Hear Me When the Sun Goes Down

by Lisa Olsen

  It wasn’t a lie, I had plenty to keep me busy. Intel trickled in about the attack on the Order HQ and we had every wolf on two legs out combing the city for Byrne. I placed calls to Faust and Macallister, both still in Vetis, to see if any progress had been made on creating a new judicial system or even a new Order as we’d discussed, but I couldn’t reach either of them. Maybe they weren’t taking my calls after my dramatic exit? I hoped Mac at least would get back to me and give me the skinny on any decisions made that affected us on a global scale.

  Marcus helped me draft a letter to the Order, expressing my condolences and full cooperation in any investigation they deemed necessary. I sent it by messenger to Bishop’s place, not knowing where else to forward it to, or even if they’d replaced Volkov in Rome. Bishop sent back a hand written note, thanking me for the missive and promising to get it in the hands of the right person. The Order had not appointed anyone to take over for Volkov yet, and as far as he knew, and no decisions had been made as to how to respond to our local troubles. He also thanked me for taking in Frost, Mason, and Corazon, promising to work with our team on the investigation.

  I wondered why he didn’t call me, but it was kind of nice to get an old fashioned letter. I even wrote him back, thanking him for thanking me. He sent a single white carnation tied with a red ribbon in response that made me smile more than Jakob’s diamond tennis bracelet. But it was the bracelet I wore to the ball when Jakob’s limousine arrived.

  We were quite a procession. Maggie attended with Marcus, stunning in a black strapless dress with a wide red sash. I could see things were going well enough between them from her soaring confidence, and the tender way he placed the soft velvet cape around her shoulders. Rob looked smashing as usual in his tailored suit and Gunnar wore a bright red tie, his power tie he called it. I think he’d been watching too many old movies from the eighties. In addition to my security team, Jakob had brought some of his guys as well, though I insisted on leaving two guys behind to guard the place with my houseguests up in the attic, in case of any trouble. Felix and Bridget promised to meet up with us there.

  This time when we stepped past the reception desk at Jakob’s building, we were ushered behind it to a large open space, as grand as any hotel ballroom. There were already plenty of people milling about, enjoying free drinks and a few hors d’oeuvres for the humans present. A fifteen piece orchestra played from the corner, and I recognized a classical version of Stairway to Heaven. Shiny.

  I hung on Jakob’s arm, Rob and the rest of my team fading to the sidelines while he squired me around the room, meeting and greeting people. I had my best smile on until I caught sight of Terry Byrne standing by the entrance, flanked by a couple of muscle-bound men. Too startled to do much more than gape at him at first, I waved as discreetly as I could to Rob, flagging him over.

  “Something amiss?” he asked in a low voice.

  “Byrne is here,” I hissed, darting my eyes in the direction of the man.

  Jakob chuckled beside me. “Yes, I invited him as my special guest.”

  “Why would you do that exactly?” And how had he found him so easily?

  “I told you, all will be well.” He patted my arm and leaned down to kiss my cheek. “If you’ll excuse me, I must needs speak with someone in private.”

  “Of course,” I smiled back, immediately turning back to Rob once Jakob sauntered away. “Keep an eye on Byrne for me, would you? Jakob obviously has something planned, but I don’t want him escaping until I’m sure it’s in our best interests.”

  Rob nodded once. “He don’t leave this place unless it’s by your say so.”

  “Thanks,” I smiled, but he didn’t return it, stone-faced as he slipped off to do my bidding. In fact, I hadn’t seen many smiles from Rob in the past week, despite the fact that I hadn’t spent much time in Jakob’s company.

  He nodded in passing to Laveda, dressed to kill in an elegant sheath of green crepe, red-gold locks piled high to display the tantalizing slope of her neck. She hardly noticed Rob, doing her best to try and wangle a beer from a waiter who only carried champagne and aquavit on his tray.

  “Hey, you made it,” I smiled, snagging a crystal flute of the bubbly.

  “Couldn’t pass up a fancy to do such as this. Thanks for the invite.” She inclined her head to me, giving up on the beer and accepting champagne as well.

  “I’m glad you’re here, there are a couple of people I want you to meet. Those guys I told you about who own the vampire bars in town.”

  “Right-o, good thing I wore my best bra,” she said, and I wasn’t quite sure how to take it until she winked.

  “I’m pretty sure you’ll get the job without having to show it, but it never hurts to be prepared,” I joked back. “Oh, there they are now.” I led her to the twins’ side. “Jarrod and Leander, this is Laveda, she’s the one I was telling you about.”

  She offered her hand. “Laveda Kasch – like money – which you’ll be rolling in if you take me on, ‘cause I know how to draw in a crowd,” she greeted them with a confidence I could only envy.

  “I’ll bet you do,” Jarrod smiled, bringing her hand to his lips for a kiss, inhaling deeply over her knuckles. “You’re hired.”

  “Hang on a tic, we don’t know her qualifications.” Leander jostled his brother aside. “I’m kidding, luv, you’re hired,” he beamed, snatching up her hand for a kiss of his own. “Crikey, ain’t you a breath of fresh air.”

  “Why don’t you come and have a drink with me and I’ll tell you all about our establishments and we’ll see which is the best fit for someone of your talents?” Jarrod said, picking up her other hand.

  “She’s already having a drink with me.” Leander wasn’t about to let her go.

  “Hold up a sec, boys. She’s not a piece of meat.” I intervened before they pulled her apart, my voice low but sharp enough to cut through their haze of competition.

  “Sorry, we meant no disrespect.” Leander hung his head.

  “Good, because besides being under my protection, Laveda also happens to be Rob’s cousin.”

  They both dropped hold of her like a hot potato. “Oh, is that a fact,” Jarrod replied, eyes searching the crowd for Rob, only relaxing when he spotted him far across the room. “Well, we look forward to a long and healthy association with you, miss.”

  Leander smiled politely. “Yes, feel free to call upon us at your earliest convenience.”

  “Are they always like that?” Laveda asked as they faded into the crowd.

  “A bit, but you’re probably used to that by now. You’re something like catnip to vampires, right? Vampnip?”

  “I do have that fortunate effect, yes,” she smiled.

  “Seems like it could get dangerous around so many,” I commented, remembering Rob’s distress over her cavalier attitude.

  “That’s why I thought I’d set myself up with a benefactor around these parts. I paid Bishop a visit, but you was right, he ain’t having any.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Talk about an awkward topic.

  “It’s alright, I didn’t take it personal, like you said. It’s a shame I won’t have access to him this time around though. There’s definitely worse things than belonging to a bloke like Bishop,” she said with a forlorn sigh. “I’ll need to find another source before too long.”

  I was still too hung up on the idea of her belonging to Bishop to process the last bit for a few seconds. And then I clued in to what she was talking about. “Do you mean vampire blood?”

  “I don’t need it as badly as Rob and Leila do, but those of you with Jakob’s bloodline are always extra tempting to our lot.”

  “That’s what Bishop said about you. That you and your family are extra tempting to us too.” Maybe that was part of why I found Rob so appealing? I didn’t like to think of it being anything more than who he was, but he had been feeding me his blood almost from the start. Was I chemically predisposed to want him now?

  “I reckon it wouldn
’t have worked out anyway. He’s still stuck on you if you ask me.”

  “Who is?” I focused on our conversation again.

  “Bishop.”

  “Bishop and I are just friends.”

  Laveda raised a brow. “Just like you’re friends with Rob?”

  “No, not at all,” I scowled, taking a quick surreptitious look around to see who might be within hearing distance. “Rob dated my best friend. I’m here with Jakob.” I couldn’t believe she’d said something like that in public.

  “Oh, right, I suppose I did hear something to that effect,” she backtracked quickly, seeming to realize she’d overstepped her bounds and I let her off the hook.

  “It’s fine. Hey, if you want, I could introduce you to Jakob. Maybe you can make an arrangement with him and get something straight from the source?”

  “Thanks, but no thanks. I’ve heard too many stories to want to get into bed with him, yeah? I’ll find my way around my needs, I always do. Here comes your friend now.”

  I looked up to find Bishop approaching, dressed to the nines in a new black suit that looked custom made. “Good evening, ladies,” he smiled at each of us. “You’re both looking well tonight.”

  “You had your chance,” Laveda grinned, tossing back the rest of her champagne. “You’ll excuse me, won’t you? I’m off to find a real drink.”

  “It’s a shame she doesn’t have any self confidence, isn’t it?” Bishop shook his head with a false sigh before noticing my near empty glass. “Can I get you a refill?”

  “Thanks, but no,” I said, setting the glass on a passing tray. “Too much champagne plus Anja equals non-mixy things. I have to stay on my toes tonight, this is as much work as it is play for me.”

  “Well then, let’s get you back on your toes.” Bishop held his hand out to me, tossing his head toward the designated dance floor. I wasn’t used to seeing him like this, lighter, his charming smile erasing some of what we’d been through.

  “Alright,” I agreed, darting a quick look in Jakob’s direction, but he was busy talking to Holt and Durand.

  Bishop noticed the look, but he didn’t say anything until we were among the press of bodies dancing, holding me close. “It’s true then? You’re back together with Jakob?” he asked at my ear.

  “Seems that way,” I murmured back, not wanting to get into it with him in such a public forum.

  “What changed your mind? I thought you were… I thought your heart was engaged elsewhere,” he said, and I shot him a pained look.

  “I can’t talk about that, not here,” I whispered.

  “I’m sorry,” he replied, falling silent as we danced. “I’m worried about you, that’s all.”

  “It’ll be fine, I’ve got it under control.” I searched for something, anything else to talk about. “Your goatee is back,” I observed finally. “I like it. It makes you look more dangerous.”

  “Then I’ll never shave it off again,” he joked. At least I think he was joking. “I like your new look too.” His thumb reached up to brush against the corner of my bangs. “It makes you look younger, fresher… more like your own person.”

  “Thanks,” I smiled back. I took it to mean it made me look less like Carys and that was good news in my books. “I got your letter, thanks for your help. Still no word on who’s taking over in Rome, huh?”

  “Nope. From what I understand it’s hard to find a willing candidate with Jakob back in the world. Few are willing to stretch their necks out like that after what happened to Volkov.”

  “When really it was me who put him in the ground, not Jakob,” I muttered. “Hopefully we can get something in place soon to fill the vacuum of power. Jakob says he’s going to take care of the problem, but I haven’t heard anything about his plan to actually do something about it in over a week.”

  “That’s it, isn’t it? That’s why you’re here with him.” His expression darkened. “He promised to help you if you help him.”

  Before I could answer him, the lights flashed on and off and the music stopped, Jakob raising his hands to draw the attention of the murmuring crowd. “I will have silence,” he said simply, and everyone zipped their lips.

  “Excuse me, please,” I pulled myself out of Bishop’s arms to make my way to the front of the room, wanting to be up close and personal to whatever scheme he had up his sleeve.

  “Thank you all for attending my coming out party, as it were,” he began with a brilliant smile to a polite smattering of applause. “I have called you all here for a greater purpose, and I charge you all to carry the word of what you bear witness to tonight.”

  Uh oh. That didn’t sound so good.

  “It has come to my attention that someone is sewing discord in my territory, an act I can’t allow to continue.”

  His territory? My scowl was quickly scrubbed by a gasp of surprise as he waved a hand and out trotted Frost, Cage, Corazon, Mason, and two other guys I didn’t recognize, but assumed were in the Order. They were dressed in party clothes, but I was willing to bet they all had at least one hold out weapon on them, even under the evening gown Corazon wore. Their eyes were wary as they took up a position beside Jakob, not of him, but of the crowd of onlookers.

  “These are my children and they are under my protection,” Jakob declared. “The Ellri created the Order, and you owe them your obedience. If there are complaints, you will bring them to Anja and her word is law.”

  Oh, so now he remembered me? I supposed I should be grateful he didn’t just tell them all to come to him, but it still stung to be handed my own territory like a dog eating scraps under the table.

  “I am a benevolent ruler, but make no mistake – the chaos will stop now because I wish it. Do not test my patience in this matter again, or you will taste the wrath of the Gods.”

  The room remained utterly silent, everyone scared to death, and I stepped forward, eager to put my message out there as well. “Thank you, Jakob, for encouraging a peaceful resolution,” I began, trying to spin his threat into something positive. “But I have a few things I’d like to add. I’ve been the first one to speak out against the Order’s methods, about reformation of their charter to something that reflects the times. But we can’t blame these individuals for doing their jobs. I’d like to think I count them as my colleagues, and my friends.” I shot them a smile, gratified to find most of them smiling back.

  “I want an end to the violence on both sides too, that’s all I’ve ever wanted. A way to find a peaceful resolution to all of the unique issues our community faces. But let me say this – we shouldn’t embrace the Order just because Jakob says so. We should do it because we’re part of the same community. We have a chance to start over, to build something new.” I paused for breath, moistening my lips.

  “Jakob declared there will be no more chaos in his territory and anyone who doesn’t want peace should leave now because this is the future we’re aiming for. I’m not saying to do it because I say so or Jakob says so, but because it’s the right thing to do for all of us. But, if I’m wrong, if you don’t want this kind of a future, speak up. I’m offering you the right to vote for what you want. If I’m wrong, if you’d rather have Byrne and his brand of justice, say so and I’ll be the one to leave. I’m asking you to step forward and stand with me.”

  It was a risk, but I figured it was better to live in a state where we all took ownership of our future than a dictatorship, no matter what Jakob decreed. The crowd was quiet, maybe too afraid to move or maybe they did all want chaos and revenge against the Order? And then they surged forward almost as one, a ripple of enthusiastic applause breaking out, with whistles and cheers.

  Jakob wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pressing a kiss to my temple and I breathed a sigh of relief, half afraid he’d find my speech subversive. The Order members behind me relaxed, a wide smile breaking out on Frost’s face, but Mason and Corazon still looked somewhat wary. After what they’d been through, I could hardly blame them.

  Only Byrne looked
mad enough to spit nails, edging toward the door only to bump into Rob. “Going somewhere, Terry?” he asked mildly, walking the shorter man back to the front of the room.

  “I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” I smiled as Rob thrust him before me. Now I’d get a chance to neuter the little weasel. “I think maybe it’s time you took a trip, don’t you?”

  He nodded, eyes wide with fear.

  “Don’t worry, I don’t mean in an ashtray. As long as you promise to leave the West and never come back, you can go in peace. And you’ll do that, won’t you, Terry?” I added, sending a burst of compulsion his way. “You’ll leave us in peace and never come back.”

  “I’ll never come back,” he nodded again, completely under my sway.

  “Great! Give my love to Jennike, I’m sure she’ll be happy to have you there.” I let him go, and Byrne blinked, looking around fearfully as though he might not be allowed to leave. No one came near him and he edged closer to the rear exit, only to meet up with the solid wall of Jakob’s chest.

  “A pretty sentiment, petal,” Jakob said, clapping his hand on Byrne’s shoulder. “But I learned long ago not to leave an enemy at your back.” Quick as a snake, his other hand shot out, bursting into Byrne’s ribcage and crushing his heart into goo. The fear barely had time to register on Byrne’s face before he crumbled into chunks of ash around Jakob’s arm.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  While we all stared in shock, Jakob calmly pulled out a pristine handkerchief and dabbed at the mess on his hand. “Everyone, please… enjoy the party,” he smiled, gesturing to the orchestra, which struck up a rather frenetic version of Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas.

  Did he have to kill someone at every function? My mouth opened up to protest, but Bishop stepped on my foot, just enough to get my attention.

  “I wouldn’t if I were you,” he said softly.

  Rob approached a couple of Jakob’s security guys, giving orders to get the ashes cleaned up. Jakob himself disappeared, probably to wash off the Byrne, while the rest of the crowd slowly recovered.