Page 60 of Lucas
“That’s a schedule I could live with.” I glanced around. “Where’s Bella and Jacques?”
“Jacques made up the foursome for golf, and Bella is training with the security team.”
“Of course, she is. I should have known.”
“I understand from Iris that you have skill in that area.”
“Cressa taught me defensive martial arts a few years ago as a way to defend myself. We shared an apartment before we got involved with vamps. Sorry, vampires.”
Fiona smiled. “I’m not offended as the older vampires are. Go on.”
“Cressa’s career required her to stay nimble, and martial arts seemed to suit her.” I didn’t see a reason to share her career choices. “When she ended up working for Devon, we had some trouble with vampires from another House, and it seemed wise that I learn how to defend myself. One thing led to another with the threat of sanction, and next thing I knew Sergi and Simone thought it amusing to give me a dagger.”
When Fiona laughed, I smiled. “That’s really how it went down. I think Simone started it, teasing me, you know. Then Sergi handed me the dagger and said ‘let’s see what you got.’” I sipped my coffee. “I have to say, I’m pleased they aren’t laughing anymore.”
“Good for you. This issue between species has always been a problem. But then, not everyone has read as much as Philipe and me to understand how wars start. Even in this day of supposed enlightenment. But enough of that. What are your next plans?”
“Lucas needs to report back to Devon on what we’ve learned. He should be back soon from his trip to meet with Aramburu.”
“Really? I haven’t heard anything about that House for some time.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.”
Fiona waved a dismissive hand. “Nothing that’s been shared during your visit will leave the Family. We understand the stakes. It’s critical that House Trelane garner as many allies as possible.”
“Well, during the raid on Shadow Island when we recovered Hamilton, there were two vampires that Cressa had met several times before. They told her they worked for Aramburu and that the House gave Devon their regards. I guess that was an open invitation to visit.”
Fiona nodded as she gazed out the window. “They would make formidable allies. They started out as a warrior House, as many did all those centuries ago. From what little I’ve heard about them since, they pulled back from vampire society and embraced technology. They have established strong ties in several industries yet remain private.”
“From what Cressa said, they don’t seem pleased with the current Council.”
Fiona chuckled. “Who is?”
“This might sound like a strange question, but do you know where House Bertrand is located?”
She considered the question. “I believe Chicago.”
Before I could press for more details, we were interrupted.
“There you are,” Philipe hurried across the room. “We thought you might already be at breakfast.”
“We preferred to wait for you. Where’s everyone else?”
“Lucas and Rom went upstairs to change, and Jacques went to find Bella. Let’s wait for them in the dining room, if you’re finished here.”
I rose with Fiona, and Philipe extended his elbows for each of us to take as he guided us out of the room.
“Ginger was asking about House Bertrand. They’re in Chicago, I believe.”
“Yes, one of the major Houses in the area and a strong ally to Renaud and Trelane.”
“Who won the golf match?” I changed the topic, not wanting to labor the point on House Bertrand with Lucas nearby.
“It was just a practice play.” Philipe tried to brush off the question.
“In the human world, a game of golf might start out as practice, but someone always ends up keeping score. Are you sure there was no betting going on?” I teased but knew I’d hit the mark when a bit of pink touched Philipe’s cheeks.
Fiona laughed. “I think he’s embarrassed to say he lost the wager. Were you betting individually or in pairs?”
