Buzz & Blow

by Alex Carreras

  Jerrod set down his black leather Hermes bag by the reception area close to the window facing the street and Killer Kuts. “Does your silence have anything to do with them?” Asher didn’t have to look in Jerrod’s direction to know whom he meant.

  “Why would you ask that?” Before a silver can of hairspray toppled off the counter, Asher quickly grabbed it, setting it upright. He took a deep breath, coaching himself to steady his nerves and calm his shaking hands.

  “Asher,” said Jerrod as Tory looked on, “I could read your thoughts if I wanted to, but I don’t. I want you to tell me what is troubling you. Because whatever it is, it’s a biggie.”

  Asher risked a look at Jerrod. “How can you tell? I thought you said you wouldn’t read my thoughts.”

  “I’m not. I’m reading his.” Jerrod indicated Tory with his chin. “That one is an open book.”

  “Hey,” Tory said, hands perched on his waist. “I haven’t perfected that not-having-my-thoughts-read stuff yet.”

  “We’ll work on that later,” Jerrod promised. “But for now, I need to focus on Asher.”

  Crap.

  “Look, please don’t worry about me. I can handle it.”

  “What is it, exactly?”

  “I hooked up with Niko last night.”

  Jerrod’s sculpted face gave nothing away, but Asher could feel his displeasure radiating from his body.

  “Go on.”

  “Mario stopped by Niko’s, or better stated, hid out. Mario was still resting when I left.”

  Jerrod cocked his head. “So, his innocence is questionable?”

  “He got involved with the wrong people.”

  “And so are you,” Jerrod returned. “Why are you taking on other’s problems? Didn’t you want to have a clean slate when you moved here? Would you like me to go down the list of all the failed relationships that tarnished your past and brought you to Sangre in the first place?”

  “No thanks.” Asher wanted to roll his eyes but thought better of it. “Unfortunately, I can remember each and every one. Maybe one day I’ll catch that virus that wipes out our memories. In my case, it wouldn’t be so bad.”

  “Or you can simply stop going after bad boys who refuse to grow up,” Jerrod suggested.

  “I was attracted to you at one time, remember?” Asher mumbled under his breath.

  Tory chuckled. “Good one.”

  “All kidding aside,” Jerrod began, “you have to be careful. Have fun with Niko. Lord knows it’s been a while since you’ve had some fun, but don’t get hurt, emotionally or physically.”

  “I won’t.” Asher faked his best smile. “At least it certainly isn’t my intention to.”

  “Never is,” Jerrod said.

  Struggling with the decision to share the details of what he knew about the murders, Asher broached the subject but tread cautiously. “Jerrod, what do you know about Councilmember Alderman?”

  “Funny you should ask,” Jerrod said, preoccupied by something out the window.

  “Why would you say that?” Asher asked, genuinely confused.

  “Because he’s walking up the street now and appears as if he’s headed our way.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Bile bubbled in Asher’s throat, and he started to feel dizzy, and it wasn’t because of too many scented candles burning at once. Did he just hear Jerrod right? Why would Alderman be headed to Everlasting? Maybe he needed a haircut or conditioning treatment? Gut instinct told Asher that wasn’t the case.

  Jerrod walked over and stood beside Asher. “Steady on,” he said through a forced smile, watching the glass front door. “Whatever this little visit is about, we’ll protect you, no matter what.”

  “Damn straight,” Tory chimed in with his undying support.

  Asher swallowed the sandpaper feeling from his throat. “Thanks, but I’m sure this is nothing but a friendly visit asking for our support for his reelection to the city council.”

  “Something in his eyes,” Jerrod began, “tells a different story.”

  That sandpaper feeling came back with a vengeance as Councilmember Alderman passed through the door. The temperature in the already cool salon felt cooler. A chill ran down Asher’s spine causing him to shudder.

  Jerrod’s large hand came to rest on his shoulder, comforting Asher. His deep voice welcomed Alderman. After a few exchanged pleasantries, Jerrod asked about the nature of the visit. Councilmember Alderman ran reedy fingers over his incandescent silver hair slicked away from his pale, broad forehead.

  “I’ve come to have a chat with one of your stylists. I believe his name is Asher Riots.” Alderman’s steely gaze fell directly on Asher.

  Asher made a tentative step toward the six-foot-three vampire who almost appeared transparent. Then another step. “What can I do for you this evening?” he asked. “Are you in need of a trim?”

  The phlegm-filled chuckle said no. “I have reason to believe that you have some information about an alleged murderer? His name is Mario Torres.”

  “Information?” It took all of Asher’s power to keep his voice at an even level. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  Thin lips curled into a smile. Alderman raised an eyebrow. “I have great concern for your safety. And I don’t believe that you are in possession of all the facts.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong,” Asher said.

  “So, you have talked with Mario then?”

  “Talked?” Asher shook his head. “I have not. Not one word.”

  If Jerrod and Tory weren’t standing by his side, Asher would be in fear for his safety. He remained silent, assessing Alderman’s next move.

  “You do realize,” the councilman began, “if you know anything about the whereabouts of this particular individual, or the murders that took place last night at Siesta Beach, it is your duty to come forward.”

  Jerrod cocked his head to the side, eyeing Alderman. “What do you know about these murders? Excuse me, but what part do you play in all of this. Shouldn’t you leave this up to the Sangre police? We have our kind as officers and liaisons. Why should you get involved?”

  “I represent this community, and I’d hate for our kind to cause trouble in this peaceful paradise. I rather like it here. And my ancestors did too.”

  “Huh.” Jerrod’s practiced smile that looked more like a grimace sent his message loud and clear. Fuck you. “It’s so nice to see an elected official take such a personal interest in these unfortunate murders, but I assure you that no one here has any information that you don’t already have.”

  Alderman raised his chin, looking down the bridge of his nose. “Well then” — he ran his tongue over his top lip — “I will leave you good citizens to do your work. I’d hate to interfere with the success of your business. I personally know many who come to this well-regarded establishment, and I would hate to see business run dry, and these sparkling glass doors close up for good.”

  Jerrod’s jaw pulsed and his hands fisted at his side. Asher feared for one moment that his boss would lose his ever-present cool demeanor. “I am so happy to hear that our success has reached even you, Councilmember. Let’s hope for continued success, for Everlasting, and for you.”

  Jerrod was always good at getting his point across, Asher mused, even when the thinly veiled threat was wrapped in sticky sweetness.

  There was no mistaking that if pushed, Jerrod would fight back with everything in his arsenal. He might not have been a founder of Sangre, but he was an old, powerful vampire, and if need be, a vengeful one. “It was nice for you to stop by asking about our safety,” Jerrod said. “Maybe you should stop by the barbers across the street and ask for Mario? They’re apt to know much more than we, since his cousin works there.”

  “I will bear that in mind.” Alderman turned with a flourish and disappeared.

  Asher hurried to the window to see if Alderman was headed for Killer Kuts, but he was nowhere in sight.

  “Don’t worry,” Jerrod said. “Your Niko is safe.
That pompous bastard won’t show his face over there. Those guys would tear him to bits, and he knows it.”

  Asher sighed with relief. He wondered if Niko was aware of Alderman’s visit to Everlasting. Judging by what Asher experienced last night, Niko was a gifted vampire and had many tricks up his sleeve.

  “That is one scary creature,” Asher said, more to himself than to his friends.

  Tory whistled. “You can say that again. Psychopath. Bet he was scary as a human too.”

  “Asher,” Jerrod interrupted. “You obviously know more than you’ve shared, and Alderman isn’t fooled by your silence. Can you please tell me what’s going on? I need to know so I can be prepared. Something tells me that this is going to get ugly and we need to stick together. That we’re facing troubled times.”

  Tory started pacing, the heels of his shoes a sharp staccato against the salon’s polished wood floors. “I hate it when you speak like that, Jerrod. It scares the crap out of me, and you know how I hate to fight. It’s . . . messy.”

  “It won’t come to that,” Asher assured. “And if it does, I’ll protect you.” Asher looked at his watch. “I think I have just enough time to explain everything. Jerrod, lock the door and come take a seat.”

  * * * *

  “Just saw that freak out on the street.” Niko’s coworker caught his attention.

  “Who?” Niko asked, walking over and standing beside Kairon who was looking out the front window of Killer Kuts, his hands shoved in the back pockets of his jeans.

  Kairon lifted his chin, chewing on a toothpick. “That scary-ass white dude who’s as corrupt as they come. He was inside your buddy’s salon a minute ago, but the ugly fucker vanished. I bet if we step outside we could still smell him.” Kairon chuckled at his own joke.

  A bad feeling crept over Niko. Alderman obviously had Mario followed, and now he was beginning to lurk around the edges of Niko’s life, stirring up trouble. So much for keeping my head down and a low profile.

  Kairon shot Niko a sideways glance. “You going over there to find out what’s going on, or do you already know what that’s about?”

  “I do,” he said, watching the inhabitants of Everlasting move around like a well-oiled machine. “And you do, too.”

  “Mario and that business from last night.”

  Niko tapped the side of his nose with his finger and winked.

  “Your cousin’s always testing your limits. I have a little brother like that. Pain in the ass. Left him up north to fend for himself. Sure, he’ll show up sooner or later. Always does.”

  Niko mumbled his response, his gut churning full of acid. His heart told him to run across the street to check on Asher, to give him a deep, full kiss and assure him that he’d take care of everything, but Niko didn’t know if he could take care of everything. His brain said an entirely different thing, the words, leave Asher alone before he gets seriously hurt coming to the forefront. Why couldn’t life be easier? He craved uncomplicated, at least as uncomplicated as a vampire’s life could be. Now he was dropped smack in the middle of complicated, dragging Asher along with him, all thanks to Mario and his quest for the seedier entertainment life had to offer, mortal or immortal.

  Fuck.

  Fishing his phone out of his back pocket, Niko scrolled until he found Mario’s entry and tapped call. The best way to make something go away was to face it no matter how unpleasant, and tonight after work, he intended to do exactly that.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Niko stared up at the penthouse of the fifteen-story building, a light drizzle blurring his vision. “You sure this is where he lives?” he asked Mario, who was standing by his side.

  “Yep,” Mario assured. “It’s public knowledge. Everyone knows that.”

  “I didn’t.”

  “You don’t get out much,” Mario teased.

  Rubbing the back of his neck, Niko said, “Guess we shouldn’t use the front door.” He looked through the glass front lobby manned by two doormen who resembled armed guards more than your friendly neighborhood doorman who called the elevator once in a while, or accepted packages when you were not at home. “Are you ready to get your Spidey on?”

  “You bet your ass.” Mario punched the air, a wide smile stretched across his face. “And when we get up there we’re going to set Alderman straight.”

  “When we get up there, I’m going to do the talking, and you are going to stand a foot behind me to make sure that none of his hired goons slice me into vampire jerky. Got it?”

  “Loud and clear,” Mario grumbled.

  Soundlessly and stealthily, Niko and Mario leaped from the street onto the building, choosing the side that wasn’t illuminated by the streetlights. It wasn’t a busy street, but they didn’t want to risk getting spotted by police or by Alderman’s men. The wind was picking up the higher they climbed, the gentle beads of rain turning into hard pellets against Niko’s face. He hated to admit it, but there was a certain thrill to what they were doing. There was always a rush when death was involved.

  Reaching the top floor, Niko then Mario hurdled a brick wall, landing on an expansive terrace devoid of any outdoor furniture or any other accoutrements that the rich decorated outdoor living spaces with. Niko squatted. Hugging the wall, he assessed the surroundings. Light spilled from inside. Alderman’s penthouse resembled an ice cube. All the furniture was white and glossy, and the walls were made from glass or something much like it, giving the appearance of endlessness. It was cold and hard like the man himself. Niko squinted against the light, waiting for his keen eyes to adjust. “You see him?” he asked Mario.

  Before Mario could answer, Alderman appeared in the middle distance sitting at a desk that glowed a light blue. An involuntary shudder raced over Niko catching him by surprise. “You see him?”

  “That is one frightening dude.” Mario paused, the night silent. “Is he alone? I don’t see anyone else.”

  “I don’t either, but don’t be fooled, bastards like Alderman surround themselves with protection, very experienced protection.” When Niko thought it was the best possible moment to make his move, he stood and stalked from the shadows, shoulders squared and ready for anything.

  “Let’s do this,” Mario said under his breath, matching Niko’s footsteps and walking at a forty-five-degree angle behind Niko.

  Passing through the open terrace doors, they strode directly toward Alderman working at his desk. Niko’s blood rushed in his ears, and he was faintly aware of Mario’s measured breaths that reminded him of the sound of a steam engine.

  Niko stopped at what he considered a safe distance. “Why did you go to Everlasting today?”

  As if in slow motion, Alderman raised his head, cold eyes bearing down on Niko. “It’s a public place, isn’t it?” He shrugged razor-sharp shoulders. “Maybe I got my hair cut?”

  “I can see your split ends from here.” Niko couldn’t help but be hostile toward the overconfident vampire. “Try again.”

  “I was looking for the young creature who is standing behind you. I thank you for bringing him to me. Saves me the trouble of going out in the nasty weather.”

  “He’s here for me, not you.”

  “Mario,” Alderman said, ignoring Niko’s comment. “You’re looking well. It’s from drinking real blood, not that processed shit those humans force on us. Didn’t it taste divine? Nothing beats the bouquet of sweet, young blood, especially when the subject is terrified. Fear releases tasty endorphins.” Alderman sucked in air and ran a pointed tongue over his lips.

  “You sadistic bastard,” Niko hissed. “You do what you like but don’t play with Mario’s future.”

  “It’s a little too late for that, don’t you think?” Inch by inch, Alderman’s canines grew, the only yellow things in the room. He stood, and with a simple wave of his long-fingered hand, the desk where he was seated disappeared completely.

  Niko and Mario took a few quick steps back, Niko waiting for Alderman’s next move.

  “Relax,” Alder
man said. “Although we seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot, I truly believe that we could be good friends.”

  Niko released a throaty chuckle. “Friends? I don’t believe you know what that is.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong,” Alderman’s words were curt. “I think I made one this evening in Asher. What an attractive vampire. Slim. Worldly. But for the life of me, I don’t know why he would lower himself to sleep with someone like you.” His teeth grew longer and crooked, and his pale eyes burned to a deepening pink. “Guess he desires a bit of rough on occasion.”

  “Leave him out of this.” Niko crouched, ready to pounce. His teeth ached along the gum line, and his lips stretched over growing teeth. “Asher knows nothing about this. He saw nothing, and I said nothing.”

  “How can I trust you? I didn’t survive this long trusting mutants like you.”

  “I’m just as pure as you.”

  “Look at the color of your skin? Mutant.” He spat out the word. “Half-breeds, the pair of you.”

  “Better than inbred,” Niko said. “That would explain so many things about your unpleasant appearance.”

  “And yet I can still make humans, vampires, and everyone in between bow down and do exactly what I like.”

  “We are not going to bow to you. Never.”

  Alderman took a step forward. “Sangre belongs to me. My family were the first settlers, and many of us still remain here. You’ll never beat us. We’re too powerful and too plentiful.” He stabbed a bony finger at his own chest. “No humans and no police will ever deny me what I desire most, and that’s blood. Why don’t you allow me to fetch you some?” Alderman clicked his fingers and two crystal tumblers three fingers deep appeared between them, hovering in the air.

  On impulse, Niko wanted to grab a glass and drink the burgundy liquid down in one gulp, but if he did that, he would be breaking the law and Alderman would have him by the balls. “You might as well drink it yourself because we’re not. Probably laced with some shit anyway that would leave us in a nightmare limbo for centuries.”