Page 76 of Twilight Destiny

“I’m a reporter. I met her in Morgan Creek while I was there doing a story.” The truth, even a partial truth, was always better than an out-and-out lie, when possible.

“Why are you looking for Rosa, hunter?”

Rhinehart tensed with the realization that the man in front of him was a vampire. What the hell was he going to do now? He reached into his coat pocket, his fingers curling around a wooden stake. And then he paused. Taking a head in broad daylight, with curious neighbors watching from across the street, probably wasn’t a smart idea.

“I asked you a question, hunter. I can force you to answer me, if I have to.”

Deciding the truth would serve him best, Rhinehart said, “I’m looking for a vampire who goes by the name of Kincaid. I’m in deep shit with a necromancer who’s threatened my life and that of my family if I don’t bring him what he wants.”

“Not my problem. What has any of this to do with Rosa?”

“I was hoping she’d tell me where to find Kincaid.”

“She’s not here.”

“Who are you?”

“Smart enough not to tell you my name. Ifyou’resmart, you won’t come sniffing around here again. I’ve got your scent now. Finding you won’t be any trouble at all. Now, get the hell out of here. If I see you again, I’ll break your neck.”

With a curt nod, Rhinehart turned and walked slowly to his car, slid behind the wheel, and laid rubber as he peeled away from the curb.

Micah stared after him. And then he pulled out his cell phone and called Saintcrow.

The master vampire answered on the second ring. “What’s up?”

“Some hunter came to my parents’ house looking for Rosa. I read his mind. His name’s Rhinehart. Does that mean anything to you?”

“Yeah. Did he say why he’s looking for Rosa?”

“He was hoping she could tell him where to find Kincaid. Do you know Rhinehart?”

“I’ve met him a couple of times. He’s supposed to be one of the best, but I have my doubts. He just doesn’t seem like a stone-cold killer to me.”

“Is he likely to turn up in Morgan Creek?”

“Probably. He’s been here before.”

Micah grunted softly. It was likely a good thing Rosie was moving there. Five vampires ought to be able to protect her, especially when Saintcrow was one of them. And, if need be, he could be there in no time at all. “If I hear anything else, I’ll let you know. Oh, maybe you should warn Kincaid and let him know Rhinehart is looking for him, and for Rosa, too.”

“Consider it done.”

Paul Rhinehart drove around aimlessly after leaving the Ravenwood house. He hadn’t had any luck in stealing from Luca. Even if he had, he didn’t know how to get in touch with Kincaid. And on the off chance he secured talisman to protect him from the necromancer, it wouldn’t keep Luca from finding his family.

He swore as a new thought occurred to him. Taking anything from Luca would be just plain stupid. Unless he could hand the object off as soon as he got it, it would lead Luca right to him.Shit!

He slammed his fist against the steering wheel. And then he frowned. Saintcrow seemed like a decent sort, for a vampire. What were the odds that he’d let him hole up in Morgan Creek until he could figure a way out of this mess?

The idea made him laugh. No vampire was going to give aid and comfort to a hunter. And yet Saintcrow was the only man he knew who had a chance of standing against Luca.

What the hell, he thought as he made a U-turn and headed for the freeway. There was nothing for him at home, what with Nancy and the kids out of the country. And Morgan Creek was as good a place as any to hide out, and better than most.

Chapter Thirty-One

For Rosa, the next few days flew by. She packed a few things each night after work—books and pictures in one box, shoes and handbags in another. Shirts and skirts and pants in one carton, dresses in another. Kitchen stuff in one plastic container, towels in another. She made sure to label each one in bold, black letters.

She scrubbed the sinks and the appliances, cleaned out her refrigerator, washed the windows, mopped the floors, and shampooed the rugs, determined to get her five hundred dollar cleaning deposit back. She’d also filled out a form at the post office to have her mail forwarded to her new address.

And every night, Jake was there. He rubbed her back and her feet, brushed her hair, ordered takeout when she felt like eating in. He had taken care of the moving van, which was scheduled for Saturday morning, with a guaranteed delivery to Morgan Creek no later than Monday afternoon. He had also arranged for the movers to tow her car, since he could get her there in moments rather than days. And he had already transferred most of her clothes and shoes to Blair House so they would be there waiting for her on Saturday when she arrived.

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