by Ilana Waters
“It’s about your father, Joshua.”
My stomach froze. “What about Titus?” Abigail’s eyes went wide, and she leaned against the car for support.
“He crashed the car,” Arthur said.
Now my stomach dropped to the ground. “What? Is he okay?” Most car crashes won’t kill a vampire unless the gas tank explodes, like Titus had wanted to do to the Maserati we met. But that doesn’t mean a crash can’t hurt a vampire, or cost him a limb.
“Oh yes, yes. He’s fine,” Arthur assured me. I blew a puff of air out of my cheeks, nodding to Abigail. “And no one else was hurt either. No one human, that is.”
“Well, that’s bloody typical, isn’t it?” I started to say. “I always knew this would happen one day. Titus let his ego get the better of him and—”
“No, Joshua, you don’t understand,” Arthur said. “Your father crashed the car on purpose.”
“What?” Was Titus suicidal? It didn’t seem likely.
“He only banged his head and got some cuts from when he drove through the storefront window,” Arthur continued. “It was the electrocution that really—”
“Electrocution?” I shouted. The color drained from Abigail’s face, and she closed her eyes.
Arthur proceeded to explain how Titus had spotted Perdita talking to the Hassler’s manager in the lobby. I cursed inwardly; I knew it had been her! I should’ve confronted that pixie ghoul myself when I had the chance. He then went on to detail how Titus had followed her and two of her associates into Rome’s shopping district, and not gotten stuck in traffic like he told us.
“At least the part about him stealing the Lamborghini was true,” I muttered.
Arthur rounded out the tale by saying the vampires broke into a posh clothing store, where Titus overheard them receive a message from the hotel manager about the crystal’s location. To prevent them from getting the message back to Ferox—or going back to retrieve the crystal—he’d driven into the store. Then he slammed the vampires into an electrical display, which fried them quite nicely. Unfortunately, it also injured Titus, though he did not die by dint of the fact that he was several thousand years old.
“Anyway,” Arthur said, “Aurelius managed to get out of the car and stumble back to the Hassler before the police arrived. He’s recuperating here with me. I thought it best if he stayed off the phone and rested. Besides, he said his cell got cooked the same time he did, and insisted I call you on mine. Or maybe he just doesn’t want to use up his minutes.”
“That explains why we couldn’t reach him.” I didn’t dare look at Abigail, who had to be desperate for details. “But why did he lie to us? Why didn’t he just tell us what he was really doing?”
“He told me he didn’t want you and Abigail to panic if you went underground and saw that three vampires were missing. Also, he thought he could take care of the problem quicker by himself.”
“Yes, he certainly seems to have done that,” I said dryly. “And I am glad for it. But do you know if Perdita’s message ever got through? Do Ferox and the others know where the crystal is?”
“Aurelius doesn’t seem to think so,” Arthur coughed. “Anyway, I imagine you’ll know soon enough by how they seem when you get down there.”
“Greeeat.” I squeezed my eyes shut. There’s nothing I like more than walking into a deadly situation completely unprepared. “All right, all right. We’ve hit a couple of snafus, but we may still be able to pull this off. Oh, and Arthur, I have to tell you about George. You didn’t seem surprised when I said he didn’t show—”
“I already know.”
I blinked several times. “You do?”
“Yes, Philip told me. I mean, he didn’t tell me, but he left me a message about not being able to file his report on you because he was suddenly called to Stockholm. Something about an explosion they think is the work of a certain fire witch. I put two and two together. I let Aurelius know as well.”
“I see. Well, fate being with us this evening—sort of—it seems Philip has no idea you were involved in any of this.”
“Yes,” Arthur replied, “I gathered that from the fact that he advised me to get plenty of rest and take ginkgo biloba. I believe it’s an herbal supplement for brain health.” I managed a tiny smile.
“And, ah, do hurry back if you can,” Arthur added, a note of worry creeping into his voice. “Aurelius just got up, and he’s looking at me like I’m good enough to eat. Again.”
“Just remind him that your mysterious disappearance would not go unnoticed by the PIA,” I said. “Especially if it happened just before Philip was about to file a report on the very mage he thinks scrambled your brain. If they come looking for me, it’s only a matter of time till they find Titus.”
“Brilliant. I’ll do that. Any other messages for your father?”
Yes. I apologize for thinking he was still the kind of power-hungry maniac who would appropriate Ferox’s plan for himself. Clearly, if my father was willing to give up his life to save humanity, he had far more layers than I realized. Or had he done it to save Abigail and me? Either way . . .
“No, nothing,” I finally replied. “Just wish us luck.”
“Good luck,” said Arthur.
“Joshua, what’s going on?” demanded Abigail as I put the phone back in my pocket. “Did something happen to your father?”
“I’ll explain on the way down, Mom.” I put my hand on her back as we walked to the barn. “But let me put it this way: he got his wish to drive as fast as he wanted.”
***
“Finally, the guests of honor have arrived,” Ferox said, holding out his hands as Abigail and I walked into the room full of C4. Abigail’s eyes widened when she saw all the body bags. I had to admit, George and I did an excellent job of crafting them to look like actual bodies. They even tapered at the feet and everything.
Remember, they’re not actual corpses, I thought to her. They’re just massive amounts of deadly explosives.
Thank you, dear, she replied. That’s very comforting.
Ferox looked positively ruddy, a sure sign that he’d fed recently. Although it also served to make him look more human, it didn’t make me feel any better. Remember—a well-fed vampire is a strong vampire; not a trait you want if there’s even the slightest possibility you’ll be fighting one. The rest of his brood were of a similar quality. No doubt they wanted to be prepared in case our fake vampire maniac gave them trouble.
“I must ask what took you both so long,” said Ferox. He seemed to have stepped out of an ad for obscenely priced watches, or some similar nonsense. His suit was impeccably tailored and crisply ironed. There wasn’t a hair on his head out of place. Even his nails looked like they’d been recently buffed.
Ferox stood in the center of the “bodies,” which lined the circular walls of the room. The other vampires were scattered about as he began walking along the perimeter, surveying the bags.
It’s all right, I thought to Abigail. It’s all right.
It better be, she thought back.
“We were stuck in traffic, I’m afraid,” I said to Ferox. Abigail inhaled sharply.
What? The lie worked for Father; it’ll work for us.
“Ah yes, traffic.” Ferox nodded. “The bane of the modern world, or so I’m told. With the plans I’m making, I’ve a feeling it won’t be a bane much longer.” Ferox got a gleam in his eye, and I recalled his blueprints and schematics that George and I stumbled upon. I wondered if he intended to build more efficient roadways, or just raze everything and let vampires fly as they pleased.
“So.” He clapped his hands sharply. “Where is this reckless vampire I’ve heard so much about? I’m quite excited at the prospect of meeting him.” He looked toward the entrance, as if the prodigal might arrive at any moment.
“Ah, Titus is bringing him down in a few minutes,” Abigail said.
“Excellent.” Ferox smiled and rubbed his hands together. Then he paused. “Though I’m surprised Aurelius woul
d visit me here again. I imagine that unpleasantness at the distillery is still fresh in his mind.” Ferox continued walking from bag to bag, addressing us but only glancing in our direction.
Steady now, I thought to Abigail.
“Yes, well . . .” I cleared my throat. “He’s the best man for the job when it comes to handling this vampire. The oldest and strongest of us and such. You know, in case the vampire changes his mind, or gets out of hand. So Titus has to come down; can’t be helped, really.”
“I see,” Ferox said, not looking up. “And I take it your friend George won’t be joining us?”
“George? Oh no. He had big things going in Swed—Switzerland,” I coughed.
Could Perdita’s message have gotten through? Abigail asked. Is he toying with us?
I have no idea. I could tell Abigail was trying hard not to let her expression betray her thoughts, since I was doing the same. I considered starting to gather magic, but if the vampires didn’t know something was off before, they definitely would then. The alleged maniac vampire wasn’t even here yet, so such a defensive maneuver would seem completely out of place.
My eyes scanned the room more carefully this time. I counted only thirteen vampires—fourteen, if you included Ferox.
“Ah, speaking of people not coming,” I said. “Is this all of you?” Minus Perdita and her companions, plus Stavros, by rights there should have been seventeen vampires here. The minions just chuckled and clucked their tongues knowingly.
“Perdita’s out with her friends on an errand,” Rattler said with a bored expression. “And Sasha and a few other girls are still upstairs primping, or whatever it is they do.”
“They really need another layer of makeup?” I said before I could stop myself. If they apply any more, they’ll have to take it off with industrial paint remover.
“They should be down any minute now,” Rattler said slowly. His boredom had vanished with my accidental jibe, and each word was tinged with barely contained rage.
“Why don’t I just run up and get them?” said Abigail suddenly. Titus will be here soon, she thought to me, and I don’t know how long it will take before Ferox and the others realize this is all a hoax.
But— I started to say.
We can’t wait any longer, Abigail interrupted. You need to discreetly set off the bombs. Pretend you get a call from Titus saying the psychotic vampire isn’t coming, then get out of here.
Are you mad? Go and fetch the others? I’m not leaving you alone with three malevolent vampires.
Joshua, you forget that I am a powerful witch as well as your mother. Of course I’m not going to fetch them! With the element of surprise, I can take out those vampires while you set off the bombs. Can I trust you not to get killed while I’m gone?
Not if I can possibly help it.
Good. I’ll meet you back at the truck. After you activate the device, how long do we have until the bombs go off?
George said three minutes.
Try and stall for a few more minutes, then detonate the damn things. See you soon.
“Your offer to retrieve my straying children is kind,” said Ferox, momentarily glancing up, “but I’m afraid you don’t know the way, my dear.”
“I’ll just use a quick locater spell,” said Abigail. “Something we ‘mere witches’ tend to be very good at.” She smirked at Ferox. “Back in a jiff!” And before anyone could protest, she was gone.
“I suppose I could always have sent one of my other children,” Ferox sighed after she left, “but I confess I’m glad to have this opportunity to confer with you alone, Joshua. Relatively speaking, of course.” He smiled and indicated the rest of the vampires.
“And why is that?” I asked.
“Because I think you are more perspicacious with regards to the future than you purport to be.” He stopped examining the bags, for which I was grateful. But then he stood in front of me, and I began to feel less grateful. “For instance, are you certain that Aurelius has given the proper amount of thought to what his recent fledgling might mean for our community? Have you?”
“I’m afraid I don’t follow.”
“Imagine what such a powerful vampire could do for us,” Ferox continued. “If his power was yoked, that is. Perhaps your father is not skillful enough for the task, but I’m certain that with enough time, I myself am more than capable.”
“I’m confused. Would that be with the purpose of making him less toxic to the mortal world or more?” Stall, stall. Abigail said to stall.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, why do you always care so much what happens to mortals?” Rattler said, throwing up his hands. “They don’t have anything to do with us.”
Ferox smiled and continued looking at me. “Indeed, Joshua. Surely you can see the advantages our ruling race would create.”
“I’m sorry to break up your little foray into fascism,” I said, “but I don’t think vampires are more worthy than so-called ordinary people.” I wasn’t sure if I was addressing Ferox, Rattler, or the entire room, but it hardly mattered. “And even if you were, trying to take over mortal life is still evil.”
Ferox heaved a sigh, and his shoulders drooped. For the first time since I’d known him, he seemed almost frustrated. “I don’t know why you have such trouble understanding my vision. What do you think the Roman army did when they conquered most of the known world? I’m no more evil than Aurelius.”
“There’s evil, and then there’s radioactive,” I said, my voice hardening. “And I never said what my father did was right. Is this the part where I explain you can’t achieve supreme executive power through a farcical aquatic ceremony?”
Ferox gave me a blank look.
“Yes, well, I suppose you haven’t spent what little time you’ve been awake watching Monty Python reruns,” I said. “But do you really think I’d join forces with someone who, not long ago, tried to kill my father?”
“Oh, come now!” Ferox said sharply as he began to pace back and forth in front of me. “In ancient Rome, patricide was the greatest crime one could commit. I thought you’d be thankful I’d saved you the trouble.”
“Ex—excuse me?” I stammered.
“Oh, Joshua, stop pretending!” Ferox said, louder this time. “There’s so much animosity between Aurelius and yourself that one can’t help but notice it. It rises like steam off the both of you.”
I frowned at him. “That’s not the only thing steam’s rising off of at the moment.”
“How dare you talk to our master that way!” spat one of the other vampires.
“Yeah,” said Rattler. “And consider that he’ll soon be your master—whether you like it or not.”
“Well, in that case,” I said, “I really ought to give up my free will and swear fealty this instant.”
“Come now, Joshua.” Ferox’s expression was pained. “Did you really think I agreed to help Aurelius with that vampire he sired because I have such fond feelings towards him?”
My brow furrowed. “I thought you did it because you’re as concerned with him exposing the supernatural world as we are.”
Ferox laughed; a short, barking sound. “Hardly,” he scoffed. “Offspring like that are rarely as destructive as they seem. No, Joshua. The real reason I agreed to help Aurelius . . . was you.” He fixed his gaze on me in a way that made it difficult to resist swallowing hard.
Never show fear before an enemy . . . The words my father taught me echoed in my head.
“Oh?” I did my best to feign nonchalance. “How is that, exactly?”
“You can’t say you didn’t know I’ve been trying to recruit you these past few weeks. That you haven’t been ruminating over our conversations. Think of it, Joshua! No more hiding, no more pretending. You don’t have to be an outsider anymore.”
“I’m hardly on the inside here, where I disagree with you on every conceivable level.” “Joshua.” Ferox put his face less than two feet from mine. Despite his skin being flushed with blood, I could still make out tiny b
lue veins, like cracks, along his temples. “I can give you immortality in a way I’m sure your father never offered.” He spread out his hands, smiling. “I can give you a family.” Ferox’s vampires gathered nearer to him and smiled at me as well, except Rattler, whose arms were folded, his mouth set in a line.
“A family that’s tried to kill me on several occasions?” I raised my eyebrows. “No, thank you. I think I’ll keep the one I’ve got.”
Ferox’s smile faded. “You need to face facts, Joshua,” he said, his voice several notes lower than before. “You’ll never be accepted by mortals. You’ll never be one of them.”
“Perhaps it’s for the best,” I said, realizing it for the first time. “Perhaps if I was, I wouldn’t be able to help them.”
But Ferox wasn’t done. “Weren’t you curious why I simply didn’t have you tortured or beheaded when you wouldn’t tell me about the crystal—”
I started to open my mouth.
“—which I know you have more information on than you choose to reveal? It’s because I sensed something about you from the very beginning. Something that could be an asset when I finally put my plans into motion. I wanted to cultivate you, not kill you. Although Stavros and a few others were rather irked I didn’t choose the latter course.” Ferox jutted his chin at Rattler.
“Speaking of which,” said Rattler, looking around, “has anyone seen Stavros tonight?”
Chapter 24
“No, I haven’t seen him since he went to check on . . . that thing,” said one of the women, looking sideways at Rattler.
Oh, no need to be coy on my account, dearie, I thought, trying to contain my growing panic. I already know the thing I’m not supposed to know.
“Yes,” said Rattler, “but after that he said he was going out to hunt. That’s why I sent you to go and see if he’d done it, Camilla.”
Oh no no no no no . . .
“Well, you know I’ve never been down that way before,” said Camilla, putting one hand on her hip. “And you sent me in the wrong direction.”
