Page 37 of Visions in Blood
I sucked in a deep breath and refocused on the job.The quick call meant the mission was a go.I played each step over in my mind.Four vamps had already found their mark.Two had trailed the sedan that drove my mother to town and the black SUV that followed her.Bella and Jacques waited near the spa where they’d create the distraction that would keep the bodyguards busy while I did my thing.
Sergi pulled the car to the curb on a side street a block from the spa and two blocks from the coffeehouse.He would remain behind and wait for me, available for backup if needed.This part of town was filled with luxury stores I could never afford to shop in, but I knew it well.Ginger and I enjoyed window shopping here on sunny, warm days while we fantasized of better times.I’d been to the tiny coffeehouse a handful of times to splurge on their overpriced lattes and rich, sinful desserts.I knew it well enough to know the layout and exits but not enough for anyone to recognize me.
Once parked, Sergi sent a text to the teams.We waited two minutes while they checked in.
“You ready?”His gaze was cool, all business.
I checked my watch, noting that I’d have ten minutes to make my way to the spa.Then I confirmed my phone was in vibrate mode.“Yeah.I’m good.”
I opened the door, and Sergi caught my arm before I could exit.“Stick with the plan.We can always try again.You can’t be seen.”
If this was Harlow, the crew leader I usually ran with, reminding me of the obvious, I would have given a snappy retort.But Sergi was the lead today, and with Devon remaining behind at the mansion, he was under pressure to ensure I returned safely.
“I know.I’ll be careful.”I slipped out of the car, turned the collar up on my Dior jacket, and fiddled with the tweed beret.No one would recognize me as Pandora or Cressa, not with the designer labels Devon dressed me in.Nor would anyone think twice about me shopping in such a high-end store.Any other day, I’d feel at home, pretending to fit in with the upper crust.
I’d surveyed my surroundings before exiting the car, but I took another casual sweep before stopping halfway down the block in front of a small art gallery.No one would question my hovering as I peered at the colorful displays of paintings and sculptures, which gave me time to use the window’s reflection to see if anyone followed me.I checked my cell—all clear—then scurried to my target, not wanting to miss Mother.
The spa’s front lobby was huge, featuring a comfortable waiting area as well as an extensive retail section where customers could purchase their outrageously priced goops, which meant I wouldn’t look odd if I went in and just browsed.The building was also conveniently located on a corner, which meant more than one door.I went in the main door, keeping my head down, but not before I easily identified what was most likely the sedan waiting for my mother.There were dozens of expensive cars on this street, but not many would have a driver.While I didn’t spot the SUV, it would be close.I did notice Bella, who leaned against a lamppost on the opposite corner.
She gave me the tiniest of nods.Game on.
I pulled open the door to a blast of warm air and overwhelming scents.Several customers circled the lobby, staring at the shelves with perfectly organized products or trying the myriad samples offered at various displays.A receptionist was speaking with a client while another waited behind her holding a glass of something bubbly.Only on Castle Street, the Rodeo Drive of Santiga Bay, could one find clients being primed with sparkling wine while they waited.
There were two hallways that led to the back rooms.One was directly to the left of the receptionist along the far wall.The other was on the right side of the store, near the checkout station and second door.The floor plan Sergi had provided was spot on.
I positioned myself next to a large, circular display closest to the side exit and checked the time.Almost three o’clock.Mother should step out any minute.Without warning, a loud, metallic crunch followed by yelling and screaming penetrated the glass windows of the store.I turned with the rest of the customers, almost forgetting that the destructive sound announced the start of the planned diversion.
I stuck near the display as others ran toward the front window.Whatever was going on outside would be highly abnormal for this quiet upscale neighborhood.Not thirty seconds later, as if on cue, my mother strolled out of the hallway, her head down as she studied her phone, probably checking for messages while she’d been at her appointment.She’d barely lifted her head to register the commotion when I swept next to her, sliding my arm through hers, and turning her toward the side exit.
“Hi, Mom.I was hoping we could have a little chat.It’s been a long time.”
She’d taken a few steps before realizing I was directing her out a different door, at first probably assuming her bodyguard had grabbed her.Her surprisingly strong struggle subsided when she registered my voice.
“Cressa?”Her shocked response stirred memories from long ago.I didn’t think the sound of her voice would carry such an impact.
“Surprised to see me?”I hurried her through the door, but when I turned left away from the main street, her resistance returned.
“Where are you taking me?Stop right now and explain.”
I gave her a quick look as I continued to drag her along.She’d aged since I’d last seen her, though she was still a beauty, and the spa treatment gave her a youthful glow.
“I just need a few minutes, and there’s a nice coffeehouse just a few doors down.Have you been to it?It’s been a while for me, but they used to have the most divine chocolate and raspberry truffles.”
“We can stop right here and talk.”Her voice trembled as if she were scared of me.
I stopped short, and she almost tripped with the suddenness.“I’m not going to hurt you, and it kind of bothers me you’d think me capable of that.But we’re not having a conversation with your bodyguards hovering, or worse, give them the chance to drag me off to Christopher.Can’t you spend five minutes with me?”
Her gaze changed from concern to that hawk-like glare I was more used to.Whatever anxiety had filled me earlier dissipated like water on hot desert sand.I might have tugged her along a little harder than necessary, but she no longer resisted.
When we entered the coffeeshop, I worried there wouldn’t be any seating, but there were two places, and I picked the one closest to the back.Just in case I had to make a quick escape.
She sat and adjusted her designer coat after I released her arm.“Five minutes is all I have before my driver will be concerned.I have another appointment.”
“Of course.”I sat back and watched her set her purse on the table then touch her hair to make sure every strand was still in place.
She checked the table to ensure it was clean before resting her folded hands on it.“What’s so important that you couldn’t call me?”
“So, no hello, it’s been a long time, we really should get together more often?”I tamped down the snipe from my tone, but based on a single raised brow from her, I gathered I wasn’t successful.
