There's nothing I can do about any of it except concentrate on the work in front of me. It may be dreadfully dull, but at least it will keep my mind occupied, especially as most of it is about the day to day running of the Black Fan.
I squiggle my name across the bottom of the paper and put it onto the pile of others I've already dealt with. I hate admin day. All it involves is boring paperwork that no one cares about. Including me. But I also know it's part and parcel of running a business, and without it, the Black Fan will fail. The last thing I want is that on my hands. Too many people will end up out of jobs, and with nowhere to live. Including myself. I don't think I could live with the guilt of knowing I've ruined so many lives.
An envelope catches my eye, and I rip it open, knowing what's inside. An invite to the Mayor's next party. Disgust and relief war inside me. At least I'm not being ignored and stopped from returning, but at the same time, I hate going. It's all about who has the most power and who can do the most despicable things. Nothing about the City Of Blood is nice. A small part of me wishes I'd left before the walls went up. Like I was urged to do by people I trusted.
I set the invitation aside and turn my attention to the next bill. It feels like an endless cycle of them sometimes. But needs must. Despite my attempts at concentrating, I find myself pondering where my life got off track. Or if it even has.
A knock breaks through my contemplation, and I almost sigh with relief. At least I don't have to be alone with my thoughts for much longer.
"Come in," I call out.
I don't normally get visitors in here. Most people are happy to wait for me to be out and about in the Black Fan. It must be a special circumstance for someone to come here.
The door swings open and Madison steps inside, her shoulders slightly hunched.
I frown, wondering what's going on with her. I haven't forgotten what Sonia said about Maddy not acting like she normally does, but I haven't noticed it much myself. Perhaps I'm about to find out what's going on with her.
"Is everything all right, Maddy?" I ask as she takes a seat opposite me.
"Do you have a few minutes to talk?" She wrings her hands, revealing harshly bitten nails.
It's all I can do to stop the surprise showing on my face. Most vampires don't do that, especially born-ones like Madeline. Unless she's been keeping secrets from me. I don't pry into my employee's pasts if I don't have to.
"Of course. What's bothering you?" I set aside my pen and place my hands on my lap, using all of my court training in order to remain serene. The last thing I want is to upset her more.
Maddy fiddles with the hem of her dress. It's shorter than mine, and comes to her knees, making it easy for her to do. I wait for her to break the silence.
"It's Dominic," she blurts after a moment's silence. "Sorry, I mean Mr Mills."
I don't tell her I'm aware of who she means. It's obvious. He's been here at least two or three times a week since he became the Mayor's second in command. And that's even without the client database I make sure to keep on top of. I can't run the best and most exclusive brothel in the city without keeping on top of who is allowed in and out of the establishment.
"What about him? Has he hurt you?" That doesn't seem like the same person I met before, but I'm aware that doesn't mean anything. What people are like behind closed doors can be completely different from the face they show the world. For all I know, Mills is one of those kinds of men.
"No, no." She shakes her head almost violently. "He never would, he's not that kind of man." Something enters her eyes that I don't want to put a name to.
Actually, no. That's not true. I just don't want to think about it because it will remind me how badly things are going with Benedict.
"Then what's happened?"
"I haven't heard from him in a week." Tears pool at the corners of her eyes, and I know from experience that it's only a matter of time before they come pouring out. She's head over heels for him, that much is obvious.
"Is that unusual?" Even as I ask the question, I know the answer. She wouldn't be here if that was the case. And that's without me taking into account how much I've seen of him here.
She nods. "Normally I wake up to at least a text good evening. But there hasn't even been one of those in the past few days." She sniffs loudly, then pulls a handkerchief from her sleeve and dabs her eyes. No doubt she's trying to cover the fact she's started to cry.
"Is there a chance something bad has happened between you?"
She shakes her head. "When he left the last time, he said he'd meet me yesterday. It was my day off and..."
I raise an eyebrow. She's so far gone for him that she's meeting him on her days off? I wasn't aware of that.
"I know I probably wasn't supposed to do that," she admits.
"What you do in your spare time is your choice," I remind her. "And none of my business."
She smiles weakly. "Sometimes, when I talk to girls from the other brothels, I forget that."
"Sadly, that's always been the case." I don't tell her that I never got a day off under one of my old Madams. "But your relationship outside of work to Mr Mills is none of my business so long as it doesn't affect what you do here." Though I suspect if he turns up, she's going to be asking to leave the Black Fan, or move into a different role soon. That's what usually happens when a girl working here falls in love.
The if is the problem. Most vampires who become the Mayor's second-in-command end up dead sooner or later, and Mills has had a good innings. Not that I'm about to say that to Maddy. She has enough going on in her mind right now.
"I was wondering if you had a way to contact him that I don't." Her words come out as a whisper, and nothing more.
"I'm sorry, Maddy, I don't. I suspect you have more ways of getting hold of him than I do."
Her whole body slumps down in her chair, and my heart breaks.
I reach across my desk and take one of her hands in mine. It's an awkward position, but some of the weight seems to lift from her, so it's worth it.
"I'll put out feelers everywhere I can," I promise her. "If he's somewhere we can find him, then we will. I promise."
She nods and sniffs. The tears are falling thick and fast now, but she wipes one away. "Thank you, Catherine."
I smile at her, though it's tinged with sadness. I like Mills. Despite his position, he seems like a good one. And he's always treated Maddy well. I hope he turns up safe and well, though I'm doubtful. This city isn't a kind one.
"Why don't you take the week off and have some time to look after yourself," I suggest.
She shakes her head, spraying tears everywhere. "I can't. I wanted to save my holiday..."
"Not as holiday," I say gently. "You can take it as mental health time." Not only does she need it, but if she's too busy worrying about Mills, then her mind won't be on her job. With all the wealthy and powerful clients we have, there's a chance that could lead to her being killed. Something I certainly don't want. Not only is she an honest and loyal employee, but I also view her as a friend.
"Thank you." She starts crying harder, making her words hard to make out. "I just can't imagine living without him," she adds.
"I understand," I promise her. "I felt like that once."
Perhaps I still do. I push the thought aside. I need to focus on Maddy now, not my own complicated feelings.
"What happened?" Curiosity briefly crosses her face, giving her a break from the agony of missing Mills.
"My family didn't approve." That isn't a lie, but I'm sure she realises it isn't the whole truth. "But now isn't the time. Why don't we have lunch later in the week and I'll tell you all about it." I'm not sure it's a good idea to bare all my secrets to someone, but I need help processing how I feel. Perhaps this is the way to do it.
She perks up, making it the right thing after all.
"Are you sure you have time for that?" Maddy asks, her gaze shifting to the large stack of paperwork on my desk.
I chuckle. "It is
n't as bad as it looks. And you know I always have time for my staff," I promise her.
"You do," she agrees. "It's what makes it such a pleasure to work for you."
A genuine smile spreads over my face at that one. Her words mean the most as that's what I strive for. How can I doubt I'm doing the right thing when I can give people like Maddy some safety in a world full of hate.
She gets to her feet, dropping my hand from hers. "Thank you, Catherine. I really mean it."
"I know. But please go get some rest, you need it."
She nods, then disappears out of my office again. I lean back in my chair, watching the closed door as if I'm waiting for someone else to arrive through it. Preferably Benedict, though I told him to stay away, so I doubt he'll come back unless I invite him.
A small part of me wants to do that, but the rest of me is still hurting after our argument.
Why can't matters of the heart be easy?
Chapter Twelve
A loud sigh escapes me as I do the last round before setting off the program which will shutter all the windows and doors, stopping a single ray of sunshine from entering the Black Fan during the day. Anyone who is here now, will be stuck. Some people don't mind, others pay extra to make sure it happens. I don't judge what anyone chooses to do.
I approach the reception desk, pleased to see Sonia has already turned in for the morning. She's tidied up the whole space and organised it in a way that doesn't make too much sense to me. But that's fine. If this is what works for her, then it's how it should be. She's the one who has to work here during the night.
The front door mocks me as I find myself hoping against all odds that Benedict will walk through. The chances would be greatly improved if I gave him some kind of signal that I'm ready to talk again, but I haven't been brave enough to. Despite living for hundreds of years, for some reason, he brings out the young, naive girl who'd just been introduced to the vampire court for the first time.
In a word, Benedict makes me vulnerable. I almost wish I didn't understand the feeling. It'd make it much easier to deny.
Another day without seeing him has passed. Now the sun is almost up, I definitely won't. As much as a small part of me wants to see him, the rest of me knows being stuck inside together until dusk isn't the best thing for our relationship right now.
Knowing that doesn't stop the disappointment.
I flash the door one last longing look, before turning my attention to the tablet sitting behind the reception desk and hidden from view. I click a few buttons to bring up the program which will secure the building. Not for the first time, I find myself marvelling at how much easier it is to be a vampire now technology exists. A couple of centuries ago, we had to go around closing all the shutters by hand, hoping we didn't get burned in the process by the sun creeping through one of the holes created by age.
My finger hovers over the button, but something stops me from pressing it. Something's wrong. I'm not sure how I know, but I do.
A crash sounds from outside, making me jump.
I hesitate for a moment, unsure whether I can risk opening the door and checking what's going on, or if that adds too much risk to the situation. I'm old enough that I can last about ten minutes in the sun before doing any significant damage, but it'll be uncomfortable no matter how long I'm out there if the light hits me.
Someone bangs on the door, making me even more hesitant to open it. I think through all of the things I've done and people I've seen over the past couple of weeks. Could one of them be about to get me arrested? I'm careful with what I do and don't let my thoughts show on my face. No one should have reported me to the authorities.
Except that isn't how it works. Innocence is no defence in this city.
"Catherine, please open up."
Relief floods through me as I recognise the voice on the other side, only to evaporate as the urgency in his voice registers.
All of the potential things that could make him sound like that rush through my mind as I hurry forward and throw open the door before anything worse can happen to Benedict.
"What..." My question dies on my tongue as I take in the two men in front of me.
Both of them are covered in blood, but the second man is in a lot worse shape, as Benedict is holding him up. As much as I want to help, I know I need to send the two of them away. There are too many people in the Black Fan who rely on me for safety. I can't go inviting trouble here.
But then the other man looks up.
Mills.
I gasp and stumble back, before regaining my composure.
"Get inside," I hiss. "Close the door behind you."
I don't waste a moment and hurry back to the reception desk and tablet.
Benedict lowers Mills to the floor, then pulls the door shut. "Where's the key?" He throws a desperate look in my direction.
I shake my head. "There isn't one."
I jam my finger down on the button to lock up the Black Fan. Whirring comes from all around us as the different bits and pieces slip into place outside.
I only let out the breath I'm holding once the sounds stop and everything is in place.
"Did anyone see you come in here?" I ask, thinking through all kinds of escape options if they have. In all likelihood, we're all dead if someone saw anyway, but I have to at least try and save my staff. It isn't their fault Benedict and Mills came here.
He shakes his head. "We lost them a few streets back."
I nod, not wanting to ask any more questions until things are more secure. I pull up the alerts system and send one to Maddy. I don't type any kind of explanation out to her. It's better if we don't commit any of this to paper. Hopefully, she'll know to take my message seriously considering I've given her time off.
"What happened?" I ask.
Benedict shakes his head. "I'm not sure. I was out walking. I think I was coming here..." he trails off, shooting me an uncertain look.
I bite my lip. "We can talk about that later," I promise, guessing where he's going with it. Perhaps he feels the same way I do about our relationship. It's too special not to want to try and fix it. Though after five hundred years, there's a chance there won't be anything left.
Despite the gravity of the situation, memories of the other day slip into my mind. The hours we'd spent in my bed didn't seem as if there wasn't anything to save.
"I saw someone attack him. It wasn't until I was closer that I recognised him," he admits. "But I don't know why."
"He's Dominic Mills," I supply, omitting his job title. The last thing I need is Benedict worrying because he's saved the city's second-in-command. "He's a client here." That's true.
"Ah. Well, no matter who he is, he's in a bad way. If he doesn't get blood soon, he might go feral."
Before he dies.
The words hang in the air, with neither of us being brave enough to say them. We've both heard enough horror stories about injured vampires turning against everything and everyone around them before they die.
"I have a supply," I promise. "We can..."
"Dominic!" A blur of black rushes past me, signalling Maddy's arrival.
At least she understood my message.
"Oh, Dominic, what happened?" she asks as she crouches down beside him and strokes a gentle finger down his cheek.
"Attacked," he murmurs. "Mayor's assassin," he croaks.
I close my eyes and count to ten, trying to keep myself calm. He's not saying anything I hadn't already guessed. But that isn't good. We're all in danger if the Mayor even suspects he's come here.
"What did you do?" Maddy asks.
He shakes his head. "No idea."
I make my way to her and place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Benedict will take him to your room," I say.
She nods, but doesn't look at me.
"Come with me to get the things he needs," I suggest gently.
Maddy rises to her feet slowly. "Third to the right on the second floor," she says.
"Got it." Benedict d
oesn't wait for any other instructions, and carefully scoops Mills up into his arms.
He's gone before any of us can say anything else.
"Come on, let's go get him some blood and bandages," I prompt Maddy.
She stares after the two men, pain written all over her face.
"He'll be all right, won't he?"
Do I lie to her?
No. I can't. She deserves to know the truth.
"I don't know," I admit. "We can save his life now, but that won't let him live much longer. Once the Mayor is done with her second-in-commands, she makes sure they can never talk to anyone about the things they've seen while doing her dirty work."
I hate telling her. Though I do have to wonder how she's gotten to this point without knowing any of this. Then again, I suspect most people who can ignore something like this, do just that. People don't escape once they're inside the walls, no matter how hard they try. Sometimes, it's easier to put our heads in the sand about a dangerous situation.
Perhaps it's time to stop.
"I can't lose him, Catherine," Maddy whispers.
I reach out and place a comforting hand on her arm. "We'll try our very best to make sure that doesn't happen." The words are out before I can stop them. But it doesn't matter. I mean them. I care deeply about my staff. They're the closest things to friends I've had in a long time.
But it's time I stop putting my head in the sand. I stayed in the city even though I didn't have to. I should have done something then, but I chose to put my business first.
It's time I change that.
But first, we need to save Mills before he goes feral. Then I can work out the rest of what I need to do.
Chapter Thirteen
I bite my lower lip as I wait for one of us to pluck up the courage to actually speak. I hate that we've been reduced to this. We need to talk about our argument the other day, but I'm almost too on edge to even think about it. But there's nothing else I can do about Mills right now. He's in Maddy's room, having his brow mopped and blood fed to him. Despite the weakened state he arrived in, he should pull through without much trouble. Though that isn't going to do anything about what caused the problem in the first place. The Mayor is still going to want him dead, even if he recovers from his wounds.
Bite Of The Past (The Black Fan Book 1) Page 6