"Brent Westwood. That's an olive-wood arrow. If it had hit you in the heart, you'd be dead. Just like being staked. Jerry knifed him in his arm on Halloween but he got away." I gave Valdez a dirty look. "Just like tonight. He's got a real hate on for me and vampires in general, of course."
"Of course." Ray lay back on the concrete. "You come off your high yet? That was some pretty impressive floating just now."
"Guess watching you get shot was a real buzz kill." I teared up again. "Forget me. Let me take care of you." Ray grimaced when I touched his wound. "Guess we were lucky Westwood didn't come after us before."
"He's been in Europe, trying to get his arm fixed. Jerry warned me he might be headed back to Texas. Guess he was right." I saw that the wound had quit bleeding. "Uh-oh. I've got to
get
that arrow out. Because you just fed, you're already healing. Unless you want to wear that thing as a permanent badge of courage, I'm going to have to rip it loose."
"Gee. Get graphic, why don't you?" Ray shuddered. "Fine. Do it fast." Ray looked at me, then at Valdez. "But send him downstairs. I think the dog's going to enjoy watching this way too much."
"He helped save your life, Ray. You guys should call a truce."
"When dogs fly." Ray managed a slight smile. "Oh, wait. They just did."
"Sure, I'd get off watching you torture him, but I think I'll head downstairs and let Richard and Flo know that
Westwood is back in town. Got to say something first."
"What?" I looked up from examining Ray's wound and realized Valdez was just a foot away.
"This is my fault. The attack. Caines injury. I'm just damned glad it was him hit and not you, Glory."
Valdez laid his head on my shoulder.
"Now how can you blame yourself? You didn't put those guys in that alley."
"No.
but I shoulda sensed them there. They got the drop on us. Instead of doing my job, I was shooting the breeze with
you two. Acting like we were buds instead of me bein your bodyguard. And, yes, you should tell Blade to fire my furry
butt. It's what I have comin'."
"He's right, Glory." Ray struggled to sit up. "Why didn't you sense those three mortals before they hit us, Valdez?"
"No excuse.
" He backed up and stared down at the concrete.
"Yes, there is. Ray and I had just fed and reeked of mortal blood. And the Dumpster reeked of everything else. Not to mention that, with weed in my system, I was pulling all your focus to me, acting out." I rubbed the top of Valdez's head. "I don't want to fire your furry anything. But I guess we all need to be more on guard from now on. This was a wake-up call. Right?"
"Yeah. But I'm planning to make full disclosure to Blade about this when he gets back.
" Valdez turned and headed for the door. He stopped at the doorway and looked back.
"Caine, try not to squeal like a girl when she jerks out that arrow."
Valdez trotted down the stairs, ignoring Ray's shaky gesture.
"He's a stand-up guy, even if he is an interfering pain in the ass." Ray lay back down and closed his eyes. "All right, Glory, just do it."
"I'm sorry, Ray." I took a steadying breath then broke the arrow in half, tossing the feathered end aside before pushing the pointed end on through the fleshy part of his arm.
"Holy crap, that stung!" Ray hit the concrete three times with his fist and said a few choice words.
"Now hang on while I heal the wound. So you can play the piano again when you get home." I shoved his shredded sweater sleeve up so I could see the angry red tear in his skin. I said a few choice words myself about Westwood.
"Oh, yeah, I'll really be in the mood to play. Something loud and" Ray sucked in a breath when I pressed my hands on his wound, but his face relaxed as I concentrated on healing thoughts.
"How does that feel?" I studied his arm, relieved to see the ugly red scar was already fading. "You lost a lot of blood, so you may be a little weak."
Ray sat up and moved his arm around. "I can't believe this. I feel pretty good. Considering I was wearing a stick through it a few minutes ago, my arm's great." He took a breath of the cold night air and looked up. "The stars are beautiful up here. But, damn it, that sliver of moon is getting bigger. I sure as hell don't want to die just when I've found out I can live forever."
"Neither do I."
He looked into my eyes and reached out. "Come here, woman."
"What is it, Ray?"
"This." Ray pulled me into his arms and kissed me like we wouldn't have a tomorrow. I knew the feeling. Those flying arrows had been a pretty concrete reminder of how vulnerable vampires are to some things. So I gave in to all those urges that had been building for days and just rode the wave. When you're facing Death, well, you really don't want to leave a lot of "if only"s behind. Finally Ray pulled back and smiled.
"Whew, that was some kiss." I put my head on his chest and listened to his pounding heart. I knew my own was pumping double time. "If we get through this, we'll have to do some more of that."
"Oh, yes." Ray rubbed my back. "Wasn't long ago that my biggest worry was whether my album was going to go platinum or not. Now"
"I'm not giving up, Ray, and neither should you. We'll beat this Aggie thing. I haven't survived all these years just to let a slimy seaweed-wearing
thing
take me down. And Westwood? His days are numbered. He's pissed off way too many vampires with his bow and arrow." I pulled back and grabbed Ray's hand. "Let's go. Flo and Richard are waiting."
"I don't know how you've survived all these years, Glory. And mostly on your own." Ray walked with me toward the stairs.
"Hey 'I get by with a little help from my friends.'" I sang as we headed down the stairs.
"Glory, promise me something," Ray said as we stopped outside my door.
"What?" I had my hand on the doorknob.
"Let me do the singing from now on?" Ray grinned and we both heard Flo and Richard's shout of "Please!" Valdez greeted us at the door.
"With Westwood back in town, Glory, you'd better not sneak off without me again."
"Ray and I left here last night because Aggie called us out to the lake." I looked at Flo and Richard in their usual spots on the couch. "She's got Will Kilpatrick, guys. If we don't come across with Casanova and those EVs, she's going to take Ray, Will and me to Circe."
"Mio Dio!
Will is such a handsome one. Though he is not always so good, eh, Ricardo?" Flo shrugged. "I suppose"
"No, I won't let him be sacrificed." I couldn't believe my former roomie could be so detached about this. But then Flo is always practical. She'd think one down, only two to go for us to take to the lake. I'd expected her to be tearing her hair out about Damian. Instead, she was actually flipping through yet another bridal magazine. Had she had some sort of breakdown?
Maybe temporary amnesia?
"Will? That's bad news. But there's no way in hell that green thing's taking you anywhere. You've got to let Blade in on
this."
Valdez paced a circle around me.
"Why? So he can get on Aggie's to-do list? We're handling this without him. Flo, did you talk to Damian?" Flo smiled. "No worries. My brother will be by later. Relax, Glory. He will help us with our little
problema"
Little
problem? Ray and I gawked at her, then at each other. Richard looked enigmatic as usual. Valdez was pouting by the door and didn't seem inclined to comment. Maybe he was waiting for his chance to burst into a chorus of "I told you so"s when this whole mess blew apart.
I could tell Valdez was going to argue with me when my phone rang. I glanced at the caller ID. Blocked caller.
"Hello."
"Gloriana, I understand your boyfriend is interested in our VIP services."
I'd know that voice anywhere. The phone number was blocked because apparently Simon Destiny called
you,
not the other way around.
"Yes, Simon, I've heard about your sunlight rooms and told Ray about them. He's really anxious to try them. He wants to come out there this weekend."
Flo gasped. Richard and Ray looked grim, but nodded.
Valdez was snarling and dancing around like he'd rip the phone out of my hands with his teeth if he could. He knew better but I'm sure I'd get an earful as soon as I got off the phone.
"We usually book those rooms well in advance."
"Are you saying it can't be arranged? Why don't I put Israel Caine on the phone and you can tell him that? Oh, and we need a suite with two bedrooms. We're bringing another couple."
"My, aren't you the pushy little thing. Please, put Mr. Caine on the phone."
I handed Ray the phone but punched the button for speaker phone first.
"This is Israel Caine. You're on speaker phone, Mr. Destiny. Are you going to be able to accommodate me and my party?"
"Good evening, Mr. Caine. Gloriana tells me you want to come this weekend. Our services are very much in demand."
"No problem. My friend Richard here has been telling me there's a resort in Sedona run by a vampire group that can offer me some unusual experiences. Maybe I'll charter a jet and take Glory and our party out there for the weekend."
"Not necessary, Mr. Caine. I've just been informed we've had a cancellation. I'll expect your party some time after sunset on Friday night. A limousine will pick you up in front of Ms. St. Clair's shop then."
"We'll want that sunlight room Friday
and
Saturday nights." Ray smiled at me. "I won't lie to you, Destiny. I miss the sun like a son of a bitch. That's the only reason I'm considering coming out to a place my fiancee frankly doesn't have fond memories of. You
will
make sure Gloriana and our friends are treated to first-class service, won't you?" Ray and Richard exchanged glances like there was some serious mental messaging going on.
"Naturally. Gloriana's previous experience was unfortunate. Did you say she is your fiancee?"
"I did." Ray grinned when Flo gasped and muttered something about Jeremiah. "I'm sure you'll see the news of our engagement in the tabloids if you read that trash. But Glory has honored me by agreeing to become my wife. I expect her to be treated with every courtesy by you and your staff."
"Of course. Please assure Ms. St. Clair that our past disagreement is totally forgotten on
my
part. You have my word that she and your friends will be treated as favored guests, just as you will be."
"I'd expect no less." Ray smiled at me.
"As for the sunlight. You'll love it. Guaranteed or your money back. The Energy Vampires have spent a considerable amount of time and expertise creating the sunlight experience. I'm sure you'll find it well worth the price. And, don't worry, we accept all major credit cards."
We stared at the phone when it became clear that Simon had ended the call.
Ray laughed. "Credit cards? Damn. Now I've heard everything."
"Unfortunately, no, you haven't." Richard looked grim.
"Glory, how can you break Jeremiah's heart this way?" Flo threw down her magazine. "You know he is the man for you." Valdez was right beside her.
"She's right. Are you out of your freakin' mind?"
"Relax, Flo, Valdez. Not that it's any of your business, V, but I'm not marrying anyone." I glanced at Ray. "I didn't want to go out to the EV headquarters without some serious protection. Ray and I figured an engagement would keep Simon from trying his tricks with me."
"Tricks?"
Valdez practically leaped over the couch.
"Honey, attaching a vacuum tube to your belly button and sucking
out your life force is way more than a 'trick.' Been there, done that. Saw the white light before you got there and saved
me."
"Holy shit." Ray sat down. "Maybe we should forget this."
"I know it was horrific for you, V. That's why you're staying here. Just Flo and Richard are going with us."
"I don't want to go out there, Ricardo." Flo looked down at her lap, her shoulders slumped.
"Nonsense. You will do as I say. Gloriana and Ray need us. And you heard Destiny. He gave his word we would be well treated."
"But they were so mean to me before. I don't trust Simon's word." Flo sniffed and looked up, her eyes swimming with tears.
"Please, none of us should go. I remember that horrible machine. And their demon. A she-devil"
"Enough! You'll speak when I give you permission, is that clear?" Richard's voice was firm and I gasped.
"Yes." Flo's shoulders shook and we could barely hear her whisper. "I'm sorry."
"What the" Ray looked at me. "Don't force her to go, Richard. I didn't want to drag anyone else into this. Glory thought you'd want to help."
"Flo, honey, you're not going out there." I knelt by Flo's side and gave Richard a hard look. "What's the deal, Richard? Last night did the VV push your love button the wrong way? No one treats my roomie like that. Flo went through hell out there. She doesn't have to go back."
"Hah!" Flo jumped to her feet and pulled me up to hug me. "Glory, it's okay." She turned to Richard. "We fooled them, eh
amante?
I knew we could do it." She grinned. "I'm fine, Israel. Richard and I were playing with you. Simon would never accept that I would come out to his hellhole willingly after what he put me through before. So I become the submissive little woman."
"Florence is quite an actress, isn't she?" Richard hugged her and kissed her lips. "Anyone who knows her,
really
knows her, can't imagine my beloved really letting me get away with treating her like I just did."
"I'll say. I really bought your act, Flo. I was trying to read your mind, but all I got were unhappy thoughts. How'd you do that?" The truth. Flo hadn't blocked my mental probes, which she usually does.
"It's a trick Ricardo taught me. One you and Ray must learn before you go out to the EV place." Flo pulled Richard down beside her on the couch. "Sit, I show you."
"I was about to punch your lights out for being an abusive bastard, Mainwaring." Ray sat in a chair across from the couch.
"You could have tried. And not succeeded." Richard grinned.