Page 77 of The Mermaid's Bubble Lounge
Inside the library, Bracken was at the shelves, studying the books. Cadmael, Vlad, Ahmed, and Adaeze sat at the table. It looked as though Joao, Pablo, and Thi had decided to sit this discussion out. Russell stood near the door. I gave him a quick hug as I walked in.
Bracken turned to Clive, his eyes shining. “Russell tells me you had this library built.”
Clive nodded. “The ballroom was rarely ever used. It seemed a waste of space.”
Ahmed and Adaeze smiled. Even Vlad’s mustache twitched.
Clive glanced around. “Why is that humorous?”
Bracken grinned as he took the empty chair beside Vlad. “He also told us that your choice of a library might have had something to do with your desire to woo a bookish werewolf.”
Clive scratched his cheek, his gaze on me. “Perhaps it was.” He pulled out a chair for me. “Bracken, have you introduced yourself to everyone?”
“We were waiting for you two to arrive,” Russell said.
“Why don’t you sit with us,” I asked Russell.
His face softened. “I haven’t been asked.”
“I’m asking you,” I told him. “And, officially, this is your table, your nocturne. You can sit wherever you want.”
He took the chair beside me and gave a solemn nod. “I’ll try to remember that.”
All eyes turned to my great-uncle. “Good evening. My name is Bracken Corey. I’m a member of the Corey wicche coven. I’m a historian of both supernatural and human history.”
“I looked it up,” I told them. “He has lots of human history books on the bestsellers’ list.”
He nodded. “I’m grateful for my success. Writing those books allows me to research the supernatural stories, which don’t pay. No one needs to share their name with me, but I’d love to know who each of you are, if you’re willing.”
Cadmael, looking as stern as ever, began the introductions. “I am Cadmael.” He nodded in Bracken’s direction and then looked across the table, waiting to see what the others would do.
“We don’t mind. I am Adaeze,” she told him, inclining her head in greeting before looking to her side.
“And I am Ahmed.” He reached out a hand and shook Bracken’s.
“We met Bracken at The Bubble Lounge right after you left.” I explained to the others what had happened with the pooka.
“Impersonating Vlad again?” Cadmael mused. “Why you?”
Vlad stared back. “Good taste?”
“I think it’s the mustache,” I told Cadmael. “He once pretended to be Clive with Vlad’s mustache.” I shivered. “Do not recommend.”
Russell chuckled beside me. “Now I can’t unsee it,” he murmured, tapping the side of his head.
“Right? And you weren’t even there for the real thing.” I leaned forward, catching Vlad’s eye. “No offense intended. You have the bone structure and attitude to pull it off handsomely. On anyone else, it looks like a bad disguise.”
He rolled his eyes at me. “Nice save.”
Bracken was watching the conversation like he was at a tennis match. Sitting forward, gaze intent, he enjoyed the byplay and seemed to be taking mental notes.
“He keeps returning to Vlad’s appearance because he enjoys his mustache?” Cadmael asked, doubt clear in his voice. “That doesn’t seem like a compelling enough reason.”
I shrugged. “It’s got to be boring, don’t you think? He’s been at this for a long time.” I looked at Bracken, who nodded. “I’d imagine that when anything catches his fancy, he focuses on it.”
The vampires nodded. They knew what it was to be very old, to have done it all, and to cling to those things that made them even slightly interested. It was like Clive and his cars.
More like Clive and his wife, he said in my head.
