Page 44 of Geist Fleisch
Jacqueline drew closer to him, at last dropping her imperious airs as she took both his hands. “I know you want explanations. When we’re on the train to Brussels—”
“Brussels?”
“Just listen. I can give you some answers there, though the details might be vague by then, and I can’t promise you’ll be happier for hearing them. You saw what happened here today. Now, imagine what might have happened if Heinrich had succeeded in summoning his master. If I hadn’t intervened and led a more benevolent creature to us instead. One that could hide Frank, and carry your spirit friends here.”
“For God’s sake, enough!” Callum pulled away from her. “You mean there are more of those things? And that that was aniceone?”
“I used the word ‘benevolent.’ I stand by it.”
“Nice? Benevolent? It looked hungry to me, and you’re telling me you controlled it?”
“I controlled nothing. I just led it here. It’s taken me years to master such skills, and when I surrender my memories, it will take more years to get them back. What matters is that you keep the orb safe. Your memories of us will be the only ones intact, soit’s imperative that you follow our instructions to the letter. Can you promise me this?Please,Callum?”
Callum shook his head. The practicalities landed one after the other on his mind, and none of them made this any easier. For one, how was he supposed to carry anything if he couldn’t be seen?
“Thank you,” Jacqueline whispered as a car pulled up outside.
“What about Anne?” Perhaps Callum couldn’t find it in himself to refuse. But damn it, he would look after Anne.
“She’s already on her way to Amsterdam, with Suzi and plenty of money.” Jacqueline strode to the front door, admitting Robert.
“I’m none too flush myself,” muttered Callum.
“Was that a hint?” Robert asked, gently mocking him. “Relax. When we leave you in Brussels, you’ll stay on to Dunkerque and catch the first ferry bound for Folkestone, then a train into London. Your things have been sent ahead to an address in Shoreditch. Our contact will lead you there from the station.”
“Lead me? He won’t bloody see me!”
“You’ll approach him. Look for the word ‘Arcadia,’ then follow his instructions, precisely. He’ll lead you where you need to go. There’s also a trust held for you at the Bank of England with all the money you’ll need.”
“Got all this figured out, have you?”
The pair smiled at him before Jacqueline spoke again. “Fate is a funny thing. Sometimes changeable. Sometimes stubbornly predictable.”
“I see. And just how am I supposed to hide this?” Callum asked, holding up the orb. “I can’t just wear a suit of clothes looking all empty like, and I’mnotsticking it up my—”
Jacqueline took hold of his arm again. “Trust Frank, and us, and yourself. Can you do that, at least?”
He didn’t know what it was about her touch that made him trust her. But he did, so completely it felt foolish. “Will I see Anne again?”
“You may, if you wish. Though she probably won’t see you.”
Callum shook his head again, not knowing how to answer, or how he’d get answers. “I suppose that’s it then?”
“Except for the small matter of our memories,” Jacqueline corrected him. “Ludo jabbed you on his way out, didn’t he? I can smell it in your blood.”
“Green fingernails? Yes. Bastard might have warned me. What’s that got to do with anything?”
Jacqueline turned to Robert. “Ready?”
Before Callum had time to be afraid, the two vampires bit him with kisses so gentle, his entire body felt like it was floating through a dream.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“Once we get to Brussels, where do you think you’ll go?” Callum asked.
“Hard to say,” Robert looked at Jacqueline. “Back to Paris, perhaps?”
“We’ve done Paris. Time to look forward, don’t you think?”
