Page 18 of Obsessed in Blood
“We’ll only have to stay for a few hours. If Colantha wishes to meet with you, it won’t be until much later.”
Sergi pulled into a driveway and stopped at a video monitor. “This is Sergi. I’m with Devon Trelane of the House Trelane.”
Within seconds, the wrought-iron gate opened, and Sergi followed the narrow lane to a short circular drive with an ornate fountain in the middle. The manor itself was of Greek-revival style and sat on property that covered an entire city block. There were two garden cottages and a koi pond in the back, and lush vegetation spread throughout the estate. Lafitte also owned a fifty-acre estate outside Baton Rouge and spent equal time at both manors. This was where Devon had gotten the idea of building Oasis. The only difference was that everyone knew Lafitte had a second home, and only Family knew of Oasis’s existence.
Two vampires waited for them. One took the keys from Sergi while the other walked them up the steps and through the manner to Lafitte’s reception room.
Mingled voices preceded them walking in, and he was surprised by the twenty or so vampires enjoying drinks and appetizers.
Just his luck to have arrived on the same day as a dinner party. The question was whether Lafitte invited him to cement their relationship in front of allies or as a simple obligation. Lafitte didn’t make them wait long as he strode toward them.
He was a couple of inches shorter than Devon, with a lean build. He still sported his signature goatee and white suit, but there was gray at his temples that blended into his coal-black hair. Had it been that long since they’d seen each other?
“Girard.” Devon held out his hand, and Lafitte grasped it tightly in both of his. His shake was vigorous and strong.
“Devon. I can’t tell you how good it is to see you after that unfortunate business with the Council.” His smooth Southern voice was melodic. “The whole matter of Boretsky’s death was quite worrisome. And this Magic Poppy is a danger to our entire species.” He waved his hand in a grand gesture. “Now you’ve been absolved, though I must say, I’m not happy with how the Council handled the situation. They seem to have abandoned long-established policies.”
He nodded at Sergi. “It’s good to see you back so soon.” When Sergi returned the nod with a warm smile, Lafitte continued as he strolled with them across the room. “Your timing seemed most unfortunate, as it’s been some time since we’ve fished on the lake and talked, but sometimes things work out. It will do both our Houses good to have people see the two of us at such an event.”
“We certainly didn’t mean to intrude. My business here is of an urgent nature and not related to any of your interests.”
“Of course not. I only invited you because I wanted to see you. How’s Lucas?”
“He’s a critical member of my cadre and shows great potential.”
Lafitte laughed. “I always knew he had the potential for cadre.”
Devon slapped his shoulder. “And I appreciate everything you taught him. Tell me, was that a red Ferrari Spider I saw parked outside?”
“Don’t worry. Romero is eager to meet with you as well.”
“I suppose I’ll have to apologize for luring Lucas away from his House.”
Lafitte gave Devon a wink. “If Romero didn’t think moving Houses would be the best for him, it would never have happened.”
Devon laughed. “I suppose that’s one way to look at it.”
The dinner party was exactly what Devon needed. Not only did he confirm long-established relationships with two Houses, he also relaxed. He had to remain aware of the ticking clock, but he didn’t have to be ruled by it.
Now, Sergi drove the backstreets toward the French Quarter. He parked the car at their hotel, and they walked the rest of the way. Even with their casual stroll through the Quarter, it was easy to see they weren’t tourists, though they stopped at various clubs that Sergi thought were critical in making their presence known to Colantha.
Their last stop for the evening was the jazz club where Colantha had invited Cressa to meet with her. They stopped in the entryway, and Sergi pointed to the black-and-white picture on the wall.
“That’s Josephine Baker.”
“I recognize the face. I’ve heard some of her music.” Devon found the woman to be bewitching. The image caught her with the same expression Simone and Bella presented when everything was going their way—confident and proud.
“Keep her face in mind. Colantha could be her twin.”
“Good to know.”
They sat in a booth at the back and listened to the music. They spoke little of current House business, preferring to talk of old days on the battlefield. Sergi didn’t have to mention it; they both knew a storm was coming. The culmination of centuries of secrets would soon be coming to light.
Was Devon the tipping point, or was it Lorenzo and whatever secrets he held?
At two in the morning, Devon had enough. It had been a long day with the flight and the dinner party. They walked back to the hotel, agreeing to meet in the morning for breakfast before paying a visit to the Renauds.
Devon entered his room but didn’t bother with the lights. He stopped to relieve his bladder then walked into the main living area of the suite. A small lamp had been left on, presumably by the maid service.
