by Gerald Lopez
“Changing and feeding time,” Rory said as he sat up.
“I’ll help,” Samuel said, groggily.
“One huge hint, Samuel,” Rory said. “Boy babies are changed from behind so they don’t piss in your eye.”
“I know,” Samuel said and laughed. “My partner Charlie had been married. He was a grandfather and I helped him change his grandson once. His grandson did catch me right in the eyes. Damn, that boy had aim.”
They got to work changing the babies while Aileen watched and cried a little from having been woken up. While Samuel warmed up some milk for the twins, Rory rocked them on the porch swing with Aileen beside him and Amadeus by his feet.
The twins had settled down somewhat and Rory’s thoughts turned to Samuel. Tonight wasn’t the right time to ask him about Charlie, so he wouldn’t. Instead he thought about how nice it was to have help with the kids. Anna had never been a very attentive mother. In fact, he’d remembered her saying once that she’d only had Aileen so Will would stop asking for a kid. And she always claimed the twins were born because the condom broke and she didn’t want to deal with the hassle of an abortion.
“Here comes the late night snack,” Samuel said as he walked onto the porch with a tray in his hands. “There’s a treat for you inside, boy.” Amadeus looked up at Samuel then walked into the house to get his treat.
Samuel handed Aileen a sippy cup with warm milk. Then he set one of the baby bottles on the swing, took Lochlan from Rory, and gave him the bottle he had. Sean started crying but stopped when Rory grabbed the bottle that was on the swing and put it in his waiting mouth.
“They even bought a sippy cup for Aileen,” Rory said. “Gerard and Deegan really did think of everything. Samuel, what exactly does a vampire dog eat?”
“Blood like the rest of us. Instead of water he gets blood. Sometimes some rare meat.”
“And for treats?”
“Occasionally dog snacks like liver treats or bones.”
After their late night snack was over everyone returned to bed. Rory intended to ask Samuel a question, but changed his mind once Samuel’s arms were around him. He relished the moment and let himself enjoy a peaceful sleep.
WHEN RORY AWOKE, Samuel and the kids were nowhere to be seen in the room. The bedroom door opened and Gerard appeared dressed in a dark navy suit.
“Get up sleepyhead, everyone’s already here.”
‘What’s going on,” Rory said. “And why are you in a suit?”
“You, my friend slept in because that’s what baby vampires do for the first couple of days. Celia and Monty were here early, and with Deegan’s help they got the kids bathed and dressed. I think they’re trying to prove they’re great parents or something. Don’t get me wrong, they are great parents, but they don’t need to rub it in.”
“You and Deegan don’t even have kids yet,” Rory said. “How would you go about adopting anyway? Wouldn’t the paperwork and home visits be a pain for a vampire couple to deal with.”
“We have our own vampire adoption agency.”
Rory laughed until he realized Gerard was serious. “But, how? Vampires can’t have kids”
“Think about it, Rory. Sometimes certain situations occur where children might be left alone after their mortal parents or family members are done away with for whatever reasons.”
“OK.”
“And there are some vampires who take it upon themselves to free mortal children from abusive homes… permanently.”
“Are there a lot of mortal children up for adoption at these agencies?”
“A fair amount,” Gerard said. “And the agency does do home visits. They take their job very seriously.”
“Good for them. It sounds like my kids will get some playmates in the near future.”
“Would you mind that?”
“I think it’d be fun actually.”
“You’re still thinking of me running around after that kid, aren’t you, ya bastard.”
“I am,” Rory said and smiled. “I’d better hit the shower.”
When he got out of the shower and went back in the bedroom, he saw Gerard sitting on the bed. Next to him, carefully laid out, was a new dark gray suit with a blue shirt, blue silk tie, underwear, and black dress socks. Below them on the floor were a shiny pair of brand new black leather oxfords.
“The tie’s real silk,” Gerard said. “Deegan picked it out.”
“You’ve got it bad for Deegan, don’t you?”
“He’s the real deal, mate. Back in my day it could never have happened because of the fact I’m white and he’s half white and half black.”
“In Samuel’s day things like that were even worse. There have been some good changes that have happened over time.” He removed the towel from around his waist and put on the underwear.
“Your back’s still wet.”
Gerard stood, picked up the towel, wiped Rory’s back, and softly kissed his neck. “I admire you a great deal. Have since we’ve been friends. You’re one of the strongest men I know.” He helped Rory with his shirt. “It wasn’t easy with Will. I think if that girl hadn’t worked her wiles on him he would’ve been fine. You took care of those kids of his and Anna from day one and you’re still doing it. All on your bloody own. Shit.”
“Those were lonely days for me, but I had no time to meet anyone,” Rory said. “If there was time I just didn’t have it in me to add someone to my life. That’s changed.” He finished buttoning his shirt and slipped into his pants. “Someone did a good job sizing me up.”
“Years ago I worked as a tailor,” Gerard said. “And I know every inch of your body. Besides, we’re family and family looks out for one another.”
“My family never did. This is all new to me and it feels so damn good not to be on my own anymore.”
“Hold onto that feeling.”
“Samuel’s concerned because I’m not crying all the time,” Rory said as he put the tie around his neck. “This really is a nice tie. I owe you guys some big bucks.”
“You don’t owe us a thing. We vampires don’t live this long without knowing how to make money and hang onto it. And when the hell have you had time to shed more than a tear or two here and there.”
“Samuel’s just worried about me.”
“I like Samuel, love him like family. Hell, he and Cesare turned me. But between you and me, the guy’s a walking hard-on around you. He can barely think straight. You’re just his type too. Silver-haired daddies are what he goes for.”
“I’m silver-haired and a daddy now. But doesn’t the phrase ‘daddies’ refer to the older men who wear leather.”
“So I took some liberties with my phrasing, bite me.”
“That saying—‘bite me’, takes on a whole new meaning when uttered by a vampire. You, my friend, are definitely one to have around at funerals—to liven them up.”
A SHORT TIME later, Rory stood in the Brennan family cemetery holding the twins, who were dressed in navy suits. Aileen stood quietly by his side wearing a simple navy dress and holding hands with Samuel. Surrounding him was his new vampire family all dressed in black or navy. Cesare stood in front of the group with Paul Gauthius next to him. He talked about strength and honor while holding a can containing William’s ashes.
“He loved and he was loved ,” Cesare said. “And we’ll remember only the good times and the help that he gave us near the end of his life.”
“William Colin Baker has tossed off the dark cloak of this world and entered the light,” Paul said. “After a time of mourning we must rejoice in that fact. Forgive me for the hand my misled people had in bringing about his early death.” He looked at Rory who nodded his head to show he forgave him.
Cesare opened the can and scattered the ashes while he spoke. “Today we release the ashes from his body which was hollow. His soul has already moved on to a more glorious place.
“Amen,” the crowd said.
Aileen stood tall, but the twins were squirmy and restless. J
anelle and Celia walked up to give their condolences then Celia bent down to speak to Aileen.
“You did well, my sweet. So tall and straight.”
“She’s a real trooper,” Monty said, walking up to the group. “Takes after her new dada—strong.”
Right on cue, Aileen began fussing and rasing her arms up to Monty. “Pppppp—pa” She said spitting everywhere.
Monty picked her up, swung her around and hugged her. “Papa’s here, sweetness. I’m tempted to just run away with you and raise you as my own.”
“You’d come running back soon enough the first time she cried or got sick,” Celia said and chuckled. “Naw, I’m kidding. You were there when our son needed you.”
“It’s a beautiful day for this,” Janelle said. “Cesare brought along some refreshments so you and Samuel are stocked up for a while. That way you can take a few days to rest and get used to your new situation.”
Cesare walked up to the group and took Lochlan from Rory. “I’ve always loved children. He tickled Lochlan’s tummy and the baby stopped fussing and began to laugh.
“Your words were perfect, Cesare.” Rory said then turned to Paul who’d just walked to their grouping. “Yours too, Paul. I appreciate it.”
“I’m sorry about the circumstances,” Paul said. “But I’m glad it brought Cesare and me together. It’d been too long. And it’s past time all the hidden things were revealed.”
Chapter 29
The Hall
RORY DIDN’T ASK Paul what he meant by ‘hidden things’. Instead he went around thanking everyone for coming. While doing that he arranged to have Celia and Monty stay at Samuel’s house to babysit.
Cesare noticed Rory making the rounds and decided that was his chance to have a few words with Samuel. He caught Samuel’s attention and waved him over. The two talked as they walked around the back of the cemetery.
“There’s some follow-up work to be done in New Orleans,” Cesare said. “Paul has discovered that the group there is larger than it appeared to be. We thought we’d dealt with all of them, but some were held back in reserve. They can’t be allowed to live.”
“They’re crazed newby vampires, aren’t they?”
“Purposely created to be that way, which is sickening. If we don’t deal with them things will get out of control. We could all end up being exposed.”
“Will you need my help?” Samuel said.
“Probably, but not for a few days. Janelle and I want to explore the area and get more of a handle on exactly what we’re dealing with in this situation. But be ready when I call.”
“I will be.”
“You and Rory fit together well. I understand your concerns but they’re not valid when it comes to him. Don’t push him away.”
“Is it too soon after Charlie’s death?”
“No. What you had with Charlie was loving and you mourned for him. You’re smart enough to know Samuel’s not a replacement for him. The new people that come into our lives can’t replace old ones.”
“That’s not it, Cesare. This is gonna sound crazy but somehow I think I already love Rory. Probably even more than I did Charlie, and I knew Charlie longer.”
“Charlie didn’t choose to turn for you. Rory did. And the reason he turned was to be with you. When you made him a vampire you realized that in all its fullness.”
“I guess I did. It’s just that… that—how can he not blame me for his son being dead? Wouldn’t it be justified and normal to blame me.”
“You’re the only one blaming yourself for that,” Cesare said. “I know your concerns, and I searched Rory’s mind. On no level at all does he blame you even the tiniest bit for his son’s death. You can’t understand that and you’re wallowing in it. He’s your forever love, Samuel. Don’t screw it up.”
“I still don’t understand how Rory is dealing with everything.”
Cesare stopped walking and looked at Samuel. “I can tell you exactly how. The man’s son lived as a drug addict, shooting up in drug dens with other addicts. Rory lost William long before the day you killed him. Do you think William’s turning into a crazed vampire was the worst thing Rory’s ever seen in his son’s life? Hardly. You’ve lived a long time Samuel but you have isolated yourself from so much.”
“I’ve seen drug abuse and I’ve fought in wars and,” the proverbial light went off in his mind. “And I’ve been wallowing in it for any number of reasons.”
“That’s alright, we all do that from time to time. You like Rory, probably love him, and the ‘timing’ seems strange. But then again maybe it’s exactly right and the two of you have met when you’re supposed to have in order to be there for one another.”
“Do vampires have ‘forever loves’?” Samuel said.
“Don’t tell anyone else I said that, but I think even we have forever loves. Janelle is mine.”
Samuel was surprised. “Not Veronique?” He stopped and thought about it a moment. “No. It’s as if you and Janelle share the same tactical mind.”
“Janelle and I hadn’t even met until this year, isn’t that something?” Cesare said. “Don’t get me wrong Veronique and I will always be the best of friends just not with so many benefits.” He chuckled.
“Poor Veronique,” Samuel said. “Does she feel the same way toward you?”
“Kaelin is her one true love—always has been. They just need breaks from each other sometimes. In the beginning Kaelin and I fought for Veronique. But we thought too highly of one another to be enemies. And we both knew Veronique always has and always will be a woman who needs her space—a significant amount of space at times.”
“That’s an enlightened way of thinking.”
“You know me and you know Veronique, but you don’t know Kaelin. He has a gentle and serene soul. It’s impossible not to love him. You’re a lot like him, that’s why Veronique has a soft spot for you. She hasn’t turned many humans into vampires and she has her favorites. You hold the top spot.”
“I’m the son she and Kaelin never had, huh.”
“You’ve hit the nail on the head. So where is Rory planning to drag you away to?”
“I have an appointment in front of my brother’s portrait at Brennan Hall.”
“Interesting,” Cesare said.
EVERYONE HAD GATHERED at Samuel’s house after the small ceremony, except for Rory and Samuel. They were in Rory’s car headed to Brennan Hall.
“What do you think of Brennan Hall, Rory?” Samuel said.
“It’s big and fancy, but not warm or homey. Is that the right answer?”
“Yes. My brother Angus needed a grand home to impress his business associates. It was important back in the day.”
“You gave him the money to start his business. I read that somewhere.”
“He and I were silent partners. I still receive money in a private account from the business. It wasn’t a huge investment on my part and my brother was always fair with me.”
“At least when it came to business,” Rory said. “There were times I thought it’d be less lonely growing up with a sibling. But if I’d had one, who knows if we would’ve even gotten along.”
“Sometimes life happens as it’s meant to. The things that we’re forced to deal with make us who we are. I think overcoming obstacles make us stronger.”
“That makes sense,” Rory said. “This whole outing is ridiculous, we should turn back around.”
“No, it’s a good idea,” Samuel said. “Keep driving. We’re still in our suits, my brother would like that. He liked formality at certain times. He’d never approve of dress down days at work.”
A short time later, Rory pulled up in the parking lot of an immense three-story white mansion. It had a wraparound porch with columns on the first floor, a wraparound balcony on the second, and a terrace on the third floor. There weren’t many visitors, so they had no trouble finding a parking space. Rory started to open his door when Samuel stopped him and handed him a small brass key.
“What’
s this about? Rory said.
“My brother’s desk in the office of this house has a secret drawer in it. Within that drawer is a sealed letter he wrote and left for me before he died. Do me a favor and get it for me.”
“Why hasn’t somebody found the letter already?”
“They can’t. You know how we vampires can make a suggestion to someone and they’ll believe or follow it.”
“Yes,” Rory said.
“We can do the same sort of thing over objects,” Samuel said. “I fixed it so no one who looks at the desk will see the hidden drawer, even if they stumble upon it.”
“How will I find it then?”
“I’ll remove the suggestion once you’re in front of the desk.”
They got out of the car and headed to the main entrance of Brennan Hall where they paid the admittance fee.
“My brother would just love the idea of people paying to tour his home,” Samuel said to Rory.
The two entered an imposing entry with an ornate wood staircase at the far end.
“Do you want to look around?” Rory said.
“I do not,” Samuel said. “Follow me and let’s get this over with.”
Rory followed Samuel up the stairs and into the former home office of Angus Brennan. There was a portrait of Angus on the wall directly across from a wood desk of substantial size. Samuel stood in front of the portrait and looked up at it. There were other visitors walking around the room and a small boy pointed to Samuel. He commented on how similar Samuel looked to the man in the ‘picture’.
“We’re from the same family,” Samuel said.
“Are you his brother?” The boy said.
“Oh, honey,” the boy’s mother said. “There’s no way this man is old enough to be the brother of the man in the portrait.”
“Children have big imaginations,” the boy’s father said.
“That’s not a bad thing,” Rory said. “I think you and your wife should take your son out for ice cream when you’re through here.”
