by V. Vaughn
I think about what I'd be doing if I were home with her and realize we'd likely be watching movies tonight too. Surprisingly, Elizabeth doesn't send me any emotions of fear, but I have them and say, "Is it safe for me to do that? I mean with Robert and the whole vampire thing. What if she believes something's up?" I chuckle as I think about how tenacious my mother can be when she wants to know something. "You thought Lyndsey was intense." I recall how I arrived wide eyed and totally clueless to what I'd walked into. "My mother is the biggest skeptic I know, and she's not as easily fooled as I am."
"I'm sure we can find a way to keep your mother blissfully ignorant of vampires and safe from danger. Perhaps you could have her come to the house for lunch."
"In the mansion? No offense, Sebastian, but it's kind of creepy with all the darkness."
"The solarium could be opened up for you. I haven't been out there in a while, but it offers a stunning view of the water, and I'm sure Bertha could clean it up for her visit."
"Really." I imagine a sunny room facing the ocean and wish I'd known about it, because it would have been a nice alternative to my sitting room on the third floor. "Do you realize the drive is too long for just lunch? Where would she stay?"
"With us, of course. She can have a room down the hall from you."
I shake my head in confusion. "You think my mother in your house overnight is a good idea? This from the man who had me sign my life away to keep your secrets. Have you lost your mind?"
He reaches for my hand. "No, my dear. You need to see your mother."
I pull my hand back as both Elizabeth and I tense up in fear. I'm not sure what he's after, but I have no intention of pulling anyone I love into his world. "Sebastian. Tell me the real reason you want my mother to come visit."
"I know this is something you must do, and your plan to see her would never be to my satisfaction. This way, I can keep you both safe."
Does he know I'm dying? "How do you—"
Sebastian puts a finger to his lips and says, "Shhh. Let's not talk about it now." He leans forward, and a key on his laptop clicks as he presses Play. "We have a movie to watch."
I try to focus on the screen, but my mind is racing, and that's never good. After fifteen minutes, I've come up with more evil scenarios than a popular vampire show has in ten seasons. I scoot forward and push Stop on the movie. "Sebastian. I can't take it. You have to tell me why you want to bring my mother to Port Porpoise."
"Because I saw how unhappy you were yesterday after speaking with her. I realized I've cut you off from family, and that's a terrible thing to do."
"So I'm going to spend time with her, in your house, when I can't tell her what I do?"
"You're a clever girl. You were hired to be a personal assistant, and you can tell her I put your English degree to use by making you read what I write. Most of the other tasks you perform can be twisted into something safe for her to hear."
I frown at him, because this is the man who didn't want me to have friends in case I slipped up and told them too much. How can he believe I won't with my mother? "You really believe I can pull this off without her being suspicious."
"I do. Look how amazing you are at being Kitty. The readers love you."
I think about trying to hide my symptoms from my mother and shake my head. "I don't know." She's going to figure out I'm sick, and then I'll have to fight with her over my decision. "I think it would be better if I met her somewhere halfway for lunch. Adly can drive me, and he can even sit at a table nearby if you want."
Sebastian's brow knits. "I'm surprised. I'd think you'd want to spend as much time as possible with your mother."
"I do, but I love my mom too much for that. The last thing I want is to somehow tell her too much and end up putting her in danger too."
"Very well. If you'd prefer to arrange lunch only, I'm happy to oblige." He moves back in his chair as if we're done. "I want you to be happy, Margaret."
I want to believe the matter is settled, but I don't trust my boss. My gut is telling me he's up to something. I also know he's not going to tell me tonight, so I say, "Thank you," and I reach over to start the movie again.
The next morning, Adly sits with me while I eat my egg white omelet in an attempt to appear as if I'm following doctor's orders to get better, and we watch cartoons until we have to check out. Before I get in the limo for the long drive, I grab one of the books I purchased at Joan's bookstore, and I sink into the corner of my seat to read.
Even though the story is one I've read numerous times before, I have trouble comprehending the words. I can't keep my thoughts from straying to the people I love. I picture Alexander's face and remember the night he took me out to dinner. I see his smile as we sipped champagne, and the glow of love fills me. I know I have a silly grin, and I glance over my book to see if Sebastian noticed. Fortunately, he's caught up in reading of his own. A page rustles as I flip it and return my thoughts to Alexander. I refuse to believe we weren't meant to be together, and I plan to tell him so when I see him again.
I clear my throat to get Sebastian's attention. When he looks at me, I ask, "Will Alexander be home or with Lyndsey?"
Sebastian's face falls, and I hate that me mentioning his brother's name makes him sad. "Yes. He took Lyndsey to her new home this morning and should be waiting for us when we arrive."
I smile but force myself to keep it tame so as not to hurt Sebastian any more than necessary. "It will be nice to share the company of both of you again."
Sebastian offers me a noncommittal sound before he returns to his reading, and I glance out the window to see cars rushing past us in the opposite lane. I recall being a child and fantasizing about the kinds of people who rode in limos. Now I'm one of them, but my driver is not some man I look down on. He's a vampire. And my friend. I flash to the night at the convenience store, and my stomach tightens. I still don't know what Robert Kearns wanted from me, but I hope I didn't give him anything he could use against the Harts. I suppose it doesn't matter, though, because I won't be around to reveal secrets much longer.
I'm tired, and when I lean my head back to close my eyes, I doze off. The slowing of the limo wakes me later, and I blink sleep out of my eyes and notice we're pulling into the Hart mansion. My muscles stretch as I lift my arms over my head and glance at Sebastian. "It's nice to be home."
We're in the garage, and the door groans as it lowers. His smile appears genuine when he says, "I'm glad to hear you say that, Margaret, because this is your home."
It seems like an odd thing for him to say to me. I thought he knew I felt that way. I don't bother to dwell on it, because the clicking of the car door opening distracts me. Adly’s hand is firm under mine as he helps me out. As we walk through the underground passageway to the house, I'm reminded of when Alexander brought me through it the first time to show me my new car. When a cold draft wafts by me, I recall imagining there were dungeons with sleeping vampires in coffins down here. Before I can spook myself too much, we reach the hidden door that brings us to the hallway leading from the ballroom to the entrance to the house.
We approach the stairs, and Sebastian says, "Margaret, before you go up to your room, would you come to the study for a moment, please?"
"Sure." Our feet thud softly over the carpet as I follow him, and when he tugs on the heavy door, and I let out a small gasp when I see Alexander. He smiles at me with the love I feel for him, and I'm filled with a bittersweet mix of joy and sadness. I step forward with the intention of embracing the man I love. "Alexander."
"Maggie.”
He steps to the side, and my stomach lurches as Elizabeth sends ice-cold fear through my veins. Then I see why.
My mother moves toward me with her arms held out wide. “My gosh, is it good to see you.”
Maggie’s heart is failing and Sebastian brought in help to try to save her, but is it too late? Lyndsey meets her father. Called by the Vampire - Part 6.
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About the Author
V. Vaughn lives on an island in Maine with her three Portuguese Water dogs.
V. Vaughn also writes Contemporary Romance as Violet Vaughn and Cozy Mysteries with her bestie as Lucy Quinn.
www.violetvaughn.com
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