Kathy nodded.
Vendetta opened one of the hand-carved doors and stepped aside for Bunny to enter.
Kathy followed her into the cavernous entry hall. Light came from rounded windows and a massive gilt chandelier. A wide staircase to their right ascended behind posts and bannisters of dark wood. To her left, an elderly lady in a high collar blouse leaned over her desk to inspect the visitors through pince-nez glasses. She wasn’t the only curious party. Behind her, at the arched entrance to a corridor, a security guard watched from the shadows.
“Good afternoon,” said the receptionist. “Welcome to Leet and Lucre. I’m Mrs. Thrace, housemother emeritus. Are you here for graduation weekend?”
Kathy approached her with the respectful smile and wide-eyed innocent expression she’d perfected in facing boarding school disciplinarians.
“No ma’am. I’m Kathy Buffett-Vendetta. My family and I have an appointment with the Director of Admissions.”
Mrs. Thrace bent over a written schedule on her desk. She had an antique ivory comb in her silver hair. “Yes. Here you are.” She placed one arthritic hand on a large black book lying open; with the other, she picked up the telephone. “If you’ll all please sign our guest register, I’ll notify Miss Flowers that you’re here.”
Kathy signed her fictitious name and then passed the pen to Vendetta. He’d use his real name, but the rest of them were stuck with the surname of Buffett-Vendetta. She smiled as Bunny signed in. The vampire found it difficult enough to accept being called “Mom,” much less to put up with Vendetta tweaking her as “Barbara, il mio amore.”
“Soo is a pretty name, but quite unusual, isn’t it?” Mrs. Thrace looked up from the signature to the girl she questioned.
Soo bowed her head as if shy. “Not in Korea.”
She’s keeping her fangs out of sight. “My sister was adopted when she was nine,” said Kathy.
Mrs. Thrace rewarded Soo with a smile. “How lucky for you, not only to go live in a clean place like Omaha, but in the family of one of the richest men in the world.” She pressed a button, waited a few seconds and said, “the Buffett-Vendettas are here.”
“Mom’s only his great-niece,” said Kathy. “It’s not like we ever lived with him.”
Bunny sniffed and looked to the corridor. A second later, the other two vampires did as well. Mrs. Thrace cocked her head at them.
“Allergies,” said Kathy.
“Welcome Buffett-Vendettas. I’m so sorry to keep you waiting.” The chirpy voice from the corridor drew Kathy’s attention toward the young woman who was coming toward them with a radiant smile and an air of self-assurance. “I’m Carmela Flowers.”
Kathy’s eyes widened. No wonder girls want to come here, she thought. Miss Flowers had an inviting smile, café-au-lait skin and smoky eyes with long lashes. Her black hair was parted in the center and styled in a sleek bob. She wore a brown tweed suit with the collar open to reveal a necklace of braided gold.
Flowers extended her hand to Bunny. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Buffett-Vendetta.”
“Charmed.” Bunny squeezed the word through tight lips and shook the woman’s hand.
Flowers moved on to Vendetta. “And welcome to you, sir.”
Taking her hand, the hit man bowed and kissed the air just above it. “Count Giuseppe Vendetta, at your service, Signorina,” he said before straightening.
“And which of you lovely girls is Kathy?”
“I’m Kathy. This is my sister, Soo.”
“What a lovely family. Please come with me and I’ll tell you a bit about our school before showing you around. Isn’t this old building magnificent?”
“Charming,” Bunny muttered.
Kathy moved forward to stay abreast of Miss Flowers as she led them down the corridor past a series of closed doors. Can we get away with this act? If not, does Bunny have another plan V? “We’ve read about the school on the website,” she said, “and we were really impressed by what it offers. Would it be possible for Soo and I to be shown around by a student? A girl we met outside said either Tanya or Rose would be good guides.”
Miss Flowers looked sharply at Kathy. “Which girl?”
Did I mess it up already? “I didn’t get her name. I’m sorry. Is there something wrong with the girl’s suggestion?”
“Not at all. It’s just that Rose is, uh, indisposed today. I’m sure I can find someone else.”
“Does indisposed mean the same as that other word?” asked Soo from behind them.
Miss Flowers glanced over her shoulder. “What other word?”
“Mugged,” said Kathy. “We heard what happened. That girl outside said that everyone’s talking about it. Mom was ready to turn around and leave.” Kathy leaned in toward Flowers and lowered her voice to deliver the rehearsed line. “Mom said neither she nor her great-uncle would give a dime to a school that sanctioned violence against women.”
Miss Flowers stopped abruptly. “We don’t sanction violence against anyone. Yesterday’s incident was unfortunate and unprecedented. That sort of thing doesn’t happen at Leet and Lucre. We take every measure to keep our girls safe. As a matter of fact, we’ve brought in extra security people since yesterday. Not only because of what happened. Graduation weekend starts tomorrow, and we’re determined to have everything run smoothly.”
Vendetta looked away. “Admirable. But I only saw one guard back there.”
“You’re not supposed to see them, but right now, they’re monitoring us and the other buildings on campus by means of a video surveillance system. Why don’t we move into my office where we can talk more comfortably. I assure you, there are no cameras there.”
“Lead on, Signorina.” Vendetta gestured her forward. Keeping his head bowed, he stayed a step behind her. “It’s very thoughtful of you to provide privacy for your young applicants. It’s hard enough to be interviewed for admission to such an elite school. Girls would freeze up if they knew they were also being appraised by men watching from the next office.”
“Oh, they’re certainly not in the next office. We’ve given them a basement room in each of the buildings so they’re out of sight but never that far from the students.”
“Good idea,” said Vendetta.
They must be watching us now. Kathy bit her lip.
Bunny sniffed and put her lace hankie up to her nose. “Personally, I hunger for privacy,” she said from behind it. “Paparazzi always wanted – they still want — pictures of the Buffett family. Ever since childhood, I’ve tried to avoid photos. Being rich shouldn’t require you to give up your privacy.”
“Certainly not.” Miss Flowers stopped at a solid wooden door marked Admissions Office in gold letters. “Well, here we are. I’ll give you a bit of background information and then we’ll go on tour.” She opened the door and motioned for them to enter.
Kathy paused in the doorway. “With a student?”
“I’ll try to get Tanya. The seniors no longer have classes, so she’ll be free. But right before graduation, I’m not sure she’ll be willing to do it.”
“Perhaps you can explain to her who my uncle, the Wizard of Omaha, is,” said Bunny, “and that if Kathy comes here, our family will make a substantial bequest to the school. Tell Tanya we’d all be very grateful for the favor.”
Miss Flowers offered a tolerant smile. “I’m not sure that would mean much to a girl on graduation weekend.”
“Probably not,” said Kathy. “Mom relies much too heavily on blood relations.”
29
The Gatekeeper
“Thank you for doing this,” said Kathy as she and Soo left the adults behind and followed Tanya out of the Admissions Office. Can Bunny and Vendetta keep their mouths shut in there? Without me to do the talking, how will they keep Miss Flowers occupied? Turn her? Oh, shit!
“It is no trouble,” said Tanya. Motioning to the girls to walk beside her, she started back up the carpeted corridor. Dust motes danced in the sunlight streaming down through
windows high above their heads.
“I am curious about how billionaires live in America,” Tanya said. “Besides, there is nothing important to do here except wait for tomorrow. With classes, this school is prison. Without them, it is gulag. That doesn’t mean you should not come here.” Backhanding the air, she flashed her large opal ring in front of Kathy’s face. “You are used to prisons in America. Not me. I will be glad to escape forever after graduation ceremony. My parents promised to take me shopping again in New York. I need a new wart-robe for college. Have you ever shopped in New York?”
“I think you mean wardrobe,” said Kathy. Aurien Veliniat S’Right could make this girl a supermodel. “Yes, New York is awesome. But my dad says everything there is overpriced.” She glanced up at the rounded windows. Where would Rose be this afternoon? “Could you show us your dorm first?”
“There’s nothing to see. It’s like a half-star hotel. Tiny rooms, bathrooms in the hall. The horses in the barn are just as smelly but much more interesting.”
“Later,” said Kathy. “We’d prefer to see the dorm first.”
Tanya’s hands flicked away from her gray blazer. “Whatever you wish. Why does your father care about what clothes cost? You belong to the richest family in America. My father is worth over one billion – dollars, not rubles – but he worries himself sick that the government will take away his business.”
Poor Princess Snooty, thought Kathy. “It must worry you, too.”
“There is nothing to be gained by worry.” Tanya stopped in the middle of the corridor. “How many servants do you have in your home?”
What a snob! “More than enough,” said Kathy.
“Yes, but how many?”
“You only count them if you’re worried about money.”
“Is true.” The Russian girl turned her head toward Soo. “Are you one of the servant girls or do you speak for yourself?”
“Let’s keep moving,” said Kathy.
“I’m Kathy’s adopted sister. I only speak when I have reason. It’s foolish to do otherwise.”
Tanya did a double take. “What is wrong with your teeth? They look terrible.”
Covering her mouth, Soo started walking.
“Early malnutrition,” said Kathy. “She’s very sensitive about it.” The security guard’s watching. “Let’s go catch up with Soo.”
Tanya moved forward. “Sensitive condemns one to a life of hurt. She should not give in to such feelings.”
Change the subject, thought Kathy. “Why do they have uniformed guards here?”
“For protection. In Russia, I have my own guards to prevent kidnapping. Here, the terrorists make everyone unsafe. Is that what your president means by equal opportunity for all?”
“I doubt it. I heard there was a mugging here, yesterday.”
Tanya shrugged. “There are undesirables everywhere.”
Soo was waiting at the door.
“Where are you going, girls?” Mrs. Thrace called from the desk. “In case your parents should ask.”
“California.” Tanya’s chest expanded. “Stanford University.” She leaned into Kathy. “She is a nosy old woman.”
And you’re a boastful bitch. “We’re going first to the dorm,” Kathy called.
Tanya pushed the front door open and exited without looking back. Kathy stopped the door from closing and held it for Soo. They blinked in the afternoon sunlight. Tanya was waiting for them at the bottom of the steps.
“You shouldn’t humor such people. They just ask more of you. Come!” Avoiding a curved path, Tanya cut directly across the grass toward the dorm. Kathy matched the Russian girl’s stride, but Soo had to walk faster to keep abreast.
“How many homes does your family own?” asked Tanya.
Kathy rolled her eyes. “Depends on the season. What did the person who did the mugging look like?”
“Who cares? She didn’t belong here and is probably far away by now. How many homes in the summer?”
“Twelve last summer,” said Soo, her head bowed.
Both older girls looked at her sharply.
“Ten this winter, right?” Soo glanced up at Kathy.
“Ten?” Tanya sounded skeptical.
“Not really,” said Kathy. “Soo’s counting our villas in Portugal and Morocco. Those really are more like vacation get-aways, so I’d say eight.”
“Did the girl who attacked Rose have wounds or scars?” Soo asked.
Tanya shrugged. “Not on her face. She wore a turtle-neck shirt high up her neck. Why do you ask so much about a thief?”
“The same reason you ask about our family’s wealth,” said Kathy. “Curiosity. So satisfy ours and we’ll let you in on our secrets. What did she look like?”
“I already know one or two of your secrets. For example, Soo is not your adopted sister.”
Kathy and Soo eyed each other.
“I am not dumb,” Tanya said. “Stanford University does not accept dumb bunions. But I am curious about the mystery you are a part of, so I will humor you. This girl who stole Rose’s computer was lower class. Her clothes looked from the bottom shelf and her speech and manners were not fit for our circle. Her face was pale. Maybe four or five centimeters shorter than you, Kathy, but she had dark hair that looked cut by shearer of sheep. She said she was cousin to my – my friend.”
“Rose Blood,” said Kathy. She’d walked another two steps with Soo before realizing that Tanya was no longer with them. The Russian girl stood stock-still on the grass. As Kathy returned, Tanya lowered her fist from her lips.
“So you are part of it.” Tanya kept her voice down. “Why should I not inform security?”
Kathy frowned. She’s clever, but not on our side. Mention vampires, she’ll think I’m crazy or tell security. Is she on Rose’s side? “Because Rose’s life is in danger,” said Kathy. “We’ve come to warn her. Also because you’re not only smart, you’re curious. You may know some things, but not the whole story. And finally, I think that being super-wealthy in Russia, you have no love for informers. True?”
“Is true. Who are you? How do you know Rose?”
“We’ve never met her,” Kathy said. “What makes you think we’re not who we say we are?”
“Don’t turn or look, but there is a guard watching us from in front of our dormitory. In my country the watchers are better trained and less obvious. My father has taught me how to watch for watchers.”
“Let’s go into the dorm,” said Kathy.
“No. We will stay where help is near until I am convinced you do not intend harm. I will point to the buildings as if instructing you about the school. Look at what I point to and show interest.” She pointed to the brick building across the grassy field.
“The Academic Center has classrooms and activity rooms. As for you two, you are dressed for a formal reception, not a school visit, and overdressed for super-rich girls trying to fit in with those less wealthy.”
Soo and Kathy exchanged glances.
Tanya lowered her arm. “Then I saw Soo’s teeth. For a splitted second, I thought of vampire, but then she would not be with you or out in daylight. But if she were truly adopted into wealthy family, the parents would have had her to dentist inside days. Clearly, she is your maid or companion, not your sister.”
“She’s my friend,” said Kathy. “What else?”
Tanya pointed toward a domed building of ivy-covered brick set back from the Administration Building. “Our library – another relic of the 19th century. Above all, I suspected that your preoccupation with this mugging and push to go to see dorm had hidden purposes. The girl who attacked Rose pretended to be her cousin to get something important from Rose’s laptop. Your Homeland Security people also wanted that laptop. Yet you are here even after laptop and iPad are gone, so I think whatever they wanted was not found. I believe you desire greatly to meet Rose and perhaps search her room.” She dropped her arm to her side and looked directly at Kathy. “Do you work for same people who sent so-called
Angela?”
The vampet who brought Vendetta the hearse? Why was she here? Kathy raised her eyebrows at Soo, who shrugged.
“No,” said Kathy. “Absolutely not. I’m not even sure that Rose does have the thing they’re all looking for. But, either way, she’s in a lot of danger. That’s why you have to let us talk with her.”
Tanya pointed at the ivy-covered dorm. “I assume that man guarding dorm works with Mr. Winkish, the agent for Homeland Security who interrogated Rose yesterday. Who do you work for?”
Soo shook her head. “We can’t tell you. It would put you in greater danger.”
“If they found out you knew, they’d kill you or make something even worse happen,” said Kathy.
Tanya cocked her head and lowered her arm. “Something worse?”
“You would never get to Stanford,” said Soo.
“Don’t joke with me. I am not a fool. How can I trust you if you don’t tell me what this is about?”
“We’re not joking,” said Kathy. What can I tell her that makes sense? If I say vampires, she’ll either think I’m crazy or freak out. Bunny might decide to silence her. “You’re exceptionally clever. You saw right through us. You’re right that Rose may have something, perhaps scientific data, that her father gave her before Homeland Security took him into custody. We work for the – uh — the resistance fighters who are trying to get that data before the government gets it and uses it as a weapon. That wouldn’t be good for your country or ours. We think Angela works for a terrorist who will kill people to get that data. Believe me, we’re the good guys here. We’re not out to harm anyone. We’ve put our own lives on the line.”
Tanya uttered a grunt that sounded dismissive. “Maybe you tell the truth, maybe not. My father would laugh at you for risking your life for what you believe. Beliefs change with the circumstances. I do not laugh, but I think you are foolish. Still, I admire your courage. And I feel sorry for Rose. She gets good grades and has talent for art, but she has never fit in here. She is so quiet and dull that no one wants to share her room. I cannot believe she is the one caught up in such a conspiracy.”
The Cure Page 18