Page 16 of Lucas
The older vampire gave her daughter a tolerant look, but it turned suspicious when she eyed Lucas. Then she sniffed the air. “You brought a human with you.”
“My Blood Ward.”
“I see.” She turned to her daughter. “In the sitting room, if you please. Try not to be long.” The woman tottered down the hallway and disappeared around a bend.
“I’m sorry about that. She’s not fond of visitors.”
“We’re sorry for the intrusion, but we have urgent business. Are you Carmen?”
She tugged her sweater closer and nodded. “You said you’re from House Trelane?” She led them through a door to the right where a brightly lit room welcomed them. “Can I offer you a refreshment?”
“I appreciate the offer, but we won’t be long.”
Lucas and Ginger sat on the couch, and Carmen took one of the stuffed chairs across from them.
“This might be a sensitive topic, but we’re looking for Philipe Renaud. My understanding is that you’re one of his friends.”
At the mention of Philipe, she paled, and her posture turned rigid. “That was many years ago.”
“Within the last decade?”
She considered the question. “About that time. Maybe a year or two earlier. I don’t have a point of reference to be any more accurate.”
“That’s alright. We don’t need exact timeframes.”
“I’ve spoken to Fiona since then. Maybe five years ago.” She laughed. “It’s about time for our next check-in.”
“Check-in?”
She waved a hand and appeared more relaxed. “A turn of phrase. I knew her decades ago. And ever since she went offwith Philipe, it’s only been phone calls, and those are rare. About every five years I hear from her. It’s become a joke between us.”
“Is she alright?” Ginger asked.
Carmen glanced at her as if she’d forgotten Ginger was in the room, then she gave her a soft smile. “That’s so sweet. Thank you for asking.” She ran her fingers up and down the arm of the chair as she stared at something beyond them, the movement barely audible to Lucas in the quiet room. “I think so. She’s more reserved than she used to be. I thought maybe she was having an argument with Philipe, but whenever I mention him, she becomes as bubbly as when they first met.” She laughed and shook her head. “I’ve never seen two vampires more in love. No. The stress was coming from someplace else. Or maybe she was just really tired.”
“Do you know where she was calling from?” Lucas asked. And, as he expected, that’s when her suspicion returned.
“Why? You didn’t mention why you were looking for Philipe.”
Lucas glanced at Ginger, and she nodded. He hadn’t wanted to bring up the book unless he had to, but if Philipe and Fiona were still hiding after all this time, he would need to be specific to get a decent answer.
“We believe he has knowledge of or possibly possession of a book we’re searching for.”
“You mean something from the Renaud Library?”
“I mean something that used to be in the Renaud Library.” And now that he’d gone this far, he might as well go all the way. “It appears to be missing.”
Her shock appeared genuine. “You must have received incorrect information. Nothing ever goes missing from the Renaud Library. Nor is it ever misplaced.”
She was a true believer, just as he had been, and it wouldn’t be easy to change her mind. He could tell her about the multiplebook facades that claimed it was in restoration at the four libraries he’d personally visited. But she would have to see it before she would believe it.
“I’m sorry to have wasted your time.” He stood, and Ginger rose next to him. “It’s good to hear the two of them are doing well.”
Carmen stood. “I’m sorry I couldn’t have been of more help.”
He’d only taken a couple of steps before a tingling bell sounded. He turned, but not before he saw Carmen’s gaze fill with confusion. She made to turn for the door when the bell sounded a second time.
She raised a finger. “Just give me a moment, please.” She strode toward a desk in the far corner of the room and, keeping her back to them, picked up the handset of an old 1940s-style black telephone.
