Dark Experiments

by Lana Campbell

  She laughed. “No. You’re just in time. Nathan’s probably pulling the burgers and dogs off the grill as we speak. How about a beer?” She opened the fridge again and pulled out two. She handed him one. “So how did it go? Is everything done?”

  “All done. Fifty-three devices were installed along with the base station. So every area which has potential for people traffic is covered. Asa, Noah and I plan to take turns monitoring the base station.”

  She nodded. “Good. What a relief this will be over soon.” At least she hoped. “For the rest of today no more thoughts or talk about the V clinic. Let’s go eat.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.” He popped off the cap on his beer, then took her hand escorting her out the back door to join the others for what turned out to be a spectacular Memorial Day.

  Chapter 18

  Tiffany woke the next morning six thirty sharp. Seconds after the alarm, she jumped out of bed and headed to the shower, so excited to finally return to work. While she let the dual, pulsating shower jets in her mom and Nathan’s swank guest bathroom, work their magic, Tiffany recalled the fuss which had occurred last night at supper when she’d announced to all she intended to return to work tomorrow.

  She’d expected such a reaction but she’d convinced Christian and the other worriers in her family the importance of keeping things at the clinic running as normal as possible in order to avoid suspicion about the real cause of her near-death experience. After all that was Christian’s wish. He and his partners didn’t want the person behind these poisonings to know the extent of knowledge they’d gained since the inception of this nightmare.

  Anyway, she was fully recovered now and that would have been apparent last week when she’d popped in to confront Christian, which prompted Nathan to bring up the presence of her body guard, David.

  She’d been prepared for that question. As far as the employees of the V clinic were concerned, David would be introduced as her new personal assistant. It took some grand standing on her part but eventually both Nathan and Christian agreed to let her work as long as her armed ‘personal assistant’ stuck to her side like glue.

  Tiffany finished putting herself together for the day then headed downstairs for a quick breakfast. David drove her to work in one of Nathan’s SUV’s. Last night she’d called and told him about his new position and her expectations. When he showed up at the front door a short while ago, he’d outfitted himself in a pair of tan slacks, white socks, a yellow, short sleeve button up shirt and to complete the ridiculous ensemble, a pocket protector and over-sized glasses. The get up was glaringly retro geek. It wasn’t exactly what she’d had in mind, but it would work.

  They arrived at the clinic a bit before eight. The waiting room was over half full, completely repaired and decorated in a colorful, modern motif, much brighter than the dark leather and ocher paint which had once graced the room. Maybe her little fit had propagated a much-needed decor change—one she still intended to pay for.

  Katie was at the sign in desk with her head bent writing something. Apparently, Grace ran late. She glanced up and smiled. “Good morning, Tiffany. Dr. La Mond mentioned you’d be here today. It’s good to have you back and you look great by the way.”

  “Thanks and it’s good to be back. This is David Townsend my new personal assistant. He’ll be helping me push this project along with data entry and such. David, Katie Nettleson.

  “A pleasure to meet you Miss Nettelson.”

  Katie offered him a welcoming smile. “You too. Please call me Katie.”

  “Katie then.” He returned a quick, pleasant one, then glanced about the room of patients and spouses with his usual acrimonious suspicion of people who could be a potential threat to her person.

  Tiffany elbowed him in the ribs and gave him a terse look.

  “See you later, girl. Don’t work too hard.” She swiped her security badge across the card scanner then headed to her office, with her new ‘personal assistant’ trailing her.

  When they were in her office behind closed doors, she faced him and said, “Listen, dude, you need to lighten up with the secret service agent looks around here. You’re playing the roll of a nerd now. After what happened to me lots of eyes are going to be on me the next few days. You too. So, no more frisking people with your eyes, and no more scowls and suspicious looks. Okay?”

  He pursed his lips with disapproval. “I understand, but I have no idea how to behave like a nerd.”

  A sly grin spread across her face. “I hate to break it to you, but you are one. Just not the Sheldon Cooper kind.”

  His brows knit. “Shelton who?”

  “Never mind. Google this old sitcom called The Big Bang Theory and stream about five or six seasons. Consider that your homework for today. Oh, and when you speak to a woman keep your eyes on the floor and mumble your words. If you can muster a blush in the situation, that would be even better.”

  David gave her a disgusted look and shook his head. “Mr. Davenport and I need to have a talk about my wages.”

  Tiffany chuckled, then took a seat behind her desk and got to work.

  ***

  Christian had hit the ground running when he arrived at the V-clinic. It was almost ten a.m. before he had time to pay Tiffany a visit. He knocked on her door and a few seconds later, an unfamiliar human male opened it, who reminded him of a buffed version of Pee Wee Herman.

  “Good Morning, Dr. La Mond. Please come in.”

  “David?” He sniffed, instantly recognizing his scent, then glanced at Tiffany who wore a sneaky, little grin.

  “He’s undercover. I couldn’t very well have him dressing like a body guard.”

  “Right. About your safety. I know we’ve been over this before, but nothing in this building passes your lips. Food, water, coffee, I don’t care. Oh, I bought you a cappuccino machine.” He pointed at the unopened box and six bags of coffee on a shelf unit behind her desk. “I haven’t had time to install it yet, but if you or David can get it working, you should be set for any caffeinated drink of your choice.”

  “Aaah. That was majorly sweet. Thanks, Christian. I wondered where that had come from.” She winked because she had to know he’d been the gift giver.

  “When you and David leave this office, lock it behind you. And we’ll go out for lunch. I certainly don’t want you eating in the cafeteria. That goes for you too David.”

  “No problem, Dr. La Mond,” he replied from across the room where he stood at the ready by the door.

  At ease, soldier,” Tiffany said to David.

  He offered up a sheepish smile then took a seat in a chair next to the door.

  Tiffany picked up a medium sized cooler behind her desk and sat it on top. “I’ll tell you what. You can join me here for lunch. Mom packed enough food and beverages for a small army. She had the same idea as you.” She opened it and extracted a Tupperware container. As soon as she popped the top, he could smell Mia’s amazing cinnamon rolls and his empty stomach grumbled.

  “Good.” He smiled, then went to her and gave her a peck on the cheek. When he pulled back she appeared disappointed. So was he. He had a few minutes and would have liked to use them exploring some of her desirable assets, but eyes watched.

  “Big brother?” She pointed at the ceiling.

  “Yeah. Speaking of which, Noah, Asa and I are taking half day shifts in the base station. A schedule’s been worked out among us, which has caused appointment mayhem.”

  “Sorry to hear that. Cinnamon roll?” She held out the container and he picked one.

  “Thank you.” Having missed breakfast, he polished it off quickly, then said, “There’s something else we need to talk about.”

  “What’s that?” She took a seat and Christian followed suit in a chair in front of her desk.

  “I realize it will be impossible for you to avoid staff altogether, but try as much as possible, Darlin’. They’re bound to ask all sorts of questions about your health, your turning. The more you say, the easier it
will be to slip up and say something you shouldn’t. Like the real reason I had to turn you. As you know, you’re chart says you acquired a very deadly strain of food poisoning and many of your vital organs were in the process of shutting down when I made the decision to turn you. I’d like to keep people thinking that’s true. So if anyone presses the issue, the best thing to say is: “I don’t know. You’ll have to ask Christian why he made that medical decision.” Okay?”

  “I know how to be discreet, Christian, but I’m not going to hide out in my office. That will just start the rumor mill grinding. I’m going to pretend I’m fine, that I’m cool being vampire because I am glad to be alive. I’ll hit the break room for coffee several times, which of course I won’t drink, and make normal, friendly chit chat like everyone else around here. But I agree with telling people who ask why you turned me that it’s none of their damned business.”

  He sighed, recalling the incident with Blake. “Try not to get angry if someone pushes your buttons. You already got off on the wrong foot with Blake.” She opened her mouth and he held up his hand. “I’m not chastising you about it. I know he’s nosy and now suspect, but play nice. On that I’m not asking. I’m telling. No more chewing out people no matter how mad they make you. As you know vampires have big ears and I can’t have you upsetting patients.”

  She poked her tongue out at him. “I will do my best. But I can’t promise I won’t tell someone off who won’t let up on being nosy.”

  Why had he wasted his breath? “And what about your secretary there? What’s with the get up?” He glanced at David sitting in a chair by the door staring at a small holotablet and grinning. He gave Tiffany a questioning look.

  “I’m training him to become a geek.”

  Christian blinked at her for several moments, then decided it would be better to avoid the crazy details she had in mind. “Well I think you need to take your geek in training to human resources and make him an official employee of the V clinic for the time being.”

  “Excellent thinking. I’ll do that right away.”

  He stood to leave. “Please stay out of trouble. And um…” He glanced back at David again and stifled a laugh. That guy was never going to pull off the role of a geek. He had the body of a linebacker and the personality of a blood hound on constant hunt. “Never mind. This afternoon I’ll be in the command station. Text me if you need me.”

  “Will do. Have a good day.”

  “You too.” As he exited her office he spared a quick glance at David chuckling now as he watched some comedy show on his device.

  No doubt about it. With Tiffany as a life mate, he would never know boredom again.

  ***

  The next five days at the V clinic fell into a comfortable routine for Tiffany. No one was buying her food poisoning diagnosis anymore. Her hearing being so keen now, she’d overheard several conversations between nursing personnel discussing their suspicions about her near-death experience being connected to the mysterious, multiple stillbirths. Blake had been telling the truth about the staff’s fears. Many believed what happened to her could happen to them. At least there had been no more incidents this week. Questions regarding her wellbeing and how it felt to be vampire were asked by many, but she’d kept her answers simple without elaboration and they’d tapered off after the first two days. Finally, she felt like a member of the V clinic staff and not a freak science project for everyone’s viewing pleasure.

  Tiffany thoroughly enjoyed her job. Being back to work this week had been so cathartic and she and David had accomplished much. Unfortunately, David never managed to pass geek training. The man just couldn’t help himself. Tiffany discovered he actually had been a secret service agent. Accepting defeat in that arena, Tiffany decided to put him to use as her personal assistant. He’d proven a great help installing hardware. Together they’d set up the reception area, the nurses’ stations and the lab. None of the programs were live yet because it would take weeks to scan in patient files and work out glitches in the software. She wanted to make sure what she set in place was as user friendly as possible for the convenience of both staff and patients.

  Christian visited each night to give her transfusions, but no longer slept over per her request. Tiffany loved waking up next to him in the morning, but there were the kids to consider. Evenings with Christian had been wonderful, relaxing. They’d shared stories of their pasts, watched movies and ate way too much junk food. And there had been kisses, lots of passionate kisses and caresses. Just thinking about his touch, his mouth making love to hers, caused heated shivers of excitement to dance along her nerve endings.

  Tiffany was falling hard for Christian. She’d worshiped him from afar most of her adult life. Fantasies were now reality and so much sweeter than she’d ever dreamed possible. He loved her. Prickly her. The sweet reality of their new budding romance excited her. Not too long ago such a thing would have scared her to death, but she was ready for a future with him.

  Tiffany glanced at the time on her computer, noticing it was a little before noon on Friday. She had a lunch date with Christian at twelve. Since she expected him to show up anytime, she saved what she’d been doing; creating a new patient intake form. David sat in front of her desk scanning files into the patient database system she’d finally completed day before yesterday. He appeared extraordinarily bored.

  A few minutes later there was a knock. Christian opened the door, walked over and gave her a quick kiss. “Hey beautiful. Ready to eat?”

  “You bet.” And ready to be alone with you.

  He smiled. I’m taking you out to eat so keep that thought on hold until tonight. In fact, maybe you could take your transfusion at my place.

  Her stomach did a little somersault of anticipation. “Just let me save what I’m working on here.” She glanced at David. “Why don’t you get out of here for a while, David. Go treat yourself to a steak or something on Nathan’s dime. I’ll text you when we’re heading back.”

  He glanced between her and Christian, his expression unsure.

  “It’ll be fine, David. No offense but I’m better equipped to protect Tiffany than you. Besides, I’ll be doing it the rest my life. I best get used to it I suppose because I have a feeling trouble is going to find her whether she’s looking or not.” He winked at Tiffany.

  She stood and playfully smacked his arm. “Keep that up that kind of talk and I’ll show you some real trouble.”

  “Okay. I’ll take a quick lunch, but I’d appreciate it if this stayed between us.”

  Tiffany knew what he meant. “No worries. Neither of us will say anything to Nathan. Besides, Nathan wouldn’t get upset with you for leaving me with Christian. Unlike me, he’s a mature vampire. Show him what I mean Christian.”

  He appeared taken back. “Show him what?”

  “Show him something that will convince him his concerns are in vain. You know, like enchantment.”

  He pinned her with a chastising scowl. “Are you out of your mind? I’m not going to enchant him. That’s ridiculous not to mention invasive.”

  Tiffany huffed. “Christian, it would really help us both. The guy’s so paranoid about leaving me alone, he only goes to the bathroom once a day. If nothing else do it for his urinary track.”

  Christian chuckled and looked toward David. “That’s not my call.”

  “It’s fine. Maybe she’s right and whatever you can show me will set my mind at ease when you’re with her and she’s supposed to be on my watch. I know you’re capable of protecting her, but I’d really rather not leave her.”

  He sighed. “Very well.” Tuning his focus on David, he stared hard at him for several moments, then asked, “Would you stand up and bring me those papers there on Tiffany’s desk?” He pointed.

  David didn’t move, but after a few seconds, his eyes grew round with fear and his breaths came out hard and ragged. “All right. I think he gets it, Christian.”

  Christian blinked then took a step back. “I’m sorry. Are you okay?�
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  David stood and rubbed his forehead, his expression a combination of discomfort and irritation. “I’ve been briefed on the capabilities of your kind. I-I just never experienced any first hand. Uh, why couldn’t I move?”

  “I planted a physic suggestion in your mind convincing you that you couldn’t along with a telekinetic hold on your muscles.”

  David nodded. “Well, I suppose you proved my concerns are in vain. Enjoy your lunch. If you’ll excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”

  After David shut the door behind him, Tiffany cracked up.

  Christian shook his head. “Poor guy. I think I embarrassed him worse than I scared him and it’s not funny, Tiffany.”

  She shrugged. “You’re right, but at least you put his mind at ease about my welfare when I’m with you. And hey, can you teach me to do that? I sure could have used that trick this morning when I was in line for my latte. This old guy in front of me would not shut up about his wait. I sympathized with him, then it was on, about the weather, his dog, the merits of chocolate verses white chocolate coffee drinks. When he started in about politics I nearly lost my mind.”

  Christian groaned and rolled his eyes toward the ceiling. “It’s not a teachable talent nor to be used on irritating humans. You’ll get there when you get there. I just hope for the the sake of the humans in your world, it takes you longer than most vampires. Come on.” He took her hand and headed them toward the door.

  On their way out of the building, she and Christian dropped by the nurses’ station, finding Betty alone charting.

  “We’re on our way to lunch at Casa de Jacoma. Would you or the others like us to bring back something?” Christian asked.

  She offered them an appreciative smile. “Thank you, Dr. La Mond, but I brought my lunch today. The aides chose to dine in the cafeteria on their lunch breaks and Katie plans to go out with a friend later.”

  “Call if you need me, then.”

  “Of course. Enjoy your lunch.” She shared a warm look between the two of them.