Fang Shway in LA (8 page)

C
hapter 14

Sagging, exhaustedly sliding to the floor, I rested my head on the Dragon’s Eye statue. The marble felt cool and comforting, it had become my anchor since my father’s death. Nestled securely in my grasp was the cuendillar and the small vile of balefire. All I wanted to do was rest my head on the floor and close my eyes, a luxury I knew I could not afford.

A knock on my office door interrupted the blessed silence. “Lauren, it’s just about time to go.” Opening the door Traygen stuck his head inside. “Hey, are you all right? I’m sorry if I was out of line earlier. I just don’t trust Vicor and I don’t think you should either.”

Concern etched his handsome face. “No problem, I know you were making a valid point.” I said as I stood up. “I had some errands to run. Let me change, I’ll be ready shortly.” I went to my room and donned the same dark outfit from? Damn it, had it only been a day and a half. Worse yet, I hadn’t even had them cleaned. Ick, what had I come to?

I dressed in black, fitting for Azif’s funeral. Then I strapped on my shoulder holster, my pouch containing the cuendillar and the vile of balefire. I completed my ensemble with my bracelet, staff and talisman. My pendant securely fastened to my neck providing a confidence boost. I caught my reflection on the way out and I knew Lara Croft didn’t have anything on me, bring it on baby.

Traygen, also dressed in black, sported a handgun, knife and large silver Dragon’s Eye pendant. Tokem glided toward the door. “Rambo’s going to be jealous of you two,” he muttered. “It’s a good thing I’m too little to see or else I’d show you both up.”

“Indeed,” Traygen replied. “You can start now, get to the Observatory and check it out. I don’t want to walk into an ambush. We’ll wait out by the main fountain. Tokem, I want to know where everyone is.”

“Hi Ho Silver and away,” he yelled on his way out.

We walked to the car in silence. I didn’t like his comment about doing what I wanted anyway. Jealous or not, I didn’t like being second-guessed. Trusting Vicor wasn’t an option. What did he think I am? Stupid. I’ll show him. We didn’t speak on the drive to Griffith Park. When we pulled over near the fountain Tokem wasn’t visible. Traygen turned off the car and reached for my hand. I pulled back and turned to face him.

“Lauren, I’m sorry for what I said earlier. I was out of line and I have no right to treat you like a…”

“A woman? You’re darned right you don’t. I can take care of myself but, I accept your apology. I’m glad chivalry isn’t dead. I don’t want to live without my dragon.” I just couldn’t stay mad at him.

“Ahem, if you two have finished, we’ve got company. Lots and lots of company.”

“Get in,” Traygen growled.

“The place is crawling with Russians and vampires. I didn’t spot Azif. I spotted Vicor waiting where you told him to, and he’s alone.”

Slamming his palm on the steering wheel, Traygen shook the car. “I was afraid of this. I knew he couldn’t be trusted.”

“Now wait just a minute, we don’t know if we’ve been betrayed or not. I believe we should hear Vicor out. All these Russians make me wonder if they’re planning to double cross Azif. In this situation, perhaps we should let them. Come on, maybe Vicor has an idea.” I knew my last comment would tick him off but his over protectiveness irked me.

We drove around to a side street near the entrance and parked. Keeping to the shadows, we crept down the street until we were opposite the fountain. Then we entered the park through a side road and walked until we got to the tennis courts, which were deserted at this hour. I sent out my feelers and sensed Vicor almost immediately. He walked out of the shadows as we approached.

“Lauren, dragon, it seems we’ve got company. Ekil insisted on sending back up. However, they won’t interfere unless I call them. You have my word.”

Traygen spit and then turned to address Vicor. “I sure hope Azif and the Russians know that.”

“Traygen stop it. We don’t have time to squabble. It’s time we found the wizard. Vicor, it is our hope the Russians will try to double cross Azif. You must make sure he can’t involve the vampires or all hell will break loose.”

“You have my word.”

We headed up the back trail to the Observatory. Thankfully, it was a dark, moonless night. Recent fires and an extended dry period destroyed so much vegetation, there wasn’t much cover. Traveling in the dark, inching our way uphill, made our progress painfully slow. The deeply rutted ground and slippery sandstone made ever descent an adventure, a roller coaster ride without the car or the seat belt.

Traygen stopped suddenly and dropped to one knee, like a set of dominoes we followed suit. Crawling up beside Traygen, I leaned in so I could hear him. “This place is teeming with vampires and Russian hit men. We are in a dangerous place, if everyone isn’t careful they could accidentally start something between the two groups.”

Vicor moved up next to me. “I don’t sense the wizard. Do either of you?”

I sent my senses out and could not detect our missing wizard. Turning I looked to Traygen to see if he smelled the wizard and he shook his head no. “I think we should wait to see if he shows. Getting caught in their cross fire could be fatal. Traygen, Vicor, are we in agreement,” I said looking from one to the other. Never known for my tact, I hated my new role as a mediator. It chapped my ass.

We settled in to wait, and I continued to probe for Azif’s arrival. Patience has never been one of my virtues. I hated being all dressed up with no place to go. Come to think of it, I could count my virtues on one hand. I found the notion oddly comforting in my line of work.
If only the good really did die young, then I might be around long enough to try to cultivate some virtues. Automatic gunfire erupted from the hill opposite our position, interrupting my positive self-talk. Damned, who was shooting?

“Can anyone tell who’s shooting?” I whispered.

Traygen stared at the opposite hill. Bursts of gunfire erupted and echoed around the hillside, the sound staccato, strident, shrill to my ears. Then things went from serious, to deadly. An explosion rocked the ground and showered the area with rocks, dirt, and tree limbs. Turning so Vicor and I could hear him, Traygen whispered, “That was a grenade, someone isn’t kidding around.”

“It must be the Russians the vampires don’t have any,” Vicor said.

“I think we better get out of here before the authorities arrive. I don’t think our wizard will show now, not with all the pyrotechnics. We can leave Tokem to keep an eye out.”

“You go. I’ve got to try to help Ekil. I’ll be in touch.” Vicor said before disappearing down the hill and into the darkness.

I started to move down the opposite slope when Traygen stopped me. He leaned in and softly uttered, “I can fly us out but I believe we should watch a little longer. I don’t trust Vicor. What if Azif shows and we’re not around?”

“All right, you have a point. We can’t afford to miss him. Do you think he’ll still show with all this fighting?”

“Probably not, all this noise will bring the police. He can’t risk that but he is a cocky bastard.”

“He doesn’t strike me as suicidal. If I were him, I’d go back to the restaurant or at least leave word there for the Russians. I imagine he must have a plan B.”

“You’ve got a point. Want to do a fly over?”

Traygen and I trudged far enough down the hill until we were sure we were out of sight. Traygen changed, and we winged our way back to the car. Tokem was sitting on the hood, humming a tune I didn’t recognize.

“It’s about time you two showed up. I didn’t see Azif anywhere. I saw the vampires start this. They attacked a couple of the Russians, who managed to radio their comrades for help.”

Traygen slammed the car door and jerked the car into gear. “I knew we couldn’t trust him.”

“Stop, pull over. We need to think this through. First, Tokem you stay, scan the area, in case he shows later.” Tokem sped from the area or more accurately fled from the car. “You could be right, or they may have acted independently. You can’t be sure this was planned.”

Traygen drummed his fingers on the steering wheel and said nothing.

I studied Traygen’s expression in the dashboard light, before continuing. “However, we should keep our guard up. What are you waiting for? We should get moving if we’re going to beat the Russians to the restaurant.” The drive wasn’t long from Griffith Park, and we made it in silence.

Elbowing our way to the bar we took a seat. The place was busy and loud, yelling I asked, “I’m hungry are you?”

Traygen put his arm around me and softly nuzzled my neck. “I meant for food big guy or is this your idea of an apology?”

He laughed breaking the tension and we ordered food from the bartender. A band was playing eighties tunes and they sounded good. I found myself humming along. Once our food arrived, I wasted no time digging right in, I inhaled mine. I couldn’t remember the last time we ate. Feeling full to the bursting point, I loosened my belt, careful not to drop my pouch full of defenses. I felt satisfied. My mentor always told me to “keep them, fat, dumb and happy.” Though, I expect he meant my subordinates.

Eyes twinkling, Traygen asked, “Care to share?”

“I’m just blissing out on my culinary high.”

He slid off his stool and extended his hand. “I think we should dance off our dinner. We don’t want to be sluggish when the Russians arrive.”

“Any excuse,” I teased as I took his hand and followed him to the dance floor. We never reached it. A drunken man caromed into us, falling flat on his face and Traygen bent over to pick him up, before leaping back and nearly knocking me over. The man may have been drunk, but now he was dead because someone had stabbed him. Traygen dropped the man’s shirt and told someone to call 911.

Never one to miss an opportunity, I reached into the recently deceased’s pocket and recovered the man’s wallet. My excuse, someone needed to call his next of kin. That would have been a costly phone call. He was Russian. I palmed the wallet and stepped back to let the EMT’s take him.

I pulled Traygen back into the crowd. “Come on, we need to leave before the police arrive. We don’t have time to answer questions.” Propelling him toward the door we got out just before the first wave of police arrived. Sprinting to the car, we headed home. While Traygen drove, I pulled out the dead man’s wallet and started to go through the contents.

“What’s that?”

I glanced over at Traygen, “The dead man’s wallet. He won’t need it and I thought it might tell us something. Don’t give me that look.” Returning my attention to the wallet, I started pulling out the contents. “Hey, I think we just got lucky.”

“What is it?” Traygen asked as he maneuvered through the traffic. “I can’t wait to go home. The only traffic I see there is mythical or at least literally four horsepower.”

“I found a slip of paper with an address scribbled on it. Want to take a ride? Even though we both know, you are technically an unlicensed driver.”

“Lead the way, I’m down for it.”

“What is wrong with this picture,” I muttered. “An eon’s old dragon, trying to be hip. Seriously, get on the 110 north, we need to go to San Marino. I’ve got to hand it to these guys they live in a nice part of town. Crime must pay, exit on Ave. 64 and head east towards San Marino. The address is off California Ave, near Cal Tech.” Finding the street address, Traygen pulled past the house and parked on a side street.

“This is a great neighborhood. How much are these houses, Lauren?”

“Million and a half or three, come on let’s look around.” One fortunate characteristic that all these gated homes had in common, which suited our current endeavors, was that they all had plenty of landscaping to hide behind. We walked at a leisurely pace and taking in the surroundings. Reaching the end of the block, we stopped to decide our next move.

“I think we should check it out. What about you?”

“Lauren,” Traygen whispered as he pulled me to him, kissing me hard on the mouth. Just before a small caravan of dark SUV’s sped past us and down the driveway of the house we were inspecting.

Traygen stepped back, “That was close. Are you all right?”

“So, that was just a ploy?”

“I could hear you two, from a block and a half away,” Tokem quipped. He landed on my shoulder, “What? Did I interrupt? Oh, never mind. The Russians split up and I decided to follow this group when Vicor took off after the others.”

Jerking his head, Traygen asked, “Are you sure he followed the others?”

“Yes, because they left first. It took this group longer to reach their cars. Azif never showed.”

“Good work, Tokem. I guess we should try to see what this group is up to. Tokem, can you keep an eye out and rest while we try to find out what is happening?”

“Yes Lauren. I could use a rest, my little wings nearly burst into flames trying to keep up with those guys.”

I laughed out loud and Traygen chuckled softly beside me. We decided to try to approach the house from the opposite direction.

Chapter 15

Moving quickly along the sidewalk we circled around behind the house. Thank you God, for these older homes, there was an alley running behind the houses. Most of these mansions had detached garages and back entrances. We crept silently along the alley until we were near the back of the house. Traygen motioned for us to stop and then he waved me forward and pointed to the back of the house. There were guards standing around the back. I counted three and they were all heavily armed.

Moving slowly back the way we came, we didn’t speak until we reached the street. “Can you fly us in without detection? There are plenty of trees around.”

“Yes, but I didn’t see any place to land. The roof is too exposed.”

“What if you dropped me off on the roof or balcony? I can check it out.”

“No, absolutely not, it’s too dangerous.”

“Unless you have a better idea, let’s get this over with. You can give me twenty minutes and then come back and get me. I’m armed and I’ll call your cell if I need to get out sooner.”

His nostrils flared and he changed in a puff or more accurately a huff. I swung on and we lifted into the night sky and circled the house. Motioning toward the side of the house, I pointed to a second floor balcony. Swooping low and hovering beside the balcony, Traygen dropped me off.

I slid quietly to the floor and darted into the safety of the shadows. After listening for several minutes, I decided the room was unoccupied. Creeping slowly forward, I pushed softly on the door. Thankfully, it opened easily and I ducked inside. The door opened into a large bedroom, which appeared empty. I sent out my feelers and released a thankful breath when I found out I was alone.

Slipping silently across the carpeted floor, I put my ear to the door and listened. Ever so slowly, I opened it a crack, listening, straining to detect any sound or motion, hearing no one, I crept out into the hall and headed toward where I assumed I’d find stairs. Stopping in my tracks, I heard voices somewhere in the distance. I moved to the corner, at the top of the stairs, and looked around. There was an entryway below me but I couldn’t see anyone.

Come on girl, don’t chicken out now. You don’t want Traygen to ride to your rescue. Move it. I darted down the stairs, ducking down the nearest hall. The voices were not getting louder and in fact they were getting harder to hear. Course correction, I reversed directions and headed down the opposite hallway. This time I could clearly hear angry voices and I could also hear someone coming down the hall behind me. Shit. I was trapped.

Turning the knob on the nearest door, I stepped quickly inside. The room was dark, and I slowly closed the door behind me. The footfalls receded and I carefully reopened the door.
However, I decided to stay put because I could clearly still hear the voices. I was afraid to chance getting any closer. Fortunately, the conversation wasn’t all in Russian. I’m a wizard, not a Mensa member. I was running out of time and the only facts I could gather from the conversation didn’t clear up anything. I already knew that Azif hadn’t shown and the Russians were pissed off over the vampire’s unprovoked attack. It didn’t sound like they knew where Azif was either.

Damn it, someone was coming so I again eased the door closed. Whoever it was passed the door and then stopped. My heart nearly leapt from my chest. Then I heard the footfalls continue down the hall for a short distance. Afraid to breathe, I listened and was relieved to hear a knock and a command to enter. I couldn’t make out everything from behind my closed door but I knew they had company. A few minutes’ later more people joined the first group. I heard the door close and again gingerly opened mine.

This time the voice I heard sent a chill through me. It was Vicor. What the hell was he doing there? Traygen might be right about him. I didn’t like being played for a fool, listening intently, what I heard made my blood boil. Edging quietly out of my hiding place I headed for the stairs, everyone seemed to be in the conference room or outside and I didn’t see or hear anyone. Sliding through the window and out onto the balcony, I found Traygen hovering. I leaped aboard, landing lightly, grabbing hold, I held on as Traygen spun us up and away. Moments later, we glided down to land in the alley.

“Well?” Traygen asked after he had changed back. “Did you find out anything?”

Stomping toward the car, I whirled to face Traygen, “You were right, Vicor can’t be trusted. Come on, we’ve got work to do. We’ll leave Tokem to follow Vicor.” I spat, yanking open the car door. I jumped in and slammed the door closed behind me. Traygen was talking to Tokem. Play me for a fool at your own peril, Vicor. You underestimate me and you die. Driving home Traygen said nothing. He knows me well enough to know when I need space. When we reached the house, I’d calmed down enough to explain what I’d heard.

“When I got inside I snuck downstairs where I heard loud voices. I hid in an unoccupied room to listen. The Spark Notes version is the Russians don’t know where Azif is or why he didn’t show. They’re pissed and worried they’re being played. Then they got an unexpected visit from Vicor. He insisted the vamps didn’t fire first, which caused an ugly exchange. The Russians swear someone shot at them and they returned fire in self-defense.

“Do you think they’re telling the truth?”

“Yeah, I do and I didn’t expect Vicor to volunteer to turn over Azif.”

“Son of a bitch,” Traygen spat. “Why would he do that?” He slammed down his glass and stomped to the kitchen. “I told you I didn’t trust him.”

“Has anyone ever told you how sexy you are when you get mad?” I said as I went to the kitchen and put my arms around his waist. He turned and gave me a quizzical look and I hugged him close before stepping back.

“I think he’s playing both sides against the middle.”

Following me back into the living room, Traygen said, “Which means what exactly?”

“I wish I knew. I can’t imagine he wants anything to do with the spear. It would kill him if he touched it. Perhaps, he wants to destroy it. I don’t know, but we can’t let him get his hands on it.”

“Right, I told Tokem to follow him. At least we will know where he goes, once he leaves the Russians. He might lead us to Azif.”

“Whoa, that would be an explosive situation, literally and figuratively. Seriously, I don’t know if we’re strong enough to stop them both at the same time. Did you hear that? I think Tokem’s returned.”

I started toward the door to let Tokem in, but I sensed something and stopped short to listen. Turning to Traygen, I motioned for him to back me up. All my senses were buzzing. Grabbing my staff and pulling out my gun, I went to the door.

“Lauren, open the door. I have your sylph and we need to talk,” Vicor said.

I opened the door and Tokem streaked past me. “If you hurt him…”

“If I wanted to hurt him, I would have. He’s fine. I sensed your presence at the house in San Marino.”

“Trying a little double cross? I hate people I can’t trust.”

Vicor’s eye twitched and the lines around his mouth tightened. He was fighting to keep control.

“If you are finished insulting me, I’ll explain. I’m not trying to double cross you, or I’d have alerted the Russians to your presence.”

“A regular Boy Scout gee thanks.”

Vicor started for the door, “I’m wasting my time here. You can figure it out on your own.”

Traygen moved in front of the door. “Say whatever you came to say because once you leave you’re not coming back.”

Vicor started to move toward Traygen and I pulled out my gun. The sound of the slide moving back stopped Vicor.

“All right, I told you I wanted the wizard, Ekil wants him dead for murdering his son. We, also, have a vested interest in making sure he doesn’t buy the spear. When he didn’t show tonight and the bullets started flying, I decided to see if the Russians knew anything. They don’t and they claim they didn’t shoot first. I believe them.”

“Why? Maybe they’re working with Azif to remove his competition,” Traygen said.

“If you two will lower those weapons, I can shed some light on this.”

I lowered my gun and Traygen did too.

“I think Azif was there and he shot the first vampire he saw.”

“To what end?” I asked. “If he has the spear, the vampires would no longer be a threat.”

“Yes, but he doesn’t have it yet. He also knows Ekil put a price on his head. So, if the Russians are dead, he can steal the spear without paying for it. It would also eliminate his competition. Think about it.”

Traygen nodded his head in silent agreement, before adding, “I suppose you might have a point. He, also, may have hoped we would get caught in the cross fire.”

“Undoubtedly, I’m sure he’d like to see all three of us dead. Now if you two will holster those guns, I’ve got an idea.”

I looked at Traygen who nodded his agreement. “We’re listening.”

“We work with the Russians. All they want is to sell the spear and get out alive. Azif has them spooked and they’re
afraid of him.”

“You think? Tell me something I don’t know.” I replied glaring at Traygen to silence him.

“That way we would know where the exchange was going to take place and we could stop it. Do you have a better idea?”

I thought Traygen was going to explode. “Assuming, we can stop him.” I offered.

“Let me get this straight.” Traygen interrupted. “You think we should trust the Russians and you? You’ve got to be out of your mind or you assume we are.” Striding to the door, he threw it open, “Get out.” Traygen bellowed.

Vicor looked at me before heading toward the door. “You’d better keep him on a shorter leash.”

The door slammed shut, just before Traygen lunged for it. The air around him vibrated and he radiated an angry reddish orange energy. “I’ll kill that son of a bitch,” Traygen bellowed.

Standing still, I waited for Traygen to calm down. “Later, there’s no time to waste. Tokem, you can come out now. I need you to go keep an eye on the Russians. We will be there shortly.”

“Okay, okay you don’t need to badger the little guy. I was just catching up on a few of the episodes I’ve missed. This TiVo is terrific.”