Bloodline
Page 15
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We are among the first to arrive at the farm, which is a good thing considering my Elder’s robe looks like it’s been balled up at the bottom of my closet since I last wore it. Not exactly the look I’m going for tonight. I’m striving for a more serious I-may-be-the-youngest-but-I’m-not-the-newest look.
I spend the afternoon steaming the wrinkles from my robe and role-playing my conversation with Cardoso in my head. I play out every possible scenario I can imagine, including one where I inform Cardoso that he is in fact next on the list and his people will like him considerably better with his head on a pike. Probably not the best approach, but desperate times and all that.
At half past six, I slip into my robe and head down to the basement of the farm house to complete Zhang Jun Yao’s initiation. The basement itself leaves a lot to be desired with its dirt floor and abundance of spiders, but it’ll do. We gather round the wooden farm table and repeat the same ceremony that initiated me into the Council just weeks ago.
Yao looks perfectly at ease as he recites the oath and slices his palm. Probably because he’s considerably older than me and likely knows at least some of the Elders in a social capacity. Even so, his reception by the group is lukewarm. Guess he’s not so popular himself.
I briefly wonder if I can use that to my advantage and quickly dismiss the idea. His father was a staunch believer in the separation of purebloods and mixed-bloods. It’s unlikely Yao would ever align himself with me. Odds are he ascribes to the same school of thought as his predecessor, and I don’t have time to waste.
When the ceremony is complete, we take our seats. Once again, I’ve been placed between Wolff and Rinaldi. I greet them both, pulling out my very best manners. Might as well start off on the right foot. The mudslinging will begin soon enough.
Our advisors file in silently and take their places at the outer ring of the circle. As usual, DeVanie starts the meeting. He reaches into the pocket of his robe and pulls out the latest letter from the Order. “We have much to discuss, and time is running short. I trust you have all had an opportunity to review the Order’s latest demands?”
The question is directed at Yao, who nods his confirmation. Someone must have slipped him a copy before the meeting. Just as well since it saves time. In addition to the seats on the Council, the Order is demanding representation among the Linkuri as well as subsidies for the creation of mixed-blood-run businesses that would be awarded contracts historically reserved solely for purebloods. All in all, it’s a reasonable list from where I sit. Unfortunately, I’m a not a three-hundred-year-old vamp who’s totally stuck in my ways and adverse to change.
“Why should we waste our time discussing the letter?” Smirnov asks. “We will not negotiate with traitors and terrorists. Our time would be better spent with Commander Smith devising a plan to eradicate the vermin.”
“How exactly do you propose we do that?” Witte asks with a smirk.
“Look,” I cut in before Vladimir and Witte can drag us down the usual path of disdain and distraction. “I don’t want to negotiate with murderers any more than the rest of you, but they may have some valid complaints. I think we need a little perspective here. Instead of digging in our heels and clinging to the past, maybe it’s time we step back and look at the bigger picture.”
“Forget the bigger picture,” Tarik says, dismissing me as though I’m not worthy of his time or attention. “Cut the head off the beast, and the rest will fall. That is how we fix this problem.”
Is he for real? Where the hell has he been for the past five months? “Cut the head off the beast? That’s your solution?” I scan the room, paying particular attention to Cardoso’s reaction. He’s not easy to read. Mostly he just looks uncomfortable. “Forgive me for being so direct, but I think that’s a little naïve, Samir. The Order is not a beast, and there is not but one head. There are six of them—six—and they’ve done a damn good job of hiding in the shadows. We are in no position to take down one of them, let alone six.”
“How do you know there are six?” DeVanie asks. He looks intrigued. Aldo never told them about my vision. Interesting. It also means I should leave out the specifics. If he didn’t tell them, there’s a reason.
I shrug. “I saw it in a vision.”
DeVanie studies me, and I fight the urge to squirm. Show no weakness, even to my allies, I remind myself. “What else have you seen?”
“Nothing that will help us find or identify them.”
“This changes everything,” Garrott says, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Maybe. Maybe not.” I don’t think it changes anything, but I don’t want to piss her off so I dig deep and channel my inner politician. “We already know the Order is well organized, well trained, and invisible, meaning the mixed-bloods are supportive of their mission in the broader sense. Whether they have one leader or six, I don’t think that taking down their leadership is going to make this revolution go away. And even if we could do it, it might only serve to fuel the fire.”
Wolff tents his fingers on the table, looking about as serious as I’ve ever seen him. “I think we can all agree that things aren’t going to get better through the use of force.”
“Speak for yourself,” Nakamura returns, cutting his eyes at Wolff. “Perhaps the real issue is that the Linkuri have gone soft. Perhaps it is time we replace Commander Smith.”
Wow. If they think Smith has gone soft, maybe it’s time they get the same tour of the London facility I got. There was nothing soft about the way Smith’s men tortured that mixed-blood.
“Let’s not be hasty,” DeVanie cautions. “Commander Smith’s competence is not in question.”
“Maybe it should be,” Smirnov challenges. “The Linkuri have become a joke. How is it that after months of tracking they have nothing?”
“The members of the Order are masters of guerilla warfare,” Lefevre points out. “They attack where the Linkuri are weak, when we least expect it, and they fade into the background after. It’s difficult to fight an invisible army, but if you think you can do better….”
Smirnov casts and icy glare across the table, and I kind of want to stab myself in the eye. We aren’t getting anywhere. As usual.
“This Council has been going round and round for months with no progress. We can’t attack them because we don’t know who or where they are and the Council refuses to negotiate.” Witte drums her fingers on the table. “We remain at a stalemate. Something’s got to give.”
“Agreed. I say we take the fight to our enemy.” As usual, Rinaldi has her nose in the air and her head up her ass. “It is time we remind them of the combined power of the Consiliul de Batrani and the Linkuri. Fear is a powerful weapon.”
“Are you suggesting we just begin killing mixed-blood vampires at random?” Lefevre asks, looking as appalled as I feel.
“Who says it has to be random? I’m sure the Linkuri can turn up more than a few suspicious activities that require punishment under our laws. We’ve been too lenient for too long. It’s time to turn the screws. Hell, we should’ve done it months ago. Where fear lives, information will follow.”
“Have you forgotten there are nearly as many of them as there are of us?” Garrott asks with a raised brow. “I’m far from an expert on the art of war, but if we start martyring them, we run the risk of a full-scale war. The last thing we need is for every mixed-blood out there to take up arms.”
“Diplomacy is needed.” Which is sort of a funny thing to say when my fingers itch to punch something. Or someone. I’m tired of politicking and bickering and ineffectual meetings. “Unless of course you’d all like to sit around and wait for them to behead us one by one?”
Emotions are running high, and my remarks push more than a few buttons. There’s a sudden outcry from the Elders, all yelling to be heard over one another. It takes DeVanie nearly ten minutes to calm everyone down and regain control of the room. Oops. Only I’m not sorry at all, and apparently it shows on my face.
“The Order nearly killed me.”
“And yet here you sit,” he replies, gesturing around the table with an upturned palm.
“I got lucky. My team got lucky. Viktor will tell you himself,” I say, hooking a thumb over my shoulder in his direction. “Clearly the Order learned from their mistakes. They were better prepared for Yao.”
I feel a twinge of guilt when I see Zhang Jun flinch.
“It didn’t help that he refused additional protection.” We’re all thinking it, but only Cardoso says it out loud. Hopefully Zhang Jun isn’t as stubborn as his father.
I sigh. “Look, these people are willing to sacrifice themselves for their cause. Who here can say the same?”
Their silence speaks for itself.
Chapter Twenty
Damn it. Cardoso is avoiding me. I know it right down to the muddy soles of my boots. Every time I try to approach him, he disappears or attaches himself like a leech to one of the other Elders. I was sure I had him this time when he left the house and ventured out on the grounds. So where the hell did he go? I only lost sight of him for a second. A freaking second! The guy couldn’t have just vanished. I stomp my foot and am rewarded with the squish of mud spraying up the leg of my jeans. Summer rain, ain’t it grand?
I close my eyes and count to ten, sucking in deep, relaxing breaths just like Anya’s taught me. What I need is perspective. And a break from the other Elders who are driving me cray-cray. I smile at my use of such a blatant Shaye-ism. Until I remember she’s pissed at me. Okay, maybe what I need is a walk. Fresh air will do a body good, even a vamp one, right?
Virginia is lovely, as it turns out. It’s my first time visiting, but the farm is everything I’d imagined growing up: clean air, lush green fields, a big red barn with a cadre of animals that look a touch anemic since our arrival, and a white picket fence. Like something right out of a nursery rhyme, Old MacDonald to be exact. Wait. Why am I thinking about ridiculous nursery rhymes at a time like this? I’m avoiding. And that is not acceptable. I huff out a breath and turn my eyes skyward. The stars shine bright out here in the country far from the glow of city lights.
“Wishing for a sexy member of the Linkuri to come and save the day?”
I whip around and find Lincoln leaning against a massive Maple tree, grinning from ear to ear. Should’ve guessed I’d run into him. Where DeVanie goes, he follows.
“I think it’s safe to say your prayers have been answered,” he says, spreading his arms and strutting toward me.
A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. “I think it’s safe to say the universe screwed up and sent you by mistake.”
“Sticks and stones,” he says with a cocky grin. “Lucky for me, I have a resilient ego.”
“I think you mean big.”
“Tomāto, Tomäto.” He hooks his thumbs in the pockets of his cargos and glances around, confirming that it’s just us and the crickets. “How’s it going in there?”
Apparently the stony look on my face says it all.
“That good, huh?”
“We are effed thirteen ways from Sunday,” I confirm. And before I can stop myself, more words come tumbling out. Why is it this cocky jerk is so easy to talk to? “You’ve been with DeVanie for a while now, right? I’m sure you’ve seen what they’re like. All they care about are their personal agendas.”
“Not all of the Elders are like that.” Because it’s not bad enough he’s annoying, he has to be insightful too. And right. Like my own little Jiminy Cricket offering guidance when I’m feeling adrift in a sea of lies, betrayal, and murder. “There are a few who think about the greater good.”
“Maybe,” I concede, wondering if I’m part of that group. “Still, it’s a wonder anything ever gets accomplished.”
“Why Elder Lescinka, I think you’re a glass-half-empty kind of girl,” he theorizes. “Maybe it’s time you focus on the positive.”
“And what would that be?”
“No one is dying this week.”
“Yeah, well, see me again next week, and we’ll be having a very different discussion,” I tell him, hating the truth in my words.
“Elder Lescinka.”
I look up to see Nik approaching from the house. He doesn’t look happy. Crap.
He ignores Lincoln, focusing entirely on me. “We had an agreement,” he bites out between clenched teeth. “You were not to leave the house alone. Remember?”
How could I forget? They’ve been reminding me constantly. Only I did forget. And honestly, there are Linkuri everywhere. This is probably the safest place for a vamp in the world right now. Even so, I’m pretty sure Nik doesn’t want to hear my rationalization.
“I’m sorry,” I tell him honestly. “I wasn’t thinking. I just needed some fresh air to clear my head after the Council meeting.”
“Besides,” Lincoln interjects. “It’s not like she was alone. I’m here.”
Yeah, so not helping, Lincoln. The tips of Nik’s ears turn a little red as his protective nature rears its untimely head. Unsure if he’s feeling protective of his girlfriend or his Elder, I do the only thing I can think of and make introductions.
“Nikolai, this is Lincoln. Lincoln, Nikolai.” I turn to Nik. “Lincoln works for Elder DeVanie. He was assigned to my detail while I was staying in New York.”
They do the typical guy thing and grunt and shake hands.
“I should be getting back now,” Lincoln says. “But I’m sure I’ll see you around, Elder Lescinka.”
Lincoln strides back to the house without a backward glance.
“He’s awfully friendly,” Nik mutters.
“He’s just like that,” I return. “The guy doesn’t know the meaning of the word formal. Kind of surprising, considering he works for Alex, her being such a hard-ass and all.”
“I just got a call from the manor,” Nik tells me, changing the subject. “Keegan’s ready to cooperate.”
“Any idea what changed his mind?”
“Not a clue.” Nik shrugs. “But it’s good news nonetheless.”
“You’re right,” I agree with a firm nod of the head. Things here are falling apart, and I’m failing miserably at getting Cardoso to ally himself with those of us who are ready to initiate change. “We need to find Viktor. It’s time to go home.”
“We can’t leave yet,” Nik argues. “You’ve got another day of Council meetings. You’re needed here.”
“No, I’m not. We are no closer to a quorum or to finding Aldo. In two days, the only thing that’s been decided is the Linkuri are going to put the hammer down on the mixed-bloods. Which means more violence and less focus on Aldo and on hunting the Order.”
“You can’t be serious?” Nik asks.
“Oh, I am quite serious,” I reply. “The fools think if we put the fear of death into them, they’ll start talking and turn over the Order.”
Nik shakes his head in disbelief. “Or it could completely backfire.”
“Which is why Keegan is our only hope now.”
**********
“You said you were ready to talk, so talk.”
We’re gathered in Aldo’s office once again. Me, Viktor, Alex, Nik, Keegan, and Shaye. Keegan’s been brought upstairs in the hopes that he will be more forthcoming if not cornered in his cell. It was also a good lure to get Shaye out of her room. I’m not surprised she elected to stay, if only to be near Keegan. Their teary reunion was gut-wrenching. You’d have thought we locked him in a torture chamber. Then again, maybe she thought we had.
“First, I just want you to know that I never gave them you.” Am I supposed to thank him for that? He may not have given up my secrets, but he’s far from innocent. He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I would never do that.”
I cut my eyes at him, and he stops speaking, understanding he should say no more on that subject. Alex gives me a questioning look, but I prete
nd not to see it. I trust her with my life, just not my secrets.
“I want to help,” Keegan continues cautiously. He pushes a braid back from his face. “What do you want to know?”
This had better be worth it. Cutting out of the Council meeting early is going to cost me. Even DeVanie was angry when I told him I was leaving and that I didn’t support the Council’s decision to retaliate against the mixed-blood population. While I’m here putting all my hope in Keegan, they’re no doubt discussing targets with Commander Smith.
“We know the Order has six leaders. Who are they?” I ask. It seems like a logical starting point.
“I don’t know,” Keegan says, shaking his head. “I only know Ana. They keep it that way on purpose. Vamps at my level never meet more than one of them. For security. I don’t even know her last name.”
Bloody hell. This doesn’t look very promising. I should’ve known it wouldn’t be easy.
“How do you make contact?” Viktor asks.
“I have a handler, Eli,” Keegan explains. “He calls me when there’s a job that needs doing.”
“The handlers have to get their orders somewhere,” Nik says. “Would Eli have access to Ana and the others?”
“Maybe. Probably.” Shaye reaches for his hand, offering encouragement. It would appear she’s already forgiven Keegan. I should be so lucky myself. “At the very least, Eli would know someone who does.”
“So we have Keegan contact his handler and request face time,” Alex suggests. “We grab him at the meeting.”
“No.” Viktor shakes his head. “We grab the handler, and they’ll know we’re on to them. Besides, we saw one of their people in a cage. Commander Smith couldn’t break him. I doubt we’d have better luck.”
“Not to mention the fact that Keegan’s a deserter who’s been missing for weeks and hasn’t checked in. They aren’t going to trust him,” I point out. A muscle in Keegan’s cheek ticks. Sometimes the truth hurts. “How does he explain his actions? They’re likely to suspect a trap.”