Good, the Bad, and the Vampire

by Sara Humphreys

  “Hell no. They’re family and that would be downright rude. They trust me, Trixie. It wouldn’t be fair to do that to them. We can ask them about it if we have to, but like I said before—I don’t wanna get them involved in this if I have any other choice.” Dakota put his hat on and set his hands on his hips and muttered, “How the hell was I supposed to connect bank robberies and gargoyles?”

  “Don’t ask me, cowboy.” Trixie smothered a smile and lifted one shoulder. “You’re the one who’s supposed to have the inside scoop.”

  “Hardee har-har.” He tried to be annoyed with her teasing, but all he wanted to do was kiss that little grin off those lips. “Let’s just get the book and get back over to that UPS store before the gal closes up.”

  “Oh nuts,” Mary huffed. She hurried over with an apologetic look on her face. “The History of Fredricksville is out on loan. But if you’re really eager to read it, you could go online and get it if you have one of those ereaders. It’s available as an ebook.” Her shoulders sagged. “I’d like to help you more but we really are closin’. I’d stay open later, but I have to get home.”

  “It’s fine.” Dakota tipped his hat to her and took Trixie by the hand. “We have to be on our way too. ’Night.”

  “So,” Trixie said as they hurried out of the library, “do Hector and Addie have a computer we could borrow?”

  Just before they reached the UPS store, the cell phone in Dakota’s pocket started playing “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash.

  “Ha!” Trixie smirked at Dakota as he answered it. “I should’ve known.”

  “Hey, Olivia,” he said with a smile. However, as he listened, his expression darkened by the second. “I see.”

  Trixie had seen that look before. Whatever Olivia had to say, it wasn’t good.

  “Alright then,” he said, clutching the phone so tightly Trixie thought it might shatter. “We have one more lead to follow up and then—”

  Silence followed as Olivia responded, and with each passing second, the lines between Dakota’s eyes deepened. His emotions were clearly getting the better of him, all his anger bubbling to the surface.

  “That’s just fine, Olivia,” he muttered. “It looks like I’m already in a shit pile of trouble, so what’s a few more days? You can tell Zhao to keep his fangs on and that I’ll be back after I find Trixie’s granddaughter and not a minute before. And if he doesn’t like it, then he can get his moldy old ass down here to Texas and tell me himself.”

  Trixie’s hands flew to her mouth and she stared at him with wide eyes. “Holy shit,” she said, her words muffled by her fingers.

  Dakota hit the end button and shoved the phone back in his pocket, fury settling in the lines around his mouth and flashing in his eyes. She had never heard anyone talk to Olivia that way or about the emperor—ever. She probably should have been worried about what was going to happen to Dakota for that kind of insubordination, but she was too busy being proud of him.

  “I knew there was a rebel hidden under all that cowboy,” she said, trying to lighten the mood. She poked him playfully in the chest, but Dakota didn’t flinch, fury still etched into his features. “What is it?” Trixie grabbed his arm when he started to walk away, his body tense and tightly wound, like he was going into battle. “Dakota! Wait a minute. Talk to me.”

  “It was all a lie,” he bit out, striding around the corner and heading for a presumably more private spot. “Everythin’. Jonner lied about it all.”

  He moved swiftly, so fast that a human wouldn’t even see him, and Trixie matched his speed all the way to the edge of town. He finally stopped in the parking lot of an abandoned building. He paced back and forth, hands on his hips, but said nothing. Trixie wasn’t sure what to say or do.

  “Hey,” she said, her voice gentle and hesitant. She stepped in front of him and grabbed his face with both hands, instantly bringing him to a halt. “What happened?”

  “Jonner lied.” Dakota’s mouth set in a grim line and the muscles of his jaw twitched beneath her palm. “There was no top secret gargoyle task force. Emperor Zhao didn’t know anythin’ about it. Jonner made it all up. Shit. No wonder the czar in the district wasn’t read in on it. That’s why he never brought me around any of the others.

  “Don’t you get it?” he rasped. Trixie’s heart ached from the pain and regret that edged his voice. “My maker fuckin’ lied to me about all of it. There was no mission, no greater good. It was murder. Genocide, pure and simple.”

  Dakota shook his head and withdrew from Trixie’s touch. She wanted to go after him, to comfort him, but he obviously needed some distance. Could she blame him? She was the queen of needing space and time alone.

  “I don’t understand. Why would he do something like that?” Her brow furrowed. “Why would Jonner want to kill gargoyles?”

  “If the son of a bitch hadn’t gotten dusted, I’d be askin’ him that very question.” Dakota squared his shoulders and finally turned around to face her. “Zhao said we have to put the coin back wherever you found it and haul ass to New York. He told Olivia that finding the baby is not Presidium business, and from what I gather, I have some sins to answer for when we get back to the city.”

  “We can’t just leave,” Trixie said as her voice filled with panic. “She may not be Presidium business, but she sure as hell is my business. Gatlin might not even want the gold anymore, Dakota. For all we know, he’s trying to hide to protect his daughter. We have to at least find a way to let him know that we don’t want to hurt her. He probably thinks Chelsea is dead. This is my family we’re talking about.”

  “Mine too.” Dakota cradled her face in his hand. “I meant what I said to Olivia. We aren’t goin’ anywhere until we figure out where Gatlin took the baby, and as far as I can tell, that gold is our only connection to him. The Presidium may not care about the gold, but whoever trashed Gatlin’s apartment and sent those two gargoyles to the city sure does. Besides, I’m already in a heap of trouble with the emperor, so I might as well do what we need to do. I don’t think I can make it any worse.”

  Trixie jumped up and wrapped her arms around him before burying her face against his throat. She breathed in the soothing scent of sandalwood as Dakota held her tightly. She whispered into his mind, Thank you.

  The rumbling of a pickup truck cut through the night, the headlights bobbing toward them. As it approached, a now-familiar wave of nausea rippled through Trixie’s gut. She stilled in Dakota’s arms and held him tighter.

  It’s happening again. She touched his mind and kept her eyes closed, the sensation growing stronger as the vehicle got closer. There’s a gargoyle… It’s getting close.

  Stay calm, baby. Dakota reached down and quickly removed the stone dagger he had hidden in his right boot, keeping Trixie cradled against his chest. Dakota flew them over to the side of the building, still holding her firmly, and hid in the shadows before the truck reached the intersection. You’re safe. Remember what Isadora told you.

  Trixie peeled her eyes open and forced herself to shove aside the self-defeating terror. Cowering in the dark was not going to help her find Rebecca. The headlights of the old Ford pickup bobbed over the parking lot as the driver turned to the right and headed into town. There was one man in the car and he sang along loudly to some country song, his windows open, seemingly unaware he was being watched. Intermingled with the scent of exhaust was the clear and pungent, sickeningly sweet aroma of a gargoyle.

  “That wasn’t Gatlin, but it sure as hell was one of them.” Dakota slipped the dagger in the waist of his jeans and kissed the top of Trixie’s head. “What do you say we see where that fella is headed and find out if he knows our friend?”

  Chapter 15

  Trixie had never been in a country-western bar before, and if they weren’t tailing a gargoyle, she might have actually stopped to take the time to try to enjoy it. But right now, all she could see was the
gargoyle sitting at the bar. None of the humans would have any idea what he was. He looked like most of the other men in the place, casually sipping a beer while checking out the different women on the dance floor. The only thing about him that looked different was his complexion. He was downright pasty white compared to the other men’s suntanned skin. That was hardly surprising, since sunlight turned a gargoyle to stone.

  She and Dakota settled at one of the tall bar tables by the window. Before they came in, she’d taken off the necklace and secured it safely in the front pocket of her jeans. The last complication they needed was this guy getting a glimpse of the gold.

  The waitress came by and took their order, beers that they would pretend to drink while keeping an eye on their mark. Trixie didn’t miss the flirty smile the woman gave Dakota, and she tried not to let it annoy her.

  “What are we going to do?” Trixie asked, her patience waning. “Sit here all night and stare at him?”

  “Where there’s one, there’s bound to be another. We watch and wait. Tail him when he leaves.”

  “Can gargoyles sense our kind being around?” Trixie asked with a hint of nervousness. “I mean, didn’t they protect humans once? They must have some way to know if we’re in the area.”

  “The older ones did. They can live a hell of a long time and they hardly age once they reach maturity, kind of like the werewolves.” He kept his sights on the bar. “But since this one hasn’t split, he must be on the younger side and never learned how. The ones I hunted with Jonner were older and usually picked up on our presence.” Dakota smiled at the waitress as she placed the beers on the table, and Trixie didn’t miss the way the woman’s cheeks pinkened. “Thank you, ma’am.”

  “You’re welcome,” she simpered. The woman kept her eyes pinned to Dakota, completely ignoring Trixie. “Can I get you anythin’ else? Anythin’ at all?”

  A sudden surge of jealously bubbled up, taking Trixie by surprise. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt possessive about a guy. She curled her fingers around her beer with one hand and dragged it closer, while shooting Dakota the stink eye. He was flirting right back.

  “No thank you.” He winked and tipped his hat at the waitress. “But I surely will give a holler if I get an itch for anythin’ else.”

  “Alright then.” The tiny brunette giggled before hustling off with an extra swing in her hips. “The name is Carleen,” she shouted over her shoulder. “I’ll be around.”

  Trixie held the smooth, wet pint glass in her hand and shook her head while giving him a disapproving look.

  “What?” he asked innocently.

  “Shameless.” Trixie tried not to smile but she couldn’t help it. “Flirting with that poor girl and letting her think she might actually have a chance with you.”

  “I was only bein’ friendly.” He leaned back in his chair and adjusted his hat. “This isn’t the big city, darlin’. People here look each other in the eye and say hello.”

  “Right.” Trixie rolled her eyes before turning her attention back to the gargoyle at the bar. “Whatever.”

  “Are you jealous?” A twinkle glimmered in his blue eyes as they peered at her from beneath the rim of his hat. “Y’know you’ve got no reason to be…but I kinda like it.”

  “Is that so?” The band switched to a sappy slow song, and the dancers either paired up or went back to their tables. “Well, I don’t have the patience to sit around all night. How about if I see what being friendly will get us?”

  Trixie hopped off the chair and fluffed up her hair before peeling off her leather jacket. She’d worn her favorite fitted black tank top with the rhinestone skull and crossbones on the front. Underneath was the best push-up bra ever, putting her boobs front and center. At the moment, they basically defied gravity.

  When she tossed the jacket on her chair, she found Dakota glaring at her and slowly shaking his head. “What do you think you’re doin’?”

  “I’m going to ask our friend to dance and see if I can get some information while I’m at it.” Trixie blew him a kiss before heading toward the bar. You’re not jealous, are you? She touched his mind with a teasing tone and laughed. Keep your spurs on, cowboy. I’m going to see if we can avoid sitting here all night. This music is going to make me crazy.

  She wove her way through the few people lingering around the bar before slipping in next to her mark. The scent of rotten flowers was almost overpowering and her gut clenched to the point of pain, but she pushed it aside. Trixie kept repeating to herself what Isadora had told her. It was only a warning and nothing to be fearful of.

  “Hey there,” Trixie said as she sidled in beside the gargoyle. “You wanna dance?”

  “Hell yes.” His brown eyes widened as he looked her up and down. A big grin covered his face as he ran two fingers over his bushy blond mustache. “I’d love to, cutie.”

  “Great.” Trixie grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the dance floor. “Come on.”

  “What’s your name?” she asked as he clumsily tugged her against him and started moving to the music. This dude was totally not smooth. “I’m Trixie.”

  “Henry,” he said loudly. Trixie winced. Little did he know that he didn’t need to shout over the music for her to hear him. “Nice meetin’ you. I have to tell you. I never had a woman ask me to dance before.” He pulled back and nodded at her. “But then again, you aren’t from around here, are you? There’s somethin’ different about you. I can’t put my finger on it.”

  “You’re very perceptive.” Trixie gritted her teeth against his unpleasant aroma. “I’m from New York City. I’m here with my brother on vacation.”

  Your brother? Dakota’s voice slid into her mind and was edged with mild annoyance. You couldn’t at least say I was your friend?

  What’s the matter? Henry spun her around, and she caught Dakota’s eye and quickly stuck her tongue out at him. Jealous?

  Just do what you’re supposed to do and get back over here.

  Can gargoyles be glamoured?

  I never tried. I didn’t try to get to know ’em. I mostly just killed ’em. His voice was gruff and serious. You be careful. If you try and it doesn’t work, he might figure out somethin’ is up. Besides, I don’t like the way he’s pawin’ you.

  “Your brother, huh?” Henry asked as he slid his hand from her lower back to her butt. “He protective?”

  Oh, hell no. Dakota’s voice was more like a growl. That boy is gonna lose a hand.

  “You might say that.” She did her best to ignore his hand on her ass. Hell, she didn’t like it any more than Dakota did. “I really wanted to dance, and dancing with my brother seemed too pathetic. You looked like a nice guy and I kind of get the feeling you aren’t from around here either.”

  “Not exactly.” Henry let out a curt laugh.

  He was on the shorter side and only a few inches taller than she was. Based on the feel of him, he was strong but not too strong. Trixie didn’t move the guy’s hand but pulled back so she could look him in the eye.

  It was now or never.

  “Henry?” She kept her voice low as she held his stare and pushed into his mind. Trixie braced herself for a barrier but there was none, and like a knife through butter, she was in. “I have a few questions for you but you keep on dancing. Okay?”

  “Okay.” He sighed. Henry’s jaw went slack and his grip on her loosened as his feet shuffled on the dance floor. “Sure.”

  “You’re a gargoyle, aren’t you?” Trixie whispered.

  “Uh-huh.” He nodded and his glassy gaze held hers. “Sure am. I never shift when I’m up here. Too dangerous.”

  “I thought so.”

  “Don’t tell nobody I came up here.” His voice wavered with the unmistakable tremor of fear. “If they found out I came up again, I’d be in a big trouble.”

  “Up where?” Trixie’s brow furrowed a
nd confusion settled over her. “Here? This bar?”

  “No. To the surface,” he whispered. “We’re not supposed to, but I get so sick of bein’ down there. I’m tired of hidin’. But the queen demands it.”

  I think we need to take this outside. She caught Dakota’s eye and nodded toward the door.

  Done. He tossed money on the table, grabbed her jacket, and made his way out. And get his hand off your ass while you’re at it.

  “Henry, let’s go outside and take a walk in that fresh evening air.”

  The man nodded wordlessly as Trixie took his hand and led him out of the bar. He came with her willingly, as anyone would while in the glamour state, and didn’t say anything as they went along the side of the building. She made sure no one was around before pulling him around the corner. Dakota was out there waiting for them, hidden in the shadows of the narrow alley.

  As gently as possible, Trixie held Henry against the wall and pushed deeper into his mind while Dakota stood guard.

  “Do you know a man named Gatlin Dorsett?”

  “No,” he said gruffly. Henry shook his head adamantly. “No. He’s no good.”

  She and Dakota exchanged a concerned look.

  “But you know who he is?”

  “I’d spit on him if I ever saw him.” Henry frowned, the lines between his eyes deepening. “He and Franklin were traitors.”

  “Traitors?”

  “They killed the royal family. Alana was the only one left. The queen will be so mad if she finds out I came up here again.” He grew more agitated and whimpered. “They took the gold and ruined it for everyone. We’re in hiding. They were hunting us all down. Had no choice.”

  “Who was hunting you?” Trixie asked quietly. She could feel the tension rippling off Dakota’s tall frame because they both knew the likely answer. “It’s okay, Henry. You’re safe. No one is going to hurt you and I won’t tell on you. I promise. Tell me…who was hunting you?”