At First Sight (Persephonii Waters Book 1)

by Melanie Brown

  Though she appreciated the lack of fan-fair and protocol, Mr. Ardeal's frankness could only mean that the situation was as dire for them, as it was for the humans. She wondered what new complexity he would add to the jumble of her already busy life.

  "I am all ears, Mr. Ardeal. Please do not feel you need to hold back. As you know the recent attacks have been a blow to both Human and Para relations; the ensuring violence and unrest is a disturbing trend that I fear will only grow." The seriousness of the situation was not lost on either of them, who knew quite well the impact such hostility would have on the tenuous state of the Para-Laws.

  "In that we are very much in accord, Ms. Waters." He sat forward, a more intimate and candid look on his chiseled features. "I have it on good authority that you are the person to talk to in regards to the Paranormal. As a experienced investigator and consultant, I would like you to be our Liaison. Who better to navigate though the enmity during these circumstances, and find a balance with the local P.P.D, and surrounding departments." At this she was indeed surprised, there was a definite capital-L to the Liaison title. Though his bearing suggested this was a familiar request he might usually give during the course of an investigation, Persephonii knew otherwise.

  "Then you mean to step in and take over the cases?" From what she had heard of his reputation, taking over the reins was not his style, but then drastic times called for drastic measures. There was a lingering doubt that she was the best candidate for this position, especially if he expected her to bulldoze those she considered colleagues and friends.

  "No..No... the F.B.I and P.P.D are conducting enough of an investigation on the Human front, taking over such a media-spectacle would only promote dissension and chaos. No. I plan on working with the local Para Department but I prefer to stay back from the lime light. It is from the shadows that I can do the most good." She had often heard similar sentiments from her own mouth; it was a surprise to hear it from someone who seemed so well suited to the leadership role. Nodding again, she took the cup of tea handed to her and brought it up to her lips, taking a sip as a means to collect her thoughts.

  "What is your say in the matter?" If he wanted a definitive answer right away, she was going to have to disappoint him.

  "I would say that my plate is rather full at the moment..." She took another drink and cradled the warm cup in her hands. This wasn't just an opportunity to gain points with the Council... or to show that Human and Vampyre relations could work. If handled poorly it could mean the end of her career, despite her worries there was one fact she couldn't over look. She was far from a ambassador or a lobbyist, so why had he chosen her?

  "I am wondering what in my history could have made you think of me for this position. Me, who like you, works better behind the scenes and rarely steps into the lime light. Surely you have done enough research to know that my partner is the foreman, the charm and charisma of the team?" Even before she finished speaking she could see his expression change to one of amusement.

  "I do not need a fast talker, Ms. Waters. I need someone who will tell me the truth, bluntly if need be. Someone who will take the time chasing facts rather than the cameras, and who has a different perspective on the Paranormal, on the events as they unfold." She was on the receiving end of a rather somber, if intense gaze. The emphasis he gave on the word "perspective" made her briefly wonder, how deep he had been digging, and how long he had been watching from the shadows.

  No, despite years of stepping back and letting others take center stage, while she did her own thing, part of the team and yet separate, she was inexplicably tempted to take him up on the offer. But there would need to be quite a good deal of further clarification on her 'role' before she agreed to this arrangement.

  "As much as I like being the 'go-between', which is to say not at all, I cannot... will not, be a lackey who ferrets information back and forth. I respect you and my peers too much to give half truths and shady dealings in these matters." It had to be stated upfront and right off. There would be no withholding information, or playing sides.

  "I would have it no other way." A measured bow of his head, indicated he understood her completely.

  "So... as the Liaison... in the event I decide to take you up on your offer. What, exactly, will I be doing?" It was somewhat ludicrous to think of adding even one more item onto her already booked schedule, but the potential good this position could do for the investigation was hard to ignore.

  "I know that you are already on a number of cases, working with the P.P.D and to some small extent, the F.B.I. You would merely continue your investigations and work per usual, but would report any pertinent information to the responsible parties, of which I am now merely an addition."

  "And you plan on what? Popping up at one of the scenes and telling those in charge that you have been making your own, separate investigation, and believe now after several months that everyone needs to... to combine forces?" The skepticism was hard to keep from her voice.

  "Perhaps, perhaps not." At this she gave him such a fixed look that he straightened up in his chair. Even behind her glasses he could see her eyes shining at him in a fit of pique.

  "Though I understand it is well within your power and rights to do just that. I would recommend a decisive introduction to a few of the key players, at least the P.P.D's Captain, Liam Studwick. From there your involvement can expand as you see fit." To calm her sudden bough of temper, she took a final sip of the cooling tea, before she continued.

  "I would suggest a brief call, perhaps to make your existence known. Then, a sort, small meet and greet, if you would, that would solidify your presence out in the field." It was the least anyone would expect and likely the course of action he had planned on taking without her input. Finding herself more than slightly miffed at the obvious signs he had been in the area long enough to research into her personal life, she was unsure what exactly he expected from this partnership. But it didn't escape her that it appeared the Kiss had been on the scene long enough to have helped on more than one of the investigations.

  "See there! Already you are thinking like a Liaison!" Though he had a cordial tone, she was unsure if the statement was meant to be reassuring, or condescending; she decided to give him the shadow of a doubt. Her sudden, overly emotional reactions to the undercurrents of their conversation, was obviously a result of her increasing stress, so she tried to wrangle her reactions back into line.

  "Perhaps.... I suppose I should be the one to call Studwick and let him know." She was betting a call from a random stranger would not only put him on edge, but the unfortunate person would receive some choice words.

  While she was thinking of her next few steps, apparently already as Liaison, which seemed to exist somewhere between her role as an investigator-consultant and a Para-legal, worthy of her older sister Cassi, Mr. Ardeal's attention was drawn towards one of his own. Quickly, she had come to the conclusion that she could bridge this gap if it meant even one life was saved, if it meant catching the Rouge Maker.

  Looking over to see his ebony head turned toward the entry way, it was no more than a blink before the chair beside her was empty. It appeared an issue had come up which needed immediate resolution. Though she hated to eaves drop, her nearly super human hearing easily picked up the low, heated words as they rebounded around the hallway.

  It appeared that Lena was even closer to the truth than she'd thought. With rising tension in the area, the owner of the current 'resting place' for this transient Kiss had declined to house them another night. With the House closed to them, and other options run dry due to the state of turmoil, they were without a roof over their heads. A few more words were exchanged, and Mr. Ardeal headed back to the fire and their cozy seats.

  "Is something the matter?" Persephonii was forming another crazy idea, one that would surely give Chase an embolism this time, but the possibilities of having this Kiss, literally, underfoot were forming in her mind.

  "As you may have heard, we have been in the are
a a while. Maintaining a distance, biding our time, trying to work from the shadows, hoping to catch this villain unawares. But it appears that the hospitality that we have been living on, has come to an end." He seemed to pause in thought, countenance turned towards the warmth of the flames, his expression the most revealing Persephonii had seen from him yet. There was no rush to move on or talk, but she felt the need to 'help' again. It was something about the underdog, the outcast, the wrongly accused that urged her into action. Chase would no doubt say it was a 'weakness' too, describe it like a infirmity that sprang up and would one day kill her. He was probably right, but, once again she found herself moved to help people who had nowhere else to go.

  Like the Wyrs, they had their own sense of pride, of honor, but unlike her other guests, the Kiss was not being hunted down, with no money or less resources. Perhaps this was considered little more than an inconvenience, but she would guess by Mr. Ardeal's expression that the situation had been repeated many times before.

  "Tensions being so high, I can imagine that what little hospitality there is to be had, is rather scarce. Given that you are also, rather obviously not locals, it was any wonder your accommodations lasted as long as they did." Keeping her voice soft and low, she could still see that she had startled him. Large cobalt eyes turned to look at her, in the firelight she could see specks of gold reflecting in their jeweled depths. It took her a moment to continue her line of thought.

  "As such, I imagine it would be an appropriate time to enact your privileges as Council Investigator and Representative by requesting 'Safe Haven.' " Midnight eyes suddenly widened as he turned to face her fully.

  "And as Liaison would you be responsible for finding and securing this 'Safe Haven' for us?" He was asking for more than just her intent. Her response would cement her position in the investigation, as a full partner or mere ally. It would also mean, that they would owe her a debt, a kindness, despite the implied precedent, providing a 'Safe Haven' was more the responsibility of a member of their Circle. Something usually given to the human staff that swore allegiance to serve and protect a Kiss. Human's tended to interact better with other humans, which meant that a blind eye could be turned to Vampyre dealings, when their human Circle proctored the events. But this Kiss had no Circle, and now it appeared that she was the link between humanity and their plans.

  "No...As Liaison I would provide it," for such a simple statement, it had a large impact.

  To say that the meeting had taken un unexpected turn for either participant would have been an understatement. The specifics, very much the same as those given to the Wyr Pack were discussed. This time in full disclosure and detail before the fact rather than after. Persephonii took care to talk about the lower levels, recently completed as something between a basement and an apartment complex, not wanting to raise their expectations too high. At some point other members of the Kiss had arrived, curious and somewhat astounded that she would be granting them Safe Haven.

  Persephonii found some deeply buried skills and spun the whole crazy plan as the only reasonable conclusion given both her status as the Liaison between their Kiss, the local law enforcement and a Waters. All of which they seemed to take very well. Which left her in front of another vehicle, this time a somewhat non-descript black tuna-boat of a car, while other similar vehicles in shades of black and navy arrived. Far from the limousines and extravagant cars that the House of Thane liked to use, these rentals were further proof that Lord Thane was sharing very little with the Investigator. Packages were unloaded and reloaded along the drive, from one car or truck to another, as things quickly settled, she could feel dawn but a few hours away.

  Puffs of steamy vapor rose from her deep exhalations into the frigid night air. It had been lightly snowing earlier, the ground was covered with a fresh layer of powder, white and new in the light of the moon. It's waning shape cast the night, blackest just before dawn, into a beautiful winter wonderland. It was times like this that she enjoyed the most. Against the backdrop of her peaceful thoughts the commotion behind her in the drive had come to a completion and she found herself the focus of not a few pairs of eyes.

  Reaching a long fingered, elegant hand out to her, Mr. Ardeal ushered her into the first main car. Sliding in, he shut the door behind her and entered from the other side. Giving the driver directions he sat back, as a contemplative silence filled the darkness. Though content to sit back and enjoy the view, Persephonii had a few lingering questions that their previous discussion had brought to light. Most importantly, the hints that Mr. Ardeal had given about her 'sight' and how he had met so few people who 'saw the world as she did.' Coupled with a few off hand comments about her 'other guests' not being a problem, she wanted to clarify a few things that had been niggling at the back of her mind.

  "Have you been following me, Mr. Ardeal?" She asked bluntly.

  "Why would you say that, Ms. Waters?" His head turned just a fraction before he focused his attention on her.

  Her eyes narrowed as he deflected the question. "You seem to know quite a few facts about me, more so than the standard line from our company website."

  "Ms. Lena Randall had nothing but praise for your work, and spoke very highly of you. Is it any wonder that I would seek out information on possible allies, as I would foes?" A gallant shrug, and a smoothly delivered line. Mr. Sebastian Ardeal wasn't lying out right, but it wasn't exactly the truth either.

  "When did the idea for a potential ally become a promising Liaison? While Ms. Randall is someone I consider a friend, she has hardly been involved with my cases or consultant work." It was more a question, as well as a skewing of the facts. For while Lena had never been involved in a case, she had been a fount of information, as both a Liberian and a Vampyre.

  "When the solution to our problems became a mutually beneficial endeavor," it was an ambiguous answer if she had ever heard one. With that the conversation was closed as she recognized her 'neighborhood' and gave directions for the car to pull up into the wide back alley. Where she climbed out, opened the large doors and had the cars park inside next to the white van.

  As she once again ventured out into the cold Persephonii could tell there was more to his interest in her than as merely a consultant or even the renowned other half of Argent Waters. She very much felt as if he had a personal interest in her, and was unsure if she should be concerned or not. At this point it was too late to cry 'cold-feet'.

  Chapter 12: Safe Haven:

  The official designation for anyone offering to find or provide a place of refuge for a Para.

  Persephonii’s Warehouse, Lakewood, Washington. 9:55pm PST.

  In no way did Persephonii think when waking up that morning, that she would be housing the Vampyre Council’s Investigator or his Kiss, in her basement. Even given the fact that she had set up the space for just this sort of 'visit'. The Waters, including herself, had a few Vampyre friends that occasionally visited for some time while meeting with the locals. These friends did not include the infamous Sebastian Ardeal. She had heard of the House’s wandering right hand, much like his Para equivalent, the heard of the Reveers, in rumors and hushed tones. It was something else to find the man that even other Vampyres tended to fear was a slightly charming, all business, gentleman who just happened to hunt down all those who broke House Law. And she did mean ALL.

  She had agreed to house the small Kiss in return for a free exchange of information between them. They were after all, working towards the same goals. Especially now that she had taken on the role of being the House Liaison, who would try and bridge the gap between the Vampyre and Human investigative teams.

  Though apparently they thought along the same lines as the terms were quickly reached and set. She had offered to house the Kiss, they could come and go as they chose, having access to both the large lower basement level and a supply of the new and improved blood substitute nicknamed Crimson Tide, that was just about to hit the market. The delivery was scheduled and fast tracked to arrive later that
evening. Let it never be said that her mother had not raised her to be a thoughtful hostess. If they preferred, they could, of course go out to feed. She requested that they not bring anyone into the warehouse other than those they trusted. The basement was warded separately from the higher floors and would alert her if other's entered, but she had yet to fully activate them. Which meant that the Vampyres could offer an invitation to their guests, but it would only allow them access to the basement and still had the caveat that no one meaning to do harm could enter. But if something came up, they could of course, tell her if they needed to bring them inside the wards proper. She gave them the same speech as the Wyrs, letting them know the common areas were Warded, but it was in terms of exclusion rather than permission.

  The whole process of Inviting someone in, especially those of Para lineage was sometimes tricky. Vampyres, true to popular beliefs, needed a formal invitation, i.e. something that consisted of the words, 'you are welcome to enter this home'. Many other Para’s needed something along those lines as well, the Lamia and Naga included. Though the warehouse was one of those fuzzy areas as it was an abode and a business, its history as a warehouse had left an opening for anything with a desire to come through. Once she had claimed ownership, that had been the main reason she had taken almost two months in warding every inch of the warehouse, including everything from drains to air vents. Any opening could be used as a point of entrance, and she was a firm believer in not leaving anything unguarded to entice others in.

  With the Kiss also investigating, she wouldn’t need any of the family to come down in case the investigation turned into a Hunt. Hunting down Vampyres was usually done by three groups; those sanctioned by the Vampyre Houses themselves, those trained to be a Reveer, which consisted of both Human and Para members, and those humans crazy enough to become ‘bounty Hunters.’ The Reveers, of which her brother Lykos was the current leader, were sanctioned both by the government and larger Para governing bodies as a sort of police force and last line, trying to prevent Para 'issues' from involving the local less equipped human authorities. The human governments got the ‘monster catchers’ they wanted, the Para’s got a fair and bipartisan enforcement group that could not be bought or sold. Both sides were happy with the arrangement.