Dire Straits (Bo Blackman)

by Helen Harper

  Without looking at Montserrat, I tighten my core muscles and take a deep breath. ‘Actually, you’re no longer in a position to do that,’ I say.

  ‘Why not?’ Foxcroft enquires coolly.

  ‘I’m about to be recruited into the Family Montserrat.’

  As soon as the words leave my mouth, an ache rises in the centre of my chest. Out of the corner of my eye, I see O’Shea looking shocked and Montserrat smiling with a little dimple displayed in one cheek. He takes my arm and together we walk out into the cool night. I resist the urge to look back and smirk.

  Chapter Thirteen: The Car

  Montserrat doesn’t say anything until we’re in the back of his extraordinarily large limousine and driving away from the police station. I hope we’re driving very, very far away.

  ‘I’m glad you’ve decided to help us.’

  I pull the towel away from my face. ‘I’m not helping you,’ I snarl. ‘I’m helping me.’

  He shrugs elegantly. ‘Regardless.’

  I flick a glance at O’Shea, then back to the vampire. ‘Thanks for coming to get me,’ I mutter. ‘And for not killing him.’

  Montserrat opens a small compartment to reveal an array of neatly stacked drinks. I point to the whisky and he pours me a generous shot.

  ‘I told you, Ms Blackman,’ he says, handing me the drink, ‘we’re not monsters.’

  I take a sip, wincing as it burns down my throat. The monsters part remains to be seen although I wisely refrain from saying so.

  After Foxworthy’s interrogation, I decide I hate the moniker Ms Blackman. ‘Call me Bo,’ I tell the vampire.

  He smiles. ‘In that case you may call me Michael.’

  ‘Michael?’

  ‘Yes. Like Michael Douglas.’

  More like Michael Corleone, I think. I dab carefully at my nose. ‘Okay then.’

  ‘May I check your face?’ he asks politely.

  I draw back for a moment and he laughs. ‘I’ve been around too long for your blood to tempt me, Bo. I think I can manage to restrain myself.’

  I realise my reaction was stupid and I turn to face him. He cups my face in his hands and frowns. ‘Did the police do this to you?’

  ‘No. There was a black witch. He recognised my name.’

  ‘Ah, I see.’

  Does he indeed? I try to sniff and end up wincing with pain. He takes the towel and is about to wipe my face with it when he grimaces and tosses it away. He pulls out a handkerchief from his top pocket and carefully wipes away the worst of the blood. I try not to stare. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone other than my grandfather use a linen handkerchief before.

  His touch is surprisingly gentle. It’s making me feel a little uncomfortable so I focus on O’Shea as a distraction. ‘Are you alright?’ I ask him.

  He nods. ‘They’ve treated me well.’

  Well, he would say that given his captor is sitting right next to him. O’Shea’s next words belie that thought, however. ‘Perhaps, Michael, when you’re done cleaning up her face, you can touch up mine.’ He pouts and, despite myself, I start to giggle.

  ‘I take it you two didn’t share the water bed then,’ Montserrat says.

  ‘I’m sure it’s still available.’ I look at them from under my lashes and grin.

  Montserrat rolls his eyes but O’Shea returns my smile.

  ‘How’s Arzo?’ I ask.

  The vampire tuts. ‘You need to stop talking. I can’t get all this blood off when you keep moving. And Arzo’s fine.’ He grimaces. ‘At least as fine as a paraplegic can be.’

  ‘Why can’t his vampire blood heal that?’

  ‘I told you to be quiet,’ he says, wetting a corner of the handkerchief with his tongue and brushing it across my mouth. ‘Arzo is Sanguine. His blood helps him to heal more quickly but it won’t work miracles.’

  I open my mouth to ask another question, but Montserrat scowls at me and I subside into silence.

  ‘Let me guess,’ he says drily, ‘you want to know more about the Sanguine?’

  I blink in acknowledgement, while his fingers trace the tender flesh around my nose.

  ‘It’s an odd phenomenon. The Sanguine aren’t exactly secret but we don’t go around broadcasting their existence. To be fair, there have never been enough of them to warrant making a big deal out of it. Most people who come to us to be recruited want to be vampires. I’m not going to tell you Arzo’s story, that’s up to him. Suffice it to say, the path to becoming Sanguine isn’t easy. It’s only fair that you know that.’

  ‘How many of these Sanguine are there?’ asks O’Shea.

  Montserrat doesn’t answer immediately. I narrow my eyes and his hands leave my face. ‘You’ll probably need to get that set before you turn, or you may be stuck with a crooked nose.’

  Right now I don’t give a damn about my nose. ‘How many?’ I say, repeating the daemon’s question.

  ‘As I said, most people want to be vampire.’

  ‘Montserrat…’

  ‘I told you to call me Michael.’ He rubs his chin with his thumb. ‘There are three,’ he says finally. His voice is quiet.

  I swallow. ‘Three? You mean in London?’

  ‘No, Bo. In the world.’

  For a moment, kaleidoscopic pinpricks of light dance in front of my eyes. I squeeze them shut. ‘Why so few?’ I ask. ‘I mean, I get that most people don’t want to be Sanguine. But…’

  ‘There are others,’ he answers, ‘who wish to take the Sanguine path. And in the 1940s, there were experiments to create more. But to become Sanguine you have to resist the pull of blood. You have to avoid drinking. The temptation is high.’

  I open my eyes and look at him. He meets my gaze.

  ‘As I told you in the hospital, it’s considered a show of strength to last as long as possible before tasting blood. It’s not been proven but it’s believed that the longer you last, the more powerful a vampire you eventually become.’

  ‘How long did you last?’

  ‘Twenty-two days. Most, however, don’t make it beyond day three.’

  Jesus. I’d understood from Arzo it was going to be difficult. I hadn’t reckoned on it being virtually impossible.

  ‘We need you, Bo. We need someone to infiltrate the new recruits and find out what is going on. I understand how much I’m asking of you, though. You can still change your mind.’

  I think about the events of the last two days. It would be smart to walk away from all this and hide under a stone somewhere until everything blows over. I have no idea how far I can trust Montserrat, even though I sense that everything he’s told me so far is the truth.

  With this in mind, I go for a full-frontal attack. ‘When were you planning to tell me about the new Family?’

  For the first time, he appears nonplussed. ‘What?’

  ‘The new Family,’ I repeat. ‘The ones who wanted O’Shea’s spell.’

  He is obviously baffled. ‘There is no new Family. What are you talking about?’

  I tell him about Lucy – or rather Charity Weathers – and what she told me before her life ended so abruptly. He leans back in his seat, his face shuttered as he absorbs the information.

  ‘I assumed it was a few malcontents. I mean, it’s serious. We’ve never had a situation like this before and I wouldn’t be involving you if it wasn’t something that required fresh eyes and a different way of thinking. But a new Family? There’s not been a new Family since Mary Queen of Scots was executed.’

  ‘The Stuarts?’

  He nods.

  ‘Let’s say someone did want to start a new Family,’ I say. ‘How would they fit in with the current set up?’

  ‘It simply wouldn’t work.’ His dark eyes are troubled.

  ‘Why not?’

  ‘It’s difficult for outsiders to understand, but there’s a considerable amount of rivalry between the Familes. The ties and alliances shift depending on the issue at hand. However, because there are five of us, it works.’

  ‘
Explain.’

  He frowns. ‘It’ll be easier to give you an example. The last time we all met, it was because the government wanted to send in monitors. There’s growing unease amongst the humans about the way we keep the Families’ actions and motives secret. The Head of the Stuarts and I wanted to agree. Openness will provide better understanding. The population will be less wary of us and we’ll open more trade doors as a result.’

  ‘But the others disagreed?’

  ‘Medici and Bancroft. They argued that how we conduct ourselves is none of the humans’ business. They were also concerned that it would create problems between the Families themselves. With everything above board and openly advertised, we’d each have a better gauge of the state of the other Families and, if we so chose, be in a position to undermine each other.’

  I imagine that ‘undermine’ in the vampire world means a bit more than merely giving out a few playground taunts. Although I agree with Montserrat’s position, I can see that there are potential problems.

  ‘And Gully?’

  ‘They listened to both sides and ultimately went with the Medicis and the Bancrofts.’

  I nod my head thoughtfully. ‘Without an odd number of Families, disagreements will rarely be solved.’

  ‘Indeed.’

  ‘Except,’ I add, trying to glean as much information as I can from him, ‘why should I care? If there’s a new Family and it means you’re all at loggerheads, what does it matter to humans?’

  ‘The power afforded by being vampire is heady. And the power granted to the Families as a result of their combined strength is almost incomprehensible. It’s the reason we cap our own numbers at five hundred.’ He takes my hand and gently squeezes. An odd tingle runs up my arm. ‘Imagine a new Family with no allegiances and no desire to follow any of the rules that have been in place for hundreds of years.’

  ‘Vampires could over-run daemons,’ whispers O’Shea, realisation dawning.

  ‘And humans,’ says Montserrat grimly. ‘And without checks in place to prevent unwarranted attacks…’

  ‘The results could be catastrophic,’ I finish. I ponder the very real danger this new Family might pose. ‘But what if it’s not like that? What if these vampires just want a new Family and will abide by the laws you already have?’

  ‘Then why are they being so secretive? Why not be open about creating a new Family? Breaking the ties of loyalty that already exist in each Family is proof that they won’t toe the line.’

  I’m tempted to point out that perhaps he should be doing more to encourage that loyalty and to stop errant Family members from leaving but I reckon he’s probably worked that out by now.

  ‘They’ve already shown that they’re remarkably keen to kill people,’ muses O’Shea, rubbing at the remains of the wound on his neck.

  ‘Why would this new Family want your spell?’ I ask him.

  ‘I have no idea. Maybe they’re kind of horny?’

  ‘It has to be to do with the passivity side effects. Maybe it’s how they’re getting so many previously loyal vampires to join them.’ I glance at Montserrat. ‘How many do you know who are involved?’

  ‘I’ll give you the files later, if you decide to join us that is. But there have been at least half a dozen confirmed deaths and several more disappearances in Montserrat. The other Families have given similar numbers, although they may be lying.’

  ‘And they all met with you?’ I ask O’Shea.

  He nods.

  ‘You didn’t think there was anything odd about having so many vampires interested in your spell?’

  He looks slightly embarrassed. ‘I was making a lot of money. How was I to know what it was really about?’

  I exhale in irritation, then pull my knees up to my chest and hug them tightly. My nose is still throbbing, although the hurt is somewhat diminished after Montserrat’s ministrations. I gaze out of the window at the passing streets. It must have rained recently because there are puddles reflecting the street lights as we zip by. Most of the shops are closed now but, from time to time, I see an off-license or take-away restaurant which remains open. I gulp down the remainder of the whisky. Imagining a world where the vampires don’t self-limit their own power is terrifying.

  ‘Stop the car,’ I say suddenly.

  ‘Bo…’

  I growl, ‘I said stop the goddamn car.’

  For a moment, Montserrat doesn’t respond, then he taps on the window separating us from the driver and slides it open, muttering something into the front seat. The car glides to a halt.

  ‘I wish you’d take a bit more time,’ he begins.

  ‘Wait here,’ I say, opening the door and stepping out. Then I duck my head back in. ‘Do you have any loose change?’

  He looks confused but digs into his pocket and hands over a few coins.

  ‘Thanks.’ I slam the door shut and jog over to a payphone. I grab the receiver, dropping in the coins as I dial. Rogu3 picks up straightaway.

  ‘Hello?’ His voice is cautious.

  ‘It’s me,’ I say.

  ‘Where the fuck have you been, Bo? I’ve been trying to track you for hours! I got you to the police station near Piccadilly, but then you were released…’

  ‘I’m fine. Honest.’ And then, more because it’s automatic than for any other reason, ‘Don’t swear.’

  ‘Where are you? What’s going on?’

  I lick my lips. ‘Let’s just say the investigation is taking a new turn.’

  ‘Fine, well thanks for keeping me in the loop.’ He says it sarcastically and I can tell he’s hurt that I’ve not been in touch.

  ‘I’m sorry, Rogu3, but it’s better for you if you don’t know too much.’

  He sniffs. ‘I know a lot about your Lucy character. Her real name is Charity Weathers. She works as a dental nurse out of some surgery in Brixton. Looks like she’s got a real habit for ice.’

  I bite my lip. Being a drug addict would make her an easy target. All these bloody vamps would have to do is promise her some ice – or withhold it from her – and she’d be theirs to command. Poor bitch.

  ‘Can you tell who else she’s been in contact with?’

  ‘You mean other than your daemon buddy? Nah. She kept a pretty low online presence. No Facebook or Twitter or anything like that.’ He snorts. ‘You can tell by the way she writes online. All properly punctuated and with Standard English spelling. Not so much as a single emoticon.’

  I remember what O’Shea said about being sure she was a woman because of her writing style. Not just a woman, but a woman who had no need for the internet. I wonder how she got herself wrapped up with the vampires in the first place. Via some scabby dealer, no doubt.

  ‘Thanks, Rogu3. That’s really useful.’ I don’t bother telling him I already know her name – I don’t want to hurt his feelings. ‘Look,’ I continue, ‘I’m going black for a while so I won’t be in touch. I might not ever be in touch again.’ I cross my fingers against this thought.

  ‘What?’ he screeches. ‘Why?’

  I smile into the phone. ‘I didn’t know you cared.’

  ‘We’re not best buds or anything, but I thought we had an understanding.’

  ‘We do. That’s why I’ve got one last job for you. There’s no rush because, like I said, I don’t know if I’ll be in touch again but…’

  ‘I get it, I get it. What do you need?’

  I give him Harry D’Argneau’s details. As honest as the barrister seems in person, he’s still a lead. I’m tempted to ask Rogu3 to hack into the Montserrat intranet for me as well. But for all his posturing, he’s still just a kid; the vampires are too big and too damn scary and I need him to stay safe.

  ‘I’ll make sure you get paid, no matter what.’

  ‘I don’t need the money,’ he says grumpily. ‘For what it’s worth, Bo, take care of yourself.’

  I’m touched. ‘Thanks. Right back at you, kiddo.’

  I hang up before I get too emotional. Then I take a deep breath and
call the next number.

  ‘Arbuthnot Blackman.’

  ‘Hey, grandfather,’ I say softly.

  ‘Bo! Where are you? I was told you were arrested.’

  I don’t want to get into that now. ‘I’m going away,’ I tell him. ‘I might not be back.’

  He’s immediately suspicious. ‘Where?’

  I think about all those families I investigated when I was working for the insurance company and how desperate they were to know what had really happened to their loved ones. I take the plunge and tell the truth. ‘I’m being recruited.’

  The silence stretches out for so long that I’m starting to wonder if he’s still there.

  ‘Grandfather?’

  His voice is strained. ‘Why?’

  ‘It’s just something I have to do. I’m going to try to come back though.’

  ‘You mean Sanguine.’

  I’m surprised. ‘You’ve heard of them?’

  ‘Please.’ He sighs. ‘Very few people make it that far, you know. We tried with someone once. Sent them into the Bancroft fold. Never heard from them again.’

  ‘There are always exceptions,’ I say, attempting to keep my tone light.

  ‘If anyone can be an exception, you can. I’ve always been proud of you, you know.’

  I’m taken aback by the softness in his voice. ‘Uh, thanks.’

  ‘Is there another way? Is there something I can do to help?’

  ‘No. I need to do this on my own. Don’t try to…’ I swallow. ‘Don’t try to send anyone after me or anything like that. I’ll either make it or I won’t. Either way, this is best course of action.’

  ‘Then I trust your judgment. But don’t trust the guzzlers, Bo. There’s more to them than you realise.’

  I wonder if I’ve gotten the old man wrong all these years. The last thing I’d been expecting was his implicit blessing. ‘Thank you,’ I say again. ‘There is one thing I need you to do, though.’

  ‘Name it.’

  I give him Rogu3’s bank details. ‘I’ll pay you back, one way or another. There’s money in my account which I can…’

  ‘I’ll sort it out. Can’t have the hoi polloi going destitute because a Blackman hasn’t paid their bills, can we? Bo, have you told your mother about this vampire business?’