“This is something else.” Zeke leaned against the balustrade and looked out over the ocean. “And I thought Lake Michigan was big.”
“In point of fact, it is. The Pacific happens to be vast.”
“You lucked out getting this job.”
“Maybe.”
Zeke gave him a knowing smile. “Nice house. Cushy job. A bit of excitement from the Feds and a very nice companion. You lucked out, man.”
Right! The so-called companion was just around the corner of the house with Piet. In spite of the brisk ocean breeze and Zeke’s pungent aftershave, Toby swore he could smell her. Yes, he was losing his grip. A few tastes and he was claiming her! Just would not do. Back to business. “Vlad did not send you here to enjoy the ocean breeze.”
“No! What’s happening? Another rogue poaching on our territory?”
“I suspect so. I only heard about it this morning, but the circumstances combined with the coincidence of the name was enough to concern me. Vlad, I gather, agrees.”
“He told me to find out all I can and report. So?” He shrugged. “Where do I start?”
Unfortunately, with Laura. “I’ll get the nurse. She mentioned it to me.”
Laura jumped up as Toby entered Piet’s screen porch. Elizabeth had added this on, right on the corner where it caught both land and sea breezes. The old man seemed to enjoy it here. Laura was less relaxed.
“Mr. Wise?” she asked, her face pale and taut with worry. “What happened? Amy was saying the FBI had a search warrant and…”
He should have known this would happen. “She’s right. They had a search warrant and took my computer and armloads of papers.” Not that it would do them any good. “In the ensuing chaos and mess, I didn’t get together what I promised for you but…” He went on fast, seeing her bite her lip and frown. “We have something even better that you can feed your bothersome newspaper man.” Better not call him a vampire. “Tell him the Feds took the place apart, so there has to be something going on. Should keep him happy and he can’t expect you to find anything when it supposedly is all in the hands of the FBI.”
“I’ll tell him.” She looked Toby right in the eyes. “Why are you helping me? Why didn’t you just fire me and be done with me?”
Not the moment to tell the truth. “Because you are a good nurse and Piet likes you.” And I love your blood and spirit. “I believe your story. You were wrong to pry but weren’t acting off your own bat but to help your father and…” Better pick the fragments of truth carefully here. “You mentioned the name of your father’s new partner: Axel Radcliffe. I suspected he might have some connection with our missing CFO.”
“Oh! The man who ran off with money.”
Toby nodded. “You think Axel Radcliffe is going to do the same? Dad has no money. That was why he sold the interest in the paper and…”
Toby touched her shoulder to calm her. It was a bit of a mistake. Feeling her warmth put too many good ideas into his brain. “I’m not sure of anything, Laura.” Other than that he wanted her skin under his lips. “But the name caught my attention. It’s not particularly common, but not rare either. I’ve called in a private detective from Chicago to investigate. Would you be willing to tell him all you told me this morning?” Had it only been this morning? Abel! It had been a long day and was nowhere near ending yet.
“The man who arrived just before I did?”
The lout who’d eyed her with hunger and presumption. “Yes. His name is Randolph, Zeke Randolph.”
“And he’s a detective?” Sort of. Toby nodded. “Okay then, I’ll tell him. If you think it will help.”
She was as good as her word. Zeke obviously unnerved her, wise woman there, but after Toby brought chairs out from the debris of the study, insisted she sit and sent calming suggestions her way, she told everything, only excluding the details of his mode of attire when he found her rifling through his drawers.
Toby sensed the stress in her and appreciated more than ever her honesty and genuine dilemma. She was worried—scared, even—for her father, angry at the situation he’d placed her in, and broadcasted a whole range of emotions that had Toby wanting to pull her into his arms and tell he’d make it all right.
He was losing it!
Right in the middle of a tangled situation of major proportions, he was falling for a green-eyed mortal. Definitely ill-advised.
Telling Zeke that Laura was marked and owned was an inspiration. The vamp’s attitude changed 180 degrees. He questioned her, yes. Some probing questions too, but he was courteous and respectful. Funny how even the most ostensibly street-smart vampires respected the ancient laws. Having Vlad Tepes to answer to no doubt had something to do with it.
Laura left to watch over Piet and was well out of earshot when Zeke turned to Toby, one bushy eyebrow raised. “Think she’s telling the truth, the whole truth?”
Knowing darn well he was also under scrutiny here, Toby replied, “Not the whole truth. She left out a minor detail, more out of embarrassment than anything else, I imagine.” He filled Zeke in with the precise details of his entry through the window. No point in sharing the events of the evening prior to his awkward and enraged arrival.
He expected the laugh and the wicked, knowing grin. “Man! That must have been some sight.” The annoying grin widened. “Was she impressed?”
“I didn’t ask! Hardly seemed apropos at the time.”
“You Brits miss all the chances with your tight-assed attitude.”
Time to steer the conversation back on track. “What do you think about this second Radcliffe? Coincidence or something more?”
Zeke shrugged. “Hard to tell. The boss is taking it seriously. Told me to look around and be careful. That French dude is on his way too.”
“Larouselière?”
“Yeah. That was his name. Some sort of expert, right?”
“Yes. Expert in vampire lore, vampire and human history and seduction.” And if he as much as smiled at Laura…“He’s coming here?”
“On his way as we speak. The boss said you know something about these rogue vampires too. Characteristics, habits…”
“I was present when Etienne Larouselière briefed us in London over Laran. If this one’s the same, they are vicious and predatory. The sort of vampires who give the rest of us a bad name. Origins in South or Central America. They eat mortal food and thus pass easily among them. Are repulsed by silver, and about the only way to kill them is magic.” At least that took care of Laran Radcliffe—with side effects, he amended to himself, thinking of Piet’s sorry condition.
“Yeah! Vlad mentioned the silver. He’s having a few toys made to help if needed. Lucky dude getting to eat. I sure miss having a nice double bacon cheeseburger and fries once in a while. And bring on the ketchup!”
“My
