by Casey Knight
“Corbin, you can’t be serious. Do you need a transfusion? Low blood sugar is a treatable condition. There is no way I can sail this boat by myself.”
“Calm down Hans can handle things until I can send help. I can reach my father very quickly and send someone back to help sail the boat until I return. In the meantime, I’ll take down the sails and throw out the aft anchor. You and Hans won’t move much and there isn’t anything out here.”
“What if the whale or whatever it was comes back? I don’t want to end up like Jonah.”
“You won’t, I’ll get someone out here before the White whale gets you or Hans needs relief.”
“You had better because I will get even, if I have to drag myself out of the proverbial belly of the whale. When you get to L.A. the only fashion you will see is J.C. Penny’s.” That was a low blow. I could swear my vampire got visibly paler.
“You wouldn’t,” he said, just before a loud pop transformed him into a small bat. He flew from sight and was gone.
“Couldn’t you have transformed into a jet damn it?”
I stomped around the boat’s perimeter for what seemed like hours checking to make sure that there were no supernaturals in the area. Hans and I watched and fortunately we saw no half row boats or draugs. The boat was swinging in a tight arc but it didn’t look like it was going anywhere. Tokem took to the air every half hour or so to make sure there was nothing heading our way. I was starting to imagine all the terrible ways I would torture Corbin when a pop near the boats stern made me jump.
“Lauren, my name is Lars and Corbin sent me to handle the boat until he returns.”
“Lars, thank you for your help, do you know if Corbin found anything out?”
“I don’t know Lauren, he sent me straight away. He was headed into a meeting with his father when I left. I am sorry but, I can’t tell you anything.”
With that he turned and began checking out the boat. I introduced him to Hans and together they pulled up the anchors and set the sails. Corbin would need to use glamour to erase Hans’ memories but for now there was no need. We were circling in a large circular pattern. I decide to try to contact Traygen and see if I could narrow our search area. After Lars went around our loop several times, I started to notice where the signal seemed to get stronger and he marked those spots on a map. At least I felt like I was doing something to find Traygen. The day dragged on until the sun finally set and still Corbin hadn’t returned. I ate dinner and settled in to try and get some sleep. It took me several hours to quiet mind enough to fall asleep. The sun woke me sometime later. It must still be morning because it wasn’t directly overhead. I looked around and saw Hans working the riggings and Lars at the helm. Tokem was nowhere to be found. I stumbled down to make myself some coffee, before I joined the guys up on deck.
“Hans or Lars would you like me to take the helm for a while.”
“Lauren, if you would that would be a big help. I need to stretch and check the sails. Hans grab some food and then we’ll swap.”
He handed me the wheel and went below deck. Hans was working with the sails when Tokem flew in and landed on my shoulder.
“About time you got up. We have been working ourselves to the bone and you sleep like a baby.”
I glared at him and said nothing.
“Not that you asked but, I have been up two times this morning and I haven’t found anything out of the ordinary. If anything, I think it is a little too quiet.”
Lars came back and took the wheel. Hans went below to get some food and I sent my senses out to look for Traygen. His signal was strong here and when we marked it on the map it was the same place we had marked yesterday. I felt a small ray of hope over this and decided to see if there were any other marks that were the same. I told Lars what I wanted and he turned the boat toward a former mark that had also come back with a strong signal. Again I got a strong response in the exact same area. We continued the process until we got three strong signals in a roughly triangular area. Then we started to fine tune looking for whatever place would yield the strongest signal. We worked on through most of the afternoon in this fashion. It finally paid off. We were able to find an area about a half mile square that gave us the strongest signal. I was exhausted and starting to worry about what was keeping Corbin. He had been gone twenty-four hours now. Where was he? Had his father not known anything or had he been unwilling to help?
“Lauren, relax. You know Corbin won’t let us down. For a vamp...he is a good guy. Are we going to add him to our trio once we all get back to L.A.?”
“If he wants to join us then that would make you guy’s, two and half men.” I chuckled to myself.
“Very funny and I’ll have you know I’ve never had a complaint.”
“He would be honored.”
I yelped. “Damn it Corbin, I told you not to sneak up on me.”
“I told you to put some bells on him. What took you so long bat boy.”
“Lars, thank you for all your help, it’s appreciated. I can take it from here.”
“Lars, I am grateful for all your help. I would have sunk us by now.”
“You are welcome. I am glad I could be of service.”
Once Lars vanished I began to pepper Corbin with questions.
“Does your father know anything about any activity in the area or the Nargon? Can he help us?”
“Yes on all three counts. If you’ll stop interrogating me, I’ll fill you in. He had to ask around to find out there has been a lot of activity between the vampires, the fae and the Nargon. He thinks they are trying to hammer out a trade agreement for smuggling drugs and all manner of illegal action through Traygen’s kingdom into Europe. Traygen’s father the King of Carndonagh does not allow any illegal trading across his kingdom. The traders can go around the kingdom but, it cuts into their profit margin.”
“So how do we get invited to the meeting?”
“You don’t and Lauren, let me finish. My father is sending me in as one of the delegates. You will be accompanying me as my donor.”
“You’re what?”
“We are allowed to bring human donors to supplement our nutritional needs.”
“I will not be your meals on wheels or heels for that matter.”
“No, you won’t. However, no one but us will know that. It is the only way to explain your presence in our vampire delegation. Once we get into the city you will stay in the room.”
“The hell I will.”
“Exactly, but they do not need to know that either. You will be snooping around and if they do spot you, you will have a reason for being there. You can give them your best ‘helpless babe’ imitation. You know bat your eyes and look confused.”
“Did you just call me babe? The only ding bat around here is you or at least you will be after I am through with you.”
“Lauren, you know he’s right. Put your big girl pants on and let’s go get Traygen.”
I glared at Tokem but, I knew they were correct.
“How will we be getting to the underwater city?”
“My father is sending a sub which should arrive around sunrise. He will take Hans with him and wipe his memories. You get some rest and I’ll keep watch. And Lauren, I am having my father send proper attire for us both. We can’t attend the meetings in our combat fatigues.”
I nodded and then turned to crawl under my blankets. I didn’t think I could sleep but, I apparently did at some point. First, I sent my senses out to track Traygen. Finding a strong signal, I drifted off to sleep confident for the first time in over a month I would find Traygen sooner rather than later.
Chapter Twenty-two
The man paced restlessly around the hospital room. Finally, the nurse stuck her head in to ask how he was doing.
“I am fine. Can you tell me what is going on and why I am locked in my room?”
“I am sorry about that, but there was an accident yesterday and until they find out what caused it you will be confined to your room. Your meals wi
ll be provided at the usual time.”
She checked his vital signs and then left without another sound. Apparently, the only way he was going to find out anything was to continue his nocturnal searches. The day wore on and he wracked his brain trying to remember anything about who he was or how he had gotten here. He still couldn’t remember anything. He turned his attention to figuring out what was going on in this place and if it had anything to do with him. He ate his dinner and then dozed for a few hours. By the time he got up and dressed it was quiet outside his room. Then he made his way back up into the shaft and up to the top floor. He inched along being sure not to make any noise that would give him away.
He had almost decided he’d waited too long and everyone was asleep when he heard noise below him. He strained his ears to identify the source of the noise. Maybe he’d been mistaken but, no there it was again. It sounded like someone was on a computer. Yes, it was a keyboard. The sound continued for another ten minutes or so when there was a knock on the door.
“Come in”
“General, forensics thinks the sub either hit a mine or it was fired on by another sub. There were ten men killed and of course the cargo was a total loss.”
“Have the vampires been notified?”
“Yes and as you can imagine, they aren’t happy. They want answers. I think they suspect we are trying to cheat them. Did the sonar pick up anything unusual before we were attacked?”
“No, the sonar doesn’t show anything, leading me to believe it was an aerial attack. We will show them the sub when they arrive. How are preparations for the summit coming? Has security and all patrols been increased.”
“Yes, I think seeing what is left of the sub should convince them. Unless, they believe the cargo was never on board. As for the conference everything is going according to plan. The fae and their entourage will arrive first and then the vampires. We have doubled our security, ordered the bomb sniffing dogs to be deployed every thirty minutes and we have increased the number of dragons in the water. We are ready for whatever comes our way.”
“We better be. I am holding you personally responsible. You can go.”
“Yes, sir.”
Dragons, vampires and fae I would prefer lions, tigers, and bears. What in the hell were these people up to. And how did they have access to sonar and deep water subs. He wasn’t sure but, it was time to get back to his room before someone checked on him. He would have time to ponder all this once he got back to his room.
Chapter Twenty-three
“Rise and shine sleepy head. The sub will be here before too long.”
“Tokem, you are only alive because I can’t reach you.”
“In your dreams, ‘I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee’.”
“In your delusions, now get out of here and let me get dressed.”
Before I could get up I heard a commotion from above. I threw some clothes on and went to check it out. Yes, our sub had arrived and there were several vampires coming on board. They were carrying some clothes for me and Corbin. I let a low whistle of appreciation out when I got a look at the gowns. Damn these vampires knew how to dress. I saw a Versace and a Dior.
“Corbin, don’t even consider it. Those gowns are mine bat boy.”
“Yes, and now you are officially my vamp-diva. And for the record, I am not a transvestite. So, your bling and gowns are safe from me. It isn’t my style. I prefer the gay models.”
“If you two are finished we need to sashay our asses onto the sub.” Tokem quipped.
I blew Tokem a kiss and flipped it toward him. Then I hurried below and gathered up my things, while Crobin ensnared Hans. Then he had his father take Hans onboard. They would release him after they wiped his memories. Below decks, I put on a dress and threw on my make-up. I mean I couldn’t just show up on Corbin’s arm in my fatigues. By the time I got back above deck, I found Corbin dressed in a charcoal gray Nicolette wool cashmere suit. He looked stunning.
“Lauren, pick your chin up and gets your ass on board.” Tokem squawked.
“Corbin you look darkly sinister and brooding. You could give Barnabas a run for his money.”
“I am the only son of the Black Court Prince. If I am to have you glide at my side, I needed to dress the part, which I’ve done my whole life. Dark Shadows has nothing on me. Shall we?”
He winked, took my arm and led me onto the sub. Damned, these vampires really didn’t mess around. This was a high tech sub. It looked like something the cartel would use to smuggle drugs and I honestly didn’t care what the vampires used it for. I needed to get to the bottom of the ocean to look for Traygen and I would happily look the other way. This time anyway. We moved aft and I could hear the hatch close and seal. Corbin motioned me forward until we found a row of bench seats and strapped ourselves in. It was strangely quiet and I almost wished there was a window.
Corbin leaned in to whisper something to me, “Lauren we are to act as part of the visiting delegation. The real delegates are here and will do all the talking. We need to keep our mouths closed and our eyes open. You will need to look and act like my consort. When you get down there check to see if you can find Traygen. Tokem will also be looking. Once we find him, we will need to smuggle him aboard.”
“Got it. I’ll stick to you. I just hope no one down there recognizes me. I’ve made a few enemies.”
“Ya think? Keep your head turned into my neck or your eyes down. I don’t think people will pay too much attention to us with all the delegates arriving around the same time. And Lauren, do not wonder off. Security is very high and they will likely shoot first and ask questions later.”
I nodded I understood and then I tried searching for Traygen. There were too many electronics and I was starting to feel slightly claustrophobic. I closed my eyes and tried breathing deeply. I was able to relax a little and I may have dozed. Then I felt Corbin shaking my shoulder.
“Lauren, very Ladylike you nearly drooled on your new dress.” Tokem teased.
Tokem wisely flew up and out of my way. “Tokem, you are going to make someone a nice feather duster.”
“We are docking, so Tokem, it’s time for you to play ‘hide and sneak out’ after the sub empties. Lauren, our party will be introduced. I will be announced as Prince Aran. This is my father’s sir’s name. You will be introduced as the Duchess Aran. We are up.”
I followed Corbin up and out of the sub which was docked in a vast underwater cavern. I swear once I found Traygen he was going to owe me big time. I mean all this underwater stuff was above and beyond. He knows how much I hate water when I can’t see the bottom. We were moving to a vast desert or to a rain forest, anywhere but underwater. Before I could ponder the depths of my phobia, for being under water, we were walking up the gang plank. There was a small delegation awaiting us at the top. Our party was announced and I kept my head down when we were introduced. We were then taken immediately to our quarters. I looked around as much as possible without seeming too interested. From the conversation between the head of the vampire delegation and our escort it seems the city was on high alert. One of their subs had been attacked and they still didn’t know who attacked it. Bored with the conversation, I sent out my senses in search of Traygen. I got an almost immediate response. Tears welled up in my eyes and threatened to roll down my cheeks. I turned my head into Corbin’s shoulder and let them fall. Once we were safely in our room, Corbin turned to me with a concerned expression on his face.
He mimed the room was likely bugged. So, I hunted around the room until I found a pen and paper. I told him I strongly felt Traygen’s presence. He nodded and then gave me a gentle hug. He took the paper from me and wrote something before handing it back to me. His note said we had to attend a reception and dinner and then we would find Traygen. He added we needed to share some banal conversation for the listening walls. I gushed over the dresses and what I would wear. Corbin rolled his eyes and then started to unpack his things. I’ll say this much for him he was a snappy dress
er. He was going to love West Hollywood. He pulled out an Armani Collezioni tuxedo and a pair of black Bontoni dress shoes. I let out a low whistle and he smiled. He was elegant, flashy and definitely in his element.
By the time we got dressed it was time to meet the other quests for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. I hadn’t seen Tokem but, I didn’t think it likely until we returned to our rooms. So we mingled and I admired all the beautiful gowns. This place looked like the Red Carpet on Oscar Sunday. Who knew crime paid so well? Luck was with me so far. I didn’t recognize anyone. Once we were seated and dinner was served I relaxed a little. Corbin was on one side of me and one of the vampires from his party was on my other side. My vamp buddies were all sipping blood and the rest of us were served smoked salmon, chicken pot pie with shaved black truffles, lobster tacos with tomato and pickled shallots, and beet salad with pistachio butter, burrata and citrus balsamic. Traygen honey, you can wait a little longer my love. After weeks of hard tack, I was going to seriously indulge.
As I rolled away from the table I caught sight of Tokem hovering up near the chandelier. I knew he would follow us back up to our room. Corbin took my arm and we said our goodbyes. It looked like everyone was turning in early. We were all in a food coma. Once we got to our room we motioned for Tokem to write out what he found. He told us one of the Nargons cargo subs was attacked and they didn’t know who did it. The place was on high alert and the area was crawling with guards. He didn’t find Traygen among the prisoners being held in the dungeons. He hadn’t searched the entire structure. He was waiting for everyone to settle in so, he would only need to evade the guards.
Corbin changed into his bat form and he and Tokem left to scout out the area. I was not happy about staying behind but, it made sense. I decided to try to send my mind out to make contact with Traygen’s. Traygen and I have used telepathy in the field. I hoped it would work here and I settled myself. Then I concentrated on sending my thoughts through a slender tube directly to Traygen. I focused on how much I loved him and sent him wave after wave of love.