by Ashlyn Chase
A few minutes and keystrokes later, he said, “Ah ha! No wonder that address sounded familiar. It’s a seafood restaurant. One of the team’s favorites.”
Merry gaped. “So it’s not an apartment building at all?”
“Nope. Apparently, ol’ Jules did lie on his résumé. There’s a contact name and number here. Maybe I’ll call and ask about him just for kicks.”
“Yeah, I think we should, just to be thorough before we speak to him.”
Jason groaned. “Oh, crap. If it doesn’t pan out, one of us will have to fire him. You know how much I hate confrontation.”
“Maybe we should talk to him before we fire him. And if it comes down to that, don’t worry, I’ll do it.”
Jason grinned at her. “You complete me.”
“Yeah, yeah. Just dial the number.”
He chuckled and used his cell phone to place the call. It must have rung a few times with no one picking up. Eventually Jason put his phone away. “The number he gave is disconnected.”
“Oh, no.”
“I guess we’d better go have a chat with him. Then we can start the happy process of looking for another maintenance man.” He rolled his eyes.
Merry snapped her fingers. “Wait a minute. I have an idea.”
“Uh-oh.”
“Hey, when have I ever steered you wrong?”
He shrugged. “Never, I guess. Okay, let’s hear it.”
“Sly was an electromechanical engineer before he was turned. He wants to earn his rent. Why don’t we ask him if he can do building maintenance?”
Jason’s eyes lit up. “You might have something there. Why don’t you find out, and then we’ll have a talk with Jules.”
Just then Max began to fuss in his crib.
“Okay. Right after lunch. It sounds like Max is ready for his.”
“Can I watch?” Jason waggled his eyebrows.
“You’ll do anything to get an eyeful of my massive jugs, won’t you?
Jason chuckled. “You know it.”
Chapter 22
Sly opened his apartment door after a loud knock. It was such a relief not to worry about Malvant being on the other side.
“Merry! How nice to see you. Come in. How’s the baby. How are all of you?”
She smiled. “We’re fine. I have to talk to you about something though. May I sit down?”
“Of course.” Sly led her to his sofa in front of the fireplace.
“Would you like some heat? I can build a fire.”
She chuckled. “That isn’t necessary unless you want one for yourself and Morgaine. Is she here?”
“No, she’s upstairs in her own apartment. She needed a… rest.”
Merry smiled. “I’ll bet.”
If Sly could have blushed, he would have. Instead he changed the subject. “So, what’s on your mind?”
“Well, we’re not certain about this, so keep it under your hat…”
“Of course. What is it?”
“We think maybe Jules lied on his résumé. We’re not sure he’s qualified to do building maintenance.”
“Seriously? What a weasel.” He raised one eyebrow. “Shall I go have a talk with him?”
“No. I’ll do that in a few minutes. I just wanted to ask. If it turns out we have to fire him, would you like the job? I was thinking, with your background as an electromechanical engineer, I imagine you’re pretty handy…”
A job? Right here in the building? Something I can do and help out my daughter at the same time?
“I’d be delighted to do it. And as far as building maintenance, I maintained the home your mother and I lived in for five years. Plus, I’m ridiculously strong. I could lift the dryers to clean out the dust bunnies behind them.”
Merry laughed. “No need to go crazy. I just thought I’d ask you first. You’d really be helping us out.”
“And I wouldn’t feel like such a freeloader. I actually came up with a part-time gig—well, Gwyneth and Nathan thought of it—but I can do it from here. I distributed some flyers around the college campuses offering my services as a tutor.”
Her expression lit up. “That’s great! Since the super’s job comes with a free apartment, you’ll have free rent and spending money too.”
“Sounds good to me. When can I start?”
“Well, I have to talk to Jules first, and I imagine he’ll need a little time to find another place. We won’t just kick him out with nowhere to go. Meanwhile, I’ll tell him about your wine cellar and ask him to leave it alone.”
“You know about the wine?”
“Yes, Gwyneth told me everything. Sly, if you can make a cure that’s great, but if you can’t…” She shifted uncomfortably. “Well, just know that Jason is ready to pay for the stuff from New York.”
“No.” Sly held up one hand as if saying, halt right there. “I appreciate the offer, but it’s more than I can accept. Besides, Morgaine is fairly certain this new batch will do the trick. It’s almost ready. I’ll test it tomorrow, just before sunrise.”
“Terrific. Would it be okay if I visit during your test? I’ll be up with Max anyway.”
“Why not? Let’s invite the whole gang.”
“I really hope it works.”
“You and me both.”
* * * *
Merry found Jules not in his own apartment, but in Lillian’s. The door was wide open. He wielded a handheld belt sander and appeared to be trying to scuff the hell out of the hardwood floor.
“Jules? What are you doing?”
He whipped around and stared at her, wide eyed and openmouthed. “Uh, um, Mrs. Falco. I didn’t see you there.”
“I was about to look for you at your place, but I spotted you here. What happened to the floor?
He set down the belt sander and rose. “Oh, nothing. Just giving the floors a little freshening up.”
“I may not know a whole lot about building maintenance, but even I know you’re not supposed to use a hand sander on floors. How could you keep them even? Ever hear of ‘the right tool for the right job’?”
He waved away her comment. “Ah, it’s nothing. I’ve done it about a hundred times. Once you’re that good at something, you don’t need the right tools anymore.”
Merry stepped into his space, and he backed away. She slid the toe of her shoe over the place he had sanded and felt quite a dip.
“Jules, I don’t think you know what you’re doing. You’ve gouged this floor. And since when did it need freshening up? It was perfect when Lillian moved in.”
He shifted his feet nervously. “Yeah, well, Lily had a little accident.”
“An accident? Is she okay?”
Just then a moan came from the direction of the bedroom. “Oh, dear! She’s hurt.” As Merry dashed to the bedroom door and yanked it open, she started to ask Jules, “Why didn’t you tell—”
She stopped short. Lily and some guy were kneeling on the bed, naked. If Merry wasn’t mistaken, he was giving it to her doggy style.
Their gazes met for a moment, then the guy continued his rhythm.
Nope, I wasn’t mistaken. Her cheeks heated, and she closed the door quietly.
She returned to the living room only to find Jules cleaning up and putting away the sander.
“Did you know they were in there?”
“Yeah. How else could she make the money to pay me with no job?”
Merry shook her head hard, trying to clear it. “Are you telling me that what I just saw was… is… Lily’s a prostitute?”
Jules nodded slowly. “Why? Is that bad? I thought it was the oldest profession.”
She crossed her arms. “It’s only illegal and unhealthy. We can’t let her break the law in our building.”
“But the third-floor tenants sell phone sex. Why is this so much worse?”
“Because that isn’t illegal and it doesn’t spread STDs.” Merry sighed. Obviously this guy hadn’t the faintest idea where to draw the line and how to maintain a legal residence.
“Yes.”
“You’re fired. And when you see Lily, tell her she can expect an eviction notice too. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be upstairs writing your final check.”
“Huh?” Jules tipped his head, looking genuinely puzzled.
“Did you understand what I just said?”
“You said I’m fired, but it’s Lily who’s setting fires.”
Merry stepped back and rested her palm on her hip. “Are you kidding me?” She pointed to the scuffed spots on the floor. “This is fire damage?”
Jules grimaced. “Uh, yeah. I thought you knew.”
“Obviously not. Why…?” Merry paused, then remembered they lived in Freak Central. “I mean, how did this happen? What is she?”
Jules shrugged one shoulder. “She’s a call girl—and a dragon. Sometimes she sneezes fire.”
Merry’s breath lodged in her throat. “Don’t move.” She ran for the door but stopped when she reached it and pivoted. “Unless it’s to pack your things and get out.”
* * * *
Sly stopped reading, laid the book face down to hold his place, and strolled over to answer the knock at his door.
“Merry, you’re back. Did Jules have anything to say for himself?”
Merry sagged against the doorjamb. “Oh, Sly. I hate to put you on the spot so soon, but do you think you could go upstairs and keep an eye on the second-floor apartments, just for a few minutes?”
“Sure. Why? Was he a jackass about it? Are you afraid he’ll vandalize the place?”
“No. Well, not on purpose and no more than he already has.”
Sly zoomed around Merry and up the stairs faster than she could say, “Please.”
Morgaine was just descending the stairs, and they met in the middle. “Is everything okay?” she asked. “I sensed some very unsettled energy.”
“Stick around. I may need you.” He pounded on the door to 2B, Jules’s apartment. There was no answer. He must be at Lily’s. That’s why Merry said to keep an eye on both places.
Sly strode across the hall and banged on 2A.
Lily opened the door a crack and peered through it.
“Step back,” Sly said authoritatively.
Lily took a giant step backward and waited for Sly to come in. He couldn’t enter without being invited, but did she know that?
“Aren’t you going to invite me in?”
“No,” she answered meekly and pulled her robe tighter.
Morgaine strolled over to Sly and placed a calming hand on his arm.
He relaxed for a moment, heard the sound of the elevator, and figured Merry must be heading back up to her apartment. Probably for some necessary paperwork. What had she told them? He should have waited for her to finish her sentence.
“Is Jules here?”
“Not anymore.”
Sly glanced around Lily and spotted the ugly floors. It looked as if the finish had been partially sanded off in some places and the wood taken down to the nails in others.
He gestured to the floor. “What happened here?”
“Jules was sanding it.”
“Damnation, where is he?”
Jules opened his door, and Sly whirled to face him. He pointed to Lily’s damaged floor. “What were you trying to do here, Jules? Were you looking for carpet under the hardwood?”
Jules stared at his feet. He had a duffel bag slung over one shoulder. “I don’t want any trouble. Mrs. Falco asked me to leave, and I will. I just wanted to stop here first and ask Lily to come with me.”
Lily rushed to the door and gaped at Jules. “But the bird and the fish… where will they live?”
“You leave that to me,” he said.
Sly narrowed his eyes. “I knew there was something off about you. You’re a fish?”
“Sort of. I’m a merman.”
“That makes sense,” Morgaine said. “But why did you choose to live here? Why not in the ocean like the rest of your kind?”
“I was kicked out of my pod, so I won’t be going back to the ocean. Safety in numbers and all that. It’s especially true for mermen and merwomen.” He smiled at Lily. “But as a human, I can manage just fine. What do you say, beautiful? Want to come with me?”
Sly frowned. “Wait just a minute. What about the damage?”
“I can take care of that,” Morgaine said. She waved her hand in the direction of Lily’s floor and sawdust swirled. The spiral split into separate clouds and gathered in the crevices. The next thing Sly saw was a completely smooth hardwood floor, gleaming as if brand new.
He gazed at Morgaine. “You never cease to amaze me.” They shared a meaningful smile.
Lily seemed more nervous than grateful. “I need to pack my things.”
Jules focused on Lily. “Great. I’ll call you as soon as I have a place for us.”
Sly didn’t hate the pair, but he would rest easier without them living in his daughter’s building. “Want some help packing, Lily? I’ll have you loaded into your moving van in no time.”
“But I don’t have a moving van.”
Sly glanced at Jules. “I’m sure your man-fish can find one for you.” He aimed an intense stare into Jules’s eyes.
“I will.” Then he turned toward Lily. “I’ll be back tomorrow. If I don’t have a place yet, I can take care of your, um, needs and then go out looking again.”
Sly extended his hand to Jules. “Thanks for taking it so well.”
Jules glanced down at Sly’s hand, but he didn’t shake it. “Taking what well?”
“Being fired.”
“I wasn’t fired. I quit.”
Sly shook his head. Sure you did, buddy. “I wish you both Godspeed relocating.” He narrowed his gaze to look intimidating. “If you need any help, I’ll be right downstairs.”
* * * *
Sly poured the first glass of his homemade wine and said a silent prayer that it would work. He had purposely gone without feeding or having any of the Vampire Vintage so he could test the effectiveness of his concoction.
Morgaine answered the knock at the door and welcomed Gwyneth, Jason, Merry, and baby Max, who was sleeping in Merry’s arms.
Gwyneth stretched and yawned. “What time is sunrise today?”
“It’s in a few minutes. Why don’t you all have a seat? Can I get anyone coffee or tea?”
“Not for me,” Merry said as she settled herself in the rocking chair. “I don’t suppose you have any milk?”
Morgaine sighed. “Not until there’s electricity for the refrigerator.”
Merry slapped her head. “That’s right. What’s wrong with me? I’ll call the electric company today and get them to turn it on.”
“I don’t really need it,” Sly said and winked so Merry could see him but Morgaine couldn’t.
Morgaine gasped. “Why would you turn down electricity? It’s a basic necessity, and you’re earning it now since you’re the building super, and—”
Sly laughed. “Don’t worry. I wasn’t about to say no.”
“Whew.” Gwyneth wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. “It may not be important to y’all, but it is for my cousin since she has nicto… nicta… Oh, hell, fear of the dark.”
Merry’s eyebrows rose. “You have nyctophobia? I didn’t know that.”
Morgaine smiled weakly. “Yeah, but it’s getting better. I’m fine if I’m asleep and all cuddled up with Sly.”
He strolled over and slipped his arm around her. “All the more reason not to hook up the electricity.”
“Cut it out. I know you’re only joking, but sometimes you make me crazy.”
He laughed. “All right, I’ll stop. But you’re so fun to tease.” He kissed her temple.
“Thanks. Then if your wine doesn’t work and you pass out on the floor, you won’t mind if I laugh my ass off.”
“Ouch.” He made a face, but underneath he was still smiling.
“Speakin’ of which.” Gwyneth pointed to the glass
of wine in his hand. “Ain’t it time to glug down a glass or two?”
He chuckled. “Yes, it is.” His hunger gnawed at him. If it abated quickly, he’d know the wine was working.
“Here’s to all of us,” he said, and then he took the first long sip.
Nothing happened immediately. Oh, no. He took another sip, and sweet relief flooded him. His blood lust abated, then disappeared completely.
“I think it worked,” he pronounced.
Everyone started to cheer, but not wanting to celebrate yet, he held up one hand. “There’s one more test.”
Sly crossed to the big bay window. The sky had changed from black to dark blue. The sun would be coming up any second. He stood in the open, sipped the rest of his wine, and waited. Morgaine came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
“Are you here to catch me?” he teased.
“Only if you need catching.”
He glanced back at the twilight. “I think I’ll be okay.”
She nipped his earlobe. The sky lightened steadily and added the colors of a beautiful sunrise heralding a crisp, clear day.
He drained the glass and let out a deep breath. “It’s official. The wine works.”
“Thank the Goddess,” shouted Morgaine and Gwyneth.
Jason clapped and Merry rose, handing the baby to Jason. Morgaine let go long enough for Merry to give Sly a big hug.
“What are you going to call your miracle cure, Sly?” Jason asked.
“I hadn’t thought about it.”
“How about Sly Wine?” Gwyneth suggested.
“I like it.” Jason stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I asked because some of the guys on the team have a commercial wine made and named after them. I was asked if I’d like one too. They want to call it Jason Falco’s Lefty Merlot. Does your cure affect non-vampires?”
“I don’t know.”
Gwyneth raised her hand. “I volunteer to try a glass, if y’all want to find out.”
Morgaine and Sly stared at each other. At last Morgaine said, “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Mikhail wouldn’t let me have any. I don’t know if that’s because it wasn’t good for the living or if it was too precious to waste on us.”
“That’s fine,” Jason said. “I just thought I’d mention it in case it could be mass produced. Then you wouldn’t have to make it yourself.”