by Helen Harper
When I leave the bedroom, Michael is also fully clothed, wearing another immaculately tailored suit in midnight blue. Does he ever get bored with that colour? He looks up as I enter the room. I feel uncomfortable, as if he’s suddenly developed X-ray vision and is staring through the dress to the underwear below. Then he turns away.
‘Let’s go,’ he says tersely. ‘The car’s waiting.’
‘I need my own car.’
He throws an impatient look over his shoulder.
‘I’m not planning to spend all night hanging around the Montserrat mansion,’ I explain patiently. ‘I’ve got things to do.’
‘And you’re still not going to tell me what these things are?’
I purse my lips then shrug. ‘Nope.’
‘You’re not going out alone.’
I want to argue but, in light of the Gully attack, I realise he’s probably being sensible. I’ve already established that I can’t trust O’Shea enough to take him, not while I’m still on Dahlia Templeton’s trail. Arzo is out, naturally. ‘You said you were going to release Matt from his fledgling training so he can join the new agency. Did you mean that?’
‘After Nicky’s spell, he won’t cope with the demands of being an independent vampire. You and Arzo can help him more than the others.’
‘It won’t piss off the other Heads too much to have another Montserrat fledgling fly the coop before they’re supposedly ready?’
Michael is silent for a moment. ‘They’ve got other things to worry about.’
I suppose they have. ‘Well,’ I say cautiously, ‘I’ll take Matt with me. Give him a taste of what it’ll be like.’ As long as we don’t run into any more Kakos daemons, we’ll be fine.
‘You’re both fledgling so you’re both weak. He will do whatever anyone tells him, no matter who they are, and you’re suffering from trauma. I don’t think Matt on his own is going to cut it.’
I frown. I could ask D’Argneau but although I’m sure the lawyer would jump at the chance to strut around town with a vampire, I suspect Michael won’t be too keen about that suggestion. He seems to have taken umbrage against D’Argneau, no doubt for involving himself in Montserrat matters.
‘Look,’ I say patiently, as we get into the lift. ‘I understand that safety is an issue. Technically, though, you’re not my boss any more. I need someone I can trust not to blab about what I’m doing. Right now, the only person I can think of is Matt. I don’t want to put him in danger but it’s either him and me, or just me. Any other Montserrat vampire, even Beth and Nell, will tell you what I’ve been up to. O’Shea will tell you what I’ve been up to.’
‘You could just tell me what you’re up to.’
‘No.’ I shake my head firmly.
He scowls. ‘This solo thing will only carry you so far.’
I smile disarmingly. ‘One of my more endearing qualities is that when I make a decision, I stick to it.’
‘Unless it’s joining my Family as a vampire.’
My smile falters. ‘Okay. But that’s a one-off. And you goaded me into leaving.’ The lift opens at the car park. I face him. ‘I’m trying to meet you halfway.’
‘I suppose Arzo is out of the question?’
I nod.
‘Fine,’ he growls. ‘Take Matt. But you will damn well call me every two hours, no matter what is going on. I also want you back here by 4.30am. We still have your fingerprints on file. I’ll make sure you’re not locked out again.’
I put my hands on my hips. ‘You do remember the “you’re not my boss” part, right?’ He looks at me. I throw my hands up in the air. ‘Fine.’
Michael smiles. I smile back. ‘Thank you,’ I say awkwardly. ‘For Matt. And the shower. And the clothes.’
‘You’re welcome,’ he murmurs. There’s an odd light in his eyes.
I look away and walk to my car. ‘Would you like me to drive you to the mansion?’
He takes in the lack of passenger seat, rusty metal and dust-etched penis. ‘You really drive this?’
‘Hey,’ I say lightly, ‘I sleep in it too. But if you want to give me an advance on my salary, I can take it to a garage and get it fixed up.’
‘What salary?’
‘For the agency. The bridge that will smooth over issues between the humans and the vampires.’ I’m patient, but confused.
Michael laughs. ‘But Bo, if I pay you, you’re not independent.’
I stare at him.
‘To maintain your integrity you’re not going to tell me about your investigations, so I can’t have a financial hand in what you’re doing. And when you make a decision, you stick to it.’ His grin broadens. ‘It’s one of your many endearing qualities.’
Bastard.
‘I am, however, not getting in that death trap. And neither are you.’
I start to protest but he holds up a hand. ‘I’ve still got Ursus’s bike. I’m sure he won’t mind if you hang onto it a little longer.’
‘I don’t think a motorbike is any safer than a car,’ I grumble. Secretly, of course, I’m thrilled. As fond as I am of my car, I’ll take Ursus’s gleaming machine over it any day.
‘Compared to that thing?’ He jerks his head at my car. I wrinkle my nose in his direction and he laughs again. ‘Let’s get going.’
* * *
It’s still fairly early when we pull up outside the familiar gates of the Montserrat mansion. Michael strides up the steps. I don’t bother hurrying to keep up with him; I know he must be busy with Family business. I try to ignore the looks I receive when I enter, which run from outright hatred to mere curiosity. I swear I even spot a touch of envy from one or two of the milling Montserrat minions.
I’m barely out of the lobby when the good doctor approaches. ‘Ms Blackman!’ he says, clasping my hands in a manner that makes me think I’m an invalid in a dusty Victorian novel. ‘I’m so glad you made it. We weren’t sure you would.’
I mutter something about being tied up with other things. It’s annoying that I have to waste time pretending I’m still under the dark shadow of PTSD. Given that I’m in no position to tell anyone the truth, though, I have to go along with the pretence.
‘Let’s get going, Doc. I’ve got things to do.’
He nods briskly. ‘Of course, of course. Any more hallucinations?’ His tone is akin to that of someone inquiring about where I’ve been on my holidays.
‘No.’
‘Good.’ He claps his hands together. ‘The drugs are helping then?’
‘Mm.’
‘You’re not exceeding the dosage.’
‘No,’ I answer truthfully. ‘Definitely not.’
‘I’m pleased to hear it.’
I force a smile and prepare for a long, painful hour. When I finally escape, Connor and Arzo are waiting for me. I push away the familiar sinking feeling and drink while Connor stands placidly and Arzo watches, unblinking. Apparently I’m still not trusted to take care of my dietary needs. When I’m done, Connor smiles and leaves. I scan Arzo’s face, worried that he somehow knows what the majority of my nocturnal activities involve these days, but he gives me an easy grin.
‘How’d it go with Doctor Love?’
‘Great. I don’t think I’ll need many sessions. I feel much better already.’
‘You can’t rush these things, Bo. It takes time to recover from that kind of trauma. If you ever do recover.’
I curse inwardly but paste on a smile. ‘You’re right.’ He relaxes. ‘How’s the hunt going for an office?’
‘Getting there. I’ve found a suitable place on Harbour Road and another on Link Street. I’m negotiating with the landlords. Hopefully we can sign the papers on the cheapest one and move in not long after the announcement is made.’
‘Michael said he wasn’t going to involve himself financially.’ I manage to keep the rancour out of my voice.
‘Indeed. That’s a good idea of his to keep out of it.’ I narrow my eyes in suspicion - is he having a dig at me? He winks from his whe
elchair. ‘I’ve got some savings to get us started,’ he says, patting my hand. ‘We’ll be fine.’
‘We still need a human,’ I tell him. ‘A proper investigator, not a drinks dispenser like Connor.’ My mind drifts back to X telling me about the human face of the Streets of Fire CEO. I don’t want to work for a puppet. ‘Someone with enough experience to help out the rest of us rookies.’ Then I hastily amend my words. ‘Not you, of course.’
‘I’m a better office manager than investigator,’ Arzo says, not taking offence. ‘Especially these days. I have a few ideas. Once things get firmed up, I’ll run them by you.’
‘Okay.’ I trust him implicitly.
He shifts uncomfortably in his chair. ‘There is one thing...’
‘Yes?’
‘There’ll be you, me, Matthew, Connor and whichever human joins us.’ I nod, not sure what he’s getting at. ‘We could probably do with another body in the office to help out.’
I shrug. ‘You’re the expert, Arzo. And it’s your money starting up this whole thing anyway. Do what you think is right.’
He won’t meet my eyes. ‘I was thinking that Peter would be a good addition.’
I start. ‘Peter as in Sanguine Peter?’
He nods. I’ve not seen Peter since before the events that overtook me at Big Ben. Both of us were recruited as vampires at the same time. I’d wanted desperately not to complete the turning process so I could become Sanguine like Arzo. Peter hadn’t cared. Unfortunately things didn’t turn out quite the way I’d expected.
‘That’s cool. I like him.’
‘I thought that maybe…’
‘Working with two Sanguines when I’m a vampire would be too much for me?’
Arzo nods. I smile. ‘Peter didn’t have anything to do with what happened.’
‘I know. But…’
‘Thanks for checking. It’s fine though, Arzo. Ask him.’
‘I’m not sure he’ll say yes. He’s rather troubled.’
I sigh. ‘He always is.’
‘That’s why I think having something to do will help him.’
I laugh. ‘This agency is going to be full of waifs and strays. It’s better than a bunch of criminals though.’ As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I realise what I’ve said. Embarrassment overcomes me and I choke.
‘You probably shouldn’t go around advertising that fact, Bo. It’s not public knowledge.’
I stare down at my shoes. ‘Sorry,’ I mumble. I mentally kick myself.
My blushes are interrupted by a clamour from outside. There’s a screech of speeding tyres and a lot of shouting. Alarmed, I run through the lobby and out the front doors. A huge wooden cross has been shoved into one of the flowerbeds that line the edge of the property. It’s on fire, lighting up the night with stark orange flames, and it reeks of petrol. Several Montserrat vampires push past me, carrying buckets of water.
‘Fuck.’ Arzo wheels up next to me. Together, we watch the cross burn, the heat burning our skin even from this distance.
‘Maybe you should hurry along those rent negotiations,’ I mutter.
His troubled eyes blink in acknowledgment.
Chapter Thirteen: Fingertip’s Deid
I hover around the front long after the flames are doused and Arzo has disappeared. Montserrat vampires cluster together, speaking in hushed voices, and Michael emerges rigid with rage. It’s not until Beth and Nell appear that anyone talks to me. I definitely have the aura of a pariah clinging to me.
‘Smeg, Bo. Did you see who did this?’ Beth breathes, staring at the blackened cross.
I shake my head.
‘It was probably just kids,’ Nell dismisses. ‘Some kind of prank.’
‘A prank?’ Beth rounds on her. ‘It’s what the Ku Klux Klan does!’
‘The Ku Klux Klan don’t worry about getting drained of every drop of blood in their system. We catch one or two of the pricks who did this and they won’t dare come near us again.’
‘You’d kill them, Nell? Even if they’re just kids?’ I say it quietly but I’m appalled by her words. Obviously tensions are running equally high on both human and vampire sides.
‘What the hell would you know about it, Bo? It’s not as if you’re a real vampire!’ Nell strides off, joining another group and gesticulating wildly in the cross’s direction.
Beth watches me carefully. ‘Nell just feels hurt that you left. She wasn’t aware of everything that was going on with you before.’
‘If I’m not a real vampire and I’m not a real human, what am I?’
‘She didn’t mean it.’
‘I think she did.’ Pushing away my own problems, I change the subject. ‘How’s training going?’
Beth beams. ‘It’s fantastic! Every day I feel stronger. Last night, Ursus had us climbing up to the roof of the atrium. Can you believe it? The atrium!’
I don’t burst her bubble by telling her about my own rooftop adventures. She mistakes the expression on my face. ‘I mean, there’s a lot of boring PowerPoints too,’ she adds hastily. ‘You know Ursus.’
I smile reassuringly, then glance up as I sense Michael’s gaze on me. Another vampire is next to him, speaking earnestly about placing a permanent guard outside the mansion.
‘What is with you and our sexy Lord?’
‘Huh?’
‘You arrived together, Bo. You’re not making the beast with two backs, are you? Engaging with the one-eyed snake?’
‘Jeez, Beth.’ I scrunch up my face.
‘You should be careful,’ she warns. ‘You’ve broken with the Family and that’s fine, but it’ll only end in tears if you fall for him.’
‘Nothing’s going on.’
‘Yeah, right,’ she scoffs. ‘Why is he looking at you in the same way a lion looks at a juicy buffalo?’
She’s right. He’s still watching me and there is a definitely a tinge of the predator about him. ‘Because I think he’s about to come over and forbid me to go out on the streets without an armed guard.’
‘You’re not Montserrat any more. He can’t do that.’
‘Exactly.’ I change the subject. ‘I need to find Matt.’
‘Birdbrain? What do you need him for?’
‘Don’t call him that, Beth. It’s not his fault he’s the way he is.’
‘I called him that before Nicky forced that stupid spell on him. Admittedly, he’s fractionally less annoying now than he was then.’
I throw her a look and she holds up her palms in submission. ‘I think he’s in the gym. Ursus told him to work out about five hours ago. Until he’s told otherwise, he’ll still be there.’
‘Great,’ I mutter. He’ll be tired and sweaty. It’ll be like wandering around the streets with a heavy ball and chain attached to my leg. Still, I promised I’d take him with me. ‘I’m going to fetch him then he and I are going for a little jaunt.’
Her mouth drops open. ‘What? That’s not fair! I’m smegging stronger than he is. He drank blood hours after his turning. I lasted much longer.’
‘I know, Beth,’ I say softly, ‘but I can make sure he won’t go blabbing to anyone about what I’m doing.’ Before she can protest, I add, ‘Not that I don’t trust you. Of course I do. But you’re Montserrat.’
‘So’s he.’
‘Yeah, but you’re not suffering from the effects of a spell that makes you do whatever you’re told. You’re also not allowed out.’
‘Matt is?’
‘Matt’s chances of surviving as a vampire are tiny. He can’t do what you’re doing. And while you are stronger, he looks like he is.’
‘He spends five hours in the gym every day.’
‘People believe what they see. Even if what they see is a lie.’
‘I can’t believe Lord Montserrat is breaking his own laws for Matt as well as you.’
I glance at the cross. ‘Winds of change.’
‘And not necessarily good ones.’
I don’t disagree; my own situation aside, sh
e may be right. ‘Look, when I come out with Matt, I need you to do me a favour.’
‘I might not be strong enough.’
‘Beth…’
‘Fine. But only because I like you. Plus you’re short. Standing next to you makes me look like an Amazonian warrior.’
I snort. ‘It’s only thanks to your shoes.’
She grins. ‘I think Ursus secretly covets them.’
I try – and fail – to imagine the large senior vampire as a cross-dresser. We exchange a glance and giggle.
‘What do you need me to do?’
‘Just keep him busy so Matt and I can get away.’ I don’t need to specify who I’m referring to; Beth understands. I can’t deal with Michael changing his mind because of one burning cross.
‘Okay. But you’ll smegging owe me.’
‘I’ll add it to my ledger.’ I smile gratefully.
‘Bo?’
‘Yes?’
‘Be careful,’ she says. ‘You don’t want to end up as another statistic.’
I nod. ‘Thanks, Beth.’
* * *
‘This is exciting!’ Matt shouts in my ear, when we’re finally speeding away from the mansion.
‘Kidnapping is not exciting. We’re not in a movie, Matt. You need to be more serious.’
‘What?’
‘I said, you need to be more serious.’
‘Oh.’ He’s silent for a moment then yells again. ‘The financial markets are recovering well, don’t you think?’
‘Matt?’
‘Yes, Bo?’
‘Shut up.’
I accelerate out of the corner, keeping my eyes peeled for anyone who may have perpetrated the attack on the Montserrat Family. Unless I pass someone carrying a cross and a jerrycan, it’s unlikely I’ll be successful but I still try.
We finally pull up outside a dilapidated block of flats on the outskirts of the city. I park the bike then turn to Matt. ‘Whatever happens when you’re with me, you don’t tell a soul about any of it. Got that?’