I gave the interior of the new building a once-over. Cozy. For a bomb shelter.
It will be much more difficult for anyone to monitor, Don pointed out. The exterior looks like a private airport, and the underground levels are extensive. Well add upgrades each day until its completed.
Oh, I like it.
Rattler, Zero, and Tick Tock looked around with curiosity as well. Don hadnt been wild about three strange vampires accompanying me, but he must have known better than to argue with Bones. Rodney, Cooper, and my mother had gone with Bones on his grisly field trip. Juan didnt, so he was perusing the facility as well.
Wheres the team? I asked.
On the fourth sub-level. Theyre busy moving the pieces of the obstacle course into the new training room.
I swallowed. It would be a huge undertaking to get everything up to speed, and it was all my fault. I was the one with the homicidal father whod found out where our last facility was, after all.
Im going down there. You coming?
Don shook his head. No. Im going to check on some of the online transfers, make sure everythings being routed correctly.
I left him to go to the elevators, following the signs. Juan and my three undead watchers trailed me.
I did a couple hours of lifting and moving with the guys to try and get things into somewhat of an order. This was where having those three undead bodyguards came in handy, since they could hoist cars on their shoulders if they wanted to. We made the most of them with the really heavy items, but they didnt complain, although I was sure this wasnt they had in mind when they were told to watch my back. I was just about to get the rappelling platform in place when Don walked in. He waved me over, an odd expression on his face.
Whats wrong? I asked at once, checking my cell to make sure I hadnt missed any calls.
Nothing. Come to my office for a minute. Theressomething you should see.
Why does everyone think being cryptic is cool? I wondered. Don didnt answer. He just headed back up and left me to follow. My watchdogs quit what they were doing and followed as well. If only my team were so obedient.
I was still grumbling as we got to Dons office. His door was closed, and I yanked it open-and then stopped in my tracks.
Tate stood on the other side of it. Indigo eyes ringed with green gazed at me with suppressed heartbreak. I glanced at my watch. It was just a few minutes after midnight, only a day since hed been changed.
Hes mastered his hunger enough to be let out for a short while, Annette said. She was standing a little off to the side behind him. Remarkable, really.
Pink tears slid out of Tates eyes as he stared at me.
Ill never forgive myself, Cat. Im the one who suggested using Belinda as bait on jobs, and it almost got you killed. Im so fucking sorry.
I touched his face, wiping away those pink streaks. Its not your fault, Tate. No one saw this coming.
He grasped my hand. I heard Max had gotten to you. I had to see for myself that you were all right.
Tate grabbed me, hugging me so hard, I knew Id have bruises. He was probably unaware of it, not having had much time to get used to his new strength.
I pushed at him. Tateyoure squeezing me too hard.
He let me go so fast I almost staggered. Oh Christ, I cant do anything right!
It hadnt escaped my notice that my three vampire guards were very close by. Their energies coiled in the air, as if the snow, coal, and Western-themed vampires were just about to strike.
Ease down, guys, I told them.
You shouldnt be so close to a new vampire, Rattler said. Its not safe.
Tates eyes went green. Who the fuck are they?
Boness way of being overprotective. Theyre my shadow until he gets here sometime later.
Annette cocked her head. Is Crispin dealing with Max tonight?
Yep. And he thinks I wouldnt be able to stomach seeing him at his vampy worst. But he had Cooper and my mother go along. He must figure theyre tougher than I am.
Or more accurately, he doesnt care what they think of him, Annette replied.
Figures youd take his side, I scoffed.
The icily blond Zero moved closer to Tate. I saw it and let out an annoyed sigh.
For crying out loud, hes not going to bite me, so back down.
Your temper and scent are exciting him, Zero responded in a flat tone. Hes too newly turned to restrain his hunger from such triggers for long.
I cast a glance back at Tate. His eyes were blistering emerald, and if I could see his aura, it would probably be sparking. Oh. Maybe Whitey had a point.
Tate snarled, Id never hurt her.
Don, who hadnt said anything the last several minutes, spoke. Then go back to the chamber and prove it.
Tate rounded on him before he seemed to catch himself. He took in a long scent of air and blew it out through his nose.
Youre right. Everyone in this room with a pulse is starting to smell really good. Okay. Back in the box, better safe than sorry.
He brushed by me as he went, taking in another long, lingering breath. You smell like honey and cream, Cat. Im going to make myself breathe the rest of the night, just to catch another whiff of you on my skin.
Oh shit. Why did he have to say things like that?
Tick Tocks hand went to the knife at his belt. Zero moved in front of me, almost stepping on my toes to do it. Rattler just shook his head.
Youll be dying twice, boy, if you keep talkin that way.
Tate gave him a cold look. That gets scarier every time I hear it. Then he was gone, heading toward the elevators and the lowest level where his holding cell was.
I cleared my throat. Well. At least that wasnt awkward.
Annettes mouth quirked. Before I join Tate, might I have a word with you?
I shrugged. Sure. Whats up?
She glanced around. In private.
Fine, whatever. Come into my new office.
The three Fangsters didnt try to follow us. Guess they didnt feel Annette was a threat. Little did they know she and I were more likely to brawl than anyone else here.
I shut my door more for the illusion of privacy than thinking it would prevent undead eavesdropping. Okay, whats up?
Annette sat in one of the two chairs in the room. Crispins right to keep you away from this, Cat. Even though youre clearly sore with him about it.
I rolled my eyes. Dontyou start.
She stared at me. I was fourteen when I was forced into an arranged marriage with the meanest, most revolting man Id ever metat the time. On the third night, Abbot called one of the chambermaids to join us in bed. I refused, and he beat me. After that, whenever he brought a woman into our bedchamber, I didnt argue. A few years later, a married duchess named Lady Genevieve invited Abbot and me to her estate when her husband was away at court. She drugged Abbot, and when he slumbered, she told me she had a surprise for me. There was a rap at her door and then a young man walked in. You can guess who it was.
Do I need to hear this? I interrupted. Although on an objective level its fascinating, I dont want to hear you reminisce about having sex with Bones.
She waved a hand. Theres a point. Crispin and I were both trapped by our circumstances, you see. Divorce only existed for kings then, and a woman was nothing more than a flesh machine for reproduc tion. I did conceive, whose child I dont know, since Id been shagging both Crispin and Abbot, but at the time of delivery, Abbot refused to summon a midwife. The baby was breech, I almost bled to death, and my infant son strangled on his cord.
That took away my irritation. Even well over two hundred years later, there was no mistaking the pain in Annettes voice. Im sorry, I said sincerely.
She nodded once. The stillbirth rendered me sterile and I was ill for months. Crispin snuck to care for me as I convalesced. Then soon after, he was arrested for thievery. Lady Genevieve arranged for me to have a private session with the magistrate. I convinced him not to hang Crispin, but to transport him to the South Wales colonies instead. It was the only thing I could do to repay Crispin for his many kindnesses.
Thank you.
Id never said that to Annette before, but over this topic, it was more than due. Yeah, Annette and I had our problems, but without her-and Ian, come to think-Bones wouldnt have lived beyond the eighteenth century.
Nineteen miserable years passed. One night there was a knock on our bedchamber door. Abbot opened it, and then was thrown backward through the air. The hood fell back on the intruder and there was Crispin, looking not a day older than when Id last seen him.
Crispin told me he hadnt forgotten me or the misery Id endured. Then he broke every bone in Abbots body. After hed killed him, Crispin showed me what hed become, and he gave me a choice. With Abbot dead, I would inherit everything and could live out the rest of my life at court. But to me, that was only exchanging one cage for another, so I chose the other option Crispin offered. He turned me, and he has sheltered me ever since.
She paused to wipe away a tear. And now to my point. Youre strong, Cat, but youre not cruel. Nor is Crispin unless he is enraged or forced, and he is both in this instance. Youd be stricken by what you saw, but he would do no less than what was necessary. Crispin blames himself, and in part hes correct. Vampires respect what they fear. Mercy is considered a weakness. So love him enough to give him this, even if its at the price of your pride.
She stood. Despite being confined in a room with Tate all day, she still looked as perfect as if shed stepped from the salon.
You confuse me, I said at last. Why would you care about smoothing things over with me and Bones? It wasnt too long ago you did your best to split us up.
She paused on her way to the door. Because I love him. Even though I cant have him anymore, I still want him to be happy.
She left, but it took me several minutes before I did. Things were much easier when I just hated Annette, not when I felt she had a point I needed to listen to.
EIGHT
BONES ARRIVED AT TEN AFTER MIDNIGHT. I went outside to watch the helicopter land, Cooper at the controls. Bones was the first one off. Then came my mother, Rodney, and Cooper. Cooper looked downright ghostly, but my mother seemed almost blase.
Nowthat was informative, were her first words. Catherine, you never told me that no matter how many times you sliced something off a vampire, it grew back.
Charming. Guess I dont have to ask if you had a nice time, I muttered. I suppose itll make you easy to shop for this Christmas, though.
She frowned. Must you always wisecrack? Never mind, Im tired and I just want to get some sleep.
I swept out an arm. The barracks are right this way.
She gave a disparaging glance around. I remember barracks all too well from when you first started with Don. Its like sleeping in a coffin and since Im not a vampire, Ill pass on that.
Mom. My teeth ground together. Its only temporary. Well get you another place soon. I would say you could stay with Bones and me, but then theres the whole vampire thing again.
I can get a hotel, she insisted.
Registered under the same name Max found you at? I shot back. No. Dons going to get you a new ID and another house, but until then-
She can stay with me.
The offer didnt come from Cooper. No, hed been studying the ground in a rapt way during this exchange. Bones lifted his brows in surprise.
Rodney shrugged. I have a house about two hours from here. Im not there much, since I travel a lot, and it would be safe until your uncle found her something else, Cat.
I sighed. Rodney, thanks for offering, but-
You dont have body parts there, do you? my mother interrupted. I dont want to open the refrigerator and find a head on the shelf.
Rodney laughed. No, Justina, it doesnt look like Jeffrey Dahmers hideaway.
She gave a measuring look toward the exterior of the building and then back at Rodney. If my choices are staying in a barrack with a bloodsucking new vampire on the premises, or at the home of a ghoul, Ill take the ghoul. Catherine, Im sure one of your soldiers can give us a ride?
She swept away toward the barracks, Rodney following after her.Dead Man Walking, I thought, and it had nothing to do with him being a ghoul.
Bones watched them go and then turned to me. That woman is frightening.
I snorted. Ive felt that way my entire life.
Bones stared at me, his expression guarded. No doubt he was wondering if I was going to start bitching at him again over how hed kiddie-tabled me, but I wasnt. I still disagreed with his reasons, but Annettes admonition struck a chord in me. My relationship with Bones was worth a hell of a lot more than my wounded pride over what hed done. I had to work through this issue with him, and avoidance or whining wasnt the way to do it.
Still, I felt awkward, not knowing what to do with myself. I hadnt given him a real greeting. My normal routine would have been to kiss him, but that didnt feel appropriate, either. I settled on stuffing my hands into my pockets and shifting uneasily on my feet.
So
I let the single word trail off. Bones gave me an ironic smile.
Better than rack off, as it were.
I understand why you did it, but we need to find a way to get past this sort of thing, I said in a rush. Protecting the other person from what we assume he or she cant handle, I mean. I didnt think you could handle Don and my mother years ago, so I left, but I should have trusted you to make that decision for yourself. Just like you should have trusted me to decide about this.
Bones snorted in disbelief. Youre comparing my leaving you for one night to you disappearing on me for over four years?
I felt a flush rise in my face. Well, noer, I mean, the principles the same, I stammered. What I did was wrong and stupid and I can honestly say I regret it more than anything in my life. But tonight you didnt give me a choice, Bones.
I paused, taking a deep breath and trying to let my eyes convey what I was having a hard time articulating.
If you would haveasked me not to go, for the same reasons youordered me not to, I would have been okay with it. I would have still thought you were being paranoid, but it wouldnt have made me feel like you were pulling a me big bad vampire, you silly little girl routine.
Bones shot me a frustrated look. Of course I dont think youre a silly little girl.
He began to pace. I watched him, saying nothing.
Im very weary of being the reason you need to be strong, he said, his eyes edging with green. Because of me, you dangled yourself out as bait to a group of murdering white slavers years ago. You had to drive a car through a house to rescue your mum-while covered in your grandparents blood. You took a job with Don thats nearly gotten you killed countless times. All because of me.
He stopped pacing to come over to me, grasping my shoulders.
I am well sick of seeing you forced to prove your strength on my behalf, so I didnt want you to do it yet again with Max. Cant you understand that?
I covered his hands with mine. Yes. But you didnt make me do any of those things, Bones. Even if Id never met you, Id still be going after vampires, and I wouldstill have to handle the consequences of that.
He was silent for a long moment, staring into my eyes with that hard, penetrating gaze of his. Then at last, he gave a short nod.
All right, luv. Next time Ill give you the choice, not make the decision for you.
I gave his hands a squeeze. I promise not to decide things for you again, either.
His mouth twisted. Turns out Ill be the first to make good on my word over this new accord. There have been some developments. Max gave us the name of the chap who sold him the missile he was going to use on your car.
Do you know where he is now?
Yes.
I felt cold anticipation at the thought of confronting that person.
Im going with you.
Boness expression said he hadnt expected any other response.
Tomorrow.
This was my third trip to Canada. Id traveled there on missions for Don, but maybe one day Id get to just visit Niagara Falls as a tourist and not kill anything.
I sat in a van with my companions. Dave was half a mile away, negotiating the sale of three hundred surface-to-air missiles, five hundred grenades, and three high-powered explosives. He was acting as the front man, since Bones was much more recognizable. With Daves extensive military background, he could talk shop with the best of the black market arms dealers. Even now they were quarreling over the grade of plastique for the potential car bombs.
No one spoke in the van. We could hear every word ourselves, so that meant any undead ears trained in our direction could as well. Cooper and Juan rechecked their machine guns, which were equipped with silver bullets. That modified ammunition wouldnt kill any ghouls, but it would make a vampires day very unpleasant. Our numbers were low for a reason. Less chance of getting noticed that way.
Spade was there, picking at his fingernails as the time ticked by. He wasnt carrying a gun. Master vampires like him and Bones didnt need to, since they were weapons themselves. Deadly ones.
The modified bulletproof bodysuit I wore chafed underneath my clothes. It was the newest thing, a thin, flexible piece that covered all the major organs and looked like a medieval teddy. Of course, if my head got blown off, it wouldnt do me any good, but the rest of me was protected. Cooper and Juan were also outfitted with the same material. Range of motion was greatly increased with this versus the old bulky vests.
not going to give you a fucking dime, this is not the product we agreed on, Dave was saying. Im supposed to go back to my client and tell them maybe the trigger mechanism will work or maybe it wont, praise Allah and it will. You stupid amateurs. There is so much shit for sale now, I dont need to pussy around with this Blue Light Special quality at Rembrandt prices, so fuck off and have a nice day.
He must have started to walk away, because there was a scurry of footsteps behind him.
Wait a moment. Perhaps we could discuss- the agitated bargainer began before he was cut off by a laugh. Bones stiffened beside me, and Spade perked up. This must be our target.
Harrison, Ill take it from here, a cool voice interrupted.
We slid the van door open and crept out. Spade and Bones went first, their lack of heartbeats being an advantage. The rest of us would follow after the attack started. The element of surprise was priceless.
Who are you? Dave asked, sounding annoyed. Another lackey?
Im Domino, and yes, I am the boss, was the icy reply. You must excuse this sample of material. It was a test. Occasionally we get undercover officers posing as buyers, but they cant tell the difference between a bomb or a basket. You clearly know your merchandise, however. Even if Ive never heard of you.
This last part was colder than the first, and with open suspicion. Dave grunted.
How many undercover agents have you had poking around your business that lost their pulses? Last I checked, the police academy hasnt called for undead admissions.
Ah, but there is always a first time, isnt there? Now then, I have other business to attend to. Logan, bring out the other crates. We need to finish this up-
Domino stopped speaking just before the explosion. He must have felt them coming before the two bombs that had been thrown into the warehouse detonated. The staccato burst of gunfire that erupted along with screams let me know there were more inside than wed figured.
Juan, Cooper, and I sprinted toward the structure where flames were now leaping into the night. Keeping our heads down, we returned fire. In the blackness, I saw human and undead defenders trying to locate the cause of the bodies on the ground. Our ma chine guns crackling in the dark had two advantages. They kept the guards attention on us while Spade and Bones slaughtered, and we took out several targets more at the same time. Dave had two primary goals in the melee of violence around him-keep Domino from getting killed, or getting away.
Juan grinned wolfishly and chanted unknown taunts in Spanish as we breached the perimeter. Cooper was cooler, methodical even as he sighted down his marks with admirable accuracy. He had a slight curl to his lips. For him, that was the equivalent of cackling glee.
Once close enough, I threw the gun away in favor of my knives, which were my favorite weapon. Almost as fast as Id fired the bullets, I threw off silver blades at the remaining two dozen fighters. The humans were easy to drop, clawing at chests as the knives sank home.
Someone jumped me from behind, knocking me down. I wrestled him, holding his snapping fangs at bay. The vampire had a look of disbelief, then his features began to shrivel as I jammed a dagger through his heart. Chucking him off, I whirled to face the next one.
It was a human about to fire point-blank in my direction. I spun in a midair cartwheel to avoid the bullets, savagely amused by the dumbfounded expression he wore as none of them hit me. I wrenched the gun out of the mans hands and turned it on him. A few short bursts later and he was dead on the ground.
The next three vampires were all of lesser ages and powers. I dispatched them with my knives as Juan and Cooper unloaded round after round into the remaining forces that had lost their formation. Dominos men were firing at anything, including one another, as our attack continued. Inside the warehouse I heard more sounds of death being dealt. Choked curses and fruitless scrambling to get away. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Dave, Domino trapped underneath him, a silver blade near the vampires heart.
For a moment, his disbelieving green gaze met mine before it widened in comprehension, and Domino began to struggle harder.
Dave cracked his head against the pavement hard enough to fracture his skull. It wouldnt kill him. It would just take him time to heal it.
Everything began to get quiet soon after. Intermittent shouts were cut off before they could be completed. A glance around showed minimal resistance now, as those who were left alive began to surrender. Strapped to my leg, along with the myriad of weapons, was a cell phone. I dialed Don and let him know to hold off any police that would have been alerted by the explosions. Several members of my team were ten miles away, waiting for this call. They would keep the Canadian authorities at bay while we finished up here.
There was a sudden whoosh of air above me. The knives Id been ready to fling stayed in my hand as Bones dropped from the sky. He looked me over, assuring himself that I wasnt hurt, no doubt, and then swung his gaze around to the vampire Dave was restraining.
Why hallo, Domino. Do you know who I am?
Bones gestured for Dave to let Domino up. Spade appeared, red stains splattering him, and held Domino with an unyielding grip. Juan and Dave rounded up the few remaining survivors.
Domino glared at Bones. No. Whats the meaning of this?
It was an outright lie. Domino did know. His eyes kept flicking to me.
Bones smiled. Oh, grand. Going to make me beat the truth out of you? My favorite way to work.
Even I blinked at the suddenness of his movement. One moment Dominos legs were kicking, the next they were ripped off and in Boness hands. Ew.
New body parts hurt when they grew back. So Id been told, anyway. Domino screamed like that was true.
Still dont know me, mate? Come on, lie to me again, see what it gets you.
Stop, Domino shouted. I know you, but I didnt know what the missile was for. I swear to Cain I didnt know!
A dark brow arched. Max didnt pay you himself, so who did?
Domino stared with fascinated revulsion at his own limbs on the ground in front of him. Promise you wont kill me, then Ill tell you everything.
You dont want me to do that, Bones said softly. He leaned closer until he was mere inches from Dominos face. Because if I let you live, youll wish I hadnt. Or I can kill you here. Much easier that way. See, I believe you when you say you didnt know what that missile was for. Thats why you get a choice, but either way, youwill tell what I want to know.
I watched as denial, hope, despair, and bitter acceptance flashed on Dominos face.
The money was wired, I dont know who from, came his flat reply at last. Max was given an account number to transfer it into, but he didnt handle it himself. I know this because he kept calling me to see if the money had arrived. It took a few days, and he got impatient and said something about a deadline.
Back to the bank wire, Bones said. Youre going to give me all of your account numbers, and then the locations of where you store your other merchandise. Make it quick. Dont want to stand here all bloody night.
Domino began to strain against Spade, but the other vampire was too strong. Why do you need all of them? You can take the account it was sent to, but leave the rest alone!
Bones chuckled, but it wasnt pleasant. Why I want them is because Im taking every last cent you have, along with your life. Itll be a lesson to others about what will happen to them if they cross me. Now, do you need more incentive to talk?
Domino swore as he began to spout off numbers, locations, banks, stocks, investments, safety deposit boxes, all but what was hidden underneath his proverbial mattress. Bones took notes, pausing to question in more detail certain nuances. When Domino was finished, he just stared blankly ahead.
Bones rested his hands on either side of Dominos head, a light touch that belied his intention.
Now, mate, if youve left anything out, or lied to me, you wont be around when I find out. But you have a son. Drug runner, isnt he? He wont be past my reach, and Ill have no qualms about taking all of my anger out on him, so the next bugger doesnt try to deceive me when I offer him a fair deal. One last time, have you left anything out?
Id always heard you were a vicious bastard, Domino said in a dull voice. All Ive worked for, gone. My son will have nothing.
Those pale hands tightened. Hell have his life. Unless he was involved in this or tries to collect vengeance on me later, Ill leave him alone. Last chance.
Domino must have believed the warning, because three more bank account numbers were revealed in a monotone of resignation. Being an arms dealer paid well. Between the money and the illegal merchandise, Bones was getting millions. No wonder he laughed at my salary.
Wise choice, he commented when Domino finished. If youve been truthful, your son is safe from me and mine. Any last words?
Youre an asshole.
Bones just shrugged. I already knew that.
Two hard turns later and it was over. I looked away from the head that dropped to the ground next to the rest of Dominos body.
NINE
IN SPITE OF THE FEVERISH TRACKING OF DOMINOS accounts to try and pinpoint who supplied the money, wed come up empty-handed. Whoever it was, he or she was clever. There were ghost companies, fake names, and canceled bank accounts, to name a few of the obstacles we encountered.
Two weeks later, Boness cell phone rang. The crescendo should have sounded like a warning, but Id been concentrating on the papers in front of me.