The Suck Stops Here

by Kristen Painter

  Reluctantly, Charlie gave a little nod. “That’s true. But a banshee’s scream doesn’t equal the kind of brute force Temo brings to the table.” Then she looked up at them. “We just need to make sure Will knows he’s doing double duty.”

  “We will,” Donna assured her. “Now let’s go figure out what I’m wearing to meet my future in-laws. And to the funeral.”

  They followed Pierce out to the living room, where not one but two racks of clothing awaited her. The smaller rack still had the zippered fabric covering over it, and Donna wondered if that was the maternity stuff.

  Those two racks weren’t the end of it, though. In typical Pierce style, there was also an assortment of shoes, including lots of boots, both heeled and flat, handbags, and other accessories. Enough to start a brand-new wardrobe. Or pad out her existing one.

  Christina, who’d finally changed out of her pajamas and into yoga pants and a slouchy sweater, had moved to a different spot on the couch and was now facing the newly arrived haul. She had a cup of marshmallow-topped hot chocolate in her hands. “Mom. This is very cool.”

  “What? Having clothes delivered so that I can shop from home?”

  She nodded and sipped her cocoa. “This is like Kardashian-level cool.”

  Charlie shook her head, clearly amused. “I suppose it is.”

  Donna laughed as she and Charlie took seats on the couch as well. “I’m glad you approve. Pierce arranged all this. He’s excellent at putting outfits together. Speaking of…” She looked at him. “You want to show me what you selected?”

  “Absolutely.” He started pointing out the selection of wrap dresses, some more structured dresses, then some warmer separates, including a couple of oversize cashmere sweaters with cowl necks that looked like the sort of thing Donna might never want to take off.

  He’d also had a good number of black dresses and suits sent over. Donna had a few of those, but her black dresses tended to be more cocktail than funeral, so it made sense. Donna selected everything she liked, took it all into the bedroom, and made short work of trying it on. She showed a few of the items she was unsure about to the group, but there was no time for a full-on fashion show.

  With her selections made, there were still three new winter coats to choose from. Donna loved her current coat, which was a sweeping creation of navy wool, but it was a little more fall than winter. And she could see that having a second option could be useful.

  “Which one do you like?” Pierce asked.

  One in particular caught her eye, but she didn’t want to like the gorgeously long and luxurious tan wool number because of the wide fur collar. Regardless, there was something so glamourous about the whole look of it, from the sash belt knotted at the waist to the way it flared slightly through the bottom half. With tall boots, it would be amazing.

  She pointed to it reluctantly. “That one. But I don’t want it. I don’t like fur. I just can’t stand the idea of those poor little animals being killed in the name of fashion.”

  Charlie was frowning. “I don’t like that one bit either. Such a shame, because that coat is just perfect.”

  He smiled. “Then rest easy, ladies, because this collar is completely man-made. It’s also detachable, so you can wear this coat more casually if you like.”

  “Really? That doesn’t look like fake fur at all.” Donna’s brows went up. That changed things.

  “Try it on, Mom,” Christina urged her.

  Charlie nodded. “It is amazing.”

  Donna got up and slipped into the coat with a little assistance from Pierce. She pulled it closed and cinched the belt, then faced her audience. “What do you think?”

  Charlie was smiling, and Christina looked enraptured. Her daughter gave her a slow nod. “I love it.”

  “It’s you, Governor. And it will be perfect for any harsh weather we encounter.”

  Donna glanced at Pierce as she started taking the coat off. “Add it to the keep-me pile.”

  Christina drained the last of her hot chocolate and set the mug on the table. “Just curious, but how much is that coat?”

  Pierce’s brows rose slightly. “It’s several thousand dollars.”

  “For real?” Christina’s eyes got big. “I know you have money, but wow.”

  Pierce took the coat from Donna to rehang it. “Your mom has to look a certain way in this job. If she didn’t, people wouldn’t think she was successful. It’s important that she represent herself as powerful but also put-together while maintaining her own sense of style and femininity. And the governor’s budget allows for all of that. So why not?”

  Christina folded her legs under her. “I think it’s great. You kind of are a Kardashian, Mom. Except without the embarrassing social media. Or weird facial fillers. Actually, you’re better than a Kardashian, because you’re also a vampire. They could never be that cool.”

  “Thank you, honey,” Donna said. Then she looked at Pierce. “I think we’re ready for that second rack, don’t you?”

  His smile widened, and he addressed Christina again. “Are you ready to look through your selections?”

  Her mouth came open slightly. “My selections?”

  He unzipped the navy shroud covering the other rack. “Just some things I thought might make the coming months more comfortable. And more fashionable.”

  There were jeans, some sweaters, a couple of dresses, a few pairs of dressier pants, and some miscellaneous tops. At the very end were several coats, all in the popular puffer style that seemed to be the rage with Christina’s age group.

  She stared at the rack. “That stuff is for me?”

  Pierce nodded. “All of it maternity wear. I wasn’t sure of your size, so there are a few in each selection.”

  Christina stared for another second, then burst into tears. “That’s…so…nice of…you,” she sobbed.

  Charlie leaned in and put her arm around the girl. “There, there.”

  Donna grabbed the tissue box from the side table and stuck it on her daughter’s lap. “It’s okay, sweetheart.”

  Christina pulled out a handful and blew her nose, then wiped at her eyes. “Stupid pregnancy hormones,” she muttered. “I’m sorry. Thank you. That was so nice of you to think about me.”

  “Actually,” Pierce said, “it was your mom’s idea.”

  Donna shook her head. “Pierce is being kind to make me look good. It was his idea. I might have thought of it eventually, but I had a head full of other things, unfortunately.”

  Christina smiled, sniffling. “Doesn’t matter. He thought of it, but you’re paying for it. So it’s half and half.”

  “Smart girl,” Pierce said. Then he stepped back. “Come have a look.”

  While Christina riffled through the clothing, Donna got to work trying on the boots and looking through the handbags. She really didn’t need another handbag, but there was a small black alligator embossed patent leather clutch trimmed with small gold studs that spoke to her. And it was funeral-appropriate.

  In addition, she settled on two pairs of boots. One stiletto pair matched the patent leather clutch and were almost too gorgeous for words, especially with the line of gold spiked studs down the back and the eye-catching red soles, thanks to Mr. Louboutin.

  Another more utilitarian pair of boots that went to about midcalf, and while they laced all the way up, they also had an easy-access zipper on the side. In black leather with grippy, lug soles and some faux shearling trim around the top, they seemed perfect for snow or muck.

  At last, everything was sorted, and they went back to work. Pierce took care of calling for the pickup and return of the clothes they weren’t keeping, Charlie went to get Temo to do the shopping trip for supplies for the RV, and Donna went off to pack. Cammie arrived home shortly after they all dispersed. Donna gave her an update, then she went to pack as well.

  Christina and Lucky disappeared to nap.

  Donna took her big suitcase down from the closet shelf and laid it open flat on the bed. She started
with the simplest things. Bras and underwear, pajamas more modest than her usual nightgowns, since they’d be all together for the duration of the trip, then jeans, leggings, tunics, sweatshirts, some tanks and tees for layering, and socks.

  That was the comfy, everyday stuff.

  Next, she turned to the funeral outfit. She’d chosen a black Carolina Herrera suit from the things Pierce had brought in. It was wool gaberdine, beautifully draped with strong, feminine lines. The only accents were the faceted jet buttons.

  She’d put a simple black cashmere shell underneath and pair it with her new Louboutin boots and clutch, which had plenty going on without the suit being further adorned. It was perfect. Maybe she’d add pearls, like she’d done for the funeral of the wolf who’d died during the fae raid. Although maybe not with all the gold studs on the boots.

  Simple diamond studs would be fine. This was a queen’s funeral, after all.

  Although she wasn’t sure what kind of ceremony to expect. She really needed to ask Charlie. Surely if anyone knew what was appropriate at a queen’s funeral, it would be her.

  Donna really wished she knew who else was going. Namely, Fitzhugh.

  Anticipating his presence would help her prepare. He had to be going, though, didn’t he? Wouldn’t skipping the queen’s funeral be a dumb move for the man who so desperately wanted to be king?

  Donna finished packing, proud that she’d managed to keep it to two bags: one for clothing, one for accessories and toiletries. As she was picking out the jewelry she wanted to take, she realized she still hadn’t tested Dr. Fox’s theory that she might no longer need her crucifix to be safe from the sun.

  That seemed like something worth knowing before the trip. But she also didn’t want to do it alone.

  With that on her mind, she went to her sister’s room. It didn’t surprise her that Cammie had already finished her packing and was now sitting quietly, reading. “Can you help me with something?”

  Cammie looked up as she put her bookmark in place and set the book aside. “Sure, what do you need?”

  “When I was going through all of that blood testing when the fae poisoned me, Dr. Fox told me he didn’t think the crucifix was necessary to keep me sunproof. I want to test that, but I don’t want to do it alone. Just in case I need someone to haul my flaming body back into the shade.”

  Cammie rolled her eyes as she laughed. “I don’t think that’s going to be the outcome, but I’m happy to help. Roof?”

  Donna nodded.

  They headed up to the roof but stayed on the small landing just outside the door.

  Cammie took the lead, cracking the door a few inches, which let in a blinding shaft of light and a burst of cold air. She stuck her foot against the door’s exterior side to keep it open. “Definitely sunny outside. How do you want to do this? You’re not just going to step out there, are you?”

  “No. I figured I’d just take the crucifix off, hand it to you, and stick my arm into the light.”

  “Okay.”

  Donna reached back to unhook the necklace. “What errands were you running this morning?”

  “Just picked up a few things for the trip.” Cammie sighed. “And I returned my Venari sword and armor to the convent. Wasn’t mine to keep since I left the order.”

  Donna unfastened the catch and let the chain and cross pool in her palm. “I’m sorry. That had to be hard.”

  Cammie gave a short nod. “It wasn’t the most enjoyable thing I’ve done.”

  Donna handed the necklace to her sister. “Does that mean you won’t be doing any more freelance hunting?”

  “No. It just means I don’t have the same level of equipment. It’s not a big deal.”

  But there was a hint of worry in Cammie’s eyes. Donna didn’t like the idea of her sister going out to do battle with the big paranormal baddies of the world without the right kind of gear. She had an idea about how to fix that, though.

  “Seems like a big deal to me,” Donna said. “Was that stuff really effective at protecting you when you went out to hunt?”

  “It did. But there are other swords and armor.” She tipped her head toward the door. “You ready?”

  Donna took a breath. “As I’ll ever be.”

  She pushed the sleeve of her sweatshirt up, took a breath, then stuck her hand into the stream of light coming through the door. As soon as the heat of the sun’s rays hit her, she yelped and jerked her arm back.

  Cammie’s eyes went wide. “Are you okay? What happened?”

  Donna laughed, hearing the nerves in her voice even as she did. “Actually, I sort of overreacted there. It didn’t hurt. I’m fine. I just felt the heat of the sun and freaked.”

  “You’re sure?”

  She looked at her hand. “It didn’t do anything. Not that a third of a second is a good indicator of actual results.”

  Cammie rolled her eyes. “You want to try that again, then?”

  “Yes. Sorry.” Donna tried not to laugh at her own foolishness, but it was hard. She eased her hand into the light again, this time actively concentrating on what she was truly feeling. Warmth, mostly. And not much else.

  “Well?” Cammie asked.

  Donna shrugged. “Just the heat of the sun. Nothing more than that.” She stuck her arm a little farther out. “Is this really possible?”

  “It has to be. You’re doing it.” Cammie glanced at the necklace in her hand. “Maybe it wasn’t the crucifix, after all.”

  “No, it definitely was. I tried this before, and I ended up with blisters.”

  Cammie frowned. “When did you do that?”

  “Right after I was turned. I pretty much suspected it was the crucifix, but I wanted to test it, so I took it off and did exactly what I’m doing now. And I ended up with some very painful blisters almost immediately. Thankfully, they healed, but it was a lesson learned.”

  Cammie took hold of Donna’s hand and turned it in the light. “There’s not a mark on you now.”

  “No, but I’m not sure I’m about to go strolling through the park in the middle of the day anytime soon.” She pulled her hand back. “What if there’s some sort of time limit? What if after twenty minutes without the crucifix, I’m suddenly vulnerable again?”

  Cammie grimaced.

  Donna nodded. “Yep. I’m not ready to risk that yet.”

  “Nor should you.” Cammie held the necklace out to her. “Have you tested this to see if it works on any vampire? Or is it exclusive to you?”

  “I haven’t.” Donna thought about that as she took the crucifix back. “That would be interesting to see.”

  “Isn’t Neo downstairs?”

  “I don’t know. She might have gone back to her place to pack for the trip.” Donna fastened the chain around her neck again. “She’s one of the few I’d trust to try it out, though.”

  “You should. Just to see what the necklace is capable of. Could come in handy someday.”

  Donna nodded. “I agree.” She lifted up her sweatshirt and pulled her phone from her waistband. “I’m going to text her, see where she is.”

  Cammie let the door close, pitching them into darkness for a moment until their eyes adjusted. “Cool. I want to see this for myself.”

  Donna dashed off a quick text. You downstairs?

  A few seconds went by, but then Neo answered quickly. No, my place. Packing. You need me?

  No, just wondering. See you tonight.

  Yep. Later.

  Donna looked up at Cammie and shook her head. “She’s at her place packing, like I thought. We’ll have to test it out along the way. If the opportunity presents itself.”

  Voices from the penthouse traveled up the stairwell. Charlie and Temo had returned.

  Donna smiled. “Come on, let’s go see what this RV looks like.”

  They raced downstairs and found Charlie, Temo, Pierce, and Christina in the kitchen. Lucky was sitting by his food, looking pretty convinced that with that many people in the room, someone should be able to fee
d him.

  “Boss,” Temo started excitedly. “Wait until you see this RV. You’re not going to believe it.”

  “That good, huh? Tell you what. Let me get Lucky a can of food, then we’ll all go downstairs and have a look.”

  “I can feed him,” Christina said.

  “You go put shoes on. You’re not going outside in bare feet. Even if it’s just for a minute.”

  Christina rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “Okay.”

  She left, and Donna grabbed a can of food for Lucky. “Really something, huh?”

  Charlie answered, “I think we’re going to be just fine in this thing. I don’t know what Lionel’s tour bus looks like, although I intend to find out, but he might be jealous of us.”

  Donna smiled as she dumped the can of food into a new dish. Charlie’s crush on Lionel might have lessened a little, but it was definitely still alive and kicking. She put the dish on Lucky’s food mat so he could eat. “Well, I’m excited to see it. And it’s all stocked up?”

  Christina nodded. “We need to still bring the luggage down and some other things from our kitchen here, but otherwise, we’re good to go.”

  Christina came back in, now wearing a pair of slip-on sneakers. “I’m ready. Should I get my suitcase? Are we taking bags down now?”

  Temo shrugged and looked at Donna. “It’s not a bad idea. We could save a trip or two.”

  She nodded. “Okay, let’s do it. Everybody grab their bags. Or whatever’s ready to go.”

  Five minutes later, they were all assembled in the elevator lobby, waiting on the door to open. Donna had brought only her big bag. That way, if she had forgotten anything, she could stick it in the smaller one.

  The elevator arrived, and they piled in, shifting spots, and rolling bags back and forth to make room for everyone and everything.

  They made it down and out into the Wellman Towers main lobby. As they exited the elevator, all eyes were on the courtyard outside.

  And the beautiful vehicle awaiting them.

  The sleek black and gray beast seemed to stretch for miles.