Blood Double

by Connie Suttle

  * * *

  "Boss, I don't like this. Not even a little." Trajan watched as Ashe paced.

  "I owe Lissa," Ashe muttered. "And if this guy can get through to Kay, all the better. I can't stand much more of this. All she does is shake and cry when I get close to her."

  "I still don't like it. When do you plan to do this?"

  "Two days, at NorthStar. Frank and Shane have agreed to be there, in case this therapist upsets Kay for any reason. They don't like this any more than you do, and I have no idea what Kevis Halivar might say. He hasn't been able to reach Kay either, so I'm willing to try anything."

  "I hope you don't end up regretting it," Trajan muttered.

  * * *

  Breanne's Journal

  "Read all of them. Dee may have seen or talked to all these people before he disappeared." Teeg had gathered a roomful of people at the San Gerxon Casino, and most of them had no idea why they'd been ordered to come.

  Stellan and his brothers were guarding the entrance to the meeting room, and all four warlocks were unsure what they were guarding against.

  "Was anyone assigned to protect Dee?" I ventured to ask. I had no idea whether Teeg would actually answer or if he'd merely ignore me, as his father usually did.

  "Dee doesn't like guards, and he's usually safe enough," Teeg mumbled an answer. "Get to work. Now."

  * * *

  "I'm only telling you what I heard through Franklin and Shane," Trajan muttered, pulling a bottle of juice from the fridge.

  "What did you hear?" Ashe could have Looked, but that would upset the delicate truce that apparently existed between him and his second-in-command.

  "Two things," Trajan removed the lid and gulped orange juice for a few seconds before turning back to Ashe. "One, Dee, San Gerxon's assistant is missing—nobody knows where or how, and two, Keef wants to barge into NorthStar with his psychologist. Heard he's been twisting arms, but nobody will help."

  "Damn straight," Ashe's eyes grew hard and stars fell through their depths. "He will not be welcome. May never be welcome there again. That was my stipulation when he offered Ribalo's help—that Schaff or Griff would come instead of Keef. Should Keef attempt to contact the governor, I hope he realizes what that may get him."

  "I hope he doesn't convince Ildevar Wyyld to approach San Gerxon. That could cause everybody grief."

  "Agreed." Ashe's eyes went back to normal.

  "The new Lord of the Dark Realm is adding his protection to ours, to preserve Harifa Edus," Ashe lowered his eyes and hunched his shoulders. He felt ashamed that the werewolf planet was the only one that he felt comfortable erecting a shield for, but he worried (and rightly so) that the enemy, in their destruction of the Dark worlds, was attempting to draw him or one of the others out.

  "Good," Trajan blew out a sigh. "I hope it's enough."

  "I hope it's enough, too." Ashe looked past Trajan at the view beyond the kitchen window before hunching his shoulders. So many lives lost, and he'd been too afraid to protect them. Too many things hung in the balance, and the survival of all the worlds was at the center of it.

  "What if that's part of the plan?" Trajan whispered. "That they'll know we're all too afraid to step forward unless everything gets attacked at once, so they go about destroying all the worlds, one at a time."

  "Trajan, that's frightening, even to me."

  * * *

  Breanne's Journal

  "What do you know?" Teeg shouted, enough compulsion in his voice to crack granite. I'd pointed him toward the kitchen employee who'd delivered Dee's lunch earlier. He knew something; that much I could see. He was also obsessed, and it wouldn't do Teeg a damn bit of good to try to get it out of him.

  "He's like Eddle Cree—he has an obsession you can't get past," I shivered. Teeg's anger wasn't easy to be near. "Look, if you want, keep yelling. I'll go check the others and see if they know anything."

  Teeg shot me a venom-filled glance before turning back to the kitchen employee. I could only imagine that somehow, either the young man had lured Dee away or led someone else to him, and since it involved obsession, there was no way to get past it to see which it was. I walked out of the small coatroom attached to the meeting facility and went out to take a look at sixteen others I hadn't yet examined.

  Astralan, who stood inside the meeting room door while his brothers guarded the entrance from outside, barely glanced in my direction as I began sorting through the remaining employees. The first six knew nothing, so I pointed them toward Astralan. The seventh was terrified, and there was good reason—he'd seen Dee die.

  * * *

  "Norian, I hope you understand what a delicate situation this is, and I feel it is a fool's errand anyway. SouthStar pays exorbitant amounts in taxes, and practically keeps Avendor in the black by itself." Ildevar frowned at his heir. "What more can you hope to get from the girl? I hear she's barely coherent—and that may be your doing. You think Q'And Ribalo might be able to accomplish what Doctor Halivar can't?"

  "She's faking," Norian grumbled. "I'm convinced of it. It wouldn't be the first time a criminal or a witness has pulled that off to keep from talking."

  "Do you imagine that the one who owns SouthStar wouldn't realize that immediately?" One of Ildevar's eyebrows rose in disbelief.

  "I hear he's obsessed with her. Why wouldn't he keep her away from us if that's true?"

  "Norian, have you considered that there may be more important things at the moment than Hordace Cayetes?"

  "I don't know what those things might be."

  "Norian, I am giving you an order, although I am reluctant to do so. Leave this alone. Q'And Ribalo and your Vice-Director will go to NorthStar as promised. You will respect NorthStar's wishes in this. If there is any information to obtain, you'll have it. Should anything of value come from this interview, we'll discuss it afterward."

  "Fine," Norian stood and stalked out of Ildevar's study.

  * * *

  Breanne's Journal

  Teeg was likely having a fury-filled conniption after my disappearance, but time was running out if I were to do anything at all for Dee. If his body were discovered by too many, it could be too late and I'd be forced to leave him dead. My mist was screaming toward the basement of San Gerxon Palace as fast as I could get there.

  * * *

  Lissa's Journal

  Lissa? Lendill's voice came in clearly as I sat dejectedly at Kiarra's kitchen counter. Norton, a healer for the Saa Thalarr, cooked for Kiarra and her mates most of the time, although he did have two helpers who filled in and covered days off for him.

  Lendill? Did you find something? I sent as Norton set a cup of tea in front of me.

  Power flashes, he returned. I have dates and duration, if you want the information.

  Yes. As quickly as possible, I sat up straight, my heart thumping in fear and anticipation.

  Have your comp-vid? These were recorded as stellar anomalies, since our crew doesn't have information on any population in those areas, Lendill added.

  They mistook it for stellar events? Like solar flares or something? I asked

  Exactly. Since it wasn't really a concern—in their minds, at least, they ignored it and turned to more important tasks.

  Pulling a comp-vid into my hand, I quickly scrolled through the information Lendill sent, realizing immediately that the recorded power flashes coincided exactly with the razing of Dark World planets. Thanks, Lendill, this is what I needed, I sent and misted through the house, looking for Kiarra, Adam and Merrill.

  * * *

  "Casimir, I regret that this is necessary, but I must ask that you pose as her approved suitor." Gavin paced behind his desk while Rigo and Aryn, both seated nearby, looked on silently. Casimir, nearly as old as Wlodek, showed no emotion.

  Wlodek had come to him earlier and explained the dilemma, after several Council members approached Flavio and Gavin. All were requesting meetings with Breanne. Wlodek had also placed compulsion, informing Casimir that he couldn't discuss B
reanne's particulars with anyone other than Flavio, Gavin, Rigo or Aryn.

  "I seem to have no other plans, and am happy to serve the Crown," Casimir hid his distaste for the entire affair. Wlodek hinted that Gavin hadn't behaved as a proper sire, and Casimir wondered why Gavin didn't just hand the girl over to him. He would see to it, at the very least, that she was taught and treated properly. That, however, didn't appear to be in Gavin's plans. "I do wish to meet her, however, in case others approach and ask to discuss her care and wellbeing."

  "I would prefer not to do so," Gavin growled. "You have her image on your comp-vid—that will be enough for now. The temporary engagement is recorded in the records, and will be reviewed after the five-year period is reached and she is officially released."

  "Then I will have a word with the Queen when she returns," Casimir rose stiffly from his chair. "Good evening." Casimir gave the briefest of nods to Gavin before turning and walking out the door.

  "I'll have a word with the Queen when she returns," Gavin muttered.

  "Gavin, remind me to question your manners on a better day," Rigo walked out behind Casimir.

  * * *

  Breanne's Journal

  Had someone planned this? Three people crowded around Dee's crumpled body in Teeg's basement. Furious, I appeared before them. "Get out," I hissed. "You will remember none of this," I pointed at the body. A gaping wound covered the chest area—they'd shot Dee with a Ranos pistol from close range.

  Three employees, their eyes suddenly blank, turned and fled the darkened room where I stood over the old vampire's remains. He'd been dead for hours, and I wanted to weep. Dee hadn't mistreated me, and that was the only reason I held out my hand now and watched it become charged with light before I Changed What Was.

  Chapter 13

  Breanne's Journal

  "Can we keep this between us?" I knelt beside Dee, who seemed confused, blinking at me in surprise as I brushed dark hair away from his face. Dark eyes, now with the light of life returned to them, studied me in curious puzzlement.

  "If that's what you want. What are we keeping between us?" Dee had no idea. Well, I wasn't going to tell him he'd been dead. If he didn't recall it, that was less trauma to deal with later.

  "Nothing. We were just looking for you, that's all. I'll take you to Teeg, now."

  Eventually he took the lead as his senses returned, and I walked behind him as we made our way through the newly reconstructed tunnel between San Gerxon Palace and San Gerxon Casino.

  * * *

  "Dee, I imagined the worst," Gavril pulled the old vampire into an embrace the moment we arrived in the meeting room.

  "Child, I have no idea why I was in the basement, but Breanne arrived and informed me that everyone was searching because I'd been missing several hours."

  "Do you remember anything?"

  "Not past having my lunch delivered," Dee observed the obsessed employee who'd brought his tray earlier.

  "Breanne?"

  "I found Dee in the basement, lying on the floor. I had to get him up—he wasn't moving when I found him." All my statements were true.

  "How did you know to go there?"

  "One of your employees knows more, but I'm not sure how much more," I hedged. "Astralan is holding him in the meeting room."

  "I'll question him shortly. Dee, I'm so glad you're alive," Teeg slapped the old vampire on the shoulder. "From now on, too, at least one of the warlocks will be with you."

  "What are you going to do with Mr. Obsession over there? He could be dangerous, you know." I nodded toward the employee in question.

  "I'll have him locked up and guarded," Teeg replied, refusing to look at me. So much for any thanks that might come my way.

  "I'd be careful around him—somebody may attempt to let your obsessed employee loose," I sighed, knowing that my words would only annoy Teeg. He didn't like taking orders or suggestions from anyone, and it was worse if either of those things came from me.

  "I'll be careful. Go ask one of the warlocks to take you home." I was dismissed.

  * * *

  Astralan ferried me back to Le-Ath Veronis. I was grateful Gavin wasn't waiting for me inside the Queen's private study—I wasn't in any mood to see more of him or his asshole son. I also wondered whether I ought to sit down and parcel money to waiting comesuli, or take a chance on misting into Casino City to renew my search for Erithia Cordan.

  * * *

  "You come highly recommended from an associate," Erithia lifted a delicately pointed eyebrow at Riis, former ambassador to the Prince of Tyriss. Riis had been dismissed two days earlier, after the Crown discovered missing funds. The path those funds had taken led to Riis, who'd hoped to employ a warlock to help hide the money trail. When the King of Karathia failed to give permission for Riis to hire a warlock, Riis' world—and his plans—had crumbled.

  "I thank you, Lady, for your consideration," Riis bowed in mock flattery.

  "I hear you were recently on Karathia," Erithia continued, lifting a delicate cup to her lips and drinking tea a servant had brought. She sat comfortably behind her desk while forcing Riis to stand for his interview.

  "I was. I spoke with the King and his father. Another was there, but she was never identified. I assumed she was someone the King's father might consider taking as another mate."

  "Truly? How interesting. He already has several mates, however, so one more might not make any difference. Certainly nothing to report in order to distress the Queen of Le-Ath Veronis."

  "You're looking to upset the Queen?"

  "I'm looking to kill her," Erithia's voice became hard. "You will bring the money you stole from Tyriss to me and break ties with all your concubines. You will only serve me from now on." The obsession was placed and Riis dropped to his knees in reverence.

  "I will do anything you ask of me," he whispered.

  * * *

  Kay's Journal

  If Frank and Shane hadn't come to get me, I'm sure Kalia would have taken over again. Franklin settled on the side of my bed, hugged me, explained that someone was coming to NorthStar to visit and to cooperate as much as I could. Not trusting myself to speak, I'd nodded into piercing blue eyes that were so much like my own.

  "That's my baby sis," Frank hugged me again. His scent was so good, and his lines so clear and pure that I couldn't help myself, I hugged him back. It surprised him, I know, because none of the others could get anything from me. Actually, they couldn't get anything from Kalia, but that was beside the point. I'd been buried in Kalia's fears for who knew how long, and I no longer knew what day it was. Only two people might approach me for any reason, and those two were Bill and Frank.

  "You remember how we traveled last time?" Frank helped me dress.

  I nodded, still not trusting my voice. We'd folded space—at least that's how it was described. No pain was involved and I trusted Frank as much as I'd ever trusted anyone, so I was willing to go with him.

  "Sissy, if anybody makes you uncomfortable, just let me know," Frank held my face gently between his palms. "I can't blast anybody, but Mom and Dad can when they get back. I don't even want to know what Ashe might do, if they hurt you in any way."

  "Frankie," I mumbled softly when he took his hands away.

  "What is it, baby girl?" Frank was back immediately, his eyes worriedly gazing into mine.

  "I'm scared," I whispered.

  "Me too," he admitted.

  "Ready?" Trace placed an arm on Frank's shoulder, pulling him away from me.

  "I guess." Frank took my hand and pulled me off the bed.

  * * *

  Ashe is here, he's just shielded, Trace sent mindspeech to Franklin. If anybody tries to harm her, I wouldn't want to be them, Trace added.

  Yeah, Frank agreed. It's one thing to face the wrath of the Saa Thalarr. I don't even want to think about one of the Mighty.

  * * *

  Kay's Journal

  I didn't recognize the room where I was taken at NorthStar. Windows curved out
ward around us and gishi groves could be seen below the deck outside. It looked as if they stretched for miles, sinking into a greenish mist in the distance. I wanted to walk through them. They were the reason, after all, that I'd come to NorthStar in the beginning.

  "Just sit here, our visitors should arrive in a few minutes," Frank and Shane made sure I was comfortable. "Want anything to eat or drink?"

  "Gishi fruit?" My voice held hope. I knew the harvest was over and I'd likely not get any fruit at all.

  "How about gishi fruit ice cream?" Shane asked.

  I wanted to moan my acceptance to his offer. I'd never tasted that bit of heaven—I couldn't afford it. I realized that Cull's gambling debts still waited for me on Campiaa, and I moaned again in distress.

  "Baby, what's wrong?" Frank was back and crouching before me.

  "I owe so much money," my voice quavered.

  "We've taken care of it," Frank brushed hair away from my face. "CSD pulled up a list of your obligations, so Shane and I took care of it."

  "But you can't. You shouldn't. Those didn't belong to you," I said, becoming shakier than I already was.

  "Sissy, it was our decision to make. We made it. Trust me; we can afford to do that."

  "This is so awful," I rubbed my forehead.

  "At least she's talking," Vice-Director Schaff walked into the room, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. He was frightening enough, but the one who followed him brought Kalia to the surface in an instant, and I heard myself screaming hysterically as a light so bright enveloped the room it blinded all of us.

  * * *

  "Tell him every sordid detail," Ashe paced beside Q'And Ribalo's chair. Norian Keef and Ildevar Wyyld were seated nearby, watching as the Mighty Hand seethed, his power vibrating through Ildevar's private study.

  "I w-work for Hordace Cayetes. As does my twin, Q'Ind," Q'And Ribalo quavered.

  "Fuck me," Norian stood, anger in every line of his being. He was so close to becoming lion snake and biting Q'And that Ildevar had to hold him back.