I looked at the clock. Three thirty. If I was doing this, it was time to call an Uber.
Good things didn’t usually happen to me, but I always managed to remain an optimist. And today would be no different. Lifting my chin, I tried to summon my inner strength.
I was going to this meeting and my life would change for the better.
I hoped.
Either that or I would meet a terrible and grisly end.
Okay, so maybe I wasn’t a total optimist.
A few swipes and taps on my phone and the Uber was on its way. Grabbing my Coach purse, another eBay score, I headed down the steps to wait for him on the street. A sleeping homeless man inhabited the familiar little bench I sat on most days. Not liking to be woken myself, I decided not to disturb him. I paced on the street twirling my handbag while staring at the little icon on my phone that showed my driver coming around the corner.
When the grey Ford Taurus pulled up, a bearded man hopped out and ran around to open my door. I took two double takes to confirm it wasn’t the hipster whose beer I’d worn down my dress last night. Same beard, same plaid shirt, same curled hair twisted into a knot at the top of his head. It wasn’t the same man, but they could have been twins. Actually, most of the hipsters in Chicago could have been clones these days.
Confident this was not in fact last night’s bearded man, I hopped into the back of his car. I rattled off the address on the back of the card and watched as he punched it into his GPS. Only ten minutes away based on the estimated arrival time.
“Where are you off to?” he asked, guiding the car down the busy streets.
“Honestly?”
“Only if you feel like it.” He chuckled.
“I’m off to meet two strange men I met at a bar last night. They offered me a job.”
“Oh, yeah? Doing what?”
“I’m not sure. They offered me money and told me to meet them at this address.”
Watching his face in the rear-view mirror, I saw his eyebrows stretch almost up to his hairline.
“I’m not a prostitute. I made that clear to them. No sex and no illegal stuff.”
“I see.” He nodded. “Then what do you think the job involves?”
“I have no idea.”
It was the truth. I really didn’t.
“Wow. Ballsy. Are you worried?”
“Definitely.”
“Do they seem safe?”
“One seems safe. The other is a little intense. You’re probably driving me to my death.”
He didn’t answer, but the horrified look on his face told me he felt mighty uncomfortable right about now.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure I will be fine,” I said, trying to convince him and perhaps myself.
He nodded and kept driving. His silence indicated he regretted asking such a basic question like my destination. I had scared the Uber driver. That was saying something. These guys had seen it all.
A few stoplights, some turns and a short stint on the freeway and I watched the arrival dot growing closer. Peering out the front window I saw an empty parking lot sprawled out in the warehouse district.
Empty parking lots. Abandoned warehouses. Yep. I was going to die.
“I don’t see anyone,” he said, and double checked the address. Our little car icon sat directly on the purple dot on his screen. This was the place.
“Thank you,” I said as I opened the door. “I’ll just wait for them here.”
“I think I’ll wait with you.” His voice dripped with concern.
“Really? You would do that?”
“Of course.” He turned back in his seat. “This sounds like a terrible idea. I will sleep much better tonight if I make sure you’re safe.”
What a sweet guy. A kind, sweet Uberman I was lucky had answered my call. I felt much better with him being here although ironically, I knew him about as well as I knew Aiden and Mark.
“Thank you. I really appreciate it. I don’t do things like this but desperate times and all. It’s not often you meet such a generous Chicagoan.”
“I’m from Wisconsin.”
Figures the nicest person I had met in a while was from good old Wisconsin. I laughed and nodded. “Me, too. Go Pack Go!”
“Go Pack Go!” he cheered back.
A loud thump-thump-thump sound coming from above cut our little Wisconsin reunion short. We opened our doors and peered out to see a helicopter descending to the parking spot a dozen yards away.
“Holy shit,” he muttered as it touched down.
“Holy shit is right,” I responded, though the thumping of the blades likely made my response inaudible to him.
The black helicopter landed with ease, the blades slowing down as the door opened. Mark stepped out; his stylish look had changed but didn’t disappoint. White linen pants topped by a tailored blue button-down made up the perfect outfit for this warm summer day. He slipped off his trendy shades, and his eyes smiled as big as his mouth.
“Emilia! You made it!” He clapped and waved for me to join him.
I looked over at my Uber driver. Equal parts of concern and awe met my eyes.
“What’s your name?” I called to him over the car.
“Jake!” he shouted back.
“I’m Emilia Charles! Thank you, Jake! Remember my face... and remember his! If I turn up dead on the beach, you know what to do!”
“I’ll be watching the news! Good luck, Emilia! I hope it’s everything you wanted and more! Try not to get killed!” He waved as I scrunched down and fought the wind to arrive at Mark’s side. He met me with a warm embrace.
“I’m so glad you’re here! Come with me! The world awaits!”
I took his hand and stepped into the helicopter. It had posh leather seats with two mimosas poured and ready on the table between them.
“Grab a mimosa and hold on to it tight. Based on your record with spilling drinks last night, I probably shouldn’t have worn white next to you.” He winked and flashed his warm smile.
I couldn’t help but laugh as I strapped myself in and took a swig of the fresh squeezed orange juice and champagne.
“Ready!” he called up to the pilots.
The sound of the blades sped up, and the thumping reverberated through my body as the speeds reached full height... though it may have been my pounding heart. I looked out the window at Jake. He leaned over the top of his Taurus, watching as we ascended into the air. I raised my hand and waved before pressing it to the window. He returned the wave with a concerned smile. Down there, my Uber driver Jake was the only person who knew I had left in a helicopter with a total stranger. I wondered if he’d be combing the newspapers for weeks looking for stories of dead girls and wondering if any of them were me. We held eyes until the helicopter spun him out of sight.
“It’s not a far ride from here,” Mark shouted over the whirring of the blades. “Just enjoy your mimosa and relax. We’ll chat when we get there!”
I nodded, too nervous to shout back. Snuggling into my seat, I enjoyed the beautiful view of Chicago below. I’d been over several times in a plane, but it looked different hovering past in a helicopter. Soon the city disappeared, and the houses got farther and farther apart. The city turned to suburbs, then the suburbs turned to towns, and then less than an hour later we drifted over wilderness. There was nothing below but trees and cornfields.
Mark reached forward and touched my arm. He gestured out the window to my right. Down below I saw hundreds of acres of manicured property nestled in the center of a thick forest. Tall trees formed a border around the lush, mowed lawn. A mansion sat along the west edge of the property, and several other matching buildings speckled the impeccable landscape. The helicopter began its descent and my stomach dropped with it.
We touched down on the helicopter pad just across the lawn from the mansion. Mark tugged my hand and helped me to the ground. Ducking low, we made our way past the whirring blades before he turned to wave them off. The thump-thump-thump sped up as the helicopt
er lifted away. Fear gripped me as I watched my only escape veer out of sight. I hoped my Uberpal Jake had a good memory... he would be the one identifying my body and pointing out Mark in a lineup.
“Where’s the helicopter going?” I asked, swallowing hard over the growing lump in my throat.
“The hanger is just down the road at the other end of the estate. Don’t worry, they aren’t far if you need a lift back.”
Biting my lip, I nodded and watched it disappear behind the trees in the distance.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Mark said, practically bubbling with joy.
“That makes one of us. Can we just get to the part where you kill me and chop off my limbs? The anticipation is the worst part.”
Mark doubled over with laughter.
“You’re spunky! I love it! No one is going to murder you. I gave you my word, remember? Let me give you the tour of Aiden’s estate.”
Aiden. This belongs to him?
I followed Mark along the brick path around the house. He creaked open a tall wrought-iron gate that led to a pool out back and I followed behind him.
“Wow.” Not a very creative response to the lush sight, but there weren’t any words to capture the incredible oasis surrounding me. An infinity pool hovered on the rock ledge landscaped around the area. Tall trees, palms it seemed, dotted between the stone pathways that followed the winding pool around the corner. I walked along the path, noting the tropical plants and trees that shouldn’t have been able to survive here in the Midwest. Bright pink flowers and green foliage decorated every rock and crevice.
“Impressive, isn’t it?” Mark beamed.
“Very.”
We walked over the stone bridge suspended across the narrowest part of the pool. A set of stairs descended into a hot tub surrounding a fire pit built into the center that burned hot with tall flames.
“Apparently he doesn’t like to be cold?” I said, pointing to the fire within the hot tub.
Mark just chuckled and continued the tour. The sounds of the waterfall reached my ears before I saw it. Maybe fifteen feet high, it cascaded water down into the end of the pool below it. Another hot tub was built into the side of the waterfall, causing the water to flow from one to the next.
“That’s pretty cool.”
“I love it out here,” Mark said on a sigh.
“How does he keep all the tropical plants alive? Are we still in Illinois?”
“Yes. He has them shipped in every spring. When the weather gets too cold, they get shipped back to the heated warehouse.”
“Shipped? Trees?”
“Yes.”
He says it like it’s normal. This is not normal.
“Interesting,” was all I could manage to say.
“Do you like horses?”
“I love horses. I used to ride every summer at camp.”
His eyes lit up. “Follow me.”
Mark led the way out of the pool area and down a stone path to a beautiful stable at the bottom of a hill. Lush green pastures surrounded by pristine white fences housed a dozen horses of varying colors. They grazed unaware of our presence. The bay with the blaze nipped at his neighbor and sent him trotting away.
“It’s gorgeous, Mark, but what am I doing here? You haven’t said much since we arrived and I’m pretty freaking nervous.”
“You’re right, Emilia. I just wanted to show you how amazing this place was before we met with Aiden. I know he can come off a little—”
“Weird? Scary? Mean?”
Mark chuckled. “Intense. He can be a bit intense. But you need to realize how incredible this place is. You haven’t even seen the half of it yet. It’s paradise.”
“So, what is this high-paying job you have for me that doesn’t involve prostitution or drug running?”
Mark glanced over to the setting sun. Oranges and yellows streaked across the sky as it started to dip below the horizon.
“Follow me to the house. We’ll fill you in soon.”
It was a long but beautiful walk to the house through lavish gardens and past pristine sculptures. We arrived at the front doors that stretched up well above our heads. Mark pressed them open without a knock.
I struggled to keep my mouth shut while I soaked in the sights of the opulent home. A grand staircase stretched out through the ivory and marble room. The single set of stairs split and parted directions to wrap into a balcony surrounding the entire space. Looking up, I saw the crystal chandelier suspended above me while we made our way across the gold detailing on the cream tile floor. It felt like walking into the lobby of a ritzy hotel. A bit gaudy for my taste, but impressive nonetheless.
“This way.” Mark ushered me toward a red carpeted hallway.
Historical paintings and artwork dotted the hall as we made our way to the doors at the end. Art had never been my forte, but I didn’t need an art degree to know these paintings were authentic... and expensive. I bet one of them could have bought my apartment ten times over.
We reached the doors at the end of the hall. Mark glanced back to the window behind us. The sun had just set, and darkness settled in. He knocked on the door twice, pausing to listen for a response.
“Enter.”
Aiden. I’d know that gritty voice anywhere.
Mark turned both handles of the wooden doors and pushed them open simultaneously. I looked to him for direction. He nodded and reassured me with the warmth of his smile, and we stepped into the room side by side.
Even though I could only see his back, I knew it was Aiden leaning against the mantle of the fireplace. I stepped off the dark wood floor onto the oriental rug that stretched almost the width of the expansive room. We passed between two high-backed red chairs with carved armrests as we continued walking toward Aiden.
Candles and dimly lit lights illuminated tapestries hanging from the wall. Everything about this place said old school. Expensive. Creepy.
“Hello, Emilia, welcome to my home,” Aiden said.
He turned around, his icy gaze landing squarely on me and it sent a shiver slithering up my spine. He seemed to have that effect on me, and whether it was fear or attraction causing it I wasn’t sure. Probably a little bit of both. I cracked a nervous smile and stepped closer to Mark as we moved to the couch facing the carved fireplace.
Aiden wore a suit again, but this one looked more casual than the one he’d sported last night. Equally impressive in both style and fit, yet this black one lacked a tie, and the top two buttons of the ebony shirt beneath peaked open.
He may be creepy, but sweet Jesus is he gorgeous.
“Please sit.” Aiden gestured to the couch.
Mark nodded and helped me down. Crossing my ankles, I fidgeted with the bottom of my dress. Anticipation surged through me. Stabbing? Strangling? How were they going to off me?
I hope I’m still recognizable so UberJake can identify me.
“Can I offer you a drink? Bourbon perhaps?” he asked.
“No, thank you,” I responded. Drinks would dull my wits and I needed them.
“Something else?”
I shook my head.
Aiden and Mark slipped into the chairs facing away from the fire and directly across from me.
Again with the principal’s office scenario?
“You have nothing to fear. You are safe here.” Aiden started.
I didn’t feel safe. A lamb at slaughter came to mind. My eyes searched his for answers, but none revealed themselves.
“Emilia,” Mark said, leaning forward and placing his elbows onto his knees. “We are going to tell you something but please, there is no need to panic or be frightened.”
Sure. Because telling someone that they’re getting scary news isn’t going to scare them more.
Mark looked over to Aiden who urged him with a nod.
“So I’m just going to rip it off like a Band-aid, okay?”
Biting my lip, I waited.
“Aiden is a vampire.”
He paused to let th
e words resonate with me.
What the fuck is he talking about?
“A vampire?” I asked, disbelief heavy in my voice. Vampires didn’t exist.
“Yes, a vampire. But he’s very safe I assure you, so no need to be scared.” Mark beamed as if assuring me the snarling dog he held on a leash was safe to pet.
My eyes moved to Aiden. He sat in stoic silence. If one believed the myths in movies and lore, he certainly fit the bill that all vampires were gorgeous. But, in the real world, we all knew vampires weren’t real.
“So you’re what, one of those weirdos who stick on fake teeth and drink people’s blood? I don’t understand what you mean.”
My mind drifted back to a news story from several months ago about real-life “vampires” who file their teeth to points and take turns drinking sips of each other’s blood. Thinking I sat in a room across from one of these delusional freaks made me even more uncomfortable.
“No, Emilia. A real vampire. Not the poser wannabe kind. I know this is a lot to take in,” Mark said with a sympathetic tone.
“Mmmhmm.” I nodded my faked agreement and looked back toward the door. It might be time to find an exit. Things had gotten weird. “Well then, I guess it’s time to get me home. This has been swell and all but—”
Aiden leaned forward and parted his lips, revealing straight, white teeth. With a twitch, his lips curled, and two white fangs popped down.
“Holy shit!” I pushed back on the couch trying to get as much distance between us as I could.
What the hell are those?
With another twitch they disappeared into his gums. He sat back in his chair. “I won’t hurt you,” he said, his eyes studying my shocked face.
“Are those real?” I found my voice.
“Yes. As Mark told you, I’m a vampire.”
“Like a real one? A real freaking vampire? No.” I shook my head. “Where is it?”
Into The Light (Immortal Hearts Book 1) Page 3