Love and Blood (Evening Bower Book 2)

by Sherry Rentschler

  Mace jogged across the street and approached the hotel’s valet.

  “Excuse me,” he puffed and flashed his badge. “Do you know the men who were just here with the limo?”

  The hotel valet blinked at the badge and then scowled, “Sure. The limo was for Mr. Frederick. I dunno who the other guy was but bastard stiffed me and forgot my tip.”

  “Do you know where the limo went?”

  “Lemme look.” The valet thumbed through his book but didn’t have any info. He called the front desk, and after a slight delay he hung up and grinned, “The girl at the desk said the driver was told to go to Riviere Plantation off the bayou road. I can give you directions.”

  Mace gave the young man a fiver and shook his head. “No need. I know it.”

  BACK AT HIS club, Tobias tapped his fingers on the phone. His missed an earlier call from his sire and did not look forward to this conversation or speaking behind Alexander’s back. But one must answer to those who paid the best. Princes ruled, but he feared only a Duke.

  “Speak,” the authoritative voice said.

  “Alexander is doing a proxy marriage with the princess tonight. And what he plans for her is not what Prince Raikas demanded of him. He plans to deliver her but used. Says he has ways to find the book but will not discuss it with me. Something about getting even for some guy and talk about the crown. Seems more worried about her status than our plan. I think he betrayed you or is about to.”

  An eternity passed. Eventually, the voice replied, “Anything else?”

  “There’s a big bash for Halloween.”

  “Where?”

  “The bitch’s club. The Riviere house. Everywhere.”

  “And my new club?”

  “On schedule. The girls are exceptional. There’s this one girl who—”

  “I don’t care about your women. Just get it done and get back to New York.”

  “What about the book and everything else? I should be here.”

  “Tend to your business, Wickam. I’ll handle the rest. Leave the keys and my car at the airport. I’m coming home.” The connection died.

  “Oh shit,” Tobias said and let the phone drop. He feared that hell more than the devil himself. Time to get out of Dodge as the locals would say. Back to New York where he could do business as an equal. Besides, that’s where Dra was, and he could find out what was going on.

  DRAHOMIRA ASKED THE staff to come in early. They had no idea why since the club remained closed. The outpouring over Janice’s death was more significant than anticipated, and they cleaned up candles, flowers, beads and all manner of memorabilia before they went inside. Keta sniffed every five seconds until Steel passed her his handkerchief.

  They gathered around the bar, anxious and a bit unnerved.

  Seth poured himself a soda, Ty-dye preferred a beer, and Keta asked for a ginger ale. Without Janice, there was a pallor over the gathering.

  “Wonder what’s up,” Seth said.

  “Steel’s late again. Or is he on another walk break?” Tyler complained.

  “I wish you’d stop ragging on him. You are no better, you know,” Seth snapped.

  Keta suddenly cooed as Reaper appeared at the top of the stairs. “Ssh,” she said, “I think we’re about to find out.”

  Everyone turned to look, and jaws dropped.

  Reaper flanked his mistress as she started down the stairs. She was not the boss they thought they knew.

  Drahomira sinuously floated down every stair. Instead of the usual signature red or black stiletto boots, she wore a pair of ordinary black high heels. She appeared poured into a form-fitting, black leather dress that strategically highlighted every detail of her curvaceous body. The sheath included a slit up the left leg that almost bared her hip and with every step teased what a shapely thigh offered. Her glorious red hair was unbound and fell in one rounded curl over the front of her left shoulder. There was no jewelry save for a small metal tiara rimmed with rubies, obviously old and unremarkable, save for the fact that Drahomira never wore any ostentatious bling. She finished off her severe but tantalizing attire with a pair of black leather opera gloves. One missing item was her infamous glickris, the curved, jeweled blade she usually hung from her hip. Tonight, nothing marred the form of the statuesque woman who glided down the stairs.

  No one uttered a sound until Dra stopped in front of the bar. Tyler almost fell off his stool as he tried to stand. Seth followed suit.

  “Wow,” Seth breathed. “Just, wow.”

  “Boss lady, you’re beautiful,” Keta whispered, clapping.

  Ty swallowed hard and blinked several times as if he tried to clear his vision. “Seth said it, wow.”

  Dra nodded to them. “Thanks. I’m off to get married, but before I go, I wanted to talk to you.”

  “Wait, married? In that?” Keta blurted. “When did this happen?”

  “Hush, kid,” said Seth.

  “Kinda unusual, ain’t it?”

  Dra smirked at Tyler. “I suppose it is, hon. But we don’t wear white where I come from unless you’re a virgin. I thought, in this case, I could skip that part,” she laughed. “I’m going to be gone a while. The club stays closed until I get back but your salary continues while I’m gone. Tyler you do the payroll and Seth, you and Steel have to meet the deliveries. No exceptions.”

  “Steel didn’t show,” Seth frowned.

  “Steel had permission to skip this. He knows what’s going on.” Dra paused and fixed a glove. “Keta, you’re coming with me tonight. You are moving from my upstairs rooms to the house in the bayou and living there until I get back, if not longer.”

  “But I like it here. I want to stay in town,” Keta cried.

  “She can bunk with me, boss,” Seth offered.

  “No. Thanks. Now listen,” Dra continued. “I know you guys are sad about Janice. I have to replace her soon. Be prepared for a new manager. Keep this place clean and ready to open the minute I return. If anyone comes by looking for me, as far as you know I’m still around but unavailable. Otherwise, you don’t know. Clear?”

  They nodded, but Keta crossed her arms and gave her an angry face in response.

  Dra turned around, and the group got a good look at the rear of her dress or lack of it. The gown was backless and dipped down well past her hip line until there was almost no reason to have a dress in the first place. Again, silence from the gang. Dra smirked.

  “Wow,” Seth said again.

  “Your husband is a lucky guy,” Tyler sighed.

  “He will be,” she purred, but her smile disappeared when a white limousine pulled up front. “Remember what I said. I will see you again in a couple weeks. Keta hon, get your things and Reaper, go with Keta.”

  After a round of hugs for Keta, the wolfhound and street urchin crawled into the limo. Dra lingered with the guys.

  “You two keep your ears to the ground. There’s a new club opening somewhere around here. I think the guy running it is who killed Janice. So stay clear but stay sharp. Don’t let strangers in the club. Understand? I don’t want my place burned down, blown up, or whatever while I’m gone. Or else you’re fired.” She winked. “But if there is trouble, call this number. As for Rhea or Jean-Louis.” She dropped a card on the bar.

  The two guys nodded again. Dra dropped her club keys atop the card and left.

  BY EIGHT, EVERY room and every occupant was decked out in finery. Cooke rolled the wedding cake into the dining room winning applause. Victoria couldn’t stop taking pictures of the masterful confection. She dubbed herself the wedding photographer for the event and documented everything.

  The excitement was palpable. The girls stood out in their elegant tea gowns, Sondra in her blue and Victoria in her green. Franklin and Cooke opted for domestic wear and kept their attire simple in black and white, though Rhea had encouraged them to wear what they wished (secretly she wanted to see Franklin in his kilt).

  Rhea opted for a V-neck, sleeveless silver gown with beaded applique at the w
aist. It emphasized her lithe figure and showed off her golden curls. When she stood, the dress puddled around her feet and created a train behind her. Victoria couldn’t stop taking pictures.

  Amor-el complimented his beloved by wearing a dark charcoal suit with a dove gray shirt and silver tie. He dressed his son in a pair of black shorts and a gray shirt. Destin looked every bit like his father. Both included a dark red rosebud in their lapels.

  Sondra took charge of the young boy who walked and talked like a mini Amor-el.

  “He’s very excited, Miss Rhea,” Sondra said and added, “and feeling his oats.”

  “I anticipate he will stay that way through the ceremony, my dear,” Rhea nodded. “I gave Cooke what he needs for a snack later if he gets fussy, but keep a close watch on him.”

  Sondra had no problem once Rhea explained about Destin’s dual nature. Vampirism didn’t unnerve her. Instead, Sondra’s lack of surprise seemed to shock Rhea. Thankfully, Sondra and Destin formed an easy friendship. Rhea approved of and delighted in Sondra, and despite her continued feelings that something was “off,” she kept faith in Sondra’s abilities.

  “Where is the bride?” Victoria asked when the hall clock chimed the quarter hour.

  “She will be here. You know she is bringing the orphan girl, Keta, with her. I offered to let her stay here while Dra was away. Reaper too, in case I forgot to mention it. Sorry, Cooke!” Rhea added a bit chagrined at her last-minute additions.

  Cooke laughed. “The more, the merrier, lass. I will add extra goodies for the hound and find out what the little miss likes.”

  “Victoria, Keta will be in the suite next to you,” Rhea added. “I’m counting on you to make her feel welcome.”

  “We are a full house, my rose, just as you hoped,” Am whispered in Rhea’s ear. “This proves I did the right thing.”

  Their new house would comfortably manage all the guests with plenty of room to spare. They had their much-desired family.

  “Listen, that sounds like Dra’s motorcycle,” Victoria announced with breathless excitement. “Gotta grab a picture.”

  Dresses swished and feet clacked on the hardwoods. Curiosity urged everyone outside, eager to catch a first glimpse of the bride. But it wasn’t Dra. The rider’s helmet came off and a very dapper Steel in a leather jacket and brown pants dismounted from Dra’s red Ducati. He grinned at surprised Victoria who rushed down the stairs to meet him.

  “Man what a sweet ride,” he gushed. “Boss lady said I should ride it over for her and said to tell you that she and Keta are coming in a limo.”

  Introductions followed with Rhea and Am, and then Franklin, Sondra, and Destin. Plus Cooke who brought the young man a welcoming ice tea. He shook hands with everyone (Destin twice because the little boy insisted) and gulped down his drink before he followed them into the mansion.

  Steel ogled the surroundings and then pulled Victoria aside and apart from the others.

  “Remember I told you about that altercation at the club and the guy who pushed me? The guy who was with Janice the night before she died? Well, I just saw him again. He was with this person in uniform, some military guy and they shook hands. I don’t know the other guy, but he looked important. I thought you should know that he’s still around because the cops are looking for him.”

  “My goddess, they think he may have burned down my store too,” Victoria said. “We have to tell Drahomira.”

  “Tonight? At her wedding? Naaaah, not a good idea,” Steel shook his head vehemently.

  “Okay, maybe you’re right. But let me tell you what happened to Sondra and me.” She recounted their afternoon when they met Zephyr and Steel whistled under his breath.

  “Hey, I know her. She’s been in the club several times. She said she was his girl? Then what was Janice?” He frowned, “Man, I don’t like this.”

  “We have to tell someone.” Victoria looked around. “Maybe Mr. Riviere,” she offered. “I’ll try to speak to him before the ceremony. He’s good friends with Dra, and he’ll tell her.”

  But there would be little time for further discussion. Another vehicle turned into the bayou road. This time everyone paused, concern radiating around the room as the wind chimes clanged their warning. Victoria beamed with her success.

  “We have company, my love,” Rhea said to Am with a nod to her friend, her eyes flaring with sudden embers.

  “That will undoubtedly be our groom,” Amor-el said quietly.

  Franklin went outside to greet the new arrival. Everyone else waited in the hall. Victoria tried to speak to Amor-el about the bits of information she and her friends had pieced together. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough time, and all Victoria could get out was her meeting Zephyr. Am promised to get back to her. The rest would have to wait because Franklin ushered in the groom.

  No doubt about it, Prince Alexander cut a magnificent figure in his uniform. A proud man, he still believed in good manners, elegance, and traditions. When Franklin met him, he was effusive in his gratitude, offered Amor-el a beautiful old bottle of absinthe and for Rhea, a handmade crystal vase from Bohemia. Am collected the treasures and Rhea completed introductions. When Alexi met Steel, the young man barely managed a hello. Rhea frowned at him but kept the conversation moving. Steel grabbed Victoria’s hand and squeezed it so tight she winced.

  “Ow, jerk. You’re hurting me,” she whispered.

  “Him. It’s him. The military man,” Steel hissed in her ear.

  “No way,” Victoria blinked at him. “Tobias with this guy? You’re sure?”

  Steel nodded so hard Victoria worried his head would pop off.

  “Good goddess, now we have to tell someone. C’mon.”

  The crowd grouped again as the chaplain arrived, and a new round of introductions began.

  Franklin made the rounds serving drinks was not at the door when the next guest arrived. Detective Bayone stepped inside and discovered an active party with people shaking hands and milling around. He stood in the doorway and quietly scanned the gathering, his eyes finally resting on the tall man in uniform. Quickly he glanced around for the other man from the hotel. When he didn’t find him, he thought about slipping away when Victoria noticed him.

  “Detective Bayone, what a nice surprise. Did Drahomira invite you?”

  At the sound of her voice, the conversation slowed and then stopped. Rhea immediately gave Destin’s hand back to Sondra and welcomed the new arrival.

  “Detective, how nice to see you again. Are you joining us or is this an official visit?” Rhea led him into the drawing room off the main hall. Immediately, the noise level dropped dramatically.

  “Forgive me, Miss…?”

  “Rose. Rhea Rose. How may I help you?”

  “I think I’m intruding and I sincerely apologize. However, I was following one of your guests. I hoped to speak with him though I didn’t think this through.”

  “Him?” Rhea prompted.

  “Sorry, the man in uniform.”

  “Ah, that would be Prince Alexander Fevorovich. Tonight he marries our friend, Princess Drahomira. You are welcome to stay.”

  “A wedding? A prince you say. Well now I know I’m intruding and on a royal wedding at that. Imagine,” he smiled.

  “Well it isn’t their marriage,” Rhea explained, “but it is a proxy wedding. Drahomira’s fiancé could not attend, and it became necessary that she marry right away. Politics and all that. So, this.” She swept her arm in an arc around the house.

  Mace nodded in understanding. “I won’t stay, but perhaps I could impose and be introduced to this prince?”

  Rhea agreed and escorted him into the gathering. She noted that Victoria and Steel were looking a bit pale and seemed nervous as she and the detective approached the prince. Victoria and Steel hovered in the background.

  “Excuse me, Alexi, may I introduce Homicide Detective Mace Bayone of the New Orleans Police. Detective, this is Prince Alexander Fedorovich—”

  “Of blah and blah and n
o one cares,” Alexi laughed and shook hands with Mace. “A pleasure sir. Have you come to see our princess marry?” Warmth and charm oozed from him.

  The man’s casual air annoyed Mace.

  “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was intruding on a wedding. Truthfully, sir, I wanted to ask you an important question, about the man you spoke to earlier.”

  “Earlier? Where was this, detective?” Alexi stiffened.

  “Outside the Hotel Monteleone. I saw you shake hands with someone before you got into your limousine. He is a person of interest in a case I’m working, and I wondered if you could tell me something about him. I need to speak with him about an urgent matter.”

  The chaplain interrupted with apologies.

  “Gentlemen, I am told the bride is on her way, and I require a few moments with the groom. Sir?” he addressed the prince. “I have a few questions about your special ceremonial requirements.”

  Alexi shrugged with contrition. “I’m sorry, detective, but I must handle this. Proxy weddings are uncommon in this country and a mite complicated. All I can tell you is that person made arrangements for my limousine. Beyond that, I do not know him. Sorry. Shall we, chaplain?”

  And with a dismissive nod, Alexander followed the chaplain outside. Mace watched them leave and knew in his gut that the prince lied to him, but there was not much he could say or do now. The man probably came with diplomatic immunity too. He needed to check and return another time. As he turned to leave, Victoria and Steel cornered him.

  “It seems wherever I go, you’re there,” Mace said to Steel.

  “Detective, we have some things we need to tell you,” Victoria said.

  “I’m on my way out, Miss Robards, but if you don’t mind walking me to my car, we can chat as we go.”

  They strolled outside, and Victoria breathlessly spilled all the bits and pieces the two of them had gathered. First, she told him about the encounter with Zephyr and Victoria wondered why this Tobias person had Janice on the string along with the other woman. Then there was the weird meeting Steel witnessed between Tobias and the uniformed man who turned out to be the prince.

  Steel confessed the last vital bit of info. “I got a copy of Victoria’s key for Janice. She said she needed to keep it on file for the boss lady. I didn’t doubt it, but Janice said to keep it on the QT. When I asked her for it back, she said she gave it to Tobias, and when I asked him, he said he didn’t have it. Sorry, Victoria,” he paused, chagrined. “Janice and Tobias must have worked together. And I think he is working with the prince too. Looks like it might not be Victoria they wanted after all. I think they are after Drahomira. Or maybe the people Dra knows?”