Page 65 of The Vampire Always Rises
Neither of the other two men said anything—they just turned and walked out of the room.
“Hey!” I said when Merrick started to follow them. “Wait a minute—aren’t we even going to talk about this?”
He frowned. “What is there to discuss?”
“Well, like what am I going to do? Am I going with you to Rome? If so, then I need to walk Kelso first. And what about poor Ellis? What if Savian doesn’t find him?”
“I’ve already instructed the other thief taker to join Savian in searching for Ellis.” He paused for a few seconds before adding, “The portal company will not allow animals through.”
I was relieved another person would be looking for Ellis, but was momentarily distracted by what Merrick said. “Really? Why not?”
He shrugged. “I am not privy to their rules other than they refuse to portal animals. If you wish to accompany me, you will need to leave the dog behind.”
“I can’t leave him,” I said, clasping the furry white head to my side. Kelso leaned into me, making my heart melt. “He was abandoned on the side of the road.”
“You don’t know that for sure.”
“Well, someone let him go, or dumped him, or just didn’t care enough to make sure he was safe and secure, and I’m not going to abandon him now.”
“Fine.” He glanced at his watch. “You stay here. Carlo’s plane lands in less than three hours. I’ll be in contact.”
Then he, too, turned and walked out the open door.
I hurried over to it and called after him, “And what am I supposed to do while you’re off chasing Carlo?”
“Whatever you like,” he said, with a little dismissive wave at me before disappearing down the stairs.
“Gah!” I said loudly, so loud that the door opposite me opened a crack, and an eyeball stared out at me.
“Sorry. Pardon. It’s just that men ... gah!” I returned to my own room, and sat on the bed next to Kelso, and contemplated my immediate future.
It didn’t look particularly rosy.
“And to think I was looking forward to being a Beloved ... oh, maybe that’s him now, apologizing.” I dashed around the bed to where my phone was charging, my eyebrows lifting at the name of the caller. “ELLIS! Where are you? Are you OK? What’s happened to you? Did Carlo hurt you? Is Savian with you?”
“Darling, slow down! I can hardly make out what you’re saying because it’s all coming out one big noise.”
I relaxed against the headboard, so relieved to hear Ellis sounding hale and hearty that I was willing to forgive any amount of snark. “Thank the heavens you’re OK. I was so worried that Carlo would strike out at you because I escaped. He didn’t, did he?”
“Not in the least, although he certainly did swear up a blue streak, and made several cutting remarks about your life choices of late. Now, darling, I don’t have long to talk because the reception here in St. Gennevier is bollocks, simply bollocks—isn’t that a divine phrase? I got it from dear Armande—but I wanted to tell you that you were right.”
“Of course I’m right,” I said absently, my mind busy with thoughts of how to get wherever Ellis was. I’d simply have to drive the car to him. My phone’s GPS should help with that. And I’d have to let Savian know Ellis was safe so that he could stop searching, and cancel the other thief taker. “Who’s dear Armande?”
“A very delicious Englishman with one of the best accents you’ve ever heard. But don’t let’s talk about him or I won’t be able to stop, and I have to tell you something important.”
“That I’m right? You already said that. What exactly am I right about this time?”
“Vampires, lovely one, that’s what I’m trying to tell you, only you keep distracting me with smutty thoughts of Armande!” His voice rose a little when the sound of cheering broke out in the background. “I have to hurry, darling. The wet T-shirt contest is about to start, and I’m the judge because I’m the newest. Now listen closely—vampires are real.”
“I know that, you silly,” I said, somewhat exasperated. “I have Merrick, after all. Well, nothave, but we’re connected. Who is holding a T-shirt contest? Just where are you?”
“In St. Gennevier. I told you that!” Now he sounded just as exasperated as me. “You have to listen to me, Tempest. I’m in the basement of the house your cousin Carlo was renting. But he’s gone now, and I wanted to call you before things got too crazy here, and tell you not to worry about me, and that you were right, and that I know now that vampires are real.”
“It sounds like you’re having a party.” I paused when something struck me. “Wait, why are you so insistent on telling me vamps are real when you didn’t believe me about Merrick? You said I was letting my lust see him through vampire-tinted glasses.”
“I know for a very good reason. Yes, yes, I’m almost done, Armande. Tell the boys to go ahead and line up. I’ll be there in two ticks of a leg shake, or whatever it is you adorable Englishmen say. You still there, Tempest?”
“Yes, although I’m confused about what you’re talking about.”
