Always the Vampire

“Says the vampire.”


“Bad joke, Saber. Come on, let’s get you inside before you fall asleep at the wheel.”

Saber was out almost before he hit the sheets, and I wasn’t far behind him. Oh, I stayed up long enough to feed and water Snowball, and set the alarms, but the well of energy Lia had perceived in me was plumb pumped dry.

Because I crashed a full five hours earlier than normal, I was up by eleven. I heard Saber in the kitchen, talking on the phone, so I quickly brushed my teeth, showered, and dressed. Not in my bridal shower sundress, but in jean shorts and a tan bra-top camisole.

“Yes, I understand.” Saber scribbled on a legal pad as I entered. “I’ll meet you at the store at noon.”

He flipped his cell phone shut and caught me around the waist. “How’d you sleep?”

“Siren free. Who are you meeting at what store?”

“Palatka. None of the stores I’ve called so far stock more than a few bottles of ouzo at a time, but the clerks I spoke with confirmed that bottles are unaccounted for. They reported the discrepancy to their managers, who already pulled the security tapes. The Palatka store may have Starrack on film.”

“That’s great. Are you still making photocopies of Lia’s sketch, or do I need to?”

“I’ll make some in Palatka right before my meeting.”

“Can you get back to your place before one this afternoon?”

“Don’t fret. I’ll be there when the party tents and tables are delivered. Then I’ll take Cosmil and Lia back.”

“Will you hang out at the cabin? Did you ever get that healing session?”

“I’m good. I may take Lynn with me to a couple more liquor stores. See if anyone else recognizes Starrack.”

“I’m not sure that’s safe.”

“Our wizard and sorceress assure us it is, and they want us to go about our lives.”

“Yeah, they do. Just be careful.”

“No sweat. I have things to do at the house to get ready for the barbeque, so I’ll take Lynn to my place until it’s time to pick you up.”

“You’re brilliant.”

I leaned in for a kiss, which he skillfully returned.

“Mmm. Good to know you feel so much better today.”

“I do. Almost normal, whatever that is.”

“From what I hear, overrated, but I miss it anyway.”

He swatted my butt. “Go drink your Starbloods and get ready for the party. I’ll pick you up about six to take Lynn to Gorman’s.”

Saber left, and I went into high gear. First I phoned Maggie to tell her I would pick up the dishes and cups early. Then I phoned the caterer and florist with instructions to deliver the food and flowers directly to the cottage anytime after one. No point in restricting them to that hour-before-the-party time now that I was up and at ’em.

Before I tackled the next job, I typed a note for Gorman, Ken, and David. In Gorman’s, I listed my cell number and Saber’s, and the approximate times of day he’d be responsible for Lynn. I know, overkill. But with a slow top like Gorman, better to have everything in writing. In my note to the guys, I listed our cell numbers and the address of the daytime “safe house.” I also wrote the directions to Gorman’s via Google Maps and gave them the approximate times to drop Lynn off and pick her up. I’d tell them Gorman’s code name when I knew it.

I made short work of cleaning the house, especially the living room, kitchen, and guest bath. Dust wasn’t so much an issue as cat hair might be. I also emptied, disinfected, and refilled Snowball’s box. I’d put her in her carrier in the laundry room during the party and close the door. She might get her revenge later, but que sera. I just hoped none of the guests had allergies.

As it happened, no one did, and the bridal shower tea came off perfectly. The women were gracious guests, showing no fear of me or of being in a vampire’s space. They praised my décor as well as the food, drink, and the nosegays they took home as party favors. They chatted and laughed, never once hinting that they knew of the murders.

In spite of the party gaiety, my stomach churned. Perhaps I should tell Maggie we needed to have a proper rehearsal dinner after all. Surely between the two of us, we could find a suitable place to hold a dinner even at this late date. Of course, I’d have to tell her why, and all I had were suppositions. Bottom line, Maggie was so radiantly happy, I just couldn’t rain on her wedding parade.