by C. L. Quinn
The cigar smoking manager said nothing, reached up for a tarnished key that was attached to a small wood placard that had an 8 on it. Bas glanced at the cabin map on the wall and steered Park out of the cabin, letting the door close with a small snick.
“And that is how we register for lodging.”
Park started the car and headed to the right down a heavily treed lane. “So, you guys steal everything?”
“You didn’t get my point. We move through life in a manner that makes it easier. We leave no trail if possible. And no, we don’t pay for mundane services when we don’t have to. It’s easier, and like I just said, safer. The point of the lesson was that we use compulsion to control the world around us. That way no one ever remembers who we are.” He put his hand to his forehead and massaged his temple. “Well, no one is supposed to. That’s why you are where you are. You are a special case.”
“Oh, lucky me.”
“That might be truer than you ever know.”
As they went deeper, the only light was the headlamps from the car, although daylight threatened, the sky was still dark. It was eerie and Park felt a little panic rise up at the idea of being so isolated with someone who she trusted mostly on the faith of her bizarre talent she had not ever really understood. As she got out of the car and went toward the back to get her overnight case, she felt his hand on her arm. An instant calm overcame her.
“You have nothing to worry about, Park. Relax. You’ll get some good rest and we will continue tonight.”
“I have to give my lab a call when it gets later. I’m usually in place by seven each morning, and I’ve already missed one day without notifying anyone. So I’d better call.”
“I agree. Do you have your mobile phone?”
“I do. So I’ll keep it with me and give my staff a call by seven thirty. That’s when my receptionist comes in.” She gasped softly. “Bennie. Oh, hell. She set me up for a blind date the night you abducted me.”
“I wish you wouldn’t use that word.”
“Why? It’s true. Anyway, I hope she didn’t accuse Zachary of anything. He is such a nice guy.”
Bas stood there for a moment while she pulled her bag out of the car. Why did it bother him that she was talking about dating another man? To start with, she was nothing other than a blood-bond to him. And the “date” was human, hardly competition for a vampire. Competition? Where the hell did that idea come from? Other than his desire to find out what she was, and ultimately, hopefully, to get her home safely, and out of his life, she meant nothing to him. She was sexy, he admitted he wanted her, and would have her before they parted, but that was nothing unusual either. He was a very sexual being. His conquests numbered in the thousands over his centuries of life. She would just be another notch. So, why the irritation? It hurt his head to try to figure anything out tonight. He still hadn’t caught up enough rest to be at his one hundred percent, and he had to be by tomorrow when he arrived home.
Park had opened the door to the cabin and switched on a lowlight faux candelabra in the main room of the cabin. She dropped her bag on cushions thrown on a bench made of rough-hewn wood, then slipped off her shoes, wiggling her toes in gratitude for the freedom. Driving was far more exhausting than working. Bas wandered in, glancing at her. She was chewing a piece of gum she’d found in her purse.
“You’re hungry, I’d forgotten. We can go get something for you.”
“No, I’m alright. While you’re sleeping, I think I’ll go get some breakfast. It’s too early now.”
“No, you shouldn’t be out there alone. It isn’t safe.”
“Who’s going to hurt me? Your vampire buddies have to go to ground, too, right? Like you, they have to find shelter from the sun. I’ll stay near the window, I promise, where I’ll get a hundred percent sun rays. Really. I’ll be safe.”
He had to admit she was right. “Okay, but don’t take off. You know I’ll find you again. And I really will be pissed off then. You don’t want that to happen.”
“I don’t. I won’t leave. I’ll get some breakfast, maybe a magazine, call work, then come back and nap for the rest of the day so I’ll be up to the next leg tonight. How much longer is the trip?”
“Vancouver is probably another sixteen hours. Another two nights. Get a couple magazines.”
“Hmm. Maybe I should just get a good book. Maybe a post-apocalyptic thriller. Bad guys, aliens. No vampires.”
“Funny. Okay, I’m going to check out the basement.”
Park threw herself down on the hard bench-couch and closed her eyes. She didn’t wake up for another hour, just as the sun peaked around the edge of the cabins front window. A fluffy blanket had been laid across her. It made her smile as she imagined him doing something so mundane. She yawned and wandered over to the window, then stepped out the door. It was a stunning morning. Someone had cleared an area in front of the cabin so the sun would make it through to the small porch. It was warm and delicious on her cool skin. How awful it would be to never again be able to feel the sunshine on your face. Dew covered the sparse grass that surrounded her bare feet, so she stepped back and went into the little kitchenette to see if there might be some coffee. Maybe some little instant packets or something. But the cupboards were bare. That was okay, she intended to make her way to the little diner she’d seen about fifteen minutes down the road. This morning she really was very, very hungry. Another greasy fat-laden meal seemed inevitable. Oh, well there was no end to how many minutes she could use the treadmill.
Bathroom facilities weren’t too bad, basic certainly, but more than adequate. The shower nozzle provided a powerful spray and she was tempted to linger, but she wanted to get some food, get her call made, and get back here in case Bas needed her. Like he would. Well, you never knew. Maybe vampires did occasionally need help.
It was an easy drive, the morning dawning warm with a coolness in the air. Her favorite type of weather. She was clean, rested, relaxed, and hungry on her way to eat. There was a sharp newness to her life with Bas that brought a sense of worry, but also a sense of excitement and discovery. The scientist in her was curious and impatient. The woman was a little breathless and eager to see where this led. Her life was good, but it had become very dull. Lacked intensity and vitality. So, on this lovely morning drive, she was feeling a little euphoric.
The diner was packed, likely the only one for some distance around, but she didn’t have to wait to be seated. The waitresses here were busy, but they were friendly and seemed to like their jobs. Two of them smiled warmly at Park as soon as she sat down and told her one of them would be right there.
Another waitress, slim, about Park’s age,with cropped shocking blonde hair passed by with a loaded tray.
“Take a look at the menu, sweetie,” she called out to Park. “You don’t look like you’re from around her, and we got some really nice items. Like stuff you likely never saw before. I’ll be right there.”
Park loved the friendly ambience. Everyone here just looked so content. It was infectious, as she realized she was feeling content, too. Funny, the paths life sends you down sometimes. So. Food.
The waitress was right. There were several unique dishes that were either regional or specifically unique to this diner. Considering the large dining area and the filled seating, it must be pretty good. She chose a breakfast monster, something that combined every food group and then some. The blonde waitress grinned at her when she took the order five minutes later.
“You are gonna be puking that up, sweetie. Did you see what’s in it? They designed it for a lumberjack.”
“Yeah, I saw it, but I’m very hungry and it does look good.”
“Oh, it’s amazing. A favorite, no doubt. Okay, but I think I’ll bring you an alka-seltzer too. You want some coffee with it?”
Park tilted her head. “Um…no, I was thinking a large chocolate milkshake.”
Park’s waitress opened her eyes wide. “Well, I don’t know where you’ll put it, but you got it. Did ya he
ar we got the best milkshakes this side of the Rockies?”
“I hadn’t. Even better. Can you put a rush on the shake?”
“See what I can do.”
Park just sat back and people watched, something she really never had done before. She had been taught to avoid other people, to make herself unnoticed. She had been taught that lesson through brutal punishment, like most of her other childhood lessons. Lessons taught that strictly, you didn’t forget. And yet today, she felt her own defiance…and the victory of choosing to do what she wanted to do. Her mother was long out of her life, as well as the parade of nasty men that came and went weekly. Mother held no power over her anymore. And while Park would like to believe that, somewhere inside that little girl she used to be was still hiding in dark corners.
Not today. Today, glorious rays of brilliant sunshine blasted through the very clean glass windows and Park felt like the other diners…happy. When a few moments later, the blonde waitress came back with the shake, her eyes shined. It was huge, a tower of whip cream well above the top of the glass. And a shiny red cherry. At that moment, Park believed she had never seen anything more beautiful.
The waitress smiled the entire way across the diner. As she sat it in front of her guest, she whipped her hands into a presentation. “Huh? Did I tell you? You know, if you drink this entire shake, and try to eat that Mountain breakfast when I bring it, I’m sitting right here and watching. I gotta see this tiny body hold all that.”
Park reached for the overlong straw. “Okay,” she squinted to make out the name tag on the waitress. “Bernie. Bernie? My receptionists name is Bennie. That’s funny.”
“Well, see, we were meant to meet. My full name is Bernadette, and I hate it. But I don’t mind Bernie. You just traveling through?”
“Actually, yes. That’s why I think I’m eating everything in sight. Haven’t stopped much.”
“That’ll do it. Still, I’ll be back if you kill that thing.”
“You do that. I could use the company.”
“Well, I will. Your food won’t be much longer. Enjoy.”
“Park. My name is Park.”
“Park. Unusual. Well nice to meet you. Welcome to Pine Run.”
Bernie went to answer a wildly gesturing teen on the other side of the room. Park wondered at how easily she was speaking with Bernie, a total stranger, as if she’d known her forever. Could it be her continuing development of her empathic skill?
The first draw on the straw…ahh, it was even better than the one two nights ago. If she let herself get addicted to these, there wasn’t enough time in the world on any treadmill to mitigate the damage. Damn! This really had to be the food of the gods.
She was happily sucking away when she noticed a slender dark haired man staring at her from several booths away. When he saw she noticed him, he glanced away suddenly. Dressed in a red plaid shirt like many of the locals, he looked clean, decent, but there was something about him that was wrong. She could feel it. He made her feel unsettled, and when she caught him staring at her again a few minutes later, her warning flags came up high. It seemed her ability to read people was getting stronger. There was something off about him…badly…and she knew she had to leave. She was looking toward him as Bernie came up from the other side of the table and startled her. She jumped out of her skin, scaring the waitress too.
“Sweetie, you got too much of a sugar high. You alright? You look pale.” Bernie sat a steaming plate in front of her. Park turned to her.
“No. Um, yes. You know, I think you were right. That shake was incredible, but it did fill me up. Can I take that food to go?”
“Well, sure. Let me have Presley sack it up for you. I’ll be right back. Here’s your check, sweetie.”
“I appreciate it.” Park pulled out some cash, didn’t want to risk leaving any clues behind. It was probably paranoia spawned by Bas, but she was smart enough to cover her tracks anyway, and to listen to her instincts. Leaving a generous tip for her new friend, she got up and met her halfway across the diner and took the package from Bernie.
“I put some forks and knives in there in case you feel up to it soon. And I did include that alka-seltzer.” Bernie laughed. Park looked at her and paused.
“Thank you. This is weird for me to say, but I feel like if I could stick around we might be friends.” Well, that was completely uncharacteristic.
But Bernie touched her arm. “You know, I think so too. There’s just something about you… I’m good with people and I sense you have an interesting story. If you ever come through here again, look me up. I’m here most of the time.”
“I promise I will. Thanks again.”
Park left quickly. She kept an eye in the rear view mirror, but never saw anyone following. She was careful to drive around several roads to make sure. But she had no tail. Maybe the creep was just a creep.
After she arrived back at the cabin, she sat out on the porch swing and ate the entire breakfast concoction; potatoes, egg, chili, cheese, onions, hot salsa, sour cream…every last bite. Within ten minutes of finishing, she was gratefully bouncing the two effervescent alka seltzer tablets in warm water. Thank you, Bernie.
Since she knew she would be driving again all night, she laid back down on the cushioned bench and let herself drift off to a dreamless sleep. The next thing she was aware of was someone touching her hair. She came awake quickly and heard Bas.
“It’s me. We need to get moving.”
Park drew a deep breath. “Sure. I need to hit the bathroom first. Hey, do you guys…never mind. That’s too personal and I don’t want to know.” A quick glance out the window showed she had slept the rest of the day away. It was deep dusk, just the slightest tinge of rose left in the sky behind the departed sun. She went into the bathroom and closed the door.
It was just a few minutes later, Park came out adjusting her shirt. “I forgot to call work. I hope they don’t send out a search party. I’ll definitely call tomorrow.” Bas was waiting on the bench, eating a banana.
“Hey, where did you get that?” she asked.
He grinned. “Handy being a vampire sometimes. Ready?”
“I think so. Hey, I just wanted to tell you that at the diner this…”
She never got a chance to finish the sentence.
Bas suddenly exploded up and was gone out the door in a movement so quick, Park didn’t see him move. There was a loud shriek and something that sounded like a thunder boom. She raced out at her normal human speed to see Bas leaning over a body lying on the floor of the covered porch where she’d enjoyed her breakfast that morning.
He glanced back at her. “Park, stay back. You don’t want to see this.”
“What is it, Bas? Is it someone you know? Did they kill another vampire? What happened?”
“Just go back in. I need to deal with this.”
Park couldn’t help herself, she started wandering forward, and she saw the brilliant blonde hair barely hidden now by Bas. Oh, it couldn’t be…
She shoved her way past him and knelt beside the woman who was lying twisted beside Bas. It was her. Bernie lay face up, her eyes closed, her face untouched except for blood splattering her cheeks and liberally spotted through the crushed bleached hair. The damage to her chest and abdomen, her clothes torn open, her skin ripped to shreds. She wasn’t moving. Oh, no, no, no…
“Bernie! Ah, what happened to her, Bas?!”
“My enemy. The one I told you about. Shanks. He killed her. How do you know her, Park?”
“She was my waitress this morning at the diner. Why would he kill my waitress?”
“I don’t know. I would have thought he would have killed or taken…” He trailed off.
Park finished it for him. “Me. He should have taken me.”
“This doesn’t make any sense. Why would he kill a completely unconnected woman?”
“That’s what I was going to tell you before this happened. When I was at the diner, some guy there creeped me out enough to leave. I cou
ld read him, sort of, and knew there was something wrong with him. He scared the hell out of me.”
“That might have saved your life. It was a blood-bonded. Shanks couldn’t be out in the day. He must have had a blood-bond follow you. I still don’t get why he killed your waitress.”
“It’s my fault. We…sort of hit it off. We were laughing and talking and he noticed. He picked her because I liked her. It’s my fault.”
Suddenly Bernie twitched, her eyelids fluttered.
“She’s not dead!” Park yelled. “Bas, she’s still alive! We have to call the emergency squad. Do you have your cell on you?”
“Park, they won’t be able to do anything. The damage is too extensive.”
Park just sat there looking at him. What? But she was still alive…
“You can, can’t you, Bas? You can do something.”
“I’m sorry, Park. I can’t save her. He tore the hell out of her. Her wounds are mortal. He made sure of that.”
“Then fix it! This isn’t your fault, but you brought this here. She’s an innocent, Bas. You have to save her.”
“There’s only one way. And I don’t think you want me to do it. It will keep her alive but she will have to give up her life.”
Park was silent. Her eyes met his. “You mean changing her. Infecting her with the virus.”
“That’s the only thing at this point. And she would have to want it.”
“She would. Bas, she had so much life in her. I know she wouldn’t want to die.” Park felt the moisture on her cheeks. She lifted pooling eyes to his again. “She can’t end this way. Bas, she has such an amazing laugh.”
“But you don’t know her, Park. You don’t know if she would want this.”
“I do. I know she would want to. Bas.” She put her hand on his, connected with him like they were able to do. Touched him deeply. “I know she would. I was able to feel her like I do you.”