“I’m not that bad, Regent. I’m just sad right now. You know me, I’ll get through it.” She didn’t tell him the truth this time. In fact, the abyss was beginning to look sweeter than she’d ever had imagined possible.
But he didn’t need any more worries at his age.
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Chapter Two
With dusk turning the sky from red to violet, Jess stood over the empty coffin being lowered into the grave. Into that black hole of the afterworld. Would they ever find Britt’s body to put his soul at rest? She knew the way her dark brethren thought. There’d be vamps in the city who’d like nothing more than to desecrate the great John Brittain’s grave site. Body or not. Hopefully, the cross, with its silver core would be enough of a deterrent to keep the undead away.
A warm gust of air lifted her hair, spun it around, almost as if someone had touched it, had twirled it with ghostly fingers. She closed her eyes and inhaled long and slow. Cool night air, mixed with the earthy aromas of freshly dug loam and pungent cedar from a nearby hedge, helped to ground her in reality. She’d chosen this site because it was where honored members of the police force were most often buried. But the memory that Britt hated this cemetery sent a feeling of unease scuttling across her skin. A strong sense of being watched sneaked up on her. She shoved her hair back and scanned her surroundings. Had she merely been imagining things? Vampires weren’t usually susceptible to intangibles.
“You know, I’m really surprised James isn’t here. He wasn’t at the funeral service either,” Regent said, suddenly stepping up beside her and making her jump. She’d thought he was still mingling with guests now that the service was over. His hand touched her elbow.
She grimaced. “I didn’t even notice that James and Terry weren’t here.” She shoved a bunched up Kleenex into her pant’s pocket. She’d been squeezing it so tightly it had turned to pulp.
“Maybe the baby was acting up,” he mused, speaking of the orphaned vampire infant they’d rescued recently and whom Jess’s partner James and his wife had adopted. “Vampire babies are difficult when they’re first waking. They’re very hungry and it’s sometimes hard to satiate them quickly enough. Kind of like colic for human babies.”
“How do you know these things?” Her brother never ceased to amaze her.
Regent grinned. “I’m curious. I ask lots of questions.”
Chief Brown broke off from a nearby group of officers and approached them. Deep lines etched his wide brow, and he ran large fingers through his neatly parted hair, ruffling it back to its normal messy state. “Jess, my deepest regrets.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Chief,” Regent said. “I was wondering if you’d like to come to the Rectory later? A few of Jess’s close friends are stopping by for a drink after the service.”
Thankful that Regent had distracted the chief, Jess took the opportunity to be alone for a few moments. She wandered away from the group. Cut across the cemetery in a direction that felt too familiar. She even trod haphazardly on burial sites. Normally, she tried to avoid the actual consecrated ground out of consideration for the eternal.
And it hadn’t been a conscious intention to make a beeline toward Randy Starr’s crypt. She’d just needed air. But suddenly she found herself standing in front of it.
Randy had been Britt’s ex-partner turned vampire. He’d caused Britt years of misery before Britt even knew vampires existed. Now interred for all time in his tomb, Randy wouldn’t be coming back. That hadn’t stopped strange things from happening in and around his damned crypt.
Tonight it exuded corruption with its aged, pockmarked cement walls. Each corner guarded by gargoyles carved into the shape of dark angels. The crypt door had been ripped off twice during altercations between Britt, Jess and attacking vampires. Something slithered up Jess’s spine and made her shiver. “Who replaced the door this time?” she whispered, reaching out to touch the cold, damp surface of the walls. Starr’s entire family was dead and buried inside, yet the door looked new and expensive. Who would have paid for that?
Her heart thudded against her rib cage and her stomach fluttered. Rare physiological signs she experienced whenever she was in danger. Was this what she’d sensed during the service at the graveside, or was it a residual echo of past traumas inside the confines of this building?
She scanned the area then walked around the building. Sniffing the air, she tried to scent any recent vampire activity. No vampires. Still her unease persisted.
Starr’s crypt was the only large structure in this section of the cemetery. That alone gave it more status than it deserved and that thought set her nerves on edge.
Again the feeling of being watched besieged her. Fine hairs rose on her arms. “I know you’re there. Show yourself,” she said, allowing her voice to become enhanced.
When a tall blond man stepped into her line of sight, she narrowed her gaze and grabbed for her knife. Unfortunately, she hadn’t worn it tonight, so she came up empty.
He smiled at her and approached. “I’m sorry. Did I give you a start?”
She didn’t reply. Just stared at him. While obviously not a vampire, the fact that he was hanging around during Britt’s funeral concerned her. In fact, during the service, she’d seen a man watching from across the cemetery. Was it him?
And where had he just come from?
He looked over his shoulder. Whispered something? Or had she just imagined it? For a split-second she thought she saw another figure behind him, but the image faded so quickly she couldn’t trust her own eyes. Nothing dark emanated from him. There were no obvious markings on him—no tattoos, no identifying scars on his neck to indicate he was a vampire slave, either.
“Are you lost?” he asked.
“No, I’m not lost. I had the feeling there was someone lurking around this crypt.”
His gaze switched to the building. “Creepy place for someone to hang around.”
“Was that you standing over there on the ridge while the funeral service was being held?”
“Yes,” he said, evidently not grasping the fact that he’d intruded on her grief. His deep, rich voice filled the space around them and she frowned.
“Did you know John Brittain?” she asked.
He nodded.
“When I saw your silhouette, I thought you were him. Until that moment, I didn’t realize how hard it’ll be to accept his death if we never find his body.”
Her confession startled her. It was unlike her to admit something like that to anyone, let alone a stranger. Was it those compelling eyes? Or just the fact that she was blinded by her loss.
“Understandable,” he said. “Britt’s nearly as tall as me and we have a similar build.”
He began walking slowly past the headstones and inexplicably she followed. “How long had you known Britt?”
“For a very long time,” he said.
He was good at not telling her a damned thing. Irritation fizzed inside her, preparing to bubble over. “How is it you know him and I’ve never heard of you?” There. She’d said it.
He smiled and his expression softened. “You know, it’s been so long, I don’t even remember how we first met, but we’ve been friends for a very long time.”
“Why did you watch from so far away?”
“That’s not important.”
“I think it is.” Something about this guy didn’t feel right. He wasn’t a vampire, but she didn’t believe Britt knew him. Any of Britt’s true friends were standing at the graveside. She crossed her arms over her chest and waited for him to explain.
“When the time is right you’ll understand.”
Enough. He’d been a momentary distraction, had effectively blocked her pain by diverting her attention, but no more. “Look, I think it’s time you explained yourself.” She knew her irises had transformed to black orbs. Good thing it was dark enough to mask the change because she was past the point of worrying about it.
“I’m a friend of
Britt’s. And I’d like to be your friend, too.”
“My friend?” What in the name of God? She frowned at him. “You should leave now. You don’t realize how dangerous this cemetery can be.” If this guy was a vampire wannabe reporting to some Master with intentions to violate Britt’s hallowed ground, she’d rip him to shreds.
“Zeke. Call me Zeke.”
“I don’t believe you were ever Britt’s friend. He never mentioned your name.”
“Not were,” he said. “Am.” He tipped his head to her and smiled.
Dear God, he wouldn’t dare imply that Britt was alive. How could anyone be so cruel? Her own forensic anthropologist had pronounced Britt dead. Dumbfounded agony coursed through her. “Stop it right now unless you want the New York City police to come down on you full force!”
“Please understand. I’m only trying to help you,” he said, turning away from her and casually starting off in a different direction.
“Help me how?” she shouted after him, then followed with vampiric speed. Like hell she’d let him get away. She reached out to grab his arm at the same moment he stepped back into deeper shadow and disappeared.
She searched the darkness for him until her eyes burned. With her night vision she should be able to see him slinking away, but she saw nothing. Sensed nothing.
Then she spotted him on the far side of the cemetery again. Too far away to have made it there on foot so fast.
Her brother must have noticed her odd behavior because he rushed to her side. “Jess, what’s wrong?”
“Stop that man!” she screamed.
“What man?” Regent’s pallor registered in the quickening darkness. “I don’t see anyone.”
She pointed to the horizon on the other side of the cemetery. The stranger had returned to his previous spot. His black silhouette was highlighted against the deepening nightfall.
“That man knows where Britt is. Don’t let him get away!”
“Honey, I don’t see anyone,” Regent repeated, squinting in the direction she pointed.
Damn it! The man was there—wasn’t he? Was she losing her mind?
“Jess? I don’t see anyone, either,” Chief Brown said, startling her. She was so focused on the man that she hadn’t realized her boss had joined them.
“He’s right there.” She pointed again. “Still watching us. In fact, I think he’s listening to us, too.”
“How’s that possible? Is he a vampire?” Regent asked, wariness evident in his voice.
Jess paused. “No. I don’t think so.”
“Then how could he possibly be listening to us?”
“I don’t know.”
Regent strained to see into the looming darkness.
“Damn it all, I think he knows where Britt is. We have to catch him.”
Regent held up a hand. “Jess, you’re not going after him alone. Not in this emotional state. This day has been too hard on you.”
She immediately registered the expression of deep concern etched into Regent’s forehead. Knew she couldn’t put her aging brother through any more stress today. Not unless she wanted to attend another funeral.
Chief Brown’s shoulders bunched up. “Are you sure you’re not just overwrought?”
Feeling totally impotent, her shoulders sagged. She stared across the cemetery, then looked at Regent and weighed her options.
“It’s been a long day for you, dear. We should go,” Regent said, gently tugging her arm.
“You don’t understand. That stranger said Britt is alive.”
His hand clasped her shoulder gently. “You know it isn’t true, though. You were there when Britt died. Sampson, himself, declared him dead. There’s no other medical specialist you’d trust more.”
She nodded. A tear spilled down her cheek. “But…”
“But nothing. You have enemies, Jess. People have attempted to control you before for their own agendas. Don’t let them use Britt against you—especially at a time like this. He’d hate that. You know he would.”
She shivered. Dear God, could he be right? It certainly made more sense than believing Britt could possibly be alive.
“Of course you’re right.” Tears welled, but she blinked against the need to bawl her eyes out. So far this evening she’d managed to hold them back. Had managed a semblance of control over her dark side.
While Regent pulled her toward the limo, the stranger’s silhouette was still etched against the evening sky, taunting her. Why couldn’t anyone else see him?
“He’s still there,” she whispered.
Regent leaned forward and stared across the cemetery for enough time to have spotted him. “No dear. There’s nothing there but headstones.”
“I’m not delusional if that’s what you’re thinking. That man is real. Not an apparition or a drug-induced psychic link from someone else’s brain to mine. When I was under the influence of that horrible Mayan paste, the apparitions I saw weren’t really there. They had no real substance. They couldn’t be touched, but this guy touched me. He shook my hand,” she ground out.”
“Take it easy. I believe you,” her brother said.
“You do?” Jess asked suspiciously. “Then why are we leaving and not going after him?” She turned to the driver and demanded, “Stop! Stop the damned car.”
The driver slowed the vehicle and looked back for direction. Regent motioned with one hand to continue. “Keep driving, please.”
“But if we follow him, he’ll lead us to Britt.”
Regent’s shaky hand closed over hers. “If that man really knows where Britt is, and he’s willing to come to his funeral to torment you, he’ll be back. He won’t let it go, for whatever sick reason.”
At that, Jess flopped her head back onto the car seat. It made sense. This guy would come back. “Damn him,” she said. “Damn him to hell!”
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Three
“I won’t accept your resignation,” Chief Brown said. Irritation scratched behind his raspy voice tonight. No change there. He didn’t like to be interrupted when he did paperwork. Obviously he was up to his elbows in it right now.
“You don’t have a choice.” Her vampire enhanced warning usually sent chills through humans.
But apparently not tonight.
Even if he was affected by her warning, he kept his eyes trained on her. He wasn’t backing down.
“Oh, I have a choice.” He adjusted his immense girth. “As captain of the only Black Ops Unit in the NYPD you made a commitment to the citizens of New York. You promised to keep them safe. Until you can recruit someone to take your place, you’ll have to stay.” He drummed his sausage-like fingers on his desk in an annoying pattern. “Anything else would be criminal.”
She ground her teeth together so hard he could probably hear them. “Don’t play that card with me, Brown. I’ve devoted my life to helping this city.” She glanced around his office, then back at him. “I am no longer effective as a captain. I’ve used up my abilities. In the past few weeks, I’ve been drugged and manipulated, and I’ve been a significant risk to security within the NYPD. You should be kicking my ass out of here, not coercing me to stay.”
The chief set his considerable jaw and planted his folded hands on his desk.
Damn it, she thought it’d be easier than this. There was no way this man was going to back down. At least not tonight.
She stood abruptly. “Look, I’ll give you a few days to think about my request,” she said, then strode out, slamming the door behind her.
She marched down the sidewalk. She needed to think, and walking the city at night was her best option to calm down.
She meant to stay miles away from the brick wall where she’d first met Britt. Somehow she ended up here anyway. Abject loss forced her to touch the wall. To try to absorb the memory of her time here with the man she’d loved.
She was totally to blame for drawing him into the horrible world of vampires. It was her fault he was dead.
/> “Don’t blame yourself.”
Jess spun to face the idiot who dared interrupt her at a time like this, and she blinked in surprise. “You again!”
Obviously, the man from the cemetery had no idea what kind of danger he’d put himself in by sneaking up on her.
“There are so few people in this world who try as hard as you do to be good, Jess Vandermire. Given your dire circumstances, one would almost say what you’ve been able to do is nothing short of miraculous.”
“I had help.” She glared at him. Maybe this guy had a death wish.
“And you have John Brittain.”
Again with the present tense. Her blood thrummed through her veins in anger.
“I get the impression you understand what I am. You must know you’re taking a huge chance when you piss me off.” Her fingers, still touching the wall, pressed hard into the red brick until it started to crumble.
Unafraid or just plain stupid, he watched her with assessing eyes. “The time is coming when you will have Britt back,” he said.
Unable to control her anger, she sent a wave of icy cold fear into him. The deepest dread and fear she could muster rammed into his mind with all the power she could thrust. She didn’t even know if a human could survive such a brutal attack on the mind.
One blond eyebrow rose. “Your powers are quite impressive. You’re strong. That’s good. You’ll need all your strength soon.”
Fury roared through her, and her vampiric transition washed over her like a tsunami. She knew her irises were black, and her fangs ached to taste his blood. “Are you crazy? I ought to rip out your throat. Stop antagonizing me, or I won’t be able to control my actions.”
He laughed, spurring her anger even further.
“Go!” she ordered. “Leave me now, while you still have the option.” Her nails had grown, she heard the ebb and wash of his blood in his veins. Like siren music calling to her.
She stepped toward him with the intent to grab his throat. No longer able to fully control herself, she clenched her fists until her palms bled. Forced into vampire induced fury, his life would be the ultimate sacrifice if she couldn’t control herself.
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