“Hiya. Nice place you got. Saw it on the way in. Bet that set you back a pile of bills.”
“Yes. But they were hard earned.”
“I’ll bet. Whaddaya do?”
“I deal in art.” Dave helped himself to another margarita.
“Really? There’s money in that?”
Dave had a way of curling his lip much like a wolf. “Do you live on the island?”
“Yeah. For the summer. I wanted to be near Annie and the baby. You know, time’s getting close.”
“Dinner’s ready,” Mercedes said. “We’ve got steak, burgers, baked potatoes and baked beans, corn on the cob and salad. That should be enough to fill us.”
“No bread?” Dave asked.
“I forgot. Garlic bread. In the oven.”
Dave befriended the pitcher of margaritas. A rainbow of sunset colors streaked the sky and the agitation caused by daylight left Diego’s body. Mercedes had fussed with her hair. A pink ribbon held it high on the crown of her head and the curls bounced like a waterfall. “I like your new hair style.”
A sparkle appeared in her eyes. “Save that thought for tonight on the pier.”
Annie lifted the grill cover. “These critters are done.”
Dave sniffed. He placed his hand on Annie’s shoulder, a calculated move testing how far he could go now that he was almost back in the fold.
Mercedes stiffened. “Here, Sis, let me help. I don’t want you by the heat. Sit.” She glanced at Diego--a call to arms. “Diego and I will handle the food.”
He knew his role. “I will get the salad from the refrigerator and the bread from the oven.” He hoped he would do better in her kitchen than his.
Luz must have set the table unless Annie also knew how to make napkins into cranes. The conversation focused on the food, the baby and the upcoming exhibit.
Dave swallowed a mouthful of tomato. “Where do ya store all the art?”
“Only a small collection remains and that soon will be gone.”
“You got a secret room?”
Mercedes rolled her eyes. “You’ve seen too many movies.”
Dave ignored her and repeated his question.
“I have released my collections.”
“Got any gold?”
“A small llama has already been returned to Peru.”
His head bobbed vigorously. “That’s what treasure hunters go after. Gold.”
“Yes.” Diego pictured Dave and Remy in a conversation then imagined them trying to trick each other out of valuables.
“Dessert, anyone?”
His beloved grew anxious to end the evening. Her plan suited Diego just fine...
Dave flagged her. “Easy does it, Mercie girl. Diego hasn’t eaten.”
“Nevertheless, Dave, I am ready for dessert. I had a snack at home.” He shrugged... “Could not be avoided.”
Dave cut a large slice of apple pie. “I read about you in the paper. It said you owned more than art.”
Mercedes answered. “Diego’s not going to tell you his personal business.”
“Just trying to keep the conversation movin’.”
Diego glanced at Annie. A wave of sadness drifted over her face as if she witnessed a dream dying.
His love tried to lighten the mood. “Annie, if you don’t want pie, we’ve got you-know-what.”
“Maybe later.”
Dave rose from the bench. “Come on, Annie, I’ll take you inside.”
Mercedes and Diego remained on deck sitting across from each other. “Is Dave spending the night?”
“No. I made that clear. What do you think of him?”
“He has room to grow.”
She laughed. “You know how to play it safe.”
“The sooner we clear the table, the sooner we can be alone. Shall we meet at the pier later?”
“A great idea.”
Being in a kitchen no longer felt strange to him. “What happened at the museum today?
She filled the teakettle and spoke more softly than usual so as not to be overheard by Annie and Dave in the living room. “Ms. Rogers is rattled but the exhibit’s spectacular. In addition to your collection, they’ve brought in wonderful textiles.”
He remembered the skill of the Andean women. Their deft fingers and the curl of their wrist as they transformed the raw wool into soft yarn much of it destined for the royals. What he wouldn’t have given for warm clothing after the sun set in Ciud’Ak.
The evening ended when Dave left. Although no one sighed the expression on the sisters’ faces announced relief on Mercedes and concern on Annie’s. Diego excused himself. He had much to do before he and Mercedes could meet.
* * *
Later, on a street corner outside a noisy bar Diego met with Dave as he smoked a cigarette to the stub then headed down the tree-lined sidewalk. Diego called his name and Dave spun around.
“Diego, what’re you doin’ here?”
“Has Annie mentioned she needs transfusions?”
“Yeah.”
“Are you going to donate?”
“I told her I would. They pay for givin’ blood, don’t’ they?”
Diego’s patience evaporated. He waved his hand across Dave’s face. “When the alcohol is out of your system, go the blood bank. See if you are a match for Annie. Ask about donating platelets too.”
“Thanks, Diego.”
He left Dave there dealing with the suggestion then he stepped into the shadows tense with need. Wings propelled him across the water.
* * *
Mercedes ignored her fear of a rogue wave and sat on the pier with her back to the ocean. She spied Diego cutting across the sand. Like the volleyball players on the beach he had a fluidity of motion that made her think he could outmaneuver the worst thieves in the world.
“Mi amor, how are you tonight?”
“Happy to see you.” He sat in front of her, cross-legged with his limbs touching hers from knee to ankle.
“I sense that you are upset.”
“No use keeping it to myself. I’m worried about Dave’s influence on my sister.”
“There is always a chance he can change.”
“I’m not so sure.”
“Time will tell. I have other news, suspicions really. Remy, although I can find no trace of him, is the thief. I know it, but cannot prove it. Plus, he is not working alone. The source of his bravery is his partner.”
“So go to the police, tell them what you think you know and they’ll do the rest.”
“No. They frown upon ordinary citizens delving into investigations.”
“What’re we going to do?”
“Nothing. Not until I discover how such a vessel could matter to them.”
“Is that why you’re looking into it on your own?”
“Yes. I need to know their motivation.”
“Maybe Remy thinks it contains a clue to treasure.”
“He is greedy enough to believe that and bound to be disappointed. You must not be alone with him again.”
“Let’s go to the cops.”
“I do not want the complication. I give you my word that the pitcher belongs to me. Legally.”
“This is a mess.”
“Do you regret our involvement?”
She wrangled her way into his lap. “Not at all.” She purred against his chest. “I feel safe with you. I want to be in your bed.”
He pulled Mercedes closer.
“But I can’t stay long.”
“I understand. Your sister needs you. I admire you for the care you give her. Now, come. I want to see you in my bedroom.”
She curled up on his king size bed and luxuriated in the pale silk coverlet clinging to her body. He snapped his fingers and soft music played supplying additional background.
Afterwards she clung to him savoring the closeness. Air cooled her damp body. She rejoiced and never felt the mattress.
Chapter 8
Mercedes placed the white orchid, a gift from Diego, in a milk glass vas
e and centered it on the kitchen table. Annie wandered in. Her stomach had grown two inches but the rest of her seemed thin.
“What’re you doing up so early?”
“Dave called last night. You were with Diego. Papa-to-be is taking me to Dr. Mendez’s office for treatment.”
“That’s my job.”
“He wants to be by my side. That’s what he said and I believe him.”
“I’ll stay around in case he doesn’t show.”
“No. Becoming a father’s having a good effect on him.”
Mercedes bit her tongue. Dave needed money or wanted the house or something. “You’ll use our car?”
“Yes. Just so you know, I asked Diego about his intentions regarding you. He says they’re honorable. We’ll see.”
“I’m not even embarrassed.”
“Sounds like you’re serious.”
“I am and so is he. This time I can feel it. He’s someone we can both trust.” When Annie left the room, Mercedes dialed Luz. She had no idea how the conversation would go. She waited for the girl to answer hoping to avoid any awkwardness. Luz responded quickly enough and listened in silence as Mercedes explained. “I’m going to the museum after all. If the car and helicopter are available I’d appreciate the ride. I’ll pay for the flight.”
“No need. They are always at my. . . boss’s command. He left word you might call. I’ll drive. When’re we leaving?”
“Ten minutes?”
“Perfect.”
“Could I speak with Diego?”
“I’m sorry. He’s in the vault.”
“Oh. I had no idea he started work so early.”
“Yeah. He’s driven.”
* * *
Once in the museum, Mercedes was reassigned. She accompanied an assistant into the Minoan gallery. “Inventory check. Someone’s got to do it and you’re elected now that Mr. Castilla’s handled that crate.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Make certain the descriptions and code numbers match the objects.”
Mercedes set about the task. The beauty of the vessels, some depicted daily life, others dancers, made what could have been a tedious job a pleasure. On a short break she dialed home--got no answer.
With the doctor’s office, she had better luck.
“This is Mercedes Thomas. Annie’s my sister. Did she keep her appointment?”
The woman typed on a computer. “She’s a cancellation. Dr. Mendez will be in on Monday. Should I write her in for ten-thirty?” The woman dropped her voice. “The doctor really wants to see her.”
“We’ll take the appointment.” Mercedes disconnected then gathered her purse from the floor. Her cell buzzed. With a lump in her throat she held the receiver to her ear. “Annie?”
“No,” said Diego. “What is wrong?” His voice sounded strong and calm. Struggling to hold back a truckload of emotions, Mercedes explained that Annie had been a no-show.
“Mercedes, I am in the city. Where are you?”
“With the Minoans.”
“We will helicopter home.”
“I thought you were in the vault.”
“For a short time, but only out of necessity.”
* * *
Dave had a long way to go as a budding father. Diego did not know whether that meant he was less a vampire in reading him or if the man’s will was more corrupted than Diego had judged. Either way it said something about his powers.
He and Mercedes hurried into the helicopter, strapped on the safety belt and ear protectors and settled in for flight. Before the engine roared he held her hand. “We will find Annie and Dave. I have people looking.”
“The police?”
“No, Luz and others.” His beloved had turned fragile with worry.
Upon landing, he took a call from Luz. She reported that their missing persons now sat enjoying themselves on the cottage deck.
The instant the tires crunched on Mercedes’ driveway, she flung open the door and charged. Words shot out of her mouth like darts from a blowpipe. “You’ve endangered Annie’s life and the life of your son.”
Dave barely focused. Diego saw the error of his earlier approach. Only fear could make this human obey.
The man attempted to stand but slumped back into the lounge chair. “Jush a minute. We wen shopping.”
“What?” Mercedes turned to her sister.
“We looked for baby clothes at the mall.”
Diego’s beloved leaned against the redwood table. “But you need to see the doctor. The appointments are more important.”
“I’m tired of your advice. I feel fine. I needed a break.” She held up a tiny blue shirt. “Isn’t it cute?”
“Dave bought it?”
Annie’s tone changed from surface polite to defiant. “Dave has money. He paid.” Daddy tried to swell his sweating chest, but burped instead.
Diego needed to get him alone. “I will help you reach your apartment tonight.”
The man regarded Diego with eyes that stumbled over themselves. Diego hooked his hands under Dave’s arms and lifted him out of the chair. Still he stumbled on the steps.
He settled him into the new 4x4 Luz made him buy to “help us blend with the beach crowd.” Dave dozed. Every cell in Diego’s body wanted to fling Annie’s boyfriend into the surf, but why contaminate the ocean further?
He headed for the switchback into a nearby park. When he shut the motor the only sounds that entered the open window were the rustling branches of pines and waves slapping against the low cliffs.
“Wake.” Dave’s eyelashes fluttered. He blinked into consciousness. From the terror on his face, Diego knew the man registered his physical changes. Diego longed to sink his fangs into the man’s salty flesh.
“You’re. . . .”
Dave lost the remainder of his sentence. He clawed his way out of the vehicle and into the woods. When he crashed against a thick trunk, clearly trapped, fear soured his skin. Diego stood before him. “Look at me.”
“No, no. You’re goin’. . .suck my blood.”
There were things Diego needed to know. “Why do you lurk on the dunes?”
“Tryin’to see Annie.”
“But you have already been in contact with her. Tell me the rest of it.” This human was not the type to willingly suffer inconveniences like dampness, sand and onshore night breezes.
“I got paid to spy on you.”
“By whom?” he asked, although he had a good idea.
“Just a guy. Black hair, slicked. Shorter’n me. Scary eyes.”
The booze lost its edge “How did you meet?”
“Clam bar. . .beach.”
“What have you told him?”
“A freaky babe lives with you and you’re weird. A loner.”
“Why the interest in me?”
Dave shrugged, teeth chattering.
“Did he give you anything to drink?” Dave nodded. Diego rubbed his fangs against the man’s neck. Dave shook like so many others. Diego’s enemy had manipulated Annie’s lover. . . A reminder that Diego battled more than a mortal. He battled a sorcerer.
Dave’s hand scraped against a glass shard. Diego dipped his finger into the blood and tasted it. The chemical had left bitter, foreign traces yet the liquid life tempted and revolted him. “You have had a bad dream. Leave. Now.”
He ran like a crazed animal, a drunk shocked into sobriety. What he would remember would be a nightmare brought on by vodka.
When Diego returned to his house Mercedes waited by the pool. He needed to feed. Badly. But how could he send her home?
Luz came to his rescue. She called from a window. “Diego, I am sorry to interrupt, but you have an urgent call from Spain.”
He kissed Mercedes’ cheek. “Meet me on your deck in an hour.”
A frown crinkled her fair skin. “Are you all right? Did Dave act up? You seem different.”
Yes. He had changed. Now he knew both she and Annie were under threat because of him. “I will re
turn shortly.”
Luz watched from their upper deck to see that Mercedes reached home safely. He hurried to the vault where his companion had left food. Later, when he recovered, Luz stopped him as he prepared to inform Mercedes of changes that must be made.
“Master, I have news. Remember Teodoro Industries?
“Yes.”
“Documents say the importer’s home territory is Queens. Do you believe that?”
“Never.”
“Good. He’s from Peru and takes frequent trips to the Amazon, Asia and Europe. Alfred called. They’ve traced some of the would-be hackers to South America.” She paused long enough to purse her lips. “He’s after us, isn’t he? Is our life about to end? Will I be expendable?”
“Yes, he’s after us. No, our life will not end but it may change, and no, you are not expendable. I intend to lure away our adversaries and protect the people I love. We will heighten security for ourselves and for Mercedes and Annie. See that it is done. Anything else?”
“You’ve got it covered.”
Mercedes hugged her knees and sat frozen, staring at him with dread in her eyes. “Let me get this straight. Annie and I are in danger because of an importer?”
“What I know right now, is that he has been watching us. Have you noticed anything strange?”
“Once Remy’s pal creeped me out near the museum steps. If looks could kill I wouldn’t be here now.”
“I’ve arranged protection for you and Annie. The team is not intrusive, but they know their job. Also, with your permission, I would like to install inside security as well.”
“Okay, but Annie has to avoid stress. What am I going to tell her?”
“The truth. That you need protection. Tomorrow night is the exhibit. Annie will be guarded. We will attend together. I want you close.”
“I don’t understand why this is happening over a stolen pitcher.” She studied him and this time her gaze held a different type of assessment. “You’ve been through situations like this before.”
“Yes. This is something I can handle.”
“Like you handled the pitcher?” She shuddered. “Sorry. I’m scared. I get emotional and not in a good way.”
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