Baited Blood (A Madison Rose Vampire Mystery)

by Sue Ann Jaffarian

  “None. The last thing Keleta remembers before coming to at the pool was going to bed—with her, I might add.”

  Samuel took off his glasses and stared at Madison. “She bedded him, then tried to kill him?”

  “That’s what he remembers.”

  Samuel turned toward the front and blew out a gust of air. “Man, that’s cold. Even for a vampire.”

  “How could that happen? Do you think she drugged the blood he drank? Is that possible to do to a vampire?”

  Samuel went silent for a moment. When he spoke, it was in a low voice, despite the partition. “Have you ever heard of the plant called bloodroot?”

  Madison shook her head but gave him her full attention.

  “It’s a flowering plant found almost entirely in the eastern part of North America from Canada to Florida. Sap extracted from its root resembles blood. While it can be toxic to humans, for vampires it’s more of a knock-out drug. It can be administered by adding the sap to our food source or by distilling it into a liquid to be used much like chloroform.”

  “Does Dodie know this?”

  “Of course. She even stocks it in her medicine bag. Had Keleta been unruly the day you fished him out of the pool, she no doubt would have administered it to him.”

  “So you think that’s what Lady used to drug Keleta?”

  Samuel shrugged. “Hard to tell. For all we know, there might be other substances that can do the same thing, but in all my years I’ve only heard of bloodroot—and only in the past few hundred years. Because its growth is not widespread, most vampires in the world have no idea about it.”

  “And it won’t kill a vampire, not even a large dose?”

  Samuel turned fully toward Madison and fixed his eyes on her. “There are only three ways to kill a vampire, Madison. Do you know what they are?”

  She nodded. “A stake or hole all the way through the heart.” She ticked the answer off on one of her fingers. “Beheading.” Another finger snapped to attention. “And fire.” A third finger straightened, completing the trilogy. “Dodie told me.”

  “Drugging would certainly explain why Keleta remembers nothing.”

  “Wasn’t he also drugged when he was kidnapped and branded?”

  Samuel worked the information around, trying to make connections. “Hmmm, seems this Lady is quite handy with pharmaceuticals. More importantly, I’d wager she’s originally from America or has spent a great deal of time here if she knows about bloodroot.”

  He looked back at Madison. “And what about this Parker fellow? Did Keleta have anything to say about that?”

  “Keleta has no idea why Parker ended up dead. In fact, it sounded as if he was one of Lady’s favorites.”

  Silence filled the car’s interior again while Samuel thought further about what Madison had told him.

  “And he’s sure this Lady creature isn’t Ann Hayes?”

  “He’s positive. He did say that Lady was younger than Ann, and while she also has red hair, it’s much lighter in color.”

  “Tomorrow, why don’t you fill Mike Notchey in on Parker and this castle building. Let’s see if he can provide any clues.”

  “I’m way ahead of you. I called him while you were saying goodbye to Keleta. I asked him to meet me for a run in the morning.”

  “Good.”

  “You know,” Madison began, putting her own thoughts in order like cans on a shelf. “If Ann Hayes isn’t the one branding these guys, maybe she’s being set up, like she suggested at the meeting. Maybe someone knows she has bad blood with the Dedhams and is making it look like Ann’s guilty.”

  “It’s a very good possibility. With her arrogance and past history, I’m sure she has a lot of enemies.”

  Samuel’s cell phone rang. He glanced at it, then pressed a button to stop the ringing. He turned his attention back to Madison. “Tell me what you think of Keleta.”

  “Before or after he grabbed my boob?”

  Samuel threw her a look that let her know his question wasn’t a joke.

  “I thought Ricky and Byron provided that feedback,” said Madison, not giving him a direct answer.

  “They do, but I’m interested in your opinion. Keleta opened up to you, probably because you’re about the same age.”

  “Which is why you brought me along, isn’t it?”

  “One of the reasons.”

  Madison gave it some quick but serious thought. “I like Keleta. Once we got over the consort misunderstanding and started talking about being a vampire and what happened to him, I could tell he was very disturbed and worried about his future. He’s also worried about his family and the pain they’ve suffered not knowing what happened to him.” She turned in the seat to look directly at Samuel. “Did you know Keleta was planning on becoming a doctor before this happened? A doctor, just like his father.”

  “He mentioned something about that to Ricky.”

  “It’s so tragic.” Madison sniffed and turned away so Samuel couldn’t see the tears welling in her eyes. “Keleta had his whole life ahead of him. A super family—loving parents and two brothers. And now that’s all gone.” She paused to swallow the lump in her throat. “You’ve all lost so much, even if you do get to live forever.” She thought about Parker. “Well, it seems like you live forever.”

  “Even the living lose. Look at yourself, Madison. You lost your mother and your innocence, and at a much younger age than most of us become vampires.”

  As usual, Samuel was right. Losing opportunities and loved ones was a part of life. It sucked, but that didn’t make it any less of an occurrence.

  They were driving along Sunset Boulevard toward Pacific Coast Highway, heading back to Topanga. Classical music played softly from the car’s sound system. As the Mercedes sped along the curving road past very expensive real estate, Madison wondered how best to broach the delicate topic on her mind.

  “Out with it, Madison,” said Samuel, interrupting her thoughts. “Tell me what’s on your mind.”

  She huffed in frustration. “Why don’t I just let you read my mind and save us both a lot of embarrassment?”

  “Because it amuses me to see you squirm.” He flashed her a smirk. “Besides, nothing embarrasses me, and it would be good for you to learn not to be, as well.”

  “It’s just that this is rather personal. Not for me, but for Keleta.”

  “That it is.”

  “Dammit.” Madison stamped her foot on the floor of the car. “See, you already know what I’m going to say, so don’t make me say it.”

  “Like I said, it amuses me.”

  Seeing she was not going to win the argument, which was one-sided to begin with, Madison forged ahead. “Like I told you, Keleta hit on me when we were together.”

  Samuel stared straight ahead, at least giving her some privacy from his prying eyes. But he still kept a smile plastered on his face. “Are you having second thoughts about rejecting his advances?”

  “No, I’m not.” Her tone punctuated her words.

  “He is a good-looking lad.”

  “Still, I am not having second thoughts.”

  “Fine, then. Continue.”

  Madison wanted to ball up a fist and hit Samuel out of frustration. But he would only laugh that off, too. Her only path of action was to push on with her thoughts or forget about them entirely. “Okay, you win.”

  “I usually do.”

  Again, she fought the urge to pummel him with her ineffective fists.

  Madison took a deep breath before beginning. “I think Keleta should go out on a date.”

  “A date?” Samuel looked at her, his amusement nearly neon in its intensity. “As in bringing a girl flowers and taking her to a movie?” He was toying with her, and they both knew it.

  “Keleta needs to get laid.” There it was, nice and blunt. “And I don’t think Byron and Ricky are the ones to handle that.”

  “I’m sure they could provide him with a suitable companion.”

  “I’m sure they
could, too.” Her irritation level was climbing, making it more difficult to put into words what she was trying to say. “But that seems so … so clinical. From talking to Keleta, sex seems to be one of the few things he enjoyed from his early days of being a vampire. I think if he saw his new vampire life could be much more rewarding and stable but still contain that one enjoyable part from before, he might be more relaxed about … well … the adjustment.”

  Samuel wiped the smirk off his face and replaced it with curiosity. “Interesting theory.”

  Curling one leg under her, Madison twisted in her seat to face him. “Right now you have two very settled, middle-aged guys teaching him how to be a vampire.” She held up both hands. “Don’t get me wrong. I think Ricky and Byron are super, and they seem to be doing a great job helping Keleta. But because he’s so young, I think Keleta needs more than that. I think he needs to go out and have some fun—blow off steam like other horny guys his age. And it’s not just the sex. He needs to go dancing, to movies, play sports—all the usual things a guy of twenty-two would do. Even dating. Keleta needs to see that even as a vampire, his life, though bizarre, can still be somewhat normal.”

  “So, you think we’re normal?”

  “I think you all work hard at being as normal as possible.”

  Samuel adjusted in his seat and stared out the window for what seemed like a long time. Madison let him digest what she’d just said. When he turned back to look at her, he said, “I think you’ve made an excellent point, Madison.”

  She was pleased that her idea was well received. “I think Colin should handle that part of Keleta’s adjustment. He’d be perfect at it.”

  Samuel gave it a bit more thought. “I think Colin is an excellent choice. He knows all the hip clubs and activities. And while he’s at it, he can take you with them.”

  Madison frowned. “Are you that determined to pimp me out to Keleta?”

  Samuel’s laugh was as thick and rich as fine coffee. “No, not at all. It’s just that Keleta isn’t the only one who needs to be shown the fun, young side of life.”

  “I have fun,” she protested.

  “Uh-huh.” Samuel took out his cell phone and started sending a text message to someone. “I’m sending Colin a message that you have something important to discuss with him about Keleta.”

  “Me?” Madison’s mouth fell open in protest. “That’s your department. You’re the head vampire. I’m just an assistant—a peon beater.”

  “It’s your idea and a very good one. Take responsibility for it.” Samuel read an incoming message.

  Madison leaned over to try to read the display. “That was fast.”

  “Colin wants to know what time is good for you tomorrow, early in the evening or later?” Samuel glanced at her. “I suggest early. If Colin wants to take Keleta out tomorrow night, there will still be plenty of time after you speak to him.”

  Madison leaned against the back of the leather car seat and crossed her arms in front of her in a sullen display. “Tell him tomorrow, after he rises.”

  “Done.” After a pause, Samuel relayed to her Colin’s next response. “He says to come by his place around seven.”

  “His place?”

  “You know where it is, don’t you?”

  “You know I do.”

  Samuel punched his device, sending the confirmation off to Colin on the other end. “There, it’s all set. His place will give the two of you more privacy for such a delicate chat.”

  Madison thought Samuel seemed way too pleased with himself, and it bugged her.

  When they arrived at the Dedhams’ home, Hyun opened the car door for them. Samuel slipped on his sunglasses and got out first. He offered his hand to Madison, helping her out of the car. He was like that—a frustrating tease one moment, an elegant gentleman the next. He walked her to the door, passing Madison’s car, which was parked in the circular drive.

  “You need a new car,” Samuel told her.

  Madison studied her car. She’d picked it up in Idaho before moving to LA. It was over ten years old, with enough dings and dents to give its finish a pimply look. It ran well enough if she kept watch over it. It had been cheap, and she’d paid cash for it. “Nothing wrong with the one I have.”

  Samuel wasn’t convinced. “You need something more dependable and fitting your position with the council.”

  “I’ve already overhauled my wardrobe at your bidding.”

  “Yes, Colin told me that the two of you went shopping recently. He has quite an eye for the latest fashion, doesn’t he?” He ran his eyes up and down Madison’s usual jeans and sweater. “Though I haven’t seen much evidence of your shopping spree.”

  “Hardly seems necessary to drag out the new stuff when I’m just hanging out or going to school.”

  His eyes moved back to the car. “Why don’t you pick out something you like and let me know. The council will cover it.”

  “I can afford a new car if I want one, Samuel. You guys pay me very well, and the Dedhams refuse to let me pay room and board.”

  “The council will still pay for the car, and you can continue squirreling your money away.” Samuel turned serious. “As I’ve told you before, Madison, vampires never know when they must disappear. If that happens, you need to be prepared to start over.” His demeanor changed back to playful. “I do hope you’re not still keeping your money in a tampon box.”

  Madison shook her head, remembering how she used to do that before coming to the Dedhams’ home. Hiding money was a habit she’d developed from years of foster care, when she didn’t know when or where she would be moved. Years of distrust had been layered one on top of the other like a lopsided cake.

  “No. Doug has invested the money I had left from my great aunt Eleanor, and I’m building a healthy bank account thanks to my job with the council. Though I still keep ready cash, just as I’m sure you do.” She fixed him with a knowing eye.

  He smiled at her accurate assumption. He did have a sizeable stash ready to move with him at a moment’s notice. All smart vampires did.

  “Samuel,” Madison began just before she pulled out her door keys, “is Keleta going to make it? I mean, will he be able to live as a vampire, or will he be … you know … terminated?”

  Under the outside light, Samuel took her left hand, bent over it, and kissed her knuckles. “You have such a tender heart, Madison Rose. Tough and tender, that’s you.” Continuing to hold on to her hand, he said, “It’s still early, but both Byron and Ricky seem to think the boy is salvageable and could have a lot to offer the vampire community in time.”

  Madison gave a noticeable sigh of relief. “I’m glad.”

  Samuel turned her hand over and studied the palm, running an index finger over her plain and solitary lifeline. When he looked up at her, a wide grin spread across his face like freshly hung laundry.

  “Too bad you don’t have a bloodline, Madison. You’d make an excellent vampire.”

  TEN

  M

  ike Notchey picked Madison up at six forty-five for their run. Madison had crawled out of bed at six thirty.

  “Long night?” he asked as soon as they were on their way.

  “Yeah.” Madison buckled her seat belt and slouched in the seat. “Got home around one. Bed by one thirty. An early night by council standards.”

  “We could have skipped the run. I could have met up with you later to get the scoop.”

  “The run energizes me, and I do okay on five hours of sleep.”

  Notchey half laughed. “Tell me that in another ten years—even in five.”

  On the way to the trail, Madison got him up to speed about Keleta.

  “You have any ideas about this ‘castle’?” Madison asked just as they were getting out of the car and warming up.

  “Not off the top of my head, but I’ll look into it. I do know of a place up in Glendora that looks like a castle, but I doubt that’s it.”

  “And,” she added, “Samuel wants to get me a new
car. Any idea what model I should get? I’m thinking a hybrid of some kind.”

  Notchey grunted.

  They ran in silence, with Notchey keeping a better pace with her than before. He was quickly getting used to the hilly trail. When they returned to the parking lot, Madison didn’t have to wait for him. He’d arrived with her, though puffing harder and sweating more.

  “Nice work, Notchey. I didn’t have to leave you in the dust today.”

  He produced a water bottle, twisted the top off, and handed it to her. “Pretty soon, I’ll be waiting on you.”

  She took a drink. “I doubt it, old man.” She giggled and shook her water at him, splashing it in his face.

  “ ‘Old man’ ?”

  Notchey grabbed for the bottle, but Madison quickly twisted it out of his reach. She followed the movement back around, hitting his head with another spray of water.

  “So that’s how it is,” he said with a grin.

  Using both hands, Notchey playfully made a grab for the bottle, but Madison deftly hopped out of his reach. After folding himself into a slight crouch, he leapt at her with surprising agility, trapping her against the front fender of the car. He grabbed the water bottle and tipped it over her head, with her own hand still grasped around it.

  “Old man, my ass.” Notchey laughed and released the bottle. He didn’t move away but kept her pressed against the car.

  Madison shook her head, soggy and chilly in the morning air, sending a small spray at Notchey. They were both laughing when Notchey clutched her waist in his hands and brought his mouth down hard on hers. Dropping the plastic bottle, Madison grasped his shoulders in her hands and responded.

  Ignoring the early morning cold that nipped their sweaty bodies like fire ants, they kissed deeply before Notchey pulled back. He stared into her face as if seeing a stranger, then broke away from her. Without a word, he opened the passenger door for her and started around the car to the driver’s side.

  Madison walked the few steps to the passenger side but didn’t get in. “What’s going on, Mike?”

  He didn’t look at her. “You’re cold and wet. I need to get you home.”

  “Oh, no.” Her voice was thick with hurt and aborted passion. “I’m not buying that. Every time we get close, you do this. You break it off and act like I have a contagious disease.”