Sunset Strip: from the Tome of Bill Series

by Rick Gualtieri

  The building had changed in the ensuing thirty some-odd years. The signage was updated and the outer façade was less gaudy than I remembered, no doubt a result of the seventies ending and people coming to their senses. Ninety-five percent of the business was on the up and up...at least as far as Vegas was concerned. It was the remaining five percent that was the killer. Most girls showed up, danced, made their money, then went home. Only the truly unlucky ones were singled out.

  For perhaps the first time this trip, my thoughts truly turned toward Tom’s sister. I didn’t know her from a hole in the wall, aside from a picture Christy had shown me on the flight over. At the same time, I felt a connection to her. Hadn’t we both known people we trusted who weren’t quite what they seemed?

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  “And how are your studies going, my dear Lucinda?”

  “Not so well, Uncle Colin.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. You’re a very bright girl. Lots of potential.”

  “I don’t know. Dad doesn’t...”

  “Your father and I have been friends for years and I greatly respect his vision, but I think he’s oddly blind when it comes to his own family.”

  “You think so?”

  “I know so.”

  “Thanks. Hey, Uncle Colin...”

  “Yes, my dear?”

  “Can you keep a secret?”

  “Of course.”

  “Okay, well, I haven’t told anyone else this, but I’m thinking of leaving.”

  “Leaving?”

  “Well, yeah. Graduation is almost here, and Linda is pressuring me to join her down at the dress shop. Says it’s a proper place for us to work.”

  “But you don’t agree?”

  “No. I want...”

  “More?”

  “Yes. I know what Daddy says, but I...”

  “I think it’s a good idea. You should get out there, see the world.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  The interior hadn’t changed as much as I’d have thought. It had been upgraded, new lighting, the works, but the layout was still the same. The main stage dominated the place, with several smaller stages off to the side. The bar still ran the length of the eastern wall. I couldn’t see them from this vantage point, but far left of the stage was an entrance to the back, where the private rooms were. A set of stairs ran up from there to the second floor where the special guests were entertained...the ones that, even now, I couldn’t quite remember.

  Anger filled me at the thought of the gaps in my memory. Who knows what happened up there? The only thing I was sure of was that I hadn’t been killed, although that was small comfort. Jeff had seen to that little detail.

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  “Hello?”

  “Hi, Uncle Colin.”

  “Lucinda?”

  “Yeah, it’s me.”

  “Where in the world are you, my dear? Your parents have been worried sick.”

  “That’s why I called. I didn’t want to...well, you know. But I was hoping you could let them know I was okay.”

  “Of course. But you didn’t answer me. Where are you?”

  “Promise not to tell?”

  “I’m somewhat insulted. Did I not give you my word before you left? Have I not kept it? As long as you’re safe, why would I betray you now?”

  “I’m sorry. You’re right. Okay, well this is kind of weird, but I’m living in Las Vegas.”

  “Vegas?”

  “Oh, don’t be worried. I’m not doing anything bad. I’m just waiting tables.”

  “Gainful employment, to be sure, but perhaps a little beneath you.”

  “I’m surviving. That’s the important part.”

  “Indeed it is. But at the same time, I have friends there. I could give you their number and I’m sure they’d be happy to...”

  “No, it’s okay. I don’t want to be a bother.”

  “It wouldn’t be a bother at all.”

  “Thanks, but I don’t want you to go to that trouble. I’m...happy. I’m making it.”

  “On your own, too.”

  “Yeah, there’s that.”

  “Very well, but perhaps I’ll put the word out for them to keep their eyes open for you regardless.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  I’d since wondered whether it was indeed a coincidence that I was recruited for Pandora’s Box. After all, Vegas didn’t exactly have a shortage of attractive women. In a place like this you probably couldn’t throw a rock without hitting a few potentials. Considering that my relationship with Colin had been somewhat strained ever since the day I was killed, it wasn’t all too surprising that he hadn’t ever been forthcoming with an answer. That was okay. I’d get the truth out of him one day.

  For now, the club was quiet. The doors closed to the public at five a.m. The last girls would have left a short while after; some to go home, others to less savory destinations. The living wouldn’t return to the premises until the afternoon to prep for the evening ahead. But the living weren’t really my concern at that moment.

  “Marlene’s waiting in her office,” Barlow growled, his voice sounding normal again. Guess his busted face had healed. He started walking and I found myself actually following.

  For just a second, it seemed the years melted away. I was once again a naïve girl, scared and all too willing to jump at the say so of those I considered my betters.

  It only lasted for a second, though. I veered to the left and planted myself in a chair at one of the tables.

  “What are you doing?” the shaved ape asked. God, some people just didn’t learn their lesson.

  “You know,” I said idly, pulling a tube of lipstick out of my bag for a touch up, “I’m starting to get tired of you, but I’m in a generous mood today so I’ll explain things slowly.” I didn’t look up, speaking as I went about my task. “I don’t work for Marlene, and I sure as shit don’t work for you. I’m your superior in every conceivable way.”

  I put the tube back, extended the claws on my right hand, and casually placed it upon the table. I began to carve lazy circles in the wood with my index finger, the loud scraping echoing in the quiet club. “For your sake, I highly suggest you remember that the next time you open your fucking mouth. Now go tell Marlene that her guest is waiting for her.”

  I sat back and dragged my finger across the now scarred table. “Oh, and get me a drink while I’m waiting...something fruity would be nice.”

  Chapter 18

  “What do you call this?” I took another sip. The place wasn’t quite as empty as it initially appeared. That wasn’t surprising - I had smelled the presence of other vampires. Pandora's Box was a coven HQ, after all.

  Following my little show of strength, Barlow had walked off in a huff - but at least it was a respectful huff. Steve had made a subtle nod, at which point another vamp had walked out and taken a place behind the bar.

  “That’s a Sandy Corpse,” the bartender said. “It’s a Sex on the Beach with a splash of fermented O-positive.”

  “Well, it’s nummy,” I replied in a chipper tone. I wasn’t just bullshitting either. I made a mental note to recruit a good bartender for Village Coven. Why hadn’t I thought of that before? Must be the stress of recent times. When all of this bullshit was over and done with - if it ever was - I’d have to work on putting a little class back into my coven.

  “I see our little Lucinda has come back to us.”

  The voice was cordial enough with its ever-so-slight French accent, but my skin crawled nevertheless. I took one more sip of the drink, enjoying the taste for a moment longer - anticipating the flavor of bile that would no doubt soon be entering my mouth. I put it down and looked up.

  Marlene stood just inside the entrance of the room. She was average height, full-figured, and with auburn hair. She’d probably be considered plus-sized by the silly standards of the modern world, but it was hard to deny her beauty. Even the most die-hard fan of stick figure models would be hard pressed to turn her down.

  I’
d heard that she used to turn the heads of royalty back in the French court, and it was easy to see why. She was dressed conservatively, considering her position, looking more likely to officiate a marketing meeting than peddle the flesh of others. Her outfit did nothing, though, to suppress the feline grace with which she moved, carrying herself with an authority that few of her rank could convey. She was definitely the alpha female in this pride of lions.

  Coven master or not, most vampires my age would’ve been wise to give her a wide berth when she entered the room. Pity for her I wasn’t most vampires.

  “Lucinda’s been dead for a long time,” I said, partially surprised at the calmness of my voice. A small part of me had been afraid that the girl I had once been might come screaming out of my subconscious at the first sight of her. I was glad to see that she stayed put in whatever dark closet she’d retreated to all those years ago.

  “I had heard about Jeff’s silly rule. I thought with him gone...”

  “He was a fucking idiot,” I interrupted, “but there was some logic behind his decree...casting off our old selves so that we could begin anew.”

  She raised an eyebrow at my reply, although it was hard to tell whether she was insulted or bemused. With no further preamble, she took a seat opposite me at the table. It was, no doubt, her subtle way of reminding me whose turf we were on.

  “Sally Sunset it is, then.”

  “Just Sally. Even I have my limits.”

  “Very well. So, Sally,” she began, rolling my name around in her mouth as if tasting it, “my men have told me that you made quite the mess over at the Grand.”

  I shrugged. “I was letting off some steam. Been a while since I’ve given myself a vacay.”

  “Is that so?”

  “It is.”

  “It’s highly unusual for a coven master to enter my domain without visiting me first. I have to say, I was slightly insulted to think you’d fly in here for a few days and leave without saying hi.”

  “Well, these are unusual times.”

  Her eyes flashed angrily at that for some reason. “Yes, speaking of which, how is the Freewill I’ve heard so much about?”

  “He’s definitely not what you’d expect.”

  “So I’ve been told,” she sniffed haughtily. Something about the subject of Bill was setting her off. I wondered if it was base jealousy. Wouldn’t be the first time I’d seen it. There were quite a few who weren’t overly happy at Village Coven's increased status as a result of being the birthplace of the vampire race’s legendary warrior - even if he was about as intimidating as an angry kitten.

  “But where are my manners?” she added. “You were one of my best girls and it’s wonderful to see how far you’ve managed to come. This should be a time of celebration.” I bristled ever so slightly at the best girls remark, but kept my demeanor pleasant, curious to see where this was going. “My men tell me you’ve already fed well this day, but I was hoping you’d indulge me and share a quick drink with your former master.”

  “Employer.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “I worked for you. I was never a part of your coven.”

  “A matter of semantics. I like to think of all my people, turned or not, as part of the family.” She let out a melodic laugh then snapped her fingers. “Barlow, if you’d be so kind.” The goon obeyed and left the room like the good dog he was. I managed to suppress a smirk. It must drive the macho asshole nuts to be reduced to being a gofer for the fairer sex.

  I ran my finger over the wet rim of my glass, producing a quick hum of sound. “Thanks, but they took care of me before you entered.”

  “Nonsense. I wouldn’t dream of letting you leave without cracking open a fresher vintage.”

  Fresher?

  Barlow reentered with a girl in tow, a human. The dim light of the club did nothing to keep my vampire eyes from registering her face. Though she’d been clad in more than just a bra and panties in the photo I’d seen, there was no mistaking Tom’s sister.

  What the hell? My eyes opened wide in surprise. There was no way this was a coincidence.

  “What’s the matter, Lucinda?” Marlene asked as she leaned toward me. She smiled a wide predatory grin as if she were a cat who had just discovered a mouse in her presence. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  Fuck me! I’d obviously been made, so there was no reason to continue this charade. Barlow and the bartender, fuck if that didn’t sound like a bad sitcom title, were too far away to do much, but Steve was right behind me. I grabbed my glass and squeezed until it shattered, momentarily regretting wasting the rest of my drink, then flung the shards of broken glass back over my shoulder

  Not bothering to wait for his reaction, I shoved my table forward into Marlene, sending her off balance, then reached over to the table next to us and tore one of the legs clean off. I stood and raised the makeshift stake, the entire affair taking perhaps no more than three seconds.

  “SIT DOWN!!”

  Which was apparently at least two and a half seconds too long. Oh well, I’d figured it for a long shot anyway. Can’t say I didn’t try.

  My butt immediately planted itself back in the chair.

  “DROP IT!! And let’s continue this conversation like civilized adults.”

  A vampire as old as Marlene would be a master at compulsion. Despite my age and the defenses I’d built up against it, she was still far too powerful. I obeyed like she knew I would.

  “That’s better,” she said, composing herself. I looked around and noticed the bartender and Barlow right where they’d been. My senses told me that Steve was likewise back in position, albeit perhaps a little wetter than he had been. Either way, they’d all obviously been well aware of the outcome. On paper, Marlene and I might be the same rank, but in actual practice there was quite a gap between us.

  Interestingly enough, Kara was unfazed as well. She continued walking toward our table. I wasn’t stupid enough to think she was that cool of a customer. If she shared even a fraction of the same genetic code as her brother, that would be near impossible. That being said, Tom had proven himself to be quite susceptible to Christy’s mind fuckings. The calm, almost glassy-eyed stare in her eyes as she approached pretty much confirmed that like her brother, Kara was a prime candidate for compulsion.

  “Have a seat, my dear,” Marlene cooed. Barlow dragged over one of the chairs from the table I’d broken and Kara sat down. She was a pretty thing. Pity she was a fucking dumbass.

  “Looks like I owe someone a wager,” Marlene said. I cocked my head to the side, confused. She explained, “I always thought you were a smart one, Lucinda. I figured at the very least it might take three, maybe more, tries to lure you out here. Sad to say either I was wrong about you, or your traveling companion - the one currently skulking outside - was quite persuasive. Stephen, take some men and invite her in. Be careful, though. I have a sneaking suspicion she’s more than meets the eye.”

  Chapter 19

  I gave an easy shrug. “Guess my thrall was a bit overeager.”

  “Thrall?” The doubt was obvious in her voice.

  “Of course. If I’d just brought her as a snack, I wouldn’t have had to party earlier. Do you mind, by the way? My ass is starting to go a little numb.”

  Marlene released a breath and her concentration slackened. “Very well. Just behave yourself or next time I’ll make sure that’s the least of your worries.”

  “Point taken.” I shifted in my seat, finding a more comfortable position.

  I heard movement behind me. I turned my head to find Christy being escorted into the building. Three men surrounded her. Judging by their lack of coverings, I guessed they were human...most likely the daytime bouncers. I also had little doubt they were what I claimed Christy was: thralls - weak-willed people given multiple deep compulsions over time, gradually having a cumulative effect until they were beholden to a particular vampire or coven. It was a subtle art that required a lot of conc
entration, something that, in all honesty, I’d never tried.

  The men marched Christy up to the table and remained next to her. I couldn’t help but notice she wasn’t asked to sit. Her eyes immediately turned toward our quarry.

  “Kara?”

  I let out a deep sigh. “Way to go, Mata Hari.”

  “You say that as if the cat wasn’t already out of the bag, Lucinda,” Marlene purred, sounding extra smug. She turned to Christy, then glanced back at me. “Cute. If she wasn’t hiding her true form, I might offer her a job.”

  What the...? “True form?”

  “You can drop the glamour, witch.”

  “She’s not a...”

  “Oh, please. I smelled her the second she walked through the door.”

  Before parting ways in the casino, I’d discussed my plan with Christy. Outside of the glamour, she wasn’t to use any obvious magic - like, say, disintegrating someone - unless necessary. Though the existence of mages was known amongst vampire-kind, not too many of us state-side had been exposed to them. Before recent events, the surviving wizards and witches of the world had been keeping a very low profile, having been all but wiped out just a few centuries ago. I’d been counting on Marlene not being familiar with them. Christy would, thus, be our ace in the hole when the time came to get nasty.

  She had played her part perfectly - keeping an eye on the casino exits and following me when I left - all with the intention of being caught. She hadn’t done anything to give herself away, which meant Marlene was somehow in the know.

  “How...”

  “I said to drop the glamour,” Marlene snarled.

  Before either of us could react, one of the goons plowed his fist into Christy’s stomach, doubling her over.

  Once more, a flicker of emotion passed through me where there should have been nothing more than an icy center. I found myself rising, ready to dole out some hurt to her attacker.