Always the Vampire

by Nancy Haddock

  “I don’t know. Whether this goes down at the festival or not, the last thing we need is for witnesses to call the cops.” Saber drummed his fingers on the island. “Cesca, you know the town better than any of us. What location is close to the events field and open enough for us to maneuver, but away from prying eyes?”

  “The top level of the parking garage,” I tossed off.

  Immediately, the hair stood stiff on the back of my neck, and goose bumps plowed their way up my arms. The dream I’d had about being on a flat roof slammed through my memory. Saber unconscious, my feet stuck in tar muck. The settings weren’t an exact match, but then when had I last been on the top level of the parking garage? The similarities between the dream roof and the real roof lot were too close to ignore.

  “Honey, what did you see?”

  I shook off my case of the willies. “I’ve had some weird dreams lately, and in one of them, I was on a flat roof, stuck in black goo. It could have been the roof-level parking lot.”

  “Then it’s an option to check out. We’ll take a look at Triton’s suggestion, too. Maybe the north grounds of the fort are more shielded than I remember.”

  “Speaking of shielding,” Lia said, “we shall work on that tomorrow. Cesca especially needs instruction and practice.”

  Saber put his arm around me. “She also needs rest. Let’s pack up and call it a night.”

  Cosmil and Lia shooed us out of the cabin while they cleaned their potion mess and gathered spell paraphernalia. They’d keep the spell running and call if they got another good hit.

  The guys walked away to talk while Lynn and I sat on the porch steps.

  “Cesca, you and Triton really are just friends, aren’t you?”

  “When I don’t want to whap him upside the head, yeah. I’m no competition, Lynn. I’m a one-man woman.”

  “I’ve felt like such a freak since I started shifting. I’ve been scared to let anyone get close.”

  “Triton felt the same way.”

  “Is he a one-woman man, or does he play the field?”

  I grinned. “In his younger days, he was a bit of a player. Now? I don’t think so, but he is a guy. Men can be too exasperating to be worth the trouble.”

  “Or wonderful enough to wait a lifetime for,” Lia said from behind us.

  I looked up at her then at Lynn.

  “When she’s right, she’s right.”

  We arrived at Saber’s house thirty minutes later, and he insisted on showing Cosmil how to operate the hide-a-bed in the couch. I could’ve told my darling not to bother, that Cosmil and Lia would be sharing a bed tonight. But why ruin his fun in showing off his home?

  While they moved on to setting the thermostat, Lia motioned me into the guest room.

  “You’re different today,” she said as she set an old-fashioned cloth satchel on the bed. “I noticed it when you called this afternoon, but it’s more apparent in person. What happened?”

  “Besides the bodies on my doorstep?”

  “Don’t be facetious. You know what I mean. You experienced a shift. You slept perhaps three hours, yet you emanate a well of energy.” She searched my eyes. “You came into your power today, and I’d like to know how it happened so I can help you channel it.”

  I thought back to the moment when the cool sensation first pooled in my tailbone, and the feeling stirred.

  “I was angry that Starrack murdered those homeless kids.”

  “And you wanted his blood.”

  “I still do.”

  “Good. The anger will fuel your determination. How do you perceive your power? Like the element of fire? Earth?”

  “Water. Cool water. It flows from the base of my spine through my torso and into my arms and legs.”

  “Water? Well, of course. You’re the sign of the Moon Child.”

  The men came into the hall, and she lowered her voice.

  “I want you to practice shielding your thoughts. Imagine they are submerged in water. Only when you purposefully bring them to the surface can they be read.”

  “It’s that simple?”

  “It can be. Women are more likely to project because we’re more emotionally open. It will take practice to balance shielding with the openness of your nature. But never mind that. You only need to hide your thoughts from Starrack. I’ll prepare a special pouch for you to wear that will assist your focus.”

  So I had a water fountain of power? All right, how corrupting to my soul could that be?

  “Lia, I know you’ve already cast protective spells on everybody and their dog, but if we have to go up against Starrack and the Void next Friday, will you and Cosmil cast extra protection on Maggie and Neil and the wedding party?”

  “We’re way ahead of you on that score, my dear.”

  “Here you are,” Saber said from the threshold. “Lia, I’ve told Cosmil he can use my bathroom so you can have some privacy again.”

  “Thank you, Saber. Now you go along to Cesca’s. You’ve had an eventful day, and tomorrow will be just as busy with the bridal shower and phoning the liquor stores and then getting Lynn settled.”

  Sheesh, getting the bum’s rush out of your own home? Talk about cheek.

  But Saber and I left, and drove extra slowly as we passed the Castillo de San Marcos and its expanse of grounds. Since the fort was truly a fortress and was a national park, the feds didn’t spring for a lot of security lighting. They didn’t even decorate for the Nights of Lights when the rest of the town was festooned for the Christmas holiday season.

  “Too exposed,” Saber declared. “Too many escape routes.”

  “And too much of a chance that Starrack could grab a hostage off the streets.”

  “Think the parking garage is open for a quick drive through?”

  “It’s open 24-7, but I’d rather explore it on foot and in the daytime when we’re fresh.”

  “Works for me. I am beat.”

  He parked on the street, turned off the engine, and closed his eyes. “Cesca, when this is all over, let’s take a vacation.”

  “Vacation?” I echoed as if I’d never heard the word. And I hadn’t, not from Saber’s lips. “Where?”

  “A remote island? A cave?” He rolled his head toward me and opened his eyes. “I don’t care, as long as we don’t have to chase bad guys.”

  I leaned across the console and cupped his stubble-roughened cheek in my palm. “Let’s go with the island. Bats give me the creeps.”

  “Says the vampire.”

  “Bad joke, Saber. Come on, let’s get you inside before you fall asleep at the wheel.”

  Saber was out almost before he hit the sheets, and I wasn’t far behind him. Oh, I stayed up long enough to feed and water Snowball, and set the alarms, but the well of energy Lia had perceived in me was plumb pumped dry.

  Because I crashed a full five hours earlier than normal, I was up by eleven. I heard Saber in the kitchen, talking on the phone, so I quickly brushed my teeth, showered, and dressed. Not in my bridal shower sundress, but in jean shorts and a tan bra-top camisole.

  “Yes, I understand.” Saber scribbled on a legal pad as I entered. “I’ll meet you at the store at noon.”

  He flipped his cell phone shut and caught me around the waist. “How’d you sleep?”

  “Siren free. Who are you meeting at what store?”

  “Palatka. None of the stores I’ve called so far stock more than a few bottles of ouzo at a time, but the clerks I spoke with confirmed that bottles are unaccounted for. They reported the discrepancy to their managers, who already pulled the security tapes. The Palatka store may have Starrack on film.”

  “That’s great. Are you still making photocopies of Lia’s sketch, or do I need to?”

  “I’ll make some in Palatka right before my meeting.”

  “Can you get back to your place before one this afternoon?”

  “Don’t fret. I’ll be there when the party tents and tables are delivered. Then I’ll take Cosmil and Lia back.”
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  “Will you hang out at the cabin? Did you ever get that healing session?”

  “I’m good. I may take Lynn with me to a couple more liquor stores. See if anyone else recognizes Starrack.”

  “I’m not sure that’s safe.”

  “Our wizard and sorceress assure us it is, and they want us to go about our lives.”

  “Yeah, they do. Just be careful.”

  “No sweat. I have things to do at the house to get ready for the barbeque, so I’ll take Lynn to my place until it’s time to pick you up.”

  “You’re brilliant.”

  I leaned in for a kiss, which he skillfully returned.

  “Mmm. Good to know you feel so much better today.”

  “I do. Almost normal, whatever that is.”

  “From what I hear, overrated, but I miss it anyway.”

  He swatted my butt. “Go drink your Starbloods and get ready for the party. I’ll pick you up about six to take Lynn to Gorman’s.”

  Saber left, and I went into high gear. First I phoned Maggie to tell her I would pick up the dishes and cups early. Then I phoned the caterer and florist with instructions to deliver the food and flowers directly to the cottage anytime after one. No point in restricting them to that hour-before-the-party time now that I was up and at ’em.

  Before I tackled the next job, I typed a note for Gorman, Ken, and David. In Gorman’s, I listed my cell number and Saber’s, and the approximate times of day he’d be responsible for Lynn. I know, overkill. But with a slow top like Gorman, better to have everything in writing. In my note to the guys, I listed our cell numbers and the address of the daytime “safe house.” I also wrote the directions to Gorman’s via Google Maps and gave them the approximate times to drop Lynn off and pick her up. I’d tell them Gorman’s code name when I knew it.

  I made short work of cleaning the house, especially the living room, kitchen, and guest bath. Dust wasn’t so much an issue as cat hair might be. I also emptied, disinfected, and refilled Snowball’s box. I’d put her in her carrier in the laundry room during the party and close the door. She might get her revenge later, but que sera. I just hoped none of the guests had allergies.

  As it happened, no one did, and the bridal shower tea came off perfectly. The women were gracious guests, showing no fear of me or of being in a vampire’s space. They praised my décor as well as the food, drink, and the nosegays they took home as party favors. They chatted and laughed, never once hinting that they knew of the murders.

  In spite of the party gaiety, my stomach churned. Perhaps I should tell Maggie we needed to have a proper rehearsal dinner after all. Surely between the two of us, we could find a suitable place to hold a dinner even at this late date. Of course, I’d have to tell her why, and all I had were suppositions. Bottom line, Maggie was so radiantly happy, I just couldn’t rain on her wedding parade.

  The guests left at five thirty on the dot, and Neil must’ve been watching for the exodus because he was on the doorstep minutes later to help haul Maggie’s gifts home. I’d planned to wash the dishes and utensils, and return them later, but Maggie insisted that we just rinse them. She’d take care of washing them at her house.

  Of course, Maggie didn’t say a word about the murder victims, but the surprise was that Neil didn’t make a single crack. He had to know. Maggie wouldn’t keep that to herself because she wouldn’t want a neighbor to blindside Neil with questions. Hmm. Had Lia cast a forget spell on Maggie and Neil along with the protection spell?

  Saber and Lynn arrived right at six. Snowball, free of her carrier, lapped up Saber’s attention but snubbed Lynn. Typical. Lynn wore khaki pants and a striped khaki and turquoise boatneck blouse that made her eyes look brilliant. I thought about changing out of my emerald green sundress but didn’t want to hold up the meeting with Gorman. Lynn was nervous enough after having waited all day for this moment.

  Gorman answered his door wearing black jeans, a black tee, and a scowl. His expression went slack as soon as he laid his cold blue eyes on Lynn.

  “God Al-freakin’-mighty.”

  “Lynn Heath, meet your daytime protector, Victor Gorman,” I said.

  “You said she wasn’t no jailbait,” he choked.

  “She isn’t,” Saber said in his steely cop voice. “She’s a job. One you’d better do damned well.”

  Gorman recalled himself and straightened. “ Course I will. Ms. Heath, nice to meet ya.”

  “Thank you.” Lynn offered a shy smile. “Shall I call you Mr. Gorman?”

  “No! I don’t want those damned vamps guardin’ you at night knowin’ my real name.”

  “Oh, okay. I could call you Vic for victory,” Lynn said in such a sugar-sweet way, I thought Gorman would call her on it.

  He didn’t. He nodded. “Vic for victory. Yeah. That’ll do.”

  “Are you going to keep us standing on the porch,” I asked, “or show Lynn around?”

  “She can come in, but you can’t. I ain’t takin’ no chances invitin’ you inside.”

  “You believe that tripe of vampire lore?”

  “Better safe than sorry. Tell me how this is gonna work.”

  “The guys will drop Lynn off forty minutes or so before sunrise and watch to be sure she gets inside safely. At night, they’ll pick her up as soon after sunset as they can get here, but the exact time will depend on traffic.”

  “I still say I can guard her at night, but I’ll go along.”

  “Yes, you will,” Saber said, “or we won’t help you with that other matter.”

  “And remember that the vampire Hess has human minions,” I added. “Call the police if you have any problems, then call Saber or me.”

  “I ain’t an idiot.”

  I so wanted to debate that, but I waited in the car while Saber and Lynn went inside Gorman’s house. Which was fine. The less time I spent with Gorman, the better, and Saber would give Vic a copy of the sketch.

  They came out again in under five minutes, Lynn with a good-bye wave at Gorman, Saber with a look I couldn’t decipher. He opened the back door for Lynn then slammed into the driver’s seat.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked. “Does he have a cannon in every window?”

  “No, but he has a shotgun in every room.”

  “Even the bathroom,” Lynn piped up.

  I twisted to see her face. “You’re joking.”

  “I’m not. He asked if I knew how to shoot.”

  I bit my lip. “Are you going to be okay with him? We can still call this off.”

  “Oh, no, I wouldn’t miss this experience for the world.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I’m studying psychology, and he’s a trip. The perfect subject for a paper next semester.”

  “Tell Triton that, will you? Maybe it’ll calm him.”

  “Oh, I will.”

  And she did, as soon as we arrived at South Beach Grill. While the two of them hung back, Lynn gabbing away to Triton, Saber and I went inside to request a table upstairs with an ocean view. Sure it would be sundown soon, but South Beach is right on the dunes, and the colors of the sunset reflected in the wet sand. Might as well enjoy it.

  Saber ordered the famous pasta dish with chicken, and I sampled a few bites of his pasta with my sweet tea, heavy on the ice. Lynn and Triton split an enormous seafood platter, and now I noticed that Lynn wore a gold charm on a gold necklace. The mermaid seated on the treasure chest. I didn’t know if Triton had chosen the gold version in deference to the vampires who’d be guarding Lynn or if he was just that wild about her. Whatever the case, I hoped Cosmil and Lia had spelled it to the max.

  Dinner conversation flowed naturally, and we lingered at the table while Saber and Triton had coffee, and Lynn ate a mile-high dessert.

  Straight silver blond hair and a high metabolism? Good thing I was a vampire, or I’d have been envious for two reasons.

  The four of us took a short stroll on the dark beach to kill time before meeting Ken and David, me praying they wo
uldn’t be delayed. Much as I was coming to like Lynn, I’d done about all the entertaining I could do for a day.

  When we topped the beach access steps, I spotted the vampires on the south end of the parking lot, half sitting on the hood of a tan Ford Taurus sedan. Not an entire division of Marines, but they were the keys to phase two of my plan, and, boy, did they look the part. In uniforms of black slacks, medium blue shirts, and dark sneakers, they exuded the spit-and-polish spirit. They even came to attention as I approached with my party in tow.

  “Hi, guys. Thank you for coming.”

  “We’re at your service, Princess Cesca,” surfer-blond David replied.

  “It’s just Cesca,” I said automatically. “David Marks, Ken Crandall, meet Deke Saber and Triton Delphinus.”

  “Pleasure,” each of the vampires said as they shook hands.

  “And this is Lynn Heath. Your protectee.”

  “Ms. Heath, nice to meet you,” tall, dark, and fanged Ken said.

  “Ma’am,” David acknowledged. “Would you like to ask us questions before you accept our protection? We can sit there in the arbor.”

  He pointed to the structure at the head of the beach access walk, and I watched Lynn, Saber, and Triton for their reactions.

  Lynn’s eyes sparkled at the males, but Triton and Saber were tougher sells.

  “How long have you been vampires?” Triton asked.

  “Since the 1980s,” Ken replied.

  “So before the VPA,” Saber said.

  I knew where Triton was going, and David apparently did, too.

  “I assure you, we’re well adapted to bottled meals,” he said. “We will not harm Ms. Heath.”

  “What do you men do for a living?”

  Lynn rolled her eyes. “Triton, you’re not my father.”

  “It’s a fair question, ma’am,” Ken soothed, and turned to Triton. “David is a web developer. I’m a dance instructor.”

  Ken watched Triton, waiting for the crack that didn’t come.

  “A dance instructor? Really?” Lynn gushed. “Would you teach me to merengue?”

  “Lynn.”

  “Chill out, Triton. It’s only a dance.” She turned back to Ken. “Well?”