Page 60 of Visions in Blood
Four setsof eyes stared at the vehicles that filled the parking lot and those still waiting in line to reach the front of the Renaud Library.Strategically placed lights reflected the architectural nuances of the aged building that would have been built sometime during the early nineteen hundreds, most likely considered new in the world of vamps.
Jacques was our chauffeur for the evening, driving the sedan we’d driven down from Santiga Bay, and the vehicle he and Bella used for their surveillance.Bella would be our bodyguard and would assist with any help we might need on exiting the building.
“This seems like a lot of vamps for a weekly event.I’d expected maybe a couple dozen faithful members.There must be over a hundred of them in there.”This was more than I could have hoped for a diversion, but I’d be lying if I said images from my fall through the window weren’t bouncing around in my head.
“Vampires bore easily, yet we find comfort in the rituals.”I’d never heard Bella speak before, let alone in a response to one of my comments.Though her voice was low, it came across strong and husky.With her dark-as-night eyes, thick black hair tied back in a braid, and bronze skin that almost glowed, it probably didn’t take her long to mesmerize someone.
I considered her words and found them similar to what Devon had once told me.“So, every Thursday, they gather among their closest hundred friends surrounded by their own history.”
“Poetic, isn’t it.”Simone’s dry statement sent a shiver down my spine.
I was so overdue for a quiet movie night.
Our car inched forward.For fast-as-lightening vamps, it took them forever to get out of their vehicles.“There are three doors that lead to the lowest levels, each requiring a passkey.”I’d been repeating the plan since we left the hotel.We had extra time while we waited for our turn to unload, and one last review couldn’t hurt.
“I’ll get the passkey.”Simone flicked a nail as she stared out toward the parking lot.
“We won’t know if there’s a different key required for the restoration room until we get there.So, this might be a quick evening.”This was the risk I’d explained to Devon when I called him to discuss the plan, fulfilling my promise to get his approval before I did anything that could jeopardize the larger mission.He’d listened to my entire proposal before asking Simone’s opinion.I would have preferred if he’d agreed on my word alone, but Simone was in charge of our trip, was part of his cadre, and would eventually earn her own house name.Of course, he’d ask for her opinion.
“If we get in, we grab the book and get out.”This was one of the simplest plans I’d come up with, though it was similar to Gruber’s tea party when I’d gone rogue and stolen the handwritten letter.We had to be discreet, preferably not leaving any sign the book was taken.With any luck it would be weeks, maybe months, before the loss was detected.This restriction meant if I couldn’t unlock the door to the restoration room, I couldn’t make this a smash-and-grab.
“Once I see either of you head toward the exit, I call for Jacques.”Bella purred his name.“If I see any trouble start, I call for Jacques.”
Jacques nodded, a wicked smile on his lips that suggested he’d be ready with the car but would be equally fine if we brought a fight to his door.
Bella and Jacques had been instrumental in creating a believable diversion when I’d met with my mother.With any luck, they’d come up with something just as splendid if we had problems extricating ourselves.
“Simple, Cressa.”Simone turned her dark gaze to me.“Just like I said.”She radiated confidence in her sleek tawny-colored bodysuit.Her caftan was various shades of forest green and deeper browns, providing a stunning camouflage to move in and out of shadows.
I gave her a nod.I’d seen more simple jobs go awry than complex ones.People got lazy and didn’t stay sharp.If these weren’t vamps I was working with, I’d be more concerned by their blasé attitudes.
When our limo made it to the red carpet, I had to roll my eyes.I mean, really, this vamp aristocracy crap was getting old.Would they even notice if one evening the carpet was blue?I snorted, attracting two couples who’d gathered to talk before moving into the building.I gave them my dazzling smile before joining Simone.
We walked in side-by-side with Bella behind us.When we’d passed into the foyer, Bella positioned herself twenty feet from the door where she blended in with the other vamps conversing, snacking, and drinking.Simone didn’t break stride as she strode to the central staircase, and I breathed a sigh of relief to find them open for the patrons to tour the museum.
So far, so good.
“I’ll get the passkey.”Simone bowed her head and, after greeting several of the guests, wandered toward the banquet table where most of the human servers would gather.
I strolled in the opposite direction, perusing the art while occasionally stopping to pull out a book, glance through the pages, and then return it.I stopped when I came face to face with an immense portrait of a flower.
At first, I thought it was a rose.No.Similar to a rose but not quite the same.The petals were a snowy white and appeared to be tipped in crimson.I reached out to caress the life-like image but stopped myself, unsure what made me do that.I knew better than to touch artifacts in a museum whether there were alarms or not.
“A flower as beautiful as the woman that beholds it.”
The accent and voice were familiar.I turned, and though I’m sure my eyes widened in surprise, it was difficult to hold back a grin.His ruggedly handsome face hadn’t changed in the last few weeks, emphasized by his close-cropped hair that was the same color as the flower I’d been admiring.
“Is it a rose?It seems out of place here.”
He gave me an odd glance before shaking his head.When his focus turned to the painting, he had a faraway look.“It’s the Blood Poppy.”
Blood Poppy.That sounded—creepy, yet eerily familiar.He seemed as drawn to it as I was.I changed the subject.
“I remember you.So, who won the billiards game?”
“My brother and I owe you a drink.The woman, as you predicted.”
I glanced over his shoulder to find his twin, or close enough to it, sitting at a table with, yep, a bottle of vodka and a stack of glasses.Their traveling bar, just like at Gruber’s tea party.I laughed.“What are you betting on now?”
