“He didn’t appear to know about me.” They both looked at Mitch when he spoke. “He only had a message for you and told them in no uncertain terms that she was to give it to you. Addie said she and Kari talked it over, and rather than kill him again, they thought they’d see what you wanted to do. But he is coming for you, and I’d say he thinks he’s going to win, too, from what they said. I’m assuming the rumors are true and you did have something to do with his death.”
“Yes. I did it. With the permission of the council. Father was getting us into trouble with the humans. Killing and leaving bodies in a position that would lead them right to our doorsteps. And if not ours, then some innocent that might not have anything to do with being a vampire.” Vinnie put Hugo down and got up to pace. She thought better when she could move, and did so now. Hugo moved to Mitch and put his head on his leg and watched him. Mitch asked her if he could pet him. “I’d say you should let him have your scent. He’s my familiar. I know you think only witches have them, but he protects me and my household during the day while I rest. He’s as old as I am and as powerful when necessary.”
“I know you have to stay in the darkness during the day, and while I’d like to say I can handle protecting you from everything, I know I can’t. Also, I have no safe place for you to stay either.” Mitch looked around. “I’d say this is about as safe as you can get it, and I’d bet it has doorways and extra things in it that no normal house might have.”
“I bought it from a vamp that lost his wife some time ago. He’d built it to protect them both. He sadly wasn’t here when the humans came for them. But you’re right, it’s as safe as I can get it. I’ve worked with a witch to make sure the house is impregnable too.” Steele laughed. “You think I’m lying to you?”
“We got in.” She asked him what he meant. “We’re not human, and I’m assuming that’s what you were guarding against. Right? But you had no ward on this house, other than to keep out mice and bugs. There was a little bit of a spell on the door we passed through, but I think that was more for humans than anything else. If your father wanted in here...well, had he wanted in here before, he would have been able to come in while you rested without any problems. In fact, I think he’s been here a great deal since his death. I don’t know about the lands beyond this house, but the rest, as of now, is safe.”
Vinnie sat down next to her grandmother. “She told me it was safe against all forms of threat. And that as long as I was here, no harm would come to me and mine.”
“You’ve been lied to. I’m really sorry about that, but you are as safe as I can make you now. Which is about the best. I’m not bragging, just wanting you to know you can trust me with this and your life.” Steele stood up and moved to the wall just behind her. “There’s a wall just here, did you know that? It’s the way your father and mother were getting in before and your mother is using now. I don’t know what they’re doing here…the ghosts that live here haven’t said.”
The wall moved under his touch, and behind it was a set of stairs. She’d bet anything it led to her rooms under the basement of the house. He reached in and turned on the light, and she could see it had recently been cleaned and no cobwebs were present. Vinnie looked at her grandmother.
“Did you know this was here?” Her grandmother shook her head, shock on her face. “Then who would have cleaned it up? Not my mother for sure. She’s never lifted her finger to do a damned thing since I’ve known her.”
“We might be able to help you with that question.” Mitch cleared his throat and nodded to the door as he continued. “There is someone here that needs to talk to you, if you’ll allow it.” She looked at the door and tried to think what he was indicating. Just then, Steele told her to trust him. When he reached out his hand, a man was standing there she’d not seen in decades.
“Luther?” He nodded and looked around the room. “What...? I don’t understand. What are you...? I thought you were dead.”
“I am. My goodness, but you’ve done so much to this room.” He started to move to the window, but Steele cautioned him that he had to stay close to him. “Sorry. But I’ve been summoned by Constance Aster…Connie, I guess she goes by now. But she said you might need me for a few things. You know her?”
“No. But my grandmother does.” Her grandmother nodded when they turned to her. “What are you doing here? And why would she summon you to come to me now?”
“I know this house better than anyone, as you know. I built it after all, but there are things about it that you should be made aware of. Like this doorway. It does go down to your sublevels, but not to your lair.” She nodded, still trying to understand what was going on. “Vinnie, your mother knows about this doorway but not the others. She has been in and out of here, I’m told. When I was contacted by Connie, she said she’s had people keeping an eye on it. You have had a couple of visitors that I’m sure you might not want to see.”