by S. L. Gavyn
“Excellent question. From the report I saw. It looked like the Vampere taken last year were stolen from within a two mile radius but none of them frequented the same club or anything.”
“When did you get the reports?”
He smiled. “It is nice to have friends in high places.”
“Did my father give them to you?”
“I requested them after the investigation showed a direct link to my place of business. He thought it was prudent that all parties involved have all the necessary information.”
“And he knew I wasn’t going to give you jack.”
“That would be correct.” We sat there in silence for a minute with me stewing and him contemplating. “Do you think you could ever forgive me?” He asked softly.
I thought about it. Roman was a jerk who saw what he wanted and took it but the truth be told I wasn’t mad that he had changed me anymore.
“Yes, I forgive you. For a long time I hated that I lived while my children grew old. Faking my death was the hardest thing I ever had to do. But now I’m glad. I don’t have a perfect life by any stretch of the imagination but if you hadn’t changed me, I would have never found Tristan and for that I’m grateful. He needed me and the truth is, I needed him too. So, thank you.”
I looked over at him to see he was pissed. Did I say something wrong? I just told him I forgave him for what he did to me and he’s mad?
“Why are you mad?”
He jumped up to stand on the ledge faster than I could blink. “You are grateful I made you immortal because of that child? I gave you everything and you choose him?!”
Oh, I totally forgot I was supposed to be pretending Tristan was my boyfriend. I just told him the truth about why I didn’t hold a grudge anymore.
“Look Roman, I lied abou…”
“Hey, so this is where you disappeared to. The club is almost empty if you want to patrol some.”
I turned to see Tristan on the other side of the roof. Obviously there’s a fire escape there. Before I could respond though Roman flew across the roof at Tristan. I jumped up and ran over as fast as I could. Roman had his hand wrapped around Tristan’s throat and was holding him over the side of the building.
“I could end him now. I would never have to look upon his face again. Who would you love then?”
“Roman, release him! Let him go now or I WILL kill you.”
He looked at me sadly. “You would, wouldn’t you? You would end me to save him.”
I looked into his eyes so he would know the truth. “Yes.”
In the blink of an eye Tristan was lying on the roof gasping for air and Roman was gone. Only a slight breeze remained from his quick movements as he left the roof. I don’t know where he went and I don’t really care. If he ever tries to hurt my boy again, I will make good on my promise.
“Are you alright, son?” I knelt beside Tristan. He nodded in response. “Come on. I’ll take you home.”
I helped him from the roof and to the car. We were going to have to find some other way to find this killer. Working with Roman obviously isn’t going to work out. I felt like saying I told you so but I would only have myself to say it to and I try not to have conversations with myself if avoidable.
We didn’t say anything all the way to his house. When he started to get out of the car I stopped him.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have let him believe a lie about us for so long. We will start patrolling outside the club from now on. I told you Vampere are unstable and I won’t compromise you getting hurt to catch a killer.”
“No.” His voice was hoarse. “You tell him the truth about our relationship and he’ll leave me alone. We’re not going to let killers walk because of this.”
I sighed. “Alright. I’ll tell him as soon as we get to the club tomorrow.”
He nodded. “Goodnight mom.”
“Goodnight son. I am sorry.”
“It wasn’t your fault. For the record, next time I’m stabbing him with my knife.”
My eyes grew as he pulled out the six inch blade he kept in the sheath sewn into his jacket. He could have killed Roman tonight. I didn’t even think about the possibility of him defending himself. I smiled.
“That sounds like a good plan.”
He nodded once then shut the door.
Chapter Thirteen
“Pour me a stiff one”
The Djinn opened the door for us again the next night. I didn’t say anything to her as I passed and headed straight for the main club. Roman wasn’t there so I started up the stairs.
“He isn’t there.”
I looked down at Carly. “Where is he?”
She shrugged. “He took the night off so I’m in charge.” She smirked.
Great. Now I have to deal with her attitude. “He just took a sick day in the middle of a murder investigation?”
“He’s entitled. Being the boss comes with its rewards.”
“I’m sure it does.”
I’ll look on the bright side. At least I won’t have to deal with him tonight. I do need to tell him the truth about Tristan before he tries something again. I pulled out my cell and dialed the number he had called me from the other morning. It rang without an answer or voicemail so I hung up. I would try to call him again after the show. The sooner I set him straight, the better.
The band greeted me warmly when I went over to talk with them about the night’s performance.
“Hey Sunny. How are you?” Keith, the drummer asked.
“Uh, good. And you?”
“Great. Everyone’s been talking about last night’s gig.”
“Who’s everyone?”
“Everyone. Like as in the whole city practically. My phone hasn’t stopped.”
“Mine either,” Dan, the guitarist said. “Word gets around fast and you are the word right now.”
“Great. What’s the headline? Psycho killer can sing.”
They started laughing until they saw I wasn’t.
Dan cleared his throat. “Um, no.”
I laughed. He was a horrible liar. They joined in and we all had a laugh at my expense. I don’t mind. At least they’re talking and laughing with me instead of cowering. I didn’t even have to sing them into it either.
When the club opened I had to remember to close my mouth as the people poured in. There were so many the bouncer outside had to finally stop letting them through the door because the club had reached maximum capacity. And there was still a long line outside waiting for the chance to get in. I couldn’t believe that many people had come to hear me sing but the band members assured me that was the sole reason for the excess crowd. Unfortunately it made it almost impossible to keep up with everyone and I wouldn’t be able to differentiate between the regulars and the others.
At ten the band started and once again I waited to go onstage. Primarily because I was kind of freaked out with so many people watching me but I would never let anyone else know that. I joined the band as I started to sing and I just managed not to be tripped up by the fact that all eyes were on me. No one was dancing or drinking or talking with their buddies while listening to the music. I had every single one of their attention and it was eerie. Never have I been the center of attention and never have I wanted to be.
I sang through my set while trying my best to push good-will and happiness out through the lyrics. It must have worked because everyone seemed to have a good time.
“That’s it for tonight. Thanks for coming. I hope you all had a good time.”
I put the mic back on the stand and everyone broke into applause. One guy even tried to get on stage. I’m not sure what he had planned because Carly was there pushing him back. She actually stood there like my bodyguard blocking the crowd so I could escape through the back of the stage. Once I was back there I started bursting with laughter. It was just too funny. The Djinn was protecting me from the onslaught of people wanting to…what? Touch me? Get my autograph? That had me breaking out into another round of laughte
r.
“Are you alright?” Keith asked.
“Yeah. It’s just ironic. A week ago no one wanted to touch me and everybody feared me. Now I need a Djinn to keep them off of me.”
He started laughing too.
“Enjoying your newfound celebrity status.” Tristan raised his voice an octave imitating an adoring fan. “Can I get your autograph Miss Dubois?”
I pushed his shoulder. “You shut up.”
“Already forgotten the little people. You see that?” He looked at Dan.
“Don’t you have a boatload of drinks to make?”
“Nah. Everybody’s either leaving or standing in line in front of the door to backstage hoping to get a glimpse of you. Man, that was some crowd though. I haven’t had a break all night.”
“You poor thing. Do your itty bitty fingers hurt?”
“This one is kinda stiff.” He flipped me off.
“If you’re finished flirting, there are about a hundred customers in line to meet with you Sunny,” Carly said as she entered the room.
“Why do they want to meet me?”
“I don’t know. They want to meet you.”
“Uh, okay.” I looked at Tristan with a “what should I do” look.
“Go out there and meet with them.”
My eyes grew wide.
“If they try anything, Carly will beat them up for you.”
“Ha ha.” I walked to the door and slowly opened it. I didn’t even have time to close it again because they all crowded through the opening. And then there were a dozen people talking to me at once. Several of them were touching me and I let my magic out slightly. Hey, if I’m doing this, I’m going to get something out of it and I’m out of every other kind of magic other than my own. I’ve found with my magic capacity (I can’t think of a better word for it) it’s easier to hold a little of different kinds of magic than it is to hold a lot of one kind of magic. I can keep a small amount of several magics stored up for months without feeling like my head is going to explode but if I absorb too much of one kind I’ll have to expel it somehow. If it’s just a little too much I can use the magic, whatever type it is, until I have the right amount stored.
With this crowd there was almost every type of Fable waiting to talk with me or take a picture with me or have me sign their…whatever. I touched them all and took just the smallest amount of their energy. They wouldn’t even notice it was gone but I would now have their ability. For a short time anyway. Until the magic is used up. The funny thing is that no one was worried about me stealing their magic. Maybe the magic through my singing causes this effect or perhaps they’ve figured out I’m not the monster they thought I was. Nah, it’s gotta be the magic.
When Carly finally kicked them out of the club it was early morning and I was beat. I’ll admit it was nice to be filled up on magic but trying to be social with a bunch of people you don’t know is hard work.
Carly came back stage as we were getting ready to leave.
“Don’t let this newfound publicity get to your head. You’re still just the council’s lapdog.”
I held out my arms. “Aw, someone’s jealous. Come here and I’ll give you a hug.” After all, Djinn is one of only a couple types of magic I don’t currently possess.
She narrowed her eyes and took a step back.
I smiled evilly at her. “I may be the council’s lapdog but I still think that’s better than being Roman’s.”
If looks could kill I would be a pile of ash on the floor.
I dropped Tristan off at home about six in the morning. He got out of the car but popped his head back in.
“Have you managed to talk to Roman yet?”
I shook my head. “I tried calling him but he didn’t answer. I’ll tell him when he get to the club tonight and if he takes another sick day, I’ll just have to hunt him down.
Tristan nodded. “I love you.”
“Love you too, son.”
Chapter Fourteen
“Djinn, shaken not stirred”
At noon I woke up and went for a run. It was early May in Georgia and it was really hot during the middle of the day but I needed the run. It always helps me to clear my mind of all the clutter taking up residence so I did my best thinking when I was pounding the pavement. The problem is that as far as this case goes I don’t have the slightest idea of who could be doing this. None of it makes sense. We have someone who obviously has it out for Roman that is choosing Vamps from his club and turning them over for Humans to steal. Then there is the illusion on the wall and the headmistress at the asylum. I just can’t figure out a connection to any of it. Sure if headmistress Beasley happened to enjoy hanging out in the club and say she and Roman used to be an item but he shunned her, then it would totally make my job a lot easier. But as it is I can’t find any connection between the Witches, Humans and Vamps and its driving me crazy.
I finally called it quits when it was apparent I wouldn’t be able to figure anything else out. After a quick shower I ran a bath and soaked for close to an hour. I love taking a long hot bath. It relaxes everything including your mind. With everything going on I need all the help I can get. Roman was one of the main stressers I could think of. I would tell him first thing when I get to the club the truth about me and Tristan. He’ll be pissed that I lied and will then try to play the deception for all its worth. Somehow he’ll turn it around to me not being able to control myself around him instead of the truth that I was merely trying to keep him off me. Oh well, if he pisses me off too much about it, I have plenty of magic stored up now to wipe him off the planet. Not that I really want to hurt him. I’ve never wanted that. Even when the wounds were fresh I couldn’t imagine hurting him or allowing him to be hurt in anyway. That’s what happens when you love someone with all your heart. Even their betrayal isn’t enough to cause you too wish them ill will. Well, not anything serious.
After my bath I took my time lounging around the house and getting ready for the evening. I figured I would give Tristan the day off of work since we have essentially been working double shifts. We would work all day at the office then all night at the club so I think we both deserve a break.
At seven-thirty he hadn’t called me. I hope his voice hasn’t given out after being choked by Roman the other night. I had noticed last night it sounded scratchy. The thought of Roman holding him over the side of the roof still pisses me off. I know I just said I didn’t wish him ill will but I really would like to kick him in the balls for what he did to my son.
I decided just to drive over to get Tristan without calling him. The worst that could happen is he’ll still be in bed with whatever woman he managed to pick up today. I’ll just change my appearance to look like a fifty-year-old me and pretend to be astounded by what trollops some women had become these days. The thought made me smile.
When I got to Tristan’s his car was parked on the driveway so I called his cell. I didn’t want to listen to another lecture about invading his privacy. He didn’t answer and I rolled my eyes. When will he grow up and realize some things are more important than getting laid? I got out and knocked on his door. He didn’t answer. Huh. That’s weird. I know he’s here. I shrugged and pulled out my key. If he didn’t want me barging in then he should have at least answered the phone.
“Tristan. It’s mother.” I changed my appearance to look older in case he had someone with him.
There was no response so I started down the hall. I knocked on his bedroom door but it wasn’t closed completely so it opened as I knocked. He wasn’t here. Where could he be? I tried calling his phone again and heard a vibration on the bedside table. A check showed his phone was plugged into the charger. Okay, this was beginning to freak me out. I did another search of the house but he definitely wasn’t here. There were no signs of struggle or anything that would lead me to believe he was abducted.
I stopped and thought of possible explanations that didn’t equate to my son being taken. He could have ran to the store and forgot his phon
e or something simple like that. Yeah, that is what I’m going to go with for now. I would just call our local office and have them pull up the GPS on him. It would give me peace of mind and when he got back I will ream him for making me worry.
Every agent has a tracking chip implanted in their arm for location purposes. Since this is a dangerous job it allows us to be found in the event of an emergency. I’m sure the council uses it to keep track on us too but that never really bothered me. Right now I’m hoping it will show us where Tristan is so I can get rid of this weight that has suddenly formed in my stomach.
I called the office and asked the agent who answered to pulled up the locator software for Tristan’s location. They told me the search came back saying the agent couldn’t be found. So I had them run it again with the same results. A third scan too. By the time they had searched for him a half dozen times it felt like I was being mocked with the message that my son couldn’t be found.
I tried to keep calm but there was no logical explanation other than Tristan being taken by someone. Who would be able to get to him? How would they be able to take him without him at least putting up a fight? Why wasn’t his locator working? Given that he hadn’t taken his phone with him it was likely he was abducted here. I walked back to his front door and opened it then knelt down and touched the door mat while sending out my magic. When I brought it back in I searched through until I saw Tristan for the last time. A Vamp stood on his door stoop. I have never seen him before but I could read his magic. He rang the bell and stood to the side of the door. A few seconds later Tristan opened it slowly with his knife in hand. The Vamp stabbed him in the neck with a needle before Tristan could react. I could see Tristan wobble slightly and when he looked at the Vamp again the Vampere smiled. He told Tristan to accompany him to his car and Tristan followed the command without thought. There must have been something in the injection that made him susceptible to Vampere influence because Tristan was trained to repel it. To my knowledge he has never been able to be influenced before.
