“My name is Andrea,” she said, pouring us glasses of orange juice. “Our chef’s special this morning is a 10 oz. hickory-smoked bone-in ham steak served with two eggs, hash browns, and fluffy, buttermilk pancakes. We also have a wide variety of fruits available, including fresh strawberries, pineapple, black-berries, mangos, and orange slices, all topped with freshly whipped cream. I’ll give you a few minutes to decide.”
Andrea backed away from the table, folding her arms behind her. “Ember,” she said, “the rest of your guests’ orders will be ready in a few more minutes. Is there anything else I can get you?”
“Thank you, Andrea,” Ember said. “We’re fine for now.”
Andrea disappeared just as fast as she had arrived.
“So why are we going to Montana?” Ember asked.
I took a sip of my orange juice. “I got a call from Jess. She believes she found a stone. Her name is Jade Dunham, and she’s a student at the University of Montana.”
Rain took out the other earbud. “It’s that simple?” he asked.
“Actually, it might be,” I said. “There’s a good possibility Jade doesn’t even know she’s a stone.”
I gave them the condensed version of the conversation I had with Jess earlier.
“Jade’s parents died twice over a hundred years apart?” Ember asked, as I did when Jess first told me. “How did no one else notice this?”
“I asked myself the same question,” I said. “I suppose the U.S. government handles death records like they handle everything else—poorly. I guess when someone is born, there’s no reason to search archived records to make sure that same someone hadn’t been born before, right?”
Ember nodded and took a sip of her coffee. “Very true,” she said, taking another sip.
“Based on the information we have,” I continued, “I think we should, at least, follow up the lead by locating Jade and verifying our information. She could be in a lot of danger in the very near future. We’re about to take the next step in an extremely dangerous game.”
“How do we play a game,” Rain asked, sitting up in his chair, “when we don’t even know the rules?”
“I don’t believe Atmoro plays with rules,” I replied. “That’s what makes it so dangerous, especially with such a valuable prize.”
“I think I know someone who may be able to help,” Ember added, “someone that’s used to quick-changing rules.”
Rain shook his head. “Not Whisper.”
“Yes,” she nodded, “and you two need to kiss and make up.”
“Who’s Whisper?” I asked.
“Whisper is unique,” Ember continued. “His vast knowledge of the Light World will surely be helpful, and he has a few special skills that will prove invaluable”
Rain shook his head a few more times. “Whisper is unique alright,” he remarked sarcastically, air quoting as he said unique.
“What’s the story between these two?” asked Aerona, always wanting to spark a fire.
“There is no story,” Rain murmured.
“The story,” explained Ember, “is that Whisper and Rain are like two alpha male lions trying to lay claim to the same piece of land. They’re just too much alike for their own good. Typical men who don’t realize that together they’re stronger.”
“He cheats, and you know it,” Rain said in his defense.
“Whisper owes me a few favors,” Ember said, ignoring Rain. “This may be a good time to cash in on one or two.”
“Can he be trusted?” I asked.
“Yes, “she nodded. “I’ll vouch for Whisper. He has many skills that may come in handy over the next few days.”
Andrea and two other crew members walked out on the deck again, each carrying a large serving tray. They placed full plates of food in front of Rain, Morgan, and Aerona. It looked like they ordered the chef’s special.
Most people would be surprised to see a Shadow Vampire eating like everyone else. It’s a myth that they only crave human blood. Blood contains all the nutrition they need to survive, and it is the key to their abilities, but they enjoy a good breakfast just as much as anyone else with taste buds.
“And for you, miss?” Andrea asked Kasiah.
“I’ll just have a cup of mixed fresh fruit and a lightly toasted bagel with cream cheese,” she said, handing the menu to Andrea.
“And you, sir?” Andrea asked me.
What Kasiah ordered actually sounded quite appetizing. “I’ll have the same,” I said.
“How was your breakfast this morning, Ember?” Andrea asked.
“It was perfect, Andrea. Please give Carlos my compliments. Also, please instruct the captain that we’ll be sailing to Put-in-Bay near Cleveland. We’d like to hoist anchor and make way as soon as possible.”
“Yes, ma’am. Anything else?”
Ember looked at me and then to Kasiah. “Should I call Whisper?” she asked.
I looked at Kasiah. She nodded.
“From what I’ve seen of Atmoro,” Kasiah said, “we’re going to need all the help we can get.”
“Very good,” said Ember, turning toward Andrea. “We’ll need to get in touch with Whisper. Tell him there’s blood in the wind. He’ll understand. Also, call Candice’s cell and ask her to ready the jet. I’ll call her directly within the hour to brief her with flight and destination instructions. Let her know she’ll be meeting us at Hopkins International this evening. We’d like the jet fueled and ready for departure by eight.”
Andrea nodded and hurried off.
“You have your own jet?” asked Morgan. “Notice I wasn’t as surprised this time, like when you said you have a boat on your yacht.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet,” Ember smiled, standing up.
Ember walked to the edge of the pool, shed her shorts to reveal the rest of her blue bikini, and dove into water.
TWENTY-TWO
By the time Kasiah and I finished our breakfast, the fog had lifted, and the sun was shining brightly as we cruised through Lake Erie. The sunrays bouncing off the surface of the water were more intense than the actual sunlight.
After finishing her early-morning swim, Ember joined us back at the table. “How was breakfast, everyone?” she asked, wrapping a towel around her waist.
Everyone praised their meals and thanked Ember.
“Wonderful,” Ember continued. “I’m going to talk with the captain about our docking plans and then contact my pilot with instructions for our flight. I won’t provide her with our final destination until we’re in the air. Hopefully, that’ll help keep the info out of Atmoro’s hands and keep us ahead in the game.”
“That sounds like a good idea,” Morgan agreed. “Will you dock the yacht in Cleveland? It’s hard to miss this massive vessel. Your crew may not be safe in port.”
“That’s a good point,” Ember said, considering Morgan’s opinion. “I’ll instruct the captain to refuel and restock the vessel. They can sail through the Great Lakes toward Thunder Bay, Ontario, in Lake Superior. Better to keep them close in case we need to get out in a hurry.”
“Good idea, Morgan,” Kasiah said, realizing that since Amy’s death, she had abandoned her responsibilities as special agent for the FBI and practically forgotten her partner existed. “I know you’ve sacrificed a lot being here with me. The bureau won’t be too happy with us for going dark like we did. We’ll have some explaining to do when we get back.”
“Nothing we can’t handle,” Morgan smiled. “I kind of like being away from the office. We spent the night on yacht, and soon we’ll be flying in a private jet. Actually, Ember, maybe there’s something I can do to help with travel plans. I have extensive training with diverting tactics. The bureau has researched hundreds of thousands of criminals and their methods of diverting attention away from their actual strategies.”
“Definitely,” Ember said, appreciating his expertise. “Would you like to accompany me to the bridge to talk with the captain?”
“No problem,” M
organ replied, excited to see the bridge.
“Aerona,” Ember said, “you are more than welcome to join us for our strategy session. We could certainly use your input.”
“I’m in,” Aerona answered quickly.
I wondered how long it would take for Jess to compile Jade’s profile. “Ember,” I asked, checking my watch, “do you have internet access on board? I need to receive some information from Jess.”
“Yes,” she said, “Rain can show you to the library. There’s a computer and printer that you’re more than welcome to use.”
Rain nodded once. It was the most I’ve seen him move since breakfast.
“A library,” Morgan said, surprised. “Shocking!”
“How long before we reach port?” Kasiah asked.
“We should dock in just a few hours,” Ember replied. “If the weather holds up, we’ll be able to cruise at full speed, twenty-two knots or about twenty-five miles per hour. Although, we’ll be taking a less direct route to ensure no one follows. You’ve been through a lot over the past couple days, Kasiah. If you’d like to take a few laps in the pool and clear your thoughts, I have a new, black swimsuit that you’re welcome to use.”
Kasiah’s expression brightened. “That would be wonderful,” she smiled. “I was going to ask, but didn’t want to intrude. The pool looks relaxing. A swim would be perfect.”
“It’s no problem at all,” Ember said. “I’ll have Andrea bring it to your room.”
Ember, Morgan, and Aerona left the main deck and headed up to the bridge to make travel plans for Montana.
“I’m going to change and test out that pool,” Kasiah said, pushing her chair away from the table. “I’ll see you two later.”
I watched as she walked away, leaving me on the deck… with a Shadow Vampire.
“What are you listening to?” I asked Rain, attempting to start a conversation with a lethal weapon.
“Pop Evil,” he said, still not moving. “Have you heard of them?”
“Absolutely,” I said, surprised that a Shadow Vampire had such good taste in music. “Their song ‘Monster You Made Me’ was stuck in my head for weeks after it was released.”
“Mine too,” he said, rolling up the earbuds. “I like how they pick up the tempo and dirty up the guitar riffs a bit as the song progresses. They have a cool sound.”
“They’re on tour now,” I said. “In fact, they were just finishing up their set at Summerfest when I went to look for Aerona. I didn’t get to see any of the show except the tail end of their encore song, ‘Last Man Standing.’”
“That’s a bummer,” Rain added. “I’ve heard they have a pretty killer show.”
I decided to dive right into the conversation. “Yesterday,” I started, “you mentioned about asking some questions concerning Shadow Vampires, possibly trying to piece together your past.”
Rain sat motionless for almost a minute. “I don’t know where to start,” he finally said, shifting in his chair. “Everything I know about the Shadow World, I’ve learned from Ember. I’ve always thought of that world as a fictitious, far-off place. It’s frustrating for me to know I’m a vampire, and yet, I have no idea how or why I was created. I’ve been trying my entire life… of what I can remember… to forget I’m a vampire.”
Rain lowered his sunglasses. His eyes were dark, and his stare was hard as stone. He was very serious when he spoke again.
“And now,” he said, looking me straight in the eyes, “since I met you, I can’t seem to get vampires out of my head.”
I didn’t know what to think or how to react to what he had just told me, and I definitely didn’t want to piss off a Shadow Vampire out here in the middle of nowhere. I could easily find myself at the bottom of the lake if I did.
“I’m sorry you feel that way,” I said, hoping to find a way to reroute the conversation from me to him. “Where I come from, being a Shadow Vampire is a great honor. My world is full of vampires, werewolves, warlocks, and practically every other mythical creature you can imagine. There are even dark corners of the Shadow World, where creatures like trolls and demons inhabit. Out of all the creatures in that world and this one, Shadow Vampires are the most respected. They are our protectors and our police. They protect our royalty, and they hunt down jumpers who threaten to expose our way of life.”
“If it’s such an honor to be a Shadow Vampire,” Rain said, “then why are you trying to kill the only other one you know?”
“That’s a solid argument,” I said, “but if Atmoro opens the Forgotten Shadow City and releases the Forgotten Shadows, then they’ll jump to the Light World. Our worlds will collide like never before, and the ensuing war will cause unimaginable destruction. Life as we’ve come to know it will end.”
“Not good,” Rain said bluntly.
“Let me back up a bit,” I said. “I guess I should start by explaining why jumping is considered such a crime. Over the years, there have been many instances where a Shadow jumped to the Light World illegally, and by doing so, they compromised the existence of our secret world. The Shadow Council believes—and they may be right—that if the wrong group of humans were to discover the Shadow World, they wouldn’t hesitate to destroy it, not any differently than they have so many other things. It seems to be human nature. An example is what occurred in North America when Columbus arrived. Following his quote unquote discovery, more and more people flocked to this newly discovered land. They took what they wanted from the natives, and eventually, they kicked the natives off of their own land.”
Andrea appeared suddenly from what seemed like nowhere. “Would either of you like anything else?” she asked.
“Thank you, Andrea,” Rain said, smiling. “We’re fine.”
“Very well,” she said politely. “Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.”
Andrea left as quickly as she had arrived. I wondered if she was a fairy like Ember.
“As I was saying,’ I continued, “the Shadow Council was at its peak when Columbus landed. Back then, Shadows could come and go into the Light World as they pleased. The natives knew to stay clear of any creatures of the night, and likewise, the Shadows did not disturb them. At that time, there weren’t many more natives than there were Shadows…”
Something on deck caught Rain’s attention. He lowered his sunglasses to the tip of his nose and looked to the far side of the pool. I turned around in my chair and noticed Kasiah wearing a black bikini top and a white towel wrapped around her waist. She was dipping her toes into the water to test the temperature, pretending not to see us as she pulled her hair back into a pony tail. Then, as if auditioning for a swimsuit advertisement, she dropped the towel and dove into the pool.
The moment Kasiah surfaced, she swam gracefully through the water, turning her head to take a breath every few strokes. Her rhythm was perfect. The water glistened off her back as she swam. I guessed this is how she kept in shape back in Wisconsin.
Rain pushed his sunglasses back into position. “You were saying?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said, momentarily lost in Kasiah’s beauty. I had to force my eyes away from the distraction in the pool. “The Shadow Council witnessed firsthand the destruction these new humans from across the ocean had caused. It wasn’t long before the council started enforcing more and more rules, until finally, a law was passed to prohibit anyone from entering the Light World without permission from the council. If any Shadow did enter the Light World without permission, they were labeled a jumper and hunted as a criminal. Nine times out of ten, they were condemned to the Forgotten Shadow City for eternity. As you can imagine, Shadows didn’t approve of the new laws that prevented them from exploring the Light World. The Europeans, essentially, took the land from the natives and the Shadows. The Shadow Council feared the same fate for their own world if it were ever exposed.”
“Why didn’t the Shadows fight back?” Rain asked.
“The council seats are held primarily by Shadow Vampires, and it’s a known fact
that anyone who disagrees with them is dealt with harshly.”
“Why is it such a bad thing for a Shadow to be in the Light World?”
“The Shadow Council has worked for many lifetimes to keep their secret world a secret. There are mineral deposits of gold and diamonds ten times the size of anything ever found here in this world. There are strong rivers that flow from mountain peaks to the valley floors. The landscape is full of natural beauty. Though, probably the most unique difference is the lack of sunlight.”
“It’s always dark there?”
“Not exactly,” I explained. “There’s no sunlight because there’s no sun, but there is light. Thick forests of sapphire trees emit a brilliant sapphire glow, and the sky always appears painted as if a warm, blue sun had just set. Picture the most perfect sunset you’ve ever seen, then replace the oranges and reds with blues and purples. There are also other small plants that emit different, colorful photons. It’s a beautiful place and is worth protecting from the destructive nature of humans.”
“If the Shadow World is such a magical place,” Rain said, “then why are you and your sister here? Don’t you two risk being locked up in the same prison that Atmoro is trying to unlock?”
“Aerona and I jumped after our parents were killed in a fire,” I explained, recalling the horrific night, “which was no accident. Our parents believed that the Shadow Council was corrupt and guilty of breaking many of their own laws. My father alleged that certain members of the council were sneaking humans into the Shadow World, using them to feed their own blood cravings and sexual desires.”
“A corrupt government,” Rain said jokingly, “I’ve never heard of such a thing. If vampires weren’t permitted to hunt humans, how else did they get blood?”
“In the Shadow World, vampires don’t require human blood to survive. There’s something about the sun in this world that drains a vampire’s power. They feed on human blood to enhance their powers and regain their strength. That’s why you’re tired if you don’t feed.”
The Blood of a Stone Page 15
