Page 12 of Brimstone Bound
‘I don’t want to leave you alone when you’re like this.’
I smiled at him. ‘I’m a big girl. I’ll be fine.’
He sighed. ‘Alright.’
I reached up and kissed him. ‘Thank you for being so understanding. I’ll come next time. Promise.’
He gave me a grudging nod. ‘Okay.’
I pushed away my flicker of guilt and kissed him again. The truth was that deep down we both knew he’d enjoy himself more without me. Conversation with his friends usually excluded me – not deliberately, but simply because they shared a history that I’d never be part of. This would be better for all of us.
***
When I finally emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a large fluffy robe, I knew I’d made the right decision. Jeremy had been right – the hot scented water had indeed made me feel a whole lot better – but also exhaustion was setting in. After an early night, I’d feel more prepared for whatever I was going to face at work the next day.
Unfortunately, the best-laid plans often come to naught. As soon as I sat down in front of the cumin-dusted cauliflower steak and chips that he’d cooked, Jeremy pointed to my phone. ‘You got a message while you were soaking,’ he said.
I forked some food into my mouth, reached across to pick it up and glanced at the screen. ‘I don’t recognise the number.’ I thumbed it open and scanned it. ‘It’s from Tony,’ I said slowly. ‘He must have got my phone number from the Academy.’ I stared at the message, then put down the phone. I wasn’t sure what to think.
‘What is it?’
‘He said that he’s sorry for coming down me on so hard today and that I should meet him tonight in the vampires’ quarter.’
Jeremy stilled. ‘And will you?’
I avoided meeting his gaze. ‘I’ll have to.’
‘No, you don’t have to. You’re not on night shift, Emma, and you already said you weren’t feeling well.’
I sighed. ‘From what little I know of him, Tony’s not the kind of guy who apologises easily. I messed up with the werewolves. If I can make amends by presenting myself appropriately to the vampires, maybe I can turn this rotation around. The vamps don’t tend to come out during the day, so I’ll have to go there at night if I’m to meet any of them.’
‘If the vampires don’t care what Supernatural Squad does, why does it matter if you meet them or not?’
I put down my knife and fork, reached across and squeezed his hand. ‘I didn’t choose this rotation and I don’t want to do it, but I need to do well. Not just for the report that I’ll get from Tony, but for my own professional pride.’
For a long moment, Jeremy didn’t say anything. ‘I don’t suppose I can stop you going.’
‘No.’
His jaw tightened. ‘You’ll take care? You won’t go rushing after any vampires who run past you covered in blood? After all, that probably happens to them all the time.’
I laughed. ‘I promise I won’t. And I won’t be out for long. I bet I’m home and tucked up in bed long before you return from the pub.’
‘Hmm.’ He rubbed his chin. ‘What exactly will you bet on that?’
My eyes danced. ‘Whatever you want.’
***
I dressed in jeans and a sweater, hoping they’d prove more suitable than my smart suit. I didn’t want to stick out like a sore thumb in the centre of Soho. I also swigged down a strong coffee in the hope that the caffeine would keep me going; I didn’t think that Tony would appreciate me spending the evening yawning in his face, not after he’d gone out of his way to reach out and say sorry.
Despite my earlier misgivings after visiting the werewolves, I was curious to compare them to the vampires. Before today, I’d barely given the supes any thought at all. I still didn’t know if I’d learn anything useful on this rotation but, if nothing else, it was an opportunity to improve my diplomatic skills. And although I could tell that Jeremy was still irritated that I was putting work before him, he gave me a lingering kiss before I left. Things weren’t so bad after all.
Tony’s message had asked me to meet him at St Erbin’s Church on the edge of the vampires’ quarter. I guessed there was a reason for choosing that particular spot. It was consecrated ground, so it was all but guaranteed to be vampire free. Even with my woefully limited knowledge of the vamps, I knew that the Church – like the werewolves – despised their kind. I couldn’t have told Jeremy, but I felt a ripple of excitement despite my fatigue.
I took the Tube to Piccadilly Circus and walked the rest of the way. The bright lights dimmed, and the crowds of tourists reduced in number as I drew closer to the quarter. Plenty of humans were drawn to this area, and lots of them relished getting close to the vampires at any time of night, but they were discouraged from staying for long. Sensible people stayed away; the more stupid ones occasionally became bloody snacks. Or so I’d heard.
Although I was aware that it was probably a daft thing to do, I’d wound a scarf round my neck before leaving home. There was no point in tempting fate and leaving myself unnecessarily exposed.
