A Vampire's Reckoning, page 16
part #2 of Stone Masters Vampire Series
She banged furiously upon the door begging to be let out. In my confusion I was tempted to finish her off, just to have some quiet. Both of us welcomed the sound of the key turning in the door. Orpheus entered.
She ran to him. “Why the hell did you lock me in here with him? He actually thinks he is a vampire,” she slurred.
“For real?” Orpheus said.
“Yes!”
“Gill, you’re pretty stoned right now.”
Gill freaked. “I’m not. Don’t you pull that shit on me.”
“You mean he really thinks he’s a . . .”
“That’s what I’m fucking saying.”
“No, you see if he were a real vampire, you’d be dead.”
“Look what he did to my neck.” She pulled back her hair revealing two deep fang marks. “He’s insane.”
Orpheus reached for Gill’s locks and held them away from her pale neck just long enough for me to catch a glimpse of her veins.
Torture.
“Well I do believe we are making progress,” Orpheus said.
Gill staggered. “What the fuck are you talking—”
“Enough with the cursing. Can’t you see we have a lord in our company?”
Gill watched him approach me. He knelt close and leaned in. “Jade, you have lost far too much blood. Come on, why deny what you are?”
I struggled. “I will not.”
“I understand your conflict,” he whispered. “Perhaps if you were to consider drinking from me?”
Orpheus turned his attention once more to Gill, who stood at the doorway ready to bolt.
“Gill, come here,” Orpheus said.
She approached, taking the key he offered her.
“Go and lock the door. I can’t have him thinking this is normal.”
“What are you going to do?” She swayed uneasily.
“A lesson is required, to ensure that . . .”
“He can’t attack people for real.”
“Good point, well presented.”
“Fuck you, Orpheus.” Gill peered down at the large key.
I rallied my fading strength. “Gillian, you must leave this room now.”
“What? And miss all the fun?” Orpheus glared at her. “I’m waiting.”
Nervously she did as he requested.
Orpheus pulled the hair away from Gill’s throat. “Good girl. Let me see your neck again. I really cannot believe—”
“Orpheus, you left me in here with a complete psycho.”
“Did you finish the coke I gave you?”
“I had to have something to keep me sane,” she said.
“So right now your blood is laced with . . .”
“Yeah, so?”
“Come closer.” He ran his fingers over the puncture wounds. “You have such beautiful skin, it’s a shame. Still, your friends will be impressed.”
She pushed his hand away. “I just hope it doesn’t leave a fucking scar!”
“Oh, those marks won’t. Jadeon’s far too much of a gentleman, but that’s where he and I differ. I am his polar opposite, and my bite always leaves a mark.”
Helpless, I witnessed her shocking attack.
Orpheus possessed her. Gill’s gaze locked with mine, a pleading stare that went unanswered. My tears welled and blurred the vision of her slipping to the floor, dead.
Orpheus overpowered me. He bit his wrist and pressed it against my lips. The taste of blood offered no comfort. Instinctively I sucked, lost in needed rapture. I shared Orpheus’s thoughts of Catherine. Unwilling to let her go I grasped his wrist. Together we lay on the stone floor, panting as our hearts pounded.
The cocaine’s unforgiving hold ravaged on and took me with it.
* * * *
I awoke in blackness.
Where the bloody hell am I?
The deafening noise of a television roused me, the channels changing frantically. I pried my eyes open and was startled to see Alex holding the remote control. I was back in my suite at the Savoy with no recollection how I had gotten there.
“I didn’t know you ordered takeout,” Alex said.
I pulled the sheet covers up and over my thumping head. I had failed. I had to go back.
Alex tugged on the bed sheet. “Oh good, you’re awake. Look. Jadeon, see how amazing this is.”
I peeked over the bed covers. Alex was mesmerized with the television. It was wise not to tell him just yet. I wondered how long before I would find the strength to return.
Pain everywhere, which settled in my head. “If you turn it off right now we’ll get one for every room in the castle,” I said.
“You don’t look too good.”
“Alex, the TV.”
He turned it off. “What happened to you?”
“I drank bad blood.”
“How so?”
“Drugs,” I said simply.
“What kind?”
“Too many questions, Alex.”
“I read in Cosmopolitan that it’s easy to become addicted.”
“Thank you for your comforting words. And that’s a girl’s magazine. You cannot read that stuff. You have to read GQ. You’ll be the death of me.”
Alex laughed.
“Do you hear that?” I jumped out of bed and pulled on my robe.
“I told you there’s a guest waiting for you in the lounge.”
“Takeout? That’s not funny. Who is it?”
“Some girl.” Alex opened the door. “Hey, come in.”
I quickly gestured to him. “Wait.”
Ingrid appeared at the door. “Hello, Jadeon, I . . . didn’t know you had company.” She stepped into the room and squinted. “It’s pretty dark in here.”
“Ingrid, how wonderful to see you!” I forced out.
She was as lovely as I had remembered her and she was wearing that familiar perfume. She was dressed in blue jeans, white shirt, and a black leather jacket, her hair tied up behind her head.
Coco Chanel, Alex conveyed telepathically.
How the hell do you know that? I replied in kind. On the other hand, please don’t tell me.
I had to guard my thoughts more carefully.
Heavy-lined curtains omitted most of the light. I reached over to the table lamp and flicked it on. Ingrid glanced at the ruffled sheets on the four-poster bed which not so long ago she had slept in herself.
She blushed, self-conscious that Alex stared at her. “Is this is a bad time?” she asked.
“No.” I read her suspicious mind as she eyed Alex. “He’s my brother. I mean, Ingrid, this is Alex, my younger brother. We grew up together.”
Alex smiled.
“Hello Alex, I am pleased to meet you. I’ve heard such wonderful things about you.”
“All bad, I hope. May I offer you something?” He ignored my glare.
“No thank you. I can’t stay long. I wanted to drop this off for you, Jadeon. It’s a small gesture to thank you for dinner and of course the dress, and the wonderful evening.” Pulling a small box of chocolates and a card from her bag, she handed it to me.
“Thank you, Ingrid, Cadbury’s chocolate. It’s our favorite.” My stomach growled in response to the aroma of the rich chocolate. “You really shouldn’t have. Would you like one?”
She declined.
I shoved the chocolates in a drawer in the writing table. In response to her subtle reaction, I fibbed. “Alex will only go and eat them all.”
“Yummy,” Alex said.
“Alex, will you give us a moment, please?” I gestured to the large couch.
He sat and pretended to scan the limited reading material on the coffee table. I guided Ingrid through the arched wall and into the lounge.
“Are you not feeling well?” she asked. “You look a little rough.”
“I . . . drank too much last night. My own fault.”
“Hair of the dog often helps.”
“Excuse me?”
“Another drink,” she said.
“Yes, of course. No, it’s better I stay away from . . .”
I was disturbed to pick up more of Alex’s thoughts. He was considering a visit to Belshazzar’s and I had no idea he even knew the place even existed.
“Water is probably a better idea,” Ingrid said.
“Yes, right.”
Alex appeared at the archway. “You were at Belshazzar’s last night? Why didn’t you tell me you saw him?”
I glanced at Ingrid. “Alex, this is not a good time.”
“Catherine?” Alex said.
“We’ll discuss this later, Alex. When did he come to you?” I was shocked to sense this. I responded to Ingrid’s quizzical expression. “It’s brother stuff.”
“Belshazzar’s. That’s that club Mr. Teddington mentioned in the gallery.”
“It’s members only.” I hoped this would put her off.
“Sounds alluring,” she said.
“It’s not. I highly recommend avoiding the place.”
“Why?”
I thought carefully. “Because—”
“I was going to tell you, eventually,” Alex said. “When were you going to tell me?”
“Alex, this is hardly the time,” I said.
Alex frowned.
I sighed. “Alex, I had every intention . . .”
“Where is it again?” Ingrid said.
“It’s a very seedy place. The crowd is sinister and the food is . . .”
“I specialize in sinister.” She studied me.
“Ingrid, I’m not asking you to stay away from Belshazzar’s, I’m telling you.”
The last thing I needed was the thought of her snooping around Orpheus’s stomping ground.
Ingrid rested her hands on her hips.
“Oh, you’re a policewoman,” Alex said.
“She’s a police inspector.” I threw an intense stare at my brother.
“Like Sherlock Holmes?” Alex said.
“I wish.” Ingrid smiled. “I could always Google it?”
“You what?” Alex said.
“Belshazzar’s. I’ll find out more about the places your brother Jadeon here likes to hang out in. It’ll tell me more about him. In my job it’s the food people eat, the places they go, the clothes they wear, and the friends they share that speak volumes.”
“Sounds creepy,” Alex said.
“How reassuring to know we have such dedicated people protecting us.” I tried to keep the sarcasm from my voice.
Ingrid smiled. “Look, I can’t stay. I have to get back to this course I’m taking.”
“That forensic course you mentioned at dinner?” I said.
“Yes. Actually, the other reason I’m here is that an old friend of mine has arranged a party, and I was encouraged to bring a guest. I know they won’t mind if you come too, Alex.”
“He’s busy,” I burst out.
“No, I’m not. I haven’t been to a party since . . .” Alex appeared thoughtful.
Ingrid beamed. “Then it’s set. It’s my crazy friends getting together. It should be fun.”
“Will there be music?” Alex asked.
Ingrid nodded with a smile. “Alex, you are so cute. And great food.”
“It will be our pleasure to attend,” I said, still considering the invite. It was obvious that it meant the world to Alex.
“Very well, I’ll give you the address and instructions on how to get there.” Ingrid proceeded to look in her bag for a piece of paper.
I offered her the hotel notepad next to the bed. While Ingrid wrote, I glared at Alex.
He gave me a bashful smile.
I melted.
The throb in my head soon receded, one of the few benefits of being supernatural. Not ready to go back to the club just yet, I reasoned Ingrid’s invitation would be the distraction I needed.
* * * *
Outside the party I changed my mind.
Alex detected this and rang the doorbell. “What?” He avoided my glare. From the noise coming from inside the apartment, the party was in full swing.
The door opened. “Now which one’s the art dealer?” James Lemont welcomed us into his luxuriously furnished home. “Ingrid’s told me all about you. She’s over there trapped in the corner by one of my other guests. I know she’ll be relieved that you’re here to save her.”
James was obviously well educated, wealthy, and traveled. His taste was somewhat eccentric, and the eclectic artwork seemed out of place in the modern bachelor residence. He made us feel welcome, and my feeling of wanting to bolt soon wore off.
Thirty or so guests mingled comfortably.
An attractive young woman approached us. “Hi guys! You must be Jadeon. Ingrid will be jazzed to know you made it. I’m Belle.”
I detected her soft Cape Town accent. “May I introduce my brother, Alex?” I said.
She laughed at me. “You may.”
“Have you eaten anything?” James said. “Food’s over there. Do make yourselves at home.” He pointed to a table strewn with assorted plates.
James returned to mingle with his other guests.
Belle screwed up her nose. “The food’s vegan. He’s going through this health kick right now. Last month, it was Macrobiotics.”
Alex and I stared at her.
“I’ll get Ingrid then.” Belle withdrew to find her.
Alex and I scanned the room. We both noticed the lines between the sexes were almost erased. The closeness between male and female was as blurred as the indifference of their clothes. With the growing awareness of numerous admiring eyes, Alex’s self-consciousness increased. He still captivated those around him.
“You’re doing great,” I reassured him.
“Hey, you made it!” Ingrid greeted me with a kiss on my cheek.
Her subtle perfume rose up. She wore the black halter-neck dress I’d bought for her.
“You look . . . beautiful,” I said.
Ingrid beamed. “Thank you, Jadeon.”
“We wouldn’t have missed your party for the world,” I said.
Alex gave a subtle smirk that only I noticed.
“Let me introduce you to one of my dearest friends,” she said.
James Lemont approached us. “We’ve already had the pleasure.”
“I first met James when he was working on a case in Salisbury,” Ingrid said. “He’s a lawyer and was defending a man I had arrested for car theft.”
“Alleged car theft, darling,” James laughed.
“He got two years,” Ingrid said.
“Paroled in six months.” James hugged Ingrid.
I studied them both to ascertain any romantic involvement. James was in love with her though Ingrid was oblivious to the fact.
“Well, we hit it off immediately,” Ingrid said, “and here I am, scoffing his delicious food. James makes the best chocolate roll.”
“Chocolate roulade.” James rolled his eyes.
“That’s what I said, chocolate roll.” Ingrid winked at me.
James shook his head, remonstrating his disapproval. “Incorrigible. So, Jadeon, tell me more about your work.”
“Well,” I began, “I am passionate about art.”
“Do you have a gallery?” James said.
“No, but I am considering opening one.” This was not far from the truth, but I had things to settle before I could.
“I have some interesting pieces that I’d love to show you,” James said. “What style of art do you prefer?”
“The old masters,” I replied. “But I’m also open to contemporary.”
“How wonderful. Have you sold any recently?”
“Yes, I sold a Joseph Turner.”
“No, seriously, have you?”
“I hated it,” Alex said.
“No bloody way!” Belle said.
James stared at us, unsure. “Are you for real?”
“Quite real,” I said.
“Jadeon currently has a painting on show at the National,” Ingrid said.
“Really?” James was impressed.
I nodded. “Raphael’s St. Catherine.”
“Super!” James responded.
“And you, Alex,” James said. “What do you do?”
“I just look after the castle, pretty much,” Alex replied.
“You guys are a riot.” Belle laughed.
“No, seriously, do you work?” James asked again, amused.
Alex looked at the many faces now staring at him awaiting his answer.
“My brother Alex and I are very lucky to have inherited our father’s estate in Cornwall. Alex spends a lot of time ensuring that it’s maintained in keeping with its original style,” I said.
“You really live in a castle?” Belle asked.
“It’s very cold,” Alex said.
“Wow. Ingrid, don’t your relatives come from down there?” Belle said.
Ingrid nodded.
“Which castle?” Belle asked.
“Marazion,” I said.
“St. Michael’s Mount,” Alex said.
“I know the one,” James said. “It’s beautiful, surrounded by water.”
I smiled. “That’s the one.”
“Really?” Belle grinned at Ingrid.
Silence . . .
“So let me show you one of my newest paintings, come on.” James guided us to the back of the apartment where on the far wall a modern large painting hung—the scene of a naked man and woman, their limbs entwined, their heads leaning back unnaturally.
I sensed Ingrid staring at me, trying to figure me out.
I threw her a wide smile.
“It’s by Augusta Nadam!” James announced proudly.
“Well, Jadeon,” Ingrid said. “What do you think? Now be honest.”
I recognized the work by the Portuguese artist. Augusta had displayed several of his paintings in a small gallery in SoHo and had received rave reviews. Alex had been with me at the time, though he had spent the hour we’d been in the gallery avoiding the man. Augusta had pursued Alex to the point of stalking. I could not help but enjoy Alex’s wide-eyed glare as if Augusta might leap from the painting itself.
“Well?” James pushed.
I chose my words carefully. “Nadam is expressive and fresh, but . . .”
“But what?” James said.
“But from the strokes of the brush he appears distracted, unfocused. See here.” I pointed to the canvas. “And yet it works. His desire to rush ahead compliments the piece and allows us to gauge his desire to connect with us.”
