“So I found myself in a vicious quandary. If I tried to wean you off too soon then you might fall back into that depression. I wanted to ease you off it but how to do it? Honestly I did not know whom to turn too for advice. I feared my motives would be suspect. When the war broke out I then worried that any wrong act by me in getting you clean might adversely impact our fight. I see now my error in not being honest to everyone about what help I was rendering. I can only say I am happy you are finally clean of its influences. I am glad to, at last, get rid of that lonely burden I have carried in my heart.” He stopped speaking and waited.
Jean-Claude heard Jaime lightly gasp. They had previously spoken together about what would be the outcome of the meeting. Her reply had stunned him.
“Kill him instead,” she had said at their home when he explained what he intended to do with Tortego. “You are being perfectly logical but skip the logic and simply kill him.” She set her delicate features upon the man she loved and looked at him with steely resolve.
It had taken the better part of two hours for him to convince her of the correctness of his planned actions regarding Tortego. Reluctantly she had come around to his viewpoint but from her current reaction to Tortego’s explanation, Jean-Claude worried she might be seriously reconsidering his plan.
Jean-Claude looked at the other three men in the room and recalled each of their opinions on how to deal with Tortego and their reactions to his solution.
“Kill him,” Julio had simply stated in a tone of voice that did not carry even the barest hint of hesitation. “I understand your rationale but, as a security chief, I see things as simply being either black or white. He is a danger no, let me rephrase that opinion; he is an extreme danger to you. Eliminate him at once by whatever means works best. That said I am your man and back whatever decision you wish in this matter.
“If the roles were reversed he’d kill you in a second. As your advisor I believe that your decision is the best way to act. As your friend I’d say kill him,” Vinnie had grumbled with a strong hint that he would not be averse to having his official advice ignored.
“Butcher him in the foulest way possible. Make him die in agony,” Mark had heated insisted. “I will back your play. I will admit your thoughts are the intelligent way to go at present. Still, we Romans always believed it was best to deal with our enemies fast and quick. I agree with that method myself. I guess there is a bit of my Uncle Augustus in me after all,” he grimly said.
The room went deathly still. Jean-Claude said nothing taking some pleasure in how Tortego was shifting nervously from one foot to the other as he awaited his fate. Just when the tension rose to a breaking point the werewolf spoke. “Everyone makes mistakes,” Jean-Claude softly said to the vampire. “We learn from our mistakes and make sure we never repeat them,” he continued saying making sure to emphasize the word never in his statement. “Repeating one’s errors would be a grave mistake.” Jean-Claude took a short heartbeat before concluding his remarks. “I am however mindful of your support in these tense times especially in council meetings. I know that your total and unconditional support will continue, correct? Any break between us while this war goes on could prove very fatal. We will fully address some items after the war,” Jean Claude continued saying with a voice full of sarcasm and anger.
Tortego merely nodded. So those are his terms. Support me or die at once. His words give me a clear message that after the war all bets are off. Ah well it could be worse, he thought.
Jean-Claude’s eyes fixated upon the prelate. I’m not sure what amazes me more right now. The audacity of his lie or his idea anyone might really believe him, he silently wondered.
Tortego suppressed a desire to visibly relax. He had counted on the fact that, at present, his continued support in council sessions was vital. Clearly the werewolf was signaling he too was aware of his currently weakened position among the delegates. The prelate knew the only thing that prevented his death right here was that, without his backing, Jean-Claude would need Julio's full military support to retain his position of authority. Ruling by armed coercion would be anathema to Jean-Claude. Besides, it would divert military strength needed for the war effort. Jean-Claude would not do either of those actions. For now, he had signaled he would officially believe Tortego’s pathetic excuse. Each knew however that there would be payback at some future date. For the present Tortego had time for maneuvering. Hopefully during this truce he could devise a scheme to catapult him back into power on the supernatural council!
Tortego bowed and rapidly left. He silently prayed the werewolf would not recall the incident with his aide. If he does, then all bets are off. He will move on me regardless of any risks to his position, he uneasily pondered as he passed by Jean-Claude’s grinning secretary.
After he had gone everyone began speaking at once to Jean-Claude about what the Spaniard had said during his meeting.
“The nerve,” Jaime said in a quiet voice filled with her smoldering rage. “The utter …” she stopped speaking unable to even formulate a reply to what she had listened too just minutes before in this room.
“A clever mind,” Julio stated without any emotion. “Too clever to live. Kill him and be damned.” He glanced at Jean-Claude to see if his words would lead to a signal to act upon his advice. When he saw none he stood still and decided to be a good soldier and follow orders in the matter.
“Smart politically but we need to be on our toes every second,” Vinnie added. “If he tries anything, we have to kill him even if it causes a hostile reaction with the council.” He focused his eyes upon on Jean-Claude who nodded his assent.
“But only if he acts to my detriment,” the werewolf insisted. “For now at least we wait on getting retribution. We will deal with him soon but presently his current political position in the government is stronger than mine. I’ve looked like a bumbler, at best, a drunkard, at worse, during meetings. I’m sure many on the council think I’m Tortego’s little bitch. We must first work hard to tilt council support back towards us.”
“Well I still think he should be dead,” Mark muttered. “But, your reasoning it solid.” He turned towards the security chief. “Let’s go see that Parisian spy and shake him. Maybe some new fruits will fall off of him.”
“Yeah,” Julio replied. “I’m mad enough to do something to someone so why not do it to that asshole.”
The three men left, leaving Jaime and Jean-Claude alone in his office. As soon as they had gone Jaime moved to lock the front door.
Jean-Claude gave her a curious stare. It was quickly followed with one of surprise when he recognized the familiar look on her face. He smiled. “Here? Right here and now,” he chuckled as Jaime moved towards him.
Jaime reached down to hit the intercom buzzer on his desk. “Hold all calls and visitors.” She laughed as she came closer to her husband. “Now Mr. Roué I’ve some matters that need your urgent attention,” she huskily said. She slowly pulled his tie downward to bring him even nearer to her.
Jean-Claude softly growled as he leaned in to embrace his wife. As they kissed he felt her soft tongue slid between his lips. He felt his body responding to her. The last week or more had been hell for them both. This intimacy was too long delayed and urgently needed for both of them. A few minutes later they had both shed their clothes.
“Well,” Jaime said when they broke off their kissing. She cast a mischievous eye on his desktop then glanced over at the office’s couch. “Or over there dear?” she giggled.
“Both,” Jean-Claude rasped as he easily lifted her up onto the desktop. With one fast sweep of his arm he cleared off everything on top of its surface.
“Why Mr. Wolf,” Jaime chuckled as she leaned back while he moved on top of her. She glanced down below his waist. “What big…” she teased.
“Oh goddess I love your Red Riding Hood role-playing,” he happily replied as he kissed her breasts. The sensation of her gamine like form lying under him sent a highly charged wave of erotic heat
into his crotch. “Woof. Woof,” he playfully growled.
“Bad wolf,” Jaime lightly sighed as the easy familiarity of their physical intimacy eased her fears. She let her sex demon senses loose and reveled in once more finding nourishment in her husband’s strong sexual energy.
“By the goddess I swear that I desire no one but you. You are my life mate. I love you beyond reason,” Jean-Claude huskily moaned as their intimacy increased.
For the next few hours they enjoyed a variety of highly intimate and imaginative activities on every conceivable surface in the office.
Later they lay quietly resting on the couch wrapped in each other’s arms. “You were right,” Jaime told Jean-Claude. “We have to wait to act upon him.”
Jean-Claude eased himself up onto one of his elbows. “I will never be that stupid again to trust him,” he said as he kissed her neck.
Jaime smiled. “You probably will my darling because you look for the best in everyone. Which, by the way, I would not have any other way!”
They kissed as they rechristened the couch with another round of intimacy.
Back in his offices Tortego quietly sat in the dark contemplating how to salvage anything from the ruins.
Stunning Revelations
Thierry sat at the table facing Mark and Julio. He casually glanced about at the bare gray walls of one of the security headquarters’ interrogation rooms. The only break in the plainness of the chamber was a small camera set up in a corner. He stared at the red light on the device. “You do know this is not getting my best side,” he drolly said. “It is truly not right to be so inconsiderate. By the way while I’m on that subject I think my accommodations are quite insufficient. I have only a bed and a few books to pass the time.” As he complained Thierry warmed up to his task. “Also the food is not quite up to my standards. Have you no French cook on the premises.” He gazed at Julio and Mark. “Well?” he impatiently asked of the two men who sat across the table from him. “Have you nothing to say!”
“Tell us again about the man you met with,” Julio repeated ignoring the spy’s complaints. He and Mark had spent the last thirty minutes making Thierry go over the details of his encounter with the man he had encountered that night.
Thierry yawned. “I have told you and retold you over and over that I did not see his face. He was average in every way!” By now the whole situation had grown intolerable for the Parisian. He had allowed himself to be captured and even worse, he had fallen for their confess what you know or we suck your blood ruse by the vampire squad. In a panic he had babbled like a neophyte about how he arrived and whom he met. Thierry did not enjoy the prospect of facing his French Roué employers after this debacle. An image of the beautiful but icy Hélène Roué flooded into his mind. He shivered at the thought of her getting her hands on him.
“Temperature too chilly for you?” Julio asked with indifference.
“I have told you all I know about what he looked like,” Thierry grumbled.
“Which is exactly nothing of use,” Mark interjected. “Let me be frank, we know you are a pro in this area. Surely there is something that you recall that might provide a clue for us.”
Thierry loved to be complemented. He closed his eyes and recreated that night in his mind. Suddenly he remembered something that was said by his contact. “The man clearly thinks of this in terms that relate to Jean-Claude. I believe he knows him intimately or wants to if you understand my meaning. From what he said I felt it is a case of unfulfilled sexual longing that drives him to try to hurt Jean-Claude.”
Mark shot a look at Julio. This bit of news was new. “What gave you that impression?’
Thierry shrugged. “At some point I asked him about his receiving a reward for his treason or something close to it. He replied in a way that was clearly sexual in nature. He constantly used the words, fucking Jean-Claude. I assume he, what you Americans say, has the hots for your leader. Perhaps he even sexually approached the werewolf and was rebuffed. Ah love spurned is always a motive is it not,” Thierry mused. “Yes he definitely gave me the impression he was sexually motivated. I’m French so we know when sex is involved.” He gave his interrogators a knowing smile.”
“Why didn’t you tell us this before?” Julio demanded.
Thierry shrugged again. “You didn’t ask for my impressions of him. You asked what he looked like or what did he say about the plans. Now may we end this interrogation and send me back to my accommodations. I’m fatigued and I can tell you nothing more on this man.”
Julio closed the file in front of him. “Okay you will be taken back to your cell. Perhaps we can arrange some trade for you with your employers.”
Thierry went pale, “I would prefer a grant of asylum. There is no need to send me back.”
Mark suppressed an urge not to show any reaction. Julio’s face also remained expressionless. The security chief simply nodded. He made a hand signal at the camera. Three security people entered and took Thierry away. The camera’s recording red light went dead.
“Okay we are alone now and can speak in confidence,” Julio sighed with exhaustion.
“I think our friend does not want to go home,” Mark laughed.
Julio chuckled. “From what I hear about Hélène Roué I don’t blame him. I know she is Jean-Claude’s aunt but my intelligence reports tell me she is a first class bitch!”
Mark recalled his own step-aunt, Livia Augusta, the poisonous second wife of his Uncle Augustus who killed any relative who stood in her son’s path to the power. “I can empathize with him on that score,” he said as he scratched his chin. “What do you make of that statement the traitor gave?”
Julio gave the private eye a wiry look. “I think we should ask Jean-Claude who did he sexually rebuff or who may have shown unwanted sexual interest in him.”
“I agree,” Mark stated as the two men got up to leave the interview room. “Maybe he can think of someone. My bet is on Tortego’s aide.”
“Yeah,” Julio responded. “I’ve noticed how he hovers over Jean-Claude,” the security chief stopped speaking for a second then continued. “Or he did until recently. Damn I will bet you that he is the guy that Thierry met that night!”
“Let’s not jump the gun until we talk with Jean-Claude,” Mark interjected. “I know he was on your list but to be fair, he might have told someone else about those plans and that person is our spy. I doubt if he was ever that indiscreet with anyone but let’s get proof before we grab him. Remember, he is Tortego's aide so we have to be on solid grounds to hold and interrogate him. I’m convinced if he was Thierry’s contact that he took his marching orders from Tortego. Once we have him in custody that aide will break during our interrogation. I’m sure he has little if any backbone.”
In another smaller enclosure, where the interrogation was being taped, a highly concerned Tortego had been watching events unfold. A minion that was strategically placed in the security forces’ records room had alerted the Spaniard that Thierry was about to be questioned by Mark and Julio. The former Inquisitor had barely arrived in time to witness what the captured agent had said to the two men. Tortego’s face went deathly pale when he heard Thierry tell Mark and Julio what his contact had implied in his conversation during their rendezvous. He knew at once what that statement referred to. It will only be a matter of time before Julian finds that link to my aide. Jean-Claude might not recall the attempted rape but dare I risk that hope, he thought as an icy cold gripped his insides. But if I act fast, I can pull out of this potential disaster, he silently told himself. Quickly he exited the building and made two calls. One was to tell his aide they had to meet and where it would occur. The other was to an old friend from his Spanish Inquisition days!
Back in his cell Thierry found his usual dinner fare waiting for him. With little enthusiasm he took hold of the lids covering the dishes. “More American cuisine to endure,” he muttered in disgust as he exposed their contents to his view. To his amazement he found a delightful serving of
escargot and braised lamb done in a rustic Provencal style. The delicate aromas of the dishes filled his senses with sheer ecstasy. “Finally some truly decent food,” he happily said. Eagerly he ate his fill of the expertly prepared meal. Twenty minutes later he lay twisting in agony. Foam appeared on his lips while his hands desperately clawed at his throat. A few minutes after that he was dead.
****
A few hours later, in the reception rooms of the Paris Opera, a glittering party was going on to celebrate a new ballet. The guest list was composed of the city’s cultural and political elite. Lights illuminated the stunningly furnished surroundings. Flower arrangements gave off their delightful scents. Every one of the attendees was dressed in all their finery. A note was slipped to Hélène Roué. She smiled as she read the news about Thierry fate. “Henri we have something more to celebrate,” she purred as she handed the missive to her husband.
As he read the paper a look of horror came to his face. “You did this on your own?” he hoarsely asked knowing what her reply would be but hoping to be wrong.
“Mon cher one of us needs to be the man in our family,” she snappishly replied through a forced smile while she nodded to others. “I will speak no more on this with you. I did what was needed for our safety.” She gave the nearby President of France a broad grin along with a slight head nod acknowledging his returned greeting. “Now be silent and get me more champagne. Another more personal success to celebrate.”
Henri shuddered at her callousness but did as she instructed.
Word of that death had also traveled to the Roué household
The Case of the Parisian Vendetta: A Mark Julian Vampire PI Mystery #10 (Mark Julian Vampire PI Mysteries) Page 13