Laurell K.

Hamilton
Anita Blake Vampire Hunter 17
Skin Trade
To Jonathon,
who understands that Im a moody bastard, but loves me anyway.
Some days he loves me because of it. Of course, it takes one to know one.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To everyone who keeps hanging in there: Darla, Sherry, Mary, an Teresa! Merrilee, my
agent, "or never giving up! Susan, my eitor, who o"ten surprises me with her insights!
#veryone at Marvel who works on the Anita Blake $omi$ series! A team, at last! Shawn, who
answere nearly enless %uestions a&out poli$e work, an when he in't know the answers,
amitte it an helpe me "in other e(perts to talk to! Thanks "or having our &a$ks in Vegas!
)o&in, who helpe $alm me own! Blesse &e! Thanks to *athy, who helpe us out at the last
+ol" Howl! ,harles, we'll miss seeing you at all the events, &ut li"e moves on, an new goals
nee pursuing! -oo lu$k on getting your egree! Daven an +eni, thanks "or the hospitality
an the hugs! Sharon Shinn, &e$ause no one else unerstans the pani$! To all the rest o" the
Alternate Historians: De&orah Millitello, Tom Drennan, Mark Sumner, an Marella Sans.
goo "riens, goo writers, what more $oul one ask/ To 0as Vegas Metro S+AT, thanks to
all o" you, &e$ause 1 was tol that it's a&out the team, not the iniviuals, an who am 1 to
argue with a team that works this well! Thanks to Bill, Alane, 2i$ole, an )#M, who showe
us aroun the ,lark ,ounty ,oroner's o""i$e! 1t was great meeting everyone in Vegas3 you all
mae us "eel very wel$ome! Thank you! Any mistakes in the &ook are mine an mine alone,
&e$ause there wasn't time "or everyone to rea over the manus$ript, &ut the help 1 re$eive in
Vegas helpe keep the mistakes to a minimum! Thanks, everyone!
1



1'D +4)*#D M5 share o" serial killer $ases, &ut none o" the killers ha ever maile me a
human hea! That was new! 1 looke own at the hea, ghostly, through the plasti$ &ag it was
wrappe in! 1t sat on my esk, on top o" the esk &lotter, like hunres o" other pa$kages that
ha &een elivere to Animators 1n$!, where our motto was Where the Livin !aise the "ead
for a #illin! The hea ha &een pa$ke in i$e, "or all the worl like some employee o" the
postal servi$e ha one it! May&e they ha3 vampires $an &e very persuasive, an it was a
vampire who ha sent the pa$kage! A vampire name Vittorio! He' in$lue a letter with my
name written on the envelope in lovely $alligraphy: $nita %lake! He wante me to know who
to thank "or my little surprise! He an his people ha slaughtere over ten people in St! 0ouis
alone &e"ore he "le to parts unknown! +ell, not unknown now, may&e! There was a return
aress on the pa$kage! 1t ha &een maile "rom 0as Vegas, 2evaa!
#ither Vittorio was still there, or it woul &e another o" his isappearing a$ts! +as he in 0as
Vegas, or ha he maile it "rom there an woul &e somewhere else &y the time 1 gave the
in"ormation to the poli$e there/
2o way to know! 1 $oul still hear our aytime se$retary, Mary, &eing hysteri$al in the other
room! 0u$kily we ha no $lients in the o""i$e! 1 was a&out thirty minutes away "rom my "irst
$lient o" the ay, an my appointment ha &een the "irst o" the ay "or Animators 1n$!3 lu$ky!
Mary $oul have her &reakown while our &usiness manager, Bert, trie to $alm her! May&e 1
shoul have helpe, &ut 1 was a 6!S! Marshal, an &usiness ha to $ome "irst! 1 ha to $all
Vegas an tell them they might have a serial killer in town! Happy "u$king Monay!
1 sat own at my esk, the phone in my han, &ut in't ial it! 1 stare at the pi$tures o" other
people's "amilies on my esk! 4n$e the share esk ha &een empty, 7ust "iles mingling in the
rawers, &ut "irst Manny )origue8 &rought in his "amily portrait! 1t was the one that every
"amily seems to have, where people are too serious, an only one or two manage a goo
smile! Manny looke sti"" an un$om"orta&le in his suit an tie! 0e"t to his own evi$es he
always "orgot the tie, &ut )osita, his wi"e, who was in$hes taller than he, an more in$hes
wier than his slener "orm, woul have insiste on the tie! She usually got her way on stu""
like that! Manny wasn't e(a$tly henpe$ke, &ut he wasn't e(a$tly the voi$e o" authority in his
house either!
Their two girls, Mer$ees an ,onsuela 9,onnie:, were very grown;up, staning tall an
straight with their "ather's eli$ate &uil, an their "a$es so pretty, they shone in the shaow
o" )osita's oler, heavier "a$e! His aughters mae me see what he might have seen all those
years ago when )osita, <little rose,= must have mat$he her name! Their son, Tomas, was still
a $hil, still in elementary s$hool! +as he in thir grae now, or "ourth/ 1 $ouln't remem&er!
The other pi$ture was a pair o" photos in one o" those hinge "rames! 4ne pi$ture was o"
0arry *irklan an his wi"e, Dete$tive Tammy )eynols, on their weing ay! They were
looking at ea$h other like they saw something woner"ul, all shiny an "ull o" promise! The
other photo was o" them with their aughter, Angeli$a, who ha %ui$kly &e$ome simply
Angel! The &a&y ha her "ather's $urls, like an au&urn halo aroun her hea! He kept his
orange;re hair $ut so short there were no $urls, &ut Tammy's &rown hair ha arkene
Angel's, so that it was au&urn! 1t was a little more &rown, a little less re, than 2athaniel's
au&urn hair!
Shoul 1 &ring a pi$ture o" 2athaniel an Mi$ah an me in, to put on the esk/ 1 knew that the
other animators at Animators 1n$! ha pi$tures o" their "amilies on their esks, too!
But, o" $ourse, woul 1 nee more pi$tures/ 1" 1 &rought a pi$ture o" me with the two men,
then i 1 nee to &ring a pi$ture o" me with my other sweeties/ +hen you're sort o" living
with, at last $ount, "our men, an ating another "ive or si(, who goes in the pi$tures/
1 "elt nothing a&out the pa$kage on my esk! 1 wasn't s$are or isguste! 1 "elt nothing &ut a
huge, vast emptiness insie me, almost like the silen$e that my hea went to when 1 pulle the
trigger on someone! +as 1 hanling this really well, or was 1 in sho$k/ Hmm, 1 $ouln't tell,
whi$h meant it was pro&a&ly some version o" sho$k! -reat!
1 stoo up an looke at the hea in its plasti$ wrap an thought, &o 'ictures of my
boyfriends, not at work. 1' ha a han"ul o" $lients who ha turne out to &e &a guys, an
girls! 1 in't want them seeing pi$tures o" people 1 love! 2ever give the &a guys ieas3 they
"in enough aw"ul things to o without giving them $lues!
2o, no personal photos at work! Ba iea!
1 iale 1n"ormation, &e$ause 1' never talke to the 0as Vegas poli$e "or$e &e"ore! 1t was a
$han$e to make new "riens, or piss o"" a whole new set o" people3 with me, it $oul go either
way! 1 in't o it on purpose, &ut 1 i have a tenen$y to ru& people the wrong way! >art o"
it was &eing a woman in a preominantly male "iel3 part o" it was simply my winning
personality!
1 sat &a$k own, so 1 $ouln't see insie the &o(! 1' alreay $alle my lo$al poli$e! 1 wante
"orensi$s to o the &o(, "in some $lues, help us $at$h this &astar! +hose hea was it, an
why i 1 get the pri8e/ +hy sen it to me/ +as it a sign that he hel a gruge a&out me
killing so many o" his vampires when they were slaughtering people in our town, or i it
mean something else, something that woul never, ever, o$$ur to me to think/
There are a lot o" goo pro"ilers working on serials, &ut 1 think they miss one thing! 5ou $an't
really think like these people! 5ou 7ust $an't! 5ou $an try! 5ou $an $rawl into their heas so
"ar that you "eel like you'll never &e $lean again, &ut in the en, unless you are one, you $an't
really unerstan what motivates them! An they are sel"ish $reatures, $aring only a&out their
own pleasure, their own pathology! Serial killers on't help you $at$h other serial killers
unless it helps their agena! 4" $ourse, there were people who sai that 1 was a serial killer! 1
still ha the highest kill $ount o" all the legal vampire e(e$utioners in the 6nite States! 1'
toppe a hunre this year! Di it really matter that 1 in't en7oy my kills/ Di it really
$hange anything that 1 took no se(ual pleasure "rom it/ Di it matter that in the &eginning 1'
thrown up/ Di the "a$t that 1' ha an orer o" e(e$ution "or most o" my kills make them
&etter, less &rutal/ There were serial killers who ha use only poison, whi$h $ause almost
no pain3 they' &een less &rutal than me! 0ately, 1' &egun to woner e(a$tly what set me
apart "rom people like Vittorio! 1' &egun to %uestion i" to my oh;so;legal vi$tims it mattere
what my motives were!
A woman answere the phone in 0as Vegas, an 1 &egan the pro$ess o" getting passe up the
line to the person who might &e a&le to tell me whose hea 1 ha in the &o(!
2



62D#)SH#)1?? )6>#)T SHA+ ha a rough voi$e3 either he' &een yelling a lot, or he'
smoke way too mu$h, "or way too many years! <+ho i you say this was/= he aske!
1 sighe, an repeate "or the umpteenth time, <1 am 6!S! Marshal Anita Blake! 1 nee to talk
to someone in $harge, an 1 guess that woul &e you, Sheri"" Shaw!=
<1 will ki$k the ass o" whoever gave your name to the meia!=
<+hat are you talking a&out, Sheri""/=
<5ou in't hear a&out the message "rom the meia/=
<1" you mean television or raio, 1 haven't ha either on! 1s there something 1 shoul know/=
<How i you know to $all us, Marshal/=
1 sat &a$k in my $hair, totally pu88le! <1 get the "eeling that i" 1 han't $alle you, you' &e
$alling me, Sheri"" Shaw!=
<How i you know to $all us/= he sai again, ea$h wor a little more e"ine, an ege o"
stress, may&e even anger in his voi$e!
<1 $alle you &e$ause 1've got a pa$kage sitting on my esk that was maile "rom 0as Vegas!=
<+hat kin o" pa$kage/= he aske!
+as it time to tell the whole story/ 1 han't earlier &e$ause on$e you tell someone $ertain
things.say, you got maile a human hea in a &o(.they ten to think you're $ra8y! 1 was in
the meia enough "or someone to preten to &e me, so 1' wante them to take me seriously
&e"ore they is$ounte me as some $ra$kpot psy$hoti$!
<Someone maile me a human hea! The return aress is your $ity!=
He was %uiet "or almost a minute! 1 $oul hear his raspy &reathing! 1 was &etting on the
smoking! A&out the time 1 was going to prompt him, he sai, <,an you es$ri&e the hea/=
He $oul have sai a lot o" things, &ut that wasn't on my list! Too $alm, even "or a $op, an
too pra$ti$al! The moment he aske me to es$ri&e it, 1 knew he ha someone in min,
someone who was missing a hea! Shit!
<The hea is in plasti$, pa$ke in i$e! The hair looks ark, &ut that $oul &e partially "rom the
way it was pa$ke! The hair looks straight, &ut again, 1 $an't &e sure that it's not some leakage
making the hair appear straight! ,au$asian, 1'm sure o", an the eyes look pale! -ray, may&e
pale &lue, though eath $an steal $olor "rom the eyes! 1 have no way o" telling time o" eath,
so 1 on't know how mu$h is$oloration $oul have taken pla$e!=
<Have you sear$he the &o( "or anything else/=
<1s your man missing more than 7ust a hea/= 1 aske!
<A &age, an a "inger! The "inger shoul have a weing &an on it!=
<1'm sorry to hear that last part!=
<+hy/=
<Telling the wi"e, 1 on't envy you that!=
<5ou have to o that yoursel" mu$h/=
<1've seen the grieving "amilies o" the vampire vi$s o"ten enough! 1t always su$ks!=
<5eah, it always su$ks,= he sai!
<1'm waiting "or "orensi$s to look at it &e"ore 1 tou$h anything! 1" there are any $lues, 1 on't
want to "u$k them up &e$ause 1 got impatient!=
<0et me know what they "in!=
<+ill o!= 1 waite "or him to a something, &ut he in't! All 1 ha was his &reathing, too
rough, too la&ore! 1 wonere when was the last time he' ha a physi$al!
1 "inally sai, <+hat happene in Vegas, Sheri"" Shaw/ +hy o 1 have a pie$e o" one o" your
o""i$ers on my esk/=
<+e aren't sure that's who it is!=
<2o, &ut it woul &e an aw"ully &ig $oin$ien$e i" you've got an o""i$er who's missing a
hea, an 1've got a hea in a &o( sent "rom your town that super"i$ially mat$hes your
owne o""i$er! 1 7ust on't &uy a $oin$ien$e that &ig, Sheri""!=
He sighe, then $oughe3 it was a thi$k $ough! May&e he was 7ust getting over something!
<Me either, Blake, me either! 1'll go you one &etter! +e're holing &a$k the "a$t that we've
got a missing hea an &age! +e're also holing &a$k "rom the meia that there's a message
on the wall where my men were slaughtere! 1t's written in their &loo, an it's aresse to
you!=
<To me,= 1 sai, an my voi$e soune a little less $ertain o" itsel" than 1 wante it to soun! 1t
was my turn to $lear my throat!
<5eah, it reas, Tell $nita %lake Ill be waitin for her!=
<+ell, that's 7ust ! ! ! $reepy,= 1 sai, "inally! 1 $ouln't think o" what else to say, &ut there was
that ele$tri$ 7olt that got through the sho$k "or a se$on! 1 knew that 7olt3 it was "ear!
< @,reepy,' that's the &est you $an o/ This vampire sent you a human hea! +ill it mean
more to you i" 1 tell you it's the hea o" our lo$al vampire e(e$utioner/=
1 thought a&out that "or a "ew &reaths, "elt that 7olt again.somewhere &etween an ele$tri$
sho$k an the sensation o" $hampagne in your veins! <+hat wor woul make you happy,
Shaw/ Di he take any souvenirs "rom any o" the other o""i$ers/=
<5ou mean, i he e$apitate anyone else/=
<5eah, that's what 1 mean!=
<2o! He an his monsters kille three operators, &ut the &oies were not use "or souvenir
hunting!=
<4perators ! ! ! so the vamp e(e$utioner was with your S+AT/=
<All warrants o" e(e$ution are $onsiere high risk, so S+AT helps eliver the message!=
<5eah, they're talking a&out that in St! 0ouis, too!= 1 was still unsure how 1 "elt a&out them
"or$ing me to take S+AT on vampire hunts! >art o" me was happy "or the &a$kup, an
another part was totally against it! The last time S+AT ha &a$ke me, some o" them ie! 1
in't like &eing responsi&le "or more people! Also, it was always a $hore to $onvin$e them 1
was worthy to put my shouler &esie theirs an hit that oor!
<1" our men kille any o" the monsters, we on't have any evien$e to prove it! 1t looks like
our people roppe where they stoo!=
1 in't know what to say to that, so 1 ignore it! <How long ago i all this happen/=
<5esteray, no, night &e"ore last, yeah! 1've &een up "or a while3 it starts to make you lose
tra$k!=
<1 know,= 1 sai!
<+hat the hell i you o to this vampire to make him like you this mu$h/=
<1 have no iea! May&e let him get away an not $hase him! 4h, hell, Shaw, you know there's
no logi$ to these nut;&unnies!=
<2ut;&unnies,= he sai!
<?ine, serial killers! Dea or alive they operate on a logi$ all their own! 1t oesn't make sense
to the rest o" us &e$ause we're not nut;&unnies!=
He mae a soun that 1 think was a laugh! <2o, we're not nut;&unnies, yet! The papers an
television say you kille a &un$h o" his people!=
<1 ha help! 4ur S+AT was with me! They lost men!=
<1've looke up the arti$les, &ut "rankly, 1 thought you' take $reit an not mention the
poli$e!=
<They went in with me! They riske their lives! Some o" them ie! 1t was &a! 1 on't think
1' "orget that!=
<)umor has it that you're a pu&li$ity sl.houn,= he sai, $hanging the wor he was going to
use to something less o""ensive!
1 a$tually laughe, whi$h was a goo sign! 1 wasn't $ompletely in sho$k, yeaA <1'm not a
pu&li$ity houn, or a pu&li$ity slut, Sheri"" Shaw! Trust me, 1 get way more meia attention
than 1 want!=
<?or someone who oesn't want the attention, you get a hell o" a lot o" it!=
1 shrugge, reali8e he $ouln't see it, an sai, <1'm involve with some pretty gruesome
$ases, Sheri""3 it attra$ts the meia!=
<5ou're also a &eauti"ul young woman an are ating the master o" your $ity!=
<Do 1 thank you "or the beautiful $omment &e"ore or a"ter 1 tell you that my personal li"e is
none o" your $on$ern/=
<1t is i" it inter"eres with your 7o&!=
<,he$k the re$or, Sheri"" Shaw! 1've kille more vampires sin$e 1've &een ating Bean;
,laue than 1 i &e"ore!=
<1 hear you've re"use to o stakings in the morgue!=
<1've lost my taste "or putting a stake through the heart o" someone $haine an helpless on a
gurney!=
<They're asleep, or whatever, right/=
<2ot always, an trust me, the "irst time you have to look someone in the "a$e while they &eg
"or their li"e ! ! ! 0et's 7ust say that even with pra$ti$e, putting a stake through someone's heart
is a slow way to ie! They &eg an e(plain themselves right up to the last!=
<But they've one something to eserve eath,= he sai!
<2ot always3 sometimes they "all into that three;strikes law "or vampires! 1t's written so that
no matter what the $rime is, even a misemeanor, three times an you get a warrant o"
e(e$ution on your ass! 1 on't like killing people "or stealing when there's no violen$e
involve!=
<But stealing &ig items, right/=
<2o, Sheri"", one woman got e(e$ute "or stealing less than a thousan ollars o" shit! She
was a iagnose kleptomania$ &e"ore &e$oming a vampire3 ying in't $ure her like she
thought it woul!=
<Someone put a stake through her heart "or petty the"t/=
<They i,= 1 sai!
<The law oesn't give the preternatural &ran$h o" the marshal program a right to re"use 7o&s!=
<Te$hni$ally, no, &ut 1 7ust on't o the stakeowns! 1 ha stoppe oing them &e"ore the
vampire e(e$utioners got gran"athere into the 6!S! Marshal program!=
<An they let you!=
<0et's say 1 have an unerstaning with my superiors!= The unerstaning ha &een that 1
wouln't testi"y on &ehal" o" the "amily o" the woman e(e$ute "or shopli"ting i" they simply
wouln't make me kill anyone who han't taken lives! A li"e "or a li"e mae some sense! A
li"e "or some $ostume 7ewelry mae no sense to me! A lot o" us ha turne own the woman!
1n the en they' ha to sen to +ashington, D,, "or -eral Mallory, who was one o" the
"irst vampire hunters ever who was still alive! He still thought all vampires were evil
monsters, so he' stake her without a %ualm! Mallory sort o" s$are me! There was
something in his eyes when he looke at any vampire that wasn't %uite sane!
<Marshal, are you still there/=
<1'm sorry, Sheri"", you got me thinking too har a&out the shopli"ter!=
<1t's in the news that the "amily is suing "or wrong"ul eath!=
<They are!=
<5ou on't talk mu$h, o you/=
<1 say what nees saying!=
<5ou're amn %uiet "or a woman!=
<5ou on't nee me to talk! 1 assume you nee me to $ome to Vegas an o my 7o&!=
<1t's a trap, Blake! A trap 7ust "or you!=
<>ro&a&ly, an sening me the hea o" your e(e$utioner is a&out as ire$t as a threat gets!=
<An you're still going to $ome/=
1 stoo up an looke own at the &o( an the hea staring up at me! 1t looke somewhere
&etween surprise an sleepy! <He maile me the hea o" your vampire e(e$utioner! He
maile it to my o""i$e! He wrote a message to me in the &loo on the wall where he
slaughtere three o" your operators! Hell, yes, 1'm $oming to Vegas!=
<5ou soun angry!=
1n my hea 1 thought, %etter anry than scared! 1" 1 $oul stay outrage, may&e 1 $oul keep
the "ear "rom growing! Be$ause it was there in the pit o" my stoma$h, in the &a$k o" my min
like a &la$k, niggling thought that woul grow &igger i" 1 let it! <+ouln't you &e pisse/=
<1' &e s$are!=
That stoppe me, &e$ause $ops almost never amit that they're s$are! <5ou &roke the rule,
Shaw, you never amit you're s$are!=
<1 7ust want you to know, Blake, really know, what you're walking into, that's all!=
<1t must have &een &a!=
<1've seen more men ea at one time! Hell, 1've lost more men uner my $omman!=
<5ou must &e e(;military,= 1 sai!
<1 am,= he sai!
1 waite "or him to say what servi$e3 most woul, &ut he in't!
<+here were you statione/= 1 aske!
<,lassi"ie, most o" it!=
<#(;spe$ial teams/= 1 mae it part %uestion, part statement!
<5es!=
<Do 1 ask what "lavor, or 7ust let it rop, &e"ore you have to threaten me with the ol i";1;tell;
you;then;1;have;to;kill;you routine/= 1 trie "or a 7oke, &ut Shaw in't take it that way!
<5ou're making a 7oke! 1" you $an o that, then you on't get what's happening!=
<5ou've got three operators ea, one vamp e(e$utioner ea an $ut up3 that is &a, &ut you
in't sen 7ust three operators in with the marshal, so most o" your team got away, Sheri""!=
<They in't get away,= he sai, an something in his voi$e mae that tight, &la$k pit o" "ear
rise a little higher in my gut!
<But they're not ea,= 1 sai, <or you' say so!=
<2o, not ea, not e(a$tly!=
<Are they &aly hurt/=
<2ot e(a$tly,= he sai!
<Stop &eating the &ush to eath an 7ust tell me, Shaw!=
<Seven o" our men are in the hospital! There's not a mark on them! They 7ust roppe!=
<1" there are no marks on them, why i they rop, an why are they in the hospital/=
<They're asleep!=
<+hat/=
<5ou hear me!=
<5ou mean $omas/=
<The o$tors say no! They're asleep3 we 7ust $an't wake them up!=
<Do the o$s have any $lues/=
<The only thing $lose to this is those patients in the twenties who all went to sleep an never
woke up!=
<Din't they make a movie years &a$k a&out them waking up/=
<5es, &ut it in't last, an they still on't know why that "orm o" sleeping si$kness is
i""erent "rom the norm,= he sai!
<5our whole team in't 7ust $at$h this sleeping thing in the mile o" a "ire"ight!=
<5ou aske what the o$tors sai!=
<2ow, 1'm asking what you say!=
<4ne o" our pra$titioners says it was magi$!=
<>ra$titioners/= 1 mae it a %uestion!
<+e've got psy$hi$s atta$he to our teams, &ut $an't $all them our pet wi8ars!=
<So operators an pra$titioners,= 1 sai!
<5es!=
<So someone i a spell/=
<1 on't know, &ut apparently it all reeks o" psy$hi$ shit, an when you run out o"
e(planations that make sense, you go with what you got!=
<+hen you've eliminate the impossi&le, whatever remains, however impro&a&le, must &e
the truth,= 1 sai!
<Di you 7ust %uote Sherlo$k Holmes at me/=
<5eah!=
<Then you still on't get it, Blake! 5ou 7ust on't!=
<4kay, let me &e &lunt here! Something a&out my rea$tion wasn't what you e(pe$te, so
you're $onvin$e that 1 on't get the seriousness o" the situation! 5ou're e(;spe$ial teams,
whi$h means to you, women are not going to measure up! 5ou've $alle me a &eauti"ul
woman, an that, too, makes most $ops an military unerestimate women! But spe$ial teams,
hell, you on't think most other military men are up to your level, or most $ops! So 1'm a girl3
get over it! 1'm petite an 1 $lean up well3 get over that, too! 1'm ating a vampire, the master
o" my $ity3 so what/ 1t has nothing to o with my 7o& or why Vittorio invite me to $ome hunt
him in Vegas!=
<+hy i he run in St! 0ouis/ +hy in't he run here when he knew we were $oming/ +hy
i he am&ush our men an not yours/=
<May&e he $ouln't a""or to lose that many o" his vampires again, or may&e he's 7ust
e$ie to make his last stan in your $ity!=
<0u$ky "u$king us!=
<5eah!=
<1 $alle aroun, talke to some o" the other $ops you've worke with, an some o" the other
vampire e(e$utioners, a&out you! 5ou want to know why some o" them thought this vampire
ran in St! 0ouis/=
<1'm all ears!=
<5ou, they thought he ran "rom you! 4ur Master o" the ,ity tol me that the vampires $all
you the #(e$utioner.that they've $alle you that "or years!=
<5eah, that's their pet name "or me!=
<+hy you/ +hy you, an not -eral Mallory/ He's &een aroun longer!=
<He's &een aroun years longer than me, &ut 1've got the higher &oy $ount! Think a&out it!=
<How $an you have the higher &oy $ount i" he's &een oing this "or at least ten years longer
than you/=
<4ne, he's a stake;an;hammer man! He re"uses to go to silver ammo an guns! That means
he has to totally in$apa$itate the vampires &e"ore he $an kill them! Totally in$apa$itating a
vampire is really har to o! 1 $an woun one, &ring it own "rom a istan$e! Two, 1 think his
hatre o" vampires makes him less e""e$tive when hunting them! 1t makes him miss $lues an
not think things through!=
<So you 7ust kill them &etter than anyone else!=
<Apparently!=
<1'll &e honest, Blake, 1' "eel &etter i" you were a guy! 1' "eel even &etter i" you ha some
military &a$kgroun! 1've $he$ke you out3 other than a "ew hunting trips with your a,
you' never hanle a gun &e"ore you starte killing monsters! 5ou' never owne a hangun
at all!=
<+e were all new&ies on$e, Shaw! But trust me, the new is all worn o"" o" me!=
<4ur Master o" the ,ity is $ooperating "ully with us!=
<1'll 7ust &et he is!=
<He says &ring you to Vegas, an you'll sort it out!=
That stoppe me! Ma(imillian, Ma(, ha met me only on$e, when he $ame to town with some
o" his weretigers a"ter an un"ortunate metaphysi$al a$$ient! The un"ortunate a$$ient ha
ene with me pretty mu$h possessing one o" his weretigers, ,rispin! He' taken ,rispin &a$k
to Vegas with him, &ut it wasn't &e$ause the tiger wante to leave me! He was istur&ingly
evote to me! 1t wasn't my "ault, honest, &ut the amage was still one! 0ately, some o" the
powers 1' gaine as Bean;,laue's human servant seeme to translate into attra$ting
metaphysi$al men! Vampires, wereanimals, so "ar 7ust that, &ut it was enough! Some ays it
was too mu$h! 1 in't remem&er oing anything that impressive when Ma( was visiting!
1' spent most o" his visit trying to &e a goo little human servant "or Bean;,laue, an
whatever &e$ame mine, like a weretiger, &e$ame my master's, too! +e' one some "airly
istur&ing metaphysi$s, my master an 1, "or our guest's &ene"it! +e' le"t him kin o"
$reepe, unless he was way more &ise(ual than he' ever amit!
<Blake, you still there/=
<1'm here, Shaw, 7ust thinking a&out your Master o" the ,ity! 1'm "lattere that he thinks 1 $an
sort it out!=
<5ou shoul &e! He's ol;time mo&! Don't take this wrong, &ut i" you think my opinion o"
women is low, then ol;time mo&sters think worse!=
<5eah, yeah, you 7ust think women $an't $ut it on the 7o&! Mo&sters think we're 7ust "or
making &a&ies or "u$king!=
He mae another laugh soun! <5ou are one &lunt son o" a &it$h!=
1 took it "or the $ompliment it was3 he han't $alle me a aughter o" a &it$h! 1" 1 $oul get
him to treat me like one o" the guys, 1 $oul o my 7o&!
<1 am pro&a&ly one o" the most &lunt people you will ever meet, Shaw!=
<1'm &eginning to &elieve that!=
<Believe it, warn the other guys! 1t'll save time!=
<+arn them a&out what, that you're &lunt/=
<All o" it.&lunt, a girl, pretty, ates vampires, whatever! -et it out o" their system &e"ore 1
hit the groun in Vegas! 1 on't want to have to wae through ma$ho &ullshit to o my 7o&!=
<2othing 1 $an o a&out that, Blake! 5ou'll have to prove yoursel" to them, 7ust like any ! ! !
o""i$er!=
<+oman, you were going to say woman! 1 know how it works, Shaw! Be$ause 1'm a girl, 1
gotta &e &etter than the guys to get the same level o" respe$t! But with three men ea in
Vegas an seven more in some sort o" a spell, ten ea here in St! 0ouis, "ive in 2ew 4rleans,
two in >itts&urgh, 1' like to think your o""i$ers will &e more intereste in $at$hing this
&astar than giving me a har time!=
<They're motivate, Blake, &ut you're still a &eauti"ul woman an they're still $ops!=
1 ignore the $ompliment &e$ause 1 never knew what to o with it! <An they're s$are,= 1
sai!
<1 in't say that!=
<5ou in't have to3 you're spe$ial teams an you amitte it! 1" it's spooke you, then it's
sure as hell spooke the rest! They're going to &e 7umpy an looking "or someone to &lame!=
<+e &lame the vampires that kille our people!=
<5eah, &ut 1'm still going to &e the whipping &oy "or some o" them!=
<+hat makes you say that/=
<The message on the wall was "or me! The hea $ame to me! 5ou alreay aske me what 1 i
to piss Vittorio o""! Some o" your people are going to say that 1 pisse him o"" enough to
make him o all this, or may&e even that he i it all to impress me in that sweet serial killer
sort o" way!=
Shaw was %uiet, only his thi$k &reathing on the phone! 1 in't prompt him, 7ust waite, an
"inally he sai, <5ou're a &igger $yni$ than 1 am, Blake!=
<Do you think 1'm wrong/=
He was %uiet "or a &reath or two more! <2o, Blake, 1 on't think you're wrong! 1 think you're
e(a$tly right! My men are spooke, an they'll want someone to &lame! This vampire has
mae sure that the poli$e here in Vegas will have mi(e "eelings a&out you!=
<+hat you nee to ask yoursel", Shaw, is i he o it on purpose, to make my 7o& harer, or
i he not give a amn a&out the e""e$t it ha on you an your men/=
<5ou know him &etter than 1 o, Blake! +hi$h is it.on purpose, or in't give a amn/=
<1 on't know this vampire, Shaw! 1 know his vi$tims, an the vampires he le"t &ehin "or
killing! 1 thought he' resur"a$e &e$ause most o" these guys $an't stop on$e they get to a
$ertain level o" violen$e! 1t's like a rug, an they are ai$te! But 1 never reame he'
sen me presents or spe$ial messages! 1 honestly in't think 1' mae that &ig an impression
on him!=
<+e'll show you the $rime s$ene when you lan! Trust me, Blake, you mae an impression
on him!=
<2ot the impression 1 wante to make,= 1 sai!
<An what was that/=
<A hole in his hea, an a hole in his heart &ig enough to see aylight through!=
<1'll help you o it!=
<1 in't think unersheri""s i "ielwork!=
<?or this one, 1'll make an e($eption! +hen $an you get here/=
<1'll have to $he$k the airline s$heule, an 1'll have to $he$k the regulations "or my vampire
kit! Seems like the rules $hange every time 1 have to "ly!=
<4ur marshal in't $arry anything spe$ial on him that you $ouln't get on a plane with i"
you've passe the air marshal test!=
1 thought to mysel", (aybe thats why hes dead! 4ut lou, 1 sai, <1'm &ringing phosphorus
grenaes i" 1 $an get them on the plane!=
<>hosphorus grenaes, no shit!=
<2o shit!=
<They work on vampires/=
<They work on everything, Shaw, an water makes them &urn hotter!=
<5ou ever seen a man ive into water, thinking it will put it out, &ut it 7ust "lares/= Shaw
aske!
1 ha a suen pi$ture in my hea o" a ghoul that ha run through a stream trying to get away!
He, or one o" his pa$k, ha kille a homeless man who' "allen asleep in the $emetery where
the ghouls ha $ome out o" the graves! They' never have atta$ke him awake, &ut they still
ate him, an that still earne them an e(termination! 1' 7ust &een &a$kup "or a "lamethrower
team o" e(terminators! But ghouls that are &rave enough to atta$k an kill the living rather
than 7ust s$avenge the ea $an turn ealy! +hi$h means you on't sen $ivilians in without
&ages to &a$k them! 1t' &een the "irst time 1' use the grenaes! They worke &etter than
anything 1' ever use on ghouls! +hen they go &a, they are as strong as a vampire, "aster
an stronger than a 8om&ie, immune to silver &ullets, an almost impossi&le to kill with
anything &ut "ire! <1 saw some run through a stream! The phosphorus "lare up aroun them
like a hot, white aura everywhere the water splashe! So &right, the water sparke in the
light!=
<An the men s$reame "or a long time,= Shaw sai!
<5eah, ghouls, &ut yeah, they i!= 1 hear my voi$e utterly $ol! 1 $ouln't a""or to "eel
anything yet!
<1 thought moern phosphorus in't o all that,= he sai!
<#verything ol is new again,= 1 sai!
<1'm &eginning to see why the vampires think you're s$ary, Blake!=
<The grenaes aren't what make me s$ary, Shaw!=
<+hat oes/= he aske!
<That 1'm willing to use them!=
<1t's not &eing willing to use them, Blake! 1t's &eing willing to use them again!=
1 thought a&out that, an "inally sai, <5eah!=
<,all me when you have your "light arrange!= His voi$e was unhappy with me, as i" 1' sai
something else that wasn't what he wante to hear!
<1'll let you know as soon as 1 know! -ive me your ire$t num&er, i" you're my go;to guy!=
He sighe lou enough "or me to hear it! <5eah, 1'm your go;to guy!= He gave me his
e(tension an his $ell phone num&er! <+e're not going to wait "or you, Blake! 1" we $an $at$h
these &astars, we will!=
<The warrant o" e(e$ution ie with your vampire e(e$utioner, Shaw! 1" you guys kill them
without me or another e(e$utioner with you, then you'll &e looking at $harges!=
<1" we "in them, an we hesitate, they'll kill us!=
<1 know that!=
<So what are you telling me to o/=
<1'm remining you o" the law!=
<+hat i" 1 sai 1 on't nee a "u$king e(e$utioner to remin me o" the law/=
<1'll &e there as soon as 1 $an! 1 have a "rien with a private plane! That's pro&a&ly the "astest
way to get to you!=
<5our "rien, or your master/=
<+hat i 1 say to piss you o"", Shaw/=
<1'm not sure3 may&e you 7ust remine me o" something 1 in't want to remem&er! May&e
you 7ust mae sure 1 know what may have to happen in my town &e"ore this is over!=
<1" you want pretty lies, you have the wrong marshal!=
<1 hear that a&out you, that an that you'll "u$k anything that moves!=
5eah, 1' pisse him o""! <Don't worry, Shaw, your virtue is sa"e!=
<+hy, not pretty enough "or you/=
<>ro&a&ly not, &ut 1 on't o $ops!=
<+hat do you o/=
<Monsters!= 1 hung up! 1 shouln't have! 1 shoul have e(plaine the rumors, an how it
wasn't true, an how 1 ha never let se( inter"ere in a $ase, mu$h! But there $omes a point
when you 7ust get tire o" e(plaining yoursel"! An, let's "a$e it, you $an't prove a negative! 1
$ouln't prove 1 in't sleep aroun! 1 $oul only o my 7o& to the &est o" my a&ility an try
to stay alive, oh, an try to keep everyone else alive! An kill the &a vampires! 5eah, mustn't
"orget that part!
1 ha other phone $alls to make &e"ore 1 $oul leave town! ,ell phones are woner"ul things!
?irst $all was to 0arry *irklan, "ellow 6!S! Marshal an vampire e(e$utioner! He answere
his own $ell phone on the se$on ring! <Hey, Anita, what's up/= He still souns young an
"resh, &ut in the "our years we' known ea$h other, he' a$%uire his "irst s$ars, along with a
wi"e an &a&y, an was still the main person "or the morgue stakings! He ha also re"use to
kill the shopli"ter! 1n "a$t, he' &een the one who $alle me "rom the morgue to ask what the
hell to o a&out it! He's a&out my height, with &right re hair that woul $url i" he in't $ut it
so short, "re$kles, the works! He looks like he shoul &e going out with Tom Sawyer to play
tri$ks on little Be$ky, &ut he's stoo shouler to shouler with me in some &a pla$es! 1" he
ha one "ault, other than that 1 wasn't entirely a "an o" his wi"e, it was that he wasn't a
shooter! He still thought more like a $op than an assassin, an sometimes that wasn't goo in
our line o" work! 4h, an what i 1 have against his wi"e, Dete$tive Tammy )eynols/ She
in't approve o" my $hoi$es in &oy"riens, an she kept wanting to $onvert me to her se$t o"
,hristianity, whi$h was a little too -nosti$ "or me! 1n "a$t, it was one o" the last -nosti$;
&ase "orms o" ,hristianity to have survive the early ays o" the $hur$h! 1t allowe "or
wit$hes, rea psy$hi$s in this $ase! Tammy thought 1' &e a "ine Sister o" the ?aith! 0arry was
now a Brother o" the ?aith, sin$e he, like me, $oul raise 8om&ies "rom the grave! 1t's not evil
i" you're oing it "or the $hur$h!
<1've got to "ly to Vegas on a warrant!=
<5ou nee me to $over while you're gone/= he mae it a %uestion!
<5ep!=
<Then you're $overe,= he sai!
1 thought a&out giving him more etails, &ut 1 was a"rai he' want to $ome with me!
#nangering mysel" was one thing, enangering 0arry was another! >art o" it was that he was
marrie an ha a &a&y3 the other part was that 1 7ust "elt prote$tive o" him! He was only a "ew
years younger than me, &ut there was something still so"t a&out him! 1 value that, an "eare
it! So"t either goes away in our &usiness or gets you kille!
<Thanks, 0arry! 1'll see you when 1 get &a$k!=
<Be $are"ul,= he sai!
<Aren't 1 always/=
He laughe! <2o!=
+e hung up! He' &e pisse when he learne the etails a&out Vegas! >isse that 1 han't
$on"ie in him, an pisse that 1 was still prote$ting him! But pisse 1 $oul live with3 ea, 1
wasn't sure a&out!
1 also $alle 2ew 4rleans! Their lo$al vampire hunter, Denis;0u$ St! Bohn, ha mae me
promise that i" Vittorio ever resur"a$e 1' give him a $han$e to get a pie$e o" the hunt! St!
Bohn ha almost &een one o" Vittorio's vi$tims! Months in the hospital an reha& a"ter ha
mae him pretty aamant a&out helping kill the vampire that put him through all that!
1t was a woman's voi$e on the other en o" the phone, whi$h surprise me! To my knowlege,
St! Bohn in't have a wi"e! <1'm sorry, 1'm not sure 1 have the right num&er! 1'm looking "or
Denis;0u$ St! Bohn!=
<+ho is this/= the woman aske!
<6!S! Marshal Anita Blake!=
<The vampire e(e$utioner,= an she mae it soun like a &a thing!
<5es!=
<1'm Denis;0u$'s sister!= She sai "enis)Luc with an a$$ent 1 $ouln't mat$h!
<Hi, $oul 1 speak to your &rother/=
<He's out, &ut 1'll give him a message!=
<4kay!= 1 tol her a&out Vittorio!
<5ou mean the vampire that nearly kille him/= she aske!
<5es,= 1 sai!
<+hy woul you even $all him/= Her voi$e was e"initely hostile now!
<Be$ause he mae me promise that i" this vampire resur"a$e 1 woul $all him an given him
another $ra$k at it!=
<That souns like my &rother!= Again, she in't soun happy a&out it!
<+ill you give him the message/=
<Sure!= Then she hung up on me!
1 wasn't sure 1 &elieve that the sister woul give him the message, &ut it was the only num&er
1 ha "or St! Bohn! 1 $oul have $alle the lo$al poli$e an pro&a&ly gotten a message to him,
&ut what i" 1 i, an this time Vittorio kille him/ +hat woul 1 say to his sister then/ 1 le"t
it in her hans! 1" she gave him the message, "ine3 i" she in't, then not my &a! #ither way,
1' kept my promise an wouln't &e getting him kille! 1t seeme like a win;win to me!
3



12 TH# M4V1#S, you always see the hero 7ust getting on a plane an going o"" to "ight the
&a guys3 in reality, you've got to pa$k "irst! ,lothes 1 $oul pro&a&ly have &ought in Vegas,
&ut the weapons ! ! ! those 1 neee!
Home, "or the moment, was unerneath the ,ir$us o" the Damne! Sort o" like the ol iea o"
a store owner living a&ove his shop, e($ept when you're sha$king up with a vampire,
winows are &a3 $avernous unergroun, goo! Besies, it was also one o" the most
e"ensi&le pla$es in all o" St! 0ouis! +hen your vampie sweetie is also the Master o" the ,ity,
you have to worry a&out e"ense! 2ot humans anymore, &ut other vampires wanting to take a
&ite o" your a$tion! 4kay, on$e it ha &een a group o" rogue shapeshi"ters, &ut the pro&lem
was the same! Monsters outsie the law were as angerous as humans outsie it, &ut with
more skills!
+hi$h was why 1 knew there were guars wat$hing me as 1 parke an went to the &a$k oor!
1 always ha to resist the urge to wave! 1t was suppose to &e a se$ret that they were wat$hing,
so waving was out!
My $ell phone rang as 1 was igging out my keys "or the &a$k oor! The musi$ ha $hange
again3 now it was <+il Boys= &y Duran Duran! 2athaniel "oun it amusing that 1 $ouln't
"igure out how to program my own ring tone, so he $hange it perioi$ally without warning!
Apparently, this was my e"ault ring tone now! Boys!
<Blake here!=
The voi$e on the other en o" the phone stoppe me ea in the parking lot! <Anita, it's
#war!=
#war was an assassin who spe$iali8e in killing monsters &e$ause humans ha &e$ome too
easy! As Te ?orrester he was a 6!S! Marshal an "ellow vampire e(e$utioner! By any name
he was one o" the most e""i$ient killers 1' ever met! <+hat's wrong, #war/=
<2othing on my en, &ut 1 hear you're having a hell o" an interesting time!=
1 stoo there in the summer's heat, keys angling "rom my han, an was s$are! <+hat are
you talking a&out, #war/=
<Tell me you were going to $all an have me meet you in Vegas! Tell me you weren't going
to hunt this one without inviting me to $ome play!=
<How the hell i you know a&out it/= 4n$e upon a time, not that long ago, i" anyone ie,
espe$ially spe$ta$ularly, #war was a goo &et "or it! 1 ha a moment to woner i" he knew
more a&out Vegas than 1 i!
<1'm a 6!S! Marshal, too, remem&er/=
<5eah, &ut 1 only "oun out less than an hour ago! How i you rate a $all, an "rom whom/=
<They kille one o" our own, Anita! ,ops take that har!= 1n one senten$e he' sai our own
an then talke a&out the poli$e like he wasn't one! #war was like me3 we ha a &age, &ut
sometimes we in't %uite "it!
<How i you "in out a&out it, #war/=
<5ou soun suspi$ious!=
<Don't "u$k with me, 7ust talk to me!=
He took in a eep &reath, let it out! <?air enough! 1 live in 2ew Me(i$o, remem&er/ 1t isn't
that "ar "rom 2evaa! They'll pro&a&ly $all up all the western;state e(e$utioners!=
<How i you know to $all me/= 1 aske!
<They're only holing the message &a$k "rom the meia, not "rom other marshals!=
<So, you know a&out the writing on the wall3 that's why you $alle me!= The %uestion was,
i he know a&out the hea/ How goo were his sour$es these ays/ 4n$e he' &een like a
mysterious guru to me! All;knowing, all;seeing, an &etter at everything than 1 was!
<5ou telling me that you aren't going to "ly to Vegas to hunt this &astar/=
<2o, 1'm e"initely going!=
<There's something you're not telling me,= he sai!
1 leane against the sie o" the &uiling an sai, <5ou know a&out the hea/=
<That the vampires took the hea o" 0as Vegas's e(e$utioner, yeah! 1've &een wonering why
they took his hea! They're vampires, not ghouls or a rogue 8om&ie! They on't eat "lesh!=
<#ven ghouls that $a$he "oo almost never take the hea! They pre"er meatier &its!=
<5ou've seen ghoul "oo $a$hes/= he aske!
<4n$e,= 1 sai!
He gave a small laugh! <Sometimes 1 "orget that a&out you!=
<+hat/=
<That you are one o" the only people who run into weirer shit than 1 o sometimes!=
<1 on't know whether to &e insulte, "lattere, or s$are,= 1 sai!
<?lattere,= he sai, an 1 knew he meant it!
<They in't take the hea "or eating,= 1 sai!
<5ou know what happene to it/=
<5ep!=
<+hat, 1 nee to ask/=
1 sighe! <2o,= an 1 tol him a&out the little present 1' gotten at work this morning!
He was %uiet "or so long that 1 $ontinue talking! <+e're 7ust lu$ky it $ame in on the only
morning that 1 o $lient meetings all ay! -o knows what Bert, my &usiness manager, woul
have one with it i" 1 han't &een there to make him wait "or "orensi$s!=
<5ou really think it was $oin$ien$e that the pa$kage got there on the only morning that
you' &e in/= #war sai!
1 leane a little harer against the wall, $lut$hing the $ell phone with one han an my keys
with the other! 1 suenly "elt e(pose out there in the parking lot, &e$ause 1 unerstoo
e(a$tly what #war meant!
<5ou think Vittorio's &een monitoring me! That he knows my s$heule!= 1 looke out into the
aylit parking lot! There was no pla$e to hie! Daylight meant there weren't that many $ars! 1
ha this suen esire to &e insie, out o" sight!
1 put my key in the oor an use my shouler to hol the phone while 1 opene the oor!
<5es,= he sai! That was #war: high on truth, low on $om"ort!
1 spille in through the oor an got it $lose &ehin me &e"ore the two guars insie $oul o
mu$h more than push themselves o"" the wall! They were &oth in &la$k T;shirts an 7eans,
only the guns an holsters ruining the $asual look! They trie to talk to me, an 1 wave at
them that 1 was on the phone! They went &a$k to holing up their se$tion o" wall, an 1 went
"or the "ar oor! The oor was one o" only two ways into the unergroun area where Bean;
,laue an his vampires slept! 1t was why we ha two guars in the storage room at all times!
Boring uty, whi$h meant they were two o" the newer hires3 1 remem&ere that one o" them
was Brian, &ut "or the li"e o" me 1 $ouln't remem&er the other one's name!
<Anita, you still there/= #war aske!
<-ive me a minute to "in some priva$y!=
1 opene the oor leaing own an $lose it &ehin me! 1 was staning at the hea o" stone
steps that le own an own! 1 kept one han on the wall as 1 starte own! High heels were
not meant "or these steps! Hell, they seeme $arve "or something that in't walk %uite like a
human &eing at all! Something &igger than a person, with i""erent legs may&e!
<Vittorio wouln't have $ome &a$k to St! 0ouis,= 1 sai!
<>ro&a&ly not, &ut you know &etter than most vampire hunters that the vampires have other
resour$es!=
<5eah, 1'm Bean;,laue's human servant, so Vittorio $oul have one, too!=
<Hell, Anita, he $oul have humans with 7ust a $ouple o" &ites! 5ou know that on$e a vampire
uses its ga8e on someone an oes the whole &ite thing, they'll o anything "or their master!=
<1 wouln't sense a human with a "ew &ites on them! They hit the raar as 7ust human!=
<So, yeah, 1 think you've &een spie on! 1' tell you not to $ome, Anita, &ut 1 know you won't
listen!=
1 stum&le on the steps an ha to $at$h my &alan$e &e"ore 1 sai, <5ou honestly woul tell
me to stay home on this one/ 5ou, who are always inviting me out to hunt &igger an &aer
monsters/=
<This one's mae it personal, Anita! He wants your hea!=
<Thanks "or that imagery, a"ter my little present this morning!=
<1 sai it on purpose, Anita! 5ou're like me now3 you've got people you love, an you on't
want to leave them! 1'm 7ust remining you, like you remin me, that you really o have a
$hoi$e! 5ou $an sit this one out!=
<5ou mean stay sa"e in St! 0ouis while the rest o" you guys hunt this &astar/=
<5es!=
<An you $an tell me, honestly, that you wouln't think less o" me "or playing it that sa"e/=
He in't answer "or so long that 1 was almost at the &lin $orner turn at the hal"way point o"
the stairs! 1 in't prompt him! 1 7ust listene to him &reathe an $on$entrate on my heels on
the uneven stones!
<1 wouln't &lame you "or staying home!=
<But you woul think less o" me,= 1 sai!
He was %uiet! <1' try not to!=
<5eah, an the rest o" the $ops who alreay think 1'm a girl, an that 1'm sleeping with
vampires, an that 1'm sleeping aroun with other $ops, they wouln't think less o" me/=
<Don't get yoursel" kille &e$ause o" prie, Anita! That's a guy reason to ie! 5ou're a girl3
think like a girl "or on$e!=
<#war, i" they've &een wat$hing me in St! 0ouis, 1 may not &e sa"e here, either!=
<May&e, or may&e he's luring you out, Anita! May&e he woul have $ome &a$k to St! 0ouis
"or you, &ut with all the people Bean;,laue has aroun him he $ouln't get to you!=
1 walke aroun the $orner, thinking a&out that! <Shit, 1 hope you're wrong a&out that!=
<5ou knew it was a trap, Anita!=
<5eah, &ut knowing Vittorio is throwing own the gauntlet in Vegas is one thing! Believing
that he's pi$ke somewhere "ar away so 1'll &e away "rom Bean;,laue an his guars is ! ! !
"rightening!=
<-oo, 1 want you s$are on this one, &e$ause you shoul &e!=
<+hat's that suppose to mean/=
<1t means Vittorio has &een wat$hing you, or having someone else o it! He sent the hea on a
ay you' &e there! He sent it early in the morning &e"ore your vampire lover will &e awake,
so no one $an tell you to take guars, or not to go! 1n St! 0ouis, i" Bean;,laue is still own "or
the ay, you're in $harge!=
<+e've &een working really har at making me more human servant an Bean;,laue more
master!=
<5eah, so har that you've move into the ,ir$us with him! The other marshals on't think
mu$h o" you sha$king up with the master o" your $ity!=
<>re7ui$e &astars!= 1 was at the &ig $ell;like oor that le into the unergroun proper!
<1 also hear that Bean;,laue an your &oy"riens have $ome out o" the $loset! 1 take it that
the iea that Bean;,laue is "u$king you an your &oy"riens was to e(plain why he was
letting you "u$k other men!=
<+e tol the vampire $ommunity that, not the marshals! How o they know all this/=
<5ou aren't the only one who's a little $lose with their lo$al vampires, Anita!=
<1've met your lo$al vampires, an 1 know that you are not talking to 4&siian Butter"ly!
She's so s$ary that the worlwie vampire $ommunity has mae Al&u%uer%ue, 2ew Me(i$o,
o"" limits!=
<1 live in Santa ?e!=
<5eah, an it's still too $lose to 4&siian Butter"ly an her group! 1t's why you have to travel
out o" state to hunt vampires3 your lo$al master is too s$ary to share!=
<She thinks she's an A8te$ goess, Anita! -os on't share!=
<She's a vampire, #war, &ut she may a$tually &e what the A8te$s worshippe uner her
name!=
<She's still a vampire, Anita!=
<1 on't like the tone in your voi$e, #war! >romise me i" you ever get a warrant o"
e(e$ution against her or any o" her vampires that you'll let me $ome help!=
<5ou' have "lown to Vegas without me!=
<May&e, or may&e getting a human hea in a &o( was weir even "or me! May&e 1 am a"rai
o" Vittorio, an 1 on't like running into a trap like some ra&&it! May&e 1 7ust han't ha time
to think to $all you!=
<That's a lot o" maybes, Anita!=
<1 may lose the phone signal i" 1 go any "arther unergroun, #war, &ut 1 have to pa$k, so ! !
!=
<1t's a shorter "light "or me to Vegas, so 1'll see you on the groun!=
<#war,= 1 sai!
<5eah!=
<Do you really think Vittorio planne me to have to "ly to Vegas &e"ore Bean;,laue $oul &e
awake to argue with me, or make me take guars/=
<1 on't know, &ut i" he i plan it this way, then he's a"rai o" your guars! He's a"rai o"
you with Bean;,laue! He's a"rai o" you with all your shapeshi"ter "riens! But he's not as
a"rai o" you on your own!=
<1 won't &e on my own,= 1 sai!
<2o, you won't &e,= he sai!
<1 on't mean 7ust you, #war! Vittorio kille poli$e o""i$ers! 1 on't think he unerstans
how serious that $an &e!=
<+e'll e(plain it to him,= #war sai, voi$e gone empty o" a$$ent, empty o" almost
anything! 1t was the voi$e that he use when he was at his most ealy!
<5es,= 1 sai, <we will!=
#war hung up!
1 hung up an went through the oor into Bean;,laue's living room!
4



T+4 4? M5 lovers were ea in the &e that we all share! They' &e alive again later in
the ay, or earlier in the night, &ut "or now, Bean;,laue an Asher truly were ea! 1'
tou$he enough ea &oies to know that sleep oes not mimi$ eath! There is a looseness, an
emptiness, to the ea that not even $oma $an imitate!
1 stare own at them! They lay in a tangle o" white silk sheets! Bean;,laue all &la$k $urls
an that &eauti"ul "a$e3 a line less or more, an he' have &een too &eauti"ul, too "eminine, &ut
you never looke into his "a$e an thought irl! 2o, he was all male no matter how pretty he
looke! 1t helpe that he was nake on top o" the sheets! 2ue, there was no mistaking him "or
anything &ut oh so male!
Asher's golen waves spille a$ross his "a$e, hiing one o" the most per"e$t pro"iles that ha
ever e(iste! 1 ha some memories "rom the vampire who ha mae him: Belle Morte,
Beauti"ul Death! She was over two thousan years ol, an she still thought that his le"t
pro"ile was the most per"e$t she' ever seen in a man! His right pro"ile was marre, in her
eyes, &y the a$ilike s$ars o" the holy water that the ,hur$h ha use to try to &urn the evil
out o" him! The s$ars in't take up that mu$h o" his "a$e, 7ust "rom mi$heek to $hin on one
sie! His mouth was still as kissa&le, his "a$e still ha that heartrening &eauty, &ut to Belle,
the s$ars ha $overe everything!
His ne$k was untou$he, &ut "rom $hest to groin to part o" the thigh, the right sie o" his &oy
was $overe in the holy water s$ars! 1t looke as i" the "lesh ha melte an partially
re"orme, like wa(! The skin was te(ture i""erently "rom the uns$arre hal" o" him, &ut it
wasn't ruine! He $oul still "eel my tou$h, still &e li$ke an $aresse, an &itten! 1t was 7ust
i""erent! 1t was Asher, an 1 love him!
1t wasn't the same way 1 love Bean;,laue, &ut 1' learne that love $oul mean many
things, an no matter how similar it looke "rom the outsie, insie it $oul "eel very
i""erent! -oo still, &ut i""erent!
1 was pa$ke, though 1 was going to get some o" the &oyguars to help $arry the e%uipment
&ags o" weapons up the stairs "or me! 1 neee to get to the airport an the 7et that was "uele
an waiting "or me! 1 wante to &e on the groun in Vegas while it was still aylight! 1"
Vittorio ha intene to get me out o" St! 0ouis &e"ore Bean;,laue $oul wake an may&e
insist on guars going with me, then "ine, 1' get to Vegas while Vittorio was still ea to the
worl, too! 1t was the great leveler, that vampires were helpless uring the ay! 1 woul take
every avantage o" it that 1 $oul! 4" $ourse, Vittorio knew that a&out me, i" he' &een spying
on me! The thought that he pro&a&ly ha aylight eyes an ears waiting "or me in Vegas
wasn't $om"orting!
1 stare own at the two vampires an wishe that 1 $oul have sai goo;&ye!
The &athroom oor opene an Bason $ame out, wearing a ro&e that he han't &othere to tie
shut, &ut he' &een $ompletely nue &etween the two vampires when 1' "irst entere the
room! Besies, it wasn't like 1 han't seen it all &e"ore! He was Bean;,laue's 'omme de
san, his apple o" &loo, sort o" part kept woman an part morning sna$k! Most people in't
a$tually "u$k their 'ommes de san, an Bean;,laue in't either, &ut Bason's reputation ha
"allen to the nee to make our share master look more power"ul in the eyes o" the larger
vampire $ommunity! He was also going to have the "un 7o& o" telling Bean;,laue where 1
was an what 1 was oing when the vampire woke!
Bason was my height, may&e an in$h more, short "or a man an 1 guess short "or a woman! His
&lon hair was to his shoulers now! He' starte letting it grow &a$k out, though truth"ully
he was one o" the "ew men 1 thought a$tually looke &etter with the short e(e$utive hair$ut!
But 1 was 7ust his goo "rien an lover, not his girl"rien, so his hair length was his own
&usiness!
He smile at me, his spring;&lue eyes shining with some 7oke that only he knew! Then the
look $hange, "rom 7oking to serious to ! ! ! 1 was 7ust suenly aware that he was nake, an
the ro&e was $overing pre$ious little, an ! ! !
<Stop it, Bason,= 1 sai, so"tly! 1 on't know why you always whisper aroun sleeping
vampires, as i" they were truly asleep, &ut you o3 unless you stop yoursel", you treat the ones
you know like they $an hear you an you on't want to istur& them!
<Stop what/= he aske, in a voi$e that was a little lower than it neee to &e! 1 $ouln't have
tol you what he was oing i""erently with his walk, &ut he suenly mae me aware that his
ay 7o& was as a stripper!
<+hat's with the serious "lirting, Bason/ 5ou know 1 on't have time "or it!=
He $ame to the en o" the &e, an 1 ha to either &a$k up or stan my groun while he "lirte!
Ba$king up seeme $owarly, an on$e 1 $oul have withstoo Bason's attentions, &ut sin$e
1' a$$ientally mae him my werewol" to $all, he seeme to have more pull on my li&io! He
in't usually take avantage o" it, so why was he upping the heat now/
1 stoo my groun, &ut was almost pain"ully aware o" how $lose he was to me! <5ou know
Bean;,laue is going to go apeshit when he wakes up,= he sai!
<Bean;,laue never goes apeshit!=
<Vittorio has set a trap "or you, Anita! 5ou're walking into it!= He was &ehin me now, so
$lose that the eges o" his ro&e &rushe against the &a$k o" my &oy!
<Bason, please, 1 have to go,= an this time 1 in't whisper so as not to wake the vampires! 1
whispere &e$ause it was the &est 1 $oul o! 4ne o" the real ownsies to moving into the
,ir$us an living with all the men who were tie to me metaphysi$ally was that all o" them
seeme to &e gaining power.power over me! Bean;,laue 1 $oul unerstan3 he was the
Master o" the ,ity! Asher even, &e$ause he was a master vampire! But Bason was a werewol",
a &loo onor, an my wol" to $all! 1 shoul have &een master here, an 1 wasn't!
He move aroun me, so $lose, so very $lose, so that not having our &oies tou$h took more
e""ort than 7ust $losing that small istan$e! 1 kept one han on the &epost like it was my
an$hor to reality! He stoo in "ront o" me, his eyes a little &elow mine &e$ause 1 was still in
the heels!
<Then go,= he whispere!
1 swallowe har &ut in't move away! 1 ha a moment to woner i" 1 $oul move away, an
the thought was enough! 1 $lose my eyes an steppe &a$k! 1 $oul o this! 1t was Bason, not
Bean;,laue3 1 $oul o this!
Bason $aught my arms! <Don't go!=
<1 have to go!= But having to keep my eyes $lose took a lot o" the pun$h out o" the statement!
He pulle my hans in towar his &oy, so that 1 tou$he the mus$le smoothness o" his
stoma$h! He put one han to his groin, an he was alreay happier to &e near me than last 1'
looke! He "ille my han, an he was thi$k an per"e$t again! Two months ago, some very
&a men ha $apture the &oth o" us! They' torture him with $igarettes, "ire, the only thing
a ly$anthrope $an't heal! They' marke up a very ni$e &oy an amn near kille him!
My hans sli over him, uner the ro&e, so 1 hel him $lose, "eeling how very nake he was,
in my arms! 1 hel him, an he hel me &a$k! 1 hel him an remem&ere holing him while
he &le! Holing him while 1 thought he was ying!
His voi$e was normal, not seu$tive, when he sai, <Anita, 1'm sorry!=
1 rew &a$k enough to see his "a$e! <Sorry you trie to use your new powers over me to get
me to stay home/=
He grinne! <5eah, &ut 1 o like you amiring the newly heale me!=
<1'm 7ust gla that Do$ 0illian "igure out that i" they $ut away the &urne &its you' heal on
your own!=
<1'm 7ust gla they "oun anesthesia that worke on our "aster meta&olism! 1 woul not have
wante that mu$h o" me $ut away without &eing put uner!=
<Agree!=
<5ou know, they're talking a&out trying to $ut away some o" Asher's s$ars an see i" he heals
on his own!=
<He's a vampire, not a shapeshi"ter, Bason! Vampire "lesh oesn't heal %uite the same!=
<5ou $an heal "resh wouns on all sorts o" ea "lesh, in$luing vampires!=
<That's "resh wouns, Bason, an never a &urn!=
<May&e i" the o$tor $uts away the s$ars, it'll $ount as a "resh woun, then you $oul heal
him!=
<An what i" it oesn't work/ +hat i" Do$ 0illian $uts away part o" Asher an 1 $an't heal it,
an it oesn't heal on its own/ He 7ust goes aroun with a &ig hole in his sie, or wherever/=
<5ou know, we have to try!=
1 shook my hea! <All 1 know "or sure is 1've got a plane to $at$h, an 1 nee to $all some
guars own to help me $arry up the weapons!=
<5ou know, the guars are s$are o" you now!=
<5eah, they think 1'm a su$$u&us an 1'll eat their souls!=
<5ou "ee o"" se(, Anita, an i" you on't "ee o"ten enough, you ie! That's pretty mu$h the
e"inition o" succubus, isn't it/=
1 "rowne at him! <Thanks, Bason, that makes me "eel so mu$h &etter!=
He grinne an shrugge! <+ho are you going to "ee on in Vegas/=
<There's ,rispin,= 1 sai!
<5ou $an't "ee on one little weretiger "or long!=
<1 $an "ee on anger now, remem&er/= 1' is$overe that a&ility only re$ently! Bean;,laue
$ouln't o it, an neither $oul anyone in his &looline, whi$h meant i" 1 were only gaining
powers through him, 1 shouln't have &een a&le to o it either, &ut 1 $oul!
<5ou know, you haven't got that own to a s$ien$e yet,= he sai!
<2o, &ut it works!=
<An whose anger are you going to "ee on in Vegas/=
<1'll &e hanging aroun with $ops an suspe$ts3 please, we're an angry &un$h!=
<1" you "ee o"" them without their permission, it's illegal! 1 think it's even a "elony!=
<1" 1 "e &loo, yes, &ut the law hasn't $aught up to the vamps who $an "ee through other
things! 1" 1 "e on se( involuntarily, then it woul &e $overe uner the ate;rape psy$hi$ an
magi$ a&ility law, &ut i" 1 "ee on anger, it's a gray area!=
<+hat i" they "in out/ The $ops alreay think you're one o" us!=
1 thought a&out it, then shrugge! <Honestly, the way most warrants are wore, 1'm sort o"
en$ourage to use any metaphysi$al a&ilities in pursuit o" the &a guys!=
<1 on't think "eeing o"" them is what the warrant means,= he sai!
<2o=.1 smile.<&ut it's the way it's written! The law is all a&out how it's written an how
you $an interpret it!=
<+hat happene to the girl 1 met a "ew years &a$k who &elieve in truth, 7usti$e, an the
Ameri$an way/=
<She grew up,= 1 sai!
His "a$e so"tene! <+hy o 1 "eel like 1 shoul apologi8e on &ehal" o" all the men in your li"e
"or that/=
<Don't "latter yourselves3 the poli$e helpe toughen me up, too!=
<5ou've only "e on anger a "ew times, an it's not usually as goo a "eeing as the ardeur!=
<Bean;,laue $an ivie my ardeur up among all o" you while 1'm gone! He's one it &e"ore
when 1've worke with the poli$e!=
<5eah, &ut that's only a temporary measure, an it works &etter i" you've ha a really goo
"eeing &e"ore he tries it!=
<5ou o""ering/= 1 aske!
He gave me a wie grin! <An i" 1 say yes, what then/=
<This is a tri$k to elay me until Bean;,laue wakes up, &e$ause you think with him awake 1
won't &e a&le to 7ust "ly away!=
<1 think you have a har enough time saying no to 7ust little ol me3 i" our master wakes an
says, @Don't go,' $oul you e"y him/=
1 was suenly a"rai! Be$ause Bason was right3 whatever was happening with me an the
men, Bean;,laue was the harest to resist! 1t was almost as i" it han't &een my ne$roman$y
that kept me sa"e "rom him $ontrolling me &ut my la$k o" pro(imity! 1t was almost as i"
simply &eing too $lose to him too mu$h o" the time was wearing my resistan$e an my
inepenen$e away!
<Thanks, Bason,= 1 sai!
He "rowne! <?or what/=
<2ow 1 am going, &e$ause 1 on't know i" 1 $oul go i" he woke up an tol me to stay!
That's not $ool! 1'm a 6!S! Marshal an a vampire e(e$utioner! 1 have to &e a&le to o my 7o&,
or what am 1/=
<5ou're Anita Blake, Bean;,laue's human servant, an the "irst true ne$roman$er in a
thousan years!=
<5eah, his pet ne$roman$er!= 1 went "or the oor to tell the guars to sen more guars to
help tote an "et$h!
Bason $alle a"ter me, <5ou're one o" my &est "riens, an 1'm a"rai "or you in Vegas!=
1 noe, &ut in't turn aroun 7ust in $ase seeing one o" my &est "riens nue mae me
$hange my min! <1'm a"rai, too, Bason.o" Vegas, an Vittorio, &ut 1'm &eginning to &e
a"rai to stay here!= 1 wrappe my han aroun the oor hanle an sai, <+hen he's awake,
when he looks at me, 1'm having more an more trou&le saying no! 1'm losing mysel", Bason!=
<1'm your animal to $all, Anita3 tou$h me an you gain strength to resist other vampires!=
<>ro&lem is, Bason, that you're one o" the people 1'm losing mysel" to! 1t's not 7ust Bean;
,laue, it's all o" you! 1 $an "ight one or two o" you, &ut 1 $an't "ight si( o" you! 1'm
outnum&ere!=
1 opene the oor an tol the &la$k;shirte guars that 1 neee &ellmen! 1 in't go &a$k
into the &eroom! 1 in't want to talk to Bason anymore, an 1 in't want to ga8e own at
the &e with the two &eauti"ul vampires in it! 1" 1 han't &een $onvin$e that Vittorio wante
to kill me an mail my hea somewhere, 1' have looke "orwar to the trip to Vegas! 1
neee some istan$e &etween me an the men in my li"e!
5



TH# >0A2# 0A2D#D in Vegas without me having hysteri$s! Brownie point "or me! The
really sa thing was that 1 "lew &etter now i" 1 ha someone ne(t to me, so while 1 was happy
"or some priva$y, 1 also misse a &oy"rien's han to hol! 1 $ouln't want to run away "rom
them all and miss them, $oul 1/ 1 mean, that mae no sense even to me!
St! 0ouis is hot, &ut Vegas is hotter! They $an say it's a ry heat, &ut so is an oven! 1t was so
hot that it took my &reath away "or a se$on! 1t was like my &oy 7ust went, *oure +okin,
riht, 2o, un"ortunately, we were not only serious, &ut we' &e hunting vampires in this heat!
-reat!
1 slippe on sunglasses, as i" that woul make any i""eren$e to the heat, &ut it i help with
the &rightness!
The pilot was helping me unloa my luggage when 1 spotte a &ig man in uni"orm $oming our
way! He ha a "ew other uni"orms at his &a$k! They kept a respe$t"ul istan$e, an 1 in't
nee to see the nameplate that sai -ndersheriff to make me guess it was Sheri"" Shaw!
Shaw was a &ig guy, with a han that swallowe mine when we shook! His eyes were lost to
me &ehin mirrore sunglasses, &ut then my eyes were lost to him, too! Sunglasses may look
$ool, &ut they hie one o" the &est ways to e$ipher another person! >eople $an lie with a lot
o" themselves, &ut eyes $an give a lot away.sometimes not &y what they show you &ut when
they go their most hien! 5ou $an 7uge a lot &y what a person wants to hie! 4" $ourse, we
were all staning in the mile o" a esert, so may&e the glasses weren't "or hiing anything,
7ust "or $om"ort!
<?ry an )ei$k will get your &ags,= Shaw sai! <5ou $an rive ahea with me!=
<Sorry, Sheri"", &ut on$e a warrant o" e(e$ution is in e""e$t an the hunt &egins, 1'm legally
&oun to keep my kit in sight, or se$ure &y me, or with me wat$hing, in an area out o" sight
o" the general pu&li$!=
<+hen i that $hange/= he aske!
1t was -rimes who answere, <A&out a month ago!=
1 noe at the lieutenant! <1'm impresse you know that!=
He a$tually smile! <+e've &een going in with our lo$al e(e$utioner "or a year! 1t's our 7o& to
know i" the law has $hange!=
1 noe again! 1 in't say out lou that a lot o" poli$e still treate the preternatural &ran$h o"
the marshal servi$e as a lesser unit, or may&e an em&arrassment! 1 $ouln't really &lame the
attitue3 some o" us were little &etter than assassins with &ages, &ut the rest o" us i our
&est!
<+hat $ause the $hange/= Shaw aske!
1 like that he aske! Most wouln't! 1 answere this time! <A vampire hunter in ,olorao le"t
his &ag o" tri$ks on the &a$kseat o" his $ar, where some teenage 7oyriers stole it! They
pro&a&ly ha no iea what was in it, &ut they i sell the guns, an one o" them was use in a
holup where there was a eath!=
Shaw looke at the heavy e%uipment &ags! <5ou $an't $arry all that on a hunt! Some o" those
&ags must weigh more than you o!=
<1'll store them, then take what 1 nee "or the hunt! 1'll get it own to a &a$kpa$k an some
weapons!=
-rimes sai, <+e $an store them at our pla$e! +e'll &e with you when you serve the warrant,
so you $an $ome &a$k an loa up with us!=
1 noe! <Souns goo!=
-rimes gave me that smile again3 1 still wasn't sure i" it was a real smile or his version o" $op
"a$e! Some give a &lank "a$e, some give smiles, &ut all poli$e have a "a$e you $annot rea! 1
might not even learn whi$h it was on this visit, &e$ause the lieutenant woul not &e going in
to help serve the warrant! He' &e &a$k at the $omman $enter, $ommaning!
<Sonny will rive us &a$k, then you $an stow your gear!= 1 wasn't sure who Sonny was, &ut
1' "igure it out when someone got &ehin the wheel!
<1'll nee to &e taking Marshal Blake "or e&rie"ing,= Shaw sai!
<5ou want to rie with us, Sheri""/= -rimes aske!
Shaw seeme to think a&out it "or a se$on or two! He took his hat o"" an wipe some o" the
sweat, showing that his hair$ut was shorter than the S+AT! He ha what the marines $all a
high an tight, nearly shave on the sies, an not mu$h longer on top, as i" he' never le"t
the servi$e, or at least not its &ar&ers!
<1'll "ollow you3 let's 7ust get out o" the heat!=
They all noe, an 1 7ust waite "or someone to move towar the $ar we' &e taking! 1'
e(pe$te more spee when 1 hit the groun! #veryone was &eing way too $alm, &ut then, so
was 1! +hatever we were "eeling insie, outsie it was all &usiness! There' &e time "or
emotion later, may&e! Sometimes you keep putting o"" an emotional rea$tion until it 7ust
&e$omes moot! 1t &e$omes 7ust one more thing that you $ouln't a""or to let yoursel" "eel!
1 pi$ke up one o" the &ig e%uipment &ags an starte to rea$h "or another, &ut )o$$o got
there "irst! 1 let him get it! Hooper rea$he "or the last &ag, an 1 was okay with that, too! 1t
was when -rimes starte to rea$h "or the &ag 1 was $arrying that we ha pro&lems!
<1've got it, 0ieutenant, thanks!=
+e ha a moment where he hesitate, an we looke at ea$h other! 1 "inally sai, <5ou $an
get the luggage i" you want!=
He gave a little no an went "or the luggage! 1 learne that Hooper was Sonny, &e$ause he
was the one who opene the &a$k o" an S6V! The &a$k was "ull o" his own e%uipment! His
assault vest was visi&le, as well as two i""erent helmets! There was a lot o" stu"", &ut no guns
were visi&le!
He answere as i" 1' aske, <-un sa"e!= He move the pile enough "or me to see it!
<A"termarket a;on/= 1 aske!
He noe!
<1'll have to look into that! 1t woul satis"y the new law, as written, an &e a he$k o" a lot
more $onvienient!=
<+e have to &e reay to roll at any time!=
<Me, too!=
There was enough o" his e%uipment alreay in there that aing my &ags stu""e it "ull!
-rimes 7oine us with my single suit$ase in tow! <The pilot sai this is all the luggage!=
<1t is,= 1 sai!
<Three &ags, longer than you are tall, "ull o" weapons, &ut only one suit$ase "or $lothes,=
)o$$o sai!
<5ep,= 1 sai!
They all sort o" noe as they worke to "in room "or the suit$ase in the &a$k! 1' learne a
long time ago that i" you pa$ke like a girl, you lost &rownie points with the poli$e! The iea
was to try to &e one o" the guys3 that meant you i not &ring your entire warro&e on a 7o&!
Besies, it was the $ontinental 6nite States3 there' &e a mall somewhere i" 1 ran out o" $lean
$lothes!
Hooper aka Sonny got in the river's seat! -rimes roe shotgun! Highest rank usually roe in
"ront, or in &a$k! Depene on the o""i$er! Sergeant )o$$o got in &esie me! The moun o"
weapons an &ags seeme to sort o" press in "rom &ehin, as i" the potential "or estru$tion
$oul leak out o" the &ags, or may&e it was nerves/ 1 knew 1 ha grenaes in the &ags! 5es,
Mr! -renae is your "rien until you press, pull, or otherwise a$tivate it, &ut still, &oomy an
"iery things were "airly new "or me to $arry! >art o" me in't e(a$tly trust it3 no logi$, 7ust
nervous! 1 in't like e(plosives!
+e pulle out, an Shaw was still staning there in his ring o" uni"orme o""i$ers! He' &een
the one to suggest we get out o" the heat, &ut he was still staning in it, wat$hing me "rom
&ehin his mirrore shaes! 1 reali8e 1' never seen his eyes, not on$e! 1 guess, to &e "air,
he' never seen mine!
<He oes know we $an still see him, right/= 1 sai as we rove past!
<5es,= -rimes sai, <why/=
<Be$ause suenly he looks unhappy!=
<+e lost men,= -rimes sai!
1 looke at him an "oun that the pleasant "a$e ha slippe a little! Some o" the pain that ha
to &e in there showe aroun the eges! >ain, an that thin ege o" anger that we all $arry
aroun with us!
<2othing 1 $an o will &ring them &a$k, &ut 1 will o everything 1 $an to kill the vampire that
i it!=
<+e're a&out saving lives, Marshal, not taking them,= -rimes sai!
1 opene my mouth, $lose it, an trie to say something that wouln't upset him more! <1
on't save lives, 0ieutenant, 1 take them!=
)o$$o sai, <Don't you &elieve that killing the vampires saves their "uture vi$tims/=
1 thought a&out it, then shook my hea! <1 use to, an it may even &e true, &ut it 7ust "eels
like 1 kill people!=
<>eople,= he sai, <not monsters!=
<4n$e 1 &elieve they were monsters!=
<An now/= )o$$o aske!
1 shrugge an looke away! 1 was seeing a lot o" empty lan an the &eginnings o" strip
malls! 1t might have &een Vegas, &ut the lans$ape was more Anywhere, 6SA!
<Don't tell me the in"amous Anita Blake is going so"t/= This "rom Hooper!
-rimes sai, <Hooper,= in a voi$e that $learly meant he was in trou&le with the &oss!
Hooper in't apologi8e! <5ou've tol me my team is her go! 1 nee to know, 0ieutenant! +e
all nee to know!=
)o$$o in't so mu$h as move or even win$e3 he went very still, as i" he wasn't sure what
was a&out to happen! Bust that rea$tion "rom him let me know that they in't %uestion their
looie mu$h, i" ever! That Hooper i it now showe 7ust how upset they all were a&out the
men they' lost an the men in the hospital! That moment was Hooper's way o" grieving!
1 sat &esie )o$$o an let the weighte silen$e stret$h in the tru$k! 1 was going to "ollow the
sergeant's lea!
-rimes "inally sai, <5ou on't learn i" you $an trust someone "rom asking %uestions,
Sonny!=
<1 know that, 0ieutenant, &ut it's all we have time "or!=
1 "elt tension slie out o" )o$$o as he sat &esie me! 1 took that as a goo sign, an waite!
-rimes looke at me! <+e $an't ask i" you've gone so"t, Marshal! That woul &e rue, an 1
think you' answer it the way any o" us woul: no!=
1 smile an shook my hea! <1'll kill your vampire "or you, -rimes! 1'll kill anyone who
helps him! 1'll kill everyone the warrant lets me kill! 1'll get revenge "or your men!=
<+e aren't a&out vengean$e,= -rimes sai!
<1 am,= 1 sai!
-rimes looke own at his one &ig han where it lay on the seat! He raise &rown eyes up to
me then, "a$e solemn! <+e $an't &e a&out vengean$e, Marshal Blake! +e're the poli$e! +e're
the goo guys! 4nly the $riminals get to o revenge! +e uphol the law! Vengean$e takes the
law away!=
1 looke at him an saw that he meant it, own to the &ottom o" his eyes! <That is a &rave an
woner"ul sentiment, 0ieutenant, &ut 1've hel people 1 $are a&out while they ie at the
hans o" these things! 1've seen "amilies estroye!= 1 shook my hea! <Vittorio is evil, not
&e$ause he's a vampire &ut &e$ause he's a serial killer! He takes pleasure in the eath an pain
o" others! He will keep killing until we stop him! The law gives me the legal right to o the
stopping! 1" you on't want it to &e a&out revenge "or your men, then that's your $on$ern!
He'll &e ea no matter whose eath 1'm avenging!=
<An whose eath will you &e avenging/= Hooper aske!
2o one tol him to stop this time!
1 thought a&out it, an 1 ha my answer! <Mel&ourne an Balwin!=
<The two S+AT you lost in St! 0ouis,= -rimes sai!
1 noe!
<+ere you $lose to them/= he aske!
1 shook my hea! <Met them on$e!=
<+hy vengean$e "or two men you met on$e/= )o$$o aske it, an there was the "irst tri$kle
o" energy "rom him! He' lowere his psy$hi$ shiels 7ust a little! +as he an empath, wanting
to rea how 1 really "elt/
The tru$k was pulling in, an Hooper was parking! 1 looke into )o$$o's ark eyes, arker
than the lieutenant's! )o$$o's were so ark, they almost $rosse that line "rom &rown to
&la$k! 1t mae his pupils har to "in, like the eyes o" a vampire when its power &egins to "ill
its eyes, all $olor o" the iris an no pupil!
<+hat "lavor are you/=
<?lavor o" what/= he aske!
<5ou're too tall to play $oy, Sergeant!=
He smile! <1'm an empath!=
1 gave him narrow eyes, stuying his "a$e! His pulse ha spe, 7ust that tiny &it, some parting
o" the lips! 1 li$ke my &ottom lip an sai, <5ou taste like a lie!=
<1 am an empath!= He state it, very "irm!
<An/= 1 sai!
<An what/= he aske!
<An empath an ! ! != 1 sai!
+e stare at ea$h other in the &a$kseat, the air growing thi$ker, heavier, as we peele our
shiels own!
<,an we move this insie/= -rimes aske!
<5es, sir,= )o$$o sai!
<Sure,= 1 sai!
<Are you willing to have him rea you/=
<-rimes sai it, %uestions won't tell you i" 1'm "or real, &ut something tells me that the part o"
)o$$o here that's not empath will tell you a hell o" a lot more!=
<+e want to know a&out the last time you hunte this vampire, Marshal! Are you reay to
relive that/=
1 in't even look at -rimes3 1 7ust hel that ark, steay ga8e "rom my "ellow psy$hi$,
&e$ause 1 knew something that the lieutenant pro&a&ly in't know a&out his sergeant! )o$$o
was eager to try me! 1t was part that male instin$t to see who's the &igger og, &ut it was more
than that! His power was eager, as i" it ha an ege o" hunger to it! 1 $ouln't think o" a polite
way to ask i" his psy$hi$ a&ility "e on the memories he $olle$te! 1" it i, i" he $oul, then 1
wasn't the only living vampire in Vegas!
6



)4,,4 A2D 1 slippe our shiels &a$k up the way others woul have shrugge their 7a$kets
on! +e were &oth pro"essionals3 ni$e!
-rimes tol Hooper, <Take us in through the garage! The &rie"ing room shoul &e reay "or
the meeting!=
Hooper pulle out o" the parking spot an maneuvere aroun to a really &ig garage oor! +e
rove the whole S6V insie, an suenly 1 $oul see why the oor was &ig!
1 woul say the garage was "ull o" tru$ks, &ut the wor in't o them 7usti$e! 1' seen the
e%uipment that St! 0ouis S+AT ha, an 1 was suenly "ille with serious e%uipment envy!
+e all got out! 1 noti$e sort o" peripherally that there was a $arpete e(er$ise area to the le"t,
&ut 1 mostly looke at the vehi$les! 1 re$ogni8e the 0en$o B!#!A!)!, &e$ause St! 0ouis ha
one, &ut the rest were new to me! There were two smaller tru$ks that looke like the little
&rothers o" the B!#!A!)!, an pro&a&ly were, &ut the rest o" them, 1 ha no iea! 1 mean, 1
$oul guess what they i, &ut 1 in't know the names! They ha one o" the &iggest )Vs 1'
ever seen! The vehi$les alone were intimiating an strangely mas$uline! 1 know that most
men talk a&out their "avorite $ars as i" they were &eauti"ul women, &ut there was nothing
"eminine a&out anything sitting in that garage!
<Marshal Blake,= -rimes sai, with some "or$e to it!
1 turne an looke at them, $lustere an looking &a$k at me! <Sorry, 0ieutenant, &ut 1 7ust
ha a minute o" e%uipment envy!=
He smile! <1" there's time &e"ore you leave, we' &e happy to give you a tour!=
<1' appre$iate it!=
The garage oor lowere! <5our weapons are se$ure in the &a$k o" Sonny's tru$k!=
<Agree,= 1 sai!
He motione! <Brie"ing room then!=
1 noe, an "ollowe them aroun the ege o" the e(er$ise area! 1 noti$e the &eige storage
lo$kers with lo$ks against the wall! 1 was guessing weapons lo$kers, an eventually we' lo$k
up my stu"", &ut "rankly, i" the &a guys got in here, 1 was &etting on us! The &a$k o" Sonny's
tru$k was any!
The &rie"ing room was a largish room with long ta&les an $hairs in rows! There was a
white&oar at the "ront o" the room! 1t was all very $lassroom! The si( men waiting in the
room "or us in't look like stuents, though! 2o one ha $alle "rom the tru$k, so either
)o$$o was even more psy$hi$ than 1 thought, or they ha planne on introu$ing me to their
pra$titioners "rom the &eginning! 1 $ouln't e$ie i" 1 "elt am&ushe or woul have one the
same thing in their pla$e! +oul 1 have truste me/
They all ha the same short hair$uts as the rest, as i" they went to the same &ar&er, &ut 1 ha
Shaw's high an tight to $ompare them to, whi$h meant they all ha plenty o" hair, it was 7ust
short! They were all tall, the shortest may&e "ive;ten, most si( "eet or a&ove! They were all
&roa o" shouler, an the uni"orm $ouln't hie that everyone worke out! But they were
S+AT3 either they staye in shape or they lost their spot! The main i""eren$e &etween them
all was the $olor o" hair, eyes, an skin tone! #ven 7ust staning there, oing nothing, they
were very mu$h together, a unit, a team! Di 1 "eel le"t out/ 2aw! Di 1 "eel like 1 was the
e(hi&it "or show;an;tell ay/ A little!
Sergeant )o$$o steppe into the room an introu$e me! The lieutenant an Hooper staye
&y the oor, whi$h was now $lose! <This is Davis, Davey!=
Davey was yellow;&lon, with $lear &lue eyes an a $le"t in his $hin that helpe "rame a ni$e
mouth! Shoul 1 have not noti$e Davey's mouth/ >ro&a&ly!
1 o""ere my han3 he took it an shook it ni$e an soli! Sin$e his han was at least twi$e the
si8e o" mine, it was ni$e that he in't hesitate on the shake! Some &ig men have trou&le with
my small hans, as i" they're a"rai to &reak me! Davey seeme $on"ient he wouln't hurt
me! -oo!
<This is Mer$er, Mer$y!=
Mer$y ha meium;&rown hair an large, pale eyes that $ouln't e$ie i" they were &lue or
gray! 0ooking right at me as he shook my han, they were &lue, &ut it was an un$ertain $olor,
as i" the light woul $hange it! He ha a goo hanshake, too! May&e they all pra$ti$e!
The ne(t man's hair was almost the same $olor, &ut it ha more $url that even the short
hair$ut $ouln't hie $ompletely! His eyes were a pure, soli milk;$ho$olate &rown! There'
&e no $olor $hange here!
+hen he was introu$e as )usterman, 1' have e(pe$te his ni$kname to &e )usty, &ut it
wasn't! <Spier!=
1 "ought the urge to ask, Why S'ider, an let )o$$o move me own the line! 2e(t up was
San$he8, who mat$he the name, &ut still manage to look so mu$h like all the other men that
it was like looking at Army Man, now in new Hispani$! 1t wasn't 7ust that they were all tall
an athleti$, &ut there was a sameness to them, as i" whoever hire "or the unit ha a type he
like an stu$k to it!
San$he8's name was Arrio, an 1 wasn't sure i" it was his real "irst name or another ni$kname!
1 in't ask &e$ause, "rankly, it in't matter! They were giving me their names, an 1 took
them!
San$he8's han in mine gave a little spark, like a small 7olt o" ele$tri$ity as we tou$he! +e
&oth "ought not to 7ump, &ut the others noti$e, or may&e they "elt it! 1 was staning in a room
"ull o" traine psy$hi$s!
<5ou spike her, Arrio3 &a pra$titioner, no $ookie,= Spier sai! The other men gave that
mas$uline $hu$kle that women, even &ut$h women, $an never %uite imitate!
<Sorry, Marshal,= San$he8 sai!
<2o harm, no "oul,= 1 sai!
He smile an noe, &ut he was em&arrasse! 1 reali8e that the hanshake ha &een a test
not 7ust "or me &ut "or all o" us! Bust as the men woul test their &oies in weight training, the
gun range, rills, this was a test, too! ,oul you hie what you were, han to han with
another psy$hi$/ 1' met a lot who $ouln't have one it!
<5ou nee to work at your $onta$t shieling, Arrio,= )o$$o sai!
<Sorry, Sarge, 1 will!=
)o$$o noe an move to the ne(t man! He was Theooros, very -reek souning an
looking, &ut he was Santa, though Santa never looke like that when 1 was a little girl! His
hair was straight an as &la$k as San$he8's an my own! He was the prover&ial tall, ark, an
hansome, i" you were into 7o$ks! 1 wonere how in hell he' earne the ni$kname <Santa!=
1t was Spanish "or saint, &ut somehow 1 in't think that's what they were going "or!
Santa in't have any trou&le shaking my han an not letting me "eel anything &ut a "irm
hanshake! 1t woul &e a point o" prie "or him an the last man! San$he8 ha &lown it3
they' work harer &e$ause o" it!
The last man was also ethni$, &ut 1 wasn't entirely sure what "lavor! His short hair was $urly
enough to &e A"ri$an Ameri$an, &ut the skin tone an "a$ial "eatures were not %uite that! He,
too, was tall, ark, an hansome, &ut in a i""erent way! His eyes $ouln't e$ie i" they
were ark &rown or &la$k! They were somewhere in &etween my ark &rown an )o$$o's
almost &la$k! But either $olor, they were "rame &y strangely short &ut very, very thi$k lashes,
so that his eyes looke &igger an more eli$ate than they were, like something ege in
&la$k la$e!
<Moonus, Moon,= )o$$o sai!
+e smile3 we shook! )o$$o motione me to "ollow him to the "ront o" the room! +e stoo
in "ront o" the white&oar! <1'm ,anni&al!= 0ike Spier, ,anni&al mae me woner why that
name!
<1" we're oing "irst names an ni$knames, then 1'm Anita!=
<+e hear you ha a ni$kname,= ,anni&al sai!
1 7ust looke at him, waite "or him to say it!
<The #(e$utioner!=
1 noe! <The vampires $all me that, yeah!=
Davey $alle out, <5ou look a little short to &e the #(e$utioner!=
<#veryone looks short to you, Davis,= 1 sai! <+hat are you, si(;"our/=
<Si(;"ive,= he sai!
<Besus, most o" the human population must look short to you, unless you're at work!=
They laughe at him, an with me, whi$h was goo! The sergeant %uiete the laughter with a
gesture an sai, <+e o use ni$knames, Marshal3 o you want us to use yours/=
1 looke at him! <5ou mean have you guys $all me the #(e$utioner, instea o" Anita or
Blake/=
He noe!
<2o, hell no! ?irst, it's too long "or a $all sign! Se$on, it's not a name that 1've ever hear
spoken in a happy way!=
<Are you em&arrasse &y the name/= he aske!
<2o, &ut it's like 1van the Terri&le! 1 ou&t seriously that anyone ever $alle him that to his
"a$e!=
<The vampires $all you that to your "a$e,= an ,anni&al sai it like he knew "or sure! May&e
he i!
1 noe! <Sometimes they o, &ut it's mostly #(e$utioner when they're talking to me! They
7ust leave o"" the the!=
<+e $an $all you #(e$utioner,= he sai!
1 sighe! <1' rather you in't, Sergeant! 1've ha too many &a guys $all me that while they
trie to kill me! They look at the pa$kage an $all me #(e$utioner to make "un o" me! How
small, how eli$ate, how not ealy looking!=
<An a"ter they make "un o" you/= he aske, voi$e serious, eyes stuying my "a$e!
1 met his ga8e! <Then they ie, Sergeant, or 1 wouln't &e here!=
<1 promise never to $all you short again,= Davey sai!
That &roke the serious moo, an 1 was happy to laugh with everyone else!
<Anita, then, i" you go out with us!=
<+hether you let me go with your team epens on how this little test goes, oesn't it/=
<5es!=
0ieutenant -rimes spoke "rom the oor, an everyone swivele to give him attention! 1t was
automati$ "or them! <There are a lot o" psy$hi$s in the worl, Marshal Blake, &ut there aren't
many that are power"ul enough to &e use"ul an $ontrolle enough to take into a "ire"ight with
you! +e nee to know how goo your $ontrol is, an e(a$tly what type o" psy$hi$ you are!
Some types o" a&ilities $lash, an i" you $lash with one o" the men in this room, we'll make
$ertain you aren't put on the same team!=
<1 appre$iate all the thought you've put into this, 0ieutenant, &ut 1 also know that ,anni&al
here is testing your men at the same time he tests me! He wants to know i" they $an stay in the
room while he tastes my power an not &e a""e$te! 5eah, you want to know i" my powers
$lash with your men's, &ut it's also another test "or your own pra$titioners!=
<+e lost one o" them, Marshal! 4ne o" our &est! +e have pre$ious little time to get you up to
spee, an "or you to get us up to spee! 5ou hunte this vampire &e"ore, an we nee to
know what you know!=
<1t's in the reports,= 1 sai!
He shook his hea! <,anni&al's a&ilities will tell us whether your reports were a$$urate!=
<5ou mean, i" 1 lie!=
He smile an shook his hea! <0e"t out things, not lie! 5ou're ating the master o" your
$ity, Marshal, living with him3 we nee to know i" that has $ompromise your loyalties!=
<Thanks "or the politeness, 0ieutenant3 the last Vegas $op who aske me a$$use me o"
"u$king everything that move!=
-rimes mae a "a$e o" istaste! <2one o" my men woul ever have sai that to you, &ut 1
apologi8e to you "or the a&use o" our $ity's hospitality!=
<Thank you, 0ieutenant, 1 appre$iate that!=
<+i8ar was ,anni&al's se$on;in;$omman "or this s%ua!=
<+i8ar was the man you lost,= 1 sai!
He noe! <+e nee to see how you "it in here, an we have may&e an hour to o it, &e"ore
we have to eliver you &a$k to Shaw!= 2ot Sheri"" Shaw, 1 noti$e3 1 wonere i" he' "igure
out who' insulte me!
,anni&al spoke, turning me &a$k to look at him! <1" you were like our own e(e$utioner an
7ust use weapons, we' try to "in time to put you on the range, &ut it's your psy$hi$ a&ilities
that will mess us up the most! +e $an always take your weapons away, &ut we $an't take the
rest!=
<1" 1 on't pass your test, what then/=
<1 won't enanger my men,= -rimes sai, <i" you are the anger, Marshal Blake!=
<1" 1 o pass/= 1 aske!
<Then we'll help you serve your warrant,= -rimes sai!
<1" you on't pass, there are other vampire hunters in town,= ,anni&al sai, <ones that aren't
psy$hi$ enough to &e a pro&lem!=
<They also won't &e psy$hi$ enough to &e a help, either,= 1 sai!
<+e $an help ourselves,= ,anni&al sai!
<,an any o" you sense the living ea/= 1 aske!
<2one o" us has a talent with vampires in parti$ular, no!=
1 stare into ,anni&al's ark eyes as 1 sai, <The ea $ome in lots o" "lavors, not 7ust
vampires, ,anni&al!= 1 took that small step $loser to him, not %uite invaing his personal
spa$e! 1 spoke low! <Bust as vampires $ome in i""erent "lavors, too!=
,anni&al smile, an again 1 got that "lash o" anti$ipation "rom him! <0et's o this, then!=
<0et's!=
0ouer, "or the room.his lieutenant an his men.he sai, <Are you reay, Anita/=
<How reay o you want me to &e/=
<+hat o you mean/=
<Do you want me to try to keep you out, or o you want me to $ooperate with your little
min;reaing a$t/=
<1' love to try to &rea$h your shiels sometime, &ut we on't have time, an the last psy$hi$
who playe that game with me ha to &e taken out in an am&ulan$e!=
<Are you that goo, or that &a/= 1 aske!
4ne o" the men mae a noise, like ooh! +e ignore him! <1'm goo,= ,anni&al sai, <unless
you "ight me3 then it's &a "or you!=
<1" we ha time 1' make you prove that, &ut we on't, so 1'll rop my shiels enough to let
you in, &ut 1 won't rop them $ompletely! >lease, on't try to "or$e them all the way own!=
<+hy not/= he aske!
<Be$ause not only $an 1 sense the ea, &ut sometimes they $an sense me! 1" you &rea$h all
my shiels, 1'll shine like a &ea$on, an all the vampires in the area will know something
supernatural is in town! 1' rather not avertise %uite that louly yet!=
<1 on't think you're lying a&out that, whi$h means you're not e(aggerating!=
<1 try not to e(aggerate, Sergeant3 the truth is strange enough without that!=
<1'll &e $are"ul o" your shiels, Anita!=
<4kay, how o we o this/=
<Sitting own,= he sai!
<1n $ase one o" us "alls own,= 1 sai!
<Something like that!=
<5ou really o &elieve you're the strongest psy$hi$ in this room, on't you/= 1 aske!
<5es!=
1 shrugge! <?ine, let's get $hairs!=
The men hane us up a $hair apie$e! +e sat own "a$ing ea$h other! 1 lowere my shiels a
little, like partially opening a oor! 2ot only $oul 1 "eel ,anni&al's energy humming along
my skin now, &ut there were &u88es an "lashes an heat "rom some o" the other men! 1 "ought
not to $on$entrate on them, 7ust to ignore it the way 1 i ghosts! 1gnore it an it will go away!
<1t works &etter i" 1 $an tou$h you,= he sai!
1 gave him a look!
He smile! <So young to &e so $yni$al!=
1 hel out my hans, still "rowning! <?ine!=
He took my hans in his, an only then i he lower his own shiels, only then i he rea$h
out to me with that humming energy o" his! 4nly then i 1 reali8e that tou$h makes all
vampire powers worse, more, even i" the vampire in %uestion wears a uni"orm an has a
heart&eat!
7



H1S >4+#) ?04+#D through the hole in my shiels like something warm an alive!
Shapeshi"ter energy was warm, &ut it hel an ege o" ele$tri$ity, like your skin $ouln't
e$ie i" it "elt goo or hurt! Shapeshi"ters roe that ege o" pain an pleasure, &ut this power
was 7ust warm, almost $om"orting! +hat the hell/
His hans "elt warmer in mine than they ha &een a moment ago, as i" his temperature were
rising! Again, 1 kept trying to e%uate it to a ly$anthrope, &e$ause it was so not the $ool tou$h
o" the grave!
1 reali8e 1 was staring at our hans! 1 was treating him like a real vampire! 5ou on't look
one o" them in the eye, &ut that was years ago "or me! 1 han't met a vampire that $oul roll
me with its ga8e in a long time! 4ne very alive, psy$hi$ vampire wasn't going to &e a&le to o
it, was he/ So why in't 1 want to meet his eyes/ 1 reali8e 1 was nervous, almost a"rai, an
1 $ouln't have tol you why! Short o" someone trying to kill me, or my love li"e, my nerves
were ro$k steay! So why the $ase o" nerves/
1 mae mysel" look away "rom his hans on mine an meet his eyes! They were 7ust the same
almost &la$k, the pupils lost to the $olor, &ut they weren't vampire eyes! They han't &le
their $olor into shining "ire a$ross the whole o" his eyes! They were human eyes, an he was
only human! 1 $oul o this, amn it!
His voi$e seeme lower, soothing, the way you see people talk when they're trying to
hypnoti8e someone! <Are you reay, Anita/=
1 "rowne at him! <-et on with it, Sergeant3 the "oreplay's getting teious!=
He smile!
4ne o" the other psy$hi$s in the room, 1 in't know their voi$es well enough to pi$k who,
sai, <0et him &e gentle, Marshal3 you on't want to see what he $an o!=
1 met ,anni&al's ark, ark eyes an sai the truth: <5eah, 1 o want to see what he $an o!=
<Are you sure/= he aske, voi$e still low, so"t, like he was trying not to wake someone!
1 spoke low, too! <As mu$h as you want to see what 1 $an o!=
<5ou going to "ight &a$k/=
<5ou hurt me, an 1 will!=
He gave that smile that was more "ier$e than happy! <4kay!= He leane in, rawing own all
that e(tra height "rom his mu$h longer waist to &ring our "a$es $lose, an he whispere,
<Show me Balwin, show me the operator you lost! Show me Balwin, Anita!=
1t shouln't have &een that easy, &ut it was as i" the wors were magi$! The memories $ame to
the "ront o" my hea, an 1 $ouln't stop them, as i" he' starte a movie in my hea!
The only light was the sweep o" "lashlights ahea an &ehin! Be$ause 1 in't have a light, it
ruine my night vision &ut in't really help me! Derry 7umpe over something, an 1 glan$e
own to "in that there were &oies in the hallway! The glan$e own mae me stum&le over
the thir &oy! 1 only ha time to register that one was our guy, an the rest weren't! There
was too mu$h &loo, too mu$h amage! 1 $ouln't tell who one o" them was! He was pinne
to the wall &y a swor! He looke like a shelle turtle, all that $are"ul &oy armor rippe
away, showing the re ruin o" his upper &oy! The &ig metal shiel was $rushe 7ust past the
&oy! +as that Balwin &a$k there/ There were legs sti$king out o" one o" the oors! Derry
went past it, trusting that the o""i$ers ahea o" him han't le"t anything angerous or alive
&ehin them! 1t was a level o" trust that 1 ha trou&le with, &ut 1 kept going! 1 staye with
Derry an Mene8, like 1' &een tol!
1 was le"t gasping in the $hair, staring at ,anni&al, his hans tight on mine! My voi$e was
straine as 1 sai, <That wasn't 7ust a memory! 5ou put me &a$k in that hallway, in that
moment!=
<1 neee to "eel what you "elt, Anita! Show me the worst o" that night!=
<2o,= 1 sai, &ut again, 1 was &a$k in the room &eyon the hallway! The one vampire that was
still alive $ringe! She presse her &looy "a$e against the $orner &ehin the &e, her small
hans hel out as i" to war it o""! At "irst it looke like she was wearing re gloves, then the
light shone on the &loo, an you knew it wasn't opera;length gloves.it was &loo all the
way to her el&ows! #ven knowing that, even having Mel&ourne motionless on the "loor in
"ront o" her, still Mene8 in't shoot her! Bung was leaning against the wall, like he' "all
own i" he in't $on$entrate! His ne$k was torn up, &ut the &loo wasn't gushing out! She'
misse the 7ugular! 0et's hear it "or ine(perien$e!
1 sai, <Shoot her!=
The vampire mae mewling souns, like a "rightene $hil! Her voi$e $ame high an piteous,
<>lease, please, on't hurt me, on't hurt me! He mae me! He mae me!=
<Shoot her, Mene8,= 1 sai into the mi$!
<She's &egging "or her li"e,= he sai, an his voi$e in't soun goo!
1 peele shotgun shells out o" the sto$k holer an "e them into the gun as 1 walke towar
Mene8 an the vampire! She was still $rying, still &egging, <They mae us o it, they mae
us o it!=
Bung was trying to hol pressure on his own ne$k woun! Mel&ourne's &oy lay on its sie,
one han outstret$he towar the $ringing vampire! Mel&ourne wasn't moving, &ut the
vampire still was! That seeme wrong to me! But 1 knew 7ust how to "i( it!
1 ha the shotgun reloae, &ut 1 let it swing own at my sie! At this range the sawe;o"" was
%ui$ker3 no waste ammo!
Mene8 ha glan$e away "rom the vamp to me, then "arther &a$k to his sergeant! <1 $an't
shoot someone who's &egging "or her li"e!=
<1t's okay, Mene8, 1 $an!=
<2o,= he sai, an looke at me3 his eyes showe too mu$h white! <2o!=
<Step &a$k, Mene8,= Huson sai!
<Sir ! ! !=
<Step &a$k an let Marshal Blake o her 7o&!=
<Sir ! ! ! it's not right!=
<Are you re"using a ire$t orer, Mene8/=
<2o, sir, &ut.=
<Then step &a$k an let the marshal o her 7o&!=
Mene8 still hesitate!
<2ow, Mene8A=
He move &a$k, &ut 1 in't trust him at my &a$k! He wasn't &espelle3 she han't tri$ke
him with her eyes! 1t was mu$h simpler than that! >oli$e are traine to save lives, not take
them! 1" she' atta$ke him, Mene8 woul have "ire! 1" she' atta$ke someone else, he'
have "ire! 1" she' looke like a raving monster, he' have "ire! But she in't look like a
monster as she $ringe in the $orner, hans as small as my own hel up, trying to stop what
was $oming! Her &oy presse into the $orner, like a $hil's last re"uge &e"ore the &eating
&egins, when you run out o" pla$es to hie an you are literally $ornere, an there's nothing
you $an o! 2o wor, no a$tion, no thing that will stop it!
<-o stan &y your sergeant,= 1 sai!
He stare at me, an his &reathing was way too "ast!
<Mene8,= Huson sai, <1 want you here!=
Mene8 o&eye that voi$e, as he' &een traine to, &ut he kept glan$ing &a$k at me an the
vampire in the $orner!
She glan$e past her arm, an &e$ause 1 in't have a holy item in sight, she was a&le to give
me her eyes! They were pale in the un$ertain light, pale an "rightene! <>lease,= she sai,
<please on't hurt me! He mae us o su$h terri&le things! 1 in't want to, &ut the &loo, 1
ha to have it!= She raise her eli$ate oval "a$e to me! <1 ha to have it!= The lower hal" o"
her "a$e was a $rimson mask!
1 noe an &ra$e the shotgun in my arms, using my hip an my arm instea o" my
shouler "or the &ra$e point! <1 know,= 1 sai!
<Don't,= she sai, an hel out her hans!
1 "ire into her "a$e "rom less than two "eet away! Her "a$e vanishe in a spray o" &loo an
thi$ker things! Her &oy sat up very straight "or long enough that 1 pulle the trigger into the
mile o" her $hest! She was tiny, not mu$h meat on her3 1 got aylight with 7ust one shot!
<How $oul you look her in the eyes an o that/=
1 turne an "oun Mene8 &y me! He' taken o"" his mask an helmet, though 1 was &etting
that was against the rules until we le"t the &uiling! 1 $overe my mi$ with my han, &e$ause
no one shoul learn a&out someone's eath &y a$$ient! <She tore Mel&ourne's throat out!=
<She sai the other vampire mae her o it3 is that true/=
<May&e,= 1 sai!
<Then how $oul you 7ust shoot her/=
<Be$ause she was guilty!=
<An who ie an mae you 7uge, 7ury, an e(.= He stoppe in misenten$e!
<#(e$utioner,= 1 "inishe "or him! <The "eeral an state government!=
<1 thought we were the goo guys,= he sai!
<+e are!=
He shook his hea! <5ou aren't!=
An through all o" it, 1 $oul "eel ,anni&al's energy like a song that you $an't get out o" your
hea, &ut 1 $oul "eel that this song was "eeing on the pain, the terror, even the $on"usion!
1 pushe at the power, shove it away, &ut it was like trying to gra& a spierwe& when you run
through it! 5ou "eel it on your skin, &ut the more you pull o"", the more you "in, until you
reali8e that the spier is still on you somewhere making silk "aster than you $an get it o"" you!
5ou have to "ight the urge to pani$, to simply start s$reaming, &e$ause you know that it's on
you, $rawling, reay to &ite! But the memory re$ee like turning own a raio, still there, &ut
1 $oul think again! 1 $oul "eel ,anni&al's hans in mine, an 1 $oul open my eyes, look at
him, see the now! Through gritte teeth, 1 sai, <Stop this!=
<2ot yet!= His power pushe at me again3 it was like rowning, when you think you've mae
it to the sur"a$e, only to have another wave hit you "ull in the "a$e! But the tri$k to not
rowning is not to pani$! 1 woul not give him my "ear! The memory $ouln't hurt me3 1'
alreay live through it!
1 trie to stop the memory, &ut 1 $ouln't! 1 pulle on my hans, still in his, an got a "li$ker
o" image, like "lipping $hannels on a televison! The &rie"est image o" him, his memory!
1 pulle on my hans an got more, a woman uner his hans, him holing her own! She was
laughing, "ighting not "or real, an 1 knew it was his wi"e! Her hair was as ark as his, an
$urle like mine! 1t "lung a$ross the pillow, an her tan looke woner"ul in the re silk!
Sunlight spille a$ross the &e as he leane own "or a kiss!
1 was suenly &a$k in that other &eroom, in the ark with the ea! 1 turne my hans in
,anni&al's, $aresse a "inger a$ross his wrist, 7ust where the skin is thinnest an the &loo
"lows $lose! +e were &a$k in the sunlit memory, an re silk on $otton sheets, an a woman
who looke at him as i" he were her worl!
1 "elt her &oy unerneath him, "elt how mu$h he wante her, how mu$h he love her! The
emotion was so strong, an 7ust like that, 1 "e! 1 rew in the emotion o" the moment!
But ,anni&al in't give up3 he pushe &a$k, an 1 was in my &eroom at home! Mi$ah's "a$e
was a&ove me, his green;gol eyes in$hes "rom mine, his &oy &urie eep insie mine, my
hans tra$e own his &are &a$k until 1 "oun the $urve o" his ass, so 1 $oul "eel his mus$les
working, pumping him in an out o" me!
1 shove the power &a$k at ,anni&al, $hase him out o" my memory, an "oun us &a$k in his
sunlit &eroom! There were "ewer $lothes now, an 1 got a $on"use glimpse o" his &oy
insie hers, an then he threw me out! He 7erke his hans out o" mine, an the moment he
stoppe tou$hing me, it was over, one! 1 was &a$k in my own hea, with my own memories,
an he was &a$k with his!
He got up too "ast an kno$ke his $hair to the "loor with a lou $lang! 1 sat where 1 was,
hugging mysel", huling aroun the "eeling o" his power insie me, ri"ling through my hea,
though that in't $over how it "elt! 1t "elt intimate, an it wasn't a&out the se(3 it was a&out
having his power "or$e its way into me!
,anni&al went to the "ar sie o" the room, "a$ing the wall an not looking at me!
<Sergeant )o$$o,= 0ieutenant -rimes sai!
1 hear ,anni&al's voi$e &ut wasn't reay to look at him yet, either! <The reports are a$$urate!
She "elt the loss o" the operators! She's tire o" killing!=
<Shut up,= 1 sai, an got to my "eet, &ut in't kno$k my $hair over! >oint "or me! <That was
private! That last memory ha nothing to o with the eaths o" the two men!=
He turne aroun, lowering his arms, as i" he' &een hugging himsel", too! He looke at me,
&ut 1 saw the e""ort o" that on his "a$e! <5ou kille the vampire that kille Mel&ourne, you
kille her while she &egge "or her li"e, an you hate oing it, &ut you kille her "or him! 1
"elt it3 you took her li"e &e$ause she took his!=
<1 took her li"e &e$ause 1 am uty &oun &y the "u$king law to take it!=
<1 know why you i it, Anita! 1 know what you were "eeling when you i it!=
<An 1 know what you were "eeling in that other room, Sergeant! Do you want me to share
that/=
<That was personal, not the 7o&,= he sai!
1 stroe over to him, past the lieutenant! The men were on their "eet, as i" they "elt that
something was a&out to happen! 1 got $lose enough to hiss into )o$$o's "a$e, a harsh whisper,
<5ou oversteppe the &ouns an you know it! 5ou "e o"" my memories, o"" my emotion!=
<5ou "e o"" mine,= he sai! He kept his voi$e as low as mine! Te$hni$ally what we' one
han't &een illegal, &e$ause the law 7ust han't $aught up to the "a$t that you $oul &e a
vampire an not &e ea! By legal e"inition, neither o" us $oul &e a vampire!
<5ou starte it,= 1 sai!
<5ou took my a&ility an use it against me,= he sai! He was talking low, &ut not whispering
now! 1 unerstoo3 we neee to talk a&out some o" what ha happene!
<1" a vampire uses an a&ility against me, sometimes, 1 $an &orrow it,= 1 sai!
<#(plain, ,anni&al,= -rimes sai!
+e &oth looke at him, then &a$k at ea$h other! 1 always hate trying to e(plain psy$hi$
a&ility to people who in't have it! 1t never translate %uite right!
,anni&al starte, <All 1 $an sense, most o" the time, is violent memories, "ear, pain! +hen
Anita trie to stop me, she rew a memory "rom me, an it wasn't a&out violen$e! How i
you o that/=
-rimes aske, <1" it wasn't violen$e, what was the memory/=
,anni&al an 1 e($hange another look! 1 shrugge! <1t was personal, a&out my "amily!= He
looke "rom the lieutenant to me an aske again, <How i you o that/=
<1n real li"e 1 o violen$e, &ut "or psy$hi$ stu"" 1 o other things &etter!= There, that was
$rypti$ enough3 one thing 1 i not want the poli$e to know was that 1 was a su$$u&us! The
only thing that woul keep ,anni&al "rom spilling the &eans was that he in't want me to
tattle on him! +e' keep ea$h other's se$rets, i" we were smart!
A look passe over his "a$e, as i" he were trying to e$ie what e(pression to show me! <She
showe me love, tenerness, like the girl version o" what 1 $an o!= Again, he' tol the truth,
&ut not too mu$h o" it!
<5ou learne "ast enough, ,anni&al! The last memory you got "rom me wasn't a&out
violen$e, either!=
He noe! <So you peeke at mine an 1 peeke at yours!=
<5es!=
<>eeke at what/= -rimes aske!
<The people we love,= ,anni&al answere!
-rimes "rowne "rom one to the other o" us!
<The man in your memory wasn't a vampire,= ,anni&al sai! <1 thought you were living with
the Master o" the ,ity!=
<1 am!=
Then who is he, the man/ 1 saw his eyes3 they weren't human!=
<He's a wereleopar,= 1 sai!
<Don't you have any human men in your li"e/=
<2o,= 1 sai!
<+hy not/= he aske!
1 thought o" a lot o" answers, &ut settle "or, <Di you plan on "alling in love with your wi"e/=
He opene his mouth, then $lose it, an sai, <2o, she was suppose to &e a one;night
stan!= He "rowne, an the look was enough3 he han't meant to say that out lou! <1" you
were a man, 1 on't know what 1 woul o right now!=
<+hat, you' hit me/=
<May&e!=
<5ou rag me through one o" the worst kills o" my re$ent past, an you stan there an &it$h
&e$ause 1 mae you remem&er something woner"ul! 1 think 1'm ahea on karmi$ &rownie
points here! Don't you ever min;"u$k me like that again!=
<4r what/= he aske!
<1 $an't shoot you, &ut i" you ever tou$h me an o that again, 1 will "igure out something
very unpleasant to o to you that will &e 7ust as legal as what you 7ust i to me!=
+e glare at ea$h other! -rimes $ame &esie us! <4kay, what went wrong, ,anni&al/=
<She $aught my power an turne it on me! 1 got it &a$k, &ut 1 ha to "ight "or it!=
-rimes's eyes wiene, then he looke at me! He looke at me the way he might look at a
new weapon, or another shiny new tru$k to put in his garage "rom testosterone hell! <How
goo is she/=
<-oo,= ,anni&al sai, <an $ontrolle! +e $oul have seriously hurt ea$h other, &ut we were
&oth $are"ul! Honestly, 0ieutenant, i" 1' known she was this power"ul 1' have &een gentler!
1" she ha &een less in $ontrol o" her a&ilities, you might &e $arting &oth o" us o"" to the
hospital "or the ay!=
-rimes $ontinue to look at me, as i" he' only 7ust seen me, &ut he talke to ,anni&al like 1
wasn't there! <5ou saw her range s$ores when she %uali"ie "or the &age!=
<5es, sir!=
<1s she as goo psy$hi$ally as she is with a gun/=
<Better,= ,anni&al sai!
-rimes looke please! <Better, really!=
<5ou know, -rimes, it's a little unnerving to have you looking right at me &ut talking like 1'm
not here!=
<1'm sorry, really, that was ine($usa&le, &ut 1've 7ust never seen anyone take ,anni&al on like
that! He is the &est pra$titioner o" his kin we have!=
<5eah, 1 &et he's hell on wheels at an interrogation!=
<He gathers in"ormation that helps us save lives, Marshal Blake!=
<5eah, 1've "elt how he gathers his in"ormation, -rimes, an 1 on't like it!=
<1 tol you i" you "ought me, you might get hurt,= ,anni&al sai!
<2o, you sai i" 1 "ought to keep my shiels up so you $ouln't get through, it might hurt me!
1 let you in, an "rankly, 1 $onsier what you 7ust i the e%uivalent o" having an invite guest
steal the silver!=
<Am 1 missing something/= -rimes aske!
<2o, sir!=
<5ou're missing the "a$t that you aren't psy$hi$ an you're trying to &e in $harage o" men
who are! 2othing personal, 0ieutenant, &ut i" you on't have a&ilities, then you are going to
miss things!=
<1'm not a o$tor either, Marshal, whi$h is why ea$h team has one, plus a me te$h that goes
out on every run! Sin$e we ae pra$titioners to our teams, we've save more lives with no
in7uries to anyone involve than any unit in the $ountry! 1 may not unerstan everything that
7ust happene &etween you an ,anni&al, &ut 1 o know that i" you're as goo as he is, then
you $an help us save lives!=
1 in't know what to say to that! He was so sin$ere! He might even &e right, &ut that in't
$hange the "a$t that ,anni&al ha min;"u$ke me an en7oye "eeing on my pain! 4"
$ourse, 1' "e on the energy o" his memory o" se( with his wi"e, an we' &oth "e on the
memory o" me with Mi$ah! Ha 1 "oun another way to "ee the ardeur, or without
,anni&al's a&ilities woul 1 never &e a&le to repeat it again/ Din't know, wasn't sure 1 $are!
Shes tired of killin, ,anni&al ha sai! That was the worst insult o" all &e$ause he was right!
1 ha si( years o" &loo on my hans, an 1 was tire! 1 $oul still see the vampire with her
&looy hans, &egging me not to kill her! 1' reame a&out her "or ays a"terwar, waking
up to Mi$ah an 2athaniel, having them pet me &a$k to sleep or take turns getting up with me
an rinking enless $ups o" $o""ee an waiting "or awn, or waiting until it was time to get
reay to go to work so 1 $oul raise the ea or get a new warrant an may&e kill someone
else!
1' pushe it all &a$k in that part o" mysel" where all the other ugliness gets shove, &ut
whatever ,anni&al ha one ha rake it up like having a s$ar start to &lee again! 1 thought
1' ealt with it, &ut 1 han't! 1' 7ust trie to ignore it!
<+e have to take you to Sheri"" Shaw now, Marshal,= -rimes sai, <&ut we want to take you
to the hospital, let you see our men! All our pra$titioners, an all our o$tors, have $ome up
empty on what's wrong with them! 1 trust ,anni&al, an he's impresse! He's not easily
impresse!=
<1' &e happy to go to the hospital an look at them! 1" 1 $an help, 1'll o it!=
He gave me the "ull weight o" his sin$ere &rown eyes, &ut there was a weight to them! 1t
wasn't psy$hi$ power, &ut it was power! The power o" &elie", an a sort o" purity o" purpose!
This unit o" S+AT was -rimes's $alling, his religion, an he was a true &eliever! 4ne o"
those "rightening ones whose "aith $an &e $ontagious, so you "in yoursel" &elieving in his
reams, his goals, as i" they were your own! The last person 1' met who ha that kin o"
energy to him ha &een a vampire! 1' thought Mal$olm, the hea o" the ,hur$h o" #ternal
0i"e, ha &een angerous &e$ause he was a master vampire, &ut 1 reali8e as 1 met -rimes's
true;&rown eyes that may&e it han't all &een vampire powers in Mal$olm either! May&e it
was simply "aith!
-rimes &elieve in what he i, with no ou&ts! Though he was oler than me &y over a
e$ae, 1 suenly "elt ol! Some things mark your soul, not in years &ut in &loo an pain
an selling o"" parts o" yoursel" to get the &a guys, until you "inally look in the mirror an
aren't sure whi$h sie you're on anymore! There $omes a point when having a &age oesn't
make you the goo guy, it 7ust makes you one o" the guys! 1 neee to &e one o" the goo
guys, or what the hell was 1 oing/
8



1'D B##2 )1-HT a&out the &eige $a&inets against the one wall, an now 1 was kneeling in
"ront o" the open weapons lo$kers, going through the three &ags to e$ie what to keep with
me! 1 was &a$k to 7ust -rimes, Hooper, an )o$$o! The other pra$titioners ha &een
ismisse, &ut they han't gone "ar! Most o" them ha simply move to the weight;li"ting area
an starte working out! 1 ug through the &ags to the $link o" weights an the small noises
that people make when they o the work! The large open spa$e seeme to swallow the noise
more than most gyms, so it was very su&ue!
Hooper spoke over my shouler! <+ait, what is that/=
1 looke own into the open &ag an sai, <+hat are you looking at, an 1'll tell you!=
He s%uatte &esie me an pointe! <That!=
<>hosphorus grenae!=
<2ot like any one 1've ever seen!=
<1t's &ase on the oler moels!=
2ow 1 ha their attention! They all s%uatte or knelt &y the &ag! <How ol is that thing/=
Hooper aske!
<1t's not ol3 it's a$tually newly manu"a$ture! 1t $omes "rom a spe$ialty weapons house!=
<+hat kin o" spe$ialty weapons house/= -rimes aske3 he looke positively suspi$ious!
<4ne that unerstans that the oler iea o" phosphorus works &etter "or the unea!=
<How is it &etter/= Hooper aske!
<1 on't want them to &e a&le to run into water an put it out3 1 want the &astars to &urn!=
<Has it got the same raius as the real ol ones/= )o$$o aske, an he stuie me with those
too;ark eyes!
1 "ought to keep that ga8e &ut wante to look away! 1 in't like him mu$h right at that
moment! <A$tually, no! 5ou on't have to try to &e "i"ty "eet away so you on't get "rie with
your target! 1t's a ten;"oot anger 8one, easier to set it an get the "u$k away!= 1 rea$he in
an rew out an even smaller one! <This is only "ive "eet!=
<>hosphorus were never grenaes, they were markers,= Hooper sai!
<5eah, a marker that i" you were "i"ty "eet or $loser, you woul &e vapori8e, or wishe you
were! 0et's $all a spae a spae, gentlemen! This is a weapon!=
-rimes sai, <1t was e$ommissione! 5ou shouln't &e a&le to get new te$h with that
material in it!=
<The government has mae an e($eption "or the unea an shapeshi"ters!=
<1 in't hear a&out that!= -rimes soune like he woul have, i" it were true!
<-eral Mallory, +ashington, D,, hea vampire hunter, got a spe$ial weapons &ill pushe
through "or us! +e ha a $ouple o" preternatural marshals get kille when the newer grenaes
got ouse &y water!=
<1 i hear a&out that,= -rimes sai! <The vampires &urne them alive an "ilme it!=
<5ep,= 1 sai! <They put it on 5ouTu&e &e"ore it got yanke! 1t was use to get the warrant
"or them an to get us some new toys!=
<Di you wat$h the "ilm/= )o$$o aske, an again there was too mu$h weight to his ga8e! 1
met it, &ut it mae me "ight not to wiggle! 5ou' think 1 was un$om"orta&le aroun him now!
2ay, not me!
<2o,= 1 sai!
<+hy not/= he aske!
1 e(pe$te -rimes to tell him to stop, &ut no one $ame to my res$ue! 1 was pretty sure they
were still ki$king my tires! Something a&out what 1' one in the other room with their hea
psy$hi$ ha mae them more serious a&out me!
1 swit$he my ga8e to -rimes to answer! <Been there, one that, in't want the T;shirt!=
<#(plain,= -rimes sai!
<1've seen people &urne alive &e"ore, 0ieutenant3 1 in't "eel like seeing it again! Besies,
on$e you've seen an smelle it in person, "ilm really $an't $ompare!= 1 knew my ga8e ha
gone a little angry, may&e even hostile! 1 in't $are! 1 wasn't interviewing here3 1 was here to
o my 7o&!
1 went &a$k to sorting through my &ag!
<They are not going to let you walk into homi$ie with e(plosives,= -rimes sai!
1 spoke without looking up, <2ot even a small one/=
<1 ou&t it,= he sai!
<1'll leave them here then,= 1 sai, an starte getting out things 1 thought they might allow
me to $arry!
1 ene up with the guns lying in a line on the "loor! The Moss&erg CDEA1 Bantam shotgun3 a
sawe;o"" that 1' ha mae, $ut own "rom an 1tha$a F73 He$kler G *o$h's M>C, my
"avorite su&ma$hine gun3 an Smith G +esson's M>D$! 1 was still wearing the Browning
BDM, whi$h ha repla$e my Browning Hi;>ower "or $on$eale $arry! The BDM ha "ewer
kno&&ly &its to $at$h on $lothing! Though honestly, the SG+ was the &est o" the three "or
$on$eale $arry, &ut then that was one o" the ni$hes it was &uilt to "ill!
1 lai the &laes out ne(t! The ma$hete that was my "avorite "or &eheaing, mostly $hi$kens,
&ut 1' use it on vampires a time or two! The two smaller &laes that "itte into wrist sheaths!
They ha higher silver $ontent than a normal kni"e! They were also &alan$e "or my hans!
They sat on the "loor in their $ustom sheaths, "itte "or my mus$ular &ut small "orearms! 1 ha
one e(tra kni"e that was an in;&etween si8e that 1' starte $arrying sin$e they mae me wear
the vest! 1t "itte into the Vel$ro straps o" the M400# system on the vest!
Ammunition ne(t, laying out e(tra maga8ines "or ea$h gun! 1 like to have at least two per
gun! Three was &etter, &ut it was a matter o" spa$e! ?or the shotgun 1 ha a sto$k mag atta$he
to the &utt o" the Moss&erg that hel e(tra shells! 1 ha a &o( o" shells per shotgun, too!
The last thing was two wooen stakes an a small mallet! That was all that woul "it on me
an in the &a$kpa$k!
<That's not a lot o" wooen stakes,= Hooper sai!
<1 on't use the stakes unless it's a morgue e(e$ution3 then legally that's one o" the approve
methos "or $arrying out the warrant! But honestly, you 7ust have to take the heart an the
hea, even in the morgue! Most e(e$utioners use &laes or metal spikes3 they go through meat
an &one easier than woo!=
<5ou on't use the stakes "or hunts/= -rimes aske!
<Almost never,= 1 sai!
The three men e($hange a look!
<1 take it "rom that look that your lo$al e(e$utioner was a stake;an;hammer man!=
<+e were tol that most o" them are,= -rimes sai!
1 smile an shook my hea! <That's the o""i$ial line, 0ieutenant, &ut trust me, most o" us are
silver;&ullet;an;&lae men!=
<Tony in't &elieve that any vampire was really ea until he stake them,= )o$$o sai!
1 pi$ke up the Moss&erg! <All you have to o is take the heart an hea! Trust me, every gun
sitting here will o the 7o&!=
<#ven the Smith an +esson/= )o$$o aske!
<1' have to reloa, &ut eventually, yeah!=
<How many times woul you have to reloa/= -rimes aske!
1 looke own at the Smith G +esson! <The Browning has to &e reloae twi$e, an it hols
a&out twi$e as mu$h as the Smith an +esson, so pro&a&ly 1' have to reloa "our times, &ut 1
$oul o it! +aste a hell o" a lot o" ammo, though!= 1 li"te the Moss&erg! <The shotguns an
the M>C are my $hoi$e "or an a$tual e(e$ution, &ut 1 $an o it with almost everything in my
kit!= 1 looke own at everything! <1 wouln't a$tually want to try to e$apitate someone with
either o" the wrist sheath knives, &ut they'll rea$h most vampires' hearts!=
1 put the shotgun own an opene another &ag! 1 got my vest an helmet out! 1 really hate
the helmet, even more than the vest! 1 was up against things that $oul tear my hea o"" my
&oy, so the helmet seeme a little silly to me, &ut it was part o" the new S4> "or us! 1
$ouln't wait to see what they' make us wear, or $arry, ne(t!
<So you 7ust have the stakes &e$ause they insist on you $arrying some o" them,= -rimes sai!
<1 "ollow the rules, 0ieutenant, even i" 1 on't agree with them!=
<1 on't see any metal spikes,= Hooper sai!
<1 on't o morgue stakings i" 1 $an help it, an outsie that, 1 trust the guns!= 1 took o"" my
suit 7a$ket an starte taking o"" my shouler rig! 1t wouln't "it uner the vest, or rather 1
$ouln't get to the weapons on the rig on$e the vest went over everything!
<+ait,= -rimes sai!
1 turne an looke at him!
<Move your hair o"" your &a$k, please!=
1 move the nearly waist;length hair so they $oul see my &a$k! 1 knew what he' seen!
<That kni"e is almost as long as you are "rom shouler to waist,= he sai, <an you've &een
wearing it the whole time!=
<5ep!= 1 let my hair "all &a$k, an like magi$, the &lae was nearly invisi&le! A a suit 7a$ket
or a heavy shirt, an it was!
<5ou have any more surprises on you, Marshal Blake/= he aske!
<2o!=
<How easy is it to raw/=
<#asy enough that 1've ha this sheath esign reone "or me three times, so 1 $oul keep
$arrying it this way!=
<+hy o you nee to have it reone/= )o$$o aske!
<#mergen$y room trips! They always $ut everything o"" i" you aren't a&le;&oie enough to
stop them!=
<That where you got the arm s$ars/= Hooper aske!
1 looke own at my arms, as i" 1' 7ust noti$e the ol in7uries! 1 tou$he the moun o" s$ar
tissue at my le"t el&ow! <Vampire!= 1 tou$he the thin s$ars that starte 7ust &elow it!
<Shapeshi"te wit$h!= The $ross;shape &urn s$ar was $riss;$rosse &y the s$ars, so the $ross
was a little $rooke on one sie! <Human servants o" a vampire! They &rane me! Thought it
was "unny!= 1 turne to my right arm! <*ni"e "ight with a master vampire's human servant!= 1
uni my &elt so that 1 $oul slip the shouler rig o"", then 1 hel the rig with the gun an
kni"e still on it an use my other han to lower my shirt "rom one shouler! <Same vampire
that i my el&ow &it through my $ollar&one, &roke it!= 1 pushe the shouler o" my shirt up
to show the small shiny s$ar on it! <Ba guy's girl"rien shot me!= Then 1 smile, &e$ause
what else $oul 1 o! <+e'll have to &e &etter "riens "or you to see the other s$ars!=
-rimes an Hooper looke a little un$om"orta&le, &ut )o$$o in't! +e' passe the point
where a little hint $oul em&arrass us! +e' alreay seen too "ar insie ea$h other's private
lives "or that to "a8e either o" us! 1t was a strange, instant kin o" intima$y, what we' one! 1
in't like it mu$h! 1 $ouln't tell how )o$$o "elt a&out it! He han't like me peeking at him
an his wi"e, that was all 1 knew "or sure!
1 starte to put on the vest!
<Are you a&out to suit up/= -rimes aske!
1 looke at him over the $ollar o" the vest3 1 han't "astene the Vel$ro yet! <1 was, why/=
<6nless the vampire you're hunting is insie with Sheri"" Shaw, you'll 7ust have to take it o""
to talk to him!=
<They won't let me wear "ull gear in the poli$e station/= 1 mae it a %uestion!
<,arrying all that, they'll stop you at the "ront! 5ou'll never get into an interrogation room
resse "or &attle,= )o$$o sai!
1 sighe an slippe the vest &a$k over my hea! <?ine, 1 hate the vest an helmet, anyway!
1'll $arry them in a &ag!=
<The vest an helmet will save your li"e,= -rimes sai!
<1" 1 weren't hunting things that $oul peel the vest like an onion an $rush the helmet, with
my hea in it, like an eggshell, may&e! 1 love having a &age an &eing part o" the Marshals
Servi$e, &ut whoever is making the rules keeps making us rig up like we're hunting human
&eings! Trust me, what we'll hunt here in Vegas isn't human!=
<+hat woul you wear i" you ha your $hoi$e/= -rimes aske!
<May&e something that was &etter at stopping slashing! 2othing works goo enough against a
sta&&ing atta$k yet! But honestly, 1' $arry the weapons an leave the prote$tive gear at home
i" 1 were going in with 7ust me! 1 move "aster without the vest, an spee will usually save my
li"e more than the vest!=
<Do you have trou&le moving in "ull gear/= -rimes aske!
<The amn thing weighs aroun "i"ty pouns!=
<+hi$h is what, hal" your &oy weight/= he aske!
1 noe! <A&out that, 1 weigh one;ten!=
<That woul &e like putting a hunre;poun vest on most o" us! +e wouln't &e a&le to
move, either!=
Hooper was the one to ask it! <How &aly o you move in the vest/=
<1 $an't tell what's going on with you guys! 1 keep e(pe$ting you to rush me to the hospital to
see your men, or to Shaw to get this starte, &ut you're $he$king me out!=
<+e're a&out to trust you with our lives on a hunt that's alreay kille three o" our operators!
Spee won't &ring them &a$k! )ushing things won't wake up the men in the hospital! All
spee will o is get more o" my team kille, an that is not a$$epta&le! 5ou're a strong an
$ontrolle pra$titioner, &ut i" you $an &arely move when you're in "ull gear, you're going to
&e an o&sta$le to over$ome, not a help!=
1 looke into -rimes's very serious "a$e! He ha a point! The vest was very new, an when 1
wasn't working with S+AT, 1 i my &est not to wear it, &ut it wasn't &e$ause 1 $ouln't
move in it!
1 sighe again, lai the vest with my other gear, an walke towar the weight area! The men
were using the weights, &ut they were wat$hing us, too! 1 went to the weight &en$h where tall,
ark, an hansome Santa was &en$h;pressing! Mer$y o" the straight &rown hair was spotting
him, whi$h meant the weight was heavy "or the &ig man! Both Santa an Mer$y ha to weigh
well over two hunre pouns, most o" it mus$le!
1 wat$he Santa's arms &ulge with the e""ort to push the &ar up an &a$k into its $rale!
Mer$y's hans hovere near&y, an at the en he ha to guie the &ar! That meant it was $lose
to the other man's limit on this e(er$ise!
<,an 1 7ump in "or a minute/ The lieutenant wants to see i" 1'm going to slow you guys
own!=
The two men e($hange a look, an then Santa sat up, smiling! <Tell us what weight you
want, an we'll put it on!=
<+hat's on it now/=
<Two;si(ty3 1 was oing reps!= He ha to a that last so 1 wouln't think it was the ma(
weight he $oul &en$h! 1t was a guy thing3 1 got it!
1 stare at the weights, thinking! 1 was a&out to o something that the guys woul &oth like, a
lot, an hate! 1 knew 1 $oul &en$h;press the weight3 1' one it at home! Thanks to vampire
marks an several i""erent kins o" ly$anthropy "loating aroun in my &oy, 1 $oul o
things that were ama8ing even to me! 1 han't &een this strong long enough "or it to lose its
novelty! But 1' never showe it o"" to human $ops &e"ore! 1 e&ate, &ut it was the %ui$kest
way 1 $oul think o" to make my point!
The other men ha starte gathering aroun! Mer$y rea$he "or the weights! <+hat weight o
you want, Blake/=
1 wave him away! <This will o!=
They e($hange a look, all o" them! Some o" them smile! Santa stoo an wave at the
&en$h as i" to say, Its all yours.
1 went to the &a$k o" the &en$h! Mer$y move out o" my way! The others move &a$k an
gave me room! 1 knew 1 $oul &en$h;press it, an that woul impress them, &ut 1 knew
something that woul impress them more, an 1 was tire o" having my $reentials $he$ke! 1
wante to &e one with the tests an &e out hunting vampires &e"ore it got ark! +hat 1
neee was something "airly spe$ta$ular!
1 put my hans on the &ar an &ra$e my legs wie enough to get a goo stan$e! 1 knew 1 was
strong enough to li"t it, &ut my mass wasn't enough to $ounter&alan$e it, so 1 ha to rely on
other mus$les to keep me steay an upright while my arms i the other work!
1 got my grip on the &ar, worke my stan$e!
Santa sai, <That's two hunre an si(ty pouns, Blake!=
<1 hear you the "irst time, Santa!= 1 li"te the &ar, tensing my stoma$h an leg mus$les to
hol me while 1 $urle it! Making it a $ontrolle, pretty $url was the har part, &ut 1 i it! 1
$urle it, then set it &a$k own with a tiny $link!
My &reath was $oming a little har, an my whole &oy "elt pumpe an "ull o" &loo3 there
was even a little roar in my ears, whi$h meant 1 shouln't try to $url that mu$h weight again!
So 1 wouln't, &ut ! ! ! There was a&solute silen$e "rom the men, as i" they' "orgotten to
&reathe!
1 put my hans on my waist an "ought to $ontrol my &reathing3 it woul all &e "or nothing i" 1
looke i88y or unsteay now!
Someone sai, <4h my -o!=
1 looke at the lieutenant an the sergeants where they stoo o"" the ege o" the mat! <1 $an
$arry my own weight, 0ieutenant!=
<Hell, you $an $arry me,= Mer$y sai!
Santa sai, <How i you o that/ There's not enough o" you to li"t that mu$h weight!=
<,oul you o it again/= -rimes aske!
<5ou mean reps/= 1 aske!
He noe!
1 grinne! <May&e, &ut 1 wouln't want to try!=
He gave an e(pression that was almost a smile, then shook his hea! <Answer Santa's
%uestion, Anita!=
<5ou've hear the rumors! Hell, you $he$ke up on me &e"ore 1 steppe o"" the plane!=
<5ou're right, 1 i! So you really are the human servant o" your lo$al Master o" the ,ity!=
<That won't make you this strong,= 1 sai!
<1 saw your mei$al re$ors,= he sai!
<An,= 1 sai!
<5ou're a mei$al mira$le!=
<So they tell me!=
<+hat/= Santa aske, looking "rom one to the other o" us!
<So, you really are $arrying "ive i""erent kins o" ly$anthropy, &ut you on't shi"t!=
1 noe! <5es!=
<+ait,= Santa sai, <that's not possi&le!=
<A$tually,= -rimes sai, <there have &een three o$umente $ases in the 6nite States alone3
you woul &e the "ourth! +orlwie there have &een thirty! >eople like you are what gave
them the iea "or the ly$anthropy va$$ines!=
Someone must have mae a movement &e$ause -rimes sai, <5es, Arrio!=
<1s her ly$anthropy $ontagious/=
<Anita,= he sai!
<Shapeshi"ters are only $ontagious in animal "orm, an 1 on't have an animal "orm, so, no!=
<Are you sure/= he aske!
<2ot a hunre per$ent, no! 1 wouln't rink my &loo, an i" you have a $ut, you might not
want me to &lee on you!=
<But you've got "ive i""erent kins in your &loo, right/= Santa aske!
<5es,= 1 sai!
<Then i" you &le on me, 1 wouln't get 7ust one, 1' get them all, or nothing, right/=
1 noe! <5es!=
<+oul it make me &e a&le to o what you 7ust i/=
<5ou $an o what 1 7ust i!=
He shook his hea, "rowning! <A&le to $url over twi$e my &oy weight, so, si(;ninety, seven
hunre pouns!=
<1've seen a shapeshi"ter a&out your si8e that $oul o it, &ut 1'm not as strong as a real
shapeshi"ter! 1" 1 were, 1 $oul o reps easy, an 1 $an't!=
<So a shapeshi"ter your si8e woul &e even stronger/= Davey, the tall &lon with the ni$e
mouth, aske!
<A&solutely!= 1 looke &a$k at the lieutenant! <That's what 1 mean a&out the vest an helmet!
1t 7ust won't prote$t you "rom that level o" strength!=
<1t will prote$t you i" you get hit in the $hest or hea!=
<Some!=
<5ou'll wear the "ull gear when you go out with us, Anita!=
<5ou're the &oss!=
He smile! <)eports say you aren't mu$h "or "ollowing orers!=
<1'm not!=
<But 1'm the &oss!=
<?or these men, this unit, you are, an i" 1 want to work with you, that makes you the &oss!=
<5ou have a "eeral &age! 5ou $oul try to &e the &oss!=
1 laughe! <1've seen the way the men rea$t to you! 1 $oul have a o8en "eeral &ages, an
that wouln't make any o" these guys see me as their &oss!=
<1t will let you take all your weapons into the main station i" you want to ru& their "a$es in it!=
<1'm trying to make "riens here, not enemies!=
<Then you'll &e the most polite "e we've met in a while!=
1 shrugge! <1 7ust want to start hunting these vampires &e"ore ark! Tell me what 1 have to o
to make that happen, an 1'll o it!=
<,olle$t your gear! +e'll take you to Shaw!=
<Do 1 wear my gear or 7ust $arry it/=
<5ou asking my opinion/=
<5es!=
<,arrying it is less aggressive, &ut they may also see it as a weakness!=
<1" 1 aske you to 7ust take me to the $rime s$ene, woul you/=
<2o!=
1 sighe! <?ine, take me to Shaw! 0et him $he$k uner my hoo, too!=
<+hy oes that soun irty/= Santa aske!
<Be$ause everything souns irty to you,= Mer$y sai!
Santa grinne! <2ot everything!=
<+hy are you $alle Santa/= 1 aske!
He aime that grin at me! <Be$ause 1 know who's &een naughty an who's &een ni$e!=
1 gave him a look!
He i a Boy S$out salute! <Honest!=
<He's not lying,= Spier o" the $urly &rown hair sai!
1 wave my hans, as i" $learing the air! <?ine, whatever that means! 0et's go!= 1 starte
walking towar -rimes, )o$$o, Hooper, an my gear!
Mer$y $alle out, lou enough so it woul $arry, <Tell us, Santa, is Blake naughty or ni$e/=
1 "elt something pri$kle along my &a$k! 1t mae me whirl aroun an glare at Santa! <1 let
,anni&al insie my shiels3 you on't get in!=
Santa ha a look on his "a$e, as i" he were hearing things 1 $ouln't hear! He &linke an
looke at me, his eyes a little un"o$use, as i" he were having to raw himsel" &a$k "rom "ar
away! <1 $an't get past her shiels!=
<,ome on, Blake,= Mer$y sai, <on't you want to know i" you're naughty or ni$e/=
<1'm naughty, Mer$er, 1've kille too many people to &e ni$e!= 1 in't wait to see their
rea$tion! 1 7ust turne an went "or my gear! 1' pa$k up, an they' pass me to Sheri"" Shaw!
May&e he' 7ust take 0ieutenant -rimes's wor that 1 was okay, &ut remem&ering the look on
Shaw's "a$e as we rove o"", 1 ou&te it! 1 appre$iate everyone's pro"essional $aution, &ut i"
this kept up, it woul &e ark &e"ore 1 got to o my 7o&, an 1 i not want to hunt Vittorio in
the ark! He' maile me the hea o" the last vampire hunter who' trie to kill him3 1 was
&etting he' &e happy to $ut me up an mail me to someone, too!
9



A2 H46) 0AT#) 1 still han't seen the $rime s$ene! +hy/ Be$ause 1 was sitting at a small
ta&le in an interrogation room! 5ou $an wat$h all the .SI you want, &ut the Vegas
interrogation room was 7ust like all the others 1' seen! The glass an open spa$e on television
was so $ameras $oul work an it woul look ni"ty! 1n real li"e, it was like everyone else's
room: small, ingy, painte a pale &ut always slightly o $olor, as i" somewhere there were a
list o" $olors suita&le "or interrogation rooms &ut "or nowhere else!
There are no weapons allowe in interrogation rooms, so 1' ha to put everything in lo$kers!
The "a$t that &eing $ompletely unarme mae me nervous, regarless o" the situation, sai sa
things a&out my state o" min! 1t wasn't that 1 thought Shaw or the rest woul hurt me3 1 7ust
like &eing arme, espe$ially in a $ity where 1 knew a vampire was gunning "or me! Shaw ha
aske me to answer a "ew %uestions a&out the last time 1' hunte Vittorio! 1 han't really
unerstoo that he meant to treat me like a suspe$t! 1' thought 1' &e talking to other $ops
an telling them what little 1 knew o" Vittorio! 1nstea 1 was &eing interviewe, an not in a
goo, happy way!
Shaw leane against the oor, &ig arms $rosse over his $hest! He' thrown his hat on the
ta&le a while &a$k! He was giving me his har look, an it was a goo look, &ut 1 knew he
wouln't try to kill me! 0ately, unless eath or heart&reak was involve, you $oul look at me
as har as you wante an 1 wouln't "u$king $are!
<Tell me a&out the last time you ealt with this &loosu$ker,= he sai!
<1've tol you, twi$e!=
<2aw, that's what's in the reports! 1 want to know what you le"t out!=
<1 ha our S+AT with us, Shaw, $ross;$he$k their reports with mine!=
<1've one that, &ut 1 on't mean the assault on the $ono at the en! 1 want to know what you
an your vampire &oy"rien kept se$ret!=
1 thought a&out it "or a "ew moments, an "ought the urge to ru& my ne$k! <The only thing
that pro&a&ly in't make it into a report was the "a$t that Vittorio $oul hie "rom other
Masters o" the ,ity!=
<,an't all the power"ul ones o that/=
<2o, Masters o" the ,ity, espe$ially, have the a&ility to pi$k up the energy o" other power"ul
vamps that $ross their territory! ?or someone as power"ul as Vittorio was, to &e a&le to hie
"rom every vampire in St! 0ouis, in$luing the Master o" the ,ity, is really unusual!=
<An 1 thought ol Ma( was lying!=
<5our Master o" the ,ity in't sense him either/=
<Says he in't!= Again the ou&t was $lear in his voi$e!
<He's not lying,= 1 sai!
<4r you're lying "or him,= Shaw sai!
<+hat the hell oes that mean/=
<1t means what 1 sai!=
<1 $ame here to help you!=
<5ou $ame here &e$ause a vampire serial killer painte your name on a wall with our men's
&loo! 5ou're here &e$ause the &astar maile you the hea o" our e(e$utioner! 1 nee to
know what you i to this guy to make him like you this mu$h!=
<1 hunte him, Shaw, an he got away! That's all!=
<1nitially the poli$e in St! 0ouis sai they got him, &ut you sai you misse him! How i you
know he wasn't one o" the ea vampires i" you' never seen him &e"ore/=
<Be$ause nothing we kille in the $ono was power"ul enough to o everything he' one! 1"
Vittorio ha &een in that $ono, more o" us woul have ie!=
<5ou lost three men, too!=
<Trust me, i" Vittorio ha &een there, it woul have &een a lot worse!=
<Ba enough to kill three o" our men an put the rest in the hospital/= he aske!
<1 put in my report that 1 thought he woul resur"a$e again! He's a serial killer, an &eing a
vampire oesn't make that &ig a i""eren$e to the pathology! Most serial killers have to keep
killing3 they $an't, or won't, stop until they ie or are $aught!=
<The BT* killer stoppe "or years,= Shaw sai!
<5eah! Bin, torture, kill.1 always hate that moniker! The "a$t that he was a&le to $hannel
that murerous impulse into raising kis an &eing the lo$al monitor "or how tall the grass is,
is playing hell with a lot o" the pro"ilers! #veryone thought he was ea or in 7ail on some
other $harge when he stoppe! +e're taught that serials $an't stop "or twenty years! They $an
stop "or a while, or until the pressure &uils up again, &ut not e$aes! The "a$t that he $oul
stop means that others $oul stop, i" they wante to, or it means that "or him it was a&out
$ontrol! 1t only looks like a se(ual killing to us, &ut "or him it was a&out $ontrol, an on$e he
ha enough $ontrol in other parts o" his li"e, he $oul stop!=
<5ou soun like you've thought a&out it,= he sai!
<Haven't you/ Hasn't every $op/ 1 mean, the BT* killer has thrown a lot o" our traitional
theories on these guys into the $rapper! 1t's like &e$ause o" this one guy, we know less than
we i &e"ore a&out these "ruit$akes!=
<5ou talk like a $op,= he sai!
<5ou soun surprise,= 1 sai!
<1 guess 1 am! 0et's 7ust say 1've hear some interesting opinions a&out you!=
<1 7ust &et you have!=
<5ou on't soun surprise!=
<1 tol you on the phone, 1'm a girl an 1 $lean up well! That gets the gossip going all on its
own! But 1'm ating a vampire, an though legally no one $an &it$h at me, it oesn't stop the
other $ops "rom hating me "or it!=
<1t's not ating the vampire, Blake!=
<+hat is it/=
<1t's moving in with him, or are you going to eny that you move in with your Master o" the
,ity/=
<+hy woul 1 eny it/=
He narrowe his eyes at me! <5ou're not ashame o" it, are you/=
<5ou shoul never &e ashame o" loving someone, Shaw!=
<5ou love him, a vampire/=
<They're legal $iti8ens now, Shaw! They have the right to &e love 7ust like everyone else!=
A look o" istaste $rosse his "a$e, so strong that it was unpleasant to look at! That look was
enough! Vampires were legal, &ut that in't make them goo enough to ate, or love, in
everyone's &ook! The sa thing was that a "ew years ago 1' have agree with Shaw!
+e' move me into the ,ir$us to help Bean;,laue's reputation among the other vampires,
&ut what we han't anti$ipate was what it woul o to my reputation among the $ops! 1
shouln't have &een surprise, an it shouln't have hurt my "eelings, &ut 1 was an it i!
The oor opene, an the goo $op to Shaw's grumpy $op entere, smiling! He ha $o""ee "or
me, an that mae me "eel &etter! Bust the smell o" it helpe &righten my moo!
He' introu$e himsel" earlier as Dete$tive Morgan, though 1 suspe$te he was a little higher
rank than a straight;vanilla ete$tive! He ha that "eel to him o" someone in a suit trying to
mingle with the $ommon "olk, &ut use to giving orers to everyone else!
Morgan put the $o""ee in "ront o" me an sat own in the $hair that Shaw ha va$ate! He
$rosse strong, tanne "ingers on the s$arre ta&letop! His hair was a eep, ri$h &rown, $ut
short &ut still too $lose to his eyes, as i" he were overue "or a hair$ut! 1' put him at a&out my
age, &ut a"ter an hour o" looking at the small lines at his eyes an aroun his mouth, 1' put
him $loser to "orty than thirty! 1t was a strong, well;kept "orty, &ut he wasn't the young,
"rienly guy he was trying to &e! But 1 &et the a$t ha worke on a lot o" interviewees over the
years, an pro&a&ly women outsie the 7o&!
He waite "or me to li"t the $up! 1 inhale the s$ent, an it was &itter enough that 1 knew it ha
&een on the &urner too long, &ut it was $o""ee, an 1' take it!
<2ow, Anita=.he' esta&lishe "irst names a while &a$k3 "ine with me.<we 7ust want to
know why this guy is a"ter you! 5ou $an unerstan that!=
1 looke into his true;&rown eyes an that amn near &oyish grin, an wonere i" they' put
him in here &e$ause 1 was a woman with a reputation "or men! Ha they thought he $oul
$harm it out o" me/ Boy, were they &arking up the wrong girl!
<1've tol you everything 1 know, #=.yeah, # Morgan was his name! +e were # an
Anita, an he seeme to think that woul win him points! He $oul have $alle himsel" Tip
4'2eill an 1 wouln't have $are!
The oor opene an 0ieutenant Thurgoo $ame &a$k in3 great! She was a woman, &ut she
was one o" those women who seem to hate other women! She was tall an move with a
mus$ular ease that sai she kept in shape! She was oler than me &y at least ten years, whi$h
was how she' gotten to &e a lieutenant! Her hair was short an $urle $arelessly &ut
attra$tively aroun a thin "a$e with great $heek&ones.the kin o" $heek&ones that people pay
surgeons "or, &ut hers were natural, &e$ause anyone who woul pay "or $heek&ones woul
have worn a &etter skirt suit! Hers "it her like it ha &een &orrowe, or like she' lost a lot o"
weight an never &othere to replenish her warro&e!
<-et out, &oth o" you! 1 think we nee some girl talk!= She sai it like it was something &a!
Morgan gave Shaw a look, like Should we o, 1 was &etting they ha pra$ti$e this little
routine &e"ore! Shaw noe, all stoi$, an the men le"t me alone with Thurgoo! >er"e$t!
She leane over the ta&le, using her height to intimiate! She was tall "or a woman, though 1
knew taller, &ut height never impresse me! 1 was use to everyone &eing taller than me!
<Di you "u$k this Vittorio, too/ Di you "u$k him, then ump him "or your Master o" the
,ity/ 1s that why he sent you the hea/ A little present a&out ol times/= She move aroun
the ta&le so the last wors were hisse into my "a$e!
Most people woul have leane away "rom her, &ut 1 wasn't most people! 1 leane into her,
$are"ully, 7ust my upper &oy! +e were suenly $lose enough to kiss, an she 7umpe &a$k
as i" 1' &itten her!
She put the ta&le &etween us, whi$h please me3 so mu$h rea$tion to su$h a little movement
"rom me! She was a"rai o" me, genuinely a"rai o" me! +hat the hell was going on/
<1 in't think you like girls, Blake!=
1 stoo up!
She move &a$k to the oor!
1nteresting, &ut not interesting enough to put up with it! <Have your little les&ian "antasies on
your own time, Thurgoo! My $rime s$ene is getting $ol while you guys i$k me aroun!
+orse yet, we're wasting aylight, an 1 on't know a&out you, &ut 1 really on't want to &e
hunting these vampires in the ark i" 1 $an help it!=
<1" we want you here all ay, then you'll sit here all ay,= she sai!
That was a mistake! <Are you $harging me with something/=
<+hat o you think we shoul $harge you with/= she aske!
1 walke towar her, an she &a$ke away! +hat the hell/ The oor opene an Morgan
steppe insie, &etween us! Shaw "ollowe at his heels! They were &oth pretty goo;si8e
men, an without really threatening me, they &a$ke me up 7ust &y walking towar me! 1'
one a version o" the same thing to Thurgoo, so 1 $ouln't really &it$h!
Morgan smile his $harming smile an sai, <Anita, why on't we sit own an have some
more $o""ee!=
<2o, thanks, Morgan!=
<#, $all me #!=
<0ook, 1've ha all the goo $opH&a $op 1 $an stan! #ither $harge me or let me go!=
They e($hange looks! <2ow, Anita!=
<5ou know, 1've $hange my min, Morgan3 $all me Blake or Marshal Blake! 2o more "irst
names!=
<1" you'll 7ust talk to us!=
<1'm one talking! 1've got a "eeral &age, an 1 have every right to this $rime s$ene! So, one
more time, $harge me or let me go!=
Morgan's &rown eyes lost some o" that "rienly shine! <An e(a$tly what woul we $harge
you with, Marshal/=
1 smile &a$k at him, &ut it wasn't a pleasant smile! <There, that's &etter3 1 knew you in't
like me, either!=
<5ou sai 1 wasn't pretty enough "or you,= Shaw sai "rom the oor, <so 1 thought we' a
Morgan! 4r is he not pretty enough "or you, either/=
1 looke Morgan up an own, slow, the way some men will o to a woman! 1 mae sure to
hit his "a$e last, so he' have time to &e pisse! But he wasn't pisse3 he was $hallenging,
e"iant, &ut not really angry! <+ell/= he sai!
1 starte to say something isparaging, &ut though not really my $up o" tea, he was attra$tive
enough! 1 sighe, tire o" the games alreay!
<1 was going to say something $utting, &ut you're $ute enough! 1 7ust in't know that the
Vegas >D put seu$tion on their list o" interrogation te$hni%ues!=
He looke surprise! <1 on't know what you mean!=
<+hy put you in here with me/ +hy make a point o" you &eing all $ute/ +hat was it
suppose to prove, or o/= 1 wave my han at him, as i" $learing the air! <2ever min, 1
on't $are!=
1 looke past him to Shaw! <Are you going to $harge me/=
<+e on't have anything to $harge you with.yet!= He ha to a the yet!
<?ine, then get out o" my way!= 1 was almost tou$hing him &e"ore he eigne to move! He
opene the oor an hel it "or me! 1 7ust kept walking!
10



SHA+ #S,4)T#D M# &a$k to my weapons! They $ouln't keep me "rom oing my 7o&!
They $ouln't keep me "rom having more weapons than -o, &ut they in't have to like it!
?ine with me! 1' gone in with "ewer weapons showing to try not to ru& their "a$es in my
"eeral &age! -rimes ha sai they might see it as a weakness! 2e(t time 1' wear the "ull
gear, an the lo$al $ops $oul eal! 1 trie to &e ni$e, sin$e 1' ha my share o" &eing on the
re$eiving en o" "eeral attitue &e"ore they gran"athere us into a "eeral &age! Toay 1
was &eginning to unerstan what might make the ?es so grumpy! Be arrogant3 they on't
pi$k on you as mu$h!
The &a$kpa$k was new, sin$e 1' gotten more lethal toys than 1 $oul $arry easily! 1' ha to
have the straps tailore own to "it snug at my &a$k, an 1 ha to keep it tight so it in't
%ueer the raw "rom my shouler holster with the Browning BDM! +hen 1 ha to wear the
vest, 1 $arrie the Browning on a thigh holster! The Smith G +esson went in straps on the
"ront o" the vest! +ithout the vest, the SG+ went at the small o" my &a$k! 1' given up on
interpants holsters when women's 7eans starte having so many amn styles an waistlines! 1
kept holy water, e(tra $rosses, an holy wa"ers in little slots that ha originally &een "or
ammo, &ut there were enough po$kets "or e(tra maga8ines an other use"ul things! The
&a$kpa$k was a$tually pretty use"ul &ut awkwar on$e the vest went on, whi$h was another
reason 1 in't $are "or the vest! 1 ha to put the guns 1 was wearing on me &e"ore the
&a$kpa$k went on! 1' $arry the vest an helmet &a$k out in the &ig pa$k like they' $ome in!
1t was the &ig kni"e at the &a$k, with its sheath $onne$te to the shouler holster, that mae
Shaw wien his eyes! 1 i my &est to ignore him! There was room "or an e(tra maga8ine on
the other sie o" the holster "or the Browning, whi$h put me at "ourteen rouns in the
Browning an another "ourteen in the e(tra maga8ine, plus the two e(tra maga8ines in the
&a$kpa$k! 1 put the Smith G +esson at my waist, $ante "orwar so it wouln't get $aught in
the other straps! 1 ha a thigh holster that 1' moi"ie to hol e(tra maga8ines "or the
Browning an the M>C, whi$h woul go on a ta$ti$al sling a$ross my &oy on$e everything
else was in pla$e! 1n the &a$kpa$k there was a Bantam shotgun with e(tra shells strappe to its
&utt, an more shells in the &a$kpa$k! +hen it was time to hunt vampires, 1' $arry the
shotgun an leave the M>C "or &a$kup, &ut not everything woul "it in the &a$kpa$k, so the
M>C 7ust staye out in the sling!
<1" 1' seen you pa$k your gear, there wouln't have &een an interrogation!=
1 glan$e at Shaw, then went &a$k to ignoring him while 1 mae sure everything was where 1
wante it! 5ou i not want things to slie aroun, &e$ause you neee to know where things
were when you went to gra& them! Se$ons $ounte!
<5ou going to give me the silent treatment/=
<5ou treate me like a perp, Shaw! +hat o you want me to say, that 1'm happy you like the
way 1 pa$k "or work/=
<5ou pa$k like a solier!=
<She ha a goo tea$her,= a voi$e "rom the oor sai!
1 stoo up, tugging the straps into pla$e, an smile at #war! <5ou $an't take all the $reit
"or me!=
He wasn't very tall, "ive "oot eight, so that Shaw ha him &y in$hes! He was mus$ular, &ut not
mus$le! He' never have the shoulers that the &igger man ha, &ut 1 knew that every oun$e
o" him was more angerous than any human &eing 1' ever known!
<5ou were still wet &ehin the ears when 1 met you,= he sai, an he grinne! 1t was a real
smile that went all the way up to his eyes! 1 was one o" the "ew people on the planet who got
#war's real smile! He ha lots o" "ake ones! He mae Dete$tive Morgan look like an
amateur at preten! 1" #war han't &een so terri&ly &lon an &lue;eye, he $oul have "it
in anywhere, &ut he was 7ust too amne +AS>;looking to hie anywhere too ethni$!
<+here the hell have you &een ! ! ! Te/ 1 thought you sai the plane rie "rom 2ew Me(i$o
was shorter than the one "rom St! 0ouis!=
The smile vanishe, an his eyes ha that $ol winter look to them! 4ne minute happy, the
ne(t the real #war looking out! He wasn't e(a$tly a so$iopath, &ut he ha his moments!
<1 was &eing entertaine &y the Vegas >D!=
<They interrogate you, too/=
He noe!
<5ou weren't in on the hunt "or Vittorio! +hat $oul you tell them/=
<They in't ask me a&out him!= He looke at Shaw when he sai the last! 1t was not a
"rienly look, an #war i a &etter not;"rienly look than anyone 1 knew!
Shaw in't &lan$h uner the ga8e, &ut he in't look $om"orta&le either! <+e're oing our
7o&, ?orrester!=
<2o, you're trying to s$apegoat Anita!=
<+hat i they ask you a&out me/= 1 aske!
<They wante to know how long we' &een "u$king!=
1 gave wie eyes to that! <+hatA=
He kept looking at Shaw! <5eah, a$$oring to the rumor mill, you're sleeping with me, 4tto
Be""ries, an a $op in 2ew Me(i$o, oh, an a "ew others! Apparently, you've &een a very &usy
6!S! Marshal!=
<How're Donna an the kis/= 1 aske! 4ne, 1 i want to know3 two, 1 in't want to talk
a&out the rumors any more in "ront o" Shaw!
<Donna sens her love, an so o Be$$a an >eter!=
<+hen oes >eter take his &la$k &elt test/=
<Two weeks!=
<He'll get it,= 1 sai!
<1 know!=
<How' Be$$a's an$e re$ital go/=
He gave that real smile again! <She's really goo! Her tea$her says she has real talent!=
<Are you trying to shame me &y oing the whole omesti$ thing/= Shaw aske!
<2o,= 1 sai, <we're ignoring you!=
<1 guess 1 eserve that! But look at it "rom our sie ! ! !=
1 hel up a han! <1'm tire o" &eing treate like one o" the &a guys &y you, 7ust &e$ause 1'm
&etter at my 7o& than the rest o" the men!=
#war $leare his throat sharply!
<>resent $ompany e($epte,= 1 sai!
He noe!
<But that's part o" the pro&lem! 1 am &etter than the rest o" the e(e$utioners! 1've got more
kills, an 1'm a girl! They $an't stan it, Shaw! They $an't &elieve that 1'm 7ust that goo at
my 7o&! 1t has to &e &e$ause 1'm "u$king my way to the top! 4r that 1'm some sort o" "reak
mysel"!=
<5ou $an't &e that goo,= he sai!
<+hy, &e$ause 1'm a girl/=
He ha the gra$e to look em&arrasse! <5ou have to have training to &e that goo!=
<She is that goo,= #war sai, in that empty voi$e he $oul o.the one that mae the hairs
at the &a$k o" your ne$k stan up i" you knew what you were listening to!
<5ou're e(;spe$ial "or$es! She oesn't have that kin o" training!=
<1 in't say she was a goo solier!=
<+hat then, a goo $op/=
<2o!=
Shaw "rowne at him! <+hat then/ +hat is she that goo at/ An i" you say fuckin, 1'm
going to &e pisse!=
<*illing,= #war sai!
<+hat/= Shaw sai!
<5ou aske what she's goo at! 1 answere the %uestion!=
Shaw looke at me up an own, not in a se(ual way &ut like he was trying to see what
#war was talking a&out! <5ou really that goo at killing/=
<1 try to &e a goo $op! 1 try to &e a goo little solier an "ollow orers up to a point! But in
the en 1'm not really a $op, or a solier! 1 am a legally san$tione murerer! 1 am the
#(e$utioner!=
<1've never hear another marshal amit that they were a murerer!=
<Te$hni$ally, it's legal, &ut 1 hunt $iti8ens o" these 6nite States with the intent o" killing
them! 1 have e$apitate an torn the hearts out o" more people than most serial killers! 5ou
want to pretty it up, give me a warrant, great, &ut 1 know what 1 o "or a living, Sheri""! 1
know what 1 am, an 1'm really, really goo at it!=
<Anyone &etter/= he aske!
1 glan$e at #war! <4nly one!=
Shaw glan$e at #war an &a$k to me! <1 guess 1'm lu$ky to have you &oth, then,= though
his voi$e mae sure he was thi$k on the sar$asm!
<5ou are lu$ky to have us,= 1 sai, an 1 went "or the oor! #war traile me an hel keys
out! <1 got us a $ar, so we'll have some priva$y!=
<-oo,= 1 sai!
<4h, an 1 in't mention 4la" 7ust "or ki$ks!=
1 stoppe in the hallway an looke at him! <5ou on't mean ! ! !=
<Marshal 4tto Be""ries is one o" the western state marshals! He was on the groun when 1 got
here!=
4la" was a real serial killer! But he, like the BT* killer, $oul $ontrol his urges to a point!
He' never one his worst in this $ountry, to my or #war's knowlege! +e $ouln't prove
anything, &ut 1 knew what he was, an he knew 1 knew it, an he like that 1 knew it!
1t was hunting vampires with me that ha given 4la" the iea that he $oul &e$ome a marshal
an o his little serial killer routine legally! There's no set way to take the heart an hea o" a
vampire! 5ou're 7ust suppose to o it! 4n$e the killing starts, there are no rules to prote$t the
vampire! 2one! They are at the mer$y o" their e(e$utioner! 4ne o" my goals in li"e was never,
ever, to &e at 4la"'s mer$y!
11



#D+A)D HAD MA2A-#D to get us a &ig S6V! 1t was &la$k an looke vaguely
mena$ing! 1 knew he han't aske "or the $olor, &ut it was per"e$tly appropriate! 1 approve o"
the $ar, &e$ause i" we ha to go out into the esert or even o"" roa, it woul still o!
<+hen i you have time to rent a $ar/= 1 aske!
<1 was the "irst one they interrogate! 1 knew it woul take them a while to interrogate three
other 6!S! Marshals! 1 knew 1 ha time!=
1 stoppe in mistep! <Di you say three other 6!S! Marshals/=
He turne an noe at me! <1 i!= He almost smile, whi$h meant he was hiing
something "rom me! #war love &eing mysterious! My having seen his "amily an knowing
most o" his se$ret ientity han't $ure him o" the ha&it! 1t 7ust mae it harer "or him to "in
opportunities to surprise me!
<+ho's num&er "our/= 1 aske!
He raise his han! 1t was a gesture 1' seen him use in the "iel when he was ealing with
people with enough training to know the han signals! 1t was the $ome;ahea gesture!
There was a small $luster o" poli$e near the &a$k o" the pinkish;tan &uiling! 1' noti$e them,
in that $ursory way you &egin to noti$e everything in our &usiness: people, palm trees, heat,
sunshine! 4la" stoo up, an he was 7ust suenly there! He was hal" a hea taller than all &ut
one o" them! Ha he &een slumping/ But it was more than that3 he was also wearing a &la$k
T;shirt an &la$k 7eans tu$ke into &la$k &oots! He ha a &la$k leather 7a$ket thrown over one
arm, revealing &are mus$ular arms! He ha more $olor to his skin than the last time 1' seen
him, as i" he' &een out in the sun more, &ut 4la", like me, 7ust in't tan! Most people with a
lot o" -erman in their &a$kgroun have trou&le tanning!
His hea was still $ompletely shave, so that his &la$k eye&rows stoo out on his "a$e in stark
$ontrast! He ha a shaow o" a &ear along his 7awline, &e$ause he was one o" those men who
neee to shave twi$e a ay to &e truly $lean shaven! Mae me woner i" he shave his hea
or was &al! 1t ha never o$$urre to me &e"ore!
The hea, the $lothes, the height3 it all mae him stan out in the group o" $ops like a wol"
among sheep, or a -oth among uni"orms! But 1' misse him $ompletely!
#war $oul o that, too! That invisi&le;in;plain;sight shit! 1 wat$he 4la" walk towar us,
an amitte that "or su$h a large man he move gra$e"ully, &ut it was the gra$e o" mus$le
an violen$e $ontaine!
The violen$e was helpe along with the shouler holster, with its HG* >IEEE an e(tra
maga8ines on the other sie o" the straps! 0ast time he' $arrie his &a$kup gun at the small o"
his &a$k3 1' $he$k later! There was a kni"e &igger than my "orearm at his sie, tie own to
his thigh! Most vampire hunters $arrie &laes!
He walke towar me all ark an mena$ing, then he smile! 1t wasn't a "rien smile! 1t was a
&oy"rien smile! 2o, more than that! 1t was the smile a man gives to a woman he's ha se(
with, goo se(, an he's hoping to have it again! 4la" ha not earne that smile!
<Anita,= he sai, an again there was too mu$h emotion when he sai my name!
1 ha to pause an say his "ake name: <4tto!=
He kept $oming until he loome over &oth #war an me! 4" $ourse, 4la" was enough over
si( "eet that seven was his ne(t stop, so he loome over amn near anyone!
He o""ere me his han! 1n the two times 1' met him, ha he ever o""ere to shake hans with
me/ 1 ha to think, &ut no, he in't shake hans with women! But there he was o""ering his
han, with that too;"amiliar smile "aing a little aroun the eges, &ut still there!
The smile mae me not want to tou$h him! But 4la"'s pathologi$al hatre towar women
mae the o""er o" a hanshake a &ig eal! 1t meant he thought 1 was worth it! Besies, we were
going to have to work together where poli$e $oul see us! 1 i not want to start the hunt with
him ma at me!
1 took his han!
He wrappe his &ig han aroun mine, then put his other han higher up my arm! Some men
o that, 1've never &een sure why, &ut this time 1 knew why!
1 pulle to move away! 1 $ouln't help it! He tightene his grip, let me know he ha me, or
that it woul &e a "ight to get away! Bust an instant o" it, a moment, &ut it was enough to
remin me o" the last time we' met!
4la" an 1 ha &een the ones to take the hearts out o" the vampires last time we hunte! They
were ol an power"ul, so you on't 7ust stake the heart! 5ou $ut it out o" the $hest $avity an
estroy it with "ire later!
1' gotten the heart tangle somehow on some &it o" vis$era in the &oy! He' o""ere to help,
an 1' a$$epte! 1' "orgotten what he was!
He sli his han insie the hole 1' mae, so that his arm sli up alongsie mine in the $hest
$avity! 1t wasn't until his han $uppe mine, pressing &oth our hans into the still;warm heart,
that 1 looke at him! +e were &oth leaning over the &oy, our "a$es in$hes apart, with our
arms up the mu$h longer torso o" the male! He looke at me over the &oy, our hans aroun
the heart, &loo everywhere! He looke at me as i" it were a $anlelit inner an 1 was
wearing ni$e lingerie!
He' kept his "ree han on my arm, $ontrolling how slowly we ease out o" the $hest $avity!
He mae it last, an he stare at my "a$e while we i it! ?or the last "ew in$hes o" arm he
looke own at the woun an not at my "a$e! He wat$he our arms emerge "rom the &looy
hole 7ust uner the sternum! He kept his han on my arm an "or$e our hans upwar, so that
"or a moment we hel the heart together, an he looke at me over the &leeing mus$le!
He' stolen a kiss like that, our "irst an, i" 1 $oul help it, our last!
<0et go o" me,= 1 sai, so"tly, ea$h wor very $lear!
His lips parte, an his &reath $ame out in a long sigh! 1t was worse than the smile! 1 reali8e
in that moment that 1 ha &e$ome a trophy o" that kill! A trophy "or a serial killer is something
they take "rom the vi$tim or the murer s$ene, so that when they see it, or tou$h it, or hear it,
or smell it, or taste it, it &rings &a$k the memory o" the slaughter!
1 i my &est not to show "ear, &ut 1 pro&a&ly "aile! #war a$tually steppe up &esie us
an sai, <5ou hear her!=
He turne his eyes &ehin the sunglasses towar #war! The last time we' all &een
together, #war ha one what he $oul to prote$t me, &ut prote$ting me "rom 4la" now
wasn't 7ust a matter o" guns an violen$e! #war ha taken my arm that last time, as i" 1
were a girl an neee to &e le! 1t was the "irst time, ever, that #war ha tou$he me as i" 1
were a girl, &e$ause 1 was never 7ust a girl to him! He' put the iea into 4la"'s hea that he,
#war, thought o" me as a girl, may&e his girl! May&e a girl he' &e willing to prote$t! 1
wouln't have let anyone else enanger themselves "or a lie, &ut i" anyone 1 knew $oul
hanle 4la", it was #war! Besies, he was #war's "rien &e"ore he was mine, so it was
sort o" #war's "ault that 4la" ha a $rush on me!
2ow, #war i it again! He put his arm aroun my shoulers! 1t was a "irst! 1t also wouln't
help my reputation with the other $ops, &ut 1 wasn't worrie a&out the $ops! All 1 was worrie
a&out in that moment was the man with his hans on my arm an han! 1t was su$h an
inno$ent tou$h, &ut the e""e$t it ha on him, an on me, was a&out as "ar "rom inno$ent as you
$oul get!
#war put his arm a$ross my shoulers, less than a hug &ut very mu$h a&out marking
territory! 1t's something that high s$hool athletes are "on o" oing with their $heerleaing
girl"riens! Again, a "airly inno$ent gesture, &ut it was a sign o" possession! This is mine, not
yours.
1 was so not #war's, &ut in that moment 1 might have volunteere to &e anyone's i" it woul
7ust get 4la" o"" me! 1 was "ighting o"" the memory o" our last kill together, an it was making
my skin run $ol even in the Vegas heat!
4la" gave #war the "ull weight o" that sunglass;$overe ga8e, an then, slowly, he let go o"
me! He steppe &a$k "rom us!
#war kept his arm a$ross my shoulers an looke up at the &igger man! 1 7ust stoo there
an "ought the urge to shiver, an "inally lost! 1n a heat so hot it mae it har to &reathe, 1
shivere!
1t mae 4la" smile again, an "or 7ust a moment 1 ha the very $lear thought that someay 1
woul kill him! May&e not this ay, or even this time, &ut eventually he' $ross a line an 1
woul kill him! The thought helpe steay me! Helpe me "eel more mysel"! 1t helpe me
smile &a$k at him, &ut it wasn't the same smile! His was amn near se(ual3 mine was the
smile, most unpleasant, that has "rightene &a guys a$ross the $ountry!
4la" "rowne at me! +hi$h mae me smile wier!
#war s%uee8e my shoulers in a one;arme hug, then steppe &a$k!
1 $aught the glan$es o" some o" the $ops who were outsie the station! They' wat$he the
show! 1 ou&te they unerstoo everything they' seen! But they' seen enough to pi$k up
the tension &etween 4la" an #war an me! They' raw the same $on$lusion that 4la" i,
that #war an 1 were a $ouple an it was hans;o""!
They were alreay $onvin$e that 1 was "u$king all o" them, so why i it hurt my "eelings to
o something that $on"irme the rumor/
1 looke at the poli$e looking at us, an "oun two o" the $ops who weren't looking at us! The
moment 1 saw them, 1 knew who the "ourth marshal was!
Bernaro Spotte Horse was staning very $lose to a "emale eputy! She ha shouler;length
hair tie &a$k in a ponytail! Her small triangular "a$e was turne up to him, all smiles an
almost laughing! #ven the uni"orm $ouln't hie that she was petite an $urvy!
Bernaro was tall, ark, an hansome, even &y the stanars that 1 was use to! His hair was
a$tually &la$ker than mine, that &la$k that has &lue highlights in the sun! He' tie it &a$k in a
&rai that traile nearly to his waist! He sai something to the eputy that mae her laugh,
then walke towar us!
He was still &roa;shoulere an slim o" waist, an he' &een hitting the gym regularly! 1t all
showe! He was also Ameri$an 1nian, with the per"e$t $heek&ones geneti$s $an give you! 1t
was a pretty pa$kage, an the eputy wat$he him walk away "rom her! The look on her "a$e
sai plainly that i" he $alle her later, there woul &e a ate! But then Bernaro knew that!
0a$k o" $on"ien$e with women was not one o" his pro&lems!
He smile as he $ame towar us, sliing sunglasses over his eyes, so that he looke moel
per"e$t &y the time he got to us!
<That was %uite a show you 7ust put on,= he sai! <They're more $onvin$e than ever that the
&ig guy here is ating you, or wants to, an that Te here alreay is! 1've one my &est to
persuae Deputy 0oren8o that 1 am not in the running "or your a""e$tions!=
1 ha to smile, shaking my hea! <-la to hear it!=
He got a "unny look on his "a$e! <1 know you mean that, an let me say that it's an ego &low!=
<1 think you'll re$over, an the eputy there looks like she'll &e happy to help ease your
pain!=
He glan$e &ehin an "lashe her that worl;$lass smile! She smile &a$k an a$tually
looke "lustere! This was "rom a smile yars away!
<This is like 4l Home +eek,= 1 sai!
<1t's &een what, almost three years/= Bernaro sai!
<A&out that,= 1 sai!
4la" was wat$hing us, not like he was happy a&out it! <The girl like you!=
<5es, she i,= Bernarao sai! His white T;shirt looke goo against the tan o" his skin! 1t
was the only thing that ruine what 1' starte $alling $asual assassin $hi$: &la$k 7eans, &la$k
T;shirt, &oots, leather 7a$ket, weapons, sunglasses! His leather was on his arm like 4la"'s,
&e$ause it was too amn hot to &e wearing leather! 1' le"t my leather in St! 0ouis!
Bernaro o""ere his han, an 1 took it, then he raise my han an kisse it! He i it
&e$ause 1' let him know 1 in't think he was s$rumptious, an part o" him hate that! 1
shouln't have let him o it, &ut short o" arm;wrestling him, there was no gra$e"ul way to stop
the gesture on$e it starte! He shouln't have one it &e$ause o" the eputy! 1 shouln't have
let him &e$ause o" the other $ops an 4la"!
4la" looke not at me &ut at #war, as i" waiting "or him to o something a&out it!
#war a$tually sai, <Bernaro "lirts with everyone3 it's not personal!=
<1 i not kiss her han,= 4la" sai!
<5ou know e(a$tly what you i,= #war sai!
Bernaro looke at 4la", then at me3 he a$tually lowere his sunglasses so he $oul give me
the "ull weight o" his &a&y &rowns! <There something you nee to tell me a&out you an the
&ig guy here/=
<Don't know what you mean,= 1 sai!
<He 7ust rea$te like guys rea$t aroun me an the women they like! 4tto's never $are
&e"ore!=
<1 o not $are,= 4la" sai!
<#nough,= #war sai! <4ur es$ort is reay to go, so everyone in the $ar!= He soune
isguste, whi$h was rare "or him! 0etting us hear that mu$h emotion in his voi$e, 1 mean!
<1 $all shotgun,= Bernaro sai!
<Anita gets shotgun,= #war sai, an went aroun to the river's sie!
<5ou like her &etter than you like me,= Bernaro sai!
<5ep,= #war sai, an sli in &ehin the wheel!
1 got in the passenger sie! 4la" sli a$ross the seat so he was sitting $atty;$orner "rom me! 1'
have put Bernaro in that $orner, &ut $ouln't e$ie whether it woul &other me more "or
4la" to stare at me where 1 $oul see him, or to know he was staring at the &a$k o" my hea
where 1 $ouln't see him!
The patrol $ar in "ront hit lights an sirens! Apparently, we wouln't &e wasting any more
time! 1 looke up at the sun in a sky so &right the &lue was washe out.like 7eans run
through way too many washes! 1t was a"ternoon, may&e "ive hours until "ull ark! Another $ar
"ollowe &ehin us with lights an sirens! 1 was willing to &et that 1 wasn't the only one who
thought elaying all the vampire hunters ha &een a &a iea!
12



TH# ,)1M# S,#2# was a huge warehouse! 1t was mostly empty, e$hoing spa$e! 4r it
woul have &een i" there weren't $ops o" every "lavor, emergen$y personnel, an "orensi$s all
over the pla$e! 1t was less "ull than it ha &een a "ew hours ago, &ut still amn &usy "or a
$rime s$ene "rom the night &e"ore last! But, o" $ourse, the ea were their own people!
#veryone woul want a pie$e o" it! #veryone woul want to help, or "eel like they were
helping! >eople hate to "eel useless3 $ops get that s%uare! 2othing rives the poli$e more nuts
than not &eing a&le to "i( something, like the ultimate guy attitue! 1 on't mean guy in a
se(ist way, either3 it's a $op thing! >eople woul linger looking "or $lues, or trying to make
sense o" it!
There might &e $lues, &ut there wouln't &e any sense to it! Vittorio was a serial killer who
ha enough vampire powers to make his less power"ul vamps help him get his ki$ks! A serial
killer who $oul share his pathology with others, not &y persuasion &ut 7ust &y metaphysi$al
"or$e! Anyone who he turne into a vampire $oul &e "or$e to 7oin his ho&&y an share in his
perversion!
1 stare at all the markers where &oies ha lain! Shaw ha sai they' lost three, &ut that was
7ust a num&er, a wor! Staning there looking at the markers where the &oies ha lain, where
the &loo ha spille, &rought it home more! There were a lot o" other markers, marking
where things ha "allen! 1 wonere what things! +eapons, spent shells, $lothing.anything
an everything woul &e marke, photographe, vieotape!
The "loor looke like a mine"iel.so many things marke that there was almost no way to
walk through it all! +hat the hell ha happene here/
<?ire"ight,= #war sai, voi$e low!
1 looke at him! <+hat/=
<?ire"ight, spent shells, weapons emptie an thrown own! A hell o" a "ight!=
<1" those markers are spent shells, then why aren't there ea vampires/ 5ou on't empty this
mu$h &rass into a spa$e this open an not hit something, esep$ially not with the training these
guys ha!=
<#ven the vampire hunter was e(;military,= Bernaro sai!
<How o you know that/= 1 aske!
He smile! <Deputy 0oren8o likes to talk!=
1 gave him an approving look! <5ou weren't 7ust "lirting, you were gathering intelligen$e!
An here 1 7ust thought you were houn;ogging it!=
<1 like to think o" it as multitasking,= he sai! <1 got in"ormation an she was $ute!=
4la" &egan to walk out through all the little markers an signs that "orensi$s ha le"t &ehin!
He move gra$e"ully, almost aintily through it all! He looke somehow unreal, moving that
large &oy through the evien$e markers! 1 wouln't have &een a&le to o it without moving
things out o" pla$e, &ut 4la" seeme to glie! 1 spent most o" my time aroun shapeshi"ters
an vampires, &oth o" whi$h $oul e"ine the term raceful, &ut it was still impressive, an
unsettling, to wat$h the &ig man move through the evien$e!
1' have rather seen the a$tual evien$e an the a$tual &oies, &ut 1 unerstoo not &eing a&le
to leave the &oies in the heat! 1 also unerstoo not &eing a&le to leave weapons lying
aroun, an you ha to take the ammo an $asings "or evien$e in $ase there was a trial!
<They always gather the evien$e as i" there's going to &e a trial,= #war sai, as i" he'
rea my min!
<5eah,= 1 sai, <&ut vampires on't get trials!=
<2o,= #war sai, <they get us!= He was ga8ing out over the $rime s$ene as i" he $oul
visuali8e what ha &een taken away! 1 $ouln't yet! The pi$tures an vieo woul help me
more than this empty spa$e! Then 1' &e a&le to see it, &ut here was 7ust things remove, an
the smell o" eath getting stronger in the Vegas heat!
They' taken the &oies away &ut not yet $leane up the &loo an other "luis, so the smell
o" eath was still there!
1' &een ignoring it as &est 1 $oul, &ut on$e the "ront o" my hea thought a&out it, 1 $ouln't
ignore it! 4ne o" the real ownsies to having as mu$h ly$anthropy running through my veins
as 1 o is that my sense o" smell $an suenly go into overrive! 5ou on't want that
happening at a murer s$ene!
The smell o" rie &loo, e$aying &loo, was thi$k on my tongue! 4n$e 1 smelle it, 1 ha to
see it! The &loo ha to have &een there the whole time, &ut it was as i" some "ilter ha &een
strippe "rom my eyes! The "loor o" the warehouse was ark with &loo! >ools o" it
everywhere! 2o matter how mu$h &loo you see in a movie or on television, it's never
enough! There is so mu$h &loo in the human &oy, an the "loor was so thi$k with it, it
looke like some sort o" &la$k lake "ro8en there on the $on$rete "loor!
They' given us little &ooties to put over our shoes, an 1 knew now that it wasn't 7ust the
stanar reason! +ithout them, we' have &een tra$king the &loo o" Vegas's "inest all over!
<They in't "ee on them,= Bernaro sai!
<2o,= 1 sai, <they 7ust &le them out!=
<May&e some o" the &loo &elongs to vampires! They $oul have taken their ea,= #war
sai!
<1n St! 0ouis he le"t his people &ehin as &ait, an a trap! He le"t them to live, or ie, an
in't seem to give a amn whi$h! 1 on't think he's the kin o" man to take his ea, i" he
oesn't prote$t his living!=
<+hat i" these ea woul have given something away/= #war sai!
<+hat o you mean/=
<1" he wouln't take his ea &e$ause it was the e$ent thing to o, may&e he woul take
them i" it was the smart thing to o!=
1 thought a&out that, then shrugge! <+hat $oul ea vampires tell us that we on't alreay
know/=
<1 on't know,= #war sai, <it's 7ust a thought!=
<How i they am&ush a S+AT team/= Bernaro aske!
<Di the ea vampire hunter have a&ility with the ea/= 1 aske!
<5ou mean, was he an animator like you/= Bernaro aske!
1 noe! <5eah!=
<2o, he was e(;military, &ut he in't raise the ea!=
<That means they went in without anyone who $oul sense vampires,= 1 sai! Then 1 ha to
a, <1 know they ha a pra$titioner with them, who was among the ea, &ut &eing psy$hi$
oesn't mean you o well with the ea!=
<There aren't that many o" us who have a talent "or the ea like you o, Anita,= #war sai!
1 stuie his "a$e, &ut he was looking out over the $rime s$ene, or may&e he was wat$hing
4la" kneeling so $are"ully among the $arnage!
<1 always woner how you guys stay alive i" you $an't sense the vamps!=
He smile at me! <1'm goo!=
<5ou have to &e &etter than me, i" you on't have my a&ilities an you stay alive!=
<Does that make me &etter than you, too/= Bernaro aske!
<2o,= 1 sai, an mae it soun "inal!
<+hy is Te &etter than you, &ut 1'm not/=
<Be$ause he's proven himsel" to me, an you're still 7ust a pretty "a$e!=
<1 got amn near kille the last time we playe together!=
<Din't we all,= 1 sai!
Bernaro "rowne at me! The look was enough to let me know that it really i &ug him that 1
in't think he was as goo as #war!
<How a&out 4tto/ 1s he &etter than you/=
<1 on't know!=
<1s he &etter than Te/=
<1 hope not,= 1 sai, so"tly!
<+hy say it that way, you hope not/=
1 on't know what mae me say the truth to Bernaro3 #war, yes, &ut the other man han't
earne that kin o" honesty "rom me yet! <Be$ause i" 1'm not goo enough to kill 4tto, it'll &e
up to #war to "inish it!=
Bernaro move $loser to me, stuie my "a$e har! He spoke low! <Are you planning on
killing him/=
<+hen he $omes "or me, yes!=
<+hy is he going to $ome "or you/=
<Be$ause someay 1'll isappoint him! Someay 1 won't &e a&le to keep &eing his little serial
killer pinup, an when he thinks 1'm less "un alive than 1 woul &e ea, he'll try "or me!=
<5ou on't know that,= Bernaro sai!
1 looke out at the lake o" rie &loo an the &ig, gra$e"ul man moving through it! <5eah, 1
o know that!=
<She's right,= #war sai, so"tly!
<So, the two o" you are planning to kill him, &ut you'll work with him until he $rosses the
line!= He spoke very low, almost a whisper!
<5eah,= 1 sai!
<5es,= #war sai!
Bernaro looke "rom one to the other o" us! He shook his hea! <5ou know, sometimes the
&ig guy oesn't s$are me as mu$h as the two o" you!=
<4nly &e$ause you're not a petite &runette woman! Trust me, Bernaro, i" you "it his vi$
pro"ile, you' have a whole new level o" $reep a&out the &ig guy!=
He opene his mouth, as i" to argue, then $lose it! He "inally noe! <All right, 1'll give you
that! But unless you're going to kill him toay, let's get to work!= He walke away "rom us,
&ut not towar 4la"! He wouln't help us $ontemplate killing 4la", &ut he wouln't e(a$tly
stop us, either!
1 wasn't sure where Bernaro "ell on the goo guyH&a guy s$ale! Sometimes 1 wasn't sure
Bernaro knew, either!
13



T+4 H46)S 0AT#) we' learne all the warehouse $oul tell us! There were $rates that
ha &een use as $o""ins! They' &een shot to hell &y the MJs that the team ha $arrie! 1" the
vampires ha &een in the $rates at the time it woul have &een a kill, &ut there was no &loo
on the insie o" any o" the $rates!
4la" ha pae &a$k to us, sounless, somehow, in his &la$k &oots! <1 thought it was an
e(plosion, &ut it wasn't! 1t's almost as i" there was something here that $oul &lee an
in$apa$itate, &ut not kill right away! But whatever i this le"t no tra$e on the groun! There
are no "ootprints at the $enter o" the &loo pool e($ept "or the &oot tra$ks o" the poli$e!=
<How $an you tell that it was esigne to &lee an in$apa$itate, &ut not kill/= 1 aske!
He' given me that arrogant look out o" his eep, $aveman eyes! 1t was the ol 4la" peering
out, the one who' thought that no woman $oul &e goo at this kin o" work! Hell, women to
him weren't goo at anything!
<That look makes me not want to amit this, &ut 1 want to solve this more than 1 want to &e
$ool!=
<+hat look/= he aske!
<The look that says 1'm a woman, an that makes me stupi!=
He looke away, then sai, <1 o not think you are stupi!=
1 "elt my eye&rows go up! #war an 1 e($hange a look! <Thanks, 4tto,= 1 sai, <&ut
preten 1 $an't look at a $on$rete "loor an tra$k the events o" a $rime on it, an 7ust
e(plain! ! ! ! >lease!= 1 ae the 'lease, &e$ause we were &oth trying to &e ni$er to ea$h other!
1 $oul play ni$e!
<The &loo pattern, the markers on the "loor! The pi$tures an vieo will $on"irm it, &ut this
was a trap, not with a &om& or human soliers &ut with something that $oul=.he mae a
wa""ling motion with one han.<hover, &ut still atta$k! 1 saw something similar to this on$e
&e"ore!=
He ha everyone's attention now! <Tell us,= #war sai!
<1 was on a 7o& in the San&o(!=
<San&o(/= 1 mae it a %uestion!
<Mile #ast,= #war answere!
<5es, it was a group o" terrorists! They ha a sor$erer,= 4la" sai, then looke way too
thought"ul "or $om"ort!
<Don't say the T;wor,= Bernaro sai, <or they'll &ring in Homelan or the ?es, an it will
get out o" our hans!=
<+hen 1 o my report, 1 will have to say what 1 have seen,= 4la" sai! The "lirting was gone3
he was all &usiness! He was $oler, more sel";$ontaine this way, an on$e 1' thought s$ary!
2ow that 1 ha his version o" "lirting to $ompare it to, the &usiness sie o" him was &y "ar my
"avorite!
<+hen you say sorcerer, are you using it the way we o in the States/= 1 aske!
<1 o not know!=
<Sorcerer means someone who gets their magi$ "rom ealing with emons an evils here,=
#war sai!
He shook his hea! <2o, a sor$erer is 7ust someone who uses their powers to harm an never
to o goo! +e i not have a pra$titioner, as they say here, with us! So 1 $annot speak
knowlegea&ly a&out the magi$, other than the amage it $ause!=
<How similar to this was it/= 1 aske!
<1 nee to see the &oies &e"ore 1 $an &e sure, &ut the &loo pattern oesn't look the same! The
&oies in=.he stoppe as i" he wasn't allowe to say the pla$e name.<where 1 was were
su&stantially i""erent! The &oies there were torn apart, as i" &y some unseen "or$e that le"t
no tra$ks an no physi$al evien$e other than its vi$tims!=
<1've never hear o" Mile #astern terrorists &eing willing to work with magi$! They ten to
kill any wit$hes they "in,= Bernaro sai!
<They were not 1slami$,= 4la" sai! <They wante to sen their $ountry &a$k to a mu$h oler
time! They thought o" themselves "irst an "oremost as >ersian! They "elt that 1slam ha
weakene them as a people, so they use oler powers that the Muslims with us thought
un$lean an evil!=
<+ait,= Bernaro sai, <you were working with the lo$als/=
<5ou o a lot o" that,= #war sai!
1 glan$e at him an $ouln't rea past the &lank "a$e, &ut he' amitte he ha worke in the
Mile #ast! That was news to me, though not a surprise!
<The men working with us woul have glaly kille us a week &e"ore, &ut we were all in
anger!=
<The enemy o" my enemy is my "rien,= Bernaro sai!
+e all noe!
<So this may &e some kin o" >ersian &ogey &east, not a emon &ut something similar!=
<As 1 sai, we ha no pra$titioners with us, so 1 $an only say the amage seems similar, &ut
not the same!=
<4kay, we'll see i" we $an "in anyone in town who knows more than 1 o a&out pre;1slami$
>ersian magi$!= 1 looke at #war! <6nless you know more than 1 o, whi$h is nothing!=
He shook his hea! <2othing!=
<Don't look at me,= Bernaro sai!
1 &it &a$k the "irst reply, whi$h was, We werent! 1t woul have &een mean an not entirely
true! He' "oun out in"ormation "rom the eputy "or us! <4kay, we'll see i" there's anyone in
town who knows more than we o, or even at some university! There's an e(pert out there
somewhere!=
<A$aemi$s aren't always goo with real;worl in"ormation,= #war sai!
<)ight now, we have 8ero to go on, whi$h means any in"o is &etter than where we are!= 1
shrugge! <1t oesn't hurt to ask!=
The homi$ie ete$tives $alle Marshal Te ?orrester over to talk! #war went, turning to
the more open "a$e o" his alter ego! 1 knew that his <Te= "a$e a$tually hi more! 1t was
interesting that none o" the rest o" us was invite to talk to the ete$tives!
1 turne &a$k to 4la" an Bernaro! <4kay, we'll $he$k into the >ersian angle later, &ut right
now 1 have another %uestion! +hy woul they kill them in su$h a way as to estroy the
$han$e to "ee on their &loo/=
<May&e their master in't like the taste o" men,= 4la" sai!
<+hat/= 1 aske!
<Their master's vi$tim o" pre"eren$e is strippers, mostly "emale, $orre$t/= 4la" sai!
<5eah!=
He leane in an whispere so that only 1 an Bernaro $oul hear! <1 have simply kille
men, $leanly, so that 1 $oul take my time with the women! May&e it is the same "or this
master vampire! He takes no pleasure "rom "eeing on men!=
<He kille a male stripper in St! 0ouis,= 1 sai!
<But was he like these men, traine, a solier/=
1 pi$ture the &oy in my min, an &e$ause it ha &een the only male vi$tim, 1 $oul see him
"airly $learly! <He was tall, &ut thin, not that mus$ular, more ! ! ! e""eminate, 1 guess!=
<He likes his vi$tims to &e so"t3 the men kille here were not so"t!=
<4kay,= Bernaro sai, <in't it 7ust $reep you out that he talke a&out killing men so he
$oul take his time with the women/ Am 1 the only one who "oun that istur&ing/=
1 looke at 4la", an we ha a moment o" a look &etween us, then we &oth looke at
Bernaro! 1 sai, <1 know what 4tto is an what he oes! ?rankly, $omments like he 7ust mae
are one o" the "ew reasons 1'm gla he's here! 1 mean, you have to amit he's got a uni%ue
insight into the whole serial killer mentality!=
<An you're $alm a&out it/= Bernaro aske!
1 shrugge an looke &a$k at 4la", who looke at me, so $alm he looke &ore! <+e're
oing our 7o&s!=
Bernaro shook his hea! <5ou are &oth weir as hell, you o know that, right/=
<5ou know, you might want to keep your voi$e own, Bernaro,= #war sai! He was &a$k
"rom talking to the ete$tives an Sheri"" Shaw, who ha "inally 7oine us! They were still
ignoring the rest o" us! Somehow 1 wasn't hurt that Shaw in't want to talk to me!
<Sorry,= Bernaro sai!
<They're going to give us a$$ess to the "orensi$s: pi$tures, vieo, the stu"" they &agge an
la&ele!=
<1 might learn more "rom the photos an "ilm,= 4la" sai!
<They're hoping we all will,= #war sai!
<Bust let me see the pi$tures an vieo,= 1 sai!
<1 7ust want something to shoot,= Bernaro sai!
<5ou know, li"e must &e simpler "or you,= 1 sai!
Bernaro gave me a irty look! <5ou're 7ust $ranky &e$ause we've &een here "or hours an
we on't know anything that will help us "in this &astar!=
<+e know it is similar to the >ersian sor$erer 1 met in the San&o(,= 4la" sai!
<1 know it woul &e weir, an too $oin$iental "or real li"e, &ut $oul it &e the same sor$erer
with a slightly i""erent spell, or whatever/= 1 aske!
<2ot possi&le,= 4la" sai!
<+hy not/= 1 aske!
<The sor$erer was not &ulletproo"!=
<So he's ea,= 1 sai!
4la" noe!
<+ell, i" we $an tra$e someone in this $ountry who plays with >ersian magi$, then we nee to
"in someone who went missing "rom his li"e!=
<+hat o you mean/= Bernaro aske!
<Someone who knows this type o" magi$ an has suenly vanishe! Someone "rom work, a
wi"e or "amily mem&er, whatever, someone who's &een reporte missing! Then we might &e
looking "or someone who was re$ently mae into a vampire,= 1 aske!
<+hy/= 4la" aske!
<Be$ause i" they' ha this kin o" magi$ in St! 0ouis or 2ew 4rleans or >itts&urgh, they
woul have use it! This is a $omplete $hange in how they kill! 1" they in't have missing
strippers who "it the original M4, whi$h is what got the warrant o" e(e$ution revive, then 1
woul say it was someone signing Vittorio's name to the note on the wall an the note that
$ame to my o""i$e, &ut not him!=
<1t $oul still &e two i""erent $rimes,= #war sai!
<+hat o you mean/=
<May&e Vittorio is killing strippers in Vegas, &ut that oesn't mean that our sor$erer an the
people who kille these operators are a$tually Vittorio's vampires! They went in stanar op
"or vampire hunts, uring the ay!=
<1 know that with S+AT te$hnology they usually go in at night "or human &a guys, &ut
vampires are aylight hunts i" possi&le,= 1 sai!
<They went in uring the ay, Anita! The hovering magi$, or whatever, kille three o" them,
an either that sor$erer or something else put the rest in some sort o" sleep!=
<1've never hear o" anything like that,= 1 sai!
<2o one has,= he sai!
<But i" it was aylight,= Bernaro sai, <who wrote the note in their &loo/ +ho took the
hea an maile it to you/ 1t was aylight an there are winows in here that aren't $overe!
The only reason the $ops are saying vampires is &e$ause Vittorio's name is signe, an this
was an ol lair o" the vampires!=
<Are you saying someone has "rame Vittorio an his vamps "or this/= 1 aske!
Bernaro shrugge! <May&e!=
<?u$k, 1 on't know whether to hope you're right or hope you're wrong! 1" you're right, then
we have Vittorio to "in &e"ore he kills another stripper, an some $ra8y sor$erer who's trying
to &lame vampires "or this $rime! +ere there "ang marks on the ea/=
<2o one's sai,= #war sai!
<Don't tell me,= Bernaro sai! <+e get to go to the morgue an look at the &oies/=
<Are you a"rai/= 4la" aske!
Bernaro gave him an un"rienly look that in't even "a8e the other man! <2o, 1' 7ust rather
not go!=
<5ou are a"rai,= 4la" sai!
<Stop it,= #war sai, <&oth o" you! +e'll go look at the &oies! Though, 4tto, you $oul
start $alling aroun a&out the >ersian angle! 5ou are the only one o" us who's seen something
similar!=
<2o, 1 will go to the morgue with=.he looke at me.<Anita! But 1 will $all the lo$al
university "rom the tru$k an see i" they have the e(pert we nee!=
<+e're all going to the $oroner's,= #war sai!
<4tto 7ust wants to wat$h me poke aroun in the &oies,= 1 sai!
<2o,= 4la" sai, <1 want to help you o it!=
1n that instant 1 wante to say that 1' 7ust sit this one out! 1' 7ust look at the pi$tures an the
vieo an that woul &e goo enough! 1 i not want to go to the morgue an look at the
re$ently ea, espe$ially with this mu$h &loo on the groun! 1t was going to &e pretty
gruesome, &ut more than that 1 i not want to have 4la" help me with the &oies! He' en7oy
it! But the &oies were part o" the $rime s$ene! They were "ull o" $lues! 1 ha to see i" 1 $oul
"in anything to help us $at$h whoever ha one this! +hether it was Vittorio with a new
sor$erer "rien, or someone else, they neee to &e stoppe! How "ar was 1 willing to go to
stop them/ All the way to the morgue with our very own pet serial killer! Sometimes the
things 1 o "or my 7o& worry me!
14



40A? 6S#D H1S new u&er;$ell phone to sear$h online "or the nearest university or $ollege
that might have what we neee! 6niversity o" Te(as at Austin was the winner, with &oth
>ersian an 1ranian stuies an a minor availa&le in 2ear #astern mythology! 4ther
universities an $olleges ha the "irst two &ut not the thir! He le"t a message with the 2ear
#ast Stuies Department as we pulle into the parking lot o" the 0as VegasH,lark ,ounty
,oroner's 4""i$e!
The &uiling was nones$ript, set in the mile o" an inustrial area, &ut there was a is$reet
sign that let us know we were in the right pla$e! There was also a little her o" white $ars an
tru$ks against the "ar sie o" the lot that ha .lark .ounty .oroner on the sie o" them! +e
got out, an #war le us to a small oor &esie a larger garage oor! He pushe a &utton to
ring the &ell!
<1 take it you've &een here &e"ore,= 1 sai!
<5es!=
1 spoke low! <+as it #war or Te who $ame to town/=
He gave me that smile that sai he knew things 1 in't! <Both,= he sai!
1 narrowe my eyes at him! <Are you saying you've $ome as a marshal an an assa ! ! !=
The oor opene, an %uestions ha to wait! Bernaro leane "orwar an whispere in my
ear, <He never answers %uestions "or anyone &ut you!=
1 threw &a$k over my shouler, as we "ollowe #war into a ou&le;oore entryway,
<Bealous/=
Bernaro s$owle at me! 2o, 1 shouln't have taunte him, &ut 1 was nervous, an &aiting him
was more "un than what we were a&out to o!
4n television there are rawers! 1n real li"e there aren't, or not at any morgue 1 "re%uent! 1'm
sure that somewhere there must &e rawers, &ut have you ever noti$e on some television
shows that the rawers are so high up, you' have to get a laer to rea$h the &oies/ +hat's
up with that/
4la" an 1 were in the little &a$kwar gowns, with two layers o" gloves on his an the
pathologist's hans: one pair late(, an one pair o" the &lue nitrile! The ou&le layer ha
&e$ome stanar at most morgues, to prote$t against &loo;&orne pathogens! Thanks to Bean;
,laue's vampire marks, 1 pro&a&ly $ouln't $at$h anything, even &are;hane, so 1' opte
"or a single layer o" the nitrile! 4ne, you sweate less3 two, i" 1 ha to tou$h, or pi$k up
anything, 1 was less $lumsy in a single layer! 1' never &een $om"orta&le in gloves! 1 $hose
nitrile over late( &e$ause they were more pun$ture resistant!
Morgues are almost never ark an gloomy, like they show on television! ,lark ,ounty was
no e($eption3 it was &right an strangely $heer"ul! 1t smelle $lean, with that unertone o"
isin"e$tant an something else! 1 was never sure what the something else was, &ut it never
mae me want to &reathe eeper! 1 suspe$te that the <smell= was a$tually imaginary, an not
there at all! Morgues a$tually on't smell o" mu$h o" anything! ,lark ,ounty ha a se$on
$ooler "or &oies that woul have mae the morgue smell o" something else! 1 really
appre$iate that!
4la" an 1 were in the "irst autopsy suite, whi$h was all re $ountertops, shiny silver sinks,
an walls that were tan an re tile! The $olor s$heme looke like someone's $heer"ul kit$hen!
#($ept that most kit$hens on't have &oies in plasti$ wrap on a gurney near the sink an
$ountertops! 1 $ouln't get the kit$hen analogy out o" my hea, so the &oy in't look
ghostly &ehin the layers o" plasti$ wrap &ut oly like something you' take out o" the
re"rigerator!
4n$e the &oies ha &othere me, &ut that was a while ago! +hat &others me a&out morgues
now is thinking o" the han"ul o" vampires that were awake while 1 ha to stake them! Awake
an $haine own to a gurney! The ones who 7ust spit at me or trie to &ite me to the &itter
en on't &other me! 1t's the ones who $rie! The ones who &egge "or their lives! Those
haunt!
Morgues make me think o" tears now, an not my own! ,lark ,ounty ha a small room o"" to
the sie o" the garage that was 7ust "or vampire stakings! 1t was ne(t oor to the room that
they reserve "or organ harvesting! They were nearly ienti$al rooms, 7ust that one helpe
people live, an the other helpe them ie! 4h, there were $hains an holy items in the
vampire room, that was i""erent! But, thank"ully, 1 wasn't having to use that room toay!
Dr! T! Memphis.honest, that was on his name tag.stoo over the "irst &oy! Memphis was
"ive "oot si( an a little roun aroun the mile, so that his white $oat wasn't happily
&uttone, &ut he' &uttone it all the way up! He wore his white $oat, tie, an $ollar tight! 1t
must have &een hell in the esert heat, &ut then he spent most o" his time in $ooler pla$es! His
$urly hair was &eginning to give up the "ight to $over all o" his hea, an gray was winning
out over the &rown he' starte with! Small, roun glasses $omplete the look!
He looke harmless, an pro"essional, until you looke in his eyes! His eyes were $ool an
gray an pisse! $nry i not $over it3 he was pisse, an in't $are that we saw it!
4" $ourse, 1 in't have to get to his eyes to know that he was not happy with us! #verything
he i was 7erky with anger! He snappe his gloves on! He &ange the sie o" the gurney! He
7erke the plasti$ o"" the $orpse's "a$e, &ut only the "a$e! He mae sure the rest staye
$overe!
4la" wat$he everything impassively, as i" the man meant nothing to him! May&e that was the
truth! May&e 4la" spent his li"e waiting "or someone to interest him, an until then, people
7ust in't! +as it pea$e"ul insie 4la"'s hea or lonely/ 4r, may&e 7ust silent!
#war an Bernaro were looking at the only &oy they han't ha time to "inish
pro$essing! 1t was in a i""erent room, so it was 7ust 4la" an me with Dr! Memphis! They'
gotten a "emale o$tor, whose name 1 han't $aught! 1 truste #war to "in out anything 1
neee to know, an Bernaro to know everything a&out the attra$tive woman "rom 7ust a "ew
minutes' a$%uaintan$e! #ither way, we were $overe!
1 ha not $hosen to start with the pro$esse &oies3 #war ha one the ivision o" la&or!
He' trie to separate 4la" an himsel" into one team, an Bernaro an me into another, &ut
4la" ha put his oversi8e "oot own! The &est #war $oul o was to give me the &oies he
thought woul &e less interesting to the &ig guy!
#ventually, we' have to see the other &oies, &ut we $oul elay the part that #war an 1
&oth thought woul get 4la"'s ro$ks o"" the most! Sometimes the &est you $an o is elay the
worst part, "or 7ust a little &it!
The man nestle in the plasti$ ha short &runet hair! His $omple(ion was gray with the eges
ark, like someone who ha a tan &ut ha &een &le pale! Bust "rom seeing his "a$e an ne$k, 1
knew he' &le to eath, or &le out, &e"ore he ie! The o""i$ial $ause o" eath might rea
something else, &ut he' &een alive long enough to lose all or most o" his &loo!
<1s the o""i$ial $ause o" eath e(sanguination/= 1 aske!
Dr! Memphis looke at me3 it was a little less hostile! <This one was3 why o you ask/=
<1'm a vampire hunter3 1 see a lot o" &looless $orpses!=
<5ou sai this one was! Are there other $auses o" eath on the other men/= 4la" sai!
He looke up at the &igger man, an again it wasn't as "rienly! May&e he 7ust in't like men
who were over a "oot taller than himsel"! Short person's isease: attitue!
<See "or yoursel",= Memphis sai, an he peele &a$k the plasti$ "arther to e(pose the man to
his waist!
1 knew how he' &le out.$uts! So many $uts! 1 knew &lae work when 1 saw it! But so
many wouns, like angry mouths everywhere, lipless &ut gaping wie to show the pale meat
unerneath!
<1t was a &lae o" some kin!=
4la" noe an rea$he out towar the wouns with his glove hans! 1 stoppe him, 7ust
short o" tou$hing the &oy, with my own glove han on his arm! 4la" glare at me, his eep;
set eyes going &a$k to that "irst &lush o" hostility he' ha &e"ore he starte <liking= me!
<Ask "irst,= 1 sai, <we're in the o$tor's house, not ours!=
He $ontinue to s$owl at me, an then his "a$e $hange.not so"tene, 7ust $hange! He put
his other han over mine, so that he presse my han to his arm! 1t was my turn not to "reak!
But it spe my pulse, an not "rom the usual reason a man's tou$h will spee your heart rate!
?ear put my pulse in my throat as i" 1 were $hoking on $any! 1 "ought not to show my "ear in
any other way! 2ot "or 4la"'s &ene"it, &ut so the o$ in't "igure out something was weir!
My voi$e was even as 1 aske the o$tor, <1s it okay i" we tou$h the &oy/=
<1've gathere all the evien$e 1 $an "rom this ! ! ! &oy, so yes!=
He' hesitate on the wor body, not something that most pathologists have pro&lems saying!
Then 1 reali8e 1' &een slow! He knew the men, or at least some o" them! The os were that
he' ha to work on people he knew over the last "ew hours! Har!
1 trie to li"t my han "rom 4la"'s arm, &ut he kept his presse over mine, holing me in
pla$e! ?or a se$on 1 thought it woul &e a "ight, &ut then he move his han away!
1 "ought not to step away "rom him! 1 "ought with almost everything 1 ha not to run
s$reaming! Seeing the $orpse $ut up like this was romanti$ to 4la"! Mother"u$king shit!
He whispere, <5ou look pale, Anita!=
1 li$ke my ry lips an sai the only thing 1 $oul think o"! <Don't tou$h me again!=
<5ou tou$he me "irst!=
<5ou're right, my mistake! 1t won't happen again!=
He whispere again, leaning over me, <1 hope it oes!=
That was it3 1 steppe away! He mae me "lin$h "irst3 not many people $an say that, &ut 1 7ust
$ouln't stan there &esie the $ut;up $orpse o" this man, this poli$e o""i$er, an know that
4la" thought my tou$hing him over the ea &oy was "oreplay! 4h my -o, 1 $oul not work
with this man! 1 7ust $ouln't, $oul 1/
<1s there a pro&lem/= Dr! Memphis aske, looking $uriously "rom one to the other o" us! He
wasn't angry anymore, he was intereste! 1 wasn't sure that was an improvement!
<2o pro&lem,= 1 sai!
<2o pro&lem,= 4la" sai!
+e went &a$k to looking at the $orpse, an the "a$t that 1 was less &othere staring at the
&ut$here man than at 4la"'s living eyes sai volumes a&out &oth 4la" an me! 1 wasn't sure
what it sai, &ut something! Something "rightening!
15



1'D #K>#,T#D 40A? to &e heavy;hane with the $orpse, now that he ha a green light,
&ut he wasn't! He e(plore the wouns with his "ingertips, eli$ately, as i" he were a"rai o"
waking the man or hurting him! At "irst 1 thought he ha some respe$t "or the ea! May&e it
was the whole militaryHpoli$e thing! 5ou respe$t your ea! Then 1 reali8e that wasn't it at
all!
1t was when he was on his thir woun, an i the e(a$t same pattern again, that 1 got a $lue!
He starte &y tra$ing the very ege o" the woun with his "ingertips3 then the ne(t time aroun
the woun, he plunge his "ingers a little eeper &ut was still strangely gentle! The ne(t time
aroun he shove two "ingers into the meat o" the woun! 1t wasn't as smooth a motion, as i"
he were "ining &its that stoppe the smoothness o" his progress, &ut he $ir$le the woun
again!
He "inally plunge those two "ingers "ar enough into the woun that it mae a little s%uel$hy
soun! +hen he i that, he $lose his eyes as i" to listen, as i" that soun $oul tell him
something! But 1 was pretty $ertain that wasn't it! He wante to savor the soun! The way you
$lose your eyes "or a "avorite pie$e o" musi$! ,lose your eyes so that your sight oesn't steal
away some o" your hearing!
+hen he rea$he "or a "ourth woun, 1 starte to say something, &ut Memphis &eat me to it!
<1s there a purpose to what you're oing, Marshal Be""ries/= His tone sai plainly that he
ou&te it!
<#a$h woun that 1 have e(plore was mae &y a i""erent &lae! Two o" the wouns were
mae with something that ha a pronoun$e $urve to it! The "irst woun was a more stanar
&lae shape!=
Memphis an 1 &oth looke at 4la", as i" he' spoken in tongues! 1 think neither o" us ha
e(pe$te anything use"ul "rom the $orpse "onling! Damn!
<That is e(a$tly right,= Memphis sai! The o$tor stare up at the &ig man an "inally shook
his hea! <5ou were a&le to tell all that with 7ust your "ingers along the wouns/=
<5es,= 4la" sai!
<1 woul have sai that was impossi&le, to tell all that "rom what you 7ust i, &ut you are
right! May&e you $an help us $at$h this ! ! ! &astar!= 1 wonere what he' planne on saying
&e"ore he pi$ke bastard, or was he 7ust one o" those people who in't $uss mu$h an
neee pra$ti$e/ 1' &e happy to help him pra$ti$e!
<1 know &lae work,= 4la" sai, in his usual empty voi$e, though when your voi$e is that
eep, em'ty has a growl to it!
<Do you nee to see the whole show/= Memphis aske!
<The whole show/= 4la" mae it a %uestion!
1 sai, <He means, o we nee to see the rest o" the &oy un$overe/=
4la" 7ust noe, worlessly, "a$e impassive!
1 wasn't sure we neee to see the amage &elow the waist, &ut 1 $ouln't re"use! +hat i" 1
went all wussy on them an in't look, &ut there was some vital $lue on the &oy/ Some
metaphysi$al thing that 4la" wouln't see, or the o$, &ut 1' know what it was/ 4la" knew
&lae work, more intimately than 1 ever woul, hope"ully! But 1 knew the metaphysi$s &etter!
1n a way, #war, who i metaphysi$s pretty well "or someone with no talent "or it, an
Bernaro, who was stri$tly a see;an;shoot;it guy, were a goo team to look at the &oies, an
oly, so were 4la" an 1! +e ea$h ha skills the other la$ke, an we $oul learn more
together than apart3 as istur&ing as that was to amit in my hea, it was true!
The $uts $ontinue own the &oy! 1 on't know why amage to the se( organs is always so
istur&ing, &ut it is! There was nothing spe$ial a&out the amage there, 7ust a $ut that
happene to $ross his groin! 1t wasn't mutilation "or the sake o" mutilating3 it was 7ust another
$ut! 1t still mae me want to look away! May&e it was all those ta&oos on nuity that 1 grew
up with, &ut it seeme wrong to 7ust stare! 5ou' think 1' get over that part, &ut 1 han't yet!
Se(ual mutilation, even a$$iental, &othere me!
4la" rea$he towar the &oy, an "or one aw"ul moment 1 thought he was rea$hing there, &ut
he went to a woun in the thigh! He in't lovingly e(plore it, like he ha the others3 he 7ust
shove his "ingers in, as i" looking "or something!
He a$tually knelt &esie the gurney, peering into the woun! He ha plunge his "ingers as "ar
in as he $oul an was "ighting to go "arther! He' a$tually manage to "in new &loo!
<+hat are you looking "or/= Memphis aske!
<This one is eeper, an torn! Di you "in the tip o" one o" the weapons &roken o"" in the
woun/=
<5es,= an Memphis soune $ompletely impresse now!
1 was impresse, too, &ut 1 also knew where 4la" ha gotten his e(pertise! <5ou knew the
weapon ha &roken o"" in that woun, parti$ularly, 7ust &y looking at it/= 1 sai!
He looke up at me, his "ingers still eep in the woun, the tearing he' mae &ringing out
what little &loo was le"t! His "a$e was "inally turne away "rom the o$tor, so he let me see
what he was thinking! His "a$e so"tene an "ille with heat, anti$ipation3 romanti$ things!
?u$k!
<5our "ingers are smaller than mine3 you might &e a&le to rea$h "arther in,= he sai, an
stoo, taking his "inger out, letting it make another soun! He $lose his eyes an let his "a$e
show the shuer he' &een hiing "rom the o$tor &e$ause only 1 $oul see! 1t wasn't a
shuer o" "ear or revulsion!
1 looke away "rom his "a$e an &a$k at the &oy! <1'm sure the o$tor has gotten everything
out o" that woun that he $an "in, right, o$/=
<5es, &ut he's right! 1 "oun the tip o" a &lae! +e'll analy8e it an hope"ully learn
something!=
<Are all the &oies like this/= 1 aske! 4la" was still turne away "rom the o$tor! 1' move
so 1 $ouln't see his "a$e! 1 in't want to know what he was thinking, an 1 sure as hell in't
want to see the thoughts $ross his "a$e!
<Are you one with this &oy/= he aske!
<1 am3 1 on't know a&out Be""ries here!=
4la" spoke without turning aroun! <Answer Anita's %uestion &e"ore 1 answer yours!=
<The &oies that 1've pro$esse are like this, yes3 some worse, one not as &a, &ut mostly
worse!=
<Then, yes,= 4la" sai, <we are one with this &oy!= His voi$e was uner $ontrol, an he
turne aroun, with his "a$e on$e again its impassive angry normal!
The o$tor $overe the &oy &a$k up! Then we got to see num&er two! 4la" got to take o"" his
gloves an get "resh ones! 1 han't tou$he the &oy, so 1 got to keep mine!
The ne(t &oy was almost ienti$al, e($ept the man was a little shorter, more mus$le, with
paler hair an skin! His &oy ha &een nearly shree! 1t wasn't 7ust $uts3 it was as i" some
ma$hine ha trie to eat him, or ! ! ! +ith the &oy $leane an lai out, you $oul see the
amage, an it was still har "or my min to take it all in!
<+hat the hell happene to him/= 1 aske it out lou &e"ore 1 was sure 1 wante to!
<The "ew wouns 1've &een a&le to isolate so "ar seem to have some o" the same eges as the
earlier wouns! 1t's the same kin o" weapon, may&e the same weapons3 1'll nee more tests
to &e sure!=
<But this is i""erent=.1 gesture at the &oy.<this is ! ! ! He's &een &ut$here!=
<2o, not &ut$here3 there was no intent to take meat "or eating,= 4la" sai!
1 looke up at him! <Meat/= 1 sai!
<5ou sai he was &ut$here, &ut that was not a$$urate3 the meat is ruine this way!=
<1t's a "igure o" spee$h, 4tto,= 1 sai, an again in't know how to intera$t with him!
He was looking at the &oy, an this time he $ouln't hie everything "rom the o$tor! He
was en7oying seeing this $orpse!
1 looke at Memphis an trie to think a&out something other than 4la"! <This looks almost
me$hani$al,= 1 sai! <There's too mu$h "or one human &eing, isn't there/=
<2o,= 4la" answere! <A human $oul o all this amage i" some o" it were postmortem! 1've
seen people $ut at $orpses, &ut this is=.he leane over the &oy, $loser to the wouns
.<i""erent "rom that!=
<Di""erent how/= 1 aske3 may&e i" 1 7ust kept asking %uestions, he' answer an not &e as
$reepy!
He tra$e his "inger a$ross some o" the wouns on the $hest! Anyone else aroun a &oy
woul have motione a&ove the skin, &ut he tou$he the &oy! 4" $ourse he i!
<The "irst &oy, the wouns are eli&erate, spa$e! This is "ren8y! The wouns $riss$ross ea$h
other! The "irst one looks almost like a kni"e "ight3 most o" the wouns are not killing wouns,
as i" the killer was playing with him, making him last! These wouns are eep "rom the
&eginning, as i" the killer meant to "inish it %ui$kly!= He looke at Memphis! <Di anyone
interrupt the s$ene/ Any $ivilians "oun among the ea/=
<5ou think the killer hear something an stoppe playing, to 7ust kill/= Memphis aske!
<A thought,= 4la" sai!
<2o, no $ivilians, 7ust the poli$e an our lo$al vampire hunter!=
<1s the last &oy $ut up like this one/= 4la" aske!
1' have thought o" it eventually, &ut 1 was having trou&le &eing a goo investigator aroun
4la"! My $reep "a$tor was getting in the way o" my thinking!
<4ne other mem&er o" S+AT is $ut up like this! 4nly the &oy you've alreay seen an the
vampire hunter are $ut, as you put it, like they were playe with, or o""ere a kni"e "ight!=
<Do they have wouns on their hans an arms, like they were arme with a kni"e an "ought
&a$k/= 1 aske!
4la" aske, <How o you know a&out wouns like that/=
<+hen you "ight with knives, you still use your arms like shiels3 it's like e"ensive wouns,
&ut it looks i""erent! 1t's har to e(plain, &ut you know it a"ter a while!=
<Be$ause you've ha the same kin o" wouns/= he aske! His voi$e ha the "aintest ege o"
eagerness to it! 1 almost hate to answer the %uestion, &ut ! ! ! <5es!=
<Di you see wouns like that on the arms o" the other men/= 4la" aske!
1 thought &a$k, pi$ture them! <2o!=
<Be$ause they were not there!=
<So no kni"e "ight,= 1 sai!
<4r whatever they were "ighting was so mu$h "aster than they were, they were not a&le to use
their skills to help themselves!=
1 looke up at 4la"! <1t was aylight, an there were un$overe winows in the warehouse! 1t
$ouln't have &een vampires!=
He gave me a look! <5ou o" all people know that there are more than 7ust vampires that are
"aster than humans!=
<4h, okay, you mean wereanimals!=
<5es,= he sai!
1 looke at Memphis! <+ere any o" the more "ren8ie atta$ks mae with things other than
&laes/ 1 mean, i you "in evien$e o" $laws or teeth/=
<5es,= he sai, <an the "a$t that you "igure that out makes me gla you got invite here!
These are our men, o you unerstan/=
<5ou wante to solve it without help "rom a &un$h o" strangers,= 1 sai!
<5es, we owe them!=
<1 unerstan,= 4la" sai! He was e(;military, so he pro&a&ly i!
<But you know the monsters &etter than regular poli$e! 1 thought that the Marshal Servi$e
having a preternatural &ran$h was 7ust some politi$ally e(peient way to give a &un$h o"
killers a &age! But you guys really o know the monsters!=
1 glan$e at 4la", &ut he was still looking at the &oy! 1 answere the o$, <+e know
monsters, o$, it's what we o!=
<1 stoppe pro$essing the last &oy when 1 "oun what 1 thought was ly$anthrope amage! 1
wante to wait "or the preternatural e(perts, whi$h 1 guess is you!=
<So they tell us,= 1 sai!
The oor to the autopsy suite swung open, an three new gowne an glove people entere
the room, wheeling another gurney an a new plasti$;wrappe "igure! This plasti$ was looser,
as i" it ha &een hastily thrown &a$k over the &oy! Memphis strippe o"" his gloves an
starte to put on new ones! 2ew &oy, new gloves3 $lean up, move own! 1 threw my gloves
a"ter the o$tor's! 4la" "ollowe at my heels, like a game o" "ollow the leaer! 4la" loome
&ehin me, a little too $lose! 1 hurrie to $at$h up with Memphis an the new arrivals! Three
strangers an a $orpse, an 1 was eager to meet them! Anyone was a step up "rom 4la" at this
point!
16



1 #K>#,T#D #D+A)D an Bernaro to trail a"ter the &oy, &ut they in't! 1 wonere i"
#war ha gotten the $all a&out the warrants! The three strangers were alreay suite up an
reay to go! Memphis introu$e one as Dale an the other as >atri$ia! Dale ha glasses
&ehin his "a$eplate an short, &rown hair! Apparently, he wante to &e e(tra $are"ul! >atri$ia
wore 7ust the prote$tive glasses! She was taller than me an ha her hair in tight, ark pigtails!
5ou in't see many grown women who wore pigtails! She was a little tall "or 4la"'s
pre"eren$e, &ut the hair was right! 1' have rather ha all men, or at least a &lone! But 1
$ouln't "igure out how to ask without giving away the "a$t that we ha a serial killer in our
mist an it wasn't the &a guy we were $hasing! 4" $ourse, may&e 1 shoul stop worrying
a&out other women an 7ust wat$h my own ass "or a $hange! 2o, &e$ause 1 knew what 4la"
was, an i" he hurt someone, 1 woul "eel responsi&le! Stupi, or 7ust true/
The last man in the room ha a $amera in his glove hans!
Memphis sai, <This is )ose!=
<)ose/= 4la" mae it a %uestion!
<1t's short "or something worse,= )ose sai, an that was all he sai! 1 wonere what $oul
&e worse, "or a guy, than !ose/ But 1 in't ask3 something a&out the way he' sai the last
$omment le"t no room "or %uestions! He 7ust got reay to photograph Dale an >atri$ia on$e
they starte unressing the $orpse! The o$tor ha e(plaine to us that we were not to tou$h
the &oy until he sai so, &e$ause we $oul s$rew up his evien$e! ?ine with me3 1 was never
in a hurry to tou$h the messily ea! An the &oy on the gurney was messy!
The "irst thing my eyes saw was arkness! The &oy was resse in the same ark green
S+AT gear that -rimes an his men ha &een wearing! The &loo ha soake into the $loth
an turne most o" it &la$k, so the &oy was a ark shape on the tan plasti$ gurney! His "a$e
was a pale &lur where they' remove his helmet, &ut his hair was as ark as the uni"orm! His
eye&rows were thi$k an ark, too! But &elow the eye&rows, the "a$e was estroye, gone, in
a re ruin that my eyes in't want to make sense o"!
1 knew why Memphis ha thought shapeshi"ter! 1 $ouln't tell "rom a$ross the room "or sure,
&ut it looke like something ha &itten o"" most o" the man's lower "a$e!
Memphis spoke into a small igital re$orer! <The e(amination re$ommen$e at two thirty
p!m! Marshals Anita Blake an 4tto Be""ries o&serving!= He looke at me "rom where he
stoo near the &oy! <Are you going to o your o&servation "rom a$ross the room, Marshals/=
<2o,= 1 sai, an walke "orwar! 1 took a eep &reath &ehin my thin mask an went to stan
&y the o$ an the others!
4la" $ame &ehin me like a s$ary, plasti$;wrappe shaow! 1 knew he wasn't spooke &y the
&oy, so apparently he was going to use the entire thing as an e($use to stay as $lose to me as
possi&le! -reat!
6p $lose, the ruin o" the "a$e was more o&vious! 1' seen worse, &ut sometimes it's not a&out
worse! Sometimes it's a&out enouh! 0ately, 1' &egun to "eel like 1' ha enough! 1" 1' &een
on any normal poli$e "or$e, they' have trans"erre me o"" violent $rimes a"ter two to "our
years! 1 was at si( years an $ounting, an no one was going to o""er! There weren't enough
marshals in the preternatural &ran$h to trae us aroun, an 1 wasn't traine to &e a normal
marshal!
1 stare own at the &oy, $are"ul to think body an not man! #veryone $opes i""erently3 "or
me it's very important to think body, thin! The thing on the gurney was not a person
anymore, an "or me to o my 7o&, 1 ha to keep &elieving that! 4ne o" the reasons 1 in't o
the morgue stakings anymore is that 1 stoppe &eing a&le to think o" vampires as things! 4n$e
a thing &e$omes a person, it's harer to kill!
<4n$e you got the plasti$ o"", you stoppe &e$ause it looke like some really &ig 7aws
$run$he own on his lower "a$e,= 1 sai!
<#(a$tly what 1 thought,= Memphis sai!
There were pale &its o" &one showing, &ut the lower 7aw was 7ust rippe away, gone! <Di
you "in the lower 7aw/=
<+e i not!=
4la" leane over me, spooning his mu$h taller &oy over mine, so that he leane along me!
He was leaning over to look at the woun, &ut his &oy was as $lose to mine as he $oul get
through his prote$tive gown an my $lothes! +hen 1 put the gown on, 1 in't think 1' have
to worry a&out prote$ting my &a$k! 4" $ourse, a se$on gown wasn't really the kin o"
prote$tion 1 wante "rom 4la"3 guns $ame to min!
My pulse was in my throat, an it wasn't the $orpse that was &othering me! <Ba$k up, 4tto,= 1
sai, through gritte teeth!
<1 think it $oul &e a tool an not 7aws,= he sai, leaning even $loser, pressing himsel" against
me! 1 was suenly aware that he was happy to &e presse up against me!
My skin ran hot, an 1 wasn't sure i" 1 was going to &e si$k or pass out! 1 shove him
&a$kwar har an steppe away "rom him an the &oy! 1 must have move "aster than 1
thought, &e$ause Dale an >atri$ia move out o" my way, an 1 ha the en o" the ta&le to
mysel"!
4la" stare at me, an his eyes were not neutral! +as he thinking o" the last time when he'
"or$e me to help him $ut up vampires, an he' ene the night &y mastur&ating with &loo
on his hans in "ront o" me/ 1' thrown up then, too!
<5ou "u$king &astar,= &ut my voi$e in't soun tough! 1t soune weak an pani$ke! ShitA
<There are tools that $oul $rush a man's "a$e like this, Anita!= He talke &usiness, &ut his
"a$e wasn't &usinesslike! A slight smile $urle his lips, an his eyes hel the kin o" heat that
in't mat$h &eing in an autopsy room!
1 wante to run out o" that room an away "rom him, &ut 1 $ouln't let him win! 1 $ouln't "ail
like that in "ront o" strangers! 1 $ouln't give the &ig &astar the satis"a$tion! ,oul 1/
1 took a "ew eep &reaths through the little mask an got my &oy uner $ontrol! .oncentrate,
ease the breathin, ease the 'ulse, control. 1t was the same way 1 ha learne to keep the
&easts "rom rising! 5ou ha to have that spurt o" arenaline3 i" you $oul $alm it or keep it
"rom happening, then the rest $oul not "ollow!
1 "inally gave him $alm eyes! <5ou stay on your sie o" the ta&le, 4tto! Do not invae my
personal spa$e again, or 1 will have you up on se(ual harassment $harges!=
<1 i nothing wrong,= he sai!
Memphis $leare his throat, <Marshal Be""ries, i" you aren't ating this young lay, then 1
suggest you o what she says! 1've seen men o similar things @tea$hing,' =.he mae little
%uotation marks with his "ingers. <women &ase&all, gol", shooting even, &ut 1've never seen
anyone try it in autopsy!=
<5ou are a si$k mother"u$ker,= )ose sai $heer"ully!
4la" turne a look on him that wipe the smile o"" his "a$e! 1n "a$t, )ose went a little pale
&ehin his "a$eplate! <5ou o not know me well enough to say su$h things!=
<Hey, man, 7ust agreeing with the o$ an Marshal Blake!=
<+hat tool $oul o this kin o" amage/= Memphis aske, trying to get us all &a$k to work!
<There are $rushing tools, use in the meat inustry! Some to ehorn $attle, others "or
$astration, an some to $ut through the ne$k in a single movement!=
<+hy woul someone $arry that kin o" stu"" with them/= 1 aske!
4la" shrugge! <1 o not know, &ut 1 am saying that there are alternatives to ly$anthropes "or
the in7uries!=
<>oint taken,= Memphis sai! He looke at me, an his eyes were kiner! <Marshal Blake, are
you reay to see the rest o" the &oy, or o you nee a minute/=
<1" he stays on his sie o" the ta&le, 1'll &e "ine!=
<Duly note,= Memphis sai, an he gave a less "rienly look to 4la"!
1 move aroun the gurney, putting it &etween 4la" an mysel"! 1t was the &est 1 $oul o an
stay in the room! But a"ter we "inishe with this &oy, 1 was "ining #war an we were
traing an$e partners! 1 $oul not work with 4la" in the morgue! He saw the whole thing as
"oreplay, an 1 7ust $ouln't eal! 2o, not $ouln't, wouln't!
Bernaro woul "lirt, &ut he wouln't "lirt aroun the &oies! He in't think "reshly
slaughtere &oies were se(y3 it woul &e ownright re"reshing a"ter working with serial
killer &oy, no matter how outrageous the "lirting got!
The o$tor starte to un"asten the &ulletproo" vest, then stoppe! <Take a "ew $lose;ups,
)ose!= The o$ pointe with glove "ingers at pla$es on the vest! 4la" ha alreay leane in,
so i" 1 was to see what ha e($ite the o$tor, 1 ha to lean in, too! Shit! +as 1 so &othere &y
4la" that 1 $oul not o my 7o&/
1 "inally leane $loser an saw slash marks in the vest! They $oul have &een "rom &laes or
really &ig $laws! 1t was har to tell through the $loth! Bare skin woul tell me more!
An autopsy "or a murer vi$tim is very intimate! 1t's not 7ust the $utting o" the &oy &ut the
unressing! 5ou on't want to $ut or "urther amage the $lothes, in $ase you mess up $lues, so
you have to pi$k the &oy up, hol it, unress it like some huge oll or sleeping $hil! At least
rigor ha $ome an gone! A &oy in "ull rigor is like trying to unress a statue, e($ept it "eels
unlike any statue you $oul ever tou$h!
1've never envie the morgue te$hni$ians their 7o&!
Dale an >atri$ia move in to raise the &oy an ease the vest o""! 1 never like &eing in the
room "or this part! 1'm not sure why it &othere me to see the $orpse unresse, &ut it i!
May&e it's &e$ause it's a part o" the pro$ess 1 on't usually get to see! ?or me, the ea are
either "ully resse or nake! +at$hing them go "rom one state to the other 7ust seeme like
an invasion o" their priva$y! Di that soun silly/ The ea shell on that ta&le in't give a
shit! He was way past em&arrassment, &ut 1 wasn't! 1t's always the living that "u$k up eath3
the ea are "ine with it!
4la" was &esie me again, &ut not $lose enough "or me to &it$h.yet! <+hy oes it &other you
to see them unress it/=
My shoulers hun$he, an 1 $rosse my arms over the green gown, "le(ing my hans in the
gloves! <How o you know 1'm &othere/=
<1 $an see it,= he sai!
He $oul only see hal" my "a$e, an my &oy was hien &ehin the overgown! 1 knew 1'
&een $ontrolling how 1 stoo an move, so how ha he noti$e/ 1 "inally looke at him an
let my eyes show that 1' ha a horri&le thought!
<+hat i 1 o now/= he aske, an it was almost that tone that all men use.no, not all men,
all &oy"riens! Shit!
<1s he &othering you again, Marshal Blake/= Memphis $ame to stan near us!
1 shook my hea!
<5ou say no, &ut you've gone pale again!= Memphis gave 4la" a very un"rienly look!
<1 7ust ha a thought, that's all! 0et it go, o$3 7ust let me know when we $an $ome &a$k in
an look at the &oy!=
He looke "rom one to the other o" us, &ut "inally went &a$k to 7oin the others! They almost
ha him nake "rom the waist up! #ven "rom here, 1 was almost $ertain the $hest ha &een
$lawe up, not $ut up!
<1 have upset you again, Anita!=
<0et it go, 4tto,= 1 sai!
<+hat i 1 o wrong/= he aske, an again it was the &oy"rien %uestion!
<2othing3 you in't o anything $reepy or isgusting! 5ou 7ust a$te like a guy "or a
minute!=
<1 am a guy,= he sai!
1 wante to say, %ut you arent. *oure a serial killer who thinks dead bodies are a turn)on.
*oure damn near a bad uy, and Im 'retty sure that someday youll force me to kill you to
save my own life. *oure male, but you can never be a uy to me. But 1 $ouln't say any o"
that out lou!
He was looking at me with those hooe eyes, e($ept there was the "aintest glimmer o" that
look! 5ou know the one! That look that a guy will give you when he likes you an is trying
pretty har to "igure out how to please you, an he's not su$$eeing! That look that says,
What do I do now, /ow do I win,
+hat ha my s$ary thought &een/ That 4la" was sin$ere! 1n some $ra8y, pathologi$al way, he
like;like me! As in boyfriend;like me! 2ot 7ust "or "u$king or slaughter, &ut may&e, 7ust
may&e, he a$tually wante to ate me like one human &eing to another! He seeme to have no
$lue how to intera$t with a woman in a way that wasn't terri"ying, &ut he was trying! Besus,
Mary, an Boseph, he was trying!
17



TH# BA)# ,H#ST was sli$e an i$e, &ut it wasn't like the others! 2o one woul
$onvin$e me that this ha &een one &y &laes! 1 knew $law work when 1 saw it!
<This was no &lae or tool,= 1 sai! <1t's $laws!=
4la" leane on his sie o" the &oy, may&e a little $loser to &oth the &oy an me than he
neee, &ut nothing too noti$ea&le! May&e 1 was 7ust &eing overly sensitive/ 2aw!
<1 know it is not a &lae or a tool that 1 am "amiliar with,= 4la" sai!
1 looke a$ross the &oy an "oun that, yeah, he was looking at me, not at the &oy! 1 stoo
up an move a step &a$k! ?u$k it, he unnerve me an he knew it!
<But what kille him/= Memphis aske!
1 looke at the o$tor, then &a$k at the &oy! He was right3 none o" the wouns so "ar were
"atal! <The 7aw &ite is terri&le, &ut unless he ie o" sho$k, then ! ! != 1 looke at the lower part
o" the &oy, whi$h was still $overe!
<5es,= Memphis sai, <we nee to keep looking "or the $ause o" eath!=
<1'm not a pathologist,= 1 sai! <1 on't nee to know the $ause o" eath, o$! 1'm 7ust here to
see i" it's something supernatural or not! That's it, all my 7o&!=
<Then leave, Marshal Blake, &ut "irst $an you $on"irm that it was a ly$anthrope atta$k/=
1 ha to go &a$k to the &oy an sprea my hans a&ove the wouns! 1 $urle my "ingers in
the $losest imitation 1 $oul o" the marks! 1 tra$e the air a&ove the wouns &ut was $are"ul
not to tou$h the &oy! <1t was $laws an a ly$anthrope, an they were in hal";human, hal";
animal "orm when the atta$k took pla$e!=
<How $an you &e sure o" that/= Memphis aske!
1 hel my han up! <+at$h my han tra$e over the wouns! The marks were mae &y a han,
not a paw!=
The woman, >atri$ia, sai, <5our han is too small to make marks like that, even with $laws!=
<The hans get &igger when the person shapeshi"ts!= 1 sighe an looke a$ross the ta&le!
<May 1 &orrow your hans "or a moment, 4tto/=
<5ou may,= he sai, an hel those &ig hans out!
<,an you pla$e your hans a&ove the wouns like 1 was oing, an tra$e the woun tra$k/=
<Show me again,= he sai!
1 tra$e my right han over the wouns, an he put his mu$h larger han over mine, so that
we tra$e the wouns together! 1 trie to pull away, an he presse our hans to the wouns,
trapping me against the &oy, our "ingers sprea! He pushe his "ingers into the woun tra$ks,
an the sprea o" his "ingers was &ig enough to "it the wouns! He pinne my han to the
&oy, while his glove "ingers ug into the meat o" the wouns!
)ose kept taking pi$tures!
<Stop it, 4tto,= 1 sai through gritte teeth! 1 ha multiple weapons on me, &ut nothing he ha
one here mae it okay to shoot him in "ront o" witnesses!
<1 am oing what you aske,= he sai!
1 trie to pull my han out "rom uner, &ut he presse harer, pressing our hans into the ea
"lesh an the "resh wouns! His "ingers mae wet souns in the wouns, while he presse my
han tight uner his!
<5ou're messing up the woun marks, Marshal Be""ries,= Memphis sai!
4tto in't seem to hear him! 1 ha $hoi$es! 1 $oul "aint.no! 1 $oul throw up on him, &ut
the &oy was in the way! 1 $oul go "or a gun le"t;hane an shoot him! That was appealing,
&ut not pra$ti$al! Too many witnesses! 1 thought o" one other $hoi$e!
1 leane in an spoke low! <1" you ever want to ate me "or real, let me go!= 1' rather ate an
untame $ougar, &ut 1 was "iguring that he was $ra8y enough not to unerstan that!
He looke at me, an there was surprise in his eyes! He raise his han enough "or me to pull
away! 1 $rale my han against the green gown as i" it hurt!
<Are you hurt, Marshal Blake/= Memphis aske!
1 shook my hea! <1 nee some air, though! 1'm sorry, o$tor!= 1' never le"t an autopsy room
early! 1' never &aile on anything &e"ore, &ut it wasn't the &oy that 1 &aile on! 1t was 4la",
staning there, looking at me! The look wasn't serial killer se( now, it was pu88lement! 1t was
that guy look again, as i" he truly was trying to "igure out what woul please me! That was the
look 1 ha to get away "rom! That was the image that mae me turn "or the oor an "ight not
to run!
18



1 ST)1>>#D 4?? the gloves an the gown an threw them away! 1 was $alm until 1 hit the
outer oor an the hallway, then 1 walke away "rom that room as "ast as 1 $oul without
running! 1 woul not run, &ut -o, 1 wante to!
1 was more upset than 1 knew, &e$ause 1 amn near ran into #war an Bernaro as they
$ame out o" another room! #war gra&&e me, or 1 might have "allen!
<Anita, are you all right/=
1 shook my hea!
<The &oies are &a,= Bernaro sai!
1 shook my hea again! <1t wasn't the &oies! The &oies are "ine!=
#war's grip on my upper arms tightene! <+hat i 4tto o now/=
1 7ust kept shaking my hea an "elt the "irst har tear &egin to trail own my "a$e! ?u$k, why
was 1 $rying/
<+hat i he o/= +hen 1 in't answer, he shook me! <AnitaA +hat i he o to you/=
1 "inally $alme enough to look up at him! 1 shook my hea! <2othing!=
His "ingers tightene, almost hurting on my arms! <This oesn't look like nothing!= But his
voi$e, his eyes, everything, mae me a"rai o" what he might o i" he really thought 4la" ha
hurt me!
<Honest, #war, he 7ust i his usual $reepy stu""!= 1 $alme enough to &e less tense in his
arms! +hen 1 rela(e, so i he, &ut his "ingers staye on my arms! He stuie my "a$e!
<?irst, it's Te, Anita,= &ut his voi$e still hel that anger, an his eyes were #war at his
most angerous!
1 noe! <1'm sorry, Te, sorry! Bust ! ! != 1 7ust shook my hea! +hat was 1 suppose to say,
that 4la" ha spooke me so &aly that 1' "orgotten everything else/ That woul not help
$alm #war, or me!
<Se$on, you on't spook this easy! +hat i he o/= That last senten$e was low an
eli&erate, an "ull o" $are"ully $ontaine rage! 1 unerstoo in that moment that #war
&lame himsel" "or 4la"'s interest in me! 1 guess he ha put us together, &ut 1 reali8e that he
woul &lame himsel" i" the worst happene, an neither -o nor the evil himsel" woul &e
a&le to keep 4la" sa"e "rom him! 4" $ourse, that woul make me ea, an &aly, horri&ly
ea, too! 1 guess 1 wouln't really $are! Shit!
<+e looke at one &oy that ha $law marks on it! Shapeshi"ters o" some kin! The o$tor
mae noises that there might &e more &oies like that, &ut most o" it's &laes!=
#war an Bernaro looke &ehin us! 1 in't look, &e$ause 1 was pretty sure what 1' see!
<Be"ore he gets to us, 1 nee to know what he i to upset you, Anita,= #war sai!
<1 on't know i" 1 $an e(plain it, #war! The pathologists in't &uy that human hans ha
mae the wouns &e$ause my hans were too small, so 1 &orrowe 4la"'s hans to show the
si8e!=
#war let me go an starte "or the &ig man! 1 gra&&e his arm! <2o, #war, 4la" learne
things "rom the wouns on the other &oies! He really i! His e(pertise with a &lae an
torture was valua&le! #ven Dr! Memphis was impresse!=
#war wasn't looking at me &ut own the hall!
1 talke "aster! <+e in't learn as mu$h "rom this &oy, "rom him, &e$ause it was $laws, an
that's my area! 1 let him &oss me aroun, #war, more than 1 shoul have, &e$ause he ha
&een smart a&out the other &oy! 1 let him manipulate me until 1 7ust &roke! 1t wasn't his "ault!
He was 7ust &eing him, an 1 "orgot "or a se$on, #war!=
#war looke at me then an wrappe his arm aroun me! 1t was so une(pe$te that 1
tense! He looke at me, an it was not the least romanti$! The look was intense, angry, an
own eep in his eyes, a "lash o" "ear! He was a"rai "or me! #war was never a"rai, almost
never!
<Don't ever "orget what he is, Anita,= he whispere, as he leane in! <+hen you "orget that
they're monsters, they kill you!= He kisse me on the $heek! 1 know he i it "or 4la"'s
&ene"it! 1 know he in't kiss me on the mouth "or his an my &ene"it! 1t woul have &een too
weir!
1 gave startle eyes to 4la" as he $ame $loser to us, pulling o"" his gown! The gloves ha
alreay gone in the trash! He looke "rom me to #war, &ut "inally 7ust at #war! <+hat
has she tol you/=
<That it wasn't your "ault! That she let you manipulate her &e$ause you ha &een smart with
the other &oies! That your e(pertise with &laes an torture ha &een help"ul!=
4la" looke surprise, an his voi$e mat$he! <She i not lie!=
<Di you think 1' $ome out here an lie, say you' &een a &ig, &a man, an ask "or help/=
He put those eep;set eyes on me an noe! <+omen lie, an they use men against ea$h
other! 1t's what they o!=
1 shook my hea an pushe away, gently, "rom #war! <1 on't o shit like that! 1 let you
manipulate me, an that won't happen again, &ut 1 knew &etter! 1 let you ! ! ! get in my hea!
An 1 knew &etter!= 1 slappe my $hest with my han, har enough to hurt! <1 knew &etter! 1
on't ask anyone to prote$t me "rom my own stupiity!=
<1t took you longer than 1 thought it woul to reali8e that you know more a&out shapeshi"ters
than 1 o! 5ou $oul have 7ust re"use me entry to the room!=
1 noe! <5eah, stupi "u$king me!= 1 walke away then, shaking my hea! 1 ha to get away
"rom 4la" an #war an Bernaro's intereste eyes! 1' ha enough testosterone "or the
ay!
Dr! Memphis $alle "rom own the hallway! <Marshal Blake, may 1 speak to you "or a
moment/=
1 looke past the other men to the o$tor! He was still in his gown, no gloves, like 4la"! Shit!
1' let 4la" spook me3 1 wouln't make the same mistake twi$e! 1 walke past them all an
pointe a "inger at the &ig guy! <5ou stay here! The two o" you keep an eye on him, so 1 on't
have to!= Then 1 walke past all o" them an went "or the o$tor! 1' put another gown on,
another mask, more gloves! 1' look at the amn &oies on my own &e$ause 4la" was right.1
knew ly$anthropes &etter than any o" the rest o" them! 1 woul look at these &oies on my
own, an -o willing, 1' learn something that $oul help us "igure out what the "u$k was
going on!
<1s Marshal Be""ries $oming &a$k in/= Memphis aske!
<2o,= 1 sai, an walke &a$k through the oors!
19



TH#5 HAD ?121SH#D unressing the &oy when Memphis walke me &a$k insie the
room! 1t lay &are an very unalive! 1t looke like a &oy now, without the $lothes, an the
wouns like &right tears on the skin!
?rom a$ross the room 1 $oul see that the groin was &looy! 1 $ouln't tell how &a the
amage was "rom here! 1 in't really want to know how &a it was, &ut as usual 1 ha to see
it all! ,rap!
)ose either ha taken all the pi$tures he neee or was too sho$ke to take them! He stoo
there, with his $amera "orgotten in his hans! The other two te$hs were no &etter! Dale ha
&usie himsel" with something at the $a&inets! >atri$ia went to stan &y )ose an turne her
&a$k!
<Anyone who nees to leave $an o so,= Memphis sai!
Dale went "or the oor without a wor! <They were "riens,= )ose sai, an that was enough!
<>atri$ia,= Memphis sai, <o you nee to go/=
<2o, o$tor, no, 1'll stay! 1 in't know him as well as Dale i, an there are some o" the ! ! !
1 i know some o" them &etter! 1 on't want to work on them, so 1'll stay!= She turne
aroun, pale, lips thin, &ut a etermine look on her "a$e! She' o!
<)ose/= Memphis aske!
<1'm okay, o$tor! 1t's not that 1 knew him! 1'm &eing all wimpy a&out the woun! Sorry!= He
noe! <Sorry, 1'll o &etter!= He raise the $amera &a$k up an starte snapping!
1 walke aroun the &oy so 1 $oul see the woun $loser! 2ot that 1 wante to see it, &ut it
was an o woun! 4" $ourse, on$e 1 was on the other sie, 1 $oul see the insie o" the right
thigh $learly! Someone ha sli$e it open "rom groin to almost knee! The "emoral artery
woul have &een toast! 5ou &lee out "rom that in "i"teen, twenty minutes tops! 5ou $an save
yoursel" i" the woun is low enough "or a tourni%uet an mei$al help is $oming! But whoever
sli$e him up in't want him saving himsel" with "irst ai!
+hatever he might have &een on$e as a man, now he was 7ust &looy, &ut ! ! ! the genitalia
were inta$t, or looke it! The only way to &e $ertain was to tou$h them an see, an 1 in't
want to know that &aly! 1 ha to peer a lot $loser than 1 wante to, &ut 1 was right, the
wouns in't a$tually go a$ross the genitalia, more aroun them! <+hen are you going to
wash the &loo away/=
<5es,= Memphis sai, <we'll &e a&le to see those wouns more $learly when we've "inishe
$leaning the &oy, &ut we wante you to see it "irst!=
1 looke up at him! <+hy/=
<5ou're our shapeshi"ter e(pert,= he sai!
<5ou have shapeshi"ters in Vegas,= 1 sai!
<+e o, &ut they wouln't &e allowe near a ly$anthrope kill!=
<5eah, same at home, so you have to make o with me!=
<1" hal" your reputation is real, Marshal Blake, we aren't making o!=
1 looke away "rom his too;intense eyes! He wante me to solve this! He wante me to help
them $at$h the thing that ha kille their people! 1 wante to help, &ut 1 hate that "eeling o"
pressure! The sensation that i" 1 misse the $lue there was no &a$kup! 1 thought a&out $alling
#war in, &ut wasn't sure 1 $oul $all in part o" my &a$kup without getting the rest o" it
&a$k! 1 was one with 4la" "or the ay i" 1 $oul manage it!
1 peere as $lose to the wouns as 1 $oul! <1t looks like the $laws were riven in aroun the
groin, eep, &ut straight in an out, no tearing!= 1 stoo up an gesture at the thigh woun!
<2ot like that!=
<+as it more than one shapeshi"ter/= )ose aske!
1t was a goo %uestion! <,oul &e, &ut 1 on't think so! This up $lose an personal, there 7ust
isn't room "or two to "ight! 1'm not is$ounting it, &ut all these wouns are so e&ilitating that
on$e it happene, there wouln't &e any nee "or two shapeshi"ters to "ight this man!=
<His name was )anall Sherman, )any,= Memphis sai!
1 shook my hea! <2o names in the morgue! 1 "un$tion &e$ause it's a &oy! 1'm sorry that he
was your "rien, &ut 1 $an't think o" him that way an o my 7o&!=
<1 thought you ha to have a name to raise the ea,= >atri$ia sai!
<5es, &ut none o" these &oies will &e a&le to &e raise!=
<+hy not/= >atri$ia aske!
<Murer vi$tims ten to go a"ter their murerers, "irst an "oremost! They maim or kill
anything that gets in their way, in$luing inno$ent $ivilians!=
<4h,= she sai!
1 stare own at what was le"t o" 4""i$er )anall Sherman an $urse Memphis "or giving me
a name! 1 on't know why it $an make su$h a i""eren$e, &ut suenly 1 looke at him, not at
a &oy! 1 noti$e that he was tall an athleti$, an ha spent a lot o" time staying in shape! He
was pro&a&ly on the other sie o" thirty, &ut it ha &een a goo early thirty! All that work, to
&e strong, to &e "ast, to &e the &est, an some monster $omes &y an is stronger, "aster, an
&etter, 7ust &e$ause o" a isease in its &loo! 2o amount o" weight li"ting or 7ogging woul
ever make a human &eing the e%ual o" a shapeshi"ter! So un"air, so true!
<+hat kin o" hair i you "in on the &oy an $lothes/=
<+e "oun human hair, &ut no animal hair,= Memphis sai!
1 looke at him!
<5es,= he sai, <you $an look surprise! 1've seen two other shapeshi"ter kills, an we "oun a
lot o" animal hair at &oth! 5ou $an't get this $lose to someone an not she on them, &ut this
shi"ter $leane the &oy o" hair so we wouln't know what it was!=
1 shook my hea! <2ot ne$essarily, o$! 5ou $an poli$e your &rass, &ut not the little &its an
pie$es o" your &oy! 1 saw the $rime s$ene! 1t was a hell o" a "ight, an there was no time to
$lean up like that!=
<Then what i the $reature o/ Di he wear a suit/= He tou$he his own suit!
<1 ou&t it,= 1 sai, <&ut a really power"ul shapeshi"ter $an o a partial shi"t!=
<1 know a manwol" or man$at "orm,= Memphis sai!
<2o, 1 mean the really power"ul ones $an shapeshi"t 7ust the hans into $laws, an the "eet! 1
saw a werewol" $lim& the sie o" a &uiling like that!=
<That was one o" your $ases/=
<1 on't know what you mean &y that, &ut 1 saw the &astar o it!=
<He use $laws to shove into the &uiling/= >atri$ia aske!
<5es,= 1 sai!
<+ow, shaes o" Spier;Man,= )ose sai!
<More +olverine,= 1 sai, <&ut the prin$iple's the same!=
<He got away,= Memphis sai!
<Temporarily,= 1 sai!
<How i they $at$h him/= >atri$ia aske!
<1 got them to approve werewolves to tra$k the rogue werewol", then 1 kille him!=
<+hat o you mean you kille him/= she aske!
<1 mean, 1 walke up to him an put a &ullet &etween his &a&y &lues!=
Her mouth mae a little sounless O! )ose sai, <Bust one &ullet/=
<2o,= 1 sai!
<Ba$k to the $ase3 you $an listen to war stories "rom the marshal a"ter we've $aught our man!=
<Sorry, o$tor,= >atri$ia sai!
<Sorry, o$!=
<So you think we have a very power"ul shapeshi"ter that i this!=
<1'm pretty sure, an that means that it's a very small pool o" suspe$ts! There aren't that many
shi"ters in any $ity that $an o it! May&e "ive in a large animal group! May&e one in a small!=
<Do you think the shapeshi"ter $ut up the other men/=
<2o, it's almost like whatever i it ha multiple arms! An arm "or every &lae!=
<Do you know any preternatural $reature that has multiple arms, Marshal/=
1 thought a&out it! <There are a lot o" mythologies with many;arme $reatures, &ut none native
to this $ountry! An "rankly, Dr! Memphis, none that 1'm sure are real an in e(isten$e
toay!=
<So har to tell "a$t "rom "i$tion when we live in a worl where myth is real,= he sai!
<Some o" it's e(tin$t,= 1 sai!
<+hatever kille )any Sherman wasn't e(tin$t,= he sai!
1 "elt that unpleasant smile $url my lips an was gla it was hien &ehin the hal" mask! 1
wouln't want to s$are the $ivvies! <+e'll work on making it e(tin$t!=
<5ou'll nee a warrant o" e(e$ution,= Memphis sai!
<?our ea poli$e o""i$ers! 4ne o&viously ea &y wereanimal atta$k! -etting the warrant
won't &e the pro&lem!=
<1 suppose so,= Memphis sai, not like he was entirely happy a&out it!
<Something wrong/= 1 aske!
<1t's 7ust that 1 signe the petition that they took to +ashington to try to get the Domesti$
>reternatural #nangerment A$t repeale! 1 &elieve that the warrants "or your 7o& are too
&roa an violate human rights!=
<5ou're not alone!=
<2ow, all 1 want is "or you to get the &astars that i this3 1 on't $are that the warrant is
&ase on &a law! So that makes me a hypo$rite, Marshal Blake, an 1'm not use to thinking
o" mysel" that way!=
<5ou've seen vampire an shapeshi"ter vi$tims &e"ore,= 1 sai!
He noe! <2ot here, though! Vegas has one o" the lowest rates o" murer &y preternatural
means o" any $ity in the 6nite States!=
1 wiene my eyes! <1 in't know that!= 1n my hea 1 thought, (a0 and %ibiana run a very
tiht shi'. 4ut lou 1 sai, <1s this the "irst person you knew who ie like this/=
<2o, "irst "rien, though! 1 guess i" 1 really &elieve my $onvi$tions, that wouln't make a
i""eren$e!=
<#motion always makes a i""eren$e,= 1 sai!
<#ven "or you/= He looke at me when he aske it!
1 noe!
<1've hear the s$reams when the e(e$utioner has to stake the vampire uring the ay! They
&eg "or their lives!=
<#veryone on eath row is inno$ent, o$tor3 you know that!=
<1t oesn't &other you then/=
1 ha to look away "rom that sear$hing ga8e! The moment 1 ha to look own, 1 "or$e mysel"
to meet his eyes an sai the truth! <Sometimes it oes!=
<Then why o it/=
+as it mean to say the ne(t/ 1 $ouln't tell anymore3 may&e it was 7ust true! <1'm sorry "or
your loss, o$tor, 1 truly am, &ut this moment is a per"e$t e(ample o" why 1 o my 7o&! 0ook
at what they i to your "rien! Do you want that to happen to someone else's "rien,
hus&an, &rother/=
His "a$e harene, an it was &a$k to the original hostile look! <2o!=
<Then you nee me to o my 7o&, o$tor, &e$ause on$e a shapeshi"ter $rosses the line this
&aly, they almost never go &a$k! They get a taste "or letting the &east out! 1t "eels goo to
them, an they will o it again unless someone stops them!=
<5ou mean kills them,= he sai!
<5es, kills them! 1 want to kill the shapeshi"ter that kille your "rien, &e"ore it kills someone
else!=
1t was his turn to look away! <5ou've mae your point, Marshal! 1" you nee it, 1'll sign o""
that a shapeshi"ter i this, &e$ause it's true!=
<Thank you, o$tor!=
He noe! <But the way D>#A is written, you on't nee me to sign anything, o you/ 5ou
7ust nee to $all +ashington, an they'll "a( you the warrant!=
<,ontrary to popular meia, we o have to assure them it's preternatural in origin!=
<Assure them, &ut not prove &eyon the shaow o" a ou&t!=
<Shaows o" ou&t are "or $ourts, o$tor!=
<This shapeshi"ter is never going to see the insie o" a $ourtroom, is it/=
<>ro&a&ly not!=
He shook his hea! <They o""ere to let someone else work on )any, &ut it's the last thing 1
$an o "or him!=
<2o, it's not, Dr! Memphis! 5ou $an help me gather enough evien$e to get a warrant an
hunt his killer own!=
<An see, there you go, Marshal, right &a$k at my moral ilemma!=
1 in't know what to say to that3 1 ha my own moral ilemma to work on, an 1 in't know
Memphis well enough to tell him 1 was &eginning to have ou&ts a&out my 7o&, too! 1 i the
only thing 1 $oul think o"3 1 went &a$k to work!
<1 am sorry "or your loss, &ut $an you let me see the personal e""e$ts 1 misse/= 1n my hea, 1
ae, when I let Olaf run me out of the room, &ut 1 kept that part to mysel"! 1t was
humiliating enough without sharing! 1 was thinking &etter without him in the room! 1 han't
reali8e 7ust how mu$h he was throwing me o"" my game until he was gone! Division o" la&or
woul not leave me alone with him again, 1 promise mysel" that!
1n a plasti$ &aggie was a silver pentagram! <+as he +i$$an/=
<5es,= Memphis sai, <oes that matter/=
<1t may &e why the shi"ter ate his "a$e o"" "irst!=
<#(plain,= Memphis sai!
<1" 1'm right, then Sherman was saying a spell, an the shi"ter stoppe him!=
<There's no spell against ly$anthropes, is there/= )ose aske!
<2o,= 1 sai, <&ut there are spells that impa$t other preternatural entities! Spells are almost
e($lusively "or non$orporeal &eings!=
<0ike ghosts,= >atri$ia aske! She' &een so %uiet in her $orner o" the autopsy suite that 1'
almost "orgotten her!
1 shook my hea! <2o, not ghosts! 5ou 7ust ignore them! But spirits, entities, emons, an
other things like it!=
<5ou mean like the evil,= >atri$ia sai!
<2o, my &a, 1 shouln't have sai demon! +hat 1 mean is something that is more energy
than physi$al, sort o"!=
<+hatever wiele the knives was very physi$al,= Memphis sai!
<The knives were very physi$al, &ut i" Sherman thought a spell $oul help against them, then
may&e whatever was using them wasn't!=
<1 on't unerstan,= )ose sai!
<2or o 1,= Memphis sai!
1 hate trying to e(plain metaphysi$s! 1t always $ame out wrong, or at &est $on"using! <1'll
nee to talk to Sherman's $oven, or at least his high priestess, &ut i" he was any goo at the
magi$ sie o" his "aith, then he wouln't have waste &reath on something that wouln't help
save them!=
<)any was very evout, an very serious a&out his "aith,= Memphis sai!
1 noe! <4kay, 1'll still want to talk to his priestess, &ut "or right now, 1 nee to see i" 1 $an
"igure out what animal "lavor i this!=
<There are no nonhuman hairs, Marshal,= Memphis sai!
1 noe! <1 hear!=
<1t will take time to analy8e the $law marks!=
<That may not help you that mu$h anyway, not in this moi"ie "orm! +e know we're
looking "or a smaller person!=
<+hat o you mean, Marshal/=
<+hen a shapeshi"ter makes the $laws $ome out, the han gets &igger than human;normal!
Marshal Be""ries was a&le to palm the marks on the $hest! He's a &ig guy, &ut his hans aren't
as &ig as a shapeshi"ter's when it's in hal";man "orm! That means we're looking "or someone
who isn't that tall, or has smaller hans!=
<But you 7ust sai that the hans get &igger,= >atri$ia sai!
<5es, &ut there's a limit to how mu$h &igger! 1" you take two people who are &oth the same
animal, &ut one is si( "eet with large hans, an the other is "ive "eet with small hans, when
they &oth shi"t, the animal "orm will &e larger than their human "orm, &ut the smaller man will
still &e a smaller shapeshi"ter than the larger man! 1t's a mass ratio thing!=
<1've rea wiely on shapeshi"ters, Marshal, an 1've never rea where anyone has written
that up!=
1 shrugge! <1 know shapeshi"ters, o$tor!=
<All right, then we're looking "or a smaller man!=
<4r woman,= 1 sai!
<5ou really think a woman i this/= he aske!
<1've seen shapeshi"ters o" &oth se(es o some pretty ama8ing things, so yeah, this amage
oesn't rule out "emale!=
<5ou sai you're going to try an "igure out what animal i this! +e've got swa&s "or D2A,
an we may get lu$ky, &ut i" the ly$anthrope was in human "orm e($ept "or the $laws an
teeth, as you maintain, then the D2A may $ome &a$k human!=
<There shoul &e some o" the virus in the D2A,= 1 sai!
<5es, an in a "ew ays we'll have it &a$k!=
1 shook my hea! <+e on't have a "ew ays!=
<1'm open to suggestions, Marshal!=
<1 tol you, 1'm $arrying ly$anthropy3 that means that sometimes 1 $an smell things people
$an't!=
<5ou're going to try to smell what kin o" animal it was!=
1 noe!
<But,= >atri$ia sai, <i" the shapeshi"ter was in human "orm, then won't it 7ust smell human/=
<2o,= 1 sai, <on$e you know what you're smelling, there's an uner;taste!= 1 shook my hea!
<1 $an't e(plain this, &ut 1 want to try!=
<1 woul &e eager to see you try,= Memphis sai!
<1'll have to take the mask own!=
<That's against proto$ols!=
<1 may get my &reath, saliva on things, &ut 1 $an't $at$h anything "rom the ! ! ! Sherman!=
<1" it will $at$h this $reature ays early, then o it!=
1 looke at the o&7e$ts an trie to e$ie what woul &e the pie$e o" $lothing or e%uipment
that the ly$anthrope ha gotten the $losest to! 1 looke at it all in the &aggies, an "inally
settle on the throatHear mi$rophone getup! 1t ha a$tually &een amage &y the teeth!
<1 nee one o" you to un&ag an make sure that the $hain o" evien$e oesn't get "u$ke up!=
<5our smelling something won't &e amissi&le in $ourt, not even with this many o""i$ers
ea,= Memphis sai!
<2o,= 1 sai, <&ut 1'm not looking "or $ourt proo"! 1'm looking "or a $lue as to where to go to
"in people to %uestion! That's all we $an hope to get "rom this!=
<1" you smell a $ertain animal, then you'll go talk to that lo$al group,= he sai!
<5es,= 1 sai!
He $ame over an $are"ully un&agge the evien$e! 1 took the mask own an leane
"orwar! 1 $lose my eyes an $alle on that part o" me that wasn't %uite human anymore! 1
$oul visuali8e the &easts insie me: wol", leopar, lioness, white an yellow tiger! They were
all lying in the ark shaows o" an$ient trees that ha &een the visuali8ation "or my inner
pla$e sin$e a $ertain very an$ient vampire ha messe with me! Marmee 2oir, the Lueen o"
All Vampires, ha given me the tigers in a &i to $ontrol me! So "ar, 1 was still ahea3 so "ar!
1 $alle, gently, to the &easts, an "elt them stir! 1 $oul keep them "rom trying to physi$ally
mani"est now! 1 $oul $all them as energy! 1 trie that now! 1 neee to s$ent something! 1
$alle on wol"! She $ame trotting to my $all, white with her &la$k markings! 1' one some
resear$h an knew that her markings meant the strain o" ly$anthropy was pro&a&ly "rom the
"ar north, somepla$e $ol! 5ou ha more white wolves where you got more snow!
My skin ran in goose &umps, an 1 lowere my "a$e towar the pie$e o" te$hnology! The "irst
smell was eath! The wol" growle, an it tri$kle out my lips!
Memphis sai, <Are you all right, Marshal/=
<1'm all right3 please on't talk to me while 1 o this!=
The smell o" plasti$ was sharp, almost &itter! The wol" in't like it! 6nerneath that was
sweat, "ear, an she i like that! ?ear an sweat meant "oo! 1 pushe the thought &a$k an
$on$entrate! 1 neee more! 1 smelle Sherman, the s$ent o" a man, an that he still smelle
o" the soap an shampoo he' use that ay! 1t was like peeling the layers o"" an onion! 1 think
i" 1' &een a wol" 1 $oul have smelle all o" it, an interprete it, &ut my human &rain was
slow!
1 "elt my nose tou$h the "elt pie$e, an thought, What animal did this, 1 smelle saliva, an it
wasn't the same s$ent as Sherman! Though my min $ouln't interpret how it was i""erent, it
7ust was! 1 neee the s$ent o" the animal, not the person! 1 gave mysel" over to the wol", to
the "eel o" "ur an pas, an ! ! ! there! The "aintest whi"" o" something not human!
1 "ollowe that "aint s$ent the way you' "ollow a path that you "oun in the woos! A path
that was &arely there, lost in wees an small trees! 1 pushe my way through that narrow
opening, an suenly the worl was "ull o" ! ! ! tiger!
The tigers insie me rushe up, roaring! 1 stum&le &a$k "rom the evien$e, the s$ent,
Memphis! 1 "ell on my ass on the "loor, with the wol" running "or $over an the tigers snarling
insie my hea! 4n$e this woul have meant the tigers trying to take over my &oy, tearing
me apart "rom the insie out, &ut now 1 $oul keep it lower key!
Someone gra&&e my arm, an 1 looke up! +hat was this plasti$ man/ 1 looke past the
"a$eplate an "oun him human, an so"t, an knew that all that eu$ation, all that
etermination, was nothing &e"ore $law an "ang! 1 ha to try twi$e to speak, <)oom, give me
room!=
He let me go, &ut 7ust knelt &a$k! 1 looke at him an the other two! >atri$ia was a"rai, an
that mae the tigers roil insie me, happy kitties! ?ear means "oo!
1 pushe to my "eet an stum&le "or the oor! 1 ha to get away "rom them! 1 shoul never
have trie this without #war here to make sure ! ! ! make sure it in't get out o" han!
<1 nee air, that's all! Don't tou$h me!= 1 mae the oor an stum&le outsie! 1 ene up on
my knees on the "loor, leaning against the wall, trying to shove the tigers &a$k into the sa"ety
8one! They in't want to go! They' smelle another tiger, an it e($ite them!
#war spoke "rom a little istan$e! <Anita, you all right/=
1 shook my hea, &ut hel a han palm out, to say Stay away! He i! <Talk to me,= he sai!
My voi$e $ame &reathy, &ut it $ame! <1 $alle on a little "urry energy to try an get a $lue!=
<+hat happene/=
<1 on't know what kille the others, &ut we're looking "or a weretiger that's pro&a&ly uner
si( "eet in human "orm, or has a&normally small hans! This one is power"ul enough to &e
a&le to o $laws an teeth only, with no "ur an no other outwar $hange!=
1 "elt 4la" an Bernaro $lose, &e"ore 1 looke up an saw them! #war kept them &a$k,
whi$h was pro&a&ly 7ust as well!
<4nly the most power"ul $an o that,= #war sai!
<5eah,= 1 sai!
<5ou learne all that "rom smelling/= Bernaro sai!
1 looke up, an was pretty sure it wasn't a "rienly look &y his rea$tion! <2o, 1 learne most
o" that "rom the &oy, &ut tiger was smell!= 1 looke past him to 4la" now in his &la$k
assassin gear, strippe o" the ha8mat suit! 1 pointe a "inger at him! <1 $ouln't think with you
in there with me! 1 in't know how useless you make me until you weren't there!=
<1 i not mean to make you work less e""i$iently!=
<5ou know, 1 &elieve that! But "rom now on you work with someone &esies me! 2o more
alone time on the $ase!=
<+hy is &eing alone with me so istra$ting/= he aske, an his "a$e was neutral enough!
<Be$ause you s$are me,= 1 sai!
He smile then, a little $url o" lips, &ut his $aveman eyes gleame with satis"a$tion!
1 stoo up then, an #war was smart enough not to help me! <5ou know, &ig guy, most
men who really want to ate a woman on't want her a"rai o" them!=
His smile "altere a little, &ut not mu$h! He looke pu88le "or a moment, then the smile
returne larger an more satis"ie! <1 am not most men!=
1 gave a soun that might have &een a laugh, i" it han't &een so harsh! <+ell, that is the
"u$king truth!= 1 starte stripping o"" the prote$tive gear!
<+here to/= #war sai!
<+e visit the weretigers!=
<Aren't they the animal to $all o" the Master Vampire o" Vegas/= he aske!
<5ep!=
<So we go visit the Master o" the ,ity an his wi"e!=
1 noe! <5ep, Ma( an his wi"e, the %ueen tiger o" 0as Vegas! Though the a$tual title is
,hang an her name! ,hang;Bi&iana, in this $ase!=
<+ait,= Bernaro sai! <Are we walking in there an a$$using one o" their tigers o" killing a
poli$e o""i$er an helping massa$re three more/=
1 looke at #war3 he looke at me! <Something like that,= 1 sai!
Bernaro looke unhappy! <,an you please not get me kille until a"ter 1've ha a ate with
Deputy 0oren8o/=
1 smile at him! <1 will o my &est!=
<To get us all kille,= he sai!
<2ot true,= 1 sai! <1 always o my &est to keep us alive!=
<A"ter you enanger us all,= he muttere!
<5ou whine like a &a&y,= 4la" sai!
<1'll whine any way 1 amn well please!=
Memphis $ame out an aske, <Marshal, are you well/=
1 noe! <1'm "ine!=
<+hat animal i you sense/=
Di 1 lie, or tell the truth/ <Tiger!=
<4ur Master o" the ,ity will not like that!=
<2o, &ut truth is truth!=
<5ou will nee a warrant to enter their home!=
<+e ha this talk alreay, Memphis! +e'll $all up an have one "a(e to us, &ut 1 think 1'll
try 7ust asking "or a visit "irst!=
<5ou think he'll 7ust let you walt8 in an a$$use his people o" murer/=
<1 think Ma( tol Sheri"" Shaw to invite me to $ome play an that 1' sort things out!=
Memphis's eyes went wie! <Di he now/=
<So 1'm tol!=
<1t oesn't soun like our master!=
<2o, it oesn't,= 1 sai, <&ut i" he invite me, why wouln't he want to help me sort things
out/=
<5ou won't get in without a warrant! The Master o" Vegas is ol;time mo&3 it makes him
$autious,= Memphis sai!
<+e'll apply "or several,= #war sai!
Memphis looke at him! <+hat o you mean/=
<+e have a ly$anthrope kill $on"irme! 2evaa still has varmint laws on the &ooks! +e'll &e
a&le to get a warrant o" e(e$ution on the ly$anthrope that i this!=
<But you on't have a name "or the ly$anthrope,= Memphis sai!
#war smile, 1 smile, even Bernaro smile! 4la" 7ust looke sinister! <5ou know we
on't nee a name! The warrant will rea a little vague! 1 keep "orgetting a&out the varmint
laws in the western states3 it makes it a$tually easier to get a vague warrant "or a shapeshi"ter
than "or a vampire,= 1 sai!
<1 still &elieve it's a legal e($use "or murer,= Memphis sai!
1 steppe $lose to the o$tor, an he hel his groun! <)anall Sherman was your "rien, not
mine! Don't you want his murerer $aught/=
<5es, &ut 1 want to make sure it's the right weretiger, not 7ust the one that pisses you all o""!=
1 grinne at him, &ut $oul "eel it was more a snarling "lash o" teeth! The tigers were still a
little $lose! <1" you on't like the way 1 o my 7o&, then "ile a $omplaint! But in the ark when
the &ig &a monsters $ome to get you, you always want us! 5ou see us staning here! 5ou
know what we are, what we o, an it makes you "eel un$ivili8e! #ven with your "riens on
gurneys in the morgue, you "lin$h! +ell, we on't "lin$h, o$tor! +e o what the rest o" you
are a"rai to o=.1 leane in $lose an whispere.<we'll &e your vengean$e, o$, so you
$an keep your lily;white hans $lean!=
He steppe &a$k as i" 1' stru$k him! <That's not "air!=
<0ook me in the eye an tell me you on't want vengean$e "or what it i to your men/ 0ook
me in the eye an tell me you on't look "orwar to weighing their murerer's liver on a
s$ale/=
His eyelis "li$kere &ehin his glasses! He opene his mouth, $lose it, li$ke his lips! He
"inally sai, <5ou are a har woman, Blake!=
1 shook my hea! <2o su$h thing as a har woman, Memphis, 7ust so"t men!= +ith that, 1
turne, an the others "ollowe me! +e went "or the oors, an a phone, an a 7uge who
woul give us warrants!
#war sai, <+hat i the o$tor o to piss you o"" that &aly/=
<2othing, a&solutely nothing!=
<Then what's with the super &it$h a$t/= Bernaro aske!
1 laughe! <+ho was a$ting, Bernaro, who the "u$k was a$ting/= The tigers swirle insie
me, happy that 1 was angry, looking "orwar to more anger, more emotion! They wante out!
They wante out so &aly!
20



1 -4T 46TS1D# in the &reath;stealing heat, an #war gra&&e my arm, swinging me
aroun to "a$e him!
1 stare up at him!
<Anita, are you all right/=
1 starte to say 1ine, &ut #war in't ask %uestions like that unless something wasn't right!
1 looke at his han on my arm until he let me go! <1'm "ine!=
He shook his hea! <2o, you're not!=
1 opene my mouth to argue, then 1 "or$e mysel" to stop an take a "ew eep &reaths! 1 trie
to think past the "eeling o" eagerness an anger! 1 was angry! +hy/ Memphis ha one
nothing to piss me o"" that mu$h! So he was a li&eral who in't approve o" D>#A3 so what/
There were lots o" people who "elt that way! So why ha 1 pulle him up &y the short hairs/
+hy was 1 angry/ 4kay, s$rat$h that, 1 was almost always angry! )age was like "uel "or me!
1t always &u&&le 7ust &elow the sur"a$e! 1t was pro&a&ly one o" the reasons that 1 $oul "ee
on other people's anger! 1t was my rink o" $hoi$e! The real %uestion was, why was 1 &eing a
shit to someone who han't earne it/ That wasn't like me!
1 was a&out to run o"" an see the weretigers3 a lot o" them! The tiger energy insie me was
happy a&out that an 7ust a little too eager! Bust &e$ause 1 han't shapeshi"te "or real in't
mean 1 wouln't! The only other person 1' met with this many i""erent kins o" ly$anthropy
in his &oy ha &een a&le to shi"t to all the "orms! He' also &een insane, &ut that may have
&een "rom other things!
+hat woul happen i", with my tigers that $lose to the sur"a$e, 1 suenly "oun mysel"
surroune &y a whole &un$h o" weretigers/ 1 wasn't sure, an that was reason enough to take
it slower!
<Thanks, # ! ! ! Te! 1 neee that!=
<5ou seem $almer now!=
1 noe! <5ou mae me think! ?irst, 1'll go &a$k insie an apologi8e to Dr! Memphis!
Se$on, 1'll see i" he knows where we $an "in 4""i$er )anall Sherman's high priestess!=
<+hy/= he aske!
1 tol them a&out the pentagram an my theory that Sherman ha &een trying a spell when the
weretiger kille him!
<Spells on't work against wereanimals,= Bernaro sai!
<2o, they on't,= 1 sai!
<A pra$ti$ing wit$h woul know that,= #war sai!
<He woul!=
<+hi$h means something else &esies vampires an weretigers may have &een in that
warehouse,= he sai!
<My thoughts e(a$tly!=
<1" Memphis oesn't know Sherman's high priestess/=
<Then we "in someone who oes! 5ou $all +ashington an get starte on those warrants!
4ne "or a wereanimal that kille Sherman, an the other "or sear$hing homes an &usinesses
o" the Master o" Vegas!=
<That se$on one may &e tri$ky3 Ma( is pretty well $onne$te here an is one o" the ma7or
"uners o" the pro;vampire lo&&y in D,!=
1 han't known that last part! <Then he shoul want to $ooperate with the poli$e!=
#war gave me that smile o" his! <He's a vampire, Anita, they always have something to
hie!=
1 smile &a$k! <Don't we all!=
To that, he in't answer, 7ust got his $ell an starte working on the warrants! Me, 1 went "or
the oor &a$k insie!
4la" "ollowe me, &ut 1 stoppe him! <5ou stay with #war, 1 mean, Te!=
<The vampire Vittorio mae a threat against you! 5ou really shouln't &e alone, not i" he has
wereanimals on his sie!=
1 $ouln't "ault his logi$! <Bernaro,= 1 $alle, <you're with me!=
Bernaro gave 4la" a spe$ulative look &ut $ame to my sie! <Anything you say, little lay!=
<Don't $all me that, ever again,= 1 sai, an rea$he "or the oor!
<+hy him an not me/= 4la" sai!
1 glan$e &a$k at the tall, &la$k;$la man! He' put the &la$k wrap;aroun sunglasses &a$k
on! He stoo there, looking like a Hollywoo iea o" a &a guy! <Be$ause he oesn't $reep me
out, an you o!=
<1 am &etter in a "ight than he is!=
<1'll let you guys e&ate that some time, &ut "or right now, 1 have an apology to make!=
<5ou're really going to apologi8e to the o$tor/=
<5es!=
<An apology is a sign o" weakness!=
<2ot i" you're in the wrong, an 1 was!= 1 a$tually got to the oor &e"ore he interrupte again!
<5ou were short with him, &ut not wrong!=
1 "inally looke at the &ig guy! <+hat's with all the $hatter, 4tto/ A"rai you'll miss me/=
That i it! He turne an walke away! Bernaro $ame up to stan ne(t to me like a tall,
ark, hansome shaow! 1 presse the &utton to let someone know we neee insie!
<4tto isn't &etter in a "ight than 1 am! He's &etter with e(plosives, an he's got me &eat all
hollow when it $omes to interrogation, &ut he's not &etter in a "ight!=
<1 in't say he was!=
<1 7ust wante you to know!=
1 glan$e up at him, that nearly heart&reakingly per"e$t &one stru$ture! He ha his long ark
hair pulle &a$k in a &rai! +ith the heat, 1 was &eginning to e&ate what to o with my hair,
too!
<1 know you're goo in a "ight, Bernaro! #war oesn't hang with people who aren't
goo!=
+e ha to press the &utton again an wait to &e let insie! <Then why on't you like me/=
1 gave him a "rowning glan$e! <1 on't islike you!=
<But you on't like me either!=
The oor opene! 1t was Dale, with his short &rown hair an his glasses! He let us in &ut
wasn't entirely pleasant! 1 $ouln't &lame him! <5ou "orget something/= he aske!
<An apology to Dr! Memphis! The $ase is getting to me more than 1 thought!=
Dale's "a$e so"tene! <1t's getting to all o" us!= He let us go past an tol us where to "in
Memphis!
1 turne to Bernaro! <1 on't not like you!= 1 wasn't sure on the grammar, &ut it sai what 1
meant!
<4kay, then you're neutral! 5ou on't like or islike me3 that's weir!=
<+hy is it weir/=
He a$tually stoppe walking to sprea his hans an o a voilM movement! 1 reali8e he was
showing himsel" o""! <1've ha women not like me &e$ause 1'm too ethni$ "or them! 1've ha
women not like what 1 o "or a living! Some $hi$ks hate the violen$e! But that's not it "or you!
5ou on't $are a&out any o" that!=
<Are you asking why 1 on't think you're s$rumptious/= 1 $ouln't help smiling!
<Don't make "un o" me!=
1 shook my hea an "ought not to smile more! <1'm not, &ut 1 7ust "in this an o thing in the
mile o" a murer investigation!=
<1 know, &usiness "irst, an 1' have &ehave mysel" i" you han't starte getting all se(ual
tension aroun the &ig guy!=
<1 am not rea$ting to 4tto,= 1 sai!
He hel his hans up, like he was surrenering! <2o o""ense meant!=
<1 o not like him like that!=
<1 in't say you like him3 1 sai you're rea$ting to him!=
<An what's the i""eren$e &etween liking an rea$ting/=
<5ou like Te, &ut you on't rea$t to him! 1 know you're getting all $uly, &ut it's to get
4tto o"" your &a$k!=
1 gave him a har look!
<Hey, 1 won't spoil it! 1 agree that it's $reepy that 4tto likes you the way he oes! 1 $an't even
argue with what you an Te sai at the $rime s$ene!=
<Then what are you &it$hing a&out/=
Two women in the little gowns walke &y! 4ne stare outright, an the other i a more
$overt $he$king out as she walke past us! 1 might as well have &een invisi&le! Bernaro
waste a smile on them &oth, then turne &a$k to me as i" nothing ha happene!
1 ha a $lue! <5ou're use to women rea$ting to you, an 1'm not rea$ting, an that's &ugging
you!=
<5eah, 1 know it's shallow as hell, &ut it's like you on't see me, Anita! 1'm not use to that!=
<1'm ating or living with si( men, Bernaro!=
He gave me raise eye&rows!
<My plate is &eyon "ull, okay/ 1t's nothing personal!=
<1 on't want to ate you, Anita, 1 7ust want you to rea$t to me!= He smile, an it was a goo
smile! <1 mean, se( woul &e great, &ut 1 think Te woul kill me, an that takes a lot o" the
happy out o" it "or me!=
<5ou really think he' kill you "or sleeping with me/=
<He might, an miht is goo enough "rom him!=
<So, i" 1 7ust tell you how &eauti"ul you are, then we $an go &a$k to work/=
<1" you mean it,= he sai, an soune o""ene!
<5ou know, this is usually a girl pro&lem!=
<1'm vain, so sue me!=
1 smile, an it was my turn to hol my hans up! 1 took a eep &reath an mae mysel" look
at Bernaro! 1 starte at his "a$e! His eyes were that ark soli &rown, almost &la$k, arker
even than mine! The hair was shiny an &la$k, an 1 knew it ha &lue highlights in the right
light! The skin was that ni$e even ark that only $ertain geneti$s $an give you! But it was the
$urve o" those per"e$t $heek&ones, the line o" that nose that plasti$ surgeons only gave movie
stars a"ter lots o" money $hange hans, the lips "ull an wie, kissa&le! His ne$k was long
an smooth, an 1 $oul see his pulse in the sie o" his ne$k like something that neee
kissing! The &roa shoulers uner his white shirt were ni$e, an the $hest looke like he'
&een hitting the gym3 so i the arms! My ga8e sli to the slimness o" his waist, an then the
hips! 1 let mysel" linger, an ha to amit to mysel" that the &ulge in his pants was
istra$tingly &ulgy! 1 knew that the &ulge got &igger &e$ause 1' seen him nue on$e! 1 knew
he was a$tually so well enowe that even 1 might "in it a &it mu$h, an 1 in't say that
a&out most men!
1 "or$e mysel" to keep going own the mus$ular legs in their 7eans, to the &oots! 1 $ame &a$k
up to his eyes!
<5ou're &lushing,= he sai, &ut he was smiling!
<1 was remem&ering that time in the &ar!=
He grinne wier, o&viously please! <Thinking a&out seeing me nake!=
The &lush that ha &een "aing "lushe &a$k to li"e! 1 noe an starte walking! <Happy
now/= 1 aske!
<Very,= he sai, in a voi$e that showe it! He glie &esie me, to the stares o" every woman
we passe, an some o" the men! 1 woul have thought they might &e looking at me, &ut
Bernaro was a treat &oth $oming an going! 1'm use to &eing the plain Bane when it $omes
to the men in my li"e! 1" it ha &othere me to &e less pretty than a man, 1 $oul never have
ate Bean;,laue ! ! ! or Asher ! ! ! or Mi$ah ! ! ! or )i$har, or 2athaniel! Hell, Bernaro
mae me "eel right at home!
21



1 A>404-1N#D T4 Dr! Memphis an got the name o" Sherman's high priestess! She was in
the phone &ook! +e hit the heat outsie, sunglasses sliing over our eyes like some sort o"
s$ien$e "i$tion shiel! The gesture was alreay automati$, an 1 han't &een in town a ay!
There was musi$ playing, an it took me a "ew se$ons to reali8e it was my phone! 1t was
playing <1'm 2ot in 0ove,= &y 1E$$, &ut it was not a ring tone 1' $hosen! 1 was really going
to have to learn to o my own ring tones! 2athaniel's sense o" humor was &eginning to get on
my nerves!
1 hit the &utton an sai, <+hat's with the $hoi$e o" songs, 2athaniel/=
<1t is not your pussy$at, ma 'etite,= an 7ust like that, 1 was staning in the Vegas heat talking
to the Master Vampire o" St! 0ouis an my main s%uee8e! He never $alle me when 1 was
working with the poli$e unless something really &a ha happene!
<+hat's wrong/= 1 aske! My pulse was suenly in my throat!
Bernaro looke at me, an 1 wave a han, shaking my hea, moving towar #war an
4la" &y the $ar!
<+hy shoul anything &e wrong, ma 'etite/= But his voi$e hel anger, whi$h it in't usually
o! He $oul say nothing was wrong, &ut his voi$e sai otherwise, an sin$e he $oul make
his voi$e as empty o" emotion as a &lank wall, either he wante me to know he was angry, or
he was so pisse that he $ouln't hie it! He was more than "our hunre years ol3 you
learne to hie a lot o" emotion in that mu$h time! So what ha 1 one to piss him o""/ 4r
what ha someone else one/
1 suenly wante priva$y "or the $all! So 1 got in the S6V an the men stoo out in the heat!
1 o""ere to o it the other way aroun, &ut #war ha insiste, an when he insists there's
usually a reason "or it! 1've learne not to argue when he insists3 we all live longer!
1 turne on the air;$onitioning an got $om"orta&le while the three men seeme to &e talking,
%uietly &ut intensely! Hmm!
<(a 'etite, 1 wake an "in you "ar away!=
<1'm not happy a&out it either,= 1 sai! 1 thought a&out him, an that was enough to see him
lying in our &e, the sheets rape $arelessly a$ross his &oy, one long leg $lear o" the sheets!
4ne han hel the phone, &ut the other was playing ily along Asher's &a$k! He woul &e
ea to the worl "or hours yet, &ut it never &othere Bean;,laue to tou$h another vampire
when they were still <ea!= 1 "oun it istur&ing! May&e 1' &een at one too many $rime
s$enes!
He looke up into the air, as i" he "elt me wat$hing him! <+oul you like to see more/=
1 rew my min an attention &a$k to the S6V, the Vegas heat pressing against the $ar! <1
think it woul istra$t me!=
<There are those who woul give all they have to &e istra$te &y me!=
<5ou're angry at me!=
<+e work so har to make the vampire $ommunity think you are truly my servant an not my
master, an then you o this!=
<Do what, my 7o&/=
He sighe, an the soun ease over the phone an own my skin like a shiver o" anti$ipation!
<0eave without my permission,= &ut he mae the last wor soun irty, as i" asking
permission $oul have &een so mu$h "un!
<Stop that, please! 1'm working, or trying to!=
<1 "in that not only are you gone, &ut you have taken no "oo!=
<1 "e this morning!=
<But tomorrow will $ome, ma 'etite!=
<,rispin is here!=
<Ah, yes, your little tiger!= He in't try to keep the sar$asm out o" his voi$e!
1 ignore the sar$asm! <1 took your $all in the mile o" a murer investigation!=
<1 am so grate"ul that you $oul &e &othere!=
1t was way too petty "or Bean;,laue, &ut there it was, his voi$e, his $all! +hat the hell was
going on/ But one o" the goo things a&out Bean;,laue is 1 in't have to prote$t him "rom
the horrors o" my 7o&! He' seen worse, or $lose to it, in his $enturies o" li"e! So 1 tol the
truth! <1've 7ust &een to the morgue an seen what's le"t o" some o" the Vegas >D's "inest! 1
on't nee to "ight with you, on top o" that!=
He sighe! The soun shivere through my min, own my &oy as i" he were right there, 7ust
&ehin me, whispering, tou$hing!
1 threw metaphysi$al shiels in pla$e, though shieling "rom my master wasn't easy! He ha
the keys to my shiels i" he wante to push it! Toay, he let me wrap my shiels an my anger
aroun me! <+hat the "u$k was that/ 1 am trying to solve a multiple homi$ie! 1 o not nee
your min games!=
<My apologies, ma 'etite! 1 think my "eelings are hurt!=
<+hat oes that mean/= 1 aske, voi$e still angry, &ut the rest o" me was $alming own! 1
wasn't sure he' ever sai out lou that his "eelings were hurt!
<1t means, ma 'etite, that 1 thought we ha mae progress in our relationship, an 1 "in that
the groun we ha gaine is not as se$ure as 1 ha thought!=
1 sai the truth, again! <1 have no iea what you 7ust sai! 1 mean, 1 hear it, an it was
#nglish, &ut 1 on't unerstan what you're talking a&out!= 1 reste my "orehea on the
steering wheel, $losing my eyes, an trying to &reathe in the $oolness o" the air;$onitioning!
<But 1 "eel sort o" vaguely like 1 shoul apologi8e, anyway!=
He gave that woner"ul laugh! The one that mae my &oy rea$t as i" he' tou$he way too
intimate a part an "e me $any at the same time! His laugh wasn't 7ust a&out se(3 it "elt so
goo, it shoul have &een "attening!
1 sighe, &ut it was 7ust a sigh! 1 $ouln't o his voi$e tri$ks! <>lease, stop messing with me!
-o, Bean;,laue, 1 $an't work like this!=
He gave a more orinary $hu$kle! <1 think 1 neee to hear that you misse me!=
<How $an you posssi&ly &e inse$ure/ That's my 7o&!=
<5ou make me inse$ure, ma 'etite, only you!=
1 in't know what to say to that, &ut 1 trie! <1'm sorry!=
<1 know you mean that, an it oes help!=
How i 1 get o"" the phone without hurting his "eelings again/ 1 ha no $lue! Shit! 1t wasn't
like him to $all when 1 was o"" with the poli$e! 1 hope, esperately, that it in't &e$ome a
ha&it!
1 reali8e 1 was hun$hing over the steering wheel! 1 mae mysel" sit up straight an avoi
looking in #war's ire$tion!
Bean;,laue's voi$e, when it $ame again, was almost neutral! <+hen 1 woke an hear where
you ha gone, 1 was not ile! There is a swanmane in 0as Vegas! The Swan *ing, Donovan
)ee$e, has alreay o""ere him to &e at your isposal "or "eeing i" the nee arises!=
<Thank Donovan "or me, an 1 o apprei$ate that you're willing to share me with yet one
more man! 1 know we've talke a&out not aing any more!=
<1t's not the "eeing, ma 'etite, it's that you seem in$apa&le o" se( without emotion! 1" you
$oul "u$k an "ee, then 1 woul have no pro&lem with a hunre lovers! ?ee, then never
see them again, &ut you $olle$t men, ma 'etite! 5ou $an "u$k a o8en men, &ut you $annot
ate them all!=
<1'm sort o" aware o" that,= 1 sai!
<Are you/= There was that ege o" anger again!
<1'm 7ust not goo at $asual se(! 1'm sorry!=
<2o, you are not,= an the anger was a little more!
1 in't know what to o with his anger, or this "ight, so 1 ignore it! Men will let you o that
sometimes in a relationship &e$ause they're not girls! <1 may nee something not "eline that is
one o" the &easts 1 $arry insie me! 1 on't $arry swan!=
<1 tell you that 1 am tire o" sharing you with other men, an that you $olle$t them, an you
ask "or more/=
He was going to &e the girl! -reat! ?u$king great! <1 promise when 1 get &a$k to St! 0ouis, we
$an have this "ight! 1 swear! But right now, help me survive this $ase!=
<An how may 1 o that/=
<The weretigers are a little too mu$h sometimes &e$ause o" how many i""erent "lavors 1've
got insie me!= 1' &een atta$ke &y one tiger, &ut $arrie "ive i""erent metaphysi$al $olors
o" them! 2o one ha &een a&le to e(plain how that ha happene! <Di you happen to "in
any wolves 1 $oul &orrow while 1'm here/=
<2o wolves3 the lo$al pa$k seems to "ear that you will &e a isrupting in"luen$e on them, ma
'etite!=
<+hat oes that mean/=
<1t means that the news has gotten out that se( with you $an &e like a vampire's &ite! 4ne
taste an they &elong to you!=
<That's not true,= 1 sai, &ut my pulse ha spe!
<5ou lie to yoursel", ma 'etite!=
<Stop $alling me that!=
<5ou have not aske me to give up your pet name in many years!=
<1t's the way you're saying it, like you're angry an trying not to show it!=
<1 am angry, &e$ause 1 am a"rai "or you! Vittorio was vi$ious in St! 0ouis, an it has &een all
over the news that three o" their S+AT have &een kille! They are not easily kille, your
S+AT!=
+hat i 1 say to that/ He was right! <1'm sorry 1 ha to leave without talking to you "irst!=
<1 hear true regret in that phrase! +hat woul you have tol me, i" 1 ha sai it was too
angerous/ +hat woul you have one i" 1 ha sai, o not go/=
1 thought a&out that, then "inally sai, <1 woul have $ome anyway!=
<5ou see, you are not my servant! 5ou will never &e a servant!=
<1 thought the iea was to make the vampire $ommunity think 1 was a goo little human
servant! 1 in't know you still thought 1' toe the line "or you!= 1 ha a little heat in my
wors, again! 1t was a tri$kle o" anger to warm me! 4" $ourse, it was warm enough that anger
might not &e what 1 neee!
<That is not what 1 meant!=
<1t's what you sai!=
He mae a so"t, e(asperate soun! <>erhaps 1 am still "ool enough to &elieve that you will
truly &e mine!=
<An what the hell oes that mean/=
He was %uiet "or so long that it was unnerving! Vampires in't have to &reathe on the phone,
an only years o" pra$ti$e mae me sure he was still there! 1 waite, an "inally he spoke!
<5ou nee some o" our people with you! 5ou nee your own leopar, an wol", or lion!=
<1 on't have a lion o" my own, yet!=
<4ur lo$al )e( woul &e yours i" you woul allow it!=
<5eah, an his )egina woul hunt me own an kill me! 1've met her! She's pisse 1'm
sleeping with him! 1" 1 make him my lion to $all, she'll see that as a $hallenge! 1'm goo,
Bean;,laue, &ut 1'm not goo enough to win a "air "ight with a werelion o" her power!=
<Then o not "ight "air,= he sai!
<1" 1 $heat, then &y lion law others $an gang up on me an kill me "or that! 1've stuie up on
it sin$e 1 met the new )egina o" the St! 0ouis $lan! Trust me, Bean;,laue, 1 have thought
a&out this!=
<Do you truly &elieve she woul kill you i" you ha a stronger $laim on her king/=
<5ep,= 1 sai, <&e$ause she tol me that she woul share him! That 1 $oul &e his mistress &ut
not his wi"e! She was his wi"e!=
<5ou i not mention this to me!=
<1t's lions, not wolves! My animal, not yours!=
He sighe, an it wasn't his teasing sigh, 7ust tire! <(a 'etite, ma 'etite, when will you learn
that what is yours is mine! Any anger to you, 1 nee to know!=
<1'll tell you all my se$rets when you tell me all yours,= 1 sai!
<Tou$hO, ma 'etite, a "ine eep $ut that one!= He was &a$k to &eing angry!
<+hy are you angry with me/= 1 aske!
<5ou are right, 1 am &eing $hilish, &ut 1 on't know how to help you! 1 on't know how to
keep you sa"e in Vegas! Do you unerstan that, ma 'etite/ 1 o not know how to keep you
sa"e "rom Ma( an his %ueen! 1 $annot help you "rom hunres o" miles away! 1 $annot sen
you our guars &e$ause you have a &age, an the poli$e will not let our guars guar you!
+hat o you want me to o, ma 'etite/ +hat the hell o you want me to o/= He was yelling
now! He almost never yelle! His losing his temper helpe me keep mine! 1' never hear him
use the wor hell &e"ore! 1n "a$t, hearing him that out o" $ontrol let me know 7ust how s$are
he was "or me! That s$are me!
<1t's okay, Bean;,laue, 1'll think o" something! 1'm sorry!=
<Sorry "or what, Anita/= He never use my name3 it was a very &a sign!
<1'm sorry that you're a"rai "or me! 1'm sorry that 1've mae you "eel helpless! 1'm sorry that
1'm here, an you're right, 1 $an't &e a marshal an your human servant at the same time! 1
have to $hoose, an on$e the poli$e are involve it means 1 have to $hoose the &age! +hi$h
may &e e(a$tly what Vittorio planne! 1'm sorry that #war may &e right, an this is like the
ultimate trap "or me!=
<(a 'etite, 1 i not mean to lose my temper, &ut it is not 7ust Vittorio that you nee "ear!=
<1 know that &eing aroun the weretigers is going to test my a&ility to $ontrol the &easts insie
me!=
<1 "ear so!=
<1s there anything you haven't tol me a&out Ma( or his tigers/=
<Shall 1 &e $oy, an say that you know all/=
<The truth woul &e ni$e!=
<)e$ently, Ma( wante you to visit his $ity an sleep with more o" his tigers! They want, very
mu$h, to see i" the new psy$hi$ powers that ,rispin an the re tiger, Ale(, gaine "rom you
"eeing the ardeur was a onetime thing or $an &e share with others o" their $lan!=
<1'm not sure those were my powers at all! The Lueen o" All Darkness, Marmee 2oir,
possesse me "or a $ouple o" ays! +ith the help o" my inner wol", 1 kept "rom &eing
$onsume &y her, &ut 1 still think any e(tra powers that the tigers gaine $ame "rom her, not
me!=
<That may &e, &ut Ma( an his %ueen woul like to test the theory!=
<1 thought they were a"rai 1' take over any tiger 1 "e on an that he was pisse how
evote ,rispin is to me/=
<All that is true, &ut in the last "ew weeks, Ma(imillian has aske "or a visit, or to sen tigers
to you "or "eeing!=
<An you were going to tell me all this when/=
<(a 'etite, 1 am alreay sharing you with eight other men, or is it nine/ 5ou have enough
"oo here in St! 0ouis3 we o not nee more in your &e! 1 o not really wish to a to your
lovers!=
Bust hearing him say it that way mae me "eel s%ueegy! <Do 1 apologi8e again/=
<2o, "or it is my ardeur that you $arry! 1 $annot "ault you "or gaining my hunger!=
<+hy o you think Ma( $hange his min a&out letting me have some more tigers/=
<1 &elieve it is his wi"e, Bi&iana! By the way, ma 'etite, knowing your sense o" humor, 1 will
$aution you that only Ma( $alls her Bi&i! She is Bi&iana, or ,hang;Bi&i!=
<5ou gave me this le$ture &e"ore Ma( visite us last time! ,hang, epening on
pronun$iation, is the name o" a moon goess! 1 won't say it to her "a$e, &ut it oes make me
rea meeting her a little to know that it's not enough to &e %ueen3 her title has to mean
oddess!=
<1t is a traitional title, not one she $hose, ma 'etite!=
<1" you say so!=
<1 o!=
<4kay, 1'll o my &est not to use her hus&an's ni$kname "or her, i" it's like a serious "au(
pas!=
<1t is! She is a very power"ul weretiger, an she seeks more power! 1" she $oul have other
tigers with the new a&ility that ,rispin has, then it woul &e goo "or her $lan!=
<He $an $all like stati$ ele$tri$ity, Bean;,laue3 it's like a little ou$hy, &ut it's not a weapon! 1t
works &est when he has metal to tou$h, so it's really limite without metal aroun him!=
<,rispin is one o" her weaker tigers! The tigers she o""ere to us re$ently were not so weak!=
<She's hoping that i" they're more power"ul shapeshi"ters, then their a&ility to o the lightning
thing will &e greater!=
2Oui.3
<+hat o you want me to o a&out it/=
<1 o not unerstan, ma 'etite!=
<Do you want me to avoi "eeing on her tigers while 1'm here/=
<+hat will you "ee on, i" not the tigers/=
<1've got the swanmane, thanks to you, an 1 $an "ee on anger now!=
<1" you $an avoi "eeing on any &ut ,rispin, 1 think that woul &e wise!=
<1'll o my &est!=
<4" that, ma 'etite, 1 have no ou&t!=
<Thanks!=
<1t is the truth! 1 may not always en7oy your $hoi$es, an they are $ertainly not mine, &ut you
always try your harest an o your &est! 1 o unerstan that, ma 'etite!=
<1'm sorry you on't like the $hoi$es, &ut thanks "or noti$ing that 1'm trying!=
<5ou are wel$ome!=
<But i" 1 o have to "ee on other tigers, is it okay with you/ 1 mean, will it a""e$t the &alan$e
o" power among the tiger $lans i" the white $lan suenly has this u&er;version o" ,rispin's
power/=
<A wise %uestion, ma 'etite, &ut 1 have a &etter one!=
<Shoot!=
<+oul you truly sleep with strangers/=
<1 on't know, 1 haven't met the strangers yet!=
He laughe then, an it ha the "irst ege o" that $aressing energy! <So terri&ly you, that
$omment, ma 'etite!=
<+ell, it's the truth! 1" "eeing o"" a "ew o" his tigers will make Ma( an his wi"e happier with
me an you, then it's not a "ate worse than, whatever!=
<5ou have always &een pra$ti$al, even ruthless, in violen$e, &ut this is the "irst hint 1 have ha
that you may &e growing pra$ti$al in the &eroom!=
<5ou aren't here to keep me sa"e, so 1'll have to use what you've taught me to o it "or you!=
<An what have 1 taught you, ma 'etite/=
<That se( is 7ust another tool in the arsenal!=
<Do you &elieve that/= he aske!
<2o, &ut you o!=
<2ot with you, ma 'etite, never!=
<2ot true3 when we "irst met, you trie to seu$e me!=
<All men try to seu$e the women they want!=
<May&e, &ut you i tea$h me that a little se( isn't a "ate worse than eath!=
<Very wise, ma 'etite!=
<But $heer up, Bean;,laue, i" the weretigers are involve in the murer, then may&e Ma( an
his %ueen are part o" the group that murere the poli$emen! 1" 1 $an prove them guilty, then 1
$an kill them, legally, not as your human servant &ut as a 6!S! Marshal!=
<+e kille the Master o" the ,ity o" ,harleston an have put our own vampire in his pla$e! 1"
we slay another Master o" the ,ity, the vampire $oun$il $oul use it as an e($use to is$ipline
us!=
<Dis$ipline how/=
<+e have enemies on the $oun$il, as you know!=
<1 remem&er!=
<Also, Ma( an Bi&iana's eath woul leave a huge va$uum o" power in Vegas,= he sai!
<1s that our pro&lem/= 1 aske!
<2ot i" you have no $hoi$e, an they have truly murere all these poli$e o""i$ers, &ut i" we
$oul avoi leaving su$h a va$uum o" power, it woul &e &etter!=
<1'll keep that in min!=
<But o not hesitate, ma 'etite! Do whatever you must to $ome &a$k to me!=
<,ount on it,= 1 sai!
<1 o! +oul you, how o you say, "rame Ma( an his %ueen/=
<2o, &ut 1 might "uge a &it!=
<+hat oes that mean in this $onte(t, ma 'etite/=
<1t means that we might have enough proo" to e(e$ute, then "in out we were wrong! 1' still
&e in the $lear legally!=
<Truly/= he aske!
<5ep!=
<5our warrants o" e(e$ution $an &e very "rightening o$uments, ma 'etite!=
<A li$ense to murer is what one lawyer $alle it!=
<1 will trust you to &e as pra$ti$al as you nee to &e, ma 'etite! 1 will "in others to sen to
Vegas, "or other &usiness reasons!=
<+hat sort o" other &usiness/=
<There is always &usiness to o, ma 'etite!=
<0ike what/=
<Ma( has aske "or some o" our an$ers to $ome an guest;star in his show!=
<Bear in min that Vittorio may have ha people wat$hing me in St! 0ouis! He may know
who's spe$ial to me! Don't give him hostages, Bean;,laue! So whomever you sen, make
sure they $an hanle it!=
<1 will $hoose $are"ully, ma 'etite!=
<How soon will you get some o" them here/=
<Tomorrow, at the latest!=
<4kay, &ut 1'm going to push to see the tigers &e"ore night"all! They live in a high;rise, so
Ma( oesn't have the unergroun to help him wake early like you o! 1'm going to try to
%uestion the tigers while it's 7ust the %ueen! She's his animal to $all, whi$h means separate
&y his aytime sleep, she's not as power"ul!=
<Do remem&er in $hess, ma 'etite, that the %ueen is "ar more angerous to your men than the
king!=
1t was my turn to laugh! <1 never "orget that a woman $an &e angerous, Bean;,laue!=
<Sometimes you o "orget that you are not the most angerous woman in a room!=
<Are you saying 1'm arrogant/=
<1 am saying, the truth! Je taime, ma 'etite!=
<1 love you, too!=
He hung up then, an 1 guess he was right! +e were one, &ut it still "elt like the $onversation
ha gone &aly, or like he han't sai everything he neee to say! 1 love Bean;,laue, an
Asher, &ut 1 misse my house! 1 misse living with Mi$ah an 2athaniel in our house! 1 also
misse my alone time with Bean;,laue! Asher, or someone, was always with us, &e$ause we
"inally reali8e we ha a spy in our mist! 4r may&e that was too harsh3 we ha gossip!
Vampires love to gossip! 5ou' think living so long woul make them great philosophers or
s$holars, an a "ew o that, &ut most are 7ust people with very long lives, an they love a goo
rumor! So we ha to make sure the rumor mill sai that Bean;,laue was spening a lot o"
time with the men! +hi$h meant that suenly 1 was never alone with anyone! 1 like, or
love, everyone, &ut a little alone time with them iniviually woul have &een ni$e! But how
the hell o you ate that many men an have any priva$y/ 2o $lue! An "orget me having
alone time with mysel"3 that 7ust in't happen anymore! 1t was to the point that the only time
1 was alone was in the $ar going "rom one 7o& to another! Things ha to $hange, &ut 1 wasn't
sure how!
But "or toay, all 1 ha to o was "in a serial killer! 1 knew 1 neee to see a +i$$an
priestess, an the %ueen o" all the weretigers in Vegas, or e($use me, ,hang o" all the tigers! 1
neee to o the tigers &e"ore it got too ark! 1 ha $lear;$ut goals an a time $onstraint!
+hen a murer investigation this aw"ul is simpler than my love li"e, something has gone
horri&ly wrong! The pro&lem was, how i 1 "i( what ha gone wrong, an e(a$tly what was
wrong/ 1 7ust knew 1 wasn't entirely happy, an neither were some o" the men! 1 was
&eginning to reali8e that unhappiness might in$lue Bean;,laue! 2ot goo!
1 got out o" the $ar an wat$he the three men $ome towar me, their "a$es showing that
they' &een arguing, too! -reat, we $oul all &e grumpy together!
22



#D+A)D HAD BAS1,A005 &een telling 4la" to stay the "u$k away "rom me! 4la" ha
&een telling him that unless he was "u$king me, it was none o" his &usiness! 4ly, i" #war
ha &een oing me, then 4la" woul have a$$epte that 1 was o"" limits! Apparently, it ha
never o$$urre to #war to lie a&out that! 1 was 7ust as gla &e$ause 1 $oul never have
pretene that! 2ot to mention that i" the rumor got &a$k to Donna, she' &e heart&roken, an
their son, #war's stepson, >eter, woul never "orgive either #war or me! 1t was all too
weir an ?reuian "or me!
The goo news was that the warrants woul &e $oming soon! #war ha a "a( num&er "or
the lo$al poli$e! <5ou really have worke Vegas &e"ore,= 1 sai!
He noe!
Something o$$urre to me that han't &e"ore, an 1 "elt stupi "or not thinking o" it sooner!
<Di you know the lo$al e(e$utioner/=
<5es!= So, #war, one wor, simply yes!
1 stuie his "a$e an knew that the sunglasses pro&a&ly in't hie anything use"ul in his
eyes, &ut ! ! ! 1 ha to ask! <Di you like him/=
<He was $ompetent!=
<2ot goo, 7ust $ompetent,= 1 sai!
<He ha more rules than you an 1 o! 1t limite him!= His voi$e was utterly $ool, no emotion!
<So, you' met the ea operators, too/=
He shook his hea! <4nly +i8ar!=
<+i8ar/=
<)any Sherman!=
1 stuie his "a$e! <5ou 7ust saw a man in the morgue who you knew, ha worke with, an it
in't ! ! != 1 wave my hans, as i" trying to gra& the right wor out o" the air! <Din't it
move you/= The %uestion was inae%uate, &ut it woul have &een too stupi to ask #war i"
he $are!
<4nly a woman woul ask that,= 4la" sai!
1 noe! <5ou're a&solutely right, &ut 1 am a woman, so 1 get to ask! 1t woul &other me
more to have looke at a man who 1 knew in there! 1t was &a enough as a stranger! 1 kept
thinking a&out the S+AT guys 1' met earlier, an knew that all the ea in there ha &een
7ust as tall, 7ust as pro"essional, 7ust as vital, an now it was all gone!=
<5ou' have $are more,= #war sai, <&ut it wouln't have stoppe you "rom oing your
7o&! Sometimes you work &etter when you're upset!=
<Do 1 say thanks/=
<My rea$tion &others you, 1 get that, Anita, &ut 1've seen a lot o" men ie who 1 knew! A"ter a
while you either eal with it &etter or get a esk 7o&! 1 on't want a esk 7o&!=
1 wante to yell at him! 5ell that 1 knew he $are "or Donna an the kis! 1 was pretty sure he
even $are "or me, &ut his la$k o" emotion a&out the men in the morgue remine me that
#war was still a mystery to me, an may&e always woul &e!
<Don't overthink it,= Bernaro sai!
1 turne to him, reay to &e ma, &e$ause &eing ma at him woul &e easier than yelling at
#war! <+hat's that suppose to mean/=
<1t means you're &eing a girl, an you nee to &e the guy 1 know is in there, or you're going to
weir yoursel" out a&out Te here! 5ou nee to trust him, not ou&t him now!=
<1 o trust him!=
<Then let it go, Anita!=
1 opene my mouth, then $lose it, then turne &a$k to #war! <1'm not going to get this, am
1/=
<2o,= he sai!
1 i a pushing;away gesture! <?ine, "ine, let's o something use"ul!=
<+hen we serve the warrant, they'll insist that S+AT go with us! They're very serious a&out
that here in 0as Vegas!= His voi$e was still empty, as i" his emotions han't $aught up wth
him!
<+e aren't hunting them! +e're 7ust gathering in"ormation! 5ou an 1 &oth are pretty sure
Ma( is too mainstream to approve o" his people killing poli$emen!=
<4ne, i" we've got a warrant in han, S+AT goes with us in Vegas! They mean that! Two,
Ma( is well $onne$te, Anita, whi$h means the lo$al $ops on't want us walking in on his
wi"e an "amily with a warrant o" e(e$ution, an no one wat$hing us!=
<Do they really think we' 7ust go in there an start shooting/= 1 aske!
#war looke at me! 1t was the most emotion 1' seen on his "a$e in the last "ew minutes!
<1s my rep that &a/= 1 aske!
Bernaro sai, <Most o" the poli$e see us as &ounty hunters with &ages! ,ops on't like
&ounty hunters!=
<There are going to &e things that 1 nee to say that 1 $an't say in "ront o" -rimes an his
men,= 1 sai!
<The lieutenant pro&a&ly won't &e $oming personally,= #war sai!
<5ou know what 1 mean, #war!=
<+e'll see i" we $an istra$t them "or you,= #war sai!
<1" 1 am not allowe to hurt them,= 4la" sai, <then 1 will not &e goo at istra$ting them!=
<?air enough,= 1 sai!
Bernaro grinne at me! <1'll o my &est, &ut 1'm &etter at istra$ting the laies!=
<1'll see i" 1 $an get you some priva$y,= #war sai, an "rowne at &oth the other men!
<Hey,= Bernaro sai, <1'm 7ust &eing honest, &ut "rankly 1 think the S+AT team is going to
glue itsel" to Anita!=
<+hy me/= 1 aske!
<Deputy 0oren8o is "riens with the woman who works in the "ront o""i$e "or their S+AT!
Di you really o a one;arm $url o" two hunre si(ty pouns/=
1 "ought to give him "ull eye $onta$t! <2o!=
<Then what i you o/= he aske!
<A two;arm $url,= 1 sai!
#war an 4la" were looking at me now, too! <+hy woul you raw that mu$h attention to
yoursel"/= #war aske!
<5ou've seen them, #war3 i" you in't know me, woul you let me serve a warrant with
them/=
<5ou're a 6!S! Marshal, Anita! 1t's our warrant! They're &a$king us up!=
1 shook my hea! <1 neee to prove to them that 1 $oul hanle mysel"! The weights were
right there! 1t seeme like the %ui$kest way to settle it!=
<How i you e(plain that you $oul $url almost three times your own &oy weight without
"alling over or &usting something/= He soune isguste!
<1 on't nee this "rom you, #war, Te, whatever! 5ou on't know what's it like to &e the
girl! To always have to prove yoursel"! 5ou get tire o" it!=
<+hat i you tell them/=
<The truth!=
He took his glasses o"" an ru&&e his eyes! <+hat oes that mean/=
<That 1'm $arrying i""erent kins o" ly$anthropy! -rimes ha rea my "ile, #war, it's in
there now! The >hilaelphia poli$e oute me when 1 ene up surviving an healing a"ter
having my skull $ra$ke!=
<5ou on't have a s$ar,= he sai!
<2o, 1 on't, 7ust like 1 on't have a s$ar "rom the weretiger atta$k in St! 0ouis! 5ou've seen
>eter's s$ars "rom the same &eastie! 1t gutte me, remem&er/= 1 pulle my shirt out o" my
pants enough to "lash my smooth, untou$he stoma$h! <1 $an't play human anymore,
#war!=
23



B#)2A)D4 A2D 40A? &oth move away a little, as i" the emotion were too mu$h "or
them, or they were leaving the hysteri$al woman to #war! There was more than one reason
he was the uno""i$ial leaer! +hen you o the har things, you get to $all the shots!
He looke at me "or a moment, then aske, <Are you all right/=
1t was su$h a weir thing to ask that 1 wasn't angry, 7ust pu88le! <+hat the hell oes that
mean/=
<1t means what 1 sai! 5ou seem on ege!=
<4h, 1 on't know, 1've got a serial killer mailing me &oy parts! 1 ha 0ieutenant -rimes
a$tually ask me i" 1 was Bean;,laue's human servant! My &loo test alone shoul have gotten
my &age yanke, &ut no one's $ome to talk to me a&out it! 1've &een living with Bean;,laue
an the guys at the ,ir$us "or months, an 1 miss my house! 1 miss my stu""! 1 miss &eing
alone with 2athaniel an Mi$ah! 1 miss &eing alone with any&oy! There are too many amn
men in my li"e, an 1 on't know what to o a&out it!=
<5ou on't want ating avi$e "rom me, Anita!=
That mae me smile, in spite o" mysel"! <1 guess not!=
<But you aren't the only preternatural &ran$h marshal who's &een atta$ke on the 7o&! 1 think
unless you a$tually shi"t an they $oul prove you a anger in $ourt, they aren't going to
&it$h! 1 think they're a"rai o" getting sue, workman's $omp or something like that! They
$ertainly on't want the "irst o" us in $ourt "ighting to keep their &age to &e you!=
<+hy not/= 1 aske!
<5ou're a woman! 5ou're pretty! 5ou're petite! 5ou' look like the poster $hil "or &eing
pi$ke on &y the &ig &a government!=
1 "rowne at him! <1'm no one's vi$tim, #war!=
<1 know that, an you know that, &ut the meia won't know that!=
<So you're saying that i" 1 were a man, they' have aske "or my &age &y now/=
<2ot ne$essarily, &ut &eing a girl helps you here3 on't &egruge that!=
1 shook my hea! <?ine, "ine, whatever, "u$k it! Do you really think that S+AT will insist on
$oming with us/=
<1" we're serving an a$tive warrant, yes!=
<+ell, then a trip to the tigers is almost useless! 1 $an't talk "reely enough in "ront o" them!=
<+e $an see the priestess "irst, &ut you're not going to avoi -rimes an his men!=
<Damn it!=
<Most o" the time it's ni$e to have that mu$h e(tra "irepower an te$hnology &ehin us! Bust
"or you, me, 4tto, we $an o an say things on our own that we on't want S+AT to see or
hear! 5ou "or all the se$rets, an us "or pra$ti$al solutions!=
<1'm pretty pra$ti$al mysel", #war!=
<Ted, Anita3 you nee to work on that an use the right name!=
<?ine, Ted, 1 o my share o" pra$ti$al solutions!= 1 took a eep &reath in an &lew it out,
slowly! <+e $an see the priestess while we're waiting "or the warrants! 1t'll give me the
illusion we're oing something use"ul!=
Bernaro an 4la" ha sile &a$k over! The "a$t that 1 han't reali8e they were within
hearing istan$e sai 1 was a lot more istra$te than was goo "or my 7o&!
<5ou soun &umme, &a&e, i your unea &oy"rien not $ome through "or you/= Bernaro
sai!
<Do not $all me babe, or any other term o" enearment, okay/=
Bernaro sprea his hans, as i" to say, 1ine!
<Di your vampire lover isappoint you/= 4la" aske, an whereas it ha &een pure teasing
with Bernaro, 4la" mae it soun way too serious!
<My relationship with Bean;,laue is none o" your &usiness!=
He 7ust looke at me, an even through sunglasses 1 $oul "eel his stare, heavy an
un$om"orta&le!
<+hat/= 1 emane!
#war steppe &etween us, literally &lo$king my view o" the other man! <Drop it, Anita!
+e'll go see Sherman's priestess3 &y then the warrants will &e up! +e'll eal with our poli$e
es$ort when the time $omes!=
1 reali8e that #war pro&a&ly neee to know some o" the potential pro&lems with the
weretigers! But 1 in't owe the other two men the e(planation! <+e nee to talk, #war,= 1
sai!
<Talk,= he sai!
<1n private!=
<5ou 7ust ha a private is$ussion,= Bernaro sai!
<2o, 1 got upset, an &oth o" you &aile on the hysteri$al woman, an le"t # ! ! ! Te to eal
with me! 2ow 1 nee to tell him things that really are private!=
<+e are your &a$kup3 on't we nee to know what's going on/= Bernaro sai!
<1'll tell ! ! ! Te, an then i" he thinks you nee to know, 1'll tell you!=
They in't like it, &ut when they got to sit in the $ar with the air;$onitioning, Bernaro like
it &etter! 4la" went &e$ause he ha no $hoi$e, &ut he in't like it!
+hen we were alone in the pouning, &right heat o" the Vegas esert, 1 tol #war! 1 tol
him a&out Ma( an his %ueen wanting me to sleep with their tigers! 1 tol him a&out
a$$ientally giving powers to ,rispin!
#war took o"" his hat, wipe the area o" the sweat &an, an settle the hat &a$k on his
hea! <5ou o have the most interesting pro&lems!=
<1s that a $omplaint/=
<Bust an o&servation!=
<5ou know everything 1 know now3 o we nee to tell the other two/=
<Some o" it!=
<1'll let you tell as mu$h, or as little, as you think we nee!=
<+hat i" 1 tell them all o" it/=
<1" you think that's &est3 1 trust your 7ugment!=
He noe, an starte "or the $ar! <0et's get out o" the heat, an 1'll tell them something
while we go see a wit$h!=
<She's a +i$$an high priestess3 not all +i$$ans like to &e $alle wit$hes!=
<1'll remem&er that!=
<5ou alreay know that,= 1 sai!
He smile at me! <5ou know, i" we really were sleeping together, 4la" woul &a$k o""!=
1 gave him the look the $omment eserve! <5ou aren't serious/=
<A&out oing it "or real, no! Donna woul never "orgive either o" us, an it woul estroy
>eter! Besies, it woul 7ust &e ! ! != He mae a wa""ling motion with his han! <+rong!=
<0ike oing "amily,= 1 sai!
He noe! <Something like that! 1t's not what we are to ea$h other!=
<So what o you suggest/=
<How $lose are you to this tiger ,rispin/=
<Bi&li$al,= 1 sai!
He smile an shook his hea! <1s he ominant or weak/=
<+eak!=
<That won't make 4la" &a$k o""! 1t's got to &e someone that 4la" $an respe$t!=
<,an't help you there! +ait, he knows 1'm oing Bean;,laue an Mi$ah an 2athaniel! Are
you saying none o" them measure up to his stanars, &ut you woul/=
<He oesn't respe$t any man he thinks might &e gay, Anita!=
<5eah, 4tto is an all;aroun pre7ui$e &astar! But they're all oing me, regarless o" who
else they're oing3 that makes them like girls/=
<4tto is like a lot o" people3 &ise(ual is still gay, i" you're oing guy;on;guy!= He grinne
suenly, an it was pure Te ?orrester! <4" $ourse, girl;on;girl is 7ust one guy away "rom a
"antasy!=
<>lease, on't tell me you think that's true/=
His grin so"tene aroun the eges, an the real #war leake into his "a$e, even aroun the
sunglasses! <1 have to &e Te while we're here, Anita! +e've got too many $ops aroun to &e
mysel"!= The grin $ame &a$k, wie an goo ol' &oy! <An Te thinks that les&ian means you
7ust haven't met the right man!=
<1' like to introu$e Te to my "rien Sylvie an her partner! Trust me, neither one o" them
thinks they nee a man in their li"e, not in any way!=
<+e goo ol' &oys nee our illusions, Anita!= +e were almost to the $ar!
1 spoke low! <5ou're a&out as mu$h a goo ol' &oy as 1 am ! ! ! Te!=
<1'll have to &e Te i" S+AT is with us, Anita!=
1 stare at him! <Shit!=
He noe! <5ou aren't the only one who has to &e $are"ul with an auien$e!=
<+hen having poli$e aroun makes you have to lie all the time, #war, may&e we aren't the
goo guys/=
He opene the passenger oor "or me, whi$h he never i! 1 let him, "or 4la"'s sake, &ut it
&ugge me! #war leane $lose an whispere in my ear so that 4la" woul think he was
whispering sweet nothings, &ut what he a$tually sai, was, <+e aren't the goo guys, Anita!
+e're the ne$essary guys!=
1 settle into the seat, with 4la" an Bernaro wonering what #war ha sai to me! 1
$ouln't make my "a$e mat$h his smiling one! 1 $ouln't play along that he' whispere
something naughty in my ear! 1 $oul only sit an let my sunglasses hie my eyes an help me
lie to the people who were suppose to &e helping me!
1 was lying to the poli$e, lying to my &a$kup3 the only person 1 wasn't lying to was #war!
?unny how that was usually the $ase when we worke together! He e(plaine that the
weretigers' %ueen might try to "i( me up with some o" her people in a &i to &in themselves
$loser to Bean;,laue's power &ase! True, as "ar as it went! 1 7ust stare ahea an kept the
glasses on!
#war turne in his seat so he $oul see &oth men &etter! He starte &y e(plaining to all o"
us! <1 arrange "or the warrant to &e roppe o"" here, at the $oroner's parking lot! +e $an
$hat while we wait!=
<,hat/= 4la" sai, suspi$ion plain in his voi$e!
Then #war starte in with no pream&le, 7ust straight to the point! <Anita has a lover among
the weretigers! He'll pro&a&ly &e "rienly to her, so let him!=
<How "rienly/= Bernaro aske!
1 laughe, 1 $ouln't help it! <0et's 7ust say that ,rispin is a little ! ! ! eager!=
<How eager/= 4la" aske, an he in't soun happy at all!
1 turne in the seat so 1 $oul see them &oth! <5ou guys know 1 nee to "ee the ardeur3 well,
,rispin will pro&a&ly &e my "oo either tonight or tomorrow morning!=
<?ee, how/= 4la" aske!
<Se(, 4la", 1'll "ee uring se(!=
<So the rumors are true.you really are a su$$u&us, then/= Bernaro sai!
<5eah, 1 guess 1 am!=
<5ou on't have to go to the monsters to "ee,= 4la" sai!
<1've "e on ,rispin &e"ore, so he knows what to e(pe$t!=
<1 woul &e happy to help,= Bernaro sai!
<2o,= 4la" sai, <i" she "ees on any o" us, it will &e me!=
1 shook my hea! <1 know your iea o" se(, 4la"3 1 on't think 1' survive long enough to
"ee!=
<?or you, 1 woul try!=
1 stare at his sunglass;$overe eyes with my own! 1 trie to see past that impassive "a$e! 1
unerstoo that he ha o""ere me se(, 7ust se(, not violen$e, an that "or him, that was
almost unhear o"! 1t was a positive step "or 4la", &ut 1 so i not want to &e that step!
1 looke at #war "or some help!
<5ou' really 7ust have se( with Anita, not tie her up or $ut her up/=
4la" noe! <1 woul try!=
#war li$ke his lips, a sign o" nervousness, though in this heat, may&e not! <1 in't think
you thought o" se( without the violen$e!=
<?or her, 1 woul try,= he repeate!
<#war,= 1 sai, <help me out here!=
<1t's a &ig step "or him, Anita! 5ou have no iea how &ig!=
<1 have some iea, &ut ! ! !=
#war lowere his glasses enough to give me his eyes, an those eyes tol me something!
They tol me to &e $are"ul an not &low this! 1t took me a se$on, then 1 reali8e he was right!
1t was a hell o" a lot &etter that 4la" wante <normal= se( than to go all serial killer on my ass!
1t was a lesser evil, so 1 trie to say something that wouln't $rush his attempt at &eing &etter!
<1 on't know what to say to that 4la"! 1'm ! ! ! "lattere an entirely $reepe all at the same
time!= Mostly, in truth, 1 was 7ust "reake, &ut 1 in't want him to think that 1 re7e$te his
iea that se( $oul &e a&out something other than eath! 1 mean, may&e i" he thought that
a&out me, he might "in someone else whom he $oul a$tually have a relationshp with! Too
weir, too entirely weir, that 4la" might &e salvagea&le! But who the hell woul 1 trust in his
&e/ +ho the hell woul 1 risk, on the $han$e that he might not go apeshit on her/ There were
no goo answers here, 7ust strange ones! 1 ha that "eeling o" "alling own the ra&&it hole,
e($ept there' never &een serial killers in $lice in Wonderland, though 1 guess you $oul
make a $ase "or the Lueen o" Hearts! 4"" with their heasA
24



1 ?100#D 6> the awkwar silen$e &y asking #war %uestions a&out his last time in Vegas,
an what he knew a&out the men on S+AT here! 1t was only minutes later that a &ig S6V
pulle into the parking lot! 1 $aught the green uni"orms on &roa shoulers &e"ore 1 noti$e
e(a$tly what "a$es went with the shoulers!
<Don't uni"orms or "lunkies eliver warrants in Vegas 7ust like everywhere else/= 1 aske!
<Di 1 mention that 1 vanishe on them last time 1 was here/= #war aske!
1 glare at him! <So this is your "ault, not mine!=
<4h, 1 think we'll share!=
+arrants were usually elivere &y whomever they $oul spare! 1nstea, it was Sergeant
Hooper an one o" the pra$titioners! The moment 1 saw them, 1 knew #war ha &een right3
they weren't going to let us serve the warrant on our own! ,rap! Hooper was all serious! The
pra$titioner with him seeme more rela(e! This was the one with &rown hair so $urly that
even the short hair$ut $ouln't hie the "a$t! +hat was his name/ Spier, that was it! 1" Santa
$oul tell i" you were naughty or ni$e, an ,anni&al $oul eat you, what the hell i Spier
o/ 1 wasn't sure 1 wante to know!
+e all got out o" our tru$ks an walke towar ea$h other! They were &oth still in their green
uni"orms, &la$k &oots, no $on$ession to the weather! 1 wonere what it woul have to o in
Vegas "or them to a to or su&tra$t "rom their warro&e!
<Sergeant,= #war sai, in his Te voi$e, managing to put more positive emotion in one
wor than in most $onversations! He walke "orwar, smiling, han out!
Hooper took the han an almost smile! <Te!=
#war turne to the other operator! <Spier!=
<Te!=
#war introu$e 4la" an Bernaro! Hanshakes all aroun! 1 7oine the ritual, worlessly,
though Spier an Hooper &oth sai, <Anita,= as we shook! #war ha e(plaine that not
everyone got ni$knames3 some 7ust use their "irst names, like San$he8, whose "irst name
turne out to a$tually &e Arrio!
1 han't aske #war what Spier's talent was, &ut 1 woul when we ha some priva$y! 1"
we ever ha priva$y in Vegas again! 1 was &eginning to worry that Bernaro ha &een right,
an S+AT was going to &e our new &est &uies!
<+e thought we' &ring the warrant personally, Te,= Hooper sai! He smile then!
<+ouln't want another misunerstaning!=
Te i an oh;shu$ks shrug! <1t was my "irst time in Vegas3 sorry a&out the $on"usion on
where we were meeting up, &ut on$e the vampire showe up, there wasn't time to $all you
guys!=
<)ight,= Hooper sai, not like he &elieve it, really!
<All the marshals in your epartment have a reputation "or &eing the 0one )anger,= Spier
sai!
<He was a Te(as )anger, not a 6!S! Marshal,= 1 sai!
Spier "rowne at me! <+hat/=
<The 0one )anger was a Te(as )anger, not a marshal!=
Spier smile, shaking his hea! <4kay, 1'll try to &e more pre$ise!=
That's it, Anita, $orre$t the man's $onversation, that'll win him over! 1 $ouln't apologi8e.
one, 1 han't really one anything wrong3 two, apologi8ing woul raw attention to the "a$t
that 1' &een awkwar! 1n man lan, the less sai, the &etter! 1" Spier ha &een a woman 1'
have neee to say something pla$ating, &ut one plus to working with men was that they
in't e(pe$t, or want, that! 1' &een working with so many more men than women "or so
long, 1 was a$tually getting a little rusty on girl talk! 1' ha several "emale $lients $omplain
that 1 was a&rupt!
Te was reaing the warrant over! He hane it to me, an 1 knew that he han't like
something in it! 2ow that the warrants were all "eeral an run through D>#A, pronoun$e
"o'a &y our "riens an "o'ey &y our not;so;"riens, you in't have to sweat i""erent
7uges an woring as mu$h, &ut ! ! ! there were still i""erent people giving them out!
1 stoo in the heat &etween the two $ars an rea! #war rea over my shouler, waiting "or
me to get to whatever &othere him! 4la" an Bernaro waite, as i" they in't nee to rea
it!
The warrant was &roa in its woring, like usual, then 1 got to the part 1 in't like! <The
warrant $overs the ly$anthrope that kille your operators, &ut spe$i"i$ally e($lues
weretigers!= 1 looke up at Hooper an Spier! <1've never ha a "eeral warrant that took into
$onsieration lo$al politi$s &e"ore! 5our Master o" the ,ity has some serious pull in
+ashington!=
Hooper's "a$e was unreaa&le! Spier's "a$e was still pleasant in a neutral sort o" way, an 1
reali8e that was his version o" &lank $op "a$e!
<Apparently,= Hooper sai, <&ut the warrant $overs the amage to +i8ar! That's proven
shapeshi"ter eath! 5ou wante the weretigers in$lue &e$ause you smelle tiger on the
&oy! 2o one's going to give you a warrant to target the Master Vampire o" Vegas's wi"e an
sons 7ust &e$ause you sai you smelle tiger!=
1 noe! <4kay, "air enough! #ven i" 1 were a "ull;&lown wereanimal, my sense o" smell
wouln't &e amissi&le in $ourt! But it's another thing to e(empt the tigers "rom the sear$h
warrant!= 1 "ole the warrant up an #war put it in the po$ket o" his navy win&reaker that
ha -.S. (arshal in &ig letters on it! 1' le"t my win&reaker at home! Vegas was almost too
hot "or $lothes3 $oats were out, well, until it got ark! Deserts $an get $ol at night3 weir, &ut
true!
<The warrants "rom D>#A are pretty &roa, Anita! 1 think they were a"rai what we might o
with it! 5our reputation, all o" you, is pretty high on the kill $ount, an we've 7ust lost three o"
our own! They trust us to &a$k you guys up, an may&e to &e a $ivili8ing in"luen$e!= He took
a &reath eep enough that it raise all that $hest an "lu""e out the gray musta$he! <1 think the
powers that &e are a"rai we might not &e so $ivili8e uner the $ir$umstan$es!=
<5ou guys have all &een very $ontrolle sin$e 1've &een here! They shoul have truste you!=
<,ontrol is what we o, Anita, &ut trust me, it's not easy on this one!=
<1t's never easy when you lose your own,= Te sai!
+e all ha a moment o" remem&ering! 2ot the same losses, or the same ea "riens, &ut we
all ha names, "a$es, that woul never $ome through a oor again! They talk a&out moments
o" silen$e "or the ea, &ut when you have enough o" them &ehin you, you o it
automati$ally!
<5ou're taking this well, Anita,= Spier sai!
<5ou soun like you e(pe$te me not to!=
<1 i!=
<+hy/=
<Some people sai you ha a temper, espe$ially i" you in't get your own way!=
<1 have a temper, &ut not a&out stu"" like this! 1" you got a warrant on the tigers &e$ause o" the
smell, it might not hol up in $ourt later! +e on't want to kill upstaning wereanimals o"
Vegas on a &a;"aith warrant, now o we/=
<2o, we o not,= he sai!
1 sighe again! <But now you've put me in an awkwar situation! 1 have a &age &ut no
warrant "or the tigers, so they $an keep me out o" their home, &age or no &age!=
He noe! <True!=
Then 1 ha an iea, a goo iea, an almost happy iea! <Serving this warrant won't get us in
to see the tigers!=
<2o,= Hooper sai!
<This means 1'm going to have to $harm my way in an not "lash the &age! That means that
1'll &e going in not as a 6!S! Marshal!=
<+hat oes that mean/= Spier aske!
<1t means that as the girl"rien o" the Master o" the ,ity o" St! 0ouis, 1 $an ask "or an auien$e
with Ma('s wi"e, an 1'll pro&a&ly get it!=
<4n what grouns/= Hooper aske!
<4n the grouns that Ma('s wi"e, Bi&iana, woul e(pe$t me to visit her &e"ore 1 le"t town! 1t
woul &e a $ourtesy that i" skippe woul &e a grave insult! 1 wouln't want to insult the
,hang o" your lo$al weretigers, now woul 1/=
Hooper was stuying my "a$e! <1 guess not!=
<+ithout a warrant, all you $an o is ask %uestions,= Spier sai, <no hunting!=
<Trust me, guys, 1 on't want to throw own the gauntlet to Ma( an his $rew while 1'm here!
1 think i" it was one o" their tigers, they' &e eager to help solve this3 they're mainstream
monsters! *illing $ops is &a "or &usiness!=
Hooper was getting his $ell phone out! <+e'll have everyone else meet us at Ma('s pla$e,=
Hooper sai!
<Hooper, i" we $an't go in there as marshals, an 1 have to make this a girl"rien $o""ee
klat$h, then 1 sure as hell $an't take in a ta$ti$al assault team! +ithout a warrant, you guys are
not getting in the oor! Hell, 1'll &e lu$ky to get Te an me through the oor!=
<An me,= 4la" sai!
Bernaro raise his han an sai, <4h, pi$k me, pi$k me!= Then he gave me a look so
unhappy that 1 wonere what 1' one wrong now, &ut 1 7ust in't $are enough to ask!
May&e 1' $are later, or may&e 1 wouln't!
<Te/= 1 mae it a %uestion!
<1' "eel &etter i" all the marshals went in, &ut 1 on't know how the tigers will "eel a&out
that!=
<1 on't know i" 1'm $om"orta&le going in &y mysel", to &e honest!= As soon as 1 sai it, 1
knew 1 shouln't have! 4ne, it soune weak3 two, 1 wasn't sure how to e(plain my real
reasons "or &eing nervous aroun the weretigers with Shaw!
The two operators gave me serious "a$es! Hooper sai, <+e hear a&out the weretiger atta$k
in St! 0ouis!=
1 reali8e that he' take that as a reason why 1 shook my hea! 1 7umpe on it! <5eah, getting
$ut up &y an animal will make you a little leery o" them!=
<+e'll go in with you, Anita!=
<There is no way that Ma('s se$urity will let me take you guys insie their home on a so$ial
visit! 1'm sorry, you guys are 7ust too mu$h what you are!=
1 wasn't sure that mae sense, &ut they a$$epte it, or unerstoo it!
<1'll still $all ahea! +e'll wait "or you in the parking lot! 5ou give the signal that you're in
anger, an we're allowe to go in an save your asses!=
<+hy, Hooper, you i rea the stanar $lauses in the warrant, in't you/=
Hooper's mouth gave a tight, unpleasant smile! 1t was $lose to the one 1 ha, an Te ha! 1t
was not a goo look to have aime at you, &ut he in't mean to aim it at me3 he was thinking
a&out the people who kille his "riens! <1t's Sonny, Anita, an 1 i rea it! 5ou, meaning
the marshals, are allowe to use all "or$e up to an in$luing ealy, i" you "eel that you or a
$ivilian are in imminent an li"e;threatening anger! 1t "urther allows any o""i$ers who are
with you, or a$ting in a &a$kup $apa$ity, to use any an all "or$e to prote$t your lives an the
lives o" any $ivilians!=
1 noe! <They ae that last &it a"ter a pair o" vampire hunters got kille, an the poli$e
with them e"ene themselves, save the human hostages, &ut ene up on trial! They were
a$%uitte, &ut it was a mess!=
<1t's one o" the things that le to D>#A,= Hooper, 1 mean Sonny, sai!
<5es, so i" we're atta$ke, then legally we're in the $lear &e$ause we $an make a $ase "or the
ea ly$anthrope &eing in league with the rogue on our warrant! Hell, Sonny, it's 2evaa, you
still have varmint laws on the &ooks!=
<1 wouln't want to &e %uoting varmint laws i" we have to shoot Ma('s entire "amily!=
<Me either, &ut i" they throw own "irst, legally we won't have &roken any laws!=
<1s it true that you on't even have to have a hearing a"ter you shoot someone/= Spier aske!
<There's more paperwork now that we're "eeral o""i$ers, o""i$ially, &ut no, no lawyers, no
hearings, nothing really! But then i" they tie us all up in legalities, who woul o all the
monster slaying/=
<So, really,= he sai, <e($luing the weretigers "rom the warrant oesn't keep them sa"e i"
they start the "ight with you guys/=
<2ot really,= 1 sai!
<1" they start the "ight, we'll help you "inish it,= Sonny sai, <&ut make amn sure they start it,
&e$ause you may get out o" 7ail "ree with your "eeral &age, &ut we live here!=
<1 give you my wor, i" this all goes up in "lames, we won't have starte it!=
He stuie my "a$e.they &oth i.an then Sonny noe, as i" he' e$ie something!
He o""ere me his han! 1 took it! <Shake on it!=
+e shook on it, an Sonny was ol enough an guy enough that the hanshake meant more
than it woul have to, say, Spier or Bernaro.or may&e Vegas Metro S+AT was all like
this! 5our wor meant something, an you $oul still plege your li"e to someone's e$ision
with 7ust a hanshake! 1t was like an e$ho o" a time when wors like loyalty an honor really
meant something! Sin$e they still meant something to me, that was 7ust any!
25



1 MAD# T+4 $alls "rom the $ar as #war rove us out o" the inustrialH &usiness area
where the $oroner's o""i$e was lo$ate, through &usinesses that were Anywhere, 6SA! 4ne
was to ,hang;Bi&i, to the personal line that Ma( ha mae sure Bean;,laue ha! A $ulture
"emale voi$e answere on the "irst ring! 1 sai, <,hang;Bi&i, this is Anita Blake ! ! !=
<Anita Blake, we are gla that you have $alle, &ut 1 am not ,hang;Bi&i! My name is Ava3 1
am ,hang;Bi&i's aministrative assistant!=
<Sorry, 1 thought this was the private num&er!=
<1t is, &ut=.she mae a small laugh.<a %ueen oes not answer her own phone!=
4h! <Sure,= 1 sai, <my mistake! 1'm in Vegas, an 1 was wanting to speak with Bi&iana!=
<+e are aware o" the tragey that has &e"allen our poli$e! 1s this o""i$ial poli$e &usiness,
Marshal Blake/=
<1 woul like to talk to you all a&out the murers, yes!=
<1s this o""i$ial poli$e &usiness, Marshal Blake/= she aske again, in a voi$e that was a little
less pleasant!
<1 am in Vegas on o""i$ial poli$e &usiness, yes,= 1 sai!
<Do you have a warrant that "or$es us to let you into our home or &usiness esta&lishments/=
1 hate to say it, &ut ! ! ! <2o, 1 on't!=
<Then it's a so$ial $all,= an her voi$e was mu$h happier!
<5es, "rom one master's ! ! ! mate to another,= 1 sai!
<Then ,hang;Bi&i will &e happy to re$eive you!=
<1 o nee to talk to her a&out the murers, though, in an uno""i$ial $apa$ity!=
<5ou are e(tening us the $ourtesy o" speaking o"" the re$or to us/= Ava aske!
<1'm trying to!=
<1 will e(plain that to ,hang;Bi&i!= The way she sai it mae it soun like Bi&iana might
have trou&le with the $on$ept!
<Thank you, Ava,= 1 sai!
<My pleasure, Anita! ,hang;Bi&i will prepare a wel$ome "or you! +e hope you woul visit
us, i" you ha time in all your $rime;"ighting!=
<+hat kin o" wel$ome is she preparing/= 1 aske, an 1 $ouln't keep the suspi$ion out o"
my voi$e! 5ears o" hanging out with shapeshi"ters ha taught me that their so$iety $oul have
some o ieas on wel$oming guests!
Ava laughe again! <2ow, now, that woul spoil the surprise!=
<1 on't really like surprises,= 1 sai!
<But ,hang;Bi&i oes, an you are visiting her house an asking "or her help!=
<May&e 1'm o""ering to help her!=
<Are you/=
<1 $oul have $ome with a warrant, &ut 1'm not,= 1 sai!
<5ou $oul not get a warrant on the evien$e o" smelling weretiger, Anita,= an there was
nothing "rienly in the voi$e now!
<5ou have a mole in the epartment, or is your spy more "eeral/= 1 sai!
<+e have our sour$es!=
<?ine, 1 $ouln't get a warrant, &ut 1 still nee to talk to the weretigers!=
<4ur $lan i not o this!=
<4" $ourse not!=
<5ou o not &elieve we are inno$ent!=
<1 &elieve everyone is guilty o" something3 it saves time!=
She laughe again! <1 will go an help prepare! 1 assume you are $oming alone, sin$e this is a
so$ial visit o" one master's mate to another!= There was the slightest ege o" humor, as i" she
knew she was making "un o" me!
<A$tually 1 have some other 6!S! Marshals with me!=
<2ow, Anita, that's not very "rienly!=
<1'm allowe attenants when 1 visit another Master o" the ,ity3 in "a$t, enying my
attenants entran$e woul &e a grave insult!=
<4h, goo,= Ava sai, <you o know how to play the game! Some o" the younger, human
wives on't unerstan the ol rules!=
1 in't $orre$t her on the <wives= $omment! 1" they treate me like a wi"e, 1' have more
status, an it wasn't like 1 $oul ever <ivor$e= Bean;,laue! Vampire marks &etween servant
an master were a hell o" a lot more &ining than any legal o$ument! <Bean;,laue mae
sure 1' &e a&le to o proper honor i" 1 visit ,hang;Bi&iana!=
<How many o" your attenants have guns an &ages/=
<By the rules o" hospitality, 1'm allowe se$urity!=
<But only two, on a surprise visit! Beyon that you must have another purpose "or them! Are
there more than two &oyguars with you/= Again, 1 hear that hint o" laughter in her voi$e!
But 1' &een laughe at &y &etter an s$arier than Ava!
<Bean;,laue is Belle Morte's line, so 1'm allowe "oo!=
<,hang;Bi&i is eager to supply all your nees!= +as it my imagination, or i she soun a
little angry a&out that/ Hmm!
<1 appre$iate the hospitality, an 1 will avail mysel" o" the ,hang's generosity &e"ore 1 leave
your "air $ity, &ut sin$e 1 in't e(pe$t to have time in the mile o" a murer investigation to
visit you toay, 1 &rought my own sna$k!=
<So, you have two guars an one 'omme de san/=
<2ot a 'omme de san, 7ust a lover!=
<They say your 'omme de san is another vampire, is that true/=
She was re"erring to 0onon, who was a vampire, an one o" Belle Morte's se(;oriente line,
&ut his gi"t was to &e the ultimate sna$ky;&it "or someone with the ardeur like me or Bean;
,laue! The only upsie to it was that 0onon gaine power "rom the "eeing an wasn't
e(hauste &y it! 1 7ust wish 1 like him &etter! -oo lover, &a &oy"rien, i" you know what 1
mean! <1 haven't given the title to anyone o""i$ially yet,= 1 sai!
<+e hear that you ha, &ut now he seems to &e your leopar to $all! 2athaniel, isn't it/=
1 $ouln't stop my pulse "rom ra$ing! 1 knew all the masters spie on everyone.hell, 1 knew
Bean;,laue ha his own network.&ut it was still unnerving to hear it!
<5eah!= 1 hope 1 wasn't giving away any state se$rets! 1 mean it was pretty well known,
wasn't it/ 4h, hell!
<5ou have how many animals to $all now, Anita/=
1 really in't like the way this $onversation was going! 1 wasn't sure how mu$h was general
knowlege, how mu$h their spies ha is$overe, or how mu$h woul &e really &a to share
with them! 1 ha to get o"" the phone! <1'll play twenty %uestions with ,hang;Bi&iana, &ut not
with her assistant!= 5eah, it was rue, &ut it i the tri$k!
<Then, &y all means, $ome ahea, Anita! ,ome talk to our %ueen! 1'm sure her %uestions will
&e mu$h more interesting than mine!= She hung up! 5eah, she was ma!
1 $ouln't apologi8e! 1 guess we 7ust &oth ha to live with it! 1 hope 1 wouln't regret pissing
her o"" later! 1 got o"" the phone to "in we were on the ege o" not &eing in *ansas anymore!
The "irst hint was weing $hapels s$attere alongsie the more orinary stores! Most o" the
$hapels looke tire, an more epressing than romanti$, &ut may&e that was 7ust me! 1'm not
&ig on weings!
Then there was Bonan8a, the largest gi"t store in the worl! 4ne &uiling that took up most o"
one &lo$k! 1t's the kin o" pla$e you stop on "amily va$ations! There was a huge empty lot,
with a sign leaning &y it that rea ontier! 1 reali8e they' emolishe the ?rontier! That &ig
$ow&oy that you see in all the movies was no more! The Vegas Hilton sat a$ross the roa
"rom another empty lot that was uner $onstru$tion!
#war sai, <Vegas oesn't save its history3 it emolishes an &uils on top o" it!=
<How many times have you &een here/= 1 aske!
<4nly on$e as a marshal,= he sai!
<4n other &usiness/= 1 aske!
<2one o" your &usiness!=
1 knew that was all 1 woul get on the su&7e$t, so 1 let it go!
,ir$us ,ir$us loome up on the right;han sie3 it looke sort o" tire in the &right sunlight,
like a $arnival that's &een in one pla$e too long! The )iviera was a$ross the street, then more
open spa$e where something else ha &een torn own! Signs "or the #n$ore were ne(t, &ut it
wasn't there yet! Then something $alle the +ynn that looke too tall an too moern "or the
rest o" Vegas, though it ha a huge &ill&oar where an animate pi(ie was pushing wors on a
huge moving s$reen! 1t was a $ommer$ial "or the +ynn! Suenly there were moving,
&rilliant &ill&oars every "ew "eet, or so it "elt! 1n aylight they were eye;$at$hing3 1 wonere
what they looke like at night! An o $olle$tion o" shapes a$ross the street turne out to &e
the ?ashion Show Mall! The &uiling was ugly3 it mae me "ear "or the $hoi$e o" stores! Then
there were $asinoes in "ast pro"usion: on the le"t sie the >ala88o, the elegan$e o" the
Venetian, right a$ross the street "rom Treasure 1slan with its huge pirate ship out "ront3
,asino )oyale, Harrah's, an then a$ross "rom that was the Mirage an ,aesars >ala$e!
,aesars was huge an took up a &ig $hunk o" real estate! The Bellagio looke elegant, too, as
we rove past, then a$ross the street was >aris, $omplete with a smaller version o" the #i""el
Tower an a huge "ake hot;air &alloon, &ut it was still war"e &y the tower, even though 1
knew it was smaller than the real thing! There was huge $onstru$tion an a sign that rea
.ity.enter, then the Monte ,arlo, whi$h seeme tire, then 2ew 5ork 2ew 5ork, with a
miniature version o" the Manhattan skyline rising a&ove little shops an restaurants! There
was nothing tire a&out 2ew 5ork 2ew 5ork! The M-M -ran was a$ross the street, an it
looke up&eat, as well! The Tropi$ana sat &esie it, then the #($ali&ur! #war got stoppe at
the stoplight, so 1 ha time to rea that the #($ali&ur &oaste three shows: Tournament o"
,hampions, with knights an 7ousting3 the $omi$ 0ouie Anerson3 an Thuner "rom Down
6ner, whi$h was male strippers! Apparently, you $oul take the kis to see the 7ousting, Da
$oul see the $omi$, an Mom $oul go have &ee"$ake! 1t was very well;roune
entertainment;wise $ompare to the mostly girlie;oriente shows that most pla$es were
&oasting! Though there ha &een more $omi$s, an ,ir%ue u Soleil seeme to have more
i""erent shows at i""erent pla$es than any&oy! The 0u(or, the &ig pyrami with a Sphin(
out "ront, was ne(t! A$ross the street "rom "au( #gypt was "au( 1nia! 1t was the 2ew Ta7,
whi$h was Ma('s $asino, hotel, an resort! The &uiling was o&viously &ase on the Ta7
Mahal, &ut there were white stone s$ulptures o" animals s$attere throughout the lush 7ungle;
like lans$aping! There were monkeys an an elephant an &irs 1 $ouln't re$ogni8e in
white, &ut there were a lot o" tigers peeking out an strolling among the rest! The statues were
a$tually almost unnervingly li"elike! +ell, 1 guess they' ha real;li"e moels to work "rom!
The moving &ill&oar out in "ront o" the Ta7 &oaste a magi$ a$t with more o" the real;li"e
version o" the animals, an two revues! 4ne was &ee"y;looking men, an 1 re$ogni8e one o"
the "a$es, though 1 was thank"ul that most o" him was hien &ehin the other men! The other
show was all girls! Ma( was trying to ma(imi8e his resort's appeal as well!
#war in't pull into the $ir$ular riveway &ut went past it to a smaller, less lans$ape
roa! 1 saw signs that promise a parking garage! 1 guess we weren't going to valet!
<The "irst time you see it, you either think it's gauy an aw"ul, or you love it! There's almost
no hal"way a&out this town,= #war sai!
1 reali8e he' kept %uiet so 1 $oul en7oy the view! <1t's like Disneylan on $ra$k, "or grown;
ups,= 1 sai!
<5ou're not going to hate it,= he sai!
<They on't $all it Sin ,ity "or nothing,= Bernaro sai!
1 turne an looke at him as #war sli into the shae o" the parking garage! <Have you
&een here &e"ore, too/=
<5eah, &ut not on &usiness!=
1 was e&ating on asking him what he ha $ome "or, an i" 1' like the answer, &ut #war
sai, <5ou soun like you've a$te as Bean;,laue's representative &e"ore!=
<This is the "irst time oing it without more help "rom home!= The $eilings always seem low
to me in parking stru$tures when 1'm in an S6V!
<+ho will play your lover/= 4la" aske it! 1 shoul have known he woul!
<5ou in't &ehave yoursel" well enough at the $oroner's! 1 on't trust you to &e a&le to play
the part in the way 1 nee!=
<Tell me what you nee,= he sai!
1 glan$e at #war, &ut his eyes were hien &ehin his sunglasses, an he in't look my
way! 1 wante to $all him a $owar, &ut that wasn't it! 1 think, "or on$e, he was as $on"use
a&out how to hanle the situation with 4la" as 1 was! 2ot goo when #war is out o" his
epth with his serial killer playmates!
<Hol that thought,= 1 sai, an 1 iale the only other num&er in Vegas that 1 ha
programme into my phone! 1t was the man whose "a$e 1' re$ogni8e on the &ill&oar!
26



,)1S>12 A2S+#)#D TH# phone on the se$on ring3 his voi$e still hel that ege o" sleep,
&ut it was a happy ege! He worke nights, so his sleep pattern was $lose to mine! <Anita,=
an that one wor was way happier than it shoul have &een!
<How i you know it was me/=
<1 programme a song "or you, so 1 know it's you!= 1 hear the sheets roll as he turne!
+as 1 the only person who in't know how to program my own amn phone/ <1'm a&out to
park in the garage at the 2ew Ta7!=
1 hear the heavy slither o" sheets a$ross skin! +as he sitting up/ <)ight now/=
<5es, 1 shoul have $alle you sooner, 1'm sorry! 1 got istra$te &y the pretty lights!=
<,rap, Anita,= ,rispin sai, an 1 hear other noises on his en o" the phone!
<5ou soun worrie,= 1 sai! <+hy/=
<,hang;Bi&i is my %ueen, &ut 1'm your tiger to $all!=
<Do 1 apologi8e "or that again/=
There were more noises, an 1 reali8e he was getting resse! <2o, 1' 7ust rather you let me
move in with you, or at least move to St! 0ouis, &ut we'll have that talk some other time!=
<5ou soun "reake, ,rispin! +hat is wrong/=
#war pulle into a spot, an Hooper's S6V rove past ours, looking "or his own parking
spot!
<0et's 7ust say that there are guests here that ,hang;Bi&i wants you to meet, an you'll want
me within tou$hing istan$e!=
<Don't make me ask why again, ,rispin!=
<4ther tigers "rom other $lans, Anita! They want to know i" you $an &ring their powers online,
too!=
<1'm not $oming to "ee the ardeur, ,rispin, 7ust to talk a&out the murers!=
<1" Ma( were awake, that's what you' talk a&out! He's &usiness, &ut ,hang;Bi&i may think
"irst a&out the tigers, se$on a&out &usiness!=
<Are you a$tually saying that she wants me to ! ! ! o some o" the tigers &e"ore she'll talk
&usiness/=
The phone "ell, hit something, an mae me take it away "rom my ear! He $ame &a$k on,
<Droppe the phone, Anita, sorry! 1'll meet you ownstairs in the $asino &e"ore you meet
anyone else!=
<1" you o that, won't Bi&iana %uestion your loyalties/=
<May&e, &ut 1 on't want you meeting the new tigers without me!=
<Bealous/= 1 aske, an pro&a&ly shouln't have!
<5es,= he sai, an that was ,rispin! He in't play, really! 1" he "elt something, he tol you!
1t mae him very un$om"orta&le to eal with sometimes!
<Do 1 apologi8e "or that, too/= 1 aske, an my voi$e was less than "rienly!
<1" you in't want the truth, you shouln't have aske,= an now he in't soun happy!
+hen we "irst met, 1' thought ,rispin was un$ompli$ate, an 7ust a&out se( an "oo! 1'
learne i""erent! 1t was like 1 $ouln't &e attra$te to a man who wasn't i""i$ult in some
way!
<5ou're right3 i" 1 in't want the truth, 1 shouln't have aske! 1'm sorry!=
He was %uiet "or a "ew &reaths, then sai, <Apology a$$epte!=
<-et o"" the phone, Anita! +e nee to talk &e"ore we get there,= #war sai! He' turne the
engine o"", an we sat in silen$e as the air;$onitioning ie away!
<,rispin, 1've got to go,= 1 sai into the phone!
<1'll see you ownstairs in the $asino!=
<+ill this get you in trou&le with your $lan/= 1 aske!
<1 on't $are,= he sai, an he hung up! He was twenty;one, &arely, an most o" the time he
seeme younger! This was one o" those times! 1 knew how harsh some o" the wereanimal
groups $oul &e i" you in't "ollow orers! ,rispin might not $are now, &ut the weretigers
$oul make him $are! They $oul make him $are a lot!
<,rispin will meet us in the $asino ownstairs! He says ,hang;Bi&i may try to "i( me up with
some new tigers &e"ore she'll talk a&out the murers!=
<?i( you up, you mean have se( with them/= Bernaro aske "rom the &a$kseat!
<?ee the ardeur on them,= 1 sai!
<5ou mean have se( with them,= 4la" sai, as i" to rive the point home!
<1 $an "ee without inter$ourse,= 1 sai, in a very grumpy voi$e!
<-oo to know,= #war sai, an his voi$e in't soun mu$h happier than mine!
<5ou tol us that the weretigers might want you to "ee on them, &ut not that you' have to
o it &e"ore they' talk to us,= Bernaro sai!
<1 in't know,= 1 sai!
<Do you mean that we might have to wat$h you have se( with some o" the weretigers/= 4la"
aske!
1 "ought not to s%uirm in my seat! <2ot i" 1 $an help it! The tigers are very &ig on "ielity,
marriage, all that! 1'm hoping i" one o" you plays my lover that Bi&iana will see it as $heating
"or me to o one o" her tigers! Also, it's a way to get all three o" you insie with me! Two as
se$urity, an one as "oo!=
1 hear a noise an 4la" was suenly looming over the &a$k o" my seat! Height in't
usually intimiate me, &ut as his arms sli aroun the sies o" the seat, as i" to pin me ! ! !
<Ba$k in your own seat, 4la"! 2o tou$hing!=
<1" 1 am to play lover, then 1 must tou$h!=
<An that is e(a$tly why you aren't oing it,= 1 sai!
<1 on't unerstan!=
<1 &elieve that, an that's another reason that you are going to &e se$urity an not "oo!=
<1've "rightene you again, haven't 1/= he aske!
<2ervous, you've mae me nervous again!=
<+hat o you like to o on a ate/=
1 turne in my seat so 1 $oul see his "a$e! <+hat/=
<+hat o you like to o on a ate/= He repeate it, looking right at me, his "a$e very neutral!
At least he was $ontrolling his "a$e now, though the weirness "a$tor wasn't lessening "or me!
2o, weir was e"initely on the rise!
<Bust answer the %uestion, Anita,= #war sai in a %uiet voi$e!
<1 on't know! See movies, eat inner, talk!=
<+hat o you o with ! ! ! #war/=
<+e hunt &a guys an kill things!=
<1s that all/=
<+e go out shooting, an he shows me &igger an s$arier weapons!=
<An/= he aske!
1 "rowne! <1 on't know what you want me to say, ! ! ! 4tto!=
<+hat o you o on a ate with Te/=
<1 on't ate Te!= 1n my hea 1 thought, It would be like datin my brother, &ut part o" what
we hope woul make 4la" leave me alone was the iea that Te "elt less &rotherly towar
me! So, what to say/ <He's with Donna, an they've got kis, an 1 on't ate people who are
taken! 1t's against the rules!=
<Honora&le "or a woman,= he sai!
<+hat the hell oes that mean/= 1 sai! <1 know plenty o" men who on't o&ey that rule,
either! Bastars $ome in &oth se(es!=
He looke at me "or a long time, then "inally &linke an looke away! He noe! <Bernaro
has no su$h rules!=
<1 guesse that,= 1 sai!
<1 am sitting right here,= Bernaro sai!
4la" sai, <1t &others him that you on't like him &etter!=
<Bernaro an 1 ha this is$ussion, an we hanle it!=
<+hat oes that mean/= 4la" aske!
<1t means that Anita let me know she thinks 1'm $ute, so my ego is se$ure!=
4la" was "rowning "rom one to the other o" us! <1 on't unerstan!=
<+e on't have time "or this,= #war sai, with a sigh! <+ho plays what role/=
<+hoever 1 pi$k "or a lover may have to o more than hol hans to $onvin$e Bi&iana that it
woul &e rue to o""er up one o" her tigers!=
<So not 4la",= #war sai!
<An not you,= 1 sai!
<1 weir you out,= 4la" sai! <1 unerstan that, &ut why not Te/=
<>retening is too $lose to oing, an it woul make me "eel "unny the ne(t time 1 visite his
"amily!= That was a$tually the truth!
Bernaro leane "orwar, smiling! <Does that mean that 1'm the lu$ky guy/=
1 s$owle at him! <1'm giving you another $han$e to play my &oy"rien3 on't make me regret
it!=
<Hey, it wasn't you who ene up &eing "or$e to strip hal" nake at gunpoint last time!= He
wasn't teasing when he sai it!
<+hy i they want you to strip/= 4la" aske!
<They aske me a tri$k %uestion, to see i" he really was my lover!=
<+hat %uestion/=
<+hether 1 was $ir$um$ise,= Bernaro sai, an now he ha a tou$h o" amusement in his
voi$e! <They wante to see i" her answer was the right one!=
<+as it/= #war aske!
<5es!=
<How i you know whether he was $ir$um$ise/= 4la" aske, an he a$tually soune
inignant!
1 uni my seat&elt an turne in my seat! <Stop it, 7ust stop it! 5ou haven't earne the right
to soun 7ealous or hurt!=
4la" s$owle at me!
<Sonny an Spier are wat$hing us argue,= #war sai!
1' "orgotten that the two poli$emen were trailing us! That was &eyon $areless! <-reat, "ine,
&ut 1 mean it, 4la"! 1'm "lattere that you want to try to ate me like a normal guy, &ut a
normal guy oesn't get 7ealous &e"ore he's even kisse a girl!=
<2ot true,= #war an Bernaro sai together!
<+hat/= 1 aske!
They e($hange a look, then #war sai, <1 ha a $rush on a girl, the "irst serious one! 1
never kisse her, or even hel her han, &ut 1 was 7ealous o" every &oy who got near her!=
1 trie to pi$ture a young, inse$ure #war an $ouln't, &ut it was ni$e to know that on$e
he' &een a &oy! Sometimes it "elt like #war ha sprung "ull grown "rom the hea o" some
violent eity, like a vi$ious version o" Athena!
<1've &een 7ealous o" women who were ating goo "riens! 5ou on't poa$h "rom goo
"riens, &ut sometimes it $uts you up to wat$h them &e $ute together!=
<Anita an 1 thought you woul poa$h,= 4la" sai!
<Hey, 7ust &e$ause 1 like women oesn't mean 1 have no s$ruples! 2o "riens' serious
girl"riens, an no wives o" people 1 like!=
<-oo to know you have s$ruples!= 1 trie "or sar$asm an su$$eee!
<Hey,= Bernaro sai, <what's the ol saying a&out glass houses, Anita/=
<1 on't o hus&ans!=
<1 on't o vampires,= he sai!
>oint "or him! 4ut lou, 1 sai, <5ou on't know what you're missing!=
<1 on't like sleeping with anyone who $an &espell me with their eyes! 1t's too har to
remem&er not to ga8e!=
<So it's not morality &ut pra$ti$ality!=
<That, an sometimes there's a moisture pro&lem!=
<+hat oes that mean/=
<1t means they're ea, Anita, an ea women nee lu&ri$ant!=
<Stop, 7ust stop, &e"ore 1 get visual to go with that!= Then 1 ae, &e"ore 1 ha time to think
a&out it, <That's not true o" the "emale vampires 1 know!= 1 knew it was true, knew it through
Bean;,laue's an Asher's memories that they' share with me metaphysi$ally! *new it
through Belle hersel" visiting my reams!
<An how o you know that the "emale vampires you've met on't nee lu&ri$ant/= he aske!
1 trie to think o" an answer that wouln't raise more %uestions an $ouln't $ome up with
one!
<5ou are &lushing!= 4la" in't soun happy!
<4h, please tell me that the visual 1've got in my hea is true,= Bernaro sai, an he soune
very happy! 1n "a$t, he was grinning ear to ear!
#war was looking at me over the lowere rims o" his sunglasses! <1 haven't hear any
rumors a&out you an the "emale vampires!=
<May&e you $an all 7ust wait outsie an 1'll talk to the tigers alone!= 1 got out o" the $ar, into
the imness o" the parking garage!
Sonny an Spier got out o" their S6V, &ut 1 in't want to talk to any more men! 1 slamme
the oor an starte "or the spot marke 4levator! 1 hear the oors opening an shutting! 1" 1
got to the elevator "irst, 1 was going up to the $asino without them! May&e it wasn't the smart
thing to o, &ut the thought o" #war wat$hing the oors $lose without him gave me a
$ertain shallow satis"a$tion! May&e he unerstoo that 1' ha enough teasing, &e$ause he
hurrie to $at$h up with me in "ront o" the elevator!
<-oing up &y yoursel" woul &e stupi, an that is something you aren't,= he sai, an
soune angry!
<1'm tire o" e(plaining mysel" to you or anyone else!=
<1've sent Bernaro an 4la" to talk to S+AT, so you $an talk to me! 1s there something else 1
shoul know/=
<2o,= 1 sai!
<0iar,= he sai!
1 glare at him! <1 thought it was 7ust Te who "antasi8e a&out les&ians!=
<5ou're Bean;,laue's human servant3 how $losely tie are you metaphysi$ally, Anita/=
An 7ust like that, he' guesse what 1 in't want to tell them!
<1've never &een to St! 0ouis,= Bernaro sai, "rom 7ust &ehin us! <+hat "emale vamps oes
Bean;,laue have/=
<They in't seem to like Anita enough to sleep with her,= 4la" sai!
The oors opene, an 1 sai, <4ne more wor a&out this topi$ an 1'm getting in this elevator
&y mysel"!=
<Tou$hy,= Bernaro sai!
<Drop it,= #war sai, <&oth o" you!=
They roppe it, an we all got in the elevator! Bernaro was smiling all over himsel"! 4la"
was s$owling! #war's "a$e ha gone to unreaa&le! 1 leane against the &a$k wall an
"ought to "in an e(pression that wouln't make it worse! +as it &etter that two o" them
thought 1' &een with another woman than that 1 share etaile memories with vampires/
5eah, it was! 1t woul have &een even &etter i" #war ha &elieve it!
27



40A? +AS +10012- to throw his leather over everything, &ut #war passe out the ark
win&reakers with -.S. (arshal on them to all o" us! <1" this is a so$ial visit, won't this &e the
wrong message/= Bernaro aske!
<The new law makes it almost impossi&le "or any o" us to pass "or $ivilians,= #war sai!
<+e $an't enter a $asino pa$king this mu$h "irepower without &ages showing! The "irst time
they see us on the se$urity $ameras, they'll think something &a is happening!=
+e $ouln't argue with that, a$tually! 1t took us a "ew minutes to get 7a$kets over our $lothes
so that most o" the weapons were hien! 1 was really going to have to remem&er to pa$k my
own ni"ty ark &lue win&reaker ne(t time! 1 always remem&ere the weapons an the
&ages, &ut 1 i keep "orgetting some o" the other stu""! 4la" sli everything out o" sight in
his leather 7a$ket! <1t is invisi&le uner this 7a$ket!=
<5ou on't like having a &age, o you, &ig guy/= Bernaro aske, as he "lu""e the 7a$ket
over all o" his own weapons!
<1 like some o" it, &ut 1 on't like the 7a$ket!=
1 ha to take the &a$kpa$k o"", an 7ust sli the M>C on its sling so it was uner the 7a$ket,
an put the &a$kpa$k on over the 7a$ket! The M>C was the thing most likely to "reak the
munanes an the $asino se$urity!
#war ha repla$e his own He$kler G *o$h M>C with the new ?2 >DE! 1t was very s$ien$e
"i$tion looking, &ut he swore on$e 1 "ire it, 1' trae in my M>C! He' sai the same thing
a&out the mini;68i that ha &een the gun that the M>C ha repla$e "or me, so 1 in't argue!
#war knew more a&out guns than 1 ever woul!
+e steppe out o" the elevator an into the $asino! 1t was &right, &ut oly elegant in its
gauiness! The 1nian theme $ontinue, with more animal statues an painte plants on the
walls, with real plants hule uner "ull;spe$trum lights, so it gave the illusion o" sunlight
$oming through a 7ungle $anopy! Then there were the slot ma$hines! )ows an rows o" them!
There were &la$k7a$k ta&les, an $raps &eing rolle "arther in3 people were everywhere! The
noise was not as mu$h as you' think, &ut it was still a room "ull o" movement an that energy
people get when they're on va$ation an trying to en7oy every minute o" it, as i" trying to
make up "or all that work!
#war shook his hea, &ening over me, so he $oul &e hear over the noise! <1t's too open,
an too many pla$es to hie, all at the same time! ,asinos su$k "or &oyguar work!=
1 looke aroun the $row o" people, the slot ma$hines, the noise, the $olor! There was so
mu$h to look at that it was har to a$tually <see= anything!
Bernaro an 4la" seeme to have pi$ke up some signal "rom #war, so that they were
suenly on high alert! 1 reali8e, wat$hing us, that any poli$eman or goo se$urity woul
know we weren't tourists in a heart&eat! 1t wasn't the guns or the -.S. (arshal on the 7a$kets!
1t was that strange metamorphosis that $ops $an o! 4ne minute they're 7oking with you,
looking sort o" orinary3 the ne(t they're <on=.they are $op, they are alert.an no amount
o" $ivilian $lothing $an hie that they are i""erent "rom everyone else! +e were all oing it!
So mu$h "or $overing the weapons3 i" 1' &een se$urity, 1' have &een all over us!
1 in't see anything to &e a"rai o"3 what ha spooke #war/ 1 move &a$k so 1 $oul look
up into his pale &lue eyes! 1 sear$he his "a$e! His "a$e was solemn, an his eyes as serious as
1' ever seen them!
1 leane in, an he leane own, &e$ause 1 $ouln't rea$h his ear without help! <1've never
seen you like this, #war, not without people shooting at us!=
<1t's 7ust har se$urity in a pla$e like this!=
1 put a han on his arm to steay mysel", &e$ause we were too $lose! He sli a han aroun
me, turning it into something that looke more intimate! 1t remine me that we were still
trying to work out what to o with 4la"! -reat, another pro&lem!
<1'm not your &oy to guar, Te! 1'm 7ust a "ellow vampire hunter!= 1 looke up into his
eyes, an we were too $lose! 1t was kissing $lose, &ut his eyes, this $lose 1 $oul see his eyes,
an there was nothing a&out kissing in them! The look in his eyes s$are me!
<There's 7ust too mu$h that $an go wrong, Anita, an this is a terri&le lo$ation "or prote$tion!=
1 $ouln't argue with that! 1 7ust noe!
He put his han on the &a$k o" my hair an kisse my "orehea! He i it "or 4la"'s &ene"it,
&ut it was what we were oing when the weretigers walke up! >er"e$t!
28



1 ?#0T TH#M like a win on my skin.a ti$kling &ree8e o" energy that raise goose &umps
on my skin an mae me shiver in #war's arms! Most men woul have taken $reit "or that
shiver, &ut #war looke up an aroun! He knew 1' sense something!
His rea$tion put 4la" an Bernaro on alert! 4la"'s han was a$tually hovering near the ege
o" his 7a$ket, where it &arely $overe one o" his siearms! +e were 7ust all &a$k to that <$op=
moment!
#war an 1 move apart, enough room to go "or weapons i" we ha to! #nough room that
we wouln't get in ea$h other's way! Bernaro an 4la" i the same thing! +ithout talking
to ea$h other, or even looking at ea$h other, the "our o" us "orme points o" a s%uare to wat$h
the room! 1 mae sure my point was wat$hing the $oming tigers, &ut we all knew our 7o&s! 1
might have issues with 4la", an even Bernaro, &ut it was ni$e to work with people who
knew how to eal! +e $overe the room, not like $ops &ut more like soliers! 2o, we $overe
the room like people who were use to pulling guns an shooting "irst! 2one o" us were really
$ops! ,ops save lives3 we took them! ?our e(e$utioners staning in a room3 &est to &e
elsewhere!
There were two uni"orme an arme se$urity guys at the &a$k o" the group, &ut 1 in't give
them mu$h o" a look! 1t wasn't guns 1 was worrie a&out! 1 truste #war to wat$h the guns!
The woman in "ront ha re hair, an that pale skin that goes with it! As she got $loser, 1 saw
the usting o" "re$kles unerneath her &ase makeup! Her eyes were &rown an human
looking! 1n "a$t, she raiate goowill an humanity! The two men on either sie o" her in't
waste energy trying to pass "or human!
They were &oth tall, a&out si( "eet! The one on her le"t was the taller &y an in$h or two3 he ha
white hair $ut short an $lose to his hea! His eyes were i$y &lue &ut not human! +hite tigers
have &lue eyes, an the man in "ront o" me ha the eyes he' have in animal "orm in his
human "a$e! 1n any other wereanimal, it woul have &een a punishment &rought on &y &eing
"or$e into animal "orm too o"ten, an "or too long, &ut in the tigers it showe purity o"
&looline! They were &orn with the eyes!
The man on her right was 7ust uner si( "eet, with $urly hair3 some o" those $urls were &la$k,
some white! His eyes were a &rilliant orange, like staring into "ire!
The woman hel her han out! <1'm Ava, an you must &e Anita!= She smile, an you woul
have thought we were a group o" visiting &usinessmen! 1 took her han automati$ally!
#nergy 7umpe &etween us like a small ele$tri$ sho$k! 1t mae her eyes go roun, an her
mouth mae a little O o" surprise! 1 took my han &a$k an "ought not to wipe my palm on my
pants to take the inse$t;$rawling sensation away! Mustn't let them see you "lin$h! +e might
&e on a so$ial $all, &ut it was going to &e a&out power, too! +e' &e oing a more angerous
version o" what happene when 1 met the S+AT pra$titioners! There, the worst that woul
happen was it might &e s$ary, &ut no one woul have hurt me! Here, 1 wasn't sure o" that!
Ava i wipe her han on her ress! <1 think we might wait until we're upstairs "or any more
introu$tions!= Her voi$e was a little &reathy!
<1 wouln't suggest anyone pushing power into me, 7ust to test the limits,= 1 sai, low!
<1'm 7ust "ollowing orers, Anita,= she sai!
<An what were your orers, e(a$tly/= 1 aske!
She ignore the %uestion an answere a i""erent one! <This is Domino, an this is )oeri$!=
Domino ha to &e a ni$kname "rom the hair! He 7ust noe at me, an 1 noe &a$k! +hite
Hair smile an sai, <)i$k, 1 pre"er )i$k!=
1 noe an answere the smile with a small one o" my own! 1 in't &lame him on the name
$hoi$e! <)i$k,= 1 sai!
Then 1 "elt something else! Something more! 1t was ,rispin, an he was agitate! 1 "ought to
keep my eyes on the se$urity tigers &e$ause the two tigers with Ava were so mu$h mus$le!
May&e not pro"essional mus$le, &ut they ha the "eel to them o" people you wouln't want to
"ight, not i" you in't have to! 1' &een the smallest person in violent situations "or years
now! 1 knew how to 7uge potential! They ha potential, an not all o" it goo! But it was an
e""ort not to look away "rom the anger 8one, a real e""ort not to s$an the $row "or ,rispin!
He was my tiger to $all, whi$h meant that sometimes 1 $oul "eel his emotions! He was upset,
s$are, nervous, 7ust wrong in his hea!
But 7ust as 1 $oul "eel his agitation, 1 $oul also "eel him getting $loser to us! 1 "ought to keep
my attention on the weretigers in "ront o" me, &ut they ha pi$ke up on my ! ! ! &oy
language, tension, may&e even my s$ent ha $hange! 1 was more tense &e$ause try as 1
might, 1 was pi$king up some o" ,rispin's agitation! +ereanimals with some training are like
u&er;$ops! 5ou $an't hie mu$h "rom them!
#war spoke low! <+hat's wrong/=
<Ask them,= 1 sai!
)i$k was no longer smiling3 even Ava wasn't as happy! But it was Domino who sai it! <He
was orere to go upstairs an wait "or us there!=
<He's a little $on"li$te,= 1 sai!
<5ou $an't serve two masters,= Ava sai, trying "or a soothing voi$e, &ut her wors hel an
ege o" that tension, as i" ,rispin were leaking over them as well as me!
<+ho's $on"li$te/= Bernaro aske!
<,rispin,= 1 sai, an as i" his name ha $on7ure him, he was there! +alking through the
$row o" humans, moving through them too swi"tly, too easily, as i" he were mae o" water
an the $row were ro$ks to "low an glie aroun! But lide implie gra$e an ease, an
there was nothing easy a&out his movements! Swi"t, near an$e;like, &ut too 7erky to &e
gra$e"ul! +hat was wrong with him/
The tigers "elt him, too, &e$ause Domino turne to wat$h him! +ere they pi$king up his s$ent
or his emotion/ )i$k kept his attention on us, &ut there was a tension to his shoulers that
seeme to s$ream that he wante to turn aroun an "a$e ,rispin! )i$k assume that the
greatest anger was another wereanimal! 2ormally, he' &e right!
,rispin was wearing a T;shirt almost as pale a &lue as his eyes, 7eans, an no shoes! He han't
&othere with shoes! Most o" the wereanimals woul leave $lothes o"" i" you in't make
them &ehave!
He hel his han out towar me! 1 took a step towar him without meaning to! Domino
steppe &etween us! A soun $ame out o" my throat that 1 han't meant to make, either! 1
growle at him! 1t rolle up my throat an a$ross my tongue an &etween my teeth an lips!
The growl vi&rate on the roo" o" my mouth like a taste! 1 saw the white tigress insie me, an
we looke at ,rispin an he was ours! 5ou o not stan &etween us an what is ours!
1 "elt Bernaro an 4la" shi"t aroun me, as i" they weren't sure what to o! #war was
#war, an staye still! 1 knew he woul &a$k my play whatever it was!
Domino looke at me, an there was anger in those orange eyes! <5ou are not my %ueen, not
yet!=
<-et out o" our way,= 1 sai, an my voi$e hel that note o" growl that 1' $ome to asso$iate
with wereanimals! 4utwarly, 1 was human, &ut the soun in my throat wasn't!
Ava tou$he Domino's shouler! <She smells o" tiger!=
He 7erke "ree o" her han! <5ou are not my %ueen, either!=
)i$k sai, <Don't make a s$ene! Bi&iana was $lear on that!=
<She has no right to orer me a&out!= 1 wasn't sure i" he meant me or Ava!
,rispin trie again to move aroun the other men an $ome to me! Domino starte to gra&
him, &ut ,rispin simply wasn't there to gra&! He might not &e pro"essional mus$le, &ut he ha
the re"le(es o" a $at! An apparently, he was a %ui$ker $at than Domino!
Domino trie to move "orwar, with that we're;a&out;to;have;a;"ight energy! )i$k gra&&e
his shoulers, an Ava move in "ront o" him, "a$ing us! ,rispin $ame to my outstret$he le"t
han, an 1 move him &ehin me, so 1' have &oth hans "ree, &ut he' &e prote$te! He was
%ui$k, an he $oul "ight when he ha to, &ut this was a "ight he $oul not win! The &la$k;
an;white tiger ha the "eel to him o" eath $ontaine an waiting! 1 knew that with a
$ertainty that mae me want to go "or a gun!
<5ou shoul have gone upstairs as our %ueen tol you to,= Ava sai!
<Anita neee me,= he sai, an his si(;"oot;plus "rame towere over me, 7ust a little! 1t
seeme wrong that so mu$h tall, athleti$ gra$e was hiing &ehin my short, not so athleti$,
an e"initely not so gra$e"ul sel"!
<5ou're hiing &ehin her,= Domino growle! )i$k's pale hans tightene visi&ly on the
other man's shoulers! They &oth ha to look up at ,rispin, whi$h shoul have lessene their
tough;guy a$t &ut in't, &e$ause it wasn't an a$t!
<She oesn't nee any help with violen$e,= ,rispin sai!
#war sai, <+e're attra$ting a $row!=
He was right! The tourists were getting a show, or anti$ipating one! +e were rawing them
away "rom the slot ma$hines, an that takes a lot in Vegas! 1 in't think we' one anything
that interesting yet! 4" $ourse, it $oul &e the three o" us in our 6!S! Marshal win&reakers
an &ages, with weapons peeking out all over the pla$e3 yeah, that might &e enough to attra$t
some attention! 4la" woul have looke angerous anywhere with all the &la$k $lothing an
leather!
<0et us $ontinue this upstairs,= Ava sai, an motione us all "arther into the room, in the
general ire$tion o" the elevators!
1 looke at Domino still in )i$k's grasp, so angry! +as it a goo iea to get in the elevator/
>ro&a&ly not, &ut nothing s$ary enough ha happene yet to make me willing to &a$k own!
<?ine,= 1 sai, <lea the way!=
29



D4M124 ,A0M#D D4+2 enough to stan &esie )i$k an Ava in the &ig elevator! 1t was
one marke 5rivate, an seeme to go only to one "loor! The penthouse, 1 was assuming!
<Sorry,= )i$k sai, an soune like he meant it, <&ut they $an't go into the private $ham&ers
with this many weapons on them!=
<+e $an't leave the weapons in the $ar,= 1 sai! <2ew rules! 4n$e a warrant is in play, we
have to &e a&le to o our 7o&s at "ull $apa$ity at any minute, an we are not allowe to leave
our weapons in a pla$e where $ivilians $oul get hol o" them!=
<5ou lie,= Domino sai!
The &la$k an white tigers growle insie me! 1t was hint enough! The tigresses in't like me
&a$king own to any o" the males! 1 took a step $loser to him, whi$h put Ava &etween us!
)i$k put a han &a$k on the other man's arm, 7ust sort o" automati$ally! <Domino, i" you $an't
smell that 1'm telling the truth, then you aren't ominant enough to &e this mu$h trou&le!=
He growle at me, low an rum&ling, like $lose thuner! <1 will not answer your $all, little
%ueen!=
<1 haven't $alle you anywhere!=
<5ou i,= he sai, <you $alle us all!=
)i$k put an arm a$ross the other man's $hest, moving smoothly into a more soli hol! <5ou
i, Ms! Blake! A "ew months &a$k, you i o that!=
1 sighe, an the anger &egan to "ae, until the tigers insie me swatte at me "rom the insie
out! 1 "lin$he, $ouln't help it! 1 was getting use to the sensation o" invisi&le $laws $utting
me up, &ut it was almost impossi&le not to rea$t a little! 1t wasn't real amage! 1 knew it was
metaphysi$al pain! 1t hurt, &ut it i not &lee me! They' a$tually put me through mei$al
tests to make $ertain o" that, at one point! 1t was 7ust pain! 1 $oul ignore it, sort o"! +hen the
tigers got this &it$hy, 1 ha to pay some attention, or it got worse!
The elevator, whi$h 1' e(pe$te to &e %ui$k &ut wasn't, opene! Two more uni"orme
se$urity guars were there, repla$ements "or the two we' le"t ownstairs! 2one o" the tigers
steppe out3 they were all looking at me!
<1 in't mean to put out the wel$ome mat to everyone, &ut 1 won't apologi8e "or it either!=
The tigers were $reeping $loser insie me! 1 sai what 1 hope they wante to hear! <1" 1 was
%ueen enough to $all you, then it's not up to you i" you answer that $all!=
Ava an )i$k sanwi$he Domino &etween them, as he trie to move "orwar! <5ou &it$h!=
There was another swat insie me, as i" the white an &la$k tigers were trying to play
&asket&all with my spine! ?u$k, it hurt!
,rispin tou$he my shoulers, an the tou$h helpe! The white tiger ease &a$k! He wasn't as
ominant as she wante, &ut he was one o" hers! The &la$k tiger, an 1 mean &la$k, like a
&la$k leopar, with stripes showing only in &right light, $ame "orwar, growling an hissing,
"lashing those huge $anines!
<>lease, tell me that Domino here isn't the only &la$k tiger you've got!=
<The &la$k $lan is nearly e(tin$t,= Ava sai!
1 rew one o" ,rispin's hans a$ross my "a$e until 1 $oul smell the warm s$ent o" his wrist! 1
ru&&e my $heek against the heat o" him! The white tiger rose $loser to the sur"a$e an
pushe the &la$k one own! There were other $olors o" tiger insie me! 1 ha a amn rain&ow,
impossi&le $olors that ha never o$$urre in any 8oo, though 1 ha learne that every tiger
insie me ha on$e e(iste as a real animal! 1t ha 7ust &een a "ew thousan years "or some o"
the su&spe$ies! They were 7ust legens now!
<May&e i" we get out o" the elevator an get a little more room,= #war sai!
<5ou o not orer us a&out, human,= Domino sai!
<He's got a &age3 you on't,= 1 sai, still &eing too up $lose an personal with ,rispin's arm
an han! 1t was har to &e tough as nails when kissing someone's han, &ut some ays you
o the &est you $an!
<The marshal is right, let's step outsie!= )i$k's voi$e soune 7ust a little straine, whi$h
meant he was holing on to his "rien even tighter than it looke! That wasn't goo!
<+hat will your "rien o on$e we're somewhere without se$urity $ameras/= 1 aske aroun
the sweet smell o" ,rispin's arm!
<He'll o what ,hang;Bi&i tells him to o,= Ava sai!
<An that woul &e what/= 1 aske!
<+hat/= Ava aske!
<+hat oes she want him to o/ 4&viously he's not happy a&out it, whatever it is!=
<5ou,= ,rispin sai!
Ava sai, <,rispinA=
1 sai, <+hat/=
<5ou,= he repeate "rom &ehin me, <our %ueen wants them &oth to o you!=
<,rispin,= Ava sai, an her "a$e wasn't "rienly anymore, almost angry!
Bernaro leane in an sai, <1' really rather have more room "or the "ight than the
elevator!=
1 steppe out o" the elevator, an everyone "ollowe! 1 knew why ,rispin an the other
marshals waite "or me, may&e, &ut 1 "inally reali8e that at some level the weretigers were
treating me like what Domino ha sai, a little %ueen! They weren't oing it on purpose, 1'
have &et on that! 1t was all un$ons$ious, whi$h mae it &oth use"ul an a little s$ary!
The hallway was white an $ream, an mu$h more elegant than the $asino or the elevator! 1
waite until everyone was staning in the $ool, wie hallway!
<0ook, Domino, this is news to me! 1'll make you a eal! 5ou tone it own an 1'll promise
you won't &e on the menu "or se(!= 1n my hea, 1 thought, 1ood for aner, maybe, but not
se0.
He "rowne at me!
,rispin trie to help! <She means she won't o you i" you on't want to o her!=
<5ou $an't speak "or anyone,= Ava sai!
The uni"orme guars were looking at us, with their hans on the &utts o" their guns! They
saw the &ages, &ut they saw the guns, too, an they' pi$ke up that we might not &e getting
along with the weretigers! 1t woul &e interesting to see where their loyalties woul ivie!
#war leane in! <#ither we leave or we go with them! 5our $all!=
1 sighe! 0eaving was su$h a goo iea! But the &oies in the morgue woul still &e ea! The
hea they' maile to me woul still &e waiting to $ome &a$k to its &oy "or &urial! 1 ha
smelle tiger on the &oy in the morgue here! 1 wasn't wrong, an "or $lues a&out weretigers,
this was the pla$e to $ome!
<Anita,= #war sai, so"tly!
<+ith them, we go with them!=
<+hat a&out their weapons/= Domino sai!
<+e have a gun room, i" we $oul lo$k up some o" them/= )i$k sai!
<+e on't give up our weapons,= 4la" sai!
<5our warrant e($lues us, an you on't have other poli$e with you! 5ou o not go &e"ore
our %ueen with automati$ weapons on you,= )i$k sai, an it was matter;o";"a$t!
<+oul you let someone see your Master o" the ,ity arme like this/= Ava aske!
1 thought a&out it, then shook my hea! <>ro&a&ly not!=
<0et's get some priva$y, an we'll is$uss the weapons,= #war sai! He' glan$e up at the
hallway, near the $eiling! His ga8e ha "oun the se$urity $ameras! 1 wonere i" it was a law
in Vegas, the $ameras/
<Sure!=
1 put ,rispin's han more "irmly in my le"t han! He s%uee8e &a$k! 1 sai to Domino, <1'm
not into rape3 i" you on't want me, "ine! 1'm not $ra8y a&out you either!=
He almost snarle, an )i$k suenly ha a two;arme grip on him! <1 must o&ey my %ueen,=
Domino growle! The energy o" his &east pushe o"" him! 1 &ra$e "or it to hit me like a
kiney pun$h thrown "rom in$hes away, &ut it was $ompletely i""erent! 2o violen$e, no
ele$tri$ rush! 1t was like &eing &athe in a pool o" warm, e(pensive per"ume! #($ept the s$ent
in't hit my nose! ,an something have a s$ent that hits your &rain &ut not your nose/ 1t was
as i" the <per"ume= hit something eeper insie me! The white tigress an the &la$k pa$e
$loser to the sur"a$e, opening their mouths in that grima$eHgrowl, so they $oul taste the s$ent
on the tops o" their mouths where the Ba$o&son organ is lo$ate! He smelle ! ! ! goo!
1 &a$ke up an sli my arm aroun ,rispin! His arm hesitate at the tou$h o" the M>C on its
sling, then 7ust kept moving until he hel me $lose, our &oies tou$hing all the way own sie
to sie! Tou$hing ,rispin helpe $lear my hea, &ut the tigers growle at me! They like
Domino &etter now!
Domino ha gone %uiet in )i$k's grip! Those orange;"ire eyes were looking at me i""erently
now! <5ou smell ! ! ! like home!= He in't soun angry now, more pu88le!
1 neee to leave! 1t was a &a iea to get $loser to any o" the tigers! But ! ! ! all that seeme at
risk was my virtue3 somehow that in't seem worth another $op's li"e! 1" 1 got a $lue here
that save lives, woul it &e worth it/ Hell, yes! Di 1 want to a another man to my menu/
Hell, no! But sometimes a girl's got to o what a man's got to o, or something like that! 1n
that moment, 1 was angry! Angry that metaphysi$s woul pro&a&ly help solve the $rime, &ut it
was going to "u$k me up again! >ro&a&ly literally!
30



TH# A2T#,HAMB#) HAD white tile an white walls3 it was all so pale it was almost
isorienting! The only thing that save it was that the white ha more wallpaper on it! The
paper ha raise esigns in silver an gol! 1t was like staning insie a eli$ate ,hristmas
ornament! 1t was almost too elegant "or $om"ort, as i" 1 were a"rai 1' &reak something 7ust
&y &reathing too har! The $hairs were all those eli$ate, spinly;&a$ke ones that only very
small people "it into, i" at all, an even i" you "it, they won't &e $om"orta&le!
+e' $ome through a &ig oor "rom the hallway, an there was another set o" ou&le oors in
the "ar wall! Behin them, where Ava an Domino ha gone, was Bi&iana an her inner
$ir$le! Ava went to talk to Bi&iana, &ut 1 think Domino went &e$ause they in't trust him
aroun me an all the guns! )i$k was aamant that we weren't going &e"ore his %ueen arme
to the teeth!
,rispin was sitting, waiting "or us all to "inish the e&ate! He seeme pea$e"ul with all o" it, as
i" it in't matter to him what we e$ie! 1" the eli$ate $hair was un$om"orta&le, it in't
show! He seeme more at ease than he ha in the $asino!
<The warrant e($lues the weretigers, so you $an keep us out o" the inner room! But you $an't
"or$e us to isarm,= 1 sai!
<Then you on't get in,= )i$k sai! <But "rankly, 1 thought at least one o" you wouln't &e
arme! Ava sai one o" these guys was suppose to &e "oo! +e on't arm our "oo!=
<1've &een personally threatene &y a serial killer here in your town3 1 thought it was smart to
&ring "oo that $oul take $are o" itsel"!=
He mae a $an't;argue;with;that "a$e an sai, <?air enough, &ut you still on't get insie
with all the shit you're $arrying!=
There were two more uni"orme guars &y the ou&le oors! The two who ha met us at the
elevator were still outsie in the hallway! ?our arme guars, $ool, &ut all human3 interesting!
1" 1 ha a $hoi$e o" guars, 1' have pi$ke weretigers to guar weretigers! 1 thought it was an
interesting e$ision to use regular human guars like you' see at any $asino! There were
more o" them than normal, &ut still, it was pretty orinary "or the Master Vampire o" the ,ity!
<Then we're at an impasse,= 1 sai! <5ou won't let us in without the weapons, an we won't
give them up!=
<Then you leave,= )i$k sai, <sorry!=
#war sai, <+hat i" two o" us strip o"" most o" our weapons, while the other two keep the
weapons an stan at this oor/=
1 looke at him!
<5ou sai we neee to $ome here, Anita! How &aly o you want this interview/=
1 met his eyes, so &lue, so $ol, so real! 1 noe! <1 want it! 1 want it &e"ore ark when the
vampires will hunt again!=
<Ta$ti$al units o this sometimes, when they have to negotiate,= he sai!
1 wante to say, %ut you had a bad feelin downstairs, &ut 1 $ouln't say that out lou in "ront
o" the guars "rom the other sie! 1 sighe! <4kay!= 1 took o"" the win&reaker an li"te the
M>C in its sling over my hea! <+ho gets to hol "or me/=
#war hel out his han!
1 gave him wie eyes! <2o, you're going in with me!=
<2o,= he sai, <1'm staying out here with all my weapons, so that i" you yell "or help 1'll $ome
through like the $avalry!=
+e stare at ea$h other "or a minute! 1 thought a&out what he' sai, trie to &e logi$al,
instea o" paying attention to my suenly speeing heart rate! 1 gave him the M>C!
<Thank you,= an 1 knew he meant not the gun &ut the level o" trust that the gun represente
"or me!
<5ou're wel$ome, &ut how will you hear me when 1 yell "or help/=
<1've got ear&us an raios!=
4" $ourse he i! 1t was #war3 he always &rought the right toys "or the play ate! 1 stoppe
stripping o"" weapons an sai, <+ait, who goes in with me, i" you stay here/=
<Shit,= Bernaro sai, with real "eeling to the wor! He starte taking o"" the 7a$ket!
<Hol a minute,= #war sai! He turne to )i$k! <How $lean o you want them to &e/=
<They $an keep the knives an one hangun!=
<Thanks "or the hangun,= 1 sai!
)i$k grinne! <5ou'll o a hieout anyway! This way 1 know where the gun is!=
<5ou $oul 7ust sear$h us,= 1 sai!
<1 waite "or you to get out o" the elevator! All o" us i! 1 on't think 1 want to tou$h you,
little %ueen! 1n "a$t, the less 1 have to o with you physi$ally, the &etter!=
<5ou aren't on the meal plan/= 1 aske!
<1 was, &ut 1'm going to ask to &e reassigne!=
<Shoul 1 &e o""ene/=
<2o, it's a $ompliment! 1" you were 7ust goo se(, then no pro&lem! 1 like se(! But you aren't
7ust goo se(! 5ou're power! 5ou're things 1 $an't even name! But 1 know one thing "or amn
sure: you are angerous, an it isn't the guns an &age that make you angerous to me an
Domino, an even ,rispin!= He noe towar where he was sitting patiently in one o" the
un$om"orta&le $hairs! <His ga8e "ollows you like he's a evote og!=
1 glan$e at ,rispin, who gave me a pea$e"ul "a$e, as i" the $omment in't "a8e him! <1
in't o it on purpose,= was all 1 $oul think to say!
<1 &elieve that! 5ou're like a survivor o" an atta$k &y one o" us! 5ou on't know what you are
yet!=
<She's gaining powers as i" she were a &orn tiger,= ,rispin sai, "rom his $hair!
)i$k noe! <1 noti$e that! 2ow, whoever is going insie, take o"" the weapons!=
1 starte taking stu"" o"" an hane it to #war! Bernaro i the same, haning his gear to
4la"!
#war hane ear&us an waist raios to the "our o" us! )i$k never proteste the raios!
Again, not oing what 1 thought he' o!
<1've got it set to &roa$ast $ontinuously, so 4tto an 1 will hear whatever is going on!=
1 ha a thought! <+hat's the range on these/ 1 wouln't want 7ust anyone to overhear!=
#war smile! <1' rather not say in "ront o" our host!=
)i$k sai, <Don't min me!=
<But it's small enough that i" our lo$al "riens are trying to listen in, they' have to &e
staning in the room with us to overhear!=
<4kay!= 1 unerstoo that he in't want to tell )i$k, an thus all the weretigers, how "ar
they' have to take Bernaro an me so that we $oul yell "or help an not &e hear, &ut ! ! !
1' have like to know the range! But 1 truste #war! 1 truste him with my li"e an my
eath! 1 ha no higher $ompliment to pay to another e(e$utioner!
1 ha to rea7ust my straps on the holsters, to settle the guns again without all the other stu"" to
get in the way, an with the aition o" the raio! A7usta&le holsters are a woner"ul thing!
Bernaro was oing similar things to his guns an knives!
<How i you know #war was going to pi$k you to go in with me/= 1 aske, as 1 $he$ke
the last kni"e!
Bernaro gave me a look! 1t wasn't a happy one! 1n "a$t, those ark eyes were ownright
sullen! He straightene up, hans oing one last $he$k on the new lo$ation o" all his weapons,
automati$ally! <Be$ause i" it's the $avalry you want, the heavy hitters stay out here, an
neither o" you thinks 1'm a heavy enough hitter!=
1 wasn't sure what to say to that! #war save me! <1" 1 in't trust you, Bernaro, 1
wouln't sen her in with only you as &a$kup!=
Bernaro an he e($hange a long look, an then "inally the other man noe! <?ine, &ut we
&oth know you' sen 4la" i" you in't think he' eat her!=
<1 thought we were the only ones who ate people,= )i$k sai, with his han on the oor!
1 gave the weretiger the look the $omment eserve! He smile at me!
,rispin ha move up &esie me, 7ust waiting "or us to "inish the weapons! Apparently, he ha
no %ualms a&out "ollowing me anywhere! He' alreay one enough to get him in trou&le in
most o" the wereanimal groups that 1 was "amiliar with! 1nsu&orination isn't tolerate among
the "urry!
)i$k tou$he ,rispin's arm! <5ou must either wait here with her other "riens, or go ahea
alone!=
<1 want to stay with Anita!=
<5ou have alreay re"use one ire$t orer "rom your %ueen an master! Do not make it two,
,rispin!= )i$k's "a$e so"tene! <>lease, stay here, or go ahea!=
1 in't argue "or ,rispin to stay with me &e$ause )i$k was right! ,rispin ha alreay gotten
himsel" in potential trou&le! 1 in't want to make it worse!
He turne to me! <+hat o you want me to o/=
1 &linke at him! +hat 1 really wante him to o was not to have aske that! 1 really wante
him to make the e$ision on his own in $ase it $ame &a$k an &it him! But either you're the
ominant or you aren't! ?u$k!
1" he staye here, he' &e sa"er! 1" he went ahea, they might punish him, &ut 1 might also &e
a&le to get him &a$k at my sie an help me $ontrol the tigers!
<1" he goes ahea, what happens to him/=
<He has earne is$ipline, &ut sin$e he is your white tiger to $all, he "alls uner vampire
rules!=
<5ou $an't hurt him &e$ause he's mine!=
)i$k noe! <As long as you're in Vegas, yes!=
+e looke at ea$h other! 1 in't know )i$k well enough to know that look this well, &ut 1
i! The look sai, plainly, that i" 1 le"t ,rispin in Vegas, &a things might happen to him!
Bean;,laue was not going to like me $oming home with e(tra &aggage, &ut 1 $ouln't leave
him to &e hurt, $oul 1/
<-o ahea, ,rispin! +e'll &e right &ehin you!=
,rispin looke "rom me to )i$k, then "inally noe! He went through the "ar, whooshy
oors, an we were one man own!
4la" "inally spoke! <Do you woner why 1 i not protest Bernaro going with you/=
1 turne an looke &a$k at him! His "a$e was its ol mask o" anger an arrogan$e, an things
1 $oul not rea! <1 thought you might argue a&out Bernaro, yes!=
<1" you are Te's woman, then it's his $hoi$e who goes in with you! 1t's his 7o& to prote$t you,
not mine!=
1 let the <Te's woman= $omment go, an $on$entrate on something 1 $oul unerstan! <1
on't nee anyone to prote$t me, 4tto! 1 o a "ine 7o& on my own!=
<All women nee prote$tion, Anita!=
Bernaro tou$he my arm! <+e on't have time "or you to win this argument!=
1 took a eep &reath, let it out, then turne &a$k to the &ig guy! <5ou might ask #war whi$h
o" the three o" us he' trust most to prote$t his &a$k!= Then 1 noe at )i$k! He swung the
oor open! Bernaro gave me a sieways glan$e! 1 steppe "orwar, an he "ollowe me! 4r
may&e he 7ust in't want to &e the "irst person through the oor!
31



+# ST#>>#D ?)4M the waiting room into a &o(! 4kay, may&e it was a room, &ut it was
smaller than the elevator we' $ome up in, an the walls were soli an gray! 1 knew metal
when 1 saw it, an something a&out it "elt wrong! As the oors were sliing $lose, 1 sai, <1
think you'll lose the signal "or a "ew minutes!=
<+hy/=
<1 think it's a %uiet room!= Then the oors $lose, an there was stati$ in my ear! 1 trie
anyway! <#war, #war, say something i" you $an hear me!=
<He $an't,= Bernaro sai, an he soune isguste! He looke at )i$k! <That's why you
in't protest the raios3 you knew they wouln't o us a amn &it o" goo!=
)i$k shrugge, smiling like he was en7oying our is$om"ort! <The raios will work on$e we
get into the room &eyon! >romise!= He even mae the Boy S$out salute!
<+ere you really a Boy S$out/= 1 aske!
His eyes wiene a little, an then he noe! <Ma( wante us to have the all;Ameri$an
e(perien$e, so he starte a troop 7ust "or us, so we wouln't s$are the humans!=
1 trie to pi$ture an entire troop o" little weretigers, an was &oth amuse an impresse! <1s
the troop still a$tive/= 1 aske!
<5ou're looking at the $urrent s$out leaer!=
Bernaro sai, <Mus$le &y night, s$out leaer &y ay3 who are you, ,lark *ent/=
)i$k 7ust grinne, an sai, <2ow what else is i""erent a&out this room/=
<1t's a test, isn't it/= 1 sai!
<+hat kin o" test/= Bernaro aske!
<The walls are rein"or$e metal o" some kin! 1'm &etting they'll stan up to wereanimal an
vampire strength, so no one $an &atter their way through!=
He noe an looke please! <Very goo!=
Bernaro took the ne(t part! <That's why you wouln't let us have the heavy artillery, &e$ause
that might get through the "ar oor!=
<Another point "or you!=
<Are we going to &e grae on this pop %ui8/= 1 aske!
He noe, an the smile "ae! <4h, yes, you'll get a grae!=
<But you aren't the tea$her, are you/=
He was solemn now! <2o!=
<Have we passe/= Bernaro aske!
<1' hate "or our &a$kup to get too 7umpy with the raio silen$e,= 1 sai!
<-oo point,= )i$k sai! <+hat else o you sense in here, Marshal Blake/=
<1t's a metal &o(! 1t's proo" against ele$troni$s! 1t's strong enough to stop most preternaturals,
or at least slow them own!=
<+hat else/= he aske!
1 glare at him! <+hat o you want "rom me/=
<1 want the energy that mae us all wait "or you to get o"" the elevator "irst!=
<5ou want me to use the tigers to sense something!=
<5es, please!=
<That's why you in't want me to have ,rispin with me, &e$ause as a vampire 1 $oul use
the a&ilities o" my animal to $all, an you wouln't &e a&le to tell how mu$h was me an how
mu$h was ,rispin!=
<#(a$tly,= he sai!
1 sighe! 1 $ouln't say out lou that 1 in't want to $all tiger energy when we were a&out to
step through into a room "ull o" them, &ut there were other things insie me! 1 rea$he own
into that ark, %uiet pla$e an $alle wol"!
She $ame paing up through that ark, tree;"ille pla$e that was what my min ha mae o"
where the &easts waite! 1t wasn't really where they waite insie me, &ut my human min
neee something $on$rete "or them to stan on, an this was it! The she;wol" was white an
$ream, with &la$k markings! She was huge an &eauti"ul, an seeing her always mae me
remem&er where huskies an malamutes an a o8en other &rees ha $ome "rom! 5ou $oul
see it in her, &ut on$e you looke past the &eauty o" the "ur an saw her eyes, the illusion o"
og was gone! Those eyes were wil an ha nothing in them that woul $url up &y your "ire
at night!
<5ou smell like wol",= )i$k sai, an he grima$e, either trying to get a &etter s$ent or not
en7oying what he was smelling! 4n a tiger "a$e, it was tasting the s$ent3 on a human "a$e, it
was isgust! He looke human, &ut 1 ha no way o" knowing how mu$h like a tiger he thought
in this "orm!
1 starte to walk $lose to the walls, &ut 1 in't have to s$ent them! +ith the wol" so $lose to
the sur"a$e, it ha peele own some o" the shiels 1 kept up automati$ally! Some o" my
metaphysi$al shiels ha &e$ome like a &ulletproo" vest "or most $ops! 5ou put it on every
ay &e"ore you went out the oor! 5ou put it on so automati$ally that you "orgot sometimes
that you neee to take it o"" to o $ertain things! 1 $oul now shiel so tight that magi$ 1
shoul have sense easily in't get through! 1 was shieling too tight i" 1 ha steppe into
this spa$e an not "elt this! +hi$h prove 7ust how nervous 1 truly was a&out &eing
surroune &y this many weretigers, with no other physi$al animal to &a$k me up!
The magi$ in the walls $rawle over my skin! 1 &roke out in goose &umps "rom it! <+hat the
"u$k is in the walls/= 1 aske!
<,an't you tell/=
1 shook my hea an guesse! <Magi$ to keep magi$ out!=
<Very goo!=
<Seriously,= Bernaro sai, <i" we keep raio silen$e mu$h longer you're going to "in out
how well that oor stans up to heavy artillery!=
<Are you making a threat/= )i$k aske, an was very serious again!
<2ot me,= Bernaro sai, spreaing his hans wie, <&ut 1 know my "riens outsie! They
aren't patient men!=
)i$k looke at me!
1 shrugge, an noe! <Te will want to know what's happening to us!=
<5ou, he wants to know what's happening to you,= Bernaro sai!
<5ou're part o" his team, too!=
<5eah, &ut 1'm not his @woman,' = an he mae little %uotation marks aroun the wor with
his "ingers! +as Bernaro starting to &elieve the lie that we were "eeing 4la"/
1 in't know what to say to that, so 1 kept my mouth shut! +hen in ou&t, shut the "u$k up!
)i$k was looking "rom one o" us to the other! 1t was way too thought"ul an e(pression "or
mus$le! But then, 1 han't &elieve that )i$k was 7ust mus$le! 1" he ha &een, 1 in't think
his %ueen woul have wante him on the "eeing list!
<Have we passe your tests/= 1 aske!
<4ne last %uestion,= he sai!
<Shoot!=
<+hy o you smell like wol"/=
1 reali8e that the she;wol" was still 7ust &elow the sur"a$e! 1 ha $alle her energy, &ut ha
not ha to put her &a$k in her &o(! She seeme $ontent to &e reay to mani"est more, &ut not
to make a nuisan$e o" hersel"! 1 ha a spurt o" pure happiness! 1' &een working really har
with the &easts insie me, to &e a&le to work with them an not "ight them!
The wol" looke at me, as i" she were staning in "ront o" me! 1 ha a moment o" staring into
her ark am&er eyes, then 1 wante her gone, an she 7ust vanishe! 1 in't have to wat$h her
walk own the path insie my hea! She 7ust went! ?or a se$on, 1 thought she was truly gone,
&ut a moment's thought "oun her pale an istant in that not;so;real "orest! She was still
there, &ut 1 $oul &ring her out an sen her &a$k with that little "uss!
1 "ought to $ontrol my emotions an not &e as happy as 1 "elt, or not show it! Bernaro was too
o&servant, an wereanimals were way too o&servant!
<5ou on't smell like wol" anymore,= )i$k sai! <How $an you smell o" tiger one moment
an wol" the ne(t/=
<5our Master o" the ,ity knows the answer to that %uestion! 1" he in't share with you, not
my pro&lem!=
He noe, as i" that mae per"e$t sense!
1 in't hear #war &ang on the oor, 1 "elt the vi&ration o" it! )i$k glan$e at the oors,
then presse his han on a panel he' &een staning in "ront o"3 it was a "ingerprint s$anner!
The oors leaing "arther into the penthouse whooshe open!
32



#D+A)D +AS 5#0012- in our ears! <Anita, BernaroA Damn itA=
<+e're here,= 1 sai!
<+e're $ool,= Bernaro sai!
<+hat happene/= #war aske!
<The "irst room is a &o( that's sounproo" an ele$troni$s proo"! +e ha to play twenty
%uestions &e"ore they let us in!= 1 was looking aroun us as 1 spoke! 1t was a living room, 7ust
a living room! 1t was white an elegant, with winows that gave an ama8ing view o" the 0as
Vegas Strip! There were huge white $ou$hes with $ream an silver $ushions! There were even
a "ew tou$hes o" shiny gol in small $ushions! The $o""ee ta&le in the mile o" the $ou$hes
was glass an silver! 1 reali8e that it looke like a &igger version o" Bean;,laue's living
room! 1t in't make me "eel at home! 1t a$tually kin o" $reepe me!
<Talk to me, people,= #war sai in my ear!
<+e're in the living room,= 1 sai!
<2i$e view o" the Strip,= Bernaro sai!
<Thank you,= )i$k sai! He walke &a$k to a hallway that was on the other sie o" the room!
But &e"ore he got there, Ava walke out! They spoke low together, then she $ame on into the
room, an )i$k walke &a$k until he vanishe through the oor at the en o" the short
hallway! 1t was like a $hanging o" the guar!
1 $alle a"ter )i$k an to Ava! <+here's ,rispin/=
<He's sa"e,= Ava sai, <1 promise! +e 7ust want to talk to you without him "or a "ew
moments!=
<More tests/= Bernaro sai!
<2ot e(a$tly!=
<Ava,= 1 sai, partially so #war woul know she was here, <when o we get to talk to
,hang;Bi&iana/=
<)i$k will tell her what you sai in the outer room! Then either she will $ome out to meet you,
or we will take you in to meet her!=
<+hat e$ies who goes where/= 1 aske!
<,hang;Bi&i oes!=
<+hen oes ,rispin 7oin us/=
<+hen ,hang;Bi&i wishes him to!=
<She is the %ueen,= 1 sai, an "ought to keep the sar$asm out o" my voi$e! 1 pro&a&ly "aile!
<She is,= Ava replie! <+oul you like to sit own/=
Bernaro an 1 e($hange glan$es! He shrugge! <Sure,= 1 sai!
+e took opposite $orners o" the $ou$h! 1t put neither o" our &a$ks to a oor, an it gave us the
ma(imum view o" the surrounings! +e i it without asking ea$h other! Bernaro looke at
me as we settle into the overstu""e $ou$h, an 1 looke &a$k! He gave a small smile, not his
"lirting smile, &ut 1 think a smile at how we' ivie the room up!
<+oul you like $o""ee, tea, water perhaps/= she aske!
<,o""ee woul &e great,= 1 sai!
<+ater "or me, i" it's &ottle!=
<4" $ourse!=
She le"t us alone in the huge, pale room, with the Vegas sun &eating against the nearly soli
wall o" winows! #ven with the air;$onitioning &lasting, you $oul "eel the heat pressing in
against the room, like something almost alive an with malevolent intent!
<+hy &ottle water/= 1 aske!
<Be$ause i" you travel, the new water is the thing most likely to make you si$k! Sti$k to
&ottle an you $an eat almost anything!=
<Makes sense, 1 guess!=
Bernaro &egan to report the room through the heaset! +hi$h ire$tion the winows were,
the lay o" the lan, in$luing oors an all e(its!
#war spoke in my ear! <5ou want to a anything, Anita/=
<2ope! He $overe everything 1 see!=
<Thank you,= Bernaro sai!
<5ou're wel$ome,= 1 sai!
A isguste soun $ame through the ear&u! <1 wish you were in here with us, &ig guy,=
Bernaro sai!
<5es,= was all that eep voi$e sai, &ut it was enough to make me shiver, an not in a goo,
happy way!
<How o you really "eel a&out 4tto/= Bernaro aske!
1 gave him a isguste look! <4h, right, like 1'm going to is$uss my personal "eelings a&out
team mem&ers over an open raio!=
He grinne at me! <1 ha to try!=
<+hy/=
+hatever his answer was, 1 never hear it, &e$ause Ava $ame &a$k "rom the hallway! )i$k
was with her, an Domino was &a$k! Bernaro an 1 &oth stoo up!
Ava spoke in a $lear, ringing voi$e! <,hang;Bi&i o" the +hite Tiger ,lanA=
The oors at the en o" the short hallway &ehin the tigers opene! ,hang;Bi&i stroe through
the oor, with ,rispin on her arm! She was taller than me, &e$ause her hea was a little a&ove
his shouler, an then 1 ha to revise that, &e$ause 1 saw her heels! ?our;in$h spike heels, an
1 was &a$k to &eing unsure o" her height! But other things were very sure!
+hite hair "ell to her waist in per"e$t waves! She was wearing makeup that emphasi8e the
pale, per"e$t &lue o" her tiger eyes in that human "a$e! Her eyes tilte up at the eges, an
there was something in the &one stru$ture! 1t was as i" her "a$e hel some geneti$ link to the
long;ago ,hinese origins o" her an$estors! But, as 1' learne a "ew months &a$k, the
weretigers ha &een "or$e to "lee ,hina many $enturies ago, in the time o" the #mperor Lin
Shi Huang! He' seen all the preternatural ra$es as a anger to his authority an ha them
slaughtere on sight! The weretigers ha "le to other $ountries an &een "or$e to marry
outsie the purity o" their ra$e, so most o" them looke like the $ountry they' "le to!
There was something very e(oti$ a&out Bi&iana, an though they ha similar hair an eyes,
,rispin $ame o"" looking more orinary! 1" you $oul have $hange the eyes to human, he
woul have looke at home at any &ar or $lu& on a Saturay night! ,hang;Bi&i woul have
stoo out anywhere, as i" the aura o" her i""eren$e was something that $ouln't &e hien!
She wore a white ress with long silky sleeves, an a V;ne$k so it showe o"" the spill o"
white &reasts! The &elt at the waist emphasi8e how tiny her waist, how $urvy the &oy! She
$ame "rom a time when &eing too thin was not in, an she looke voluptuous! That was the
only wor 1 ha "or it! She was voluptuous!
Someone tou$he my arm, an it was Bernaro! 1 looke at him, startle! <5ou okay/= he
aske!
1 noe, &ut ha to take a shaky &reath! ?u$k, she ha &espelle me like some kin o"
vampire, &ut it han't &een eye $onta$t! 1t was as i" her very &eing attra$te me! ?u$k, again!
1 $alle wol" again, &ut the white tiger snarle in "ront o" the wol"! 1 in't want the &easts to
"ight insie me! 4ne, it hurt.a lot! Two, 1 in't want the weretigers to know that 1 in't
have per"e$t $ontrol o" my &easts!
1 let the wol" slie &a$k insie! 1 was le"t with white tiger pa$ing insie me, an she was going
to &e no help against the "as$ination o" the white %ueen!
<1 am Bi&iana, wi"e o" Ma(imillian, Master Vampire o" the ,ity o" 0as Vegas, 2evaa!=
Bernaro tou$he my arm again, an 1 noe! <1 am Anita Blake=.1 hesitate.<girl"rien
o" Bean;,laue, Master Vampire o" the ,ity o" St! 0ouis, Missouri, an 6!S! Marshal!=
<Ava sai you $ome on a so$ial visit!=
<1 o, &ut 1 woul ask %uestions a&out the $rime we are here to investigate! Solving it helps
&oth your people an the humans!=
<Have you $ome here to visit with me, Anita, or to interrogate me, as a marshal/=
1 li$ke suenly ry lips! +hy was 1 having su$h trou&le $on$entrating/ +hat was she oing
to me/ 1' never ha this kin o" trou&le aroun a wereanimal that wasn't one o" the men in
my li"e!
<1 ! ! != +hy $ouln't 1 think/
Bernaro tou$he me again! That helpe! 1 move aroun so that 1 $oul take his right han in
my le"t one! 1t le"t &oth our gun hans "ree! He raise eye&rows at me, &ut in't take his han
&a$k! 1 was 7ust gla it was Bernaro3 anyone else on our little team, an one o" us woul
have ha to $ompromise their gun han! The moment his han was warm an real in mine, 1
$oul think a little more $learly! 1nteresting! 1 han't even ha to $all up the ardeur, 7ust
another human han to tou$h, an ,hang;Bi&i's "as$ination was less!
<1 am honore that you agree to see me, &ut woul you honor me with answering some
%uestions that are more my 7o& than so$ial/ 1 &eg your inulgen$e, &ut it is a most ! ! !
"rightening $rime!=
<1t is most sa that our goo poli$emen have &een so slaughtere!= Her "a$e showe istress,
an she hugge ,rispin's arm a little tighter to her! She move "irst, an he es$orte her to the
$ou$h opposite us! She sat own, smoothing her skirt out!
,rispin took a step towar me! 1 let go o" Bernaro an hel out my han! ,rispin starte "or
me with a smile!
<,rispin,= she sai, <sit &y me!=
His "a$e looke less happy, &ut he i what she tol him! He sat &esie her, an the moment
she lai her han on his thigh, 1 was "as$inate again! 1 $oul almost "eel the weight o" her
han on my own thigh!
<Shit,= 1 whispere, an took Bernaro's han again! The tou$h helpe steay me, &ut 1 was
&eginning to reali8e what was wrong!
<+hat's wrong/= Bernaro aske!
<1 think she's using ,rispin to get to me!=
<Very goo, Anita! 1 am his %ueen, an though he is your tiger to $all, 1 am still his %ueen!
Through your tie to him, 1 am your %ueen, too, so it seems!=
1 shook my hea! <1 nee your help to solve these $rimes! 5our hus&an, Ma(, tol the poli$e
here that 1' help sort things out!=
<Ma( wante you here, an so i 1,= she sai! She &egan to tra$e small $ir$les on ,rispin's
thigh! 1 $oul "eel it on my leg! ?u$k, "u$k, "u$k!
<She's not going to help us,= 1 sai, an turne "or the "ar oor, Bernaro still han in han
with me!
<1 have every intention o" helping you, Anita,= she sai!
1 turne &a$k, putting my other han higher on Bernaro's arm! The reality o" his mus$le
warmth helpe me think! 1 wasn't sure why, &ut it was almost as i" anyone an anything that
wasn't tiger was use"ul! Then 1 ha a thought: was it tiger, or was it white tiger/
<Then stop the min games!=
<1 neee to know i" ,rispin was more yours than mine! But not only $an he not resist my
tou$h, &ut through him, 1 also have a oor into you! Very ni$e!=
<+hy o you want a oor into me/= 1 aske!
<Be$ause it is there,= she sai, an looking into her "a$e, there was nothing there to talk to! 1t
was a human "a$e, &ut the e(pression in it gave me the "eeling 1' gotten a $ouple o" times
when 1 stare into the "a$e o" a wil animal! There was that same neutrality! Bi&iana in't
want to hurt me, &ut she in't not want to hurt me either! 1t in't move her either way! 1t's
not the same thing as &eing a so$iopath, &ut it's $lose! 1t meant that she wouln't think like a
human &eing! She' think more like a tiger with a human &rain! 1t $hange everything a&out
this interview! 1t meant that 1 $ouln't reason with her the way 1 $oul have with Ma(! 1t
might mean 1 $ouln't reason with her at all!
<+hat's happening, Anita/= #war sai in my ear! 1t startle me, mae me 7ump!
<1" your "riens wish to 7oin us, &y all means &ring them in! 0istening evi$es are so
impersonal,= she sai!
1 li$ke my lips again an trie to "ight own my rising heart&eat! <The other marshals are
holing our weapons "or us! )i$k in't want us to &ring in an arsenal!=
She glan$e &a$k at )i$k! <Are they that angerous/=
<5es, ,hang;Bi&i, 1 &elieve they are!=
She noe, an turne &a$k to us! <1 trust )oeri$'s 7ugment on su$h things!= She tou$he
,rispin's &are han, an the power 7umpe like an ele$tri$ $harge through me!
Bernaro 7umpe, too! <+hat was that/=
<>ower,= 1 sai, <her power!=
<She sent it through the ki, to you/=
1 in't argue with ,rispin &eing <the ki=3 it wasn't 7ust his age &ut the "eel o" him! <5eah,= 1
sai!
<+ill you stop the power games long enough to answer some %uestions/= 1 aske!
<1 will, i" you o one thing "irst,= she sai!
1 knew it was a &a iea, &ut ! ! ! <+hat o you want me to o/=
<,all ,rispin to your sie! 1" you $an $all him away "rom me, then 1 will answer your
%uestions with no more games!= She smile as she sai it, &ut it was like wat$hing the tiger in
the 8oo smile! 5ou knew it in't mean it!
1 s%uee8e Bernaro's han, then let go! He leane in an whispere, <Are you sure this is a
goo iea/=
<1'm pretty sure it's not,= 1 sai!
<Then why o it/=
<Be$ause she'll keep her wor! 1" 1 $an $all ,rispin to me, away "rom her, she'll answer our
%uestions!=
<1t's still a &a iea,= he sai!
1 noe! 1 took the Browning BDM out o" its holster an hane it to him! <Bi&iana seems to
"as$inate me like a master vampire, sort o"! Bust in $ase she e$ies to try to see how mu$h
$ontrol she has over me, 1' rather you have all the guns!=
<5ou think she's going to min;"u$k you that &aly/= he aske!
<1 think she's going to try!=
#war was in my ear! <Bust get out o" there, Anita! +e $an "in this in"ormation out
somewhere else!=
1 sai, <#($use me= to our hosts, an turne my &a$k to talk out lou to #war! <2ight is
going to $ome, #war! +hatever kille these $ops was ealy in the aylight! +hen you a
their vampire masters to the mi(, it's going to &e even worse! There is nowhere else to go "or
weretigers in Vegas!=
<,an she roll you, $ompletely/=
<1 on't know!=
<Bernaro,= #war sai!
<5eah, &oss,= he sai!
<1" she goes, on't &e a hero, yell "or us!=
<Don't worry, Te, 1'm no hero!=
<?ine, we'll &e listening! Be $are"ul, Anita!=
<As a virgin on my weing night!=
There was a soun, 1 think it was 4la"! May&e 1 ha amuse him, or may&e he 7ust thought 1
was &eing stupi! He might &e right on that se$on part!
33



1 D1D2'T 6S6A005 try to $all the wereanimals that were tie to me metaphysi$ally! 1t 7ust
sort o" happene! My psy$hi$ mentor, Marianne, tol me that my natural a&ilities were so
strong that 1 i most things without thinking a&out it "irst! That $oul &e goo an power"ul,
or &a an a weakness! But 1' &een learning how to &e a grown;up psy$hi$ an o stu"" on
purpose! 1t was the i""eren$e &etween riving really "ast on a pu&li$ street, or riving really
"ast on a tra$k with pro"essional rivers! 4ne was "or kis3 the other was "or grown;ups!
1 trie simple "irst! <,rispin, $ome to me!= 1 hel my han out!
He stoo up! Bi&iana's han "ell away! He a$tually took a step my way &e"ore her power
&reathe through the room! 1t stoppe my &reath in my throat, mae me taste my pulse on my
tongue! ,rispin's "a$e was almost paine! His eyes looke at me with su$h longing, &ut he
in't move $loser!
But the white tiger insie me i move! She &egan to pa eagerly up along that well;worn
path insie me! She &egan to trot, an 1 knew on$e she starte running, when she hit the
<sur"a$e= o" my &oy, it woul "eel like getting hit &y a tru$k "rom the insie out! 1 han't ha
it happen in months, an 1 ha se$ons to stop it, i" 1 $oul!
1 trie to $all wol", &ut tiger was too $lose! The tigress was running "ull out, a white &lur,
streaking towar me!
<?u$k,= 1 sai!
)i$k an Domino ha move $loser to us, as i" they $ouln't help themselves! 4nly Ava
seeme a&le to resist, &ut then she wasn't the same ! ! ! $olor!
1 $alle &la$k tiger, 1 $alle it with a s$ream an a roar insie my hea! The &la$k "orm
smashe into the white insie me an sent me spinning a$ross the room! 1 ene up on the
"loor near the winows, with the two tigers snarling insie me, trying to tear ea$h other apart,
&ut my &oy was their &attle"iel!
1 $rie out! 1 $ouln't help it!
,rispin yelle, <AnitaA=
Bernaro was &esie me, kneeling! 1 hear #war yelling in my ear! <Anita, talk to me, or
we're $oming in!=
<Don't ! ! ! on't $ome! 2ot yet!= My voi$e hel the pain 1 was "eeling! There was nothing 1
$oul o a&out that!
,rispin was hal"way a$ross the room, &ut she was &esie him! 1 $oul not "or$e him to me
with the white %ueen &esie him! Domino was walking towar me with a s$owl on his "a$e!
The &la$k tiger an the white hesitate in their &attle! They looke up an use my eyes to see
him! They &oth like him!
1 sai, <Domino, $ome to me!=
He shook his hea, &ut the &la$k tigress &roke "ree o" the "ight, an the white tigress let her!
The &la$k &egan to stalk $loser to me! 1 put that energy into the man 1 $oul see! 1 $alle him
with images o" ark "ur an eyes like "ire in the night!
He $ame to me as i" ea$h step hurt! He $ame to me with a look on his "a$e that mirrore
,rispin's when Bi&iana kept him "rom me! But 1 in't have time to $are or think it through! 1
ha to satis"y the tigers or risk &e$oming one "or real! That was the real anger o" what 1 was,
that 1 might "inally pi$k an animal that wasn't Bean;,laue's animal to $all! 1" 1 i, then 1
might en up $ontrolle &y someone else, like Bi&iana an her Ma(! To keep that "rom
happening, 1 woul min;"u$k Domino! +as it evil to think it all the way through an still o
it/ May&e! +as 1 still going to o it, i" it woul keep the white %ueen "rom min;"u$king me/
4h, hell, yes!
34



B1B1A2A T)1#D T4 $all his white sie, &ut the &la$k tiger was so hungry! So hungry to "in
another &la$k;"urre sie to ru& up against! So lonely, so terri&ly lonely! The &la$k tiger
in't try to &urst out the way the white was trying to with Bi&iana's urging! The &la$k was
sni""ing the air an making low eager noises as Domino $ame to us!
He roppe to his knees &esie me, as i" someone ha $ut his strings! He 7ust "ell to his knees
&esie me on the white tile "loor! His "a$e was a mask o" anger an "ear an longing!
His voi$e $ame out strangle! <5ou are a &la$k %ueen! 5ou really are!=
1 hel my han out to him! He rea$he out to me! Bi&iana yelle, <)oeri$, stop himA=
But it was too late! 4ur "ingers tou$he, an the &la$k tiger mae a soun that spille out o"
my throat! Domino let me pull him in against my &oy! He stare own at me, an those "ire;
$olore eyes were still a"rai, an still angry, &ut unerneath that was a glimpse o" something
that "elt &etter!
He whispere, <5ou smell like home!= He lowere his "a$e, not to kiss me &ut to ru& his
$heeks, his mouth, his nose, against my skin! He rew in the s$ent o" the &la$k tiger insie
me, like a $at trying to roll in $atnip! #($ept that this $atnip was me, my &oy!
1 "elt the &la$k tiger want to take him! There was se( in there, &ut also to "or$e him into his
tiger "orm, &ut the &la$k tiger was $ontent, happy even, 7ust "rom his $loseness! 1 think 1 $oul
have $alme things own! 1t woul have &een all right, &ut then the power o" the white %ueen
&reathe through the room like the win "rom the open oor o" hell! Bi&iana's energy hit us
&oth! 1t mae the white tiger snarl an &egin to $reep "orwar!
<2o,= an 1 yelle it! The white tiger hesitate! 1 stare up into Domino's "a$e! <-ive me
permission to "ee on you!=
<+hat/= he aske!
The white tiger leapt onto the &la$k, an they starte trying to tear me apart again! 1 writhe
an struggle not to s$ream in Domino's arms! 1 knew i" 1 s$reame, #war an 4la" woul
$ome through those oors!
Domino sai, <My Lueen, i" &y my "lesh or my see 1 $an "ee you, then "ee!=
1 in't unerstan everything he sai, &ut the tigers stoppe "ighting! They pante an stare
up at him, through my eyes! The &la$k tiger growle low an so"t, an it spille "rom &etween
my teeth!
1 ha a "ew moments to reali8e that among the tigers, when they sai feed, they meant either
"lesh or se(, or &oth! Domino ha given me permission to take his li"e! The &la$k tiger
unerstoo that, &ut she an 1 were in agreement! 1t ha &een so long sin$e we' "oun
another o" us! +e in't want to eat him! +e wante to save him! +e wante to keep him!
Bi&iana sent another wave o" power over us, &ut this time the &la$k an 1 were reay! +e
were &oth angry with her! Angry that she inter"ere in this! She ha no right! He was ours!
4ursA
The anger &e$ame rage, the rage &e$ame my &east, &ut 1 ha other uses "or anger now! 1t
in't translate into shapeshi"ting "or me! 1 $alle that part o" me that was vampire powers,
that was the ardeur, an there was a moment where it $oul have spille to se(, &ut it wasn't
se( 1 wante! 1 was pisse, an now 1 $oul "ee that anger! 1' taste Domino's anger earlier
in the $asino! 1 knew it was in there! All 1 ha to o was throw my anger into him!
1 let my rage spill into him! He s$reame, hea &a$k, an the rage was so great, so long insie
him! His &east &egan to rise with that anger! 1 rew him own into a kiss, an 1 "e through
the tou$h o" his mouth on mine, through the &ruising grip o" his hans on my arms, through
the struggling o" his &oy against mine! 1 hel him an 1 &reathe in his rage through his lips,
his skin, his &oy! 1 &reathe in his anger an let it 7oin that seething mass o" rage insie me!
1 "e on Domino's anger, an with that anger $ame knowlege! 1 got glimpses o" what ha
"ille him with su$h rage! 1 saw him as a $hil, alone in a "oster home, $rying! 1 saw the other
$hilren making "un o" the eyes an the hair! 1 saw him save &y Bi&iana, &ut even here, he
wasn't white enough! He &elonge, an he in't! He was like the others, &ut he wasn't!
Always, he was not %uite home!
He stoppe struggling, an &y the en o" it, he was $rying in my arms! 1 hel him, an the
&la$k tigress snuggle $lose, so that we &oth hel him!
1 saw Bernaro staning over us, un$ertain, as i" he wasn't sure i" 1 was all right or not! 1
spoke to the un$ertainty on his "a$e! <1'm all right, Bernaro!=
<5our eyes,= he sai, <they're all &rown an &la$k light, like a vampire!=
1 kisse Domino's "orehea an teste the truth o" his wors! 1 $oul taste Domino's pulse
like $any on my tongue! 1 ha that urge to plunge teeth into "lesh an see i" the $any
s%uirte re! 5ou $an't &e a living vampire, &ut whatever 1 was &e$oming was $lose!
But 1 in't 7ust taste &loo an "oo! 1 "elt the other tigers! 2ot 7ust the one lying in my arms!
1 "elt them all! 1 turne my hea, an the moment Bi&iana saw my eyes, she was a"rai! Her
"ear appeale to &oth the vampire part o" me an the &east! ?ear means "oo! 1" something is
a"rai o" you, you $an $ontrol it, or kill it!
1 $alle ,rispin to me! 2ot &y using tiger powers, &ut the way a vampire $alls its animal to
$all! <,rispin, $ome to me!=
Bi&iana trie to hol him &y the han! 1 sai, <0et him go, or 1'll see how many tigers 1 $an
$all toay!=
<5ou woul not are try to steal the animal o" another master vampire!=
<5ou mean, like you in't try to steal away the human servant o" another master vampire!= 1
sat up, an Domino $urle aroun me, utterly passive, utterly $ontent!
She in't let go, so 1 rea$he out to her as a vampire woul! A vampire that $oul $all tigers!
She let go o" ,rispin, an hel her han as i" his skin ha &urne her!
Bi&iana's power rea$he out, &ut not to us! )i$k $ame to her han, an the "ar oor opene,
an more o" the white tigers $ame to stan with their %ueen! But 1 in't $are! ,rispin ha
taken my han! 1 sat there with his han in mine, an Domino $urle aroun my waist, an it
was nearly per"e$t, like &eing wrappe in your "avorite &lanket at the en o" a long ay's
work! 1' learne that the ardeur $oul &e a&out "rienship an not 7ust roman$e! 1n that
moment, it was even more than that! 1t was a&out that "eeling o" &elonging, o" &eing home!
Then 1 "elt a i""erent energy, in all that sea o" white tiger power! 1 "elt a threa o" something
new! Something uni%ue! 1 in't know what it was until the &lue tiger insie me steppe "rom
the shaows an starte to pa$e "orwar!
She was truly &lue with &la$k stripes, a eep $o&alt $olor, almost a &la$k, &ut it wasn't! She
was true &lue, an she' smelle something that &elonge to her!
He steppe out "rom the rest, a pu88le look on his young "a$e, &e$ause he was young! 5oung
enough to make me start to swim up to the sur"a$e o" mysel"! 5oung enough "or me to know
that whatever 1 ha 7ust one to Domino might estroy him!
1 stare at the short ark &lue hair, a per"e$t mat$h to the tiger insie me! 1 stare into his eyes
that were two shaes o" &lue, as i" ,rispin's eyes ha marrie with Bean;,laue's, an knew
he was mine to $all!
1 aske, <How ol are you/=
<Si(teen,= he sai!
<Shit,= 1 sai!
35



#D+A)D'S V41,# 12 my ear sai, <+e've got Ma('s son, Vi$tor, out here with
&oyguars! +e're letting Vi$tor through, &ut we're keeping the &oyguars!=
<+e've got another hal";o8en tigers in here with us! They $ame out o" the "ar rooms,=
Bernaro sai!
<This 7ust keeps getting &etter,= #war sai, an the sar$asm $ame through the earpie$e lou
an $lear!
The &lue tiger insie me presse $loser to the sur"a$e o" me! 1 ha an image o" her "a$e
against mine, trying to get $loser so she $oul sni"" the air!
The oors opene an a tall, &roa;shoulere man in an e(pensive tailore suit stroe
through! His white hair was $ut very short, an in one o" those $uts that looke like it ha
&een one one hair at a time! He a$tually wore those pale yellow sunglasses over his eyes!
The glasses weren't ark enough to o a amn thing against the Vegas sun! +as he trying to
pass "or human/ 1" that was the iea, then he neee to tone own the energy that &oile o""
him!
That wash o" energy turne the &lue tiger snarling towar him! 1 woul have "allen "orwar i"
Domino an ,rispin han't $aught me!
<5ou're going to &ring her &east, Mother,= he sai, an he kept $oming towar us! The &lue
tiger in't like that! The white one i! Bla$k was 7ust $ontent to $ule Domino! The &lue
tiger trie to turn me towar the &oy! The white like Vi$tor! The &la$k was "ine! 1t was like
having three i""erent roommates insie me, an all o" them like i""erent guys!
<5ou have no right to inter"ere,= Bi&iana sai!
<?ather warne you against this,= he sai, an he was at our sie! He knelt in the ark suit, his
eyes hien &ehin the glasses, &ut no amount o" $olore glass $oul hie the power spilling
o"" him! The power was enough that the white tiger knew what we' "in &ehin the glasses!
1 $ame to my knees! ,rispin ha to let go o" my han, &ut he tou$he my shouler! Domino
slippe lower own my &oy like a relu$tant pie$e o" $lothing! My hans went to those
glasses!
Vi$tor $aught my hans in his! He stare into my "a$e as i" he were trying to see through me!
He raise my hans to his "a$e an sni""e my skin! <1mpossi&le!=
<1 tol you, Vi$tor, she $arries them all,= Bi&iana sai!
He rose up "rom my skin! 1 $oul see his eyes $learly, &ut the pale yellow lenses stole what 1
neee to see! My voi$e soune like a stranger in my hea when 1 sai, <Take them o""!=
He &linke at me! <+hat/=
1 repeate it! <Take them o""!=
<+hy/= he aske, an let go o" my hans!
1 shook my hea &e$ause 1 wasn't sure, an then the answer $ame, <1 have to see your eyes!=
<+hy/= he sai, again!
1 rea$he upwar, an this time he in't stop me! 1 tou$he the thin wire "rames o" his
glasses an pulle them gently own, until 1 was looking into pale &lue tiger eyes! They were
a eeper &lue than ,rispin's eyes, &ut still a $olor an a shape that you wouln't mistake "or
human unless you wante not to see what was there!
1 knelt in "ront o" him, with his glasses in my hans, an stare up into those eyes! But it
wasn't 7ust the eyes3 they were only a sign o" what my tigress neee! 1t was the power in
him! 1 han't unerstoo until that moment how weak every other weretiger 1' tou$he ha
&een!
Vi$tor stare own at me with those per"e$t eyes! He swallowe har enough that 1 hear it!
His voi$e was a little shaky as he sai, <5ou really are another %ueen, aren't you/=
1 leane in towar him! 1 wasn't aiming "or a kiss! 1t was more as i" there were gravity to his
power, an it rew me in!
He stoo up, stum&ling a little! 1 rea$he "or him, an it was ,rispin who rew me &a$k! He
an Domino pulle me &a$k into their arms, &ut it was like 1 $oul hear musi$ in my hea that
1' never hear &e"ore! Vi$tor's power rowne out their tou$h!
Vi$tor put the glasses &a$k on an turne to his mother! <?ather e(pressly "or&ae you "rom
$alling her power until he ha met with her!=
<1 am ,hang here, not you,= she sai!
<5ou rule the $lan o" the white tiger! 1 have never ispute that, &ut ?ather has put me in
$harge o" other parts o" his omain! +hen you put the tigers' power a&ove the goo o" this
$ity an the other $iti8ens, then you have &roken your master, my "ather's, rules!=
<+oul you eny Domino an ,ynri$ the only %ueen o" their $lan they may ever meet/=
<1 woul never stan in the way o" another $lan's estiny, Mother, &ut you $annot "ee ,ynri$
to her! 0ook at what she has alreay one to ,rispin an Domino!=
Something a&out the way he sai it mae me look at the two weretigers still &esie me!
,rispin ha looke at me with that evotion &e"ore, &ut to see it in Domino's "a$e was 7ust
wrong! A look o" puppyish evotion in that angry, arrogant "a$e3 it hurt my heart to see it! 2ot
&e$ause 1 $are "or him, &e$ause you $an't $are "or someone you've 7ust met, &ut &e$ause no
ault shoul look at anyone like that! 1t was a look 1' seen &e"ore, on the "a$es o" vampires! 1
was a true ne$roman$er an $alle to all the ea, &ut 1 wasn't suppose to $all to the
wereanimals like this, not like this!
<4h, -o,= 1 sai, an trie to stan up! Domino $lung to me, an 1 "ought the urge to slap at
him in a kin o" pani$! <1 "e on your anger, amn it! 1 "e on your anger so you wouln't
look at me like thatA=
He gave me $alm eyes, an he shouln't have!
<?u$k,= 1 sai!
<Talk to me, Anita, Bernaro! +hat's happening/= #war aske!
<+ait, #war, 7ust wait!= 1 turne to Vi$tor! <,an you "i( this/=
Bernaro sai, <Anita has it uner $ontrol!= The look on his "a$e in't mat$h the surety o"
his wors, &ut he was giving me the &ene"it o" the ou&t!
Vi$tor looke where 1 was pointing, at Domino! <5ou mean uno your possession o" him/=
<5es,= 1 sai!
<5ou are %ueen,= Bi&iana sai, <you o not ask any male "or su$h help!=
<?ine, $an you uno it/= 1 aske!
Vi$tor stuie me some more! <5ou sai you "e on his anger! 1 thought the ardeur was all
a&out se(!=
<1 $an "ee on anger, too! 1 thought i" 1 in't "ee on lust, or love, "or your people that 1
wouln't &in them to me! 1 on't want any more men, amn it!=
<Bean;,laue $an't "ee on anger, $an he/= Vi$tor aske!
That was a little too $lose to truths we in't want to share with anyone! That 1 ha powers
that my master in't share! 1 trie to &e $ool a&out it, &ut my pulse ha spe! +eretigers are
like living lie ete$tors! They $an sense, smell, all those little involuntary &oy "un$tions!
<,an either o" you make it so he isn't=.1 wave a han at Domino.<like this/=
<1t may pass on its own,= Vi$tor sai!
<Are you sure/=
He smile! <2o, &ut what you've one seems to &e a $om&ination o" vampire an ,hang tiger!
5ou've rolle him! 1" you leave him alone, he may re$over! 1" it's more vampire than
wereanimal, then you know that you'll &e a&le to repossess him anytime you want!=
1 li$ke my lips an sai the only truth 1 ha! <1 on't want to possess any&oy!=
<1 "elt your power! 1 "elt you shove it into my mother! 1 "elt it &lo$ks away!=
<+oul it soun $hilish to say she starte it/=
He gave a %ui$k smile! <1t's a little $hilish, &ut 1 know my mother!=
<Vi$tor,= Bi&iana sai!
<5ou know you trie to raise her tigers, Mother! 5ou know you provoke her power! Don't
eny it!=
<1 woul never eny it,= she sai!
Bernaro sai, <,hang;Bi&iana promise that i" Marshal Blake $oul $all ,rispin away "rom
her, she woul answer our %uestions!=
Bi&iana wouln't look at anyone in the room!
<Di you promise the marshals that, Mother/=
She gave a little no, still not looking at anyone!
<Then answer her %uestions, like you promise!=
1 i my &est not to glan$e at the &lue &oy! <1 think a little priva$y woul &e goo &e"ore we
start is$ussing an ongoing poli$e investigation!=
<1 on't want to leave,= he sai!
Ava tugge on him! <,ome on, ,ynri$!=
<2o,= he sai, an pulle away "rom her! <5ou're not pure! 5ou on't know how it "eels to &e
part o" a $lan!=
<,ynri$,= Bi&iana sai, an her anger $ra$ke like a hot whip through the room, <you will
show Ava the respe$t she eserves! 4ne o" our &rethren atta$ke her! He &roke the most
sa$re rule among the $lans! She is not one who sought this li"e!=
He looke sullen "or a moment, then guilty! <1'm sorry, Ava! 1 in't mean it!=
She smile, &ut it in't %uite rea$h her eyes! <1t's all right, ,ynri$, &ut let's leave the
marshals to talk to Bi&iana an Vi$tor!= He let her lea him through the "ar oor, &ut he
looke &a$k as the oors $lose, an the istur&ing thing was that 1 was there to meet his
eyes!
Bernaro tou$he my arm, mae me look at him! <5ou all right/=
+as 1 all right/ That was an e($ellent %uestion! +hat 1 neee was an e($ellent answer! 1 sai
the only thing 1 $oul think o"! <+e have work to o, Marshal Spotte Horse!=
He gave me a look that raise one eye&row, then noe! <5es, we o, Marshal Blake!=
<Ask your %uestions, then get the "u$k out o" there,= #war sai, <1 o not want Anita in that
room when Ma( 7oins his wi"e!= #war was a&solutely right! Bi&iana ha almost rolle me
on her own, without her master at her sie! There were so many reasons to want this thing
$leare up &e"ore the vampires rose "or the night!
The "a$t that there was no way on -o's green earth to solve this $rime &e"ore ark was not
only isappointing &ut getting more angerous every minute!
36



42# 4? TH# white "emale tigers with hair the $olor o" pale &uttermilk, an eyes like a
spring sky, $ame an took Domino eeper into the penthouse! He in't want to leave me, &ut
&etween me an Vi$tor, he i what we wante! 1" he got out o" my physi$al presen$e an
starte &reaking "ree o" the "as$ination, then 1 $oul leave him here to his li"e! 1" it in't start
to wear o"" at all, then 1' have to take him with me! +hat 1' o with him a"ter that, 1 ha no
&looy iea! 4ther people pi$k up stray puppies3 1 kept $olle$ting men! ,rap!
The rest o" us settle own on the overstu""e $ou$hes! Bernaro an 1 sat "ar enough away
"rom ea$h other on our $ou$h that we wouln't get in ea$h other's way i" things went south!
,rispin sat as $lose to me as any &oy"rien, an arm a$ross the &a$k o" the $ou$h tou$hing my
shoulers, one han on my leg! 1 $oul have tol him to &a$k o"" &e$ause 1 was working, &ut
it woul have hurt his "eelings, an 1 knew enough a&out ly$anthrope so$iety to know that
tou$hing was 7ust what they i!
Bi&iana sat a$ross "rom us, with her son an )i$k! 2o one tou$he her mu$h! May&e tigers
were i""erent "rom the other animal groups 1 was "amiliar with/ 1' ask later!
<+hat o you know a&out what happene to the poli$e here/= 1 aske!
<4nly what we hear on the news,= Vi$tor sai!
Bi&iana simply looke at me with those uptilte &lue eyes! Her silent s$rutiny might have
&een unnerving, &ut &etween the morgue, 4la", an what ha 7ust happene with my inner
tigers, her stare 7ust in't have enough weight to move me!
1" this ha &een a normal interrogation, there woul &e rules, methos! 1 shoul have
volunteere little an aske repetitive %uestions! But we were &urning aylight! 4n$e the
vampires rose "or the night, an Vittorio ae his power to his aytime servants ! ! ! 1 ha no
iea what he woul o! Slaughtering the S+AT team like that an mailing me the hea was
throwing own a serious gauntlet! 1 thought that i" it was Vittorio an not someone "raming
him, or even i" it were, then when arkness "ell, all hell was going to &reak loose! +e in't
have time "or hours o" %uestions!
,rispin &egan to move his han on my thigh in small $ir$les! He' pi$ke up my tension an
was trying to soothe me! 1t in't really work, &ut 1 appre$iate the e""ort!
<Anita/= Bernaro sai, making a %uestion o" my name! He looke at me, trying "or &lank,
an "ailing to hie some $on$ern aroun the eges! He' seen some seriously weir shit "rom
me in the last hour! 1n "a$t, he' &een a amn goo sport a&out all o" it! Di 1 owe him, like,
"lowers/ +hat i you get a $oworker "or not "reaking when you went all metaphysi$al on
him/ A $ar/ Di Hallmark make a $ar "or that/
,rispin leane over me, his &reath warm against my hair! <Anita, are you all right/=
<Anita,= Bernaro sai again, an this time he in't try to keep the worry out o" his voi$e!
#war 7oine in my ear! <Bernaro, what's wrong with Anita/=
<1'm "ine,= 1 sai, <1'm 7ust thinking!= 1 turne &a$k to the weretigers on the other $ou$h!
<+e're running out o" aylight, so 1'm going to talk to you like one master's lay to another!=
Bi&iana gave a regal no! <1 am honore!=
<4ne, 1 nee you to listen to Vi$tor an Ma(, an not s$rew with my inner tigers until a"ter
this investigation is over!=
<5ou $oul tell her 7ust to leave your inner tigers alone,= Vi$tor sai! He smile, &ut his eyes
were 7ust visi&le &ehin the yellow glasses! >art o" me was really &ugge &y the glasses, &ut 1
was trying to &e human here, not all tigerish, so he $oul keep the glasses!
1n the interest o" &eing a little more human, 1 leane away "rom ,rispin, putting mysel" on the
ege o" the $ou$h! All 1 ha to o was lean &a$k an he' &e there, &ut 1 neee to think, an
something a&out a man you've ha se( with oing little $ir$les on your thigh isn't always
$onu$ive to $lear thinking!
<1'm trying to negotiate in goo "aith here! 1'm not going to start &y asking Bi&iana to promise
something she won't eliver! 1 on't unerstan everything that she wants "rom my inner
&easts, &ut 1 hear her say that 1 may &e the only %ueen o" their $lan that Domino an the &lue
&oy, ,ynri$, will ever see! Bi&iana isn't going to let me walk out o" Vegas without wanting to
e(plore that again, are you/= 1 looke at her when 1 sai the last!
She smile an ippe her hea, very emure! <2o,= she sai, simply!
1 smile! <-oo, no enials! 1 like that! Two, o we all agree that these murers are &a "or
&usiness "or &oth the vampire an ly$anthrope $ommunities/=
They all agree!
<Then 1 nee to know, honestly, i" you know anything a&out the animal that helpe this
vampire kill these poli$e o""i$ers!=
<5ou say animal, &ut you $ome to us,= Vi$tor sai!
Bi&iana sai, <5ou think it is one o" our tigers!= There was something a&out the way she sai
it that mae me say the ne(t!
<5ou think so, too,= 1 sai!
<1 i not say so,= she sai!
1 li$ke my lips, &ut not &e$ause they were ry this time! <5ou taste like the ege o" a lie,= 1
sai!
<+hat oes that mean/= 4la" aske in my ear!
#war tol him, <0et her work!=
Bi&iana smile up at me! 1t was almost a "lirtatious look! <1 am not lying,= she sai!
1 smile at her! <4kay, then answer this: Do you suspe$t that one o" your weretigers was
involve with these killings in any way/=
She wouln't look at me now, &ut $on$entrate on her small, neat hans that were $laspe so
laylike in her lap! Her ankles were $rosse! She was so prim an proper, &ut 1 knew it was a
lie! She was one o" those people that no matter how &uttone up they are, you $an simply "eel
that i" you s$rat$h them har enough, get them in the right pla$e at the wrong time, there
woul &e a&solutely nothing proper a&out them! +omen ten to give o"" that vi&e more than
men, &ut 1've seen men o it, too! Some o" them on't even know how mu$h heat they're
hiing &ehin the mask o" $ivility! But Bi&iana knew3 she knew that human an prim was not
really what she was at all!
<Do you want me to answer the %uestion, Mother/=
She gave him a look so "ier$e, so vi$ious, that it turne that pretty "a$e into something
"rightening! There, the masks were $oming own! <1 am still %ueen here, or o 1 have to
remin you o" it more "or$e"ully/=
<?ather tol us that i" aske, we were to answer Marshal Blake honestly an $ompletely!=
<6ntil he rises "or the night, 1 rule here,= she sai!
1 "ought not to glimpse &a$k at ,rispin! He wasn't goo at hiing his "a$e! 1nstea, 1 glan$e
at )i$k an "oun him visi&ly un$om"orta&le! 1 got the impression that this s%ua&&ling was
$ommon, may&e even growing worse! 1 knew enough a&out weretiger so$iety to know that
they were all run &y %ueens! 1t was one o" the "ew wereanimal groups that was always "emale
run! Some groups ha women that got to &e top og, or $at, &ut it was the e($eption, not the
rule! So Vi$tor, no matter how power"ul, $ouln't rule the +hite Tiger ,lan! But he was
$ertainly a$ting as i" he wante to &e in $harge!
<Bernaro remine you o" your promise, ,hang;Bi&iana! 2ow 1 remin you again that 1
have $alle ,rispin to me "rom your sie! 5ou sai i" 1 $oul o that, that you woul answer
my %uestions! 1s the wor o" the ,hang o" the +hite Tiger ,lan to &e epene on, or is there
no honor in Vegas/=
1 "elt the $ou$h move &e"ore ,rispin put a han on my &a$k! 1t was a $are"ul tou$h, not too
se(ual, &ut it was a physi$al reminer to &e $are"ul! 1 in't resent it! 1" 1 in't take ,rispin
&a$k with me to St! 0ouis, this was his pon 1 was shitting in, an he' &e le"t alone to swim
in it!
Bi&iana turne those angry eyes to me! Her power starte to pour towar me, in a nearly
visi&le roil o" heat! Vi$tor stoo up! He move &etween that power, her, an me!
1t hit him, an his hea went &a$k, his arms to the sies, as i" it "elt goo! His &reath $ame out
in a long sigh! He shuere an sai, <5our Master o" the ,ity gave you e(press orers not
to &ring her &easts! 1 o&ey his orers, even i" you o not!=
She mae a snarling soun! ,rispin tu$ke himsel" up $loser to me, as i" a"rai! 4r was he
a"rai o" what 1' o/ 1 "ought not to sti""en at his tou$h or look too nervous! 1 trie "or $alm,
though 1 "elt anything &ut at ease!
Bernaro ha move "orwar to the ege o" his pie$e o" $ou$h, too! )i$k was still sitting
&a$k, &ut the tension showe in every mus$le!
<5ou are your "ather's tool an nothing more!=
<1 am my "ather's instrument in the aylight! 1 am his right han, an 1 will not &etray him!=
<1t is not &etrayal to seek power "or our $lan an our people!= 1 $ouln't see her &e$ause
Vi$tor was still staning &etween us!
<5ou $an seek power a"ter the marshals have kille the traitor an his master!=
<+hat traitor/= 1 aske!
Vi$tor turne, giving his mother his &a$k! 1'm not sure 1 woul have one that, &ut then she
wasn't my mom! <The "irst murers were strippers, 7ust like the ones in your $ity! But the last
one ha $law marks an vampire &ites!=
1 $urse the Vegas >D "or not mentioning this little "a$t to me! 1t woul have &een ni$e to
know that the last vi$tim ha shown $law marks! That was a $hange "rom all the other $ities
that Vittorio ha hunte in! 1t prove that some part o" the Vegas "or$e in't trust me! That
was going to make solving $rime, any $rime, harer here! ,rispin pi$ke up my an(iety again!
His han on my &a$k &egan to make those soothing $ir$les!
<+hat makes you think it's a weretiger/= 1 aske!
<Mother,= Vi$tor sai, an steppe asie to let us see ea$h other again!
She gave him a not entirely happy look, &ut spoke! <1 have "elt another vampire's pull on my
tigers! As you trie toay to $all me to you, an ene &y $alling some o" my $hilren, so this
other vampire was seeking! 1 thought 1 ha prevente it, &ut now 1 &elieve that he manage to
steal away one o" mine! 4r perhaps a i""erent $lan, &ut tiger, he was $alling tiger!=
<Do you know "or $ertain that the vampire was a he/= 1 aske!
She noe! <The energy was male!=
<Ask her how she knows that "or $ertain,= #war aske in my ear!
1 hel my han out to the weretigers! 1 move a little away "rom ,rispin's han, too! He took
the hint an let his han rop away "rom me! <#($use me, she knows it was male, Marshal
?orrester, &e$ause the energy taste or smelle male to her!=
<5ou $an tell "rom energy i" a vampire is male or "emale/= Bernaro aske!
1 noe! <Sometimes!=
Bi&iana smile at me, as i" 1' sai a smart thing! <5es, he taste o" men, &ut ! ! != She
"rowne!
<But what/= 1 aske!
<5ou are o" the line o" Belle Morte/=
<Bean;,laue is,= 1 sai!
She wave it away as i" 1 were %ui&&ling! <Most vampire lines are $ol things, &ut not hers!
5ou are $loser to the warmth o" the wereanimal, 1 think! ,an you taste someone's se(ual
energy "rom a istan$e/=
1 thought a&out that! <Sometimes!=
Again, she smile like 1' sai the right thing! <There was something wrong with this
vampire's energy! Something stunte, or thwarte in some way! 1t was as i" his se( ha
&e$ome rage!=
<Have you ever "elt something similar "rom anyone else/= 1 aske!
<+e ha a weretiger that $ame to us! +e trie to is$ipline him, save him, &ut in the en he
ha to &e estroye "or everyone's sake!=
To his mother's e(planation, Vi$tor ae, <He was a serial rapist! The atta$ks &e$ame more
violent!= He sighe!
<Ava's atta$ker/= 1 aske!
He gave me a startle look! <Di you look at her $ase "ile/=
1 shook my hea! <Bust a guess!=
<1t was not a guess,= Bi&iana sai! <5ou rea his &oy posture! 5ou smelle his s$ent!=
1 shrugge &e$ause 1 in't want to argue, an wasn't entirely sure 1 $oul! <But you're
saying that this vampire's energy "elt similar to the serial rapist that you' sense &e"ore/=
<5es, &ut ! ! != She shivere, an this time 1 $oul taste her "ear!
<He s$are you,= 1 sai!
She noe!
<My mother oes not "righten easily,= Vi$tor sai!
<1 got that impression,= 1 sai!
He smile at me! <+e have answere your %uestions! 2ow, woul you answer one o" ours/=
<Sorry, &ut one more! Do you know who the traitor is/=
They e($hange a look!
<1 swear that 1 o not! 1" this vampire has stolen one o" our people, he has one it so
$ompletely that 1 i not suspe$t until the "irst $law marks showe on the &oies!=
<1" 1 $oul help you narrow own the "iel, woul you gather them "or me, an let us %uestion
them at the poli$e station/=
They e($hange another look that in$lue )i$k! ?inally, Vi$tor noe, an Bi&iana sai,
<+e woul!=
<How $an you help us narrow it own/= Vi$tor aske! <Are you hinting that you're a more
power"ul weretiger than we are/=
<2o, a&solutely not, &ut 1've seen the &oies!=
4la" $ame on the earpie$e! <Do not share this in"ormation with them!=
1 ignore him! <1 know we're looking "or someone uner si( "eet in human "orm, or with
a&normally small hans "or his or her si8e!=
<Anita,= 4la" sai!
#war sai, <She knows what's she oing, 4tto!=
<5ou measure the $law marks,= Vi$tor sai!
1 noe!
<1 o not trust the tigers,= 4la" sai!
<0et her work,= #war sai!
1 i my &est to ignore it all, as Vi$tor sai, <That narrows it a little!=
<Here's the real narrowing,= 1 sai! <This tiger is a&le to shi"t 7ust his or her hans into $laws,
an teeth into "angs, without $hanging into hal";human $ompletely!=
1' sho$ke them, all o" them! They weren't vampires, so they in't try to hie it! <That
woul e(plain it,= Vi$tor sai!
<#(plain what/= 1 aske!
<+hy my mother an 1 $ouln't "in the truth "rom our traitor! 1" he's power"ul enough to o
that, then he may &e power"ul enough to lie to us!=
<That woul have to &e pretty amn power"ul,= 1 sai!
<5es,= he sai!
1 stare at him, an then at Bi&iana's stri$ken "a$e! <5ou think you know who it is!=
<2o, &ut it is a very short list o" possi&ilities! Some o" our most truste people are on that
list,= Vi$tor sai!
Bi&iana gave me a look o" su$h pain! <+hoever it is, it will hurt us as a $lan! 1t will
unermine our authority, an make us have to is$ipline our people!=
<5ou mean, i" they "in out you misse this guy hiing in plain sight, some o" them will
$hallenge you "or leaership!=
<They will try,= she sai, an there was something so $alm, so sure, so $on"ient! 1 wouln't
have wante to go up against her, an with Vi$tor at her sie, you' have to &e pretty
$on"ient.or nuts!
Then 1 ha a thought, a &a one! <1" Vittorio's animal to $all is tiger, an he's master enough
to o all this, then he's master enough to $hallenge Ma( "or the $ity!=
<The vampire $oun$il has "or&ien Masters o" the ,ity to war against one another in
Ameri$a,= Bi&iana sai!
<5eah, an they "rown on that whole serial;killer;slaughtering;$ops thing, too! 1 on't think
Vittorio sweats the rules mu$h!=
<5ou think he'll try "or my "ather/= Vi$tor aske!
<1 think it's a possi&ility! 1' take e(tra se$urity measures until we get him!=
<1'll see that it's one,= he sai!
<He has more than 7ust one weretiger at his aytime &e$k an $all,= 1 sai!
<+hat else/=
<1'm not sure, &ut i" 1 were you, 1' $all that e(tra se$urity in now! Be$ause it woul &e a &it$h
to miss saving Ma( &y a "ew minutes!=
Vi$tor an 1 ha one o" those looks, an then he simply rea$he into his po$ket "or a $ell
phone an starte $alling in more help! He walke to the "ar sie o" the room so 1 $ouln't
hear e(a$tly what he was saying! 1 was okay with that!
Bi&iana looke at me! <5ou are the "irst true %ueen with no $lan that we have "oun sin$e
Vi$tor showe himsel" worthy!=
<+orthy o" what/= 1 aske!
<Starting his own $lan! +e have not ha a male king among the tigers in $enturies! The little
%ueens will hive o"", &ut it is only &e$ause we o not wish to kill our aughters! 1t is not
&e$ause there is enough power to make another $lan! Vi$tor has that power, &ut he nees a
%ueen!=
1 stare at her! <Are you hinting that you want me to, what, &e your son's %ueen/=
<1'm saying that i" you were not alreay wee so tightly to Bean;,laue, 1 woul ask you to
marry my son!=
1 stare at her! <-osh, 1 on't know what to say, Bi&iana!=
Vi$tor $ame &a$k "rom his sie o" the room, $lipping the phone &a$k into his po$ket! <1've got
e(tra men aroun ?ather, an 1'll up the se$urity on our $lu&s, 7ust in $ase!= He looke "rom
one o" us to the other, "rowning! <Di 1 miss something/=
Bernaro laughe!
,rispin sai, <,hang;Bi&i o""ere you to Anita in marriage!=
<MotherA=
<5ou may never meet another %ueen o" her power, Vi$tor!=
<She &elongs to another master vampire! 1t is against every rule to inter"ere in that!=
<1 am your mother an your %ueen! 1t's my 7o& to inter"ere!=
<0eave Marshal Blake alone, Mother!=
Bi&iana smile at us &oth, an it was that smile you never want to see on anyone's mother's
"a$e! That look that says they' wel$ome you to the "amily in a hot se$on, i" only their son
woul $ooperate!
Bernaro save me! <+hen $an you &ring the weretigers to the station "or %uestioning/=
<+e nee to o it $are"ully!= He looke at us! <1 will amit this here, &ut never pu&li$ly! 1t
woul go &etter i" the poli$e in "ull gear went with us "rom weretiger to weretiger! 1" they are
goo enough to lie to us like this, then 1 won't &e a&le to lie to them a&out why we want them
to go to the poli$e!=
<1'll talk to the Vegas poli$e!= But 1 wonere how har it was going to &e to keep them "rom
&eing a little trigger;happy as we hunte the weretiger that ha kille one o" their own/
#veryone ha &een $alm, almost unusually $alm, a&out it all! 1t was almost like the pause
&etween storms!
<5ou look worrie,= Vi$tor sai!
<How many weretigers on this list/=
<?ive,= he sai!
<Si(,= she sai!
<Mother ! ! !=
<5ou woul leave the woman out, &ut she is power"ul, an she is uner si( "eet!=
He noe! <5ou're right, 1 woul have le"t her o""! 1'm sorry! 5ou get a team o" your people
reay, an 1'll try to have them gathere in one pla$e! 1 $an't lie well enough to take them to
the station "or you, &ut 1 think 1 $an arrange something!=
<1t might &e &etter to take them in their homes,= 1 sai!
<Take them, you mean kill them!=
<2o, 1 really nee this guy, or girl, alive! +e nee to %uestion them a&out Vittorio, to "in out
his aytime resting pla$e! 1" we get this weretiger an make him or her talk, then we $oul
e(e$ute Vittorio &e"ore night"all!=
<+e will give you the aresses, &ut i" you want to %uestion them, you will nee Vi$tor or me
present!=
<+hy/= Bernaro aske!
<Be$ause we $an o things to make them talk that you $annot,= she sai!
<1" it's illegal, 1 on't think ! ! !=
<He kille, or helpe kill, poli$e o""i$ers! Tell me that you $an't get everyone to look the other
way "or 7ust a "ew minutes/=
1 looke at Vi$tor an met his eyes in their gol glasses! 1 woul have like to e"en my
"ellow o""i$ers, &ut "rankly, i" roughing up this guy woul "in us Vittorio &e"ore ark, 1'
isa&le the $ameras in the interrogation room personally! +as it wrong to amit that/ 4nly on
re$or! +hi$h was another reason 1 was still more assassin than $op!
37



+# +#)# 12 the parking lot o" an elementary s$hool! 1t was long enough a"ter hours that the
s$hool was empty, no $hilren to peer out o" the winows at the show outsie! Be$ause when
1 say we, 1 mean 0as Vegas Metro S+AT, #war, 4la", Bernaro, 6nersheri"" Shaw, a
&evy o" homi$ie ete$tives, an some uni"orms an $ars that woul eventually $lose o"" the
streets so no one rove &y at the wrong moment! Vi$tor was in one o" the $ars &e$ause Shaw
ha ki$ke a "it a&out him &eing in on the planning! The powers that &e ha insiste he &e
near&y to may&e talk the weretiger own, like getting the wi"e on the phone to talk to
someone who's taken hostages! At least Vi$tor was sitting in air;$onitioning unlike the rest
o" us! But it wasn't 7ust people that mae "or the show! 1t was every S+AT operator's S6V or
tru$k! 1t was the huge white )V that woul &e the $omman $enter! The &ig, &la$k shape o"
the B!#!A!)!, whi$h 1 woul have $alle huge i" the )V han't &een sitting near it! There was
a Bear,at, like a smaller &rother o" the B!#!A!)! 1t was Sergeant Hooper, who ha the &iggest
sti$ky notes 1' ever seen lai out on the hoo o" his tru$k! The huge sti$ky notes hel notes
in$orporating everyone's in"ormation! 2otes "rom the small laptop that was hooke ire$tly to
the huge white )V, where 0ieutenant -rimes an his te$h team were shooting them all the
in"ormation they $oul "in on -regory Minns, the "irst weretiger on our list!
>art o" that in"o was the layout o" his house! 1n St! 0ouis they have to s$out the a$tual house,
&ut in Vegas, &e$ause o" the huge num&er o" $ookie;$utter housing evelopments, the two
operators ha "oun out whi$h moel Minns's house was, an s$oute an ienti$al one &lo$ks
away! They' gotten the in"ormation without any $han$e o" alerting the weretiger, whi$h was
a lot harer to o than it soune!
<+e know that wereanimals $an smell our s$ent, whi$h is why we're paying attention to the
prevailing wins,= Hooper sai!
<5ou mean you're sneaking up on the house as i" -regory Minns were &ig game, an you
were in the 7ungle,= 1 sai!
Hooper seeme to think a&out it, then noe! <2ot a hunt in the traitional sense, &e$ause
we're hoping to take the suspe$t alive, &ut yes!=
1 looke at #war! He sai, <They've one this &e"ore, Anita!=
<Sorry, Sergeant, 7ust not use to working with this many people who a$tually seem to
unerstan that ly$anthropes aren't human, &ut still have the same rights as regular humans!=
<+e know our 7o&,= Hooper sai!
<1 know that, Sergeant! 1'll 7ust shut up now!=
He almost smile, then went &a$k to his notes!
<How o you get aroun the "a$t that they $an hear your heart&eat "rom yars away/= #war
aske, an 1 knew &y his tone that he was a$tually wonering i" they' "igure out a solution!
+hen #war asks someone else a %uestion like that, there is no higher praise!
<2o one $an &e %uiet enough to stop their heart&eat,= Hooper sai!
1 thought, 6am'ires can, &ut 1 in't say it out lou! 1t wouln't have helpe anything! 2o
poli$e "or$e in the 6nite States allowe vampires to 7oin up! 1" you were a $op an
<survive= an atta$k an &e$ame a vampire, you were "ire! 1 ha a "rien &a$k in St! 0ouis,
Dave, who' &een a $op until he &e$ame a vampire in the line o" uty, &ut instea o" a "an$y
$op "uneral, he got ki$ke out! The poli$e honor their ea, as long as they aren't still a&le to
walk aroun!
Bernaro sai, <They $an't all hear a heart&eat "rom yars away, an they hear &etter in
animal "orm than human!=
1 looke at him an $ouln't keep the surprise o"" my "a$e! He grinne at me! <5ou look
surprise, so 1 must &e right!=
1 noe! <Sorry, &ut sometimes the "lirt a$t makes me "orget that there's a$tually a pretty
goo min in there!=
He shrugge those &roa shoulers &ut looke please!
Harry, who was the assistant team leaer 9AT0:, was younger than Hooper, &ut oler than
most o" the others! S+AT was a young man's game, an the "a$t that the team ha this many
people over "orty was impressive, &e$ause 1 knew they kept up or they got out! He sai, <The
last visual we ha o" the su&7e$t was human "orm, so the hearing, sense o" smell, all o" it isn't
that mu$h a&ove human;normal "rom a istan$e, an on$e we're in the room with him, he $an
smell us all he wants, we'll &e on top o" him!=
<+hat's your poli$y i" he's shi"te/= 1 aske!
Hooper answere, with no glan$e at anyone, <+ith an a$tive warrant o" e(e$ution, i" they
shi"t, it's a kill!=
+e all noe!
<1t is easier to kill them in human "orm,= 4la" sai!
The operators looke up at him, an he was the only one o" us that they ha to look up to, &y
even an in$h! <+e're hoping to get the lo$ation o" the serial killer's aytime lair, Be""ries,
whi$h means we nee Minns alive!=
1t was ni$e to have someone else in $harge who $oul le$ture 4la"! 1 ha to turn away &oth to
hie my please e(pression an not to make eye $onta$t with #war or Bernaro3 1 was
a"rai it woul have turne "rom a smile to giggles! The tension was growing thi$ker aroun
all o" us, anti$ipation an arenaline in the very air! 1 reali8e that was something that
ly$anthropes $oul sense, too! But again, what $oul we o a&out it/ 1" they' truly &een
animals, we $oul have use things to isguise our s$ent, &ut i" we smelle strongly o"
something weir, they' know it was all wrong! They were people with the senses o" animals3
it mae them har to kill, angerous to hunt! 1 looke up at the sky an the sun that was
moving, ine(ora&ly, towar the hori8on!
<+e want to o this &e"ore ark, too, Blake,= Harry sai!
<Sorry, &ut when you spen most o" your li"e hunting vampires, you get very aware o" where
the sun is in the sky!=
He looke very serious! <1 wouln't want to o your 7o& every ay!=
1 smile, not sure it was amuse! <Some ays neither o 1!=
6nersheri"" Shaw move $loser! 1' hope he was 7ust going to o&serve! <5ou know more
than you're telling a&out the lo$al tigers, Blake!=
<5ou %uestione all o" us "or hours apie$e, Shaw! +e $oul have &een ahea o" this, an
may&e, 7ust may&e, one &e"ore ark! 2ow there's no way! +e'll o our &est, &ut ark will
$at$h us, an this situation will go "rom &a to worse!=
<1 hear you $ame out o" Ma('s pla$e with a new "rien! Han in han with one o" his
weretigers! 5ou really have a thing "or strippers, on't you, Blake/=
That let me know that we' &een wat$he, or Ma( was &eing wat$he! More than that,
#war han't pi$ke up on it, either, so they were goo, whoever it ha &een!
1 lowere my sunglasses enough to give him my eyes! <1 "in your overly intense interest in
my personal li"e istur&ing, Shaw!=
He a$tually &lushe a little "or me! That was interesting! 1 wasn't the only one who noti$e
that, &e$ause Hooper sai, <5ou &etter suit up, Sheri"" Shaw!=
<+hat/= he aske!
<5ou're going in with us, right/=
<5ou know 1'm not!=
<Marshal Blake is going in with us! >lease on't istra$t her!=
<5ou're e"ening her, Hooper/= He glare at me! <1 thought you in't o $ops, Blake!=
<+hat's that suppose to mean/=
<1t means you visit S+AT "or a $ouple o" hours, an suenly they're willing to trust you at
their &a$ks, an talk &a$k to their superiors! 5ou must &e as goo as they say!=
5ou on't get to see men like this.sho$ke.o"ten, &ut 1 saw it now! That open;mouthe
moment when you $an't &elieve that slippe "rom someone's mouth! They move aroun us,
an there was that sense o" the pa$k tightening aroun someone they in't like!
Hooper spoke low, &ut $lear, not yelling, &ut the emotion was there! <This woman is a&out to
put her shouler ne(t to ours an go into that house, while you stay outsie where it's ni$e
an sa"e!=
<1 on't have the training anymore,= Shaw sai! His "a$e $ouln't seem to e$ie i" it wante
to &e pale or re, so it trie "or &oth!
<But you i on$e, an you know &etter than to mess with our heas this $lose to go time!=
1t was ,anni&al who sile up through the green uni"orms an spoke low, near Shaw!
<-etting up in Anita's "a$e isn't going to make your wi"e $ome home!=
<That is none o" your &usiness!=
<5ou mae it our &usiness when you a$$use us o" "u$king a "eeral o""i$er rather than oing
our 7o&s!=
0ieutenant -rimes was suenly working his way through the group, &ut he wasn't going to
get there in time to stop the ne(t "ew moments!
<5ou stay away "rom me, )o$$o,= Shaw sai!
<5eah, that's right, you're a"rai o" psy$hi$s, too, &ut you on't hate us like you o
shapeshi"ters, &e$ause your wi"e in't run o"" with one o" us!=
An 7ust like that, the $lue to why Shaw hate my ass was there! ,anni&al shouln't have sai
it to his &oss's &oss, &ut ! ! ! 1 appre$iate him e"ening my honor, or may&e he was
e"ening his3 either way, it was ni$e not to &e alone!
38



-)#-4)5 M122S'S >)4?#SS142 was liste as &oun$er, &ut Vi$tor ha 7ust "lat;out tol
us that he was an en"or$er "or their $lan an, &y hint, may&e some not;so;legal a$tivities "or
Vi$tor's a! Most o" the wererats that guare Bean;,laue's &usinesses ha poli$e re$ors,
or 7ust han't &een $aught, so 1 really $ouln't &it$h! 0ately, when 1 in't have room to &it$h,
1 in't! Maturity, at last!
+e ha the guy on the metal shiel with its little winow leaing the way! +e even ha one
guy with the little &attering ram, an the rest o" the team in "ull gear, weapons at the reay!
#a$h o" us.#war, 4la", Bernaro, an 1.were assigne to one o" the team mem&ers! +e
woul "ollow their lea an go where they went! The su&ur&s are not great "or "ining spots to
put a sniper, &ut we ha them in pla$e, some in eva$uate houses near Minns's house! He ha
to know we were out here, &ut with this many people an this mu$h pro$eure, it was the &est
we $oul o! -oo thing a&out this many people, though, was we ha eyes on the &a$k o" the
house the whole time, an he in't run! They' seen him in there, an no one ha seen him
leave, so he was still in there! -etting everyone in pla$e took more time! That was the thing
we ha the least o", an 1 was having trou&le staying $alm a&out it! 1 wasn't &it$hing, &ut 1
wante to start pa$ing an knew 1 $ouln't! 1t was one o" those moments when smoking
seeme like an interesting iea, or 7ust anything to o while we waite to o this! 1 wat$he
the sun get lower in the sky an ha to "ight my pulse "rom speeing up! 1 i not want to
ta$kle Vittorio an his people in "ull arkness! 1 amitte to mysel", i" to no one else, that the
"eeling in the pit o" my stoma$h was "ear! 4ne serial killer sens me a human hea in a &o(,
an 1 get all spooke3 go "igure!
1 trie one more time to e(plain how pre$ious our time was, as we waite "or yet another team
mem&er to get into some istant pla$e! 1 was a$tually assigne to Hooper, whi$h meant that
1' &e in the "ront o" the line! 1 on't know how they e$ie who went where!
<Hooper, they kille your men in aylight3 on$e arkness "alls, the vampires will &e a&le to
help them, an it will &e worse, mu$h worse!=
<How mu$h worse/= he aske!
<1" we keep i$king aroun, we're going to "in out!=
<1 $an't go against orers, Blake!=
1 noe! <1 know it's not your "ault, &ut it will &e you an your men who are going to &e at
risk!=
<My men an yours,= he sai!
1 noe! <1'm not sure they're e(a$tly my men, &ut yeah! 5our men an us!=
<1' hear that the preternatural marshals in't have a stri$t $omman stru$ture!=
1 laughe! <That's one way o" putting it!=
That earne me a smile! <Then how o you e$ie who oes what/=
<Te has the most e(perien$e, an 1 let him take the lea a lot! Sometimes he gives it to me!
1've worke with 4tto an Bernaro &e"ore, so we sort o" know what our strengths an
weaknesses are!= 1 shrugge! <Mostly, we work &y ourselves, an we en up &eing shove
into the $omman stru$ture o" whatever poli$e "or$e we're working with, &ut mostly it's 7ust
us, alone!=
<0ike the 0one )anger,= he sai, an he hel up his han! <1 remem&er what you tol Spier,
that the 0one )anger was a Te(as )anger!=
1 smile! <5eah, &ut the whole lone;gunman mentality is pretty high in the preternatural
&ran$h! +e worke alone "or so many years that we 7ust on't play well with others!=
A &oy who looke too young to &e oing this, even to me, with huge &lue eyes an his hair
hien $ompletely uner his helmet, as i" he' hope a shorter hair$ut woul make him look
legal, sai, <)umor says you play real well with others!=
<-eorgie,= Hooper sai!
He looke em&arrasse!
1 sai, <1t's not 7ust Shaw's personal issues, is it/=
Hooper manage to shrug uner all the e%uipment! May&e it was the tension o" waiting,
knowing that on$e this tension was over there was a whole new set o" it $oming own the
roa! <An what i you hear, e(a$tly, -eorgie/= 1 aske!
He looke un$om"orta&le then3 apparently, it was one thing to hint, &ut another to tell me to
my "a$e in etail!
<,ome on, -eorgie >orgie, you have something to say to me, then say it! 1" you on't have
anything to say to me, then shut the "u$k up!=
The other men were listening, wat$hing us, waiting to see what happene! ,anni&al was with
the perimeter team, so he wasn't here to e"en my honor, an apparently Hooper woul only
e"en me against outsiers! #war was %uiet near&y, letting me "ight my own &attles! He
knew 1 was a &ig girl!
-eorgie's "a$e harene, an 1 reali8e he was going to tell me! 1 pro&a&ly shouln't have
mae "un o" his name! 4h well! <1 hear you're sha$king up with your Master o" the ,ity!=
<An,= 1 sai!
His angry "a$e trie to "rown an still &e angry! <An what/= he aske!
<#(a$tly,= 1 sai!
1t was Bernaro who sai, <She means, -eorgie, that, yeah, she's sha$king up with her Master
o" the ,ity, so what/=
<1 hear she was oing you, too,= he sai!
Bernaro laughe! <Man, 1've &een trying to get into her pants sin$e the "irst time 1 worke
with her!=
All 1 $oul o was shake my hea! 4la" was s$owling at him! #war was trying "or a neutral
"a$e an making it! Bernaro ha the attention o" all the guys, though!
1t was San$he8 who sai, <An/=
<Ask her, she's right there,= Bernaro sai!
They all looke at me! 1 smile, not e(a$tly amuse! <2o!=
<2o,= Bernaro sai, in a ramati$ voi$e! <She sai no, an she's &een saying no! 1've trie
"or over two years, an it's &een no!= He i a voilM gesture, as i" to say, Look at all of this!
<-uys, i" 1 $an't get a pie$e o" the a$tion, how many o" the &astars that sai they hit the mark
o you really think hit it/=
<1'm not an it,= 1 sai!
Bernaro gesture at me! <See, Anita is not easy, not in any sense o" the wor!=
That mae them laugh! 1n that moment, Bernaro $ame $loser to getting a kiss "rom me than
he ever ha &e"ore! But, weirly, "or his e"ense o" my honor to work, 1 $ouln't even say
thank you! 1 7ust ha to shake my hea in isgust an $all him a hornog!
The raios $ra$kle to li"e, an Hooper sai, <+e're up!= #veryone gathere the e%uipment
they' put own an settle it in pla$e! Hooper looke at me! <Anita, you're with me!= 5ou
$oul taste the tension level rise hotter than the heat!
San$he8 sai, <Try not to shoot any o" us &y a$$ient, Anita!= He sai my "irst name with
only the sylla&les it's suppose to have!
<1" 1 shoot you, San$he8, it won't &e &y a$$ient!=
The other men mae noises o" either en$ouragement or isparagement! Then the se$on orer
$ame own, an there was no more time "or teasing! 1' &een tol how Hooper wante me to
enter &ehin him, &e$ause 1 was the only one o" the "our marshals who in't have o""i$ial
ta$ti$al training! 1 i what 1 was tol! 1 put my le"t han on the &a$k o" Hooper's vest so that
as he move, 1' move! 1 kept my other han on the M>C on its ta$ti$al sling so that it
wouln't a$$ientally point at anyone, an away we went!
39



TH# 0AST T1M# 1' &een with S+AT, we' $ome through the oor with "lash;&ang
grenaes an a green light to shoot everything insie the $ono &ut the vi$tim we were trying
to save! This time, we kno$ke!
Sergeant Hooper $alle out "rom &ehin the shiel guy, who turne out to &e Hit$h, who was
almost as &roa through the shoulers as 1 was tall! <Vegas >oli$e, sear$h warramt! 4pen the
oorA= He ha a ni$e lou voi$e, a rill sergeant voi$e! #ven &eing prepare, it mae me 7ump
a little! He repeate it twi$e more!
Vi$tor's energy poure a$ross the heat "rom &ehin us, well &ehin us! Sin$e he wasn't $lose
enough to yell, he' $ompromise &y sening his energy ahea o" him! 1n some ways it was
&etter than his voi$e! >eople might imitate a voi$e, &ut no one $oul imitate that roll o" power!
1n some ways it was not &etter than his voi$e! His voi$e wouln't have presse against my
throat, like a han that wante insie! 1 ha to up my metaphysi$al shiels to get the energy to
&a$k o"" enough "or me not to almost taste it! 1t was like pushing against some huge weight, to
move his power away "rom me! 1' never "elt any ly$anthrope with this kin o" power!
-regory Minns woul "eel all that energy $oming "rom his $lan's <king,= an i" he was a goo
guy, he' open the oor! 1" he was a &a guy, he' run, or he' "ight!
1 tightene my grip on Hooper's vest an "ought to keep my pulse even! 1 $oul "eel the
arenaline $oming o"" the other men, an my own tension3 so mu$h $oul go wrong! Vi$tor's
power 7ust mae it worse "or me! 1" 1 han't "ought it o"", may&e it woul have &een soothing,
&ut 1 $ouln't a""or to em&ra$e it! The tigers insie me like it too mu$h! 1 got a glimpse
&ehin my eyes o" them putting their heas up an roaring in that $oughing, harsh soun that
tigers o! My &oy vi&rate with it, an all 1 $oul o was "ight to keep my pulse even an
my &reathing slow, &e$ause until 1 lost $ontrol o" my &oy, my &easts $oul not hurt me!
Mu$h!
1 really wishe that Vi$tor ha &een allowe to talk through the oor!
San$he8 sai, <+hat the hell is that/ 1s it the tiger insie/=
<Luiet,= Hooper sai!
San$he8 $oul "eel Vi$tor's energy an may&e my tigers! 1' have to remem&er that he $oul
"eel the energy! 1t might $hange what 1 i when we got insie!
Hooper yelle again, <Minns, open upA=
1 "elt energy moving in the house, almost like one o" those in"rare pi$tures, e($ept it was a
"eeling, not a visual! 1 almost sai, /es at the door, &ut all 1 knew "or $ertain was that it was a
weretiger! 1t in't have to &e Minns! 1 was e&ating on whether 1 shoul say that 1 $oul
<"eel= a tiger on the other sie o" the oor when the weretiger $alle out!
A man's voi$e $alle "rom &ehin the oor! <1'm opening the oor now! Don't shoot me,
okay/= The oor starte to open, &ut the S+AT never gave him a $han$e to "inish the gesture!
They poure in, an 1 poure with them, ragge along &y my han on Hooper!
There was a lot o" yelling! <Hans on your heaA -et on your kneesA= Minns i what he was
tol an was in a $ir$le o" weapons an o""i$ers! He looke $alm enough! ,almer, "rankly,
than he shoul have &een at the $enter o" that $ir$le! The $alm &othere me!
His hair was a$tually pale &lon, not white! 1 $aught glimpses o" his eyes through the legs an
&oies o" the o""i$ers! The eyes were that pale, per"e$t tiger &lue, an he seeme to have no
other goal than to look at me! 1 in't like that either!
The white tigress i, though! She pa$e $loser to my sur"a$e! 1 kept $ontrolling my
&reathing, $ounting my pulse own, &ut 1 $oul "eel Minns's power! Again, like Vi$tor it was
more, i""erent, somehow! Something a&out the ominants o" this $lan gave them more ! ! !
$run$hy gooness, as i" 1 shoul have &een a&le to eat the power, an it woul have &een
something with te(ture an $aramel in the mile! Something you ha to $hew an swallow
har to get own, &ut it woul &e sweet, an you' want another &ite!
He stare at me while they $u""e him an put ankle $u""s on, too! They were taking no
$han$es! He let them o whatever they wante an 7ust kept staring at me, an 1 seeme
una&le to move "rom the weight o" that stare!
<1 woul have opene the oor "or you, little %ueen, all you ha to o was ask,= he sai, in a
voi$e that hel weight an ha too mu$h intensity to it!
Hooper glan$e up at me! <1s he talking to you, Anita/=
1 7ust noe!
#war tou$he my arm, an it helpe, &ut 1 kept staring into those pale eyes! Bernaro
a$tually steppe &etween me an Minns! He &roke the ga8e line, an 1 $oul suenly step
&a$k! +hat the "u$k was wrong with me/
1 steppe away "rom Minns an the other S+AT an went to stan near the oor! #war
aske, low, <+hat's wrong/=
1 shook my hea! <1'm not sure!=
<5ou a$te like he ha vampire ga8e an ha rolle you!=
<1 know!= 1 trie to shove the tigers eeper into me, &ut Vi$tor's energy 7ust rolle over an
aroun me! 1t was like the air was alive with it! The energy was keeping the tigers $loser to
the sur"a$e o" me! Damn it!
Hooper 7oine us! <+hat 7ust happene &etween you an Minns over there/=
1 hate e(plaining metaphysi$s to the nonpsy$hi$! 1t's like e(plaining aylight to someone
who's &een raise in a $ave! 5ou know that "ire is light, &ut how o you e(plain that the "ire
that $ooks your "oo $an &e so &right that it takes up the whole sky/ 5ou $an't, &ut you still
try!
<1 think he likes me!=
Hooper gave me a har look, an it was a goo one! His gray eyes were as $ol as #war's
$oul get3 almost! <2o one makes "riens that %ui$k, Blake! 5ou know him, an he knows
you!=
<1 swear to you that 1 have never met this man &e"ore!=
<He has a pet name "or you, Blake! 0ittle %ueen3 $ute! 5ou on't give pet names to people you
on't know!=
1 was e&ating on how mu$h to try to e(plain to Hooper when 1 "elt Vi$tor getting $loser! 1
knew he was walking towar the house! Shit!
1 shook my hea! <1 nee Vi$tor to tone own his energy or 1'm going to rown!=
<+hat/=
San$he8 sai, <The weretiger outsie is pushing his power like some "reaking river at the
house! 1 know it $alme the weretiger on the "loor, &ut my skin is $rawling with it, Sonny!=
Hooper looke "rom one to the other o" us! He tone own his anger with a visi&le e""ort! <So
you an San$he8 are pi$king up on Vi$tor's power/=
<5es,= 1 sai!
<?ine, that e(plains why you're pale! 1t oesn't e(plain how Minns, who you say you've
never met, has a pet name "or you, an sai he' have opene his oor "or you i" you' 7ust
aske! 1'm sorry, that kin o" talk says serious girl"rien!=
<4r goo lay!= This "rom Bernaro!
+e all "rowne at him! He raise his hans as i" to say sorry! <1'm 7ust saying that some
women have that e""e$t on you!=
<Don't help me,= 1 sai!
He grinne at me an wanere &a$k towar the $enter o" the room an our waiting
<suspe$t!= Hooper gave me that $ol look again! <He's right, though!=
<0ook, little 7ueen is what the tigers $all me, apparently!=
<+hy, an how woul Minns know that, sin$e you 7ust got to town toay/=
San$he8 an 1 &oth looke towar the oor &e$ause we $oul "eel all that power a&out to walk
in! San$he8 a$tually raise his MJ up &ut in't point it3 1 "ought to 7ust $aress mine! Vi$tor
$ame through the oor, like we' known he woul!
San$he8 sai, <Sarge, $an you tell the leaing $iti8en over there to tone the power own/ 1'm
going to get a power heaa$he!=
<5ou tell him, San$he8, the marshal an 1 aren't through talking yet!=
San$he8 gave me a look, almost o" sympathy, then went "or the oor an Vi$tor with his
poli$e es$ort! Hooper turne &a$k to me! #war ha steppe up &esie me, sort o" prote$tive,
may&e! 4la" ha ri"te over, &ut was keeping his eye mostly on the weretiger! 2i$e to know
he in't let his interest in me inter"ere with &usiness! 1 $ouln't tell i" #war was supporting
my $ause with Hooper, or i" he was $loser to me "or 4la"'s &ene"it!
<Shaw sai you knew more than you were saying, &ut 1 was willing to &elieve that he was
letting personal issues $lou his 7ugment!= Hooper shook his hea! <But now your little
"rien over there has oute you, Blake! +hen i you meet him/=
The air seeme less heavy suenly, as i" 1' &een struggling to &reathe &ut han't reali8e it
until the moment there was more air! 1 looke over at the oor an "oun Vi$tor insie the
room an San$he8 giving me a thum&s;up! 1 returne the gesture! 1t was a$tually kin o" ni$e
not to &e the only one &othere &y the psy$hi$ shit! ?reakiness likes $ompany!
<1 met -regory Minns 7ust minutes ago! 5ou've seen all the intera$tion 1've ever ha with
him!=
<5ou are lying,= Hooper sai!
<She's not lying,= #war sai!
<1 on't nee to hear "rom her &oy"rien!=
<+oul it o any goo to say that he's not my &oy"rien/= 1 sai!
<2o,= Hooper sai, <the minute that weretiger $alle you sweet ni$knames, you lost
$rei&ility with me, Blake!=
<1 am sorry that my attempt to $alm -regory sprea to you an 4""i$er San$he8, Marshal
Blake,= Vi$tor sai as he walke towar us! His power was tight like a rum! 1 $oul "eel the
vi&ration o" it, &ut that was all! He' lo$ke it own tight!
<As long as it wasn't on purpose, we're $ool!=
<5ou've "elt what my mother $an o3 trust me, on purpose woul &e worse!=
1 noe! 1 &elieve him!
<+hen i you "irst meet Marshal Blake, Mr! Belle$i/= Hooper aske!
<This a"ternoon,= he sai!
<+hen i -regory Minns "irst meet her/=
Vi$tor "rowne at him! <1 on't &elieve they have met!=
<He $alle her his little %ueen! That's pretty personal "or strangers!=
Vi$tor smile, then "ought not to! <Little 7ueen is our ni$kname "or Marshal Blake!=
<5ou met her this a"ternoon, an she alreay has a ni$kname3 right! An Minns, who 7ust met
her, knew the ni$kname enough to use it! Don't yank my $hain! 4ne o" you, or all o" you, are
lying!=
<1 swear to you that we 7ust met Marshal Blake! Her rather unusual psy$hi$ a&ilities hit the
raar "or the tigers as a little %ueen! 1t's not a personal ni$kname &ut more a title!=
<An she earne this title how/=
<By the "eel o" her psy$hi$ energy!=
<San$he8,= Hooper sai!
<She is a power"ul psy$hi$, Sarge!=
<1 know what ,anni&al sai, &ut 1 nee to know i" her power woul o what Vi$tor here says,
or whether they're all lying!=
<She shiels goo! 1' have to rea her on purpose to answer that %uestion, an that's against
psy$hi$ proto$ol without permission o" the other psy$hi$, or e($ept in an emergen$y situation
where lives are in anger!=
<5ou soun like you're %uoting regs,= 1 sai!
He noe! <1 am!=
<,anni&al is 7ust outsie with the o$! He $oul rea you again,= Hooper sai!
1 shook my hea! <1 won't give permission "or him to &e in my hea again!=
<Then 1 want San$he8 to rea you! 1 want to know i" you are power"ul enough to set o"" the
weretigers like this!=
<1t may not &e as power"ul "or him, sin$e he's human,= Vi$tor sai!
<He's my pra$titioner, an 1 want him to rea her, an you, stay the "u$k away "rom my
team!=
1 sighe an turne to San$he8! <+hat o you nee "rom me to make this work/=
<Drop your shiels,= San$he8 sai!
1 shook my hea! <1 $an't rop them all!=
<#ase own, then,= he sai!
<,an Vi$tor &e "arther away/=
<+hy/= Hooper aske!
<1 seem to have trou&le shieling against his $lan! 1 on't know why, &ut their power seems to
"u$k with me!=
Hooper sai, <-eorgie, es$ort Mr! Belle$i outsie the &uiling!=
-eorgie $ame an i it, without a %uestion! 1t was one o" the things that most o" the $ops
were &etter at than those o" us in the preternatural marshal program: "ollowing orers without
e&ate!
Vi$tor let himsel" &e le out! Then the others move &a$k a little, as i" we' aske, though we
han't! San$he8 an 1 stoo in the mile o" Minns's living room, with its ark &rown $arpet
an nones$ript living room set! >eople always want the houses o" the preternatural to &e
unusual, &ut in truth, most o" them look like everyone else's! -oing "urry on$e a month
oesn't make you that i""erent!
San$he8 slippe o"" more o" his heagear, his &la$k hair wet with sweat! <)eay/=
1 took a eep &reath an ease own my shiels! This "ar "rom Bean;,laue an all my people,
1 wasn't ropping all o" it! 2o way! 1t was more like $ra$king a winow on a $ar to let the
&ree8e insie!
San$he8 took his glove o"" one han an hel it near me, as i" he $oul "eel heat! <-o, your
aura $ra$kles with energy! 1t's like i" you let all your shiels own, you' &urn!= Then his
eyes rolle &a$k into his hea, &ehin "luttering eyelis! <But it woul &urn &la$k, as i" the
night $oul $at$h "ire an eat the worl!=
He stum&le, an 1 rea$he "or him automati$ally! His han $onvulse on mine, an suenly
my shiels $ame own! +e were &oth on our knees, as i" we' &een hit! The psy$hi$ hammer
ha hit us &oth, an there was nothing we $oul o &ut rie the power! 1 han't thought that
they might have another pra$titioner that woul s$are me! 1 was so use to &eing the &iggest
&ug&ear in the room psy$hi$ally that it ha never o$$urre to me that San$he8 might &e one,
too! 2ow, it was too late, an the &ear was going to eat us &oth!
40



SA2,H#N HAD T)1#D to peek &ehin my partially raise shiels, an he was too power"ul,
or it was like when we shook hans an he alone o" all o" the pra$titioners spike me! 1 ha a
pure human min;"u$k me "or the se$on time in one ay! 1t was a re$or!
1 "elt his power, &ut it was like looking at $alm water3 you on't always see the ro$ks 7ust
&elow that will tear the &ottom out o" your &oat an sink you!
4ne minute we were $alm3 the ne(t he' rippe my shiels open like a woun! His power
poure into that woun, &ut other things ha &een waiting, an they "ollowe on the tail o" his
energy like a mugger $oming in &ehin your key!
1 "elt vampire "irst, power"ul, &ut 7ust vampire! 1t &reathe in on San$he8's $oattails! 1 in't
"ight it, &e$ause 1 hope it was Vittorio! 1 rew the taste o" his power into me like wine that
you hol in your mouth, warming it until the &ou%uet o" it "ills your mouth, your nose, your
senses! 1" this was him, 1 wante the s$ent o" him to stay with me, &e$ause there was a $han$e
that 1 might &e a&le to tra$k him through his own power, i" he woul 7ust give me a little more
o" it!
San$he8 sai, <+hat is that/=
<Ba guy,= 1 whispere!
1 "elt him try to push at the power, too! <Don't help me,= 1 sai!
<1'm pretty goo!=
<Don't ! ! ! ,= &ut 1 in't have time to "inish the senten$e &e$ause something else "oun us!
Marmee 2oir was the Lueen o" All Vampires! But that in't %uite prepare you "or the wave
o" living arkness that poure over us &oth! 1t rowne out the su&tle energy o" Vittorio's
aytime power, i" it ha even &een him! She rowne everything else!
1 was le"t kneeling on $ol stone, in a $avern lit &y tor$hes! San$he8 knelt with me, his han
still in mine! He looke up! <+hat is this/= 1 knew our &oies were still in the house in Vegas,
&ut our mins, not so mu$h!
Something move in the shaows &etween the tor$hes! She was $loake in &la$kness, an 1
$ouln't tell i" it was a &la$k $loak or i" she ha "orme hersel" "rom the arkness an it only
looke like $lothes! Her eli$ate "oot steppe into the light, an tiny see pearls $aught the
light, with &its o" shiny &la$k 7et em&roiere &etween them! 1' seen those shoes on$e &e"ore
when she almost mani"este physi$ally in St! 0ouis!
Her &oy shoul have &een upstairs in a room where she' &een hien away "or over a
thousan years, &ut there she stoo! +as it a ream/ +as she really awake/
She answere my thought! <My &oy sleeps, &ut 1 am no longer trappe &y "lesh!=
<+hat is she/= San$he8 aske!
<Shall we show him, ne$roman$er/=
<2o,= 1 sai!
<0et us see i" his min survives!=
<24A= 1 s$reame it, an trie to &ring us &a$k out, &ut she "lung her arms wie, an the $loak
was arkness, &e$ause it stret$he out an out, up an up, until we knelt staring into the
per"e$t &la$kness o" a starless night! The s$ent o" 7asmine $hoke me! 1 $ouln't taste
anything else!
San$he8 $lung to my han! <Anita, Anita, are you all right/=
1 $ouln't talk, $ouln't speak, $ouln't &reathe! 1 $lung to him &e$ause he was all 1 ha to
$ling to, &ut she was pouring hersel" own my throat! 4n$e 1' thought she meant to kill me
that way, &ut now 1 saw her thoughts too $learly! She in't want to kill me, she wante to
possess me! Her &oy upstairs ha lain too long unuse, an she $oul not men it! She
wante a new one! She wante me!
There was a light in the ark, suenly, like a &right hot star! The light $ame like the rising o"
the sun, an she s$reame as she "ell &a$k! 1 $ame to mysel" in the living room in San$he8's
an #war's arms! The room was "ull o" $rosses, glowing &right like stars! #veryone's $ross
was glowing as 1 "ought to &reathe! #war turne me over so 1 $oul $ough out onto the
$arpet! 1 spat out something $lear an too thi$k "or water! 1t smelle like "lowers!
#war hel me until 1 was one an too weak to move!
<+as that our killer/= Hooper aske at last! <+as that our vampire/=
<1t was a vampire,= San$he8 sai, <&ut 1 on't think it's here in Vegas!=
1 shook my hea! My voi$e $ame out hoarse! <1t's nothing to o with Vegas!=
San$he8 sai, <The Darkness wants to eat you!=
<5eah, she oes! 1 have my shiels "or a reason, San$he8! Don't "u$k with them again!=
<1'm sorry,= he sai! <+hat the "u$k is she/=
1 shook my hea! <2ightmares!=
<?u$k,= he sai!
<San$he8, talk to me,= Hooper sai!
<Marshal Blake is power"ul enough, Sarge! She's power"ul enough, i" you see through her
shiels, she's power"ul enough to make the tigers $all her Annie ?u$king 4akley, i" they have
a title "or it!=
<+hat i you see, San$he8/= Hooper sai!
He looke at me, an we ha a moment o" unerstaning! He sai, <2ightmares, Sarge! She
"ights nightmares, an they "ight &a$k!=
<+hat the hell oes that mean/=
San$he8 shook his hea an $lung to his sergeant's arm as he helpe him stan! <1t means 1
want to "eel the sun on my "a$e, an 1 never, ever want to make Blake rop her shiels again!
1 really in't mean to o that, &y the way, Marshal! 1'm sorry!=
1 trie to sit up an "oun that 1 $oul, though #war's han was a goo thing to steay
against! <1 woul say it's okay, &ut it's not! 5ou almost got me hurt, San$he8, &a hurt!=
<1 know=.San$he8 gave a little laugh that soune wrong.<1 saw what wante to hurt you,
Blake! 1 wish 1 han't seen it! How the "u$k o you sleep at night/=
#war helpe me stan, an 1 almost "ell! 1t was 4la" who took my other arm, &ut 1 wasn't
steay enough to pull away! 1n that moment, help was okay! <1 sleep "ine,= 1 sai!
<Then you are an iron;wille mother"u$king &astar!= He starte towar the oor, so shaky
that Hooper $alle another o""i$er over to help him to the oor!
+hen he was outsie, Hooper turne to me! <San$he8 is soli! +hat the "u$k i he see to
shake him that &a/=
<5ou on't want to know,= 1 sai!
<4ur holy items lit up like the "reaking ?ourth o" Buly3 what kin o" vampire $an $ause that
"rom a istan$e/=
<>ray that you never "in out, Sergeant!= 1 took a eep &reath an let go o" &oth men! +hen
#war let go, so i 4la"!
Hooper looke "rom me to #war! <Do you know what it is, ?orrester/=
#war 7ust sai, <5es!=
<+hat is it/=
<The ultimate vampire,= he sai!
<+hat the hell oes that mean/=
<She's the %ueen o" them,= 1 sai, <an she's more power"ul than anything 1've ever "elt!
She's still in #urope somewhere! >ray that she never $omes to Ameri$a!=
<She i all that "rom #urope/= Hooper soune skepti$al!
1 glare at him! <5eah, she i! 5our man strippe my shiels, like taking away your vest 7ust
&e"ore shooting a gun at your $hest! 5ou saw what happene to me!=
<1 in't mean "or San$he8 to "u$k you up toay, Blake!=
<Sure,= 1 sai!
He "rowne at me! <1 "u$king hate the psy$hi$ shit, &ut 1 in't mean "or you to get hurt!=
+ith that, he walke towar the oor!
#war leane over me! <Are you all right/=
1 shook my hea, then sai, <Sure!=
<0iar,= Bernaro sai! But 1 noti$e he' &een staning "arther away than either #war or
4la"! There were a lot o" reasons that 1 in't $ount on him!
<?u$k you,= 1 sai!
He grinne! <Hope"ully!=
1 rolle my eyes at him, &ut it helpe put things in perspe$tive! The Mother o" All Darkness
was apparently 7ust waiting outsie my shiels "or a $han$e to eat me! 1 was so s$are my skin
was $ol! 1' go out into the esert heat! 1' warm up! 1t woul &e all right! 1 trie to &elieve
that, &ut 1 stare own at what 1' spit up on the $arpet!
1 aske, <+hat is that shit/=
#war sai the one thing 1 hate to hear him say! <1 on't know!= +hen #war oesn't know
the answers, we are so "u$ke!
41



1 ,A00#D B#A2;,0A6D# "rom the $ar while #war rove! 1 was way past $aring what
4la" an Bernaro hear! The Mother o" All Darkness was waiting 7ust outsie my shiels to
eat me! 1 $oul still "eel some o" her emotions! The primary one was "ear! +hat the "u$k $oul
she &e a"rai o"/
Bean;,laue answere a little &reathlessly! <(a 'etite, 1 "elt something rea$h out to you!
Something ark an terri&le! 1" it is Vittorio, you must leave 0as Vegas now, right now,
&e"ore night"all!=
<1t wasn't him,= 1 sai!
<Then who/= he aske!
1 $lung to the $ell phone an the soun o" his voi$e like a li"eline! 1 was still so s$are 1 $oul
taste metal on my tongue! <Marmee 2oir!=
<+hat 1 "elt was i""erent than ever &e"ore! 1t was smaller, more ! ! != He seeme to sear$h "or
the right wor! <Human!=
1 noe, even though he $ouln't see it! <She was small like in the $hur$h in St! 0ouis! She
ha those amne little slippers with the pearls on them!=
<>erhaps they are what is on her real &oy up in the room where she rests!=
<She wasn't in the room, Bean;,laue! 5ou nee to $all Belle Morte, or whomever, an tell
them she was walking aroun in the &ottom room o" the $avern! The part o" the $ave where
her winows overlook! She was own there!=
He $urse long an elegantly in ?ren$h! 1n #nglish he sai, <1 will $all the others! 1 will $all
you &a$k as soon as 1 $an! 1 woul tell you to hie in a $hur$h with holy items until this is
one!=
<1've got a murerer to $at$h!=
<(a 'etite, please!=
<1'll think a&out it,= 1 sai! <4kay/=
<That is something! 1 love you, Anita3 o not let her take you "rom me!=
<1 love you, too, an 1 won't! 1'm shieling like a son o" a &it$h! 1 ha to rop the shiel "or
her to get through!=
<(a 'etite, Anita ! ! ! (erde, 1 will $all you &a$k as soon as 1 have rea$he someone in
#urope!= He hung up with more ?ren$h, too rapi "or me to $at$h!
The S6V went aroun the $orner a little rapily, keeping up with the poli$e $ar in "ront o" us!
They han't turne on sirens or lights, &ut we were &reaking several speeing laws!
Apparently, we weren't the only ones spooke &y what ha happene &a$k in the house! 1
wonere what San$he8 ha tol them! 1 wonere what the $ops who saw it all ha tol
everyone/ Ha they, like Bean;,laue, &lame it all on Vittorio/ Ha it spurre them on to get
this one &e"ore the vampires in Vegas rose "or the night/
<+hat i ,ount Dra$ula say/= #war aske!
<Don't $all him that, #war!=
<Sorry, what i he say/=
<He's going to $all some o" the vamps in #urope!=
4la" spoke "rom the &a$kseat! <Di you say that the Lueen o" All Vampires, who we saw in
spirit in St! 0ouis, is walking aroun in the "lesh somewhere/=
<1 saw her in a vision! 1t may 7ust &e a vision, &ut 1've ha visions with her &e"ore, an she's
always &een in the room where she's trappe! 1've never seen her walking outsie it!=
<?u$k,= #war sai!
1 looke at him &e$ause he in't $uss that o"ten! That was usually my 7o&! <+hat/= 1 aske
him!
<1 was approa$he a&out "ul"illing a $ontra$t on her!=
1 turne in the seat an stare at him! 1 stuie his pro"ile, &ut &etween the sunglasses an his
usual &lank "a$e, there was nothing to see! My own "a$e ha "allen into open;mouthe
astonishment! <Are you saying that someone approa$he you to assassinate the Lueen o" All
Vampires/=
He gave a no!
4la" an Bernaro &oth leane up in their seats.whi$h meant they han't put their seat&elts
on, &ut strangely, "or on$e, 1 han't thought to tell them to put them on!
<5ou got a $ontra$t to kill Marmee 2oir, an you in't mention it to me/=
<1 sai 1 was o""ere a $ontra$t! 1 in't say 1 took it!=
That mae me turn as "ar as the seat&elt that 1 was wearing woul let me! <5ou turne it
own/ +as it not enough money/=
<The money was goo,= he sai, his hans still $are"ul on the wheel, his "a$e still &lank an
unreaa&le! 5ou' never know at a glan$e that we were talking a&out anything remotely
interesting! 1t was the rest o" us who were showing the interest!
<Then why in't you take the $ontra$t/= 1 aske!
He gave me the smallest glan$e as he sli the tru$k aroun the $orner, almost on two wheels!
+e all ha to gra& parts o" the $ar, though 4la" an Bernaro ha to gra& harer without
seat&elts to help them! +e &arrele a"ter the other poli$e $ars! They' hit lights, &ut were still
siren "ree!
<5ou know why,= he sai!
1 starte to say, &o I dont, an then 1 stoppe! 1 got my grip on the ash&oar an the seat
tighter an thought a&out it! ?inally, 1 sai, <5ou were a"rai that Marmee 2oir woul kill
you! 5ou were a"rai that this one woul "inally &e too tough!=
He sai nothing, whi$h was all the yes 1 woul pro&a&ly get!
4la" sai, <But all the years 1 have known you, #war, you have sought to test yoursel"
against the &iggest an &aest monsters! 5ou seek to &e teste! This woul have &een the
ultimate test!=
<>ro&a&ly,= he sai, in a low, $are"ul voi$e!
<1 never thought 1' live to see it,= Bernaro sai! <The great #war's nerve "inally "ails!=
4la" an 1 &oth glare at him, &ut it was the &ig guy who sai, <His nerve i not "ail him!=
<Then what/= Bernaro sai!
<He in't want to $han$e ying on Donna an the kis,= 1 sai!
<+hat/= Bernaro sai!
<They make you "ear"ul,= 4la" sai, %uietly!
<1 sai his nerve ha "aile, an you yelle at me,= Bernaro proteste!
4la" gave him the "ull weight o" that "lat, ark ga8e! Bernaro wiggle a little in his seat, as i"
he "ought not to &a$k o"" "rom the in$hes;away ga8e, &ut he hel his groun! >oint "or him!
<#war's nerve will never "ail him! But you $an still &e a"rai o" something!=
Bernaro looke to me! <Di that make sense to you/=
1 thought a&out it, let it roll aroun in my hea! <5eah, a$tually it i!=
<#(plain it to me, then!=
<1" Marmee 2oir $omes here an atta$ks us, then #war will "ight! He won't run away! He
won't give up! He'll "ight, even i" it means ying! But he's $hosen not to hunt own the
&iggest an &aest anymore &e$ause they're more likely to kill him, an he oesn't want to
leave his "amily &ehin! He's stoppe $ourting eath, &ut i" it $omes looking "or him, he'll
"ight!=
<1" you "ear nothing,= 4la" sai, <then you are not &rave3 you are merely too "oolish to &e
a"rai!=
Bernaro an 1 looke at the &ig man! #ven #war took enough time to glan$e &a$k at him!
<+hat s$ares you, &ig guy/= Bernaro aske!
4la" shook his hea! <?ears are not meant to &e share3 they are meant to &e $on%uere!=
>art o" me wante to know what $oul s$are one o" the s$ariest men 1' ever met! >art o" me
in't want to know at all! 1 was a"rai it woul either &e another nightmare "or me, too, or
make me "eel sorry "or 4la"! 1 $ouln't a""or to "eel sorry "or him! >ity will make you
hesitate, an one ay 1 woul nee to not hesitate with him! A lot o" serial killers have piti"ul
$hilhoos, hieous stories where they were the vi$tims.most o" them are even true! But
none o" it matters! 1t oes not matter how horri&le their $hilhoos were, or whether they
were vi$tims themselves! 1t oes not matter when you are at their mer$y, &e$ause one thing
that all the serials have in $ommon is that "or their vi$tims, there is no mer$y!
+hen you "orget that, they kill you!
42



#D+A)D S>100#D 46T into the line o" "lashing poli$e vehi$les to "in that the show was
almost over! The se$on weretiger was on her knees in the yar with guns pointe at her, an
Hooper an his men were piling on top o" her! 1 got only a glimpse o" white hair, $ut short,
an a "lash o" tiger;&lue eyes &e"ore they &unle her into the tru$k!
<5ou start without us/= #war $alle out to Hooper, in his &est goo;ol';&oy Te voi$e!
-oo that he ha a ni$e voi$e &e$ause 1 was reay to &e pisse!
Hooper answere as they $lose the oors on the tru$k! <She was kneeling in the yar,
waiting "or us!=
<Shit,= 1 sai!
He looke at me! <+hy shit/ This was easy an %ui$k!=
<They know, Hooper! The other tigers know!=
1 wat$he his "a$e get it! <4ur &a guy may run!=
1 noe!
<Alert your surveillan$e on them,= #war sai!
<+hat surveillan$e/= 1 aske!
#war an Hooper got a glan$e &etween them, an then Hooper was on his raio! #war
e(plaine, <The moment we put their name in the hat, there was surveillan$e on them! 1t's
stanar ops!=
<?u$k, no woner they know!=
#war shrugge! <1t's a way to "ollow them i" they run!=
<1t's a way to spook them an get them to run! An no one mentione this to me
&e$ause ! ! ! /=
<Hooper either in't want you to know, or "igure you' reali8e it was stanar ops!=
1 took a eep &reath in an let it out slow, or trie to! <?u$k stanar ops, the iea was
surprise!=
1t was Shaw who $ame up! <+e on't have to pass everything &y you, Marshal! 1" a
angerous suspe$t runs, we want to know where!=
<5ou on't get it,= 1 sai! <These guys $an hear your &loo in your veins! They $an smell you,
though amittely a tiger's sense o" smell is a lot less than, say, a wol"'s, &ut still, they will
know the $ops are out there!=
<My men are goo at their 7o&s, Blake!=
<Shaw, it's not a&out &eing goo! 1t's a&out &eing human an hunting things that aren't
human! Don't you get that yet/=
<They'll o their 7o&s,= he sai, an gave me those persistently un"rienly eyes!
<5eah, 1 know they will! 1 7ust hope that it oesn't get them kille!=
1 on't know what Shaw woul have sai to that, &e$ause Hooper $ame &a$k! <+e've got
raio $on"irmation on three o" the other houses, &ut no answer on one!=
<Shit,= Shaw sai!
1 kept my mouth shut3 an I told you so wouln't go over well!
Shaw glare at me, almost as i" he' hear me thinking too har! <)aios &reak, Blake! 1t
oesn't have to &e &a!=
#war tou$he my arm lightly! 1 unerstoo the gesture! 1 kept my voi$e even! <5ou're a
$op, Shaw3 you know always to assume the worst! Then i" it's not true, great, &ut i" it is, you
have a plan!=
<4""i$ers are alreay on the way to $he$k on the men,= Hooper sai!
<Take us there, Hooper,= 1 sai!
<1 think my men $an take it "rom here,= Shaw sai!
<This is a preternatural $ase,= 1 sai, <we on't nee your permission to &e here!=
4""i$ers $ame out o" the mo& surrouning us, as i" Shaw ha alreay tappe them "or the
uty! He pro&a&ly ha! They were almost all in uni"orm, e($ept "or # Morgan! He noe at
me, smiling! 1t mae the little $rinkles at his eyes look pleasant an smiley, too! 1 wonere i"
the eyes &ehin the glasses were a$tually smiling, or i" his "a$e 7ust went through the motions/
<Morgan here is $hie" o" ete$tives at homi$ie,= Bernaro sai, smiling! His "a$e looke 7ust
as pleasant as Morgan's ha a moment ago! The announ$ement o" his real title mae the $hie"
ete$tive's smile "alter a little aroun the eges! 1 wonere how Bernaro ha "oun out
Morgan's a$tual rank! 1' ask him later, when it wouln't make us look less smart!
<Bust &e$ause 1'm $hie" o" ete$tives oesn't mean we $an't &e "riens,= he sai, re$overing
himsel"!
Hooper $ame up! <+e've hear &a$k! The $ar's empty! Bloo, &ut no &oies!=
<Shit,= Shaw sai!
<0et us help you,= #war sai!
<5ou weren't any help with Minns3 in "a$t, you slowe the operation own!=
#war looke at Hooper! <1s that how you see it, Sergeant/=
Hooper gave him his &lank "a$e! <2o, &ut he outranks me!=
<2i$e o" you to remem&er that,= Shaw sai!
<+hi$h weretiger went rogue/= 1 aske!
<Martin Bene8,= Hooper sai!
<Sergeant,= Shaw sai, <we on't nee to share with the marshals anymore!=
<1s it your team going a"ter him/= 1 aske Hooper!
<Henerson's team has point!=
<Sergeant Hooper,= Shaw sai, <1 gave you a ire$t orer not to share with the marshals!=
<2ow it's a ire$t orer,= Hooper sai, an he walke away to gather his men an his
e%uipment an leave! He never looke &a$k, &ut 1 knew that whatever he ha tol Shaw an
his other <superiors,= it han't &een that we slowe them own! But he ha to report that 1'
gone all weir on them! They might have hire psy$hi$s "or their "or$e, &ut 1 wasn't one o"
their pra$titioners! They might &e open mine, &ut the "a$t that something ha happene that
their own pra$titioner in't unerstan woul $ount against me! 1 ha an iea!
<,an the other marshals go to the ne(t s$ene/=
<1 tol you, you slowe us own,= Shaw sai! He starte to walk away!
<5ou mean 1 went all metaphysi$al on you an $reepe everyone out! ?ine, punish me, keep
me out o" it, &ut no one is &etter at tra$king these guys than Marshal ?orrester! 0et the other
marshals go on to the ne(t s$ene! 1'll sit it out!=
#war was looking at me! 2ot saying anything, 7ust looking at me!
<2o,= Shaw sai!
Morgan sai, <+hy not, Sheri""/ 1t'll keep the Marshals Servi$e "rom getting pissy, an 1've
hear nothing &ut goo a&out the others!=
Shaw looke at him, an again there was that "eeling that Morgan $arrie more weight than he
shoul have, even as $hie" o" ete$tives!
Shaw $ame to stan over me, trying to intimiate me, like 1 $are! <+hy o you want the
other marshals to go/=
<Be$ause 1 on't want another $rime s$ene in Vegas like the warehouse!=
<5ou think we $an't hanle it/= Shaw aske, alreay getting angry!
<1 think that 1' trust Te to lea me into hell itsel" an get me out the other sie! Marshals
Spotte Horse an Be""ries are &oth goo men in a "ight! 1" the shit hits the "an, you $ouln't
o &etter! 0et them help you, an 1 will stan own, Shaw!=
<+hat $oul it hurt/= Morgan aske!
<?ine,= Shaw sai, relu$tan$e so strong in the one wor it soune like $ussing!
#war leane in an spoke so"t an "ast! <1 on't like leaving you alone!=
<1'm surroune &y uni"orms, so 1'm not alone,= 1 sai!
1 knew the look 1 was getting even &ehin his sunglasses! <1" 1 help the lo$als &ut Vittorio
"ins a way to get to you, that won't make either o" us happy!=
<2i$e way to put it, &ut it's aylight, an i" 1 keep my shiels in pla$e, then 1'm vampire
proo"!=
<An on$e arkness "alls/=
<4ne isaster at a time!= 1 gave him a little push! <-o "in Martin Bene8! 1" we $an get
in"ormation "rom him, &est, &ut 7ust help keep our poli$e "riens alive!=
<+hy/= he whispere!
1 reali8e he meant that! Sometimes 1 "orget that when 1 "irst met #war, he s$are me
almost as mu$h as 4la"! Then he'll say something like this, an 1'll remem&er that he's still a
preator! He's my "rien, an he likes me, &ut most other people are 7ust things to him! Tools
to use or o&sta$les to over$ome!
<1" 1 sai it's the right thing to o, woul you laugh at me/=
He smile! <2o!=
<5ou $oming, ?orrester, or is $hatting up your girl"rien more important/= Shaw $alle!
+e let it go, an #war move away with the o""i$ers still le"t on the s$ene! Most o" them
ha vanishe when the officer down $all $ame through!
Bernaro "ollowe #war, &ut 4la" hung &a$k an sai, <1 woul stay with you!=
1 yelle, <Te/=
He looke &a$k, saw the &ig guy, an $alle, <Be""ries, $at$h up!=
4la" hesitate, then turne an starte at a mar$hHtrot to $at$h up! Training will tell, an he'
"allen &a$k into that "ast mar$h without thinking a&out it!
1 wat$he them get into the S6V! #war never looke &a$k! 1 truste him to take $are o"
himsel" an wishe 1 were going along! There was also that small part o" me that "elt i" 1 were
there he' &e sa"er3 everyone woul &e! -o $omple(, me/ Surely not! >aranoia/ May&e! All
1 knew was that more than almost anything else in the worl, 1 i not want to e(plain to
Donna an the kis why #war woul never $ome home to them!
Another uni"orm le Vi$tor over to stan with me an Morgan an the han"ul o" o""i$ers still
with us!
1 looke at Vi$tor in his esigner suit! He looke so mu$h more elegant than the rest o" us, &ut
it in't matter! 2o matter what we looke like on the outsie, the poli$e ha la&ele us
"reaks, an they were one playing with us "or the ay! 2ow it was le"t to the humans to $hase
the monster own an kill it, i" they $oul! The "a$t that 1 was staning here with Vi$tor sai,
$learly, that at least some o" the Vegas >D $onsiere me one o" the monsters! 5ou on't let
monsters hunt monsters! +hy/ Be$ause there's a part o" every human &eing that &elieves that
the monster's sympathy lies with its "ellow "reaks! Be$ause that's where their sympathy
woul lie! 1n the en, it's not us they on't trust3 it's themselves!
43



V1,T4) +#2T T4 stan in "ront o" Morgan! <Dete$tive Morgan, without Marshal Blake
an me, you have no hope o" taking Martin alive!=
1 sai, <+e have two o""i$ers missing, presume in7ure or ea! 1t's not a&out taking him
alive anymore, Vi$tor!=
<But i" he ies, we lose the $han$e to "in Vittorio's aytime lair,= Vi$tor sai!
1 shook my hea! <1t oesn't matter! +e $oul preten that it oes, &ut your tiger gave up his
sa"ety when he tou$he the o""i$ers!=
<5ou won't even try to get them to &ring him in alive/=
<They on't trust me anymore, Vi$tor! 1 went too weir on them!=
<5our "rien ?orrester, then!=
<6ntil they "in the missing o""i$ers, it oesn't matter!=
<+hat i" killing Martin means you never "in the o""i$ers' &oies/=
1 turne to Morgan! <+hat a&out that/ That Martin Bene8 may know where your o""i$ers
are/=
<1'll raio it in, &ut you $alle it, Blake! The moment he tou$he our o""i$ers, we're not going
to &e a&le to $ontain this!=
<He is a very power"ul weretiger,= Vi$tor sai! <He will not &e easy to kill!=
<That a threat/= Morgan aske!
<2o, honesty! 1" Martin has gone rogue, an you won't allow us to try to use metaphysi$s to
$ontain him, then killing him "rom a istan$e is your only hope!=
<So you're telling me to try to get our men to take him alive, an to shoot him "rom a sa"e
istan$e!= Morgan smile an shook his hea, an 1 knew the smile "or what it was now, his
version o" &lank "a$e! <5ou $an't have &oth, Vi$tor!=
<1 know that, Dete$tive! 1'm telling you 1' rather &ring him in alive "or the in"ormation he
hols, &ut without the marshal an me, you have no hope o" taking him alive! So i" we are
truly to &e sieline, then you must get a sniper in pla$e with silver ammunition an take him
out!=
<1'll give your avi$e to my superiors!= Morgan was still smiling, &ut his tone mae it $lear he
either wouln't o what Vi$tor aske or thought the avi$e was amusing!
1 in't "in him amusing3 1 "oun him honest! Morgan walke away, may&e even to o what
Vi$tor wante one, &ut 1 ou&te it!
1 looke aroun at the other o""i$ers! <Sorry you're missing out on the tiger hunt &a&ysitting
us!=
<My wi"e won't &e sorry,= one man sai! His name tag rea .o0! He was oler, may&e late
thirties!
<1'm sorry,= one o" the other o""i$ers sai, <1 mean a real hunt "or a weretiger! How o"ten oes
that happen/= 1 turne to "in that this o""i$er, Shel&y &y his name tag, looke &right an
eager! 1 "ought the urge to sni"" the air an go, /mm, rookie!
<+hen you've &een on the 7o& long enough,= ,o( sai, <you'll know that going home alive is
win enough!=
<-etting marrie mae you a wussy,= Shel&y sai!
4ther o""i$ers 7oine in the goo;nature ri&&ing! ,o( took it like the ten;year veteran he
pro&a&ly was3 1 knew what he meant! 1 in't even have my ten years in, &ut getting home
alive to the people 1 love ha &e$ome more important to me than $at$hing the &a guy! 1t's a
grown;up attitue, &ut sometimes it means it's time to $hange 7o&s! 4r rie a esk! 1' su$k at
esk work!
1t mae me "eel less wussy that #war ha turne own a $ontra$t to hunt Marmee 2oir!
+hen Death himsel", his ni$kname among the vamps, starts turning own hunts so he $an get
home alive to his "amily, the worl has &e$ome a i""erent pla$e! 4r may&e the worl is the
same, an it was #war an 1 who ha $hange!
#veryone's raios went o"" at the same time: hanhel, shouler mi$, all o" it! 1 $aught the
ispat$her's wors! Someone ha hit the emergen$y &utton on their hanhel! The ne(t thing
we hear was a "ull;out officer down $all!
#veryone ran "or their $ars! 1 stu$k at ,o('s heels! Shel&y, too3 apparently they were riing
together! <Take me with you, ,o(!=
He hesitate at the oor o" his $ar while $ar a"ter $ar s%ueale away, sirens an lights roaring!
<4rers say you stay here!=
<?orrester is my partner!=
<5ou guys on't run in pairs,= ,o( sai!
<He's my ra&&i!=
<1 hear he was more your Svengali,= Shel&y sai!
,o( sai, <Shut up, Shel&y!=
Shel&y i!
,o( an 1 ha one o" those long stares, an then he noe! <-et in!=
Vi$tor glie up &esie me!
<2ot him,= ,o( sai as he opene the oor!
<1" one o" my tigers has atta$ke o""i$ers, 1 might &e a&le to stop him!=
1 wasn't sure it was a goo iea, &ut ! ! ! <0et him rie3 i" we leave him &ehin an he gets
hurt, we'll get shit "or that, too!=
,o( $urse so"tly!
<1 know,= 1 sai, <some ays you 7ust $hoose whi$h ass;$hewing you're gonna get!=
<Ain't that the truth!= He got in, an Shel&y got in with him! Sin$e he han't sai no, Vi$tor
an 1 got in the &a$k! 0ights an sirens went, an we were s$reaming out a"ter the other $ars! 1
was still hunting "or the seat&elt when we went aroun a $orner "ast enough to throw me into
Vi$tor!
He put an arm aroun me, hel me $lose, an 1 was le"t with another pro&lem! How o you
make someone who $an &en$h;press a small $ar let go o" you, short o" &leeing him/ Answer:
you on't!
44



1 S>4*# 4V#) the noise o" the sirens! <0et go o" me!=
He leane his mouth in $loser an spoke ne(t to my ear! <+e have little time, an there are
things you nee to know!=
1 "ought my mus$les not to tense an keep trying to push him away! 1 trie to rela( into him,
&ut "inally ha to settle "or 7ust noing! <Talk!=
<1 "elt your power in -regory's house!=
<That wasn't 7ust my power! San$he8 ha messe with me!=
<1 o not mean when the energy $hange an was not you!= So he ha "elt Marmee 2oir! 1
wonere i" he knew what it ha &een, i" he' sense Her! <1 "elt your energy, Anita! Together
we might &e a&le to "or$e Bene8 out into the open!=
<How/= The $ar $areene aroun another $orner, an only Vi$tor's eath grip on the oor an
me kept us still! 1 wonere, i" we wre$ke, woul he &e a&le to hol me/ 1 neee my
seat&elt, &ut he kept whispering in my ear, kept holing me $lose, an 1 kept not moving
away!
<1 $an sense him, an $om&ine, you an 1 might "or$e him into the open!=
<How o we $om&ine/=
<1 rea the arti$le you wrote "or The $nimator a&out $om&ining powers &etween yoursel" an
your two "ellow animators "or raising more an oler ea! 1t is not issimilar to that!=
1 wante to turn, to see his "a$e, &e$ause he' rea the &usiness 7ournal "or my pro"ession! The
only reason to o that was to resear$h me! But turning my hea woul have put those
whispering lips "rom ear to mouth, an that in't "eel like an improvement! The $ar was
going a&out a hunre miles an hour, an ,o( rove like a mania$ in a line o" mania$s! The
spee, the riving, put my pulse in my throat an s$are the hell out o" me, &ut still 1 let
Vi$tor hol me, still 1 han't pushe away an gone "or a seat&elt! 1 wore a seat&elt like a
religion, &ut it was like 1 $ouln't move! 1 $oul only listen to that so"t, mas$uline voi$e in my
ear! 1t all soune so reasona&le, an in that moment, 1 was no longer $ertain i" it was really
reasona&le or i" Vi$tor was rolling me like some sort o" vampire! 1 $ouln't tell anymore! That
$ouln't &e goo, $oul it/
The $ar sli to a s$ree$hing stop! ,o( opene all the oors, an Vi$tor let me slie away "rom
him, though his han sli own to hol mine! But 7ust the han was &etter! 1 $oul think
without him wrappe aroun me! ?u$k!
,o( put a han on Vi$tor's shouler, shaking his hea! <,ivilian, stay in the $ar!=
1 kept pulling on Vi$tor's han! He kept trying to hol on! 4""i$er ,o( sai, <0et go o"
Marshal Blake, Mr! Belle$i!=
Vi$tor's "ingers "ell away "rom me, an 1 pulle to make it happen sooner! Something was
wrong when he tou$he me! Something that ha never happene with any other wereanimal,
not even the ones that were my animals to $all!
The moment Vi$tor wasn't tou$hing me, it was as i" 1 $oul raw a eeper &reath! Surroune
&y sirens, lights, poli$e o""i$ers, guns, an not yet knowing what o""i$er was own an how
eep the shit3 an it was alreay &etter! 1 move the M>C on its ta$ti$al sling to my hans,
reay to go, an "ollowe at ,o('s heels! He was tall enough that his &a$k was my view, &ut
that was okay! He was letting me $ome along, an eventually 1' "in #war!
Then something "lew over our heas! +e all u$ke instin$tively, an it took a moment "or
my min to $at$h up to what my eyes ha seen! Someone in Vegas >D uni"orm ha 7ust &een
thrown $ompletely over our heas, to hit on the "ar sie o" a se$on line o" $ars!
<?u$kA= Shel&y sai!
,ouln't have sai it &etter mysel"!
45



TH# 2#KT S462D was gun"ire, a lot o" it! But the moment 1 saw the air&orne o""i$er, 1
knew there woul &e! Martin Bene8 was a&out to ie, an there was no way to save him!
+hatever in"ormation he ha was gone! The real ki$ker was that i" 1' &een near the "ront o"
the line, 1' have helpe kill him! +hen a wereanimal goes a $ertain level o" apeshit, you run
out o" options "ast!
,o( ease "orwar, an 1 "ollowe! Shel&y &rought up the rear! 1t looke like almost every
other o""i$er in Vegas was alreay $lustere at the "ront area! They' mae a mass aroun
some point 1 $ouln't see! 1 wasn't tall enough to spot #war or even 4la" "rom the &a$k o"
the $row, &ut somehow 1 knew that #war, at least, woul &e near the "ront!
He was like one o" those antitank missiles! >oint "ront towar the enemy, an make sure you
know where to stan!
1 in't try to push3 ,o( i it "or me! He 7ust ease us through the $row! 1 "ollowe in his
wake! Shel&y got a little separate, &ut then he took up more room than 1 i, so people were
more likely to not let him push through! Sometimes smaller is &etter!
+e worme our way $lose enough to the "ront that 1 glimpse 4la" towering over everyone! 1
knew that #war ha to &e $lose to him! 1 le"t ,o( &ehin an $ontinue to work my way
$loser to the &ig guy! 1 a$tually saw Bernaro "irst, then #war, all with their guns still out!
All still pointe at something 1 $ouln't see on the groun! Most o" the rest o" the poli$e ha
ease up3 some ha even holstere!
<1t's ea!= 1 re$ogni8e Sergeant Hooper's voi$e &ut $ouln't see him yet!
<1t's not ea until it shi"ts &a$k to human "orm,= #war sai!
<+hat are you talking a&out, Marshal/= another man aske!
1 ease up until 1 was 7ust &ehin them! 1 $oul glimpse a white;an;&la$k;"urre &oy on the
groun! <As long as it's "urry,= 1 sai, <it's still alive! Dea, they turn &a$k to their original
shape!=
#war almost looke &a$k at me, &ut kept his eyes an his gun on the owne tiger! <Better
late than never,= he sai!
1 shoulere my way &etween him an Bernaro, an aime my gun with theirs! <Sorry 1
misse it!=
<2o,= Bernaro sai, <you're not!= Something in the way he sai it mae me woner what
else 1' misse &esies the &oy on the groun!
<1t isn't shi"ting, 7ust like the tiger in St! 0ouis,= 4la" sai!
1 settle the M>C tighter in my arms, &ut not too tight, an sighte own at the still "orm! 1
$ouln't see any movement, or sense anything &ut stillness, &ut the one in St! 0ouis ha one
that, too! That one ha nearly kille me an #war's stepson, >eter! 1t ha kille one o" our
people!
<1 know,= 1 sai, an "elt my &oy go still, sinking away into that silen$e where 1 went i" 1 ha
time in a "ight! 1t was a goo %uiet pla$e to kill things "rom, the stati$ narrowing insie my
hea!
Then the &oy move! Someone a$tually shot into it, &ut it wasn't that kin o" movement! The
skin re$ee like the o$ean rawing &a$k "rom the shore! +hat was le"t was a pale, nue man
lying on his sie! 1 $ouln't tell i" he' &een hansome or ugly, &e$ause there wasn't enough
o" his "a$e le"t to answer the %uestion! There was aylight showing through his $hest now
&e$ause the wouns remaine the same, &ut the weretiger's &oy was so mu$h &igger, &ulkier,
that on$e they $hange to human shape, the wouns all looke nastier! 0ess mass, more
amage taken, as i" on$e ea the ly$anthropy stoppe prote$ting the human host!
1t took me a "ew se$ons to raw mysel" &a$k "rom that silent pla$e! Almost everyone else in
the $ir$le o" guns ha let go o" their tension &y the time 1 shook it o"" an roppe my own
shoulers!
1 "oun 4la" staring at me when 1 "inally looke aroun! <+hat/= 1 aske, an 1 in't try to
keep the hostility out o" my voi$e!
Those $ave;ark eyes gave me a look that hel too mu$h weight, an there was nothing se(ual
a&out it! 1' thought his attempts at ating me ha &een $reepy enough, &ut there was
something a&out this look that &othere me almost as mu$h, even though 1 $ouln't have tol
you what the look meant!
<5ou rea$te like # ! ! ! Te an me!=
<+hat, am 1 invisi&le/= Bernaro aske!
1 on't know what 1 woul have sai to 4la"'s $omment, sin$e 1 in't unerstan it, &ut
Sergeant Hooper was at our sie, an there were other things to talk a&out! Thank -o!
<1 guess we won't &e "ining out the lo$ation o" the vampire's lair "rom this one,= he sai!
+e all stoo in the &reath;stealing heat an too;&right sunshine an looke own at the &oy!
<1 guess not,= 1 sai!
1 hear someone yell my name! <Blake, what the "u$k are you oing here/= 1t was Shaw
striing towar me through the $row! -reat!
<Di you "in the missing o""i$ers/= 1 aske!
<Dea,= #war sai! He wasn't looking at the &oy, &ut outwar! He wasn't looking at
anything in parti$ular! 1t was as i" he were s$anning the hori8on "or more trou&le! 1t mae me
look where he was looking, &ut all 1 saw was a thin line o" small houses an esert &eyon,
stret$hing out an out to &rown mountains that seeme 7ust as ry an li"eless as everything
else outsie the $ity limits! Desert is esert unless you a water! 1 trie to pi$ture it with the
rains an the "lowers o" the $a$ti like rain&ows s$attere a$ross all that &rown, &ut 1 $ouln't!
1 $ouln't see the $olor that might have &een, only the esolation that was, an that was the
$op in me! 5ou on't look "or what might &e in a situation3 you take the truth o" it an eal!
>retty "lowers $oul wait "or the rain, an us $at$hing Vittorio!
1 "elt Shaw's anger almost like something tou$ha&le! 1t mae me turn away "rom a han that 1
han't even seen yet! He ha rea$he "or me, totally inappropriate, &ut 1' move 7ust out o"
rea$h without ever having seen his han!
My moving like that, like magi$, put my pulse into my throat, so when 1 spoke it soune
hoarse an not like me! <2o tou$hing!=
<#veryone else &ut me, 1 guess,= an he sai it with as mu$h nasty in"le$tion as he $oul
muster!
<+ow,= Bernaro sai, <what is your pro&lem with Marshal Blake, or o you 7ust not like
girls/ That the real reason the wi"e le"t/= He lowere his sunglasses enough to give me a wink
as he "a$e Shaw! He' one it on purpose to get Shaw away "rom me! 1" 1 han't thought
he' take it totally wrong, 1 woul have hugge him!
#war starte moving away "rom Shaw's one;sie yelling mat$h with Bernaro! 4la"
traile us like an oversi8e shaow! Hooper $aught up to #war an me! 2one o" us sai a
wor! 1t was like we all knew where we were going an what we' "in! 1 guess the three o"
them i!
The "irst &oy was S+AT, still in gear! He still ha his helmet on, so the &oy was almost
anonymous e($ept "or general height! 4n television they take the heagear o"" so you $an see
the pretty a$tors an wat$h them a$t, &ut in real li"e most o" the men are $overe pretty mu$h
hea to toe! 1t meant that 1 $ouln't see the wouns that were making the spreaing pool o"
&loo unerneath him! 1t's suppose to &e sa"er $overe hea to "oot in gear! The man at our
"eet pro&a&ly in't think so anymore! 4" $ourse, he wasn't really thinking anything anymore!
Dea is ea!
The moment 1 thought it, 1 wishe 1 han't, &e$ause 1 "elt it! The soul, the essen$e, whatever
you want to $all it, hovering! 1 in't look up! 1 in't want to try to see the invisi&le, &e$ause
even to me there' &e nothing to see! 1 knew it was "loating there! 1 $oul pro&a&ly have
tra$e its outline in the air, &ut there was nothing to truly see! Souls on't look like anything
to me! -hosts, those 1 $an see sometimes, &ut not souls! Most o" the time 1 in't see the souls
at the $rime s$ene! 1' gotten &etter at shieling &e$ause souls aren't help"ul! They 7ust hang
aroun "or three ays, or less, an then they go on! 1 on't know why some souls hang aroun
longer than others! Most o" the time really violent eaths sen the soul pa$king %ui$ker, as i"
they on't want to wait aroun "or more trauma! 4ly, you will get more ghosts out o"
violent eaths! ?ewer souls, more ghosts3 1' always thought that was interesting, &ut it i
me no amn goo as 1 stoo there staring own at our "allen operator! His soul was wat$hing
us! 1t might even "ollow his &oy to the morgue &e"ore it move on! 1 i not share this
in"ormation with Hooper! He in't nee or, honestly, want to know!
1t ha &een a while sin$e a soul ha &een this lou psy$hi$ally! But sometimes violen$e will
&e so lou psy$hi$ally to the vi$tim that it gives them oom'h! 1t makes them so lou to my
a&ilities that 1 $an't not noti$e them!
1 stoo in the heat, sweat tri$kling own my ne$k, the e%uipment smothering in the &eating
weight o" the sunlight! >eople always think you only see spirits at night, or twilight, or shit
like that, &ut spirits on't $are! They'll show up any time they $an manage to "in someone
a&le to see them! 0u$ky "u$king me!
<2ot one o" your men/= 1 mae it a %uestion! My voi$e soune normal, as i" 1 weren't
working at not seeing someone's soul "loating a&ove us!
<2o, it's -li$k! He was one o" the "irst psy$hi$s we hire!=
<That might e(plain it,= 1 sai!
<#(plain what/= Hooper aske!
#war a$tually &rushe my arm with his "ingertips, like a warning! <Marshal Blake
sometimes pi$ks up impressions "rom the ea!=
<1'm not a psy$hi$ like one you' &ring in to help solve a $ase through visions,= 1 ae, <&ut
1 "eel the ea sometimes, all kins o" ea!=
<5ou $an "eel -li$k/=
<Something like that!=
<Talking in your hea/=
<2o, the ea on't talk that $learly to me! ,all it more emotions!=
<+hat kin o" emotions/ ?ear/=
<2o,= 1 sai!
<Then what/=
1 $urse mysel" "or saying that "irst little $omment out lou! 1 tol part o" the truth!
<>u88lement! He's pu88le!=
<>u88le a&out what/=
<A&out &eing ea,= 1 sai!
Hooper stare at the &oy! <5ou mean he's in there thinking/=
<2o, not at all,= 1 sai!
#war shook his hea! <Tell him3 what he's imagining is worse!=
<>lease on't share with anyone else that 1 $an o this, &ut sometimes 1 $an sense the souls o"
the "reshly ea!=
<Souls3 you mean ghosts,= Hooper sai!
<2o, 1 mean souls! -hosts $ome later, an most o" the time "eel really i""erent!=
<So -li$k's soul is "loating aroun here/=
<1t happens! He'll wat$h "or a while, an then he'll go on!=
<5ou mean to heaven/=
1 sai the only thing 1 $oul! <5es, that's what 1 mean!=
4la", who ha &een so %uiet throughout, sai, <,oul it not go to hell/=
Shit!
Hooper glan$e at 4la", then &a$k to me! <+ell, Blake/ -li$k was Bewish3 oes that mean he
&urns/=
<+as he a goo man/=
<5es! He love his wi"e an kis, an he was a goo man!=
<1 &elieve that goo is goo, so you go to heaven!=
He motione o"" towar some s$ru&&y &ushes! <Mat$hett was a &astar! He $heate on his
wi"e! He ha a gam&ling pro&lem an was a&out to get ki$ke o"" the team! 1s he in hell/=
1 wante to say, Why ask me, How i 1 en up having a philosophi$al is$ussion over the
&oies/ <1'm ,hristian, &ut i" -o is truly a -o o" love, then why woul he have a private
torture $ham&er where he put people that he was suppose to love an "orgive to &e punishe
"orever/ 1" you a$tually rea the Bi&le, the iea o" hell like in the movies an most &ooks was
invente &y a writer! Dante's Inferno was rippe o"" &y the ,hur$h to give people something
to &e a"rai o", to literally s$are people into &eing ,hristian!=
<So, you on't &elieve in hell!=
>hilosophi$ally, no! Truth"ully, on$e a ,atholi$, always a ,atholi$, &ut out lou, &e$ause it
was the answer he neee while staring own at his ea "rien, 1 sai, <2o, 1 on't!= 2o
lightning &olt stru$k me! May&e i" you lie "or a goo reason, you get a pass!
46



TH# T+4 4??1,#)S who ha &een on surveillan$e were $rumple in the s$ru& &ushes like
&roken olls! So mu$h amage that my eyes $ouln't make sense o" it in one glan$e! 1t's
always &a when the &rain goes, &o'e, Im not lettin you see that. 1t's the min's last
warning "or you to $lose your eyes an not to a to the nightmares! But 1 ha a &age, an
that meant that 1 in't get to $lose my eyes an wish the &a things away!
All o" us with our various "lavors o" &ages stoo aroun an looke at what was le"t o" two
men! 4ne was ark haire3 the other's hea was so $overe in &loo that 1 wasn't sure! The
&oies ha &een torn apart, as i" something very &ig, an very strong, ha use the &oies "or
a wish&one an pulle! There were a lot o" internal organs mi(e in with the &loo, &ut the
organs weren't re$ogni8a&le, as i" someone, or something, ha trample them into mush!
<Di they pull them apart "irst,= 1 aske, <then walk in the internal organs/=
<That woul e(plain it,= #war sai!
Bernaro ha traile up &ehin us! Shaw was nowhere to &e seen! May&e Bernaro ha
istra$te him enough "or him to "orget that he in't want me here, or may&e it was all the
newly ea o""i$ers! Shaw ha other things to worry a&out than little ol' me!
Bernaro 7oine us at the &oies, &ut he looke away "irst3 he usually i! An yes, it was a
point against him in my &ook! Though, "rankly, on this one, 1 sort o" sympathi8e!
<1've seen a lot o" ly$anthrope kills,= Bernaro sai, <&ut nothing like this, not "rom 7ust one
o" the things!=
<+ell, it was only one o" them! +e got him,= Hooper sai!
The "aint, hot win guste an &rought the s$ent o" &owels an &ile, too strong! 1 "elt my last
meal start to $lim& up my throat, an ha to step away enough to make $ertain that i" 1 i
lose $ontrol, 1 wouln't $ontaminate the $rime s$ene!
<Are you all right, Anita/= 1t was 4la"! #war knew &etter! Bernaro in't $are enough!
Hooper in't know me well enough to "eel either way!
<1'm "ine,= 1 sai! 1 han't thrown up at a $rime s$ene in years! +hat was wrong with me/
Hooper pointe, <That's Mi$haels, &e$ause o" the ark hair, an that's ! ! !=
<Stop,= 1 sai, <on't tell me names yet! 0et me look at it without emotion "irst!=
<,an you really look at this an not "eel anything/= he aske!
The "irst "lare o" anger $ame! 1t $hase &a$k the nausea! 1 gave him an un"rienly look, &ut
part o" me was grate"ul "or the istra$tion! <1'm trying to o my 7o&, Hooper, an it helps me
to think o" them as &oies "irst! They are ea, an they are not people! They are it, the body,
no personal pronouns, no humani8ing them! Be$ause i" 1 think too har a&out it, a&out them,
then 1 $an't "un$tion as well! 1" 1 "eel too mu$h, 1 will miss something! May&e 1'll miss the
$lue that will help us stop this "rom happening again!=
<+e kille the animal that i this,= Hooper sai, pointing &a$k in the ire$tion o" the
weretiger's &oy, though it was all out o" sight through the $row now!
<Di we/ Are you a hunre per$ent sure o" that/=
<5es,= he sai!
#war was wat$hing us like it was a show! 4la" was &a$k to staring at the &oy! Bernaro
was looking away "rom all o" us!
<Di anyone personally see the weretiger we 7ust kille o this/=
Something passe through his eyes.it might have &een surprise.&ut he was too mu$h $op
to show it! <2o witnesses yet!=
<Then think like a $op, not someone's "rien! +e think we got the only weretiger involve,
&ut we on't know that "or sure!= 1 pointe at the &oies! <That is a lot o" amage "or one
weretiger in a really limite spa$e o" time! The &loo hasn't even &egun to $lot or ry mu$h!
1n this heat, that means they haven't &een ea long at all!=
<1 am thinking like a $op! 5ou're the one who's $ompli$ating things, Blake! +hen a wi"e
turns up ea, it's usually the hus&an! +hen the ki isappears, look at the parents! +hen a
girl isappears on a $ollege roa trip, look at the &oy"rien, an then the pro"essor who was
suppose to keep her sa"e!=
<5eah, most poli$e work is very 4$$am's ra8or!=
<5eah, the simplest solution is the right one!=
<6ntil you a the monsters,= 1 sai!
<The "a$t that our &a guy was a weretiger oesn't $hange how we o our 7o&s, Blake!=
<5ou want to 7ump in anytime, Te/= 1 let him hear the irritation in my voi$e! He $oul help
more!
<+hat Marshal Blake is trying to say,= he sai, in his oh;so;reasona&le Te voi$e, <is that
may&e we're looking "or more than one wereanimal! An that i" it helpe Bene8 o this to
your o""i$ers, then we nee to "in the son o" a &it$h!=
1 sighe! Hooper ha &een right3 1 was $ompli$ating things! 1 pointe a thum& at #war!
<+hat he sai, an 1 apologi8e "or e(plaining way more than 1 neee to!=
<5ou were shaken at the sight o" the &oies,= 4la" sai!
<+hat oes that mean/=
<5ou overe(plain when you are nervous or "rightene! 1t is one o" the "ew times you a$t like a
girl!=
1 ha no iea what to say to that, so 1 ignore it! 1 rarely got in trou&le oing that with men,
unless 1 was ating them! Then there was a limite amount o" ignoring that they woul let you
get away with!
<The &oies were pulle apart, Hooper3 either it was something &igger than the weretiger that
1 saw ea, or it was two o" them working together!=
<There are no &ite marks on the &oies,= 4la" sai!
<1'm not even sure these are $law marks,= #war sai, an he i what 1 in't want to o!
He hunkere own &esie the &oies, 7ust out o" rea$h o" the &loo pattern!
1 so i not want to get $loser, &ut 1 &reathe shallowly through my mouth an hunkere
own with him! +hen working with #war, it was always a little &it o" a pissing mat$h! He
knew 1' gotten nauseous, so he' make me get $loser to it all! Bastar!
1 looke past the $arnage an really trie to see $law marks! 1 ha assume they were there,
like my min ha "ille them in, &ut were they really there/
4la" knelt &esie me3 hunkere own, he still towere over me! But it wasn't the towering, it
was the "a$t that he' $hosen to &e $lose enough that our legs were almost tou$hing! 1 $ouln't
move away "rom him without staning "irst, "or "ear 1' hit the ege o" the &loo an mess!
Staning up seeme to &e amitting too mu$h is$om"ort! Then 1 ha a thought!
<5ou know how 1 sai that 1 $ouln't think as well in the morgue with you $lose to me/=
<5es,= he sai, in his eep voi$e!
<+oul you please go kneel on the other sie o" Te instea o" ne(t to me/=
<Are you saying 1 am istur&ing/=
<5es,= 1 sai!
His lips twit$he, &ut i" it was a smile, he stoo an hi it "rom me! He went to the other sie
o" #war! +ith him not &esie me, 1 $oul think! ?rankly, not as &ig an improvement as it
might have &een!
1 "or$e mysel" to really stare at the torn eges o" the &oies! <Shit,= 1 sai, an stoo, not
&e$ause 1 wante to &e "arther away, &ut 1 have a &a knee, an you $an't hunker "orever
without it &eginning to $omplain! 1 stoo, &ut kept looking own at the &oies! 1 wasn't si$k
anymore, or s$are, 1 was working! 1t was always like that3 i" 1 $oul push past the i$k "a$tor
an the emotions, 1 $oul see an think an "in out things!
<1 think you're right! 1 $an't see $law marks! 1t looks like they were simply pulle apart, like
&y some giant!=
#war stoo smoothly! <0ike a &oy pulls wings o"" a "ly!=
<+hat is that suppose to mean/= Hooper aske!
<1 $an see no weapon marks,= 4la" sai, then stoo!
Bernaro sai, <0y$anthropes on't 7ust pull people apart with their human hans! They aren't
as strong in human "orm, right/=
<1 on't think so, &ut there's some e&ate on it! 1t's one o" the reasons some ly$anthropes are
"ighting in the $ourts to &e allowe to o pro"essional athleti$s! 1" they $an prove that the
ly$anthropy only gives them a little ege in human "orm, then may&e,= 1 sai!
<The reason no one knows is that when it $omes to a "ight, they're like anyone! They use
everything they've got,= Bernaro sai! <1" a wereanimal $oul make $laws appear at the ens
o" his hans, he' o that, at least, to take out two $ops!=
<That woul make sense,= 1 sai!
<But 7ust &e$ause it makes sense to us,= #war sai, <oesn't mean it's what the &astar
i!=
<So you are honestly saying we have another rogue ly$anthrope in Vegas/= Hooper aske!
<5ou have something in Vegas, an it's not 7ust Bene8,= 1 sai!
<How sure are you/= he aske!
<0et the mei$al e(aminer look at it all,= #war sai! <May&e we 7ust $an't see the $law
marks! May&e on$e the &oies are $leane up ! ! != He shrugge!
<5ou on't &elieve that,= Hooper sai!
#war looke at me! 1 shook my hea! <2o, we on't!=
<So, was Bene8 our guy, or i he 7ust go apeshit "or some other reason/ Do we still nee to
%uestion the other weretigers/ Di our only lea to the &astar that o""e our team ie with
Bene8/=
<Those are e($ellent %uestions,= 1 sai!
<But you on't have e($ellent answers to go with them, o you/=
1 took a eep &reath, a mistake so near the re$ently ea! 1 "ought my stoma$h one more time,
then sai, $almly, <2o, Sergeant Hooper, 1 o not!=
47



1 +AS BA,* in one o" the Vegas interrogation rooms, &ut this time 1 was on the other sie
o" the ta&le! >aula ,hu was on the wrong sie o" the ta&le this time! She was the weretiger
who ha so o&ligingly knelt in her "ront yar, waiting "or the poli$e to take her into $ustoy!
She ha also &een the serious girl"rien o" Martin Bene8! ,oin$ien$e/ >oli$e on't &elieve
in it! ,oin$ien$e is 7ust a $rime you haven't "igure out yet, unless it's not! Bust &e$ause you
on't &elieve in something oesn't make it not true!
>aula ,hu wasn't mu$h taller than me, may&e "ive;"ive or "ive;si(! Her white;&lon hair was
$ut short, &ut she ha enough little tu"ts o" hair art"ully sti$king out here an there that 1 was
&etting she' have wavy hair i" she let it grow out! Her eye&rows mat$he the hair, an her
eyes were the palest &lue 1' ever seen, almost white! She wore makeup that $omplemente
the paleness o" her skin an a$$ente her eyes, ragging what $olor she $oul out o" them!
She was so overall pale that without eye makeup she' have looke un"inishe, like ough
that neee &aking! +ith the makeup she was lovely an eli$ate as the "irst &lush o" spring!
The lovely eyes with their uptilte eges ha nothing eli$ate in them when she glare at me
a$ross the ta&le! +hy wasn't she mourning her ea &oy"rien/ #asy: she in't know he was
ea yet! She' gone into this room &e"ore the "ireworks! 1 sat a$ross "rom her an knew that
the man she love was ea, an 1 in't tell her! 1 was saving it "or when 1 thought it might
gain me something in the %uestioning! Di that make me a &astar/ >ro&a&ly, &ut a"ter the
$rime s$ene 1' 7ust seen, 1 $oul live with that!
<Are you 7ust going to sit there an stare at me/= she aske at last! Her voi$e rippe with
hostility!
<+e're waiting "or someone,= 1 sai, an even manage a smile, though 1 wasn't a&le to push
it all the way up into my eyes!
#war was leaning against the "ar wall! He smile woner"ully at her! <Sorry "or the
in$onvenien$e, Ms! ,hu, &ut you know how it is!=
<2o,= she sai, <1 on't know how it is! 1 know that the poli$e put surveillan$e on my house,
an $ame an ragge me away! Apparently, 1'm a suspe$t in the slaughter o" the S+AT
o""i$ers an our lo$al e(e$utioner!=
1 rea$te to it, 7ust a tightening o" the shoulers, &ut she "elt it, saw it! My pulse went up 7ust a
not$h! <+ho tol you that/=
She smile at me! Her smile in't rea$h her eyes, either! <So that is why 1'm here!=
<+e in't say that, Ms! ,hu,= #war sai, in his happy Te voi$e!
<5ou in't have to3 she rea$te to it!= She gave me the "ull weight o" those pale eyes!
1 stare into those pale tiger eyes in the human "a$e an "elt a thrill o" "ear, or arenaline/ She
meant to spook me, &ut arenaline isn't goo "or you when you $arry &easts insie you like
"urry hit$hhikers!
1' &een shieling as har as 1 $oul! Har enough that she han't pi$ke up on the "a$t that 1
wasn't $ompletely human! 1nteresting to know that 1 $oul shiel well enough to pass "or prey
to >aula ,hu! But that tiny spurt o" arenaline was enough to make the white tigress get to her
"eet an ga8e up the long istan$e o" that interior lans$ape!
1t was ,hu's turn to tense! My turn to see it an give her a satis"ie smile! Her voi$e was even
a little shaky aroun the eges! <5ou $an't &e one o" us!=
<+hy not/= 1 aske!
She tou$he her white hair! <5ou aren't pure!=
<1 survive an atta$k,= 1 sai! +hi$h was true3 i" she thought that meant 1 was a "ull;&lown
weretiger, not my &a that she misunerstoo!
Her "a$e was instantly s$orn"ul! <Then you on't unerstan! 1t's not your "ault, &ut you $an't
unerstan!=
<Help me unerstan,= 1 sai!
Her eyes narrowe! <1 thought that i" you &e$ame a shapeshi"ter, they took away your &age!=
<1'm with the preternatural &ran$h o" the Marshals Servi$e! The rules are a little more la(!=
She kept giving me that suspi$ious look! Her ainty nose "lare as she sni""e the air! <5ou
on't 7ust smell o" tiger3 you smell o" our $lan! 5ou smell like white tiger! That is not
possi&le!=
1 shrugge! <+hy isn't it possi&le/=
<5ou shoul smell like tiger, &ut only regular, orange! 4ne o" us $oul atta$k you an make
you a tiger, &ut you' still not &e $lan!=
<5ou mean 1 wouln't turn into a white tiger, even i" a white tiger were my atta$ker!=
She noe, an she was pu88ling over me! <#(a$tly!=
The white tigress ha risen to her "eet an was &eginning to trot up that long, ark path
through the "orest that was not, in a pla$e that only reams shoul have &een real! 1 ha
$on$entrate an gotten her to slow, then stop! She &egan to pa$e aroun the path, like
something $age! But she ha stoppe, an that was all 1 $are a&out!
,hu leane a little $loser over the ta&le! <1 smell white tiger! 5ou smell like $lan! Are you
hiing "rom us/ Di you ye your hair an put $onta$ts in/ 5our skin is white enough to
pass!=
<Sorry, &ut 1'm all natural!= 1 wante to glan$e &a$k an see #war in his $orner, &ut in't
are! 1 knew he was there an woul help i" 1 neee it, &ut he was mostly there in $ase >aula
,hu trie to go all tiger on our asses! +e ha &een tol to wait "or Dete$tive # Morgan
&e"ore %uestioning her a&out the $rimes! So "ar, we han't &roken that rule! Bust two
shapeshi"ters talking shop!
She hal";rose "rom her $hair! The mana$les kept her hans "rom rising an kept all o" her
"rom staning $ompletely, &ut #war still sai, <Sit own, Ms! ,hu, you'll &e more
$om"orta&le that way!=
She gave a soun that might have &een a laugh, &ut was all &itter! She let hersel" "all &a$k into
the $hair! <5eah, 1 guess it is more $om"orta&le!= She stare at me, an 1 "elt the "irst tri$kle o"
her energy like a han sear$hing in the ark "or another han to hol!
<Don't try to rea my energy with yours,= 1 sai, an 1 trie to shut the shiels &a$k as tight as
when 1' starte the interview! But the white tigress was still pa$ing on the path! She $ouln't
get past my orers to stay where she was, &ut 1 in't have enough $ontrol to shut her own
$ompletely! That knowlege mae my heart spee 7ust a little! 1t let the tigress insie me start
moving own the path again! 1t mae >aula ,hu take in a great, noisy &reath o" air! Her eyes
a$tually "luttere $lose, an she shivere in her $hair!
The white tigress insie me &egan to hurry along the path! 1 $oul try to tough it out, or 1
$oul leave the room! 2ormally, 1' have toughe it out, &ut 1 $ouln't a""or to "all to the
groun an start twit$hing! 1' ha a near;$hange $ause &loo to "low "rom uner my
"ingernails! 1" 1 i that where the Vegas poli$e $oul see me, &eing ki$ke o"" this $ase was
the least that woul happen!
1 stoo up! The tigress was running now, so "ast that the &la$k stripes vanishe into the white
&lur o" her!
<Anita, are you all right/= #war aske, moving a little away "rom the wall!
1 shook my hea! <2ee some air,= 1 sai!
The woman on the other sie o" the ta&le opene her eyes an sai, <5ou're power"ul, &ut
you're new! 5ou on't have the $ontrol yet!=
1 went to the oor an &ange on it! <Hit the &u88er,= #war sai! He' move $loser to me
an to the suspe$t!
1 "um&le "or the &u88er! 1 hear it soun! 2othing happene! Someone ha to let us out! 6ntil
this moment, 1' &een okay with that! 1 pi$ture a &ri$k wall a$ross the path o" the tiger in my
hea! She stoppe running an snarle at the wall!
My pulse was still thuing in my throat, &ut there was relie" uner the taste o" my own
heart&eat! 1 $oul o this3 1' &een pra$ti$ing "or months so 1 $oul $ontrol my &easts an
travel out o" town without a posse o" wereanimals to help me $ontrol all that internal stri"e!
+hat was it a&out these tigers that mae the $ontrol so mu$h harer/ 4r was it simply &eing
too "ar away "rom Bean;,laue an our power &ase/ That thought spe my pulse up again!
+hat i" 1 $ouln't $ontrol my powers i" 1 was too "ar away "rom ! ! ! my master/ 1 really
wishe 1 han't thought o" that!
The tiger in my hea hunkere own, pushing her &oy against the groun o" that impossi&le
pla$e! 1 "elt her &oy tense "or the spring an reali8e my mistake too late! Tigers $an 7ump
eighteen to twenty "eet verti$ally! My &ri$k wall han't &een tall enough! She was over the
wall in one mus$ular &oun, an running "ull out own the path! 1" she hit the en o" it, she'
hit me! 1t was like &eing hit &y a small tru$k "rom the insie out!
1t was >aula ,hu who sai, <5ou are in $ontrol, not the &east! That must always &e so!=
<1t's your energy that's "u$king with me!= 1 put another wall in the tiger's path! This one was
metal, tall an shiny, so tall that it li"te through the trees! She wouln't 7ump this one!
<1 am not oing enough to $ause this mu$h trou&le, even among the newly "oun!=
1 shook my hea, still not looking at her! <1 on't know what it is a&out your $lan, &ut your
energy "u$ks with me! 1t 7ust oes!=
<That woul only &e true i" you were a &orn mem&er o" our $lan, lost an now "oun, &ut i"
your $oloring is real, then you $annot &e pure &orn!=
The white tiger in my hea snarle an pa$e &e"ore the steel wall! She &are those glistening
"angs an roare at me! The soun rever&erate along my spine as i" she' turne me into
some human;si8e tuning "ork!
<1 hear your $all,= she sai, an her voi$e was straine!
<1'm not oing it,= 1 sai! 1 hit the &u88er again, &ut 1 knew now! Shaw, or someone, was
wat$hing! They wante to see what woul happen to me i" 1 staye in here long enough! 1" 1
$hange shape "or real, 1' lose my &age! The only thing that ha save it was that 1 ha too
many types o" ly$anthropy, an they $ouln't prove that 1 was a real shapeshi"ter! Shaw
woul love proving that! 1 wouln't 7ust &e o"" this $ase.1' &e o"" every $ase, "orever!
<5ou are $alling "or ai! 1t is a istress $all, &ut only our %ueens $an make the $all that lou!=
1 trie to make the roaring tiger insie me &e %uiet, &ut she wouln't! She 7ust kept $alling "or
help! Shit!
<+hat o 1 o to stop it/= 1 aske!
<1 $an help you $alm it, &ut 1 woul have to tou$h you to o it!=
<Ba iea,= #war sai, an took a step $loser to me!
1 shook my hea an looke at him! <1" she $an help me/=
<An i" she makes it worse/= he sai!
+e looke at ea$h other! The inter$om that "e into the room $ame on! <+hat the "u$k are
you oing in there, Blake/ The other tigers are going apeshit!=
<0et me out,= 1 sai, <an it'll get &etter!=
<5ou $annot stop it on your own,= >aula sai!
<?u$k you,= 1 sai!
<0et me %uiet you! 1t is the way o" tigers to $alm the young an the ine(perien$e!=
1' ha ,rispin o it "or me on$e, when things were mu$h worse than this! But ! ! ! 1 i not
know her, an she was the ea &a guy's main s%uee8e! +oul she help me, or hurt me/
<0et me help you, Marshal! 4ne o" our people atta$ke you, an "or that our entire $lan owes
you a e&t!=
<1t wasn't a white tiger,= 1 sai, &ut 1' move away "rom the oor an was $loser to the ta&le!
<Anita,= #war sai, an he rea$he out, then let his han rop! <Are you sure this is a goo
iea/=
<2o,= 1 sai, &ut 1 kept moving towar her!
<1" it wasn't a white tiger, then who atta$ke you/= she aske!
<5ellow,= 1 sai, an 1 was staning &esie her, staring own into those &lue eyes! Bust that
mae the tiger insie me stop s$reaming! 1t was as i" 7ust &eing $loser to another white tiger
soothe my &east!
<5ellow tiger,= she sai, an "rowne!
1 noe!
<The yellow $lan has &een ea "or $enturies! They o not e(ist!=
<She was an animal to $all "or a really ol vampire!=
<+hat happene to her/= >aula aske!
<She's ea!=
<5ou ha to kill her!=
1 noe!
<But a yellow tiger atta$ke you,= she sai!
<5ou say it like that makes a i""eren$e! +hat i""eren$e oes it make what $olor tiger
atta$ke me/=
<The yellow, or golen, $lan was supreme to all the other $lans! They rule the earth an all
the energies on it, in$luing the rest o" the $lans!=
<2ews to me,= 1 sai!
She shrugge as mu$h as the $hains woul let her! <+hat goo oes it o to talk a&out
something that is lost/ But i" a yellow tiger atta$ke you, then it might e(plain why you seem
to have so mu$h power!=
<She was yellow,= 1 sai! 1 turne to #war!
He knew what 1 wante without my having to say anything! <She was pale yellow with arker
stripes!=
<5ou were there/=
<5es,= he sai!
<+as anyone else atta$ke/= she aske!
<5es, &ut he tests $lean "or ly$anthropy! 1'm the only one that got lu$ky!= Bust staning ne(t
to her mae it easier to &reathe! May&e the iea that 1 $oul travel without my own $are o"
wereanimals was 7ust not true! May&e 1' never &e a&le to travel alone! Shit! 1" that were true,
1 might have to give up the "eeral &age anyway! +hat goo was an e(e$utioner who
$ouln't travel to where the &a guys were $ommitting their $rimes/
The inter$om soune again! <The other tigers are $alm again! +hat are you oing in there,
Blake/= 1t was Shaw, 7ust like 1' known it woul &e! 1 was sorry his wi"e ha run o"" an
sha$ke up with a shapeshi"ter, &ut it wasn't my "ault!
#war went to the inter$om on our sie an spoke! <+e got the tiger energy tone own,
that's all!=
<+hat's Blake oing/= Shaw aske!
<Her 7o&,= #war sai, an let go o" the &utton!
1 looke into those strangely soothing tiger eyes in the woman's "a$e! <Di you know what
Martin was involve in/=
She &linke up at me! Her "a$e tol me nothing, &ut her lips parte, her &reath a little "aster!
+as that &e$ause she knew something, or &e$ause 1 mentione her &oy"rien/ 4r was it 7ust
&eing in $u""s "rom top to &ottom an &eing %uestione &y the poli$e/ That tens to make
people nervous, even overrea$t! 1t's one o" the reasons 1 pre"er to %uestion people at home or
some pla$e more $asual! But it was too late "or $asual toay! Too late "or so many things!
1 was staring into her eyes as she sai, <2o!= 1 in't &elieve her! 1 wasn't sure why, &ut
looking into those pale &lue kitty;$at eyes, 1 knew she was lying! 1t wasn't metaphysi$al
powers! 1t was the same gut rea$tion that any $op gets a"ter a while! 5ou 7ust &egin to know!
2ow, may&e she wasn't lying to hie something! May&e she was lying &e$ause she was
s$are, or 7ust &e$ause she $oul! >eople lie "or the stupiest reasons! But 1 went with her
lying to hie something! She was lying &e$ause she ha in"ormation we neee! That was
help"ul! That gave us somewhere to go an someone to %uestion! That gave us something
use"ul "or all the new eaths 1' seen toay! 1" >aula ,hu knew something, then may&e the
o""i$ers who' ie, an the S+AT who was in $riti$al $onition in the hospital ! ! ! May&e it
all wouln't have &een "or nothing!
1 reali8e, staring own into her lying eyes, that 1 no longer &elieve that! #ven i" she knew
everything, the "u$king se$ret to the se$ret sau$e, an woul tell us all o" it, it in't matter! 1t
in't matter to the "amilies o" the slain o""i$ers! 1t in't matter to the mem&er o" S+AT
who might never walk again, i" he even woke up! That it mattere was a lie that we tol
ourselves so we $oul keep moving an not want to eat our gun!
.losure was a wor therapists use to make you &elieve that the pain woul stop, an that
punishing the &a guy, or "ining out why, woul &ring you pea$e! 1t was the &iggest lie o"
all!
<Anita,= #war sai, <you all right/= He was $loser to me than he ha &een, all the way on
the sie o" the ta&le with >aula an me! 1 han't hear, "elt, or seen him move!
1 shook my hea! <2o, 1'm not all right!= 1n my hea 1 thought, I am off my ame! +hat was
wrong with me/
#war took my arm an move me &a$k "rom the woman! The "arther away, the $learer my
hea, &ut the tiger insie me was still there, $rou$he on the other sie o" the metal wall in my
hea! But she was lying own3 only the en o" that &la$k;tippe tail twit$hing let me know
how irritate she was with me!
The oor opene an ,hie" Dete$tive # Morgan $ame through smiling! He was playing
those &ig &rown eyes an those ni$e;guy goo looks "or all he was worth! He 7ust raiate
$harm! 4h, right, we' &een waiting "or him! Han't Shaw warne us not to ask any %uestions
ire$tly relate to the $ase until Morgan arrive/ -uess he ha! ?u$k it!
<-oo a"ternoon, >aula, may 1 $all you >aula/ 1'm #!= He set "iles own on the ta&le
&etween them, took the $hair 1' &een sitting in, an smile at her! 5ou' have thought
#war an 1 in't e(ist!
<1 $an take it "rom here, Marshals! 6nersheri"" Shaw woul like to speak with you!= Morgan
smile, &roa enough to "lash imples, &ut in the epths o" those &rown eyes was an
un"rienly spark! 1 thought we were going to get yelle at! -reat!
#war kept his grip on my arm, as i" he in't trust what 1' o! 1" there' &een a mirror to
look into, 1' have $he$ke what my e(pression was, &ut there was nothing &ut walls! They
in't have enough interrogation rooms with those &ig shiny two;way mirrore winows, so
they' put the woman in one where they $ouln't wat$h her as well! There was a $amera on
her, &ut she in't rate the winow! She was the only one with a real $onne$tion to the ea
weretiger, an she han't rate the &est room, though she now ha one o" their &est
interrogators! 1 smelle o""i$e politi$s!
#war le me towar the still;open oor! +hatever he saw or "elt "rom me, or in me, was
making him nervous! 1 in't "eel that s$ary! 1 in't "eel mu$h o" anything! Again, there was
that little thought, What is wron with me,
He ease me out the open oor! 1 glan$e &a$k an "oun >aula ,hu staring at me! The
moment 1 met her eyes, the tigress in me stoo up! She roare again, &ut this time the metal
wall trem&le with the soun, as i" her roar ha hit it like some huge gong! 1 staggere, an
#war ha to steay me!
He leane in an whispere, <+hat is wrong/=
<2ot sure, &ut 1 nee to get away "rom these tigers!=
Morgan sai, <,lose the oor on your way out! >aula an 1 will get along 7ust "ine, won't
we/= He was turne away "rom us, &ut 1 knew he was wasting that &rilliant smile on her! She
in't even look at him! Her eyes were all "or me!
1 pushe through the oor, an only #war's grip on my arm kept me "rom starting to run!
My &reathing was trying to spee up! My pulse was alreay ra$ing! 1 $oul "eel the other
tigers insie the interrogation rooms! 1 $oul feel them! The only wereanimals 1 shoul have
&een a&le to "eel like that were ones that 1 was metaphysi$ally &oun to, or that Bean;,laue
was &oun to! 1 was not $lose enough in any way to the white tigers o" Vegas to sense them
this strongly! Something was wrong!
#war's "ingers ug into my arm! Dug in enough that 1 woul have proteste the pain, &ut it
helpe $lear my hea! A "ew &ruises were worth it, an the moment the pain helpe, 1 knew
something else!
1 whispere to him, <1'm &eing messe with!=
<Vampire/= He mae it a %uestion!
<6nless the white tiger %ueen $an o shit that 1've only seen vampires o &e"ore, yes!=
<Vamp or tiger/= he aske, voi$e low!
+e were getting a "ew glan$es "rom the poli$e o""i$ers we passe! Di they see the &ruising
grip, or the whispering/ 4r were the rumors so goo that we' 7ust &e$ome a $uriosity/
1 glare at a $ouple o" uni"orms who were staring! <0ike what you see/=
<0eave it, Anita!= #war 7ust kept us moving past them! He loosene his grip on my arm a
little, an instantly 1 $oul "eel the tigers &ehin us in the rooms! 1 $oul almost see them
looking up an trying to see me!
1 leane in, an whispere, <Tighten the grip!=
<+hat/=
<The pain helps keep my hea $lear!=
He went &a$k to &ruising my arm, an we kept walking towar the oors! 1 $oul see the press
o" the hot, white sunlight against the oors!
<1" the sunlight helps ! ! != he sai!
1 sai, <Then it's vampire!=
<1" it oesn't ! ! != he sai!
<Tiger,= 1 sai!
He in't even &other to say yes! +e &oth knew what we were oing, an why! Bernaro
$alle "rom &ehin us, <+here's the "ire/=
#war looke &ehin, &ut 1 in't! 1 ha my eyes on the goal o" the oors! 1 $on$entrate on
the pressure o" #war's "ingers on my arm an the sunlight 7ust ahea! He $alle &a$k, <+e
nee some air!= Bernaro, an 4la" i" he was with him, woul know that we weren't moving
that "ast "or a little air! 1t was the shorthan o" people that knew ea$h other! They knew
#war &etter than they knew me, &ut shorthan "or him in that moment worke 7ust any
"or all o" us!
Bernaro an 4la" $aught up with us as we got to the outer lo&&y area! Vi$tor stoo up "rom
where he' &een sitting! The moment 1 saw him, the tigress in me roare again, an this time
the metal shiel that 1' &uilt in her path wavere like metal water! 1t in't &reak, &ut it &ent!
#war in't even slow, &ut wave Vi$tor o"", an kept us heaing "or the oor! Bernaro
ha the oor open an waiting "or us, as i" he' pi$ke up on the urgen$y! 4la" traile a"ter all
o" us, not helping &ut not hinering, either! )ight now, 1' take not hinering!
The tigress insie me leapt onto the warpe metal an &egan to try to $lim&! <Hurry,= 1 sai!
#war pulle me through the oors! The heat hit me "irst, &reath;stealing, like walking into
an oven! The tiger in't hesitate! She wante out!
Then the light hit me, an it was like some hot, white sear$hlight! 1t slashe through a
arkness that 1 han't &een a&le to see! A arkness that hel Her! She stoo in the ark an
shrieke at me! But the sunlight $ut her o"", an all 1 ha to "ight now was the weretiger that
ha manage to $lim& my shiels an was running "ull tilt towar the sur"a$e o" me! 1 in't
know why Marmee 2oir like tigers so mu$h, &ut she ha one something to weaken my
e"enses!
1 trie to put up another shiel, an 1 $ouln't! Marmee 2oir was gone "or now, thrust out &y
the sun, &ut what she' one insie me was still there! 1t was still $rippling me!
#war still ha a light grip on my arm! <Anita, are you all right/=
<The vampire's gone, &ut she's one something to me!= The tiger was running "ull out, a &lur
o" white an &la$k3 i" she hit the sur"a$e o" me, the least &a thing that was a&out to happen
was 1' "all on the groun an almost $hange! +orst $ase, whatever Marmee ha one to me
woul make me tiger "or real!
<+hat has happene/= 4la" aske!
<1've got a &etter %uestion, what is happening/= Bernaro aske!
1" 1' ha a wereleopar or a werewol", or even a werelion, 1 $oul have istra$te the tiger
insie me, turne the &easts against ea$h other, or even a tiger o" a i""erent $olor! 1 stoo in
the heat an the light, an 1 neee things that 1 $ouln't e(plain to the others!
<1 $an help you $alm your tiger!= Vi$tor's voi$e $ame "rom &ehin us! He' "ollowe us into
the light!
<1 on't think so,= #war sai!
<2o,= 1 sai! <1 mean, yes!=
#war looke at me! <Anita, he almost &rought your &east earlier!=
<That was an a$$ient,= Vi$tor sai, <&ut 1 am traine to help the "emales o" my $lan keep
their human "orm!=
#war rew me $loser to himsel"! But we were out o" time3 the tiger was a&out to hit the
sur"a$e o" me! <0et him try, #war, or 1 $oul &e tiger "or real!=
1 rea$he "or Vi$tor, an #war let me go, relu$tantly! Vi$tor put his hans on either sie o"
my "a$e, the way that ,rispin ha one when 1' "irst met him in 2orth ,arolina! Vi$tor threw
his $olore glasses away, so that 1 ga8e into those pale &lue eyes, nake to the light! 1 "ell
into those eyes, an the tiger slowe insie me! 1t in't stop, &ut it slowe!
He lowere his "a$e towar mine!
1 sense movement to the sie an $aught the tall, ark presen$e o" 4la"! #war stoppe him
"rom tou$hing us! <0et him,= #war sai!
Vi$tor kisse me! He presse his mouth over mine! +ith ,rispin 1 ha "or$e my &east into
him an &rought his own tiger, &ut now Vi$tor &reathe his power into me! 2ot his &east, &ut
his power! That skin;tingling, &reath;stealing power, like nothing 1' ever "elt "rom any
ly$anthrope e($ept his own mother!
The tiger insie me pause, then starte trotting again, so $lose, so $lose to &eing out!
Vi$tor rew &a$k enough to say, <5ou must a$$ept my power willingly! 5ou are too strong
"or me to "or$e your &east into stillness!=
The tigress was at the sur"a$e o" me, like she was ga8ing up "rom the &ottom o" some pool,
an 1 was that pool! Always &e"ore the &easts ha slamme into me, as i" 1 were a soli o&7e$t
to tear through, &ut now 1 was water, an the tigress hesitate!
<0ook at me, not your &east, Anita!= He rew my attention &a$k to his eyes, his "a$e!
The tigress s$rape a $law own the unerneath o" the water that was me, an only Vi$tor's
hans kept me staning! Always &e"ore it ha hurt more, &ut now 1 knew, a&solutely knew,
that this new watery &arrier woul not hol the &east! +hatever Marmee 2oir ha one, she
wante me to shi"t! She wante me to &e tiger! 1 in't know what was happening, &ut 1 knew
that anything she wante, 1 shouln't give her!
The tiger took another pass, an 1 swear 1 "elt my skin move with it! <Save me,= 1 whispere!
<0et me in,= he whispere &a$k, as he presse his mouth on mine one more time!
1 wasn't sure how to o it, so 1 roppe the shiels to my &easts! The tigress let out a roar o"
triumph, in the same instant that Vi$tor's power smashe into her! She s$reame at its tou$h,
&ut the power rove her &a$k! Vi$tor's power was a warm, living win that $hase her &a$k,
gently &ut ine(ora&ly! Then, suenly, she was gone, an 1 was alone in my skin! Alone in my
skin, &ut still wrappe in Vi$tor's arms!
He rew away "rom the kiss, &ut kept his arms on me, as i" he wasn't sure 1 $oul stan! Me
either!
<5ou're &leeing,= Bernaro sai, so"tly!
1 looke own an $ouln't see anything uner the vest, &ut Vi$tor ha &loo on the lower
part o" his &oy! <1 on't think it's mine,= he sai!
#war move up to &lo$k the view! <+e nee to get out o" here!=
<5ou make "riens too amn "ast "or $om"ort!= Hooper was there, with some o" his team!
Vi$tor whispere, <,an you stan/=
1 thought a&out it, then noe!
Vi$tor steppe away "rom me, staning so that the $ops might not see the &loo on his "ront! 1
sai, <Sorry you on't like how 1 make "riens, Sergeant!= 1 meant that, a$tually! 1 like
Hooper an woul have like to keep his goo opinion, &ut ! ! ! The most important thing was
to get the hell away "rom all the other $ops an see how &aly 1 was hurt!
<1'll &e your "rien!= This "rom -eorgie!
<Sorry, my an$e $ar is a little "ull!=
<2o "u$king 7oke!= He gave me that look that you never want to see "rom a man who is
suppose to &e a $oworker an has never &een your &oy"rien! His too;young "a$e in't
$arry the look well!
But Hooper was giving me a look 1 wante even less! He' narrowe his eyes an was trying
to see aroun the &lo$king &oies o" the other men! He starte towar us! #war starte us
towar the $ar! Vi$tor $ame with us! +e i our &est to keep the &loo out o" sight! 1t in't
show on my &la$k;on;&la$k, &ut Vi$tor's pale shirt showe the &loo s$arlet!
Hooper sent the other men insie, then kept walking towar us! San$he8 $aught up with him,
kept him talking! 1t looke like they were arguing, &ut it gave us enough time to get me in the
&a$k o" the $ar! Vi$tor roe shotgun so he $oul ire$t Bernaro to the o$tor! #war roe in
&a$k with me, an 4la", too! +e trie to get 4la" to rive, &ut he simply woul not agree to
riving! Hooper ha &roken away "rom San$he8 an was moving our way again! +e were out
o" time to argue!
<Drive,= #war sai!
Bernaro rove!
48



<TA*# 4?? TH# vest, Anita! +e may nee to put pressure on the woun!=
1" it ha 7ust &een #war an me in the &a$kseat, 1' have &een okay with that, &ut 4la" sat
&esie me like some looming shaow! 1 gave one glan$e up at his "a$e, an there was nothing
in his "a$e that mae me want to unress in "ront o" him!
<Stop &eing a girl,= #war sai, <7ust o it!=
<That's not "air,= 1 sai!
<2o, an 1 know why you on't want to o it, &ut &leeing to eath &e$ause you on't want
4la" to see you &looy an hal" nake is a stupi reason to ie!=
>ut that way ! ! ! <?ine,= 1 sai, an let that one wor hol as mu$h anger as it $oul! 1 helpe
him get me out o" the holsters an weapons! 1 gave them to #war, as 1' given them to him
at Bi&iana's pla$e, &e$ause who else woul 1 trust with my weapons/ But that le"t #war's
hans "ull, an 4la" to help me un"asten the sie o" the vest! 1 e(pe$te him to well on ea$h
movement, the way he ha in the morgue, &ut he was strangely &usinesslike! He simply
un"astene the Vel$ro on the sies an li"te it o"" me! The &lue o" my T;shirt ha streaks o"
purple on the stoma$h area, where &loo ha soake through! 2ot goo!
4la" 7ust suenly ha a kni"e in his han! 1 sai, <2oA 5ou on't have to $ut the shirt o""
meA= 1 starte pulling the shirt out o" my 7eans! 1 amit that 1 was tense, reay "or it to $at$h
an hurt on the wouns! ,utting it o"" woul a$tually have &een more pra$ti$al, an the shirt
was ruine anyway, &ut the sight o" the &ig man looming over me with the huge serrate
&lae ! ! ! 2o way was 1 giving him an e($use to &ring the &lae $loser to my skin!
1 must have mae some small involuntary pain soun, &e$ause #war put my weapons on
the "loor an ha his own kni"e in his han! <+e nee to see, Anita!=
1 opene my mouth to protest, &ut he' pi$ke up the sla$k o" the shirt an was alreay
$utting! 1 $oul have stoppe him, &ut he was right, an 1 wasn't a"rai o" #war! He $ut up
the mile o" the shirt, his &lae sharp enough that it mae a straight, almost surgi$al line up
the $enter! He $ut it until the $ollar o" the T;shirt stoppe the &lae! 1 might have proteste
that 1 really was hal" nake now, &ut 1 $oul see my stoma$h, an the "a$t that everyone $oul
see my &ra 7ust in't seem important!
<,rap,= 1 sai!
There were &looy $law marks on my stoma$h! 1' &le &e"ore when 1 almost $hange, &ut
1' never ha wouns "rom it &e"ore! Bloo ha seepe out "rom uner my nails, &ut never
this!
4la"'s "ingers hovere over one ragge;ege woun! 1 starte to tell him, "ont touch me,
&ut he sai, <The eges o" the wouns are wrong!=
<They go out, not in,= #war sai!
1 stare own at the wouns, &ut the angle wasn't as goo "or me, or may&e it's 7ust harer to
look at your own &oy when it's $ut open an analy8e the wouns! 1 trie to &e positive!
<+ell, at least it's not as &a as the last stoma$h woun!=
<True,= #war sai!
<5es, your intestines are not &ulging out this time,= 4la" sai! He sai it so $almly, as i" it
han't mattere then an in't matter now! 1 guess, what $an you e(pe$t "rom a so$iopath/
He put those &ig "ingers 7ust over the wouns! There was a "aint shuer in his han, an he
ha to raise it higher to "le( the han, an then he put it &a$k over the wouns an tra$e his
han over the wouns! <1t looks as i" something has trie to get out, not slashe "rom a
istan$e!= He sprea his han over the marks! 1 starte to protest, &ut reali8e his han $oul
almost $over it all3 a ainty $law as $laws went! Dainty as the wouns we' "oun on the
vi$tims!
<They are the same si8e,= he sai! He lai his han on the wouns! The pain was sharp an
immeiate, an 1 know 1 mae some small soun, &e$ause two things happene at on$e!
#war sai, <4la",= with that warning in the wor3 an 4la" let his &reath out in a sigh that
was totally inappropriate "or &loo an wouns! 4kay, inappropriate i" you weren't a serial
killer!
<Stop tou$hing me,= 1 sai, an mae every wor as har an "irm as 1' ever mae them! 1
on't know why, &ut "or the "irst time this kin o" &ehavior "rom him in't s$are me! 1t 7ust
pisse me o""! 0et's hear it "or anger!
He move his han an ga8e own at me with those $ave;ark eyes! +hatever he saw in my
"a$e in't please him, &e$ause he sai, <5ou aren't a"rai!=
<4" you, not right now! 1 7ust ha something try to tear its way out o" me! Sorry, &ut on the
horri&le s$ale, that's got my attention! 2ow stop using my pain as your "oreplay an "u$king
help me!=
He took his leather 7a$ket o"", "ole it, an put it against my stoma$h! <1t will hurt, &ut i" 1
apply pressure to the wouns you will not lose as mu$h &loo!=
<Do it,= 1 sai!
He presse, an it hurt, &ut sometimes things nee to hurt some now, so they on't hurt a lot
more later! 1 must have mae a small soun &e$ause #war aske, <1s he hurting you/=
<2o more than he nees to,= 1 sai, an was prou that my voi$e was almost steay! 0et's
hear it "or the tough;as;nails vampire hunter! 2ot "a8e &y overgrown serial killers or the
&easts insie her! Shit!
<Vi$tor,= 1 sai!
He turne in his seat to look at me! His glasses ha apparently &een le"t on the siewalk
&e$ause 1 was ga8ing into the &are &lue eyes o" his tiger! 2o, o" him! The weretigers, like
Vi$tor, were &orn, not mae! <5es, little %ueen!=
<?irst, stop $alling me that! Se$on, are the $law marks on me what my tiger woul &e
si8ewise, i" it $oul get out/=
He thought a&out that "or a se$on or two! Bernaro ha to ask, <1 mae the last turn3 what
now/=
He gave him more ire$tions, then turne &a$k to me! <5ou are a very i""erent kin o" ! ! !
$ase! But, 1 &elieve, yes! 1t is the si8e you woul &e!=
<Shit,= 1 sai!
#war sai, <Martin Bene8 ha &igger hans than Anita, even human!=
<4ur killer is a woman,= 1 sai!
<2o, some men have hans as small as yours,= 4la" sai!
<Any o" your male weretigers have hans this small/= 1 aske, an hel up one han "or
Vi$tor to 7uge! He rea$he through the seats an hel his own larger han up ne(t to mine!
<4nly >aula ,hu!=
<+ait,= Bernaro sai, <i" Bene8 wasn't the weretiger we were looking "or, then why i he
atta$k the poli$e/=
<-oo %uestion,= #war sai!
Vi$tor gave us an answer! <He ha an e(;wi"e who was $harging him with a&use! He ha not
&een one o" our su$$esses, an i" the $harges were serve, then he was either going to 7ail "or
li"e, or ! ! !=
Bernaro "inishe "or him! <4r have a warrant o" e(e$ution on his ass!=
<5es! 1n other states, they might o""er him a permanent pla$e in one o" the government areas
"or shapeshi"ters, &ut 2evaa, like most o" the western states, still has varmint laws on the
&ooks! Three strikes "or us in this part o" the $ountry usually means eath!=
<1t might have &een use"ul to know that going in,= #war sai, an not like he was happy
with ol' Vi$tor!
Bernaro took a $orner a little sharp, making 4la" have to struggle "or &alan$e! He presse
harer on me, an 1 "ought not to make pain noises! He put one long leg out to wege himsel"
in pla$e! <That pain was a$$iental,= he sai!
1' &een oing a goo 7o& o" ignoring him, whi$h, $onsiering he was like si( "oot si( an
leaning over me, with his hans an 7a$ket in my &loo, was a testament either to sho$k or to
my powers o" $on$entration! 1 was &etting on sho$k! But now 1 looke up at him, saw him! 1
saw the "li$ker o" him eep own in those eyes o" his! 1 saw him looking at me! 1 saw him
"ighting not to show everything he was "eeling in his "a$e, an "ailing!
He move his "a$e so that the only person who $oul see ire$tly into his was me! He ga8e
own at me, with his &ig hans in the leather, pressing on the wouns in my &oy, an he let
his lips part, his eyes go so"t! His own pulse &eat thi$k an heavy against the sie o" his ne$k!
1 trie to think o" what to say, or o, that wouln't make things worse, an "inally trie to
$on$entrate on the 7o&! <They woul have run him "or priors, 7ust routine!= 1 looke at Vi$tor
as 1 sai it, &e$ause 1 $ouln't &ear to look at 4la" anymore! 1 wante him to stop tou$hing
me, &ut he' en7oy "ear, or even revulsion! 1 in't know a rea$tion that woul lessen his
pleasure e($ept ignoring him!
<But Marshal ?orrester is right, 1 shoul have mentione it!=
<The $law marks prove that it's someone else, most likely >aula ,hu,= 1 sai!
<But we $an't e(plain to the poli$e how we know that without e(plaining your wouns,=
#war sai! <They might yank your &age! +e get a lot more leeway in the preternatural
&ran$h, &ut i" they think you might turn "urry "or real on the 7o&, they'll want you out!=
<1 know!=
<So,= Bernaro sai, <we know something they nee to know, &ut we aren't sharing!=
<+oul they unerstan an &elieve us even i" we share/= 1 aske!
#veryone was silent! ?inally, #war sai, <San$he8 might, &ut 1 on't know a&out the rest! 1"
Anita is going to lose her &age, 1' rather it &e "or something that the $ops woul take
seriously, not something that they' &low o""!=
<They have their &a guy,= Bernaro sai! <They aren't going to want to &elieve they kille
the wrong guy!=
<But i" it is >aula, then we $oul get the aytime retreat "rom her,= 1 sai!
4la" surprise most o" us in the $ar &y saying, <Te, $an you take over/=
#war in't argue, 7ust move up on his knees to put pressure to the wouns! But he gave
me wie eyes, as i" to say, What the hell, 1 agree! 4la" ha voluntarily given up a $han$e to
tou$h me &leeing an hurt! +hat was wrong/
4la" was staring at his hans! They were &looy! <Do you remem&er, Anita, how you $oul
not o your 7o& in the morgue with me there/=
<5es,= 1 sai!
He li$ke his lips, $lose his eyes, an let a shuer go through him "rom that &al hea to the
tips o" his &oots! He opene his eyes an let out a &reath that shook! <1 $annot o my 7o&,
tou$hing you like that! 1 $annot think o" anything &ut you, an the &loo, an the wouns!= He
$lose his eyes again, an 1 think he was $ounting, or oing whatever he i to regain $ontrol!
+e were all staring at him e($ept Bernaro, who ha to rive! <1s this it/= he aske Vi$tor!
<5es,= he sai!
4la" opene his eyes! <Some o" us nee to go &a$k an wat$h over the woman, >aula ,hu!=
<Agree,= #war an 1 sai, together!
<Bernaro an 1 $an go &a$k,= he sai!
<Thanks "or volunteering me, &ig guy!=
<5ou are wel$ome,= 4la" sai, as i" he in't get the sar$asm at all!
+e were in a part o" town that was more owns$ale than the Strip, &ut &eyon that, 1 $ouln't
tell mu$h more "rom where 1 was hal" re$line on the seat!
Bernaro an Vi$tor got out3 Bernaro opene the oor &ehin #war! 1 starte to try to
s$oot out, &ut the pain gra&&e me like a sharp han an mae me stop in mimotion! <Bust let
me o it, Anita,= #war sai! He starte to pull me out, as gently as he $oul!
Vi$tor peere in an sai, <+e're &eing wat$he! May&e even photographe!=
<Then why &ring us here/= #war aske!
<1t was $loser, an you $an legitimately say you're here to %uestion >aula ,hu's $oworkers,
&ut we nee Anita to walk in on her own power, i" possi&le!=
<,an you walk/= #war aske!
<How "ar/=
<Ten yars!= Bust like that, he knew e(a$tly the istan$e to the oor! 1' have never &een a&le
to &e that pre$ise!
<0et me lean on someone's arm an &e all girly, an 1'll o it!=
1 got upright, an the leather 7a$ket "ell to the "loor! 4la" $rawle over the seat an pi$ke it
up, as #war let me take his arm an &egin to try to get out o" the tru$k on my own power!
4la" rea$he out an helpe arrange my shirt over the wouns! Though re an &lue mae a
lot o" purple on my shirt! +e tu$ke the ens into my pants to hie the sli$e!
1 got staning, though my grip on #war's arm was as serious a hol on any man's arm that
1' ever ha! 1t hurt 7ust to stan, an 1 $oul "eel the &loo &egin to tri$kle own my stoma$h!
2ot goo, an i" it hurt to stan, it was going to hurt more to walk! >er"e$t!
#war ha tu$ke some o" my weapons in an aroun his &oy, &ut a lot o" them an my
vest were on the "loor! <+eapons,= 1 sai, in a voi$e that was a little straine!
<0eave them,= Vi$tor sai!
<2o,= 1 sai!
4la" simply starte gathering them up an tu$king what he $oul into his waist&an! #war
ha alreay ae my &a$kpa$k to his loa! He pi$ke up the leather 7a$ket! <To hie my
hans,= he sai!
1 reali8e that his hans were spattere with my &loo! 1' seen it moments &e"ore, &ut
something a&out the sight o" it, an staning at the same time, mae the esert heat swim
aroun me!
<1nsie,= 1 whispere, <nee insie soon!=
#war in't ask any %uestions, 7ust helpe me turn "or the walk! Things in my stoma$h
pulle wrong when 1 turne! My insie stoma$h rolle threateningly! 1 praye that 1 woul not
throw up while my outsie stoma$h was $ut up! That woul &e very pain"ul! 1 took shallow
&reaths through my mouth o" the hot, still air, an $on$entrate on ea$h step! ,on$entrate on
making the movement as natural as possi&le "or the $ameras, an not moving so "ast that 1
rippe the wouns open more! 1t was one o" the most $are"ul walks 1 $oul remem&er! 1 was
$on$entrating so har that 1 wasn't really aware o" the &uiling until Vi$tor was holing the
oor "or us! Then 1 looke up, an saw the sign that sai Tri0ies, whi$h ha a neon;"orme
seminue woman sitting in a huge martini glass! The sign was enough, &ut they' "elt
$ompelle to put more neon in the winow &y the oor that simply sai, 8irls, irls, irls9
all nude, all the time.
1 gave Vi$tor a look as we walke slowly past him! He whispere, <The o$tor is waiting
insie, an this is where >aula ,hu works! 5ou $an "in a $lue that lets you tell them to keep
holing her without giving away your se$ret!=
1 $ouln't argue with his logi$, an the air insie the oor was $ool! At this point i" 1 $oul lie
own an have air;$onitioning, 1 in't $are where we i it! 1 swallowe past the nausea
one more time an let #war help me into the $ool twilight o" Tri(ie's3 all nue, all the time!
At least hell was $ool!
49



TH# M6S1, +AS lou, though not the ear;7arring lou o" some $lu&s! The musi$ soune
tire, or may&e that was 7ust me! My eyes a7uste an saw small ta&les s$attere aroun a
surprisingly large room! There was a main stage an smaller ta&leHstages with seats aroun
them! 1t was &e"ore seven o'$lo$k, an men were alreay sitting in the arkene room!
+omen $rawle aroun on the ta&leHstages, as nue as the sign promise! 1 averte my eyes,
&e$ause some views shoul &e seen &y only your gyne$ologist or a lover!
The main stage was empty, &ut huge! 1t ha a small runway an a $ir$ular area with seats
aroun it! 1' never seen a stage like it in any strip $lu&, outsie an ol movie!
Vi$tor le us through the ta&les, an we "ollowe, &e$ause having me $arrie in "ront o" the
$ustomers woul not help our $over story!
#war in't try to $om"ort me3 he 7ust kept his arm "le(e an soli uner my ou&le;
hane grip an walke slowly! 4la" an Bernaro were still &ehin us! Vi$tor got to a small
oor to one sie o" the main stage long &e"ore 1 manage to get there! The pain ha gone past
7ust pain an was i88iness! My vision was &eginning to spot, an that was not goo! How
mu$h &loo ha 1 lost, an how mu$h was 1 losing/
The worl narrowe own to $on$entrating on moving my "eet! The pain in my stoma$h was
growing istant, as my vision starte to &lur an run in light an ark streamers aroun me! 1
ha a eath grip on #war's arm an truste him to keep me "rom running into anything!
#war's voi$e! <Anita, we're through! Anita, you $an stop walking!= He ha to gra& my
shouler, make me look at him! 1 7ust stare at him, seeing his "a$e &ut not unerstaning why
the lights were &righter!
A han tou$he my "orehea! <Her skin is $ool to the tou$h,= 4la" sai!
#war pi$ke me up, an that hurt, too, enough that 1 $rie out, an the worl swam in
&right streamers! 1 $on$entrate on not throwing up, an that helpe me through the pain!
Then we were in a room that was im again, &ut not as ark as the $lu&! They lai me on a
ta&le unerneath a light! There was $loth unerneath me, an the $rinkle o" plasti$ unerneath
that!
Someone was "um&ling at my le"t arm! 1 saw a man 1 in't know, an sai, <#war!=
<1'm here,= an he $ame to stan &y my hea!
Vi$tor's voi$e! <This is our o$tor! He really is a o$tor, an he's pat$he a lot o" my people
up! He's very goo at sewing us up so we on't s$ar!=
<This will sting a little,= the o$tor sai! He put an 1V in me an starte "luis! 1 was in sho$k!
1 ha only an impression o" ark hair an ark skin, an that he was more ethni$ than either
Bernaro or me! Beyon that, he was sort o" &lurry!
<How mu$h &loo i she lose/= he aske!
<1t in't look like that mu$h in the $ar,= #war sai!
There was movement, an 1 starte to try to look at it, &ut #war $aught my "a$e &etween his
hans! <0ook at me, Anita!= 1t was the way a parent woul try to keep you "rom seeing the &ig
&a o$tor!
<4h,= 1 sai, <that's not goo!=
He smile! <+hat, 1'm not interesting enough/ 1 $an get Bernaro "or you to ga8e up at! He's
prettier!=
<5ou're teasing me, trying to istra$t me! Shit, what's a&out to happen/=
<He oesn't want to give you painkillers, &etween the &loo loss an the sho$k! 1" we were in
a hospital with more e%uipment, he' $han$e it, &ut without it, he oesn't want to take that
risk!=
1 swallowe har, an this time it wasn't nausea, &ut "ear! <There are "our $law marks,= 1 sai!
<5es!=
1 $lose my eyes an trie to slow my pulse, an "ought o"" the urge to get o"" the ta&le an
run "or it! <1 on't want to o this!=
<1 know,= he sai, &ut he kept his hans on my "a$e, not e(a$tly holing me &ut keeping me
looking at him!
4la" sai, "rom somewhere o"" to the right, <Anita has heale worse than this! They i not
have to sew her wouns in St! 0ouis!=
<That's &e$ause she was healing too "ast to nee it,= #war sai!
<+hy $an't she o that now/= he aske!
1' "e o"" the swan king, an through him every swanmane in all o" Ameri$a! 1t ha &een an
ama8ing rush o" power! #nough to save my li"e, an )i$har's, an Bean;,laue's! +e' all
&een terri&ly hurt! So mu$h energy that even later when 1' &een $ut up mu$h worse than this,
1 heale it s$ar "ree in re$or time, almost like a real ly$anthrope! But 1 in't want to e(plain
that to strangers, so out lou 1 sai, <Don't have the energy!=
<She' nee a really &ig "ee,= #war sai!
<Ah,= 4la" sai, <the swans!=
<Do you mean the ardeur/= Vi$tor aske!
<5eah,= 1 sai!
<How &ig a "ee woul you nee/= he aske!
<She "e &e"ore she was hurt! 1 on't think se( in this $onition woul &e that "un!=
1 se$one that!
Hans raise my shirt &a$k, away "rom the woun!
1 trie to see, an sai, <+hat's happening/ +hat is he oing/=
The o$tor's voi$e! <1'm 7ust $leaning the woun! 4kay/=
<2o, &ut yes!=
<Bust look at me, Anita!= #war's pale &lue eyes were staring at me upsie own! 1' never
have sai his "a$e was kin, &ut now there was sympathy where 1' never thought to see it!
Hans &egan to $lean the woun with something $ol an stingy! <,rap,= 1 sai!
<1 was tol that she isn't to &e s$arre! 1" she moves this mu$h, 1 $an't promise that!=
<+ho mae you promise that/= Vi$tor aske!
<5ou know who,= he sai, an soune "rightene enough "or me to $at$h it!
#war presse my "a$e a little harer, <Anita, you nee to hol still!=
<1 know,= 1 sai!
<,an you o it/= he aske!
<+ho/= Vi$tor aske the o$tor!
<Bi&iana!=
<+e nee to hurry,= Vi$tor sai, <my mother knows! Someone has talke to her! 1' rather not
have Anita here when she arrives!=
<Hol still,= #war sai!
The o$tor $leane a little too eep, an 1 move again, my hans $onvulsing on the ta&le! <1
$an't not move,= 1 "inally amitte!
<Bernaro, 4la",= he sai!
<Shit,= 1 sai! 1 i not want to &e hel own, &ut ! ! ! there was no way 1 wasn't going to "ight
some! 1 $ouln't not!
1t was "unny how none o" us argue that we in't want to &e here when Vi$tor's mom
arrive! She' almost rolle me uner her power when 1 was well3 this weak, this hurt ! ! ! 1
in't know i" 1 $oul keep her out o" my hea!
Bernaro took my right arm an hel it in two pla$es! Vi$tor took my other arm with the 1V
rip still in it! +hen 1 "elt a han on either o" my thighs, 1 knew whose hans were le"t to
tou$h me: 4la"!
<Shit,= 1 sai!
<Bust look at me, Anita! Talk to me!=
<5ou talk to me,= 1 sai!
1 "elt hans on my stoma$h!
<+hat are you oing/= An 1 hate how high an "rightene my voi$e soune!
<1'm going to start stit$hing! 1 am sorry to $ause you pain!= Then 1 "elt the pri$k o" the "irst
neele pass, &ut it woul not &e the last! To avoi s$ars they' use a "iner neele, a "iner
threa! 1t woul take more time, more stit$hes all together! 1 wasn't sure my vanity was worth
it!
#war talke to me, while the others trie to hol me still! He talke a&out Donna an the
kis! He whispere a&out missions in South Ameri$a where 1' never gone with him, an he'
kille things 1' never seen outsie &ooks! 1t was more personal etails than he' ever given
me! 1" 1 $oul 7ust lie still, he' keep whispering his se$rets!
1 kept waiting "or the pain to ull, &ut some pain oesn't! This staye sharp an nauseating,
an the sensation o" my skin &eing pulle together was more than my stoma$h $oul take!
<-oing to &e si$k,= 1 manage to say!
<She's going to &e si$k,= #war sai, an the hans move away! 1 trie to roll too "ast onto
my sie, an lost the "oo 1' trie to keep own at the last murer s$ene! Vegas was turning
out to &e a real "un town!
The pain in my stoma$h was "resh an $utting somewhere in the mile o" vomiting! The
o$tor wipe my mouth "or me, then lai me &a$k on my &a$k! <She's pulle some o" the
stit$hes out!=
<Sorry,= 1 manage!
The o$ soune angry now! <1 nee her hel own3 she's still moving, an i" she keeps
throwing up "rom the pain, the stit$hes may not hol!=
<+hat o you want us to o/= Vi$tor aske!
1 was 7ust happy that he wasn't sewing me up! They $oul talk "orever i" he 7ust in't start
again! 1 reali8e it wasn't 7ust the pain, &ut the sensations!
<Hol her,= the o$tor sai!
The "luis ha helpe $lear my min an my vision, so that 1 $oul see him $learly now! He
was A"ri$an Ameri$an, hair $ut $lose to his hea, meium &uil, small sure hans! He was
wearing a green surgi$al gown over his $lothes, along with the gloves to mat$h!
#war's hans went "rom my "a$e to pressing my shoulers to the ta&le! Vi$tor took my legs
an let 4la" have the arm he' &een holing3 when the man proteste, Vi$tor ha sai, <1 am a
weretiger3 no human, no matter how strong, $an mat$h me!=
4la" in't like it, &ut he put a han on my arm, a&ove the el&ow, an Vi$tor $lim&e onto the
ta&le to pin my lower &oy! He was strong! They were all strong, &ut thanks to Bean;,laue's
vampire marks, so was 1!
#war presse own har enough to hol my shoulers still, &ut 1 $ouln't help &ut move as
the neele &egan to move through my skin again!
<S$ream,= he sai!
<+hat/=
<S$ream, Anita, you have to let it out one way or another! 1" you s$ream, may&e you won't
keep moving!=
<1" 1 start s$reaming, 1 won't stop!=
<+e won't tell,= Bernaro sai "rom the arm he was pressing, sort o" esperately, into the
ta&le!
The neele &it into my skin, an tugge! 1 opene my mouth an s$reame! 1 put all the "ear,
all the "ight;or;"light into that soun! 1 s$reame as "ast as 1 $oul raw &reath! 1 s$reame
lou, long, an let mysel" sink into it! 1 s$reame an wept an $urse, &ut 1 stoppe moving
so mu$h!
+hen the o$tor was "inishe, 1 was shaking an sweat $overe, an nauseous, una&le to
"o$us my eyes, an my throat hurt, &ut we were one!
The o$tor swit$he out the empty &ag o" $lear "lui with a "resh one! <She's in sho$k again! 1
on't like that!=
Someone &rought a &lanket an $overe me with it! 1 manage to say, in a voi$e that soune
so rough it wasn't mine, <+e nee to go! Bi&i will &e here, an >aula ,hu nees looking at!=
<5ou aren't going anywhere until you have another &ag o" "luis in you,= the o$tor sai!
#war was &a$k at my hea, smoothing own the ege o" my hair, where the $urls ha stu$k
to the sie o" my "a$e! <He's right! 5ou $an't go out like this!=
<+e will go an make sure >aula ,hu oes not get away,= 4la" sai!
<5eah,= Bernaro sai, <we $an o that!=
They le"t, an another &lanket went over me &e$ause my teeth ha starte to $hatter! #war
tou$he my "a$e again! <)est, 1'll &e here!=
1 in't mean to sleep, &ut on$e 1 stoppe shaking, it 7ust seeme so har to keep my eyes
open! Bi&iana was $oming, &ut there wasn't a amn thing 1 $oul o a&out it! 1 slept an let
my &oy start to heal! The last thing 1 saw was #war pulling up a $hair so he' &e &esie
me an a&le to see all the oors at the same time! 1t mae me smile, an then 1 was gone to the
warmth o" the &lankets an the tireness o" my &oy!
50



1 D)#AM#D, A2D in the ream 1 walke own a white hallway with oors on either sie! 1
knew there was something &ehin the oors, &ut 1 in't know what! 4ne o" the oorkno&s
rattle, an it "rightene me! 1 starte to move "aster own the hallway an reali8e 1 was
wearing some long, white ress! 1t was heavy an har to move in! 1' never owne anything
like it! Mirrors showe &etween the oors, an 1 $aught glimpses o" mysel" in them! >ale oval
"a$e, &la$k hair pile high on top o" my hea, $urls art"ully aroun my shoulers! There was a
"eather in my hair, an 7ewels aroun my throat! This was not my ream!
The ne(t mirror showe a se$on "igure keeping pa$e with me! She wore re, the $olor o"
$rushe velvet an rose petals! -ol "lashe here an there as she move! She' put me in
white an silver, with the "lash o" iamons! She wore gol an ru&ies!
1 "or$e mysel" to stop running own the hallway that never seeme to get any shorter! 1 "a$e
one o" the mirrors, an there she was looking &a$k at me, staning 7ust over the shouler o"
my re"le$tion!
<Belle Morte,= 1 whispere, an it was as i" her name $on7ure her, &e$ause 1 "elt her han
slie aroun my shoulers, raw my &a$k against her "ront! She was a tou$h shorter than 1
was, &ut heels gave her height! 4ur hair was nearly the same shae o" &la$k, &ut where my
eyes were eepest &rown, hers were almost am&er!
<(a 'etite, you have &een a very &usy girl!= She whispere it, an lai $rimson lips against
the white o" my ne$k!
<2o,= 1 sai!
She le"t only a per"e$t print o" her lipsti$k on my skin! She smile at me over my shouler,
putting our "a$es together! <Din't you en7oy our time together, ma 'etite/=
1 wante to say no, &ut her ego was too large, an too strangely "ragile "or truths! 1" it was a
truth! She' $ome to me when 1 was un$ons$ious, near eath, an we' ha se(! She' "e me
enough energy to $ome to, an "ee in the real worl an save mysel" an Bean;,laue an
)i$har, though 1 wasn't sure how mu$h she $are a&out our wol" king! But she ha wante
to save me an Bean;,laue! 1 still wasn't entirely $ertain why she' one it! Belle never i
anything without a gain "or hersel"!
Her han sli own the white "ront o" my ress until her "ingers starte to slie into the
&oi$e! 1 gra&&e her wrist to stop the movement! <1" you' wante se(, you' have put us in
a &e! +hat's &ehin the oors/=
She poute at me, that so"t mouth, &owe an petulant! Through Bean;,laue's memories 1
remem&ere loving that pout! 1 remem&ere thinking that she ha the most kissa&le mouth in
the worl!
<4pen a oor an see!=
<1'm a"rai!=
<They are parts o" yoursel", Anita! +hy &e a"rai o" them/=
They were my &easts! <1 7ust got sewe &a$k together "rom one o" them! 1' rather not repeat
it!=
She wrappe her arms tight aroun my waist3 at least she wasn't trying to grope me! <5ou
know why you $ouln't heal it, on't you/=
<1 in't have enough energy!=
<5ou have &een "eeing the ardeur &arely, 7ust enough to keep it sate &ut not enough to
grow it stronger!=
<1 on't want it stronger!=
<But 1 o, ma 'etite!=
<1 am not your ma 'etite!=
<5ou are anything 1 say you are,= an her eyes were rowning in am&er "ire!
1 $lose my eyes like a $hil hiing uner the $overs "rom a monster, &ut vampire ga8e really
$an &e avoie &y 7ust not looking!
Her voi$e whispere in my ear! <The Mother o" All Darkness is trying to turn you into her
instrument &y raising your tigers! 1 on't know why that is so important to her, &ut 1've "elt
what she's &een oing to you! 5ou must em&ra$e the ardeur &e$ause it is a power she oes
not unerstan! 5ou must grow strong in the parts o" your power that are my &looline, ma
'etite, or the Darkness will win you "rom me an "rom Bean;,laue!=
<+hy o you $are/=
<Be$ause She is trying to use your &oy as her vessel! 1 want her ea here an now, not
es$ape into you! She must ie here, so you must &e strong enough to keep her out! #m&ra$e
the ardeur, Anita, an you will have power su$h as you have never reamt! 1 will help you!=
<1 on't want ! ! !=
She &reathe in my ear! <1 hear you thinking! 5ou on't want to "ee on your "rien! 1 on't
unerstan that3 he's hansome enough! 1 think he woul &e skille!=
The thought mae me open my eyes! <2o=.my anger "lare, an it "elt goo.<he's "amily3
you on't o "amily!=
<So pruish, &ut very well, the tigers will o!=
<2o,= an 1 $oul look her in the sparkling eyes &e$ause my anger helpe push that so"t,
insistent power &a$k!
<5ou really $an "ee on anger, how interesting! 1t oes not $ome "rom my &looline!=
The "irst spurt o" "ear washe through me an rowne the anger! That was something we
han't wante anyone else to know!
<1t is ark, an the vampires rise where your &oy sleeps, ma 'etite!=
<Stop $alling me that!=
<The tiger %ueen was kept away "rom you &y your "rien an her son, &ut now the vampires
rise, an they will &e naughty! 1" they are as naughty as 1 think they will try to &e, 1 will give
you the a&ility to "ight &a$k!=
<+hat are you going to o/= 1 aske, an the "ear was real! 1 neee to &reak the ream
&e"ore she "inishe whatever she ha planne!
<5ou $annot slip away unless 1 allow it, Anita, please! 5ou are power"ul, &ut you have not
ha even a li"etime to pra$ti$e your skills! 5ou $annot win against me, an without my help,
you $annot hope to win against the Mother o" All Vampires!=
<+hat are you going to o/= 1 aske again!
<5ou on't trust me!=
<2o,= 1 sai!
<A"ter 1 save you an my Bean;,laue, still you ou&t me/=
<1'm a"rai o" you!=
She was suenly in "ront o" me, pressing us together, $oming "or her kiss! <-oo, that's
goo! 1 woul rather you love me, &ut i" not love, "ear will o!=
<Ma$hiavelli,= 1 sai!
<+here o you think he got it "rom/= she laughe, as she presse her mouth to mine! Her
voi$e ease through my hea, or may&e it e$hoe in the hallway! <1" they o not atta$k you,
then my gi"t lies ormant! 1 $an &e no more "air than that, ma 'etite!=
1t was a kiss, &ut it was also heat! Vampires are suppose to &e a $ol thing, &ut she was not!
She &urne with all the li"e she ha "e on "or $enturies, an she pushe that "ire insie my
mouth, into my &oy! 4ne minute 1 was kissing Belle Morte, the ne(t 1 was awake, gasping,
staring up at a $eiling 1 in't know, an ha an arm a$ross my shoulers! ?or a moment the
ream an reality met, an then 1 saw the mus$les an that it was male! 1t wasn't Belle, &ut
what the "u$k/
#war was staning over me an whoever &elonge to the arm! <5ou starte to go into
sho$k, an they sai &eing $lose to the aura o" another wereanimal like yoursel" woul help!=
1 turne my hea to "in Vi$tor &linking at me, as i" he, too, ha slept! ?rom the "eel o" things,
1 wasn't sure he was wearing any $lothes! <An this seeme like a goo iea to you, # ! ! !
Te/=
<1t helpe, Anita! The moment he tou$he you, like this, it helpe!=
<See, you are one o" us, Anita!= 1t was Bi&iana's voi$e!
#war hane me the Browning BDM &e"ore he took the &lankets o"" me, whi$h let me
know that things were not goo! Vi$tor tightene his &oy aroun me, where he' $urle into
pla$e! The suen tension let me know that he might not have known his mom was there
either! Me in a rugge sleep was one thing, &ut why ha Vi$tor slept through it all/
#war helpe me sit up! <How oes it "eel/=
1 waite "or it to hurt! <2ot &a!= 1t "elt way too goo, a$tually! <+hat time is it/ How long/=
<1t's &een "our hours!=
Vi$tor's arm wrappe aroun my waist, an 1 ha to amit that it "elt soli an real an not
&a! But then when 1 was $hanneling my &easts, tou$h was always goo!
1 $oul see more o" the room now! Bi&iana sat on a little $ou$h that was to one sie o" the
room! This was the "irst time 1' really seen the room! 1t was a little apartment $omplete with
a roun &e that woul have looke "ine in a re velvet whorehouse! The $ou$h was the same
re velvet! There were $hairs an $ushions an a small kit$henette! The ta&le 1 was lying on
was the ining ta&le, with $arve $hairs pulle &a$k "rom it to make room "or the o$tor an
everyone else!
The o$tor was still there! He $ame "orwar to $he$k me out, an #war let him $he$k my
pulse! 1 was shirtless, so $he$king the stit$hes was easy enough! He ha to move Vi$tor's arm
to move &anages asie! <1t's almost heale!= He looke at me! <1 saw that the $law marks
ha $ome "rom insie you, like it was $lawing its way out3 you're not human, are you/=
<1 share my energy with her,= Vi$tor sai! He sat up on his sie o" the ta&le, rawing the
&lanket aroun the &areness o" him!
<But i" she ha not ha her own white tiger "or you to share with, it woul not have worke,=
Bi&iana sai!
<+hatever,= 1 sai! 1 let #war help me stan! 1 $oul stan! 5eaA
#war looke at me, then move his han away! 1 stoo on my own! <-oo, we're out o"
here then!= He put my &a$kpa$k over his shouler!
He' alreay ae some o" my weapons to his visi&le arsenal! +e starte "or the oor!
Then 1 "elt it, like a $ol &ree8e own my &a$k! 1 sai, <Vampire!=
#war gra&&e my arm an hustle us "or the oor, where )i$k an some o" the other white
tigers &lo$ke the way! +e aime our guns at them in unison! <+e'll 7ust say you 7umpe
us,= 1 sai! <+ith all the ea $ops in this town, they'll &uy it!=
<Anita Blake, so goo o" you to visit my little "amily!=
1 in't even turn aroun! <Hi, Ma(! Thanks "or the hospitality!= Then 1 s$reame at the men
&lo$king the oor! <Move, or &leeA=
Ma('s voi$e! <Move out o" the marshals' way! She's a "eeral $op3 you on't mess with the
?es! 1t's &a "or &usiness!=
The tigers at the oor looke to another part o" the room! They were looking at Bi&iana!
<1 am master o" this $ity, an 1 say get the "u$k out o" the marshals' way!= His voi$e ha gone
ugly with rage!
The weretigers move, a little!
<*eep going,= 1 sai, an we waite "or them to move well away "rom the oor! As they
move, 1 move sort o" with them, so 1 ha my &a$k to #war an my empty han on his
&a$k, so 1 $oul "eel his movement an still wat$h the room! #war woul know that le"t
him the oor an the room &eyon!
He opene the oor with an aui&le $li$k, an we ease through it! 1 looke away "rom the
weretigers long enough to see Ma( in a oorway on the other sie o" the &ig &e! He was
resse in 1DJEs gangster $hi$, mostly &al, tall, &ut soli! 1" you in't know what you were
looking at, you' say fat, &ut it was all har an mus$le! Bi&iana was glaring at him!
<Thanks, Ma(,= 1 sai!
<Tell Bean;,laue that 1 know the rules!=
<1'll o that!= An #war was through the oor, an my han on him took me with him! +e
were into the other room3 all we ha to o was get the oor shut!
Bi&iana ha to have the last wor! <5ou have slept with my son! Tell me, what i you
ream/=
The %uestion was so o that it mae me stum&le at the oorway! <Anita,= #war sai!
<1t's okay,= 1 sai! 1 $on$entrate on the gun in my han an wat$hing the room! 1 ki$ke the
oor shut &ehin us, an we were suenly in the imness an noise o" the $lu& &eyon!
#war move up &esie me, &oth putting his arm aroun me an lowering my gun han
own to my sie! He leane over an whisper;shoute into my ear, <#ase own!=
The $lu& was $rowe, mostly with men at the ta&les an stages! The only women were the
waitresses an the an$ers!
#war starte leaing me through the $row! He slippe into that hal";runk;&oy"rien;who;
&rought;my;girl"rien;to;the;strip;$lu& a$t like someone ha turne a swit$h! He was
suenly a goo ol' &oy who was having a goo ol' time! The &est 1 $oul o was not look
too un$om"orta&le uner his arm an try not to let anyone &ump the gun in my han! Though
no one noti$e the guns on$e we were away "rom the oor, or they pretene they in't! 1'
noti$e that a &la$k gun against &la$k 7eans in a ark $lu& was pretty invisi&le!
1 was still trying to keep the oor in my peripheral vision, though 1 was pretty sure that neither
Ma( nor Bi&iana woul want to mess up the "ront o" the $lu&! They' hie the irty launry!
+hat ha she meant a&out my reams/ 1 pushe the thought away an trie to push that it$hy
"eeling &etween my shouler &laes away, too! 1 wante to sprint "or the "ar oor, &ut we were
pretening, an that means you &len in, so 1 pretene to help my runk &oy"rien through
the $row! Though 1 knew that #war was wat$hing everything an woul go "rom this a$t
to a$tion in the &link o" an eye!
A han $ame out o" nowhere an trie to grope my &reasts! 1 ha gra&&e his wrist an
twiste &e"ore 1' ha time to think!
<Hey,= he sai, an his "a$e ha that so"t, $on"use look o" the very runk!
#war leane over my hea, leering runkenly, <Mine,= he yelle!
<Sure, man, sure,= the runk sai, as i" it ha &een #war who' prote$te my honor an not
me! May&e i" 1 shot the runk he' look at me as i" 1 were a real person, &ut that woul
pro&a&ly &e overkill "or one attempte grope! 1t wasn't the grope, though, it was the attitue
that the women weren't real3 none o" us in the $lu& were truly people to most o" this $row!
1' seen it with the "emale $ustomers at -uilty >leasures an how they treate the male
strippers! Dan$ers weren't %uite the same as real people, or you' never &e a&le to a$t like you
o at a $lu&! 1t was pro&a&ly one o" the reasons 1 ha never &een $om"orta&le at one o" them3
even &e"ore 1 was ating a stripper, 1 never "orgot that everyone was real!
+e stoppe at the little &arHgi"t shop area an &ought me a T;shirt! 1t was white an ha
Tri0ies in swirling s$ript right a$ross the &reasts, &ut it was &etter than the &la$k one with the
nue girl in the martini glass on the "ront!
<2i$e "it!= This "rom one o" the an$ers who was wearing a short ro&e an, sin$e it was open,
proving that it was all she was wearing! She ha short &rown hair an an open, pretty "a$e,
like the high s$hool sweetheart that everyone's suppose to have &ut never oes!
<Thanks,= 1 sai! 1" the T;shirt ha "it any tighter a$ross my $hest it woul have rippe like
the 1n$rei&le Hulk's pants!
She move $loser, stroking her han own my sie, not e(a$tly tou$hing my $hest, &ut the
ege o" it all! <,ome to the stage, 1'll give you a lap an$e "or "ree!= She gave a smile that
manage to $ontain &oth inno$ent "rienliness an the promise o" something evil, hien in
the %uirk o" that one imple an eep in those ha8el eyes!
#war rew me into his &oy with a slightly sloppy movement an grinne at the woman!
<Sorry, &ut we gotta go! But ne(t time, 1' love to wat$h!=
She smile at him, &right, lovely, an empty as a light&ul&! 1 ha a smile like that "or i""i$ult
$ustomers! She swit$he to "lirting with him, putting an arm as "ar as she $oul with the
&a$kpa$k in her way! <>romise!=
<4h, yeah,= an he laughe!
The an$er leane in an whispere, <Ask "or Brianna! 1'm here si( nights a week a"ter si(!=
1 noe! <1'll remem&er!=
Her han lingere own my arm until we a$tually hel "ingertips, as #war pulle me
towar the outer oor! +e got outsie, an #war kept up his runk a$t "or hal" a &lo$k3 then
he straightene an we $oul walk normally! <1 know you attra$t wereanimals an the
unea, &ut now human women! +hat was that all a&out/=
<0et's "in a ark alley an you give me all my weapons! 1'll re;arm an e(plain!=
+e i what 1 suggeste! 1t was the part o" town that ha a lot o" ark alleys! He hane me
the "irst layer o" holster, an the re;arming &egan! <1" you $an get a "emale $ustomer to she
some $lothes while you're playing with her, the men love it! 5ou $an make a lot o" money!=
<The ol les&ian "antasy,= he sai!
<5ep!= 1 ha the Browning's holster with its e(tra ammo, an the &ig kni"e own the spine
settle in pla$e! My &a$kpa$k ne(t, tightene enough so it in't move aroun!
<She seeme to like you &etter than she like me,= he sai!
<5ou noti$e that, too!= 1 ha the M>C ug out o" the &a$kpa$k, where it in't %uite "it, an
on the ta$ti$al sling aroun me! <1've seen it with some male an$ers3 even the straightest o"
them $an get pretty isguste with the way the "emale $ustomers a$t! 1 imagine it's the same
"or the women with the male $ustomers! 1" your e(perien$es are &a enough, it $an turn you a
little &ise(ual!=
<1nteresting3 oes that go "or some o" the men in your li"e/=
<1 think the se(uality o" the men in my li"e was set &e"ore anyone o" them starte working as
strippers! Besies, only 2athaniel an Bason a$tually strip, an Bason is 7ust our "rien in &e!=
<+hat a&out Bean;,laue/=
<He oesn't strip anymore!=
<He oes get on stage, Anita! 1've seen him o""ering kisses "or money!=
That was a "airly re$ent a$t o" his, an the %uestion mae me look at #war! <+hen were
you in the $lu& to see his a$t/=
He steppe out into 7ust enough light that 1 $oul see that smile! The one he use when he
knew something 1 wante to know, &ut he wasn't going to tell me!
<Are you spying on us/=
<2ot e(a$tly!=
<+hat e(a$tly/= an my voi$e was 7ust a little grumpy!
<1 on't trust him, an 7ust in $ase one ay you e$ie you on't trust him either, 1 7ust want
to know what's happening in St! 0ouis!=
<Don't treat Bean;,laue like a mark, #war!= 1 ha all my weapons in pla$e an ha
steppe away "rom him, given mysel" a little room!
<1s that a threat/= he aske!
<5ou're the one spying on one o" the loves o" my li"e! 1'm not $oming into Donna's shop an
pretening to &e a $ustomer!=
He noe! <?air enough!= But his voi$e was $are"ul, $ol!
1 hear a $ar stop &e"ore the light hit the mouth o" the alley! 1 shiele my eyes! #war
steppe &a$k "arther into the shaows! 1" it ha &een an am&ush, 1' have ie, an he
wouln't! There are still moments when his more stanar training an my learn;as;you;go
metho show the holes in my eu$ation! 1 trie to "ae out o" the light an into the shaows,
&ut the light "ollowe me!
<Hans where 1 $an see them, right nowA= A male voi$e, very serious! Then &elately,
<>oli$e!=
4ther way aroun woul have &een &etter, &ut 1 ha alreay one what he wante &e"ore he
ae it! 1 was pretty sure a&out the poli$e part &e"ore he sai it! 1 $laspe my hans on top o"
my hea without &eing tol, then move, slowly, so that the &age on its lanyar woul $at$h
the light, or that was the plan! 1 was $arrying some serious, visi&le "irepower! 1" 1 in't know
me, 1' &e nervous, too!
#war staye where he was, invisi&le in the shaows! Hell, 1 knew he was there an ha to
stare to see him! How i he o that/ But 1 ha other things to worry a&out, like the nervous
$op!
<,ome out, slow!=
1 i what he sai, hans still "irm on my hea! 1 i try to ienti"y mysel"! <6!S! Marshal!
1'm a 6!S! Marshal!= He in't seem to have hear me the "irst time!
<4n your knees, nowA=
#ither he $ouln't see the &age, or the amount o" weapons he $oul see mae him &lin to
anything else! 1 guess 1 $ouln't &lame him! 1t was pro&a&ly the M>C, or may&e the visi&le ta$
vest, or may&e the two han;guns, or shit, all o" it! 1 was loae "or monster, whi$h meant 1
was way overloae "or human!
1 roppe to my knees, trying not to hit too heavy3 no nee to &ruise! 1 i keep trying to talk
to him! <1 am 6!S! Marshal Anita Blake3 1 am serving an a$tive warrant o" e(e$ution!=
<4n the groun, nowA=
1' $aught a glimpse o" the gun silhouette aime at me! 1 got on the groun, wonering what
#war was planning on oing! 4" $ourse, i" he steppe out o" the alley now, he might get
shot! The $op was well an truly into making me sa"e to &e aroun! Another person arme this
heavily an, well, a$$ients happen!
The siewalk was not as $lean as 1 woul have like it to &e against my $heek! 1 wasn't
s$are, an pro&a&ly shoul have &een! A goo guy's &ullet woul kill me 7ust as soon as a
&a guy's! This was one o" those moments when 1 wonere i" the people who wrote the laws
unerstoo how it looke to &e walking aroun with this mu$h "irepower on us! +e were
going to nee &ages on our ta$ vests or somewhere more prominent than normal, or some
vampire e(e$utioner was going to get shot &y the poli$e!
1 staye passive uner his knee, while he han$u""e me! He starte patting me own an
"oun the se$on &age ne(t to the gun on my waist! He un$lippe it an &rought it out into
the light!
<Shit,= he sai, with real "eeling!
1 i not say I told you so! 1 was still han$u""e, an he was still arme! 1 i try, one more
time, to say, <1'm 6!S! Marshal Anita Blake, 1 am with the preternatural &ran$h, an 1 am
serving on an a$tive warrant o" e(e$ution!=
<5ou're hunting vampires own here/= he aske!
<That is my 7o&, o""i$er!= 1 was really wanting to raise my $heek o"" the $on$rete to talk, &ut
wasn't sure i" he' take that "or me trying to get up! 1 i not want another misunerstaning!
He knelt again, &ut this time his knee wasn't in my &a$k! <1 saw all the weapons, an then you
trie to hie!= He un$u""e me, then steppe &a$k "rom me!
<,an 1 get up/= 1 aske!
<5eah!=
1 got up, $are"ully! There is always that urge a"ter one o" these misunerstanings to o
something startling to the guy who 7ust $u""e you an mae you eat pavement! 1 "ought o""
the urge &e$ause it $an lea nowhere goo!
He hane me my &age &a$k! 1 took it an $lippe it &a$k ne(t to the Browning! <My partner
is own the alley! Marshal ?orrester, $an you $ome out where the o""i$er $an see you/= 1
wasn't sure this was what #war woul want, &ut we ha &ages, an when you have &ages
you have to play &y at least some o" the rules!
#war $ame out with his hans very visi&le to his sie an a little up, so they showe empty!
He' "astene his win&reaker with the &ig -.S. (arshal written a$ross it! 1 in't even know
what ha happene to the win&reaker he' loane me!
<4""i$er,= #war sai in his Te voi$e, an even manage a smile!
<Marshal,= the uni"orm sai! He' put his gun up, &ut the holster was un$lippe! <1'm going
to $he$k on the raio! 2othing personal!=
<1" 1 saw people with this mu$h "irepower, 1' $he$k, too,= #war sai, still easy an
smiling! He so woul not have $he$ke3 he' have taken $are o" it himsel", or ignore it as not
his pro&lem!
4""i$er Thomas, a$$oring to his nameplate, walke 7ust a little away "rom us, without
turning his &a$k on us! He hit his shouler mi$ an spoke %uietly into it! He was "ar enough
away that we $ouln't %uite hear him, whi$h was "ine! He was trying to get someone to vou$h
"or us! As long as he in't talk to 6nersheri"" Shaw, we' &e sa"e enough!
He mae uh)huh noises3 7ust "rom a istan$e you $oul tell he was simply agreeing! He took
his han o"" his mi$ an walke towar us! <5ou $he$k out! Sorry a&out the
misunerstaning!=
<Don't worry a&out it,= 1 sai, an meant it! 1 was going to have to "in someone to give a
memo to a&out the thought that the new law on $arrying a small arsenal on our person was
going to get us vampire e(e$utioners shot!
#war put his hans own an, still looking pleasant, sai, <+e $oul use a rie &a$k to the
station, though!=
<2o pro&lem,= Thomas sai! He took a &reath as i" he was going to ask something, then
stoppe himsel"! 1 was &etting he wante to ask where our $ar was, &ut he in't! 1t's &oth a
$op an a guy thing to not ask too many %uestions! Besies, he' alreay mae me kiss
pavement3 he pro&a&ly was going to try "or &est &ehavior!
<1 $all shotgun,= #war sai!
<?ine,= 1 sai!
Something in that one wor ha let him know 1 wasn't happy! +e 7ust knew ea$h other too
well to hie mu$h o" anything! He looke at me, his "a$e hal" in shaow an hal" in the light
"rom a istant streetlight!
He $alle to Thomas, <-ive us a minute!= Then it was our turn to step "ar enough away "rom
the o""i$er to not &e overhear!
1 wante to tell #war a&out at least part o" my ream, an ask what he thought a&out
Bi&iana asking a&out it! How ha she known/ +hat i she know/ Ha Belle Morte $hange
the ream, or was she in tou$h with the Vegas tigers/ ,ats were her animals to $all, 7ust like
Marmee 2oir! But metaphysi$s like this wasn't really #war's "orte! He wouln't know
more a&out this than 1 i! 1 neee to talk to someone who might! 1 neee to talk to Bean;
,laue, alone!
<5ou all right/= he aske %uietly, his &a$k to 4""i$er Thomas!
<2ot sure! 1 nee to ask Bean;,laue some stu"" in private, soon!=
<She aske you a&out your reams!=
1 looke at him an reali8e that he ha $aught it an unerstoo more than most! <1 ha a
ream, an it was a oo8y!=
He smile, <A oo8y, okay! ,an you wait to talk to Bean;,laue, or o you nee me to
entertain Thomas/=
1 thought a&out that! <0et's get &a$k to 4la" an Bernaro! 0et's see what's happening with
>aula ,hu an the $ase! 1'll try to put the metaphysi$s on the &a$k &urner "or a while!=
<4kay, i" you're sure!=
<Am 1 sure/ 2ot really, &ut 1'm here with a &age3 let's a$t like 1'm a real marshal an not
some "reak!=
He tou$he my shouler! <Anita, this isn't like you!=
<5eah, it is, #war! 1'm wonering i" 1 $an o my 7o&, or i" the metaphysi$s is getting too
eep "or a &age!=
<The metaphysi$s helps you &e &etter at the 7o&!=
<Sometimes, &ut we've 7ust spent "our hours with me in a healing sleep wrappe aroun a
nake weretiger, so that the other $ops $ouln't see that my own internal &east ha $ut me
"rom the insie out! +e ha to take &oth you an me o"" the $ase while we i it! That's not
goo, #war! 2ow it's "ull ark, an Vittorio is out there! +e lost important time &e$ause
we were trying to hie what 1 am!=
<Then let's stop arguing a&out it an go to the station! Bernaro will $at$h us up!=
<Don't you see, #war, Te, whatever, that "or you an me "or the last "our hours, healing
me, hiing me, was more important than the $ase! That's not how $ops think!=
<+e think 7ust "ine, Anita!=
1 on't know what showe on my "a$e, &ut he gra&&e my arm! <Don't o this to yoursel"!
Don't tear yoursel" own!=
<1t's the truth!=
<1t's only the truth i" you &uy into it! 5eah, we lost "our hours, &ut you're heale, an we
know that Ma( oesn't agree with what Bi&iana is oing! +e know that Vi$tor isn't happy
with his mother an sies with his "ather! *nowing the politi$s o" a $ity's monsters is
valua&le, Anita!=
1 wante to argue, an might have, &ut Thomas sai, <Sorry to interrupt, &ut i" 1'm leaving
patrol, 1 nee to get you guys to the station, then get &a$k!=
<+e're $oming,= #war $alle! He still ha my arm! <Do you nee to $all Bean;,laue
now/=
1 shook my hea! <1t $an wait! +e've lost enough time!=
He looke at me a moment longer3 1 met his eyes $lear an straight! He let go o" my arm an
steppe &a$k, then turne &a$k to Thomas all smiles! <Sorry, Thomas, in't mean to keep
you!=
<1t's okay, &ut 1 gotta answer to my supervisor, you know/=
<+e know,= 1 sai! A$tually, we in't! 4ne o" the reasons the 6!S!
Marshals Servi$e in't like having us on their team was that we' &e gra"te on without any
e(tra support sta""! Bas$ially, we were marshals, &ut we in't have to answer to their
hierar$hy mu$h! The preternatural &ran$h was almost a law unto itsel"! +hile the other
marshals were "illing out tons o" paperwork every time they "ire their guns in the line o"
uty, we were &lowing people away with no paperwork re%uire! 4ur warrants o" e(e$ution
were the only paperwork! They' e(perimente with having some o" us o reports, &ut the
etails were so grim, so istur&ing, that some suit up the line e$ie the Marshals Servi$e
wasn't sure it wante the preternatural &ran$h's e(ploits immortali8e on paper! 1n normal
poli$e work, reports are suppose to $over your ass, &ut sometimes when it's really &a, they
$an &e use against you later! +e' never ha to o reports &e"ore, an so "ar still in't! That
might $hange, &ut "or now, it was a sort o" on't ask, on't tell poli$y!
1 sat in the &a$k o" the s%ua $ar musing on what it meant to have a &age when your 7o&
es$ription han't $hange! +e were assassins! 0egal, government;san$tione assassins!
Some o" us trie to &e goo marshals, &ut in the en, the other marshals save lives, an all
we i was take them! 1n the en, all the &ages in the worl in't $hange what we were an
what we i! 1 roe through the arkene $ity until light hit an 1 saw the Strip rising over the
&uilings like some "or$e o" nature glowing against the night! +e weren't heae that way,
&ut 1 knew it was there, like &eing a&le to "eel the o$ean even though you $an't see it!
Thomas rove us away "rom the &right lights, an that was a&out how 1 "elt tonight, like 1 was
getting pushe "urther "rom the light, "urther "rom what it meant to &e human, "urther "rom
who 1 thought 1 was an who 1 thought 1' &e! 1 sat in the &a$k letting #war's an Thomas's
so"t voi$es wash over me! They were talking shop3 all $ops o it! Talk a&out $rime or women,
an with me in the $ar, they wouln't o that! #war woul see to it, an Thomas woul still
&e on his &est &ehavior!
1 sat there an let my $on"usion wash over me until it was a kin o" epression! 1 in't know
how to &e a goo $op an a goo monster at the same time! My two worls were &eginning to
$lash, an 1 ha no iea how to stop it!
51



#D+A)D A2D 1 got to "lash &ages an go own the $orrior that hel the interrogation
rooms, &ut we hear the argument "rom aroun the $orner! 1 re$ogni8e Bernaro's voi$e an
that o" another man! 1 $aught wors: <How o you know ! ! ! 5ou $an't let her go ! ! ! +hy
not/=
+e $ame aroun the $orner to "in Dete$tive # Morgan arguing with Bernaro! 1 han't
reali8e that Morgan was a little uner si( "eet until 1 saw him ne(t to the very si( "eet o"
Bernaro! Always harer to get up in someone's "a$e i" you have to look up at them, &ut
Morgan was trying! 4la" was leaning against the wall, slou$hing so he in't tower over
everyone, looking &ore!
Morgan turne on us like a storm looking "or somewhere to "all! He pointe a "inger at us!
<5ou know something that you're not telling us a&out >aula ,hu!=
<+e 7ust got here,= 1 sai! <+e on't even know what the "ight's a&out!=
4la" pushe himsel" upright an sai, <They want to let the weretigers go, an Bernaro is
trying to hol >aula ,hu!=
Bernaro looke at us, his eyes &la$k with anger! The &ones o" his "a$e tight with it!
<But he won't tell me why he wants to hol ,hu,= Morgan sai, striing own the hall towar
us! #war an 1 kept walking, so we sort o" met in the mile! He wave a "inger in
#war's "a$e, then mine! <An one o" you tol him to keep her here, &ut not why! +hy/
+hat are you holing &a$k/=
The anger vi&rate o"" him in waves! 1 ha the thought, I could feed on that aner. Id feel
better, and the fiht would be over. &o, bad, $nita, bad idea. 1 trie to put my hans in my
po$kets, &ut ha too many weapons in the way!
<May&e it's the "a$t that she was the live;in girl"rien o" the weretiger that went apeshit this
a"ternoon,= Bernaro sai, $oming up &ehin us all! 4la" traile &ehin him!
<That's not enough to hol her,= Morgan sai!
<1 know you $an hol her "or longer than this, Morgan,= #war sai!
1 ha an iea! <+hat i" we make a $ast o" the $laws on all these tigers, mat$h them to the
wouns! +e $an let them go a"ter that, i" you want!=
<+e are not en$ouraging these people to shapeshi"t insie the poli$e station, Blake! 2o way!=
<They on't nee to shi"t all the way, 7ust the $laws,= 1 sai!
He "rowne at me! <+hat/=
<1 tol the M# that the $law marks were those mae &y the very power"ul shapeshi"ters that
$an 7ust put $laws out an then &a$k own, sort o" like swit$h&laes!=
<+e ha the le$ture on ly$anthropes,= Morgan sai! <The power"ul have two shapes: "ull
animal an man;animal! An on$e they shi"t, they $an &e over$ome &y a esire "or "resh meat
an killing! They $an't shi"t &a$k "or at least si( to eight hours, an on$e they shi"t &a$k, they
are $omatose "or hours a"ter that! 1'm not setting weretigers loose in our station, when we
$an't guarantee that they' even &e thinking enough like people to let us take a $ast o" their
$laws!=
<Trust me, i" they $an o the instant $laws, then they're thinking 7ust "ine, an only the very
new ly$anthropes have the overpowering nee to "ee right a"ter they shi"t!=
<An 1'm 7ust suppose to &elieve you instea o" our own e(perts,= Morgan sai, isain
thi$k in his voi$e!
<She's who 1 $all when 1'm stumpe,= #war sai!
1 looke at him an trie to see &ehin that pleasant Te "a$e! <Thanks, Te!=
<1t's the truth!=
<1 on't $are that you trust her! I on't trust her! 1 on't trust any o" you!=
1 sai, trying "or patien$e, <5our e(pert either hunts them or stuies them a$aemi$ally,
right/=
Morgan "rowne, thought a&out it, then noe! <5eah!=
<1 live with two o" them! Trust me when 1 say that 1 know shapeshi"ters &etter than your
e(pert!=
<So &e$ause you're "u$king some shapeshi"ters, 1 shoul 7ust trust you/=
1 smile, &ut it wasn't my happy smile, it was the one 1 i when 1 was trying not to get ma!
<5eah, a$tually, 1 know shapeshi"ters in ways that your e(pert $ouln't imagine!=
<1 on't nee to hear a&out your kinks, Blake!=
1 took that last step, invaing his personal spa$e! 1 steppe until either he ha to &a$k up or
we' tou$h! He stoo his groun, so that we were a hair's &reath apart! ?rom any istan$e at
all, you' think we were tou$hing!
Morgan &linke own at me! That &link was a nervous gesture3 his tell, like in poker! He
in't like me this $lose, or ! ! !
1 spoke $are"ully, letting the anger seep into my voi$e! <My kinks are none o" your &usiness,
Morgan! ,at$hing this &astar is! Do you want to help me $at$h him, or her, or o you want to
piss an moan an $riti$i8e my se( li"e/=
<+hat am 1 suppose to think when you tell me you're living with two o" them/=
<5ou're suppose to think that 1 am a valua&le resour$e o" in"ormation a&out a little;known
minority in this $ountry, an that my insight might &e invalua&le to this investigation!= 1
spoke lower an lower, an wat$he him lean in to hear!
His "a$e was almost tou$hing mine when 1 "inishe! He ha an o e(pression on his "a$e as
he sai, so"tly, <1nvalua&le!=
1 in't kiss him, in't tou$h him at all, &ut in that moment he surrenere to me, an 1 "e
on his anger! 4ne &reath, it was insie him3 the ne(t, it was on my skin like a warm rush o"
air! 1 $lose my eyes an &reathe it in, an it was goo, an 1 han't meant it!
#war tou$he my shouler an ease me &a$k "rom the ete$tive! Morgan staye staning,
staring at where 1' &een, as i" 1 han't move!
Bernaro whispere, <5our eyes!=
+e hear someone &ehin us! #war got his sunglasses out o" his po$ket an hane them
to me! 1 in't ask why3 the look on all their "a$es was enough! My eyes ha gone all
vampiry! 1' ha it happen a time or two, &ut 1' always &een a&le to "eel it happen! 1 slippe
the glasses on an reali8e that 1 han't one it on purpose, &ut Morgan was still staning
there, staring at nothing! 2ot knowing what 1' one to him, or how, 1 in't know how to
&ring him out o" it! ?eeing on someone's anger ha never one this &e"ore! Shit!
Bernaro starte walking own the hall! <Sheri"" Shaw, how you oing tonight/=
4" $ourse, it woul &e Shaw! Dou&le shit!
<Bring him out o" this, Anita,= #war whispere!
<1 on't know how!=
<Do something,= 4la" sai uner his &reath as he move not own the hall &ut to &lo$k
Shaw's view o" Morgan an me! +ith his &roa &a$k in the way, 1 move $loser to the
ete$tive!
1 sai, <Morgan, Morgan, you in there/=
<Hurry,= #war sai!
1 snappe my "ingers in "ront o" his "a$e! 2othing! 1n esperation 1 shook his shouler, enough
to &o& his hea, an sai, harshly, <MorganA=
He &linke an raise his hea! He looke aroun as i" he in't e(pe$t to &e staning in the
hallway! 1 waite "or him to a$$use me o" using magi$ on him, a serious &rea$h o" so many
laws, &ut he 7ust looke aroun us! <1'll get to work on those su&poenas!=
<Su&poenas/= 1 sai!
<5eah, so we $an get $law mark $asts "rom the weretigers! #ither that'll $lear them, or we'll
know we have our &a guy, or girl!= He smile at me, a real smile! Then he move past us
towar Shaw, who was "inally getting past Bernaro!
<+hat the hell is going on here/= Shaw aske!
Morgan, still smiling, e(plaine a&out the su&poenas an all o" it!
<1t's not possi&le "or them to shi"t 7ust $laws,= Shaw sai!
Morgan $orre$te him an parrote &a$k almost wor "or wor what 1' tol him!
Shaw looke past Morgan to me as he sai, <An who tol you all this/=
<Marshal Blake!=
<She i, i she/=
Morgan noe an went o"" to o what 1' wante him to o, an what minutes &e"ore he
woul never have one at all! Mother o" -o, what ha 1 one/ An was it a goo thing or a
&a thing/
52



SHA+ ,AM# D4+2 the hallway, so angry it &orere on rage, an that little voi$e in my
hea sai, 1ood! 1 $oul siphon o"" his anger an "ee! Anger wasn't as $omplete a "ee as
lust an roman$e "or the ardeur! 1t was having a sna$k &ut not a meal! 1t ha &een nearly
twelve hours sin$e 1' last "e the ardeur! 1t took energy to heal wouns, an though 1' slept
in the shaow o" Vi$tor's energy, 1 han't "e o"" him! Shit, shit, shit, 1 neee to &e away
"rom the other $ops, an soon!
<5ou i something to Morgan! 1 on't know what, or how, &ut you i something!=
1 move a little &ehin #war so there' &e no $han$e o" Shaw getting too $lose to me! 1
in't trust mysel" aroun all that rage!
<5ou $an't hie &ehin ?orrester "orever, Blake!=
<Think o" it as more "or your prote$tion than mine,= 1 sai, smiling sweetly! +hi$h was the
wrong thing to say, an the wrong thing to o! +hy ha 1 one either/ +hat was wrong with
me/
His "a$e &egan to mottle with his anger! His &ig hans "ole into "ists! <Are you threatening
me/=
<2o,= 1 sai, an trie to make that one wor ino""ensive!
His $ell phone went o"", an he steppe away, sort o" sieways to us, as i" he in't want to
give us his &a$k, to &ark into the phone, <Shaw, what/= He was %uiet "or a "ew minutes
listening, then noe an sai, <+e'll &e there!=
He walke &a$k to us, the anger level lower, an his "a$e ege with lines that han't &een
there a moment &e"ore! 1 was almost a hunre per$ent sure what the news woul &e!
<+e have another ea stripper! 1t looks like it's this Vittorio again!=
1 in't $hastise him "or not giving us the "iles on the earlier stripper eaths! The tireness in
his "a$e showe 7ust how mu$h this $ase was taking out o" him! <+e'll "ollow you,= #war
sai!
<?ine!= He turne an went &a$k the way we' $ome! +e traile &ehin him!
#war roppe &a$k an whispere, <Are you all right/=
<1 on't know,= 1 sai!
He lowere his voi$e even more, <5ou "e on him somehow!=
<His anger,= 1 sai!
<1've never seen you o that!=
<1t's new!=
<+hat else is new/= he aske, an the look in his eyes wasn't one 1 like seeing "rom
#war! He was my "rien, my goo "rien, &ut there was still part o" him that wonere
whi$h o" us was &etter! 1 knew who was &etter.him.&ut he wasn't a hunre per$ent sure
o" that! There was a part o" him that was no longer $ertain he' win, an a &igger part o" him
wante the %uestion answere! 2ow he looke at me, not like a "rien &ut like he was
wonering how mu$h more power"ul 1' grown, an what that might mean i" we ever hunte
ea$h other!
<Don't go there, ! ! ! Te,= 1 sai!
He gave me eyes as $ol as a winter sky! <5ou nee to tell me a&out the new stu""!=
<2o,= 1 sai, <not with that look on your "a$e, 1 on't!=
He smile then, an it was a smile to mat$h the eyes! 1t wasn't that i""erent "rom the way a
shapeshi"ter looke at you when they were wonering what you' taste like, e($ept #war's
smile wasn't as warm!
+e were out in the neon;lit ark, &ut it was still too ark "or the glasses ! ! ! ha my eyes
turne &a$k/ 1 waite until we' "ollowe 4la" an Bernaro to the S6V! +hen we were all
in our seats, 1 lowere the glasses enough so 1 $oul "lash them at #war! <How o 1 look/=
<2ormal,= he sai, an his voi$e was $rawling &a$k out o" that #war $ol, to something
that wouln't "righten small $hilren i" they hear it!
1 hane the glasses &a$k to him!
He shook his hea! <*eep them, 7ust in $ase!=
<+hat happene to mine/=
<Smashe!= He starte the engine an "ollowe the line o" poli$e $ars that were trailing out,
lights an sirens "illing the night, as i" we were trying to wake everyone up!
<How i my glasses get smashe, an what happene to the win&reaker you loane me/=
<Bi&iana an her tigers wante to put another weretiger in the &e with you an Vi$tor! 1
in't agree!=
Bernaro leane "orwar over the &a$kseat, holing on to the seat as #war took a $orner a
little "ast! <+hat happene in the hallway, Anita/=
<She i something to the ete$tive,= 4la" sai!
1 glan$e &a$k at the &ig man, almost lost in the shaows o" the $ar! <How o you know what
1 i/=
<1 on't know what you i to him, &ut 1 know you i something! 1 saw your eyes $hange!=
<5ou in't say anything,= Bernaro sai!
<1 in't think we wante the other poli$eman to know!=
<Sorry that 1 &lurte that out,= Bernaro sai, giving 4la" a look, then &a$k to me! <But what
i you o to Morgan/=
1 glan$e at #war!
<Tell them, i" you want to!=
<5ou saw what 1 i!=
<5ou mae him agree with you,= 4la" sai!
<5eah!=
<How i you o it/= Bernaro aske!
<1" 1 sai I dont know, woul you &elieve me/=
Bernaro sai no, an 4la" sai yes!
Bernaro "rowne at him again! <+hy o you &elieve that/=
<The look on her "a$e when she reali8e what she ha one! 1t "rightene her!=
Bernaro seeme to think a&out it, then "rowne again! <She in't look s$are3 nervous,
may&e!=
<1t was "ear!=
<An you're sure o" that/= Bernaro aske!
<5es,= 4la" sai!
<Be$ause you know Anita so well!=
<2o, &e$ause 1 know the look o" "ear on someone's "a$e, Bernaro, man or woman! 1 know
"ear when 1 see it!=
<?ine!= Bernaro turne &a$k to me! <Are you a vampire/=
<2o!= Then 1 thought a&out it! <2ot in the traitional sense!=
<+hat oes that mean/=
<1 on't "ee on &loo! 1'm not ea! Holy o&7e$ts an sunshine on't &other me! 1 go to
$hur$h most Sunays an nothing &ursts into "lame!= 1 $ouln't keep the &itterness out o" my
voi$e on that last part!
<But you $an $lou men's mins an make them o what you want, like a vamp!=
<This was the "irst time "or that!=
The $ars ha stoppe ahea, smearing the &u&&le lights into the mi( o" neon "rom the
&uilings! +e were 7ust o"" the main Strip, so that the &righter lights o" it peeke over the
&uilings aroun us like some arti"i$al awn pressing against the night!
<+e're here,= #war sai!
<+hi$h is your way o" saying, Sto' askin 7uestions,= Bernaro sai!
<1t is,= #war sai!
<1 think we have a right to ask %uestions when we're helping her $over up whatever she's
oing!=
1 $ouln't really argue that!
<5ou've &oth volunteere to "ee her with se(,= #war sai! <5ou might want to unerstan
what you're volunteering "or &e"ore you open your mouth!= +ith that, #war opene his
oor an got out! 1 in't wait "or an invitation! 1 got out, too, an le"t our &a$kseat rivers to
s$ram&le out an "ollow us! 4kay, Bernaro s$ram&le! 4la" 7ust seeme to pour himsel" out
o" the $ar an &e walking &ehin us! ?unny that Bernaro was all spooke, &ut 4la" seeme
"ine with it! 4" $ourse, i" he wante me to overlook the whole serial killer thing, he' have to
&e a little more unerstaning with me! 0iving vampire, serial killer3 po;tay;to, po;tah;to!
53



TH# B4D5 0A5 in a &roken heap in an alley &ehin the $lu& she worke at, as i" when they
umpe the &oy they' &rought her home! The last &oy ump in St! 0ouis ha &een 7ust
outsie the $lu& where the an$er worke, too! But that one ha &een $lean $ompare to this,
7ust vampire &ites! Death &y e(sanguination! This woman han't ha time to &lee to eath!
1 reali8e that this one, like most o" the &oy umps in St! 0ouis, was in a pla$e where
shaows woul hie some o" the amage! Almost as i" even the killer $ouln't "a$e what he'
one in &right light!
The woman's ne$k was at an angle so sharp that 1 $oul see spine poking against the skin o"
the ne$k, not %uite through the skin, &ut $lose! The ne$k was ugly an wrong, &ut that was
nothing $ompare to what he, or they, ha one to the rest o" the ! ! ! &oy!
There were &urns on hal" her "a$e, an going own one sie o" the &oy! The skin was re an
angry an &la$kene an peeling, an the other hal" o" her &oy was per"e$t! >ale an young
an &eauti"ul, paire with the &la$kene ruin o" the other hal" o" her!
Bernaro took a sharp &reath in an walke a little way own the alley! 1 "or$e mysel" to stay
s%uatte &y the &oy, an trie not to smell anything! The alley in't smell that goo to
&egin with, &ut usually &urne "lesh overpowers everything else! This in't! The &urns
weren't that "resh, or they woul've smelle more!
1 swallowe har an stoo up, letting mysel" look at the people aroun me instea o" the
&oy! 1 ha to keep thinking o" it, really har, as the &oy, &e$ause to humani8e it at all woul
&e too mu$h! 1t wouln't help me solve this $rime to think a&out what this woman ha gone
through! Honest, it wouln't!
Shaw stoo there, staring own at the &oy, with a look on his "a$e that 1 $oul only es$ri&e
as lost! Morgan ha re7oine us, telling us that he ha the su&poenas in the works! He now
seeme to think it was his iea, an was &a$k to not &eing all that "rienly with me! 1 was
a$tually relieve! +hatever 1' one to him seeme to &e short a$ting! Dete$tive Thurgoo
ha 7oine us in her ill;"itting skirt suit, sensi&le high heels, an &a attitue! But no one's
attitue was parti$ularly rosy, so it was okay!
1 aske them, <Have the other &oies looke like this/=
<2ot like this,= Shaw sai!
<2o,= Morgan sai!
Thurgoo 7ust shook her hea, lips in a line so thin that her mouth was almost invis&le in her
"a$e! ?rom the lips an the la$k o" talking, 1 was &etting she was "ighting o"" nausea!
<+ere the other &oies &urne/= 1 aske!
<The last two, &ut not nearly this &a,= Shaw sai!
<Are you even sure it's the same guy "rom St! 0ouis/ He never i anything like this in your
$ity,= Morgan sai!
<How o you know what he i in my $ity/= 1 aske!
<+e talke to 0ieutenant Storr, an he "ille us in,= Shaw sai!
1 in't want to tell them that Dolph ha not tol me a&out the in%uiry "rom Vegas! 1 in't
want to amit that someone who 1 was suppose to &e working with ha $ut me out o" the
loop $ompletely! So 1 pretene like this wasn't news an went &a$k to trying to preten that
hal" the $ops 1 worke with weren't treating me like a perp!
<Vittorio an his people in't &urn any o" the &oies, &ut yeah, 1'm pretty sure it's him!=
<How $an you &e sure, i" this wasn't his M4 in St! 0ouis or any o" the other towns/= Morgan
aske!
#war ha move up &esie me, not too $lose, &ut $lose enough to let me know that he ha
unerstoo that Dolph han't tol me! That he unerstoo how mu$h that might &other me!
<Be$ause this is what the ,hur$h use to o to vampires they $oul $apture alive! They use
holy water, whi$h &urns like a$i! 1t was suppose to &urn the evil out o" them! But the only
two 1 know o" personally that were treate like this were &oth &eauti"ul, very &eauti"ul! 1t's a
lot a&out the ark sie o" the ,hur$h3 they say they i it to save the soul, &ut they usually
pi$k vi$tims that satis"y some nee in them!=
<Are you saying the ,hur$h was like a serial/= Thurgoo "inally spoke in a voi$e that was a
little $hoke &ut still ni$ely angry!
<1 guess3 1 7ust "in it interesting that the only two men 1 know who were treate like this were
very "air o" "a$e an &oy, an they were &urne like this! 1've never hear o" a vamp that
starte li"e as plain that they i this to! 1' &e intereste to know i" it was the same priest, or
group o" priests!=
Thurgoo again! <Are you saying that &eauti"ul men were some priest's vi$tim pro"ile/=
<1 guess two isn't a pattern, may&e a $oin$ien$e, &ut i" 1 "in a thir, than yeah, that's what
1' &e saying!=
<That's a monstrous lie,= she sai!
<Hey, 1'm ,hristian, too, &ut there are &a guys in every pro"ession!=
<+hat oes it matter what some priest that has &een ea "or hunres o" years i or in't
o/= Bernaro sai! He' walke &a$k to 7oin us at the &oy! <+e $an't $at$h him3 he's
alreay ea! +e nee to $at$h Vittorio!=
<The marshal's right,= Shaw sai! ?or a minute it was a little un$lear whi$h marshal he meant3
then he sai, <+e nee to $at$h the live ones!=
<Are you saying that this vampire is trying to upli$ate his own in7uries/= Morgan aske! 1t
was almost like he was ignoring them &oth!
<0ooks like,= 1 sai!
<The others ie o" &loo loss3 there was no &roken ne$k,= Shaw sai!
<May&e they took pity on her,= Bernaro sai!
+e all looke at him!
He noe towar the &oy! <May&e one o" Vittorio's people put her out o" her misery!=
<4r may&e they got tire o" her s$reaming,= 4la" sai!
+e looke at him then3 1 think anything was &etter than looking at the &oy! 4la" was still
staring at the &oy! 1" it &othere him, it in't show!
<4r may&e she passe out "rom the pain, an it wasn't "un anymore,= Shaw sai!
<5ou on't pass out "rom this,= Bernaro sai! <5ou on't sleep! 5ou on't rest! 5ou on't
o anything &ut hurt unless they $an get enough rugs in you, an even then, sometimes the
pain overries it!=
<5ou talk like you know,= Shaw sai!
<1 ha a "rien that got &urne &a!= He looke away so that he wasn't looking at any o" us!
+hatever e(peression was on his "a$e, he wante to keep it to himsel"!
<+hat happene/= Shaw aske!
<He ie!= Then Bernaro walke away "rom us! This time he walke "arther, pushing his
way through the $row, until he "oun a pie$e o" alley to lean against! 1t put him $loser to the
reporters, who starte shouting out %uestions when they saw his &age an the gloves on his
hans! He ignore them all, 7ust $losing his eyes an leaning &a$k! +hatever he was seeing,
or trying not to see, $ut out anything they $oul shout at him!
<1s he right,= 1 aske 4la", <you never stop s$reaming or pass out/=
<1 o not know,= 4la" sai! <1 o not like "ire!=
1 reali8e that though it in't seem to &other him to look at the &oy, he wasn't en7oying it
the way he ha the &oies in the morgue! He like &laes an &loo, &ut not "ire! -oo to
know, 1 guess!
1 turne to Shaw! <+e nee to see the other photos, the other vi$tims! #spe$ially the last two!=
He looke at me, "rowning! 1 was getting a lot o" that in Vegas! <There's nothing in the
reports "rom St! 0ouis that you guys a$tually saw Vittorio! How o you know he's &urne/=
1 "ought to keep my "a$e even, empty, not to wien even my eyes, &e$ause 1 ha "orgotten! 1
knew Vittorio's "ate "rom a letter "rom his lay love, who ha le"t him a"ter St! 0ouis, a"rai
"or her li"e an her new lover's li"e! She han't &een a&le to eal with his maness anymore!
She' even helpe us in St! 0ouis, putting the &oies where' we' "in them sooner, trying to
leave $lues! The letter ha $ome to Bean;,laue, as Master o" the ,ity! 1t ha never o$$urre
to me to share it with the $ops!
Bean;,laue ha $he$ke with the vampire $oun$il a&out Vittorio an ha it $on"irme! But
again, 1 han't share it with the poli$e! 1t han't seeme important then!
1 thought a&out what to say now! <1 aske some o" my vampire in"ormants i" they ha any
&a$kgroun on him!= #ven to me it soune lame!
<+hat else i your vampires tell you/= Shaw sai, an is&elie" was "irm in his voi$e!
<Bust that the holy water &urns are &a enough that he's pro&a&ly una&le to per"orm se(, so he
puts all that energy into this!=
<The vampires tol you that/= This "rom Thurgoo! She gave goo isain! The alley's
shaows $ouln't hie the s$orn, or may&e it was 7ust that with the short hair you $oul see it
$lear an har! 4r may&e 1 was 7ust &eing overly sensitive!
<2o, they tol me the &urns are &a enough he $an't "un$tion! 1 mae the logi$al leap a&out
what that kin o" anger might o to someone who was going to have to live "orever in a &oy
that amage!=
<5ou shoul leave the pro"iling to the pro"essionals, Blake,= Shaw sai!
<?ine, &ut 1've tol you what 1 know!=
<+hy isn't it in the notes on the $ase/=
<Be$ause 1 in't "in it out while the $ase was going on! 1n "a$t, "or a while they sai the
$ase was $lose!=
<5ou tol me why you were the only one who &elieve you han't kille Vittorio in that
$ono in St! 0ouis!=
<2o one we kille was power"ul enough to &e him,= 1 sai!
Shaw steppe $lose, looming over me! <5ou know what 1 think, Blake/ 1 think you saw
Vittorio! 1 think you saw him "a$e to "a$e! 1 on't think you learne any o" this "rom your
vampire "riens! 1 think you learne it in person!=
<Then why isn't he ea/=
<5ou're so sure you $oul kill him/=
<?ine, then why aren't 1 ea/ Be$ause 1 promise you this, Shaw, i" we met "a$e to "a$e, it
woul &e one or the other!=
<May&e he was one o" your vampire lovers!=
1 looke own at the groun, trying not to get angry!
<5ou aren't going to eny it, then/=
1 "inally looke up an in't try to hie that 1 was pisse! <1've trie to &e a goo sport here,
&ut 1've alreay tol you, i" reports are a$$urate, then he's not $apa&le o" se(! An trust me, i"
1' seen him, 1' have trie to wha$k his ass!=
<1nter$ourse isn't possi&le, &ut a girl as &usy as you are shoul know there are other things
you $an o!=
Thurgoo an Morgan $ame up &y Shaw! Thurgoo sai, <Sir, why on't we step &a$k a
little!=
#war tou$he my shouler, whi$h meant 1' pro&a&ly mae some involuntary movement
towar him! #war leane over an whispere, <?ile a $omplaint!=
1 noe! <Do you want me to "ile an o""i$ial $omplaint "or se(ual harassment/ 1s that what
you want/=
<?ile an &e amne, &ut you know more than you're sharing with the humans, Blake!=
<#ven i" that's true, Sheri"",= Morgan sai, now a$tually staning &etween us, <this isn't the
way! +e have reporters wat$hing us!=
Shaw glan$e &a$k, then "orwar! <1 was willing to &elieve the rumors weren't true until 1
saw you han in han with one o" Ma('s weretigers an then kissing his son, also a weretiger!
5ou $laim that you 7ust met him, an 7ust met -regory Minns, &ut no one, no one, makes
"riens that "ast! 5ou manage to $onvin$e some o" my &est men that you're telling the truth!
But 1 know=.he hit his &ig $hest har.<you "u$ke at least one o" Bi&iana's guars, may&e
more! 1 know that you're no more human than the things that torture that girl!= He pointe
ramati$ally at the &oy!
+hat he' 7ust sai was wrong, o! <+hi$h guar i 1 "u$k/= 1 aske, wat$hing his "a$e!
He seeme to hear himsel" an shook his hea! <How o 1 know, all $ats are gray in the ark,=
he sai!
<How o you know 1 "u$ke anyone when 1 went to visit Bi&iana/= 1 aske!
He "ought to put his $op "a$e &a$k on, &ut it was shaky aroun the eges! <5ou $ame out
holing hans with one o" her tigers!=
<,rispin's a stripper, like you sai, not a guar! 1" you're going to a$$use me in "ront o" the
other poli$emen, you nee more proo" than 7ust me holing hans with someone!=
<May&e your reputation pre$ees you, Blake!= He mae it mean, &ut it la$ke a $ertain ege!
1 was pretty sure 1 knew now why Shaw ha gone "rom istrust"ul to hostile, an it wasn't 7ust
issues with his wi"e! He' hear tapes "rom our visit to Bi&iana, whi$h meant that someone
ha the apartments &ugge! 1t ha to &e "eeral o" some "lavor, an they' let Shaw hear 7ust
enough to smear my reputation to hell!
1 trie to hear what it might have soune like i" all you ha was the soun with Domino an
,rispin an the rest! +oul it soun like se(/ May&e! 1t woul i" that's the interpretation you
wante to put on it! 5ou o"ten "in what you're looking "or i" that's all you look "or3
e(pe$tation &e$omes truth!
Bernaro ha $ome up &ehin us all when it looke like it was going to get interesting! He'
hear, so he got to say, <+hat "lavor o" ?e are you "riens with, Shaw/=
Morgan an Thurgoo ha move &a$k "rom him, as i" he were suenly $ontagious, an
may&e he was! Some ?e ha let him listen in to an ongoing investigation, an he' 7ust
spille the "a$t that they ha su$$ess"ully &ugge Ma('s home to people that Shaw thought
ha "u$ke their people an were may&e more on their sie than the $ops!
<Shaw,= Morgan sai!
Thurgoo 7ust stoo there, hans at her sies, not %uite looking at him, as i" that woul make
it &etter! 1" you on't see it, then it in't happen, may&e!
He knew he' "u$ke up3 it was there in his eyes, $aught in a line o" light in all the shaows!
He talke to us then! <1 on't know what you're talking a&out, Marshals! +ith Blake's rep,
why wouln't 1 think she' "u$ke every tiger in the pla$e/=
He' trie "or mean, &ut 1 smile sweetly at him!
<+hat's so "unny/=
<5ou $an still save this,= 1 sai, <7ust ask!=
<1 on't know what you're talking a&out!=
He was going to preten that he han't sai too mu$h! Thurgoo an Morgan woul pro&a&ly
&a$k him on it! Di he trust that 1' play &all 7ust &e$ause 1 ha a &age/
<1roni$,= 1 sai, <you've 7ust "inishe telling me 1'm more on the sie o" the monsters, &ut
you're $ounting on me &eing a goo $op! 5ou've a$$use me o" "u$king multiple weretigers,
&ut you're epening on me honoring the &age a&ove my suppose lovers! 4r is it 7ust that
you'll preten you in't say it, an it will go away/ 1 in't think $ops i that! 1 thought
$ops looke things in the "a$e!=
<5ou sai it yoursel", Blake3 you're an assassin, not a $op!=
1 smile, &ut this one wasn't sweet! <>er"e$t, Shaw, per"e$t!=
#war move me &a$k with a han on my shouler, so he was "a$ing Shaw! <Bernaro, take
Anita "or a walk, that ire$tion!= He pointe away "rom the reporters!
Bernaro starte walking, an 1 "ell in step &esie him! 1 hal";e(pe$te 4la" to protest that he
wante to go on the walk, &ut he move up to &e at #war's &a$k! -oo to know that we
were there to &a$k ea$h other up! 1 wasn't sure a&out some o" the Vegas $ops anymore!
Bernaro le me past the &oy, an as i" we' agree, we in't look at it mu$h! +e 7ust
walke until the alley was a little arker without the lights they' set up at the "ar en! Though
what got me to stop was that the smell was less sour here, an a "ew more "eet an we' run
into another group o" $ops holing the other en o" the alley!
<That was interesting,= he sai!
1 noe! <5eah!=
<They've got the pla$e &ugge!=
1 noe again! 1 trie to think o" everything 1' sai in the apartment! 1 $ouln't remem&er all
o" it, &ut it ha &een enough!
<5ou're trying to remem&er everything you sai, aren't you/=
<5es!=
<1" all 1 ha was the soun, 1 might think se(, an 1' so &elieve that you $oul shapeshi"t "or
real!=
<+hi$h will $ost me my &age!=
<2ot until they're willing to amit how they got the re$oring,= he sai!
<+ith Shaw &la&&ing, who knows/=
<Do you "eel $on"li$te/=
1 looke up at him, stuying his "a$e in the im light "or what little it i me! <Do you mean,
am 1 going to go tattle to the tigers/=
He shrugge!
<2o,= 1 sai!
<5ou wouln't want Bean;,laue's pla$e &ugge!=
<2o, &ut we sweep "or listening evi$es on a regular &asis! Ma( shoul, too!=
<So you won't tell &e$ause it's sloppy &usiness pra$ti$es on Ma('s part/= He starte to lean
against the wall, then thought &etter o" it an stoppe in mimotion!
<>artly, &ut 1 am a "eeral o""i$er! 1 o have a &age! Ma( is into $riminal a$tivities! How $an
1 &low an operation that may save lives/=
<So, &age "irst,= he sai, so"tly!
1 glare up at him, not sure he $oul see it in the imness! <+hat, you &elieve what Shaw was
saying, that 1'm more loyal to the monsters than the poli$e/=
He hel up his hans as i" holing me o""! <That's not what 1 meant! 1t's 7ust that i" 1 ha all
your issues, 1 might "eel $on"li$te!=
1 sighe! <Sorry, &ut 1'm tire, Bernaro! 1'm tire o" having the other poli$e think 1'm one o"
the "reaks!= 1 shook my hea! <Hell, 1'm not sure they're wrong! 1've &egun to woner i" 1 $an
serve the &age an my other master at the same time!=
He leane "orwar! <Are you thinking o" hanging it up/=
1t was my turn to shrug! <1 on't know, may&e!=
<1 $an't see you not oing this, Anita!=
<2either $an 1, &ut ! ! ! Shaw isn't the "irst $op to think my loyalties are ivie! He won't &e
the last! 1'm a walking se(ual harassment suit lately! 1t's like sleeping with vampires an
shapeshi"ters o""ens the poli$e at some really &asi$ level!=
<4h, 1 know that one!=
1 looke up at him! <+hat o you mean/=
He grinne, an 1 $oul see the "lash o" it even in the shaows! <1t's the iea that i" you pre"er
the monsters, then the rumor that they're &etter in &e than us mere mortals may &e true! That
woul s%ui$k a lot o" men, an a &age oesn't $hange that! 1n "a$t, may&e $ops are more guy
than most guys, so it &others them more!=
<That souns ! ! ! $hilish "or a $op!=
<1 in't say they were thinking it in the "ront o" their heas, &ut somewhere in the &a$k,
where all those 2eanerthal urges still live, they are wonering i" 7ust &eing human makes
them less in every way than the monsters!=
1 trie to look past that "lash o" smile an see what was unerneath, &ut it was too mu$h
shaow! 1 "inally sai, <1s that how you "eel/=
He shook his hea! <1 ha a lay leave her wereanimal lover "or me!=
1 smile3 1 $ouln't help it! <That must have happene in the last two years &e$ause when we
"irst met, you were a little inse$ure a&out my werewol" lover!=
He shrugge an sprea his hans! <+hat $an 1 say, 1 am as goo as 1 think 1 am!=
That mae me laugh! <4h, no&oy's that goo!=
<Are you saying 1'm $on$eite/=
<5ep!=
He laughe, then his "a$e so&ere, an he turne so that some stray pat$h o" light $aught his
"a$e! He was suenly serious, painte in shaows an light like some a&stra$t photo! <2o
&rag, Anita, 7ust "a$t! 1' love to prove that to you someay!=
<1 o not nee to have the other $ops hear that kin o" shit "rom another man right now!=
<1'm still willing to help you "ee!=
<1 thought you were $reepe &y what happene with Morgan!=
He "rowne, thinking a&out it! <1 was!=
<1 thought that woul make you take the o""er to "ee the ardeur o"" the ta&le!=
He "rowne harer, making $reases &etween those &ig, ark eyes! <5eah, a$tually 1 thought it
ha $hange my min!=
<So, why the renewe o""er/=
<Ha&it, may&e!= But the "rown staye!
1 ha an iea, an not a goo one! 1 i nee to "ee soon! 1n "a$t, 1 shoul have "elt more
energi8e, less <hungry,= &e$ause Vi$tor was suppose to have helpe share his energy with
me! But may&e all he' &een a&le to o was help me heal! 1' use up a lot o" energy healing
an "ighting, an Belle Morte ha &een right a&out me "eeing only the minimum to get &y
lately! +e were also past the twelve;hour mark, when "oo was usually a goo thing! Then 1
reali8e that 1 han't eaten any soli "oo, either! Shit, 1 knew &etter than that! 4ne hunger i
"ee the other, an i" 1 in't eat enough real "oo, &oth my &easts an the ardeur rose "aster
an stronger! 1 knew this, &ut in the mile o" a $ase, it was har to "in time to &e human!
+as 1 a$$ientally shopping "or "oo now/ +as 1 trying to &espell Bernaro without knowing
it/ 1t was the not knowing that $reepe me the most!
<1 nee to get some "oo!=
<5ou $an eat a"ter seeing that/= He in't motion at the &oy3 it was 7ust implie really
louly!
<2o, 1'm not hungry!=
<Then 1 ! ! !=
<1" 1 on't eat soli "oo o"ten enough, it makes it harer to $ontrol all the other hungers,= 1
sai!
<Ah,= he sai, then "rowne! <1'm thinking something really inappropriate, even "or me!=
<Do 1 want to know/= 1 aske!
He shook his hea! <5ou' &e pisse!=
1" it was &a enough that Bernaro wouln't say it out lou, then it was &a! That he'
thought o" it, then thought &etter o" it, was a sign that something was wrong! 1 was &etting that
1 was what was wrong! +as the ardeur $alling to Bernaro/ 1 in't even know how to tell!
<4kay, let's get &a$k to ! ! ! Te, an see i" we $an get the "iles we nee "rom the lo$als!=
<1" you want to eat tonight, it has to &e &e"ore we see more $rime photos!=
<Agree,= 1 sai!
+e turne an starte walking &a$k towar the knot o" men an the remains o" Vittorio's
latest vi$tim!
54



M4)-A2 +AS SA512-, <5ou'll have everything you nee in a $ouple o" hours, &ut we
have to "inish up here!=
<,all someone,= #war sai!
Shaw was a little &it own the alley talking to some o" the $rime s$ene te$hs! 1t was 7ust
Thurgoo an Morgan to wat$h us $ome $loser an "rown! Morgan 7ust seeme generally
$ranky, &ut Thurgoo ha passe to hostile!
<+e'll get you the in"ormation, &ut you'll have to wait until one o" us gets &a$k to the
station!=
<+hy/= #war aske!
<Be$ause you're going to have to &orrow one o" our $omputers, an someone's going to have
to &a&ysit you!=
<5ou on't trust us with paper $opies/= 1 aske!
<+e on't trust you,= Thurgoo sai!
<So mu$h "or my sisterhoo!=
<1 am not your sister,= she sai! <+omen like you make it harer "or the rest o" us to o our
7o&s! +omen like you make it harer "or us to &e taken seriously &y the other $ops!=
<+omen like me,= 1 sai! <+hat oes that mean/= 1 knew, &ut 1 wante to see i" she' say it
out lou!
<Anita,= #war sai!
1 sai, <+hat/=
<5ou know what you are,= she sai!
Morgan sai, <Thurgoo!=
<1 know what you think 1 am,= 1 sai!
<That's enough,= #war sai! <Both o" you!=
<5ou aren't my superior,= Thurgoo sai!
<+e'll see how our superiors like knowing that the Vegas >D is preventing us "rom oing our
7o&s,= #war sai! His voi$e was low an $ol, with an ege o" warmth to it! He in't lose
$ontrol that mu$h normally! Apparently, #war han't &een a&le to soothe things!
<+e 7ust on't want her an her lovers going through our "iles!=
<-ee8,= Bernaro sai, <&e$ause you're a slut, we're sluts, too!=
<Shut up, Bernaro,= #war sai! He starte walking own the alley away "rom them an
towar the reporters! 1t was where our $ar was parke, un"ortunately! The rest o" us traile
a"ter him! +e all pulle our gloves o"" at the entry to the alley an put them in the trash &in
someone ha set up "or it! There was a uni"orm guaring the $an to make sure no one trie to
take a souvenir! 5ou think 1'm kiing, &ut people go nuts on serial $ases! The glove woul
&e on eBay that night, i" they liste it right an it in't get pulle &e"ore pur$hase3 eBay trie
to poli$e itsel", &ut people put weir shit up!
Another uni"orm hel the tape up, an we were suenly &line &y $amera "lashes an the
lights "rom hanhel shouler $ams! They' move all the &igger e%uipment &a$k, &ut the
mo&ile stu"" ha $rept "orwar!
+e ignore all %uestions! 1t wasn't our town, an one o" the "astest ways to piss o"" the lo$als
was to talk to reporters! Some o" the uni"orms ha to a$tually wae into the $row an make a
hole!
The %uestions were a&out the murers at "irst, an then someone in the $row re$ogni8e me!
5ou' think that a serial killer vampire woul &e more interesting than my love li"e with a
i""erent vampire, or may&e they 7ust thought 1 might a$tually answer those %uestions!
<Anita, Anita, what oes Bean;,laue think a&out you hunting an killing other vampires/=
1 ignore it, like 1 ha all the rest! Be$ause 1' learne that no matter what 1 sai, it woul go
worse than i" 1 sai nothing! 2o matter what %uestions 1 answere, the lo$als woul see it an
think 1 was talking a&out the $ase! They were alreay pisse at me3 1 in't nee to help them
hate me!
4la" move to one sie o" me, &lo$king the mi$rophones an the rea$hing hans! #war
move in "ront o" me, an Bernaro took the &a$k! They were prote$ting me "rom the press,
the $row! That wasn't right! 1 was either a real 6!S! Marshal an an e%ual o" the team, or 1
was 7ust some stupi girl who neee prote$ting! ?u$k!
The uni"orms ha to es$ort us to the $ars! The press traile us! Bean;,laue ha re$ently
appeare in some o" the ma7or $ele&rity maga8ines! 2ot on the $over or anything, &ut insie
in the little ti&its! >i$tures o" what you're oing, pro"ile in one o" the hottest vampire $lu&s
in the $ountry! 1' &een $aught twi$e &y his sie in pi$tures! +orse yet, he' amitte that 1
was his girl"rien in an interview! The press seeme "as$inate that a vampire hunter was
ating a vampire! 1' turne own more interviews "or that little "a$toi than most murers!
+hy han't 1 warne #war/ Honestly, 1 thought a serial killer $ase woul make the press
ignore the stupi shit! Some were still yelling %uestions a&out the murer, &ut in among it,
like raisins in a pie$e o" toast, were %uestions a&out ating an vampires! That woul really
make the Vegas >D take me seriously! 4h, yeah!
+e got in the $ar an starte easing out through the snarl o" o""i$ial $ars! Beyon that were
news vans with huge s$ien$e;"i$tion antennas! The $ops ha mae a $orrior &etween it all,
"or anyone who was trying to leave the s$ene! 1 think we were the "irst!
<1" )any Sherman's high priestess is home, let's go see her,= #war sai!
<5eah, &ut "irst "oo,= 1 sai!
<?oo woul &e goo,= 4la" sai!
<?ast or sit;own/= #war aske!
<?ast will o,= 1 sai, <as long as there's meat involve!= 1' learne that protein helpe keep
the &east at &ay, more than veggies!
<Am 1 the only one who oesn't want to eat a"ter what we 7ust saw/= Bernaro aske "rom the
&a$kseat!
<5es,= 4la" sai!
<1 tol you, Bernaro, 1 have to eat!=
<+hen i you eat last/= #war aske, as he move into the &right an shiny o" the Strip!
<A&out eight, "or &reak"ast an the ardeur!=
<More than thirteen hours,= he sai! <How are you "eeling/=
<0ike 1 nee some protein,= 1 sai!
He hane me his $ell phone with the s$reen alreay lit up! <,all the num&er, see i" she'll see
us, while 1 "in somepla$e!=
1 hit the &utton an waite "or the ialing to go through!
#war in't ask pre"eren$e, 7ust pulle into the "irst "ast;"oo pla$e he "oun! Burger *ing
was "ine with me3 1 like +hoppers!
1 thought 1 was going to get a ma$hine, &ut a"ter seven rings a woman answere! <5es,= she
sai! Her voi$e soune $autious!
<This is 6!S! Marshal Anita Blake! 1'm investigating the murer o" one o" your $oven
mem&ers, )anall Sherman!=
<An all the others who ie with him,= she sai, voi$e still so"t!
<5es,= 1 sai, <&ut 1 thought you might &e a&le to help us with some %uestions!=
<1 know little a&out vampires an shapeshi"ters!=
<1t's more a %uestion o" magi$, an what )anall Sherman woul have one in a given
situation!=
<That is a i""erent %uestion "rom the ones the other poli$e have aske me!=
<0et me guess: they thought you might &e involve 7ust &e$ause you're +i$$an!=
<Some o" them are "ine men, &ut some o not trust a wit$h!=
<1'm getting a lot o" that mysel",= 1 sai, <an 1've got a &age!=
That mae her laugh, 7ust a little!
#war got my attention, an motione that 1 neee to know what 1 was orering! 1 hel up a
"inger!
<Do you know how to get here/=
<+e've got the aress!=
<Then $ome, an we will talk a&out magi$ an )anall Sherman!=
<Thank you, >hoe&e Billings!=
<5ou are wel$ome, Anita Blake!= There was something to the way she sai it that ha a ring
to it, almost o" power!
1 hung up &e"ore 1 $oul worry a&out it! 4ne pro&lem at a time! #war hane the "oo
aroun! Bernaro ha gotten over his issues enough to get ?ren$h "ries an a "ish sanwi$h,
no sau$e! 1 guess he in't want the whole ripping thing a"ter the murer s$ene!
1 ate my sanwi$h, with its rippy sau$e, an wasn't "a8e! 4n$e upon a time, 1 $ouln't have
eaten a messy sanwi$h a"ter a s$ene like that! But that ha &een a while ago! #ither you get
over it, or you on't! 1 guess 1' gotten over it!
<5ou remem&er the aress "or the priestess/= 1 aske!
#war 7ust glan$e at me, an the look was enough! 4" $ourse he remem&ere the aress!
An he' &een to the $ity &e"ore, an he was #war, whi$h meant he remem&ere his way
aroun! He ate his very messy sanwi$h, one;hane, while he rove! He mae it look neat,
easy, while 1 "ought not to ri&&le sau$e own my vest with two hans an a &un$h o"
napkins! The ,oke was goo, though, an it in't rip on me!
My $ell phone rang! 1 a$tually 7umpe, spilling 7ust a little ,oke! So mu$h "or &eing $alm! 1
"um&le the rink into the $up holer, an the phone out o" my po$ket!
<5eah!=
<Anita, this is +i$ke3 we're on the groun in Vegas! +here are you/=
1 trie pi$turing him on the other en o" the phone! He' &e resse in something esigner an
well "itte an very moern! His &lon hair $ut long, &ut neat! He was one o" those utterly
mas$uline men who also manage to &e pretty, though hansome woul pro&a&ly have mae
him happier!
<4ther than Truth, who else is with you/= 1 in't ask i" Truth was with +i$ke! They ha
&een the +i$ke Truth "or $enturies! Two &rothers, two mer$enaries, two vampires, who were
some o" the &est warriors 1' ever seen3 &ut more impressive, they were some o" the &est
warriors that Bean;,laue knew o" in all o" vampire lan! 2ow they were our mus$le, &ut they
weren't "oo! 1 ha $rosse that line only on$e to save Truth's li"e, &ut other than that, 1 in't
tou$h them!
<)e%uiem, 0onon, -raham, Haven, a "ew other werelions, an some werehyenas!=
<Are the lions an hyenas mus$le or "oo/= 1 aske!
<Mus$le!=
<-oo,= 1 sai!
<?ill me in!=
<Are you point man on this/=
<Bean;,laue put me in $harge o" the mus$le!=
<How i Haven take that/=
<#ventually the lion's )e( an 1 are going to have to have a talk, &ut not tonight!=
Translation: Haven ha wante to &e in $harge, &ut he' &owe to Bean;,laue's authority,
relu$tantly!
<+ait, you sai you're in $harge o" the mus$le! +hat else is there to &e in $harge o"/=
<+ell,= he sai, <te$hni$ally, 1'm $hie" &oyguar on this operation, &ut )e%uiem is thir in
the power stru$ture in St! 0ouis, so he's the &oss!=
<That makes sense, 1 guess!= 1 wasn't sure how 1 "elt a&out )e%uiem &eing in $harge, or even
in Vegas! He was a master vamp, &ut he was also mooy as hell, an he an 1 weren't getting
along e($eptionally well lately! 1' trie to take him o"" the "eeing list, an now here he was
in Vegas when 1 was "ar "rom home an my usual men!
<5ou're thinking too har, Anita,= +i$ke sai! <+hy aren't you happy that )e%uiem is
here/=
1 in't owe +i$ke the e(planation a&out )e%uiem an me, so 1 sai, <1 tol Bean;,laue not
to sen anyone who $ouln't hanle themselves in a "ight! 1've never seen )e%uiem "ight!=
<He oes okay, &ut honestly, Bean;,laue in't want to sen us into another vamp's territory
without someone who $oul &e more iplomati$ than the rest o" us! )e%uiem's here 7ust in
$ase we nee to negotiate with Ma( an his people!=
<0ike 1 sai, +i$ke, it makes sense!=
<2ow, ask me how )e%uiem likes his $over "or this assignment!=
<,over, he's here to represent Bean;,laue's interests, right/=
<He is, &ut that's only i" things go wrong with Ma(! He saw it as an insult to sen this many
people "or him, &ut Bean;,laue e(plaine we were worrie a&out your sa"ety with the serial
killer!=
<Makes sense,= 1 sai, not like 1 was happy!
<Ma( wante to put his guars aroun you, Anita!=
<2o,= 1 sai!
<This is the $ompromise!=
<+hat is/= 1 aske, an $ouln't keep the impatien$e out o" my voi$e!
<)e%uiem is &eing loane out as a an$er to Ma('s revue!=
<He hates stripping!=
<5eah, an 1 hate torturing people, &ut 1'm really, really goo at it!=
1 in't know what to say to that, so 1 ignore it! <,ouln't we 7ust tell Ma( that everyone's
"oo "or me/=
<+e $an e(plain &oyguars "or you! +e $an e(plain a 'omme de san "or you, that's
0onon! But we $an't tell Ma( that you nee this mu$h "oo, Anita! 1t woul &e too $lose to
amitting you on't have $ontrol o" the ardeur! )e%uiem is going to look over Ma('s $lu& "or
a possi&le guest role, an i" it works out "or him, then Bean;,laue has agree to the
possi&ility o" loaning other an$ers o$$asionally!=
<Ma( has &een wanting that "or a while,= 1 sai!
<+hi$h is how we e(plaine )e%uiem!=
<+hy are you telling me all this an not )e%uiem/=
<He's soothing hurt "eelings among our little group!=
<How pissy is everyone &eing/= 1 aske!
<5ou tol Bean;,laue to pi$k people who $oul hanle themselves in a "ight, Anita! That
means you've got a lot o" &ig ogs in one room, "ighting "or the same &one! )e%uiem an 1
$an hanle it, &ut 1 thought you shoul know &e"ore you walk into it!=
<Thanks,= 1 sai!
<2ow, where are you/=
<4n the way to the outskirts o" town! +e're going to interview a witness!=
<Have you "e/=
<Soli "oo 7ust a "ew minutes ago!=
<But no wet "oo/= Wet food was slang among the vamps "or &loo, an lately 1' noti$e
some o" them re"erring to my "eeing on se(, or emotion, the same way! 1 $ouln't argue with
it, 1 guess, though part o" me wante to!
<2o,= 1 sai!
<5ou're approa$hing "ourteen hours &etween "ees, Anita! 5ou got anyone with you, in
$ase/=
1 li$ke my lips! <1've got a&solute;emergen$y volunteers, &ut no, not really!=
<How "ar out are you, an what roa/= he aske!
1 aske #war, who tol me! 1 repeate it to +i$ke! <This time o" night, it will &e %ui$ker i"
one o" us "lies to you!=
<+hi$h o" you $an "ly that well/ An i" it's )e%uiem, he $an't $ome &y himsel"! He may &e
okay in a "ight, &ut okay isn't enough! 1 on't want any o" our people alone until we get this
&astar!=
<5ou really think Vittorio will make a gra& "or your people/=
<Humor me! +ho $an "ly well enough to $ome to me/=
<1 $an3 Truth $an! 1'll ask the others!= He put the phone on mute while 1 waite! *nowing
+i$ke, he' simply ask 0onon an )e%uiem whi$h o" them "lew the &est! 1 ha no iea!
<+e $an't have Bean;,laue's men meet us at a witness's house, Anita! That'll 7ust $on"irm
what the >D thinks,= #war sai!
<1 know that, #war! 1'm hoping he'll $at$h up to us a"terwar!=
<Are you planning on "eeing &e"ore we rive &a$k/= 4la" aske!
<2o, &ut it's &een "ourteen hours, an 1 ha to heal a lot o" amage! That takes energy! He'll
meet us, &ut it's 7ust a pre$aution!=
<1 sai 1 woul "ee you,= 4la" sai!
<Thanks, 4la", 1 mean that, &ut ! ! != 1 thought a&out what to say ne(t! <1 on't think we want
our "irst time together to &e in the &a$k o" a tru$k!=
He seeme to think a&out it "or a minute or two, then sai, <More time an room woul &e
wel$ome!=
1 ha not agree to have se( with 4la", &ut 1 ha manage not to $rush his goo intentions o"
se( that in't involve killing his partner! #war ha aske me to try, an 1 was trying!
The phone $ame &a$k to li"e in my han! <1'll meet you!=
<+i$ke, 1 7ust "inishe saying, no&oy travels alone!=
<1" they $an take me on my own, then they're going to kill us all, so i" 1 on't make it, you get
out o" town, an take our people with you!=
<Are you setting yoursel" up as &ait/=
<2o3 are you sure you're worrie a&out my sa"ety, or a&out the "a$t that you might have to
have se( with me/=
<That's not "air, +i$ke! 5ou know why 1'm trying to $ut own!=
<1 know, 1'm not on the meal plan! Turns out neither o" the other two vamps are really that
goo at "lying! An you s$are my &rother!=
<1 on't s$are him3 he 7ust oesn't want to &e "oo!=
<5ou're right, he oesn't, &ut 1'm right, too! 5ou s$are him, an Truth isn't s$are &y mu$h!=
<An you're not a"rai 1'll possess you, or something/=
<1'll take my $han$es! Besies, you sai it yoursel", you're in $ontrol right now! 1'm 7ust in
$ase!= He soune &itter!
<+i$ke!=
<5es!=
<1 on't nee attitue "rom you, too!=
<5ou $an orer me aroun, an 1 have to take it, &ut you $an't i$tate how 1 "eel!=
He ha a point, &ut ! ! ! +hat 1 wante to say was that 1 in't unerstan why all the men
wante to &e on the "eeing list! 1 ha a mirror3 1 knew what 1 was seeing, an though 1 was
pretty, an may&e even &eauti"ul given the right out"it, it wasn't the same level o" gorgeous o"
the men that were $hasing me! But every time 1 tire to say it out lou, they a$$use me o"
&eing hum&le, or lying! 1 in't think it was humility, 7ust honesty!
<1 will not apologi8e "or trying to keep my list o" "ees "rom growing, +i$ke! Bean;,laue
mae noises that he in't want to share me with any new men, an now he sens me nothing
&ut, almost! +hat's with that/=
<He' rather see you an all his people &a$k home in St! 0ouis, alive, then save his ego!=
<+hat's that mean/=
<1t means that he agree with your assessment o" Vittorio! 1" he sent anyone who $oul &e
use as a hostage an $ouln't hanle themselves in a "ight, it might &e too tempting!
#spe$ially $onsiering that his $hoi$e o" vi$tims is mostly strippers, an most o" your $losest
lovers are also strippers!=
That mae my stoma$h $len$h tight!
<1 "eel your "ear, Anita! He thought you' reasone that out!=
<1 ha, 7ust not that &luntly!=
<1'm surprise3 usually you're the more &lunt o" the two o" you!=
<5eah, yeah,= 1 sai, <&ut 1 on't "eel like 1'm a&out to lose $ontrol right now!=
<Then 1 will rie &a$k with you an the ni$e e(e$utioners! But when you get &a$k to a hotel,
you are going to have to "ee on someone!= His $are"ul vampire voi$e hel sel";mo$kery, an
1 knew that wasn't how he "elt! 1t was his tone when he was hiing what he "elt! <But i" you
"ee on vampire tonight, then in the morning you are going to have to pi$k one o" the
wereanimals, &e$ause vampire only works a"ter ark when we're a&ove groun!=
<1 know that!=
<1'm 7ust saying, &e thinking a&out your menu $hoi$es, &e$ause 1 o not want you losing
$ontrol o" the ardeur &e$ause you've gone s%ueamish!=
<1 am not s%ueamish!=
<1" you weren't, then you' have alreay slept with Haven!=
1 let that go &e$ause he was pro&a&ly more right than 1 wante to amit! <How many other
people with you are ones 1've never slept with/=
<Most o" the wereanimals!=
1 mae an e(asperate soun!
<Anita, you sai not to sen anyone that you' $are a&out too mu$h, an only to sen peole
that $oul "ight! That $uts out most o" your regulars! #ither they mean too mu$h to you, or
they $an't "ight worth a "arthing!= ?or a moment there was an e$ho o" an a$$ent, mostly lost
long ago! <?ight o"" the ardeur, an you on't have to tou$h us!=
<1t's not that, amn it! 1t's 7ust that 1'm trying to trim own the list o" men, not a to it!=
<1 unerstan that, too, &ut that you not only $an resist my $harms, &ut are a$tively istur&e
&y the thought o" se( with me, now that oes hurt an ol vampire's heart!=
<Damn it, +i$ke, on't make this a&out hurt "eelings!=
<1'll o my &est!=
<+i$ke ! ! !=
<1 will wait &y the $ar, outsie the house, so 1 on't $ompromise your investigation!= He hung
up!
<1 in't know +i$ke was on the menu "or you,= #war sai!
<He's not!=
#war gave me a look, one pale eye&row raise!
<Don't you start, too!= 1 $urle into the $orner o" my seat, $rosse my arms, an let mysel"
pout! 5es, it was $hilish, &ut every time 1 thought 1 was getting $ontrol o" my powers, 1 was
wrong! 1 i not want to a to the men 1 was sleeping with, honest! +hy in't 1 want to
sleep with gorgeous men who were usually pretty goo in &e/ Be$ause though 1' "oun 1
$oul have se( with this many men, 1 $ouln't <ate= them! 1 $ouln't &e their emotional ro$k!
1 was trying, an "ailing, &ut 1 seeme in$apa&le o" 7ust "u$king an "eeing! Bean;,laue was
right3 1 ha to either stop neeing so mu$h, or stop trying "or emotion with my se(! 1 7ust
in't have a $lue how to o that! 1" it in't matter emotionally, why have se( at all/ 4h,
&e$ause you are a su$$u&us, an woul ie an rain the li"e out o" people you love, so they
ie "irst! 5eah, that was reason enough! 1 guess +i$ke was right3 1 was still trying to
preten that it wasn't my reality!
<So a vampire is going to meet us at the witness's house/= Bernaro aske!
<5es! He'll &e waiting &y the $ar when we get out!=
<+on't his $ar &e there, too/= Bernaro aske!
<He's going to "ly,= 1 sai!
<?ly ! ! ! oh, you mean fly!= Bernaro a$tually "lappe his arms a little!
<5eah, &ut they on't a$tually "lap their arms! 1t's more levitation than a$tually "lying!=
<0ike Superman,= 4la" sai!
1 glan$e &a$k at him in the arkene $ar! <5eah, 1 guess so, like Superman!=
<Are you "eeling shaky enough to nee them to meet us out here/= #war aske!
<2o, &ut he's right, it's going on "ourteen hours! 0et's 7ust say 1 love you like a &rother3 1'
rather not have to e(plain that whole in$est ta&oo to Donna an the kis!=
<So, i" you lose $ontrol ! ! != He in't "inish the senten$e!
<1t $oul go &aly,= 1 sai! 1 mae mysel" sit up straighter! 1 woul not pout in the $orner,
amn it!
<5ou mean, you $oul 7ust lose $ontrol o" this ardeur/= Bernaro aske!
<5es,= 1 sai, an let the "irst hint o" anger into that wor!
<How mu$h loss o" $ontrol/= 4la" aske!
<0et's hope none o" you "in out!=
<+e're at the house,= #war sai!
<0et's put on our $op "a$es,= 1 sai &rightly, <an preten that one o" us isn't a living vampire
that "ees on se(!=
<Don't let the other $ops make you "eel &a a&out it, Anita!=
<#war, it is &a!=
<#verything that has happene to you happene &e$ause you were trying to save someone
else! The vampire powers are the same as a gunshot woun, Anita! 5ou got &oth in the line o"
uty!=
1 looke into his "a$e, stuie it! <Do you really &elieve that/=
<1 on't say things 1 on't mean, Anita!=
<5ou lie like &utter wouln't melt in your mouth, #war!=
He smile! <1 on't lie to you!=
<)eally,= 1 sai!
The smile &e$ame a grin! <4kay, not most o" the time, anymore!= His "a$e so&ere! <1'm not
lying now!=
1 noe! <1'll take that!=
<1 "eel like a voyeur,= Bernaro sai!
+e &oth "rowne at him, together! He raise his hans! <Sorry to ruin the tou$hing moment,
&ut honestly, i" you want to have the heart;to;heart talks, let us get out o" the $ar "irst! 1'm not
kiing on the voyeur part!=
<-et out,= #war sai!
He opene the oor an i, without asking another thing! 4la"'s "a$e showe $learly in the
suen overhea light! He was stuying us &oth, as i" he' never seen us &e"ore!
<+hat/= 1 aske!
He 7ust shook his hea an got out, too! +e were le"t alone in the $ar! #war patte my leg!
<1 meant what 1 sai, Anita! 1t's like an in7ury, or a isease that you got on uty! Don't let the
rest o" them get to you!=
<#war, 1've never tou$he +i$ke intimately, an now he's speeing his way through the
night to o""er himsel" up "or se( an may&e more!=
He "rowne at me! <+hat o you mean, may&e more than se(/=
<1t's like when 1 "ee o"" the preternatural men, they're uner my power, or something! 1t's
why his &rother, Truth, oesn't want to sleep with me! He's a"rai 1'll possess him!=
<+oul you/=
<2ot on purpose!=
<How mu$h o" this $an you $ontrol/=
<2ot enough,= 1 sai!
+e looke at ea$h other as the overhea light imne an went out! <1'm sorry, Anita!=
<Me, too! 5ou know, #war, i" 1 $an't travel without neeing to "ee, then 1 $an't travel!=
<+e'll work it out!=
<1t's getting in the way o" my oing the marshal stu""!=
<+e'll work it out, Anita!=
<+hat i" we $an't/=
<+e will,= an he soune very "irm when he sai it! 1 knew that tone3 arguing wouln't help
me! 1t was the tone he use when he simply e(pe$te you to listen an o what he sai!
1' listen, &ut even the great #war $ouln't solve everything! 1' like to think he' &e a&le
to help me keep working as a marshal while 1 ha to "ee the ardeur, &ut some things aren't
"i(a&le!
<0et's go %uestion the wit$h!=
<Most o" them on't like to &e $alle that!=
He "lashe me a smile as he opene the oor, an the light went on again! <1'll let you take the
lea! 5ou're our magi$ e(pert!=
1 reali8e he woul let me take the lea not 7ust &e$ause 1 was the magi$ e(pert &ut &e$ause he
wante me to "eel in $ontrol o" something! ?or a $ontrol "reak like me, 1 in't "eel in $ontrol
o" very mu$h lately! But 1 got out3 we $lose the oors, lo$ke it, an walke through the
2evaa ark to the house o" >hoe&e Billings, high priestess an wit$h!
55



+# ST44D 12 "ront o" a moest su&ur&an house in a street "ull o" other moest su&ur&an
houses! There were enough streetlights that we ha a goo view even in the ark! >eople
"orget that 0as Vegas's "amous Strip with its $asinos, shows, an &right lights is only a small
part o" the $ity! 4ther than the "a$t that the house was set in a yar that ran high to ro$ks,
san, an native esert plants, it $oul have &een one o" a million housing evelopments
anywhere in the $ountry!
Most o" the other houses ha grass an "lowers, as i" they were trying to preten they in't
live in the esert! The ay's heat was &rowning the grass an "lowers ni$ely! They must have
a limit on how mu$h they $an water, &e$ause 1've seen yars in eserts as green as a gol"
$ourse! These yars looke sa an tire in the $ooling ark! 1t was still hot, &ut ha the
promise that as the night wore on it woul get $ooler!
<A high priestess lives here/= Bernaro sai!
<A$$oring to the phone &ook,= 1 sai!
He $ame aroun the $ar to stan on the siewalk &esie us! <1t looks so ! ! ! orinary!=
<+hat i you e(pe$t, Halloween e$orations in August/=
He ha the gra$e to look em&arrasse! <1 guess 1 i!=
#war walke to the &a$k o" the $ar an opene it! He rea$he into his own &ag o" tri$ks an
got out one o" the 6!S! Marshal win&reakers!
<1t's too hot "or that,= 1 sai!
He looke at me! <+e're arme to the teeth, an it's all visi&le! +oul you let us in your
house i" you weren't sure we were $ops/ But 1 am running low on them! Someone keeps
getting them all &looy!=
<Sorry a&out that!=
1 tappe my &age on its lanyar aroun my ne$k! 1t was what 1 wore in St! 0ouis when the
heat was too hot "or a 7a$ket! <See/= 1 sai! <1'm legal!=
<5ou look more harmless than we o,= #war sai, an starte haning out 7a$kets to the
other men!
Bernaro took his without $omment an 7ust slippe it on, pulling his &rai out o" the &a$k
with a pra$ti$e "lip! Some gestures are not a&out &eing a girl or a &oy, &ut 7ust how long your
hair is!
4la" ha his &age on a lanyar aroun his ne$k, too! 1t &ugge me that we' &oth one it, &ut
where else are you gonna put a &age when you're wearing a T;shirt/ 1 i have one o" the
$lips an ha put the &age on my &a$kpa$k a $ouple o" times, &ut 1' run into situations
where 1 took o"" the &a$kpa$k, an got separate "rom it an my &age! 1 ha the &age on my
&elt &y the Browning, &e$ause you always want to "lash a &age when you "lash a gun! Bust
goo survival skills, an saves the other $ops "rom &eing $alle &y some pani$ke $ivilian
who spotte it! 5ou want your &age in the mile o" a "ight with poli$e an &a guys! 1t
helps the poli$e not shoot you! 5eah, &eing a girl an looking so un$op helpe the goo guys
know what 1 looke like, &ut a$$ients happen when you're rowning in arenaline! Bage
visi&le, at least the a$$ient wouln't &e my "ault!
#war $lippe his &age to his $lothes so that he' &e ou&ly visi&le, an Bernaro "ollowe
suit! There were still moments when #war $oul make me "eel like the rookie! 1 wonere
i" there' ever $ome a time when 1 truly &elieve we were e%ual! >ro&a&ly not!
1 wasn't really a "an o" esert lans$aping, &ut someone with an eye "or it ha arrange the
$a$ti, grass, an ro$ks so that everything "lowe! 1t gave the illusion o" water, ry water,
"lowing in the shape an $olor o" stone an plant!
<2i$e,= Bernaro sai!
<+hat/= 1 aske!
<The garen, the patterns.ni$e!=
1 looke up at him an ha to give him a point "or noti$ing!
<1t's 7ust ro$ks an plants,= 4la" sai!
1 took a &reath to say something, &ut #war interrupte! <+e're not here to amire her
garening! +e're here to talk to her a&out a murere parishioner o" hers!=
<1 on't think they $all them parishioners,= Bernaro sai!
#war gave him a look, an Bernaro sprea his hans as i" to say, Sorry! +hy was #war
&eing so tense all o" a suen/
1 took a step towar him, an suenly 1 "elt it, too! 1t was a "aint hum up the skin, own the
nerves! 1 looke aroun the oor an "inally "oun it on the por$h! 1t was a mosai$ pentagram
in pretty $olore stone, set in the $on$rete o" the por$h itsel"! 1t was $harge, as in spell
$harge!
1 tou$he #war's arm! <5ou might want to step o"" the wel$ome mat!=
He glan$e at me, then where 1 was pointing! He in't argue, 7ust steppe a little to one sie!
A visi&le tension li"te in the set o" his shoulers! May&e #war only thought he $ouln't
sense things! Being a little psy$hi$ woul e(plain how he' manage to stay alive all these
years while hunting preternatural $reepy;$rawlies!
<1 in't see it,= he sai, <an 1 was looking!=
<1 in't see it until you a$te too tense,= 1 sai!
<She's goo,= he sai, as he rang the oor&ell!
1 noe!
4la" was looking at &oth o" us, as i" he in't know what the hell ha 7ust happene! Bernaro
sai, <A he( sign on the por$h! Step aroun it!=
<1t's not a he( sign,= 1 ha time to say &e"ore the oor opene!
A tall man answere the oor! His ark hair was shave $lose, an his eyes were ark an not
happy to see us! <+hat o you want/=
#war sli instantly into Te's goo;ol';&oy persona! 5ou' think 1' get use to how easily
he &e$ame someone else, &ut it still $reepe me!
<6!S! Marshal Te ?orrester3 we $alle ahea to make sure Ms! Billings woul &e home! 4r,
rather, Marshal Anita Blake $alle ahea!= He grinne as he sai it an 7ust e(ue $harm!
2ot that slimy $harm that some men o, &ut that hail;"ellow;well;met kin o" energy! 1 knew
some people who i it naturally, &ut #war was the "irst person 1' known who $oul turn
it on an o"" like a swit$h! 1t always mae me woner i" long &e"ore the army got hol o" him,
he' &een more like Te! +hi$h soune weir, sin$e Te was him, &ut the %uestion still
seeme worth poking at!
The man glan$e at #war's 1D, then looke past him at us! <+ho are they/=
1 hel up my &age on its lanyar so it was even more visi&le! <Marshal Anita Blake3 1 i
$all an talk to Ms! Billings!=
Bernaro sai, in a voi$e as $heer"ul an well meaning as Te's, <6!S! Marshal Bernaro
Spotte Horse!=
4la" sort o" growle &ehin us all! <4tto Be""ries, 6!S! Marshal!= He hel up his &age so the
man $oul see it over everyone's shoulers! Bernaro i the same!
A woman's voi$e $alle "rom eeper in the house, <Mi$hael, let them in!=
The man, Mi$hael presuma&ly, s$owle at us &ut unlat$he the s$reen oor! But &e"ore he let
us $ross the threshol, he spoke in a low voi$e! <Don't upset her!=
<+e'll o our &est not to, sir,= #war sai in his Te voi$e! +e went in through the oor,
&ut there was something a&out Mi$hael at my &a$k that mae me turn so 1 $oul keep him in
my peripheral vision! +ith everyone insie, 1 $oul put him at a little over si( "eet, whi$h put
him taller than Bernaro &ut shorter than 4la"! 1 ha a moment as we all &un$he into the
"oyer to see 7ust how mu$h smaller #war was than the other men! 1t was always har to
remem&er that #war wasn't that tall, at "ive "oot eight! He was 7ust one o" those people who
seeme taller than he was3 sometimes physi$al height isn't what tall is a&out!
The living room was pro&a&ly as &ig a isappointment to Bernaro as the outsie ha &een
&e$ause it was a typi$al room! 1t ha a $ou$h an a $ouple o" $hairs an was painte in a light
an $heer"ul &lue, with hints o" a pinkish orange in the $ushions an some o" the kni$kkna$ks!
There was tea set out on the long $o""ee ta&le, with enough $ups "or everyone! 1 han't tol
her how many o" us were $oming, &ut there they sat, "our $ups! >sy$hi$s, ya gotta love 'em!
>hoe&e Billings sat there, her eyes a little re "rom $rying, &ut her smile serene an sort o"
knowing! My mentor Marianne ha a smile like that! 1t meant she knew something 1 neee to
know, or was wat$hing me work through a lesson that 1 neee to learn very &aly, &ut 1 was
&eing stu&&orn! +it$hes who are also $ounselors are very &ig on you $oming to your
reali8ations in your own time, 7ust in $ase rushing you woul somehow amage your karmi$
lesson! 5es, Marianne rove me nuts sometimes with the la$k o" ire$tion, &ut sin$e one o"
the things she thought 1 neee to work on was patien$e, it was all goo "or me! 1rritating, &ut
goo, so she sai! 1 "oun it mostly irritating!
<+on't you sit own! The tea is hot!=
#war sat own on the $ou$h &esie her, still smiling his Te smile, &ut it was more
sympatheti$ now! <1'm sorry "or your loss, Ms! Billings!=
<>hoe&e, please!=
<>hoe&e, an 1'm Te3 this is Anita, Bernaro, an 4tto!=
Mi$hael ha taken up a post near her, one han on the other wrist! 1 knew a &oyguar pose
when 1 saw it! He was either her priest or her &la$k og.though most $ovens in't have one
o" the latter anymore! The $ovens that still ha it as an o""i$e usually ha two! They were
&oyguars an i prote$tion etail magi$ally when the $oven i work! Most o" their work
was o" a spiritually prote$tive nature, &ut on$e upon a time, the &la$k ogs ha hunte &ogeys
that were more "lesh an less spirit! Mi$hael ha the "eel o" someone who $oul o &oth!
>hoe&e looke "rom one to the other o" us, then "inally $ame &a$k to Te! <+hat o you want
to know, Marshals/= There was the slightest o" hesitation &e"ore she $alle us &y our titles!
She poure tea into our $ups! She put sugar in two, an le"t two plain! Then she hane them
to Mi$hael an ire$te where they shoul go!
#war took his tea, as i the others! 1 got mine last! 2either she nor Mi$hael got $ups! 1 ha
a&solutely no reason to mistrust >hoe&e Billings, &ut unless she rank the tea, 1 wasn't
tou$hing it! Bust &e$ause you're a wit$h oesn't mean you're a goo wit$h!
She smile at us all as we sat with our untou$he $ups, as i" we' one e(a$tly what she'
known we woul o! <)any wouln't have taken the tea, either,= she sai! <>oli$e, you're all
so suspi$ious!= She a&&e at her eyes an gave a laylike sni""!
<Then why i you give us the tea i" you knew we wouln't rink it/= 1 sai!
<,all it a test!=
<A test o" what/= 1 aske, an 1 must have soune a little more un"rienly than was $alle
"or, &e$ause #war tou$he my leg, 7ust a nuge to let me know to &ring the tone own!
#war was one o" the "ew people 1' take the hint "rom!
<Ask me again in a "ew ays, an 1'll answer your %uestion,= she sai!
<5ou know, 7ust &e$ause you're +i$$an an psy$hi$ oesn't mean you have to &e
mysterious,= 1 sai!
<Ask me your %uestions,= she sai, an her voi$e was sa an too som&er to mat$h the &right
room we sat in, &ut then grie" $omes to every room, no matter what $olor its painte!
#war sat &a$k a little more on the $ou$h, giving me the &est view o" her he $oul give
without $hanging seats! 1t let me know he was letting me take the lea, like he' sai in the
$ar! ?ine!
<How goo at magi$ was )anall, )any, Sherman/=
<He was as $ompetent at magi$ as he was at everything he i,= she sai! A woman appeare
"rom "arther into the house! She $arrie a tray with another $up an sau$er on it! She ha the
priestess's long &rown hair, &ut the &oy was slener an younger! 1 wasn't surprise when
>hoe&e introu$e her as her aughter, *ate!
<Then i" Sherman starte to say a spell in the mile o" a "ire"ight, he' have a reason to think
it woul help/=
The woman poure tea "or her mother "rom the pot an hane it to her! <)any never waste
things, neither ammo, nor physi$al e""ort, nor a spell!=
She rank "rom the $up! Bernaro "ollowe suit an i a pretty goo 7o& o" not leering at the
aughter as she walke &a$k towar the kit$hen with the empty tray! #war sippe his tea,
too!
>hoe&e glan$e "rom 4la" to me! <Still on't trust me/=
<Sorry, &ut 1'm a $o""ee rinker!=
<1 o not like tea,= 4la" sai!
<*ate $oul "i( you some $o""ee!=
<1' rather 7ust ask our %uestions, i" that's all right!= 1 meant that, &ut it's also &een my
e(perien$e that tea rinkers make &a $o""ee!
<+hy o you think that )any was saying a spell uring a shooting/=
1 glan$e at #war, an he took over! 1 7ust wasn't sure how mu$h to tell her! <+e $an't
really share too mu$h in"ormation on an ongoing investigation, >hoe&e! But we have goo
reason to think that )any was saying a spell in the mile o" a "ight!=
<Saying/= she aske!
<5es!=
<)any was very goo3 he $oul have simply thought a &lessing in the mile o" a "ight!=
<+hat kin o" spell woul he have ha to say out lou/= 1 aske!
She "rowne! <Some wit$hes nee to speak alou to help "o$us3 )any in't! So i" he was
$hanting alou, then it was something ritualisti$ an ol! Something he' memori8e, like an
ol $harm! 1 on't know how mu$h any o" you know a&out our "aith, &ut most ritual is $reate
"or the purpose o" an iniviual event! 1t's a very $reative, an "lui, pro$ess! +hen you're
talking a&out set wors, then it's more $eremonial magi$ians then +i$$ans!=
<But )any was +i$$an, not a $eremonial magi$ian,= 1 sai!
<,orre$t!=
<+hat woul he have known, or thought, to say in the mile o" a "ight/ +hat woul have
prompte him to think o" an ol $hant, a memori8e pie$e/=
<1" you have a re$oring o" what he sai, then 1 $an help, or even some o" the wors, an 1 $an
give you some hint!=
1 looke at #war!
<+e on't have anything we $an let you listen to, >hoe&e3 1'm sorry!= 1t was neatly one, not
that we in't have a re$oring &ut that we $ouln't let her listen to it! 1' have 7ust tol her
we in't have one, whi$h is why 1' let #war answer!
She looke away "rom all o" us an spoke in a voi$e that was shaky! <1s it that aw"ul/=
Shit! But #war move in smoothly, even tou$hing her han! <1t's not that, >hoe&e! 1t's 7ust
that it's an ongoing investigation, an we have to &e $autious what in"ormation we let out!=
She looke at him "rom in$hes away! <5ou think someone in my $oven $oul &e involve/=
<Do you/= he aske, in a voi$e that was not the least surprise, as i" to say, yes, we ha
suspe$te it, &ut we' let her tell us the truth! 1' have soune surprise an spooke her!
She looke into his eyes "rom in$hes away, an his han on hers was suenly more
important! 1 "elt the pri$kle o" energy, an knew it ha nothing to o with wereanimals or
vampires!
He smile, an pulle &a$k his han! <Trying to psy$hi$ally rea a poli$e o""i$er without
permission is illegal, >hoe&e!=
<1 nee to know more than you're telling me to answer your %uestions!=
<How $an you &e sure o" that/= he aske, with a smile!
She smile an put her tea$up on the $o""ee ta&le &esie the rest! <1'm psy$hi$, remem&er! 1
have in"ormation that you nee, &ut 1 on't know what it is! 1 only know that i" you ask the
right %uestion, 1'll tell you something important!=
1 7umpe in, <5ou know psy$hi$ally!=
<5es!=
1 turne to the men with me an trie to e(plain! <Most psy$hi$ a&ility is pretty vague! >hoe&e
knows she has in"ormation that will &e important, &ut there's a %uestion we nee to ask to
spark that knowlege in her!=
<An she knows this, how/= Bernaro aske!
1 shrugge! <She $ouln't tell you how, an 1 $ouln't either! 1've 7ust worke with enough
psy$hi$s to know that this is as goo as the e(planation gets sometimes!=
4la" s$owle! <That is not an e(planation!=
1 shrugge again! <The &est we've got!= 1 turne &a$k to the priestess! <0et's go &a$k to
Marshal ?orrester's %uestion! ,oul anyone in your $oven &e involve/=
She shook her hea! <2o!= 1t was a very "irm no!
1 trie again! <,oul anyone here in the magi$al $ommunity &e involve/=
<How $an 1 answer that/ 1 on't know what spells were use, or why you &elieve that )any
was trying to say something! 4" $ourse, there are &a people in every $ommunity, &ut without
more in"ormation, 1 $an't tell you whose talents this $oul have &een!= She soune impatient,
an 1 guess 1 $ouln't &lame her!
1 looke at #war!
<Do you have a priest's seal o" the $on"essional/=
She smile! <5es, the Supreme ,ourt uphel that we are truly priests, so what you tell me is
$overe uner the law!=
He looke at Mi$hael's looming "igure! <1s he a priest/=
<+e are all priests an priestesses i" we are $alle &y -oess,= she sai! 1t was a very
priestess answer!
1 answere "or her! <He's her &la$k og!=
Both >hoe&e an Mi$hael looke at me, as i" 1' one something interesting! <They $ome
here pretening not to know anything a&out us, &ut they've $he$ke us out! They're lying!=
<2ow, Mi$hael, you shoul know not to 7ump to $on$lusions!= She turne those gentle &rown
eyes to me! <Have you $he$ke us out/=
1 shook my hea! <1 swear to you that other than "ining out you are )any Sherman's
priestess, no!=
<Then how i you know Mi$hael was not my priest/=
1 li$ke my lips an thought a&out it! How ha 1 known/ <There's a &on &etween most o" the
priests an priestesses 1've met! #ither they are a $ouple, or the magi$al working as a team
7ust "orms a &on! There's no "eel o" that &etween you an him! Also, he 7ust s$reams mus$le!
The only 7o& in a $oven that is all a&out mus$le, either spiritual or physi$al, is the &la$k og!=
<Most $ovens on't have them anymore,= she sai!
1 shrugge! <My mentor is into the history o" her $ra"t!=
<1 see the $ross, &ut is it your sign o" "aith, or merely what the poli$e make you wear/=
<1'm ,hristian,= 1 sai!
She smile, an it was a little too knowlege&le! <But you "in some pre$epts o" the ,hur$h
limiting!=
1 "ought not to s%uirm! <1 "in the ,hur$h's attitue towar my own "lavor o" psy$hi$ a&ility
limiting, yes!=
<An what is your "lavor/=
1 starte to answer, &ut #war mae a motion an 1 stoppe! <1t oesn't matter what Marshal
Blake's gi"ts are!=
1 in't know why #war in't want me to share with her, &ut 1 truste his 7ugment!
>hoe&e looke "rom one to the other o" us! <5ou are very mu$h a partnership!=
<+e've worke together "or years,= he sai!
She shook her hea! <1t's more than that!= She shook her hea as i" shaking the thought away!
Then she looke &a$k at me, an the eyes were no longer gentle! <Ask your %uestions,
Marshal Blake!=
<1" Mi$hael leaves the room, then we'll talk more "reely,= #war sai!
<1 will not leave you with them,= the &ig man sai!
<They are poli$emen, like )any was!=
<They have &ages,= he sai, <&ut they are not poli$emen like )any!=
<Does my grie" make me &lin/= she aske him!
His "a$e so"tene! <1 think, it oes, my priestess!=
<Then tell me what you see, Mi$hael!=
He turne ark eyes on us! He pointe at 4la"! <That one's aura is ark, staine &y violen$e
an evil things! 1" you $oul not "eel him at your oor, then you are hea;&lin with grie",
>hoe&e!=
<Then &e my eyes, Mi$hael,= she sai!
He turne to Bernaro! <1 on't see any harm in that one, though 1 wouln't trust him with my
sister!=
She smile! <Hansome men are selom trustworthy with people's sisters!=
He skippe me an went to #war ne(t! <That one's aura is ark, too, &ut ark the way
)any's was ark! Dark the way some people that have seen $om&at are ark! 1 woul not
want him at my &a$k, &ut he means no harm here!=
1 have to amit that my pulse was up! Mi$hael looke at me, an 1 "ought not to look own
&ut to meet those too;per$eptive eyes!
<She is a pro&lem! She is shieling, very tightly! 1 $annot rea mu$h past those shiels! But
she is power"ul, an there is a "eel o" eath to her! 1 on't know i" she &rings eath, or i" eath
"ollows her, &ut it's there, like a s$ent!=
<Destiny lies heavy on some,= >hoe&e sai!
He shook his hea! <1t's not that!= He stare at me, an 1 "elt him pushing at my shiels! A"ter
what ha happene with San$he8, 1 i not want my shiels own again!
<Stop pushing at my shiels, Mi$hael, or we're going to have wors!=
<Sorry,= an he looke em&arrasse, <&ut 1 on't "in many who aren't +i$$an who $an
shiel "rom me!=
<1've &een traine &y the &est,= 1 sai!
He glan$e at the men with me! <2ot &y them!=
<2ever sai 1 learne psy$hi$ shieling "rom the other $ops!=
<They aren't $ops3 there's something un"inishe, or wiler, a&out you all! The only other $op
1've met who "elt $lose to you was one who ha &een uner$over so long he' almost &e$ome
one o" the &a guys! He got out, he got the 7o& one, &ut it $hange him! 1t mae him less $op
an more $riminal!=
<5ou know what they say,= 1 sai, <one o" the things that makes us goo at getting &a guys
is that we $an think like one!=
<Most $ops $an, &ut there's a &ig i""eren$e &etween thinking like one an &eing one!= He
stuie us all! <The &ages are real, &ut it's like putting a leash on a tiger! 1t never stops &eing
a tiger!=
An that was a little too $lose to home!
56



M1,HA#0 +460D2'T 0#AV#! He thought we were too angerous! +e aske %uestions,
&ut #war in't want to tell a&out the $rushe 7aw, an other things, so it was like walking
in a pit$h;&la$k room! 5ou knew what you wante was in there somewhere, &ut without a
little light, you might never "in it!
1 &elieve that >hoe&e knew something, &ut we neee the right %uestion to unlo$k it! She
$ouln't tell us what she in't know we neee to know, or something like that! 1t was one
o" the most "rustrating interrogations 1' ever one, though 1 let #war take over &e"ore 1
$ompletely lost patien$e! 1" 1' &een alone, woul 1 have tol her everything 1 thought she
neee to know/ May&e! 1' almost $ertainly have tol her things that the other poli$e
wouln't want a $ivilian to know! Di that make me a &a $op/ May&e! Di that make
#war a &etter $op/ >ro&a&ly!
1 was a$tually pa$ing the "ar sie o" the room! She was a magi$al pra$titioner3 "or all we
knew, she or Mi$hael there $oul &e involve! 1t wasn't likely, &ut ! ! ! an yet 1 woul have
spille the &eans to her! 1 was se$on;guessing mysel" a&out everything! 1t wasn't like me, so
i" it wasn't like me, then who was it like/
Then 1 "elt it: vampire! 1 7ust knew one was out there3 1 $oul "eel it! <There's a vampire
outsie,= 1 sai!
1 hear the guns $lear the holsters! 1 ha my han on my Browning out, too, &ut ! ! !
<1s it a goo vampire, or a &a vampire/= Bernaro aske!
#war $ame $lose to me, where 1 stoo ne(t to the &ig pi$ture winow an its pulle rapes!
He whispere, <,an you tell who it is/=
1 put my le"t han against the rape, har enough to press it into the glass &ehin it! 1
$on$entrate, 7ust a little, an thought at that push o" energy! 1 ha a $hoi$e o" pushing &a$k or
simply opening enough to taste it! 1 was pretty sure it was +i$ke, &e$ause whoever it was
han't trie to hie his presen$e "rom me! Vittorio was a&le to hie not 7ust "rom me &ut "rom
Ma(, an i" he $oul hie his energy signature "rom the Master o" the ,ity, then he sure as
hell $oul avoi my raar!
But it was &etter to &e sure, so 1 rea$he out a little more to that $ool, win;"rom;the;grave
power! 1 tou$he that energy, "oun a taste o" Bean;,laue's power! All the vampires &oun to
him ha a "lavor o" him, like a spi$e that ha tou$he all their skins! Then my power tou$he
+i$ke, an him 1 $oul "eel, like the wor shoul &e in &ol letters! 1 "elt him look into the
air, as i" he shoul &e a&le to see me hovering! 1" it ha &een Bean;,laue, 1 $oul have use
his eyes to look where he was looking3 with +i$ke it was 7ust a "eeling!
<1t's him,= 1 sai, low to #war! 1 starte to say, louer, <1t's okay, he's on our sie,= &ut
stoppe in mi&reath, &e$ause a i""erent power ha pushe through the opening in my
shiels! The opening 1' ha to make to sense the vampire! 1' "orgotten a&out Mi$hael! 1'
"orgotten that he was a psy$hi$ an that his priestess ha orere him to sense my a&ilities!
There was a moment where 1 was $aught &etween sensing the vampire outsie an trying to
push the wit$h out o" my shiels! 1t shoul have &een simply a matter o" $losing the oor that
1' opene, &ut something a&out Mi$hael's power mae the oor wier! 1t was like 1' opene
a oor, an he turne it into a tunnel mouth &ig enough to rive a semi through! The oor 1
$oul guar, &ut the other opening was too large! An all tunnels are ark!
Darkness &oile towar me! 1 $oul see her in my min's eye like a $lou o" night, reay to
pour into that opening! Mi$hael stoo in that vision with me, i" vision was the wor "or it! He
$oul see it, too! He in't waste time asking, What is it, He a$te! He was the &la$k og, the
&la$k man, an he i his 7o&! 1t is an ol, ol $ustom that no guest &e harme in your house!
A golen glow appeare in his han an grew like lightning to "orm a swor! He "a$e the
$oming ark with that &urning swor in his han! There was a se$on shaow over him, i" a
shaow $oul glow with light3 it was larger than the man, an as the &la$kness "rame him,
rising up an up to eat the room 1 knew we ha to &e staning in, the glowing "igure was more
$lear, an 1 saw "or a moment the shaow o" great, &urning wings!
My "irst thought was emon3 then 1 knew that was 7ust the "ront o" my &rain! 1 knew what the
emoni$ "elt like, an this was not it! 1t was power, raw an real, an estru$tion was in that
"ire, &ut it was holy "ire, an only the unholy nee "ear it! But it takes "aith to stan that $lose
to the "lame an not &e a"rai! How strong was my "aith/ +hat i 1 &elieve in as the
arkness swept upwar an Mi$hael stoo there with his swor an the shaow o" angels at
his &a$k/ 1 ha a heart&eat to think, Oh, (ichael, I et it.
The man stoo there &etween me an the ark, an 1 $oul not let him stan alone! 1 move to
stan with the man, Mi$hael, an that glowing shaow, re$iting as 1 move, <Saint Mi$hael
the Ar$hangel, e"en us in &attle=.the "ire &urne &righter against the ark.<&e our
prote$tion against the wi$keness an snares o" the evil!= 1t was like the "ire in holy o&7e$ts
that $ame when "aith was all you ha against the vampires! <May -o re&uke him, we
hum&ly pray: an o thou, 4 >rin$e o" the heavenly host ! ! != 1t was as i" 1 were seeing the
sour$e o" every glowing holy o&7e$t 1 ha ever seen, &urning &e"ore me! <By the power o"
-o, $ast into hell Satan ! ! != 1 was at the ege o" those &urning wings, an "or a moment 1
hesitate! The arkness swept up an over the man an the glow, an 1 knew that 1 ha
se$ons to e$ie! +hat was 13 whose sie was 1 on/ +as 1 holy enough to step into that
light/
Marmee 2oir's voi$e spoke in my hea, or may&e the arkness all aroun us spoke! <A pie$e
o" me is insie you, ne$roman$er3 i" you step into the "ire o" -o, you will &e estroye like
any vampire!=
+as she right/
Then Mi$hael the man steppe &a$k, to put himsel" in harm's way again! He "a$e that
overwhelming o$ean o" arkness, when it ha given him the $han$e to &e le"t out o" it! 1t
wasn't even thought3 1 move "orwar, &e$ause he was trying to take my harm, my &low, my
"ate, an 1 $ouln't let him o that! 1 steppe into that "ire an e(pe$te to &e &line &y the
light, &ut it wasn't like that! 1t was as i" the worl were light, an 1 $oul only see the light,
"li$kering an real aroun me! The man in "ront o" me was real, an the "ire was real, &ut ! ! !
<2e$roman$er, help meA=
1 in't unerstan what she meant, &ut it in't matter! #vil always lies! 1 "inishe the prayer:
<An all other evil spirits who waner through the worl seeking the ruin o" souls! Amen!=
1t was as i" the power aroun us took a &reath, the way you' o &e"ore &lowing out a $anle!
The power took a &reath, then let it out, &ut this &reath was like staning at groun 8ero o" a
nu$lear &om&! )eality &lew outwar, then re;"orme! 1 hal";e(pe$te the house to &e
estroye aroun us, &ut we were le"t &linking in the living room o" >hoe&e Billings's house!
2ot so mu$h as a tea$up ha move!
#war was staning very $lose to us, &ut >hoe&e was holing him &a$k! Telling him, <+ait,
Mi$hael knows what he's oing!=
1 was staning &ehin Mi$hael, as 1 ha &een in the <vision=3 there was no &urning swor in
his han, &ut somehow 1 knew, i" he neee it, it woul &e there!
He turne aroun an looke at me with ark &rown eyes, &ut there was a glimmer in them, a
hint o" "ire, own in their epths! 2ot the light o" vampires &ut o" something else!
<Anita, talk to me,= #war sai!
<1'm okay, #war, thanks to Mi$hael!= An 1 meant the ou&le entenre! 1' "in a $hur$h
an &urn a $anle "or the Ar$hangel Mi$hael! 1t was the least 1 $oul o!
<Someone e(plain what 7ust happene,= he sai, an he soune angry!
<+hat i you see/= 1 aske!
<5ou looke up an saw something, something that s$are the hell out o" you! Then he=.an
he shove a thum& in Mi$hael's ire$tion.<went to stan &y you! 1 trie to go to you, &ut she
tol me it wasn't a matter o" guns!=
<She was right,= 1 sai!
<Then every holy o&7e$t in the room &urst into "lame!=
<5ou mean they glowe,= 1 sai!
<2o, "lame, they &urne!=
<Bernaro pani$ke,= 4la" sai, <an threw o"" his $ross!=
1 looke at the &ig man! 1 almost aske him how he 7usti"ie "aith in -o with &eing a serial
killer, &ut in't! May&e later i" 1 wante to piss him o""!
<4n$e 1 lost the $ross,= Bernaro sai, an 1 reali8e that he was the only one not staning
$lose to us, <1 saw ! ! ! things!=
<+hat/= 1 aske!
<0ight, arkness!= He stare at me "rom the ege o" the $ou$h! <1 saw ! ! ! something!= He
looke pale an shaken!
1 starte to ask What, again, &ut Mi$hael tou$he my arm! 1 looke at him! He shook his
hea! 1 noe! 4kay, let Bernaro's vision alone! 1t ha s$are the shit out o" him, an that
mae it private! He' tell, or he' get runk an try to "orget it! 1t's not every ay you see
emons an angels! Marmee 2oir wasn't te$hni$ally a emon, &ut she was an evil spirit!
<+hat is it that hunts you/= Mi$hael aske!
<5ou saw it,= 1 sai!
<1 i, &ut 1've never seen anything like it &e"ore!=
1 stare up at him! <5ou steppe in her way, twi$e, an you in't know what she was, or
what she $oul have one to you/= 1 $ouln't keep the astonishment out o" my voi$e!
He noe! <1 am the &la$k og, the $ir$le guarian! 5ou are our guest, an no harm shall
&e"all anyone in my $are!=
<5ou have no iea what she $oul have one to you!=
He smile, an it was the smile o" a true &eliever! <1t $oul not have tou$he me!=
<1s he talking a&out ! ! ! ,= an #war hesitate!
<Marmee 2oir!=
<Mother Dark,= >hoe&e sai!
1 noe!
<The ark goess is not always "ear"ul3 sometimes she is rest"ul!=
<She isn't a goess, or i" she is, there's no goo sie to her3 trust me on that!=
<This was not goess energy,= Mi$hael sai!
<,ouln't you see it/= 1 aske!
<1 $oul "eel it, &ut 1 $on$entrate on repairing the amage to our wars so that more woul
not "ollow her! 1 truste Mi$hael to $hase out that whi$h ha $rosse our &orers an to keep
you sa"e!=
<That's a lot to trust someone with,= 1 sai!
<5ou've seen him arme "or &attle, Marshal3 o you &elieve my trust is mispla$e/=
1 "lashe &a$k on the image o" Mi$hael with the &urning swor an that shaow o" wings over
him! 1 shook my hea! <2o, it's not mispla$e!=
<Someone talk to me,= #war sai, <now!=
<1 lowere my shiels to see i" the vampire was ours, an Mi$hael here trie to taste my
power &y making the opening a little &igger!=
<5ou mean like what happene with San$he8 earlier,= #war sai!
1 noe!
<1 i not amage your shiels eli&erately,= he sai!
<1 &elieve you,= 1 sai! <An the Mother o" All Darkness trie to eat me again! But Mi$hael
stoppe her, $ast her out!=
<To hell/= Bernaro aske, still looking haunte!
1 shook my hea! <1 on't think so, 7ust out o" here!=
<How i it get through our wars/= Mi$hael aske!
<1 think 1 $arry a pie$e o" her insie me all the time now,= 1 sai! <4n$e you let me insie
your wars, she ha an in!=
<5ou on't taste evil, Marshal!=
<She i something to me earlier toay! 1t's messe with my psy$hi$ a&ilities, opene me up,
somehow!=
<1 think we $an help there, an 1 woul love to hear more a&out what she is an how you
$ame to her attention!=
<+e on't have time "or this, Anita,= #war sai!
<1 know,= 1 sai!
<The Darkness has trie to eat her twi$e in the same ay,= 4la" sai! <#ventually, i" Anita
oesn't learn how to guar hersel" &etter, she will lose!=
#war an 1 stare at the &ig man! <How mu$h i you see or "eel/= 1 aske!
<2ot mu$h,= he sai!
<Then why are you the one en$ouraging me to get all metaphysi$al/=
<Marmee 2oir wants you, Anita! 1 unerstan o&session!= He stare at me with those $ave;
ark eyes, an 1 "ought not to look away! 1 $ouln't e$ie whi$h was more unsettling, the
intensity in his ga8e or the la$k o" any other emotion! 1t was as i", in that moment, he was
simply pare own to the nee in his eyes! <She's $hosen you "or her vi$tim, an she will
have you unless you $an "i( what she amage insie you, prote$t yoursel" &etter, or kill her
"irst!=
1 gave a harsh laugh! <*ill the Mother o" All Vampires/ 2ot likely!=
<+hy not/= 4la" aske!
1 "rowne at him! <1" she $an o all this to me "rom thousans o" miles away, then 1 o not
want to see what she's $apa&le o" i" 1'm physi$ally $loser! All vampire powers grow with
pro(imity!=
<A &om& woul o it, something with high heat yiel!=
1 sear$he his "a$e, trying to rea something in it that 1 $oul really get a hanle on an
unerstan, &ut it was almost as &a as staring into the "a$es o" the shapeshi"ters in their hal";
human "orms! 1 7ust $ouln't e$ipher him!
<1' still have to get to the $ity she's in, an that woul &e too $lose! Besies, 1 on't know
anything a&out &om&s!=
<1 o,= he sai!
1 "inally got a $lue! <Are you o""ering to go with me/=
He 7ust noe!
<Damn it,= #war sai!
1 looke at him! 1 shook my hea! <1 won't ask you to go!=
<1 $an't let you go o"" alone with him to hunt her!= He sai it as i" it were a one eal, a given!
1 shook my hea, an wave my hans as i" erasing something in the air! <1'm not going
either! 2one o" us is getting any nearer to her!=
<1" you o not kill her "irst, she will surely kill you,= 4la" sai!
<Shoul we &e talking a&out this in "ront o" witnesses/= Bernaro aske! He ha "inally
move $loser to us!
+e looke at >hoe&e an Mi$hael as i" we' "orgotten them! 1 almost ha! #war never
"orgot anything, &ut as he looke at me, 1 reali8e that there was guilt in his eyes! 1' never
seen that "or anyone &ut Donna an the kis!
1 rea$he out an lai "ingers on his arm, a gentle tou$h! <5ou ying trying to kill Marmee
2oir woul not have helpe me now! 5ou' &e ea, an 1' &e alone with these two!=
That almost earne me a smile! <4r she' &e ea, an you' &e sa"e!=
1 grippe his arm, tight! <Don't se$on;guess yoursel", #war, you're not goo at it!
,ertainty is all we have on shit like this!=
He i smile, then! <0ook who's talking, Ms! Dou&ting;All;My;,hoi$es!=
<Are you saying that thing has a physi$al &oy, on this plane, right now/= Mi$hael aske!
1 thought a&out the %uestion, then noe! <1've seen where her &oy lies, so yeah!=
<1 thought you' never &een physi$ally $lose to her!=
<4nly in reams an nightmares,= 1 sai!
Musi$ starte.<+il Boys= &y Duran Duran.an it still took me a minute to reali8e it was
my $ell phone! 1 "um&le it out o" my po$ket, vowing to pi$k a i""erent song "or 2athaniel to
put into the phone so 1 $oul get ri o" this one!
<Anita,= +i$ke sai, <are you all right/=
<1'm "ine!=
<Are you &eing $oer$e/=
<2o, no, 1'm "ine, really!=
<1 $annot get insie! 1 $annot even step on the oorstep!= +i$ke's voi$e soune a"rai3
other than "or his &rother's li"e, 1' never hear him a"rai!
<5ou on't have to, +i$ke, 7ust wait outsie! 1'll $ome to you in a little &it!=
<1 "elt the Mother o" All Darkness, an then 1 "elt ! ! != He seeme at a loss "or wors!
1 almost helpe him out, &ut he was a vampire, an it ha &een angels! 1 wante to know what
he' sense!
He "inally spoke again, <+hen 1 "irst arrive, 1 $oul have entere the house with an
invitation, &ut now 1 wouln't are! 1t glows like something holy!=
<The priestess ha to reo the shiels,= 1 sai, <to keep out Marmee 2oir!=
<1" anything goes wrong in there, 1 $annot help you!=
<1t's $overe, +i$ke, honest!=
<1 know you have #war with you, &ut 1 am your &oyguar, Anita! Bean;,laue $harge me
with your sa"ety! 1" 1 let you ie here, Bean;,laue woul kill me an my &rother! He'
pro&a&ly kill Truth "irst an make me wat$h, an then he' kill me! An right this se$on, 1
$an't rea$h you! Shit!=
<1sn't that usually my line/= 1 sai!
<Don't make a 7oke o" this, Anita!=
<0ook, 1'm sorry you $an't enter past the wars, &ut we are all right, an you $ouln't have
kept me sa"e "rom Marmee 2oir even i" you' &een with me!=
<An that is another pro&lem! 1 $oul see her like some &la$k storm towering over the house!
She ignore me as i" 1 in't e(ist, &ut 1 "elt her power, Anita! All the weapons training in the
worl won't stop her!=
<Apparently, magi$ oes,= 1 sai!
<+oul the wars you are &ehin keep her out/=
<May&e!=
<But they woul also keep out every other vampire, an Vittorio has wereanimals to sen "or
you, so Bean;,laue tells me!=
<1'm pretty sure o" that, yeah!=
<Then we nee to &e with you,= he sai!
<Agree!=
<But we nee to keep the Mother o" All Darkness "rom you, too! How o we o &oth/=
That he was asking me was not a goo sign! <+olves,= 1 sai, "inally!
<+hat/=
<+ol", she $an't $ontrol wol", only $ats!=
<+hat a&out the werehyenas/=
<1 on't know, 1've only mae wol" work "or me!=
<+e have -raham!=
<Any other wolves woul &e help"ul,= 1 sai!
<1'll $all )e%uiem an see what we $an "in!= Then he hung up! 1 was le"t to turn &a$k to the
room an say, <6m, nope, no iea how to e(plain it, so 1'm not going to try!=
>hoe&e sai, <5ou are wearing something that was suppose to help you against the
Darkness!=
1 almost tou$he the meallion on its $hain with the $ross, &ut stoppe mysel" in mimotion!
She smile!
<?ine,= 1 sai, <&ut it oesn't matter, sin$e it seems to have stoppe working!=
<1" you will permit me to look at it, 1 &elieve it only nees to &e $leanse an re$harge!=
There must have &een a look on my "a$e &e$ause she ae, <Surely whoever taught you to
shiel well enough to keep Mi$hael outsie taught you this as well!=
<She trie, &ut 1 on't put a lot o" sto$k in 7ewelry!=
She smile again! <5et you &elieve in the pie$e o" metal aroun your ne$k!=
1 wasn't sure i" she was talking a&out the $ross or the meallion, &ut either way, she ha a
point! <5ou're right, my tea$her has talke to me a&out stones an stu""! 1 7ust on't &elieve in
it!=
<Some things on't re%uire your &elie" to make them work, Marshal!=
<1've got stu"" on me,= Bernaro sai, <that 7ust works, Anita!=
<Stones/= 1 mae it a %uestion!
He noe!
>hoe&e sai, <1t is suppose to help you see your prey, &ut when you remove your $ross, you
ha only things that mae you see more into the spirit worl an nothing to prote$t you "rom
it!=
He shrugge! <1 got e(a$tly what 1 aske "or3 may&e 1 7ust in't know what 1 neee!=
1 looke at him! He' put his $ross &a$k on, &ut there was still a tightness aroun the eyes!
+hatever he ha seen o" Marmee 2oir ha spooke him! <1 in't see you "or the mum&o;
7um&o type,= 1 sai!
<5ou sai it yoursel", Anita3 most o" us on't have your talent with the ea! +e get what
help we $an!=
1 looke at #war! <Do you have help/=
He shook his hea!
1 looke at 4la"! <5ou/=
<2ot stones an magi$!=
<+hat then/=
<The $ross is &lesse &y a very holy man! 1t &urns with his "aith, not mine!=
<A $ross oesn't work "or you, personally/= 1 aske, then almost wishe 1 han't!
<The same man who &lesse the $ross tol me 1 am amne, an no amount o" Hail Marys or
prayers will save me!=
<#veryone $an &e save,= 1 sai!
<To &e "orgiven, you must "irst repent your sins!= He gave me the "ull weight o" those eyes
again!
<An you're unrepentant,= 1 sai!
He noe!
1 thought a&out that, that his $ross &urne with the "aith o" a holy man who ha tol him he'
go to hell unless he repente! He in't repent, &ut he still wore the $ross that the man ha
given him, an it still worke "or him! The logi$, or la$k o" it, mae my hea hurt! But in the
en, "aith isn't always a&out logi$3 sometimes it's a&out the leap!
<Di you kill him/= Bernaro aske!
4la" looke at him! <+hy woul 1 kill him/=
<+hy wouln't you/=
4la" seeme to think a&out that "or a moment, then sai, <1 in't want to, an no one was
paying me to o it!=
There, per"e$tly 4la", not that he in't kill a priest &e$ause it woul &e wrong, &ut &e$ause it
in't amuse him at the moment, an no one ha pai him! #ven #war at his most
istur&ing wouln't have ha the same logi$!
<+e're talking in "ront o" you too $asually,= #war sai! <+hy/=
<>erhaps you simply "eel at ease!=
He shook his hea! <5ou've got a permanent spell o" some kin on the room, or house!=
<All 1 have $ast is that people may speak "reely i" they esire to! Apparently, your "riens "eel
the nee, an you o not!=
<1 on't &elieve $on"ession is goo "or the soul!=
<2or o 1,= she sai, <&ut it $an "ree up parts o" you that are &lo$ke, or help soothe your
min!=
He shook his hea, then turne to me! <1" you're going to have her o something with the
meallion, o it! +e nee to go!=
1 "ishe the se$on $hain "rom unerneath the vest an all! 1' trie $arrying the $ross an the
meallion on the same $hain, &ut there were too many times when 1 neee the $ross visi&le,
an 1 got tire o" people asking what the se$on sym&ol meant! The image on the metal was
o" a many;heae &ig $at3 i" you looke 7ust right on the so"t metal, you $oul is$ern stripes
an sym&ols aroun the ege o" it! 1' trie to pass it o"" as a saint's meallion, &ut it 7ust
in't look like anything that tame!
1 hel it out to >hoe&e! She took it gingerly &y the $hain with only two "ingers! <This is very
ol!=
1 noe! <The metal is so"t enough that it &ens with pressure, an some with 7ust the heat o"
the &oy!=
She starte walking towar the oor that her aughter ha $ome through with the tea! 1
e(pe$te us to go all the way to her altar room, &ut she stoppe us in a small, &right kit$hen!
Her aughter, *ate, was nowhere to &e seen!
>hoe&e answere as i" 1' aske out lou, <*ate ha a ate tonight! 1 tol her she $oul go
a"ter the tea was serve!=
<So she misse the metaphysi$al show!=
<5es, though many gi"te in the area might have "elt something! 5ou o not $all own su$h
evil an su$h goo without alerting those who $an sense su$h things!=
<1 on't usually pi$k up stray stu"",= 1 sai!
<But you are not traine "or it! Tonight's show woul have attra$te either the untraine, who
$annot &lo$k it out, or the traine, who are open to the alert!=
1 shook my hea! <Are we here "or me to get le$ture or to $leanse the $harm/=
<So impatient!=
<5eah, 1 know, 1 nee to work on it!=
She smile, then turne to the sink! <Then 1 will not waste more o" your time!= She turne the
water on an waite a "ew moments "or it to run, while her eyes were $lose an she looke
upwar at nothing that 1 $oul see or "eel!
She passe the $harm an $hain uner the running water! She turne the water o"", then hel
the $harm in her hans an $lose her eyes again! <1t is $leanse, an reay "or use!=
1 gave her a look!
She laughe! <+hat, you were e(pe$ting me to put it on the altar an take you out to an$e
nake in the moonlight/=
<1've seen my tea$her $leanse 7ewelry, an she oes the "our elements: earth, air, water, "ire!=
<1 thought 1 woul see i" 1 $oul $leanse it oing something that you might a$tually o
yoursel"!=
<5ou mean 7ust wash the &a stu"" o""/=
<1 let the water run "or a "ew minutes, as 1 thought, @All water is sa$re!' Surely you know that
running water is a &arrier to evil!=
<1've a$tually never "oun that a vamp $ouln't $ross water to get to me! 1've ha ghouls run
through a stream!=
<>erhaps the stream, like your $ross, nees you to &elieve!=
<+hy isn't the water like the stones, an works on its own/=
<+hy shoul water &e like stone/= she aske!
1t was one o" those irritating %uestions that Marianne woul ask o$$asionally! But 1' learne
this game! <+hy wouln't it &e/=
She smile! <1 see why you worke so %ui$kly an seamlessly with Mi$hael! 5ou &oth have a
$ertain e(asperating %uality to you!=
<So 1've &een tol!=
She rie the meallion $are"ully on a $lean kit$hen towel, then hane it to me! <This is not
like your $ross, Marshal! 1t is not an item that automati$ally keeps the &a things at &ay! 1t is a
neutral o&7e$t3 o you unerstan what that means/=
1 let the meallion an $hain pool into the palm o" my han! <1t means that it isn't evil or
goo3 it's more like a gun! How it's use epens on who's pulling the trigger!=
<The analogy will o, &ut 1 have never seen anything like this! 5ou o not know me, &ut 1
on't say that very o"ten!=
1 looke at the ull gleam o" the metal in my han! <1 was tol it woul keep Marmee 2oir out
o" me!=
<Di they tell you anything else a&out it/=
1 thought, then ha to shake my hea!
<They may not have known, &ut 1 think as it keeps the Dark Mother out o" you, it may also
$all things to you!=
<+hat kin o" things/= 1 aske!
<There's something very animalisti$, almost shamani$, to the energy o" the pie$e, &ut that's
not %uite it, either!=
1 wante to ask, i it $all the tigers to me/ +as it the meallion itsel" that was $ausing me to
&e rawn to them/ +oul asking &e giving her too mu$h in"ormation/
<+hy i you ask how goo a wit$h )any was/=
1 "elt the $ompulsion to simply tell her! She was right, 1 wante to tell her, "elt we shoul
enlist some help "rom the lo$al talent, &ut it wasn't my $all! #war was senior on this, an 1
&owe to his e(pertise! +hat $oul 1 say/
<The &a guys, or things, in't go in "or a killing &low! Their "irst strikes were to keep him
"rom talking! He was a "ully arme, "ully traine, spe$ial teams guy! That's angerous enough
to 7ust kill, &ut whoever stru$k the &lows saw his a&ility to speak as more angerous than the
weapons!=
<5ou aske me a&out a spell, &ut 1 $an't think o" anything that woul "or$e )any to speak
out lou! 5ou saw Mi$hael an what he i! His invo$ation was sounless!=
<5eah, &ut it takes $on$entration to o that kin o" summoning, oesn't it/ ,oul )any $all
up that kin o" energy in the mile o" a "ire"ight/=
She seeme to think a&out it! <1 on't know! 1 have never trie to o a working in the mile
o" $om&at! +e have other &rothers an sisters who are soliers! 1 $an email them an ask!=
<Bust ask i" they've trie oing magi$ in the mile o" a "ire"ight! 2o etails!=
<1 give you my wor!=
Ha 1 sai too mu$h/ 1t in't "eel like 1 ha! <0et's say "or argument's sake that your people
tell you they $an't o magi$, silent an normal, uring $om&at! +hat woul $ome up against
an arme unit, a S+AT unit, that )any Sherman woul have thought wors, a spell, woul
&e more e""e$tive against than silver;$oate &ullets/=
<Are you $ertain it was silver &ullets/=
<1t's stanar ops that ta$ units like S+AT have silver;$oate ammo to &e $arrie at all times,
in $ase one o" the &a guys turns out to &e a vampire or shapeshi"ter! They were &a$king up a
vampire hunter3 they' have silver ammo!=
<But you in't $he$k,= she sai!
1 noe! <1 will, &ut 1've seen these guys work, an they wouln't make that &ig a mistake!=
She noe! <)any woul $ertainly not have mae su$h an error!=
<5ou haven't answere my %uestion, >hoe&e!=
<1 was thinking,= she sai! She "rowne, rolling her lip uner 7ust a little! 1t looke like an ol
nervous ha&it that she' almost lost! 1 wonere i" it was her tell! Di it mean she was lying,
or more nervous than she shoul &e/ ,oul she have some tie to what was happening/ +ell,
yeah, uh, &ut it in't "eel right! But then, how mu$h was her magi$ an the house itsel" with
all its wars a""e$ting my rea$tion to her/ Shit, 1 wishe 1 han't thought o" that, or that 1'
thought o" it sooner! That 1 han't thought sooner meant 1 was &eing messe with again! Shit!
<The emoni$, some evil spirits, as you saw with your Mother Dark!= She "rowne!
<5ou've thought o" something,= 1 sai!
She shook her hea! <2o, it's 7ust, it $oul &e almost anything! 5ou haven't even tol me how
they stoppe )any "rom speaking! 1 assume it was some kin o" gag or amage that mae
spee$h impossi&le!=
Honestly, "or her to really &e a worthwhile in"ormation sour$e, she neee more $lues, &ut
#war ha e(pressly tol me not to give her any! ,rap!
<1 know you on't trust me, Marshal!=
<+hy shoul 1/ 5ou've got this house so wire with magi$ that you've taken most o" our
natural $yni$ism away! +e've talke more openly aroun you than we shoul have alreay!=
<,yni$ism is not always $onu$ive to stuying an per"orming magi$!=
<But "or $ops, it's essential!=
<1 i not war my house with the iea that poli$e woul $ome an %uestion me!=
<?air enough, &ut how $an we tell what was on purpose an what wasn't/ 1 $an't even tell i"
we were talking too mu$h &e"ore you rei the wars, or only a"ter! 1" it was a"ter, you i it
on purpose to try to get us to tell you more a&out )any Sherman's eath!=
<That woul &e a very gray thing "or a +i$$an priestess to o, Marshal!=
1 smile, an it was a real smile! <5ou i, in't you/ 5ou use the emergen$y to tweak the
spells so we' &e more $hatty!= 1 shook a "inger at her! <That's illegal! 6sing magi$ on poli$e
in the mile o" an investigation is automati$ arrest! 1 $oul $harge you with magi$al
mal"easan$e!=
<That woul &e an automati$ 7ail senten$e o" at least si( months,= she sai!
<1t woul,= 1 sai!
+e stare at ea$h other! <-rie" makes me "oolish, an 1 apologi8e "or that, &ut 1 want to know
what happene to )any!=
<2o,= 1 sai, <you on't!=
She "rowne, an then her "a$e $loue over! <1s it that aw"ul/=
<5ou on't want your last=.1 hesitate.<image o" your "rien to &e the $rime s$ene photos,
an e"initely not a visit to the morgue!= 1 rea$he out to lay a $om"orting han, &ut stoppe
mysel"! 1 was a little "u88y on human psy$hi$ a&ilities! Di they grow with tou$h, like a
vampire's/ Mine in't, &ut mine were pretty spe$iali8e! 1 let my han "all &a$k! <Trust me
on this one, >hoe&e!=
<How $an 1 trust you when you're threatening to put me in 7ail/= There was a threa o" anger
in her voi$e now! 1 guess 1 $ouln't &lame her!
1 a$tually han't sai 1' put her in 7ail! 1' 7ust mentione that 1 could put her in 7ail! Big
i""eren$e, a$tually, &ut i" she assume it was a threat, "ine! 1" it got me more in"ormation on
the killings, or )any Sherman, or anything, then even &etter! 1 wasn't here to win popularity
$ontests3 1 was here to solve $rimes!
There was movement in the oorway "rom "arther insie the house! My gun was suenly in
my han! Thought an a$tion are one, grasshopper!
<1t's my aughter,= >hoe&e sai, &ut she was staring at the gun! Staring at it like it was a very
&a thing! 1 wasn't even pointing it at anyone, an alreay she was s$are! ?rom power"ul
priestess hooke up to eity an magi$ to "rightene $ivilian in one move!
<,an 1 talk to you, or o you 7ust want to shoot me/= *ate's voi$e hel "ury! A ni$e re wave
o" anger, tinge with "ear, $ame o"" her! 1t mae my stoma$h $len$h tight, as i" 1 were still
hungry, &ut 1 knew it wasn't that kin o" hunger!
1 steppe &a$k "rom &oth the mother an the aughter! 1 put mysel" so that my empty han
woul open the oor, an 1 $oul get away "rom that tempting anger, i" the hunger rose too
"ast an too har to $ontrol! 1 ha +i$ke outsie, an i" 1 ha to $hoose &etween the ardeur
with him or psy$hi$ rape on a wit$h, then 1' $hoose se( an the vampire! At least he was
willing!
<Are you a"rai o" me/= *ate aske, as she steppe $are"ully into the room! She' ae a
short 7a$ket over her 7eans, an she ha her hans stu""e in her po$kets!
<0et me see your hans,= 1 sai, voi$e low an even!
She mae a "a$e, &ut her mother sai, <Do what she says, *ate!=
The girl $ouln't have &een mu$h younger than me, "ive years or less, &ut she' live a
i""erent li"e! She in't &elieve 1' shoot her, &ut her mother i!
<*ate, as your priestess, 1 tell you to o what she says!=
The girl let out a &reath, then took her hans, $are"ully, out o" her po$kets! The hans were
empty! Her anger welle o"" her like some ri$h, thi$k s$ent, as i" her rage woul taste &etter
than most!
<1 won't let her put you in 7ail,= she sai, ark eyes all "or her mother, as i" 1 weren't staning
there with a gun in my han! 1 hope 1 in't have to shoot her3 it woul &e like winging an
angry Bam&i! She 7ust in't know any &etter! The very naPvetO o" her helpe me regain
$ontrol o" the hunger! 1 took eep, even &reaths an thought soothing, empty thoughts!
<*ate,= >hoe&e sai, <1 let my grie" get in the way o" my &etter 7ugment! That is not the
marshal's "ault!=
*ate shook her hea har enough "or her &rown ponytail to whirl aroun her shoulers! <2o!=
Then she turne those angry eyes to me! <1" 1 gave you a name o" someone who $oul have
one this, woul you leave my mother alone/=
<*ate, noA=
<+e on't owe him enough "or you to go to 7ail, an what i" he i have something to o with
this/ Then the ne(t time he kille someone, it woul &e part o" our karma, too! 1 on't owe
him that!=
<1 was his priestess, *ate!=
She shook her hea again! <1 wasn't!= She turne &a$k to me! <1'm ating a $op! He sai
something a&out the &oies &eing torn up, an not all o" it was wereanimal! 1 mean, that
always makes the news anytime you get a mutilate &oy! They always &lame the lo$al
wereanimals "irst!=
1 7ust noe! She was in a moo to talk, i" 1 in't spoil it somehow!
<But he sai that some o" the &oies were $ut with &laes! That the M# ha never seen
anything like it, an neither ha you guys!=
Her &oy"rien was way too talkative, &ut i" she' give me the name, 1 wouln't tell! 1 might
try to "in out who it was an tell him to keep his mouth shut, &ut 1 wouln't rat him out! 1"
she' 7ust say the name!
<1s that true/= she aske, at last!
<1'm not "ree to is$uss an ongoing investigation! 5ou know that!=
<1" it's true, then you nee to talk to To Bering!=
<He's o"" his mes again,= >hoe&e sai! <5ou have to unerstan that! He's a goo man when
he takes his mes, &ut when he goes o"" ! ! !=
<+hat's he on mes "or/=
<He was iagnose with s$hi8ophrenia &e$ause he hear voi$es an saw things! He may have
&een milly ill, &ut he is also one o" the most power"ul natural wit$hes 1've ever met!=
<+hat oes that mean, @natural wit$h'/= 1 aske!
<0ike you,= *ate sai, <your power 7ust $ame, right/ 5ou in't have to stuy, you $oul 7ust
o it!=
<1 ha to have training to $ontrol it,= 1 sai!
<An that's what we trie to o "or To!= *ate in't soun angry now, she soune a little
sa! 1 was happy a&out the sa3 it mae the re$eing ege o" anger less yummy!
<1t in't work/= 1 aske!
<1t worke,= >hoe&e sai, an she sighe, <&ut when he starte getting si$k again, he $alle
up things that are never to &e tou$he on our path! There are some things you $annot o an
&e a goo wit$h!=
1 noe! <So 1've hear!=
<He $alle a emon! 1t "elt so aw"ul, like you $ouln't &reathe past the evil o" it,= *ate sai3
she was looking at the groun, &ut her eyes were haunte, as i" she $oul still "eel it!
<1've "elt the emoni$ &e"ore,= 1 sai!
<Then you know,= she sai, raising those haunte eyes to me!
1 noe! <1 know!=
<1t ha these &ig &lae;like hooks "or hans! As "ar as 1 know it's still insie the $ir$le in his
house, &ut i" he gaine $ontrol o" it ! ! != She shrugge!
1 looke at them &oth! <The most likely s$enario is that when it gets out o" the $ir$le, it 7ust
kills him an goes &a$k to where it $ame "rom! How likely is it that this To Bering is
power"ul an sane enough to $ontrol something like this/=
>hoe&e noe! <He woul &e $apa&le!=
<5ou shoul have reporte this to the authorities as soon as you saw it,= 1 sai!
<1 thought, like you, that it woul es$ape the $ir$le an kill him! 1t woul &e instant karma! 1
in't ream that he woul &e a&le to $ontrol it, or that he woul atta$k poli$emen! )umor
says that it was that vampire serial killer an wereanimals! 2o one sai emon or &laes! The
news reporte that the poli$e ha &een torn apart &y $laws an "angs!=
+e ha a serious leak at the Vegas >D, an 1 woul have to report it! Talking to your
girl"rien is one thing3 talking to the press is another! 1 $ouln't take the $han$e that her
&oy"rien wasn't our Mr! ,hatty!
<Blaes, Mom, &laes!=
1 in't $orre$t her that it was &oth! 2o nee "or me to share, too! <1 appre$iate the
in"ormation!=
<1" you ha simply tol me that he was $ut with &laes.)any, 1 mean.1 woul have tol
you a&out To!=
<1 know, &ut it's har to know who to trust! 1 nee his aress!=
They e($hange a look, then >hoe&e got a notepa &y the telephone an wrote it own "or
me! <May -oess "orgive me i" he i these terri&le murers!=
1 holstere the Browning an took the paper "rom her with my le"t han! <1 $an't hie where 1
got the in"ormation "rom!=
<They'll investigate us allA= *ate yelle, an took a step towar me! Her anger was 7ust
suenly so there, so $lose, so ! ! !
1 "elt the oor &ehin me opening, an move so #war $oul $ome through! <5ou guys all
right in here/=
1 shook my hea, then noe! <+e have a $ra8y wit$h who raise a emon with &laes "or
hans! The last time they saw it, it was insie the summoning $ir$le! +e nee to see i" it's still
there!=
<1" it's still there, then he in't o it,= *ate sai!
1 gave her a look, an then ha to look away, &ut sight wasn't what was sening her anger
towar me like some sweet s$ent! My stoma$h $len$he again, an 1 ease aroun the ege o"
the open oor! <Bust &e$ause it's in the $ir$le now oesn't mean he in't let it out an put it
&a$k,= 1 sai!
<5ou'll ruin our reputation! 5ou'll ruin everything we've &uilt3 every goo thing my mother
has one will &e lost in the news that one o" our $oven mem&ers raise a murering emonA=
*ate was yelling again an avan$ing on me!
1 $ouln't let her tou$h me &e$ause 1 wante to "ee! 1 wante to su$k all that anger o"" her!
<1've got the aress, an 1 nee some air!=
#war gave me a look!
<1t woul &e wi$ke o" me to stay insie right now,= 1 sai so"tly!
<-o,= he sai, e%ually so"tly, then turne to $alm the enrage girl an her sa mother!
Mi$hael was &eing kept out o" the kit$hen &y 4la" an Bernaro! 2o one was in han$u""s,
yet!
1 sai as 1 walke past them all, <5ou shoul have tol us a&out Bering an the emon!= 1
hane the pie$e o" paper to Bernaro as 1 move past!
He took it an sai, <+hat is it/=
<The aress to a emon with $laws "or hans!=
<Anita,= 4la" $alle!
1 shook my hea an was at the oor! 1 "elt the wars like a physi$al presen$e, almost like
warm water or some thi$k &u&&le that $lung to me as 1 move! But it was esigne to keep
things out, not in, an 1 sli out o" that warm, prote$tive &arrier to "in the $ool, esert night,
an +i$ke leaning against our $ar!
57



+1,*#D >6SH#D A+A5 "rom the $ar, almost $oming to attention! #very in$h o" height
was suenly there, making the &roa shoulers look even more impressive! He ha a tan
tren$h $oat on over a suit o" similar $olor! His &lon hair was silvere with moonlight, the
eges o" it trailing over the shoulers o" the $oat! His "a$e was almost pain"ully mas$uline, the
moonlight an streetlights $utting the high $heek&ones an imple $hin into angles an
planes, sharper an even more mas$uline than 1 knew was true! His eyes were &lue an gray3
in this light they were silver an gray! Those eyes wiene as he "elt me $oming "or him!
1t in't matter that he' never &een "oo &e"ore3 it in't matter that we' never ha se(! All
my goo intentions were gone &y the time 1 $rosse the yar an hit the siewalk!
1 hear the soun the key mae to unlo$k the oors o" the $ar, an glan$e &a$k enough to see
#war on the por$h! He' unlo$ke the $ar! Always pra$ti$al, my #war!
1 turne &a$k to the vampire, an he spoke in a voi$e that was alreay rough with the ege o"
my hunger! <Anita, what's wrong/=
1 wante to simply "all upon him like some &east! 1t was as i" all the hungers 1 $arrie through
the vampire marks, an my own magi$, ha sur"a$e in one huge swirling, rowning nee!
1 looke at that tall, hansome &oy an thought food! 1 thought flesh an 1 thought blood.
an, only istantly, se0! 1 $lose my eyes an trie to $rawl into something resem&ling
$ontrol! 1" 1 tou$he him like this, 1 wasn't sure whether 1 was going to try to "u$k him or take
a &ite out o" him.a real one!
The thought o" sinking teeth into "lesh until that hot, re li%ui &urst into my mouth ! ! ! But
vampire was $ol "oo "or that! The win &lew against my &a$k, an 1 $oul s$ent #war
still on the por$h! That was warmer! 1 starte to turn aroun an stoppe in mimotion!
1 whispere, <+i$ke!=
<1'm here!=
<Something's wrong!=
<1 "eel your hunger! 1" you were a vampire, 1' take you to hunt now!=
<Help me "ee!=
<,an you turn the &loolust into the ardeur/=
<1 on't know!= An that was the truth! 1t s$are me enough that 1 starte taking my weapons
o"" an ropping them on the groun! 1 $alle &a$k, <#war, get them a"ter we're in the $ar!=
<Done,= he sai!
1 slippe the vest o"" last, an on$e its weight was remove, it was as i" 1 $oul &reathe &etter!
My skin was running with heat, as i" 1' &urn when tou$he! Some ly$anthropes spike a
temperature &e"ore they shi"t!
<Anita,= +i$ke's voi$e sai "rom mu$h $loser!
1 opene my eyes an he was staning in "ront o" me! This $lose the light "ell "ull upon him,
an 1 $oul see every line, $urve, o" his "a$e! 1 $oul stare into those silvere eyes! Staring "ull
into that "a$e, in$hes "rom his &oy, an my ga8e roppe to his ne$k, where the $ollar an tie
kept it sa"e an neat! 1 stare at the sie o" his ne$k an sear$he "or that pulse, &ut the skin
was %uiet! His heart in't &eat! 1 steppe &a$k3 this wasn't right! This wasn't what 1 wante! 1
wante something ! ! ! hot!
1 turne &a$k to the house, the por$h, the warmth! He gra&&e my arm, pulle me har in
against his &oy! Something a&out the a&ruptness o" it, the strength o" it, startle me! 1 $oul
think "or a se$on! <-et me away "rom them, +i$ke! Take me somewhere! Make me think
o" se( an not meat!= 1 put my hans in the "ront o" that &utton;own shirt an pulle, sening
the mile &uttons "lying! 1 tore at his shirt until 1 $oul wrap my arms aroun his nake skin!
The tou$h o" that mu$h mus$le "lesh helpe me think o" other things than what the &loo in
my "rien's veins woul taste like!
<5our skin runs hot tonight!= He wrappe his arms aroun my waist, li"ting me o"" the
groun, an my arms sli to a part o" his $hest too wie "or me to en$ir$le! The ne(t moment
we were skywar! 1 "elt the "or$e o" it like a soli push o" something invisi&le against the
groun, an my "eet angle in empty air!
?ear helpe $lear my hea an tone own the hungers! 1' never "lown &y vampire, an 1
"oun that my "ear o" "lying worke 7ust "ine this way, may&e worse than on a plane! 1 ug
"ingers into the shirt 1' rippe, hanging on "or ear li"e! My pulse was $hoking me, an a
s$ream &u&&le in my throat! 1 presse my "a$e to his &are $hest an "ought that aw"ul,
perverse urge to look own!
1 "inally lost the "ight, an i it! The esert stret$he uner us like some moving $arpet! 1t
wasn't as "ar own as 1' "eare! 1' pi$ture tiny $ars an toy houses, &ut we weren't that "ar
up! ?ar enough that i" he roppe me, 1 might only &e $ripple "or li"e, not ea! 2ot a goo
thought! Then 1 reali8e the groun was getting $loser!
<1t's har to lan when you're $arrying someone,= +i$ke sai, his voi$e rum&ling up
through his $hest an against my ear! <1'll roll to take the momentum!=
<+hat/= 1 aske!
<*eep your arms where they are,= he sai! <5ou'll &e "ine!=
The groun was $oming very "ast now, an 1 ha se$ons to e$ie what to o! 1 starte to
wrap my legs aroun him, &ut he sai, <Don't tangle my legsA=
1 stoppe, &ut it le"t me with only my "ear, an se$ons to e$ie what to o with it! 1 $lose
my eyes to the rushing groun an hel on to him!
1 "elt the 7olt as his "eet hit groun, an then he was rolling "orwar, letting the momentum
$arry us own an over! +e ene on the groun, on our sies, with his arms wrappe aroun
me, so that he took the impa$t! 1 lay there, trying to relearn how to &reathe, wrappe in his
arms, trappe against his &oy!
<Anita, are you all right/=
1 wasn't sure how to answer it, &ut manage, <5eah, yes!= My voi$e soune &reathy an
s$are!
He ease o"" me, rawing away until he $oul look own at me! He stuie my "a$e, then
smile an lai his &ig han against my "a$e! <1t has &een a long time sin$e 1 i that! 1'm out
o" pra$ti$e!=
<Most vampires $an't $arry someone,= 1 sai, still in that "rightene voi$e!
<1 tol you, Truth an 1 are very goo at "lying!= He smile again, an this time 1 knew what
kin o" smile it was! 1t helpe that he leane in towar me!
1 stoppe him with a han on his $hest! <1 on't think 1 nee to "ee the ardeur now! 5ou've
s$are it out o" me!=
He laughe, a eep mas$uline soun! #verything a&out him an his &rother was so male! 1
tene to like my men with a little more "eminine energy to them, &ut it was still a goo
laugh!
<5our skin is still hot to the tou$h, as i" you're running a "ever! +hatever happene &a$k at
the house has not le"t you! +hen the "ear "aes, the hunger will return!= His "a$e so&ere!
<5ou nee to "ee &e"ore that happens again, Anita!=
My voi$e s%uee8e own again! <1 wante to go &a$k to the house an "ee, +i$ke! 1 wasn't
thinking that it was #war, or people, 7ust that they were warm!=
He noe, still a&ove me, proppe on one el&ow, while his other han tra$e the ege o" my
"a$e! The tou$h was more $om"orting than se(ual! <1 nee you to release the ardeur &e"ore the
other hungers rise! 5ou must "ee!=
<+hat's wrong with me, +i$ke/=
<1 on't know, &ut i" you "ee the ardeur, the other hungers will &e satis"ie!=
<?or a while,= 1 sai!
He smile, &ut it was sa aroun the eges! <1t's always "or a little while, Anita! 2o matter
what you nee, you will nee it again!= He $uppe the sie o" my "a$e an leane in again! He
lai his lips against mine an kisse me "or the "irst time! 1t was the most gentle o" kisses, a
&are tou$h!
He rew &a$k, 7ust enough to whisper against my mouth, <)elease the ardeur, Anita, "ee, so
you $an get &a$k to your poli$e "riens!=
1 thought a&out #war an the rest going into a house with a emon, an me not &eing there
to have his &a$k! 1 woul guar the &a$k o" any poli$eman that 1 went in with, &ut let's "a$e it,
it was only #war that 1' never "orgive mysel" "or!
1 stare up into +i$ke's "a$e! <How i you know that woul make me o it/=
<5ou are loyal an honora&le, an you woul not leave your "riens to "in anger without
you! ?ee, an we will see you &a$k to them!=
<+e/=
<1 $alle Truth to 7oin us!=
1 "rowne at him, an it was so suspi$ious that he laughe again! <+hy/= 1 aske!
<Be$ause i" we o it right, 1 won't &e a&le to walk right away, let alone "ly!= The look in his
eyes mae me &lush an rop my eyes, whi$h put me looking at his &are $hest where 1' torn
his shirt! That em&arrasse me more, an 1 was le"t pushing away "rom him! He let me sit up,
&ut staye on his sie on the rough groun! 1 reali8e there was nothing &ut &are earth, san,
an ro$k as "ar as 1 $oul see! The sie o" a hill loome over us, &ehin his &a$k, an that was
all! +ell, not all, &e$ause a&ove us was the night sky! 1t stret$he per"e$tly &la$k a&ove us,
with stars, so many stars! They seeme to &urn with white light in a way that they never i in
the $ity!
<How "ar out are we/=
<5ou mean "rom the $ity/= he aske!
<5es!=
<1 on't know3 it's har to 7uge miles "rom the air!=
<+e're "ar enough that there's no light pollution!=
He turne to ga8e up at all that sparkling sky! <1t is pretty, &ut then 1 remem&er when most o"
the sky was like this, almost anywhere you went! There wasn't enough light at night to hie
the stars, no matter how &ig the $ity!=
1 stare up at the glittering &lanket o" stars an trie to envision a worl where the night sky
always looke like this, &ut $ouln't o it! This was the sky over "ar esert, over open water,
over pla$es where people were not!
He tou$he my han, a tentative play o" "ingers! 1 looke own at him! He looke at our
hans, where he tra$e "ingertips over my skin, a light, e(ploring tou$h! 1 $oul not see his
eyes or mu$h o" his e(pression! <Drop your $ontrol o" the ardeur, Anita, please! 1 am not
power"ul enough to "or$e the ardeur to rise, an you are not attra$te enough to me "or it to
happen &y a$$ient!=
<1t's nothing personal, +i$ke! 1 see that you're hansome!=
He looke up at me, an there was something 1 han't e(pe$te to see on his "a$e:
un$ertainty! <Do you, Anita/=
1 "rowne at him! <1'm not &lin, +i$ke! 1 see what you look like!=
<Do you/= He looke &a$k own, his "ingers tra$ing up the line o" my arm! He "oun the
hollow where the arm &ens an tra$e a single "ingertip aroun that so"t, warm spot! 1t mae
me shiver, an my &reath shook on its way out!
He smile then! <May&e you o!= He kept playing over that spot until 1 wriggle an tol
him, <That ti$kles now!=
<1 on't think it ti$kles,= he sai, an sat up! Sitting &esie me, he was still mu$h taller! He
put his hans on &oth o" my arms, an smoothe his hans up my skin! <0et me in, Anita, let
me insie!=
The ou&le entenre mae me "rown again, &ut his hans on my arms istra$te me "rom
&eing unhappy with it! He' a$$use me o" &eing s%ueamish on the phone3 with his hans
playing on my skin an the weight o" him so $lose, 1 reali8e he was right! 1' "allen &a$k into
the ha&it o" "ighting the ardeur! 1 $oul go longer &etween "eeings, so 1 kept pushing it! 1 was
still "ighting it, even though 1 knew that #war woul &e $alling the lo$al poli$e! They' set
up a rai on To Bering's house! They' go in, an there' &e at least a emon, may&e
vampires, an they' only have someone like San$he8 with them "or magi$ &a$kup! San$he8
was a power"ul psy$hi$, &ut he in't know the ea, an 1 was pretty sure he in't know
emons! 1" 1 wasn't there an it all went to shit, 1' always &elieve that 1 $oul have stoppe
it! 1' always &elieve that 1 $oul have save some lives!
All 1 ha to o was have se( with the man &esie me an "ee the ardeur, an then 1 $oul go
save the ay! 1t soune simple enough when you sai it like that! Se(, "ee ardeur, then hunt
one emon, some vampires, an try to keep everyone alive! 5eah, simple!
But "irst, 1 ha to let go! ?irst, 1 ha to &e willing to &e vulnera&le with yet one more man!
That part 1 in't mu$h like3 in "a$t, 1 hate it! 1 in't like &eing vulnera&le, not to anything
or anyone!
<1'm not power"ul enough to get through your shiels, Anita,= he sai in a %uiet, neutral sort
o" voi$e!
#ven now, 1 was &a$k in $ontrol! 1 $oul 7ust make him take me &a$k to #war an the
others! But ! ! ! what i" 1 lost $ontrol in the mile o" the rai on the sor$erer's house/ +hat i"
the hunger rose in the $ar with #war an Bernaro an 4la"/ There were worse things 1
$oul o than have se( with my "riens! 1 $oul tear their throats out an &athe in their &loo,
whi$h was e(a$tly what 1 might have one i" +i$ke han't taken me "ar away "rom them!
2o, whatever was wrong with me, "eeing the ardeur really was the lesser evil! A %ui$k "ee,
an then &a$k to solving $rime! 1 looke at the tall, hansome man &esie me an sai what 1
was thinking! <1'm sorry that our "irst time has to &e %ui$k! 5ou're worth taking the time,
+i$ke!=
He smile, an it so"tene his "a$e! <That is the ni$est thing you've ever sai to me!=
1 smile, too! <4n$e 1 release the ardeur a"ter not "eeing "or this long, it $an &e a little
rough!=
<1'll &e $are"ul,= he sai!
<1 on't mean that!= 1 shook my hea, an 7ust took o"" the T;shirt that we' gotten at Tri(ie's!
1 sat there in 7ust the &ra, in the strangely hot night!
+i$ke gave me wie eyes!
<1 mean we might en up ripping our $lothes enough that we won't have anything to put &a$k
on!=
He shrugge an starte unoing his tie! <1' have pre"erre a more sensual reveal, &ut you're
the &oss!=
1 sighe! <1 wish that were really true!=
<5ou say 8et undressed, an 1'm oing it3 trust me, that makes you the &oss!= He ha the tie
o"", an the tren$h $oat went ne(t!
<5ou wante to get unresse eventually, right/= 1 aske, hans hesitating on my &elt!
<1 i!= He took o"" the torn remnants o" the shirt, an 7ust seeing him &are "rom the waist up
mae me have to look away! That "irst nuity with someone 1 in't know well always mae
me un$om"orta&le!
My rule use to &e that i" 1 was un$om"orta&le stripping, then may&e 1 shoul stop, get
resse, an go home! 1' tol Bason, in St! 0ouis, that 1 was losing mysel"! Here 1 was, "ar
away "rom home, an it wasn't the men in my li"e stealing me away "rom mysel", it was the
power insie me! An that, 1 $ouln't run away "rom! 1t was like that ol 7oke: everywhere
you go, there you are! 1 $ouln't leave mysel" &ehin, so 1 $ouln't get away!
Hans $ame "rom &ehin to slie over my ri&s, to hesitate at the &ase o" my &ra! 1 rea$he "or
the straps, to move them own my shoulers, &ut his hans got there "irst, an he lowere the
straps, slowly, laying kisses on my shoulers as he &are them! His hans sli to the &a$k o"
my &ra, an unsnappe it! The unerwire gave, an the whole thing sli own my arms, so
that my &reasts spille out!
+i$ke's hans sli over them, $upping them in his &ig hans, s%uee8ing them, kneaing
them, e(ploring them! 1 "elt mysel" grow amp, 7ust "rom that! Those pra$ti$e hans rew a
small soun "rom me! My hans sli to the un&u$kle top o" my pants, &ut his hans were
there "irst, sliing own "rom my &reasts, to un8ip my pants an ease them open, so that his
han sli own the open "ront to &rush the hair &etween my legs an rea$h "or lower!
1 laughe! <5our han is too &ig, an the pants are too tight!=
<+e $an "i( that,= he sai, voi$e low an rough ne(t to my ear! He pulle the pants own my
hips in a harsh 7erk that &are me to the tops o" my thighs! My unerwear ha $ome own
with the pants, so 1 was &are to the night!
His han tou$he my &are ass, $aressing, $upping, e(ploring! 1t spe my &reath an put my
pulse in my throat! <+i$ke,= 1 sai!
<That's the way 1 want to hear you say my name!= An his hans sli to the "ront o" me as 1
knelt on the groun! His "ingers sli &etween my legs, &rushing that most intimate part,
ti$kling, teasing, until 1 $rie out! His other han pushe the 7eans own until he $oul sprea
my thighs wier, an those knowlegea&le "ingers $oul rea$h more, tou$h more, $aress
more!
He trie to rea$h "arther &etween my legs, &ut the angle wasn't %uite right! His han was too
&ig "or the spa$e he' mae! He mae a low, "rustrate soun in his throat an move his
han to put a han on either sie o" my 7eans an 7erk them own to my knees! Then he pulle
me against the "ront o" his &oy, an 1 $oul "eel how large, how har, how reay he alreay
was, &ut his other han went &a$k &etween my legs! His "inger sli insie me, an 1 $rie out
again! He pushe his "ingers insie me, then sli them out, so he $oul play my own wetness
against that small, sweet spot, near the "ront o" me! His other arm tightene aroun my waist,
pressing me against the harness o" him! 1t mae me grin mysel" harer against him! His
"ingers playe &etween my legs, $aressing, teasing, until 1 "elt the &uiling weight o" pleasure!
1 &reathe, <,lose!=
He $hange the rhythm o" his "ingers, "aster, over an over an over, until 1 gaspe,
<+i$keA= An his "ingers spille me over that ege, rove a s$ream "rom my throat, sent me
spasming against the "ront o" his &oy while his "ingers playe, an $oa(e, an kept the
orgasm $oming, until 1 $ouln't e$ie i" it was all one &ig orgasm or i" he was &ringing
smaller ones so "ast, one a"ter the other, that they &lurre into one!
1 s$reame my pleasure to the shine o" stars, an only a"ter 1 $ollapse in his arms i his
han stop moving, only then i he move me a little "rom his &oy, an 1 "elt the hea o" him
&egin to push against me! My legs weren't working yet, so he hel my weight with one arm
aroun me, while the other helpe him "in the angle he was looking "or! 1 sai his name
again, <+i$ke!= Then he lai me on the $oat he' sprea on the groun an move away
"rom me!
<+hat's wrong/= 1 aske!
<2othing,= he sai, <a&solutely nothing!= 1 lay there waiting "or more o" my &oy to work
again, an wat$he him! He was "um&ling through his $lothes until he "oun a $onom! 1 was
on the pill, &ut the rule was that any o" the men who weren't my main sweeties ha to use a
$onom! 1" there was going to &e an a$$ient, it neee to &e with someone 1 love! That 1'
"orgotten that rule, an he' ha to remem&er it, sai 7ust how "ar gone 1 was tonight!
+i$ke $rawle &a$k to me, the $onom alreay sprea own the length o" him! He put his
arm aroun my waist an li"te me o"" my stoma$h, so 1 was almost on my hans an knees!
He went &a$k to sear$hing "or that per"e$t angle3 the "eel o" him &rushing against me
tentatively &rought small eager noises "rom me! 1 sai his name again! Then he "oun my
opening an &egan to push his way insie, an 1 ha no more air "or wors!
He spille me "orwar onto the $oat he' sprea, with my $heek presse to the $oat an the
groun &eneath, an the rest o" me up, with him insie me! He pushe his way insie me until
he $ouln't go any "arther, his &oy an mine meeting, stopping, wee together! He
hesitate like that "or a moment, then he &egan to "in a rhythm, in an out, pushing himsel"
in long, slow, eep sweeps o" his &oy, plunging into me until he $ouln't go any "arther, &ut
gently, as i" he were a"rai o" hurting me, then pulling out again!
1 manage to say, <5ou won't hurt me!=
<1'm &umping your $ervi(3 1 will hurt you unless 1'm $are"ul!=
<1 like it!=
<+hat/=
<5ou've one the prep work, +i$ke, it "eels woner"ul!=
<0et the ardeur out, an 1'll go "aster!= He kept that $are"ul rhythm going, though 1 $oul "eel
the tension in his &oy as he "ought himsel"!
<Harer,= 1 sai!
2$rdeur,3 he sai, in a voi$e that showe the strain, like the trem&ling o" his mus$les, as he
"ought to &e so $are"ul o" me! 1 in't want him to &e $are"ul!
1 i what he wante, 1 i what 1 neee, 1 rea$he into that part o" me that was the ardeur,
an it wasn't a shiel that $ame own, it was more like 1 simply stoppe "ighting it! The
ardeur &roke over us &oth in a rush o" heat that mae us &oth $ry out!
<?u$k me, +i$ke, 7ust "u$k me!=
He stoppe &eing $are"ul, an use all that length, all that with, har an "ast, pouning
himsel" into me until the soun o" "lesh hitting "lesh was lou, an 1 s$reame "or him,
shrieke "or him, orgasming "rom the "eel o" him hitting that spot eep insie me, an having
to stop, an still he wasn't one! He starte again, this time a little more shallow, a little
i""erent twist o" hips, an 1 "elt the warm, heavy weight growing insie me again! 1 starte to
say his name, over an over, my wors growing in the ryhthm o" my &oy an his, <+i$ke,
+i$ke, +i$ke, +i$ke! -oA= The orgasm s$reame out o" my mouth, le"t my hans
s$ram&ling at his $oat an the groun unerneath! 1" 1 $oul have rea$he him, 1 woul have
$ut my pleasure on his skin, &ut 1 was le"t s$ram&ling to "in ways to get all that passion out!
He $rie out a&ove me, an his &oy lost that pra$ti$e rhythm an suenly he was "u$king
me as har an "ast as he $oul! 1' thought he' alreay one that, &ut he prove that even
there he ha &een $are"ul! 1 "elt the impa$t o" his &oy insie me, an without the ardeur, it
might have &een something &esies ama8ing, &ut the ardeur took away anything &ut lust an
the 7oy o" it! He &rought me one more time, an only then i he lose $ontrol! 4nly then i
his &oy thrust that one last time eep into mine so that we $rie out together, an 1 "elt his
&oy shuer insie me, an only then i 1 "ee!
1 "e on the thrust o" his &oy eep insie mine, 1 "e on the "eel o" him spilling insie me, 1
"e on the strength o" his &oy as he rose a&ove me on his knees! 1 "e on his han as it
grippe my shouler an &ra$e him "or one last shuering thrust! 1t mae me $ry out again,
an then he $ollapse against my &a$k! He $aught himsel" with his arms, an was tall enough
that he $oul &rige his &oy over mine, the ampness o" his nake $hest presse to my &are
&a$k, his &oy still eep insie me, so that we knelt on all "ours together, presse as $lose as
&oies $oul tou$h, our &reathing thunering in our ears, an his heart&eat thuing against
my &a$k! His heart was &eating "or me now!
He pulle himsel" out o" me, with a laugh an a shuer! 1 gave one last, so"t $ry, an
$ollapse to my sie, with him $urle aroun me! +e lay there, relearning how to &reathe,
an only then i 1 look out into the night an see Truth staning in the starlight!
58



T)6TH ST44D TH#)# with his serious eyes, an his ark hair in $ontrast to his &rother's!
He stare at us with gray eyes an a "a$e that was a mat$h "or his &rother's uner the partial
&ear that hi that ni$e 7awline an let him &e a little more invisi&le than +i$ke!
1 e(pe$te him to look away, our moest Truth, &ut he in't! He looke at us, his "a$e $ol
an pale in the starlight with that ege o" ark hair! He looke at us, an there was something
1' never seen on Truth's "a$e: hunger! He looke at us like a starving man, or may&e a
rowning one!
+i$ke ran his han own the "ront o" my &oy, un$urling my legs so that the "ront o" me
was &are to his &rother's eyes!
1 starte to tell him to stop teasing his &rother, &ut the wors ie unspoken &e$ause Truth
was walking towar us! He threw his leather 7a$ket to the groun, an his &la$k T;shirt
"ollowe! Their upper &oies were almost ienti$al, &roa an strong3 only a long $urving
s$ar, shiny with age, showe a i""eren$e! His hans were at his &elt when 1 trie again to say
something! 1t was when he roppe his gun, holster an all, on the groun without a &a$kwar
glan$e that 1 knew something was wrong! Truth an +i$ke were always $are"ul o" their
weapons, always!
1 starte to say something, &ut his hans were at his &elt an the pants were peeling &a$k, an
1 "oun that it wasn't 7ust their upper &oies that were almost ienti$al!
1 sai, <Truth,= an 1 "elt it then! The ardeur wasn't gone! +hen 1 "e, it went &a$k to sleep,
always, unless it ha sprea to others in the room! But 1 ha to tou$h someone to have it
sprea like that! Truth ha &een too "ar away, &ut even as 1 trie to think that logi$ all the way
through, he was &alan$ing on one leg to pull o"" "irst one &oot, then the other, an he was in
"ront o" us, spilling his pants over his ankles an stepping out o" them!
Still lying on the groun, hel against his &rother's &oy, 1 stare up at him! 1 ha a moment
to e$ie how 1 "elt a&out that, an then he was kneeling &esie us, rea$hing "or me!
1 manage to say, <Truth,= an then he pulle me away "rom +i$ke an spille me to my
&a$k! 1 was le"t ga8ing up at him! He "ell on top o" me, putting his mouth to mine, an kisse
me as i" he woul $lim& insie an "low own my throat! 1 kisse him &a$k, kisse him with
mouth an arms aroun his &a$k, tra$ing his spine, spilling own to the swell o" his &oy
where waist ene an other things &egan! 1 $ouln't rea$h &eyon that3 he was too tall!
He kisse me, long an har, until so"t, protesting noises spille out o" his lips, then he rose
o"" me, too tall to &oth kiss me an make love to me! He sprea my thighs with the strength o"
his hans! 1 ha a moment to see all that har, thi$k length, an then +i$ke's han was
there, holing a $onom!
Truth mae a soun, low in his throat, &ut he took it an put it on! By the time he was "inishe
he was making a soun that was almost a growl, low an persistent! #agerness i not &egin
to es$ri&e that soun in a man's throat! He presse all that sa"ely sheathe length against me!
1 wat$he him push himsel" insie me, one in$h at a time! Bust wat$hing him slie insie me
threw my hea &a$k an mae me $ry out! 1 $oul see the night sky an a million stars
an$ing overhea as Truth pushe his way insie me!
He kept himsel" proppe a&ove me, &a$k on his knees, so that almost the only thing that
tou$he me was the long, slie o" "lesh that kept going in an out o" me!
1 $rie his name to the stars, an he &egan to poun himsel" insie me, harer, "aster, his
&reathing growing ragge as he &egan to lose his rhythm! 1 stare up at his &oy a&ove mine,
his eyes looking out into the night an not at me! 1 starte to tell him to look at me, &ut the
orgasm $aught me unawares, an 1 was le"t s$reaming, shrieking, hans rea$hing "or any part
o" him 1 $oul, tra$ing my pleasure in his "lesh! He wrappe his arms aroun my waist an
li"te my lower &oy o"" the groun as he mae that last har, shuering thrust, &urying
himsel" as eep insie my &oy as he $oul, as he spille insie me an the ardeur "e!
1 "e not 7ust on the se( an the so"t sweat o" him, &ut on the "ear in him! He' &een a"rai o"
the ardeur sin$e Belle Morte gave him a taste $enturies ago! So a"rai, yet it ha $aught him
again, $aught him in the esert night uner a shine o" stars an the sweet s$ent o" nake
&oies! He $ollapse "orwar, still on his knees, his hans lo$ke aroun my &oy, his hea
"alling "orwar against my &reasts! 1 manage to tou$h his hair3 it was "iner than +i$ke's,
"ine an silky uner my hans!
1 pette his hair while 1 learne how to &reathe again, an my pulse $lim&e &a$k into my
throat, so that the $lean, esert air was like $hampagne, $ool in my throat!
His &oy starte to shake, an 1 reali8e he was $rying! 1 stroke his hair an sai, <Truth,
Truth, are you all right/=
He raise his "a$e to me, tears glittering in the har light o" the stars! <1 wante to say no, &ut
1 $ouln't! 1 $oul not resist you nake in the moonlight!=
<4h, Truth, 1'm sorry,= an 1 meant it! 1 knew what it was not to have a $hoi$e!
+i$ke $ame to us, putting an arm a$ross the other man's shoulers! <1t's all right, she's not
like Belle!=
Truth pulle &a$k "rom &oth o" us! <The ardeur makes them all monsters in the en!=
1 sat up an, very $are"ully, very gently, went to him! He a$tually looke s$are, an 1 wipe
his tears away with my hans! He let me, &ut his eyes were wie, showing too mu$h white,
like a horse a&out to &olt! <Help me not to turn into the monster, Truth!=
He "rowne an looke at me, not like 1 was something to "u$k, or something to &e a"rai o",
&ut as i" he were seeing me.whatever that meant!
<+hat o you mean &y that/= he aske, voi$e still thi$k with tears!
<1 mean, you tell me i" 1'm &e$oming a monster! 5ou tell me i" the power is turning me into
something else!=
<Bean;,laue will tell you that!=
<He tol me on$e that he truste me to kill him i" he &e$ame as heartless as Belle Morte! That
he $ounte on my not letting him &e a monster!=
<Are you telling me to kill you i" you lose $ontrol/= he aske, slowly!
1 thought a&out it! <2ot yet, &ut i" the Darkness takes me, an there's no more me le"t, then
yes!=
<5ou on't know what you're asking,= +i$ke sai!
<1 know that everyone else loves me too mu$h, &ut i" all that's le"t o" me is the ardeur, then
1'm alreay gone!=
The &rothers e($hange a look, then gave me almost ienti$al looks &a$k! <How o we know
when you're gone/= Truth aske!
1 thought a&out that! <1 on't know!=
Truth tou$he a "inger to my $heek an $ame away with a single trem&ling tear! <5ou mean
it!=
1 noe, an $urle my arms aroun my knees, $lut$hing me to mysel"! <1 thought that it was
the men! That living with Bean;,laue an all the others was making me lose $ontrol o"
mysel", &ut they aren't here! 1t's me! 1t's me, Truth, on't you see/ 1 on't know what's
happening to me, an 1 on't know how to $ontrol it!= 1 lai my hea on my knees an $rie!
*nowing that 1 shoul get resse, an there was a emon waiting, an 1 in't know where
#war was, &ut all 1 $oul think o" in that moment was that 1 in't trust mysel" anymore!
Truth wrappe his arms aroun me, an +i$ke $ame at my &a$k, so that they hel me
&etween them while 1 $rie! They hel me while 1 $on"esse to them something 1 wasn't sure
1 $oul say to #war, or any o" the men 1 love! How o you ask someone you love to kill
you i" you grow too power"ul, too evil/ Bean;,laue ha aske it o" me on$e, an 1 ha $urse
him "or it! 2ow 1 let the two &rothers hol me, an gave them my arkest "ear!
Truth whispere against my hair, <1" the ardeur takes you an you &e$ome as evil as Belle
Morte, 1 promise ! ! !=
+i$ke sai, <+e promise!=
<+e promise,= Truth sai, <that we will not let you &e that evil!=
<5ou'll kill me,= 1 sai so"tly!
They were %uiet "or a "ew &reaths, an then their arms tightene aroun me, an they sai in
one voi$e, <+e'll kill you!=
An that was the &est 1 $oul get, that i" the ardeur or the Darkness took me, that +i$ke an
Truth woul kill me &e"ore 1 $oul o whatever it was that either o" the evil &it$hes o" the
+est wante me to o! 1t in't matter that it might kill anyone metaphysi$ally tie to me,
&e$ause i" Marmee 2oir possesse me, or 1 &e$ame nothing &ut a vessel "or the ardeur,
whatever was insie me woul sprea to them eventually! The thought o" what we $oul all
o, i" we &e$ame truly evil, truly without pity, was too aw"ul to $ontemplate! +e $oul rule
the vampires an most o" the wereanimals in this $ountry, an then we $oul move on
#urope! 1" Marmee 2oir took me over an possesse all that &elonge to Bean;,laue an me,
there' &e nothing to stop us unless the two vampires holing me now $oul stop it early, stop
it with me!
1 sat there in the starry night, hel in the arms o" the only two people who 1 thought might &e
goo enough, ruthless enough, an honora&le enough to kill me i" 1 aske! 1' on$e thought
that #war woul o it i" it neee oing, &ut 1 knew now that even he woul hesitate! He
love me too mu$h! But Truth an +i$ke in't love me, not yet, an i" we were $are"ul,
they never woul! 1 neee them to keep this promise! 1 neee to know that i" 1 "aile, utterly
an $ompletely, 1 ha a "ail;sa"e! A "ail;sa"e mae o" swors an &ullets, an two o" the "inest
warriors that ha ever walke the planet! As "ail;sa"es went, it wasn't &a!
59



+# -4T D)#SS#D, &e$ause strangely, when the ardeur le"t an the grie" le"t, the esert
night was $ol! Truth gave me his leather 7a$ket3 when 1 proteste, he sai, <1 on't really "eel
the $ol like a human!= Duh, 1 so knew that, &ut the emotional revelations ha shaken me a
little! +hen he hel the 7a$ket out to me, 1 saw his arms! His lower arms ha nail marks on
them, some &leeing! 1' even manage to &lee the &a$k o" his right han!
<-o, Truth, 1'm sorry!=
He glan$e own at the s$rat$hes as i" he' 7ust noti$e them, too! <1t's nothing!=
<1'm still sorry 1 in't ask how you "elt a&out nails!=
He gave a small smile! <+e in't have mu$h time to negotiate!=
<1 guess not!=
<1 $ount it as a mark o" my servi$e to you an Bean;,laue,= he sai!
1 "lin$he a little! <Don't $all it servi$e, that souns too mu$h like ! ! !=
<Don't make more o" what he sai than there is to make, Anita,= +i$ke sai! <He in't
mean anything &y it!=
1 let the $onversation ie &e$ause it was all too $on"using "or me! Truth's 7a$ket was large
enough that my hans kept vanishing in the sleeves, an the &ottom o" the leather hung own
to mithigh! 1 looke like 1 was "ive an playing ress;up in my a's $lothes, &ut 1 was
warm! The "ashion poli$e $oul ti$ket me later!
1 $alle #war on Truth's $ell phone! Mine was pro&a&ly in >hoe&e Billings's yar! 1 hope
#war ha "oun it! 1 $alle to "in out where he was, an i" 1 was too late to help him hunt
emons!
<Anita,= an he soune hal" relieve an hal" "rightene, not something you hear "rom
#war o"ten!
<Are you okay/=
<1 shoul &e asking you that,= an he lowere his voi$e, as i" he were a"rai o" &eing
overhear! <0ast 1 see, you're $arrie o"" &y a vampire, an 1 let him o it, an it's an hour
an a hal" later, an you're not &a$k! 1' think i" you ha to "ee the ardeur, a %ui$kie woul
have one it!=
1 "ought not to glan$e at the two vampires! <Trust me, #war, it was a %ui$kie! Di 1 miss it/
+as there a emon at Bering's house/=
<5ou haven't misse anything! Di you ever try to get a warrant &ase on a possi&le emon
&eing in a house/=
1 almost sai yes, then ha to stop an think a&out it! <2o, a$tually!=
<+ell, we got a 7uge who thinks that emons are 7ust evil spirits! He's arguing that emons
$ouln't possi&ly have kille our $ops!=
<2ormally, he' &e right, &ut it oesn't matter! 4ur warrant o" e(e$ution shoul get us in
Bering's house,= 1 sai!
<Shaw in't think so, an he's the unersheri""!=
<0et me guess, Bering is ri$h, or $onne$te, or something!=
<His "amily has &een a &ig eal aroun here "or as long as Ma( has &een in $harge! He's the
last o" the "amily unless he &rees, whi$h oesn't seem likely i" we $an ever get into the
house!=
<5ou $an 7ust press the warrant3 it's "eeral, an that outranks lo$al!=
<1 wante to give you time to get &a$k,= he sai!
<Shit, #war, you in't have to elay the investigation &e$ause 1'm having a metaphysi$al
&reakown!=
<>ut it another way, have you seen anyone else &ut you an me that you' want &a$king you
against a emon/=
1 thought a&out that! <0ieutenant -rimes an his men are goo,= 1 sai!
<They're some o" the &est, &ut 1 haven't seen them pray to the angels an have everything
glow!=
4h! <4kay, tell me where you are, an +i$ke will rop me near&y!=
He was &a$k at S+AT hea%uarters! <+e've ha the &rie"ing a&out Bering's house! +e're
7ust waiting "or the warrant, or "or me to push the one we have!=
<My weapons are stashe there3 $oul you $hange out some things/ 1 in't pa$k with emon
in min!=
<1've alreay repa$ke "or you, an 1 "oun your phone in the yar with your weapons! 1 $an
list what 1 pa$ke "or you,= he sai!
<That's okay, 1 trust you to pa$k "or me! Though, "rankly, most o" the time a emon isn't soli
enough "or normal weapons o" any kin to work! The rare ones that o get soli enough to
atta$k may only &e soli "or the se$on o" that atta$k, so we'll have to &e shooting aroun
ea$h other i" it goes &a!=
<See, none o" their pra$titioners knew that, an neither i the priest they've got here that's
&een &lessing our &ullets!=
<The priest has &een oing what/= 1 aske!
<5ou hear right!=
<Hmm, 1've never trie that!=
<Me, either,= he sai!
<1 woner i" the &ullets will glow/=
<+e'll "in out,= he sai!
1 sighe! <5eah, we'll "in out!=
<5ou on't soun so goo,= he sai!
1 opene my mouth, $lose it, then sai the only thing 1 $oul think o"! <1'm tire o" &eing a
vi$tim to my own metaphysi$al powers, #war!=
<Are you okay now/=
<1've "e the ardeur! 1 shoul &e goo "or twelve hours at least, may&e twenty;"our!=
<+hy ou&le up/= he aske!
<0et's 7ust say it was a goo meal, okay!=
<4kay,= he sai, <get here as soon as you $an!=
<So what, 1 walk in an play the ?e $ar an piss everyone o"", so that you $ome o"" as
reasona&le an 1'm the &it$h/=
<1' play the heavy i" 1 $oul, &ut 1've &een too reasona&le! 1 $an't e(plain the $hange!=
<So 1 am the &it$h!=
<>i$ture Shaw's "a$e when you o it!=
1 smile, an knew it wasn't a pleasant smile! <+ell, there is that! ?ine, 1'll &e the &a $op,
&ut it's your turn ne(t time!=
<5ou on't amage your rep &y oing this!=
<An you might,= 1 sai!
<Te is a very ni$e guy,= he sai!
<5ou know, it always $reeps me when you talk a&out Te in the thir person!=
He laughe, an it was a goo #war laugh! <Bust get here as soon as possi&le! Do you have
a &age/=
My hans went to my &elt an "oun that the &elt, &age, an empty holster ha survive the
night! <Surprisingly, yes!=
<Then "lash it, an $ome e(plain to everyone why we on't have to wait on Shaw an the
7uge!=
<1sn't this going to make you an the other marshals look weak/=
<They alreay think we're pussy;whippe3 why isappoint them/=
1 shrugge, reali8e he $ouln't see it, an sai, <4kay, &ut please warn Bernaro an 4la"
what we're oing so that they on't &lame me!=
<1'll tell them! Bust get here!= 1 hear noise on the other en o" the phone, an his voi$e
trailing away, <Hello, Dete$tive Morgan, yes, it is Marshal Blake!= Movement, then, <Ask
ni$ely, an may&e 1 will!=
Apparently, he aske ni$ely! <+here the hell are you, Blake/=
<?ollowing up a lea,= 1 sai!
<+hat kin o" lea/=
<Vampires,= 1 sai!
<An what kin o" vampire lea woul that &e/=
<4ne that in't lea anywhere!=
<So you 7ust waste an hour an a hal" o" our time,= an his voi$e was hostile!
<Most leas on't pan out, you know that! Besies, it's not me that's trying to ou&le;paper
my ass!=
<Bust get your ass &a$k here!=
<5ou aren't my &oss, Morgan! >ut Te &a$k on!=
<1s he your &oss/=
<,losest thing Vegas has to one, yeah!=
There was more noise, an movement, an then #war $ame &a$k on! <Sorry, a&out that,
Blake,= he sai in his $heer"ul Te voi$e! 1 hear him walking, $ow&oy &oots hitting some
har sur"a$e, an then he spoke in his normal voi$e! <Morgan in't agree with Shaw going to
a 7uge! He thought we shoul throw Bering to the wolves!=
<So he's taking his ma;on at Shaw out on us/=
<5elling at us won't get him "ire or emote!=
<1'm getting really tire o" &eing everyone's whipping girl, #war!=
<5eah!= He stoppe walking! <-et here, Anita! +e nee this one!=
1 was le"t with a &u88ing phone! A$tually, 1' have rather ta$kle the emon in the aylight,
&ut two pro&lems with that! 4ne, some emons in't show up in aylight, so i" you wante
to kill it or sen it &a$k, you neee it to &e ark! Two, i" the vampires were in there, again,
1' rather wait until aylight, &ut while we waite an playe it sa"e, they might kill someone
else! 2ot a$$epta&le! So mu$h o" my 7o&, lately, was 7ust a $hoi$e o" isasters! 1 guess that
was true o" a lot o" poli$e work, though!
1 turne &a$k to the vampires! <1 nee to get &a$k to Vegas an help us push our warrant "or a
house!=
<1 thought your warrant $overe any house you neee,= +i$ke sai!
<1t oes, &ut we've got a pissy unersheri"" an a 7uge who oesn't like the e(e$ution
warrants! A lot o" 7uges on't!=
<+hy woul they not like it/ 1t's only a nearly per"e$tly legal e($use to kill anything in your
path,= +i$ke sai!
<5ou soun like you on't approve!=
<2ot my 7o& to approve or isapprove!=
<?ine, Truth, you take me to Vegas!=
<1 in't say 1 wouln't o it,= +i$ke sai!
<Then stop &it$hing! 1've ha enough o" that "rom the lo$als!=
His "a$e so"tene! <1'm sorry, Anita, &ut 1 am a vampire, an the e(e$utioners $oul kill me
tomorrow with almost no proo" o" a $rime an no trial!=
<Hey, at least you guys $an't &e kille on sight in this $ountry3 &etter than most o" the rest o"
the worl!=
+i$ke an Truth $ame to stan in "ront o" me, giving me that mirrore look as i" they were
thinking the same thought! <+e'll take you where you nee to go,= Truth sai!
<Aren't you a"rai to tou$h me/= 1 aske!
He shook his hea!
1 stuie that serious "a$e! <Aren't you a"rai o" the ardeur/=
<5es!=
+i$ke answere, <He's not a"rai o" you, Anita! +e know you meant what you sai! Belle
woul never ask that o" anyone! She likes &eing the monster!=
1 shivere, an it wasn't pleasure this time! <1've "elt her tou$h!= 1 thought a&out her ream
visit! 1 was almost sure that she' kept Vi$tor the weretiger "rom oing something to me in the
ream, &ut in return she' one something to the ardeur! Ha it &een her who $ause the
ardeur to sprea to Truth "rom a istan$e/ 1 in't know, an i" 1 aske her, she' lie!
<+hoever's up "or it, let's "ly me to #war!=
<She's a"rai o" heights,= +i$ke sai!
<How a"rai/= Truth aske!
<>retty,= he sai!
Truth looke own at me, $onsiering! <+e woul never rop you!=
1 wave the thought away! <1t's a pho&ia, not logi$! Bust e$ie who's taking me &e"ore 1 lose
my nerve!=
They laughe, an it was like hearing it in stereo! +i$ke sai, <5ou may lose a lot o" things,
&ut you'll never lose your nerve!=
<>retty to think so3 now who's pilot "or the return trip/=
<+hy on't you 7ust orer one o" us/= Truth aske!
<Be$ause 1 $an't "ly, an 1 on't know i" +i$ke is tire "rom $arrying me here an then
"eeing the ardeur! So 1 trust you two to e$ie who's up "or it!=
+i$ke smile at me! <1'm almost more honore that you trust us, rather than orer us, than 1
am a&out the se(!=
1 shrugge! <5ou're wel$ome, 1 guess! 2ow, whoever, &ut 1 nee to get &a$k to town!=
<1'll take her,= Truth sai!
<1've ha more re$overy time,= +i$ke sai!
<1'll take her,= Truth repeate! The &rothers looke at ea$h other "or a long moment! 4ne o"
those unreaa&le moments that you $an simply "eel on the air like a weight o" unspoken
things, an you suenly "eel like a voyeur in someone else's li"e! 1 reali8e why Bernaro
ha sai something similar earlier a&out #war an me! He was right!
?inally, +i$ke sai, <As you like!=
<1 o,= he sai!
Again, 1 "elt like 1 was listening to shorthan, an that there were a o8en things going on
&elow the sur"a$e o" those "ew wors, &ut you're never suppose to let people know that you
hear the unspoken things! 1t makes them nervous! 1 s$are people enough without going all
girl;intuitive, too!
Truth looke at me! <Are you reay/=
1 took in a eep &reath, let it out slowly, "ighting to keep it "rom trem&ling, then noe!
He $lose the istan$e &etween us! He hesitate, then sai, <1 nee to $arry you!=
1 noe again! <1 know!= My voi$e soune 7ust the tiniest &it unhappy! 1 $oul o this,
amn it! 1t was 7ust heights, an "lying, an ! ! ! 4h, hell, 1 i not want to o this, &ut we were
too "ar out "or riving, even i" we ha a $ar! This was the %ui$kest way, an #war ha
stalle "or me long enough!
Truth pi$ke me up in his arms, as i" he meant to walk with me! Something must have shown
on my "a$e &e$ause he sai, <1t's the most se$ure way "or you!=
<1t's 7ust that +i$ke $arrie me i""erently!=
+i$ke sai, <1 was a"rai you might've starte struggling with the hunger on you! ,arrying
you against my &oy, 1 ha more $ontrol i" you ha gone ! ! ! ma while we were "lying!=
Truth turne with me in his arms an aske, <5ou sai huner, not ardeur!=
<The "irst hunger that $ame to her was &loo an "lesh! She ha turne towar the humans
when she aske me to take her somepla$e where she woul not &e tempte!=
Truth looke own at me, his "a$e &lank an serious, whi$h 1' &egun to reali8e was his &lank
"a$e! 1t was what he hi &ehin when he in't want anyone knowing what he was thinking!
<+hat/= 1 aske!
He shook his hea! <1 will take you to your "riens, &ut i" the other hungers are rising more
than the ardeur, then you nee to &e even more $are"ul to eat soli "oo, an ! ! != He "altere!
<+hat he's trying to say is that to make $ertain you on't try to atta$k your human "riens,
you nee to "ee the ardeur more regularly, as well as eat more real "oo!=
<5ou think 1 shoul eat &e"ore 1 go to sleep tonight/=
<1 think a minight sna$k wouln't &e a &a iea,= +i$ke sai!
<Agree,= Truth sai!
<,rap,= 1 sai, <1 really in't want to o some o" the people you &rought "rom St! 0ouis!=
<1 think a little se( with willing men is the lesser evil here, Anita!=
1 noe! 0et's see, se( with more men, or trying to tear the throats out o" #war, 4la", an
Bernaro! 0et me think ! ! ! out lou 1 sai, <1 know it's the lesser evil, &ut 1 still on't have to
&e happy a&out it!=
<1" you were happy a&out it, you wouln't &e you,= Truth sai!
<But i" you were a little more happy a&out it,= +i$ke sai, <you' have &etter $ontrol o" the
ardeur in the "irst pla$e! 5ou have to em&ra$e your vampire powers to truly use them well!=
<5ou know, i" we're 7ust going to $hat, then put me own!=
<1 think the lay is tire o" talking,= +i$ke sai!
<Then to a$tion,= Truth sai, an 1 "elt that push o" energy skywar! The san an tiny gravel
swirle upwar "rom the "or$e o" it so that we le"t the groun in a $lou o" it!
1 ha a i88ying glimpse o" the groun "alling away &eneath his &oots! A wave o" nausea trie
to $rawl up my throat! 1 $lose my eyes tight an leane in against his $hest! The nausea was
less, though my pulse was still trying to $rawl out the sie o" my throat, my heart &eating so
"ast it hurt my $hest! 1 "ought not to tighten the arm aroun his ne$k too mu$h! But 1 $ouln't
keep mysel" "rom getting a han"ul o" his shirt, as i" the thin T;shirt woul really help i"
everything went to hell! But sometimes, when you're really s$are, illusion is all you've got!
,ling to it, &a&y, $ling to it!
60



1 +AS A,T6A005 a&le to open my eyes &e"ore we got to Vegas! 1 7ust ha to keep my ga8e
very steay on Truth's shouler or the sky! 1 $oul even amit that &eing up in the ark,
surroune &y stars, was &eauti"ul! 1t was the groun &eing so "ar away that spoile it "or me!
Truth ha aske only on$e i" 1 was all right! +hen 1' answere yes, he ha let it go! 1 knew
he "elt the "ear in my &oy! There was no way to hie my heart rate an pulse "rom him! But
&e"ore we lane, those ha &oth %uiete! 1 was still s$are, &ut 1 guess 1 $ouln't stay at that
level o" "ear without either a "ull;&lown pani$ atta$k or "ainting!
The stars &egan to "ae, an at "irst 1 thought it was aylight, even though 1 knew the time was
$ompletely wrong "or it3 then 1 reali8e it was the lights o" Vegas! They rose against the sky
like a "alse awn, raining the light "rom the stars, turning the &la$k sky pale! The $ity rose
a&ove the night like a permanent awn, always pushing against the ark, keeping the stars at
&ay!
Truth ha to go higher 7ust to keep a&ove the &uilings! Some o" the roo"s were so $lose, 1
think i" 1' leane out 1 $oul have tou$he them! As a"rai as 1 was o" heights, 1 still ha that
perverse urge to rea$h out! 1 mae my hans $ling tighter to Truth, an he seeme to think
that meant 1 was more a"rai!
<+e will &e there soon,= he sai, an his voi$e soune straine!
1 looke at him an almost aske i" he was all right, &ut i" he wasn't, what $oul 1 o/ +e le"t
the tall &uilings o" the Strip &ehin an "lew over normal houses an shops! +e were "lying
over Anywhere, 6SA! Then the lan &egan to open up, an the "irst thing 1 saw was the
twinkling runway lights at the airport! ?or one moment, 1 thought Truth was going to use
them, &ut then he &egan to angle towar &uilings that were on the ege o" it! 1 wouln't have
re$ogni8e the &uiling "rom the air, in the ark! 1 was a little worrie a&out that whole
rolling;on;the;groun part, with $on$rete an &uilings to hit! The groun rushe up, an 1
ha to $lose my eyes or &e si$k! Then 1 reali8e it wasn't 7ust the visual &ut the swooping
"eeling in my stoma$h! 1 opene my eyes to "in a &uiling at our sie, an Truth hit the
groun running! He stum&le slightly on impa$t, &ut kept moving "orwar, with me in his
arms! The run slowe, an "inally he was a&le to stop, still hien in the shaow o" the
&uiling! 1 ha a glimpse o" the street with a spattering o" $ars riving &y, their healights
$utting the ele$tri$;kisse ark! Truth move us &a$k a short way into the shaow o" the
&uiling, so we' &e less visi&le "rom the street! At our &a$k was the open area that
surroune the airport!
He leane his &a$k against the &uiling, as i" he were tire, hugging me $loser the way you
woul a $hil!
<5ou $an put me own, Truth,= 1 sai!
He opene his eyes an &linke at me, as i" he' &een "ar away in his hea! He put me own
an let me slie out o" his hans! He leane against the &uiling, his $hest rising an "alling as
i" he' &een running! Vampires in't always &reathe, or have to, so the "a$t that he was
&reathing heavily meant either he was tire or something else!
1 tou$he his &are arm with my "ingertips! His skin was warm to the tou$h! <5ou're warm!=
<Tou$h me where 1 wasn't holing you against me,= he sai, voi$e &reathy!
1 rea$he up an tou$he the sie o" his "a$e! His skin was $ool! <So it was 7ust my &oy heat
warming you up/=
He noe!
<+hy are you &reathing like that/ How mu$h energy i this use up "or you/=
He swallowe har enough "or me to wat$h his throat work! <#nough!=
<Shit, you shoul have let +i$ke &ring me!=
He shook his hea, still leaning shoulers an arms against the &uiling! <1t wouln't have
mattere! 5ou "e more eeply than 1 thought, that's all!=
<+hat o you mean/=
He looke at me with those gray eyes that almost never looke as &lue as his &rother's! <Bust
as we $an take less &loo, or more, in a "eeing, so with the ardeur! 5ou were like a vampire
that ha not "e in too long! 5ou neee more!=
<But a vampire $an only rink as mu$h &loo as his stoma$h $an hol,= 1 sai! <The ardeur
oesn't work like that, oes it/=
He 7ust looke at me!
Shit! <How hurt are you/=
<2ot hurt, 7ust tire!=
<?ine, how tire are you/=
<5ou nee to go to your poli$e "riens,= he sai!
<1 $an't leave you on the street this weak! 5ou $an't even stan up! 1" Vittorio's people "oun
you now, you' 7ust &e a vi$tim "or them!=
His eyes went all vampire on me, gray light shining in his ga8e! <1 am no one's vi$tim,= an
he was angry when he sai it, an then his eyes went &a$k to normal an he &egan to slie
own the wall! 1 $aught him, steaie him! He put a han on my shouler, an 1 "elt his &oy
"ight to stay upright!
<1 am sorry,= he sai!
<2o, it's me that's sorry!=
<?lying takes a great eal o" energy, an $arrying someone takes more! 1 ha "orgotten how
mu$h more!=
<So it's not that 1 "e, &ut that you i something strenuous a"terwar,= 1 sai!
<5es, it woul have &een goo to simply sleep a"terwar, or "ee mysel"!=
<+oul "eeing help/= 1 aske!
He noe, while his &oy trem&le in an e""ort to stay leaning against the wall! #ven with
my hans to steay him, he was still in trou&le!
<1 $an't leave you like this, Truth! #ither you have to $ome with me, an let the $ops keep you
sa"e, or ! ! != 1 i not want to open a vein "or him! 1' one it on$e &e"ore to save his li"e
when he' &een sta&&e with a silver &lae trying to help me an the poli$e $at$h a very &a
vampire, &ut 1 in't like playing walking &loo &ank! But there was no way that -rimes an
his men woul want a vampire insie their pla$e! How woul 1 e(plain him to the other $ops,
an how i 1 e(plain what was wrong with him/ +hen opening a vein is the lesser evil, you
nee to rethink your priorities!
<Take &loo "rom me,= 1 sai!
<5ou on't onate to anyone!= His voi$e was rough, an his legs &egan to give! 1 helpe ease
him to a sitting position, with his &a$k soli against the &uiling!
<2ot usually, &ut this is an emergen$y, 7ust like me neeing to "ee the ardeur on you!=
He gave me "luttery eyes!
1 hel his "a$e &etween my hans! <Damn it, Truth, on't you are pass out on meA=
His eyes opene wie, an 1 wat$he him "ight to o what 1' orere! 1 i the only thing 1
$oul think o"3 1 o""ere him my le"t wrist! 1t woul hurt more than the ne$k, &ut it woul &e
easier to hie "rom the other poli$emen!
<1 am not vampire enough to $lou your min! 1 $an only hurt you!=
<?ee, amn it,= 1 sai!
He raise shaky hans an wrappe one o" them aroun my wrist at the han, an use the
other to s$oot the sleeve o" his 7a$ket away "rom the wrist! The sleeves were &ig enough on
me that he ha no pro&lem pushing the leather out o" the way an &aring my lower arm!
1 &ra$e "or the &ite, then &lew out a &reath an trie to rela( into it! 1" 1 tense up it woul
hurt more, 7ust like a shot!
Truth opene his mouth wie, so 1 ha a glimpse o" "angs &e"ore he stru$k! 1 tense at the last
minute3 1 7ust $ouln't help it! 1 was $aught &etween the sharp immeia$y o" the pain an the
sensation o" his mouth lo$ke aroun my wrist, "orming a tight seal, while the "angs ug in
eeper! The eeper part hurt, &ut his mouth on my wrist, an the su$king, "elt goo! 1' &een
"eeing Bean;,laue an Asher more o"ten in the last "ew months, an apparently my &oy
ha starte translating "eeing into pleasure! 1' starte asso$iating it with se(, &e$ause with
Bean;,laue an Asher, we' mae the &loo part o" our "oreplay, an sometimes part o" our
inter$ourse! 1 han't reali8e until this moment how mu$h that ha $olore how 1 "elt a&out
this whole thing!
1 stoo there, $aught &etween pain an pleasure, while my &oy trie to e$ie whi$h &o( to
put it in! Truth sat up, away "rom the wall, his hans so strong aroun my arm, his mouth
"eeing harer, his throat swallowing, swallowing me own!
1 ha to put a han on the wall to keep me kneeling an not "alling over, &e$ause my hea ha
"inally e$ie that it "elt goo! -oo enough that 1 was getting weak;knee!
1t was Truth who stoppe, pulling his mouth away "rom my wrist! He kept his hans on my
arm an lai his "orehea against my skin! 1 leane into the $ool $on$rete o" the wall, heavier,
"ighting not to give into that weak;knee "eeling! 1 was wet, my &oy preppe "or what
usually $ame a"terwar! +hen was the last time 1' let a vampire take &loo when se( wasn't
involve/ 1 $ouln't remem&er! 1 in't onate &loo outsie se(! Shit!
Truth's voi$e was still rough &ut not &reathy, a little eeper! 1t wasn't si$kness or tireness
that eepene his voi$e! <5ou taste ! ! ! your energy ! ! ! 5ou in't taste this way when you
"e me last!=
<5ou were ying! 5ou 7ust on't remem&er!=
He raise his "a$e an looke at me! His eyes glowe "lat silver;gray in the imness! <A
vampire oesn't "orget the taste o" &loo, Anita! Something has $hange in you sin$e we "irst
met!= He li$ke the woun on my arm, one long, sensual movement! He $lose those shining
eyes an li$ke his lips, as i" to $at$h every rop o" &loo! The woun was still &leeing, an
woul "or a while, &e$ause o" the anti$oagulant in vampires' saliva!
<0et go o" my arm, Truth,= 1 sai, an my voi$e was a little un$ertain! He wasn't a$ting like
himsel", an 1 in't like the iea that my &loo taste i""erent! +hat i that mean/
He opene his eyes &ut in't move his hans! He stare up at me with his eyes gone &lin
with vampire powers! <1 "eel ama8ing, Anita! 5our &loo has more ki$k to it than a
shapeshi"ter's oes!=
<0et go o" me, Truth, now!= My voi$e was "irmer this time!
He smile an let me go!
1 pushe away "rom him, using the wall to stan! 1' never seen Truth smile, not like that!
He 7ust sat there against the wall, smiling up at me!
<Are you runk/= 1 aske!
<May&e!= He smile happily!
1' seen only one vampire rea$t like that, an that one ha taken a "eeing "rom &oth Bason
an me! +erewol" with a $haser o" ne$roman$er ha mae Bean;,laue giggling runk!
<1 nee to go, Truth!=
<-o,= he sai, his smile wie!
<1 nee to know you're all right &e"ore 1 leave you!=
<4h,= he sai, an he stoo, in one o" those too;"ast;to;see movements! 4ne minute on the
groun, the ne(t staning! Vampires are %ui$ker than human;normal, &ut "or the staning
tri$k, they have to use vampire min powers to appear that "ast! 1" 1' ha a gun, 1' have trie
to aim it, 7ust out o" ha&it!
1 ha move &a$k out o" rea$h, &ut a"ter that spee, 1 knew that it i me no goo! <Shit,= 1
sai!
<1 in't mean to "righten you, &ut as you $an see, 1'm very all right!=
My heart was in my throat! <That wasn't min tri$ks,= 1 manage to say!
<5ou mean the spee/= he aske!
<5eah, the spee!=
<2o,= he sai!
<1've never seen a vampire that $oul move %uite like that!=
He gave a little &ow "rom the ne$k! <High praise "rom you, &ut it was a trait o" our &looline!=
<5ou mean the spee without min tri$ks, all o" your &looline $oul o it/=
<5es!=
<2o woner you were the warrior elite! That's "aster than most ly$anthropes!=
<4n$e, i" the vampire $oun$il wante shapeshi"ters kille, they sent our &looline!=
<But now you an +i$ke are the last, right/=
He noe!
<1've seen you "ight3 you weren't this "ast!=
<1 haven't "elt this goo in a long time!= He stret$he his arms skywar, making the mus$les
in his arm &un$h an move! <1 "eel mae new! 1 "eel=.he looke at me, as his eyes raine
"rom silver glow to normal.<like 1 i &e"ore we kille the hea o" our line!= He "rowne!
<5ou &oun me to Bean;,laue with your &loo an his power! +hat have you one, or what
has &een one to you, sin$e that last "eeing/=
<1 on't know what you mean &y that,= 1 sai!
He was "rowning harer, thinking harer! <1 mean, Anita, that 1 "eel &orn again, as i" our ol
master shoul walk own the street an greet us!= He move towar me, an 1 move &a$k,
keeping our istan$e! 1t mae him stop! <Are you a"rai o" me/=
<1 on't know what 7ust happene, so let's 7ust say 1'm &eing $autious!=
He noe, as i" that mae per"e$t sense to him! <1 will see you sa"ely to your "riens, an
then 1 will go &a$k to the hotel!=
<-oo,= 1 sai, an then &e$ause it was me, 1 $ouln't leave it alone! <2o o""ense, &ut you
on't seem &othere that 1'm nervous a&out you now!=
He shrugge those &roa shoulers! <1 startle you, an 1 on't know what happene 7ust
now, either! 6ntil we know whether it was your &loo, your power, or mine, $aution is not a
&a thing!=
<4kay,= 1 sai, <then 7ust wat$h me walk aroun the $orner, an you $an go!=
<Agree!= He gesture me "orwar! 1 walke wie aroun him, an we sort o" $ir$le ea$h
other until we got to the $orner o" the &uiling! All 1 ha to o was walk aroun the $orner,
an a "ew yars away were #war an all the rest! A $luster o" $ars whirre &y on the street,
o&livious to what we were oing! 1t was almost startling to see the $ars an know there were
people 7ust over there, as i" we' &een in some little po$ket worl o" our own "or the last "ew
minutes!
4ne thing 1 noti$e in the $ir$ling an$e we were oing was that Truth's gun in its &elt holster
showe without the leather 7a$ket! The &la$k T;shirt wasn't long enough or wie enough to
hie the gun!
Di he have a $arry permit "or this state/ 1 in't know, &ut 1 i know that &eing a &ig guy
all in &la$k, "lashing a gun, $oul make some eager $op stop him! Being a vampire woul not
help him when it happene!
1 took o"" the leather 7a$ket an hel it out towar him!
He shook his hea! <1 tol you, 1 on't "eel the $ol like you o!=
<1t's to hie your gun,= 1 sai, <1' rather not have you stoppe &y a $op "or &ranishing!=
He almost tou$he the gun at his &a$k, &ut stoppe himsel" in mimotion! He took his 7a$ket,
&eing $are"ul not to tou$h me while we mae the e($hange! That let me know that the "a$t that
1 was still spooke showe! 4h, well!
He took the 7a$ket an slippe it on! He hugge the leather aroun him! 1 thought he was $ol
"or a moment, then reali8e he was smelling the $oat! Smelling me on it! Again, it was more a
shapeshi"ter gesture than a vampire one! 1 stare at him in the stronger light o" the streetlights,
an he looke rosy $heeke an healthy! 1" 1 han't known what 1 was looking at, even 1
might have sai human! +hat the "u$k/
1 stoo on the siewalk an aske, <Di your &looline have any other superpowers/=
<+e $oul pass "or human, even to wit$hes!=
<Anything else/= 1 aske!
<A "ew, why/=
<2othing! 1'll see you tomorrow night!=
<Aren't you planning to &e home &e"ore awn/=
<1 wouln't $ount on it!=
<1 "eel torn, Anita! 1 shoul &e &y your sie, guaring you, yet 1 must let you go into anger
without me! 1t seems &a$kwar!=
<1t's my 7o&, Truth!=
He noe! <1 will await you at the hotel! 1 hope you get home &e"ore awn!= He turne an
sai over his shouler, <5ou're still &leeing!=
1 looke own to "in &loo tri$kling own my han to rip on the siewalk! 1 put pressure on
the woun an hel it up! How ha 1 not "elt that/
<How are you going to e(plain the woun/=
<1'll think o" something! 2ow go, Truth, 7ust go!=
,lassi$al musi$ playe, a little high;pit$he &ut re$ogni8a&le as Beethoven! Truth rea$he
into his 7a$ket po$ket an rew out his $ell phone! He answere with, <5es!=
1 wave goo;&ye an starte "or the $orner!
Truth $alle, <Anita, it's "or you!=
1 stoppe an looke &a$k at him! <+ho is it/=
<5our marshal "rien, Te ?orrester!=
1 went &a$k to him, taking the phone he was holing out to me! <Te, 1'm 7ust aroun the
$orner "rom you!=
<1 on't think so,= he sai! 1 hear noises!
<Are you in your $ar/=
<+e got a $all out!=
<+hat's happene now/=
<,lu& invae &y vampires! They let some o" the $ustomers go &ut kept all the an$ers! The
release hostages es$ri&e a vampire that "its the holy water s$ars that you es$ri&e on
Vittorio!=
<Shit,= 1 sai!
<5ou sai he' up the &oy $ount tonight, Anita! 5ou were right!=
<Believe me, #war, 1 in't want to &e right on this one!=
<1'll give you the aress!=
<1s there anyone home to rive me/= 1 aske!
<1t was an all hans, Anita!=
<Shit!=
<Don't you have transport/=
<5eah, Truth is still here! 1'll let him &ring me to you!=
<Make sure he sets you own well &ehin the poli$e &arriers! 1 wouln't want the uni"orms on
the &arriers to see a vampire "lying with a woman in his arms tonight!=
<1 unerstan!=
<+e're here, &ut 1 $an't wait "or you, Anita! They sent the ear o" one o" the an$ers out with
the $ustomers they release! The vampires are threatening to sen the rest o" the an$er out, a
pie$e at a time!=
<1 will &e there ASA>, #war!= But 1 was talking to empty air! He' hung up!
<?u$k,= 1 sai, an put a lot o" "eeling into it!
<1 hear most o" it! +hat's the aress/=
1 tol him! He aske "or his phone &a$k, an i some things on the s$reen! 1 peere at the
s$reen an "oun a little map! He stuie it "or a "ew minutes, then sai, <1've got it! Are you
reay/=
<1 $an't "ee you again this soon, Truth!=
<1 "eel "ine, Anita3 trust me, 1 won't nee to &e "e when we lan!=
1 7ust ha to take his wor "or it! 1 let him pi$k me up again, an 1 ha to keep pressure on the
wrist &ite instea o" holing on to him! 1 was hoping i" 1 kept pressure on it, the &leeing
woul stop &e"ore we lane! 1" it i, it woul &e the only thing that ha gone right tonight!
61



1 T6,*#D M5S#0? in against Truth's &oy as har as 1 $oul without &eing a&le to hol on
to him, &ut "inally 1 $ouln't stan it anymore! 1 stoppe pressing on my wrist an wrappe
my arms aroun his ne$k! 1 hel on an &urie my "a$e against him! He "elt warm now, warm
with my &loo, my energy! There was a pulse in his ne$k to move against my $heek as i" the
&eat o" his heart were $alling to me!
The &en o" his ne$k smelle $lean, "resh, like $lean sheets that ha &een rie outoors in the
win an sun! 1t was almost like his skin hel a hint o" all the sunlit ays that he woul never
see again!
1 "elt something $hange in the way Truth hel me! 1t mae me move my "a$e so 1 $oul see!
There were "lashing lights an a lot o" $ops own &elow, &ut not too $lose! Truth took us
own on the "ar sie o" a arkene strip mall! He ha to run a little to take up momentum, &ut
it was smoother than the last laning! #ither he was getting in pra$ti$e, or he 7ust "elt &etter!
He steppe into the thi$ker shaows &y the arkene store an looke up the street towar all
those "lashing lights!
<The poli$e &arri$aes are 7ust up ahea!=
<5ou $an put me own now,= 1 sai!
1 got a "lash o" his smile in the imness! He put me own without a wor! <Are you still
&leeing/=
1 looke at my han an "oun the &loo rying! <2o!=
<-oo!=
+e stoo there "or a moment awkwarly! There was a tension like you get on a "irst ate,
where you on't know i" you shoul kiss or 7ust hug! This was wrong3 1' never "elt like this
aroun him &e"ore! He leane own towar me, an 1 steppe &a$k! <1'm sorry, Truth! 1 on't
know what's happening, &ut 1 on't think it's voluntary on either o" our parts!=
He stoo straight, looking at me, his "a$e still mostly in shaow! <5ou think 1'm &espelle &y
you!=
1 shrugge!
<But it's not 7ust me, Anita3 you "eel the pull, too!=
1 remem&ere something Bean;,laue ha tol me on$e! <A lot o" Belle's line o" vampire
powers $ut &oth ways, an it only $uts as eep as the vampire is willing to &e $ut!=
<Then you must &e willing to &e $ut to the heart,= he sai!
1 in't know what to say to that, so 1 hi &ehin work! <1 have to go! 5ou have to go!= 1
shook my hea! <-o, Truth, 7ust go, &e somewhere else!=
4ne moment he was there in the shaows3 the ne(t he was skywar, &lowing my hair a$ross
my "a$e!
1 turne towar the $row an the poli$e &arriers! 1' have to get through all that &e"ore the
uni"orms woul let me through to talk to S+AT! 1 wante to "in #war, not "or poli$e work
or pra$ti$al reasons, &ut &e$ause 1 neee a "rien! 1 neee a "rien who in't want to "u$k
me or "all in love with me! 1 neee someone who in't want anything "rom me! The list was
getting smaller every night!
62



1 +AS A0M4ST to the ege o" the $row when a man in a gray hooe sweatshirt turne
an &lo$ke my way! 1 opene my mouth to say, 40cuse me, sir, &ut 1 got a glimpse o" the
"a$e in the hoo an the wors "ro8e on my lips!
1 ha a glimpse o" ark &rown eyes, &la$k hair, skin arkly pale, a hansome, mas$uline "a$e,
until he turne into the light an the &urn s$ars on his right sie showe!
My han rea$he "or the Browning, &ut it wasn't there, nothing was there! 1 was unarme, an
he was staning in "ront o" me!
<Do not $onta$t your vampires via min3 1 will sense it, an 1 will tell my vampires to kill the
temptresses insie the $lu&! An, yes, 1 knew you were unarme! 1 i not think you woul
ever &e that $areless, &ut it gives us a $han$e to talk!=
1 li$ke suenly ry lips an i the only thing 1 $oul think o": steppe &a$k, gave mysel"
room, "or all the goo it was going to o me!
<+hy take the $lu&/ +hy give the poli$e time to trap your vampires/= 1 aske, voi$e still
$alm! >oint "or me!
<1t was &ait, "or you, Anita!=
<-ee, an most men 7ust sen "lowers,= 1 sai!
He looke at me with soli &rown eyes! 1 $ouln't rea his e(pression $ompletely, &ut 1 think
my rea$tion wasn't what he e(pe$te, or may&e not what he wante! <1" you $all "or help in
any way, 1 will have the vampires that 1 $ontrol start killing the harlots!=
<They're an$ers, not prostitutes,= 1 sai, <&ut 1 get it, you're master enough to $onta$t your
people min to min,= 1 sai!
He noe! <As are you,= he sai!
1 took a eep &reath an "ought to get some $ontrol over my pulse an heart rate! 1 in't
know what to say to that, so 1 let it go! 1 rarely got in trou&le keeping my mouth shut!
He was staring me up an own, not the way a man will a woman, &ut like he was looking
over a $ar he planne to &uy! 1t was e"initely more pur$hase than ate, that look!
1 trie to get him talking, <?ine, you want to talk to me, let's talk!=
<,ome with me, now!= He a$tually hel one large, long;"ingere han out to me! 1t was a &ig
han, &igger than 1 like, &ut gra$e"ul, like his voi$e!
<2o,= 1 sai!
<1 will have them kill the whores we have taken unless you $ome with me!=
1 shook my hea! <5ou'll pro&a&ly kill them anyway!=
<1" 1 give my wor/=
<1 know you mean that, &ut you're also a serial killer an a se(ual saist3 sorry, &ut that makes
me not trust you!= 1 shrugge an starte thinking "uriously in #war's ire$tion, not magi$,
7ust that wish in my hea that he woul look this way, $ome this way, noti$e! But 1 was too
short an the $row &lo$ke the view! 1 reali8e that the vampire in "ront o" me was &lo$king
the view even more! 1 ou&te it was an a$$ient!
<1 see your point,= he sai! He move the hoo more "rom his right sie! <Take a goo look,
Anita! See what the humans have one to me!=
1 trie not to look, &e$ause 1 wasn't sure i" it was a istra$tion te$hni%ue, &ut some things are
har to look away "rom! Asher's "a$ial s$ars were 7ust on the sie o" one $heek, trailing own
to the $hin! The entire right $heek o" Vittorio's "a$e, "rom where the hoo hit it to the ege o"
his mouth an the tip o" his $hin, was all harene s$ar tissue!
He let the hoo rop &a$k to hie his "a$e, an 1 reali8e he ha his le"t han hel out to his
sie, "or all the worl as i" he e(pe$te someone to $ome take his han! A young girl rea$he
"or him! 1 thought "or a moment she was another vampire, &ut one look into those wie, gray
eyes an 1 knew &etter! She was resse in tramp $hi$, skirt too short, miri"" showing, small
&reasts as moune as she $oul get them! Be"ore it &e$ame the style 1' have sai hooker,
&ut so many o" the teenage girls were wearing this kin o" shit, it mae me woner what the
real hookers were wearing!
He smoothe her straight &rown hair &a$k "rom her "a$e! She smile reamily up at him!
<0eave her alone,= 1 sai!
He $aresse her $heek, an she $ule into it like a kitten! He turne her "a$e to me, so 1
$oul see how young the "a$e uner the makeup was: "ourteen, may&e "i"teen, no more! 1t was
har to tell in that mu$h makeup an the $lothes! 1t tene to make you a years that the girls
han't earne!
<1 sai, leave her alone!= My voi$e wasn't shaky anymore3 it hel the "irst ege o" anger! 1
em&ra$e that, "e the anger with sweet thoughts o" vengean$e an what 1' o to him when 1
ha the $han$e!
<1" your &east rises, 1 will tear her throat out!= He rew her in against his &oy as he sai it!
1 ha to master my anger then, swallow it own, &e$ause he was right3 1 $ouln't guarantee
with this mu$h stress that anger wouln't tip me into some kin o" ly$anthrope pro&lem! 1" 1
$oul have shi"te "or real, it woul have given me weapons, &ut it wasn't a weapon "or me, it
was 7ust one more pro&lem!
He rea$he his other han out, an a man $ame to it! He was tall, taller than the vampire! His
gray eyes were almost a mat$h "or the girl's3 even his short hair was the same shae o" &rown!
He ga8e "orwar, seeing nothing!
Vittorio &egan to un8ip his sweatshirt, e(posing his $hest! 1 knew what it woul look like,
&e$ause that was the worst o" Asher's s$ars! But again, it was worse! The holy water han't
7ust s$arre the skin, it ha eaten into the eeper tissue, e(posing ligaments an the &ones o"
his ri&s! 1t looke like his &oy ha trie to regrow some tissue over it, &ut the right sie o" his
$hest an stoma$h looke like a skeleton with a har $overing o" s$ars! His stoma$h was a
little $on$ave, where there' &een no &one to support the healing!
1" he ha wante to hurt me in that moment, he $oul have, &e$ause 1 was mesmeri8e with
the amage an that he' survive it!
<1" 1 $oul have ie o" in"e$tion, 1 woul have, "or there were no anti&ioti$s when they i
this to me!=
<1" you want to ie, wait here, 1'll get a gun an help you out!=
<There was a time when that was what 1 sought, &ut no one was power"ul enough to slay me! 1
took it as a message that 1 was eath, &e$ause eath $oul not tou$h me!=
<#verything ies, Vittorio,= 1 sai, an 1 $ouln't keep my ga8e "rom "li$king &etween the
aughter an the "ather!
<So "ragile, humans, aren't they/=
<Di you &ring them with you to use as hostages/=
<1 "oun them in the $row! 1 thought at "irst=.he hugge the girl.<she was a whore, &ut
she is only pretening!= He kisse the top o" her hea, an she snuggle against him! <She
reeks o" inno$en$e an untrie things!=
<+hat.o.you.want/= An 1 let ea$h wor hol the anger that 1 was really having
trou&le "ighting o""! 1' have given almost anything in that moment "or a gun!
He stare own at the girl as she $ule against him, her arms eep insie the sweatshirt,
wrapping her arms $ompletely aroun him! She ga8e up at him like he was the &est thing
sin$e sli$e &rea!
<She sees what 1 was &e"ore! 1 was &eauti"ul on$e!=
<Then you o the &ig reveal, an that's part o" the thrill "or you! 1 get it!=
He spoke looking at me, not her! <1 $an leave this pla$e with this "amily or with you! +ill you
trae your "reeom "or theirs/=
<Don't o this,= 1 sai, voi$e so"ter!
<5ou will $ome with me to save them/=
1 looke at the man, with his unseeing ga8e, an the &esotte girl! <5ou on't kill $hilren or
men! 6nless the men are strippers! These aren't your vi$tims o" $hoi$e! 0et them go!=
<Shoul 1 wake the "ather up enough to see an know what we o to his aughter/=
<+hat o you want, Vittorio/= 1 aske!
<5ou,= he sai!
+e stoo staring at ea$h other! He ha a slight smile on his "a$e3 1 in't! <Me, in what way/=
He laughe, an it was a &itter soun! <4h, your virtue is sa"e, Anita3 the ,hur$h took $are o"
that long ago!=
<1s it a&out your vampires in St! 0ouis/ 1s that why you wante me here/=
<)evenge is "or the small;mine, Anita! 5ou will learn that 1 think larger thoughts, graner
ones!=
The girl &egan to kiss the ruine sie o" his $hest! She &egan to make small eager souns in
her throat!
He' one something else to her, min to min, an 1 han't "elt it! 1 was staning "eet away
"rom him, an 1 han't "elt a amn thing! 1 han't met a vampire in years that $oul o that to
me!
<1 have spies in Ma(imillian's $amp! He knows, an 1 know now, that Bean;,laue has not
given you the "ourth mark!=
1 "ought to keep my "a$e &lank an knew 1 "aile &y a wiening o" the eyes, a $at$h o" the
&reath, a spee o" pulse!
<5our master has le"t the oor open "or others, Anita! Bi&iana wants Ma( to walk through that
oor! She &elieves that i" you love Bean;,laue you woul have allowe it an marrie him
&y now! She sees your ine$ision as proo" that you haven't "oun your true love!=
<She's ol;"ashione that way,= 1 sai, &e$ause what else $oul 1 say/ He' know i" 1 was
lying! Vampires an wereanimals are like walking lie ete$tors i" they're power"ul enough,
an he was!
<But o not worry a&out Ma( an his &rie, "or 1 have e$ie it is my oor to open, not his!=
1 &linke up at him, the anger ying uner the $on"usion! 1' thought o" a lot o" things this
nut;&unny $oul have wante "rom me3 that han't &een one o" them! <5ou want to make me
your human servant/=
<1 o!=
<+hy/= 1 aske, <#veryone knows what a pain in Bean;,laue's ass 1 am! +hy o you want
to eal with that/= 1 $ouln't $all "or help in any way, or someone else ie! 1 $ouln't go all
ly$anthrope, &e$ause it wouln't help me! +hat $oul 1 o/ +hat the "u$k $oul 1 o without
a gun/
He laughe again, &ut this time it was lower, more attra$tive, more seu$tive! <The power,
Anita! 5ou are the "irst ne$roman$er in $enturies, an with so many other powers!= He move
a little $loser, rawing the girl with him! The man "ollowe a step &ehin like some kin o"
ro&ot!
Vittorio rea$he out with the han not wrappe aroun the girl! 1 steppe &a$k! All vampire
powers in$rease &y pro(imity, an espe$ially tou$h! He' one things that were almost
impossi&le3 1 i not want to "in out what his tou$h $oul o!
<Anita, you will make me the most power"ul Master o" the ,ity in all o" the new worl!=
<So you take me, an then we take Vegas "rom Ma(/= 1 was thinking "uriously, going over
my options! There in't seem to &e a lot o" them! 1 only knew 1 wasn't leaving the area with
him! 4ne rule with serial killers: make them kill you in pu&li$, &e$ause whatever they'll o to
you in private will &e worse! 1 also $ouln't let him leave with the girl an her "ather! But he
$ouln't "ly with two people3 he' have to simply walk away! 1 $oul stop that, $ouln't 1/
Shit. Think, $nita, think.
<Tiger is my animal to $all, Anita! +e slay Ma( an his wi"e, an it is over!=
<Vi$tor, you' have to kill their son, too,= 1 sai!
He smile, an he move towar me again! 1 move out o" rea$h again!
<5es, o" $ourse! +hat a %ueen you will make "or our empire o" &loo an pain!= His voi$e
was $heer"ul, as i" we weren't talking a&out murer!
<Allow me &ut a tou$h, 7ust to lay these "ingers alongsie your $heek!= He hel the han up,
like a magi$ian3 nothing up my sleeve! )iiight!
<Don't move!= 1t was #war's voi$e! 1t took almost everything 1 ha not to turn an sear$h
"or where he was, &ut 1 kept my eyes on the vampire in "ront o" me! Help was here, i" 1 in't
"u$k up!
The "ather move up &esie Vittorio, an 1' have &et everything 1 ha that he was &lo$king
#war's shot!
<The man's &espelle, #war,= 1 sai, an again ha to "ight not to look "or him, &ut Vittorio
was too power"ul to look away, "or even a se$on! 1 wasn't sure what his tou$h woul o to
me! May&e nothing, or may&e something &a! 1 was "aster than human;normal, thanks to
Bean;,laue, so i" 1 7ust kept looking at him, 1 $oul stay out o" rea$h, or that was the plan!
<My "riens, $ome to me,= he sai, an this time 1 "elt the smallest tug o" power! The $row at
the &arrier turne towar us an spille out towar him!
<He's &espelle the $rowA= 1 starte to turn to run, &ut the girl was still in his arms! 1t mae
me hesitate! The $row spille aroun us! They shiele him "rom any gun"ire, &ut they also
trie to gra& me! 1t was as i" they were 8om&ies, sightless eyes, rea$hing hans, no thought!
How ha he min;rolle this many people/ How the "u$k ha he one it/
1 trie not to hurt them, at "irst, &ut when 1 reali8e they were trying to hol me own &y sheer
num&ers, 1 stoppe &eing ni$e! 1 ki$ke a knee an "elt it give! A man s$reame an then sai,
<+hat's happening/ +here am 1/=
1 hit the nearest "a$e, seeing my target as the opposite sie o" that "a$e, the way you're taught
in martial arts! He simply went own an vanishe in the $row! 1 &rought own two more
with 7oint hits an one &looy nose! The pain &rought them out o" it, an they $rawle away,
no longer a threat, &ut 1' waite too late, an there were 7ust too many!
1 yelle, <>ain, they snap out o" it when they hurtA= 1 wasn't sure anyone hear me, until 1
hear $ries o" pain "rom the outsie o" the mo&! Someone was $oming, someone on my sie!
But the hans hel me own, the sheer weight o" all the people, an 1 $ouln't move!
Vittorio knelt &y my hea! He lai his han on my "a$e! 1 trie to keep moving, &ut there was
nothing 1 $oul o! His eyes "ille with &rown "ire! 1 knew what he was going to o!
1 s$reame, <#warA=
4ne moment 1 hear &oies hitting the groun, the ne(t there was nothing &ut the tou$h o" the
vampire an his eyes, like &rown glass "lame, hovering in "ront o" my "a$e! They presse
against my "a$e! 1 $lose my eyes an s$reame!
63



1 +A1T#D ?4) that "lame to sink into me, to take me over, &ut nothing happene! The hans
were still holing me own, 1 $oul still "eel the press o" power, o" that &rown "lame, &ut that
was it! 1 opene my eyes a slit, an the &rown;gol o" the "lame was a88ling, &ut it wasn't
$oming $loser!
A gunshot soune so $lose that 1 was ea" "or a se$on! Then the "lame was gone, an
Vittorio's "a$e was a&ove mine! 1 thought he meant to kiss me, &ut reali8e "rom the way he
hel himsel" that he was u$king! Another shot soune, an then the people who' &een
pinning me let me up an move to "orm a human shiel &y the kneeling vampire!
<Another night,= he sai, an he was suenly staning an running in a movement that 1
$ouln't "ollow with my eyes! 1 sat up, wat$hing him go, my heart in my throat! 1' seen only
one other vampire that $oul move like that without min tri$ks: Truth!
Men were yelling, <?u$k, where' he goA ThereA Di you see thatA=
#war was suenly staning a&ove me, his han hel out! 1 took it, an he li"te me to my
"eet! 1 swaye a little, an he steaie me!
<5ou all right/= he aske!
1 noe!
He gave me a look!
<He trie to mark me, &ut he $ouln't get past my shiels in the time you gave him!=
4la" loome over us! <1s she hurt/=
<1'm "ine,= 1 sai, an "or$e mysel" to let go o" #war's han, when what 1 really wante to
o was $ollapse into his arms an hol on!
-reen uni"orme S+AT guys were there now, moving the $row aroun as the people &egan
to waner aroun, asking what happene!
Hooper was there, his "a$e the only pale thing in the out"it! <+hat the hell happene, Blake/=
<The hostages, the $lu&, it was a trap!=
<A trap "or what/= Hooper aske!
<Me!=
-eorgie $ame up &esie his sergeant! <2othing personal, Blake, &ut then why in't he kill
you/=
<He oesn't want me ea!=
<+hat oes he want/= Hooper aske!
<Me, as his human servant!=
<5ou alreay &elong to the master in St! 0ouis, right/= 1t was ,anni&al, $oming up "rom the
other sie o" the ispersing $row!
+hat was 1 suppose to say/ <Something like that!=
<Then he's too late,= ,anni&al sai!
<He thinks he's power"ul enough to take me away!=
Hooper was staning there, not moving &ut wat$hing my "a$e! <1s he/=
<2ot tonight, he wasn't!=
Hooper's mouth mae a small movement3 may&e it was a smile, may&e not! <0et's not give
him another night!=
<Amen to that,= 1 sai!
1 turne to ,anni&al, alias Sergeant )o$$o! <Some heap;&ig psy$hi$ you are! Din't you sense
Vittorio working the $row/=
<Sorry, Anita, &ut 1 only o memories!=
<Shit, $an't any o" you sense this kin o" thing/ +here's San$he8/= 1 aske!
<+hy/= 4la" aske!
<1 thought he might have sense the metaphysi$s!=
<He's with the se$on team! They're going to s$out Bering's house,= #war sai! <-rimes
wante his pra$titioners to see i" they $oul sense the emon!=
<+hy aren't you with San$he8/= 1 aske )o$$o!
<My a&ility is tou$h an memories! 1'm not tou$hing a emon on purpose, an 1 on't want
those memories!=
#war sai, <They're trying to see i" they $an sense the emon, so we $an make entry $loser
to the targets or "arther away "rom them, epening on what they "in!=
<-ive me a gun, an let's get out there!=
#war was &esie me3 he hane me my own &a$kup gun "rom a po$ket in his ta$ pants!
)o$$o sai, <5ou have vampires right here3 why $hase emons/=
<This is a hostage situation! 1'm not a negotiator!=
Bernaro $ame up! He ha &loo running own his "a$e "rom a $ut on his "orehea3
apparently someone ha hit &a$k!
The people "rom the $row who ha trie to &eat the hell out o" poli$e o""i$ers were &eing
given &lankets an hot rinks &y )e ,ross workers! The team o$tor was $he$king them out,
with his me te$h &y his sie! 1 hear a man say, <1 knew what we were oing was wrong, &ut
1 $ouln't stop! 1 ha to o what the voi$e in my hea tol me to o! 1 wante to stop, &ut 1
$ouln't!=
1 steppe in "ront o" )o$$o, an he stoppe, looking at me! <1" San$he8 an the other
pra$titioners $an sense the emon, it $an sense them! 1" it's what kille the other operators, it
$oul $ome out an trail them &y their own magi$!=
<Most emons aren't that &right,= #war sai!
<+e're aware that some preternatural &eings $an sense psy$hi$ a&ility, Marshal! +e've got
them ware so their=.he mae a wa""ling motion with his han.<signature is gar&le!=
1 was impresse an sai so!
<>sy$hi$ a&ility is 7ust another part o" the 7o& "or us,= he sai! His raio $ra$kle to li"e, an
he turne to listen! He starte to o a slow 7og, an the rest o" us 7ust "ell into step with him!
All right, the men slow;7ogge3 1 ha to "ast;7og! My legs were shorter! <The vampires have
given up! They've "ree the hostages, an they surrenere!=
<+hat's the $at$h/= 1 aske! 1" anyone hear me, they in't answer, &ut 1 knew there was a
$at$h3 with vampires there was always a $at$h!
64



S4M#42# HAD H1T the lights in the $lu& so that it was &athe in &right lights! 0ower;rent
strip $lu&s are not meant to see &right lights3 they reveal all the $ra$ks an &a paint pat$h;up
7o&s! They show the illusion "or what it is: a lie! A lie a&out se(, an the promise o" having it,
i" you 7ust pay a little &it more money! 2athaniel, my live;in sweetie, ha e(plaine to me that
an$ers make their living on the $ustomer's hope that real se( is possi&le! 1t's all a&out
avertising &ut never really selling! 6ner the harsh overhea lights, the s$arlet women
looke like even i" they were selling, you wouln't want to &uy!
The an$er who ha lost an ear was &eing rushe to the hospital, with the iea that they might
&e a&le to sew the ear &a$k on3 the woun was "resh enough! The other an$ers were in the
&a$k rooms &eing interviewe, &e$ause we ha the vampires in the "ront area &etween all the
little stages! The vampires were $haine in sha$kles with the new spe$ial metal that some o"
the &igger, more well;"une poli$e "or$es ha "or preternatural $riminals! 1t was some u&er;
spa$e;age metal! 1 han't seen it put to the test yet, so 1' wait &e"ore putting my "aith in it too
$ompletely!
The vampires sat in a sa;looking row, their hans hel awkwarly in "ront o" them &e$ause
the $hain went to their waist an their ankles! 1 ha to amit that even i" they &roke the metal,
they pro&a&ly wouln't &e a&le to &reak enough $hain to atta$k &e"ore we $oul get a shot o""!
May&e 7ust sha$kles were a goo iea, though you ha to get up $lose an personal to sha$kle
a prisoner, an to my knowlege, the only person in this room who was immune to vampire
ga8e was me!
4la" was $ir$ling the $haine vampires! He was staying out o" rea$h, &ut he pa$e them, like a
$attleman looking over a her that he was thinking o" &uying! 4r may&e that was 7ust me
pro7e$ting! May&e!
#war an Bernaro were interviewing the an$ers! +hy was 1 with 4la"/ Be$ause the
an$ers knew a preator when they saw one, an even a"ter an evening o" &eing hel prisoner
&y vampires, some o" them spotte him "or what he was, an it wasn't helping to settle their
nerves! ?or a goo interview, 4la" neee to &e elsewhere! +hy in't 1 interview the
women/ Be$ause 1 $oul get as up $lose to the vampires as possi&le an not risk &eing
&espelle! My spe$ialty le me s%uarely to the other room! But #war ha sai something to
Sergeant )o$$o, aka ,anni&al, &e$ause either he or one o" his men were at my sie at all
times! They were $are"ul not to give the vamps ire$t eye $onta$t, &ut they staye $lose!
?rankly, )o$$o mae me a little nervous a"ter our en$ounter at S+AT HL, &ut the "irst time
he move his &oy &etween me an 4la".su&tly, &ut 7ust enough to make the &igger man
have to walk wie aroun me.1 7ust en7oye that someone ha my &a$k!
<4kay, guys, this is the rill! +e're going to es$ort you one at a time into another room an
ask you what happene! Don't talk amongst yourselves while we're gone! Marshal Be""ries
an some o" the ni$e S+AT operators will still &e in the room, so min your manners!=
They all promise like eager kinergarteners! There wasn't a vampire in the room that 1
woul have &een a"rai o", one on one! But there were ten o" them, an ten was a lot! Ten o"
any kin o" vampire woul have &een s$ary! Hell, ten human &eings all rush you at on$e an
you won't get them all!
4""i$ers helpe the "irst vampire up to shu""le into a small room &ehin the &ar! 1t was where
the li%uor was kept, an they put him in a $hair that they' "oun 7ust "or this! 1 knelt &y the
"irst vampire an "oun mysel" ga8ing into the "a$e o" a slightly plump man with pale &rown
eyes an hair to mat$h! He smile at me, $are"ul not to show "ang! He was trying to &e all
harmless, "rienly, help"ul, &ut 1 knew that o" all o" them, he was the olest! 1 $oul "eel him
in my hea, like an e$ho o" time! He was three hunre i" he was a ay! He was resse
neatly, too neatly "or the heat, "or the town, "or what he was pretening to &e! He ha pale
sla$ks an a slightly arker tan shirt tu$ke in an &uttone up! The &elt was goo leather an
mat$he the shoes! His nones$ript &rown hair ha &een $ut re$ently an well! The wat$h on
his wrist was gol an e(pensive, though on$e it oesn't say )ole(, 1 $an't tell you what it is,
&ut thanks to Bean;,laue 1 know %uality when 1 see it!
1 smile at him! He smile &a$k! <2ame/=
<Be""erson, Henry Be""erson!=
<+ell, Mr! Henry Be""erson, tell me what happene!=
<Honestly, o""i$er, 1 was in the $asino, playing poker, an he $ame to stan &y the ta&le, 7ust
outsie the ropes!=
)opes meant he' &een at one o" the high;en ta&les, where a han $oul start at "ive hunre,
or ten thousan, or more! <Then what/= 1 aske!
<Then he mae me $ash out an tol me to $ome with him!= He looke up at me, an there
was pu88lement an a hint o" "ear on his "a$e! <Ma(imillian is a power"ul Master o" the ,ity!
He prote$ts us, &ut this guy 7ust $ame out o" nowhere an 1 $ouln't say no!=
The ne(t vampire was a lot younger in every way! May&e only a "ew years ea, an &arely
legal when he $rosse over to unea lan! He ha heale neele s$ars at the &ens o" his
el&ows! He' &een $lean a long time! 1 ha a hun$h!
<,hur$h o" #ternal 0i"e, right/= 1t was the vampire $hur$h, an the "astest;growing
enomination in the $ountry! +ant to know what it's like to ie/ Ask a $hur$h mem&er that's
gone on! That's what they $all it, oin on! ,hur$h mem&ers wear mei$al 1D &ra$elets, so i"
they're in a li"e;threatening situation, you $all the ,hur$h an have a vampire $ome an "inish
the 7o&!
The man's eyes wiene, an his mouth opene enough to "lash "ang &e"ore he remem&ere!
Boy, he was new! He re$overe an trie to o what all the oler vampires tell you to o
when talking to the poli$e: play human! 2ot preten to &e human, &ut 7ust on't &e vampire!
<5es,= an his voi$e was whispery, so "rightene, <how i you ! ! !=
<The neele tra$ks! The ,hur$h got you o"" rugs, right/=
He noe!
<+hat's your name/=
<Steve!=
<4kay, Steve, what happene/=
<1 was at work! 1 sell souvenirs 7ust own the street! >eople like &uying "rom a vampire, ya
know!=
<1 know,= 1 sai!
<But he $ame up to the stan, an he sai, .ome with me, an 7ust like that, 1 i!= He ga8e
up at me, his eyes wie an "rightene! <+hy i 1 o that/=
<+hy oes a human &eing go with you on$e you &espell them with your ga8e/= 1 aske!
He shook his hea! <1 on't o that! The ,hur$h rules ! ! !=
<Say no vampire ga8e, &ut 1 &et you've trie it, at least on$e!=
He looke em&arrasse!
<1t's okay, Steve, 1 on't $are i" you've playe slap;an;ti$kle with the tourists with your
eyes! Di this vampire $at$h you with his eyes/=
He "rowne up at me again! <2o, 1 woul swear it wasn't his ga8e! 1t was almost as i" he sai,
.ome with me, an 1 ha to o it!=
<So, was it his voi$e/=
Steve in't know!
2one o" them knew why they ha one it! They' le"t their 7o&s, their ates, their money on
$raps ta&les, an 7ust "ollowe him! Sometimes Vittorio ha spoken3 sometimes he' simply
stoo $lose to them! #ither way, they' "ollowe him an one what he sai!
The girl looke a&out nineteen, &ut e($ept "or Henry Be""erson, she was the olest o" them!
Two hunre years an $ounting was my guess, an it wasn't a guess! Her hair was long an
ark an ha "allen over her "a$e, so she was trying to &link it out o" her eyes!
+e' alreay &een through name, rank, an serial num&er, when 1 sai, <Sarah, o you want
me to get your hair out o" your eyes/=
<>lease,= she sai!
1 move the hair $are"ully out o" the wie, &linking gray eyes! She was the "irst one to ask,
<5ou're looking me in the eyes3 most humans on't o that! 1 mean, 1 wouln't roll you or
anything, &ut $ops are traine not to look into our eyes!=
1 smile! <5ou aren't ol enough to roll me with your eyes, Sarah!=
She "rowne up at me! <1 on't unerstan!= Then her eyes went wie, an what little $olor
she ha to her skin raine away! 5ou on't get to see a vampire go pale very o"ten!
<4h my -o,= she sai, an her voi$e hel terror!
)o$$o steppe up! <+hat's wrong/=
<She's "igure out who 1 am,= 1 sai, %uietly!
Sarah the vampire ha starte to s$ream! <2o, please, he mae me! 1t was like 1 was some
human! He 7ust rolle me! 4h, -o, 1 swear to you! 1 in't o this! 1 in't mean ! ! ! 4h,
-o, oh, -o, oh, -o! 5ou're the #(e$utionerA 4h, my -o, oh, my -o, you're going to
kill us allA=
<5ou might want to step outsie! 1'll try to $alm her own,= )o$$o sai, having to yell a&ove
her s$reams!
1 le"t him to the hysteri$al vampire an went &a$k out into the main part o" the $lu&! Hooper
an 4la" were arguing, %uietly &ut heately, in the $orner o" the room away "rom the
prisoners! There were still plenty o" guars on the vampires! 1 walke &y them an "oun
them wat$hing me! The looks were either hostile or s$are! #ither they' hear Sarah
s$reaming or someone else ha "igure it out! 4" $ourse, there was one other possi&ility!
1 got $lose to the two men an $aught snat$hes, <5ou son o" a &it$h, you are not allowe to
threaten prisoners!=
<1t was not a threat,= 4la" sai in his eep voi$e! <1 was merely telling the vampire what
awaits them all!=
<They're telling us everything we want to know, Be""ries! +e on't nee to s$are them into
$on"essing!=
They &oth looke at me an mae enough room so 1 $oul 7oin the little $ir$le! <+hat i you
tell the girl/=
<How o you know it was a girl/= Hooper aske!
<1'll o you one &etter, 1'll tell you whi$h girl! The one with long, wavy &rown hair, petite!=
Hooper narrowe his eyes at me! <How the hell i you know that/=
<4tto has a type,= 1 sai!
<He was talking low to her, &ut he mae sure the others $oul hear! He tol her he was going
to $ut her heart out while she was still alive! He tol her he' make sure an o her a"ter ark,
so she' &e awake "or it all!= Hooper was as angry as 1' ever seen him! There was a "ine
trem&ling in his hans, as i" he were "ighting the urge to make "ists!
1 sighe an spoke low! <Di you also mention who 1 am/=
<1 tol her we were vampire hunters, an we ha the #(e$utioner an Death with us!=
<1 know Blake is the #(e$utioner, &ut who's Death/ 5ou/=
<Te,= 1 sai! 1 glare up at 4la"! <5ou wante them a"rai! 5ou wante to wat$h the "ear on
all their "a$es, in't you/=
He 7ust looke at me!
Hooper aske, <+hat's your ni$kname, Be""ries/=
<1 o not have one!=
<He oesn't leave survivors,= 1 sai!
Hooper looke "rom one to the other o" us! <+ait a minute, are you telling me that these
vampires are all going to &e e(e$ute/=
<They are vampires involve with the serial killer we were sent to estroy! They are $overe
uner the $urrent warrant,= 4la" sai!
<The human $row at the &arri$aes atta$ke poli$e o""i$ers, &ut when they sai the vampire
took them over, we &elieve them!=
<1 &elieve the vampires, too,= 1 sai!
<1t oesn't matter,= 4la" sai! <They took human hostages, threatene human li"e, an are
proven asso$iates o" a master vampire that is $overe uner an a$tive warrant o" e(e$ution!
They have "or"eite their rights, all their rights!=
Hooper stare at 4la" "or a se$on, then turne to me! <1s he right/=
1 7ust noe!
<2o one ie tonight,= he sai, <an 1 want to keep it that way!=
<5ou're a $op3 you save lives! +e're e(e$utioners, Hooper3 we on't save lives, we take
them!=
<Are you telling me that you're all right with killing these people/=
<They aren't people,= 4la" sai!
<1n the eyes o" the law, they are,= Hooper sai!
1 shook my hea! <2o, &e$ause i" they were really people uner the law, 1' have another
option! The law, as written, oesn't make e($eptions! 4tto is right3 they have "or"eite their
right to live uner the law!=
<But they were uner the power o" a vampire, 7ust like the human $row!=
<5es, &ut the law oesn't re$ogni8e that as a possi&ility! 1t oesn't &elieve that one vampire
$an take over another vampire! 1t only prote$ts humans "rom the power o" vampires!=
<Are you telling me that there's no other option "or these vampires/=
<They go "rom here to the morgue! They'll &e $haine to a gurney with holy o&7e$ts, or
may&e these new $hains will o, 1 on't know! But they will &e taken to the morgue an tie
own in some way, where they will wait until awn, an when they go to sleep "or the ay,
we kill them, all o" them!=
<The law oes not say we must wait "or awn,= 4la" sai!
1 $ouln't keep the look o" isgust o"" my "a$e! <2o one voluntarily oes them while they're
awake! 5ou only o that when you're out o" options!=
<1" we o them as soon as possi&le, then we $an move on to help San$he8 an the other
pra$titioners!=
<They raioe in,= Hooper sai!
<+hat happene/= 1 aske!
<House was empty! The house ha &een torn up &y something, an Bering, or what we
assume was Bering, is ea! He' &een ea "or a while!=
<So, a ea en, no pun intene!=
4la" sai, <1 thought they were only to s$out the house psy$hi$ally, an wait "or the rest o" us
to enter it!=
<They sense nothing in the house! They raioe in an the lieutenant mae the $all!= Hooper
turne &a$k to me! <1" we $oul prove that these vampires were telling the truth, $oul you
elay the e(e$utions/=
<+e have some is$retion on when to put the warrant into "or$e,= 1 sai!
<,anni&al $an get their memories!=
<He'll &e opening himsel" up psy$hi$ally to vampires! That's i""erent "rom playing aroun in
human &rains,= 1 sai!
<1t oesn't matter why they i what they i,= 4la" sai! <A$$oring to the law, they will &e
e(e$ute, regarless o" why!=
<+e're suppose to prote$t all the people in this $ity!= Hooper pointe &a$k at the waiting
vampires! <0ast 1 $he$ke, they %uali"y as people!=
<1 on't know what to tell you, Sergeant! 2o 7ail will take them, an we $an't leave them "or
ays $haine to a gurney with holy o&7e$ts! 1t's $onsiere $ruel an unusual, so they must &e
e(e$ute in a timely manner!=
<So it's &etter to 7ust kill them than to leave them on the gurney/=
<1'm telling you the law, not what 1 &elieve,= 1 sai, <?rankly, 1 think putting them in $ross;
wrappe $o""ins "or a while woul keep them sa"e an out o" the way, &ut that was $onsiere
$ruel an unusual, too!=
<1" they were human, it wouln't &e!=
<1" they were human, we wouln't &e talking a&out putting them in a little &o( an shoving
them in a hole somewhere! 1" they were human, we wouln't &e allowe to $hain them to a
gurney an remove their hearts an their heas! 1" they were human, we' &e out o" a 7o&!=
He stare at me, a slow awning look that was almost isgust! <+ait here, 1'm going to talk to
the lieutenant!=
<The law is the law,= 4la" sai!
<1'm a"rai he's right, Hooper!=
He looke at me, ignoring 4la"! <1" there were another option, woul you sign o"" on it/=
<1t epens on the option, &ut 1' love to have a legal re$ourse "or moments like this that
oesn't in$lue murer!=
<1t's not murer,= 4la" sai!
1 turne to him! <5ou on't &elieve that, &e$ause i" it wasn't murer, you wouln't en7oy it as
mu$h!=
He gave me those $ave;ark eyes, an there was a hint o" anger own in the epths! 1 in't
$are! 1 7ust knew that 1 in't want to kill Sarah, or Steve, or Henry Be""erson, or the girl that
he' mae $ry! But to keep 4la" "rom &eing alone with the women, 1' take them mysel", &ut
not while it was ark, not while they $oul see it $oming, not while they were a"rai!
<5ou really on't en7oy killing them, o you/= he aske, an he soune surprise!
<1 tol you 1 in't en7oy it!=
<5ou i, &ut 1 in't &elieve you!=
<+hy o you &elieve me now/=
<1 wat$he your "a$e! 5ou're trying to think o" ways to save them or to lessen their su""ering!=
<5ou $oul tell all that "rom one look/=
<2ot 7ust one look, a series o" looks, like $lous passing over the sun, one a"ter another!=
1 in't know what to say to that3 it was almost poeti$! <These people are inno$ent o" any
wrongoing! They on't eserve to ie "or not &eing strong enough to resist Vittorio!=
<Te woul say that no vampire is inno$ent!=
<An what o you say/= 1 aske, trying to &e angry, &e$ause it was &etter than the shaky
"eeling in my gut! 1 in't want to kill these people!
<1 say that no one is inno$ent!=
Hooper $ame &a$k with -rimes &esie him! -rimes sai, <+e have a lawyer who's &een
wanting to try "or a stay o" e(e$ution in $ases like this!=
<5ou mean like that last;minute $all "rom the governor in the movies,= 1 sai!
-rimes noe! His so;sin$ere &rown eyes stuie my "a$e! <+e nee an e(e$utioner to write
it up an sign that he or she thinks that e(e$uting these vampires woul &e murer an not in
the pu&li$ goo!=
<0et ,anni&al rea some mins, make $ertain we haven't &een "oole, an then 1'll sign it!=
<Anita,= 4la" sai!
<Don't, 7ust on't, an you stay away "rom the prisoners!=
<5ou are not in $harge o" me,= he sai, an there was the &eginning o" anger! -reat!
<2o, &ut 1 am,= -rimes sai! <Stay away "rom the prisoners until "urther noti$e, Marshal
Be""ries! 1'll tell the other marshals what we're oing!=
They walke towar the &a$k room an the e(;hostages an #war! 4la" sai what 1 was
thinking! <#war won't like what you're oing!=
<He oesn't have to like it!=
<Most women value their &oy"rien's opinion!=
<?u$k you,= 1 sai, an walke away "rom him!
He $alle a"ter me! <1 thought you in't want to!=
1 kept walking! The vampires on the "loor stare at me as i" 1 were Vittorio, or something else
e%ually s$ary! There was hatre in a "ew eyes, &ut unerneath it all was their "ear! 1 $oul taste
it on the &a$k o" my tongue, like something sweet that hel a &itterness to it, like ark
$ho$olate that's a little too ark!
The "ar oor opene an ,anni&al was helping Sarah the vampire walk through the oor! She
$aught sight o" me an starte s$reaming all over again, <She's going to kill usA She's going
to kill us allA=
6sually she' &e right, &ut may&e, 7ust may&e, we really $oul save everyone tonight!
65



1T +AS 0#SS than two hours &e"ore awn! 1 was so tire 1 a$he, &ut the vampires were all
still alive! They were $haine to gurneys in the morgue, an sin$e the morgue ha a room
esigne "or only one vamp at a time, the $oroner an all o" his people han't &een too happy
to see ten o" them, &ut -rimes ha use his own men to a$t as e(tra guars! The guar uty
was volunteer only, &ut his men ha looke at him like he was $ra8y3 i" he sai it was a goo
thing, it was! Besies, he' e(plaine it like this: <2o one ie tonight3 i" we o this, no one
ies tomorrow either!=
#war han't &een happy with me! Bernaro ha &een amuse! 4la" ha le"t me alone,
$aught in his own thoughts that 1 wante no part o"! 1' a$tually let Sergeant )o$$o rop me at
my hotel &e$ause #war in't o""er! 2ormally, it woul have hurt my "eelings, &ut not over
this!
<1've never trie my talent on a real vampire &e"ore,= he sai in the %uiet o" the $ar!
<How i""erent was it/= 1 aske, still ga8ing out at arkene &uilings on the street! 0ike most
streets in most $ities, everything was $lose on this street! Bust &e"ore awn, even the strippers
get to go home!
<They're still people, &ut it's as i" their thoughts are slower! 2o,= he sai, an something
a&out how he sai it mae me look at him! His pro"ile in the light an shaow o" the
streetlights was very serious! <1t was like those inse$ts "ro8en in am&er, as i" the memories
that were $learest to them were ol, an what happene tonight with our killer was mistier "or
them!=
<1'll &et that was only true o" Henry Be""erson an Sarah,= 1 sai!
He glan$e away "rom the roa to me! <5eah, how i you know/=
<They were the olest! 5ou know how with some people, when they get ol, the past is more
$lear than the present to them/=
He noe!
<1 think "or some vampires, it's like that, too! The ones who haven't su$$eee &ut 7ust
survive! 1 think they look &a$k on their glory ays!=
<Does your vampire &oy"rien o that/=
1 resiste the urge to ask, Which one/ an playe ni$e! <2o, &ut then he's the master o" his
$ity!=
<5ou're saying he's happy now!=
<5eah!=
<Henry was wearing a wat$h that $ost more than this tru$k! He's not oing &a, so why was
his most vivi memory o" a time when women wore long resses an $urls, an he was in vest
an suit with a po$ket wat$h an a top hat/=
<Di he love the woman/= 1 aske!
)o$$o thought a&out that, then sai, <5es!= He looke at me again! <1've never &een a&le to
pi$k up love images &e"ore, Anita! 1'm goo at violen$e, hate, the ark stu"", &ut tonight 1 got
so"t images an ha to work at the harsh! Di you o something to me when 1 rea you/=
<2ot on purpose,= 1 sai, <&ut 1 ten to have an e""e$t on vampire powers!=
<1'm not a vampire,= he sai!
<+e're alone, )o$$o, an you wante to talk to me alone, so no more lies! 5ou know, an 1
know, an your men know, that you "ee on the memories you gather!=
<They on't know!=
<,anni&al is your $all sign! They know3 at some level, they know!= 1 settle &a$k into the seat,
an we turne onto the Strip, an 1 suenly knew where everyone was3 they were here! The
street looke the same at hours &e"ore awn as it ha $loser to minight! <1 thought 2ew 5ork
was the $ity that never slept,= 1 sai!
)o$$o laughe! <1've never &een there, &ut the Strip oesn't sleep mu$h!= He glan$e at me
again, then &a$k to the &right lights an the animate &ill&oars! <5ou "e on my memory,
too!=
<5ou showe me how!=
<By me "eeing on one memory, you learne how to turn it on me, 7ust like that/=
<Apparently,= 1 sai!
<+here are you staying/=
<The 2ew Ta7,= 1 sai!
<Ma('s pla$e!= He sai it like it was a &a thing!
<Ma( knows i" he lets anything happen to us, it might &e a &a thing! He'll keep us sa"e to
keep the pea$e!=
<5our &oy"rien that &ig in the vampire worl/=
<+e o okay,= 1 sai!
<That in't answer the %uestion!=
<2ope, it in't!=
<?ine!= +e were at the light in "ront o" the Bellagio, with the "ake skyline o" 2ew 5ork $lose
&y an the #i""el Tower in sight! 1t was like the worl ha &een pare own an s%uishe into
one street!
<Ask the %uestion you wante to ask, )o$$o!=
1 hal";e(pe$te him to protest, &ut he in't3 he "inally aske, <5ou're like me! 5ou "ee "rom
your power!=
<?rom raising the ea/ 1 on't think so!=
<1t's something to o with se( or love! 1 "ee on violen$e, the memory o" it, &ut you "ee on
so"ter emotions, on't you/=
1 e&ate on how to answer3 may&e 1 was 7ust tire &e$ause 1 tol the truth! <5eah!=
<Am 1 going to keep seeing so"ter things/=
<1 on't know! 1t's like we trae a little power!= 1 looke at the pirate ship, the "ire, an it
was surreal, unreal, like some ream where nothing makes sense!
<Have you ever share power like that &e"ore/=
<1 $an a$t as a "o$us "or psy$hi$ a&ility "or raising the ea!=
<+hat oes that mean/=
<1 $an share power with other animators, an $om&ine we $an raise more, or oler, ea!=
<)eally,= he sai!
<5eah, 1 wrote it up "or the maga8ine The $nimator a "ew years &a$k!=
<#mail me the &a$k issue, an 1'll rea up on it! May&e pra$titioners here $an o something
similar!=
<5our a&ilities aren't very similar!=
<4urs weren't either!=
<+e're &oth living vampires, ,anni&al3 that's similar enough!=
He glan$e at me, an it was a longer look! <The law hasn't e(pane to psy$hi$ vampires
yet!=
<They on't want to unerstan it enough to regulate it!=
He grinne! <Too many politi$ians woul &e on the wrong sie o" it!=
<>ro&a&ly,= 1 sai!
He gave me that glan$e again! <5ou know any/=
<2o, 7ust &eing $yni$al!=
<5ou're goo at it!=
<+hy thank you, always high praise "rom a $op!= 1 ha the "eeling that he still han't aske
all o" his %uestions! 1 waite in the &right neon silen$e, pun$tuate &y arkness &etween the
lights, as i" the night were thi$ker anywhere the light in't shine! My moo was showing in
my hea!
He pulle into the &ig $ir$ular rive at the 2ew Ta7! 1 reali8e 1 shoul have $alle ahea an
ha some o" our people meet us! 1' e(pe$te to &e roppe o"" &y #war an the &oys, an 1
woul have &een sa"e enough! 2ow it was 7ust me!
<5ou want me to walk you up/=
1 smile at him, han on the oor! <1'm a &ig girl!=
<This vampire has a serious har;on "or you, Anita!=
<5ou ask all the %uestions you wante priva$y "or/= 1 aske!
<Anyone ever tell you that you're &lunt/=
<All the amn time!=
He laughe again, &ut there was an ege o" nerves to it! <Do you ever get tempte to "ee on
more than you shoul/=
The oorman, or the valet, or someone, was at the oor! 1 wave them o""! <+hat o you
mean, )o$$o/=
<1 $an take a memory, Anita! 1 $an take it an erase it "rom their min! 1 i it a$$ientally a
"ew times! 1t's like it &e$omes my memory, not theirs, an it's a high! 1t's a rush! 1 think i" 1
let mysel", 1 $oul take it all, every &a memory they've ever ha! May&e more! May&e 1
$oul take everything an leave them &lank! 1 think a&out how it might "eel to take it all!=
<Tempts you, oesn't it/= 1 sai!
He noe an wouln't look at me!
<Have you ever one it/=
He gave me a look o" sho$k, o" horror! <2o, o" $ourse not! 1t' &e evil!=
1 noe! <1t's not a&out &eing a&le to o something, )o$$o! 1t's not even a&out thinking
a&out oing it! 1t's not even a&out &eing tempte to go too "ar!=
<Then what is it a&out/= he aske!
1 looke into that very grown;up, very $ompetent "a$e, an wat$he the ou&t in his eyes! 1
knew that ou&t! <1t's a&out e$iing not to o it! 1t's a&out &eing tempte &ut not giving in! 1t
isn't our a&ilities that make us evil, Sergeant, it's giving in to them! >sy$hi$ a&ility isn't any
i""erent "rom &eing goo with a gun! Bust &e$ause you $oul walk into a $row an take out
hal" o" them oesn't mean you will!=
<1 $an lo$k my gun up, Anita! 1 $an't take this out o" me an put it somewhere sa"e!=
<2o, we $an't, so every ay, every night, we make the $hoi$e to &e goo guys an not &a
guys!=
He looke at me, hans still on the steering wheel! <An that's your answer: we're goo guys
&e$ause we on't o &a things/=
<1sn't that what a goo guy is/= 1 aske!
<2o, a goo guy oes goo things, too!=
<Don't you o goo things every ay/=
He "rowne! <1 try!=
<)o$$o, that is all any o" us $an o! +e try! +e o our &est! +e resist temptation! +e keep
moving!=
<1 have to &e oler than you &y a e$ae3 why is it that 1'm asking you "or avi$e/=
<?irst, 1 think 1'm oler than 1 look! Se$on, 1'm the "irst one you've met that you thought
might &e tempte in the same way! 1t's har when you think you're the only one, no matter
how ol you are!=
<That souns like the voi$e o" e(perien$e,= he sai!
1 noe! <Sometimes, sometimes 1've got so mu$h $ompany 1 on't know what to o with
it!=
<0ike that,= an he noe towar the winow! 1t was Truth an +i$ke, patiently waiting
"or us to "inish our $onversation! Ha they &een wat$hing "or me, or ha they 7ust known 1
was here/ Di 1 want to ask/ 2ot unless 1 was reay "or the answer!
<5eah, like that! 1 turne &a$k to him an o""ere him my han! <Thanks "or the li"t!=
<Thanks "or the talk!=
+e shook, an there was no magi$ &etween us now! +e were &oth tire, our "ires imme
&ehin use an emotion! He got out an helpe us unloa the $ar! The overeager &ellman was
allowe to tou$h my suit$ase an nothing else! Most o" my really angerous stu"" was still
lo$ke up at S+AT, &ut there was enough here that 1 in't want the sta"" $arrying it! +i$ke
an Truth took the e(tra &ags! Sergeant )o$$o o""ere his han to them! They were surprise
&y the o""er, though he pro&a&ly in't see the signs o" it! They shook his han! He sai goo
night to me, an <See you tomorrow!=
<+e'll start in the area where he "oun all his vampire vi$tims tonight!=
<5eah, may&e his lair will &e in the area!= He got in his tru$k! +e went "or the oors! 1
wishe 1 "elt more se$ure that Vittorio only hunte near his lair! 1t seeme like an o&vious
mistake, an he in't strike me as the kin to make those!
+i$ke an Truth in't say mu$h until they got to the elevator an we were alone! <5ou
seem tire,= Truth sai!
<1 am!=
<5ou "e on &oth o" us, an you're tire alreay,= +i$ke sai! <Shoul we &e insulte/=
1 smile an shook my hea! <1t was a stress"ul night, an no, it's no re"le$tion on either o"
you! 5ou know 7ust how goo you &oth are!=
<A &a$khane $ompliment, &ut 1'll take it,= +i$ke sai!
<1 wasn't "ishing, 1 was 7ust saying you seem tire!=
<Sorry, Truth, sorry, 7ust a long amn night!=
They e($hange a look, whi$h 1 i not like! <+hat was that look a&out/=
+i$ke sai, <)e%uiem is waiting in your room!=
<1 "igure that my room woul have the $o""ins, or the a7oining room!=
<That's not what he means,= Truth sai!
<0ook, 1'm &eyon tire, 7ust tell me!=
<He's waiting to "ee you,= +i$ke sai!
<1 "e on &oth o" you less than=.1 s%uinte at my wat$h.<less than si( hours ago! 1 on't
nee to "ee the ardeur!=
<Bean;,laue gave instru$tions that you neee to have "oo availa&le more o"ten i" you
wante it!=
<Di he now/=
The elevator oors opene! <He's worrie that you'll lose it with the poli$e as your only "oo,
Anita,= +i$ke sai!
1 thought a&out that an $ouln't argue that it wouln't &e very &a! <1 o not "eel in the
moo, guys!=
<+e're 7ust giving you a heas;up, Anita,= +i$ke sai!
<Di you guys tell him 1 "e on you &oth/=
They e($hange that look again!
<+hat/=
<+e $ame through the oor, an he sai, @She "e on you! She "e on you &oth!' =
<How i he know/= 1 aske!
They shrugge, an it was like a mirrore gesture! <He sai he $oul smell you on our skin!=
<He's a vampire, not a werewol"!=
<0ook,= +i$ke sai, <on't shoot the messenger! But he's waiting in your &e, an i" you
turn him own, 1 on't know how he's going to take it!=
1 leane my &a$k against the wall &etween two oors that were not ours! <Are you saying he's
7ealous that 1 "e on you guys/=
<Jealous may &e too strong a wor,= +i$ke sai!
<5es, he was 7ealous,= Truth sai!
+i$ke "rowne at his &rother! <5ou on't have to live up to your name all the time!=
Truth shrugge again!
<An this is e(a$tly why Bean;,laue put you in $harge uring the night shi"t, an not
)e%uiem,= 1 sai!
<Be$ause he's a mooy &astar,= Truth sai!
1 noe! <5eah!= 1 pushe away "rom the wall an looke at my wat$h! <+e've got an hour
until awn! Shit!= 1 stoppe walking, &e$ause 1 was in the lea! <-entlemen, 1 on't know
what room we're in!=
+i$ke le the way, an Truth &rought up the rear, with me in the mile! +e got to the
room! +i$ke use the little key $ar, pushe the oor open, an hel it "or me!
1t was a ni$e room! Big, a little too re an lush "or my tastes, &ut it was a ni$e suite! +e'
have no $omplaints a&out Ma('s hospitality on rooms when we got &a$k home! The outer
room was a real living room with a ta&le "or "our near the winows that looke out over the
&rightness o" the Strip! There was a $o""in near the oor, &ut only one!
<+here are you sleeping/=
<4ur $o""ins are in the other room "or tonight! 5ou have less than an hour3 en7oy!= They put
my &ags &y the $lose oor that ha to lea into the &eroom, an then they le"t!
<,owars,= 1 hisse!
+i$ke stu$k his hea &a$k aroun the oor! <He oesn't like guys, an neither o we!=
<5ou in't min an auien$e earlier,= 1 sai!
<+e on't, or 1 on't, &ut )e%uiem oes! -oo night!= He $lose the oor, a"ter taking the
priva$y sign with him! 1 reali8e that Bean;,laue han't put +i$ke in $harge o" 7ust the
vampires at night &ut me, too! 1 guess, in "airness, that )e%uiem wasn't the only mooy
&astar still in the room!
But this kin o" thing was e(a$tly what ha gotten )e%uiem move lower own the "oo
$hain "or me! He was like one o" those &oy"riens that the harer you try to &reak up with
them, the harer they hang on! This was also the kin o" thing that mae me want to go &a$k
to my own house an leave most o" them somewhere else!
1 7ust wante to get some sleep &e"ore 1 ha to get &a$k up an go out an hunt Vittorio again!
The oor to the &eroom opene, 7ust enough to show the line o" his &oy, one han, an arm,
a spill o" long, thi$k, ark hair! 1n the imness o" the room, with the &a$klight, the waist;
length hair looke very &la$k! 1t was har to tell where the &la$k ro&e he wore ene an the
hair &egan! The skin that showe at $hest an ne$k an "a$e was pale as the "irst light o"
awn, a $ol &eauty like snow! The Vanyke &ear an musta$he were &la$k, arker than the
hair! They "rame his mouth the way you woul "rame a work o" art, so that your eye was
rawn to it!
1 let my eyes rise higher, &e$ause that was my real "ailing! 1 was an eye man, or woman! A
pretty pair o" eyes really i it "or me, always ha! His eyes were &lue an green like
,ari&&ean seawater in the sun, one o" the most startling shaes o" &lue that 1' ever seen
outsie $onta$t lenses, an his were natural! Belle Morte ha a thing "or &lue;eye men, an
she' trie to $olle$t him, as she ha Asher an Bean;,laue, so she' have the arkest &lue,
the palest &lue, an the greenest &lue that was still &lue! )e%uiem ha "le the $ontinent o"
#urope so he in't &e$ome another o" her possessions!
A minute ago, 1' wante to say, <1've &een hunting serial killers all ay, honey, $an't 1 take a
pass/= 2ow all 1 $oul o was stare at him, an know that there was nothing to o &ut amire
the artwork!
1 roppe the &ags in my hans an went to him! 1 sli my hans insie the hal";opene ro&e
to $aress that smooth per"e$tion o" skin! 1 lai a kiss on his $hest an was reware with the
soun o" his &reath sighing outwar!
<5ou were angry with me when you "irst $ame in the room!=
1 ga8e up at his si(;"oot;even "rame, hans on his $hest! 1 was still wearing too mu$h
weaponry to "all into his arms! <Then 1 saw you staning there, an 1 reali8e that you'
worrie all night! 5ou' wonere where 1 was, an what was happening, an 1 in't $all!
5ou were le"t wonering i" awn woul $ome an you still wouln't know 1 was sa"e!=
He noe, silently!
<1'm a &a hus&an, )e%uiem, everyone knows that!=
His hans "oun my shoulers, tra$e my upper arms, as he sai, <! ! ! the heart's tally, telling
o"" H the grie"s 1 have unergone "rom girlhoo upwars, H ol an new, an now more than
ever3 H "or 1 have never not ha some new sorrow, H some "resh a""li$tion to "ight against!=
<1 on't know the poem, &ut it souns epressing!=
He gave a small smile! <1t's a very ol poem3 the original was Anglo;Sa(on! 1t's $alle @The
+i"e's ,omplaint!' =
1 shook my hea! <1'm trying to apologi8e, an 1 on't know why! 5ou always make me "eel
like 1've one something wrong, an 1'm tire o" it!=
He roppe his hans away! <2ow 1've mae you angry!=
1 noe, an starte moving past him into the &eroom! 2o one was pretty enough "or this
level o" nee! 1 7ust in't know what to o with it! 1 kept my &a$k to him while 1 strippe out
o" the vest, the weapons, all the paraphernalia o" my ay! 1t mae %uite a pile on my sie o"
the &e! 1t was the sie 1 slept on when there was only me an one man in the &e! 0ately, that
han't &een o"ten! 1 in't min &eing in the mile, -o knew, &ut some nights there were
too many, an this was one night when 7ust one more was "eeling like too many!
1 hear the ro&e on the $arpet3 silk has su$h a istin$tive soun! 1 "elt him 7ust &ehin me, "elt
him rea$h "or me! <Don't!=
1 "elt him go very still &ehin me! <1 know you o not love me, my evening star!=
<1 have too many men in my li"e that 1 love, )e%uiem3 why $an't we 7ust &e lovers/ +hy o
you have to remin me $onstantly that you love me, an 1 on't love you/ 5our
isappointment is like a $onstant pressure, an it's not my oing! 1 never o""ere love, never
promise it!=
<1 will serve my lay in any way she will have me, "or 1 have no prie le"t where she is
$on$erne!=
<1 on't even want to know what you're %uoting3 7ust go!=
<0ook at me an tell me to go, an 1 will go!=
1 shook my hea stu&&ornly! <2o, &e$ause i" 1 see you, 1 won't! 5ou're &eauti"ul! 5ou're
woner"ul in &e! But you're also a pain in the ass, an 1'm tire, )e%uiem! 1 am so tire!=
<1 in't even ask you how your night ha gone! 1 thought only o" my own "eelings, my own
nees! 1 am no true lover, to have thought o" only mysel"!=
<1 was tol you were here to "ee the ardeur!=
<+e &oth know that's a lie,= he sai, voi$e so"t an $lose! <1'm here &e$ause it &roke my heart
to know that you slept with the +i$ke Truth!=
1 starte to say something angry! He sai, <Hush, 1 $an't help "eeling the way 1 "eel, my
evening star! 1 have aske Bean;,laue to "in me a new $ity, one where 1 $an &e someone's
se$on;in;$omman rather than a istant thir!=
1 turne aroun then an sear$he his "a$e! <5ou're telling the truth!=
He gave that slight smile! <1 am!=
1 hugge him then, moling our &oies together the way you o with someone when you've
lost $ount o" how many times you've &een together! 5ou know ea$h other's &oies! 5ou
know the musi$ o" their &reathing when se( per"umes the air! 1 hugge him to me an reali8e
that 1 woul miss him! But 1 also knew he was right!
He stroke my hair! <1t helps to know that you will miss me!=
1 raise my "a$e to look into those &lue eyes with their "lash o" green aroun the pupils! <5ou
know 1 "in you &eauti"ul an ama8ing in &e!=
He noe an gave that sa smile again! <But all your men are &eauti"ul, an all o" them are
goo in &e! 1 want to go somewhere that 1 have a $han$e to shine! A $han$e to have a woman
love me, Anita, 7ust me! 5ou will never love 7ust me!=
<1'm not sure 1 will ever love 7ust anyone,= 1 sai!
He smile a little wier! <That is something, to know that you "rustrate Bean;,laue, too! 1
never thought to see anyone who $oul resist him!=
1 "rowne up at him! <1 haven't e(a$tly resiste!=
<5ou are his lover, his human servant, &ut you are not his!=
1 starte to step &a$k, an he hugge me $loser! <He sai almost the same thing on the phone!
Do 1 have you to thank "or that little talk/=
<1 tol him why 1 neee to leave, an he agree! That is why 1 am here in 0as Vegas, to see
i" 1 woul like to visit!=
<1 on't think it's your kin o" town!=
<2or 1, &ut it is a start! 1 will see their show, an 1 will an$e, an women will think me
&eauti"ul, an they will want me, an eventually 1 will want them!=
<There isn't enough o" me, )e%uiem, not to ate all o" you! 1 $an have se( with this many
men, &ut 1 $an't &e everyone's lay love3 no single woman $oul!=
He noe! <1 know! 2ow, kiss me, kiss me like you mean it! *iss me like you'll miss me!
*iss me, %ui$k &e"ore awn, &e$ause when you "inish hunting your killer, 1 won't &e going
&a$k with you! 1" 1 on't like Vegas, then the Master o" >hilaelphia is looking "or a se$on,
an she's re%ueste a man o" Belle's line i" she $an get it!=
1 looke up into his "a$e an reali8e this really was it! He meant it! 1 went up on tiptoe, an
he lowere his "a$e to mine! 1 kisse those lips, gently at "irst, like you' tou$h a work o" art,
a"rai to s$rat$h it, an then 1 let my hans an mouth kiss him the way he was meant to &e
kisse! *iss him the way you kisse someone when the tou$h o" their mouth, the weight o"
their hans, the rise o" their &oy was like "oo an rink to you! 1 $ouln't give him my
heart, &ut 1 gave him what 1 $oul, an it wasn't a lie! 1 love his &oy, an the press o" his
sa poetry3 1 7ust in't love him! -o knows 1' trie to love them all, &ut my heart 7ust
in't seem to stret$h that &ig!
He rew away "irst, laughing, eyes &right with the attention! <1t is too $lose to awn "or me to
o 7usti$e to su$h a kiss! 1 know you o not let even our master sleep in your &e on$e he ies
"or the ay, so 1 will go to my &o(! 1 will sen warmer &e partners to you, so that you will
not &e alone, an you $an "ee when you wake!=
<)e%uiem,= 1 starte, &ut he tou$he "ingertips to my lips!
<She walks in &eauty, like the night H 4" $louless $limes an starry skies3 H An all that's &est
o" ark an &right H Meet in her aspe$t an her eyes!=
1 wasn't sure why, &ut 1 "elt the "irst har, hot tear trail own my "a$e! He move his "ingers
"rom my lips to $at$h my tears! He kisse them "rom his skin, then kisse them "rom my "a$e!
<That you woul $ry "or my parting means mu$h!= Then he le"t, $losing the oor gently
&ehin him!
1 went to the &athroom an starte getting reay "or &e! 1' wash the tears away! 1 wasn't
even sure why 1 was $rying! 1 was 7ust tire! 1 hear noises an turne o"" the water, to have
,rispin $all out! <1t's us, Anita!=
1 ha a moment to woner who <us= was, &e$ause ,rispin in't know any o" the other
wereanimals who ha $ome "rom St! 0ouis, or not well enough to &ring them to &e with him!
1' "oun that heterose(ual men are very pi$ky a&out who they &ring to &e, &oywise! 1t's
more a&out "rienship than se(! More a&out trust, than lust! 1 thought a&out peeking out an
seeing, &ut it seeme like too mu$h trou&le! So tire! ,rispin an whoever woul still &e there
when 1 was one! 1 $ame out o" the &athroom wearing the ro&e o"" the oor, whi$h $overe
me "rom shouler to my toes! The two men in my &e were wearing nothing &ut the &esheet
at their waist! Two nake men in my &e, &oth $ute enough! >ro&lem was, one o" them 1'
never seen nue!
66



,)1S>12 +AS AS lean an mus$le as 1 remem&ere him! He sat up with a smile, the sheet
pooling into his lap, so that 1 $oul see the sie o" his hip, an knew "or $ertain there was
nothing &etween him an my sheets! His short, $urly white hair was &a$klit &y the lamp, so
that the light playe in the $urls, "orming a shining halo o" white! He gave me that $rooke
smile that imple 7ust one sie o" his mouth! He might look like an angel in my &e with his
halo, &ut i" it was an angel, it was "allen!
Domino lay on his &a$k on the other sie o" the &e, one arm stret$he over the pillows,
tou$hing where 1 woul have to lie! His &la$k an white $urls were "rame against the white
o" the pillow! 1 reali8e that his hair was mostly &la$k! Han't it &een $loser to an even mi(
&e"ore/ His eyes were &rilliant orange, the $olor that "ire $an have, &ut "ire oesn't have veins
o" gol running through it! ?ire oesn't &link long lashes at you, an try "or a neutral "a$e
when its eyes give it away! The eyes hel nee, longing!
1 waite to &e ma, &ut 1 wasn't! Suenly, o" all the people in Vegas, 1 $ouln't think o" any
two other men that 1' rather have $urle up &etween! 1' tol Truth that Belle Morte's line
$an only &e as power"ul as the vampire oing it is willing to &e $ut, &ut it was more than that!
1 $oul only go as eep into someone's heart as 1 was willing to let them ive into mine! 1 ha
all this power, an no iea how to prote$t mysel" "rom having that two;ege &lae $ut me to
the &one!
All 1 $oul think when 1 saw them was home! A eep "eeling o" $ontentment, that ,rispin
han't earne yet, an Domino was a stranger to me! But sometimes you meet a stranger, an
"rom the moment you see him there is a $onne$tion, almost a memory, as i" that skin, that
s$ent, has &een on your sheets &e"ore, like an e$ho! 1 shoul have "ought it, argue with it, &ut
1 was so tire! My eyes &urne with it!
1 sai the only thing 1 $oul think to say! <1 on't nee to "ee yet!= My voi$e soune small
an un$ertain! 1 $leare my throat sharply, trie again! <2othing personal, &ut 1'm ! ! !=
<Tire,= ,rispin sai, <we know! +e $an "eel it!=
1 looke past him to Domino! 1 $oul "eel his un$ertainty, an how mu$h he wante this to &e
all right! 1 in't have anything le"t to "ight with3 it "elt "ine, goo, strangely okay! ?or on$e in
my li"e, 1 in't %uestion it! 1 in't ask, .an you both behave yourself if were all naked,
&e$ause they were wereanimals, an nake oesn't mean se( to them! 1t 7ust means you aren't
wearing any $lothes! 1t was my human min that mae it irty!
1 uni the ro&e's sash an walke towar the &e! ,rispin smile, &ut Domino wat$he that
thin line o" my &oy that he $oul glimpse as 1 move! May&e &eing nake wasn't 7ust not
having $lothes "or him in that moment/
He spoke, an his voi$e was rough, so that he ha to $lear his throat &e"ore he "inishe! <Se(
woul &e woner"ul, &ut 1 "eel your tireness like some great weight pulling you own, an
pulling at us! 0et us hol you, Anita, 7ust hol you!=
1 stuie his "a$e "or a &reath or two! He li"te his han "rom the pillows an hel it out to me!
1 let the ro&e "all to the "loor an $rawle onto the &e &etween them! ,rispin helpe me slie
uner the $overs, then sli his &oy along my sie, so that 1 $oul "eel that it wasn't 7ust
Domino who was going to have trou&le sleeping!
1 stare up at ,rispin, where he lay proppe up on one el&ow, grinning at me! <There's this
&eauti"ul nake woman in &e with me, an 1'm a guy!=
That mae me smile! Then the &e move, an it mae me turn to see Domino moving towar
us! His "a$e was un$ertain, as i" he wasn't sure he' &e as wel$ome! 2either was 1!
He ha more &ulk to his upper &oy than ,rispin, an with them &oth proppe up on el&ows, 1
reali8e that the "ew in$hes o" e(tra height ,rispin ha were all in the waist! Domino was
keeping a "ew in$hes o" istan$e &etween us rather than ru&&ing his &oy against me like
,rispin! 1 appre$iate the restraint!
1 rea$he up to tou$h his hair! The $urls were so"t, &ut not as so"t as ,rispin's white! <+asn't
your hair more evenly white an &la$k &e"ore/=
He smile! <1've shi"te to &la$k tiger &etween then an now3 when 1 $ome &a$k to human
"orm, my hair re"le$ts the "ur $olor o" my last shape!=
1 stare up at him! <5ou $an shi"t to white tiger and &la$k/=
He noe, ru&&ing his hea against my han, so that 1 stroke his $urls more, the way you'
pet a $at that ru&&e against your han! 1t move my han "rom his hair to the sie o" his "a$e,
an he lai his $heek against my han, pressing, so that 1 hel his "a$e! His eyes $lose, an
his "a$e went almost sla$k, as i" some weight ha suenly gone "rom him!
1 rose up to kiss him, &ut it $lose that small istan$e &etween us, an 1 $oul suenly "eel
that he was not only happy to &e in the &e, &ut so har an eager that it mae my &reath
$at$h in my throat an a small soun o" surprise es$ape me!
He rew away "rom me! <1'm sorry, Anita, 1 $an't help the rea$tion!=
1 shook my hea! <1t's not ! ! ! 4h, hell, on't apologi8e "or &eing male, Domino! 1 like it!=
He smile, almost em&arrasse!
1 "oun my han sliing own the "ront o" his &oy! His eyes $lose again, an his hea went
&a$k, as i" it ha &een a long time "or him!
,rispin seeme to rea my min! <The +hite Tiger ,lan pries itsel" on &eing pure &looe!
4ur %ueen is happy to "in &la$k tiger &loo, &ut most o" the "emales o" our $lan won't risk
&ringing a nonpure o""spring into the worl!=
1 stare up at the man who was still looming a little over me! My han ha "ro8en at his upper
stoma$h! He still ha his eyes $lose, &ut he starte to turn away, starte to roll over!
1 stoppe the movement with my han on his shouler an $hest! <There is nothing wrong
with you, Domino! 5ou're &eauti"ul!=
He shook his hea! <2o!=
<Hansome, then,= 1 sai!
He gave me an almost shy look! <1 $an't &elieve that!=
<+hy not/=
<Be$ause no one who's ever mattere has treate me like it's true!=
1n that moment 1 knew, tire or not, 1 $ouln't &e that tire! <1'm going to say something 1
will pro&a&ly never say again!=
He looke at me, all $autious again!
<+e only have time "or a %ui$kie!=
He grinne in surprise!
1 smile &a$k! <1 really o nee to sleep &e"ore the poli$e $all me an we have to hunt the &a
guys again, &ut 1 want you to know that it's no re"le$tion on you! 5ou are hansome, an i"
what 1 7ust "elt against my hip is any ini$ation, all the &oy is pretty amn goo!=
He a$tually looke em&arrasse, unking his hea! 1' have estimate him at a&out thirty, &ut
he was a$ting younger! May&e in this one area he was, through sheer la$k o" e(perien$e!
1 tou$he his "a$e, turne him to look at me! <Make love to me!=
<Making love takes time to o it right,= he sai!
1 grinne! <All right, "u$k me!=
He looke startle!
,rispin sai, <Her pillow talk is usually straight to the point!=
1 turne my hea so 1 $oul "rown at him!
He shrugge the one shouler in the air! <+ell, it's true!=
1 "rowne harer, then turne &a$k to Domino! <+hatever wor you want to use!=
<Bust like that/= he aske!
1 noe! <Bust like that!=
<+hy/=
<Be$ause 1 want that lost look out o" your eyes!=
<+hy o you $are what look 1 have in my eyes/=
<Be$ause the woun $uts &oth ways!=
<+hat oes that mean/=
<Shut up,= ,rispin sai, <an take the o""er, so we $an all sleep!=
Domino "lashe him a less than "rienly look, then looke &a$k own at me! <1've spent my
li"e not &eing a&le to trust the women aroun me! 4nly the survivors woul tou$h me, never
my own $lan!=
<1'm a survivor,= 1 sai!
He shook his hea! <2o,= an he leane own over my hair an took a long, eep &reath! <2o,
you smell like me: ark an light, all at the same time!=
1 sli my han "arther own his &oy an "oun that he wasn't trem&ling as har as he ha
&een3 all the talking ha so"tene things! 1 wrappe my han aroun him an s%uee8e gently!
1t "luttere his eyes shut an sent his &reath out in a sigh!
<#nough talk,= 1 sai!
He ha to swallow &e"ore he $oul whisper, <4kay!=
1 $ontinue to work him with my han as he $ame own "or a kiss, an suenly he was
kissing me! He kisse me as i" my lips were "oo an he were starving! My hans were on his
&a$k3 my legs sli own his thighs to wrap aroun his lower legs! He lai his "ull weight on
top o" me while we kisse, "ier$ely, $ompletely! His &oy was &a$k to that trem&ling
harness! Bust the "eel o" him on the outsie o" my &oy, presse &etween us, mae me $ry
out!
,rispin was staning &esie the &e with a $onom in his han! <Anita mae me promise,
a"ter the "irst time we were together!=
Domino an 1 $ame out o" the kiss, gasping! 1 stare up at ,rispin as i" 1 in't know who he
was or what he was saying!
Domino went up on his knees, an 1 $oul suenly see what 1' &een tou$hing! 1t &rought an,
<4h, my -o= "rom me!
Domino took the $onom an sli it over himsel"! He went to all "ours over me! He glan$e at
himsel", then at my "a$e! <+e haven't one any prep work on you, an 1'm ! ! !=
1 "inishe "or him, <2ot small!=
He shook his hea!
,rispin sai, <She's tight, &ut she'll &e wet!=
1 "rowne at him!
<Do you nee "oreplay "or this/= he aske, hans on hips, as i" $hastising me!
1 thought a&out it! <?oreplay is lovely, &ut=.1 looke own Domino's &oy, an all 1 $oul
think o" was.<no, 1 want that insie me!=
<1 on't want to hurt you, not our "irst time!=
<1'll tell you i" it hurts, &ut,= an 1 stoppe, &e$ause no man wants to hear that you have other
lovers more well enowe than he is, espe$ially not at this moment, <>lease, Domino, 7ust
"u$k me! 2ow!=
He in't ask again! He let his &oy "all on top o" mine, spreaing my legs a little wier with
a movement o" his hips an thighs! He ha to use his han to guie himsel" in, &ut on$e he
starte, he in't nee any more help! He was wie enough that he i have to work his way
in, the "irst "ew strokes!
He starte a&ove me, on his hans, his lower &oy presse &etween my legs, so that 1 $oul
look own the line o" my &oy an wat$h him push his way in an out o" me! Bust the sight o"
it mae me $ry out, again!
<-o, you're right, she's so tight, &ut wet!=
,rispin ha gone &a$k to his sie o" the &e, an was simply wat$hing! <1 tol you!=
Domino's &oy worke me a little more open, an he $oul suenly "in his rhythm! 1
wat$he his &oy slie "aster, smoother, eeper, insie mine! This was a position that i" the
man was o" any si8e, it usually hit the spot, an he was, an it i!
1 "elt that growing weight &etween my legs! 1 whispere, <4h, -o, almost!=
<Almost what/= he aske, &ut not like he was really listening to the answer! His voi$e was
&reathy, an his eyes were shut with $on$entration!
Then &etween one stroke an another, that weight spille up an over, &athing my skin in
warmth an pleasure! 1t tore a s$ream "rom my mouth an ug my nails into his lower arms!
He "ro8e a&ove me!
,rispin's voi$e, saying, <Don't stop!=
He starte again, &ut he' lost 7ust that ege o" groun! He gaspe out! <1 thought 1' hurt
you!=
<She's a s$reamer,= ,rispin sai!
1 might have "rowne at him, &ut Domino was &a$k to that rhythm a&ove me, an 1 in't $are
a&out anything else! He "ought to keep that rhythm, trying "or another orgasm "or me, 1 think,
&ut his &oy &egan to lose the smooth motion o" it! His &reathing grew ragge! He "ought, one
stroke, two, "our! That weight &uilt &etween my legs again!
1 gaspe, <,lose, $lose again!=
He "ought his &oy to keep pumping, an "or$e himsel" &a$k into a smoother rhythm! 1
pushe mysel" up on my el&ows, so the view was even &etter, an the angle a little sharper,
an that was it! He spille me over the ege again, an 1 s$reame the pleasure o" it at the
$eiling!
He in't stop this time! His rhythm $hange, &ut it in't matter now, as long as he
$ontinue to go in an out o" me! The orgasm grew, an "lowe "rom one sensation to
another, as his rhythm grew more esperate, his &oy moving harer, "aster, an he "inally
lowere his &oy so that he $oul use all that length an &ump the en o" me! 1t was a
i""erent pleasure, &ut he' worke me enough that it was pleasure!
1 gaspe, <Harer, eeper!=
He in't ask i" 1 meant it this time3 he 7ust took me at my wor! He poune himsel" into me,
as har an eep as he wante, as 1 wante, the weight an strength o" him pinning me uner
him, pinning me to the &e, while his &oy shuere a&ove mine! He opene his eyes,
suenly, in$hes a&ove me, an we stare into ea$h other's eyes as his wiene, an his
&reathing grew ragge again, an his &oy &egan to &u$k, "ighting "or one more rhythm! Then
he hit me eep enough, an it was 7ust pleasure! 1 s$reame an ug my nails own his &a$k,
wrappe my legs aroun his waist, an painte my orgasm own his &oy in &loo an
s$reams!
He $rie out a&ove me, a thi$k, throaty gasp o", <4h, yes!= Then he thrust insie me one last
time, as eep as he $oul go! That mae me $ome again, so that our &oies trem&le together,
an 1 &urie my mouth against his ne$k, mu""ling my s$reams with his "lesh!
He lay on top o" me, his heart pouning against my &oy, the pulse in his ne$k thuing in my
mouth! 1 let go o" his ne$k &e$ause 1 ha the suen urge to &ite harer! 1 $oul alreay taste
sweet metal an knew 1' &le him!
1 lay &a$k on the &e an hel him with my arms, my hans, my legs still wrappe aroun
him! 1 hel him insie my &oy, as $lose as 1 $oul!
He "inally rose up, an 1 unwrappe mysel" "rom him so he $oul spill himsel" into the mile
o" the &e, &esie me! He lay on his &a$k, trying to relearn how to &reathe, having trou&le
swallowing past his pulse!
<1" that was a %ui$kie,= ,rispin sai, <1 $an't wait "or a longie!=
Domino smile, eyes still hal";$lose! He manage to say, in a &reathless voi$e, <1 wante it
to &e goo! Din't want to isappoint!=
1 lay on my sie o" the &e, his sie o" the &e, una&le to move anything &elow the waist an
unwilling to move mu$h else! 1 manage a shaky laugh! <Disappoint, hell, 1 $an't wait to see
what it "eels like to o that with "oreplay!=
<So you o want me again/= An his voi$e was hesitant, his "a$e lost!
1 patte his stoma$h &e$ause that was the easiest thing to rea$h! <1" 1 $oul move yet, 1' give
you a kiss an tell you that every woman who ever turne you own was a "ool!=
He patte my thigh! <1 think that's the sweetest thing any girl's ever sai to me!=
?or some reason that stru$k me as sa, &ut 1 in't say that part out lou! +hen we were a&le
to walk, we $leane up an $rawle &a$k into &e! They put me in the mile, an that was
"ine with me! 1' "oun that heterose(ual men who are willing to have se( with another guy in
the &e are still not usually se$ure enough to sleep with one o" them in the mile! 1 value
the men in my li"e who in't sweat stu"" like that, &ut 1 in't "ault the others! 1 in't like to
sleep nake with another woman right &esie me, as 1' is$overe with some o" the
wereleopars in St! 0ouis! 1t was 7ust a &ig nake puppy pile, or rather kitten pile, &ut still, 1
pre"erre to &e sanwi$he &etween &ee"$ake, not $heese $ake! So, who was 1 to &it$h/
Some men spoon &etter than others3 1' "oun that ,rispin was a stoma$h sleeper, so spooning
really in't work "or him! But Domino $urle up against my &a$k an wrappe all that tall
&oy aroun me, as i" 1 were his "avorite tey &ear an he $ouln't sleep without me! 1
thought it woul &e awkwar to sleep with a stranger! 1 mean, se( is one thing, when it's a
new "rien, &ut sleep ! ! ! that's helpless! 1 on't like &eing helpless aroun people 1've 7ust
met! But his &oy "elt like it ha &een mae to "it against mine, his arm tu$king me in tight
against him, the way Mi$ah i at home! 1 ha a thought "or my leopar king! 1 misse him! 1
misse 2athaniel! 1 wonere how Domino woul get along with them/ 1 $hase the thought
away3 one pro&lem at a time! 1 ha to kill Vittorio &e"ore 1 $oul go home! To o that, 1 ha to
"in him! 0ater, )o$$o an 1 woul start looking "or him!
But 1 in't have to "in Vittorio3 he "oun me!
67



B6T H# D1D2'T "in me "irst! She "oun me! 1 stoo in the room where 1 knew her &oy
lay! She looke small uner the silk sheet3 no, shrunken! ?or the "irst time, she looke like a
$orpse uner a sheet! 1 waite "or her to move or to hear her &reathe, see movement, &ut there
was nothing! She was gone!
Then 1 was in a night long ago, with the s$ent o" 7asmine an rain on the air! The air was hot,
&ut not muggy, as i" there wasn't a lot o" moisture in it! But there was that ege o" rain, an
you $oul almost "eel the groun unerneath your "eet, eager "or it, like a lover waiting "or an
em&ra$e!
She' steppe into this night as a woman's "igure, an as the night itsel", &ut now she was a
voi$e whispering against my skin! <2e$roman$er, they are $oming to kill me! They are
$oming with moern weapons an things 1 o not unerstan! 1 have a&anone the shell in
the room! That they may have it!=
The smell o" 7asmine grew stronger, as the rain &lew $loser, a thi$k, $lean smell! <+hat o
you want/=
<5ou, ne$roman$er! 1 want your &oy!=
<2o,= 1 sai!
<2o, &e$ause you have kept me out! 5ou an your ties to your men! But 1 nee power, enough
to survive when my shell is $onsume! 1 $annot take your &oy, Anita, &ut 1 think 1 $an "ee
through you!=
<?ee how/= 1 aske, an "elt the "irst tightness in my gut! The "irst hint o" "ear!
<The tigers, little ne$roman$er, i you think they "oun you &y a$$ient/=
<2o, 1 knew you ha one something to me!=
<Simply "ee on all the $olors o" their rain&ow an give the energy to me! 1t will give me
enough strength to survive until 1 $an "in a host!=
<Are you asking me or telling me to o this/=
<+oul asking make you o it/= the voi$e aske!
<2o!=
<Then 1 tell you to o it!=
<2o,= 1 sai!
<1 $an make you o it, ne$roman$er, &ut it will &e less pleasant!=
<1 won't help you "in another &oy, 7ust &e$ause you $an't have mine!=
<)emem&er, ne$roman$er, 1 gave you a $hoi$e! 5ou have $hosen the path o" pain! 2ow, i"
you &e$ome pregnant, it is too late to help me!=
<+hat i you say/=
<+hen 1 reali8e 1 $oul not get insie you, 1 trie to have you pregnant &y one o" the
weretigers, &ut you staye too "ar away "rom them "or too long! 2ow you lie with two o"
them, an have a &lue tiger $lose at han! A $olor even 1 thought was lost! There are even two
kings o" two i""erent pure &loolines within walking istan$e o" you! 1 woul have given you
a $hoi$e to use your prote$tion when you "e "or me, &ut i" you will not o it willingly, then 1
will o what 1 i when you "irst met the white tiger!=
<+ait,= 1 sai, &e$ause now 1 was a"rai! 1' met ,rispin in 2orth ,arolina, when he' &een
traveling "or a V1> &a$helorette party, an 1' &een a guest at the same hotel! 1' woken up
two ays later, nake, &ruise, s$rat$he, sore, with three nake men passe out aroun me!
4ne ha &een Bason, &ut the other ha &een ,rispin, who 1' 7ust met, an Ale(, who was 7ust
an inno$ent reporter $overing the weing, who also happene to &e a re tiger! 1 $oul
suenly taste my pulse in my throat!
<Don't,= 1 sai!
<#ither "ee on the tigers voluntarily an let me take the power, or 1 will take you again! 1 will
not make it ays, though3 as 1 sai, pregnant now oes me no goo! So the se( will &e
%ui$ker!=
<+hy me pregnant &y a weretiger/=
<Be$ause 1 was a ne$roman$er in li"e, Anita, like you, an a wereanimal! The tigers are the
most power"ul $at le"t on this earth! 1 thought i" the &a&y was part weretiger an part
ne$roman$er, 1 woul have a greater $han$e o" taking it's &oy!=
1 was still s$are, &ut the "irst anger was there, too! <5ou ha no right!=
<5ou've &een insie my min, little ne$roman$er3 o you really &elieve 1 $are a&out right an
wrong/=
The s$ent o" 7asmine was thi$k on my tongue! <2o,= 1 whispere! The rain was almost here,
the win $ool with it! The night was so ark!
<This is your last $hoi$e to make, Anita! 1s it willing you are, or is it "or$e/=
<1" 1 help you, you'll use the energy to es$ape the assassins an hie in someone else's &oy!
5ou'll take them over an es$ape!=
<5es,= she sai!
The rain &lew the thin ress against my &oy! 1 was wearing sanals that 1' never owne! My
hair &lew a$ross my "a$e! All 1 $oul taste was 7asmine, as i" 1' runk per"ume! The "irst
spatters o" rain roe the win!
<Time grows short, ne$roman$er! 5our answer/=
1 knew what the 7asmine on my tongue meant! 1t was her power growing in me, like the
trigger on a gun with a "inger on it, alreay moving to s%uee8e!
1 swallowe, an it was like it hurt to swallow past the sweet taste o" it! <1 $an't help you take
over another person's &oy! 1 $an't sa$ri"i$e someone else to save mysel"!=
<They woul &e a stranger to you,= the voi$e in the ark sai!
1 shook my hea! The win hit me, an the rain $ame like a wall, so that one moment 1 was
ry, an the ne(t 1 was soake to the skin! The rain was $ol, an the worl taste o" 7asmine!
<1 $an't,= 1 sai!
<4h, you $an, an you will, ne$roman$er! 5ou will "ee me! 5ou will save me! 1 am the
Mother o" All Darkness3 1 will not ie &e$ause one stu&&orn girl sai no!=
1 stoo there in a esert night that ha e(iste longer ago than &ooks or $ities! 1 shivere in a
$ol rain that han't "allen "or thousans o" years! 1 taste 7asmine on my tongue an "elt her
$ut o"" my &reath as she sli her power own my throat!
1 manage to say, <2o means no, &it$hA= Then there were no more wors!
68



TH# )A12 ST4>>#D a&ruptly, like someone ha turne a swit$h! The 7asmine retreate
"rom my throat! 1 rew a huge gasping &reath! The worl in't smell like rain anymore!
There was still the s$ent o" "lowers, &ut the rain ha gone! The air was ry, an a win $ame
o"" the esert that the palm trees hi "rom view! The esert that 1' always known was there in
this vision!
A whirlwin &lew in "rom the san! The Mother o" All Darkness whispere in my ear, <2o, it
$annot &e!=
The whirlwin stoppe a "ew "eet way3 as the win ie, Vittorio was reveale! But it was not
the Vittorio that 1' seen in Vegas! This one pointe a hansome, unmarke "a$e to the
moonlight! His $lothes were em&roiere an ri$h, &ut mat$he the thin ress an sanals 1
wore! His short hair was long again, an he walke out o" the win, like some "airy;tale
magi$ian appearing in the ni$k o" time! He ha helpe me3 why/ 1 in't even $are how, &ut
why/
<1 know you are still here, Dark Mother! 1 $an "eel you, hovering in the night, like some evil
ream!=
The voi$e $ame! <?ather o" the Day, you look un$hange! 1 see your little pets are &a$k with
you!=
He mae a motion an something appeare &esie him! 1t was almost as i" 1 $ouln't see it,
&ut "rom the $orner o" my eye, there was a huge man staning &ehin him! 1t wavere, an
move like a &a image on a s$reen that you neee to a7ust, &ut it was there, in the ream,
at least!
<,an you only $all the people o" the win in ream/= she aske!
<2o, the powers that you strippe "rom me return more every ay! As you grow weak, you
lose $ontrol o" that whi$h you stole "rom me! 1t returns to me!=
<1 shoul have kille you!=
<5es, you shoul have! 1 woul have kille you!=
<1 was too sentimental,= the voi$e sai!
<1t wasn't sentiment that save me, Dark Mother! 1 remem&er your wors, very well! 5ou
sai, @1" 1 were $ertain there was a hell, then 1 woul kill you, so you $oul &e tormente "or
eternity, &ut sin$e 1 am not $ertain, 1 will leave you alive, to walk this earth, in your own
private, powerless hell!' =
<1t is too long ago3 1 o not remem&er my wors e(a$tly,= she sighe!
<5ou were always $are"ul what you remem&ere o" your own ees!=
1 wante to say something, &ut was a"rai to raw their attention to me! 1 wonere i" 1 $oul
&reak the ream an simply wake up/
<Do not go, Anita,= Vittorio sai, as i" he' rea my min! <Don't you want to see what
happens/=
1 swallowe an sai, trying not to soun nearly as a"rai as 1 was, <1t souns like you two
have a lot o" things to $at$h up on! 1'll 7ust leave you to it!=
They spoke together! <2o, ne$roman$er, you will not go!= <2o, Anita, 1 $an't let you go!=
Shit!
<Does aylight not hol you prisoner/=
<5ou always i envy me that! 5ou $oul never o it!=
<As you $oul not raise the true ea!=
<As you $oul not $all the win to your han!=
<+e &oth ha our armies o" slaves, Day ?ather!=
<5ou ha your sham&ling hores, an 1 ha my army o" 7inn! 1 will have my army again, &ut
you will not!= His voi$e ha gone low, an evil, somehow!
1 wante to ask i" +inn meant enie, &ut 1 in't want the answer enough to have him turn on
me!
Her voi$e hel that "irst threa o" "ear! <5ou woul keep me "rom saving mysel"!=
<4h, yes, my love, 1 woul!=
<+e &oth love power more than anything else! 1t was not sentiment that kept you "rom
striking the "irst &low, my love,= an she mae the enearment soun like an insult!
He raise his hans an spoke wors that 1 i not unerstan, &ut the hairs on my arms rose
anyway, as i" a part o" my &rain that 1 $ouln't unerstan anymore knew e(a$tly what the
wors meant!
He tou$he a ring on his "inger!
<5ou speak the wors, &ut the ring is what makes it happen! 5ou are not strong enough yet to
$omman them without it,= she sai!
<2ot yet, &ut thanks to your plans, 1 will &e soon!= He spoke the strange wors again, an my
&oy shivere with it!
<They are almost here!=
?or a minute 1 thought she meant the 7inn, an then 1 "elt her look &a$kwar, as i" there were a
winow 1 $oul not see &ehin where her voi$e was $oming "rom! 1 ha a moment to glimpse
a slener, ark girl, an then the win hit her! The win hel &laes like a silver whirlwin3 it
surroune her an $ut her to pie$es!
She shrieke, <2e$roman$er, o not trust himA= Then she was gone, &ut it wasn't the &laes
here! 1 "elt an e(plosion ro$k in the pit o" me, as i" my &oy were the room where it ha gone
o""! 1 "ell to my knees with the sharp, &urning pain o" it!
<They've use moern e(plosives! She is ea,= an he was triumphant! The win o" &laes
ie own, as i" it ha never &een, &ut 1 ha another image o" a se$on large "igure &ehin
him! There were two o" them! +ere they genies/ 1" so, it was nothing like the $artoons e($ept
that the ring on his "inger helpe him $ontrol them! That was straight out o" the ol $hilren's
stories!
He turne to me, smiling, &ut it wasn't a goo smile! 1t was the kin o" smile that snakes
woul give i" they $oul, 7ust &e"ore they eat the mouse!
1 e$ie 1 ha nothing to lose &y asking %uestions! <The 7inn kille the poli$emen, in't
they/=
<5es3 my aytime servant shares some o" my a&ility through the vampire marks!=
<He 7ust takes the ring,= 1 sai!
<2o, the ring never leaves me!=
<1" you in't have the ring, woul they turn on you/=
<They are slaves! Slaves always resent the $hains!=
<1'm going to &reak the ream now, an wake up,= 1 sai, an trie "or my voi$e to soun as
sure as 1 "elt!
He laughe, an it was a goo laugh, &ut $ompare to Bean;,laue's it wasn't orinary! Again
it was as i" he rea my min, &e$ause he sai, <Belle Morte's line has powers that neither she,
nor 1, possesse! Belle was something new! All the others es$en "rom us, &ut her an the
Dragon! She was never human to &egin with, so she was always i""erent "rom us!=
<So you on't share Belle's line o" power,= 1 sai!
<1 am oversharing, &ut it has &een so long sin$e 1've ha anyone to tell the truth to!=
<1t gets lonely,= 1 sai!
<1t $an, &ut 1 have my servants returning to me, an my magi$!=
<Bully "or you! 2ow $an 1 go, please/= 1 hate to a the 'lease, &ut i" it woul get me the
hell out o" here, 1' say worse!
<The Dark Mother was always a goo strategist! 1t's why she e"eate me! 1t's a goo plan!=
<+hat plan/= 1 aske!
<5our "eeing on all the $olors o" the tigers, an a vampire siphoning o"" the energy! 1t woul
have &een enough power to save her, an it will still &e enough to return me to my "ormer
glory!=
<5ou're short two $olors o" tigers in Ma('s $lan! 5ou nee yellow an re,= 1 sai!
<5ou saw the signs, Anita3 there is a re tiger per"orming in Vegas! He was loane to Ma('s
$lan "or this year!=
<But Ma( oesn't own him!=
<1'm not $alling only the tigers that &elong to Ma(, Anita! 1 ha many names, &ut one was
?ather o" Tigers! 1 will $all them to your room, an you, an they, will o what 1 want!=
<5ou're still short a yellow one,= 1 sai, past the pulse that was trying to $rawl up my throat!
<Don't you unerstan, Anita/ 5ou are the yellow tiger! 1t was a yellow tiger that stru$k
you!=
<But that makes me 7ust a survivor, not pure&loo! 1' shapeshi"t to a normal tiger!=
<2o, Anita, you wouln't! How o you think the $lans &egan/ Do you a$tually &elieve the
stories o" tigers mating with humans an having o""spring/ 2o, "airy tales! They were all
survivors o" i""erent strains o" tiger! They have $onvin$e themselves they are &etter &e$ause
they &ree true, &ut they have "orgotten their own truth! They were on$e as you are, nothing
more! They smell the gol tiger on you, Anita! The gol $lan rule them all, on$e, an they
still respon to the power! 1" you were not true golen tiger, then they woul not rea$t to you,
as they o!=
2&o,3 1 sai!
<1 on't nee you with $hil3 in "a$t, that woul $ompli$ate things, so we will make it %ui$ker!
1 7ust nee you to "ee on them an to &ring all the lines into their powers! ?or that we nee a
"ull "eeing o" Belle Morte's powers!=
<Aren't you going to give me a $han$e to $ooperate with you/= 1 aske!
<+hy woul 1 o that/ 1 see my eath in your min, Anita! 0u$ky "or you, 1 nee you alive!
2ow, "ee me the power that was on$e mine &e"ore the Darkness strippe me &are!=
1 s$reame at him, <2oA= Then there was nothing &ut the ark, an this time there was no
voi$e in the &la$kness3 there was nothing!
69



1 +4*# 6> in the imness o" a &e, sanwi$he &etween warm &oies! 1 thought 1 was
home, &etween 2athaniel an Mi$ah! 1 sighe, $ontent, an $ule tighter in against Mi$ah,
pulling 2athaniel tighter against my "ront! 1t was how we usually slept, &ut the man &ehin
me was too tall "or Mi$ah an 7ust "elt wrong! The man in my arms was too short, an in't
have the mus$les or shape o" 2athaniel!
My eyes suenly opene wie, my &oy tense! 1 $ouln't see who was &ehin me, &ut the
man in "ront ha short, ark hair! He ha his "a$e &urie into the pillow so 1 $ouln't see his
"a$e! 1 hel my &reath an starte moving my arm slowly away "rom his waist! 1' still have
to move the arm at my waist "rom the other man, &ut one pro&lem at a time!
<He won't wake,= a voi$e sai!
1 7umpe, an looke aroun the room! 1 saw a thir man on the "ar sie o" the &e, one arm
angling! That one 1 knew was ,rispin, nue sleeping on his stoma$h a&ove the $overs!
<5ou'll have to rise up to see me,= Vi$tor sai again!
1 starte easing up, holing the se$on man's arm &y the wrist so 1 wouln't istur& him!
<Honestly, Anita, they won't wake! #veryone on the &e will have to sleep o"" the $hange!
That won't happen "or hours!=
1 $oul see him now, in the &ig $hair in the $orner! He' put on one o" the &athro&es that $ame
with the room! His short white hair was tousle, as i" he' &een running his "ingers through it,
or may&e it was &ehea!
Then 1 ha an image, not o" sight, &ut tou$h! 1 remem&ere running my hans through his
hair, an "or$ing him to look in my eyes as we ! ! !
<4h, shit,= 1 sai!
He noe! <That woul a&out $over it!=
1 was sitting up now, my &a$k to the leather hea&oar! 1 $oul see the man on the other sie
now! He ha long, ark hair that spille over his "a$e an went past his shoulers! He was
mus$le, an tall, an 1 in't know him!
<+ho are they/=
<5ou shoul re$ogni8e one o" them!=
1 kept my voi$e low, as i" they were 7ust asleep! <1 on't know the one at my &a$k!=
<5ou've pro&a&ly seen him on the &ill&oar outsie the Ta7! He's our guest star "or the ne(t
month, an then he is to go home! 5our )e%uiem is taking his pla$e "or a month!=
1 pi$ture the "lashing image o" the smiling rehea with the wors, <,ome wat$h the
&ee"$ake turn into kitty;$ats,= an the sign morphe "rom human to a re tiger!
<4h, no,= 1 sai!
There was a noise "rom nearer the oor! 1 $ouln't see anything, &ut 1 remem&ere in 2orth
,arolina that there' &een one tiger on the "loor! A man sat up, with a groan! He ha straight
&la$k hair that "ell aroun his shoulers, an a "a$e that ha uptilte eyes, like Bi&iana's, &ut
his skin wasn't pale! He was tanne an looke like the outoors was his thing! He lai his
"a$e in his hans an groane again! <+hat happene/= he aske!
<+hat o you remem&er/= Vi$tor aske him!
He looke aroun the room until he saw me sitting in the &e! <Her!=
Vi$tor noe! <5es, her!=
<1 in't o this on purpose,= 1 sai! 1 was remem&ering a ream! A ream with Vittorio in it
an the Mother o" All Darkness! The ream was $oming &a$k %ui$ker than whatever ha
happene in this room!
<The ?ather o" Tigers i it,= the man on the "loor sai!
1 stare at him as Vi$tor sai, <+ho/=
<Vittorio,= 1 sai, <it's one o" his ol names! How o you know that title o" his/=
<1 was his tiger to $all!=
<+as/= 1 aske!
Vi$tor 7ust suenly ha a gun in his han, pointe at the man! 1t was one o" my guns!
<He $alle me "rom hal"way a$ross the worl! 1 ha to answer him! He was my master &e"ore,
an when he regaine enough power, 1 $oul not resist him!= He seeme to &e staring at
nothing, &ut the look on his "a$e sai that whatever he was remem&ering wasn't anything
goo! <1 thought 1 was "ree o" him "orever, &ut there's no es$ape, not i" he wants you!=
<He $ame into the hotel,= Vi$tor sai! <He tou$he me, an 1 ha to $ome here! 1 in't even
hear him $ome up to me! 1 hear nothing until he tou$he me, an then 1 7ust i what he
wante! 1 $ouln't stop it! 1 $ouln't ask "or help! 1 $ouln't say no to him!=
<2o, it's like you're his slave, or puppet! He $an make you o su$h horri&le things, an you
$an't stop!=
<+ho are you/= 1 aske!
<To him, 1'm Hong, &ut to mysel" an "or $enturies, 1've &een Se&astian!=
<All right, Se&astian, you sai was, as in past tense, you were his animal to $all! +hat
$hange/=
<5ou $hange!= He stoo up, an he was as unsel";$ons$iously nue as all the wereanimals! 1
ha a suen memory o" him a&ove me, his &oy spasming, hea &a$k, lost to orgasm, an
the sensation o" him insie me! 1t mae me have to take a eep &reath an &low it out, slow!
He was short, a&out my si8e! 1 looke at his hans3 they were small, almost as small as mine!
<He may have "e on the energy o" what we i in this room, &ut the moment we ha se(, the
moment 1 "elt you "ee on me, it was like you &roke something in me! 5ou &roke his hol on
me!=
<That's not possi&le,= 1 sai!
<The Dark Mother i it $enturies ago! 1t was one o" her spe$ialties to &e a&le to &reak &ons
&etween masters an servants! She woul strip other masters o" their power, an keep that
power "or her own!=
<Vi$tor, toss me a gun,= 1 sai!
He looke at me!
<Bust o it!=
He $he$ke "or the sa"ety, whi$h 1 like, then tosse me my Smith G +esson! 1 $aught it,
$li$ke o"" the sa"ety, an pointe it at Se&astian! <Di you kill the S+AT pra$titioner/=
He 7ust noe! <1 might hate the master, &ut 1 gaine powers, as o" ol! 1 $oul $ontrol the
two 7inn he ha "oun, an the poli$e wi8ar knew a very ol spell! 1t woul have lost me the
$ontrol over them! The 7inn hate to &e slaves, an i" they get the $han$e they will turn on their
masters!=
<0ike a emon,= 1 sai!
<5es, sometimes!=
1 ha my knees up, resting the gun on them, still pointe at him! <1 know you murere a $op!
1 shoul turn you in, &ut 1 also know you ha no $hoi$e! He $an make you o things! Things
you on't want to o!=
<He smells o" the truth, Anita,= Vi$tor sai!
<1 agree!=
<+hat will you o/=
<1 on't know yet! Tell us a&out the 7inn!=
He stoo there, his hans at his sies, trying to &e very still as we pointe guns at him!
<Tell us a&out the 7inn!=
<Do you mean genies/= Vi$tor sai!
<1" what 1 saw at Vittorio's &a$k was a genie, then the movies an story;&ooks have it all
wrong!=
<1 take it they on't grant wishes,= Vi$tor sai!
Se&astian an 1 &oth laughe, &ut not like we were happy! +e looke at ea$h other, an 1
reali8e that his eyes were the same $olor as Domino's, like "ire $arve into eyes! 1 aske,
<+here's Domino/=
<At the "oot o" the &e,= Vi$tor sai!
1 noe! <4kay, now tell us a&out the $reatures!=
<They $an &e atta$he to or trappe in an o&7e$t, an then they $an &e "or$e to o the &iing
o" a sor$erer or magi$ian! That mu$h o" the stories is true,= Se&astian sai!
<0ike his ring,= 1 sai!
<#(a$tly!=
<1" he lost the ring, woul he lose $ontrol o" the 7inn/=
<5es, until he is restore to "ull power! 4n$e at his "ull strength, he $an $all them out o" the
air without magi$al ai! 1t is his gi"t!=
<There was win, an then they appeare,= 1 sai!
<They are a se$on kin o" people, Anita, $reate "rom air, as we were $reate "rom earth!
They are very power"ul spirits, so power"ul that *ing Solomon estroye them as a people
an mae them slaves to his &iing, an they were reu$e to servants, or only spirits, whose
greatest a&ilities lie in whispering evil in our ears to manipulate us!=
<*ing Solomon ha a seal mae that he use to imprison most o" their ra$e, or something,
right/= 1 sai!
He noe! <5es! Some stories say that he use them to &uil his great temples!=
<1" we $an get the ring "rom him, then will the 7inn turn an kill him/=
<They might, or they may simply "lee! He is to their ra$e what the &ogeyman is to yours!=
1 noti$e he sai yours, like it wasn't his! 1 skippe that an trie to e$ie what to o with
him! He ha kille a mem&er o" S+AT an helpe kill others! But 1 &elieve that Vittorio ha
mae him o it, 7ust like the vampires at the $lu& last night an the humans in the $row!
<+e have to kill him &e"ore he regains all his powers,= 1 sai!
<Agree,= Se&astian sai!
<How/= Vi$tor aske!
<1 know his aytime resting pla$e,= Se&astian sai!
1 lowere the gun, an Vi$tor "ollowe my lea! <Turn on some lights, "in some $lothes, an
tell me the aress! Tell me all the aresses o" anywhere he's staye in Vegas sin$e you got
&a$k with him!=
<Happily, oes this mean 1'm not going to &e e(e$ute/=
<5eah, 1 think it oes!=
<5ou won't tell them a&out me/=
<1'll try not to!=
<Thank you!=
<Don't thank me, help me kill him &e"ore he &e$omes the ?ather o" the Day again!=
<5es,= Se&astian sai! <1" he regains his "ull powers, he will &e a&le to $on7ure armies o" the
7inn "rom the very air we &reathe!=
Vi$tor sai, <1 have pen an paper!=
<Tell him the aresses!= 1 starte to $rawl out over the other man in the &e, &ut $rawling let
me see his "a$e &etter! <4h, Mother o" -o, no,= 1 sai!
1 "ell o"" the "oot o" the &e, laning on Domino, who gave a grunt an woke up! <Anita, are
you all right!=
<5ou &roke her "all,= Se&astian sai!
1 got to my "eet an was staring own at the &e! ,rispin was still there, an the re
tigerHstripper, whose name 1 in't even know, &ut the thir man wasn't a man at all! He was a
&oy! 1t was the &lue tiger, ,ynri$, who was all o" si(teen!
70



TH# 4205 TH12- that kept it "rom &eing one o" the most so$ially awkwar moments o" my
li"e was that the &oy in't wake up! 1 got resse in the &athroom, an tol my re"le$tion in
the mirror that hysteri$s woul not help the situation! My re"le$tion i not &elieve me, &ut 1
won the argument!
+hen 1 $ame out, resse in &la$k "rom hea to toe to mat$h my moo, ,rispin was awake
an so was the rehea! 4kay, not re, like human re, or even orangey tiger re, &ut re! His
hair was a$tually more re than Damian's, my vampire servant &a$k home! 5es, vampire
servant, you hear me! To our knowlege, 1'm the "irst human servant to ever manage that!
Damian's hair was the re o" not having seen sun "or $enturies, &ut with lamps lit, the tiger's
hair was the re o" a ,rayola $rayon! 1t was the re that they tell you in s$hool is re, e($ept
there was an ege o" &la$k to it, like someone ha thrown a little &it o" e(tra $olor into the
pot!
The "a$e was a little long "or my taste, &ut he was hansome enough! His eyes were yellow, as
i" someone ha melte autumn leaves into his "a$e! 1t was when he turne an 1 saw all that
mus$le gra$e walking towar me, that 1 &lushe an turne away! 1 got &usy putting on
weapons!
,rispin $ame up to me an hugge me &rie"ly! <5ou okay/=
<2o!=
<My "ather an mother are missing,= Vi$tor sai!
1 turne to him! <+hat/=
<The Master planne on taking them! 1 tol Vi$tor, &ut it's too late, they're gone!=
<How the hell i he take Ma( an Bi&iana/ 1 mean, your parents aren't e(a$tly easy
pi$kings!=
<He sai he woul wait until he was power"ul enough to take them &oth together!=
1 looke at Se&astian! <How mu$h has he regaine/=
<1 o not know!=
The re tiger $ame over to me! 1 wasn't em&arrasse anymore! 1 was too worrie "or that!
<1'm Hunter,= he sai!
1 noe! <-oo "or you, sorry 1 on't remem&er mu$h! 1t'll $ome &a$k to me!=
His "a$e went "rom arrogant to isappointe! <5ou on't remem&er/=
<0ook, Hunter, i" that's your real name an not a stage name, o you unerstan that the
Master o" the ,ity an the hea o" the lo$al tigers are missing/ 1'm a&out to $all S+AT an
go vampire hunting!=
<Sorry, 7ust trying to &e ni$e!=
<+e'll &e ni$e tomorrow! Toay, let's stay alive, okay/=
He looke a little hurt, an 1 wonere how &right he was.or how un&right! But, again, not
important this minute! 1 aske Vi$tor, <Do you want me to tell the poli$e a&out your parents,
or o you guys want to hanle it yoursel"/=
<Don't tell them yet! 1" he's got them at the aytime lair, great, they'll &e res$ue, &ut we may
want to &e a little less legal in the sear$h!=
<4kay, it's got to &e your $all3 1'll leave it out "or now!= Then 1 $alle the "irst num&er in my
phone that 1' put in "or S+AT! 1t was alpha&eti$al, so it was 0ieutenant -rimes!
<Marshal Blake, we've &een trying to $all you "or a&out an hour3 are you all right/=
<5es, in "a$t 1've got the aytime resting pla$e o" Vittorio!=
<-ive me the aress,= he sai!
1 i! <+e $an roll a team now! The other marshals are alreay here!=
<Shit, 1' rather you wait "or me!=
-rimes spoke to someone o"" the phone, then $ame &a$k on! <Te seems $on"ient that we
$an move without you!=
<)eally/ 4kay! ,an you put Te on the phone "or 7ust a se$on/=
#war $ame on! <?orrester here!= He soune $ol an not himsel"!
?u$k it! <#war, Vittorio isn't his real name! 1t's the name he took a"ter the Mother o" All
Darkness strippe him o" his powers an $ast him out! He's originally the ?ather o" the Day,
or the Day ?ather! He's as ol as the ark, an he's &een gaining powers as she's &een losing
them!=
<How o you know all this/= he aske, an he in't soun ma now!
<He visite my reams last night, an so i she!=
<Anita, are you ! ! !=
<4kay, "or now! Someone else took your 7o&, an 1 think they &lew her up last night!=
<,an he walk in the ay/=
<2ot last we know, &ut i" he $an't, he's $lose, &ut that's not the worst part!= 1 tol him a&out
the 7inn!
<1" he gets all his power &a$k, we'll have a vampire in this $ity as power"ul as the Mother o"
All Darkness,= he sai!
<5eah,= 1 sai!
<-rimes sent )o$$o an Davey to $he$k on you! 1 wish we ha Davey going in with us i" the
7inn show up!=
<+hy, what's his skill set/=
<He $an o weather $hange, &ut what he really oes is move air!=
<+hat/=
<He $an haren air to make temporary shiels that are &ulletproo"!=
<+ell, "u$k, that's ni"ty,= 1 sai, <like a $om&ination o" weather magi$ an telekinesis!=
<5eah, &ut what woul happen i" he harens the 7inn, i" they're really mae o" air/=
<-oo %uestion, 1'll think on it! +hen they get here, we'll hea your way!=
<Do that, an Anita ! ! !=
<5eah!=
<1'm sorry!=
<1t's all right, #war!=
<See you there!=
<Save some "or me,= 1 sai!
<1 rea the reports "rom St! 0ouis! At least one "emale vamp an a human servant male!=
<5eah!=
<-otta run!=
<Bye,= &ut 1 was listening to nothing! He' hung up, &ut he' apologi8e! 1t might &e a "irst!
1 e$ie to $he$k on my &oyguars ne(t oor! 1 a$tually $alle Haven's num&er! He
answere, <Anita, thought you' &e &usy all ay! 1" you wante a party, we have enough men
over here!= He soune isguste!
<Some &oyguars you are, 1 spent the morning &eing min;"u$ke &y Vittorio!=
<+hat/=
<Din't you think it was weir, all the weretigers going into my room/=
<5ou $ame to the oor an tol me that it was "ine! 5ou invite them all!=
<Din't you noti$e 1 looke weir/=
<2o, you looke "ine, normal! 1 swear!=
<1 woul not have agree to everyone that $ame in here!=
<5ou mean the teenager,= he sai, an so matter;o";"a$t, it pisse me o""!
<5eah, the illegal one!=
<Hey, "irst, si(teen is legal in Vegas, an se$on, as long as it's legal, what's wrong with
young/=
<Ah!= 1 hane the phone to Vi$tor! <Tell him the &a news a&out your "amily!=
1 went to Se&astian, who was still nue! <Does anyone have $lothes le"t/=
<1t looks like someone rippe me out o" my $lothes,= he sai!
<Then get a ro&e!= He turne o&eiently towar one o" the &athrooms! <+ait, is there any
other plan, or something you shoul tell me a&out Vittorio/=
<The poli$emen in the hospital who are asleep! Vittorio $oul see through my eyes when they
atta$ke, an he orere me to kill the wit$h, &ut he sai to only in$apa$itate the others! 1t
gave me enough room to put them to sleep!=
<1s there a way to &ring them out o" it/=
<5es, love's kiss!=
<+hat/=
<They 7ust nee a kiss &y someone who loves them!=
<5ou mean like Sleeping Beauty/=
He noe! <5es, it's the original power that starte Belle Morte's line: a vampire power that
was powere &y love!= He "rowne! <1 really thought that someone's wi"e woul have kisse
them &y now, 7ust &y a$$ient!=
<Does it have to &e on the lips/=
<5es!=
<Does it have to &e a thorough kiss/=
<More than a pe$k, an some emotion to it!=
<0ike think o" how mu$h you love them, or lust them/=
<5es!=
#very time 1 thought 1' hear the weirest vampire power, 1 was wrong! 1 starte to rea$h "or
my $ell phone so 1 $oul $all S+AT an tell someone, &ut the oor soune!
1 went "or it, &ut ,rispin got there "irst! <0et me $he$k, Anita!=
He was right! So 1 let him! He turne "rom the peephole, smiling! <1t's S+AT! Do you want
us to hie/=
<5es!=
They hi! 1 tol them to get resse an not to leave Se&astian on his own! 1 opene the oor
to )o$$o an Davey! <+e have a aytime lair aress "or them!=
<Shit, i you $all it in/=
<5es, an we'll meet them there, &ut 1 got other news!= 1 lo$ke the oor &ehin me, $he$ke
to see it $lose, an walke o"" with the two operators listening to me "ill them in! 1 got a
glimspe o" Haven's ,ookie Monster;&lue hair aroun the $ra$ke oor! 1 noe at him, an
that was the &est 1 $oul o! Haven ha a poli$e re$or an ha &een until lately a mo&
en"or$er! 5ou $ouln't play with him an the $ops! +e' try legal "irst3 then i" that "aile us,
there was always going outsie the law! 1 kept that thought to mysel" as 1 "ille in )o$$o an
Davey on the morning news!
Davey grinne! <?or &ullets, it's not a hunre per$ent relia&le yet!=
<+hat's your per$entage/=
<#ighty!=
<Seventy,= )o$$o sai!
<Still, in a pin$h, ni"ty!=
He grinne, making that lovely mouth into 7ust a happy smile! 1t mae him look younger,
"resher, somehow! <But a monster that is mae o" air, that 1 think 1 $an mess with!=
1 was happy "or him, an seventy per$ent su$$ess was goo "or some o" the rarer talents, &ut
"rankly, 1 wasn't sure 1 wante to go up against a giant that $oul rip apart someone in &oy
armor, or $ut someone to pie$es with a whirlwin o" &laes! Seventy per$ent soune like
goo os until it was your li"e on the line3 then not so goo! But "rankly, what else i we
have/ Then 1 reali8e 1 was &eing stupi! 1 knew that the pra$titioner who ha ie ha ha a
spell that Vittorio ha "eare!
1 starte sear$hing my phone "or >hoe&e Billings's num&er! 1" her $oven mem&er knew the
spell, then $han$es were that as his high priestess, so woul she, an 1 was staning with two
other pra$titioners! 1" we $oul all learn it, we ha a $han$e!
71



1 +AS S1TT12- in the passenger seat o" )o$$o's $ar when 1 got a glimpse o" something! 1
thought at "irst 1' seen it out the winow in the &right Vegas sun, &ut then it move a$ross
my vision again, an 1 reali8e it was in my hea!
<1'm seeing things,= 1 sai, out lou!
<+hat kin o" things/= )o$$o aske! Davey leane "orwar on the &a$kseat! 1t was a goo
%uestion3 1 in't have a goo answer!
<1 on't know3 it's gone now, &ut it was &right!=
<Tell us when an what you see!=
<+ill o!= 1 was se$retly hoping not to see anything else, &ut it was 7ust ni$e to &e working
with poli$e who in't think 1 was $ra8y "or &eing psy$hi$!
My phone rang, an it was >hoe&e Billings returning my message! She starte with, <2o
poli$e have $ome to my oor! 5ou in't involve me an my group!=
<Din't see a purpose to it, &ut 1 "oun out what kille )any, an what he was oing when
he ie!= 1 e(plaine!
<Binn, truly, in Ameri$a/=
<Honest!=
<+ait a minute, an 1'll look it up! 1 know the spell you mean, &ut it's very ol, an it's in a
&ook here! )any was always very into the history o" our $ra"t! 1 remem&er a night that we
talke a&out the 7inn an how mu$h o" the legen was true!= 1 hear her moving aroun!
<Here it is! Do you speak Ara&i$/=
<2o!=
<)any i3 it was one o" his spe$ialties in the army! Does anyone else on the S+AT team
speak Ara&i$/=
1 aske that out lou to the others!
<Moon oes, &ut then his mother's "amily is "rom 1ran,= Davey sai!
<1 $an rea it,= )o$$o sai, <an Moon says my pronoun$iation is okay!=
1 hane the phone to him, an >hoe&e repeate the spell to him! He repeate it &a$k, an it
mae the hair on my arms stan up, like in my ream! <She wants you to write the spell
own!=
<1 $an't write Ara&i$!=
<Bust write it as she tells you, one letter at a time! She's going to try to give it to you the way
it's pronoun$e! She wants to see i" saying it without knowing what it means will still work!=
<4h, like a real magi$ wor, that has power even i" you speak it &y a$$ient,= 1 sai!
<5es!=
<Those are really rare,= Davey sai! <Most spells on't work at all without some power
&ehin them!=
1 was letting >hoe&e i$tate letters to me, one at a time! 1t in't make any more sense mae
into mo$k #nglish than it i in Ara&i$, &ut 1 was willing to try! +hen 1 ha it all, 1 repeate it
&a$k to her!
<2ow, rea it "aster,= she sai!
1 rea it "aster! There was no tingle3 it was 7ust noise!
<Tell me what it's suppose to o,= 1 sai!
<1t sens them &a$k through Solomon's shiel! 1t traps them outsie our reality again!=
<1t's a &anishing spell, like "or a emon!=
<5es, that will o!=
1 trie again3 thinking what it was suppose to o, 1 put intent into the souns that were
suppose to &e wors, an it still in't work "or me! 1 hane the notes to Davey, an again
there was that hair;raising energy! <1 think you're not pronoun$ing here an here right,= he
sai!
1 kept pra$ti$ing as we rove, har an "ast, trying to $at$h up with everyone! +e ha Davey,
an we ha a spell! -uns wouln't stop these things!
<,all Moon,= )o$$o sai, <give him the wors! He'll know how to pronoun$e it!=
Davey mae the $all!
1 aske )o$$o, as he s$ree$he aroun a $orner an 1 $lut$he the oor, <+hat mae you
learn to rea Ara&i$/=
<1 wante to &e a&le to rea the Lur'an an the Bi&le "or mysel" without translators messing
with it! Most people on't reali8e that some o" the original &ooks o" the Bi&le were written in
Aramai$!=
<1 knew that, &ut 1 on't rea it!=
<1 also rea an$ient -reek "or the same reason!=
<5ou must &e a heavy $hur$hgoer,= 1 sai!
<#very Sunay, unless 1'm on a $all!=
1 smile at him! <Me, too,= 1 sai!
<1'm 0utheran, what are you/=
<#pis$opalian!=
He waste a smile on me! <?at Henry's $hur$h!=
<Hey, 1 know my ,hur$h history, an 1'm okay with it!=
<As long as you know, it's $ool!=
<5eah, my $hur$h e(ists &e$ause ?at Henry $ouln't get a ivor$e as a ,atholi$!=
1 hear Davey repeat the sylla&les over the phone! 1t an$e own my spine! <+i8ar ie
trying to say those wors,= )o$$o sai!
<5es, he i!=
<This one's "or +i8ar!=
<?or +i8ar,= 1 sai, an though 1' never met him alive, 1 meant it! 4" $ourse, 1 ha the
weretiger who ha $ut him up in my room, &ut he was as inno$ent as the vampires we were
trying to save, an the humans we' let go last night! Somehow 1 in't share Se&astian with
)o$$o an Davey! +hat woul 1 have one i" it ha &een #war on a gurney, an the
wereanimal sai he ha no $hoi$e, he was "or$e to o it/ #asy answer: 1' have kille him!
72



+# M1SS#D TH# party! There were three ea human servants lying on the groun with
their hans an "eet sha$kle! 5ou sha$kle everyone, even the ea, 7ust in $ase! 1t's S4>!
#war, 4la", an Bernaro $ame out with more &loo on them than on the other operators!
But then it's a &it$h to put the $overalls over all the weapons, so you get &low&a$k! 4la" ha
the most &loo on him!
Bernaro sai, as he walke past me, <He stake his vampires, an e"u$king;$apitate them!
Te an 1 shot ours!= He kept walking, as i" he in't want to &e aroun 4la" right that
moment!
#war sai, <Vittorio wasn't there, Anita! There's a $o""in that's empty, &ut he's not there!=
<ShitA= 1 got another glimpse o" something! 1 saw someone in white, kneeling!
#war gra&&e my arm! <Anita/=
<Di you have another vision/= )o$$o aske!
<Someone in white, kneeling! 1'm tall, mu$h taller than 1 am! 1'm seeing through someone
else's eyes, 1 think!=
<+ho/=
<Vittorio,= #war sai!
<+hat/= )o$$o sai!
<He messe with you, right/ He wants you to &e his human servant!=
<5eah!=
<5ou know how it is when a vamp messes with you, Anita! The more they play, the more
likely you are to a$%uire their powers, at least temporarily!=
<5eah, she i that with me,= )o$$o sai!
#ither #war in't $at$h that the sergeant ha implie he was a vampire, or it in't matter
to him! <,on$entrate, Anita, try to see it!=
1 $lose my eyes an thought a&out Vittorio! 1 thought a&out the look o" his "a$e, the epth o"
the s$ars on his $hest an stoma$h! The worl wavere, an 1 was looking at Bi&iana, $haine
an gagge on the "loor, &esie a &e! Vittorio turne his hea, an Ma( was tie sprea;
eagle on that &e, $overe in holy o&7e$ts! The &e was re velvet an huge! 1 knew that &e!
1 knew where they were! 1 "ought not to &e e($ite &ut to &e $alm! 1 "ought to &reak away,
without him knowing!
<Don't go yet, Anita3 stay, an see who else 1 have!= He turne towar the kit$henette area!
)i$k the guar was $haine with his arms a&ove his hea! His nake upper &oy was alreay
&looy! <Don't "eel so &a "or Ma(imillian3 they ha the hooks in the $eiling! 1'm &etting that
he's put his share o" enemies here!= Besie him was the stripper who ha o""ere to give me a
lap an$e! Bri;something, Brianna! Vittorio hel up a small &utane tor$h! 1t &urne &lue;hot!
<She's nothing to me!=
<Then you won't $are that we ruin her &eauty!=
<+hy/ 5ou know we know where you are now!=
<Are the poli$e with you/=
<5es!=
<+e have one more guest, Anita!= He turne an 1 saw the &ig ta&le that 1' slept on with
Vi$tor! Someone was tie to the top o" it! He walke $loser an it was )e%uiem! My stoma$h
"ell into my "eet, an only #war's hans kept me "rom my knees!
<?u$k!=
Vittorio move so 1 $oul look own with him at those sea;green eyes! There was tape a$ross
the mouth 1' kisse only hours ago! He was &oun with $hains an holy o&7e$ts! They'
strippe him o" his shirt, as they ha )i$k, so that he was nue "rom the waist up! But whereas
)i$k was alreay hurting, )e%uiem was still untou$he, pale an per"e$t against the woo!
1 "inally whispere, <His $o""in was in my room!=
<But i you $he$k to see he was in it this morning/=
Shit! <2o!=
<+e &rought him out in a large &ag while he was ea to the worl, while the rest o" you in
the room were very &usy! But 1 woke him up! 1 use to &e a&le to wake any vampire early! 1'm
gla it's returne as a power! So mu$h &etter when they $an s$ream!= He tou$he )e%uiem's
"a$e!
)e%uiem 7erke away, an Vittorio &a$khane him, $asually! A $ut opene on his $heek!
Vittorio looke at the &ig ring on his han! <This will make a mess o" that pretty "a$e, &ut 1
wouln't want to amage the ring! 2ot when 1 have something so mu$h &etter "or the task!=
He rea$he into his suit$oat po$ket an rew out a small vial o" holy water!
1 $ouln't stop mysel"! <Don't!=
<Say 'lease!=
<>lease!=
<-oo, then i" you want to see him whole again an the others alive, $ome into the &a$k room
alone, an unarme! 0eave your holy o&7e$ts &ehin, too!=
<+hy woul 1 o that/=
<Be$ause you know what 1'll o i" you re"use me, an 1 $an "eel that you $are a&out him, that
it woul hurt you to see him &urne!=
1 repeate what 1 saw, what he sai! )o$$o sai, <+e won't let her go in alone!=
1 repeate, <They won't let me!=
<The poli$e, 1 think they might!= He walke to the oor that opene into the main part o" the
$lu&! There were an$ers, $ustomers3 it was "ull! <1 $ame last night, an etaine them all!=
He turne towar the only two oors that le out, an the air shimmere &e"ore one, an there
looke like there were swors "loating in "ront o" the main oor! Something move on the
stage, like a shimmer o" summer heat! 1t was a thir 7inn, an we in't know what this one
i! Shit!
<1" the poli$e o not let you $ome in alone an unarme, 1 will have my servants kill all these
ni$e people! 5ou $ome to me, an 1 will release all the $ustomers!=
<5ou release the $ustomers, an 1'll $ome in!=
<2ot alone,= #war sai!
<,an 1 &ring one person in with me/=
<By all means, &ut not one o" your marshals.one o" the S+AT! They seem to ie easily
enough!=
<2o,= #war sai!
<4h, that's Death, 1 know his reputation! He isn't allowe insie!=
1 repeate what he sai!
<>i$k $are"ully, Anita3 it will simply &e another hostage to use against you, &ut &y all means
help me torture you more!= He soune so $heer"ul a&out it, an 1 reali8e he was3 he ha a
room "ull o" vi$tims! +hat more $oul a serial killer ask "or than that/
<But you'll release the $ustomers "irst!=
<Agree, as soon as 1 see you outsie with your S+AT "rien! 2ow, 1 think 1 will shut this
own &etween us! 1 thought to $ontrol you, an 1 i peek this morning3 %uite a show!=
1 was too s$are an too angry to &e em&arrasse! <Then you know what happene to your
other servant!=
<5es, you &roke my hol on him, 7ust like the Darkness $oul o! Her talents as a human were
very similar to yours3 1 shoul have thought, &ut you on't e(pe$t to meet two ne$roman$ers
o" su$h power in one li"etime!=
<0u$ky you,= 1 sai!
<1 will leave you with a parting image, to inspire you to o e(a$tly as 1've aske!= He went
&a$k to the other room, an 1 in't want him to, &e$ause nothing he was a&out to o woul
&e goo!
He went to )e%uiem, as 1' known he woul! He unstoppere the little vial o" holy water!
<1'm $oming, amn it, you've mae your point!=
<4h, 1'm not oing this to make my point, Anita! 1'm oing this &e$ause 1 want to, an
&e$ause it will hurt you, an &e$ause he is &eauti"ul an 1 hate him "or it!=
<VittorioA=
He tri$kle the water along )e%uiem's ri&s! 1t smoke instantly, an )e%uiem's spine &owe,
a s$ream $oming even through the tape!
Vittorio $appe the vial! <1 will wait on the rest! 5ou have a hal" hour to arrive, Anita, or 1
will try a more tener pie$e o" him!=
<1'm $oming, you son o" a &it$h, 1'm $oming!=
<Temper, temper!=
<This isn't ma, Vittorio, you haven't seen me ma!=
<2or you me, Anita, nor you me!= He pushe me out, $lose the link own, an le"t me
&linking in the sunlight, $linging to #war's arms!
<+ho's going in with you/= Bernaro aske!
<,anni&al is,= 1 sai! 1 looke an "oun )o$$o! He met my ga8e, no "lin$hing!
<+hat o you want me to o/=
<Speak Ara&i$ "or me, an then we eat these sons o" &it$hes!=
A smile $rosse his "a$e, it was please an slightly 4la";ish! 1 knew that smile, &e$ause
there's something a&out having an a&ility when you always have to &e goo that makes you
woner what it woul "eel like to &e &a! 1 was a&out to give ,anni&al the $han$e to &e as &a
as he wante to &e, as &a as he ha the stoma$h to &e! There was more than one way to skin
a $at3 well, there was more than one way to eat a vampire!
73



-)1M#S D1D2'T 01*# me going in, an he sure as hell in't want )o$$o to go in with me!
#war in't like me going in without him! But we ha the arguments in the $ars, so we
$oul argue on the way an make the hal";hour ealine!
<0ieutenant,= )o$$o sai, <1 $an say the spell that will &anish the 7inn, an Anita $an't!=
<1 know her pronun$iation isn't goo enough!=
<1 speak Ara&i$,= #war sai!
<But you're not a pra$titioner, an we nee a little magi$ with the wors,= )o$$o sai!
<+hat aren't the two o" you telling me/= -rimes aske!
+e &oth "ought not to look at ea$h other, an it showe! <+hat are you planning to o in
there/=
<The phrase you're looking "or, sir,= #war sai, <is plausi&le enia&ility!=
-rimes "rowne at us! <Are you planning to o anything illegal/=
Again, we "ought not to look at ea$h other! <2o, sir,= )o$$o sai, <everything will &e
per"e$tly legal!=
<>romise,= -rimes sai!
<1t's legal,= 1 sai!
<But 1 on't want to know anyway, is that it/=
<+hat answer will get me in there with Sergeant )o$$o/=
<+ell, at least that's honest! Ma('s inner room at Tri(ie's inter"eres with ele$troni$s!=
1 in't ask how he knew that, 7ust a$$epte it as true! 1t in't surprise me3 as Vittorio sai,
the hooks in the $eiling "or hanging people up ha &een in the $eiling when he got there! 1 was
&etting this was where Ma( i some o" his irty work!
<So you're going in there with no way to $all "or help,= -rimes sai!
<1" we nee to $all "or help, 0ieutenant,= 1 sai, <you won't &e a&le to get to us in time!=
He stuie my "a$e! <1 think you mean that!=
<1 o!=
<5ou seem $alm!=
<1've got my goals!=
<5our o&7e$tives,= he sai!
<1" you like!=
<An they are/=
<)es$ue my "rien &e"ore he gets more hurt! Save all the $ivilians! Sen the 7inn &a$k to
where they &elong! )es$ue Ma( an his $harming wi"e, their &oyguar, an any other
weretigers who are goo guys! 4h, an kill Vittorio &e"ore he $an mani"est enough power to
make a nu$lear e(plosion over Vegas look like the &etter iea!=
<1s he really $apa&le o" that mu$h amage/=
<Think o" an army o" the things that kille your o""i$ers loose on the $ity! Think o" Vittorio
a&le to &roa$ast his min $ontrol over the popula$e!=
<5ou think he's that goo/=
<2ot yet, an we have to keep it that way! 1 &elieve that we have to o everything within our
power to make $ertain he ies toay!=
<5ou might &e intereste to know, Marshal Blake, that the governor signe o"" on the stay o"
e(e$ution "or the vampires at last night's $lu&!=
<That's goo, 0ieutenant! 1 mean that3 they on't eserve to ie!=
<5our report $arrie weight!=
1 noe, &ut was alreay looking up the street to the poli$e $ars, the &arri$aes, an the ne(t
"ight!
74



)4,,4 A2D 1 were staning outsie Tri(ie's with our hans $laspe on our heas! +e'
strippe own to T;shirts, pants, an &oots "or him, 7ogging shoes "or me! A man who looke
human &ut talke like Vittorio ha his han up his ass was saying, <Turn aroun, slowly, so
we $an see!=
+e i what he sai to o!
The man seeme to &e listening to something in his hea! He noe, an walke "orwar! He
patte us own, thoroughly, top to &ottom! <5ou have no weapons, very goo,= he sai, &ut it
was Vittorio's in"le$tions! <2ow, $ome 7oin us!=
<0et the $ustomers go "irst, like you promise!=
<4h, yes, 1 suppose 1 i!= The man was speaking, &ut it was really Vittorio using his &oy to
o the talking! His a&ility to manipulate humans ha grown more $omple(, more $omplete, in
less than twenty;"our hours! He ha to ie!
The man walke &a$k through the oors! A "ew minutes later, people ran out! Do8ens o" them
spilling out into the street into the arms o" the waiting poli$e, who hurrie them to sa"ety!
The man was in the oor! He motione towar it! <A"ter you, Anita, an Sergeant )o$$o, you
sai!=
<5es!=
<,ome on own,= he sai, in a mo$k announ$er voi$e!
<0et the man go, too,= 1 sai!
<1 sai $ustomers3 he works &ehin the &ar,= the man sai, talking a&out himsel" in the thir
person! He even ha the smile Vittorio ha use in the ream! 1t was an unsettling e$ho on the
stranger's "a$e, like a "a$e on the wrong person!
The &oy he was using hel the oor "or us! <,ome insie, out o" the heat!=
)o$$o an 1 looke at ea$h other3 then we lowere our hans, slowly, an went "or the oor!
2either o" us looke &a$k3 we wante to give our eyes as mu$h time as possi&le to a7ust to
the arker interior o" the $lu&!
The an$ers were hule in the $enter o" the room, at the $hairs where the $ustomers usually
sat! They looke up hope"ully as we entere, &ut the 7inn with the knives was in "ront o" us,
an that got our attention! 1t was tempting to have )o$$o say the wors now, &ut 1 was $ertain
i" we i that, he' kill some o" his other hostages! 4ur goal was to get them all out, not 7ust
part, so we waite "or a &etter moment! 1 amit that staring into the nothingness that was
holing all those &laes was har! Turning our &a$ks on it was harer, &ut we "ollowe the
man!
1 "elt the air move $lose to me an 7erke &a$k instin$tively! 1 "elt the passage o" win! A
i""erent 7inn ha trie to tou$h me! The man sai, <5ou avoie his tou$h3 not many humans
are "ast enough or psy$hi$ enough "or that, &ut then you aren't human, are you/=
1 ignore the %uestion, &ut 1 swear that the 7inn's attention wasn't as neutral now! 1' almost
say hostile, &ut may&e that was 7ust nerves talking! May&e!
)o$$o whispere, <1 on't think they like you now!=
<5ou "eel it, too!=
<4h, yes!=
The man opene the oor an hel it "or us, with a smile! 1 move ahea o" )o$$o, as we'
is$usse! Vittorio wante me alive3 he in't have the same "eeling a&out the sergeant! So he
ha to &ite his prie an let me take the most $han$es! Besies, we neee him alive to say the
wors over the 7inn!
The &a$k room was as 1' seen it through Vittorio's eyes! )i$k an Brianna were on their "eet,
arms stret$he to the $eiling, where they were $haine! Brianna was $rying3 her ro&e ha
$ome unone, an she was as nake unerneath as she ha &een that "irst night when Te an
1 were here! She stare at me over the tape that $ut a$ross her "a$e! 1 $oul "eel her terror
$oming o"" her in waves! 1t stirre the &easts insie me, an 1 tol them to &e %uiet! ?or on$e,
they listene! )i$k wasn't a"rai, he was pisse! 1n "a$t, he was so angry, 1 wonere why he
han't shi"te yet!
Ava was near )i$k! She ha a kni"e in her han an playe it along his skin as 1 wat$he! She
in't $ut him, 7ust $aresse him with it! There were weretigers s$attere throughout the
room! Their energy humme through the air like wires strippe own, so you $oul "eel the
&ite o" it i" you got too $lose! Most o" them looke &lank, as i" waiting "or instru$tions! How
many people $oul he $ontrol at on$e, an how well/
1 "or$e mysel" to see the room slowly, an not go straight to )e%uiem! 1 in't want to give
Vittorio any more reason to hurt him! The more 1 $are, the more anger )e%uiem was in!
But Vittorio wasn't staning &y the ta&le3 he was sitting on the ege o" the &e with Ma( an
Bi&iana! He' strippe "rom the waist up so that his s$ars were very, very visi&le! They'
trans"erre Bi&iana to the &e, she was tie with her hans a&ove her hea, aroun one
&epost, so that her &oy $rosse one o" Ma('s arms, where his one arm was still tie to the
one post! Her "eet were $haine to one o" the &e legs, &ut she was short enough that her legs
in't $ross her hus&an's &oy at the legs! She looke pale an eli$ate, a $li$hO prin$ess
waiting "or res$ue! Ma( was missing his shirt! Apparently, we' ha a little striptease while
they waite, &ut he ha kept his wor! There was no new amage to their &oies, 7ust some o"
their $lothes!
<+e're here! 2ow what/=
<1 want what 1've wante sin$e 1 invite you to Vegas with my gi"t!=
<5ou mean the human hea in a &o(/=
He smile happily an noe!
<2e(t time, 7ust sen a &o( o" $ho$olates,= 1 sai!
<4h, &ut any man $an o that! 1 thought my gi"t woul &e uni%ue!=
1 smile, an $oul "eel that it wasn't a goo smile! <A$tually, 1 i re$eive a hea in a &asket
on$e, as a gi"t!=
The smile was 7ust gone, like it han't e(iste! The ol ones $oul o that.e(pression, then
nothing in the &link o" an eye! <+ell, then, Anita, 1 will have to o something to prove mysel"
uni%ue among your amirers!=
1 woul have given a lot to take &a$k that smart;ass $omment! 1t ha &een true, &ut 1 $oul
still have kept it to mysel"!
<4h, trust me, this invitation was uni%ue!=
<2o, Anita, you're right, 1 must try harer!= He was angry with me, as i" 1' insulte him!
<0et us play a game!=
<+e $ame here to negotiate "or the release o" hostages,= )o$$o sai!
<An so we shall, Sergeant!= He patte Ma('s &are stoma$h! <,ome $loser so you $an see!=
+e hesitate!
<Here is the "irst rule! +hen you make me repeat mysel", something happens to one o" your
hostages!=
There was a soun "rom the other sie o" the room! Ava was $arving a new $ut own )i$k's
$hest! He in't s$ream, &ut a small soun ha es$ape him! Ava raise the &lae to her
mouth an li$ke the &loo eli$ately away!
1 turne &a$k to Vittorio!
<5ou are not "rightene or even impresse! 1 take it you've seen something similar &e"ore/=
1 ha, a$tually, more than on$e! 4ut lou, 1 sai, <1 on't know what rea$tion you want "rom
me3 7ust tell me an 1'll try to give it to you!=
<+hat is the "irst rule/= he aske!
<That i" we make you repeat your re%uests, you'll have someone hurt!=
<Here is the se$on rule! 1 will o""er you a $han$e to o something pleasant3 i" you re"use,
then 1 will o something pain"ul to the person instea! 1s that $lear enough, o""i$ers/=
1 sai, <,rystal!=
)o$$o sai, <5es!=
<,ome over &esie the &e, &oth o" you!=
+e i it this time, no hesitating! +e stoo at the en o" the &e on its raise ais, looking at
Ma( an his wi"e, an the smiling so$iopath &esie them!
<Anita, give Ma( a kiss!=
<1" 1 on't/= 1 aske!
He rew a &lae out "rom unerneath the $overs! <1 will &lee him3 one $ut "or one re"usal!=
1 took a &reath in, then out! 1t seeme a small re%uest, &ut 1 was &etting that the re%uests
wouln't stay small! <4kay, &ut i" we o this, then you release one o" the hostages!=
<?or a kiss, it woul have to &e some kiss!=
1 shrugge!
<1" 1 re"use to "ree someone, are you prepare to wat$h me sli$e up the Master o" the ,ity/=
1 thought "uriously, an 7ust in't know what to o! Vittorio mae a shallow $ut a$ross
Ma('s stoma$h!
<1 in't say no!=
<5ou &roke rule num&er one! 5ou hesitate! 2ow 1'll ask you again: kiss Ma( or 1 $ut him!=
1 7ust went to the &e, walke wie aroun Vittorio, an $lim&e up &esie Ma(! 1 looke
own into his &lue eyes an sai, <Sorry, Ma(!= 1 leane over an lai a kiss a$ross his tape
mouth!
<+ell, you i o what 1 aske, &ut that is harly worth the release o" a hostage!= He tappe
the &lae against his leg!
<Do you want me to kiss him &etter/=
<Take o"" the tape, an show me some o" that talent 1 know you have!=
Bi&iana mae a soun through her tape! 1 looke a$ross at her! <Sorry, Bi&iana!= 1 took the
tape o"" Ma('s mouth!
<He's going to kill us anyway, you know that!=
<2ow, Ma(, what i 1 say a&out talking/=
<5ou sai no talking &a$k to you! 1'm talking to Anita!=
<True!= Ta', ta', ta' went the &lae against his leg! <+ell, Anita, kiss him like you mean it,
an 1'll let your sergeant wat$h one o" the an$ers leave!=
1 &ent over an kisse him "ull on the mouth! His mouth was still uner mine! 1 looke &a$k at
Vittorio! <A an$er, "ree!=
<2o!=
<+hat was wrong with this kiss/=
<*iss him like you mean it!= There was no humor in him now, 7ust a seriousness that 1
thought was more angerous!
1 stare own at Ma(! He was mostly &al, an roun o" "a$e, &ut his &i$eps were huge, his
shoulers eeply mus$le! He' &egun li"e as an en"or$er, an he' staye in shape "or it! 1
$oul see his strength, &ut he 7ust in't o it "or me! 1 like my men pretty an a little
re"ine! Ma( was like a &ully.&ig, s$ary, an nothing eli$ate a&out him.&ut 1 &ent over
him one more time! 1 tou$he his "a$e, $lose my eyes, an kisse him! Deli$ate, at "irst, then
with more pressure, letting my arms slie over the har, mus$le &areness o" him, an putting
some &oy #nglish into it! Ma( was a&solutely still against me! Bi&iana was making a high;
pit$he soun through the tape!
1 turne to Vittorio!
<Very well, one an$er, &ut 1 want the ne(t e""ort to &e &etter, or the eal is o""! Ava will
$hoose who goes "ree, an Sergeant.)o$$o, is it/.will wat$h "rom the oor that the an$er
gets away!=
Ava went out, )o$$o wat$he "rom the oor, an apparently they let a an$er go &e$ause
)o$$o $ame &a$k noing yes!
<1'll give you a two;"or;one eal,= Vittorio sai! <0et the little an$er over there give you a
lap an$e3 i" it's goo, 1'll "ree her an another an$er!=
1 walke over to Brianna without hesitation, &ut on$e 1 got there, 1 aske him, <+hat o you
want to learn "rom making me o this/=
<May&e 1'm 7ust like all men an have my little les&ian "antasies!=
<1 on't know what to say to that!=
<Sit in the $hair &y Ava!=
1 sat in the $hair3 it in't hurt me, an 1 in't want to give them another e($use to hurt
anyone! <6ntie the girl!=
Ava i what she was tol! Brianna took her own tape o"" her mouth, then looke at me! Her
makeup ha run own her "a$e like &la$k tears! She ru&&e at her wrists an took a shaking
step towar me in her spike;heele sanals!
<1'm o""ering you the &est tip you will ever get, Brianna! -ive the marshal a lap an$e, an i"
it's goo enough, 1'll set you an another o" your "riens "ree!=
Brianna took another staggering step towar me! 1 thought, Shes not oin to be able to do it,
shes too afraid. He must have thought so, too, &e$ause he sai, <1" you re"use, or on't o a
goo 7o& o" it, 1 will use the tor$h on that so"t, pink, per"e$t skin!= He almost soune &ore!
Brianna roppe her ro&e to the groun an was in "ront o" me! <+ait,= Vittorio sai! +e
&oth looke at him! <Sergeant, take Anita's pla$e3 let her an$e "or you!=
)o$$o 7ust starte walking towar us! 1 got up, he sat own, an Brianna starte to an$e! She
ha no musi$, &ut whatever was playing in her hea was something with a &eat! She starte a
little 7erky, &ut then $lose her eyes an "oun her rhythm! 1t was a ni$e rhythm! She move
her &oy in waves up an own )o$$o.who ha a eath grip on the $hair he was sitting in,
&e$ause the rules are the an$ers $an tou$h you, &ut you $an't tou$h the an$ers!
Brianna ene up in his lap, straling him, grining her most intimate parts over the "ront o"
his pants! His "a$e looke grim, an 1 was &etting he was trying to think o" &ase&all, ta(es,
ea kittens, anything &ut what the woman in his lap was oing!
1 "elt &oth sorry "or him an happy it wasn't me!
+ith a last writhe, she &owe hersel" &a$kwar, $ompletely, her legs wrappe aroun )o$$o
an the $hair itsel"! She &ent &a$k in a gra$e"ul ar$h, her high, tight &reasts spilling &a$kwar,
proving yet again that they were real!
Vittorio a$tually $lappe! <Very goo, an the sergeant has hel his $omposure amira&ly!
?lee, little an$er! Anita, wat$h her go to sa"ety3 1 on't think our ear sergeant $an walk 7ust
yet!=
Brianna pi$ke up her ro&e an went "or the oor as "ast as her high heels $oul take her!
<>i$k another an$er to go out with you, Brianna!= She pi$ke up the pa$e! 1 kept the oor
open an wat$he her go to the nearest an$er, gra& her &y the han, an run out the oor
with her!
1 i a %ui$k hea $ount! +e ha si( an$ers le"t! Si(, an then we $oul get ri o" the 7inn
an try to kill Vittorio! Bust si( more!
<1 make the an$ers entertain me &e"ore 1 kill them, Anita! 1 on't usually let them go,
though!=
<So this is part o" your ! ! ! usual!= 1 stoppe there &e$ause any wor 1 $oul $ome up with
soune too mu$h like an insult!
<5es!= He got up an walke to )i$k! <1 $oul $ontrol him, &ut only in part! 1 $an't $ontrol
him or Vi$tor $ompletely as 1 $an the others! They are too ominant, too mu$h tiger! 1 $oul
make either o" them my servant through marks, &ut 1 $annot own them as 1 own the ones in
the $orner!= He move so "ast, it was &arely visi&le!
)o$$o sai, <He min;"u$ke me!=
<2o, he in't,= 1 sai, <he's 7ust that "ast!=
Vittorio was staning &a$k where he starte, &y the time the &loo starte tri$kling own
)i$k's stoma$h!
<5ou in't ask us to o anything,= 1 sai!
<So 1 in't! Ava, let another whore go!=
Ava 7ust went to the oor, an 1 wat$he as she tappe another woman! The woman ran out
the oor in a "lashing s%uare o" sunlight! ?ive le"t!
<Anita, rink &loo "rom the woun 1 7ust mae on the weretiger!=
1 in't like this one, &ut 1 went to )i$k an knelt in "ront o" him! The $ut was 7ust a&ove the
pants line, so 1 $oul rea$h! 1 was &etting the pla$ement han't &een a$$iental!
1 put my hans on his &elt to steay mysel", then leane up an li$ke the woun! 1t was
&loo, hot, salty, metalli$! 1 put my mouth against the woun an su$ke! 1t was sweet $opper
pennies on my tongue! But it was more than that, it was &elly meat, so"t, a&ove the mus$les,
an that "eeling that 7ust unerneath were so"t, tener things! My hans lo$ke aroun the
&a$k o" his &oy, an 1 "ought to only su$k the woun, not &ite own, not take more "lesh! 1
rew &a$k "rom the woun with a shaky &reath! 1 "elt i88y, isoriente! 1 reali8e "or the "irst
time that though 1' "e on all the men this morning, Vittorio ha taken all the energy o" it!
Beyon that, he' taken more o" my energy, so 1 was a$tually &ehin the $urve! ?u$k!
1 got to my "eet, having to steay mysel" against )i$k's &oy as 1 stoo! 1 wipe my mouth
with my han, an knew 1 neee a rag or something to get the &loo!
<Most people woul have hesitate &e"ore rinking a ly$anthrope's &loo,= Vittorio sai!
<1" we hesitate, you hurt them!=
<Ava, another an$er!= This time )o$$o wat$he the hostage leave! 4nly "our now!
He pa$e in a $ir$le, tapping the &lae against his leg! <1 must $ome up with things that
isplease you, or 1 will run out o" hostages &e"ore 1 get to hurt anyone again!= He turne to me
with a huge smile! 1t tugge at the &urne sie o" his "a$e, so that the smile in't %uite work!
<Su$k on something else3 you $an pi$k any o" the men, 7ust &ring them! To give you more
in$entive, 1'll use the holy water on your "air "rien again i" you re"use!=
1 looke "rom )i$k to )e%uiem! <May 1 ask a %uestion/=
<5ou may!=
<Has )e%uiem "e/=
<2o!=
<Then you know he $an't go orally or any other way until he's taken &loo!=
<Then you are le"t with only two $hoi$es unless you wish to in$lue the sergeant!=
1 "ought not to look as un$om"orta&le as that e(tra suggestion mae me! <Ma( hasn't "e this
morning either, so it has to &e )i$k! 5ou're only pretening to give me $hoi$es!=
<Then o him!= He was staning &y )e%uiem now, an 1 reali8e that there was a line o" holy
water vials on the ta&le a&ove his hea!
1 went to )i$k an starte unoing his &elt! )i$k mae a small protesting noise! 1 took a
&reath in, an &lew it out! 1 whispere, <1t's not a "ate worse than eath, )i$k!=
He went still in his $hains an wat$he me uno his pants! 1 wasn't sure i" the patient
wat$hing was less un$om"orta&le to me, or the struggles an noises! 1 got his pants un8ippe
an worke his pants own over his ass3 1 wante the 8ipper out o" the way &oth "or his sa"ety
an mine! 1' kept his unerwear in pla$e, an only move it out o" the way on$e 1 was
kneeling in "ront o" him! He was as lovely &elow the waist as a&ove, an there were no $uts
here yet3 1 was hoping to keep it that way!
1 looke up the line o" his &oy an "oun him wat$hing me! His &lue eyes were angry, yes,
&ut there was something else in them now, too! Apparently, he' taken my not a fate worse
than death to heart, &e$ause there was that arkness in his eyes that every man gets at a&out
this time! 1 took him in my hans an lowere him to my mouth! He was alreay ere$t enough
that 1 ha to &ring him own to me, &e$ause he was presse against the "ront o" his own &oy!
He slippe insie my mouth, as "ull an smooth an goo as any! 1 like giving oral se(! 1
like the "eel o" it in my mouth, an the look on a man's "a$e while you i it! 1 like the
souns they mae, an the way their &oies rea$te! 1 gave mysel" $ompletely to the man in
"ront o" me, an the sensation o" my mouth going over an aroun him! 1 kisse an su$ke
an li$ke, using my han on him to guie an $aress an s%uee8e! 1 let mysel" spill into the
se(, an there was nothing else! 1 glan$e up an "oun his eyes wie! His &reathing
%ui$kene! He was so har now, e($ept "or the so"t smoothness o" the tip o" him! His &oy
spasme in the $hains, an it wasn't pain this time! He $lose his eyes, hea "lung &a$k, an 1
worke him in an out o" my mouth %ui$ker, in an out, in an out, as "ast as 1 $oul! 1 taste
the "irst hint that he was $lose3 the te(ture $hange, ever so slightly, like a preview o" what
was to $ome!
Vittorio's voi$e! <Two an$ers, i" you let him go on your &reasts!=
1 in't hesitate! 1 7ust yanke my shirt over my hea an let it "all! 1 hel him in my han,
working him, keeping him $lose3 1 in't want to lose groun! 1 ha to let go to uno my &ra
an throw it over my shouler to the "loor with the shirt! Then 1 plunge my mouth &a$k over
him, $upping, an playing, an teasing until 1 "elt him tighten in my mouth! 1 move o"" him
7ust in time, stroking him with my han as he spille upwar, outwar, in a thi$k, warm rain
o" it! 1t spattere a$ross my shoulers, my &reasts, an 1 threw my hea &a$k, thrust my
&reasts more "orwar, an it also kept it out o" my eyes!
)i$k spasme a&ove me, rattling the $hains, making small noises against the gag!
Vittorio was hule against the $ounter3 he looke at me, at )i$k, at the show o" it, with a
look o" eager horror!
1 hear Ava an )o$$o go to the oor to let more o" the hostages go! 1 starte $rawling towar
the vampire, with my &reasts hanging own, an the warm li%ui &eginning to rip! He
pushe himsel" to his "eet an s$reame, <*ill themA=
My skin ran with that si&ilant magi$, an 1 knew that )o$$o ha sai the wors, an the 7inn
were gone! Ava s$reame, an 1 riske a glan$e to "in that Ava ha &urie her kni"e in
)o$$o's sie, &ut he ha her wrist, an 1 knew what he $oul o with that seemingly inno$ent
tou$h!
The glan$e was a mistake! Vittorio use that &lining spee to &e up an at )e%uiem's sie! 1
$ouln't move "ast enough, &ut 1 ha one power that was "ast as thought! 1 opene the ardeur
an thrust it like a weapon at the vampire! 1t might not have worke e($ept he' 7ust ha me
o one o" his "antasies! The iea o" me an se( was alreay "irm in his min! He wante to
look!
1 in't run! 1 stalke, 1 writhe, 1 mae everything work, an he $ouln't look away! He was
still staring at me when 1 wrappe my han aroun his an $uppe the vial o" holy water,
sening it to shatter harmlessly on the "loor!
<1 will ruin him,= he whispere!
<That's not what you want!=
<1 $an't have what 1 want,= he sai!
1 put his empty hans on my &reasts, an hel his ga8e with mine! His hans starte
smoothing the li%ui a$ross my &reasts, as i" he in't reali8e he was oing it! <5our eyes,= he
sai, <your eyes are "ull o" "ire, like $ogna$ iamons!=
<Say it,= 1 whispere!
He leane his "a$e ownwar, as 1 leane upwar! <Say it,= 1 whispere!
<)elease, 1 want release!=
His mouth met mine, an we kisse! 4ne moment it was gentle, the ne(t he "e at my mouth,
so har his "angs $ut my lips an "ille our mouths with the sweet taste o" &loo! Bloo mae
my hungers rise, &ut it was too late "or any o" the others3 all that was le"t was the ardeur! 1 ha
enie it, trie to $age it, $ontrol it, &ut in that moment 1 unerstoo why kings ha o""ere
Belle Morte their $rowns, why women ha o""ere everything "or one more night with Bean;
,laue3 1 unerstoo what it meant to &e Belle Morte's line! The ardeur wasn't something 1
ha to "ee to stay alive, it was the way 1 "e! 1t was my &loo!
Vittorio mae small eager noises against my mouth, his hans eager on my &oy! 1 "elt the
growing pressure o" it &uil insie him, an 1 "elt the ardeur mingle with the power o" the
&easts, all o" it so warm an alive, so not vampire! His &reathing %ui$kene, his &oy tense,
an 1 rove the ardeur an the power o" the tigers into him, like a seeking han, an gave
him, "or a moment, a taste o" it! 1 gave him the shaow o" what he ha lost, an his mouth tore
away "rom mine in a s$ream, as his &oy spasme against mine, his hans $lut$hing at me! He
$ollapse to the "loor &esie the ta&le, taking me, still in his arms, to the "loor with him! He
was $rying an laughing! <How i you o that/=
<1 am Belle Morte's line! 1 &elong to Bean;,laue! +e are meant to &ring pleasure!=
His han sear$he the "loor, an 1 knew what he meant to o &e"ore 1 saw the "lash o" silver! 1
rolle away "rom him, &ut he $ame "or me, an he was simply too "ast!
Then a white &lur $rashe into his sie, an a se$on 7oine it! The two weretigers grapple
with the vampire, an his spee i no goo &e$ause they were alreay tou$hing him! 1
pushe &a$kwar so 1 $oul see the &e, an the $hains were empty! 1 in't know where Ma(
was, &ut 1 knew where his wi"e an )i$k were! The other weretigers spille out o" the $orner
where they' &een "ro8en! 1 thought "or one aw"ul moment they meant to atta$k us, &ut they
went "or the "ight an Vittorio!
Ma( appeare &y the kit$henette! He hane me a towel! 1 stoo up an &egan to wipe mysel"
o""! +e &oth kept our eyes on the "ight, &ut it was a &lur o" $laws an teeth!
<5ou min;"u$ke him, an that was the weakness 1 neee! The tigers are mine again!=
)o$$o $ame to me, holing pressure on his sie woun! Ava lay &ehin him on the "loor,
staring sightless at the $eiling!
<How i it "eel/= 1 aske!
<-oo,= he sai! <She wasn't &eing $ontrolle! She &etraye you, Ma(!=
<1 know! She "elt we treate her as a se$on;$lass tiger, an she was right!=
Bloo spraye out over the room! <That was arterial spray,= 1 sai!
<?ight's over,= Ma( sai!
1 roppe the towel onto the "loor, pi$ke up my shirt an &ra "rom the "loor, an went to
)e%uiem! 1 7umpe up on the ta&le an uni his $hains! He rippe o"" his own gag! 1 hugge
him an he gaspe! 1 tou$he the &urns, an "elt my eyes grow hot! <1'm so sorry!=
<5ou save me!=
1 $oul only no!
<-et resse, Anita,= )o$$o sai! <1've got to $all the $avalry in an warn them that the tigers
are on our sie!= 1 looke where he was looking, an "oun the white tigers, some in tigerman
"orm, $overe in &loo! Vittorio was in pie$es on the groun! 2ow that he was ea, they'
stoppe "eeing! Vampire is &itter meat, so 1'm tol!
1 resse an promise mysel" a shower later! Ma( o""ere to take )e%uiem to his own
unergroun resting pla$e until night"all! 1 kisse )e%uiem, an turne towar the poli$e as
they spille in through the oor &ehin )o$$o, &ut it was all over! This time #war an the
guys ha misse the party!
Epilogue
)#L61#M S>#2T TH# rest o" the ay in the ownstairs area with Ma(! )o$$o an 1 ha a
lot o" 'splaining to o! +e le"t out some things! Ava atta$ke him an he was "or$e to use
the ma(imum o" his power! He pro&a&ly $oul have stoppe sooner, &ut why/ She was ea
either way &e$ause o" the warrant!
Bi&iana aske, in private, <5ou gave him his "irst pleasure in $enturies3 why i he atta$k
you/=
Ma( an 1 e($hange looks, an he sai, <He knew he' o anything to have that "eeling
again! He knew that Anita owne him lo$k, sto$k, an &arrel, an he $ouln't have that!=
<He' rather have power than the pleasure/= she aske!
<He knew it woul &e a $hoi$e,= Ma( sai! <1 think Anita's leash may &e shorter than the one
you keep me on!= They ha laughe goo;naturely an hugge!
)e%uiem suggeste that we $ut the &urns away the ne(t night, an try to heal it with se(, as
we' one with other "resh wouns in the past! 1t worke! He's per"e$t again! 1t makes the
iea o" trying it on Asher possi&le! But we'll start with a little pie$e o" skin, 7ust in $ase the
eeper &urns make it not work!
Denis;0u$ St! Bohn's sister never gave him my message! He $alle, upset that he' misse it
all, &ut his sister wasn't sorry.he was alive! 1 kin o" agree with his sister!
0ieutenant -rimes sai that i" 1 ever get tire o" &eing a vampire hunter, to let him know3 1
$oul test an see i" 1 $oul &e$ome their "irst "emale mem&er! 1 was "lattere, really "lattere!
1 a$tually in't say no! 1 $an't see living in Vegas, &ut 1 $oul see working on a S+AT unit
like theirs! Their pilot program o" using pra$titioners is su$$ess"ul enough that other $ities are
talking a&out it.not St! 0ouis so "ar, &ut 1 have hopes! +oul 1 really give up hunting
vampires/ 1' still help hunt them, &ut the iea o" working on a unit where the iea is to save
lives an not take them is pretty appealing!
1 took ,rispin an Domino home with me to St! 0ouis! The rehea, 1 sent home to his $lan!
Their %ueen has re%ueste a visit in a neutral $ity, sin$e 1 keep poa$hing her males.one o"
them &eing her son, the "irst one, Ale(! So "ar the re tigers on't seem as a""e$te &y me as
the white or the &la$k! Se&astian went &a$k to his li"e! He is rawn to me, &ut he oesn't want
to go &a$k into servitue to anyone! 1 on't &lame him!
,ynri$ was a i""erent pro&lem! 5es, he was legal in Vegas, an yes, his legal guarians, Ma(
an Bi&iana, were "ine with it, so no $ourt $harges, &ut he is &esotte with me! 1t's worse than
,rispin, &e$ause he ha "ewer internal prote$tions! He was 7ust so young, so open, an
&e$ause the tigers, or at least the white $lan, try "or monogamy, 1 was his "irst! The thought o"
a massive ardeur "ee, with a group orgy thrown in, as anyone's "irst time 7ust makes me ill!
They're keeping him in Vegas "or at least a year, &e$ause ne(t &irthay he'll &e legal in
Missouri! 1 tol Bi&iana it oesn't matter, he' still &e a $hil, &ut she sai, <5ou have mae
him your tiger to $all, Anita, you must take responsi&ility "or that!=
<1 in't min;"u$k him, Vittorio i!=
<But you are who he pines "or!=
1 mae the mistake o" asking, <+hat o you want me to o a&out him/=
<0et him $ome visit ne(t year!=
1 tol her we' is$uss it, &ut really, not only no, &ut hell no!
The S+AT operators in the hospital are all awake! They "oun a girl"rien, or wi"e, or $hil,
or parent to give them a kiss o" love! 1t all worke, though one operator ha never marrie,
parents ea, an so they "inally &rought his og in3 one goo "a$e;li$king later an his master
was up an aroun! Ain't love gran/
Bean;,laue, Asher, an 1 have talke a&out what happene in Vegas, with the ardeur an
Vittorio at the en! +e agree with Ma( a&out why he atta$ke me, &ut why i se( isrupt all
that an$ient vampire a&ility/ Bean;,laue "inally sai, <#veryone &elieves that Belle Morte's
line is weak &e$ause our power is love, &ut really, ma 'etite, what is more power"ul than
love/= 1 $oul have argue that 1' seen hate kill love, or violen$e, or ! ! ! &ut in the en,
may&e he's right! 1 know that Vittorio wasn't &eaten &y power! He was &eaten &y the o""er o"
love! < 'Twas &eauty that kille the &east,= the ol movie sai! 'Twas love that kille this one,
or may&e lust, &ut sometimes 1'm not sure there's as mu$h i""eren$e as we like to think
&etween the two! 2ot i" you mean it!
1 wasn't lying when 1 o""ere the ardeur to Vittorio! 1n that moment, 1 wante to give him
&a$k what he' lost &e$ause 1 $oul "eel his nee, "eel the great sorrow o" it that ha turne to
su$h rage! 1 wante to hol him an make it &etter, an 1 i, an he trie to kill me "or it!
Men.who knows what they really want/