Page 45 of Face

“Most people can’t. I have a few things I can try.” I was just about to thank the guys and head to my office when MyAnna popped out of the walkway. “Face, there’s a guy here asking for you. Says it’s urgent.” She looked at Viper. “He said Face or you, so you should both come.”

We rushed into the Cobalt Room and MyAnna introduced us to a proper-looking vampire. “This is Gregory.”

“What can we do for you?” Viper asked, hands on his hips.

“Which one of you is Mr. Face?” he asked, then eyed our cuts. “Oh, how silly of me. It’s printed right there on your vest.” He looked at me and asked, “Do you know Rocky? Young lady, computer expert, scars?” He pointed to his face.

I nodded, my normally slow heartrate increasing. “Yes, what about her?”

“She asked me to deliver a message.” He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and then cleared his throat before adjusting his tie. I wanted to slap him and tell him to get on with it. He moved and spoke very slowly and Southern. I could tell he was a very old vampire. He read from the device. “Gregory, this is Rocky. I hate to ask but I need a favor. I’ve been taken by some men, and they took my other phone that had all my contacts in it. I need you to go to the Cobalt Room, it’s a bar near the Quarter, and ask for Face or Viper. Tell them I’ve been kidnapped and I’m on a boat or yacht somewhere. I have no idea where, though. Please reply if you get this, and don’t call this number, text only. Thanks.”

“Oh, thank fuck she’s still alive,” I said on a relieved sigh.

Gregory made a face at my profanity and then cleared his throat. “Why would someone kidnap that nice girl?”

“How do you know her?” I asked.

“She tracked down my wife for me. I thought she died after I was turned, but it seems she’s been living in Minneapolis, running a bakery. As a matter of fact, I was on my way to the airport to surprise her when I got this text message. I had my driver make a pitstop here first.”

I put my hand out and he shook it. “Well, I thank you for taking the time. This really helps us.”

“I just don’t understand why someone would want to harm her.”

“It’s a long story, but we’ll find her. Hey, can I have your phone for a second?” I asked.

“Sure,” he said, handing it to me. I found the text from “Rocky” and didn’t bother reading it, but instead quickly replied to it: This is Parker, Gregory delivered your message. Here’s my number, text me when you get this so we can come get you. Hang in there, beautiful.

Then, I texted myself Devon’s burner phone number, in case it was different from the one I already had, and also so I’d have Gregory’s number. I handed him back the phone. “I sent her my number so she doesn’t have to keep going through you. I also texted myself so now you have mine. Please hit me up if she makes contact again. Time is of the essence here.”

He held up the phone and said, “Will do.” He went to leave the club but turned around. “Oh, and Mr. Face? Rocky also asked me to tell you that she loves you.”

I felt like I’d been punched in the stomach. I nodded and said my thanks before rushing back to my office to be alone.

Hours passed and no word from her. I kept my phone charged and face-up on my desk. I was starting to get sleepy and knew I wouldn’t be able to stay up very much longer. I envied my older vampire brothers who could resist the sun’s pull and needed less sleep.

Every hack I tried to trace the number with didn’t work. Viper was right, these things were untraceable, and with someone like Devon, I was sure she had probably put extra protection on it to ensure that.

Unable to stay awake much longer, I dozed off with my head on my desk.

“Well, good morning. Or evening, I should say.”

I looked over to see Martin sitting on the other side of the bed with his legs crossed, his arms hanging loosely on his lap.

“Martin? I asked groggily. “Did I fall asleep?” I shook my head, trying to remember how I got here.

“Yes, three days ago.”

“What!” I sat upright, and as soon as I did, I immediately turned my head and vomited into a waiting pail set on the floor next to the bed. The solid red liquid confused me. “What the hell is going on?”

“I gave you a gift,” he said, standing to come around the bed. “You remember that elixir I gave you? You’re now a vampire, kid. Young and beautiful forever.” He smiled as he clapped his hands in delight.

Wiping my mouth, I stared at him incredulously. “Vampire? You’ve watched too many movies. I’m gonna go.” I stood.

He stepped in front of me and made a tsking noise. “No, sirree, you are not leaving. I have to teach you how to be a vampire, so you’ll need to stay another week here. In fact, if you wanted to move in, I have plenty of space. You can choose which bedroom you’d like.”

This guy was sounding crazier by the second. “No, I’m good. I don’t need to learn how to be a vampire. I’ll Google it.”

He threw back his head and laughed. “Oh, that wouldn’t be wise. There’s so much lore out there that you’ll never find the right one. Tell me, what do you think happens if we go into the sun?”

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