a -out o1 8loo5. He 1ell in slo% motion@ strai-"t 5o%n to "is knees. 9 li1te5 t"e ne%ly loa5e5 s"ot-un 1rom "is "an5s@ an5 "e 5i5n?t 1i-"t me. He knelt in t"e lea)es an5 8linke5 out into t"e 5arkness. He 5i5n?t seem to 8e seein- me no%. Someone %as s3reamin-@ "i-" an5 %il5. 9 -lan3e5 8e"in5 me@ an5 it %as t"e ri1leman. He %as sittin- on t"e -roun5 %it" one arm pointe5 up in t"e moonli-"t. $"e arm %as missin- 1rom t"e el8o% 5o%n. Hason %as lyin- )ery still in t"e lea)es. Kane %as sittin- 8esi5e "im %it" 8loo5 on t"e 8a3k o1 "is yello% $2s"irt. 9 stoo5 an5 mo)e5 a%ay 1rom !"u3k. He 1ell 1a3e 1or%ar5 into t"e lea)es. He %as ali)e enou-" to put "is 1a3e to one si5e@ 8ut not to 3at3" "imsel1 %it" "is "an5s. $"e %ere%ol1 t"at "a5 sa)e5 me %as lyin- on "is 8a3k@ -aspin- 1or air.

$"ere %as a "ole in "is -ut 8i--er t"an my t%o 1ists. $"ere %as a 8itter smell almost like )omit 8ut ranker. His intestines "a5 8een per1orate5. $"e smell tol5 me t"at. $"e -ut %oun5 %oul5n?t kill "im. ,)en i1 it %as sil)er s"ot@ it %oul5n?t kill "im ri-"t a%ay. $"e se3on5 %oun5 %as "i-"er up in t"e 5eep@ 8roa5 3"est. His 8la3k 1ur %as %et to t"e tou3"@ soake5 %it" 8loo5. 9 3oul5 "a)e s"o)e5 my "an5s in t"e 5ark@ %et "ole@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t see s"it. 9 3oul5n?t see i1 t"e "eart %as 5ama-e5. His 8reat"in- %as %et@ sloppy@ almost stran-le5. 9 3oul5 "ear 8u88lin- 3omin- 1rom t"e %oun5. At least one lun- "a5 8een 3ompromise5@ t"at?s %"at 9 %as "earin-. He %as still stru--lin- to 8reat"e@ so "is "eart "a5 to 8e %orkin-@ 5i5n?t itB <eal %ere%ol)es look sort o1 like mo)ie %ol1men@ 8ut t"e mo)ies ne)er ;uite 3apture it. He@ )ery 5e1initely a "e@ lay on "is 8a3k@ -aspin-. 9t %as like %at3"in- a 5ream 8reat"e@ e*3ept t"is 5ream %as 5yin-. 9 t"ou-"t it %as one o1 Verne?s %ol)es@ t"at 9 5i5n?t kno% "im. $"en 9 sa% t"e remnants o1 a %"ite $2s"irt 3au-"t on one s"oul5er like a 8it o1 1or-otten skin. 9 pulle5 -ently on t"e 3lot"@ an5 sa% t"e smiley 1a3e on it. 9 stare5 into yello% %ol1 eyes. Stare5 5o%n at Hamil. He?5 5one %"at a 8o5y-uar5 is suppose5 to 5o. He?5 taken my 8ullet. 9 took o11 my s"irt an5 pa3ke5 it into t"e "ole in "is 3"est. 9t took 8ot" my "an5s to 3o)er t"e %oun5@ to try an5 make a seal so "e 3oul5 8reat"e a-ain. So "e %oul5n?t 8lee5 to 5eat". 9 %"ispere5@ A4on?t 5ie on me@ 5amn it@C t"en 9 starte5 s3reamin- 1or "elp.

Chapter Twenty-six
7y "an5s %ere %et %it" 8loo5. $"e s"irt "a5 soake5 up %"at 8loo5 it 3oul5@ 8ut more %as pourin- out. 9t %as soakin- into my >eans@ 3o)erin- my 1orearms. He stare5 at me %it" yello% eyes@ mout" open@ tryin- 5esperately to keep 8reat"in-. Lon-23la%e5 "an5s ma5e small 3on)ulsi)e mo)ements in t"e lea)es. A pri3klin- %armt" sprea5 un5er my "an5s. His skin mo)e5 un5er my "an5s like %arm@ 1urry %ater. S"apes appeare5 out o1 t"e 5arkness. $"ey looke5 like people@ 8ut 9 kne% it %as a lie. =ere%ol)es29 %as eye8all 5eep in %ere%ol)es. AHe nee5s a 5o3tor@C 9 sai5. A 5ark2"aire5 man %it" small@ roun5 -lasses knelt on t"e ot"er si5e o1 Hamil. He opene5 a lar-e 8ro%n sat3"el an5 pulle5 out a stet"os3ope. 9 5i5n?t ;uestion it. 7ost pa3ks "a5 a 5o3tor. /e)er kne% %"en you?5 nee5 some 3on1i5ential me5i3al 3are. He pus"e5 my "an5s 1rom t"e %oun5. A9t?s "ealin-. 9t %asn?t sil)er s"ot.C He s"one a penli-"t into t"e %oun5. A="at t"e "ell is in t"ereBC A7y s"irt.C AGet it out 8e1ore t"e skin "eals aroun5 it.C $"e %oun5 %as "ealin-. 7y "an5 8arely s;ueeEe5 into t"e openin-. 9 -ot a "an51ul o1 8loo52soake5 s"irt an5 pulle5. 9t 3ame out in a lon- %et sloppy mess. Bloo5 poure5 in a stea5y stream 1rom one 3orner o1 t"e s"irt. 9 let t"e s"irt 1all to t"e lea)es. 9 %oul5 not 8e %earin- it toni-"t. 9 "a5 a t"ou-"t t"at 9 %as %earin- not"in- a8o)e t"e %aist e*3ept a 8la3k 8ra. 9 5i5n?t 3are. A9s "e -oin- to li)eBC 9 aske5. AHe?ll li)e.C APromise@C 9 sai5. He stare5 at me an5 no55e5. Stray moonli-"t ma5e "is -lasses look like 8lank sil)er mirrors. A9 promise.C 9 looke5 5o%n into Hamil?s %ol1is" 1a3e. 9 stroke5 t"e 1ur a3ross "is 1ore"ea5. $"e 1ur %as 8ot" rou-" an5 t"i3k an5 so1t. A9?ll 8e ri-"t 8a3k.C $"ere %ere ot"er people %it" Hason an5 Kane. !"erry %it" Kane@ 3ra5lin- "im. /at"aniel %as kneelin- 8y t"em@ 8ut "is eyes %ere 1or me. $"ere %as e)en a man leanin- o)er t"e ri1leman. He %as tyin- a 8elt o11 on t"e stump o1 "is arm. Goo5. 9 %ante5 "im ali)e. 9 "a5 ;uestions 1or "im 8ut not yet. 9 knelt 8y Hason. He lay in t"e lea)es on "is si5e. A %oman %as ten5in- "is %oun5s. S"e %as 5resse5 in s"ort s"orts an5 a "alter top@ 5ark "air tie5 8a3k in a loose ponytail. 9t %asn?t until s"e turne5 "er "ea5 t"at 9 realiEe5 it %as Lu3y. S"e "el5 a penli-"t 8et%een "er teet" an5 %as sear3"in- Hason?s %oun5s %it" sure "an5s@ as i1 s"e kne% %"at s"e %as 5oin-. S"e ans%ere5 my ;uestion 8e1ore 9 aske5. AHe?ll "eal@ 8ut it?s -oin- to take a 3ouple o1 5ays.C ="i3" meant i1 Hason "a5 8een "uman@ t"e 8eatin- %oul5 "a)e 8een 1atal. S"e looke5 at me t"en. #ur eyes met 1rom in3"es a%ay. $"e makeup %as a little less se)ere@ 8ut t"e 1a3e %as still pretty 8y moonli-"t. 9 turne5 a%ay 1rom "er 1irst. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see %"at %as in "er eyes. 9 >ust 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. 9 knelt o)er Hason@ starte5 to tou3" "is 1a3e@ t"en stoppe5 8e3ause t"e 8loo5 %as still %et on my "an5s. He sai5 somet"in- )ery so1t. 9 "a5 to lean o)er "im to "ear it. ALet me li3k t"e 8loo5@C "e sai5.

9 stare5 5o%n at "im@ eyes >ust a little %i5e. ADou?re not 5yin-@ Hason@C 9 sai5. A4on?t -et 3ute.C Verne sai5@ A9t?s 1res" 8loo5@ Anita. 9t?s pa3k 8loo5. 9t %ill "elp "im "eal.C 9 stare5 at "im. $"e lo3al :l1ri3 stoo5 o11 to one si5e@ tall an5 strai-"t an5 slen5er@ lettin- "is me5i3al personnel 5o t"eir >o8s. 9 starte5 to ask "im %"ere t"e "ell "e "a5 8een %"ile %e -ot 3ut up@ 8ut Kane ma5e a soun5. Kane seeme5 to 8e "ealin- >ust 1ine 1rom a ri1le 8last t"at %oul5 "a)e 3ost a "uman "is arm. But it "urt@ an5 "e ma5e small pain soun5s %"ile t"e 5o3tor %orke5 on "im. A$"e 8loo5 %ill "elp t"em "eal@C Verne sai5. A,spe3ially 8loo5 1rom someone as po%er1ul as you are. 7arianne 1ee5s t"e pa3k sometimes.C Lu3y sai5@ A9t really %ill "elp "im.C Her 1a3e %as neutral as s"e sai5 it. 9 looke5 5o%n at Hason. His 1a3e %as a mask o1 8loo5. #ne eye %as s%ollen 3ompletely s"ut. He trie5 to smile at me@ 8ut "is lips %ere so 8a5ly s%ollen t"at t"e smile 5i5n?t %ork. 9t %as like part o1 "is 1a3e >ust 5i5n?t %ork ri-"t no%. 9 tou3"e5 t"ose %oun5e5 lips %it" my 1in-ertips@ 8rus"e5 t"e 1res" 8loo5 a3ross "is lo%er lip. He rolle5 "is lip un5er@ tastin- t"e 8loo5. But t"e mo)ement ma5e "im %in3e. 9t "urt. 9 lai5 t%o 1in-ers a-ainst "is lips an5 sli5 t"em -ently into "is mout". He trie5 to su3k t"em@ 8ut "is mout" %oul5n?t %ork ri-"t. He li3ke5 t"e 8loo5@ s%allo%in- almost 3on)ulsi)ely. 9 5re% t"e 1in-ers out@ an5 "is "an5 3ame up to -ra8 my %rist. 9 let "im -ui5e t%o ne% 1in-ers into "is mout". <i3"ar5 spille5 into t"e 3learin-@ -oin- to "is knees in t"e lea)es. S"an-24a %as at "is 8a3k like a -oo5 8o5y-uar5. <i3"ar5?s -aEe met mine@ an5 >ust t"e -lan3e opene5 me up to "im a little more. =it"out Hean2!lau5e to a3t as a 8u11er@ t"e marks 8et%een <i3"ar5 an5 9 %ere stron-er. He knelt t"ere@ "is 8reat"in- 3omin- in near2pain1ul -asps. 9 3oul5 1eel "is 3"est risin- an5 1allin-@ almost as i1 9 %ere 8reat"in- 1or "im. 9 1elt "im look at t"e %oman 8esi5e me. 9 sa% Lu3y 1or a se3on5 as "e sa% "er. 9 sa% t"e rise o1 "er 8reasts s%ellin- un5er t"e "alter top. $"e line o1 "er 3"eek "al1 in s"a5o%@ "al1 in moonli-"t. S"e raise5 "er 1a3e to meet my eyes like s"e 3oul5 1eel me lookin-. AHe still %ants you@C 9 sai5. S"e -a)e a )ery small smile. ABut not as mu3" as "e %ants you.C $"e marks 8et%een <i3"ar5 an5 9 ;uiete5. 9 3oul5n?t 1eel "im 8reat"e or %"at "e %as t"inkin-. He "a5 3ut me o11. A1rai5 o1 %"at 9?5 see@ may8e. A="at "appene5@ VerneB $"ey %ere suppose5 to 8e sa1e in your lan5s@C <i3"ar5 sai5. !"erry ans%ere5@ AHamil sent t"e t"ree o1 us 1or "elp. HeC2s"e pointe5 to a s"a5o%y 1i-ure on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 3learin-2A%oul5n?t let us pass into t"e lupanar. He %oul5n?t take our re;uest 1or ai5 to Verne.C $"e man steppe5 1or%ar5 so a pat3" o1 moonli-"t s"o%e5 "imJ tall@ mus3ular@ 5ark2"aire5@ pale. A$"ey are not pa3k. $"ey "a)e no ri-"t to 5eman5 passa-e.C Verne %as >ust su55enly t"ere@ an5 t"e tall %ere%ol1 %as on t"e -roun5. 9 "a5n?t seen "im mo)e. 9t %as a spee5 t"at %as 5reamlike@ impossi8le. But 9?5 almost seen it. A9 am :l1ri3. 9 5e3i5e %"o is %ort"y an5 %"o is not@ ,ri3. Dou are only 'reki@ t"ir5 in t"e pa3k. Dou "a)e one more 8attle 8e1ore you 3an e)en 3"allen-e me.C ,ri3 tou3"e5 "is "an5 to "is 1a3e an5 3ame a%ay %it" somet"in- 5ark an5 li;ui5. A9 am not 3"allen-in- you.C $"ere %as mo)ement 8e"in5 me in t"e lea)es. Kane %as 3ra%lin- to%ar5s me@ t"e %oun5e5 arm "el5 3lose to "is 3"est %it" a makes"i1t slin-. A9 3ame 8a3k to "elp %"ile !"erry an5 /at"aniel ar-ue5 %it" t"eir %at3"%ol1.C 9 3oul5 1eel an intensity to "is -aEe@ e)en in t"e 5ark. A$"e 8loo5?s -oin- to 5ry 8e1ore "e -ets to it all.C He staye5 t"ere in t"e lea)es@ >ust out o1 tou3"in- 5istan3e. His s"irt "a5 8een rippe5 o11 one si5e o1 "is slen5er 3"est. 9t "un- in ra-s to one s"oul5er. He stare5 at me an5 e)en 8y s3attere5 moonli-"t@ 9 3oul5 see t"e nee5@ not in "is 1a3e 8ut in "is 8o5y@ t"e %ay "e "el5 "imsel1. He %as askin- 1or more t"an t"e "ealin- o1 "is 8o5y. 91 "e "a5n?t 8een t"ere@ Hason %oul5 8e 5ea5 no%. ,)en a ly3ant"rope "as a limit to t"e 5ama-e "e 3an take. Hason "el5 t"e palm o1 my "an5 to "is mout"@ li3kin- %it" lon-@ lin-erin- mo)ements. ADou nee5 t"e ot"er "an5BC 9 aske5. A9t %ill 8e 5rie5 8e1ore "e 3an use it@C Lu3y sai5. 9 stare5 at "er an5 "ate5 "er >ust a little. Hate5 "er 1or "a)in- 8een in <i3"ar5?s 8e5. Hate5 "er 1or 5oin- t"in-s %it" "im t"at 9?5 ne)er allo%e5 mysel1 to 5o. A$"e %ereleopar5 5oesn?t nee5 t"e 8loo5@C <i3"ar5 sai5. AHe?ll "eal %it"out it.C 9 >ust stare5 at "im an5 "el5 my "an5 out to Kane. He 3ra%le5 to me on "is knees an5 "is -oo5 arm. 9 stare5 at <i3"ar5 %"ile Kane took my 1in-ers into "is mout". He su3ke5 on t"em like a "un-ry 3"il5 li3kin- t"e last 8it o1 3ake 1rom a spoon. AHe?s mine@ <i3"ar5@ mine as mu3" as Hason is. 9 am /imir2ra an5 lupa.C <i3"ar5 stoo5. A9 kno% %"at you are@ Anita.C

9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou "a)e no i5ea %"at 9 am.C $"e moment 9 sai5 it@ 9 1elt t"at %arm@ -ro%in- presen3e. 7unin risininsi5e o1 me like a pool o1 %arm %ater@ spillin- up%ar5. <i3"ar5?s mark seeme5 to 8rin- it on sometimes. #r may8e it %as >ust t"e %ay "e ma5e me 1eel. Lust or an-er or 8ot". 9 5i5n?t 1i-"t t"e munin. 7arianne "a5 sai5 i1 9 stoppe5 1i-"tin-@ t"at it %oul5 lose some o1 its 3ontrol o)er me. 9 %asn?t e)en sure 9 3oul5 1i-"t it o11 3ompletely. $"e 8est 9 3oul5 5o %as 3ontrol it. 9 let it 1lo% o)er me@ 5o%n my arms into t"e t%o men. Hason "a5 %orke5 "is %ay to my %rist@ ton-ue mo)in- o)er t"e )eins t"ere. He?5 8een "esitatin- o)er t"e smell o1 1res"er 8loo5 so )ery 3lose to t"e sur1a3e. /o% "is -oo5 eye stare5 up at me@ %i5e@ a little s3are5. 9 smile5 5o%n at "im@ an5 9 kne% t"at it %asn?t >ust my smile. 9 %as still "ere@ 8ut 9 %asn?t e*a3tly alone. <aina?s t"ou-"ts lay o)er mine like a )eil. 9 3oul5 see out@ 8ut it 3olore5 e)eryt"in- 9 sa%. Her 8o5y@ our 8o5y@ %ante5 t"in-s@ 3ra)e5 t"in-s t"at ma5e me %ant to run s3reamin-. But i1 9 %ere 3are1ul@ 9 3oul5 use "er as s"e use5 me. 9t %as like %alkin- up a 1li-"t o1 steep@ narro% stairs %it" a 3up o1 s3al5in- 3o11ee 1ille5 to t"e 8rim. !are1ul@ o"@ so 3are1ul or it spills o)er t"e e5-e an5 you -et 8urne5. $"e alternati)e to lettin- t"e munin "a)e a little 1un %as %"at "appene5 in t"e %oo5s earlier. 9 5i5 not %ant anot"er 1ull2 8lo%n memory %it" Hason an5 Kane "an-in- onto me. /ot toni-"t@ not e)er. Hason 3oul5n?t "an5le it@ an5 neit"er 3oul5 9. 9 looke5 5o%n at Hason. A9t?s all ri-"t@ Hason. ,n>oy t"e 8loo5 %"ile it lasts. 9 5on?t t"ink you?re -oin- to -et t"is o11er t%i3e.C He ran "is ton-ue up my arm@ %orkin- "ar5 a-ainst t"e skin like a 3at %as"in- its o%n 1ur. Kane "a5 su3ke5 my 1in-ers 3lean an5 "a5 raise5 my "an5 up in 1ront o1 "is 1a3e@ 3ra5le5 in "is -oo5 "an5. He %as li3kin- )ery slo%ly@ )ery t"orou-"ly up my palm. $"ere %as a soun5 8e"in5 us. 9 turne5 to see t"e ri1leman. He %as 3ons3ious an5 in some pain. $"e 5o3tor %it" t"e roun5 -lasses %as a8out to -i)e "im a s"ot. 9 3alle5@ ABrin- "im to me.C $"e 5o3tor an5 t"e %ere%ol1 %it" "im looke5 a3ross t"e 3learin- to Verne an5 <i3"ar5. <i3"ar5 "a5 mo)e5 a3ross to t"e ot"er :l1ri3. $"ey %ere 5is3ussin- "o% e)eryt"in- "a5 -one %ron-. $"ey 3oul5 5is3uss t"in-s all ni-"t. 9 %ante5 ans%ers. A4on?t look at t"em. Look at me. An5 8rin- "im to meIC <aina?s munin s%elle5 out%ar5 an5 8urst o)er me@ o)er Hason@ o)er Kane. 9t spille5 o)er Lu3y an5 8rou-"t a -asp 1rom "er t"roat. ,)eryone in t"e 3learin- -ot a taste@ a pre)ie% i1 you like. 9t %as -ettin- "ar5er to "ol5 to-et"er. Har5er to t"ink. $"ey 5ra--e5 t"e ri1leman o)er to me. 9 kne% %"at 9 looke5 like. 9 %as %earin- a 8la3k un5er%ire 8ra t"at "i5 more t"an most 8at"in- suits@ 8ut it %as still a 8ra. 9 %as still 3o)ere5 in 8loo5. Hason an5 Kane %ere li3kin- 8loo5 1rom my nake5 skin. 9t %as stran-e an5 ma3a8re an5 %oul5 %ork as a t"reat )ery ni3ely. $"e 5o3tor an5 t"e ot"er %ere%ol1 t"re% t"e ri1leman 5o%n in 1ront o1 me. Hason an5 Kane i-nore5 "im@ mout"s on my skin. Kane sli5 "is mout" alon- t"e e5-e o1 my skin@ teet" -ratin- e)er so -ently on t"e skin. His eyes sli5 to t"e ri1leman@ an5 9 kne% %e %oul5 put on a s"o% 1or "im. 9 1elt <aina?s munin like a %arm -lo%. S"e@ it@ %"ate)er@ %ante5 to 3o)er Kane?s mout" %it" ours an5 taste Hamil?s 8loo5. =ante5 to rip t"e 8an5a-e o11 "is s"oul5er an5 li3k t"e %oun5. =it" t"e t"ou-"t 3ame t"e kno%le5-e t"at li3kin- t"e %oun5 %oul5 make it "eal 1aster. Surely not. $"e ri1leman stare5 at me@ "is eyes s"o%in- mostly %"ite. 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8reat"@ smell "is 1ear. 9 3oul5 smell "is 1ear like a miasma o1 s%eat. 9 3oul5 taste in "is s3ent "o% in>ure5 "e %as. 9 kne% "is skin %oul5 8e 3ool to t"e tou3" 1rom 8loo5 loss. All t"is 1rom a smell. S"it. A="at?s your nameBC $"e ;uestion seeme5 too "ar5 1or "im. A=e 3an 3"e3k your %allet. ="at?s your nameBC He ma5e an in)oluntary mo)e to "is 8a3k po3ket %it" a "an5 "e 5i5n?t "a)e anymore. A91 %e -et "im to a "ospital soon@C t"e 5o3tor sai5@ At"ey mi-"t 8e a8le to reatta3" t"e arm.C A91 "e ans%ers my ;uestions trut"1ully@ you 3an take "im to t"e "ospital.C A="at?s your nameBC 9 aske5. A$erry@ $erry 'let3"er.C A#kay@ $erry. ="o sent you to kill usBC A9 %ante5 to pay you 8a3k 1or makin- us look 8a5. $"at?s all. /o8o5y %as suppose5 to 5ie.C Hason "a5 3leane5 my arm to t"e el8o%. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e passa-e o1 "is ton-ue like a 3ool line runnin- o)er an5 o)er my skin. Hot %"ere "e still tou3"e5 me@ 3ool %"ere "e?5 >ust 8een. ALies %on?t -et you to a "ospital@ $erry. Lies %on?t sa)e your arm. ="o pai5 you to "urt usBC 9 aske5. AHe?ll kill me.C

9 looke5 at "im an5 lau-"e5. $"e lau-" %as ri3" an5 t"i3k enou-" to "ol5. 9t rolle5 out o1 my mout" an5 it %asn?t my lau-". $"e soun5 raise5 t"e "airs on t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k an5 ma5e Hason "esitate@ mout" presse5 to my arm. A4o you really t"ink 9 %on?t kill youBC A 8reeEe "a5 1inally 3ome up@ "ot an5 stale. Hason?s mout" %as 3ooler. His mout" "a5 "eale5 enou-" to su3k at my skin@ 8ut t"ere %as an e5-e o1 s%ellin- to t"e si5e o1 "is mout". 9 %ante5 to kiss t"e %oun5@ li3k it@ see i1 %"at 9 %as 8ein- tol5 %as ri-"t. !oul5 9 really "eal "imB 9 looke5 at $erry. A$ell me %"o pai5 you to "urt us. $ell me %"o sent you to kill us. $ell me e)eryt"in- 9 %ant to kno%@ an5 t"e -oo5 5o3tor %ill take you to a "ospital %"ere t"ey may sa)e your arm. Lie to me@ an5 your arm is >ust so mu3" meat. Lie to me@ an5 you 5ie toni-"t@ "ere@ in t"is 3learin-. Dou t"ink it o)er@ $erry. 9?)e -ot all ni-"t.C 9 leane5 o)er Hason@ 5ra%in- "is mout" a%ay 1rom my arm. =e kisse5@ an5 9 3oul5 taste Hamil?s 8loo5@ my skin@ t"e 1aint remnant o1 t"e per1ume on my %rist@ an5 Hason?s 8loo5. His mout" "a5 8le5@ an5 9 3oul5 taste t"at@ too. But it %asn?t 8lee5in- no%. 9t %as "ealin-@ an5 9 3oul5 make it "eal 1aster. 9t took e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 not to press my mout" "ar5 a-ainst "is an5 1or3e t"at %armt" into "im@ e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 not to press Hason?s %oun5e5 8o5y into t"e lea)es an5 ri5e "im. 9 5re% a%ay 1rom "im@ eyes 3lose5. 9 opene5 my eyes an5 looke5 at t"e man. Hason mo)e5 to my stoma3"@ li3kin- alont"e top o1 my >eans. $"ey %ere soake5 in 8loo5@ an5 %oul5n?t really 5ry %"ile 9 %as still %earin- t"em. Kane 3ur)e5 aroun5 to my 8a3k@ li3kin- alon- my spine. $"ere %as no 8loo5 t"ere@ an5 "e "a5 to stop at t"e spine s"eat"@ 8ut it looke5 -oo5 1or our 3apti)e au5ien3e. A$alk to me@ $erry. #n3e 9 start 1u3kin- one o1 t"em@ 9 really 5on?t %ant to 8e interrupte5.C 9 leane5 to%ar5s "im >ust a little@ an5 "e 1lin3"e5. 9 5re% a%ay 1rom Hason an5 Kane an5 3ra%le5 to%ar5s $erry. 9 ma5e t"e mo)ement e)eryt"in- Ait %as suppose5 to 8eJ 1lui5@ 5an-erous@ se*ual. ,)en no%@ "is eyes kept 1li3kin- to my 8reasts so %"ite a-ainst t"e 8la3kness o1 t"e lin-erie. ,)en no%@ "e %as still a man. 9 1elt <aina?s utter 5is5ain o1 men. All t"at se*@ an5 it %as mostly "ate. Ho% terri8ly o55. S"e %as en>oyin- terroriEin- t"e man. His %i5e eyes@ t"e ;ui3k 8reat"@ t"e poun5in- o1 "is "eart. 9 3oul5 "ear it. Hell@ 9 3oul5 almost taste "is skin on my ton-ue. 'oo5@ "e smelle5 like 1oo5. A="o sent you@ $erryBC 9 ma5e it a %"isper@ intimate@ 1or "is ears only. 9 rea3"e5 out to "im@ an5 %"en 9 traile5 my 1in-er 5o%n "is 3"eek@ "e %"impere5. 9 leane5 1or%ar5 an5 li3ke5 a ;ui3k line t"e len-t" o1 "is 1a3e. ADou taste like 1oo5@ $erry.C 9 3oul5 1eel t"e ot"ers at our 8a3k. Verne?s pa3k respon5in- to <aina?s 3all. $o my 3all. $"rou-" <i3"ar5@ 9 %as more lupa t"an 9 %ante5 to 8e. But no%@ toni-"t@ it "a5 possi8ilities. $"ey 3ame 1rom e)ery si5e@ mo)in- like s"a5o%s. !reepin3loser@ nearer@ 5ra%n 8y my 5esire an5 t"e man?s terror. He stare5 at t"em@ %at3"e5 t"em 3omin- 3loser %it" %i5e eyes. He turne5 "is "ea5 to %at3" t"em mo)in- in. 9 kisse5 "is 3"eek %"ile "e %asn?t lookin-@ an5 "e s3reame5. A#"@ Go5@ please 5on?t.C <aina?s lau-" 1ell 1rom my lips. A/ames@ $erry@ names.C A/iley@ 'ranklin /iley. He pai5 us to run you o11@ sai5 t"e 3ops %oul5n?t 8e a pro8lem. $"en "e sai5 kill you. Dou espe3ially. He sai5 kill t"at 8it3" 8e1ore s"e ;ueers my 5eal.C A="at 5ealBC 9 %"ispere5. 'rank /iley %as t"e employer o1 t"e mus3leman 7ilo Hart. 9 "a5n?t seen "im sin3e. He %as "ere 1or lan5 spe3ulation. =as "e t"e 8uyer 1or Greene?s lan5B $erry?s eyes 1li3ke5 aroun5 to t"e %aitin- %ere%ol)es. A9 5on?t kno%@ "onest to Go5. 9 5on?t kno%. He pai5 us 1i)e "un5re5 apie3e to "urt you. He ma5e it 1i)e t"ousan5 1or !"u3k an5 me to kill you.C A'i)e t"ousan5 apie3eBC 9 aske5. He no55e5. A9t %asn?t enou-"@C 9 sai5. A=e 5i5n?t kno% you %as a %ere%ol1. =e 5i5n?t kno% %"at you %ere.C #ne o1 t"e s"a5o%y t"ron- %as sni11in- "is le-. $erry?s )oi3e rose a little "i-"er %it" e)ery %or5. His ne*t A9 5i5n?t kno%C %as almost a s3ream. <aina?s munin %as like a %arm pulse 8e"in5 my eyes. 9 leane5 into t"e man@ as i1 9?5 kiss "im. He 8a3ke5 a%ay 8ut 8umpe5 into t"e -oo5 5o3tor. 7y mout" "o)ere5 o)er t"e man?s@ 8ut it %asn?t a kiss 9 %ante5. 9 staye5 t"ere@ "o)erino)er "is mout"@ 1roEen@ 1i-"tin- not to lo%er my mout" to "is ne3k. 'i-"tin- not to sink teet" into "is t"roat an5 tear. 'i-"tin- not to 5ra% 1irst 8loo5 an5 let t"e pa3k 1ee5. 9 starte5 3ra%lin- 8a3k 1rom "im@ as i1 9 %ere t"e one t"at %as a1rai5. A$ake "im to t"e "ospital.C ADou 3an?t let "im li)e@C Kane sai5. A9 promise5 "im i1 "e talke5@ %e?5 take "im.C 9 3aresse5 Kane?s 1a3e. =e staye5 kneelin- in t"e lea)es@ 3lose enou-" to em8ra3e %"en 9 5i5n?t remem8er mo)in- t"at 3lose. A$ake "im@ take t"e arm. An5 $erry@C 9 sai5. $"e man %asn?t lookin- at me. He %as starin- at t"e %aitin- %ol)es. A$erry@C 9 sai5 a-ain. 9 %as still 3aressin- Kane@ one "an5 8urie5 in "is s"ort@ %"ite "air.

$"e man looke5 at me@ eyes 1li3kin- 8a3k an5 1ort" ma5ly as i1 "e %ere tryin- to keep all o1 us in si-"t at on3e. A="atB ="at 5o you %antB Dou sai5 9 3oul5 -o to t"e "ospital.C A91 you tell /iley a8out toni-"t@ a8out %"at 9 am an5 %"at "appene5@ 9?ll kill you.C 9 lo%ere5 Kane?s 1a3e until 9 plante5 a -entle kiss on "is 1ore"ea5. A9 %on?t tell. 9 %on?t tell anyone. /iley?5 kill me i1 "e kne% 9 -a)e "im up. He?5 1u3kin- kill me.C AGoo5@C 9 sai5. 9 3ra5le5 Kane a-ainst me. He 8e-an to li3k 5o%n my ne3k. He passe5 o)er my s"oul5er@ li3kin- a small line 5o%n my 3ollar8one. He %ent lo%er@ an5 9 pus"e5 "im a%ay@ rou-" enou-" t"at "e 1ell on "is %oun5e5 s"oul5er. $"e %orl5 %as narro%in- 5o%n. 9 %as losin- t"e 1i-"t %it" <aina. AGet "im out o1 "ere2no%IC 9 1elt like 9 %as -oin- 8lin5. 9 3oul5 see@ 8ut it %as all 5i11erent. 9 %as 1i-"tin- "er an5 s"e 5i5n?t like it. S"e?5 aske5 1or )iolen3e@ an5 9?5 re1use5. S"e?5 aske5 1or se*@ an5 9?5 re1use5. ,)en 5ea5@ s"e %as a "ar5 la5y to say no to. 9 3o)ere5 my eyes %it" my "an5s. 9 "ear5 someone mo)in- me. A4on?t tou3" me.C A9t?s 7arianne@ 3"il5. $ell me %"at?s "appenin-.C 9 lo%ere5 my "an5s until 9 3oul5 see 7arianne. S"e %as still in t"e %"ite 5ress %it" "er lon-@ pale "air. ADou ne)er met <aina@ 5i5 youBC A/o@ 3"il5.C 9 rea3"e5 1or "er "an5@ an5 it %as >ust a "an5. $"ere %as no memory atta3"e5 to it. /o "orror t"at t"e munin 3oul5 s"are. AHelp me.C S"e -rippe5 my "an5 %it" 8ot" o1 "ers. A9t?s too late to 1or3e t"e munin out. 9t must 8e ma5e to %ant to lea)e.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. AS"e %on?t lea)e.C AS"e?s le1t you 8e1ore.C 9 s"ook my "ea5 "ar5er until my "air slappe5 my 1a3e. ADou 5on?t kno% %"at s"e %ants. Dou 5on?t un5erstan5 %"at s"e %ants. 9 3an?t. 9 %on?t.C <i3"ar5 %as t"ere. He starte5 to tou3" my s"oul5er@ an5 9 1ell 8a3k into t"e lea)es. #ne "an5 raise5 as i1 to %ar5 o11 a 8lo%. 9 5i5 not %ant to kno% %"at <aina "a5 5one %it" "im or to "im. $"at %as one ima-e 9 5i5 not nee5. A="at?s %ron-BC A$"e munin %ill not lea)e until Anita 5oes somet"in- it %ants.C ADou kne% <aina@C 9 sai5. A$ell "er t"e kin5 o1 t"in- <aina en>oye5.C 9t %as risin- insi5e me. 9 3oul5n?t stop it. 9t rose "i-"er an5 "i-"er until t"e po%er spille5 out o1 my mout" in a s"riek. He starte5 to tou3" me an5 9 3ra%le5 a%ay 1rom "im. A/o@ no@ no@ no.C 7arianne 3au-"t me@ "el5 me a-ainst "er. S"e smelle5 like 9)ory soap an5 lila3s. 9 kne% 9 3oul5 "a)e 8roken "er "ol5@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to. 9 %ante5 to 8e "el5. 9 %ante5 "elp. 9 nee5e5 "elp. S"e smoot"e5 my "air@ ro3kin- me like 9 %as a 3"il5. AAnita@ you must -i)e in to t"e munin in part. Dou?)e 5one it 8e1ore. <i3"ar5 "as 5is3usse5 past e)ents %it" me. ="en t"e munin lea)es you t"is time@ %e %ill %ork to-et"er to make sure t"is 5oes not "appen a-ain.C 9 raise5 up enou-" to see "er 1a3e. A!an you really stop t"isBC A9 3an tea3" you "o% to stop it.C 9 stare5 into "er pale eyes 1or a spa3e o1 "eart8eats. 9 3oul5 "ear t"e stran-e 3li3k o1 "er arti1i3ial "eart )al)e. $"e munin %as "intin- t"at 1oo5 %oul5 5o as %ell as se*. /ot as %ell@ 8ut it %oul5 5o. 9 pus"e5 -ently a%ay 1rom 7arianne. ADou?re >ust 1oo5 to "er.C 9 3ra%le5 8a3k 1rom "er@ slo%ly. 7arianne >ust %at3"e5 me@ kneelin- in t"e lea)es in "er %"ite 5ress. S"e %as t"e only one in t"e 3learin- t"at %as more t"an a s"a5o%. All t"at %"iteness 3au-"t t"e moonli-"t an5 -limmere5. S"e looke5 like a tar-et. 9 stoo5@ my 8reat" 3omin- in ra--e5 -asps. 9 3oul5 taste my "eart in my t"roat like a 8all t"at 9 3oul5 "a)e tou3"e5 an5 playe5 %it". 9 looke5 aroun5 t"e 3learin-@ 5esperate 1or a %ay out. Somet"in- t"at <aina %oul5 8e 3ontent %it" an5 9 3oul5 li)e %it". Kane %as starin- at me. <aina %ante5 "im. But %"at s"e %ante5 "a5 )ery little to 5o %it" se*. 9 %ent to "im. He knelt in t"e lea)es@ starin- up at me %it" lar-e eyes -one sil)er %it" moonli-"t. 9 1ell to my knees in 1ront o1 "im an5 rippe5 t"e slin- o11 "is s"oul5er. He ma5e a small -runt o1 pain@ an5 <aina like5 it. $"e pro8lem %it" 5oin- somet"in- to -et t"e munin out %as t"at t"e munin "a5 to 8e in 3ontrol enou-" 1or me to 8e %illin- to 5o %"at it %ante5. Gi)in- "er more 3ontrol seeme5 like a 8a5 i5ea. But %"at s"e %ante5 %as to plant our mout" o)er t"e %oun5 in "is s"oul5er@ an5 9 3oul5n?t 5o it so8er. $"ere %asn?t enou-" <aina in me yet to put my ton-ue in an open %oun5.

9 3ra%le5 a%ay 1rom Kane an5 1oun5 Hason. 9 stare5 at "im. He %as almost a sa1ety Eone 1or me %"en t"e munin "a5 me. $"e munin like5 "im@ an5 9 %asn?t a1rai5 o1 "im. 9 %ent to "im@ kneelin- on all 1ours in t"e lea)es@ 8ut kne% i1 9 tou3"e5 "im an5 9 %as still 1i-"tin- t"e munin@ %e?5 -et anot"er rus" o1 "orror. 91 9 %ent to "im@ it "a5 to 8e 1or real. 9 "a5 to 8e %illin- to -i)e in@ at least a little. His mout" %as almost 3ompletely "eale5. $"e s%ellin- in "is eye %as 8etter. $"e 8loo5 or t"e muninit really %as %orkin-. He %as "ealin-. 9 kne% t"e munin 3oul5 8e use5 1or "ealin- on ly3ant"ropes. 9?5 5one it on3e 8e1ore@ 8ut not like t"is. $"at %as 8a3k %"en <aina 1irst ma5e an appearan3e@ an5 9 "a5n?t realiEe5 "o% mu3" trou8le 9 %as in. /o% 9 kne%@ an5 9 %as s3are5 an5 "ate5 it. <aina t"ou-"t t"at %as "ilarious@ t"at 5ea5@ s"e s3are5 me more t"an s"e "a5 %"en s"e %as ali)e. 9 3oul5 1eel "er pleasure like a line o1 %armt" t"rou-" my 8o5y. $"e e3"o o1 "er lau-"ter 3"ase5 t"rou-" my min5 an5 ma5e -oose1les" on my arms. Bein- possesse5 8y anyone %oul5 "a)e s3are5 me. Bein- possesse5 8y a so3iopat"i3 nymp"omania3 sa5omaso3"ist t"at 9 "a5 kille5 personally %as too 1ri-"tenin- an5 too ironi3 1or %or5s. Hason lay 8a3k in t"e lea)es. 9 %as )ery 3are1ul not to tou3" "im as 9 3ra%le5 o)er "is 8o5y on all 1ours. 9 knelt t"ere on "an5s an5 knees an5 stare5 5o%n at "im@ le-s an5 arms %i5e so t"at %e 5i5n?t a33i5entally tou3". His )oi3e 3ame "oarse@ rou-"@ as i1 somet"in- in "is t"roat %ere still "urtin-@ ADou "a)e a planBC A91 9 5on?t 1i-"t t"e munin@ 7arianne says no memories@ >ust po%er.C He stare5 up at me. ADou -oin- to kiss it an5 make it all 8etterBC 9 no55e5@ my "air sli5in- o)er "is 1a3e. AAll 8etter.C 9 leane5 my 1a3e to%ar5s "is in a sort o1 pus"2up motion. #ur lips 8rus"e5 in a trem8lin- line@ an5 %"at not an "our 8e1ore "a5 8een 3"aste an5 a little un3om1orta8le %as su55enly 3"an-e5. 9 8roke t"e kiss an5 "el5 my 8o5y o11 o1 "is %it" 1in-ertips an5 toes@ my 8o5y a8o)e "is. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e trem8lin- ener-y o1 "is aura un5erneat" me@ pus"in- a-ainst t"e po%er o1 my aura@ t"e po%er t"at %as munin. 9 staye5 a8o)e "im@ not tou3"in-@ starin- into "is 1a3e. ="en %e kisse5 a-ain@ t"e po%er poure5 1rom my mout" into "is in a %arm 8reat" t"at 8urne5 t"rou-" our 8o5ies. 9 let my 8o5y 5rop a-ainst "is in an a8rupt@ )iolent mo)ement t"at 8rou-"t a 3ry o1 pain 1rom "im. $"e soun5 1ell into my mout" an5 %as s%allo%e5 in a %a)e o1 "eat an5 po%er. 9 poure5 t"e munin into Hason. 9 poure5 me into "im. 9 poure5 in t"rou-" "is mout"@ 5o%n t"rou-" my pores. ,)ery%"ere t"at skin tou3"e5 skin@ 9 seepe5 into "im. 9 1elt as i1 9 %ere 5rainin- a%ay into "is 8o5y. He 8e"a)e5 "imsel1 at 1irst@ "an5s at "is si5es@ 8ut t"e po%er ro5e us 8ot". His arms lo3ke5 8e"in5 my 8a3k. His mout" sear3"e5 mine as i1 "e %ere 3lim8in- insi5e. 9 stra55le5 "is 8o5y an5 1elt "im "ar5 an5 rea5y e)en t"rou-" our >eans. He rolle5 me o)er su55enly so t"at "e %as on top. 7y 8o5y 5i5 not"in- to prote3t itsel1. 9 lo3ke5 my le-s aroun5 "is %aist@ an5 1elt "im pumpin- a-ainst me. ,a3" t"rust ma5e t"in-s lo% in my a85omen >erk an5 ti-"ten. 9 s%am up%ar5 t"rou-" t"e po%er an5 starte5 pus"in- at "is 3"est. =e %ere not 5oin- t"is a-ain. 9 %as not 5oin- t"is. A#11. Get o11.C 7y )oi3e %as stran-le5@ "oarse. 9 s%allo%e5 t"e munin 8a3k enou-" to stru--le insi5e an5 out. Hason 1roEe o)er me@ t"en 3ollapse5 on top o1 me. His "eart 8eat 1ranti3ally a-ainst my 3"est. His 8reat"in- %as rus"e5. He s%allo%e5 an5 mana-e5 to say@ A91 9 sai5 it %as too late to stop@ %oul5 you 8elie)e meBC 9 starte5 3ra%lin- out 1rom un5er "im. A/o@C 9 sai5. He rolle5 onto "is 8a3k@ 1reein- me to stan5. $"e 8ruises %ere -one. His 1a3e stare5 up at me as 3lean an5 inno3ent as it starte5. 91 9 3oul5 only -et t"is s"it to %ork %it"out t"e se*. A7y turnBC Kane aske5. 9 turne5@ an5 "e %as kneelin- in t"e lea)es. He?5 strippe5 o11 t"e remains o1 "is s"irt. 9 ne)er really t"ou-"t o1 Kane as a -uy@ not like t"at. But no% "e %as kneelin- in a splas" o1 moonli-"t so t"at t"e s"a5o%s an5 li-"t s"o%e5 t"e mus3les in "is 3"est an5 stoma3". His arms %ere lost in 5arkness. His 1a3e %as a pattern o1 stron-@ 3lean 1les"@ -leamin- pale@ one "al1 3au-"t in s"a5o%s@ like pie3es o1 5arkness. His nipple rin- -linte5 sil)er@ like a %ink o1 an eye@ an in)itation. An5 t"at %as all it took. 9 stoo5 in 1ront o1 "im@ starin- 5o%n@ an5 5i5 %"at t"e munin %ante5. 9 -ra88e5 "is %oun5e5 arm an5 >erke5 it up%ar5@ 1or3in- t"e s"oul5er to its 1ullest e*tension. He 3rie5 out in pain. $"e skin "a5 3lose5 o)er t"e %oun5@ 8ut it %as t"ere 8elo% t"e sur1a3e. 9 presse5 my mout" to t"e %oun5 an5 1elt t"e mus3les torn. $"e 8one alrea5y knittin-@ 8roken. 9 8it "im@ sinkin- teet" in enou-" to lea)e a mark an5 8le% po%er into "is skin. 9 "eale5 it an5 1ou-"t <aina. S"e %ante5 to take a 3"unk out o1 "is skin. A sort o1 >oke@ "eal "im an5 "urt "im at t"e same time. 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom "im 8e1ore 9 3oul5 -i)e in. 9 stum8le5 to my 1eet an5 realiEe5 t"at ea3" time 9 use5 it@ t"e po%er %as -ro%in-. 9t %as 1illin- me like anot"er person@ somet"in- -ro%in- insi5e o1 me@ pus"in- at my skin. 9 sta--ere5 to Hamil an5 1ell 8esi5e "im to my knees. He?5 3"an-e5 8a3k to "uman 1orm@ %"i3" meant "e "a5 8een )ery "urt. 9 stare5 5o%n at "is nu5e 8o5y an5 1ou-"t %it" <aina not to tou3" "im. /ot to 5o %"at s"e %ante5. #r not to 5o e)eryt"in- s"e %ante5. 9 ran my "an5s o)er Hamil?s 3"est until 9 tou3"e5 t"e %oun5. $"e skin %as 3lose5@ 8ut so1t. 9 kne% 9 3oul5 1or3e my 1in-ers insi5e "im. 9 kne% 9 3oul5 rea3" in an5 snat3" "is "eart. 9nstea5@ 9 lo%ere5 my 1a3e to "is 3"est an5 kisse5 t"e %oun5@ -ently@ so1tly. 9 3lose5 my eyes an5 took in t"e s3ent o1 "im@ t"e 1eel o1 "is so1t skin. Healin- skin %as al%ays so so1t@ like

a 8a8y?s 1les"@ ten5er an5 smoot". 9 put my "an5s o)er t"e %oun5 an5 t"rust t"at %arm 8uil5in- po%er into "im like a s%or5. Hamil?s eyes 1le% %i5e@ an5 "is spine 8o%e5. He trie5 to s3ream@ an5 9 stole it %it" a kiss. 9 ro5e "is 8o5y@ stra55lin- not "is -roin 8ut t"e se3on5@ lo%er %oun5. 9 5re% 8a3k 1rom "is lips an5 1or3e5 my "an5s lo% on "is 8o5y. 9 "eale5 "im. 9 1elt it lea)e my 8o5y in a %arm rus". 7y "an5s sli5 lo%er. 9 8rus"e5 "im an5 "e %as 8e-innin- to -ro% "ar5. 9 t"re% mysel1 o11 o1 "im. S"e?5 "eale5 "im. <aina 1elt some8o5y o%e5 "er somet"in- 1or t"e "ealin-. 9 1ou-"t it until 9 1ell 8a3k into t"e lea)es an5 s3reame5. 7y 8o5y %rit"e5 an5 it %as like my le1t si5e %asn?t talkin- to my ri-"t. Like somet"in- %as 8reakin- insi5e me. $"at lar-e@ %arm presen3e@ t"at se3on5 8o5y %as tryin- to rise to t"e sur1a3e@ tryin- to 8reak t"e sur1a3e. <aina?s 8east %as tryin- to 3ome out. $ryin- to make me lupa in trut"@ 8ut my 8o5y 3oul5n?t "ol5 it. !oul5n?t -i)e it a "ome. 9 %as "uman@ an5 no matter "o% mu3" po%er you s"o)e5 into me@ t"at 5i5n?t 3"an-e. Han5s "el5 me 5o%n. <i3"ar5?s )oi3e as i1 1rom a -reat "ei-"t. A="at?s "appenin- to "erBC AS"e?s 1i-"tin- t"e munin.C 9t %as 7arianne?s )oi3e. 9 "ear5 "er )oi3e 3lose to my 1a3e@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t see "er. 9t %as like t"e %orl5 %as )anis"in- into t"e 5ark. A4on?t 1i-"t@ Anita. ="ate)er "appens toni-"t@ tomorro% 9 3an "elp you. Gi)e in an5 li)e@ or t"e munin %ill kill you.C AAnita@ please@ pleaseIC <i3"ar5 a-ain. AS"e %ill kill you i1 s"e 3an. S"e %ill kill you 1rom t"e -ra)e itsel1@ Anita. Stop 1i-"tin-. ,m8ra3e it@ or it %ill 5estroy you.C 9 s3reame5@ A/oIC $"en@ su55enly@ 9 3oul5 see a-ain. 9 stare5 up into t"e treeline5 5arkness. $"ere %as a sparkle o1 moonli-"t t"rou-" t"e lea)es. 9t seeme5 as 8ri-"t as sunli-"t@ only so1ter. 9 lay )ery still@ 8linkin- up at t"em all. <i3"ar5 "a5 my s"oul5ers pinne5. Verne "a5 my le-s. S"an-24a "a5 my ri-"t arm. Lu3y "a5 my le1t. 9?5 8een "a)in- 3on)ulsions. 9 remem8ere5 t"at. 7arianne %as kneelin- near my 1a3e@ keepin- my 1a3e still 8et%een "er "an5s. AAnitaBC s"e ma5e it a ;uestion. A9?m "ere.C 7y )oi3e %as ;uiet 8ut 3lear. 9 1elt li-"t an5 empty@ 8ut not alone. 9 %asn?t 1oole5. $"e munin "a5n?t le1t. 9t %asn?t 1inis"e5. A9s t"e munin -oneBC <i3"ar5 aske5. 7arianne s"ook "er "ea5. A9t?s still "ere.C 9t ma5e me t"ink 8etter o1 "er t"at s"e %asn?t 1oole5. A4o %e let "er upBC Verne aske5. AAnitaBC 7arianne aske5 me. ALet me up.C $"ey let me -o@ slo%ly@ as i1 almost a1rai5. A1rai5 o1 me or 1or me@ 9 %asn?t sure %"i3". $"ey mo)e5 a%ay 1rom me. #nly <i3"ar5 staye5 kneelin-. 9 leane5 my 8a3k a-ainst "im an5 let "im "ol5 me in "is arms. 9 3lose5 my eyes an5 let "im take it all a%ay 1or >ust an instant. 9?5 ne)er "a5 anyone?s arms 1eel as sa1e as "is. /o one?s. 7y le- 8rus"e5 somet"in- in t"e lea)es. 9 pulle5 a%ay 1rom "im enou-" to 1in5 my kni1e. 9 s"eat"e5 it. 'rom a3ross t"e small 3learin-@ Hason sai5@ AHere?s t"e ot"er one.C He "el5 it up 8y t"e 8la5e. 9 %ent to "im@ takin- t"e 8la5e 1rom "is "an5. 9 3oul5 1eel all o1 t"em %at3"in- me. Like 9 %as somet"in- ne% an5 un3ertain t"at "a5 >ust appeare5. 9 s"eat"e5 t"e se3on5 8la5e. Hason -rinne5 up at me. A4on?t take t"is %ron-@ Anita@ 8ut some5ay 9?5 like to 5o t"at 1or real.C A="y not toni-"tBC 9 sai5. Hason stare5 up at me. A="at 5i5 you sayBC 9 %alke5 8a3k a3ross t"e 3learin-. 9 1elt t"eir eyes 1ollo%in- me as 9 mo)e5. 9 smelle5 o1 8loo5 an5 po%er an5 1les"@ an5 t"ere %as not"in- 8etter t"an t"at 1or attra3tin- %ere%ol)es. <i3"ar5 stoo5 t"ere in "is >eans an5 $2s"irt. His "air 1oame5 aroun5 "is s"oul5ers@ a so1t@ ri3" 8ro%n in t"e moonli-"t. 9 -ra88e5 a 1ist1ul o1 "is $2s"irt an5 1or3e5 "is 1a3e lo% enou-" 1or me to kiss. $"e kiss %as lon- an5 1ull@ an5 "e taste5 all t"e 8loo5 9?5 "a5. ,)ery skin 9?5 tou3"e5. 9 pulle5 "is s"irt out o1 "is pants in a lon- motion@ runnin- my "an5s a3ross "is 8are stoma3"@ a3ross t"e smoot" "ar5ness o1 "is 3"est. He -ra88e5 my arms an5 pulle5 my "an5s a%ay. A="at?s %ron- %it" youBC A9s s"e not -oo5 enou-" 1or you eit"erBC 9t %as Lu3y stri5in- to%ar5s us. Her impressi)e 8reasts straine5 a-ainst t"e %"ite material o1 "er "alter top. ,it"er s"e "a5 )ery lar-e nipples or s"e %as 3ol5@ 8e3ause t"e outline o1 "er nipples %as 3lear@ e)en in t"is 5im li-"t. 9 stare5 up at <i3"ar5. 9?5 8een sleepin- %it" Hean2!lau5e. He?5 8een sleepin- %it" Lu3y an5 7ira2mustn?t 1or-et 7ira. 9t %as 1air t"at "e "a5 ot"er lo)ers. <eally. But 9 "ate5 it an5 "ate5 me 1or min5in-. Hate5 me 1or %antin- "im. Hate5 me 1or

8ein- %it" Hean2!lau5e an5 not 8ein- "appy %it" it. Hate5 me 1or kno%in- t"at e)en i1 9?5 8een %it" <i3"ar5 instea5@ 9?5 "a)e 8een missin- Hean2!lau5e. 9 %as 1u3ke5 no matter %"at 9 5i5. 9 kne% as 9 stare5 at "er t"at t"e "an5s t"at "el5 my arms %it" su3" ten5er stren-t" "a5 3uppe5 t"ose lar-e@ roun5 8reasts. 9 kne% t"at s"e?5 tou3"e5 "im@ all o1 "im. $"at s"e?5 "el5 "im nake5 insi5e "er. An5 9 kne% >ealousy so stront"at t"e only %or5 1or it %as "ate. 9 pulle5 a%ay 1rom <i3"ar5 an5 uns"eat"e5 one o1 t"e kni)es. S"an-24a mo)e5 1or%ar5 as i1 to step 8et%een us@ 8ut <i3"ar5 stoppe5 "im an5 ma5e "im step 8a3k. He >ust stare5 at S"an-24a until "e steppe5 out o1 rea3"@ 8ut you 3oul5 tell 1rom "is 1a3e t"at "e %as really un"appy a8out it. 9 5i5n?t 8lame "im. <i3"ar5 turne5 8a3k to me@ stare5 at me@ 8ut ma5e no mo)e to prote3t "imsel1. 9 5on?t kno% i1 "e 5i5n?t 8elie)e 9?5 "urt "im or %as sure 9 3oul5n?t. 9 %as sure 9 3oul5. 7y "an5 %as alrea5y on t"e 5o%n%ar5 stroke 8e1ore 9 3oul5 stop mysel1. 9 sli3e5 t"rou-" "is s"irt@ not 5eep@ 8ut t"e %oun5 8le5. He %in3e5@ eyes so lost@ "urt. 'u3k "im. S"an-24a %as t"ere@ an5 it %as <i3"ar5 %"o stru--le5 %it" "im. <i3"ar5 %"o kept "im 1rom -ra88in- me@ 5isarmin- me@ "urtin- me. 9 put t"e tip o1 t"e 8la5e a-ainst my 3"est an5 5re% 5o%n%ar5 o)er my "eart. $"e pain %as s"arp an5 imme5iate@ 8ut it %as s"allo%. 9 %asn?t "urt. $"e 8loo5 tri3kle5 5o%n 8et%een my 8reasts like ti3klin- 1in-ers. $"e 8loo5 %as )ery 5ark a-ainst t"e %"iteness o1 my skin. <i3"ar5 starte5 to%ar5s me@ an5 Verne 3au-"t "im. A9t?s "er 3"oi3e@C Verne sai5. A9t?s not "er. 9t?s <aina@C <i3"ar5 sai5. But in a %ay "e %as %ron-. <aina "a5 1inally 1oun5 somet"in- t"at 3alle5 to 8ot" o1 us. =e 8ot" %ante5 "im to su11er. =e 8ot" 1elt 8etraye5. An5 neit"er o1 us "a5 a ri-"t to it. =e?5 8ot" 8etraye5 "im in our o%n %ays. =or5s t"at 9 5i5n?t kno% spille5 1rom my lips. ADour "eart to mine@ mine to yours. Lupa to your :l1ri3. But not to your 8e5@ nor you to mine.C 9 t"re% t"e kni1e into t"e -roun5 so it stu3k@ t"rummin-. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e 8la5e in t"e eart" as i1 9?5 5istur8e5 some lar-e@ sleepin- 8east. $"e po%er 8urst o)er me 1rom t"e -roun5@ 1rom me@ an5 somet"in- let loose in a li;ui5 rus" insi5e me. 9 %as 5iEEy an5 on my knees %it"out meanin- to 1all. 9 stare5 up at <i3"ar5@ still stru--lin-@ an5 sai5@ AHelp me.C But it %as too late. 9 1elt t"e munin 8lo% out%ar5 like a %in5. An5 e)ery man it tou3"e5 3au-"t t"e s3ent. 9 3oul5 almost 1eel t"eir 8o5ies rea3t. 9 kne% %"at <aina "a5 5one@ an5 i1 it %ere to 8e "er last ni-"t in t"e 5ri)er?s seat@ s"e 3oul5n?t "a)e 3"osen 8etter. S"ort o1 killin- me@ it %as t"e per1e3t re)en-e. 9 1ell to my knees@ 1i-"tin- not to 1inis" t"e ritual@ 8ut 9 3oul5 1eel t"em in t"e 5ark@ ea-er. 9 %as -i)in- o11 s3ent@ an5 it %asn?t >ust t"e 8loo5. $"e %or5s %ere pulle5 1rom my t"roat as i1 8y a "an5. ,a3" %or5 s;ueeEe5 out until it "urt to speak. A!laim me a-ain i1 you 3an@ my :l1ri3.C 9 stare5 up at "im an5 sa% t"e look on "is 1a3e. 9t %as %il5@ an5 part o1 me %as please5. Go5 "elp me. 7y o%n >ealousy "a5 -i)en "er t"e keys to me. 9 stare5 aroun5 at t"e s"apes in t"e 5ark. 9 3oul5 1eel t"em like a -ro%in- tension in t"e air. 9t %as like t"e air 8e1ore a storm@ so "ea)y it %as "ar5 to 8reat"e t"rou-" t"e -ro%in- po%er. Dou 3oul5 1eel t"e li-"tnin- -ro%in- in t"e air@ 3omin- 3loser@ 8ut t"is storm %as %aitin- 1or me. =aitin1or me to mo)e. 7arianne %as 8esi5e me. AGet up@C s"e sai5. 9 stru--le5 to my 1eet@ an5 s"e "elpe5 me. A/o%@ run@C s"e sai5. 9 stare5 at "er. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC ADou?)e 5e3lare5 yoursel1 're>ya. /o%@ run@ 8e1ore t"ey lose patien3e an5 take you "ere.C 9 kne% %"at s"e meant@ 8ut 9 "a5 to "a)e "er say it out lou5. A$ake meBC A91 t"e munin 5oes not 3ome to t"e 1ront@ it %ill 8e rape@ 8ut it %ill still "appen. /o%@ -oIC S"e pus"e5 me to%ar5s t"e 5ark. 9 stum8le5 an5 stare5 aroun5 t"e 3learin- one last time. <i3"ar5?s 1a3e %as tormente5@ "orri1ie5. S"an-24a %as at <i3"ar5?s s"oul5er@ an5 "e %as an-ry. An-ry %it" me. Hason?s 1a3e %as as neutral as 9?5 e)er seen it as i1 a1rai5 to s"o% me %"at "e %as 1eelin-. 9 3au-"t <olan5?s 1a3e@ too. 9?5 met "im an "our or t%o 8e1ore@ 8ut "is 1a3e %asn?t neutral. His 1a3e %as "un-ry@ anti3ipatory. An5 9 kne% t"at t"ey?5 5o it. $"at someone@ some%"ere %oul5 "a)e me unless 9 kille5 t"em. $%o sil)er 8la5es an5 an entire pa3k o1 %ere%ol)es. /ot -oo5 o55s. An5 <i3"ar5 %oul5 5o e)eryt"in- "e 3oul5 to sa)e me2e)eryt"in-. AS"an-24a@C 9 sai5. $"e tall 8o5y-uar5 stare5 at me. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e %ei-"t o1 "is -aEe in t"e moonlit 5ark. A<i3"ar5?s li1e means more to me t"an my o%n sa1ety@ S"an-24a. 4on?t let "im 5ie@C 9 sai5. He stare5 at me@ t"en -a)e one s"arp no5.

7arianne -ra88e5 my arm an5 sai5@ AGoIC 9 %ent. 9 1lun- mysel1 into t"e trees@ into t"e 5ark 8eyon5@ an5 ran. 9 ran as i1 9 3oul5 see in t"e 5ark. 'lin-in- mysel1 into "al12per3ei)e5 openin-s@ trustin- to t"e 1orest t"e %ay you trust to %ater@ kno%in- it %ill part 8e1ore you %it"out ;uestion. 9 -a)e mysel1 o)er to t"e ni-"t %oo5s like 9?5 learne5 to 5o as a -irl. Dou 5on?t run in t"e 5ark in t"e 1orest %it" your eyes. Dou run %it" t"e same part o1 your 8rain t"at makes t"e 8a3k o1 your ne3k pri3kle. 9 ran an5 leape5 an5 5o5-e5@ an5 kne% it %oul5n?t 8e enou-".

Chapter Twenty-seven
A "o%l 3ut t"e ni-"t in a lon-@ mourn1ul line. $"ere %ere -ro%ls an5 a s"arp %"imper@ 3ut so s"ort 9 kne% someone %as "urt@ may8e 5ea5. =oul5 t"ey really kill ea3" ot"er 1or t"e pri)ile-eB <eal %ol)es 5i5n?t 5o t"is s"it. #nly people 3oul5 take a ni3e@ sane animal an5 s3re% it up t"is 8a5ly. 9 slippe5 -oin- o)er a lo- t"at %as 8i--er aroun5 t"an a small 3ar. 9 1ell@ spra%lin-. 9 lay t"ere 1or a moment on t"e -roun5@ 3at3"in- my 8reat"@ an5 9 5i5n?t "a)e t"e 1aintest i5ea %"at to 5o. 9 5i5n?t so mu3" "ear t"e %ere%ol)es as 1eel t"em in t"e -roun5 un5er my "an5s. 9 kne% t"ey %ere out t"ere in a %ay 9 "a5n?t 8e1ore t"e munin in)a5e5. 9 presse5 mysel1 a-ainst t"e "u-e lo-@ an5 my "an5s 1oun5 an openin-. 9t %as partially "ollo%. 9 3ra%le5 into t"e 8la3k openin-@ "an5 %it" kni1e in 1ront o1 me@ "al1 e*pe3tin- to meet a ra33oon or snake@ 8ut t"ere %as not"in- 8ut t"e 1eel o1 t"e 3ool@ rotte5 %oo5 un5er my 8are stoma3" an5 t"e %ei-"t o1 t"e -reat 1allen tree a8o)e me. 9 kne% t"ey?5 1in5 me. $"at %asn?t t"e point. 9t %oul5 take t"em a little time to -et me out o1 t"e "ole. 9 %as tryin- to 8uy time. 9 %asn?t e)en sure time 1or %"at. 9 nee5e5 a plan@ an5 9 5i5n?t "a)e one. $"e munin t"ou-"t t"at <i3"ar5 mi-"t sa)e us. $"at t"ou-"t s3are5 me all on its o%n. <i3"ar5 %as sort o1 s;ueamis" %"en it 3ame to killin-. $"e t"ou-"t t"at "e mi-"t -et "imsel1 kille5 tryin- to sa)e me %as almost %orse t"an me -ettin- 3au-"t. 9 %oul5 pro8a8ly sur)i)e 8ein- rape5. 9 %asn?t at all sure 9?5 sur)i)e <i3"ar5?s 5eat". #1 3ourse@ "a)in- ne)er 8een rape5@ may8e 9 %as >umpin- to 3on3lusions. 7ay8e 9 %oul5n?t sur)i)e. 9 "ear5 t"em mo)in- aroun5 t"e lo-. 7ore t"an one@ more t"an t%o. $"ree@ 1ourB S"it. !la%s rippe5 at t"e rotte5 lo-@ an5 9 s3reame5@ one o1 t"ose s"ort yips t"at is almost e*3lusi)ely a -irl soun5. 9 "ear5 one o1 t"em rollin- aroun5 on t"e -roun5. 9 1elt t"e rus" o1 ener-y as "e s"i1te5 into %ol1 1orm. An5 >ust like t"at@ "e %as out o1 t"e runnin-. 91 you lost "uman 1orm 8e1ore t"e lupa you %ere 3"asin-@ you 3oul5n?t mate %it" "er. Dou %ent 1urry@ you lost. $"e rules a8out -oin- 're>ya "a5 ne)er 8een %ritten 1or a "uman %"o "a5 no ot"er s"ape. =e?5 lose t"e lesser %ol)es to t"eir 8easts@ t"is 3lose to 1ull moon %it" se* an5 )iolen3e in t"e air. =e?5 may8e lose "al1 a 5oEen@ may8e a 5oEen@ to t"eir 8easts. 'i1ty %ol)es in Verne?s pa3k alto-et"er@ a 5oEen "elpe5. Somet"in- "ea)y "it t"e si5e o1 t"e lo-. 9 mana-e5 not to s3ream. At least t"at %as an impro)ement. 9 "ear5 t"e soun5s o1 s3u11lin-. At least t%o o1 t"em %ere 1i-"tin-. But 9 %as almost sure t"ere %as a t"ir5. $"e 1i-"tin- stoppe5@ an5 t"ere %as a lou5 3ra3k as i1 somet"in- 8rittle an5 %et "a5 8roken. $"e silen3e %as so "ea)y@ my "eart8eat %as t"un5erous. $"e lo- mo)e5. 9 1roEe as i1 >ust "ol5in- )ery still %oul5 sa)e me. $"e en5 o1 t"e lo- near my 1eet li1te5 into t"e air. $"e 3a)ity t"at "a5 "i55en me kept me trappe5 as t"at one en5 raise5 slo%ly into t"e air. $"e 1allen tree %as at least si* 1eet aroun5. 9 5i5n?t kno% "o% mu3" it %ei-"e5@ 8ut it %as "ea)y. A tall@ 8ear5e5 man %as li1tin- it. He pus"e5 it o)er"ea5@ palms 1lat a-ainst t"e %oo5. He smile5 5o%n at me@ "is teet" %"ite a-ainst t"e 8ear5. His )oi3e %as more -ro%l t"an %or5s@ A!ome out@ little one.C Little oneB 9 3rept )ery 3are1ully out 1rom un5er t"e "u-e lo-. 9t %as a 3rus"in- %ei-"t. A 1ine trem8lin- ran t"rou-" "is 8o5y all t"e %ay to "is 1eet. 9t %as not e11ortless to "ol5 t"e 1allen -iant up. 9 staye5 3rou3"e5 >ust 8esi5e "is le-. He?5 "a)e to put t"e lo- 5o%n 8e1ore "e 3oul5 tou3" me. His smile %i5ene5@ as i1 not mo)in- a%ay 1rom "im %as a -oo5 si-n 1or "im. 9 s"o)e5 t"e kni1e into "is 8elly an5 rolle5 a%ay 1rom "im@ tearin- t"e 8la5e alon- t"e meat o1 "is stoma3" as 9 mo)e5. He looke5 surprise5 as "e 1ell to "is knees an5 t"e tree 1ell on top o1 "im. 9t pinne5 "im to t"e -roun5@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ait to see i1 "e 3oul5 -et out 1rom un5er it. $"ere %ere t%o 8o5ies on t"e -roun5. #ne man?s skull %as smas"e5 open@ an5 t"i3ker t"in-s t"an 8loo5 li3ke5 onto t"e -roun5. 9n t"e 5ark@ e)eryt"in- %as -rey an5 8la3k. $"e se3on5 -uy mi-"t "a)e "a5 a pulse@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t 3"e3k. 9 ran. 9 1elt t"e rus"in- o1 air an5 looke5 in time to see a 8lur o1 motion. A man "it me 1rom t"e si5e in a 1lyin- ta3kle. 9 %as on my 8a3k %it" "im on top o1 me@ one arm pinne5 8et%een us. 9 "a5 a se3on5 to re3o-niEe <olan5@ t"en 9 slas"e5 at "im %it" t"e kni1e. He >erke5 8a3k too 1ast to see@ an5 "is 1ist %as su55enly 3onne3tin- %it" my 3"in. 9 5i5n?t pass out@ 8ut my 8o5y %ent limp. $"e kni1e 1ell 1rom my 1in-ers@ an5 9 3oul5n?t stop it. Part o1 me %as s3reaminsilently. $"e ot"er part %as sayin-@ A#"@ %"at pretty trees.C ="en 9 3oul5 mo)e a-ain@ my >eans %ere "al1%ay 5o%n my t"i-"s. $"e only t"in- t"at kept me t"at mu3" 5resse5 %as t"e >eans %ere ti-"t an5 %et %it" 8loo5. =et >eans peel slo%ly. A<olan5@ 5on?t 5o t"is.C

He kept pullin- on my >eans like 9 "a5n?t sai5 anyt"in-. 9 5i5n?t %ant "im to "it me a-ain. 91 9 passe5 out@ it %as all o)er. He %as "a)in- trou8le -ettin- my >eans o)er my /ikes@ 8e3ause t"e >eans %on?t -o o)er my /ikes. 9 raise5 up on my el8o%s an5 trie5 to 8e 1rien5ly@ reasona8le@ an5 %on5ere5 %"ere t"e "ell my kni1e %as. A<olan5@ <olan5@ t"e s"oes "a)e to 3ome o11 1irst.C 7ay8e i1 9 %ere "elp1ul@ 9?5 -et 8ro%nie points. At least may8e 9 3oul5 stall. ="ere %as <i3"ar5B <olan5 %rappe5 my >eans in one "an5@ e11e3ti)ely trappin- my 1eet. A="y "elp meBC "e sai5. His )oi3e %as still too 5eep 1or "is slen5er 3"est@ "is %or5s still 3are1ully spoken. $"at ner)ous ener-y still 3ra%le5 alon- "is skin@ )i8ratin- like summer "eat on a roa5. He %as no 5i11erent@ 8ut e)eryt"in- else "a5 3"an-e5. A7ay8e 9 >ust 5on?t %ant you to "it me a-ain@C 9 sai5. A9 5on?t %ant to 8e sta88e5@ eit"er@C "e sai5. A'air enou-".C =e staye5 t"at %ay@ starin- at ea3" ot"er@ me proppe5 on my el8o%s@ "im kneelin- at my 1eet. 9t %as almost as i1 "e 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o ne*t. 9 t"ink "e "a5n?t e*pe3te5 me to 8e 3alm. !ryin-@ an-er@ may8e e)en ea-erness@ "e %as rea5y 1or@ 8ut 9 -a)e "im not"in-. 9 %as 1rien5ly@ "elp1ul@ as i1 "e?5 aske5 me 5ire3tions to a restaurant 9 kne%. 9 e)en 1elt 3alm@ stran-ely. 9t "a5 a 1aintly surrealisti3 air@ as i1 it %asn?t really "appenin-. 91 "e tou3"e5 me@ it %as -oin- to seem all too real@ 8ut as lon- as "e staye5 %"ere "e %as@ 9 %as 1ine. He pinne5 my >eans %it" "is knee an5 starte5 takin- o11 "is s"irt. $"e s"irt %as okay. 9 %as 1ine %it" t"at. He "a5 a ni3e 3"est@ pleasant to look at. As lon- as "is pants staye5 on@ 9 %as 1ine. ="ere t"e "ell %as <i3"ar5B He un5i5 t"e snap to "is pants@ an5 my ner)es >ust %eren?t t"at -oo5. 9 5i5n?t %ant to try an5 3onta3t <i3"ar5 in 3ase "e %as 1i-"tin-. :sin- t"e marks %as 5istra3tin-. But 9 %ante5 some "elp. 9 %as 8ettin- t"at <olan5 5i5n?t %ear un5er%ear. 9 %on my 8et. 9 sent out a 3all to <i3"ar5@ an5 "e %as 1i-"tin-. 9 sa% t"rou-" "is eyes 1or one 5iEEyin- se3on5. He %as 1i-"tin- ,ri3. Great. 9 8roke 3onta3t as ;ui3kly as 9 3oul5@ 8ut 9 kne% it 3ost "im a se3on5 o1 3on3entration. 9 %as on my o%n. <olan5 pus"e5 "is >eans to "is knees an5 seeme5 to t"ink t"at %as su11i3ient@ 8e3ause "e starte5 to 3ra%l up my le-s. #"@ t"is %as romanti3. 9t %asn?t <i3"ar5 %"o 3ame to t"e res3ue. 9t %as a man 9 5i5n?t kno%. He ta3kle5 <olan5@ mu3" as <olan5 "a5 ta3kle5 me. $"ey rolle5 o11 me an5 5o%n a small in3line into a "ollo%. 9 starte5 pullin- my pants up as 1ast as 9 3oul5. $"ere %as a mo)ement 8e"in5 me@ an5 9 turne5@ pants >ust a8o)e my knees an5 no %eapon in si-"t. 9t %as Kane@ one arm "el5 ti-"t to "is 3"est. /at"aniel 3ame out o1 t"e 5ark 8e"in5 "im. /at"aniel "el5 out "is one -oo5 "an5 to me. AHurry.C 9 "urrie5. /at"aniel took my "an5 an5 pulle5 me into t"e trees. He ran like li;ui5 spillin- t"rou-" e)ery 3ra3k an5 s"a5o%. 9 trie5 to stay 8e"in5 "im@ trustin- t"at i1 "is 8o5y 3oul5 -o t"rou-" t"e openin-s@ so 3oul5 mine. 9 >umpe5 %"en "e >umpe5@ %ea)e5 %"en "e %ea)e5@ e)en i1 9 3oul5n?t see t"e o8sta3le. His ni-"t )ision %as 8etter t"an mine@ an5 9 5i5n?t ;uestion it. 9 "a5 a sense o1 Kane 8e"in5 us@ 1ollo%in- like smoke in our %ake. A 3"orus o1 "o%ls 8roke out to our ri-"t. /at"aniel pulle5 me 1aster t"rou-" t"e trees until 9 1ell "ea5lon-@ an5 a >a--e5 8ran3" sli3e5 my 3"eek open. 9t misse5 my eye 8y a %is". AS"it@ /at"aniel.C A$"ey?re 3omin-@C "e sai5. A9 kno%.C 9 tou3"e5 my "an5 to my 3"eek an5 3ame a%ay %it" 8loo5. 'u3k.C A9 %on?t let t"em take you@C /at"aniel sai5. 9 stare5 up at "im. He %as only t"ree in3"es taller t"an 9 %as. He 3oul5n?t "a)e out%ei-"e5 me 8y t"irty poun5s. 9t %as mus3le@ 8ut "e %as small. SiEe 3ounts i1 e)eryone you?re 1i-"tin- 3an li1t lar-e trees. A$"ey?ll kill you@ /at"aniel.C He 5i5n?t look at me@ >ust kept starin- out into t"e 5ark as i1 "e 3oul5 "ear t"in-s 9 3oul5n?t. Kane leane5 a-ainst a tree@ lookin- at me. His -oo5 "an5 %as ru88in- "is 8oun5 arm like it "urt. 9 8et it 5i5. A91 t"ey take you@ you?ll 1i-"t@C Kane sai5. A$"ey?ll kill you.C He 3lose5 "is eyes. A$"is is one time %"en you 3an?t prote3t yoursel1@ 8ut may8e %e 3an.C ADou?ll 8ot" 5ie@C 9 sai5. Kane s"ru--e5 %it" "is one -oo5 s"oul5er@ 3asual@ like it 5i5n?t matter. $"e t"ou-"t 3ame t"at it %oul5 all 8e o)er i1 9 "a5 se*. 9t %oul5 en5 t"en@ an5 only t"en. <aina 3ame 8a3k in 1ull 1or3e@ spillin- t"rou-" me. S"e %ante5 /at"aniel@ an5 t"at s"e 3oul5 not "a)e@ not %it" my 8o5y. 'u3kin- /at"aniel %oul5 8e like 3"il5 molestin-. 9 %oul5n?t 5o it. Kane. Kane %oul5 5o. <aina "a5 al%ays 8een 1i3kle. 9 -ot a su55en )isual so stron- it ma5e me 8lus". =as t"ere anyone t"at <aina "a5n?t slept %it"B 9 %asn?t -oin- to 5o eit"er o1 t"em. /o %ay. $"en t"ey?ll 5ie. 9 %asn?t sure i1 it %as my t"ou-"t or t"e munin. ,it"er %ay@ %e %ere ri-"t.

Hason limpe5 into si-"t. 9 kne% "im >ust 8y t"e s"ape o1 "is s"oul5ers an5 "is "air. ,it"er 9 "a5n?t "eale5 "im 3ompletely@ or "e?5 8een in a 1i-"t. 7ay8e 8ot". 9?5 8roken 3onta3t 8e1ore 9 1inis"e5. $"e munin %as sa)in- t"e 5eeper "ealin- 1or se*. 'or "er it %as t"e toll to 8e pai5 1or ser)i3es ren5ere5. /o payment@ no "ealin-. Like a 5ru- 5ealer -i)in- >ust a taste. Hason -a)e me a )ery stran-e smile as "e entere5 t"e trees near /at"aniel an5 Kane. He sli5 5o%n until "e %as sittin%it" "is 8a3k a-ainst a small tree trunk. He let out a si-". =e all looke5 at "im. A s3ream tore our -aEe 8a3k to t"e %oo5s. #ut t"ere@ 3lose@ t"ey %ere 1i-"tin-. Anot"er "o%l ro5e t"e still@ "ot air. $"e soun5 %as 3lose enou-" to make my s3alp pri3kle. $"e trees %e "a5 stoppe5 at %ere at t"e 8ottom o1 a "ill. 9t %as 1amiliar. AAre t"e 3a8ins >ust up t"ereBC ADes@C Kane sai5. A91 you -o to t"e 3a8ins@ t"ey?ll 1ollo%@C Hason sai5. A!an?t "a)e t"e tourists seein- it.C A'u3k t"at@C 9 sai5@ ASome o1 t"em %on?t 1ollo% to t"e 3a8ins 8e3ause o1 t"e tourists. 9 say %e -o an5 8oar5 oursel)es in.C A9t %on?t en5 until someone %ins@C Hason sai5. He soun5e5 tire5 or may8e 5is3oura-e5. AAn5 up t"ere are t%o )ampires %"o are on my si5e.C 9 starte5 up t"e "ill. /at"aniel an5 Kane 1ollo%e5 at my "eels. Hason >ust sat t"ere. =e %ere a ;uarter o1 t"e %ay up t"e "ill 8e1ore "e pus"e5 to "is 1eet to 1ollo%. ="en all t"is s"it %as o)er@ 9?5 ask %"at %as %ron-. <i-"t no%@ t"ere %as no time. 'i-ures appeare5 t"rou-" t"e trees. Kane -a)e a little pus" to my 8a3k. A<un@C "e sai5@ A9?ll 5elay t"em.C /at"aniel turne5 %it" "im@ 1a3in- 5o%n into t"e 5ark an5 t"e 5an-er. A/o@C Kane sai5@ Ayou -o %it" "er@ /at"aniel.C He looke5 at me. A9?m learnin- %"at it means to 8e an alp"a. /at"aniel 5oesn?t kno% "o% to 1i-"t.C /at"aniel looke5 1rom one to t"e ot"er o1 us. He 1inally settle5 on me. A="at 5o you %ant me to 5oBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a se3on5@ stu5yin- Kane?s so23are1ul 1a3e. A9?5 say 3ome %it" me@ 8ut 9?m not lea)in- Kane 8e"in5.C 9 rea3"e5 8a3k an5 tou3"e5 Kane?s "an5. A9 %on?t lea)e you to 5ie.C A4amn it@ Anita@ i1 you?re not "ere@ t"ey %on?t kill us. $"ey?ll >ust "urt us an5 -o a1ter you@C Kane sai5. A9?m sort o1 8ait@C 9 sai5. ADes.C A4on?t 5ie on me@ okayBC A9?ll 5o my 8est@C Kane sai5. 9 s;ueeEe5 "is "an5. A4on?t 5o your 8est@ >ust 5on?t 5ie. Dou@ eit"er@C 9 sai5 to Hason. He s"ook "is "ea5. A9 "a)e to stay %it" you. <i3"ar5?s or5ers.C A="yBC He s"ook "is "ea5 an5 -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e 5ark 1i-ures mo)in- t"rou-" t"e trees. !loser@ al%ays 3loser. ALater. /o%@ %e mo)e.C He "a5 a point. =e mo)e5 an5 le1t Kane alone in t"e 5ark %it" at least 1i)e 1i-ures -li5in- t"rou-" t"e trees. $"ey put on a 8urst o1 spee5 as %e neare5 t"e 3rest o1 t"e "ill. 9 3leare5 t"e "ill on my knees@ an5 %e %ere at a 1lat2out run a3ross t"e -ra)el parkin- lot. 9 t"ou-"t@ 4amian. He opene5 t"e 5oor as i1 9?5 spoken. He %as stan5in- t"ere %it" a surprise5 look on "is 1a3e. 9t isn?t o1ten you see a t"ousan52year2ol5 )ampire s"o3ke5. 9 "a5 a moment to t"ink "o% %e must look. 7e 8loo5y@ in >ust t"e 8la3k 8ra an5 8loo52soake5 >eans. Hason runnin- %it" a noti3ea8le limp. /at"aniel runnin- 1ull out 8e"in5 us. =e 3leare5 t"e 5oor%ay. 4amian s"ut t"e 5oor 8e"in5 us. He lo3ke5 it %it"out 8ein- tol5. Smart )ampire. A="at2A "e starte5 to say. ABlo3k t"e %in5o%s an5 5oor@C 9 sai5. As"er -ra88e5 t"e "ea)y %oo5en 5esk like it %ei-"e5 not"in- an5 s"o)e5 it o)er t"e %in5o%. A4o %e "a)e nails@ or am 9 1or3e5 to "ol5 it in pla3e.C Somet"in- stru3k t"e %in5o%@ s"atterin- -lass aroun5 t"e e5-es o1 t"e 5esk like -litterin- rain. As"er %as sta--ere5 8a3k%ar5s. 4amian >oine5 "im@ an5 t"ey s"o)e5 t"e 5esk a-ainst t"e %in5o%. $"e 5oor s"u55ere5 as somet"in- "ea)y t"re% itsel1 a-ainst it. AHe?s not -oin- to make it in time@C Hason sai5. /at"aniel stoo5 in t"e 3enter o1 t"e room like "e %as lost. A="at no%BC $"e 5oor s"u55ere5 a-ain.

Hason %ent to t"e 5oor@ leanin- a-ainst it. A/at"aniel@ "elp meIC /at"aniel >oine5 "im@ puttin- "is s"oul5er a-ainst t"e ;uakin- %oo5. Han5s pus"e5 past t"e e5-e o1 t"e ta8le. As"er took one "an5 o11 t"e ta8le to 8reak t"e %rist like mat3" %oo5. $"ere %as a s3ream@ an5 t"e "an5 pulle5 8a3k. He spoke as i1 "e %asn?t usin- almost all "is stren-t" to "ol5 t"e ta8le a-ainst t"e 8roken %in5o%. A7ay one ask %"y t"e lo3al %ere%ol1 pa3k is tryin- to kill usBC A$"ey?re not tryin- to kill us@C Hason sai5. A$"ey?re tryin- to 1u3k "er.C He leane5 "is entire 8a3k a-ainst t"e 5oor. ="ate)er %as at t"e 5oor le1t a8ruptly@ an5 Hason almost 1ell a-ainst t"e su55enly ;uiet 5oor. $"e %in5o% 3leare5@ too. 9t %as su55enly terri8ly ;uiet@ too ;uiet@ as t"e ol5 sayin- -oes. A="at is -oin- onBC 4amian sai5. ALater@C Hason sai5. His eyes looke5 almost %il5. AAsk me %"y <i3"ar5 tol5 me to stay %it" you.C 9 stare5 at "im. A#kay@ %"y 5i5 <i3"ar5 tell you to stay %it" meBC A$"is en5s %"en you "a)e se* %it" any o1 t"e lukoi.C 9 stare5 at "im "ar5er. A!ome a-ain.C A91 it looks like someone else %ill -et t"ere 1irst@ "e tol5 me to 5o it.C A4o itBC 9 sai5. 9 %alke5 aroun5 to t"e ni-"tstan5. ADou mean@ 5o me.C Hason "a5 t"e -ra3e to look 5o%n. He no55e5. 9 opene5 t"e 5ra%er an5 took out t"e 'irestar. 9 tu3ke5 it 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 my >eans. 9 took t"e Bro%nin- out ne*t an5 3li3ke5 o11 t"e sa1ety. A/ot"in- personal@ Hason@ 8ut 9?)e -ot a 5i11erent plan.C A9 5i5n?t say 9 like5 t"e plan@C Hason sai5. A9 may >oke a8out it@ an5 9 %oul5 lo)e to 8e %it" you@ 8ut Hean2!lau5e is my master@ too. He?5 kill me.C 9 -lan3e5 at As"en. He -a)e a )ery small no5. APro8a8ly.C AAn5 i1 you let someone else -et to me 8e3ause you %ere s;ueamis"BC 9 let it 8e a ;uestion. A<i3"ar5 5oesn?t kill easily@C Hason sai5@ A8ut i1 9 let someone rape you@ 1or t"at "e?5 make an e*3eption.C 9 %a--le5 t"e -un in t"e air@ 8arrel pointe5 at t"e 3eilin-. ALu3ky 1or you 9?m arme5.C Hason no55e5. Glass 8roke in t"e 8at"room. AS"itIC =e?5 8een stupi5. AStay at t"e 5oors@C 9 sai5. 9 ki3ke5 t"e 8at"room 5oor in@ alrea5y si-"tin- 5o%n my arm. 9 "a5 a -limpse o1 a man tryin- to s;ueeEe a lar-e 8o5y t"rou-" t"e small %in5o%. 9 "it t"e %il5ly s%in-in- 5oor %it" one "ip an5 1ire5 into t"e mass o1 t"e man. He s3reame5 an5 1ell 8a3k t"rou-" t"e openin-. 9 yelle5@ A9?)e -ot t"is %in5o% 3o)ere5.C Soun5s o1 1i-"tin- 3ame 1rom outsi5e t"e 3a8in. S3reams turne5 into -ro%ls. 9 1elt t"e risin- ener-y an5 kne% t"at people %ere losin- "uman 1orm. 9 3oul5 1eel t"em slippin- a%ay@ slinkin- t"rou-" t"e trees. 9 3oul5 almost smell t"e musk o1 t"eir 1ur. $"e munin s%am 8a3k up so su55enly an5 so purely t"at 9 sta--ere5 a-ainst t"e 5oor t"at 9 %as usin- to stea5y my aim. 9 turne5 a%ay 1rom t"e %in5o% to stare a3ross t"e room at Hason. <aina %as 1ine %it" t"at. S"e 5i5n?t 3are %"o. 91 it 3ause5 Hean2!lau5e 5istress or 3ost Hason "is li1e@ t"at %as 5an5y. 9 sli5 5o%n t"e 5oor slo%ly@ eyes 3lose5@ t"e 1lat o1 t"e -un 8arrel presse5 to my 1ore"ea5. ASomeone else nee5s to 5o t"is %in5o%@C 9 sai5. 9 "ope5 9?5 spoken alou5. 9 %as "a)in- trou8le tellin-. Hason must "a)e 1ille5 t"em in 8e3ause no one aske5 %"at %as %ron-. 9 1elt 4amian 8rus" my le-s as "e %ent into t"e 8at"room. $"e 1eel o1 "is passin- 3ause5 t"in-s lo% in my stoma3" to 3len3". 9 -lan3e5 up at "im@ an5 "e %as 1roEen in t"e 5oor%ay as i1 "e?5 1elt my 8o5y?s rea3tion. He stare5 5o%n at me %it" "is 3at -reen eyes@ an5 9 kne% as surely as 9 kne% anyt"in- t"at i1 9 tol5 "im to 3ome to me@ "e %oul5 "a)e 5one it. ="at 9 5i5n?t kno% 1or sure %as %"y. A4amian@C As"er sai5@ At"e %in5o%.C 4amian staye5 %"ere "e %as@ starin- 5o%n at me. A9 3an?t.C A#r5er "im to %at3" t"e %in5o%@ Anita@C As"er sai5. 9 %ent to my knees@ 1ree "an5 sli5in- up 4amian?s pants le-. 9 sli5 my "an5 up "is t"i-" an5 s"ook my "ea5. 9 -ra88e5 a "an51ul o1 "is -reen silk s"irt an5 pulle5 "im 5o%n to me. He staye5 on t"e 8alls o1 "is 1eet@ knees on eit"er si5e o1 my 8o5y. 9 %ent to my knees an5 kisse5 "im. 9 sli5 my ton-ue 8et%een t"e 5eli3ate points o1 "is 1an-s. 9?5 per1e3te5 t"e art o1 'ren3" kissin- a )ampire. Pra3ti3e@ pra3ti3e.

He trie5 not to kiss me 8a3k. He 5re% 8a3k enou-" to %"isper@ ADou taste like 8loo5@ ot"er people?s 8loo5.C $"en "e lo3ke5 "is mout" to mine like "e %oul5 8reat"e me into "imsel1. His lon-@ pale "an5s 3uppe5 my 1a3e@ sli5 8e"in5 my "ea5 in t"e %armt" o1 my "air. 9 presse5 my 8o5y a-ainst "im. $"e 'irestar %as still in 1ront o1 my pants. $"e -un presse5 into "is -roin. 9 -roun5 it into "im until "e ma5e a small pain soun5. $"e Bro%nin- %as lost on t"e 1loor. $"ere %as a soun5 at t"e 8at"room %in5o%. 9 5re% 8a3k 1rom t"e kiss@ an5 4amian 8e-an to run "is lips 5o%n my ne3k. 9 sa% t"e man 3ra%lin- t"rou-" t"e %in5o% as i1 5o%n a lon- 3rystalline tunnel. 9 tu--e5 t"e 'irestar 1rom my pants an5 pointe5 it. 9 si-"te5 at t"e 3enter o1 "is 1ore"ea5. His eyes %i5ene5@ an5 "e su55enly spille5 8a3k%ar5s into t"e ni-"t. /ot so 1ar -one t"at "e 5i5n?t %ant to li)e. $"e ;uestion %as@ "o% 1ar -one %as 9B 4amian?s mout" "o)ere5 o)er t"e 8i- pulse in my t"roat. His ton-ue 3urle5 o)er it@ 3aressin-. He %as askin- 1or permission. But it %asn?t t"at kin5 o1 8loo5 9 %ante5 to 5onate toni-"t. <aina "a5 no interest in >ust openin- a )ein. 9 %rappe5 my 1ree "an5 in "is lon-@ 8loo52re5 "air an5 >erke5 "is 1a3e up to me. A4on?t 8lee5 me@ 1u3k me.C As"er yelle5@ AHean2!lau5e %ill kill "im.C A9 5on?t 3are.C $"e moment 9 "ear5 mysel1 say it@ 9 s%am 8a3k up. 9t %as like pus"in- asi5e a %et 3urtain t"at 3lun- to my 1a3e@ su11o3atin-@ tryin- to mol5 itsel1 to my 8o5y an5 keep me@ 5ro%n me. 9 3ra%le5 a%ay 1rom 4amian into t"e room. 9 sai5@ A=at3" t"e 5amn %in5o%@ 4amian@ an5 stay a%ay 1rom me.C He stoo5 in t"e 5oor%ay@ un3ertain. As"er sai5@ ADou "ear5 your mistress. 4o as you?re tol5.C 9 "ear5 "im %alk into t"e 8at"room. Hear5 "is 8oots 3run3" on t"e 8roken -lass. 9 staye5 on all 1ours@ my "ea5 "an-in5o%n@ my 8reat" 3omin- in -asps. $"e 'irestar %as still -rippe5 in one "an5. 9 s;ueeEe5 it ti-"t until my "an5 a3"e5. 9 -roun5 t"e 1eel o1 t"e -un 8utt into my skin. $"is %as real. $"is %as real. <aina %as 5ea5. S"e %as >ust anot"er kin5 o1 -"ost@ 5amn it. 9 "ear5 someone 3ra%lin- to%ar5s me. 9 raise5 my "ea5 to 1in5 /at"aniel starin- at me %it" lila3 eyes. 9 s3reame5 an5 s3ram8le5 8a3k 1rom "im. He %as a )i3tim an5 <aina like5 )i3tims. 9 "el5 my "an5 out to "im as i1 to %ar5 o11 a 8lo%. 9 en5e5 %it" my 8a3k a-ainst t"e 8e5@ -un s;ueeEe5 in 8ot" "an5s@ ro3kin- 8a3k an5 1ourt". /at"aniel 3ra%le5 to%ar5s me. He 3ra%le5 like "e "a5 mus3les in pla3es "e s"oul5n?t "a)e@ in a -ra3e1ul roll t"at %as almost snakelike@ as i1 "is spine "a5 too many parts. He put "is 1a3e so 3lose to mine t"at %"en "e spoke@ 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8reat" on my 1a3e. A9?m yours@ Anita. Dou are my /imir2ra. 7y ;ueen.C He %as )ery 3are1ul not to tou3" me. He staye5 t"at last 1ra3tion o1 an in3" a%ay@ so t"at it %as my 5e3ision. But it %asn?t mine. 9 trie5 to tell "im to -et a%ay 1rom me@ 8ut my )oi3e %oul5n?t %ork. 9 3oul5n?t speak. 9 3oul5n?t mo)e. All 9 3oul5 5o %as "ol5 onto t"at last ra--e5 e5-e o1 3ontrol an5 not mo)e my mout" t"at last spa3e. 9 1ou-"t %it" all 9 "a5 le1t not to kiss /at"aniel. Be3ause %"oe)er 9 1ell on ne*t %as it. $"e munin %as %earin- me 5o%n. ,)en my sel123ontrol %asn?t limitless. 9 5i5n?t %ant it to 8e /at"aniel. $"at "elpe5 me "ol5 on. $"ere %as a kno3k at t"e 5oor. 9t %as so une*pe3te5 t"at 9 s3reame5. $"e s3ream pus"e5 /at"aniel 8a3k to "is knees@ a little 1art"er out o1 rea3"@ 8ut still too 3lose. As"er aske5@ A4o you open itBC 9 s"ook my "ea5@ not as a no@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t say. 9 3oul5n?t t"ink. 9 %as 1i-"tin- too "ar5 to not t"ro% my 3lot"es o11 an5 1u3k somet"in- in t"e room. $"at %as takin- a8out all my 3on3entration. 7ay8e As"er 1i-ure5 t"at out 1or "imsel1@ 8e3ause "e sai5@ A="o is itBC Very 3i)iliEe5. $"e ans%er s"o3ke5 us all@ 9 t"ink. A9t?s <i3"ar5.C Hason %as on "is 1eet@ openin- t"e 5oor@ 8e1ore anyone 3oul5 tell "im to 5o it. $"e outer sur1a3e o1 t"e 5oor %as 3la%e5 an5 8roken. <i3"ar5 stoo5 t"ere in t"e 5oor%ay. His $2s"irt %as in ra-s@ still 3lin-in- to "is s"oul5ers 8ut so rippe5 apart t"at you 3oul5 see t"e 8loo5y %oun5s in "is tanne5 skin. He %alke5 t"rou-" t"e 5oor a little unstea5ily. Kane an5 S"an-2 4a 3ame 8e"in5 "im. Kane looke5 un"urt@ 8ut S"an-24a?s 1a3e "a5 8een opene5 1rom 1ore"ea5 to 3"in. His eye sat in a mask o1 8loo5. He 3lose5 t"e 5oor an5 looke5 at me %it" 3ool eyes. 9 %as -la5 to see all o1 t"em. But 9 3oul5n?t mo)e. 91 9 mo)e5@ it %as o)er. 9 %as puttin- e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 into >ust stayin%"ere 9 %as. 91 9 mo)e5 anyt"in-@ t"e 3ontrol %as -one. A tear s;ueeEe5 out o1 one eye an5 1ell in a "ar5@ "ot line 5o%n my 3"eek. 9 stare5 up at <i3"ar5 an5 %ante5 to say so many t"in-s an5 3oul5n?t say any o1 t"em. =or5s %oul5 8reak me into a million -litterin- pie3es. <i3"ar5 %alke5 to me. He stoo5 o)er me@ starin- 5o%n. 9 5i5n?t look up. He 5i5n?t so mu3" kneel as 3ollapse to "is knees in 1ront o1 me. 9 put out a "an5 to stea5y "im@ an5 t"e munin spille5 a3ross my skin like a 1lame. $"e 'irestar 1ell to t"e 1loor %it" a t"unk. 9 -ra88e5 a "an51ul o1 t"e torn $2s"irt@ 8alle5 it into 8ot" my 1ists@ an5 pulle5 "im t"ose last 1e% in3"es into a kiss.

His lips %ere 5ry. 9 li3ke5 "is mout"@ runnin- my ton-ue o)er "is lips until t"ey %ere like %et@ ru88e5 )el)et to kiss. 9 sli5 my "an5 insi5e one o1 t"e tears to tra3e t"e 3ut 9?5 ma5e o)er "is "eart. His 8reat" 3ame out in a s"arp "iss as i1 it "urt. He -ra88e5 my %rist. 9 sli5 my ot"er "an5 insi5e t"e tear an5 1oun5 anot"er %oun5 to pro8e. He -ra88e5 8ot" my %rists in "is "an5s. Dou 1or-et "o% lar-e <i3"ar5 is. He 5oesn?t seem intimi5atin- p"ysi3ally@ 8ut "e 3oul5 "a)e "el5 8ot" my %rists in one "an5. He 1or3e5 my arms 8a3k at my si5es. 9 trie5 to pull my "an5s 1ree@ an5 "is -rip ti-"tene5. He leane5 o)er me@ 8ut not 1or a kiss. He li3ke5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e kni1e %oun5 on my 3"est. 9 -aspe5@ "al1 in pain@ "al1 in pleasure. He ran "is mout" 5o%n t"e %oun5 until "e 3ame to t"e so1t upper part o1 my 8reast. He 8it -ently into my 1les"@ not "ar5 enou-" to lea)e a mark@ >ust "ar5 enou-" t"at 9 1elt "is teet". 9 ma5e a small moan. He raise5 "is 1a3e to look at me. He let -o o1 my %rists an5 put a "an5 on eit"er si5e o1 my 1a3e. He trappe5 my 1a3e 8et%een t"e stren-t" o1 "is "an5s an5 1or3e5 me to stare into t"e per1e3t 3"o3olate 8ro%n o1 "is eyes. AAnita@ 3an you "ear meBC 9 trie5 to mo)e 1or%ar5 1or a kiss@ 8ut "is "an5s "el5 me trappe5. 7y "an5s 1oun5 "is 3"est@ e*plore5 t"e smoot" 1les"@ t"e torn %oun5s. 9 trie5 to press my 8o5y 1or%ar5 a-ainst "is@ 8ut "is "an5s "el5 my 1a3e@ an5 9 3oul5n?t -o 3loser. AAnita@ Anita@ talk to me. Are you in t"ereBC $"e -rip on my 1a3e %as almost pain1ul. 9 5i5n?t pus" t"e munin asi5e. 9t 1ell 8a3k. 9 1elt <aina lea)e me enou-" 1or me to ans%er. A9?m "ere.C 9t %as a %"isper. A4o you %ant t"isBC "e aske5. 9 starte5 to 3ryG "u-e@ silent tears sli5 5o%n my 1a3e. A4o you %ant me no%@ like t"isBC He s"ook my 1a3e 8et%een "is "an5s@ as i1 "e 3oul5 s"ake me 8a3k to mysel1. 9 sli5 my "an5s o)er "is@ 3uppin- "im a-ainst me %"ile 9 3rie5. 4i5 9 %ant "imB ADes@C it %as a %"isper. A/o%@ like t"isBC $"e ;uestion %as too "ar5 1or me. 9 3urle5 my 1in-ers a-ainst "is "an5s@ tryin- to mo)e t"em 1rom my 1a3e. 9 starte5 tu--in- at "is "an5s. AKiss me@ please@ kiss me. Please@ <i3"ar5@ pleaseIC 9 %as 3ryin- a-ain an5 3oul5n?t "a)e sai5 %"y. He leane5 into me@ "an5s still on eit"er si5e o1 my 1a3e. He kisse5 me. His lips presse5 a-ainst mine like "eat. His ton-ue parte5 my lips@ an5 9 trie5 a-ain to mo)e 1or%ar5@ 8ut "is "an5s "el5 me. He leane5 into me@ pressin- "is mout" a-ainst mine. He kisse5 me like "e %as tastin- me@ as i1 "e?5 rea3" into my mout" %it" "is ton-ue an5 "is lips an5 pull me insi5e out. 9 s"u55ere5 in "is "an5s 1rom t"e 1eel o1 "is mout". ,yes 3lose5@ my "an5s limp at my si5es@ lettin- "im 5o it all. His "an5s sli5@ )ery slo%ly@ 1rom my 1a3e. He ne)er stoppe5 kissin- me as "is 1in-ertips sli5 5o%n my 8are s"oul5ers. His "an5s "esitate5 o)er t"e s"oul5er straps 1or t"e spine s"eat"@ as i1 "e 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o %it" it. 9 opene5 my eyes@ starte5 to li1t my "an5s up to "elp "im. He -ra88e5 my "an5s an5 "el5 t"em 5o%n at my si5es. A9?ll 1i-ure it out@C "e sai5 so1tly. 9 stare5 up at "im. 9 3oul5 8arely 8reat"e aroun5 t"e nee5. 9 %ante5 "is nake5 skin presse5 a-ainst mine. 9 -ra88e5 one o1 t"e tears in t"e $2s"irt an5 rippe5 it %i5er. A#11.C He s"ook "is "ea5. A/ot yet.C 9 %ante5 to 1all on "im like a ra)enin- %ol1@ an5 "e %as so 3ontrolle5. 9 3oul5 1eel "is nee5. 'eel "is nee5 as -reat as my o%n@ an5 yet "e 3oul5 kneel t"ere@ so 3lose@ so )ery 3lose. A,)eryone out@C <i3"ar5 5eman5e5. 9?5 1or-otten t"at %e still "a5 an au5ien3e. 9 "i5 my 1ore"ea5 a-ainst <i3"ar5?s 3"est. 7y "an5s sli5 8e"in5 "is 8a3k@ tryin- to press mysel1 a-ainst "im. As"er sai5@ A="at o1 t"e ot"er %ol)esBC A9 ma5e a pa3t %it" Verne. 9t?s o)er e*3ept 1or t"is.C 9 stare5 past <i3"ar5?s 8roa5 s"oul5er into As"er?s s3arre5 1a3e. His 1a3e %as 3are1ully 8lank@ empty@ unrea5a8le. 9 "a5 a t"ou-"tJ %"at %as "e "i5in-B But most o1 my t"ou-"ts %ere t"e s3ent o1 <i3"ar5?s skin. $"e smell o1 1res" 8loo5. $"e 3lin-in- s3ent o1 eart" an5 pine an5 lea)es. $"e li-"t@ salty 5e% o1 s%eat on "is 8o5y. $"ere %as no room 1or re-rets. $"ere %as only t"e %armt" o1 "is 8o5y presse5 a-ainst mine. A91 you take "er like t"is@ it %ill 8e )ery like rape@C As"er sai5. A9?m -oin- to try )ery "ar5 1or it not to 8e@C <i3"ar5 sai5. As"er -a)e a small soun5 t"at mi-"t "a)e 8een a lau-". ABon "eur@C "e sai5@ an5 le1t. Goo5 lu3k@ "e?5 sai5. He?5 sai5 it in 'ren3"@ an5 it ma5e me t"ink o1 Hean2!lau5e.

So 3lose to t"e %armt" o1 <i3"ar5?s 8o5y 9 3oul5 1eel "im "ar5 an5 rea5y@ an5 9 t"ou-"t o1 Hean2!lau5e. 9 %ante5 to %rap mysel1 in <i3"ar5. 9 %ante5 to pull "im aroun5 me like a 8lanket@ 8ut %"at %oul5 my ot"er lo)er sayB $"at t"ou-"t pus"e5 t"e munin a%ay 8etter t"an anyt"in- else "a5. 7ont"s in Hean2!lau5e?s 8e5@ an5 9 still %ante5 <i3"ar5. 9 %ante5 <i3"ar5@ not <aina@ not munin. 9 %ante5 "im. 9 %ante5 "im so 8a5ly 9 3oul5n?t t"ink a8out anyt"in- 8ut t"e 1eel o1 "im in my arms. But it %asn?t 1air@ not like t"is. /ot %it" <aina ri5in- me. S"e poure5 o)er me like a %arm 8at". $"is %as "er pri3e. $"is. $"at s"e 8e "ere %it" us 1or t"e 1irst time. $"at e)en t"is %oul5 al%ays 8e part "ers. 7y skin a3"e5 to 8e tou3"e5. 7y 8o5y "urt %it" a nee5 9?5 ne)er kno%n. ="en t"e 5oor 3lose5 8e"in5 t"em@ <i3"ar5 pulle5 me a%ay 1rom "is 8o5y. He "el5 me a%ay 1rom "im %it" "is "an5s on my 1orearms %"ile 9 stru--le5 to -et 3loser. 9 nee5e5 "im. /ee5e5 "im. 9 rea3"e5 1or "im@ 3ryin-@ A<i3"ar5@ please@ please.C He spun me aroun5 until 9 1ell a-ainst t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5. He put a "an5 in t"e mi55le o1 my 8a3k@ keepin- me turne5 a%ay 1rom "im. He slippe5 t"e s"oul5er straps o1 t"e spine s"eat" o11@ sli5in- t"em 5o%n my arms. He t"re% t"e s"eat" a3ross t"e room to 8an- into t"e %all. $"en "e leane5 o)er me@ a "an5 on eit"er si5e o1 t"e 8e5. He leane5 "is 1a3e o)er until "is "air 8rus"e5 my 1a3e. He mol5e5 "is 8o5y a-ainst mine@ arms %rappin- my arms a-ainst my 3"est. He "el5 me %it" "is 8o5y an5 "is arms@ pressin- us so 3lose 9 3oul5 1eel "is "eart 8eatin- a-ainst my 8a3k. He %"ispere5 a-ainst my 3"eek. A91 at any time you %ant to stop@ say so@ an5 it?s o)er. 9?ll -o.C 9 ma5e a small soun5 )ery like a %"imper@ an5 sai5@ A'u3k me@ <i3"ar5@ 1u3k me@ please.C A s"u55er ran t"rou-" "is 8o5y 1rom toes to "ea5@ an5 "is 8reat" 1ell out in a lon- si-". He pulle5 8a3k enou-" to un5o t"e 8a3k o1 my 8ra@ t"en "e sli5 it slo%ly o11 my s"oul5ers. He use5 t"e 8ra straps to lo%er my arms to my si5es a-ain. He pus"e5 t"e 8ra o11 my arms@ an5 it 1ell to t"e 1loor. His "an5s sli5 o)er my %aist. His "an5s 1elt "ot. He sli5 up%ar5 slo%ly@ so slo%ly t"at 9 %ante5 to 3ry out. His "an5s spille5 o)er my 8reasts@ 3uppin- t"em@ knea5in- t"em. His 1in-ers rolle5 my nipples@ an5 9 5i5 3ry out. He turne5 me to 1a3e "im@ almost t"ro%in- me a-ainst t"e 8e5. His arms lo3ke5 un5er my 8utto3ks@ an5 "e li1te5 me@ still on "is knees. His mout" 1oun5 my 8reasts. His ton-ue 1li3ke5 a3ross my nipple@ 1ast@ ;ui3k@ %et. 9 leane5 into "im@ an5 "is mout" sli5 o)er my 8reast@ su3kin- it. $"e 1eel o1 "is mout" on me %as almost too intense. 9t ma5e me %ant to 3ry out@ to s;uirm@ to say stop@ an5 ne)er stop. 9 ma5e a small soun5 like a so8 as "e release5 my 8reast in one lon- pull so t"at t"e nipple stret3"e5 8et%een "is teet". He mo)e5 to t"e ot"er 8reast@ "ars"er t"is time@ usin- more teet". He 8it -ently aroun5 t"e so1t tissue o1 my 8reast@ t"en li3ke5 t"e nipple@ rollin- it %it" "is ton-ue. He -a)e one ;ui3k 8ite t"at "urt@ an5 9 %as su55enly on t"e 1loor lookin- up. He knelt o)er me an5 put "is "an5s into t"e tears in "is $2s"irt an5 rippe5 it open@ e*posin- t"e "ar5ness o1 "is 3"est@ "is arms. $"ere %ere t%o slas"in- 3la% %oun5s@ one "i-" an5 one lo%. $"e "i-" one "a5 -one o)er "is nipple@ an5 8loo5 "a5 5rie5 on t"e tip o1 it. 9 sat up an5 rea3"e5 1or "im. He 5i5n?t stop me. 9 ran my ton-ue o)er "is 3"est@ o)er t"e %oun5s@ an5 "e -aspe5. 9 li3ke5 a ;ui3k ton-ue o)er t"e 8loo5y nipple@ an5 %"en "e 5i5n?t 3"ase me a%ay@ 9 lo3ke5 my mout" aroun5 it an5 1e5. 9 su3ke5 t"e %oun5 3lean@ pullin- "ar5 enou-" t"at 9 reopene5 t"e %oun5. 9t %as "is turn to 3ry out. He pus"e5 me 8a3k to t"e 1loor@ -ently. He took o11 my s"oes an5 so3ks@ an5 9 let "im. 7y "eart %as 8eatin- so 1ast it "urt@ poun5in- in my t"roat like a trappe5 t"in-. His "an5s %ent to t"e tops o1 my >eans. ="en t"e top 8utton %ent@ it ma5e my stoma3" >erk. He unEippe5 my pants an5 starte5 sli5in- t"em 5o%n my "ips. 9 "elpe5 "im pus" t"e 5ryin- 3lot" 5o%n my le-s. He pulle5 t"e >eans o11 in one last motion@ an5 9 %as le1t lyin-@ %earin- not"in- 8ut t"e 8la3k panties t"at "a5 mat3"e5 t"e 8ra. He %as on "is knees@ starin- 5o%n at me. His "an5s %ent to "is o%n >eans@ unsnappin- t"em. He "esitate5. A9?)e %ante5 t"is 1or so lon-@ Anita. =ante5 you like t"is@ 8ut not ... C As mu3" as <aina an5 9 "ate5 ea3" ot"er@ "er essen3e an5 9 "a5 a moment o1 per1e3t un5erstan5in-. 9 %ent to "im@ kneelin-. A#"@ no@ you 5on?t. 4on?t -o all Boy S3out on me no%.C 7y "an5s 1inis"e5 unEippin- "is pants. He 3au-"t my "an5s@ eyes sear3"in- my 1a3e. A9t?s you a-ain.C ADes@C 9 sai5@ Ait?s me.C 9 pulle5 my "an5s out o1 "is@ an5 "e let me. A:n5ress 1or me@ <i3"ar5G let me see you nake5.C ADou?)e seen me nake5 8e1ore@C "e sai5 so1tly. A/ot like t"is@C 9 sai5. A/o stoppin-@ no ;uestions.C He stoo5 up. A$"is %ill 3"an-e e)eryt"in- 1or me@ Anita. 9t "as to 3"an-e some t"in-s 1or you@ too.C 9 3o)ere5 my eyes %it" my "an5s an5 -a)e a little s3ream. A#"@ 1or Go5?s sake@ <i3"ar5@ stop talkin-. 9 %ant your "an5s on my 8o5y. 9 %ant you insi5e me so 8a5ly 9 3an?t t"ink. Ho% 3an you stan5 t"ere an5 8e reasona8leBC Somet"in- 1ell a3ross my "an5s an5 1a3e. 9t %as "is >eans an5 un5er%ear. 9 sat up an5 1oun5 <i3"ar5 nake5. 9 >ust looke5 at "im. $"e per1e3t -ol5en 8ro%n o1 "is skin %as uninterrupte5 1rom t"e 3ur)e o1 "is 3al)es to t"e narro%ness o1 "is "ips@

t"e s%ellin- o1 "is -roin@ t"e 1lat "ar5ness o1 "is 3"est@ an5 t"e s%eep o1 "is s"oul5ers. His "air 1ell a3ross one si5e o1 "is 1a3e in a -ol5en 8ro%n mass t"at le1t "al1 "is 1a3e in s"a5o%. 9 stoo5 an5 %alke5 to%ar5s "im. 9 %as s3are5. /er)ous 5i5n?t 3o)er it. S3are5 an5 ea-er. 9 put my "an5s on "is 3"est an5 rose on tiptoe to o11er "im my lips. =e kisse5@ an5 t"e mo)ement ma5e my 8o5y 1all 1ull a-ainst "is. $"e 1eel o1 "im "ar5 an5 nake5 %it" not"in- 8et%een us 8ut t"e 8la3k la3e panties ma5e me s"u55er an5 1all 8a3k 1rom t"e kiss. His "an5s 3au-"t me aroun5 t"e %aist an5 kept us presse5 to-et"er. $"en "e %as su55enly on "is knees@ "an5s pullin5o%n my panties in a motion so ;ui3k@ it %as )iolent. 9 %as su55enly nake5@ %it" "im kneelin- in 1ront o1 me@ starin- up. $"ere %as a look in "is eyes t"at ma5e t"in-s all o)er my 8o5y ti-"ten. He put "is lar-e "an5s on t"e insi5es o1 my t"i-"s an5 sprea5 my le-s. He sli5 "is "an5s alon- my t"i-"s until t"ey 3uppe5 my 8utto3ks@ 8rin-in- my -roin a-ainst "is 1a3e. He lai5 "is 3"eek a-ainst me@ li3kin- a ;ui3k line alon- my "ip. 7y "eart %as 8eatin- so "ar5@ 9 3oul5n?t -et a -oo5 8reat"@ 8ut 9 3oul5 talk. APlease@ <i3"ar5@ please. Please.C He sli5 one "an5 8et%een my t"i-"s. #ne 1in-er sli5 insi5e me. 9 s"u55ere5@ "ea5 8a3k@ eyes 3lose5. ADou?re %et@C "e sai5. 9 opene5 my eyes an5 stare5 5o%n at "im. A9 kno%.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 8reat"y. A<aina %as like t"at.C AS"e still is@C 9 sai5. A7ake "er -o a%ay.C He li3ke5 t"e insi5e o1 my t"i-"@ 1or3in- me to sprea5 my le-s >ust 8y li3kin-@ nuEElin- "is mout" a-ainst my skin. $"e 1irst tou3" o1 "is ton-ue 8et%een my le-s ma5e me -asp. He kisse5 me t"ere like "e?5 kisse5 my mout"@ all ton-ue an5 e*plorin-. He li3ke5 me in lon-@ sure strokes@ t"en "e 1oun5 >ust t"e ri-"t spot an5 su3ke5. 9 3oul5 see "is eyes starin- up at me %"ile "e 5i5 it. $"ere %as a 5ark li-"t in "is eyes@ somet"in- more primiti)e t"an %e "a)e %or5s 1or. 9t "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" 8ein- a %ere%ol1 an5 e)eryt"in- to 5o %it" 8ein- a man. 9t %as %a)es pulsin- alon- my 8o5y. $"e sensations %ere o)er%"elmin-. 9t 1elt so -oo5 it %as almost too mu3"@ a pleasure so -reat it %as almost pain. He pulle5 me into "is mout" until t"e %armt" sprea5 1rom my -roin up%ar5 in a -ol5en rus" t"at le1t t"e %orl5 "aEy an5 e5-e5 %it" %"ite -auEe like 9 %as seein- t"rou-" a mist. =it" t"e last 5rop o1 pleasure@ 9 1elt <aina lea)e. $"e munin %as -one %"en "e lo%ere5 me to t"e 1loor. His mout" %as -listenin-. He use5 t"e remains o1 "is s"irt to %ipe "is mout". He sai5@ A9 3oul5 al%ays -o 8rus" my teet".C 9 >ust s"ook my "ea5. A4on?t you 5are.C 9 "el5 my arms out to "im. A9s s"e -oneBC "e aske5. 9 no55e5. AHust me@ >ust us.C AGoo5@C "e sai5. He mo)e5 o)er me an5 lai5 "is nake5 8o5y t"e len-t" o1 mine. He %as too tall 1or missionary position. 9?5 "a)e su11o3ate5 a-ainst "is 3"est. He proppe5 "imsel1 up on "is arms in a sort o1 pus"2up position. He sli5 insi5e me@ an5 it %as ti-"t an5 %et an5 9 3oul5 1eel e)ery in3" o1 "im %orkin- its %ay insi5e o1 me. ="en "e %as s"eat"e5 insi5e o1 me@ "e stare5 5o%n at me. His eyes "a5 -one t"at startlin- am8er o1 a %ol1. $"ey %ere almost oran-e -ol5 in t"e tan o1 "is 1a3e. He %orke5 in an5 out@ on3e@ t%i3e@ t"ree times@ -ently@ as i1 makin- room. $"en "is "ips 3au-"t t"e r"yt"mn. 9 sli5 my "an5s to "is 8utto3ks until 9 3oul5 3up t"em %"ile "e pus"e5 "imsel1 insi5e me. 9 5u- my 1in-ernails into t"e smoot" "ar5ness o1 "is 1les". He pumpe5 1aster@ "ar5er@ still "ol5in- most o1 "is %ei-"t on "is arms an5 s"oul5ers. 9 raise5 my "ips to meet "is 8o5y. =it"out "is 8o5y trappin- me un5er "im@ 9 3oul5 mo)e. A r"yt"m 8e-an 8et%een us@ a %a)e o1 mo)ement an5 "eat an5 mus3les mo)in- to-et"er. Somet"in- opene5 insi5e o1 me@ insi5e o1 "im. 9 1elt t"e mark t"at 8oun5 us open like a 5oor. ="at 1ell t"rou-" t"at 5oor %as a %arm@ -ol5en@ rus" o1 po%er. 9t spille5 o)er me@ into me. 9t raise5 e)ery "air on my 8o5y as i1 it %ere an ele3tri3 3urrent. <i3"ar5 li1te5 me in "is arms@ still s"eat"e5 insi5e me. He "al123arrie5 me@ "al121lun- me to t"e 8e5. He 3ollapse5 on top o1 me@ an5 9 %as lost un5er t"e %armt" o1 "is skin an5 t"e %ei-"t o1 "is 3"est. 9t %as as i1 "is po%er ro5e my skinG e)ery t"rust sent a line o1 %armt" pourin- insi5e o1 me. 9t %as as i1 9 %ere 8at"in- in t"e -ol5en %armt" o1 "is 8o5y insi5e an5 out. 9t -re% in -ol5en pulses %it" e)ery t"rust. $"e pulses turne5 to %a)es t"at ma5e my 8o5y ti-"ten aroun5 "im. He 3rie5 out@ 8ut 5i5n?t 3ome. He raise5 8a3k up on "is arms@ only "is "ips an5 le-s pinnin- me to t"e 8e5. His eyes %ere still am8er@ still not "uman@ an5 9 5i5n?t 3are. 9 %at3"e5 "is 8east ri5e up t"rou-" t"ose alien eyes. 9 %at3"e5 it look 5o%n at me 1rom <i3"ar5?s 1a3e. 9 %at3"e5 t"ou-"ts sli5e a3ross t"at "an5some 1a3e t"at "a5 more to 5o %it" 1oo5 t"an se*@ an5 not"in- to 5o %it" lo)e. His "an5s 1le*e5 in t"e 8e5 on eit"er si5e o1 me. 9 "ear5 t"e 3lot" tear@ rippin-. 9 turne5 my "ea5 an5 sa% "is "an5s len-t"enin-@ turnin- into "uman 3la%s. $"ose 3la%s rippe5 t"e mattress %it" a t"i3k@ tearin- soun5. 9 stare5 up at <i3"ar5 an5 3oul5n?t keep t"e 1ear o11 my 1a3e. A<i3"ar5@C 9 sai5. A9 %oul5 ne)er "urt you.C He %"ispere5 it@ an5 %"en "is "an5s 3on)ulse5 in t"e 8e5@ 8its o1 %"ite 8e55in- spran- in t"e air.

9 sai5@ A<i3"ar5IC 7y )oi3e %as "i-"@ not pani3ke5@ 8ut 3lose. He sli3e5 3la%s 5o%n t"e len-t" o1 t"e 8e5 an5 pulle5 out@ rolle5 o11 me. He rolle5 onto "is si5e into a ti-"t 8all. His "an5s@ "is 3la%s %ere lon- an5 t"in %it" "is 1in-ernails turne5 into somet"in- monstrous@ 5an-erous. S"it. 9 smoot"e5 my "an5s 5o%n "is 8a3k. A9?m sorry@ <i3"ar5. 9?m sorry.C A9 %on?t 3"an-e 5urin- se*@ Anita@ 8ut t"is 3lose to t"e 1ull moon@ it?s "ar5.C He turne5 "is "ea5 to look up at me@ an5 "is eyes %ere still am8er. His "an5s 8e-an to re21orm@ s"rinkin- 8a3k to "uman. 9 %at3"e5 t"em 3"an-e@ 1elt t"e rus" o1 ener-y like a %a)e o1 5an3in- inse3ts on my skin. 9 kne% t"at i1 9 le1t "im like t"is@ "e?5 ne)er re3o)er. 9t %asn?t my loss@ not really. 9t %as t"at t"is %oul5 3on1irm "is 5eepest 1earsJ t"at "e %as a monster an5 only 1it to 8e %it" ot"er monsters. <i3"ar5 %as not a monster. 9 8elie)e5 t"at. 9 truste5 "im not to "urt me. 9 truste5 "im more t"an 9 truste5 mysel1 sometimes. A<oll o)er@C 9 sai5. He >ust looke5 at me. 9 rolle5 "is "ips o)er@ an5 "e let me. He %asn?t 3ompletely "ar5 no%. /ot"in- like "a)in- your lo)er s3ream 1or "elp to take t"e 1un out o1 it. 9 tou3"e5 "im@ an5 "e s"u55ere5@ eyes 3losin-. 9 "el5 "im in my "an5s an5 stroke5 "im until "e -re% %arm an5 "ar5. 9 sli5 o)er "im@ an5 "e %as almost too 8i- 1rom t"is an-le@ almost too mu3". 9t %as more intense %it" me on top@ s"arper some"o%. A small moan es3ape5 "im. A9 lo)e you@ <i3"ar5. 9 lo)e you.C 9 mo)e5 a8o)e "im %it" "im so 5eep insi5e me@ it 1elt like 9 s"oul5 8e a8le to taste "im. His "an5s sli5 aroun5 my %aist@ t"en to my 8reasts. $"e 1eelin- o1 "is "an5s on me %"ile 9 ro5e "is 8o5y %as almost too mu3". 9 mo)e5 my "ips -ently at 1irst@ t"en 1aster. 9 1or3e5 "im into me@ "ar5 an5 1ast an5 5eep@ until 9 %asn?t sure i1 it 1elt -oo5 or "urt. 9 1elt t"e or-asm -ro%in-. 9 1elt it 1illin- me up like %arm %ater in a 3up@ 1illin- 1rom t"e 8ottom up. 9 1elt it 1lo% o)er me in small spasms. <i3"ar5?s 8reat"in- 3"an-e5@ ;ui3kene5@ an5 9 kne% "e %as 3lose. A/ot yet@C 9 %"ispere5@ Anot yet.C He 5u- "is "an5s into t"e 8e5 on eit"er si5e o1 me. 9 1elt "is "an5s -o. 9 1elt t"em slip t"eir skin. 9 1elt it like t"e small release it %as@ like an e3"o o1 %"at "is 8o5y %as 5oin- insi5e o1 me. $"e 3la%s tore into t"e 8e5 like nails. 9 "ear5 t"e mattress material make t"at "ea)y rippin- soun5@ an5 it %as too late. $"e or-asm 3au-"t me in a 8urst t"at 8o%e5 my spine an5 ma5e me 3ry out. 9t %as"e5 o)er me in a skin2s"i1tin-@ ner)e2 >umpin- 5an3e as i1 e)ery part o1 me %ere tryin- to lea)e e)ery ot"er part 8e"in5. 'or a s"inin- se3on5@ 9 1elt skinless@ 8oneless@ not"in- 8ut t"e %arm roll o1 pleasure an5 t"e 1eel o1 "is 8o5y un5erneat" me. #nly "is 8o5y an3"ore5 me@ only t"e 1eel o1 "im -oin- insi5e me in one -reat release remin5e5 me %"ere 9 %as@ %"o 9 %as. 9 opene5 my eyes an5 1oun5 "is eyes 8ro%n an5 "uman. He raise5 "is "an5s to me@ an5 9 1ell a-ainst "is 8o5y. 9 lai5 my "ea5 on "is 3"est an5 1elt "is "eart 8eatin- a-ainst my 3"eek. 9 lay t"ere 1eelin- "is 8o5y pulse un5erneat" me. His arms "ol5in- me. He lau-"e5@ an5 it %as >oyous. He raise5 my 1a3e to "is an5 kisse5 me li-"tly an5 3are1ully. A9 lo)e you@ too@C "e sai5.

Chapter Twenty-eight
=arm. He %as so %arm. HeB 7y eyes %ere %i5e open@ an5 sleep 1ell a%ay like a 3ras" o1 -lass. 9 %as le1t lyin- in 8e5 %it" my "eart poun5in- an5 a tanne5 arm 1lun- a3ross my stoma3". 9 stare5 up t"at arm an5 1oun5 <i3"ar5 on "is stoma3"@ "air 1lun- o)er "is 1a3e like a 3urtain. 9 %as lyin- on my 8a3k@ s"eets 5o%n past my %aist@ trappe5 un5er <i3"ar5?s arm. 9 raise5 my "ea5 8a3k an5 1oun5 Van Go-"?s Sun1lo%ers a8o)e t"e 8e5. <i3"ar5?s 3a8in. =e?5 5one too mu3" 5ama-e to mine. 9 "a5 a )ery stron- ur-e to pull t"e s"eets up an5 3o)er my 8reasts. #kay@ okay@ <i3"ar5 "a5 seen t"e %"ole s"o% last ni-"t@ 8ut t"is mornin-@ 9 %ante5 to 3o)er up. 9 %as em8arrasse5. /ot 8i-@ a%1ul em8arrasse5@ 8ut little@ 3on1use5 em8arrasse5. 9 realiEe5 9 %as lyin- t"ere %it" my arms tu3ke5 a3ross my 3"est@ as i1 9 %as "i5in-. <i3"ar5?s arm looke5 )ery 5ark a-ainst t"e pale %"ite skin o1 my stoma3". Hean2!lau5e "a5 remarke5 t"at my skin %as almost as pale as "is. 9?5 "a5 enou-" moral pro8lems %it" premarital se* %it" t"e un5ea5. 7y one 3om1ort "a5 8een t"at 9 %as mono-amous. /o% 9 5i5n?t e)en "a)e t"at. ="ore5om "a5 1inally arri)e5 >ust as my Gran5mot"er Blake "a5 al%ays %arne5. 9n a %ay@ s"e %as ri-"t. #n3e you "a)e se* %it" anyone@ se* 8e3omes more o1 a possi8ility %it" ot"ers.

$"e 5rapes in t"e 3a8in "a5n?t 8een pulle5 3ompletely. 7ornin- sunli-"t 1ell t"rou-" t"e %"ite s"eers an5 spille5 o)er t"e 8e5. 9?5 ne)er seen a man?s 8o5y 8y mornin- li-"t. 9?5 ne)er slept %it" a man an5 a%akene5 8esi5e "im. #"@ on3e %it" Step"en@ 8ut 1ully 3lot"e5 %it" -uns an5 8a5 -uys a8out to 3ome t"rou-" t"e 5oor isn?t ;uite t"e same t"in-. 9 rea3"e5 out to%ar5s <i3"ar5?s arm@ tentati)e. Dou?5 t"ink a1ter %"at %e 5i5 last ni-"t@ 9?5 8e 8ra)er@ 8ut 9 %as almost a1rai5 to tou3" "im. 9?5 "a5 se*ual 1antasies a8out <i3"ar5@ 8ut t"is2t"is %as t"e 8i- one. $o %ake up 8esi5e "im@ %arm an5 ali)e. Go5 1or-i)e me@ 8ut 9 )alue5 t"at. 9 tou3"e5 "is arm li-"tly so t"at all 9 really tou3"e5 %ere t"e small -ol5en "airs@ no skin. 9 8rus"e5 up%ar5 >ust a8o)e t"e skin until t"ere %as not"in- 8ut t"e 8are skin o1 "is upper arm an5 s"oul5er. 9 5re% my 1in-ertips o)er t"e %armt" o1 "is skin. He %as in3re5i8ly %arm. =armer t"an skin temperature@ almost 1e)ere5. 9 1elt "im %ake@ a tension in "is s"oul5er an5 8a3k t"at "a5n?t 8een t"ere 8e1ore. 9 turne5 my "ea5@ an5 "is 8ro%n eyes %ere starin- at me t"rou-" t"e t"i3k 3urtain o1 "is "air. He rose up on one el8o% an5 smoot"e5 "is "air 8a3k 1rom "is 1a3e. He smile5@ an5 it %as t"e same smile t"at "a5 melte5 me into my so3ks a "un5re5 times. AGoo5 mornin-@C "e sai5. AGoo5 mornin-@C 9 sai5. 9 "a5 pulle5 t"e s"eets up o)er my 8reasts %it"out t"inkin- a8out it. He %i--le5 3loser@ %"i3" ma5e t"e s"eets at "is %aist sli5e 5o%n to re)eal t"e smoot" e*panse o1 "is 8utto3ks. He kisse5 me@ so1t@ ten5er@ t"en ru88e5 "is 1a3e alon- my 3"eek until "is 8reat" %as %arm a-ainst my ear@ t"en 1art"er 8a3k into my "air. He %as -i)in- me a %ol1 -reetin-. He kisse5 li-"tly 5o%n my ne3k an5 stoppe5 at my s"oul5er@ %"i3" %as a8out all t"at %as un3o)ere5. ADou seem tense@C "e sai5. ADou 5on?t@C 9 sai5. He lau-"e5@ an5 t"e soun5 ma5e me s"i)er an5 smile at t"e same time. 9t %as a lau-" 9?5 ne)er "ear5 1rom <i3"ar5. 9t %as )ery mas3uline@ )ery ... somet"in-J possessi)e@ satis1ie5 may8e. 9 1elt "eat 3reep up my 1a3e. Bein- t"at em8arrasse5 ma5e me 1eel silly 1or 8ein- em8arrasse5. A#"@ "ell.C A="atBC "e aske5. He stroke5 t"e si5e o1 my 1a3e. A!u55le %it" me@ <i3"ar5. Se* is -reat@ 8ut %"en 9 t"ou-"t o1 t"is moment@ 9 t"ou-"t o1 you "ol5in- me@ spoonin- me.C His smile %as -entle@ please5. He turne5 on "is si5e an5 e)en spille5 t"e s"eets 8a3k o)er "is %aist. He raise5 "is upper arm. 9 rolle5 onto my si5e so my 8a3k 1a3e5 "im an5 snu--le5 a-ainst "is %arm 8o5y. He %as a little tall 1or spoonin-@ 8ut %e %i--le5 aroun5 %it" mu3" -i--lin- an5 stupi5 3omments until %e 1oun5 a position t"at 1elt ri-"t. 9 %rappe5 "is arm aroun5 me@ sinkin- into t"e %arm 3ur)e o1 "is 3"est an5 all t"e rest@ an5 let out a si-". $"e 1eel o1 "is nake5 -roin presse5 a-ainst me %asn?t so mu3" e*3itin- as it >ust 1elt ri-"t. 9 1elt possessi)e o1 "is 8o5y@ o1 "im. 9 %ante5 to "ol5 "im like t"is 1ore)er. His skin %as almost "ot. ADou 1eel like you?)e -ot a 1e)er@C 9 sai5. A9t?s t"e 1ull moon@C "e sai5. ABy tomorro% ni-"t %"en t"e moon is 3ompletely 1ull@ my 8ase temperature %ill 8e o)er a "un5re5 an5 one.C He pus"e5 my "air asi5e until "e 3oul5 nuEEle t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k. 9t ma5e me 8reak out in -oose1les". 9 s;uirme5. A$"at ti3kles.C ADes@C "e sai5@ Ait 5oes.C 9 3oul5 1eel "im -ro%in- lar-er a-ainst my 8o5y. 9 lau-"e5 an5 rolle5 o)er on my 8a3k. A="y@ 7r. Keeman@ you seem "appy to see me.C He leane5 in 1or a kiss. AAl%ays.C $"e kiss -re%@ 8e3omin- more. 9 mo)e5 my 8o5y a-ainst "is an5 "a5 one le- %rappe5 aroun5 "is 8utto3ks %"en "e s3oote5 8a3k@ -oin- onto "is knees. A="at?s %ron-BC 9 aske5. =e?5 alrea5y esta8lis"e5 last ni-"t@ a1ter it %oul5 "a)e 8een too late@ t"at 9 %as on t"e pill. He?5 8een ni3ely "orri1ie5 %"en "e t"ou-"t o1 it. Sin3e %ere%ol)es 3an?t -et or 3arry 5isease@ on3e t"e pre-nan3y issue %as a55resse5@ you %ere sa1e. ="i3" also e*plaine5 %"y 9 %asn?t %orrie5 a8out li3kin- 8loo5 o11 o1 t"e ly3ant"ropes last ni-"t. Gross@ 8ut not 5an-erous. A9 3an?t@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 looke5 5o%n t"e len-t" o1 "is 8o5y. A#"@ 9?5 say you?re rea5y.C He 8lus"e5 1or me. ADou sa% me last ni-"t@ Anita. #ne 5ay 3loser to t"e 1ull moon@ my 3ontrol %ill 8e %orse@ not 8etter.C 9 lay 8a3k on t"e 8e5. A#".C 9 %as 5isappointe5. 7inutes 8e1ore@ 9?5 8een %orrie5 t"at %e?5 -i)en in to our lust@ an5 no% 9 %as sa5 t"at %e 3oul5n?t 5o it a-ain. $rust me to 8e lo-i3al a8out my men. A9?m -la5 you?re 5isappointe5@ too@C "e sai5. A'or a minute t"ere@ 9 t"ou-"t you %ere -oin- to -et up out o1 8e5@ say it "a5 all 8een a terri8le mistake@ an5 -o 8a3k to Hean2!lau5e.C

9 3o)ere5 my eyes %it" my "an5s@ t"en ma5e mysel1 look at <i3"ar5 %"ile 9 sai5 it. He sat t"ere lookin- too s3rumptious 1or %or5s@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t let it sli5e. 91 "e %as t"inkin- t"is meant 9?5 5ump Hean2!lau5e@ 9 3oul5n?t let it sli5e. But 9 %ante5 to. A="at 5o you t"ink last ni-"t meant@ <i3"ar5BC $"e smile 1a5e5 aroun5 t"e e5-es 8ut 5i5n?t 5isappear 3ompletely. A9t meant somet"in- to me@ Anita. 9 t"ou-"t it meant somet"in- to you.C A9t 5i5. 9t 5oes. But ... C ABut %"at a8out Hean2!lau5e.C <i3"ar5 sai5 it so1tly@ 8ut it "a5 to 8e sai5 8y someone. 9 no55e5@ "u--in- t"e s"eet to my 3"est. ADea".C A!an you -o 8a3k to >ust 5atin- "im a1ter last ni-"tBC 9 sat up an5 rea3"e5 1or "is "an5. He -a)e it to me. A9?)e misse5 you so mu3"@ <i3"ar5. $"e se* is ni3e@ 8ut ... C He raise5 eye8ro%s. A/i3e@ >ust ni3eBC 9 smile5. A9t %as %on5er1ul an5 you kno% it. An5 you kno% t"at?s not %"at 9 meant.C He no55e5@ "air s%in-in- into "is eyes. He 8rus"e5 it 8a3k. A9 kno%. 9?)e misse5 you@ too. 9?m lost on %eeken5s %it"out you.C 9 presse5 "is "an5 to my 3"eek. A7e@ too.C He si-"e5. ASo you?re -oin- to 8e %it" us 8ot"BC 9 let "is "an5 1all to my lap@ still "ol5in- it. ADou?5 -o alon- %it" t"atBC A7ay8e.C He leane5 in an5 kisse5 my 1ore"ea5@ e)er so -ently. A/oti3e 9 5i5n?t ask you to -i)e "im up an5 >ust 5ate me.C 9 tou3"e5 "is 1a3e. A9 kno%@ an5 9?m 8ot" relie)e5 an5 surprise5. $"ank you 1or not askin-.C He pulle5 8a3k enou-" to see my 1a3e 3learly. He looke5 )ery serious. ADou 5on?t like ultimatums@ Anita. 91 9 pus" you@ 9?ll lose.C A="y 5o you %ant to %in@ <i3"ar5B ="y 5on?t you >ust 5ump meBC He smile5. A/o% s"e -i)es me t"e 3"oi3e.C A9?)e -i)en you t"e 3"oi3e 8e1ore@C 9 sai5. A9 mean@ 9 kno% %"y Hean2!lau5e puts up %it" me. 9 "elp "is po%er 8ase. Dou?5 8e 8etter o11 i1 you pi3ke5 out a ni3e@ sa1e %ere%ol1 1or your lupa. 9 "urt your po%er 8ase.C A9?m in lo)e %it" you@C "e sai5 simply. A="y 5o 9 1eel like apolo-iEin- 1or t"atBC 9 aske5. A9?)e 8een 5oin- a lot o1 t"inkin- a8out %"y 9 3oul5n?t "ate you. ="y 9 3oul5n?t let you -o.C AAn5BC 9 "a5 pulle5 t"e s"eets aroun5 me like a nest so 9 %oul5n?t 8e nake5. 91 some%"ere in t"is 3on)ersation "e 5i5 5ump me@ 9 5i5n?t %ant to 8e nake5. Silly 8ut true. /ake5 5i5n?t seem to 8ot"er <i3"ar5. 'rankly@ it %as 5istra3tin- to me. A9 nee5 a "uman -irl1rien5. 9 nee5 someone %"o isn?t a monster.C AA lot o1 "umans %oul5 8e "appy to 8e your snu--le 8unny@ <i3"ar5.C A9 1oun5 t"at out@C "e sai5@ A8ut 9 5i5n?t "a)e se* %it" any o1 t"em.C A="y notBC A'art"er a%ay 1rom t"e 1ull moon 9 "a)e 8etter 3ontrol. $"e eyes 5on?t -o@ let alone t"e "an5s. 9 3an pass 1or "uman@ 8ut 9?m not "uman. Dou kno% %"at 9 am@ an5 e)en you almost 3oul5n?t a33ept it.C $"ere %as not"in- 9 3oul5 say to t"at@ so 9 5i5n?t try. He looke5 5o%n at t"e 8e5@ 1in-ers playin- alon- t"e e5-e o1 t"e s"eet. His )oi3e -re% )ery so1t. A7y 1irst year in t"e pa3k@ one o1 t"e ot"er ne% %ol)es "a5 a "uman -irl1rien5. He 3rus"e5 "er pel)is %"ile t"ey %ere makin- lo)e.C 7y eyes %i5ene5. AA little too rou-"@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 s"ook "is "ea5. He let "is "air 1all t"is time@ "i5in- most o1 "is 1a3e. ADou 5on?t un5erstan5@ Anita. Stren-t" is stren-t". =e 3an pi3k up small 3ars an5 t"ro% t"em. 91 you 5on?t realiEe your o%n stren-t"@ you 3an?t 3ontrol it.C He looke5 at me su55enly@ starin- out at me t"rou-" "is "air. 9t %as a -esture t"at Ga8riel "a5 8een 1on5 o1@ as i1 t"e "air %ere 3om1ortin- or remin5e5 t"em o1 1ur. ADou?re t"e 1irst nonly3ant"rope 9?)e e)er "a5 se* %it" sin3e 9 8e3ame one.C A9?m 1lattere5@ 9 -uess.C A9 %as still s3are5 9?5 "urt you like my 1rien5 "a5 "urt "is -irl1rien5 or in a t"ousan5 ot"er %ays. 4urin- se* you lose 3ontrol. $"at?s part o1 t"e 1un. 9 3an ne)er lose 3ontrol@ not 3ompletely@ unless 9?m %it" anot"er ly3ant"rope.C 9 looke5 at "im. A="at are you tryin- to say@ <i3"ar5BC A9?m sayin- you 5ate 8ot" o1 us. Ha)e se* %it" 8ot" o1 us. 9 %ill "ate it@ 8ut ... C

9 stare5 at "im. 9 5i5n?t like t"at "e 5i5n?t %ant to 1inis" t"e senten3e. 7a5e me ner)ous. A="at@ <i3"ar5BC He 8rus"e5 "is "air 8a3k %it" 8ot" "an5s until "is 1a3e %as 3lean an5 ti-"t. ADou 5ate 8ot" o1 us@ an5 9?ll keep 5atinot"er ly3ant"ropes.C 9 >ust kept starin- at "im. ASay somet"in-@C "e sai5. 9 opene5 my mout"@ 3lose5 it@ trie5 a-ain. ADou mean you?ll keep "a)in- se* %it" Lu3y.C A/ot Lu3y@ s"e?s ... Dou?)e met "er. S"e 3oul5 ne)er 8e lupa o1 our pa3k.C ASo you?re -oin- to keep au5itionin- lupasBC A9 5on?t kno% i1 9 am or not@ 8ut 9 kno% i1 you sleep %it" Hean2!lau5e@ 9 "a)e t"e ri-"t to sleep %it" ot"er people.C 9 3oul5n?t e*a3tly ar-ue %it" "im@ 8ut 9 %ante5 to. ADou?re still tryin- to -et me to -i)e up Hean2!lau5e.C A/o@C "e sai5. A9?m >ust sayin- t"at i1 you?re not mono-amous to me@ t"en %"y s"oul5 9 8e mono-amous to youBC A/o reason@ 9 -uess. ,*3ept ... 9 t"ou-"t %e lo)e5 ea3" ot"er.C A=e 5o. 9 5o.C He stoo5 an5 pi3ke5 up "is >eans 1rom t"e 1loor. ABut you 5on?t lo)e me enou-" to -i)e up Hean2!lau5e. ="y s"oul5 9 lo)e you enou-" to -i)e up e)eryone elseBC 9 stare5 at "im an5 1elt tears 8e-in to 1ill my eyes. ADou 8astar5.C He no55e5. He slippe5 into "is pants %it"out un5er%ear@ Eippin- 3are1ully. A$"e real 8it3" is t"at 9 5o lo)e you enou-" to -i)e up e)eryone else. 9 >ust 5on?t kno% i1 9 3an s"are you %it" Hean2!lau5e. 9 >ust 5on?t kno% i1 9 3an stan5 t"e t"ou-"t o1 you in "is 8e5. $"e t"ou-"t o1 "im 8ein- %it" you like t"at 5ri)es me ... C He s"ook "is "ea5. A9?m -oin- to take a s"o%er. 9?)e still -ot trolls to stu5y.C 9 3oul5n?t e)en 8e-in to t"ink a8out %"at "e?5 >ust sai5. 9t %as too mu3" all at on3e. ="en 3on1use5@ 3on3entrate on 8usiness. A9 nee5 to 3ome %it" you an5 talk to t"e 8iolo-ists. =e nee5 to 1in5 out i1 'ranklin /iley is t"e 8uyer 1or t"e lan5. $"e -uy %"o lost "is arm last ni-"t %as a1rai5 o1 "im. 9t takes someone pretty s3ary to make a man "esitate %"en "e?s surroun5e5 8y %ere%ol)es. Dour normal real estate types 5on?t "a)e t"at kin5 o1 >ui3e.C <i3"ar5 stro5e 8a3k to t"e 8e5. He pi3ke5 me up aroun5 t"e %aist an5 kisse5 me. He 3rus"e5 me a-ainst "im@ like "e?5 3ra%l in t"rou-" my mout" an5 pull me aroun5 "im. 9 %as 8reat"less %"en "e sat me 8a3k 5o%n on t"e 8e5. A9 %ant to tou3" you@ Anita. 9 %ant to "ol5 your "an5 an5 5o silly@ -oo1y -rins. 9 %ant us to a3t like people %"o are in lo)e.C A=e are in lo)e@C 9 sai5. A$"en 1or to5ay@ let?s t"ro% all t"e 5ou8ts out. Hust 8e %it" me t"e %ay 9?)e al%ays %ante5 you to 8e. 91 9 %ant to tou3" you to5ay@ 9 5on?t %ant to 8e a1rai5 not to. 9 %ant %"at "appene5 last ni-"t to 3"an-e t"in-s.C 9 no55e5. AAll ri-"t.C ADou 5on?t look sure@C "e sai5. A9?5 lo)e to -o aroun5 "ol5in- your "an5@ <i3"ar5. 9?m >ust realiEin- t"at ... #"@ "ell@ <i3"ar5@ %"at am 9 -oin- to tell Hean2 !lau5eBC A9 aske5 Hean2!lau5e "o% mu3" 5i11eren3e t"e marks ma5e to you@ "o% mu3" "ar5er you %ere to "urt p"ysi3ally. He 1i-ure5 out %"y 9 %as askin-. 9 en5e5 up tellin- "im t"e %"ole sa5 story a8out my 1rien5 an5 "is 5ea5 -irl1rien5.C 9 looke5 at "im. A="at 5i5 "e sayBC AHe sai5@ F$rust yoursel1@ mon ami. Dou are not your 1rien5 %it" "is so2sa5 tale. An5 Anita is not "uman. $"rou-" us s"e is more t"an t"at. Bot" o1 us "u55le aroun5 "er "umanity like it is t"e last 3an5le 1lame in a %orl5 o1 5arkness. But 8y our )ery lo)e@ %e make "er less "uman@ an5 more.? A 7y eye8ro%s %ent up. ADou remem8ere5 all t"atBC <i3"ar5 looke5 at me@ an5 it %as a lon-@ 3onsi5erin- look. He no55e5. A9 remem8ere5 8e3ause "e?s ri-"t. He?s ri-"t. =e 8ot" lo)e you in our %ays 1or similar reasons. 9t isn?t >ust po%er t"at 5ra%s "im to you. Dou sa% "im as a monster. $"e 1a3t t"at you 5on?t anymore makes "im 1eel less like one.C A9t soun5s like you -uys "a)e 8een "a)in- some lon- 3on)ersations.C ADea"@ it?s 8een a real male 8on5in- e*perien3e.C He soun5e5 8itter@ tire5. A9t also soun5s like you 5is3usse5 %"et"er you %ere -oin- to make lo)e to me %it" Hean2!lau5e 8e1ore you 5is3usse5 it %it" me.C A/e)er 5ire3tly@C "e sai5. A/e)er %or5 1or %or5.C A9t still soun5s an a%1ul lot like askin- permission@C 9 sai5.

<i3"ar5 %as 8a3k in t"e 8at"room 5oor%ay. A="at %oul5 you "a)e 5one i1 %e?5 ma5e lo)e an5 Hean2!lau5e "a5 trie5 to kill me a1ter%ar5sB =oul5 you "a)e kille5 "im prote3tin- meBC 9 >ust looke5 at "im. A9 5on?t kno%. 9 ... 9 %oul5n?t "a)e let "im kill you.C <i3"ar5 no55e5. A,*a3tly. ="et"er Hean2!lau5e kille5 me or 9 kille5 "im or %"et"er you kille5 one o1 us@ e)en i1 %e sur)i)e5 t"e 5eat" %it" t"e marks 5ra--in- us 5o%n to t"e -ra)e@ e)en i1 you an5 9 sur)i)e5@ you?5 ne)er 1or-i)e yoursel1 1or killin- "im. Dou?5 ne)er re3o)er 1rom it. =e?5 ne)er "a)e a li1e to-et"er. ,)en 5ea5 an5 -one@ Hean2!lau5e %oul5 "aunt us.C ASo you teste5 t"e %aters@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 no55e5. A9 teste5 t"e %aters.C ADou aske5 "is permission@C 9 sai5. He no55e5@ a-ain. A9 aske5 "is permission.C AAn5 "e -a)e it@C 9 sai5. A9 t"ink t"at Hean2!lau5e kno%s i1 "e kills me@ you %oul5 kill "im. $"at you?5 sa3ri1i3e all o1 us 1or one o1 us.C 9t %as true. 9t soun5e5 sort o1 stupi5 put t"at %ay@ 8ut it %as still true. A9 -uess 9 %oul5.C ASo i1 9 3an stan5 it@ an5 you %ant to 5o it@ you 5ate 8ot" o1 us. Dou s"are 8ot" o1 our 8e5s.C His "an5s 8alle5 into 1ists at "is si5es. ABut i1 9 3an?t "a)e mono-amy 1rom you@ you 3an?t "a)e it 1rom me. 'airBC 9 looke5 at "im an5 -a)e t"e 8arest o1 no5s. A9t?s 1air@ 8ut 9 "ate it. 9 "ate it a lot.C <i3"ar5 looke5 at me. AGoo5@C "e sai5 an5 3lose5 t"e 5oor. A moment later@ 9 "ear5 %ater runnin-. An5 9 %as le1t nake5 in "is 8e5 %it" e)eryt"in- 9?5 e)er %ante5 o11ere5 to me on a sil)er platter. So %"y %as 9 sittin- t"ere@ "u--in- my knees to my 3"est an5 1i-"tin- not to 3ryB

Chapter Twenty-nine
9 %ante5 to -et 5resse5. 9?5 8rou-"t my suit3ase o)er 1rom my 3a8in 1or >ust t"at reason@ 8ut 9 nee5e5 a s"o%er. 9?5 "a5 too mu3" 1i-"tin-@ too mu3" s%eatin-@ too mu3" 8loo5@ too mu3" se* last ni-"t not to s"o%er. So 9 sat "u55le5 in a nest o1 s"eets t"at smelle5 o1 <i3"ar5?s 3olo-ne@ my per1ume@ t"e s%eet s3ent o1 "is skin@ an5 se*. 9 "a5 mana-e5 not to 3ry. 9n 1a3t@ i1 <i3"ar5 "a5 >ust a5mitte5 un5yin- mono-amy to me@ 9?5 "a)e >oine5 "im in t"e s"o%er. But "e "a5n?t@ an5 9 %as 3on1use5. $"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. 9t startle5 me@ an5 9 almost >ust i-nore5 it. Almost preten5e5 %e %ere still asleep or ot"er%ise o33upie5@ 8ut t"e se3on5 kno3k %as more insistent. $"e t"ir5 %as so 1irm@ t"e 5oor s"ook. APoli3e@ open up.C Poli3eB A9?m not 5resse5. Hust a minute.C 9 really "a5n?t pa3ke5 a ro8e. But 9 also "a5 a su55en 8a5 1eelin-. 91 "e >ust %ante5 us out o1 to%n@ %"y 3ome t"is earlyB ="y %oul5n?t "e -i)e us time to pa3k an5 -et outB :nless "e 5i5n?t 3are i1 %e le1t anymore@ at least not on our o%n. 7ay8e "e?5 kno%n a8out t"e "it last ni-"t. 7ay8e "e meant to kill us. 9?5 5ealt %it" ro-ue 3ops 8e1ore@ on3e. 9t ma5e e)eryt"in- "ar5er. 91 9 met t"em at t"e 5oor %it" a -un@ it %oul5 -i)e t"em an e*3use to s"oot me. 91 9 5i5n?t prote3t mysel1 an5 t"ey s"ot me any%ay@ 9?5 8e pisse5. A#pen t"e 1u3k up@ Blake.C 9 5i5n?t pi3k up my -un@ 9 pi3ke5 up t"e telep"one. 9 5i5n?t 3all a la%yer. !arl Belisarius %as -oo5@ 8ut not -oo5 enou-" to "elp me stop a 8ullet. 9 3alle5 4olp". ="at 9 %ante5 %as anot"er %itness t"at 3oul5n?t 8e s"ot. A 3op in anot"er state seeme5 a -oo5 8et. $"e p"one %as near my pillo%. $"e pillo% "a5 t"e Bro%nin- un5er it@ 8ut i1 9 "a5 to -o 1or t"e -un@ 9 %as 5ea5. 4olp" ans%ere5 %it" AStorr.C A9t?s Anita. =ilkes an5 "is 5eputies are a8out to 8reak 5o%n my 5oor.C A="yBC A4on?t kno% yet.C A9?m puttin- a 3all t"rou-" on t"e ot"er line 1or t"e state 3ops t"ere.C A="yB Be3ause t"e 3ops 8roke 5o%n my 5oor %"en 9 5i5n?t open itBC A91 you 5on?t %ant "elp@ %"y are you 3allin-@ AnitaBC A9 %ant to 8e on t"e p"one to anot"er 3op %"en t"ey 3ome t"rou-" t"e 5oor.C 9 3oul5 "ear 4olp" 8reat"e 1or a se3on5 or t%o@ t"en@ A4on?t "a)e your -un in your "an5. 4on?t -i)e t"em an e*3use.C

An5 t"e 5oor 8urst open. 7ai5en %as 1irst t"rou-" t"e 5oor. He 3leare5 t"e 5oor -oin- lo%. $"e tall 5eputy %it" t"e s3ar took "i-". $"ey 8ot" traine5 -uns on me. 7ai5en?s 8i- 1orty21i)e looke5 ri-"t at "ome in "is 8i- "an5s. 9 >ust stoo5 t"ere@ one "an5 3lut3"in- t"e %"ite s"eet to my 3"est@ t"e p"one in my ot"er "an5. 9 %as )ery 3are1ul not to mo)e. 9 stoo5 1roEen %it" my "eart 8eatin- so "ar5 it 1ille5 my t"roat like air. 4olp"?s )oi3e %as in my earJ AAnitaBC A9?m "ere@ Ser-eant Storr.C 9 5i5n?t yell it@ 8ut 9 ma5e sure my )oi3e 3arrie5. S"eri11 =ilkes 3ame in 8e"in5 "is 5eputies. His -un %as "olstere5. APut 5o%n t"e p"one@ Blake.C A="y@ S"eri11 =ilkes@ 1an3y meetin- you in <i3"ar5?s 3a8in on su3" a lo)ely mornin-.C He stro5e a3ross t"e room to me. He yanke5 t"e p"one 1rom my "an5@ an5 9 5i5n?t 1i-"t "im. 9 5i5n?t t"ink "e %as "ere to kill anyone@ 8ut "e %as "ere to "urt. 9 %as -oin- to try )ery "ar5 not to -i)e "im an e*3use to 5o it. ="ate)er "e 5i5 to5ay@ 9 %oul5n?t make it easier 1or "im. He put t"e p"one to "is ear >ust lon- enou-" to "ear 4olp"@ t"en "un- it up. AA p"one 3all %on?t sa)e you t"is time@ Blake.C 9 looke5 up at "im an5 -a)e "im 8i- 8ro%n eyes. 9 5i5 e)eryt"in- 8ut 1lutter my las"es at "im. A4o 9 nee5 sa)in-@ S"eri11 =ilkesBC $"e p"one ran-. =e stoo5 t"ere@ lettin- it rin-. Se)en rin-s an5 =ilkes pi3ke5 it up an5 "un- it up a-ain %it"out puttin- it to "is ear. He %as so an-ry@ "e %as s"akin-. A 1ine tremor ran t"rou-" "is "an5s@ "is arms. His 1a3e %as 1lus"e5 %it" t"e e11ort not to 5o somet"in- )iolent or re-retta8le. 9 stoo5 t"ere as neutral as 9 3oul5 mana-e. Lookin- as "armless as 9 3oul5 mana-e. =it" my lon- "air tousle5 1rom sleep@ %earin- not"in- 8ut a s"eet@ it %asn?t "ar5 to look "armless. $"e 8at"room 5oor opene5@ an5 <i3"ar5 >ust stoo5 t"ere in not"in- 8ut a to%el. Guns turne5 an5 pointe5 at "im. He 1roEe in t"e 5oor%ay %it" steam 3urlin- aroun5 "im@ spillin- out into t"e room like 3lou5s. $"ere %as a lot o1 s3reamin-. !ops yellin-@ AHan5s upI Get on t"e 1loorIC <i3"ar5 la3e5 "is 1in-ers on top o1 "is "ea5 an5 took it all pretty 3almly. He?5 "ear5 t"em. He?5 steppe5 out o1 t"e s"o%er@ kno%in- t"ey %ere out "ere. He 3oul5 "a)e -one out t"e %in5o%@ 8ut "e "a5n?t. #1 3ourse@ i1 t"ey really t"ou-"t %e %ere 5an-erous@ t"ey?5 "a)e -one in a1ter "im. But t"ey?5 let "im 3ome out to us. $"ey %eren?t treatin- us like 3riminals. $"ey %ere a3tin- like t"e 3riminals. <i3"ar5 %as on "is stoma3" %it" 7ai5en?s -un presse5 to "is 8a3k. Han53u11s %ent on. $"e s3arre5 5eputy pulle5 "im to "is knees@ usin- "is lon-@ %et "air. $"e to%el staye5 on. $ou-" to%el. $"e p"one ran-. 9t ran- t"ree times. ,a3" one seeme5 lou5er t"an t"e last. =ilkes -ra88e5 t"e entire p"one an5 >erke5 it out o1 t"e %all. He t"re% it a-ainst t"e 1ar %all@ %"ere it lay silen3e5. He stare5 5o%n at me@ 8reat"in- so "ar5 it looke5 pain1ul. He spoke )ery 3are1ully@ as i1 a1rai5 to yell@ a1rai5 t"at i1 "e lost 3ontrol o1 e)en "is )oi3e@ it %oul5 8e o)er. A9 tol5 you to -et out o1 my to%n.C 9 kept my )oi3e )ery so1t@ )ery unt"reatenin-. ADou -a)e me until sun5o%n to5ay@ =ilkes. 9t?s not e)en nine o?3lo3k in t"e mornin-. ="at?s t"e rus"BC AAre you -oin- to5ayBC 9 opene5 my mout" to lie. <i3"ar5 sai5@ A/o.C S"it. =ilkes -ra88e5 me 8y t"e arm an5 pulle5 me to%ar5s <i3"ar5. 9 trippe5 on t"e s"eet@ an5 "e 5ra--e5 me t"e last 1e% 1eet. 9 put most o1 my e11ort into 3lut3"in- t"e s"eet to my 3"est. Bruises %ere okayG 8ein- nake5 in 1ront o1 t"em %as 5e1initely not okay. =ilkes "al12t"re% me@ "al125roppe5 me on t"e 1loor 8esi5e <i3"ar5. <i3"ar5 trie5 to -et to "is 1eet@ an5 t"e s3arre5 5eputy "it "im in t"e s"oul5er %it" t"e 8utt o1 t"e s"ot-un. 9 tou3"e5 <i3"ar5?s arm. A9t?s all ri-"t@ <i3"ar5. ,)eryone >ust 8e 3alm.C $"e s3arre5 5eputy sai5@ AGo5@ you are a 3ol5 8it3".C 9 >ust looke5 at =ilkes. He %as t"e one in 3"ar-e. He %as t"e one %"o %oul5 5i3tate "o% 8a5 t"is %as -oin- to 8e. 91 "e staye5 3alm@ so %oul5 t"e ot"ers. 91 "e lost it@ %e %ere in 5eep s"it. =ilkes >ust stare5 5o%n at me. His 8reat"in- "a5 ease5@ 8ut "is eyes %ere still %il5. ALea)e to%n@ 7r. Keeman. Lea)e to%n to5ay.C <i3"ar5 opene5 "is mout"@ an5 9 s;ueeEe5 "is arm. He?5 tell t"e trut" unless 9 ma5e "im s"ut up. $"e trut" %as not %"at %e nee5e5 ri-"t no%. A=e?ll lea)e@ =ilkes. Dou?)e ma5e your point@C 9 sai5.

=ilkes s"ook "is "ea5. A9 t"ink you?re lyin-@ Blake. 9 t"ink <i3"ar5 "ere is plannin- to stay. 9 t"ink you?5 say anyt"in- to -et us out o1 t"is room ri-"t no%.C 9t %as t"e trut"@ an5 t"at ma5e it "ar5 to ar-ue. A=e?5 8e 1ools to stay@ =ilkes.C A9 t"ink <i3"ar5 is a 1ool. A so1t"earte5@ tree2"u--in- li8eral. 9t?s not you %e "a)e to 3on)in3e@ Anita. 9t?s your 8oy1rien5.C 9 5i5n?t ar-ue %it" t"e 8oy1rien5 part. 9 3oul5n?t anymore. 9 leane5 a little into <i3"ar5. AHo% 5o you plan to 3on)in3e "imBC =ilkes sai5@ A$"ompson.C $"e s3arre5 5eputy -a)e up "is pla3e in 8a3k o1 <i3"ar5 to 7ai5en. 7ai5en looke5 un3ertain@ as i1 t"in-s %ere mo)intoo 1ast 1or "im@ 8ut "e kept "is -un out@ not pointe5 at <i3"ar5@ sort o1 restin- a-ainst "is 1a3e. A$"ompson@ %e ne)er patte5 7s. Blake 5o%n 1or %eapons.C $"ompson smile5@ a 8i-@ -oo52"umore5 smile. A/o@ %e 5i5 not@ S"eri11.C He -ra88e5 t%o "an51uls o1 s"eet an5 5ra--e5 me to my 1eet. He >erke5 "ar5 enou-" t"at 9 stum8le5 into "im. He lo3ke5 one arm 8e"in5 me@ "ol5in- me a-ainst "im. His Sam Bro%n 8elt presse5 into my stoma3" 8ut kept t"e rest o1 "im 1rom tou3"in- me. 9 1elt more t"an "ear5 <i3"ar5 8e"in5 me. 9 looke5 8a3k. 7ai5en "a5 tra5e5 "is -un 1or "is 8aton. He "a5 t"e 8aton un5erneat" <i3"ar5?s 3"in@ presse5 a-ainst "is t"roat a8o)e t"e A5am?s apple so "e %oul5n?t a33i5entally 3rus" "is %in5pipe. 9t looke5 like 7ai5en "a5 "a5 trainin-. $"ompson sai5@ A4on?t stru--le yet@ lo)er. Dou ain?t seen not"in- to -et e*3ite5 a8out yet.C 9 5i5n?t like t"e soun5 o1 t"at at all. He -ra88e5 t"e s"eet an5 trie5 to tear it out o1 my "an5s. 9 1ou-"t "im. He steppe5 8a3k 1rom me@ "ol5in- t"e s"eet@ an5 yanke5. 9t %as "ar5 enou-" 9 stum8le5@ 8ut 9 kept t"e s"eet. A$"ompson@C =ilkes sai5@ Astop playin- -o55amn tu-2o12%ar an5 5o it.C $"ompson sli5 "is 1in-ers 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 t"e s"eet an5 -a)e it all "e "a5. 9t pulle5 me to my knees in an un-ra3e1ul "eap@ 8ut 9 %on. 9 kept t"e s"eet. 9 %as pissin- "im o11@ not my 8est i5ea@ 8ut 9?m not -oo5 nake5. 9 ne)er 1eel nu5e. 9 1eel nake5. He -ra88e5 me 8y t"e 8a3k o1 t"e "ea5 an5 use5 my "air to t"ro% me up a-ainst t"e 8e5. 9 3oul5 "a)e pulle5 a%ay i1 9 %ante5 to lea)e a "an51ul o1 "air an5 8loo5 in "is "an5s@ 8ut it %oul5 "urt@ an5 unless 9 %as %illin- to start killin- people@ t"is %as -oin- to "appen. $"e more 9 1ou-"t it@ t"e %orse it %as -oin- to 8e. As lon- as it %as >ust a little slap an5 ti3kle 1or <i3"ar5?s 8ene1it@ 9 3oul5 "an5le it. $"at?s %"at 9 tol5 mysel1 %"ile $"ompson yanke5 me "al1 a3ross t"e 8e5 8y my "air. He "el5 me 5o%n 8y my "ea5@ puttin- enou-" %ei-"t on t"at one arm t"at it almost "urt. $"e s"eet "a5 pulle5 5o%n 1rom my 8a3k to my %aist. He >erke5 it 5o%n 1art"er@ e*posin- my 8utt. 9 stru--le5 >ust a 8it t"en. He presse5 5o%n so "ar5 on my "ea5 t"at my 1a3e %as presse5 into t"e 8e5 enou-" t"at it %as 5i11i3ult to -et a 1ull 8reat". $"e mattress %asn?t 1irm enou-" 1or t"is s"it. 9 lay )ery still. 9 5i5 not %ant "im to pus" my 1a3e 5o%n into t"e mattress. Passin- out %oul5 8e 8a5. Dou ne)er %ake up 8etter o11 t"an you starte5. AStay@C $"ompson sai5@ Aor 9?ll put "an53u11s on you.C 9 5i5 %"at "e sai5. <i3"ar5 3oul5 8reak a pair o1 "an53u11s. 9 3oul5n?t. As mu3" as 9 lo)e5 <i3"ar5@ 9 5i5n?t %ant "im to 8e t"e only person 1ree in a room 1ull o1 3ops -one 8a5. 91 it really 3ame 5o%n to "a)in- to 1i-"t our %ay out it %oul5 mean killin-. $o my kno%le5-e@ <i3"ar5 "a5 ne)er kille5 a "uman 8ein-. He %as s;ueamis" enou-" a8out killin- ot"er s"apes"i1ters. $"ompson pulle5 my arms out 1rom un5er my 3"est an5 sprea5 my arms to eit"er si5e on t"e 8e5. He sli5 "is "an5s o)er my "an5s@ my arms@ as i1 8are skin 3oul5 "i5e any %eapons. His "an5s sli5 5o%n my 8are 8a3k@ slopin- alon- my %aist an5 lo%er. His "an5s slippe5 o)er my 8utto3ks an5 8et%een my t"i-"s. sprea5in- my le-s. 9t %as too reminis3ent o1 last ni-"t %it" <i3"ar5@ too intimate. 9 raise5 up. A="at is t"is@ a rape t"eme 5o%n "ereBC $"ompson slappe5 me on t"e 8a3k o1 t"e "ea5. ABe still@ or 9?ll make you 8e still.C But "is "an5s %eren?t playin- %it" my t"i-"s. He 3oul5 "it me more an5 "ar5er i1 "is "an5s 5i5n?t %an5er lo%er. A$"is 3an all stop@ <i3"ar5@C =ilkes sai5. A$"is 3an all 8e o)er. Hust lea)e.C ADou?ll kill t"e trolls@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 turne5 to look at <i3"ar5. 9 %ante5 to s3ream at "im@ AHust lieIC =e?5 1i-ure it out later@ 8ut 9 %ante5 "im to >ust lie no%. 9 3oul5n?t say t"at out lou5. 9 stare5 at "im an5 5i5 somet"in- 9 "a5 rarely attempte5. 9 trie5 to open t"e 8on5 8et%een us. 9 rea3"e5 out to "im not %it" my "an5s or %it" my arms@ 8ut it 1elt like rea3"in-. 9 mo)e5 out to%ar5s "im %it" t"in-s 9 3oul5n?t see 8ut 3oul5 1eel. 9 opene5 somet"in- insi5e "im. 9 1elt it -i)e. 9 sa% t"e %i5enin- o1 "is eyes. 9 1elt t"e 8eat o1 "is "eart. $"ompson -ra88e5 my s"oul5er an5 s"o)e5 me 8a3k to t"e 8e5. 9t 8roke my 3on3entration.

$"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. $"e ot"er 5eputy@ %"o "a5 8een %it" $"ompson t"at 1irst 5ay@ steppe5 into t"e 5oor%ay. He -a)e t"e room a on3e2o)er@ eyes lin-erin- on me on t"e 8e5@ 8ut "is 1a3e staye5 neutral. A$"ere?s a 3ro%5 -at"erin-@ S"eri11.C AA 3ro%5BC =ilkes sai5. A$"e tree2"u--ers are out stu5yin- t"eir pre3ious trolls. 91 it?s >ust t"e 8o5y-uar5s@ 1u3k t"em.C $"e 5eputy s"ook "is "ea5. A9t?s a s"it loa5 o1 people@ S"eri11.C =ilkes si-"e5. He looke5 at <i3"ar5. A$"is is your last %arnin-@ Keeman.C He %alke5 o)er to me@ an5 $"ompson 8a3ke5 o11. He s;uatte5 so %e?5 8e eye to eye. 9 -at"ere5 t"e s"eet an5 turne5 to meet "is -aEe. A="ere are !"u3k an5 $erryBC "e aske5. 9 8linke5 an5 kept my 1a3e neutral. #n3e@ not lon- a-o@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e 8een a8le to 5o it. /o% my 1a3e -a)e not"ina%ay. 9 %as as 8lank an5 empty as t"e %"ite s"eet aroun5 my 8o5y. A="oBC A$"ompson.C =ilkes stoo5. 9 1elt $"ompson mo)e in 1rom 8e"in5 me. A4oes "e 5o all your 5irty %ork@ =ilkesB Dou aren?t man enou-" to a8use an unarme5 %omanBC =ilkes "it me a 8a3k"an5e5 slap t"at ro3ke5 me a-ainst t"e 8e5. 9 taste5 8loo5. 9 pro8a8ly 3oul5 "a)e 8lo3ke5 t"e slap@ 8ut t"at %oul5 "a)e ma5e t"e se3on5 8lo% "ar5er. Besi5es@ 9?5 aske5 1or it. 9 5on?t mean 9 5eser)e5 it. 9 mean 9 pre1erre5 =ilkes to $"ompson 1or a8use. 9 ne)er %ante5 to 8e at $"ompson?s mer3y %it"out =ilkes t"ere to rein "im in. $"ompson %asn?t a 3op. He %as a -oon %it" a 8a5-e. $"e se3on5 8lo% %as a slap@ t"e t"ir5 %as anot"er 8a3k"an5. $"e 8lo%s %ere ;ui3k an5 "ar5 an5 le1t my ears rin-in-. 9 sa% spots o1 li-"t a-ainst my )ision. $"e pro)er8ial stars@ an5 "e "a5n?t e)en 3lose5 "is 1ist. =ilkes stoo5 o)er me@ 8reat"in- too "ar5@ "an5s in 1ists at "is si5e. $"at 1ine trem8lin- %as 8a3k a-ain@ as i1 "e %as 1i-"tin- not to 3lose "is 1ists. =e 8ot" kne% i1 "e 5i5@ "e %oul5n?t stop. 91 "e "it me e)en on3e %it" "is 1ist@ it %oul5 8e o)er. He?5 "it me until someone pulle5 "im o11. 9 %asn?t a "un5re5 per3ent sure t"at t"ere %as anyone in t"e room %"o %oul5 pull "im o11. 9 stare5 up at "im %it" a tri3kle o1 8loo5 at t"e 3orner o1 my mout". 9 li3ke5 at t"e 8loo5 %it" my ton-ue an5 stare5 into =ilkes?s 8ro%n eyes. 9 sa% t"e a8yss 5o%n at t"e en5 o1 "is -aEe. $"e monster %as t"ere@ 8arely 3a-e5. 9?5 un5erestimate5 "o% 3lose to t"e e5-e =ilkes %as. 9 kne% in t"at moment t"at t"is last %arnin- %as >ust t"atJ a last %arnin-. A last 3"an3e@ not >ust 1or us@ 8ut 1or =ilkes. A last 3"an3e 1or "im to %alk a%ay %it"out any a3tual 8loo5 on "is o%n lily2%"ite "an5s. $"e 5eputy 8y t"e 5oor sai5@ AS"eri11@ %e?)e -ot o)er t%enty people outsi5e "ere.C A=e 3an?t 5o t"is %it" an au5ien3e@C 7ai5en sai5. =ilkes kept starin- 5o%n at me@ an5 9 "el5 "is -aEe. 9t %as almost like %e %ere 8ot" a1rai5 to look a%ay@ as i1 e)en t"at small mo)ement %oul5 un3a-e t"e monster. 7ay8e it %asn?t $"ompson 9 s"oul5 8e a1rai5 o1. AS"eri11@C 7ai5en sai5 so1tly. A9n t%enty21our "ours@C =ilkes sai5@ )oi3e s;ueeEe5 5o%n until it %as almost pain1ul to "ear@ A%e?ll 1ile a missin- person?s report on !"u3k an5 $erry. $"en %e?ll 8e 8a3k@ 7s. Blake. =e?ll 8e 8a3k@ an5 %e?ll take you in 1or ;uestionin- re-ar5int"eir 5isappearan3e.C A="at are you -oin- to %rite 5o%n in t"e report as to %"y you t"ou-"t 9 mi-"t kno% %"ere t"ey areBC He %ent 8a3k to starin- at me@ 8ut at least t"e 1ine trem8lin- "a5 stoppe5. 9 kept my )oi3e neutral 8ut sai5@ A9?m sure some o1 t"e tree2"u--ers 3alle5 t"e 3ops last ni-"t. But no one 3ame. Dou?re t"e la% in t"is to%n@ =ilkes. Dou?re all t"ese people "a)e 8et%een t"em an5 t"e 8a5 -uys. Last ni-"t@ you 5i5n?t 3ome 8e3ause you t"ou-"t you kne% %"at %as "appenin-. Dou t"ou-"t !"u3k an5 $erry "a5 -otten 3arrie5 a%ay. So you 3ome 8y t"is mornin- to pi3k up t"e 8o5ies@ 8ut t"ere aren?t any 8o5ies.C ADou kille5 t"em@C "e sai5@ "is )oi3e so1t an5 ti-"t. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ 9 5i5n?t.C ="i3" %as te3"ni3ally true. 9 "a5n?t kille5 t"em. 9?5 kille5 !"u3k 8ut not $erry. ADou?re sayin- you ne)er sa% t"em last ni-"t.C A9 5i5n?t say t"at. 9 >ust sai5 9 5i5n?t kill t"em.C =ilkes -lan3e5 8e"in5 at <i3"ar5. A$"e Boy S3out 5i5n?t 5o t"em.C A/e)er sai5 "e 5i5.C A$"at little -uy you %ere %it"@ HasonB S3"uylerB He 3oul5n?t "a)e taken 8ot" o1 t"em.C A/ope@C 9 sai5. ADou are pissin- me o11@ Blake. Dou 5on?t %ant me an-ry.C

A/o@ 9 5on?t@ S"eri11 =ilkes. 9 really 5on?t %ant you an-ry. But 9 am not lyin-. 9 5i5 not kill t"em. 9 5on?t kno% %"ere t"ey are.C $"at at least %as totally true. 9 %as 8e-innin- to %on5er i1 $erry "a5 e)er ma5e it to t"e "ospital@ an5 9 %as 8e-innin- to t"ink "e pro8a8ly "a5n?t. 4i5 Verne?s pa3k kill "im a1ter 9 promise5 "im %e %oul5n?tB 9 "ope5 not. A9?)e 8een a 3op 1or lon-er t"an you?)e 8een ali)e@ Blake. Dou make my 8ulls"it meter -o o11. Dou?re lyin- to me@ an5 you?re -oo5 at it.C A9 5i5n?t kill your t%o 1rien5s@ S"eri11. 9 5on?t kno% %"ere t"ey are no%. $"at?s t"e trut".C He "unkere5 8a3k 5o%n 8esi5e me. A$"is is your last %arnin-@ Blake. Get t"e 1u3k out o1 my to%n@ or 9 am -oin- to 5rop2 ki3k you into t"e nearest "ole. 9?)e li)e5 "ere a lon- time. 91 9 "i5e a 8o5y@ it stays "i5.C AA lot o1 people -o missin- aroun5 "ereBC 9 aske5. A7issin- people are 8a5 1or tourism@C =ilkes sai5. He stoo5. ABut it "appens. 4on?t let it "appen to you. Get out no%@ to5ay. 91 you?re not -one 8y 5ark@ it?s o)er.C 9 stare5 up at "im an5 kne% "e meant it. 9 no55e5. A=e?re "istory.C =ilkes turne5 to <i3"ar5. A="at a8out you@ Boy S3outB Dou a-reeB 9s t"is enou-"B #r 5oes it "a)e to -et %orseBC 9 looke5 a3ross t"e room at <i3"ar5 an5 ur-e5 "im to lie. 7ai5en still "a5 a 8aton stret3"e5 a3ross "is t"roat. $"e to%el "a5 slippe5 5o%n@ an5 "e %as nake5@ %it" "is %rists still in 3u11s 8e"in5 "is 8a3k. <i3"ar5 s%allo%e5@ t"en sai5@ A9t?s enou-".C ADou?re out 8y 5arkBC =ilkes ma5e it a ;uestion. ADes@C <i3"ar5 sai5. =ilkes no55e5. A9 3an?t tell you "o% "appy 9 am to "ear t"at@ 7r. Keeman. !ome on@ 8oys.C 7ai5en )ery slo%ly took "is 8aton a%ay 1rom <i3"ar5?s t"roat an5 steppe5 8a3k. A9?ll take t"e 3u11s o11 i1 you promise to 8e"a)e yoursel1.C A9t?s o)er@ ri-"t@ <i3"ar5BC =ilkes sai5. A$ake t"e 3u11s o11. $"ey %on?t -i)e us any more trou8le.C 7ai5en 5i5n?t look as 3on)in3e5 as =ilkes seeme5 to 8e@ 8ut "e 5i5 %"at "e %as tol5. He took t"e 3u11s o11. <i3"ar5 ru88e5 "is %rists 8ut 5i5n?t 8ot"er -ra88in- at t"e 1allen to%el. =it"out 3lot"esG <i3"ar5 %as nu5e@ not nake5. He %as 3om1orta8le. 7ost ly3ant"ropes %ere. 7ai5en 1ollo%e5 =ilkes to t"e 5oor@ 8ut "e kept an eye on 8ot" o1 us@ as i1 still e*pe3tin- trou8le. A -oo5 3op ne)er turns "is 8a3k 3ompletely. $"ompson %as t"e last to mo)e to%ar5s t"e 5oor. He sai5@ ALo)er?s t"in- is almost as 8i- as you are.C /ot"in- else "e?5 5one "a5 ma5e me 8lus"@ 8ut t"at 5i5. 9 "ate5 it 8ut 3oul5n?t stop it. He lau-"e5. A9 "ope you 5on?t lea)e to%n. 9 "ope you stay@ 8e3ause 9 really 5o %ant anot"er 3"an3e to 8e alone to-et"er.C A7y ne% -oal in li1e@ $"ompson@ is to ne)er 8e alone %it" you.C He lau-"e5 a-ain. He lau-"e5 %"ile "e %alke5 out t"e 5oor. $"e 5eputy t"at kept 3omplainin- a8out t"e 3ro%5 le1t. #nly 7ai5en %aite5 in t"e 5oor 1or =ilkes. $"e s"eri11 sai5@ A9 "ope %e ne)er meet a-ain@ Blake.C A4itto@ S"eri11@C 9 sai5. A7r. Keeman.C He -a)e a no5 as i1 "e?5 >ust pulle5 us o)er 1or a tra11i3 stop an5 let us -o %it" a %arnin-. His entire 8o5y lan-ua-e 3"an-e5 as "e mo)e5 t"rou-" t"e 5oor. Hust a -oo5 o1 8oy talkin- to some stran-ers a8out t"at 5istur8an3e last ni-"t. ="en t"e 5oor 3lose5 8e"in5 t"em@ <i3"ar5 3ra%le5 to me. He starte5 to tou3" my 1a3e@ t"en stoppe5@ 1in-ers "o)erin"elplessly aroun5 my 1a3e. AAre you "urtBC AA little.C He "u--e5 me@ pullin- me -ently in a-ainst "is 8o5y. AGo "ome@ Anita. Go 8a3k to Saint Louis.C 9 pulle5 a%ay enou-" to meet "is eyes. A#"@ no. 91 you stay@ 9 stay.C He 3ra5le5 my 1a3e in "is "an5s. A$"ey?ll "urt you.C A/ot i1 t"ey t"ink %e really le1t. !an Verne?s people "i5e usBC A="o 5o you t"ink is outsi5e in t"e 3ro%5BC 9 looke5 up into "is open 1a3e. A4i5 t"ey kill t"e ot"er manB 4i5 Verne?s people kill $erry a1ter t"ey le1tBC A9 5on?t kno%@ Anita.C He "u--e5 me a-ain. A9 5on?t kno%.C

A9 promise5 "im "e?5 li)e i1 "e tol5 us %"at "e kne%.C He pulle5 8a3k@ "ol5in- my 1a3e in "is "an5s. ADou 3oul5 "a)e kille5 "im 5urin- t"e 1i-"t last ni-"t an5 not 8linke5@ 8ut 8e3ause you promise5 "im sa1ety@ you?re upset.C 9 pulle5 a%ay 1rom <i3"ar5@ stan5in-@ tu--in- t"e s"eet out 1rom un5er "is knees. A91 9 -i)e my %or5@ it means somet"in-. 9 -a)e my %or5 t"at "e?5 li)e. 91 "e?s 5ea5 no%@ 9 %ant to kno% %"y.C A$"e 3ops are on t"e ot"er si5e. 4on?t piss Verne an5 "is pa3k o11@ Anita. $"ey?re all %e "a)e.C 9 knelt 8y t"e suit3ase on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 8e5 an5 starte5 -ettin- out 3lot"es. A/o@ <i3"ar5@ %e "a)e ea3" ot"er an5 %e "a)e S"an-24a an5 Hason an5 As"er an5 e)eryone %e 8rou-"t %it" us. 91 Verne?s people %ent 8e"in5 my 8a3k last ni-"t an5 kille5 $erry@ %e 5on?t "a)e t"em. $"ey "a)e us. Be3ause %e nee5 t"em@ an5 t"ey kno% it.C 9 stoo5 %it" an arm1ul o1 3lot"es an5 s"u11le5 to%ar5s t"e 8at"room %it" t"e s"eet still aroun5 me. 'or some reason@ 9 >ust 5i5n?t %ant to 8e nake5 in 1ront o1 anyone ri-"t no%@ not e)en <i3"ar5. 9 ma5e one stop on t"e %ay. 9 -ot t"e Bro%nin- out 1rom un5er my pillo% an5 pile5 it on top o1 t"e 3lot"es. /o more -oin- unarme5 1or t"e rest o1 t"e trip. 91 someone 5i5n?t like it@ t"ey 3oul5 lump it. $"at in3lu5e5 my nearest an5 5earest. $"ou-"@ to <i3"ar5?s 3re5it@ "e 5i5n?t say a %or5 a8out t"e -un or anyt"in- else as 9 3lose5 t"e 5oor.

Chapter Thirty
9 %ante5 a lon-@ "ot s"o%er. 9 settle5 1or a 8rie1@ "ot s"o%er. 9?5 3alle5 4olp" 8a3k 1irst to let "im kno% 9 %asn?t 5ea5. But all 9 mana-e5 to 5o %as lea)e a messa-e. 9 %as "opin- to -i)e "im t"e name 'ranklin /iley an5 see i1 t"ere %as any 3riminal 3onne3tion. 4olp" 5i5n?t usually s"are poli3e in1o %it" me unless %e %ere in)ol)e5 in a 3ase to-et"er@ 8ut 9 %as "opin- "e?5 make an e*3eption. 4irty 3ops are one o1 4olp"?s least 1a)orite t"in-s. He mi-"t "elp >ust to spite =ilkes. 9 put on %"ite >o--in- so3ks@ 8lue >eans@ an5 a royal 8lue tank top. 9?5 put a s"ort2slee)e5 5ress s"irt o)er t"e tank top to 3amou1la-e t"e Bro%nin-. $"e "olster %oul5 3"a1e a little aroun5 t"e e5-es@ 8ut %"en it 3omes to summer %ear 1or 3on3eale5 3arry@ t"e options are not limitless. 9?5 "a)e %orn s"orts i1 9 "a5n?t planne5 on trampin- t"rou-" t"e %oo5s a1ter trolls an5 8iolo-ists. 9 %as tra5in- 8ein- 3ooler 1or prote3tion 1rom t"e un5er8rus". 9 smeare5 "air -oop t"rou-" my 3urls %"ile t"ey %ere still 5amp@ 3om8e5 it@ an5 t"e "air %as 5one. Sin3e 9 5i5n?t 8ot"er %it" makeup@ it %as a ;ui3k s"o%er. 9 stare5 into t"e o)al o1 mirror t"at 9?5 3leane5 o11 %it" t"e to%el. $"e rest %as still lost to steam. $"e 8ruises 1rom t"e ori-inal 8eatin- %ere -one@ s%allo%e5 into my skin as i1 t"ey?5 ne)er 8een. But my mout" %as sli-"tly pu11y on one si5e@ an5 a spot o1 re5 sat on my skin near my mout" like a %oun5. At t"is rate@ 9 3oul5 "a)e a 8eatin- a 5ay an5 8e "eale5 in time 1or t"e ne*t one. $"ere %ere )oi3es on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 5oor. #ne o1 t"e )oi3es %as <i3"ar5. $"e ot"er )oi3e "a5 a lo% 8ass rum8le to it t"at soun5e5 like Verne. Goo5G 9 nee5e5 to talk to "im. $"ere %ere more )oi3es. 9 "ear5 /at"aniel?s )oi3e@ "i-" an5 3learJ A9 5i5n?t kno% %"at else to 5o.C $"e -an- %as all "ere. 9 %on5ere5 %"at t"e topi3 o1 3on)ersation %as. 9 "a5 a 1e% i5eas. 9 put t"e Bro%nin- 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 t"e >eans. As lon- as 9 5i5n?t sit 5o%n@ 9 %as okay. $"e 8arrel %as too lon- 1or 3om1orta8le sittin-. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor@ an5 t"e 3on)ersation stoppe5 like 9?5 pulle5 a s%it3". Guess 9 %as t"e topi3 o1 3on)ersation. /at"aniel %as stan5in- t"e 3losest to me. He %as %earin- silky >o--in- s"orts an5 a mat3"in- tank top. His lon- "air %as in a t"i3k 8rai5 5o%n "is 8a3k. He looke5 like an a5 1or an ups3ale -ym. A9 %as on -uar5@ Anita@ 8ut t"ey?re 3ops. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to 5o.C He looke5 a%ay@ turne5 a%ay@ an5 9 "a5 to 3at3" "is arm to turn "im 8a3k to me. He turne5 t"ose 8i- lila3 eyes to me. A/e*t time@ >ust yell a %arnin-. $"at?s all you 3oul5 "a)e 5one 5i11erently.C A9 su3k as a 8o5y-uar5@C "e sai5. $"is %as sort o1 true@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to say it to "is 1a3e. $"ere really %asn?t mu3" "e 3oul5 "a)e 5one. 9 looke5 a3ross t"e room at S"an-24a. He %as sittin- %it" "is 8a3k to t"e %all@ 8alan3e5 e11ortlessly on t"e 8alls o1 "is 1eet. He %as 5resse5 in 8la3k sla3ks an5 a %"ite@ s"ort2slee)e5 s"irt. $"e 3la% marks on "is 1a3e "a5 turne5 to an-ry re5 %elts. ="at s"oul5 "a)e 8een s3ars t"at "e %oul5 3arry 1or t"e rest o1 "is li1e %oul5 8e "eale5 in a 3ouple o1 5ays. A91 you?5 8een on 5uty@ S"an-24a@ %"at %oul5 you "a)e 5one 5i11erentlyBC 9 kept "ol5 o1 /at"aniel?s arm %"ile 9 aske5 it. A$"ey %oul5 not "a)e -otten past me %it"out your permission.C A=oul5 you "a)e 1ou-"t t"em i1 t"ey trie5 to "an53u11 youBC He seeme5 to t"ink a8out t"at 1or a se3on5 or t%o@ t"en looke5 up at me. A9 5on?t like 8ein- "an53u11e5.C 9 pulle5 /at"aniel into a "al12"u-. ASee@ /at"aniel@ t"ere are 8o5y-uar5s %"o %oul5 "a)e -i)en t"em an e*3use to start s"ootin-. 4on?t %orry a8out it.C But se3retly@ 9 planne5 on /at"aniel ne)er 5oin- -uar5 5uty alone a-ain. 9 also planne5 on t"e same 1or S"an-24a. 'or )ery 5i11erent reasons@ 9 5i5n?t trust eit"er o1 t"em alone.

Verne sat in t"e 8i- 3"air 8y t"e %in5o%. ,*3ept 1or t"e $2s"irt 8ein- 5i11erent@ "e %as 5resse5 as 9?5 1irst seen "im. 7ay8e t"at %as all "e "a5. Heans an5 an en5less supply o1 5i11erent $2s"irts. He?5 tie5 "is lon-@ -reyin- "air in a loose ponytail. <i3"ar5 "a5 put on a pair o1 >eans an5 8lo%25rie5 "is "air@ 8ut t"at %as it. He?5 -o an entire 5ay %earin- not"in- 8ut >eans or s"orts@ slippin- on s"oes only i1 "e "a5 to -o outsi5e. $"e s"irt only appeare5 %"en "e %as -oin- out. <i3"ar5 is 3om1orta8le %it" "is 8o5y. #1 3ourse@ %"en you?)e -ot a 8o5y like "is@ %"y %oul5n?t you 8eB AAre you okayBC Verne aske5. 9 s"ru--e5. A9?ll li)e. Speakin- o1 li)in-@ "o% is o1 $erryB 4i5 t"e "ospital -et "is arm reatta3"e5BC <i3"ar5 rea3"e5 "is "an5 out to me. 9 "esitate5@ t"en took "is "an5. 9 let "im 5ra% me to my knees 8esi5e "im. 9 took t"e Bro%nin- out 1rom my >eans so 9 3oul5 sit 8et%een "is le-s. He 1ol5e5 me 8a3k a-ainst "is 8are 3"est@ >ean23la5 knees on eit"er si5e o1 me. His arms %ere %arm an5 )ery soli5. 9 leane5 my "ea5 8a3k a-ainst "is 3"est. 9 kept eye 3onta3t %it" Verne t"e entire time. 9t 5i5n?t "urt t"at 9 "a5 t"e Bro%nin- nake5 in my "an5. <i3"ar5 kisse5 my 5amp "air. He %as tryin- to remin5 me to 8e a -oo5 -irl. $o not start anot"er 1i-"t. He %as ri-"t@ in a %ay. =e 3ertainly "a5 enou-" 1i-"ts on our plate %it"out startin- anot"er one. AAns%er me@ Verne@C 9 sai5. A7ost o1 my pa3k passes 1or "uman@ Anita. 4o you really t"ink some s"it"ea5 %oul5 "a)e kept "is mout" s"utBC He leane5 1or%ar5 in t"e 3"air@ "an5s 3laspe5 to-et"er. 7r. Sin3ere. AHe %as our only link to t"e ot"er 8a5 -uys@ Verne. $"e only one t"at %as %illin- to talk to us.C <i3"ar5?s arms %rappe5 >ust a little ti-"ter aroun5 my arms. 9 realiEe5 t"at i1 "e s;ueeEe5@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e a8le to point t"e -un. A9?m not -oin- to s"oot "im@ <i3"ar5. !"ill@ okayBC A!oul5n?t 9 >ust 8e "u--in- youBC "e aske5@ )oi3e so 3lose to my ear 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8reat". A/o@C 9 sai5. His arms sli5 to eit"er si5e@ loosely aroun5 my %aist@ %"i3" put "is "an5s almost in my lap@ sin3e 9 "a5 my knees up. :n5er ot"er 3ir3umstan3es@ it %oul5 "a)e 8een an interestin- position@ 8ut %"en 9 "a)e a point to make@ 9 5on?t 5istra3t. A$"e pa3k is my priority@ Anita. 9t "as to 8e.C A9 %oul5 ne)er 5o anyt"in- to en5an-er your pa3k@ Verne. But 9 -a)e my %or5 t"at i1 "e tol5 us %"at "e kne%@ %e?5 take "im to t"e "ospital an5 let t"em try to reatta3" "is arm. 9 -a)e my %or5@ Verne.C ADou take your %or5 t"at seriously@C "e sai5. ADes.C A9 respe3t t"at@C "e sai5. ADou kille5 "im@ 5i5n?t youBC 9 aske5. A/ot personally@ 8ut 9 -a)e t"e or5er.C <i3"ar5?s arms ti-"tene5 aroun5 me. 9 1elt "im stru--lin- to rela* a-ainst me. He ru88e5 "is 3"in a-ainst my %et "air@ "an5s ru88in- up an5 5o%n my 8are arms like you?5 soot"e a 5o- t"at you %ere a1rai5 %as -oin- to 8ite someone. AAn5 9 -a)e my %or5@C 9 sai5. A="at 3an 9 5o to make t"is ri-"t 8et%een usBC Verne aske5. 9 %ante5 to say@ A/ot"in-@C 8ut <i3"ar5 %as ri-"t. =e nee5e5 t"em. #r %e nee5e5 someone@ an5 t"ey %ere all %e "a5. ="at 3oul5 "e 5o to make t"is ri-"tB <aisin- t"e 5ea5 %as my 5epartment@ an5 8rin-in- "im 8a3k as a Eom8ie %oul5n?t 8e t"e same t"in-@ any%ay. A$rut"1ully@ Verne@ 9 5on?t kno%. But 9?ll t"ink o1 somet"in-.C ADou mean@ 9?ll o%e you a 1a)or@C "e sai5. AA man?s 5ea5@ Verne. 9t %oul5 "a)e to 8e one "ell o1 a 1a)or.C He looke5 at me 1or a lon-@ measurin- moment@ t"en no55e5. A9 -uess so.C A#kay@C 9 sai5@ Aokay. =e?ll lea)e it t"ere 1or no%@ Verne@ 8ut %"en 9 3ome up %it" somet"in- to ask 1or or o1 you@ 5isappointin- me a-ain %oul5 not 8e a -oo5 i5ea.C He -a)e a ;ui3k smile. A9 5on?t kno% i1 9?m lookin- 1or%ar5 to you an5 <o*anne meetin- or 5rea5in- it.C A="o?s <o*anneBC 9 aske5. AHis lupa@C <i3"ar5 sai5.

Verne stoo5. A<i3"ar5 sai5 you an5 <o*anne %oul5 like ea3" ot"er i1 you 5i5n?t kill ea3" ot"er 1irst. 9 kno% %"at "e meant no%.C He %alke5 o)er to us. He "el5 "is "an5 5o%n@ as i1 o11erin- to "elp me o11 t"e 1loor. But 3all it a "un3"@ 9 t"ou-"t it %as more t"an t"at. <i3"ar5?s arms opene5@ an5 9 took Verne?s "an5. He 5i5n?t so mu3" pull me to my 1eet as >ust "ol5 my "an5 %"ile 9 stoo5. $"e ot"er "an5 still "el5 t"e Bro%nin-. A91 you ask 1or somet"in- t"at "arms my pa3k@ 9 3an?t promise t"at. But s"ort o1 t"at@ you "a)e my %or5. Ask it o1 me@ an5 it?s yours.C He -rinne5 su55enly@ t"en looke5 past me to <i3"ar5. AGo5@ s"e is a tiny t"in-.C <i3"ar5@ %isely@ 5i5 not 3omment. Verne knelt in 1ront o1 me. A$o seal my %or5@ 9?m -oin- to o11er you my ne3k. Dou un5erstan5 t"e sym8olismBC 9 no55e5. A91 9 %ere a %ol1@ 9 3oul5 tear your t"roat out. 9t?s an a3t o1 trust.C He no55e5 an5 8ent "is "ea5 to one si5e so t"e 8i- )ein in "is ne3k %as >ust 8elo% t"e sur1a3e stret3"e5 ti-"t un5er t"e skin o1 "is t"roat. He kept "ol5 o1 my "an5 t"e entire time. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at <i3"ar5. A="at am 9 suppose5 to 5oBC AKiss t"e 8i- pulse in "is ne3k@ or 8ite -ently o)er it. $"e "ar5er you 8ite t"e less you trust t"e person@ or t"e more 5ominant you see yoursel1 to t"em.C 9 stare5 5o%n at Verne. He %as 8ein- )ery -oo5. /o tri3kle o1 po%er es3ape5 "im@ an5 9 %as "ol5in- "is "an5@ skin to skin. 9?5 1elt "o% po%er1ul "e %asG "e 3oul5 "a)e ma5e my skin 3ra%l i1 "e?5 %ante5 to. 9 s;ueeEe5 "is "an5 an5 mo)e5 to stan5 8e"in5 "im. 9 tosse5 t"e Bro%nin- on t"e 8e5. 9 ran my "an5 alon- "is ne3k@ 1in5in- t"e 8i- pulse %it" my 1in-ertips. 9 looke5 at <i3"ar5. Dou 3oul5 almost see t"e AnoC on "is 1a3e2t"e near2%arnin- not to 5o %"at 9 %as t"inkin- o1. ="i3" in a %ay ma5e it all t"e more temptin-. Verne 5re% me 5o%n to%ar5s "im@ pullin- my "an5 a3ross "is 3"est like 9 %as "u--in- "im. 9t 8rou-"t my mout" 5o%n to "is ne3k@ as i1 "e?5 5one t"is 8e1ore. He smelle5 %arm@ as i1 "e?5 8een out in t"e sun. $"e s3ent o1 trees an5 t"e -roun5 itsel1 3lun- to "is skin. 9 ran my nose >ust a8o)e "is skin. 9 3oul5 smell t"e 8loo5. 9t %as as i1 t"e skin on "is ne3k %as -ro%in- t"inner an5 t"inner@ until t"ere %as not"in- 8et%een t"e smell o1 s%eet 8loo5 8ut a plia8le %armt"@ as i1 t"e skin itsel1 almost 5i5n?t e*ist. 7y mout" "o)ere5 o)er t"at pulsin- %armt". 9 %as 5ro%nin- in t"e smell o1 "is 8o5y. $"e nee5 to pla3e my mout" o)er t"at pulsin-@ li)in- t"in- %as almost o)er%"elmin-. 9 5i5n?t trust mysel1 to 5o it@ or rat"er@ 5i5n?t trust mysel1 not to 5o too mu3". 4i5 <i3"ar5 -o t"rou-" li1e tastin- ot"er people?s 8loo5B !oul5 "e 1eel t"eir li1e like somet"in- 1ra-ile an5 tou3"a8leB 7ay8e 9 "esitate5 too lon-. 7ay8e Verne 1elt t"e po%er t"at %as tryin- to o)er%"elm me. His po%er 8roke o)er my 8o5y in a s"i)erin- rus" t"at ma5e me -asp. An5 it %as too mu3". $oo temptin- a 5rink to o11er a star)in- man. 7y teet" 3lose5 o)er t"at e)aporatin- %armt". $"e meat o1 "is ne3k 1ille5 my mout". 7y ton-ue 1oun5 "is pulse@ an5 9 8it 5o%n@ tryin- to 3ar)e t"at >umpin-@ 8eatin- t"in- out o1 t"e 1les". His po%er roare5 o)er me@ an5 somet"in- insi5e o1 me poure5 8a3k like t%o ti5al %a)es 3ras"in-@ 3"urnin-@ 5estroyin-. 'ar 8elo%@ t"ere %as a lan5 an5 a 8ea3"@ an5 it %as all %as"e5 a%ay in t"e poun5in-@ 5ro%nin- 5ept"s. 9 1elt eyes open@ an5 t"ey %eren?t my eyes. Hean2!lau5e opene5 "is eyes all t"ose miles a%ay@ surprise5 1rom a sleep t"at s"oul5 "a)e laste5 "ours yet. S"o3ke5 a%ake 8y "is "un-er@ my "un-er@ our "un-er@ 8ein- 1e5. Han5s 5ra--e5 me o11 o1 t"at pulsin- %armt". Han5s pryin- me a%ay. 9 3ame to mysel1 %it" <i3"ar5 pullin- me into t"e air@ 3ompletely "elpless. Verne still "a5 my "an5. He %as "ol5in- on@ tryin- to 5ra- me 8a3k. His ne3k %as 8lee5in-. A near per1e3t imprint o1 my teet" sat in "is 1les". His "an5 1ell a%ay as <i3"ar5 pulle5 me o11 o1 "im. Verne?s eyes looke5 "ea)y2li55e5. He 5re% in a lar-e@ s"akin- 8reat" an5 lau-"e5. $"e lo% 3"u3kle ma5e my 8o5y rea3t. AGo5@ Hesus@ -irl@ %"at t"e "ell %as t"atBC 9 5i5n?t 1i-"t to -et 8a3k to "im. 9 5i5n?t 1i-"t to 1inis" it. 9 lay passi)e in <i3"ar5?s arms@ 8linkin- in a spill o1 mornin- li-"t@ starin- at %"at 9?5 5one to Verne?s ne3k an5 not un5erstan5in-. ="en 9 3oul5 talk@ 9 aske5@ A="at t"e "ell %as t"atBC <i3"ar5 3ra5le5 me in "is arms like 9 %as a 3"il5. Sin3e 9 %asn?t sure 9 3oul5 stan5@ 9 %asn?t 8it3"in- a8out it. 9 1elt 5istant an5 li-"t an5 "orri8le. He "u--e5 me a-ainst "im@ kissin- my 1ore"ea5. A:s 8ein- to-et"er "as stren-t"ene5 t"e marks. Hean2!lau5e t"ou-"t it mi-"t.C 9 stare5 up at <i3"ar5. 9 %as still "a)in- trou8le 1o3usin-. AAre you sayin- t"at us "a)in- se* stren-t"ene5 "is "ol5 on 8ot" o1 usBC <i3"ar5 seeme5 to t"ink a8out t"at 1or a se3on5 or t%o. A9t stren-t"ene5 our "ol5 on ea3" ot"er.C APut me 5o%n.C

He 5i5 %"at 9 aske5. 9 sli5 to my knees@ una8le to stan5@ an5 pus"e5 "is "an5s a%ay %"en "e trie5 to "elp. ADou kne% an5 you 5i5n?t tell me.C A=oul5 it "a)e ma5e a 5i11eren3e last ni-"tBC "e aske5. 9 stare5 up at "im@ tears t"reatenin-@ an5 9 %ante5 to say yes@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t lie. A/o@C 9 sai5@ Ano.C Last ni-"t it %oul5 "a)e taken a "ell o1 a lot more t"an t"e kno%le5-e t"at t"e marks %oul5 stren-t"en to keep me out o1 <i3"ar5?s 8e5. #1 3ourse@ last ni-"t 9 "a5n?t un5erstoo5 %"at it meant. Last ni-"t 9 "a5n?t >ust trie5 to eat my %ay t"rou-" a man?s t"roat. 9 -ot to my 1eet an5 1ell a se3on5 time. 9t %asn?t la3k o1 ener-y. 9t %as almost like 8ein- 5runk. But it %asn?t a 5o%ner. 9t %as 5e1iantly an upper. A="at is %ron- %it" meBC S"an-24a ans%ere5@ A9?)e seen )ampires 5o t"is. 91 t"ey 5rink someone po%er1ul or 5rink too mu3" ... po%er.C AS"it.C A9?m 1eelin- pretty 5amn -oo5@ mysel1@C Verne sai5. He tou3"e5 t"e 8ite on "is ne3k. A9?)e ne)er let a )ampire 5o me 8e1ore. 91 it 1eels t"at -oo5@ may8e 9?)e 8een missin- out.C ABetter@C /at"aniel sai5. A9t 3an 1eel mu3" 8etter t"an t"at.C A9t %asn?t )ampire@C <i3"ar5 sai5@ Ait %as po%er. Verne?s po%er@ mine@ Anita?s@ an5 Hean2!lau5e?s.C ASort o1 a preternatural sui3i5e 3o3ktail@C 9 sai5 an5 -i--le5. 9 lay on t"e 1loor@ "i5in- my 1a3e 8e"in5 my "an5s an5 1i-"tinan ur-e to roll in t"e a1ter-lo%. 9 %ante5 to take t"e 1eelin- an5 %rap it aroun5 my 8o5y like a 8lanket. An5 5o%n t"e lon-@ -lo%in- %armt"@ 9 1elt a 5arkness. 9 1elt Hean2!lau5e like a 8la3k "ole su3kin- in all our %armt"@ all our li1e. An5 in t"at moment@ 9 kne% t%o t"in-s. #ne@ t"at "e?5 kno%n %"en <i3"ar5 an5 9 ma5e lo)e. $"at "e?5 1elt it. $%o@ t"at as "e ate 1rom our li)es@ %e ate o1 "is 5arkness. =e 5rank t"at still@ 3ol5 5eat" as surely as "e taste5 t"e sun2%arme5 1les" an5 pulse o1 our 8o5ies. An5 %e all 5re% po%er 1rom it. $"e li-"t an5 t"e 5ark. $"e 3ol5 an5 t"e "ot. Li1e an5 5eat". As t"e marks 5re% us 3loser@ t"e lines 8et%een li1e an5 5eat" %oul5 8lur. 9 1elt Hean2!lau5e?s "eart8eat earlier t"an it "a5 e)er 8eat in o)er 1our "un5re5 years. 9 1elt "is -la5ness@ "is >oy in it. At t"at moment@ 9 "ate5 "im.

Chapter Thirty-one
$%o "ours later@ <i3"ar5@ S"an-24a@ an5 9 %ere trampin- t"rou-" t"e %oo5s in sear3" o1 8iolo-ists an5 trolls. =e "a5 until 5ark to -et out o1 to%n@ an5 sin3e %e really %eren?t -ettin- out o1 to%n@ %e mi-"t as %ell 3ontinue %it" our ori-inal plans. =e le1t e)eryone else 8e"in5 s3urryin- like ants@ pa3kin-@ pa3kin-@ pa3kin-. =e %oul5 pa3k an5 lea)e. 9n 1a3t@ %e %ere suppose5 to 3all t"e s"eri11 %"en %e %ere rea5y to lea)e. =ilkes "a5 kin5ly o11ere5 us an es3ort out o1 to%n28e1ore 5ark. A1ter 5ark@ 9 t"ink t"e o11er %as a 8ullet an5 a "ole some%"ere. 9 1ollo%e5 <i3"ar5 t"rou-" t"e %oo5s. He mo)e5 amon- t"e trees like "e 3oul5 see t"e openin-s or as i1@ as "e mo)e5 1or%ar5@ t"e trees mo)e5 aroun5 "im. 9 kne% t"at %asn?t true. 9?5 "a)e 1elt t"e presen3e o1 t"at mu3" preternatural ener-y@ 8ut <i3"ar5 ma5e it look easy. 9t %asn?t 8ein- a %ere%ol1. 9t %as 8ein- 7r. #ut5oorsman. His "ikin- 8oots %ere ni3ely 8roken in. His $2s"irt %as 8lue -reen %it" a pi3ture o1 a sea 3o%@ a manatee@ s%immin- on 1ront an5 8a3k. 9 "a5 t"e i5enti3al $s"irt at "ome@ a -i1t 1rom <i3"ar5. He?5 8een 5isappointe5 t"at 9 "a5n?t pa3ke5 mine. ,)en i1 9 "a5@ 9 %oul5n?t "a)e %orn it. 9 %asn?t mu3" into t"e Bo88sey $%in look 1or 3ouples. Besi5es@ 9 %as still an-ry %it" "im in a )a-ue sort o1 %ay. 9 s"oul5 not "a)e 8een t"e only one o1 t"e t"ree o1 us %"o 5i5n?t kno% %"at it %oul5 mean 1or <i3"ar5 an5 me to "a)e se*. 9 s"oul5 "a)e 8een tol5 t"at it %oul5 8in5 us all 3loser. #1 3ourse@ it %as "ar5 to 8e ma5 at "im %"en t"e $2s"irt 3lun- to "is 8o5y like a t"in@ se3on5 skin. His t"i3k "air %as tie5 8a3k in a loose ponytail. ,)ery time "e passe5 t"rou-" a 8ar o1 sunli-"t@ "is "air -lo%e5 %it" streaks o1 3opper an5 -ol5. 9t %as "ar5 to 8e an-ry %"en t"e si-"t o1 "im ma5e my 3"est ti-"t. <i3"ar5 mo)e5 smoot"ly a"ea5 o1 us. 9 1ollo%e5 in my /ikes@ not 5oin- too 8a5 a >o8. 9?m okay in t"e %oo5s. /ot as -oo5 as <i3"ar5@ 8ut not 8a5. S"an-24a@ on t"e ot"er "an5@ %as not a %oo5sman. He mo)e5 t"rou-" t"e %oo5s almost 5aintily@ as i1 a1rai5 o1 steppinin somet"in-. His 8la3k 5ress sla3ks an5 1res" %"ite s"irt seeme5 to 3at3" on t"in-s t"at 5i5n?t 8ot"er eit"er <i3"ar5 or me. S"an-24a?s s"oes "a5 starte5 t"e trip 8la3k an5 polis"e5 to a 1ine s"een. $"ey 5i5n?t stay t"at %ay. 4ress s"oes@ e)en men?s 5ress s"oes@ aren?t meant 1or %alkin- in t"e %oo5s. 9?5 ne)er met a 3ity %ere%ol1 8e1ore@ 8ut no amount o1 p"ysi3al -ra3e ma5e up 1or "is total la3k o1 1amiliarity %it" t"e out2o125oors. $"ere %as a 8reeEe to5ay. $"e trees rustle5 an5 "us"e5 %it" t"e %in5. 9t %as a 3ool soun5 "i-" up in t"e trees@ 8ut t"e %in5 ne)er 3ame near t"e -roun5. =e mo)e5 t"rou-" a %orl5 o1 -reen "eat an5 soli5 8ro%n tree trunks. Sunli-"t -littere5 on t"e lea)es@ "ittin- t"e -roun5 in s"inin- yello% pat3"es 8e1ore %e mo)e5 into "ea)ier s"a5e. $"e s"a5e %as a 1e% 5e-rees 3ooler 8ut still "ea)y %it" "eat. 9t %as almost 5ea52up noon@ an5 e)en t"e inse3ts "a5 1allen ;uiet %it" t"e "eat. <i3"ar5 stoppe5 >ust a"ea5 o1 us. A4o you "ear t"atBC "e aske5 so1tly. S"an-24a sai5@ ASomeone 3ryin-. A %oman.C 9 5i5n?t "ear a 5amn t"in-. <i3"ar5 no55e5. A7ay8e a %oman.C He ease5 t"rou-" t"e trees in a mo)ement t"at %as almost a run. !rou3"e5@ "an5s almost tou3"in- t"e -roun5. His po%er spille5 8a3k 1rom "im like t"e 8u88lin- %ake o1 a s"ip.

9 1ollo%e5 "im. 9 trie5 to look %"ere 9 %as -oin-@ 8ut 9 stum8le5 an5 1ell. S"an-24a "elpe5 me to my 1eet. 9 >erke5 a%ay 1rom "im an5 ran. 9 stoppe5 lookin- at my 1eet or t"e trees. 9 stare5 only at <i3"ar5?s 8a3k@ "is 8o5y. 9 mimi3ke5 "is mo)ements@ trustin- t"at i1 "e 3oul5 make t"e openin-s@ so 3oul5 9. 9 leape5 o)er lo-s t"at 9 5i5n?t see until "e mo)e5 o)er t"em. 9t %as almost "ypnoti3. $"e %orl5 narro%e5 5o%n to "is 8o5y spee5in- t"rou-" t"e trees. A-ain an5 a-ain 9 almost 3areene5 into trees@ pus"in- my 8o5y to mo)e too 1ast. 9 %as mo)in- 1aster t"an my min5 3oul5 %ork. 91 <i3"ar5 "a5 >umpe5 o11 a 3li11@ 9?5 "a)e 1ollo%e5@ 8e3ause 9 %as >ust mo)in-. 9t %as like 9?5 -i)en up e)eryt"in- to my 8o5y. 9 %as >ust mus3les %orkin-@ le-s runnin-. $"e %orl5 %as a 8lur o1 -reen an5 li-"t an5 s"a5e an5 <i3"ar5?s 8o5y sli5in- at a run t"rou-" t"e trees. He stoppe5 like a s%it3" "a5 8een t"ro%n. #ne minute runnin-@ t"e ne*t stoppe5@ no in 8et%een. But 9 5i5n?t 8ump into "im. 9 %as stoppe5@ too. 9t %as like a part o1 my 8rain 9 3oul5n?t a33ess "a5 kno%n "e %oul5 stop. S"an-24a %as at my 8a3k. He steppe5 3lose enou-" 1or me to smell "is 1aint@ e*pensi)e a1ters"a)e. He %"ispere5@ AHo% 5i5 you 5o t"at@ "umanBC 9 -lan3e5 at "im. A="atBC A<un.C 9 kne% t"at run meant more to t"e lukoi t"an t"e %or5 sai5. 9 stoo5 t"ere@ 3o)ere5 in a li-"t 5e% o1 s%eat@ 8arely 8reat"in"ar5@ an5 kne% t"at somet"in- "a5 "appene5 t"at "a5n?t 8e1ore. <i3"ar5 an5 9 "a5 trie5 to >o- to-et"er 8e1ore@ an5 it "a5n?t %orke5. He %as t%o in3"es s"y o1 8ein- an entire 1oot taller t"an me. A lot o1 t"at %as le-. His spee5 1or >o--in%as runnin- to me@ an5 e)en t"en@ 9 3oul5n?t keep up %it" "im. A55 t"e 1a3t t"at "e %as a ly3ant"rope@ an5@ %ell@ "e %as too 1ast 1or me. $"e only ot"er time 9?5 kept up %it" "im "a5 8een %it" "im "ol5in- my "an5@ %it" "im pullin- me alon%it" t"e marks an5 "is po%er. 9 turne5 to look at S"an-24a. $"ere must "a)e 8een somet"in- on my 1a3e@ some so1t astonis"ment@ 8e3ause "is e*pression so1tene5 to somet"in- almost like pity. <i3"ar5 mo)e5 a%ay 1rom us@ an5 %e 8ot" turne5 8a3k to 1ollo% "is pro-ress. As my pulse slo%e5@ 9 3oul5 "ear %"at t"ey "a5 "ear5 a-es a-oJ 3ryin-2t"ou-" t"at %as too so1t a %or5 1or it. Someone %as so88in- as i1 t"eir "eart %ere 8reakin-. <i3"ar5 mo)e5 to%ar5 t"e soun5@ an5 %e 1ollo%e5 "im. $"ere %as a "u-e sy3amore in t"e mi55le o1 a 3learin-. #n t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e tree?s lar-e@ (pat3"y) trunk@ a %oman "u55le5. S"e "a5 s;ueeEe5 "ersel1 5o%n into a small@ ti-"t 8all@ "er arms "u--in- "er knees. Her 1a3e %as t"ro%n up to t"e sparklin- sunli-"t@ eyes s;ueeEe5 s"ut@ 8lin5. S"e "a5 8runette "air so 5ark it 3oul5 "a)e passe5 1or 8la3k@ 3ut )ery s"ort. S"e %as %"ite %it" a 1rin-e o1 5ark las"es paste5 to "er pale 3"eeks. Her 1a3e %as small an5 trian-ular@ 8ut 8eyon5 t"at 9 3oul5n?t 5es3ri8e it. Her 1a3e %as ra)is"e5 %it" tears@ eyes s%ollen@ skin re55ene5. S"e %as small@ 5resse5 in "ea)y k"aki s"orts@ t"i3k so3ks@ "ikin- 8oots@ an5 a $2 s"irt. <i3"ar5 knelt in t"e lea)es 8esi5e "er. He tou3"e5 "er arm 8e1ore "e sai5 anyt"in-@ an5 s"e s3reame5@ eyes 1lyin- %i5e. $"ere %as a moment o1 utter pani3 on "er 1a3e@ t"en s"e t"re% "ersel1 a-ainst "is 3"est@ %rappe5 "er arms aroun5 "im@ an5 1ell into a 1res" 8out o1 so88in-. He stroke5 "er "air@ murmurin-@ A!arrie@ !arrie@ it?s all ri-"t. 9t?s all ri-"t.C !arrie. !oul5 it 8e 4r. !arrie #nslo%B 9t seeme5 likely. But %"at %as t"e "ea5 8iolo-ist on t"e troll pro>e3t 5oin- "a)in"ysteri3s in t"e %oo5sB <i3"ar5 "a5 sli5 3ompletely 5o%n into t"e lea)es. He?5 pulle5 "er into "is lap like s"e %as a 3"il5. 9t %as "ar5 to >u5-e@ 8ut s"e seeme5 tiny@ smaller t"an 9 %as. $"e 3ryin- ease5. S"e lay 3u55le5 in "is lap@ "el5 in "is arms. $"ey?5 5ate5. 9 trie5 to 1eel >ealous@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t mana-e it. Her 5istress %as too e*treme. <i3"ar5 stroke5 t"e si5e o1 "er 1a3e. A="at?s %ron-@ !arrieB ="at?s "appene5BC S"e took a 5eep 8reat" t"at s"u55ere5 as it es3ape5 "er lips@ t"en s"e no55e5 an5 8linke5 up at S"an-24a an5 me. AS"an-24a.C Her eyes turne5 to me. S"e seeme5 em8arrasse5 t"at %e?5 seen "er lose 3ontrol. A9 5on?t kno% you.C AAnita Blake@C 9 sai5. Her 3"eek reste5 a-ainst <i3"ar5?s 3"est@ so all s"e "a5 to 5o %as roll "er eyes up%ar5 to look at "im. ADou?re "is AnitaBC S"e ma5e it a ;uestion. He looke5 up at me. A="en %e?re not ma5 at ea3" ot"er@ yes.C 9 %at3"e5 "er re8uil5 "ersel1@ -at"erin- "er personality 8a3k aroun5 "er like layerin- 3lot"es a-ainst %inter %eat"er. Her eyes 1ille5 %"ile 9 %at3"e5 until "er 1a3e 8urne5 %it" intelli-en3e@ %it" a 1or3e@ 3ommitment@ a 5etermination t"at s"one so 1ier3ely it seeme5 to t"rum t"rou-" "er skin. 9 %at3"e5 "er an5 kne% instantly %"y <i3"ar5 "a5 5ate5 "er. Starin- 5o%n at "er@ 9 %as -la5 s"e %as "uman@ -la5 "e %oul5n?t 8e "a)in- se* %it" "er. Be3ause >ust a 1e% moments in "er presen3e@ an5 9 kne% t"at t"is one@ t"is one 3oul5 8e trou8le. $"at %as t"e real 5an-er %it" not 8ein- mono-amous. 9t %asn?t really t"e se*@ t"ou-" t"at 8u--e5 me a lot. 9t %as t"e 1a3t t"at it meant t"e ot"er person %asn?t satis1ie5@ t"at t"ey %ere still lookin-. 91 you?re still lookin-@ sometimes you 1in5 it@ %"ate)er it is.

9 5i5n?t like starin- 5o%n at t"is %oman %"o %as o8)iously in pain an5 t"inkin- a8out my o%n pro8lems. 9 5i5n?t like t"e 1a3t t"at 9 %as a little a1rai5 o1 "er. 9 mean@ 9 %as "uman@ an5 "e?5 "a5 se* %it" me. 9 "ate5 t"at t"is %as %"at 9 %as t"inkin- 8e1ore anyt"in-. Hate5 it a lot. S"e starte5 to pus" a%ay 1rom <i3"ar5?s arms. 9 sai5@ A4on?t mo)e on my a33ount.C 9t 3ame out 5ry an5 sar3asti3. Goo5@ 8etter t"an %oun5e5 an5 3on1use5. <i3"ar5 looke5 up at me. 9 3oul5n?t rea5 "is e*pression@ an5 9 ma5e sure mine %as pleasant an5 -a)e "im not"in-. 4r. !arne #nslo% -lan3e5 up at <i3"ar5@ 1ro%ne5@ t"en 1inis"e5 pus"in- a%ay. S"e sli5 out o1 "is lap to lean a-ainst t"e tree trunk. Small 1ro%n lines "a5 1orme5 8et%een "er eyes@ an5 s"e kept -lan3in- 1rom <i3"ar5 to me@ as i1 s"e %ere 3on1use5 an5 5i5n?t like it. A="at?s "appene5@ !arrieBC <i3"ar5 aske5 a-ain. A=e %ent out to5ay >ust 8e1ore 5a%n@ as usual.C S"e stoppe5 talkin-@ starin- at "er lap@ t"en took a 5eep@ s"akin- 8reat". $"ree 8reat"s an5 s"e seeme5 8etter. A=e 1oun5 a 8o5y.C AAnot"er "ikerBC 9 aske5. Her eyes 1li3ke5 to me@ t"en 8a3k to "er lap@ as i1 s"e 5i5n?t %ant any eye 3onta3t 1or t"e story. A7ay8e@ it %as impossi8le to tell. 9t %as a %oman@ 8eyon5 t"at ... C Her )oi3e 1aile5 "er. S"e looke5 up at us@ small eyes s"immerin- %it" 1res" tears. A9 "a)e ne)er seen anyt"in- so "orri8le in my li1e. $"e lo3al poli3e are sayin- t"at our trolls 5i5 it. $"at t"is is proo1 t"at t"at "iker %as a troll kill.C ALesser Smokey 7ountain trolls 5on?t "unt an5 kill "umans@C 9 sai5. S"e looke5 at me. A=ell@ somet"in- 5i5. $"e state poli3e %ante5 my e*pert opinion on %"at 3oul5 "a)e 5one it i1 it %asn?t trolls.C S"e 8urie5 "er 1a3e in "er "an5s@ t"en raise5 "er 1a3e like someone 3omin- out o1 5eep %ater. A9 looke5 at t"e 8ites. $"ey %ere ma5e 8y somet"in- %it" a primate >a% stru3ture.C AHumanBC 9 o11ere5. S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A9 5on?t kno%. 9 5on?t t"ink so. 9 5on?t t"ink a "uman mout" 3oul5 5o t"at kin5 o1 5ama-e.C S"e "u--e5 "ersel1@ s"i)erin- in t"e "eat. A$"ey?ll use t"is to try an5 3all in some 8ounty "unters an5 kill our trolls@ i1 t"ey 3an pro)e t"at t"e trolls 5i5 t"is. 9 5on?t see "o% %e 3an stop t"em 1rom eit"er killin- t"em all or s"ippin- t"em to Eoos.C A#ur trolls 5i5 not kill a "uman 8ein-@C <i3"ar5 sai5. He tou3"e5 "er s"oul5er %"en "e sai5 it. ASomet"in- 5i5@ <i3"ar5. Somet"in- t"at %asn?t a %ol1 or a 8ear or any lar-e pre5ator t"at 9?)e e)er seen.C A4i5 you say t"at t"e state 3ops are on siteBC 9 aske5. S"e looke5 up at me. ADes.C A4i5 you 3all t"emBC S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A$"ey arri)e5 s"ortly a1ter t"e lo3al poli3e.C 9?5 "a)e lo)e5 to kno% %"o 3alle5 t"em@ t"ou-" i1 t"e lo3al 3ops suspe3te5 it %as eit"er a "omi3i5e or a preternatural kill@ it %as stan5ar5 op 1or t"em to 3all eit"er t"e staties or t"e lo3al )ampire "unter@ t"ou-" a5mitte5ly only i1 t"ey t"ou-"t t"e kill %as some 1orm o1 un5ea5. A=as t"e 8o5y 1oun5 near a 3emeteryBC 9 aske5. 4r. #nslo% s"ook "er "ea5. A="yBC <i3"ar5 aske5. A9t 3oul5 "a)e 8een -"ouls. $"ey?re 3o%ar5s@ 8ut i1 s"e?5 1allen an5 kno3ke5 "ersel1 un3ons3ious@ -"ouls %oul5 "a)e 1e5 on "er. $"ey are a3ti)e s3a)en-ers.C A="at?s t"at meanBC 4r. #nslo% aske5. AA3ti)e s3a)en-erBC A9t means i1 you?re %oun5e5 an5 re5u3e5 to 3ra%lin-@ you 5on?t %ant to 8e in a -"oulin1este5 3emetery.C S"e stare5 up at me@ t"en 1inally s"ook "er "ea5. A/o -ra)es. Hust in t"e mi55le o1 our lan5. 9n t"e mi55le o1 t"e trolls? territory.C 9 no55e5. A9 nee5 to -o see t"e 8o5y.C A4o you t"ink t"at?s a -oo5 i5eaBC <i3"ar5 aske5. He kept "is )oi3e as neutral as "e 3oul5. A$"ey?re e*pe3tin- "er@C 4r. #nslo% sai5. 9t surprise5 us all. A="at 5o you meanBC 9 aske5. A$"e state poli3e 1oun5 out you?re in t"e area. ,)i5ently@ your reputation is -oo5 enou-" t"at t"ey %ante5 you to see t"e 8o5y. $"ey %ere tryin- to rea3" you at your 3a8in %"en 9 le1t.C Ho% 3on)enient. Ho% %eir5. ="o "a5 3alle5 t"e statiesB ="o "a5 put my name in 1ront o1 t"emB ="o@ %"o@ %"oB A9?ll -o look at t"e 8o5y t"en.C A$ake S"an-24a %it" you@C <i3"ar5 sai5.

9 looke5 up at t"e tall man?s 1a3e. $"e 3la% marks %ere still re5 an5 sort o1 -ruesome lookin- on "is 1a3e. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t t"ink so.C A9 5on?t %ant you -oin- alone@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 'unny "o% "e %asn?t o11erin- to 3ome %it" me "imsel1. He %as -oin- to stay "ere an5 3om1ort 4r. #nslo%. 'ine. 9 %as a 8i- -irl. A9?ll 8e okay@ <i3"ar5. Dou stay "ere %it" t"e -oo5 5o3tor an5 S"an-24a.C <i3"ar5 stoo5. ADou?re 8ein- 3"il5is".C 9 rolle5 my eyes an5 motione5 "im o)er a%ay 1rom 4r. #nslo%. ="en 9 %as sure s"e 3oul5n?t o)er"ear us@ 9 sai5@ ALook at S"an-24a?s 1a3e.C He 5i5n?t -lan3e 8a3k. He kne% %"at it looke5 like. A="at a8out itBC 9 stare5 up at "im. A<i3"ar5@ you s"oul5 kno% as %ell as 9 5o t"at i1 you "a)e someone eaten to 5eat" 8y a mysterious 3ritter@ %ere%ol)es are al%ays top o1 t"e "it list to 8lame.C A$"ey try to 8lame a lot o1 t"in-s on us@C "e sai5. ASo 1ar@ =ilkes an5 "is men 5on?t kno% %"at you are. 91 %e s"o% up %it" S"an-24a 3ut up like t"is an5 t"en "e turns up "eale5@ t"ey?ll 1i-ure it out. =it" a 8o5y on t"e -roun5@ you 5on?t %ant t"em to 1i-ure it out.C AS"an-24a %on?t 8e "eale5 8y ni-"t1all@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ABut "e?ll 8e more "eale5 t"an "e is ri-"t no%. 9t isn?t "uman to "eal t"at 1ast. 91 =ilkes 1in5s out t"at %e "a)en?t really le1t to%n@ "e?ll use e)eryt"in- "e "as. He?ll out you or 3"ar-e you %it" t"is 3rime.C A="at 3oul5 "a)e kille5 t"is %omanBC A=on?t kno% until 9 see t"e 8o5y.C A9 5on?t %ant you -oin- t"ere alone. 9?ll -o %it" you.C A$"e poli3e 5on?t like it %"en you 8rin- your 3i))ie 8oy1rien5s to 3rime s3enes@ <i3"ar5. Stay "ereG 3om1ort 4r. #nslo%.C He 1ro%ne5 at me. A9?m not 8ein- 3atty@ <i3"ar5.C 9 smile5. AAll ri-"t@ not )ery 3atty. S"e?s s"ook. Hol5 "er "an5. 9?ll 8e okay.C He tou3"e5 my 1a3e -ently. ADou 5on?t nee5 mu3" "an52"ol5in-@ 5o youBC 9 si-"e5. A#ne ni-"t %it" you an5 9 nearly eat Verne?s ne3k. #ne ni-"t@ an5 9 >ust ran t"rou-" t"e %oo5s like ... like a %ere%ol1. Hust one lo)emakin- session@ an5 you say you kne% it %as a possi8ility. Dou s"oul5 "a)e at least trie5 to tell me last ni-"t@ <i3"ar5.C He no55e5. ADou?re ri-"t@ 9 s"oul5 "a)e. 9 5on?t "a)e any e*3use -oo5 enou-". 9?m sorry@ Anita.C Starin- up into "is so2sin3ere 1a3e@ it %as "ar5 to 8e an-ry. But it %asn?t "ar5 to 8e 5istrust1ul. 7ay8e <i3"ar5 "a5 8een learnin- more 1rom Hean2!lau5e t"an >ust "o% to 3ontrol t"e marks. 7ay8e lyin- 8y omission %as 3onta-ious. A9 nee5 to -o see a 8o5y@ <i3"ar5.C 4r. #nslo% pointe5 me in t"e ri-"t 5ire3tion. 9 starte5 o11 t"rou-" t"e %oo5s. <i3"ar5 3au-"t up %it" me. A9?ll %alk you.C A9?m arme5@ <i3"ar5. 9?ll 8e okay.C A9 %ant to -o %it" you.C 9 stoppe5 an5 turne5 an5 stare5 up at "im. A9 5on?t %ant you %it" me. <i-"t t"is moment@ 9 nee5 you to 8e some%"ere else.C A9 5i5n?t mean to "i5e t"in-s 1rom you. ,)eryt"in- "appene5 so 1ast last ni-"t. 9 >ust 5i5n?t "a)e time. 9 5i5n?t t"ink.C A$ell it to someone %"o 3ares@ <i3"ar5. $ell it to someone %"o 3ares.C 9 %alke5 a%ay into t"e trees@ an5 "e staye5 %"ere 9?5 le1t "im. 9 1elt "im %at3" me as 9 mo)e5 t"rou-" t"e trees. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e %ei-"t o1 "is -aEe like a "an5 on my 8a3k. 91 9 looke5 8a3k@ %oul5 "e 8e %a)in-B 9 5i5n?t look 8a3k. 9 lo)e5 <i3"ar5. He lo)e5 me. 9 %as sure o1 t"ose t%o t"in-s. $"e one t"in- 9 %asn?t sure o1 %as %"et"er t"at lo)e %oul5 8e enou-". 91 "e slept %it" ot"er %omen@ it %oul5n?t 8e. 'air or not@ 9 %oul5n?t sur)i)e it. <i3"ar5 sai5 "e "a5n?t aske5 me to -i)e up Hean2!lau5e. He "a5n?t. But as lon- as 9 s"are5 my 8e5 %it" Hean2!lau5e@ <i3"ar5 %oul5 sleep %it" ot"er %omen. As lon- as 9 %asn?t mono-amous@ "e %oul5n?t 8e@ eit"er. He "a5n?t aske5 me to -i)e up Hean2!lau5e. He?5 >ust ma5e sure t"at 9 %asn?t -oin- to 8e "appy in eit"er 8e5. 9 3oul5 "a)e t"em 8ot" as lon- as <i3"ar5 slept aroun5. 9 3oul5 "a)e <i3"ar5 all to mysel1@ as lon- as 9 -a)e up Hean2!lau5e. 9 %asn?t rea5y to make t"e se3on5 3"oi3e@ an5 9 3oul5n?t 1i)e %it" t"e 1irst. :nless t"ere %ere a t"ir5 3"oi3e@ %e %ere in trou8le.

Chapter Thirty-two
$"e mur5er s3ene %as in t"e mi55le o1 t"e %oo5s. 'i)e miles 1rom t"e nearest roa5 -oo5 enou-" to take e)en a 1our2 %"eeler@ a33or5in- to 4r. #nslo%. 9t %as a -reat pla3e 1or trolls@ 8ut not 1or 3on5u3tin- a poli3e in)esti-ation. $"ey %ere -oin- to "a)e to "ike e)eryt"in- in@ an5 %"en t"e time 3ame@ "ike t"e 8o5y out. /ot pleasant@ not 1ast. #ne -oo5 t"in- a8out t"e isolate5 lo3ation %as no -a%kers. 9?5 8een to a lot o1 mur5er s3enes@ 8ut t"e only ones %it"out an au5ien3e %ere eit"er at really o55 "ours or in t"e mi55le o1 no%"ere. $"e o55 "ours %eren?t enou-" i1 t"ere %ere people near8y. People %oul5 3lim8 out o1 t"eir 8e5s 8e1ore 5a%n to see a 3orpse. ,)en %it"out t"e 3i))ies@ t"ere %as a 3ro%5. 9 spotte5 t"e uni1orms o1 =ilkes an5 one o1 "is men. 9 %as really lookin1or%ar5 to seein- t"em a-ain to5ay. $"e state troopers %ere t"i3k on t"e -roun5 alon- %it" some plain3lot"es state 5ete3ti)es. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to 8e intro5u3e5 to t"em to kno% t"ey %ere 3ops. $"ey mo)e5 aroun5 t"e s3ene %it" little plasti3 -lo)es on@ s;uattin- on t"e 8alls o1 t"eir 1eet rat"er t"an kneelin- on t"e e)i5en3e. Dello% 3rime s3ene tape %rappe5 aroun5 it all like a ri88on on a pa3ka-e. $"ere %as no uni1orm on t"is si5e o1 t"e tape 8e3ause no one e*pe3te5 3ompany 1rom t"e 5ire3tion opposite t"e roa5. 9 %as %earin- t"e Bro%nin- an5 t"e 'irestar an5 t"e kni1e 5o%n my spine@ so 9 5u- out my li3ense an5 "el5 it alo1t as 9 5u3ke5 un5er t"e tape. ,)entually@ someone %oul5 see me an5 some uni1orm %oul5 -et yelle5 at 1or lettin- me 3ross t"e perimeter %it"out 8ein- spotte5. A state trooper spotte5 me 8e1ore 9?5 3ome 5o%n t"e "ill )ery 1ar. $"ey?5 ma5e a %i5e 3ir3le o1 tape@ an5 "e?5 8een stan5in- near t"e upper e5-e o1 it. He "a5 8ro%n "air an5 5ark eyes an5 a sprinklin- o1 1re3kles a3ross "is pale 3"eeks. He %alke5 to%ar5s me@ "an5 out@ A9?m sorry@ miss@ 8ut you 3an?t 8e in "ere.C 9 %a--le5 t"e li3ense at "im. A9?m Anita Blake. 9 "ear5 you -uys %ere lookin- 1or me. Somet"in- a8out a 8o5y you %ant me to take a peek at.C AA peek@C "e sai5. ADou %ant to take a peek at t"e 8o5y.C He sai5 it sort o1 so1t@ not like "e %as teasin- me. His 5ark eyes stare5 past me 1or a se3on5@ t"en "e seeme5 to remem8er %"ere "e %as. He "el5 "is "an5 out 1or my li3ense. 9 let "im take it@ look at it@ rea5 it t%i3e. He "an5e5 it 8a3k to me. He looke5 5o%n t"e "ill to t"e knot o1 people. He pointe5. A$"e s"ort man in t"e 8la3k suit@ 8lon5 "air@ t"at?s !aptain Hen5erson. He?s in 3"ar-e.C 9 >ust looke5 at "im. He s"oul5 "a)e taken me to t"e man in 3"ar-e. /o %ay %oul5 a 3op %"o 5i5n?t kno% me let me %alk a 3rime s3ene una33ompanie5. Vampire e*e3utioners aren?t 3i)ilians@ 8ut most o1 us aren?t 5ete3ti)es@ eit"er. 9?m one o1 t"e )ery 1e% %"o 5eals so intimately %it" t"e poli3e. 9n Saint Louis %"ere most o1 t"e 3ops kne% me 8y reputation or on si-"t@ 9 3oul5 see it. But "ere@ %"ere no one kne% me@ no %ay. 9 rea5 t"e trooper?s nameplate. A7i3"aels@ is itBC He no55e5@ an5 a-ain "is eyes %eren?t lookin- at me. He %asn?t a3tin- like a 3op. He %as a3tin- s3are5. !ops 5on?t spook easily. Gi)e t"em a 1e% years on t"e >o8@ an5 t"ey per1e3t >a5e5 in5i11eren3eJ 8een t"ere@ 5one t"at@ %asn?t impresse5@ 5i5n?t 8ot"er to -et a $2s"irt. 7i3"aels "a5 ser-eant 8ars on "is uni1orm. Dou 5i5n?t -et ser-eant stripes in t"e state troopers 8y -ettin- s"ook at e)ery 3rime s3ene. ASer-eant 7i3"aels@C "e sai5. A9s t"ere somet"in- 9 3an 5o 1or you@ 7s. BlakeBC He seeme5 to 8e re8uil5in- "imsel1 8e1ore my eyes. 9t remin5e5 me o1 t"e %ay 4r. !arne #nslo% "a5 re3o)ere5. His eyes lost t"at )a-ue@ -lassy look. He looke5 at me strai-"t on@ 8ut t"ere %as still a ti-"tness aroun5 "is eyes@ almost like somet"in- "urt. ="at t"e "ell %as 5o%n at t"e 8ottom o1 t"is "illB ="at 3oul5 make a seasone5 3op look like t"isB A/ot"in-@ Ser-eant@ not"in-. $"anks.C 9 kept my li3ense out 8e3ause 9 %as almost sure to 8e stoppe5 a-ain %it"out a poli3e es3ort. A %oman %as t"ro%in- up 8y a small pine tree. S"e an5 t"e man "ol5in- "er 1ore"ea5 %ore ,mer-en3y 7e5i3al Ser)i3es uni1orms. 9t?s a 8a5 si-n %"en t"e ,7S te3"s are t"ro%in- up. A )ery 8a5 si-n. 9t %as 7ai5en %"o stoppe5 me. =e stoo5 t"ere 1or a se3on5 or t%o >ust lookin- at ea3" ot"er. 9 %as stan5in- up"ill@ lookin- 5o%n at "im. A7s. Blake@C "e sai5. A7ai5en@C 9 sai5. 9 le1t o11 t"e o11i3er on purpose@ 8e3ause as 1ar as 9 %as 3on3erne5@ "e %asn?t an o11i3er. He?5 stoppe5 8ein- a 3op %"en "e 8e3ame a 8a5 -uy. He -a)e a small@ o55@ smile. A9?ll take you t"rou-" to !aptain Hen5erson. He?s in 3"ar-e.C A'ine.C ADou mi-"t %ant to prepare yoursel1@ Blake. 9t?s ... 8a5.C A9?ll 8e all ri-"t@C 9 sai5. He s"ook "is "ea5@ looke5 at t"e -roun5. ="en "e looke5 8a3k up@ "is eyes %ere empty@ 3ol5 3op eyes. A7ay8e you %ill@ Blake@ may8e you %ill. But 9 %on?t 8e.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC A="o t"e "ell is s"eBC 9t %as !aptain Hen5erson. He?5 spotte5 us. He 3ame up t"e "illsi5e in "is 5ress s"oes@ sli5in- >ust a 8it. But "e %as 5etermine5 an5 kne% "o% to %alk in t"e lea)es e)en in t"e %ron- s"oes. He %as a8out 1i)e2ei-"t. %it"

s"ort@ 8lon5 "air. He "a5 o55 eyes t"at 3"an-e5 3olor as "e mo)e5 t"rou-" t"e 5apple5 sunli-"t. #ne moment pale -reen@ t"e ne*t -rey. He 3ame up to stan5 8et%een t"e t%o o1 us. He looke5 at 7ai5en. A="o is t"is@ an5 %"y is s"e insi5e my perimeterBC AAnita Blake@ !aptain Hen5erson@C 7ai5en sai5. He looke5 strai-"t at me@ an5 "is eyes %ere 3ool an5 -rey %it" s%irlin- 1le3ks o1 -reen. He %as "an5some in a 3lean23ut@ or5inary sort o1 %ay. He mi-"t "a)e 8een more t"an t"at@ 8ut t"ere %as a "ars"ness to "is 1a3e@ a sourness@ t"at ro88e5 "im o1 somet"in- likea8le an5 pleasant. /o matter "o% 1unky t"e eye 3olor %"en "e looke5 at me@ t"e eyes %ere 5istant@ >u5-in-@ 3op eyes. ASo you?re Anita BlakeBC His )oi3e %as almost an-ry. 9 no55e5. ADes.C 9 5i5n?t let t"e an-er -et to me. He %asn?t an-ry at me. Somet"in- %as %ron-. Somet"in- 8eyon5 t"e 3rime itsel1. 9 %on5ere5 %"at. He looke5 me up an5 5o%n@ not se*ual@ 8ut as i1 "e %ere takin- my measure. 9 %as use5 to t"at@ t"ou-" it %as usually a little less 8latant. AHo% stron-?s your stoma3"@ BlakeBC 9 raise5 eye8ro%s at t"at@ t"en smile5. A="at in t"e "ell is 1unnyBC Hen5erson sai5. ALook@ 9 kno% it?s 8a5. 9 >ust le1t your ser-eant at t"e top o1 t"e "ill so spooke5 "e %oul5n?t 3ome near it a se3on5 time. 7ai5en "ere?s alrea5y tol5 me it?s a%1ul. Hust take me to t"e 8o5y.C Hen5erson steppe5 up@ in)a5in- t"e "ell out o1 my personal spa3e. ADou t"at 3on1i5ent t"at you 3an take it@ BlakeBC 9 si-"e5. A/o.C $"e no seeme5 to take some o1 t"e an-er a%ay. He 8linke5 an5 took a step 8a3k. A/oBC "e sai5. A9 5on?t kno% i1 9 3an take it@ !aptain Hen5erson. $"ere?s al%ays t"e 3"an3e t"at t"e ne*t "orror %ill 8e somet"in- so a%1ul@ 9?ll ne)er re3o)er. Somet"in- t"at stains my min5 an5 sen5s me s3reamin-. But so 1ar@ so -oo5. So@ take me to see t"e -risly remains. $"e 1oreplay is -ettin- tiresome.C 9 %at3"e5 t"e emotions play o)er "is 1a3eJ amusement@ t"en an-er@ 8ut 1inally@ amusement %on. Lu3ky me. A$"e -risly remains. Are you sure you?re not a reporterBC $"at ma5e me smile. A9?m -uilty o1 a lot o1 sins@ 8ut t"at?s not one o1 t"em.C $"at ma5e "im smile. ="en "e smile5@ "e looke5 ten years youn-er an5 %as more t"an >ust or5inarily "an5some. A#kay@ 7s. Blake@ 1ollo% me. 9?ll take you to see t"e -risly remains.C He lau-"e5 so1t@ lo%@ an5 5eeper t"an "is speakin- )oi3e@ as i1 %"en "e san- "e mi-"t 8e a 8ass. A9 "ope you?re as amusin- a1ter you?)e seen t"e s"o%@ 7s. Blake.C A7e@ too@C 9 sai5. He -a)e me a stran-e look@ t"en le5 t"e %ay 5o%n t"e "ill. 9 1ollo%e5 8e3ause it %as my >o8. An "our a-o@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 t"e 5ay 3oul5n?t -et mu3" %orse. 9 "a5 a sinkin- 1eelin- it %as a8out to -et %orse2mu3" %orse.

Chapter Thirty-three
$"e 8o5y lay in a small 3learin-. 9 kne% it %as "uman 8e3ause t"ey tol5 me it %as. 9t %asn?t t"at t"e 8o5y 5i5n?t look "uman@ e*a3tly. $"e s"ape %as t"ere enou-" t"at 9 3oul5 tell it %as lyin- on its 8a3k. 9t %as more t"at my min5 re1use5 to a3kno%le5-e t"at t"is 3oul5 "a)e 8een a "uman 8ein-. 7y eyes sa% it@ 8ut my min5 kept re1usin- to put t"e pie3es to-et"er@ so it %as like lookin- at one o1 t"ose pi3tures %"ere you stare an5 stare until t"e "i55en s"apes spin out in 324 relie1. 9t looke5 as i1 t"ere "a5 8een an e*plosion o1 8loo5 an5 1les"@ an5 t"e 8o5y "a5 8een at t"e 3enter o1 it. 4rie5 8loo5 sprea5 out 1rom t"e 8o5y in e)ery 5ire3tion@ as i1 %"en t"e 8o5y %ere mo)e5 t"ere?5 8e a 8o5y2s"ape5 3lean spot@ like an ink 8lot. 9 3oul5 see all t"at@ 8ut still my eyes 3oul5n?t make sense o1 it. 7y min5 %as tryin- to prote3t me. 9t "a5 "appene5 8e1ore2 on3e or t%i3e. $"e smart t"in- %oul5 8e to turn an5 %alk a%ay. Let my min5 "a)e its 3on1usion 8e3ause t"e trut" %as -oin- to 8e one o1 t"ose min528lastin- moments. 9?5 >okin-ly tol5 Hen5erson at t"e top o1 t"e "ill t"at some t"in-s stain t"e min5. 9t %asn?t 1unny no%. 9 1or3e5 mysel1 to look at it@ 1or3e5 mysel1 not to look a%ay@ 8ut t"e summer "eat %a)ere5 aroun5 me in a si3kenin- rus". 9 %ante5 to 3o)er my eyes %it" my "an5s@ 8ut 9 settle5 1or turnin- a%ay. !o)erin- my eyes %oul5 look silly an5 3"il5is"@ like 8lottin- out t"e %orst o1 a "orror mo)ie. Hen5erson turne5 %"en 9 5i5. 91 9 %asn?t -oin- to look at t"e 8o5y@ t"en "e %oul5n?t@ eit"er. ADou okayBC $"e %orl5 stoppe5 spinnin- like a 8all t"at "a5 sli5 to a stop. A9 %ill 8e.C 7y )oi3e soun5e5 8reat"y. AGoo5@C "e sai5.

=e stoo5 t"at %ay 1or a 1e% se3on5s more@ t"en 9 took a s"allo% 8reat". 9 kne% 8etter t"an to take a 5eep one t"is 3lose to t"e 8o5y. 9 "a5 to 5o t"is. $rolls 5i5n?t 5o t"is. /o natural animal 5i5 t"is. 9 turne5 slo%ly aroun5 to 1a3e t"e 8o5y. 9t "a5n?t -otten any 8etter. Hen5erson turne5 %it" me. He %as t"e man in 3"ar-e. He 3oul5 take it i1 9 3oul5. 9 %asn?t sure 9 3oul5@ 8ut sin3e 9 %as out o1 ot"er 3"oi3es ... 9?5 8orro%e5 sur-i3al -lo)es. Someone "a5 o11ere5 me "ea)ier plasti3 -lo)es to -o o)er. A94S@ you kno%. 9 5e3line5. #ne@ my "an5s %oul5 s%eat. $%o@ i1 9 "a5 to 1eel t"e 8o5y 1or 3lues@ 9 %oul5n?t 8e a8le to 1eel s"it. $"ree@ %it" t"ree )ampire marks on me@ 9 5i5n?t s%eat A94S anymore. 9 %as 1ree 1rom 8loo528orne 5isease@ so 9?5 8een tol5. 9 8elie)e5 Hean2!lau5e on t"is one 8e3ause "e %oul5n?t %ant to lose me. 9 %as a t"ir5 o1 "is trium)irate. He %ante5 me sa1e. 9n t"e 8a3k o1 my "ea5 a )oi3e sai5@ He lo)es you. $"e )oi3e in t"e 1ront o1 my "ea5 sai5@ Dea" ri-"t. A!an 9 tra3k up t"e 8loo5 patternBC 9 aske5. ADou 3an?t -et 3lose to t"e 8o5y unless you step in t"e 8loo5@C Hen5erson sai5. 9 no55e5. A$rue. So you?)e )i5eotape5 it@ -otten all your pi3turesBC A=e kno% "o% to 5o our >o8@ 7s. Blake.C A9?m not ;uestionin- t"at@ !aptain. 9 nee5 to kno% i1 9 3an mo)e t"e 8o5y aroun5@ t"at?s all. 9 5on?t %ant to 1u3k up t"e e)i5en3e.C A="en you?re 5one %it" it@ %e?ll 8e 8a--in- it up.C 9 no55e5. A#kay.C 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e 8o5y an5 su55enly 3oul5 see it. All o1 it. 9 "u--e5 my arms a3ross my stoma3" to keep my "an5s 1rom 3o)erin- my eyes. $"e nose "a5 8een 8itten o11 so t"at it %as >ust a 8loo5y "ole. $"e lips %ere torn a%ay until teet" an5 t"e 8ones o1 t"e >a% %ere )isi8le un5er t"e 5ryin- 8loo5. $"e mus3les o1 t"e >a% %ere missin- on t"e si5e 1a3in- me. ="ate)er "a5 5one t"is "a5n?t >ust taken a ;ui3k 8ite. 9t "a5 sat 5o%n an5 1e5. So many 8ites@ so mu3" missin- 1les"@ 8ut most o1 it too s"allo% to kill. 9 sai5 a s"ort prayer t"at most o1 t"e 8ites %ere postmortem. ,)en as 9 praye5@ 9 %as pretty sure 9 %oul5n?t -et a -oo5 ans%erG t"ere %as too mu3" 8loo5. S"e?5 8een ali)e t"rou-" most o1 it. 9ntestines spille5 out o1 t"e rippe5 >eans in a 5rie5 nest 3o)ere5 in t"i3ker t"in-s t"an 8loo5. $"e out"ouse smell o1 "er lo%er intestines 8ein- rippe5 %oul5 "a)e 1a5e5 8y no%. #ne smell 5ies@ 8ut t"ere?s al%ays anot"er. Her 8o5y "a5 starte5 to ripen in t"e summer 8eat. 9t is a smell t"at is "ar5 to 5es3ri8e@ 8ot" o)er%"elmin-ly s%eet an5 8itter enou-" to -a-. 9 took s"allo% 8reat"s an5 steppe5 onto t"e 5rie5 splatter. Somet"in- mo)e5 t"rou-" me like a p"antom 8lo%. $"e "air on t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k trie5 to 3ra%l 5o%n my spine. $"at part o1 my 8rain t"at "a5 not"in- to 5o %it" 3ars or in5oor plum8in- an5 e)eryt"in- to 5o %it" runnin- an5 s3reamin- an5 not t"inkin- at all@ %as %"isperin- no%. 9t %as %"isperin- t"at somet"in- %as %ron-. Somet"in- e)il "a5 8een "ere2not >ust 5an-erous@ e)il. 9 %aite5 to see i1 t"e 1eelin- %oul5 -ro% stron-er@ 8ut it 1a5e5. 9t 1a5e5 like a 8a5 memory@ %"i3" pro8a8ly meant 9?5 %alke5 t"rou-" t"e e5-e o1 some kin5 o1 spell2or rat"er@ t"e remnants o1 one@ a nasty one. Dou 5i5n?t 3all somet"in- t"is e)il %it"out a 3ir3le o1 prote3tion eit"er 1or t"e sor3erer to stan5 in or 1or t"e 8eastie to 8e put insi5e o1. 9 sear3"e5 t"e -roun5@ 8ut t"ere %as not"in- 8ut 8loo5. $"e 8loo5 5i5n?t 1orm a 3ir3le o1 prote3tion. 9t %as >ust splatter@ mess@ no pattern. 9 s"oul5 "a)e kno%n t"ere %oul5n?t 8e anyt"in- t"at o8)ious. $"e poli3e aren?t pra3titioners o1 t"e arts@ t"ou-" t"at is 8e-innin- to 3"an-e@ 8ut you 3an?t 8e a 3op lon- an5 not look 1or si-ns o1 ma-i3 %"en t"e s"it is t"is stran-e. $"e s3ene looke5 un5istur8e5@ 8ut t"at 5i5n?t mean it %as un5istur8e5. 91 someone %ere really -oo5 at ma-i3@ t"ey 3oul5 make you not see somet"in-. /ot true in)isi8ility. Humans 5on?t 5o t"at. P"ysi3s is p"ysi3s. Li-"t "its a soli5 o8>e3t an5 8oun3es. But t"ey 3an make t"e eye relu3tant to see@ so t"at you keep lookin- past somet"in- an5 your min5 5oesn?t re-ister it. Like lookin- 1or a set o1 3ar keys t"at is sittin- in plain si-"t@ lost 1or t%o 5ays. 9 s;uatte5 8esi5e t"e 8o5y. 9 5i5n?t "a)e t"e 3o)eralls 9 usually %ore at mur5er s3enes an5 5i5n?t %ant t"e 8loo5 to soak into my >eans. 9 %as still "u--in- mysel1. $"ere %ere t"in-s "ere t"at someone 5i5n?t %ant us to see. But %"atB Hen5erson 3alle5@ A=e 1oun5 t"e %allet. 4o you %ant t"e 94BC A/o@C 9 sai5. A/o.C 9 %asn?t 8ein- 3le)er. 9 >ust 5i5n?t %ant a name@ an i5entity 1or t"e t"in- at my 1eet. 9?5 5one t"e tri3k o1 turnin- t"e 8o5y into an it. 9t %asn?t real. 9t %as >ust somet"in- to 8e stu5ie5@ e*amine5. 9t "a5 ne)er 8een real. $o t"ink anyt"in- else at t"at moment %oul5 "a)e "a5 me )omitin- all o)er t"e e)i5en3e. 9?5 5one t"at only on3e@ years a-o. 4olp" an5 t"e -an- "a5 ne)er let me li)e it 5o%n. $"e eyes "a5 8een 3la%e5 out an5 le1t to 5ry into 8la3kene5 lumps on t"e 3"eeks. Lon- "air %as plastere5 alon- t"e si5e o1 t"e 1a3e@ stu3k to one s"oul5er. 7ay8e 8lon5 "air 1rom t"e 3olor. But it %as "ar5 to tell %it" all t"e soake5 8loo5. $"e lon- "air ma5e me t"ink 1emale. 7y eyes tra)ele5 5o%n an5 1oun5 t"e remains o1 3lot"in-. $"e 8louse "a5 8een re5u3e5 to a lump o1 3lot" un5er one arm. $"e 3"est %as 8are. #ne 8reast torn 3ompletely o11. $"e ot"er 5e1late5 like a 8alloon as i1 somet"in- "a5 eaten t"e 1les" out o1 t"e mi55le@ like a ki5 su3kin- t"e >elly out o1 a 5onut. 9t %as an un1ortunate 3"oi3e o1 metap"ors@ e)en in my o%n "ea5. 9 "a5 to stan5 up. 9 "a5 to %alk a%ay@ 8lo%in- air out )ery 1ast an5 too s"allo%. 9 %ent to stan5 8esi5e one o1 t"e trees t"at e5-e5 t"e 3learin-. 9 "a5 to take 5eep 8reat"s@ 8ut t"at meant t"e o5or %ent 5o%n stron-. $"at s%eet@ s%eet smell sli5 alon- my ton-ue an5 3oate5 t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat

until 9 3oul5n?t stan5 t"e t"ou-"t o1 s%allo%in- 8ut 5i5n?t kno% %"at else to 5o. 9 s%allo%e5@ an5 t"e smell sli5 5o%n@ an5 my mornin- 3o11ee in3"e5 up. 9 "a5 t%o 3om1orts. #ne@ 9?5 mana-e5 to -et outsi5e t"e 8loo5 pattern to )omit. $%o@ 9 5i5n?t "a)e mu3" in my stoma3" to 3ome up. 7ay8e t"is %as one reason t"at 9?)e stoppe5 eatin- 8reak1ast. 9 -et a lot o1 early2mornin- 8o5y )ie%in-. 9 knelt in t"e 5ry lea)es an5 1elt 8etter. 9 "a5n?t t"ro%n up at a 3rime s3ene in a lon- time. At least Ker8ro%ski %asn?t "ere to ri8 me a8out it. 9 %asn?t e)en em8arrasse5. =as t"at a si-n o1 maturityB 7ale )oi3es 8e"in5 me. S"eri11 =ilkes sayin-@ almost yellin-@ AS"e?s >ust a 3i))ie. S"e s"oul5n?t 8e "ere. S"e isn?t e)en li3ense5 1or t"is state.C A9?m in 3"ar-e "ere@ S"eri11. 9 say %"o stays an5 %"o -oes.C Hen5erson %asn?t yellin-@ 8ut "is )oi3e 3arrie5. 9 -ra88e5 t"e tree trunk to "elp me stan5@ an5 my arm tin-le5 so "ar5 it almost %ent num8. 9 stoo5@ pus"in- a%ay 1rom t"e tree@ nearly 1allin-@ 8ut 9 kept my 1eet. 9 looke5 up t"e smoot" trunk. A8out ei-"t 1eet up %as a penta-ram 3ar)e5 into t"e 8ark o1 t"e tree. $"e 3ut "a5 8een 5arkene5 %it" 8loo5. =it" t"e 5rie5 8loo5 ru88e5 into it@ it %as almost in)isi8le a-ainst t"e 5ark -rey 8ark@ 8ut t"ere %as also a spell o1 relu3tan3e on it. So t"at no one "a5 looke5@ not e)en me. #nly %"en 9 tou3"e5 t"e tree 5i5 9 sense it. Like all illusion@ on3e you see it@ you kno% it?s t"ere. 9 looke5 at t"e ot"er trees an5 1oun5 a 8loo5y penta-ram 3ar)e5 into ea3" one. 9t %as a 3ir3le o1 po%er@ o1 prote3tion. A 3ir3le 1orme5 o1 8loo5 an5 t"e lan5 itsel1. =i33ans2%it3"es23an use t"eir po%er 1or e)il i1 t"ey?re %illin- to pay t"e pri3e in karma. ="ate)er you 5o@ -oo5 or ill@ 3omes 8a3k to you t"ree1ol5. But e)en a %i33an -one 8a5 %oul5n?t 3ar)e up a tree. Ha5 t"e trees@ t"e lan5@ t"emsel)es@ 8een in)oke5B $"at mi-"t mean an elemental. $"ey 3oul5 8e nasty. But t"ey 5i5n?t 1eel e)il. $"ey 1elt an-ry i1 you messe5 %it" t"eir lan5@ 8ut t"ey %eren?t e)il@ more an-ry2neutral. 9?5 -otten t"at %"i11 o1 e)il as 9 passe5 t"rou-" t"e 3ir3le. ,)il %it" a 3apital ,. $"ere >ust aren?t t"at many preternatural 3ritters t"at trip t"at parti3ular %ire. A!aptain Hen5erson@C 9 sai5. 9 "a5 to say it t%i3e 8e1ore t"ey stoppe5 ar-uin- an5 looke5 at me. $"ey 8ot" looke5 at me. /eit"er looke5 1rien5ly@ 8ut at least 9 kne% %"o t"ey %ere ma5 atJ ea3" ot"er. Lo3al 3ops 5on?t like any8o5y "ornin- in on t"eir tur1. 9t %as normal 1or t"e lo3al poli3e to resent outsi5ers. But 9 kne% t"at =ilkes "a5 more to prote3t t"an "is tur1. He must 8e 1ranti3 "a)in- real 3ops "ere no%. But no% %asn?t t"e time to spill t"e 8eans. 9 "a5 no proo1. A33usin- a poli3eman o1 3orruption ten5s to upset t"e ot"er 3ops. A4i5 you see t"e penta-rams on t"e treesBC $"e ;uestion %as stran-e enou-" t"at t"ey 8ot" stoppe5 8ein- an-ry an5 pai5 attention. 9 pointe5 t"e penta-rams out@ an5 like all -oo5 illusion@ on3e 9 s"o%e5 t"em@ t"ey 3oul5 see it. $"e emperor "as no 3lot"es. ASoBC =ilkes sai5. ASo@ t"is %as a 3ir3le o1 prote3tion@ o1 po%er. Somet"in- %as 3alle5 "ere to kill "er.C A$"e marks on t"e trees 3oul5 "a)e 8een "ere 1or 5ays@C =ilkes sai5. A$est t"e 8loo5 on t"e penta-rams@C 9 sai5. A9t %on?t 8e "ers@ 8ut it %ill 8e 1res".C A="y isn?t it t"e )i3tim?sBC Hen5erson aske5. ABe3ause t"ey use5 t"e 8loo5 to seal t"e 3ir3le. $"ey "a5 to "a)e t"e 8loo5 8e1ore t"e 5eat".C A9t %as a "uman sa3ri1i3e t"en@C Hen5erson sai5. A/ot e*a3tly@C 9 sai5. A$"is %as a troll kill@C =ilkes sai5. He 5i5n?t soun5 sureG "e soun5e5 5esperate. Hen5erson turne5 to "im. ADou keep sayin- t"at@ =ilkes. Dou keep sayin- it %as trolls.C A$"at 8iolo-ist "ersel1 sai5 it looke5 like primates. 9t sure as "ell %asn?t a person. $"ere aren?t t"at many primates runninaroun5 t"e $ennessee "ills.C AS"e sai5 "umanoi5@C 9 sai5. $"ey 8ot" looke5 at me a-ain. A4r. #nslo% sai5 "umanoi5. A lot o1 people assume "umanoi5 means primate@ 8ut t"ere are ot"er options.C ALike %"atBC =ilkes sai5. His 8eeper %ent o11. He 3"e3ke5 t"e num8er@ t"en looke5 at me. A,*3use me@ !aptain Hen5erson.C Hen5erson looke5 at me. A4o you an5 t"e s"eri11 "a)e some sort o1 "istory@ 7s. BlakeBC 9 1ro%ne5. AHistoryB Ho%BC AHe %as )ery 3ertain t"at you s"oul5n?t 8e any%"ere near t"is 8o5y. He %as also )ery 3ertain t"at t"is %as a troll kill. Very 3ertain.C A="o 3alle5 you -uys t"enBC AAn anonymous tip.C

=e looke5 at ea3" ot"er. A="o su--este5 9 -et to >oin t"e 1unBC A#ne o1 t"e ,7S 3re%. $"e man?s usual partner met you last ni-"t.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t kno% "im.C AHis re-ular partner is a -irl. Lu3y somet"in-.C $"at e*plaine5 Lu3y?s me5i3al kno%le5-e@ an5 %"y s"e %asn?t %orkin- on t"e 5ay o1 t"e 1ull moon. 4on?t %ant to 8e aroun5 1res" 8loo5 %it" t"e moon almost 1ull. $oo temptin-. $oo 3"an3y. A9 remem8er "er )a-uely@ 9 -uess.C 9 remem8ere5 "er more t"an )a-uely@ 8ut t"e last time 9?5 seen "er %as >ust a1ter 9?5 mur5ere5 someone@ so 9 %as -oin- to 8e 1uEEy on t"e 5etails. 'or one a%1ul moment@ 9 %on5ere5 i1 Hen5erson "a5 8een tryin- to tri3k me an5 t"e 8o5y %as really Lu3y. But t"e "ei-"t %as %ron-. $"e %oman "a5 8een tall@ not my siEe. 7ost o1 t"e %omen t"at <i3"ar5 5ate5 %ere s"ort. 9 -uess i1 you?)e -ot a 8o5y type you like@ you sti3k to it. 7y 3"oi3e o1 )i3tims seeme5 to 8e a lot %i5er. A="y 5i5 t"ey nee5 a po%er 3ir3le@ 7s. BlakeBC Hen5erson aske5. A$o keep in %"at t"ey 3alle5.C He 1ro%ne5 at me. ALike you sai5 8e1ore@ t"e 1oreplay is -ettin- tiresome. Hust tell me %"at t"e 1u3k you t"ink it %as.C A9 t"ink t"ey 3alle5 a 5emon.C His eyes %i5ene5. AA %"atBC AA 5emon@C 9 sai5. Hen5erson >ust looke5 at me. A="yBC A="en 9 3rosse5 t"e 3ir3le@ 9 -ot t"at 1eelin- o1 e)il. /o matter "o% monstrous t"e 3ritter@ it 5oesn?t 1eel t"e same as somet"in- 5e5i3ate5 to e)il an5 no ot"er purpose.C ADou see many 5emons %"ile you?re out slayin- )ampires@ 7s. BlakeBC A#n3e@ !aptain@ >ust on3e. 9t %as ... C 9 steppe5 out o1 t"e 3ir3le o1 po%er@ an5 9 1elt 8etter. $"ey?5 5one t"eir 8est to "i5e t"e tra3es@ 8ut t"in-s like t"is "a)e a ten5en3y to 3lin-. A9 %as 3alle5 into a 3ase t"at t"ey t"ou-"t %as a )ampire@ 8ut it %as 5emoni3 possession. $"e %oman ... C 9 stoppe5 a-ain 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t "a)e %or5s 1or it@ or no %or5s t"at %oul5n?t seem silly@ melo5ramati3. 9 trie5 to tell t"e story 8y sti3kin- to t"e 1a3ts. 7e an5 Ser-eant 'ri5ay. A$"e %oman "a5 8een an or5inary "ouse%i1e@ mot"er o1 t%o. S"e?5 8een a 5ia-nose5 s3"iEop"reni3@ !aptain. Her parti3ular 8ran5 o1 3raEiness %as almost a multiple personality 5isor5er@ 8ut not t"at 3lear23ut. S"e %as like t"e little -irl %it" a 3url in t"e mi55le o1 "er 1ore"ea5. ="en s"e %as -oo5@ s"e %as )ery@ )ery -oo5. A mo5el 3"ur3"-oer@ tea3"er o1 Sun5ay s3"ool. S"e 3anne5 "er o%n )e-eta8les@ se%e5 5oll 3lot"es 1or "er -irls. But %"en s"e %as 8a5@ s"e slept aroun5@ a8use5 t"e ki5s@ "un- t"e 1amily 5o- 1rom a tree.C Hen5erson raise5 an eye8ro% at t"at. 'or a 3op@ it %as pure s"o3k. A="y %asn?t s"e in a "ospitalBC ABe3ause %"en s"e took "er me5i3ine@ s"e %as t"e -oo5 mot"er@ t"e -oo5 %i1e. 9 talke5 to "er %"en s"e %as F%ell@? an5 s"e %as a )ery ni3e person. 9 sa% %"y t"e "us8an5 trie5 to "ol5 on to "er. 9t %as tra-i3 in t"e true sense o1 t"e %or5 t"at "er o%n 8rain 3"emistry %as 5estroyin- "er li1e.C A9t?s sa5@ 8ut it?s not 5emoni3@C Hen5erson sai5. A/ei-"8or"oo5 pets %ere )anis"in-@ s"o%in- up 5raine5 o1 8loo5. 9 tra3e5 it to t"e %oman. Her "istory o1 mental illness "a5 raise5 1la-s %it" t"e 3ops. So 1ar@ >ust sa5@ ri-"t.C 9 stare5 o11 up t"e "ill at t"e 3ops an5 t"e te3"s an5 e)eryone. $"ey %ere not lookin- 5o%n t"e "ill. /o one %ante5 to "an- aroun5 t"is one. ,)en i1 you aren?t truly sensiti)e to t"e psy3"i3@ %e all "a)e sur)i)al instin3ts t"at %ork 8etter t"an %e 5o. ,)eryone %oul5 8e relu3tant on t"is one@ an5 t"ey %oul5n?t kno% %"y. ADou still %it" me@ BlakeBC Hen5erson aske5. ASorry. $"e ni-"t %e arreste5 "er@ t%o uni1orms "a5 "a5 to 5ra- "er out o1 anot"er man?s 8e5@ "an53u11e5. $"ey 5i5n?t "a)e anot"er 1emale on site t"at ni-"t@ so 9 ro5e in 8a3k %it" "er. S"e %as lou5 an5 8oisterous@ 1lirtin- %it" t"e men@ 8ein- snotty %it" me. 9 5on?t e)en remem8er %"at 9 sai5@ 8ut 9 remem8er t"e look on "er 1a3e %"en s"e turne5 to me. =e?re ri5in- in t"is 5ark poli3e 3ar@ an5 as s"e turns "er "ea5 to look at me@ t"e "air on my 8o5y stoo5 up. $"ere %ere no -lo%in- eyes@ no smell o1 sul1ur@ !aptain Hen5erson@ 8ut 9 1elt e)il rise o11 o1 "er like some 5istur8in- per1ume.C 9 looke5 at "im@ an5 "e %as s3rutiniEin- my 1a3e like "e %as tryin- to memoriEe it. A9 5on?t s3are easy@ !aptain@ 8ut 1or t"at instant@ 9 %as s3are5. S3are5 o1 "er@ an5 it s"o%e5 on my 1a3e@ an5 s"e lau-"e5@ an5 t"e moment %as -one.C A="at 5i5 you 5oBC A9 re3ommen5e5 t"ey 5o an e*or3ism.C A4i5 t"eyBC "e aske5. A/ot t"e poli3e@ 8ut "er "us8an5 si-ne5 t"e papers 1or it.C AAn5BC Hen5erson sai5.

AAn5 it %orke5. 91 s"e stays on "er me5i3ation@ t"e mental illness is un5er 3ontrol. $"e possession 5i5n?t 3ause t"e s3"iEop"renia.C Hen5erson no55e5. A=e all -et t"e le3ture in trainin- t"at mental illness 3an open a person up to 5emoni3 possession@ 7s. Blake. 9t?s like P!P 8ut %eir5er.C ADea"@C 9 sai5. AP!P 5oesn?t 3ause people to le)itate.C He 1ro%ne5 at me. A4i5 you %itness t"e e*or3ismBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 %on?t talk a8out it. 9 espe3ially %on?t talk a8out it "ere an5 no%. =or5s "a)e po%er@ !aptain. 7emories "a)e po%er. 9 %on?t play into it.C He no55e5. AAre you positi)e "umans 5i5n?t 5o t"isBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. A$"ey ate "er to 5eat". 9t ate "er to 5eat". A person mi-"t 8e a8le to 8ite your t"roat out an5 5o some o1 t"is 5ama-e@ 8ut not all o1 it.C A91 you tol5 me t"is %as a possession@ 9?5 3all my 3"ain o1 3omman5 an5 start lookin- 1or a priestG 8ut Blake@ 5o you kno% "o% rare o)ert 5emoni3 atta3ks areBC APro8a8ly 8etter t"an you 5o@ !aptain. 9 -et 3alle5 in 1or all sorts o1 %eir5 s"it.C AHa)e you e)er seen a 5emon kill a person 8y strai-"t atta3k@ not tri3keryBC A/o.C A$"en "o% 3an you 8e so sureBC "e aske5. A9 tol5 you %"y 9?m sure@ !aptain. #n3e you?)e 8een in t"e presen3e o1 t"e 5emoni3@ you 5on?t 1or-et %"at it 1eels like.C 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 1ou-"t t"e ur-e to take anot"er step a%ay 1rom t"e 8o5y. ABut 9?m not an e*pert on 5emons@ !aptain Hen5erson. 9 su--est you 3onta3t a priest. 9?m also not an e*pert on t"is kin5 o1 ma-i3. !all a lo3al %it3" to look it o)er. $"ey may 8e a8le to -i)e you more in1ormation. $"e 8est 9 3an 5o is -eneral stu11.C A!oul5 you "a)e 3alle5 a 5emon an5 ma5e it kill "erBC 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC AHust ans%er t"e ;uestion@ 7s. Blake.C A9 raise t"e 5ea5@ !aptain. 9 5on?t 5o 5emons.C AA lot o1 people 5on?t see t"at 8i- a 5i11eren3e 8et%een t"e t%o.C AGreat@ >ust -reat. Dou 3all me 5o%n "ere. 9 tell you it?s 8la3k ma-i3@ an5 no% you?re -oin- to 8lame me. 9 5on?t 1eel like 8ein- t"e toasty en5 o1 a %it3" "unt@ !aptain Hen5erson.C He smile5. AHust ans%er t"e ;uestion. !oul5 you 5o itBC A/o@ 9 3oul5 not 5o t"is. $ra11i3kin- %it" t"e 5emoni3 taints t"e soul. 9 may not 8e a per1e3t !"ristian@ 8ut 9 am tryin-.C A'u3kin- )ampires taints t"e soul@ too@ Blake.C 9 stare5 up at "im. 9 looke5 at "im 1or se)eral lon- se3on5s@ 8e3ause %"at 9 %ante5 to 5o %as "it "im or s3ream at "im. /o@ "it "im. But 9 3oul5n?t 5o t"at. 9 settle5 1or one o1 t"ose smiles you -et sometimes %"en %"at you really %ant to 5o is "urt someone. A'ine@ !aptain@ 1ine. $"is %as po%er1ul ma-i3@ an5 9 "a)e a reputation 1or po%er1ul ma-i3. 9t?s not your 1ault t"at you 5on?t un5erstan5 t"e )ast 5i11eren3e 8et%een t"e t%o s3"ools o1 ma-i3. La3k o1 e5u3ation@ 3an?t "ol5 t"at a-ainst you.C 7y )oi3e sai5 plainly t"at 9 %ante5 to. ABut i1 9 %ere -oin- to kill someone@ 9?5 pro8a8ly >ust s"oot t"em. $"at %oul5 at least put me near t"e mi55le o1 t"e suspe3t list@ not t"e top.C A9 "ear5 t"at a8out you. $"at you %ere a s"ooter.C 9 looke5 at "im. AHear5 1rom %"omBC A!ops talk to one anot"er@ 7s. Blake. 91 s"e?5 s"o%n up %it" a 8ullet in "er "ea5@ t"en 9 mi-"t 8elie)e you 5i5 it.C A="y %oul5 9 kill some unkno%n %omanBC ABut s"e isn?t unkno%n@ 7s. Blake.C He %as %at3"in- me )ery 3losely. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e 8o5y. 9 looke5 5o%n t"e len-t" o1 it. $"ere %as not"in- t"at 9 re3o-niEe5. #1 all t"e %omen 9?5 met sin3e 9 3ame "ere@ none %ere tall enou-" 1or t"e 8o5y. ,*3ept one. 9 turne5 8a3k to "im an5 1elt t"e 8loo5 5rain 1rom my 1a3e. A="o is itBC ABetty S3"a11er@ t"e %oman %"o a33use5 your lo)er 8oy o1 rape.C $"e %orl5 s%am in stripes o1 3olor an5 "eat. Someone %as "ol5in- my el8o%@ an5 only t"at kept me stan5in-. ="en my )ision 3leare5@ Hen5erson "a5 my arm@ an5 =ilkes %as 8a3k. AAre you all ri-"t@ 7s. BlakeBC =ilkes aske5.

9 looke5 "im ri-"t in t"e eyes an5 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. Betty S3"a11er "a5 8een %orse t"an mur5ere5. 91 t"e ritual %as 5one ri-"t an5 t"e person %as in >eopar5y@ not pure@ like 8ein- a traitor or a liar or le3"erous@ t"en t"e soul 3oul5 8e taken %it" t"e li1e. 9?5 only seen one 8o5y t"at "a5 8een kille5 in ritual 1or a 5emon@ an5 it "a5 8een not"in- like t"is. $"e sa3ri1i3e "a5 8een kille5 %it" a kni1e@ 8ut t"e soul "a5 8een taken. An5 9 3oul5n?t raise t"e 8o5y. 91 a 5emon %as in)ol)e5 %it" t"e 5eat"@ t"en t"e 8o5y %as >ust so mu3" 3lay. 9 "a5 no po%er "ere. =ilkes 3oul5n?t "a)e 3alle5 a 5emon. /one o1 "is men "a5 t"e po%er. ="o 3oul5 "a)e 5one itB /o one 9?5 met sin3e 9 arri)e5 "a5 t"at kin5 o1 po%er an5 t"at kin5 o1 taint. Be1ore 9 3oul5 t"ink o1 anyt"in- to say@ =ilkes spoke 1irst. ADou?)e -ot a 3all. 9 t"ink you s"oul5 take it.C He %as a1rai5 9?5 talk. $rou8le %as@ 9 5i5n?t "a)e any proo1 o1 anyt"in-. Hell@ 9 5i5n?t e)en kno% %"at %as -oin- on. ="at %as on t"is or5inary lookin- lan5 t"at %as %ort" killin- o)erB ="y 5i5 t"e trolls "a)e to 8e -otten ri5 o1B =as it >ust so t"e lan5 3oul5 8e sol5B #r %as t"ere a 5arker purposeB Someone "a5 3alle5 a 5emon to try to make it look like a troll kill. 9 kne% %"y t"ey?5 5one it@ 8ut not %"o. 9 e)en kne% %"y it %as Betty. S"e?5 3ompromise5 "ersel1@ put "ersel1 at risk 1or t"at kin5 o1 3eremony. 7o)ies try to -i)e us s"it a8out nee5in- )ir-ins an5 purity 1or sa3ri1i3e@ 8ut true e)il 5oesn?t %ant to kill an5 sen5 purity to "ea)en. $rue e)il %ants to 3orrupt -oo5@ an5 on3e t"e -oo5 are 5ea5@ t"ey are 8eyon5 t"e 5e)il?s rea3". But t"e impure@ to sa3ri1i3e t"em@ to kill t"em2%ell@ t"e 5e)il -ets "is 5ue. =ilkes took my arm as i1 to "elp me. A4on?t tou3" me@ =ilkes. 4on?t e)er tou3" me a-ain.C He let "is "an5 1all. Hen5erson %as %at3"in- us like "e %as seein- more t"an %e %ere tellin-. !ops are -oo5 a8out t"at. Gi)e t"em anyt"in- suspi3ious@ an5 t"ey?ll put t%o an5 t%o to-et"er an5 make ten to t%enty21i)e to li1e. =ilkes looke5 at me. A!oul5 it 8e %ere%ol)esBC His )oi3e %as ;uiet. 9 3oul5n?t keep t"e s"o3k o11 my 1a3e. 9 1ou-"t to re-ain my ni3e@ 8lank 1a3e@ 8ut it %as enou-". =ilkes kne% %"at <i3"ar5 %as2some"o% "e kne%2an5 "e?5 try to 8lame Betty?s 5eat" on <i3"ar5. =ere%ol)es %ere a -oo5 s3ape-oat@ an5 a lot more 1un to 8elie)e in t"an 5emons. He pulle5 a 3ell p"one 1rom "is po3ket. He pun3"e5 up a num8er. AS"e?s ri-"t "ere.C He "an5e5 t"e p"one to me. Hen5erson %as %at3"in- us like %e %ere entertainin-. 9 took t"e p"one. $"e )oi3e on t"e ot"er en5 %as a man@ an5 9 5i5n?t kno% "im. A9 am 'ranklin /iley@ 7s. Blake. 9 t"ink it is time %e meet 1a3e2to21a3e.C A9 5on?t t"ink so@C 9 sai5. A=ilkes tol5 me t"at you "a)e spoile5 our little plan a8out 8lamin- t"ose pesky trolls 1or t"e 5eat". But it is not too late to 8lame your lo)er. Ho% many people %ill 8elie)e "is inno3en3e on3e t"ey 1in5 out "e is a %ere%ol1BC A9 5on?t kno% %"at you?re talkin- a8out@C 9 sai5. 9 "a5 to turn my 8a3k on Hen5erson?s alert eyes. His attention %as a little too intense. =ilkes %asn?t %at3"in- me. He %as %at3"in- Hen5erson. :n1ortunately@ turnin- aroun5 put me 8a3k to starin- at t"e 3orpse. 9 turne5 to t"e si5e an5 stare5 o11 t"rou-" t"e trees. $"e )oi3e on t"e p"one %as 3ulture5@ almost too %ell2mannere5 1or 3om1ort. A!ome@ 7s. Blake@ let us not play -ames@ t"e t%o o1 us. 9 kno% %"at 7r. Keeman is@ an5 on3e "e?s a33use5@ a simple 8loo5 test in t"e >ail %ill pro)e me ri-"t. He?5 lose "is >o8@ "is 3areer@ an5 per"aps 8e e*e3ute5. Dou "a)e "ire5 an e*3ellent attorneyG my 3on-ratulations. But i1 "e is 3on)i3te5@ t"en it is an automati3 5eat" senten3e. Huries "a)e a stron- ten5en3y to 3on)i3t monsters.C A9?m listenin-.C A7eet me at t"e 5iner in to%n. A pu8li3 pla3e@ so you?ll 1eel sa1e.C A="y 5o you %ant to meetBC 7y )oi3e %as -ro%in- pro-ressi)ely lo%er@ %"isperin-. A$o 8e- you one last time to lea)e to%n@ 7s. Blake. 9 "a)e no %is" to 3ome a-ainst you. $"e spirits say t"at to 3ome a-ainst you is 5eat".C ASpiritsBC 9 %"ispere5. A7eet me@ 7s. Blake. Dou an5 7r. Keeman. 7eet me@ an5 9 promise you it %ill all 8e o)er. Dou %ill lea)e to%n an5 all %ill 8e %ell.C A9 5on?t trust you.C A/or s"oul5 you@C /iley sai5. He lau-"e5@ 5eep an5 ri3". ABut meet me at t"e 5iner@ 7s. Blake. 9?ll ans%er your ;uestions. 9?ll tell you %"y 9 %ant t"e lan5. #n3e my people "a)e ma5e sure you?re not %earin- a %ire@ 9?ll ans%er any 5ire3t ;uestion you "a)e. Surely t"at tempts you.C ADou soun5 like a man %"o kno%s a lot a8out temptation@ 7r. /iley.C He lau-"e5 a-ain. A7oney tempts many people@ 7s. Blake@ an5 9 "a)e a -reat 5eal o1 it.C

9?5 8een %alkin- slo%ly a%ay 1rom Hen5erson. ADou -oin- to o11er me moneyBC A/o@ 7s. Blake@ t"at is %"at %on a 3ertain o11i3er o1 t"e la% to my 3amp2an5 "is men. 9 5o not t"ink money is t"e key to your soul.C 9 5i5n?t like t"e %ay "e sai5 t"at. A="at 5o you %ant@ /ileyBC A$o talk@ t"at is all. 9 %oul5 s%ear to you or promise you your sa1ety@ 8ut 9 5o not t"ink you %oul5 8elie)e me.C ADou -ot t"at ri-"t.C A!ome to me@ 7s. Blake. Let us talk. A1ter 9 "a)e ans%ere5 your ;uestions@ t"en you 3an 5e3i5e %"et"er to lea)e or stay. /o%@ %oul5 you 8e so kin5 as to put t"e s"eri11 8a3k on t"e p"oneBC 9 turne5 8a3k to t"e %aitin- men an5 "el5 up t"e p"one. AHe %ants to talk to you a-ain.C =ilkes 3ame 1or t"e p"one. 9t %as >ust t"e t%o o1 us 8y t"e 8o5y %"en "e trie5 to take t"e p"one. 9 "el5 onto it. 9 leane5 in 3lose to "im an5 sai5@ A7oney 5oesn?t spen5 in "ell@ =ilkes. $"e 5e)il 5eals in a 5i11erent 3oin.C He >erke5 t"e p"one 1rom my "an5 an5 %alke5 a%ay into t"e trees@ listenin- to t"e )oi3e in "is ear. $"e )oi3e t"at "a5 o11ere5 "im money to sell out e)eryt"in- "e %as or mi-"t "a)e 8een. $"e moti)e 9 un5erstoo5 least o1 all 1or mur5er or 8etrayal %as -ree5. But 5amne5 i1 it %asn?t a popular moti)e 1or 8ot".

Chapter Thirty-four
<i3"ar5 "a5n?t sai5 a %or5 sin3e %e starte5 t"e 5ri)e to t"e 5iner. He?5 pulle5 t"e ru88er 8an5 out o1 "is "air an5 playe5 %it" it@ stret3"in- it %i5e@ lettin- it rela*@ open@ 3lose@ open@ 3lose. He 5i5n?t usually "a)e ner)ous "a8its. 9t %asn?t a -oo5 si-n. 9 pulle5 into t"e parkin- lot an5 s"ut o11 t"e en-ine. <i3"ar5 %as sittin- in t"e mi55le %it" "is lon- le-s 5ra%n up. He?5 %ante5 me to 5ri)e. Somet"in- a8out 8ein- more easily 5istra3te5 t"is 3lose to t"e 1ull moon. S"an-24a sat on t"e ot"er si5e@ "is 1a3e 3alm. ,)ery time 9 looke5 at "im@ t"e "orri8le 3la% marks seeme5 to 8e smoot"in- out. By ni-"t1all tomorro%@ "e?5 8e 3lean. 9t %as impressi)e@ an5 it %oul5 mark "im in e)eryone?s eyes %"o sa% "im as %"at "e %asJ a s"apes"i1ter. =e sat t"ere a moment@ listenin- to t"e en-ine ti3k. ADou?re not -oin- to 5o anyt"in- stupi5@ are youBC 9 aske5 <i3"ar5. $"e ru88er 8an5 8roke %it" a snap@ >umpin- 1or t"e 1loor8oar5. A="ate)er makes you t"ink t"atBC 9 tou3"e5 "is arm. He looke5 at me. His eyes %ere per1e3t 3"o3olate 8ro%n@ "uman@ 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- in t"e 5ept"s o1 t"ose "uman eyes t"at %as ot"er. His 8east 3ra%le5 >ust 8e"in5 t"ose true@ 8ro%n or8s. A!an you sit t"rou-" t"is %it"out losin- itBC 9 aske5. A9 3an.C A=ill youBC 9 aske5. He -a)e me a ti-"t smile@ an5 9 5i5n?t like t"e look on "is 1a3e. A91 9 let t"is mu3" an-er out in pu8li3 %it" t"e moon o)er"ea5@ 9 mi-"t s"i1t. 4on?t %orry@ Anita. 9 kno% "o% to 5eal %it" my ra-e.C He seeme5 )ery sel123ontaine5@ as i1 "e?5 pulle5 8a3k into "imsel1@ 8e"in5 %alls o1 3are1ul 3onstru3tion. But 8e"in5 t"ose %alls %as a )i8ratin-@ mena3in- t"in-. 91 /iley?s sor3erer %ere insi5e@ "e or s"e %oul5 re3o-niEe somet"in- %as %ron-. #1 3ourse@ t"ey kne% %"at <i3"ar5 %as@ so it %as all ri-"t@ 9 -uess. S"an-24a "an5e5 <i3"ar5 a pair o1 8la3k %raparoun5 s"a5es. He took t"em an5 slippe5 t"em on@ runnin- "is "an5s t"rou-" "is "air@ 1lu11in- it aroun5 "is s"oul5ers. Anot"er ner)ous -esture. A9?)e ne)er seen you %ear sun-lasses@C 9 sai5. A9t?s in 3ase my eyes 3"an-e@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at S"an-24a an5 "is nake5 eyes. A="at a8out youBC A9 5i5n?t 5ate t"e -irl. 9 5i5n?t e)en like "er.C A". AGreat@ let?s -o.C $"e men %alke5 at my 8a3k like 8o5y-uar5s. $"eir ener-y s%irle5 8e"in5 me like some kin5 o1 psy3"i3 %all. 9t ma5e t"e skin alon- my 8a3k ti-"t an5 it3"y. 9 pus"e5 t"rou-" t"e -lass 5oors o1 t"e 5iner an5 stoo5 t"ere 1or a moment@ sear3"in1or /iley. $"e 5iner %as a 19+ s t"ro%8a3k@ lon- an5 narro% in 1ront@ %it" a %i5er area to one si5e t"at looke5 like a later a55ition. $"ere %as a lon- 3ounter %it" little@ roun5 stools. $"e pla3e %as 1ull o1 lo3als an5 1amilies t"at mat3"e5 t"e out2o12state li3ense plates in t"e parkin- lot. $"e %aitresses %ore pink uni1orms an5 small@ useless aprons. A 8lon5 %aitress 3ame up to us@ smilin-. A<i3"ar5@ S"an-2 4a@ "a)en?t seen you in "ere all %eek. Kne% you 3oul5n?t stay a%ay 1rom Al8ert?s "as" 8ro%ns.C <i3"ar5 1las"e5 "er t"at smile o1 "is t"at "as 8een kno%n to melt %omen into little ;ui)erin- pu55les. $"e 1a3t t"at "e?s una%are o1 t"e e11e3t makes it all t"e more 5e)astatin-.

S"an-24a no55e5 at "er@ %"i3" 1or "im %as a rousin- "ello. AHi@ A--ie@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A=e?re meetin- someone. 'rank /iley.C S"e 1ro%ne5@ t"en no55e5. A$"ey?re o)er t"ere at t"e 8i- ta8le aroun5 t"e 3orner. Dou kno% t"e %ay. 9?ll 8rin- %ater an5 menus in >ust a se3.C <i3"ar5 le5 t"e %ay t"rou-" t"e 3ro%5e5 ta8les. =e %ent aroun5 t"e L2s"ape@ an5 at t"e en5 o1 it@ a-ainst a 8ank o1 %in5o%s t"at o)erlooke5 a )ery pretty mountian )ie%@ %as our party. $"e A1ri3an Ameri3an 8o5y-uar5@ 7ilo@ %as one o1 t"ree men at t"e ta8le. He stoo5 %"en "e sa% us. He %as still tall@ leanly mus3le5@ %it" s;uare23ut "air@ "an5some in a 3ol5 sort o1 %ay. He "a5 a lon- 3oat on@ an5 it %as too "ot 1or lon3oats. 9 -ra88e5 <i3"ar5?s arm@ slo%e5 "im. APlease@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 stare5 5o%n at me 1rom 8e"in5 8la3k lenses@ "is eyes lost. 9?5 ne)er realiEe5 "o% mu3" o1 "is e*pression %as in "is eyes. 9 3oul5n?t rea5 %"at "e %as t"inkin-. =it" some e11ort@ 9 mi-"t "a)e 1oun5 out@ 8ut t"e last t"in- 9 %ante5 to 5o %as a3ti)ate t"e marks in 1ront o1 /iley?s people. <i3"ar5 let me %alk a little a"ea5 o1 "im. S"an-24a "a5 put a sport >a3ket on o)er t"e %"ite s"irt an5 8la3k sla3ks. He?5 surprise5 me 8y "a)in- a snu82nose5 t"irty2ei-"t@ 3"rome2plate5. 9t "a5 a pa55le "olster an5 1it at t"e small o1 "is 8a3k %it"out 8reakin- t"e line o1 "is >a3ket. ="en 9?5 ;uestione5 t"e -un@ "e?5 sai5@ A$"ese are not poli3emen.C $"e lo-i3 %as soun5@ an5 "e?5 3"e3ke5 t"e -un automati3ally to see it %as loa5e5. He "an5le5 t"e -un like it %as "a8it. He %as t"e 1irst ly3ant"rope 9?5 e)er met %"o 3arrie5 an5 seeme5 3om1y %it" it. 9t %as a3tually ni3e to not 8e t"e only person on our si5e %it" a -un. $"ere %ere t%o men still sittin-. #ne %as un5er t%enty21i)e@ %it" 3urly 8ro%n "air 3ut s"ort an5 a %i5e@ almost surprise5 1a3e. /ot /iley. $"e ot"er one %as %ell o)er si* 1eet an5 must "a)e %ei-"e5 3lose to t"ree "un5re5 poun5s. He -a)e t"e impression o1 siEe %it"out 8ein- e*a3tly 1at. His "air %as 8la3k an5 re3ee5in- s"arply in 1ront. He?5 5one not"in- to "i5e t"is 1a3t. <at"er@ t"e rest o1 "is "air "a5 8een 8uEEe5 )ery 3lose to "is "ea5@ makin- it all t"e more o8)ious. $"e la3k o1 "air ma5e "is 1a3e seem too small 1or "is 8roa5 s"oul5ers. $"e 5ark pin2stripe5 suit sat o)er "is %"ite s"irt@ smoot" an5 3ostly. He %ore a )est 8ut no tie. $"e %i5e@ %"ite 3ollar s"o%e5 a 3url o1 -reyin- 3"est "air. He smile5 as "e %at3"e5 us mo)e t"rou-" t"e ta8les o1 tourists an5 t"eir s3reamin3"il5ren. His eyes %ere pleasant an5 empty like an amuse5 snake. He %a)e5 lar-e 8lunt21in-ere5 "an5s. Gol5 rin-s -littere5 1rom e)ery 1in-er. A7s. Blake@ so -oo5 o1 you to 3ome.C He 5i5n?t stan5 1or me@ %"i3" ma5e me %on5er %"at %as in "is lap. A sa%e52o11 s"ot-un@ may8e. #r may8e "is o)erly mannere5 spee3" %as an a11e3tation@ an5 "e 5i5n?t kno% t"e a3tions t"at %ent %it" it. #r may8e "e 5i5n?t 3onsi5er me a la5y. 7ay8e. S"an-24a "a5 mo)e5 to one si5e so t"at "e an5 7ilo %ere 1a3in- ea3" ot"er. 9 narro%e5 my 1o3us to /iley an5 t"e youn-er man. He looke5 8eni-n@ like "e s"oul5 "a)e 8een sittin- at one o1 t"e ot"er ta8les@ surroun5e5 8y normal people 5oin- normal t"in-s. /iley o11ere5 me "is "an5. 9 took it. His "an5s"ake %as too ;ui3k@ 8arely tou3"in-. A$"is is Ho%ar5.C Ho%ar5 5i5n?t o11er me "is "an5@ %"i3" ma5e me o11er my "an5 to "im. His 8i- 8ro%n eyes -ot e)en 8i--er. An5 9 realiEe5 t"at Ho%ar5 %as a1rai5 o1 me. 9nterestin-. AHo%ar5 5oesn?t s"ake "an5s@C /iley sai5. AHe?s a rat"er po%er1ul 3lair)oyant. 9?m sure you un5erstan5.C 9 no55e5. A9?)e ne)er met a stron- 3lair)oyant t"at %oul5 %illin-ly tou3" a stran-er. $oo mu3" 3rap to pi3k up.C /iley no55e5@ small "ea5 8o88in- on "is %i5e s"oul5ers. A,*a3tly@ 7s. Blake@ e*a3tly.C 9 sat 5o%n. <i3"ar5 sli5 into t"e 3"air 8esi5e me. /iley?s eyes mo)e5 1rom me to <i3"ar5. A=ell@ 7r. Keeman@ %e meet at last.C <i3"ar5 stare5 at "im 1rom 8e"in5 5ark -lasses. A="y 5i5 you kill "erBC $"e a8ruptness o1 it ma5e e)en me %in3e. 9 must "a)e ma5e some mo)ement@ 8e3ause <i3"ar5 sai5@ A9 5i5n?t 3ome "ere to play -ames.C A/or 5i5 9@C /iley sai5. A91 you %ill a33ompany me to t"e men?s room@ 9 %ill 3"e3k you 1or listenin- 5e)i3es. 7ilo %ill 3"e3k your 8o5y-uar5.C AS"an-24a@C <i3"ar5 sai5. AHis name?s S"an-24a.C /iley smile5 e)en more 8roa5ly. 91 "is smile kept -ettin- %i5er@ soon "is 1a3e %oul5 >ust split open. A#1 3ourse.C A="o -ets to sear3" meBC 9 sai5. AHo%ar5BC /iley s"ook "is "ea5. A7y ot"er asso3iate is runnin- a little late to5ay.C He stoo5 an5 t"ere %as not"in- in "is lap. Paranoia. AS"all %e@ 7r. KeemanB 7ay 9 3all you <i3"ar5BC

A/o@C <i3"ar5 sai5@ )oi3e 5eep an5 lo%@ as i1 "e %ante5 to say more. 9 tou3"e5 "is arm as "e mo)e5 past me. 9 looke5 up into "is 1a3e@ tryin- to tell "im %it" a look not to 5o anyt"in- stupi5. /iley took <i3"ar5?s ot"er arm@ slippin- it t"rou-" "is like you?5 %alk arm an5 arm %it" your lo)er. He patte5 <i3"ar5?s arm. A7y@ aren?t you a "an5some 1ello%.C <i3"ar5 -a)e me a look as /iley le5 "im a%ay. 9?5 "a)e -i)en a -reat 5eal to see "is eyes at t"at moment. :sually t"e 8a5 -uys make mo)es on me. S"an-24a mo)e5 8a3k so 7ilo 3oul5 3ome out 1rom 8e"in5 t"e ta8le. $"ey mo)e5 o11 to-et"er@ not tou3"in-@ t"e tension 8et%een t"em t"i3k enou-" to s%in- on. 9 %as le1t %it" Ho%ar5 an5 my 8a3k to t"e 5oor. 9 3"an-e5 3"airs@ sittin- %"ere 7ilo "a5 8een@ so 9 3oul5 see t"e entran3e. 9t put me 3loser to Ho%ar5@ an5 "e 5i5n?t like t"at mu3". 9 smelle5 a %eak link. AHo% -oo5 are youBC 9 aske5. AGoo5 enou-" to 8e s3are5 o1 you@C "e sai5. 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A9?m not one o1 t"e 8a5 -uys@ Ho%ar5.C A9 3an see your aura@C "e sai5 in a )oi3e t"at 9 3oul5 8arely "ear a8o)e t"e murmur o1 )oi3es an5 sil)er%are. $"e %aitress 3ame %it" -lasses o1 %ater an5 menus. 9 assure5 "er t"e ot"ers %ere 3omin- 8a3k to t"e ta8le@ 8ut 9 %asn?t sure i1 all o1 us %ere or5erin-. S"e le1t %it" a smile. 9 turne5 8a3k to Ho%ar5. ASo you 3an see my aura. So %"atBC A9 kno% "o% po%er1ul you are@ Anita. 9 3an 1eel it.C A9 3an?t see your aura@ Ho%ar5. 9 3an 1eel a little o1 your po%er@ 8ut not mu3". 4aEEle me. S"o% me %"at you 3an 5o.C A="yBC A7ay8e 9?m 8ore5.C He li3ke5 "is lips. AGi)e me somet"in- 8eni-n. /o %eapons@ not"in- ma-i3.C $"at sort o1 3ut 5o%n on my options. 9 1inally took t"e 3ross aroun5 my ne3k o11 an5 "an5e5 it to "im. 9 poole5 t"e 3"ain into "is "an5. A4on?t tou3" my skin %it" your "an5@C "e sai5. 9 let t"e last o1 t"e 3"ain spill into "is "an5 an5 %as 3are1ul not to tou3" "im. He 3lose5 "is "an5 o)er t"e 3ross. He 5i5n?t 3lose "is eyes@ 8ut "e %asn?t seein- t"e restaurant. He looke5 past it all@ an5 9 1elt "is po%er ripple o)er me like a tiny ele3tri3 3urrent. A9 see a %oman@ ol5er@ your -ran5mot"er.C He 8linke5 an5 looke5 at me. AS"e -a)e you t"is %"en you -ra5uate5 "i-" s3"ool.C 9 no55e5. A9mpressi)e.C 9?5 starte5 %earin- t"is parti3uliar 3ross >ust re3ently. 9 )alue5 it@ an5 9?5 "a5 a lot o1 3rosses taken 1rom me o)er t"e years. But lately@ 9?5 1elt t"e nee5 o1 somet"in- spe3ial. Gran5mot"er Blake "a5 -i)en it to me %it" a note t"at sai5@ A7ay your 1ait" 8e as stron- as t"is 3"ain an5 as pure as t"is sil)er.C Lately@ 9 nee5e5 all t"e purity 9 3oul5 -et. Ho%ar5?s eyes %ent past me@ starin- at somet"in- at t"e en5 o1 t"e room. His 8reat"in- "a5 stoppe5 1or >ust a se3on5@ like an inau5i8le -asp. 9 turne5 to see %"at "a5 3apture5 "is attention so t"orou-"ly. $"e man %as 3lose to se)en 1eet tall an5 "a5 to %ei-" o)er 1i)e "un5re5 poun5s. His 1a3e %as totally "airless@ not >ust 3lean s"a)en. He "a5 no eyelas"es@ not"in-G smoot" an5 unreal. His eyes %ere a nearly 3olorless -rey too small 1or "is lar-e 1a3e. He %ore a 8la3k s"irt untu3ke5 o)er 8la3k sla3ks@ 8la3k s"oes. $"e skin o1 "is arms an5 1a3e %ere un8elie)a8ly %"ite as i1 t"e sun ne)er tou3"e5 "im. $"e man 5i5n?t make my skin 3reep %it" po%er. 9n 1a3t@ "e %as too empty@ %alkin- to%ar5s us@ as i1 "e %ere s"iel5in"imsel1. 9 stoo5 up. Partly it %as "is siEe. Partly it %as t"e la3k o1 anyt"in- 1rom "im@ like "e %asn?t t"ere. 9 5i5n?t like it %"en someone %orke5 t"at "ar5 to s"iel5 t"emsel)es. 9t usually meant t"ey "a5 somet"in- to "i5e. 91 t"is %as t"e sor3erer t"at "a5 kille5 Betty@ 9 kne% e*a3tly %"at "e %as "i5in-. $"e man stoppe5 in 1ront o1 us. Ho%ar5 "u--e5 "imsel1 an5 ma5e intro5u3tions. ALinus@ t"is is Anita Blake. Anita@ t"is is Linus Be3k.C Ho%ar5?s )oi3e %as "i-"er t"an it s"oul5 "a)e 8een@ like "e %as s3are5. He seeme5 to 8e a1rai5 o1 a lot o1 people. Linus Be3k smile5 5o%n at me. His )oi3e@ %"en it 3ame@ %as s"o3kin-@ a 5eli3ate soprano o1 a )oi3e. ASo "appy to meet you@ Anita. So sel5om 5o 9 meet a 1ello% pra3titioner o1 t"e arts.C A=e 5on?t pra3ti3e t"e same 8ran5@ Linus.C AAre you so sureBC "e aske5. APositi)e.C ,)en stan5in-@ 9 "a5 to 3rane my ne3k up%ar5 to see "is 1a3e. A="y 5oes /iley nee5 a 1irst2rate 3lair)oyant an5 a sor3ererBC

Linus Be3k smile5@ an5 it looke5 -enuine. ADou kno% t"e 3orre3t term. 9 am please5.C AGla5 to "ear it. /o%@ ans%er t"e ;uestion.C A="en 9 "a)e 3"e3ke5 you 1or %ires@ t"en all %ill 8e ans%ere5.C 9 looke5 at t"ose lar-e@ %"ite "an5s an5 5i5n?t %ant "im to tou3" me. $"ere %as almost no "air@ e)en on "is arms. 9t %as like a -ol5en 5o%n@ like t"e arm o1 small 3"il5. Somet"in- 3li3ke5 in my "ea5@ an5 9 stare5 up at "im. 7ay8e it s"o%e5 on my 1a3e. 7ay8e "e rea5 my min5@ t"ou-" 9 5on?t t"ink so. A7y man"oo5 %as sa3ri1i3e5 many years a-o so 9 3oul5 8etter ser)e my master.C 9 8linke5 at "im. ADou?re a eunu3".C He -a)e a small no5. 9 %ante5 to ask %"y 8ut 5i5n?t. $"ere %as no ans%er t"at %oul5 make sense@ so %"y 8ot"erB A="at 1la)or are you@ so3iopat"@ psy3"opat"@ or s3"iEop"reni3BC He 8linke5 small eyes@ t"e smile 1a5in-. A7is-ui5e5 people "a)e tol5 me 9 %as 3raEy@ Anita. But 9 5i5 "ear )oi3es@ my master?s )oi3e.C ADea"@ 8ut %ere t"e 1irst )oi3es your master or >ust 8a5 8rain 3"emistryBC His 1ro%n 5eepene5. A9 5on?t kno% %"at you mean.C 9 si-"e5. He pro8a8ly 5i5n?t. Sor3erers %ere people %"o -ot t"eir ma-i3 t"rou-" 5emoni32or %orse2po%er. $"ey 8ar-aine5 1or %"at t"ey -ot an5 8artere5 t"eir souls 1or money@ 3om1ort@ lust@ po%er. But some %ere a )ersion o1 possession. People %eakene5 8y some 1la%J mental illness or e)en a 1la% o1 3"ara3ter. $"e ri-"t kin5 o1 1la%s 3an attra3t e)il. /iley le5 t"e ot"er men 8a3k aroun5 t"e 3orner. He an5 <i3"ar5 %ere not "ol5in- "an5s anymore. <i3"ar5?s 1a3e %as ti-"t an5 an-ry. S"an-24a an5 7ilo?s 1a3es -a)e not"in- a%ay as i1 not"in- "a5 "appene5. /iley looke5 "appy@ please5 %it" "imsel1. He 3lappe5 Linus Be3k on t"e 8a3k@ an5 t"e eunu3" raise5 t"e ot"er man?s "an5 to "is mout" an5 kisse5 it. 7ay8e 9 5i5n?t kno% as mu3" a8out eunu3"s as 9 t"ou-"t 9 5i5. 9 t"ou-"t it meant se*less. 7ay8e 9 %as %ron-. ALinus %ill sear3" you 1or %ires@ t"en %e 3an talk.C A9 5on?t %ant "im tou3"in- me. /ot"in- personal@ Linus.C ADou 1ear my master@C "e sai5. 9 no55e5. ADou 8et.C A9 must insist it 8e Linus@ in 3ase you "a)e some ma-i3 or ot"er a8out your person t"at %oul5 5istur8 us.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. ALike %"atB $"e "oly "an5 -rena5eBC /iley %a)e5 t"e 3omment a%ay. ALinus must sear3" you@ 8ut i1 you like@ you 3an "a)e one o1 your men a33ompany you.C 9 5i5n?t like it@ 8ut it %as pro8a8ly t"e 8est o11er %e %ere -oin- to -et. $"e %aitress 3ame to take our or5er@ an5 9 realiEe5 9 %as "un-ry. Dou learn to 8e a8le to eat in t"e mi5st o1 5isaster an5 -ore@ or you -et anot"er line o1 %ork. $"ey ser)e5 8reak1ast all 5ay. 9 or5ere5 pan3akes an5 maple23ure5 8a3on. <i3"ar5 looke5 s"o3ke5. AHo% 3an you eatBC ADou eit"er learn to eat in t"e mi55le o1 5isaster an5 -ore@ or you -et anot"er 5ay >o8@ <i3"ar5.C AVery pra3ti3al@ 7s. Blake@C /iley sai5. 9 looke5 at "im an5 1elt a small@ unpleasant smile 3ur)e my lips. AHust o1 late@ 7r. /iley@ 9?)e 8e3ome )ery@ )ery pra3ti3al.C AGoo5@C "e sai5@ A)ery -oo5. $"en %e un5erstan5 ea3" ot"er.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ 7r. /iley@ 9 5on?t un5erstan5 you. 9 kno% %"at you are@ an5 %"at you?ll 5o@ 8ut 9 5on?t un5erstan5 %"y.C AAn5 %"at am 9@ 7s. BlakeBC $"e smile -re%. AA 8a5 -uy@ 7r. /ileyG you?re a 8a5 -uy.C He no55e5. ADes@ 9 am@ 7s. Blake. 9 am a )ery@ )ery 8a5 -uy.C AGuess t"at makes us t"e -oo5 -uys@C 9 sai5. /iley smile5. A9 kno% %"at 9 am@ 7s. Blake@ an5 9 am 3ontent %it" it. Are you 3ontentBC =e looke5 at ea3" ot"er 1or a lon- moment. A7y state o1 min5 isn?t really any o1 your 8usiness.C AAns%er enou-"@C "e sai5. ALet?s or5er@C 9 sai5.

,)eryone or5ere5@ 1inally e)en <i3"ar5. ="en t"e %aitress %alke5 a%ay@ Linus@ <i3"ar5@ an5 9 "ea5e5 1or t"e rest room so "e 3oul5 sear3" me 1or listenin- 5e)i3es an5 ma-i3al 8oo8y traps. 9 only "a5 one ;uestion. A="i3" 8at"room are %e -oin- to useBC

Chapter Thirty-five
=e use5 t"e men?s room. Linus?s "an5s 1elt stran-ely so1t as i1 t"ere %ere no mus3les un5er "is skin@ >ust 8ones an5 1les". 7ay8e "e?5 -i)en up ot"er t"in-s to ser)e "is master. He %as 3reepy@ 8ut "e %as t"orou-". He e)en ran "is 1in-ers t"rou-" my "air@ %"i3" most people 1or-et to 5o. He 8e"a)e5 "imsel1@ e)en %"en "is "an5s %ere on 5eli3ate areas. He 5i5n?t -i)e <i3"ar5 any reason to -rump at "im. 7e@ eit"er. =e all troope5 8a3k out to t"e ta8le. $"e 1oo5 "a5n?t arri)e5 yet@ 8ut my 3o11ee "a5. ,)eryt"in- -oes 5o%n 8etter %it" 3o11ee. =e %ere a-ain in t"e 3"airs %it" our 8a3ks to t"e 5oor. 91 %e?5 -otten t"ere 1irst@ t"ey?5 "a)e "a5 t"ese 3"airs@ so it %as "ar5 to 8it3". Linus sat on /iley?s ri-"t. 9 realiEe5 %"y %e %eren?t in a 8oot". Linus %oul5n?t "a)e 1it. ADou %ante5 to talk@ /iley. $alk.C 9 sippe5 3o11ee. 9t %as 8itter an5 "a5 8een on t"e 8urner too lon-@ 8ut t"ere?s no su3" t"in- as un5rinka8le 3o11ee. 9 5i5 "ope t"e 1oo5 %as 8etter. A9 %ant you to lea)e to%n@ Anita.C A=ilkes an5 "is men alrea5y 3o)ere5 t"at. =e tol5 t"em %e %ere lea)in- 8y sun5o%n@C 9 sai5. A9 kno% %"at you tol5 t"e -oo5 s"eri11@C /iley sai5. He %asn?t smilin- no%. His eyes %ere 3ool@ t"e "umor 5yin- 1rom "is 1a3e like t"e sun sinkin- a%ay@ lea)in- t"e %orl5 to 5arkness. A9 5on?t t"ink "e 8elie)es %e?re lea)in-@ <i3"ar5@C 9 sai5. A9 5on?t 3are %"at "e 8elie)es@C <i3"ar5 sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at <i3"ar5. He %as sittin- %it" "is arms 3rosse5@ starin- at /iley. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een more unner)in- %it"out t"e manatee $2s"irt@ 8ut "e -ot t"e point a3ross. So mu3" 1or <i3"ar5 playin- 3le)er repartee %it" me. 9 le1t "im to "is ;uiet an-er an5 plo%e5 a"ea5 alone. A="y is it so important t"at %e -et out o1 to%n@ /ileyBC A9 tol5 you. $"e spirits say to 3ome a-ainst you is 5eat".C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="at spiritsBC AHo%ar5 uses t"e #ui>a 8oar5 as %ell as "is ot"er -i1ts. $"e spirits %arne5 o1 a La5y 4eat". A %oman t"at %oul5 8e my un5oin-. =e %ere %arne5 o1 t"is in 3onne3tion to t"is pur3"ase. ="en 9 "ear5 your name mentione5@ 9 su55enly kne% %"o La5y 4eat" %as. $"e spirits say t"at i1 9 3ome a-ainst you 5ire3tly@ you %ill slay me.C ASo you sent =ilkes an5 "is 8ully 8oys aroun5 to s3are me o11.C ADes@ an5 9 "ire5 t%o lo3als to kill you. Are t"ey 5ea5BC 9 smile5. A9 5i5n?t sear3" you -uys 1or %ires@ no% 5i5 9BC He seeme5 to 1in5 t"at amusin-. A9 suppose not. But 9 assume t"e t%o men %ill not 8e 3omin- 8a3k 1or t"e se3on5 "al1 o1 t"eir payment.C ADou 3an assume t"at@C 9 sai5. $"e %aitress 3ame %it" our 1oo5. =e %ere all utterly ;uiet as s"e set t"e plates 5o%n. S"e put syrup in 1ront o1 me an5 aske5 i1 %e %ante5 anyt"in- else. =e all s"ook our "ea5s@ an5 o11 s"e %ent. 9 stare5 5o%n at my pan3akes an5 8a3on an5 %is"e5 9 "a5n?t or5ere5 t"em. 9 %asn?t in t"e moo5 to spar anymore. 9 >ust %ante5 t"is o)er. A91 you?re not suppose5 to 3on1ront me 5ire3tly@ t"en %"y t"e 3"an-e o1 plansB ="y t"is meetin-BC He smile5 an5 3ut a pie3e o1 "is 3ountry omelet. AAnita@ 5o not 8e 3oy. 9 t"ink %e 8ot" kno% t"at =ilkes 5oes not "a)e t"e stoma3" 1or t"is %ork. He may %ork "imsel1 up to s"ootin- you@ 8ut "e is not up to truly s3arin- you a%ay. His t"reat@ s"all %e say@ la3ks a 3ertain 1ri-"t 1a3tor.C He took "is 8ite o1 omelet an5 3"e%e5. A9s t"e t"reat ne*tBC 9 sai5@ pourin- syrup on my pan3akes. He smile5@ 5a88e5 at "is mout" %it" a napkin@ an5 s"ook "is "ea5. ALet us sa)e t"at 1or last. /o%@ ask your ;uestions.C A="y 5o you %ant t"is pie3e o1 lan5BC <i3"ar5 s"i1te5 in "is 3"air@ leanin- 1or%ar5. He?5 8een %on5erin- a8out t"at parti3ular ;uestion lon-er t"an 9 "a5. A$"ere is a reli3 on t"at lan5 some%"ere. 9 nee5 to o%n t"e lan5 so 9 3an tear it up an5 sear3" 1or t"e reli3.C A="at reli3BC 9 aske5.

He smile5. A$"e lan3e t"at pier3e5 !"rist?s si5e.C 9 stare5 at "im. 9 stare5 at "im lon-er. He 5i5n?t seem to 8e ki55in-. A$"at is a myt"@ /iley.C ADou 5on?t 8elie)e in !"ristBC A#1 3ourse 9 5o@ 8ut a <oman lan3e 5oesn?t last 1or t"ousan5s o1 years. 9t %as lost lon- a-o.C A4o you 8elie)e in t"e GrailBC "e aske5. A$"e Grail is a "istori3al 1a3t. 9t?s 8een 1oun5 an5 lost t%i3e in re3or5e5 "istory. $"e spear "as ne)er 8een aut"enti3ate5. 9t?s passe5 aroun5 like t"e 8ones o1 some saint@ 8ut it?s >ust 8ait 1or t"e -ulli8le.C A4o 9 look -ulli8le@ AnitaBC A/o@C 9 sai5. AHo% 5i5 it -et to t"e mountains o1 $ennesseeBC A$"e spear %as -i)en as a pri)ate -i1t to Presi5ent Hames 7a5ison.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A9 5on?t remem8er t"at 1rom "istory 3lass.C A9t is liste5 amon- t"e -i1ts 1rom a 3ertain 7i5eastern prin3ipality. #ne spear. <oman. :n1ortunately@ it %as one o1 t"e items t"at %ent missin- a1ter t"e Britis" 8urne5 an5 sa3ke5 =as"in-ton@ 4.!.@ in 101+.C A9 remem8er rea5in- a8out t"e 8urnin- o1 t"e ="ite House 5urin- t"e =ar o1 1012. Valua8les %ent missin-. So@ say you?re ri-"t. Ho% 5i5 it en5 up "ereBC 9 aske5. AHo%ar5 "as 3"ase5 it "ere t"rou-" "is psy3"i3 -i1ts. $"e spirits "a)e le5 us to t"is pla3e. =e "ire5 a 5i)iner@ an5 "e tra3e5 o11 t"e 8oun5aries o1 our sear3" area. $"at area lies %it"in Greene?s lan5.C ASear3" t"e lan5@C <i3"ar5 sai5. ADou 5on?t "a)e to 8uy it to 5o t"at. Dou 5on?t "a)e to 5istur8 t"e trolls to sear3" 1or a spear.C A9t 3oul5 8e 8urie5 any%"ere on t"e lan5@ <i3"ar5. 9 5on?t t"ink Greene %oul5 appre3iate us tearin- up "is property unless %e o%ne5 it.C A9?m amaEe5 t"at Greene is still ali)e@C 9 sai5. A=e looke5 into "is 1at"er?s %ill. 4i5 you kno% t"at i1 t"e man?s son 5ies@ t"e lan5 8e3omes an animal preser)eB He %as enamore5 o1 your trolls@ 7r. Keeman@ %as t"e late 'armer Greene.C A9 5i5n?t kno% t"at@C <i3"ar5 sai5. A="y s"oul5 youB Ho"n Greene@ t"e man?s son@ is tryin- to sell to us. He tol5 us all t"e pro)isions o1 "is 1at"er?s estate. He %as 3omplainin- a8out t"em@ 8ut it sa)e5 "is li1e. So %e must 8uy t"e lan5@ an5 t"e trolls must 8e -one 1or t"at2unless you %ill simply stop 1i-"tin- t"e sale in 3ourt.C /iley smile5 at <i3"ar5. A=oul5 you 5o t"at 1or me@ <i3"ar5B =oul5 you >ust let us 8uy t"e lan5B 9 promise %e %ill 5istur8 your trolls as little as possi8le.C <i3"ar5 leane5 o)er to me an5 %"ispere5@ AAre you runnin- your 1oot up an5 5o%n my le-BC 9 looke5 at "im. A/o.C <i3"ar5 s3oote5 "is 3"air 8a3k %it" a lou5 s3rape. He mo)e5 3loser to me@ one arm -oin- aroun5 t"e 8a3k o1 my 3"air. A#n3e you o%n t"e lan5@ /iley@ you 3an 8ull5oEe it@ an5 %e 3an?t stop you. $"e only t"in- %e 3an 5o is stop your pur3"ase.C A<i3"ar5@ you 5isappoint me. A1ter our little t\te2Z2t\te in t"e 8at"room@ 9 t"ou-"t %e %ere 1rien5s.C <i3"ar5 8lus"e5 almost purple 1rom "is ne3k to t"e roots o1 "is "air. A="y 5i5 you kill BettyBC A="y@ to 1rame t"e trolls 1or t"e 5eat" o1 a person. 9 t"ou-"t you %oul5 "a)e 1i-ure5 t"at out 8y no%.C A="y BettyBC Linus ans%ere5 in "is "i-"@ musi3al )oi3e. AS"e %as a liar@ a traitoress@ an5 a %anton t"in-. S"e opene5 "ersel1 to e)il.C Po%er 8reat"e5 o11 o1 <i3"ar5 1rom t"e arm a-ainst my 8a3k. An almost )isi8le aura o1 "eat rose aroun5 "im. 9t 3li3ke5 %it" somet"in- 5eep insi5e o1 me. 9 put a "an5 on "is t"i-". He >umpe5 until "e realiEe5 it %as me@ t"en settle5 8a3k. 9 t"ou-"t soot"in- t"ou-"ts at "im. But %"at "e %as t"inkin- o1 %as Betty@ an5 t"e t"ou-"t %as stron- enou-" t"at "e ma5e me 1las" on "er 8o5y. 9 "a5 one ;ui3k )isual o1 "er torn 8reasts@ an5 "e stoo5 so a8ruptly "is 3"air 1ell to t"e 1loor. His "an5s %ere on t"e ta8le@ an5 "e s%aye5 so1tly. 9 t"ou-"t "e mi-"t 1aint. 9 starte5 to tou3" "im@ 8ut %as a1rai5 to@ a1rai5 "e?5 see more. S"an-24a 3ame to take "is arm. $"e )oi3es aroun5 us "a5 ;uiete5@ "us"e5. ,)eryone %as lookin-. APlease@ <i3"ar5@ sit 5o%n@C 9 %"ispere5. S"an-24a "elpe5 "im sit. =e all %aite5 ;uietly@ %at3"in- ea3" ot"er until t"e )oi3es aroun5 us rose an5 e)eryone %ent 8a3k to eatin-. Ho%ar5 %"ispere5@ ADour auras 3on)er-e5 1or a moment. $"ey 8e3ame one pie3e an5 1lare5. ="at are you to ea3" ot"erBC <i3"ar5?s )oi3e s;ueeEe5 out@ ABetty %asn?t per1e3t@ 8ut s"e 5i5n?t 5eser)e to 5ie like t"at.C He leane5 "is 1a3e 5o%n to%ar5 t"e ta8le@ an5 9 realiEe5 "e %as 3ryin-.

9 tou3"e5 "is 8a3k@ tentati)ely@ ru88in- it in small 3ir3les. ADour plan to 8lame "er 5eat" on t"e trolls is a 8ust. /o% %"atBC A9t 5oesn?t matter %"at %e?re -oin- to 5o ne*t@ Anita. Dou %ill 8e out o1 to%n.C A=e tol5 =ilkes %e %ere lea)in-@C 9 sai5. <i3"ar5 took o11 t"e sun-lasses an5 %ipe5 at "is eyes %it" "is palms. ALook at me@ please@ <i3"ar5@C /iley sai5. 7ay8e it %as t"e pleaseG 1or >ust an instant@ <i3"ar5 looke5 a3ross t"e ta8le. 'or an instant@ /iley sa% "is eyes. ASu3" pretty 8ro%n eyes. Dou are a lu3ky %oman@ Anita.C <i3"ar5 starte5 to pus" to "is 1eet. 9 lai5 a "an5 on "is arm. His mus3les %ere "ar5 an5 so tense t"ey t"rumme5 %it"@ 9 t"ink@ a 5esire to >ump a3ross t"e ta8le an5 "urt /iley. A9 %ant to make sure t"at you are -one. Lately@ t"e spirits "a)e tol5 Ho%ar5 o1 a 8east t"at %ill ai5 t"e la5y. 9 t"ink 9 am lookin- at t"e 8east.C AHo% 5i5 you 1in5 outBC 9 aske5. <i3"ar5 sli5 t"e -lasses 8a3k in pla3e an5 sli5 "is 3"air 8a3k into t"e ta8le. His s"oul5ers %ere "un3"e5 so "ar5@ t"e $2 s"irt %as strainin- at t"e seams. A$"e lo3al )ampires 5on?t like you mu3"@C /iley sai5. A9 approa3"e5 t"em@ tryin- to -at"er in1ormation a8out t"e spear. Some o1 t"em "a)e 8een in t"is area 1or lon- enou-" to "a)e %itnesse5 t"e e)ent. Sa5ly@ t"ey "a5 not@ 8ut t"ey tol5 me interestin- t"in-s a8out you an5 <i3"ar5 an5 t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity in Saint Louis. $"ey sai5 you %ere a m6na-e Z trois@ t"ou-" <i3"ar5 seems relu3tant to a5mit an interest in men.C A4on?t 8elie)e e)eryt"in- t"at you?re tol5@ /iley@ espe3ially 1rom people %"o 5on?t like us. Dour enemies al%ays make up 8etter rumors t"an your 1rien5s.C /iley poute5. A#"@ 5ear. $"en my a5)an3es "a)e 8een )ery un%ante5 in5ee5.C He lau-"e5. $"e smile 1a5e5. A9 t"ink it is time 1or t"e t"reat.C AKno3k yoursel1 out@C 9 sai5. A9 t"ink a tran;uilliEer 5art 1rom a 5istan3e 1or <i3"ar5. ="en "e %akes@ "e %ill 8e 8oun5 8y sil)er 3"ains an5 on "is stoma3"@ nake5. 9 %ill rape "im@ an5 9 %ill en>oy it. $"en 9 %ill let Linus slit "is t"roat@ an5 Linus %ill en>oy t"at.C He turne5 3ol5 eyes to me. ADou@ Anita@ 9 %ill -i)e to Linus 1or "is master.C Linus turne5 to me. He looke5 t"e same@ 8ut t"e skin on my 8a3k trie5 to 5eta3" itsel1 an5 3ra%l a%ay an5 "i5e. ,)ery "air on my arm stoo5 up in ner)ous ro%s. ,)il %"ispere5 t"rou-" t"at 8ri-"t 5iner. Ho%ar5 -aspe5@ "u--in- "imsel1. 9 stare5 at Linus an5 5i5n?t try to "i5e it. 9 %as s3are5 o1 "im an5 %"at lay insi5e "im. /iley lau-"e5@ 5eep an5 pleasant. A9 t"ink %e un5erstan5 ea3" ot"er at last@ Anita.C <i3"ar5 turne5 an5 looke5 at Linus. $"e "air on "is arms %as stan5in- at attention@ too. He spoke@ lookin- 5ire3tly at t"e sor3erer. AHo% you are 1allen 1rom Hea)en@ # 4ay Star@ son o1 4a%nIC At t"e 1irst line@ t"at a%1ul po%er re3e5e5@ t"e skin 3reepin- a little less. Linus?s 1a3e %as no lon-er pleasant. <i3"ar5 sai5@ AHo% you are 3ut 5o%n to t"e -roun5@ you %"o lai5 t"e nations lo%I Dou sai5 in your "eart@ F9 %ill as3en5 to Hea)enG A8o)e t"e stars o1 Go5 9 %ill set my t"rone on "i-".? 9saia".C =it" t"e last line@ t"e s3ent o1 e)il retreate5. 9t lin-ere5 like per1ume in an empty room@ 8ut it %as 3lose5 5o%n 1or no%. A9mpressi)e@ <i3"ar5@C /iley sai5. ASo you are a true 8elie)er.C <i3"ar5 rose slo%ly 1rom "is 3"air. He put a "an5 1lat on t"e ta8le an5 leane5 a3ross it. 9 1elt t"e pri3klin- rus" o1 ener-y like a "ot t"rea5 pulle5 a3ross my skin. He lo%ere5 "is sun-lasses >ust enou-" 1or /iley to see "is eyes@ an5 9 kne% %"at "e %as 5oin-. 9 kne% t"at /iley %as %at3"in- t"ose 8ro%n eyes 3"an-e to %ol1 am8er. <i3"ar5 spoke lo% an5 3are1ully. A FAn5 t"e li-"t s"inet" in 5arknessG an5 t"e 5arkness 3ompre"en5e5 it not.? A He sli5 "is -lasses 8a3k o)er "is eyes@ stoo5@ an5 steppe5 a%ay 1rom t"e ta8le. He "el5 "is "an5 out 1or me. 9 took it. 9 let "im lea5 me out o1 t"e restaurant. S"an-24a 1ollo%e5 at our 8a3ks. 9 riske5 a -lan3e 8a3k. 9 5i5n?t turn to a pillar o1 salt@ 8ut 9 sa% /iley?s 1a3e. An5 9 kne%@ kne% %it"out 5ou8t@ t"at "e %oul5 see us 5ea5.

Chapter Thirty-six
9 5i5n?t e)en ask <i3"ar5 i1 %e %ere lea)in- to%n 1or real. 9 kne% t"e ans%er@ an5 1rankly@ 9 %as %it" "im. #n t"e o11 3"an3e t"at /iley %as ri-"t an5 t"e spear %as "ere@ %e 3oul5n?t let "im "a)e it. But it %as more t"an t"at. <i3"ar5 "a5 5ra%n a line in t"e san5G -oo5 )ersus e)il. Goo5 3an?t tu3k tail an5 run. 9t?s a-ainst t"e rules.

9t took a8out t"ree "ours 1or us to pa3k an5 preten5 to lea)e to%n. =e put Hamil in t"e 8a3k o1 t"e )an %it" a 3o11in on eit"er si5e o1 "im to keep t"e stret3"er 1rom sli5in- aroun5. /at"aniel "a5 mana-e5 to -et "is lo%er 8a3k sli3e5 up 5e1en5in- my "onor. $"ou-" "e a5mitte5 t"at "e "a5n?t 8een 1i-"tin- so mu3" as -ettin- in t"e %ay o1 an ea-er %ere%ol1. Ho%e)er it "appene5@ "e -ot to ri5e in t"e 8a3k %it" t"e in>ure5@ pro8a8ly stret3"in- on top o1 a 3o11in@ 1or all 9 kne%. !"erry ro5e in 8a3k %it" t"em29 t"ink to a3t as a pea3e o11i3er. Hamil 5i5n?t seem to like /at"aniel mu3". 9 5ro)e t"e )an. <i3"ar5 1ollo%e5 in "is 1our28y21our %it" S"an-24a@ an5 all t"e e;uipment "e?5 8rou-"t 1or an entire summer o1 3ampin- an5 stu5yin- lar-e primates. ,)ery8o5y else ro5e %it" me. S"eri11 =ilkes sent 7ai5en an5 $"ompson to es3ort us out o1 to%n in a 8la3k an5 %"ite@ or in t"is 3ase@ a 8lue an5 %"ite@ 8ut t"e e11e3t %as t"e same. $"ompson %a)e5 merrily as %e 5ro)e past t"em out o1 t"e 3ity limits. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een 3"il5is" to -i)e "im t"e 1in-er@ so 9 5i5n?t 5o it. Kane 5i5 it 1or me. Hason 8le% t"em a kiss. =e 5ro)e 1or o)er an "our to a prearran-e5 ren5eE)ous %it" Verne. =e 3oul5n?t all stay at one "ouse. $oo many ne% people mi-"t raise suspi3ions@ so %e 5i)i5e5 up. 9 5i5n?t like it@ 8ut 9 "a5 to a-ree t"at all to-et"er %e ma5e too -oo5 a s"o%. 9 en5e5 up 5ri)in- to 7arianne?s "ouse. 9 ro5e in t"e 8a3k o1 "er tru3k %it" Kane@ !"erry@ an5 t"e 3o11ins. /at"aniel -ot to ri5e in t"e tru3k 3a8 8e3ause o1 "is 3la% %oun5. Kane?s -uns"ot %oun5 seeme5 to 8e "ealin- a lot 1aster t"an t"e 3la% marks. 9 %asn?t sure i1 it %as 8e3ause /at"aniel %as a slo% "ealer or i1 8ullet %oun5s >ust "eale5 1aster t"an 3la%s. $"e open 8e5 o1 t"e tru3k %as a )ery rou-" ri5e. 9 %e5-e5 mysel1 in t"e 3orner near t"e 3a8@ %it" 4amian?s 3o11in presse5 a-ainst my ri8s. 91 9 presse5 my "ea5 8a3k a-ainst t"e tru3k to 8ra3e my ne3k@ my teet" rattle5. 91 9 sat up more@ my ne3k snappe5 %it" e)ery pot"ole. 9t %as like an en5less 8eatin-@ until my 8ones t"rumme5 %it" it an5 9 "a5 a "ea5a3"e t"e siEe o1 95a"o in t"e mi55le o1 my 1ore"ea5. $"e sun %as like a smear o1 yello% 1ire in t"e sky. 9t 8eat 5o%n un8linkin-@ unrelentin-@ until s%eat ran 5o%n my 1a3e an5 arms. Kane %as in t"e 3orner opposite me@ s"o)e5 a-ainst As"er?s 3o11in. His 8la3k $2s"irt "a5 mol5e5 to "im like a s%eaty se3on5 skin. !"erry "a5 3"osen a %"ite $2s"irt to5ay. $"e re55is" 5ust o1 t"e roa5 3lun- to t"e %"ite material an5 min-le5 %it" t"e s%eat until it %as like 5rie5 8loo5. 7y "air "a5 turne5 into a mass o1 s%eaty rin-lets. /ot t"ose 3ute S"irley $emple rin-lets. /ot"in- t"at neat@ >ust a 3urle5 mess. Kane an5 !"erry?s "air >ust lay sli3k an5 1lat a-ainst t"eir "ea5s. $"e t"ree o1 us ma5e no e11ort to talk. =e settle5 into t"e "eat an5 8one>arrin- ri5e like it %as a kin5 o1 3oma@ somet"into 8e en5ure5 rat"er t"an s"are5. $"e roa5 spille5 onto a pa)e5 roa5@ an5 t"e su55en smoot"ness %as almost startlin-. 9 3oul5 "ear a-ain. A$"ank Go5@C !"erry sai5. 7arianne yelle5 8a3k to us@ A!ar 3omin-@ "i5e.C =e all %i--le5 un5er t"e top layer o1 t"e tarp 3o)erin- t"e 3o11ins. $"ere %as a se3on5 tarp an5 ropes un5erneat" me. $"e tarp smelle5 musty an5 5ry. 9t %as a toss2up %"et"er it %as 3ooler 8e3ause o1 t"e s"a5e or "otter 8e3ause o1 t"e la3k o1 air. 9 t"ou-"t 9 "ear5 a 3ar -o 8y in a spill o1 -ra)el@ 8ut 7arianne 5i5n?t tell us to -et up@ so 9 5i5n?t. 9 3oul5 see Kane t"rou-" t"e "ot 5imness. =e looke5 at ea3" ot"er %it" 5ull eyesG t"en 9 smile5. He smile5. 9t all starte5 to 8e 1unny. Dou >ust rea3" a le)el o1 5is3om1ort %"ere you eit"er s3ream or lau-". $"e tru3k lur3"e5 to a rattlin- stop. 9n t"e su55en silen3e 9 3oul5 "ear Kane lau-"in-. !"erry?s )oi3e 3ame 3learly@ A="at in "ell is so 1unnyBC A=e?re "ome@ 8oys an5 -irls@C 7arianne sai5. ADou 3an 3ome out no%.C Kane an5 9 3ra%le5 out into t"e open air@ still -i--lin-. !"erry 1ro%ne5 at 8ot" o1 us. A="at is so 1unnyBC =e 8ot" s"ook our "ea5s. Dou eit"er -ot t"e >oke@ or you 5i5n?t. 9t 3oul5 not 8e e*plaine5@ not e)en to oursel)es. 7arianne 3ame to stan5 near me. A9?m -la5 to see you?re in a 8etter moo5.C 9 ran my "an5s t"rou-" my "air an5 3oul5 almost s;ueeEe t"e s%eat out o1 it. A7i-"t as %ell 8e in a -oo5 moo5. $"e 5ay?s not -oin- to impro)e.C 7arianne 1ro%ne5. APessimism is un8e3omin- in one so youn-.C S"e stoo5 t"ere@ lookin- 3ool an5 3olle3te5@ %earin- a slee)eless %"ite s"irt tie5 o11 at t"e %aist. 9t %asn?t a mi5ri11 8ut -a)e t"e illusion o1 one. A pair o1 pale 8lue s"orts an5 1lat@ %"ite tennis s"oes 3omplete5 t"e out1it. Her pale "air %as in a 8un. $"e "air %as all streaksJ sil)ery -rey@ pale 8lon5@ an5 %"ite. 'ine lines s"o%e5 at "er eyes an5 mout" t"at "a5n?t 8een )isi8le last ni-"t. #)er 1i1ty@ 8ut like Verne@ "er 8o5y %as still t"in an5 1irm. S"e looke5 3ool@ 3om1orta8le@ an5 1ar too 3lean. A9 nee5 a s"o%er@C 9 sai5. A9 se3on5 t"e motion@C !"erry sai5. Kane >ust no55e5. A=el3ome to my "ome@C 7arianne sai5.

$"e tru3k %as parke5 in a -ra)el 5ri)e%ay o1 a t%o story %"ite "ouse. $"e "ouse "a5 yello% s"utters an5 a pink 3lim8inrose up one si5e o1 t"e 1ront por3". $"ere %ere t%o tu8s o1 %"ite an5 pink -eraniums at t"e 8ottom o1 t"e %i5e por3" steps. $"e 1lo%ers %ere lus" an5 %ell %atere5. $"e yar5 %as 8ro%n an5 5yin- in t"e summer "eat. A3tually@ 9 appro)e5. 9 5i5n?t 8elie)e in %aterin- -rass. A small 1lo3k o1 spe3kle5 "ens pe3ke5 in t"e 5ry 5irt o1 t"e yar5. A/i3e@C 9 sai5. S"e smile5. A$"ank you. $"e 8arn is o)er t"at %ay@ "i55en 8y t"e trees. 9?)e -ot some 5airy 3o%s an5 "orses. $"e -ar5en?s 8e"in5 t"e "ouse. Dou?ll 8e a8le to see it 1rom your 8e5room.C AGreat@ t"anks.C S"e smile5. A="y 5o 9 t"ink you 5on?t 3are a8out my tomato 3ropBC ALet me take a s"o%er@ an5 9?ll 3are@C 9 sai5. A=e 3an unloa5 t"e 3o11ins@ t"en your t%o %ereleopar5s 3an take a 8at". 9 "ope t"ere?s enou-" "ot %ater 1or t"ree 8at"s. 91 t%o o1 you 3oul5 5ou8le up@ it %oul5 3onser)e %ater.C A9?m not s"arin-@C 9 sai5. 9 looke5 at !"erry. S"e s"ru--e5@ AKane an5 9 3an s"are.C 9t must "a)e s"o%n on my 1a3e@ 8e3ause s"e a55e5@ A=e aren?t lo)ers@ Anita. $"ou-" %e "a)e 8een. 9t %ill 8e ... a 3om1ort to tou3" ea3" ot"er. 9t?s not se*ual. 9t?s ... C S"e looke5 at 7arianne@ as i1 1or "elp. 7arianne smile5. A#ne o1 t"e t"in-s t"at 8in5s a pa3k or a par5 into a unit is tou3". $"ey tou3" ea3" ot"er 3onstantly. $"ey -room ea3" ot"er. $"ey 3are 1or ea3" ot"er.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?m not s"arin- a 8at"tu8.C A/o one is askin- you to@C 7arianne sai5. A$"ere are many %ays to 1or-e a pa3k 8on5@ Anita.C A9?m not part o1 t"e pa3k@C 9 sai5. A$"ere are many %ays to 8e part o1 t"e pa3k@ Anita. 9 "a)e 1oun5 my pla3e amon- t"em@ an5 9 am not lukoi.C S"e le1t Kane@ !"erry@ an5 me to unloa5 t"e 3o11ins %"ile s"e took /at"aniel o11 to lie 5o%n. !"erry an5 Kane "elpe5 sto% t"e 3o11ins in t"e 8asement@ t"en %ent o11 to take t"eir 3ommunal 8at". $"e entran3e to t"e 8asement %as outsi5e@ like an ol521as"ione5 storm 3ellar. $"e 8a3k 5oor %as all s3reen an5 %oo5. 9t 3lan-e5 lou5ly as t"e %ereleopar5s %ent insi5e. 7arianne met me at t"at 5oor@ steppe5 t"rou-" t"at 5oor@ an5 8lo3ke5 my %ay. S"e %as smilin- an5 3alm an5 seeme5 at pea3e in t"e 3enter o1 "er uni)erse. Hust seein- t"at 3ontent look on "er 1a3e ma5e me it3"y an5 un3om1orta8le. 7a5e me %ant to s3ream an5 las" out until "er uni)erse %as as messy as my o%n. Ho% 5are s"e 8e 3ontent %"en 9 %as so 3on1use5B A="at is so )ery %ron-@ 3"il5B 9 3an "ear your 3on1usion like 8ees 8uEEin- in t"e %alls.C $"ere %as a stan5 o1 pine trees near t"e 8a3k o1 t"e "ouse like a line o1 sol5iers. $"e air smelle5 like a perpetual !"ristmas. 9 usually like t"e smell o1 pine@ 8ut not to5ay. 9 >ust %asn?t in a !"ristmas moo5. 9 leane5 a-ainst t"e %eat"ere5 8oar5s o1 t"e "ouse@ %"ile s"e staye5 on t"e small 8a3k por3" lookin- 5o%n at me. $"e 'irestar 5u- into my 8a3k. 9 pulle5 it out an5 s"o)e5 it 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 my >eans. 'u3k it i1 some8o5y sa%. ADou sa% Verne@C 9 sai5. S"e looke5 at me@ -rey eyes 3alm@ unrea5a8le. A9 sa% %"at you 5i5 to "is ne3k@ i1 t"at is %"at you mean.C ADea"@ t"at?s %"at 9 mean.C ADour mark on "is ne3k pro)es t%o t"in-s to all o1 us. $"at you 3onsi5er yoursel1 "is e;ual2no small 8oast2an5 t"at you are not "appy %it" "is "ospitality to 5ate. Are eit"er o1 t"ese untrueBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a moment@ t"en sai5@ A9 5on?t a3kno%le5-e anyone as 5ominant to me. 7ay8e t"ey 3an 8eat t"e s"it out o1 me or kill me@ 8ut t"ey?re not 8etter t"an 9 am. Stron-er 5oesn?t mean 8etter or more 5ominant.C A$"ere are t"ose %"o %oul5 ar-ue %it" you@ Anita@ 8ut 9 am not one o1 t"em.C AAn5 no@ 9?m not "appy %it" t"e "ospitality to 5ate. 9 5estroye5 most o1 !olin?s )ampires 1or you -uys. Verne %as please5 as pun3"@ 8ut "e still 5i5n?t let me "a)e my -uns last ni-"t. 91 9?5 "a5 my -uns last ni-"t@ t"en t"e 8a5 -uys %oul5n?t "a)e nearly kille5 Hamil an5 Hason an5 Kane2"ell2an5 me.C AVerne re-rette5 last ni-"t or "e %oul5 not "a)e o11ere5 "imsel1 to you.C AGreat@ 1ine@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t mean to mark "im. 9 5i5n?t mean to 5o it. 4o you un5erstan5@ 7arianneB 9 5i5n?t 5o it on purpose. Hust like last ni-"t %it" t"e munin@ t"is mornin- 9 %asn?t in 3ontrol. 9 %as se5u3e5 8y t"e s3ent o1 8loo5 an5 %arm 1les". 9t %as ... 3reepy.C S"e lau-"e5. A!reepyB 9s t"at t"e 8est %or5 you 3an 3ome up %it"@ AnitaB !reepy. Dou are t"e ,*e3utioner an5 a 1or3e to 8e 1eare5@ 8ut you are still so ... youn-.C

9 looke5 up at "er. ADou mean nai)e.C ADou are not nai)e in t"e sense t"at it is usually meant. 9 am sure you "a)e seen more 8loo5 an5 5eat" t"an 9 "a)e. 9t stains your po%er@ t"is )iolen3e. Dou 8ot" attra3t it an5 pursue it. But t"ere is somet"in- a8out you t"at stays 1res" an5 some"o% perpetually 3"il5like. /o matter "o% >a5e5 you -ro%@ t"ere %ill al%ays 8e a part o1 you t"at %oul5 8e more 3om1orta8le sayin- F-olly? t"an F-o55amn.? A 9 %ante5 to %i--le un5er t"e intensity o1 "er -aEe@ or run. A9 am losin- 3ontrol o1 my li1e@ 7arianne@ an5 3ontrol is )ery important to me.C A9 %oul5 say t"at 3ontrol is one o1 t"e most important t"in-s to you.C 9 no55e5@ my "air 3at3"in- on t"e peelin- paint o1 t"e "ouse. 9 pus"e5 a%ay 1rom t"e 8oar5s to stan5 in 1ront o1 "er in t"e 5usty yar5. AHo% 3an 9 -et 8a3k 3ontrol@ 7arianneB Dou seem to "a)e all t"e ans%ers.C S"e lau-"e5 a-ain@ t"at %"olesome28e5room soun5. A/ot all t"e ans%ers@ 8ut t"e ans%ers you seek@ per"aps. 9 kno% t"at t"e munin %ill 3ome 1or you a-ain. 9t may 8e %"en you least e*pe3t it or %"en you nee5 your pre3ious 3ontrol t"e most. 9t may o)er%"elm you an5 3ost t"e li)es o1 people you "ol5 5ear as it 3oul5 "a)e last ni-"t. All t"at sa)e5 <i3"ar5 1rom "a)in- to kill to -et to you %as Verne?s inter3ession.C A<aina %oul5 lo)e t"at@ to 5ra- one o1 us 5o%n to t"e -ra)e.C A9 1elt t"e munin?s pleasure in 5estru3tion. Dou are attra3te5 to )iolen3e@ 8ut only as it ser)es a -reater purpose. 9t is a tool t"at you use %ell. Dour ol5 lupa %as attra3te5 to )iolen3e 1or its o%n sake@ as a 5estru3ti)e t"in-. 4estroyin- %as %"at s"e %as a8out. 9t is ni3ely ironi3 t"at someone so 5e5i3ate5 to ne-ati)ity %as also a "ealer.C ALi1e is >ust 1ull o1 little ironies@C 9 sai5. 9 5i5n?t try to keep t"e sar3asm out o1 my )oi3e. ADou "a)e a 3"an3e to make "er munin@ "er essen3e@ into somet"in- positi)e. 9n a %ay@ you mi-"t "elp "er spirit %ork t"rou-" some o1 its karma.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "er. S"e %a)e5 "er "an5s. A7y apolo-ies. 9?ll keep t"e p"ilosop"y to a minimum. 9 8elie)e 9 3an "elp you 3all an5 tame t"e munin. 9 8elie)e t"at to-et"er %e 3an 8e-in to "arness all t"e 5i11erent kin5s o1 po%er you are 8ein- o11ere5 no%. 9 3an tea3" you to ri5e not >ust t"e munin 8ut t"is master )ampire o1 yours@ an5 e)en your :l1ri3. Dou are t"eir key to ea3" ot"er@ Anita. $"eir 8ri5-e. $"eir 1eelin-s 1or you are part o1 t"e 8in5in- t"at "as 8een %rou-"t 8et%een t"e t"ree. 9 3an make you t"e ri5er an5 not t"e "orse.C $"ere %as a 1ier3eness in "er 1a3e@ a 1or3e t"at ma5e my skin rea3t. S"e meant %"at s"e sai5G s"e 8elie)e5 it. An5 stran-ely@ so 5i5 9. A9 %ant to 3ontrol it@ 7arianne@ all o1 it. 9 %ant t"at more t"an almost anyt"in- ri-"t no%. 91 9 3an?t stop it@ 9 %ant to 3ontrol it.C S"e smile5@ an5 it ma5e "er eyes sparkle. AGoo5G t"en let?s 8e-in %it" our 1irst lesson.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "er. A="at lessonBC A!ome into t"e "ouse@ Anita. $"e 1irst lesson is %aitin- 1or you i1 your "eart an5 min5 are open to it.C S"e %ent 8a3k insi5e %it"out %aitin- 1or me. 9 stoo5 t"ere 1or a moment in t"e summer "eat. 91 my "eart an5 min5 %ere open to it. ="at t"e "ell 5i5 t"at meanB =ell@ as t"e 3li3"6 -oes@ only one %ay to 1in5 out. 9 opene5 t"e s3reen 5oor an5 %alke5 insi5e. Lesson num8er one %as %aitin1or me.

Chapter Thirty-seven
7arianne le5 me to t"e room %"ere s"e?5 settle5 /at"aniel. 9t %as a lar-e 8e5room 5o%nstairs. Hours earlier@ t"e room %oul5 "a)e 8een 1ille5 %it" mornin- li-"t@ 8ut no%@ at nearly t"ree o?3lo3k in t"e a1ternoon@ t"e room %as 5im@ almost 5ark. $"e %in5o% %as open@ an5 a 8reeEe "a5 1inally 1oun5 us@ spillin- t"e %"ite la3y 3urtains into t"e room. A small os3illatin- 1an sat on a kit3"en 3"air so t"e 1an 3oul5 3ool t"e 8e5. $"e %allpaper %as o112%"ite %it" a 1ine line o1 pink 1lo%ers. $"ere %as a lar-e 8ro%n %ater stain in t"e 3orner o1 t"e 3eilin- like a -iant <ors3"a3" ink 8lot. $"e 8e5 %as a 8rass 1our2poster t"at "a5 8een painte5 %"ite. $"e 8e5sprea5 %as ;uilte5 an5 looke5 "omema5e %it" a lot o1 purple2 an5 pink21lo%ere5 1a8ri3. 7arianne "a5 1ol5e5 t"e 8e5sprea5 an5 pla3e5 it on top o1 a lar-e 3e5ar 3"est t"at %as un5er t"e %in5o%. A$oo "ot 1or ;uilts@C s"e?5 sai5. /at"aniel lay nake5 on t"e pink s"eets. 7arianne tu3ke5 t"e s"eets to t"e tops o1 "is t"i-"s@ pattin- "is s"oul5er in a mot"erly sort o1 %ay. 9 %oul5 "a)e proteste5 "is state o1 un5ress@ 8ut 9 3oul5 see t"e %oun5s 3learly 1or t"e 1irst time. Somet"in- %it" 3la%s "a5 s%ipe5 "im %i5e an5 5eep@ startin- a8out t"e mi55le o1 "is 8a3k an5 slas"in- 5o%n%ar5 a3ross t"e ri-"t si5e o1 "is 8utto3ks. $"e %oun5 %as 5eep an5 ra--e5 on "is 8a3k@ -ro%in- more s"allo% as it %orke5 5o%n "is 8o5y. 9t must "a)e "urt to "a)e 3lot"es o)er it@ "urt a lot.

9 %as surprise5 t"at /at"aniel "a5n?t 1las"e5 me "is %oun5s earlier. He usually %ent to -reat len-t"s to s"o% me "is 8o5y. ="at "a5 3"an-e5B 7arianne pointe5 to t"e p"one 8esi5e t"e 8e5. A9n 3ase your poli3e 1rien5 3alls you. 9?)e -ot a 3or5less p"one 1or normal 3alls@ 8ut 9 use t"e 8e5si5e p"one 1or pa3k 8usiness.C ASo no one 3an a33i5entally monitor t"e 3or5less p"one@C 9 sai5. 7arianne no55e5. S"e %alke5 to t"e )anity@ %"i3" "a5 a "ea)y o)al mirror an5 mar8le kno8s on t"e 5ra%ers. A="en 9 %as a little -irl an5 9 %as "urt or lonely@ espe3ially %"en it %as so "ot@ my mot"er %oul5 un8rai5 my "air an5 8rus" it. S"e?5 8rus" it until it lay like silk 5o%n my 8a3k.C S"e turne5 %it" a 8rus" in "er "an5s. A,)en no%@ %"en 9 am lo%@ one o1 my -reatest pleasures is 1or some 1rien5 to 8rus" my "air.C 9 looke5 at "er. AAre you su--estin- 9 8rus" your "airBC S"e smile5@ an5 it %as 8ri-"t an5 3"armin-@ an5 9 5i5n?t trust it. A/o@ 9 am su--estin- you 8rus" /at"aniel?s "air.C 9 kept starin- at "er. A!ome a-ainBC S"e %alke5 to%ar5s me@ o11erin- me t"e 8rus"@ t"at too23"eery smile on "er 1a3e. APart o1 %"at makes you )ulnera8le to <aina is your o%n s;ueamis"ness.C A9?m not s;ueamis".C APru5is"ness@ t"en@C s"e sai5. 9 1ro%ne5 at "er. A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC A9t means t"at e)ery time one o1 t"e ly3ant"ropes 5isro8es@ you -et em8arrasse5. ,)ery time one o1 t"em tou3"es you@ you take it se*ually. $"at isn?t al%ays %"at t"ey mean. A "ealt"y pa3k or par5 is 8uilt up o1 a t"ousan5 -entle tou3"es. A million small 3om1orts. 9t?s like 8uil5in- a relations"ip %it" a 8oy1rien5. ,)ery tou3" 8uil5s an5 stren-t"ens it.C 7y 1ro%n 5eepene5. A9 t"ou-"t you sai5 it %asn?t se*ual.C 9t %as "er turn to 1ro%n. AA 5i11erent metap"or t"en. 9t is like 8uil5in- your relations"ip %it" a ne%8orn 8a8y. ,)ery tou3"@ e)ery time you 1ee5 "im %"en "e?s "un-ry@ 3"an-e "im %"en "e?s %et@ 3om1ort "im %"en "e?s 1ri-"tene52t"e e)ery5ay intima3ies 1or-e a 8on5 8et%een you. $rue parent"oo5 is 8uilt o)er years o1 inter5epen5en3y. $"e 8on5 8et%een t"e pa3k is 8uilt mu3" t"e same %ay.C 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e 8e5. /at"aniel %as still lyin- t"ere nake5 e*3ept 1or t"e s"eets on "is le-s. 9 turne5 8a3k to 7arianne. A91 "e %as a ne%8orn 8a8y@ 9?5 8e 1ine %it" "im 8ein- nake5. 9 mi-"t 8e a1rai5 9?5 5rop "im@ 8ut 9 %oul5n?t 8e em8arrasse5.C AAn5 t"at is pre3isely my point@C s"e sai5. S"e "el5 t"e 8rus" out to me. A91 you 3oul5 3ontrol t"e munin@ you 3oul5 "eal "is %oun5s. Dou 3oul5 take "is pain.C ADou?re not su--estin- t"at 9 purposely try to 3all <ainaBC A/o@ Anita. $"is is t"e 1irst lesson@ not t"e -ra5uation e*er3ise. $o5ay@ 9 simply %ant you to 8e-in to try an5 8e more 3om1orta8le aroun5 t"eir nu5ity. 9 8elie)e t"at i1 you 3an 5esensitiEe yoursel1 to t"e more 3asual se*ual situations@ t"at <aina %ill "a)e less "ol5 on you. Dou 5ra% a%ay 1rom situations like t"is@ an5 t"at lea)es a )oi5@ a pla3e %"ere you %ill not -o %illin-ly. So <aina spills into t"at )oi5 an5 1or3es you to -o mu3" 1art"er t"an you %oul5 "a)e -one on your o%n.C AAn5 %"at -oo5 %ill 8rus"in- /at"aniel?s "air 5oBC S"e "el5 t"e 8rus" in3"es 1rom me@ arms 1ol5e5. A9t is a small t"in-@ Anita. A t"in- to -i)e "im 3om1ort %"ile %e %ait 1or 4r. Patri3k to 3ome. Patri3k %ill -i)e "im a lo3al 1or t"e pain@ 8ut sometime 8e1ore "e is 1inis"e5 stit3"in- "im up@ t"e painkiller %ill %ear o11. $"eir meta8olism is too 1ast 1or a lo3al@ an5 -i)in- more t"an t"at 3an 8e tri3ky. 9t 3an 8e 5ea5ly in one %it" su3" a lo% aura o1 po%er as /at"aniel.C 9 stare5 up at "er@ meetin- t"ose 3alm@ serious -rey eyes. ADou?re sayin- t"at "e?ll 8e stit3"e5 up %it"out a painkiller.C S"e >ust looke5 at me. AAn5 t"at?s my 1ault 8e3ause 9 3oul5 "eal "im i1 9 3oul5 3ontrol t"e munin.C 7arianne s"ook "er "ea5. A9t is not your 1ault@ Anita@ not yet. But t"e munin is a tool like your -uns or your ne3roman3y. #n3e you learn "o% to 3ontrol it@ it 3an 5o %on5er1ul t"in-s. Dou must look at t"e a8ility to 3all t"e munin not as a 3urse 8ut as a -i1t.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 t"ink you?)e e*3ee5e5 t"e lesson 1or t"e 5ay@ 7arianne.C S"e smile5. APer"aps. But take t"e 8rus"@ 5o t"is one small t"in-. /ot 1or me. /ot 1or /at"aniel@ 8ut 1or yoursel1. $ake 8a3k t"at pie3e o1 you t"at looks a%ay 1rom "is 8o5y. Gi)e <aina less -roun5 in your "eart.C AAn5 i1 9 3an?t "elp 8ein- em8arrasse5 or t"inkin- se*ual t"ou-"ts an5 <aina 3omes up an5 tries to eat me@ %"at t"enBC 7arianne?s smile %i5ene5. A$"en 9 %ill "elp you@ 3"il5. =e %ill all "elp you. $"at is %"at a pa3k is 1or.C A/at"aniel isn?t lukoi any more t"an 9 am@C 9 sai5.

ALukoi or par5@ it makes no 5i11eren3e to you@ Anita. Dou are ;ueen o1 8ot" 3astles. Gro%in- 3om1orta8le %it" one %ill "elp %it" t"e ot"er.C S"e a3tually took my "an5 an5 prie5 it out 1rom un5er my el8o%. S"e put t"e "air8rus" in my "an5 an5 3lose5 my 1in-ers o)er it. ABe %it" "im@ 3"il5. =ait 1or your p"one 3all. Ans%er only t"e 8e5si5e p"one. #nly pa3k %ill 3all t"at num8er. Dou 3an?t possi8ly ans%er my ot"er p"one 8e3ause you are in anot"er state. 4o not ans%er t"e 5oor@ eit"er.C ADou soun5 like you?re -oin- some%"ere@C 9 sai5. ADou must learn to 8e 3om1orta8le aroun5 your people@ Anita. $"at means %it"out me lookin- o)er your s"oul5er.C S"e pulle5 me to%ar5s t"e 8e5 8y t"e arm. S"e trie5 to make me sit on t"e 8e5@ 8ut 9 >ust 5i5n?t 8en5 %it" it. S"ort o1 pus"in- me onto t"e 8e5@ s"e "a5 to lea)e me stan5in-. S"e tske5 at me. AStan5 "ere an5 5o not"in-. 9t is your 3"oi3e@ 3"il5@ 8ut at least stan5 "ere.C S"e le1t. 9 %as le1t stan5in- in t"e mi55le o1 t"e room %"ere 9?5 1ollo%e5 "er@ like a 3"il5 not %antin- to 8e le1t alone on t"e 1irst 5ay o1 s3"ool. $"e 8rus" %as still in my "an5. $"e 8rus" looke5 as anti;ue as t"e rest o1 t"e room. 9t %as %oo5en 8ut painte5 %"ite %it" a s"ine o1 )arnis". $"e )arnis" "a5 a %e88in- o1 3ra3ks 8ut "el5. 9 ran t"e pale 8ristles o)er t"e 8a3k o1 my ot"er "an5. $"ey %ere as so1t as t"ey looke5@ silken like a 8a8y?s 8rus". 9 "a5 no i5ea %"at t"e 8ristles %ere ma5e out o1. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at /at"aniel. He %as %at3"in- me out o1 t"ose eyes o1 "is. His 1a3e %as neutral as i1 it 5i5n?t matter@ 8ut "is eyes %eren?t neutral. $"ey %ere ti-"t@ %aitin- 1or t"e re>e3tion@ %aitin- 1or me to lea)e "im alone in t"e stran-e room@ nake5 an5 %aitin- 1or a 5o3tor to 3ome an5 stit3" "im up. He %as nineteen@ an5 lyin- t"ere %it" t"at ra% look in "is eyes@ "e looke5 it. Hell@ "e looke5 youn-er. $"e 8o5y %as -reat. ="en you?re a stripper@ you?)e -ot to take 3are o1 yoursel1. But t"e 1a3e ... t"e 1a3e %as youn- an5 in t"e same -aEe ol5. /at"aniel still "a5 t"e most >a5e5 eyes o1 anyone 9?5 e)er met un5er t"e a-e o1 t%enty. /o@ not >a5e5@ lost. 9 %alke5 aroun5 to t"e 1ar si5e o1 t"e 8e5. 9 lai5 t"e "air8rus" on t"e pillo% on t"e empty si5e o1 t"e 8e5. /at"aniel mo)e5 >ust "is "ea5@ turnin- to look at me. /o@ to %at3" me. He %at3"e5 me like e)ery mo)ement %as important. 9t %as a le)el o1 s3rutiny t"at ma5e me %ant to s;uirm or 8lus" or run. 9t %asn?t e*a3tly se*ual@ 8ut it %asn?t e*a3tly not se*ual@ eit"er. /o matter %"at metap"ores 7arianne use5@ t"is %as not t"e same t"in- as 3arin- 1or an in1ant. /at"aniel %as youn-@ 8ut "e %as 5e1initely not a 3"il5. At least not 3"il5like in t"e %ay t"at %oul5 "a)e ma5e t"is 3om1orta8le. 9 slippe5 o11 t"e s"ort2slee)e5 s"irt. $"ere %as no one to see t"e s"oul5er "olster@ an5 it %oul5 8e 3ooler. #1 3ourse@ it %oul5 really 8e 3ooler i1 9 took o11 all t"e -uns an5 t"e spine s"eat"@ 8ut 9 %asn?t t"at "ot. 9 5i5 lay t"e 'irestar un5er t"e pillo%. 9t "a5 a s"ort enou-" 8arrel to sit or lie 5o%n %it" it@ 8ut t"ere is no su3" t"in- as a truly 3om1orta8le -un to %ear i1 you?re loun-in- aroun5. Guns aren?t 5esi-ne5 1or 3om1ort. 9t?s one o1 t"e 1e% t"in-s t"at are %orn@ mostly 8y men@ t"at are as un3om1orta8le as a pair o1 "i-" "eels. 9 3ra%le5 onto t"e 8e5@ kneelin-@ still not %it"in tou3"in- 5istan3e. He %as so easily "urt t"at 9 "a5 to say it out lou5. A9?m not upset %it" you@ /at"aniel. 9 >ust 5on?t like playin- stu5ent.C ADou like 7arianne@ 8ut you resent "er@C "e sai5. $"at ma5e me 8link a 3ouple o1 times an5 stare at "im. He %as ri-"t@ an5 it %as more per3epti)e t"an 9?5 e)er e*pe3te5 1rom /at"aniel. Hearin- "im say somet"in- t"at smart ma5e me 1eel 8etter. 91 t"ere %as a 8rain in t"at 8o5y@ t"en "e %asn?t >ust a su8missi)e mess. An5 may8e@ >ust may8e@ "e %as sal)a-ea8le@ sa)ea8le. 9t %as t"e most positi)e t"ou-"t 9?5 "a5 all 5ay. 9 3ra%le5 to /at"aniel?s si5e@ 8rus" in "an5. 9 stare5 5o%n at "im stret3"e5 a3ross t"e 8e5@ eyes %at3"in- me. $"e look in "is eyes stoppe5 me. 9t %as too intense. 7ay8e "e sense5 it@ 8e3ause "e turne5 "is "ea5 8a3k so t"at 9 3oul5n?t see "is 1a3e. All 9 3oul5 see %as all t"at lon-@ au8urn "air. ,)en in t"e 5im li-"t@ it %as an in3re5i8ly ri3" 3olor. $"e 5arkest au8urn 9?5 e)er seen t"at %as still truly au8urn an5 not 8ro%n. 9 smoot"e5 my "an5 t"rou-" "is "air. 9t %as like "ea)y silk@ %arm to t"e tou3". #1 3ourse@ t"at 3oul5 "a)e >ust 8een t"e room. $"e 1an s%ept o)er t"e 8e5@ ru11lin- t"e s"eets@ passin- like a 3ool "an5 o)er my 8a3k. /at"aniel?s lon- "air stirre5 in t"e 1an?s 3aress@ t"e s"eet o)er "is t"i-"s 8lo%in- like a "an5 "a5 mo)e5 t"em. He s"i1te5 as t"e 1an passe5 o)er "is 8are 8o5y. $"en stillness. His "air@ t"e s"eet@ e)eryt"in- utterly still %"ile t"e 1an ma5e its 3ir3uit. 9t s%ept 8a3k@ spillino)er e)eryt"in- in re)erseG t"e pink s"eets@ /at"aniel?s "air@ my 3"est t"is time@ 8lo%in- my o%n "air 8a3k 1rom my 1a3e@ t"en past us@ an5 t"e "eat %rappe5 aroun5 us like a su11o3atin- "an5. $"e 8reeEe 1rom t"e %in5o% "a5 5ie5. $"e %"ite 3urtains lay like a paintin- until t"e small 1an spille5 o)er t"em. 9 knelt in t"e "ot room %it" t"e only soun5 t"e %"ir o1 t"e 1an an5 t"e small ti3k it ma5e e)ery time it 3ame to t"e en5 o1 its 3y3le. 9 stroke5 t"e "air8rus" t"rou-" "is "air@ an5 t"e stroke en5e5 lon- 8e1ore 9 -ot to t"e en5 o1 t"e "air. 1?5 "a5 "air 5o%n to my 8utt on3e upon a time %"en 9 %as a8out 1ourteen. But /at"aniel?s "air %as knee len-t". 91 "e?5 8een a %oman@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 "is "air 1ell like a 5ress aroun5 "im. $"e "air lay in a so1t@ silken pile 8esi5e "is 8o5y so it %oul5n?t 8rus" t"e %oun5. 9 li1te5 t"e "air in my arms@ an5 it %as like "ol5in- somet"in- ali)e. $"e "air poure5 t"rou-" my "an5s %it" a soun5 like 5ry %ater@ a rus"in- noise.

9 "a5 enou-" trou8le takin- 3are o1 s"oul5er2len-t" "air. 9 3oul5n?t ima-ine t"e amount o1 e11ort t"at >ust %as"in- it must take. 9 %as eit"er -oin- to "a)e to 5i)i5e t"e "air to eit"er si5e an5 a3tually -et up an5 mo)e 1rom si5e to si5e@ or s%eep t"e "air 8a3k 8e"in5 "is "ea5 so it spille5 a3ross t"e 8e5. 9 )ote5 1or t"at. 9 pulle5 "is "air 8e"in5 "is 8a3k an5 spille5 it 8e"in5 "is "ea5. He mo)e5 "is "ea5 as i1 snu--lin- into t"e pillo%@ 8ut ot"er t"an t"at ma5e no mo)ement an5 sai5 not"in-. AHo% you 5oin-BC 9 aske5. A9?m 1ine@C "e sai5. His )oi3e %as so1t@ neutral@ almost empty. A$alk to me@ /at"aniel@C 9 sai5. ADou 5on?t like it %"en 9 talk to you.C 9 leane5 o)er "im@ smoot"in- t"e "air 8a3k so 9 "a5 a 3lear )ie% o1 "is 1a3e. A$"at?s not true.C He turne5 "is 1a3e enou-" to look up at me. A9sn?t itBC 9 leane5 8a3k 1rom t"at 5ire3t -aEe. A9t?s not you talkin- 9 min5@ /at"aniel. 9t?s your 3"oi3e o1 topi3s.C A$ell me %"at you %ant me to say@ an5 9?ll say it.C A9 3an tell you %"at not to say@C 9 sai5. A="atBC "e aske5. A4on?t talk a8out porno-rap"i3 mo)ies@ sa5omaso3"ism@ se* in -eneral.C 9 t"ou-"t a8out it 1or a se3on5 or t%o. A$"at "its t"e usual t"in-s you say to piss me o11.C He lau-"e5. A9 5on?t kno% %"at else to talk a8out.C 9 starte5 3om8in- "is "air a3ross t"e 8e5. $"e stroke %as 1irm an5 1lo%in-@ t"en 9 a3tually "a5 to pi3k t"e "air up to 1inis" t"e stroke. $"e 1an "it me %it" an arm1ul o1 "air@ an5 t"e "air spille5 aroun5 my 1a3e in a )anilla2s3ente5 3lou5 t"at ti3kle5 my 1a3e an5 ne3k. A$alk a8out anyt"in-@ /at"aniel. $alk a8out yoursel1.C A9 5on?t like to talk a8out mysel1.C A="y notBC 9 aske5. He raise5 up enou-" to look at me. ADou talk a8out yoursel1.C A#kay.C $"en 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say. 9 >ust su55enly 3oul5n?t t"ink o1 %"ere to start. 9 smile5. AGoo5 point@ 1or-et 9 sai5 it.C $"e p"one ran-@ an5 9 -a)e a little yip. /er)ousB ="o meB 9t %as 4olp". AAnitaBC ADea"@ it?s me.C A'ranklin /iley@ unless it?s a 5i11erent -uy %it" t"e same name@ is an art 5ealer. He spe3ialiEes in mysti3al arti1a3ts. He?s not pi3ky a8out "o% "e -ets t"em@ eit"er.C AHo% not pi3kyBC 9 aske5. AHe?s 8ase5 out o1 7iami. $"e 3ops t"ere %oul5 like to tie "im to at least "al1 a 5oEen "omi3i5es 8ut 5on?t "a)e enou-" proo1. ,)ery to%n "e )isits on 8usiness@ people 5isappear or turn up 5ea5. !"i3a-o P.4. nearly -ot "im on t"e 5eat" o1 a %i33an "i-" priestess last year@ 8ut t"e %itness %ent into a mysterious 3oma an5 "asn?t 3ome out yet.C A7ysterious 3omaBC 9 ma5e it a ;uestion. A$"e 5o3tors t"ink it %as ma-i3 o1 some kin5@ 8ut you kno% "o% "ar5 t"at is to pro)e.C A="at 5o you "a)e on "is asso3iatesBC A#ne "asn?t 8een %it" "im lon-@ a psy3"i3 name5 Ho%ar5 Grant@ youn-@ no 3riminal re3or5. $"ere?s a 8la3k 8o5y-uar5@ 7ilo Hart. He?s -ot a se3on525e-ree 8la3k 8elt in karate an5 "as 8een in t"e pen on3e 1or attempte5 mur5er. He?s 8een 8eatin- people up 1or /iley sin3e "e -ot out o1 prison 1i)e years a-o. $"e t"ir5 is Linus Be3k. He?s 8een in t%i3e. #n3e 1or assault %it" a 5ea5ly@ se3on5 time 1or mur5er.C ALo)ely@C 9 sai5. A9t -ets 8etter@C 4olp" sai5. ABetterBC 9 aske5. AHo% mu3" 8etter 3an it -etBC ABe3k?s mur5er 3on)i3tion %as a "uman sa3ri1i3e.C 9 let t"at sink in 1or a se3on5 or t%o. AHo% %as t"e )i3tim kille5BC AKni1e %oun5@C 4olp" sai5. 9 tol5 "im a8out t"e 8o5y 9?5 >ust 1inis"e5 seein-.

A4ire3t atta3k 8y 5emons %ent out %it" t"e mi55le a-es@ Anita.C A$"ey %ante5 to make it look like a troll atta3k.C ADou?)e talke5 to t"em@C "e sai5. ADea".C A="yBC A$"ey %ante5 to t"reaten me@C 9 sai5. 9 "ear5 papers rustlin- on t"e ot"er en5. A="y 5i5 t"ey %ant to t"reaten youBC 9 tol5 4olp" almost e)eryt"in-. 9 also tol5 "im 9 3oul5n?t pro)e a 5amn t"in-. A9 talke5 to a 3op in 7iami. He sai5 t"at /iley a5mitte5 t%o mur5ers to "im@ tol5 "im 5etails@ 8ut not un5er 7iran5a an5 not usea8le in 3ourt. He likes to taunt.C AHe t"inks "e?s untou3"a8le@C 9 sai5. ABut t"e spirits say you?re -oin- to kill "im.C ASo "is pet psy3"i3 says.C A="en 9 put out t"e name an5 aske5 1or in1o@ poli3e all o)er t"e 3ountry an5 out o1 it are %illin- to -i)e me anyt"in- t"ey -ot@ i1 %e 3an >ust nail t"is -uy@C 4olp" sai5. AA 8a5 -uy?s@ 8a5 -uy@C 9 sai5. AHe?s not a8o)e 5oin- "is o%n killin-@ Anita. At least t%o o1 t"e 5ea5 men 5o%n in 7iami@ t"ey t"ink %ere 'rank?s personal kills. Dou %at3" your ass like a son o1 a 8it3". 91 you "a)e anyt"in- t"at e)en looks like proo1 o1 a 3rime@ 3all me.C ADou 5on?t "a)e any >uris5i3tion "ere@C 9 sai5. A$rust me on t"is@ Anita. Dou 3ome up %it" some proo1@ an5 9 3an -et you some8o5y 5o%n t"ere %it" >uris5i3tion@ rea5y an5 %illin- to put t"is -uy a%ay.C AHe on t"e 8lue "it para5eBC AHe?s ma5e a 3areer out o1 8reakin- t"e la% an5 "as ne)er seen t"e insi5e o1 a >ail 3ell 1or more t"an t%enty21our "ours. A lot o1 people in a lot o1 states %oul5 like to see "im -one.C A9?ll see %"at 9 3an 5o@C 9 sai5. A9 5on?t mean 5ea5@ Anita. 9 mean arreste5.C A9 kne% %"at you meant@ 4olp".C He %as ;uiet 1or a se3on5. A9 kno% you kne% %"at 9 meant@ 8ut 9 t"ou-"t 9 s"oul5 say it@ any%ay. 4on?t kill anyone.C A=oul5 9 5o somet"in- so ille-alBC A4on?t start@ Anita.C ASorry. $"anks 1or all t"e in1o. 9t?s more t"an 9?5 "ope5 1or. A1ter meetin- "im@ 9?m not e*a3tly surprise5 8y any o1 it. He is a )ery 3reepy -uy.C A!reepy2Anita@ "e?s a "ell o1 a lot more t"an 3reepy.C ADou soun5 %orrie5@ 4olp".C ADou?re 5o%n t"ere %it"out a sa1ety net@ Anita. $"e 3ops are not your 1rien5s.C A$"at?s an un5erstatement@C 9 sai5. ABut t"e state 3ops are 5o%n "ere on t"e mur5er no%.C A9 3an?t 3ome 5o%n t"ere@C 4olp" sai5. A9 %oul5 ne)er ask you to.C He %as ;uiet so lon- t"at 9 sai5@ A4olp"@ you still t"ereBC A9?m "ere.C He 5i5n?t soun5 "appy. ADou kno% "o% 9 tol5 you not to kill anyoneBC ADea"@C 9 sai5. A9?ll 5eny t"is in 3ourt@ 8ut 5on?t "esitate@ Anita. 91 it 3omes 5o%n to "im or you@ make t"e ri-"t 3"oi3e.C 7y mout" %as "an-in- open. A4olp"@ are you tellin- me to mur5er "im i1 9 -et t"e 3"an3eBC 4olp" %as ;uiet a-ain. 'inally@ "e sai5@ A/o@ not mur5er@ 8ut 9 am sayin- 5on?t let "im -et t"e 5rop on you. Dou 5o not %ant to 8e at t"is man?s mer3y@ Anita. Some o1 t"e 8o5ies t"ey?)e 1oun5 "a)e 8een torture5. He?s real 3reati)e a8out it.C A="at?s in t"at 1ile t"at you "a)en?t tol5 me a8out@ 4olp"BC

A$"ey 1oun5 one man?s "ea5 1loatin- in "is pool. $"ere %ere no marks o1 a %eapon@ like t"e "ea5 "a5 8een pulle5 o11. $"ey ne)er 1oun5 t"e 8o5y. 9t all rea5s like t"at@ Anita. /ot >ust )iolent 8ut %eir5 s"it.C ADou -oin- to post 8ail i1 9 nail "im an5 -et 3au-"tBC ADou -et 3au-"t@ %e ne)er "a5 t"is 3on)ersation.C A7um?s t"e %or5@C 9 sai5. A=at3" your 8a3k@ Anita. /iley 5oesn?t "a)e any limits. $"at?s %"at all t"is paper%ork means. He?s a total 1u3kinso3iopat"@ Anita@ an5 Be3k an5 Hart are t"e same t"in-.C A9?ll 8e 3are1ul@ 4olp". 9 promise.C A4on?t 8e 3are1ul@ 8e rut"less. 9 5on?t %ant to 8e i5enti1yin- %"at?s le1t o1 your 8o5y a1ter "e -ets t"rou-" %it" it.C ADou tryin- to s3are me@ 4olp"BC ADea"@C "e sai5@ t"en "e "un- up. 9 "un- t"e p"one up an5 sat on t"e 8e5 in t"e "ot@ "ot room@ an5 9 %as a1rai5. 9 %as su55enly more a1rai5 t"an 9 "a5 8een sin3e %e -ot "ere. 4olp" 5i5n?t spook easily. 9?5 ne)er "ear5 "im like t"at@ not a8out anyt"in- or any8o5y. /at"aniel tou3"e5 my le-. A="at?s %ron-BC 9 s"ook my "ea5. 9 3oul5n?t s"ake t"e 8a5 1eelin-. 4olp"@ 7r. La% an5 #r5er@ "a5 en3oura-e5 me to kill someone. :npre3e5ente5. $"e poli3e %ere tellin- me to 8reak t"e la%. $oo %eir5. But un5erneat" t"e %on5erment o1 it %as t"e 1ear@ a 1ine@ trem8lin- sense o1 unease. 4emons. 9 5i5n?t like 5emons. $"ey 5i5n?t -i)e a s"it a8out sil)er 8ullets or mu3" o1 anyt"in- else. <i3"ar5 1elt stron- in "is 1ait". 9 en)ie5 "im t"at. 9 %as "a)in- a 3risis o1 1ait" ri-"t no%. 9 mean@ 9 %as sleepin- %it" t"e un5ea5 an5 "a5 3"eate5 on one lo)er %it" anot"er. 9 also "a5 a 1e% more kills to my 3re5it t"an t"e last time 9?5 8een tou3"e5 8y t"e 5emoni3. 9 %asn?t 1eelin- parti3ularly pure an5 "oly ri-"t no%. Dou nee5e5 t"at a-ainst 5emons. Dou nee5e5 surety. /at"aniel lai5 "is "ea5 on my t"i-". ADou look like you?)e seen a -"ost.C 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e nake5 man %it" "is "ea5 in my lap. /o@ i1 9 ran up a-ainst a 5emon no%@ my "ouse %as ma5e o1 -lass@ an5 not"in- t"ro%s stones like t"e 5emoni3. $"ey kno% >ust %"ere to "it so t"at t"e %"ole 5amn t"in- 3omes 3ras"in- 5o%n aroun5 your ears. 9 %as really not in t"e moo5 to 1in5 out "o% 1ar 1rom -ra3e 9?5 a3tually 1allen.

Chapter Thirty-eight
!"erry 3ame into t"e room. S"e?5 slippe5 into a pair o1 >ean s"orts@ an5 a %"ite mi5ri11 tank top. Her small 8reasts %ere presse5 a-ainst t"e t"in material. 9 %as a little too %ell2en5o%e5 to e)er 5ream o1 -oin- %it"out a 8ra@ 8ut small or not@ in t"at top s"e nee5e5 a 8ra. 9 %as a pru5e. Her s"ort yello% "air %as still 5amp. S"e stalke5 into t"e room on t"ose lon- le-s@ mana-in- to look 8ot" slutty 3asual an5 unnaturally -ra3e1ul. Hust %at3"in- "er %alk into t"e room ma5e me %ant to mo)e /at"aniel?s "ea5 out o1 my lap. 'or3e o1 %ill alone kept me 1rom s3ootin- a%ay 1rom "im. =e %eren?t 5oin- anyt"in- %ron-. But it 8ot"ere5 me. ADour turn@C !"erry sai5. A9?ll %ait %it" /at"aniel.C A9s Kane out yetBC 9 3au-"t mo)ement in t"e "all@ an5 it %as Kane. He %as %earin- >ean s"orts@ too@ an5 not"in- else. $"e e)er2present nipple rin- %as t"e only t"in- on "is pale@ t"in 3"est. A4on?t you e)er take t"at t"in- out o1 your 3"estBC 9 aske5. He smile5. A91 9 take t"e rin- out@ t"e "ole %ill 3lose up an5 9?ll "a)e to -et it pier3e5 all o)er a-ain. 9 mi-"t -et t"e ot"er nipple pier3e5@ 8ut 9 5on?t %ant to "a)e to re5o t"e 1irst one.C A9 t"ou-"t you like5 pain@C 9 sai5. He s"ru--e5. A9n some situations %it" nake5 %omen@ yea".C He tou3"e5 t"e rin-@ pullin- on it until t"e nipple stret3"e5 >ust a little. A$"e a3tual pier3in- "urt like a son o1 a 8it3".C 9 looke5 at t"e slen5er@ too2t"in 3"est@ espe3ially t"e part ri-"t ne*t to "is ri-"t arm. $"ere %as a 5ark area %"ere t"e s"oul5er atta3"e5 to t"e 3"est@ 8ut t"at %as all. A9s t"at all t"at?s le1t o1 t"e 8ullet %oun5BC 9 aske5. Kane no55e5 an5 sat 5o%n at t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5@ 3ra%lin- onto t"e 3o)ers so "e %as 8esi5e /at"aniel an5 1ar too 3lose to me. ADou 3an tou3" t"e %oun5 i1 you %ant.C

9 1ro%ne5. A/o@ t"anks.C 9 starte5 to 8a3k o11 t"e 8e5 on all 1ours@ spillin- /at"aniel?s "ea5 -ently to t"e 3o)ers. 9 stoppe5 mysel1. 7arianne sai5 t"at <aina 1e5 on my em8arrassment@ my pru5is"ness@ t"at i1 9 3oul5 8e more 3om1orta8le aroun5 small stu11@ <aina %oul5 lose some o1 "er po%er o)er me. =as it trueB 9 %asn?t attra3te5 to Kane. $"at moment last ni-"t "a5 8een pure <aina. S"e seeme5 to "a)e 8een attra3te5 to anyt"int"at "a5 a pulse an5 some t"in-s t"at 5i5n?t. 9 -ritte5 my teet" an5 rea3"e5 out to%ar5s Kane. He %ent )ery still@ 1a3e su55enly serious@ as i1 "e "a5 some 3lue "o% mu3" it 3ost me to rea3" out to "im. 9 ran my 1in-ertips o)er t"e %oun5. $"e skin %as smoot"@ s"iny like a s3ar 8ut so1ter an5 more plia8le. 9 1oun5 mysel1 runnin- my "an5 o)er t"e %oun5@ e*plorin- it. 9t 1elt stran-ely plasti3@ an5 at t"e same time so1t@ like 8a8y?s skin. A$"is 1eels ... 3ool.C Kane -rinne5. 9t remin5e5 me o1 Hason an5 t"at one t"ou-"t rela*e5 a tension in my s"oul5ers t"at 9 "a5n?t e)en kno%n %as t"ere. !"erry 3ame up 8e"in5 "im to sli5e "er "an5s o)er "is s"oul5ers@ massa-in- t"em. A9 ne)er -et o)er 8ein- amaEe5 at "o% %e "eal.C 9 %ante5 to take my "an5 8a3k@ >ust 8e3ause !"erry "a5 tou3"e5 "im@ too. 9 1or3e5 mysel1 to keep my "an5 on t"e %oun5@ 8ut 9?5 stoppe5 e*plorin- it@ >ust tou3"in- it %as all 9 3oul5 mana-e. A$"e mus3les 3an -et ti-"t %"en it?s "ealin-@C !"erry sai5. ADou -et spasms aroun5 it@ like t"e 8o5y "eals too 1ast 1or t"e mus3les to keep up.C 9 took my "an5 a%ay slo%ly. 9 sat on t"e 8e5 %at3"in- !"erry massa-e Kane?s s"oul5ers. /at"aniel nuEEle5 my le-@ rollin- "is eyes up to me. 9 5i5n?t mo)e a%ay 1rom "im@ an5 "e seeme5 to take t"at as permission to roll "is "ea5 onto my t"i-". He nestle5 a-ainst me %it" a 3ontente5 si-". Kane rolle5 onto "is 8a3k on t"e ot"er si5e o1 me@ not tou3"in- me@ 8ut %at3"in- me. His eyes %ere )ery 3are1ul. !"erry staye5 kneelin- on t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5@ %at3"in- my 1a3e. $"ey all %at3"e5 me like 9 %as t"e 3enter o1 t"eir %orl5. 9?5 seen 5o-s in o8e5ien3e trials %at3" t"eir o%ners t"at %ay. 9n 5o-s it %as a -oo5 t"in-. 9n people it %as unner)in-. 9 5i5n?t "a)e a 5o- 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t 1eel responsi8le enou-" to take 3are o1 one. /o% 9 su55enly "a5 t"ree %ereleopar5s@ an5 9 kne% 9 %asn?t responsi8le enou-" 1or t"em. 9 lai5 my "an5 on /at"aniel?s %arm "air. Kane stret3"e5 "is 1ull si*21oot 1rame@ 1in-ers an5 toes strainin-@ spine 8o%inlike a 8i- 3at. 9 lau-"e5. A="at am 9 suppose5 to 5o@ ru8 your tummyBC ,)eryone lau-"e5@ e)en /at"aniel. 9 realiEe5 %it" a s"o3k t"at it %as t"e 1irst time 9?5 e)er "ear5 "im lau-". $"e lau-"ter %as youn-@ "i-"2s3"oolis". Lyin- nake5 in my lap %it" 3la% marks on "is 8utt@ an5 "e %as lau-"in-@ a 1ull2t"roate5@ "appy soun5. 9 %as "appy to "ear it@ an5 ner)ous. $"ey %ere tryin- to make me t"eir "ome. Be3ause t"at %as %"at an :l1ri3 %as suppose5 to 8e@ an5 a /imir2ra@ or /imir2ra>@ 1or a -uy@ %as t"e e;ui)alent. Stran-ely@ t"ere 5i5n?t seem to 8e a %ere%ol1 e;ui)alent o1 a ;ueen %ol1. Se*ismB #r some ar3ane s"it 9 5i5n?t un5erstan5 yetB 9?5 ask <i3"ar5 later. A9?)e -ot to -o take my 8at"@ -uys.C A=e 3oul5 "elp@C Kane sai5. He li3ke5 my arm@ -rima3e5. A9 like t"e taste o1 s%eat@ 8ut t"e -ra)el 5ust ... C /at"aniel raise5 "is 1a3e enou-" to li3k my ot"er arm. His ton-ue ran 5o%n my arm in a lon- slo% -li5e. A9 5on?t min5 t"e 5ust@C "e sai5@ )oi3e lo% an5 so1t. 9 sli5 o11 t"e 8e5@ 3almly@ slo%ly. 9 5i5 not -o yu3k@ or s3ream. 9 %as )ery 3alm an5 )ery relie)e5 to 8e stan5in- on t"e 1loor. $"e 8e5 "a5 su55enly 8e3ome 3ro%5e5. A$"anks@ 8ut t"e 8at" %ill 8e 1ine. 4on?t ans%er any p"one 8ut t"e one 8y t"e 8e5@ an5 5on?t open t"e 5oor to anyone 8ut 4r. Patri3k.C AAye@ aye@ !aptain@C Kane sai5. 9 sli5 t"e 'irestar 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 my >eans an5 pi3ke5 up my suit3ase 1rom a-ainst t"e %all. 9 -lan3e5 8a3k at t"e t"ree o1 t"em 1rom t"e 5oor%ay. Kane "a5 lain 5o%n on t"e ot"er si5e o1 /at"aniel@ only proppe5 on "is el8o%@ one "an5 tou3"in- /at"aniel?s 8a3k. !"erry "a5 3urle5 at t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5. S"e %as runnin- "er "an5 up an5 5o%n "is t"i-". ,it"er t"e s"eet "a5 sli5 o11 or s"e?5 mo)e5 it so s"e 3oul5 tou3" "im. $"ere %as not"in- se*ual on t"eir 1a3es@ not"ino)ert. $"ey looke5 like t"e openin- s3ene 1or a porno mo)ie to me@ 8ut 9 %as sure t"at %"en 9 le1t t"e room@ not"in- %oul5 "appen. $"ere %as no anti3ipation 8et%een t"em@ no ea-erness to "a)e me -one so t"ey 3oul5 8e alone. $"eir eyes still 1ollo%e5 me. $"ey tou3"e5 ea3" ot"er 1or 3om1ort@ not 1or se*. $"e 5is3om1ort %as mine@ not t"eirs. A9?m sorry 9 %ent %it" 7ira@C /at"aniel sai5 su55enly. $"at stoppe5 me in t"e 5oor%ay. ADou?re a 8i- 8oy@ /at"aniel. Dou "a5 e)ery ri-"t to 1in5 someone. 9t %as >ust your 3"oi3e o1 partners t"at %as 8a5.C Kane 8e-an to ru8 "is "an5 up an5 5o%n /at"aniel?s 8a3k@ like you?5 pet a 5o-. /at"aniel lo%ere5 "is "ea5 so "is "air sli5 aroun5 "im like a )eil@ "i5in- "is 1a3e. A9 t"ou-"t you %ere -oin- to 8e my mistress@ my top. 9 t"ou-"t 1or a lon- time

t"at you un5erstoo5 t"e -ame. $"at you %ere tellin- me not to "a)e se* %it" anyone. 9 %as so -oo5. 9 5i5n?t e)en tou3" mysel1.C 9 opene5 my mout"@ 3lose5 it@ opene5 it@ an5 5i5n?t "a)e a 5amn t"in- to say. A="en you 1inally -a)e me permission to "a)e se* %it" you@ it 3oul5 "a)e 8een strai-"t )anilla. 9t %as t"e %aitin-@ t"e 8uil52up@ t"e teasin- t"at %oul5 "a)e ma5e it enou-".C 9 1oun5 my )oi3e. A9 5on?t kno% %"at )anilla means@ /at"aniel.C AStrai-"t se*@C Kane sai5@ Anormal stu11.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="ate)er@ 9 am not playin- %it" you@ /at"aniel. 9 %oul5 ne)er 5o t"at.C He looke5 at me sort o1 si5e%ays as i1 a1rai5 to look me 1ull in t"e 1a3e. A9 kno% t"at no%. 9t %as t"is trip t"at 9 realiEe5 you 5i5n?t e)en kno% %e %ere playin- a -ame. Dou aren?t teasin- me. Dou 5on?t t"ink a8out me at all.C $"at last soun5e5 sort o1 piti1ul@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t "elp t"at. A9 keep "a)in- to apolo-iEe to you@ /at"aniel. Hal1 t"e time 9 5on?t e)en kno% %"at 9?m apolo-iEin- 1or.C A9 5on?t un5erstan5 "o% you 3an 8e my /imir2ra an5 not 8e my top@ 8ut 9 kno% no% t"at you see it as t%o separate t"in-s. Ga8riel 5i5n?t.C A="at is a topBC 9 aske5. Kane ans%ere5 1or "im a-ain. AA 5ominant to /at"aniel?s su8missi)e. A su8missi)e is 3alle5 a 8ottom.C A". A9 am not Ga8riel@C 9 sai5. /at"aniel lau-"e5@ 8ut it %asn?t a "appy soun5. A=oul5 you -et ma5 i1 9 sai5 sometimes 9 %is" you %ereBC 9 >ust 8linke5 at "im. A9?m not ma5@ /at"aniel@ you >ust puEEle t"e "ell out o1 me. 9 kno% 9?m suppose5 to 8e takin- 3are o1 you@ 8ut 9 5on?t kno% "o% to 5o it.C He %as like some e*oti3 pet t"at 9?5 8een -i)en as a -i1t@ 8ut t"e instru3tions 5i5n?t 3ome in t"e 8o*. He lay 8a3k 5o%n on t"e pillo%@ "ea5 turne5 so "e 3oul5 see me. A9 %ent %it" 7ira %"en 9 realiEe5 you %eren?t t"ere 1or me.C A9 am t"ere 1or you@ /at"aniel@ 8ut not in t"at %ay.C A9s t"is %"ere you tell me %e 3an still 8e 1rien5sBC He lau-"e5@ an5 it %as "ars". ADou 5on?t nee5 a 1rien5@ /at"aniel@ you nee5 a keeper.C A9 t"ou-"t you %ere -oin- to 8e my keeper.C 9 looke5 at !"erry an5 Kane. AHo% a8out you -uysBC A/at"aniel is t"e most ... C !"erry "esitate5@ At"e most 8roken o1 us. Ga8riel an5 <aina ma5e sure %e %ere all 8ottomsG it %as all %e %ere traine5 1or. $"ey %ere t"e tops@ al%ays@ 8ut ... 8ut /at"aniel ... C S"e 1inally s"ru--e5. 9 kne% %"at s"e meant. /at"aniel %as t"e %eakest o1 t"em. $"e one %"o nee5e5 t"e most 3are. 9 set t"e suit3ase 5o%n an5 %ent to kneel 8y t"e 8e5. 9 8rus"e5 "is "air 1rom "is 1a3e so 9 3oul5 see "is eyes. A=e?ll all 8e t"ere 1or you@ /at"aniel. =e are your par5. Dour people. =e?ll take 3are o1 you. 9?ll take 3are o1 you.C $ears 1ille5 "is eyes. ABut you %on?t 1u3k me.C 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 stoo5. A/o@ /at"aniel@ 9 %on?t 1u3k you.C 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 pi3ke5 up my suit3ase. 9?5 "a5 all 9 3oul5 take 1or one a1ternoon. 91 7arianne %asn?t "appy %it" t"is little lesson@ t"en s3re% "er. 7ay8e it %asn?t suppose5 to 8e se*ual@ 8ut t"anks to t"e %ay Ga8riel an5 <aina "a5 treate5 t"e %ereleopar5s@ se* 5i5 keep 3omin- up. 9 %as almost a1rai5 to "ear %"at 7arianne?s solution to t"at one %oul5 8e.

Chapter Thirty-nine
9 ran out o1 "ot %ater 8e1ore 9 1ille5 t"e tu8@ an5 9 5i5n?t 3are. $"e small %"ite2tile5 room %as "ot enou-" t"at a truly "ot 8at" seeme5 a 8a5 i5ea. $"e sin-le %in5o% %as set "i-" in t"e %all@ so i1 9 %as 3are1ul@ 9 %oul5n?t 1las". So 9 kept t"e %in5o% open@ e)en t"e 5rapes@ "opin- 1or a stray 8reeEe. 9 sank 5o%n into t"e luke%arm %ater %it"out a 8u88le in si-"t. $"ere %as not"in- 8ut 9)ory soap an5 a partially 8urne5 %"ite 3an5le on t"e 3orner near t"e 1au3et. 9 put t"e 'irestar on t"e small 3orner 8esi5e my "ea5. 9?5 trie5 t"e Bro%nin- t"ere@ 8ut it %as too 8i- an5 kept tryin- to sli5e into t"e %ater. 9 %as 3ompletely un5er%ater@ rinsin- o11 my "air@ %"en 9 "ear5 t"e 5oor 3ras" open. 9 sur1a3e5@ sputterin-@ -ropin- 1or t"e 'irestar. 9 "a5 t"e -un pointe5 8e1ore 9 e)en sa% %"at %as 3omin- t"rou-" t"e 5oor. ,)en %"en 9 3oul5 see@ it 5i5n?t make any sense. $"ere %as a %oman in t"e 5oor%ay. P"ysi3ally@ s"e %as small@ a8out my siEe@ 8ut s"e seeme5 to 1ill t"e room as i1 s"e took up more spa3e t"an t"e eye 3oul5 see. Her "air %as lon- an5 8ro%n. $"e 8an-s "a5 8een allo%e5 to -ro% an5 %ere t"inne5 until t"e "air 3o)ere5 "er 1a3e past "er nose like a )eil. $"e "air %as tinte5 e)er so sli-"tly 8lue. S"e %ore a >ean

>a3ket %it" no slee)es. #ne 8are@ mus3ular@ tatooe5 arm %as "ol5in- t"e 5oor so t"at t"e 1or3e o1 its 8ein- ki3ke5 in 5i5n?t sen5 it 1lyin- 8a3k in "er 1a3e. :n5er ot"er 3ir3umstan3es@ 9?5 "a)e 8een sort o1 5is5ain1ul@ e*3ept 1or t"e roil o1 po%er pourin- 1rom "er. S"e looke5 like s"e?5 -otten lost on "er %ay to a punk 8iker 8ar. Psy3"i3ally@ s"e 1elt like a %in5 1rom t"e mout" o1 "ell@ "ot an5 un1rien5ly. $"ere %as so mu3" po%er in t"e tiny room@ 9 1elt like t"e 8at"%ater s"oul5 start to 8oil. 9 kept t"e -un )ery stea5ily pointe5 at "er 3"est. 9 t"ink it %as t"e only t"in- t"at kept "er >ust insi5e t"e 5oor. $"e look on "er 1a3e %as pure ra-e. =ater 5rippe5 5o%n my 1a3e 1rom my "air@ tan-lin- in my eyelas"es. 9 8linke5@ resistin- t"e ur-e to %ipe t"e %ater a%ay %it" my "an5s. A#ne step@ >ust one@ an5 9 %ill pull t"is tri--er@C 9 sai5. <olan5 appeare5 8e"in5 "er in t"e 5oor%ay. $"is >ust -ot 8etter an5 8etter. He %as still tall@ tanne5@ %it" "is s"ort@ 3urly "air. His 8ro%n eyes s%ept t"e room an5 staye5 on me@ 3rou3"in- nake5 in t"e tu8. 9 kept t"e -un on t"e %oman@ 8ut it %as temptin-. He tou3"e5 t"e %oman?s s"oul5ers. He spoke in t"at lo%@ rollin- )oi3e o1 "is. A<o*anne@ trust me@ s"e %ill kill you.C 9t ma5e me not %ant to s"oot "im a1ter all. A se3on5 man peeke5 into t"e room. He %as taller t"an <olan5@ %"i3" ma5e "im o)er si* 1eet. 9 "a5 enou-" o1 a -limpse to kno% "e %as /ati)e Ameri3an an5 "a5 lon-@ 8la3k "air. $"en "e 5u3ke5 8a3k@ eyes a)erte5@ a -entleman. He sai5@ A<o*anne@ t"is is not appropriate.C <o*anne s"ook o11 <olan5?s "an5s an5 starte5 to %alk 1art"er into t"e room. 9 1ire5 t"e -un in3"es 1rom "er "ea5. $"e soun5 %as t"un5erous. $"e 8ullet took a 8ite out o1 t"e 5oor an5 8urie5 into t"e %all 8e"in5. 9t %as a GlaEer Sa1ety <oun5@ so t"e %all stoppe5 it. 9 %asn?t a1rai5 o1 it -oin- t"rou-" t"e %all. 7y ears ran- %it" t"e s"ot in t"is tiny@ tile5 room. 'or a se3on5@ i1 someone spoke@ 9 3oul5n?t "ear it. 9 kept my eyes on <o*anne. S"e "a5 stoppe5 mo)in-. 9 "a5 t"e 8arrel o1 t"e -un si-"te5 in t"e mi55le o1 t"at pretty 1a3e. 9t took a se3on5 or t%o o1 starin- to realiEe t"at un5er all t"e tatoos@ t"e 1unky "air@ an5 t"e po%er@ s"e %as pretty. 9t %as a tra5itional@ -irl2 ne*t25oor pretty. 7ay8e it %as t"e reasons 1or t"e tatoo an5 t"e "air. ="en nature makes you look %"olesome@ t"ere are %ays to 3"eat. A!ome on@ <o*anne@C <olan5 sai5@ A8a3k a%ay.C S"e >ust stoo5 t"ere. Her po%er 8reat"e5 aroun5 me like a %arm 3lou5. 9t %as 3ontinuous an5 nearly su11o3atin-. 9?5 ne)er 8een aroun5 any s"apes"i1ter t"at "a5 t"is kin5 o1 ra% po%er. #r ne)er aroun5 one t"is po%er1ul %"o 5i5n?t e)en try to pass 1or "uman. <o*anne 5i5n?t )i8rate %it" po%er. S"e %as po%er. An5 9 %as a8out t%o se3on5s a%ay 1rom snu11in- it out. ADou %oul5 really kill me@C s"e sai5. A9n a "eart8eat@C 9 sai5. 9 %as -ettin- tire5 o1 3rou3"in- in t"e %ater. 7a5e it "ar5 to 8e tou-". #1 3ourse@ 8ein- nake5 5i5n?t "elp@ eit"er. A="y 5i5n?t you kill me >ust no%BC ADou?re t"e lupa 1or Verne?s pa3k. Killin- you %oul5 rain all sorts o1 3rap 5o%n. But 9 %ill 5o it@ <o*anne. /o%@ 8a3k out o1 t"e room@ 3lose t"e 5oor@ an5 let me -et 5resse5. 91 you still %ant to talk@ 1ine@ 8ut 5on?t e)er@ e)er pull s"it like t"is a-ain.C A=it"out t"at little -un you %oul5n?t 8e so 3on1i5ent.C ADea"@ it?s a real 3on1i5en3e 8ooster. /o%@ -et t"e 1u3k out o1 t"e room@ or 9 %ill s"oot you.C 7arianne %as su55enly in t"e 5oor%ay. A<o*anne@ let?s -o "a)e some tea an5 let Anita -et 5resse5.C 9 5on?t kno% %"at 7arianne 5i5@ 8ut e)en 9 1elt 3almer. 9t %as like s"e pro>e3te5 3alm an5 pea3e into t"e room. <o*anne let <olan5 an5 7arianne 5ra- "er 8a3k t"rou-" t"e 5oor. <o*anne pointe5 a 1in-er at me. ADou insulte5 my :l1ri3@ an5 you %ill pay 1or t"at@ %it" or %it"out t"e -un.C A'ine@C 9 sai5. $"e 5oor 3lose5 8e"in5 t"em. $"e lo3k "a5 s"attere5 in a pile o1 splinters. !"erry?s )oi3e 3ame t"rou-" t"e 5oor. A9?ll stay outsi5e t"e 5oor until you?re out. 9 3an -i)e you a %arnin- i1 any more 8a5 -uys 3ome.C Ba5 -uys. =as <o*anne a 8a5 -uy or >ust psy3"oB 9 %as 8ettin- on t"e latter.

Chapter Forty
9 -ot 5resse5 in re3or5 time. Bla3k >ean s"orts@ re5 s"ort2slee)e5 knit top@ %"ite >o--in- so3ks@ 8la3k /ikes. /ormally@ 9?5 "a)e le1t o11 t"e s"oul5er "olster insi5e a "ouse@ 8ut 9 t"rea5e5 it t"rou-" t"e 8elt an5 slippe5 it on. $"e 8la3k "olster looke5 )ery stark a-ainst t"e re5 s"irt. 9 put t"e 'irestar 5o%n t"e 1ront o1 t"e s"orts in t"e :n3le 7ike?s Si5eki3k "olster t"at it usually ro5e in. 9 le1t o11 t"e spine s"eat". $"e leat"er %as 8e-innin- to smell like s%eat. 9 %as -oin- to "a)e to let it 5ry out 8e1ore 9 3oul5 %ear it a-ain.

9 smeare5 "air -oop on t"e "air an5 let it -o. 9t?5 5ry on its o%n. !all it a "un3"@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t t"ink <o*anne %as t"e patient type. 91 9 took t"e time 1or makeup or 8lo%25ryin- my "air@ s"e mi-"t 3ome lookin- 1or me. 9 5on?t normally 1uss@ any%ay. 9n trut"@ t"e only reason 9?5 planne5 on it %as t"e 1a3t t"at <i3"ar5 %as 3omin- %it" 4r. !arrie #nslo%@ an5 9 %as 1eelininse3ure. 7e@ inse3ure. Ho% sa5. <i3"ar5 "a5 spent a -reat 5eal o1 t"e 5ay %it" 4r. !arrie #nslo%. 9 %as >ealous an5 "ate5 it. #1 3ourse@ 1irst 9 nee5e5 to -o 3on1ront a pisse52o11 %ere%ol1. 9 3oul5 1i-ure out %"at t"e "ell 9 %as -oin- to 5o %it" <i3"ar5 a1ter 9 talke5 to <o*anne. #ne t"in- 9 %as pretty sure o1@ i1 9 kille5 "er@ it %oul5 8e %ar 8et%een t"e t%o pa3ks. 9 5i5 not %ant to 8rin- t"at on our people@ not i1 it 3oul5 8e a)oi5e5. Anita@ t"e politi3ian2no%@ t"at %as sa5. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor. !"erry looke5 up at me 1rom "er seat on t"e 1loor. $"ere %as somet"in- on "er 1a3e@ a "esitation@ t"at ma5e me say@ A="atBC S"e pus"e5 to "er 1eet@ usin- t"e %all. ADou >ust look ... a--ressi)e.C ADou mean t"e -unsBC A$"e -uns@ t"e re5 an5 8la3k. 9t?s all )ery stark an5 out t"ere.C ADou t"ink 9 s"oul5 8e %earin- pink an5 somet"in- 1rilly to 3o)er t"e -unsBC !"erry smile5. A9 t"ink t"at <o*anne is almost psy3"oti3ally 5ominant@ an5 i1 you -o 5o%n t"ere 5resse5 like t"at@ s"e?ll take it as a si-n t"at s"e?s -ot to 8e >ust as a--ressi)e.C ADou 5on?t e)en kno% "er@C 9 sai5. S"e sai5@ )ery simply@ A4o you t"ink 9?m %ron-BC Put t"at %ay ... A9 5on?t "a)e anyt"in- pink an5 1rilly in my suit3ase.C AHo% a8out somet"in- not 8la3k@ not re5BC 9 1ro%ne5 at "er. A=ill purple 5oBC A9t %oul5 8e 8etter@C s"e sai5. 9 %ent 8a3k in an5 3"an-e5 into a top t"at %as i5enti3al 3otton knit@ s3oop ne3ke5@ 8ut royal purple. 9 "a5 to a5mit t"at t"e purple %as so1ter. 9 kept t"e s"oul5er "olster on 8ut trans1erre5 t"e 'irestar to t"e small o1 my 8a3k. $"eoreti3ally@ 9 3oul5 5ra% it 1rom t"ere@ 8ut it %as not my 1a)orite position. $"e only s"irt 9 3oul5 1in5 to mat3" t"e purple an5 3o)er t"e s"oul5er "olster %as t"in an5 8la3k an5 nylon@ %"i3" "al1 5e1eate5 t"e point o1 %earin- t"e 3otton s"irt to 8e-in %it"@ 8ut 9 "a5 to a5mit t"at it looke5 8etter. 9t %as still 8la3k an5 not 3"eery@ 8ut it %asn?t so a--ressi)e. Dou 3oul5n?t see t"e -uns. 9 3oul5 "a)e %alke5 into any mall in t"e 3ountry an5 not -otten a se3on5 -lan3e. #1 3ourse@ i1 9 mo)e5 1ast@ t"e s"irt %oul5 8lo% 8a3k an5 1las"@ 8ut "ey@ 9 %asn?t plannin- to -o >o--in-. 9 opene5 t"e 5oor a se3on5 time an5 sai5@ ABetterBC !"erry no55e5@ smilin-. A7u3" 8etter. $"ank you 1or listenin- to me. 9 kno% it?s not one o1 your 8est t"in-s.C A9 am not -oin- to 5ra- <i3"ar5?s pa3k into a %ar 8e3ause 9 3oul5n?t tone it 5o%n a little.C $"e smile %i5ene5 into somet"in- -entle an5 almost "eart2%armin-. ADou are a -oo5 lupa@ Anita@ a -oo5 /imir2ra. 'or a "uman@ you?re positi)ely e*3ellent.C ADea"@ 8ut t"e "uman part is still true.C S"e tou3"e5 my s"oul5er. ABut %e 5on?t "ol5 it a-ainst you.C 9 looke5 at "er to see i1 s"e %as ki55in- me@ 8ut 9 >ust 3oul5n?t tell. A9 t"ink <o*anne %ill "ol5 it a-ainst me.C !"erry no55e5. APro8a8ly. $"ey?re all %aitin- in t"e kit3"en.C $"e kit3"en %as tile5 in 8la3k an5 %"ite %it" some 3ra3ks startin- in t"e "i-"tra11i3 areas@ 8ut t"e 1loor %as moppe5 %it"in an in3" o1 its e*isten3e. $"e tile -leame5 so1tly in t"e in5ire3t li-"t t"at tou3"e5 t"e %in5o%s. Like t"e 8e5room /at"aniel %as stayin- in@ it %oul5 -et mornin- li-"t 8ut not a1ternoon. <o*anne sat %it" "er 8a3k to t"e 5oor. $"e e5-es o1 t"e %"ite ta8le3lot" traile5 in "er lap. $"ere %as a sti11ness to t"e %ay s"e "el5 "ersel1 t"at sai5 s"e kne% 9 %as t"ere@ 8ut s"e 5i5n?t turn aroun5. 7arianne sat a3ross 1rom "er %it" a 3"ina tea3up an5 sau3er in 1ront o1 "er. S"e looke5 at me like s"e %as tryin- to tell me somet"in- %it" "er eyes@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at t"at somet"in- %as. <olan5 stoo5 in t"e 3orner ne*t to a "ut3" t"at "el5 t"e 3"ina t"at mat3"e5 t"e 3up. He "a5 "is arms 3rosse5 an5 looke5 )ery 8o5y-uar5is". $"e ot"er man 9?5 -limpse5 stoo5 in t"e opposite 3orner like a se3on5 8ooken5. His arms %ere 3rosse5@ an5 "e looke5 )ery 8o5y-uar5is". $"at %as t"e only t"in- t"at %as similar. #kay@ one ot"erJ $"ey 8ot" "a5 -reat tans. But 9 suspe3te5@ like <i3"ar5@ t"at t"e ne% -uy %asn?t >ust tanne5. His skin %as a ri3" 8ro%n@ "is 8ro%n eyes almost per1e3tly almon5 s"ape5. $"ey %ere almost too small 1or t"e rest o1 t"at 1a3e. 9t %as all an-les@ "i-" 3"eek8ones@ 8roa5 1ore"ea5@ "ooke5 nose. ,)ery 1eature

"e "a5 %as a--ressi)ely male an5 et"ni3. His "air %as lon- an5 8la3k an5 mo)e5 like silky %ater as "e looke5 at me. $"e "air %as a soli5 8la3kness like my o%n@ t"at 8la3k t"at "as 8lue "i-"li-"ts in t"e sun. He %as also at least si* 1oot t%o@ may8e an in3" taller@ %it" s"oul5ers to mat3". He leane5 a-ainst t"e %all@ e*u5in- a sort o1 easy p"ysi3al ener-y like someone %"o kne% "is potential an5 5i5n?t s%eat pro)in- it. A$"at?s Ben. He?s your repla3ement Sk^ll until Hamil is "eale5.C 9 %ante5 to turn 5o%n t"e o11er o1 puttin- my li1e in a stran-er?s "an5s@ 8ut %as almost sure it %oul5 8e 3onsi5ere5 an insult. 9 no55e5. AHi.C He no55e5 8a3k. AHello.C <o*anne turne5 in t"e 3"air@ sli5in- "er le-s so s"e %as sittin- si5e%ays in t"e 3"air. AVerne meant our %ol1 to 8e an apolo-y 1or allo%in- your people to 8e in>ure5 on our lan5s.C S"e looke5 1ull at me an5 t"ose 8ro%n eyes %ere not 1rien5ly. A9 t"ink it is you %"o o%es us an apolo-y.C AApolo-y 1or %"atBC 9 aske5. S"e stoo5@ an5 t"at ener-y spille5 t"rou-" t"e room like %ater@ s%irlin- aroun5 t"e ankles@ risin- to t"e knees. Her po%er spille5 out%ar5@ up%ar5@ as i1 s"e %oul5 1ill t"e room %it" t"e 8reat"in- %armt" o1 "er presen3e. S"e %as so po%er1ul@ it ma5e my t"roat ti-"t >ust stan5in- t"is 3lose to "er. AS"it@C 9 %"ispere5. ADou marke5 Verne as i1 "e %ere t"e least o1 us an5 not t"e -reatest.C ADou mean t"e ne3k t"in-@C 9 sai5. S"e slamme5 t"e 3"air 8a3k into t"e 1loor. 9t 1ell %it" a lou5 3ras". 9 5i5n?t -o 1or a -un@ 8ut it %as an e11ort. <o*anne stoo5 t"ere 8reat"in- 1ar too 1ast an5 1ar too s"allo%. Stron- emotion makes t"e ener-y spill %orse@ an5 "er an-er ma5e t"e po%er 8ite an5 5an3e o)er my skin in a ti-"t@ ele3tri3 5an3e. !"erry mo)e5 up a little 8e"in5 me. Kane appeare5 in t"e 5oor%ay an5 1lanke5 "er. $"ey stoo5 to eit"er si5e an5 a little 8a3k like 8o5y-uar5s. $"ey?5 5o t"eir 8est@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t %ant to test t"em a-ainst <olan5 an5 Ben. 9 %as pretty sure %"o %oul5 %in@ an5 it %oul5n?t 8e us. A9 am sorry t"at 9 marke5 Verne@C 9 sai5. ALies@C <o*anne sai5. A9 truly 5i5n?t mean to 5o it.C S"e took a trem8lin- step 1or%ar5. 9 5i5n?t step 8a3k@ 8ut may8e 9 s"oul5 "a)e. S"e %as too 5amn 3lose. At t"is ran-e@ 9 mi-"t -et t"e Bro%nin- out@ 8ut i1 9 5i5@ 9?5 "a)e to use it@ 8e3ause s"e?5 8e on top o1 me in se3on5s. A!an someone please e*plain %"y s"e?s so pisse5@ an5 %"at %e 3an 5o a8out it t"at %on?t en5 %it" one o1 us 5ea5BC 7arianne stoo5 slo%ly. <o*anne?s "ea5 pi)ote5@ an5 t"e intensity in t"at -aEe@ e)en turne5 to anot"er@ ma5e my skin >ump. 7arianne "el5 "er "an5s palm out an5 a5)an3e5 slo%ly aroun5 t"e ta8le to%ar5s "er lupa. A<o*anne sees t"e markin- as an insult to Verne an5 t"e entire pa3k@C 7arianne sai5. A9 -ot t"at@C 9 sai5. A9 5i5n?t mean it to 8e insultin-. 9 5i5n?t mean to 5o it at all.C <o*anne?s "ea5 turne5 slo%ly until s"e %as starin- at me. Her eyes 8le5 1rom 8ro%n to a ri3"@ startlin- yello% %"ile 9 %at3"e5. 9 put my "an5 on t"e 8utt o1 t"e Bro%nin-. A,ase 5o%n@ %ol12-irl.C A lo%@ rum8lin- -ro%l 3ra%le5 out o1 t"at slen5er t"roat. 7arianne sai5@ A91 you truly 5i5n?t mean to 8e insultin-@ t"en %oul5 you 8e %illin- to make amen5sBC 9 kept my -aEe on <o*anne 8ut ans%ere5@ AHo% %oul5 9 make amen5sBC A=e 3oul5 1i-"t@C <o*anne sai5. 9 looke5 into "er nearly -lo%in- yello% eyes. A9 5on?t t"ink so.C 7arianne %as stan5in- sort o1 8et%een us %it"out a3tually stan5in- 8et%een us. ADou 3oul5 o11er your ne3k to <o*anne in a pu8li3 3eremony.C 7y eyes sli5 to 7arianne@ t"en 8a3k to t"e %ere%ol1. A9 am not lettin- "er near my ne3k in pu8li3 or pri)ate@ not on purpose.C ADou 5on?t trust me@C <o*anne sai5. A/ope.C S"e took anot"er pain1ully slo% step 1or%ar5. 7arianne 5i5 step 8et%een us t"en. 91 <o*anne mo)e5 1or%ar5 anot"er in3"@ "er s"oul5er %oul5 8ump 7arianne.

A$"ere is anot"er 3eremony@C 7arianne sai5. A9 am not o11erin- <o*anne my ne3k@C 9 sai5. A/o ne3k o11erin-@ 8ut you 5o e*3"an-e 8lo%s.C 9 1elt my eyes %i5en. 9 stare5 at t"e nearly snarlin- %oman a3ross 1rom me. ADou must 8e >okin-. S"e?5 kill me.C A9?ll let you "it me 1irst@C <o*anne sai5. A9?)e rea5 t"is story. /o t"anks.C <o*anne 1ro%ne5. AStoryBC ASir Ga%ain an5 t"e Green Kni-"t@C 9 sai5. S"e still looke5 puEEle5. A$"e Green Kni-"t lets Sir Ga%ain "a)e t"e 1irst 8lo%. Ga%ain 3uts o11 "is "ea5. $"e Green Kni-"t pi3ks up "is "ea5 un5er one arm an5 says@ F7y turn@ a year 1rom no%I? A AHa)en?t rea5 it@C s"e sai5. A9t?s not top t%enty rea5in- list@ 9 -uess. Any%ay@ t"e point is t"e same. 9 3an "it you as "ar5 as 9 3an@ an5 it %on?t "urt you. Dou 3an 1li3k your 1in-ers in my 5ire3tion an5 8reak my ne3k.C A$"en %e 1i-"t@C s"e sai5. 7y "an5 %as still restin- on t"e Bro%nin-. A9?ll kill you@ <o*anne@ 8ut 9 %on?t 1i-"t you.C A!o%ar5IC ADou 8et@C 9 sai5. 9 1elt <i3"ar5 8rus" o)er me@ t"rou-" me@ like %in5. He?5 re3o-niEe5 <o*anne?s 3ar an5 %as lettin- me kno% "e %as a8out to 8rin- a "uman into t"e mess. A "uman %"o 5i5n?t kno% %"o t"e monsters %ere. 9 looke5 a%ay to see "is s"ape outsi5e t"e kit3"en 5oor@ an5 9 s"oul5n?t "a)e. 9 5i5n?t so mu3" see <o*anne?s 1ist as sense t"e mo)ement. 7y "an5 %as alrea5y on t"e Bro%nin-@ only se3on5s to pull it@ 8ut t"at 8lur o1 mo)ement 3au-"t me in t"e 3"in. 9 "a5 t"e sensation o1 1allin-@ 8ut 9 5i5n?t remem8er "ittin- t"e 1loor or 5i5n?t 1eel it. 9 %as on t"e 1loor lookin- up at t"e %"ite 3eilin-. 7arianne %as 8esi5e me. Her lips %ere mo)in-@ 8ut no soun5 3ame out. Soun5 1inally 3ame t"rou-" %it" an almost au5i8le pop like a small soni3 8oom. S3reamin-. ,)eryone %as s3reamin-. 9 "ear5 <i3"ar5?s )oi3e an5 <o*anne?s an5 ot"ers. 9 trie5 to sit up an5 3oul5n?t. 7arianne tou3"e5 my s"oul5er. A4on?t try to mo)e.C 9 %ante5 to see %"at %as "appenin-@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t make my 8o5y mo)e. 9 3oul5 1eel it@ 8ut it %as like a -reat %ei-"t alon- my 8o5y@ as i1 %"at 9 really %ante5 to 5o %as sleep. 9 1le*e5 my ri-"t "an5@ an5 it %as empty. 9?5 5roppe5 t"e Bro%nin- some%"ere. 'rankly@ 9 %as >ust "appy to 8e a8le to mo)e my "an5. 9 %asn?t >okin- %"en 9?5 tol5 <o*anne s"e 3oul5 8reak my ne3k %it"out tryin- "ar5. 9 kept 1le*in- t"in-s@ %aitin- to 8e a8le to stan5 up. 9 %as 1inally a8le to mo)e my "ea5 enou-" to see t"e rest o1 t"e room. <i3"ar5 "a5 <o*anne aroun5 t"e %aist@ 1eet 3ompletely o11 t"e -roun5. <olan5 an5 Ben %ere tryin- to pull <i3"ar5 o11 o1 "er. S"an-24a %as tryin- to -et 4r. !arrie #nslo% to -o 8a3k outsi5e t"e kit3"en 5oor. <o*anne s;uirme5 out o1 <i3"ar5?s arms. S"e stro5e o)er to me@ an5 Kane an5 !"erry mo)e5 like a %all 8et%een us. S"e s"o)e5 8et%een t"e t%o o1 t"em@ s3reamin-@ ADour turn@ 8it3"I Dour turnIC S"e %as stan5in- t"ere@ si5e%ays@ %it" t"e t%o %ereleopar5s tryin- to "ol5 "er %it"out "urtin- "er. Her ri-"t le- %as 1le*e5 1or%ar5. 9 t"ink only 7arianne "ear5 me say@ A7y pleasure.C 9 ki3ke5 <o*anne >ust 8elo% t"e knee3ap@ aimin- up. $"e knee3ap poppe5 out o1 its so3ket@ an5 s"e %ent 5o%n s"riekin-. 9 ki3ke5 "er t%i3e in t"e 1a3e. Bloo5 8lossome5 1rom "er nose an5 mout". 9 -ot to my 1eet. /o one trie5 to "elp me. $"e room "a5 su55enly 1allen so ;uiet@ you 3oul5 "ear <o*anne?s 8reat"in-@ too lou5@ too 1ast. S"e spat 8loo5 on t"e 1loor. 9 %alke5 aroun5 "er an5 t"e %ereleopar5s until 9 %as 3lose to t"e ta8le. Ben an5 <olan5 still "el5 <i3"ar5@ 8ut it %as like t"ey?5 1or-otten %"y t"ey %ere 5oin- it. S"an-24a pi3ke5 !arrie #nslo% up an5 3arrie5 "er out t"e 5oor %it" "er yellin-@ A<i3"ar5IC 9t %as one o1 t"ose moments %"en time seems to slo% an5 stret3" an5 "appen too 1ast all at t"e same time. 9 "ear5 <o*anne say@ A9 %ill kill you 1or t"atIC But 9 5on?t "onestly remem8er %"et"er 9 pi3ke5 t"e 3"air up 8e1ore or a1ter s"e sai5 it. 9 only remem8er "a)in- t"e 3"air an5 %"en s"e leape5 at me@ 9 smas"e5 t"e 3"air into "er like you?5 use a 8ase8all 8at@ takin- t"e arms %ay 8a3k@ t"ro%in- my s"oul5ers an5 8a3k mus3les into it. $"e s"o3k o1 t"e 8lo% le1t my 1in-ers an5 "an5s tin-lin-@ 8ut 9 kept t"e -rip on t"e 3"air. <o*anne %as on all 1ours on t"e 1loor@ 8ut s"e %asn?t 5o%n. 9 raise5 t"e 3"air 1or anot"er 8lo% as "er po%er 1lo%e5 o)er me like a s3al5in- %in5. 9 smas"e5 t"e 3"air 5o%n %it" e)eryt"in- 9 "a5. S"e 3au-"t it an5 tore it out o1 my "an5s. 9 8a3ke5 up an5 pulle5 t"e 'irestar. <olan5 yelle5@ A/o -unsIC 9 -lan3e5 at <i3"ar5. He sai5@ A/o -uns.C $"e look on "is 1a3e %as enou-". He %as s3are5 1or me. So %as 9.

/o -uns. =ere t"ey ki55in-B <o*anne trie5 to -et to "er 1eet@ 8ut t"e knee %oul5n?t "ol5. S"e 1ell@ an5 t"e 3"air t"u55e5 into t"e 1loor. S"e s3reame5 an5 t"re% t"e 3"air at me. 9 "a5 to 5i)e 1or t"e 1loor to a)oi5 it. S"e 3ame 1or me on "an5s an5 one le- in a mo)ement almost too 1ast to 1ollo%. 9 "a5 plenty o1 time to s"oot "er@ 8ut 9 %asn?t suppose5 to s"oot "er. 9 3ra8 %alke5 8a3k%ar5s@ tryin- to stay a%ay. $"e 'irestar %as still in my "an5. 9 yelle5@ A<i3"ar5IC $"e marks su55enly opene5 8et%een us like a 1loo5-ate. 9 %as 8at"e5 in t"e s3ent o1 "is skin an5 t"e 5istant musk o1 1ur. <o*anne "esitate5 in t"at mania3@ skitterin- 3ra%l. Her pretty 1a3e 8e-an to stret3" out%ar5 as i1 a "an5 %ere pus"in- out 1rom t"e insi5e. A muEEle 8loome5 in t"e mi55le o1 t"at "uman 1a3e@ 3o)ere5 in "uman skin %it" a line o1 lipsti3k %"ere lips use5 to 8e. 9 rea3"e5 5o%n t"at line o1 po%er 8et%een <i3"ar5 an5 mysel1. 9 %rappe5 t"e s3ent o1 "im@ t"e 1eel o1 "im@ t"e >itterinplay o1 ener-y. 9 3oul5 su55enly 1eel t"e moon in t"e 5ayli-"t sky@ an5 kne%2kne% in e)ery 3ell o1 my 8o5y2t"at tomorro% ni-"t %as it@ tomorro% ni-"t 9 %oul5 8e 1ree. An5 1or an instant@ 9 %asn?t sure %"ose t"ou-"t t"at %as@ <i3"ar5?s or "is 8east?s. 9 le1t t"e 'irestar on t"e 1loor an5 -ot to my 1eet %it" t"e %in5o% 8e"in5 me. 9 kne% <i3"ar5 %oul5n?t let "er kill me@ 8ut 9 also kne% s"e %as -oin- to "urt me. 9?5 t"ro%n a %ere%ol1 t"rou-" a %in5o% on3e upon a time. 9t "a5 stoppe5 t"e 1i-"t. 9t %as all 9 3oul5 t"ink o1. #1 3ourse@ <o*anne "a5 to 3ooperate an5 run at me like a mania3 to set "ersel1 up 1or t"e t"ro%. 91 s"e 3ame at me slo%er@ it %oul5n?t %ork. S"e 3ame at me slo%er@ in a limpin- run. 9 %as out o1 i5eas. #ne t"in- 9 kne%J 91 s"e tou3"e5 me %it" t"ose 3la%s or t"at mout"@ 9 mi-"t 8e a lupa 1or real ne*t mont". $ime %as in t"at 3rystalline run@ slo% an5 1ast@ slo% an5 -litterin-ly 1ast. 9 t"ou-"t o1 se)eral t"in-s to 5o an5 %oul5n?t 8e 1ast enou-" to 5o any o1 t"em. But 9?5 -o 5o%n tryin-. <i3"ar5 %as yellin-@ A/o 3la%s@ <o*anne@ no 3la%s.C 9 5on?t t"ink <o*anne "ear5 "im. S"e s%ipe5 at me %it" t"ose monstrous 3la%s@ an5 9 5u3ke5 un5er t"e s%in-in- arm. 9 5u3ke5 8lo%s t"at %ere too 1ast to see@ a)oi5e5 "er like 9 kne% %"ere s"e?5 8e. 9t %as <i3"ar5@ t"e marks@ 8ut it %as too 3on1usin-@ too ne% 1or me to 8e a8le to 1i-"t %it" it. 9 3oul5 use it to a)oi5 "er@ 8ut only 1or so lon-. 9 en5e5 up on my 8a3k@ on t"e 1loor@ pointin- t"e 'irestar up at "er. S"e %as 3omin- %it" 3la%s an5 teet"@ an5 9 %as out o1 options. $"e 5oor 8urst open@ an5 Verne yelle5@ A<o*anne@ noIC 9 1elt "is po%er 3ras" t"rou-" t"e room like t"e li5 on a 8oilin- pot@ somet"in- t"ro%n o)er t"e "eat@ to "ol5 it@ 3ontain it@ 8ut it 5i5n?t stop it. Ben an5 <olan5 %ere su55enly "an-in- onto <o*anne@ 5ra--in- "er 8a3k 1rom me. 91 Verne "a5 -i)en an or5er to t"em@ 9 "a5n?t "ear5 it. <o*anne %as 3uttin- t"em up@ sli3in- t"eir arms open@ an5 t"ey %ere takin- it. Verne %as still yellin-@ A9 lie5@ <o*anne. 9 lie5. S"e 5i5n?t proposition me.C <o*anne %ent )ery still in t"eir arms. S"e spoke aroun5 t"at only partly "uman mout"@ A="at 5i5 you sayBC Lu3y 3ame in 8e"in5 Verne@ t"rou-" t"e still2open 5oor. S"e s"ut t"e 5oor an5 leane5 a-ainst it@ smilin-@ en>oyin- t"e s"o%. A9 sai5@ 9 lie5@C Verne sai5. A9?m an ol5 man@ an5 you are 8eauti1ul an5 po%er1ul an5 t"irty years youn-er t"an 9 am. 9 tol5 you %"en s"e marke5 my ne3k t"at s"e propositione5 me. S"e 5i5n?t.C <o*anne rela*e5 in t"e -rip o1 "er 8lee5in- 8o5y-uar5s. Dou 3oul5 1eel t"e tension seep a%ay@ an5 %it" it "er 1les". Her 1a3e@ "er "an5s@ 1lo%e5 until s"e stoo5 "uman a-ain. Her nose %as 8loo5y %"ere 9?5 ki3ke5 "er. ADou 3an let me -o@C s"e sai5. A9 %on?t "urt "er.C $"ey 5i5n?t let "er -o. $"ey looke5 at Verne. AHo% a8out me@ 5arlin-BC "e sai5. ADou -oin- to "urt meBC A="en %e -et "ome@ 9?ll ki3k t"e s"it out o1 you@ 8ut not "ere@ not no%.C Verne smile5. <o*anne smile5. An5 8ot" smiles %ere t"e same. 9t %as more t"an lust@ t"ou-" t"at %as mi*e5 in %it" it. 9t %as a look t"at 3ouples "a)e@ like a se3ret lan-ua-e@ a look t"at e*3lu5es e)eryone else an5 3annot 8e e*plaine5. 9 looke5 at <i3"ar5. A$"ey 8e 3raEier t"an %e are.C He smile5 at me@ an5 t"e smile %arme5 me 5o%n to my /ikes. 9 smile5 8a3k@ an5 realiEe5 %it" a >olt t"at tin-le5 t"rou-" my entire 8o5y t"at %e "a5 our o%n se3ret look. Go5@ 9?5 misse5 "im. Lu3y stalke5 into t"e room on a pair o1 plat1orm s"oes@ purple s"ort2s"orts@ an5 %"at looke5 like a la)en5er 8ra 8ut pro8a8ly %asn?t. S"e sas"aye5 up to <i3"ar5@ slippin- 8ot" o1 "er arms t"rou-" one o1 "is. AHe?s re>e3te5 me 1or you@ s%eetie@C s"e sai5 in a )oi3e t"at %as too pleasant 1or t"e an-er in "er eyes. 9 looke5 at <i3"ar5. A9 5on?t t"ink "e 5umpe5 you 8e3ause o1 me.C S"e pus"e5 a%ay 1rom <i3"ar5 to stan5 in 1ront o1 me. 9 "a5 t"e -un in my "an5. 9 1i-ure5 9 %as sa1e. $"e marks %it" <i3"ar5 1a5e5@ pulle5 8a3k@ repla3e5 %it" t"e kno%le5-e t"at %e %ere a 3ouple a-ain. 9 )alue5 t"at a "ell o1 a lot more t"an t"e marks.

A9 3an 5o t"in-s 1or "im in 8e5 t"at your "uman 8o5y 3oul5 ne)er 5o. 9 3an take e)ery oun3e o1 stren-t"@ e)ery t"rust@ an5 it >ust 1eels -oo5. 9t 5oesn?t "a)e to 8e -entle %it" me@ 3are1ul %it" me.C ="i3" "it a little 3lose to "ome@ %"i3" is my only e*3use 1or %"at 9 sai5 ne*t. AGee@ Lu3y@ 9 5on?t kno%. He spen5s one ni-"t %it" me an5 5rops you like yester5ay?s ne%s. ,it"er you?re not t"at -oo5 a lay@ or 9?m 8etter.C Her 1a3e narro%e5 5o%n@ eyes %i5eG 1or a se3on5@ 9 t"ou-"t s"e mi-"t 3ry. 9 5i5n?t %ant "er to 3ry. $"at %oul5 spoil it an5 make me 1eel like a s"it. Lu3y turne5 a%ay 1rom me@ 8rin-in- "er "an5s to 3o)er "er 1a3e. 4amn. 9 looke5 past "er to <i3"ar5. $"e look on "is 1a3e %as not "appy %it" me. 9 3oul5n?t 8lame "im on t"is one. 9 5i5n?t see Lu3y turn@ 9 1elt it. 9 1elt t"e air mo)e as s"e %"irle5. Her "an5 3au-"t me a3ross t"e 1a3e. 9 "a5 t"e sensation o1 1allin-@ 8ut i1 9 "it t"e -roun5@ 9 5i5n?t remem8er it.

Chapter Forty-one
9 %oke to 5arkness an5 t"e smell o1 3lean s"eets. 9 8linke5 at t"e stran-e %in5o%s an5 t"e spill o1 moonli-"t on t"e 1loor. 9 5i5n?t re3o-niEe t"e room. #n3e 9 realiEe5 9 %asn?t any%"ere 9?5 e)er 8een@ tension 1ille5 me like %ater. 9 "ear5 someone 8e"in5 me@ an5 t"at raise5 t"e tension anot"er not3". 9 trie5 to lie still@ 8ut 9 kne% my 8reat"in- "a5 3"an-e5. 91 t"ey %ere "uman@ t"ey mi-"t not "a)e noti3e5@ 8ut 9 >ust 5i5n?t kno% t"at many "umans ri-"t no%. AAnita@ it?s 4amian.C 9 rolle5 o)er onto my ri-"t si5e@ an5 it "urt. 7y ri-"t arm %as 8an5a-e5 1rom my palm to a8out t"e mi55le o1 my 1orearm. 9t 5i5n?t "urt t"at mu3"@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t remem8er "o% 9?5 in>ure5 it. $"e )ampire %as sittin- in a 3"air 8y t"e 5oor. His lon-@ re5 "air looke5 a stran-e pale 8ro%n in t"e 5ark. He %as %earin- t"e )est an5 pants o1 a )ery ni3e@ pro8a8ly tailore5@ 8usiness suit. 9t mi-"t "a)e 8een 8la3k or na)y or e)en 5ark 8ro%n. His skin -lo%e5 pale a-ainst t"e 5arkness o1 t"e 3lot". A="at time is itBC 9 aske5. ADou?re t"e only one %earin- a %at3"@C "e sai5. 9 raise5 my le1t "an5 in 1ront o1 my 1a3e an5 "it t"e little 8utton t"at ma5e it -lo%. $"e -lo% seeme5 8ri-"ter t"an it s"oul5 "a)e 8e3ause o1 t"e 5arkness. AGo5@ it?s a1ter ele)en. 9?)e 8een out 1or "ours.C 9 lay 8a3k on t"e 8e5. A4i5 it o33ur to anyone to take me to a "ospitalBC A$"e sun?s only 8een 5o%n 1or a little o)er t%o "ours@ Anita. 9 5on?t kno% %"at 3"oi3es %ere ma5e. ="en As"er an5 9 %oke@ %e %ere in t"e 8asement "ere. =e 1e5@ t"en 9 took <i3"ar5?s pla3e "ere 8y your 8e5.C A="ere is <i3"ar5BC A9 t"ink "e?s at t"eir lupanar@ 8ut 9?m not 3ertain.C 9 -lan3e5 at "im. He seeme5 some"o% 5istant. ADou 5i5n?t ask any ;uestionsBC A9 %as tol5 to stay "ere an5 -uar5 your rest. ="at more 5i5 9 nee5 to kno%BC ADou aren?t a sla)e@ 4amian. Dou?re allo%e5 to ask ;uestions.C A9 -ot to sit "ere in t"e 5ark an5 %at3" you sleep. ="at more 3oul5 your pet )ampire askBC $"at last "a5 a 8itter e5-e to it. 9 sat up slo%ly 8e3ause 9 still 1elt %o88ly. A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC 9 trie5 to prop my 8a3k a-ainst t"e "ea)y %oo5en "ea58oar5 8ut nee5e5 more pillo%s un5er me. 9 trie5 to pus" t"em un5er me %it" my ri-"t "an5@ an5 it "urt. 9t %as a ni3e@ s"arp a3"e. A9 remem8er Lu3y "ittin- me@ 8ut %"at "appene5 to my armBC 4amian put one knee on t"e 8e5 an5 "elpe5 prop t"e pillo%s un5er my 8a3k. He e)en 1oun5 an e*tra one 1or me to lay my ri-"t arm on. A<i3"ar5 sai5 Lu3y trie5 to pull your arm o11.C $"at 8it o1 kno%le5-e le1t me 3ol5 an5 s3are5. AHesus@ a %oman s3orne5.C APillo%s 8etterBC "e aske5. ADea"@ t"anks.C He -ot to "is 1eet an5 starte5 to mo)e 8a3k to t"e 3"air. 9 sai5@ A4on?t.C 9 "el5 my le1t "an5 out to "im. He took my "an5. His skin %as %arm to t"e tou3". $"ere %as a li-"t 5e% o1 s%eat on "is palm. Vampires 3an s%eat@ 8ut t"ey 5on?t 5o it o1ten. 9 s;ueeEe5 "is "an5@ starin- up into "is 1a3e. $"e moonli-"t %as stron-@ so 9 3oul5 see "is 1a3e. His skin %as pale@ almost luminous. $"ose 8rilliant -reen eyes %ere >ust li;ui5 5arkness 8y moonli-"t. 9 5re% "im to sit 8esi5e me.

ADou?)e 1e5 toni-"t or your skin %oul5 8e 3ol5@ so %"y t"e s%eatBC He 5re% "is "an5 out o1 mine@ turnin- "is 1a3e a%ay. ADou 5on?t %ant to kno%.C ADea"@ 9 5o.C 9 tou3"e5 "is 3"in %it" my 1in-ertips@ turnin- "is 1a3e 8a3k to me. A="at?s %ron-BC A4on?t you "a)e enou-" to %orry a8out %it"out 8ot"erin- %it" meBC A$ell me %"at?s %ron-@ 4amian. 9 mean it.C He let out a lon-@ s"akin- 8reat". A$"ereG you?)e 5one it. A 5ire3t or5er.C A$ell me@C 9 sai5. A9 %as "appy to sit "ere in t"e 5ark an5 %at3" you sleep. 9 t"ink i1 <i3"ar5 "a5 kno%n >ust "o% "appy@ "e %oul5 "a)e ma5e As"er 5o it.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. ADou?)e lost me.C ADou 1eel it@ too@ Anita. /ot as stron-ly as 9 5o@ 8ut you 1eel it.C A'eel %"at@ 4amianBC A$"is.C He pla3e5 "is "an5 a-ainst my 1a3e@ an5 9 %ante5 to ru8 my 1a3e a-ainst "is skin. 9 "a5 a momentary ur-e to pull "im 5o%n on t"e 8e5 8esi5e me. /ot 1or se*@ ne3essarily@ 8ut to tou3" "im. $o run my "an5s o)er t"at pale skin@ to 8at"e in t"e po%er t"at animate5 "is 1les". 9 s%allo%e5 "ar5 an5 5re% 8a3k 1rom "is "an5. A="at is -oin- on@ 4amianBC ADou?re a ne3roman3er@ an5 9?m t"e %alkin- 5ea5. Dou?)e raise5 me 1rom t"e 5ea5 t%i3e. Dou?)e 3alle5 me on3e 1rom my 3o11in an5 on3e 8a3k 1rom t"e e5-e o1 true 5eat". Dou?)e "eale5 me %it" your po%ers. 9 am your 3reature. 9 "a)e ma5e )o%s o1 loyalty to Hean2!lau5e as my 7aster o1 t"e !ity@ an5 9 "onor t"em@ 8ut you 9 %oul5 1ollo% into "ell itsel1. /ot out o1 5uty@ 8ut out o1 5esire. 9 3an t"ink o1 not"in- 8etter t"an to 8e 8y your si5e. /ot"in- pleases me more t"an 5oin- %"at you ask. ="en 9?m near you@ 9 1in5 it )ery "ar5 to 5o almost anyt"in- lar-e@ like 1ee5in- or lea)in- your presen3e@ %it"out askin- your permission.C 9 >ust stare5 at "im. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at to say@ not un3ommon 1or me to5ay. But %it" "im sittin- so 3lose in t"e 5ark room@ 9 "a5 to say somet"in-. A4amian@ 9 ... 9 5i5n?t mean 1or anyt"in- like t"is to "appen. 9 5on?t %ant you to 8e some sort o1 un5ea5 ser)ant.C A9 kno%@C "e sai5. ABut 9 also un5erstan5 %"y t"e )ampire 3oun3il ma5e it a "a8it to kill ne3roman3ers. 9 5on?t ser)e you out o1 1ear. 9 %ant to 5o it. ="en 9 am %it" you@ 9 am "appier t"an %it"out you. 9t?s a little like 8ein- in lo)e@ 8ut ... mu3" more 1ri-"tenin-.C A9 kne% %e "a5 a 3onne3tion. 9 e)en kne% %"y %e "a5 it. 9 >ust 5i5n?t "a)e any i5ea it %as t"is stron- 1or you@C 9 sai5. A9 5i5n?t realiEe you 1elt 5ra%n to me as 9 am to you until last ni-"t. Dou 3oul5 "a)e 3"osen As"er. He a5ores you@ an5 you remem8er 8ein- in "is 8e5. But you 3"ose me to kiss. 7e to "ol5. 9 5on?t t"ink it %as an a33i5ent.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 5on?t kno%. 9 5on?t remem8er e)eryt"in- 3learly 1rom last ni-"t. $"e munin is sort o1 like 8ein- 5runk.C A4o you remem8er %"at you sai5 to meBC A9 sai5 a lot o1 t"in-s.C But my )oi3e %as so1t@ an5 9 %as )ery a1rai5 9 5i5 remem8er t"e p"rase "e %as sear3"in- 1or. ADou sai5@ 5on?t 8lee5 me@ 1u3k me.C Dep@ t"at %as t"e p"rase. Hust remem8erin- it %as so em8arrassin-@ 9 s;uirme5. 9t %as my turn to look a%ay. A9t %as t"e munin talkin-@C 9 sai5. ADou?re one o1 t"e 1e% males t"at 9 "an- aroun5 %it" t"at <aina ne)er "a5 se* %it". 7ay8e s"e %ante5 somet"in- 5i11erent.C He tou3"e5 my 1a3e@ turne5 me 8a3k to meet "is eyes. A$"at isn?t it@ an5 you kno% it.C 9 pulle5 8a3k 1rom "is "an5. ALook@ my plate is like 1ull to o)er1lo%in- %it" -uys ri-"t no%. 9?m 1lattere5@ t"anks 1or t"e o11er@ 8ut no t"anks.C AAn5 "o% "appy are you %it" t"e t%o men in your 8e5 ri-"t no%BC "e aske5. ADou?)e "a5 se* %it" <i3"ar5 no%@ an5 t"e marks are 8in5in- you ti-"ter t"an e)er.C A4i5 e)eryone kno% t"at %as a possi8ility 8ut meBC 9 aske5. AHean2!lau5e 1or8a5e me 1rom tellin- you. 9 t"ou-"t you "a5 a ri-"t to kno%.C A9 1elt Hean2!lau5e %ake t"is mornin- 8e1ore ten. 9 1elt "im %ake@ 4amian. 9 1elt t"e 1ier3eness o1 "is >oy@ "is triump".C 9 trie5 to 3ross my arms o)er my 3"est@ an5 t"e ri-"t one %oul5n?t 3ooperate. A4amn it to "ell.C A9 %as t"e ser)ant o1 my ori-inal mistress 1or a )ery lon- time@ Anita. $"e t"ou-"t o1 8ein- your ser)ant@ anyone?s ser)ant@ terri1ies me.C He tou3"e5 t"e 8an5a-es on my ri-"t arm. ABut 9 see t"em usin- you@ Anita. 9 see t"em %it""ol5inin1ormation 1rom you.C He 3ra5le5 my 8an5a-e5 "an5 in 8ot" o1 "is. A9 s%ore oat"s to Hean2!lau5e@ 8ut it?s your po%er t"at makes my "eart 8eat@ your pulse 9 3an taste like 3"erries on my ton-ue.C 9 5re% my "an5 out o1 "is. A="at are you sayin-@ 4amianBC

A9?m sayin- t"at you s"oul5n?t 8e t"e only one o1 t"e t"ree t"at 5oesn?t kno% %"at?s -oin- on.C AAn5 you 3an tell me@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. A9 3an ans%er your ;uestions. 9n 1a3t@ i1 you make t"em or5ers@ 9 3an?t re1use to ans%er t"em.C ADou?re "an5in- me t"e keys to your soul@ 4amian. ="yBC He smile5@ teet" a 5im %"iteness in "is 1a3e. ABe3ause 9 ser)e you 8e1ore 9 ser)e anyone else. 9 trie5 1i-"tin- it@ 8ut 9 3an?t. So 9?m t"rou-" 1i-"tin-. 9 -i)e mysel1 to you %illin-ly@ e)en ea-erly.C A91 you mean %"at 9 t"ink you mean@ 5i5n?t As"er say somet"in- last ni-"t a8out i1 9 "a5 se* %it" you@ Hean2!lau5e %oul5 kill youBC ADes@C "e sai5. 9 looke5 at "im. A9 may 8e -oo5@ 4amian@ 8ut no one?s %ort" 5yin- 1or.C A9 5on?t t"ink "e?5 kill me. Hean2!lau5e "as ;uestione5 me a8out t"e 8on5 9 1eel %it" you.C AHe "as@ "as "eBC ADes@ an5 "e?s please5. He t"inks it?s anot"er si-n o1 your in3reasin- po%ers as a ne3roman3er. He?s ri-"t.C AHean2!lau5e kne% you %ere o8eyin- me %it"out %antin- to@ an5 "e 5i5n?t tell meBC 9 sai5. AHe t"ou-"t it %oul5 upset you.C A="en %as "e -oin- to mention t"is little 1a3t to meBC AHe?s t"e 7aster o1 t"e !ity. He 5oesn?t ans%er to me. 9 5on?t kno% %"at "e plans to tell you or %"en.C A#kay@ %"at ot"er po%ers 3an 9 e*pe3t to -ain t"rou-" t"e marksBC He lay 5o%n on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e pillo% "e?5 -otten 1or my in>ure5 arm. He proppe5 "imsel1 up on one el8o%@ lon- le-s stret3"e5 out t"e len-t" o1 t"e 8e5. A$"eir p"ysi3al stren-t"@ t"eir si-"t@ "earin-. Dou 3oul5 -ain almost e)ery po%er t"ey "a)e %it"out -i)in- up your "umanity. $"ou-" you?5 pro8a8ly "a)e to take t"e 1ourt" mark to -ain t"e 1ull po%ers.C A/o@ t"anks@C 9 sai5. A,ternal li1e %it"out "a)in- to 5ie 1or it@ Anita. 9t?s tempte5 many o)er t"e 3enturies.C A9?)e "a5 too many surprises in t"e last t%o 5ays@ 4amian. 9?m not tyin- mysel1 any 3loser to Hean2!lau5e.C ADou say t"at no%@ 8ut let a 1e% more years pass@ an5 you may 3"an-e your min5. ,ternal yout"@ Anita. 9t?s not a small o11erin-.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A="at else 3an 9 e*pe3t 1rom t"e marksBC A$"eoreti3ally@ any po%er t"ey possess.C A$"at?s not typi3al 1or a "uman ser)ant@ is itBC A$"ey all -ain some stren-t"@ stamina@ "ealin-@ resistan3e to in>ury@ immunity to 5isease an5 poison. $"ou-" a-ain@ %it"out t"e 1ourt" mark@ 9?m not sure "o% mu3" o1 t"at you?)e -aine5. 9?m not sure Hean2!lau5e or <i3"ar5 kno%@ eit"er@ until you pull anot"er ra88it out o1 your "at.C A=as t"e munin a surprise to t"emBC A#"@ yes@C 4amian sai5. He lay "is "ea5 on t"e e5-e o1 t"e pillo% 9 %asn?t usin-. He rolle5 onto "is 8a3k so "e %as lookin- up at me. AHean2!lau5e kne% o1 t"e munin@ 8ut "a5n?t really t"ou-"t t"at t"ey %ere t"e spirits o1 t"e 5ea5 an5 %"at t"at %oul5 mean 1or you. ,)en ne3roman3ers o1 le-en5 5on?t 3ontrol t"e munin.C A$"e ne3roman3ers o1 le-en5 5on?t "a)e a 8on5 %it" an alp"a %ere%ol1@C 9 sai5. A$"at?s %"at Hean2!lau5e t"inks@ too.C 9 settle5 lo%er in t"e nest o1 pillo%s. A9t?s so -reat t"at "e?s talkin- a8out me to e)eryone 8ut me.C 4amian rolle5 so t"at "e %as starin- up at me. A9 kno% "o% mu3" you )alue "onesty@ an5 in all "onesty@ Hean2!lau5e 3oul5 not "a)e kno%n t"at you %oul5 -ain t"ese po%ers. A "uman ser)ant is a tool to 8e use5@ so it is -oo5 i1 it is a po%er1ul tool@ 8ut you seem to 8e -ainin- su3" po%er t"at it may@ at some point@ 8e ;uestiona8le %"o is master an5 %"o is ser)ant. Per"aps it is t"e 1a3t t"at you are a ne3roman3er.C AHean2!lau5e tol5 me 8e1ore 9 took t"e marks t"at "e %asn?t sure %"o %oul5 8e master an5 %"o %oul5 8e ser)ant 8e3ause o1 my ne3roman3y. But "e 5i5n?t really e*plain it. 9 -uess 9 s"oul5 "a)e aske5.C A91 "e?5 tol5 you all t"is 8e1ore t"e marks %ere o11ere5@ %oul5 you "a)e taken t"em upon yoursel1BC A9 took t"e marks to sa)e 8ot" t"eir li)es@ not to mention my o%n.C ABut i1 you?5 kno%n@ %oul5 you "a)e 5one itBC He rolle5 onto "is si5e@ 1a3e so 3lose to my arm@ 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8reat" a-ainst my skin.

A9 t"ink so. 9 3oul5n?t let t"em 8ot" 5ie. #ne@ may8e@ 9 3oul5 "a)e lost one o1 t"em@ 8ut not 8ot". /ot 8ot"@ i1 9 3oul5 "a)e sa)e5 t"em.C A$"en Hean2!lau5e "as kept all t"is 1rom you 1or not"in-. He?s an-ere5 you 1or not"in-.C ADea"@ 9?m pisse5.C A9t makes you not trust "im.C 4amian mo)e5 t"at one in3" 3loser until "is 3"eek reste5 a-ainst my upper arm. ADea"@ it makes me not trust "im. =orse yet@ it makes me not trust <i3"ar5.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9 ne)er t"ou-"t "e?5 keep anyt"in- 1rom me@ let alone t"in-s t"is important.C A9t makes you 5ou8t t"em@C 4amian sai5. 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e )ampire. Hust "is 3"eek reste5 a-ainst my arm. $"e rest o1 "is 8o5y stret3"e5 5o%n t"e len-t" o1 t"e 8e5 8ut 5i5n?t tou3" me. A$"is 5oesn?t seem like you@ 4amian.C A="at 5oesn?t seem like meBC "e aske5. His "an5 sli5 1rom %"ere it reste5 on "is si5e to t"e s"eets. $"at one pale "an5 lay 8et%een our 8o5ies@ not tou3"in-@ >ust ... %aitin-. A$"is@ all t"is@ it?s not you.C ADou 5on?t kno% anyt"in- a8out me@ Anita. Dou 5on?t kno% %"at 9?m like@ not really.C A="at 5o you %ant 1rom me@ 4amianBC A<i-"t no%@ to put t"is "an5 aroun5 your %aist.C AAn5 i1 9 sai5 yesBC A9s t"at a yesBC "e aske5. ="at %oul5 <i3"ar5 sayB ="at %oul5 Hean2!lau5e sayB 'u3k t"em. ADes@C 9 sai5. He sli5 "is "an5 o)er my %aist until "is arm reste5 a3ross my stoma3". 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een natural to 3u55le t"e 8o5y a1ter t"e arm@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t. He kept t"at arti1i3ial 5istan3e 8et%een us. 9 ran my le1t "an5 up an5 5o%n t"at pale arm@ playin- o)er t"e small "airs on "is arm. 9t 1elt terri8ly ri-"t to tou3" "im@ as i1 9?5 8een %antin- to 5o it 1or a )ery lon- time. 9 5i5n?t %ant "im to "ol5 me. 9 %ante5 to "ol5 "im. 9t %as a )ery 5i11erent 1eelin- t"an %"at 9 1elt 1or <i3"ar5 or Hean2!lau5e. 4amian %as ri-"tG it %as t"e ne3roman3y. 9t %ante5 to tou3" "im@ e*plore t"e e5-es o1 t"e po%er t"at 8oun5 us@ t"e po%er t"at animate5 "im. 7y o%n personal po%er is 3loser kin to Hean2!lau5e?s t"an to <i3"ar5?s. 9t is a 3ool po%er@ like an un1elt %in5 t"at plays o)er t"e min5 an5 8o5y. 9 let t"at 3ool t"rea5 spill out t"rou-" my "an5@ 5o%n 4amian?s arm. 9 t"rust it into "im like an in)isi8le "an5@ s"o)e5 it into t"at pale 8o5y an5 1elt an ans%erin- spark 5eep insi5e "im. 9 1elt my po%er 1lare an5 re3o-niEe a pie3e o1 itsel1. ="ate)er "a5 animate5 4amian 8e1ore %as -one. 9 animate5 4amian no%. He %as truly mine@ %"i3"@ o1 3ourse@ %as not possi8le. He sli5 "is 8o5y t"at last in3" so t"at t"e len-t" o1 "im lay a-ainst me 1rom my %aist to my 1eet. He sli5 one le- o)er my le-s@ pressin- "imsel1 a-ainst me. ADou?re tryin- to se5u3e me@C 9 sai5. But my )oi3e %as too so1t@ too pri)ate. He lai5 a so1t kiss on my arm. AAm 9 se5u3in- you@ or "a)e you alrea5y se5u3e5 meBC 9 s"ook my "ea5. AGet up an5 -et out@ 4amian.C ADou %ant me. 9 3an 1eel it.C A$"e po%er %ants you@ not me. 9 5on?t %ant you t"e %ay 9 %ant <i3"ar5 or Hean2!lau5e.C A9?m not askin- 1or lo)e@ Anita@ >ust to 8e %it" you.C 9 %ante5 to run my "an5s 5o%n "is 8o5y. 9 kne% t"at 9 3oul5 e*plore t"at 8o5y@ tou3" e)ery in3" o1 it@ an5 "e %oul5n?t stop me. 9t %as 8ot" in)itin- an5 1ri-"tenin-. 9 sli5 o11 t"e 8e5@ lettin- 4amian "a)e t"e %"ole t"in- to "imsel1. 9 3oul5 stan5@ no 5iEEinessG -reat. A=e are not 5oin- t"is 4amian. =e are so not 5oin- t"is.C 4amian proppe5 "imsel1 up on "is el8o%s@ %at3"in- me. A91 you -i)e me a 5ire3t or5er@ 9 must o8ey you@ Anita. ,)en i1 t"at or5er 3ontra5i3ts one t"at Hean2!lau5e "as -i)en me.C 9 1ro%ne5 at "im. A="at are you sayin-BC A4on?t you %on5er %"at else "e?s 1or8i55en me to tell youBC 4amian aske5. ADou little 8astar5.C He sat up@ s%in-in- "is lon- le-s o11 t"e si5e o1 t"e 8e5. A4on?t you %ant to kno%BC 9 stare5 5o%n at "im 1or a "eart8eat. ADes@ 5amn you@ yes@ 9 %ant to kno%.C ADou "a)e to or5er me to tell you. 9 3an?t 5o it ot"er%ise.C

9 almost 5i5n?t 5o it. 9 %as a1rai5 o1 %"at "e %oul5 say. A1rai5 o1 %"at else Hean2!lau5e "a5 8een "i5in- 1rom me. A9 or5er you@ 4amian@ to tell me all t"e se3rets t"at Hean2!lau5e "as 1or8i55en you to tell me.C His 8reat" 3ame out in a lon- si-". A'ree at last. Hean2!lau5e@ As"er@ an5 e)en my master are all 5es3en5e5 1rom t"e line o1 Belle 7orte@ Beauti1ul 4eat". S"e is our 3oun3il master. Ha)e you e)er %on5ere5 %"y "un5re5s o1 years a-o@ most personal a33ounts o1 )ampires sai5 t"ey %ere "i5eous monsters@ %alkin- 3orpsesBC A/o@ an5 %"at 5oes t"at "a)e to 5o %it" anyt"in-BC A9?)e %aite5 a lon- time to tell you t"is@ Anita. Let me tell it.C 9 si-"e5. A'ine@ tell me.C A/o one t"ou-"t o1 a )ampire as a se*ual o8>e3t in t"e se)enteen "un5re5s. $"ere %ere a 1e% tales o1 8eauti1ul )ampires@ 8ut t"ey %ere all tri3ks@ not real. But t"en t"in-s 3"an-e5. 7ost personal a33ounts speak o1 8eauty an5 -reat se*ual allure.C He sli5 o11 t"e 8e5@ an5 9 8a3ke5 up. 9 5i5n?t %ant "im too 3lose. 9 %asn?t sure %"o 9 truste5 lessJ "im or me. ="en 9 8a3ke5 up@ "e stoppe5 mo)in- an5 >ust stoo5 t"ere@ lookin- at me. A$"e !oun3il 5e3i5es %"i3" o1 t"em %ill sen5 t"eir )ampires out to make more. 'or t"ousan5s o1 years@ it %as t"e Nueen o1 /i-"tmares@ our lea5erG or 7orte 5? Amour@ t"e lo)er o1 5eat"@ an5 t"e 4ra-onG 8ut t"ey -re% tire5 o1 t"e -ames an5 retreate5 insi5e t"e 3oun3il 3"am8ers. Dou rarely see t"em. S"e2="o27a5e27e took me to 3ourt %it" "er more t"an on3e. 9t?s %"ere 9 met Hean2!lau5e. Belle 7orte@ Beauti1ul 4eat"@ sent 1ort" "er people to populate t"e %orl5 %it" )ampires. Hean2!lau5e@ As"er@ an5 9 5es3en5 1rom "er line. ,)en "er 8loo5 3annot make t"e u-ly 8eauti1ul@ t"ou-" all is impro)e5 8y "er tou3"@ 8ut it is more t"an t"at. Some in "er line "a)e t"e po%er o1 se*. $"ey li)e on it@ 8reat"e on it. $"ey 1ee5 on it like !olin an5 my ol5 master 1e5 on 1ear. $"ey 3an -ain po%er t"rou-" se* an5 use it as a se3on5 lure 1or mortals.C He stoppe5 an5 looke5 at me. A'inis" it@ 4amian@C 9 sai5. AHean2!lau5e is one o1 t"ese. 9n anot"er time@ "e %oul5 8e 3onsi5ere5 an in3u8us. As"er an5 9 are not like "im. 9t is a rare po%er@ e)en amon- t"ose %"o 5es3en5 more 5ire3tly 1rom Belle 7orte.C ASo Hean2!lau5e 3an 1ee5 o11 o1 se* like !olin 3an 1ee5 o11 1ear. So %"atBC 4amian mo)e5 to%ar5s me@ an5 9 let "im tou3" my s"oul5er. A4on?t you un5erstan5B Hean2!lau5e -ains po%er t"rou-" se*@ not >ust inter3ourse@ 8ut se*ual ener-y@ lust. 9t means t"at e)ery time you "a)e se*@ it is po%er. $"at e)ery intimate a3t 8et%een t"e t"ree o1 you 8in5s t"e marks ti-"ter an5 in3reases your po%er.C 9 1elt almost 1aint. A="en %as "e -oin- to tell meBC A9n Hean2!lau5e?s 5e1ense@ "e says it 5i5n?t %ork t"is %ay t"e 1irst time "e marke5 you. $"e se* %asn?t su3" a stronpo%er 1o3us. Dou %ere t"ree marks 5eep 8e1ore you 8roke a%ay@ an5 it 5i5n?t %ork like t"is 8et%een you. He t"inks it?s t"e a55ition o1 <i3"ar5 t"at?s pus"e5 it o)er t"e e5-e.C A="at 5o you -et out o1 t"is@ 4amianB ="at 5o you -et out o1 tellin- me all t"isBC 9 stare5 up at "im in t"e 5ark. A7y mistress 3ontrolle5 me 1or 3enturies %it" "er 1ear an5 "er se*. Dou 5eser)e t"e trut"@ all o1 it.C 9 pulle5 a%ay 1rom "im@ turne5 my 8a3k on "im. 9t ma5e per1e3t sense. Hean2!lau5e -a)e o11 se* like ot"er people %ore 3olo-ne. 9t e*plaine5 %"y "is 1irst 8usiness %as a stripper 3lu82lots o1 se*ual ener-y to 1ee5 o11. 4i5 it 3"an-e anyt"in-B 9 %asn?t sure. 9 >ust %asn?t sure. 9 stare5 out t"e %in5o%@ 1ore"ea5 presse5 to t"e 3ool -lass. $"e 3urtains 8le% -ently in t"e ni-"t 8reeEe. A4oes <i3"ar5 kno% t"at Hean2!lau5e is some kin5 o1 in3u8usBC A9 5on?t t"ink so@C 4amian sai5. Po%er 8reat"e5 on t"e %in5. 9 3oul5 almost smell it like oEone in t"e air. 9t raise5 t"e "air at t"e 8a3k o1 my ne3k. 9t %asn?t )ampire or s"apes"i1ter. 9 re3o-niEe5 it 1or %"at it %asJ ne3roman3y. Some%"ere 3lose 8y@ someone %as usin- a po%er )ery similar to mine. 9 turne5 to 4amian. A!olin?s "uman ser)ant@ is s"e a ne3roman3erBC He s"ru--e5. A9 5on?t kno%.C AS"it.C 9 3ast out%ar5@ sear3"in- 1or As"er. 7y po%er tou3"e5 "im an5 %as t"ro%n 8a3k%ar5s@ out@ a%ay. 9 ran 1or t"e 5oor. 4amian 1ollo%e5 me@ askin-@ A="at is itB ="at?s %ron-BC 9 "a5 t"e Bro%nin- nake5 in my "an5 %"en 9 "it t"e yar5. 4amian sa% t"em 8e1ore 9 5i5@ an5 "e pointe5 at t"em. !olin?s "uman ser)ant stoo5 at t"e e5-e o1 t"e trees@ almost lost in s"a5o%s an5 5arkness. As"er stoo5 a 1e% yar5s in 1ront o1 "er. He %as on "is knees. 9 1ire5 at "er as 9 ran. $"e s"ots %ent %il5@ 8ut it 8roke some o1 "er 3on3entration an5 9 3oul5 1eel As"er a-ain. His li1e %as 8ein- pulle5 out o1 "im like a 1is" on a strin-. 9 3oul5 1eel "is 8loo5 t"un5erin- a-ainst "is skin. His "eart leape5 in "is 3"est like a 3a-e5 t"in- stru--lin- to -et out@ an5 it %as "er "is "eart %as tryin- to -et to@ as i1 s"e 3oul5 pull "is "eart 1rom "is 3"est 1rom a 5istan3e.

9 1or3e5 mysel1 to stop runnin-. 9 stoo5 t"ere an5 si-"te5 5o%n my arm. 9 1elt mo)ement 1rom a8o)e. 9 looke5 up in time to see Barna8y?s pale 1a3e 3omin- at me like some -iant 8ir5 o1 prey@ t"en 4amian %as o11 t"e -roun5 an5 t"e t%o )ampires rolle5 into t"e sky@ stru--lin-. 9 %as 3lose enou-" to see As"er?s 1a3e no%. He %as 8lee5in- 1rom e)ery openin-G eyes@ mout"@ nose. He %as a mask o1 8loo5G "is 3lot"es %ere soake5 in it. He 1ell 1or%ar5 onto all 1ours. 9 s"ot t"e %oman. 9 s"ot "er in t"e 3"est t%i3e. S"e 1ell slo%ly to "er knees@ lookin- at me. S"e looke5 surprise5. 9 "ear5 "er say@ A=e?re not allo%e5 to kill ea3" ot"er?s "uman ser)ants.C A91 !olin "a5n?t kno%n 9?5 kill you@ "e?5 "a)e 3ome "imsel1.C $"at ma5e "er smile 1or some reason. S"e sai5@ A9 "ope "e 5ies %it" me.C $"en s"e 3ollapse5 1a3e5o%n on t"e -roun5. ,)en 8y moonli-"t 9 3oul5 see t"e e*it "oles in "er 8a3k like -reat -apin- mout"s. As"er staye5 on all 1ours@ 8loo5 5rippin- 1rom "is mout". 9 knelt 8y "im@ tou3"e5 "is s"oul5er@ an5 t"e s"irt %as 8loo52 soake5. AAs"er@ As"er@ 3an you "ear meBC A9 t"ou-"t it %as you@C "e sai5@ in a )oi3e t"i3k %it" t"in-s t"at s"oul5 ne)er 8e in a li)in- t"roat. A9 t"ou-"t it %as you 3allin- me.C He 3ou-"e5 8loo5 onto t"e -roun5. 9 looke5 up into t"e sky@ an5 t"ere %as no si-"t o1 4amian an5 Barna8y. 9 s3reame5 1or "elp@ an5 no one ans%ere5. 9 put my arms aroun5 As"er@ an5 "e 3ollapse5 into my lap. 9 3ra5le5 as mu3" o1 "im into my lap as 9 3oul5 -et. 9 "a5 to lean o)er "im to "ear "is )oi3e. A9 t"ou-"t you "a5 3alle5 me out into t"e ni-"t 1or a ren5eE)ous. 9sn?t t"at ironi3BC He 3ou-"e5 so "ar5 t"at it %as "ar5 to "ol5 "im. $"i3ker t"in-s t"an 8loo5 spille5 1rom "is mout". 9 "el5 "im %"ile "e 8le5 "is li1e a%ay on t"e -roun5 an5 s3reame5@ A4amianIC 9 "ear5 a 5istant s3ream@ 8ut t"at %as all. A4on?t 5ie@ As"er@ please@ 5on?t 5ie.C He 3ou-"e5 until somet"in- 5ark an5 8la3k 3ame out "is mout". Bloo5 poure5 out o1 "is mout" in a near stea5y stream. 9 tou3"e5 "is skin@ an5 it %as 3ool to t"e tou3". A91 you 1e5 o11 o1 one o1 t"e ly3ant"ropes@ %oul5 it 8e enou-" to sa)e youBC A91 it?s soon@ per"aps.C His )oi3e %as so1t an5 t"i3k. 9 tou3"e5 "is 1ore"ea5 an5 3ame a%ay %it" 3"ill s%eat. AHo% 8a5ly are you "urtBC He i-nore5 me@ speakin- )ery so1tly@ AKno% t"is@ Anita@ t"at seein- mysel1 t"rou-" your eyes "as "eale5 my "eart.C 7y t"roat %as ti-"t %it" tears. APlease@ As"er@ 5on?t.C A 5rop o1 pure 8loo5 sli5 out o1 "is eye. ABe "appy %it" your t%o 8eaus. 4on?t make t"e same mistakes t"at Hean2!lau5e an5 9 ma5e all t"ose lon- years a-o.C He tou3"e5 my 1a3e %it" a "an5 t"at %as sli3k %it" 8loo5. ABe "appy in t"eir arms@ ma 3"erie.C His eyes 1luttere5. 91 "e passe5 out@ %e mi-"t lose "im. $"ere %as not"in- in t"e ni-"t 8ut t"e soun5s o1 3i3a5a an5 t"e %in5. ="ere t"e "ell %as e)eryoneB AAs"er@ 5on?t pass out.C His eyes 1luttere5 open@ 8ut "e %as "a)in- trou8le 1o3usin-. 9 1elt "is "eart "esitate@ skip a 8eat. He 3oul5 li)e %it"out "is "eart 8eatin-@ 8ut 9 kne% t"at t"is time@ %"en t"e "eart %ent@ it %as o)er. He %as 5yin-. /ikki "a5 8roken "im insi5e too 8a5ly 1or "ealin-. 9 put my ri-"t %rist@ en3ase5 in %"ite 8an5a-es@ in 1ront o1 "is mout". A$ake my 8loo5.C A$o 5rink 1rom you is to -i)e you po%er o)er any o1 us. 9 5o not %ant to 8e your sla)e any more t"an 9 alrea5y am.C 9 %as 3ryin-@ tears so "ot t"ey 8urne5. A4on?t let !olin kill you. Please@ pleaseIC 9 "el5 "im a-ainst me an5 %"ispere5@ A4on?t lea)e us@ As"er.C 9 1elt Hean2!lau5e all t"ose miles a%ay. 9 1elt "is pani3 at t"e t"ou-"t o1 losin- As"er. A4on?t lea)e us@ not no%@ not no% t"at %e?)e 1oun5 you a-ain. $u es 8eau@ mon amour. $u me 1ais 3ra;uer.C He a3tually smile5. A9 s"atter your "eart@ e"BC 9 kisse5 "is 3"eek@ kisse5 "is 1a3e@ an5 3rie5@ "ot tears a-ainst t"e "ars" s3ars o1 "is 1a3e. AHe t?em8rasse partout. He t?em8rasse partout. 9 kiss you all o)er@ mon amour.C He stare5 up at me. AHe to 8ois 5es yeu*. A A4on?t 5rink me %it" your eyes@ 5amn it@ 5rink me %it" your mout".C 9 tore t"e 8an5a-es a%ay 1rom my ri-"t %rist %it" my teet" an5 put my 8are@ %arm 1les" a-ainst "is 3ol5 lips. He %"ispere5@ AHe t?a5ore.C 'an-s sank into my %rist. 9t %as s"arp an5 5eep. His mout" lo3ke5 a-ainst my skin. His t"roat 3on)ulse5@ s%allo%in-. 9 stare5 into "is pale eyes an5 1elt somet"in- in my "ea5 part like a 3urtain@ some s"iel5 s"attere5. #ne moment it %as one 3ontinuous a3"e almost nauseatin-@ t"en t"ere %as not"in- 8ut t"e sprea5in- %armt". 9 5i5n?t e)en "a)e time to pani3. As"er rolle5 o)er my min5 like a %arm lip o1 o3ean@ pleasura8le@ 3aressin-. 9t 8urst o)er

me in a skintin-lin-@ 8reat"2stealin- rus" t"at le1t me -aspin- an5 %et. $"en As"er %as kneelin- a8o)e me@ layin- me -ently on t"e -roun5. 9 lay@ starin- at not"in-@ ri5in- t"e sensations up an5 5o%n my 8o5y. 9?5 ne)er let any )ampire 5o me like t"is@ ne)er let t"em steal my min5 %"ile t"ey stole my 8loo5. 9 "a5n?t e)en kno%n "e 3oul5 5o it. /ot to me. He kisse5 me on t"e 1ore"ea5. A'or-i)e me@ Anita. 9 5i5 not kno% t"at 9 3oul5 em8ra3e your min5. 9 5i5 not kno% t"at any )ampire 3oul5.C He stare5 5o%n at my 1a3e@ sear3"in- 1or some rea3tion. 9 3oul5n?t -i)e "im one yet. He 5re% 8a3k enou-" to see my 1a3e 3learly. A9 1eare5 you %oul5 possess me as you possess 4amian i1 9 1e5 1rom your 8loo5 %it"out usin- any o1 my po%ers. 9 5i5 try to s3ale your s"iel5@ 8reak your 8arriers@ 8ut 9 5i5 it to prote3t mysel1 1rom your po%er. 9 5i5 not 5ream t"at 9 3oul5 8rea3" su3" impenetra8le %alls.C He starte5 to tou3" my 1a3e@ t"en stoppe5@ "is "an5 1allin- to "is lap. A$"e marks t"at 8in5 you to Hean2!lau5e prote3t you 1rom "im em8ra3in- your min5. But "e %as ne)er as -oo5 at t"is as 9 %as. 9 s"oul5 "a)e t"ou-"t o1 t"at 8e1ore.C 9 >ust lay t"ere@ "al121loatin-. /ot"in- %as real yet. 9 3oul5n?t t"ink@ 3oul5n?t speak. He raise5 my "an5 an5 presse5 it a-ainst "is s3arre5 3"eek. A9 5re% 8a3k as soon as 9 realiEe5 %"at 9 "a5 5one. 9t %as >ust@ "o% 5o you say@ a ;ui3kie. 9t %as only a small taste o1 %"at it 3oul5 "a)e 8een@ Anita. Please@ 8elie)e me.C He stoo5@ an5 9 3oul5n?t 1ollo% t"e mo)ement. 9 lay on t"e -roun5 an5 trie5 to t"ink. Hason knelt 8esi5e me. 9 %as a%are enou-" to %on5er %"ere t"e "ell "e?5 3ome 1rom. He %asn?t stayin- at 7arianne?s. #r %as "eB A9t?s your 1irst timeBC "e aske5. 9 trie5 to no5 8ut 3oul5n?t. A/o% you kno% %"y 9 stay %it" t"em@C "e sai5. A/o@C 9 sai5@ 8ut my )oi3e %as 5istant as i1 it %asn?t my )oi3e at all. A/o@ 9 5on?t.C ADou 1elt it. Dou ro5e "im. Ho% 3an you not lo)e itBC 9 3oul5n?t e*plain it. 9t "a5 1elt %on5rous@ 8ut as t"e -lo% 8e-an to 1a5e@ t"e 1ear %elle5 up 8i- an5 8la3k enou-" to s%allo% t"e %orl5. 9t 1elt amaEin-@ an5 t"at "a5 8een a A;ui3kie@C as "e put it. 9 ne)er %ante5 anyt"in- more 1rom As"er. Be3ause i1 it %as mu3" 8etter t"an t"is@ 9 mi-"t 3"ase t"e rest o1 my 5ays 1or anot"er taste. An5 Hean2!lau5e 3oul5 not -i)e it to me. $"e marks pre)ente5 "im 1rom rollin- my min5. 9t %as one o1 t"e t"in-s t"at ma5e t"e 5i11eren3e 8et%een ser)ant an5 sla)e. 9 %oul5 ne)er -et t"is %it" Hean2!lau5e@ ne)er. An5 9 %ante5 it. 9 "a5n?t %ante5 As"er to 5ie. /o% 9 %asn?t so sure. As"er 3ame 8a3k to stan5 o)er me. =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er. $"ere %ere people in t"e 5ark no%. Someone "a5 a 1las"li-"t. $"ey 1lare5 it o)er me. 9 %as le1t starin- in t"e 8ri-"tness@ nearly 8lin5. $"e li-"t stoo5 "ars" on As"er?s 1a3e@ "i-"li-"tin- t"e re55is" tra3ks o1 tears. A4on?t "ate me@ Anita. 9 3oul5 not 8ear it i1 you "ate5 me.C A9 5on?t "ate you@ As"er.C 7y )oi3e still soun5e5 t"i3k an5 "ea)y %it" t"at -ol5en e5-e o1 pleasure. A9 1ear you.C He >ust stoo5 t"ere@ tears sli5in- 5o%n "is 1a3e. $"e tears sli5 in re55is" lines 5o%n t"e smoot" skin o1 "is le1t si5e. $"e tears -ot lost in t"e s3ars on t"e ot"er si5e@ an5 %ere 8e-innin- to 3olle3t in a re55is" stain on t"e sti11 skin. A=orse@C "e %"ispere5@ A%orse@ 9 t"ink.C

Chapter Forty-two
9 ki3ke5 e)eryone out e*3ept Hason. He -ot to stay 8e3ause t"ey starte5 ar-uin- t"at 9 3oul5n?t 8e le1t 3ompletely alone. Ha5 9 1or-otten t"at people %ere tryin- to kill meB Ha5 9 1or-otten t"at Hean2!lau5e "a5 sai5 "e?5 kill t"em all i1 9 5ie5B $"at last 5i5 not %in 1rien5s an5 in1luen3e people %it" me. 7y 3omment "a5 8een@ A91 %e all 5ie5@ 9 -uess t"at?5 sol)e e)eryt"in-.C ="i3" sort o1 put an en5 to t"e ar-uments. Hason lay on t"e 8e5 proppe5 in t"e nest o1 pillo%s. He trie5 to roll onto "is si5e@ t"en stoppe5 in mi5motion %it" a small soun5 o1 pain. He mo)e5 sti11ly@ like t"in-s "urt@ %"i3" %as %"at "a5 -otten "im a pla3e on t"e 8e5 instea5 o1 t"e 3"air. 9 %as pa3in- t"e room. 9 "a5 a little 3ir3uit mappe5 out. 'oot o1 t"e 8e5@ %in5o%s@ 1ar %all@ near %all %it" t"e 5oor. ADou kno% t"at you?)e %alke5 past t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5 t%enty times@ an5 t"at?s >ust sin3e 9 starte5 3ountin-@C Hason sai5. AS"ut up@C 9 sai5. 9?5 put all my -uns 8a3k on@ not 8e3ause 9 t"ou-"t 9 nee5e5 t"em@ 8ut 8e3ause t"ey %ere 1amiliar. $"e ti-"tness o1 t"e s"oul5er "olster@ t"e 5i--in- o1 t"e 'irestar in its inner2pants "olster ma5e me 1eel more like mysel1. 9 %as t"e only one o1 t"e t"ree o1 us %"o 3arrie5 -uns. 9t %as one t"in- 9 kne% t"at 9 "a5n?t -otten 1rom eit"er o1 t"em. 9t %as mine. Guns@ t"is parti3ular 8ran5 o1 )iolen3e@ %as all mine. 9 nee5e5 somet"in- t"at %as all mine ri-"t no%. Hason mo)e5 o)er on "is si5e@ slo%ly@ an in3" at a time. 9t took "im until 9?5 ma5e t"e 3ir3uit an5 %as 8a3k at t"e 1oot o1 t"e 8e5 8e1ore "e ma5e it to "is si5e %it" a look o1 relie1. He an5 Hamil "a5 8een mo)e5 to t"is "ouse so t"at all t"e in>ure5 3oul5 8e in one pla3e. <o*anne %as >ust 5o%n t"e "all %it" Ben sittin- -uar5. Apparently@ 9?5 8een 3"annelinenou-" o1 <i3"ar5?s po%er t"at t"ey t"ou-"t s"e mi-"t "a)e a 3on3ussion. 9 %asn?t sure i1 Ben %as suppose5 to 8e -uar5in- "er 1rom me or t"e ot"er %ay aroun5. 4r. Patri3k %as 5o%n in t"e kit3"en stirrin- t"e ste% t"at 7arianne "a5 le1t us. Kane an5 !"erry %ere "ere@ 8ut all t"e ot"er s"i1ters "a5 -one to t"e lupanar. $"ey %ere -oin- to 1inis" t"e 3eremony t"at "a5 8een interrupte5 last ni-"t. Bully 1or t"em.

As"er %as some%"ere in t"e "ouse. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"ere an5 5i5n?t %ant to kno%. $oo mu3" %as "appenin- too 5amne5 1ast. 9 nee5e5 some time to re-roup. An5 9 %asn?t -oin- to -et it. $"ere %as a kno3k on t"e 5oor. A="o is itBC 9 aske5. A9t?s 4amian.C AGo a%ay.C A$"ere?s a )ampire 5o%n "ere %it" one o1 S"eri11 =ilkes?s 5eputies. $"ey say t"ey "a)e to talk to you or <i3"ar5. $"ey aren?t treatin- t"is like poli3e 8usiness.C $"at -ot my attention. 9 stoppe5 pa3in- an5 %ent to t"e 5oor. 4amian stoo5 t"ere@ still %earin- t"e )est t"at Barna8y "a5 rippe5 all t"e 8uttons o11 o1. ="en !olin?s "uman ser)ant 5ie5@ Barna8y "a5 -i)en up t"e 1i-"t an5 1lo%n a%ay. 4amian?s suit %as 8la3k in 8ri-"t li-"t an5 ma5e "is skin look un8elie)a8ly %"ite. A="at 5i5 t"ey say e*a3tlyBC 9 aske5. AHust t"at t"ey "a5 a messa-e 1or t"e t%o o1 you 1rom 'rank /iley.C A'u3k@C 9 sai5@ so1tly. A$"ey?re sittin- in t"e kit3"en %it" 4r. Patri3k an5 As"er.C A$ell <o*anne an5 Hamil t"at t"e 8a5 -uys are "ere. 9?ll -o 5o%n an5 talk to t"em.C A$"e man "as a -un@C 4amian sai5. ASo 5o 9@C 9 sai5. 9 %alke5 5o%n t"e "all@ an5 4amian 1ell in step 8e"in5 me. Hason 3alle5 1rom t"e 5oor. A=ait 1or me.C A'ollo% at your o%n pa3e@ Hason. 9?m not %aitin- 1or you to trip 5o%n t"e stairs.C A4on?t let "er -et kille5@ 4amian@C "e sai5. 9 3alle5 8a3k o)er my s"oul5er@ AHe?ll 5o %"at 9 tell "im to 5o.C An "our or so o1 t"inkin- a8out e)eryt"in- 9 "a5 learne5 "a5 not impro)e5 my moo5. 9 3lattere5 5o%n t"e stairs. 4amian 1ollo%e5 like a soun5less s"a5o% at my 8a3k. ="y "a5n?t =ilkes an5 "is men storme5 t"e pla3eB 9?5 really e*pe3te5 t"em to >ust start s"ootin- i1 t"ey 1oun5 out %e "a5n?t le1t to%n. ="at messa-e 3oul5 t"ey "a)e 1rom /ileyB An5 %"ere 5i5 t"e )ampire 3ome inB 4olp" "a5n?t mentione5 anyt"in- a8out /iley tra)elin%it" a )amp. 4olp" "ate5 )amps enou-" t"at "e %oul5 "a)e mentione5 it. So many ;uestions@ an5 1or on3e@ 9 %as -ointo -et t"em ans%ere5 almost as soon as 9 t"ou-"t o1 t"em. Ho% re1res"in-. $"e kit3"en looke5 normal. $"ey?5 s3ru88e5 t"e 8loo5 o11 t"e linoleum an5 pla3e5 a 1res" la3e ta8le3lot" on t"e ta8le. 4eputy $"ompson sat in one o1 t"e kit3"en 3"airs. He %as in 3i))ie 3lot"es@ no uni1orm. A tall@ t"in )ampire t"at 9?5 ne)er seen 8e1ore sat in t"e 3"air 8esi5e "im. 4r. Patri3k sat in t"e 3"air 1a3in- t"em %it" "is 8a3k to t"e "all%ay@ to us. /at"aniel took up t"e last 3"air. He %as starin- at t"e )ampire. Kane stoo5 %it" "is 8a3k a-ainst t"e sink. As"er leane5 a-ainst t"e 3"ina 3a8inet 3lose enou-" to $"ompson t"at "e 3oul5 "a)e tou3"e5 "im an5 3ertainly 3oul5 pre)ent "im 1rom pullin- t"e -un. $"e -un in ;uestion %as a Berretta 1 mil in a s"oul5er "olster. Same -un as on 5uty@ >ust in a 5i11erent "olster. Lettin- As"er t"at 3lose %as 3areless@ 8ut $"ompson 5i5n?t seem to t"ink t"at. He smile5 at me@ an5 t"e smile %as 3on1i5ent@ arro-ant@ like "e "a5 me %"ere "e %ante5 me@ an5 9 3oul5n?t 5o anyt"ina8out it. ="at %as -oin- onB AHo%?5 you 1in5 meBC 9 aske5. He stu3k a t"um8 in t"e )ampire?s 5ire3tion. A$"e lo3al 7aster o1 t"e !ity tol5 us "e 3oul5 still 1eel you in to%n. $"ey "elpe5 us "unt you 5o%n. ,)i5ently@ you?re easier to 1in5 t"an your 8oy1rien5. Somet"in- a8out your po%er attra3ts t"em.C 9 stare5 at t"e )ampire. His 1a3e %as unrea5a8le@ pale an5 empty. His eyes %ere 5ark -rey@ "is "air strai-"t an5 8la3k. 9t %as 3ut s"ort an5 smoot"e5 8a3k o)er "is 1ore"ea5 in a pompa5our. $"at %as %"at t"ey?5 3alle5 it in t"e 1i1ties. $"e "air5o mat3"e5 t"e 1eel o1 "im in my "ea5. He %asn?t 1i1ty years 5ea5 yet. A="at?s your nameBC A4onal5.C AHi@ 4onal5@ misse5 you at t"e %ienie roast.C An-er 1lare5 a3ross t"e )ampire?s 1a3e. He %asn?t ol5 enou-" to "i5e it. ADou tol5 my master t"at you %ere "ere >ust to -et your t"ir5 out o1 >ail. #n3e you "a5 a33omplis"e5 t"at@ you s"oul5 "a)e -one "ome. Dou preten5e5 to lea)e to%n 8ut 5i5 not. 91 you "a5 simply le1t@ %e %oul5 "a)e a33epte5 t"e mur5er o1 our people. By stayin-@ you s"o% t"at you inten5 to possess our lan5s an5 my master?s po%er.C AHa)e you talke5 to your master latelyBC 9 aske5. A#r more importantly@ "as "e talke5 to "is "uman ser)ant latelyBC

$"e )ampire -lare5 at me@ 8ut t"ere %as no po%er to it. A!olin is in>ure5 8ut not yet 5ea5. But t"e !oun3il %ill slay you 1or ... killin- "is ser)ant.C As"er sai5@ AA "uman ser)ant -i)es up t"eir sa1e 3on5u3t i1 t"ey atta3k anot"er )ampire 5ire3tly. $"at is !oun3il la%. Anita 5i5 not"in- t"at t"e !oun3il %ill "unt "er 1or. 91 !olin persists in tryin- to "arm us@ it is "e t"e !oun3il %ill "unt 5o%n an5 5estroy.C A,nou-" o1 t"e )ampire 3rap@C 9 sai5. 9 turne5 8a3k to $"ompson. ASo@ %"at?s t"e messa-eB 9 t"ou-"t i1 %e %ere still "ere a1ter 5ark@ 'rank %as -oin- to 5o us all personally.C A#l? 'rank seems s3are5 s"itless o1 you. Ho%ar5 keeps mum8lin- t"at t"e si-ns are real 8a5@ t"at t"ey nee5 to lea)e to%n no%. $"at i1 t"ey stay@ you?ll kill t"em all.C 9 raise5 an eye8ro%. AHa)in- met /iley an5 "is 3re%@ 9?m 1lattere5 at 8ein- t"eir 8o-eyman. /o%@ %"at t"e 1u3k is t"e messa-eBC $"ompson 8rou-"t a small %"ite 8o* out o1 "is po3ket. 9t %as like somet"in- you?5 8uy an ine*pensi)e ne3kla3e in. He "el5 it out to me %it" a smile t"at %as so unpleasant@ it ma5e me a1rai5 to take t"e 8o*. A9t %on?t 8ite@C "e sai5. 9 -lan3e5 at As"er. He s"ru--e5. 9 took t"e 8o*. 9t %as ta3ky on t"e 8ottom. 9 raise5 it to see a 8ro%nis" stain on t"e %"ite 3ar58oar5. $"e 8o* %as li-"t 8ut not empty. A="at?s in "ereBC A4on?t %ant to spoil t"e surprise@C $"ompson sai5. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 li1te5 t"e li5 o11. $"ere %as a lo3k o1 "air@ 3urle5 o)er some 3otton. $"e "air %as lon- an5 t"i3k an5 3"estnut 8ro%n@ tie5 %it" a 8it o1 re5 ri88on like you?5 use on a present. 9 li1te5 t"e lo3k o1 "air an5 it 1ell a3ross my palm. $"e 3otton it "a5 8een restin- on %as staine5 at one 3orner. Staine5 re55is" 8ro%n. 9 1ou-"t to keep my 1a3e 8lank. ASoBC 9 sai5. A4on?t you re3o-niEe itB Keeman?s 8a8y 8rot"er 5onate5 t"at.C ADou 5i5n?t -et 8loo5 3uttin- 4aniel?s "air@C 9 sai5. A/o@C "e smile5@ lau-"e5@ s;uirmin- in "is 3"air like a ki5 %"o 3oul5n?t %ait 1or t"e rest o1 t"e >oke@ A$"ere?s anot"er little present in t"e 8o*. Li1t up t"e 3otton.C 9 lai5 t"e "air on t"e ta8le. 9t lay t"ere 3urle5 an5 -leamin-. 9 5i5n?t %ant to li1t t"e 3otton. 9 5i5n?t %ant to see %"at else t"ey?5 3ut o11 o1 4aniel. $"e one 3onsolation 9 "a5 %as t"at o1 t"e many a%1ul possi8ilities t"at 1las"e5 t"rou-" my min5@ most o1 t"em %ere too 8i- to 1it into t"e 8o*. 9 li1te5 t"e 3otton an5 1ell to my knees like someone "a5 stru3k me. 9 knelt t"ere@ starin- 5o%n at t"e tip o1 a little 1in-er t"at %as 1ar too 5eli3ate to 8e 4aniel?s. $"e nail polis" on t"e 1in-er %as still per1e3t@ smoot"@ pale. /ot"in- 563lass6 a8out <i3"ar5?s mot"er. 4r. Patri3k "a5 to lea)e t"e ta8le an5 t"ro% up in t"e sink. So1t tou3" 1or a 5o3tor an5 a %ere%ol1. A="at is itBC !"erry aske5. 9 3oul5n?t speak. As"er ans%ere5 8e3ause "e 3oul5 see o)er my s"oul5er into t"e 8o*. A9t?s a %oman?s 1in-er.C Hason "a5 >ust entere5 t"e room. A="at 5i5 you >ust sayBC $"e )ampire@ 4onal5@ sai5@ A="at "a)e you 5one@ "umanBC A=e "a)e <i3"ar5?s 8rot"er an5 "is mot"er@C $"ompson sai5. A9 t"ou-"t %e?5 >ust kill you@ 8ut /iley?s payin- t"e money. He %ants to -i)e you a %ay out 8esi5es killin-. He seems to t"ink i1 "e 5oesn?t try to kill you@ you %on?t try an5 kill "im. 'unny@ ain?t itBC 9 1inally looke5 up@ a%ay 1rom !"arlotte Keeman?s 1in-er. A="at 5o you %antBC ADou lea)e to%n toni-"t. =e release <i3"ar5?s mot"er an5 8rot"er tomorro% mornin-@ %"en %e?re sure you really are -one. 91 you 5on?t lea)e t"is time@ /iley %ill keep trimmin- pie3es o11 o1 Keeman?s 1amily. 7ay8e an ear ne*t time@ may8e somet"in- 8i--er.C He %as -rinnin- as "e sai5 it. $"ompson %as a sa5isti3 8rute@ 8ut "e 5i5n?t un5erstan5 me at all@ or "e %oul5n?t "a)e 8een smilin-. $"ere %as a look on 4onal5 t"e )ampire?s 1a3e t"at sai5 "e 5i5 un5erstan5 me. 9 stoo5 up )ery slo%ly. 9 lai5 t"e 8o* on t"e ta8le 8esi5e t"e lo3k o1 "air. 7y )oi3e %as amaEin-ly 3alm@ almost empty o1 in1le3tion. A="ere are t"eyBC A=e le1t t"em sa1e an5 soun5@C $"ompson sai5. A9 5i5 not kno% %"at t"ey "a5 5one@C t"e )ampire sai5. A9 5i5 not kno% t"ey "a5 mutilate5 your t"ir5?s 1amily.C

9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou see@ t"at?s t"e pro8lem@ 4onal5. ="en you play %it" 8a5 -uys@ you 3an?t 3ontrol "o% 8a5 t"ey are. Dou 8ot" >ust le1t 4aniel an5 !"arlotte@ >ust le1t t"em t"ere.C ADea"@C $"ompson sai5. A#l? 4on "ere pi3ke5 me up in "is 3ar.C 9 %as starin- at t"e 1in-er. 9 3oul5n?t seem to not look at it. 9 raise5 my eyes to 4onal5 t"e )ampire. ASo@ you 8ot" kno% %"ere t"ey are@C 9 sai5. 4onal5?s eyes %ent %i5e. He %"ispere5@ A9 5i5n?t kno%.C As"er mo)e5 1or%ar5 an5 lai5 "an5s on $"ompson?s s"oul5ers. $"ompson %asn?t %orrie5. A91 anyt"in- "appens to us@ t"ey?ll 5o %orse to 8ot" o1 t"em. <i3"ar5?s mom is a real attra3ti)e %oman. Be a s"ame to 3"an-e t"at.C 4onal5 sai5@ A9 am sorry a8out %"at t"ey 5i5@ 8ut my or5ers are t"e same. Dou must lea)e our territory toni-"t.C A:se t"e kit3"en p"one. $ell t"em %e -i)e. $ell t"em 5on?t "urt t"em@ an5 %e?re out o1 "ere.C $"ompson smirke5. A/o@ no p"one 3alls. $"ey?re -i)in- us t%o "ours. $"en@ i1 %e?re not 8a3k@ t"ey?ll start 3uttin- t"in-s o11 t"at %ill a11e3t a lot more t"an "er typin-.C 9 no55e5 an5 pulle5 t"e Bro%nin-. 9 pointe5 it an5 s"ot it in one motion. 9 5i5n?t e)en remem8er aimin-. $"e )ampire?s "ea5 e*plo5e5 in a 3lou5 o1 8loo5 an5 8rains. $"e 8o5y ro3ke5 8a3k an5 1ell@ takin- t"e 3"air %it" it. As"er "el5 $"ompson in "is seat. Some o1 t"e 8loo5 "a5 splattere5 $"ompson?s 1a3e. A -lo8 o1 somet"in- t"i3ker t"an 8loo5 %as trailin- 5o%n "is 1ore"ea5. He %as tryin- to 8at at t"e pie3e o1 1les"@ 8ut As"er "el5 "im. 9 took t"e -un out 1rom un5er "is arm an5 pointe5 t"e Bro%nin- at "is 1ore"ea5. $"ompson stoppe5 1i-"tin- an5 -lare5 up at me. 9 "a5 to -i)e "im 3re5it. !o)ere5 in 8loo5 an5 8rains@ "el5 5o%n 8y a )ampire@ starin- at t"e 8arrel o1 a -un@ an5 "e %as puttin- on a 8ra)e s"o%. AKill me@ it %on?t -et you anyt"in- 8ut t"em 3ut to pie3es.C A$ell me %"ere t"ey are@ $"ompson@ an5 9?ll -o -et t"em.C A'u3k youI Dou?re -oin- to kill me@ any%ay.C A9 -i)e you my %or5 t"at i1 you tell us %"ere t"ey are@ an5 %e -et t"em out ali)e@ you -et to li)e.C A9 5on?t 8elie)e you@ 8it3".C APro8lem %it" 8ein- a traitorous@ untrust%ort"y@ %ret3"@ $"ompson@ is you 8e-in to 8elie)e e)eryone else is t"e same %ay.C 9 put t"e sa1ety on t"e Bro%nin- an5 re"olstere5 it. He %at3"e5 me 5o it@ puEEle5. A9 keep my %or5@ $"ompson. 4o you %ant to li)e or notBC A/iley an5 Linus Be3k are a "ell o1 a lot s3arier t"an you %ill e)er 8e@ 3"i3kie.C He?5 3alle5 me 8it3" an5 3"i3kie. He %as eit"er stupi5@ or ... ADou?re tryin- to -et me to kill you.C A91 9 talk@ my li1e is o)er. An5 /iley %on?t >ust s"oot me.C $"ompson stare5 up at me@ an5 t"ere %as a kno%le5-e in "is eyes t"at "e %as alrea5y 5ea5. 9t %as only a matter o1 "o% an5 %"o. An5 "e pre1erre5 me@ no%@ to /iley@ later. AHe 5oesn?t 1ear 5eat"@C As"er sai5 so1tly. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ "e 5oesn?t.C A=e 3oul5 3all t"e 3ops@C Hason o11ere5. A91 "e?s not s3are5 o1 you -uys@ "e %on?t 8e s3are5 o1 t"e state 3ops.C 9 stoo5 starin- 5o%n at $"ompson. A9 5on?t kno% %"at 9?m -oin- to 5o %it" you@ $"ompson@ 8ut 9?ll tell you %"at 9 %on?t 5o. 9 %on?t sit "ere 1or t%o "ours an5 %at3" t"e time ti3k a%ay. 9 %on?t let 4aniel an5 !"arlotte 5ie.C A$"en lea)e to%n@C $"ompson sai5. A9?)e met /iley@ $"ompson. 4o you really e*pe3t me to 8elie)e t"at "e?s -oin- to let t"em -oBC AHe sai5 "e %oul5.C ADou 8elie)e "imBC 9 aske5. $"ompson >ust looke5 at me. A9 5i5n?t t"ink so.C As"er?s 1in-ers knea5e5 t"e man?s s"oul5ers almost like "e %as massa-in- t"em. A$"ere are ot"er t"in-s to 1ear 8esi5es 5eat"@ Anita. 91 you "a)e t"e stoma3" 1or it.C 9 looke5 into t"at 8eauti1ul@ tra-i3 1a3e an5 3oul5n?t rea5 it. A="at 5o you "a)e in min5BC AAn eye 1or an eye@ 9 t"ink@C t"e )ampire sai5. 9 stare5 into 3rystalline 8lue eyes an5 let t"e i5ea -ro% in my "ea5 like a "orri8le 1lo%er. A lot o1 people %"o 3oul5 1a3e 8ein- s"ot@ ;ui3k 5eat"@ 8lan3"e5 at torture. 9 %as one o1 t"em. An5 t"at?s %"at %e %ere talkin- a8out.

A9 8elie)e t"e 5eputy %ill tell us %"ere t"ey are %it"in t"e ne*t "al1 "our@ i1 %e are rut"less@C As"er sai5. A9 %ill 5o t"e 5irty %ork@ as it %ere. Dou nee5 only permit it.C $"ompson looke5 %orrie5. A="at t"e 1u3k are you talkin- a8outBC AHason@C 9 sai5. He 3ame to stan5 8esi5e me. He stare5 5o%n at %"at lay on t"e ta8le. He 5i5n?t say anyt"in-@ 8ut tears sli5 silently 5o%n "is 1a3e. He?5 8een o)er at t"e Keeman "ouse 1or a lot o1 Sun5ay 5inners. AHelp "ol5 $"ompson@C 9 sai5. Hason %ent to stan5 on t"e ot"er si5e@ pinnin- one arm to t"e top o1 t"e ta8le. As"er still "el5 "is s"oul5ers. 9 looke5 at As"er an5 no55e5. A4o it.C A4amian@ i1 you %oul5 8e so kin5 as to 1et3" me a kni1e. #ne %it" a serrate5 e5-e %oul5 8e 8est. 9t %ill -o t"rou-" 8one 8etter.C 4amian >ust turne5 an5 %alke5 a3ross t"e kit3"en. Kane an5 "e starte5 openin- 5ra%ers. A="at are you -oin- to 5oBC $"ompson sai5. AGuess@C 9 sai5. A9 5i5n?t 3ut anyt"in- o11 o1 t"at 8it3". 9 5i5n?t tou3" t"em. 9t %as t"at stran-e -oon t"at /iley "as. Linus Be3k. He 3ut t"e 1in-er o11. He 5i5 it. 9 5i5n?t 5o anyt"in-.C A4on?t %orry@ $"ompson. =e?ll -et to Linus. But ri-"t no%@ you?re all %e?)e -ot. 4amian "a5 a 8i- serrate5 8ut3"er kni1e. He stalke5 to%ar5s t"e ta8le %it" it. $"ompson %as stru--lin- no%. 9t %as "ar5 to "ol5 "im sittin-. ABetter take "im to t"e 1loor@C 9 sai5. /at"aniel "elpe5. $"ey "el5 "im 1a3e5o%n@ one on ea3" arm@ /at"aniel pinnin- "is le-s. $"ompson %as a 8i-@ stronman@ 8ut "e 3oul5n?t 1i-"t t"em. $"ey %ere too stron-. 'ar too stron-. $"ompson %as s3reamin-. A'u3k youIC 4amian "el5 t"e kni1e out to As"er. A9?ll "ol5 "im.C 9 tou3"e5 4amian?s arm an5 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ 9?ll 5o it.C 4amian looke5 at me. A$"e rule is ne)er ask anyone to 5o somet"in- you %on?t 5o yoursel1. 91 9 3an?t 5o t"is@ t"en %e %on?t 5o it at all. =e?ll 1in5 anot"er %ay.C Hason looke5 up 1rom "ol5in- t"e stru--lin- man. A$"ere is no ot"er %ay.C 9?5 ne)er seen su3" ra-e in "is eyes. A!oul5 you 5o itBC 9 aske5. A!oul5 you 3"op "im upBC Hason -a)e a slo% no5. A9 3oul5 8ite "is 1u3kin- 1in-ers o11 one 8y one 1or %"at?s in t"at 8o*.C He seeme5 to mean it@ an5 it ma5e me t"ink 9 5i5n?t kno% Hason at all. A=e 3an 5o t"is@ Anita@C As"er sai5@ Aan5 it %ill 3ost us not"in-.C A9t s"oul5 3ost@ As"er. 91 %e?re -oin- to 5o somet"in- t"is e)il@ it s"oul5 8ot"er %"oe)er 5oes it.C A9t isn?t e)il@C As"er sai5. A9t is pra3ti3al. 9t is e)en >usti3e.C 9 "el5 my "an5 out 1or t"e kni1e. A9t?s e)il@ an5 %e all kno% it. /o%@ -i)e me t"e kni1e. ,it"er 9 3an 5o t"is@ or %e 5o somet"in- else.C 4amian >ust stoo5 t"ere@ "ol5in- t"e kni1e. ALet me 5o t"is 1or you@ Anita@ please.C AGi)e me t"e 5amn kni1e.C He -a)e it to me 8e3ause "e 3oul5n?t 5o anyt"in- else. 9 knelt 5o%n 8y $"ompson. A="ere are t"ey@ $"ompsonBC 9 aske5. A/o@ no@ /iley tol5 me %"at t"ey?5 5o to me i1 9 "elpe5 you. He?s 1u3kin- 3raEy.C A=ait@C Kane sai5. He "a5 1oun5 a small 3lea)er. A$"is %ill %ork 8etter.C A$"anks.C 9 took it@ 3"e3ke5 it 1or 8alan3e. 9 %asn?t sure 9 3oul5 5o it. 9 %asn?t e)en sure 9 %ante5 to 8e a8le to 5o it. 9n 1a3t@ 9 kne% t"at 9 "ope5 9 3oul5n?t 5o it. But i1 %e %ere really -oin- to 5o t"is@ 9 "a5 to 8e t"e one. 9 5i5 it@ or %e 1oun5 anot"er %ay. !"arlotte Keeman?s 1in-er %as lyin- in a 8o*. 9n less t"an t%o "ours@ t"ey?5 3ut somet"in- else o11. 9?5 kille5 t"e )ampire@ splattere5 $"ompson %it" 8loo5 an5 8rains@ an5 "e %asn?t talkin-. He %as a mean son o1 a 8it3"@ 8ut "e %as tou-"@ too. !"arlotte an5 4aniel 5i5n?t "a)e time 1or "im to 8e tou-". =e "a5 to 8reak "im@ an5 %e "a5 to 8reak "im 1ast. 9 -a)e mysel1 all t"e reasons. $"ey %ere -oo5 reasons@ real reasons. An5 still@ 9 5i5n?t kno% i1 9 3oul5 5o it. A=e?ll start %it" a 1in-er@ $"ompson. Hust like Linus 5i5@C 9 sai5. He %as s3reamin-@ A4on?t@ please@ 5on?tI #"@ Go5@ 5on?tIC

As"er %as leanin- almost "is 1ull %ei-"t on t"e 1lat o1 t"e man?s palm@ 1or3in- "is 1in-ers to sprea5 %i5e. A$ell me %"ere t"ey are@ an5 it %on?t "appen@C 9 sai5. A/iley sai5 t"ey?5 3ut me open an5 make me eat my o%n intestines. Says "e 5i5 it on3e in 7iami. 9 8elie)e "im.C A9 8elie)e "im@ too@ $"ompson. An5 you 5on?t 8elie)e %e?ll 5o it@ 5o youB Dou 5on?t 8elie)e %e?re as 3raEy as /iley.C A/o one is as 3raEy as /iley.C 9 raise5 t"e 3lea)er up. ADou?re %ron-.C 9 staye5 1roEen 1or one lon- moment. 9 3oul5n?t make mysel1 start t"e stroke. 9 3oul5n?t 5o it. 4aniel@ !"arlotte. AHas /iley rape5 4aniel yetBC 9 aske5 it in a )oi3e t"at %as so empty@ it %as like 9 %asn?t t"ere. $"ompson stoppe5 stru--lin-. He lay )ery still. He rolle5 "is eyes up%ar5. APlease 5on?t.C 9 stare5 into "is eyes %"en 9 sai5 t"e ne*t@ A4i5 you rape !"arlotte KeemanBC 9 sa% t"e 1ear in "is eyes. $"at 1las" t"at sai5 "e?5 5one it. 9t %as enou-". 9 3oul5 5o it. Go5 1or-i)e me. 9 -ot t"e little 1in-er an5 t"e tip o1 t"e ne*t one@ 8e3ause "e mo)e5. But t"ey -ot 8etter at "ol5in- "im 5o%n@ an5 9 -ot 8etter at 3uttin-. $"ompson tol5 us %"ere t"ey %ere keepin4aniel an5 !"arlotte Keeman. 9n less t"an 1i1teen minutes "e %oul5 "a)e tol5 us t"e in-re5ients to t"e se3ret sau3e or anyt"in- else. He?5 "a)e 3on1esse5 to killin- Ho11a@ or 5an3in- %it" t"e 5e)il. Anyt"in-@ anyt"in- to make it stop. 9 t"re% up in t"e 3orner until t"ere %as not"in- 8ut 8ile@ an5 my "ea5 1elt like it %as -oin- to e*plo5e. An5 9 kne% t"at 9?5 1inally 5one somet"in- t"at 9 %oul5n?t re3o)er 1rom. Some%"ere in t"e 1irst 8lo% or t"e se3on5@ 9?5 8roken somet"ininsi5e mysel1 t"at %oul5 ne)er "eal. An5 9 %as 3ontent %it" it. 91 %e -ot 4aniel an5 !"arlotte 8a3k@ 9 %as 3ontent %it" it. A "ar5@ 3ol5 knot 1ille5 me. 9t %as 8eyon5 "ate. 9 %oul5 make t"em pay 1or %"at t"ey?5 5one. 9 %oul5 kill t"em. 9 %oul5 kill t"em all. 9 1elt stran-ely li-"t an5 empty@ an5 9 %on5ere5 i1 t"is %as %"at it %as like to 8e 3raEy. 9t 5i5n?t 1eel too 8a5. Later@ %"en t"e s"o3k %ore o11@ 9?5 1eel %orse. Later@ 9?5 %on5er i1 t"ere "a5 8een anot"er %ay to -et $"ompson to talk. Later@ 9?5 remem8er t"at 9 %ante5 to "urt "im@ %ante5 "im to 3ra%l an5 8e-. $"at 9 %ante5 to take all t"e "urt t"at "a5 "appene5 to !"arlotte an5 4aniel an5 3ar)e it out o1 "is 1les". /o% %e "a5 to -o res3ue 4aniel an5 !"arlotte. #"@ one last t"in-. $"ompson %as s3reamin-@ "i-" an5 piteously@ like a %oun5e5 ra88it. 9 s"ot "im in t"e "ea5. $"e s3reamin- stoppe5.

Chapter Forty-three
9 %as 5ri)in- t"e )an 5o%n narro% -ra)el roa5s in t"e 5ark. 9?5 insiste5 on 5ri)in- 8e3ause 9 %ante5 somet"in- to 5o. 9 5i5n?t %ant to >ust sit an5 stare out t"e %in5o%. But 9 %as 8e-innin- to t"ink 9 s"oul5 "a)e let someone else 5ri)e@ 8e3ause 9 5i5n?t seem to 8e too real yet. 9 1elt li-"t an5 empty@ s"o3ky@ 8ut not -uilty. /ot yet. $"ompson "a5 earne5 "is 5eat". He?5 rape5 <i3"ar5?s mot"er. $"ey?5 torture5 <i3"ar5?s mot"er. $"ey?5 rape5 4aniel. $"ey?5 torture5 4aniel. $"ey all 5eser)e5 to 5ie. Hamil an5 /at"aniel %ere in t"e 8a3k o1 t"e )an %it" <o*anne an5 Ben. $"e lupa %oul5 not 8e le1t out o1 t"e 1i-"t@ e)en t"ou-" s"e?5 "a5 to 8e 3arrie5 out to t"e )an 8y "er 8o5y-uar5. 9 5i5n?t "a)e time to 1i-"t %it" <o*anne@ so s"e -ot to 3ome. Hason an5 4r. Patri3k -ot to ri5e up 1ront %it" me. Kane an5 !"erry "a5 8een sent to t"e lupanar to -et <i3"ar5 an5 t"e rest. But %e %eren?t %aitin-. 9 5i5n?t trust /iley not to -et 3reati)e. /o@ 9 5i5n?t trust Linus an5 "is master. Ho% mu3" 3ontrol 5i5 /iley "a)e o)er "is pet psy3"opat"B $"ey?5 alrea5y rape5 t"em. ="at else "a5 "appene5 to t"em 8y no%B /iley "a5 no rules. 9 kne% t"at. 9 %as -rippin- t"e steerin- %"eel so "ar5 it "urt. $"e "ea5li-"ts 3ut a -ol5en tunnel t"rou-" t"e 8la3kness. $rees 3ro%5e5 t"e roa5 so 3lose t"at t"ey s3rape5 at t"e )an?s roo1 %it" t"i3k@ 3la%in- 1in-ers. $"e trees seeme5 to s;ueeEe 5o%n aroun5 us like a 1ist. $"e "ea5li-"ts -lo%e5 o)er t"e 5irt roa5@ 8ut it %asn?t enou-" li-"t. 9t %oul5 ne)er 8e enou-" li-"t. $"ere %asn?t enou-" li-"t in t"e %orl5 to 3"ase a%ay t"is 5arkness. A9 3an?t 8elie)e you 5i5 t"at@C Patri3k sai5. He %as on t"e 1ar si5e@ presse5 a-ainst t"e passen-er2si5e 5oor as i1 a1rai5 to -et too 3lose to me. Hason %as in t"e mi55le. ALet it -o@ Patri3k@C "e sai5. AS"e 3"oppe5 "im up like an animal@ t"en s"e s"ot "im.C $"is %as t"e t"ir5 time "e?5 sai5 pretty mu3" t"e e*a3t same t"in-. AS"ut up@C Hason sai5. A9 %ill not. 9t %as 8ar8ari3.C A9?m not "a)in- a -oo5 ni-"t@ Patri3k. 4rop it@C 9 sai5. A$"e 1u3k you say@C "e sai5. A$"ompson %as s3reamin-@ in pain@C 9 sai5.

AAn5 you kille5 "im@C Patri3k sai5. ASomeone "a5 to 1inis" it@C 9 sai5. A="at t"e "ell are you talkin- a8outB 'inis" itIC His )oi3e %as risin-@ an5 9 %as 8e-innin- to 5e8ate "o% an-ry <o*anne %oul5 8e i1 9 s"ot "im. A1ter %"at 9?5 alrea5y 5one toni-"t@ it 5i5n?t seem like su3" a 8i- 5eal. AHo% lon- "a)e you 8een lukoiBC Hason aske5. $"e ;uestion -a)e us a moment o1 surprise5 silen3e@ t"en@ A$%o years.C AAn5 %"at?s t"e rule a8out "untin-BC Hason aske5. A="i3" oneBC A4on?t 8e 3oy@ Patri3k@C Hason sai5. ADou kno% %"i3" one.C Patri3k %as silent lon- enou-" t"at t"e only soun5s %ere t"e %"ir o1 t"e en-ine@ t"e %"eels on t"e roa5. $"e )an ro3ke5 so1tly o)er t"e rutte5 roa5. =as it >ust my ima-ination or %as t"ere a soun5 un5erneat" t"e en-ine?s roar@ a "i-"@ keenin-@ s3reamB /a%@ my ima-ination. 7y ima-ination %as not -oin- to 8e my 1rien5 1or a %"ile. Patri3k 1inally sai5@ A/e)er 8e-in a "unt unless you mean to kill.C A$"at?s t"e one@C Hason sai5. ABut t"is %asn?t a "unt@C Patri3k sai5. ADes@ it %as@C Hason sai5. A=e >ust %eren?t "untin- t"e 5eputy.C A="at?s t"at suppose5 to meanBC "e aske5. 9 ans%ere5@ A9t means %e?re "untin- t"e people in t"at "ouse.C Patri3k turne5 a pale 1a3e to me in t"e 5ark. ADou 3an?t mean t"at %e are to kill all o1 t"em. #nly one man 3ut o11 "er 1in-er. #nly one man is -uilty.C A$"ey %at3"e5. $"ey 5i5 not"in- to pre)ent it. 9t?s t"e same as 5oin- it in t"e eyes o1 t"e la%@C 9 sai5. ADou are not t"e la%@C "e sai5. A#"@ yes@ 9 am.C A/o@ you?re not. 4amn it@ no@ you are notIC AAnyone %"o "arms t"e pa3k %it"out >ust 3ause is our enemy@C 9 sai5. A4on?t ;uote pa3k la% to me@ "uman.C AHo% 5o %e 5eal %it" our enemiesBC 9 aske5. Hason ans%ere5@ A4eat".C A7ost pa3ks 5on?t "ol5 to t"e ol5 la%s anymore@ an5 you 8ot" kno% it@C Patri3k sai5. ALook@ Patri3k@ 9 5on?t "a)e time to e*plain it all@ so "ere?s t"e <ea5er?s 4i-est )ersion. /iley an5 3re% rape5 an5 torture5 <i3"ar5?s mot"er an5 8rot"er. =e are -oin- to kill t"em 1or t"at. All o1 t"em.C A="at a8out S"eri11 =ilkes an5 "is menBC A91 $"ompson "elpe5 rape <i3"ar5?s mom@ t"en "e %asn?t t"e only one. Anyone %"o tou3"e5 eit"er o1 t"em is 5ea5. 4o you un5erstan5 t"at@ Patri3kB 4ea5.C A9 3an?t 5o it@C "e sai5. A$"en stay in t"e 3ar@C 9 sai5@ A8ut s"ut t"e 1u3k up or 9?m -oin- to s"oot you.C ASee@C "e sai5@ Asee@ your 3ons3ien3e is 8ot"erin- you.C 9 -lan3e5 at "im "u55le5 in t"e 5ark. A/o@ my 3ons3ien3e isn?t 8ot"erin- me. /ot yet. 7ay8e later. 7ay8e not. But no%@ toni-"t@ 9 5on?t 1eel 8a5 a8out %"at 9 5i5. 9 %ante5 $"ompson to "urt. 9 %ante5 to punis" "im 1or %"at "e 5i5. An5 you kno% %"at@ Patri3kB 9t %asn?t enou-". 9t %ill ne)er 8e enou-"@ 8e3ause 9 kille5 "im too 1u3kin- ;ui3k.C $ears %ere t"reatenin- at t"e 8a3k o1 my t"roat a-ain. ="en t"e num8ness an5 an-er %ore o11@ 9 %as -oin- to 8e in trou8le. 9 "a5 to "ol5 onto t"e a5renaline@ t"e ra-e. 9t %oul5 see me t"rou-" t"e ni-"t. $omorro%@ %ell@ %e?5 see. A$"ere "a5 to 8e anot"er %ay@C Patri3k sai5. A9 5i5n?t "ear you o11erin- any su--estions at t"e time.C A="at?s 8ot"erin- t"e -oo5 5o3tor@C Hason sai5@ Ais t"at "e 5i5n?t say anyt"in-. He 5i5n?t 5o anyt"in- to stop us.C 9 appre3iate5 t"e Aus.C A9 5i5n?t "ol5 "im 5o%n@C Patri3k sai5. A9 5i5n?t tou3" "im.C

AAll you "a5 to 5o %as say@ FStop@ 5on?t@? 8ut you kept ;uiet. Dou let us 3"op "im up. Dou let us kill "im an5 5i5n?t say a 5amn %or5@C Hason sai5. ADour 3ons3ien3e %asn?t %orkin- so "ar5 %"ile "e %as still ali)e.C Patri3k 5i5n?t say anyt"in- 1or a lon- time. =e 8umpe5 o)er t"e roa5@ a)oi5in- tree 8ran3"es an5 5irt21ille5 "oles. $"ere %as not"in- 8ut t"e 5arkness@ t"e -ol5en tunnel o1 "ea5li-"ts@ an5 t"e en-ine21ille5 silen3e. 9 %asn?t sure silen3e %as my 1a)orite t"in- ri-"t no%@ 8ut it %as 8etter t"an listenin- to Patri3k tell me %"at a monster 9 %as. 9 a-ree5 %it" "im@ %"i3" ma5e it "ar5er to "ear. $"en somet"in- 1ille5 t"e silen3e t"at %as e)en "ar5er to "ear. Patri3k %as 3ryin-. He "u55le5 a-ainst t"e 1ar 5oor@ as 1ar 1rom 8ot" o1 us as "e 3oul5 -et@ an5 3rie5 so1tly. 'inally@ "e sai5@ ADou?re ri-"t. 9 5i5 not"in-@ an5 t"at %ill "aunt me 1or t"e rest o1 my 5ays.C AHoin t"e 3lu8@C 9 sai5. He peere5 at me t"rou-" t"e 5arkness. A$"en %"y 5i5 you 5o itBC ASomeone "a5 to.C A9 %ill ne)er 1or-et t"e si-"t o1 you 3"oppin- "im up. $"is little -irl ... $"e look on your 1a3e %"en you kille5 "im. Go5@ you looke5 8lank like you %eren?t e)en t"ere. ="y 5i5 you "a)e to 8e t"e one to 5o itBC A=oul5 it "a)e 8een 8etter i1 one o1 t"e -uys "a5 5one itBC 9 aske5. ADes@C "e sai5. APlease 5on?t tell me t"is is some ma3"o s"it. $"at you?re t"is upset 8e3ause a -irl 5i5 itBC Patri3k snu11le5. A9 -uess it is. 9 mean@ 9 -uess it %oul5n?t seem so "orri8le i1 one o1 t"e ot"ers "a5 5one it. Dou?re t"is pretty little t"in-. Dou s"oul5n?t 8e 3"oppin- people?s 1in-ers o11.C A#"@ please@C 9 sai5. A9 %ill -o to my -ra)e seein- t"e look on your 1a3e at t"e last.C AKeep it up@ an5 you?ll -o sooner t"an later@C 9 mum8le5. A="at 5i5 you sayBC Patri3k aske5. A/ot"in-@C 9 sai5. Hason ma5e a small soun5 t"at mi-"t "a)e 8een a lau-". 91 "e only kne% "o% un1unny t"e 3omment "a5 8een. 9 %as "a)in- enou-" trou8le %it" %"at 9?5 >ust 5one. 9 5i5n?t nee5 a so88in- Himmy !ri3ket to emp"asiEe t"e 1a3t t"at 9?5 1allen into t"e a8yss. $"e monster %asn?t 8reat"in- 5o%n my ne3kG it %as insi5e my "ea5. 9nsi5e my "ea5@ 1at an5 %ell21e5. ="at ma5e me so sure t"e monster %as "ome %as t"e 1a3t t"at 9 5i5n?t 1eel -uilty. 9 1elt 8a5 8e3ause 9 %as suppose5 to 1eel 8a5 an5 5i5n?t. 9 "a5 to "a)e some personal line t"at 3oul5 not 8e 3rosse5@ an5 9?5 t"ou-"t torture %as it. An5 9?5 8een %ron-. $ears ti-"tene5 my t"roat@ 8ut 9?5 8e 5amne5 i1 9?5 3ry. 9t %as 5one. 9 "a5 to let it -o2or at least pus" it 8a3k lon- enou-" to -et t"e >o8 5one. $"e >o8 %as to res3ue 4aniel an5 !"arlotte. 91 9 5i5n?t -et t"em out@ t"en it "a5 all 8een 1or not"in-. 9?5 a55e5 a ne% ni-"tmare 1or not"in-. But it %as more t"an t"at. 9 3oul5n?t 1a3e <i3"ar5 i1 9 let t"em 5ie. 9?5 8een an-ry %it" "im@ pisse5@ 8ut no% 9 %asn?t. 9?5 "a)e -i)en a -reat 5eal 1or "im to "ol5 me ri-"t no%. #1 3ourse@ "e?5 "a)e pro8a8ly a-ree5 %it" Patri3k. <i3"ar5 %oul5 8e a )ery %ise man i1 "e 5i5n?t attempt to le3ture me toni-"t. But it %asn?t >ust <i3"ar5. 9?5 met t"e entire Keeman 3lan. $"ey %ere so 3lose to per1e3t t"at it ma5e my teet" a3"e. $"e 1amily mi-"t ne)er re3o)er 1rom a loss like t"is. 7y 1amily "a5n?t. 9 %as 3ountin- on 4aniel an5 !"arlotte to re3o)er 1rom t"e torture. 9 %as 3ountin- on t"em 8ein- stron- enou-" to not let t"at alone 8e enou-" to 5estroy t"em. 9 "ope5 9 %as ri-"t. /o. 9 praye5 9 %as ri-"t. $"ompson "a5 tol5 us %"at room t"ey %ere keepin- t"em in. 9t %as in t"e 8a3k@ near t"e %oo5s@ as 1ar 1rom t"e roa5 as possi8le. /ot a surprise. $"ere mi-"t "a)e 8een in1ormation t"at $"ompson "a5 t"at 3oul5 "a)e 8een use1ul. 7ay8e 9 s"oul5 "a)e use5 less torture an5 more t"reat. 7ay8e t"at %oul5 "a)e -otten us more 5etaile5 in1o 1aster. 7ay8e@ may8e not. 9 %as ne% at interro-ation 8y torture@ la3ke5 t"e proper te3"ni;ue@ 9 suppose. 9 %oul5 "a)e sai5 9?5 -et 8etter %it" pra3ti3e@ e*3ept 9 %asn?t 5oin- it a-ain. 9 mi-"t "a)e t"e s3reamin- meemies 1ore)er 1rom >ust t"is one in3i5ent@ 8ut i1 9 5i5 it a-ain@ it %as o)er. $"ey?5 "a)e to %rap me up an5 put me a%ay. 9 kept 1las"in- on t"e 1eel o1 t"e 3lea)er 8itin- into t"e 1loor. 9 remem8ere5 t"inkin- t"at 9 5i5n?t 1eel it -o t"rou-" t"e 8one. 9 >ust 1elt it 8ite into t"e 1loor un5erneat". 9 sa% t"e 1in-ers -o in a %as" o1 8loo5@ 8ut not as mu3" 8loo5 as you?5 t"ink@ 1or some reason. AAnita@ Anita@ t"e turno11.C 9 8linke5 an5 slamme5 on t"e 8rakes@ t"ro%in- e)eryone 1or%ar5. 9 %as t"e only one %earin- a seat 8elt. 9 usually remem8er to "a)e e)eryone 8u3kle up. !areless o1 me. Hason peele5 "imsel1 o11 t"e 5as"8oar5@ pus"e5 8a3k to t"e seat@ an5 sai5@ AAre you okayBC 9 8a3ke5 t"e )an up slo%ly. A9?m 1ine.C ALiar@C "e sai5.

9 ease5 t"e )an 8a3k until 9 3oul5 see t"e %"ite si-n t"at sai5@ AGreene Valley House.C Dou 5i5n?t e*pe3t to 1in5 a "ouse %it" a name at t"e en5 o1 a 5irt roa5@ 8ut t"ere you are. Hust 8e3ause t"e roa5 isn?t pa)e5 5oesn?t mean t"e people 5on?t "a)e style or may8e pretensions. Sometimes it?s a%1ully "ar5 to tell t"e 5i11eren3e. $"is roa5 %as -ra)el. $"e -ra)el pin-e5 a-ainst t"e un5ersi5e o1 t"e )an@ e)en at less t"an t%enty miles an "our. 9 slo%e5 5o%n 1urt"er. <o*anne kne% t"e "ouse. S"e?5 -ro%n up %it" t"e Greenes? son. $"ey?5 8een 8est 1rien5s until t"e "ormones ki3ke5 in an5 "e starte5 tryin- to play 8oy to "er -irl. But s"e kne% t"e "ouse. $"ere %as a 3learin- a8out "al1%ay 5o%n t"e roa5 %"ere %e s"oul5 park t"e )an. $"e 3learin- %as ri-"t on s3"e5ule. 9 pulle5 t"e )an into t"e %ee5s. $"ey %"iske5 a-ainst t"e metal@ %"ippin- t"e tires. $"e 8la3k )an %as sort o1 in)isi8le@ parke5 in t"e trees. 9t %as also sort o1 %e5-e5. =e %oul5n?t 8e mo)in- it ;ui3kly. #1 3ourse@ 9 %asn?t plannin- on us "a)in- to make a run 1or it. 7y priority %as to -et 4aniel an5 !"arlotte out as un"arme5 as possi8le. 9 "a5 no ot"er priority. 9t ma5e t"in-s simple. =e se3ure5 t"e "osta-es@ t"en %e kille5 e)ery8o5y. Simple. Part o1 me "ope5 t"at <i3"ar5 -ot "ere in time 1or t"e assault. Part o1 me 5i5n?t. #ne@ 9 %asn?t sure "o% "e?5 take t"e ne%s a8out "is 1amily. $%o@ 9 %asn?t sure "o% "e?5 take my -ame plan. An5 9 5i5n?t %ant to ar-ue. 9?5 pai5 t"e pri3e to -et "ere. =e?5 play it t"e %ay 9 %ante5 it. Someone tou3"e5 my arm@ an5 9 >umpe5 so 8a5ly 9 3oul5n?t speak 1or a se3on5. 7y "eart 1ille5 my t"roat until 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e. AAnita@ it?s Hason. Dou okayC $"e passen-er2si5e 5oor %as open@ an5 Patri3k %asn?t in si-"t. 9 "ear5 mo)ement 3omin- up on my si5e o1 t"e )an. 9t %as /at"aniel. He tappe5 so1tly on t"e %in5o%. 9 lo%ere5 it. A,)eryone?s out o1 t"e 8a3k@C "e sai5. 9 no55e5. AGi)e us a 1e% minutes@C Hason sai5. /at"aniel %ent 8a3k to t"e rear o1 t"e )an %it"out anot"er %or5. He 5i5 1ollo% or5ers %ell. A$alk to me@ Anita.C A$"ere?s not"in- to talk a8out.C ADou keep starin- o11 into spa3e 1or minutes at a time. Dou?re not e)en "ere. =e nee5 you 1or t"is to %ork. 4aniel an5 7rs. Keeman nee5 you.C 7y "ea5 turne5 slo%ly o1 its o%n a33or5@ an5 9 -lare5 at "im. A9 "a)e 5one my 8est 1or t"em toni-"t. 9 "a)e -one a8o)e an5 8eyon5 my personal 8est 1or t"em toni-"t.C A:ntil t"ey?re sa1e@ it?s not o)er.C A9 kno% t"at. 4on?t you t"ink 9 kno% t"atB 91 9 5on?t -et t"em out ali)e@ t"en %"at 9 5i5 %as 1or not"in-.C AAn5 %"at 5o you t"ink you 5i5BC "e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. ADou sa%.C A9 "elpe5 "ol5 "im 5o%n.C A9?m sorry a8out t"at.C Hason put a "an5 on ea3" s"oul5er an5 s"ook me -ently. A4amn it@ Anita@ -et a -rip. 9t isn?t like you to %allo% in t"e "orror. Dou?re a -oo5 sol5ier. Dou kill an5 keep -oin- like you?re suppose5 to.C 9 pus"e5 "im a%ay 1rom me. A9 torture5 a man@ Hason. 9 re5u3e5 "im to somet"in- t"at %rit"e5 on t"e 1loor@ me%lin- %it" terror an5 pain. An5 9 %ante5 to 5o it. 9 %ante5 "im to "urt 8e3ause o1 %"at t"ey?5 5one to !"arlotte an5 4aniel. 9 %ante5 to 5o it.C 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?ll 5o my 8it toni-"t@ 8ut 1or-i)e me i1 it?s a little "ar5er to keep -oin- t"an normal. 'or-i)e me i1 9?m not super%oman@ a1ter all.C A/ot super%omanBC "e e*3laime5@ puttin- a "an5 on "is 3"est in mo3k surprise. ADou?)e lie5 to me all t"ese yearsIC 9t ma5e me smile@ an5 9 5i5n?t %ant to smile. AStop it.C AStop %"atB !"eerin- you upB #r is li1e suppose5 to stop 8e3ause you 5i5 somet"in- "orri8leB 9?ll tell you t"e real "orri8le trut"@ Anita. /o matter %"at you 5o or "o% 8a5 you 1eel a8out it@ li1e >ust -oes on. Li1e 5oesn?t -i)e a 1u3k t"at you?re sorry or upset or 5eran-e5 or tormente5. Li1e >ust -oes on@ an5 you -otta -o on %it" it@ or sit in t"e mi55le o1 t"e roa5 an5 1eel sorry 1or yoursel1. An5 9 5on?t see you 5oin- t"at.C A9 am not 1eelin- sorry 1or mysel1.C ADou aren?t all 8roken up a8out $"ompson. Dou?re 8roken up 8e3ause o1 %"at you 5i5 to $"ompson an5 "o% it makes you 1eel. Dou 5on?t -i)e a rat?s ass a8out "im. Dou?re >ust %eepin- an5 -nas"in- your teet" a8out "o% mu3" o1 a monster you are. =ell@ 9 -et enou-" o1 t"at 1rom <i3"ar5. 9 5on?t nee5 it 1rom you. So -et your a3t to-et"er. =e?)e -ot people %e 3are a8out to sa)e.C 9 stare5 at "im. ADou kno% %"at?s really 8ot"erin- meBC A/o@ %"atBC

A9 5on?t 1eel 8a5 a8out 3uttin- $"ompson up. 9 t"ink "e 5eser)e5 it.C AHe 5i5@C Hason sai5. A/o one 5eser)es to 8e torture5@ Hason. /o one 5eser)es %"at %e 5i52%"at 9 5i52to "im. $"at?s %"at t"e 1ront o1 my 8rain keeps tellin- me. 9t keeps tellin- me 9 s"oul5 1eel sorry a8out it@ "orri1ie5. $"is s"oul5 8e somet"in- t"at 8reaks me. But you kno% %"atBC A="atBC Hason aske5. A9t %on?t 8reak me@ 8e3ause ri-"t no% t"e only t"in- 9 re-ret is t"at 9 5i5n?t "a)e enou-" ner)e to 3ut o11 "is 5i3k an5 keep it as a sou)enir 1or <i3"ar5?s mom. Killin- "im@ e)en torturin- "im@ %asn?t enou-". $"e Keemans are like t"e 1u3kin=altons. $o t"ink t"at anyone 3oul5 3ome in an5 take t"at a%ay2spoil it 1ore)er2>ust makes me so an-ry2so an-ry t"at all 9 3an 5o is kill t"em. Kill t"em all. $"ere?s no re-ret in me.C 9 looke5 at "im in t"e 5ark. A$"ere s"oul5 8e re-ret 1or somet"in-@ Hason. 9 3an kill an5 not 8link. /o% 9 3an torture an5 not re-ret it. 9?)e 8e3ome one o1 t"e monsters@ an5 i1 it %ill sa)e <i3"ar5?s 1amily@ 9 am "appy to 8e one.C A'eel any 8etterBC Hason sai5. ADea"@ 9 5o. 9?m a monster@ 8ut it?s 1or a -oo5 3ause.C A$o sa)e <i3"ar5?s mom@ 9?5 5o a "ell o1 a lot %orse t"an 3ut a 1e% 1in-ers o11@C Hason sai5. A7e@ too@C 9 sai5. A$"en let?s 5o it@C "e sai5. =e -ot out o1 t"e )an an5 %ent to 5o it.

Chapter Forty-four
,)eryone "a5 melte5 into t"e %oo5s like stones t"ro%n on t"e sur1a3e o1 some 5ark lake. ,)en Ben@ %"o %as 3arryin<o*anne@ "a5 )anis"e5. 9 mo)e5 t"rou-" t"e trees at a slo%er@ more "uman pa3e. /at"aniel staye5 %it" me like a %ell2 traine5 5o-. 9 almost %is"e5 "e?5 -one o11 %it" t"e ot"ers. His 3ompany %as not 3om1ortin- 8e3ause t"ou-" "e %as a8le2 8o5ie5 an5 a %ereleopar5@ 9 %asn?t sure 9 s"oul5 8e takin- "im into a 1i-"t. He 3rou3"e5 8esi5e me@ "an5 on my arm@ pullin- me 5o%n. 9 %ent to my knees 8esi5e "im@ -un rea5y. He pointe5 to our ri-"t@ an5 9 "ear5 itJ someone 3ras"in- t"rou-" t"e un5er8rus". 9t %asn?t one o1 us. 9 put my mout" near "is ear. AGet 8e"in5 %"oe)er it is. 4ri)e t"em to%ar5s me.C He no55e5 an5 slippe5 into t"e trees. 9 -ot 8e"in5 a lar-e tree@ usin- it as a s"iel5. 7y plan %as to s"o)e t"e Bro%nininto %"oe)er it %as an5 1in5 out %"at %as "appenin- in t"e "ouse. Someone -aspe5@ an5 no% t"ey %ere runnin- 1ull2out. 9 1elt t"e mo)ement in t"e trees %it"out really seein- it. $"e s"ape2 s"i1ters %ere 5ri)in- "im to%ar5s me. /at"aniel "a5 1oun5 t"e ot"ers an5 sprea5 t"e %or5. 91 it %as some inno3ent "iker ... 9 3oul5n?t t"ink o1 an apolo-y stron- enou-". #"@ %ell. A 1i-ure 3ras"e5 t"rou-" t"e trees an5 ri-"t past me. 9 "a5 to -ra8 "is arm an5 spin "im aroun5 into t"e tree to -et "is attention. 9 s"o)e5 t"e -un 8arrel un5er "is 3"in an5 only t"en realiEe5 %"o 9 "a5. 9t %as Ho%ar5 t"e psy3"i3. A4on?t kill me@C "e -aspe5. A="y notBC 9 aske5. A9 3an "elp you.C AStart talkin-@C 9 sai5. A7ilo an5 =ilkes?s 5eputies are up t"ere@ ar-uin- a8out %"o -ets to kill t"e man.C 9 presse5 t"e -un 8arrel into "is t"roat until "e "a5 to -o on tiptoe. He %as makin- a %il5 soun5 "i-" in "is t"roat. A4i5 you en>oy !"arlotte KeemanB =as s"e a -oo5 layBC He trie5 to talk 8ut 3oul5n?t 5o it aroun5 t"e -un 8arrel. 9 t"ou-"t a8out s"o)in- t"e 8arrel t"rou-" "is t"roat until "e -a--e5 on "is 8loo5 an5 5ie5. 9 took a 5eep 8reat" an5 ease5 5o%n enou-" 1or "im to speak instea5. A4ear Go5@ 9 5i5n?t tou3" t"e %oman. 9 5i5n?t tou3" eit"er o1 t"em. 9?m a 3lair)oyant@ 1or Go5?s sake. 9 3oul5n?t 8ear to tou3" someone 5urina rape or torture@C Ho%ar5 sai5. 9 8elie)e5 "im. An5 9 kne% i1 later 9 1oun5 out "e %as lyin-@ t"e %orl5 %asn?t 8i- enou-" to "i5e "im. 9 kne% %it" a 3ol5 3ertainty t"at i1 "e %ere -uilty@ "e %oul5 pay. ADou sai5 4aniel?s at t"e "ouseB ="ere?s !"arlotteBC A/iley an5 Linus "a)e taken "er to use "er 8loo5 to 3all up "is 5emon. $"ey?re -oin- to "a)e t"e 5emon sear3" t"e lan5 1or t"e lan3e. /iley plans on lea)in- toni-"t.C ADou 3an?t sen5 a 5emon to 1in5 a "oly reli3@C 9 sai5. ALinus t"inks t"e 8lasp"emy o1 it %ill appeal to "is master.C

A="y are you runnin- a%ay@ Ho%ar5BC A$"ere is no spear. 9 lie5.C 9 ease5 up on t"e -un more an5 8linke5 at "im. A="at are you talkin- a8outBC ADou kno% "o% "ar5 it is to make a li)in- as a 3lair)oyant. So many "orri8le memories@ an5 you usually en5 up %orkin%it" t"e poli3e 1or no money. 9?5 8een usin- my po%ers to -et mysel1 in -oo5 %it" %ealt"y people %"o %eren?t so 3are1ul a8out t"e la%. 9?5 promise t"em somet"in-@ 8ut it %oul5n?t 8e real. $"en t"ey?5 8e too em8arrasse5 to -o to t"e poli3e a8out it. #r 3oul5n?t 3omplain t"at t"ey -ot 3"eate5 out o1 a stolen o8>e3t. 9t %orke5. 9 only s%in5le5 3rooks. 9t %orke5.C A:ntil /iley@C 9 sai5. AHe?s 3raEy. 91 "e e)er 1in5s out 9 tri3ke5 "im@ "e?ll kill me an5 "a)e Linus 1ee5 my soul to t"at t"in-.C A$"ey?re -oin- to kill !"arlotte to try an5 1in5 somet"in- t"at isn?t e)en "ere@ you ass"ole.C A9 kno%@ 9 kno%@ an5 9?m sorry. 9 am really@ really sorry. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at "e %as 3apa8le o1. #"@ Go5@ let me -o. Let me run a%ay.C ADou?re -oin- to -et us into t"at "ouse. Dou?re -oin- to "elp us res3ue 4aniel.C A$"ere isn?t time to res3ue t"em 8ot"@C Ho%ar5 sai5. A$"ey?re -oin- to kill t"e man an5 sa3ri1i3e t"e %oman no%. 91 9 -et you into t"e "ouse@ t"e %oman %ill 8e 5ea5 8e1ore you 3an -et to "er.C <o*anne appeare5 on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e tree@ >ust t"ere@ like ma-i3. Ho%ar5 -aspe5. A9 5on?t t"ink so@C s"e sai5. S"e opene5 a mout" 1ull o1 1an-s an5 snappe5 t"em near "is 1a3e. Ho%ar5 s3reame5. S"e presse5 3la%e5 "an5s into t"e 8ark o1 t"e tree on eit"er si5e o1 "im an5 3la%e5 lon- 1urro%s in t"e 8ark. Ho%ar5 1ainte5. 9 le1t "im %it" <o*anne an5 t"e )ampires an5 Ben. ="en "e 3ame to@ "e?5 -et t"em into t"e "ouse an5 t"ey?5 res3ue 4aniel. 9?5 take t"e rest an5 res3ue !"arlotte. $"ere %oul5 8e no 3"oosin-. /o eit"erUor. =e %oul5 sa)e t"em 8ot". 9 "a5 to 8elie)e it as 9 t"re% mysel1 into t"e 8la3k %oo5s. 9 unleas"e5 t"at po%er insi5e me an5 sent it out%ar5@ 3astin- like a net to 3at3" ... a 1aint@ ru11lin- s3ent o1 e)il. $"ey?5 kno% 9 %as 3omin- no%@ 8ut it 3oul5n?t 8e "elpe5. 9 ran like 9?5 run earlier in t"e 5ay %it" <i3"ar5. 9 ran as i1 t"e -roun5 tol5 me %"ere to -o@ an5 t"e trees opene5 up like %el3omin- "an5s. 9 ran in t"e 5ark an5 3oul5n?t see an5 5i5n?t nee5 to. 9 1elt <i3"ar5 runnin-@ runnin- to%ar5s us. 9 1elt t"e "ar5 e5-e o1 "is pani3 an5 ran 1aster.

Chapter Forty-five
$"ey?5 3"osen t"e top o1 a "ill t"at "a5 on3e 8een mea5o%@ 8ut some time to5ay t"ey?5 8us"2"o--e5 all t"e -rass an5 mea5o% 1lo%ers so t"at t"e "ill %as 8are an5 8roken un5er t"e moonli-"t. 9n t"e mo)ies t"ere %oul5 8e an altar an5 may8e a 1ire or t%o@ at least a tor3". But t"ere %as not"in- 8ut 5arkness an5 a sil)er %as" o1 moonli-"t. $"e palest t"in- in t"e 3learin- %as !"arlotte Keeman?s skin. S"e %as tie5 nake5 to stakes 5ri)en into t"e -roun5. 9 t"ou-"t at 1irst s"e %as un3ons3ious@ 8ut "er "an5s 1le*e5 an5 straine5 a-ainst t"e ropes. 9 %as 8ot" "appy to see "er still 1i-"tin- an5 sorry t"at s"e "a5n?t passe5 out. Linus Be3k %as %earin- t"e pro)er8ial 8la3k "oo5e5 ro8e. 9 -uess i1 it sa)e5 me 1rom seein- "im nake5@ 9 3oul5 li)e %it" it. /iley stoo5 8y Linus. He %as 5resse5 in t"e same suit 9?5 seen "im in earlier. $"ey?5 5ra%n a 3ir3le on t"e -roun5 %it" somet"in- 5ark an5 po%5ery. !"arlotte %as insi5e t"e 3ir3le. S"e %as 1oo5 1or t"e 5emon@ 8ait. =ilkes stoo5 not ei-"t 1eet 1rom me@ to my ri-"t. He "a5 a "i-"2po%ere5 ri1le an5 %as sear3"in- t"e 5arkness. Linus?s )oi3e rose in a sin-son- r"yt"mn t"at 1ille5 t"e ni-"t %it" e3"oes an5 mo)ement as i1 t"e 5arkness itsel1 s"i)ere5 at t"e %or5s. /at"aniel an5 9 lay on t"e -roun5 at t"e line o1 trees@ %at3"in-. Hason an5 Hamil %ere suppose5 to 8e on t"e ot"er si5e o1 t"e 3learin-. A moment o1 3on3entration tol5 me %"ere t"ey %ere. $"e marks %it" <i3"ar5 %ere open an5 roarin-. 9?5 ne)er 8een so a%are o1 t"e s3ent an5 soun5s o1 a summer ni-"t. 9t %as like my skin e*pan5e5 out%ar5@ tou3"in- e)ery tree an5 8us". 9 %as li;ui5 an5 8arely 3ontaine5 %it"in my skin. 9 1elt <i3"ar5 an5 t"e ot"ers mo)in- t"rou-" t"e trees like a soli5 %in5. $"e lukoi %ere 3omin-. But t"ey %ere miles a%ay@ an5 t"e spell %as almost 3omplete. 9 3oul5 1eel it -ro%in-@ s%ellin-@ like a 5ank@ unseen 1o-. $"e e)il %as 3omin-. $"ere %ere s"ots 1rom t"e "ouse@ e3"oin- up t"e "ill. =ilkes turne5 to%ar5s t"em an5 9 %ent to one knee an5 si-"te5 5o%n my arms. $"e 1irst s"ot "it "im in t"e mi55le o1 "is 8a3k. $"e se3on5 s"ot took "im a little "i-"er up t"e 8a3k 8e3ause "e %as 1allin- to "is knees. He staye5 motionless on "is knees 1or one o1 t"ose se3on5s t"at laste5 an eternity. 9 "a5 time to put a t"ir5 8ullet in "is 8a3k. A 8ullet "it t"e tree ne*t to my "ea5@ an5 9 rolle5 8a3k into t"e un5er8rus". $"ree more s"ots "it t"e 8us"es %"ere 9 "a5 8een. /iley "a5 a -un@ a semiauto t"at mi-"t "ol5 ei-"teen 8ullets i1 "e?5 mo5i1ie5 t"e 3lip. /ot -oo5. #1 3ourse@ it mi-"t "ol5 only ten. Har5 to tell in t"e 5ark 1rom t"is 5istan3e.

9 si5le5 up to a tree@ leane5 my arm a-ainst it@ an5 si-"te5 on "is s"ape in t"e 8ri-"t 5arkness. 9 pulle5 o11 one 3are1ul s"ot an5 "e %ent 5o%n. 9 %asn?t sure "o% 8a5ly "e %as "it@ 8ut 9?5 "it somet"in-. He 1ire5 8a3k@ an5 9 "it t"e -roun5. /at"aniel 3ra%le5 to me on "is 8elly. A="at 5o %e 5oBC /iley yelle5@ ADou 3annot 3ross t"e 3ir3le@ Anita. 91 you kill us@ all you 3an 5o is %at3" !"arlotte 5ie.C 9 riske5 a peek. /iley "a5 taken 3o)er. 9 3oul5 s"oot Linus@ 8ut 9 %asn?t a "un5re5 per3ent sure %"at t"at %oul5 5o to !"arlotte. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at t"e spell entaile5. 9 >ust 5i5n?t kno% t"at mu3" a8out sor3ery. A="at 5o you %ant@ /ileyBC A$"ro% your -un out.C ADou t"ro% yours out@ too@ or 9 s"oot Linus.C A="at "appens to !"arlotte i1 Linus 5ies in mi5spellBC A9?ll take my 3"an3es. $"ro% out t"e -un.C He stoo5 an5 tosse5 t"e -un o11 t"e si5e o1 t"e "ill. 9 3oul5n?t "ear it "it o)er Linus?s 3"antin-@ 8ut "e?5 5one it. 9 mo)e5 out o1 t"e trees an5 tosse5 t"e Bro%nin- a%ay. 9 still "a5 t"e 'irestar. A$"e ot"er -un@ too@C /iley sai5. A<emem8er t"at Linus sear3"e5 you earlier to5ay.C 9 tosse5 t"e 'irestar a%ay into t"e 8roken -rass. 9t %as all ri-"t. $"is %asn?t a8out -uns anymore. 9 1elt t"e spell 3lose. Linus?s last %or5 re)er8erate5 on t"e ni-"t like a -reat 8rass 8ell t"at "a5 8een stru3k sli-"tly o112key@ 8ut it e3"oe5 1or all t"e 1latness o1 t"e note. 9t e3"oe5 an5 -re% until t"e skin on my 8o5y trie5 to 3ra%l a%ay an5 "i5e@ 3reepin- as i1 e)ery inse3t in t"e %orl5 %ere un5er my skin. 'or a se3on5@ 9 3oul5n?t 8reat"e or mo)e. $"en /iley?s )oi3e 3ame@ ADou are too late@ Anita. $oo late.C !"arlotte %as s3reamin- t"rou-" t"e -a- on "er mout". S3reamin-@ o)er an5 o)er a-ain@ as 1ast as s"e 3oul5 5ra% 8reat". 9 stare5 a3ross t"e mea5o% an5 1oun5 t"at t"ere %as somet"in- else in t"e 3ir3le. 9 %asn?t sure i1 it %as t"e 8la3kness o1 it t"at ma5e it "ar5 to see@ or i1 it %as like smoke@ ne)er e*a3tly one s"ape. 9t seeme5 to 8e a8out man "ei-"t@ may8e ei-"t 1eet@ not mu3" more. 9t %as so t"in t"at it looke5 like it %as ma5e o1 sti3ks. 9ts le-s %ere lon-er t"an t"ey s"oul5 "a)e 8een@ 8ent %ron- some"o%. 9 realiEe5 t"at t"e lon-er 9 stare5 at it@ t"e more soli5 it %as -ro%in-. $"e ne3k %as a lon- serpentine@ 8ent 8a3k on its s"oul5ers like a "eron@ an5 it "a5 a 8eak 1or a mout". 91 it "a5 eyes@ 9 3oul5n?t see t"em. $"e 1a3e looke5 8lin5 an5 only "al121orme5. ADou are too late@C /iley sai5 a-ain. A/o. 9?m not.C 9 stoo5 an5 %alke5 out o1 t"e trees. /iley seeme5 terri8ly 3on1i5ent no% t"at t"e 5emon %as "ere. A#nly Linus 3an sen5 it 8a3k to %"en3e it 3ame. 91 you "arm "im@ t"en it %ill 3ertainly 5e)our t"e 1air !"arlotte.C 9 i-nore5 "im 8e3ause 9 kne% t"e plan %as 1or t"e t"in- to eat !"arlotte. Let t"em t"ink 9 8elie)e5 t"ey inten5e5 to sa)e "er. Let t"em t"ink s"e %as still use1ul as a "osta-e. 9 %ante5 to -et 3lose enou-" to see t"e 3ir3le o1 entrapment t"ey?5 put up. !"arlotte "a5 stoppe5 s3reamin-. 9 3oul5 "ear "er )oi3e trappe5 8e"in5 t"e -a-@ 8ut s"e %as speakin- no%@ not s3reamin-. A stron- %oman@ a )ery stron- %oman. $"e 5emon pa3e5 t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3ir3le@ 1li3kin- a lon-@ t"in@ %"iplike tail. 9t %as 8e3omin- pro-ressi)ely more a-itate5@ mo)in- aroun5 t"e 3ir3le like a prisoner tryin- its 3ell. A$"e 3ir3le is 3omplete@C Linus sai5. ADou are mine to 3omman5.C $"e 5emon "isse5 at "im@ an5 t"e soun5 ma5e t"e insi5e o1 my skull a3"e. 9t turne5 an5 -aEe5 at me@ t"ou-" it "a5 no eyes. 9 %as on t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3ir3le no%. 9 3oul5 see t"at !"arlotte "a5 3lose5 "er eyes@ an5 9 kne% no% %"at s"e %as 5oin-. S"e %as prayin-. 9 5roppe5 to my knees 8esi5e t"e 3ir3le. 9 5i5n?t 1eel anyt"in- 1rom it. ="i3" meant it %asn?t meant 1or me. ="ate)er it %as meant to keep in or out@ 9 %asn?t one o1 t"em. AS"e?s pure@ Linus. S"e?s pure o1 "eart an5 soul. S"e isn?t a 1it sa3ri1i3e 1or t"is t"in-.C A$"e pure are a rare an5 1ine treat 1or my master.C A/o@ you 3an?t 1ee5 "er soul to it@ Linus. Her soul is spoken 1or@ an5 t"is t"in- 3annot tou3" "er.C $"e 5emon mo)e5 as 1ar a%ay 1rom !"arlotte as t"e 3ir3le %oul5 allo%. 9t %asn?t "appy. AGi)e it its or5ers@ Linus@C /iley sai5. A9 o11er you a sa3ri1i3e o1 1les" an5 8loo5 an5 soul. $ake t"is my o11erin- an5 5o my 8i55in-.C $"e 5emon mo)e5 to stan5 o)er !"arlotte. 9t snappe5 its 8eak ne*t to "er 1a3e@ an5 s"e s"rieke5. $"e prayers stoppe5@ an5 it lau-"e5@ a soun5 like -rin5in- metal. A9t?s a 3ir3le a-ainst e)il@ isn?t it@ LinusB Hust e)il.C

ADou?re a ne3roman3er@C /iley sai5. ADou are e)il.C A4on?t 8elie)e e)eryt"in- you "ear or e)en rea5@ /iley.C $"e 5emon raise5 1in-ers to t"e moonli-"t@ 1in-ers t"at en5e5 in 8la3k kni)es. !"arlotte opene5 "er eyes an5 s3reame5. $"e Lor5?s Prayer %oul5 "a)e 8een reasona8le@ 8ut 9 8lanke5. All 9 3oul5 t"ink o1 %as !"ristmas. AAn5 t"ere %ere in t"e same 3ountry s"ep"er5s a8i5in- in t"e 1iel5@ keepin- %at3" o)er t"e 1lo3k 8y ni-"t.C 9 steppe5 o)er t"e 3ir3le. 9t %as not"in- to me. 9t %as meant to keep out an5 in e)il. 9 %asn?t e)il. AAn5@ lo@ t"e an-el o1 t"e Lor5 3ame upon t"em an5 t"e -lory o1 t"e Lor5 s"one roun5 a8out t"emJ an5 t"ey %ere sore a1rai5.C $"e 5emon %as 3"atterin-@ snappin- at me@ raEor 3la%s sli3in- aroun5 me like 1an 8la5es@ 8ut it 5i5n?t tou3" me. AAn5 t"e an-el sai5 unto t"em. 'ear notG 1or 8e"ol5@ 9 8rin- you -oo5 ti5in-s o1 -reat >oy@ %"i3" s"all 8e to all people.C 9 knelt an5 starte5 untyin- !"arlotte. ="en 9 pulle5 "er -a- a%ay@ s"e starte5 to re3ite %it" me. A'or unto you is 8orn t"is 5ay in t"e 3ity o1 4a)i5 a Sa)ior@ %"i3" is !"rist t"e Lor5.C 9 3ra5le5 !"arlotte?s nake5 8o5y in my arms. S"e 3lun- to me an5 3rie5@ an5 9 %as 3ryin-@ too. An5 9 kne% 9 "a5 to -et us out o1 t"at 3ir3le 8e3ause 9 only remem8ere5 a8out t"ree more )erses. AAn5 t"is s"all 8e a si-n unto youG De s"all 1in5 t"e 8a8e %rappe5 in s%a55lin- 3lot"es@ lyin- in a man-er.C !"arlotte 3oul5n?t stan5@ an5 9 "a5 to "al1 3arry "er. =e stum8le5 near t"e e5-e o1 t"e 3ir3le@ an5 t"e 5emon rus"e5 us in a %a)e o1 3latterin-@ snappin-@ "orror. AAn5 su55enly t"ere %as %it" t"e an-el a multitu5e o1 t"e "ea)enly "ost praisin- Go5@ an5 sayin- ... C 9 stare5 5o%n at t"e 3ir3le as 9 praye5@ t"at 3are1ully 3onstru3te5 3ir3le ... A-lory to Go5 in t"e "i-"est@ an5 on eart"@ pea3e@ -oo5%ill to%ar5 men.C 9 erase5 t"e 3ir3le %it" my "an5. 9 8roke Linus?s 3ir3le o1 prote3tion. $"e 5emon t"re% 8a3k its "ea5 an5 s"rieke5. $"e soun5 %as like a rooster?s 3ro% or may8e a -ro%l or may8e somet"inelse. 9t %as as i1 e)en "earin- it@ 9 3oul5n?t "ol5 it in my min5. 9t rus"e5 out o1 t"e 3ir3le an5 1ell on Linus. 9t %as "is turn to s3ream an5 s3ream as 1ast as "e 3oul5 5ra% 8reat". Bloo5 1le% in a %as"@ sprinklin- us like rain. An5 su55enly@ t"ere %ere 1las"li-"ts an5 men yellin-@ A'B9. 4on?t mo)e.C 'B9B $"e 1las"li-"ts 1oun5 t"e 5emon. $"e li-"t -listene5 on t"e 8eak@ an5 8loo5 s"immere5 on it as i1 it "a5 8at"e5 in it. 91 t"ey "a5n?t trie5 to s"oot it@ 9 t"ink it %oul5 "a)e le1t t"em alone. But t"ey 1ire5 into it@ an5 9 pus"e5 !"arlotte to t"e -rass@ "i5in- "er 8o5y un5er mine. $"e 5emon rus"e5 into t"e 1e5s@ an5 t"ey starte5 5yin-. 9 yelle5@ ABullets %on?t %orkI Pray. Pray@ 5amn it@ prayIC 9 trie5 to lea5 8y e*ample an5 1oun5 1inally t"at 9 3oul5 remem8er t"e Lor5?s Prayer. A man?s )oi3e e3"oe5 mine@ t"en anot"er. 9 "ear5 someone else 5oin- t"e FBless me@ o"@ Lor5@ 1or 9 "a)e sinne5? litur-y. Someone else %as prayin-@ an5 it %asn?t !"ristian. Hin5u 9 t"ink@ 8ut e)ery reli-ion "as 5emons. ,)ery reli-ion "as prayers. All it takes is 1ait". /ot"in- like a real@ li)e 5emon to -i)e you some o1 t"at ol52time reli-ion. $"e 5emon stoo5 %it" a man?s 8o5y raise5 to its mout". $"e ne3k %as 3ut an5 it %as lappin- t"e 8loo5 %it" a lon-@ sti3ky ton-ue. But at least it %asn?t killin- anyone else. Prayers rose up into t"e 5arkness@ an5 9 8et none o1 t"em "a5 e)er praye5 so "ar5@ in 3"ur3" or out. $"e 5emon stoo5 on its 3rooke5 le-s an5 %alke5 8a3k to me. !"arlotte %as mutterin- a ne% prayer. 9 t"ink it %as t"e Son- o1 Solomon. 'unny %"at you?ll remem8er un5er stress. 9t pointe5 a lon- 1in-er at me an5 spoke in a )oi3e t"at %as 5eep an5 ruste5 as i1 it %asn?t mu3" use5. A'ree@C it sai5. ADes@C 9 sai5@ Ayou?re 1ree.C $"e 8eak an5 t"e 8lin5 1a3e seeme5 to %a)er. 'or >ust an instant 9 t"ou-"t 9 sa% a man?s 1a3e@ pure an5 almost s"inin-@ 8ut 9 %oul5 ne)er 8e sure. 9t sai5@ A$"ank you@C an5 )anis"e5. 'e5s %ere e)ery%"ere. #ne o1 t"em -a)e !"arlotte "is 3oat t"at sai5 '.B.9. on t"e 8a3k. 9 "elpe5 "er sit up an5 slip t"e 3oat o)er "er. 9t "it "er at mi5t"i-". Sometimes@ it %as -oo5 to 8e small. #ne o1 t"e 1e5s turne5 out to 8e 7ai5en. 9 >ust stare5 up at "im in s"o3k. He smile5 an5 knelt 8esi5e us. A4aniel is all ri-"t. He?s -oin- to make it.C !"arlotte -ra88e5 "is 3oat slee)e. A="at 5i5 t"ey 5o to my 8oyBC His smile )anis"e5. A$"ey %ere -oin- to 8eat "im to 5eat". 9?5 3alle5 1or 8a3kup@ 8ut ... $"ey?re 5ea5@ 7rs. Keeman. $"ey %on?t e)er "urt you a-ain. 9 am so sorry t"at 9 %asn?t t"ere earlier to5ay to "elp you@ 8ot" o1 you.C S"e no55e5. ADou sa)e5 my 8oy?s li1e@ 5i5n?t youBC 7ai5en looke5 at t"e -roun5@ t"en no55e5. A$"en 5on?t apolo-iEe to me@C s"e sai5. A="at is a 1e5eral a-ent 5oin- posin- as a small2to%n 5eputyBC 9 aske5. A="en /iley 3ame nosin- aroun5 5o%n "ere@ t"ey put me un5er %it" =ilkes. 9t %orke5.C

ADou 3alle5 t"e state 3ops@C 9 sai5. He no55e5. ADea".C Anot"er a-ent 3ame o)er@ an5 7ai5en e*3use5 "imsel1. 9 1elt <i3"ar5 arri)e. 'elt t"em slip t"rou-" t"e trees. An5 9 kne% t"at some o1 t"em at least %eren?t in "uman 1orm. 9 3alle5 t"e a-ent o)er t"at "a5 -i)en !"arlotte "is 3oat. A$"ere are some %ere%ol)es in t"e %oo5s. $"ey are 1rien5s. $"ey %ere 3omin- to "elp. 4on?t let anyone s"oot t"em@ okayBC He stare5 5o%n at me. A=ere%ol)esBC 9 looke5 at "im. A9 5i5n?t kno% t"e 'B9 %as -oin- to s"o% up. 9 nee5e5 t"e 8a3kup.C $"at ma5e "im lau-"@ an5 "e starte5 tellin- e)eryone to put t"eir %eapons up an5 not to s"oot t"e %ere%ol)es. 9 5on?t t"ink e)eryone %as "appy a8out it@ 8ut t"ey 5i5 %"at t"ey %ere tol5. A %oman in ,7S -ear knelt 8y us. S"e starte5 lookin- !"arlotte o)er@ s"inin- li-"ts in "er eyes an5 askin- silly ;uestions@ like 5i5 s"e kno% t"e 5ate an5 %"ere s"e %as. <i3"ar5 %as su55enly t"ere@ still in "uman 1orm@ t"ou-" "e?5 strippe5 5o%n to >eans an5 "is "ikin- 8oots. !"arlotte 1lun"ersel1 1rom my arms to "is@ 3ryin- all o)er a-ain. 9 stoo5 up an5 le1t !"arlotte to "er son an5 t"e me5i3al 3re%. <i3"ar5 -ra88e5 my "an5 8e1ore 9 3oul5 %an5er o11. He stare5 up at me@ tears s"inin- in t"e moonli-"t. A$"ank you 1or my mot"er.C 9 s;ueeEe5 "is "an5 an5 le1t t"em to it. 91 9 5i5n?t lea)e t"em alone@ 9 %as -oin- to 3ry a-ain. Anot"er ,7S 3ame up to me. AAre you Anita BlakeBC ADea"@ %"yBC A'ranklin /iley %ants to speak %it" you. He?s 5yin-. $"ere?s not"in- %e 3an 5o 1or "im.C 9 %ent %it" "im to talk to /iley. He %as lyin- on "is 8a3k. $"ey?5 set up an 9V 8a- an5 trie5 to stop t"e 8lee5in-@ 8ut "e %as 3ut up pretty 8a5. 9 stoo5 so t"at "e 3oul5 look up at me %it"out strainin-. He li3ke5 "is lips@ an5 it took "im t%o tries to speak. AHo% 5i5 you pass t"e 3ir3leBC A9t %as meant to trap e)il insi5e or keep it out. 9?m not e)il.C ADou raise t"e 5ea5@C "e sai5. A9?m a ne3roman3er. 9 %as kin5 o1 5ou8tin- %"ere t"at put me on t"e s3ale o1 -oo5 an5 e)il@ 8ut apparently Go5?s okay %it" it.C ADou steppe5 into t"e 3ir3le not kno%in- i1 you %oul5 8e sa1eBC He %as 1ro%nin-@ 3learly puEEle5. A9 3oul5n?t >ust sit t"ere an5 %at3" !"arlotte 5ie.C ADou %oul5 "a)e sa3ri1i3e5 yoursel1 1or "erBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a se3on5 or t%o. A9 5i5n?t t"ink a8out it t"at 3learly@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t let "er 5ie@ not i1 9 3oul5 sa)e "er.C He %in3e5@ 3lose5 "is eyes@ t"en looke5 at me. A/o matter %"at t"e 3ost to you personallyBC A9 -uess so@C 9 sai5. He looke5 past me@ eyes startin- to lose t"eir 1o3us. A,*traor5inary@ e*traor5inary.C His 8reat" si-"e5 out%ar5@ an5 "e 5ie5. $"e ,7S 3re% 1ell on "im like )ultures@ 8ut "e %as -one. $"ey ne)er -ot "im 8reat"in- a-ain. Hason %as su55enly 8esi5e me. AAnita@ /at"aniel?s 5yin-.C A="at are you talkin- a8outBC AHe 3au-"t t%o 8ullets in t"e 3"est %"en people %ere s"ootin- at t"e 5emon. $"e 1e5s %ere usin- sil)er s"ot 8e3ause t"ey kne% %"at Linus %as.C A#"@ Go5.C 9 took Hason?s "an5. A$ake me to "im.C $"ere %ere parame5i3s on eit"er si5e o1 "im. $"ere %as anot"er 9V@ an5 t"ey?5 set up a lamp. /at"aniel?s skin %as pale an5 %a*y in t"e li-"t. S%eat 3o)ere5 "im like 5e%. ="en 9 knelt 8esi5e "im an5 trie5 to pus" my %ay past t"e parame5i3s@ "is pale eyes 5i5n?t see me. 9 let t"e parame5i3s pus" me out o1 t"e %ay. 9 sat t"ere in t"e %ee5s an5 listene5 to /at"aniel try to 8reat"e t"rou-" t%o "oles in "is 3"est. $"e 8a5 -uys "a5n?t s"ot "im. He?5 -otten 3au-"t in stray 1ire 1rom t"e -oo5 -uys. 9t %as >ust a stupi5 a33i5ent. He %as -oin- to 5ie 8e3ause "e?5 8een stan5in- in t"e %ron- pla3e at t"e %ron- time. /o@ 9 %oul5 not let an a33i5ent take "im. 9 %oul5 not lose anot"er person 9 kne% to 8a5 timin-. 9 looke5 up at Hason. A9s 7arianne "ereBC A9?ll look.C He %ent runnin- into t"e 3"aos.

/at"aniel?s 8a3k 8o%e5 up%ar5. His 8reat" raspe5 out. He lay 8a3k on t"e -roun5@ "orri8ly still. #ne o1 t"e parame5i3s s"ook "is "ea5 an5 -ot up. He took some o1 t"e e;uipment an5 %ent to "elp someone else. 9 3ra%le5 aroun5 to take "is pla3e at /at"aniel?s si5e. 9 looke5 a3ross at t"e ot"er parame5i3. 9t %as a %oman %it" a 8lon5 ponytail. A9s t"ere anyt"in- you 3an 5oBC S"e looke5 at me. AAre you a 1rien5BC 9 no55e5. A!loseBC 9 no55e5. A9?m sorry@C s"e sai5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A/o@ 9 %on?t let "im 5ie.C 9 %asn?t e)il. ,)eryt"in- t"at 9?5 5one@ an5 my 1ait" %as still pure. ="en 9 spoke t"e %or5s@ t"ey %ere >ust as real to me as %"en 9?5 memoriEe5 t"em all t"ose years a-o 1or t"e !"ristmas pa-eant. $"e %or5s still mo)e5 me. 9 ne)er 5ou8te5 Go5. 9 5ou8te5 me. But may8e Go5 %as a more -enerous Go5 t"an 9 allo%e5 "im to 8e. Hason %as t"ere %it" 7arianne. 9 -ra88e5 "er "an5. AHelp me 3all t"e munin.C S"e 5i5n?t ar-ue@ >ust knelt 8esi5e me. A<emem8er t"e 1eel o1 "is 8o5y. <emem8er "is smile. $"e smell o1 "is "air an5 skin.C 9 no55e5. AHe smells like )anilla an5 1ur.C 9 knelt 8y "im@ tou3"in- "is skin@ 8ut it %as alrea5y -ro%in- 3ool to t"e tou3". He %as 5yin-. 9 5i5n?t 1eel se*y in t"e least. 9 1elt sa5 an5 1ri-"tene5. 9 8o%e5 my "ea5 an5 praye5. 9 praye5 to 8e opene5 to <aina. 9 praye5 to open my eyes an5 look at /at"aniel an5 1eel lust. 9t %as a %eir5 t"in- to 8e prayin- 1or@ 8ut it %as %ort" a try. 9 1elt t"at measure o1 3alm t"at 9 sometimes -ot %"en 9 praye5. 9t 5oesn?t mean you?ll -et %"at you aske5 1or@ 8ut it 5oes mean t"at someone is listenin-. 9 opene5 my eyes slo%ly an5 stare5 5o%n at /at"aniel. $"ere %ere lea)es in "is lon-@ un8oun5 "air. 9 pulle5 t"em a%ay. 9 "el5 "is "air in my "an5s an5 8urie5 my 1a3e in it. 9t still smelle5 like )anilla. 9 ru88e5 my 3"eek a-ainst "is@ 8uryin- my 1a3e 8e"in5 "is ear into t"e silk o1 "is "air. 9 lai5 a "an5 o)er t"e %oun5s %it" my 1a3e still 8urie5 in "is "air. He ma5e a small pain soun5 %"en 9 tou3"e5 "im. 9 5on?t kno% i1 it %as t"e pain soun5@ t"e 1amiliar smell o1 "is 8o5y@ or t"e prayer@ 8ut <aina sprea5 t"rou-" my 8o5y like 1lame. $"e munin ro5e me@ an5 9 opene5 to it@ no 1i-"tin-@ no stru--le. 9 em8ra3e5 it@ an5 "er lau-"ter rolle5 out o1 my lips. 9 rose up on my knees an5 stare5 5o%n at /at"aniel. 9 %asn?t "orri1ie5 anymore. <aina t"ou-"t it %oul5 8e a -ran5 t"in- to 1u3k "im as "e 5ie5. 9 lai5 my lips a-ainst "is@ an5 "is lips %ere 3ool@ 5ry. 9 presse5 my mout" o)er "is an5 1elt t"at 1ire pour into "is mout" 1rom mine. 7y 1in-ers 1oun5 t"e %oun5s in "is 3"est an5 stroke5 t"em@ pus"in- my 1in-ers into t"e %oun5. $"e parame5i3 trie5 to pull me o11 o1 "im@ an5 Hason an5 someone else pulle5 "er a%ay. 9 5u- into t"e %oun5 until /at"aniel?s eyes opene5 an5 "e moane5 %it" pain. His eyes 1luttere5@ pale@ pale lila3 in t"e arti1i3ial li-"t. He looke5 up 8ut 5i5n?t see me@ 5i5n?t see anyt"in-. 9 3o)ere5 "is 1a3e in so1t kisses@ an5 ea3" tou3" 8urne5. 9 %ent 8a3k to "is mout" an5 8reat"e5 into "im. ="en 9 5re% 8a3k@ "is eyes 1o3use5. His 8reat" ease5 out in somet"in- too lo% to 8e a %"isper. AAnita.C 9 stra55le5 "is 8o5y an5 lai5 my "an5s on "is 8are 3"est. 9 3o)ere5 t"e %oun5s %it" my "an5s@ 8ut 9 tou3"e5 t"e insi5e o1 "is 3"est %it" somet"in- ot"er t"an my "an5s. 9 3oul5 1eel t"e 5ama-e. 9 3oul5 roll "is 5ama-e5 "eart in t"e "eat t"at 1ell 1rom my "an5s@ t"at sank into "is skin@ t"at 1ille5 "is 1les". 9 %as 8urnin- ali)e. 9 "a5 to 1ee5 t"e "eat into "im. Ha5 to s"are t"is ener-y. 7y "an5s le1t t"e %oun5 on "is 3"est an5 1um8le5 at my s"irt. $"e 5ress s"irt 3ame o11 an5 )anis"e5 into t"e -rass@ 8ut t"e tank top %as trappe5 un5er t"e s"oul5er "olster. Han5s "elpe5 me slip t"e "olster o11 my s"oul5ers. 9t 1loppe5 "ea)y an5 a%k%ar5 o)er my "ips. 9 un5i5 t"e 8elt an5 9 t"ink it %as 7arianne %"o "elpe5 me slip t"e 8elt out o1 t"e loops. 9 kno% it %as 7arianne %"o stoppe5 me 1rom un5oin- my pants. <aina snarle5 in my "ea5. Han5s 3aresse5 up my 8are 8a3k an5 9 kne% it %as <i3"ar5. He knelt 8e"in5 me@ le-s stra55lin- /at"aniel?s le-s@ 8ut puttin- no %ei-"t on t"em. He 3ra5le5 me 8a3k a-ainst "is 8o5y. 9 %as su55enly a%are t"at %e %ere t"e 1o3us o1 t"e pa3k. $"ey surroun5e5 us like a %all o1 1a3es an5 8o5ies. <i3"ar5?s "an5s slippe5 o11 t"e spine s"eat" an5 t"e 8la5e 5o%n my 8a3k. His "an5s 1oun5 my 8ra strap an5 un5i5 it. 9 starte5 to protest@ starte5 to "ol5 it@ an5 "e kisse5 my s"oul5ers@ sli5in- "is lips 5o%n my 8a3k an5 sli5in- t"e 8ra a%ay. He %"ispere5@ ABare skin is 8est 1or t"is.C $"at pri3klin- rus" o1 ener-y 1ille5 t"e %at3"in- lukoi@ 1ille5 t"em an5 sprea5 into me. $"e ener-y o1 t"e munin 1e5 on t"at po%er@ -re% until 9 t"ou-"t my skin %oul5 8urst %it" it. <i3"ar5 -ui5e5 my 8o5y to /at"aniel?s. 7y 8are 8reasts tou3"e5 /at"aniel?s 3"est@ a 8rus" o1 )el)et skin a-ainst t"e torn 1les" o1 "is smoot" 3"est. 9 s"u55ere5 a-ainst "im@ an5 t"at "eat spille5 1rom my 8are skin. At 1irst it %as as i1 my nake5 1les" ro5e a8o)e "is skin on a pool o1 s%eat@ t"en 9 1elt t"e 1les" -i)e. 7y 8o5y 1ell a-ainst "is %it" a si-"@ an5 it %as as i1 our 8o5ies 8e3ame plasti3@ li;ui5. #ur 8o5ies mel5e5 to-et"er into one 1les"@ one 8o5y@ as i1 9 %ere sinkin- into "is 3"est. 9 1elt our "earts tou3"@ 8eatin- li;ui5 a-ainst one anot"er. 9 "eale5 "is "eart@ 3lose5 "is 1les" %it" mine.

/at"aniel?s mout" 1oun5 mine@ an5 t"e po%er 1lo%e5 8et%een us like 8reat" until it raise5 t"e skin 1rom my 8o5y@ an5 t"ere %as not"in- 8ut "is arms aroun5 me@ "is mout" on me@ my "an5s on "is 8o5y@ an5 5istant like an an3"or 9 1elt <i3"ar5@ an5 8eyon5 "im t"e rest o1 t"e pa3k. 9 1elt t"em o11er t"eir ener-y@ t"eir po%er@ an5 9 took it. An5 8eyon5 t"at@ 5istant as a 5ream@ 9 1elt Hean2!lau5e. 9 1elt "is 3ool po%er >oin %it" ours an5 stren-t"enG li1e 1rom 5eat". 9 took it all an5 t"rust it into /at"aniel until "e tore "is mout" 1rom mine an5 3rie5 out. 9 1elt "is 8o5y -i)e un5er mine@ an5 "is pleasure rus"e5 o)er my skin@ an5 9 t"re% it out into t"e %aitin- pa3k. 9 took t"eir ener-y an5 -a)e t"em 8a3k pleasure. $"e munin le1t me in t"at rus" o1 startle5 )oi3es. <aina "a5 ne)er 8een a8le to take po%er 1rom ot"ers. $"at %as my 5oin-. So e)en t"e 8it3" o1 t"e %est "a5 ne)er pleasure5 t"is many people at on3e. 9 sat up@ still stra55lin- /at"aniel. He looke5 up at me %it" "is lila3 eyes an5 smile5. 9 ran my "an5s o)er "is 3"est@ an5 t"ere %as no %oun5@ only a "ealin- s3ar. He still looke5 pale an5 a%1ul@ 8ut "e?5 li)e. <i3"ar5 o11ere5 me t"e 5ress s"irt 9?5 5roppe5. 9 slippe5 it o)er my 8reasts an5 8uttone5 it. 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at "a5 "appene5 to t"e rest o1 t"e 3lot"es. Hason "a5 my s"oul5er "olster an5 kni1e. $"e important stu11. ="en 9 trie5 to stan5@ 9 stum8le5@ an5 only <i3"ar5?s arms kept me stan5in-. He "elpe5 me t"rou-" t"e 3ro%5. $"ey tou3"e5 me as %e mo)e5 t"rou-"@ runnin- t"eir "an5s alon- me. 9 5i5n?t min5 or 5i5n?t 3are. 9 put my arm aroun5 <i3"ar5?s %aist an5 a33epte5 it 1or toni-"t. 9?5 %orry a8out %"at it all meant tomorro%@ or may8e e)en t"e ne*t 5ay. Verne steppe5 out o1 t"e 3ro%5. A4amn -irl@ you are -oo5.C <o*anne %as at "is si5e. A9?m "eale5. Ho% 5i5 you 5o t"atBC 9 smile5. A$alk to 7arianne.C 9 kept %alkin-. $"e parame5i3s %ere rus"in- 1or%ar5. 9 "ear5 t"e %oman say@ AHoly s"itI 9t?s a mira3le.C An5 may8e it %as. <i3"ar5 sai5@ A9 %on?t 8e lookin- 1or anot"er lupa.C 9 "u--e5 "im. A/o more au5itionsBC ADou are my lupa@ Anita. $o-et"er %e 3oul5 8e t"e most po%er1ul mate5 pair 9?)e e)er seen.C A9t?s not >ust t"e t%o o1 us t"at make us po%er1ul@ <i3"ar5. 9t?s Hean2!lau5e.C He kisse5 me on t"e 1ore"ea5. A9 1elt "im %"en you 3alle5 t"e po%er. 9 1elt "im -i)e "is po%er to us.C =e?5 stoppe5 %alkin-. 9 turne5 to look at "im in t"e moonli-"t. A=e are a t"reesome@ <i3"ar5@ like it or not.C AA m6na-e Z trois@C "e sai5. 9 raise5 my eye8ro%s. A/ot unless you?)e 8een 5oin- more t"an >ust talkin- %it" Hean2!lau5e.C <i3"ar5 lau-"e5 an5 "u--e5 me. AHe "asn?t 3orrupte5 me ;uite t"at 1ar.C AGla5 to "ear it.C =e %alke5 5o%n t"e "ill@ "ol5in- ea3" ot"er. !"arlotte %as lyin- at t"e 8ottom o1 t"e "ill on a stret3"er. S"e rea3"e5 "er "an5s up to 8ot" o1 us. #ne o1 t"e "an5s %as t"i3kly 8an5a-e5. S"e smile5 up at us. A="y 5i5n?t you tell me@ <i3"ar5BC A9 t"ou-"t it %oul5 make a 5i11eren3e. 9 t"ou-"t you %oul5 stop lo)in- me.C ASilly ass@C s"e sai5. A$"at?s %"at 9 tol5 "im@C 9 sai5. !"arlotte starte5 to 3ry so1tly@ pressin- <i3"ar5?s "an5 to "er lips. 9 >ust smile5 an5 "el5 "er "an5. Li1e %asn?t per1e3t@ 8ut stan5in- t"ere %at3"in- <i3"ar5 an5 "is mot"er@ "ol5in- t"eir "an5s@ it %as 3lose.

Chapter Forty-six
4aniel?s nose %as 8a5ly 8roken. $"e per1e3t pro1ile isn?t ;uite as per1e3t. He says t"e %omen lo)e it@ makes "im look tou-". 4aniel "as ne)er spoken to me a8out %"at "appene5. /eit"er "as !"arlotte@ 8ut on t"e 1irst Sun5ay 5inner a1ter t"ey 8ot" -ot out o1 t"e "ospital@ s"e 8roke 5o%n an5 3rie5. 9 %as t"e one %"o %ent into t"e kit3"en 1irst. S"e let me "ol5 "er %"ile s"e 3rie5@ sayin- "o% silly s"e 1elt@ t"at e)eryt"in- %as all ri-"t. ="y s"oul5 s"e 8e 3ryin-B 91 9 3oul5 5o resurre3tion 1or real@ 9?5 8rin- /iley an5 all t"e rest 8a3k an5 kill t"em more slo%ly. <i3"ar5?s 1amily t"inks 9 3an 5o no %ron-@ an5 t"ey are not 8ein- su8tle a8out t"eir plans. 7arria-e2%e s"oul5 -et marrie5. :n5er ot"er 3ir3umstan3es@ not a 8a5 i5ea. But %e aren?t a 3ouple. =e?re a trio. Har5 to e*plain t"at to <i3"ar5?s 1olks. Har5 to e*plain t"at to <i3"ar5. Ho%ar5 Grant@ t"e psy3"i3@ is in >ail 1or 1rau5. He 3on1esse5 to some t"in-s "e?5 5one in t"e past. 9 tol5 "im i1 "e 5i5n?t spen5 some time in >ail@ 9?5 kill "im. His -ree5 "a5 starte5 e)eryt"in-. He 5i5n?t tou3" !"arlotte or 4aniel. He %as "orri1ie5 at %"at /iley %as an5 %"at %as "appenin-@ 8ut "is lies set it all in motion. He 3oul5n?t -et a%ay s3ot 1ree. 9 >ust -a)e "im a 3"oi3e o1 punis"ments.

$"e poli3e t"ink 4eputy $"ompson 1le5 t"e state. $"ey?re still lookin- 1or "im@ an5 none o1 us are talkin-. 9 5on?t kno% %"at Verne?s pa3k 5i5 %it" t"e 8o5y. 7ay8e it?s "an-in- on t"eir tree %aitin- 1or a !"ristmas t"at %ill ne)er 3ome. 7ay8e t"ey ate "im. 9 5on?t kno%@ an5 9 5on?t %ant to kno%. $"e Vampire !oun3il 5i5n?t sen5 anyone to kill us. Apparently !olin o)ersteppe5 "is 8oun5s. =e %ere %it"in our ri-"ts to kill "im@ an5 "is people. He 5i5n?t sur)i)e "is ser)ant?s 5eat". $"ere is no ne% 7aster o1 t"e !ity yet. Verne an5 "is pa3k are in no "urry 1or !olin?s repla3ement. 9 %ake 1rom 5reams t"at aren?t my o%n. $"ou-"ts@ 1eelin-s@ not my o%n. 9t is o)er%"elmin- enou-" to 8e in lo)e@ in t"at 1irst "eat o1 lust@ 8ut t"e marks are su3kin- me insi5e 8ot" o1 t"em. $"ey?re s%allo%in- me up. ,)ery a3t o1 se* makes it %orse. So ... no more se*. 9 "a)e to -et 3ontrol o1 t"e marks 1irst. ="en 9 %as sleepin- %it" 8ot" o1 t"em@ <i3"ar5 3atte5 aroun5. /o% t"at 9?)e -one 3eli8ate@ so "as "e. Hean2!lau5e@ 9 t"ink@ kno%s 9?m still lookin- 1or a -oo5 e*3use to say@ AHa"@ see@ you 5on?t really lo)e me.C So "e?s 8e"a)in- "imsel1 like some 5ark an-el. 9 took a mont" o11 an5 %ent 8a3k to $ennessee to learn 1rom 7arianne. Learnin- to 3ontrol t"e munin is "elpin- me to 3ontrol t"e marks. Hean2!lau5e as my only tea3"er is >ust not a -oo5 i5ea. He "as too mu3" in)este5 in me. 9?m learninto put up 8arriers. Barriers so tall@ so %i5e@ so soli5@ t"at 9?m sa1e 1rom 8ot" o1 t"em. Sa1e 8e"in5 my %alls. But se* 8rin-s all t"e 8arriers 3ras"in- 5o%n. 9t?s like 5ro%nin-. 9 t"ink i1 9 allo%e5 it@ an5 t"ey allo%e5 it@ %e 3oul5 8e3ome like one or-anism %it" t"ree parts. <i3"ar5 5oesn?t seem to see t"e 5an-er. He?s still nai)e@ or per"aps 9 >ust 5on?t un5erstan5 "im. 9 lo)e "im@ 8ut e)en t"inkin- "is t"ou-"ts@ 1eelin- "is emotions@ "e?s still a mystery to me. Hean2!lau5e kno%s t"e 5an-er. He says "e 3an keep it 1rom "appenin-@ 8ut 9 5on?t trust "im. 9 lo)e "im@ sort o1@ 8ut 9 5on?t trust "im. 9?)e 1elt "is 3"ortlin- >oy as t"e po%er o1 t"e trium)erate -ro%s. He tol5 me on3e "e lo)e5 me as mu3" as "e %as a8le. 7ay8e "e 5oes@ 8ut "e lo)es po%er more. So@ 3eli8ate a-ain@ 5amn it. Ho% to 8e 3"aste %it" t"e t%o preternatural stu5s o1 all time at my 8e3k an5 3allB Be out o1 to%n. 9?)e taken e)ery animatin- >o8 out o1 to%n t"at 9 3oul5 1or t"ree mont"s. 9 spen5 %eeken5s %it" 7arianne. 9 "a)e a -reat 5eal o1 po%er insi5e me@ not t"e marks@ 8ut me. 9?)e a)oi5e5 3on1rontin- t"at po%er as mu3" as possi8le@ 8ut Hean2 !lau5e "as 1or3e5 me to 1a3e it. 9 "a)e to learn "o% to 3ontrol t"e ma-i3. 9t soun5s silly t"at someone %"o raises t"e 5ea5 1or a li)in- "as 8een i-norin- t"at s"e "as ma-i3 insi5e "er@ 8ut 9 "a)e. 9?)e al%ays learne5 t"e minimum to -et 8y. $"at?s o)er. 7arianne tells me t"at 9 "a)e t"e tools to sur)i)e in t"e trium)erate. :ntil 9 1eel 3on1i5ent in t"ose tools@ 9?m a)oi5in- t"e 8oys. $"ree mont"s o1 not tou3"in- eit"er o1 t"em. #1 no one s"arin- my 8e5. $"ree mont"s o1 not 8ein- lupa. 9 "a5 to lea)e t"e pa3k to lea)e <i3"ar5. But 9 3oul5n?t lea)e t"e %ereleopar5s. $"ey 5on?t "a)e anyone else 8ut me. So 9?m still /imir2ra. 7arianne is e)en tea3"in- me "o% to 1or-e t"e leopar5s into a "ealt"y unit. S"e an5 Verne. 9?)e a8an5one5 as mu3" o1 t"e preternatural stu11 as 9 3an. 9 "a)e to 1in5 out %"at?s le1t o1 %"o 9 t"ou-"t 9 %as. 9 1a3e5 a 5emon %it" my 1ait" an5 prayer. 4oes t"at mean Go5 "as 1or-i)en me my sinsB 9 5on?t kno%. 91 He "as 1or-i)en me@ He?s more -enerous t"an 9 am.

08si'ian Butter%ly (9::1)

Aut or6s 1ote 'or t"ose o1 you %"o "a)e ne)er rea5 an Anita Blake no)el 8e1ore@ let me tell you a 8it a8out "er %orl5. 9t?s >ust like t"e %orl5 %e all li)e inOe*3ept t"at t"e 3reatures o1 t"e ni-"tO)ampires@ %ere%ol)es@ Eom8ies an5 su3"O are not t"e stu11 o1 1i3tion. $"ey are "ere2an52no%. =e 3o2e*ist %it" t"emOnot al%ays "appily@ not al%ays pea3e1ully. An5 sometimes %e -et to kno% t"em all too %ell ...

Chapter One
9 =AS !#V,<,4 in 8loo5@ 8ut it %asn?t mine@ so it %as okay. /ot only %as it not my 8loo5@ 8ut it %as all animal 8loo5. 91 t"e %orst 3asualties o1 t"e ni-"t %ere si* 3"i3kens an5 a -oat@ 9 3oul5 li)e %it" it@ an5 so 3oul5 e)eryone else. 9?5 raise5 se)en 3orpses in one ni-"t. 9t %as a re3or5 e)en 1or me. 9 pulle5 into my 5ri)e%ay at a ;uarter Ftil 5a%n %it" t"e sky still 5ark an5 star21ille5. 9 le1t t"e Heep in t"e 5ri)e%ay@ too tire5 to mess %it" t"e -ara-e. 9t %as 7ay@ 8ut it 1elt like April. Sprin- in St. Louis %as usually a t%o25ay e)ent 8et%een t"e en5 o1 %inter an5 t"e 8e-innin- o1 summer. #ne 5ay you %ere 1reeEin- your ass o11 an5 t"e ne*t 5ay it?5 8e ei-"ty plus. But t"is year it "a5 8een sprin-@ a %et -entle sprin-. ,*3ept 1or t"e "i-" num8er o1 Eom8ies 9?5 raise5@ it "a5 8een a typi3al ni-"t. ,)eryt"in- 1rom raisin- a 3i)il %ar sol5ier 1or a lo3al "istori3al so3iety to ;uestion@ a %ill t"at nee5e5 a 1inal si-nature@ to a son?s last 3on1rontation %it" "is a8usi)e mot"er. 9?5 8een ne3k 5eep in la%yers an5 t"erapists most o1 t"e ni-"t. 91 9 "ear5@ AHo% 5oes t"at make you 1eel@ Honat"an (or !at"y@ or %"oe)er)BC one more time toni-"t@ 9?5 s3ream. 9 5i5 not %ant to %at3" one more person A-o %it" "is or "er 1eelin-sC e)er. At least %it" most o1 t"e la%yers t"e 8erea)e5 5i5n?t 3ome to t"e -ra)esi5e. $"e 3ourt2appointe5 la%yer %oul5 as3ertain t"at t"e Eom8ies raise5 "a5 enou-" 3o-niti)e a8ility to kno% %"at t"ey %ere si-nin-@ t"en "e %oul5 si-n o11 on t"e 3ontra3t as a %itness. 91 t"e Eom8ie 3oul5n?t ans%er t"e ;uestions@ t"en no le-al si-nature. $"e 3orpse "a5 to 8e o1 Asoun5C min5 to si-n a le-ally 8in5in- si-nature. 9?5 ne)er raise5 a Eom8ie t"at 3oul5n?t pass t"e le-al 5e1inition o1 soun5ness@ 8ut it "appene5 sometimes. Hamison@ a 1ello% animator at Animator?s 9n3.@ "a5 a pair o1 la%yers 3ome to 8lo%s on top o1 t"e -ra)e. ="at 1un. $"e air %as 3ool enou-" to make me s"i)er as 9 %alke5 5o%n t"e si5e%alk to my 5oor. 9 3oul5 "ear t"e p"one rin-in- as 9 1um8le5 t"e key into t"e lo3k. 9 "it t"e 5oor %it" my s"oul5er 8e3ause no one e)er 3alls >ust 8e1ore 5a%n unless it?s important. 'or me t"at usually meant t"e poli3e@ %"i3" meant a mur5er s3ene. 9 ki3ke5 t"e 5oor 3lose5 an5 ran 1or t"e p"one in t"e kit3"en. 7y ans%erin- ma3"ine "a5 3li3ke5 on. 7y )oi3e 5ie5 on t"e ma3"ine an5 ,5%ar5?s )oi3e 3ame on. AAnita@ it?s ,5%ar5. 91 you?re t"ere@ pi3k up.C Silen3e. 9 %as runnin- 1ull out an5 ski55e5 on my "i-" "eels@ -ra88in- t"e re3ei)er as 9 sli5 into t"e %all an5 nearly 5roppe5 t"e p"one. 9 yelle5 into t"e re3ei)er as 9 >u--le5 t"e p"one@ A,5%ar5@ ,5%ar5@ it?s meI 9?m "ereIC ,5%ar5 %as lau-"in- so1tly %"en 9 3oul5 1inally "ear "im.

AGla5 9 3oul5 8e amusin-. ="at?s upBC 9 aske5. A9?m 3allin- in my 1a)or@C "e sai5 ;uietly. 9t %as my turn 1or silen3e@ #n3e upon a $97, ,5%ar5 "a5 3ome to my ai5@ 8een my 8a3kup@ He?5 8rou-"t a 1rien5@ Harley@ %it" "im as more 8a3kup@ 9?5 en5e5 up killin- Harley. /o%@ Harley "a5 trie5 to kill me 1irst@ an5 9?5 >ust 8een ;ui3ker@ 8ut ,5%ar5 "a5 taken t"e killin- personally. Pi3ky@ pi3ky. ,5%ar5 "a5 -i)en me a 3"oi3eJ eit"er "e an5 9 3oul5 5ra% 5o%n on ea3" ot"er an5 1in5 out on3e an5 1or all %"i3" o1 us %as 8etter@ or 9 3oul5 o%e "im a 1a)or. Some 5ay "e %oul5 3all me up an5 ask 1or me to 8e "is 8a3kup like Harley. 9?5 a-ree5 to t"e 1a)or. 9 ne)er %ante5 to 3ome up a-ainst ,5%ar5 1or real. Be3ause i1 9 5i5@ 9 %as pretty sure 9?5 en5 up 5ea5. ,5%ar5 %as a "it man. He spe3ialiEe5 in monsters. Vampires@ s"apes"i1ters@ anyt"in- an5 e)eryt"in-. $"ere %ere people like me t"at 5i5 it le-al@ 8ut ,5%ar5 5i5n?t s%eat t"e le-alities@ or "ell@ t"e et"i3s. He e)en o33asionally 5i5 a "uman@ 8ut only i1 t"ey "a5 some sort o1 5an-erous reputation. #t"er assassins@ 3riminals@ 8a5 men@ or %omen. ,5%ar5 %as an e;ual opportunity killer. He ne)er 5is3riminate5@ not 1or se*@ reli-ion@ ra3e@ or e)en spe3ies. 91 it %as 5an-erous@ ,5%ar5 %oul5 "unt it an5 kill it. 9t?s %"at "e li)e5 1or@ %"at "e %asOa pre5ator?s pre5ator. He?5 8een o11ere5 a 3ontra3t on my li1e on3e. He?5 turne5 it 5o%n an5 "a5 3ome to to%n as my 8o5y-uar5@ 8rin-inHarley %it" "im. 9?5 aske5 "im %"y "e "a5n?t taken t"e 3ontra3t. His ans%er "a5 8een simple. 91 "e took t"e 3ontra3t@ "e only -ot to kill me. 91 "e prote3te5 me@ "e t"ou-"t "e?5 -et to kill more people. Per1e3t ,5%ar5 reasonin-. He?s eit"er a so3iopat" or so 3lose it makes little 5i11eren3e. 9 may 8e one o1 t"e 1e% 1rien5s t"at ,5%ar5 "as@ 8ut it?s like 8ein- 1rien5s %it" a tame leopar5. 9t may 3url on t"e 1oot o1 your 8e5 an5 let you pet its "ea5@ 8ut it 3an still eat your t"roat out. 9t >ust %on?t 5o it toni-"t. AAnita@ you still t"ereBC A9?m "ere@ ,5%ar5.C ADou 5on?t soun5 "appy to "ear 1rom me.C ALet?s >ust say 9?m 3autious@C 9 sai5. He lau-"e5 a-ain. A!autious. /o@ you?re not 3autious. Dou?re suspi3ious.C ADea"@C 9 sai5. ASo %"at?s t"e 1a)orBC A9 nee5 8a3k up@C "e sai5. A="at 3oul5 8e so terri8le t"at 4eat" nee5s 8a3kupBC A$e5 'orrester nee5s 8a3kup 1rom Anita Blake@ )ampire e*e3utioner.C $e5 'orrester %as ,5%ar5?s alter e-o@ "is only le-al i5entity t"at 9 %as a%are o1. $e5 %as a 8ounty "unter t"at spe3ialiEe5 in preternatural 3reatures t"at %eren?t )ampires. As a -eneral rule )amps %ere a spe3ialty item@ %"i3" %as one o1 t"e reasons t"at t"ere %ere li3ense5 )amp e*e3utioners 8ut not li3ense5 anyt"in- else e*e3utioners. 7ay8e )ampires >ust "a)e a 8etter politi3al lo88y@ 8ut %"ate)er@ t"ey -et t"e most press. Bounty "unters like $e5 1ille5 in t"e 8lanks 8et%een t"e poli3e an5 t"e li3ense5 e*e3utioners. $"ey %orke5 mostly in ran3"er2run states %"ere it %as still le-al to "unt 5o%n )armints an5 kill t"em 1or money. Varmints still in3lu5e5 ly3ant"ropes. Dou 3oul5 s"oot t"em on si-"t in a8out si* states as lon- as later a 8loo5 test pro)es t"ey %ere ly3ant"ropes. Some o1 t"e killin-s "a5 8een taken to 3ourt an5 %ere 8ein3onteste5@ 8ut not"in- "a5 3"an-e5 yet on a lo3al le)el. ASo@ %"at 5oes $e5 nee5 me 1orBC $"ou-" trut"1ully 9 %as relie)e5 t"at it %as $e5 askin- an5 not ,5%ar5. ,5%ar5 on "is o%n pro8a8ly meant ille-al@ may8e e)en mur5er. 9 %asn?t ;uite into 3ol528loo5e5 mur5er. /ot yet. !ome to Santa 'e an5 1in5 out@ "e sai5. A/e% 7e*i3oB Santa 'e@ /e% 7e*i3oBC ADes.C A="enBC 9 aske5. A/o%.C ASin3e 9?m 3omin- as Anita Blake@ )amp e*e3utioner@ 9 3an 1las" my e*e3utioner?s li3ense an5 8rin- my arsenal.C ABrin- %"at you %ant@C ,5%ar5 sai5. A9?ll s"are my toys %it" you %"en you arri)e.C A9 "a)en?t 8een to 8e5 yet. 4o 9 "a)e time to -et some sleep 8e1ore 9 -et on a planeBC AGet a 1e% "ours sleep@ 8ut 8e "ere 8y a1ternoon. =e?)e mo)e5 t"e 8o5ies@ 8ut %e?re sa)in- t"e rest o1 t"e 3rime s3ene 1or you.C A="at sort o1 3rime s3eneBC A9?5 say mur5er@ 8ut t"at?s not ;uite t"e ri-"t %or5. Slau-"ter@ 8ut3"er@ torture. Des@C "e sai5@ as i1 tryin- t"e %or5 o)er in "is min5@ Aa torture s3ene.C AAre you tryin- to s3are meBC 9 aske5. A/o@C "e sai5.

A$"en stop t"e t"eatri3s an5 >ust tell me %"at t"e "ell "appene5.C He si-"e5@ an5 1or t"e 1irst time 9 "ear5 a 5ra--in- tire5ness in "is )oi3e. A=e?)e -ot ten missin-. $%el)e 3on1irme5 5ea5.C AS"it@C 9 sai5. A="y "a)en?t 9 "ear5 anyt"in- on t"e ne%sBC A$"e 5isappearan3es ma5e t"e ta8loi5s. 9 t"ink t"e "ea5line %as@ FBermu5a $rian-le in t"e 4esert.? $"e t%el)e 5ea5 %ere t"ree 1amilies. /ei-"8ors >ust 1oun5 t"em to5ay.C AHo% lon- "a5 t"ey 8een 5ea5BC 9 aske5. A4ays@ nearly t%o %eeks 1or one 1amily.C AHesus@ %"y 5i5n?t someone miss t"em soonerBC A9n t"e last ten years almost t"e entire population o1 Santa 'e "as 3"an-e5. =e?)e -ot a "u-e in1lu* o1 ne% people. Plus a lot o1 people "a)e %"at amounts to )a3ation "omes up "ere. $"e lo3als 3all t"e ne%3omers !ali1orni3ators.C A!ute@C 9 sai5@ A8ut is $e5 'orrester a lo3alBC A$e5 li)es near t"e 3ity@ yea".C A t"rill %ent t"rou-" me 1rom t"e soles o1 my 1eet to t"e top o1 my "ea5. ,5%ar5 %as t"e ultimate mystery man. 9 kne% almost not"in- a8out "im@ really. A4oes t"is mean 9 -et to see %"ere you li)eBC ADou?ll 8e stayin- %it" $e5 'orrester@C "e sai5. ABut you?re $e5 'orrester@ ,5%ar5. 9?ll 8e stayin- at your "ouse@ ri-"tBC He %as ;uiet 1or a "eart8eat@ t"en@ ADes.C Su55enly@ t"e %"ole trip seeme5 mu3" more attra3ti)e. 9 %as -oin- to see ,5%ar5?s "ouse. 9 %as -oin- to 8e a8le to pry into "is personal li1e@ i1 "e "a5 one. ="at 3oul5 8e 8etterB $"ou-" one t"in- %as 8ot"erin- me. A="en you sai5 1amilies %ere t"e )i3tims@ 5oes t"at in3lu5e ki5sBC AStran-ely@ no@C "e sai5. A=ell@ t"ank -oo5ness 1or small 8lessin-s@C 9 sai5. ADou al%ays %ere a so1t tou3" 1or t"e ki55ies@C "e sai5. A4oes it really not 8ot"er you to see 5ea5 3"il5renBC A/o@C "e sai5. 9 >ust listene5 to "im 8reat"e 1or a se3on5 or t%o@ 9 kne% t"at not"in- 8ot"ere5 ,5%ar5@ /ot"in- mo)e5 "im. But 3"il5ren ... e)ery 3op 9 kne% "ate5 to -o to a s3ene %"ere t"e )i3 %as a 3"il5. $"ere %as somet"in- personal a8out it. ,)en t"ose o1 us %it"out 3"il5ren took it "ar5. $"at ,5%ar5 5i5n?t@ 8ot"ere5 me. 'unny@ 8ut it 5i5. A9t 8ot"ers me@C 9 sai5. A9 kno%@C "e sai5@ Aone o1 your more serious 1aults.C $"ere %as an e5-e o1 "umor to "is )oi3e. A$"e 1a3t t"at you?re a so3iopat"@ an5 t"at 9?m not@ is one o1 t"e t"in-s 9 take -reat pri5e in.C ADou 5on?t "a)e to 8e a so3iopat" to 8a3k me up@ >ust a s"ooter@ an5 you are t"at@ Anita. Dou kill as easily as 9 5o@ i1 t"e 3ir3umstan3es are ri-"t.C 9 5i5n?t try an5 ar-ue@ 8e3ause 9 3oul5n?t. 9 5e3i5e5 to 3on3entrate on t"e 3rime instea5 o1 my moral 5e3ay. ASo Santa 'e "as a lar-e transient population.C A/ot transient@C ,5%ar5 sai5@ A8ut mo8ile@ )ery mo8ile. =e "a)e a lot o1 tourism@ an5 a lot o1 people mo)in- in an5 out on a semi2permanent 8asis.C ASo no one kno%s t"eir nei-"8ors@C 9 sai5@ Aor %"at t"eir s3"e5ules s"oul5 8e.C A,*a3tly.C His )oi3e %as 8lan5@ empty@ %it" t"at t"rea5 o1 tire5ness un5erneat"@ an5 un5er t"at %as somet"in- else. A toneOsomet"in-. ADou t"ink t"ere?s more 8o5ies t"at you "a)en?t 1oun5 yet@C 9 sai5. 9 ma5e it a statement. He %as ;uiet 1or a se3on5@ t"en sai5@ ADou "ear5 it in my )oi3e@ 5i5n?t youBC ADea"@C 9 sai5. A9?m not sure 9 like t"at. Dou 8ein- a8le to rea5 me t"at %ell.C ASorry. 9?ll try to 8e less intuiti)e.C A4on?t 8ot"er. Dour intuition is one o1 t"e t"in-s t"at?s kept you ali)e t"is lon-.C AAre you makin- a >oke a8out %omen?s intuitionBC 9 aske5.

A/o@ 9?m sayin- t"at you?re someone %"o %orks 1rom your -ut@ your emotions@ not your "ea5. 9t?s a stren-t" 1or you@ an5 a %eakness.C A$oo ten5er"earte5@ am 9BC ASometimes@ an5 sometimes you?re >ust as 5ea5 insi5e as 9 am.C Hearin- "im state it like t"at %as almost s3ary. /ot t"at "e %as in3lu5in- me in t"e same 8reat" as "imsel1@ 8ut t"at ,5%ar5 kne% somet"in- "a5 5ie5 insi5e o1 "im. ADou e)er miss t"e parts t"at are -oneBC 9 aske5. 9t %as t"e 3losest t"in- to a personal ;uestion 9?5 e)er aske5 "im. A/o@C "e sai5. A4o youBC 9 t"ou-"t a8out t"at 1or a moment. 9 starte5 to say yes@ automati3ally@ t"en stoppe5 mysel1. $rut"@ al%ays trut" 8et%een us. A/o@ 9 -uess 9 5on?t.C He ma5e a small soun5@ almost a lau-". A$"at?s my -irl.C 9 %as 8ot" 1lattere5 an5 )a-uely irritate5 t"at 9 %as A"is -irl.C ="en in 5ou8t@ 3on3entrate on t"e >o8. A="at kin5 o1 monster is it@ ,5%ar5BC 9 aske5. A9?)e no i5ea.C $"at stoppe5 me. ,5%ar5 "a5 8een "untin- preternatural 8a5 -uys years lon-er t"an 9 "a5. He kne% monsters almost as %ell as 9 5i5@ an5 "e?5 tra)ele5 t"e %orl5 killin- monsters@ so "e "a5 1irst "an5 kno%le5-e o1 t"in-s 9?5 only rea5 a8out. A="at 5o you mean@ you "a)e no i5eaBC A9?)e ne)er seen anyt"in- kill like t"is@ Anita.C 9 "ear5 an un5er3urrent in "is )oi3e t"at 9?5 almost ne)er "ear5O1ear. ,5%ar5@ %"ose ni3kname amon- t"e )amps an5 s"apes"i1ters %as 4eat"@ %as a1rai5. 9t %as a )ery 8a5 si-n. ADou?re s"ook@ ,5%ar5. $"at?s not like you.C A=ait until you see t"e )i3tims. 9?)e sa)e5 you p"otos o1 t"e ot"er s3enes@ 8ut t"e last one 9 kept inta3t@ >ust 1or you.C AHo% 5i5 t"e lo3al la% en1or3ement like puttin- a ri88on aroun5 a 3rime s3ene an5 %rappin- it up >ust 1or little ol? meBC A$"e lo3al 3ops all like $e5. He?s a -oo5 ol? 8oy. 91 $e5 tells t"em you 3an "elp@ t"ey 8elie)e "im.C ABut you?re $e5 'orrester@C 9 sai5@ Aan5 you?re not a -oo5 ol? 8oy.C ABut $e5 is@C "e sai5@ )oi3e empty. ADour se3ret i5entity@C 9 sai5. ADea"@C "e sai5. A'ine@ 9?ll 1ly into Santa 'e t"is a1ternoon@ or early e)enin-.C A'ly into Al8u;uer;ue instea5. 9?ll meet you at t"e airport. Hust 3all me an5 -i)e me t"e time.C A9 3an rent a 3ar@C 9 sai5 A9?ll 8e in Al8u;uer;ue on ot"er 8usiness. 9t?s not a pro8lem.C A="at aren?t you tellin- meBC 9 aske5. A7e@ keepin- se3retsBC $"ere %as a t"rea5 o1 amusement in "is )oi3e a-ain. ADou?re t"e ori-inal mystery man@ ,5%ar5. Dou lo)e keepin- se3rets. 9t -i)es you a sense o1 po%er.C A4oes itBC "e ma5e it a ;uestion. ADea"@ it 5oes.C He lau-"e5 so1tly. A7ay8e it 5oes. 7ake t"e ti3ket reser)ations an5 3all me %it" t"e 1li-"t times. 9?)e -ot to -o.C His )oi3e %ent lo% as i1 someone else "a5 3ome into t"e room. 9 "a5n?t aske5 %"at t"e ur-en3y %as. $en missin-@ t%el)e 3on1irme5 5ea5. 9t %as ur-ent. 9 "a5n?t aske5 i1 "e?5 8e %aitin1or my 3all. ,5%ar5@ %"o ne)er spooke5@ %as s3are5. He?5 8e %aitin- 1or my 3all.

Chapter Two
9$ $:</,4 #:$ t"at t"e only 1li-"t 9 3oul5 -et t"at %asn?t 1ull %as a noon 1li-"t@ %"i3" meant 9 -ot a8out 1i)e "ours o1 sleep 8e1ore 9 "a5 to -et up an5 run 1or t"e airport. 9 also misse5 Kenpo 3lass@ a type o1 karate t"at 9?5 >ust starte5 a 1e% %eeks a-o. 9?5 "a)e mu3" rat"er 8een in 3lass t"an on a plane. 9 "ate to 1ly. 9?5 5ri)en to as many o1 t"e out o1 to%n appointments as possi8le@ 8ut 9?5 8een 5oin- a lot o1 1lyin- lately. 9t "a5 lessene5 t"e a3tual terror@ 8ut 9 %as still p"o8i3. 9 "ate5 to 8e in a plane 8ein- 1lo%n 8y someone 9 5i5n?t kno%@ %"o 9 "a5 not personally 5ru- teste5. 9 >ust %asn?t t"e trustin- sort.

/eit"er are t"e airlines. !arryin- a 3on3eale5 %eapon on a plane %as a pain in t"e ass. 9?5 "a5 to take t"e t%o2"our 'AA 3ourse on 3arryin- 3on3eale5 on a plane. 9 "a5 a 3erti1i3ate to pro)e 9?5 taken t"e 3ourse. 9 3oul5 not -et on t"e plane %it"out t"e 3erti1i3ate. 9 also "a5 a letter statin- t"at 9 %as on o11i3ial 8usiness t"at re;uire5 me to 3arry a -un. Ser-eant <u5ol1 (4ol1) Storr@ "ea5 o1 t"e <e-ional Preternatural 9n)esti-ation $eam@ "a5 1a*e5 me t"e letter on task1or3e letter"ea5@ al%ays impressi)e. Someone %"o %as a real poli3eperson "a5 to -i)e me somet"in- to le-itimiEe my status. 91 it %ere real poli3e 8usiness@ e)en i1 4ol1 %eren?t 5ire3tly in)ol)e5@ "e?5 usually -i)e me %"at 9 nee5e5. 91 ,5%ar5 "a5 3alle5 me in to "elp in an uno11i3ial 3ase@ i.e.@ ille-al@ 9 %oul5 "a)e a)oi5e5 4ol1. 7r La% an5 #r5er %asn?t real 1on5 o1 ,5%ar5@ a.k.a. $e5 'orrester. A$e5C %as aroun5 a lot %"en t"ere %ere 8o5ies on t"e -roun5. 9t ma5e 4ol1 not trust "im. 9 5i5 not look out t"e %in5o%. 9 rea5 an5 trie5 to preten5 9 %as on a )ery 3rampe5 8us. 9?5 1inally 1i-ure5 out t"at one o1 t"e reasons 9 5i5n?t like to 1ly %as t"at 9 also "a)e 3laustrop"o8ia. A .2. 1ull o1 people %as 3lose enou-" to make it "ar5 to 8reat"e. 9 turne5 t"e little 1an a8o)e my seat on "i-" an5 rea5. 9 %as rea5in- S"aron S"inn. S"e %as an aut"or t"at 9 truste5 to "ol5 my attention e)en "un5re5s o1 1eet a8o)e t"e -roun5 %it" a t"in metal s"eet 8et%een me an5 eternity. So 9 3an?t tell you %"at Al8u;uer;ue looks like 1rom t"e air@ an5 t"e little %alk%ay t"at le5 into t"e airport %as like e)ery ot"er one 9?5 e)er %alke5 t"rou-". ,)en in t"e tunnel you 3oul5 1eel t"e "eat pressin- like a -iant "an5 "o)erin- o)er t"e t"in plasti3. 9t may "a)e 8een sprin- in St. Louis@ 8ut it %as summer in Al8u;uer;ue. 9 s3anne5 t"e 3ro%5 1or ,5%ar5 an5 a3tually looke5 past "im on3e 8e1ore realiEin- it %as "im. Part o1 it %as t"e 1a3t t"at "e %as %earin- a "at@ a 3o%8oy "at. $"ere %as a 1an o1 1eat"ers tu3ke5 into t"e 1ront o1 t"e "at 8an5@ 8ut it "a5 t"e look o1 a "at t"at "a5 8een %orn %ell. $"e 8rim %as 3ur)e5 8a3k on 8ot" si5es as i1 "e?5 %orke5 at t"e sti11 material until t"e 8rim "a5 1orme5 a ne% s"ape un5er t"e 3onstant run o1 "is "an5s. His s"irt %as %"ite an5 s"ort2slee)e5 like somet"in- you?5 -et at any 5epartment store. 9t %as mat3"e5 %it" 5ark 8lue >eans t"at looke5 ne% an5 a pair o1 "ikin- 8oots t"at %eren?t. Hikin- 8ootsB ,5%ar5B He?5 ne)er impresse5 me as a 3ountry 8oy. /o@ 5e1initely a 3ity 1ello%@ 8ut t"ere "e stoo5@ lookinsort o1 5o%n2"omey an5 3om1orta8le. 9t 5i5n?t look like ,5%ar5 at all until 9 met "is eyes. =rap "im up in %"ate)er 5is-uise you %ant@ you 3oul5 5ress "im like Prin3e !"armin- on a 4isney 1loat@ 8ut as lon- as you 3oul5 -limpse "is eyes@ you %oul5 still run s3reamin-. His eyes are 8lue an5 3ol5 as %inter skies. He is t"e epitome o1 =ASP 8ree5in- %it" "is 8lon5 "air an5 slen5er paleness. He 3an look "armless i1 "e %ants to. He is t"e 3onsummate a3tor@ 8ut unless "e %orks at it@ "is eyes -i)e "im a%ay. 91 t"e eyes are t"e mirror to t"e soul@ t"en ,5%ar5?s in trou8le 8e3ause no one is "ome. He smile5 at me@ an5 it t"a%e5 "is eyes to somet"in- 3lose to %armt". He %as -la5 to see me@ -enuinely -la5. #r as -la5 as "e e)er %as to see anyone. 9t %asn?t 3om1ortin-. 9n a %ay it %as unner)in- 8e3ause one o1 t"e main reasons ,5%ar5 like5 me %as t"at to-et"er %e al%ays -ot to kill more t"an %e 5i5 apart. #r at least 9 5i5. 'or all 9 kne%@ ,5%ar5 mi-"t "a)e 8een mo%in- 5o%n entire armies %"en "e %asn?t %it" me. AAnita.C "e sai5. A,5%ar5.C 9 sai5. $"e smile turne5 into a -rin. ADou 5on?t seem "appy to see me.C ADou 8ein- t"is "appy to see me makes me ner)ous@ ,5%ar5. Dou?re relie)e5 9?m "ere@ an5 t"at s3ares me.C $"e -rin 1a5e5@ an5 9 %at3"e5 all t"e "umor@ all t"e %el3ome@ 5rain out o1 "is 1a3e like %ater lea)in- a -lass t"rou-" a 3ra3kOempty. A9?m not relie)e5@C "e sai5@ 8ut "is )oi3e %as too 8lan5. ALiar@C 9 sai5. 9 %oul5 "a)e like5 to say it so1tly@ 8ut t"e noise o1 t"e airport %as like t"e 3ras" o1 t"e o3ean@ a 3ontinuous roar. He looke5 at me %it" t"ose pitiless eyes an5 -a)e one small no5. An a3kno%le5-ment t"at "e %as relie)e5 9 %as "ere. 7ay8e "e %oul5 "a)e )er8aliEe5 it@ 8ut su55enly a %oman appeare5 at "is si5e. S"e %as smilin-@ "er arms sli5inaroun5 "im until s"e 3u55le5 a-ainst "im. S"e looke5 t"irtyis"@ ol5er t"an ,5%ar5 appeare5@ t"ou-" 9 %asn?t sure o1 "is a3tual a-e. Her "air %as s"ort@ 8ro%n@ a no2nonsense style@ 8ut 1latterin-. S"e %ore almost no makeup@ 8ut %as still lo)ely. 9 "ere %ere lines at "er eyes an5 mout" t"at "a5 ma5e me >ump "er 1rom t"irty to 1orty somet"in-. S"e %as smaller t"an ,5%ar5@ taller t"an me@ 8ut still petite@ t"ou-" s"e 5i5n?t look so1t. S"e %as tanne5 5arker t"an %as "ealt"y %"i3" pro8a8ly e*plaine5 t"e lines on "er 1a3e. But t"ere %as a ;uiet stren-t" to "er as s"e stoo5 t"ere smilin- at me@ "ol5in- ,5%ar5?s arm. S"e %ore >eans t"at looke5 so neat t"ey must "a)e 8een presse5@ a %"ite s"ort2slee)e5 s"irt t"at %as s"eer enou-" t"at s"e?5 put a spa-"etti strap tank top un5er it@ an5 a 8ro%n leat"er purse almost as lar-e as my 3arry2on 8a-. 9 %on5ere5 1or a se3on5 i1 ,5%ar5 "a5 pi3ke5 "er up 1rom a plane@ too@ 8ut t"ere %as somet"in- too 1res" an5 un"urrie5 a8out "er. S"e "a5n?t 3ome o11 a plane. A9?m 4onna. Dou "a)e to 8e Anita.C S"e "el5 out "er "an5@ an5 %e s"ook. S"e "a5 a 1irm "an5s"ake@ an5 "er "an5 %asn?t so1t. S"e?5 %orke5@ t"is one "a5. S"e also kne% "o% to s"ake "an5s. 7ost %omen ne)er really -ot t"e kna3k o1 it. 9 like5 "er instantly@ instin3ti)ely@ an5 mistruste5 t"e 1eelin- >ust as ;ui3kly. A$e5?s tol5 me so mu3" a8out you@C 4onna sai5. 9 -lan3e5 up at ,5%ar5. He %as smilin-@ an5 e)en "is eyes %ere 1ull o1 "umor. $"e entire set o1 "is 1a3e an5 8o5y "a5 3"an-e5. He slou3"e5 sli-"tly@ an5 t"e smile %as laEy. He )i8rate5 %it" -oo5 ol? 8oy 3"arm. 9t %as an #s3ar2%inninper1orman3e@ as i1 "e?5 tra5e5 skins %it" someone else. 9 looke5 at ,5%ar5U$e5 an5 sai5@ AHe?s tol5 you a lot a8out me@ "as "eBC

A#"@ yes@C 4onna sai5@ tou3"in- my arm %"ile still "ol5in- onto ,5%ar5. #1 3ourse@ s"e %oul5 8e a 3asual tou3"er. 7y s"apes"i1ter 1rien5s %ere -ettin- me a33ustome5 to tou3"ie21eelie stu11@ 8ut it still %asn?t my 8est t"in-. ="at t"e "ell %as ,5%ar5O$e5O5oin- %it" t"is %omanB ,5%ar5 spoke@ 8ut t"ere %as a sli-"t $e*as2like 5ra%l to "is )oi3e like an ol5 a33ent almost 1or-otten. ,5%ar5 "a5 no a33ent %"atsoe)er. His )oi3e %as t"e 3leanest an5 "ar5est to pla3e 9?5 e)er "ear5@ as i1 e)en "is )oi3e %as ne)er tou3"e5 8y t"e pla3es an5 people "e sa%. AAnita Blake@ 9?5 like you to meet 4onna Parnell@ my 1ian36e.C 7y >a% 5roppe5 to t"e 3arpet@ an5 9 >ust -ape5 at "im. 9 usually try an5 8e a little more sop"isti3ate5 t"an t"at@ or "ell@ more polite. 9 kne% t"at astonis"ment@ nay s"o3k@ s"o%e5@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t "elp it. 4onna lau-"e5@ an5 it %as a -oo5 lau-"@ %arm an5 3"u3kly@ a -oo5 mom lau-". S"e s;ueeEe5 ,5%ar5?s arm. A#"@ you %ere ri-"t@ $e5. Her rea3tion %as %ort" t"e trip.C A$ol5 ya@ "oney2pot@C ,5%ar5 sai5@ "u--in- "er an5 plantin- a kiss on t"e top o1 "er "ea5. 9 3lose5 my mout" an5 trie5 to re3o)er. 9 mana-e5 to mum8le@ A$"at?s ... -reat. 9 mean really ... 9 ... A 9 1inally e*ten5e5 my "an5 an5 sai5@ A!on-ratulations.C But 9 3oul5n?t mana-e a smile. 4onna use5 t"e "an5s"ake to 5ra% me into a "u-. A$e5 sai5 you?5 ne)er 8elie)e "e?5 1inally a-ree5 to tie t"e knot.C S"e "u--e5 me a-ain@ lau-"in-. ABut@ my -o5@ -irl@ 9?)e ne)er seen su3" pure s"o3k.C S"e retreate5 8a3k to ,5%ar5?s arms an5 "is smilin- $e5 1a3e. 9 am not nearly as -oo5 an a3tor as ,5%ar5. 9t?s taken me years to per1e3t a 8lank 1a3e let alone outri-"t lyin- 8y 1a3ial e*pression an5 8o5y lan-ua-e. So 9 kept my 1a3e 8lank an5 trie5 to tell ,5%ar5 %it" my eyes t"at "e "a5 some e*plainin- to 5o. =it" "is 1a3e sli-"tly turne5 1rom 4onna@ "e -a)e me "is 3lose@ se3reti)e smile. ="i3" pisse5 me o11. ,5%ar5 %as en>oyin- "is surprise. 4amn "im. A$e5@ %"ere are your manners. $ake "er 8a-@C 4onna sai5. ,5%ar5 an5 9 8ot" stare5 at t"e small 3arry2on 8a- 9 "a5 in my le1t "an5. He -a)e me $e5?s smile@ 8ut "e sai5 ,5%ar5?s line@ AAnita likes to 3arry "er o%n %ei-"t.C 4onna looke5 at me 1or 3on1irmation as i1 t"is 3oul5n?t possi8ly 8e true. 7ay8e s"e %asn?t as stron- an5 in5epen5ent as s"e appeare5@ or may8e s"e %as a 5e3a5e ol5er t"an s"e appeare5. A 5i11erent -eneration@ you kno%. A$e5?s ri-"t@C 9 sai5@ puttin- a little too mu3" emp"asis on "is name. A9 like to 3arry my o%n 8a-s.C 4onna looke5 like s"e?5 "a)e like5 to 3orre3t my o8)iously %ron- t"inkin- 8ut %as too polite to say it out lou5. $"e e*pression@ not t"e silen3e@ remin5e5 me o1 my stepmot"er Hu5it". ="i3" ma5e me pus" 4onna?s a-e o)er 1i1ty. S"e %as eit"er a mi-"tily %ell preser)e5 1i1ty2somet"in-@ 1orty2somet"in-@ or a sun2a-e5 t"irty2somet"in-. 9 >ust 3oul5n?t tell. $"ey %alke5 a"ea5 o1 me t"rou-" t"e airport@ arm in arm. 9 1ollo%e5 8e"in5 t"em@ not 8e3ause my suit3ase %as too "ea)y 8ut 8e3ause 9 nee5e5 a 1e% minutes to re3o)er. 9 %at3"e5 4onna 8ump "er "ea5 a-ainst ,5%ar5?s s"oul5er@ "er 1a3e turnin- to "im@ smilin-@ -lo%in-. ,5%ar5U$e5 8ent o)er "er@ 1a3e ten5er@ %"isperin- somet"in- t"at ma5e "er lau-". 9 %as -oin- to 8e si3k. ="at t"e "ell %as ,5%ar5 5oin- %it" t"is %omanB =as s"e anot"er assassin@ as -oo5 an a3tor as "e %asB Some"o% 9 5i5n?t t"ink so. An5 i1 s"e %as e*a3tly %"at s"e appeare5Oa %oman in lo)e %it" $e5 'orrester@ %"o 5i5n?t e*istO9 %as -oin- to ki3k ,5%ar5?s metap"ori3al ass. Ho% 5are "e in)ol)e some inno3ent %oman in "is 3o)er storyI #rOan5 t"is %as a )ery stran-e t"ou-"tO%as ,5%ar5U$e5 really in lo)eB 91 you?5 aske5 me ten minutes a-o@ 9?5 "a)e sai5 "e %asn?t 3apa8le o1 su3" 5ept" o1 emotion@ 8ut no% ... no% 9 %as >ust plain 3on1use5. $"e Al8u;uer;ue airport 8roke my rule t"at all airports look nearly i5enti3al an5 you 3an?t really tell %"at part o1 t"e 3ountry@ or e)en t"e %orl5@ t"at you?re in >ust 1rom t"e airport. 91 t"ere are 5e3orations@ t"ey?re usually 1rom a 5i11erent 3ulture entirely@ like inlan5 8ars "a)in- seasi5e moti1s. But not "ere. Here t"ere %ere "ints o1 a sout"%estern 1la)or e)ery%"ere. 7ulti23olore5 tile or paint leanin- to tur;uoise an5 3o8alt 8lue line5 most o1 t"e s"ops an5 store 1ronts. A small 3o)ere5 stan5 sol5 sil)er >e%elry in t"e mi55le o1 t"e lar-e "all%ay lea5in- 1rom t"e -ates to t"e rest o1 t"e airport. =e?5 le1t t"e 3ro%5 8e"in5 an5 %it" it t"e noise. =e mo)e5 in a %orl5 o1 neatly rin-in- silen3e@ "ei-"tene5 8y t"e %"ite %alls an5 t"e lar-e %in5o%s on eit"er si5e. Al8u;uer;ue stret3"e5 outsi5e t"ose %in5o%s like some -reat 1lat plain %it" a rin- o1 8la3k mountains at t"e e5-e@ like t"e 8a3k5rop to a play@ some"o% unreal. $"e "eat presse5 5o%n e)en t"rou-" t"e air 3on5itionin-@ not really "ot@ 8ut lettin- you kno% it %as -oin- to 8e. $"e lan5s3ape %as totally alien@ a55in- to my sense o1 "a)in- 8een 3ut a5ri1t. #ne o1 t"e t"in-s 9 like5 a8out ,5%ar5 is t"at "e ne)er 3"an-e5. He %as %"at "e %as@ an5 no% ,5%ar5@ 5epen5a8le in "is o%n psy3"oti3 %ay@ "a5 t"ro%n me a 3ur)e 8all so %il5 9 5i5n?t e)en kno% "o% to s%in- at it. 4onna stoppe5 an5 turne5@ 5ra%in- ,5%ar5 %it" "er. AAnita@ t"at 8a- is >ust too "ea)y 1or you. Please let $e5 3arry it.C S"e -a)e "im a little -oo52nature5 pus" in my 5ire3tion. ,5%ar5 %alke5 to%ar5s me. ,)en "is %alk %as a rollin- sort o1 -ait like someone %"o spent a lot o1 time on "orse8a3k or on a 8oat. He kept $e5?s smile on "is 1a3e. #nly "is eyes slippe5 an5 s"o%e5 t"rou-" t"e mask. 4ea5 t"ose eyes@ empty. /o lo)e s"one in t"em. 4amn "im. He a3tually leane5 o)er@ "is "an5 starte5 to 3lose o)er mine an5 t"e "an5le. 9 "isse5@ A4on?t.C 9 let t"at one %or5 "ol5 all t"e an-er 9 %as 1eelin-.

His eyes %i5ene5 >ust a 8it@ an5 "e kne% 9 %asn?t talkin- a8out >ust t"e 3arry2on 8a-. He strai-"tene5 up an5 3alle5 8a3k to 4onna@ AS"e 5oesn?t %ant my "elp.C He put emp"asis on t"e Amy.C S"e tske5 un5er "er 8reat" an5 %alke5 8a3k to us. ADou?re >ust 8ein- stu88orn@ Anita. Let $e5 "elp you.C 9 looke5 up at "er an5 kne% my 1a3e %asn?t neutral@ 8ut 9 3oul5n?t 5rain all t"e an-er out o1 my 1a3e. 4onna?s eyes %i5ene5 >ust a 8it. AHa)e 9 o11en5e5 you in some %ayBC s"e aske5. 9 s"ook my "ea5. A9?m not upset %it" you.C S"e looke5 at ,5%ar5. A$e5@ 5ear@ 9 t"ink s"e?s an-ry %it" you.C A9 t"ink you?re ri-"t@C ,5%ar5 sai5. His eyes "a5 -one 8a3k to sparklin- %it" lo)e an5 -oo5 "umor. 9 trie5 to sal)a-e t"e situation. A9t?s >ust t"at $e5 s"oul5 "a)e tol5 me a8out t"e en-a-ement. 9 5on?t like surprises.C 4onna put "er "ea5 to one si5e@ -i)in- me a lon- 3onsi5erin- look. S"e starte5 to say somet"in-@ t"en seeme5 to t"ink 8etter o1 it. A=ell@ 9?ll try an5 make sure you 5on?t -et any more surprises 1rom me.C S"e settle5 "ersel1 a little more se3urely on ,5%ar5?s arm@ an5 t"e look in "er 8ro%n eyes %as >ust a ta5 less 1rien5ly t"an it "a5 8een 8e1ore. 9 realiEe5 %it" a si-" t"at 4onna no% t"ou-"t 9 %as >ealous. 7y rea3tion %asn?t normal 1or a mere 1rien5 an5 8usiness a3;uaintan3e. Sin3e 9 3oul5n?t tell "er t"e real reason 9 %as upset@ 9 let it -o. Better s"e t"ink $e5 an5 9 "a5 8een an item on3e@ t"an t"e trut". $"ou-" Hea)en kne% s"e?5 pro8a8ly pre1er %e?5 8een lo)ers to t"e real trut" a8out "er A$e5.C S"e %as in lo)e %it" a man %"o 5i5 not e*ist@ no matter "o% real t"e arm s"e %as "ol5in- "appene5 to 8e. 9 ti-"tene5 my -rip on my 8a- an5 mo)e5 up so 9 %as %alkin- on t"e ot"er si5e o1 4onna as %e mo)e5 up t"rou-" t"e airport. S"e %asn?t 3om1orta8le %it" me trailin- 8e"in5 so 9?5 keep up. 9?m not -oo5 at small talk at t"e 8est o1 times@ 8ut no%@ 9 3oul5n?t t"ink o1 a 5amn t"in- to say@ so %e mo)e5 in a silen3e t"at -re% pro-ressi)ely un3om1orta8le 1or me@ an5 1or 4onna@ Her@ 8e3ause s"e %as a %oman an5 naturally 1rien5ly. 7e@ 8emuse 9 kne% silen3e %oul5 make "er un3om1orta8le. 9 5i5n?t %ant to make "er more un3om1orta8le. S"e 8roke 1irst. A$e5 tells me you?re an animator an5 )ampire "unter.C A9 pre1er )ampire e*e3utioner@ 8ut yea".C 9n a 5esperate attempt to 8e polite 9 aske5@ A="at 5o you 5oBC S"e 1las"e5 me a 8rilliant smile t"at s"o%e5 t"e smile lines on eit"er si5e o1 "er mout" like a 1rame 1or "er t"in@ o"2so2 sli-"tly lipsti3ke5 mout". 9 %as 9 -la5 9?5 %orn no makeup. 7ay8e t"at %oul5 "elp "er realiEe 9 %asn?t a1ter ,5%ar5U$e5. A9 o%n a s"op in Santa 'e.C ,5%ar5 a55e5@ AS"e sells psy3"i3 parap"ernalia.C He -a)e me a smile o)er "er "ea5. 7y 1a3e "ar5ene5@ an5 9 1ou-"t to keep it 8lank. A="at sort o1 parap"ernaliaBC A!rystals@ tarot 5e3ks@ 8ooks@ e)eryt"in- an5 anyt"in- t"at 3at3"es my 1an3y.C 9 %ante5 to say@ ABut you?re not psy3"i3@C 8ut 9 5i5n?t. 9?5 met people 8e1ore t"at %ere 3on)in3e5 t"ey "a5 psy3"i3 -i1ts %"en t"ey 5i5n?t. 91 4onna %as one o1 t"e su33ess1ully 5elu5e5@ %"o %as 9 to 8urst "er 8u88leB 9nstea5@ 9 sai5@ A9s t"ere mu3" o1 a market 1or t"at sort o1 t"in- in Santa 'eBC A#"@ t"ere use5 to 8e a lot o1 s"ops like mine. $"e ne% a-e %as really 8i- in Santa 'e@ 8ut t"e property ta*es "a)e skyro3kete5 an5 most o1 t"e ne% psy3"i3s "a)e mo)e5 1urt"er into t"e mountains to $aos. Santa 'e?s ener-y "as 3"an-e5 in t"e last 1i)e years@ or so. 9t?s still a )ery positi)e pla3e@ 8ut $aos "as 8etter ener-y no%. 9?m not sure %"y.C S"e talke5 a8out Aener-yC like it %as an a33epte5 1a3t@ an5 5i5n?t try to e*plain it@ as i1 9 %oul5 un5erstan5 "er. S"e %as assumin-@ like so many people 5i5@ t"at i1 you raise5 t"e 5ea5 1or a li)in- you %ere psy3"i3 in ot"er areas@ too. ="i3" %as o1ten true@ 8ut not al%ays. ="at s"e 3alle5 FCener-y@C 9 3alle5 t"e A1eelC o1 a pla3e. Some pla3es 5i5 "a)e a A1eelC to t"em@ -oo5 or 8a5@ ener-iEin- or 5rainin-. $"e ol5 i5ea o1 -enius lo3i %as ali)e an5 %ell in t"e ne% a-e mo)ement un5er a 5i11erent name. A4o you rea5 3ar5sBC 9 aske5. 9t %as a polite %ay o1 1in5in- out i1 s"e 8elie)e5 s"e "a5 po%ers. A#"@ no@C 4onna sai5. A7y -i1ts are )ery small. 9?5 lo)e to 8e a8le to rea5 3ar5s or 3rystals@ 8ut 9?m only a proprietor. 7y talent in t"is li1e is "elpin- ot"ers 5is3o)er t"eir stren-t"s.C 9t soun5e5 like somet"in- a t"erapist %"o 8elie)e5 in past li)es %oul5 "a)e sai5. 9?5 8een meetin- enou-" o1 t"em at -ra)esi5e to kno% t"e lin-o. ASo you?re not a psy3"i3@C 9 sai5. 9 >ust %ante5 to 8e sure s"e kne% it. A#"@ "ea)ens no.C S"e s"ook "er "ea5 1or emp"asis@ an5 9 noti3e5 "er small -ol5 earrin-s %ere ank"s. A7ost people t"at -o into t"e 8usiness usually are@C 9 sai5. S"e si-"e5. A$"e psy3"i3 9?m -oin- to no% says t"at 9?m 8lo3ke5 in t"is li1e 8e3ause o1 misuse o1 my -i1ts last time aroun5. S"e says 9?ll 8e a8le to %ork ma-i3 ne*t time.C A-ain@ s"e assume5 9 8elie)e5 in rein3arnation an5 past li1e t"erapy@ pro8a8ly 8e3ause o1 %"at 9 5i5 1or a li)in-. ,it"er t"at or ,5%ar5U$e5 "a5 8een lyin- to "er a8out me >ust to amuse "imsel1. But 9 5i5n?t point out t"at 9 %as a !"ristian an5 5i5n?t 8elie)e in rein3arnation. $"ere are@ a1ter all@ more reli-ions on t"e planet t"at 8elie)e in rein3arnation t"an ones t"at 5on?t. ="o am 9 to ;ui88leB 9 >ust 3oul5n?t "elp t"e ne*t ;uestion. AAn5 "a)e you met $e5 8e1ore in a past li1eBC

A/o@ a3tually "e?s 8ran5 ne% to me@ t"ou-" Bren5a says "e is a )ery ol5 soul.C ABren5a@ your psy3"i3BC 9 aske5. S"e no55e5. A9?ll a-ree %it" t"e ol5 soul part@C 9 sai5. ,5%ar5 -a)e me a look o)er "er "ea5 %"ere s"e 3oul5n?t see "im. 9t %as a suspi3ious look. ADou?)e 1elt it@ too@ t"en@ t"e %ay "e resonates. $"at?s %"at Bren5a 3alls it@ like a -reat "ea)y 8ell in "er "ea5 %"ene)er "e?s aroun5.C Alarm 8ells more likely@ 9 t"ou-"t. Alou5 9 sai5@ ASometimes you 3an make your soul "ea)y in one li1etime.C S"e -a)e me a puEEle5 look. S"e %asn?t stupi5. $"ere %as intelli-en3e in t"ose 8ro%n eyes@ 8ut s"e %as nai)e. 4onna %ante5 to 8elie)e. 9t ma5e "er an easy mark 1or a 3ertain kin5 o1 liar like %oul528e psy3"i3s an5 men like ,5%ar5. 7en %"o lie5 a8out %"o an5 %"at t"ey %ere. A9?5 like to meet Bren5a 8e1ore 9 -o "ome@C 9 sai5. ,5%ar5?s eyes %i5ene5 %"ere s"e 3oul5n?t see t"em. 4onna smile5 5eli-"te5ly. A9?5 lo)e to intro5u3e t"e t%o o1 you. S"e?s ne)er met an animator 8e1ore. 9 kno% s"e?5 -et a ki3k out o1 meetin- you.C A9?ll 8et@C 9 sai5. 9 5i5 %ant to meet Bren5a@ 8e3ause 9 %ante5 to see i1 s"e %as truly a psy3"i3 or >ust a 3"arlatan. 91 s"e %as pro1essin- to a8ilities s"e 5i5n?t possess@ it %as a 3rime@ an5 9?5 turn "er in. 9 "ate5 seein- suppose5 psy3"i3s take a5)anta-e o1 people. 9t %as al%ays amaEin- to me %it" t"e num8er o1 -enuine talents aroun5@ "o% many 1akes still mana-e5 to prosper. =e %ere passin- a restaurant 5e3orate5 in more 8lue an5 1u3"sia tiles %it" small 5aisy2like 1lo%ers painte5 in t"e e5-es. $"ere %as a mural on one %all s"o%in- Spanis" 3on;uista5ors an5 8ree3"3lot"23la5 /ati)e Ameri3ans as %e 3ame 5o%n t"e es3alators. 9 %as still mana-in- to 8alan3e my 3arry2on %it"out any trou8le@ all t"at %ei-"tli1tin- 9 -uess. $"ere %as a 8ank o1 pay p"ones set to one si5e. ALet me try to -et "ol5 o1 t"e ki5s one more time@C 4onna sai5. S"e kisse5 ,5%ar5?s 3"eek an5 mo)e5 o11 to%ar5s t"e p"ones 8e1ore 9 3oul5 rea3t. AKi5sBC 9 sai5. ADes@C "e sai5@ )oi3e 3are1ul. AHo% manyBC 9 aske5. A$%o.C AA-esBC ABoy@ 1ourteenG -irl@ si*@C "e sai5. A="ere?s t"eir 1at"erBC A4onna is a %i5o%.C 9 looke5 at "im@ an5 t"e look %as enou-". A/o@ 9 5i5n?t 5o it. He 5ie5 years 8e1ore 9 met 4onna.C 9 steppe5 3lose to "im@ turnin- my 8a3k so t"at 4onna %oul5n?t see my 1a3e 1rom t"e p"ones. A="at are you playin- at ,5%ar5B S"e "as 3"il5ren an5 is so in lo)e %it" you@ it makes me -a-. ="at on Go5?s -reen eart" 3oul5 you 8e t"inkin-BC A4onna an5 $e5 "a)e 8een 5atin- 1or a8out t%o years. $"ey?re lo)ers. S"e e*pe3te5 "im to propose so "e 5i5.C His 1a3e %as still smilin- $e5@ 8ut t"e )oi3e %as matter o1 1a3t an5 totally unemotional. ADou?re talkin- like $e5?s a t"ir5 person@ ,5%ar5.C ADou?re -oin- to "a)e to start 3allin- me $e5@ Anita. 9 kno% you. 91 you 5on?t make it a "a8it@ you?ll 1or-et.C 9 steppe5 into "im in t"e relati)e silen3e@ lo%erin- my )oi3e to a 1urious %"isper. A'u3k t"at. He is you@ an5 you?re 1u3kin- en-a-e5. Are you -oin- to marry "erBC He -a)e a small s"ru-. AS"it@C 9 sai5. ADou 3an?t. Dou 3annot marry t"is %oman.C His smile %i5ene5@ an5 "e steppe5 aroun5 me "ol5in- "is "an5s out to 4onna. He kisse5 "er an5 aske5@ AHo% are t"e mun3"kinsBC He turne5 "er in "is arms so "e %as "al12"u--in- "er@ an5 "a5 "er turne5 a%ay 1rom me. His 1a3e %as $e5@ rela*e5@ 8ut "is eyes %ere %arnin- me@ A4on?t s3re% t"is up.C 9t %as important to "im 1or some reason. 4onna turne5 so s"e 3oul5 see my 1a3e@ an5 9 1ou-"t to -i)e 8lank 1a3e. A="at %ere you t%o %"isperin- a8out so ur-entlyBC

A$"e 3ase@C ,5%ar5 sai5. A#"@ poo"@C s"e sai5. 9 raise5 eye8ro%s at ,5%ar5. #"@ poo". $"e most 5an-erous man 9?5 e)er met %as en-a-e5 to a mot"er o1 t%o t"at sai5 t"in-s like@ A#" poo".C 9t %as >ust too %eir5. 4onna?s eyes %i5ene5. A="ere is your purseB 4i5 you lea)e it on t"e planeBC A9 5i5n?t 8rin- one@C 9 sai5. A9 kne% 9?5 "a)e t"e 8a- an5 po3kets.C S"e looke5 at me as i1 9?5 spoken in ton-ues. A7y -o5@ 9 %oul5n?t kno% %"at to 5o %it"out my monstrosity in to%.C S"e pulle5 t"e "u-e purse aroun5 in 1ront o1 "er. A9?m su3" a pa3k rat.C A="ere are your ki5sBC 9 aske5. A=it" my nei-"8ors. $"ey?re a retire5 3ouple an5 are >ust -reat %it" my little -irl@ Be33a.C S"e 1ro%ne5. A#1 3ourse@ not"in- seems to make Peter "appy ri-"t no%.C S"e -lan3e5 at me. APeter?s my son. He?s 1ourteen -oin- on 1orty@ an5 seems to "a)e "it "is teena-e years %it" a )en-ean3e. ,)eryone tol5 me a teena-er %as "ar5@ 8ut 9 ne)er 5reame5 "o% "ar5.C AHas "e 8een -ettin- into trou8leBC 9 aske5. A/ot really. 9 mean "e?s not into anyt"in- 3riminal.C S"e a55e5 t"e last a little too ;ui3kly. ABut "e?s >ust stoppe5 listeninto me. He %as suppose5 to 3ome "ome t%o %eeks a-o 1rom s3"ool an5 %at3" Be33a. 9nstea5@ "e %ent to a 1rien5?s "ouse. ="en 9 3ame "ome a1ter t"e s"op 3lose5@ t"e "ouse %as empty@ an5 9 5i5n?t kno% %"ere eit"er o1 t"em %ere. $"e Hen5ersons "a5 8een out so Be33a %asn?t t"ere. Go5@ 9 %as 1ranti3. Anot"er nei-"8or "a5 taken "er in@ 8ut i1 t"ey "a5n?t 8een "ome@ s"e?5 "a)e >ust "a5 to %an5er t"e nei-"8or"oo5 1or "ours. Peter 3ame "ome an5 >ust %asn?t sorry. By t"e time "e 3ame "ome@ 9?5 3on)in3e5 mysel1 "e?5 8een a85u3te5 8y someone an5 %as lyin- 5ea5 in a 5it3" some%"ere. $"en "e >ust 3omes strollin- in as i1 not"in-?s %ron-.C A9s "e still -roun5e5BC 9 aske5. S"e no55e5@ 1a3e )ery 1irm. ADou 8et "e is. Groun5e5 1or a mont"@ an5 9?)e taken e)ery pri)ile-e 9 3an t"ink o1 a%ay 1rom "im.C A="at 5oes "e t"ink o1 you an5 $e5 -ettin- marrie5BC 9t %as a sa5isti3 ;uestion@ an5 9 kne% it@ 8ut 9 >ust 3oul5n?t "elp mysel1. 4onna looke5 stri3ken@ truly stri3ken. AHe?s not too keen on t"e i5ea.C KeenB A=ell@ "e?s 1ourteen@ an5 a 8oy@C 9 sai5. AHe?s 8oun5 to resent anot"er male 3omin- into "is tur1.C 4onna no55e5. ADes@ 9?m a1rai5 so.C $e5 "u--e5 "er. A9t?ll 8e all ri-"t@ "oneypot. Pete an5 9 %ill 3ome to an un5erstan5in-. 4on?t you %orry.C 9 5i5n?t like ,5%ar5?s p"rasin- on t"at. 9 %at3"e5 "is 1a3e 8ut 3oul5n?t see 8e"in5 "is $e5 mask. 9t %as as i1 1or minutes at a time "e >ust )anis"e5 into "is alter e-o. 9 "a5n?t 8een on t"e -roun5 an "our an5 "is HekyllUHy5e a3t %as alrea5y 8e-innin- to -et on my ner)es. A4o you "a)e any ot"er 8a-sBC ,5%ar5 aske5. A#1 3ourse@ s"e 5oes@C 4onna sai5. AS"e?s a %oman.C ,5%ar5 -a)e a small lau-" t"at %as more "is o%n t"an $e5?s. 9t %as a small soun5 t"at ma5e 4onna -lan3e at "im an5 ma5e me 1eel 8etter. AAnita isn?t like any ot"er %oman 9?)e e)er met.C 4onna -a)e "im anot"er look. ,5%ar5 "a5 p"rase5 it t"at %ay on purpose. He?5 3au-"t "er >ealous reasonin- >ust as 9 "a5@ an5 no% "e %as playin- to it. 9t %as one %ay to e*plain my stran-e rea3tion to t"e en-a-ement ne%s %it"out risk o1 8lo%in- "is 3o)er. 9 -uess 9 3oul5n?t 8lame "im@ 8ut in a %ay 9 kne% it %as pay8a3k 1or my la3k o1 so3ial skills. His 3o)er %as important enou-" to "im to let 4onna t"ink %e?5 8een a 3ouple@ %"i3" meant it %as pretty important to "im. ,5%ar5 an5 9 "a5 ne)er "a5 a sin-le romanti3 t"ou-"t a8out ea3" ot"er in our li)es. A9?)e -ot lu--a-e@C 9 sai5. ASee@C 4onna sai5@ tu--in- on "is arm. A$"e 3arry2on 8a- %oul5n?t "ol5 all t"e -uns.C 4onna stoppe5 in t"e mi55le o1 sayin- somet"in- to ,5%ar5@ t"en turne5 slo%ly to stare at me. ,5%ar5 an5 9 stoppe5 %alkin- 8e3ause s"e "a5 stoppe5. Her eyes %ere a little %i5e. S"e seeme5 to "a)e 3au-"t "er 8reat". S"e %as starinat me@ 8ut not at my 1a3e. 91 it "a5 8een a -uy@ 9 mi-"t "a)e a33use5 "im o1 starin- at my 3"est@ 8ut t"at %asn?t e*a3tly %"at s"e %as lookin- at. 9 1ollo%e5 "er -aEe an5 1oun5 t"at my >a3ket "a5 slippe5 8a3k o)er my le1t si5e e*posin- my -un. 9t must "a)e "appene5 %"en 9 rea5>uste5 t"e 8a- 3omin- o11 t"e es3alator. !areless o1 me. 9?m usually pretty 3are1ul

a8out e*posin- my arsenal in pu8li3. 9t ten5s to make people ner)ous@ >ust like no%. 9 s"i1te5 t"e 8a-@ so t"at my >a3ket sli5 8a3k o)er t"e s"oul5er "olster like a 3urtain 5roppin- 8a3k in pla3e. 4onna 5re% a ;ui3k 8reat"@ 8linke5@ an5 looke5 at my 1a3e. ADou really 5o 3arry a -un.C Her )oi3e "el5 a sort o1 %on5erment. A9 tol5 you s"e 5i5@C ,5%ar5 sai5 in "is $e5 )oi3e. A9 kno%@ 9 kno%@C 4onna sai5. S"e s"ook "er "ea5. A9?)e >ust ne)er 8een aroun5 a %oman t"at ... 4o you kill as easily as $e5 5oesBC 9t %as a )ery intelli-ent ;uestion@ an5 meant t"at s"e?5 8een payin- more attention to t"e real ,5%ar5 t"an 9?5 -i)en "er 3re5it 1or. So 9 ans%ere5 t"e ;uestion trut"1ully. A/o.C ,5%ar5 "u--e5 "er to "im@ eyes %arnin- me o)er "er "ea5. AAnita 5oesn?t 8elie)e s"i1ters are animals. S"e still t"inks t"e monsters 3an 8e sa)e5. 9t makes "er s;ueamis" sometimes.C 4onna stare5 at me. A7y "us8an5 %as kille5 8y a %ere%ol1. He %as kille5 in 1ront o1 me an5 Peter. Peter %as only ei-"t.C 9 5i5n?t kno% %"at rea3tion s"e e*pe3te5 so 9 5i5n?t -i)e "er one. 7y 1a3e %as neutral@ intereste5@ 1ar 1rom s"o3ke5. A="at sa)e5 youBC S"e no55e5 slo%ly@ un5erstan5in- t"e ;uestion. A %ere%ol1 tore "er "us8an5 apart in 1ront o1 "er an5 "er son@ yet t"ey %ere still ali)e an5 t"e "us8an5 %asn?t. Somet"in- "a5 inter3e5e5@ somet"in- "a5 sa)e5 t"em. AHo"n@ my "us8an5@ "a5 loa5e5 a ri1le %it" sil)er s"ot. He?5 5roppe5 t"e -un in t"e atta3k. He?5 %oun5e5 it 8ut not enou-".C Her eyes "a5 -one 5istant %it" remem8erin-. =e stoo5 in t"e 8ri-"t airport@ t"ree people "u55le5 in a small 3ir3le o1 silen3e an5 "us"e5 )oi3es an5 4onna?s %i5e eyes. 9 5i5n?t "a)e to look at ,5%ar5 to kno% t"at "is 1a3e %as as neutral as mine. S"e?5 1allen silent@ t"e "orror still too 1res" in "er eyes. $"e look %as enou-". $"ere %as %orse to 3ome@ or %orse to "er. Somet"in- s"e 1elt -uilty a8out at t"e )ery least. AHo"n "a5 >ust s"o%e5 Peter "o% to s"oot t"e %eek 8e1ore. He %as so little@ 8ut 9 let "im take t"at -un. 9 let "im s"oot t"at monster. 9 let "im stan5 "is -roun5 in t"e 1a3e o1 t"at t"in-@ %"ile 9 >ust "u55le5 on t"e 1loor@ 1roEen.C $"at %as it. $"at %as t"e true "orror 1or 4onna. S"e?5 allo%e5 "er 3"il5 to prote3t "er. Allo%e5 "er 3"il5 to take t"e a5ult role o1 prote3tor in t"e 1a3e o1 a ni-"tmare. S"e?5 1aile5 t"e 8i- test@ an5 little Peter "a5 passe5 into a5ult"oo5 at a )ery ten5er a-e. /o %on5er "e "ate5 ,5%ar5. Peter "a5 earne5 "is ri-"t to 8e man o1 t"e "ouse. He?5 earne5 it in 8loo5@ an5 no% "is mot"er %as -oin- to remarry. Dea"@ ri-"t. 4onna turne5 t"ose "aunte5 eyes to me. S"e 8linke5 an5 seeme5 to 8e 5ra%in- "ersel1 "a3k 1rom t"e past as i1 it %ere a p"ysi3al e11ort. S"e "a5n?t ma5e pea3e %it" t"e s3ene@ or it %oul5n?t "a)e remaine5 so )i)i5. 91 you 3an 8e-in to make pea3e@ you 3an tell t"e most "orri8le stories as i1 t"ey "appene5 to someone else@ unemotional. #r@ may8e you "a)en?t ma5e pea3e@ 8ut you still tell it like it %as an interestin- story t"at "appene5 a lon- time a-o@ not"in- important. 9?)e seen 3ops t"at "a5 to -et 5runk 8e1ore t"e pain spille5 out into t"eir stories. 4onna %as "urtin-. Peter %as "urtin-. ,5%ar5 %asn?t "urtin-. 9 looke5 up at "im@ past 4onna?s so1tly "orri1ie5 1a3e. His eyes %ere empty as "e looke5 at me@ as %aitin- an5 patient as any pre5ator. Ho% 5are "e step into t"eir li)es like t"isI Ho% 5are "e 3ause t"em more painI Be3ause %"ate)er "appene5@ %"et"er "e marrie5 "er or 5i5n?t@ it %as -oin- to 8e pain1ul. Pain1ul 1or e)eryone 8ut ,5%ar5. $"ou-" may8e 9 3oul5 1i* t"at. 91 "e 1u3ke5 up 4onna?s li1e@ may8e 9 3oul5 1u3k up "is. Dea"@ 9 like5 t"at. 9?5 sprea5 t"e rain aroun5 all o)er "is para5e. 9t must "a)e s"one in my eyes 1or a se3on5 or t%o@ 8e3ause ,5%ar5?s eyes narro%e5@ an5 1or a moment 9 1elt t"at s"i)er "e 3oul5 sen5 5o%n my spine %it" >ust a -lan3e. He %as a )ery 5an-erous man@ 8ut to prote3t t"is 1amily 9?5 test "is limits@ an5 mine. ,5%ar5 "a5 1inally 1oun5 somet"in- t"at pisse5 me o11 enou-" to may8e press a 8utton t"at 9?5 ne)er %ante5 to tou3". He "a5 to lea)e 4onna an5 "er 1amily alone. He "a5 to -et out o1 t"eir li)es. 9?5 see "im out o1 t"eir li)es@ or else. An5 t"ere is only one Aor elseC %"en you?re 5ealin- %it" ,5%ar5. 4eat". =e stare5 at ea3" ot"er o)er 4onna?s "ea5 %"ile "e "u--e5 "er to "is 3"est@ strokin- "er "air@ mout"in- soot"in- %or5s to "er. But "is eyes %ere all 1or me@ an5 9 kne% as %e stare5 at ea3" ot"er t"at "e kne% e*a3tly %"at 9 %as t"inkin-. He kne% t"e 3on3lusion 9?5 3ome to@ t"ou-" "e mi-"t ne)er un5erstan5 %"y "is in)ol)ement %it" 4onna an5 "er ki5s %as t"e stra% t"at 8roke t"e 3amel?s 8a3k. But t"e look in "is eyes %as enou-". He mi-"t not un5erstan5 %"y@ 8ut "e kne% t"e 3amel %as 8roken in 1u3kin- t%o an5 t"ere %as no %ay to 1i* it e*3ept to 5o %"at 9 %ante5 "im to 5o@ or 5ie. Hust like t"at@ 9 kne% 9?5 5o it. 9 kne% 9 3oul5 look 5o%n t"e 8arrel o1 a -un an5 s"oot ,5%ar5@ an5 9 %oul5n?t aim to %oun5. 9t %as like a 3ol5 %ei-"t insi5e my 8o5y@ a surety t"at ma5e me 1eel stron-er an5 a little lonelier. ,5%ar5 "a5 sa)e5 my li1e more t"an on3e. 9?5 sa)e5 "is more t"an on3e. Det ... yet ... 9?5 miss ,5%ar5@ 8ut 9?5 kill "im i1 9 "a5 to. ,5%ar5 %on5ers %"y 9?m so sympat"eti3 to t"e monsters. $"e ans%er is simple. Be3ause 9 am one.

Chapter Three
=, =ALK,4 #:$ 9/$# t"e "eat@ an5 it 8laste5 a-ainst our skin on t"e e5-e o1 a "ot %in5. 9t "a5 t"e 1eel o1 a serious "eat@ an5 3onsi5erin- t"at it %as only 7ay@ it pro8a8ly %oul5 8e a real 8arn8urner %"en true summer 1inally "it. But it is true t"at ei-"ty plus %it"out "umi5ity isn?t nearly as misera8le us ei-"ty plus %it" "umi5ity@ so it %asn?t "orri8le. 9n 1a3t@ on3e you 8linke5 into t"e sunli-"t an5 >ust -ot a5>uste5 to t"e "eat@ you sort o1 1or-ot a8out it. 9t %as only attention2-ettin-

1or t"e 1irst@ o"@ 1i1teen minutes or so. St. Louis %oul5 pro8a8ly 8e ninety plus 8y t"e time 9 -ot "ome@ an5 %it" ei-"ty to a "un5re5 per3ent "umi5ity. #1 3ourse@ t"at meant 9?5 8e -oin- "ome. 91 9 really 5re% 5o%n on ,5%ar5@ t"at %as a 5e8ata8le option. $"ere %as a )ery real possi8ility t"at "e?5 kill me. 9 "ope5@ seriously "ope5@ t"at 9 3oul5 talk "im out o1 4onna an5 "er 1amily %it"out resortin- to )iolen3e. 7ay8e t"e "eat 5i5n?t seem 8a5 8e3ause o1 t"e lan5s3ape. Al8u;uer;ue %as a 1lat empty plain runnin- out an5 out to a 3ir3le o1 8la3k mountains@ as i1 e)eryt"in- o1 %ort" "a5 8een strip2mine5 a%ay an5 t"e %aste "a5 8een lumpe5 into t"ose 1or8i55en 8la3k mountains like -iant moun5s o1 3oal. Dea"@ it looke5 like t"e %orl5?s lar-est strip2minin- operation@ an5 it "a5 t"at 1eel to it o1 %aste an5 5esolation. #1 t"in-s spoile5@ an5 an alien "ostility as i1 you %eren?t ;uite %el3ome. 9 -uess 4onna %oul5 say@ 8a5 ener-y. 9?5 ne)er 1elt anypla3e t"at "a5 su3" an instant alienness to it. ,5%ar5 %as 3arryin- 8ot" my suit3ases t"at "a5 3ome o11 t"e 3arousel. /ormally@ 9?5 "a)e 3arrie5 one@ 8ut not no%. /o% 9 %ante5 ,5%ar5?s "an5s 1ull o1 somet"in- 8esi5es -uns. 9 %ante5 "im at a 5isa5)anta-e. 9 %asn?t -oin- to start s"ootin- on t"e %ay in t"e 3ar@ 8ut ,5%ar5 is more pra3ti3al t"an 9 am. 91 "e 5e3i5e5 9 %as more 5an-er t"an "elp@ "e mi-"t "e a8le to arran-e an a33i5ent on t"e %ay to t"e 3ar. 9t?5 8e tou-" %it" 4onna in to%@ 8ut not impossi8le. /ot 1or ,5%ar5. 9t %as also %"y 9 %as lettin- "im lea5 t"e %ay an5 puttin- me at "is 8a3k instea5 o1 "im at mine. 9t %asn?t paranoia@ not %it" ,5%ar5. =it" ,5%ar5 it %as simply -oo5 sur)i)al t"inkin-. ,5%ar5 -ot 4onna to -o a"ea5 o1 us an5 unlo3k t"e 3ar. He 5roppe5 8a3k to %alk 8esi5e me@ an5 9 put some 5istan3e 8et%een us so t"at %e %ere stan5in- in t"e mi55le o1 t"e si5e%alk starin- at ea3" ot"er like t%o ol521as"ione5 mo)ie -un1i-"ters. He kept t"e suit3ases in "is "an5s. 9 t"ink "e kne% t"at 9 %as too keye5 up. 9 t"ink "e kne% i1 "e 5roppe5 t"e suit3ases@ 9 %as -oin- to "a)e a -un in my "an5. ADou %ant to kno% %"y 9 %asn?t 8ot"ere5 %it" you 1ollo%in- 8e"in5 meBC ADou kne% 9 %oul5n?t s"oot you in t"e 8a3k@C 9 sai5. He smile5. AAn5 you kne% 9 mi-"t.C 9 3o3ke5 my "ea5 to one si5e@ almost s;uintin- into t"e sun. ,5%ar5 %as %earin- sun-lasses@ o1 3ourse. But sin3e "is eyes rarely -a)e anyt"in- a%ay@ it 5i5n?t matter. His eyes %eren?t %"at 9 "a5 to %orry a8out. ADou like t"e personal 5an-er@ ,5%ar5. $"at?s %"y you only "unt monsters. Dou "a)e to 8e takin- t"e 8i- risk e)ery time you 3ome up to 8at@ or it?s no 1un.C A 3ouple 3ame %alkin- 8y %it" a 3art 1ull o1 suit3ases. =e %aite5 in silen3e until t"ey passe5 us. $"e %oman -lan3e5 at us as t"ey "urrie5 past@ pi3kin- up on t"e tension. $"e man >erke5 "er 8a3k to 1a3e 1ront an5 t"ey pus"e5 past us. ADou "a)e a pointBC ,5%ar5 aske5. ADou %ant to kno% %"i3" o1 us is 8etter@ ,5%ar5. Dou?)e %ante5 to kno% 1or a lon- time. 91 you take me 1rom am8us"@ t"e ;uestion %ill ne)er 8e ans%ere5 an5 t"at %oul5 8u- you.C His smile 8ot" %i5ene5 an5 1a5e5@ as i1 it %asn?t a "umorous smile anymore. ASo@ 9 %on?t s"oot you in t"e 8a3k.C A$"at?s ri-"t@C 9 sai5. ASo %"y -o to so mu3" trou8le to 1ill my "an5s an5 make me %alk in 1ront.C A$"is %oul5 8e a "ell o1 a time to 8e %ron-.C He lau-"e5 t"en@ so1t an5 )a-uely sinister. $"at one soun5 sai5 it all. He %as e*3ite5 a8out t"e i5ea o1 -oin- up a-ainst me. A9 %oul5 lo)e to "unt you@ Anita. 9?)e 5reame5 a8out it.C He si-"e5@ an5 it %as almost sa5. ABut 9 nee5 you. 9 nee5 you to "elp sol)e t"is 3ase. An5 as mu3" as 9?5 like t"e 8i- ;uestion ans%ere5@ 9?5 miss you. Dou may 8e one o1 t"e only people in t"e %orl5 t"at 9 %oul5 miss.C A="at a8out 4onnaBC 9 aske5. A="at a8out "erBC "e aske5. A4on?t 8e 3ute@ ,5%ar5.C 9 looke5 past "im to 1in5 4onna %a)in- to us 1rom t"e parkin- lot. A=e?re 8ein- pa-e5.C He -lan3e5 8a3k to%ar5s "er@ li1tin- one o1 t"e suit3ases to make a )a-ue %a)e. 9t %oul5 "a)e 8een easier to 5o i1 "e?5 5roppe5 one o1 t"e 3ases 8ut in "is o%n %ay@ ,5%ar5 %as 8ein- 3autious@ too. He turne5 8a3k to me. ADou %on?t "e a8le to 5o your >o8 i1 you?re lookin- o)er your s"oul5er 1or me. So a tru3e until t"e 3ase is sol)e5.C ADour %or5BC 9 aske5. He no55e5. A7y %or5.C AG##4 enou-"@C 9 sai5. He smile5@ an5 it %as -enuine. A$"e only reason you 3an take my %or5 at 1a3e )alue is t"at i1 you -i)e your %or5@ you?ll keep it.C 9 s"ook my "ea5 an5 starte5 3losin- t"e 5istan3e 8et%een us. A9 keep my %or5@ 8ut 9 5on?t take most people?s oat"s )ery seriously.C 9 %as e)en %it" "im an5 3oul5 1eel t"e %ei-"t o1 "is -aEe e)en t"rou-" t"e 8la3k lens o1 t"e sun-lasses. He %as intense@ %as ,5%ar5.

ABut you take mine.C ADou?)e ne)er lie5 to me@ ,5%ar5@ not on3e you?)e -i)en your %or5. Dou 5o %"at you say you?ll 5o@ e)en i1 it?s a 8a5 t"in-. Dou 5on?t "i5e %"at you are@ at least not 1rom me.C =e 8ot" -lan3e5 8a3k at 4onna@ an5 starte5 %alkin- si5e 8y si5e to%ar5 "er as i1 %e?5 5is3usse5 it. AHo% t"e "ell 5i5 you let it -et so 1arB Ho% 3oul5 you "a)e let $e5 proposeBC He %as ;uiet 1or so lon-@ 9 5i5n?t t"ink "e?5 ans%er. =e %alke5 in silen3e in t"e sun2%arme5 "eat. But 1inally@ "e 5i5 ans%er@ A9 5on?t kno%. 9 t"ink one ni-"t 9 >ust -ot too 3au-"t up in my role. $"e moo5 %as ri-"t an5 $e5 propose5@ an5 9 t"ink 1or >ust a se3on5 9 1or-ot t"at 9?5 8e t"e one -ettin- marrie5.C 9 -lan3e5 at "im. ADou?)e tol5 me more personal s"it in t"e last "al1 "our in t"e entire 1i)e years 9?)e kno%n you. Are you al%ays su3" a >a88er8o* %"en you?re on $e5?s "ome tur