by Alison Smith
‘Oh yes, My Lady.’ Elijah stood in front of her and bowed.
How thrilling! Monique thought. ‘Move the body off the bed, Elijah, and then we shall sleep. The body will have fully decayed by this evening when we awaken.’
She watched as he moved towards the bed and lifted the body taking care to leave the heel in place. Already the middle part of the body was turning into dust. After he put it down in a corner of the room, he moved towards her.’
‘My Lady?’ There was a question in his eyes and a hunger.
‘Yes, Elijah. You have served me very well. We shall enjoy some pleasure together you and I before we sleep. Then, tonight, I need you to take another invitation to dear Jewel. I wish for her to be here on Saturday night when the Legend of Vampires recognise me as their new Prime.’
‘The sacrifices were still a little alive when we left them, My Lady.’
Monique licked her lips. ‘There may still be fresh blood to be had, Elijah. You will meet me in the forest after delivering the invitation.’
‘Yes My Lady. Will you be including the witch?’ Elijah took a step back as Monique’s brow furrowed.
‘No. I do not want the witch there. Jewel is my daughter and I shall have her powers. Jewel must be on her own.’
‘Yes My Lady. Perhaps I should confuse things so that the witch goes somewhere else?’
‘Excellent idea, Elijah.’ Monique took a moment to consider his words.
Nik breathed deeply as he descended the red-carpeted stairs to enter the Leather & Burgundy Club. It was one of only a few places on this planet where vampires and humans mixed together in harmony. He knew that there was consensual sharing of blood and juices. The gain for vampires was to be able to drink their needed blood but without the taking of any lives. The benefit to humans was, well on paper, they got a buzz and a light headiness from the drug-like quality of the vampire saliva used to ensure the blood ran freely. Nik was also of the opinion that there were certain personalities within the human race who enjoyed the secrecy and, within their own sector, the kudos of it all.
He entered the club and, stooped and with his cane, slowly made his way into the bar area. The call, when it had come through, was worrying. Bert, the owner of the club, knew enough about the politics involved to contact Nik direct but if there really was a missing girl ... Nik shuddered. The implications of that would mean that others within the police force would need to be involved. And more media attention.
Bert was waiting and greeted Nik with a short handshake.
‘You had better talk to the other Groupies, Nik.’ He said heavily and without his usual barman cheeriness, Nik noted.
An hour later and all of the Groupies had left. Nik sat down at a small table and Bert carried over a tray with two tall glasses of steaming lemon tea. They sat and drank for a time as Nik pondered on what he had heard.
Bert carefully placed his glass down onto the deep red leather topped table. ‘I’ve nurtured this club for years Nik, you know that. There are few that believe as I do; that humans and vampires can live side by side. But if a Groupie has been taken...’ his voice trailed on a sigh, ‘I’ve known these kids for years.’
Nik looked at Bert with compassion. Bert had worked so hard and for so long to bring the harmony that was within this club. He vetted newcomers with an almost ruthless regulation.
‘You were right to call me,’ Nik said quietly. ‘It is unusual for the Genevieve line not to be at their ritual site for a full moon celebration but I am sure that they were altogether and protecting another group at the time. A selfless act, as they didn’t strengthen themselves at a time when they could have. They, instead, watched over others.’
Nik allowed time for Bert to digest his words. Bert knew that Nik was unable to lie.
‘So the Genevieve line is weaker than usual. That’s not good, Nik.’ Bert’s bald head was beginning to take on a sheen of sweat Nik noticed. Bert was normally the most levelheaded man, he thought, something has him really rattled.
‘But what about the girl?’ Bert asked.
‘The other Groupies told me she was a favourite here, well liked and with a good heart.’ Bert nodded at Nik’s words.
‘I am concerned,’ Bert’s voice was quiet and Nik put his glass down onto the table.
‘I worry,’ Bert continued. ‘We know that a human becomes a vampire when all but the very last drop of their blood is taken. That takes extreme expertise and self-discipline on the part of the vampire committing the change.’
Nik nodded. ‘Yes. The powerful strength that vampires receive from human blood creates a thirst. Most vampires are unable to pull back from that. What’s your worry Bert?’
Nik was now very concerned as his old friend hesitated.
‘These kids,’ Bert dropped his voice even more and Nik had to strain his ears to hear. ‘These kids have been giving a few drops of blood regularly for years now.’
Nik breathed a sigh of relief and said softly. ‘Bert, the human body makes up blood when it is lost...’ but before he could continue Bert shook his head.
‘We don’t know,’ Bert said. ‘Whether the saliva from the vampires remains in their systems.’
With that Bert sat back in his chair as Nik considered his words.
‘Do you think,’ he asked Bert. ‘That these Groupies could have become part vampire?’
‘I don’t know. But if they are, and don’t forget the one who may be missing was a favourite, then their blood could be very potent indeed. And so useful for any vampire attempting to make use of ancient magic.’
‘You’ve heard the rumours concerning Monique?’ Nik asked although, he knew, Bert had been a landlord for many years and often knew gossip almost before it had happened.
‘I’ve heard that she is determined to reign. That she sees her chance to be Queen rather than the courtesan she was born as.’ Bert sighed, stood and walked over to the bar. He picked up a teapot and carried it back to their table. After topping up their glasses he then sat down again.
‘Have you heard about the dolls with pins?’ Bert asked Nik and then continued without waiting for an answer. ‘They have been found in a room at the new swingers club across town. An old friend runs it and he’s devastated. Neither he nor I believe that magic was actually committed there but he’s had to close down. Unfortunately one of the bar staff alerted the police. All before he rang my friend. Ghastly business.’ It was a long speech for Bert and Nik took a few moments to digest his words. He hadn’t heard about the dolls but then he was only notified of ritualistic killings, or suspected killings, relating to humans.
‘Dolls, Hmm.’ He said and wondered why Bert was so insistent about the story.
‘You need to look at it all, Nik.’ Bert said. ‘My opinion, for what it’s worth, is that is has been made to look clumsy. A diversion.’
Nik took a sip of tea and then looked at Bert. ‘There have been rumours that the Cleary Clan took a vampire last night but I hoped they were just rumours.’ He said thoughtfully and then decided to return to the matter that had brought him here. He would focus on evidence and facts, he had to.
‘I have the girl’s details. I’ll make a few discreet enquiries before deciding if and whether to take it further. The others seem to think it’s unlikely she would have just not turned up but there could be a reasonable explanation. And I’ll ask around about the ritual dolls.’
With that, Nik closed his small notebook and placed it in his pocket. The two stood up and shook hands.
As Nik turned to go, Bert stopped him.
‘Please let me know as soon as you can.’ Bert said heavily. ‘I would rather close down for a few weeks than have attention brought here. My sole aim has always been to provide a safe place for both vampires and humans. I cannot take the risk of that work being damaged.’
Nik nodded and then left. As he climbed the stairs to the outside world he considered Bert’s words. Bert was right. If the media started to take their stories beyond speculation
about ritual killings then the subsequent debates and focus by investigative journalists could put this planet back into the darkest of ages.
He reached the outside sunlight and stopped to allow his eyes to adjust. He had much work to do before returning to watch over Diana and Jewel. He just hoped that they would remain in their house where they were safe.
Chapter 14
‘What’s going on with your aura?’ Diana asked and then continued without giving Jewel time to reply. ‘Something seems to be dragging, almost tugging at it.’
‘I’ve had another letter from Monique,’ Jewel replied, unable to keep the frustration out of her voice. Ever since the gold embossed envelope had arrived she’d been attempting to shatter the compellation spell.
‘What have you tried?’ Diana asked.
‘Everything I can think of. I want to open it and read it but not as it is now. Not with a spell around it.’ Jewel sank wearily down onto the settee. Once again, somehow, Monique had been able to send a letter to her that she had only found when getting ready for bed.
Diana sat down and seemed in deep thought.
‘Any ideas?’ Jewel questioned.
‘How about logic?’ Diana offered quietly.
Jewel looked at her, willing her to continue.
‘Well, we know that you are an Attrahere,’ Diana said. ‘Everything we’ve read, or deduced, points to you being able to use your intention to attract energies like a magnet.’
‘I think it may be about the ability to repel as well,’ Jewel said thoughtfully.
‘I’m sure it is,’ Diana said. ‘But nothing would indicate that you can be summoned or compelled in any way. Quite the opposite I would say.’ Diana finished with a flourish.
‘Unless Monique is a more powerful Attrahere,’ Jewel said and frowned at the new worry.
‘Anton would have told you, or Sable would have. No. I am convinced it is a power that only you have.’
Jewel’s head cleared and, standing up, she put her hands on her hips and looked down at the letter lying on the coffee table.
What words should she use? Keep it simple. No complications. Something along the lines, her brow furrowed in concentration, something like … I am an Attrahere. I repel this spell. Immediately the unwelcome strands that had been pulling at her aura vanished and Jewel felt tiny pinpricks of energy all over her skin. It was all over in a moment and then she was clear
‘It’s gone!’ Diana said, startled.
‘But I didn’t even voice the words, just thought them,’ Jewel said, shocked.
‘Well it’s gone. Your aura’s completely clear now. In fact I’ve never seen it quite so … sparkly and shiny!’
Glancing back at the envelope, Jewel saw that it was just a plain white envelope with no trace of magic surrounding it.
‘It’s worked, Di, there’s no compulsion here. It’s just an ordinary letter now.’ She picked it up and opened the envelope. A single piece of paper fell out.
‘ “My dear Jewel,” ’ she sat down and began to read the letter aloud. ‘ “I do apologise for the brevity of our previous meeting.” ’ Jewel glanced wryly at Diana.
‘That’s putting it mildly,’ and then she continued to read.
‘ “As I mentioned at the time we had a large number of distinguished visitors arriving. I invite you to a special dinner on Saturday night in order to both celebrate your birthday and to introduce you to a small group of my friends. The address is number 46 Hall Street. Please arrive at ten o’clock in the evening.” ’ Jewel placed the letter down on the table. ‘Well!’
‘Hmm,’ Diana said thoughtfully before continuing. ‘Having met her I would be willing to place money that nothing is ever quite as it seems with Monique.’
Jewel nodded. She had to agree. And, if nothing else, the fact that Monique had surrounded the letter with a spell was suspicious.
‘Why not her own house?’ Jewel wondered out loud.
‘Maybe it belongs to one of the friends she wants to introduce you to,’ Diana said and then continued. ‘I know Hall Street. I used to give readings to people in three different houses there. Not at that number though.’
‘What are the houses like?’ Jewel asked. She had never been there; it was the opposite side of town.
‘Old. High ceilings. Cellars. The people seemed odd. I never felt comfortable. I always felt as though the whole street was on a grubby energy line. It needs a good cleansing but somehow I never plucked up courage or energy or whatever to go and clear it. I guess that speaks volumes in itself.’
Jewel sat in thought for a moment. ‘I still have questions and Monique is my birth mother. I suppose I feel let down by the brevity of the other evening. Although I don’t think that was our fault. Monique seemed thrown by us arriving. I think. Maybe we called at an inconvenient time. Perhaps it will suit her, Monique, to be in control of when and where. Oh dear. Di, I really don’t know whether to go or not.’
Diana didn’t answer but looked worried.
‘Perhaps you and Chris could come with me?’ Jewel asked and saw tears hover in Diana’s eyes. ‘Oh Di, what is it?’
‘Chris has booked a table at Dimeggio’s. He said he wanted to ask me something special. I’ll see if he can change the reservation to another night.’ Diana’s voice sounded very wobbly and then Jewel realised why.
‘Oh Di, no. Don’t do that. I am so much stronger now and it will be fine, I’m sure. I cancelled the magic around the letter after all.’
‘But Anton was so insistent that the two of us went together last time. Why would now be any different?’
Jewel stood up and went over to her sister. She knew Diana had been waiting months for Chris to set a date for the wedding. She’d said several times that he was the only man she wanted to settle down with. And Jewel also knew how much Diana wanted to start a family.
‘No Diana,’ she said firmly. ‘You mustn’t let Chris down. He must have made that booking weeks ago to get a table on a Saturday night and you’ll have a wonderful evening. You did go with me the first time. What with my new powers and strength and maybe a little extra protection…’ her voice trailed as she looked directly at Diana.
‘I know exactly what to give you,’ Diana leapt to her feet, obviously pleased to be able to help. ‘You have your pendant and the Woden egg. I shall make an oil disguised as perfume. That way you can surround yourself with it and carry a bottle with you. We’re still working with the full moon energy and that will make it even more potent.’
Nik pushed open the heavy door leading into the Leather & Burgundy club. Friday night was live band night and, as he walked in, the bar area was packed. It was just before midnight and, Nik knew, once the band took to the stage the bar would clear and he’d have quiet minutes with Bert. He waved at his friend who was busily dashing from one end of the long bar to the other ensuring the staff were serving everyone.
Nik made his way slowly through the throng towards a small table in the corner of the room. He liked that table. He could sit and observe and know that no one was behind him. At precisely midnight the band was announced and all eyes turned to the stage. Minutes later and Bert placed two glasses of burgundy on the table and sat down in the seat next to him.
‘Any news?’ Bert said and Nik knew that the absence of greeting meant that his friend had been very worried.
Nik leant towards him. He was almost completely sure that they couldn’t be overheard at this table but wanted to take no chances. ‘A member of the public, out walking his dog, found two people in the middle of a forest clearing. One was a young man, still unidentified, and the other was the young girl you were concerned about.’
Bert still had a worried look on his face. ‘Are they alive?’
‘Both had lost a huge amount of blood. The young man is serious but stable and in a coma. The girl is fine. She responded extremely well to the blood transfusion and should leave the hospital early next week.’ Nik took an appreciative sip of his wine.
‘Ha
s she said what happened? Is she speaking to journalists?’
‘I’ve spoken to her. She doesn’t want her parents to know in case they stop her coming here. That was her biggest concern and so I’m sure that she will be careful who she speaks to,’ Nik said quietly.
Bert’s face relaxed as Nik continued. ‘I am sure, from the description she gave me, that it was Monique. Unfortunately the girl refuses to do anything official. She says that she gave her consent.’
‘I’ll keep an eye on her when she next comes in here,’ Bert said.
‘She may have been made into a vampire by what happened to her.’ Nik said as quietly as he could.
‘It is the usual method,’ Bert said thoughtfully. ‘The prospective candidate is drained of blood to the point of death. I doubt that was the intention here though.’
Nik felt a heaviness clutch at his heart and glanced around the room. ‘We never know whether there has to be intention or not. If she displays any tendencies, Bert, let me know.’
‘Have you looked into the hanging dolls?’ Bert said quietly.
Nik nodded. ‘Yes and you were right. It was engineered to throw us off the scent. I am certain that Monique and her right hand man, Elijah, are behind all of the killings. The Tappers, the bell ringers and the attempted murders of the two people we found this morning. Probably other older cases that I’ve been looking at too. I suspect the dolls were planted to throw us all off balance.’
Bert had a puzzled look on his face. ‘If Monique was behind it all, how did an ordinary member of the public find the two victims? Monique, even Elijah, would have cloaked them.’
Nik breathed a sigh of relief. This, at least was easy to answer. ‘The dog that found them is a retired guide dog. Her owner said that, although she has arthritis, she hasn’t lost any of her heightened senses. She was off her lead and free to roam around. By the time her owner reached the clearing, the two victims were visible.’
‘The power of the animal spirit.’ Bert said quietly and Nik nodded.
