by Primo, Jaz
She slyly smiled and purred, “You’re certainly no child, Caleb. You’re a grown man in every sense of the word, I’m happy to say, and I have very mature feelings towards you.”
He wriggled his back slightly, and she continued running her nails across his skin.
He moaned with pleasure. “You trust me, don’t you?”
“Of course I do,” she replied. “Perhaps a compromise: if I promise not to discount your observations, you’ll promise me not to go off adventuring without conferring with me first.”
He contemplated that for a moment.
So, as long as she’s aware of my actions, I’m free to act as I see fit? That seems fair enough.
“Done,” he replied.
She was content that something very important had been agreed upon.
“What about tomorrow morning, Kat? What’s Alton planning to do?”
She stared across the dark room while considering all the angles.
“I’m not entirely certain,” she conceded. “But I know he means well, and I trust his instincts.”
“And, um, what about the plan for me tomorrow?” he asked, unsure if he were technically still in trouble for that day’s events in the mine.
She adopted a shrewd expression while glaring down at her young mate.
“As for you, I expect you to stay around the hotel, of course,” she insisted. As if to accentuate her point, she pressed the tips of her fingernails against his skin in lieu of claws.
While not enough to break the skin, it generated an unpleasant sensation. His body tensed, and he swallowed hard.
“Got it,” he quickly agreed.
She happily continued scratching his back.
The next morning, Katrina rose early to confer with Alton on the day’s plan prior to the start of the session. A discreet inquiry assured her that Dubravko was still at the hotel, and she took the additional step of asking Paige to keep an eye on her mate.
Caleb slept later than he had planned, waking well after nine o’clock. The previous day’s adventures had taken a toll, and he appreciated the additional rest. For some reason, he felt much more hopeful, though perhaps that was partially attributed to the neutralization of two previous vampire-related threats on his life.
Additionally, he hoped that the tense rift between him and Katrina had been somewhat mended, and he fondly recalled her previous evening’s attentions.
After shaving and pulling on some jeans and a concert t-shirt from The National, Caleb made his way to the lobby. He had no sooner stepped off the elevator than he noted a few straggling vampires making their way in the direction of the conference room. A rush of air washed past him, and Paige appeared at his side.
“Whoa!”
She smoothly fell into stride beside him on his way to the dining room.
“I promised Red I’d keep track of you today.”
He made a sour expression. “Let me guess, you’re the –”
“That’s right. Babysitter’s on duty.”
“Aw, man.”
The mere term suggested that she would probably be stuck to him like glue. And with her being a vampire and its being daytime, he was likely on “house restriction” for the day.
“I wanted to go fishing again,” he lamented.
“Well, I’ll send a human guard, or two, to keep an eye on you then. Meanwhile, let’s get my boy something to eat.”
Once seated at their table, his pale blue eyes settled upon her.
“How is your staff doing with the news this morning?”
She thoughtfully contemplated him. You mean, how’s everyone taking the news that I murdered their boss last night?
“I briefed everyone this morning and explained that additional information will be forthcoming later today. Most of them are curious, but generally supportive. I’ve managed to build considerable respect with the majority of the guards. That’s something Pietari never garnered during his brief tenure.”
Thank goodness, or I’d have serious loyalty problems right now.
He listened with a serious expression. Then his visage softened, and he wanly smiled at her.
“What’s that expression all about?” she asked with a chuckle. It looked endearing to her.
“I’m really proud of you,” he whispered. “You’re kind of amazing, really.”
Paige was an anomaly to him in so many ways. Part fun-loving, part lethal, but always a true friend, even when she’s annoying the hell out of me. He not only adored her, he loved her.
She stared into his eyes, appreciating the gentleness reflected in them. His expression was full of adoration, akin to how someone might gaze upon their hero.
Oh, I could so get used to that.
“Thanks, kiddo,” she said, returning his smile.
“So, what happens next?”
Her smile faded. “That’s really the million-dollar question, isn’t it?”
* * * *
The vampires assembled in the conference room sported a host of demeanors, including curiosity, wariness, and various levels of concern. Alton and Katrina sat at the head of the table, patiently waiting for the murmuring to subside before beginning.
Katrina spied Dubravko across the table, and she took interest that he appeared surprisingly calm under the circumstances. That suggested that he was either completely oblivious as to what might be coming, an unlikely prospect, or that he had another angle of his own ready to spring on everyone. The second notion bothered her more than she cared to reveal.
Once the din of voices had abated, Alton addressed the group.
“Many of you have had an opportunity to hear varying degrees of information related to multiple events that unfolded late yesterday afternoon and early evening. I can accurately confirm the deaths of two vampires: Dominic Ambrogio and Major Kivo Pietari.”
A murmuring reignited among the attendees, except for Dubravko, who listened with a stoic expression.
“The deaths were over separate events, but related,” Alton continued.
A series of questions issued forth from multiple members at once, each demanding details. Alton held up his hand for silence and informed the group of what had transpired that led to both deaths. The recollections took some time, though the gathering was polite enough to allow him to complete his presentation.
The subsequent questions were mostly for clarification of previously stated details. However, when the queries turned to one of context, Alton moved to the next phase of his presentation.
“I’m afraid there’s some rather uncomfortable information accompanying these events,” he began. “That is, beyond the participants already cited. I’m afraid we’re looking at a conspiracy to disrupt these proceedings.”
Dubravko’s expression turned stony, and he leveled a hard stare at Alton. The corners of Katrina’s lips upturned slightly.
“I have some evidence that I’d like to share with you that I believe will explain everything,” Alton said while removing the small digital recorder from his blazer pocket.
Everyone waited expectantly.
* * * *
After Caleb finished eating breakfast, he and Paige walked into the lobby. A vampire security officer with lieutenant’s bars on his shoulder approached her.
“Captain,” he politely began, “the sergeant and I would like to discuss some important staffing concerns with you in the maj -- that is, in the main office. There are two of our human guards who have been acting suspiciously following last night’s events. We’d rather address things earlier rather than later, if you catch my meaning.”
Paige studied Caleb. “Sure, makes sense,” she replied.
“Why don’t I just hang around here until you get back?” Caleb suggested.
She turned to him and firmly ordered, “Fine, but you had better sit here in the lobby waiting for me. I’ll be back soon, so don’t get any ideas about leaving, or...”
“I know, I know,” he interrupted with a roll of his eyes. “Retribution, angst, and a
host of painful punishments.”
She grinned. “Yeah, something like that.”
The lieutenant pointed up to a nearby lobby camera and noted in a mock-ominous tone, “We’re watching you, human.”
This guy sounds like a lame Bela Lugosi, Caleb mused.
He plopped down on a nearby couch and watched them walk towards the security office.
“Good one. I like that,” Paige told the lieutenant.
A few minutes later, Maddy happened by and noticed Caleb give a slight wave in her direction.
“Hey, Trouble,” she quipped.
He rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”
“Rianne told me a little bit about what’s been going on,” she offered, plopping onto the couch next to him. “It looks as if a lot of us owe you and Dorianne an apology. I would’ve never imagined all that’s happened the past few days. It’s kind of shocking to learn that some nefarious people have been operating in our midst all this time.”
Caleb knew all too well how things, and people, often weren’t what they claimed to be. He realized how street-smart he was becoming since meeting Katrina.
Actually, my entire personality’s been undergoing a bit of an overhaul, he realized. He felt much more self-confident and self-reliant since becoming involved with her. But then, he was a much happier person, as well.
“Earth to Caleb,” Maddy teased.
“Sorry,” he broke from his reverie. “I was just thinking about what you said, that’s all.”
“Sure, I get it. Face it, your life’s a lot more exciting than I gave you credit for when I first met you.”
Boy, that’s an understatement. A lot more than I prefer, actually.
“You’re one lucky guy, Taylor,” she said. “Having two beautiful women in your life like you do, and both vampires. Frankly, I’m a little envious.”
“Only one of them is my mate, however,” he stipulated.
One of her eyebrows dubiously arched, and she chuckled. “Boy, are you in for a surprise someday,” she knowingly whispered.
He frowned, but light-heartedly countered, “Well, just keep your hands off either of them. I don’t need any competition.”
She rose to continue on her original errand and smirked. “From what I see, Taylor, they’re way outta my league. But then, I love Rianne too much to stray.”
“Good thing for me then,” he credited.
She proceeded towards the lobby exit, and he watched the happy-go-lucky blonde walk away while pondering her observations with a puzzled expression.
“Better not let Katrina catch you girl-watching,” Aiden chortled.
Aiden’s sudden appearance startled him, and he swiveled to stare at him.
“Hey, there’s no competition there,” he awkwardly countered.
“Yeah, that one’s batting for the other team,” the young electrician observed.
Caleb acknowledged the truth in his comment. “Okay, there’s that, too.”
Absently, he noticed two hotel employees hauling luggage through the lobby towards the main desk. It appeared that someone was checking out, and he wondered who it might be. Turning to gaze towards the glass doors of the lobby, he noticed a few staff members arranging an awning over a black limousine with dark tinted windows.
Maybe a vampire departing, he thought.
The two staff members at the counter took the luggage outside to the rear of the limousine.
“Wonder what’s going on there?” Aiden asked. “I didn’t know folks were already leaving. Is the conference ending early or something?”
Caleb was curious about that, as well.
* * * *
Before Alton pressed Play on the digital recorder, there was an outburst.
“What kind of theatrics are you trying to pull, Rutherford?” Dubravko demanded.
“I’m just offering everyone a chance to listen to the truth,” Alton calmly explained.
“I’ve heard enough of this ridiculousness,” Dubravko complained. “This conference has been a complete waste of time, and I intend to report that to the parties that I’m representing here. First, I see an inability to reach a viable structure for continued dialogue. Next, the inability to solidify a standardized base of common principles. And finally, you’re trying to use conspiracy theories to manipulate group dynamics. Preposterous!”
Dubravko’s gold-flecked eyes glared at Alton and then at Katrina as he rose from his chair.
“You’re fools if you stay for anymore of this,” he warned the rest of the participants. Then he grabbed the folder and notes before him and angrily stormed from the room.
The assembled group traded curious or concerned glances with each other, and a few vampires acted as if they were preparing to rise from their chairs.
“Please,” Alton diplomatically offered. “Please listen to the evidence, and then you can judge for yourselves. Nobody, least of all me, is trying to force anything upon you.”
The few who had started to rise sat back in their chairs. Others erupted into individual hushed conversations, while Katrina just stared into Alton’s eyes.
That was both odd and unexpected.
* * * *
As Aiden and Caleb talked about all that had happened the previous day and evening, Caleb noticed Dubravko storm into the lobby, headed straight for the main desk. The surly vampire removed a cell phone from his pocket and appeared to be texting with someone. Then he abruptly put away his cell phone and locked eyes with Caleb. The imposing vampire sneered at him and proceeded to the main desk.
“Is my car ready?” he demanded.
“Yes, sir,” the woman at the counter assured him. “Your driver arrived not long ago, and we’re loading your luggage now. Thank you for staying with us, Mr. Dubravko, and have a pleasant journey home.”
“Thanks,” the vampire replied. “I’m looking forward to it.”
He proceeded through the main doors to the dim area of the awning-shrouded limousine and slipped inside.
“That was weird,” Caleb noted.
His mind screamed that something seemed very odd about the display, but he couldn’t quite place what.
“Hey!” Paige exclaimed from nearby. “Was that Dubravko?”
Caleb acknowledged her, but was still distracted by his thoughts.
“Yeah, the guy just stormed out of here like a bullet,” Aiden supplied.
“What the hell is Alton thinking?” Paige hated the idea that the vampire would get away after being neatly implicated in recent events.
Then something occurred to Caleb like a light bulb snapping on. It was Dubravko; something was definitely missing.
“The briefcase,” he muttered.
“What?” Aiden asked.
Then another image flashed from Caleb’s memory, and a look of horror formed on his face.
“Oh crap!” he exclaimed. “We gotta see Alton. Now!”
Paige wanted to press him for information, but he had already leapt up from the couch and was racing towards the conference room.
* * * *
Following Dubravko’s hasty departure, the room seemed to erupt in a litany of simultaneous comments or arguments over the events of the prior twenty-four hours. Seemingly, everyone had an opinion, some better-informed than others.
“Please, if we could all quiet down so that I can play the recording for you,” Alton urged.
The door to the conference room opened to reveal a harried-looking guard. “Uh, sorry Mr. Rutherford, but this young man –”
“Alton! You’ve gotta listen to me!” Caleb yelled from the hallway. “The briefcase!”
Katrina’s eyes widened, and she rose from her chair with concern. “Caleb?”
“Let him in,” Alton ordered as he rose from his seat.
The room burst into hushed whisperings as all eyes intently focused on the young man.
Caleb quickly squeezed past the guard then momentarily froze as he took in the roomful of vampire eyes all focused on him. He gathered his wits and conc
entrated on Alton.
“The briefcase,” he blurted.
Alton stepped closer to him, abandoning further attempts to calm the mutterings of his fellow vampires, resigned to the fact that order had been lost.
“What briefcase?” Alton asked.
As Katrina watched her mate with a frown, Caleb scanned the room and circumnavigated the conference table until arriving at two empty seats, one of which Dubravko had been seated in.
He slowly pulled the chairs away and looked underneath the table as the nearest vampires stopped chatting and turned to observe him.
Paige appeared in the doorway and announced, “Dubravko’s leaving.”
“What?” Alton demanded. “It’s broad daylight. He’s not going anywhere.”
“Hello? They pitched the awning over the car,” she clarified.
“Bloody hell,” Alton cursed under his breath.
As Caleb peered underneath the table, he saw Dubravko’s black leather briefcase and looked up, pointing to it.
Katrina and Alton had followed him around the table to watch.
“That can’t be good,” Caleb urgently noted.
Katrina and Alton saw that red LED numbers on the briefcase’s lock code display were counting down rapidly. Alton immediately grabbed the briefcase and turned to hand it to the vampire guard who had entered the room to announce Caleb.
“Get this outside and far away from the building! Now!” he ordered.
The vampire carefully took the briefcase in hand and hastily exited the room with it.
Katrina insisted, “We’ve got to clear the outdoor vicinity of any humans.”
Paige turned to speed from the room in a blur.
“Everyone needs to account for their human companions immediately,” Katrina barked at the other vampires milling around the room.
The room erupted with vampires disappearing from around the table. Caleb watched the disarray while his mind grasped an important concept.
It’s daylight; these vampires can’t leave the hotel!
He slipped from the room as Katrina and Alton urgently spoke with Hakizimana. When he arrived in the lobby, the vampire guard holding the briefcase was heatedly arguing with a human guard who was refusing to accept the briefcase.