A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

Page 27



And foundhimself staring at his own likeness. It took him quite by surprise. He had not seen his own face in centuries. He had almost forgotten what he looked like.

If she had painted him as he truly appeared, then his physical appearance had changed little since Kitana had bestowed the Dark Gift upon him so many centuries ago. He wondered what had promptedTracy to paint him as a vampire. Was it possible she suspected his true nature?

He studied the painting for several minutes. Forgetting for the moment that he was the subject, he found himself admiring her work. She was a truly talented artist. The lines were bold and confident, the colors well chosen, the balance of light and shadow just right.

Lost in thought, he left the house. Where would she have gone? A look in the garage showed that it was empty. Had she perhaps driven down to the village? It was as good a place as any to start.

Backing his car out of the underground garage, he drove down the hill. He could have willed himself into the village with a thought, but he enjoyed the simple act of driving, enjoyed the feel of the wind in his face, the low purr of the engine. But tonight, even that paled in the anticipation of seeing her again.

He found her car parked in front of Sea Cliffs only restaurant. After locating a parking place over on the next block, he walked back to the restaurant. The dinner rush was over and after a few words with the hostess, Dominic made his way toTracy 's table.

She looked up, obviously surprised to see him standing there. "Good evening."

She smiled, though it was tentative at best. "Hello." He returned her smile. "Would you mind if I joined you?"

She wanted to refuse. It was evident in every line of her body, in the look on her face. It was just as evident that she couldn't think of any way to refuse without appearing rude, and so she murmured, "No, please do."

He slid into the seat across from her. "Nice place," he remarked after noting that there were no mirrors in this section of the restaurant.

"Yes, it is," she agreed. "Do you come here often?" "No."

A waitress appeared at their table. "Are you ready to order?" she asked without much enthusiasm.

"Yes,"Tracy said. "I'll have a bacon, lettuce, and tomato on sourdough bread and a glass of iced tea, please."

"Yes, ma'am."The waitress made a note on her pad,then glanced at Dominic. Her attitude underwent an immediate change. She straightened up, brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes, thrust out her ample chest. And smiled. "And what can I bring you, sir?"