Always the Vampire

“I’m sorry you were treated with disrespect.”


“It was not your fault, Francesca.” Isabella said, stepping closer to the door, her voice gaining strength. “You might have known the villagers were coming, but telling Normand would not have made a difference.”

I flushed with old guilt. “How did you guess I knew about the plot?”

“I saw the weight of knowledge in your eyes, my friend, but we were ready to die. We were at peace away from the monsters, even those of us who did not immediately cross over. The vampires, I do not know what happened to their wretched souls, if they possessed souls at all.”

“So you’re saying this evil is calling Normand and his crew back from wherever they went?”

Isabella nodded.

“Are they coming to this property?”

“Oh, no. This ground has been reconsecrated. They cannot come here.”

I gaped at her. “A parish priest blessed the land?”

“No, the holy man. The one with the great panther at his side.”

I inhaled so hard the room spun. Cosmil had been on Maggie’s property? When? And why hadn’t he released me from the coffin? He had to have known I was buried right under his twitchy wizard nose.

“Francesca, you are woolgathering when I must leave.”

I blinked at the ghost’s fast-fading form.

“Sorry, Isabella. Thank you for the warning.” I paused, caught by the sad smile she flashed. “Um, do you want out of the closet now?”

“I have used much energy, so yes, if you would be so kind.”

Three steps brought me to the closet. When I twisted the knob, a wisp of white streamed into the bedroom, just like a Hollywood special effect. Isabella’s essence floated to the living room, leisurely enough that I could follow, then when I opened the front door, Isabella’s thin trail of white shot toward her burial place. The Matanzas River.

The River of Slaughter.





Dark clouds had gathered. I’m not sure when that happened. After Isabella’s shade left, I wasn’t aware of much at all—except the questions chasing through my brain.

Then a crack of thunder rattled the cottage, echoing as it rolled out to sea. I shook off my mental fog to find myself propped on the sofa, Snowball curled sleeping on my lap.

It figured the cat would nap while I worried, but what freaked me was that I didn’t recall letting her out of the bathroom. Talk about being zoned out.

I needed to tell Saber about Isabella’s revelations. I needed to confront Cosmil about leaving me buried in that stinking coffin.

I needed to know what the hell time it was.

Snowball barely twitched as I eased her from my lap and rose to check the digital clock on the kitchen stove. Eight forty. Damn, I’d spent more than two hours lost in thought. That wasn’t like me.

In fact, it wasn’t like me to be so lethargic that I’d wanted a nap, either.

A rash of goose bumps climbed up my arms.

Was the Void beginning to infect me?

No. No, no, no. Think positive, I commanded my brain. You’re perfectly hale and hearty. Your vitality meter is off the charts. You’re the Energizer Bunny with fangs. Now move it.

I scooped up the cell phone, flipped it open as I marched to the laundry room, and punched Saber’s number. One ring, and I moved my clothes to the dryer. Two rings, and I added softener sheet. Three rings. I let the machine lid slam shut and paced into the living room.

Saber answered on the fifth ring.

“Cesca,” he shouted. “You’ll have to talk loud. We have a hell of a storm going on out here.”

“Are you at Cosmil’s?” I yelled loudly enough to hurt my own ears. Clearly, this was not the time to tell him about Isabella.

“Yeah, and downed trees are blocking my SUV.”

“Are you all right? Do you need me to come get you?”

“We’re fine, and I don’t need a ride, but I do need a favor.” He paused a beat. “You still there?”

“I hear you.”

“Listen, Triton was supposed to be here hours ago. I can’t reach him on the phone, and Cosmil is worried.”

“He’s probably just resting before he shifts tonight. Or there may be broken limbs blocking his streets.”

“Is it storming there?”

I peered out the window. “Not now. It’s moved off shore.”

“You’re likely right about Triton resting, but will you go check on him anyway? Give Cosmil some peace of mind?”

I’d rather give the wizard a piece of my mind, but in the spirit of staying positive, I agreed.

“I’ll call you when I get to his place.” No response. “Saber?” I hollered.

The line was dead.

Peachy.