He didn’t say anything at all. Instead, he took my hand and pulled me close. Wrapping one arm around my waist, he stared at me for a moment before leaning down to kiss me.
“I hope that cleared up any doubts,” he murmured, pulling away momentarily to look into my eyes. “I meant every word I said, Lucy. You mean everything to me and nothing is going to change that.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out the engagement ring that I had left back at the house. “If you’ll still have me, that is.”
“Do you even have to ask?” I held out my hand while he slipped the ring back on my finger. Behind me, the coffee maker beeped to indicate it was finished. I ignored it and looked up at Andre, pulling him closer. “Any plans for this evening?”
“No,” he said, leaning down to kiss me again. “You?”
I reached back to switch off the coffee maker and led him back into the bedroom.
“Nothing that can’t wait until morning.”
Chapter 30
The next day, Abe arrived back at headquarters. The fact that he arrived alone and went immediately to the public relations office, without saying a word to any of us, threw the rumor mill into full swing. Although I refused to consider the more extreme ideas, like the theory that the government was keeping Evan in a secret prison until they could round up all of the vampires, I was beginning to get worried. Later in the morning, when I learned that Lance, Miles, and Hugh had been sent to Washington in the middle of the night on Evan’s orders, I wasn’t sure what to make of the situation.
One by one, it seemed that everyone was being sent somewhere or given a piece of the puzzle, except me. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bother me. Andre had been called away almost as soon as Abe arrived. Even Ida was suspiciously absent. Though I was able to find Cynda, who was in better spirits than she had been in quite a while. Claire had found her an experimental school here in town that had the highest rate of college bound graduates in the state. She had applied a few days before and just received an invitation to take the admissions test for the spring semester. She seemed confident in her chances of getting into the accelerated program that would allow her to graduate on time, which made me happy as well.
“Hey, are you bored?”
Lona found me up on the roof, playing catch with Monster while Gumbo sunned herself in my lap. “Among other things,” I replied. “What’s up?”
“I was just wondering if you wanted to come with me to pick up the kids.”
“Of course,” I said, picking up Gumbo and setting her on the bench next to me. “Just let me crate the dog so he doesn’t tear up the garden while we’re gone.” Despite the fact that he had grown considerably since we got him a few months before, Monster was still very much a puppy. I was beginning to wonder if he would ever grow out of his destructive phase.
“So any idea why your husband was called away?” I asked as we drove through downtown.
“He was pretty tight lipped, but he mentioned not being happy about revisiting his skeletons,” she said with a sigh. Aside from Evan, Lona was the only other person who knew anything about Miles’ secret life as a government operative. “I’m worried,” she admitted. “If the government has the power to shut us down, they have the power to demand Miles come back to work for them.”
“Do you think they would?” I asked. I didn’t know much about what Miles had done for the government, but it was common knowledge that his release from the military had been in part due to his involvement with the Eclipse project. “I mean, it’s been more than a decade since he worked for them. There’s got to be some sort of statute of limitations.”
“This is the government we’re talking about,” she said flatly. “If there’s a law, all they have to do is change it to fit their needs.”
“I just wish I knew what was going on. I don’t know if I should feel relieved or offended that no one has come looking for me yet.”
“Probably a little of both,” Lona said as she pulled up to the school.
I spotted Ben immediately, surrounded by a group of boys his age and laughing along with them at something one of the other boys was doing. I was glad to see how well he had adjusted to normal life. When he spotted us, he waved goodbye to the other kids and ran over to the car. To my surprise, he jumped in and gave me a huge hug.
“Lucy, you’re alive! Oh, sorry!” In his enthusiasm, he smacked me in the head with his backpack. “Are you all better now? You missed our game last weekend. We actually won that one. I tried to bring Gumbo to see you in the hospital, but Abe told me cats weren’t allowed.” As he continued to tell me about everything I missed, I couldn’t help but tear up a little. Considering that I hadn’t seen Ben in nearly a month, I didn’t know what to expect and I had been worried that he thought I had abandoned him. His genuine concern for me was certainly unexpected, but also incredibly sweet. I made a mental vow to clear my schedule for all of his future sporting events and win or lose, we were going for ice cream after every one of them.
When we arrived back at headquarters, it was pretty obvious that something big had happened. The common areas were overflowing and nearly everyone had their faces glued to one of the televisions that were all turned to different news channels. I couldn’t hear what was going on over the racket, but as I squeezed my way into the dining room, I caught the caption, “Vampire Gene Discovered.”
“What’s going on?” I asked the nearest person, who happened to be Holly.
“I think we just won,” she said with a huge grin, then pulled up a story on her tablet and handed it to me.
New Study Suggests Good Health, Longevity Attributed To Specific Genetic Marker
A study released today by Dr. Abraham Glassman on behalf of EJC Research International and vetted by the Global Board of Genetic Research verifies that some people do indeed get all the breaks. The results of a twenty-year study suggests that nearly ten percent of the population have a slightly different DNA code that is resistant to the effects of free radicals, which are responsible for the negative side effects of aging. Because people with the stronger genetic markers suffer little to no general illnesses and seem to age at a much slower rate than normal, many media outlets are calling the discovery the Vampire Gene. When asked about the name, Dr. Glassman stated that while the perks do mimic some of the features of traditional vampires, he doesn’t believe that anyone has to worry about a sudden thirst for blood or fear of garlic or holy water.
Below the article were additional links, including the original press release and one to a popular gossip site that was already speculating on which actors had the vampire gene. There was even an interview with Ida, naming her one of the first ‘vampires’ discovered. But one link in particular caught my eye: In Wake of Major Discovery, EJC Head Evan Conroy Makes Changes to Leadership Structure. The article stated that Evan stepped down as president and instituted a shared leadership model instead. Among the names on the new board of directors were Dr. Abraham Glassman and Andre Garnier. The article went on to state that while Evan would retain private ownership of the company, it was speculated that he was stepping down to accept a position within the government.
That at least explained Abe’s return and Andre’s earlier disappearance, but there was a lot that wasn’t, nor would be reported to the media. Specifically, what agency Evan accepted a position with, if in fact he had, and why several others had been called to Washington as well.
“I don’t quite understand,” I said to Holly as I handed the tablet back to her. “I get that by releasing Abe’s study, the government would look like jerks if they started hassling natural vampires, but where does that leave us?”
“I was a little unclear on that myself,” she said. “But I talked to Evan about thirty minutes ago and he said that everything will be explained this evening. All I know is that this means I can move forward with my job interview,” she added with a conspiratorial smile.
“What job interview? I thought you liked security.”
“Oh,
I do!” she assured me. “I’m applying for the security officer position in Paris. They’ve been without one for a while.”
“That’s fantastic!” I told her. “I mean, obviously, I’m going to miss you, but you’ll finally get to be closer to Lis… um, whoever it is you’ve been chatting up.”
“Yeah, I already knew my secret wasn’t so secret,” she said with a blush.
“Well I’m happy for you,” I said and gave her a hug.
There was a sudden commotion on the other side of the room, including some whistling and catcalling, so I craned my neck to see over the crowd. Andre and Abe had just walked in, both looking like they had just stepped out of the boardroom, which, given what I just read, they probably had. I had to admit, the perfectly tailored dark suit Andre was wearing had me fantasizing about taking it off of him. He caught my eye as I made my way over and gave me a look that suggested my inappropriate thoughts were written all over my face.
“Well, hello, Mr. Director,” I said with a wink.
“Actually, it’s only junior director until I turn thirty,” he corrected. “Evan once promised he wouldn’t drop the company in my lap at a young age like his father did to him. This way he’s at least sort of keeping his promise.”
“Either way, if you’re going to look like that for work every day, you’re going to have to keep your evenings free.”
“Watch it Lucy, there are children present,” Lona said as she came over to join us. “And by children, I mean my husband.”
“Miles, you’re back! And I’m feeling incredibly underdressed.” I noticed that Hugh and Lance had returned as well and that all three men were also wearing suits.
“I do look good, don’t I?” Miles said, earning him an eye roll from his wife. “But this ain’t my style. At least I won’t have to go to work in one of these every day, unlike Mr. Wall Street here.”
“So are you going to tell us what your secret meeting was about?” I asked.
“Nope, but Evan will in about an hour. He and Dara came back with us,” he replied. “I’ve got just enough time to shower the taint of bureaucracy off before the meeting begins.”
“Congratulations, Andre,” Lona said with a smile. “I’ll see you both at the meeting. I’ve got to go make sure he isn’t setting a bad example for the kids. What do you want to bet there’s a trail of suit from the door to the bathroom?”
“What about you?” I said to Andre after Lona and Miles left. “Need help getting out of your suit?”
“We’ve only got an hour,” he informed me with a knowing look. “Of course, there’s going to be a lot more time after the meeting…” he trailed off, raising one eyebrow suggestively.
“This had better be a short meeting.”
Since there were too many of us in attendance to hold the meeting in Evan’s office, he decided to hold it in the dining room. Considering that it was early evening, this also allowed everyone the opportunity to grab something to eat. Once everyone had settled down and taken their seat, Evan stood up to get our attention
“I’m sure you’ve all seen the news today,” he began. “And I’m sure that there has been plenty of speculation about what you’ve seen and what our motivation has been. To begin, I need to inform you that the Genetic Terrorism Action Committee, also known as GTAC, has been dissolved. The fates of Margaret Cervantes and Brian Kurtz are in the hands of the government and I expect their sentencing will be fair and just, but it is no longer any of our business, so no, I wasn’t told what happened to them.”
Evan paused as a hushed murmur went through the crowd at the news. “Going forward, the government has decided finally, after twenty years of badgering, to take my advice. EJC is once again under government contract to assess and deal with the vampire issue in New Orleans in the way we best see fit. However, this time around, there will be no reporting to a shadow organization. As head of the operation, I will report to Dara, who has accepted the position as head of the Ethics Council for Responsible Governance. She in turn, will report directly to the office of The President of The United States.”
Evan paused again, this time as thunderous applause echoed throughout the hall.
“As you may have guessed, there are going to be quite a few operational changes,” he continued. “The report issued today was a tactical maneuver. Not just to let the government know that we won’t stand for reclassification of normal citizens as monsters, but also as an incentive for more genetically modified vampires to listen to the message that our outreach agents are offering. The Eyes of The Sun has been defeated and the majority of the largest labs have been destroyed, but that doesn’t mean that the threat of vampire attacks has been eliminated.
“At the street level, our outreach program will continue their efforts to bring in vampires who are willing to give up a life of unnecessary violence. Construction has begun on two new facilities that will be used for additional housing and rehabilitation. In the coming month, I will be conducting interviews with everyone who would like to be a part of this effort and assigning some new roles to better streamline our efficiency. Ida Gillman will still be heading the outreach effort, however on a part time basis. Yes, part time employment at nearly ninety-three is how Ida defines retirement.”
There was a roar of laughter as Ida reminded Evan that she was still ninety-two for another month.
“Filling the position of full time assistant director of the outreach effort will be Hugh Dixon,” Evan added and the room exploded into sound again. I think I was just as shocked as everyone else was to hear that Hugh had been put in charge of the outreach effort.
“Now before you go getting ready to razz the big guy, I want you to know that for over twenty years, Hugh has been an invaluable member of my team in many capacities and if anyone deserves a promotion, he does. Also, he would like me to inform you that if you still feel the need to try to make fun of him, he’s already got his comebacks waiting, Miles.”
“Oh, now you’re just asking for it,” Miles called out from the back of the room.
Once everyone had settled down, Evan went on. “Now, as I mentioned, the threat is not over. As much as I would like to think that the outreach effort is going to be enough, even I’m not that much of an optimist. In addition to outreach positions, I’ll be conducting interviews for spots on a specialized tactical team that will be identifying and targeting the laboratories that still exist. Understand that unlike previous government operations, these will be humane efforts. Our intention will be to identify the individuals responsible for providing the genetic material for modifications and to cut off their supply chain. That being said, this will be dangerous work and I will give preferential consideration to those of you who were previously hunters, have military background, or who can prove yourselves capable of handling difficult situations. Miles Bishop and Lance Fields will be the team leaders for this arm of the organization.
“I’d like everyone to take their time in deciding which, if any, position you would like to apply to, which brings us to the final, and most serious matter on the table.” He put down the tablet he had been reading from and looked out at all of us with a stern gaze.
“I like to think that I’m a fair boss. I like to think that the benefits I give my employees are on par with, if not better than, the top companies in the world. That being said, I offer a starting vacation benefit of four weeks a year, with an additional week added on every four years after that. With the exception of Saba’s maternity leave in 1993, not a single damned one of you has taken more than one week off in any given year. Some of you, and I’m looking at you Andre, have never taken a single day of vacation!”
A light smattering of laughter went through the crowd as we all wondered where Evan was going with this.
“That is it,” he said, throwing his hands in the air for emphasis. “You’ve forced my hand. Next week is Thanksgiving. As of right now, every last one of you, whether you’ve worked for me for twenty years or twenty days, is on a mandatory two-we
ek vacation. Isaac Gillman has assured me that in our absence, the New Orleans Police department can handle the workload. This meeting is officially over. Now get out of here and go enjoy yourselves, dammit!”
Epilogue
“Lona is going to kill us,” I said as I snapped a picture of the new ring on my finger. The simple, braided gold band somehow complimented my engagement ring perfectly, despite having been hastily purchased just a few hours before at a beachside jewelry shop. I hesitated for just a moment before I hit send on the message that was addressed to nearly all of our friends and immediately turned off my phone. There would be plenty of time to answer the dozens of questions I was expecting later. At that moment, my attention was devoted entirely to the man at my side.
“She can’t get too mad since technically, she did design your wedding dress,” Andre pointed out.
“True, but cap sleeves are so last season,” I informed him in my most serious voice.
“What does that even mean?”
“I haven’t got a clue,” I said honestly. The dress in question was the red silk number that Lona had designed for our fake engagement pictures the year before. Admittedly, I was a little disappointed that I didn’t get to wear a fancy wedding dress. But as long as I was being honest, I looked a lot better in red than I ever would have in white.
When Evan demanded that everyone take a vacation, my father suggested we take a family trip to his sister’s beach house on Florida’s gulf coast. Carolee had bought the eight-bedroom retreat several years ago in an attempt to get Ida to retire. Obviously, that hadn’t worked, but as we pulled up to the modern glass and weathered wood structure at the end of a private road, everyone in the car let Ida know she was crazy for not taking advantage of Carolee’s offer.
We hadn’t planned on eloping, but when Andre and I saw the pristine white sand and blue green water, we both had the same idea. No venue, no matter how carefully picked, could have compared. We sent Evan and Dara a message to join us for a small, family only wedding on the beach at sunset. Cynda was my maid of honor and Ben got to play the double role of ring bearer and best man. Sure, there was a small part of me that felt guilty for skipping out on the extravagant affair that my friends were hoping to plan, but I would be lying if I said I wanted a big wedding. Besides, I couldn’t think of anything that would have been more perfect than seeing the light from the setting sun dancing in Andre’s eyes as we said our vows.
The Eyes of the Sun: The Complete Trilogy Page 92
