Last in Line

by Sydney Addae

  “Tell me something first. Did you and Simone spend the past weekend together?” Anna asked.

  “Yes, we did, is that what’s wrong?” He moved closer to her desk. “What does that have to do with anything?” he asked, gripping the desk until his knuckles whitened. “Anna, tell me what happened?” His voice dropped an octave as he added a touch of compulsion as she looked in his eyes.

  “Rissa is missing.”

  Baron blinked.

  “Simone got a call yesterday morning that Javier was found dead in Asheville. Marissa wasn’t with him. Simone took it pretty hard. We called 911 for her.”

  Baron tensed. This made no sense. Simone, sick? Rissa missing? The words flew around his mind looking for a spot to settle.

  “Why did you call 911 for Simone?” His words were crisp and short. Baron couldn’t explain the tearing sensation in his chest and belly. Was this caring? Panic? He was unfamiliar with either in the emotional arena. There was a persistent ache inside. The thought of Simone sick or helpless disturbed him on a level he didn’t realize existed.

  “No, she had a really bad panic attack; shaking, and then stopped breathing for a minute or so. Scared me shitless,” Anna said as she expelled her breath.

  Baron couldn’t believe it. He stood still trying to absorb what he’d been told. Sweet Marissa, missing? How could that be? Her father dead? He was having a hard time wrapping his mind around those facts.

  “Where’s Simone, Anna?” He met her gaze as she sat quietly at her desk.

  “She, Camilla, and a couple of their friends are up in the mountains helping with the search for Rissa. I’m surprised you’re not there,” she added.

  “So am I, Anna, so am I.” He didn’t want to examine too closely why he felt saddened by not being included in this important part of Simone’s life. He did a mental checklist of his schedule to see how fast he could clear it. Shouldn’t take more than a few hours to get everything done. “Where is she staying, Anna?” He asked for the information rather than taking it from her mind.

  “At the Doubletree in Asheville, it’s right up I-40. It’ll take a couple of hours if the traffic is decent. You need to get up there right away,” she demanded.

  Baron chuckled at the little tyrant. At 5’3” she was as round as she was short, with black and brown hair, a straight nose, and small bow mouth. A real handful. Simone swore she couldn’t make it without her.

  “Make me a reservation, I’ll be arriving in a few hours,” he told her as she grabbed the phone to do his bidding. He handed her a credit card as his mind raced over everything he needed to get done before he left, including securing extra blood. Asheville had a blood bank, he just needed to set up an account in case they stayed a few days.

  “Here you are.” She returned his credit card. “They have you arriving today. I booked it for a week. You’ll need to let them know if you need more time,” she said, her voice more upbeat.

  “Anna, thanks so much for all of your help. I’ll be talking to you soon.” Baron walked out the office as Anna beamed at his back.

  “Who was that?” Carrie asked Anna.

  Baron slowed down to listen to this conversation.

  “Simone’s new man,” Anna said with confidence.

  “Why didn’t he know she left town? She contacted the others?” Carrie asked.

  Baron took his time fiddling with his keys so he could hear the exchange.

  “They met the other night, haven’t been together that long. But I have a feeling he’s not going to let her get away. About time she met someone who could handle her.”

  He smiled at Anna’s response.

  “He’s big and reminds me of someone. Plus, it’s early morning, hmm...” Carrie said. “What’s his name again?”

  Baron tensed.

  “Claude.”

  Hearing his transitioned name, Claude Bering, he realized Anna must have remembered it from his credit card.”

  “Claude? That’s it?” Carried asked.

  “Ask Simone anything else you want to know about him,” Anna said in a cool voice as Baron slid into the driver’s seat, laughing.

  As he pulled out the parking lot he contacted Brieloff, informed him about Carrie and asked for a full background check on the Hunter.

  “Seems your human friend knows your enemies rather well,” Brieloff said.

  “Simone and Chavez were enemies, had something to do with her twin sister. The Hunter works for Simone; I don’t think Simone is aware of that fact. But you bring up a valid point, one I’ve been considering.”

  After a few moments of silence, Brieloff spoke. “What point is that, Baron?”

  “This attraction to Simone. It’s intense. I ache for her and am driven to violent thoughts at the idea of her in trouble or with another. My linesmen are pleased; they approve of her but will not explain why or tell me if they played a role in this in any way. What do you think, Brieloff?”

  “Your linesmen are pleased with the idea of you mating with a human? That’s a surprise.”

  “Yes, they are and it’s not a real surprise given the need for progeny and the scarcity of vampire breeders. Also, I met with three breeders and none interested me at all.”

  Brieloff chuckled.

  “I assure you this is not amusing. I am at a crossroad. When I follow Simone, she will know I have no intention of ever letting her go. The very thought is untenable, but she is human and can’t possibly understand this driving need to be with her when I don’t comprehend it myself.”

  “Not laughing at you, well in a way, I am. Can you turn off that scientific mind of yours for a few minutes and just feel. Let go and listen to your heart, your emotions, the answer is there. Some things defy explanation, they simply are,” Brieloff said.

  “Turn off? Defy explanation?” Baron snorted. “When you have more information on Carrie and Chavez please contact me. I don’t believe in coincidences, there’s more going on here.”

  “Yes, Sir,” Brieloff said without heat.

  Face warming, Baron cleared his throat. “Sorry about that, it’s just so much going on right now. I’d appreciate hearing any information regarding the Hunter and Chavez, please.”

  “No worries, Baron. I understand,” Brieloff said. “Soon as I find something I’ll contact you. In the meantime, getting away sounds like a good idea. Seems you’ve offended two of the breeders who extended offers for service to you.”

  “Offended? I didn’t talk to them long or ask about their services.”

  “Exactly. That’s unheard of these days. When word gets out you bedded a human instead...”

  “Still don’t see how that offended them, but I’ll take your word for it.” He disconnected, then contacted Rauff to cancel a few appointments and informed him of his departure.

  Chapter 12

  “Simone, you need to rest. You are not doing Rissa or anyone any good by exhausting yourself,” Camilla said in exasperation as Simone powered up an exterior light at the campsite.

  “Camilla’s right, you need to get some rest so we can hit the trails again first thing in the morning. Besides, we don’t want the Rangers to throw us out the forest. They’ve already threatened to do that if we get in the way of their investigations,” Jonathan said as he squatted down in front of her. He and Robert had driven up with them and had been great in tracking and looking for clues. They’d found Rissa’s jacket ten miles north of where the trailer had been. He rubbed the dirt off her face in a gentle gesture. She turned her face into his palm as he cupped it. Looking up into his eyes, she attempted a smile.

  Simone ached every minute. She couldn’t stop worrying about Rissa. She knew that after a few more days the authorities would abandon the search. Standing, she looked at the vast wilderness and prayed Rissa was okay. She’d never been religious before, but she asked any God listening to spare her niece, to allow them to find her safe. Arms wrapped around her waist, tears rolled down her face as she rocked back and forth. Another day had passed and no R
issa. Camilla joined her, wrapping her arms around her best friend’s shoulders as they looked at the mountainous range.

  “We’ll find her, Simmy,” Camilla whispered, using her childhood nickname. Simone leaned her head towards Camilla, they connected, leaning on each other, hoping and praying Rissa was alright.

  “Camilla! Simone,” someone yelled.

  They both wiped their faces and turned toward the voice. Simone smiled slightly as Tressie trudged toward them, with Kieran hauling boxes of food and supplies.

  “I brought food, insect repellent, batteries, bottled water and most importantly, more eyes and hands to help search.” Walking directly to Simone and Camilla, she engulfed them both in a big hug. The three women stood together offering support.

  “Ugh, this stuff is heavy Tressie. What is it, Wal-Mart in a box?” Robert complained good-naturedly as he and Jonathan helped Kieran bring the rest of the boxes.

  “Stop being a smart ass and let’s eat. I’m hungry.” Tressie smiled again at Simone and Camilla while squeezing their arms. Turning, she left to supervise the meals, allowing them time to compose themselves. Rubbing her arms to ward off the chill, Simone returned to the camp. She was still numb and refused to think of the negative possibilities. She listened as Jonathan and Robert brought Kieran and Tressie up to date.

  “Did they send dogs into the forest after you found the jacket?” Kieran asked Simone.

  “Yeah, they did,” Camilla answered. They all looked at Simone, who sat quietly, staring at the dark.

  “Do you mind if I call my brother, see if we can get some more help up here?” he asked Camilla.

  “That’d be great. Plus, have Antwan bring anyone else with tracking experience. We’d welcome it.” Camilla glanced at Simone and then at Tressie. Both women frowned at the lack of expression on Simone’s face. Kieran left to make his call and came back to the camp.

  “He’ll be here first light,” he told the group, and then looked around. “Where’s the guy from the other night, what was his name?” he asked Tressie. She shrugged as they looked first at Simone and then Camilla.

  “Baron?” Camilla asked. Simone flinched at his name, but otherwise didn’t move. His name produced an unclear picture of a man far in the distance. She couldn’t push past the heavy fog to see or hear anyone or thing. Sorrow became an oppressive anchor keeping her teetering on the edge of a breakdown.

  “Yeah, where’s he?” Kieran asked again.

  “I.... don’t know. Should he be here?” Camilla questioned with a frown.

  Kieran cleared his throat. “I’ve seen him around, and he’s an excellent tracker and he’s got a lot of resources. I assumed he’d be here helping with the search.” He looked at Simone and then Camilla.

  “I can have Anna look up his information...” Camilla drew out, scratching her head. She looked at Simone, who sat motionless, and then back at Kieran. “We can contact him and see if he can come,” she finished lamely.

  “Oh, he’ll come alright. The way he was looking at her that night.” Jonathan nodded his head in remembrance. “I bet the only reason he’s not here now is because he does not know.”

  Snapping her fingers, Camilla stood and walked to her bag. Rummaging around, she grabbed her phone and punched numbers.

  “Aha,” she crowed. “I have his information from that night at the club.” She waited and smiled. “Hi Baron, this is Camilla, Simone’s friend.”

  “Yes, I am with Simone right now,” she answered, glancing at her friends. They all looked at her questioningly.

  “We are in the Laurel Mountain campground area in Pisa,” she said. A large grin split her face as she hopped around.

  “Yes, that’s us, keep following the light trail. I think I see your lights.” Clicking off, she laughed, drawing Simone’s gaze. “Damn, he was on his way here anyway. He’d checked into the hotel and started asking questions until he was right on us,” she explained, looking at the group. Her eyes rested on a silent Simone.

  “I told you.” Jonathan smirked as Robert tapped his arm. Everybody, except Simone, stood as Baron got out of the large SUV.

  “Hey, Baron,” Camilla called out.

  Simone watched everything through a dismal cloud. Nothing penetrated the bleakness of her heart. She’d failed. Marissa was lost in the mountains. How could she survive? Her heart jumped at the sound of his name. She’d missed him.

  Baron nodded an unspoken greeting to each person as his eyes latched on Simone. He strode to her, squatted and waited silently, taking in the dried tear tracks on her face, the smudges of dirt on her palms and face. Reaching forward, he took her hand and placed it on his face as she looked at him.

  She blinked. They stared at each other as the tears fell anew. He let her cry. She reached for him and he stood, placing his arms under her bottom and lifting her up. Holding her head against his chest, he walked away from the camp, affording her some privacy.

  “Simone, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you,” he murmured as he rubbed her back. At the sight of her tears, his chest clutched tight, making it hard to breathe as pain like a knife cut across his heart and neck. Not only had he never experienced this type of pain, he’d had no idea it existed. He held her tighter while murmuring into her ear. After a few moments, Simone lifted her head and attacked his mouth. She kissed him with all the pent-up emotions churning inside. Initially stunned, it didn’t take him long to respond. Hungry for the taste and feel of her again.

  “Mmmm, you taste so good, Simone,” he muttered, capturing her lips again. He felt her tremble and then exhale. He rubbed her against his erection, wanting to get closer.

  “Baron, Baron,” Simone whispered.

  “Hmmm?”

  “We can’t do this now.”

  “Sure we can. Do you want to go back to the hotel?” he asked while nibbling on her neck. Her pulse increased as she moaned her pleasure.

  “No, Baron. I can’t go to the hotel. I have to stay here and look for Rissa at daybreak. I can’t be fooling around while she’s lost out there.” Her words effectively cooled his ardor while deflating his risen parts. Resting his forehead on hers, he apologized. Allowing her to stand on her own, he leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the lips.

  “I’m sorry, baby. You make me forget everything but you when we’re together.”

  She smiled at his words as she touched his lips with her finger.

  “Why didn’t you call me?” he asked, capturing her finger.

  “Huh? What do you mean?”

  “Why didn’t you call and tell me about Rissa? I would have left with you,” he asked, unsure where this was going, but glad to give her something else to focus on.

  “I... I didn’t think about it. Was I supposed to call you?” she asked, taking a step back and looking in his eyes.

  “Yes”

  “Why?” she asked, backing up as he walked forward.

  “Because that’s what people who like each other do,” he explained, his voice dropping an octave.

  “What people, Baron? We just met a week ago. Please explain to me why I should call and tell you everything that’s happening in my life,” she asked, frowning. Simone had backed up against one of the trucks in the lot. Baron caged her in with his arms. He leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips.

  “Because we care for each other, Simone, and I should have been here with you and for you.” Her mouth dropped at his proclamation.

  “Besides, we had a date. You should have called and canceled.” He ducked the fist she sent his way and laughed. He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her closer, kissing her until she became pliant in his arms, returning his kiss.

  When they finished, they turned to walk back to the camp. “Seriously Simone, I need to know everything about you and what’s happening. I was concerned. I knew this would hit you hard. Didn’t you even think about me at all?” he asked quietly, stopping short of the campsite.

  Simone looked deep into the glowing blue orbs
that demanded the truth from her. He was hurt. Glancing past him to the camp, she noticed her friends eating and talking quietly. It all seemed so normal. She knew if Rissa was lost to her, she wouldn’t make it. How do you explain that type of pain, that type of hollowness to someone? Camilla knew. That’s why Simone wouldn’t leave her alone for long periods of time. They’d all lived together, her, Camilla, and Sharita. Baron squeezed her waist, drawing her attention.

  “Baron, when I heard the news about Rissa, I lost it. The only thing I thought about was my baby lost in the woods, alone and possibly hurting. I needed to get here and be a part of the search. I needed to be doing something. Anna called Camilla, who was already on her way. She’d known something was off. The three of us have always been that way, knowing.” She waved her hand. “She called everyone else. I haven’t had much time to think about anything other than Rissa, scared, alone, and hungry. I pray she’s not hurt,” she whispered. Taking a deep breath, she continued as tears filled her eyes. “But, I am glad you’re here now. I didn’t realize how much I missed you until I saw you, tasted and touched you. I hope you can stay for a while,” she told him as she pulled him towards her lips.

  “I’ll be here as long as you need me. We’ll look together. If need be, I’ll call in some help. I promise you I’ll do everything within my power to help find her.” Baron bent and kissed her nose as they walked into the campsite. His eyes met Kieran and they nodded briefly to one another.

  “Please, can someone bring me up to date?” Baron asked the group at large as he fixed Simone a plate and told her to eat. He munched on a piece of meat as they showed him the map of the forest and the situation on the ground. Kieran wrapped up the discussion by informing him that his brother and some friends will be arriving in the morning, which meant they were searching now, at night. Baron never let Simone out of his sight. It became obvious to him that she was pushing herself and was on the verge of some sort of breakdown. He watched as Camilla and the other female fussed over her. He felt a tap on his arm. Glancing down, he saw the male from the club the other night.