"Yes," she bobbed her head.
"Good. Gather everything for me and we'll get started. Time is running out for everything except the sushi and sashimi, which will be made to order, you understand."
"Yes, ma'am." She took off as if she'd been fired from a rifle.
By the time guests began to arrive, everything was ready and in place, including three men who arrived late to work the sushi/sashimi table. There'd been no word from the missing cook the whole time.
"This had better be good," Hannah appeared at my elbow to hiss in my ear.
"Of course, Ms. Tilton," I nodded. At that point, she was lucky I didn't hand her to a sushi chef to cut into bite-sized pieces.
The following six hours were grueling, but Hannah received numerous compliments on the food and drinks. The seafood pasta was especially popular, and I was grateful we didn't run out until everyone had a chance to taste it.
Just as I was helping rinse pans before they were loaded into the catering van, a man and woman walked into the kitchen.
I knew who they were—except I didn't. Yes, they looked exactly like Laurel and James Rome, Jr. "I hear you made the seafood pasta," the man said, giving me a smile. "I'm James Rome," he offered his hand.
Lie, I said to myself as I took his hand and shook. Laurel, however, was exactly who she said she was.
Somewhere along the way, James Rome Jr. had been replaced by a replica. I had a feeling Laurel knew all about it, too. Not only was the mystery deepening, it was spreading like a virus.
Where was the real Jamie Rome? How had Laurel replaced him? Why didn't they report the Ravens as guests for their anniversary party?
I had too many questions and absolutely no answers.
* * *
Kordevik
"Look," Anita said, "I can't obsess someone who's already obsessed—up to her hairline, in fact. You take that much control, there's nothing left to take."
"You're joking?"
We were in my Jeep, heading homeward after leaving Hannah's party as soon as it was polite to do so. Anita waited until we were halfway to San Rafael to drop her bomb on me. I'd wondered why she hadn't attempted to place an obsession when I introduced her to Hannah. Now I was learning the truth.
"She looked at you like you were prime rib and she was starving," Anita snapped. "If I could do something about that, I sure would have."
"At least Lexsi showed her a thing or two about cooking and serving guests," I sighed. "I overheard the catering staff discussing their head cook, who didn't show."
"I knew that bitch wanted to use this as an excuse to fire Lexsi," Anita fumed. "Now she's only safe until the next time Hannah wants her gone."
"Yeah, and we're still engaged until Ultra-Bitch finds a way to fire me, because I want no part of her," I said.
"I hope Lexsi gets out of there before Hannah gives her more grief," Anita stated flatly.
"Yeah," I agreed.
* * *
Lexsi
The last crate of equipment and supplies was loaded into the catering van while I made the fake Jamie Rome yet another martini with Grey Goose and imported olives. He'd had three since he and Laurel ventured into the kitchen.
She sipped her second fruit and rum drink—she'd inhaled the first one. That's when he came.
Just from the way he moved—smooth and nearly silent—I understood he was vampire.
Not just any vampire, either, but a very old one. I'd seen enough old vampires at Gran's palace to recognize one easily.
"Granger, come sit with us," Laurel invited.
"Thank you, but I was merely wishing to bid you good-night," Granger lifted Laurel's hand to his lips.
I realized at that point that I'd stopped breathing. Was this the one who'd killed Vann? Vann had been a close friend of the Romes. My brain churned with the possibilities.
"Young woman," Granger turned his old-world charm in my direction, "Your food was exceptional. Perhaps we'll meet again." I watched, openmouthed, as he glided out of the kitchen.
"Another martini?" Not-Jamie pushed his glass toward me. I lifted it with a shaking hand and set about making another drink.
* * *
By the time I made it home, it was past midnight. Hannah didn't speak to me on my way out the door, either. No words of thanks would ever pass those bright-red lips. She'd intended to fire me earlier.
Faux-Jamie liked my martinis, though.
Would that have a bearing on my treatment by Hannah the Horrible? I shuddered at the thought. Why was I hoping that whomever or whatever had replaced James Rome, Jr. would have any sympathy for an unimportant assistant?
If I hadn't been instructed to work where I was, I'd be turning in my notice the next day.
The possibility of far-reaching criminal activity between the Romes, Granger, Hannah and Claudia Platt astounded me.
After all, the Romes knew Granger, a powerful vampire. Something about him definitely pinged in the Bad Vampire category. Did Granger know Claudia Platt, too? Hannah obviously knew Granger, and she was a friend and employee of the Romes.
Vann had been, too, I reminded myself. Had he stepped over a line, somehow, warranting his removal? Why?
I was tired and nothing was making sense to me.
It didn't help that I felt as if I were being watched all the way home.
* * *
"We need to talk," I informed Kory and Anita when I walked past the kitchen island where both sat.
"Tomorrow." I continued walking toward my bedroom, shut the door behind me and leaned against it with a troubled sigh.
* * *
Kordevik
Anita went to bed shortly after Lexsi did. I stayed up another hour, helping myself to the bourbon I found in Lexsi's seldom-used liquor cabinet. I wondered what Lexsi wanted to talk about with us. Did she realize that Anita couldn't do anything with Hannah? Had Hannah fired her anyway?
Everybody at the party raved about the food, so it couldn't be that. I sighed and poured more bourbon in my glass. How had our lives gotten so fucked up? We should be together on Kifirin, and I should be doing my damnedest to make Lexsi happy.
"What's the problem, man?" Mason took a seat across from mine.
"Just the usual my life is presently fucked up," I replied before downing my current dose of alcohol.
"Been there," Mason agreed. "Several times."
"Any word from Klancy?" I asked.
"He called from the hospital. They're letting the girl go Monday morning."
"So he's been watching both?"
"Yeah."
"You know that girl's dead meat if she stays in town past sunset," I said.
"I know that, too. Klancy and I talked about it. He may have something in mind."
"I hope it's something good. And effective."
"That makes two of us. If alcohol had any effect on me, I'd be drinking with you, bro."
"To your health," I held up my next shot of bourbon in a toast.
* * *
Lexsi
Sunday morning, early, I got a call from Farin. Not only had she gone out with Tiburon on Friday, but Saturday, too. She was bubbling over with how well they got along.
"Rick wants to ask you out," she said, abruptly changing the subject.
"Farin, no," I moaned. "I mean, I like Rick and all, I'm just not ready for this."
"Why not?" she demanded. I'd just refused her brother; she, as his loyal sister, wanted to know why.
"Because I was engaged until eight months ago," I said. "It uh, didn't work out."
"Oh my gosh, why didn't you tell me?" she breathed.
"It's personal," I muttered.
"Did he dump you?" she wanted to enact righteous indignation on my behalf.
"No, I dumped him, because I really didn't know him as well as I should."
"Did he cheat on you?"
"Farin, slow down, all right? I don't like talking about it because it upsets me. Maybe later, okay?"
"Oh. All right. I'm sorry
I was gushing about Tibby, when you're still getting over—well, you know."
"Tibby?"
"It's his nickname. I gave it to him. Isn't that awesome?"
I didn't want to point out that even though Farin was an accomplished weather scientist, she was going on like a schoolgirl with her first crush. At least that's what Gran would have said. I'd never had a schoolgirl crush. Yes, I'd met plenty of boys and young men, but I'd also been engaged since infancy. There's not much you can do with that hanging over your head.
I guess what upset me most was I'd not only never met the one I was promised to, I'd never had any choice in the matter. What sane person wouldn't run away from that? I wasn't sure why he hadn't run away as well. Didn't it bother him that his wife had been selected for him? None of it made any sense to me.
Of course, I didn't know that he hadn't run away, too. I hadn't had contact with anyone except Aunt Bree since I'd left. Maybe he didn't show up either. Perhaps the guests had gorged on wedding cake and champagne while commiserating about foolish youth.
I realized I'd let my mind wander too far as I contemplated business cards with "Fool," written beneath my name. "Do you think it's too early to invite Tibby to the house for dinner?" Farin asked.
I'd lost an entire chunk of conversation by allowing my thoughts to drift.
"Alone or in a group?" I asked. "I think it's early for an alone dinner, but if you invite a few friends," I suggested.
"That sounds good. What are you doing next Friday night?"
"Farin, I don't know," I answered honestly. "The way Hannah's going, I could be looking for another job by then."
"What should I cook?" Farin had already ignored my excuse.
"Don't go overboard," I said. "Something simple to start with. There's no sense in trying to make a fancy dinner when you're nervous about whether he'll like it or not."
"What do you think he'll like?"
"What did he order at dinner?" I asked.
"Pork chops the first night, Steak the second."
"I have a good recipe for pork loin, and you can make it in a slow cooker if you want. It's practically foolproof and great with potatoes and a green vegetable or salad."
"Can you e-mail it to me?"
"Sure. I'll get it to you by the end of the day."
* * *
"Look what the cat dragged in," Anita said when I shuffled into the kitchen.
"Hey, I've been on the phone with Farin for more than an hour," I retorted. "She wants to cook for Tibby."
"Tibby?" Anita lifted an eyebrow.
"Yes, they've gone straight to pet names," I said. "I think it's serious."
"Please tell me he isn't calling her Fairy," Anita said.
"No, it's Fair Lady, or so I hear."
"Almost as bad."
"Hold further conversation until I have coffee," I grumped, holding up a hand.
"Did we wake finally?" Kory stalked into the kitchen.
"Yes, we did. We need coffee. And silence from all minions until said coffee is consumed."
"Is there anything for breakfast?" Watson rambled in behind Kory, looking like he'd wrestled a sea monster instead of sleeping.
"Nice look," Anita smiled into her coffee cup.
"I cooked all night last night," I made my excuse to Watson while waiting for coffee to brew. I wasn't in the mood to make breakfast for anybody.
"I can make bacon and eggs," Kory offered.
"Great. I'll help," Watson said.
I kept my mouth shut and took a seat next to Anita while we watched them fumble their way through making breakfast. It wasn't horrible, as it turned out. I learned that Watson liked toast with his butter, while Kory preferred his slathered with strawberry jam.
"I met the Romes last night," I began.
"How were they?" Watson asked.
"Thirsty. I made five martinis for the guy who's posing as James Rome, Jr. He likes his made with Grey Goose and imported olives. Laurel had three rum and fruit drinks and didn't even wobble afterward."
Watson stared at me as if I'd turned into something he didn't recognize. "You're sure?" he said, his voice hitting a higher note.
"Yeah. I made them, so of course I'm sure."
"You know where they went afterward?"
"No idea—they were talking to Hannah when I left. Kory," I turned to him, "I met a vampire named Granger last night."
My statement was met with dead silence—from everybody. "What the bloody hell?" Kory breathed eventually.
"He was there and talking to the Romes. It made me wonder if they knew what he was. I also considered his role in Vann's death."
"Go back to the part where you said someone is posing as James Rome, Jr." Anita said.
"It's not him, I guarantee it. My truth meter gave a thumbs-down on that."
"What the fuck is going on?" Watson blinked at Kory. "Claudia insisted that I stock plenty of Grey Goose and imported olives for her visitors, last night."
"Might be a coincidence, but I doubt it," Kory shook his head. "What the hell do the Romes have to do with Granger and Claudia?"
"Donna and Abe Raven were at the Romes' anniversary shindig, only the Romes left the Ravens' names off the guest list after they were murdered," I said. "I checked with the society editor at the downtown office—the Raven's weren't listed and there were no photographs included. The photo of Vann posing with the Romes wasn't there, either."
"The Ravens were at that party—you can see Donna Raven's jacket in the photograph the Romes supplied for Vann's memorial tribute. He was definitely at that party," Anita confirmed.
"Here's another question—Vann knew the Ravens were at that party. Why wasn't he pointing that out in his newscast when he covered the crime?" I asked.
"You think he was told not to mention it?" Kory's eyes locked with mine. I could tell he knew something else, but wasn't willing to volunteer information.
"Vann may have been persuaded, like Hannah has been persuaded," Anita said. I understood then that Hannah was obsessed in some way.
"But why?" I asked. "It makes no sense."
"I have no idea what you're talking about, and I'm not sure I want to know," Watson held up both hands.
Lie. He knew something, but like Kory, wasn't willing to share.
"You may be better off not knowing," Kory told him. "You could live longer."
"At least we don't have to go to work today," I sighed and sipped my coffee.
* * *
Kordevik
I skipped to my borrowed condo to get more clothes and make sure the place hadn't been compromised. Nothing was amiss as I gathered shirts and jeans from the closet, and nabbed an extra pair of boots before skipping back to Lexsi's place.
I discovered what had been left on my bed when I got there; two sets of black blades, all spelled against heat and fire, the larger set ten feet in length and sheathed in fireproof scabbards.
Li'Neruh Rath had delivered these in my absence. As the larger blades were the proper length and weight for my full Thifilathi, I imagined that sooner or later, I'd probably need them.
At least the walk-in closet was large enough for me to set them on the floor beneath the lower rods. I hung clothing over them, to hide the weapons as best I could. It worried me that whatever was brewing around us had begun to take a nastier turn.
Lexsi, if she found my blades, would know exactly what they were. Her father had two sets that looked much the same. These were mine—from my home on Kifirin. I'd checked the Grey House marks on the pommels to make sure.
It didn't surprise me that Li'neruh may have had a purpose in bringing me to Earth to serve my sentence. I felt it my duty to protect Lexsi, and if I could get to the root of the mysteries swirling about us, even better.
I considered, too, that I hadn't seen Granger at the party; he may have shown up after Anita and I left. For obvious reasons, I was glad I hadn't seen him and he hadn't seen me. Things could have gone very wrong afterward.
After all, I'd al
ready burned down one of his houses. It wouldn't look good if I burned another where he'd been invited as a guest.
My thoughts turned to working out—it wouldn't hurt to drive to the gym and get rid of the restless energy that consumed me. Exercise would calm me down and help dismiss unnecessary worry.
I intended to drag Lexsi along, whether she wanted to go or not.
* * *
Lexsi
"I'm a member, you're my guest," Kory hauled a gym bag from the back of his Jeep. He'd insisted I come to the local branch of his gym to work out. I knew exercise would help with my worries, I just wasn't in the mood.
He refused my refusal, so here we were, in the parking lot outside King's Fitness Center.
Before, all my lessons and exercising had been mostly private, with only one or two instructors. This time, I'd be on display and I wasn't sure how I felt about that. If I joined a gym, I intended to go at a time when it wouldn't be too busy, or filled with weekend clients only looking to hook up.
"Come on, Prissy Pants," Kory teased. "Let's get your sweat on."
"That sounds so attractive," I mumbled and followed him toward the door. "Jerk."
"Double P."
"Single J."
"Is that a reflection on the one letter, or my marital status?"
"Maybe both."
"Fine. For that, we'll work out extra hard today."
"You're not the boss of me."
"Then you get to sit there while I work out extra hard."
"Sounds like fun," I muttered.
"Do I detect sarcasm?"
"You're drowning in it."
Kory thought to push me. He'd never met Uncle Sal, that was obvious. Sal never let me slack for any reason. Yes, I was somewhat out of shape and knew I'd be sore the next day, but I got through weights, running on a treadmill and throwing a few punches at a bag after a long period of stretching.
What bothered me about it, however, was the attention from other guests. Three men came by and attempted to make conversation. Kory, who was working out nearby, frowned at all of them. I think that may have served to warn others away. The jock at the reception desk offered to show me where the showers were after I was done with my workout.
I thought Kory was going to physically assault the man when he put an arm around my shoulder. The touch wasn't welcome and I dipped to get away from his embrace. "You're that girl on the news," he said, awkwardly dropping his hand. "Planning to make this your regular workout spot? I can sign you up on the way out."
Hot Demon in the City (Latter Day Demons Book 1) Page 10