by Kate Hill
“Dulcie,” he murmured against her neck, as he caught his breath, “remember whatever happens in our lives, I’ll always love you.”
“I know,” she whispered. “I know.”
* * * * *
For the next two weeks, Matthew made careful preparations. To ensure that every detail was hidden from Dulcie, he diligently practiced the magic of mind manipulation. Though he hated resorting to those strange powers he’d vowed never to rely upon, he wanted to be certain that Dulcie knew nothing of his plans. Such knowledge would not only be dangerous to Matthew and the Original but also to Dulcie herself. Her safety was most important to him. No one, not Jay or the Network, could harm her for knowledge she didn’t possess, nor would they bother attempting to get to him through her if they knew she had no idea of his whereabouts.
Matthew realized he needed to disappear, but for how long he wasn’t sure. The idea of leaving Dulcie and his family sickened him. Though plagued by how his actions might affect his loved ones, he was tormented by the guilt of what could happen to the Original if he didn’t act soon.
At five o’clock Friday morning, Matthew worked out with Dulcie and shared a shower and breakfast with her. The scene was familiar, but every expression, every touch, imprinted on his memory. He worked a silent spell to shield his thoughts, shocked that it worked. She usually picked up his feelings with frustrating ease. Part of him wanted to tell her everything, but secrecy was crucial.
He dressed carefully, unable to look at himself in the mirror. When he kissed Dulcie goodbye at the front door, he held her so close that their hearts seemed to beat in unison. His mouth devoured hers, his tongue tracing the delicate shape of her lips, exploring well-loved territory.
“Wow.” She smiled up at him, leaning against his chest. “I can’t wait for you to get home.”
In reply, he took her face in his hands and kissed her again. Then he left, waving as he pulled out of the driveway. Inside, his heart shattered.
* * * * *
Matthew worked in his lab for several hours, raising no suspicion among his co-workers. He waited until midday when almost all the hybrids had left for home.
Slipping on plastic gloves, he stepped into the hallway. On the tenth floor, he pulled the fire alarm, then took the elevator to the eleventh floor. He watched from the supply closet until the last of the lab workers raced down the stairs, then he approached the door.
“Winter, Matthew Peter.”
Cleared.
Matthew pushed open the door and repeated the same procedure at the door to the Original’s room. As he suspected, everyone had left the child to be consumed by flames, and in doing so had proved something else. Jay owned mortal police, firefighters and heaven knew who else. By feeling secure enough to leave the Original when they knew mortals would enter the building meant Jay was paying well for cover-ups.
Fury knotted Matthew’s stomach as it finally dawned on him who had begun the rumors about him and Fretis Company.
Jay’s going to regret the day he ever heard my name. But later. Right now there’s too much to do.
The Original, its small, pale body shivering, screamed and hissed upon seeing Matthew. The sound of the alarm hurt Matthew’s ears, so he imagined the Original was even more sensitive to noise.
With a blow dart, such as a vet would use on a large, wild animal, Matthew anesthetized the child. Only Jay had a key to the cage, so Matthew had brought wire cutters. Even with his Immaculate strength, the cage was almost impenetrable. By the time he’d cut away enough of the bars, his hands ached and he panted slightly, though more from anxiety than physical exertion. He lifted the unconscious child, shoved him in an oversize cotton laundry bag and flung him over his shoulder. Matthew took the stairs to the roof. To him, it was a short jump to the next building. Luckily, no one looked up from the street. On the roof of the second building, he’d hidden a change of clothes—an outfit he’d worn when he and his brother once had to mingle in a rough part of Madrid. He would have thrown the stupid-looking outfit away, but Dulcie had liked it. So he’d kept it to wear sometimes during their love-play.
He quickly removed his suit, tie and shoes and dragged on jeans that hugged his long, muscled legs. A sleeveless blue T-shirt followed. He fixed a faded blue and white bandana over his head so the ties dangled at his neck and hurriedly laced up black military-style boots. Shoving his suit into the laundry bag along with the child, he slung it over his shoulder, then climbed down the fire escape and walked to the street. He passed the crowd gathered around the lab as fire engines slammed to a stop by the sidewalk.
Two blocks away, Matthew slipped into a car he’d rented under an assumed name and drove off, his heart pounding. He’d seen a lot of crazy things, had been responsible for life and death, but never had he directly broken a law. Now he’d not only gone against the Network’s decision, but he was certain Jay would have the mortal police after him as well.
How would he hide this wild boy and disguise himself until he could undo the damage Jay had caused?
First he’d need a place to restrain the Original when he woke. He’d already arranged for that—at least for today.
* * * * *
Matthew kept the Original unconscious until evening. He discarded the car. Even though he hadn’t given his real name, he could be traced if the clerk at the rental company recognized his face from news reports. The story broke quickly, but he’d expected no less from Jay. By evening, he heard the report as he passed by a newsstand at the train station where he and his “laundry bag” had waited out the day.
“Dr. Matthew Winter is quickly becoming known as the black cloud of Boston. Controversy surrounds this hematologist, once known as the most brilliant in his field. He was recently accused of approving a dangerous drug from Fretis Company, with whom he allegedly has significant investments. Investigations are still under way concerning the situation with Fretis Company, but this afternoon Matthew Winter sabotaged the research center where he has recently been employed. He destroyed equipment, stole important files and murdered several employees.”
Matthew momentarily stopped breathing. Murdered! Now Jay had killed people and blamed their deaths on Matthew. There was no mention of the Original. How could Jay acknowledge the child without exposing himself?
A photo of Matthew suddenly filled the screen, and the reporter continued, “Matthew Winter is thirty-eight years old, but looks in his late twenties to early thirties. He is six feet, four inches tall and approximately two hundred thirty pounds. He has black hair, dark blue eyes, and is clean-shaven. He likes to dress in expensive, professional clothing and has scars on both palms—”
Damn! Matthew looked down at the white scars on his hands. He’d sustained the marks when the First Father had trapped him in a cage of platinum-dipped steel barbs. Platinum was the only substance that caused long-term damage—often death—in a vampire. Matthew’s hands had been badly torn when he’d freed himself from the prison.
“Matthew Winter has martial arts experience, is armed and extremely dangerous,” the reporter continued. “If you see him, call the police immediately. Do not approach him. And now for the weather.”
* * * * *
Dulcie sat in the living room of Matthew’s parents’ house, feeling too upset to cry. Julie sobbed enough for both of them. Lisa did her best to console her mother and her own crying infant while Buck paced the room, ranting furiously. Dulcie knew his display of temper was his way of expressing his deep concern for Matthew.
“I can’t believe this!” Buck bellowed. “Matthew has never done anything wrong in his life! He’s always tried to be perfect, for Pete’s sake! This is bullshit! All of it!”
“Oh my God. Oh my God,” Julie said.
“Dulcie, he never mentioned anything to you?” Lisa asked.
Dulcie shook her head. Matthew’s family didn’t even know he was a vampire, let alone his involvement with Jay and the Original. “All I can tell you is whatever has been said about Matthew, the
re’s more than one side.”
“I’m sure of it!” Buck growled. “Murder! Matthew could never kill anything! He saves lives, damn it!”
Dulcie drew a long breath, knowing Buck’s words were basically true, but remembering how savagely Matthew had slain her cousin so many years ago. When faced with injustice, when pushed to his limits, Matthew, like all vampires, acted on his nature. Though he possessed many human traits, he had the blood and soul of an Immaculate. It wouldn’t surprise her if he had killed hybrid members of Jay’s staff, but where was he? She was concerned for his life. Whatever happened at the center earlier that day, Matthew could be dead. She detested Jay and wouldn’t put anything past him. She also knew Matthew wouldn’t abide by the Network’s decision regarding the Original. Whatever happened at the center had involved the First Father’s child.
Suddenly the doorbell rang.
“Who the hell is that?” Buck fumed.
Dulcie recognized the scent and jumped to her feet. “I’ll get it.”
She hurried to the front door. Jocelyn, looking as slender and severe as always, stood, his hands folded and his fine lips set in a grim line.
Dulcie swallowed tears. “Jocelyn.”
“I know.” He touched a hesitant hand to her shoulder.
“What did he tell you? Where is he?” she pleaded.
“I’m afraid I don’t know. He merely asked me to come here and place the Entry Spell on his young nephew.”
The Entry Spell could be placed on any infant child. If performed correctly, no vampire could enter the room of the child without permission from the child himself.
“Come in,” Dulcie said.
Matthew’s family had met Jocelyn several times, but Dulcie knew they found the pale blond college professor strange. Jocelyn’s remote personality caused discomfort in many.
“I’ve come to let you know Charlie and I offer our support in any way possible through this difficult time,” Jocelyn said to the family. “Anything we can do—”
Buck’s temper faded a bit. “Thanks, but there’s nothing anyone can do. This isn’t like Matthew.”
Dulcie walked to Lisa and offered to take the squalling baby, her stomach twisting with anxiety. She and babies just didn’t mix. No matter how she tried, she couldn’t seem to gather the maternal instinct that apparently came so easily to most other women.
“I’ll take him for a minute,” she said.
“Thank you.” Lisa sighed, glad she could focus her attention on Julie.
“I’ll see you out, Jocelyn,” Dulcie said. Together, she and the professor walked to the front door. “Do it fast, will you? Don’t kids ever shut up?”
“Here.” Jocelyn took the baby easily, accustomed to his own children. He used one hand to remove a stick of incense from his pocket. “Light that. This will take but a moment.”
Dulcie did as he asked and watched as he spoke a few random words over the baby.
“I need a drop of vampire blood,” Jocelyn told Dulcie. “It seals the spell.”
Dulcie unsheathed her incisors, pricked her finger on one of the sharp tips and watched the drop of dark red blood bead on her skin.
“Drop it on his forehead,” Jocelyn ordered.
She did as he asked.
Jocelyn whispered words, then wiped the blood from the baby’s forehead. “The incense must finish burning. I’ll wait around the side of the house until it burns down. Please try to make sure I’m not discovered.”
“Of course.” Dulcie took the baby back from Jocelyn. “Will I be able to take him in the house now that the spell is on?”
“Yes. You’re carrying him, so you’ll be fine. Also, if he enters a room with a vampire in it, the spell won’t work. It’s only so a vampire cannot enter a room where he already is.”
“Thank you very much.”
“I meant it when I said if there’s anything Charlie or I can do, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“I’d tell you what’s going on, but I don’t understand the whole situation myself.”
Jocelyn held up his hand. “Somehow I feel it’s better we don’t know. Obviously Matthew thought it safer for us not to.”
“Yes,” Dulcie whispered. “I only hope Matthew is safe.”
Chapter Thirteen
“Sir, I have to ask you to leave or I’ll call security,” Nancy said in a stern voice.
“Please listen to me. I badly need your help.”
“God!” Nancy’s hands flew to her mouth and her heart raced.
“Matthew?”
“Don’t be afraid. I know what you’ve been hearing on the news.”
“What the hell is going on?”
“Nancy, you’re the only one I can trust right now. My life is literally in your hands.”
She approached, her wide eyes sweeping from Matthew’s bandana-covered head to his booted feet. His appearance must have shocked her. She truly hadn’t recognized him at first, and that was good. If a friend hadn’t known him, then most likely no one else would identify him.
It was evening, and except for Nancy, the lab was deserted. He’d taken a chance that she’d be working extra hours.
“I’m going to show you something quite unbelievable,” he said.
“What?”
“I need you to get me to an observation room. I have someone who must be restrained.”
“Did you kill anyone, Matthew?” Nancy asked in her usual point-blank manner. Squinting at him, she rested her hands on her plump hips.
“No, I didn’t kill anyone today,” he stated. At least that much was true. “Let me sum this up quickly. Jay Ashford is powerful and has many connections. In his private lab at his research center, he performs unethical experiments. He’s been holding a child there.”
“A child—”
“This isn’t an ordinary child. He’s been raised like an animal. That’s why I need the observation room, to restrain him after he wakes up.”
“After who wakes up? Jay?”
“No! The child. I took the child from the lab today.”
“But the news said—”
“Only what Jay fed to the police. He owns the police. He’s a monster, Nancy. I can’t stay here long and endanger you as well. I just need your help for tonight. Then all you have to do is pretend you never saw me.”
“Matthew, you’re a friend, but I don’t know what you’re into. I don’t want to know.”
“Please! This is important.”
She flinched, her fear permeating the room.
“All right,” she said quietly. “Follow me.”
* * * * *
“This is absolutely unbelievable,” Nancy said after seeing the Original. “He looks human, but his vital signs, his blood…everything is so different. He’s extremely powerful for such a little thing.”
“Wait until he wakes up.” Matthew shook his head as he knelt and clothed the unconscious child while Nancy watched.
“Matthew, you really should have gone to the police.”
“They wouldn’t have helped. There are so many complications, more than I can explain without putting you in danger. If I hadn’t been desperate, I wouldn’t have come here at all.”
Nancy’s gaze lingered on his arms and chest in the clinging, sleeveless T-shirt.
“I really don’t believe all this. It doesn’t even look like you, Matthew.”
“Yes, well, you know what they say about clothes making the man.”
“You know I’m not coming on to you. We’ve been friends for years and I’ve got a girlfriend at home, but I have to say this. You have some major biceps. I never would have guessed that under all those designer suits you were this jacked.”
Matthew snorted. “I am not jacked.”
“Then I suggest you make an appointment with an optometrist because you need glasses.” She shook her head. “Matthew, what do you plan on doing with this kid? He needs professional help.”
“As I said, there are complications, but trust that he’s better
off with me than with Jay.”
“I don’t doubt it, but you’re going to have to explain more.”
“I told you—”
“Matthew, I’m putting my ass on the line for you. Who—or what—is this boy?”
Matthew sighed. “You’ll think I’m crazy.”
“I already do.”
“He’s an alien.”
Nancy’s jaw dropped. “Oh, God. I knew you were too brilliant. All geniuses are insane, right?”
“Nancy, you’ve examined him yourself. Is he human?”
“No, but—”
“What do you think he is?”
She pressed a hand to her temples. “This is too much. An alien. What planet? Mars?”
“I don’t know.”
“Matthew, listen to me.” Nancy stooped beside him and touched his shoulder. He smelled her fear and credited her with not fleeing to the police. “You’re not well. Let me get you help.”
“He’s of another race, Nancy.”
Her eyes shone with sorrow. “Oh, Matthew—”
“And I can prove it.”
“How?”
He drew a deep breath. “Because I’m of the same race.”
Swallowing hard, she edged toward the door. “Matthew, you need help. Let me at least call Dulcie.”
“No!” He leapt up, holding the door shut as she struggled to open it.
“Let me out right now!”
“Nancy, you’ve known me for years. Do you really think I could hurt you? Look at me.”
She stared into his eyes. “I want to believe you. How can you prove this?”