“Mustn’t forget the special presents!” she breathed, pulling four identical boxes toward the front of the store. “No such thing as too much,” she giggled to herself.
After a late addition of a little kitchen witch for the new cook, her grandmother’s recipe cards and her Herb Grimoire, Victoria checked out the window. She settled into an antique armchair downstairs as she waited.
CLUB MALACHITE DIDN’T open until nine that night, but Dra went in the front door and surprised her crew who were in the process of switching the floor layout. One of the cool features of the club was the adjustable lounge areas. Built on movable platforms, couch and chair positions changed every night. Paintings on the wall switched too, but her favorite Escher’s remained prominent. The green light around the bar and the movable floor acted as trademarks like the green drinks that were the club’s hallmarks.
As she entered the working fray, all heads turned to her but only one young woman stopped, smiled, and bounded over, dual ponytails swinging.
“Hey, boss. What can I get you?”
“Nothing, honey. Wanted to let you know I’ll be out most of the night. Maybe all night. Anything I need to know?”
“I have a few forms for you and paychecks to sign.”
“By the Beng, I forgot it was payday. I’ll take care of them, and you give them to Seth.” Dra abruptly turned and went back outside where Reaper waited. She nuzzled him and blended their thoughts.
Return to Victoria, my friend. Protect. Wait for me.
Reaper’s red eyes met Dra’s before he woofed and took off down the alley. He would take the back way to Victoria’s and keep out of sight from prying tourists. Once, a tourist thought Reaper was a werewolf. It was during the full moon and Mardi Gras. Dra hated to disillusion him by telling him that vampires didn’t keep werewolf pets. She chuckled when she remembered how he choked on his drink at the sight of her fangs. Good times.
Back inside Dra signed the papers and decided there was ample time for self-indulgence before meeting up with Vickie.
Before Drahomira left, Janice corralled her by waving an envelope.
“I almost forgot, boss. This came five days ago, and I signed for it. Been keeping it for you. Looks official.” She offered a thick vellum envelope with a variety of stamps and an official looking seal.
Dra reluctantly took the offering, turned it over and growled. The Royal Seal of Bohemia.
“Have there been any odd guests lately?” Dra’s voice sounded hollow, which made Janice frown and scrunched up her nose.
“No, no one I saw. Though there have been some odd girls hanging around. Talking about working for a new club down by the waterfront.”
Dra paused and then shoved the letter, unread, in her boot. “Keep your ears open. I’ll be in the bayou if you need me. Don’t need me.”
Janice laughed, saluted, and bounced off again. Dra couldn’t help but smirk at her efficient if quirky club manager.
The paper in her boot irritated her almost as much as it would if she read it. She needed a diversion.
“Sorry Frankie, but I am not drinking that nasty concoction of yours tonight. I like my dinner fresh,” she purred and disappeared in a dark swirl of crimson mist.
FRANKLIN WASN’T ABLE to hide his anxiety and Cooke’s face puckered in question.
“What is wrong with you?” she hollered as they leaned to the right as he weaved through traffic.
“So you think you know that person back at the airport too?” He didn’t wait for a reply. “That was Tobias Wickamshire, a friend to the vampires who attacked the mansion.” His mouth formed a grim line.
“Wait a wee moment. Lady Drahomira mentioned him traveling with some friends. I didn’t see anyone else, though. When Rhea called, she told me all the bad seeds were dead. So how is he alive?”
They crossed the bridge into NOLA and Franklin sped up again.
“Wickamshire’s friends, several other vampires, colluded with dark sea elves against Master Riviere. Master knew all of them save for Wickamshire. That one alone has a vendetta against the Lady Dra, something that happened in her country a long time ago. Though it is my understanding that Wickamshire, his friends, and some elves all worked for the same person. Now he’s angry because the master killed his friend. That is why I am hurrying to town. Wickamshire’s appearance does not bode well for Master Riviere, Madam Rhea, or Miss Drahomira. We need to warn them.”
Cooke nodded. “Smart thinking. Of course, we can call—”
“No, we have to stop. I’m going to check in at her club. We can call Madam from there, or you can wait. I will not remain long.”
“Why can’t I just use my cell phone now?” Cooke removed a snazzy flip phone from her pocket, and it popped open.
“Because cell service to the house is impossible, woman. Madam’s aura interferes with cell reception.”
“Ah, so blue flowers bloomed didn’t they? She lost blood?” Cooke smiled in understanding as Franklin’s wide eyes confirmed her thoughts. “They amplify her defensive powers. Most curious thing I ever saw. They just blossom wherever she is.”
The car slowed. Franklin turned into a side street and then parked. He considered telling the woman about the current flowers and decided to let her discover them for herself.
“This is as close as I can get. The club is two blocks away. It will be easier if you wait. I am known there and will take less explanation.” He didn’t wait for a response.
“Yes, yes, just hurry yourself up. I want to see Miss Rhea.” Cooke snapped the phone closed and returned it to her pocket.
He was gone before she could register the door closing.
Franklin knocked on the side door of Club Malachite and flinched when a familiar voice yelled, “we’re closed.”
He cleared his throat and knocked again.
“Dammit, I said we’re closed. Are you deaf?” The metal door opened and Janice paused, yelped, and threw her arms around Franklin who stiffened like petrified wood. Pigtails assaulted his face. “Butlerman! Come in. It’s Franklin, right? I knew you couldn’t stay away. But we really are closed.”
Franklin gently pulled her arms from around his waist and stepped back, offering a smile he couldn’t prevent.
“Yes, Miss. Janice. I do remember and I, erm, I did not come to the club, per say. That is, I am here to see Miss Drahomira. It is rather urgent.” He couldn’t help the slight blush and prayed no one could see it in the dim light.
“Well shoot. You just missed boss lady.”
“Really? Perhaps she is nearby?” Franklin backed up into the alley and Janice followed him.
“Nope, doubtful. She said she was taking off and headed to the bayou. I am ordered not to need her.”
“Ah, then I know where Miss Drahomira will be. Thank you, Miss.”
“Janice. Just Janice,” she answered with a wink.
Franklin waved and hurried back to the car, explaining to Cooke.
“We just missed her. We’ll get them both when we get to the bayou.”
He pulled out of the parking space and drove on, still smiling despite the urgent worry crawling in his stomach.
THE LIMOUSINE FOLLOWED the early evening traffic, and Tobias watched out the side window. Without preamble, he smacked the glass. The action drew an ugly frown from his companion.
“Stop!” Tobias yelled, and then reached for the communication button to the chauffeur. “Stop the car!” he yelled into the intercom.
The limo drifted to the right lane and finally pulled over in a hotel parking lot. Tobias was about to leave the vehicle when his companion grabbed his arm and held him fast.
“No. No exposure. No rash moments. You will not screw this up.”
“See that big dog out front of that store? There. A block or so to the right. See it?”
The man in the limo nodded but did not release Tobias’ arm.
“That is her beast! It’s a hellhound. Drahomira’s. That must be her place,” Tobias exhaled and grinne
d like a lunatic. “I know what I need to do. I can’t miss this chance.”
While they watched, Drahomira stepped from shadows. Hound and vampire entered the building. Tobias twitched eagerly.
His companion was not impressed.
“You will do nothing to her or anyone else until we complete my task. Do you understand? Not one red hair is to be touched until I finish my visit. You exit this car now, and I end you.” He leaned forward until he was almost against Tobias then slowly released his arm. Tobias jerked away.
“Yeah, I get it. Though that is not what my master requires, I will wait because you and he have an agreement. Understand, I’m owed, and I mean to collect my debt.” Tobias frowned at him.
“Good choice, Wickam. I do not care what you seek as long as you understand me. We’re all owed. Now get me to the hotel. I have things to do, and I’m hungry. I want a good kill before I change my clothes. I need to be impressive for my first impression.”
The limousine moved on, but Tobias continued his watch, a plan already formed, the warnings forgotten. They arrived at the hotel shortly afterward and once “Mr. Frederick” checked in and received his room, Wickam found himself summarily dismissed.
“Keep your phone handy. I will call you when I need you. Don’t make me wait.”
Set free, Wickam made a beeline for the river road, his apartment, and then his new den. So much to do but one quick trip and he could see his plan finished before dawn. To hell with what “they” wanted. He dialed his phone.
THE GRANDFATHER CLOCK in the foyer chimed eight as Am stepped onto the front porch. The re-built plantation house sported no less than ten massive front columns, each over twenty feet tall, supporting a curved balcony above the master suite. The original house had an artificial gallery above six columns, but Amor-el enlarged and improved upon the old gal’s grandeur for practical reasons.
One of his renovations included the addition of a large, wrap-around porch, deep enough for large swings, several wicker tables and lounge chairs with two sideboards. His mother often reminisced about the Virginia garden parties of her youth. Since the mansion faced an expansive multi-acre lawn, it seemed as good a time as any to fulfill his mother’s dream. Rhea liked it better too. Her only personal change included a small screened-in section off the kitchen.
Yes, he loved the old homestead. But it was time that he built his own family home which is why he needed to see the family solicitor. Rhea deserved to be the matriarch of a new place, one where her roses could grow, where memories and evil didn’t taint the very foundation. He planned it all, and in fact, the building progressed in secret. He designed it with his Rhea in mind and looked forward to the night when he could surprise her.
The rear of the great house offered views of the river and the bayou, but the front of the home highlighted the manicured lawns surrounding the house. Plus there were acres of swampy bog surrounded by a forest of well-preserved trees, effectively hiding the mansion from the main roads. Unless you knew the house was here, you dismissed the turn off as one going deep into the murky swamps. Not surprisingly, few ventured all the way to the house. Therefore, the sound of an approaching car piqued his curiosity and elevated his natural wariness.
Instinct drove him into the shadows as a car turned onto the main driveway. His camouflage lasted only a moment before he recognized Franklin’s noisy clunker and strode down the massive porch steps in welcome.
Franklin parked alongside the great house and opened the trunk. Amor-el opened the passenger door and offered his hand to Cooke.
“Welcome, dear lady. I am Jean-Louis Riviere and am enchanted to meet your famous personage at long last.” Amor-el offered a brilliant smile that earned him a grin and a girlish giggle.
“Ah, so you are the lad who captured my lass’s heart and forced her to move to this living sauna. Pleased to meet you.”
“Cooke!” A sudden flurry of skirts floated out of the house, down the stairs and into Cooke’s arms. Hugging and crying followed and Am found himself backing up to Franklin who concentrated on unloading the car. They watched as the women chatted away like long-lost family and finally wandered up and into the house.
“I think I’ve been forgotten,” Amor-el pouted playfully.
“Lucky for you, sir,” Franklin grumbled as he hefted first the portmanteau and then a large trunk.
“Here, let me help you with that.” Am lifted the smaller case and left the trunk.
Franklin sighed. “Thank you, sir,” he muttered as he pushed the trunk to the porch. Thank the spirits for rollers.
Rhea could hardly keep from smothering her dear friend. The two of them wiped their eyes, hugged again, and then the questions followed. How was the much-hated flight? Any trouble in New York? How was the cruise? Did the apartment finally sell? Did the other trunks make the trip or were they coming later? On and on, the curiosity-laden air blossomed. Am listened from a distance until he finally felt he could enter the melee.
Rhea maneuvered Cooke inside the library and into a plush chair by the fire, but Cooke opted for a seat by the open window and as far away from the heat as possible.
“Lass, the weather makes it like a hothouse, but it is good to stop moving. I have missed you.” She wiped her eyes again.
“No more than I have missed you, dear friend. You are a sight for these old eyes. Cup of tea? Then you must tell me everything.” Rhea couldn’t help gushing just a little.
“Of course, milady, but first, your man Franklin and I need to tell you something.”
Franklin deposited the trunk and smaller case in the great hall. He stopped in the doorway and faced Amor-el.
“Sir, I, that is we, made an unwelcome observance at the airport.”
“Don’t dither, old man, tell him,” Cooke snapped. “We saw someone who looked like—”
“Tobias Wickamshire.” Franklin’s words were flat.
“Oh, no.” Rhea’s eyes flared with warning fires, and she stared at Am.
The momentary silence crackled with instant tension.
“Was he alone? Was he coming to town or leaving it?” Am pressed for answers, moving to Rhea’s side.
Franklin lost all emotion in his face. “Arriving, from what I could see. Alone as far as I saw, but that does not make it true.”
“Dra. We need to tell her at once.” Rhea turned toward Franklin.
“I did stop at Club Malachite, Madam, and was informed that the Lady Drahomira is expected here tonight.”
“Oh good. Thank you. We will tell Dra when she returns with Victoria.
“I believe she and I can work this situation together. Quickly.” Amor-el added with an ugly smile.
Cooke followed the tennis match-like conversation and sniffed.
“Can someone tell me what this is all about?” Cooke pondered as she rose from the chair. “And where is the kitchen? I need to make a proper pot of tea. Rhea, my dear, you look terrible. I have just what you need. Tea from home will perk you right up.”
“With your permission,” Franklin nodded to Rhea. “Madam, if you will follow me, I will take you to the kitchen, explain recent events, and then show you to your rooms.”
“I’ll take whatever rooms are closest to the kitchen. It’s how I prefer it. Don’t give me a bunch of stairs to climb, thank you. And then I want to hear about this man. Should I worry? Where is our favorite princess?”
Franklin did his best to answer the numerous and unending barrage of questions as he escorted her toward the kitchen and the back stairs. Rhea snuggled into Am’s arms.
“I cannot believe she is finally here. I think she will adore Destin,” she sighed and lifted her head, her joy turning sour. “The vampire den. Do you think this is why Wickamshire came back? Or do you think there is something else?”
Amor-el tightened his arms around his blue rose and kissed her forehead before drawing her closer. She was his rock, his faith, his fulfillment and his heart.
“I don’t know, m’ange, but you can be s
ure I will find out. His friends are dead, but we know from our princess that he worked with the elves and could be again. I find it troubling and can’t imagine Drahomira will let this go. I hope she will refrain from killing him before we know what’s going on.”
“Last time he was here he showed up at her club with Raikas. That night her guardian delivered that horrible box with Sergei’s finger and with her betrothal ring still on it, remember?”
“Yes, which is the reason why I hope Dra will keep control of herself until we know more. Tobias could be just the tip of a bigger spear,” Amor-el whispered, then added, “I hate to leave you like this but I must go out, my love, and while I am gone, I will ask around.”
“Before Dra and Victoria return?” Rhea pulled back and gave him an arched look.
“More than ever I need to see the lawyers. Besides, I hunger, Rhea. Every time I am close to you, it sharpens my need. Being anxious only adds to my thirst.” He cupped her face and kissed her forehead. “I promise I’ll return soon. Kiss Destin for me and tell him I will see him later.” He rubbed a finger over a frown line and then pulled back. “Don’t worry, please. You only mar that beautiful skin.”
His gentle smile moved her. “I will try. Be careful, beloved.”
COOKE RATTLED AROUND the kitchen and made tea before she even unpacked. Like an Irish Mary Poppins, she removed a tin of shortbread cookies and Belgium chocolates from her travel bag. Then she rolled the large teacart into the library as if she had lived there all her life. On the way in, Rhea heard Franklin fussing with Cooke about the layout, the sugar, the cream, and the cart decorations.
“Do you think me an idiot? Shut ye greggie. I think I know what Miss Rhea likes.”
“I will not shut my mouth, nyaff. I’m suggesting that Madam may prefer something else.”“Who is name calling now? Why do you think I brought her these cookies? Other than my cooking, I know what my girl prefers and needs right now. How could you let her get so thin and pale? She’s nursing, right? Then, man, you have to give her good things to eat.”
Love and Blood (Evening Bower Book 2) Page 4
