Night Train to Naples

by Caroline Valdez

  He’d been young then, the firstborn son of a wealthy Greek ship owner and a mother whose beauty was no doubt the envy of the goddesses. Even when they hadn’t known he’d have great wealth one day, women of all ages had found Alexandros Nicolaides handsome, charming and oh, so desirable. He’d had the world at his fingertips, but he’d been wild and headstrong. Careless.

  He’d also been human. But not for long.

  Alex shook his head. At least he was still young—no longer careless and foolhardy, but forever twenty-one. And still handsome, with the transcendent beauty of the immortals.

  “This way, please, signor.” Garibaldi stepped into the church proper, then stopped and faced him. With a tiny smile and an apologetic shrug, he said, “If you would,” and gestured.

  Alex was used to this necessary procedure in light of the value of the precious stones or metals he might pick up for delivery, but on this particular occasion, he understood it was also important to protect the important one who had summoned him. Opening his coat, he said, “Left pocket. A knife. Recently and unexpectedly acquired.”

  Garibaldi withdrew it. A second male figure appeared who patted Alex down and, finding him free of other weapons, took charge of the knife. Alex knew they’d return it to him upon leaving. Garibaldi turned and proceeded into the church proper before leading him into a side alcove and through a door concealed with great cleverness and which would be moved, no doubt, by tomorrow. They walked down a narrow hallway.

  It had been wise of them to purchase the church and its complex. The hall ramped downward until they were below ground level. Only an earthquake could open these rooms to sunlight. Although Mount Vesuvius was just across the bay and Naples sat on thermal ground, the volcano had been inactive for almost seventy years. For longer than that, Naples had withstood the occasional rumblings and tremors its buildings had experienced.

  The lights were on in the room they entered. Seven immortals, dressed in business suits, sat around a conference table. The man in the center stood, and although Alex hadn’t expected this, he knew immediately who he was…Massimo di Osci, Principe di Immortales. Campania.

  The man greeted him.

  “Your Highness, I am honored.” Alex bowed his head. He bowed, not just to the prince of the vampires of southern Italy, but to the shimmering power he felt in this room in the presence of this man. At over seven hundred years, Alex was considered old. And strong. The prince was far older and far more powerful. An Oscan by birth, it was said, and Alex knew the Oscans had established Pompeii before the Greeks, and later the Romans, had arrived. That would be hundreds of years before the first recorded eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D.

  For the prince to have survived this long took unimaginable intelligence and cunning. Centuries of surviving, of learning and observing had cloaked him in power that filled this room and overshadowed the combined strength of all those around him.

  He was dressed in a black suit of fine wool, no doubt tailored for him by a top Italian designer. Short black boots covered his feet. His dark hair was cut in the latest European style, and a tiny diamond winked in one ear. It was rumored he used the latest technologies and had a presence on the Internet of the Undead. A dark green shirt picked up the dazzling blue-green of his eyes, and he wore a large antique gold ring set with a jewel that glowed light reddish under the incandescent lights.

  Alex’s throat tightened in surprise and envy. The gem was alexandrite, an incredibly rare gem discovered in 1830 and named after Tzar Alexandrite 11, Prince of Russia.

  “Sit, please. The council and I welcome you, Alexandros.” The prince’s voice was smooth, with an elegance that matched his appearance.

  Alex sat in the seat designated. If he’d calculated correctly, he might well be the youngest vampire here. Signor Garibaldi, apparently the prince’s lieutenant, introduced the other members, beginning with His Highness.

  “Before we begin,” the prince said, “we’d like you to appraise a group of stones.”

  Surprise kept Alex from responding for a moment. When he did, he protested the unusual request. “Highness, I’m a courier. We don’t work with the stones or precious metals we deliver.”

  “Sì, sì. But my people tell me you are an accredited gemologist with an outstanding reputation for accuracy. My business will go to a company I believe knows gems and will be sure any deliveries to me are the gems I have purchased. I will pay extra if you will authenticate any deliveries your company receives to deliver to me.”

  “That’s a very unusual request. I’ve not known of one like it before.”

  “Nevertheless, receiving my business is predicated on the availability of one who will authenticate.”

  Before Alex could speak again, the prince nodded to Garibaldi, who laid out a piece of stark-white paper on the table in front of Alex. He produced a black velvet bag and poured its contents onto the paper.

  The gems spilled out in a gleaming kaleidoscope of color as the lights caught their facets and reflected their beauty in brilliant prisms on the paper and on the high ceiling.

  A collective gasp of admiration floated through the room.

  Alex smiled. The jewels spoke to him, and his fingers ached to touch their fire and ice, to uncover their secrets. He had loved precious stones even in his human life; had been intrigued by those draped around his mother’s neck, hanging from her ears or gracing her gentle fingers. He had learned much about these treasures of the earth from his father, and his fascination over the centuries had created a hunger to learn more.

  “As you wish it,” Alex said. He really had no choice. It was dangerous to defy royalty, and his company needed the business.

  “The equipment is on the table behind you,” Garibaldi told him.

  Alex always carried his jewelry loupe out of habit, but he turned to the table and began to work, availing himself of the special lights, scales, testing liquids and microscopes there. The murmur of talk in the room disappeared as he lost himself in the work, sorting the gems into groups as he went. Upon finishing, he pushed the groups into two separate piles using the edge of one hand. Addressing the smaller pile, he pulled two rubies and a blue sapphire aside and pronounced them man-made. Pointing to one diamond-like stone that sparkled with a clear light in that section, he said, “Cubic zirconia,” and labeled a similar stone as a moissanite diamond.

  Next, he singled out another brilliant stone whose color was the bluish-gray of the famous French Blue, also known as the Hope Diamond, owned by and on display in the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC.

  “A natural stone showing the tunnels from a laser used to enhance the color,” he said.

  From the corner of his eye, he caught one side of the prince’s mouth as it twitched faintly and an eyebrow lifted. Giacomo, the vampire to the prince’s immediate right, seemed to steam with anger. Alex assumed he had appraised the stones and hadn’t caught the problem with the blue-gray. Some immortals were particularly touchy. Maybe those who were had been overly sensitive as humans, but Alex knew he’d have to be wary of this vamp now that he’d proven him wrong. Man-made stones were less expensive, of course, but some natural stones heated to improve quality or color might see an increase in value. This was true of diamonds, too. But in the case of this stone, its worth had been affected adversely. The mistake could have meant a considerable loss of the money invested in it or, worse, an accusation of fraudulent business practices should the prince decide to sell it as untouched. A reputable seller always presented such treasures as enhanced, if they were.

  Despite the fact that he and Giacomo had a history going back a few years, this really wasn’t Alex’s problem. Alex proceeded with the second pile, which were all true gems, rating them as to cut, color, clarity, and weight.

  After he’d finished his evaluations, the prince smiled. “As I expected, you are very gifted. Thank you, Alexandros.”

  Garibaldi signaled the vampire who’d taken Alex’s knife, and he quickly placed a computer in front of Alex
as a large screen began to unfold electronically behind him. Alex removed a transfer drive from his pocket, inserted it and, turning toward the screen, began his PowerPoint presentation on Global Diamond Couriers.

  When he’d finished, he waited for the council’s response.

  “Excellent.” The prince’s face radiated approval. “Please remain in Naples for the next few days. We’ll notify you of our decision.”

  Alex stood to leave, but Garibaldi approached the prince and leaned down to whisper in his ear as he handed him what looked like a business card.

  The prince’s face darkened, then settled into a calm, expressionless demeanor. He raised a hand. “It seems we have what the Americans call a gate crasher. He was at the door asking for entrance. He doesn’t have an appointment, but he represents a rival courier service. Council members, shall we admit this man?”

  Talk erupted with a fury. Alex was irritated that they would allow someone else in tonight. This time had been set up for his company and no one else’s.

  Giacomo, who’d been angry with Alex over the enhancement of the diamond, spoke. “I suggest we hear him out. Signor Nicolaides might be as interested in what he has to say as my honored colleagues are.”

  Payback, Alex thought. For tonight and for a problem years ago.

  The prince nodded to Alex, and there was no further discussion. “Have a seat again.”

  The prince stood as Garibaldi ushered in a man they had blindfolded. Even before the blindfold was removed, Alex recognized him. Knew the figure in the white silk shirt and tight designer jeans. Knew the face of the man whose dark hair was now a sensual, disheveled mess. He smiled, remembering the passion during which that hair had been tousled.

  “Signor Dante Rocco of Precious Stone and Metal Couriers of Italy.”

  Chapter Nine

  Alex’s mood darkened. What a fool he’d been to forget to be aware of this man. Dante had cleverly continued to trail him. And this was how he repaid Alex for saving him from those evil men? Irritation deepened to anger. He watched as his attractive competitor’s complexion turned the color of ash once he could see again and realized the prince and his council were vampires. No wonder his face lost some of its warmth. He hadn’t known he’d followed an immortal to horn in on this rendezvous, so there was no way he would’ve guessed which group needed a contract with a courier service.

  Well, tough luck, Alex thought, stung by the betrayal. Perhaps I should have let the thugs have you.

  “Did you find the gun in his ankle holster?” Alex addressed Garibaldi in a voice as brilliant and hard as a diamond before the prince could question Dante. They hadn’t searched his own ankles, so he was betting the gun still sat in the holster on Dante’s left ankle.

  The expression on the lieutenant’s face made it clear they’d overlooked that part of his body.

  The four vampires on either side of the prince leaped in front of him to protect him.

  Two of the remaining immortals grabbed Dante’s arms and held him while Garibaldi removed the gun. With a courage Alex grudgingly admired, Dante lifted his head and straightened his body to face whatever came next.

  “I mean no harm,” he said. “Merda, I forgot about the damned gun because I was so intent on catching up with Signor Nicolaides to follow him to this appointment.” His voice carried to everyone in the room, but it was into Alex’s eyes he looked and Alex he addressed. “I’m a courier. My boss had heard rumors Global would be making a presentation somewhere, and he ordered me to follow you. I had no idea I’d be dealing with the undead or I might have told him to go stuff it.”

  Alex’s mood changed, and he bit back the urge to smile because Dante had shown courage in being so honest in the presence of vampire royalty. Alex was relieved to see the prince seemed to be controlling his amusement, too.

  His Highness waved his bodyguards aside. “Release him,” he commanded those who restrained Dante.

  Giacomo shouted in a voice dripping with menace, “He dares to bring a weapon into the presence of our prince. Destroy him!”

  Tension immediately shot through the room again.

  Damn you. What a vicious creature you are.

  “I believe that decision is mine to make,” the prince said with frightening force. He turned to Garibaldi and his gaze bored into Garibaldi’s. The lieutenant appeared to shrink under its force. “It seems we have a serious lapse in our security. Perhaps you can explain this?”

  Garibaldi stammered an apology for not double-checking after his assistant had frisked the newcomer.

  “Because of your carelessness, I could be permanently dead!” The prince stood, knocking his chair back in his fury. His eyes glowed red. A flick of his hand and one of the six seated with him drew a short sword from beneath his jacket. He leaped up and over the table effortlessly to land in front of Garibaldi. He severed his head in a single swift stroke.

  Disgust filled Alex as he watched the lieutenant’s head hit the ground with a thud and the rest of the body crumpled. He hadn’t expected such a harsh and deadly response.

  “Oh, God, no,” Dante whispered and closed his eyes. Now, his face had turned the color of snowfall. His jaw clenched, and his hands tightened into fists that hung helpless at his sides.

  The volatile prince’s earlier amusement had faded. In its place was a rage that sent a hot torrent throughout the room and threatened to break out of control. The council members were ready to destroy at the slightest nod from their leader.

  The lieutenant had most likely served the prince for hundreds of years. Alex guessed he’d been as much of a friend as a prince might safely have. Dante would be next, Alex thought, because he was the one who’d ultimately caused Garibaldi’s death by carrying a weapon into this room. It might not matter that it was inadvertent.

  Alex stepped in front of Dante, amazed that the courier’s knees were still strong enough to keep him on his feet. “Highness, if I may speak.”

  The prince’s feral eyes focused on him, but he nodded and sank back into his chair, which another vampire righted.

  “Signor Dante carried a gun because he was trailing me under cover of night on the turf of the Camarro.”

  There was a rustle in the room. The undead considered the Camarro their enemies as much as the honest living did.

  “Earlier this evening, I protected him when he was attacked by thugs and thieves. Had it been necessary, he was prepared to use this gun to save my life. However, I subdued the assailants and hurried away so I would not be late here. I believe he speaks the truth. He forgot about the gun because he didn’t come with the intent of using it. He came only to gain new business for his boss.

  “However, what I also need to say to you and the other learned council members is that I assumed the role of protector at that time. As you’re aware, the Rule of Law among we immortals requires I declare him under my protection. I do so now. Under its rules, any immortal who wishes to harm this man I protect will have to fight me first.”

  Body tense, he bowed his head and waited. He might be just a courier and a gemologist, but his reputation as a fighter was renowned, even in Italy. Still, the prince could choose to ignore the law. If he did, Alex suspected it wouldn’t be the first time.

  The silence that spread over the room was total, and Alex felt the heat and tension radiating from Dante’s body behind him. Vampires weren’t known for their control or rationality, as just witnessed by the sudden killing of a trusted employee, and Alex felt his own palms and neck grow damp with concern for Dante’s safety.

  Finally, the prince nodded. “Do you have the bounty?”

  This was the next step in the law: A payment to the leader of the vampires in the area was required to guarantee those who dishonored the protection would be punished.

  Alex thought fast. Because his hair was so long, he braided the portion on each side at eye level. The braids were fastened together in the back. The diamond hidden in his braid was to have been presented as a courtesy once the contract
had been signed, not prior to the agreement because it would have been seen as a bribe. The CEO of Global Diamond Couriers resented this custom, but it was the price of doing business with the undead. However, since the decision wouldn’t be made tonight, especially now that a second service was in contention, Alex felt free to use it for Dante.

  He reached up and undid his braid. His loosened hair spilled about his face as, eyes downcast in respect, he stepped forward with his hand open and let the jewel resting there roll out onto the white paper on the table.

  It was not a huge diamond, but it flashed as the incandescent lamps in the room caught its inner reflections and refracted its dazzling brilliance. Its color was excellent; its clarity and color rare. It sat on the pure white paper and let its sparkle quietly herald its value.

  Giacomo, who apparently was the prince’s gemologist and the one who’d missed the laser treatment of the blue diamond, rose to pick it up. Prince Massimo frowned and nodded to another immortal to take it. It was clear he no longer trusted the judgment of this follower in regard to gemstones.

  Alex bowed deeply and sat down.

  §§§§

  The horror of the slaughter in the guise of justice that Dante had witnessed—and his role in causing the vamp’s destruction—floated like a black miasma in Dante’s mind. When Alex stepped in front of him, the reality he might be in grave danger startled him back to the present. Dante fought to maintain his composure, drawing strength from the powerful figure who had separated him from the enraged prince and his followers.

  Dante had seen the deadly grace of Nicolaides as he’d fought the thief, had been stirred by his searching mouth in victory, felt his hands, cool and gentle, as they’d caressed his face, and remembered the igniting pressure of his big cock rubbing across Dante’s. In an inexplicable way, he felt connected to the vampire.

  Anxiety caused the hairs to stand up on Dante’s arms. He hoped they weren’t destined to die together—here and now, in this place.

  When it was over, when the pledge was made and the bounty paid, it was all Dante could do to pull himself together to represent his company. His hand trembled as he inserted his flash drive and began his PowerPoint presentation. However, by the end of his presentation he felt calm. He’d given his talk in a professional manner.