by Claire Marta
“I did not note anything of such importance around the museum.” Eric’s remark snapped her out of her musings.
“He must’ve had a place where he kept all his stock...maybe it’s hidden like this room.” Glancing towards the door, she found the vampire watching her.
“That would indeed make sense if he was worried about the safety of such items, especially if they were priceless.” Although his face was harsh with control of not letting his fears show, she could see how he was watching her keenly.
Curling her hands around the journal, Jasmine lifted it from its nest of fine white cobwebs. “Mark will be interested in this. We can’t leave these things the professor found unguarded, and the Department will want to place them somewhere safe.” Blowing the dust from the pages, she cleaned it carefully. Tucking it under her arm, she stepped back towards the exit. Jasmine walked her fingers over the binds of the books on one of the shelves as she went. “Some of these look pretty old.” She observed. “We might find them helpful.”
“If you believe it is wise, then I see no reason not to bring them out.”
Halting, Jasmine selected three thick tomes. Why she picked these particular ones she wasn’t sure. It just felt right. Checking the titles, she noted one was on ancient Sumeria. The second was on dream deciphering, and the third was on Greek mythology.
“Here let them take those from you.” With quick gentlemanly grace, Eric liberated her of the burden as she left the enclosed hideaway.
“Thanks.” Rubbing her hands together, she wiped the grime from her palms.
Quickly and competently, he deposited them by the bag of equipment on the floor.
Turning swiftly back, he raised his hands. “Dance with me.”
Jasmine froze, taken aback by his sudden change. “No.”
“Jasmine, dance with me,” Eric insisted softly. “Just for a moment...please.”
Shaking her head, she gave him a look of exasperation. “There’s no music, and after what you did earlier, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“I promise to restrain myself if you allow me this one dance.” The sincerity in his voice was undeniable.
With a reluctant sigh, Jasmine allowed him to sweep her up in his arms. Taking her hand, his other one settled on her waist. Trying not to squirm at the feel of his touch sending sparks through her body she tried to relax.
With an ingrained grace, Eric began to waltz her around the room.
“Eric, why are you doing this? What do you want from me?” she asked, unable to keep her confusion concealed.
He stared deep into her eyes, expression intent. “I want another chance with you.”
Eric felt the moment Jasmine tensed up.
“You don’t deserve one.” Stopping mid step, she tore herself free of his hold. “You don’t have any feelings. We both know that, so why even bother? We never had anything apart from sex.”
The fact was she was right. They’d fucked, but he’d never had the chance to initiate a proper relationship between them. It must have left her feeling insecure, and now, it was too late. She did not trust him. The pull between them, though, was still undeniable. He knew she still felt it.
“When I am around you, I have no problem finding them, believe me,” He would lay the world at her feet, now, if only she would believe in him again.
“That must be unpleasant for you,” Jasmine responded as she turned her back on him to check the screen of the laptop she’d set up on a table. He could see her trying for an air of indifference, which didn’t quite work.
Walking slowly, he moved up behind her. If she was aware of his presence there, she gave no indication. “It has changed my perspective on many things. Jasmine. I...”
“I thought I heard voices.” Caroline’s voice interrupted him.
With a few swift steps, Eric moved away from Jasmine. Alarm flowed through him that he hadn’t heard their hostess’s approach. This was the second time he’d been unaware of someone coming upon them. It was disturbing. With his superior Vampiria abilities, it should’ve been easy enough to hear they had a visitor. Yet, there’d been no warning.
“I’m sorry. Did we disturb you?” Jasmine asked as she straightened from the laptop completely unaware of his troubled puzzlement.
“No, not at all. To tell you the truth, I’m curious about these devices you’re leaving all over my house. Are they safe?”
“Yes, of course, they are,” Jasmine assured their hostess as she switched into full agent mode. Eric felt pride swell in his chest. She’d matured and grown so much in his absence. Her confidence at her job was shining through.
“Could you spare some time to tell me exactly what they do? I’d feel more comfortable about allowing them that way.”
“Sure. I can explain as we set them up.” Jasmine glanced at Eric. Tall and grim at her side, he spared her a tight smile. The words he’d been about to speak were going to have to wait.
Tugging out the plug where it sat snuggling at the bottom of the bathtub, Jasmine watched the water begin to slowly drain. In response, the pipes in the walls began to groan with the effort. The cold splash had been refreshing. It was the breathing space she needed away from the enigmatic vampire.
Absently, she tightened the large fluffy white towel around her, tucking in the top to keep it from opening.
Caroline had spent most of the day with them, nosing around the equipment as they had sent up in the rest of the building. Jasmine had the feeling she didn’t really believe the reason they were there. She was too suspicious.
Eric had remained courteous and polite. Whatever he had been about to tell her before they had been interrupted had put him in a brooding mood.
The faintest of sounds invaded Jasmine’s thoughts. Inarticulate, she couldn’t make out what it was at first. Then, as it slowly increased in volume, she froze.
Whispering.
Bang.
Whirling round, she stared at the door.
Confusion unfurled when she realised the sound wasn’t coming from there. As realisation struck, her eyes grew wide. The mirror.
Bang. Bang.
Jasmine watched as the heavy metal frame bounced away from the wall only to strike it as it rebounded. It was if it had a life of its own. As the force with which it was being moved grew, the wall behind it reverberated.
Someone or something was knocking from the other side of the glass. Feet moving against her will, Jasmine found herself drawn unwillingly towards it. She had no control over her legs. Breath coming out in sharp jerky pants, she could not look away. She was locked in the action. The closer she drew, the more the temperature began to drop.
A face was peering at her from the surface. Deep, inky pools of nothingness gapped from the empty dead eye sockets. Lips stretching up, the apparition, with it’s yellowish teeth, leered at her. Its skin was so white it was almost translucent in the dark behind it.
Gripping the sides of the sink basin, Jasmine tried to stop herself from shaking.
Fear.
It was hammering through her with the force of a tsunami. An unearthly chill slid its way across her damp skin, sending the droplets of water in sharp shards that made her muscles cramp.
Closing her eyes, Jasmine dragged in a lung full of air. They couldn’t hurt her. These were just games to them to get her attention. Releasing the breath, she squinted as she took a look back at the mirror.
The face was gone. Instead now, two children stood hand in hand behind her by the bath tub. Eyes and mouths nothing but a churning blackness that bled down their cheeks. They were motionless. The boy wore smart little shoes and shorts with a matching shirt. His sister was clothed in a frilly dress. Bows sat in her long pigtailed hair. They lacked colour. Every inch of them was black and white as if they had been cut from an old faded Victorian photograph.
Slowly, Jasmine glanced over her shoulder. The room was empty. Once more, looking back at her reflection, she saw the children hadn’t moved. An odd snicker escaped the
ir lips. It was muffled as if it couldn’t quite reach her plane of existence.
“I’m glad you find this funny,” she stuttered, tightening her grip on the sink to stop herself running in blind panic towards the door. “Because right now, this is freaking me right the fuck out. You’re the first ghosts I’ve ever seen, and I really hope the last.”
They didn’t answer. Continuing to stare at her, they remained eerily silent.
“Is there something you want, or do you get a kick out of trying to scare me to death just because I can see and feel you? Do you enjoy playing with me?”
Lifting their free skinny white hands in unison, they pointed in her direction. Any hairs on Jasmine body that had yet to raise did so, now, as she shuddered with fright.
Before her gaze, the reflected surface rippled as condensation streamed across. Clinging to the mirror, a mist swirled a thick layer, steaming up the glass. A line slid downwards. It was if an invisible finger were drawing through the moisture. Transfixed, Jasmine stared.
She is Coming
Droplets of water trailed down from the message, which had been carefully scribbled for her to see.
“Who’s coming?” Attention focusing back on her guests, she discovered they’d vanished. A warning? Or did this mean something else? Had these been the ghosts that led her and Eric to the hidden room? If the things in the house were supposed to be malicious, why were they helping her? Unless they weren’t the only things that lived here.
Chewing thoughtfully on her lower lip, Jasmine headed for the door. Mark would need to be told about this. The message was the same left at the séance. That couldn’t be a coincidence.
Corridor deserted she padded quickly towards her room, large towel securely around her. The first thing she saw as she entered were the flowers. Roses. Laying sprawled across her mattress, the deep red of their petals were bright against the crisp white sheets. Startled to find them there, she glanced towards the closed door. Someone must have left them while she’d been having her bath. Her gaze fell on the black paper the bouquet was wrapped in. It looked expensive and pretty. Sinking down, she sat on the edge and plucked up the small card.
Forgive me, E.
It didn’t look like Eric was going to give up. Staring down at the offering, Jasmine brushed her fingertips against the nearest velvety bloom. The vampire had always been charming. Had he left them here to soften her up? Eric rarely did something without thinking things through. Was this another way to talk her into dinner? The armour she’d built up around her heart loosened a fraction. Maybe, he felt guilty about getting her fired. He hadn’t said anything along those lines, though, but maybe, he just wanted to apologize. Sighing to herself, Jasmine discarded the card on the bed. No, the vamp was more complicated than that. She knew he was calculating and logical. He wouldn’t waste time and effort on something he could have done in a letter.
Still mulling over the reasons why Eric was stalking her, Jasmine quickly got dressed. The others hadn’t returned. Taking time to cool off was a luxury she shouldn’t have taken while they were working, but the stickiness and heat had finally gotten to her. Mark, she knew though, would be happy with what they’d discovered. Jasmine just hoped they’d had similar luck.
“Thank you for the flowers,” she told Eric gruffly as she found him waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs.
“I half expected to have them tossed back in my face.” His mouth curved in a sensual smile as his blue eyes sparkled with faint delight.
Sliding past him, Jasmine headed towards the sitting room. “I wouldn’t ruin something so beautiful like that; although, it was tempting.”
“Have you reconsidered my offer of dinner?” Eric fell into step beside her. “We have much to discuss that will not wait forever.”
“No and we have nothing to talk about.” It was enticing, but she knew she couldn’t allow herself to fall into that trap. Eric was too seductive when he lifted that cold exterior. God help her if he ever thawed out.
“I have informed Detective Cummings and the others of the discoveries we made. He has gone to examine the hidden room himself and said he would meet us for dinner,” he continued politely, unfazed by her rejection.
Changing direction, Jasmine made her way towards the kitchen. “Did they find anything at the antique shops?” Already the smell of something delicious cooking reached her nose.
Pursing his lips, Eric shook his head. “Unfortunately, no but he believes the journal you found will enlighten us into what we might be looking for.”
“Is it me or is the atmosphere in this place just getting worse?” Gemma commented as they entered the room.
“Well, as long as I don’t see anything, I can handle it.” Resting his elbows on the table where he was sitting next to the huntress, Fergus was busily filling his plate with food.
Behind him at the stove, the housekeeper was stirring a huge pot. Taking no notice of them, she expertly began to check the other pans she had cooking away.
“Yeah, like those kids from The Shining or something, that’d freak me right out.” Snatching up piece of crusty bread before the werewolf could take it, Gemma placed it on her own plate.
Jasmine grimaced at the mention of that particular film. The ghost children hadn’t been twins, but they’d certainly been up there on the horror movie level.
Catching her expression, her friend’s features tightened in horror. “What did you see? No, wait, don’t tell me. I don’t want to know.”
“I feel like we’re in a Scooby Doo episode,” Jasmine joked, trying to relieve the tension as she moved towards a free seat.
Fergus eyed her. “If you even hint that I am the big orange dog, I will slap your arse, Jaz.”
“Careful, she likes being spanked,” Gemma snickered as she poked him in the side.
Jasmine flashed her friend a warning look. There would be no mentioning Asier or the kink she enjoyed. Not while Eric was around.
The vampire’s expression remained bland. “After you, my lady,” he murmured as he bowed gallantly and pulled out her chair.
Without a word, Jasmine sat down, a flush of hot colour mounting in her cheeks. The glances of her teammates lanced over her shrewdly.
Reaching to grab another roll, Fergus’s muscles strained beneath his t-shirt. Behind him, the housekeeper muttered loudly. Placing another bowl of freshly cut bread beside him, she wrinkled her nose in irritation.
“What’s her problem?” Lounging in his seat, he rubbed his palm over the top of his bald head. Jasmine had no clue how he kept it so smooth.
Gemma shook out a napkin and settled it over her lap. “She’s probably upset because you’re eating everything in sight.”
“I can’t help it if I have a healthy appetite.”
“You’re lacking in manners,” Eric stated as he took charge of a seat beside Jasmine. “She is upset you’re not waiting for the rest of the household to arrive.”
“Well, something smells good.” Taking her own napkin, Jasmine draped it over her lap. Lunch had been skipped with all the work they’d had setting up. Stomach grumbling, she sniffed appreciatively in the air.
“Goulash to start and, then, something meaty with rice.” Fergus smacked his lips together in hungry anticipation. “It’s nice to try something local for a change.” Nabbing his own napkin, he tucked one corner of the white linen cloth into the collar of his t-shirt.
Jasmine felt her appetite begin to diminish. Memories of Prague began to crowd her at the mention of that particular dish. With it came the pain of what had passed there. Yet, here she was with Eric, again. Bitterness curled up inside her, clenching around her heart. She had to remain focused on the job. He didn’t have her trust and would never again. Flowers and a few suave moves weren’t going to work on her.
“Good, everyone is here. I do hate having to wait for others.” Caroline breezed into the room in a cloud of flowery perfume. No longer in black, her slender figure was draped in a peach summer dress. Her short ta
wny-highlighted hair had been brushed until it shined.
Behind her, Mark, Ellen, and her daughter, Tabitha, followed in her wake.
“Hey, again,” Jasmine greeted as the little girl scooted to sit the other side of her. “Another puzzle box? You must really love them?”
Instead of answering, the child placed the carved wooden box gently on the table. Tilting her head, she stared up at Jasmine, through her wavy brown locks, with curiosity.
“Tabitha is a wonder with puzzles. John...her grandfather was always buying her those boxes that had special compartments that needed to be figured out,” Ellen enthused, glowing with a look of pride as she placed herself on Tabitha’s right. “She has quite a unique collection.”
“He spoilt her too much,” Caroline interrupted and took the spot at the head of the table.
Jasmine stifled the urge to shake the woman. She was lucky to have such a beautiful daughter. Why was she so horrible to her? The impression she was starting to get was that Caroline left the child with the nanny most of the time. Smiling sadly down at Tabitha, Jasmine felt a burst of sympathy.
A plate abruptly appeared before her face. Blinking in surprise, she rescued it from the wrinkled hand that held it out. Rich and thick, the smell of the meaty dish in its sauce brought her hunger soaring back. Carefully lowering it, Jasmine found some soft, warm rolls from the bread basket to accompany her meal.
In silence, the housekeeper carried on her task of handing out plates filled to the brim with the hearty Hungarian dish. At the looks and noises of approval at her creation, she sighed with satisfaction.
Incepting the old woman before she could fill his plate, Eric declined.
“Are you not eating, Mr Mérchant?” Caroline enquired pleasantly, pouring herself a glass of red wine.
“Please, call me Eric. Alas, I am on a very strict diet and have already eaten.”
As the vampire’s smooth words ended, Jasmine was aware of her work colleagues staring at her neck. With a glare of disbelief, she shook her head factionally. Did they really think she was about to let him suck from her neck after everything that had happened last time they’d been together? A tiny spark of resentment fizzled to life.