Graves of Retribution

by Lina Gardiner

  The last thing Regent remembered was a weird odor.

  Chapter Sixteen

  JESS AWOKE TO the news on television showing closed circuit video feed of a robbery at the Louvre. She watched for a few minutes then screamed for Britt. “Come quick!”

  Britt ran down the hall, half-shaven. “What’s wrong?”

  She stabbed her finger in the general direction of the television. A CCTV camera showed Regent and Sampson caught inside security gates while the reporter spoke as if they’d been accomplices to the theft of the Raven painting.

  “What happened? Why were they in the Louvre?” She put a hand over her mouth. “Surely, they weren’t involved? I mean, they did want to decipher the thing, but they’d never go that far.” It was just panic talking. Her brother would never do such a thing.

  “No way. It can’t be that. But, if they were there for that reason, they should have asked me for help.”

  “Great. Then you’d be arrested, too. I’m calling Veronique,” Jess said, and picked up the phone. It rang five times before she heard her friend’s voice.

  “Veronique LaFontaine, bonjour.”

  “It’s Jess, here.”

  “Oui?” She sounded ready for an argument and as if she’d rather talk to anyone but Jess tonight. Obviously, she knew about Regent and Sampson’s predicament and didn’t want to be involved. Had the imposters threatened her? Was she afraid to help?

  “I’m guessing you know what I’m calling about?”

  “Oui, I do. And, I can’t help you with this.”

  Jess bit her lip in an attempt to control her anger. She heard the plastic on the phone crack, and she had to calm herself if she wanted to continue her conversation on an unbroken phone.

  “What do you mean? You don’t even know what I want from you. And, why wouldn’t you be willing to help with this? You know there’s no way Regent was stealing that painting.”

  “No? I understand he stole a book from the Palais des Papes, as well. Why would he not also steal a painting?”

  Jess gasped. “How do you know about the book?”

  “I have my sources. That information will go against him when he’s prosecuted.”

  “Wait. You can help set this straight,” Jess said, doing everything in her power to keep panic out of her voice.

  “I’m afraid that’s not possible because as I said before, I’ve been fired and I don’t have access to the building anymore.”

  Veronique’s tone sounded cold and almost unaffected, as if it were Jess’s fault. Either she was terribly distraught and hiding her emotions, or she was being manipulated.

  “Fired? Why were you fired?”

  “I have no idea.”

  “But, surely someone had to give you a very good reason.”

  “One would think so—” Veronique sighed as if Jess had suddenly broken through a barrier. “Only, none of the regular officers are there any longer. They’ve all been replaced, and I think they may have disappeared. I can’t locate a single one of them. Their spouses are very concerned, but have been warned if they speak up, their families will be in danger, also.”

  “Oh no.”

  “I know. I’m the only one on the loose, and I have no idea why.”

  “You’re the only one connected to us,” Jess said with her teeth glued together. “And they’d have Vlad to contend with if they messed with you.”

  “Why would it have anything to do with you?”

  “I don’t know. All I know is something has been going on ever since we arrived in Paris. We’ve been watched, targeted, and we’re now the subject of an ancient prophesy.”

  “Ancient prophesy?”

  “Yes, but I can’t tell you about it on the phone. We need to meet,” Jess said. “I’ll tell you everything then.”

  “Okay,” she said hesitantly. “Where?”

  “Vlad’s bar in an hour?”

  “I’ll be there,” Veronique said. “I was going to meet Vlad tonight, anyway. He’s trying to help me find out what happened to my co­work­ers.”

  “Why haven’t you gone to the authorities?” Jess asked.

  “Such as whom?”

  “The mayor?”

  “No can do. He’s got to be corrupt. The only way he could still be there when all of his officers have been replaced overnight, would be if he’s involved.”

  “That’s not good.”

  “No, it’s not. I’ll see you in an hour,” Veronique said and hung up.

  Jess told Britt what Veronique had said.

  His eyes narrowed while he considered what could possibly be happening. “It’s the prophesy, isn’t it?”

  “I’m thinking it might be. If Morana and I truly are the catalysts for change, I wonder if it’ll happen just because we’re twins, or do we have to be involved somehow?”

  “I have the feeling we’re going to find out, one way or another, and very soon,” Britt said seriously. In their fighting clothes tonight, at least they were ready.

  “Now that Veronique has been fired, it’ll be more difficult to speak to Regent and Sampson,” Jess said.

  “We’ll get to them one way or another, doll. Count on it,” Britt said between clenched teeth.

  She’d never heard Britt sound so angry or so resolute.

  “No ordinary lawyer will be able to understand the intricacies of Regent’s case. Do you think we should contact the Vatican? Or will they automatically send a lawyer for him?”

  Britt tapped his fingers on the counter and frowned. “If they don’t, we’ll know for sure that they have no idea Regent is in Paris.”

  “At this point, I couldn’t care less about that,” Jess said.

  “But it is something we need to know. We’re being manipulated. We need to start digging deeper into why it’s happening.”

  “So, you’re saying we hire a lawyer and wait to see if a Vatican lawyer shows up to take his or her place?”

  Britt nodded but didn’t exactly look sure of himself.

  “Either way, we’ll need the best criminal lawyer we can find. And since Veronique can’t help us with regard to the Prefecture, we won’t have easy access to Regent and Sampson, either.”

  Britt got out the phone book and started perusing lawyers at ran­dom. “This won’t help much,” he said, slamming the book closed. Next he retrieved his tablet and used his search engine to troll for a lawyer.

  Jess watched over his shoulder, but every now and then she had to pace around the apartment to expend her building frustration.

  “You can’t find anything that way. Besides, we’re supposed to be meeting Veronique at Vlad’s bar,” Jess said, finally. The computer search was taking too long. “After that, we should go to the Prefecture and demand to see them.”

  Britt nodded and put his tablet away. Then, they left the apartment. Jess needed the exercise, and it didn’t take long to get to Vlad’s bar. Whenever the sidewalks were empty, they moved at superhuman speed.

  Inside, Vlad was dressed immaculately as usual in a very expen­sive-looking suit and tie. His black hair and eyebrows suited his pale complexion and dark eyes.

  “Is Veronique here yet?” Jess asked, feeling anxious. She needed to do something for Regent.

  “Veronique and I saw the news this evening. She called me right away, since you’ll be needing a lawyer for Regent and Sampson, and knowing the right person in Paris can be difficult.” He paused. “Espe­cially, given your extenuating circumstances.”

  “I’m not going to lie. I’m worried.” Jess planted her arms over her chest. “What is your take on our situation?”

  “A vampire stole the painting. The Louvre has him on tape. Full frontal exposure, fangs and all.”

  Jess gaped and looked from Vlad to Britt. “We watched the
news, but we didn’t see any vampire.”

  “No surprise. The tape will disappear after the media says the man wore a mask to hide his real identity. Your brother and Sampson will most likely end up being charged as accomplices. Vampires will never be prosecuted for theft in Paris because it would bring their kind to light.”

  “Oh damn! I hadn’t thought of that.” Her legs suddenly felt as if they wouldn’t hold her any longer. She sat down.

  “Can I get you a drink?” Vlad strode to a small bar at the back of his office, at the same time quirking a questioning eyebrow at Britt.

  “Why not?” Britt said. Vlad poured brandy and handed it to him.

  When Vlad didn’t offer her a drink, she realized he’d been paying close attention to her actions and knew she didn’t drink from unknown sources.

  “Do you think this has anything to do with the prophesy?” Jess said, wondering if he’d admit to knowing about it.

  Vlad flicked a quick look in her direction, then poured himself a drink. “You’re very well informed. May I ask where you learned about the prophesy?”

  Jess glanced at Britt, and he nodded.

  “Joseph Emmanuel Calmet told me about it last night.”

  Vlad froze mid-pour. He set the ceramic carafe down and stared at her as if she’d lost her mind. “You spoke to him again? The man’s been missing for six hundred years, and you get to interact with him twice?” he said in a voice that hinted that he was as impressed as he was pissed off.

  “I guess he likes me,” Jess quipped.

  “Surely, you’re pulling my leg? A man like Calmet would never divulge information about the prophesy to a vampire,” Vlad said.

  “But he did. He even showed us the original document,” Jess said.

  Vlad clapped his hands together. “That old bastard! He could have at least let someone know he was safe.”

  Britt cleared his throat. “I take it the two of you were friends?”

  “I was his assistant for a time, long ago. I used a different name back then. He worked to protect us from mankind—from pitchforks and fires and stakes through the heart while we slept in the early ages. He also helped to make our kind become nothing but a fairy tale in humans’ minds, and for the most part, he succeeded. When he disappeared, I was sure he’d been killed. I’d certainly like to know why he hid himself from everyone.”

  “Calmet alluded that the Immortal leading the olde vampires is dangerous to him. Calmet believes this Immortal is in control of the olde ones, using their business wiles and their knowledge to build an empire for him to control. And he’s been waiting for the prophesy to happen in order to make his move.”

  She hated that by virtue of being a twin, she’d become part of whatever was going on, and her life had become, somehow, completely out of her control. As if whatever happened would be her destiny.

  “If that’s true,” Vlad said, pursing his mouth and concentrating on the floor, “I’d like to meet with him again. It’d be very interesting to hear his view on the Immortal in control of the vampires in Paris.”

  “I’m not sure you can,” Jess said. “He trusted me when he took me into his home, and it’s obvious that he must still remain hidden from the Immortal who is apparently more powerful than him. Ever since he went into hiding, he’s been using the raven symbol and the ancient language to remind vampires that there’s a better way. He wants to instill calm and reason into the black hearts of the vampires in Paris.”

  “Black hearts?” Vlad sounded insulted.

  “Okay, some of that is me paraphrasing, I’m not using his exact words. I say the same thing about myself,” Jess said. “We’re not exactly angels, are we?”

  “The hierarchy, while making it look as if they are working toward peace between themselves and humans, aren’t quite so philanthropic. They make their vast amounts of money in any number of unscrupulous ways. How can using the raven symbols instill reason, when it’s a symbol that promotes insurgence?” Vlad asked.

  “Calmet’s symbols look ordinary to the naked eye, but they have an underlying power that can subconsciously send a different message to vampires,” Britt said.

  Jess flashed a surprised look at him. Calmet hadn’t told them that, but it made so much sense. That’s why the vampire language was written in the bird’s wings, where most wouldn’t see it. He was using the power in the language of the scrolls. Very clever. Maybe that’s why Calmet was hiding in plain sight, so he could try to fight the evil influences of this Immortal.

  “We need to tell Veronique about this,” Jess said. “Why isn’t she here?”

  “I’m afraid her association with me hasn’t gone unnoticed. And now, being involved with you, Jess, she’s being called a vampire sym­pathizer and is at risk of being arrested herself, even though she’s no longer an officer of the law.”

  “We’ve got to help her. She’s the only cop who can get to the bot­tom of the vampire problems in Paris, because she’s got connections.”

  “She’ll get through this. She’s not one to give up,” he said.

  Jess nodded, then remembered why she’d come. “You said you would help us find a lawyer. Do you have anyone in mind?”

  Vlad adjusted his tie. “Yes, actually. Me.”

  Britt nearly choked. “You’re a lawyer?”

  He nodded. “And a very much sought-after lawyer, even if I do say so myself. I’ve represented a few humans in my time, but I mostly work with vampires. In fact, I run the club to stay in touch with vam­pires.”

  “But why didn’t Veronique tell us that?”

  “She doesn’t volunteer information about me without good reason. I know you realize we’re a couple.” He looked at Britt. “And, I know you understand the dynamic of such a relationship. However, here in France, mixed relationships of our sort would not be allowed or accepted.”

  “But, how can you be a lawyer?” Britt asked. “Doesn’t that require working in the daytime?”

  “No. My cases are tried in the evening. I am a droit privé lawyer—I handle criminal cases for those individuals who’d otherwise be unable to get justice, if you know what I mean. And I am the best chance your brother and your forensic vampirologist have at beating their charges.”

  Vlad eyed Jess seriously. “As I mentioned earlier, it would be very bad for Veronique if you told anyone about us—she’s in enough trouble as it is right now.”

  “But you said they already suspect that she’s collaborating with you,” Britt said.

  “Guessing is one thing, but having proof of it would be detrimental in ways you can’t even imagine.”

  Jess inhaled again and nodded. “Okay, what’s our first step?”

  “You accept me as your lawyer on behalf of your brother, so I can get Regent and his friend out of jail as soon as possible. At the same time, I’ll be doing reconnaissance inside the building.”

  Jess nodded. “Don’t do anything to put Regent at risk.”

  “Of course not.” He paused for a moment, thinking. “The first thing I will do is go directly to the Prefecture and speak to Regent and Sampson. Then I’ll ask for a hearing to be set as quickly as possible and get them out on bail.”

  “How long will that take?”

  He held up his hands. “I’m not sure. Normally, it’s a week for the hearing. But I’ll have them out on bail in a day or two at the most.”

  “Before you become Regent’s lawyer, there’s something I’d like you to clarify for us,” she said. “Why are you holding clandestine meetings in the soap factory, and why do you have a secret meeting room in your basement?”

  Vlad’s eyes instantly sparked. “So, you were the one who’d broken into my office and basement.”

  Jess’s shrug was non-committal. She hadn’t expected to see appre­ciation on his face right now.

 
“You are as good as rumors say you are.”

  “I’m not sure what rumors you’re hearing, but we can’t hire you as Regent’s lawyer until I know what those meetings were about. And be very clear, Vlad, because I will know if you’re not telling the truth.”

  Vlad glanced at Britt. “She’s intense but impressive.”

  Britt nodded. “I’ve always thought so.”

  “I understand Regent has come across some ancient information about the Order of the Revenant,” Vlad said.

  “How do you know that?”

  “Word gets around,” Vlad said.

  Jess scowled. “Apparently.”

  “The members of the Order of the Revenant are the oldest vampires in France. They are an elite group and very powerful,” Vlad said, frowning. “We have to kowtow to the Immortal’s wishes when it comes to vampire law, and the Immortal ties our hands when it comes to improving our existence. If the humans don’t rip up the Pact and let vampires go back to their old ways, there’s no saying what he may do. His first demand is that he wants the government to look the other way when vampires kill humans.”

  “Is he crazy?” she said virulently.

  “Very possibly. He’s older than any of the oldest vampires. He’s got a vice-grip on his position as head of the vampire council. They bow to his wishes, even though the olde vampires hate him for it. No one dares to say it out loud, but I believe they’d love to find a way to get rid of him. So far, he’s proven impossible to go up against. Many olde ones have died in the last few decades trying to oust him. I think the rest have given up.”

  “And that explains your secret meetings?” Jess asked, still sus­pic­ious.

  “I initiated the Neo Order of the Revenant two years ago. My group of vampires is trying to break away from the olde ones and the power the Ancient wields over all vampires in France. The Neo Order wants to stay within the Pact, which has been working well enough for decades and they know it.”

  “So, you’re going to help Veronique control the vampires, as well as helping them to understand the benefits of the Pact?”