"Yes." His voice grew more serious. "I'll draw up some plans and come see you this afternoon."
"Good." Toni hung up and strode into the security office. Howard was sitting behind the desk, his bandaged leg propped on a chair.
"Sorry I overslept." She sat beside him.
"No problem." He waved at the monitors. "Nothing much going on. Day security is getting the mess cleaned up in the parking lot."
Toni gazed at the monitors that showed the parking lot. A wrecker was hauling the burned car away. "What did the police say about last night?"
Howard munched on a doughnut. "They're used to Romatech getting bombed. I told the officer in charge that we've been targeted by a group of psycho fanatics who are opposed to the synthetic manufacture of blood. Which is pretty much the truth, actually."
Yeah, you couldn't get any more psycho than the Malcontents. Toni scanned the other monitors. One showed a bedroom with several twin beds. Phineas and Dougal were stretched out in their death-sleep. The silver room was displayed on another monitor. Oh great. Had Howard seen her touching Ian's face? "Doesn't day security think it's strange that we're in here, watching dead people sleep?"
"They have their own office. They keep out of our business." Howard pushed a pastry box in her direction. "Want a doughnut?"
"Sure." She selected a plain one. "So what happened while I was sleeping?"
"Connor took Roman and his family and Radinka into hiding about three in the morning. No one knows where. It's better that way when jerks like Jedrek can pick through your brain."
"Jedrek's the guy who attacked Gregori?"
"Yep." Howard finished his doughnut and licked his fingers.
And Jedrek had been the one who'd tried to capture Ian. Toni sighed. She doubted they'd seen the last of him.
Howard slid a paper across the desk. "This is the list of stuff to do for the Christmas Ball. Shanna and Radinka were kinda upset that they wouldn't be here to help, but I told them not to worry."
Toni gulped down the last of her doughnut. The list was a mile long. "And all this has to be done before tomorrow night?"
"Don't worry. It's covered. I gave a copy to Todd Spencer, the VP of production during the day. He knows what to do. Shanna gives a Christmas party every year, and then there's the Vamp conference and Gala Ball every spring."
"Todd must be a mortal. Does he know about Vamps?"
Howard shifted in his chair. "Todd knows a lot of things. He's already got some workers setting up chairs and tables."
"Number one is decorate the big Christmas tree," Toni read aloud from the list. "I don't recall seeing a tree."
"It'll be delivered around noon." Howard drank from his coffee cup.
Toni glanced down the list. Item number ten was confirm the band. A phone number was listed. "I'll go ahead and call this band."
Howard chuckled. "Wait till tonight. The High Voltage Vamps couldn't light a lightbulb right now."
"It's a vampire band?"
"Yeah, they play all the big Vamp parties and weddings." Howard stood and limped toward the door. "Come on. I'll show you the ballroom."
Just to the right of the main foyer, there were a number of meeting rooms with partitions that could be folded back like giant accordions. Toni was surprised by how large the ballroom was. The back wall was mostly windows that overlooked a garden. In front of the windows, Todd Spencer was overseeing a group of workmen who were erecting a stage. Howard introduced her.
"Glad to meet you," Todd yelled over the noise as he shook her hand. "It's about time MacKay hired a woman."
Toni looked around the huge room, bustling with workers. "How many people work here during the day?"
"Over two hundred now, divided into four departments," Todd explained. "Research, production, packaging, and shipping."
"Can I do anything to help?" Toni asked.
"You can help decorate, if you like." Todd showed her the plastic bins filled with ornaments and greenery.
Howard limped back to the security office to watch the monitors, and Toni spent a few hours spreading tablecloths and draping garland. She grabbed a quick lunch in the Romatech cafeteria and called Shady Oaks.
"I'd like to talk to Sabrina Vanderwerth in Ward Three." She recited the ID number.
"I'm afraid we can't allow that," the receptionist answered. "Her doctor has left strict instructions that she's not to receive any visitors or outside calls."
Toni winced. Uncle Joe had discovered their visit. "Can't we get a second opinion on that? Surely it helps the patient to know there are people who care about them."
"The decision is final." The receptionist hung up.
"Damn." She went back to the ballroom and discovered the fifteen-foot Christmas tree had arrived. She helped decorate for a few hours, then wandered down to the MacKay office. "How's it going?"
Howard motioned toward the monitors. "They're still dead, but they should be up in about twenty minutes."
The phone on the desk buzzed, and Howard picked it up. "Yes?" He listened, then covered the receiver with his big, beefy hand. "It's the guard at the entrance gate. Someone's come to see you. Drives a black Jaguar."
"That must be Carlos." Toni headed toward the door.
"Carlos who?" Howard asked her.
"Carlos Panterra."
"She confirmed his name," Howard told the guard on the phone. "Let him in."
Toni hurried to the front door and stepped outside just as Carlos was parking his car. It was chilly with the sun going down, so she rubbed her arms as she walked to his parking place.
He climbed from his car, looking like a spy all dressed in black. He motioned toward the blackened area surrounded with orange cones. "What happened there?"
"Some vampires came by last night. Blew up a car and caused some injuries. Nothing major."
Carlos glanced at the burned area, frowning. "Are you saying your vampires don't play well with other vampires?"
"Mine are the good guys who drink from bottles. The bad ones are called Malcontents. They're the ones who attacked me and Sabrina. They hate the guys I work for."
Carlos gave her a worried look. "Toni, you've stepped into a war."
She shivered. "I know."
"You're cold. Let's get inside." He opened his trunk and removed a laptop and a long roll of white paper. "I brought the plans, so we can go over everything. We're doing it tonight, right?"
"Yes." At least she hoped Ian would agree to do it tonight.
Carlos motioned toward a duffel bag. "I packed some clothes and shoes for Sabrina. And some rope and duct tape, just in case."
"Good." She wondered once again if Carlos was more than an anthropology student.
He shut the trunk and walked with her to the front door. "Are you safe here?"
"I think so. The Vamps feel secure enough that they're having their big Christmas Ball tomorrow night."
"Partying in the face of danger? I think I like your Vamps." Carlos grinned as he opened the door. He entered, and his smile immediately faded. He sniffed, and a wary look crossed his face. "Careful." He held out an arm to block her entrance.
"What's wrong?"
"Danger," he whispered.
CHAPTER 18
"Carlos." Toni peeked around his broad shoulders. "There's nothing wrong."
"Who is that?" he whispered, motioning with his head toward the large man at the far end of the foyer.
"That's my supervisor, Howard," Toni whispered back.
Howard suddenly stiffened and turned to face them. His nostrils flared as his gaze riveted on Carlos. He limped forward. "You are Carlos?"
"Yes." Carlos watched Howard carefully.
"I'm Howard Barr. Can we have a word in private, please?" He motioned toward the security office.
Carlos nodded and strode down the hall with him.
What the hell? Toni inched forward so she could see the two men disappear into the security office. Was Howard gay? Though she could have sworn their reaction to ea
ch other had been one of suspicion, not attraction.
She wandered down the hall toward the security office. Sheesh, she didn't dare barge in on them. Her attention was momentarily snagged by the mysterious locked room across from the nursery. She tried the doorknob, but no luck.
She waited awhile, then the security office door opened. Carlos exited with a perplexed look on his face.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"Yes." He strode toward her, carrying his laptop and roll of paper. "Something very strange just happened."
Toni winced. "You don't have to tell me."
"Howard just offered me a job."
"What? You would work as a day guard like me?"
Carlos nodded. "I happen to have some…skills that are highly valued at MacKay Security and Investigation."
"Like martial arts?"
"That, too." Carlos ran a hand through his long black hair. "I warned Howard that I've always been a wanderer, but he said they had clients all over the world who needed guarding, and I could transfer from one place to another."
"Did he tell you about the Vamps?" Toni whispered.
"No, he called them clients. I'm going to consider it. The pay is excellent, and I have a lot of expenses."
"That's true." Toni knew Carlos was supporting a few orphans in Brazil. It was one of the things that had first attracted her and Sabrina to him. He was also paying for his education and research trips to South America and Malaysia. "Howard's a nice boss. He used to be a defensive lineman for the NFL, but he's as sweet as a teddy bear."
Carlos gave her a sharp look. "Yeah, I noticed. So where can we discuss the plans for Sabrina?"
Toni led him down the hall till she spotted a room labeled Conference. She peeked inside and flipped on the light. "This will do."
Carlos strode into the room and went straight to work, setting up his laptop, then spreading out the roll of white paper. "I drew the layout for Shady Oaks, so Ian will know exactly where to teleport." He tapped his finger on a rectangle labeled Ward Three.
Toni leaned over to study the map. "This is very good." Carlos would make an excellent employee for MacKay Security and Investigation.
"Menina, I know I've been teasing you about Ian, but I'm wondering if it's wise to get involved with him. Don't get me wrong, he's a nice guy, but he is a vampire."
"He wouldn't bite me." Toni blushed as memories of last night's glorious kiss filled her mind. "At least, not for food."
Carlos frowned. "After we rescue Sabrina, you should quit your job here and forget these vampires exist."
"That would be rather rude, don't you think? To just use Ian for his super abilities, then tell him adiós. And how can you tell me to quit when you're planning to work here?"
"You have special plans with Sabrina. I don't. And the truth of the matter is Ian is not your kind."
She planted her hands on her hips. "I'm surprised at you, Carlos. I would expect you, of all people, to be more understanding and tolerant."
"I am tolerant of anything two humans want to do with each other, but he's not exactly human."
"He's more human than anyone I know. And I love him."
"You've known him exactly a week."
"And a hell of a lot has happened in that time." Toni pressed a hand to her chest. "I'm becoming a different person now. I feel like I'm finally growing into a whole person—one who's capable, strong, and worthy. I'm not a wounded child anymore. And I like what's happening to me. I'm not going to give it up."
"All right, then." Carlos touched her shoulder. "I'm very happy for you."
She gave him a hug, then wandered to the window to peek out the blinds. "The sun has set. I'll go get Ian."
"Okay. And change clothes. Dress all in black." Carlos moved to his laptop. "Give me your cell phone."
"Why?" She removed it from the pocket of her khaki pants.
"Because you need a new ringtone." He took her phone. "Love is no longer a battlefield for you."
"Put on something nice," she warned him, then left to find Ian.
He was in the silver room, still in his pajamas, finishing his breakfast.
She grinned at him. "I got your note. Thank you for helping us." She rummaged through her suitcase and found some black cargo pants. "Carlos wants us to dress in black."
Ian's eyebrows rose. "Are we doing it tonight?"
"Yes. Is that all right?"
"Aye." Ian set his empty bottle in the sink. "I should stay here most of the night in case Jedrek tries something, but it shouldna take long to teleport yer friend out."
She located a black T-shirt, but unfortunately it had bright white letters on the front. Am I Crazy or What? She showed it to Ian. "The perfect shirt for breaking into a mental institution."
He chuckled. "Ye do want to be properly dressed for every occasion." His face grew more serious. "I'm sorry for the way I reacted last night."
"There's no need to apologize. I was wrong to ever consider telling your secret."
His eyes gleamed. "Ye've gone to amazing lengths to help yer friend. Ye've survived a brutal attack, ye've taken a job with the Undead, and ye're about to do some serious breaking and entering. That kind of loyalty is verra rare."
Her eyes grew misty as her heart swelled with love. "You tell me the loveliest things." He made her realize how worthy she truly was.
He glanced at the surveillance camera, then motioned with his head to the bathroom. "Ye need to change clothes?"
"Right." Toni gathered up her black clothes and dashed into the bathroom. She gasped when Ian followed her in and shut the door. "What—?"
He pulled her into his arms and planted his mouth on hers. Her clothes tumbled to the floor as she melted into his kiss.
He suckled her bottom lip, then nibbled kisses down her neck. "Did ye need help getting out of yer clothes?"
"You rascal." She slid her fingers into his soft hair.
He tugged her navy polo shirt up and slipped his hands underneath. "I want you." He surveyed the tiny bathroom with his red, glowing eyes. "This is…a challenge."
"Ian." She placed her hands on his cheeks. "We don't have time right now. And I don't really want a quickie in the bathroom."
His mouth curled up. "No' verra romantic, huh?"
She grinned. "I think you're very romantic, but Carlos is waiting upstairs, and we have a job to do."
"I understand." He kissed her quickly on the mouth, then exited the room.
She changed clothes, then found him in the kitchen pulling a black sweater over his head. He had on black leather pants and looked deliciously naughty. She almost called him back into the bathroom for a quickie.
"Let's go." She grabbed her coat and took the elevator with Ian to the first floor. "We were getting the ballroom ready today for the big party."
He nodded. "Phineas said he would teach me how to dance more modern, so I could dance with you. I only know how to do the minuet and waltz and a few country dances."
She grinned at him as they exited the elevator. "You want to dance with me?"
"Aye. Phineas said I needed to know how to do pop blocking and jam-on-it."
She laughed. "You're going to hip-hop in a kilt?"
"Actually I'll be wearing a Santa costume, along with ninety-nine other men."
"How come there are so many Santa costumes?" She motioned to the locked door across from the dental office. "What's the deal with the secret Santa thing?"
"If I told you, it wouldna be a secret."
She swatted his arm. "I told you my secrets."
"No' all of them. I still doona know yer full name."
"I see no reason to divulge that at this time."
"It canna be that bad. My name is Ian David MacPhie."
"That's a good name. It's easy to confess." She opened the door to the conference room. "Here we are. Carlos has everything planned."
"I'm used to making my own plans." He marched inside, frowning. "Good evening, Carlos."
"Hi, Ian. Nice pa
nts. Love the leather. Here's your phone, Toni."
She slipped her cell phone into a pants pocket.
Ian examined the map of Shady Oaks.
"This is Ward Three." Carlos pointed at it. "That's where they're holding Sabrina. There's a guard just inside the front door, but I spotted a back door here. Do you think you can teleport in undetected?"
Ian gave him a bland look. "I've teleported into Langley undetected."
Carlos arched a brow. "Then I'll take that as a yes."
Toni stifled a grin. She hoped these two guys wouldn't get into a pissing match.
Ian nodded. "I can do it."
"I'll wait for you in the car. I can park here or here." Carlos indicated the front parking lot and the back service entrance.
"Use the parking lot," Ian said. "It'll be less conspicuous."
"Agreed."
Ian slanted a look at him. "Ye've done work like this before."
Carlos rolled up the map. "My research has led me into some strange places and situations."
"What kind of research?"
"Unusual, primitive cultures, mostly in South America and Southeast Asia." He moved to his laptop. "This is the route I'll use to drive us to the hotel. It's an inconspicuous place in Queens. I paid cash in advance."
Ian studied it a moment. "Looks good. I need to check on things here, so ye drive there with Toni. Then she can call me, and I'll teleport there to meet you."
"Agreed." Carlos shut his laptop. "Let's do it."
At Shady Oaks, Carlos parked his Jaguar in a dark corner. Toni called Ian, and he materialized beside her in the parking lot.
"I'm coming with you," she told him.
"Nay. I canna teleport two people at the same time."
Stubborn man. "Then you can make two trips."
Carlos exited the driver's seat. "What's wrong?"
"Toni wants to put herself in danger," Ian muttered.
"You have to take me with you," Toni insisted. "How else will you know which one is Sabrina?"
"I expect she can tell me her name."
Toni gave him an exasperated look. "She could be asleep. Or if she's awake, she could scream and raise the alarm. If I'm there, I can keep her calm."
"I think Toni's right," Carlos said.
Toni shot him a grateful smile.
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