by Ashlyn Chase
The researcher was trying not to answer. When he opened his mouth to speak, he slapped his own hand over his mouth and mumbled.
Sly shook the younger kid, who purposely diverted his eyes.
“Mmm…this one smells good, and I’m kind of hungry. Are you hungry, Anthony?”
“Famished. Do you mind sharing? He might be tasty, but you’ll probably be hungry an hour from now.”
The guy shivered.
Sly and Nick chuckled. At last, Nick approached the researcher who was still mesmerized and pulled the man’s hand away from his mouth. He clasped both of the researcher’s hands behind his back and cuffed him with a zip tie. He did the same with the kid, despite his attempt to resist.
“Okay. Let’s try this again. What’s the code to the large glass cell?” Nick asked.
“It changes every day,” said the mesmerized researcher. “The computer randomly selects a new number and gives it to us each day.”
Nick poked the man with his gun. “Then go ask the computer what the damn code is.”
“I can’t type with my hands tied.”
“Fine. Tell George how to do it. And by the way, what’s your name?”
“Dr. Grant.”
“Interesting. Which brings us to another question. Where did you get the grant money to do this research?”
“A pharmaceutical company.”
The paranormals all glanced at each other, confused.
“Not the government?” Kurt asked.
“No. It was a private company.”
Nick crossed his arms. “What did they intend to do with us?”
“They wanted to know if paranormal fluids, organs, or brain tissue could be made into drugs to give people better lives.”
Anthony wanted to drop the guy on the floor. Sure. It sounded like a noble cause, but at what expense? Killing some to give others their abilities? Would these researchers feel the same way if the study involved human beings who just happened to be extra strong and healthy?
Nick growled.
“You’d better get that code soon, George,” Kurt called out. “Or I think someone might eat your coworker.”
“Should I do it, Dr. Grant?”
“No!” the Asian kid shouted. “If you let them open the cage, we’ll have even more pissed-off shifters out here.”
Anthony caught Dr. Grant’s gaze again. “You don’t have a choice. I’m going to free your hands, and you’re going to go to your computer. You will not only retrieve the code, but also print out every bit of information you have. That includes contracts, bank accounts, personnel files, and shift notes. I want to know every single thing that has gone on here—right from the day you decided to open this hellhole. After that, you’ll delete it all.”
***
Claudia arrived at the tea room a few minutes late. She’d had to get home and take a shower before going to work, and the subway from Brookline to Arlington Street seemed to take forever. She’d call and thank Gaye’s sister later, or maybe send flowers or a fruit basket. Or a thank-you card. Yeah, no one was ever allergic to cards—as long as her friend Bliss, the creator of Hall-Snark cards, didn’t make them.
When she walked in, a few customers were already enjoying breakfast.
Angie looked up. “Hey, Claudia. How are you feeling?”
“Uh…feeling? Fine. Why?”
Angie met her by the cash register. “Anthony said you weren’t feeling well yesterday. Isn’t that why he worked during the day for you?”
“Oh, yeah. I’m fine now. Just a twenty-four-hour bug.”
Angie lowered her voice and whispered behind her hand. “Are you sure it wasn’t honeymoon cystitis?”
Claudia rolled her eyes. “Positive. I need to do something in the office. I’ll be out in a minute.”
Try as she might, Claudia couldn’t get Anthony out of her head. Apparently she was hopelessly in love with a vampire, and there was nothing to be done about it.
She placed her purse in one of the desk’s locked drawers and pocketed the keys. She thought about how Anthony trusted her so completely with his business. Not just the tea room, but the bar before that. She’d paid back his trust with loyalty, hadn’t she? Yesterday was the first time in over five years that she’d left him in the lurch.
And I’m supposedly recovering from irresponsible behavior, she chided herself.
Well, the only thing she could do was get back to handling her responsibilities as quickly as possible. She’d do a fast inventory of the shelved items and see if Chris needed anything.
She no sooner stepped out of the office than the bells above the door jingled.
Maynard. Just who I don’t want to see. It was too late to duck behind the register. He’d spotted her and was pointing at her.
“You and I need to have a talk,” he said.
She let out a long sigh. “I don’t suppose I can defer, can I?”
“No. You really can’t. There’s something important I have to tell you.”
She thought about refusing again, but the tea room had customers. A public argument was never a good idea.
“Angie, I’ll be in the office. Knock if you need any help. Seriously. Anything at all.”
Angie glanced at Maynard, probably recognizing the troublemaker from the other night. “Same goes, boss. If you need me, I’m right here.”
Claudia smiled. How lucky was she to have Angie? The girl was not only a terrific employee, but one who genuinely cared about Claudia as a person.
She escorted Maynard into the office and shut the door. Instead of sitting in the chair beside him, which would put them on equal footing, she purposely sat behind the desk. This was her territory, and he’d better remember it.
“Claudia, I want to warn you about something…as an old friend. I realize you’re taken, and this has nothing to do with trying to get you back.”
She nodded. “Go on.”
“This place…” He gestured with an open palm, indicating in the whole room. “Where you work…”
“Yeah. What about it?”
“It’s paranormal central. You do know what paranormal means, don’t you?”
Patronizing as usual. “Yes. I’m aware of the term and its meaning.”
“But did you know paranormal beings exist? Vampires and shapeshifters of all varieties live in and around the city.”
Should she act surprised? Mother Nature didn’t want her talking about this with anyone but Anthony. Somehow, she couldn’t give Maynard the satisfaction of being the first to bring this shocking news to her attention. So, she folded her arms. “What of it?”
He paused, obviously examining her reaction. When she didn’t give him one, he cleared his throat. “I don’t think you understand. I work in a research lab studying such creatures. They’re extremely dangerous.”
She sighed.
“Claudia! Are you listening to me?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
Maynard leaned forward and pounded his fist on her desk. “You need to leave. Get out of here. Right”—pound—“fucking”—pound—“now!”
“And just leave my staff and customers with these supposedly dangerous creatures?”
“Ever heard of self-preservation?”
“Yes. I’m familiar with that term too, but sometimes the world isn’t as black and white as you seem to believe it is.”
“Look.” He dug a piece of equipment out of his pocket. “This registers paranormal activity, and the other night when I was here with my friends, it went nuts.”
“I’m sorry your equipment was defective. Maybe it’s the number of electronic devices in the area. Beacon Hill is a tiny area with a large population.”
“No. That’s not it. My meter wasn’t defective. It was registering some disturbing facts. For instance, your boyfriend is a p
aranormal. I’ve been trying to warn you away from him ever since that night.” He leaned back in his chair again. “But you haven’t been around.”
“Maynard, I have a business to run. Thank you for stopping by and delivering your message. I’ll take it under advisement.”
“Take it under advisement? Claud, this isn’t a decision to ponder. I told you. You need to get out of here.”
The ugly nickname made her wince. “And I have the right to decide what I need. Right now, I need you to leave.” She rose, ready to walk out and resume her work, leaving him exactly where he was, if she had to.
He leaped to his feet. “For God’s sake. What’s the matter with you? Haven’t you ever heard any of the vampire legends? How about werewolves? Guess what, dear. They’re true. And tonight’s the full moon.”
“Guess what, Maynard. I’m not your dear. And I’ve lived through many full moons right in this very spot. Now run along.” She waved her hand in a sweeping, dismissive gesture. She was being patronizing, yes, but she wanted him to know what it felt like.
His mouth hung open and he didn’t look like he was planning to leave, so she did. She even closed the door behind her.
Anthony came breezing into the tea room, saw Claudia and rushed to her, sweeping her off her feet. His lips captured hers in the mother of all passionate kisses. She twined her fingers in his hair and breathed in the scent that was her Anthony. He tasted a little bit like wine, but at the moment, she didn’t care. He tasted more like love.
Maynard stepped out of the office just as Anthony was setting her on her feet. He glanced up and his eyes narrowed.
“Excuse me, Claudia,” Anthony said. “I need a word with your friend.”
“He’s not my friend anymore.”
Maynard tried to skirt around them, but Anthony placed himself between the researcher and the door. He stared at the weasel and said, “You’re going to come into the office with me and listen to what I have to say.”
Claudia was surprised to see Maynard follow Anthony into the office like an obedient dog.
***
Anthony told Maynard to sit, and the mesmerized researcher did immediately.
“I have a few things to tell you. First of all, the research facility in which you worked has taken on a whole new direction. You no longer study paranormal abilities. In fact, you and your colleagues scoff at the idea of paranormals. You’ve disproved their existence altogether.
“Your grant is now funding a whole new area of research. You and everyone you work with are planning to build ultra-realistic sex dolls.
“You use robotics, as well as your expertise in computer technology and biophysics. All of you will learn a great deal about plastics and manufacturing in the coming months. You’re working with a model named Ruxandra to make sure you get it right.
“The pharmaceutical company is no longer funding your group. I am. You will report your progress to me via email. Do you understand all of this?”
Maynard nodded.
“Any questions?”
Maynard shook his head woodenly.
“Good. You’d better get back to work. Your coworkers are drawing up plans and making lists of what they need as we speak. You enjoyed your short visit with your old girlfriend, but you’ve achieved closure. You don’t need to bother her again.”
“Yes. I should get to work,” Maynard said.
“That’s right.” Anthony rose and buttoned his suit jacket. “You enjoy your job and can’t wait to get there.”
Maynard walked out of the office without a backward glance. Smiling, he practically skipped out the front door and down the stairs to the sidewalk.
Anthony found Claudia behind the register, writing down the names of the prepackaged teas they needed to order.
“Wow. He looked like he couldn’t wait to get out of here. What did you say to him?”
“I’ll tell you all about it later. We’ll have to wait until we’re alone tonight. After closing, we’re having a celebration for Tory.”
Angie rushed over. “Did I hear you say something about Tory?”
Anthony smiled. “Yes. We found him. He’s alive and well.”
“Oh, thank God!” Angie laid her order pad over her heart. “When can I see him?”
“Right now he’s calling his family to put their minds at ease. He said he’ll stop by to see you as soon as he’s had a shower and changed his clothes.”
Tears welled up in Angie’s eyes. “I can’t believe how long I took him for granted. He was always so good to us. Especially me. I felt safe whenever he was around. I’ve missed him so much.”
“Be sure to tell him that when you see him.”
“Don’t worry,” she said, grinning. “I will.”
As Angie returned to the table she’d been waiting on, Claudia sidled up to Anthony and whispered in his ear. “I have a few things to tell you too.”
He turned and kissed her again. This time, it was just a peck since they were in the workplace, but it felt wonderful to touch his lips to hers anyway. “I hope it’s good news.”
“It is.”
“Do you have to keep me in suspense? Maybe you can give me the Cliffs Notes version.”
“I love you, Anthony. I’ve changed my mind about a lot of things over the past two days, but that’s one thing that’s been unshakable.”
“You don’t know how happy I am to hear that.”
***
Later, Claudia flipped the Closed sign over and turned the lights down low. She and Angie were preparing the tea room for Tory’s welcome-home party. Meanwhile, Anthony was in the office tallying up the day’s receipts.
Claudia knew there would be some paranormals among the guests, but she didn’t know who or what they were. She was determined not to let her nerves get the better of her. Maynard had told her enough to worry her, but Anthony had again promised she’d be safe.
He had also warned her not to let Angie know—about anything. Claudia couldn’t help wondering why.
All the tables were pushed together and Chris had baked a cake. Angie was setting the last place when the door opened. They weren’t expecting guests for another hour, and Claudia thought she’d have to shoo out a customer who was ignoring the sign.
Tory stepped in and Angie dashed over to him, jumping into his arms. He caught her easily, and they hugged each other like neither one would ever let go.
Claudia couldn’t help smiling as she witnessed the happy homecoming. “Um. I’ll just step into the office for a few minutes,” she said.
Neither one of them looked her way.
She closed the office door behind her and pulled a chair around the desk so she could whisper to Anthony. She knew enough about paranormals to realize they had superior hearing.
“Why can’t Angie know about Tory? What does she think happened to him?”
Anthony laid down his pen and took Claudia’s hands in his.
“Promise you won’t get mad?”
“Mad? Why would I—Oh. You think I’ll react badly if you insult Angie.”
“No.” He took a deep breath. “You already reacted badly.”
“Huh?”
“The incident I’m going to tell you about happened a year ago. You don’t remember it because…well, Kurt and Sly took care of that.”
Her eyes widened. “You mean my memory was erased? The same way you said you could erase memories if you had to?”
“Yes. Are you sure you want me to tell you more?”
“Are you kidding? You’d better tell me all of it now.”
He looked like he was trying to stifle a smile. “When Brandee and Angie lived together, Angie overheard a conversation between Brandee and Nick. He was trusting his girlfriend at the time with sensitive information but didn’t realize her best friend and roommate was hearing every word. Well
, Angie went a little nuts. She disappeared for a night, and when she returned, she’d made a decision to break her promise to Brandee and tell you all about it.”
“Me?”
“Yes. She felt that as the manager, you needed to know the bar had paranormal patrons. She even outed me.”
“Oh!”
“Yeah. Well, you called an emergency staff meeting and asked who else knew about this. Apparently you weren’t convinced Angie was in her right mind, but you were willing to hear her out and see if there was anything to it.”
“That sounds like me.”
“Yes. And it’s one of the things that makes you a great manager. However, one of the waitresses freaked out and went screaming out of the office, telling everyone in the bar that vampires and werewolves were invading Boston.”
“Let me guess. Robin?”
“Yes.” He chuckled.
“And that’s funny, because…”
“Well, because the damage control was successful. Believe me, if it hadn’t been contained, I wouldn’t be laughing about it. I might not even be here. Remember my so-called business partner?”
Claudia tossed her hair over one shoulder and couldn’t wait to show Anthony how well she was able to handle the paranormal. Telepathically, she said, Oh. You mean Mother Nature?
Anthony’s jaw dropped. “You know about Gaia?”
Yes. She visited me last night. We had a very interesting conversation. That’s one of the things I was going to tell you about later.
He took a moment to recover and she couldn’t help gloating a little bit inside. See darling? I may be handling the paranormal end of things better than you think.
“I should say so. What did Gaia tell you?”
Just that I shouldn’t talk about the paranormal with anyone but you. She made me pinkie swear.
Anthony laughed out loud. “Pinkie swear? Really?”
Claudia sat up straight. “Yeah. She understood I’d have to confide in someone, and she said I could talk to you…but never to let anyone else overhear us. Now I know why.”
“Wow. I guess she must really like you. She threatened to leave me stranded high in the Alps if I told anyone.”
